NEWS
Gather 'Round chosen as name for new curriculum.
OEP board discusses sowing seeds and reaping fruits of peace.
Global Food Crisis Fund supports projects of Heifer International.
Emergency Response program plans new west coast and West Virginia projects.
Youth meet at Bridgewater Roundtable and Manchester RYC.
Workshop teaches skills for conflict transformation.
Renewal event stirs up hope for the church.
The church remembers district leader Helen Constable.
"Messenger" awarded for conference coverage, design.
Brethren bits: National Youth Sunday, Nigeria delegation, and more.
PERSONNEL
Genelle Wine will serve as BVS coordinator of orientation.
Friday, April 30, 2004
Gather 'Round chosen as name for new curriculum.
Gather 'Round: Hearing and Sharing God's Good News, was chosen as the name for a new Brethren and Mennonite Sunday school curriculum by an advisory group that met April 14-17 in Elgin, Ill. The group discussed goals for the curriculum as well as theological and educational foundations, a theme scripture, Bible outlines, print pieces, printing technology, electronic media, and marketing.
The name implies "wholeness and heart," said Gwen Gustafson-Zook, a representative of Mennonite Church USA. The group envisioned the name as a call to Christians to gather around the Word, around the table of the Lord, at church and at home, and around the world in service and evangelism. The name also calls up images of Jesus gathering children to him.
The curriculum is a cooperative venture of the Church of the Brethren, Mennonite Church Canada, and Mennonite Church USA through Brethren Press and Mennonite Publishing Network (MPN). Plans call for Gather 'Round to be available in the fall 2006 as a successor to the highly successful curriculum Jubilee: God's Good News. The last quarter of Jubilee will be available in the summer 2006.
Anna Speicher, project director, emphasized that Gather 'Round will not simply be a reworking of Jubilee but will build on Jubilee's strong points. Foundational to both curricula is "respect for children as people already in relationship with God," Speicher said. The new curriculum will build on Jubilee's strengths of familiarizing children with basic Bible stories and making Sunday school a "time for learning the habits of worship, including ritual, silence, and prayer," she added.
New elements will include strengthening the partnership between church and home, embedding more teacher training in lesson plans, and increasing the serviceability of the curriculum. Also new is the way in which Bible texts are used, with the age groups all studying the same scriptures each week. This creates the opportunity for a significant new feature of Gather 'Round: a class for parents and others who care for children. The class, which may be offered for Sunday school, Bible study, or as a support group, will provide tips for talking about faith and scripture with children and opportunities for parents to grow spiritually. To her knowledge no other publisher is producing such a complete resource for parents, Speicher said.
Adults who care for children are one of six age groups to be served by the curriculum. The others are early childhood, primary, middler, junior high, and a multi-age group that could include children of all ages and adults. Multi-age lessons "will help small congregations who don't have capacity for different age groupings" as well as respond to increasing interest in intergenerational learning opportunities, Speicher said.
Another feature of the new curriculum will be its sensitivity to busy volunteer teachers who often do not have time to attend trainings or go to outside sources for lesson preparation. Lesson plans will include teacher training such as tips for dealing with age-specific issues.
Speicher is recruiting Brethren and Mennonite scholars to write biblical backgrounds for the lessons. She reports that Old Testament scholar and former Church of the Brethren general secretary Robert W. Neff has agreed to write the Bible backgrounds for the first quarter on the book of Genesis. "We will also be asking our lesson writers to emphasize Brethren and Mennonite values of peace and justice, discipleship, community, and simple living," she said, adding that the publishers expect to be able to sell the curriculum to other like-minded churches with similar values. To make the curriculum more responsive to user feedback and changing needs, lesson plans will be written new every year rather in a three-year cycle that is repeated.
The 15-member advisory group included Wendy McFadden and Jewel McNary of Brethren Press; Julie Hostetter and Del Keeney of the General Board's Congregational Life Ministries, Association of Brethren Caregivers executive director Kathy Reid, and Pam Reist, pastor of Christian nurture at Lititz Church of the Brethren, Mount Joy, Pa. For more information contact Anna Speicher at 800-323-8039 or e-mail aspeicher_gb@brethren.org.
Source: Newsline 4/30/2004 top
Gather 'Round: Hearing and Sharing God's Good News, was chosen as the name for a new Brethren and Mennonite Sunday school curriculum by an advisory group that met April 14-17 in Elgin, Ill. The group discussed goals for the curriculum as well as theological and educational foundations, a theme scripture, Bible outlines, print pieces, printing technology, electronic media, and marketing.
The name implies "wholeness and heart," said Gwen Gustafson-Zook, a representative of Mennonite Church USA. The group envisioned the name as a call to Christians to gather around the Word, around the table of the Lord, at church and at home, and around the world in service and evangelism. The name also calls up images of Jesus gathering children to him.
The curriculum is a cooperative venture of the Church of the Brethren, Mennonite Church Canada, and Mennonite Church USA through Brethren Press and Mennonite Publishing Network (MPN). Plans call for Gather 'Round to be available in the fall 2006 as a successor to the highly successful curriculum Jubilee: God's Good News. The last quarter of Jubilee will be available in the summer 2006.
Anna Speicher, project director, emphasized that Gather 'Round will not simply be a reworking of Jubilee but will build on Jubilee's strong points. Foundational to both curricula is "respect for children as people already in relationship with God," Speicher said. The new curriculum will build on Jubilee's strengths of familiarizing children with basic Bible stories and making Sunday school a "time for learning the habits of worship, including ritual, silence, and prayer," she added.
