- African peace church delegates meet for first-ever conference.
- Disaster relief work put on hold as Florida waits for hurricane.
- Fund directs grants to Africa, Brethren 'growing projects.'
- Missouri and Arkansas District invited to 'Enter Into the Joy.'
- Southeastern District makes disciples, welcomes fellowship.
- Southern Plains restructures board, names district minister.
- Regional conference gathers youth from western states.
- Brethren bits: Personnel, NOAC, and more.
Friday, September 03, 2004
NEWS
African peace church delegates meet for first-ever conference.
Delegates of Historic Peace Churches in Africa gathered for a first-ever conference in Kenya, Aug. 8-13, under the title "Watu Kwa Amani--People of Peace." Among the 100 participants were Quakers from Kenya, Rwanda, Congo, and Burundi; Mennonites and Brethren in Christ from Congo, Burkina Faso, Tanzania, Kenya, Ethiopia, and Zimbabwe; and 22 members of Ekklesiyar Yan'uwa a Nigeria (EYN--the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria). The EYN contingent included men and women, lay and ordained, young adults and church leaders. US Brethren attended from the General Board, Bethany Theological Seminary, and Manchester College. Ecumenical guests came from the National Council of Churches in Kenya, the Association of Evangelicals in Africa, and the World Council of Churches.
"The identity 'peace church' has in the past not been central to many African churches, so taking on and reinterpreting the theological language of this historical tradition provokes much discussion," according to a release from conference organizers including Donald Miller, former general secretary of the Church of the Brethren; Scott Holland, associate professor at Bethany; and Dean Johnson, director of Plowshares at Goshen (Ind.) College. The struggle to respond with Christian nonviolence came up in report after report, indicating that a peace church identity is being forged anew in the midst of Africa's current testing and struggle, organizers said.
Brethren shared experiences of being a minority in northern Nigeria, where in some regions Muslims seek to impose Sharia law. "One of our pastors, who encouraged his congregation to find peace and not fight, had his church surrounded by Muslims on a Sunday morning," reported Bitrus Debki. "They set the church building on fire and shot all the people when they tried to escape, including the pastor. This is how it is for Christians in Kaduna State." Matthew Abdullahi Gali spoke from experiences in Kano State, in which his church was repeatedly burned. Adamu Buba described his background as a Muslim police officer who became a Christian. When churches are repeatedly burned, and Christians are attacked, some members of EYN call for revenge, the Nigerian Brethren said. "I am not a pacifist. I will not just be passive. I prefer to fight--but nonviolently!" said EYN leader Toma Ragnjiya.
Brethren in Christ delegates spoke of political violence in Zimbabwe. "Please pray for us as we work with this situation," exclaimed Patson Netha, from the Association of Evangelicals in Africa. "Churches represent one of the few remaining non-governmental entities the Zimbabwe government can talk to."
Cathy Mputu, a Mennonite, and Ramadhani Kokosi, a Quaker, talked about violence in Congo, where churches rely on prayer but also work at strengthening grassroots peace activities. Mennonite Pascal Kulungu shared accounts of conflict within the church. Siaka Traore, a Mennonite from Burkina Faso, and Quakers Phillippe Nakuwundi from Burundi and Cecile Nyiramana from Rwanda, reported on their churches' efforts to rebuild relationships after conflict and war.
"My peace depends on others' peace," said David Niyonzima, a Quaker from Burundi. "In Africa, people are basically communal. Restoration requires a whole village, and we who are members of the Historic Peace Churches must constitute a renewed village."
"Nigerian participants were overwhelmingly enthusiastic about the gathering," said Merv Keeney, the General Board's executive director of Global Mission Partnerships. "The rich exchange with other Christians and churches who are also seeking to be faithful to Christ's calls to be instruments of peace and reconciliation, even when confronted with horrific violence, was in the words of EYN President Filibus Gwama, 'powerful and affirming.' Based on the comments that I heard, I believe that the gathering helped the Nigerian church to find its voice as a peace church."
The meeting ended with denominational discussions on what new work or focus may proceed from the conference. A letter was drafted to share with other Christian churches to enlarge the process of peacemaking in Africa.
Source: Newsline 09/03/2004
top
Delegates of Historic Peace Churches in Africa gathered for a first-ever conference in Kenya, Aug. 8-13, under the title "Watu Kwa Amani--People of Peace." Among the 100 participants were Quakers from Kenya, Rwanda, Congo, and Burundi; Mennonites and Brethren in Christ from Congo, Burkina Faso, Tanzania, Kenya, Ethiopia, and Zimbabwe; and 22 members of Ekklesiyar Yan'uwa a Nigeria (EYN--the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria). The EYN contingent included men and women, lay and ordained, young adults and church leaders. US Brethren attended from the General Board, Bethany Theological Seminary, and Manchester College. Ecumenical guests came from the National Council of Churches in Kenya, the Association of Evangelicals in Africa, and the World Council of Churches.
"The identity 'peace church' has in the past not been central to many African churches, so taking on and reinterpreting the theological language of this historical tradition provokes much discussion," according to a release from conference organizers including Donald Miller, former general secretary of the Church of the Brethren; Scott Holland, associate professor at Bethany; and Dean Johnson, director of Plowshares at Goshen (Ind.) College. The struggle to respond with Christian nonviolence came up in report after report, indicating that a peace church identity is being forged anew in the midst of Africa's current testing and struggle, organizers said.
