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A note from the bishop's desk | |
One of the beautiful gifts of marriage is that we each bring different strengths to the union. This has certainly been our experience in the Beaty household!
Those of you who know my husband may have noticed that God has uniquely wired him with graciousness and generosity, demonstrated in both attitude and finances. While I too, strive to demonstrate God's gracious qualities, "mom's financial tendencies" have been a long-running family joke. I prefer to say that I am a bit more financially conservative, but my family has occasionally referred to me as “frugal” or “thrifty,” and maybe even “borderline stingy” (I grin and cringe at the same time, knowing there has been a bit of truth in their jest).
Fortunately, the blessing in marital differences is that counter-strengths can prompt us to grow if we allow ourselves to be challenged, stretched, and transformed to be more like Christ in our present areas of weakness. We would likely all agree that there is nothing wrong with saving and much wisdom in frugality and simple living - three cheers for our BIC core values! However, it has also been beneficial for me to reflect on the goodness, graciousness, and generosity of our Heavenly Father, even as I have witnessed my husband’s strengths in these areas. His actions have caused me to consider how I can reflect my Father’s likeness more in these ways.
As we enjoy the Christmas giving season and new year, I pray that these characteristics of our Father would become qualities which are more and more embodied in our interactions with each other. May we watch for opportunities to bless each other with both tangible and intangible gifts over the coming months. May we give more generously and exhibit God’s grace more consistently. May we view every act of generosity as a gift of praise back to our Redeemer, giving freely even as we have freely received every good gift from his hand!
I am praying that you have a very blessed Christmas season, full of gratitude and overflowing with generosity.
Blessings,
Bishop Heather
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Susquehanna Luncheon for Retired Pastors & Christian Workers
This fall, we held our first post-Covid fellowship with a large group of retired pastors and Christian workers who live in the conference. Our thanks to Jim and Faithe Spurrier and Ray Knepper, who provided musical entertainment, and Gloria Wolfe and Pauline Peiffer who coordinated and emcee'd the event.
We have already reserved a date next fall to gather again on Thursday, October 3, 2024, and the luncheon will once again be held at Messiah Lifeways. If you are one of our retired ministers or missionaries, please mark this date on your calendar. We would love to have you join us!
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Congregational Information | |
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Year End Statistical Reports
The new year is quickly approaching, and churches will soon be receiving information from the BIC U.S. offices about how to report your year-end reports and statistics. Please keep in mind that these reports are helpful to the conference as well as the denomination. It is important that you provide accurate contact information for your pastors, staff, and board so that we can get information to the right people in a timely manner. If you need help completing the requested information or have questions, feel free to email us at bicsusquehanna@bicus.org and we will do our best to help!
Congregational Council Agendas
We would love to see a copy of the agenda for your annual congregational council meeting. You can send it by USPS to Susquehanna Conference of the BIC U.S., 431 Grantham Rd., Mechanicsburg, PA 17055 or email an electronic copy to bicsusquehanna@bicus.org. Having your agenda helps us be more familiar with what is going on in your congregation and gives us guidance as we pray for you.
As you plan your annual congregational council meeting(s), remember that this year is General Assembly and all pastors should be planning to attend. In addition, church representatives should be selected and your budget should include appropriate funding for their travel costs and registration.
Church Treasurer 101 Webinar
On November 8, Mitch Martin presented (BIC U.S. Director of Finance and Shared Services), a webinar designed for church treasurers of all experience levels, as well as other church leaders who are responsible for managing the church’s finances. If you missed the webinar and would like to receive the recording and/or slides from it, you can request it from mmartin@bicus.org.
As a part of the webinar, Mitch created a BIC U.S. branded housing allowance worksheet that can be used by pastors to:
· estimate their annual housing expenses
· log their expenses throughout the year (tab 2), which then automatically updates the actual expense lines on tab 1.
You can download the worksheet here: BIC US Housing Allowance Worksheet
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In May of 1999, fifty-one people from throughout the Brethren in Christ of North America gathered to answer one simple yet critical question: what are our most central beliefs and values and how do we articulate them? After three days of lively discussion and Spirit-filled debate, they emerged with the ten Core Values.
This year’s Week of Prayer and Fasting theme – Identity in Action – invites us to take a closer look at these Core Values. Since there are ten, we split them up between 2023 and 2024. This year, we are covering the second half of the Core Values. To refresh, read last year’s devotionals in English or Spanish.
