WEST MARVA DISTRICT CONFERENCE MOOREFIELD CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN the main thing is the main thing The great commission SEPTEMBER 21-22, 2018

Transcription

1 WEST MARVA DISTRICT CONFERENCE MOOREFIELD CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN the main thing is the main thing The great commission SEPTEMBER 21-22, 2018

2 West Marva District - Church of the Brethren 384 Dennett Road Oakland, MD Voice: Fax: August, 2018 Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ: Greetings in the name of our precious Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Soon we will gather for our yearly District Conference at the Moorefield Church of the Brethren. As a delegate from your congregation, you will be seated with delegates from all our other congregations and together, we will seek the Spirit's guidance as we conduct the business of the West Marva District. The Conference Officers and District look forward to your participation and involvement in this gathering. Enclosed is your Conference booklet. Bring it with you to Conference. But before Conference, do three things: Familiarize yourself with the overall Conference schedule. Prayerfully prepare for the business sessions. Please become familiar with the items of New Business, then share these items with your congregation so you will know how your church expects you to vote. Read the reports. The work they summarize is the work of Jesus that we are carrying out together in the West Marva District. That work is Good News! Within the booklet, there is a copy of a registration form for meals. This form should be returned to the District Office by September 7, It is extremely important to pre-register for meals. Remember all meals must be pre-paid. Also you will find a list of motels available in the area. Thank you for serving the West Marva District as a delegate from your congregation. I look forward to seeing you and other sisters and brothers September 21-22, 2018 Blessings, Craig Howard, Moderator 2018 West Marva District Conference 2

3 WEST MARVA DISTRICT CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN MOOREFIELD CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN Proposed Conference Schedule FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2018 Time Presenter/Resource Persons 6:30 Welcome and Gathering for Worship Russell Webster, Past Moderator Music Congregational Singing Conference Choir Special Music Kevin Staggs Ezra Yoder Adam & Katie Brenneman 7:10 Break 7:30 Praise & Worship Adam & Katie Brenneman Welcome Craig Howard, Moderator Offering for West Marva District Ministries Ushers Worship Guest Speaker Craig Howard, Moderator Craig Alan Myers, Pastor of the Blue River Church of the Brethren, Columbia City, IN Closing Hymn Benediction/Postlude Ice Cream Social in Fellowship Hall Kevin Staggs Craig Howard Sunnyside & Pine Grove COB SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 22,2018 Time Business Item Action Presenter/Resource Person 8:00 Fellowship and Refreshments served in Brake COB Fellowship Hall Delegate/Non Delegate Registration Fellowship Hall 8:40 Welcome and Announcements Craig Howard, Moderator 9:00 Morning Worship Kevin Staggs Congregational singing/choir Kevin Staggs, Chorister/Ezra Yoder, Choir Director Offering for West Marva District Ministries Ushers/Kevin Staggs 9:20 Inspirational Thoughts From Our Moderator Craig Howard, Moderator 9:35 Seating of Delegates and Board; Review of Conference Rules Craig Howard, Moderator Appointment of Tellers Craig Howard, Moderator 9:40 Consecration of Delegates Craig Howard, Moderator Review and Approval of Agenda Approval Craig Howard, Moderator Review minutes of 2017 Conference Approval Craig Howard, Moderator 9:50 Presentation of Ballot and election Voting Craig Howard, Moderator 10:05 Break 10:20 Praise & Worship David, Andrea and Rachel 3

4 10:35 Update on Annual Conference Procedures Information Donita J. Keister, 2019 Annual Conference Moderator 10:50 Going Forward Committee Information Anna Sauder, chair 11:00 Introduction of guests and announcements Craig Howard, Moderator 11:05 Communicators for Annual Conference Information Craig Howard, Moderator Agencies: Brethren Benefit Trust Nevin Dulabaum, President 11:30 Business Item #1 Congregational Status for Hanging Rock Fellowship Page # 57 Approval Brethren Benefit Trust Grover Duling, Board Chair Craig Howard, Moderator West Marva District Financial Reports Business Item #2: Proposed 2019 West Marva District Budget Page # 58 Approval Grover Duling, Board Chair Bev Vetter, Treasurer Craig Howard, Moderator 11:55 Youth Leadership Summit Information Craig Howard 12:00 Prayer/Lunch (Prepared by the Moorefield Church) Craig Howard, Moderator (Please allow those with limited mobility to go to lunch first) 1:15 Gathering Music Kevin Staggs 1:20 District Disaster & Relief Report Information Kelly Junkins 1:30 Ballot results/credential Report/Evaluation Forms/2019 District Nominations for Annual Conference Information Craig Howard, Moderator 1:50 District Board Forum Receive Grover Duling, Board Chair 2:10 Hungry Children Information Diane May 2:25 Recognition of years of service for Ordained Mark Jones, chair, Ministerial Ministers Leadership Team 2:40 Standing Committee Delegate Report Grover Duling/John Moyers 2:50 Action to Receive Reports Receive Craig Howard, Moderator reports Installation of Officers, Consecration of 2019 Craig Howard, Moderator Moderator and Passing the Gavel Closing Remarks and Prayer Craig Howard, Moderator 3:00 Adjournment NOTE: THE BOARD WITH CONTINUING AND NEWLY ELECTED MEMBERS WILL MEET AT A DESIGNATED SPACE IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING ADJOURNMENT. 4

5 WEST MARVA DISTRICT CONFERENCE MOOREFIELD CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN SEPTEMBER 21-22, 2018 TABLE OF CONTENTS 4 District Conference Officers and Leaders 5 Conference Schedule 7 Conference Rules and Parliamentary Procedure District Conference Minutes 11 Elected District Officials List 12 Biographical Profiles of Nominees for Ballot 15 West Marva District Financial Reports for District Budget Report January 1, 2018 June 30, Camp Galilee Financial Report for Camp Hope Financial Report for Executive Minister Report 27 Mission and Ministry Board 28 Ministerial Leadership Team 29 Recognition of Ministry Service Anniversary 30 West Marva Ministry Training Program 31 Spiritual Growth Team 32 West Marva Women s Fellowship 34 West Marva District Youth 35 Camp Galilee Trustees 36 Financial Resource Team 37 Mission and Evangelism Team 38 District Disaster & Relief Team 39 Standing Committee Report 42 Letter from General Secretary, David Steele 44 Letter from 2019 Annual Conference Moderator, Donita Keister 46 Church of the Brethren Benefit Trust 48 Bethany Theological Seminary 49 Brethren Volunteer Service 51 Church of the Brethren Disaster Ministries 53 Bridgewater College 54 Bridgewater Retirement Community 5

6 BUSINESS ITEMS 56 Recommendation for Congregational Status Hanging Rock Fellowship Business Item #1 57 Proposed 2019 District Budget Business Item #2 ADDITIONAL PAGES: 59 Allegheny Passage/The Way, The Truth, The Life booklet Information Sheet 60 Map to Moorefield Church 61 Meal and Motel Reservation form 62 Credential Report Form 63 Favorite Hymns Song Sheet 64 What Does the West Marva District Do? 69 West Marva District Core Beliefs, Disciplines and Practices Conference Evaluation form will be available with other items that will be picked up during registration. District Conference Officers and Leaders: Moderator Craig Howard Pastor of the Brake COB Moderator-elect Carl Fike Pastor of the Oak Park COB Writing Clerk Bev Vetter Guest Speaker Craig Alan Myers Pastor of the Blue River Church of the Brethren, Columbia City, IN Choir Ezra Yoder Chorister Kevin Staggs Pianist Nellie Bradshaw/Friday Jennifer Kreighbaum/Saturday Organist Marian Sutton/Friday Linda Sanders/Saturday Meal Coordinator District Office - Meals are to be pre-paid NAME TAGS WILL BE AVAILABLE AT DISTRICT CONFERENCE REGISTRATION TABLE FOR THE SATURDAY SESSION. REGISTRATION WILL TAKE PLACE IN THE CHURCH FELLOWSHIP HALL. 6

7 CONFERENCE RULES 1. No one shall speak more than twice on the same question. The first speech shall be limited to four minutes and the second to three minutes. This shall not include the explanation of a report or a paper called for by the Moderator. 2. All appeals from the rulings of the Moderator shall be decided by the voting body. 3. All queries and business for District Conference must come through the District Board. 4. Robert's Rules of Order shall be the standard for any point not covered by these rules. PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURES IN BRIEF In order that the delegate body may participate readily in the parliamentary aspects of the business sessions, the following summary of the more common kinds of action may be helpful. I. When you want to bring before the Conference for its consideration a particular subject or item of business: The proper motion is: MAIN MOTION A MAIN MOTION requires a second, is debatable, is amendable, and requires a majority vote to pass (or two-thirds vote if previously agreed on by conference action.) FORM: "I move that..." or "I move the adoption (acceptance, approval) of this report." II. When you want to modify or in some way appropriately dispose of a matter of business, you may: (motion listed in ascending order of precedence.) A. MOVE TO LAY ON THE TABLE, OR TAKE FROM THE TABLE (Second, not debatable, not amendable, simple majority) OBJECT: to lay aside business in such a manner that its consideration may be renewed later. FORM: "I move that this matter be laid on the table" or "I move to take from the table..." B. MOVE THE PREVIOUS QUESTION (Second, not debatable, not amendable, two-thirds vote required.) OBJECT: to stop debate on the immediately pending question. FORM: "I move the previous question." Please note: Merely calling "question" from the floor is not the same as a motion for the previous question and does not obligate the Moderator to take a vote. 7

8 C. MOVE TO POSTPONE TO SET TIME (Second, debatable, amendable, simple majority) OBJECT: unlike tabling, the business is considered at a later time without needing to be "taken from the table." FORM: "I move that this matter be postponed to..." D. MOVE TO COMMIT, REFER OR RECOMMIT (Second, debatable, amendable, simple majority) OBJECT: to place the business in the hands of a few for later reporting to the conference (for major changes). FORM: "I move that this matter be referred to a committee of... to be named by... with instruction..." E. MOVE TO AMEND (Second, debatable, amendable, simple majority) FORM:1. "I move to amend the following by striking out..." 2. "I move to amend the motion by inserting.., between... and..." 3. "1 move to amend the motion by adding... after..." 4. "I move to amend the motion by striking out... and inserting..." 5. "1 move to amend by striking out... and substituting this (read or state the substitution.)" III When you want to take an action governing the conduct of business, you may introduce: A. PRIVILEGED AND INCIDENTAL MOTIONS Motions that take precedence over any pending question although not related to that question. Not debatable. 1. MOVE TO ADJOURN OR RECESS OBJECT: to dismiss a meeting or to provide for an intermission FORM: "I move that we adjourn...(recess while.., or until...)" 2. RAISE A QUESTION OF PRIVILEGE OBJECT: to get the attention of the Moderator at once, to ask a question, or to attend to some matter that cannot wait. FORM: "I rise to a question of privilege." 3. RISE TO A POINT OF ORDER OBJECT: the raise the question as to whether there has been a breach of order. FORM: "I rise to a point of order." 8

9 2017 West Marva District Conference Minutes West Marva District Conference was held September 15 and 16, 2017 at the Moorefield Church of the Brethren with Moderator, Russell Webster, pastor of Moorefield presiding. Our theme was from Philippians 1:27b Perseverance. The guest speaker for Friday evening was Julian Rittenhouse, pastor of the New Hope and Pine Grove- Pocahontas Church of the Brethren. Special music was provided by The Reeds and a Praise and Worship Group from the Oak Park Church of the Brethren. Saturday morning worship leader was Craig Howard, Moderator-elect. Russell Webster gave the Moderator s Address before the district board members and conference delegates were seated. The formalities including the review of conference rules, consecration of delegates, review of the 2017 agenda, and the appointment of Diane May, Dennis Harvey, Nova Stonesifer, Donna Kemphfer, Connie Nicklow, Gina and Walter Frazee as tellers were taken care of. The adoption of the agenda was approved. Minutes of the 2016 Conference were accepted as printed. Craig Howard presented the 2017 Ballot which was accepted and voting was completed. Our District Executive Minister presented comments on Annual Conference issues. Kendal reported October 7 Board Retreat, October 8 Praise Gathering at Walnut Grove, October 29 Decade of Discipleship with Josh Brockway and November 5 Praise Gathering at Cherry Grove. The first Good News Report was given by David Ziler of the Union Rescue Mission. David reported how Union Rescue Mission is reaching out to help those in need and how we need to be Ambassadors of Hope. New Business Item #1: Disorganization of the Bethel Church of the Brethren Official Recognition. Grover Duling, Chair of the West Marva Mission and Ministry Board shared background information as to the disorganizing of the Bethel Church of the Brethren. The vote was taken by a standing vote. The vote was unanimous with 137 persons standing. New Business Item #2: District Resolution-West Marva District Church of the Brethren Resolution on Same-Sex Marriage. District Resolution passed with a simple majority of showing their right hand. There were 2 no votes. With discussion on this topic, Rachel Fetty from Morgantown Church of the Brethren made a motion that the Board consider a Resolution to include all sins listed in the Bible and be brought back to 2018 District Conference. Wes Bergen seconded the motion. There were 2 yes votes. Motion failed. Grover Duling gave a personal reflection of the meeting that was held on August 19 as to Where do we go from here as a denomination? Russell introduced the guests who were present for District Conference. Beverly Vetter, Treasurer, gave the Budget and Income Reports as of December 31, Beverly explained the income and budget reports as of September 8, She also reported the checking account balance as of September 16 was $16, and the savings account balance was $133, with designated and undesignated funds. Grover Duling presented New Business Item #3: Proposed 2018 District Budget. Diane May expressed concern about taking money from savings to help pay expenses. She asked how long it would be before West Marva started making significant cuts to the budget. Line 902 (insurance for Oak Grove WV church for $1,000) of the 2018 budget was removed. The 2018 budget is $120,000. The standing vote supported the proposed budget with 3 no votes in opposition. 9

