NEWS

• Clergywomen 'nourish the soul' at retreat.
  
• Church of the Brethren in Brazil holds fifth conference.
  
• Chicago-area pastors issue peace statement for Advent.
  
• Pizza, conscientious objection bring youth together in Denver.
  
• Brethren bits: Remembrance, internship, EDF grant, and more.

PERSONNEL

• Rose Ingold resigns as Annual Conference assistant.

UPCOMING EVENTS

• Plans for National Older Adult Conference 2006 are announced.
  
• Young Adult Conference planned for May 2006.

RESOURCES

• Christmas Eve Service music is available on CD.

FEATURE

• Anabaptist leaders meet to discuss alternative service.

Clergywomen 'nourish the soul' at retreat.

More than 60 Church of the Brethren clergywomen gathered in south-central Wisconsin Nov. 14-17 for a retreat on the theme, "Nourishing the Soul." The event was sponsored by the Ministry Office of the Church of the Brethren General Board and attracted licensed and ordained ministers from across the US. The group included women of all ages, students at Bethany Theological Seminary, active pastors, denominational and district staff, retirees--and a baby. Liz Bidgood-Enders, a member of the planning committee, brought her infant daughter along. The planning committee also included Kelly Burk, Mary Jo Flory-Steury, Kristin Haberzetle, Nancy Knepper, Linda Lewis, Cara McCallister, and Myrna Long Wheeler.

Leadership was provided by Jan Richardson, with a focus on scriptural depictions of spiritual nourishment. Richardson is a United Methodist artist, poet, and ordained minister and visiting artist at First United Methodist Church of Winter Park, Fla. Her several books include "Sacred Journeys" and "Night Visions."

"For most of us, if not all of us, it's no easy task just to get here," Richardson told the group. For busy clergywomen–many of whom are mothers, wives, daughters, or work second jobs in addition to serving the church--she focused on images of hunger and sustenance. "Sometimes it's a challenge to let ourselves seek comfort," she said, to nods of agreement from many. "Open your mouth wide and I will fill it," Richardson quoted from Psalm 81:10, emphasizing that the retreat was an opportunity to be fed spiritually as well as emotionally and physically with good food, fellowship, and time for rest and relaxation.

"Sustenance comes in a variety of ways," including in the form of "Christ the Word," Richardson said. "Each of us is given a word (that) may shift and change over time as we come to a deeper understanding of our calling." Using words and images from her work, illuminations from medieval manuscripts, and writings of women mystics, she examined ways that women search for sustenance from God. In times of creative meditation using decorative papers--Richardson is known for paper collages--she invited the women to be open to the Holy Spirit and to where the textures, colors, and designs of the papers led them. "God may have a challenge in store for you these days...to go in some direction that you hadn't counted on going," she said.

The retreat also included workshops and informal times of sharing. A chocolate fountain--filled with 16 pounds of melted chocolate to be dipped up by an array of fruit, nuts, and cakes--brought "oohs" and "aahs" from those who gathered for the first evening's "snack and chat."

At a camp fire, held indoors because of the first snowfall of the season, several women shared their stories of calling to ministry. In another time of sharing, participants talked about what the retreat meant to them. "For me it has been eye-opening and empowering," said a young seminary student. Another student said she was stimulated by "the heartfelt passion for ministry and for God." "We didn't know how hungry we were because we haven't been putting out the feast," said one pastor. She looked forward to returning to her congregation, saying, "now I want to go put out the feast."

Love feast the final morning began with a time of confession before breakfast. A brunch filled in as the fellowship meal. "When we walked from our worship space over to breakfast, we did that in silence," said Mary Jo Flory-Steury, executive director of the Ministry Office. "However, we did not eat in silence! We enjoyed good fellowship," she added. For communion, the women were invited to dip bread into honey. Scriptures referring to honey as a symbol of the nourishment God offers were read throughout the retreat: "...The ordinances of the Lord are true and righteous altogether....sweeter also than honey..." (Psalm 19:9b-10).

Source: 12/21/2005 Newsline
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Church of the Brethren in Brazil holds fifth conference.

Igreja da Irmandade (Church of the Brethren in Brazil) celebrated its fifth Annual Conference Nov. 25-27, focusing on "Evangelism, from the Anabaptist and Pietist Traditions: Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow." Around 50 people participated, with representation from every congregation and fellowship, reported Greg and Karin Davidson Laszakovits, Brazil representatives for the Church of the Brethren General Board.

Leadership for sessions came from those inside and outside Igreja da Irmandade. The keynote speaker was Peter Gunther Siemens, a Mennonite pastor and scholar from the city of Curitiba. Siemens's sessions tracked the history of Christianity and Anabaptism, focusing on how the church came to adopt various beliefs and practices as it read the Bible and interacted with the realities of the day. He focused on the Anabaptist belief that it is Jesus who changes our lives, not the church. "Jesus is real, the manifestation of God," he said. "Often the church gets mixed up and becomes religion and religiosity. Jesus is something different than religion. Something more--much more."

"Worship and prayer framed each day, with the pastors of the church providing leadership for both," said the report on the conference. Each morning began with prayer--communal, small group, and individual--followed by a meditation. Each evening the assembly worshiped together. The inaugural worship sermon was preached by Greg Davidson Laszakovits, who focused on letting evangelistic light shine in all that Christians do through love, service, and faithfulness. Saturday evening's worship brought by a team from the Rio Verde congregation focused on praising God. In the closing worship, national director of the Brazilian church, Marcos Inhauser, sent conference-goers forth with a call to spread the good news that they have received, and to do so remembering the church's call to be "a different kind of church, making a difference."

