NEWS
Gather 'Round chosen as name for new curriculum.
OEP board discusses sowing seeds and reaping fruits of peace.
Global Food Crisis Fund supports projects of Heifer International.
Emergency Response program plans new west coast and West Virginia projects.
Youth meet at Bridgewater Roundtable and Manchester RYC.
Workshop teaches skills for conflict transformation.
Renewal event stirs up hope for the church.
The church remembers district leader Helen Constable.
"Messenger" awarded for conference coverage, design.
Brethren bits: National Youth Sunday, Nigeria delegation, and more.
PERSONNEL
Genelle Wine will serve as BVS coordinator of orientation.
Friday, April 30, 2004
Gather 'Round chosen as name for new curriculum.
Gather 'Round: Hearing and Sharing God's Good News, was chosen as the name for a new Brethren and Mennonite Sunday school curriculum by an advisory group that met April 14-17 in Elgin, Ill. The group discussed goals for the curriculum as well as theological and educational foundations, a theme scripture, Bible outlines, print pieces, printing technology, electronic media, and marketing.
The name implies "wholeness and heart," said Gwen Gustafson-Zook, a representative of Mennonite Church USA. The group envisioned the name as a call to Christians to gather around the Word, around the table of the Lord, at church and at home, and around the world in service and evangelism. The name also calls up images of Jesus gathering children to him.
The curriculum is a cooperative venture of the Church of the Brethren, Mennonite Church Canada, and Mennonite Church USA through Brethren Press and Mennonite Publishing Network (MPN). Plans call for Gather 'Round to be available in the fall 2006 as a successor to the highly successful curriculum Jubilee: God's Good News. The last quarter of Jubilee will be available in the summer 2006.
Anna Speicher, project director, emphasized that Gather 'Round will not simply be a reworking of Jubilee but will build on Jubilee's strong points. Foundational to both curricula is "respect for children as people already in relationship with God," Speicher said. The new curriculum will build on Jubilee's strengths of familiarizing children with basic Bible stories and making Sunday school a "time for learning the habits of worship, including ritual, silence, and prayer," she added.
New elements will include strengthening the partnership between church and home, embedding more teacher training in lesson plans, and increasing the serviceability of the curriculum. Also new is the way in which Bible texts are used, with the age groups all studying the same scriptures each week. This creates the opportunity for a significant new feature of Gather 'Round: a class for parents and others who care for children. The class, which may be offered for Sunday school, Bible study, or as a support group, will provide tips for talking about faith and scripture with children and opportunities for parents to grow spiritually. To her knowledge no other publisher is producing such a complete resource for parents, Speicher said.
Adults who care for children are one of six age groups to be served by the curriculum. The others are early childhood, primary, middler, junior high, and a multi-age group that could include children of all ages and adults. Multi-age lessons "will help small congregations who don't have capacity for different age groupings" as well as respond to increasing interest in intergenerational learning opportunities, Speicher said.
Another feature of the new curriculum will be its sensitivity to busy volunteer teachers who often do not have time to attend trainings or go to outside sources for lesson preparation. Lesson plans will include teacher training such as tips for dealing with age-specific issues.
Speicher is recruiting Brethren and Mennonite scholars to write biblical backgrounds for the lessons. She reports that Old Testament scholar and former Church of the Brethren general secretary Robert W. Neff has agreed to write the Bible backgrounds for the first quarter on the book of Genesis. "We will also be asking our lesson writers to emphasize Brethren and Mennonite values of peace and justice, discipleship, community, and simple living," she said, adding that the publishers expect to be able to sell the curriculum to other like-minded churches with similar values. To make the curriculum more responsive to user feedback and changing needs, lesson plans will be written new every year rather in a three-year cycle that is repeated.
The 15-member advisory group included Wendy McFadden and Jewel McNary of Brethren Press; Julie Hostetter and Del Keeney of the General Board's Congregational Life Ministries, Association of Brethren Caregivers executive director Kathy Reid, and Pam Reist, pastor of Christian nurture at Lititz Church of the Brethren, Mount Joy, Pa. For more information contact Anna Speicher at 800-323-8039 or e-mail aspeicher_gb@brethren.org.
Source: Newsline 4/30/2004 top
Gather 'Round: Hearing and Sharing God's Good News, was chosen as the name for a new Brethren and Mennonite Sunday school curriculum by an advisory group that met April 14-17 in Elgin, Ill. The group discussed goals for the curriculum as well as theological and educational foundations, a theme scripture, Bible outlines, print pieces, printing technology, electronic media, and marketing.
The name implies "wholeness and heart," said Gwen Gustafson-Zook, a representative of Mennonite Church USA. The group envisioned the name as a call to Christians to gather around the Word, around the table of the Lord, at church and at home, and around the world in service and evangelism. The name also calls up images of Jesus gathering children to him.
The curriculum is a cooperative venture of the Church of the Brethren, Mennonite Church Canada, and Mennonite Church USA through Brethren Press and Mennonite Publishing Network (MPN). Plans call for Gather 'Round to be available in the fall 2006 as a successor to the highly successful curriculum Jubilee: God's Good News. The last quarter of Jubilee will be available in the summer 2006.
Anna Speicher, project director, emphasized that Gather 'Round will not simply be a reworking of Jubilee but will build on Jubilee's strong points. Foundational to both curricula is "respect for children as people already in relationship with God," Speicher said. The new curriculum will build on Jubilee's strengths of familiarizing children with basic Bible stories and making Sunday school a "time for learning the habits of worship, including ritual, silence, and prayer," she added.
New elements will include strengthening the partnership between church and home, embedding more teacher training in lesson plans, and increasing the serviceability of the curriculum. Also new is the way in which Bible texts are used, with the age groups all studying the same scriptures each week. This creates the opportunity for a significant new feature of Gather 'Round: a class for parents and others who care for children. The class, which may be offered for Sunday school, Bible study, or as a support group, will provide tips for talking about faith and scripture with children and opportunities for parents to grow spiritually. To her knowledge no other publisher is producing such a complete resource for parents, Speicher said.
Adults who care for children are one of six age groups to be served by the curriculum. The others are early childhood, primary, middler, junior high, and a multi-age group that could include children of all ages and adults. Multi-age lessons "will help small congregations who don't have capacity for different age groupings" as well as respond to increasing interest in intergenerational learning opportunities, Speicher said.
Another feature of the new curriculum will be its sensitivity to busy volunteer teachers who often do not have time to attend trainings or go to outside sources for lesson preparation. Lesson plans will include teacher training such as tips for dealing with age-specific issues.
Speicher is recruiting Brethren and Mennonite scholars to write biblical backgrounds for the lessons. She reports that Old Testament scholar and former Church of the Brethren general secretary Robert W. Neff has agreed to write the Bible backgrounds for the first quarter on the book of Genesis. "We will also be asking our lesson writers to emphasize Brethren and Mennonite values of peace and justice, discipleship, community, and simple living," she said, adding that the publishers expect to be able to sell the curriculum to other like-minded churches with similar values. To make the curriculum more responsive to user feedback and changing needs, lesson plans will be written new every year rather in a three-year cycle that is repeated.
The 15-member advisory group included Wendy McFadden and Jewel McNary of Brethren Press; Julie Hostetter and Del Keeney of the General Board's Congregational Life Ministries, Association of Brethren Caregivers executive director Kathy Reid, and Pam Reist, pastor of Christian nurture at Lititz Church of the Brethren, Mount Joy, Pa. For more information contact Anna Speicher at 800-323-8039 or e-mail aspeicher_gb@brethren.org.
Source: Newsline 4/30/2004 top
OEP board discusses sowing seeds and reaping fruits of peace.
The On Earth Peace (OEP) Board of Directors and staff met April 16-17 at New Windsor, Md. With the theme "Sown, Grown, and Living," the group took time to reflect on how they, as individuals and as an organization, sow the seeds of peace while reaping the fruits of reconciliation. The board, led by chair Bev Weaver, continued use of the formal consensus process for discussion and decision-making.
Plans for OEP's 30th anniversary celebration were outlined, including four regional weekend events that will include two concerts and a full-day workshop each weekend. Board and staff also assessed response to the Annual Conference call to be a living peace church.
The staff described OEP programs and projects with special emphasis given to the Organizing for Peace event in La Verne, Calif., in March; OEP's participation in the ongoing ecclesiology consultation planned by the Council of District Executives and others; an 18-month conflict transformation leadership program for a group of managers at the Brethren Retirement Community in Greenville, Ohio, that is a prototype for future trainings; and the announcement of the 2004 Youth Peace Travel Team.
Committees of the board also reported. The personnel committee is working on a three-year evaluation of executive directors and the organization, in which the first year evaluation is by board and staff members, the second year by directors and staff of other Annual Conference agencies, and the third year by a wide spectrum of people and groups throughout the denomination. The committee currently is creating an evaluation tool for the third year. The nominating committee presented the resignation of Charles Kwon from the board and appointed Verdena Lee of Kent, Ohio, to complete his term. The executive committee reviewed organizational costs for board meetings with a comparison to other Church of the Brethren agencies, and determined that OEP is comparable to or somewhat under the level of expense of other agencies. The committee also explored how to build stronger connections with Latino/a communities in the Church of the Brethren. Advancement committee chair Ken Frantz led the board in "Equipping the Development Tool Box," to create a list of talking points that help people understand the mission and work of OEP.
A working group brought a draft of position descriptions for the board as a whole and for board members. The board worked in small groups to consider the position descriptions and identify competencies needed for effective board work. The working group will continue to develop descriptions to bring back to the board at its fall meeting. The board also worked on information that would be helpful to orient new board members.
David Jehnsen, liaison to Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT), reported on new developments in CPT work and organization; projects continuing in Iraq, Palestine, Columbia, and Canada; and the calling of new co-directors, Carol Rose and Doug Pritchard.
Source: Newsline 4/30/2004 top
The On Earth Peace (OEP) Board of Directors and staff met April 16-17 at New Windsor, Md. With the theme "Sown, Grown, and Living," the group took time to reflect on how they, as individuals and as an organization, sow the seeds of peace while reaping the fruits of reconciliation. The board, led by chair Bev Weaver, continued use of the formal consensus process for discussion and decision-making.
Plans for OEP's 30th anniversary celebration were outlined, including four regional weekend events that will include two concerts and a full-day workshop each weekend. Board and staff also assessed response to the Annual Conference call to be a living peace church.
The staff described OEP programs and projects with special emphasis given to the Organizing for Peace event in La Verne, Calif., in March; OEP's participation in the ongoing ecclesiology consultation planned by the Council of District Executives and others; an 18-month conflict transformation leadership program for a group of managers at the Brethren Retirement Community in Greenville, Ohio, that is a prototype for future trainings; and the announcement of the 2004 Youth Peace Travel Team.
Committees of the board also reported. The personnel committee is working on a three-year evaluation of executive directors and the organization, in which the first year evaluation is by board and staff members, the second year by directors and staff of other Annual Conference agencies, and the third year by a wide spectrum of people and groups throughout the denomination. The committee currently is creating an evaluation tool for the third year. The nominating committee presented the resignation of Charles Kwon from the board and appointed Verdena Lee of Kent, Ohio, to complete his term. The executive committee reviewed organizational costs for board meetings with a comparison to other Church of the Brethren agencies, and determined that OEP is comparable to or somewhat under the level of expense of other agencies. The committee also explored how to build stronger connections with Latino/a communities in the Church of the Brethren. Advancement committee chair Ken Frantz led the board in "Equipping the Development Tool Box," to create a list of talking points that help people understand the mission and work of OEP.
A working group brought a draft of position descriptions for the board as a whole and for board members. The board worked in small groups to consider the position descriptions and identify competencies needed for effective board work. The working group will continue to develop descriptions to bring back to the board at its fall meeting. The board also worked on information that would be helpful to orient new board members.
David Jehnsen, liaison to Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT), reported on new developments in CPT work and organization; projects continuing in Iraq, Palestine, Columbia, and Canada; and the calling of new co-directors, Carol Rose and Doug Pritchard.
Source: Newsline 4/30/2004 top
Global Food Crisis Fund supports projects of Heifer International.
In recognition of the 60th anniversary of Heifer International (HI--formerly Heifer Project International) and the role that the Church of the Brethren played in its formation and continues today, the General Board's Global Food Crisis Fund (GFCF) has allocated $60,000 to HI-supported projects in Armenia, Zimbabwe, and Albania. The grants engage the fund in three new countries, according to GFCF manager Howard Royer, and bring the total of grant monies issued in the first four months of 2004 to a quarter of a million dollars.
In Albania, $30,000 will support a "guns for cows" program providing a pregnant cow for every two or three guns surrendered. The program is a pilot effort begun by the United Nations Disarming Program after 1997, when Albanians took more than 500,000 weapons from military depots during a time of national upheaval.
A grant of $20,000 will help improve nutrition and income of people affected by the AIDS pandemic. HI partners with four community-based groups to distribute heifers, bulls, goats, chickens, and rabbits in a densely populated farming area where the number of AIDS cases is the highest in the nation. The funds also will help provide training in livestock handling, financial management, and child care.
A grant of $10,000 has been approved for the Aigabetz "Sunrise" Project for teenage and adult orphans in Armenia. With a sizeable orphan population that lacks a social net, Armenia is experiencing a rising tide of crime and prostitution among its youth, according to GFCF's grant recommendation. The Aigabetz program aids recipients' constructive release from the trauma of childhood in an orphanage and helps their self-sufficiency by forming extended communes in which residents receive basic resources to enable them to become entrepreneurs. Each teenage orphan or orphan couple is equipped with a small tract of irrigable land, modest living space, livestock, vocational training, and seed money.
The grant for Armenia was approved shortly after the 89th anniversary of the 1915 Armenia genocide on April 18. The first international relief effort by the Church of the Brethren was for Armenia, in 1918-1921 when Brethren contributed about $267,000 according to the "Brethren Encyclopedia." Royer noted that some historians regard the Armenia relief offering as the beginning of Brethren Service.
Source: Newsline 4/30/2004 top
In recognition of the 60th anniversary of Heifer International (HI--formerly Heifer Project International) and the role that the Church of the Brethren played in its formation and continues today, the General Board's Global Food Crisis Fund (GFCF) has allocated $60,000 to HI-supported projects in Armenia, Zimbabwe, and Albania. The grants engage the fund in three new countries, according to GFCF manager Howard Royer, and bring the total of grant monies issued in the first four months of 2004 to a quarter of a million dollars.
In Albania, $30,000 will support a "guns for cows" program providing a pregnant cow for every two or three guns surrendered. The program is a pilot effort begun by the United Nations Disarming Program after 1997, when Albanians took more than 500,000 weapons from military depots during a time of national upheaval.
