Vision Statement
The Mid-Atlantic District is a fellowship of believers responding to Jesus’ call to discipleship, united in dynamic ministry with member congregations.

Keep checking back regularly to read about upcoming events and news of the district.

We hope you will find the information you are searching for. If you don't, please contact the webmaster by clicking on the icon at the left side of this page

42nd Annual
Mid-Atlantic District Conference

Wrap Up

Surrendered to God, Transformed in Christ, Empowered by the Spirit

The Mid-Atlantic District (MAD) held its 42nd annual conference on October 10th and 11th at the Frederick Church of the Brethren. The conference began for District pastors on Friday with a Pre-Conference Clergy Seminar at the Glade Valley CoB that focused on Christian Worship, followed by the Minister and Spouse Banquet.  Meanwhile, at Frederick, conference-goers registered and gathered for dinner.

The conference began with a Brethren meeting-house style of worship on Friday night.  In celebration of our heritage—and our 300th anniversary—the service recreated the kind of worship that our ancestors experienced. Hymn singing, without instruments, was led by Gregory Shook (Woodbridge CoB). Messages, which centered on being “Surrendered to God,” were given by Don Booz (District Executive), Gene Hagenberger (Easton CoB), Jim Benedict (Union Bridge CoB), and Tracy Wiser (Harmony CoB).

At the Saturday morning worship service, Nancy Faus-Mullen (Professor Emeritus, Bethany Theological Seminary) preached on the theme, “Transformed in Christ.” The business session was then convened under the leadership of Moderator Dale Posthumus. In keeping with the format used at the Mid-Atlantic District conferences over the past 2 years, business items were explained to the delegates during the morning business session, with time for questions and clarification. Voting then took place during the afternoon business session. Conference delegates considered and passed the following business items:

1. 2009 Budget
2. Camp Mardela Incorporation
3. Shepherd’s Spring Incorporation
4. Disorganization of Celebration House
5. Disorganization of Fahrney-Keedy Fellowship

Much of the discussion during the business sessions centered on the 2009 Budget, which was presented by Leadership Team member Jerry Patterson. Giving for 2008 in the District is anticipated to fall $40,000 short of budget needs. During an extensive analysis of giving trends in the District, the Finance and Property Team discovered that church giving has essentially been flat over the past 7 years. Therefore, the Team presented a 2009 budget that is drastically scaled back over the past year. Jerry assured delegates that the Leadership Team would consider individual requests to fund line items that had been cut and would endeavor to find money for programs that committees identified as important to continue. However, he emphasized that the Leadership Team is committed to passing a budget that has a realistic chance of being supported by congregational giving and will not enter into a budget that has little chance of being funded.

Saturday afternoon ended with a third worship service during which Jim Hardenbrook (former Annual Conference Moderator) preached on the theme, “Empowered by the Spirit.”

A highlight of the conference was the various opportunities the attendees had to recognize the service of Don Booz, District Executive. Don is ending his 8-year tenure in the Mid-Atlantic District to accept a District Executive position in the Pacific Southwest District in Southern California.  He was praised and “roasted” at various times throughout the weekend.  At a reception following the Friday night service, attendees had an opportunity to personally thank Don for his service to the District. Don’s wife, Cindy, was recognized for the strength and support she has given Don throughout his service to our District.

Submitted by: Gretchen M. Zience, Oakton Church of the Brethren