Brethren shared experiences of being a minority in northern Nigeria, where in some regions Muslims seek to impose Sharia law. "One of our pastors, who encouraged his congregation to find peace and not fight, had his church surrounded by Muslims on a Sunday morning," reported Bitrus Debki. "They set the church building on fire and shot all the people when they tried to escape, including the pastor. This is how it is for Christians in Kaduna State." Matthew Abdullahi Gali spoke from experiences in Kano State, in which his church was repeatedly burned. Adamu Buba described his background as a Muslim police officer who became a Christian. When churches are repeatedly burned, and Christians are attacked, some members of EYN call for revenge, the Nigerian Brethren said. "I am not a pacifist. I will not just be passive. I prefer to fight--but nonviolently!" said EYN leader Toma Ragnjiya.
Brethren in Christ delegates spoke of political violence in Zimbabwe. "Please pray for us as we work with this situation," exclaimed Patson Netha, from the Association of Evangelicals in Africa. "Churches represent one of the few remaining non-governmental entities the Zimbabwe government can talk to."
Cathy Mputu, a Mennonite, and Ramadhani Kokosi, a Quaker, talked about violence in Congo, where churches rely on prayer but also work at strengthening grassroots peace activities. Mennonite Pascal Kulungu shared accounts of conflict within the church. Siaka Traore, a Mennonite from Burkina Faso, and Quakers Phillippe Nakuwundi from Burundi and Cecile Nyiramana from Rwanda, reported on their churches' efforts to rebuild relationships after conflict and war.
"My peace depends on others' peace," said David Niyonzima, a Quaker from Burundi. "In Africa, people are basically communal. Restoration requires a whole village, and we who are members of the Historic Peace Churches must constitute a renewed village."
"Nigerian participants were overwhelmingly enthusiastic about the gathering," said Merv Keeney, the General Board's executive director of Global Mission Partnerships. "The rich exchange with other Christians and churches who are also seeking to be faithful to Christ's calls to be instruments of peace and reconciliation, even when confronted with horrific violence, was in the words of EYN President Filibus Gwama, 'powerful and affirming.' Based on the comments that I heard, I believe that the gathering helped the Nigerian church to find its voice as a peace church."
The meeting ended with denominational discussions on what new work or focus may proceed from the conference. A letter was drafted to share with other Christian churches to enlarge the process of peacemaking in Africa.
Source: Newsline 09/03/2004
top
Disaster relief work put on hold as Florida waits for hurricane.
The General Board's Emergency Response program has put work in Florida on hold until after Hurricane Frances, which is expected to make landfall in Florida this weekend. Three teams of Disaster Child Care volunteers have been evacuated. Frances has been downgraded from a category 4 to a category 3 storm, but is twice as large as the hurricane that hit central Florida just three weeks ago and "remains a powerful and dangerous storm," reported disaster response coordinator Jane Yount.
Disaster Child Care was just one aspect of the work that Brethren had been doing in Florida following Hurricane Charley. The Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md., had sent shipments of relief materials and Emergency Response had begun work on establishing a rebuilding project. The program also issued pleas for contributions of Gift of the Heart Health Kits and Emergency Cleanup Buckets, and began searching for a vehicle to help with the rebuilding project.
"We have been asked by the Florida Interfaith Networking in Disaster to set up a rebuilding project in Charlotte county, Port Charlotte and Punta Gorda," reported Emergency Response director Roy Winter. "Church World Service staff have also suggested we try to address some of the needs in the Orlando area, like Kissimmee, where pockets of damaged homes are not getting much attention."
Three teams of Disaster Child Care volunteers working in Orlando, Wauchula, and Kissimmee have been evacuated to the St. Petersburg area. A team working in Englewood, close to St. Petersburg, will stay in place. Child care centers will be reopened when it is safe to do so. The evacuated volunteers are being hosted in the homes of Phil Lersch and Emergency Response volunteers Glenn and Helen Kinsel. "The ER staff will be tracking the path of the storm and will move the volunteers again, if necessary," reported Helen Stonesifer of Disaster Child Care. "Hurricane Charley has had a tremendous emotional effect on everyone in Florida, especially the children,"she said. "At this time, it looks as though this will be a longterm project. Your continued support and prayers for all the victims and volunteers in Florida are greatly appreciated."
Distributions of relief materials from the Brethren Service Center to the Orlando area included shipments of health kits, cleanup kits, baby kits, school kits, and bales of blankets. On Sept. 1 Church World Service issued an "urgent request" for more health kits and clean up buckets because of continuing needs related to Hurricane Charley, and possible needs related to Frances. For more information about how to fill, pack, and ship kits and buckets, see www.churchworldservice.org.
Emergency Response added its own request for a truck or 12-passenger van to use for the rebuilding project in Florida. "A gift or longterm loan of a vehicle would be greatly appreciated," said Winter. "We need a very reliable, later model truck or van with less than 75,000 miles. We would also consider purchasing the right vehicle." Contact Winter at 800-451-4407 ext. 7 or e-mail rwinter_gb@brethren.org.
Source: Newsline 09/03/2004
top
The General Board's Emergency Response program has put work in Florida on hold until after Hurricane Frances, which is expected to make landfall in Florida this weekend. Three teams of Disaster Child Care volunteers have been evacuated. Frances has been downgraded from a category 4 to a category 3 storm, but is twice as large as the hurricane that hit central Florida just three weeks ago and "remains a powerful and dangerous storm," reported disaster response coordinator Jane Yount.
