Fifth Brethren World Assembly to take place in Ohio in July.

The Fifth Brethren World Assembly for constituents and friends of the Brethren bodies descended from the movement established by Alexander Mack in Germany in the early 1700s will be held July 11-14 at the Brethren Heritage Center in Brookville, near Dayton, Ohio.

The assembly happens only every five years, with the last one celebrating the 300th anniversary of the Brethren movement in Schwarzenau, Germany, in 2008.

The theme of this 2013 gathering will be “Brethren Spirituality: How Brethren Conceive of and Practice the Spiritual Life.” It is sponsored by the Brethren Encyclopedia, Inc., whose board members come from each of the seven main Brethren bodies.

The planning team includes chair Robert E. Alley of the Church of the Brethren, Jeff Bach of the Church of the Brethren, Brenda Colijn of the Brethren Church, Milton Cook of the Dunkard Brethren, Tom Julien of the Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches, Gary Kochheiser of the Conservative Grace Brethren Churches International, and Michael Miller of the Old German Baptist Brethren Church-New Conference.

Events begin the afternoon of Thursday July 11, with an opening panel discussion on Brethren spirituality. The first evening’s worship is hosted by Brookville Grace Brethren Church, closing with an ice cream social.

Friday, July 12, will see the assembly gather to hear morning speakers, go on an afternoon tour of Brethren sites (advance registration required) or attend a variety of concurrent workshop sessions. The evening meal, worship, and ice cream social are hosted by Salem Church of the Brethren.

On Saturday, July 13, the morning speakers will focus on Brethren ordinances and international perspectives, followed by another afternoon offering opportunities to take part in the bus tour or concurrent workshop sessions. The Saturday evening activities are hosted again by Salem Church of the Brethren.

The event closes with Sunday morning worship at an area Brethren congregation of participant’s choice for those who wish to stay through the morning.

The registration fee is $120, with spouses able to register for $60, and a one-day registration option available for $40. Meals cost extra ($7 for lunches, $10 for dinners). The fee to participate in the bus tour is $20. Continuing education credit is available for ministers. A list of area hotels will be provided upon request, along with homes in the area that are open to housing participants in the assembly.

Registrations are due by July 7. Find a detailed brochure and online registration at www.brethrenheritagecenter.org/#Brethren_World_Assembly. Registrations also will be taken by phone and credit card by calling the Brethren Heritage Center at 937-833-5222. For more information go to www.brethrenheritagecenter.org.

Source: 5/3/2013 Newsline