District Conference Wrap Up

Transcription

1 District Conference Wrap Up NORTHERN OHIO DISTRICT CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN SEPTEMBER 2018 Thank you Dupont! Table of Contents It was with great joy that people from all over our district gathered at the Dupont Church of the Brethren for our 55th District Conference. This was our fourth conference held in one of our churches and our first in over 24 years that was held in the Western area of our district. The Dupont Church of the Brethren provided such a gift of hospitality from greeting each one at the door to providing opportunities to pray together to the hours spent making the wonderful food they shared. It is impossible to thank each individual from Dupont that served through the weekend, but we will mention several here that put a vast number of hours into making this happen. Cindy Wilson served as Dupont s on-site Coordinator working together with Chris Murphy, Dupont s secretary to make sure all the on-site details were covered. They also coordinated the planning, cooking, and serving the meals. Pastor Steve Heilshorn worked prayer into the fabric of conference this year (see page 7). Sheila Porter coordinated the child care and children s activities and Leslie Heilshorn the display area. Ira Good coordinated much of the set-up and the sound system (and the cooking of the chicken!). Thank you Dupont! Terry Porter, Moderator (Dupont) 1 Thank you Host Church 1 Ballot Results 2 Conference Statistics 2 Worship & Activities 3 Resolution on Same Sex Marriage 3 Faith in Action Business Item 4 District Youth Activities 5 Clergy Recognition District Budget 6 Central Committee 7 Peace Auction 7 Call to Prayer 7 Conference Photos District Conference August 2-3 Mohican Church of the Brethren West Salem, Ohio Doug Price, Moderator

2 Page 2 District Conference Ballot District Board Chair Bruce Jacobsen, Mount Pleasant Vice Chair Patrick Bailey, North Bend* Secretary Deb Beer, County Line Congregational Commission: Chair Barbara Wilch, Lakewood* Vice Chair James Washington, Lake Breeze Secretary Chris Snyder, Hartville Member Mark Pollock, Brook Park* Connections Commission: Chair Billi Janet Burkey, Center* Vice Chair Dean Foster, Black River Co-Secretary Jean Garcia, Akron Springfield Co-Secretary Ellen Speicher, Woodworth* Ministerial Commission: Chair Steve Simmons, Bethel Vice Chair Ira Good, Dupont Secretary Tina Hunt, Ashland First Member Patrick Bailey, North Bend* Stewardship & Finance Commission: Chair Maria Nichols, Lakewood Vice Chair David Bassett, Pleasant View Secretary Charlene Kuhn, Richland* Member Ed Chase, Poplar Ridge Ex Officio Members (without vote): Kris Hawk, District Executive Minister Julie Watson, District Administrative Secretary Esther Harsh, District Youth Coordinator, Zion Hill Linda Fry, District Peace/Conciliation Advocate, Mansfield First Shannon Kahler, Camp Director, Paradise Lisa Snyder, District Treasurer, Ashland First Jennifer Recker, District Financial Secretary, Mohican Ben Polzin, Standing Committee, Poplar Ridge* Doug Price, Moderator, Elm Street Brad Kelley, Moderator-Elect, East Chippewa* Nancy Jacobsen, District Conference Clerk, Mount Pleasant Jim Shives, Camp Admin. Committee Chair, Akron Eastwood* * Denotes newly elected at District Conference 2 Other Election Results Moderator Elect Brad Kelley, Moderator-Elect, East Chippewa* District Conference Central Committee Fern Dews, East Nimishillen* Nominating Committee Fred Brinkman, Sugar Creek West* Mike Zellers, Freeburg* Camp Administration Committee Nelson Hunt, Ashland First* Jim Shives, Akron Eastwood* Sierra Swanson, Brook Park* Standing Committee Ben Polzin, Poplar Ridge* Good Shepherd Home Rhonda Shulte, Dupont* West View Healthy Living Edith Kieffaber, Akron Eastwood* Conference Statistics Attendance: Registration 243 Friday Worship 176 Saturday Worship 122 Insight Sessions 192 Pre-Conference Workshop 53 Non-delegate Session 13 Offerings: Friday $ (for conference expenses) Saturday $1, (for the Puerto Rico Disaster Ministries) Total: $1, Peace Auction $1, Hygiene Kits donated $826 given for shipping for Hygiene Kits Hygiene Kits Delivered to Church World Service

