The Brethren Retreat Center at Camp Shipshewana hosted The Midwest Region’s first-ever large-scale regional gathering on August 19-20.
The event began with back-to-back breakout sessions on the GSE Church Planting process and small group teaching. Following those sessions, things really got going with a special concert by local musician Tab Beechler. The concert was followed by dinner, and the night was capped off by a time of worship and sharing from ministries in Elkhart, Riverside Christian School, Camp Shipshewana, and even India.
Sunday was highlighted by a worship service and message by Tim Garner, a former Indiana District pastor. Lunch, graciously prepared by the folks at Loree First Brethren, finished things off.
Thanks to Linda Immel, Sarah Miller, Dan Herendeen, and Jay Shafer, who planned the well-attended and well-received event. Over 80 people participated on Saturday, while around 120 attended on Sunday. Three churches moved their Sunday morning services to Camp Shipshewana for this event. It was especially encouraging to see so many different churches not only attending but serving and contributing. Corinth First Brethren Church helped provide Saturday’s dinner, and Muncie First Brethren Church had their worship lead Saturday night. County Line Brethren Church did the same on Sunday while Loree First Brethren Church prepared their famous chicken noodle dinner. Pastors from Unchurch, Goshen, Warsaw, and Milford all filled roles as well.
Many thanks to Rick Miller and Camp Shipshewana for hosting us. We are all grateful for the fellowship and encouragement this event provided for our churches.
Lee Compson
Midwest Regional Resource Coordinator