21 Jun We’re in the Final Week Before Conference

It’s only a few days away–the 2013 US National Conference. Registrations now stand at 834 (147 of them children and youth). Preparations are in high gear. We’re looking forward to a wonderful time together in fellowship, learning, fun, and worship.

Here is some information registrants will be interested in.

Reports for Delegates
All business reports have now been posted on the conference website. Most can be viewed online. All can be downloaded in PDF format. Make sure your church’s delegates have copies of the reports for the business sessions. You can download them from the conference website, and print out enough copies for your ministerial and lay delegate(s).

It will be especially important to have a copy of Report 31, “Discipline Revision Proposals.” Much of the business will revolve around this report. Without it to refer to, you’ll be a bit lost. You can also print a copy of the Discipline, which might be helpful, too.

We were going to mail packets of reports to persons who lack internet access, but circumstances prevented this from happening. However, those delegates will be able to request a packet of reports when they register at conference.

You’ll also find ballots and biographical information regarding candidates for the two elections that will be held on Thursday: for bishop, and for the 2013-2015 Executive Leadership Team.

The business session will be preceded by a breakfast at 8am. Anyone can attend the breakfast (not just delegates).

Networking Reception
We’re trying something new on Thursday night–a “Networking Reception.” It’ll be a way to meet fellow UBs who share the same interests or life experiences. Each table in the room will have a theme of some kind–bikers, youth workers, NASCAR fans, movie buffs, guitarists, military vets, schoolteachers, “The Voice” fans, children’s workers, drummers…about 50 in all. If you have something you want to showcase–a ministry or something else–we welcome you to set-up at an unused table.

Friday Afternoon in Huntington
Everyone heads to Huntington on Friday afternoon. Figure on 2:30 or later. Much is happening at the Huntington University campus–tours in the afternoon, a picnic at 4:30, the Todd Agnew concert at 7pm, and balloon rides after the concert.

You’ll also be able to tour the UB National Office, located adjacent to the university at 302 Lake Street.

The three UB churches in Huntington will also be open for tours 2:30 – 4 pm.

• College Park church is just two blocks from the campus (1936 College Avenue).
• Check out the new family life center at New Hope Church, where Bishop Emeritus Ray Seilhamer is the pastor (2001 Engle St).
• Check on the progress at The Well’s new location at 1883 Old US 24. They plan to begin holding services there in August.

Don’t want to drive to Huntington? We’ll have a signup at registration for shuttles back and forth. More information will be available at registration.

Visit Local UB Churches on Sunday
Some delegates will no doubt stay Saturday night and attend church in the Fort Wayne area. There are several excellent choices:

• Anchor UB church is just two miles from the Grand Wayne Center. Address: 1529 Third Street, Fort Wayne IN 46808.
• Emmanuel UB church is 11 miles to the west. Address: 12222 W. Jefferson Blvd., Fort Wayne, IN 46814.
• Union Chapel is 10 miles to the north. Address: 12628 Coldwater Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46845.

In addition, we have several churches in nearby towns:

• South Scipio: 23 miles to the northeast (24990 Antwerp Rd, Harlan, IN 46743).
• Zanesville: 17 miles to the south (3092 Broadway St, Zanesville, IN 46799).
• Hopewell: 20 miles to the north (6852 County Road 35, Auburn, IN 46706).

Several churches are located in Huntington, about 26 miles away: College Park, The Well, and New Hope.

So if you’re sticking around, check out one of the local UB churches. They’ll appreciate seeing you.