- General Board approves Haiti mission, announces committee to study property.
- Anniversary Committee meets with the Brethren Church.
- Mid-Atlantic District instructed in `Christian Pestering.'
- Western Pennsylvania challenged to pray continually.
- Cross-cultural music tour covers two districts.
- Vital Pastor program holds recruitment retreat.
- Brethren bits: Correction, remembrance, and more.
Friday, November 05, 2004
NEWS
General Board approves Haiti mission, announces committee to study property.
The General Board, meeting in Elgin, Ill., Oct. 15-18, approved a denominational mission in Haiti; announced a Stewardship of Property Committee to study use of its properties and buildings in Elgin and New Windsor, Md.; approved a budget for 2005; and approved a shift in relationship with the American Baptist Churches USA among other business. The theme for worship and business was taken from the annual report for 2004, "Bound Together, Finely Woven." Donna Shumate led the meetings as chair. Ken Hunn, executive director of the Brethren Church, brought the Sunday morning message.
"I have the call of introducing Christ to those around me," said Doug Diamond, board and Mission and Ministries Planning Council (MMPC) member who introduced a proposal for mission in Haiti. The proposal from MMPC is the fruit of lengthy exploration with Church of the Brethren districts, congregations, and individuals already at work in Haiti. Two Church of the Brethren fellowships reportedly have been planted there, said Merv Keeney, executive director of Global Mission Partnerships--a development that MMPC learned of in conversation with two districts, Haitian Brethren congregations, and Haitian Brethren leaders in the US and the Dominican Republic. Other Brethren efforts in Haiti have included wells programs, health ministries, short-term mission trips, and work camps, Keeney said.
The denominational mission in Haiti will be a new model for the church, Keeney told the board, and will be "Haitian-led," he said. "This brings two parts of our church joining together in mission to a third place," he said as he outlined the plan for Haitian Brethren leaders from the US and the DR to lead the mission.
"It sounds like we can either get on board with what God is doing or step back," said board member Doug Price during discussion of the proposal. "The church is at work.... I for one want to really affirm this and am eager to vote yes." The proposal was approved after discussion of staffing, budget, and the board's financial responsibility, and after a few moments of silence and prayer.
An initial announcement of a six-member Stewardship of Property Committee, an ad hoc committee appointed by the Executive Committee, was met by calls to diversify the committee to include women, ethnic minorities, and members from the western US. Later in the meeting, a special session was held to process the concerns. Shumate announced that two more members would be added to the committee and called for suggestions of names.
Since the meeting, the final make up of the Stewardship of Property Committee has been announced: D. Miller Davis, of Westminster (Md.) Church of the Brethren; Fletcher Farrar, Springfield (Ill.) Church of the Brethren; Dale Grosbach, Messiah Church of the Brethren, Kansas City, Mo.; Wanda Haynes, Columbia-Lakewood Community Church of the Brethren, Seattle, Wash.; Ivan Patterson, Bear Creek Church of the Brethren, Dayton, Ohio; Marianne Rhoades Pittman, Good Shepherd Church of the Brethren, Blacksburg, Va.; Dale Roth, University Baptist and Brethren Church, State College, Pa.; and David Sollenberger, representing the General Board. The group will hold a first meeting by Jan. 2005 and will report to the General Board in March 2006.
A 2005 budget for the core ministries of the board totaled $5,376,410. The board chose to adopt a budget with a small income over expense of $49,210. The parameter originally set for 2005 represented a $199,000 reduction; the final budget approved is a reduction of $248,000. The board also approved budgets for its self-funded units, most of which have zero-based budgets. When adding these in, the full scope of the board's ministries is represented by a total gross income in 2005 of $9,025,110. The reduction means that two vacant staff positions in Congregational Life Ministries and Information Services will not be filled.
An encouraging giving report came from Ken Neher, director of Funding and Donor Development, that overall giving to the ministries of the board is up 23 percent from this time last year. That figure encompasses a dip of 1.3 percent in congregational giving to the board's core ministries as well as a gain in individual giving and a sharp increase in giving to two of the board's special funds, the Emergency Disaster Fund and the Special Gifts Fund. "But by far the largest increase in unrestricted income was in our bequest gift category, where estate settlements have rebounded from two years of very little activity," Neher said.
The board approved a recommendation from the Committee on Interchurch Relations, which has made a two-year study of the "observer consultant" relationship with the American Baptist Churches USA. Brandy Fix, CIR member and pastor of Wabash (Ind.) Church of the Brethren, brought the recommendation that the relationship continue "because we find that it is of great value." In a move to more meaningfully relate with the American Baptists, CIR recommended that the position of observer-consultant be shifted from the General Board to CIR. The American Baptists are considering a similar shift in their structure, Fix said.
In other business the board appointed Dale Minnich and Ken Wenger to its Audit and Investment Committee; heard reports; recognized employees; held conversations with staff in ministry areas; and approved polity revisions to be considered by the 2005 Annual Conference. A variety of small revisions were approved, mostly to bring the polity up to date.
A change in the nominations process for the board also was made, initiated by staff who discovered a mathematical "glitch" that will create a vacancy of a district representative every eight years beginning in 2005. The board approved a proposal brought by Annual Conference secretary Fred Swartz to fill the vacancy with an "at-large" district representative nominated by the board. The nomination will be submitted to Annual Conference for its approval.
