Brethren Service Center ships relief to Iran.
Emergency Response/Service Ministries (ER/SM) staff at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md., packed and shipped a container-load of medicines, medical supplies, and health kits to survivors of an earthquake in Bam, Iran. The emergency shipment was airlifted to Iran to arrive Friday, Jan. 9.
"Our partners, Interchurch Medical Assistance and Church World Service, have been working with the Service Ministries staff as they prepared this urgent shipment of IMA medical boxes and CWS health kits for the people of Iran," said Roy Winter, executive director of the Brethren Service Center. Winter also serves on IMA's board of directors.
"Whenever there is great tragedy, I always have a moment of profound sadness. While this lingers, I also find myself experiencing a sense of awe at the willingness of people to respond so very quickly to human need," Winter said. "When we work together, it is amazing what is accomplished. These supplies, along with a $35,000 grant from the Church of the Brethren Emergency Disaster Fund, are great examples of the church continuing the work of Jesus in the world."
Bam was leveled Dec. 26 by a 6.6-magnitude earthquake. Unofficial estimates of the death toll are as high as 60,000. In the surrounding area, 200,000 people were affected. CWS anticipates the relief effort in Bam will be at least a five- to seven-year commitment.
Brethren staff gave the shipment a quick turnaround, anticipating the need for extra work over the holidays as they saw reports of the earthquake on the news. Service Ministries staff "are highly motivated," said Kathleen Campanella, coordinator of public information for the center. "They really connect with the work they do making a difference in the world."
"This was an unusual situation; this moved quickly," Campanella said. She explained that often weeks or months go by after a disaster before supplies are shipped. The Brethren staff at the center can be thought of as doing "invisible work," she said. Three employees are responsible for receiving calls for supplies and doing the paperwork, another three coordinate and pack the supplies, and two more load the container. "I saw a sense of satisfaction" after the container left the center, Campanella said. The Brethren "had sent it on its way."
The shipment included 75 IMA Medicine Boxes, 25 IMA/Bristol-Myers Squibb Disaster Medicine Boxes, and 8,000 CWS Health Kits in 160 cartons. Health kits include hygiene supplies needed by an individual in a disaster situation. The medicine box contains basic medicines and medical supplies designed to treat common illnesses for 1,000 adults and children for 2 to 3 months. The disaster box contains primarily antibiotics for treating infections and other ailments associated with impure water and unsanitary conditions. The 100 IMA boxes are valued at $550,000.
Nearly all of the medicine and supplies were donated to IMA and CWS. IMA corporate sponsors are Bristol-Myers Squibb, GlaxoSmithKline, Johnson & Johnson, and Merck & Co., Inc. IMA also has 12 Protestant relief and development agency partners, including the Church of the Brethren. CWS' relief effort in Iran is supported by the American Baptist Churches USA, the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Episcopal Relief and Development, Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, International Orthodox Christian Charities, Reformed Church of America, and the United Church of Christ, as well as the Church of the Brethren. The Middle East Council of Churches is coordinating the work.
Source: Newsline 1/16/2004
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Friday, January 16, 2004
New disaster rebuilding project to start in Poquoson, Virginia.
The Church of the Brethren Emergency Response program will begin a project in Poquoson, Va., in early February. Poquoson was one of the coastal communities struck by Hurricane Isabel in September. The hurricane caused extensive damage in Virginia, Maryland, North Carolina, Delaware, and Washington, D.C.
Emergency Response/Service Ministries (ER/SM) volunteer project directors will include Harold Hubbell, of Greeneville, Tenn., who will be on site in early February to set up the project; Bob Schnepp, of Beaverton, Mich., who will be the initial project director; and Bob and Marianne Pittman, of Blacksburg, Va., who will direct the project in March. The work will include typical flood repair such as floors, insulation and drywall replacement, carpentry, and some roof repair due to fallen trees. Volunteers will be housed in the fellowship hall of the Lifesource Community Church in Hampton, Va.
Groups scheduled to help with the project in February and March include district volunteers from six districts and students on spring break from Juniata College, Huntingdon, Pa., and Virginia Tech.
Two other disaster recovery projects have been completed recently. A tornado recovery project in Massac County, Ill., was completed Dec. 13, with a total of 106 volunteers serving four families over a span of three months repairing storm-damaged homes. Northern Ohio District also completed a short-term flood response project in which 23 volunteers completed home repairs for five families.