10 A delicious lunch was presented and served by the ladies of the Moorefield Church of the Brethren after the blessing was given. Representatives were introduced and information shared from Bethany Theological Seminary and Church of the Brethren Inc. Russell reported the attendance for Friday night was 151 and the offering was $1, The attendance for Saturday was 146 delegates, 50 non-delegates, 49 congregations were represented and the offering was $1,536. Russell reminded those present to complete the evaluation form. Ballot results: Carl Fike, Moderator-Elect; Grover Duling, Mission and Ministry Board Chair; Roger Leatherman and Randy Shoemaker, Ministerial Leadership Team; Leon Alt, Financial Resources Team; Richard Funk, Spiritual Growth Team; Sheila Gordon and Fred Roy, Mission and Evangelism Team; Ralph Conner, Camp Hope Trustee; Cathy McGoldrick, Camp Galilee Trustee; Barry Adkins, District Conference Planning & Arrangements Committee; Deborah Strawser, Spiritual Gifts Discernment Team and LaDeana Teets will serve the unexpired term of Steve Sauder 2019 with the Spiritual Gifts Discernment Team; and Linda Sanders, Alternate Standing Committee Delegate. The offering for Church World Service Clean-Up Buckets was $2,450. The District Board Forum with Board Chair, Grover Duling, and presenters Mark Teets, Ministerial Leadership Team Chair, Lucy Webster, Spiritual Growth Team Chair, Mike Saturday, Financial Resources Team Chair, and Clarence Arbogast, Mission and Evangelism Team Chair, gave the Board report. New Business Item #4: The Resolutions of Condolence for Steve Sauder and Preston Miller were presented by Russell Webster. Delegates stood and accepted the resolutions. Mark Teets recognized the following ordained ministers for their years of service: J. Rogers Fike 55 years, Carol Krause 50 years, Stanley Waybright and William Shimer 45 years, Harry Paterson 40 years, Robert Grandusky 35 years, E. Lee Cullers 25 years, Gerald Hott, Jennifer Kreighbaum and Lewis Beachy 10 years, and Lisa Uphole 5 years. Standing Committee Delegate Report was given by John Moyers and Grover Duling. John expressed a plea for people to serve for the Nominating Committee of the Standing Committee of Annual Conference. Gary Clem made a motion to receive all reports as presented. Burl Charlton seconded the motion. Motion carried. Russell conducted the installation of all newly elected officers. They symbolic passing of the gavel from Russell Webster, 2017 Moderator to Craig Howard who will serve as Moderator in 2018 took place. Craig Howard gave the closing remarks and prayer. District Conference was adjourned at 2:43 pm. Respectfully submitted, Beverly S. Vetter Writing Clerk 10

11 CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN - WEST MARVA DISTRICT ELECTED OFFICIALS CONFERENCE OFFICERS: Moderator Craig Howard Moderator-elect Carl Fike *Writing Clerk Beverly Vetter (2018-1) CONFERENCE PLANNING & ARRANGEMENTS COMMITTEE: *Merry Lou Vance (2018) Ann Friend (2019) Barry Adkins (2020) SPIRITUAL GIFTS DISCERNMENT TEAM: *Luke Bucher (2018-2) LaDeana Teets (2019-1) Deborah Strawser (2020-1) STANDING COMMITTEE DELEGATE: *John Moyers (2018-2) Grover Duling (2019-2) ALTERNATE STANDING COMMITTEE DELEGATE: Linda Sanders (2019-1) CAMP GALILEE TRUSTEES: *John Morton (2018-1) Robert Spaid (2019-2) Craig Howard (2020-1) Mark Seese (2021-1) Cathy McGoldrick (2022-2) CAMP HOPE TRUSTEES: *JoAnn Williams (2018-2) Dwayne Poling (2019-1) Ralph Conner (2020-2) MISSION AND MINISTRY BOARD: Grover Duling, Board Chair (2020-2)) *Mark Teets (2018-2) Roger Leatherman (2020-1) *Betty Dzubba (2018-2) Randy Shoemaker (2020-2) *Rose Bennett (2018-2) Sheila Gordon (2020-1) *Michael Saturday (2018-2) Fred Roy (2020-1) Rodney Durst (2018-1) Leon Alt (2020-1) *Phyllis Marsh (2018-1) (Resigned) Richard Funk (2020-2) Donna Kemphfer (2018-1) Mark Jones (2019-2) Nova Stonesifer (2019-2) Dan Spaid (2019-1) Anna Sauder (2019-1) *Not eligible for re-election or does not Lucy Webster (2019-1) wish to serve another term. John Moyers (2019-1) Betty Wolford (2019-1) 11

12 CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN WEST MARVA DISTRICT BIOGRAPHICAL PROFILES OF NOMINEES FOR 2018 DISTRICT CONFERENCE MODERATOR-ELECT (VOTE FOR 1) ZILER, SHERRI Pastor of the Danville COB. Ordained minister in West Marva District. (Current local church offices held) Currently serving in LIFT (Ladies in Fellowship Together), serving in Meals Ministry Program at Danville COB. WRITING CLERK (VOTE FOR 1) DZUBBA, BETTY Member of the Sunnyside Church. Serves as an Administrative Assistant at Westernport and Sunnyside COB. (Current local church offices held) Church clerk and Sunday School teacher. (Current District Offices held) Member of the Mission and Ministry Board and serves on the Ministerial Leadership Team (Secretary). Member of the Historical Committee. (Current community offices held) Secretary of the Mineral County Genealogical Society. EXECUTIVE MINISTRY CONSULTANT TEAM (VOTE FOR 1) BEACHY, LEWIS Pastor of the Gortner Union Church. Ordained minister in West Marva District. Work at CN Metals. (Current local church offices held) Church Board. (Current District offices held) Ethics Team and New Church Development Committee. STANDING COMMITTEE DELEGATE (VOTE FOR 1) ZILER, DAVID Pastor of the Danville COB. Ordained minister in West Marva District. Executive Director of the Union Rescue Mission. (Past District offices held) District Youth Pastoral Advisor. JONES, MARK Member of the Tearcoat COB. Retired physician. (Current local church offices held) Chair, Ministerial Commission. (Current District offices held) Mission and Ministry Board member, serve as chair of the Ministerial Leadership Team, Director of West Marva Ministry Training Program. CAMP HOPE TRUSTEE (VOTE FOR 1) FUMICH, WALTER Member of the Shiloh COB. Retired U. S. Army Reserves after 34 years. Retired Captain Monongalia County Sheriff Department, Currently Real Estate Housing. (Current local church offices held) Trustee CAMP GALILEE TRUSTEE (VOTE FOR 1) ANDERSON, JAY Member of the Terra Alta/Whitedale Church. Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator, Retired military/ (Current local church offices held) Trustee, Sunday School Teacher, deacon. (Current District offices held) Camp Galilee Treasurer. GORDON, RON Member of the Fairview Church. Licensed minister in West Marva District. Retired and part-time Correctional Officer. (Current local church offices held) Ministerial Board, Finance Committee, Adult Sunday School Teacher/ (continued on next page) 12

13 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES CONTINUED DISTRICT CONFERENCE PLANNING & ARRANGEMENTS COMMITTEE (VOTE FOR 1) GALLAGHER, AMANDA Member of the Salem COB. Middle School Math Teacher. (Past local church offices held) Served on Nominating Committee. SPIRITUAL GIFS DISCERNMENT TEAM (VOTE FOR 1) SANDERS, LINDA Member of the Bear Creek COB. Retired. (Current local church offices held) Deacon, Church Clerk, Organist, District and Annual Conference delegate. (Current community offices held) Loar Auxiliary Volunteer. (Past District offices held) District Conference Moderator, Standing Committee Delegate to Annual Conference/ SPAID, ROBERT Member of the Maple Spring COB. Ordained minister in West Marva District. Farmer (Current local church offices held) Church Board member, Deacon. (Current District offices held) Camp Galilee Trustee. The following individuals who will appear on the ballot are to be marked by Conference delegates for approval (much like the appointments we have done in the past). This is the procedure called for in our Plan of Organization approved during the 2013 District Conference). MINISTERIAL LEADERSHIP TEAM (VOTE FOR 2) TEETS, LADEANA Member of the Brookside COB. Ordained minister in West Marva District. Program Manager at Preston County Farmland Protection. (Current local church offices held) Youth Sunday School teacher,,,,,,, Women s Fellowship Grief Share Co-leader. (Current district offices held) Member of the Audit Team and the Spiritual Gifts Discernment Team. (Current community offices held) Sec/Treasurer Hope, Love and Charity Foundation, Board member of Preston County Development Authority. FRIEND, ANN Member of the Pine Grove COB. Homemaker. (Current local church offices held) Deacon and Sunday School teacher. (Current District offices held) Member of the District Conference Planning and Arrangements Team and a member of the Assessment Team. (Past offices held) Have served many years on the District Board and served on the Ministry Commission during those years. FINANCIAL RESOURCES TEAM (VOTE FOR 3) DURST, RODNEY Senior pastor of the Cherry Grove COB. Licensed minister in West Marva District. Senior Center Operations Manager in Garrett County, MD. (Current local church offices held) board member. (Current District offices held) Member of Mission and Ministry Board and currently serve on the Financial Resource Team. THORNE, TIMOTHY Member of the Moorefield COB. Dentist. (Current community offices held) Hardy Co. Community Foundation Board. (Past offices held) Moorefield Board over 10 years and served as Board Chair and Stewards Chair. (continued on next page) 13

14 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES CONTINUED: KREIGHBAUM, JENNIFER Member of the Bear Creek COB. Ordained minister in West Marva District. Assistant Compliance Officer at First United Bank & Trust. (Local church offices held) Ministerial & finance board, church board, accompanist. (Current District offices held) Assistant Treasurer. (Current community offices held) Oakland Girls Softball league coach. (Past offices held) Evangelism Committee organized by South Central Indiana District for entire denomination. Pastor for 6 years, past District board member, Bridgewater College deputation teams. SPIRITUAL GROWTH TEAM (VOTE FOR 1) KEMPHFER, DONNA Member of the Brookside COB. Retail Furniture Salesperson. (Current local church offices held) Vice President of Women s Fellowship, Ministerial Committee, Adult Sunday School Teacher, Grief Share Leader. (Current District offices held) Member of Spiritual Growth Team, President of West Marva District Women s Fellowship, Women s Camp Committee Chair. MISSION AND EVANGELISM TEAM (VOTE FOR 1) WHITACRE, WALLACE, Member of the Old Furnace Church. A licensed lay speaker in West Marva District. (Current church offices held) Church Board Chair, Deacon and has taught Sunday School for 50 years. (Past district offices held) Chairman of the District Disaster and Relief Team, served on District Board. 14

