- Church of the Brethren contributes to tsunami relief effort.
- Council endorses Selective Service conversations, alternative service consultation.
- Church of the Brethren in Brazil holds fourth Annual Conference.
- Virlina District holds its 33rd district conference.
- West Marva holds two training events simultaneously.
- "Angels Everywhere" raises ministry education funds.
- Historic Brethren pipe organ receives citation.
- Brethren bits: Correction, request for stories, and more.
Friday, December 31, 2004
NEWS
Church of the Brethren contributes to tsunami relief effort.
"This year, again in the season of hope, we have been challenged to be the hands and feet of Christ in the midst of the incredible loss in southern Asia," wrote Roy Winter, the General Board's director of Emergency Response, in an end-of-the-year e-mail to Church of the Brethren district offices and staff. He also called for "unceasing prayer for our neighbors experiencing such tragic loss. May God surround them with comfort and be a light in their worst hour."
Winter recalled a tragic loss this time last year. "A year ago we were focused on the earthquake in Bam, Iran," which also occurred on Dec. 26. The tsunami of Dec. 26, 2004, "will likely be the largest relief effort in history as the destruction is spread over such a large geographic area," he reported. "As the numbers of victims of the earthquake and tidal wave continue to climb, the Church of the Brethren is actively making a substantial response." As of Dec. 31, news reports estimated the loss of life from the tsunami at over 121,000.
"We are challenged to reach out to our neighbors and 'bear one another's burdens,'" Winter said, encouraging districts to pass up-to-date news of the Church of the Brethren response to congregations. "With your help and the response by our churches, the Church of the Brethren will be touching the lives of many disaster survivors in their time of greatest need."
The Brethren response includes an initial grant of $30,000 from the Emergency Disaster Fund to aid emergency shipments of material supplies by Church World Service (CWS) to at least three of the hardest-hit areas of Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and India. Additional grants will be provided as needed, Winter said, and other affected countries may be added as the response expands.
The CWS effort is also supported by many other Christian denominations. It is focused in Indonesia on areas of Aceh, North Sumatra, Lokseumawe, and Nias. In India the focus is on assisting 50,000 families in the states of Andrah Pradesh, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu with food, blankets, clothing, and supplies. A second phase in India is expected to include reconstruction of homes, building cyclone shelters, and assistance to agriculture and fishing. In Sri Lanka immediate assistance of cooked food, dry rations, temporary sheds, and kitchen utensils is going to 25,000 families that have lost homes, along with some medical assistance and 100 temporary shelters.
Shipments from the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md., include light-weight blankets, IMA Medicine Boxes, Gift of the Heart Health Kits, and family shelters. "The total cost of materials and shipping will be about $50,000 per 40-foot container," Winter said. "Each of these containers has the potential of providing $500,000 worth of supplies which will help thousands of survivors. This shows how we are able to multiply the value of these donations 10 times," he added. "Let us rejoice that the Church of the Brethren can facilitate these vital shipments of material aid for Church World Service and our other partners."
Among the Brethren partners shipping from the center is IMA (Interchurch Medical Assistance), which is supplying CWS with 75 Medicine Boxes for Sri Lanka and 100 for Indonesia. On Dec. 29 IMA stated that it expected to have shipments ready within a week. IMA's pharmaceutical donors have expressed interest in donating additional medicines and supplies, the release said.
Two particular ways to help have been identified: donation to the Emergency Disaster Fund (mail to Church of the Brethren General Board, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120); and donation of Gift of the Heart Health Kits (for instructions see www.churchworldservice.org/kits or call the Emergency Response office at 800-451-4407 beginning Jan. 3).
"The greatest need is for financial contributions," Winter said, giving examples: $10 will purchase and ship a light-weight blanket; $108 will provide a temporary shelter for a family in Sri Lanka; $400 will provide medicines and medical supplies for 1,000 people for three months; $50,000 will provide materials and shipping costs for a 40-foot container. "Our supply of health kits is already depleted," he informed the districts. "We need a large number of health kits assembled and brought or shipped to the Brethren Service Center as soon as possible." Winter also reminded the districts that Emergency Response continues work in Florida, Virginia, and Nebraska following 2004's disastrous storms, and is monitoring flooding in California.
The National Council of Churches has made worship resources related to the tsunami available at www.ncccusa.org/resources/tsunami-worship-resources.htm.
Source: 12/31/2004 Newsline
"This year, again in the season of hope, we have been challenged to be the hands and feet of Christ in the midst of the incredible loss in southern Asia," wrote Roy Winter, the General Board's director of Emergency Response, in an end-of-the-year e-mail to Church of the Brethren district offices and staff. He also called for "unceasing prayer for our neighbors experiencing such tragic loss. May God surround them with comfort and be a light in their worst hour."
Winter recalled a tragic loss this time last year. "A year ago we were focused on the earthquake in Bam, Iran," which also occurred on Dec. 26. The tsunami of Dec. 26, 2004, "will likely be the largest relief effort in history as the destruction is spread over such a large geographic area," he reported. "As the numbers of victims of the earthquake and tidal wave continue to climb, the Church of the Brethren is actively making a substantial response." As of Dec. 31, news reports estimated the loss of life from the tsunami at over 121,000.
"We are challenged to reach out to our neighbors and 'bear one another's burdens,'" Winter said, encouraging districts to pass up-to-date news of the Church of the Brethren response to congregations. "With your help and the response by our churches, the Church of the Brethren will be touching the lives of many disaster survivors in their time of greatest need."
The Brethren response includes an initial grant of $30,000 from the Emergency Disaster Fund to aid emergency shipments of material supplies by Church World Service (CWS) to at least three of the hardest-hit areas of Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and India. Additional grants will be provided as needed, Winter said, and other affected countries may be added as the response expands.
The CWS effort is also supported by many other Christian denominations. It is focused in Indonesia on areas of Aceh, North Sumatra, Lokseumawe, and Nias. In India the focus is on assisting 50,000 families in the states of Andrah Pradesh, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu with food, blankets, clothing, and supplies. A second phase in India is expected to include reconstruction of homes, building cyclone shelters, and assistance to agriculture and fishing. In Sri Lanka immediate assistance of cooked food, dry rations, temporary sheds, and kitchen utensils is going to 25,000 families that have lost homes, along with some medical assistance and 100 temporary shelters.
Shipments from the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md., include light-weight blankets, IMA Medicine Boxes, Gift of the Heart Health Kits, and family shelters. "The total cost of materials and shipping will be about $50,000 per 40-foot container," Winter said. "Each of these containers has the potential of providing $500,000 worth of supplies which will help thousands of survivors. This shows how we are able to multiply the value of these donations 10 times," he added. "Let us rejoice that the Church of the Brethren can facilitate these vital shipments of material aid for Church World Service and our other partners."
Among the Brethren partners shipping from the center is IMA (Interchurch Medical Assistance), which is supplying CWS with 75 Medicine Boxes for Sri Lanka and 100 for Indonesia. On Dec. 29 IMA stated that it expected to have shipments ready within a week. IMA's pharmaceutical donors have expressed interest in donating additional medicines and supplies, the release said.
Two particular ways to help have been identified: donation to the Emergency Disaster Fund (mail to Church of the Brethren General Board, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120); and donation of Gift of the Heart Health Kits (for instructions see www.churchworldservice.org/kits or call the Emergency Response office at 800-451-4407 beginning Jan. 3).
"The greatest need is for financial contributions," Winter said, giving examples: $10 will purchase and ship a light-weight blanket; $108 will provide a temporary shelter for a family in Sri Lanka; $400 will provide medicines and medical supplies for 1,000 people for three months; $50,000 will provide materials and shipping costs for a 40-foot container. "Our supply of health kits is already depleted," he informed the districts. "We need a large number of health kits assembled and brought or shipped to the Brethren Service Center as soon as possible." Winter also reminded the districts that Emergency Response continues work in Florida, Virginia, and Nebraska following 2004's disastrous storms, and is monitoring flooding in California.
The National Council of Churches has made worship resources related to the tsunami available at www.ncccusa.org/resources/tsunami-worship-resources.htm.
Source: 12/31/2004 Newsline
Council endorses Selective Service conversations, alternative service consultation.
The Annual Conference Council has given its endorsement to continued conversations between the General Board and Selective Service in a telephone conference call Dec. 10. The endorsement was given in response to the invitation by Selective Service for the Church of the Brethren, as a historic peace church, to develop a plan for alternative service opportunities. The council also endorsed Church of the Brethren participation in an Anabaptist meeting on alternative service opportunities.
Earl K. Ziegler, chair of the council, called the group together to discuss the matter at the request of Stan Noffsinger, general secretary of the General Board. Noffsinger turned to the council in its capacity as executive committee of the Conference, reported Conference secretary Fred Swartz. Noffsinger told the council that he considered the opportunity and call to be larger than a General Board program, and an invitation to the entire denomination to be involved in a positive witness to its heritage and faith.
"The council understood from the background material given that Selective Service, or the Bush administration, have no plans in the offing to institute a new draft," Swartz reported. "There have been discussions during the past two presidential administrations of the eventual possibility of some kind of general national service. Selective Service officials explained to General Board staff that they want alternative service opportunities to be in place if and when such a program would be launched."
The council unanimously agreed to "give the general secretary our encouragement to maximize our efforts to have alternative service opportunities in place" and "to continue to explore the relationship with Selective Service." The council added a strong urging for all Annual Conference agencies "to renew the task of resourcing the church with tools to guide our youth in their choice of nonviolent service." Noffsinger reported that he will give On Earth Peace a full report of the conversations with Selective Service and will make sure that agency is a participant in the discussion. "We don't want to miss the part of providing resources to our youth that will help them understand and embrace the Brethren peace witness," commented Chris Bowman, moderator of the 2004 Conference.
Noffsinger and Jim Hardenbrook, 2005 Annual Conference moderator, also reported to the council their participation in a recent meeting of executives and moderators of Anabaptist communions. Although this fellowship has met annually, the Church of the Brethren has not been involved for six years. The meeting also included officers of the Mennonite Church US, the Brethren in Christ, the Conservative Mennonite Church, Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) US, and the Mennonite Brethren USA.
At the Anabaptist meeting, the MCC's executive director Rolando Santiago brought a proposal urging Anabaptist churches to intensify their witness to service. After Church of the Brethren representatives disclosed the contacts with Selective Service, the group made plans for a consultation of representatives of Anabaptist communions to discuss the tradition's understanding of service and how to prepare for alternative service opportunities. At Noffsinger's invitation the consultation will be held at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill.
After hearing the report, the Annual Conference Council took action to support "our denomination's participation in a consultation on alternative service March 4-6, 2005, to be held in Elgin, Ill., as proposed by the council of moderators and secretaries of the Anabaptist churches, and in which the Annual Conference moderator and General Board general secretary will participate on behalf of the Church of the Brethren." Council members participating in the meeting were Ziegler, Bowman, Hardenbrook, Swartz, Ron Beachley, Joan Daggett, and Lerry Fogle.
Source: 12/31/2004 Newsline
The Annual Conference Council has given its endorsement to continued conversations between the General Board and Selective Service in a telephone conference call Dec. 10. The endorsement was given in response to the invitation by Selective Service for the Church of the Brethren, as a historic peace church, to develop a plan for alternative service opportunities. The council also endorsed Church of the Brethren participation in an Anabaptist meeting on alternative service opportunities.
Earl K. Ziegler, chair of the council, called the group together to discuss the matter at the request of Stan Noffsinger, general secretary of the General Board. Noffsinger turned to the council in its capacity as executive committee of the Conference, reported Conference secretary Fred Swartz. Noffsinger told the council that he considered the opportunity and call to be larger than a General Board program, and an invitation to the entire denomination to be involved in a positive witness to its heritage and faith.
"The council understood from the background material given that Selective Service, or the Bush administration, have no plans in the offing to institute a new draft," Swartz reported. "There have been discussions during the past two presidential administrations of the eventual possibility of some kind of general national service. Selective Service officials explained to General Board staff that they want alternative service opportunities to be in place if and when such a program would be launched."
The council unanimously agreed to "give the general secretary our encouragement to maximize our efforts to have alternative service opportunities in place" and "to continue to explore the relationship with Selective Service." The council added a strong urging for all Annual Conference agencies "to renew the task of resourcing the church with tools to guide our youth in their choice of nonviolent service." Noffsinger reported that he will give On Earth Peace a full report of the conversations with Selective Service and will make sure that agency is a participant in the discussion. "We don't want to miss the part of providing resources to our youth that will help them understand and embrace the Brethren peace witness," commented Chris Bowman, moderator of the 2004 Conference.
Noffsinger and Jim Hardenbrook, 2005 Annual Conference moderator, also reported to the council their participation in a recent meeting of executives and moderators of Anabaptist communions. Although this fellowship has met annually, the Church of the Brethren has not been involved for six years. The meeting also included officers of the Mennonite Church US, the Brethren in Christ, the Conservative Mennonite Church, Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) US, and the Mennonite Brethren USA.
At the Anabaptist meeting, the MCC's executive director Rolando Santiago brought a proposal urging Anabaptist churches to intensify their witness to service. After Church of the Brethren representatives disclosed the contacts with Selective Service, the group made plans for a consultation of representatives of Anabaptist communions to discuss the tradition's understanding of service and how to prepare for alternative service opportunities. At Noffsinger's invitation the consultation will be held at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill.
After hearing the report, the Annual Conference Council took action to support "our denomination's participation in a consultation on alternative service March 4-6, 2005, to be held in Elgin, Ill., as proposed by the council of moderators and secretaries of the Anabaptist churches, and in which the Annual Conference moderator and General Board general secretary will participate on behalf of the Church of the Brethren." Council members participating in the meeting were Ziegler, Bowman, Hardenbrook, Swartz, Ron Beachley, Joan Daggett, and Lerry Fogle.
Source: 12/31/2004 Newsline
Church of the Brethren in Brazil holds fourth Annual Conference.
Igreja da Irmandade (Church of the Brethren in Brazil) celebrated its fourth Annual Conference Nov. 13-14, 2004, focusing on Jesus' words, "My peace I leave you" (John 14:27). More than 50 people participated, with representation from every congregation and fellowship.
It was evident throughout the conference that business was secondary to worship and fellowship, reported Greg Davidson Laszakovits, a General Board representative in Brazil. Worship, jointly led by national directors Marcos and Suely Inhauser, was filled with meaningful sermons, joyous congregational singing, and testimonies from congregants, he said. Sermons were delivered by pastors who considered various aspects of peace in the holistic sense of "shalom," preaching on peace of and through Jesus the Christ, social and political peace and discipleship, and peace in the congregation and community.
Much like Annual Conferences in the US, the Brazilian conference gave members from different congregations a chance to reunite with brothers and sisters and meet new ones, as well as share stories of their lives and congregations. The sharing was highlighted by testimonies by congregants from all of the congregations, which were peppered throughout the conference. A member of the Indiatuba congregation shared that she "looked 40 years for a church like this. It's been a blessing in my life." A member of the Campinas congregation explained how she came to know the about her congregation via Marcos Inhauser's weekly column in the city newspaper, tackling religious and cultural topics. Through these columns she learned about a congregation that was doing things in a different way, became interested, and eventually a member.
The highlight of the conference was celebration of new life in Christ in four baptisms. After pastor Nelson Gervonni of the Indiatuba congregation baptized and welcomed the new members into the church, he exclaimed, "Nothing gives me greater joy in pastoring!"
A light-hearted but intentional emphasis on community was punctuated in worship, communal meals, and afternoons to simply be together. Soccer games, swimming, playing with children, and a lot of conversation were shared. Marcos Inhauser underscored the importance of times to build community in the conference journal. "We need to be together, to talk, to open our hearts, to understand the scriptures, in order to be a body, a community," he wrote.
The motto of Igreja da Irmandade, "A different kind of church doing things differently," was reflected throughout the conference as the church shed the weight of business to celebrate new life in Christ, invigorating worship, and meaningful fellowship as nothing less than body of Christ.
Source: 12/31/2004 Newsline
Igreja da Irmandade (Church of the Brethren in Brazil) celebrated its fourth Annual Conference Nov. 13-14, 2004, focusing on Jesus' words, "My peace I leave you" (John 14:27). More than 50 people participated, with representation from every congregation and fellowship.