We hope that as you prayerfully reflect on these values over the course of these eight days, you will find yourself drawn closer to Christ and continue to become more like him. You can access the devotionals for our shared week of prayer and fasting here, and we would love to hear stories of other special ways your congregation practices prayer and fasting together this first week of the year!
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We are excited to gather together once again as the Brethren in Christ family, this year in Ohio. Our theme, “Formed to Follow” invites us to press into our identities as disciples created to follow God. Just as the Lord has been forming and transforming his people through the centuries, so we are shaped by our relationship with him. Out of this formation, we follow him to love the world and share the redemption he offers.
While attendance at General Assembly is part of the work agreement for all lead pastors, we value the participation of all delegates who represent our local conference congregations. The networking, shared worship and fellowship, and community decision-making help connect us to the broader BIC family.
Please remember, there are two different registration fees: one if you are staying in one of the four lodging venues (also found on the registration page), and one if you are utilizing other accommodations. We encourage you to join us at one of these 4 hotels. You can register here! If you have questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to our office.
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January
Northern Pastors' Cluster
Thursday, January 4 at 8:30 a.m.
Location: Country Pride, Milesburg
BIC U.S. Week of Prayer and Fasting
Identity in Action: Practicing the Core Values of the BIC
January 7-14, 2024
Click here for more information
York Pastors' Cluster
Friday, January 26 at 6:00 p.m.
Post holiday dinner gathering
Bivocational Pastors' Cluster
Saturday, January 13 at 9:00 a.m.
Location: Brindle Drive Cracker Barrel
February
Theological Study Forum (Zoom) Maintaining Pastoral Integrity: Learning from Those Who Have Experienced Church Hurt
Thursday, Feb. 1 | 10:00 - 12:30 p.m.
Contact Bob Verno to register:
bob@tmh.church
Carlisle Pastors' Cluster
Wednesday, February 28 at 8:30 a.m.
Location: Carlisle Panera
March
York Pastors' Cluster
Wednesday, March 20 at 9:00 a.m.
Location: Pathway Community Church
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April
Northern Pastors' Cluster
Thursday, April 4 at 8:30 a.m.
Location: Country Pride, Milesburg
Susquehanna Conference Night of Worship and Prayer & Annual Meeting
Friday, April 12, 2024 and
Saturday, April 13, 2024
Location: New Life Community Church
64 E North St, Carlisle, PA 17013
May
Bivocational Pastors' Cluster
Saturday, May 18 at 9:00 a.m.
Location: Brindle Drive Cracker Barrel
York Pastors' Cluster
Wednesday, May 8 at 8:00 a.m.
Location: Fairview BIC
Carlisle Pastors' Cluster
Wednesday, May 29 at 8:30 a.m.
Location: TBD
July
BIC U.S. General Assembly
July 12-15, 2024
Sharonville Convention Center, Cincinnati, OH
Click Here for Registration
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English Core Courses (Registration is Open)
Leadership and Structure within the Brethren in Christ Church (this course will be held virtually by Zoom)
Taught by Dr. Layne Lebo
May 6-9, 2024 6:00 – 9:30 pm
Theology of the Church
Location: Manor BIC (Lancaster, PA)
Taught by Dr. Terry Brensinger
June 10-12, 2024 8:30 am – 4:00 pm
Brethren in Christ History and Values
Location: Roxbury (Orrstown, PA)
Taught by Dr. John Yeatts
June 17-19, 2024 8:30 am – 4:00 pm
Theology of Salvation
Location: Mechanicsburg BIC (Mechanicsburg, PA)
Taught by Dr. Rob Douglass
August 12-14, 2024 8:30 am – 4:00 pm
Click here for registration.
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Spanish Core Courses (Registration is Open)
Teologia de la Salvacion
Location: La Roca (Roanoke, VA)
Taught by Dr. Mike Holland
Feb. 8-9, 2024 6:30 – 9:30 pm
Feb. 10, 2024 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Teologia de la Iglesia
Location: Cristo Vive (Hialeah, FL)
Taught by Dr. Maria Perdomo
April 11-12, 2024 7:30 – 9:00 pm
April 13, 2024 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Liderazgo y Structura
Virtually by Zoom
Taught by Dr. Mike Holland
Oct. 17, 18, 19, 2024 7:00 pm – 9:30 pm
Oct. 20, 2024 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Click here for registration.
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Susquehanna Conference of the Brethren in Christ US
431 Grantham Road
Mechanicsburg, PA 17055
Phone 717-461-2230
Email bicsusquehanna@bicus.org
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