- National Young Adult Conference meets in Colorado.
- Church of the Brethren joins the Foods Resource Bank.
- Alerts call attention to President Bush's visit to Charleston, Sudan, legislation.
- Bethany Seminary chosen for 2004 Lexington Seminar.
- Dixon congregation promotes Brethren water.
- Anti-war sign vandalized at Skyridge Church of the Brethren.
- Brethren bits: correction, Annual Conference, and much more.
Friday, July 02, 2004
NEWS
NOTE: Daily coverage of the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference will begin tomorrow, Saturday, July 3, at www.brethren.org. Reports from business sessions and other events in Charleston, W.Va., will be posted July 3-7. A summary of Conference activities will be included in the July 16 issue of Newsline.
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National Young Adult Conference meets in Colorado.
More than 250 Brethren in the 18 to 35 age range converged on Winter Park, Colo., June 14 to 18 for a powerful and energetic week in the Rocky Mountains.
Worship formed the heart of this National Young Adult Conference (NYAC), with daily morning and evening services. Tony Campolo, the General Board's general secretary Stan Noffsinger, Belita Mitchell, Angie Lahman Yoder, and Susan Boyer all spoke. Other services used only video, drama, music, and other creative outlets to share the message.
NYAC also included daily discussion-oriented workshop options (called "padares," after an African term for a "marketplace of ideas"), sharing in small community groups, late-night open mic coffeehouse sessions, and abundant free time for recreation and fellowship.
"NYAC was a great experience for meeting new people, reacquainting with old friends, for spiritual growth and renewal, and wonderful worship services," participant Sonja LeCount of Elgin, Ill., said.
Young adults generously participated in an offering of shoes, in donations at the coffeehouse ($604), and in cash offerings for On Earth Peace ($847) and the General Board ($3,468). Some also took part in a service project to clear beetle-infested wood, helping to protect healthy trees.
The General Board's Youth/Young Adult Ministry Office has long sponsored an annual Young Adult Conference, but previous events are smaller and held only over a weekend, typically at a Brethren camp.
This was the first time for a young adult conference of this length and scope. Another smaller event is planned for May 27-29, 2005, at Woodland Altars in Ohio.
More than 250 Brethren in the 18 to 35 age range converged on Winter Park, Colo., June 14 to 18 for a powerful and energetic week in the Rocky Mountains.
Worship formed the heart of this National Young Adult Conference (NYAC), with daily morning and evening services. Tony Campolo, the General Board's general secretary Stan Noffsinger, Belita Mitchell, Angie Lahman Yoder, and Susan Boyer all spoke. Other services used only video, drama, music, and other creative outlets to share the message.
NYAC also included daily discussion-oriented workshop options (called "padares," after an African term for a "marketplace of ideas"), sharing in small community groups, late-night open mic coffeehouse sessions, and abundant free time for recreation and fellowship.
"NYAC was a great experience for meeting new people, reacquainting with old friends, for spiritual growth and renewal, and wonderful worship services," participant Sonja LeCount of Elgin, Ill., said.
Young adults generously participated in an offering of shoes, in donations at the coffeehouse ($604), and in cash offerings for On Earth Peace ($847) and the General Board ($3,468). Some also took part in a service project to clear beetle-infested wood, helping to protect healthy trees.
The General Board's Youth/Young Adult Ministry Office has long sponsored an annual Young Adult Conference, but previous events are smaller and held only over a weekend, typically at a Brethren camp.
This was the first time for a young adult conference of this length and scope. Another smaller event is planned for May 27-29, 2005, at Woodland Altars in Ohio.
Church of the Brethren joins the Foods Resource Bank.
In June the Church of the Brethren, through the General Board's Global Food Crisis Fund (GFCF), joined the Foods Resource Bank (FRB), a faith-based partnership that engages congregations, land owners, farmers, and agribusiness in community Growing Projects. The Church of the Brethren is the organization's 16th member agency, joining others such as Church World Service, Lutheran World Relief, and Mennonite Central Committee.
GFCF manager Howard Royer explained how Growing Projects work: "Land is donated or rented for a year; farmers contribute time and equipment to plant, tend, and harvest the crop; and the yield is sold with the proceeds benefitting specific hunger programs abroad." The FRB coalition multiplies the donations of the projects, doubling the return through grants from sources such as the W.K. Kellogg Foundation and US AID. This year FRB members have 5,500 acres in 164 growing projects. In 2003, proceeds for hunger totaled $976,000.
Ivester Church of the Brethren, Grundy Center, Iowa, may be the first Church of the Brethren congregation to participate in the Foods Resource Bank, according to Royer. Ivester is partnering with the local Presbyterian church in a Growing Project that this year, with the Brethren co-sponsorship, is cultivating 154 acres. The crop is corn, some of which already has been pre-sold at $3 a bushel.
Royer is seeking other Church of the Brethren congregations and individuals who may be interested in exploring a Growing Project for their community. "My hope is for the Church of the Brethren to gear up with a half dozen growing projects in 2005," he wrote in a letter introducing the concept to district executives. A flier about the Foods Resource Bank will be supplied to congregations and districts this summer and a short video describing FRB is available from the GFCF office.