It was evident throughout the conference that business was secondary to worship and fellowship, reported Greg Davidson Laszakovits, a General Board representative in Brazil. Worship, jointly led by national directors Marcos and Suely Inhauser, was filled with meaningful sermons, joyous congregational singing, and testimonies from congregants, he said. Sermons were delivered by pastors who considered various aspects of peace in the holistic sense of "shalom," preaching on peace of and through Jesus the Christ, social and political peace and discipleship, and peace in the congregation and community.
Much like Annual Conferences in the US, the Brazilian conference gave members from different congregations a chance to reunite with brothers and sisters and meet new ones, as well as share stories of their lives and congregations. The sharing was highlighted by testimonies by congregants from all of the congregations, which were peppered throughout the conference. A member of the Indiatuba congregation shared that she "looked 40 years for a church like this. It's been a blessing in my life." A member of the Campinas congregation explained how she came to know the about her congregation via Marcos Inhauser's weekly column in the city newspaper, tackling religious and cultural topics. Through these columns she learned about a congregation that was doing things in a different way, became interested, and eventually a member.
The highlight of the conference was celebration of new life in Christ in four baptisms. After pastor Nelson Gervonni of the Indiatuba congregation baptized and welcomed the new members into the church, he exclaimed, "Nothing gives me greater joy in pastoring!"
A light-hearted but intentional emphasis on community was punctuated in worship, communal meals, and afternoons to simply be together. Soccer games, swimming, playing with children, and a lot of conversation were shared. Marcos Inhauser underscored the importance of times to build community in the conference journal. "We need to be together, to talk, to open our hearts, to understand the scriptures, in order to be a body, a community," he wrote.
The motto of Igreja da Irmandade, "A different kind of church doing things differently," was reflected throughout the conference as the church shed the weight of business to celebrate new life in Christ, invigorating worship, and meaningful fellowship as nothing less than body of Christ.
Source: 12/31/2004 Newsline
Virlina District holds its 33rd district conference.
The 33rd Virlina District Conference met at Green Ridge Baptist Church in Roanoke, Va., on Nov. 12-13. The theme was "We are an Offering" (Romans 12:1-2), reported Frank Davis of Laurel Branch Church of the Brethren near Floyd, Va. A total of 562 people registered including 243 delegates representing 77 congregations. Moderator David W. Minnich led participants in the worship and business life of the district.
Keynote speakers were Walt Wiltschek, editor of the Church of the Brethren magazine "Messenger," and Donna L. Shumate, chair of the General Board. More than 80 people attended a Ministers and Spouses Banquet at Summerdean Church of the Brethren in Roanoke, which was addressed by the 2005 Annual Conference moderator Jim Hardenbrook.
A highlight of the conference was the report that the indebtedness for the Trailblazer II project at Camp Bethel had been retired. New business included approval of amendments to the Constitution and Bylaws changing the title of camp manager to camp director. Delegates granted authority to the Church Extension Committee to receive the Living Faith Church of the Brethren in Concord, N.C. as a congregation, and approved a District Board budget of $283,491.80 for 2005. The conference received offerings of $1,102.10 for the Church Extension Committee, $1,452.98 for District Conference, and $652.92 for Disaster Response.
Reports were received from district staff, District Board, Outdoor Ministries Committee, Camp Bethel, and other institutions of the district and denomination. Camp Bethel will have a budget of $433,050.00 for 2005. Delegates also heard that 19 congregations and fellowships were involved in pastoral placement processes during the year and new pastors were introduced. The conference honored Frederick C. Driver for 50 years of ministerial service.
Delegates called Shirley B. Jamison as moderator-elect; Kathie S. Robinson as clerk, Jimmy O. Cannaday to Standing Committee of Annual Conference; Sam Garst, Tanya M. Reece, and Earl F. Stovall to the Nominating and Personnel Committee; Betty B. Altic and Dan Brogan to Program and Arrangements Committee; Sarah Grim and Earl Patrick Starkey to the Outdoor Ministries Committee; Lenoria Naff, Jill Bishop, Marie V. Thomas, Michael D. Elmore, Michael Battle, Debbie Humphrey, Sandy D. Foster, Robert Myers, Ed McKimmy, and Marianne Rhoades Pittman to the District Board. Glenn McCrickard will serve as District Board chair for 2004-05.
The 34th Virlina District Conference will be in Beckley, W.Va., Nov. 11-12, 2005, with moderator Russell L. Payne.
Source: 12/31/2004 Newsline
The 33rd Virlina District Conference met at Green Ridge Baptist Church in Roanoke, Va., on Nov. 12-13. The theme was "We are an Offering" (Romans 12:1-2), reported Frank Davis of Laurel Branch Church of the Brethren near Floyd, Va. A total of 562 people registered including 243 delegates representing 77 congregations. Moderator David W. Minnich led participants in the worship and business life of the district.
Keynote speakers were Walt Wiltschek, editor of the Church of the Brethren magazine "Messenger," and Donna L. Shumate, chair of the General Board. More than 80 people attended a Ministers and Spouses Banquet at Summerdean Church of the Brethren in Roanoke, which was addressed by the 2005 Annual Conference moderator Jim Hardenbrook.
A highlight of the conference was the report that the indebtedness for the Trailblazer II project at Camp Bethel had been retired. New business included approval of amendments to the Constitution and Bylaws changing the title of camp manager to camp director. Delegates granted authority to the Church Extension Committee to receive the Living Faith Church of the Brethren in Concord, N.C. as a congregation, and approved a District Board budget of $283,491.80 for 2005. The conference received offerings of $1,102.10 for the Church Extension Committee, $1,452.98 for District Conference, and $652.92 for Disaster Response.
Reports were received from district staff, District Board, Outdoor Ministries Committee, Camp Bethel, and other institutions of the district and denomination. Camp Bethel will have a budget of $433,050.00 for 2005. Delegates also heard that 19 congregations and fellowships were involved in pastoral placement processes during the year and new pastors were introduced. The conference honored Frederick C. Driver for 50 years of ministerial service.
Delegates called Shirley B. Jamison as moderator-elect; Kathie S. Robinson as clerk, Jimmy O. Cannaday to Standing Committee of Annual Conference; Sam Garst, Tanya M. Reece, and Earl F. Stovall to the Nominating and Personnel Committee; Betty B. Altic and Dan Brogan to Program and Arrangements Committee; Sarah Grim and Earl Patrick Starkey to the Outdoor Ministries Committee; Lenoria Naff, Jill Bishop, Marie V. Thomas, Michael D. Elmore, Michael Battle, Debbie Humphrey, Sandy D. Foster, Robert Myers, Ed McKimmy, and Marianne Rhoades Pittman to the District Board. Glenn McCrickard will serve as District Board chair for 2004-05.
The 34th Virlina District Conference will be in Beckley, W.Va., Nov. 11-12, 2005, with moderator Russell L. Payne.
Source: 12/31/2004 Newsline
West Marva holds two training events simultaneously.
Knowing that all licensed and ordained clergy would be required to attend a district-wide Ministerial Ethics Training Workshop, the West Marva District Nurture Commission decided to try something different, reported Julie M. Hostetter, Congregational Life Team coordinator for Area 3. "They chose to provide a Christian education event that would take place on the same day and at the same location as the ethics training," she said.
On Nov. 13, participants for both events met together for opening worship, lunch, and closing worship at Sunnyside Church of the Brethren in New Creek, W.Va. Seventy-two pastors from 49 churches spent their morning and afternoon in sessions focusing on ministerial ethics with Mary Jo Flory-Steury, director of Ministry for the General Board. Forty-four church educators from 20 congregations attended a plenary session, "Called to Teach!" led by Hostetter.
Participants had the option of choosing from workshops options including "Learning Centers for Children," "Ministry with Youth/Young Adults," "Exciting Adult Education," "Christian Education with Special Needs Students," "Teacher Calling, Equipping, and Encouraging," "Storytelling for Children," "Media and Christian Education," "Small Group Ministry for Adults," "Christian Education for Students with ADD and ADHD," and "Many Ways of Teaching/Learning." Leadership for the workshops included Jennifer Sanders and Patsy Shenk from West Marva District and Alice Geiman, Jan Matteson, and Mary Alice Womble from Shenandoah District.
In a show-and-tell session, participants shared what was going on in the nurture and education programs of their congregations as well as what they learned in the workshops. Pastors and educators had the opportunity to peruse a display of curricula published and recommended by the denomination, and to purchase resources from Brethren Press.
Source: 12/31/2004 Newsline
Knowing that all licensed and ordained clergy would be required to attend a district-wide Ministerial Ethics Training Workshop, the West Marva District Nurture Commission decided to try something different, reported Julie M. Hostetter, Congregational Life Team coordinator for Area 3. "They chose to provide a Christian education event that would take place on the same day and at the same location as the ethics training," she said.
On Nov. 13, participants for both events met together for opening worship, lunch, and closing worship at Sunnyside Church of the Brethren in New Creek, W.Va. Seventy-two pastors from 49 churches spent their morning and afternoon in sessions focusing on ministerial ethics with Mary Jo Flory-Steury, director of Ministry for the General Board. Forty-four church educators from 20 congregations attended a plenary session, "Called to Teach!" led by Hostetter.
Participants had the option of choosing from workshops options including "Learning Centers for Children," "Ministry with Youth/Young Adults," "Exciting Adult Education," "Christian Education with Special Needs Students," "Teacher Calling, Equipping, and Encouraging," "Storytelling for Children," "Media and Christian Education," "Small Group Ministry for Adults," "Christian Education for Students with ADD and ADHD," and "Many Ways of Teaching/Learning." Leadership for the workshops included Jennifer Sanders and Patsy Shenk from West Marva District and Alice Geiman, Jan Matteson, and Mary Alice Womble from Shenandoah District.
In a show-and-tell session, participants shared what was going on in the nurture and education programs of their congregations as well as what they learned in the workshops. Pastors and educators had the opportunity to peruse a display of curricula published and recommended by the denomination, and to purchase resources from Brethren Press.
Source: 12/31/2004 Newsline
"Angels Everywhere" raises ministry education funds.
The musical "Angels Everywhere: A True Story of the Brethren" by Frank Ramirez and Steve Engle, raised $8,024.96 for Middle Pennsylvania District for use in ministry education. The project was developed in response to criticism that arose when the district raised money by selling sandwich tickets through fast food outlets, Ramirez reported. The effort was headed by Eleanor Fix, pastor of Cherry Lane Church of the Brethren in Clearville, Pa.
"Angels Everywhere" is the story of Catharine Hummer, a Brethren teenager who claimed she saw angels in 1762. Ramirez, pastor of Everett (Pa.) Church of the Brethren and a prolific writer for Brethren Press and "Messenger" magazine, has been studying the story since 1997. He wrote the first draft of the script and lyrics and asked Steve Engle, a Church of the Brethren author, songwriter, and ventriloquist, to join the project. Engle wrote the music and contributed to both the script and lyrics.
"Angels Everywhere" was performed Oct. 9 at Roaring Spring Church of the Brethren, Nov. 20 at Everett Church of the Brethren, and Dec. 4 at Hollidaysburg Church of the Brethren. Each congregation provided a meal as part of a dinner theater package. In addition, excerpts were presented at Ephrata (Pa.) Church of the Brethren as part of an annual enrichment program. Over 600 came to see the musical. The intergenerational cast included 22 performers from five congregations in the district. The company hopes to arrange a tour of several more congregations in the spring of 2005 and 2006, Ramirez said.
The Hummer incident was the source of much controversy, Ramirez said, and prompted discussion at the Annual Meeting of 1763. "The Annual Meeting decision was a crucial one," he added, "speaking more to the need for Brethren to speak together in love than actually settling the matter. As Alexander Mack Jr. put it, 'Therefore, dear brethren, let us watch and be careful, and above all preserve love, for thus one preserves light.'"
A soundtrack CD of the musical is planned and should be available in early 2005. For performance and CD information call Ramirez at 814-652-2634.
Source: 12/31/2004 Newsline
The musical "Angels Everywhere: A True Story of the Brethren" by Frank Ramirez and Steve Engle, raised $8,024.96 for Middle Pennsylvania District for use in ministry education. The project was developed in response to criticism that arose when the district raised money by selling sandwich tickets through fast food outlets, Ramirez reported. The effort was headed by Eleanor Fix, pastor of Cherry Lane Church of the Brethren in Clearville, Pa.
"Angels Everywhere" is the story of Catharine Hummer, a Brethren teenager who claimed she saw angels in 1762. Ramirez, pastor of Everett (Pa.) Church of the Brethren and a prolific writer for Brethren Press and "Messenger" magazine, has been studying the story since 1997. He wrote the first draft of the script and lyrics and asked Steve Engle, a Church of the Brethren author, songwriter, and ventriloquist, to join the project. Engle wrote the music and contributed to both the script and lyrics.
"Angels Everywhere" was performed Oct. 9 at Roaring Spring Church of the Brethren, Nov. 20 at Everett Church of the Brethren, and Dec. 4 at Hollidaysburg Church of the Brethren. Each congregation provided a meal as part of a dinner theater package. In addition, excerpts were presented at Ephrata (Pa.) Church of the Brethren as part of an annual enrichment program. Over 600 came to see the musical. The intergenerational cast included 22 performers from five congregations in the district. The company hopes to arrange a tour of several more congregations in the spring of 2005 and 2006, Ramirez said.
The Hummer incident was the source of much controversy, Ramirez said, and prompted discussion at the Annual Meeting of 1763. "The Annual Meeting decision was a crucial one," he added, "speaking more to the need for Brethren to speak together in love than actually settling the matter. As Alexander Mack Jr. put it, 'Therefore, dear brethren, let us watch and be careful, and above all preserve love, for thus one preserves light.'"
A soundtrack CD of the musical is planned and should be available in early 2005. For performance and CD information call Ramirez at 814-652-2634.
Source: 12/31/2004 Newsline
Historic Brethren pipe organ receives citation.
The 1698 Johan Christoph Harttman pipe organ located at the General Offices in Elgin, Ill., has been awarded a citation by the Historic Organ Citations Committee of the Organ Historical Society. The small pipe organ is part of the collection of the Brethren Historical Library and Archives of the General Board.
The Harttman organ is one of the two oldest organs in the US to receive the distinction, wrote Stephen Schnurr, chair of the committee, in a letter to the board's archivist Ken Shaffer. The citations program is part of the society's method of publicly honoring the special historic qualities of a pipe organ. Since the awarding of the first citation in 1975, some 330 organs in the US and Canada have received the honor. The society hopes to present the citation in a ceremony in the autumn of 2005 that may include a brief recital on the organ.
Source: 12/31/2004 Newsline
The 1698 Johan Christoph Harttman pipe organ located at the General Offices in Elgin, Ill., has been awarded a citation by the Historic Organ Citations Committee of the Organ Historical Society. The small pipe organ is part of the collection of the Brethren Historical Library and Archives of the General Board.
The Harttman organ is one of the two oldest organs in the US to receive the distinction, wrote Stephen Schnurr, chair of the committee, in a letter to the board's archivist Ken Shaffer. The citations program is part of the society's method of publicly honoring the special historic qualities of a pipe organ. Since the awarding of the first citation in 1975, some 330 organs in the US and Canada have received the honor. The society hopes to present the citation in a ceremony in the autumn of 2005 that may include a brief recital on the organ.
Source: 12/31/2004 Newsline
Brethren bits: Correction, request for stories, and more.
- In a correction to the story "Bethany Seminary board participates in accreditation, strategic plan," in the Dec. 17 issue of Newsline, the seminary's financial campaign "Inspired by the Spirit-Educating for Ministry" has exceeded $13 million.
- The General Board's Communications Team is collecting stories of how the the Church of the Brethren Christmas Eve service on CBS affected the lives of individuals and congregations. The team also seeks copies of any news stories about the service and any advertisements that were placed for the service. Send copies of news articles and advertisements to Communications Team, Attn: Christmas Eve Service, Church of the Brethren General Board, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120. Submit stories by e-mail to cobweb@brethren.org.