Source: Newsline 1/16/2004
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The Church of the Brethren Emergency Response program will begin a project in Poquoson, Va., in early February. Poquoson was one of the coastal communities struck by Hurricane Isabel in September. The hurricane caused extensive damage in Virginia, Maryland, North Carolina, Delaware, and Washington, D.C.
Emergency Response/Service Ministries (ER/SM) volunteer project directors will include Harold Hubbell, of Greeneville, Tenn., who will be on site in early February to set up the project; Bob Schnepp, of Beaverton, Mich., who will be the initial project director; and Bob and Marianne Pittman, of Blacksburg, Va., who will direct the project in March. The work will include typical flood repair such as floors, insulation and drywall replacement, carpentry, and some roof repair due to fallen trees. Volunteers will be housed in the fellowship hall of the Lifesource Community Church in Hampton, Va.
Groups scheduled to help with the project in February and March include district volunteers from six districts and students on spring break from Juniata College, Huntingdon, Pa., and Virginia Tech.
Two other disaster recovery projects have been completed recently. A tornado recovery project in Massac County, Ill., was completed Dec. 13, with a total of 106 volunteers serving four families over a span of three months repairing storm-damaged homes. Northern Ohio District also completed a short-term flood response project in which 23 volunteers completed home repairs for five families.
Source: Newsline 1/16/2004
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Chapter ends in the Church of the Brethren's painful debate over homosexuality.
One chapter in the denomination's painful debate over the homosexuality issue ended recently when Matt Smucker, who made history as the first openly gay man to be ordained in the Church of the Brethren, said he would pursue ordination in the United Church of Christ (UCC). Smucker said he was too "physically drained" by the fight to continue it.
Smucker was ordained by the Skyridge congregation in Kalamazoo, Mich., in June 2002 after an affirmative vote by the Michigan District board. A 2002 Annual Conference decision upheld in 2003, however, said the denomination would "not recognize" the licensing or ordination of any person "known to be engaging in homosexual practices."
Michigan District conference in August approved a petition affirming the Annual Conference decisions and called for the ordination and licensing of any known homosexuals in the district to be discontinued. Smucker's ordination in the Church of the Brethren was terminated following the decision.
"I don't feel the call to stand in the middle any more," said Smucker, who works at a UCC seminary in Chicago and received dual ordination in the UCC last year. "In this case, it's too personal. It's affected lots of parts of my life in ways I don't want to repeat."
The Skyridge congregation held a "service of lament and blessing" in November to say their farewells as Smucker moved his membership. "We're just deeply saddened and regret that Matt's gifts can't be released for ministry in the Church of the Brethren," Skyridge pastor Debbie Eisenbise said.
District leaders say the issue has left deep scars in Michigan, which will take a long time to heal. Current Annual Conference moderator Chris Bowman and moderator-elect Jim Hardenbrook were traveling in the district this month on behalf of the Annual Conference Council. An open sharing session also has been scheduled for the 2004 Annual Conference in Charleston, W.Va.
Source: Newsline 1/16/2004
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One chapter in the denomination's painful debate over the homosexuality issue ended recently when Matt Smucker, who made history as the first openly gay man to be ordained in the Church of the Brethren, said he would pursue ordination in the United Church of Christ (UCC). Smucker said he was too "physically drained" by the fight to continue it.
Smucker was ordained by the Skyridge congregation in Kalamazoo, Mich., in June 2002 after an affirmative vote by the Michigan District board. A 2002 Annual Conference decision upheld in 2003, however, said the denomination would "not recognize" the licensing or ordination of any person "known to be engaging in homosexual practices."
Michigan District conference in August approved a petition affirming the Annual Conference decisions and called for the ordination and licensing of any known homosexuals in the district to be discontinued. Smucker's ordination in the Church of the Brethren was terminated following the decision.
"I don't feel the call to stand in the middle any more," said Smucker, who works at a UCC seminary in Chicago and received dual ordination in the UCC last year. "In this case, it's too personal. It's affected lots of parts of my life in ways I don't want to repeat."
The Skyridge congregation held a "service of lament and blessing" in November to say their farewells as Smucker moved his membership. "We're just deeply saddened and regret that Matt's gifts can't be released for ministry in the Church of the Brethren," Skyridge pastor Debbie Eisenbise said.
District leaders say the issue has left deep scars in Michigan, which will take a long time to heal. Current Annual Conference moderator Chris Bowman and moderator-elect Jim Hardenbrook were traveling in the district this month on behalf of the Annual Conference Council. An open sharing session also has been scheduled for the 2004 Annual Conference in Charleston, W.Va.