"The unique feature of FRB's Growing Project model is that it allows all participants to give a gift, many times a non-cash gift, and often one that only they can give, to allow people they may never meet to know the dignity and pride of feeding themselves and their families with extra to share, barter, or sell," according to FRB executive director Norm Braksik.
For more information contact Howard Royer at 800-323-8039 ext. 264 or see the FRB website www.foodsresourcebank.org.
In June the Church of the Brethren, through the General Board's Global Food Crisis Fund (GFCF), joined the Foods Resource Bank (FRB), a faith-based partnership that engages congregations, land owners, farmers, and agribusiness in community Growing Projects. The Church of the Brethren is the organization's 16th member agency, joining others such as Church World Service, Lutheran World Relief, and Mennonite Central Committee.
GFCF manager Howard Royer explained how Growing Projects work: "Land is donated or rented for a year; farmers contribute time and equipment to plant, tend, and harvest the crop; and the yield is sold with the proceeds benefitting specific hunger programs abroad." The FRB coalition multiplies the donations of the projects, doubling the return through grants from sources such as the W.K. Kellogg Foundation and US AID. This year FRB members have 5,500 acres in 164 growing projects. In 2003, proceeds for hunger totaled $976,000.
Ivester Church of the Brethren, Grundy Center, Iowa, may be the first Church of the Brethren congregation to participate in the Foods Resource Bank, according to Royer. Ivester is partnering with the local Presbyterian church in a Growing Project that this year, with the Brethren co-sponsorship, is cultivating 154 acres. The crop is corn, some of which already has been pre-sold at $3 a bushel.
Royer is seeking other Church of the Brethren congregations and individuals who may be interested in exploring a Growing Project for their community. "My hope is for the Church of the Brethren to gear up with a half dozen growing projects in 2005," he wrote in a letter introducing the concept to district executives. A flier about the Foods Resource Bank will be supplied to congregations and districts this summer and a short video describing FRB is available from the GFCF office.
"The unique feature of FRB's Growing Project model is that it allows all participants to give a gift, many times a non-cash gift, and often one that only they can give, to allow people they may never meet to know the dignity and pride of feeding themselves and their families with extra to share, barter, or sell," according to FRB executive director Norm Braksik.
For more information contact Howard Royer at 800-323-8039 ext. 264 or see the FRB website www.foodsresourcebank.org.
Alerts call attention to President Bush's visit to Charleston, Sudan, legislation.
In its most recent action alert, the General Board's Brethren Witness/Washington Office is inviting Brethren attending Annual Conference to join in a march against the war on terror as President Bush plans to visit the city on July 4. In other alerts, the office has called attention to Sudan, new nuclear weapons, and selective service legislation in Pennsylvania.
President George W. Bush will speak at 4th of July celebrations in downtown Charleston, W.Va., at the same time Brethren gather in the city for Conference. The Brethren Witness/Washington Office is coordinating efforts with local peace groups to make possible an opportunity for Brethren to express opposition to the "war on terror," a release from the office said. Conference-goers may stop by the Brethren Witness/Washington Office booth for details.
What may be a final round of peace talks between Sudan's government and southern rebels began June 27, the office reported, with the goal of a permanent ceasefire. An action alert encouraged Brethren to "remain watchful and prayerful for a true presence of peace for our friends of this central African nation.... Only the details of a comprehensive cease fire and how to implement the agreements for the south remain to be sorted out," the report said. Final negotiations were to begin June 22. The civil war between the mainly Arab and Muslim government in the north and the mainly black African and Christian rebel groups in the south has claimed at least 1.5 million lives. Violence continues in western Sudan, in the Darfur region, where militias linked to the government are carrying out what may be an attempt at genocide of the black African population. New Sudan Council of Churches leader Haruun Ruun will be at Annual Conference this week to speak on continuing challenges to peace in Sudan.
The office also issued an alert calling for support of an amendment to the defense authorization bill that would cut funds for new nuclear weapons, popularly called "mini nukes" or "bunker busters." The Kennedy-Feinstein Amendment would have eliminated funding for the Robust Nuclear Earth Penetrator (RNEP), the first of a new generation of nuclear weapons made possible by a new administration policy to reinforce the importance of nuclear weapons and lower the threshold for their use, the office reported. The defense authorization bill has passed the House and Senate, providing full funding for the RNEP, the office reported. "The energy and water appropriations bill passed the House on Friday and provides no money for the RNEP. The last step is the Senate energy and water appropriations bill, which will be marked up sometime in July. We hope to again cut the RNEP funds in the Senate subcommittee," said director Phil Jones.
Pending legislation in Pennsylvania would link automatic selective service, or draft, registration to driver's license applications. In an Action Alert, the Brethren Witness/Washington Office reported on an important development in the House version of the bill, a check box on driver's license forms allowing applicants to signify that they do not consent to register for selective service. The Washington Office urges Pennsylvania Brethren to contact House and committee leaders to keep the check box in the bill. "We have definitely had an impact on this bill," Jones said.
To receive Action Alerts or the office newsletter, send contact information including name and address or e-mail address to the Brethren Witness/Washington Office, 337 N. Carolina Ave., SE, Washington, DC 20003; 202-546-3202 or 800-785-3246; or e-mail washington_office_gb@brethren.org.