Source: 11/05/2004 Newsline
The General Board, meeting in Elgin, Ill., Oct. 15-18, approved a denominational mission in Haiti; announced a Stewardship of Property Committee to study use of its properties and buildings in Elgin and New Windsor, Md.; approved a budget for 2005; and approved a shift in relationship with the American Baptist Churches USA among other business. The theme for worship and business was taken from the annual report for 2004, "Bound Together, Finely Woven." Donna Shumate led the meetings as chair. Ken Hunn, executive director of the Brethren Church, brought the Sunday morning message.
"I have the call of introducing Christ to those around me," said Doug Diamond, board and Mission and Ministries Planning Council (MMPC) member who introduced a proposal for mission in Haiti. The proposal from MMPC is the fruit of lengthy exploration with Church of the Brethren districts, congregations, and individuals already at work in Haiti. Two Church of the Brethren fellowships reportedly have been planted there, said Merv Keeney, executive director of Global Mission Partnerships--a development that MMPC learned of in conversation with two districts, Haitian Brethren congregations, and Haitian Brethren leaders in the US and the Dominican Republic. Other Brethren efforts in Haiti have included wells programs, health ministries, short-term mission trips, and work camps, Keeney said.
The denominational mission in Haiti will be a new model for the church, Keeney told the board, and will be "Haitian-led," he said. "This brings two parts of our church joining together in mission to a third place," he said as he outlined the plan for Haitian Brethren leaders from the US and the DR to lead the mission.
"It sounds like we can either get on board with what God is doing or step back," said board member Doug Price during discussion of the proposal. "The church is at work.... I for one want to really affirm this and am eager to vote yes." The proposal was approved after discussion of staffing, budget, and the board's financial responsibility, and after a few moments of silence and prayer.
An initial announcement of a six-member Stewardship of Property Committee, an ad hoc committee appointed by the Executive Committee, was met by calls to diversify the committee to include women, ethnic minorities, and members from the western US. Later in the meeting, a special session was held to process the concerns. Shumate announced that two more members would be added to the committee and called for suggestions of names.
Since the meeting, the final make up of the Stewardship of Property Committee has been announced: D. Miller Davis, of Westminster (Md.) Church of the Brethren; Fletcher Farrar, Springfield (Ill.) Church of the Brethren; Dale Grosbach, Messiah Church of the Brethren, Kansas City, Mo.; Wanda Haynes, Columbia-Lakewood Community Church of the Brethren, Seattle, Wash.; Ivan Patterson, Bear Creek Church of the Brethren, Dayton, Ohio; Marianne Rhoades Pittman, Good Shepherd Church of the Brethren, Blacksburg, Va.; Dale Roth, University Baptist and Brethren Church, State College, Pa.; and David Sollenberger, representing the General Board. The group will hold a first meeting by Jan. 2005 and will report to the General Board in March 2006.
A 2005 budget for the core ministries of the board totaled $5,376,410. The board chose to adopt a budget with a small income over expense of $49,210. The parameter originally set for 2005 represented a $199,000 reduction; the final budget approved is a reduction of $248,000. The board also approved budgets for its self-funded units, most of which have zero-based budgets. When adding these in, the full scope of the board's ministries is represented by a total gross income in 2005 of $9,025,110. The reduction means that two vacant staff positions in Congregational Life Ministries and Information Services will not be filled.
An encouraging giving report came from Ken Neher, director of Funding and Donor Development, that overall giving to the ministries of the board is up 23 percent from this time last year. That figure encompasses a dip of 1.3 percent in congregational giving to the board's core ministries as well as a gain in individual giving and a sharp increase in giving to two of the board's special funds, the Emergency Disaster Fund and the Special Gifts Fund. "But by far the largest increase in unrestricted income was in our bequest gift category, where estate settlements have rebounded from two years of very little activity," Neher said.
The board approved a recommendation from the Committee on Interchurch Relations, which has made a two-year study of the "observer consultant" relationship with the American Baptist Churches USA. Brandy Fix, CIR member and pastor of Wabash (Ind.) Church of the Brethren, brought the recommendation that the relationship continue "because we find that it is of great value." In a move to more meaningfully relate with the American Baptists, CIR recommended that the position of observer-consultant be shifted from the General Board to CIR. The American Baptists are considering a similar shift in their structure, Fix said.
In other business the board appointed Dale Minnich and Ken Wenger to its Audit and Investment Committee; heard reports; recognized employees; held conversations with staff in ministry areas; and approved polity revisions to be considered by the 2005 Annual Conference. A variety of small revisions were approved, mostly to bring the polity up to date.
A change in the nominations process for the board also was made, initiated by staff who discovered a mathematical "glitch" that will create a vacancy of a district representative every eight years beginning in 2005. The board approved a proposal brought by Annual Conference secretary Fred Swartz to fill the vacancy with an "at-large" district representative nominated by the board. The nomination will be submitted to Annual Conference for its approval.
Source: 11/05/2004 Newsline
Anniversary Committee meets with the Brethren Church.
The Annual Conference Anniversary Committee met Oct. 14-17 in Ashland, Ohio, spending an afternoon with the Brethren Church Tercentennial Committee to plan joint activities at Annual Conference 2008 in Richmond, Va. The Anniversary Committee is developing events, activities, and resources to help the Church of the Brethren celebrate the 300th anniversary of the Brethren movement in 2008.
