The General Board reports a surprise financial upturn in 2003.
The Church of the Brethren General Board's financial situation returned to stability in 2003 after unusually large losses the previous year, and after three years of investment losses. The welcome news was reported by Judy Keyser, the agency's chief financial officer and treasurer, in a year-end summary.
Programs supported by the General Ministries Fund, the General Board's main operating fund, went through major struggles in 2003. Special fund-raising efforts were added, budgets were underspent by $163,420, and staff reductions and realignments occurred for 2003 and 2004. These steps, careful planning, and a major stock market correction propelled net income to $77,850 in 2003.
This surprise upturn stabilized the board's finances and gave it an opportunity to rebuild and strengthen the foundation of its ministries. The board had the income to cover its revised General Ministries budget, so that $81,000 approved for direction from other priorities did not need to be used. This was welcome news since 2003 marked the first time ongoing ministries were "patched" with one-time monies.
The General Ministries Fund is undergirded largely by gifts from congregations and individuals. Support of $3,218,110 was received from congregations in 2003, 1.2 percent lower than in 2002, and $648,610 was received from individuals, 9.2 percent lower than in 2002. In addition to these gifts, special partnerships provided $395,210 for increased ministries.
Two of the four self-funding ministries of the General Board ended the year with net income, while two sustained losses despite underspending expenses and seeking extra income. Service Ministries finished the year with $80 of income over expense, and Messenger magazine with $10,940. The New Windsor (Md.) Conference Center and Brethren Press showed deficits of $82,940 and $49,090 respectively.
Three special-purpose funds support ministries through donor gifts. Donations to the Emergency Disaster Fund made possible $1,074,590 for Emergency Response. Gifts to the Global Food Crisis Fund and the Emerging Global Missions Fund provided $463,310 and $57,440, respectively.
While General Board finances have been stretched and patched for 2003 and 2004, the agency remains a solid financial entity with no external debt, Keyser said. The General Ministries Fund budget for 2004 includes a one-time amount of $276,000 to stabilize staffing, build new momentum, and develop long-term solutions to the financial situation. Living within the means of the board's income by 2005 remains a priority, Keyser said.
Source: Newsline 2/20/2004
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Friday, February 20, 2004
Disaster grants aid refugee ministry in Illinois and projects in Bosnia and American Samoa.
Allocations from the Church of the Brethren General Board's Emergency Disaster Fund have been approved to support immigration and refugee services in Illinois, continued rebuilding following the war in Bosnia, and recovery from storm damage in the US Territory island of American Samoa.
A grant of $9,000 will go to Interfaith Refugee and Immigration Ministries of Illinois, serving the needs of refugees, asylum seekers, and immigrants in the Chicago area. The funds will be used for a Women's Empowerment Program that includes mentorship, English language training, and a sewing cooperative among its services.
An allocation of $8,000 responds to a Church World Service (CWS) appeal for aid to Bosnia. Years after the war there, many people are still displaced from their homes and living in poverty. The funds will help build shelters for 55 families and assist with developing sustainable incomes.
In American Samoa, one of the Polynesian islands hit by Cyclone Heta in early January, a grant of $5,000 will help long-term recovery. The slow-moving storm destroyed 600 homes with 1,000 others suffering major damage. Food crops were leveled and the island's infrastructure was damaged including electricity and water resources, telecommunications, hospitals, and schools.
Source: Newsline 2/20/2004
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Allocations from the Church of the Brethren General Board's Emergency Disaster Fund have been approved to support immigration and refugee services in Illinois, continued rebuilding following the war in Bosnia, and recovery from storm damage in the US Territory island of American Samoa.
A grant of $9,000 will go to Interfaith Refugee and Immigration Ministries of Illinois, serving the needs of refugees, asylum seekers, and immigrants in the Chicago area. The funds will be used for a Women's Empowerment Program that includes mentorship, English language training, and a sewing cooperative among its services.
An allocation of $8,000 responds to a Church World Service (CWS) appeal for aid to Bosnia. Years after the war there, many people are still displaced from their homes and living in poverty. The funds will help build shelters for 55 families and assist with developing sustainable incomes.
In American Samoa, one of the Polynesian islands hit by Cyclone Heta in early January, a grant of $5,000 will help long-term recovery. The slow-moving storm destroyed 600 homes with 1,000 others suffering major damage. Food crops were leveled and the island's infrastructure was damaged including electricity and water resources, telecommunications, hospitals, and schools.
Source: Newsline 2/20/2004
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Global Food Crisis Fund allocates $24,000 for Rural Service Center in India.
A grant of $24,000 from the Church of the Brethren General Board's Global Food Crisis Fund has been approved to support the Rural Service Center in Ankleshwar, India.