In its most recent action alert, the General Board's Brethren Witness/Washington Office is inviting Brethren attending Annual Conference to join in a march against the war on terror as President Bush plans to visit the city on July 4. In other alerts, the office has called attention to Sudan, new nuclear weapons, and selective service legislation in Pennsylvania.
President George W. Bush will speak at 4th of July celebrations in downtown Charleston, W.Va., at the same time Brethren gather in the city for Conference. The Brethren Witness/Washington Office is coordinating efforts with local peace groups to make possible an opportunity for Brethren to express opposition to the "war on terror," a release from the office said. Conference-goers may stop by the Brethren Witness/Washington Office booth for details.
What may be a final round of peace talks between Sudan's government and southern rebels began June 27, the office reported, with the goal of a permanent ceasefire. An action alert encouraged Brethren to "remain watchful and prayerful for a true presence of peace for our friends of this central African nation.... Only the details of a comprehensive cease fire and how to implement the agreements for the south remain to be sorted out," the report said. Final negotiations were to begin June 22. The civil war between the mainly Arab and Muslim government in the north and the mainly black African and Christian rebel groups in the south has claimed at least 1.5 million lives. Violence continues in western Sudan, in the Darfur region, where militias linked to the government are carrying out what may be an attempt at genocide of the black African population. New Sudan Council of Churches leader Haruun Ruun will be at Annual Conference this week to speak on continuing challenges to peace in Sudan.
The office also issued an alert calling for support of an amendment to the defense authorization bill that would cut funds for new nuclear weapons, popularly called "mini nukes" or "bunker busters." The Kennedy-Feinstein Amendment would have eliminated funding for the Robust Nuclear Earth Penetrator (RNEP), the first of a new generation of nuclear weapons made possible by a new administration policy to reinforce the importance of nuclear weapons and lower the threshold for their use, the office reported. The defense authorization bill has passed the House and Senate, providing full funding for the RNEP, the office reported. "The energy and water appropriations bill passed the House on Friday and provides no money for the RNEP. The last step is the Senate energy and water appropriations bill, which will be marked up sometime in July. We hope to again cut the RNEP funds in the Senate subcommittee," said director Phil Jones.
Pending legislation in Pennsylvania would link automatic selective service, or draft, registration to driver's license applications. In an Action Alert, the Brethren Witness/Washington Office reported on an important development in the House version of the bill, a check box on driver's license forms allowing applicants to signify that they do not consent to register for selective service. The Washington Office urges Pennsylvania Brethren to contact House and committee leaders to keep the check box in the bill. "We have definitely had an impact on this bill," Jones said.
To receive Action Alerts or the office newsletter, send contact information including name and address or e-mail address to the Brethren Witness/Washington Office, 337 N. Carolina Ave., SE, Washington, DC 20003; 202-546-3202 or 800-785-3246; or e-mail washington_office_gb@brethren.org.
Bethany Seminary chosen for 2004 Lexington Seminar.
Bethany Theological Seminary, the Church of the Brethren graduate school for theological education in Richmond, Ind., has accepted an invitation to participate in the 2004 Lexington Seminar, a project that supports the faculty, president, and dean of the seminary working together on an issue critical for the institution. Participating seminaries also collaborate with the other four schools chosen in that year.
The seminar is sponsored by Lexington Theological Seminary and supported by Lilly Endowment, Inc. Criteria for selection include demonstrated academic integrity and excellence, faculty and administration committed to working together to improve teaching and learning for the ministries of the church, and stability needed to implement a project that will affect the way the institution carries out its mission, according to a release from the seminary.
"This comes at a particularly apt time for Bethany," noted president Eugene F. Roop. "Together with the board, Bethany's faculty and administration are at work identifying several specific strategic initiatives that have priority in the next few years, and preparing a self study for accreditation review in 2006. The Lexington Seminar will provide an important venue in our efforts to more effectively bring together the teachings of professors, the learning of students, and the mission of the seminary."
Bethany Theological Seminary, the Church of the Brethren graduate school for theological education in Richmond, Ind., has accepted an invitation to participate in the 2004 Lexington Seminar, a project that supports the faculty, president, and dean of the seminary working together on an issue critical for the institution. Participating seminaries also collaborate with the other four schools chosen in that year.
The seminar is sponsored by Lexington Theological Seminary and supported by Lilly Endowment, Inc. Criteria for selection include demonstrated academic integrity and excellence, faculty and administration committed to working together to improve teaching and learning for the ministries of the church, and stability needed to implement a project that will affect the way the institution carries out its mission, according to a release from the seminary.
"This comes at a particularly apt time for Bethany," noted president Eugene F. Roop. "Together with the board, Bethany's faculty and administration are at work identifying several specific strategic initiatives that have priority in the next few years, and preparing a self study for accreditation review in 2006. The Lexington Seminar will provide an important venue in our efforts to more effectively bring together the teachings of professors, the learning of students, and the mission of the seminary."
Dixon congregation promotes Brethren water.
"Our thoughts were, we need to get out into the public and tell people who we are," said Guy Ball, one of the people behind a project to use "Brethren water" as a promotional tool for Church of the Brethren congregations. The project was begun by the Witness Commission of the Dixon (Ill.) Church of the Brethren, which has invested seed funds to have bottled water produced with a Church of the Brethren label.