- A third annual War Toy Public Witness was co-sponsored by Skyridge Church of the Brethren and Kalamazoo Friends Meeting in Kalamazoo, Mich., Dec. 5. The witness was held along South Westnedge Ave., the region's main retail corridor according to a story by Olga Bonfiglie in the "Kalamazoo Gazette." The 13 people participating in the witness included seven Brethren. Ineke Way, a social worker and Skyridge's Outreach Committee co-chair, told the paper that she was concerned that war toys teach children to glorify war and settle their conflicts with violence. Stephanie Higdon, a graduate student, hoped that the witness would prompt shoppers to think twice about buying violent toys for children. Shaun Hittle, also a social worker, said he resents toy manufacturers who make money off of children through violence and appeals to patriotism. He also linked the toys to military recruitment of young people. "Some shoppers appreciated the presence of the demonstrators," the paper reported.
- The San Diego (Calif.) Church of the Brethren is offering hospitality to Brethren pastors attending the National Pastors Convention and Emergent Convention in San Diego Feb. 1-5. "The San Diego church can make it more affordable by offering a bed and a quick breakfast during the course of the conference," reported Jeff Glass, the General Board's Congregational Life Team Coordinator for Area 5. Call the church at 619-265-8183 or e-mail office@sdbrethrenchurch.org. Glass will arrange a meal for Church of the Brethren participants during the conventions. Call 888-826-4951 or e-mail jglass_gb@brethren.org, if you are interested in meeting other Brethren who are attending or for more information about the conventions or about San Diego.
- Camp Bethel will host a Faith Quest spiritual retreat for youth in grades 10-12 on March 4-6, 2005. Themes for the weekend are "Discovering Self," "Discovering God," and "Discovering Our Relationship with Others." The retreat will include presentations by youth and adults, small groups, music and singing, and the spiritual disciplines of silence, worship, Bible study, prayer, and fasting for one meal. Money that would have been spent on the meal will go to the General Board's Global Food Crisis Fund. Contact Virlina District, 540-362-1816 or e-mail virlina@aol.com.
- Manchester College in North Manchester, Ind., has received $1 million to enhance its "intellectual capital." The Lilly Endowment Inc. grant will enhance Manchester's faculty and information technology, purchase high-tech equipment for a new Science Center, and determine new use for aged buildings. The grant is part of $100 million the endowment has awarded to 37 colleges and universities for its Initiative to Recruit and Retrain Intellectual Capital for Indiana Higher Education Institutions. The college will invest $400,000 in faculty development, teaching, learning, and research; plans to use $250,000 to purchase the latest science technology for the $17 million Science Center that will open this summer; and will use another $250,000 for information technology and $100,000 to determine the maximum possible use of aged buildings including the current science hall, the 45-year old Holl-Kintner Hall. For more information see www.manchester.edu.
- Volume II of "Unionists and the Civil War Experience in the Shenandoah Valley" is now available, reported the co-publisher of the series, the Valley Brethren-Mennonite Heritage Center. Norman Wenger, a Harrisonburg, Va., businessman, was a leading researcher-compiler of the volume. The book tells the stories of 32 families including Brethren and Mennonites as well as Methodist Episcopal and German Reformed, who lived in Rockingham County during the war. Editor Emmert Bittinger, professor emeritus of Bridgewater (Va.) College, prepared the documents for publication and wrote the introduction to the 735 pages. Wenger and Rockingham County businessman David S. Rodes scoured archival records of the Southern Claims Commission to tell how family members held to their convictions regarding slavery and war and maintained loyalty to the Union, despite personal struggles and loss of life and property. Contact Valley Brethren-Mennonite Heritage Center, P.O. Box 1563, Harrisonburg, VA 22803; or mail order for $58.50 from Valley Research Associates, P.O. Box 526, Dayton, VA 22821.
Jan King moves to half-time position with General Board, takes up chaplaincy.
Jan King, the General Board's Congregational Life Team (CLT) coordinator for Area 1, has accepted a half-time position as chaplain at The Village at Morrison's Cove, a Church of the Brethren retirement center in Martinsburg, Pa. She will continue in the CLT role half-time. The move was made at King's choice to pursue her interest and education in the field of gerontology. The change is effective Feb. 1.
The board's Office of Human Resources reported that the services provided by Area One's team will be accomplished in a different manner but will not be reduced. The coordinator position's change to half-time was not prompted by budget constraints, reported the office, and consultants may be used to continue the current level of services.
King has worked for the board since 1997. She is the board's staff liaison to the Association of the Arts in the Church of the Brethren and has worked with Middle Pennsylvania District in developing a new resource, "Growing Faithful Disciples," which will be shared denomination-wide in January.
Source: 12/31/2004 Newsline
Jan King, the General Board's Congregational Life Team (CLT) coordinator for Area 1, has accepted a half-time position as chaplain at The Village at Morrison's Cove, a Church of the Brethren retirement center in Martinsburg, Pa. She will continue in the CLT role half-time. The move was made at King's choice to pursue her interest and education in the field of gerontology. The change is effective Feb. 1.
The board's Office of Human Resources reported that the services provided by Area One's team will be accomplished in a different manner but will not be reduced. The coordinator position's change to half-time was not prompted by budget constraints, reported the office, and consultants may be used to continue the current level of services.
King has worked for the board since 1997. She is the board's staff liaison to the Association of the Arts in the Church of the Brethren and has worked with Middle Pennsylvania District in developing a new resource, "Growing Faithful Disciples," which will be shared denomination-wide in January.
Source: 12/31/2004 Newsline
Alexander Mack Jr. 'Day Book' is published.
A historic Brethren document, "The Day Book/Account Book of Alexander Mack, Jr.," has been published by the Pennsylvania German Society. "Mack's day book/account book is a valuable source of information about the colonial Brethren," reported General Board archivist Ken Shaffer. "It includes information about the Germantown congregation and other colonial Brethren, information about Mack's family, details about his weaving business, and poems he wrote on his birthdays."
The original document is handwritten, some in English, but much of it in German, Shaffer said. The new publication contains a transcription of the contents of the book, a translation of the German by Edward E. Quinter, an index by Kate Mertes, and an introduction and over 500 annotations by Brethren historian Donald F. Durnbaugh.
Mack (1712-1803) came with his father and brothers to America in 1729. After his father's death in 1735, he joined the Ephrata community for several years and then spent a couple of years on the Virginia frontier. In the late 1740s he returned to Pennsylvania, married, and became an elder in the Germantown congregation. He earned a living as a weaver and is considered a major leader of the Brethren in second half of the 1700s.
The original document of the book was preserved by Abraham Harley Cassel, a Mack descendant, Shaffer reported. It was purchased from Cassel by Martin Grove Brumbaugh, who later donated it to Juniata College. "At some point it was removed from the college collection and ended up in the hands of collectors," Shaffer said. "Eventually it was purchased by the General Board and is now housed at the Brethren Historical Library and Archives in Elgin, Ill. Now that the transcription and translation have been published, the contents will be easily available to those interested in the early Brethren, the Mack family, and the work of a colonial weaver." The book is available for $20 plus shipping and handling from Brethren Press, 800-441-3712.
Source: 12/31/2004 Newsline
A historic Brethren document, "The Day Book/Account Book of Alexander Mack, Jr.," has been published by the Pennsylvania German Society. "Mack's day book/account book is a valuable source of information about the colonial Brethren," reported General Board archivist Ken Shaffer. "It includes information about the Germantown congregation and other colonial Brethren, information about Mack's family, details about his weaving business, and poems he wrote on his birthdays."
The original document is handwritten, some in English, but much of it in German, Shaffer said. The new publication contains a transcription of the contents of the book, a translation of the German by Edward E. Quinter, an index by Kate Mertes, and an introduction and over 500 annotations by Brethren historian Donald F. Durnbaugh.
Mack (1712-1803) came with his father and brothers to America in 1729. After his father's death in 1735, he joined the Ephrata community for several years and then spent a couple of years on the Virginia frontier. In the late 1740s he returned to Pennsylvania, married, and became an elder in the Germantown congregation. He earned a living as a weaver and is considered a major leader of the Brethren in second half of the 1700s.
The original document of the book was preserved by Abraham Harley Cassel, a Mack descendant, Shaffer reported. It was purchased from Cassel by Martin Grove Brumbaugh, who later donated it to Juniata College. "At some point it was removed from the college collection and ended up in the hands of collectors," Shaffer said. "Eventually it was purchased by the General Board and is now housed at the Brethren Historical Library and Archives in Elgin, Ill. Now that the transcription and translation have been published, the contents will be easily available to those interested in the early Brethren, the Mack family, and the work of a colonial weaver." The book is available for $20 plus shipping and handling from Brethren Press, 800-441-3712.
Source: 12/31/2004 Newsline
Creche travels from Christmas fields to Christmas Eve service.
The olive-wood creche set that was filmed for the Church of the Brethren Christmas Eve telecast on CBS has a unique background, reports Howard Royer, who created the decor for the service along with Brethren graphic artist Rosanna Eller McFadden. Royer manages the Global Food Crisis Fund for the General Board and is a member of the board of SERRV/A Greater Gift.
The creche set was made this past year as a special order for the SERRV gift shop at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md., said Linda Kjeldgaard, a SERRV staff member. "The artisans are from Shepherds Field workshop and truly work in the fields that once were used by the shepherds during Christ's life," she told Royer.
"The olive wood is from cuttings taken while pruning the olive trees in Israel," she added. "No trees are cut just for their wood. Although many trees have recently been destroyed in the ongoing conflict and the fence-building around the Palestinian compounds, in peaceful times olive trees are kept alive as long as possible with many still surviving from the time of Christ. The artisans are Palestinian Christians and work in small shops or in rooms in their homes. Due to the smaller number of tourists (one of the main customers of their work) they have been especially hard hit by a lack of orders."
"A detail that is hard to figure from a TV screen is the size of the carvings," Royer said. "There were 11 pieces, the taller 20 inches in height." The General Board has purchased the creche set, adding it to the board's art acquisitions.
Source: 12/31/2004 Newsline
The olive-wood creche set that was filmed for the Church of the Brethren Christmas Eve telecast on CBS has a unique background, reports Howard Royer, who created the decor for the service along with Brethren graphic artist Rosanna Eller McFadden. Royer manages the Global Food Crisis Fund for the General Board and is a member of the board of SERRV/A Greater Gift.
The creche set was made this past year as a special order for the SERRV gift shop at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md., said Linda Kjeldgaard, a SERRV staff member. "The artisans are from Shepherds Field workshop and truly work in the fields that once were used by the shepherds during Christ's life," she told Royer.
"The olive wood is from cuttings taken while pruning the olive trees in Israel," she added. "No trees are cut just for their wood. Although many trees have recently been destroyed in the ongoing conflict and the fence-building around the Palestinian compounds, in peaceful times olive trees are kept alive as long as possible with many still surviving from the time of Christ. The artisans are Palestinian Christians and work in small shops or in rooms in their homes. Due to the smaller number of tourists (one of the main customers of their work) they have been especially hard hit by a lack of orders."
"A detail that is hard to figure from a TV screen is the size of the carvings," Royer said. "There were 11 pieces, the taller 20 inches in height." The General Board has purchased the creche set, adding it to the board's art acquisitions.
Source: 12/31/2004 Newsline
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. Frank Davis, Julie M. Hostetter, Linda Kjeldgaard, Jeri S. Kornegay, Greg Davidson Laszakovits, Howard Royer, Fred Swartz, and Roy Winter contributed to this report.
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. Frank Davis, Julie M. Hostetter, Linda Kjeldgaard, Jeri S. Kornegay, Greg Davidson Laszakovits, Howard Royer, Fred Swartz, and Roy Winter contributed to this report.
Wednesday, December 29, 2004
SPECIAL REPORT
CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN SUPPORTS TSUNAMI RELIEF EFFORT OF CHURCH WORLD SERVICE.
Church of the Brethren disaster relief is supporting Church World Service (CWS) relief work in Asia following the earthquake and tsunami of Dec. 26. Enormous tidal waves swept across the Indian Ocean striking coastal regions of Sri Lanka, India, Indonesia, Thailand, Bangladesh, Burma, Malaysia, and low-lying islands that make up the Maldives. The Associated Press estimate of the death toll from the disaster stood at 67,000 on Dec. 29, reported the General Board’s Emergency Response director Roy Winter, who said that number is expected to increase in the days and weeks ahead.
CWS is focusing initial support in at least three of the hardest-hit areas in Indonesia, India, and Sri Lanka; and is sending initial emergency material assistance shipments with a value of more than $900,000. It deployed an emergency assistance team Dec. 27 from its Indonesia office to aid in recovery efforts in Aceh, Indonesia, the hardest-hit area on Sumatra’s northernmost tip. CWS also deployed an emergency response team to Sri Lanka. In India, CWS is supporting regional response by longtime partner Church’s Auxiliary for Social Action. The material assistance as of Dec. 29 included 500 family shelter kits; 75 Emergency Medicine boxes that will provide basic medicines and antibiotics to 75,000 people for three months; 44,000 Gift of the Heart Health Kits; and 5,000 light-weight blankets. CWS also is undertaking regional deployment of rapid response support and emergency material airlifts of additional shelter and hygiene materials.
Acknowledging the personal struggle to face such a disaster during a time of celebration of the Savior’s birth, general secretary Stan Noffsinger urged Brethren to remember that “all who perished and all who survive are created in the mind of God, as we all have been. We feel so hopeless,” he added. “We can’t all jet off (to Asia), yet what an opportunity to show our goodwill. The appropriate people will be there. Our presence is not the gift, our unselfishness is our gift.”
The Emergency Response/Service Ministries program of the denomination’s General Board is requesting an initial grant of $30,000 from the board’s Emergency Disaster Fund to support the CWS effort, and expects to send more funds in the near future, Winter said. Staff at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md.—which warehouses relief supplies for CWS and other agencies—will be shipping light-weight blankets, health kits, and IMA medicine boxes as part of the response.
“We need churches to respond by shipping more health kits and financial support,” Winter said. “Our focus will be to purchase relief supplies closer to south Asia because of all the shipping costs when sending from the US. A good example is the family shelter kits which Church of the Brethren funding will support,” he added.
Contributions to the tsunami relief effort can be sent to the Emergency Disaster Fund, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120. For information about how to assemble Gift of the Heart Health Kits go to www.churchworldservice.org/kits. For more information about the disaster and for situation reports from Church World Service, see www.cwserp.org.
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.
CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN SUPPORTS TSUNAMI RELIEF EFFORT OF CHURCH WORLD SERVICE.
Church of the Brethren disaster relief is supporting Church World Service (CWS) relief work in Asia following the earthquake and tsunami of Dec. 26. Enormous tidal waves swept across the Indian Ocean striking coastal regions of Sri Lanka, India, Indonesia, Thailand, Bangladesh, Burma, Malaysia, and low-lying islands that make up the Maldives. The Associated Press estimate of the death toll from the disaster stood at 67,000 on Dec. 29, reported the General Board’s Emergency Response director Roy Winter, who said that number is expected to increase in the days and weeks ahead.
CWS is focusing initial support in at least three of the hardest-hit areas in Indonesia, India, and Sri Lanka; and is sending initial emergency material assistance shipments with a value of more than $900,000. It deployed an emergency assistance team Dec. 27 from its Indonesia office to aid in recovery efforts in Aceh, Indonesia, the hardest-hit area on Sumatra’s northernmost tip. CWS also deployed an emergency response team to Sri Lanka. In India, CWS is supporting regional response by longtime partner Church’s Auxiliary for Social Action. The material assistance as of Dec. 29 included 500 family shelter kits; 75 Emergency Medicine boxes that will provide basic medicines and antibiotics to 75,000 people for three months; 44,000 Gift of the Heart Health Kits; and 5,000 light-weight blankets. CWS also is undertaking regional deployment of rapid response support and emergency material airlifts of additional shelter and hygiene materials.
Acknowledging the personal struggle to face such a disaster during a time of celebration of the Savior’s birth, general secretary Stan Noffsinger urged Brethren to remember that “all who perished and all who survive are created in the mind of God, as we all have been. We feel so hopeless,” he added. “We can’t all jet off (to Asia), yet what an opportunity to show our goodwill. The appropriate people will be there. Our presence is not the gift, our unselfishness is our gift.”
The Emergency Response/Service Ministries program of the denomination’s General Board is requesting an initial grant of $30,000 from the board’s Emergency Disaster Fund to support the CWS effort, and expects to send more funds in the near future, Winter said. Staff at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md.—which warehouses relief supplies for CWS and other agencies—will be shipping light-weight blankets, health kits, and IMA medicine boxes as part of the response.