Other sessions were given by church members, and treated Christian education and living as healthy families. Following a model that sought participation by all, each session and worship was followed by the opportunity for conference-goers to share reflections and interact with the presenters. "Many shared how they might have been touched, new concepts that were presented in the session, and the exchange of ideas," said the Laszakovitses.

Held near the city of Campinas, and geographically close to the majority of the congregations, the setting of the conference at a camp facilitated community building, they added. In addition to eating and residing as a community, activities were held almost non-stop to provide forums for the sharing of thoughts and ideas and having fun together.

Source: 12/21/2005 Newsline
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Chicago-area pastors issue peace statement for Advent.

A group of Church of the Brethren ministers in the Chicago area made a "Statement on Peace" at an annual Advent service for Chicago-area congregations on Dec. 11. The statement was based on the Living Peace Church initiative of On Earth Peace, said Orlando Redekopp, pastor of First Church of the Brethren in Chicago.

The statement called the Chicago area congregations and members to "clearly and publicly announce that all human beings are created in God's image" and made statements against war, torture, prisoner abuse, and "state-sponsored lies and deception."

Among those who signed the statement were Jim Yaussy Albright, executive minister of Illinois and Wisconsin District; Jeanne Davies, associate pastor, and Joel Kline, pastor, of Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren in Elgin, Ill.; Christy Waltersdorff, pastor of York Center Church of the Brethren in Lombard, Ill.; and Redekopp.

The full statement may be found at http://www.brethren.org/genbd/newsline/2005/dec1905.htm.

Source: 12/21/2005 Newsline
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Pizza, conscientious objection bring youth together in Denver.

On Dec. 2-3, a group of 25 students and eight sponsors gathered in Denver, Colo., to discuss peacemaking and conscientious objection to military service. Male and female youth from Church of the Brethren and Mennonite congregations in Denver, Colorado Springs, Arvada, Lakewood, Fort Collins, and Littleton gathered for an event called "Pizza and Justice: Considering Conscientious Objection."

Peacemakers packets were available for youth to consider filling out to document their beliefs. Erin Durban of the American Friends Service Committee described current requirements for military registration, prompting questions and discussion about the potential for a military draft. The draft was simulated by a lottery system: those whose birthdays were randomly assigned lower numbers were given clean-up chores.

The 1987 movie "Good Morning, Vietnam" stimulated discussion about comparisons between Vietnam and Iraq, press coverage and censorship, trust and betrayal, and being insulated from the atrocity of war. Participants discussed risk taking, reflecting on risks that those in the military take and the risks taken by the four members of Christian Peacemaker Teams who had been kidnaped in Iraq one week earlier.

Participants focused on positive and creative peacemaking, brainstorming a "Shalom Whirlybird" of ways to foster right relationships with God, self, others, and the environment. A peace quiz challenged participants to identify key events and statements about peace and justice. Small groups studied and analyzed passages of scripture comparing Jesus' teachings with cultural norms today. Each group then gave a presentation on what peacemaking might look like in their everyday journey, based on their passage. One concluded that it was "interesting to see other views and other youth be passionate about these issues."

The event closed with worship and silent reflection. Youth will now decide how to document their beliefs. While many participants said that the event answered many questions, there were still more questions, and a lot of interest in following up with another event.

Many of the participants attend historic peace churches in Colorado, some of which were begun when persons doing alternative service in Colorado decided to stay in the state. Mennonite Urban Ministries, a Denver faith-based organization, sponsored the event. For more information, contact Gail Erisman Valeta at 303-892-6416.

Source: 12/21/2005 Newsline
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Brethren bits: Remembrance, internship, EDF grant, and more.

• Diane Harden-Jones, a member of the board of the Association of Brethren Caregivers (ABC), died Dec. 16 after a long battle with cancer. A member of First Church of the Brethren in Miami, Fla., Harden-Jones had served on the ABC Board since 2002. She "became the inspiration for ABC's work on wellness," said executive director Kathy Reid. "Diane was so able to articulate her faith and her sense of wellness, even in the midst of her struggle." Her story of wellness in crisis was shared at the 2005 Annual Conference in Peoria, Ill., as part of the ABC report. "We were so pleased that Diane was able to attend Annual Conference and stand on the stage with the board last summer when we showed the entire church our wellness video," Reid said. Miami pastor Ray Hileman wrote in a message to ABC that "she has been, as one member has put it, the `heart and soul' of our church and had a lot to do with its transition from a more traditional congregation into the multi-cultural, vibrant church that I now have the privilege of pastoring." Most recently Harden-Jones worked as an emergency room nurse at a Miami hospital. She was part of a medical emergency relief team that flew to Haiti in 2004 following Hurricane Jeanne. She wrote about that experience in the Fall 2004 issue of ABC's quarterly "Caregiving." A memorial service was held at Eglise des Freres Haitiens (the Miami Haitian Church of the Brethren) on Dec. 19. Harden-Jones is survived by her husband, Rex Jones, and four children, Michaela, Michael, Matthew, and Marcus.
  