The labels on the 16.9-fluid-ounce bottles of water that the Dixon church has produced read, "Church of the Brethren, Continuing the work of Jesus, Peacefully, Simply, Together," and feature the denominational logo and the scripture text John 4:13-14.
Ball, a handyman and Dixon's deacon chair and custodian, got the idea when he saw bottled water with a lumber company's name on the label. He found out that his church could have bottles produced for 50 cents each, from a supplier who would personalize the label. It seemed like a wonderful fund raiser and a unique opportunity to promote the church, as well as the denomination.
Since then the Dixon congregation, which is hosting the Illinois/Wisconsin District Conference this year, has presented the idea to the conference planning committee and has approached other congregations that may be interested in using the water for their own fundraising and promotional projects, Ball said. Congregations can have bottles personalized with their names and other information. Ball also has thought of using the water for disaster relief. "Wouldn't it have been wonderful to have had cases to give away following tornados" that recently struck a town in Illinois, he commented.
To make sure the water would be of good quality, Ball personally visited the bottling plant and met with quality control staff. "The water speaks for itself," he said of the purified deep-well water that fills the Brethren bottles. "It's very good water." For more information e-mail Guy Ball at ball602@myfam.com.
Source: Newsline 7/02/2004
"Our thoughts were, we need to get out into the public and tell people who we are," said Guy Ball, one of the people behind a project to use "Brethren water" as a promotional tool for Church of the Brethren congregations. The project was begun by the Witness Commission of the Dixon (Ill.) Church of the Brethren, which has invested seed funds to have bottled water produced with a Church of the Brethren label.
The labels on the 16.9-fluid-ounce bottles of water that the Dixon church has produced read, "Church of the Brethren, Continuing the work of Jesus, Peacefully, Simply, Together," and feature the denominational logo and the scripture text John 4:13-14.
Ball, a handyman and Dixon's deacon chair and custodian, got the idea when he saw bottled water with a lumber company's name on the label. He found out that his church could have bottles produced for 50 cents each, from a supplier who would personalize the label. It seemed like a wonderful fund raiser and a unique opportunity to promote the church, as well as the denomination.
Since then the Dixon congregation, which is hosting the Illinois/Wisconsin District Conference this year, has presented the idea to the conference planning committee and has approached other congregations that may be interested in using the water for their own fundraising and promotional projects, Ball said. Congregations can have bottles personalized with their names and other information. Ball also has thought of using the water for disaster relief. "Wouldn't it have been wonderful to have had cases to give away following tornados" that recently struck a town in Illinois, he commented.
To make sure the water would be of good quality, Ball personally visited the bottling plant and met with quality control staff. "The water speaks for itself," he said of the purified deep-well water that fills the Brethren bottles. "It's very good water." For more information e-mail Guy Ball at ball602@myfam.com.
Source: Newsline 7/02/2004
Anti-war sign vandalized at Skyridge Church of the Brethren.
An anti-war sign hosted by Skyridge Church of the Brethren in Kalamazoo, Mich., during Holy Week was pulled down and damaged in repeated acts of vandalism. The large 31- by 15-foot sign was posted on the church lawn, along a busy four-lane road, at the request of a local peace group. The sign read in huge letters, "Iraq how many deaths?" and was framed with silhouettes representing men, women, and children--military and civilian—who have died in the Iraq war.
Outreach Committee co-chairperson Ineke Way, a member of the group Kalamazoo Non-Violent Opponents to War (KNOW), was instrumental in bringing the sign to the church. After worship on Palm Sunday, pastor Debbie Eisenbise led the congregation and KNOW participants in prayer dedicating the sign.
The posting of the sign was an eye opener for the community and congregation, Eisenbise said. Many people stopped by to see it up close and to place flowers on it in memory of those who have died. One woman asked for a picture to send to her father, a Vietnam veteran. Others wrote letters and made phone calls of appreciation to the church. Some made crank calls the church received one from a man self-identified as "Osama Bin Laden." Other people requested a discussion of the church's peace position, which Eisenbise explained as the Brethren understanding of Jesus Christ's message that "all war is sin."
One night, vandals pulled the leg off of one of the plywood figures on the sign. "This only helped the sign to be more representative of the many amputees who are victims of war," Eisenbise said. Another evening, someone drove a truck onto the lawn and used ropes to pull down the whole sign, which resulted in increased media attention. A radio station had a two-hour call-in program on "What do you think of the sign at Skyridge Church of the Brethren?"
The sign was taken down from the church lawn before Easter sunrise. Recently KNOW and Pax Christi posted it at a retreat center run by the Sisters of St. Joseph in Kalamazoo.
"The whole experience for the Skyridge Church was a powerful reminder of what it means to witness to our faith, and how Jesus, the Prince of Peace, brings redemption and reconciliation for all," Eisenbise said. A letter of appreciation to the church from KNOW echoed the sentiment, "We believe that we have scattered seeds in places and in ways we can't even imagine."