15 FINANCIAL SECRETARY REPORT FOR 2017 Income Report January 1, 2017 December 31, 2017 Church Allocation YTD Giving Church Allocation YTD Giving Asher Glade $ 2, $2, Pine Grove $ 1, $ 1, Bean Settlement $ Peasant Hill $ Bear Creek $ 4, $4, Pleasant Valley Beaver Run $2, Red Creek/Bethel $ 1, $ 1, Bethesda $ $ Romney $ $ 1, Bowden $ 1, Salem $ 3, Brake $ 5, Shady Grove $ Brick $ $ Shiloh $ 2, Brookside $ 3, $3, South Mill Creek $ 1, Capon Chapel Sugarland Cherry Grove $2, Sunnyside $ 1, $ 1, Clifton Mills $ $ Tearcoat $ 1, $ 1, Danville $ 1, $ 1, Terra Alta/Whitedale $ Elkins $ $ Valley River $ Fairview $ 1, $1, Walnut Grove Frostburg Westernport Georges Creek $ $ White Pine Glady Wiley Ford $ 1, Gortner Union $ Totals $64, $ 85, Hanging Rock 85, Harman $ 4, $ 2, Cong. Outreach $ 85, Harness Run $ Individual Giving $ 11, Harpers Chapel $ District Event Offering $ 3, Hazelton $ $ From Reserve Funds $ 10, Savings Jordan Run $ $ Total Income 2017 $110, Kelley Chapel $ 2, $ 2, Keyser $ 1, $ 1, Knobley Brenda Harvey, Laughlin $ $ Financial Secretary Laurel Glen $ $ Livingstone Locust Grove $ 2, $2, Maple Spring $ 7, $7, Moorefield $ 1, $ 1, Morgantown $ 1, $ 1, Mount Zion $ Mountain Dale $ Oak Dale $ 2, $2, Oak Grove, MD $ 5, $5, Oak Park $ 10, $10, Old Furnace $ 2, Onego $ $ Petersburg $ 1, $1,

16 TREASURER S REPORT JANUARY 1 DECEMBER 31, st Quarteteteter YTD Amt 2nd Quar- 3rd Quar- 4th Quar- Description Budget 101 Ministry Events $ $0.00 $50.00 $0.00 $0.00 $ MinistryPostage & MINISTRY LEADERSHIP $ $0.00 -$28.00 $14.70 $6.72 -$6.58 $ $0.00 $22.00 $14.70 $6.72 $ District Youth Fellow- $ $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $ Senior Citizens Day $ $0.00 $ $0.00 $0.00 $ Speakers and Events $ $0.00 $94.00 $0.00 $0.00 $ Spiritual Growth Mailings & Misc $0.00 $14.99 $0.00 $0.00 $ $14.99 SPIRITUAL GROWTH 301 Financial LT Mailings and Misc $1, $0.00 $ $0.00 $0.00 $ $ $40.18 $0.00 $ $20.00 $ FINANCIAL LEADER- $ $40.18 $0.00 $ $20.00 $ District Bible Study $ $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $ Delegate Expense $ WVCc $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 MISSION AND WITNESS $ $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $ DE Salary 502 DE Pension (District $34,386.2 $8, $8, $8, $8, $34, $4, $1, $1, $1, $1, $4, DE Insurance (District $6, $1, $1, $1, $1, $7, DE Travel $4, $ $ $ $ $2, DE Cell Phone $ $ $ $ $ $ DE Professional Busi- $ $98.91 $32.99 $ $29.27 $ DE Continuing Educa- $ $0.00 $68.00 $69.00 $0.00 $ Parsonage Utilities $5, $ $1, $1, $ $3, DE COMPENSATION $56,987.8 $12,759.8 $14, $13, $13, $54, PACKAGE DE Winter CODE $2, $1, $0.00 $0.00 $ $1, $2, DE Annual Confer- $ $0.00 $1, $0.00 $2, DE District Conf & $ Regional CODE $0.00 $0.00 $12.00 $ $ CODE Registration $ $ $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $ $4, $2, $0.00 $1, $ $4, DE CONFERENCE AND $61,837.8 $14,947.8 $14, $15, $13, $58, TOTAL DE

17 520 Adm Asst Salary $28, $5, $9, $7, $7, Admin Asst Pension $2, $ $ $ $ Admin Asst. Social Sec. (District portion) $2, $0.00 $1, $ $ ADMININISTRATIVE ASST PACKAGE 525 Admin Asst. Conf. & Training Expenses $32, $5, $10, $8, $8, $ $0.00 $0.00 $66.88 $91.00 ADMINISTRATIVE ASST. TRAINING $ $0.00 $0.00 $66.88 $91.00 TOTAL ADMINISTRATIVE ASST. $33, $5, $10, $8, $8, Office Operations Misc $ $ $16.45 $ $ Print/Copy Costs $5, $1, $1, $1, $1, Communications (Phone & Internet) $2, $ $ $ $ CPA Services $ $0.00 $ $0.00 $ Office Postage $1, $ $20.00 $ $ Worker's Comp $ $0.00 $0.00 $ $0.00 OFFICE TOTALS $10, $1, $2, $2, $2, Business Packet $25.00 $0.00 -$ $ $ Directory & Minutes $ $ $0.00 $0.00 $ District Conf Guest Speaker Stipend $ $0.00 $0.00 $ $ District Conf. Guest Speaker Exp. $ $0.00 $0.00 $85.60 $0.00 CONFERENCE TOTALS $ $ $ $ $ Register Standing Committee $ $ $0.00 $0.00 $ Two Delegate Expenses $4, $0.00 $0.00 $2, $ Assessment $3, $3, $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 ANNUAL CONFERENCE TOTALS $8, $4, $0.00 $2, $ Insurance $2, $0.00 $0.00 $2, $ Maintenance $ $0.00 $ $19.99 $ Snow Removal $1, $ $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 PARSONAGE TOTALS $3, $ $ $2, $ Unbudgeted $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $ Insurance for Oak Grove Church $1, $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 OTHER TOTALS $1, $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $

18 In and Out (this number is not included in the totals below since all funds coming in, go back out within the same month. They are not budgeted items, but special expenses that are covered by savings categories or other donations) $0.00 $0.00 -$24.00 $ $10, TOTALS (Categories ) $121, $27, $27, $31, $24, SAVINGS ACCOUNTS Beginning Balance 1st Quarter 2nd Quarter 3rd Quarter 4th Quarter 1000 New Church Development $13, $3.30 $3.40 $3.36 $ Bible Fund $ $0.13 $0.13 $0.12 $ Ministerial Scholarship Fund $ $0.08 $0.08 $0.09 $ Short Term Mission Fund $2, $ $ $ $ Revitalization Fund $10, $2.49 $2.56 $2.54 $ Women's Rally $5, $1, $1, $ $1, Alleghany Passage $1, $56.25 $0.33 $0.33 $ District Disaster $17, $5, $ $1, $1, West Marva Ministry Training Program $3, $ $ $80.94 $ TOTAL DESIGNATED FUNDS $53, $6, $1, $1, $1, GENERAL SAVINGS $23, $15.85 $16.35 $ $9, INVESTED FUNDS (undesignated but unavailable) $28, $0.00 $ $0.00 $2, Church Income- Sales and Rent $41, $ $0.00 $5, $1.00 TOTAL UNDESIGNATED AVAILABLE FUNDS (does not include Invested Funds) $64, $ $16.35 $5, $9, INCOME SOURCES Anticipated Income Anticipated Self Allocations from all churches $22, $33, $11, $18, Individual Giving $1, $50.00 $9, $1, $ Interest Income $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 District Event Offering $3, $0.00 $0.00 $2, $ TOTALS $4, $22, $43, $14, $19,

19 FINANCIAL SECRETARY REPORT Income Report January 1, 2018 June 30, 2018 Church Allocation YTD Giving Church Allocation YTD Giving Asher Glade $1, Pine Grove $ 1, $ 1, Bean Settlement Peasant Hill Bear Creek $ 4, $ 2, Pleasant Valley Beaver Run $ 2, $ 1, Red Creek/Bethel $ 1, Bethesda $ $ Romney $ $ Bowden $ Salem $ 3, $ 1, Brake $ 5, Shady Grove $ Brick $ $ Shiloh $ 3, Brookside $ 3, South Mill Creek $ Capon Chapel Sugarland Cherry Grove $ 2, $ 2, Sunnyside $ 1, $ Clifton Mills $ Tearcoat $ 1, $ 1, Danville $ 1, $ 1, Terra Alta/Whitedale $ Elkins $ Valley River Fairview $ 1, $ 1, Walnut Grove Frostburg Westernport Georges Creek $ White Pine Glady Wiley Ford $ 1, $ 1, Gortner Union Totals $72, $ 56, Hanging Rock 85, Harman $ 4, $ 4, Cong. Outreach $ 56, Harness Run $ Individual Giving $ Harpers Chapel $ District Event Offering $ Hazelton $ $ From Reserve Funds $ Savings Jordan Run $ $ Interest & Dividends $ 2, Kelley Chapel $ 2, $ 2, From estate of Winoma Keyser $ 1, $ S Spurgeon $ 8, Knobley $ Total Income $ 68, Laughlin $ Laurel Glen Livingstone Brenda Harvey, Locust Grove $ 2, $ 2, Financial Secretary Maple Spring $ 7, $ 5, Moorefield $ Morgantown $ 1, $ Mount Zion Mountain Dale $ Oak Dale $ 2, $ 2, Oak Grove, MD $ 5, $ 5, Oak Park $ 10, $ 5, Old Furnace $ 2, $ 1, Onego $ Petersburg $ 1, $ 1,

20 TREASURER S REPORT JANUARY 1 JUNE 30, 2018 Description 2018 BUDGET EXPENSE REPORT 2018 Budget 1st Quarter 2nd Quarter 3rd Quarter 4th Quarter YTD Amt 101 Ministry Events $ $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $ Ministry Postage & Misc. $ $13.72 $53.94 $0.00 $0.00 $67.66 MINISTRY LEADERSHIP TEAM TO- TALS $ $13.72 $53.94 $0.00 $0.00 $ District Youth Fellowship $ $ $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $ Senior Citizens Day $ $0.00 $ $0.00 $0.00 $ Speakers and Events $ $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $ Spiritual Growth Mailings & Misc. $ $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $1, $ $ $0.00 $0.00 $ SPIRITUAL GROWTH TEAM TOTALS 301 Financial LT Mailings and Misc. $ $19.05 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $19.05 FINANCIAL LEADERSHIP TEAM TO- TALS $ $19.05 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $ District Bible Study $ $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $ Delegate Expense WVCC $ $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $ Evangelism and Church Growth $ $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 MISSION AND WITNESS TEAM TO- TALS $ $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $ DE Salary $34, $8, $8, $0.00 $0.00 $17, DE Pension (District Portion) $4, $1, $1, $0.00 $0.00 $2, DE Insurance (District Portion) $7, $1, $1, $0.00 $0.00 $3, DE Travel $4, $ $1, $0.00 $0.00 $1, DE Cell Phone $ $ $ $0.00 $0.00 $ DE Professional Business Expense 20 $ $8.35 $68.96 $0.00 $0.00 $ DE Continuing Education $ $ $ $0.00 $0.00 $ Parsonage Utilities $5, $ $1, $0.00 $0.00 $2, DE COMPENSATION PACKAGE $57, $13, $14, $0.00 $0.00 $28, DE Winter CODE Meeting $2, $ $ $0.00 $0.00 $1, DE Annual Conference $2, $ $30.00 $0.00 $0.00 $ DE District Conf. & Regional CODE $ $0.00 -$ $0.00 $0.00 -$ CODE Registration $ $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 DE CONFERENCE AND CODE $4, $ $ $0.00 $0.00 $1, TOTAL DE $62, $14, $14, $0.00 $0.00 $29,504.19

21 520 Adm. Asst. Salary $28, $7, $5, $0.00 $0.00 $12, Admin Asst. Pension $2, $ $ $0.00 $0.00 $1, Admin Asst. Social Sec. (District portion) ADMININISTRATIVE ASST PACK- AGE 525 Admin Asst. Conf. & Training Expenses $2, $32, $ $ $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $ $8, $5, $0.00 $0.00 $13, $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 ADMINISTRATIVE ASST. TRAIN- ING TOTAL ADMINISTRATIVE ASST. $ $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $33, $8, $5, $0.00 $0.00 $13, Office Operations Misc. $ $19.74 $ $0.00 $0.00 $ Print/Copy Costs $5, $1, $1, $0.00 $0.00 $2, Communications (Phone & Internet) $2, $ $11.66 $0.00 $0.00 $ CPA Services $ $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $ Office Postage $1, $ $ $0.00 $0.00 $ Worker's Comp $ $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 OFFICE TOTALS $9, $2, $2, $0.00 $0.00 $4, Business Packet $25.00 $0.00 $ $0.00 $0.00 $ Directory & Minutes $ $ $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $ District Conf. Guest Speaker Stipend 611 District Conf. Guest Speaker Exp. $ $ $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 CONFERENCE TOTALS $ $ $ $0.00 $0.00 $ Register Standing Committee $ $ $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $ Two Delegate Expenses $3, $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $ Assessment $3, $3, $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $3, ANNUAL CONFERENCE TOTALS $7, $4, $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $4, Insurance $2, $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $ Maintenance $ $36.99 $42.40 $0.00 $0.00 $ Snow Removal $1, $0.00 $ $0.00 $0.00 $ PARSONAGE TOTALS $3, $36.99 $ $0.00 $0.00 $ Unbudgeted $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 OTHER TOTALS $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $

