- Violence in Darfur, Sudan, gains Brethren, international attention.
- Brethren respond by the hundreds to tornado in Pennsylvania.
- Standing Committee takes on extra business at Annual Conference meetings.
- BBT equity funds outperform industry benchmarks.
- "Covering Kids and Families" promoted by ABC.
- Brethren Academy issues call for pastor candidates for church leadership program.
- Brethren bits: Personnel, Brazil trip, and more.
Friday, July 30, 2004
NEWS
Violence in Darfur, Sudan, gains Brethren, international attention.
The Church of the Brethren has responded to genocide in the Darfur region of western Sudan with grants to aid victims of the violence. A total of $75,000 has been given in two grants from the General Board's Emergency Disaster Fund. The Brethren Witness/Washington Office has issued an action alert on the tragedy.
The violence "is being carried out by nomadic tribes that were armed by the Sudanese government," said Roy Winter, director of Emergency Response, in the grant request. "More than one million people have fled their homes to escape the looting, house burning, destruction of crops and animals, killings, and rape." Another 175,000 refugees have fled to neighboring Chad. An estimated 30,000 to 148,000 people have been killed, according to the action alert, which quoted the US AID prediction that 350,000 more face death from disease and malnutrition. With roots as far back as the 1980s, the violence pitted Arabic nomads against black African farmers and villagers and was linked to Sudan's decades‑long civil war between the Arabic and Muslim government in the north and Christian and animist rebels in the south.
Brethren funds will assist Church World Service in reaching a goal of $1,750,000 for food, medicine, water, sanitation, agricultural input and tools, and counseling for 500,000 of the most vulnerable in Darfur. Winter warned that gaining access to those in need has been difficult and some areas remain inaccessible. Only half of the 100 refugee camps in Sudan were receiving aid as of mid‑July. Aid workers reported continuing violence and atrocities despite visits by United Nations secretary general Kofi Annan and US Secretary of State Colin Powell.
Religious and humanitarian organizations have focused attention on Darfur, hoping to persuade the Sudan government to halt the violence. "The needs in Darfur and Chad are immense under any circumstances, but with the recalcitrance of the Sudanese government, the situation is of untenable and tragic proportions," said Dan Tyler, East Africa director for Church World Service.
The Brethren Witness/Washington Office has joined with organizations advocating for the violence to be designated "genocide" by the United Nations, a word that carries specific meaning under international law and requires international intervention. The US Congress already has designated the Darfur violence genocide. For information on an upcoming UN resolution on Darfur, and how to advocate for the victims of the violence with the US ambassador to the UN, call the Brethren Witness/Washington Office at 800‑785‑3246 or e‑mail washington_office_gb@brethren.org.
The Church of the Brethren has worked for decades in Sudan, with the New Sudan Council of Churches (NSCC) in the south and the Sudan Council of Churches in the north. General Board staff have served with both councils doing relief and development work, theological education, and administration. The church also supported a project translating the Bible into a Sudanese language. Haruun Ruun, executive secretary of the NSCC, was a guest at Annual Conference this year.
Source: Newsline 7/30/2004
Top
The Church of the Brethren has responded to genocide in the Darfur region of western Sudan with grants to aid victims of the violence. A total of $75,000 has been given in two grants from the General Board's Emergency Disaster Fund. The Brethren Witness/Washington Office has issued an action alert on the tragedy.
The violence "is being carried out by nomadic tribes that were armed by the Sudanese government," said Roy Winter, director of Emergency Response, in the grant request. "More than one million people have fled their homes to escape the looting, house burning, destruction of crops and animals, killings, and rape." Another 175,000 refugees have fled to neighboring Chad. An estimated 30,000 to 148,000 people have been killed, according to the action alert, which quoted the US AID prediction that 350,000 more face death from disease and malnutrition. With roots as far back as the 1980s, the violence pitted Arabic nomads against black African farmers and villagers and was linked to Sudan's decades‑long civil war between the Arabic and Muslim government in the north and Christian and animist rebels in the south.
Brethren funds will assist Church World Service in reaching a goal of $1,750,000 for food, medicine, water, sanitation, agricultural input and tools, and counseling for 500,000 of the most vulnerable in Darfur. Winter warned that gaining access to those in need has been difficult and some areas remain inaccessible. Only half of the 100 refugee camps in Sudan were receiving aid as of mid‑July. Aid workers reported continuing violence and atrocities despite visits by United Nations secretary general Kofi Annan and US Secretary of State Colin Powell.
