Theme, General Sessions Set for Gathering VI

The Gathering VI Planning Team has selected the theme, “Melt me, mold me, fill me, use me” for the 2010 event to take place October 22-24.  These words from the hymn “Spirit of the Living God” are related to the National Youth Conference theme and to scriptures in II Corinthians (4:7 and 6:8), Isaiah (74:8) and Jeremiah (18:3-4). The Team is enthused about the relevance of the theme for us right now and about the wonderful ways it provides for illustration in worship and visuals. 

As we plan for ways to work with this theme, the General Session leadership is now in place. A new feature will be a series of large group Bible studies to help us grow in our understanding of God’s transformational work among us. Steve Reid, seminary professor and former dean of Bethany Theological Seminary, will lead three studies. Steve is one of the most popular Bible study leaders in the denomination. 

A young adult musical group, “Mutual Kumquat” (see the Messenger cover photo and story in the December issue), will provide music and present a general session on enlivening the old hymns. “Gathering” regulars will already know one of the group’s members, Seth Hendricks. 

Preachers for the three worship services will be: Carol Mason of Centralia, Wash. who will preach Friday evening; Annual Conference Moderator Shawn, Flory Replogle who will preach Saturday evening; and Kathy Goering Reid who will preach our sending sermon on Sunday. Kathy is the former executive of the Association of Brethren Caregivers and now serves in Texas.

The Gathering Planning Team includes Cheryl Mishler, John Doran, Jennifer Jensen, Ed and June Switzer, Bob Dell, Joyce Petry, Kendra Flory, Sonja Griffith and Dale Minnich. Watch the September issue of Shepherd’s Voice for the list of Gathering workshops and other features.

Gathering V an Inspiring Event

 About 300 persons converged on WebsterConferenceCenter in Salina on October 23-25 for the District’s fifth Gathering conference, a project of its transformation movement.  If they came for inspiring preaching exploring the theme, “Behold, A New Thing—Do You Perceive It?” or for stretching ideas for ministry back home, lively music, and Brethren fellowship and fun they were not disappointed.  Jonathan Shively, Carol Mason and Ken and Elsie Holderread were the preachers and Shively and Shawn Flory Replogle led related general sessions. Eleven workshops were offered. Marie Rhodes and Seth Hendricks were featured leaders at an excellent youth retreat.  Numerous persons led in about 16 hours of children’s activities and infant care.  Conference participants enjoyed new facilities this year that enhanced the workshop and community building dimensions of the event.

On Saturday evening there were several activities celebrating the ministry of Ken and Elsie Holderread in the District since 2003.  A “Service of Celebration” used visuals and teams of narrators to tell the District’s story during their time of ministry.  A reception in their honor followed.