The center helps provide sustainable agriculture to rural communities through soil conservation development, tree plantations, land leveling, and biogas production. It grew out of a ministry by Church of the Brethren mission workers and continues to serve communities that include both members of the Church of North India and the India Brethren.
Source: Newsline 2/20/2004
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A grant of $24,000 from the Church of the Brethren General Board's Global Food Crisis Fund has been approved to support the Rural Service Center in Ankleshwar, India.
The center helps provide sustainable agriculture to rural communities through soil conservation development, tree plantations, land leveling, and biogas production. It grew out of a ministry by Church of the Brethren mission workers and continues to serve communities that include both members of the Church of North India and the India Brethren.
Source: Newsline 2/20/2004
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MMPC discusses emerging mission issues and coordination of Haiti involvements.
The Church of the Brethren Mission and Ministries Planning Council (MMPC) met Feb. 7 in Daytona Beach, Fla. MMPC received no specific proposals for new mission, but instead brought its church-wide perspective to a discussion of emerging mission issues and dynamics. Recent developments of congregational and district outreach to Haiti, a review of mission assignments in denominational polity, and plans for a national mission conference were discussed.
A follow-up meeting on Haiti mission is planned for Apr. 19, for a few invited participants, in an effort to coordinate Haiti involvements across the denomination and to discern the way forward. In order to gain a more complete picture of existing Church of the Brethren involvements with Haiti, MMPC asks individuals, congregations, and districts that have been involved in a Haiti outreach to send information on their mission efforts. Please send information to Mary Munson, program assistant in the General Board's Global Mission Partnerships office, at 800-323-8039, e-mail mission_gb@brethren.org.
MMPC, which includes Annual Conference moderators, district staff, and General Board staff, reviews proposals for new Brethren mission, advises the board about denominational involvement in new mission areas, and facilitates conversation about mission with and among Church of the Brethren membership. General secretary Stan Noffsinger chairs MMPC.
Source: Newsline 2/20/2004
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The Church of the Brethren Mission and Ministries Planning Council (MMPC) met Feb. 7 in Daytona Beach, Fla. MMPC received no specific proposals for new mission, but instead brought its church-wide perspective to a discussion of emerging mission issues and dynamics. Recent developments of congregational and district outreach to Haiti, a review of mission assignments in denominational polity, and plans for a national mission conference were discussed.
A follow-up meeting on Haiti mission is planned for Apr. 19, for a few invited participants, in an effort to coordinate Haiti involvements across the denomination and to discern the way forward. In order to gain a more complete picture of existing Church of the Brethren involvements with Haiti, MMPC asks individuals, congregations, and districts that have been involved in a Haiti outreach to send information on their mission efforts. Please send information to Mary Munson, program assistant in the General Board's Global Mission Partnerships office, at 800-323-8039, e-mail mission_gb@brethren.org.
MMPC, which includes Annual Conference moderators, district staff, and General Board staff, reviews proposals for new Brethren mission, advises the board about denominational involvement in new mission areas, and facilitates conversation about mission with and among Church of the Brethren membership. General secretary Stan Noffsinger chairs MMPC.
Source: Newsline 2/20/2004
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Council of District Executives meets with agency representatives, plans upcoming events.
The Council of District Executives held its winter meeting Feb. 1-4 in Daytona Beach, Fla., planning for upcoming events and meeting with denominational agency representatives.
Task teams were formed to develop three insight sessions to be led by the council at Annual Conference: "Placement Issues for Pastors," "Placement Issues for Congregations," and "Calling Out Ministers from Within Our Midst." The council heard reports from its committees and representatives, including a report on an ecclesiology consultation being planned in collaboration with denominational agencies.
The council also entered into dialogue with representatives from Church of the Brethren agencies. Kathy Reid, executive director, and Ralph McFadden, shared services coordinator, attended from the Association of Brethren Caregivers; Jeff Garber, director of insurance plans, represented Brethren Benefit Trust; and Steve Reid, academic dean, came from Bethany Theological Seminary.
The group's summer meeting will be July 1-3 in Charleston, W.Va., prior to Annual Conference.
Source: Newsline 2/20/2004
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The Council of District Executives held its winter meeting Feb. 1-4 in Daytona Beach, Fla., planning for upcoming events and meeting with denominational agency representatives.
Task teams were formed to develop three insight sessions to be led by the council at Annual Conference: "Placement Issues for Pastors," "Placement Issues for Congregations," and "Calling Out Ministers from Within Our Midst." The council heard reports from its committees and representatives, including a report on an ecclesiology consultation being planned in collaboration with denominational agencies.
The council also entered into dialogue with representatives from Church of the Brethren agencies. Kathy Reid, executive director, and Ralph McFadden, shared services coordinator, attended from the Association of Brethren Caregivers; Jeff Garber, director of insurance plans, represented Brethren Benefit Trust; and Steve Reid, academic dean, came from Bethany Theological Seminary.
