The following article appears in the forthcoming March/April 2006 issue of FGBC World:
The Grace Brethren national conference returns to the “Celebration” format this summer with its sessions to be held July 29-August 3, 2006, at the Hyatt Grand Champions Resort in Indian Wells, CA, near Palm Springs.
The conference theme, reflecting the emphasis and writings of this year’s FGBC Moderator, Keith Shearer, will be “Hearts on Fire: Igniting Biblical Fervor.”
Activities will begin with an opening celebration Saturday morning, July 29, at which longtime Grace Brethren pastor Charles Ashman will address the subject, “A Glowing Heritage.” This will be followed by an all-FGBC luncheon, and in the afternoon session the incoming moderator, Dr. Timothy Boal from Telford, PA, will give the 2006 moderator’s address.
Each morning of the conference (except Monday), there will be simultaneous sessions for Women of Grace and the Association of Grace Brethren Ministers. Mid-morning each day there will be a celebration meeting with highlight speakers that include Pastor Tom Hocking of Bellflower, CA; Moderator Keith Shearer from Myerstown, PA; Jim Cymbala of the Brooklyn Tabernacle in New York City; and Dr. Randy Smith of the Sebring, FL, church.
On the final day, Thursday, August 3, the “Vision” delegates brunch and annual conference business session will be held.
Grace Brethren national organizations will have informative luncheons and business meetings each day–Grace College & Seminary on Sunday, Grace Brethren International Missions on Monday, Grace Brethren North American Missions on Tuesday, and Brethren Missionary Herald Co. on Wednesday.
Sunday morning there will be a combination Chaplains’ Appreciation Breakfast and meeting of the Grace Brethren Investment Foundation. Tickets for these events are required–information is available on the Celebrate06 website.
A wide variety of seminars will be available each afternoon, including a Celebration session Wednesday afternoon with Pastor Terry Hofecker of Northwest Chapel in Dublin, OH, as speaker. Each evening there are activities and speakers as well.
Child care for infants through Kindergarten is available throughout the conference, as is the Kids Konference, for children in grades 1 through 6.
Lodging at the Hyatt is available at the special conference rate of $95 a night, including the resort fee, which should be arranged separately from the conference registration by calling resort reservations at (760) 341-1000.
Registration cost for the conference (per adult) is $85 before April 1, $105 between April 2 and June 1, and $125 after June 1. A number of entertainment and sightseeing options are available–there are approximately 130 golf courses in the Palm Springs area.
Conference is organized and arranged by the Fellowship Coordinator Tom Avey and his staff. Full registration information and online registration capability may be found at www.celebrate06.com.
Registration packets and materials may also be obtained from Avey’s office by calling (574) 269-1269, ext. 2 or by mail at P.O. Box 384, Winona Lake, IN, 46590.