New elements will include strengthening the partnership between church and home, embedding more teacher training in lesson plans, and increasing the serviceability of the curriculum. Also new is the way in which Bible texts are used, with the age groups all studying the same scriptures each week. This creates the opportunity for a significant new feature of Gather 'Round: a class for parents and others who care for children. The class, which may be offered for Sunday school, Bible study, or as a support group, will provide tips for talking about faith and scripture with children and opportunities for parents to grow spiritually. To her knowledge no other publisher is producing such a complete resource for parents, Speicher said.
Adults who care for children are one of six age groups to be served by the curriculum. The others are early childhood, primary, middler, junior high, and a multi-age group that could include children of all ages and adults. Multi-age lessons "will help small congregations who don't have capacity for different age groupings" as well as respond to increasing interest in intergenerational learning opportunities, Speicher said.
Another feature of the new curriculum will be its sensitivity to busy volunteer teachers who often do not have time to attend trainings or go to outside sources for lesson preparation. Lesson plans will include teacher training such as tips for dealing with age-specific issues.
Speicher is recruiting Brethren and Mennonite scholars to write biblical backgrounds for the lessons. She reports that Old Testament scholar and former Church of the Brethren general secretary Robert W. Neff has agreed to write the Bible backgrounds for the first quarter on the book of Genesis. "We will also be asking our lesson writers to emphasize Brethren and Mennonite values of peace and justice, discipleship, community, and simple living," she said, adding that the publishers expect to be able to sell the curriculum to other like-minded churches with similar values. To make the curriculum more responsive to user feedback and changing needs, lesson plans will be written new every year rather in a three-year cycle that is repeated.
The 15-member advisory group included Wendy McFadden and Jewel McNary of Brethren Press; Julie Hostetter and Del Keeney of the General Board's Congregational Life Ministries, Association of Brethren Caregivers executive director Kathy Reid, and Pam Reist, pastor of Christian nurture at Lititz Church of the Brethren, Mount Joy, Pa. For more information contact Anna Speicher at 800-323-8039 or e-mail aspeicher_gb@brethren.org.
Source: Newsline 4/30/2004 top
OEP board discusses sowing seeds and reaping fruits of peace.
The On Earth Peace (OEP) Board of Directors and staff met April 16-17 at New Windsor, Md. With the theme "Sown, Grown, and Living," the group took time to reflect on how they, as individuals and as an organization, sow the seeds of peace while reaping the fruits of reconciliation. The board, led by chair Bev Weaver, continued use of the formal consensus process for discussion and decision-making.
Plans for OEP's 30th anniversary celebration were outlined, including four regional weekend events that will include two concerts and a full-day workshop each weekend. Board and staff also assessed response to the Annual Conference call to be a living peace church.
The staff described OEP programs and projects with special emphasis given to the Organizing for Peace event in La Verne, Calif., in March; OEP's participation in the ongoing ecclesiology consultation planned by the Council of District Executives and others; an 18-month conflict transformation leadership program for a group of managers at the Brethren Retirement Community in Greenville, Ohio, that is a prototype for future trainings; and the announcement of the 2004 Youth Peace Travel Team.
Committees of the board also reported. The personnel committee is working on a three-year evaluation of executive directors and the organization, in which the first year evaluation is by board and staff members, the second year by directors and staff of other Annual Conference agencies, and the third year by a wide spectrum of people and groups throughout the denomination. The committee currently is creating an evaluation tool for the third year. The nominating committee presented the resignation of Charles Kwon from the board and appointed Verdena Lee of Kent, Ohio, to complete his term. The executive committee reviewed organizational costs for board meetings with a comparison to other Church of the Brethren agencies, and determined that OEP is comparable to or somewhat under the level of expense of other agencies. The committee also explored how to build stronger connections with Latino/a communities in the Church of the Brethren. Advancement committee chair Ken Frantz led the board in "Equipping the Development Tool Box," to create a list of talking points that help people understand the mission and work of OEP.
A working group brought a draft of position descriptions for the board as a whole and for board members. The board worked in small groups to consider the position descriptions and identify competencies needed for effective board work. The working group will continue to develop descriptions to bring back to the board at its fall meeting. The board also worked on information that would be helpful to orient new board members.
David Jehnsen, liaison to Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT), reported on new developments in CPT work and organization; projects continuing in Iraq, Palestine, Columbia, and Canada; and the calling of new co-directors, Carol Rose and Doug Pritchard.
Source: Newsline 4/30/2004 top
The On Earth Peace (OEP) Board of Directors and staff met April 16-17 at New Windsor, Md. With the theme "Sown, Grown, and Living," the group took time to reflect on how they, as individuals and as an organization, sow the seeds of peace while reaping the fruits of reconciliation. The board, led by chair Bev Weaver, continued use of the formal consensus process for discussion and decision-making.
Plans for OEP's 30th anniversary celebration were outlined, including four regional weekend events that will include two concerts and a full-day workshop each weekend. Board and staff also assessed response to the Annual Conference call to be a living peace church.
The staff described OEP programs and projects with special emphasis given to the Organizing for Peace event in La Verne, Calif., in March; OEP's participation in the ongoing ecclesiology consultation planned by the Council of District Executives and others; an 18-month conflict transformation leadership program for a group of managers at the Brethren Retirement Community in Greenville, Ohio, that is a prototype for future trainings; and the announcement of the 2004 Youth Peace Travel Team.