Source: Newsline 1/16/2004
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Brethren Benefit Trust and Brethren Employees' Credit Union take another step toward new relationship.
The new relationship between Brethren Benefit Trust (BBT) and the Brethren Employees' Credit Union (BECU) is scheduled to take another step forward on Feb. 23, when BECU holds its Annual Members Meeting in Elgin, Ill.
Pending positive results at that meeting, BECU's name will become Church of the Brethren Credit Union, and any member of the Church of the Brethren in the United States will be eligible to be a member, along with employees of the church and its institutions. The board has received tentative approval from state and federal regulators to make those changes. BBT agreed this past fall to become third-party administrator (TPA) for the credit union beginning this spring, and it has authorized an investment of $250,000 of capital in the credit union.
Source: Newsline 1/16/2004
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The new relationship between Brethren Benefit Trust (BBT) and the Brethren Employees' Credit Union (BECU) is scheduled to take another step forward on Feb. 23, when BECU holds its Annual Members Meeting in Elgin, Ill.
Pending positive results at that meeting, BECU's name will become Church of the Brethren Credit Union, and any member of the Church of the Brethren in the United States will be eligible to be a member, along with employees of the church and its institutions. The board has received tentative approval from state and federal regulators to make those changes. BBT agreed this past fall to become third-party administrator (TPA) for the credit union beginning this spring, and it has authorized an investment of $250,000 of capital in the credit union.
Source: Newsline 1/16/2004
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Decade to Overcome Violence focuses on the United States in 2004.
"The Power and Promise of Peace" is the 2004 theme for the Decade to Overcome Violence (DOV) focus on the United States. DOV is a program of the World Council of Churches (WCC).
A worship service on Monday, Jan. 12 in New York opened a two-day DOV meeting by lifting up the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. The meeting gathered denominational representatives, a DOV reference group, and an international advisory group to draw up a calendar of events dedicated to strengthening American churches and movements working for peace.
The WCC Central Committee chose to focus on the U.S. in 2004 on the basis of courageous opposition of American churches to the war in Iraq, and their efforts to alleviate suffering at home and abroad. The committee also highlighted work by U.S. churches on domestic violence, gun control, and restorative justice. At the same time, the committee evoked American problems of poverty, violence, racism, interfaith relations, migration, and inequality in education and employment, as well as what it saw as the unchallenged power of the U.S. to disregard the international order and ignore the concerns of the world's populations.
This is the third year in a row that DOV has targeted a particular region. In 2003 the focus was on Sudan, while in 2002 it was on Israel and Palestine.
Source: Newsline 1/16/2004
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"The Power and Promise of Peace" is the 2004 theme for the Decade to Overcome Violence (DOV) focus on the United States. DOV is a program of the World Council of Churches (WCC).
A worship service on Monday, Jan. 12 in New York opened a two-day DOV meeting by lifting up the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. The meeting gathered denominational representatives, a DOV reference group, and an international advisory group to draw up a calendar of events dedicated to strengthening American churches and movements working for peace.
The WCC Central Committee chose to focus on the U.S. in 2004 on the basis of courageous opposition of American churches to the war in Iraq, and their efforts to alleviate suffering at home and abroad. The committee also highlighted work by U.S. churches on domestic violence, gun control, and restorative justice. At the same time, the committee evoked American problems of poverty, violence, racism, interfaith relations, migration, and inequality in education and employment, as well as what it saw as the unchallenged power of the U.S. to disregard the international order and ignore the concerns of the world's populations.
This is the third year in a row that DOV has targeted a particular region. In 2003 the focus was on Sudan, while in 2002 it was on Israel and Palestine.
Source: Newsline 1/16/2004
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Brethren bits: Brief news and updates from around the denomination and beyond.
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- Annual Conference executive director Lerry Fogle will relocate to Frederick, Md., with the approval of the Annual Conference Council. Fogle, who previously served on the pastoral staff at the Frederick congregation, plans to "creatively use current technology" to perform his duties while maintaining his primary residence with his family. The change comes after a trial period of 15 months in which Fogle's primary residence was in Elgin, Ill. The Annual Conference office, address, and operation will remain at 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120.
- James L. Keeler of Timberville, Va., retired president and CEO of WLR Foods Inc., has been elected by the Bridgewater (Va.) College board of trustees as its new chair. Keeler succeeds W. Wallace Hatcher, who recently ended 18 years of service as chairman of the board. Keeler is a 1957 Bridgewater graduate. Among those newly elected to serve five-year terms on the board, Brenda Rinehart of Rutherfordton, N.C., was called to represent the Southeastern District of the Church of the Brethren.