The group's summer meeting will be July 1-3 in Charleston, W.Va., prior to Annual Conference.
Source: Newsline 2/20/2004
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Manchester, Goshen, and Earlham colleges announce leadership, site for Peace House.
The presidents of Manchester College, North Manchester, Ind., and two other Indiana colleges have selected the management team for a new Plowshares Peace House—including a role for Indiana's former first lady, Judy O'Bannon. Manchester is a Church of the Brethren-related institution.
O'Bannon, widow of Governor Frank O'Bannon, will serve as part-time director of external affairs for the residential peace studies program, which will be based in Indianapolis. "We welcome Judy O'Bannon to the Plowshares program," said Manchester president Parker G. Marden. "Her career as a public servant in support of concerns in Indiana for community, peace, and social justice is legendary and bipartisan. Our students will greatly benefit from her talents and experience."
The Peace House is a major focus of Plowshares, a collaborative program with Earlham College, a school related to the Friends, and Goshen College, a Mennonite-related institution. Plowshares promotes peace and justice studies and related programs across the country, with emphasis on Indiana. It is funded by a $13.8 million Lilly Endowment grant.
Undergraduates from the three sponsoring institutions and other schools will be housed at Peace House. Erwin Boschmann, vice chancellor and professor of chemistry at Indiana University-East campus in Richmond, is executive director; Ruth Hill, former assistant in conflict resolution at The Carter Center in Atlanta, Ga., is associate director.
Source: Newsline 2/20/2004
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The presidents of Manchester College, North Manchester, Ind., and two other Indiana colleges have selected the management team for a new Plowshares Peace House—including a role for Indiana's former first lady, Judy O'Bannon. Manchester is a Church of the Brethren-related institution.
O'Bannon, widow of Governor Frank O'Bannon, will serve as part-time director of external affairs for the residential peace studies program, which will be based in Indianapolis. "We welcome Judy O'Bannon to the Plowshares program," said Manchester president Parker G. Marden. "Her career as a public servant in support of concerns in Indiana for community, peace, and social justice is legendary and bipartisan. Our students will greatly benefit from her talents and experience."
The Peace House is a major focus of Plowshares, a collaborative program with Earlham College, a school related to the Friends, and Goshen College, a Mennonite-related institution. Plowshares promotes peace and justice studies and related programs across the country, with emphasis on Indiana. It is funded by a $13.8 million Lilly Endowment grant.
Undergraduates from the three sponsoring institutions and other schools will be housed at Peace House. Erwin Boschmann, vice chancellor and professor of chemistry at Indiana University-East campus in Richmond, is executive director; Ruth Hill, former assistant in conflict resolution at The Carter Center in Atlanta, Ga., is associate director.
Source: Newsline 2/20/2004
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Brethren bits: General Board positions, National Young Adult Conference, and more.
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- Jeanne Davies, program assistant for Congregational Life Ministries, has announced her resignation effective Mar. 3. She has worked for the General Board since May 2003. Davies, who attends Bethany Theological Seminary in the "Connections" program, has accepted a position as associate pastor with Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren, Elgin, Ill.
- Lyall and Vivian Sherred returned to Nigeria Feb. 1 as program volunteers through the Global Mission Partnerships Office of the General Board. They will teach at the Kulp Bible College of Ekklesiyar Yan'uwa a Nigeria (Church of the Brethren in Nigeria) for six months. For the last several years the Sherreds have made repeated visits to Nigeria and have served previously at the college as well as at the Theological College of Northern Nigeria.
- Registration for the denomination's first large-scale National Young Adult Conference (NYAC), scheduled for June 14-18 in Winter Park, Colo., stood at 160 as of early February. The site can accommodate 500. About 70 percent of those who have registered to date have never before attended a denominational young adult conference, according to Becky Ullom, NYAC coordinator. Registration remains open through April 15 at www.nyac2004.org.
- Annual Conference moderator Chris Bowman, India consultant Bob Gross, and General Board Global Mission Partnerships executive director Merv Keeney will travel to India to meet with church partners Feb. 25 to March 5. The delegation will meet with India Brethren leadership about next steps to rebuild relationships after 30 years of separation. The group will also meet with the Church of North India. This visit implements the 2003 Annual Conference action directing relationship with both churches.
- More than 130 people attended a symposium entitled "Lost in Florida: Rekindling Your First Love for Jesus Christ," at St. Petersburg First Church of the Brethren Jan. 31. Featured speakers were James Myer of White Oak Church of the Brethren, Manheim, Pa., and Paul Mundey, pastor of Frederick (Md.) Church of the Brethren. Other presenters were Don White on personal evangelism, Carol Yeazell on prayer and spiritual growth, Merle Crouse on missions, and Nancy Knepper Cruz on the "Percept" program. St. Petersburg pastor Terry Hatfield coordinated the event.