  
• The Association of Brethren Caregivers is publicizing a 2006 Summer Information Technology Internship in Washington, D.C., for college students with disabilities. The internship is administered by American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) and sponsored by Microsoft Corporation. Undergraduate students interested in pursuing careers in information technology are encouraged to apply. Accepted candidates will work in various agencies in the executive branch of the federal government. Round trip air travel and housing will be provided to interns, and each student will receive a stipend. Applications are now available from www.AAPD.com. Apply by Jan. 13, 2006. Send questions to AAPDmsintern@aol.com.
  
  
• A grant of $25,000 from the Emergency Disaster Fund has been given to support a Church World Service appeal for continuing relief and rebuilding efforts in Iraq. The fund is a ministry of the Church of the Brethren General Board. The money will help provide emergency food to refugees in Jordan, water and sanitation projects in Iraq, building and support of schools and orphanages, and increase the capacity of local Iraqi agencies to provide aid.
  
  
• Phil Jones, director of the Brethren Witness/Washington Office, was among religious leaders gathered in Washington, D.C., Dec. 14 to declare the fiscal year 2006 Federal Budget a "moral disgrace," according to a release from the National Council of Churches (NCC). Among those who gathered on Capitol Hill were Bob Edgar, general secretary of the NCC; John H. Thomas, general minister and president of the United Church of Christ; and Wesley Granberg-Michaelson, general secretary of the United Church of Christ. The demonstration was organized by Call to Renewal, and ended with more than 110 people being arrested when they knelt in prayer in the Cannon House Office Building. The group criticized the proposed budget for cutting more than $50 billion in social programs that help the poor while giving tax cuts to the wealthiest Americans. Religious leaders have been protesting the budget since it was first introduced by President Bush in January. The Association of Brethren Caregivers also issued a statement calling for defeat of the budget, and invited Brethren to join in the Dec. 14 national "altar call" to prayer and worship on the budget.
  
  
• The refugee office of the Virginia Council of Churches (VCC), which has been based at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md., is relocating to Hagerstown (Md.) Church of the Brethren. Over the last two years, the majority of refugee placements have been to the Hagerstown area. The relocation is an effort to better support these clients, according to Roy Winter, executive director of the Brethren Service Center. Akok Deng, VCC staff and center resident, indicated the office hopes to move in January 2006.
  
  
• On Earth Peace is co-sponsoring a delegation to Israel/Palestine with Christian Peacemaker Teams on Jan. 12-24, 2006. Among the 16 participants will be 12 Church of the Brethren members led by Bob Gross, co-executive director of On Earth Peace. Gross asked Brethren to "pray for the delegation and everyone there in Israel/Palestine who is suffering violence." Brethren in the group include Joyce Cassel of First Church of the Brethren in Chicago, Ill.; Tana Durnbaugh of Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren in Elgin, Ill.; Susanna Farahat of the On Earth Peace staff; Lauree Hersch Meyer of Manassas (Va.) Church of the Brethren; Richard Klinedinst of Pine Creek Church of the Brethren in North Liberty, Ind.; Daniel Rudy of Glade Valley Church of the Brethren in Walkersville, Md.; Judith Nicole Small of Eel River Community Church of the Brethren in Silver Lake, Ind.; Paul Sparks of La Verne (Calif.) Church of the Brethren; David Waas of Manchester Church of the Brethren in North Manchester, Ind.; and R. Michael Weaver of Lampeter (Pa.) Church of the Brethren. On Earth Peace has created a web page about the delegation which will feature a blog to be posted by the delegation while in the Middle East (www.brethren.org/oepa/MiddleEastDelegation2006.html).
  
  
• A "Twelve Days of Christmas" according to the Red Cross is recommended by Jane Yount, coordinator of the Brethren Disaster Response program. Subtitled, "Preparing Families for Disaster" the take-off on a favorite Christmas carol gives valuable advice to families to prepare for or prevent disaster situations. See www.tallytown.com/redcross/tdoc.html.
  
  
• Two National Council of Churches (NCC) Christmas Specials will "sparkle" on Christmas Eve on CBS and ABC, according to a release from the NCC. On CBS the special will feature outgoing NCC president Thomas L. Hoyt, Jr., Christian Methodist Episcopal Bishop of Louisiana and Mississippi. On ABC "Joy to the World" will offer a mix of music and praise produced by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. The CBS special will be based on the theme, "No Room in the Inn," honoring the birth of Jesus by awarding gifts to 100 survivors of the 2005 hurricanes. The Christian Methodist Episcopal Church has provided strong pastoral support for people affected by hurricanes Katrina and Rita in Hoyt's district. Both specials are scheduled to run at 11:30 p.m. Dec. 24, but air times vary from station to station.

Source: 12/21/2005 Newsline
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Rose Ingold resigns as Annual Conference assistant.

The Annual Conference Office has announced the resignation of Conference assistant Rose Ingold, effective Aug. 25, 2006. Ingold has served in the Annual Conference Office since 2001.

At the 2006 Annual Conference at Des Moines, Iowa, next summer she will complete work on her sixth Annual Conference. She will be on site in Des Moines and will train her replacement during a period of overlap over the summer.

Ingold began working for the Church of the Brethren about 10 years ago. In addition to the Annual Conference Office, she also has worked for the Training in Ministry program and the Human Resources Office and Ministry Office of the General Board.

"It is with regret that we receive Rose's resignation; she has served the denomination in an outstanding manner," said Conference executive director Lerry Fogle.

Source: 12/21/2005 Newsline
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Plans for National Older Adult Conference 2006 are announced.