3 District Conference Worship and Activities Over 50 attended the Pre-Conference Workshop on Sharing the Good Life presented by Kayla Alphonse, Pastor, Miami Florida Church of the Brethren on Friday afternoon. Conference officially began with the meal on Friday evening, followed by opening worship. A group of youth, coordinated by Abbie Altenburger, provided music and several skits that enriched the Friday worship experience. Terry Porter (Moderator) introduced the conference theme with a powerful message from John 10:9-11 on the Good Life: Life More Abundant. Worship music was provided by the Dupont Praise Team and Doug Price, Moderator -elect served as Worship Leader. Saturday evening, Paul Bartholomew and a worship team from Mohican led in worship. Jeff Carter President at Bethany Theological Seminary spoke on Life is Good broadening the theme scripture, I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. John 10:10 sharing stories, and challenging us to go deeper and further in this abundant life that Christ promises. Fellowship opportunities included multiple insight sessions, hanging out at the Peace Auction and display area, an ice cream social (Thank you Brethren Benefit Trust for sponsoring this!), and much time for informal conversation. A roar of conversation and laughter could be heard throughout the area anytime there was a break in the business session (and sometimes during the business session!) and between events. It was indeed joy to gather together! Delegates Approved Resolution on Same Sex Marriage After some lengthy conversation and proposed amendments, the Resolution on Same Sex Marriage brought as a recommendation from the District Board was approved in its original form by the delegate body. The conference officers had determined that at 2/3 vote was required for passage as both a polity change and a controversial issue. The resolution passed by 86%, with 60 delegates voting in favor of the resolution and 10 delegates opposed. There were no abstentions. The resolution affirms the Church of the Brethren position that covenantal relationships between homosexual persons is an additional lifestyle option but, in the church s search for a Christian understanding of human sexuality, this alternative is not acceptable (1983 Annual Conference Statement, Human Sexuality from a Christian Perspective) and puts in place consequences for credentialed clergy that perform or officiates any same sex marriage. Contact the District Office at or julie@nohcob.org to receive the full text of the resolution. 3 Page 3 Excerpts from the Resolution on Same Sex Marriage The Northern Ohio District Church of the Brethren Affirms that regardless of state and federal laws, marriage is a God-ordained covenant that can only be entered into by one man and one woman; Affirms that ordained, commissioned, or licensed ministers are prohibited from performing or officiating any same sex marriage; Any clergy credentialed in the Church of the Brethren in Northern Ohio that performs or officiates any same sex marriage will be referred to the District Ministerial Commission as a matter of ministerial misconduct. The consequence for one performing or officiating a same sex wedding will be suspension of the ministry credentials, with continuing conversations and review with the Ministerial Commission in consultation with the District Executive. Affirms that the use of Northern Ohio District buildings, camps, properties, or churches for the use of same sex ceremonies is prohibited; Reaffirms a commitment to extend Christ-like comfort and grace to LGBT persons in the spirit of the 1983 Annual Conference Statement, Human Sexuality from a Christian Perspective;