Source: Newsline 7/02/2004
An anti-war sign hosted by Skyridge Church of the Brethren in Kalamazoo, Mich., during Holy Week was pulled down and damaged in repeated acts of vandalism. The large 31- by 15-foot sign was posted on the church lawn, along a busy four-lane road, at the request of a local peace group. The sign read in huge letters, "Iraq how many deaths?" and was framed with silhouettes representing men, women, and children--military and civilian—who have died in the Iraq war.
Outreach Committee co-chairperson Ineke Way, a member of the group Kalamazoo Non-Violent Opponents to War (KNOW), was instrumental in bringing the sign to the church. After worship on Palm Sunday, pastor Debbie Eisenbise led the congregation and KNOW participants in prayer dedicating the sign.
The posting of the sign was an eye opener for the community and congregation, Eisenbise said. Many people stopped by to see it up close and to place flowers on it in memory of those who have died. One woman asked for a picture to send to her father, a Vietnam veteran. Others wrote letters and made phone calls of appreciation to the church. Some made crank calls the church received one from a man self-identified as "Osama Bin Laden." Other people requested a discussion of the church's peace position, which Eisenbise explained as the Brethren understanding of Jesus Christ's message that "all war is sin."
One night, vandals pulled the leg off of one of the plywood figures on the sign. "This only helped the sign to be more representative of the many amputees who are victims of war," Eisenbise said. Another evening, someone drove a truck onto the lawn and used ropes to pull down the whole sign, which resulted in increased media attention. A radio station had a two-hour call-in program on "What do you think of the sign at Skyridge Church of the Brethren?"
The sign was taken down from the church lawn before Easter sunrise. Recently KNOW and Pax Christi posted it at a retreat center run by the Sisters of St. Joseph in Kalamazoo.
"The whole experience for the Skyridge Church was a powerful reminder of what it means to witness to our faith, and how Jesus, the Prince of Peace, brings redemption and reconciliation for all," Eisenbise said. A letter of appreciation to the church from KNOW echoed the sentiment, "We believe that we have scattered seeds in places and in ways we can't even imagine."
Source: Newsline 7/02/2004
Brethren bits: correction, Annual Conference, and much more.
- In a correction to Newsline June 18, Tex Sample is the featured speaker at the Association of Brethren Caregivers' "A Seminar on Effective Ministry for, by, and with Older Adults."
- The Church of the Brethren Annual Conference begins tomorrow evening July 3 in Charleston, W.Va., with dinner programs and opening worship. Gatherings preceding Annual Conference this year include meetings of those planning and leading the Conference--Annual Conference officers, Program and Arrangements Committee, and Annual Conference coordinators--as well as Standing Committee meetings of district delegates June 30-July 3, the Ministers' Association Conference July 2-3, the Council of District Executives July 1-3, General Board meetings July 2-3, and the Fellowship of Brethren Genealogists the afternoon of July 3.
- Middle Pennsylvania District seeks a district minister to fill a full-time position beginning Jan. 1, 2005. The district is looking for a visionary leader who has experience and training in the area of congregational ministry. The preferred candidate will be an innovative person who is knowledgeable and supportive of denominational polity and skillful at adapting procedures to meet the unique needs of the district. The candidate will have an ability to work with diverse biblical and theological perspectives, and a passion for evangelism and leadership development. Qualifications include an M.Div. or related masters degree, ordination, and a minimum of seven years of pastoral or related experience. Apply by sending a letter of interest and resume via email to DistrictMinistries_gb@Brethren.org. Applicants are requested to contact three or four people to provide letters of reference. Upon receipt of resume, the candidate will be sent a Candidate Profile that must be completed and returned before the application is considered complete. The application deadline is Aug. 31.
- Join seasoned Sudan workers Phil and Louise Baldwin Rieman in a Sudan Workcamp Jan. 9-22, 2005. The workcamp is a tangible effort to rebuild in one community of this war-torn nation, and bring hope to its people. The General Board's Global Mission Partnerships office is sponsoring the event with longtime partner, the New Sudan Council of Churches. Estimated cost is $2,200. For more information contact the Riemans at plbrieman@mw.net, or call 317-546-9675.
- Disaster Child Care projects in Cortland, Neb., and Chapmansville, Lenore, and Delbarton, W.Va., have closed. In Nebraska, six child care volunteers made contact with 34 children after an F-4 tornado with 207-260 mile-per-hour winds touched down in Hallam, in Lancaster County near Lincoln, on May 22. The storms destroyed 158 homes and caused significant damage to more than 150 others in several counties. In West Virginia, nine child care volunteers served 42 children after four inches of rain in the southern section of the state. Four counties--Mingo, Raleigh, Wyoming, and Logan--repeatedly have had major flood damage and mud slides due to heavy rains. Emergency management officials estimate some 300 homes sustained major damage.
- The FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) website has featured an article about the General Board's Disaster Child Care program, complete with photos from the recent child care project in West Virginia. "Well-deserved recognition for our unsung heroes!" commented Liz Monahan-Gibson of FEMA. "The Disaster Child Care program is very fortunate to have such dedicated and supportive child care volunteers and partner agencies in our network." The article, written by FEMA public information officer Rose Marie Armstrong, explained how the program offers activities that provide emotional comfort to children affected by disasters, and makes it possible for parents to complete the application process for federal aid. The photos feature child care workers Pearl Cormany, Esther Bittinger, and Patricia A. Black. Find the article and photos at www.FEMA.gov.