22 In and Out (this number is not included in the totals below since all funds coming in, go back out within the same month. They are not budgeted items, but special expenses that are covered by savings categories or other donations) TOTALS (Categories ) $0.00 $120, $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $29, $0.00 $24, $0.00 $0.00 $53, SAVINGS ACCOUNTS 1000 New Church Development Beginning Balance 1st Quarter 2nd Quarter 3rd Quarter 4th Quarter YTD Change $13, $3.30 $3.37 $0.00 $0.00 $ Bible Fund $ $0.13 $0.12 $0.00 $0.00 $ Ministerial Scholarship Fund $ $0.07 $0.09 $0.00 $0.00 $ Short Term Mission Fund $2, $21.17 $ $0.00 $0.00 $ $10, Revitalization Fund 4 $2.49 $2.54 $0.00 $0.00 $ Women's Rally $6, $ $ $0.00 $0.00 $ Alleghany Passage $1, $ $0.55 $0.00 $0.00 $ $25, District Disaster 1 $3, $3, $0.00 $0.00 $6, West Marva Ministry Training Program $4, $ $69.06 $0.00 $0.00 -$ TOTAL DESIGNATED FUNDS $64, $4, $3, $0.00 $0.00 $7, GENERAL SAVINGS $13, $11, $6.19 $0.00 $0.00 $11, INVESTED FUNDS (undesignated but unavailable) Church Income- Sales and Rent $28, $28, $28, $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $46, $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 TOTAL UNDESIGNATED AVAILA- BLE FUNDS (does not include Invested Funds) $60, $11, $6.19 $0.00 $0.00 $11, INCOME SOURCES Anticipated Income Actual Income Anticipated Self Allocations from all churches $72, $36, $20, $0.00 $0.00 $56, Individual Giving $1, $ $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $ Interest Income $2, $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $2, District Event Offering $3, $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $77,095.0 $39,646.4 TOTALS 0 1 $20, $0.00 $0.00 $59,

23 Camp Galilee 2017 Treasurer Report (Operations Account) INCOME: Camp Rentals $21, Camper Registrations $13, Donations $ 2, Church Self Allocations $16, Scholarships (Rev Account) $ 1, Total Income $54, EXPENSES: Camp Maintenance $12, Camp Operations $ 4, Camp Services (Wages) $15, Caretakers Home $ Clothing (T-Shirts) $ 1, Food $ 6, Insurance $ 8, Taxes $ 5, Travel $ Utilities $ 6, Total Expenses $60, In his holy name, Jay A. Anderson, Treasurer of Camp Galilee 23

24 CAMP HOPE 2017 INCOME Church Allocations, Donations, Fundraisers, and Miscellaneous TOTAL INCOME $ EXPENSES Building Improvements, Maintenance, Repairs Utilities ph, elec, propane, wtr, trash Supplies Manager s Fee (includes mileage) Mowing/Weedeating/gas for same License/Fees/Insurance/Training/KO food pprwk Cleaning Cooking Groceries TOTAL EXPENSES Rindy Clayton, Treasurer July 6,

25 Written Report to the 2018 West Marva District Conference Kendal W. Elmore, Executive Minister On July 31, we completed the eighth year of working together in the West Marva District. It s a good time to share reflections of our time together. Effective September 1, I will no longer be carrying the responsibilities of serving as your Executive Minister, as I am entering into retirement. I have enjoyed the great opportunity and privilege of serving with the sixtythree churches of our wonderful district. The year since our 2017 conference has been a good one! Our journey through these years reflects the mingling of joys and sorrows, and many learning experiences. We ve welcomed several new credentialed ministers, and experienced the loss of several whose absence from among us leaves us with feelings of emptiness and loss. Additionally, we rejoiced in the planting of a new church, which will hopefully attain full congregational status in the coming year. We have also, sadly, had to recognize the closing and disorganization of two churches and at this conference are to affirm the decision of the Rough Run congregation to separate from the Church of the Brethren, and offer them our blessings as they pursue the path they have chosen. Over these years since 2010, I ve enjoyed visiting among our West Marva churches. I have enjoyed just dropping in to a Sunday worship service unannounced. There have also been times I ve been called to participate with a congregation as they grapple with an issue, or seek the Lord s guidance regarding the calling of their next pastor. Happily, there are also times I m called to participate with a congregation in celebration. Ordination, licensing, and pastoral installation services are examples of celebration, as well as homecomings, anniversary celebrations, etc. I am extremely grateful to God for the excellent work of the District Mission and Ministry Board and the other leaders who serve the Lord in leadership in the district. Together we have wrestled with issues both large and small and always seek to determine How should this issue reflect that we work on behalf of the congregations of the district as true Disciples of Christ. Those who have accepted the Lord s call to be Members of the Board and Executive Committee are capable co-laborers in the work of the district. This year my wife, Carolyn, has some ongoing health issues and the support we have felt from the Board, our pastors, and our congregations has been encouraging beyond any expectations. However, age and health issues have led me to the decision to enter retirement sooner, rather than later. As in the past, I must express the blessing that has been mine as I ve been assisted in my work by Brenda Harvey, my co-worker in the office. Her giftedness, commitment, 25

26 breadth of experience and depth of knowledge are crucial to the work that you have entrusted to us. Her experience of serving our district for 25 years enables her to be a tremendously effective colleague in our work. Craig Howard, our 2018 District Conference Moderator, has identified the Great Commission as the foundation for our theme: The Main Thing is the Main Thing. As the Lord has led him, he has chosen a theme that harmonizes our ongoing theme of the Decade of Discipleship. This year, at our conference, Donita Keister, Annual Conference Moderator, is expected to be present on Saturday. She plans to provide information to the conference attendees about the Annual Conference Compelling Vision process. This continuing work has grown out of the query our district took to Annual Conference in 2016 regarding Same Sex Marriages. Among the details she will be sharing with us is information about Listening Sessions that are planned for our District later this year. Going forward, please remember that you do not work alone, or in your own strength. The church, the Body of Christ, does not belong to us; it is not ours in a proprietary sense... The church belongs to Jesus, who is the Lord of the Church. The West Marva District Church of the Brethren is His! I am grateful that He allows Christ Followers to participate in the work of the ministry in this beautiful section of the earth. Please, read Ephesians 4:11-16 and reflect on the work of the ministry. Respectfully submitted, Kendal W. Elmore, Executive Minister, West Marva District, Church of the Brethren 26

27 West Marva District District Board Chair Report Philippians 4: 4-6 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God The West Marva District Board has worked hard this past year to serve the West Marva District and the needs of the local churches. Your board members donate time, effort and resources to this end. Take time to thank them for this dedication to support the work of our district. In addition to their regular duties and responsibilities, the board worked with the following: Supported the efforts to raise hurricane relief funding for Puerto Rico of $25,000. These funds were raised through the generosity of the local churches and individuals. Voted to endorse a district wide meeting at the Oak Park Church to begin to formulate a vision forward for the West Marva District. A team headed by Anna Sauder was approved to work on this endeavor. Voted to endorse the Prayer and Worship Summit held in Harrisonburg VA. Many members of the district churches were greatly involved in this event. Voted to endorse the Awaken tours in Grantsville MD and Pendleton County WV These items are only a part of those additional areas of consideration that are added to the regular board functions. Your board supports the ongoing mission work of the West Marva District Churches. This past year folks from more of our churches than before had the calling to go abroad in the support of foreign mission projects. Your board also recognizes that all mission work is not overseas. The board continues to discuss the necessary mission work that is in our own backyard. We are working to support, more than ever before, the need to feed our local school children when they are at home. Weekend programs are being expanded to include food for weekday evenings during the school year. More and more churches are reaching out to the Union Rescue Mission in Cumberland MD. The Board will be working with the District office to set up district wide meetings for the Church of the Brethren s Compelling Vision process for our District. Two meetings are being planned in the district over the next several months. Dates and locations are not firmed up yet. Please consider attending one of these meetings in order for your voice to be a part of this visioning for the future of our church. Also Pray, Pray, Pray for our denomination. The board worked hard this year to streamline the proposed budget. The budget is lower than it has been for the last couple years. It is our desire to continue to work with this budget to reduce it as much as possible. Again, it has been my pleasure to serve you as your board chair. As always, I so much appreciate being a part of a district that works well together to serve a great God. Grover Duling, District Board Chair 27

28 Ministerial Leadership Team Report (MLT) 2018 West Marva District Conference The West Marva District Constitution and Bylaws states, in part, that the purpose of our District shall be to nurture and resource congregations throughout the District and administer the activities of the Church of the Brethren among the churches of the District. The Ministerial Leadership Team has specific responsibilities that support the purposes of the West Marva District (these are listed in the Bylaws). It is important for local church members to know that the Ministerial Team consists of both Ordained Ministers and laypersons. The 2018 members of the team included Mark Jones, Randy Shoemaker, Betty Dzuba, Mark Teets and Roger Leatherman. The team works very closely with the District Executive and the Chairman of the District Board. Credentialing Process: Three of our responsibilities listed in the Bylaws are to counsel and assist churches and individuals identifying, discerning and responding to a call to ministry, to fulfill the responsibilities in the credentialing process as determined by the denomination and the district, and to review the credentialed ministers periodically After many telephone calls, and consultations, the team meets with the persons seeking credentialing or recredentialing. Since last year s conference the MLT has interviewed a number of people for licensing and for pre-ordination and will invest a lot of time doing interviews this fall. I want to thank all those involved in this process for their efforts. Continuing Education: The West Marva District Constitution and Bylaws require the MLT to encourage and hold pastors accountable in their professional growth with emphasis on required continuing education. The Bylaws also state that the MLT must endeavor to increase the joy of the ministers. Meeting these two goals when reviewing pastor s CEU submissions is sometimes tough. The MLT must accept or reject these submissions, but we do not do that without following COB guidelines. The standards can be found in the Annual Conference paper titled Guidelines for Continuing Education. Supporting documents include Standards and Guidelines for Use of CEUs in Church Systems from The Society for the Advancement of Continuing Education for Ministry and past decisions of the West Marva District Board. A CEU is equal to ten contact hours of work, therefore one hour of work is equivalent to 0.1 CEU. A fulltime ordained pastor must complete 5 CEU in the five-year cycle. We encourage the pastor to distribute this work over eight focus areas: Biblical studies, spiritual hardiness, pastoral leadership, preaching and worship, evangelism and church growth, pastoral care, special ministry areas and general enrichment (see AC paper, Guidelines for Continuing Education, for details). Beside district sponsored educational meetings, pastors may get CEU credit for mission work, work as pastor-in-residence at Camp Galilee or Camp Hope, reading a book and writing a report (certain limitations apply), attending Annual Conference, participation in a Training Program course (usually two classes), on-line courses and other options. 28

29 Individual churches are encouraged to work with the MLT to develop a program or workshop that could be made available to the whole district for CEU s. Pastors should keep a record of their work. Readiness for Ministry Program: Districts are called to follow the policies and procedures for licensing and ordination as described in the Annual Conference Ministerial Leadership Manual. The Candidates for Ministry Readiness for Ministry Program was developed as an addendum to the Leadership Manual with detailed sections on ministerial qualities, ministerial competences, and the pre-licensing process. The goals of the program are listed in the paper. These goals include helping the candidate with information that can be used in his/her career development and assist the District Ministerial Leadership Team in making decisions relative to the candidate s suitability for the set-apart ministry. Recommendations include professional instruments of measurement and psychological and personality appraisal objectives. When researching how other districts go through this process we found that each district does things a little bit differently. This is a complex topic and beyond the scope of this report, but we want you to know that we (The DE and the MLT) have put a lot of effort into improving our processes and will soon have a decision on which method the district should adopt for helping candidates discover their individual strengths and weaknesses for ministry. Summary: The members of the Ministerial Leadership Team of our District want the people of West Marva District to know that we are dedicated to the work of the Team and of the District. We adhere and follow previous decisions of The District and of Annual Conference. Also, we appreciate the help and co-operation of the Pastors, Licensing Candidates and church members we serve. Respectfully submitted by, R. Mark Jones Recognition of Ordained Ministers In 2012 the Ministerial Leadership Team began recognizing ordained ministers who had reached a 5 year anniversary. Below is a list of the ministers who will be recognized at the 2017 District Conference. Please join us in showing our appreciation for the service that they have selflessly given to God and the church. Donald Matthews 50 years John Walker 30 years Randy Ours 30 years Dan Combs 20 years Burl Charlton 20 years Carroll Junkins 15 years Lynn Ryder 15 years J. Robert Hughes 15 years Diane May 10 years Randy Shoemaker 5 years 29