- Interchurch Medical Assistance (IMA) has received $50,000 from Johnson & Johnson to facilitate distribution of 12,500 Tibozole treatments for HIV/AIDS patients in Malawi, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Zambia, the Dominican Republic, Congo, and Haiti. Tibozole is used to treat oro-pharyngeal candidiasis, or thrush, one of the most frequent complaints of those living with HIV/AIDS, according to African home-based care health workers. The Church of the Brethren is an agency partner in IMA, which warehouses medical supplies at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md.
- Church World Service (CWS) is preparing to assist refugees from Haiti, in response to the escalating political and humanitarian crisis there. In addition, "Haitians are hungry," said a CWS press release. A worsening food crisis was exacerbated by floods in December. CWS has had a long-standing presence in Haiti and supports Haitian asylum seekers and detainees in the US.
- A National Council of Churches (NCC) delegation returned from Cuba convinced of the importance of maintaining contact with churches there, according to an NCC press release. The 30-member group spent Jan. 22-28 in Cuba, led by NCC general secretary Bob Edgar. They heard concerns about the US trade embargo, travel restrictions, and aggressive rhetoric. They were among 2,000 who came from around the world for the consecration of the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of St. Nicholas, the first new church to be constructed in Cuba in more than 40 years. President Fidel Castro and other government officials were present for the consecration.
- A Church World Service (CWS) Forum on Domestic Disaster Ministry will offer education and an opportunity for discussion among disaster ministry professionals and volunteers who plan and implement response by the faith community. The March 27-31 event at Princeton (N.J.) Theological Seminary was created by disaster ministry staff and volunteers from the Church of the Brethren, Lutheran Disaster Response, Presbyterian Church USA, the United Church of Christ, and the United Methodist Church. It is the first such meeting sponsored by CWS.
- Southern Ohio District is offering deacons a one-day workshop on "Nurturing the Spiritual Life of Deacons" from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 6 at New Carlisle Church of the Brethren. Scott Douglas, staff of the Association of Brethren Caregivers, will lead the event. Participants will explore how personal and corporate spiritual formation shapes and directs caregiving, and will look at ways to develop spiritually. Cost is $10 per person. Congregations should let the district office know by March 1 the number of deacons they are sending.
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Duane Grady is made coordinator for Congregational Life Team Areas 2 and 4.
Duane Grady has moved from a part-time to a full-time position with the General Board, effective Feb. 1, as he assumes additional responsibilities as coordinator of Congregational Life Team (CLT) Areas 2 and 4.
His area of ministry covers the Midwestern districts of Area 2 (Illinois/Wisconsin, Northern Indiana, South/Central Indiana, Michigan, Northern Ohio, and Southern Ohio) and the central and Plains districts of Area 4 (Missouri/Arkansas, Northern Plains, Southern Plains, and Western Plains). He will be one of four CLT coordinators working with five other CLT field staff across the country.
Grady has been a part-time CLT member since January 1998, while serving as co-pastor of Northview Church of the Brethren in Indianapolis and Anderson (Ind.) Church of the Brethren. He will continue to be a volunteer member of the pastoral staff at the Anderson church. He can be contacted at his office in Anderson, 765-649-4384, e-mail dgrady_gb@brethren.org.
Source: Newsline 2/20/2004
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Duane Grady has moved from a part-time to a full-time position with the General Board, effective Feb. 1, as he assumes additional responsibilities as coordinator of Congregational Life Team (CLT) Areas 2 and 4.
His area of ministry covers the Midwestern districts of Area 2 (Illinois/Wisconsin, Northern Indiana, South/Central Indiana, Michigan, Northern Ohio, and Southern Ohio) and the central and Plains districts of Area 4 (Missouri/Arkansas, Northern Plains, Southern Plains, and Western Plains). He will be one of four CLT coordinators working with five other CLT field staff across the country.
Grady has been a part-time CLT member since January 1998, while serving as co-pastor of Northview Church of the Brethren in Indianapolis and Anderson (Ind.) Church of the Brethren. He will continue to be a volunteer member of the pastoral staff at the Anderson church. He can be contacted at his office in Anderson, 765-649-4384, e-mail dgrady_gb@brethren.org.
Source: Newsline 2/20/2004
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April's Faith Expedition to the Middle East includes Sabeel Conference.
The General Board's Brethren Witness/Washington Office has announced a Faith Expedition to the Middle East April 12-24, in conjunction with Every Church a Peace Church and the Sabeel Conference in Jerusalem.