4 Page 4 Faith In Action Celebration The delegates at District Conference approved the following recommendation giving Faith in Action Fellowship congregational status....that the Faith in Action Church of the Brethren Fellowship be commissioned as a Congregation in the Northern Ohio District Church of the Brethren. Faith in Action was started as a house-church in East Toledo in January of Faith in Action was born to share the love of Jesus with those in the community, especially to minister to those who may feel uncomfortable in the traditional church. The church moved to a vacant school building in Ai, Ohio in April of 2005 and began providing life-issue ministry (food, transportation, school supplies, transportation to drug and alcohol counseling, jail ministry, job search assistance) to those living in the mobile home court across from the school. On September 16, 2006, the District Board recommended that Faith in Action be accepted as a new fellowship of the Northern Ohio District Church of the Brethren. At District Conference in July of 2007, Faith in Action Fellowship (FIAF) was officially received. Church Extension Funds were used to support this new Fellowship and to purchase a building in Delta, Ohio where they began worshipping in January Jim Gorrell has served as pastor since the beginning of the ministry, working closely with a Steering Committee. Terry Baldwin has served as Moderator. Faith in Action is a teaching fellowship with the real ministry taking place where the people work and live. Sunday mornings are fully interactive. Worship times consist of active music, periodic dramas, teaching/sermon with congregational participation, and prayer. They take no offering during the worship service; tithes and offerings can be placed in a small box on a back table. One Sunday a month there is a meal for those who attend Sunday morning service as well as for any others who stop in just to get something to eat. Friday evenings are spent in Bible study and twice a month they have Friday evening meals together. Their annual Seder meal brings 60+ to observe the Passover meal, seeing the words and sacrifice of Jesus in the light of this service. FIAF observes other Jewish holidays as well as the Passover, seeing Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophesies. Neighborhood assistance is provided through the Compassion Fund, including assistance with car repair/purchase, housing rental and utility assistance, school supplies and Christmas gifts for the neighborhood children. In conjunction with Shalom Farm, housing, drug and alcohol rehabilitation assistance, and employment assistance has been provided. 4

5 District Conference Youth Activities Junior and Senior High Youth from around the district gathered at District Conference for a time of fun activities, worship, and growing in their faith. Twenty-nine youth were involved throughout the weekend for at least one of the days. District Conference is a great opportunity for youth to be exposed to and see the inner workings of the district, but it is also a time where youth can come together to build relationships with each other and meet up with friends who they've met at camp or other district events. District Conference is just one of many youth events offered in the district throughout the year that provides them a chance to grow deeper in their relationship with Jesus. This year, Friday evening's activities looked different than last year. Because there was not a Worship Arts Camp this year at Inspiration Hills, we were able to involve the youth in a different capacity during the Friday evening service. Youth participated in the worship service in a variety of ways. Several youth performed two skits, and the entire group of youth helped lead three different songs of worship. Most of the youth did not know this was going to be part of their time at District Conference, but each one was willing to participate, help lead, and be involved. The youth had great attitudes and truly did a wonderful job leading. On Saturday, youth were busy! After arriving back at Dupont and enjoying breakfast together, youth gathered for a workshop lead by Kayla Alphonse titled "The Struggle is Real." This workshop was themed on race, faith, and prejudice. Kayla did a wonderful job providing insightful information that challenged our faith in healthy ways. After participating in the Business Session and presenting briefly on their National Youth Conference experiences, the youth had lunch and then headed to a local community center for a time of games and sports. Once returning and having dinner, the weekend ended with the evening worship service. Here are some of the things youth had to say about their experience at District Conference: Lani, Maple Grove, I thought it was an amazing experience. It also had such outstanding speakers. Dante, Woodworth, It was really nice, and I enjoyed the people there and talking to everyone. The speaker was amazing, and I felt like I grew closer to God. Catelyn, Dupont, I thought District Conference was fun, especially when you get to get back together with friends from camp. I also enjoyed the Friday night service that had the youth involved and then the activities that we did during the entire thing. On behalf of the district youth, I'd like to extend a huge THANK YOU to Dupont C.O.B. for the many ways they provided for the youth including transportation, housing, meals, and hospitality. Many other adults in the district provided transportation to and from the event, chaperoned, and served in other ways, and I am grateful for all of you as well. If it were not for youth leaders, chaperones, and other adults investing in the lives of the youth in our churches, the district program would not be effective or successful. Thank you to all who support and provide for the youth in the district! Stay up to date with district youth! 1) Text the to and receive updates via text 2) Like our Facebook page: Northern Ohio District COB Youth Ministry 3) Follow us on 4) Esther at esther@nohcob.org and be put on the mailing list 5 Page 5