“We need churches to respond by shipping more health kits and financial support,” Winter said. “Our focus will be to purchase relief supplies closer to south Asia because of all the shipping costs when sending from the US. A good example is the family shelter kits which Church of the Brethren funding will support,” he added.
Contributions to the tsunami relief effort can be sent to the Emergency Disaster Fund, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120. For information about how to assemble Gift of the Heart Health Kits go to www.churchworldservice.org/kits. For more information about the disaster and for situation reports from Church World Service, see www.cwserp.org.
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.
I.M.A., Member Agencies and Local Partners in South Asia Mobilize Emergency Response in Wake of Tsunami
Vickie Johnson
Interchurch Medical Assistance, Inc. (IMA), its Member Agencies and their overseas partners are in the earliest stages of responding to the devastation in South Asia caused by a tsunami triggered by an undersea earthquake on Sunday, Dec. 26. With the death toll continually mounting, current figures cite more than 50,000 dead between 12 countries, with Sri Lanka, India, Indonesia and Thailand suffering the most damage. Additionally, millions are homeless, and the World Health Organization warns that cholera epidemics, malaria outbreaks and other communicable diseases could double the death toll.
I.M.A. is currently processing a request from Church World Service to send 75 I.M.A. Medicine Boxes each to Sri Lanka and Indonesia. We anticipate that the first 75 Boxes for Sri Lanka will be packed and ready for air shipment within a week, with the 75 Boxes for Indonesia following almost immediately. I.M.A.'s pharmaceutical donors have expressed interest in donating additional medicines and supplies for the relief efforts as appropriate.
I.M.A.'s Member Agencies, working in partnership with local churches and organizations in the affected countries, have committed to supporting a massive response, supported by their church constituencies.
I.M.A. is also accepting donations, which will be used for processing and shipping the 150 Medicine Boxes requested by Church World Service and to support the growing response of its Member Agencies to meet emergency health needs in the affected countries.
The immediate response by I.M.A. Member agencies is as follows:
Vickie Johnson
Interchurch Medical Assistance, Inc. (IMA), its Member Agencies and their overseas partners are in the earliest stages of responding to the devastation in South Asia caused by a tsunami triggered by an undersea earthquake on Sunday, Dec. 26. With the death toll continually mounting, current figures cite more than 50,000 dead between 12 countries, with Sri Lanka, India, Indonesia and Thailand suffering the most damage. Additionally, millions are homeless, and the World Health Organization warns that cholera epidemics, malaria outbreaks and other communicable diseases could double the death toll.
I.M.A. is currently processing a request from Church World Service to send 75 I.M.A. Medicine Boxes each to Sri Lanka and Indonesia. We anticipate that the first 75 Boxes for Sri Lanka will be packed and ready for air shipment within a week, with the 75 Boxes for Indonesia following almost immediately. I.M.A.'s pharmaceutical donors have expressed interest in donating additional medicines and supplies for the relief efforts as appropriate.
I.M.A.'s Member Agencies, working in partnership with local churches and organizations in the affected countries, have committed to supporting a massive response, supported by their church constituencies.
I.M.A. is also accepting donations, which will be used for processing and shipping the 150 Medicine Boxes requested by Church World Service and to support the growing response of its Member Agencies to meet emergency health needs in the affected countries.
The immediate response by I.M.A. Member agencies is as follows:
- CWS (Church World Service) has initiated a collaborative response among its 36 Member denominations. The CWS Indonesia office staff is assessing the affected area in that country. In Sri Lanka, CWS is planning to send an emergency assistance team from its regional office in Pakistan/Afghanistan, and the National Christian Council of Sri Lanka, a CWS partner and member of the global alliance Action by Churches Together (ACT) has already started responding to the emergency. In India, CWS partner CASA (Church’s Auxiliary for Social Action) will be working with the United Evangelical Lutheran Church in India to assess emergency needs. Currently I.M.A. is processing a request from CWS for 75 I.M.A. Medicine Boxes each for Sri Lanka and Indonesia. Blankets and CWS Health Kits will also be part of shipments to two countries.
- The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Week of Compassion has supported the CWS collaborative response with an initial grant of $6,000. Local Disciples church partners are also responding, including the Church of North India, Church of South India and the Jaffna Diocese in Sri Lanka.
- Presbyterian Disaster Assistance has committed $100,000 initially to the relief effort, working with partner churches in the countries involved and through global ecumenical networks such as CWS and ACT.
- The United Methodist Committee on Relief will be working with partner church-related and other humanitarian agencies, including Church World Service in Indonesia and CASA in India, in providing food, clean water, shelter, and sanitary services in a broadband of nations from Asia to Africa.
- The United Church of Christ has pledged $10,000 from the One Great Hour of Sharing special offering for humanitarian aid to support the CWS/ACT collaborative relief effort.
- American Baptist Churches USA will support the relief effort through their contributions to the One Great Hour of Sharing Offering. American Baptist missionaries in Thailand report that local churches and relief agencies and the government are collaborating in a coordinated and efficient relief effort, and the Thai government has been doing a superb job of coordinating search and rescue operations in all the areas affected.
- The Church of the Brethren, in addition to supporting the CWS/ACT collaborative response, will coordinate the packing and shipping of material assistance jointly with I.M.A.
- MCC (Mennonite Central Committee) has designated $75,000 as an immediate response, with the expectation of an increased response as partner organizations in the affected countries assess the damage and identify the needs. MCC staff in Sri Lanka working with MCC's partner, Y-GRO (a Sri Lanka-based development agency), are assisting local churches by packaging relief supplies and accompanying a medical team to areas damaged by the tsunamis. Other local MCC partners in Sri Lanka include Gospel House and Agape Medical Mission. Currently, a total of 18 MCC workers reside and work in the four countries hardest hit.
- LWR (Lutheran World Relief) is working with two church groups in India. According to LWR’s director for Asia and the Middle East, an estimated $6.2 million will be needed for the relief efforts. LWR has committed $20,000 initially, with the expectation of raising $500,000 to $1 million in additional relief funds.
- Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) International - has committed $500,000 for emergency assistance. ADRA is on the ground in Thailand, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, and India responding to and assessing the damage. Basic supplies such as blankets, shelter, drinking water, water containers, chlorine tablets, personal care kits, and mosquito nets are already being distributed in some areas.
- ER&D (Episcopal Relief and Development) is reaching out to affected dioceses in the Church of South India, Church of Ceylon and Church of the Province of South East Asia and will provide emergency assistance such as food, potable water, temporary shelter and medicine.
- The Vellore Christian Medical College in Vellore, India, has sent a relief team headed to help in south India and will provide financial assistance for the relief effort.
Friday, December 17, 2004
NEWS
- Church of the Brethren steps out on faith in Haiti.
- Church staff meet with Selective Service.
- Council works on strategic plan for Annual Conference.
- Bethany Seminary board participates in accreditation, strategic plan.
- New disaster project directors trained, Florida project to begin.
- Brethren bits: Personnel, job openings, and much more.
Church of the Brethren steps out on faith in Haiti.
"We want a Haitian church to be strong in its Church of the Brethren understanding from the beginning," said pastor Ludovic St. Fleur of Eglise des Freres Haitiens, a Haitian congregation of the Church of the Brethren in Miami, Fla., speaking of the new Church of the Brethren mission venture in Haiti. A series of strategy meetings in the Dominican Republic in late November have given initial direction for the new mission.
In October, the General Board gave its blessing for the Church of the Brethren to be planted in Haiti. The recommendation from the Mission and Ministries Planning Council (MMPC) came to the board after several years of exploring ministry proposals about Haiti, including holding a consultation last April in Miami to hear from Brethren congregations and individuals already reaching out to Haiti.
Haitian Brethren in the US and the DR who had pressed the question will partner in the mission to Haiti. MMPC had heard that the energy for the mission had come from the Haitians themselves and had encouraged Haitians to lead the new work. Global Mission Partnerships staff will provide some overall coordination and oversight. "There has been keen interest from both the US and Dominican Haitians to take the Church of the Brethren to Haiti," said Merv Keeney, executive director of the board's Global Mission Partnerships. "It is clear that Haitians in both the US and the DR have embraced Brethren identity as meaningful--especially the combination of spiritual and social dimensions of the Gospel that are rooted in our Anabaptist-Pietist heritage."
Among those attending the November meetings was St. Fleur, whose congregation is the largest church in Atlantic Southeast District, as well as longtime Dominican Haitian leaders Anastacia Bueno Beltre, moderator of the Church of the Brethren in the DR; Isaias Santos Tena, pastor of the San Luis congregation; and Ernst Merisier, pastor of the largest Dominican Church of the Brethren congregation, which also is mainly Haitian. Former Dominican moderator Wilson Nova; Nancy and Irvin Heishman, the General Board's mission coordinators in the DR; Jeff Boshart, the board's economic development staff in the DR; and Keeney were at the meeting.
Haiti was recently ravaged by Hurricane Jeanne, with 200,000 people homeless and more than 2,600 killed or missing, according to Church World Service. Political instability and unrest continue. In spite of these hardships and what looks like bad timing to some, Haitian leaders are eager to move forward with the mission to their homeland, and see this action by the US church reflecting God at work in the midst of struggles, reported Keeney. Merisier observed during the meetings, "God is always thinking of His children."
Haitian leaders called St. Fleur to coordinate and guide the mission, based on his long years of experience in the Church of the Brethren. St. Fleur has not only been successful in his own congregation, but has been central in the formation of a new Haitian congregation at Orlando, Fla., Keeney said. St. Fleur also has been nurturing a new fellowship in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, giving leadership to the new effort from Miami.
Several Haitian leaders had reported eagerness from friends and family in Haiti about the coming of a new church planting effort, which prompted considerable discussion, Keeney said. St. Fleur emphasized the need to build a solid foundation. The approach of the mission work will be grassroots evangelism and church planting rather than inviting in existing congregations that have formed another denominationalidentity. In response to the question of how others can help at this early stage, St. Fleur responded, "What is needed most right now is prayer."
Source: 12/17/2004 Newsline
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"We want a Haitian church to be strong in its Church of the Brethren understanding from the beginning," said pastor Ludovic St. Fleur of Eglise des Freres Haitiens, a Haitian congregation of the Church of the Brethren in Miami, Fla., speaking of the new Church of the Brethren mission venture in Haiti. A series of strategy meetings in the Dominican Republic in late November have given initial direction for the new mission.
In October, the General Board gave its blessing for the Church of the Brethren to be planted in Haiti. The recommendation from the Mission and Ministries Planning Council (MMPC) came to the board after several years of exploring ministry proposals about Haiti, including holding a consultation last April in Miami to hear from Brethren congregations and individuals already reaching out to Haiti.
Haitian Brethren in the US and the DR who had pressed the question will partner in the mission to Haiti. MMPC had heard that the energy for the mission had come from the Haitians themselves and had encouraged Haitians to lead the new work. Global Mission Partnerships staff will provide some overall coordination and oversight. "There has been keen interest from both the US and Dominican Haitians to take the Church of the Brethren to Haiti," said Merv Keeney, executive director of the board's Global Mission Partnerships. "It is clear that Haitians in both the US and the DR have embraced Brethren identity as meaningful--especially the combination of spiritual and social dimensions of the Gospel that are rooted in our Anabaptist-Pietist heritage."
Among those attending the November meetings was St. Fleur, whose congregation is the largest church in Atlantic Southeast District, as well as longtime Dominican Haitian leaders Anastacia Bueno Beltre, moderator of the Church of the Brethren in the DR; Isaias Santos Tena, pastor of the San Luis congregation; and Ernst Merisier, pastor of the largest Dominican Church of the Brethren congregation, which also is mainly Haitian. Former Dominican moderator Wilson Nova; Nancy and Irvin Heishman, the General Board's mission coordinators in the DR; Jeff Boshart, the board's economic development staff in the DR; and Keeney were at the meeting.
Haiti was recently ravaged by Hurricane Jeanne, with 200,000 people homeless and more than 2,600 killed or missing, according to Church World Service. Political instability and unrest continue. In spite of these hardships and what looks like bad timing to some, Haitian leaders are eager to move forward with the mission to their homeland, and see this action by the US church reflecting God at work in the midst of struggles, reported Keeney. Merisier observed during the meetings, "God is always thinking of His children."
Haitian leaders called St. Fleur to coordinate and guide the mission, based on his long years of experience in the Church of the Brethren. St. Fleur has not only been successful in his own congregation, but has been central in the formation of a new Haitian congregation at Orlando, Fla., Keeney said. St. Fleur also has been nurturing a new fellowship in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, giving leadership to the new effort from Miami.
Several Haitian leaders had reported eagerness from friends and family in Haiti about the coming of a new church planting effort, which prompted considerable discussion, Keeney said. St. Fleur emphasized the need to build a solid foundation. The approach of the mission work will be grassroots evangelism and church planting rather than inviting in existing congregations that have formed another denominationalidentity. In response to the question of how others can help at this early stage, St. Fleur responded, "What is needed most right now is prayer."
Source: 12/17/2004 Newsline
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Church staff meet with Selective Service.
Three staff directors of the General Board met with staff of Selective Service at the agency's office in Arlington, Va., Dec. 2. The meeting followed up on an unannounced visit to the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md., on Oct. 8 by Cassandra Costley, director of the Alternative Service Division of Selective Service.
New Windsor has a long history of being a site where Brethren have organized and gathered around issues of conscience and military service, most notably hosting Civilian Public Service workers from 1944-46. Selective Service is the federal agency that registers and maintains a database of young men as they reach their eighteenth birthday in order to maintain an accounting of those available for military service in the event of a military draft.
"We went into this meeting with a clear agenda of opening a conversation with Selective Service in an effort to better understand why this visit to New Windsor occurred, and how we as a church could make clear our historic and active voice as a people of peace and nonviolence," reported Phil Jones, director of Brethren Witness/Washington Office. Also in the meeting were Brethren Volunteer Service director Dan McFadden and Brethren Service Center executive director Roy Winter.
The meeting lasted well into three hours, Jones reported. Was the New Windsor visit an indication that Selective Service was gearing up for a military conscription program, the group asked. "The answer is no, according to Costley, and her immediate supervisor, Richard Flahavan," Jones said. Costley, Flahavan, and the newly installed Director of Selective Service William Chatfield, who joined the meeting briefly, all indicated that their work was in regards to preparedness only. The New Windsor visit was made because Costley was in the area for other business and took the opportunity to make an outreach visit.
Flahavan went on to explain that there is no draft and that none is coming as indicated by statements from the White House and Pentagon in recent months, Jones reported. "He also pointed to the late October vote of Congress that overwhelmingly defeated a proposed draft bill" (HR 163), Jones said. "The gearing up for a draft and the sheer amount of funding and staff increases that would be necessary are reasons enough to indicate there will be no draft," Flahavan stated, indicating that a draft would cost in excess of one half billion dollars to initiate. Most of the meeting was spent in learning more about Selective Service and how its Alternative Service program would operate if there were a draft.
"The fact that they were asking us a lot of questions shows that one of the things we have developed as a peace church is a lot of respect for our position," commented Stan Noffsinger, general secretary of the General Board. Within a week of the meeting with Selective Service, Noffsinger and Annual Conference moderator Jim Hardenbrook reported on the meeting to the Council of Moderators and Secretaries of the Anabaptist Churches. The council also includes officers of the Mennonite Church US, the Brethren in Christ, the Conservative Mennonite Church, Mennonite Central Committee US, and the Mennonite Brethren USA.
Planning is underway for an Anabaptist churches' Consultation on Alternative Service, to be held at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill. Details will be announced after the first of the year. McFadden will represent the Church of the Brethren on the planning committee along with Noffsinger.
"Now's the time to talk about the issues of alternative service and its future," Noffsinger said. "To me that's the value" of the conversation with Selective Service, he added.
Source: 12/17/2004 Newsline
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Three staff directors of the General Board met with staff of Selective Service at the agency's office in Arlington, Va., Dec. 2. The meeting followed up on an unannounced visit to the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md., on Oct. 8 by Cassandra Costley, director of the Alternative Service Division of Selective Service.
New Windsor has a long history of being a site where Brethren have organized and gathered around issues of conscience and military service, most notably hosting Civilian Public Service workers from 1944-46. Selective Service is the federal agency that registers and maintains a database of young men as they reach their eighteenth birthday in order to maintain an accounting of those available for military service in the event of a military draft.
