| June 5, 2013 | |
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CONTENTS
Charlotte
You're invited
Willing hearts and able hands |
Visit www.brethren.org/ac to find out more about Charlotte, N.C.
Photo couresy of Charlotte Visitor's Bureau | Charlotte
The last time that Brethren gathered for a Day of Spiritual Renewal at Annual Conference was at the 300th anniversary in 2008; But all that is about to change in Charlotte.
This year’s agenda has condensed all business toMonday and Tuesday (July 1-2) and set aside Sundayas an opportunity to "worship, sing, fellowship, and pray together," says Chris Douglas, Conference Director. "And we are so excited to hear teaching from Phillip Yancey and Mark Yaconelli." The day will conclude with a concert of prayer that will take worshippers through seven "R's" of prayer: Rejoice, Repent, Resist, Restore, Release, Receive, and Recommit.
All this, plus insight sessions, business, and meal events, will take place in the Charlotte Convention Center in beautiful downtown Charlotte. "The Convention Center is surrounded by all kinds of restaurants, parks, and lovely places to sit," says Chris, and it's connected to the NASCAR Hall of Fame.
Across the street are the two Conference hotels: the Westin and the Hilton. "Both are lovely hotels" says Jon Kobel, Conference Assistant. "And when you register at the Hilton, you'll get a complimentary membership to the Y."
For Conference-goers who are looking for a good bite to eat, Jon recommends an Italian restaurant called Aria, and a barbeque joint called City Smoke (both three blocks away). "Within a six block radius of the Convention Center, there are probably 30 or 40 restaurants of all stripes--fast food, steakhouses, and family dining." Of particular interest is a place called The King’s Kitchen, a ministry started by a chef in the area. "They hire the homeless and all proceeds go to feed the hungry in Charlotte," explains Jon.
Other than lots of food, Charlotte boasts several art museums, US Whitewater Rafting (which includes lots of outdoor activities), and the Billy Graham Center, which conference-goers can visit together by bus (pre-registration is $10). "Downtown Charlotte has had a lot of revitalization," says Chris. "It’s a beautiful city."
As they double check their packing lists, Chris and Jon are careful to not forget school supplies for Classroom Central , a nonprofit in Charlotte. "It’s a warehouse of school supplies that invites teachers to come and shop for free," explains Chris, "So that they can give away supplies whenever students have need." Conference attendees are encouraged to bring supplies to donate and participate in this year’s Witness to the Host City. "During worship, we’ll invite people to bring supplies as an offering to God, and to their sisters and brothers in Charlotte."
Find details about all of this and more at www.brethren.org/ac . See you in Charlotte!
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You're invited.
Will you be at Annual Conference in Charlotte, N.C.? If so, John Hipps would love to meet you.
Stop by room 201 in the Charlotte Convention Center at9 p.m. on Tuesday, July 2, to enjoy delicious treats and casual conversation with the Church of the Brethren's new director of Donor Relations.
Ever wondered how you can leave a legacy through your will? Or if charitable gift annuities are a good idea? Or exactly how your gifts to Church of the Brethren ministries change lives every day? Now is your chance to find out.
E-mail development@brethren.org for more information.
See you there!
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Katie Cummings receives a hug and blessings at a commissioning service for her and workcamp co-coordinator
Tricia Ziegler.
Photo by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford
We Are Able workcampers in 2010.
Photo courtesy of Workcamp Ministry
Katie and Tricia and Young Adult Conference last month.
Photo courtesy of Tricia Ziegler
| Willing hearts and able hands
Last Tuesday I attended a commissioning service for workcamp co-coordinators Katie Cummings and Tricia Ziegler. Church of the Brethren staff and volunteers gathered for a time for singing, laying on of hands, and prayer. Afterward, I was able to catch up with Katie and Tricia to ask a few questions about the Workcamp Ministry and the exciting summer ahead.
-- Matt DeBall, program assistant to Donor Relations
Why are Workcamps important?
Tricia: Workcamps have an educational component where students can learn about important issues. Through going to another place, they can experience poverty, for example, as another dimension to society. And because we typically work with organizations that already exist in communities, we can come alongside and learn from them.
Katie: Workcamps are important because they allow students to have a mountaintop serving experience, and then return home with a fresh perspective and new ideas for creative ways to help. There is also time to talk with students from other states and learn together how we can serve throughout the rest of our lives.
Is there a project that you're particularly excited about?
Tricia: At the "We Are Able" workcamp in New Windsor, Md., I’m excited to see students with disabilities grow, learn, and explore their abilities. Also, I really like construction work so I look forward to the project in Schoharie, N.Y., through Brethren Disaster Ministries .
Katie: I’m really passionate about intentional community projects, so I'm looking forward to visiting Koinonia farms in Georgia, a former project that we’re excited to revive.
How can eBrethren readers support workcamps this summer?
Tricia: Katie wrote a beautiful litany for churches to use to commission their youth. Advisors are crucial to having a successful week, so prayer for them to lead by example and bridge the gap between the youth and leadership would be appreciated.
Katie: We would love for eBrethren readers to pray for traveling mercies, and that each participant will come with a willing heart, an open mind, and able hands to serve. We pray that everyone will be energized and transformed to better serve their own community.
Workcamps begin on June 8. Learn more at www.brethren.org/workcamps . To financially support workcamps, visit www.brethren.org/give .
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"God’s truth brings justice for the poor,
food for the hungry, love for the downcast.
To those struggling to catch their breath,
Jesus demonstrates the
refreshing air of the Spirit."
--Chris Keating in the June edition of Messengermagazine. |
 | Do you have a story about how you or your congregation practice stewardship? E-mail it to mgarcia@brethren.org !
eBrethren: stories of Brethren stewards, is produced every other week by the Church of the Brethren's donor communications team. Send feedback to mgarcia@brethren.org
or call 847-742-5100 ext. 361.
Thanks for reading!
Watch for our next issue on June 19, 2013! |
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