Disaster Child Care was just one aspect of the work that Brethren had been doing in Florida following Hurricane Charley. The Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md., had sent shipments of relief materials and Emergency Response had begun work on establishing a rebuilding project. The program also issued pleas for contributions of Gift of the Heart Health Kits and Emergency Cleanup Buckets, and began searching for a vehicle to help with the rebuilding project.
"We have been asked by the Florida Interfaith Networking in Disaster to set up a rebuilding project in Charlotte county, Port Charlotte and Punta Gorda," reported Emergency Response director Roy Winter. "Church World Service staff have also suggested we try to address some of the needs in the Orlando area, like Kissimmee, where pockets of damaged homes are not getting much attention."
Three teams of Disaster Child Care volunteers working in Orlando, Wauchula, and Kissimmee have been evacuated to the St. Petersburg area. A team working in Englewood, close to St. Petersburg, will stay in place. Child care centers will be reopened when it is safe to do so. The evacuated volunteers are being hosted in the homes of Phil Lersch and Emergency Response volunteers Glenn and Helen Kinsel. "The ER staff will be tracking the path of the storm and will move the volunteers again, if necessary," reported Helen Stonesifer of Disaster Child Care. "Hurricane Charley has had a tremendous emotional effect on everyone in Florida, especially the children,"she said. "At this time, it looks as though this will be a longterm project. Your continued support and prayers for all the victims and volunteers in Florida are greatly appreciated."
Distributions of relief materials from the Brethren Service Center to the Orlando area included shipments of health kits, cleanup kits, baby kits, school kits, and bales of blankets. On Sept. 1 Church World Service issued an "urgent request" for more health kits and clean up buckets because of continuing needs related to Hurricane Charley, and possible needs related to Frances. For more information about how to fill, pack, and ship kits and buckets, see www.churchworldservice.org.
Emergency Response added its own request for a truck or 12-passenger van to use for the rebuilding project in Florida. "A gift or longterm loan of a vehicle would be greatly appreciated," said Winter. "We need a very reliable, later model truck or van with less than 75,000 miles. We would also consider purchasing the right vehicle." Contact Winter at 800-451-4407 ext. 7 or e-mail rwinter_gb@brethren.org.
Source: Newsline 09/03/2004
top
Fund directs grants to Africa, Brethren 'growing projects.'
In two grants totaling $50,000, the General Board's Global Food Crisis Fund (GFCF) is supporting a Church World Service campaign to address the root causes of hunger and poverty in Africa, and is making money available to assist Church of the Brethren congregations in launching "growing projects" with the Foods Resource Bank.
An allocation of $40,000 has been given to a four-year campaign of Church World Service to address root causes of hunger and poverty affecting children, people living with HIV/AIDS, and displaced people in several regions of Africa. The Brethren funds will contribute to components of the campaign dealing with hunger and poverty alleviation, water for life, and help for people living with HIV/AIDS. The campaign is focusing on areas of Angola, Sudan, Tanzania, and the Mano River region.
Ten grants of $1,000 each will be available for Brethren congregations or groups wanting to start growing projects with the Foods Resource Bank. Growing projects engage a congregation or group in a hands-on approach to hunger, as group members grow and sell produce and donate proceeds to the development of food security abroad. The Foods Resource Bank doubles the value of the gift through foundation and government sources. For more information contact GFCF manager Howard Royer at 800-323-8039 ext. 264 or e-mail hroyer_gb@brethren.org, or visit www.brethren.org/genbd/global-mission/gfcf.htm.
A newly constituted GFCF Grants Review Panel approved the two grants. The panel members are retired General Board staff member Shantilal Bhagat, former Dominican Republic mission coordinator Becky Baile Crouse, and retired Nigeria missionary Ralph Royer.
Source: Newsline 09/03/2004
top
In two grants totaling $50,000, the General Board's Global Food Crisis Fund (GFCF) is supporting a Church World Service campaign to address the root causes of hunger and poverty in Africa, and is making money available to assist Church of the Brethren congregations in launching "growing projects" with the Foods Resource Bank.
An allocation of $40,000 has been given to a four-year campaign of Church World Service to address root causes of hunger and poverty affecting children, people living with HIV/AIDS, and displaced people in several regions of Africa. The Brethren funds will contribute to components of the campaign dealing with hunger and poverty alleviation, water for life, and help for people living with HIV/AIDS. The campaign is focusing on areas of Angola, Sudan, Tanzania, and the Mano River region.
Ten grants of $1,000 each will be available for Brethren congregations or groups wanting to start growing projects with the Foods Resource Bank. Growing projects engage a congregation or group in a hands-on approach to hunger, as group members grow and sell produce and donate proceeds to the development of food security abroad. The Foods Resource Bank doubles the value of the gift through foundation and government sources. For more information contact GFCF manager Howard Royer at 800-323-8039 ext. 264 or e-mail hroyer_gb@brethren.org, or visit www.brethren.org/genbd/global-mission/gfcf.htm.
A newly constituted GFCF Grants Review Panel approved the two grants. The panel members are retired General Board staff member Shantilal Bhagat, former Dominican Republic mission coordinator Becky Baile Crouse, and retired Nigeria missionary Ralph Royer.