Religious and humanitarian organizations have focused attention on Darfur, hoping to persuade the Sudan government to halt the violence. "The needs in Darfur and Chad are immense under any circumstances, but with the recalcitrance of the Sudanese government, the situation is of untenable and tragic proportions," said Dan Tyler, East Africa director for Church World Service.
The Brethren Witness/Washington Office has joined with organizations advocating for the violence to be designated "genocide" by the United Nations, a word that carries specific meaning under international law and requires international intervention. The US Congress already has designated the Darfur violence genocide. For information on an upcoming UN resolution on Darfur, and how to advocate for the victims of the violence with the US ambassador to the UN, call the Brethren Witness/Washington Office at 800‑785‑3246 or e‑mail washington_office_gb@brethren.org.
The Church of the Brethren has worked for decades in Sudan, with the New Sudan Council of Churches (NSCC) in the south and the Sudan Council of Churches in the north. General Board staff have served with both councils doing relief and development work, theological education, and administration. The church also supported a project translating the Bible into a Sudanese language. Haruun Ruun, executive secretary of the NSCC, was a guest at Annual Conference this year.
Source: Newsline 7/30/2004
Top
Brethren respond by the hundreds to tornado in Pennsylvania.
A tornado in central Pennsylvania prompted hundreds of Brethren volunteers to help clean up debris in the week following the July 14 storm. The F3 twister that hit Campbelltown and South Londonderry Township destroyed 32 homes and damaged dozens more, according to staff of the General Board's Emergency Response program.
The estimate of hundreds of volunteers came from Atlantic Northeast District disaster coordinator Tom Cope, who kept a record of at least 405 Brethren who did clean up. Southern Pennsylvania District disaster coordinator Leonard Stoner and district volunteers also lent support to the work, and Emergency Response director Roy Winter and assistant Diane Gosnell were among those in Pennsylvania following the tornado. In addition, a number of Brethren helped out at the Campbelltown fire hall.
Cope "discovered that there were more volunteers who responded to Campbelltown than we knew, literally unsung heroes when we don't know their names," said Gosnell. Winter told the story of a family in the Big Swatara, Hanoverdale Church of the Brethren who suffered the total loss of their house, and whose congregation was there within hours to give support. "We extend a thank you to everybody who went to a neighbor's house to help," Winter said. He asked anyone who is still in need of help following the July 14 tornado to contact his office at 800‑451‑4407.
In other news from the Emergency Response office, another tornado recovery project is planned in Hallam, Neb. The small town was nearly obliterated by an F‑4 tornado on May 22, and of the town's 170 homes only seven are repairable and the rest must be rebuilt. The General Board's Emergency Disaster Fund has allocated $15,000 for a long‑term rebuilding project to begin in early September. "We hope to get as many homes as we can framed up and dried in before winter sets in," reported Jane Yount, the General Board's disaster response coordinator. Emergency Response is looking for volunteers skilled in framing to staff the project.
Three flood recovery projects continue as well, in Poquoson, Va., following Hurricane Isabel; in Greenbrier County, W.Va., scheduled to be completed Aug. 28; and in Skagit and Snohomish Counties, Wash. To volunteer for Emergency Response projects, contact a district disaster coordinator or the Emergency Response office at 800‑451‑4407.
Source: Newsline 7/30/2004
Top
A tornado in central Pennsylvania prompted hundreds of Brethren volunteers to help clean up debris in the week following the July 14 storm. The F3 twister that hit Campbelltown and South Londonderry Township destroyed 32 homes and damaged dozens more, according to staff of the General Board's Emergency Response program.
The estimate of hundreds of volunteers came from Atlantic Northeast District disaster coordinator Tom Cope, who kept a record of at least 405 Brethren who did clean up. Southern Pennsylvania District disaster coordinator Leonard Stoner and district volunteers also lent support to the work, and Emergency Response director Roy Winter and assistant Diane Gosnell were among those in Pennsylvania following the tornado. In addition, a number of Brethren helped out at the Campbelltown fire hall.
Cope "discovered that there were more volunteers who responded to Campbelltown than we knew, literally unsung heroes when we don't know their names," said Gosnell. Winter told the story of a family in the Big Swatara, Hanoverdale Church of the Brethren who suffered the total loss of their house, and whose congregation was there within hours to give support. "We extend a thank you to everybody who went to a neighbor's house to help," Winter said. He asked anyone who is still in need of help following the July 14 tornado to contact his office at 800‑451‑4407.
In other news from the Emergency Response office, another tornado recovery project is planned in Hallam, Neb. The small town was nearly obliterated by an F‑4 tornado on May 22, and of the town's 170 homes only seven are repairable and the rest must be rebuilt. The General Board's Emergency Disaster Fund has allocated $15,000 for a long‑term rebuilding project to begin in early September. "We hope to get as many homes as we can framed up and dried in before winter sets in," reported Jane Yount, the General Board's disaster response coordinator. Emergency Response is looking for volunteers skilled in framing to staff the project.
