Susquehanna Conference 
August 2017 Newsletter

Bishop's Desk

I recently had the opportunity to speak at a church in the Atlantic Conference where they had recently dedicated a new worship center.  The theme they were working with was "New Beginnings."  I ended up developing a sermon called "New Beginnings - Old Truth."  It was based on Psalm 27.  The Psalm gave me great opportunity to see a number of things that years ago were so very relevant for them as they were thinking about worshiping God, and guess what, I found them to be just as relevant today.  What a wonderful reality is ours as of followers of Jesus - God's truth applies today just as it did at the time of its writing.  We are soon coming into the new beginnings of a school year and many related fall kick-off activities.  How will you take God's truth and continue to apply it to your walk and situation today? 

Bishop Ken
In This Issue
RENOVATE!

September 24 - 26

Open Hands Ministries








A ministry of spiritual direction and faith coaching for pastors.

If you would like to learn more about spiritual direction or faith coaching, I am willing to pay for coffee, a breakfast or a lunch to explore their benefits for your ministry.  Please call or email me using the contact information below. Or visit our website,
Openhands.usIn the meantime, I am praying for you and your congregation.

Eldon Fry
(717)385-3980

Who are we?
From time to time there are questions about who we are as Brethren in Christ (BiC) and how we operate.  This little article is going to be used from time to time to speak to some of these issues.  Today I am addressing  church property.  As BiC we own property together.  Local trustees are appointed to hold the property in trust for the denomination.  If the congregation is incorporated the directors serve this same function.  This is the reason why local congregations send these names to be approved by the Annual Meeting of the Conference.  It is also the reason why local congregations need the approval of the Conference Board of Directors before making land purchases or developments.  We work at these things together as a church family and benefit greatly by the shared experience and expertise of the larger church family.  We are better together than alone.

Bishop Ken
Renovate 2017 - September 24-26
Susquehanna Team

When:  September 24 - 26, 2017

What:  Leadership Team Retreat - Church Staff and Spouses

Where:  Christian Retreat Center, RR 1 Box 13-A, East Waterford, PA 17021

Your way has been paid!
  The Christian Retreat Center is graciously sponsoring this retreat for the Susquehanna Conference Pastors and Spouses.  What a gift!  Let's be sure to make use of it.


Please register to let us know about your attendance by the
end of August.  We would love to hear from you as soon as possible.

Men's Breakfast - September 9
   

The Tide - Faith, Fun, and Fellowship

 
Join 'The Tide' on September 21 from 6 to 8 pm at Mechanicsburg BIC Church! For more information go to:   www.thetide.org/dinner 
Peace Sunday - September 24
I am privileged to serve on the Peace Commission of the Mennonite World Conference. Each year we produce materials that may be used in a special peace emphasis service. It is good to send these on to you and to encourage you to make time to use these in some way.  In the midst of our very unfortunate happenings across our country and the world we greatly need Jesus message of peace. The command to love one another applies to all. Be encouraged as you minister in your own setting. 

Retired Pastors Luncheon
We will be having the Retired Pastors Luncheon on Thursday, September 28th. Pastor Mike Holland of the Hispanic LAE (BIC) Church in York Springs will be speaking.
The Tide - Fall Golf Benefit


Theological Study Group
The Theological Study Group will meet on October 11 at the Meeting House (Carlisle) from 9 am to 12 noon. The topic will be "Teaching about Homosexuality to a Generation That Does Not View It As Sinful." The presenters will be Mike Holland and Fred Miller. Register for the October TSG after September 1.
 
Those interested can register by contacting pastorbob73@gmail.com or 717-636-2169.
Directed Study Courses - Fall 2017

Registration for Fall Term DSP (August 21 - December 1) is now open.   The cost for each course is $150 for everyone.  
 
Core courses are now open for registration to all licensed and commissioned ministers as well as those who are pre-screened for seminary aid.
 
Even though registration is at no cost to you, it is necessary to register online at  http://bic-church.org/equipping/core/default.asp.   

Impact seminar 

Impact seminar registration is open for one more 2017 Impact Seminar entitled "A Different Game of Thrones:  Imagining the Peaceable Kingdom Overcoming the Empire."  The seminar was held in six locations over the last few months.  A number of pastors expressed their desire to have more leaders from their churches attend.   Please register now for this seminar scheduled for September 28 at Revolution BIC in Salina, Kansas.
 
This seminar qualifies for Lifelong BIC Learning credit for our licensed and ordained ministers.  The cost of the seminar including lunch is $35.00 per attendee.
 
For further information and to register go to https://bicus.org/training/impact-seminars/ 
 
If you have any questions, contact Donna Sturr, Registrar at dsturr@bicus.org or 717.697.2634, ext. 5435.
 
Blessings!