"Challenging Christian Zionism: Theology, Politics, and the Palestine-Israel Conflict" is the topic of the Sabeel Conference Apr. 14-18 sponsored by the Sabeel Liberation Theology Center, an ecumenical grassroots liberation theology movement among Palestinian Christians.
Following the conference, participants will visit the work of Jerry and Lucille "Sis" Levin in Israel-Palestine. Sis Levin directs "The Children of Abraham" mission project of Every Church a Peace Church, providing peace education in Palestinian schools. Jerry Levin, former CNN bureau chief in Beirut who was held hostage in 1984-85, is a member of the Christian Peacemaker Team in Hebron.
The trip will be led by Every Church a Peace Church coordinator John Stoner and treasurer H.A. Penner. Cost is about $1,800 round trip from New York. Total payment is due Mar. 12.
To register, complete a registration form at www.sabeel.org and send it with a $250 check payable to "Sabeel" to H.A. Penner, 108 S. Fifth St., Akron, PA 17501-1204 by Mar. 1. Brethren participants are asked to send a copy of their registration to the Brethren Witness/Washington Office, 337 N. Carolina Ave. SE, Washington, DC 20003. For more information contact H.A. Penner, 717-859-3529, e-mail penner@dejazzd.com.
Source: Newsline 2/20/2004
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The General Board's Brethren Witness/Washington Office has announced a Faith Expedition to the Middle East April 12-24, in conjunction with Every Church a Peace Church and the Sabeel Conference in Jerusalem.
"Challenging Christian Zionism: Theology, Politics, and the Palestine-Israel Conflict" is the topic of the Sabeel Conference Apr. 14-18 sponsored by the Sabeel Liberation Theology Center, an ecumenical grassroots liberation theology movement among Palestinian Christians.
Following the conference, participants will visit the work of Jerry and Lucille "Sis" Levin in Israel-Palestine. Sis Levin directs "The Children of Abraham" mission project of Every Church a Peace Church, providing peace education in Palestinian schools. Jerry Levin, former CNN bureau chief in Beirut who was held hostage in 1984-85, is a member of the Christian Peacemaker Team in Hebron.
The trip will be led by Every Church a Peace Church coordinator John Stoner and treasurer H.A. Penner. Cost is about $1,800 round trip from New York. Total payment is due Mar. 12.
To register, complete a registration form at www.sabeel.org and send it with a $250 check payable to "Sabeel" to H.A. Penner, 108 S. Fifth St., Akron, PA 17501-1204 by Mar. 1. Brethren participants are asked to send a copy of their registration to the Brethren Witness/Washington Office, 337 N. Carolina Ave. SE, Washington, DC 20003. For more information contact H.A. Penner, 717-859-3529, e-mail penner@dejazzd.com.
Source: Newsline 2/20/2004
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Ministers' Association annual meeting returns to pre-Conference time slot.
The 2004 Ministers' Association meeting is once again a pre-Annual Conference event, following some years of meeting after the Conference. "Re-Imagining Worship for a New World" will take place Friday and Saturday, July 2-3, in Charleston, W.Va.
The speaker for the three sessions of the meeting—Friday afternoon, Friday evening, and Saturday morning—will be Sally Morgenthaler, author of the book "Worship Evangelism: Inviting Unbelievers into the Presence of God." She also writes "Worship and Popular Culture" columns for Worship Leader and Rev magazines, as well as the worship section of PreachingPlus.com, and has been a presenter at numerous worship conferences.
Those who pre-register will be eligible to receive .8 continuing education units. For more information contact Sharon Cobb Hutchison, 443-260-0919, e-mail ms-hutch@juno.com.
Source: Newsline 2/20/2004
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The 2004 Ministers' Association meeting is once again a pre-Annual Conference event, following some years of meeting after the Conference. "Re-Imagining Worship for a New World" will take place Friday and Saturday, July 2-3, in Charleston, W.Va.
The speaker for the three sessions of the meeting—Friday afternoon, Friday evening, and Saturday morning—will be Sally Morgenthaler, author of the book "Worship Evangelism: Inviting Unbelievers into the Presence of God." She also writes "Worship and Popular Culture" columns for Worship Leader and Rev magazines, as well as the worship section of PreachingPlus.com, and has been a presenter at numerous worship conferences.
Those who pre-register will be eligible to receive .8 continuing education units. For more information contact Sharon Cobb Hutchison, 443-260-0919, e-mail ms-hutch@juno.com.
Source: Newsline 2/20/2004
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"Mission Alive 2005!" denominational missions conference is planned for April 2005.
A Church of the Brethren missions conference, "Mission Alive 2005!" is being planned for April 1-3, 2005, in Goshen, Ind.
