2016 National Conference AGENDA & CAMPUS INFORMATION

15 Pages·2016·0.56 MB·English

by  Brenda Long

2016 National Conference

Wednesday, May 25-Friday, May 27

Messiah College, Grantham, PA

AGENDA & CAMPUS

INFORMATION
PURPOSE

The purpose of the Evangelical Congregational Church is to know Christ

and to make Him known.

MISSION

The mission of the Evangelical Congregatio nal Church is to raise up healthy churches
proclaiming Christ to a hurting world.

CORE V ALUES

Passion f or Christ
As demonstrated by our commitment to the authority of the Bible, the centrality of prayer  Welcome

and the pursuit of holiness.
 Leadership/Tellers
Compassion for the Lost
 Agenda
As demonstrated by evangelism and acts of mercy on a local, national and global scale.

 Campus Information

Servant Leadership

As demonstrated by the training and development of men and women for  Agenda

mission and ministry.

 Bishop Kevin Memorial

Healthy Ministries

5K Run/Walk – 10K Bike
As demonstrated by changed lives through culturally sensitive churches and denominational institutions.
 First Lay Delegate’s
United in the Body of Christ

As demonstrated by the networking of church es with the Evangelical Congregational Church Orientation
and the larger K ingdom of God.
 Special Meals

 Women’s Program
VISI ON
 On Campus Info

The Evangelical Congregational Church will be a dynamic m ovement of God that is led by pastors and laity who have a
o Registration

burning passion for God and a missionary zeal to reach the lost. We will creatively obey the Great Commission by

transforming plateaued and declining churches into healthy, disciple-making churches that are committed to evangelizing o On Campus Info

the communities to which God has called them. Healthy churches will reproduce themselves by planting churches in least-

List of Pastors & Lay
reached communities. Interdependence will be the distinguis hing mark of the Evangelical Congregational Church as local 
churches network with one another and ministries beyo nd the E.C. family to proclaim the Gospel to the world. Delegates
WELCOME

Dear National Conference members and guests,

Enclosed you will find information you need for National Conference 2016 which will meet at Messiah College this May 25-27. In
this packet of material you’ll find useful things like a map of the campus so you don’t get lost (or at least can find your way
back), an agenda, and of course lots of reports. Please remember that this year the reports were published in two separate
pieces – the proposed amendments to the DISCIPLINE and Rules of Conference were posted to the EC Church website
(www.eccenter.com) prior to the pre-conference meetings. The remaining reports are with this packet. It is important for you
to bring all the documents with you to National Conference. This year we once again have an abundance of reading material
and while I understand that reading reports may not be the most exciting thing you have planned between now and the end of
May, it is very important that you read through them prior to Conference so you can ask questions and enter into meaningful
discussion.

This year I have asked Rev. Rich Stevenson to join us as a guest preacher in two extended times of worship. Rich is a friend of
the E.C. Church, having spoken in the past at Conference and our Camp Meetings. More information about Rich is provided in
this packet. I look forward to what he and other devotional leaders will be sharing from God’s Word.

Last year our National Conference theme was COMMUNITY and we noted that it is no accident that “unity” is found in
community. This year we will develop that even onr through our theme – ONE. Some may ask how “oneness” can be
established in the church; but, according to the Bible, it’s not our job to establish it because it already exists; it is given by God.
What we need to do is to value and maintain it. If there is mutual love and concern we will be a witness to the mercy, grace,
and love of God that the world can see and people will be drawn to Jesus. Now is the time to put into practice what we have
said in the DISCIPLINE for years: the local church cannot carry out the Great Commission alone, we join together in love.
Embracing our common DISCIPLINE and our common purpose – to know Christ and make Him known.

Join me as we unite during the days of National Conference 2016 to worship, pray, celebrate, and work together to honor God
and build his Kingdom together.