"We went into this meeting with a clear agenda of opening a conversation with Selective Service in an effort to better understand why this visit to New Windsor occurred, and how we as a church could make clear our historic and active voice as a people of peace and nonviolence," reported Phil Jones, director of Brethren Witness/Washington Office. Also in the meeting were Brethren Volunteer Service director Dan McFadden and Brethren Service Center executive director Roy Winter.
The meeting lasted well into three hours, Jones reported. Was the New Windsor visit an indication that Selective Service was gearing up for a military conscription program, the group asked. "The answer is no, according to Costley, and her immediate supervisor, Richard Flahavan," Jones said. Costley, Flahavan, and the newly installed Director of Selective Service William Chatfield, who joined the meeting briefly, all indicated that their work was in regards to preparedness only. The New Windsor visit was made because Costley was in the area for other business and took the opportunity to make an outreach visit.
Flahavan went on to explain that there is no draft and that none is coming as indicated by statements from the White House and Pentagon in recent months, Jones reported. "He also pointed to the late October vote of Congress that overwhelmingly defeated a proposed draft bill" (HR 163), Jones said. "The gearing up for a draft and the sheer amount of funding and staff increases that would be necessary are reasons enough to indicate there will be no draft," Flahavan stated, indicating that a draft would cost in excess of one half billion dollars to initiate. Most of the meeting was spent in learning more about Selective Service and how its Alternative Service program would operate if there were a draft.
"The fact that they were asking us a lot of questions shows that one of the things we have developed as a peace church is a lot of respect for our position," commented Stan Noffsinger, general secretary of the General Board. Within a week of the meeting with Selective Service, Noffsinger and Annual Conference moderator Jim Hardenbrook reported on the meeting to the Council of Moderators and Secretaries of the Anabaptist Churches. The council also includes officers of the Mennonite Church US, the Brethren in Christ, the Conservative Mennonite Church, Mennonite Central Committee US, and the Mennonite Brethren USA.
Planning is underway for an Anabaptist churches' Consultation on Alternative Service, to be held at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill. Details will be announced after the first of the year. McFadden will represent the Church of the Brethren on the planning committee along with Noffsinger.
"Now's the time to talk about the issues of alternative service and its future," Noffsinger said. "To me that's the value" of the conversation with Selective Service, he added.
Source: 12/17/2004 Newsline
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Council works on strategic plan for Annual Conference.
The members of the Annual Conference Council met Nov. 29-30 in New Windsor, Md. The major portion of the two-day meeting was devoted to completing a draft of the first-ever strategic plan for Annual Conference, a document to guide the purpose and planning of the Church of the Brethren annual meeting, reported Annual Conference secretary Fred W. Swartz.
The strategic plan consists of mission, vision, and core value statements, as well as objectives and strategy actions. The complete plan will be presented to the 2005 Standing Committee for approval, and if accepted, the vision, mission, core values, and objectives sections will be shared with the 2005 Annual Conference delegates. Annual Conference agency executives and district executives will receive copies in advance of the Standing Committee review.
It is noted in the background material for the plan that Annual Conference has never been guided by mission, values, and objectives, Swartz reported. The plan is headed by the mission for Conference, which states, "The Church of the Brethren Annual Conference exists to unite, strengthen, and equip the Church of the Brethren to follow Jesus."
In other items addressed by the meeting, the council continues to work on a revision of the denomination's Manual of Organization and Polity. A new chapter containing organization information about all five of the Annual Conference agencies has been completed and the council has earmarked a number of points in the current polity that are no longer practiced. The council plans to submit the changes to Standing Committee for recommendation to Annual Conference. The plan for the polity manual is to have a working draft completed by August 2005, which will be available on the Annual Conference website, and to publish a print copy by 2008.
The council also continues to work at engaging denominational officials in forming answers to questions related to ministry issues, raised by a 2002 Annual Conference query from the Michigan District. The group is monitoring implementation of Annual Conference's answers to the 2004 queries on "Doing Church Business" and Multi-Ethnic and Cross Cultural Ministries; both study committees have organized and are underway with their work.
A grant of $18,000 from Annual Conference funds was approved to help the 300th Anniversary Committee launch its plans for the commemorative year. The council acknowledged with gratitude in-kind support that has come to the committee from Brethren Press and Brethren Benefit Trust.
Source: 12/17/2004 Newsline
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The members of the Annual Conference Council met Nov. 29-30 in New Windsor, Md. The major portion of the two-day meeting was devoted to completing a draft of the first-ever strategic plan for Annual Conference, a document to guide the purpose and planning of the Church of the Brethren annual meeting, reported Annual Conference secretary Fred W. Swartz.
The strategic plan consists of mission, vision, and core value statements, as well as objectives and strategy actions. The complete plan will be presented to the 2005 Standing Committee for approval, and if accepted, the vision, mission, core values, and objectives sections will be shared with the 2005 Annual Conference delegates. Annual Conference agency executives and district executives will receive copies in advance of the Standing Committee review.
It is noted in the background material for the plan that Annual Conference has never been guided by mission, values, and objectives, Swartz reported. The plan is headed by the mission for Conference, which states, "The Church of the Brethren Annual Conference exists to unite, strengthen, and equip the Church of the Brethren to follow Jesus."
In other items addressed by the meeting, the council continues to work on a revision of the denomination's Manual of Organization and Polity. A new chapter containing organization information about all five of the Annual Conference agencies has been completed and the council has earmarked a number of points in the current polity that are no longer practiced. The council plans to submit the changes to Standing Committee for recommendation to Annual Conference. The plan for the polity manual is to have a working draft completed by August 2005, which will be available on the Annual Conference website, and to publish a print copy by 2008.
The council also continues to work at engaging denominational officials in forming answers to questions related to ministry issues, raised by a 2002 Annual Conference query from the Michigan District. The group is monitoring implementation of Annual Conference's answers to the 2004 queries on "Doing Church Business" and Multi-Ethnic and Cross Cultural Ministries; both study committees have organized and are underway with their work.
A grant of $18,000 from Annual Conference funds was approved to help the 300th Anniversary Committee launch its plans for the commemorative year. The council acknowledged with gratitude in-kind support that has come to the committee from Brethren Press and Brethren Benefit Trust.
Source: 12/17/2004 Newsline
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Bethany Seminary board participates in accreditation, strategic plan.
The Bethany Theological Seminary Board of Trustees gathered for its semi-annual meeting Oct. 29-31. The board participated in the seminary's accreditation self-study process by completing an online survey, adopted three questions for use in developing Bethany's 2006 strategic plan, an approved a 4.4 percent tuition increase for the 2005-06 academic year, according to a release from the school. The board also welcomed new members Charles Boyer, of La Verne, Calif.; Jerry Davis, La Verne, Calif.; David Eller, Elizabethtown, Pa.; and John Miller, York, Pa.
The questions for the strategic plan were developed through extensive survey work with representatives of the seminary's internal and external constituencies, done by the board's strategic planning committee, the release said. The questions are: How do we provide a cogent and coherent identity to each degree program and educational venue in our graduate curriculum? How can we revise our ministry education program to better prepare leadership for the church, taking seriously the issues identified by constituency? How can we respond to the urgent call to help the Church of the Brethren better discern its distinctive faith and calling? These questions will engage the board, faculty, and staff for several years as the seminary seeks to identify ways its programs may be revised.
In other business, the board heard a presentation on the Watu Wa Amani: People of Peace conference in Nairobi this August and received reports from its Institutional Advancement Committee, Student and Business Affairs Committee, and Academic Affairs Committee. The board learned that gifts for Bethany's financial campaign "Inspired by the Spirit-Educating for Ministry" now exceed $1.3 million; that college students attending a Plowshares program at adjacent Earlham College were invited to a luncheon at the Bethany Center, where they received information about the seminary's Peace Studies program; and that "Brethren Life and Thought," the Church of the Brethren academic journal, has accepted a proposal from the American Theological Library Association (ATLA) to digitize all back issues. The journal will receive royalties from the sale of ATLA subscriptions and can offer free access to the electronic version to current subscribers. The journal will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2005. A report of the seminary's centennial celebration was also given, as well as a report on its participation in the Church of the Brethren Christmas Eve service.
Source: 12/17/2004 Newsline
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The Bethany Theological Seminary Board of Trustees gathered for its semi-annual meeting Oct. 29-31. The board participated in the seminary's accreditation self-study process by completing an online survey, adopted three questions for use in developing Bethany's 2006 strategic plan, an approved a 4.4 percent tuition increase for the 2005-06 academic year, according to a release from the school. The board also welcomed new members Charles Boyer, of La Verne, Calif.; Jerry Davis, La Verne, Calif.; David Eller, Elizabethtown, Pa.; and John Miller, York, Pa.
The questions for the strategic plan were developed through extensive survey work with representatives of the seminary's internal and external constituencies, done by the board's strategic planning committee, the release said. The questions are: How do we provide a cogent and coherent identity to each degree program and educational venue in our graduate curriculum? How can we revise our ministry education program to better prepare leadership for the church, taking seriously the issues identified by constituency? How can we respond to the urgent call to help the Church of the Brethren better discern its distinctive faith and calling? These questions will engage the board, faculty, and staff for several years as the seminary seeks to identify ways its programs may be revised.
In other business, the board heard a presentation on the Watu Wa Amani: People of Peace conference in Nairobi this August and received reports from its Institutional Advancement Committee, Student and Business Affairs Committee, and Academic Affairs Committee. The board learned that gifts for Bethany's financial campaign "Inspired by the Spirit-Educating for Ministry" now exceed $1.3 million; that college students attending a Plowshares program at adjacent Earlham College were invited to a luncheon at the Bethany Center, where they received information about the seminary's Peace Studies program; and that "Brethren Life and Thought," the Church of the Brethren academic journal, has accepted a proposal from the American Theological Library Association (ATLA) to digitize all back issues. The journal will receive royalties from the sale of ATLA subscriptions and can offer free access to the electronic version to current subscribers. The journal will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2005. A report of the seminary's centennial celebration was also given, as well as a report on its participation in the Church of the Brethren Christmas Eve service.
Source: 12/17/2004 Newsline
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New disaster project directors trained, Florida project to begin.
Eleven new disaster project directors in the General Board's Emergency Response program completed training at a seminar in New Windsor, Md., in early November. The program has also announced the beginning of a clean-up and roofing project in January in the Orlando and Kissimmee areas, following the series of hurricanes that hit Florida this year.
New disaster project directors are Kevin Dibert, a Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS) worker currently serving in Hallam, Neb.; Willard and Pauline Dulabaum, of Elgin, Ill.; Hal Heisey, of Indianola, Iowa; Larry and Sandee Kitzel, BVS workers currently serving at Poquoson, Va.; George Snavely, of Elizabethtown, Pa.; Phil and Joan Taylor, BVS workers who will begin work in the spring; and Wayne and Kay Vardaman, of Decatur, Ind.
The news media have reported that as many as 100 people per day become homeless in Florida as a result of the four major hurricanes that struck in August and September, the Emergency Response office reported. "Most are being driven from their damaged homes due to the growth of black mold, a common problem following water damage which can cause severe medical problems," the update said. "Black mold must be eradicated before repairs can be done. It will take at least several months for all of the infected homes to be cleaned up."
Phase one of the Florida project will be to repair metal roofing at Camp Ithiel, a Church of the Brethren camp in Gotha. In return for free housing for Disaster Child Care and disaster response volunteers, Emergency Response has offered to repair roofs damaged by the storms. Phase two of the project will be mold eradication, which will entail tearing out damaged material, scrubbing down moldy areas, and then sanitizing, repeating the process as necessary. "In addition to the mold, many storm survivors, particularly the elderly, still need help with debris cleanup and tree removal," the update said.
A disaster rebuilding project in Hallam, Neb., following a tornado, has been temporarily closed for the winter "except for groups who request to schedule a work date after the New Year," Emergency Response reported. The project will open again Feb. 27. Another rebuilding project in Poquoson, Va., continues. Since February, about 600 Brethren disaster response volunteers have completed repairs to 29 homes, with six homes in process and eight waiting to be started.
The office also announced a 2005 Disaster Project Directors Conference at Camp Blue Diamond in Petersburg, Pa., May 21-26.
Source: 12/17/2004 Newsline
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Eleven new disaster project directors in the General Board's Emergency Response program completed training at a seminar in New Windsor, Md., in early November. The program has also announced the beginning of a clean-up and roofing project in January in the Orlando and Kissimmee areas, following the series of hurricanes that hit Florida this year.
New disaster project directors are Kevin Dibert, a Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS) worker currently serving in Hallam, Neb.; Willard and Pauline Dulabaum, of Elgin, Ill.; Hal Heisey, of Indianola, Iowa; Larry and Sandee Kitzel, BVS workers currently serving at Poquoson, Va.; George Snavely, of Elizabethtown, Pa.; Phil and Joan Taylor, BVS workers who will begin work in the spring; and Wayne and Kay Vardaman, of Decatur, Ind.
The news media have reported that as many as 100 people per day become homeless in Florida as a result of the four major hurricanes that struck in August and September, the Emergency Response office reported. "Most are being driven from their damaged homes due to the growth of black mold, a common problem following water damage which can cause severe medical problems," the update said. "Black mold must be eradicated before repairs can be done. It will take at least several months for all of the infected homes to be cleaned up."
Phase one of the Florida project will be to repair metal roofing at Camp Ithiel, a Church of the Brethren camp in Gotha. In return for free housing for Disaster Child Care and disaster response volunteers, Emergency Response has offered to repair roofs damaged by the storms. Phase two of the project will be mold eradication, which will entail tearing out damaged material, scrubbing down moldy areas, and then sanitizing, repeating the process as necessary. "In addition to the mold, many storm survivors, particularly the elderly, still need help with debris cleanup and tree removal," the update said.
A disaster rebuilding project in Hallam, Neb., following a tornado, has been temporarily closed for the winter "except for groups who request to schedule a work date after the New Year," Emergency Response reported. The project will open again Feb. 27. Another rebuilding project in Poquoson, Va., continues. Since February, about 600 Brethren disaster response volunteers have completed repairs to 29 homes, with six homes in process and eight waiting to be started.
The office also announced a 2005 Disaster Project Directors Conference at Camp Blue Diamond in Petersburg, Pa., May 21-26.
Source: 12/17/2004 Newsline
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Brethren bits: Personnel, job openings, and much more.
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- Effective Dec. 10, Ron McAllister became the interim president of Brethren Colleges Abroad (BCA) replacing Karen Jenkins, who has resigned. In a release, the BCA board thanked Jenkins for her work in strengthening the organization during her tenure. McAllister, former provost of Elizabethtown (Pa.) College, served as a member of BCA's strategic planning committee. He has over 30 year's experience at all levels in academia, including many years at Northeastern University in Boston where he was responsible for developing and overseeing international programs in the College of Arts and Sciences. He will continue in his role on a part-time basis as director of the Center for Global Citizenship and as professor of Peace and Conflict Studies at Elizabethtown. He is expected to serve as interim president of BCA through July 1, 2005, as the board conducts a national search for the next president. For more information contact Debra J. Kunish, Director, Human Resources & International Seminars, Brethren Colleges Abroad, 50 Alpha Dr., Elizabethtown, PA 17022; 717-361-6613; dkunish@bcanet.org.
- Shepherd's Spring Outdoor Ministry Center in Sharpsburg, Md., a Church of the Brethren camp and conference center of Mid-Atlantic District, has the following openings: Fulltime program director responsible for summer camps and Elderhostel programs; strong faith background, knowledge of Brethren beliefs, and experience with camps and intergenerational groups are important. Part-time assistant program director to help with summer camps and Elderhostel programs; strong communication skills, good computer skills, and flexible scheduling are important. Part-time maintenance assistant to assist with indoor and outdoor maintenance of facilities; self-motivated, detail-oriented, and flexible hours. Call 301-223-8193 for complete job descriptions.
- Camp Mardela, a Church of the Brethren camp located on the eastern shore of Maryland, has a position open for an administrator. Applicants should have at least three years of camping experience. Send a letter of interest and resume to Curtis Hartman, 7187 Boggs Schoolhouse Rd., Westover, MD 21871; or e-mail the information to curtishartman@hotmail.com. Apply by Jan. 31, 2005.
