- Disaster Child Care sets record number of centers, states.
- Funds support Church World Service, programs in Angola, Sudan.
- Ecumenical committee strengthens American Baptist connections.
- Northern Plains District considers 'Tradition and Change.'
- Michigan District renews vision.
- Northern Indiana focuses on 'Loving God and Neighbor.'
- Brethren bits: Correction, remembrances, and more.
Friday, October 01, 2004
NEWS
Disaster Child Care sets record number of centers, states.
Volunteers with Disaster Child Care (DCC), a General Board program, are serving in Florida, Pennsylvania, and Virginia following a record number of hurricanes to hit the US in recent weeks. "To my knowledge, this is the first time Disaster Child Care volunteers have staffed eight child care centers at one time, in three states, since the program began in 1980," said coordinator Helen Stonesifer. "We're setting a record for ourselves, don't know if that's good or bad."
In Florida, DCC volunteers are staffing four centers. At the request of FEMA, a new child care project has opened in Gulf Breeze with volunteers who were serving in Orlando and Kissimmee. The program has reopened the center in Kissimmee after FEMA reported that clientele numbers increased dramatically there, and volunteers will arrive Oct. 3. Two teams of child care volunteers deployed to Montgomery, Ala., at the request of the American Red Cross have been reassigned to Pensacola, in Escambia County. The county sustained some of the greatest damage due to Hurricane Ivan, said Stonesifer. Another team has been deployed to replace volunteers who have completed their two-week assignments. Since the first project opened in Florida Aug. 22, over 63 volunteers have made contact with approximately 1,140 children.
Four centers are open in Pennsylvania and Virginia. Three teams of child care volunteers are staffing Disaster Recovery Centers in Harrisburg, Pittsburgh, and Claysburgh, Pa. The Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency requested that child care be provided in ten FEMA centers, Stonesifer said. "Although, our network of volunteers cannot support staffing ten centers, we have committed to serving in two," she reported. Since then, the program opened a third center as well.
DCC project managers also spent time at a day care center in Pensacola, giving advice on how to help children work through emotions related to disasters. Gloria Cooper and Cheryl Dekker spoke with the director and 18 staff members at the For Kids Only Children's Day School. Stonesifer also announced that DCC is "honored to be hosting Laura Austin, a representative from the Canadian Disaster Child Care Society." Austin will be serving at the Gulf Breeze center for two weeks to learn more about setting up a child care project.
Source: Newsline 10/01/2004
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Volunteers with Disaster Child Care (DCC), a General Board program, are serving in Florida, Pennsylvania, and Virginia following a record number of hurricanes to hit the US in recent weeks. "To my knowledge, this is the first time Disaster Child Care volunteers have staffed eight child care centers at one time, in three states, since the program began in 1980," said coordinator Helen Stonesifer. "We're setting a record for ourselves, don't know if that's good or bad."
In Florida, DCC volunteers are staffing four centers. At the request of FEMA, a new child care project has opened in Gulf Breeze with volunteers who were serving in Orlando and Kissimmee. The program has reopened the center in Kissimmee after FEMA reported that clientele numbers increased dramatically there, and volunteers will arrive Oct. 3. Two teams of child care volunteers deployed to Montgomery, Ala., at the request of the American Red Cross have been reassigned to Pensacola, in Escambia County. The county sustained some of the greatest damage due to Hurricane Ivan, said Stonesifer. Another team has been deployed to replace volunteers who have completed their two-week assignments. Since the first project opened in Florida Aug. 22, over 63 volunteers have made contact with approximately 1,140 children.
Four centers are open in Pennsylvania and Virginia. Three teams of child care volunteers are staffing Disaster Recovery Centers in Harrisburg, Pittsburgh, and Claysburgh, Pa. The Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency requested that child care be provided in ten FEMA centers, Stonesifer said. "Although, our network of volunteers cannot support staffing ten centers, we have committed to serving in two," she reported. Since then, the program opened a third center as well.
DCC project managers also spent time at a day care center in Pensacola, giving advice on how to help children work through emotions related to disasters. Gloria Cooper and Cheryl Dekker spoke with the director and 18 staff members at the For Kids Only Children's Day School. Stonesifer also announced that DCC is "honored to be hosting Laura Austin, a representative from the Canadian Disaster Child Care Society." Austin will be serving at the Gulf Breeze center for two weeks to learn more about setting up a child care project.
Source: Newsline 10/01/2004
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Funds support Church World Service, programs in Angola, Sudan.
Grants totaling $68,000 have been made from the General Board's Emergency Disaster Fund (EDF) and Global Food Crisis Fund (GFCF) for hurricane and flood relief efforts in the US, the Caribbean, and Bangladesh, and for programs in Angola and Sudan.
Church World Service (CWS) was the recipient of several EDF grants related to recent hurricanes and flooding: $20,000 for emergency aid in the wake of hurricanes in the US, to ship relief supplies and deploy CWS staff to develop longterm recovery groups; $10,000 for work in the wake of hurricanes in the Caribbean, to provide material aid for clean up and repairs in Grenada, Jamaica, Cuba, and the Dominican Republic; $7,000 to help recovery from flooding in the DR and Haiti; and $8,000 following devastating floods in Bangladesh, for food assistance, shelter, clothing, and temporary jobs for more than 22,000 families.