Source: Newsline 09/03/2004
top
Missouri and Arkansas District invited to 'Enter Into the Joy.'
Delegates from Missouri and Arkansas District met July 23-25 at Southwest Baptist University at Bolivar, Mo. A total of 117 were registered for the conference, representing all but one congregation in the district. Guests from ten agencies of the Church of the Brethren and ecumenical partners also attended. Moderator Cindy Sanders led the conference.
A fountain and a banner portraying the theme words, "Enter Into the Joy," provided the backdrop as people from each congregation brought vessels of water forward to add to a fountain. Included in the mix was water from San Juan, P.R., collected by Steve Crouse during a recent denominational senior high workcamp.
Annual Conference moderator Jim Hardenbrook preached for the conference, and he and his wife Pam sang in the choir, reported district minister Sandy Bosserman. "It is good when you can enjoy the preaching from the likes of Hardenbrook, Youth and Young Adult Ministries director Chris Douglas, and general secretary Stan Noffsinger, to say nothing of the crooning of 'The Guys' quartet, in any given weekend," Bosserman said. The male quartet of high schoolers from Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren, Elgin, Ill., performed at Annual Conference this year.
In addition to hearing from congregations and the district board, delegates called to leadership moderator-elect Don Brooks and board members Don Lucore, Jane Davis, Ida Mae Campbell, and Tim Rohrer. Delegates also appointed a task force to determine the longterm future of the district's Historical Archives, and discussed continuing education credits for ministers. The budget for 2005 was balanced with a pair of offerings and the silent auction of a quilt that brought $9,556. Bosserman called the district to "celebrate the much that we have learned to do with little in our congregations and our district life."
In another offering received during the conference, an "Ark" for Heifer International--which celebrates its 60th anniversary this year--was filled by a couple celebrating 60 years of ordained ministry. "Heifer International representative Cleo Kottwitz reported during his presentation to the district conference that he had hopes that Brethren in Missouri-Arkansas would someday fill an Ark," said Bosserman. "The Ark Project is the largest single gift that Heifer sponsors, at $5,000. Thanks to Ethmer and Kathryn Erisman, brother Kottwitz had his hopes realized on the spot." Ethmer Erisman said that the couple "filled the ark" in recognition of their membership in the district, in New Beginnings Church of the Brethren, Warrensburg, Mo., and in memory of Mineral Creek church, Leeton, Mo., where they served for 24 years.
The conference closed as the gavel was passed to moderator Gene Sappington, who announced a theme for 2005 built around preparing in this life for life eternal with God. "Gene, who works for the Social Security Administration, suggested we strive this year to be the 'Soul Security Administration,'" Bosserman said.
Source: Newsline 09/03/2004
top
Delegates from Missouri and Arkansas District met July 23-25 at Southwest Baptist University at Bolivar, Mo. A total of 117 were registered for the conference, representing all but one congregation in the district. Guests from ten agencies of the Church of the Brethren and ecumenical partners also attended. Moderator Cindy Sanders led the conference.
A fountain and a banner portraying the theme words, "Enter Into the Joy," provided the backdrop as people from each congregation brought vessels of water forward to add to a fountain. Included in the mix was water from San Juan, P.R., collected by Steve Crouse during a recent denominational senior high workcamp.
Annual Conference moderator Jim Hardenbrook preached for the conference, and he and his wife Pam sang in the choir, reported district minister Sandy Bosserman. "It is good when you can enjoy the preaching from the likes of Hardenbrook, Youth and Young Adult Ministries director Chris Douglas, and general secretary Stan Noffsinger, to say nothing of the crooning of 'The Guys' quartet, in any given weekend," Bosserman said. The male quartet of high schoolers from Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren, Elgin, Ill., performed at Annual Conference this year.
In addition to hearing from congregations and the district board, delegates called to leadership moderator-elect Don Brooks and board members Don Lucore, Jane Davis, Ida Mae Campbell, and Tim Rohrer. Delegates also appointed a task force to determine the longterm future of the district's Historical Archives, and discussed continuing education credits for ministers. The budget for 2005 was balanced with a pair of offerings and the silent auction of a quilt that brought $9,556. Bosserman called the district to "celebrate the much that we have learned to do with little in our congregations and our district life."
In another offering received during the conference, an "Ark" for Heifer International--which celebrates its 60th anniversary this year--was filled by a couple celebrating 60 years of ordained ministry. "Heifer International representative Cleo Kottwitz reported during his presentation to the district conference that he had hopes that Brethren in Missouri-Arkansas would someday fill an Ark," said Bosserman. "The Ark Project is the largest single gift that Heifer sponsors, at $5,000. Thanks to Ethmer and Kathryn Erisman, brother Kottwitz had his hopes realized on the spot." Ethmer Erisman said that the couple "filled the ark" in recognition of their membership in the district, in New Beginnings Church of the Brethren, Warrensburg, Mo., and in memory of Mineral Creek church, Leeton, Mo., where they served for 24 years.
The conference closed as the gavel was passed to moderator Gene Sappington, who announced a theme for 2005 built around preparing in this life for life eternal with God. "Gene, who works for the Social Security Administration, suggested we strive this year to be the 'Soul Security Administration,'" Bosserman said.
Source: Newsline 09/03/2004
top
Southeastern District makes disciples, welcomes fellowship.