Committees of the board also reported. The personnel committee is working on a three-year evaluation of executive directors and the organization, in which the first year evaluation is by board and staff members, the second year by directors and staff of other Annual Conference agencies, and the third year by a wide spectrum of people and groups throughout the denomination. The committee currently is creating an evaluation tool for the third year. The nominating committee presented the resignation of Charles Kwon from the board and appointed Verdena Lee of Kent, Ohio, to complete his term. The executive committee reviewed organizational costs for board meetings with a comparison to other Church of the Brethren agencies, and determined that OEP is comparable to or somewhat under the level of expense of other agencies. The committee also explored how to build stronger connections with Latino/a communities in the Church of the Brethren. Advancement committee chair Ken Frantz led the board in "Equipping the Development Tool Box," to create a list of talking points that help people understand the mission and work of OEP.
A working group brought a draft of position descriptions for the board as a whole and for board members. The board worked in small groups to consider the position descriptions and identify competencies needed for effective board work. The working group will continue to develop descriptions to bring back to the board at its fall meeting. The board also worked on information that would be helpful to orient new board members.
David Jehnsen, liaison to Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT), reported on new developments in CPT work and organization; projects continuing in Iraq, Palestine, Columbia, and Canada; and the calling of new co-directors, Carol Rose and Doug Pritchard.
Source: Newsline 4/30/2004 top
Global Food Crisis Fund supports projects of Heifer International.
In recognition of the 60th anniversary of Heifer International (HI--formerly Heifer Project International) and the role that the Church of the Brethren played in its formation and continues today, the General Board's Global Food Crisis Fund (GFCF) has allocated $60,000 to HI-supported projects in Armenia, Zimbabwe, and Albania. The grants engage the fund in three new countries, according to GFCF manager Howard Royer, and bring the total of grant monies issued in the first four months of 2004 to a quarter of a million dollars.
In Albania, $30,000 will support a "guns for cows" program providing a pregnant cow for every two or three guns surrendered. The program is a pilot effort begun by the United Nations Disarming Program after 1997, when Albanians took more than 500,000 weapons from military depots during a time of national upheaval.
A grant of $20,000 will help improve nutrition and income of people affected by the AIDS pandemic. HI partners with four community-based groups to distribute heifers, bulls, goats, chickens, and rabbits in a densely populated farming area where the number of AIDS cases is the highest in the nation. The funds also will help provide training in livestock handling, financial management, and child care.
A grant of $10,000 has been approved for the Aigabetz "Sunrise" Project for teenage and adult orphans in Armenia. With a sizeable orphan population that lacks a social net, Armenia is experiencing a rising tide of crime and prostitution among its youth, according to GFCF's grant recommendation. The Aigabetz program aids recipients' constructive release from the trauma of childhood in an orphanage and helps their self-sufficiency by forming extended communes in which residents receive basic resources to enable them to become entrepreneurs. Each teenage orphan or orphan couple is equipped with a small tract of irrigable land, modest living space, livestock, vocational training, and seed money.
The grant for Armenia was approved shortly after the 89th anniversary of the 1915 Armenia genocide on April 18. The first international relief effort by the Church of the Brethren was for Armenia, in 1918-1921 when Brethren contributed about $267,000 according to the "Brethren Encyclopedia." Royer noted that some historians regard the Armenia relief offering as the beginning of Brethren Service.
Source: Newsline 4/30/2004 top
In recognition of the 60th anniversary of Heifer International (HI--formerly Heifer Project International) and the role that the Church of the Brethren played in its formation and continues today, the General Board's Global Food Crisis Fund (GFCF) has allocated $60,000 to HI-supported projects in Armenia, Zimbabwe, and Albania. The grants engage the fund in three new countries, according to GFCF manager Howard Royer, and bring the total of grant monies issued in the first four months of 2004 to a quarter of a million dollars.
In Albania, $30,000 will support a "guns for cows" program providing a pregnant cow for every two or three guns surrendered. The program is a pilot effort begun by the United Nations Disarming Program after 1997, when Albanians took more than 500,000 weapons from military depots during a time of national upheaval.
A grant of $20,000 will help improve nutrition and income of people affected by the AIDS pandemic. HI partners with four community-based groups to distribute heifers, bulls, goats, chickens, and rabbits in a densely populated farming area where the number of AIDS cases is the highest in the nation. The funds also will help provide training in livestock handling, financial management, and child care.
A grant of $10,000 has been approved for the Aigabetz "Sunrise" Project for teenage and adult orphans in Armenia. With a sizeable orphan population that lacks a social net, Armenia is experiencing a rising tide of crime and prostitution among its youth, according to GFCF's grant recommendation. The Aigabetz program aids recipients' constructive release from the trauma of childhood in an orphanage and helps their self-sufficiency by forming extended communes in which residents receive basic resources to enable them to become entrepreneurs. Each teenage orphan or orphan couple is equipped with a small tract of irrigable land, modest living space, livestock, vocational training, and seed money.
The grant for Armenia was approved shortly after the 89th anniversary of the 1915 Armenia genocide on April 18. The first international relief effort by the Church of the Brethren was for Armenia, in 1918-1921 when Brethren contributed about $267,000 according to the "Brethren Encyclopedia." Royer noted that some historians regard the Armenia relief offering as the beginning of Brethren Service.