The EDF also supported a shipment to Angola of bicycles for transportation and sun ovens for cleaner, efficient cooking with a grant of $13,000. The grant supports the work of the SHAREcircle organization.
A GFCF grant of $10,000 supports the teaching faculty at St. Bakhita Primary Girls School in Narus, southern Sudan. "While providing support for the school is not addressing hunger action in quite the direct manner of most GFCF projects, one cannot overestimate the significance of educating girls in a society where they readily slip into the margins," explained a memo from fund manager Howard Royer. The memo cited the importance of girls' education for raising economic productivity, lowering infant and maternal mortality, improving nutrition, promoting health, and helping prevent HIV/AIDS.
Source: Newsline 10/01/2004
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Grants totaling $68,000 have been made from the General Board's Emergency Disaster Fund (EDF) and Global Food Crisis Fund (GFCF) for hurricane and flood relief efforts in the US, the Caribbean, and Bangladesh, and for programs in Angola and Sudan.
Church World Service (CWS) was the recipient of several EDF grants related to recent hurricanes and flooding: $20,000 for emergency aid in the wake of hurricanes in the US, to ship relief supplies and deploy CWS staff to develop longterm recovery groups; $10,000 for work in the wake of hurricanes in the Caribbean, to provide material aid for clean up and repairs in Grenada, Jamaica, Cuba, and the Dominican Republic; $7,000 to help recovery from flooding in the DR and Haiti; and $8,000 following devastating floods in Bangladesh, for food assistance, shelter, clothing, and temporary jobs for more than 22,000 families.
The EDF also supported a shipment to Angola of bicycles for transportation and sun ovens for cleaner, efficient cooking with a grant of $13,000. The grant supports the work of the SHAREcircle organization.
A GFCF grant of $10,000 supports the teaching faculty at St. Bakhita Primary Girls School in Narus, southern Sudan. "While providing support for the school is not addressing hunger action in quite the direct manner of most GFCF projects, one cannot overestimate the significance of educating girls in a society where they readily slip into the margins," explained a memo from fund manager Howard Royer. The memo cited the importance of girls' education for raising economic productivity, lowering infant and maternal mortality, improving nutrition, promoting health, and helping prevent HIV/AIDS.
Source: Newsline 10/01/2004
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Ecumenical committee strengthens American Baptist connections.
The Committee on Interchurch Relations (CIR)--the ecumenical committee of Annual Conference and the General Board--met Sept. 17-19 in Elgin, Ill. Jerry Cain, president of Judson College, attended the meeting for the American Baptist Churches USA.
It was the first meeting of the CIR with an American Baptist observer consultant, according to Stan Noffsinger, general secretary and ex-officio member of the committee. Earlier this year, committee member Belita Mitchell attended the equivalent American Baptist group, the Committee on Christian Unity. "Both of these committees can benefit from the fraternal relationship," said Noffsinger.
An effort to strengthen relationship with the American Baptists has been in process for several months, and continues a 30-year "associated relationship" between the two denominations. Brethren and Baptist staff leaders held a day-long meeting in February this year and plan to meet again in February 2005.
CIR is working with American Baptist leaders to identify an American Baptist member to serve on the Multi-Ethnic/Cross Cultural Study Committee, as mandated by Annual Conference this summer. "That contact has been made and we're awaiting their response," Noffsinger said.
The committee also received reports from representatives to other Brethren bodies; held conference calls with representatives to the National Council of Churches and World Council of Churches; reviewed ecumenical events at Annual Conference 2004 and planned for 2005; and determined that its ecumenical citation for 2005 will award a youth or young adult active in ecumenical peace work.
Michael Hostetter of Roanoke, Va., serves as chair. Also on the committee are Steve Brady, Lebanon, Ohio; Jim Eikenberry, Calif.; Brandy Fix, Wabash, Ind.; Robert Johansen, Granger, Ind.; and Belita Mitchell, Harrisburg, Pa.
Source: Newsline 10/01/2004
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The Committee on Interchurch Relations (CIR)--the ecumenical committee of Annual Conference and the General Board--met Sept. 17-19 in Elgin, Ill. Jerry Cain, president of Judson College, attended the meeting for the American Baptist Churches USA.
It was the first meeting of the CIR with an American Baptist observer consultant, according to Stan Noffsinger, general secretary and ex-officio member of the committee. Earlier this year, committee member Belita Mitchell attended the equivalent American Baptist group, the Committee on Christian Unity. "Both of these committees can benefit from the fraternal relationship," said Noffsinger.
An effort to strengthen relationship with the American Baptists has been in process for several months, and continues a 30-year "associated relationship" between the two denominations. Brethren and Baptist staff leaders held a day-long meeting in February this year and plan to meet again in February 2005.
CIR is working with American Baptist leaders to identify an American Baptist member to serve on the Multi-Ethnic/Cross Cultural Study Committee, as mandated by Annual Conference this summer. "That contact has been made and we're awaiting their response," Noffsinger said.
The committee also received reports from representatives to other Brethren bodies; held conference calls with representatives to the National Council of Churches and World Council of Churches; reviewed ecumenical events at Annual Conference 2004 and planned for 2005; and determined that its ecumenical citation for 2005 will award a youth or young adult active in ecumenical peace work.