Three flood recovery projects continue as well, in Poquoson, Va., following Hurricane Isabel; in Greenbrier County, W.Va., scheduled to be completed Aug. 28; and in Skagit and Snohomish Counties, Wash. To volunteer for Emergency Response projects, contact a district disaster coordinator or the Emergency Response office at 800‑451‑4407.
Source: Newsline 7/30/2004
Top
Standing Committee takes on extra business at Annual Conference meetings.
At its meetings at Annual Conference, alongside the usual agenda items such as reports from districts, sharing counsel with the moderator, and making recommendations on new business coming to the Conference delegates, the Standing Committee of district delegates considered two items added from the floor: discussions of hurts in the denomination, and how to receive concerns that come in ways other than through established channels.
After hearing an explanation of the rules that Conference officers follow in accepting new business for Standing Committee to consider, the group adopted a motion made by James Myer of Atlantic Northeast District to "encourage its officers to relax their rigid rules of not sharing anything they have received." The motion encouraged the use of meeting time to share concerns heard by the officers and to allow the committee to decide if there are items of business to consider.
A second action later in the Conference week created an Envisioning Committee to coordinate and plan a time during Standing Committee business specifically for envisioning, in consultation with Conference officers. The content of the envisioning time will be gathered with input from Standing Committee members, who will be responsible to conduct a session at their district conference or other venue to listen to concerns, ideas, and dreams for the church. Elected to the new committee were Kathryn Ludwick, Nathan Polzin, David Rittenhouse, and David Wysong.
Source: Newsline 7/30/2004
Top
At its meetings at Annual Conference, alongside the usual agenda items such as reports from districts, sharing counsel with the moderator, and making recommendations on new business coming to the Conference delegates, the Standing Committee of district delegates considered two items added from the floor: discussions of hurts in the denomination, and how to receive concerns that come in ways other than through established channels.
After hearing an explanation of the rules that Conference officers follow in accepting new business for Standing Committee to consider, the group adopted a motion made by James Myer of Atlantic Northeast District to "encourage its officers to relax their rigid rules of not sharing anything they have received." The motion encouraged the use of meeting time to share concerns heard by the officers and to allow the committee to decide if there are items of business to consider.
A second action later in the Conference week created an Envisioning Committee to coordinate and plan a time during Standing Committee business specifically for envisioning, in consultation with Conference officers. The content of the envisioning time will be gathered with input from Standing Committee members, who will be responsible to conduct a session at their district conference or other venue to listen to concerns, ideas, and dreams for the church. Elected to the new committee were Kathryn Ludwick, Nathan Polzin, David Rittenhouse, and David Wysong.
Source: Newsline 7/30/2004
Top
BBT equity funds outperform industry benchmarks.
For the first half of 2004, equity (stock) funds managed by Brethren Benefit Trust (BBT) significantly outperformed their comparable industry benchmarks, according to a release from the agency. "During a challenging period for investment managers, BBT achieved this performance relative to broad market indexes while pursuing its socially responsible investment goals," the release stated.
In the Brethren Pension Plan, the Common Stock Fund gained 6 percent while the Standard and Poor's 500 Index advanced 3.4 percent. The Balanced Fund returned 3.5 percent while a comparable blended index returned 2 percent. The Bond Fund matched the performance of the Lehman Brothers Government/Credit Index, with both falling .2 percent.
In the Brethren Foundation, the Domestic Stock Fund picked up 5.8 percent compared with the Standard and Poor's 500 Index 3.4 percent. The Small Cap Fund gained 10.9 percent while the Russell 2000 Index managed a 6.8 percent return. The International Stock Fund beat the Morgan Stanley Europe/Australia/Far East Index, 4.8 percent compared to 4.6. The Balanced Fund gained 3.5 percent. The Bond Fund, with a .2 percent gain, outperformed the Lehman Brothers Government/Credit Index, which lost .2 percent.
BBT reported that the Common Stock Fund and the Domestic Stock Fund benefitted from strong performance in the "value sector"‑‑stocks that investors believe are trading for less than their true market value. "The value portion of each fund gained almost 14 percent over the six‑month period, resulting in the overall strong performance for each fund," the release said.
