Freeport Hosts District Conference - Nov. 2 - 4, 2007
Freeport is about as close as we can get to being in both Illinois and Wisconsin. The Freeport Church of the Brethren hosted the District Conference at the Masonic Temple in downtown Freeport. The building allowed the conference to be held in one spot including meals and the business sessions.
First thanks must go to Pastor Lisa Fike and the on-site coordinator Jim Bicksler. The program went smoothly with all of the energy and anxiety going on unnoticed behind the scenes. Thanks again to Freeport and their congregation for a smooth running District Conference.
Friday evening was a time for visiting, registration and an inspiring message from our Moderator Joyce Person. Joyce became moderator when the elected Moderator, Kevin Kessler, took on the responsibility of District Executive. She didn't have the opportunity of the one year term of Moderator-Elect to prepare for the position. The theme of her sermon was the theme of the 300th anniversary symbol; "Surrendered , Transformed, Empowered". She spoke of the miracle of her husband's recovery from an almost fatal experience and inspired us all to seek the power of prayer and our God. Jerry Sales, Moderator-elect served as Worship Leader.
After Worship on Friday the delegates and guests went to the fellowship area to look at the exhibits and enjoy snacks.
Saturday morning and it's down to business in the auditorium. 96 delegates and 78 guests attended the session. After an opening hymn and meditation, Moderator Joyce Person gaveled the conference into session. Next the delegates were commissioned, the minutes approved, the agenda accepted and the approval of the tellers and timekeeper.
The first order of business was the presentation of the slate from the Gifts and Discernment team of those called to District positions. The ballot (slate) was handed out, a vote taken and the tellers went to count the results.
Reports by the various Ministry teams, committees, camps, homes, etc. were all printed in the conference handout and were to be studied ahead of time. Duplicate reports were not to be given from the podium, although new information may be presented. The District Conference adjourned and reconvened for the annual meetings of the camps, homes and New Church Development Board
One Study Committee Report presented to the conference for action was to declare the New Church Development Board equally important as the District Leadership Team both reporting to the District Conference. Both teams have direction in specific areas of importance and therefore exist together to carry out those goals as defined by the District Conference. The question passed with a majority of the vote.
The other issue presented to the conference by the Leadership Team was the requested disassociation of the Astoria Church of the Brethren. The Astoria Church has unilaterally taken actions contrary to the constitution and by-laws of the district and refused to meet with the Leadership Team. The Leadership Team then felt compelled to ask for legal advice from an attorney. The matter is still pending waiting to see what, if any, action will be required of the Illinois-Wisconsin District.
After lunch the conference reconvened to install the District Executive, Kevin Kessler. After a great report from the Junior High group, the conference commissioned the Newly elected members of the District Team.
The 300th Anniversary Team presented a video and music program of the roots of the Church of the Brethren. Elder George Wolfe II and wife Anna appeared to tell their story of the early church in Illinois.
The evening entertainment was a lively band concert in the Masonic Auditorium.
The Sunday Worship Service featured Pastor Dennis Webb of the Naperville church. His message, "Spiritual Transformation into unified Purpose" brought the congregation to respond with "Amens" and "preach it brother".. It was an inspiring message of "get out of your cocoons and get busy spreading the word of God." The worship ended with the consecration of the new Moderator, Jerry Sales and the new Moderator-Elect, Gil Crosby. The closing hymn was "The Storm is Passing Over."
The conference choir and the youth choir provided music for worship services.
Respectfully submitted by Gil Crosby.
First thanks must go to Pastor Lisa Fike and the on-site coordinator Jim Bicksler. The program went smoothly with all of the energy and anxiety going on unnoticed behind the scenes. Thanks again to Freeport and their congregation for a smooth running District Conference.
Friday evening was a time for visiting, registration and an inspiring message from our Moderator Joyce Person. Joyce became moderator when the elected Moderator, Kevin Kessler, took on the responsibility of District Executive. She didn't have the opportunity of the one year term of Moderator-Elect to prepare for the position. The theme of her sermon was the theme of the 300th anniversary symbol; "Surrendered , Transformed, Empowered". She spoke of the miracle of her husband's recovery from an almost fatal experience and inspired us all to seek the power of prayer and our God. Jerry Sales, Moderator-elect served as Worship Leader.
After Worship on Friday the delegates and guests went to the fellowship area to look at the exhibits and enjoy snacks.
Saturday morning and it's down to business in the auditorium. 96 delegates and 78 guests attended the session. After an opening hymn and meditation, Moderator Joyce Person gaveled the conference into session. Next the delegates were commissioned, the minutes approved, the agenda accepted and the approval of the tellers and timekeeper.
The first order of business was the presentation of the slate from the Gifts and Discernment team of those called to District positions. The ballot (slate) was handed out, a vote taken and the tellers went to count the results.
Reports by the various Ministry teams, committees, camps, homes, etc. were all printed in the conference handout and were to be studied ahead of time. Duplicate reports were not to be given from the podium, although new information may be presented. The District Conference adjourned and reconvened for the annual meetings of the camps, homes and New Church Development Board
One Study Committee Report presented to the conference for action was to declare the New Church Development Board equally important as the District Leadership Team both reporting to the District Conference. Both teams have direction in specific areas of importance and therefore exist together to carry out those goals as defined by the District Conference. The question passed with a majority of the vote.
The other issue presented to the conference by the Leadership Team was the requested disassociation of the Astoria Church of the Brethren. The Astoria Church has unilaterally taken actions contrary to the constitution and by-laws of the district and refused to meet with the Leadership Team. The Leadership Team then felt compelled to ask for legal advice from an attorney. The matter is still pending waiting to see what, if any, action will be required of the Illinois-Wisconsin District.
After lunch the conference reconvened to install the District Executive, Kevin Kessler. After a great report from the Junior High group, the conference commissioned the Newly elected members of the District Team.
The 300th Anniversary Team presented a video and music program of the roots of the Church of the Brethren. Elder George Wolfe II and wife Anna appeared to tell their story of the early church in Illinois.
The evening entertainment was a lively band concert in the Masonic Auditorium.
The Sunday Worship Service featured Pastor Dennis Webb of the Naperville church. His message, "Spiritual Transformation into unified Purpose" brought the congregation to respond with "Amens" and "preach it brother".. It was an inspiring message of "get out of your cocoons and get busy spreading the word of God." The worship ended with the consecration of the new Moderator, Jerry Sales and the new Moderator-Elect, Gil Crosby. The closing hymn was "The Storm is Passing Over."
The conference choir and the youth choir provided music for worship services.
Respectfully submitted by Gil Crosby.
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