A grant of $20,000 will help improve nutrition and income of people affected by the AIDS pandemic. HI partners with four community-based groups to distribute heifers, bulls, goats, chickens, and rabbits in a densely populated farming area where the number of AIDS cases is the highest in the nation. The funds also will help provide training in livestock handling, financial management, and child care.
A grant of $10,000 has been approved for the Aigabetz "Sunrise" Project for teenage and adult orphans in Armenia. With a sizeable orphan population that lacks a social net, Armenia is experiencing a rising tide of crime and prostitution among its youth, according to GFCF's grant recommendation. The Aigabetz program aids recipients' constructive release from the trauma of childhood in an orphanage and helps their self-sufficiency by forming extended communes in which residents receive basic resources to enable them to become entrepreneurs. Each teenage orphan or orphan couple is equipped with a small tract of irrigable land, modest living space, livestock, vocational training, and seed money.
The grant for Armenia was approved shortly after the 89th anniversary of the 1915 Armenia genocide on April 18. The first international relief effort by the Church of the Brethren was for Armenia, in 1918-1921 when Brethren contributed about $267,000 according to the "Brethren Encyclopedia." Royer noted that some historians regard the Armenia relief offering as the beginning of Brethren Service.
Source: Newsline 4/30/2004 top
Emergency Response program plans new west coast and West Virginia projects.
Three new disaster relief projects are planned in the west coast states of California and Washington and in West Virginia by the General Board's Emergency Response program. An ongoing project in Poquoson, Va., continues as well.
In the town of Julian, Calif., Church of the Brethren volunteers will join in a fire clean-up project organized by Mennonite Disaster Service, beginning the week of Aug. 1. The clean up follows deadly wildfires that swept through southern California last October claiming 22 lives and destroying 3,631 homes. Volunteers will clear the land of burned trees, and cut, stack, and chip wood. Pacific Southwest District has committed to supply volunteers to work with the project, and volunteers from other districts are invited to participate. Contact Milton Ewert, Pacific Southwest District disaster coordinator, at 209-523-9490 or e-mail mjemod@juno.com.
In Skagit County, Wash., a flood recovery project will rebuild homes for ten low-income families. Heavy storms last October brought floods that affected dozens of homes in the county. The Church of the Brethren has been invited to participate in the project managed by the Christian Reformed World Relief Committee. Brethren from any district are welcome and encouraged to volunteer. Contact Nancy Wilkinson, Oregon-Washington District disaster coordinator, at 360-848-1827.
The Emergency Response program is gearing up for a flood recovery project in Greenbrier County, W.Va., following severe storms last November that caused flash floods and mudslides across the state. Details for the new project are not yet in place, but staff hope to get it started by late June. To volunteer or schedule a group of volunteers to work for a week in the summer, call Emergency Response staff Jane Yount at 800-451-4407 or e-mail jyount_gb@brethren.org.
Source: Newsline 4/30/2004 top
Three new disaster relief projects are planned in the west coast states of California and Washington and in West Virginia by the General Board's Emergency Response program. An ongoing project in Poquoson, Va., continues as well.
In the town of Julian, Calif., Church of the Brethren volunteers will join in a fire clean-up project organized by Mennonite Disaster Service, beginning the week of Aug. 1. The clean up follows deadly wildfires that swept through southern California last October claiming 22 lives and destroying 3,631 homes. Volunteers will clear the land of burned trees, and cut, stack, and chip wood. Pacific Southwest District has committed to supply volunteers to work with the project, and volunteers from other districts are invited to participate. Contact Milton Ewert, Pacific Southwest District disaster coordinator, at 209-523-9490 or e-mail mjemod@juno.com.
In Skagit County, Wash., a flood recovery project will rebuild homes for ten low-income families. Heavy storms last October brought floods that affected dozens of homes in the county. The Church of the Brethren has been invited to participate in the project managed by the Christian Reformed World Relief Committee. Brethren from any district are welcome and encouraged to volunteer. Contact Nancy Wilkinson, Oregon-Washington District disaster coordinator, at 360-848-1827.
The Emergency Response program is gearing up for a flood recovery project in Greenbrier County, W.Va., following severe storms last November that caused flash floods and mudslides across the state. Details for the new project are not yet in place, but staff hope to get it started by late June. To volunteer or schedule a group of volunteers to work for a week in the summer, call Emergency Response staff Jane Yount at 800-451-4407 or e-mail jyount_gb@brethren.org.
Source: Newsline 4/30/2004 top
Youth meet at Bridgewater Roundtable and Manchester RYC.
Church of the Brethren youth were at Bridgewater (Va.) and Manchester (Ind.) Colleges for regional youth conferences in March and April.
Nearly 265 youth and advisors gathered at Bridgewater March 26-28 for Roundtable, the annual Southeastern Regional Youth Conference. Roundtable 2004 was led by keynote speaker Jeff Carter, pastor of Manassas (Va.) Church of the Brethren, and entertainer and musician Joseph Helfrich. Participants explored the theme, "The Next Chapter...A Future with Hope."
Roundtable has undergone significant changes in recent years, reported Jonathan Emmons, 2003-04 president of the Interdistrict Youth Cabinet. For the second year, it included a Friday night concert and small groups, which provided opportunities for meeting new people and processing the keynote speaker's message. Roundtable 2004 marked the 60th occurrence of the event.
About 115 youth and advisors met at Manchester April 17-18. It marked the first year that the midwestern regional youth conference shifted from a Friday evening through Sunday format, to a 24-hour event beginning Saturday morning. Another new feature was a Saturday night "RYC Cafe" where youth shared a variety of talents in music, acting, and comedy.
Worship remained at the heart of the event with three celebrations focusing on the national youth theme, "Seeking, Thirsting, Longing." Christy Waltersdorff, pastor of York Center Church of the Brethren in Lombard, Ill., and Jeremy Ashworth, pastor of Lincolnshire Church of the Brethren in Fort Wayne, Ind., spoke at two of the services. The third service featured three youth--Nick Kauffman from Indiana, Jonathan Keeney from Illinois, and Colleen Hamilton from Michigan--sharing their reflections on the theme. Each service ended with a creative expression of commitment, inviting participants to scoop up sand, pour water, and light candles. The conference also included Manchester College Peace Week activities, ten workshops, and a gathering for high school seniors.
Source: Newsline 4/30/2004 top
Church of the Brethren youth were at Bridgewater (Va.) and Manchester (Ind.) Colleges for regional youth conferences in March and April.
Nearly 265 youth and advisors gathered at Bridgewater March 26-28 for Roundtable, the annual Southeastern Regional Youth Conference. Roundtable 2004 was led by keynote speaker Jeff Carter, pastor of Manassas (Va.) Church of the Brethren, and entertainer and musician Joseph Helfrich. Participants explored the theme, "The Next Chapter...A Future with Hope."
Roundtable has undergone significant changes in recent years, reported Jonathan Emmons, 2003-04 president of the Interdistrict Youth Cabinet. For the second year, it included a Friday night concert and small groups, which provided opportunities for meeting new people and processing the keynote speaker's message. Roundtable 2004 marked the 60th occurrence of the event.
About 115 youth and advisors met at Manchester April 17-18. It marked the first year that the midwestern regional youth conference shifted from a Friday evening through Sunday format, to a 24-hour event beginning Saturday morning. Another new feature was a Saturday night "RYC Cafe" where youth shared a variety of talents in music, acting, and comedy.
Worship remained at the heart of the event with three celebrations focusing on the national youth theme, "Seeking, Thirsting, Longing." Christy Waltersdorff, pastor of York Center Church of the Brethren in Lombard, Ill., and Jeremy Ashworth, pastor of Lincolnshire Church of the Brethren in Fort Wayne, Ind., spoke at two of the services. The third service featured three youth--Nick Kauffman from Indiana, Jonathan Keeney from Illinois, and Colleen Hamilton from Michigan--sharing their reflections on the theme. Each service ended with a creative expression of commitment, inviting participants to scoop up sand, pour water, and light candles. The conference also included Manchester College Peace Week activities, ten workshops, and a gathering for high school seniors.
Source: Newsline 4/30/2004 top
Workshop teaches skills for conflict transformation.
Forty church leaders from seven districts gathered at the Brethren Service Center, New Windsor, Md., on April 23 to attend "Conflict Transformation for Congregational Leaders," a Ministry of Reconciliation workshop co-sponsored by Southern Pennsylvania and Mid-Atlantic Districts and On Earth Peace (OEP). The goal of the workshop was to broaden leaders' skills and knowledge in the area of reconciliation work.
"When pastors, deacons, and other congregational leaders handle conflict effectively, the whole congregation benefits," explained Annie Clark, OEP's coordinator for conflict transformation. Overall leadership was provided by Angela Lahman-Yoder of the Circle of Peace Church of the Brethren, Glendale, Ariz., along with Bob Gross and Matt Guynn of OEP. Participants spent the morning learning the dynamics of conflict, and transformation in conflict settings. In the afternoon, participants chose one of three tracks to sharpen their reconciliation skills in meeting facilitation, deacon ministry, or pastoral ministry. Participant Earl Fowler of the Drexel Hill (Pa.) Church of the Brethren found the day "enlightening." He stated, "It was interesting and informative to find people approaching conflict in a different manner."
As part of the celebration of the thirtieth anniversary of On Earth Peace, the workshop will be offered at four sites around the country in the next year: June 12 at Bethany Church of the Brethren, New Paris, Ind.; Aug. 14 at Bridgewater (Va.) Church of the Brethren; Nov. 13 at McPherson (Kan.) Church of the Brethren; and early 2005 in Pacific Southwest District.
Source: Newsline 4/30/2004 top
Forty church leaders from seven districts gathered at the Brethren Service Center, New Windsor, Md., on April 23 to attend "Conflict Transformation for Congregational Leaders," a Ministry of Reconciliation workshop co-sponsored by Southern Pennsylvania and Mid-Atlantic Districts and On Earth Peace (OEP). The goal of the workshop was to broaden leaders' skills and knowledge in the area of reconciliation work.
"When pastors, deacons, and other congregational leaders handle conflict effectively, the whole congregation benefits," explained Annie Clark, OEP's coordinator for conflict transformation. Overall leadership was provided by Angela Lahman-Yoder of the Circle of Peace Church of the Brethren, Glendale, Ariz., along with Bob Gross and Matt Guynn of OEP. Participants spent the morning learning the dynamics of conflict, and transformation in conflict settings. In the afternoon, participants chose one of three tracks to sharpen their reconciliation skills in meeting facilitation, deacon ministry, or pastoral ministry. Participant Earl Fowler of the Drexel Hill (Pa.) Church of the Brethren found the day "enlightening." He stated, "It was interesting and informative to find people approaching conflict in a different manner."
As part of the celebration of the thirtieth anniversary of On Earth Peace, the workshop will be offered at four sites around the country in the next year: June 12 at Bethany Church of the Brethren, New Paris, Ind.; Aug. 14 at Bridgewater (Va.) Church of the Brethren; Nov. 13 at McPherson (Kan.) Church of the Brethren; and early 2005 in Pacific Southwest District.
Source: Newsline 4/30/2004 top
Renewal event stirs up hope for the church.
"Something exciting is stirring in Atlantic Northeast District," according to David Young, chair of the district's Spiritual Renewal Team that sponsored a "Ministry R&R" event for district leaders on April 27. Over 75 people attended the annual retreat, which also included ministers of Southern Pennsylvania District and was hosted by Elizabethtown (Pa.) College. At the end of a day of challenge to personal renewal and renewal of the church, participants "left feeling excited and hopeful for where God is stirring in the midst of our lives and our denomination," Young said.
"It was a day of optimism, hope, and encouragement for the pastors," said Church of the Brethren general secretary Stan Noffsinger, who was one of those who led the group through a reflective journey exploring "Vision, Identity, and Ministry," along with Annual Conference moderator-elect Jim Hardenbrook and Atlantic Northeast District executive Craig Smith.
In an opening meditation, Hardenbrook helped the group reflect on Mark 10, where Jesus asked the blind man, "What do you want me to do for you?" This became the centering question for the day. Speaking on identity, Hardenbrook also looked at what it means to be apprentices of Jesus Christ and to lead others into discipleship, and affirmed the attractiveness of Brethren identity. Exploring the topic of vision, Noffsinger challenged the group to keep its compass on the risen Christ and to live what that means in terms of the mission of the church. Smith spoke of the courage entailed in pastoral leadership. He encouraged risk-taking adventures, leading the church in the grand adventure of "living in the leap." The retreat closed with prayer groups and anointing.
Source: Newsline 4/30/2004 top
"Something exciting is stirring in Atlantic Northeast District," according to David Young, chair of the district's Spiritual Renewal Team that sponsored a "Ministry R&R" event for district leaders on April 27. Over 75 people attended the annual retreat, which also included ministers of Southern Pennsylvania District and was hosted by Elizabethtown (Pa.) College. At the end of a day of challenge to personal renewal and renewal of the church, participants "left feeling excited and hopeful for where God is stirring in the midst of our lives and our denomination," Young said.
"It was a day of optimism, hope, and encouragement for the pastors," said Church of the Brethren general secretary Stan Noffsinger, who was one of those who led the group through a reflective journey exploring "Vision, Identity, and Ministry," along with Annual Conference moderator-elect Jim Hardenbrook and Atlantic Northeast District executive Craig Smith.
In an opening meditation, Hardenbrook helped the group reflect on Mark 10, where Jesus asked the blind man, "What do you want me to do for you?" This became the centering question for the day. Speaking on identity, Hardenbrook also looked at what it means to be apprentices of Jesus Christ and to lead others into discipleship, and affirmed the attractiveness of Brethren identity. Exploring the topic of vision, Noffsinger challenged the group to keep its compass on the risen Christ and to live what that means in terms of the mission of the church. Smith spoke of the courage entailed in pastoral leadership. He encouraged risk-taking adventures, leading the church in the grand adventure of "living in the leap." The retreat closed with prayer groups and anointing.
Source: Newsline 4/30/2004 top
The church remembers district leader Helen Constable.
Helen Constable, former associate district executive for Western Pennsylvania District and a former General Board volunteer, died April 18 in West Chester, Pa. She was 76 years old.
Constable served the district for 27 years beginning as administrative assistant. She served as associate district executive for 14 years, with a focus on Christian education. Her work included planning and leading district meetings and workshops for congregations, and working with the district's age and interest group planning committees. She retired in 1992.
Along with her work for the district, she also was actively involved in Edu-care and other programs related to nurture, and served the Council of District Executives as treasurer and on its executive committee. She was licensed to the ministry in 1987 by Tire Hill (Pa.) Church of the Brethren.