Michael Hostetter of Roanoke, Va., serves as chair. Also on the committee are Steve Brady, Lebanon, Ohio; Jim Eikenberry, Calif.; Brandy Fix, Wabash, Ind.; Robert Johansen, Granger, Ind.; and Belita Mitchell, Harrisburg, Pa.
Source: Newsline 10/01/2004
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Northern Plains District considers 'Tradition and Change.'
"Tradition and Change" was the theme as Northern Plains District met Aug. 6-8 for its conference at the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls. Registered for the weekend were 211 people. Moderator Beth Cage led the conference in "worshipful work" business sessions that included time for congregations to share a tradition or change from the past year.
Delegates approved a 2005 budget totaling $116,799, received a report from the District Conference Site Committee, approved dates and location for 2005 and 2006, and approved a change in the constitution and by laws. Delegates also called new leaders: moderator-elect Diane Mason; Nominating Committee members Lyle Neher and Darius Elder; Board of Administration members Janice Ackart, Merlin Grady, Sheila Selix, Alice Draper, Betty Kingery, and Ida Van Westen; board youth representative Sam Button-Harrison; and Program Planning Committee member Carol Leland. Guests who gave reports included Jim Hardenbrook, Annual Conference moderator, and Lowell Flory, director of Institutional Advancement at Bethany Theological Seminary. General Board members Roy Unruh and Jeff Neuman-Lee gave a video presentation.
Worship on Friday evening was experienced with multiple preachers, women and men sitting separately, and traditional hymns. Greg Jones, Cara McCallister, and John Elder shared the preaching. Saturday evening brought a dramatic tour through the Bible by Mennonite duo Ted and Lee. On Sunday morning there was a blending of traditional and new hymns, preaching by moderator Beth Cage, and installation of new district leadership. Tim Peter, pastor of Prairie City (Iowa) Church of the Brethren, received the gavel as the incoming moderator. Offerings totaled $2,736.57.
Conference goers also heard about projects and ideas in the "Free Money...Strings Attached" fundraising approach initiated in 2003. Milestones in Ministry were presented to ordained ministers Richard Burger, Vernon Merkey, Lucinda Douglas, Marjorie Smalley, Marlene Neher, and Clara Glover.
Other highlights of the weekend were a Witness Commission blood drive with the American Red Cross, in which donors gave 46 units of blood. An auction organized by the Nurture Commission contributed $3,029.75 to Heifer International. The youth contributed money from an evening Ice Cream Social for a total of $3,168.65 to help stop hunger around the world.
Source: Newsline 10/01/2004
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"Tradition and Change" was the theme as Northern Plains District met Aug. 6-8 for its conference at the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls. Registered for the weekend were 211 people. Moderator Beth Cage led the conference in "worshipful work" business sessions that included time for congregations to share a tradition or change from the past year.
Delegates approved a 2005 budget totaling $116,799, received a report from the District Conference Site Committee, approved dates and location for 2005 and 2006, and approved a change in the constitution and by laws. Delegates also called new leaders: moderator-elect Diane Mason; Nominating Committee members Lyle Neher and Darius Elder; Board of Administration members Janice Ackart, Merlin Grady, Sheila Selix, Alice Draper, Betty Kingery, and Ida Van Westen; board youth representative Sam Button-Harrison; and Program Planning Committee member Carol Leland. Guests who gave reports included Jim Hardenbrook, Annual Conference moderator, and Lowell Flory, director of Institutional Advancement at Bethany Theological Seminary. General Board members Roy Unruh and Jeff Neuman-Lee gave a video presentation.
Worship on Friday evening was experienced with multiple preachers, women and men sitting separately, and traditional hymns. Greg Jones, Cara McCallister, and John Elder shared the preaching. Saturday evening brought a dramatic tour through the Bible by Mennonite duo Ted and Lee. On Sunday morning there was a blending of traditional and new hymns, preaching by moderator Beth Cage, and installation of new district leadership. Tim Peter, pastor of Prairie City (Iowa) Church of the Brethren, received the gavel as the incoming moderator. Offerings totaled $2,736.57.
Conference goers also heard about projects and ideas in the "Free Money...Strings Attached" fundraising approach initiated in 2003. Milestones in Ministry were presented to ordained ministers Richard Burger, Vernon Merkey, Lucinda Douglas, Marjorie Smalley, Marlene Neher, and Clara Glover.
Other highlights of the weekend were a Witness Commission blood drive with the American Red Cross, in which donors gave 46 units of blood. An auction organized by the Nurture Commission contributed $3,029.75 to Heifer International. The youth contributed money from an evening Ice Cream Social for a total of $3,168.65 to help stop hunger around the world.
Source: Newsline 10/01/2004
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Michigan District renews vision.
"Renewing Our Vision: Of God and His Word, of His Church, of Our Mission" was the theme for the Michigan District conference Aug. 12-15 in Hastings, Mich. Bill Raymor served as moderator and Gary Copenhaver as moderator-elect.
Each of three worship services was based on an aspect of the theme, with James Myer, of the Brethren Revival Fellowship, as preacher. A Love Feast opened the conference, led by Anita Smith Buckwalter. Youth were worship leaders for the Saturday evening service.