BBT investments exclude securities of companies generating more than ten percent of their revenues from gambling, alcohol, tobacco, or prime defense contracts. Pension Plan members and Foundation investors can direct a portion of their accounts into the Community Development Investment Fund, which supports loans to community organizations. "These results for Brethren Benefit Trust investments continue to prove that investors need not give up market returns to invest in a manner consistent with their social values," said Wil Nolen, BBT president.
Source: Newsline 7/30/2004
Top
For the first half of 2004, equity (stock) funds managed by Brethren Benefit Trust (BBT) significantly outperformed their comparable industry benchmarks, according to a release from the agency. "During a challenging period for investment managers, BBT achieved this performance relative to broad market indexes while pursuing its socially responsible investment goals," the release stated.
In the Brethren Pension Plan, the Common Stock Fund gained 6 percent while the Standard and Poor's 500 Index advanced 3.4 percent. The Balanced Fund returned 3.5 percent while a comparable blended index returned 2 percent. The Bond Fund matched the performance of the Lehman Brothers Government/Credit Index, with both falling .2 percent.
In the Brethren Foundation, the Domestic Stock Fund picked up 5.8 percent compared with the Standard and Poor's 500 Index 3.4 percent. The Small Cap Fund gained 10.9 percent while the Russell 2000 Index managed a 6.8 percent return. The International Stock Fund beat the Morgan Stanley Europe/Australia/Far East Index, 4.8 percent compared to 4.6. The Balanced Fund gained 3.5 percent. The Bond Fund, with a .2 percent gain, outperformed the Lehman Brothers Government/Credit Index, which lost .2 percent.
BBT reported that the Common Stock Fund and the Domestic Stock Fund benefitted from strong performance in the "value sector"‑‑stocks that investors believe are trading for less than their true market value. "The value portion of each fund gained almost 14 percent over the six‑month period, resulting in the overall strong performance for each fund," the release said.
BBT investments exclude securities of companies generating more than ten percent of their revenues from gambling, alcohol, tobacco, or prime defense contracts. Pension Plan members and Foundation investors can direct a portion of their accounts into the Community Development Investment Fund, which supports loans to community organizations. "These results for Brethren Benefit Trust investments continue to prove that investors need not give up market returns to invest in a manner consistent with their social values," said Wil Nolen, BBT president.
Source: Newsline 7/30/2004
Top
"Covering Kids and Families" promoted by ABC.
The Association of Brethren Caregivers (ABC) is drawing Brethren attention to a national initiative of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation to increase the number of children and adults who benefit from federal and state health care coverage programs. ABC has added its name to the list of organizations working with the initiative, called "Covering Kids and Families." Previously this year, ABC joined the foundation's Cover the Uninsured Week.
The initiative works with others such as health professionals, social service organizations, and faith‑based organizations to inform families about low‑cost or free health care coverage that the foundation said is available in every state. Covering Kids and Families also works to simplify enrollment procedures and to coordinate coverage programs so that enrollees may move from one type of insurance program to another without losing coverage.
The foundation reported that of the nearly 44 million Americans without health care coverage, 8.5 million are children. "Many parents whose children qualify for coverage through SCHIP or Medicaid believe their children are not eligible," according to information from the foundation. Every August, the foundation launches a back‑to‑school campaign to encourage families whose children are uninsured to enroll in SCHIP or Medicaid. Families may call 877‑KIDS‑NOW to find out if they are eligible.
Congregations may order an action kit and other free materials online at www.coveringkidsandfamilies.org/communications/bts/kit. For more information contact ABC at 800‑323‑8039, or Covering Kids and Families at 202‑338‑7227 or visit www.coveringkidsandfamilies.org.
Source: Newsline 7/30/2004
Top
The Association of Brethren Caregivers (ABC) is drawing Brethren attention to a national initiative of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation to increase the number of children and adults who benefit from federal and state health care coverage programs. ABC has added its name to the list of organizations working with the initiative, called "Covering Kids and Families." Previously this year, ABC joined the foundation's Cover the Uninsured Week.
The initiative works with others such as health professionals, social service organizations, and faith‑based organizations to inform families about low‑cost or free health care coverage that the foundation said is available in every state. Covering Kids and Families also works to simplify enrollment procedures and to coordinate coverage programs so that enrollees may move from one type of insurance program to another without losing coverage.
The foundation reported that of the nearly 44 million Americans without health care coverage, 8.5 million are children. "Many parents whose children qualify for coverage through SCHIP or Medicaid believe their children are not eligible," according to information from the foundation. Every August, the foundation launches a back‑to‑school campaign to encourage families whose children are uninsured to enroll in SCHIP or Medicaid. Families may call 877‑KIDS‑NOW to find out if they are eligible.