After her retirement, Constable served for two and a half years, 1993-95, as volunteer coordinator for congregational resourcing for the General Board's Parish Ministries Commission and Brethren Press's then-new Jubilee curriculum. She helped introduce the curriculum to the districts, organized teacher training for district representatives, and tracked sales. "In her quiet and humble way, she was a powerhouse," remembered Brethren Press publisher Wendy McFadden. One of Constable's years as a program volunteer was spent with her husband Jim at the General Offices in Elgin, Ill.
Source: Newsline 4/30/2004 top
Helen Constable, former associate district executive for Western Pennsylvania District and a former General Board volunteer, died April 18 in West Chester, Pa. She was 76 years old.
Constable served the district for 27 years beginning as administrative assistant. She served as associate district executive for 14 years, with a focus on Christian education. Her work included planning and leading district meetings and workshops for congregations, and working with the district's age and interest group planning committees. She retired in 1992.
Along with her work for the district, she also was actively involved in Edu-care and other programs related to nurture, and served the Council of District Executives as treasurer and on its executive committee. She was licensed to the ministry in 1987 by Tire Hill (Pa.) Church of the Brethren.
After her retirement, Constable served for two and a half years, 1993-95, as volunteer coordinator for congregational resourcing for the General Board's Parish Ministries Commission and Brethren Press's then-new Jubilee curriculum. She helped introduce the curriculum to the districts, organized teacher training for district representatives, and tracked sales. "In her quiet and humble way, she was a powerhouse," remembered Brethren Press publisher Wendy McFadden. One of Constable's years as a program volunteer was spent with her husband Jim at the General Offices in Elgin, Ill.
Source: Newsline 4/30/2004 top
"Messenger" awarded for conference coverage, design.
The Church of the Brethren magazine "Messenger" received two "Best of the Christian Press" awards at the Associated Church Press convention April 20 in Toronto, Canada, in the categories of convention coverage and design.
A first-place "award of excellence" went to editor Fletcher Farrar and author Walt Wiltschek for the Annual Conference preview in the May 2003 issue, and for coverage of the conference in the August issue. In the category of design, Messenger received a second-place "award of merit" for the October 2003 issue designed by Paul Stocksdale of The Concept Mill and cover design by Debbie Noffsinger.
Source: Newsline 4/30/2004 top
The Church of the Brethren magazine "Messenger" received two "Best of the Christian Press" awards at the Associated Church Press convention April 20 in Toronto, Canada, in the categories of convention coverage and design.
A first-place "award of excellence" went to editor Fletcher Farrar and author Walt Wiltschek for the Annual Conference preview in the May 2003 issue, and for coverage of the conference in the August issue. In the category of design, Messenger received a second-place "award of merit" for the October 2003 issue designed by Paul Stocksdale of The Concept Mill and cover design by Debbie Noffsinger.
Source: Newsline 4/30/2004 top
Brethren bits: National Youth Sunday, Nigeria delegation, and more.
- Sunday May 2 is National Youth Sunday in the Church of the Brethren. In many congregations, youth will lead the service on the theme, "Seeking, Thirsting, Longing," from Psalm 63:1.
- On April 28 a delegation of Church of the Brethren leaders left for Nigeria with plans to meet with leaders of Ekklesiyar Yanuwa a Nigeria (EYN--the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria) and to view EYN programs in action. Participants included Stan Noffsinger, general secretary; Merv Keeney, executive director of Global Mission Partnerships for the General Board; Robert Krouse, who will begin as the board's mission coordinator for Nigeria this summer; and David Sollenberger, who will film the trip for a videotape related to this fall's mission offering emphasis. Noffsinger is on his first trip to the West African nation and will preach at a church in Yola on Sunday May 2. The group will return to the US on May 8.
- The Mission and Ministries Planning Council (MMPC) held a consultation on Haiti in Miami, Fla., April 19, bringing together more than a dozen invited guests to tell about their involvements in Haiti. Some of the involvements connected back to former General Board ministries to Haiti in the 1970s. Eglise des Freres Haitiens, a Haitian Church of the Brethren congregation in Miami, hosted the gathering. "Participants expressed deep passion and commitment for mission efforts of evangelism and service to Haiti," noted Stan Noffsinger, general secretary and MMPC chair. In the coming weeks, MMPC will reflect on the insights and enthusiasm shared during the event and will shape a recommendation on mission efforts in Haiti.
- The Church of the Brethren General Board seeks a full-time director of Information Services. Responsibilities will cover a technology system, management of day-to-day operations, and hardware and software systems. Knowledge and experience with an information system, skills in programming and systems analysis, and progressive administrative and leadership skills are desired. Minimum requirements are a bachelor's degree in information sciences or related field and five years' information services experience including systems analysis and design and programming involving networks. The position will be based in Elgin, Ill., or New Windsor, Md. Deadline for applications is May 19. Call Mary Lou Garrison at 800-323-8039.
- On Earth Peace (OEP) and the General Board's Brethren Witness/Washington Office seek a full-time volunteer coordinator for Decade to Overcome Violence (DOV) efforts in the Church of the Brethren. The position is offered through Brethren Volunteer Service and a two-year commitment is preferred, beginning in August or earlier. Location is negotiable. DOV is a World Council of Churches-sponsored initiative with roots in the Historic Peace Churches, supporting congregations around the world to seek reconciliation and peace. Responsibilities include encouraging congregations in efforts to reduce violence and build peace, nurturing a network of congregations, planning and/or leading events, speaking on the DOV movement, developing and promoting resources, and coordinating communication. Qualifications include a working knowledge of Christian nonviolence, familiarity with the Church of the Brethren, and ability to coordinate a denominational program. Contact Matt Guynn of OEP at 765-962-6234 or e-mail mattguynn@earthlink.net.
- Brethren Volunteer Service is in need of help. BVS is looking for past BVS unit pictures and name lists. Check the BVS website, www.brethrenvolunteerservice.org, to see if your unit picture or name list is missing. Please send missing unit photos and lists to Samuel Bowman, Brethren Volunteer Service, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120-1694 or e-mail sbowman_gb@brethren.org. Be sure to write your name and address on the back of the photo so that it can be returned, and identify the unit number and names of members.
- Tearcoat Church of the Brethren in Augusta, W.Va., was the setting of a Level I Disaster Child Care Training Workshop April 16-17. The training was a success with nine people participating. Leadership was provided by Lydia Walker, from Berkley Springs, W.Va., and Bev Abma, from Byron Center, Mich. Another Level I Training Workshop was held April 24-25 at Beacon Heights Church of the Brethren, Ft. Wayne, Ind., with 17 persons registered to attend and leadership by John Kinsel, from Dayton, Ohio, and Patricia Ronk, from Roanoke, Virginia.
- Anderson (Ind.) Church of the Brethren is hosting a "Church Health and Vitality" workshop and steak supper 4:30-8 p.m. May 6. Duane Grady, a member of the congregation's pastoral team and a staff member of the General Board's Congregational Life Teams, will give an introduction to the Natural Church Development process for church renewal and growth.
- The Leona Z. Row Eller Peace Lectureship for 2004, "Peacemaking Journeys through Playback Theater," will be performed at 7:30 p.m. May 22 at the Washington (D.C.) City Church of the Brethren. The two groups presenting the improvisatonal piece--Dumbarton Playback, a group from the United Methodist Church, and the Jubilee Troupe, a Church of the Brethren-related ensemble--also will participate in worship at the church at 11 a.m. May 23. "Peacemaking Journeys" invites the audience to recall desires for a peaceable world and share brief personal stories of peacemaking, which will be enacted on the spot.
- Two districts have new websites: Northern Plains and Virlina. Brian Gumm is working with Northern Plains to develop the site www.npcob.org, which will be linked to ecumenical partners and eventually have the capability for message board work to allow district leaders to have internet discussions. Congregations with a website address have a link to their own page and each congregation is listed with a link to MapQuest, allowing visitors to see where the church is located. "We hope this site will be a good connection between us as well as a communication piece through the web. May God bless our efforts!" said Connie Burkholder, district executive. The Virlina website is www.virlina.org and also is a work in progress, according to a report from the district asking visitors to the site to give suggestions for improvements.
- The 24th Mid-Atlantic Disaster Auction will be held May 1 at the Agricultural Center in Westminster, Md. The auction begins at 9 a.m. with general items, and the quilt auction will start at 12:30 p.m. Booths will feature everything from crafts to baked goods as well as an assortment of food. Childcare will be provided from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- The Church Life and Growth Team of Western Pennsylvania District has planned a Minister's Seminar entitled "Transitioning: Leading Your Church Through Change," for June 17, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., at Conemaugh Church of the Brethren in Johnstown, Pa. The presenter, Dan Southerland, author and founder of Church Transitions, Inc., co-sponsors events with Purpose Driven Ministries. Registration fees range from $25 per person with four registrations from the same church, to $40 per person for registrations paid after June 1. Call the district office at 814-479-7058 to receive a brochure or for further information.
- Pacific Southwest District held an "Experiencing Worship Event" April 16-17 at Imperial Heights Church of the Brethren in Los Angeles, Calif. More than 100 attended over the course of the two days, which included four worship services and nine workshops. At the opening worship, participants filled scallop shells at a fountain, responding to the scriptural invitation, "Let all who thirst come to the waters." Speakers included district executive Bryan Boyer, Imperial Heights pastor Thomas Dowdy, and Ataloa Woodin, pastor of Community Brethren Church in Fresno, Calif. Workshops focused on how to use the arts, music, multimedia, and drama in worship.
- "Thriving Beyond Boundaries" is the theme for the bi-annual convention of the Brethren/Mennonite Council for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Interests (BMC) on Oct. 9-11 near Buffalo, N.Y. The resource person for the event will be Julia Kasdorf, an author and poet whose creative work is influenced by her Mennonite upbringing. For more information visit the new BMC website, www.bmclgbt.org.
Genelle Wine will serve as BVS coordinator of orientation.
Genelle Wine, of Imperial, Neb., has accepted the position of coordinator of orientation for Brethren Volunteer Service. Currently living and studying in Germany, she previously served two years as a BVS volunteer, one of those years as assistant to the director of BVS.
Wine is a graduate of McPherson (Kan.) College and is completing an intensive German language study program at Multi Lingua in Bayreuth, Germany, while she works as an au-pair with a German family. She also was a participant in Up with People in 1998-99, and has served as a houseparent in a BVS project, Casa de Esperanza de los Ninos in Houston, Texas. She is a member of Enders (Neb.) Church of the Brethren.
Wine will begin her work with the General Board in August and will be based at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill.
Source: Newsline 4/30/2004 top
Genelle Wine, of Imperial, Neb., has accepted the position of coordinator of orientation for Brethren Volunteer Service. Currently living and studying in Germany, she previously served two years as a BVS volunteer, one of those years as assistant to the director of BVS.
Wine is a graduate of McPherson (Kan.) College and is completing an intensive German language study program at Multi Lingua in Bayreuth, Germany, while she works as an au-pair with a German family. She also was a participant in Up with People in 1998-99, and has served as a houseparent in a BVS project, Casa de Esperanza de los Ninos in Houston, Texas. She is a member of Enders (Neb.) Church of the Brethren.
Wine will begin her work with the General Board in August and will be based at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill.
Source: Newsline 4/30/2004 top
Credits
Newsline is produced by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of news services for the Church of the Brethren General Board, on the first, third, and fifth Friday of each month, with other editions as needed. Newsline stories may be reprinted provided that Newsline is cited as the source. Walt Wiltschek, Annie Clark, Jonathan Emmons, Barb Sayler, Helen Stonesifer, David Young, and Jane Yount contributed to this report.
Newsline is a free service sent only to those requesting a subscription. To receive it by e-mail, or to unsubscribe, write cobnews@aol.com or call 800-323-8039, ext. 260. Newsline is available at www.brethren.org and is archived with an index at www.wfn.org. Also see Photo Journal at www.brethren.org/pjournal/index.htm for photo coverage of events. For additional news and features, subscribe to the Church of the Brethren magazine "Messenger." Call 800-323-8039.
Source: Newsline 4/30/2004 top
Newsline is produced by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of news services for the Church of the Brethren General Board, on the first, third, and fifth Friday of each month, with other editions as needed. Newsline stories may be reprinted provided that Newsline is cited as the source. Walt Wiltschek, Annie Clark, Jonathan Emmons, Barb Sayler, Helen Stonesifer, David Young, and Jane Yount contributed to this report.
Newsline is a free service sent only to those requesting a subscription. To receive it by e-mail, or to unsubscribe, write cobnews@aol.com or call 800-323-8039, ext. 260. Newsline is available at www.brethren.org and is archived with an index at www.wfn.org. Also see Photo Journal at www.brethren.org/pjournal/index.htm for photo coverage of events. For additional news and features, subscribe to the Church of the Brethren magazine "Messenger." Call 800-323-8039.
Source: Newsline 4/30/2004 top
Friday, April 16, 2004
NEWS
Brethren peacemakers return from Iraq.
Annual Conference Council prepares for 2004 Annual Conference.
Bethany Board of Trustees hears update on financial campaign, plans for centennial.
Brethren grants support food needs in Sudan, aid to Iran.
On Earth Peace realigns staff responsibilities.
ABC resources are now available through Brethren Press.
Regional conferences energize Brethren youth.
Brethren bits: General Board and ABC positions, and much more.
FEATURES
Determined action keeps Japanese volunteer in US.
Brethren peacemakers return from Iraq.
Annual Conference Council prepares for 2004 Annual Conference.
Bethany Board of Trustees hears update on financial campaign, plans for centennial.
Brethren grants support food needs in Sudan, aid to Iran.
On Earth Peace realigns staff responsibilities.
ABC resources are now available through Brethren Press.
Regional conferences energize Brethren youth.
Brethren bits: General Board and ABC positions, and much more.
FEATURES
Determined action keeps Japanese volunteer in US.
Brethren peacemakers return from Iraq.
Peggy Gish and Cliff Kindy, Church of the Brethren members of Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT), were in Baghdad the day the bombs began to fall a year ago, and on March 20, the one-year anniversary of the beginning of the war. Both returned to the US in late March.
On April 13 the current CPT team left Iraq on the advice of Iraqi colleagues. "The extremely aggressive actions of the US and Coalition forces throughout Iraq and especially in Fallujah have created widespread suspicion and fear," a CPT release said. "This suspicion puts all internationals at risk." CPT is a ministry initiated by Mennonites, Brethren, and Friends, and has had a team in Iraq almost continuously since Oct. 2002.
Gish, of New Covenant Fellowship in Athens, Ohio, spent 11 months of the last year and a half in Iraq, and Kindy, who attends Eel River Community Church of the Brethren, Silver Lake, Ind., spent ten months there. In separate interviews conducted after their return, Kindy and Gish reflected on their work and the situation in Iraq "then and now."
