- Church of the Brethren steps out on faith in Haiti.
- Church staff meet with Selective Service.
- Council works on strategic plan for Annual Conference.
- Bethany Seminary board participates in accreditation, strategic plan.
- New disaster project directors trained, Florida project to begin.
- Brethren bits: Personnel, job openings, and much more.
Friday, December 17, 2004
NEWS
Church of the Brethren steps out on faith in Haiti.
"We want a Haitian church to be strong in its Church of the Brethren understanding from the beginning," said pastor Ludovic St. Fleur of Eglise des Freres Haitiens, a Haitian congregation of the Church of the Brethren in Miami, Fla., speaking of the new Church of the Brethren mission venture in Haiti. A series of strategy meetings in the Dominican Republic in late November have given initial direction for the new mission.
In October, the General Board gave its blessing for the Church of the Brethren to be planted in Haiti. The recommendation from the Mission and Ministries Planning Council (MMPC) came to the board after several years of exploring ministry proposals about Haiti, including holding a consultation last April in Miami to hear from Brethren congregations and individuals already reaching out to Haiti.
Haitian Brethren in the US and the DR who had pressed the question will partner in the mission to Haiti. MMPC had heard that the energy for the mission had come from the Haitians themselves and had encouraged Haitians to lead the new work. Global Mission Partnerships staff will provide some overall coordination and oversight. "There has been keen interest from both the US and Dominican Haitians to take the Church of the Brethren to Haiti," said Merv Keeney, executive director of the board's Global Mission Partnerships. "It is clear that Haitians in both the US and the DR have embraced Brethren identity as meaningful--especially the combination of spiritual and social dimensions of the Gospel that are rooted in our Anabaptist-Pietist heritage."
Among those attending the November meetings was St. Fleur, whose congregation is the largest church in Atlantic Southeast District, as well as longtime Dominican Haitian leaders Anastacia Bueno Beltre, moderator of the Church of the Brethren in the DR; Isaias Santos Tena, pastor of the San Luis congregation; and Ernst Merisier, pastor of the largest Dominican Church of the Brethren congregation, which also is mainly Haitian. Former Dominican moderator Wilson Nova; Nancy and Irvin Heishman, the General Board's mission coordinators in the DR; Jeff Boshart, the board's economic development staff in the DR; and Keeney were at the meeting.
Haiti was recently ravaged by Hurricane Jeanne, with 200,000 people homeless and more than 2,600 killed or missing, according to Church World Service. Political instability and unrest continue. In spite of these hardships and what looks like bad timing to some, Haitian leaders are eager to move forward with the mission to their homeland, and see this action by the US church reflecting God at work in the midst of struggles, reported Keeney. Merisier observed during the meetings, "God is always thinking of His children."
Haitian leaders called St. Fleur to coordinate and guide the mission, based on his long years of experience in the Church of the Brethren. St. Fleur has not only been successful in his own congregation, but has been central in the formation of a new Haitian congregation at Orlando, Fla., Keeney said. St. Fleur also has been nurturing a new fellowship in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, giving leadership to the new effort from Miami.
Several Haitian leaders had reported eagerness from friends and family in Haiti about the coming of a new church planting effort, which prompted considerable discussion, Keeney said. St. Fleur emphasized the need to build a solid foundation. The approach of the mission work will be grassroots evangelism and church planting rather than inviting in existing congregations that have formed another denominationalidentity. In response to the question of how others can help at this early stage, St. Fleur responded, "What is needed most right now is prayer."
Source: 12/17/2004 Newsline
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"We want a Haitian church to be strong in its Church of the Brethren understanding from the beginning," said pastor Ludovic St. Fleur of Eglise des Freres Haitiens, a Haitian congregation of the Church of the Brethren in Miami, Fla., speaking of the new Church of the Brethren mission venture in Haiti. A series of strategy meetings in the Dominican Republic in late November have given initial direction for the new mission.
In October, the General Board gave its blessing for the Church of the Brethren to be planted in Haiti. The recommendation from the Mission and Ministries Planning Council (MMPC) came to the board after several years of exploring ministry proposals about Haiti, including holding a consultation last April in Miami to hear from Brethren congregations and individuals already reaching out to Haiti.
Haitian Brethren in the US and the DR who had pressed the question will partner in the mission to Haiti. MMPC had heard that the energy for the mission had come from the Haitians themselves and had encouraged Haitians to lead the new work. Global Mission Partnerships staff will provide some overall coordination and oversight. "There has been keen interest from both the US and Dominican Haitians to take the Church of the Brethren to Haiti," said Merv Keeney, executive director of the board's Global Mission Partnerships. "It is clear that Haitians in both the US and the DR have embraced Brethren identity as meaningful--especially the combination of spiritual and social dimensions of the Gospel that are rooted in our Anabaptist-Pietist heritage."
Among those attending the November meetings was St. Fleur, whose congregation is the largest church in Atlantic Southeast District, as well as longtime Dominican Haitian leaders Anastacia Bueno Beltre, moderator of the Church of the Brethren in the DR; Isaias Santos Tena, pastor of the San Luis congregation; and Ernst Merisier, pastor of the largest Dominican Church of the Brethren congregation, which also is mainly Haitian. Former Dominican moderator Wilson Nova; Nancy and Irvin Heishman, the General Board's mission coordinators in the DR; Jeff Boshart, the board's economic development staff in the DR; and Keeney were at the meeting.