Congregations may order an action kit and other free materials online at www.coveringkidsandfamilies.org/communications/bts/kit. For more information contact ABC at 800‑323‑8039, or Covering Kids and Families at 202‑338‑7227 or visit www.coveringkidsandfamilies.org.
Source: Newsline 7/30/2004
Top
Brethren Academy issues call for pastor candidates for church leadership program.
Sustaining Pastoral Excellence, the newest of the Brethren Academy's offerings for continuing education for pastors, is now receiving applications for the 2005 Advanced Foundations of Church Leadership cohort group.
Six to fifteen participants will enter and progress through the two‑year program together. The group will meet quarterly for eight four‑day sessions. "Advanced Foundations is an excellent opportunity to deepen one's spiritual grounding, to broaden the understanding of leadership models and skills, and to reflect on ministry issues in a safe learning environment," said coordinators Glenn and Linda Timmons in a release about the openings.
The Sustaining Pastoral Excellence program is designed to encourage and promote excellence in ministry. Two program tracks are available: Advanced Foundations of Church Leadership, following a structured format and curriculum; and Vital Pastor, exploring a self‑selected topic of shared interest and pastoral concern with a peer group. Sustaining Pastoral Excellence is funded by a five‑year, $2 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. to Bethany Theological Seminary through the Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership, a joint ministry of Bethany and the General Board. For application information contact the Brethren Academy at 800‑287‑8822 or e‑mail pastoralexcellence@bethanyseminary.edu.
Source: Newsline 7/30/2004
Top
Sustaining Pastoral Excellence, the newest of the Brethren Academy's offerings for continuing education for pastors, is now receiving applications for the 2005 Advanced Foundations of Church Leadership cohort group.
Six to fifteen participants will enter and progress through the two‑year program together. The group will meet quarterly for eight four‑day sessions. "Advanced Foundations is an excellent opportunity to deepen one's spiritual grounding, to broaden the understanding of leadership models and skills, and to reflect on ministry issues in a safe learning environment," said coordinators Glenn and Linda Timmons in a release about the openings.
The Sustaining Pastoral Excellence program is designed to encourage and promote excellence in ministry. Two program tracks are available: Advanced Foundations of Church Leadership, following a structured format and curriculum; and Vital Pastor, exploring a self‑selected topic of shared interest and pastoral concern with a peer group. Sustaining Pastoral Excellence is funded by a five‑year, $2 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. to Bethany Theological Seminary through the Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership, a joint ministry of Bethany and the General Board. For application information contact the Brethren Academy at 800‑287‑8822 or e‑mail pastoralexcellence@bethanyseminary.edu.
Source: Newsline 7/30/2004
Top
Brethren bits: Personnel, Brazil trip, and more.
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- Beth Rhodes and Cindy Laprade have been selected as two of the three National Youth Conference coordinators for 2006. A third position is still available and applicants are being sought. Rhodes is a graduate of Georgetown University and a member of Central Church of the Brethren, Roanoke, Va. Laprade is a graduate of Mary Washington College and a member of Antioch Church of the Brethren, Rocky Mount, Va. For the past year, Rhodes and Laprade have served as workcamp coordinators for the Youth and Young Adult Ministry Office of the General Board, through Brethren Volunteer Service.
- Bill Bennett began July 19 as accounts payable and payroll specialist for the General Board, working at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill. A native of Elgin, he coincidentally lives in the J.H. Moore house, which was built by the former "Messenger" editor in the late 1890s. Bennett, who has worked in accounting for his entire professional career, attends the Vineyard congregation in Elgin.
- Elizabeth Waas Smith started July 26 as assistant to the director of Brethren Volunteer Service, a volunteer position at the General Offices in Elgin. She is a member of Shalom Community Church of the Brethren in Ann Arbor, Mich., and is in her second year of BVS. Previously she served at Camp Myrtlewood, a Church of the Brethren camp in Myrtle Point, Ore.
- The Youth and Young Adult Office of the General Board seeks applicants for a coordinator position for National Youth Conference in 2006. The position is a 15‑month Brethren Volunteer Service placement for a college graduate, beginning the end of May 2005 through August 2006. For an application form or more information, please contact Chris Douglas, director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry, by e‑mail at cdouglas_gb@brethren.org. Applications are due no later than Sept. 30.
- Hillcrest Homes seeks a vice president of Health Services. Hillcrest is a 400‑resident Church of the Brethren retirement facility in La Verne, Calif. The position includes assisted living, Alzheimers, skilled nursing, and residential living areas. Hillcrest's master plan includes significant and positive changes for Health Services. Candidates must have excellent communication skills, leadership abilities, and collaborative abilities. NHA required, RCFE preferred. Resumes will be accepted until Sept. 17. Contact Ralph McFadden, e‑mail rmcfadden_abc@brethren.org or fax 847‑742‑5160.