July 30-Aug. 1 Southeastern District Conference met at Mars Hill (N.C.) College on the theme, "Go and Make Disciples of All Nations." Tim Coulthard served as moderator for the meeting at which 34 churches were represented by 107 delegates and over 200 registered participants.
The conference unanimously approved a new fellowship called HIS Way, or Jesucristo, El Camino, along with the purchase of a house that will serve as a parsonage and a location for the church. A budget of $141,401 was approved for the coming year. Jim Hoffman, Peak Creak Church of the Brethren, Sparta, N.C., was chosen as moderator elect and Harold Rose, Cumberland Church of the Brethren, Clintwood, Va., will serve as moderator for the 2004-05 year. A quilt auction raised about $4,000 for disaster relief and the churches of the district also collected 200 Gift of the Heart school kits.
"The overall mood of the conference was good," reported Stan Noffsinger and Carol Yeazell, who were there to represent the General Board. "A sense of unity is present and there is much excitement over the planting of the new congregation in Hendersonville."
General secretary Noffsinger attended along with General Board chair Donna Shumate. In a question-and-answer session he spoke of the need for disciples and Christians to look at the simple ways in which they can contribute to the work of congregations, districts, and denomination. He challenged every person present to give two cents a day--the equivalent, he said, of one Starbuck's speciality drink--and contribute that money to the church. These gifts would go a long way to meet the current needs of the church as it seeks to share the good news, and would overcome many budget needs, he told the conference.
John Thomas, representing the board's funding program, and Yeazell, Congregational Life Team member, also shared brief reports. Yeazell led two insight sessions on a paper on Leadership Team Structure, a model that some of those attending have begun to use.
Source: Newsline 09/03/2004
top
July 30-Aug. 1 Southeastern District Conference met at Mars Hill (N.C.) College on the theme, "Go and Make Disciples of All Nations." Tim Coulthard served as moderator for the meeting at which 34 churches were represented by 107 delegates and over 200 registered participants.
The conference unanimously approved a new fellowship called HIS Way, or Jesucristo, El Camino, along with the purchase of a house that will serve as a parsonage and a location for the church. A budget of $141,401 was approved for the coming year. Jim Hoffman, Peak Creak Church of the Brethren, Sparta, N.C., was chosen as moderator elect and Harold Rose, Cumberland Church of the Brethren, Clintwood, Va., will serve as moderator for the 2004-05 year. A quilt auction raised about $4,000 for disaster relief and the churches of the district also collected 200 Gift of the Heart school kits.
"The overall mood of the conference was good," reported Stan Noffsinger and Carol Yeazell, who were there to represent the General Board. "A sense of unity is present and there is much excitement over the planting of the new congregation in Hendersonville."
General secretary Noffsinger attended along with General Board chair Donna Shumate. In a question-and-answer session he spoke of the need for disciples and Christians to look at the simple ways in which they can contribute to the work of congregations, districts, and denomination. He challenged every person present to give two cents a day--the equivalent, he said, of one Starbuck's speciality drink--and contribute that money to the church. These gifts would go a long way to meet the current needs of the church as it seeks to share the good news, and would overcome many budget needs, he told the conference.
John Thomas, representing the board's funding program, and Yeazell, Congregational Life Team member, also shared brief reports. Yeazell led two insight sessions on a paper on Leadership Team Structure, a model that some of those attending have begun to use.
Source: Newsline 09/03/2004
top
Southern Plains restructures board, names district minister.
Southern Plains District Conference was held July 29-31 at Molsbee Chapel in Nocona, Texas. "We were excited to have Jim Hardenbrook come as our guest speaker," reported new district executive Joan Lowry. "Our theme was HEY JUDE! key verse 21, 'Keep yourselves in the love of God. Looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.'" Hardenbrook is the 2005 Annual Conference moderator.
Business sessions were filled with new things happening in the district, reported Lowry, who was named as district minister by the conference. The conference restructured the district board, returning to a two-meeting format of a district conference meeting and a winter meeting, and combined the nurture and witness commissions into one commission. The conference decided that each commission will have four members and that the district board will serve on all business except when a special meeting is called, when the executive board will serve.
In other business, a new line item was added to the budget for New Church Development with funds from the sale of property from Thomas (Okla.) Church of the Brethren. It was reported that a new church start in Enid, Okla., is doing well. The pastors of the Enid church plant, Carol and Nina Coulter, requested that it be recognized as a fellowship. Waka (Texas) Church of the Brethren requested that the church be closed.
The district's camp, Spring Lake Retreat and Camp Center in Rocky, Okla., reported new developments as well, this year adding coolers to all the cabins. The Burger family reunion and the Waka congregation built a handicapped accessible restroom near the dining hall.
The conference also received reports from several agencies of the extended church. The next Southern Plains District Conference will be held Aug. 11-13, 2005, at Big Creek Church of the Brethren in Cushing, Okla.
Source: Newsline 09/03/2004
top
Southern Plains District Conference was held July 29-31 at Molsbee Chapel in Nocona, Texas. "We were excited to have Jim Hardenbrook come as our guest speaker," reported new district executive Joan Lowry. "Our theme was HEY JUDE! key verse 21, 'Keep yourselves in the love of God. Looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.'" Hardenbrook is the 2005 Annual Conference moderator.