6 Celebrating Ministerial Service Celebrating Ministerial Service While each year of ministry is something to be celebrated, in the Northern Ohio District we take time at District Conference to publicly celebrate the completion of the first year of ordination, the 5th year, then every 5 years after that. We also recognize annually those who been ordained more than 50 years. Those recognized this year: Dean Foster (Black River 1 year); Tina Hunt (Ashland First 1 year); Ben Polzin (Poplar Ridge 5 years); Cullen Thompson (Black River 5 years); Kris Hawk (Akron Springfield 10 years); Paul Bartholomew (Mohican 20 years); Alan Brumbaugh (Akron Springfield 20 years); Joe Routh (Black River 20 years); Terry Vaught (Paradise 25 years); Jim Lifer (Owl Creek 30 years); James Washington (Lake Breeze 35); Timothy Bartholomew (Zion Hill 40 years); Don Earlenbaugh (Ashland Dickey 50 years); Paul Myers (Maple Grove 52 years); John Bartholomew (Zion Hill 53 years); Delbert Kettering (East Chippewa 61 years); Clyde Fry (Mansfield First 63 years); Carl Cawood (Ashland First 63 years); Horace Huse (Lakewood 67 years); Wayne Wheeler (New Philadelphia 72 years). District Budget Approved and churches challenged The delegate body approved the 2019 budget as brought by the District Board. The total approved budget is $238,237. This is $1,615 less than the 2018 budget. Delegates were challenged to encourage their congregations to consider their level of giving to the District. In 2016, delegates approved a plan to use the Hottle Fund for ministry disbursing up to 12% a year (up to 4% to District operations, up to 4% to Inspiration Hills, and 4% to the churches through grants). The amount available from this fund will decrease each year since we are now beginning to use some of the principle for ministry. This year, almost 32% of the District Budget came from disbursements from the Hottle Fund. Tom Zuercher, District Board Chair addressed this in his written report: We appreciate the growth in self-allocation support form the congregations and that, combined with careful spending, has allowed us to continue to operate in the black. But as the income from the Hottle funds diminishes in future years, diligent efforts will be necessary to Bridge the Gap (between income and expenses) and ensure that District ministries are financially stable. 6 Page 6

7 Installation of Officers, Doug Price and Brad Kelley Page 7 Thank You Central Committee and Conference Personnel District Conference Central Committee Terry Porter (Dupont) Moderator (2018) Doug Price (Elm Street) Moderator-Elect (2019) Nancy Jacobsen (Mt. Pleasant) Clerk (2020) Terry Vaught (Maple Grove) Member (2018) Bob Patalano (Ashland Dickey) Member (2019) Michael Huffaker (Sugar Creek West) Member (2020) Linda Fry (Mansfield First) Conference Manager Cindy Peel (Akron Springfield) Conference Registrar District Conference Personnel Worship Coordinator: Terry Porter (Dupont) Praise Teams from Dupont and Mohican Church On-Site Coordinator: Cindy Wilson (Dupont) Children s Program Coordinator: Sheila Porter (Dupont) Children s Activities Volunteers: Rhonda Price, Norma Fitzwater, Deb Hazelton, Steve & Ruth Talbott and Sheila Porter Display Coordinator: Leslie Heilshorn (Dupont) Hospitality Coordinator: Terry Vaught (Paradise) Sound & Media Technician: Ira Good (Dupont) and Kevin Wilson (Dupont) Time Keeper: Alan Luginbill (Dupont) Ushers Coordinator: Daryl McClish (Dupont) Counting Supervisor: Bob Patalano (Ashland Dickey) Peace Auction 30 years! As one of the Historic Peace Churches, we are committed to teaching Christ s message of peace peace within ourselves as we make our peace with Jesus; peace within our families, our congregations, and with our friends; peace in our communities; and peace in the world with our friends and those we may call enemy. The Peace Endowment Fund was established in 1982 to support efforts in the District to teach the things that make for peace. This year marked the 30th Annual silent auction for the Peace Endowment Fund. Since the first auction in 1988, over $59,000 has been raised for peace education. Call to Prayer Dupont Pastor, Steve Heilshorn worked with Central Committee to provide several opportunities to focus in prayer during our District Conference this year. A prayer room was available on an ongoing basis, with reflective music playing and a scrolling list of concerns within our district and denomination to lift up in prayer. Saturday morning, we were challenged to meet at the church at 7:30 am for a prayer walk in the area surrounding the church or to spend time praying in the sanctuary or prayer room. What a wonderful emphasis to continue until we gather again for District Conference at Mohican in 2019! 7

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