Haiti was recently ravaged by Hurricane Jeanne, with 200,000 people homeless and more than 2,600 killed or missing, according to Church World Service. Political instability and unrest continue. In spite of these hardships and what looks like bad timing to some, Haitian leaders are eager to move forward with the mission to their homeland, and see this action by the US church reflecting God at work in the midst of struggles, reported Keeney. Merisier observed during the meetings, "God is always thinking of His children."
Haitian leaders called St. Fleur to coordinate and guide the mission, based on his long years of experience in the Church of the Brethren. St. Fleur has not only been successful in his own congregation, but has been central in the formation of a new Haitian congregation at Orlando, Fla., Keeney said. St. Fleur also has been nurturing a new fellowship in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, giving leadership to the new effort from Miami.
Several Haitian leaders had reported eagerness from friends and family in Haiti about the coming of a new church planting effort, which prompted considerable discussion, Keeney said. St. Fleur emphasized the need to build a solid foundation. The approach of the mission work will be grassroots evangelism and church planting rather than inviting in existing congregations that have formed another denominationalidentity. In response to the question of how others can help at this early stage, St. Fleur responded, "What is needed most right now is prayer."
Source: 12/17/2004 Newsline
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Church staff meet with Selective Service.
Three staff directors of the General Board met with staff of Selective Service at the agency's office in Arlington, Va., Dec. 2. The meeting followed up on an unannounced visit to the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md., on Oct. 8 by Cassandra Costley, director of the Alternative Service Division of Selective Service.
New Windsor has a long history of being a site where Brethren have organized and gathered around issues of conscience and military service, most notably hosting Civilian Public Service workers from 1944-46. Selective Service is the federal agency that registers and maintains a database of young men as they reach their eighteenth birthday in order to maintain an accounting of those available for military service in the event of a military draft.
"We went into this meeting with a clear agenda of opening a conversation with Selective Service in an effort to better understand why this visit to New Windsor occurred, and how we as a church could make clear our historic and active voice as a people of peace and nonviolence," reported Phil Jones, director of Brethren Witness/Washington Office. Also in the meeting were Brethren Volunteer Service director Dan McFadden and Brethren Service Center executive director Roy Winter.
The meeting lasted well into three hours, Jones reported. Was the New Windsor visit an indication that Selective Service was gearing up for a military conscription program, the group asked. "The answer is no, according to Costley, and her immediate supervisor, Richard Flahavan," Jones said. Costley, Flahavan, and the newly installed Director of Selective Service William Chatfield, who joined the meeting briefly, all indicated that their work was in regards to preparedness only. The New Windsor visit was made because Costley was in the area for other business and took the opportunity to make an outreach visit.
Flahavan went on to explain that there is no draft and that none is coming as indicated by statements from the White House and Pentagon in recent months, Jones reported. "He also pointed to the late October vote of Congress that overwhelmingly defeated a proposed draft bill" (HR 163), Jones said. "The gearing up for a draft and the sheer amount of funding and staff increases that would be necessary are reasons enough to indicate there will be no draft," Flahavan stated, indicating that a draft would cost in excess of one half billion dollars to initiate. Most of the meeting was spent in learning more about Selective Service and how its Alternative Service program would operate if there were a draft.
"The fact that they were asking us a lot of questions shows that one of the things we have developed as a peace church is a lot of respect for our position," commented Stan Noffsinger, general secretary of the General Board. Within a week of the meeting with Selective Service, Noffsinger and Annual Conference moderator Jim Hardenbrook reported on the meeting to the Council of Moderators and Secretaries of the Anabaptist Churches. The council also includes officers of the Mennonite Church US, the Brethren in Christ, the Conservative Mennonite Church, Mennonite Central Committee US, and the Mennonite Brethren USA.
Planning is underway for an Anabaptist churches' Consultation on Alternative Service, to be held at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill. Details will be announced after the first of the year. McFadden will represent the Church of the Brethren on the planning committee along with Noffsinger.
"Now's the time to talk about the issues of alternative service and its future," Noffsinger said. "To me that's the value" of the conversation with Selective Service, he added.
Source: 12/17/2004 Newsline
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Three staff directors of the General Board met with staff of Selective Service at the agency's office in Arlington, Va., Dec. 2. The meeting followed up on an unannounced visit to the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md., on Oct. 8 by Cassandra Costley, director of the Alternative Service Division of Selective Service.
New Windsor has a long history of being a site where Brethren have organized and gathered around issues of conscience and military service, most notably hosting Civilian Public Service workers from 1944-46. Selective Service is the federal agency that registers and maintains a database of young men as they reach their eighteenth birthday in order to maintain an accounting of those available for military service in the event of a military draft.
"We went into this meeting with a clear agenda of opening a conversation with Selective Service in an effort to better understand why this visit to New Windsor occurred, and how we as a church could make clear our historic and active voice as a people of peace and nonviolence," reported Phil Jones, director of Brethren Witness/Washington Office. Also in the meeting were Brethren Volunteer Service director Dan McFadden and Brethren Service Center executive director Roy Winter.
The meeting lasted well into three hours, Jones reported. Was the New Windsor visit an indication that Selective Service was gearing up for a military conscription program, the group asked. "The answer is no, according to Costley, and her immediate supervisor, Richard Flahavan," Jones said. Costley, Flahavan, and the newly installed Director of Selective Service William Chatfield, who joined the meeting briefly, all indicated that their work was in regards to preparedness only. The New Windsor visit was made because Costley was in the area for other business and took the opportunity to make an outreach visit.