- The General Board's Emergency Response program welcomed district executives Joe Detrick of Southern Pennsylvania, Stephen Abe of West Marva, and Marie Willoughby of Michigan as disaster response volunteers the week of May 31 at the Poquoson, Va., project. District executives combined skills with local Virginia volunteers, a group from Bedford, Pa., and Roy Winter, executive director of Emergency Response/Service Ministries. Maurice Curry and Ken Imhoff provided leadership as work continued on two homes that had been raised five to six feet to avoid future floods. "Thank you district executives and all volunteers for making time to help," said Winter.
- Pacific Southwest District is sponsoring a disaster response project near Julian, Calif., east of San Diego, Aug. 1-14. The wildfire clean-up project is in cooperation with Mennonite Disaster Service. The work includes clearing burned trees and cutting, stacking, and chipping wood. Volunteers must be able-bodied. Hard hats, masks to filter dust, earplugs, goggles, and chain saws are provided. District disaster coordinator Milton H. Ewert is seeking congregations and individuals who would be interested in volunteering for the project. Contact him at 209-523-9490 or e-mail mjemod@juno.com.
- "God, Democracy, and US Power: Believers Church Perspectives" is the title of a Sept. 23-25 conference hosted by Bridgewater (Va.) College and Eastern Mennonite University, with assistance from the Brethren Witness/Washington Office of the General Board, Mennonite Central Committee, and Baptist Joint Committee. This is the 15th in a series of Believers Church Conferences. Presenters representing Church of the Brethren perspectives include 2005 Annual Conference moderator Jim Hardenbrook on "Second Order of Business: Prayer by the Chaplain"; Bridgewater professor of Religion Carol Scheppard on "Yahweh's People: Covenant and Exile"; Brethren historian Donald Durnbaugh on "The Church of the Brethren Office in Washington, D.C.: Advocacy or Listening Post?"; New Community Project director David Radcliff on "There Goes the Neighborhood: Christian Engagement with a Suddenly Near World"; and Bethany Theological Seminary professor Dawn Ottoni Wilhelm, who will preach. National Council of Churches general secretary Robert W. Edgar will speak at the conference banquet. For more information and to register go to www.emu.edu/churchandpolitics.
- Bentley Peters has resigned as senior vice president of MII Management Group and Mutual Aid eXchange (MAX) effective Dec. 31. His work for the insurance and management organizations, which are related to the Church of the Brethren, included envisioning, development, and implementation of MAX since 1993. He plans to return to consulting in the Chicago area.
- Church of the Brethren environmental and peace advocate David Radcliff was a featured speaker at "H2oly Water," a training event for clergy and lay leaders in the Baltimore-Washington area, sponsored by the National Council of Churches. The June 25-28 event was one in a series based on a theological framework for understanding the importance of preserving water resources. Radcliff also spoke for the March event in the series, held in Arizona. He is director of the New Community Project, a Brethren-related nonprofit organization.
Edward Leiter to direct Information Services for the General Board.
Edward Leiter began June 28 in the position of director of Information Services for the General Board. Current director Perry Hudkins will conclude her service on July 16.
Leiter has worked at the board's New Windsor (Md.) Service Center from 1984-87 as a programmer, and since 1988 as lead programmer/analyst. He is a graduate of Elizabethtown (Pa.) College with a degree in Business Administration and a concentration in Computer Science. Following college he served in Brethren Volunteer Service. He is a member of Union Bridge (Md.) Church of the Brethren.
Edward Leiter began June 28 in the position of director of Information Services for the General Board. Current director Perry Hudkins will conclude her service on July 16.
Leiter has worked at the board's New Windsor (Md.) Service Center from 1984-87 as a programmer, and since 1988 as lead programmer/analyst. He is a graduate of Elizabethtown (Pa.) College with a degree in Business Administration and a concentration in Computer Science. Following college he served in Brethren Volunteer Service. He is a member of Union Bridge (Md.) Church of the Brethren.
Allen Kahler to lead South/Central Indiana District.
Allen Kahler has been called as district minister of South/Central Indiana District beginning Sept. 1. He and his family will move to North Manchester, Ind., in early August.
Kahler has served as pastor of Marion (Ind.) Church of the Brethren since 1995. Previously he pastored Muncie (Ind.) Church of the Brethren 1993-95, and South Whitley (Ind.) Church of the Brethren 1990-93. He also has served in volunteer positions in the district including on the Discipleship and Reconciliation Committee and as district moderator in 2003. He holds degrees from Manchester College, North Manchester, Ind., and Bethany Theological Seminary, Richmond, Ind.
Allen Kahler has been called as district minister of South/Central Indiana District beginning Sept. 1. He and his family will move to North Manchester, Ind., in early August.
Kahler has served as pastor of Marion (Ind.) Church of the Brethren since 1995. Previously he pastored Muncie (Ind.) Church of the Brethren 1993-95, and South Whitley (Ind.) Church of the Brethren 1990-93. He also has served in volunteer positions in the district including on the Discipleship and Reconciliation Committee and as district moderator in 2003. He holds degrees from Manchester College, North Manchester, Ind., and Bethany Theological Seminary, Richmond, Ind.