Business sessions were filled with new things happening in the district, reported Lowry, who was named as district minister by the conference. The conference restructured the district board, returning to a two-meeting format of a district conference meeting and a winter meeting, and combined the nurture and witness commissions into one commission. The conference decided that each commission will have four members and that the district board will serve on all business except when a special meeting is called, when the executive board will serve.
In other business, a new line item was added to the budget for New Church Development with funds from the sale of property from Thomas (Okla.) Church of the Brethren. It was reported that a new church start in Enid, Okla., is doing well. The pastors of the Enid church plant, Carol and Nina Coulter, requested that it be recognized as a fellowship. Waka (Texas) Church of the Brethren requested that the church be closed.
The district's camp, Spring Lake Retreat and Camp Center in Rocky, Okla., reported new developments as well, this year adding coolers to all the cabins. The Burger family reunion and the Waka congregation built a handicapped accessible restroom near the dining hall.
The conference also received reports from several agencies of the extended church. The next Southern Plains District Conference will be held Aug. 11-13, 2005, at Big Creek Church of the Brethren in Cushing, Okla.
Source: Newsline 09/03/2004
top
Regional conference gathers youth from western states.
The hills of foggy San Francisco provided the setting for the 2004 Western Regional Youth Conference (WRYC), held Aug. 4-8 for youth in Arizona, California, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington.
About 110 people met on the University of San Francisco campus for the event, held only once every four years. Dena Gilbert, coordinator of youth and young adult ministries for Pacific Southwest District and chair of the WRYC planning committee, said she was pleased with the turnout. The region includes about 50 congregations spread over a large geographical area, making region-wide events a challenge.
The theme for this WRYC was "Living in God's Hands Together," focusing on John 8:12. Moderator-elect Jim Hardenbrook of Idaho was among guest speakers for the twice-daily worship times, done "in the round" in a beautifully decorated chapel. Each youth group was asked to bring a symbol of light to help form the worship center.
General Board Youth/Young Adult Ministries director Chris Douglas, David Radcliff of New Community Project, and pastors Thomas Dowdy, Debbie Eisenbise, Deanna Brown, and Susan Boyer also spoke during the week. Members of the WRYC youth planning committee led the opening service. Additional creative elements entered worship via the Jubilee Troupe, who used drama and interpretive movement to illustrate themes, and Joseph Helfrich of Ohio, who led music.
Numerous workshop options, service projects around San Francisco, sightseeing, sports tournaments and other recreation, community-group discussions, and evening activities such as swing dancing, a photo scavenger hunt, and an open mic night filled out the schedule.
"It's been incredible," said Zac Morgan of Claremont, Calif., a member of the youth planning committee. "It's almost hard to put in words all I've learned this week, spiritually and about myself. It came out to be even more than I had expected."
Source: Newsline 09/03/2004
top
The hills of foggy San Francisco provided the setting for the 2004 Western Regional Youth Conference (WRYC), held Aug. 4-8 for youth in Arizona, California, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington.
About 110 people met on the University of San Francisco campus for the event, held only once every four years. Dena Gilbert, coordinator of youth and young adult ministries for Pacific Southwest District and chair of the WRYC planning committee, said she was pleased with the turnout. The region includes about 50 congregations spread over a large geographical area, making region-wide events a challenge.
The theme for this WRYC was "Living in God's Hands Together," focusing on John 8:12. Moderator-elect Jim Hardenbrook of Idaho was among guest speakers for the twice-daily worship times, done "in the round" in a beautifully decorated chapel. Each youth group was asked to bring a symbol of light to help form the worship center.
General Board Youth/Young Adult Ministries director Chris Douglas, David Radcliff of New Community Project, and pastors Thomas Dowdy, Debbie Eisenbise, Deanna Brown, and Susan Boyer also spoke during the week. Members of the WRYC youth planning committee led the opening service. Additional creative elements entered worship via the Jubilee Troupe, who used drama and interpretive movement to illustrate themes, and Joseph Helfrich of Ohio, who led music.
Numerous workshop options, service projects around San Francisco, sightseeing, sports tournaments and other recreation, community-group discussions, and evening activities such as swing dancing, a photo scavenger hunt, and an open mic night filled out the schedule.
"It's been incredible," said Zac Morgan of Claremont, Calif., a member of the youth planning committee. "It's almost hard to put in words all I've learned this week, spiritually and about myself. It came out to be even more than I had expected."
Source: Newsline 09/03/2004
top
Brethren bits: Personnel, NOAC, and more.
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- Ben Kreider began Aug. 23 as a Brethren Volunteer Service worker with the 2005 Workcamp Team in the General Board's Youth/Young Adult Ministry Office. He joins Beth Rhodes and Cindy Laprade in planning for next summer's workcamps. Kreider is a member of Annville (Pa.) Church of the Brethren and a 2004 graduate of Indiana University of Pennsylvania.
- The National Older Adult Conference (NOAC) sponsored by the Association of Brethren Caregivers will take place next week at Lake Junaluska Assembly in North Carolina. More than 1,100 Brethren are expected to attend the five-day event, from Sept. 6-10. See www.brethren.org for daily reports, complete with photos. Special NOAC events this year include a hymn festival led by Brethren Benefit Trust president Wil Nolan; the return of ventriloquist Steve Engle and his friend Hildy; a closing ceremony using fabric brought from the Watu Wa Amani conference of the African Historic Peace Churches; and the Brethren premier of "Listen to the Sunrise," a hymn adapted from a poem by the late Ken Morse. A hike on the Appalachian Trail will be a new offering this year, along with a bus trip and shopping in a town on the Cherokee reservation. Newsline will feature a full report from NOAC in the next issue.