The meeting is designed to be "a national Church of the Brethren missions conference to energize and equip ourselves to faithfully share Christ's love with the world," according to the Mission and Ministries Planning Council (MMPC), which initiated the event along with the General Board. One of MMPC's roles is to encourage discussion about mission among the Church of the Brethren membership.
A steering committee of Brethren with experience or interest in mission has been named to shape the event: Carolyn Schrock, Mountain Grove, Mo.; Larry Dentler, East Berlin, Pa.; Carol Spicher Waggy, Goshen, Ind.; James F. Myer, Lititz, Pa.; and Merv Keeney, the General Board's executive director of Global Mission Partnerships.
Source: Newsline 2/20/2004
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A Church of the Brethren missions conference, "Mission Alive 2005!" is being planned for April 1-3, 2005, in Goshen, Ind.
The meeting is designed to be "a national Church of the Brethren missions conference to energize and equip ourselves to faithfully share Christ's love with the world," according to the Mission and Ministries Planning Council (MMPC), which initiated the event along with the General Board. One of MMPC's roles is to encourage discussion about mission among the Church of the Brethren membership.
A steering committee of Brethren with experience or interest in mission has been named to shape the event: Carolyn Schrock, Mountain Grove, Mo.; Larry Dentler, East Berlin, Pa.; Carol Spicher Waggy, Goshen, Ind.; James F. Myer, Lititz, Pa.; and Merv Keeney, the General Board's executive director of Global Mission Partnerships.
Source: Newsline 2/20/2004
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Brethren Press Lenten devotional booklet is sold out.
The Lenten devotional booklet "Journey to Jerusalem," by Kenneth L. Gibble has proven so popular that all copies have been sold. The booklet, which contains humor, thought-provoking questions, and personal insights from Gibble, "just flew off the shelf," according to Jewel McNary, director of Marketing and Sales for Brethren Press.
The devotional booklet is the third produced by Brethren Press for the seasons of Advent and Lent. It includes daily scriptures, meditations, and prayers for Ash Wednesday through Easter. The next one will be available for Advent 2004. Robin Wentworth Mayer, author and former columnist for Messenger, will write those devotionals.
Brethren Press staff have been "extremely pleased" with the sales of the devotional booklets, although they say they are disappointed that some requests for this one will go unfilled. Production of "Journey to Jerusalem" was based on pre-publication orders. Steps are being taken to provide congregations and individuals with the opportunity to establish a standing order that will ensure their receipt of future devotionals as they become available.
Source: Newsline 2/20/2004
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The Lenten devotional booklet "Journey to Jerusalem," by Kenneth L. Gibble has proven so popular that all copies have been sold. The booklet, which contains humor, thought-provoking questions, and personal insights from Gibble, "just flew off the shelf," according to Jewel McNary, director of Marketing and Sales for Brethren Press.
The devotional booklet is the third produced by Brethren Press for the seasons of Advent and Lent. It includes daily scriptures, meditations, and prayers for Ash Wednesday through Easter. The next one will be available for Advent 2004. Robin Wentworth Mayer, author and former columnist for Messenger, will write those devotionals.
Brethren Press staff have been "extremely pleased" with the sales of the devotional booklets, although they say they are disappointed that some requests for this one will go unfilled. Production of "Journey to Jerusalem" was based on pre-publication orders. Steps are being taken to provide congregations and individuals with the opportunity to establish a standing order that will ensure their receipt of future devotionals as they become available.
Source: Newsline 2/20/2004
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Association of Brethren Caregivers offers final study guide in End-of-Life series.
The Association of Brethren Caregivers (ABC) is releasing "Taking Life," the final study guide in a series of end-of-life decision-making resources that the 1996 Annual Conference charged ABC to provide to the denomination.
Written by Grady Snyder, the study guide uses a biblical and Brethren context to explore the topics of fetal tissue, abortion, capital punishment, and war. Case studies and questions allow Sunday school classes, study groups, and families to explore end-of-life issues in a faith setting. The study guide is 12 pages and available for $2.50 from ABC.
Other study guides in the series include "A Study Guide on Unfulfilled Life and Premature Death," "A Study Guide on Aging and Life-Prolonging Technology," "Choosing Death with Dignity: A Study Guide on Death, Bereavement, and Burial," "Choosing Death: A Study Guide on Euthanasia," and "End-of-Life Decision-Making: Organ and Tissue Donation Annual Conference Statement and Study Guide." Each is available from ABC for $2.50. To order resources contact ABC, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120; 847-742-5100; e-mail abc@brethren.org; or go to www.brethren.org/abc/store.
Snyder, a retired seminary professor and member of Chicago First Church of the Brethren will lead an insight session on "Taking Life" at the 2004 Annual Conference, on July 3 at 9 p.m.
Source: Newsline 2/20/2004
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The Association of Brethren Caregivers (ABC) is releasing "Taking Life," the final study guide in a series of end-of-life decision-making resources that the 1996 Annual Conference charged ABC to provide to the denomination.