Source: Newsline 4/30/2004 top
Emergency Response program plans new west coast and West Virginia projects.
Three new disaster relief projects are planned in the west coast states of California and Washington and in West Virginia by the General Board's Emergency Response program. An ongoing project in Poquoson, Va., continues as well.
In the town of Julian, Calif., Church of the Brethren volunteers will join in a fire clean-up project organized by Mennonite Disaster Service, beginning the week of Aug. 1. The clean up follows deadly wildfires that swept through southern California last October claiming 22 lives and destroying 3,631 homes. Volunteers will clear the land of burned trees, and cut, stack, and chip wood. Pacific Southwest District has committed to supply volunteers to work with the project, and volunteers from other districts are invited to participate. Contact Milton Ewert, Pacific Southwest District disaster coordinator, at 209-523-9490 or e-mail mjemod@juno.com.
In Skagit County, Wash., a flood recovery project will rebuild homes for ten low-income families. Heavy storms last October brought floods that affected dozens of homes in the county. The Church of the Brethren has been invited to participate in the project managed by the Christian Reformed World Relief Committee. Brethren from any district are welcome and encouraged to volunteer. Contact Nancy Wilkinson, Oregon-Washington District disaster coordinator, at 360-848-1827.
The Emergency Response program is gearing up for a flood recovery project in Greenbrier County, W.Va., following severe storms last November that caused flash floods and mudslides across the state. Details for the new project are not yet in place, but staff hope to get it started by late June. To volunteer or schedule a group of volunteers to work for a week in the summer, call Emergency Response staff Jane Yount at 800-451-4407 or e-mail jyount_gb@brethren.org.
Source: Newsline 4/30/2004 top
Three new disaster relief projects are planned in the west coast states of California and Washington and in West Virginia by the General Board's Emergency Response program. An ongoing project in Poquoson, Va., continues as well.
In the town of Julian, Calif., Church of the Brethren volunteers will join in a fire clean-up project organized by Mennonite Disaster Service, beginning the week of Aug. 1. The clean up follows deadly wildfires that swept through southern California last October claiming 22 lives and destroying 3,631 homes. Volunteers will clear the land of burned trees, and cut, stack, and chip wood. Pacific Southwest District has committed to supply volunteers to work with the project, and volunteers from other districts are invited to participate. Contact Milton Ewert, Pacific Southwest District disaster coordinator, at 209-523-9490 or e-mail mjemod@juno.com.
In Skagit County, Wash., a flood recovery project will rebuild homes for ten low-income families. Heavy storms last October brought floods that affected dozens of homes in the county. The Church of the Brethren has been invited to participate in the project managed by the Christian Reformed World Relief Committee. Brethren from any district are welcome and encouraged to volunteer. Contact Nancy Wilkinson, Oregon-Washington District disaster coordinator, at 360-848-1827.
The Emergency Response program is gearing up for a flood recovery project in Greenbrier County, W.Va., following severe storms last November that caused flash floods and mudslides across the state. Details for the new project are not yet in place, but staff hope to get it started by late June. To volunteer or schedule a group of volunteers to work for a week in the summer, call Emergency Response staff Jane Yount at 800-451-4407 or e-mail jyount_gb@brethren.org.
Source: Newsline 4/30/2004 top
Youth meet at Bridgewater Roundtable and Manchester RYC.
Church of the Brethren youth were at Bridgewater (Va.) and Manchester (Ind.) Colleges for regional youth conferences in March and April.
Nearly 265 youth and advisors gathered at Bridgewater March 26-28 for Roundtable, the annual Southeastern Regional Youth Conference. Roundtable 2004 was led by keynote speaker Jeff Carter, pastor of Manassas (Va.) Church of the Brethren, and entertainer and musician Joseph Helfrich. Participants explored the theme, "The Next Chapter...A Future with Hope."
Roundtable has undergone significant changes in recent years, reported Jonathan Emmons, 2003-04 president of the Interdistrict Youth Cabinet. For the second year, it included a Friday night concert and small groups, which provided opportunities for meeting new people and processing the keynote speaker's message. Roundtable 2004 marked the 60th occurrence of the event.
About 115 youth and advisors met at Manchester April 17-18. It marked the first year that the midwestern regional youth conference shifted from a Friday evening through Sunday format, to a 24-hour event beginning Saturday morning. Another new feature was a Saturday night "RYC Cafe" where youth shared a variety of talents in music, acting, and comedy.
Worship remained at the heart of the event with three celebrations focusing on the national youth theme, "Seeking, Thirsting, Longing." Christy Waltersdorff, pastor of York Center Church of the Brethren in Lombard, Ill., and Jeremy Ashworth, pastor of Lincolnshire Church of the Brethren in Fort Wayne, Ind., spoke at two of the services. The third service featured three youth--Nick Kauffman from Indiana, Jonathan Keeney from Illinois, and Colleen Hamilton from Michigan--sharing their reflections on the theme. Each service ended with a creative expression of commitment, inviting participants to scoop up sand, pour water, and light candles. The conference also included Manchester College Peace Week activities, ten workshops, and a gathering for high school seniors.
Source: Newsline 4/30/2004 top
Church of the Brethren youth were at Bridgewater (Va.) and Manchester (Ind.) Colleges for regional youth conferences in March and April.
