ANNUAL CONFERENCE

The 2022 Church of the Brethren Annual Conference took place July 10-14 in Omaha, Neb.—the first time since 1970 the event had taken place in Nebraska. It was a much smaller-than-usual Conference, with just about 1,175 people on site plus some virtual participants, but it was still full of good energy, connection, and community, with business and worship and other events through the week. The attendees included a sizeable contingent from Illinois/Wisconsin District, and some of the group gathered for lunch one day during the Conference.

Madalyn Metzger, who grew up in the Springfield First congregation and now lives in northern Indiana, was called as moderator-elect! She will serve as moderator of Annual Conference in 2024, when it will take place in Grand Rapids, Mich. Tim McElwee, former administrator at Manchester University and director of the Church of the Brethren Washington Office, will be the 2023 moderator. The 2023 Conference takes place July 4-8 in Cincinnati with the theme “Living God’s Love.” Donna March (Highland Avenue) was called to the board of Eder Financial (formerly Brethren Benefit Trust).

Dennis Webb (Naperville) concluded his service as the district’s representative to the Annual Conference Standing Committee, with several participants praising the contributions he has made to that body. Bobbi Dykema (Springfield) has been appointed to fill that position through 2024.

Leonard Matheny (Peoria) once again served as coordinator of delegate registration. Joyce Person (Dixon) assisted operations in the business hall. Christina Singh (Freeport) served as worship leader on the opening night. Others volunteered in various capacities through the week. And, of course, numerous staff from the General Offices in Elgin worked throughout the event to make it all happen, including new director Rhonda Pittman Gingrich.

The Council of District Executives meeting preceded the main Annual Conference schedule. Current DE Walt Wiltschek attended those meetings, during which former DE Kevin Kessler (Canton) was honored at an evening dinner celebration with a plaque and testimonial for his 14 years of service. The plaque (and an accompanying paperweight) said: “In appreciation to Kevin Kessler for your years of outstanding leadership, devotion, and service to the Illinois/Wisconsin District in Executive Ministries and to the Council of District Executives. January 1, 2007 to December 31, 2020.”

In business, delegates adopted a new Integrated Annual Ministry Agreement and Revised Guidelines for Pastors’ Salaries and Benefits and a Revised Minimum Cash Salary Table for Pastors, both recommendations from the Pastoral Compensation and Benefits Advisory Committee. Reflecting current high inflation, an 8.2 percent cost-of-living adjustment was recommended for the pastors’ salary table in 2023.

Delegates also adopted an update to polity for Annual Conference agencies, which will take effect in 2024; approved a two-year study process to address concerns of a query on “Standing with People of Color”; formed a study committee to look at a query on “Breaking Down Barriers" to Annual Conference participation; and adopted amendments to the Ethics in Ministry Relations polity and minor revisions to the bylaws of Church of the Brethren Inc. Jeanne Davies (York Center) was named to the “Breaking Down Barriers” study committee.

A dozen new congregations and projects were welcomed into the denomination, most of them Spanish- or Creole-speaking churches in Florida. An a special time of celebration honored the service of long-time Annual Conference director Chris Douglas, who retired last year, and Jim Beckwith, who completed 10 years as Conference secretary.