"We were there before the war with the hope that we could stop a war," Kindy said of CPT's initial decision to place a team in Iraq. The CPT presence, along with massive anti-war demonstrations around the world, helped delay the war, he contends.
"We resist getting caught in the mindset of the occupation system," Gish said, emphasizing that CPT's spiritual resistance to the war continues. "We refuse to accept the mindset that anyone resisting the US occupation is a terrorist. We resist seeing either Iraqi or US soldiers as our enemies, or believing that violence is the only way to combat terrorism." In Iraq, Kindy espoused nonviolence to people on all sides of the conflict including an American colonel who befriended the CPT team and an Iraqi-Canadian physician with plans to finance a militia. Such conversations illustrate CPT's mission Kindy said.
Assessing the current situation, he said that the war has been "lost in every way, except maybe for corporations who have more business." "There are little visible signs of hope, but we hold on to hope," Gish said. "Iraq may go through a lot more hell, but good things are happening there too. God is raising up leadership right now, people who have vision for rebuilding a more peaceable society there." Gish gives credit to the many Iraqis who do not resort to violence even though they are angry with the occupation.
Both fear the longterm effects of the war. "We're going to bring the war home in ways we can't even think about in our nightmares," Kindy said. His concerns include loss of US credibility, effects of the war on troops, and the effects of weapons made with depleted uranium, which may include a high incidence of cancer in those exposed and deformations of babies born in Iraq and to US veterans. Gish's concerns focus on the continuing violence. She said that US actions are rapidly increasing the ranks of the opposition, who in her opinion are not terrorists or Al Qaeda "but mostly Iraqis wanting their own autonomy and feeling desperate."
When soldiers return from Iraq, few family or friends know how to deal with their war experiences, Kindy fears. There is a ministry for the church in hearing the stories of the soldiers, both for their healing and to change what is happening in Iraq, he said. "It's going to take the soldiers and us working together."
Gish and Kindy bring questions from Iraq, for themselves and the church. "Is it possible to walk, live, and work in a system of horrendous overt and structural violence without being overcome by it? How can we do it in Iraq, the US, or any other nation?" Gish asked. Kindy wondered how peacemaking in Iraq may help Brethren understand discipleship. "It's the kind of vision that could attract serious followers of Jesus," he said.
Gish is writing a book about her experiences, "Iraq: A Journey of Hope and Peace," to be published by Herald Press in early fall. Kindy is on a speaking tour to churches. For more information call CPT at 773-277-0253 or log on to www.cpt.org.
Source: Newsline 4/16/2004 top
Peggy Gish and Cliff Kindy, Church of the Brethren members of Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT), were in Baghdad the day the bombs began to fall a year ago, and on March 20, the one-year anniversary of the beginning of the war. Both returned to the US in late March.
On April 13 the current CPT team left Iraq on the advice of Iraqi colleagues. "The extremely aggressive actions of the US and Coalition forces throughout Iraq and especially in Fallujah have created widespread suspicion and fear," a CPT release said. "This suspicion puts all internationals at risk." CPT is a ministry initiated by Mennonites, Brethren, and Friends, and has had a team in Iraq almost continuously since Oct. 2002.
Gish, of New Covenant Fellowship in Athens, Ohio, spent 11 months of the last year and a half in Iraq, and Kindy, who attends Eel River Community Church of the Brethren, Silver Lake, Ind., spent ten months there. In separate interviews conducted after their return, Kindy and Gish reflected on their work and the situation in Iraq "then and now."
"We were there before the war with the hope that we could stop a war," Kindy said of CPT's initial decision to place a team in Iraq. The CPT presence, along with massive anti-war demonstrations around the world, helped delay the war, he contends.
"We resist getting caught in the mindset of the occupation system," Gish said, emphasizing that CPT's spiritual resistance to the war continues. "We refuse to accept the mindset that anyone resisting the US occupation is a terrorist. We resist seeing either Iraqi or US soldiers as our enemies, or believing that violence is the only way to combat terrorism." In Iraq, Kindy espoused nonviolence to people on all sides of the conflict including an American colonel who befriended the CPT team and an Iraqi-Canadian physician with plans to finance a militia. Such conversations illustrate CPT's mission Kindy said.
Assessing the current situation, he said that the war has been "lost in every way, except maybe for corporations who have more business." "There are little visible signs of hope, but we hold on to hope," Gish said. "Iraq may go through a lot more hell, but good things are happening there too. God is raising up leadership right now, people who have vision for rebuilding a more peaceable society there." Gish gives credit to the many Iraqis who do not resort to violence even though they are angry with the occupation.
Both fear the longterm effects of the war. "We're going to bring the war home in ways we can't even think about in our nightmares," Kindy said. His concerns include loss of US credibility, effects of the war on troops, and the effects of weapons made with depleted uranium, which may include a high incidence of cancer in those exposed and deformations of babies born in Iraq and to US veterans. Gish's concerns focus on the continuing violence. She said that US actions are rapidly increasing the ranks of the opposition, who in her opinion are not terrorists or Al Qaeda "but mostly Iraqis wanting their own autonomy and feeling desperate."
When soldiers return from Iraq, few family or friends know how to deal with their war experiences, Kindy fears. There is a ministry for the church in hearing the stories of the soldiers, both for their healing and to change what is happening in Iraq, he said. "It's going to take the soldiers and us working together."
Gish and Kindy bring questions from Iraq, for themselves and the church. "Is it possible to walk, live, and work in a system of horrendous overt and structural violence without being overcome by it? How can we do it in Iraq, the US, or any other nation?" Gish asked. Kindy wondered how peacemaking in Iraq may help Brethren understand discipleship. "It's the kind of vision that could attract serious followers of Jesus," he said.
Gish is writing a book about her experiences, "Iraq: A Journey of Hope and Peace," to be published by Herald Press in early fall. Kindy is on a speaking tour to churches. For more information call CPT at 773-277-0253 or log on to www.cpt.org.
Source: Newsline 4/16/2004 top
Annual Conference Council prepares for 2004 Annual Conference.
The Annual Conference Council met March 16-17 in Elgin, Ill., discussing a conversation hour to take place at the 2004 Annual Conference and business items for the conference.
Lerry Fogle, executive director of Annual Conference, and Chris Bowman, conference moderator, reported on preparations for the 2004 conference. The group discussed the structure and framework for a conversation hour with the council, scheduled for 9-10 p.m. July 4. The event is part of the council's response to an assignment from the 2003 conference. "The council calls this ‘an initial conversation to facilitate discussion around the broad questions in the (Michigan) query to clarify confusion, specifically those of a theological and structural nature,’" according to a report by Fred Swartz, conference secretary. The query asked for clarification of a 2002 conference action on licensing and ordination of ministers.
A revised mandate for the next Review and Evaluation Committee will be presented to Standing Committee this year, calling for review and evaluation of total denominational structure and program. Previous mandates for Review and Evaluation Committees, which were initiated in 1968 and scheduled to occur in regular ten-year cycles, were to review only the General Board. The next cycle begins in 2005.
The council also adopted a policy for filling unexpired terms in conference-elected positions, first calling people who were nominated but not elected. The full text of the policy will be sent to Church of the Brethren agency executives for approval before it is sent to Standing Committee this year. The group also looked at next steps in assembling and publishing an updated manual of organization and polity. Swartz reported that the council anticipates that a finished manual will not be published until after the next Review and Evaluation Committee report in 2007. Setting next steps in an ongoing strategic planning process for Annual Conference, the council also plans to introduce a statement of purpose, a vision statement, and a list of core values to Standing Committee this year.
In other business, the council will pursue the possibility of having a consultation on ministry with the Council of District Executives and the General Board's Office of Ministry to evaluate policies and procedures used in the calling and credentialing of ministers; received a report from the Inter-Agency Forum and noted with appreciation a concerted tone of cooperation and coordination among Church of the Brethren agencies and executives; responded to letters appealing conference actions or policies of the Program and Arrangements Committee; and heard a report from Bowman on his recent trip to India.
It was the final regular meeting for two of the council's original members: Sandy Bosserman, the elected district executive on the council, and Harriet Finney, the 2003 conference moderator. Finney's position spanned her three years as moderator-elect, moderator, and immediate past moderator. Bosserman, district executive for Missouri/Arkansas, is resigning with a year remaining on her term, citing increased family and district responsibilities. Annual Conference delegates will name her successor. The council expressed appreciation to Bosserman and Finney for their contributions over the past three years.
Source: Newsline 4/16/2004 top
The Annual Conference Council met March 16-17 in Elgin, Ill., discussing a conversation hour to take place at the 2004 Annual Conference and business items for the conference.
Lerry Fogle, executive director of Annual Conference, and Chris Bowman, conference moderator, reported on preparations for the 2004 conference. The group discussed the structure and framework for a conversation hour with the council, scheduled for 9-10 p.m. July 4. The event is part of the council's response to an assignment from the 2003 conference. "The council calls this ‘an initial conversation to facilitate discussion around the broad questions in the (Michigan) query to clarify confusion, specifically those of a theological and structural nature,’" according to a report by Fred Swartz, conference secretary. The query asked for clarification of a 2002 conference action on licensing and ordination of ministers.
A revised mandate for the next Review and Evaluation Committee will be presented to Standing Committee this year, calling for review and evaluation of total denominational structure and program. Previous mandates for Review and Evaluation Committees, which were initiated in 1968 and scheduled to occur in regular ten-year cycles, were to review only the General Board. The next cycle begins in 2005.
The council also adopted a policy for filling unexpired terms in conference-elected positions, first calling people who were nominated but not elected. The full text of the policy will be sent to Church of the Brethren agency executives for approval before it is sent to Standing Committee this year. The group also looked at next steps in assembling and publishing an updated manual of organization and polity. Swartz reported that the council anticipates that a finished manual will not be published until after the next Review and Evaluation Committee report in 2007. Setting next steps in an ongoing strategic planning process for Annual Conference, the council also plans to introduce a statement of purpose, a vision statement, and a list of core values to Standing Committee this year.
In other business, the council will pursue the possibility of having a consultation on ministry with the Council of District Executives and the General Board's Office of Ministry to evaluate policies and procedures used in the calling and credentialing of ministers; received a report from the Inter-Agency Forum and noted with appreciation a concerted tone of cooperation and coordination among Church of the Brethren agencies and executives; responded to letters appealing conference actions or policies of the Program and Arrangements Committee; and heard a report from Bowman on his recent trip to India.
It was the final regular meeting for two of the council's original members: Sandy Bosserman, the elected district executive on the council, and Harriet Finney, the 2003 conference moderator. Finney's position spanned her three years as moderator-elect, moderator, and immediate past moderator. Bosserman, district executive for Missouri/Arkansas, is resigning with a year remaining on her term, citing increased family and district responsibilities. Annual Conference delegates will name her successor. The council expressed appreciation to Bosserman and Finney for their contributions over the past three years.
Source: Newsline 4/16/2004 top
Bethany Board of Trustees hears update on financial campaign, plans for centennial.
The Bethany Theological Seminary Board of Trustees gathered for its semi-annual meeting March 26-28. Highlights included a report on Bethany's financial campaign, plans for the seminary's centennial in 2004/2005, plans for a pastoral excellence program, and news of a faculty member's invitation to speak at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C.
Gifts and pledges for the financial campaign are more than $12.3 million to date, according to a release from the seminary. The congregational phase of the campaign was launched at the 2003 Annual Conference. Congregational visits will take place in 11 districts this year, with nearly 125 volunteers providing leadership for the visits. Special presentations will be made at the 2004 district conferences of the remaining districts.
In other reports, committees of the board heard about events for the centennial, with activities to begin at the 2004 Annual Conference and more information available soon on Bethany's website; and plans for the Sustaining Pastoral Excellence grant received by the Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership from Lilly Endowment, Inc. Linda and Glenn Timmons will coordinate the program, which will provide pastors with two tracks for continuing education: Advanced Foundations of Church Leadership and the Vital Pastor program.
The board's Academic Affairs Committee received news that Scott Holland, associate professor of Peace Studies and Cross-Cultural Studies, has been invited to address the National Press Club this summer. He will speak on the "Watu Kwa Amani: People of Peace" conference Aug. 8-14 in Nairobi, Kenya, one of a series of Historic Peace Church conferences that are part of the World Council of Churches' Decade to Overcome Violence. Bethany's Baker Trust Fund is a major sponsor of the conference. Other agenda included an advisory committee for "Connections," the seminary's distributed education program, and a self-study process by the school's teaching and administrative faculty as part of an accreditation review in 2006.
In other action, the board approved a budget of $2,067,280 for 2004/2005, a three percent increase from the previous year, and chose officers for 2004/2005. Anne Reid, of Roanoke, Va., will serve as chair; Raymond M. Donadio, Jr., Greenville, Ohio, as vice-chair; Ed Poling, Hagerstown, Md., as secretary; Carol Scheppard, Mount Crawford, Va., as chair for Academic Affairs; Ron Wyrick, Harrisonburg, Va., as chair for Institutional Advancement; and Jim Dodson, Lexington, Ky., as chair for Student and Business Affairs.
The board celebrated the appointment of Nadine Pence Frantz as full professor of theological studies, honored Theresa C. Eshbach's service as executive director of Institutional Advancement, and expressed appreciation to members concluding their terms of service: John Gingrich, Claremont, Calif.; Robert Knechel, Bethany, W.Va.; Phil Norris, Lititz, Pa.; and Jonathan Wieand, Goshen, Ind. For more information contact the Office of Institutional Advancement, Bethany Theological Seminary, 615 National Rd. W., Richmond, IN 47374; 800-287-8822; www.bethanyseminary.edu.
Source: Newsline 4/16/2004 top
The Bethany Theological Seminary Board of Trustees gathered for its semi-annual meeting March 26-28. Highlights included a report on Bethany's financial campaign, plans for the seminary's centennial in 2004/2005, plans for a pastoral excellence program, and news of a faculty member's invitation to speak at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C.
Gifts and pledges for the financial campaign are more than $12.3 million to date, according to a release from the seminary. The congregational phase of the campaign was launched at the 2003 Annual Conference. Congregational visits will take place in 11 districts this year, with nearly 125 volunteers providing leadership for the visits. Special presentations will be made at the 2004 district conferences of the remaining districts.
In other reports, committees of the board heard about events for the centennial, with activities to begin at the 2004 Annual Conference and more information available soon on Bethany's website; and plans for the Sustaining Pastoral Excellence grant received by the Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership from Lilly Endowment, Inc. Linda and Glenn Timmons will coordinate the program, which will provide pastors with two tracks for continuing education: Advanced Foundations of Church Leadership and the Vital Pastor program.