Nearly 265 youth and advisors gathered at Bridgewater March 26-28 for Roundtable, the annual Southeastern Regional Youth Conference. Roundtable 2004 was led by keynote speaker Jeff Carter, pastor of Manassas (Va.) Church of the Brethren, and entertainer and musician Joseph Helfrich. Participants explored the theme, "The Next Chapter...A Future with Hope."
Roundtable has undergone significant changes in recent years, reported Jonathan Emmons, 2003-04 president of the Interdistrict Youth Cabinet. For the second year, it included a Friday night concert and small groups, which provided opportunities for meeting new people and processing the keynote speaker's message. Roundtable 2004 marked the 60th occurrence of the event.
About 115 youth and advisors met at Manchester April 17-18. It marked the first year that the midwestern regional youth conference shifted from a Friday evening through Sunday format, to a 24-hour event beginning Saturday morning. Another new feature was a Saturday night "RYC Cafe" where youth shared a variety of talents in music, acting, and comedy.
Worship remained at the heart of the event with three celebrations focusing on the national youth theme, "Seeking, Thirsting, Longing." Christy Waltersdorff, pastor of York Center Church of the Brethren in Lombard, Ill., and Jeremy Ashworth, pastor of Lincolnshire Church of the Brethren in Fort Wayne, Ind., spoke at two of the services. The third service featured three youth--Nick Kauffman from Indiana, Jonathan Keeney from Illinois, and Colleen Hamilton from Michigan--sharing their reflections on the theme. Each service ended with a creative expression of commitment, inviting participants to scoop up sand, pour water, and light candles. The conference also included Manchester College Peace Week activities, ten workshops, and a gathering for high school seniors.
Source: Newsline 4/30/2004 top
Workshop teaches skills for conflict transformation.
Forty church leaders from seven districts gathered at the Brethren Service Center, New Windsor, Md., on April 23 to attend "Conflict Transformation for Congregational Leaders," a Ministry of Reconciliation workshop co-sponsored by Southern Pennsylvania and Mid-Atlantic Districts and On Earth Peace (OEP). The goal of the workshop was to broaden leaders' skills and knowledge in the area of reconciliation work.
"When pastors, deacons, and other congregational leaders handle conflict effectively, the whole congregation benefits," explained Annie Clark, OEP's coordinator for conflict transformation. Overall leadership was provided by Angela Lahman-Yoder of the Circle of Peace Church of the Brethren, Glendale, Ariz., along with Bob Gross and Matt Guynn of OEP. Participants spent the morning learning the dynamics of conflict, and transformation in conflict settings. In the afternoon, participants chose one of three tracks to sharpen their reconciliation skills in meeting facilitation, deacon ministry, or pastoral ministry. Participant Earl Fowler of the Drexel Hill (Pa.) Church of the Brethren found the day "enlightening." He stated, "It was interesting and informative to find people approaching conflict in a different manner."
As part of the celebration of the thirtieth anniversary of On Earth Peace, the workshop will be offered at four sites around the country in the next year: June 12 at Bethany Church of the Brethren, New Paris, Ind.; Aug. 14 at Bridgewater (Va.) Church of the Brethren; Nov. 13 at McPherson (Kan.) Church of the Brethren; and early 2005 in Pacific Southwest District.
Source: Newsline 4/30/2004 top
Forty church leaders from seven districts gathered at the Brethren Service Center, New Windsor, Md., on April 23 to attend "Conflict Transformation for Congregational Leaders," a Ministry of Reconciliation workshop co-sponsored by Southern Pennsylvania and Mid-Atlantic Districts and On Earth Peace (OEP). The goal of the workshop was to broaden leaders' skills and knowledge in the area of reconciliation work.
"When pastors, deacons, and other congregational leaders handle conflict effectively, the whole congregation benefits," explained Annie Clark, OEP's coordinator for conflict transformation. Overall leadership was provided by Angela Lahman-Yoder of the Circle of Peace Church of the Brethren, Glendale, Ariz., along with Bob Gross and Matt Guynn of OEP. Participants spent the morning learning the dynamics of conflict, and transformation in conflict settings. In the afternoon, participants chose one of three tracks to sharpen their reconciliation skills in meeting facilitation, deacon ministry, or pastoral ministry. Participant Earl Fowler of the Drexel Hill (Pa.) Church of the Brethren found the day "enlightening." He stated, "It was interesting and informative to find people approaching conflict in a different manner."
As part of the celebration of the thirtieth anniversary of On Earth Peace, the workshop will be offered at four sites around the country in the next year: June 12 at Bethany Church of the Brethren, New Paris, Ind.; Aug. 14 at Bridgewater (Va.) Church of the Brethren; Nov. 13 at McPherson (Kan.) Church of the Brethren; and early 2005 in Pacific Southwest District.
Source: Newsline 4/30/2004 top
Renewal event stirs up hope for the church.
"Something exciting is stirring in Atlantic Northeast District," according to David Young, chair of the district's Spiritual Renewal Team that sponsored a "Ministry R&R" event for district leaders on April 27. Over 75 people attended the annual retreat, which also included ministers of Southern Pennsylvania District and was hosted by Elizabethtown (Pa.) College. At the end of a day of challenge to personal renewal and renewal of the church, participants "left feeling excited and hopeful for where God is stirring in the midst of our lives and our denomination," Young said.
