Twenty-five people met at the St. Joseph Christian Life Center in Cleveland May 8-10 for the 22^nd meeting of the Council on Church and Media. While this was a much smaller group than usually attends CCM conferences, it enabled in-depth and frank conversations about the future of the organization, as well as sharing from agencies about the work in which they have been involved.

The opening session began with introductions and a meditation by Regina Shands Stoltzfus, Director of Admissions at Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary and a former pastor at Lee Heights Community Church in Cleveland. After resituating to a room that had a keyboard to aid in accompaniment, we were treated to music by the Gospel Choir from Lee Heights. Robin Miller, pastor of Lee Heights, talked about some of the ministries of their congregation and how they have worked to counter the influences of drugs and gang violence in their community.

Tony Krabill, CCM chair, gave a brief history of the organization and reflected on his own history with CCM, plus hopes for what it can become.

The remainder of sessions took place in a small ``rotunda'' with wild central reverberations and acoustical illusions, but also offered a more intimate setting for discussions.

Following brief worship Tuesday morning, CCM member agencies shared with each other about a variety of projects and issues, from DVD production, project management, branding, surveys, publications, niche marketing, and much more. Participants valued this opportunity to see what others are doing and suggested that this become a regular feature of the conference. The remainder of the morning focused on shaping CCM's future, with groups discussing why they participate and what would enhance their CCM experience.

Tuesday afternoon was ``playtime.'' No official off-site seminars were planned. Several ventured to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame or the Cleveland Museum of Art, while others used the time to relax on the beautiful grounds of the retreat center along the lake or catch up on e-mails and work.

At the business meeting Wednesday morning, CCM's new executive director, Fred Steiner, and his wife, Mary, were introduced, as were the newly elected members of the executive committee Melodie Davis of Mennonite Media, chair, and Larry Guengerich of Mennonite Central Committee, vice chair. Rosa Perez Perdomo will continue as treasurer.

After working through the business meeting agenda, the previous day's discussion about shaping CCM's future resumed. As the conference concluded there was a strong sense of hope for the future with energy and ideas formulating and the new executive committee eager to get down to the business of revitalizing this organization.

-Tony Krabill