Plans for the joint 2008 Annual Conference were announced by the committee's recorder, Rhonda Pittman Gingrich: The Church of the Brethren and the Brethren Church will open the conference with separate worship services on Saturday evening. The groups will join together for celebratory events on Sunday including morning worship, interpretive activities in the afternoon, and a global celebration in the evening. The denominations will conduct business separately on Monday and Tuesday, and close the conference with a joint worship service Wednesday morning. The conference will include joint interpretive displays related to the anniversary. A subcommittee has been named to plan the Sunday afternoon activities: Leslie Lake of the Church of the Brethren, Dean Garrett of the Church of the Brethren, Brad Weidenhamer of the Brethren Church, and Dale Stoffer of the Brethren Church. Another subcommittee will be named to plan the joint worship experiences, including members from both anniversary committees and the Annual Conference Program and Arrangements Committee.
A kick-off celebration at Germantown Church of the Brethren in Philadelphia, Pa., in Sept. 2007 is being planned. Members of all the denominations that trace their roots to the first Brethren baptisms in 1708 in Schwarzenau, Germany, will be invited. Initial ideas for the event include lectures, a Sunday morning worship service, a neighborhood service project, ethnic food booths, and a marketplace. The committee will collaborate with the Germantown congregation in planning the event and consult the Brethren Encyclopedia Board and the Germantown Trust.
The committee spent a significant amount of time planning events and activities specific to the Church of the Brethren. Planning continued to engage children and youth in the anniversary celebration, to distribute anniversary resources to congregations and districts, and to develop heritage tours. Gingrich reported that the committee has held conversations with a variety of groups about how to include them and their constituents in the celebration: the Association for the Arts in the Church of the Brethren, the Cross-Cultural Ministries Team, Womaen's Caucus, the Annual Conference Program and Arrangements Committee, and the Brethren Encyclopedia Board planning an anniversary event in Schwarzenau in Aug. 2008.
Calls for submissions of anniversary-related music and dramas have been made and a call for worship resources is forthcoming; details are at www.churchofthebrethrenanniversary.org. Resources will be distributed in late 2006 so that congregations and districts can prepare for 2007-08 celebrations. The anniversary logo will be made available to download from the website. Congregations and districts are encouraged to use the logo for worship, publicity, and anniversary-related events, but may not use it for unauthorized commercial purposes.
Committee members are chair Jeff Bach, Don Durnbaugh, Dean Garrett, Rhonda Pittman Gingrich, Leslie Lake, Lorele Yager, and Annual Conference executive director Lerry Fogle, ex-officio.
Source: 11/05/2004 Newsline
The Annual Conference Anniversary Committee met Oct. 14-17 in Ashland, Ohio, spending an afternoon with the Brethren Church Tercentennial Committee to plan joint activities at Annual Conference 2008 in Richmond, Va. The Anniversary Committee is developing events, activities, and resources to help the Church of the Brethren celebrate the 300th anniversary of the Brethren movement in 2008.
Plans for the joint 2008 Annual Conference were announced by the committee's recorder, Rhonda Pittman Gingrich: The Church of the Brethren and the Brethren Church will open the conference with separate worship services on Saturday evening. The groups will join together for celebratory events on Sunday including morning worship, interpretive activities in the afternoon, and a global celebration in the evening. The denominations will conduct business separately on Monday and Tuesday, and close the conference with a joint worship service Wednesday morning. The conference will include joint interpretive displays related to the anniversary. A subcommittee has been named to plan the Sunday afternoon activities: Leslie Lake of the Church of the Brethren, Dean Garrett of the Church of the Brethren, Brad Weidenhamer of the Brethren Church, and Dale Stoffer of the Brethren Church. Another subcommittee will be named to plan the joint worship experiences, including members from both anniversary committees and the Annual Conference Program and Arrangements Committee.
A kick-off celebration at Germantown Church of the Brethren in Philadelphia, Pa., in Sept. 2007 is being planned. Members of all the denominations that trace their roots to the first Brethren baptisms in 1708 in Schwarzenau, Germany, will be invited. Initial ideas for the event include lectures, a Sunday morning worship service, a neighborhood service project, ethnic food booths, and a marketplace. The committee will collaborate with the Germantown congregation in planning the event and consult the Brethren Encyclopedia Board and the Germantown Trust.
The committee spent a significant amount of time planning events and activities specific to the Church of the Brethren. Planning continued to engage children and youth in the anniversary celebration, to distribute anniversary resources to congregations and districts, and to develop heritage tours. Gingrich reported that the committee has held conversations with a variety of groups about how to include them and their constituents in the celebration: the Association for the Arts in the Church of the Brethren, the Cross-Cultural Ministries Team, Womaen's Caucus, the Annual Conference Program and Arrangements Committee, and the Brethren Encyclopedia Board planning an anniversary event in Schwarzenau in Aug. 2008.
Calls for submissions of anniversary-related music and dramas have been made and a call for worship resources is forthcoming; details are at www.churchofthebrethrenanniversary.org. Resources will be distributed in late 2006 so that congregations and districts can prepare for 2007-08 celebrations. The anniversary logo will be made available to download from the website. Congregations and districts are encouraged to use the logo for worship, publicity, and anniversary-related events, but may not use it for unauthorized commercial purposes.
Committee members are chair Jeff Bach, Don Durnbaugh, Dean Garrett, Rhonda Pittman Gingrich, Leslie Lake, Lorele Yager, and Annual Conference executive director Lerry Fogle, ex-officio.
Source: 11/05/2004 Newsline
Mid-Atlantic District instructed in 'Christian Pestering.'
"A rare opportunity to hear one of the world's most-recognized and finest preacher/professors, Dr. Fred B. Craddock, made the 38th annual Mid-Atlantic District Conference one to remember," reported administrative staff Terri Meushaw. The conference was held Oct. 8-9 in Easton, Md. Marjorie "Pete" Fox was the onsite coordinator.
