UPDATE

July 27, 2010

Youth Return from NYC Inspired:
“Great, spectacular, and awesome” were some of the descriptives used in a thank you note to the MO/ARK District from those attending the National Youth Conference in Colorado.

Signed by the 10 youth and 3 adult sponsors the note said: “There is no way that we could thank you enough for enabling us to go to NYC. We all had an absolutely spectacular experience that we could never have had without your support. Thank you so much!”

The MO/ARK District assisted these youth with registration and travel fees as well as lots of prayer support scattered all across the district. Thank you to the three adults, Gretchen Knaus, Jerry Crouse, and Clyde Paddock for giving of their time and loving presence to travel and guide these youth through a ‘once in a lifetime experience.”

For NYC news and to view of some of the NYC activities go to www.brethren.org and click on NYC. We hope to hear from the youth about NYC at our District Conference in September.

Congratulations to Christy Crouse:
Christy Crouse of the Warrensburg congregation was the fastest female runner in the Brethren Benefit Trust 5K run at Annual Conference in Pittsburgh. Each year the BBT sponsors this run.

Annual Conference Wrap Up Available:
A DVD is available from the District Office that includes a wrap up of some of the event and business of the 2010 Annual. It also includes the sermons from the four worship services of the conference. Any congregation may borrow it by contacting the District Office by phone at 417-926-1112 or email at moark@centurytel.net.

Camp Registrations are Due:
It's time to turn our attention to getting our children and youth ready for district camp to be held August 1-7. Registrations forms have been sent to each congregation but if you need a copy, contact the district office.

District Conference is Coming Soon:
The 2010 District Conference will be held in early September rather than the last weekend in September as we are usually used to. So it is past time to get those registration forms in to the District Office. If you need a form, visit the district website's Conference page to download and print off a copy, or contact the district office. There is still time to squeeze your registration in.

It is also time to send the names of your congregation’s delegates to the District Office. A letter was sent to each congregation with a tear-off form to be sent to the District Office. This information can also be sent to the office via email if that is more convenient.

The budget for 2011 is being prepared and that committee still needs to hear from most congregations as to the financial pledge they will make for the support of MO/ARK district for the coming year.

Jane Davis is Asking for Your Help:
The archives of the MO/ARK District are being closed. This was the decision of the 2009 District Conference and the date set for the closure is September 2010.

Jane Davis, district historian, is currently in Peace Valley where the archives are housed. She is working to find homes for all the items collected there. Here is her request for help from those of the district that can lend a hand in this. Let’s support Jane in this important process.

“The lists are getting longer and time is quickly approaching to move materials to the Brethren Historical Library and Archives in Elgin. We are going to need both helpers and strong, sturdy boxes to get things packed and sent. If you can help with either of these needs, we can use you. Let me know when you can come so certain days can be set aside for packing.

Since many of the books will not be going to Elgin, they will be coming to district conference to find new homes. Come a little early to conference and spend time browsing among the many books that will be available. There will be a need for some folks to help transport these books to Windermere, but not back to Peace Valley. If you have space in your vehicle to transport a box or more of books, we need your help.

There will be some Brethren-authored books also. I hope to get a list out before conference for you to check if you are interested especially in any of these books. If you know you will want one of these Brethren books, e-mail me ahead of time so it can be reserved for you.

We have many camp pictures from years of camping in Missouri. They need to be placed in albums and people identified. If you can help with this project, you are needed NOW. Albums and archival sheets are available. Let me know when you are available to help. (There are also quite a few disaster work projects that need the same kind of help as the camping pictures.)

My cell phone is 303-907-2270, e-mail is jneherda_at_msn_dot_com. Hope to be hearing from you all! Jane Davis.”

Summer is winding down with the opening of school on our minds. Where did the summer go??? Our God abundantly blesses us. Send me news of the working of the Spirit in your congregation.

Carolyn Schrock, District Administrator, produces UPDATE in the District Office.