The conference adopted a District Board gross budget for 2005 of $91,608 (net $77,548), representing an increase from last year's budget with new line items for ministry training and development. The Camp Budget approved for 2005 was $78,580. After much discussion the query, "The Process of Licensing or Ordaining," was returned to Beaverton (Mich.) Church of the Brethren. Delegates voted to shift from the Discipleship and Reconciliation Committee to the Shalom Team, with appointees to be affirmed by the district conference. District commissions and committees gave reports and the conference also heard from denominational agencies.
Those elected to leadership were Mary Gault, moderator-elect; Roya Stern, conference writing clerk; Lori Waas, Central Committee; Christina Campbell, Discipleship and Reconciliation Committee; Cindy Tarte, Nominating Committee; Jan Thomas, Nurture Commission; Winnie Toledo, Ministry Commission; Bob Phillips, Stewards Commission; Bob Schnepp, Witness Commission; Frances Townsend, District Board secretary; Nancy Hammond-Chaffin, affirmed as Camp Board representative. Raymor and General Board member Dan McRoberts were recognized for their service on the District Board.
Source: Newsline 10/01/2004
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"Renewing Our Vision: Of God and His Word, of His Church, of Our Mission" was the theme for the Michigan District conference Aug. 12-15 in Hastings, Mich. Bill Raymor served as moderator and Gary Copenhaver as moderator-elect.
Each of three worship services was based on an aspect of the theme, with James Myer, of the Brethren Revival Fellowship, as preacher. A Love Feast opened the conference, led by Anita Smith Buckwalter. Youth were worship leaders for the Saturday evening service.
The conference adopted a District Board gross budget for 2005 of $91,608 (net $77,548), representing an increase from last year's budget with new line items for ministry training and development. The Camp Budget approved for 2005 was $78,580. After much discussion the query, "The Process of Licensing or Ordaining," was returned to Beaverton (Mich.) Church of the Brethren. Delegates voted to shift from the Discipleship and Reconciliation Committee to the Shalom Team, with appointees to be affirmed by the district conference. District commissions and committees gave reports and the conference also heard from denominational agencies.
Those elected to leadership were Mary Gault, moderator-elect; Roya Stern, conference writing clerk; Lori Waas, Central Committee; Christina Campbell, Discipleship and Reconciliation Committee; Cindy Tarte, Nominating Committee; Jan Thomas, Nurture Commission; Winnie Toledo, Ministry Commission; Bob Phillips, Stewards Commission; Bob Schnepp, Witness Commission; Frances Townsend, District Board secretary; Nancy Hammond-Chaffin, affirmed as Camp Board representative. Raymor and General Board member Dan McRoberts were recognized for their service on the District Board.
Source: Newsline 10/01/2004
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Northern Indiana focuses on 'Loving God and Neighbor.'
Northern Indiana District Conference was held Sept. 17-18 at Camp Alexander Mack, Milford, Ind., with Dan Snider serving as moderator. The theme, "Loving God and Neighbor with all your Heart, Soul, Mind and Strength," utilized the 2004 Annual Conference banner designed and made by Rosanna McFadden, a member of the district.
A total of 250 people were present for the Friday evening worship service led by Dan Petry, moderator-elect. Annual Conference moderator Jim Hardenbrook was the speaker. An offering of $1,215 was received for the Ministry Scholarship Fund.
Delegates approved a 2005 budget totaling $175,000; approved a constitution and by law change to include a new Assessment and Coaching Team; and approved a revised policy related to church moderators. Dan Petry was installed as moderator for 2004-2005 and will serve the next district conference to be held at Beacon Heights Church of the Brethren, Fort Wayne, Ind., Sept. 16-17. Other leaders elected were Mike Kauffman, moderator-elect; Jim Davis, Standing Committee delegate; Delia Waits, Program and Arrangements Committee; Phyllis Davis and Dan Snider, District Board; Joe Long and Charles Morris, Personnel Committee.
The District Board presented the "Volunteer of the Year" award to John and Beth Sternberg for their service as Disaster Response coordinators for over 20 years. Executive minister Herman Kauffman was recognized for ten years of district service.
Source: Newsline 10/01/2004
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Northern Indiana District Conference was held Sept. 17-18 at Camp Alexander Mack, Milford, Ind., with Dan Snider serving as moderator. The theme, "Loving God and Neighbor with all your Heart, Soul, Mind and Strength," utilized the 2004 Annual Conference banner designed and made by Rosanna McFadden, a member of the district.
A total of 250 people were present for the Friday evening worship service led by Dan Petry, moderator-elect. Annual Conference moderator Jim Hardenbrook was the speaker. An offering of $1,215 was received for the Ministry Scholarship Fund.
Delegates approved a 2005 budget totaling $175,000; approved a constitution and by law change to include a new Assessment and Coaching Team; and approved a revised policy related to church moderators. Dan Petry was installed as moderator for 2004-2005 and will serve the next district conference to be held at Beacon Heights Church of the Brethren, Fort Wayne, Ind., Sept. 16-17. Other leaders elected were Mike Kauffman, moderator-elect; Jim Davis, Standing Committee delegate; Delia Waits, Program and Arrangements Committee; Phyllis Davis and Dan Snider, District Board; Joe Long and Charles Morris, Personnel Committee.
The District Board presented the "Volunteer of the Year" award to John and Beth Sternberg for their service as Disaster Response coordinators for over 20 years. Executive minister Herman Kauffman was recognized for ten years of district service.
Source: Newsline 10/01/2004
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Brethren bits: Correction, remembrances, and more.