30 West Marva Ministry Training Program (WMMTP) 2018 Report to the District Conference The WMMTP manual states that the Training Program has been developed to meet the needs of ministerial leadership in the West Marva District of the COB. These needs include the bi-vocational nature of many of the District's pastors, the unique qualities of the Appalachian culture within which we serve, and the rural setting of most of our congregations. Candidates for licensing in West Marva have a number of different options for meeting the educational requirements. This, of course includes on-campus seminary institutions such as Bethany Seminary. Other options include programs such as Academy Certified Training System (ACTS) and Training in Ministry (TRIM). These two programs are very good, but entail time spent on the campus of the seminary and significant expense in time and money. The West Marva Training Program has for many years sought to create an effective educational program that is reasonably affordable and accessible to the people in our district that are interested in serving as pastors or who simply want to expand their knowledge and understanding of our faith and of our Church of the Brethren. The program has grown in the past several years. Currently we have twenty-four students, but not all of these need to attend every class since they may have taken the class previously. The students come from various backgrounds, but all are united by the desire to serve God and to know Him better. Without the West Marva Training Program these dedicated students would have difficulty obtaining structured training. We are now planning the next cycle of classes and need instructors. The District is blessed to have great individuals who have stepped up to teach the classes, which involves a lot of time and preparation. We want every instructor to know that he or she is much appreciated and respected. I may soon be calling you to commit to teaching a class in the future! Anyone who is interested in teaching, please contact me. We can not succeed without good instructors. Pastors needing CEUs can take a class for credit. If interested in doing that, please talk with me. I want to especially thank Pastor Diane May for her continued help. Also, a special thank you for Brenda Harvey. Respectfully submitted, R. Mark Jones 30

31 2018 District Conference Report from the Spiritual Growth Team It has been an exciting and spirit filled year for the Spiritual Growth Team. We have been extremely busy preparing and working for the churches and congregations. Here is a list of our activities and events for this year. February was the Youth Winter Retreat under the direction of Craig Howard and Thelma Cox. Fun and Fellowship was enjoyed by all. May 5 th was to be our first West Marva Family Fellowship Night at the Moorefield Church of the Brethren Fellowship Hall. This event was postponed until October 13 th and more information with be forthcoming. The Spiritual Growth Team and the Ministerial Leadership Team are planning this special fellowship time. All ordained ministers, all licensed ministers, all current West Marva Ministry Training program students, and their families are invited. Special music will be provided by the Durst Brothers from Cherry Grove Church. There will be a time of devotions, but no sermon or guest speaker. It will be a time of fellowship, encouragement and enjoyment in a relaxed and safe setting. Come and fellowship with us! Meats, dinnerware, plates and drinks will be provided. Everyone is asked to bring a covered dish. Children s activities will be planned. May 9 was our Women s Spring Rally held at Tearcoat Church of the Brethren. The theme this year was Buzzing With the Love of the Lord. Jesus replied: Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. Matthew 22:37 NIV. The program looked at scriptures to energize lives from a book The Buzz from Thelma Wells. A delicious meal was served by the Tearcoat Church. May 12 was a District Bible Study of The Fruit of The Spirit held at the Moorefield Church of the Brethren. We learned how the spirit works in and through believers and how we are to live according to the spirit. It was a spirit filled fellowship time between the class members and teacher, Lucy Webster. Future classes will be forthcoming in June 5th was our Senior Citizen s Camp which was enjoyed by all. We wish to thank Grover Duling, Fred and Marge Roy for their outstanding contribution to this event. This summer has been busy with our youth at District Camp Hope and Camp Galilee. September- Don t forget our Book Swap and VBS/Video Swap at our District Conference this year. Upcoming events will be Decade of Discipline Training- Who is Jesus? (Location, time and date to be announced) Submitted by Lucy Webster Spiritual Growth Team Members: Betty Wolford Donna Kemphfer Richard Funk John Moyers 31

32 WEST MARVA DISTRICT WOMEN S FELLOWSHIP REPORT FOR THE 2018 DISTRICT CONFERENCE WOMENS CAMP 2017 Our annual women s camp was held August 10, 11, 12 th 2017 at Camp Galilee. Embrace the Season was the theme and the scripture from Ecclesiastes 3:1 NIV was used as we looked at the spiritual seasons of our lives. We had a total of 26 women representing 12 churches sign in throughout the three days. Our schedule of events included a variety of things and our guest speaker was Betty Pritt from Oakland, MD who shared her testimony of the various seasons of her life and how God had always been there. She then led us in exploring what season of life we were currently in. As we had small group discussions and time to reflect we quickly realized that the seasons of our lives don t always fall in an orderly fashion but God is always with us in His perfect timing. Each year we select a service project and this year s project was making Foster Children Comfort Kits that included items such as diapers, wipes, baby bottles etc.. We also tied/knotted 24 fleece blankets for the children. Friday evening s weather provided the perfect setting for a picnic style dinner & hot dog roast along with campfire devotions of course! This year we were blessed with a special treat as members from Heavens Mtn. Band treated us to an evening of music in the new outdoor chapel! And there could be no better way to end a delightful evening than with ice cream sundaes!! Our group was small on Saturday but the spirit moved among us and we concluded our time together with a special 4 Seasons Candle Light Circle! We dismissed accepting that the past, present, and future seasons of our spiritual life are all a part of God s grand plan because His word tells us There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven:. We are looking forward to the 2018 WM District Women s Camp scheduled for August 9 th, 10 th, and 11 th at Camp Galilee and plans are already in motion. The camp planning committee consists of Donna Kemphfer, Betty Wolford, Connie Nicklow, Nova Stonesifer, and Jeanne Whitehair but we would certainly welcome any woman that would like to help prepare and/or participate in this time of relaxing, reflecting, and growing as sisters in Christ. You may contact Donna at for any women s camp related questions or to assist this committee. FALL RALLY 2017 The women of the Westernport COB welcomed us on October 11, 2017 to their church as they hosted the rally titled Attitude of Gratitude. Our scripture of choice was Philippians 4:11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. Major General Melissa A Rank, a native of Frostburg, MD was our guest speaker. Melissa s gentle spirit and the experiences that she has gained through her various assignments while in active military duty, including a tour in Afghanistan, serves as a powerful testimony and message that we should have an Attitude of Gratitude each and every day for all that the Lord has done for us. Each lady present was asked to write a special note on a small card that was then collected into our Basket of Gratitude. Donna Kemphfer led an open time of sharing reading some of the cards and allowing time for the ladies to express their gratitude or prayer concerns with the group. A special gratitude prayer to God over our basket was held in conclusion of this portion of the program. Nina Mason and Tammy Timbrook had been working extensively for time on a Historical Booklet of the District Women and they presented the booklet today and those that pre-ordered copies were able to pick them up today. It was decided that any profit from the sale of these booklets would be donated to the Children Protection Services Backpack program which is being sponsored by the Children s Assistance Team. Thank you Nina & Tammy for recording and preserving how the District Women began the Women s Work and the history of the various churches. There were 55 ladies in attendance representing 18 churches from the district. Suggestions for our Love Offering was received from the floor and it was voted and accepted to present the offering which totaled $2, to Church World Service to assist with hurricane relief for Texas, Florida and Puerto Rico. 32

33 Also during lunch Faye Hetrick headed up a craft opportunity and those that wished could make a Blessing Jar to take home and continue with remembering daily all the things we are grateful for. Numerous reports were shared in the afternoon session and Mary Berg, chair of the Witness Commission, reported that 52 Hygiene Kits, 127 School Kits and 2 Clean-up Buckets had been taken to New Windsor by Nova Stonesifer. In addition $20 for Blanket money; $ for postage for the kits, and an undesignated $ had been received. The following officers were installed by Nina Mason: Donna Kemphfer, President; Faye Hetrick, Vicepresident; Brenda Harvey, Sec./Treasurer; Marcia Spaid, Chair of the Witness Commission and Gina Frazee, Nominating Committee member. We would like to thank each and every lady for attending and participating in the Rally in any manner! As you can see much was accomplished for the glory of God through these few hours that these Sisters in Christ gathered together and we dismissed with a deeper appreciation of how we can choose daily to have an Attitude of Gratitude!! SPRING RALLY 2018 On the beautiful day of May 9 th, 2018 the ladies of the West Marva District made their way to the Tearcoat COB in Augusta, WV for the annual Spring Rally. This Rally was a BUZZIN WITH THE LOVE OF THE LORD!! And the buzz was that we should Love the Lord Your God with all of you heart, and with all your soul and with all of your mind. Matthew 22:37 NIV The program was presented using the book The Buzz by Thelma Wells as a resource aid. Seven ladies from throughout the district presented seven of Thelma Well s favorite scriptures from her book. The scripture references to joy, purpose, perseverance, prayer, hope, faith, and peace are great places to find encouragement and strength for each day s journey. This program and the scriptures used are beautiful reminders of the biblical promises that God gives to each of us when we love the Lord our God with all of our heart, mind, and soul. In keeping with the fun BEE theme singing was led by Elizabeth of Hampshire Honey Bee Music, and local BEE KEEPERS, Clarence and Jesse Spiker, had a display of working bees and a wealth of information about bees. A lunch menu of lasagna, salad, and dessert along with the table décor and jars of honey favors were found to BEE quite delightful and ladies deserve to BEE shown our appreciation for their wonderful hostess skills! The total women attending were 57 representing 17 churches. As usual a worthy cause to be the recipient of the LOVE offering received was brought to the floor and was voted on. Baby Grace and her family that have been in our prayers for quite some time will be given the offering of $1, collected to aid with medical expenses. The afternoon offering of $ will be used to support District Women Programs. Mary Berg gave the report and Dedication of Handwork. There was a total of 10 Hygiene Kits, 3 School Kits, $380 Blanket Money and $250 to be used for postage on kits. An election of officers for the coming three years was held. Betty Wolford presented the ballot and the following were elected; Faye Hetrick, Vice-president, Tammy Timbrook, Study and Worship Commission, and Ann Friend, Nominating Committee. An installation service for the newly elected officers will be a part of our Fall Rally program. The District Women s Fellowship holds their annual Spring Rally the 2 nd Wednesday in May and the Fall Rally is held the 2 nd Wednesday in October. We look to various churches in the District to extend an offer to host these events. Anyone wishing to host a Women s Rally please call Brenda at the District Office at or Donna Kemphfer, President of WM District Fellowship, at Women s Camp is usually held within the 2 nd week in August. You may call the previously referenced phone numbers for any camp related questions. I am very humbled to have been elected to lead the women of our district. There are so many things that I could say about the women that I have learned to know and love!! The one thing that I will share is that no matter which spiritual season of life that they are in they constantly strive to have an attitude of gratitude and that they love the Lord with all of their heart, and their mind, and their soul!! May all that we do as sisters in Christ be God s will and for His glory! Donna Kemphfer, President 33

34 34 West Marva District Youth Report 2018 Since the writing of last year s report we have attempted three events for the district youth. Last fall we sponsored a fall retreat at Camp Galilee. The retreat only saw 17 in attendance but it was a successful event with all present feeling blessed and having a great time. It was an event we are seeking to make an annual event as long as we can maintain an attendance of 15 or more. It is hoped that we can see growth in the event as people come to expect it. Our second event was our winter retreat. It was held in Cabins, WV. Because of weather we were unable to go skiing but we ended up taking the group to Morgantown to go roller skating and spend time in a trampoline park. We spent time in Bible study and prepared a worship drama that was presented on Sunday morning in church. There were 16 in attendance and all wanted to be sure that we were planning on repeating the event next year. We are considering trying to do the event a little earlier to have a better chance of weather more favorable to skiing. While we did not do a mission trip this year with the district youth we are working on setting up people wanting to go on one this coming June. Assistant District Youth Advisor Thelma Cox oversaw the trip of the youth of our District to NYC in Colorado. While there was not a large group that went from West Marva this year the group was excited to make the trip and though they had not yet made the trip at the writing of this report I am sure those attending will be blessed. This fall we are planning on another event that we hope will provide direction for the future of our district youth program. We are planning a district youth leadership summit at the Oak Dale church on September 30 th at 3:00 pm. At this event we are asking youth leaders and local youth group representatives to attend for the express purpose of brainstorming direction and programing for the district youth for the next year. Even if the youth in your church are younger and not of high school age we encourage you to send representation. It is our hope that this will lead to broader participation. It continues to be my belief that there is no more important ministry in the local church than children and youth ministry. We will do all we can to support local efforts but we cannot replace them. However we have seen how involvement of youth in a larger program can aid in their commitment to Christ. That is our only goal. In Christ s Service, Craig A. Howard