Flahavan went on to explain that there is no draft and that none is coming as indicated by statements from the White House and Pentagon in recent months, Jones reported. "He also pointed to the late October vote of Congress that overwhelmingly defeated a proposed draft bill" (HR 163), Jones said. "The gearing up for a draft and the sheer amount of funding and staff increases that would be necessary are reasons enough to indicate there will be no draft," Flahavan stated, indicating that a draft would cost in excess of one half billion dollars to initiate. Most of the meeting was spent in learning more about Selective Service and how its Alternative Service program would operate if there were a draft.
"The fact that they were asking us a lot of questions shows that one of the things we have developed as a peace church is a lot of respect for our position," commented Stan Noffsinger, general secretary of the General Board. Within a week of the meeting with Selective Service, Noffsinger and Annual Conference moderator Jim Hardenbrook reported on the meeting to the Council of Moderators and Secretaries of the Anabaptist Churches. The council also includes officers of the Mennonite Church US, the Brethren in Christ, the Conservative Mennonite Church, Mennonite Central Committee US, and the Mennonite Brethren USA.
Planning is underway for an Anabaptist churches' Consultation on Alternative Service, to be held at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill. Details will be announced after the first of the year. McFadden will represent the Church of the Brethren on the planning committee along with Noffsinger.
"Now's the time to talk about the issues of alternative service and its future," Noffsinger said. "To me that's the value" of the conversation with Selective Service, he added.
Source: 12/17/2004 Newsline
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Council works on strategic plan for Annual Conference.
The members of the Annual Conference Council met Nov. 29-30 in New Windsor, Md. The major portion of the two-day meeting was devoted to completing a draft of the first-ever strategic plan for Annual Conference, a document to guide the purpose and planning of the Church of the Brethren annual meeting, reported Annual Conference secretary Fred W. Swartz.
The strategic plan consists of mission, vision, and core value statements, as well as objectives and strategy actions. The complete plan will be presented to the 2005 Standing Committee for approval, and if accepted, the vision, mission, core values, and objectives sections will be shared with the 2005 Annual Conference delegates. Annual Conference agency executives and district executives will receive copies in advance of the Standing Committee review.
It is noted in the background material for the plan that Annual Conference has never been guided by mission, values, and objectives, Swartz reported. The plan is headed by the mission for Conference, which states, "The Church of the Brethren Annual Conference exists to unite, strengthen, and equip the Church of the Brethren to follow Jesus."
In other items addressed by the meeting, the council continues to work on a revision of the denomination's Manual of Organization and Polity. A new chapter containing organization information about all five of the Annual Conference agencies has been completed and the council has earmarked a number of points in the current polity that are no longer practiced. The council plans to submit the changes to Standing Committee for recommendation to Annual Conference. The plan for the polity manual is to have a working draft completed by August 2005, which will be available on the Annual Conference website, and to publish a print copy by 2008.
The council also continues to work at engaging denominational officials in forming answers to questions related to ministry issues, raised by a 2002 Annual Conference query from the Michigan District. The group is monitoring implementation of Annual Conference's answers to the 2004 queries on "Doing Church Business" and Multi-Ethnic and Cross Cultural Ministries; both study committees have organized and are underway with their work.
A grant of $18,000 from Annual Conference funds was approved to help the 300th Anniversary Committee launch its plans for the commemorative year. The council acknowledged with gratitude in-kind support that has come to the committee from Brethren Press and Brethren Benefit Trust.
Source: 12/17/2004 Newsline
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The members of the Annual Conference Council met Nov. 29-30 in New Windsor, Md. The major portion of the two-day meeting was devoted to completing a draft of the first-ever strategic plan for Annual Conference, a document to guide the purpose and planning of the Church of the Brethren annual meeting, reported Annual Conference secretary Fred W. Swartz.
The strategic plan consists of mission, vision, and core value statements, as well as objectives and strategy actions. The complete plan will be presented to the 2005 Standing Committee for approval, and if accepted, the vision, mission, core values, and objectives sections will be shared with the 2005 Annual Conference delegates. Annual Conference agency executives and district executives will receive copies in advance of the Standing Committee review.
It is noted in the background material for the plan that Annual Conference has never been guided by mission, values, and objectives, Swartz reported. The plan is headed by the mission for Conference, which states, "The Church of the Brethren Annual Conference exists to unite, strengthen, and equip the Church of the Brethren to follow Jesus."
In other items addressed by the meeting, the council continues to work on a revision of the denomination's Manual of Organization and Polity. A new chapter containing organization information about all five of the Annual Conference agencies has been completed and the council has earmarked a number of points in the current polity that are no longer practiced. The council plans to submit the changes to Standing Committee for recommendation to Annual Conference. The plan for the polity manual is to have a working draft completed by August 2005, which will be available on the Annual Conference website, and to publish a print copy by 2008.
The council also continues to work at engaging denominational officials in forming answers to questions related to ministry issues, raised by a 2002 Annual Conference query from the Michigan District. The group is monitoring implementation of Annual Conference's answers to the 2004 queries on "Doing Church Business" and Multi-Ethnic and Cross Cultural Ministries; both study committees have organized and are underway with their work.
A grant of $18,000 from Annual Conference funds was approved to help the 300th Anniversary Committee launch its plans for the commemorative year. The council acknowledged with gratitude in-kind support that has come to the committee from Brethren Press and Brethren Benefit Trust.