- Camp La Verne in Angelus Oaks, Calif., seeks a part-time marketing coordinator to work on personnel for the camps, market the camp and work with clients, and coordinate fundraising events and other events and plan implementation of actions with the board of directors. Annual compensation will be $17,000-20,000, to be negotiated with the board. Applications with a letter of interest and list of three references are due Dec. 29. For more information and application forms contact Eric Boardman, 2634 2nd St., La Verne, CA 91750; 909-593-2660; elric.boardman@verizon.net.
- Dranesville Church of the Brethren in Herndon, Va., will hold a peace service at 6 p.m. Sunday Dec. 19 to commemorate those who died in the Battle of Dranesville during the Civil War. The battle took place Dec. 20, 1861, killing more than 50 soldiers engaged in a skirmish that began with a chance encounter as Union soldiers were foraging for winter food for their horses. For more information call 703-430-7872.
- Goshen (Ind.) City Church of the Brethren and Ministerios Cordero, a nondenominational congregation that meets in the church's building, will worship together this year on ChristmasEve. Leadership will be shared by Goshen City pastor Yvonne Riege and Ministerios pastor Mario Duran. Worship bulletins will be printed in both English and Spanish. The Goshen City choir will bring five anthems to the candlelit ceremony. The two congregations also have held Love Feast and Communion Services together.
- Each year West Richmond (Va.) Church of the Brethren participates in the Richmond-area CROP Walk. The church usually sponsors around a dozen walkers for about $1,200. This year, the congregation sought to double their participation and contributions to 24 walkers and $2,400, reported pastor David Miller. On a warm Sunday afternoon in early November the church met that goal and then some with 29 CROP Walkers raising $3,093.29 to aid the hunger-relief and refugee assistance programs of Church World Service.
- On April 30, 2005, a "grand dedication service" will be held at Camp Bethel, in Fincastle, Va., announced the Virlina District e-newsletter. "We plan to set apart the new additions to Camp Bethel in the name of Jesus Christ with the hope that they will provide a context for faith formation and the transformation of individuals and society." In 2001 the district purchased 246 acres as an addition to the camp, effectively doubling the area available for activities, the newsletter reported. On Oct. 7 the final payment for the purchase was made, culminating a fundraising effort of Virlina congregations and members raising $614,665.51.
- The Christian Peacemaker Team in Iraq has issued an invitation for people of faith to join with them each Tuesday for a day of prayer and fasting. Church of the Brethren member Cliff Kindy is on the team. The prayer and fasting will continue until Easter week. "You are invited to participate as you are led either by joining us in fasting and/or participating with us a time of joint prayer," a CPT release said. "Additionally we will provide an action step(s) connected with the sacred passage that will be the focus for our time of prayer together." Scriptures, and suggestions for action can be found at www.prayerandactionforiraq.blogspot.com. Those taking part in the effort are invited to post reflections that occur during their time of prayer. Christian Peacemaker Teams is an initiative of the historic peace churches (Mennonites, Church of the Brethren, and Quakers) with support and membership from a range of Catholic and Protestant denominations.
- MutualAid eXchange (MAX) has created a Mutual Aid Ministries program to help care for the physical, spiritual, and emotional needs of Anabaptists under burden, a recent release announced. MAX began in 2001 with the mission of providing mutual aid services to Anabaptists throughout North America, developing insurance products for the home, farm, church, or business. Objectives of the new program are to partner with the church to develop mutual aid ministries that are relevant, meaningful, and tangible, the release said. Four ministries are envisioned: Burden Bearing Ministry, Network Ministry, Financial Ministry through a "share fund," and an Education Ministry. Call 877-971-6300 or visit www.mutualaidexchange.com.
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Cross Cultural Ministries video is available.
A new video highlighting the importance of cross cultural ministry in the Church of the Brethren has been produced by the Congregational Life Team of the General Board. "No Longer Strangers..." provides a variety of voices from ethnic Brethren leaders sharing why becoming more cross cultural is vital for the church. The video contains images from the 2004 Cross Cultural Consultation in Castaner, P.R.
Limited copies are available by contacting Duane Grady, Congregational Life Team, 3124 E. 5th St., Anderson, IN 46012; or call 800-505-1596; or e-mail dgrady_gb@brethren.org. Copies also
can be borrowed from each district office.
Source: 12/17/2004 Newsline
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A new video highlighting the importance of cross cultural ministry in the Church of the Brethren has been produced by the Congregational Life Team of the General Board. "No Longer Strangers..." provides a variety of voices from ethnic Brethren leaders sharing why becoming more cross cultural is vital for the church. The video contains images from the 2004 Cross Cultural Consultation in Castaner, P.R.
Limited copies are available by contacting Duane Grady, Congregational Life Team, 3124 E. 5th St., Anderson, IN 46012; or call 800-505-1596; or e-mail dgrady_gb@brethren.org. Copies also
can be borrowed from each district office.
Source: 12/17/2004 Newsline
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'Christian History and Biography' magazine features Anabaptists.
The Fall 2004 issue of "Christian History & Biography" magazine features the history and beliefs of the Anabaptist in America. The magazine displays the cover title, "Pilgrims and Exiles: Against persecution and prosperity, the Mennonites, Amish, and Brethren have followed Christ and their convictions."
Feature stories include "People of Conscience," by Bethany Seminary professor Jeff Bach and managing editor Chris Armstrong; "The Germans Have Landed," by David B. Eller, director of the Young Center for Anabaptist and Pietist Studies at Elizabethtown (Pa.) College; "Outsider's Guide to America's Anabaptists," by assistant editor Steven Gertz; "Pure and Simple," by Stephen Scott, administrative assistant at the Young Center; "Holy Ground," by Frank Ramirez, pastor of Everett (Pa.) Church of the Brethren; "Be Not Conformed," by John D. Roth, professor at Goshen (Ind.) College; "From Mutual Aid to Global Action," by Gari-Anne Patzwald and William Kostlevy, who serves on the Brethren Historical Committee; and "Negotiating with the Modern World," by Donald B. Kraybill, professor at Elizabethtown.
"Through meeting these authors over the phone and reading their articles, I feel I have been introduced not just to a set of beliefs, but to a family of believers. Indeed, not just introduced, but invited to dinner-even to the famous Brethren 'love feast,'" wrote Armstrong in his editorial. To gain background and information for the issue, he visited Lancaster County, Pa., with hosts related to the Young Center including Eller, Scott, Kraybill, and Brethren historian Donald Durnbaugh. Armstrong also received help from staff of Brethren Press and the General Board.
The magazine is published by Christianity Today. For more information see www.christianhistory.net or call 800-873-6986 or e-mail chcustserv@christianhistory.net.
Source: 12/17/2004 Newsline
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The Fall 2004 issue of "Christian History & Biography" magazine features the history and beliefs of the Anabaptist in America. The magazine displays the cover title, "Pilgrims and Exiles: Against persecution and prosperity, the Mennonites, Amish, and Brethren have followed Christ and their convictions."
Feature stories include "People of Conscience," by Bethany Seminary professor Jeff Bach and managing editor Chris Armstrong; "The Germans Have Landed," by David B. Eller, director of the Young Center for Anabaptist and Pietist Studies at Elizabethtown (Pa.) College; "Outsider's Guide to America's Anabaptists," by assistant editor Steven Gertz; "Pure and Simple," by Stephen Scott, administrative assistant at the Young Center; "Holy Ground," by Frank Ramirez, pastor of Everett (Pa.) Church of the Brethren; "Be Not Conformed," by John D. Roth, professor at Goshen (Ind.) College; "From Mutual Aid to Global Action," by Gari-Anne Patzwald and William Kostlevy, who serves on the Brethren Historical Committee; and "Negotiating with the Modern World," by Donald B. Kraybill, professor at Elizabethtown.
"Through meeting these authors over the phone and reading their articles, I feel I have been introduced not just to a set of beliefs, but to a family of believers. Indeed, not just introduced, but invited to dinner-even to the famous Brethren 'love feast,'" wrote Armstrong in his editorial. To gain background and information for the issue, he visited Lancaster County, Pa., with hosts related to the Young Center including Eller, Scott, Kraybill, and Brethren historian Donald Durnbaugh. Armstrong also received help from staff of Brethren Press and the General Board.
The magazine is published by Christianity Today. For more information see www.christianhistory.net or call 800-873-6986 or e-mail chcustserv@christianhistory.net.
Source: 12/17/2004 Newsline
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Brethren produce video about threat to Alaska National Wildlife Refuge.
In August, Brent Carlson and Ed Groff, members of Peace Church of the Brethren in Portland, Ore., participated in a New Community Project Learning Tour to Alaska. As part of that experience Groff, who works professionally in video production, has produced an hour-long video about the situation of the Gwich'in native American group, "The Gwich'in--A Matter of Survival." New Community Project is a Church of the Brethren-related faith-based nonprofit working at ecological and human justice concerns.
Gwich'in land and lifestyle are in jeopardy, Groff said, as oil companies and some in the US government want to drill for oil in the Alaska National Wildlife Refuge--birthing grounds of the Porcupine Caribou Herd. "Known as the 'Caribou People,'" Groff said, the Gwich'in "live off the land. Nearly 75 percent of their diet comes from caribou, moose, and fish."
Upon leaving Alaska, Carlson and Groff planned visits to their senators in Oregon and Washington to advocate for the refuge. Groff is offering to send a 13-minute version of the video to a network of people who also will contact their congressmen. "Most people in Congress have never been to Alaska National Wildlife Refuge," he commented, "Congress also needs to know that the possibility of oil drilling also affects nearly 8,000 Gwich'in who are dependent on the caribou migrations."
"This shortened video is ideal for congregations to use as part of a study dealing with God's creation/environment," Groff added. The 13-minute video features interviews with Charley Swaney and Fannie Gemmill of Arctic Village, a community of the Gwich'in, and Brethren musician Shawn Kirchner's song, "Augury of Innocence/Song (Seeing the World Through a Grain of Sand)." It may be requested from Groff Video Productions at groffprod1@msn.com.
Source: 12/17/2004 Newsline
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In August, Brent Carlson and Ed Groff, members of Peace Church of the Brethren in Portland, Ore., participated in a New Community Project Learning Tour to Alaska. As part of that experience Groff, who works professionally in video production, has produced an hour-long video about the situation of the Gwich'in native American group, "The Gwich'in--A Matter of Survival." New Community Project is a Church of the Brethren-related faith-based nonprofit working at ecological and human justice concerns.
Gwich'in land and lifestyle are in jeopardy, Groff said, as oil companies and some in the US government want to drill for oil in the Alaska National Wildlife Refuge--birthing grounds of the Porcupine Caribou Herd. "Known as the 'Caribou People,'" Groff said, the Gwich'in "live off the land. Nearly 75 percent of their diet comes from caribou, moose, and fish."
Upon leaving Alaska, Carlson and Groff planned visits to their senators in Oregon and Washington to advocate for the refuge. Groff is offering to send a 13-minute version of the video to a network of people who also will contact their congressmen. "Most people in Congress have never been to Alaska National Wildlife Refuge," he commented, "Congress also needs to know that the possibility of oil drilling also affects nearly 8,000 Gwich'in who are dependent on the caribou migrations."
"This shortened video is ideal for congregations to use as part of a study dealing with God's creation/environment," Groff added. The 13-minute video features interviews with Charley Swaney and Fannie Gemmill of Arctic Village, a community of the Gwich'in, and Brethren musician Shawn Kirchner's song, "Augury of Innocence/Song (Seeing the World Through a Grain of Sand)." It may be requested from Groff Video Productions at groffprod1@msn.com.
Source: 12/17/2004 Newsline
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The red hat and the green helmet.
By Bob Gross
When I left the Christian Peacemaker Teams apartment (in Hebron) this morning to walk up to the market for some groceries, I had not gone far when I realized that I was not wearing my red CPT hat. Knowing that it is an important identifying symbol for us and our work, I returned to get it before going on.
I'm glad I did. Walking out through the Beit Romano checkpoint, a place where CPTers have been harassed and arrested in the past, I noticed soldiers detaining three Palestinian men for an ID check, so I waited and watched for a few minutes to make sure they would be allowed to go on their way. I noticed the soldiers noticing me, which is part of their job, after all.
After buying bananas and potatoes, I started for home. As I approached the checkpoint one of the soldiers I'd watched earlier spoke to me, "Your hat is very beautiful! May I buy one?" I stopped to talk. When I said that the hat was only for persons in our organization, he said, "That is why I would like to have it; I think CPT is doing very good work."
He told me his name, and said that he came to Israel from Iran when he was 16 years old, and has a real concern for the plight of the Palestinians here in Hebron. "The people don't have enough money and what they need is expensive to buy." He has been stationed here in Hebron since August, he said. "My next duty will be in Gaza, and it is very bad there because there is no CPT or TIPH (Temporary International Presence in Hebron) to monitor what is happening."
It's good to meet the person behind the uniform and gun. I hope that one day he will trade his green helmet for a red hat.
--Bob Gross is co-executive director of On Earth Peace. He took part in a delegation to the Middle East co-sponsored by Christian Peacemaker Teams and On Earth Peace Nov. 22-Dec. 4. The delegation assisted Palestinian farmers in replanting olive trees destroyed by the Israeli military. Gross reported that other highlights of the trip were an invitation to supper with an Israeli conscientious objector and hearing from two members of "Israeli and Palestinian Bereaved Families for Peace," an Israeli graphic designer who lost his daughter in a West Jerusalem bombing, and a Palestinian computer engineer who lost his brother after imprisonment and mistreatment in an Israeli jail led to his death. Brethren in the 15-person delegation were Amy Knickrehm, Val Knickrehm, Neal Musselman, Rachel Peterson, and Bob Schnepp. Christian Peacemaker Teams is an initiative of the historic peace churches (Mennonites, Church of the Brethren, and Quakers) with support and membership from a range of Catholic and Protestant denominations.
Source: 12/17/2004 Newsline
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By Bob Gross
When I left the Christian Peacemaker Teams apartment (in Hebron) this morning to walk up to the market for some groceries, I had not gone far when I realized that I was not wearing my red CPT hat. Knowing that it is an important identifying symbol for us and our work, I returned to get it before going on.
I'm glad I did. Walking out through the Beit Romano checkpoint, a place where CPTers have been harassed and arrested in the past, I noticed soldiers detaining three Palestinian men for an ID check, so I waited and watched for a few minutes to make sure they would be allowed to go on their way. I noticed the soldiers noticing me, which is part of their job, after all.
After buying bananas and potatoes, I started for home. As I approached the checkpoint one of the soldiers I'd watched earlier spoke to me, "Your hat is very beautiful! May I buy one?" I stopped to talk. When I said that the hat was only for persons in our organization, he said, "That is why I would like to have it; I think CPT is doing very good work."
He told me his name, and said that he came to Israel from Iran when he was 16 years old, and has a real concern for the plight of the Palestinians here in Hebron. "The people don't have enough money and what they need is expensive to buy." He has been stationed here in Hebron since August, he said. "My next duty will be in Gaza, and it is very bad there because there is no CPT or TIPH (Temporary International Presence in Hebron) to monitor what is happening."
It's good to meet the person behind the uniform and gun. I hope that one day he will trade his green helmet for a red hat.
--Bob Gross is co-executive director of On Earth Peace. He took part in a delegation to the Middle East co-sponsored by Christian Peacemaker Teams and On Earth Peace Nov. 22-Dec. 4. The delegation assisted Palestinian farmers in replanting olive trees destroyed by the Israeli military. Gross reported that other highlights of the trip were an invitation to supper with an Israeli conscientious objector and hearing from two members of "Israeli and Palestinian Bereaved Families for Peace," an Israeli graphic designer who lost his daughter in a West Jerusalem bombing, and a Palestinian computer engineer who lost his brother after imprisonment and mistreatment in an Israeli jail led to his death. Brethren in the 15-person delegation were Amy Knickrehm, Val Knickrehm, Neal Musselman, Rachel Peterson, and Bob Schnepp. Christian Peacemaker Teams is an initiative of the historic peace churches (Mennonites, Church of the Brethren, and Quakers) with support and membership from a range of Catholic and Protestant denominations.
Source: 12/17/2004 Newsline
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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. Ed Groff, Bob Gross, Phil Jones, Debra J. Kunish, David W. Miller, Janis Pyle, Marcia Shetler, Fred W. Swartz, and Jane Yount contributed to this report.