- A study trip to Brazil, "Worship in the Church's Life: A Cross Cultural Learning Opportunity," will depart Sept. 12. Participants will spend nine days in Brazil experiencing worship, studying liturgy alongside Brazilian pastors, learning about Brazilian history and culture, and visiting historical sites‑‑and beaches, the brochure for the event notes. The trip is sponsored by the Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership, the General Board's Global Mission Partnerships office, and Igreja da Irmandade (the Church of the Brethren in Brazil). Participants may take the course for credit. Deadline for registrations is Aug. 9. Cost is $1,600 with a $1,000 deposit due Aug. 9. A passport is required. For a registration form contact the Brethren Academy at 765‑983‑1824 or e‑mail academy@bethanyseminary.edu.
- The General Board's Emergency Response program seeks new disaster project directors for a training that will take place at the New Windsor (Md.) Conference Center Nov. 7‑9. "Qualified candidates for this important calling will first of all be committed servant leaders, and also have excellent interpersonal skills and some construction or handyman skills," said an announcement about the event. Contact Jane Yount at 800‑451‑4407 or e‑mail jyount_gb@brethren.org.
- The next Church of the Brethren Cross Cultural Consultation and Celebration will be held in Richmond, Ind., April 21‑24, 2005. Events will be held at Bethany Theological Seminary and Richmond Church of the Brethren. Speakers and preachers will include Bethany's academic dean Steve Reid, and Fumitaka Matsuoka, a former dean at the school. For more information contact Duane Grady, the General Board's Congregational Life Team coordinator for Areas 2 and 4, at 800‑505‑1596 or e‑mail dgrady_gb@brethren.org.
- The "season" of the church year for district conferences has begun, with Missouri‑Arkansas and Oregon‑Washington already having held their annual meetings: Missouri‑Arkansas met July 23‑25 at Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar, Mo., and Oregon‑Washington met July 23‑25 at Camp Myrtlewood in Oregon, with Carol Mason Page as moderator. This weekend, three districts hold conferences: Southeastern on July 30‑Aug. 1 at Mars Hill (N.C.) College, with Tim Coulthard as moderator; Southern Plains on July 29‑31 at Nocona, Texas, with Joan Lowry as moderator; and Western Plains on July 30‑Aug. 1 at McPherson (Kan.) Church of the Brethren, with Irven Stern as moderator. The Western Plains conference on the theme, "Called to Be and Make Disciples," includes a workshop on "Basic Elements of Estate Planning."
- Western Regional Youth Conference takes place Aug. 4‑8 at the University of San Francisco on the theme, "Living in God's Hands Together," John 8:12. Speakers include Annual Conference moderator Jim Hardenbrook. The Jubilee Troupe, a Brethren‑related performance art group, will help lead worship. Brethren youth from five states are expected to attend. For more information see the Pacific Southwest District website www.pswdcob.org/youth.
- A one‑day workshop Oct. 8 on "Authentic Preaching" featuring renowned preaching authority Fred Craddock, Bandy Distinguished Professor of Preaching and New Testament Emeritus at Candler School of Theology, is sponsored by the Continuing Education Committee of Mid‑Atlantic District. The theme of the pre‑district conference event is "Overhearing the Gospel," with a theme verse of Matthew 7:29. The event will be held at Easton (Md.) Church of the Brethren and is open to all licensed and ordained clergy. Brethren clergy may earn .4 continuing education units. Cost is $35, $50 after Sept. 8. For more information or for a registration brochure, contact Mid‑Atlantic District at 410‑635‑8790.
- A 14‑person learning tour recently completed a July 10‑20 visit to Honduras. The group lived and worked in the poor village of Los Ranchos, assisting the community in the construction of a water tank. While there, the group met with women from the community, local teachers, subsistence farmers, and with Noemi de Espinoza, director of the host organization the Christian Commission for Development. Participants came from nine Church of the Brethren districts. The delegation was sponsored by the New Community Project, a Brethren‑related nonprofit organization, and led by director David Radcliff. For information about up‑coming learning tours go to www.newcommunityproject.org/learning_tours.htm.
