Quick Links:
October 6-7, 2023
The Tie That Binds
1 Peter 3:8-9
Tuesday, September 12, 6:30pm — Delegate Briefing, Online Only via Zoom
Link for briefing can be found above in the quick links when available. It will be emailed directly to those registered for the Business Session, and will be sent out through our publications. District Leadership will provide background and review the business items as well as provide a time for delegates to ask questions regarding those business items.
Thursday, October 5: Bible Study 7:00pm , Online Only via Zoom
Please join us for a District wide Bible Study led by Rachel Johnson from Mechanic Grove Church of the Brethren. Rachel will have a study focused on the theme of Conference. All are welcome, even if not attending other events. Let us gather as one. A Zoom link will be posted above in the quick links when available. It will be emailed to those registered for the Business session as well as included in our publications.
In Person Only
Friday, October 6: Worship Service 7:00pm,
Hempfield Church of the Brethren
Open to All, no registration needed. Join us as Shawn O’Brien (West Green Tree) preaches and we recognize our 50 year ministers as well as ACTS graduates. Spanish interpretation available.
Saturday, October 7: Business Session,
The Junction Center, Manheim PA, 1875 Junction Road
8:00am – 4:30pm
Open to All, registration required for Delegates and Non Delegates.
Join us for a day of information, learning and sharing! In addition to voting on business and hearing updates, participate in table discussions while learning how the Commissions and organizations are networking together for your and other congregations. Visit with representatives from Camp Swatara, Brethren Disaster Ministries, PA Council of Churches, SVMC and ANE’s Historical Committee throughout the day! See below for Registration instructions and deadlines. Spanish interpretation available. Childcare available at Hempfield CoB – please indicate need on registration. Details will be communicated closer to the event.
In addition to the small group discussions, Leonor Ochoa will bring an opening meditation, and Ryan Braught will provide an insight session titled ‘It is the end of the world as we know it. Do you feel fine?’
Our world is a different place than it was 50 years ago, 20 years ago, 10 years ago, even just 3 years ago. The world that our children, or grandchildren are growing up in is not the world that we grew up in. Less than half of Americans are religiously affiliated. The fastest growing segment of the population is the “Nones.” The church, in many areas, has lost the place of power, privilege and position it once held. We have moved from what is called Christendom to what is called Post-Christendom. In this insight session, we will explore many social and theological issues that the church is facing, as well as give some ideas of ways that the church can faithfully live in the way of Jesus and the Kingdom of God.
2023 ANE District Conference Moderator, David Nichols
Newsletter Article – March/April
Newsletter Article – May/June (Logo interpretation)
Newsletter Article – July/August
Biography
Offering –2023 ANE District Barnabas Fund
This fund is in urgent need of support. The fund has been established to share the blessing of financial resources with those who express a ministry-driven need. The Fund seeks to encourage the ministry of congregations through a grant-based ministry investment strategy that seeks Kingdom-based ministry results through shared resources, fiscal accountability, ministry planning, and economic partnering. Learn more about the fund – HERE.
Donations: Donate when registering for the Business Session, or click HERE to donate an offering (by credit card or PayPal). Please indicate it is for the Barnabas Fund. Checks may be sent to the District office at 500 East Cedar St, Elizabethtown, PA 17022.
Item Collection for Brethren Housing Association
The Program & Arrangements Committee has selected BHA as the organization to receive item donations this year. Please bring any of the following items to either the Worship Service or Business Session. Have your congregation collect items, too, and bring them along! Let us shower them with items they need!
- Toilet paper
- Paper towels
- Laundry detergent
- Mops
- Brooms
- Trash bags
Can’t physically bring something? Donate one or more of the above from their Amazon Wishlist.
Registration Information— Opening July 1!
Registration Fee $35 – Includes Continental Breakfast, and boxed lunch.
Registration Closes September 15
Same Day Walk In Fee: $50 (Limited lunch options available, or bring your own)
Congregational Delegates for 2023– Please check how many delegates your congregation is allowed for 2023 by clicking HERE.
- All Congregational Delegates need to be registered by July 31 in order to receive conference materials prior to the Delegate Briefing. Each delegate will need to register separately, and will need an individual email that is unique to them.
- Please use the link above (Registration Information – available July 1) to note what details are needed to register prior to starting the registration process.
- Conference Books will be sent out the beginning of August. If you do not receive yours by the end of August either by USPS or email, please contact the District Office.
Time for questions and answers:
For the second year in a row, after lunch, there will be a designated period to raise questions to District Leadership. In contrast to what may be too common in culture, the lack of transparency, District Executive, Pete Kontra and Jim Grossnickle-Batterton along with other District leadership have made themselves available to receive your questions about ministry, mission, agendas, focus, etc.
As together we seek to implement “The Way Forward,” it is important that transparency and trust be a key aspect of that endeavor. Here is the invitation: Engage your mind and bring your thoughtful, and even your troubling questions to conference. Or, you may submit your questions early with your online registration, or here. Engage your trust and receive our leader’s genuine responses.