Over the weekend of August 16-18, the Midwest Region hosted its second annual gathering, "The Big Event" at the Brethren Retreat at Shipshewana Lake. Members from over 15 churches attended the various fellowship, training, and worship events.
Highlights from the weekend included campfires, s'mores, and worship; as well as sharing about how God is working across all of the different contexts throughout the Midwest Region. There was a panel discussion about the opportunities and challenges pastors in bi-vocational ministry face. Scott Soden, Brethren Church Global Partners Coordinator, shared a presentation highlighting some of the exciting work being done by our Global Partners.
Additionally, several of our youth shared their experiences at this summer's Engage Conference in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Several church worship teams led worship over the course of the weekend, and delicious meals provided by several Midwest churches were shared. Lastly, Steven Cole, Executive Director of The Brethren Church, encouraged those in attendance to "follow the way of Jesus."
Those in attendance at "The Big Event" represented a wide variety of age groups – from kids, youth, young families, and senior saints. It was a true blessing to meet new acquaintances, reconnect with old friends, and capture a greater vision of what God is doing in our local, national, and international contexts.
Lee Compson
Pastor, First Brethren Church of Milford, Indiana
Midwest Regional Resource Coordinator, The Brethren Church