Source: 12/17/2004 Newsline
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Bethany Seminary board participates in accreditation, strategic plan.
The Bethany Theological Seminary Board of Trustees gathered for its semi-annual meeting Oct. 29-31. The board participated in the seminary's accreditation self-study process by completing an online survey, adopted three questions for use in developing Bethany's 2006 strategic plan, an approved a 4.4 percent tuition increase for the 2005-06 academic year, according to a release from the school. The board also welcomed new members Charles Boyer, of La Verne, Calif.; Jerry Davis, La Verne, Calif.; David Eller, Elizabethtown, Pa.; and John Miller, York, Pa.
The questions for the strategic plan were developed through extensive survey work with representatives of the seminary's internal and external constituencies, done by the board's strategic planning committee, the release said. The questions are: How do we provide a cogent and coherent identity to each degree program and educational venue in our graduate curriculum? How can we revise our ministry education program to better prepare leadership for the church, taking seriously the issues identified by constituency? How can we respond to the urgent call to help the Church of the Brethren better discern its distinctive faith and calling? These questions will engage the board, faculty, and staff for several years as the seminary seeks to identify ways its programs may be revised.
In other business, the board heard a presentation on the Watu Wa Amani: People of Peace conference in Nairobi this August and received reports from its Institutional Advancement Committee, Student and Business Affairs Committee, and Academic Affairs Committee. The board learned that gifts for Bethany's financial campaign "Inspired by the Spirit-Educating for Ministry" now exceed $1.3 million; that college students attending a Plowshares program at adjacent Earlham College were invited to a luncheon at the Bethany Center, where they received information about the seminary's Peace Studies program; and that "Brethren Life and Thought," the Church of the Brethren academic journal, has accepted a proposal from the American Theological Library Association (ATLA) to digitize all back issues. The journal will receive royalties from the sale of ATLA subscriptions and can offer free access to the electronic version to current subscribers. The journal will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2005. A report of the seminary's centennial celebration was also given, as well as a report on its participation in the Church of the Brethren Christmas Eve service.
Source: 12/17/2004 Newsline
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The Bethany Theological Seminary Board of Trustees gathered for its semi-annual meeting Oct. 29-31. The board participated in the seminary's accreditation self-study process by completing an online survey, adopted three questions for use in developing Bethany's 2006 strategic plan, an approved a 4.4 percent tuition increase for the 2005-06 academic year, according to a release from the school. The board also welcomed new members Charles Boyer, of La Verne, Calif.; Jerry Davis, La Verne, Calif.; David Eller, Elizabethtown, Pa.; and John Miller, York, Pa.
The questions for the strategic plan were developed through extensive survey work with representatives of the seminary's internal and external constituencies, done by the board's strategic planning committee, the release said. The questions are: How do we provide a cogent and coherent identity to each degree program and educational venue in our graduate curriculum? How can we revise our ministry education program to better prepare leadership for the church, taking seriously the issues identified by constituency? How can we respond to the urgent call to help the Church of the Brethren better discern its distinctive faith and calling? These questions will engage the board, faculty, and staff for several years as the seminary seeks to identify ways its programs may be revised.
In other business, the board heard a presentation on the Watu Wa Amani: People of Peace conference in Nairobi this August and received reports from its Institutional Advancement Committee, Student and Business Affairs Committee, and Academic Affairs Committee. The board learned that gifts for Bethany's financial campaign "Inspired by the Spirit-Educating for Ministry" now exceed $1.3 million; that college students attending a Plowshares program at adjacent Earlham College were invited to a luncheon at the Bethany Center, where they received information about the seminary's Peace Studies program; and that "Brethren Life and Thought," the Church of the Brethren academic journal, has accepted a proposal from the American Theological Library Association (ATLA) to digitize all back issues. The journal will receive royalties from the sale of ATLA subscriptions and can offer free access to the electronic version to current subscribers. The journal will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2005. A report of the seminary's centennial celebration was also given, as well as a report on its participation in the Church of the Brethren Christmas Eve service.
Source: 12/17/2004 Newsline
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New disaster project directors trained, Florida project to begin.
Eleven new disaster project directors in the General Board's Emergency Response program completed training at a seminar in New Windsor, Md., in early November. The program has also announced the beginning of a clean-up and roofing project in January in the Orlando and Kissimmee areas, following the series of hurricanes that hit Florida this year.
New disaster project directors are Kevin Dibert, a Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS) worker currently serving in Hallam, Neb.; Willard and Pauline Dulabaum, of Elgin, Ill.; Hal Heisey, of Indianola, Iowa; Larry and Sandee Kitzel, BVS workers currently serving at Poquoson, Va.; George Snavely, of Elizabethtown, Pa.; Phil and Joan Taylor, BVS workers who will begin work in the spring; and Wayne and Kay Vardaman, of Decatur, Ind.
The news media have reported that as many as 100 people per day become homeless in Florida as a result of the four major hurricanes that struck in August and September, the Emergency Response office reported. "Most are being driven from their damaged homes due to the growth of black mold, a common problem following water damage which can cause severe medical problems," the update said. "Black mold must be eradicated before repairs can be done. It will take at least several months for all of the infected homes to be cleaned up."
Phase one of the Florida project will be to repair metal roofing at Camp Ithiel, a Church of the Brethren camp in Gotha. In return for free housing for Disaster Child Care and disaster response volunteers, Emergency Response has offered to repair roofs damaged by the storms. Phase two of the project will be mold eradication, which will entail tearing out damaged material, scrubbing down moldy areas, and then sanitizing, repeating the process as necessary. "In addition to the mold, many storm survivors, particularly the elderly, still need help with debris cleanup and tree removal," the update said.