Pastors attended a pre-conference preaching workshop by Craddock. "Dr. Craddock's down-home style and humor created an atmosphere of comfort and Christian fellowship that seemed to endure throughout the entire conference," Meushaw reported. The conference opened with worship led by Craddock on "Christian Pestering," introducing the conference theme, "Provoke One Another to Love and Good Deeds." The conference banner by Alexis Bear featured a post-it note reminder of the theme. Eastern Shore musicians and worship leader Paul Mundey joined Craddock in the service. A coffeehouse sponsored by the Peace and Justice Committee rounded out the day.
A more contemporary worship service led by Jody Gunn opened Saturday's events. Clowns and musicians participated along with the district youth band "Awaiting," The General Board's director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry Chris Douglas preached the sermon and spent the remaining conference time meeting with the youth.
Business sessions attended by 299 members representing 54 congregations were presided over by moderator Charlotte Bear, assisted by moderator-elect John Thompson and clerk Jeanne Laudermilch. Annual Conference moderator Jim Hardenbrook brought an invitation to the Conference in Peoria, Ill., in 2005. Ministry Moments were presented by Brethren agencies. Ann Cornell gave a rendition of Shepherd Spring's Twelve Tidbits of 2004 Camping.
District executive Don Booz highlighted the medical insurance crisis for pastors, church extension plants, and the goal to grow faithful disciples. He tied the conference theme and Craddock's comments to his report, with the theory that church membership may be declining "because we have lost reason to pester one another towards stronger discipleship of Jesus," Meushaw said. Booz challenged the district to "Continue the work of Jesus...Pestering. Simply. Together."
In other business, delegates received reports from newly established ministry teams, passed a 2005 budget, tabled action on a 2003 Query about Annual District Financial Audits and referred it back for more study, and passed a query creating a task team to consider changing the date of District Conference.
The majority of leadership positions were filled by affirming a slate with Jeff Carter as moderator-elect; Jan Young as clerk; Karl Layton, Jane Adair-Seleski, Loyal Vanderveer, and Nancy Fitzgerald to the Leadership Team; Marilyn Kieffaber to the Program and Arrangements Committee; and Bob Schall to Standing Committee. New Outdoor Ministry Teams for each district camp were affirmed. Barbara Groff and Alan Smith were elected to the Leadership Calling Team.
"An open mike period found speakers inviting others to special events at their churches as well as enthusiastically pestering and provoking each other to make continued and conscious efforts to live as loving and committed disciples of Jesus. The general consensus seemed to be that the 38th MAD Conference had been a real success," Meushaw reported.
Source: 11/05/2004 Newsline
"A rare opportunity to hear one of the world's most-recognized and finest preacher/professors, Dr. Fred B. Craddock, made the 38th annual Mid-Atlantic District Conference one to remember," reported administrative staff Terri Meushaw. The conference was held Oct. 8-9 in Easton, Md. Marjorie "Pete" Fox was the onsite coordinator.
Pastors attended a pre-conference preaching workshop by Craddock. "Dr. Craddock's down-home style and humor created an atmosphere of comfort and Christian fellowship that seemed to endure throughout the entire conference," Meushaw reported. The conference opened with worship led by Craddock on "Christian Pestering," introducing the conference theme, "Provoke One Another to Love and Good Deeds." The conference banner by Alexis Bear featured a post-it note reminder of the theme. Eastern Shore musicians and worship leader Paul Mundey joined Craddock in the service. A coffeehouse sponsored by the Peace and Justice Committee rounded out the day.
A more contemporary worship service led by Jody Gunn opened Saturday's events. Clowns and musicians participated along with the district youth band "Awaiting," The General Board's director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry Chris Douglas preached the sermon and spent the remaining conference time meeting with the youth.
Business sessions attended by 299 members representing 54 congregations were presided over by moderator Charlotte Bear, assisted by moderator-elect John Thompson and clerk Jeanne Laudermilch. Annual Conference moderator Jim Hardenbrook brought an invitation to the Conference in Peoria, Ill., in 2005. Ministry Moments were presented by Brethren agencies. Ann Cornell gave a rendition of Shepherd Spring's Twelve Tidbits of 2004 Camping.
District executive Don Booz highlighted the medical insurance crisis for pastors, church extension plants, and the goal to grow faithful disciples. He tied the conference theme and Craddock's comments to his report, with the theory that church membership may be declining "because we have lost reason to pester one another towards stronger discipleship of Jesus," Meushaw said. Booz challenged the district to "Continue the work of Jesus...Pestering. Simply. Together."
In other business, delegates received reports from newly established ministry teams, passed a 2005 budget, tabled action on a 2003 Query about Annual District Financial Audits and referred it back for more study, and passed a query creating a task team to consider changing the date of District Conference.
The majority of leadership positions were filled by affirming a slate with Jeff Carter as moderator-elect; Jan Young as clerk; Karl Layton, Jane Adair-Seleski, Loyal Vanderveer, and Nancy Fitzgerald to the Leadership Team; Marilyn Kieffaber to the Program and Arrangements Committee; and Bob Schall to Standing Committee. New Outdoor Ministry Teams for each district camp were affirmed. Barbara Groff and Alan Smith were elected to the Leadership Calling Team.
"An open mike period found speakers inviting others to special events at their churches as well as enthusiastically pestering and provoking each other to make continued and conscious efforts to live as loving and committed disciples of Jesus. The general consensus seemed to be that the 38th MAD Conference had been a real success," Meushaw reported.