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- In a correction to the Sept. 17 story on the National Older Adult Conference, the potter for the opening worship service was Joyce Parker, not Joyce Person as reported.
- Lyle C. Albright, 84, died July 16 in McPherson, Kan. He was executive of Northern Plains District for 10 years and pastored churches in Missouri, Texas, Iowa, and Kansas. He was an ecumenical leader in Kansas, helping found Churches United for Peacemaking, serving on the Holocaust Committee for the Kansas Region of the National Conference of Christians and Jews, and helping plan the "North American Assisi: A Multi-Religious Meeting" in Wichita in 1988. He was a graduate of Bethany Theological Seminary and McPherson (Kan.) College, and was a missionary in Nigeria for a year in the mid-1940s.
- Caleb Hoffer Frantz, 89, who served in several capacities in Puerto Rico, died Sept. 1. He was a graduate of Manchester College, North Manchester, Ind., and attended Bethany Biblical Seminary before working at Castaner Hospital in Puerto Rico through Civilian Public Service. He went on to teach public school in Puerto Rico, then became project director and hospital administrator at Castaner from 1960-64. He was a member of Little Swatara Church of the Brethren, Bethel, Pa.
- Former India missionary, teacher, and registered nurse Betty Rogers Blickenstaff, 90, died Sept. 13 at Brethren Hillcrest Homes in La Verne, Calif. She and her late husband Leonard Blickenstaff were mission workers in India 1940-70. She served at the Brethren hospital in Bulsar, the Dahanu Mission Hospital, the Woodstock School, and the Rural Service Center at Anklesvar. According to her staff citation from the General Board, Blickenstaff "played a significant role in working with village women in the fields of nutrition and child and mother care." Blickenstaff also worked as a nurse and medical records librarian at Hillcrest. She was a graduate of Manchester College, North Manchester, Ind., and a member of La Verne Church of the Brethren.
- Peter Rudolf, a former missionary in Nigeria with Mission 21, passed away Sept. 9 after a short but severe sickness. Mission 21, formerly Basel Mission, is a partner with Ekklesiyar Yan'uwa a Nigeria (EYN--the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria) and the General Board's Global Mission Partnerships. Mission 21 reported that Rudolf fell sick after returning from a five-week assignment at the Mobile Bible School in Kakuma, Kenya, a camp of 70,000 Sudanese refugees. He had recently retired. Rudolf is survived by his wife Regula and children Matthias, David, and Susanne. "We ask you to pray for the family," wrote Albrecht Hieber, head of international relations for the mission. "Mission 21 and all the friends are very sad and shocked about this sudden death, which means a big loss to all of us."
- The Brethren Home Community, New Oxford, Pa., seeks a director of Pastoral Care/chaplain to provide leadership for the spiritual development and well being of the total organization, provide spiritual support for residents, supervise pastoral care staff, and promote holistic care. Requirements are college and seminary training with a Master of Divinity graduate degree, ordination in the Church of the Brethren. Certification in Clinical Pastoral Education is preferred. Contact the Brethren Home Community, Attn: Christine Daoularis, Human Resources, 2990 Carlisle Pike, P.O. Box 128, New Oxford, PA 17350.
- The Mission and Ministries Planning Council met Sept. 12-13 at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md., to continue its work of receiving and reviewing ideas for new ministries and missions for the denomination. The council heard a proposal for a "New Life Initiative" brought by David Young, updates on General Board mission work, and plans for the Mission Alive 2005 conference. The group also worked on an action item to go to the General Board's October meeting related to church planting and mission in Haiti. The council is a committee of the General Board including wider church representation. General secretary Stan Noffsinger and executive director of Global Mission Partnerships Merv Keeney represent board staff; chair Donna Shumate and Doug Diamond represent the board; moderator Jim Hardenbrook and moderator-elect Ron Beachley represent Annual Conference; Don Booz of Mid-Atlantic and Steven Abe of West Marva represent districts.
- Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS) is having a potluck Oct. 11 at 6:30 p.m. for former BVS workers, Civilian Public Service (CPS) workers, and anyone who has a special connection to either program. The meal at Union Bridge (Md.) Church of the Brethren will also be a gathering with the volunteers in orientation Unit 262.
- Districts holding conferences Oct. 8-9 include Atlantic Southeast, Atlantic Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, and Southern Ohio. Because of storm damage to utilities around the Lorida area, the Atlantic Southeast conference will be held instead at Sebring (Fla.) Church of the Brethren, with Berwyn Oltman as moderator. Atlantic Northeast delegates will meet at Leffler Chapel on the campus of Elizabethtown (Pa.) College, with Herb High as moderator. Mid-Atlantic will meet in Easton, Md., with Charlotte Bear as moderator. Southern Ohio will meet at Salem Church of the Brethren in Englewood, Ohio, with Sheila Shumaker as moderator.
- Camp Bethel, Fincastle, Va., is still planning its 20th Annual Heritage Festival for Oct. 2 despite flooding because of heavy rains earlier this week. "No buildings were washed away, but the water's toll on our ground is great. Our foot bridges, roads, ponds, streams, fences, and landscaping suffered severe damage," wrote manager Barry LeNoir in an email asking for assistance to clean up for the festival. The festival is a fundraising event for the camp and features crafts, baked goods, food, and displays from many of congregations in Virlina District. The theme for this year is "Brethren Heritage" and "old ways." For more information call 540-992-2940 or see www.campbethelvirginia.org.