In Christ’s service,
NATIONAL CONFERENCE LEADERSHIP

Bishop Rev. Bruce D. Hill (Chairman)
Susquehanna Conference Minister Rev. Dr. Gordon R. Lewis (Vice-Chairman)
Delaware Conference Minister Rev. Dr. Gary L. Kuehner
Great Lakes Conference Minister Rev. Charles J. Campbell
Director of Global Ministries Rev. Randall L. Sizemore
Controller Mr. Kevin C. Henry

TELLERS

Rev. Ted Rathman, Chairman
Rev. Charles Walker, Vice Chairman
Rev. Joel Kime, Secretary
Please be considerate of others and
SILENCE your cell phones and pagers
during the conference sessions!!
AGENDA

(Subject to Change)

Tuesday, May 24
7:00-9:00 pm Registration FOR THOSE WHO ARE STAYING ON CAMPUS TUESDAY NIGHT

Wednesday, May 25
7:00 am Breakfast
9:00 am Registration
ALL REGISTRATIONS - EISENHOWER CAMPUS CENTER
9:00 am 10K Bike Ride
10:00 am 5K Run/Walk
10:45 am First Time Lay Delegate Orientation
NOON Lunch
1:00 pm Holy Communion – the College Chapel
Preacher: Rev. Bruce Hill, Bishop
2:30 pm Organization of Conference
Afternoon Session
 Episcopal Address
 Conference Ministers’ Reports
ALL ANNOUNCEMENTS
 NMT/NEC Report
SHOULD BE WRITTEN ON A
 Treasurer’s Report
NOTE AND HANDED TO
 Memorial Report
SECRETARY STERLING
5:00 pm Dinner
 Evangelical Seminary Dinner (See promo) TRIMMER!!
6:00 pm Prayer Gathering
6:30 pm Worship
7:30 pm Evening Session
 Global Ministries Commission
 Committee Reports
8:30 pm Ice Cream & Opening of Display Area
Thursday, May 26
7:00 am Breakfast
8:00 am Registration – Eisenhower Campus Center
8:30 am Worship
9:00 am Morning Session
 National Conference Relations Committee
 Rules & Content of the Journal
NOON Lunch
 Retiree Luncheon (by Invitation Only)
 Global Ministries Commission Luncheon (See promo)
1:15 pm Prayer Gathering
1:45 pm Worship
2:45 pm Afternoon Session
 Benefits Corporation
 Evangelism & Discipleship Commission
 Evangelical Seminary
 StoneRidge Retirement Living
 Church Planting Commission
6:00 pm Appreciation Dinner for Conference Ministers

Friday, May 27
7:00 am Breakfast
8:30 am Worship
9:00 am Morning Session
 Leadership Commission
 Camping Ministries
 Church Health Commission
 2017 Budget
Noon Lunch
Dr. Rich Stevenson

Rich is the Executive Director of The Malachi Network
(www.malachinetwork.org), a ministry focused on making the name of the
LORD great among the nations. This network serves 50+ young leaders in
missions and church planting around the globe.
Prior to his present ministry, Rich has pastored and planted churches in New
Jersey, Kentucky and Missouri, established a global network of churches,
taught at Asbury College, International House of Prayer University and
Bethany College of Mission, and served as an Intercessory Missionary.

Rich is the author of two books:
Secrets of the Spiritual Life – 10 Lessons from the One Thing Passages (Baker Books, 2003)
A Voice from Home – The Words You Long to Hear from Your Father (WaterBrook Press, 2005)
He graduated from Asbury University in 1984 with a BA degree in Philosophy of Religion and Asbury Theological Seminary in
1987 with a Master of Divinity degree. In 2010, Rich received an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree from Union Biblical
Seminary in Yangon, Myanmar.
Rich has been married to Tania since 1982 and they have been blessed by amazing children and grandchildren: Zachary, his wife
Meghan and Naima, Jacob, his wife Lena and Grey, Jessica and Corrie Emma.

Bishop Kevin Memorial 5K Rev Run/Walk – 10K Bike (Wednesday, May 25)

The Rev Run will be in Honor of Rev. Kevin Leibensperger and all proceeds will benefit his passion: Church Planting.
The Run/Walk and Bike forms in parking lot in front of the Hostetter Chapel.

Advance Registration - $30.00
Day of Race Registration - $35.00
Registration includes a T-shirt.