The next National Older Adult Conference (NOAC) will be held Sept. 4-8, 2006, at Lake Junaluska (N.C.) Assembly. Sponsored by the Older Adult Ministry of the Association of Brethren Caregivers (ABC), the conference will provide more than 1,100 adults age 50 and older with a time to be nurtured, inspired, and connected in community.

The theme--"Walking in the Light"--"encourages people of faith to respond to the insecurities of the world and our own physical realities with the assurance of God's love and to be beacons of God's light," said a release from ABC. "The theme seeks to remind and inspire older adults that they can and do make a powerful and positive difference when they walk daily in the conviction that God's light in the world is what will make for true and meaningful security in the world."

Keynote presenters will include Roland Martinson, professor of Children Youth and Family Ministry and past professor of pastoral theology and ministry at Luther Seminary of St. Paul, Minn.; Ken Haugk, founder and executive director of Stephen Ministries of St. Louis, Mo., and author of "Journeying through Grief" and "Don't Sing Songs to a Heavy Heart: How to Relate to Those Who Are Suffering"; Myron Augsburger, retired pastor and instructor for Eastern Mennonite Seminary of Harrisonburg, Va., who also has served as president of Eastern Mennonite University and Seminary and as moderator of the General Assembly of the Mennonite Church USA; Richard Gentzler, director of the Center on Aging and Older Adult Ministires for the General Board of Discipleship of the United Methodist Church.

Church of the Brethren members will bring worship messages. Sandy Bosserman, district executive for Missouri/Arkansas District, will preach at the opening worship celebration. During the closing worship celebration, Mary Cline Detrick, pastor of Daleville (Va.) Church of the Brethren, will address the conference.

Bible study each morning will be led by Dena Pence Frantz, professor of Theological Studies at Bethany Theological Seminary. Evening entertainment will feature Shawn Kirchner and Ryan Harrison, who have been performing as a vocal/piano duo since 2000 and performed together at the Church of the Brethren Christmas Eve Service on CBS-TV last year; and Christian comedians Ted and Lee (Ted Swartz and Lee Eshleman), who have provided their unique understandings of the scriptures at many Brethren events including the 2000 NOAC, National Youth Conference, and Annual Conference.

Registration materials will be mailed to district offices, pastors, and past attendees in February. For more information or to add your name to the mailing list, contact ABC at 800-323-8039 or abc@brethren.org.

Source: 12/21/2005 Newsline
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Young Adult Conference planned for May 2006.

Young Adult Conference 2006 will be held May 26-28 at Camp Swatara in Bethel, Pa. The event is sponsored by the Youth and Young Adult Ministries of the Church of the Brethren General Board, for young adults ages 18-35.

Speakers for the conference include Paul Grout, a former moderator of Annual Conference; Marlys Hershberger, pastor of Hollidaysburg (Pa.) Church of the Brethren; Hannah Serfling, who has been a member of the National Youth Cabinet and one of the two youth speech contest winners at National Youth Conference 2002; and Craig Smith, executive minister of Atlantic Northeast District.

Registration for the conference is now open online at www.brethren.org/genbd/yya/yac.htm. Cost is $80 prior to May 1, $100 from May 1-25, and $110 after May 26. At participants' request, the organizers will send a letter to home congregations asking them to provide a $50 scholarship.

Source: 12/21/2005 Newsline
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Christmas Eve Service music is available on CD.

A music CD of last year's Church of the Brethren Christmas Eve service broadcast on CBS-TV is now available from Brethren Press. DVD and video versions of the service are also available, as well as a video dubbed in Spanish.

The music for the service was coordinated by Shawn Kirchner, minister of music at the La Verne (Calif.) Church of the Brethren. The CD also features soloists Ryan Harrison and Kim Simmons, the Juniata College Concert Choir, a children's ensemble from congregations in Indiana, and instrumentalists from across the Church of the Brethren. It was taped at Nicarry Chapel at Bethany Theological Seminary.

The 11 tracks include "O Come, O Come Emmanuel" with a handbells solo; Kirchner's arrangements of "Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming" and "Away in a Manger"; "Santo" from "St. Francis in the Americas: A Caribbean Mass," sung by the Juniata choir with composer Glenn McClure on the steel drums; and other traditional and contemporary Christmas music.

Order the music CD for $14.95 plus shipping and handling; call 800-441-3712.

Source: 12/21/2005 Newsline
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Anabaptist leaders meet to discuss alternative service.

By Todd Flory

The Council of Moderators and General Secretaries (COMS) of Anabaptist denominations held an annual meeting at Washington (D.C.) City Church of the Brethren Dec. 1-3. Hosted by the Brethren Witness/Washington Office and the Washington Office of Mennonite Central Committee US (MCC), the group represented the Church of the Brethren, the Mennonite Church USA, the Brethren in Christ Church, the Conservative Mennonite Conference, and the Mennonite Brethren USA.

Washington was selected as the site for the meeting to facilitate and continue discussions with members of Congress and the Selective Service. The meeting follows a consultation on alternative service sponsored by COMS in March.

A portion of the meeting focused on the issues of alternative service and the potential of a military draft. In other meetings, the group met with leaders of the Faith-Based Initiative for the White House, the National Association of Evangelicals, the National Campaign for a Peace Tax Fund, and staff of Rep. Charles Rangel (D-NY), who proposed a draft bill in Jan. 2003 that was almost unanimously defeated. Emile Milne, Rangel's foreign policy legislative director, said he had heard many groups talk about the draft but the Church of the Brethren and COMS were the only religious groups to come to the representative's office in person to talk about it.