A disaster rebuilding project in Hallam, Neb., following a tornado, has been temporarily closed for the winter "except for groups who request to schedule a work date after the New Year," Emergency Response reported. The project will open again Feb. 27. Another rebuilding project in Poquoson, Va., continues. Since February, about 600 Brethren disaster response volunteers have completed repairs to 29 homes, with six homes in process and eight waiting to be started.
The office also announced a 2005 Disaster Project Directors Conference at Camp Blue Diamond in Petersburg, Pa., May 21-26.
Source: 12/17/2004 Newsline
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Eleven new disaster project directors in the General Board's Emergency Response program completed training at a seminar in New Windsor, Md., in early November. The program has also announced the beginning of a clean-up and roofing project in January in the Orlando and Kissimmee areas, following the series of hurricanes that hit Florida this year.
New disaster project directors are Kevin Dibert, a Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS) worker currently serving in Hallam, Neb.; Willard and Pauline Dulabaum, of Elgin, Ill.; Hal Heisey, of Indianola, Iowa; Larry and Sandee Kitzel, BVS workers currently serving at Poquoson, Va.; George Snavely, of Elizabethtown, Pa.; Phil and Joan Taylor, BVS workers who will begin work in the spring; and Wayne and Kay Vardaman, of Decatur, Ind.
The news media have reported that as many as 100 people per day become homeless in Florida as a result of the four major hurricanes that struck in August and September, the Emergency Response office reported. "Most are being driven from their damaged homes due to the growth of black mold, a common problem following water damage which can cause severe medical problems," the update said. "Black mold must be eradicated before repairs can be done. It will take at least several months for all of the infected homes to be cleaned up."
Phase one of the Florida project will be to repair metal roofing at Camp Ithiel, a Church of the Brethren camp in Gotha. In return for free housing for Disaster Child Care and disaster response volunteers, Emergency Response has offered to repair roofs damaged by the storms. Phase two of the project will be mold eradication, which will entail tearing out damaged material, scrubbing down moldy areas, and then sanitizing, repeating the process as necessary. "In addition to the mold, many storm survivors, particularly the elderly, still need help with debris cleanup and tree removal," the update said.
A disaster rebuilding project in Hallam, Neb., following a tornado, has been temporarily closed for the winter "except for groups who request to schedule a work date after the New Year," Emergency Response reported. The project will open again Feb. 27. Another rebuilding project in Poquoson, Va., continues. Since February, about 600 Brethren disaster response volunteers have completed repairs to 29 homes, with six homes in process and eight waiting to be started.
The office also announced a 2005 Disaster Project Directors Conference at Camp Blue Diamond in Petersburg, Pa., May 21-26.
Source: 12/17/2004 Newsline
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Brethren bits: Personnel, job openings, and much more.
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- Effective Dec. 10, Ron McAllister became the interim president of Brethren Colleges Abroad (BCA) replacing Karen Jenkins, who has resigned. In a release, the BCA board thanked Jenkins for her work in strengthening the organization during her tenure. McAllister, former provost of Elizabethtown (Pa.) College, served as a member of BCA's strategic planning committee. He has over 30 year's experience at all levels in academia, including many years at Northeastern University in Boston where he was responsible for developing and overseeing international programs in the College of Arts and Sciences. He will continue in his role on a part-time basis as director of the Center for Global Citizenship and as professor of Peace and Conflict Studies at Elizabethtown. He is expected to serve as interim president of BCA through July 1, 2005, as the board conducts a national search for the next president. For more information contact Debra J. Kunish, Director, Human Resources & International Seminars, Brethren Colleges Abroad, 50 Alpha Dr., Elizabethtown, PA 17022; 717-361-6613; dkunish@bcanet.org.
- Shepherd's Spring Outdoor Ministry Center in Sharpsburg, Md., a Church of the Brethren camp and conference center of Mid-Atlantic District, has the following openings: Fulltime program director responsible for summer camps and Elderhostel programs; strong faith background, knowledge of Brethren beliefs, and experience with camps and intergenerational groups are important. Part-time assistant program director to help with summer camps and Elderhostel programs; strong communication skills, good computer skills, and flexible scheduling are important. Part-time maintenance assistant to assist with indoor and outdoor maintenance of facilities; self-motivated, detail-oriented, and flexible hours. Call 301-223-8193 for complete job descriptions.
- Camp Mardela, a Church of the Brethren camp located on the eastern shore of Maryland, has a position open for an administrator. Applicants should have at least three years of camping experience. Send a letter of interest and resume to Curtis Hartman, 7187 Boggs Schoolhouse Rd., Westover, MD 21871; or e-mail the information to curtishartman@hotmail.com. Apply by Jan. 31, 2005.
- Camp La Verne in Angelus Oaks, Calif., seeks a part-time marketing coordinator to work on personnel for the camps, market the camp and work with clients, and coordinate fundraising events and other events and plan implementation of actions with the board of directors. Annual compensation will be $17,000-20,000, to be negotiated with the board. Applications with a letter of interest and list of three references are due Dec. 29. For more information and application forms contact Eric Boardman, 2634 2nd St., La Verne, CA 91750; 909-593-2660; elric.boardman@verizon.net.