"It was a day of optimism, hope, and encouragement for the pastors," said Church of the Brethren general secretary Stan Noffsinger, who was one of those who led the group through a reflective journey exploring "Vision, Identity, and Ministry," along with Annual Conference moderator-elect Jim Hardenbrook and Atlantic Northeast District executive Craig Smith.
In an opening meditation, Hardenbrook helped the group reflect on Mark 10, where Jesus asked the blind man, "What do you want me to do for you?" This became the centering question for the day. Speaking on identity, Hardenbrook also looked at what it means to be apprentices of Jesus Christ and to lead others into discipleship, and affirmed the attractiveness of Brethren identity. Exploring the topic of vision, Noffsinger challenged the group to keep its compass on the risen Christ and to live what that means in terms of the mission of the church. Smith spoke of the courage entailed in pastoral leadership. He encouraged risk-taking adventures, leading the church in the grand adventure of "living in the leap." The retreat closed with prayer groups and anointing.
Source: Newsline 4/30/2004 top
"Something exciting is stirring in Atlantic Northeast District," according to David Young, chair of the district's Spiritual Renewal Team that sponsored a "Ministry R&R" event for district leaders on April 27. Over 75 people attended the annual retreat, which also included ministers of Southern Pennsylvania District and was hosted by Elizabethtown (Pa.) College. At the end of a day of challenge to personal renewal and renewal of the church, participants "left feeling excited and hopeful for where God is stirring in the midst of our lives and our denomination," Young said.
"It was a day of optimism, hope, and encouragement for the pastors," said Church of the Brethren general secretary Stan Noffsinger, who was one of those who led the group through a reflective journey exploring "Vision, Identity, and Ministry," along with Annual Conference moderator-elect Jim Hardenbrook and Atlantic Northeast District executive Craig Smith.
In an opening meditation, Hardenbrook helped the group reflect on Mark 10, where Jesus asked the blind man, "What do you want me to do for you?" This became the centering question for the day. Speaking on identity, Hardenbrook also looked at what it means to be apprentices of Jesus Christ and to lead others into discipleship, and affirmed the attractiveness of Brethren identity. Exploring the topic of vision, Noffsinger challenged the group to keep its compass on the risen Christ and to live what that means in terms of the mission of the church. Smith spoke of the courage entailed in pastoral leadership. He encouraged risk-taking adventures, leading the church in the grand adventure of "living in the leap." The retreat closed with prayer groups and anointing.
Source: Newsline 4/30/2004 top
The church remembers district leader Helen Constable.
Helen Constable, former associate district executive for Western Pennsylvania District and a former General Board volunteer, died April 18 in West Chester, Pa. She was 76 years old.
Constable served the district for 27 years beginning as administrative assistant. She served as associate district executive for 14 years, with a focus on Christian education. Her work included planning and leading district meetings and workshops for congregations, and working with the district's age and interest group planning committees. She retired in 1992.
Along with her work for the district, she also was actively involved in Edu-care and other programs related to nurture, and served the Council of District Executives as treasurer and on its executive committee. She was licensed to the ministry in 1987 by Tire Hill (Pa.) Church of the Brethren.
After her retirement, Constable served for two and a half years, 1993-95, as volunteer coordinator for congregational resourcing for the General Board's Parish Ministries Commission and Brethren Press's then-new Jubilee curriculum. She helped introduce the curriculum to the districts, organized teacher training for district representatives, and tracked sales. "In her quiet and humble way, she was a powerhouse," remembered Brethren Press publisher Wendy McFadden. One of Constable's years as a program volunteer was spent with her husband Jim at the General Offices in Elgin, Ill.
Source: Newsline 4/30/2004 top
Helen Constable, former associate district executive for Western Pennsylvania District and a former General Board volunteer, died April 18 in West Chester, Pa. She was 76 years old.
Constable served the district for 27 years beginning as administrative assistant. She served as associate district executive for 14 years, with a focus on Christian education. Her work included planning and leading district meetings and workshops for congregations, and working with the district's age and interest group planning committees. She retired in 1992.
Along with her work for the district, she also was actively involved in Edu-care and other programs related to nurture, and served the Council of District Executives as treasurer and on its executive committee. She was licensed to the ministry in 1987 by Tire Hill (Pa.) Church of the Brethren.
After her retirement, Constable served for two and a half years, 1993-95, as volunteer coordinator for congregational resourcing for the General Board's Parish Ministries Commission and Brethren Press's then-new Jubilee curriculum. She helped introduce the curriculum to the districts, organized teacher training for district representatives, and tracked sales. "In her quiet and humble way, she was a powerhouse," remembered Brethren Press publisher Wendy McFadden. One of Constable's years as a program volunteer was spent with her husband Jim at the General Offices in Elgin, Ill.
Source: Newsline 4/30/2004 top
"Messenger" awarded for conference coverage, design.
The Church of the Brethren magazine "Messenger" received two "Best of the Christian Press" awards at the Associated Church Press convention April 20 in Toronto, Canada, in the categories of convention coverage and design.
A first-place "award of excellence" went to editor Fletcher Farrar and author Walt Wiltschek for the Annual Conference preview in the May 2003 issue, and for coverage of the conference in the August issue. In the category of design, Messenger received a second-place "award of merit" for the October 2003 issue designed by Paul Stocksdale of The Concept Mill and cover design by Debbie Noffsinger.
Source: Newsline 4/30/2004 top
The Church of the Brethren magazine "Messenger" received two "Best of the Christian Press" awards at the Associated Church Press convention April 20 in Toronto, Canada, in the categories of convention coverage and design.