- "Hunger No More: Faces Behind the Facts," to be broadcast nationwide on ABC beginning Oct. 24 as part of the network's "Vision and Values" series, features interviews with major figures in the fight to end hunger including National Council of Churches (NCC) general secretary Bob Edgar and Bread for the World CEO David Beckman. The interviews were conducted by an NCC film crew at a 30th anniversary celebration of Bread for the World. The documentary is one of eight prepared for ABC through the Interfaith Broadcasting Commission. Also featured in the documentary are George McGovern, Elizabeth Dole, ethicist Jeffrey Sachs, and John McCullough, CEO of Church World Service. For more information contact Pat Pattillo at 212‑870‑2048 or e‑mail wpattillo@ncccusa.org.
- The World Council of Churches' plenary commission on Faith and Order is meeting in Malaysia July 28‑Aug. 6, the commission's first meeting in a Muslim‑majority country. The commission promotes Christian unity by studying questions that have given rise to church division. Among issues to be considered at this meeting are the nature of the human person from a Christian point of view and consequences when it comes to issues like community identity, human sexuality, disabilities, and bio‑ethics; relations between ethnic and national identities and the search for the unity of the church; churches' mutual recognition of baptism; different understandings of the nature and mission of the church; and the way texts, symbols, and practices of different churches may be interpreted, communicated, and received. Commissioners also will discuss the Decade to Overcome Violence and interreligious dialogue. The theme of the meeting is "Receive one another, as Christ has received you, for the glory of God" (Rom. 15:7).
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Brethren young adults prepare for mission service.
Three young adults‑‑Matthew Haren, of Brook Park (Ohio) Community Church of the Brethren; Paul Liepelt, recently ordained by Cedar Grove Church of the Brethren, New Paris, Ohio; and Beth Gunzel, of York Center Church of the Brethren, Lombard, Ill.‑‑have been preparing for mission service with the Global Mission Partnerships office of the General Board, through an ecumenical cross‑cultural orientation in Chicago, July 11‑23. The training focused on topics such as missiology, globalization, intercultural dynamics, security, and self‑care.
Haren, a Manchester College graduate, left July 28 for a teaching assignment in history and government at Hillcrest School in Jos, Nigeria. Liepelt, a May graduate of Bethany Theological Seminary, is heading to Nigeria in a few weeks to teach at Kulp Bible College. Gunzel, a recent graduate of the University of Illinois at Chicago with a masters degree in international community development, will leave in September for the Dominican Republic where she will take up the role of consultant for the community development work begun by Jeff and Peggy Boshart as they conclude their service later this year.
"These capable young adults are exciting additions to the mission team," said Merv Keeney, executive director for Global Mission Partnerships. "It is a delight to see some of our finest young adults responding to God's call to mission service."
Source: Newsline 7/30/2004
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Three young adults‑‑Matthew Haren, of Brook Park (Ohio) Community Church of the Brethren; Paul Liepelt, recently ordained by Cedar Grove Church of the Brethren, New Paris, Ohio; and Beth Gunzel, of York Center Church of the Brethren, Lombard, Ill.‑‑have been preparing for mission service with the Global Mission Partnerships office of the General Board, through an ecumenical cross‑cultural orientation in Chicago, July 11‑23. The training focused on topics such as missiology, globalization, intercultural dynamics, security, and self‑care.
Haren, a Manchester College graduate, left July 28 for a teaching assignment in history and government at Hillcrest School in Jos, Nigeria. Liepelt, a May graduate of Bethany Theological Seminary, is heading to Nigeria in a few weeks to teach at Kulp Bible College. Gunzel, a recent graduate of the University of Illinois at Chicago with a masters degree in international community development, will leave in September for the Dominican Republic where she will take up the role of consultant for the community development work begun by Jeff and Peggy Boshart as they conclude their service later this year.
"These capable young adults are exciting additions to the mission team," said Merv Keeney, executive director for Global Mission Partnerships. "It is a delight to see some of our finest young adults responding to God's call to mission service."
Source: Newsline 7/30/2004
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Nominations are being accepted for the National Youth Cabinet.
National Youth Cabinet nominations are now being accepted for the 2005‑2006 cabinet, which will plan National Youth Conference in 2006.
High school youth entering their junior and senior years are eligible. Nominations must come from district youth advisors or district executives by Sept. 30. Nominees must have involvement and leadership at the district level as well as in their congregations.
"If you know of a youth you believe is exceptionally competent and has very strong leadership skills, please contact your district youth advisor or district executive to request they consider nominating that person," said Chris Douglas, director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry. Nomination forms are being sent to district executives and youth advisors this week.
Source: Newsline 7/30/2004
Top
National Youth Cabinet nominations are now being accepted for the 2005‑2006 cabinet, which will plan National Youth Conference in 2006.
High school youth entering their junior and senior years are eligible. Nominations must come from district youth advisors or district executives by Sept. 30. Nominees must have involvement and leadership at the district level as well as in their congregations.