The board's Academic Affairs Committee received news that Scott Holland, associate professor of Peace Studies and Cross-Cultural Studies, has been invited to address the National Press Club this summer. He will speak on the "Watu Kwa Amani: People of Peace" conference Aug. 8-14 in Nairobi, Kenya, one of a series of Historic Peace Church conferences that are part of the World Council of Churches' Decade to Overcome Violence. Bethany's Baker Trust Fund is a major sponsor of the conference. Other agenda included an advisory committee for "Connections," the seminary's distributed education program, and a self-study process by the school's teaching and administrative faculty as part of an accreditation review in 2006.
In other action, the board approved a budget of $2,067,280 for 2004/2005, a three percent increase from the previous year, and chose officers for 2004/2005. Anne Reid, of Roanoke, Va., will serve as chair; Raymond M. Donadio, Jr., Greenville, Ohio, as vice-chair; Ed Poling, Hagerstown, Md., as secretary; Carol Scheppard, Mount Crawford, Va., as chair for Academic Affairs; Ron Wyrick, Harrisonburg, Va., as chair for Institutional Advancement; and Jim Dodson, Lexington, Ky., as chair for Student and Business Affairs.
The board celebrated the appointment of Nadine Pence Frantz as full professor of theological studies, honored Theresa C. Eshbach's service as executive director of Institutional Advancement, and expressed appreciation to members concluding their terms of service: John Gingrich, Claremont, Calif.; Robert Knechel, Bethany, W.Va.; Phil Norris, Lititz, Pa.; and Jonathan Wieand, Goshen, Ind. For more information contact the Office of Institutional Advancement, Bethany Theological Seminary, 615 National Rd. W., Richmond, IN 47374; 800-287-8822; www.bethanyseminary.edu.
Source: Newsline 4/16/2004 top
Brethren grants support food needs in Sudan, aid to Iran.
Three grants from the General Board's Global Food Crisis Fund (GFCF) totaling $32,900 will be directed at food needs in Sudan. A grant of $20,000 from the board's Emergency Disaster Fund (EDF) will support earthquake recovery in the city of Bam, Iran.
The grants for Sudan will be given through the New Sudan Council of Churches (NSCC), which is based in the south of the country. Sudan has suffered from a decades-long civil war between the mostly Muslim and Arab north and the mostly Christian and African south.
Nyal, an area of Sudan that has suffered the most from the civil war, according to Ross Kane of the NSCC, will benefit from the GFCF allocation of $12,400 to fully fund a women's gardening and tailoring project to generate income and improve diets.
A GFCF grant of $8,500 for a women's bakery in Rumbek County in the lake region of Bahr El Ghazel, home to a cluster of international relief and rehabilitation programs and a population of 300,000 that includes an influx of internally displaced people, will fully support the construction of the bakery and a store where bread will be sold. Women launched the project to deal with their lack of employment, and the income generated will enable the women to meet the needs of their families and send their children to school.
To alleviate the burden on women grinding grain and to generate income for churches suffering from abject poverty caused by the war, grinding mills are being built in five towns in Yei County, southern Sudan. The project will cost $32,000, toward which GFCF is giving $12,000. The grant was sought by the NSCC on behalf of the Sudan Pentecostal Church, and will help construct mills and buy a truck and fuel for use in training and supervising workers. The income from the mills will be used for evangelism.
Responding to a Church World Service appeal, the EDF grant will fund psycho-social assistance to the needy—especially children—in Bam, as well as prefabricated housing and earthquake-resistant housing for families outside the city. A devastating earthquake Dec. 26, 2003, killed an estimated 42,000 people, injured another 30,000, left 1,800 children orphaned, and destroyed more than two-thirds of the buildings. An initial EDF grant provided $35,000 for food, medical supplies, and blankets. "The wake of this disaster has left many emotional scars and much humanitarian need," said Roy Winter, director of the board's Emergency Response program. "The reconstruction of homes and lives will take years."
Source: Newsline 4/16/2004 top
Three grants from the General Board's Global Food Crisis Fund (GFCF) totaling $32,900 will be directed at food needs in Sudan. A grant of $20,000 from the board's Emergency Disaster Fund (EDF) will support earthquake recovery in the city of Bam, Iran.
The grants for Sudan will be given through the New Sudan Council of Churches (NSCC), which is based in the south of the country. Sudan has suffered from a decades-long civil war between the mostly Muslim and Arab north and the mostly Christian and African south.
Nyal, an area of Sudan that has suffered the most from the civil war, according to Ross Kane of the NSCC, will benefit from the GFCF allocation of $12,400 to fully fund a women's gardening and tailoring project to generate income and improve diets.
A GFCF grant of $8,500 for a women's bakery in Rumbek County in the lake region of Bahr El Ghazel, home to a cluster of international relief and rehabilitation programs and a population of 300,000 that includes an influx of internally displaced people, will fully support the construction of the bakery and a store where bread will be sold. Women launched the project to deal with their lack of employment, and the income generated will enable the women to meet the needs of their families and send their children to school.
To alleviate the burden on women grinding grain and to generate income for churches suffering from abject poverty caused by the war, grinding mills are being built in five towns in Yei County, southern Sudan. The project will cost $32,000, toward which GFCF is giving $12,000. The grant was sought by the NSCC on behalf of the Sudan Pentecostal Church, and will help construct mills and buy a truck and fuel for use in training and supervising workers. The income from the mills will be used for evangelism.
Responding to a Church World Service appeal, the EDF grant will fund psycho-social assistance to the needy—especially children—in Bam, as well as prefabricated housing and earthquake-resistant housing for families outside the city. A devastating earthquake Dec. 26, 2003, killed an estimated 42,000 people, injured another 30,000, left 1,800 children orphaned, and destroyed more than two-thirds of the buildings. An initial EDF grant provided $35,000 for food, medical supplies, and blankets. "The wake of this disaster has left many emotional scars and much humanitarian need," said Roy Winter, director of the board's Emergency Response program. "The reconstruction of homes and lives will take years."
Source: Newsline 4/16/2004 top
On Earth Peace realigns staff responsibilities.
The recent addition of Annie Clark to the On Earth Peace staff has made it possible for the Church of the Brethren peacemaking organization to realign other staff roles to allow for more focus in program leadership, according to a release from OEP. In recent years, some OEP staff had divided their time and attention over more than one major area of responsibility. The new configuration will strengthen OEP's services to the church and has been welcomed by the staff, according to Bob Gross, co-executive director.
In the new configuration, Clark will serve as program coordinator for conflict transformation; Kim Stuckey as program coordinator for peacemaker formation; and Matt Guynn as program coordinator for peace witness. Gross and Barbara Sayler will continue as co-executive directors sharing responsibilities for general program, with Sayler holding particular responsibilities for program interpretation and communications, and Gross providing conflict transformation services and development. Darlene Johnson continues as office manager.
Contact OEP staff by telephone or e-mail: Clark at 260-982-8595 or e-mail annieclark@mchsi.com; Stuckey at 410-635-8706 or e-mail kstuckey_oepa@brethren.org; Guynn at 765-962-6234 or e-mail mattguynn@earthlink.net; Sayler at 410-635-8705 or e-mail bsayler_oepa@brethren.org; Gross at 260-982-7751 or e-mail bgross@igc.org; and Johnson at 410-635-8704 or e-mail johnson_oepa@brethren.org.
Source: Newsline 4/16/2004 top
The recent addition of Annie Clark to the On Earth Peace staff has made it possible for the Church of the Brethren peacemaking organization to realign other staff roles to allow for more focus in program leadership, according to a release from OEP. In recent years, some OEP staff had divided their time and attention over more than one major area of responsibility. The new configuration will strengthen OEP's services to the church and has been welcomed by the staff, according to Bob Gross, co-executive director.
In the new configuration, Clark will serve as program coordinator for conflict transformation; Kim Stuckey as program coordinator for peacemaker formation; and Matt Guynn as program coordinator for peace witness. Gross and Barbara Sayler will continue as co-executive directors sharing responsibilities for general program, with Sayler holding particular responsibilities for program interpretation and communications, and Gross providing conflict transformation services and development. Darlene Johnson continues as office manager.
Contact OEP staff by telephone or e-mail: Clark at 260-982-8595 or e-mail annieclark@mchsi.com; Stuckey at 410-635-8706 or e-mail kstuckey_oepa@brethren.org; Guynn at 765-962-6234 or e-mail mattguynn@earthlink.net; Sayler at 410-635-8705 or e-mail bsayler_oepa@brethren.org; Gross at 260-982-7751 or e-mail bgross@igc.org; and Johnson at 410-635-8704 or e-mail johnson_oepa@brethren.org.
Source: Newsline 4/16/2004 top
ABC resources are now available through Brethren Press.
The Association of Brethren Caregivers (ABC) and Brethren Press have arranged for most of ABC's caring ministry resources to be available through Brethren Press, the General Board's publishing house. ABC provides publications and educational and faith opportunities that encourage the church to do caring ministries as the work of Jesus Christ.
Through the new arrangement, deacon materials, anointing supplies, end-of-life study guides, Lafiya materials, and other resources can be ordered from the Brethren Press Bookstore at www.brethrenpress.com or by calling customer service at 800-441-3712. The arrangement will allow ABC's print resources to be more widely available. Customers will be able to make credit card transactions and use church identification numbers when purchasing.
"It just makes sense for us to partner with Brethren Press for these types of services. With this working arrangement, we can focus more time and energy on serving the caring ministries," said Kathy Reid, executive director for ABC. ABC will continue to develop caring ministries resources. Also, ABC's quarterly publication "Caregiving" will be available solely through the ABC office.
Source: Newsline 4/16/2004 top
The Association of Brethren Caregivers (ABC) and Brethren Press have arranged for most of ABC's caring ministry resources to be available through Brethren Press, the General Board's publishing house. ABC provides publications and educational and faith opportunities that encourage the church to do caring ministries as the work of Jesus Christ.
Through the new arrangement, deacon materials, anointing supplies, end-of-life study guides, Lafiya materials, and other resources can be ordered from the Brethren Press Bookstore at www.brethrenpress.com or by calling customer service at 800-441-3712. The arrangement will allow ABC's print resources to be more widely available. Customers will be able to make credit card transactions and use church identification numbers when purchasing.
"It just makes sense for us to partner with Brethren Press for these types of services. With this working arrangement, we can focus more time and energy on serving the caring ministries," said Kathy Reid, executive director for ABC. ABC will continue to develop caring ministries resources. Also, ABC's quarterly publication "Caregiving" will be available solely through the ABC office.
Source: Newsline 4/16/2004 top
Regional conferences energize Brethren youth.
Three regional conferences were held for Church of the Brethren youth in late March and early April: Eastern Regional Youth Conference (ERYC) at Elizabethtown (Pa.) College March 26-28; Roundtable at Bridgewater (Va.) College March 26-28; and Regional Youth Conference at McPherson (Kan.) College April 2-4. Another is planned for this weekend, April 17-18, at Manchester College in Indiana. The Western Regional Youth Conference, held every fourth year, will take place Aug. 4-8 at the University of San Francisco, Calif.
About 250 senior high youth and advisors gathered for an upbeat ERYC. Organizers emphasized a multimedia approach in exploring the theme "Uncluttered: Letting Go...Letting God." Music from the Brethren band "Wake-Up Call" injected additional energy. Jake Larson of the Los Angeles-based duo "Craig & Jake Live" provided keynote leadership for several sessions, working solo after Craig Gross was unable to attend due to illness. Larson challenged the youth, expressing a hope "that you leave here more excited about God."
Jeff Carter, pastor at Manassas (Va.) Church of the Brethren, spoke at the Bridgewater Roundtable on the theme, "The Next Chapter...A Future with Hope." Joseph Helfrich provided a concert on Friday evening and led singing throughout the weekend.
Nearly 50 youth and advisors attended the McPherson event, spanning an area from Colorado to Missouri and from the Canadian border to Mexico. Matt Guynn of On Earth Peace and Lee Krahenbuhl of Manchester College provided keynote leadership, focusing on the theme "Simply." Guynn used meditative "centering prayers" as a focus point, while challenging youth to look at priorities, the US culture of consumerism, and the need to turn toward God. "`Simply’ is about understanding where our priorities are and letting things fall away and reorganize themselves," he said. "It's about a lifetime of turning. It's not just a single, one-time decision." Krahenbuhl led singing through the weekend, culminating with the group providing special music for McPherson Church of the Brethren's worship Sunday morning.
Messenger editor Walt Wiltschek led an all-group session on media messages, and a series of breakout sessions explored topics including thinking about ministry, youth workcamps, conscientious objection, and various aspects of simple living. Billy Jonas of Asheville, N.C., gave a unique Saturday-evening concert, using an assortment of unusual percussion instruments and heavily involving the audience in being "part of the band." The weekend was organized by McPherson staff Tracy Stoddart, Kenny Manhamo, and LaMonte Rothrock.
For information on the Manchester conference contact Wendi Hutchinson at 260-982-5232 or e-mail wahutchinson@manchester.edu. For more information on the western conference see the Pacific Southwest District Youth website www.pswdcob.org/youth or contact Dena Gilbert at 909-392-4055 or e-mail gogilbert@juno.com.
Source: Newsline 4/16/2004 top
Three regional conferences were held for Church of the Brethren youth in late March and early April: Eastern Regional Youth Conference (ERYC) at Elizabethtown (Pa.) College March 26-28; Roundtable at Bridgewater (Va.) College March 26-28; and Regional Youth Conference at McPherson (Kan.) College April 2-4. Another is planned for this weekend, April 17-18, at Manchester College in Indiana. The Western Regional Youth Conference, held every fourth year, will take place Aug. 4-8 at the University of San Francisco, Calif.
About 250 senior high youth and advisors gathered for an upbeat ERYC. Organizers emphasized a multimedia approach in exploring the theme "Uncluttered: Letting Go...Letting God." Music from the Brethren band "Wake-Up Call" injected additional energy. Jake Larson of the Los Angeles-based duo "Craig & Jake Live" provided keynote leadership for several sessions, working solo after Craig Gross was unable to attend due to illness. Larson challenged the youth, expressing a hope "that you leave here more excited about God."
Jeff Carter, pastor at Manassas (Va.) Church of the Brethren, spoke at the Bridgewater Roundtable on the theme, "The Next Chapter...A Future with Hope." Joseph Helfrich provided a concert on Friday evening and led singing throughout the weekend.
Nearly 50 youth and advisors attended the McPherson event, spanning an area from Colorado to Missouri and from the Canadian border to Mexico. Matt Guynn of On Earth Peace and Lee Krahenbuhl of Manchester College provided keynote leadership, focusing on the theme "Simply." Guynn used meditative "centering prayers" as a focus point, while challenging youth to look at priorities, the US culture of consumerism, and the need to turn toward God. "`Simply’ is about understanding where our priorities are and letting things fall away and reorganize themselves," he said. "It's about a lifetime of turning. It's not just a single, one-time decision." Krahenbuhl led singing through the weekend, culminating with the group providing special music for McPherson Church of the Brethren's worship Sunday morning.