- The Church of the Brethren General Board's Disaster Child Care program will benefit from a new grant received by the American Red Cross. A total of $16,000 was allotted for the child-care efforts. It will cover toys and supplies for teams working with children in the field, and training for caregivers. General Board Emergency Response director Roy Winter said his office and the Red Cross would work cooperatively to plan how the money would be used.
- Feb. 1 marks the annual Souper Bowl of Caring, when youth groups raise money to relieve world hunger and participate in community service activities. Church of the Brethren groups can send their proceeds to the General Board's Global Food Crisis Fund. Details on the program are at www.souperbowl.org.
- Several dedicated Emergency Response/Service Ministries volunteers have transformed an empty donated trailer into a mobile shower and laundry facility for use at project sites. The trailer is complete with two showers, a stackable washer and dryer, and a sink. Following a naming contest by e-mail, a name was chosen for the unit: "Rolling Waters."
- The biennial District Disaster Coordinators seminar will be held at the New Windsor (Md.) Conference Center April 20-22, 2004. Registrations are due Feb. 29. Ideas for session topics or issues of concern are welcomed. Contact Jane Yount at Emergency Response/Service Ministries, Brethren Service Center, PO Box 188, New Windsor, MD 21776-0188; 410-635-8710.
- The Atlantic Southeast District is holding an event called "Lost in Florida: Finding Our Heart Again," Jan. 31 at St. Petersburg (Fla.) First Church of the Brethren. It is billed as "a day for rekindling our passions" in Jesus Christ and "sharpening our skills."
- Leaders and staff of the Brethren Village, Lancaster, Pa., will participate in Age Wave workshops Jan. 28-29, led by Association of Brethren Caregivers (ABC) staff Scott Douglas and Ralph McFadden. The workshops explore the impact faith communities will experience as more baby boomers reach retirement age. Created by the Older Adult Ministry of ABC, the workshops will explain how and why caregiving needs will increase significantly in congregations. An interactive component of the workshops explores the denomination's opportunity to help older adults envision meaning during this time in their lives. For information on hosting Age Wave workshops in congregations or districts, contact Scott Douglas at 800-323-8039.
- The Church of North India (CNI) is seeking communication with former India missionaries. CNI's new general secretary, the Rev. Enos Das Pradhan, is creating a mailing list for former missionaries who would like to receive updates on the work of the church. Former mission staff who wish to be on the CNI mailing list are invited to send their contact information to CNI Bhawan, Post Box No. 311, 16 Pandit Pant Marg, New Delhi-110 001, India; e-mail cnisynod@nda.vsnl.net.in.
- Christians around the world will mark Jan. 18-25 as the annual Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. The World Council of Churches and the Vatican's Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity coordinate the annual unity week. The 2004 theme, "My peace I give to you," was suggested by an ecumenical group in Aleppo, in northern Syria. Local churches are asked to host prayer services and dialogues during the week.
- The biennial young adult ministry gathering, "Come to the Feast," is scheduled to occur May 26-31 in Tampa, Fla. It will be the fourth time such a gathering, sponsored by the Ecumenical Young Adult Ministry Team of the National Council of Churches, has been held. More than 300 participants are expected. Details are available at www.cometothefeast.org.
- The National Council of Churches (NCC) is sending a delegation of U.S. church leaders to Cuba Jan. 22-28, led by NCC general secretary Bob Edgar. The delegation has requested a meeting with Cuba's President Fidel Castro, hoping to discuss church concerns and issues of U.S.-Cuban relations, including the harsh sentences imposed on 75 dissidents by Cuba's courts in the spring of 2003. The delegation will also consult with Cuban churches and help consecrate a new Greek Orthodox cathedral in Havana.
- The Annual Conference Denominational Name Study Committee notes that it is still receiving response forms online through the first week of February. Earlier technical issues with the committee's web page have been resolved, and the form can be accessed on the Annual Conference website, at www.brethren.org/ac.
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Theresa Eshbach to retire as Bethany's executive director of Institutional Advancement.
Theresa C. Eshbach has announced her retirement as executive director of Institutional Advancement at Bethany Theological Seminary in Richmond, Ind., effective July 2004. She has been directing the school's work in institutional advancement since January 1993.
During her 11 years at Bethany, Eshbach also was part of the leadership team that orchestrated the school's relocation from Illinois and aided its financial recovery from several years of difficult budgets. She oversaw an office that is responsible for financial development, deferred and major giving, alumni/ae and congregational relations, and, for a significant period of time, student recruitment and development.