Written by Grady Snyder, the study guide uses a biblical and Brethren context to explore the topics of fetal tissue, abortion, capital punishment, and war. Case studies and questions allow Sunday school classes, study groups, and families to explore end-of-life issues in a faith setting. The study guide is 12 pages and available for $2.50 from ABC.
Other study guides in the series include "A Study Guide on Unfulfilled Life and Premature Death," "A Study Guide on Aging and Life-Prolonging Technology," "Choosing Death with Dignity: A Study Guide on Death, Bereavement, and Burial," "Choosing Death: A Study Guide on Euthanasia," and "End-of-Life Decision-Making: Organ and Tissue Donation Annual Conference Statement and Study Guide." Each is available from ABC for $2.50. To order resources contact ABC, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120; 847-742-5100; e-mail abc@brethren.org; or go to www.brethren.org/abc/store.
Snyder, a retired seminary professor and member of Chicago First Church of the Brethren will lead an insight session on "Taking Life" at the 2004 Annual Conference, on July 3 at 9 p.m.
Source: Newsline 2/20/2004
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"Source" packet offers information on Church of the Brethren resources and events.
A heavy "Source" packet from the General Board contains more than a dozen pieces of information on denominational resources and events. Among the contents are a 2004 General Board speakers' bureau listing, an invitation for Brethren composers to submit pieces for the 2008 tricentennial celebration and information on the 2008 theme, and a sample poster for the One Great Hour of Sharing offering emphasis.
Another poster announces the 2004 National Older Adult Conference, and a fact sheet gives details on the Association of Brethren Caregivers' Voice Ministry. A new newsletter, titled "Hunger Action," gives details on the Global Food Crisis Fund, while the March issue of the General Board's "Tapestry" newsletter highlights Iran earthquake relief efforts.
Other items in the mailing include the spring issue of "The Seed Packet" Christian education newsletter, a sheet giving details on the Annual Conference information packet's shift to a CD-ROM format, a survey from the 2004 Annual Conference single adult activities planners, a flier on the BibleQuest curriculum available from Brethren Press, a "Mission Possible" brochure on General Board overseas mission connections, and a brochure on the 2004 youth Christian Citizenship Seminar.
Source: Newsline 2/20/2004
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A heavy "Source" packet from the General Board contains more than a dozen pieces of information on denominational resources and events. Among the contents are a 2004 General Board speakers' bureau listing, an invitation for Brethren composers to submit pieces for the 2008 tricentennial celebration and information on the 2008 theme, and a sample poster for the One Great Hour of Sharing offering emphasis.
Another poster announces the 2004 National Older Adult Conference, and a fact sheet gives details on the Association of Brethren Caregivers' Voice Ministry. A new newsletter, titled "Hunger Action," gives details on the Global Food Crisis Fund, while the March issue of the General Board's "Tapestry" newsletter highlights Iran earthquake relief efforts.
Other items in the mailing include the spring issue of "The Seed Packet" Christian education newsletter, a sheet giving details on the Annual Conference information packet's shift to a CD-ROM format, a survey from the 2004 Annual Conference single adult activities planners, a flier on the BibleQuest curriculum available from Brethren Press, a "Mission Possible" brochure on General Board overseas mission connections, and a brochure on the 2004 youth Christian Citizenship Seminar.
Source: Newsline 2/20/2004
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NCC offers reflection guide for "Passion of the Christ" film.
A reflection guide to Mel Gibson's movie "The Passion of the Christ" is offered by the National Council of Churches (NCC) to help Christians think through issues raised by the film.
"The Passion of the Christ," opens Ash Wednesday, Feb. 25, and already has generated both rave reviews and controversy. The NCC Interfaith Relations Commission, which issued the guide, does not comment on the film but rather offers Christian viewers a framework in which to see and discuss it. The guide is available on the NCC website www.ncccusa.org.
The guide recognizes that the story of Christ's Passion is deeply meaningful to Christians and that dramatic depictions can be a powerful experience of faith. Such depictions also have a tragic history, sometimes leading to the labeling of Jews as "Christ-killers" and to acts of violence against Jews. Many Christian and Jewish leaders are concerned that the movie might set back decades of Jewish-Christian relations, an NCC release said.
Addressing the question "Who killed Jesus?" the guide reminds readers that Jesus was born a Jew and lived as a Jew to the end. It encourages Christians to read at least two Gospel accounts of Christ's Passion along with commentary on the religious and political context of the gospels. Movie viewers are asked to discuss how the film portrays Jews, and to consider specific steps to build or strengthen relationships with Jewish people and institutions.