35 Camp Galilee Trustee Report GREETINGS FROM THE TRUSTEES AND STAFF A new day is dawning!!! The camp finished last year strong and God continues to bless the efforts of the District in Outdoor Ministry. This year has had transition in several areas, Elisabeth Thorne has become our fulltime manager and Asa and Cassie Smith and their daughter Asalynn are now the caretakers, once again we would like to thank Mike and Vicki for their dedication to the camp. The exciting part of this is these are all younger adults, it is also showing up in our counselors for the camps, how great it is that many of these are alumni of the Christian camping program. Physically the camp is doing well. The only current major project is a new pump house. God is so great, unknowingly we were led not to pursue any large projects and with some medical problems with trustees that was a wise decision. God does take care of us. There have been many compliments for the improvements to the cabins and the overall facilities, we would like to thank the churches which sponsor those cabins. Keep up the good work. Camp Galilee is financially sound thanks to your support and the fact that the camp is booked almost solid from the middle of May through August. We encourage churches to use the camp. This is your camp! We ask for your continuing support and prayers. MAY GOD BLESS THE EFFORTS OF HIS CHURCH Mark Seese-chair 35

36 36

37 MISSION AND EVANGELISM TEAM REPORT TO DISTRICT CONFERENCE The team consists of Nova Stonesifer, Chair, Dan Spaid, Rose Bennett, Sheila Gordon and Fred Roy. Wallace Whitacre resigned as Director of the District Disaster & Relief Committee. Ron Junkins, from the Brookside Church, showed interest in this work. Our team agreed to approve Ron for this position. Ron & Sheila Gordon led a team of workers to Marion, South Carolina in January. This was considered the Steve Sauder Memorial Mission Trip. In May there was a Brethren Disaster Ministries Workshop held at Maple Spring Church of the Brethren Family Life Center. This was lead by Roy winter from the Brethren Disaster Ministries Office in New Windosr, MD. Mr. Winter gave an overview of some of the work that has been completed through the Church of the Brethren. Clark Nicklow and Heather Shapiro brought some information of the disaster involvement from the Preston County Office of Emergency Management. We also had speakers from VOAD (Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster). This was a very enjoyable day with Maple Spring serving lunch. Thank you Maple Spring. The District Disaster and Relief Team were called on to help an elderly couple in Elkins that lived in a house that was in very bad shape. While trying to decide what could be done the house burned down. The community of Elkins assisted them into an apartment. At another time the team was contacted to assist a young couple that was about to lose their electric. Working with the District Office and Mon Power this was taken care of. The team has now been asked to make some extensive improvements at Valley River Church in Junior WV. (expenses covered by the Revitalization Fund). Thank you Team. The following appointments have been made: New Church Development Committee Deborah Strawser Peace Committee Sheila Gordon BVS Representative Gina Frazee West Virginia Council of Churches Dan Ludwick as Kendal s representative. We are still working on a plan to help hungry children in the West Marva area. Thank you for all your help! Nova Stonesifer 37

38 38

39 Report of the 2018 Standing Committee to Annual Conference The Standing Committee of the 2018 Church of the Brethren Annual Conference met July 1-4, 2018 in Cincinnati, Ohio. All 36 delegates from the 24 districts were present, as well as immediate past moderator Carol A. Scheppard. Moderator Samuel Kefas Sarpiya chaired the meetings, assisted by moderator-elect Donita J. Keister and secretary James M. Beckwith. During its meetings, Standing Committee made recommendations in response to four items of new business. Again this year Standing Committee approved requiring of itself a twothirds majority for sending a recommendation to the delegate body. SC recommended approval of the proposed Polity for Electing the District Executive Representative to the Pastoral Compensation and Benefits Advisory Committee and Vision for a Global Church of the Brethren. The other two recommendations were carried over from last year: Brethren Values Investing and Polity for Electing Brethren Benefit Trust Board Directors. All but the mission philosophy paper involved changes in polity requiring a two-thirds majority vote by the full delegate body. The Vision for a Global Church of the Brethren will lead to some changes in polity, but it does not yet change polity and therefore required only a simple majority vote. A fifth item of business, Change in Delegate Representation at Annual Conference, had been printed in the Conference booklet but was withdrawn by the Leadership Team with no objection from Standing Committee. It was withdrawn after the Leadership Team discovered that the proposed change in polity would also require amending the bylaws, which can only be done through a query process or a recommendation from the Mission and Ministry Board. The proposal will be presented to the Mission and Ministry Board for its consideration. Seven unfinished business items were presented and briefly discussed. Vision of Ecumenism for the 21 st Century, Vitality and Viability, and Creation Care study committees reported about the papers and recommendations they had prepared for the full delegate body. Standing Committee determined that these three items of unfinished business will require only a simple majority vote. The officers suggested, and Standing Committee agreed that the recommendation of the Compelling Vision report to set aside new business for a year is a significant enough departure from standard practice that it is appropriate to require a twothirds majority votes for adoption. Amendments to the Bylaws of the CoB Inc. and Denominational Leadership Gathering both required a two-thirds majority vote because of proposing polity changes. The Update to Polity Regarding Annual Conference Agencies was simply an interim report, requesting from the full delegate body an additional year to work. In other business, Standing Committee spent the first evening of its meetings sharing district joys and concerns, interspersed with community building exercises led by moderatorelect Donita Keister. A motion was made to add to the agenda a request to seat a delegate from a proposed new district within the Michigan District and thereby recognize that proposed new district. The moderator ruled the motion out of order and explained the officers research and the decision of the Leadership Team that our polity does not permit two districts to claim the same geographic area, nor does our polity allow for a district to form on the basis of congregational agreement to a specific statement of faith. The moderator explained three possible next steps that the Leadership Team had suggested to the congregations wishing to form a new district: (1) remain in the current district and find ways to work things out, bringing congregations together despite theological differences; (2) appeal to Standing Committee, although the appeal process does not currently include a process for appealing a deci- 39

40 Towards the end of its meetings, Standing Committee re-opened its agenda to call a committee to work with the officers to review the judicial role and appeals processes of Standing Committee and to develop a process for SC appeals beyond those covered by current appeal processes. The committee was elected from a ballot of current SC members who have been called to serve on the current or previous Appeals Committees. An update to the Guidelines for Standing Committee Members was approved, to incorporate a decision made by Standing Committee in 1984 that a SC member who is unable to complete a term of service on the Nominating Committee will be replaced by the alternate delegate from his/her district. An update to the Standing Committee document The Role of a Standing Committee Member was discussed at some length. Standing Committee approved an addition to the section about the role of a SC member in making reports to district conferences. The addition incorporates a 1960 decision by Standing Committee to counsel SC members to protect the privileges of diversity that we share as a denomination and promote the church s dominant purpose of Christian unity. Standing Committee also approved the addition of a new section of guidance to SC members for responding to situations of unrest, dissatisfaction, and/or controversy churning within congregations, districts, or within the general population of Brethren. In addition to being the voice of their district on Standing Committee, SC members also play a role as representatives of a denominational leadership body that makes decisions together for the overall good of the denomination. The additional guidance approved this year counsels SC members to work with district leadership to gain understanding of specific situations and to develop strategies to resolve the unrest, not taking the lead but allowing district leadership to function within their established processes. Additionally, Standing Committee members are to be in contact with Annual Conference Officers regarding their observations, seeking guidance for how best to respond. A proposed paragraph urging SC members to avoid bringing leadership to movements and causes that are not founded within district and denominational leadership structures was deleted from the proposal. Standing Committee also accepted the officers recommendation that Standing Committee s Vision Committee Charter be set aside because envisioning is being done for this decade by the compelling vision process. Again this year SC approved the officers recommendation that the Two-Thirds Committee propose SC presenters for items of new business and identify items that might require a feasibility study, in addition to recommending which items would require a two-thirds majority vote. Standing Committee approved the officers selection of Michaela Alphonse, Jim Benedict, and John Willoughby to serve as this year s Two-Thirds Committee. Standing Committee approved their recommendation that Connie Maclay, Roy McVey, Carol Scheppard, and Don Shankster serve as presenters of the new business items. Kurt Borgmann presented the Nominating Committee s report. He shared the committee s concerns about the toll that losing an election can cause. NC member Mark Baliles shared a Bible study about casting lots that had been discussed at NC meetings. Standing Committee engaged in table talk discussion about alternatives to how we do elections. Moderator-elect Samuel Sarpiya coordinated the Standing Committee s annual consultation with the district executives and the consultation with the executives and chairs of the denominational and Annual Conference agency boards, giving Standing Committee members opportunity to receive information and to ask questions. Conference director Chris Douglas and the Program and Arrangements Committee reported on their work. Founa Augustin-Badet is concluding her three years as a member of P&AC. 40

41 General Secretary David A. Steele reported on the work of the Leadership Team. Standing Committee discussed with him the statement which was issued by the Leadership Team in response to concerns regarding last year s Conference. Global Mission and Service executive director Jay Wittmeyer presented the annual report on international mission efforts that are not yet autonomous. He commented about the challenges of poverty among the new Brethren congregations in Spain and reported about the two new projects approved last year in Central Africa and Venezuela. Elected by the 2018 Standing Committee: Nominating Committee members elected to serve through the 2020 Annual Conference: Bill Grove (No Plains), Don Shankster (PSW), Janet Elsea (Shen), Barbra Davis (W Plains) Appeals Committee for the 2019 Annual Conference Nick Beam (So Ohio-KY), Loren Rhodes (Mid PA), Susan Chapman Starkey (Virlina) 1 st Alternate Steve Spire (Shen), 2 nd Alternate Grover Duling (W Marva) Review of Judicial Role and Appeals Process Committee to work with the Officers: Jeff Rill (ANE), John Willoughby (Michigan), Susan Chapman Starkey (Virlina) James M. Beckwith, Annual Conference secretary, with assistance from notes taken by Sandy Kinsey, assistant secretary 41

42 May 2018 Though the Brethren as a group have existed for nearly three hundred years, we subscribe to no formal creed. We simply try to do what Jesus did. Jesus brought a message of life, love, and hope. But he offered much more than inspiring words: He understood that people s spiritual needs also include day-to-day human ones food, health, rest, comfort, friendship, and unconditional acceptance. I am the way, he told his followers. He showed them how to trust, how to care, and how to help. Steadily, lovingly, even radically, Jesus went about saving the world by serving its people. Because we believe his message, we seek to do the same. Church of the Brethren Identity Pamphlet Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ, Greetings to you in the name of Christ our Savior! Once again I want to express my gratitude for the many ways your district and local congregations faithfully strive to live out the Gospel to simply try to do what Jesus did. The vital ministries of our Church of the Brethren congregations, small to large, are at the heart of our Church. We should never diminish the essential role that each unique part of the body plays in our common ministry together. It has been an exciting and challenging year for the Church of the Brethren. I have spent significant time working alongside the Leadership Team, district executives, and other leadership to address the challenges before the Church. While it is easy to be consumed by our struggles, I am heartened by the incredible ministries and programs that are happening in your congregations and districts, as well as denominationally. I count it a privilege to work with an incredible team of staff working on your behalf to help us all continue the work of Jesus. Denominationally we have been working to refocus our efforts and adapt to meet the changing needs of the church. As has been reported via Newsline, there have been a number of staffing changes and ongoing internal structural adjustments. From an outside perspective these changes may appear cosmetic, but they represent a shift toward a more holistic approach to our ministries, grounded in mission and discipleship. Our mission seeks to serve as Christ s presence in communities, establishing local churches, both in the United States and globally, that offer a cup of cold water to a thirsty world. Where there is conflict, it offers peace. Where there is suffering, it offers healing. Where there is hunger, it offers food. Where there is ignorance, education. Where there is despair, fellowship. Brethren mission stands as Christ s light in the world, challenging the Church to be more than a mere mouthpiece of the gospel, but also a doer of good works that demonstrate God s love to a desperate world. Through our discipleship, we embrace Jesus call to go make and be disciples, sharing our lives more fully with others. This emerging vision of discipleship has its emphasis on making and growing disciples, forming and developing leaders, and transforming communities. As we strive 42