Messenger editor Walt Wiltschek led an all-group session on media messages, and a series of breakout sessions explored topics including thinking about ministry, youth workcamps, conscientious objection, and various aspects of simple living. Billy Jonas of Asheville, N.C., gave a unique Saturday-evening concert, using an assortment of unusual percussion instruments and heavily involving the audience in being "part of the band." The weekend was organized by McPherson staff Tracy Stoddart, Kenny Manhamo, and LaMonte Rothrock.
For information on the Manchester conference contact Wendi Hutchinson at 260-982-5232 or e-mail wahutchinson@manchester.edu. For more information on the western conference see the Pacific Southwest District Youth website www.pswdcob.org/youth or contact Dena Gilbert at 909-392-4055 or e-mail gogilbert@juno.com.
Source: Newsline 4/16/2004 top
Brethren bits: General Board and ABC positions, and much more.
- Gary Huffman, of Elgin, Ill., has accepted the position of accounts payable and payroll specialist with the General Board. He is retired from United Airlines, where he worked in professional development in the training department for information services. He also has taught office automation technology at Elgin Community College, has been a substitute teacher, and served for ten years as an ordained minister in the United Presbyterian Church USA, most recently at Meadowdale Presbyterian Church in Carpentersville, Ill. He began in the position at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin on March 22.
- Nancy Bailey Miner will become the next administrative assistant for the Association of Brethren Caregivers (ABC), effective May 10. Miner moves to ABC from more than ten years at Brethren Benefit Trust (BBT), where she most recently was managing editor for the Communications and Information Services Department, and has served as production coordinator, medical claims support staff, and telephone services and claims processing assistant. She will continue to work at the Church of the Brethren General Offices, where she is accompanist for the weekly chapel service. She is a member of Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren in Elgin.
- Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT) seeks applicants to staff violence reduction projects in Colombia; Hebron, the West Bank; Iraq; Grassy Narrows, Ont., Canada; and new North American initiatives. Successful candidates will be committed to nonviolence, grounded in faith, and willing to risk working in settings of violence and oppression. Apply by May 1 for the Peacemaker Corps training July 16-Aug. 13. Participation in a short-term CPT delegation is recommended prior to training and space is still available in the following delegations: Colombia May 18-31; Iraq May 20-June 3; Israel/Palestine May 25-June 6; and Grassy Narrows May 28-June 6. For more information see www.cpt.org or contact Claire Evans, personnel and delegation coordinator, at 773-277-0253 or e-mail personnel@cpt.org. CPT is an initiative of Mennonites, Brethren, and Quakers, with support and membership from a range of other denominations.
- "The Final Journey of John Kline: A Drama with Music" by Lee Krahenbuhl will be presented by the New Millennium Players of Everett Church of the Brethren in four churches in Southern Ohio District: 7 p.m. April 23 at the New Carlisle church; 1:30 p.m. April 24 at the Greenville church; 7 p.m. April 24 at the Brookville church; and 10:45 a.m. April 25 at the Prince of Peace church in Kettering. The play follows John Kline during the final four years of his life, as he crossed the Mason-Dixon line to serve people in the North and South, and was written in 1997 for the bicentennial of his birth.
- The Western Pennsylvania District Youth Choir is touring April 23-25 and will sing in the following churches: Montgomery 7 p.m. April 23, Locust Grove 7 p.m. April 24, Sipesville 7 p.m. April 25, and tentatively at Scalp Level April 25. The group will sing at the Brethren Home 1:30 p.m. April 24.
- "Redefining Normal—Small and Rural Church Conference" will be held April 23-24 in Markle, Ind., sponsored by the denomination's Small Membership/Rural Church Leadership Team and the districts of Northern Indiana and South/Central Indiana. Cost is $50. For more information contact the Northern Indiana District office at 574-773-3149.
- A Net Results seminar sponsored by Middle Pennsylvania District will be held April 24 at Hollidaysburg (Pa.) Church of the Brethren on "Stewardship Adventures: Increasing the Harvest 15-30 Percent." The resource leader is Eugene Grimm, stewardship specialist for three Ohio synods of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
Cost is $25 or $100 per church, and preregistration is required. Contact Deanna Ness at 814-643-0601.
- Pacific Southwest District held a series of prayer vigils in March and early April, in cooperation with Mennonite churches, entitled "Hands Lifted in Prayer." The vigils addressed God's future in the district as well as in Pacific Southwest Mennonite Council, and the world, according to the district newsletter. Vigils took place at Community Brethren Church in Fresno, Calif., March 12; First Mennonite Church in Phoenix, Ariz., April 2; and the Center for Anabaptist Leadership in Pasadena, Calif., April 10.
- Thirty pastors and deacons gathered April 3 for a Western Plains District training event at the Topeka (Kan.) Church of the Brethren. Scott Douglas, staff for the Association of Brethren Caregivers, led participants through a process that explored how a caregiver's spiritual life affects the way he or she serves as a caregiver in the congregation. The event also focused on how deacons can spiritually enliven their congregations. "We had very good participation and a lot of interest in the topic of spiritual development for deacons," Douglas said.
- Bridgewater (Va.) College celebrated the 150th anniversary of the birth of its founder, Daniel Christian Flory, on April 6, with a convocation. Awards for excellence in teaching went to foreign languages chair Susan L. Piepke and psychology professor Donald R. Witters. Seniors Melissa Short and Jonathan Puvak received leadership awards. Retired professor C. Ray Smith received an honorary doctorate.
- Manchester College, North Manchester, Ind., has broken ground for a new recital hall. The $1.2 million project on the north end of Otho Winger Hall is expected to take just five months. To get construction underway, the community was invited to "dig in" at a March 30 groundbreaking accompanied by the A Cappella Choir, just returned from a peace tour of Italy.
- A Spring Fellowship Day April 24 will be held for friends of Timbercrest Senior Living Community, a Church of the Brethren retirement center in North Manchester, Ind. The event will feature a food market, a concert by the Mossburg Strings, hymn singing, a business session, volunteer recognitions, and installation of officers. Events begin at 8:30 a.m. and continue through the afternoon.
- Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) has issued a call for recipes for a new "More-with-Less"-style cookbook. The advisory group for the project includes Church of the Brethren ordained minister Sue Wagner Fields. Recipes can be submitted at www.morewithless.org or request a recipe submission form by calling MCC at 888-563-4676.
Priority will be given to recipes that use primarily ingredients that are ripe in one season. Recipes will be tested by volunteers who will give feedback, following the model of the MCC's World Community Cookbook series. Personal reflections on eating with the seasons also are invited. Target date for publication is April 2005. "This is something Brethren will be proud to be a part of, and it's a way of putting our faith and values into action in our daily lives," said Fields.
- "Life-Giving Breath of God," this year's Earth Day Sunday resource from the National Council of Churches' Eco-Justice Working Group, celebrates God's gift of air. According to a release from the NCC, Christian congregations across the nation are embracing Earth Day, an event once observed only in the secular arena. This year Earth Day Sunday falls on April 25. For a copy of the resource visit www.nccecojustice.org or call Cassandra Carmichael, director of Eco-Justice Programs, at 202-544-2350 ext. 27 or e-mail cassandra@toad.net.
Determined action keeps Japanese volunteer in US.
On Super Bowl Sunday morning Dan McFadden, director of Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS), got a call from immigration at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport. Shoko Murakami, the BVS volunteer featured on the cover of the January/February issue of the Church of the Brethren magazine "Messenger," was being refused re-entry following a two-week visit home to Japan. She would be deported by the next available flight.
Immigration claimed that Murakami's $70 monthly stipend was income not allowed by her visa, although it was the type of visa that other BVS volunteers use every year. McFadden called Brethren House in Washington, D.C., where Murakami lived with ten other volunteers, to let them know she would not be arriving. Amy Adkins, Sarah Farahat, and others would not take no for an answer, and began making phone calls. They called Phil Jones, Brethren Witness/Washington Office director, who called Stan Noffsinger, Church of the Brethren general secretary, who called Bob Edgar, general secretary of the National Council of Churches.
Jones called David Price, congressman from North Carolina; Edgar contacted Rush Holt, congressman from New Jersey; and phone calls were made to the immigration office. Farahat also found numbers for the Japanese embassy and the Department of Homeland Security in Texas. Farahat got through to Murakami, and learned she was being held in a small cell without pencils or paper, and was not allowed to make calls.
That night, Murakami's case was re-examined and she was given a temporary two-week stay, during which Annual Conference moderator-elect Jim Hardenbrook and his congressman from Idaho, Butch Otter, got involved as well. By 2 a.m., an exhausted Murakami arrived at Reagan Airport to be greeted by Jones and BVS friends.
As Murakami went to her next meeting with immigration, McFadden hoped she would be allowed to stay five months to finish her BVS term. At the meeting Murakami learned that the immigration officer had visited the BVS website, and was impressed. While he didn't mention the phone calls, he acknowledged that immigration had acted in error. Instead of giving her the five months, he gave her a full year.
Expressing thanks to all who intervened on Murakami's behalf, McFadden said, "I was humbled by the strength of our volunteers and by the quick action of church leaders and political representatives. I was humbled by their support of Shoko, of BVS, of the work of the church."
It took Murakami about a month to settle back in to the US, she said. "Now I see this experience as positive," she said. "It could have happened to anybody. I was a fortunate one even if I were deported. I had a place to return to in my home country. Some people don't."
Murakami learned about BVS through the World Friendship Center (WFC) in Hiroshima, to which BVS has provided volunteer hosts for decades. She first traveled to the US in 1997 with hibakusha, survivors of the Hiroshima atomic bomb. "I joined BVS to be part of my predecessors' dream of peace," said Murakami, who is working at the Center for Economic Justice. "I am so grateful that I can complete my volunteer service. I realize that it is the time we need to keep building the bridges of international understanding and friendship, so we don't repeat the mistake again that we learned from history."
Source: Newsline 4/16/2004 top
On Super Bowl Sunday morning Dan McFadden, director of Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS), got a call from immigration at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport. Shoko Murakami, the BVS volunteer featured on the cover of the January/February issue of the Church of the Brethren magazine "Messenger," was being refused re-entry following a two-week visit home to Japan. She would be deported by the next available flight.
Immigration claimed that Murakami's $70 monthly stipend was income not allowed by her visa, although it was the type of visa that other BVS volunteers use every year. McFadden called Brethren House in Washington, D.C., where Murakami lived with ten other volunteers, to let them know she would not be arriving. Amy Adkins, Sarah Farahat, and others would not take no for an answer, and began making phone calls. They called Phil Jones, Brethren Witness/Washington Office director, who called Stan Noffsinger, Church of the Brethren general secretary, who called Bob Edgar, general secretary of the National Council of Churches.
Jones called David Price, congressman from North Carolina; Edgar contacted Rush Holt, congressman from New Jersey; and phone calls were made to the immigration office. Farahat also found numbers for the Japanese embassy and the Department of Homeland Security in Texas. Farahat got through to Murakami, and learned she was being held in a small cell without pencils or paper, and was not allowed to make calls.
That night, Murakami's case was re-examined and she was given a temporary two-week stay, during which Annual Conference moderator-elect Jim Hardenbrook and his congressman from Idaho, Butch Otter, got involved as well. By 2 a.m., an exhausted Murakami arrived at Reagan Airport to be greeted by Jones and BVS friends.
As Murakami went to her next meeting with immigration, McFadden hoped she would be allowed to stay five months to finish her BVS term. At the meeting Murakami learned that the immigration officer had visited the BVS website, and was impressed. While he didn't mention the phone calls, he acknowledged that immigration had acted in error. Instead of giving her the five months, he gave her a full year.
Expressing thanks to all who intervened on Murakami's behalf, McFadden said, "I was humbled by the strength of our volunteers and by the quick action of church leaders and political representatives. I was humbled by their support of Shoko, of BVS, of the work of the church."
It took Murakami about a month to settle back in to the US, she said. "Now I see this experience as positive," she said. "It could have happened to anybody. I was a fortunate one even if I were deported. I had a place to return to in my home country. Some people don't."
Murakami learned about BVS through the World Friendship Center (WFC) in Hiroshima, to which BVS has provided volunteer hosts for decades. She first traveled to the US in 1997 with hibakusha, survivors of the Hiroshima atomic bomb. "I joined BVS to be part of my predecessors' dream of peace," said Murakami, who is working at the Center for Economic Justice. "I am so grateful that I can complete my volunteer service. I realize that it is the time we need to keep building the bridges of international understanding and friendship, so we don't repeat the mistake again that we learned from history."
Source: Newsline 4/16/2004 top
Credits
Newsline is produced by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of news services for the Church of the Brethren General Board, on the first, third, and fifth Friday of each month, with other editions as needed. Newsline stories may be reprinted provided that Newsline is cited as the source. Walt Wiltschek, Mary Dulabaum, Jeri S. Kornegay, Marcia Shelter, and Fred Swartz contributed to this report.
Newsline is a free service sent only to those requesting a subscription. To receive it by e-mail, or to unsubscribe, write cobnews@aol.com or call 800-323-8039, ext. 260. Newsline is available at www.brethren.org and is archived with an index at www.wfn.org. Also see Photo Journal at www.brethren.org/pjournal/index.htm for photo coverage of events.
Newsline is produced by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of news services for the Church of the Brethren General Board, on the first, third, and fifth Friday of each month, with other editions as needed. Newsline stories may be reprinted provided that Newsline is cited as the source. Walt Wiltschek, Mary Dulabaum, Jeri S. Kornegay, Marcia Shelter, and Fred Swartz contributed to this report.
Newsline is a free service sent only to those requesting a subscription. To receive it by e-mail, or to unsubscribe, write cobnews@aol.com or call 800-323-8039, ext. 260. Newsline is available at www.brethren.org and is archived with an index at www.wfn.org. Also see Photo Journal at www.brethren.org/pjournal/index.htm for photo coverage of events.
Friday, April 02, 2004
NEWS
COMING EVENTS
- Mission worker develops first-of-a-kind university course on disabilities in Vietnam.
- "Widening the Circle" gathering deepens spiritual roots for living in a diverse world.
- Christian Citizenship Seminar focuses on tension between Israel and Palestine.
- ABC Board reviews strategic plan, discusses realities of providing quality ministry.
- Forum considers relationship of Brethren retirement centers to the districts.
- More than 500 attend 13th Dominican Conferencia.
- Brethren bits: Church of the Brethren Credit Union, Brethren Press, and more.
