Atlantic Southeast District Conference raises money for hurricane relief.

Over $10,000 was raised for the victims of Hurricane Katrina at this year's Atlantic Southeast District Conference, reported district executive minister Martha Beach. The district's 81st conference was held at Orlando (Fla.) Community Church of the Brethren on Oct. 7-8, with Kevin King as moderator. King is pastor of Orlando Community Church. The theme was, "To Know...to Live...to Share...the Love of Christ!"

Two pre-conference workshops were held, one led by Vickie Smith of Atlantic Northeast District, entitled "Spiritual Gifts"; and one led by Ronald Beachley, Annual Conference moderator, on "Developing Deacon Ministry."

Beachley lit the "dancing flame" candle to begin the inspiring opening worship service, which was led by Smith. The youth from Miami First Church of the Brethren entertained conference-goers with music to begin the afternoon session on Saturday.

In business, the 46 delegates voted to approve Naples Haitian Church as a new fellowship, and accepted an invitation by St. Petersburg First Church of the Brethren to host the 2007 district conference. The recommendation of the District Board for the dissolution of the Rios de Agua Viva Fellowship was also agreed to by the delegates. In other business, delegates called Ana Figueroa from the St. Petersburg First Church as moderator-elect.

In other events during the weekend, the district's annual pie auction brought in over $1,100. The conference recognized Berwyn Oltman for 50 years of ordained ministry. Mary Mueller was presented with a certificate for becoming the district's first Training in Ministry graduate.

Next year Atlantic Southeast District Conference will be held at Yahuecas Cristo Nuestra Paz Church of the Brethren in Castaner, P.R. Hector Perez, pastor of Vega Baja Iglesia de Los Hermanos Cristo El Senor, will serve as moderator.

Source: 10/26/2005 Newsline
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