Join Us for the 2026 CBC Annual Meeting & Worship Conference!
We’re excited to welcome individuals, families, and congregations to the 2026 Covenant Brethren Church Annual Meeting & Worship Conference at the Pasquerilla Conference Center in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, from July 16 through July 18, 2026. This gathering is a time for the Covenant Brethren Church to come together in worship, prayer, and seeking the Lord’s leading while building one another up in faith. Along with worship and fellowship, a minimum of essential business will also be conducted. We are also pleased to once again offer a CBC Youth Conference alongside the Annual Meeting & Worship Conference, providing youth with opportunities for Bible study, worship, Christ-centered activities, and meaningful friendships with other young believers.
This year’s conference theme is “Go…Make…Baptize,” based on Matthew 28:19. Our theme verse reminds us of the work Jesus has called us to do: “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”
On Thursday evening, July 16th, we are especially excited to welcome Pastor Jose Calleja Otero, Regional Elder for Puerto Rico. Pastor Jose has been the bishop for the Puerto Rico Region for the past eleven years. He is also an ordained minister and pastor of CBC’s Vega Baja congregation.
On Friday evening, July 17th, the message will be brought by Pastor John Swonger, pastor of Knob Creek Covenant Brethren Church and a member of the CBC Executive Board. Bro John brings a heart for sound teaching and spiritual encouragement and will lead us in reflection and worship as we continue seeking God together.
Pre-Conference Sessions will begin at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 16th, and are open to all attendees. These four sessions provide meaningful opportunities to reflect and engage on important topics in church life, encouraging thoughtful discussion as we prepare our hearts for worship and fellowship.
Additional Information on Pre-Conference Sessions >
*Note: All delegates are required to register online for the conference.
Hotel Reservations
Lodging for this year’s conference is available at the Holiday Inn Johnstown-Downtown, located just a short distance from the Pasquerilla Conference Center. Rooms are available at a rate of $125 per night plus tax, and reservations must be made by June 14. To reserve your room, please call the hotel at 814-535-7777 and reference the CBC Annual Meeting. The hotel does not offer complimentary breakfast, but an on-site restaurant, Harrigan’s, is available. Parking is available at the hotel for $5 per day, or you may park at the conference center at no charge.
Event Address
Pasquerilla Conference Center
301 Napoleon Street
Johnstown, PA 15901, US
Meal Details
- Thursday Dinner, Friday Breakfast & Lunch, and Saturday Breakfast available with meal ticket ($56) purchased when registering. (View full meal details)
- Friday Evening BRF Meal (limited seating)
- Local Restaurants Available
Growing in Faith, Walking in Truth
Youth Conference
Hey youth! The CBC Youth Conference is happening alongside the Covenant Brethren Church Annual Meeting & Worship Conference, and we’d love for you to be part of it. This is a time to focus on God’s Word, strengthen your faith, and connect with other young believers in a meaningful way.
Throughout the conference, you’ll have the opportunity to take part in Bible studies, worship, and messages that encourage and challenge you in your walk with Christ. There will also be activities and discussions designed to help you grow spiritually and build friendships with others who share your faith.
Come ready to learn, worship, and encourage one another as we seek Christ together. We look forward to seeing you there!
Jose Calleja Otero
Thursday Keynote Speaker
Regional Elder for Puerto Rico
Pastor of CBC’s Vega Baja Congregation
He has been the bishop for the Puerto Rico Region for the past eleven years. He is also an ordained minister and pastor of CBC’s Vega Baja congregation. During his years in ministry, Jose’s ability has been to serve in different areas such as; pastor, elder, professor, church janitor, translator, preacher, delegate and even writer. His first book, Spiritual Detox was recently published in march 2026. Jose has been in the Puerto Rico Brethren movement since he was 11 years old and knows very well the history and heritage of the movement in the island.
Community Blessing Project
As in previous years, the Covenant Brethren Church will once again seek to bless the local community during our Annual Meeting and Worship Conference.
To support this effort, we are asking everyone attending the conference to bring canned food items or other non-perishable dry goods. These donations will be collected and delivered to the Johnstown Family Soup Kitchen, which provides meals for the public and food assistance to those in need throughout the Johnstown area.
Please prayerfully consider bringing a donation of food items. Collection tables will be located at the front of the main hall in the Pasquerilla Event Center throughout the conference.
Thank you for helping us share Christ’s love in a practical way and for partnering with us to serve our neighbors in need.
John Swonger
Friday Keynote Speaker
CBC Executive Board Member
Pastor of Knob Creek
Psalms 128:1-4 says, “Blessed is everyone who fears the Lord, who walks in His ways. When you eat of the fruit of the labor of your hands, you will be happy and it will go well for you. Your wife will be like fruitful vine within your house, your children like olive plants around your table. Behold, for so shall a man who fears the Lord be blessed.” I have served and feared the Lord for many years, and living in His goodness and grace, I am abundantly blessed. My name is John Swonger. I currently serve on the CBC executive board, Southern Region board, and serve as pastor at Knob Creek CBC in Johnson City, Tennessee. I am also owner of a manufacturing business there. I have been married to my lovely wife Ruth for 35 years. God entrusted to us 2 beautiful daughters, and subsequently 2 wonderful sons-in-laws, and 2 amazing grandsons, 6 and 1. We live on a small farm where we raise horses and hay. To God be the Glory for His bountiful mercy and blessings!