A first-place "award of excellence" went to editor Fletcher Farrar and author Walt Wiltschek for the Annual Conference preview in the May 2003 issue, and for coverage of the conference in the August issue. In the category of design, Messenger received a second-place "award of merit" for the October 2003 issue designed by Paul Stocksdale of The Concept Mill and cover design by Debbie Noffsinger.
Source: Newsline 4/30/2004 top
Brethren bits: National Youth Sunday, Nigeria delegation, and more.
- Sunday May 2 is National Youth Sunday in the Church of the Brethren. In many congregations, youth will lead the service on the theme, "Seeking, Thirsting, Longing," from Psalm 63:1.
- On April 28 a delegation of Church of the Brethren leaders left for Nigeria with plans to meet with leaders of Ekklesiyar Yanuwa a Nigeria (EYN--the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria) and to view EYN programs in action. Participants included Stan Noffsinger, general secretary; Merv Keeney, executive director of Global Mission Partnerships for the General Board; Robert Krouse, who will begin as the board's mission coordinator for Nigeria this summer; and David Sollenberger, who will film the trip for a videotape related to this fall's mission offering emphasis. Noffsinger is on his first trip to the West African nation and will preach at a church in Yola on Sunday May 2. The group will return to the US on May 8.
- The Mission and Ministries Planning Council (MMPC) held a consultation on Haiti in Miami, Fla., April 19, bringing together more than a dozen invited guests to tell about their involvements in Haiti. Some of the involvements connected back to former General Board ministries to Haiti in the 1970s. Eglise des Freres Haitiens, a Haitian Church of the Brethren congregation in Miami, hosted the gathering. "Participants expressed deep passion and commitment for mission efforts of evangelism and service to Haiti," noted Stan Noffsinger, general secretary and MMPC chair. In the coming weeks, MMPC will reflect on the insights and enthusiasm shared during the event and will shape a recommendation on mission efforts in Haiti.
- The Church of the Brethren General Board seeks a full-time director of Information Services. Responsibilities will cover a technology system, management of day-to-day operations, and hardware and software systems. Knowledge and experience with an information system, skills in programming and systems analysis, and progressive administrative and leadership skills are desired. Minimum requirements are a bachelor's degree in information sciences or related field and five years' information services experience including systems analysis and design and programming involving networks. The position will be based in Elgin, Ill., or New Windsor, Md. Deadline for applications is May 19. Call Mary Lou Garrison at 800-323-8039.
- On Earth Peace (OEP) and the General Board's Brethren Witness/Washington Office seek a full-time volunteer coordinator for Decade to Overcome Violence (DOV) efforts in the Church of the Brethren. The position is offered through Brethren Volunteer Service and a two-year commitment is preferred, beginning in August or earlier. Location is negotiable. DOV is a World Council of Churches-sponsored initiative with roots in the Historic Peace Churches, supporting congregations around the world to seek reconciliation and peace. Responsibilities include encouraging congregations in efforts to reduce violence and build peace, nurturing a network of congregations, planning and/or leading events, speaking on the DOV movement, developing and promoting resources, and coordinating communication. Qualifications include a working knowledge of Christian nonviolence, familiarity with the Church of the Brethren, and ability to coordinate a denominational program. Contact Matt Guynn of OEP at 765-962-6234 or e-mail mattguynn@earthlink.net.
- Brethren Volunteer Service is in need of help. BVS is looking for past BVS unit pictures and name lists. Check the BVS website, www.brethrenvolunteerservice.org, to see if your unit picture or name list is missing. Please send missing unit photos and lists to Samuel Bowman, Brethren Volunteer Service, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120-1694 or e-mail sbowman_gb@brethren.org. Be sure to write your name and address on the back of the photo so that it can be returned, and identify the unit number and names of members.
- Tearcoat Church of the Brethren in Augusta, W.Va., was the setting of a Level I Disaster Child Care Training Workshop April 16-17. The training was a success with nine people participating. Leadership was provided by Lydia Walker, from Berkley Springs, W.Va., and Bev Abma, from Byron Center, Mich. Another Level I Training Workshop was held April 24-25 at Beacon Heights Church of the Brethren, Ft. Wayne, Ind., with 17 persons registered to attend and leadership by John Kinsel, from Dayton, Ohio, and Patricia Ronk, from Roanoke, Virginia.
- Anderson (Ind.) Church of the Brethren is hosting a "Church Health and Vitality" workshop and steak supper 4:30-8 p.m. May 6. Duane Grady, a member of the congregation's pastoral team and a staff member of the General Board's Congregational Life Teams, will give an introduction to the Natural Church Development process for church renewal and growth.
- The Leona Z. Row Eller Peace Lectureship for 2004, "Peacemaking Journeys through Playback Theater," will be performed at 7:30 p.m. May 22 at the Washington (D.C.) City Church of the Brethren. The two groups presenting the improvisatonal piece--Dumbarton Playback, a group from the United Methodist Church, and the Jubilee Troupe, a Church of the Brethren-related ensemble--also will participate in worship at the church at 11 a.m. May 23. "Peacemaking Journeys" invites the audience to recall desires for a peaceable world and share brief personal stories of peacemaking, which will be enacted on the spot.