Source: 11/05/2004 Newsline
Western Pennsylvania challenged to pray continually.
Western Pennsylvania District held its 138th annual conference at Meyersdale (Pa.) Church of the Brethren on Oct. 16. Moderator Mildred Z. Hartzell challenged the approximately 200 participants with the theme "Pray Continually--Grow in Faith--Believing," reported administrative staff Suzanne Moss. Christopher A. Forry was installed as moderator for the next year. Phillip A. King was named moderator-elect.
In business sessions, a 2005 budget of $181,202 was adopted by 162 delegates representing 51 congregations. The district comprises 69 churches with a membership of over 10,000. Six people were elected to the district board: Judith A. Firestone, Homer H. Marshall, Angela F. Decker, John D. Cable, Guy L. Myers, and Gary N. Weaver. Wade E. Thomas was re-elected to the board. Robert J. Brotemarkle and Paul R. Woolslayer were named to the Church of the Brethren Home board. Claire Montoya was elected to the District Charitable Trust Board. John E. Eash, Sally M. Houghton, and Patricia Shaulis were approved for terms on the board of Camp Harmony. William A. Waugh was elected to Standing Committee. Judy M. Walker will serve on the Nominating and Personnel Committee. Regina P. Deffenbaugh will serve on the Program and Arrangements Committee.
In other business, a certificate of appreciation was presented to Jack Lybarger for compiling a photo album with pictures of all of the district's churches, the district office, Camp Harmony, and the Church of the Brethren Home. Worship and music were interspersed throughout the business through visual presentations and reflections on peace. Insight sessions were held on subjects including a review of the new district video, a discussion of the work of the Structure Review and Redesign Team, and a presentation from On Earth Peace.
Source: 11/05/2004 Newsline
Western Pennsylvania District held its 138th annual conference at Meyersdale (Pa.) Church of the Brethren on Oct. 16. Moderator Mildred Z. Hartzell challenged the approximately 200 participants with the theme "Pray Continually--Grow in Faith--Believing," reported administrative staff Suzanne Moss. Christopher A. Forry was installed as moderator for the next year. Phillip A. King was named moderator-elect.
In business sessions, a 2005 budget of $181,202 was adopted by 162 delegates representing 51 congregations. The district comprises 69 churches with a membership of over 10,000. Six people were elected to the district board: Judith A. Firestone, Homer H. Marshall, Angela F. Decker, John D. Cable, Guy L. Myers, and Gary N. Weaver. Wade E. Thomas was re-elected to the board. Robert J. Brotemarkle and Paul R. Woolslayer were named to the Church of the Brethren Home board. Claire Montoya was elected to the District Charitable Trust Board. John E. Eash, Sally M. Houghton, and Patricia Shaulis were approved for terms on the board of Camp Harmony. William A. Waugh was elected to Standing Committee. Judy M. Walker will serve on the Nominating and Personnel Committee. Regina P. Deffenbaugh will serve on the Program and Arrangements Committee.
In other business, a certificate of appreciation was presented to Jack Lybarger for compiling a photo album with pictures of all of the district's churches, the district office, Camp Harmony, and the Church of the Brethren Home. Worship and music were interspersed throughout the business through visual presentations and reflections on peace. Insight sessions were held on subjects including a review of the new district video, a discussion of the work of the Structure Review and Redesign Team, and a presentation from On Earth Peace.
Source: 11/05/2004 Newsline
Cross-cultural music tour covers two districts.
A cross cultural music tour built bridges of understanding in Western Plains and Northern Plains Districts, Sept. 29-Oct. 3, reported Duane Grady, Congregational Life Team coordinator for Areas 2 and 4 for the General Board. "Through music and worship, the message of Ephesians 2 was brought to life as walls of separation were overcome by a mutual commitment to following Jesus," Grady reported.
Tour stops included First Central Church of the Brethren, Kansas City, Kan.; Panther Creek Church of the Brethren, Adel, Iowa; Ankeny (Iowa) Church of the Brethren; Ivester Church of the Brethren, Grundy Center, Iowa; and South Waterloo (Iowa) Church of the Brethren. The tour group also provided a worship service at the Eldora Training School, a juvenile detention center for teenage boys in Eldora, Iowa. The tour ended with a love feast celebration at the Ivester congregation. "Staying in homes and sharing in meals provided the opportunity for persons from diversely different backgrounds to learn to know one another," Grady said. "A warm reception was provided at each location and genuine appreciation was given for the worship and music."
Tour participants were Gilbert Romero, of East Los Angeles, Calif.; Jennie Nichols, of Kansas City, Kan.; Michaela Camps, of Miami, Fla.; James Washington Sr., of Whitehouse, Texas; and Grady. A similar tour is being planned for Virlina District in May 2005.
Source: 11/05/2004 Newsline
A cross cultural music tour built bridges of understanding in Western Plains and Northern Plains Districts, Sept. 29-Oct. 3, reported Duane Grady, Congregational Life Team coordinator for Areas 2 and 4 for the General Board. "Through music and worship, the message of Ephesians 2 was brought to life as walls of separation were overcome by a mutual commitment to following Jesus," Grady reported.
Tour stops included First Central Church of the Brethren, Kansas City, Kan.; Panther Creek Church of the Brethren, Adel, Iowa; Ankeny (Iowa) Church of the Brethren; Ivester Church of the Brethren, Grundy Center, Iowa; and South Waterloo (Iowa) Church of the Brethren. The tour group also provided a worship service at the Eldora Training School, a juvenile detention center for teenage boys in Eldora, Iowa. The tour ended with a love feast celebration at the Ivester congregation. "Staying in homes and sharing in meals provided the opportunity for persons from diversely different backgrounds to learn to know one another," Grady said. "A warm reception was provided at each location and genuine appreciation was given for the worship and music."
