District Conference 

Audrey Hollenberg-Duffey will bring

the morning worship message.

 Audrey, Director of Susquehanna Valley Ministry Center, holds an MDiv from Bethany Theological Seminary and an M.A. in sociology from Bridgewater College. She also received a Doctor of Ministry from Wesley Theological Seminary (D.C.) in Church Leadership Excellence. Audrey served in pastoral ministry for ten years, as well as coordinated English-language ministry training programs for the Brethren Academy of Ministerial Leadership. Audrey attends the Oakton Church of the Brethren (Mid-Atlantic District), where her husband, Tim, is the pastor. She enjoys spending time with her three young children, going for hikes, and baking bread.

Greetings Dear Brothers and Sisters!

You are invited to attend the October 10, 2026 District Conference to be held at the Clover Creek Church of the Brethren, just outside Martinsburg, PA.  Join with others from across the district to worship together, to conduct the business of Middle PA, to fellowship, to hear reports from district teams and partners, to hold the annual Camp Blue Diamond meeting, to participate in insight sessions, and to encourage each other in our faith journey.

Audrey Hollenberg-Duffey, Director of the Susquehanna Valley Ministry Center, will bring the morning message. Her sermon will explore the theme of servanthood as taught in Matthew 20:26-28 and shared by composer Richard Gillard in his song entitled Will You let Me Be Your Servant .

During our afternoon time together, Take Aways will be highlighted.  Join in the celebration as selected congregations will briefly share a meaningful activity. 

In addition, Audrey will be leading a Friday evening session entitled, Discerning Your Congregation’s Next Faithful Step, to be held on October 9 from 4:30-8:00 pm at Altoona First Church of the Brethren. Pastors and church leaders are encouraged to attend this pre-conference event.  CEUs will be offered. See flyer for more details.

We enthusiastically look forward to our October gathering as we strive to continue the work of Jesus, peacefully, simply, and together.

Sowing Hope Farm

A place for adults with disabilities to connect, building relationships in a Nurturing environment, with the focus on abilities not disabilities.

Ø  Offering Opportunities to learn new skills, working as a team, and growing in knowledge.

Ø  Providing Experiences regularly to our Participants. Fostering Confidence and Independence and a sense of community. Contributing to the development of a sense of accomplishment and self-worth.

Ø  Our Participants engage in hands-on activities crafting, household tasks, floral design, landscaping and gardening.

Ø  A place where the participants can enjoy making social connections on an activity day that is filled with uplifting interactions essential to their wellbeing.

Ø  All while Maintaining an individualized approach with support, treating each participant with the dignity and respect they deserve.

Activities:

·       Preparing and baking or cooking pies, cookies and a baked pasta meal for their personal use.

·       Various craft projects and painting.

·       Garden flower cuttings and floral arrangements, a succulent planting class.

·       Community activities include bowling at Morrisons Cove Memorial Park and Altoona Curve Game.

·       Putting together mesh wreaths and planting flower and vegetable seeds in biodegradable pots for placement in our raised gardens.

Items to donate:

·       Monetary donations (checks payable: Sowing Hope Farm)

·       Paper tablecloths

·       Measuring spoons

·       Measuring cups

·       Parchment paper

·       Aluminum foil

·       Cookie sheets

·       Cupcake sheets

·       Cupcake pan

·       Cupcake pan liners

·       Paper Towels

·       Paper Plates

·       Napkins

·       Food handling gloves

·       Ziplock bags (all sizes)

·       Ziplock freezer bags (all sizes)