During her service, she strengthened her work through an education program that led, in 1999, to certification as a Fund Raising Executive.
Source: Newsline 1/16/2004
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Theresa C. Eshbach has announced her retirement as executive director of Institutional Advancement at Bethany Theological Seminary in Richmond, Ind., effective July 2004. She has been directing the school's work in institutional advancement since January 1993.
During her 11 years at Bethany, Eshbach also was part of the leadership team that orchestrated the school's relocation from Illinois and aided its financial recovery from several years of difficult budgets. She oversaw an office that is responsible for financial development, deferred and major giving, alumni/ae and congregational relations, and, for a significant period of time, student recruitment and development.
During her service, she strengthened her work through an education program that led, in 1999, to certification as a Fund Raising Executive.
Source: Newsline 1/16/2004
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Daniel C. Aukerman appointed vice president of Interchurch Medical Assistance.
Daniel C. Aukerman has been appointed to the staff of Interchurch Medical Assistance (IMA) as vice president for International Program Development and Coordination, effective July 19, 2004. He currently is completing a Master of Public Health degree at the University of Washington.
Aukerman is a physician and has roots in the Church of the Brethren in Carroll County, Md., where the IMA offices are located. He was baptized at Germantown Church of the Brethren in Philadelphia and currently is a member of the Catholic Church.
He has degrees from St. John's College and the University of New Mexico, with additional studies at the University of Pennsylvania. He has served a number of short-term international assignments including work in Kenya, El Salvador, Mexico, and Ecuador.
Source: Newsline 1/16/2004
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Daniel C. Aukerman has been appointed to the staff of Interchurch Medical Assistance (IMA) as vice president for International Program Development and Coordination, effective July 19, 2004. He currently is completing a Master of Public Health degree at the University of Washington.
Aukerman is a physician and has roots in the Church of the Brethren in Carroll County, Md., where the IMA offices are located. He was baptized at Germantown Church of the Brethren in Philadelphia and currently is a member of the Catholic Church.
He has degrees from St. John's College and the University of New Mexico, with additional studies at the University of Pennsylvania. He has served a number of short-term international assignments including work in Kenya, El Salvador, Mexico, and Ecuador.
Source: Newsline 1/16/2004
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Christian Peacemaker Teams seeks co-directors.
Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT) is seeking two co-directors: an operations director and a program director. Each position begins this summer for a three-year term of service. CPT is a program emphasizing active peacemaking in the historic peace church tradition.
Responsibilities of the operations director include human resources, training, finances, and communications. Applicants must have management experience in a non-profit setting. The position is based in Chicago.
Responsibilities of the program director include programmatic vision, development, management, and relationship-building with partner organizations and constituents. Applicants must have familiarity with models of spiritually based nonviolence conflict transformation for peacemaking.
Applicants for both positions must be committed to biblical perspectives of peacemaking and social change. CPT is seeking directors who can lead the organization into a time of growth. Compensation is need-based and includes health insurance. Application deadline is Feb. 1. Direct inquiries to the Search and Transition Committee, c/o David Jehnsen, PO Box 297, Galena, OH 43021-0297; 740-965-5118; fax 740-965-6793; e-mail ihrr@columbus.rr.com.
Source: Newsline 1/16/2004
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Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT) is seeking two co-directors: an operations director and a program director. Each position begins this summer for a three-year term of service. CPT is a program emphasizing active peacemaking in the historic peace church tradition.
Responsibilities of the operations director include human resources, training, finances, and communications. Applicants must have management experience in a non-profit setting. The position is based in Chicago.
Responsibilities of the program director include programmatic vision, development, management, and relationship-building with partner organizations and constituents. Applicants must have familiarity with models of spiritually based nonviolence conflict transformation for peacemaking.
Applicants for both positions must be committed to biblical perspectives of peacemaking and social change. CPT is seeking directors who can lead the organization into a time of growth. Compensation is need-based and includes health insurance. Application deadline is Feb. 1. Direct inquiries to the Search and Transition Committee, c/o David Jehnsen, PO Box 297, Galena, OH 43021-0297; 740-965-5118; fax 740-965-6793; e-mail ihrr@columbus.rr.com.
Source: Newsline 1/16/2004
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Virginia refugee program seeks program coordinator.
The Virginia Council of Churches Refugee Resettlement Program is seeking a program coordinator, based at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md.
