Music and Parables Highlighted 48th Annual Meeting

Penn West Conference News

Music and stories, arts, crafts, drama, and dance were among the experiences shared at the 48th annual meeting of the Penn West Conference June 11-12. Inviting and encouraging delegates to open their imaginations and to find their creative spark, the Oikos Ensemble wove the theme throughout the Annual Meeting. Christians in all times have used their creativity to celebrate God and to express the “inexpressible.” Cliff Aeries, Arianna Aeries and Christopher Bakriges stepped up the tempo in the music for worship and for reflections on the Biblical studies. In the opening worship, we sang the beloved hymn, “Joyful, Joyful We adore” but not in the normal meter You of 4/4, but in 5/4. The different tempo gave a new feel to the familiar hymn, calling on the congregation to listen to the word and music more attentively. Cliff noted that there are experiences in the church where we do the traditional ministries but to a new pace. Sometimes uncomfortable at first, the freshness of the different meter opens new levels of sharing and experience. Scripture during Worship was read in dramatic readings with a mixture of translations and voices to open hearing the Word in fresh ways. Cliff shared numerous stories to illustrate the life and teachings of Jesus. Knowing the creative talents of members in churches, “Creative Stations” were offered. These Creative Stations –ranging from fabric art, familiar music is new ways, drama, greening your church, sacred dance and more– were “appetizers”, a taste, of the creative potential in doing ministries. Especially exciting was the introduction of Rev. Ester Padre, Conference Minister of the North Luzon Conference of the United Church of Christ of the Philippines. Delegates conducted the “administrative” ministries of the Conference as well. Printed in the Overview are the members elected to serve on the Board of Directors and the new delegates to the 28th General Synod. The Board of Directors recommended a “growth” 2011 Spending Plan. The Stewardship Associates and the Budget and Finance Committee lead a conversation on Our Churches Wider Mission (see article). Update on Living Waters was presented by Joni Hufford, Camp Administrator. Church World Service spoke about the desperate needs and ministries we do in partnership with CWS. Unfortunately the Lancaster Seminary representative had a personal crisis arise and was unable to attend.

June 2010