- Two districts have new websites: Northern Plains and Virlina. Brian Gumm is working with Northern Plains to develop the site www.npcob.org, which will be linked to ecumenical partners and eventually have the capability for message board work to allow district leaders to have internet discussions. Congregations with a website address have a link to their own page and each congregation is listed with a link to MapQuest, allowing visitors to see where the church is located. "We hope this site will be a good connection between us as well as a communication piece through the web. May God bless our efforts!" said Connie Burkholder, district executive. The Virlina website is www.virlina.org and also is a work in progress, according to a report from the district asking visitors to the site to give suggestions for improvements.
- The 24th Mid-Atlantic Disaster Auction will be held May 1 at the Agricultural Center in Westminster, Md. The auction begins at 9 a.m. with general items, and the quilt auction will start at 12:30 p.m. Booths will feature everything from crafts to baked goods as well as an assortment of food. Childcare will be provided from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- The Church Life and Growth Team of Western Pennsylvania District has planned a Minister's Seminar entitled "Transitioning: Leading Your Church Through Change," for June 17, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., at Conemaugh Church of the Brethren in Johnstown, Pa. The presenter, Dan Southerland, author and founder of Church Transitions, Inc., co-sponsors events with Purpose Driven Ministries. Registration fees range from $25 per person with four registrations from the same church, to $40 per person for registrations paid after June 1. Call the district office at 814-479-7058 to receive a brochure or for further information.
- Pacific Southwest District held an "Experiencing Worship Event" April 16-17 at Imperial Heights Church of the Brethren in Los Angeles, Calif. More than 100 attended over the course of the two days, which included four worship services and nine workshops. At the opening worship, participants filled scallop shells at a fountain, responding to the scriptural invitation, "Let all who thirst come to the waters." Speakers included district executive Bryan Boyer, Imperial Heights pastor Thomas Dowdy, and Ataloa Woodin, pastor of Community Brethren Church in Fresno, Calif. Workshops focused on how to use the arts, music, multimedia, and drama in worship.
- "Thriving Beyond Boundaries" is the theme for the bi-annual convention of the Brethren/Mennonite Council for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Interests (BMC) on Oct. 9-11 near Buffalo, N.Y. The resource person for the event will be Julia Kasdorf, an author and poet whose creative work is influenced by her Mennonite upbringing. For more information visit the new BMC website, www.bmclgbt.org.
Genelle Wine will serve as BVS coordinator of orientation.
Genelle Wine, of Imperial, Neb., has accepted the position of coordinator of orientation for Brethren Volunteer Service. Currently living and studying in Germany, she previously served two years as a BVS volunteer, one of those years as assistant to the director of BVS.
Wine is a graduate of McPherson (Kan.) College and is completing an intensive German language study program at Multi Lingua in Bayreuth, Germany, while she works as an au-pair with a German family. She also was a participant in Up with People in 1998-99, and has served as a houseparent in a BVS project, Casa de Esperanza de los Ninos in Houston, Texas. She is a member of Enders (Neb.) Church of the Brethren.
Wine will begin her work with the General Board in August and will be based at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill.
Source: Newsline 4/30/2004 top
Genelle Wine, of Imperial, Neb., has accepted the position of coordinator of orientation for Brethren Volunteer Service. Currently living and studying in Germany, she previously served two years as a BVS volunteer, one of those years as assistant to the director of BVS.
Wine is a graduate of McPherson (Kan.) College and is completing an intensive German language study program at Multi Lingua in Bayreuth, Germany, while she works as an au-pair with a German family. She also was a participant in Up with People in 1998-99, and has served as a houseparent in a BVS project, Casa de Esperanza de los Ninos in Houston, Texas. She is a member of Enders (Neb.) Church of the Brethren.
Wine will begin her work with the General Board in August and will be based at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill.
Source: Newsline 4/30/2004 top
Credits
Newsline is produced by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of news services for the Church of the Brethren General Board, on the first, third, and fifth Friday of each month, with other editions as needed. Newsline stories may be reprinted provided that Newsline is cited as the source. Walt Wiltschek, Annie Clark, Jonathan Emmons, Barb Sayler, Helen Stonesifer, David Young, and Jane Yount contributed to this report.
Newsline is a free service sent only to those requesting a subscription. To receive it by e-mail, or to unsubscribe, write cobnews@aol.com or call 800-323-8039, ext. 260. Newsline is available at www.brethren.org and is archived with an index at www.wfn.org. Also see Photo Journal at www.brethren.org/pjournal/index.htm for photo coverage of events. For additional news and features, subscribe to the Church of the Brethren magazine "Messenger." Call 800-323-8039.
Source: Newsline 4/30/2004 top
Newsline is produced by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of news services for the Church of the Brethren General Board, on the first, third, and fifth Friday of each month, with other editions as needed. Newsline stories may be reprinted provided that Newsline is cited as the source. Walt Wiltschek, Annie Clark, Jonathan Emmons, Barb Sayler, Helen Stonesifer, David Young, and Jane Yount contributed to this report.
Newsline is a free service sent only to those requesting a subscription. To receive it by e-mail, or to unsubscribe, write cobnews@aol.com or call 800-323-8039, ext. 260. Newsline is available at www.brethren.org and is archived with an index at www.wfn.org. Also see Photo Journal at www.brethren.org/pjournal/index.htm for photo coverage of events. For additional news and features, subscribe to the Church of the Brethren magazine "Messenger." Call 800-323-8039.
Source: Newsline 4/30/2004 top
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)