- Dranesville Church of the Brethren in Herndon, Va., will hold a peace service at 6 p.m. Sunday Dec. 19 to commemorate those who died in the Battle of Dranesville during the Civil War. The battle took place Dec. 20, 1861, killing more than 50 soldiers engaged in a skirmish that began with a chance encounter as Union soldiers were foraging for winter food for their horses. For more information call 703-430-7872.
- Goshen (Ind.) City Church of the Brethren and Ministerios Cordero, a nondenominational congregation that meets in the church's building, will worship together this year on ChristmasEve. Leadership will be shared by Goshen City pastor Yvonne Riege and Ministerios pastor Mario Duran. Worship bulletins will be printed in both English and Spanish. The Goshen City choir will bring five anthems to the candlelit ceremony. The two congregations also have held Love Feast and Communion Services together.
- Each year West Richmond (Va.) Church of the Brethren participates in the Richmond-area CROP Walk. The church usually sponsors around a dozen walkers for about $1,200. This year, the congregation sought to double their participation and contributions to 24 walkers and $2,400, reported pastor David Miller. On a warm Sunday afternoon in early November the church met that goal and then some with 29 CROP Walkers raising $3,093.29 to aid the hunger-relief and refugee assistance programs of Church World Service.
- On April 30, 2005, a "grand dedication service" will be held at Camp Bethel, in Fincastle, Va., announced the Virlina District e-newsletter. "We plan to set apart the new additions to Camp Bethel in the name of Jesus Christ with the hope that they will provide a context for faith formation and the transformation of individuals and society." In 2001 the district purchased 246 acres as an addition to the camp, effectively doubling the area available for activities, the newsletter reported. On Oct. 7 the final payment for the purchase was made, culminating a fundraising effort of Virlina congregations and members raising $614,665.51.
- The Christian Peacemaker Team in Iraq has issued an invitation for people of faith to join with them each Tuesday for a day of prayer and fasting. Church of the Brethren member Cliff Kindy is on the team. The prayer and fasting will continue until Easter week. "You are invited to participate as you are led either by joining us in fasting and/or participating with us a time of joint prayer," a CPT release said. "Additionally we will provide an action step(s) connected with the sacred passage that will be the focus for our time of prayer together." Scriptures, and suggestions for action can be found at www.prayerandactionforiraq.blogspot.com. Those taking part in the effort are invited to post reflections that occur during their time of prayer. Christian Peacemaker Teams is an initiative of the historic peace churches (Mennonites, Church of the Brethren, and Quakers) with support and membership from a range of Catholic and Protestant denominations.
- MutualAid eXchange (MAX) has created a Mutual Aid Ministries program to help care for the physical, spiritual, and emotional needs of Anabaptists under burden, a recent release announced. MAX began in 2001 with the mission of providing mutual aid services to Anabaptists throughout North America, developing insurance products for the home, farm, church, or business. Objectives of the new program are to partner with the church to develop mutual aid ministries that are relevant, meaningful, and tangible, the release said. Four ministries are envisioned: Burden Bearing Ministry, Network Ministry, Financial Ministry through a "share fund," and an Education Ministry. Call 877-971-6300 or visit www.mutualaidexchange.com.
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Cross Cultural Ministries video is available.
A new video highlighting the importance of cross cultural ministry in the Church of the Brethren has been produced by the Congregational Life Team of the General Board. "No Longer Strangers..." provides a variety of voices from ethnic Brethren leaders sharing why becoming more cross cultural is vital for the church. The video contains images from the 2004 Cross Cultural Consultation in Castaner, P.R.
Limited copies are available by contacting Duane Grady, Congregational Life Team, 3124 E. 5th St., Anderson, IN 46012; or call 800-505-1596; or e-mail dgrady_gb@brethren.org. Copies also
can be borrowed from each district office.
Source: 12/17/2004 Newsline
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A new video highlighting the importance of cross cultural ministry in the Church of the Brethren has been produced by the Congregational Life Team of the General Board. "No Longer Strangers..." provides a variety of voices from ethnic Brethren leaders sharing why becoming more cross cultural is vital for the church. The video contains images from the 2004 Cross Cultural Consultation in Castaner, P.R.
Limited copies are available by contacting Duane Grady, Congregational Life Team, 3124 E. 5th St., Anderson, IN 46012; or call 800-505-1596; or e-mail dgrady_gb@brethren.org. Copies also
can be borrowed from each district office.
Source: 12/17/2004 Newsline
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'Christian History and Biography' magazine features Anabaptists.
The Fall 2004 issue of "Christian History & Biography" magazine features the history and beliefs of the Anabaptist in America. The magazine displays the cover title, "Pilgrims and Exiles: Against persecution and prosperity, the Mennonites, Amish, and Brethren have followed Christ and their convictions."
Feature stories include "People of Conscience," by Bethany Seminary professor Jeff Bach and managing editor Chris Armstrong; "The Germans Have Landed," by David B. Eller, director of the Young Center for Anabaptist and Pietist Studies at Elizabethtown (Pa.) College; "Outsider's Guide to America's Anabaptists," by assistant editor Steven Gertz; "Pure and Simple," by Stephen Scott, administrative assistant at the Young Center; "Holy Ground," by Frank Ramirez, pastor of Everett (Pa.) Church of the Brethren; "Be Not Conformed," by John D. Roth, professor at Goshen (Ind.) College; "From Mutual Aid to Global Action," by Gari-Anne Patzwald and William Kostlevy, who serves on the Brethren Historical Committee; and "Negotiating with the Modern World," by Donald B. Kraybill, professor at Elizabethtown.