COMING EVENTS
- Song and Story Fest will examine conflict and conscience near Antietam battlefield.
- Church of the Brethren takes lead in planning Africa conference for peace churches.
Mission worker develops first-of-a-kind university course on disabilities in Vietnam.
When mission worker Grace Mishler, Goshen, Ind., a social worker by training, developed a course in the social work department at National Vietnam University in Ho Chi Minh City, she expected it to be a quiet ministry of presence. But she began opening doors in a far-reaching way for those with disabilities to take a greater role in Vietnamese society.
Mishler began teaching English to social work staff at the university in 2000. Soon her knowledge about working with the disabled and the fact that many persons in Vietnam are disabled from the war, most often from land mines, sharpened her focus. She was invited to develop a course, "Social Awareness of People with Disabilities."
In late February, General Board Global Mission Partnerships staff Merv Keeney and Janis Pyle visited Mishler and saw the ripple effects of a placement jointly sponsored by the General Board and Eastern Mennonite Missions. Mishler's course "is the first time [this has been] done in Vietnam," said the dean of social work at the university, Tran Thi Kim Xuyen. "More than 500 third-year students have had the opportunity to practice their social work skills through working directly with people with disabilities. Besides, the course enhances public awareness of people with disabilities and their needs." Through the course, students gain first-hand experience in what it is actually like to have one of four impairments: hearing, sight, mobility, and intellectual disabilities.
"Grace's ministry empowers those with physical challenges, which has a healing impact on society," Keeney said. "Disabled herself, Grace has been surprisingly successful both interpersonally, by forming networks and encouraging local efforts, and professionally, by developing a comprehensive social work curriculum. Perhaps, in a small way, this project also promotes healing between our nations and peoples."
Source: Newsline 4/02/2004 top
When mission worker Grace Mishler, Goshen, Ind., a social worker by training, developed a course in the social work department at National Vietnam University in Ho Chi Minh City, she expected it to be a quiet ministry of presence. But she began opening doors in a far-reaching way for those with disabilities to take a greater role in Vietnamese society.
Mishler began teaching English to social work staff at the university in 2000. Soon her knowledge about working with the disabled and the fact that many persons in Vietnam are disabled from the war, most often from land mines, sharpened her focus. She was invited to develop a course, "Social Awareness of People with Disabilities."
In late February, General Board Global Mission Partnerships staff Merv Keeney and Janis Pyle visited Mishler and saw the ripple effects of a placement jointly sponsored by the General Board and Eastern Mennonite Missions. Mishler's course "is the first time [this has been] done in Vietnam," said the dean of social work at the university, Tran Thi Kim Xuyen. "More than 500 third-year students have had the opportunity to practice their social work skills through working directly with people with disabilities. Besides, the course enhances public awareness of people with disabilities and their needs." Through the course, students gain first-hand experience in what it is actually like to have one of four impairments: hearing, sight, mobility, and intellectual disabilities.
"Grace's ministry empowers those with physical challenges, which has a healing impact on society," Keeney said. "Disabled herself, Grace has been surprisingly successful both interpersonally, by forming networks and encouraging local efforts, and professionally, by developing a comprehensive social work curriculum. Perhaps, in a small way, this project also promotes healing between our nations and peoples."
Source: Newsline 4/02/2004 top
"Widening the Circle" gathering deepens spiritual roots for living in a diverse world.
"When we talk about diversity, we're not talking about some utopian goal but a reality that is already among us. Many of us don't yet navigate the crossing of boundaries very well! This difficult journey is the heart of following Jesus." With these words, Bible study leader Ched Myers captured the essence of "Widening the Circle: Peacemaking in the Midst of Diversity," which took place March 11-14 in La Verne, Calif.
Over 120 Brethren and friends from various faith traditions, including students from eight universities and seminaries, attended the third annual Organizing for Peace gathering. The event, co-sponsored by the University of La Verne (ULV), the La Verne Church of the Brethren, and On Earth Peace, a peace education organization in the Church of the Brethren, was intended to deepen the spiritual roots of faith-based peacemakers working in a world diverse in race, class, and religion.
Speakers included Lourdes Arguelles, professor of education at Claremont (Calif.) Graduate University; Daniel Loera, director of Multicultural Affairs at ULV; and Muslim imam Ali Siddiqui. James Lawson, an associate of Martin Luther King, Jr., spoke about the connection between peace and justice, asserting that peace churches have failed to grapple with the deep spiritual evil of the $800 billion war industry and have failed to engage the politics of Jesus and the Kingdom of God. Sunday morning worship featured Claremont School of Theology professor Elizabeth Conde-Frazier on the transforming power of Jesus to create shalom.
Jubilee Troupe, an Anabaptist-based interactive arts ensemble, made its debut at the conference. The troupe contributed sacred drama and dance, often poignantly reflecting the feelings and dreams expressed by conference participants. "This was a peaceful, spiritual, and blessed event," said participant Amy Adkins, of the Brethren Witness/Washington Office.
Source: Newsline 4/02/2004 top
"When we talk about diversity, we're not talking about some utopian goal but a reality that is already among us. Many of us don't yet navigate the crossing of boundaries very well! This difficult journey is the heart of following Jesus." With these words, Bible study leader Ched Myers captured the essence of "Widening the Circle: Peacemaking in the Midst of Diversity," which took place March 11-14 in La Verne, Calif.
Over 120 Brethren and friends from various faith traditions, including students from eight universities and seminaries, attended the third annual Organizing for Peace gathering. The event, co-sponsored by the University of La Verne (ULV), the La Verne Church of the Brethren, and On Earth Peace, a peace education organization in the Church of the Brethren, was intended to deepen the spiritual roots of faith-based peacemakers working in a world diverse in race, class, and religion.
Speakers included Lourdes Arguelles, professor of education at Claremont (Calif.) Graduate University; Daniel Loera, director of Multicultural Affairs at ULV; and Muslim imam Ali Siddiqui. James Lawson, an associate of Martin Luther King, Jr., spoke about the connection between peace and justice, asserting that peace churches have failed to grapple with the deep spiritual evil of the $800 billion war industry and have failed to engage the politics of Jesus and the Kingdom of God. Sunday morning worship featured Claremont School of Theology professor Elizabeth Conde-Frazier on the transforming power of Jesus to create shalom.
Jubilee Troupe, an Anabaptist-based interactive arts ensemble, made its debut at the conference. The troupe contributed sacred drama and dance, often poignantly reflecting the feelings and dreams expressed by conference participants. "This was a peaceful, spiritual, and blessed event," said participant Amy Adkins, of the Brethren Witness/Washington Office.
Source: Newsline 4/02/2004 top
Christian Citizenship Seminar focuses on tension between Israel and Palestine.
Tensions between Israel and Palestine formed the central focus as nearly 100 youth and advisors met for this year's Christian Citizenship Seminar March 20-25 in New York and Washington, D.C.
Participants came from California, the Midwest, and several East Coast states for the event, sponsored by the General Board's Youth/Young Adult Ministries office and the Brethren Witness/Washington Office. The seminar examines a different theme of current global or domestic significance each year. News of the assassination of a Hamas leader in Israel came during the week this year, adding a note of immediate relevance to the conversations. Most speakers approached the issue from the Palestinian perspective, recounting the difficulties and oppression this group has suffered in a struggle over land that has significance to several major religions.
Rick Polhamus, a Brethren member of Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT) who has spent several extended stays in the West Bank, shared about CPT's work, his own experiences of being tear-gassed and breaking up situations of conflict, and the need to find the people behind the stories. "It's when we get back to being human that we can transform things," he said. Catholic aid worker Joseph Donnelly, a drama/music team from New York, and Brian Avery of International Solidarity Movement also described their experiences working among the Palestinian people, sometimes with strong emotion. Much attention was given to the "separation barrier" being built as a security measure and boundary through the disputed territory; simulated security "checkpoints" even greeted participants as they came to one session.
Other speakers included National Council of Churches general secretary Bob Edgar, who talked about the political process in general as well as the NCC's work on the Israel-Palestine issue including his own recent trip to the region. He described the situation as one of rage on one side and fear on the other. Jim Wetekan, media director for Churches for Middle East Peace, framed the discussion in terms of political advocacy; Washington-area Rabbi Bruce Aft helped to express some of the Jewish/Israeli perspective in the situation; and Imam J. Abdul-Malik gave an outline of Islamic beliefs and practice.
"I found (the seminar) as a whole really valuable, because it allows us to discuss world events and the Middle East," participant Nick Kauffman of Goshen, Ind., said. "We never discuss things like this at school. This gives us a chance to all get together and talk about it."
The week also featured worship in New York churches, a tour of the United Nations, small-group discussions, a political comedy performance by Dave Lippman, visits with congressional representatives, and free time for exploring the two cities.
Source: Newsline 4/02/2004 top
Tensions between Israel and Palestine formed the central focus as nearly 100 youth and advisors met for this year's Christian Citizenship Seminar March 20-25 in New York and Washington, D.C.
Participants came from California, the Midwest, and several East Coast states for the event, sponsored by the General Board's Youth/Young Adult Ministries office and the Brethren Witness/Washington Office. The seminar examines a different theme of current global or domestic significance each year. News of the assassination of a Hamas leader in Israel came during the week this year, adding a note of immediate relevance to the conversations. Most speakers approached the issue from the Palestinian perspective, recounting the difficulties and oppression this group has suffered in a struggle over land that has significance to several major religions.
Rick Polhamus, a Brethren member of Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT) who has spent several extended stays in the West Bank, shared about CPT's work, his own experiences of being tear-gassed and breaking up situations of conflict, and the need to find the people behind the stories. "It's when we get back to being human that we can transform things," he said. Catholic aid worker Joseph Donnelly, a drama/music team from New York, and Brian Avery of International Solidarity Movement also described their experiences working among the Palestinian people, sometimes with strong emotion. Much attention was given to the "separation barrier" being built as a security measure and boundary through the disputed territory; simulated security "checkpoints" even greeted participants as they came to one session.
Other speakers included National Council of Churches general secretary Bob Edgar, who talked about the political process in general as well as the NCC's work on the Israel-Palestine issue including his own recent trip to the region. He described the situation as one of rage on one side and fear on the other. Jim Wetekan, media director for Churches for Middle East Peace, framed the discussion in terms of political advocacy; Washington-area Rabbi Bruce Aft helped to express some of the Jewish/Israeli perspective in the situation; and Imam J. Abdul-Malik gave an outline of Islamic beliefs and practice.
"I found (the seminar) as a whole really valuable, because it allows us to discuss world events and the Middle East," participant Nick Kauffman of Goshen, Ind., said. "We never discuss things like this at school. This gives us a chance to all get together and talk about it."
The week also featured worship in New York churches, a tour of the United Nations, small-group discussions, a political comedy performance by Dave Lippman, visits with congressional representatives, and free time for exploring the two cities.
Source: Newsline 4/02/2004 top
ABC Board reviews strategic plan, discusses realities of providing quality ministry.
The organization's strategic plan and realities of providing quality ministry were talking points at the Association of Brethren Caregivers (ABC) Board meetings Mar. 19-21 in Elgin, Ill.
Kathy Reid, ABC's new executive director, led the board through a ministry evaluation process that staff completed during a spring retreat. The process evaluated ABC's programs and provided a forum to suggest future directions for the agency. Following board discussion and response to staff suggestions, Reid said the staff will take the board's feedback and return with three to six imperatives for ABC's programming at the fall board meeting.
Two study papers from the Fellowship of Brethren Homes exploring the issue of uncompensated care were presented by ABC staff member Ralph McFadden. For most Brethren-affiliated retirement centers, the issue affects their ability to provide care to residents who no longer have the financial resources—including private insurance, Medicaid, and Medicare—to pay for their own care. A 2003 survey by 18 Brethren homes revealed that the combined financial loss of uncompensated care amounted to $14,393,615. The board suggested that the fellowship work with districts and congregations on the Christian ethics surrounding the ministry provided by the homes, and the need for better financial planning for older adult years.
This was the first board meeting for Reid and new board members John Katonah, of Evanston, Ill.; David Fouts, Mayesville, W.Va.; and Vernne Greiner, Mechanicsburg, Pa. Another first was the attendance of Chris Bowman, Annual Conference moderator. "It is significant that ABC Board members were able to discuss the state of the denomination with the Annual Conference Moderator. The ABC board believes that collaboration within the church and its agencies will benefit us all," Reid said. Collaboration also occurred during a report on the Ecclesiology Consultation by Wendy McFadden, publisher for Brethren Press.
In other business, the board approved individuals and organizations to receive awards at ABC's Annual Recognition Dinner at the 2004 Annual Conference; learned about ABC staff leading workshops on deacon and older adult ministries this spring in Atlantic Northeast, Michigan, Southern Ohio, and Western Plains Districts; heard staff reports on activities for chaplains, disabilities, Brethren-affiliated homes, and the creation of a series of workshops about coping with fear; received a report from the Finance Committee and created a Sustainability Committee to craft and implement a funds development strategy. The committee will be chaired by Wally Landes, board chair elect.
The board also received a report about Health Promotion Sunday materials on "Healthy Faith Communities," available at www.brethren.org/abc. The annual emphasis is May 16. This is the first year that resources were made available solely on ABC's website.
Source: Newsline 4/02/2004 top
The organization's strategic plan and realities of providing quality ministry were talking points at the Association of Brethren Caregivers (ABC) Board meetings Mar. 19-21 in Elgin, Ill.
Kathy Reid, ABC's new executive director, led the board through a ministry evaluation process that staff completed during a spring retreat. The process evaluated ABC's programs and provided a forum to suggest future directions for the agency. Following board discussion and response to staff suggestions, Reid said the staff will take the board's feedback and return with three to six imperatives for ABC's programming at the fall board meeting.
Two study papers from the Fellowship of Brethren Homes exploring the issue of uncompensated care were presented by ABC staff member Ralph McFadden. For most Brethren-affiliated retirement centers, the issue affects their ability to provide care to residents who no longer have the financial resources—including private insurance, Medicaid, and Medicare—to pay for their own care. A 2003 survey by 18 Brethren homes revealed that the combined financial loss of uncompensated care amounted to $14,393,615. The board suggested that the fellowship work with districts and congregations on the Christian ethics surrounding the ministry provided by the homes, and the need for better financial planning for older adult years.
This was the first board meeting for Reid and new board members John Katonah, of Evanston, Ill.; David Fouts, Mayesville, W.Va.; and Vernne Greiner, Mechanicsburg, Pa. Another first was the attendance of Chris Bowman, Annual Conference moderator. "It is significant that ABC Board members were able to discuss the state of the denomination with the Annual Conference Moderator. The ABC board believes that collaboration within the church and its agencies will benefit us all," Reid said. Collaboration also occurred during a report on the Ecclesiology Consultation by Wendy McFadden, publisher for Brethren Press.
