New pastors gather in Arizona for orientation
US Conference press release
Pastors and spouses who are new to the U.S. Mennonite Brethren will gather April 19-21 in Phoenix, Ariz., for the annual National Pastors’ Orientation (NPO). Those who have not been able to attend in previous years are encouraged to attend as well.
The NPO aims to serve new pastors by introducing them to the people, history and faith of U.S. Mennonite Brethren. Ed Boschman, executive director of the U.S. Conference, says, “It’s almost impossible to be a good playing partner on a decentralized team if you don’t know the rest of the team and are not cued up on the core values and ground rules for the mission.” He says that those who attend will benefit from “a lot of information about our national conference of churches and a lot of getting to know one another.”
Speakers for this year’s event include Tim Geddert, academic dean and professor of New Testament at MB Biblical Seminary, Fresno, Calif., and Valerie Rempel, dean of students and associate professor of history and theology at MBBS. Participants will also meet key U.S. MB leaders.
“We will make a memory or two as well,” Boschman promises. Plans include a desert jeep adventure. “How often do you get to ride a jeep into the Arizona desert for a cookout? With your main squeeze? Under the stars?” Boschman says.
The fee of $175 per person includes three nights’ deluxe lodging at the Scottsdale Cottonwoods Resort, airport shuttle, meals and all NPO events. The deadline for registration is March 19. For more information, visit www.usmb.org/national-pastors-orientation. —USC
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