"Through meeting these authors over the phone and reading their articles, I feel I have been introduced not just to a set of beliefs, but to a family of believers. Indeed, not just introduced, but invited to dinner-even to the famous Brethren 'love feast,'" wrote Armstrong in his editorial. To gain background and information for the issue, he visited Lancaster County, Pa., with hosts related to the Young Center including Eller, Scott, Kraybill, and Brethren historian Donald Durnbaugh. Armstrong also received help from staff of Brethren Press and the General Board.
The magazine is published by Christianity Today. For more information see www.christianhistory.net or call 800-873-6986 or e-mail chcustserv@christianhistory.net.
Source: 12/17/2004 Newsline
top
The Fall 2004 issue of "Christian History & Biography" magazine features the history and beliefs of the Anabaptist in America. The magazine displays the cover title, "Pilgrims and Exiles: Against persecution and prosperity, the Mennonites, Amish, and Brethren have followed Christ and their convictions."
Feature stories include "People of Conscience," by Bethany Seminary professor Jeff Bach and managing editor Chris Armstrong; "The Germans Have Landed," by David B. Eller, director of the Young Center for Anabaptist and Pietist Studies at Elizabethtown (Pa.) College; "Outsider's Guide to America's Anabaptists," by assistant editor Steven Gertz; "Pure and Simple," by Stephen Scott, administrative assistant at the Young Center; "Holy Ground," by Frank Ramirez, pastor of Everett (Pa.) Church of the Brethren; "Be Not Conformed," by John D. Roth, professor at Goshen (Ind.) College; "From Mutual Aid to Global Action," by Gari-Anne Patzwald and William Kostlevy, who serves on the Brethren Historical Committee; and "Negotiating with the Modern World," by Donald B. Kraybill, professor at Elizabethtown.
"Through meeting these authors over the phone and reading their articles, I feel I have been introduced not just to a set of beliefs, but to a family of believers. Indeed, not just introduced, but invited to dinner-even to the famous Brethren 'love feast,'" wrote Armstrong in his editorial. To gain background and information for the issue, he visited Lancaster County, Pa., with hosts related to the Young Center including Eller, Scott, Kraybill, and Brethren historian Donald Durnbaugh. Armstrong also received help from staff of Brethren Press and the General Board.
The magazine is published by Christianity Today. For more information see www.christianhistory.net or call 800-873-6986 or e-mail chcustserv@christianhistory.net.
Source: 12/17/2004 Newsline
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Brethren produce video about threat to Alaska National Wildlife Refuge.
In August, Brent Carlson and Ed Groff, members of Peace Church of the Brethren in Portland, Ore., participated in a New Community Project Learning Tour to Alaska. As part of that experience Groff, who works professionally in video production, has produced an hour-long video about the situation of the Gwich'in native American group, "The Gwich'in--A Matter of Survival." New Community Project is a Church of the Brethren-related faith-based nonprofit working at ecological and human justice concerns.
Gwich'in land and lifestyle are in jeopardy, Groff said, as oil companies and some in the US government want to drill for oil in the Alaska National Wildlife Refuge--birthing grounds of the Porcupine Caribou Herd. "Known as the 'Caribou People,'" Groff said, the Gwich'in "live off the land. Nearly 75 percent of their diet comes from caribou, moose, and fish."
Upon leaving Alaska, Carlson and Groff planned visits to their senators in Oregon and Washington to advocate for the refuge. Groff is offering to send a 13-minute version of the video to a network of people who also will contact their congressmen. "Most people in Congress have never been to Alaska National Wildlife Refuge," he commented, "Congress also needs to know that the possibility of oil drilling also affects nearly 8,000 Gwich'in who are dependent on the caribou migrations."
"This shortened video is ideal for congregations to use as part of a study dealing with God's creation/environment," Groff added. The 13-minute video features interviews with Charley Swaney and Fannie Gemmill of Arctic Village, a community of the Gwich'in, and Brethren musician Shawn Kirchner's song, "Augury of Innocence/Song (Seeing the World Through a Grain of Sand)." It may be requested from Groff Video Productions at groffprod1@msn.com.
Source: 12/17/2004 Newsline
top
In August, Brent Carlson and Ed Groff, members of Peace Church of the Brethren in Portland, Ore., participated in a New Community Project Learning Tour to Alaska. As part of that experience Groff, who works professionally in video production, has produced an hour-long video about the situation of the Gwich'in native American group, "The Gwich'in--A Matter of Survival." New Community Project is a Church of the Brethren-related faith-based nonprofit working at ecological and human justice concerns.
Gwich'in land and lifestyle are in jeopardy, Groff said, as oil companies and some in the US government want to drill for oil in the Alaska National Wildlife Refuge--birthing grounds of the Porcupine Caribou Herd. "Known as the 'Caribou People,'" Groff said, the Gwich'in "live off the land. Nearly 75 percent of their diet comes from caribou, moose, and fish."
Upon leaving Alaska, Carlson and Groff planned visits to their senators in Oregon and Washington to advocate for the refuge. Groff is offering to send a 13-minute version of the video to a network of people who also will contact their congressmen. "Most people in Congress have never been to Alaska National Wildlife Refuge," he commented, "Congress also needs to know that the possibility of oil drilling also affects nearly 8,000 Gwich'in who are dependent on the caribou migrations."
