NORTH CENTRAL REGION

On Saturday, April 20th, beautiful Camp Bethany hosted a reunion of campers who slept there in the tents in Camp Bethany's earliest years! Those in attendance camped way back in 1959, the very first year that Camp Bethany hosted overnight campers. Some of the tent campers were ‘there’ via Zoom! Many brought in photos and other memorabilia from their camping days to share. Everyone had an opportunity to share their name, what Brethren Church they attended when they were campers, and a memory. Of course, much more was shared, tears were shed, and God received all the glory! Reflecting on the day, here’s a text from one of those who attended: “I can’t stop thinking about Saturday and just what a wonderful time I had. It was so very special in every way. . . . When I saw the invitation, . . . I had no idea what a wonderful time was in store for all of us; so many warm memories.” Sherry (Barnhart) Van Duyne and Sherry (Shannon) Fabian led us in singing some of the old camp songs! We remembered the Camp Bethany cooks and enjoyed a delicious lunch made by Paula Strickland. The names of many of those who volunteered as Camp Staff were mentioned. Ken VanDuyne gave a very interesting and informative presentation about Camp Bethany's early history, showing us pictures of the Camp in its earliest days! Following that, the Camp Board provided information about the many ways to support Camp Bethany, including IRA Qualified Charitable Distributions, wills or bequests, retirement plans, investment accounts, life insurance, and more. Kenton VanDuyne, Camp Director, served as photographer for the day. We want to acknowledge that the Camp Bethany Board members & the North Central Region Leadership Team of The Brethren Church cooperated together to sponsor this event, and we extend a heartfelt thank you to both Camp Bethany and the North Central RLT. If you have questions, please get in touch with me, Lynn Mercer, who thoroughly enjoyed planning this Reunion (937-441-9771 or class_of73@yahoo.com ). We thank God for bringing each one of us to Camp Bethany when we were younger & we thank God for bringing us together for a great day of celebration! As a promotional article stated prior to the camp's dedication in 1959, “(This is) an ideal place to worship God. . . . We can rest assured that many will find Christ as Savior here.” True! True! True! Lynn Mercer Pastor, First Brethren Church of West Alexandria (OH) North Central Regional Leadership Team

Smithville (Ohio) Brethren Church recognized the ordination of Scott A. Fetter as a Brethren elder on Sunday, January 14 2024. Scott’s wife Wendy was set apart as the spouse of a Brethren elder. Participating in the service were leaders and elders of the Smithville church, the North Central Region, and The Brethren Church nationally. Pastor Art Carr spoke on “Celebrating Yes” and noted the many times Scott has said “yes” to the call of the Holy Spirit upon his life. The church also celebrated several other significant events during the service: baptism and confirmation of six persons, ordination of eleven deacons, and installation of church officers, boards, and committees. Scott serves as associate pastor of children and youth at Smithville. Prior to coming to The Brethren Church, Scott had served as a pastoral intern, church planter, associate pastor, and senior pastor in churches in multiple states. Scott had previously completed the course requirements and examination of the North Central Region and the National Board of Oversight. He and Wendy live in Wooster, Ohio, and share four sons, a daughter-in-law, and a grandson.