District Equipping Sessions
2024 Equipping Sessions
“South Sudan update: Challenges and opportunities for the Brethren”
Presenter: Roger Schrock with recent travelers to South Sudan Kathy Mack and Gordon Hoffert
Description: The Brethren have been involved in mission to Sudan and later South Sudan when it gained its independence in 2011. The Brethren accomplishments in South Sudan to date will provide the context for a potential new an expansive project: partnering with the Mayom area region in holistic ministries which include church planting, education and healthcare.
Bio: The names “Roger and Carolyn Schrock” are synonymous with Brethren mission in Africa. Following graduation from McPherson College, they served in Nigeria for 9 years as teachers and health care administrators. In 1980, Roger and Carolyn were called to Sudan for the Primary Health Care Programme of the Sudan Council of Churches. Violence forced their return to the U.S., but another call came in 1991 to help establish the New Sudan Council of Churches. They served there until their Sudanese counterparts were called to their leadership positions in 1995.
“Camp Pine Lake: Adapting to change – Moving into the future”
Presenter: Betsy Kuecker (Camp Director) with Susan Haren (Assistant Camp Director), Matt Kuecker (Property Manager), Steve Brunk (Joint Camp Committee Chair) and others.
Description: Betsy and several of her leader-co-workers reflect on the changes that affect our district camping program as well as prayers, hopes, dreams and plans for the future.
Bio: Betsy Kuecker is serving as Camp Director a second time. She and her husband, Matt, shared the position from 2009 to 2012. Matt has remained as the property manager since 2009. In 2020, she answered the call to once again lead the camp. Betsy is an educator, having taught English in the Grundy Center School District. Currently Betsy is serving as pastor of the Ivester church, pursuing her ordination through TRIM. She and Matt have 3 children: Aiden, John and Brooklyne.
August 3 or 4, 2024 at District Conference (day and time TBA)
“Reflections by the District Executive on the Northern Plains District and…well…anything”
Presenter: Tim Button-Harrison
Description:
This will be a conversation, moderated by Gordon Hoffert but which invites the participation of all present, on the broad experience and insights of our DE, formed over his 33 years of service within the Northern Plains District.
Bio: Tim has been our District Executive for over 17 years and is presently the longest-serving DE among Church of the Brethren districts. Previously Tim was co-pastor with his wife, Mary Jane, of the Ankeny and Ivester congregations. Tim is also the part-time Minister of Worship and Discipleship at the Ames Disciples of Christ Church where Mary Jane is senior pastor. In his spare time, Tim manages his 40-acre “nature reserve” south of Ivester.
2023 Equipping Sessions
Session Recordings
Resources:
Messiah’s Birth in Matthew: Hebrew Bible Connections and Contexts - Powerpoint
Steven Schweitzer, Academic Dean and Professor, Bethany Theological SeminaryMessiah’s Birth in Matthew: Faithfulness in a Fearful World - Powerpoint
Dan Ulrich, Wieand Professor of New Testament Studies, Bethany Theological Seminary