Responsibilities of the position include managing the Church World Service Reception and Placement and Matching Grant programs, serving as liaison with the Brethren Service Center, and participating as a board member of the Maryland Office for New Americans' Public Private Partnership in the Baltimore Resettlement Center. The office's service area includes all of Maryland, with the exception of the Delmarva Peninsula and Montgomery and Prince George's counties.
Applicants should have a minimum of two years' experience working with refugees and/or a resettlement agency. Program development and public relations experience, particularly public speaking in the community and area churches, are desired. Direct letters of interest to Richard Cline, Director, VCCRRP, 1214 West Graham Road, Suite 3, Richmond, VA 23220.
Source: Newsline 1/16/2004
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The Virginia Council of Churches Refugee Resettlement Program is seeking a program coordinator, based at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md.
Responsibilities of the position include managing the Church World Service Reception and Placement and Matching Grant programs, serving as liaison with the Brethren Service Center, and participating as a board member of the Maryland Office for New Americans' Public Private Partnership in the Baltimore Resettlement Center. The office's service area includes all of Maryland, with the exception of the Delmarva Peninsula and Montgomery and Prince George's counties.
Applicants should have a minimum of two years' experience working with refugees and/or a resettlement agency. Program development and public relations experience, particularly public speaking in the community and area churches, are desired. Direct letters of interest to Richard Cline, Director, VCCRRP, 1214 West Graham Road, Suite 3, Richmond, VA 23220.
Source: Newsline 1/16/2004
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Nominations sought for Caregiving Award and "Open Roof Award."
The Association of Brethren Caregivers (ABC) seeks nominations of either individuals or organizations connected to the Church of the Brethren for its annual Caregiving Awards program. Nominations also are sought for the new "Open Roof Award" to recognize congregations and districts working on accessibility issues over the past five years.
The Caregiving Awards honor those who have made significant contributions in health and/or caregiving fields for at least five years. The new "Open Roof Award" was created by ABC's Church and Persons with Disabilities Network. Recipients of awards will be honored at ABC's Annual Recognition Dinner to be held July 5 at the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference in Charleston, W.Va.
To nominate a person or organization for a Caregiving Award, send a letter outlining the reasons for the nomination to ABC, 1451 Dundee Avenue, Elgin, IL 60120; fax 847-742-5160. "Open Roof Award" nominations may be made by completing a form available online at www.brethren.org/abc/ or by contacting ABC at 800-323-8039. Nominations are due Feb. 1.
Source: Newsline 1/16/2004
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The Association of Brethren Caregivers (ABC) seeks nominations of either individuals or organizations connected to the Church of the Brethren for its annual Caregiving Awards program. Nominations also are sought for the new "Open Roof Award" to recognize congregations and districts working on accessibility issues over the past five years.
The Caregiving Awards honor those who have made significant contributions in health and/or caregiving fields for at least five years. The new "Open Roof Award" was created by ABC's Church and Persons with Disabilities Network. Recipients of awards will be honored at ABC's Annual Recognition Dinner to be held July 5 at the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference in Charleston, W.Va.
To nominate a person or organization for a Caregiving Award, send a letter outlining the reasons for the nomination to ABC, 1451 Dundee Avenue, Elgin, IL 60120; fax 847-742-5160. "Open Roof Award" nominations may be made by completing a form available online at www.brethren.org/abc/ or by contacting ABC at 800-323-8039. Nominations are due Feb. 1.
Source: Newsline 1/16/2004
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Brethren Volunteer Service plans Florida orientation unit, open potluck.
Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS) Unit 258 will begin training at Ithiel Camp and Retreat Center in Gotha, Fla., beginning Jan. 18.
Sixteen volunteers plan to be part of the orientation, including five from Germany, although none are members of the Church of the Brethren. A highlight of the orientation will be a long-weekend visit to the Eglise des Freres Haitiens in Miami.
The unit plans an open potluck as part of its orientation experience. All who feel connected to BVS or Civilian Public Service (CPS) are invited to the camp at 6 p.m. Jan. 25, for an evening of fun, food, and sharing dreams and memories.
Source: Newsline 1/16/2004
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Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS) Unit 258 will begin training at Ithiel Camp and Retreat Center in Gotha, Fla., beginning Jan. 18.
Sixteen volunteers plan to be part of the orientation, including five from Germany, although none are members of the Church of the Brethren. A highlight of the orientation will be a long-weekend visit to the Eglise des Freres Haitiens in Miami.