- Haruun Ruun, executive secretary of the New Sudan Council of Churches, will give a presentation at the Brethren Service Center, New Windsor, Md. on Sept. 23 at 7 p.m. He will talk about the new challenges that will be brought by the final signing of a peace agreement in the south of Sudan and will share news of a New Sudan Council program that will lead in developing civic leadership for the region. The event is coordinated by the Brethren Service Center and the General Board's Brethren Witness/Washington Office. No registration is required. Contact Kathleen Campanella at 410-635-8747 or e-mail kcampanella_gb@brethren.org.
- In its Action Alert of Aug. 27, the General Board's Brethren Witness/Washington Office called attention to legislative issues and the Sudan Day of Conscience Aug. 25, and called for prayer for the safety of public witnesses in New York during the Republican National Convention. The office "is not promoting or sponsoring the protests," the alert stated. The two legislative pieces highlighted were a campaign supporting debt cancellation for impoverished countries, and the "sunset provision" allowing the federal assault weapon ban to expire Sept. 13 unless Congress or the administration choose to act. Brethren were asked to contact their representatives to support the ban, part of the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act.
- To mark the Aug. 25 Sudan: Day of Conscience, staff of the General Board's Brethren Witness/Washington Office joined a group of 300 from the Washington, D.C., Save Darfur Coalition in front of the Sudan Embassy. General Board staff in Elgin, Ill., observed the day with a chapel service led by mission connections coordinator Janis Pyle. Annual Conference moderator Jim Hardenbrook, in Elgin for meetings that day, reported that his congregation in Nampa, Idaho, raised $5,500 for the children of Sudan through a Vacation Bible School project. Sudan: Day of Conscience was organized by the Save Darfur Coalition of the National Council of Churches and 70 other groups, to raise awareness about the genocide in Darfur, Sudan.
- Help "dig through the roof" (Mark 2:3-5) this October. The Association of Brethren Caregivers is encouraging congregations to celebrate the month as Disabilities Awareness Month. Resources from the Church and Persons with Disabilities Network are available at www.brethren.org/abc/, including worship resources, Sunday school lessons, materials for children, ideas for raising congregational awareness, an accessibility checklist, information about ABC's Open Roof Award, funding suggestions, and resources for adapting rituals for those with special needs. The network also has started a list serve for those interested in disability ministries to communicate with one another. Contact Jacki Hartley at 800-323-8039 or e-mail jhartley_abc@brethren.org.
- A cross cultural/peace studies trip offered by Bethany Theological Seminary in cooperation with the Global Mission Partnerships Office of the General Board, is being opened to other interested persons. The 17-day trip, to take place Jan. 5-22, will enable participants to engage Muslim-Christian dynamics in Nigeria that have both fed violence and facilitated reconciliation. The trip also will offer an introduction to Ekklesiyar Yan'uwa a Nigeria (EYN--the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria) including visits to historic mission sites. Estimated cost is $2,200. Contact Scott Holland at 800-287-8822 or e-mail hollasc@bethanyseminary.edu, or contact Global Mission Partnerships at 800-323-8039 ext.230 or e-mail mission_gb@brethren.org, by Oct. 1.
- The Customer Service Department of Brethren Press is extending its hours of operation. Now customers can call the Customer Service line (800-441-3712) 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Central time, Monday through Friday. "We want to provide the best service we can, and this will allow those in the east to call after work if they need to," said Jewel McNary, director of Marketing and Sales. "The west coast churches have said they have to remember to call before lunch if they want to talk to someone, so this will be helpful." The Customer Service line, which at one time was closed from 12-12:30 p.m., now is available through the lunch hour as well. Orders also can be placed at www.brethrenpress.com and can be faxed to 800-667-8188.
- Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS) is having a potluck Oct. 11, beginning at 6:30 p.m., for former BVS workers, Civilian Public Service workers, or anyone who has a special connection to either experience. The potluck will be at Union Bridge (Md.) Church of the Brethren. "We see this potluck as a wonderful opportunity for the volunteers in training from Unit 262 to be able to connect with people who have done similar service," said orientation assistant Samuel Bowman. Bring a covered dish to share, or any other type of food. Contact Bowman at 800-323-8039 ext. 423 or e-mail sbowman_gb@brethren.org.
- "What a Sweet Idea!" an article remembering apple butter making in the 1950s-60s at Spring Creek Church of the Brethren near Sidney, Ind., appeared in the Sept./Oct. issue of "Reminisce" magazine. Author Glee Eberly reminisced about the annual project that was started by a Willing Workers Class in 1950 "in Tommy Poland's garage with a couple of copper kettles," and grew so big that it was moved to a farm that the congregation owned, where a 30- by 50-foot shelter was built with room for 15 kettles to make 1,100 gallons of apple butter a year. A dozen photos of the congregation at work accompanies the three-page article.
- South/Central Indiana District holds its district conference Sept. 10-11 at Mexico Church of the Brethren, Peru, Ind., with Dave Donaldson as moderator. The theme of the meeting is taken from John 13:34-35, "...Love One Another...."