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. Ed Groff, Bob Gross, Phil Jones, Debra J. Kunish, David W. Miller, Janis Pyle, Marcia Shetler, Fred W. Swartz, and Jane Yount contributed to this report.
Wednesday, December 15, 2004
Special Report
Videos of the Church of the Brethren Christmas Eve service will be shipped for use Dec. 24.
Early availability has made it possible for Brethren Press to offer videos of the Church of the Brethren Christmas Eve service for use by congregations on Christmas Eve. Priority will be given to congregations that will use the recording in their worship services.
The Church of the Brethren is providing the Christmas Eve service for national telecast on CBS. The program is scheduled to air nationally at 11:35 p.m. Eastern Standard Time Dec. 24, with airtime varying in parts of the country. Call your local CBS affiliate to check on airtime and availability of the program.
The video is available in both VHS and DVD formats and will include the service and a behind-the-scenes documentary of the making of the program by Brethren videographer David Sollenberger. The video is closed-captioned for the hearing-impaired. A Spanish-language dubbed version is available on request.
The DVD (Brethren Press item #1122) costs $14.95 and the VHS (Brethren Press item #1123) costs $19.95 plus shipping and handling. To ensure arrival in time for use on Christmas Eve, rush shipping may be charged especially for destinations far from the shipping sources in Illinois and Pennsylvania. Orders will be shipped as early as Dec. 20. Call Brethren Press at 800-441-3712 or e-mail brethrenpress_gb@brethren.org.
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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.
Videos of the Church of the Brethren Christmas Eve service will be shipped for use Dec. 24.
Early availability has made it possible for Brethren Press to offer videos of the Church of the Brethren Christmas Eve service for use by congregations on Christmas Eve. Priority will be given to congregations that will use the recording in their worship services.
The Church of the Brethren is providing the Christmas Eve service for national telecast on CBS. The program is scheduled to air nationally at 11:35 p.m. Eastern Standard Time Dec. 24, with airtime varying in parts of the country. Call your local CBS affiliate to check on airtime and availability of the program.
The video is available in both VHS and DVD formats and will include the service and a behind-the-scenes documentary of the making of the program by Brethren videographer David Sollenberger. The video is closed-captioned for the hearing-impaired. A Spanish-language dubbed version is available on request.
The DVD (Brethren Press item #1122) costs $14.95 and the VHS (Brethren Press item #1123) costs $19.95 plus shipping and handling. To ensure arrival in time for use on Christmas Eve, rush shipping may be charged especially for destinations far from the shipping sources in Illinois and Pennsylvania. Orders will be shipped as early as Dec. 20. Call Brethren Press at 800-441-3712 or e-mail brethrenpress_gb@brethren.org.
*****************************************************************
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.
Friday, December 03, 2004
NEWS
- BBT makes new requirement in effort to save Brethren Medical Plan.
- Welcome Home Project for soldiers begun by church agencies.
- Emergency Disaster Fund gives more than $50,000 in grants.
- First group of pastors completes Advance Foundations program.
- Brethren join annual rally against the School of the Americas.
- Middle Pennsylvania District meets on theme, 'An Obedient Life.'
- Brethren bits: Correction, job openings, and more.
BBT makes new requirement in effort to save Brethren Medical Plan.
A financial crisis in the Brethren Medical Plan has prompted Brethren Benefit Trust (BBT) to initiate a new requirement for the denomination's 23 districts. The Brethren Medical Plan is a denominational health insurance plan for pastors and employees of congregations, districts, and Annual Conference agencies. The plan was put into place more than 50 years ago and is administered by BBT.
BBT has instituted a requirement that each district must have at least 75 percent of its congregations committed to participating in the plan by Aug. 31, 2006. The requirement makes church employees in each district eligible as a group. A district that does not meet the requirement, and its pastors and church employees, will not be eligible for the plan after Dec. 31, 2006. The requirement will not be applied to retirees, congregations whose employees work less than 20 hours per week, or congregations whose employees are insured through spouses' employer group plans. By committing to working toward the requirement, all of the districts ensured that their congregations received a reduction of the increase in the 2005 rates for the plan, which BBT recently reported to plan members through its "Insurance Update" newsletter. The new requirement was communicated to the districts by BBT in late August.
The new requirement, the result of a decision made by the BBT board in July, was at the top of the Board's agenda again in November. Board members engaged in an extended conversation about the Brethren Medical Plan with about 30 pastors and church board chairs from Northern Indiana and South/Central Indiana Districts at Nov. 19-20 meetings in Middlebury, Ind. Two members of the Pastoral Compensation and Benefits Advisory Committee also were present.
The Brethren Medical Plan is in a "death spiral" created by greater numbers of high-risk participants, BBT president Wil Nolen said in October when he updated the General Board about the status of the plan. Pastors and other church employees have not been signing on in great enough numbers to maintain a good spread of risk, he said. A high number of pastors in the plan are considered high risk and "aren't insurable anywhere else," Nolen added.
In addition to the continuing loss of participants, claims have exceeded premiums in 2003 and 2004. As a result, cost of premiums has risen. With more claims than premiums, in 2003 and 2004 BBT spent $1.3 million from its insurance reserves to subsidize the plan. Seeking a solution to the crisis, BBT also found out that no commercial insurance carriers will fully insure the plan because of its aging membership and poor claims history.
Six years ago BBT ended its longterm practice of self-insuring the plan, deeming it not fiscally responsible to retain all liability for claims, the BBT newsletter report said. BBT then offered coverage through for-profit medical insurance companies MAMSI and Blue Cross/Blue Shield. Two years ago BBT moved back to a self-funded model through the Congregational Employee Plan administered by Mennonite Mutual Aid.
BBT hopes that the new requirement for districts will revitalize the Brethren Medical Plan, as pastors and church employees and their families return to the plan and help stabilize risk, the BBT newsletter said. Mennonite Church USA stabilized its denominational medical plan through a similar 75-percent participation requirement for districts, BBT reported. Benefits of the Brethren Medical Plan emphasized by BBT hinge on key components of mutuality and "guaranteed issue": employees of Church of the Brethren congregations, districts, and agencies, and their spouses and children, are automatically eligible for coverage without having to pass risk assessment or screening for pre-existing medical conditions.
"My hope is that no districts and no pastors are cut off," Nolen told the General Board, emphasizing that he was confident that districts will be able to meet the requirement even as he faced sharp questions about the move. He expressed understanding for small congregations that feel unable to pay for health insurance for pastors, as well as pastors in districts that are not well represented and therefore in danger of losing insurance. Defending the requirement as "not an unrealistic objective," he reported that three districts already have met it and several others are close. "This is the church plan," Nolen said. "Each district has to own it as its plan. All the entities of the church have to own it to make it successful."
More information about BBT and the Brethren Medical Plan is available at www.brethren.org, click on Brethren Benefit Trust.
Source: 12/03/2004 Newsline
A financial crisis in the Brethren Medical Plan has prompted Brethren Benefit Trust (BBT) to initiate a new requirement for the denomination's 23 districts. The Brethren Medical Plan is a denominational health insurance plan for pastors and employees of congregations, districts, and Annual Conference agencies. The plan was put into place more than 50 years ago and is administered by BBT.
BBT has instituted a requirement that each district must have at least 75 percent of its congregations committed to participating in the plan by Aug. 31, 2006. The requirement makes church employees in each district eligible as a group. A district that does not meet the requirement, and its pastors and church employees, will not be eligible for the plan after Dec. 31, 2006. The requirement will not be applied to retirees, congregations whose employees work less than 20 hours per week, or congregations whose employees are insured through spouses' employer group plans. By committing to working toward the requirement, all of the districts ensured that their congregations received a reduction of the increase in the 2005 rates for the plan, which BBT recently reported to plan members through its "Insurance Update" newsletter. The new requirement was communicated to the districts by BBT in late August.
The new requirement, the result of a decision made by the BBT board in July, was at the top of the Board's agenda again in November. Board members engaged in an extended conversation about the Brethren Medical Plan with about 30 pastors and church board chairs from Northern Indiana and South/Central Indiana Districts at Nov. 19-20 meetings in Middlebury, Ind. Two members of the Pastoral Compensation and Benefits Advisory Committee also were present.
The Brethren Medical Plan is in a "death spiral" created by greater numbers of high-risk participants, BBT president Wil Nolen said in October when he updated the General Board about the status of the plan. Pastors and other church employees have not been signing on in great enough numbers to maintain a good spread of risk, he said. A high number of pastors in the plan are considered high risk and "aren't insurable anywhere else," Nolen added.
In addition to the continuing loss of participants, claims have exceeded premiums in 2003 and 2004. As a result, cost of premiums has risen. With more claims than premiums, in 2003 and 2004 BBT spent $1.3 million from its insurance reserves to subsidize the plan. Seeking a solution to the crisis, BBT also found out that no commercial insurance carriers will fully insure the plan because of its aging membership and poor claims history.
Six years ago BBT ended its longterm practice of self-insuring the plan, deeming it not fiscally responsible to retain all liability for claims, the BBT newsletter report said. BBT then offered coverage through for-profit medical insurance companies MAMSI and Blue Cross/Blue Shield. Two years ago BBT moved back to a self-funded model through the Congregational Employee Plan administered by Mennonite Mutual Aid.
BBT hopes that the new requirement for districts will revitalize the Brethren Medical Plan, as pastors and church employees and their families return to the plan and help stabilize risk, the BBT newsletter said. Mennonite Church USA stabilized its denominational medical plan through a similar 75-percent participation requirement for districts, BBT reported. Benefits of the Brethren Medical Plan emphasized by BBT hinge on key components of mutuality and "guaranteed issue": employees of Church of the Brethren congregations, districts, and agencies, and their spouses and children, are automatically eligible for coverage without having to pass risk assessment or screening for pre-existing medical conditions.
"My hope is that no districts and no pastors are cut off," Nolen told the General Board, emphasizing that he was confident that districts will be able to meet the requirement even as he faced sharp questions about the move. He expressed understanding for small congregations that feel unable to pay for health insurance for pastors, as well as pastors in districts that are not well represented and therefore in danger of losing insurance. Defending the requirement as "not an unrealistic objective," he reported that three districts already have met it and several others are close. "This is the church plan," Nolen said. "Each district has to own it as its plan. All the entities of the church have to own it to make it successful."
More information about BBT and the Brethren Medical Plan is available at www.brethren.org, click on Brethren Benefit Trust.
Source: 12/03/2004 Newsline
Welcome Home Project for soldiers begun by church agencies.
A Welcome Home Project for soldiers is being coordinated by On Earth Peace and the Association of Brethren Caregivers (ABC). The Welcome Home Project began when it was recognized that military personnel returning home from combat zones "should experience a loving, compassionate response from the church to help them re-acclimate and heal from their experiences," reported Mary Dulabaum, communication director for ABC. As part of the project an insight session for "Receiving People Returning from Military Service" will be held at the 2005 Annual Conference in Peoria, Ill.
Family members of the military also need care and support, Dulabaum said. "Participants of the Welcome Home Project believe that as a peace church, the Church of the Brethren is called to respond with care, compassion, and service to their neighbors who are experiencing hardship, fear, and possibly grief while their loved ones are gone."
The Welcome Home Project is seeking stories from people or church communities providing support to military personnel returning from combat zones, and to their families. Stories can be e-mailed to Darlene Johnson at On Earth Peace, djohnson_oepa@brethren.org.
Source: 12/03/2004 Newsline
A Welcome Home Project for soldiers is being coordinated by On Earth Peace and the Association of Brethren Caregivers (ABC). The Welcome Home Project began when it was recognized that military personnel returning home from combat zones "should experience a loving, compassionate response from the church to help them re-acclimate and heal from their experiences," reported Mary Dulabaum, communication director for ABC. As part of the project an insight session for "Receiving People Returning from Military Service" will be held at the 2005 Annual Conference in Peoria, Ill.
Family members of the military also need care and support, Dulabaum said. "Participants of the Welcome Home Project believe that as a peace church, the Church of the Brethren is called to respond with care, compassion, and service to their neighbors who are experiencing hardship, fear, and possibly grief while their loved ones are gone."
The Welcome Home Project is seeking stories from people or church communities providing support to military personnel returning from combat zones, and to their families. Stories can be e-mailed to Darlene Johnson at On Earth Peace, djohnson_oepa@brethren.org.
Source: 12/03/2004 Newsline
Emergency Disaster Fund gives more than $50,000 in grants.
The General Board's Emergency Disaster Fund has given a total of $56,535.11 for work in Florida, Virginia, West Virginia, and the African country of Angola.
A grant of $20,000 was given for SHARECircle's work with displaced people and returning refugees in Angola. The funds will provide seeds, hand tools, and education for planting and growing food.
Another $20,000 helps continue work on the Hurricane Isabel Longterm Recovery Project of the General Board's Emergency Response ministry. The money will go to an ongoing repair and building project in Poquoson, Va., which was begun in February.
An allocation of $15,000 went for continued support of Emergency Response work following hurricanes in Florida. The funds will help begin a longterm rebuilding process in Orlando, and eventually in Charlotte County.
A grant of $1,535.11 finalized flood recovery work in Greenbrier County, W.Va. Work on the project ended in August. The money pays for outstanding expenses that exceeded the original grant.
Source: 12/03/2004 Newsline
The General Board's Emergency Disaster Fund has given a total of $56,535.11 for work in Florida, Virginia, West Virginia, and the African country of Angola.
A grant of $20,000 was given for SHARECircle's work with displaced people and returning refugees in Angola. The funds will provide seeds, hand tools, and education for planting and growing food.
Another $20,000 helps continue work on the Hurricane Isabel Longterm Recovery Project of the General Board's Emergency Response ministry. The money will go to an ongoing repair and building project in Poquoson, Va., which was begun in February.
An allocation of $15,000 went for continued support of Emergency Response work following hurricanes in Florida. The funds will help begin a longterm rebuilding process in Orlando, and eventually in Charlotte County.
A grant of $1,535.11 finalized flood recovery work in Greenbrier County, W.Va. Work on the project ended in August. The money pays for outstanding expenses that exceeded the original grant.
Source: 12/03/2004 Newsline
First group of pastors completes Advance Foundations program.
On Nov. 12, eight Church of the Brethren pastors became the first group to complete the Advanced Foundations of Church Leadership program of the Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership. The program is one of two continuing education programs for pastors supported by the academy's Sustaining Pastoral Excellence initiative.
The eight pastors--Dan Poole of Covington (Ohio) Church of the Brethren; David W. Miller of West Richmond (Va.) Church of the Brethren; Kelly Burk of Richmond (Ind.) Church of the Brethren; Jerry Lee Miller of Spring Run Church of the Brethren in McVeytown, Pa.; James Davis of North Winona Church of the Brethren in Warsaw, Ind.; Kenneth Gresh of Salem Church of the Brethren in Englewood, Ohio; Lisa Lynn Hazen of Beavercreek (Ohio) Church of the Brethren; and Thomas Hanks of Bethlehem Church of the Brethren in Boones Mill, Va.--were recognized by family, friends, congregational leaders, faculty of Bethany Theological Seminary, and academy staff at a banquet in Hagerstown, Ind.
The Advanced Foundations program is designed to deepen the leadership capacity of pastors by addressing personal qualities and enhancing ministry skills, academy staff reported. Eight four-day retreats over two years offer safe environments for pastors to nurture spiritual, physical, emotional, intellectual, and relational foundations for ministry and further equip pastors to shape congregations of vision, passion, and mission. The program is led by a variety of instructors including Jonathan Shively, director of the academy, and Lowell Flory, executive director of Institutional Advancement for Bethany.
The academy is a ministry training partnership of Bethany and the General Board. Sustaining Pastoral Excellence initiatives are supported by a grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. The next group of Advanced Foundations pastors will begin work in January 2005.
Source: 12/03/2004 Newsline
On Nov. 12, eight Church of the Brethren pastors became the first group to complete the Advanced Foundations of Church Leadership program of the Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership. The program is one of two continuing education programs for pastors supported by the academy's Sustaining Pastoral Excellence initiative.