Richard Flahavan and Cassandra Costley from the Selective Service System spoke regarding the potential of a military draft. "When you read the signs, you can see there's really no secret plan to fire up the draft," Flahavan said. "You can all be confident it's not going to happen." Costley said that she has had numerous meetings with various peace churches to work out guidelines for alternative service if a draft is implemented. "We welcome any assistance from religious organizations in finding suitable employment for these conscientious objectors," she said.

Not everyone was as certain that a draft will not occur. "We have all the elements of a perfect storm, and all we need is a butterfly flutter," said J.E. McNeil, executive director of the Center on Conscience and War. McNeil said she believes that President Bush might implement a draft if he thought it would pass through Congress. "'We have no choice,' that's the phrase he's going to have to use to sell it." Theo Sitther, lobbyist for CCW, added, "No one in the administration is talking about a draft, but people in the Pentagon are."

COMS discussed a contingency plan for a military draft, led by MCC staff Rolando Santiago and Titus Peachey. A report of issues, questions, and recommendations was presented, developed by Del Hershberger, director of Christian Service for Mennonite Mission Network; Dan McFadden, director of Brethren Volunteer Service; and Peachey, director of Peace Education for MCC. Issues included alternative service placements, support for registrants, staying in relationship with soldiers, relationship to government and Selective Service, and collaboration with other historic peace churches and the CCW. Each representative at the COMS meeting will discuss the plan with his denomination and report in the spring.

COMS also met with Richard Cizik, vice-president for Governmental Affairs for the National Association of Evangelicals (NAE), which has been working on issues such as the conflict in Darfur, prison rape, and global warming. He reviewed an NAE booklet discussing principles for Christian political engagement: protecting religious freedom and liberty of conscience, nurturing family life and protecting children, protecting the sanctity of human life and safeguarding its nature, seeking justice and compassion for the poor and vulnerable, protecting human rights, seeking peace and working to restrain violence, and protecting God's creation.

Marian Franz, executive director for the National Campaign for a Peace Tax Fund, spoke about her work lobbying on the peace tax issue. The Peace Tax Fund bill, which has been compiled in the House of Representatives, has around 40 members signed on. The proposed bill would allow people who do not want any of their tax money to go to military spending, to have it placed in a fund for other purposes. Support has come from some unlikely organizations and seems to be on the upswing, Franz said.

Jim Towey, director of the Faith-Based Initiative for the White House, explained the plan that is designed, in part, to help faith-based organizations attain federal grant money for programs. He spoke candidly about government bureaucracy. "Regardless of whether you're a faith-based group or not, government can be a pain in the neck," he said. "We just look at whether the grant program works, not what religion it is."

The meeting in Towey's office ended with prayer, as did the meeting in Rangel's office. Many in the COMS group later reported that prayer in the presence of political officials and their staff was very meaningful, as it brought to a new light the cooperation between individuals and government who work together for change on many of the world's social justice concerns.

Participants included Annual Conference moderator Ronald Beachley; Chuck Buller, executive director of the Mennonite-Brethren Church; J. Daryl Byler, director of the MCC Washington Office; Warren Hoffman, moderator of the Brethren in Christ Church; Phil Jones, director of Brethren Witness/Washington Office; Titus Peachey, director of Peace Education for MCC US; Rolando L. Santiago, director of MCC US; Jim Schrag, executive director of the Mennonite Church USA; Ben Shirk, moderator of the Conservative Mennonite Conference; Steve Swartz, general secretary of the Conservative Mennonite Conference; and Roy Williams, moderator of the Mennonite Church USA. Hoffman was selected as moderator of COMS for 2006.

--Todd Flory is a legislative associate and Brethren Volunteer Service worker at the Brethren Witness/Washington Office of the Church of the Brethren General Board.

Source: 12/21/2005 Newsline
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Credits

Newsline is produced by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of news services for the Church of the Brethren General Board, on every other Wednesday with other editions as needed. Barry Bartel, Mary Dulabaum, Lerry Fogle, Mary Lou Garrison, Jon Kobel, Greg and Karin Davidson Laszakovits, Wendy McFadden, Nancy Miner, Emily Tyler, Roy Winter, and Jane Yount contributed to this report.

NEWS

• Brethren Benefit Trust agrees to dialogue with Caterpillar.
  
• Brethren Benefit Trust board approves new wellness initiative.
  
• On Earth Peace thanks supporters of captured peacemakers.
  
• Historic Peace Churches plan Asia peace consultation.
  
• Team developing proposal to better market Annual Conference.
  
• National Council of Churches assembly condemns torture, considers bio-ethics.
  
• Brethren bits: NYC Speech Contest, Day of Caring, and more.

FEATURES

• Brethren join rally protesting School of Americas.
  
• A Citronelle pilgrimage.

Brethren Benefit Trust agrees to dialogue with Caterpillar.

Bulldozers are commonly seen as instruments of construction, used to raze old structures or sculpt land for development. But what if these machine are used for destruction, such as destroying houses, farms, ancient olive groves, roads, and water and sewer pipes that are currently in use?

According to Human rights watch, Israel has used Caterpillar's large D-9 bulldozers, which have been purchased through the US military and outfitted with tons of armored plating, to wreak havoc on Palestinian settlements by illegally destroying property and infrastructure.