The unit plans an open potluck as part of its orientation experience. All who feel connected to BVS or Civilian Public Service (CPS) are invited to the camp at 6 p.m. Jan. 25, for an evening of fun, food, and sharing dreams and memories.
Source: Newsline 1/16/2004
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National Council of Churches forum to challenge presidential candidates.
A Center for Community Change forum with the presidential candidates will be held in Columbia, S.C., Jan. 30-31, sponsored by the National Council of Churches of Christ (NCC). The event is designed to challenge candidates to place issues of poverty and economic justice high on their campaign agendas. Events will begin Jan. 30 at 8:30 a.m. and conclude by 3 p.m. Jan. 31.
"Millions of people in America are hurting," note promotional materials for the event. "National priorities must include affordable housing; children's programs and education; affordable, nutritious food; access to health care; and good jobs at good wages. Grassroots groups and faith-based communities across America are protesting our government's misplaced priorities and challenging presidential candidates of both parties to address the long-standing neglect of economic issues that affect families in every community."
Participants will have the opportunity to challenge presidential candidates "to do the right thing for people in need in America." For travel and registration information contact Paul H. Sherry, Coordinator of the NCC Office Of Poverty Mobilization, 475 Riverside Drive, Suite 880, New York, NY 10115; 212-870-2298; e-mail psher973@aol.com.
Source: Newsline 1/16/2004
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A Center for Community Change forum with the presidential candidates will be held in Columbia, S.C., Jan. 30-31, sponsored by the National Council of Churches of Christ (NCC). The event is designed to challenge candidates to place issues of poverty and economic justice high on their campaign agendas. Events will begin Jan. 30 at 8:30 a.m. and conclude by 3 p.m. Jan. 31.
"Millions of people in America are hurting," note promotional materials for the event. "National priorities must include affordable housing; children's programs and education; affordable, nutritious food; access to health care; and good jobs at good wages. Grassroots groups and faith-based communities across America are protesting our government's misplaced priorities and challenging presidential candidates of both parties to address the long-standing neglect of economic issues that affect families in every community."
Participants will have the opportunity to challenge presidential candidates "to do the right thing for people in need in America." For travel and registration information contact Paul H. Sherry, Coordinator of the NCC Office Of Poverty Mobilization, 475 Riverside Drive, Suite 880, New York, NY 10115; 212-870-2298; e-mail psher973@aol.com.
Source: Newsline 1/16/2004
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Panel to explore why religion compels interfaith relationships.
"Compelled to Relationship? What do our religious traditions teach that leads us to live and work together as people of many faiths?" is the theme for a panel discussion Feb. 5 at Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C.
Panel members include Rabbi Warren Stone, president of the Washington Board of Rabbis; Imam Yusuf Saleem, Masjid Muhammad and Islamic vice president of the InterFaith Conference of Metropolitan Washington; Dr. D.C. Rao, Hindu leader and past president of the InterFaith Conference; and representatives of the National Council of Churches of Christ (NCC). The panel will be followed by an open conversation. The event is sponsored by the Churches' Center for Theology and Public Policy, the InterFaith Conference of Metropolitan Washington, the NCC Interfaith Relations Commission, and the Washington Theological Consortium. RSVP to the Churches' Center at 202-885-8648 or cctpp@wesleysem.edu.
Source: Newsline 1/16/2004
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"Compelled to Relationship? What do our religious traditions teach that leads us to live and work together as people of many faiths?" is the theme for a panel discussion Feb. 5 at Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C.
Panel members include Rabbi Warren Stone, president of the Washington Board of Rabbis; Imam Yusuf Saleem, Masjid Muhammad and Islamic vice president of the InterFaith Conference of Metropolitan Washington; Dr. D.C. Rao, Hindu leader and past president of the InterFaith Conference; and representatives of the National Council of Churches of Christ (NCC). The panel will be followed by an open conversation. The event is sponsored by the Churches' Center for Theology and Public Policy, the InterFaith Conference of Metropolitan Washington, the NCC Interfaith Relations Commission, and the Washington Theological Consortium. RSVP to the Churches' Center at 202-885-8648 or cctpp@wesleysem.edu.
Source: Newsline 1/16/2004
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"Chasing Freedom" raises awareness of political asylum issues.
A Court TV original movie, "Chasing Freedom," premieres at 8 p.m. Eastern time on Jan. 19. The film, starring Juliette Lewis, raises awareness of the perils faced by those seeking political asylum.