- Lebanon Valley Brethren Home in Palmyra, Pa., announced the First Annual Cathy Snell Memorial Golf Tournament on Sept. 10, beginning at 1 p.m. at Lebanon Valley Golf Club in Myerstown, Pa. The tournament is a "best ball scramble format" intended to provide an opportunity for both seasoned golfers and occasional "duffers." A dinner will follow the tournament. The event is a fundraiser for the home's Good Samaritan Fund, to help cover the care of those who can no longer afford to fully pay for their own care. Cost is $65. Contact Robert Price at 717-838-5406 ext. 310 or e-mail rprice@lvbh.org.
- A Sept. 9 convocation at Bridgewater (Va.) College will feature Amaya Brecher and Veronica Portillo of MTV's "Hawaii and Road Rules: Semester at Sea" in an interactive presentation on eating disorders and self esteem. The program is one of the Harold Row Endowed Lecture series. Other September convocations will feature David C. Taylor, producer of "Reagan: A Legacy Remembered" and "JFK: A President Revealed," speaking on "Investigating Past Presidents" Sept. 16; and Mary Lightfine, of Doctors Without Borders, speaking on "Nurses Without Boundaries" Sept. 23, in an Anna Beahm Mow Lecture series. The college also invites the public to campus worship with chaplain Robbie Miller 9:30 a.m. Sept. 7 at the Carter Center, on the topic "In God We Trust?"; and to a Fall Spiritual Focus Sept. 28 with David Radcliff, director of the New Community Project, a nonprofit organization related to the Church of the Brethren.
- A study guide has been prepared to accompany an Oct. 24 TV documentary on hunger. The National Council of Churches is producing the four-page guide for viewers of "Hunger No More: Faces Behind the Facts," a program of the NCC for the ABC-TV "Vision and Values" series. The documentary will feature denominational experts, humanitarian leaders, government and civic officials, scholars, and "on-the-ground" participants including Senators George McGovern and Elizabeth Dole, UN hunger expert Joan Holmes, and Columbia University ethicist Jeffrey Sachs. The study guide will accompany VHS and DVD copies of the documentary. Call 800-999-3534.
- An International Day of Prayer for Peace on Tuesday Sept. 21 is sponsored by the World Council of Churches (WCC) as part of the Decade to Overcome Violence. A WCC release said that churches representing over 550 million Christians worldwide have been invited to participate. The initiative links to the International Day of Peace declared by the United Nations, a worldwide effort for a day of global ceasefire and nonviolence. WCC general secretary Samuel Kobia encouraged congregations to hold 24-hour observances or vigils, and to include prayers for peace in worship on the Sundays before or after Sept. 21. Resources are available at www.overcomingviolence.org/peace2004.
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World Mission Offering centers on 'Living Letters of Love.'
"Now is the time to think creatively about how to use the 2004 World Mission Offering emphasis materials," said Carol Bowman, General Board stewardship development counselor and Congregational Life Team member. The suggested date for the annual offering is Oct. 10. A packet of offering-related materials on the theme, "Living Letters of Love," has been mailed to Church of the Brethren congregations.
The offering materials keep Brethren focused on the scriptural foundation of the mission offering emphasis, said Bowman. The theme comes from 2 Corinthians 3:3: "...written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts."
The packet includes ideas for activities to prepare for the offering. Also enclosed are samples of five prayer cards featuring mission workers in Nigeria, Sudan, the Dominican Republic, Brazil, and Vietnam; a bulletin insert and brochure on Brethren mission workers abroad; offering envelopes; and interpretation resources in a four-page guide with ideas to help pastors develop mission-centered worship services and to aid church school teachers in incorporating mission into curricula. The interpretation resources are available in Spanish. A video, "Dear Friends: Living Letters from our Mission Workers," is also available in DVD or VHS format.
Source: Newsline 09/03/2004
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"Now is the time to think creatively about how to use the 2004 World Mission Offering emphasis materials," said Carol Bowman, General Board stewardship development counselor and Congregational Life Team member. The suggested date for the annual offering is Oct. 10. A packet of offering-related materials on the theme, "Living Letters of Love," has been mailed to Church of the Brethren congregations.
The offering materials keep Brethren focused on the scriptural foundation of the mission offering emphasis, said Bowman. The theme comes from 2 Corinthians 3:3: "...written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts."
The packet includes ideas for activities to prepare for the offering. Also enclosed are samples of five prayer cards featuring mission workers in Nigeria, Sudan, the Dominican Republic, Brazil, and Vietnam; a bulletin insert and brochure on Brethren mission workers abroad; offering envelopes; and interpretation resources in a four-page guide with ideas to help pastors develop mission-centered worship services and to aid church school teachers in incorporating mission into curricula. The interpretation resources are available in Spanish. A video, "Dear Friends: Living Letters from our Mission Workers," is also available in DVD or VHS format.
Source: Newsline 09/03/2004
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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. Sandy Bosserman, Samuel Bowman, Connie Burkholder, Kathleen Campanella, A. Joan Lowry, Janis Pyle, Walt Wiltschek, and organizers of Watu Wa Amani contributed to this report.
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. Sandy Bosserman, Samuel Bowman, Connie Burkholder, Kathleen Campanella, A. Joan Lowry, Janis Pyle, Walt Wiltschek, and organizers of Watu Wa Amani contributed to this report.
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