As a Caterpillar shareholder, the Brethren Benefit Trust (BBT) Board of Directors in November decided to try to engage in dialogue with Caterpillar, asking the firm based in Peoria, Ill., to cease selling equipment that makes its way to Israel to be used for violent purposes against humanity. BBT manages more than $350 million of investments for its 4,000 Pension Plan members and 200 asset management clients, and uses shares that it owns on behalf of its members to promote Brethren values through shareholder activism initiatives.

The BBT board also endorsed inviting On Earth Peace to participate in the dialogue with Caterpillar. The board's deliberation of the issue came at the request of On Earth Peace. In an Oct. 14 letter to BBT, On Earth Peace asked BBT to divest of its Caterpillar holdings "to seek investment of these funds in companies whose business enriches the lives of Palestinians and Israelis."

After lengthy discussion by the BBT board, which met at the Brethren Home Community in New Oxford, Pa., the board decided to attempt dialogue with Caterpillar with the understanding that divestiture could come if the dialogue fails. Reasons for the decision included first, that BBT's socially responsible investing policy calls for BBT not to invest in companies that make more than 10 percent of their sales in alcohol, tobacco, defense, and gambling. Companies BBT invests in are checked against these benchmarks annually; in 2005 Caterpillar was not excluded on this basis. Second, BBT works at shareholder advocacy initiatives with companies that do not get screened out of BBT's investment portfolio but have at least one area where changes are advocated, based on Annual Conference statements. Third, BBT has engaged in dialogue with Caterpillar regarding the AIDS pandemic in Africa, and has found the company to be responsive to shareholder dialogue. Finally, Israel's use of the D-9s for destructive purposes goes against Caterpillar's worldwide code of conduct, which calls on its host countries to "honor their agreements, including those relating to rights and properties of citizens of other nations."

Pacific Southwest District has approved a resolution on "Divestment from Companies Selling Products Used as Weapons in Israel and Palestine," to be forwarded to Annual Conference. "This is a human rights issue that needs to be addressed," said Nolen, upon hearing of the district resolution. "BBT Board members and staff look forward to addressing this issue with On Earth Peace and the Annual Conference. Through our shareholder dialogue, we hope that the Church of the Brethren peace witness will help prompt Caterpillar to decide not to sell machines that are used against humanity."

For more about Brethren Benefit Trust see www.brethenbenefittrust.org.

Source: 12/14/2005 Newsline
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Brethren Benefit Trust board approves new wellness initiative.

In addition to business relating to investment with Caterpillar, the Brethren Benefit Trust (BBT) Board ratified its 2006 budget, approved a new wellness initiative, and proposed organizational changes among other business at its November meeting.

The board ratified a proposed 2006 expense budget of $3,041,460, including a new wellness initiative and an increased emphasis on promoting BBT's ministries throughout the denomination.

BBT's new wellness initiative calls for a new focus on improving or sustaining the physical and mental health of Brethren nationwide, including Brethren Medical Plan members. The ministry is expected to be a collaboration among BBT, the Association of Brethren Caregivers (ABC) and the General Board. It is to be implemented through the hiring of a staff member who will be lodged with ABC.

BBT's increased promotional emphasis includes approval of hiring up to one additional staff member. It calls for increased relationship building between BBT and the Church of the Brethren through activities that range from one-on-one interaction to participation at select denominational events.

Proposed changes to BBT's Articles of Organization were adopted. The BBT Board will select four members of its board rather than the current three, under the proposal. A related change will allow the board to appoint additional people to serve as board advisors in a non-voting capacity, further enabling the board to bring people to the discussion table to complement the skills of current voting members.

If the proposed changes are adopted by Annual Conference, beginning in 2007 the BBT Board will include four members nominated by BBT, four nominated by members of the Pension Plan, and four elected by Annual Conference.

The proposed changes give the BBT Board greater flexibility to seek out members with backgrounds and skills the board requires to give adequate oversight to the programs of the agency. Skill areas currently needed on the board include banking and credit union operations, human resources, information systems, insurance, and financial planning.

In a report on the Brethren Medical Plan, claims experience has been better than expected for the first nine months of 2005. Data through the end of September show claims paid at approximately 85 percent of premiums billed. Jeff Garber, director of Brethren Insurance Plans, cautioned the board that although this experience is positive it can change quickly.

At the time of the board meeting, preliminary enrollment figures for 2006 appeared to be slightly higher than for 2005 including about a dozen congregations new to the plan. However, by early December, about 753 primary insurees (not including dependents) have enrolled for 2006 compared with 819 in January 2005. This decline of 66 members includes 25 active employees and 41 retirees. Given Annual Conference delegates' call for congregations and church agencies to support the plan during a one-year period, Garber said the decline is a disappointment and reason for concern.

The Church Workers Assistance Plan continues to provide financial support to active and retired employees of the church. The board increased the Retired Church Workers Grants' maximum income guidelines for support in 2006 by 4.7 percent to $27,100 for couples and $20,400 for singles. This increase matches the rise in the Consumer Price Index for the 12 months through September. Five clergy members have received grants from the Active Church Worker Support ministry in 2005. Another 14 retirees have received grants from the Retiree Church Workers Insurance Premium ministry, with an average monthly grant of $205. A total of 40 retired employees have received support from the Retired Church Workers ministry. The average participant received a monthly grant of $319.