"If you know of a youth you believe is exceptionally competent and has very strong leadership skills, please contact your district youth advisor or district executive to request they consider nominating that person," said Chris Douglas, director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry. Nomination forms are being sent to district executives and youth advisors this week.
Source: Newsline 7/30/2004
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Marble Furnace Church of the Brethren remembered.
"Shall we gather at the river?" This familiar question was sung by about 100 people gathered on the bank of Brush Creek in Adams County, Ohio, Sunday afternoon July 25. Shaded from the summer sun by an enormous blue and red tent, they had come to remember Marble Furnace Church of the Brethren and to dedicate the granite monument that would continue to mark its location and celebrate its 125 years of service and ministry.
The congregation had been closed by action of the Southern Ohio District Conference in October 2003 after economic change had ravaged the community and aging and death had taken their toll on the congregation. Dean Bailey, lone surviving member of the church, was determined to see that the congregation would be remembered in a respectful and lasting way. He donated artifacts of historical value from the church to the Brethren Heritage Center in Brookville, Ohio. With the remaining funds of the congregation and the income from the sale of articles of value from the church house, he arranged for the demolition of the building. He then ordered a granite monument, bearing a picture and brief history of the church, to be installed on the site as a permanent memorial.
The service of dedication for the monument included good gospel singing, remembrances by former members and friends of the church, and words of inspiration by Mark Flory Steury, district minister of Southern Ohio. It also included the transfer of the deed for the church property to the township trustees who maintain the adjoining cemetery.
The words on the monument invited those present‑‑and future generations‑‑to reflect not only on the past, but on the present and the future as well, for part of the message it bears is, "...The Brethren have a strong fundamental belief in God as taught by the Holy Bible.... It is hoped that as people pay their respects to their departed friends and family members at the adjacent cemetery, perhaps they will stop and reflect on their own salvation and belief in God." Without a sound, that memorial monument answers the question raised by the old hymn with a resounding "Yes." "We'll gather with the saints at the river that flows by the throne of God."
Source: Newsline 7/30/2004
Top
"Shall we gather at the river?" This familiar question was sung by about 100 people gathered on the bank of Brush Creek in Adams County, Ohio, Sunday afternoon July 25. Shaded from the summer sun by an enormous blue and red tent, they had come to remember Marble Furnace Church of the Brethren and to dedicate the granite monument that would continue to mark its location and celebrate its 125 years of service and ministry.
The congregation had been closed by action of the Southern Ohio District Conference in October 2003 after economic change had ravaged the community and aging and death had taken their toll on the congregation. Dean Bailey, lone surviving member of the church, was determined to see that the congregation would be remembered in a respectful and lasting way. He donated artifacts of historical value from the church to the Brethren Heritage Center in Brookville, Ohio. With the remaining funds of the congregation and the income from the sale of articles of value from the church house, he arranged for the demolition of the building. He then ordered a granite monument, bearing a picture and brief history of the church, to be installed on the site as a permanent memorial.
The service of dedication for the monument included good gospel singing, remembrances by former members and friends of the church, and words of inspiration by Mark Flory Steury, district minister of Southern Ohio. It also included the transfer of the deed for the church property to the township trustees who maintain the adjoining cemetery.
The words on the monument invited those present‑‑and future generations‑‑to reflect not only on the past, but on the present and the future as well, for part of the message it bears is, "...The Brethren have a strong fundamental belief in God as taught by the Holy Bible.... It is hoped that as people pay their respects to their departed friends and family members at the adjacent cemetery, perhaps they will stop and reflect on their own salvation and belief in God." Without a sound, that memorial monument answers the question raised by the old hymn with a resounding "Yes." "We'll gather with the saints at the river that flows by the throne of God."
Source: Newsline 7/30/2004
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Credits
Newsline is produced by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of news services for the Church of the Brethren General Board, on the first, third, and fifth Friday of each month, with other editions as needed. Newsline stories may be reprinted provided that Newsline is cited as the source. Chris Douglas, Merv Keeney, Ralph McFadden, David Radcliff, Mary Sue Rosenberger, Fred Swartz, Will Thomas, Glenn and Linda Timmons, 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 7/30/2004
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Newsline is produced by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of news services for the Church of the Brethren General Board, on the first, third, and fifth Friday of each month, with other editions as needed. Newsline stories may be reprinted provided that Newsline is cited as the source. Chris Douglas, Merv Keeney, Ralph McFadden, David Radcliff, Mary Sue Rosenberger, Fred Swartz, Will Thomas, Glenn and Linda Timmons, 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 7/30/2004
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