"Chasing Freedom" tells the true story of Libby Brock, a lawyer who takes on the case of Meena, a young Afghan woman seeking political asylum in the United States. The Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS) and other religious organizations are encouraging church groups to view the film and use it as a basis for faith-based discussion of asylum issues. "Hospitality for the uprooted is a way to live out the biblical call to love the neighbor in response to God's love in Jesus Christ," commented LIRS President Ralston Deffenbaugh.
Resource materials are available, including a companion storybook, "America: A Freedom Country"; a discussion guide; devotional materials; action opportunities; and a sample letter to support a bill now before Congress. The resource materials are available on the LIRS website, www.lirs.org.
Source: Newsline 1/16/2004
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A Court TV original movie, "Chasing Freedom," premieres at 8 p.m. Eastern time on Jan. 19. The film, starring Juliette Lewis, raises awareness of the perils faced by those seeking political asylum.
"Chasing Freedom" tells the true story of Libby Brock, a lawyer who takes on the case of Meena, a young Afghan woman seeking political asylum in the United States. The Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS) and other religious organizations are encouraging church groups to view the film and use it as a basis for faith-based discussion of asylum issues. "Hospitality for the uprooted is a way to live out the biblical call to love the neighbor in response to God's love in Jesus Christ," commented LIRS President Ralston Deffenbaugh.
Resource materials are available, including a companion storybook, "America: A Freedom Country"; a discussion guide; devotional materials; action opportunities; and a sample letter to support a bill now before Congress. The resource materials are available on the LIRS website, www.lirs.org.
Source: Newsline 1/16/2004
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Source packet looks toward spring and summer 2004.
While winter reigns outside, contents of the January/February 2004 "Source" packet from the General Board already look toward spring and summer.
Among the enclosures are an update on plans for the 2004 National Older Adult Conference from the Association of Brethren Caregivers, fliers for the "Journey to Jerusalem" Lenten devotional booklet and for Vacation Bible School materials from Brethren Press, brochures for the 2004 youth Christian Citizenship Seminar and National Young Adult Conference, and a "Seeking, Thirsting, Longing" theme poster for National Youth Sunday on May 2.
Other items in the packet are the January issue of the General Board's "Tapestry" news sheet featuring work in Sudan, a flier promoting the Mennonite Your Way hospitality directory, and an On Earth Peace winter newsletter that highlights work on the "Living Peace Church" resolution passed by the 2003 Annual Conference.
Source: Newsline 1/16/2004
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While winter reigns outside, contents of the January/February 2004 "Source" packet from the General Board already look toward spring and summer.
Among the enclosures are an update on plans for the 2004 National Older Adult Conference from the Association of Brethren Caregivers, fliers for the "Journey to Jerusalem" Lenten devotional booklet and for Vacation Bible School materials from Brethren Press, brochures for the 2004 youth Christian Citizenship Seminar and National Young Adult Conference, and a "Seeking, Thirsting, Longing" theme poster for National Youth Sunday on May 2.
Other items in the packet are the January issue of the General Board's "Tapestry" news sheet featuring work in Sudan, a flier promoting the Mennonite Your Way hospitality directory, and an On Earth Peace winter newsletter that highlights work on the "Living Peace Church" resolution passed by the 2003 Annual Conference.
Source: Newsline 1/16/2004
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Credits
Newsline is written and compiled by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford and produced by the General Board news services office. Newsline stories may be reprinted provided that Newsline is cited as the source. Walt Wiltschek, Kathleen Campanella, Mary Dulabaum, Karen Roberts, Marcia Shetler, and Jane Yount contributed to this report.
Newsline is a free service sent only to those requesting a subscription. To receive it by e-mail, or to unsubscribe, write cobnews@aol.com or call 800-323-8039, ext. 263. Newsline is available at www.brethren.org and is archived with an index at www.wfn.org. Also see Photo Journal at www.brethren.org/pjournal/index.htm for photo coverage of events.
Source: Newsline 1/16/2004
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Newsline is written and compiled by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford and produced by the General Board news services office. Newsline stories may be reprinted provided that Newsline is cited as the source. Walt Wiltschek, Kathleen Campanella, Mary Dulabaum, Karen Roberts, Marcia Shetler, and Jane Yount contributed to this report.
Newsline is a free service sent only to those requesting a subscription. To receive it by e-mail, or to unsubscribe, write cobnews@aol.com or call 800-323-8039, ext. 263. Newsline is available at www.brethren.org and is archived with an index at www.wfn.org. Also see Photo Journal at www.brethren.org/pjournal/index.htm for photo coverage of events.
Source: Newsline 1/16/2004
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