In other actions the board welcomed some 20 retirees, pastors, and church board chairs to a special session on BBT programs and services; adopted a resolution on the housing allowance for retired ministers; and awarded payments totaling $117,683 to participants in the Supplemental Income for Equitable Annuitants program.

For more information about BBT see www.brethrenbenefittrust.org.

Source: 12/14/2005 Newsline
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On Earth Peace thanks supporters of captured peacemakers.

On Earth Peace thanked its Peace Witness Action List yesterday "for your prayers and constant watchfulness" for the four Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT) members being held hostage in Iraq--Tom Fox, Norman Kember, James Loney, and Harmeet Singh Sooden.

No word has been received about the hostages since a deadline set by their captors passed on Dec. 10. A group called "Swords of Righteousness Brigade" kidnaped the men on Nov. 26. The brigade said the hostages would be killed Dec. 10 unless all prisoners of the US and the United Kingdom in Iraq are freed.

Today CPT issued a call for letters to the editor about human rights for Iraqis and the four peacemakers. "The media is eager to keep focusing on the 'human interest' story and are delving into the lives of the four CPTers," CPT said. "Our team in Iraq urges us to keep telling the `human rights' story--lifting up the suffering of Iraqis in detention and living under occupation." For more information go to www.cpt.org.

On Earth Peace also called attention to a report on www.aljazeera.net on Dec. 13 "about the inundation their office has received of appeals on the hostages' behalf." The article, "Calls grow to free Iraq hostages," reported on the peacemakers' many supporters and well-wishers around the globe including Muslim groups such as the Iraq Islamic Party and Palestinian leaders. See http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/80028675-F183-4F83-8C86-4C3F48DAB30C.htm.

For more about On Earth Peace go to www.brethren.org/oepa.

Source: 12/14/2005 Newsline
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Historic Peace Churches plan Asia peace consultation.

Fourteen members of the Historic Peace Churches (Church of the Brethren, Quakers, and Mennonites) met in Indonesia Dec. 5-9 to consider holding an Asian peace consultation in 2007. Participants in the meeting came from Indonesia, India, Japan, Australia, and the United States.

Following the launching of the Decade to Overcome Violence, a program of the World Council of Churches (WCC), an invitation came from the WCC Central Committee in 1999 for the peace churches to share their insights and experience with the wider Christian church as a component of the decade. An Asian conference would be the third such international Historic Peace Church conference responding to this invitation. In 2001, a consultation was held in Switzerland on "Peace in a Globalized World." A second meeting took place in Kenya in 2004 on "Making Peace Theology Relevant to the Conflicts in Africa." The Indonesian planning meeting considered a consultation for Asian churches, with a focus on peacemaking within interreligious communities.

A new ad-hoc committee was appointed to carry forward the idea of an Asian conference. The committee is considering hosting the consultation in December 2007. Information regarding this conference and the previous Historic Peace Church conferences may be found at www.peacetheology.org/.

Representing the Church of the Brethren were: Scott Holland, of Bethany Theological Seminary; Donald E. Miller, Asian consultation convener; Mervin Keeney, executive director of Global Mission Partnerships for the Church of the Brethren General Board; Stanley Noffsinger, general secretary of the Church of the Brethren General Board; and Darryl R. Sankey of the Church of the Brethren-India.

Source: 12/14/2005 Newsline
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Team developing proposal to better market Annual Conference.

An Annual Conference Marketing Ministry Team, accountable and reportable to the Annual Conference Program and Arrangements Committee, met Nov. 27-29 at New Windsor, Md. Directly related to the strategic plan for Conference staff and volunteers approved by Annual Conference 2005, the team is developing a proposal to better market and promote participation in the annual meeting that is "vital to our denomination," reported Annual Conference executive director Lerry Fogle.

Tracy Wiser of Mid-Atlantic District was selected as chair; Martha Roudebush, executive minister of Southeastern District, is recorder. Other members of the team include John Braun of Oregon and Washington District, Joanna Willoughby of Michigan District, a member of the Program and Arrangements Committee, and Fogle.

The Marketing Ministry Team will research participation of the denomination in Annual Conference including contact with all district executives, selected contact with congregations that were unable to have representation at Annual Conference 2005, contact with Congregational Life Team staff of the General Board, and contact with others in the denomination with marketing and promotion skills. With analysis of research results, a marketing proposal will be drafted, finalized, and presented next June to the Program and Arrangements Committee.

In addition, feedback about participation or non-participation of non-delegates at Annual Conference will be explored on a number of the denominational list serves. Anyone wishing to convey thoughts or suggestions about why members of the Church of the Brethren attend or do not attend Annual Conference may send e-mail to annualconference@brethren.org or write to the Annual Conference Office, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL, 60120.

For more about Annual Conference see www.brethren.org/ac.

Source: 12/14/2005 Newsline
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National Council of Churches assembly condemns torture, considers bio-ethics.

The National Council of Churches (NCC) General Assembly Nov. 8-10 issued a statement condemning torture, defended civil liberties, and began considering a paper on the ethics of bio-technologies, among other business. The assembly, which also is the representative body for Church World Service, is an annual gathering of 300 representatives of 35 communions and denominations representing 45 million US Christians.

Church of the Brethren representatives were Nelda Rhodes Clarke Nelda Rhoades Clark, Jennie Ramirez, Marianne Miller Speicher, David Whitten, and Stan Noffsinger, general secretary, and Merv Keeney, Global Mission Partnerships executive director, of the General Board. Two Brethren young adults--Christina McPherson and Margo Royer Miller--served as stewards, volunteering with others in behind-the-scenes work to make the assembly possible. Becky Ullom, director of Identity and Relations for the General Board, served as an observer.