- The 6th Annual Camp Mack Festival is scheduled for Oct. 2 at Camp Alexander Mack, Milford, Ind. A craft sale, food booths, auctions of "baskets full of goodies" prepared by congregations, and a harvest market will raise funds for camper scholarships and rope course activities. For more information contact Mike Kauffman at 574-658-4831.
- Bridgewater (Va.) College holds its Homecoming Oct. 2-3. Events include a Jennifer Harris Organ Donation Walk, Homecoming Festival and Parade, class reunions, football and soccer games, an alumni softball game, a chorale and jazz band concert, and celebrations for the classes of 1969, 1974, and 1979. Preceding Homecoming is an Athletic Hall of Fame Banquet Oct. 1 in which Robert E. Baker, Melody Derrow Hinkle, Martin T. Smith Jr., M. Terry Westhafer, N. Paige Will, and Deborah West Windett will be inducted. Call 800-759-8328 or see www.bridgewater.edu.
- Manchester College, North Manchester, Ind., holds its 80th annual Homecoming Oct. 8-9. An estimated 500 alumni and visitors are expected. Highlights will be the dedication of Wine Recital Hall; progress on the new Science Center; a fall play; golf, baseball, football, and soccer games; class photos; breakfast with the president; a college and alumni choir; and an Alumni 5K Run and Walk. Education students will provide activities for children ages 4-12. Contact the Office of Alumni Affairs at 260-982-5223 or 888-257-ALUM or e-mail alumnioffice@manchester.edu.
- An inaugural Harvest Day Celebration is sponsored by Valley Brethren-Mennonite Heritage Center on Oct. 16. Sorghum molasses, as it was made in the Brethren-Mennonite community, will be a signature product of the day, with Kenton Brubaker, retired biology professor at Eastern Mennonite University, overseeing the production of half an acre of sorghum at the center site. There will also be stories and activities for children, hayrides and a barnyard petting area, an exhibit of old farm machinery; crosscut log sawing, the making of apple cider, and a variety of music. Soup, corn bread, country ham sandwiches, sorghum molasses cookies, and cold and hot drinks will be served. "We hope this first-ever event will be the start of a long-lasting tradition," said director Steve Shenk. Cost will be $5 per car. Call 540-438-1275 or see www.vbmhc.org.
- Jeff Carter, pastor of Manassas (Va.) Church of the Brethren, is representing the denomination at the US Conference of the World Council of Churches (WCC) Oct. 5-6 in Atlanta, Ga. "The Power and Promise of Peace" is the theme for the meeting, focused on the Decade to Overcome Violence. Speakers include WCC general secretary Samuel Kobia, former US ambassador to the United Nations Andrew Young, and WCC North America president Bernice Powell Jackson. The aim of the event is to "expose and inspire" the US churches' peace witness. The meeting will close with a "Blessed Are the Peacemakers" award to individuals and organizations "responsible for creative and courageous peace and justice efforts in their communities," a WCC release said. For more information see www.wcc-usa.org.
- Needed: a few peacemakers. The Ecumenical Accompaniment Program in Palestine and Israel (EAPPI), an initiative of the World Council of Churches, accompanies Palestinians and Israelis in nonviolent actions and advocacy efforts to end the illegal Israeli occupation of the Palestinian Territories and to bring about a just and durable solution to the conflict, with two viable and secure nations living side by side in peace. Minimum commitment is three months. For more information see www.eappi.org. Persons wishing to explore this area of service are invited to contact the General Board's Global Mission Partnerships Office at mission_gb@brethren.org.
- Two Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT) members were attacked and beaten by Israeli settlers Sept. 29, according to a release from CPT. Kim Lamberty, of Washington D.C., and Christopher Brown, of San Francisco, Calif., were accompanying Palestinian children walking to school in the Southern Hebron District of the West Bank. The children escaped uninjured. Lamberty and Brown were taken by ambulance to hospital. Lamberty has been released. Brown sustained broken ribs, one of which punctured his lung, and has undergone surgery. CPT, an initiative of Mennonite and Brethren congregations and Friends meetings, is present in the area of the attack at the request of Palestinian villagers who are suffering repeated harassment from Israeli settlers while Israeli authorities have failed to intervene, the release said. For more visit www.cpt.org.
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Christian education events planned for the fall and spring.
Four training events for those doing Christian education in the Church of the Brethren have been planned for the fall and spring. The events are sponsored by districts and the General Board's Congregational Life Ministries.
"From Good to Great Teaching!" will be offered Oct. 9, 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., for teachers of adults. The day will be hosted by Middlebury (Ind.) Church of the Brethren and sponsored by Northern Indiana District. A plenary session will be led by former district executive Ron Finney and five workshops will be offered. For more information call 574-773-3149.
"Called to Teach!" will be for teachers of all age groups on Nov. 13, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m., sponsored by West Marva District and the Congregational Life Team (CLT) for Area 3. Hosted by Sunnyside Church of the Brethren, New Creek, W.Va., the event will offer a plenary session with CLT coordinator Julie Hostetter and 11 workshops led by Christian educators from Shenandoah, Middle Pennsylvania, and West Marva Districts. Call 800-244-5896.
