District Conference was recently held in McPherson for the Western Plains District of the Church of the Brethren.

This year’s conference theme was Desire to Know Christ, based on Philippians 3: 10 – 11. It had the feeling of a ‘quiet’ conference this year with the major business being presented by Moderator Keith Funk, pastor of the Quinter Congregation. The business included the voting on the new district reorganization, which was presented and discussed in detail at the 2009 district conference and studied throughout the district this past year. The reorganization is reflective of our own Leadership Team and its ministry teams, being called to serve through a Gifts Discernment team.

The goal of the new organization is to streamline the work of the district and also be respectful of the traveling and time commitments that it often requires for those servicing the district organization. With the reorganization, meetings are expected to be easier to orchestrate with a smaller group comprising of the Leadership Team and also the district teams are embracing the current Internet technology to ‘meet’ online.

Conference speakers, Pastors Keith Funk, Cheryl Mishler and Lisa Hazen all spoke on the district conference theme and avenues we can take and embrace to know Christ and walk with Christ in our worship and every day life. They shared their experiences and also the hopes of the district to continue to serve the churches of the district and members in their faith walks with Christ. Areas of Christian service and opportunities were also presented during the conference to remind us of how the Church of the Brethren is working in our congregations, communities, nation and the world to bring the message of Christ to everyone.

Gregg and Judy Stockstill-As district delegates we are continually surprised as to the work and the dedication of the church and its members. We are always amazed at the number of volunteer hours that are given to the church and it’s programs to spread Christ’s word and work. The church is comprised of people from all walks of life, but they all strive in working for one goal – that is a desire to know Christ and live by his word.

District conference gives us great examples of choices we want to make in our lives and the path we choose to follow in our daily walk. It gives us ideas of ways to serve in our future retirement and also programs to support that benefit young and old alike.

We are also always amazed that the number of people that attend District Conference that we actually ‘know.’ We may not know them personally but they are someone’s grandparents, aunts, uncles, college acquaintances or old friends that we hadn’t seen in awhile. We embrace the new connections that we have made and the learning of how much we have in common with other Brethren.

We would also like to congratulate Carolyn Weddle for being elected to serve on the District Conference Board. We send out congratulations and support for Bob Dell as he begins his year of service to the District as Moderator.

Your delegates at this year’s conference were Gregg and Judy Stockstill, Rebekah Wagoner, along with Carolyn and LeRoy Weddle. We all thank you for the opportunity to represent the McPherson Church of the Brethren at this years District Conference.