ABC resource highlights issue of uncompensated care.
"The Burden of Uncompensated Care in Brethren Retirement Centers and the Church" is the title of a new report in booklet form, from the Association of Brethren Caregivers (ABC). The Fellowship of Brethren Homes, a network of 23 Brethren-related retirement centers, is a ministry of ABC.
Currently Brethren homes accrue a total of $14 million in uncompensated care expenses annually, and the financial burden will only increase as future care needs for older adults increase, according to the report by ABC's Uncompensated Care Committee of Brian Black, Connie Burk Davis, Don Fecher, Tim Hissong, and Wally Landes. The report defines uncompensated care as "non-reimbursed care provided to residents...whose daily living costs are not covered by normal revenue" including residents' own assets, family ability or willingness to pay, private-pay insurance, Medicaid, and Medicare.
Uncompensated care "appears to be an insurmountable challenge" for the Brethren homes, the report says, in part because "the Church of the Brethren homes see it as their mission to care for persons even if they do not have the funds," the report said. A 2003 survey of the Brethren homes found that uncompensated care cost one facility nearly $4 million annually, or about 13 percent of its operating budget, and that several homes make annual appeals and set up "Good Samaritan" style funds to help pay for the expense. Even so, the 18 homes that responded to the survey raised only $740,342 against an expense of $14,393,615 in 2002. "That means that church support for uncompensated care amounts to 5.1 percent of the actual loss," the report said.
The report challenges individuals to take responsibility for planning for their own long-term care needs, giving several suggestions in areas such as long-term care insurance and stewardship of personal assets. The report also challenges the denomination to educate church members about the problem and to work with Brethren homes to provide care, giving suggestions for action by congregations, districts, and the homes.
The booklet will be distributed widely in the denomination—with copies to go to delegates at Annual Conference, to congregations in the Source mailing, and to district ministers and may be used by retirement centers as information for boards, prospective residents, and major donors. ABC suggests that congregations use the booklet as an educational and study piece.
For a copy of the booklet, contact Ralph McFadden at the ABC office, 800-323-8039 ext. 305 or e-mail rmcfadden_abc@brethren.org.
"The Burden of Uncompensated Care in Brethren Retirement Centers and the Church" is the title of a new report in booklet form, from the Association of Brethren Caregivers (ABC). The Fellowship of Brethren Homes, a network of 23 Brethren-related retirement centers, is a ministry of ABC.
Currently Brethren homes accrue a total of $14 million in uncompensated care expenses annually, and the financial burden will only increase as future care needs for older adults increase, according to the report by ABC's Uncompensated Care Committee of Brian Black, Connie Burk Davis, Don Fecher, Tim Hissong, and Wally Landes. The report defines uncompensated care as "non-reimbursed care provided to residents...whose daily living costs are not covered by normal revenue" including residents' own assets, family ability or willingness to pay, private-pay insurance, Medicaid, and Medicare.
Uncompensated care "appears to be an insurmountable challenge" for the Brethren homes, the report says, in part because "the Church of the Brethren homes see it as their mission to care for persons even if they do not have the funds," the report said. A 2003 survey of the Brethren homes found that uncompensated care cost one facility nearly $4 million annually, or about 13 percent of its operating budget, and that several homes make annual appeals and set up "Good Samaritan" style funds to help pay for the expense. Even so, the 18 homes that responded to the survey raised only $740,342 against an expense of $14,393,615 in 2002. "That means that church support for uncompensated care amounts to 5.1 percent of the actual loss," the report said.
The report challenges individuals to take responsibility for planning for their own long-term care needs, giving several suggestions in areas such as long-term care insurance and stewardship of personal assets. The report also challenges the denomination to educate church members about the problem and to work with Brethren homes to provide care, giving suggestions for action by congregations, districts, and the homes.
The booklet will be distributed widely in the denomination—with copies to go to delegates at Annual Conference, to congregations in the Source mailing, and to district ministers and may be used by retirement centers as information for boards, prospective residents, and major donors. ABC suggests that congregations use the booklet as an educational and study piece.
For a copy of the booklet, contact Ralph McFadden at the ABC office, 800-323-8039 ext. 305 or e-mail rmcfadden_abc@brethren.org.
Mission coordinator learns from Dominican church leader's disappointment and faith.
(Author Irvin Heishman and his wife, Nancy, are Dominican Republic mission coordinators for the General Board.)
Sister Anastasia Buena is the daughter of Haitian immigrants who moved to the Dominican Republic to work in the sugar cane industry. Earning less than a dollar a day cutting sugar cane was a vast improvement over what her family ever could have hoped for in Haiti. Still, a daily struggle to survive, hunger, and shortages have been part and parcel of her life.
Somehow, within these profound limitations, she has flourished. As a dedicated Christian woman, she has a dignity reflecting her inner knowledge that she is a child of God. She has become a respected leader of Iglesia de Los Hermanos (Church of the Brethren) in the Dominican Republic, where she and her husband co-pastor of one of the largest and fastest growing congregations. The theological education program of the Church of the Brethren has allowed her to sharpen her leadership skills. She leads with gentleness and grace, but when she stands up to sing or pray, a sudden joyful power breaks forth from her that leaves no doubt about the source of her strength. This past year she was elected moderator of Iglesia de Los Hermanos, becoming the first person of Haitian ancestry to hold this position.