Tour participants were Gilbert Romero, of East Los Angeles, Calif.; Jennie Nichols, of Kansas City, Kan.; Michaela Camps, of Miami, Fla.; James Washington Sr., of Whitehouse, Texas; and Grady. A similar tour is being planned for Virlina District in May 2005.
Source: 11/05/2004 Newsline
Vital Pastor program holds recruitment retreat.
Thirteen Church of the Brethren pastors met Oct. 19-20 in Indianapolis for a recruitment retreat for the Vital Pastor track of the Sustaining Pastoral Excellence (SPE) program. SPE is a program of the Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership designed to sustain and improve pastoral quality in the Church of the Brethren.
The retreat led by SPE coordinators Linda and Glenn Timmons shared information with pastors who may serve as facilitators of the first set of "cohort groups" for the Vital Pastor track. Between now and 2005 the pastors who gathered at Indianapolis will recruit pastoral colleagues interested in pursuing a course of shared learning, reflection on pastoral ministry and mission, and spiritual formation.
"Vital Pastor is one of two tracks pastors can consider for their continuing education requirements," the Timmons reported. "For Advanced Foundations of Church Leadership a curriculum of leadership development is offered in the form of eight four-day retreats over two years. In the Vital Pastor track a self-selected cohort group determines a focus for study over a two-year period."
Both the Vital Pastor track and the Advanced Foundations track are funded by a five-year, $2 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc., awarded to the academy in late 2003. The academy, which offers several certified ministry training opportunities, is housed at Bethany Theological Seminary, Richmond, Ind., and is jointly sponsored by Bethany and the General Board.
Source: 11/05/2004 Newsline
Thirteen Church of the Brethren pastors met Oct. 19-20 in Indianapolis for a recruitment retreat for the Vital Pastor track of the Sustaining Pastoral Excellence (SPE) program. SPE is a program of the Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership designed to sustain and improve pastoral quality in the Church of the Brethren.
The retreat led by SPE coordinators Linda and Glenn Timmons shared information with pastors who may serve as facilitators of the first set of "cohort groups" for the Vital Pastor track. Between now and 2005 the pastors who gathered at Indianapolis will recruit pastoral colleagues interested in pursuing a course of shared learning, reflection on pastoral ministry and mission, and spiritual formation.
"Vital Pastor is one of two tracks pastors can consider for their continuing education requirements," the Timmons reported. "For Advanced Foundations of Church Leadership a curriculum of leadership development is offered in the form of eight four-day retreats over two years. In the Vital Pastor track a self-selected cohort group determines a focus for study over a two-year period."
Both the Vital Pastor track and the Advanced Foundations track are funded by a five-year, $2 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc., awarded to the academy in late 2003. The academy, which offers several certified ministry training opportunities, is housed at Bethany Theological Seminary, Richmond, Ind., and is jointly sponsored by Bethany and the General Board.
Source: 11/05/2004 Newsline
Brethren bits: Correction, remembrance, and more.
- In a correction to the Oct. 29 story "Plans for `Conversations on Being the Church' Continue," Jonathan Shively is director of the Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership.
- The General Board has sent a letter of condolence to the Greek Orthodox Church on the death of Pope Petros VII, Greek Orthodox patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa, and 17 church leaders and members of his staff. The patriarch along with bishops, priests, and lay staff were killed in September in a helicopter crash over the Aegean. "We hereby express fervent gratitude on receipt of your brotherly letter through which you participated in the profound sorrow of the Alexandrian Church," replied Petros Metropolitan of Alexandria and All Africa. "The prayers of all are a source of comfort and hope when events beyond our control intervene in our lives," wrote Demetrios, Archbishop of America, replying on behalf of the American archdiocese.
- The December Source mailing includes ideas for congregations to use the unique opportunity of the Church of the Brethren Christmas Eve Service on CBS. Ideas are given for how congregations may use the national television broadcast to share the Good News of Jesus Christ with their communities. The Source packet, a monthly mailing of resources for congregations, will arrive at church offices by mid-November. Also in this Source packet: A letter from Annual Conference moderator Jim Hardenbrook; information from the 300th Anniversary Committee; order forms for a Lent devotional by Glenn Mitchell; a Christmas catalogue from Brethren Press; a youth essay contest by "Messenger" magazine; bulletin inserts on stewardship; brochures for the 2005 National Workcamps for youth and young adults; an invitation to send Christmas cards to Brethren Volunteer Service workers; a flier from A Greater Gift/SERRV; "The Seed Packet" newsletter for Christian educators; and the "Tapestry" newsletter.
- The General Board's Disaster Child Care (DCC) program's response to Hurricanes Charley, Frances, Ivan, and Jeanne is "winding down," reported coordinator Helen Stonesifer. The last of four child care centers in American Red Cross Service Centers will close Nov. 6. The only child care center remaining open is in Kissimmee, Fla., and is expected to close by the end of next week. For more than two months, in 16 child care centers and three states, approximately 111 volunteers have made more than 2,667 child care contacts, Stonesifer said.
- Volunteers interested in becoming Disaster Response project directors will gather from across the denomination Nov. 7-9 for a training in New Windsor, Md. Thirteen people will prepare to direct disaster clean up and rebuilding through the General Board's Emergency Response.
