A total of 1,450 people attended the 2024 Church of the Brethren Annual Conference, held in Grand Rapids, Mich., from July 3-7. 

The Manchester University Luncheon had nearly 70 attendees, with alumni ranging from the 1950s to the 2020s. President Stacy H. Young ’96, Mike Leckrone ’92, assistant director of alumni engagement, and Katy Gray Brown ’91, professor of peace studies and philosophy, gave updates on enrollment, academic programs, athletics and more.

Madalyn Metzger ’99 was this year’s conference moderator and gave the sermon at the opening worship service on Wednesday evening. 

Virginia Rendler ’20, volunteer coordinator for Brethren Volunteer Service, led an equipping session on serving effectively in our communities and facilitated a panel of active volunteers. 

Of the dozens of equipping sessions offered during the week, a few included "Agape Love in Action: 1000 Brethren for Kingian Nonviolence," "Strangers No More: Ministry with Immigrants, Refugees and Other Newcomers," and "Beyond the Pride Banner: Embracing Expansive Language for God," among many others.

North Manchester-based band Friends with the Weather – founding members including alumni Seth Hendricks ’03 and Chris Good ’02 – performed Saturday night.

Picture of the Friends with the Weather concert: Photo by Glenn Riegel/Copyright Church of the Brethren

Picture of Moderator Madalyn Metzger, close up: Photo by Glenn Riegel/Copyright Church of the Brethren

Picture of Moderator Madalyn Metzger with the Annual Conference logo: Photo by Chris Brumbaugh-Cayford/Copyright Church of the Brethren