Sponsored by Healthy Pastors Team & Church Planting Commission
Donations Benefit EC Church Planting

Lay Delegate Orientation (Wednesday, May 25)

The position of lay delegate has been one of the most important in the Evangelical Congregational Church, and as such, it is not
a responsibility to be taken lightly. This short orientation will help you to develop a better knowledge of the history and work
of the EC Church. The orientation will be held on Wednesday morning at a site to be determined. Check with the E.C. Courtesy
Desk upon registration to get details.
Evangelical Seminary Dinner (Wednesday, May 25)

Please join us at the Evangelical Seminary Dinner where you will enjoy a delicious upscale dinner. We want to meet and host
as many pastors, lay delegates, spouses, and others attending the National Conference as possible. Although we have faced
some challenges in the last year, we have also been afforded some new and exciting opportunities. And we want to share
the excitement with YOU!
You will also have the opportunity to be one of three who will receive a free, autographed copy of Dr. Tony Blair’s recent
book, Boldly, Broadly, and Beautifully Evangelical. Or you might be one of two who will receive a copy of Dr. Blair’s
devotional guide, When Leaders Try Hard Things: Lessons from Mt. Everest.
We hope to see you at the Evangelical Seminary Dinner. Catch the excitement!

Global Ministries Luncheon (Thursday, May 26)
Randy Sizemore, Director of Global Ministries, will give updates on his three field trips he took this year.

Appreciation Dinner for Conference Ministers (Thursday, May 26)
At this special dinner we will recognize and celebrate the ministry of our Conference Ministers. Rather than the
usual cafeteria style meal we will gather together in the dining room for a special served dinner with your choice of
Braised Beef Short Ribs or Herb Grilled Chicken Breast (your choice must be made on the registration form).
Following that we will recognize our Conference Ministers and their wives and then enjoy some entertainment
together. Please plan to be a part of this special evening as, together, we say “thank you” to Gordy & Donna Lewis,
Gary & Carol Kuehner, and Chuck & Annette Campbell for their ministry.

Women’s Program
Featured speakers will be Carol Cool on Wednesday afternoon and Thursday morning. Michelle Kime of Imagine
Goods will be featured on Thursday afternoon.
A more detailed agenda will be available at the Conference sessions.
ON CAMPUS INFO

ALL REGISTRATIONS WILL BE AT THE EISENHOWER CENTER
There will be construction happening on the campus during the time of the
Conference Sessions. PLEASE see the MAP that is enclosed for driving directions to
the Eisenhower Center and to the Dorms and Apartments.

REGISTRATION at the Eisenhower Center
 Tuesday, May 24 – 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm (FOR THOSE STAYING ON CAMPUS TUESDAY NIGHT)
 Wednesday, May 25 registration begins at 9:00 am
 A $10.00 per person COMMUTER FEE will be charged on Wednesday and Thursday to those who do not stay on campus and
commute to the conference sessions. This fee is assessed to us by the college.
 The Conference sessions officially begin on Wednesday afternoon at 1:00 pm with Holy Communion in the Hostetter Chapel.
 The current pastor of each church is responsible to pick up his church’s MINISTRY RESOURCE BAG (brown paper bag) upon
registering.

ON CAMPUS

 Keys to individual rooms are distributed at registration. Room keys must be returned to the Guest Relations desk upon leaving
the campus when your stay is completed. You will be charged $75.00 replacement fee for keys not returned.
 In addition you will receive an ID access/meal card in your EC Registration Packet. An access card reader can be found at the
outside entrance to each dormitory/apartment building. All residence hall doors will remain locked during your stay.
 This ID access/meal card is also your “ticket” to gain entrance to the Dining Room. The Lottie Nelson Cafeteria is located on the
upper floor of the Eisenhower Center.
 If you have registered for any of the SPECIAL MEALS, you will find distinctive tickets in your registration packet. The location of
each meal will be printed on the ticket. You will NOT be able to purchase additional tickets for these special meals at the
conference sessions.
 Additional tickets for regular meals can be purchased at the EC Courtesy Desk.
 An elevator is located just off the hallway outside the Brubaker Auditorium (check with the EC Courtesy Desk).
 Business sessions will be held in the Brubaker Auditorium in the Eisenhower Center.
 Dress policy is “business casual”. We suggest you bring a sweater or light jacket to assure comfort in varying temperatures.
 Displays are closed during the conference sessions.
 Linens are provided in your dorm/apartment room. Your linen set includes two sheets, pillow case, pillow, blanket, two towels,
and a wash cloth. If you are missing any of these items, please contact Guest Relations at [phone].
 To assist us with your check-out, please place your sheets and towels in your pillow case and leave them outside your door. Your
folded blanket and pillow with pillow cover can be left on your bed. Do not remove mattress, pillows, or blankets from the room.
 Recreational activities are available after the evening sessions, in the Hitchcock Gym, located in the Sollenberger Sports Center.
Basketball, volleyball, racquetball and a walking track are among the activities available.
 Please respect quiet time from 10:00 pm to 8:00 am
 Pets are not permitted on campus.
 Messiah College’s policy prohibits its guests from participating in the use of tobacco, alcohol, drugs (other than for a medically
prescribed purpose) and gambling. Additionally, guests may not carry/possess firearms or other weapons on college grounds on
person or in vehicles. The college reserves the right to remove from its premise any person failing to comply.
 Please be respectful – Turn off your cell phone during the conference sessions.
2016 PASTORS, LAY DELEGATES
AND ALTERNATES