Moderators of the Dominican church are given the dream of a lifetime, to travel to the United States to share with American Brethren at Annual Conference. Sister Anastasia was thrilled about this possibility. But she comes from a different world. The US consulate was closed on the day she had an appointment for her visa interview. This scheduling error meant that the next day, employees at the consulate rushed through interviews for hundreds of people who mistakenly had been scheduled the day before. As she entered the consulate, I prayed that God would part the waters for her, as he did for the ancient Hebrews, and that Annual Conference would have the blessing of hearing from this great leader in its Dominican mission.
Maybe it was her dark skin, clearly Haitian. Maybe it was that she was obviously poor, and thus was considered likely to stay in the US for economic reasons. Maybe it had something to do with the war in Iraq. Possibly she was considered a security risk. Filled with a host of suspicions and pressures, the consulate employee barely looked at her, dashed through her interview, and chose not to read any of her carefully prepared documents including a letter of invitation from the General Board and documentation of why she would return home following her visit. Without giving her a fair chance, he denied her visa. A great opportunity for good suddenly vanished.
In moments like this, Sister Anastasia has a great advantage over me. She doesn't expect life to be fair. She has learned to flourish in Christ within the strict limitations and blows of injustice. Not that the disappointment doesn't hurt, of course. On the other hand, I do expect life to be fair, so I could barely stomach the way she was treated by my government. I fought in my mind against the notion that life can be so unfair for some, while I have every liberty and opportunity I could ever want. I have not figured out the strange ways of God who does not part the waters for some and yet enables them to flourish, "Hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed" (2 Cor. 4:8-9).
In the Dominican Republic, as I experience in this setting the harsh injustices of the world, I yearn to tap more profoundly into that fountain of sustaining faith that doesn't depend on justice or opportunity or fairness to thrive.
(Author Irvin Heishman and his wife, Nancy, are Dominican Republic mission coordinators for the General Board.)
Sister Anastasia Buena is the daughter of Haitian immigrants who moved to the Dominican Republic to work in the sugar cane industry. Earning less than a dollar a day cutting sugar cane was a vast improvement over what her family ever could have hoped for in Haiti. Still, a daily struggle to survive, hunger, and shortages have been part and parcel of her life.
Somehow, within these profound limitations, she has flourished. As a dedicated Christian woman, she has a dignity reflecting her inner knowledge that she is a child of God. She has become a respected leader of Iglesia de Los Hermanos (Church of the Brethren) in the Dominican Republic, where she and her husband co-pastor of one of the largest and fastest growing congregations. The theological education program of the Church of the Brethren has allowed her to sharpen her leadership skills. She leads with gentleness and grace, but when she stands up to sing or pray, a sudden joyful power breaks forth from her that leaves no doubt about the source of her strength. This past year she was elected moderator of Iglesia de Los Hermanos, becoming the first person of Haitian ancestry to hold this position.
Moderators of the Dominican church are given the dream of a lifetime, to travel to the United States to share with American Brethren at Annual Conference. Sister Anastasia was thrilled about this possibility. But she comes from a different world. The US consulate was closed on the day she had an appointment for her visa interview. This scheduling error meant that the next day, employees at the consulate rushed through interviews for hundreds of people who mistakenly had been scheduled the day before. As she entered the consulate, I prayed that God would part the waters for her, as he did for the ancient Hebrews, and that Annual Conference would have the blessing of hearing from this great leader in its Dominican mission.
Maybe it was her dark skin, clearly Haitian. Maybe it was that she was obviously poor, and thus was considered likely to stay in the US for economic reasons. Maybe it had something to do with the war in Iraq. Possibly she was considered a security risk. Filled with a host of suspicions and pressures, the consulate employee barely looked at her, dashed through her interview, and chose not to read any of her carefully prepared documents including a letter of invitation from the General Board and documentation of why she would return home following her visit. Without giving her a fair chance, he denied her visa. A great opportunity for good suddenly vanished.
In moments like this, Sister Anastasia has a great advantage over me. She doesn't expect life to be fair. She has learned to flourish in Christ within the strict limitations and blows of injustice. Not that the disappointment doesn't hurt, of course. On the other hand, I do expect life to be fair, so I could barely stomach the way she was treated by my government. I fought in my mind against the notion that life can be so unfair for some, while I have every liberty and opportunity I could ever want. I have not figured out the strange ways of God who does not part the waters for some and yet enables them to flourish, "Hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed" (2 Cor. 4:8-9).
In the Dominican Republic, as I experience in this setting the harsh injustices of the world, I yearn to tap more profoundly into that fountain of sustaining faith that doesn't depend on justice or opportunity or fairness to thrive.
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. Debbie Eisenbise, Howard Royer, Helen Stonesifer, Walt Wiltschek, and Roy Winter 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.
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. Debbie Eisenbise, Howard Royer, Helen Stonesifer, Walt Wiltschek, and Roy Winter 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.
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