"Christian Education for Today" will be held March 5, 2005, 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., for teachers of children and youth. Sponsored by South/Central Indiana district and CLT Area 2, the event will be hosted by Manchester Church of the Brethren, North Manchester, Ind., and will include a celebration of Christian education ministry and 11 workshops. Call 800-505-1596.
"Five Loaves and Two Fish--Jesus Multiplies Our Gifts for Christian Education," an event focused on the "Hospitable Teaching and Learning" approach, will be hosted by Carlisle (Pa.) Church of the Brethren May 21, 2005, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. It is sponsored by the districts and CLT of Area 1. Leadership will be provided by Cheryl Magrini who serves a United Methodist congregation in Illinois and teaches at Garrett-Evangelical Seminary. Call 888-411-4275.
Source: Newsline 10/01/2004
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Four training events for those doing Christian education in the Church of the Brethren have been planned for the fall and spring. The events are sponsored by districts and the General Board's Congregational Life Ministries.
"From Good to Great Teaching!" will be offered Oct. 9, 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., for teachers of adults. The day will be hosted by Middlebury (Ind.) Church of the Brethren and sponsored by Northern Indiana District. A plenary session will be led by former district executive Ron Finney and five workshops will be offered. For more information call 574-773-3149.
"Called to Teach!" will be for teachers of all age groups on Nov. 13, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m., sponsored by West Marva District and the Congregational Life Team (CLT) for Area 3. Hosted by Sunnyside Church of the Brethren, New Creek, W.Va., the event will offer a plenary session with CLT coordinator Julie Hostetter and 11 workshops led by Christian educators from Shenandoah, Middle Pennsylvania, and West Marva Districts. Call 800-244-5896.
"Christian Education for Today" will be held March 5, 2005, 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., for teachers of children and youth. Sponsored by South/Central Indiana district and CLT Area 2, the event will be hosted by Manchester Church of the Brethren, North Manchester, Ind., and will include a celebration of Christian education ministry and 11 workshops. Call 800-505-1596.
"Five Loaves and Two Fish--Jesus Multiplies Our Gifts for Christian Education," an event focused on the "Hospitable Teaching and Learning" approach, will be hosted by Carlisle (Pa.) Church of the Brethren May 21, 2005, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. It is sponsored by the districts and CLT of Area 1. Leadership will be provided by Cheryl Magrini who serves a United Methodist congregation in Illinois and teaches at Garrett-Evangelical Seminary. Call 888-411-4275.
Source: Newsline 10/01/2004
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Young Adult Conference 2005 taking shape.
The Young Adult Steering Committee met Sept. 24-26 in Elgin, Ill., to plan for next year's Young Adult Conference. Camp Woodland Alters, in Peebles, Ohio, will be the site for the conference on Memorial Day weekend May 27-29. The theme, based on Hebrews 10:24, is "Provoking love and good deeds."
"Inspired by the energy and spirit of worship at National Young Adult Conference, worship will be a larger part of YAC this year," reported steering committee member Robert Etzweiler. "It will be the thrust of the weekend as sessions have been in the past. We're in the process of lining up worship leaders and speakers and will be able to let you know who they are soon. We hope to see you there!" More information will be posted at www.brethren.org on the Youth/Young Adults web page under "Young Adult Conference."
Source: Newsline 10/01/2004
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The Young Adult Steering Committee met Sept. 24-26 in Elgin, Ill., to plan for next year's Young Adult Conference. Camp Woodland Alters, in Peebles, Ohio, will be the site for the conference on Memorial Day weekend May 27-29. The theme, based on Hebrews 10:24, is "Provoking love and good deeds."
"Inspired by the energy and spirit of worship at National Young Adult Conference, worship will be a larger part of YAC this year," reported steering committee member Robert Etzweiler. "It will be the thrust of the weekend as sessions have been in the past. We're in the process of lining up worship leaders and speakers and will be able to let you know who they are soon. We hope to see you there!" More information will be posted at www.brethren.org on the Youth/Young Adults web page under "Young Adult Conference."
Source: Newsline 10/01/2004
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Garden plots provide food, place for community, life lessons.
Garden plots on land owned by the General Board, located behind the General Offices in Elgin, Ill., produce food for the community, Brethren staff, and volunteers. They also provide an opportunity for gardeners to work together with friends and family. "It's fun," said Mary Beliveau, a Brethren Volunteer Service worker and assistant archivist for the board. "It's a lot of hard work but it's good to be together."
On a sunny afternoon in early fall, the area was a neighborhood gathering place as small groups of people chatted or waved to each other on their way to and from garden plots, and children rode four-wheelers and bicycles around the property. The land is a resource for the community, with individuals and groups renting the 122 plots for the low cost of $20 a season in a program that has been in place for at least 25 years. Most of the gardeners are repeat customers, said Maryse Manelli, the board's receptionist who is responsible for renting the plots. "A lot are renewed year after year," she said. "When people come in wanting plots, I have to put them on a waiting list."
Beliveau and three friends who work for the board--Beth Rhodes, co-coordinator of youth and young adult workcamps; Becky Ullom, director of Identity and Relations; and LeAnn Wine, director of Financial Operations--gardened a 40-by-40-foot plot together. This summer their crop included corn, sunflowers, green beans, peas, squash, tomatoes, and herbs. The harvest of beans was so plentiful the friends gave away bags of the fresh vegetable.