Pastors: A-Associate (full-time); At-Assistant (part-time); Pt-Part-time;
I-Interim; uCM-Under Conference Minister; Pr-Probationer
PIC-Preacher in Charge

DELAWARE REGION Bushkill
Rev. Dr. Gary L. Kuehner, Conference Minister Rev. Paul J. Miller
Amanda Crane, Lay Delegate
Clayton
Adamstown Rev. Dennis L. Brubacher (Pt)
Rev. Jeffrey R. Hain (Pt) Harvey Price, Lay Delegate
Gary Russell, Lay Delegate Ross Campbell, Alternate
Allentown, Christ Cressona
Rev. Richard D. Reigle Rev. Dennis W. Snyder
Allentown, New Bethany Carolyn Schneider, Lay Delegate
Rev. Ghosoub J. Al-khal (Pt) Barbara Weikel, Alternate
Don Cook, Lay Delegate Drehersville
Allentown, St. John’s Rev. Robert W. Burkey (Pt) (uCM)
Rev. Richard T. Nahodil (Pt) East Weissport
Peter Wood, Lay Delegate Rev. Kenneth B. Ogden
Allentown, Zion Paul VanOsten, Lay Delegate
Rev. Gary J. Morrell (Pt) Marianne James, Alternate
Hadley Utswanga, Lay Delegate Emmaus
Ashland Rev. L. Allen Giles
Rev. John R. Martinez (Pt) Rev. Donald L. Kerns (At)
Jeff Merwine, Lay Delegate Justin Stauffer, Lay Delegate
Dorothy Horbach, Alternate Fogelsville
Bangor Rev. Kenneth B. Kalisz
Rev. Ronald W. Shipman (Pt) Christopher Harner, Lay Delegate
Mary Ann Repsher, Lay Delegate Joe Beblavy, Alternate
Bartonsville Frackville
Rev. Paul J. Miller Rev. Gene L. Stevenson (Pt)
John Adelman, Lay Delegate Celine Moyer, Lay Delegate
Shawn Fetterhoff, Alternate Carol Herb, Alternate
Berlinsville Hatfield
Rev. Kenneth M. Schira (Pt) Rev. Glenn R. Lambert
Donald Zettlemoyer, Lay Delegate Janet Hague, Lay Delegate
Alena Zettlemoyer, Alternate Hosensack/Vera Cruz
Bethlehem, Arabic Living Rev. Robert F. Klersy
Rev. Ghosoub J. Al-khal (Pt) James Fry, Lay Delegate
Nezam Kreit, Lay Delegate James Hoffman, Alternate
Maysoon Kreit, Alternate Jim Thorpe
Bethlehem, Emmanuel Rev. Nathanael J. Kennedy
Rev. Richard J. Sergi Connie Hoffman, Lay Delegate
Trent Stehr, Lay Delegate Kutztown
Christine Pense, Alternate Rev. Adam P. Roberts
Boyertown Dallas DeLong, Lay Delegate
Rev. John W. Friedlund Joe Reighn, Alternate
Kenneth Iatesta, Lay Delegate