43 to support new and renewing congregations, we are recovering a Brethren way of evangelism, helping congregations to disciple new people more diverse people, more young people. While intentionally grounding our ministries in mission and discipleship, we are also assessing our efforts at intercultural ministries. We as a church must more fully live into the 2007 Annual Conference statement, Separate No More; becoming a multi racial church. This must be more than just a commitment. It must become our desire. A desire not fabricated through advocacy but grown out of Christ's commandment to love our neighbor. A desire that finds its grounding in mission and discipleship. I believe that we must begin nurturing this kind of desire in the hearts of others into the heart of the church because it is this kind of desire that will open us to new possibilities to thrive. My friends, I do hope you believe that our struggle together is worthwhile. We are doing good ministries together locally in our congregations and districts, and denominationally. Our efforts at offering the cup of cold water model to the world that we are about another way of living the way of Jesus. May we not forget that through our simple acts of service we, too, are working to save the world in Jesus name. I invite you to join me in another way of living. Your servant in Christ, David Steele General Secretary 43

44 2018 District Conference Dear Brothers and Sisters of the West Marva District, I bring you greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ from the Officers of Annual Conference. We always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in our prayers. We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. 1Thessalonians 1:2-3 These words of Paul as he greeted the church in Thessalonica speak well our heartfelt gratitude for you as you labor faithfully in your districts and congregations to take the gospel of Jesus Christ to your communities and into all the world in every place you have felt God s call to serve. As we anticipate gathering for the 233rd Annual Conference of the Church of the Brethren in Greensboro, North Carolina our theme is Proclaim Christ; Reclaim Passion. I invite us to proclaim the One in whom we live and move and have our being, the One who stands at the center of our life together, Jesus the Christ. As we together proclaim Christ, may we reclaim passion for Him our Teacher, Redeemer, and Lord, returning to our first love as His bride, the church. May we reclaim what is lost in passion for our life together as gathered believers called Church of the Brethren. We are in a unique time in our life together. In our struggle to find understanding and commonality amid deep disagreements that are dividing us, the Annual Conference 2017 delegates called us to turn our attention toward the discernment of a compelling vision that would help guide our future as the Church of the Brethren. The Leadership Team and Council of District Executives have joined to develop a visioning process unlike any we have had in the past. We began our conversations toward a compelling vision in Cincinnati at our 2018 Annual Conference. Now we continue the work of shaping this vision through conversations that take place across the denomination this fall and winter. I hope each of you will be able to attend an event hosted by your district so that your voice will be part of the process. 44

45 In Greensboro, July 3-7, 2019 we will share what was learned through our conversations in districts and at other denominational events. We will then spend much of our time during business sessions in deep conversation with one another as we work toward the conclusion of the compelling vision process. I believe God s Holy Spirit is doing a new work among us. Let us pray fervently for our church and let us look forward with enthusiastic expectancy to how God will continue to make us and mold us to be His people doing His work in the world. In Christ, Donita J. Keister 2019 Annual Conference Moderator Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation. 2 Cor. 5:

46 46

47 47

48 Beth For those who choose theological education, Bethany Seminary offers an array of choices for an experience that fits both life and call: Two graduate degrees master of divinity and master of arts A Certificate of Achievement in Theological Studies and three additional specialized graduate certificates Courses offered in nine formats and locations, including online, intensives, and synchronous video Options to help students balance course load and employment to fit their lifestyles, wherever they reside at Bethany Strategic Implementation Plan Building on Bethany s new strategic vision, this plan was developed by faculty and staff and approved by the board of trustees. Objectives and goals were named in the areas of marketing Bethany s heritage and mission, innovative curricula, enrollment, financial sustainability, and new global connections. Pillars and Pathways Residential Scholarship Initiated in fall 2017, this program enables recipients to study at Bethany without incurring additional debt if they (1) live in the Bethany Neighborhood and participate in community living, (2) volunteer eight hours per month at a nonprofit in Richmond (3) cover tuition costs through scholarships and aid, and (2) earn $7500 per year. The scholarship covers the remainder to equal one year s expected cost of attendance for residential students. Partnership with EYN With the completion of a technology center in Jos, the first joint course for EYN and North American students was offered in January. Through synchronous video, students and faculty in classrooms an ocean apart participated together in the course Global Perspectives on Scripture: 1 Corinthians. Urban Ministry Experience Through a new partnership with the nonprofit City of Refuge in Atlanta, the immersion travel course A Place of Refuge: Ministry in an Urban Context was offered in January. Graduate students, Brethren Academy students, and auditors participated directly in the ministry programs and learned about styles and approaches in working with marginalized populations. Strong Enrollment Eleven new students in fall 2017 were joined by seventeen in spring 2018, Bethany s largest spring enrollment in a number of years. These totals included nine international students, including those in the partnership with EYN Graduates The graduating class earned eight MDivs, five MAs, one Certificate of Achievement in Theological Studies, three Certificates in Theopoetics and Theological Imagination, and one Certificate in Intercultural Biblical Interpretation. A Twenty-Year Legacy Tara Hornbacker, professor of ministry formation, missional leadership, and evangelism, retired and was named professor emerita by the board of trustees. Seminaries That Change the World Bethany was named to this group of schools for the third consecutive year by the Center for Faith and Service at McCormick Theological Seminary. PARTNERS IN EDUCATION In , the West Marva District You can also support Bethany Theological Seminary by remembering Bethany with prayer and personal and congregational support; calling persons of all ages into ministry; encouraging those in other professions to take advantage of Bethany s course and certificate options; envisioning new forms of ministry for Bethany graduates, such as mentoring lay leaders, supervising Academy students, or coaching pastors new to the Church of the Brethren. 48

49 49

50 50

51 Dear Brothers and Sisters, The late summer and fall of 2017 challenged Brethren Disaster Ministries (BDM) and Children s Disaster Services (CDS) with one of the most demanding disaster seasons we have ever had. Never has BDM responded to so many disasters at one time, and back-to-back, without a break. In less than two months, CDS responded to two hurricanes (Harvey and Irma), a flood in Missouri, the deadliest shooting in recent history (Las Vegas), the largest wildfires in California history and the train disaster near Olympia, Wash. BDM staff have worked with disaster-affected districts, including trips to Puerto Rico for Hurricane Maria response. Brethren volunteers have also helped with clean up and early repair work. All members of the Puerto Rico district were impacted when Hurricane Maria struck on Sept. 20, 2017, causing extensive and widespread damage to homes, roads, the power grid, water supply and cellular communication. Although Church of the Brethren buildings received limited damage, there was damage to the volunteer housing in Castañer and Caimito and at least 35 Brethren families had major damage to their homes. In support of the Puerto Rican Brethren, emergency supplies (solar chargers, generators, canned chicken, tools, tarps and other items) were sent and grants are supporting church-based recovery. BDM is working closely with the district to develop and implement a long-term recovery program before a new hurricane season. The district recovery committee is providing permanent solutions to many of the most vulnerable hurricane survivors. As the first response program of BDM, CDS was exceptionally busy, with a record 16 disasters responses in 2017, including two critical responses. Volunteers, including some who served more than once, cared for 2,527 children in the aftermath of tornadoes, hurricanes, wildfires, flash floods and a dam breach, as well as the train disaster in Washington state and the mass shooting in Las Vegas, Nev. The latter two required the help of our Critical Response Childcare Team, the only national response program called to care for children in mass causality crises. The impact of CDS is illustrated by the words of a father sheltering in Florida with a CDS team as Hurricane Irma raged outside: When you came in and started playing with our children, all the parents in this whole place just calmed right down. We knew we were going to be alright. For most disaster survivors, the road to recovery comes to an end when their homes are restored. With this as a goal, the BDM home rebuilding program sends volunteers and leaders to support community-based disaster recovery by repairing or reconstructing homes for people like 88-yearold Dorothy Brown from Columbia, S. C., who delights in showing the many photos and notes she has received from volunteers. They not only repaired her home, they became a part of her life and an answer to her prayers. In 2017, the ministry of home rebuilding and restoration reached 64 families in four communities across three states. The Columbia, S.C., project finished in August, after restoring homes damaged in 2015 storms and floods with an $88,801 grant from the United Way of the Midlands for building materials. The project then moved to Marion County, S.C., to repair homes damaged by Hurricane Matthew in A six-week rebuild project in March and April, in Clay County in West Virginia, supported homes damaged in July 2016 floods. In July, a home rebuilding site opened in Eureka, 51

52 Mo., in response to two historic floods. BDM volunteers also served 19 families on short-term disaster responses in Florida, Illinois, Missouri, Texas and West Virginia. In February, the Disaster Recovery Support Initiative (DRSI), a partnership of the disaster ministries of the Church of the Brethren, the United Church of Christ and the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), hired its first staff (Rachel Larratt and Tim Sheaffer) to pilot a program that supports local communities in the rapid development of effective long-term recovery programming. The DRSI team supported communities in La Salle County, Ill., and Wisconsin. Following Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria, DRSI explored opportunities in Texas and the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI), resulting in a request to support local long-term recovery planning in USVI in The greatest global need, representing 52 percent of BDM s $1,090,818 project expenses, involved families forcibly displaced or impacted by violence. In South Sudan, funds supported food distributions and repairs to the Brethren Peace Center, which was ransacked by government forces during the ongoing civil war. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, a local partner assisted villagers forced to flee their homes due to political corruption, local warlords and hungry fighters. As the biggest operation in BDM history, the Nigeria Crisis Response continues to support Ekklesiyar Yan uwa a Nigeria (EYN, Church of the Brethren in Nigeria) in response to ongoing violence in Northeast Nigeria by the terrorist group Boko Haram. This response provides relief and recovery programs including peace building and trauma activities for adults and children; support for four displaced people relocation centers; home repair; agricultural support (seeds, fertilizer, soybean project, tractors); educational support, including scholarships for orphans; business and skills training for widows; food, medical and household distributions; safe water provision; shipping a container of books for schools, including Kulp Bible College; and ongoing advocacy and peace building work by the COB Office of Public Witness. Amazingly, even with all the displacement and violence, EYN has opened new churches as families relocate and has created four new districts. The total 2017 program expenditures were $460,013 for U.S. responses, including the Rebuild Program and CDS, $529,091 for the Nigeria Crisis Response and $101,714 for all other international responses. This includes continued support for Hurricane Matthew recovery in Haiti. After so many disasters and the hurting families trying to recover, we pray for a calmer year and a time of healing. Please pray for BDM staff and volunteers who are stretched by the extent of need in the U.S. and around the globe. Thank you for your prayers and for supporting this auction and the programs of Brethren Disaster Ministries. You are a blessing and a beacon of hope to those in need. In Christ, Roy Winter, Associate Executive Director 52

53 53

54 BRIDGEWATER RETIREMENT COMMUNITY REPORT Our Core Values Bridgewater Retirement Community has been in existence for 53 years. During this time what we do has not changed; we provide housing and an exceptional quality of life for seniors in the Shenandoah Valley. However, the way we do this has changed dramatically. Every change we have implemented over the years has been made with the wellbeing of our residents at the center of those decisions. This fall it will be time for us to prepare another strategic plan that will set our direction as an organization for the next five years. In preparation for this our Senior Leadership team spent time discussing the core values of our organization. We felt this was important because the decisions we make about the future of our organization need to reflect these ideas. Our three core values will not surprise you. Since many of you are very familiar with our community, I thought I would share Our conclusions with you and how we believe we live them each day. Compassion There were many words we considered to represent this value. We also considered love, caring, kindness, etc. All of which are part of the daily life of our residents and team members, but we felt that with our Christian heritage that compassion was the right word to use. We all feel the work we do helps us live out the love, kindness and mercy that God shows us every day. Our daily decisions are based on what is best for our residents. We are resident-centered so whether it is building a new building, using technology, developing a new menu or creating a new program it is all done with our residents in mind and the impact it will have on their quality of life. We are currently undergoing an expansion and renovation of our Assisted Living (AL) accommodations. Expectations and needs change. We have more couples who want to move to AL together, but we lack one-bedroom apartments. It is an impossible situation to ask a couple who has been married for 60 years to suddenly live apart. Our new expansion will give us 16 new one-bedroom apartments. The renovation of our older rooms will allow us to provide the most modern accommodations for our residents with private baths and updated amenities. This renovation will also include connecting our AL and Independent Living building, creation of new living areas for our AL residents and the addition of a second memory house to meet our growing need for memory care. Another exciting benefit will be our ability to offer varied dining venues for all residents. Innovation What worked in senior living 50 years ago is not relevant is today s world. Our residents expectations have changed and we need to provide the best and most up to date life style. This requires everyone at BRC to be aware of the trends in our industry and be ready to adopt new things that benefit our residents quality of life. 54