The plot worked by the Kingery family--Heather and Dennis, who directs the Church of the Brethren Credit Union, and sons Ethan and Jonas--also raised more than they could eat. The boys age four and two picked tomatoes and squash while their parents worried about weeds and cultivated the broccoli.
As all gardeners must, those who work the plots experience loss and disappointment along with the possibility of bumper crops. Produce regularly disappeared overnight. Pumpkins were especially hard to bring to harvest because they are popular with those who raid the plots, said gardeners.
James Miller, who worked nine plots with fellow gardener Dave Covington, said he planted extra for just that reason. He knows he shares his harvest with many people, those he invited to share it, and those he didn't. On the day he was interviewed at his plot he had brought along a friend, Everett Woods, who was hungry for some collard greens. Woods, who attends Living Gospel Church of God in Christ that meets at the General Offices, left with greens, jalapenos, cucumbers, and green peppers covering the floorboards of his car.
Among those using plots this year was the Elgin YWCA's Teen REACH and Southeast Asian Youth programs, which are attempting to create a community garden for youth and children on two plots provided free of charge by the board. The idea was for children at Elgin's Garfield Elementary School, a partner in the project, to work the garden, donate the produce and help serve the food at an Elgin soup kitchen, said Ann de Cruz, YWCA community service director. It seemed a perfect opportunity for children who are "usually on the receiving end" to give and see the fruit of their labors, she said.
The garden was a lesson in the "real world," however. When the weather turned hot, the children just didn't show up. "We lost the garden," de Cruz said. She is still convinced the basic idea for the program is a good one. "I want to do it one more time. The other thing that we must have is beyond-grade-school human beings who can follow through, or people who can volunteer." For more information about the YWCA project call 847-742-7930 or e-mail anndecruz153@hotmail.com.
Source: Newsline 10/01/2004
top
Garden plots on land owned by the General Board, located behind the General Offices in Elgin, Ill., produce food for the community, Brethren staff, and volunteers. They also provide an opportunity for gardeners to work together with friends and family. "It's fun," said Mary Beliveau, a Brethren Volunteer Service worker and assistant archivist for the board. "It's a lot of hard work but it's good to be together."
On a sunny afternoon in early fall, the area was a neighborhood gathering place as small groups of people chatted or waved to each other on their way to and from garden plots, and children rode four-wheelers and bicycles around the property. The land is a resource for the community, with individuals and groups renting the 122 plots for the low cost of $20 a season in a program that has been in place for at least 25 years. Most of the gardeners are repeat customers, said Maryse Manelli, the board's receptionist who is responsible for renting the plots. "A lot are renewed year after year," she said. "When people come in wanting plots, I have to put them on a waiting list."
Beliveau and three friends who work for the board--Beth Rhodes, co-coordinator of youth and young adult workcamps; Becky Ullom, director of Identity and Relations; and LeAnn Wine, director of Financial Operations--gardened a 40-by-40-foot plot together. This summer their crop included corn, sunflowers, green beans, peas, squash, tomatoes, and herbs. The harvest of beans was so plentiful the friends gave away bags of the fresh vegetable.
The plot worked by the Kingery family--Heather and Dennis, who directs the Church of the Brethren Credit Union, and sons Ethan and Jonas--also raised more than they could eat. The boys age four and two picked tomatoes and squash while their parents worried about weeds and cultivated the broccoli.
As all gardeners must, those who work the plots experience loss and disappointment along with the possibility of bumper crops. Produce regularly disappeared overnight. Pumpkins were especially hard to bring to harvest because they are popular with those who raid the plots, said gardeners.
James Miller, who worked nine plots with fellow gardener Dave Covington, said he planted extra for just that reason. He knows he shares his harvest with many people, those he invited to share it, and those he didn't. On the day he was interviewed at his plot he had brought along a friend, Everett Woods, who was hungry for some collard greens. Woods, who attends Living Gospel Church of God in Christ that meets at the General Offices, left with greens, jalapenos, cucumbers, and green peppers covering the floorboards of his car.
Among those using plots this year was the Elgin YWCA's Teen REACH and Southeast Asian Youth programs, which are attempting to create a community garden for youth and children on two plots provided free of charge by the board. The idea was for children at Elgin's Garfield Elementary School, a partner in the project, to work the garden, donate the produce and help serve the food at an Elgin soup kitchen, said Ann de Cruz, YWCA community service director. It seemed a perfect opportunity for children who are "usually on the receiving end" to give and see the fruit of their labors, she said.
The garden was a lesson in the "real world," however. When the weather turned hot, the children just didn't show up. "We lost the garden," de Cruz said. She is still convinced the basic idea for the program is a good one. "I want to do it one more time. The other thing that we must have is beyond-grade-school human beings who can follow through, or people who can volunteer." For more information about the YWCA project call 847-742-7930 or e-mail anndecruz153@hotmail.com.
Source: Newsline 10/01/2004
top
Credits
Newsline is produced by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of news services for the Church of the Brethren General Board, on the first, third, and fifth Friday of each month, with other editions as needed. Newsline stories may be reprinted provided that Newsline is cited as the source. Connie Burkholder, Robert Etzweiler, Julie Hostetter, Herman Kauffman, and Marie Willoughby 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. Connie Burkholder, Robert Etzweiler, Julie Hostetter, Herman Kauffman, and Marie Willoughby contributed to this report.
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