- General Board staff at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md., are participating in Mission Fairs at churches taking part in the Purpose Driven Life program. Diane Gosnell attended the Westminster United Methodist Church mission fair on Oct. 24, providing volunteer information for organizations on campus; and Kathleen Campanella will attend the Locust Grove Church of the Brethren mission fair in Mount Airy, Md., on Nov. 7.
- Greensburg (Pa.) Church of the Brethren will host a concert by the Western Pennsylvania District Youth Choir at 7 p.m. Nov. 6. The 15-member choir will sing original compositions by director Paul Longwell. The group is doing a weekend tour of congregations in the district.
- The Ephrata Cloister Chorus will perform at Glade Valley Church of the Brethren, Walkersville, Md., on Nov. 20. The chorus of some 40 women and men includes music directors and pastors of local Brethren and other congregations, and will perform a mix of early Brethren music, Shaker music, and later American religious music. For more information call the church at 301-898-0886.
- Three districts hold conferences this weekend and next: Illinois-Wisconsin meets Nov. 5-7 at Dixon (Ill.) Church of the Brethren with Ed Garrison as moderator; Shenandoah meets Nov. 5-6 at Bridgewater (Va.) Church of the Brethren with John Garber as moderator; Virlina meets Nov. 12-18 at Bonsack Baptist Church in Roanoke, Va., with David Minnich as moderator.
- Women of Northern Indiana District meet Nov. 6 for a personal growth day led by Carol Spicher Waggy at Pine Creek Church of the Brethren, North Liberty, Ind. The theme is "Piecing It Together."
- A Midwest Pastors Conference Nov. 14-16 at Camp Alexander Mack, Milford, Ind., is sponsored by midwestern districts. Jerry and Julia Flora, of Ashland Theological Seminary, will speak. Call the camp at 574-658-4831.
- Manchester College, North Manchester, Ind., has tripled its Connections scholarship to $3,000 for new Church of the Brethren students entering in the fall of 2005. Brethren students will receive the award on top of all other financial aid for which they qualify, up to full tuition. "Our Brethren students are consistently among our top students academically and are leaders on campus," noted Dave McFadden, vice president for Enrollment and Planning, in a release from the college. "They are a key part of what makes us a distinctive college." The release reported that 11 Fulbright Scholars from Manchester have been Church of the Brethren. Visit www.manchester.edu or call 800-852-3648.
- November events at Bridgewater (Va.) College include an exhibit of "Eccentric Inventions" by Allan Rosenbaum, a Virginia Commonwealth University professor, Nov. 15-Dec. 15; and a reception with the artist 4-7 p.m. Nov. 15. Other special events are the Ensemble Amarcord, a male a cappella quintet, 8 p.m. Nov. 15; Thanksgiving Campus Worship Nov. 16 at 9:30 a.m.; a W. Harold Row Endowed Lecture at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 18 on "Overkill Serial Murder Exposed" with Jack Levin, director of the Program for the Study of Violence at Northeastern University in Boston; a concert by the Symphonic Band on Nov. 21 at 3 p.m.; Convocation with the Bridgewater College International Club at 9:30 a.m. Nov. 30; and at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 30 a panel discussion of Brown vs. Board of Education. For information call 540-828-5486.
- Lebanon Valley Brethren Home, Palmyra, Pa., will hold its 30th Annual Meeting at 7 p.m. Nov. 9. The meeting brings the home's anniversary celebration to an official conclusion. A scrapbook of the home's history, including news articles, pictures, and other memorabilia, may be displayed to celebrate the anniversary. A history of the home written by Joe Long, board member and amateur historian, will be published in 2005.
- Charles E. Cable, president and CEO of Brethren Hillcrest Homes in La Verne, Calif., has received a Meritorious Service Award from the American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging (AAHSA), reported the Association of Brethren Caregivers. The award was given at the AAHSA annual meeting Oct. 25-28 in Nashville, Tenn. "Under (Cable's) direction, Hillcrest has been recognized as one of the outstanding continuing care retirement communities in the country," stated a citation in the Sept./Oct. issue of "Best Practices," the AAHSA magazine. The citation also recognized Cable's service on several AAHSA committees and as board chair of the California Association of Homes and Services for the Aging.
- Three members of the same family were ordained to pastoral ministry on the same day at Parker Ford (Pa.) Church of the Brethren on Oct. 10: Jay and Carol Doering, who serve the Parker Ford congregation, and their son Tim Doering, pastor of Discipleship Ministries at Ephrata (Pa.) Church of the Brethren. "We don't think so much (of being pastors) as a family affair," Jay told "The Mercury" newspaper of Pottstown, Pa. Tim's ordination was held last so that his parents could participate, his mother told the paper. "It's pretty special that we get to participate in his ordination," she said.
- Two members of Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT) were arrested by Israeli police in Hebron Nov. 4, and released late that night. Joe Carr of Kansas City, Mo., and Christina Gibb of Dunedin, New Zealand, were arrested at a military checkpoint where they were taking notes of the number of Palestinians passing by and the percentage who were detained. The arrest comes at a time when CPT volunteers have been under increased scrutiny by the Israeli police, army, and secret service, CPT said, and after attacks on CPT workers by settlers. In other news, veteran CPT worker and Church of the Brethren member Cliff Kindy returned to Iraq this week, joining a team of peacemakers that will number six by the end of November. CPT is a peacemaking initiative of Mennonite and Brethren congregations and Friends meetings. For more information visit www.cpt.org.