The eight pastors--Dan Poole of Covington (Ohio) Church of the Brethren; David W. Miller of West Richmond (Va.) Church of the Brethren; Kelly Burk of Richmond (Ind.) Church of the Brethren; Jerry Lee Miller of Spring Run Church of the Brethren in McVeytown, Pa.; James Davis of North Winona Church of the Brethren in Warsaw, Ind.; Kenneth Gresh of Salem Church of the Brethren in Englewood, Ohio; Lisa Lynn Hazen of Beavercreek (Ohio) Church of the Brethren; and Thomas Hanks of Bethlehem Church of the Brethren in Boones Mill, Va.--were recognized by family, friends, congregational leaders, faculty of Bethany Theological Seminary, and academy staff at a banquet in Hagerstown, Ind.
The Advanced Foundations program is designed to deepen the leadership capacity of pastors by addressing personal qualities and enhancing ministry skills, academy staff reported. Eight four-day retreats over two years offer safe environments for pastors to nurture spiritual, physical, emotional, intellectual, and relational foundations for ministry and further equip pastors to shape congregations of vision, passion, and mission. The program is led by a variety of instructors including Jonathan Shively, director of the academy, and Lowell Flory, executive director of Institutional Advancement for Bethany.
The academy is a ministry training partnership of Bethany and the General Board. Sustaining Pastoral Excellence initiatives are supported by a grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. The next group of Advanced Foundations pastors will begin work in January 2005.
Source: 12/03/2004 Newsline
Brethren join annual rally against the School of the Americas.
Over 200 Church of the Brethren individuals from across the US gathered in Columbus, Ga., Nov. 20-21 to join more than 15,000 people at an annual rally against the Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation--formerly the US Army School of the Americas. The school trains international military personnel, many of whom have committed documented atrocities against their own people. "Brethren came as individuals, college peace studies groups, as families, and as congregations, giving witness to their heritage and their faith," reported Amy Adkins of the General Board's Brethren Witness/Washington Office.
The Brethren Witness/Washington Office is only one of many groups that encourage their membership to seek political pressure to eliminate funding of the program. Phil Jones, Brethren Witness/Washington Office director "sees this event as an opportunity to give public witness to the statements and beliefs of Brethren in regards to the training of persons for violent military or guerrilla operations," Adkins reported. "Just last month a delegation of Brethren traveled to Guatemala and saw first hand the destruction and violence that was brought upon citizens of Guatemala by the hands of individuals trained at this school," Jones said. "One immediate step at ending this violence is the closing of this school that trains individuals to kill others."
With On Earth Peace, the office co-sponsored a Brethren Gathering at the rally where over 300 people met for fellowship, pizza, and music by the Brethren band Mutual Kumquat. The Brethren contingent also sponsored a booth, held a short worship service led by Matt Guynn from On Earth Peace, and joined a procession of mourning in symbolic remembrance of those whose lives have been lost at the hands of military personnel trained by the school.
Witnesses against the school began in 1990 following the killing of six Jesuit priests, their co-worker, and her teenage daughter in El Salvador. A US Congressional Task Force reported that those responsible for the killings were trained at the school. In 1997 a General Board resolution called for the closing of the school.
Source: 12/03/2004 Newsline
Over 200 Church of the Brethren individuals from across the US gathered in Columbus, Ga., Nov. 20-21 to join more than 15,000 people at an annual rally against the Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation--formerly the US Army School of the Americas. The school trains international military personnel, many of whom have committed documented atrocities against their own people. "Brethren came as individuals, college peace studies groups, as families, and as congregations, giving witness to their heritage and their faith," reported Amy Adkins of the General Board's Brethren Witness/Washington Office.
The Brethren Witness/Washington Office is only one of many groups that encourage their membership to seek political pressure to eliminate funding of the program. Phil Jones, Brethren Witness/Washington Office director "sees this event as an opportunity to give public witness to the statements and beliefs of Brethren in regards to the training of persons for violent military or guerrilla operations," Adkins reported. "Just last month a delegation of Brethren traveled to Guatemala and saw first hand the destruction and violence that was brought upon citizens of Guatemala by the hands of individuals trained at this school," Jones said. "One immediate step at ending this violence is the closing of this school that trains individuals to kill others."
With On Earth Peace, the office co-sponsored a Brethren Gathering at the rally where over 300 people met for fellowship, pizza, and music by the Brethren band Mutual Kumquat. The Brethren contingent also sponsored a booth, held a short worship service led by Matt Guynn from On Earth Peace, and joined a procession of mourning in symbolic remembrance of those whose lives have been lost at the hands of military personnel trained by the school.
Witnesses against the school began in 1990 following the killing of six Jesuit priests, their co-worker, and her teenage daughter in El Salvador. A US Congressional Task Force reported that those responsible for the killings were trained at the school. In 1997 a General Board resolution called for the closing of the school.
Source: 12/03/2004 Newsline
Middle Pennsylvania District meets on theme, 'An Obedient Life.'
The Middle Pennsylvania District Conference was held Oct. 22-23 at Dunnings Creek Church of the Brethren in New Paris, Pa., with Sarah Malone as moderator. Fifty churches were represented with 168 delegates and 79 non-delegates.
Malone spoke on the theme, "An Obedient Life...of Transforming Love," and the Dunnings Creek choir presented a medley of several musical numbers at the opening worship. Rodney Ritchey created the logo for the worship center. Saturday's worship was led by the District Youth Ministry Team and included a consecration of new team members. A Pennies for Congregational Ministries offering totaled $6,357.09 and $1,445 was collected for Ministry Education.
In business sessions, delegates approved a revised constitution that reflected changes in the district structure. Break-out sessions featured the Living Peace Church with On Earth Peace, and the District Gifts Assessment Team. A slate for district leadership was affirmed, including Barbara Rowe as moderator-designate. She will assist moderator Linda Banaszak at the Oct. 7-8, 2005, district conference at Stone Church of the Brethren in Huntingdon, Pa. James Ake was affirmed for another year as treasurer. District minister Randy Yoder, who is retiring at the end of the year, was honored for his nearly 20 years of service to the district.
Many conference-goers took advantage of the opportunity to visit the Mock Church located "just down the road." The small, one-room log building was the original meeting place for the Dunnings Creek congregation. Clair Mock, 99 years old and a member of the congregation, was recognized for building handmade models of the Old Mock Church, one of which is located in the District Center in Huntingdon and one at the General Offices in Elgin, Ill.
Source: 12/03/2004 Newsline
The Middle Pennsylvania District Conference was held Oct. 22-23 at Dunnings Creek Church of the Brethren in New Paris, Pa., with Sarah Malone as moderator. Fifty churches were represented with 168 delegates and 79 non-delegates.
Malone spoke on the theme, "An Obedient Life...of Transforming Love," and the Dunnings Creek choir presented a medley of several musical numbers at the opening worship. Rodney Ritchey created the logo for the worship center. Saturday's worship was led by the District Youth Ministry Team and included a consecration of new team members. A Pennies for Congregational Ministries offering totaled $6,357.09 and $1,445 was collected for Ministry Education.
In business sessions, delegates approved a revised constitution that reflected changes in the district structure. Break-out sessions featured the Living Peace Church with On Earth Peace, and the District Gifts Assessment Team. A slate for district leadership was affirmed, including Barbara Rowe as moderator-designate. She will assist moderator Linda Banaszak at the Oct. 7-8, 2005, district conference at Stone Church of the Brethren in Huntingdon, Pa. James Ake was affirmed for another year as treasurer. District minister Randy Yoder, who is retiring at the end of the year, was honored for his nearly 20 years of service to the district.
Many conference-goers took advantage of the opportunity to visit the Mock Church located "just down the road." The small, one-room log building was the original meeting place for the Dunnings Creek congregation. Clair Mock, 99 years old and a member of the congregation, was recognized for building handmade models of the Old Mock Church, one of which is located in the District Center in Huntingdon and one at the General Offices in Elgin, Ill.
Source: 12/03/2004 Newsline
Brethren bits: Correction, job openings, and more.
- In a correction to "Two Brethren Volunteer Service units complete orientation" in the Nov. 19 Newsline, Rob Raker is serving at the Brethren Mission House in the Dominican Republic.
- Publishers of the forthcoming "Gather 'Round" Sunday school curriculum seek a fulltime managing editor, and a half-time associate editor to fill a contract position. The managing editor will manage the receipt, scheduling, and production of curriculum materials; edit and proofread copy; and assist the project director with overall development and administration. Applicants should have excellent editorial and communication skills, high ability to manage detail, and be well grounded in Mennonite or Church of the Brethren beliefs and practices. Location: Elgin, Ill., preferred. Start date is end of Feb. 2005 or sooner. The associate editor will oversee writing and design of student resources. Applicants should have excellent writing and editorial skills, communicate well, and be well-grounded in Mennonite or Church of the Brethren beliefs and practices. Location: open. Start date is end of Feb. 2005 or sooner. Denominational balance on project staff will be a significant factor in selection. Contact Anna Speicher, project director, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120; 800-323-8039 ext. 209; or e-mail gatherround@brethren.org. Deadline for inquiries is Jan. 15, 2005.
- The General Board seeks an intern for the Brethren Historical Library and Archives (BHLA) in Elgin, Ill., to serve a one-year term with preferred start date of July 2005. The Archival Internship Program develops interest in vocations related to archives, libraries, and Brethren history. The intern will process archival materials, write descriptive inventories, prepare books for cataloging, respond to reference requests, and assist researchers. Compensation includes housing, stipend, and health and life insurance. A graduate student is preferred, or an undergraduate with at least two years of college. Willingness to work with detail, accurate word processing, and ability to lift 30-pound boxes are required. Send applications with resume, college transcript, and three letters of reference by Feb. 28, 2005, to Director of Human Resources, Church of the Brethren General Board, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120. For more information call 800-323-8039 ext. 294 or e-mail kshaffer_gb@brethren.org.
- Year-end donations to the Association of Brethren Caregivers, Bethany Theological Seminary, the General Board, and On Earth Peace must be dated and postmarked by Dec. 31 in order to be counted as a 2004 charitable gift for tax purposes.
- Three Brethren Volunteer Service workers are serving as assistant disaster project directors with the General Board's Emergency Response/Service Ministries. Larry and Sandee Kitzel of Monitor Church of the Brethren, Conway, Kan., have been assigned to the Poquoson, Va., hurricane recovery project. Kevin Dibert of Chambersburg (Pa.) Church of the Brethren, is serving at the Hallam, Neb., tornado recovery project. The assistants help disaster project directors with volunteer management, daily devotions, construction work flow, meal preparation, as well as other tasks.
- Registration for the 2005 youth and young adult workcamps sponsored by the General Board took off in the first half-hour after it opened online, at midnight on Nov. 30, reported coordinators Cindy Laprade and Beth Rhodes. In the first 30 minutes of registration 118 people signed up, and by the next morning at 8 a.m. a total of 203 people had registered. "We were quite overwhelmed," Laprade said. Already four of the workcamps are completely full. For more information on the workcamps see www.brethren.org, click on "General Board," go to keyword "Youth/young adults."
- Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS) is having a potluck supper Saturday Jan. 29, 2005, at 6:30 p.m. for former BVS workers, Civilian Public Service (CPS) workers, and anyone who has a special connection to BVS or CPS. The potluck will be at Camp Ithiel in Gotha, Fla. "We see this potluck as a wonderful opportunity for the volunteers in training from Unit 263 to be able to connect with people that have done similar service. We hope to see you there," said Sam Bowman of the BVS office. Bring a covered dish to share, or any other type of food.
- "Manna in the Wilderness: Coming to God in Daily Life" will be held at Camp Ithiel in Gotha, Fla., Feb. 24-27, 2005. The retreat for pastors, lay leaders, TRIM students, and others seeking to enrich their spiritual lives and discern God's will, is sponsored by New Covenant Church of the Brethren, the Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership, and the camp. Glenn Mitchell and Jonathan Shively are the leaders. The registration fee of $88 includes all sessions and meals. Lodging at the camp costs $12 a night and motel accommodations are also available. Registration and a $25 deposit are due by Jan. 24. TRIM students who attend will receive credit. For a brochure call 407-892-6678 or e-mail crousejm@mpinet.net.
- Pasadena (Calif.) Church of the Brethren hosted a "Dry Bones Consortium" Oct. 31. The meeting of pastors, academics, students, and others from California and Arizona was organized to further, deepen, and extend the Anabaptist legacy, reported pastor Tom Leard Longenecker, of Glendale (Calif.) Church of the Brethren. Attendees from faith backgrounds including Church of the Brethren, Mennonite, and Seventh Day Adventist explored "the directions modern Western philosophy has pushed how we think about Christian faith," and "the overwhelming influence technology and consumerism have on the life of the American church today," Longenecker said. Presenters were Gloria Newton, artist-in-residence with the Center for Anabaptist Leadership and a member of the Jubilee Troupe; Nancey Murphy, professor of Christian philosophy at Fuller Theological Seminary; and Shane Hipps, author of "Media Mayhem and the Church: Helping Emerging Communities Navigate the Technological Storm," to be published by Zondervan in 2006.
- The annual Church of the Brethren Outdoor Ministries Association gathering of camp directors, managers, and others involved with camp ministry took place Nov. 14-18 at Camp Bethel near Fincastle, Va. More than 30 people representing 9 of the denomination's 31 camps and outdoor ministry centers attended. David Radcliff of New Community Project was keynote speaker for the event, on the theme "Intentional Practices, Intentional Ministries." Several other workshops and discussion sessions were also offered, along with recreational outings to sites in the area.
- Manchester College, a Church of the Brethren school in North Manchester, Ind., is among the "Best Midwestern Colleges," says the "Princeton Review." Rankings released by the review put the college in the company of 170 colleges and universities recognized as outstanding in the region, the college reported in a press release. The review ranks colleges and universities nationwide and offers school selection advice on its website, along with comments from students and college officials. Learn more about the rankings at www.princetonreview.com. For more information about the college visit www.manchester.edu.
- Jo Young Switzer, who was selected in August as the new president of Manchester College, has taken the position earlier than expected. She began in her new role Dec. 1, succeeding Parker G. Marden in the position. The Board of Trustees held a reception to welcome Switzer, who is a 1969 graduate of the college. Celebrations of Marden's leadership are planned for the remainder of the school year. Switzer's inauguration will take place next fall.
- A panel of Bridgewater (Va.) College graduates shared their experiences of segregation during a program commemorating the 50th anniversary of Brown vs. Board of Education, the landmark case that desegregated America's public schools, on Nov. 30. The panelists were Donald Banks, director of Counseling and Assessment Services at the University of Massachusetts; Pasco Bowman II, a judge for the 8th US Circuit Court of Appeals and a member of the college's Board of Trustees; Karen Weaver Scott, a retired high school English and French teacher; and Carlyle Whitelow, assistant professor of physical education emeritus at Bridgewater and a professor at the college for 28 years. Banks, Scott, and Whitelow were among the first African American students who attended the college. See www.bridgewater.edu for more information about the college.
- A children's candlelight vigil and procession preceded a talk by Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT) member Peggy Gish in London, England, on Nov. 18, according to a release from CPT. Gish, a member of the Church of the Brethren who has spent much of the last two years with CPT in Iraq, is on a speaking tour. A British group, Children Against the War, processed to Downing Street to remember the suffering of Iraqi children before Gish spoke at London's Friends House. "In Iraq this summer, it was obvious to our team that not only had the violence increased, but that the US had maintained its control over Iraqi society and Iraq's government," Gish said. "What has been happening in Fallujah is tragic: excessive violence, collective punishment, and killing of many innocent people, to try to flush out a few." Gish's book, "Iraq: A Journey of Hope and Peace," has recently been published by Herald Press. Her speaking tour is continuing in the US. This week she spoke at Stover Memorial Church of the Brethren in Des Moines, Iowa, and she is scheduled to speak at Bridgewater (Va.) College on Dec. 9 at 7:30 p.m.
- Jubilee Troupe, an Anabaptist-based improvisational performance group sponsored by On Earth Peace, is offering a Jubilee Retreat Weekend Jan. 7-9, 2005, in New Windsor, Md. Participants will explore spiritual enrichment, community renewal, and peacemaking action through interactive drama, movement, and other creative arts. The retreat is part of a larger training of the troupe to lead performances, workshops, and worship services at churches, colleges, and church events across the country in 2005. Cost is $35-60 including simple accommodations and meals. For more information or to register, see www.jubileetroupe.org.
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