The beautiful artists haven of Santa Fe, New Mexico played host to 52 diverse couples representing 25 of our churches in the western United States, Canada and the Philippines for the 10th annual Western Elders Conference.  The group honored John and Nancy Mannel for their leadership through the years since the inaugural conference began with just … [Read more...]

February 25, 2016 -- As usual for disciples, 2015 was a year of testing and blessing for the Elders Service Team. Two of our couples in particular faced health challenges that forced Gloria Baird to endure a new round of chemo therapy and Wyndham Shaw to take a three-month health sabbatical. Both couples missed the October North American delegates … [Read more...]

On November 6-7, almost 100 elders and wives (and prospective ones) from around New England, New Jersey and New York gathered in Hartford, CT, for the annual Northeast Elders and Wives Retreat. John and Nancy Mannel from St. Louis were this year's keynote speakers. As is our custom, the Friday night kick-off event is always the Clarence and … [Read more...]

In 2006 a need was felt by the elders of the South West region of U.S. churches to meet together for training and fellowship for elders and their wives. As a result we began what we called the "South West Elder's Retreat." Through these annual retreats we realized more and more the importance of being together with other men and … [Read more...]