In other business, the board approved individuals and organizations to receive awards at ABC's Annual Recognition Dinner at the 2004 Annual Conference; learned about ABC staff leading workshops on deacon and older adult ministries this spring in Atlantic Northeast, Michigan, Southern Ohio, and Western Plains Districts; heard staff reports on activities for chaplains, disabilities, Brethren-affiliated homes, and the creation of a series of workshops about coping with fear; received a report from the Finance Committee and created a Sustainability Committee to craft and implement a funds development strategy. The committee will be chaired by Wally Landes, board chair elect.
The board also received a report about Health Promotion Sunday materials on "Healthy Faith Communities," available at www.brethren.org/abc. The annual emphasis is May 16. This is the first year that resources were made available solely on ABC's website.
Source: Newsline 4/02/2004 top
Forum considers relationship of Brethren retirement centers to the districts.
More than 50 participants from 13 facilities attended the seventh annual Forum for CEOs, administrators, senior management, board members, and residents of Church of the Brethren retirement centers. The forum is sponsored annually by the Fellowship of Brethren Homes, a ministry of the Association of Brethren Caregivers.
The Brethren Retirement Community, Greenville, Ohio, hosted the event March 4-6. District executive ministers were invited to the meeting to consider the ongoing relationships of the homes and districts. Seventeen of the 23 districts have historic and current relationships with Brethren retirement centers.
Other highlights included a recognition and awards dinner, presentations, workshops, a tour of the host facilities, and significant times of fellowship. Recognitions were given to three CEOs who have retired or are no longer with the homes: LeRoy Weddle from The Cedars, McPherson, Kan., who retired at the end of 2003; Vernon Showalter of Pinecrest Community, Mount Morris, Ill., who will retire this spring; and Cathy Snell, of the Lebanon Valley Brethren Home, Palmyra, Pa., who died in 2003. Eleven staff, volunteers, board members, and facilities were given "outstanding" awards.
Nine sponsors provided exhibits, workshops, and financial support. Participants also heard from Brethren Benefit Trust, Bethany Theological Seminary, and The Peace Church Purchasing Group, a collaborative agency of the Friends, Mennonites, and Church of the Brethren. The next Forum is tentatively scheduled for March 17-19, 2005, at Timbercrest Senior Living Community, North Manchester, Ind.
Source: Newsline 4/02/2004 top
More than 50 participants from 13 facilities attended the seventh annual Forum for CEOs, administrators, senior management, board members, and residents of Church of the Brethren retirement centers. The forum is sponsored annually by the Fellowship of Brethren Homes, a ministry of the Association of Brethren Caregivers.
The Brethren Retirement Community, Greenville, Ohio, hosted the event March 4-6. District executive ministers were invited to the meeting to consider the ongoing relationships of the homes and districts. Seventeen of the 23 districts have historic and current relationships with Brethren retirement centers.
Other highlights included a recognition and awards dinner, presentations, workshops, a tour of the host facilities, and significant times of fellowship. Recognitions were given to three CEOs who have retired or are no longer with the homes: LeRoy Weddle from The Cedars, McPherson, Kan., who retired at the end of 2003; Vernon Showalter of Pinecrest Community, Mount Morris, Ill., who will retire this spring; and Cathy Snell, of the Lebanon Valley Brethren Home, Palmyra, Pa., who died in 2003. Eleven staff, volunteers, board members, and facilities were given "outstanding" awards.
Nine sponsors provided exhibits, workshops, and financial support. Participants also heard from Brethren Benefit Trust, Bethany Theological Seminary, and The Peace Church Purchasing Group, a collaborative agency of the Friends, Mennonites, and Church of the Brethren. The next Forum is tentatively scheduled for March 17-19, 2005, at Timbercrest Senior Living Community, North Manchester, Ind.
Source: Newsline 4/02/2004 top
More than 500 attend 13th Dominican Conferencia.
Record attendance was a highlight of the 13th Annual Conferencia of Iglesia de Los Hermanos (Church of the Brethren in the Dominican Republic) Feb. 19-22 in Santo Domingo. Twenty of the church's 24 congregations or preaching points sent delegates, and more than 500 people attended. The theme, "Renewed in the Same Spirit," came from Romans 12:2.
Moderator Wilson Nova welcomed visitors from congregations in Puerto Rico and guest preachers Ruben DeOleo and Guillermo Encarnacion from Atlantic Northeast District. Encarnacion, director of theological education in the DR, said,"Although it has been a difficult year overall for Haitians, the church is one place where Haitians and Dominicans can dwell together in unity." He pointed out that the new moderator, Anastasia Buena, and Ernesto Mereciel, moderator elect and pastor of the Mendoza congregation (the largest in the conference), are both of Haitian descent. Nova, pastor of the Bonao church plant, was elected as the new president of the board.
In business items, delegates approved a redesigned medical ministry that envisions doctors traveling from a central location to hold holistic faith-centered medical and health education clinics organized by churches; approved guidelines for congregations considering building projects; and approved a budget including an increase to help churches with pastors' salaries.
Source: Newsline 4/02/2004 top
Record attendance was a highlight of the 13th Annual Conferencia of Iglesia de Los Hermanos (Church of the Brethren in the Dominican Republic) Feb. 19-22 in Santo Domingo. Twenty of the church's 24 congregations or preaching points sent delegates, and more than 500 people attended. The theme, "Renewed in the Same Spirit," came from Romans 12:2.
Moderator Wilson Nova welcomed visitors from congregations in Puerto Rico and guest preachers Ruben DeOleo and Guillermo Encarnacion from Atlantic Northeast District. Encarnacion, director of theological education in the DR, said,"Although it has been a difficult year overall for Haitians, the church is one place where Haitians and Dominicans can dwell together in unity." He pointed out that the new moderator, Anastasia Buena, and Ernesto Mereciel, moderator elect and pastor of the Mendoza congregation (the largest in the conference), are both of Haitian descent. Nova, pastor of the Bonao church plant, was elected as the new president of the board.
In business items, delegates approved a redesigned medical ministry that envisions doctors traveling from a central location to hold holistic faith-centered medical and health education clinics organized by churches; approved guidelines for congregations considering building projects; and approved a budget including an increase to help churches with pastors' salaries.
Source: Newsline 4/02/2004 top
Brethren bits: Church of the Brethren Credit Union, Brethren Press, and more.
- The Board of Directors of the new Church of the Brethren Credit Union expressed thanks this week to the people who for the past several years have staffed the credit union's predecessor organization, Brethren Employees' Credit Union (BECU). Dennis Fisher, BECU president and CEO, concluded his service March 31, and Stacie Wirtz and Jane Potoczny concluded their service today, April 2. As of April 1, the credit union offices were moved to a new location within the Brethren Benefit Trust offices in Elgin, Ill. The credit union will hold an open house at 10 a.m. April 5. Contact the credit union at its new website, www.cobcu.org, where membership applications and loan applications may be made online.
- Alana Geuder will begin April 5 as the General Board's Customer Service Resource Specialist for Brethren Press, a position located at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill. Through her background in retail management, Geuder has experience in customer service, order-processing, inventory management, and daily operations.
- The Association of Brethren Caregivers (ABC) seeks a full-time administrative assistant to serve as assistant to the executive director and other staff. The position also carries responsibilities for administering ABC's loans and scholarship program, maintaining all financial services, and acting as registrar for all ABC-sponsored conferences. Applicants may contact Mary Lou Garrison at (847) 742-5100 or e-mail mgarrison_gb@brethren.org.
- Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT) has named Doug Pritchard and Carol Rose as co-directors, to begin Sept. 1. Gene Stoltzfus has served as director for the past 16 years. Rose, of Wichita, Kan., will become Operations Co-Director and Pritchard, of Toronto, Canada, will be Program Co-Director. Rose recently completed six years of pastoral leadership in the Mennonite Church of the Servant in Wichita, and previously worked for 13 years with Mennonite Central Committee in Honduras, Thailand, the Philippines, and Lancaster, Pa. Pritchard, a member of Toronto United Mennonite Church, is coordinator of CPT Canada, a position he has held since the inception of the program in 1997. CPT is an ecumenical program initiated by Brethren and Mennonite Congregations and Friends Meetings.
- "Many thanks to those who have already used the system and gained the benefits!" wrote Lerry Fogle, Annual Conference executive director, in a statement expressing appreciation to those who are pre-registering for the 2004 Conference. Registration using www.brethren.org/ac facilitates the work of his office and will make registration for next year's Conference even easier, he said. Information collected this year will be retained to expedite future registrations and send customized Conference invitations. Benefits of pre-registering online before May 15 include a discount of $10 per registration for each attendee or family member, and no waiting in line on arrival in Charleston. Name tags and Conference booklets will be mailed in advance to those who pre-register. In addition, those who pre-register have two payment options, via credit card while online or by sending a check after registering.
- Volunteer translators are needed for the English-Spanish translation services at the 2004 Annual Conference. Nadine L. Monn will be coordinating the translation effort. Monn is working on written translation of business items and any sermons that are available in advance of the Conference. Volunteers are needed for on-site translation of business sessions, worship services, and any insight sessions or meal events, as a service to Hispanic attendees. Contact Monn at 301-759-4710 or e-mail nadine_monn@yahoo.com.
- A planned tour of the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md., on the morning of Saturday March 20 expanded into an all-day experience for the Maryland Boy's Choir when their bus broke down. Volunteer hosts at the Conference Center made sure the visitors--50 boys and 16 chaperones--had a good experience, according to Kathleen Campanella, BSC's manager of communications. To fill the time, a generous chaperone provided each member of the group with $20 to spend in SERRV's International Gift Shop. "The chaperone really took 'Shopping is Mission' seriously," Campanella reported. "We also provided a place for the group to eat their bag lunches, basketballs to burn off some energy, and a place to rehearse for their next performance."
- As of March 31, 212 people have registered to participate in National Young Adult Conference. The Young Adult Steering Committee encourages young adults aged 18-35 to register soon, because registration will close April 15. To register online, go to www.nyac2004.org and click on the registration link. All forms and the entire registration fee of $225 are due in the NYAC Office by April 15. For questions or more information, please visit the website or contact Becky Ullom at 800-323-8039, ext. 286.
- The Susquehanna Valley Satellite of Bethany Theological Seminary sponsored a Continuing Education event for pastors on March 13. "Restoring the Soul of Ministry: Weaving Spiritual Practices in Solitude and Community" was led by Kent Ira Groff, founding mentor of Oasis Ministries. The retreat-seminar was conducted through video teleconferencing between Juniata College and Elizabethtown College. Thirty-six pastors participated.
- As a fund-raiser for Church of the Brethren disaster response, a small group at University Park Church of the Brethren in Hyattsville, Md., is selling prints of a photograph of Scharzenau, Germany, and the Eder River. Church member Warren Kissinger took the photograph during the denomination's 250th anniversary celebration at the site of the founding of the Brethren movement. Copies of the photograph hang in the University Park church, the Mid-Atlantic District office, and the Young Center at Elizabethtown (Pa.) College. Another will be auctioned at the Mid-Atlantic District Relief Auction this spring. Cost for 11-by-14-inch unframed prints is $20. Contact University Park Church of the Brethren, 4413 Tuckerman St., Hyattsville, MD 20782.
- Cincinnati (Ohio) Church of the Brethren is holding a mosque tour May 1. The one-and-a-half-hour tour, which can accommodate up to 150 people, will begin at 1 p.m. at the Islamic Center, 8092 Plantation Dr., West Chester, OH 45069. The tour will address Islamic beliefs, the art and architecture of the mosque, and major issues in the community. A $2 per person donation is suggested. Women are asked to dress appropriately in pants or long skirts and wear head coverings. For more information contact Wendy Smith at 513-947-0539 or e-mail kurtandwendy@fuse.net.
- The Level 1 Disaster Child Care (DCC) Training Workshop scheduled for March 26-27 at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Frederick, Md., has been rescheduled to Sept. 17-18 at Frederick Church of the Brethren. Space is still available for additional participants in the Level 1 DCC Training Workshop at the Tearcoat Church of the Brethren in Augusta, W.Va., April 16-17. The trainings are for volunteers interested in ministering with children following a disaster. DCC is a ministry of the General Board. For more information contact Helen Stonesifer, DCC coordinator, at 800-451-4407 or e-mail hstonesifer_gb@brethren.org.
- The Middle Pennsylvania District Church of the Brethren Resource Network Catalog is now available online. The network, which is primarily for use within the district, provides materials and information for ministry including print and video resources located at the District Center for Congregational Ministry as well as some helpful Web resources and a listing of individuals with special ministry focus areas who are willing to assist others. Log on to the website at either www.midpacob.org or public.juniata.edu/midpa. For more information call the District Center at 814-643-0601 or e-mail dness_ds@brethren.org.
- "Evangelism and the Progressive Church" is the theme for the Western Regional Event sponsored by Voices for an Open Spirit (VOS), 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on May 8 at Modesto (Calif.) Church of the Brethren. Jim Burklo, pastor of the Sausalito Presbyterian Church and author of "Open Christianity: Home by Another Way" will be the presenter. Cost for the day is $25. For more information visit www.voicesforanopenspirit.org where VOS is described as "a network of people who want to give voice to a progressive spirit in the Church of the Brethren."
- "Brethren Alive 2004," a conference sponsored by the Brethren Revival Fellowship July 23-25 at Elizabethtown College, will focus on the theme, "The Christian Family--Under the Design of God." Speakers are Garnet Myers, minister at Upton/Trinity Church of the Brethren, Greencastle, Pa.; Kenneth Nell, minister at Pleasant Hill Church of the Brethren, Spring Grove, Pa.; Mervin Keller, minister at Lewiston (Maine) Church of the Brethren; and Craig Smith, district executive minister of Atlantic Northeast District. The purpose of the meeting is to gather evangelical Brethren "to celebrate our life in Christ and encourage one another to spiritual growth and faithfulness." Cost is $50. Contact Brethren Alive 2004, 155 Denver Rd., Denver, PA 17517.
- An "early bird" registration discount is available through April 15 for the North American Stewardship Conference on the theme, "The Joy of Stewardship: A Guide to Generous Giving" June 23-26 in Toronto, Canada. The conference is for congregational stewardship leaders to receive inspiration, practical help, and creative insights. For more information see www.stewardshipresources.org.
- April 2 is the deadline to receive a special event room rate for the North American Conference on Christian Philanthropy, to be held April 28-30 in St. Louis, Mo. The conference provides resources, ideas, and connections with others committed to faithful and creative stewardship ministries. For more information go to www.stewardshipresources.org.
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