2024 Eastern Region Convention
The Eastern Regional Association (ERA) held their annual convention October 25-26 at Blessed Hope Advent Christian Church in Waterville, Maine. ERA president Rev. George Karl presided over the two days of meetings, workshops, fellowship and worship.
Friday morning, Rev. Andy Rice, president of the Berkshire Institute for Christian Studies (BICS), preached a message from 2 Corinthians Chapter 4 examining the relationship between our suffering in this life and our hope of eternity with Christ. One quote Rev. Rice shared captured the main idea well, “There is nothing wrong with me that a good resurrection can’t fix.” The afternoon session was comprised of a regional business meeting and two workshop blocks.
Friday night featured a banquet followed by a worship service. Several awards were given during the service. Mr. Dale Schaeffner received the Lifetime Service Award for his decades of service in many different roles on a regional, conference and local church level. Rev. Roger Brown, Rev. Ken Perkins and Rev. Philip Reynard were presented with the Divine Servant medallion, which is given to those who have served 50 years in ministry. The night was highlighted by a “Celebrate Missions” presentation. Rev. Ken Perkins shared about his ongoing ministry in Malawi. Rev. Chris Barton recounted his experience on recent trips to South Africa, Nigeria and Democratic Republic of Congo. Rev. Tom Loghry let people know about a short-term mission trip he and other ERA pastors would be taking to Liberia next fall to teach Advent Christian pastors. ACGC international missions director Jeff Walsh explained some highlights of the larger denominational missions work and Justin Nash shared some successes this year in ACGC’s domestic ministries.
Saturday morning featured more business and a very informative plenary workshop from Mr. Sam Whiting of the Massachusetts Family Institute (mafamily.org ) entitled “Protecting Your Church: Dealing with Anti-Discrimination Laws.” Rev. Dr. John Jones was reelected as regional treasurer and Rev. Dr. Erik Reynolds was elected as vice president to replace Rev. Dwight Dean, the outgoing vice president who closed the meeting with a devotion from Romans Chapter 12 focusing on Paul’s three-fold admonition to “rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation and be constant in prayer.” Rev. Dean closed the meetings with a benediction.