"This shortened video is ideal for congregations to use as part of a study dealing with God's creation/environment," Groff added. The 13-minute video features interviews with Charley Swaney and Fannie Gemmill of Arctic Village, a community of the Gwich'in, and Brethren musician Shawn Kirchner's song, "Augury of Innocence/Song (Seeing the World Through a Grain of Sand)." It may be requested from Groff Video Productions at groffprod1@msn.com.
Source: 12/17/2004 Newsline
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The red hat and the green helmet.
By Bob Gross
When I left the Christian Peacemaker Teams apartment (in Hebron) this morning to walk up to the market for some groceries, I had not gone far when I realized that I was not wearing my red CPT hat. Knowing that it is an important identifying symbol for us and our work, I returned to get it before going on.
I'm glad I did. Walking out through the Beit Romano checkpoint, a place where CPTers have been harassed and arrested in the past, I noticed soldiers detaining three Palestinian men for an ID check, so I waited and watched for a few minutes to make sure they would be allowed to go on their way. I noticed the soldiers noticing me, which is part of their job, after all.
After buying bananas and potatoes, I started for home. As I approached the checkpoint one of the soldiers I'd watched earlier spoke to me, "Your hat is very beautiful! May I buy one?" I stopped to talk. When I said that the hat was only for persons in our organization, he said, "That is why I would like to have it; I think CPT is doing very good work."
He told me his name, and said that he came to Israel from Iran when he was 16 years old, and has a real concern for the plight of the Palestinians here in Hebron. "The people don't have enough money and what they need is expensive to buy." He has been stationed here in Hebron since August, he said. "My next duty will be in Gaza, and it is very bad there because there is no CPT or TIPH (Temporary International Presence in Hebron) to monitor what is happening."
It's good to meet the person behind the uniform and gun. I hope that one day he will trade his green helmet for a red hat.
--Bob Gross is co-executive director of On Earth Peace. He took part in a delegation to the Middle East co-sponsored by Christian Peacemaker Teams and On Earth Peace Nov. 22-Dec. 4. The delegation assisted Palestinian farmers in replanting olive trees destroyed by the Israeli military. Gross reported that other highlights of the trip were an invitation to supper with an Israeli conscientious objector and hearing from two members of "Israeli and Palestinian Bereaved Families for Peace," an Israeli graphic designer who lost his daughter in a West Jerusalem bombing, and a Palestinian computer engineer who lost his brother after imprisonment and mistreatment in an Israeli jail led to his death. Brethren in the 15-person delegation were Amy Knickrehm, Val Knickrehm, Neal Musselman, Rachel Peterson, and Bob Schnepp. Christian Peacemaker Teams is an initiative of the historic peace churches (Mennonites, Church of the Brethren, and Quakers) with support and membership from a range of Catholic and Protestant denominations.
Source: 12/17/2004 Newsline
top
By Bob Gross
When I left the Christian Peacemaker Teams apartment (in Hebron) this morning to walk up to the market for some groceries, I had not gone far when I realized that I was not wearing my red CPT hat. Knowing that it is an important identifying symbol for us and our work, I returned to get it before going on.
I'm glad I did. Walking out through the Beit Romano checkpoint, a place where CPTers have been harassed and arrested in the past, I noticed soldiers detaining three Palestinian men for an ID check, so I waited and watched for a few minutes to make sure they would be allowed to go on their way. I noticed the soldiers noticing me, which is part of their job, after all.
After buying bananas and potatoes, I started for home. As I approached the checkpoint one of the soldiers I'd watched earlier spoke to me, "Your hat is very beautiful! May I buy one?" I stopped to talk. When I said that the hat was only for persons in our organization, he said, "That is why I would like to have it; I think CPT is doing very good work."
He told me his name, and said that he came to Israel from Iran when he was 16 years old, and has a real concern for the plight of the Palestinians here in Hebron. "The people don't have enough money and what they need is expensive to buy." He has been stationed here in Hebron since August, he said. "My next duty will be in Gaza, and it is very bad there because there is no CPT or TIPH (Temporary International Presence in Hebron) to monitor what is happening."
It's good to meet the person behind the uniform and gun. I hope that one day he will trade his green helmet for a red hat.
--Bob Gross is co-executive director of On Earth Peace. He took part in a delegation to the Middle East co-sponsored by Christian Peacemaker Teams and On Earth Peace Nov. 22-Dec. 4. The delegation assisted Palestinian farmers in replanting olive trees destroyed by the Israeli military. Gross reported that other highlights of the trip were an invitation to supper with an Israeli conscientious objector and hearing from two members of "Israeli and Palestinian Bereaved Families for Peace," an Israeli graphic designer who lost his daughter in a West Jerusalem bombing, and a Palestinian computer engineer who lost his brother after imprisonment and mistreatment in an Israeli jail led to his death. Brethren in the 15-person delegation were Amy Knickrehm, Val Knickrehm, Neal Musselman, Rachel Peterson, and Bob Schnepp. Christian Peacemaker Teams is an initiative of the historic peace churches (Mennonites, Church of the Brethren, and Quakers) with support and membership from a range of Catholic and Protestant denominations.
Source: 12/17/2004 Newsline
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. Ed Groff, Bob Gross, Phil Jones, Debra J. Kunish, David W. Miller, Janis Pyle, Marcia Shetler, Fred W. Swartz, and Jane Yount 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. Ed Groff, Bob Gross, Phil Jones, Debra J. Kunish, David W. Miller, Janis Pyle, Marcia Shetler, Fred W. Swartz, and Jane Yount contributed to this report.
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