Source: Newsline 2/20/2004
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A reflection guide to Mel Gibson's movie "The Passion of the Christ" is offered by the National Council of Churches (NCC) to help Christians think through issues raised by the film.
"The Passion of the Christ," opens Ash Wednesday, Feb. 25, and already has generated both rave reviews and controversy. The NCC Interfaith Relations Commission, which issued the guide, does not comment on the film but rather offers Christian viewers a framework in which to see and discuss it. The guide is available on the NCC website www.ncccusa.org.
The guide recognizes that the story of Christ's Passion is deeply meaningful to Christians and that dramatic depictions can be a powerful experience of faith. Such depictions also have a tragic history, sometimes leading to the labeling of Jews as "Christ-killers" and to acts of violence against Jews. Many Christian and Jewish leaders are concerned that the movie might set back decades of Jewish-Christian relations, an NCC release said.
Addressing the question "Who killed Jesus?" the guide reminds readers that Jesus was born a Jew and lived as a Jew to the end. It encourages Christians to read at least two Gospel accounts of Christ's Passion along with commentary on the religious and political context of the gospels. Movie viewers are asked to discuss how the film portrays Jews, and to consider specific steps to build or strengthen relationships with Jewish people and institutions.
Source: Newsline 2/20/2004
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Mount Morris church shelters children evacuated from elementary school fire.
In 2001, when the principal of the David L. Rahn Elementary School walked across the street to assess Mt. Morris (Ill.) Church of the Brethren as a site for evacuations, the church promptly gave the okay. As church leadership changed over the years, the arrangement with the school was largely forgotten.
"Then there was the fire," pastor Lisa Hufford said. On Feb. 12, a swiftly moving fire destroyed the school. More than 300 children were evacuated to the church. "They say it was a miracle they got every child out," said Hufford. "Not even one child was injured."
At least 40 fire companies responded, and the church became the warming place and food center for close to 200 firefighters. Soon the church was hosting school meetings and became a distribution center. The quick evacuation meant the loss of everything in the building. "Children were walking over the snow to the church without their coats. Some of them didn't even have shoes on," Hufford said. After the news media relayed the need, truckloads of food and cold-weather clothing began arriving. "Before we knew it, we had more coats than children," Hufford said. The outpouring of aid "was amazing."
In true Brethren style the church also was very generous with facilities and food, Hufford reported. A chili supper had been planned for the next evening, and church members quickly cooked it up for the unexpected guests instead. Then they went ahead and held the supper as a fundraiser for those affected by the fire.
The church had viewed the school as its mission field, hosting after-school events such as Scout meetings. Now the church, as well as the community, is trying to figure out what long-term effects the loss of the school will bring. A decision about the building of a new school is pending, as the children attend in the neighboring town of Oregon.
Hufford took a moment after the fire to view the destruction from the back of the school, which borders a cemetery. "In that spot you think about what could have happened. It didn't happen. Sunday actually became a day of celebrating. We felt God's blessing."
Source: Newsline 2/20/2004
top
In 2001, when the principal of the David L. Rahn Elementary School walked across the street to assess Mt. Morris (Ill.) Church of the Brethren as a site for evacuations, the church promptly gave the okay. As church leadership changed over the years, the arrangement with the school was largely forgotten.
"Then there was the fire," pastor Lisa Hufford said. On Feb. 12, a swiftly moving fire destroyed the school. More than 300 children were evacuated to the church. "They say it was a miracle they got every child out," said Hufford. "Not even one child was injured."
At least 40 fire companies responded, and the church became the warming place and food center for close to 200 firefighters. Soon the church was hosting school meetings and became a distribution center. The quick evacuation meant the loss of everything in the building. "Children were walking over the snow to the church without their coats. Some of them didn't even have shoes on," Hufford said. After the news media relayed the need, truckloads of food and cold-weather clothing began arriving. "Before we knew it, we had more coats than children," Hufford said. The outpouring of aid "was amazing."
In true Brethren style the church also was very generous with facilities and food, Hufford reported. A chili supper had been planned for the next evening, and church members quickly cooked it up for the unexpected guests instead. Then they went ahead and held the supper as a fundraiser for those affected by the fire.
The church had viewed the school as its mission field, hosting after-school events such as Scout meetings. Now the church, as well as the community, is trying to figure out what long-term effects the loss of the school will bring. A decision about the building of a new school is pending, as the children attend in the neighboring town of Oregon.
Hufford took a moment after the fire to view the destruction from the back of the school, which borders a cemetery. "In that spot you think about what could have happened. It didn't happen. Sunday actually became a day of celebrating. We felt God's blessing."
Source: Newsline 2/20/2004
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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, Mary Dulabaum, and Jeri S. Kornegay 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 2/20/2004
top
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, Mary Dulabaum, and Jeri S. Kornegay 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 2/20/2004
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