Annual Conference 2005 - Tuesday Features Page

LIGHT-HEARTED LUNCHEON CELEBRATES SEMINARY CENTENNIAL
The centennial of Bethany Theological Seminary has been celebrated throughout the week of Annual Conference in diverse ways—in song, on video, in print, and even through commemorative Christmas ornaments. Today’s well-attended luncheon gave Bethany friends, faculty, and alumni/ae a chance to let their hair down for a light-hearted reminiscence of “Bethany as It Really Was: The Rest of the Story.”

Events were chronicled and stories told about three threads of the seminary experience: living in community, educational experiences, and changes in the Church of the Brethren. Each of these threads were divided according to the geographical homes of Bethany—the Van Buren Street years in Chicago, the Oak Brook (Ill.) years, and the Richmond (Ind.) years.

The various generations at the luncheon enjoyed hearing tales of each others’ adventures, which included tales of a wild basketball game against Moody Bible Institute, a baptismal training class gone wrong, the pains of “colloquium” groups, and student potlucks in which participants prayed that someone would be flush enough that week to bring something with meat in it.

Of course, faculty are a large part of any seminary experience. Academic dean Stephen Reid introduced current faculty and staff in attendance, and many former professors were recalled in the story time. In a bit of irony, professor emerita Nancy Faus Mullen first entertained the crowd with her costumed impression of her mentor, Al Brightbill (whom, it was claimed, is now directing the choir in heaven where he is allowed to add ten sung “Amens” at the end of each hymn); then, a short time later, she herself was spoofed in a pitch-perfect characterization by Erin Matteson.

BRETHREN REVIVAL FELLOWSHIP SPONSORS A RANGE OF ACTIVITIES
Brethren Revival Fellowship (BRF) was active again this year hosting meal events and insight sessions. BRF’s commitment to spiritual renewal, personal evangelism, moral uprightness, and doctrinal purity within the church affects its activity at Conference.

On Sunday, July 3, at noon nearly 50 people attended a time of prayer and fasting, facilitated by Craig Alan Myers. Using the story of Jehoshaphat, from 2 Chronicles 20, he led the group through times of adoration, petition, thanksgiving, and praise. Those attending were invited to share prayers and songs as they felt led.

The BRF luncheon was held on Monday, July 4, with over 130 people attending. The luncheon each year is used to highlight one or more of BRF’s activities. This year Harold S. Martin, BRF “Witness” editor, spoke about the commentary series BRF is writing and publishing. The goal is to publish concise, easy-to-read commentaries on all of the New Testament books over the next few years. Six volumes have been published: Matthew, 1 Corinthians, Colossians and Philippians, 1 and 2 Timothy, James and Jude, and Revelation. The luncheon also featured special music from the “Copenhaver Crooners.”

An insight session was held on the Annual Conference theme with James F. Myer speaking on the topic “What Would Jesus Say to the Church of the Brethren?” More than 100 attended the session. He started by reading the beatitudes from the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5. “What nine beatitudes would Jesus have for the Brethren in 2005?” he asked. Blessed are the Brethren who are cautious to believe they can speak for me (Jesus), was the first Brethren beatitude Myer suggested. Some of the others were: Blessed are the Brethren who don’t stop repenting after they are baptized. Blessed are the Brethren who understand our Father is a Holy God. Blessed are the Brethren who know peace involves more that just not being a soldier. Blessed are the Brethren who know that what I (Jesus) have said is already in print.

The BRF Dinner on Tuesday, July 5, attracted nearly 300 people. The program included special music by Victoria Smith. The inspirational message was brought by Wilmer Horst of Falling Spring Church of the Brethren in Waynesboro, Pa. His title was “Adopted Children of God,” using Romans 8:14-17 as his scripture.

BRETHREN WITNESS/WSHINGTON OFFICE SPONSORED PRAYER VIGIL

Conference-goers gathered for an hour long vigil to pray about areas of violence in the world.
Photo by Dale Seese

Members of the 2005 Annual Conference news team, a ministry of the General Board, contributed to this report: Regina Roberts, Jesse Reid, Hannah Edwards, Sarah Kovacs, and Dale Seese, photographers; Kathleen Campanella, Karen Garrett, Jill Kline, Frank Ramirez, Frances Townsend, Sarah Leatherman Young, and Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, writers; Amy Heckert, technical support; Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford and Becky Ullom, editors.

219th Annual Conference Peoria, Illinois July 2-6, 2005