World Council of Churches US conference meets on peace.
By Jeff Carter
The annual meeting of the US Conference for the World Council of Churches (WCC) was held Oct. 5-6 in Atlanta, Ga., on the theme, "The Power and Promise of Peace." The theme incorporated themes found in the WCC's Decade to Overcome Violence, of which the Church of the Brethren is one of the more active partners.
The honorary chairperson for the event was Martin Luther King III and leadership included Samuel Kobia, WCC general secretary; Andrew Young, former congressman and US ambassador; Joseph Roberts, Jr., senior pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church; and WCC staff. Highlights from the conference included Bible studies focused on the biblical notion of peace and the power of peacemaking, workshops on the campuses of Morehouse and Spellman Colleges, worship services at Ebenezer Baptist Church and the First Congregational Church of Atlanta, rousing sermons from denominational leaders, and the continuous presence of bridge-building through fellowship and structured educational opportunities.
Two of the most momentous events came on the second day of the conference. First, ten living letters were delivered. Each letter represented voices from an area of the world outside the US. The voice reading each letter represented not only the words of a people, but a worldview at times different than our own. Citizens of South Africa, Palestine, India, Canada, and more read aloud words challenging the US churches to be active in proclaiming the Good News, confronting injustice, and working in the way of peace, as we seek to resolve conflicts both foreign and domestic. Second, the closing worship at Ebenezer Baptist Church was inspiring both in message and historic location, for Ebenezer Baptist Church is the church of Martin Luther King Jr. The pulpit rang with the theme of God's call for justice as Michael Pfleger, pastor of the community of Saint Sabina Church, extended the call to be a living witness of Christ's presence in this present age. The three-hour service concluded with a benediction sending the congregation inspired and empowered to be one in their witness to the power and promise of peace.
A continual theme throughout the conference came in the affirmation, "It is good to have the Brethren here." As a charter member of the WCC, the Church of the Brethren has a unique voice representing the historic peace church tradition as well as the Anabaptist and Pietist perspectives. Often the Church of the Brethren voice is sought in matters of witness and activism. Brethren integrity, commitment to service, and practical imitation of Jesus offer another way when discussing the nature and purpose of the church.
As part of the conference, elections were held for the Board of Directors for the US Conference. Stan Noffsinger, general secretary of the General Board, and I were elected to the Board of Directors and will serve in this capacity until the 2006 WCC Assembly in Porto Alegra, Brazil.
--Jeff Carter, pastor at Manassas (Va.) Church of the Brethren, is the Church of the Brethren representative to the WCC.
Source: 11/05/2004 Newsline
By Jeff Carter
The annual meeting of the US Conference for the World Council of Churches (WCC) was held Oct. 5-6 in Atlanta, Ga., on the theme, "The Power and Promise of Peace." The theme incorporated themes found in the WCC's Decade to Overcome Violence, of which the Church of the Brethren is one of the more active partners.
The honorary chairperson for the event was Martin Luther King III and leadership included Samuel Kobia, WCC general secretary; Andrew Young, former congressman and US ambassador; Joseph Roberts, Jr., senior pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church; and WCC staff. Highlights from the conference included Bible studies focused on the biblical notion of peace and the power of peacemaking, workshops on the campuses of Morehouse and Spellman Colleges, worship services at Ebenezer Baptist Church and the First Congregational Church of Atlanta, rousing sermons from denominational leaders, and the continuous presence of bridge-building through fellowship and structured educational opportunities.
Two of the most momentous events came on the second day of the conference. First, ten living letters were delivered. Each letter represented voices from an area of the world outside the US. The voice reading each letter represented not only the words of a people, but a worldview at times different than our own. Citizens of South Africa, Palestine, India, Canada, and more read aloud words challenging the US churches to be active in proclaiming the Good News, confronting injustice, and working in the way of peace, as we seek to resolve conflicts both foreign and domestic. Second, the closing worship at Ebenezer Baptist Church was inspiring both in message and historic location, for Ebenezer Baptist Church is the church of Martin Luther King Jr. The pulpit rang with the theme of God's call for justice as Michael Pfleger, pastor of the community of Saint Sabina Church, extended the call to be a living witness of Christ's presence in this present age. The three-hour service concluded with a benediction sending the congregation inspired and empowered to be one in their witness to the power and promise of peace.
A continual theme throughout the conference came in the affirmation, "It is good to have the Brethren here." As a charter member of the WCC, the Church of the Brethren has a unique voice representing the historic peace church tradition as well as the Anabaptist and Pietist perspectives. Often the Church of the Brethren voice is sought in matters of witness and activism. Brethren integrity, commitment to service, and practical imitation of Jesus offer another way when discussing the nature and purpose of the church.
As part of the conference, elections were held for the Board of Directors for the US Conference. Stan Noffsinger, general secretary of the General Board, and I were elected to the Board of Directors and will serve in this capacity until the 2006 WCC Assembly in Porto Alegra, Brazil.
--Jeff Carter, pastor at Manassas (Va.) Church of the Brethren, is the Church of the Brethren representative to the WCC.
Source: 11/05/2004 Newsline
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. Mary Dulabaum, Rhonda Pittman Gingrich, Duane Grady, Jeri S. Kornegay, Terri Meushaw, Suzanne Moss, and Glenn and Linda Timmons 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. Mary Dulabaum, Rhonda Pittman Gingrich, Duane Grady, Jeri S. Kornegay, Terri Meushaw, Suzanne Moss, and Glenn and Linda Timmons contributed to this report.
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