55 Technology is an ever-changing part of everyone s life so how can BRC use this to improve our residents engagement and wellness? There are many options, but BRC has chosen to adopt a wellness and engagement software platform call Wellzesta. This program will incorporate our focus on whole person wellness and allow our residents a new way to interact with each other and the amenities in our community. Each resident will be given an IPad to use and receive training and support to learn this new system. We had over 40 residents sign up to be our super users. We are very excited to provide this new experience for our independent living residents this fall. Stewardship Any decision that we make in our community must at its core consider if it is the best use of our residents and donors resources. Everyone who works at BRC understands the assets in our community are available because either our residents or our donors have provided these funds to improve BRC and our residents quality of life. Whether it is technology, housekeeping supplies, stationary or food, our residents and other supporters provide these items in good faith that we will use them wisely. We take this very seriously. As we prepared to begin our current construction projects, Senior Leadership and our Board considered how much money we would need to borrow and how this would affect the health of our organization. We considered our ability to raise funds through a capital campaign and how much we had already save to invest in this new expansion. Our fiscal conservatism and our generous donors helped us secure favorable financing making our project less expensive. There is not enough room to share everything that is happening at Bridgewater Retirement Community, but our website and our Facebook will give you the most up to date news and happenings. It is important to share with you our core values that shape our planning and our decision making. We are very grateful for the support spiritually and financially that we receive from our church partners. BRC could not do what we do for our residents without your generous and ongoing gifts. 55

56 New Business Item #1 The West Marva District Mission and Ministry Board, in the regularly scheduled meeting held on June 9, 2018 at the Danville Church of the Brethren, recommends that the Hanging Rock Church of the Brethren Fellowship be granted full congregational status. The church has met all of the requirements stipulated by Church of the Brethren polity. This action refers the recommendation to the 2018 West Marva District Conference scheduled to meet September 22 at the Moorefield Church of the Brethren. 56

57 NEW BUSINESS ITEM #2 PROPOSED 2019 DISTRICT BUDGET Proposed 2019 District Budget 2018 Budget 2019 Proposed Budget Amount of Change Description Ministry Leadership Team 101 Ministry Events $ $50.00 ($200.00) 102 Ministry Postage & Misc. $ $50.00 ($150.00) 103 Credentialing Administration $ 0.00 $ $ MINISTRY LEADERSHIP TEAM TOTALS $ $ $ Spiritual Growth Team 201 District Youth Fellowship $ $ $ Senior Citizens Day $ $ $ Speakers and Events $ $ ($100.00) 204 Spiritual Growth Mailings $ $ ($50.00) 205 Spiritual Growth Miscellaneous $0.00 $ $ SPIRITUAL GROWTH TEAM TOTALS $1, $1, $0.00 Financial Leadership Team 301 Financial LT Mailings & Misc. $ $ $0.00 FINANCIAL LEADERSHIP TEAM TOTALS $ $ $0.00 Mission and Evangelism Team 401 District Bible Study $ $ $ Delegate Expense WVCC $ $ $ Evangelism & Church Growth $ $ $ MISSION AND EVANGELISM TEAM TOTALS $ $ $ DE Compensation Package 501 DE Salary $34, $34, $ DE Pension (District Portion) $4, $4, $ DE Insurance (District Portion) $7, $7, $ DE Travel $4, $4, $ DE Cell Phone $ $ $ DE Professional Business Expense $ $ $ DE Continuing Education $ $ $ Parsonage Utilities $5, $4, ($1,000.00) DE COMPENSATION PACKAGE TOTAL $57, $56, $0.00 ($900.00) DE Conference and CODE 510 DE Winter CODE Meeting $2, $2, $ DE Annual Conference $2, $2, $ DE District Conf. & Regional CODE $ $ $ CODE Registration $ $ $0.00 DE CONFERENCE AND CODE TOTALS $4, $4, $0.00 TOTAL DE $62, $61, ($900.00) 57

58 PROPOSED 2019 DISTRICT BUDGET CONTINUED Administrative Asst Package 520 Adm Asst Salary $28, $28, $ Admin Asst Pension $2, $2, $ Admin Asst. Social Sec. (District Portion) $2, $2, $0.00 ADMINISTRATIVE ASST PACKAGE TOTAL $32, $32, $0.00 Administrative Asst. Training 525 Admin Asst. Conf. & Training Expenses $ $ $0.00 ADMINISTRATIVE ASST. TRAINING TOTAL $ $ $0.00 TOTAL ADMINISTRATIVE ASST. $33, $33, $0.00 Office 530 Office Operations Misc $ $ $ Print/Copy Costs $5, $5, $ Communications (Phone & Internet) $2, $2, $ CPA Services $ $ $ Office Postage $1, $1, $ Worker's Comp $ $ $0.00 OFFICE TOTALS $ 9, $9, $0.00 Conference 601 Business Packet $25.00 $25.00 $ Directory & Minutes $ $ $ District Conf Guest Speaker Stipend $ $ $ District Conf Guest Speaker Exp. $ $ $0.00 CONFERENCE TOTALS $ $ $0.00 Annual Conference 701 Register Standing Committee $ $ $ Two Delegate Expenses $3, $3, $ Assessment- Annual Conference $3, $3, $0.00 ANNUAL CONFERENCE TOTALS $7, $7, $0.00 Parsonage 801 Insurance $2, $2, $ Maintenance $ $ $ Snow Removal $1, $1, $0.00 PARSONAGE TOTALS $3, $3, $0.00 Other 901 Unbudgeted $0.00 $0.00 $ Insurance for Oak Grove Church WV $1, $0.00 ($1,000.00) OTHER TOTALS $1, $0.00 ($1,000.00) $121, $119, ($1,150.00) 58

59 The Return of an Old Friend! For the last few years, this excellent resource, offering study materials in 13 chapters, has not been available. We learned that Brethren Press was not going to print any more, and our District obtained the necessary permission from Wendy McFadden, Publisher of Brethren Press, to print and distribute a new printing of this item. Copies will be available at District Conference: 1 9 Copies:...$2.00 each Copies: $1.75 each. 100 or more Copies:...$1.50 each. 1. Doctrine of God 2. Doctrine of Christ 3. Doctrine of the Holy Spirit 4. Doctrine of Man 5. Doctrine of Sin 6. Doctrine of Salvation 7. Doctrine of the Church 8. Christian Baptism 9. The Love Feast 10. Christian Ideals 11. Christian Discipline 12. Lord, Teach Us to Pray 13. Bible Reading Guidance Additionally, the following other subjects are included: Bibliography The Brethren Card This pocket sized booklet, states traditional Church of the Brethren understandings of New Testament teachings on the following topics of Doctrine ALLEGHENY PASSAGE AVAILABLE FOR PUR- CHASE Allegheny Passage is the definitive history of the West Marva District that was lovingly written by Dr. Emmert F. Bittinger. It is authoritative as history and genealogy. This 2012 (latest) edition has been priced at $ New price is only $ To avoid $6 Shipping and Handling fee, if ordered by mail, purchase at Conference, the District Office, or the Westernport Church of the Brethren. Permanent Price Reduction Save $20 Now, ONLY $59.95 Copies are to be available at District Conference for purchase! 59

60 60

61 RESERVATIONS FOR DISTRICT CONFERENCE SEPTEMBER 21-22, 2018 The lunch served on Saturday will be on a pre-pay basis and you must have a meal ticket in order to receive your lunch the day of conference. It is extremely difficult to prepare a meal when you don't have a number to work with. The menu will consist of: Chicken, ham, mashed potatoes and gravy, ham noodles, green beans, applesauce, coleslaw, rolls, tea, lemonade and coffee and desserts. Meal prepared by the Moorefield Church. Reservations need to be in by September 7, 2018 along with a check made payable to West Marva District, 384 Dennett Road, Oakland, MD Person sending reservations: From congregation: Phone number (if needed for contact) MEAL RESERVATIONS: Number of persons: Saturday noon (cost of meal $12.00) MEAL TICKETS MUST BE PICKED UP AT THE REGISTRATION TABLE ON SATURDAY MORNING DISTRICT CONFERENCE MOTEL ACCOMODATIONS: Motel reservations should be made directly, arranging with the following public accommodations: In Moorefield: In Petersburg:(20 to 25 minutes away) South Branch Inn (304) Fort Hill (304) Rt. 220 North Honors AAA & AARP Hermitage Motor Inn (304) If your church has a tax exempt number Virginia Avenue bring a copy of it with you to be tax exempt Evans Motel (304) N. Main St. Homestead Inn, Rt. 55 (304) Singers needed for District Conference Choir We would like to assemble a choir for the 2018 West Marva District Conference which will be held at the Moorefield Church of the Brethren, September 21-22, Ezra Yoder will be leading this group as they will be singing two familiar hymns on Friday evening and one hymn during the morning worship on Saturday morning. If you would be interested in singing with this choir (really need tenors) there will be a practice at the Moorefield Church (choir room) at 5:30 p.m. on the 21st. For more information contact Ezra at

62 WEST MARVA DISTRICT CREDENTIAL REPORT FOR 2018 Friday: September 21, 2018 Worship Service Attendance: Worship Service Offering: Saturday: September 22, 2018 Delegates: Non-Delegates: Churches represented: Morning Offering: 62

63 392 A Charge to Keep I Have 505 I Am Thine, O Lord 502 Spirit of God! Descend 165 A Mighty Fortress is Our God 338 I Know Not Why God's Wondrous 349 Spirit of the Living God 598 A Wonderful Savior is Jesus 308 I Love Thy Kingdom, Lord 540 Strong, Righteous Man of Galilee 653 Abide With Me 398 I Love to Tell The Story 654 Sun of My Soul 48 All Creatures of Our God and King 555 I Need Thee Every Hour 11 Sweet Hour of Prayer 106 All Hail the Power of Jesus Name 46 I Sing the Mighty Power of God 601 Take My Hand and Lead Me, Father 42 All People That on Earth Do Dwell 528 I Stand Amazed in the Presence 389 Take My Life 143 Amazing Grace! 344 I Will Sing of My Redeemer 311 The Church's One Foundation 337 Ask Ye What Great Thing I Know 70 Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise 145 There s a Wideness in God s Mercy 545 Be Thou My Vision 306 In Christ There is No East or West 154 This is My Father s World 421 Bless'd Be the Tie That Binds 566 In the Cross of Christ I Glory 340 Tis So Sweet To Trust in Jesus 332 Blessed Assurance 341 Jesus Loves Me 102 To God Be the Glory 360 Break Thou the Bread of Life 617 Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross 17 We Gather Together 356 Breathe on Me, Breath of God 588 Jesus, the Very Thought of Thee 384 We Give Thee But Thine Own 28 Breathe Upon Us, Holy Spirit 318 Joy To The World 99 We Praise Thee, O God 8 Brethren, We Have Met To Worship 71 Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee 1 What is This Place 402 Christian, Let Your Burning Light 516 Just As I Am, Without One Plea 644 When Morning Gilds the Skies 12 Come, Let Us All Unite to Sing 591 Lo, A Gleam From Yonder Heaven 336 When Peace, Like a River 41 Come, Thou Almighty King 353 Lord, Listen to Your Children 544 When We Walk With the Lord 521 Come, Thou Fount 499 Lord, Speak to Me 307 Will You Let Me Be Your Servant 14 Come, We That Love the Lord 79 Lord, With Devotion We Pray 83 With Happy Voices Singing 94 Come, Ye Thankful People 592 Love Divine, All Loves Excelling 150 Wonderful Grace of Jesus 116 Crown Him With Many Crowns 151 Marvelous Grace of Our Loving Lord 523 Dear Lord and Father of Mankind 418 Move in Our Midst 117 Fairest Lord Jesus 565 My Faith Looks Up To Thee 416 For Christ and the Church 343 My Hope is Built on Nothing Less 89 For the Beauty of the Earth 522 My Jesus, I Love Thee 322 For We Are Strangers No More 86 Now Thank We All Our God 352 Gentle Shepherd, Come and Lead Us 328 O God, Our Help in Ages Past 619 Glorious Things of Thee are Spoken 447 O Jesus, I Have Promised 366 God of Grace and God of Glory 357 O Master, Let Me Walk With Thee 53 God of the Earth, the Sky, the Sea 66 O Worship the King 345 God Sent His Son 124 O Worship the Lord 507 Gracious Spirit, Dwell With Me 110 Oh, For a Thousand Tongues to Sing 87 Great is the Lord 147 Oh, How Wondrous the Grace 327 Great is Thy Faithfulness 517 Open My Eyes, That I May See 582 Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah 100 Praise Him, Praise Him! 504 Have Thine Own Way 37 Praise, to the Lord, the Almighty 599 He Leadeth Me 549 Savior of My Soul 362 Help Us to Help Each Other 355 Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead us 395 Here I Am, Lord 615 Shall We Gather at the River 120 Holy, Holy, Holy! 491 Softly and Tenderly Jesus is Calling 567 How Firm a Foundation 611 Soon and Very Soon 63

64 64

65 65

66 66

67 67