"In the gathering of Christians from other communions, I feel a closeness to the spirit of Jesus as we worship together and address the common concerns we face as peoples of the world," said Speicher. "How wonderful it is to sit down with other Christians from very diverse backgrounds and share together," said Clarke.

Among common concerns was the US government's policy on torture of detainees. "Due to the timely nature of the matter, a call from the floor requested the assembly to respond to the use of torture," Whitten said. "This was in direct response to the bill that was to be presented to the House with an amendment relating to the unethical use of torture by the United States."

The assembly unanimously passed a "Statement on the Disavowel of Torture" commending the Senate's "anti-torture provisions" in the 2006 Defense Appropriations bill. "We find any and all use of torture unacceptable and contrary to US and international legal norms," said the NCC statement. "Torture, regardless of circumstance, humiliates and debases torturer and tortured alike. Torture turns its face against the biblical truth that all humans are created in the image of God (Gen. 1:26-27)."

Discussion of the statement on torture "was filled, at times, with tension due to the intensity of feelings on the subject," Whitten said. "However, the passing of the statement brought the unity of spirit in the recognition that all of humanity is sacred and created in the 'imago dei.'"

The assembly also pledged to be "ever-vigilant" in defending civil liberties. A resolution committed the NCC "to the monitoring of current and potential civil and religious liberties abuses" and pledged to educate member communions "on the importance of upholding civil and religious liberties, even and most critically in times of national distress."

A policy statement on human bio-technologies, "Fearfully and Wonderfully Made," received a first reading at the assembly. Delegates will take the policy to their communions for study and comment and will vote on it at the assembly in 2006.

The policy will be composed in three sections: "Our Theological Self-Understanding;" "The Church's Calling" in faith and science; and "Key Challenges for Church Engagement" including stem cell and embryonic stem cell research. It will include recommendations for the NCC, member communions, congregations, priests and pastors, seminaries and medical practitioners, health care professionals, and researchers. One recommendation is to form a federal commission for the regulation and discussion of emerging bio-technologies.

In other business, the assembly endorsed a Special Commission for the Just Rebuilding of the Gulf Coast; named as president Michael E. Livingston, executive director of the International Council of Community Churches, and president-elect Vicken Aykazian, bishop of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern) in Washington; and called on member communions to make this Christmas season a time of sacrificial giving. Delegates took action at the meeting, pledging more than $32,000 for Church World Service.

Noffsinger and Keeney were among 17 delegates invited to a meeting with the Venezuelan ambassador to the US during the assembly. The meeting was prompted by Christian broadcaster Pat Robertson's call for the assassination of President Hugo Chavez of Venezuela; the NCC had sent a letter to Venezuela saying the remarks were not representative of US churches. Chavez reportedly requested the ambassador to go to the assembly for dialogue with US churches.

"It was encouraging to be part of a conversation that helped to heal the wounds that words create," said Noffsinger. The ambassador expressed how much it meant "for the people of Venezuela that not all Americans concur with Pat Robertson," Noffsinger said. "It gave them hope for the American people."

For more see www.ncccusa.org.

Source: 12/14/2005 Newsline
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Brethren bits: NYC Speech Contest, Day of Caring, and more.

• The deadline for the National Youth Conference (NYC) Speech Contest is quickly approaching. Every youth attending NYC next summer is invited to write a speech on the theme, "Come and See." The speech should be based on John 1:35-39. "In this passage, when John's disciples asked Jesus where he was staying, instead of just telling them, he invited them to `come and see,'" said a statement from the NYC coordinators. "Jesus is inviting these disciples to come and be with him, to truly see who he is. As we come together in Colorado, show us your understanding of faith in today's culture and world." The top two entries will be preached during one of the worship services at NYC. Entries should be 500-700 words and about 10 minutes long. Send both written and audio versions to the NYC Office, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120. The deadline is Jan. 1, 2006. For more information see www.brethren.org/genbd/yya/NYC2006/index.html.
  
  
• The Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md., was chosen to be part of T. Rowe Price's "Day of Caring" on Dec. 7. Ten employees were paired with ten Arc clients to volunteer in the SERRV pricing department and in the General Board's Service Ministries, packing material resources. The event was coordinated by Arc's assistant executive director Don Rowe, a member of Westminster (Md.) Church of the Brethren.
  
  
• Graydon Snyder, professor emeritus at Bethany Theological Seminary, and Carl D. Bowman, chair of the Department of Sociology at Bridgewater (Va.) College, are among the authors featured in a new book from Cascadia Publishing House and Herald Press, co-published in association with Eastern Mennonite University. "Viewing New Creations with Anabaptist Eyes" is edited by Roman J. Miller, Beryl H. Brubaker, and James C. Peterson. Among the many other authors are Stanley M. Hauerwas. The book investigates the promise and perils of genetic biotechnology, ethical problems that emerge, and ethical reasoning to meet the challenges. Order for $23.95 plus shipping and handling from Brethren Press; call 800-441-3712.
  
  
• Jonathan L. Reed, professor of Religion at the University of La Verne (Calif.), appeared on ABC television's "Good Morning America" on Dec. 7 to discuss his involvement in the National Geographic Channel's "Science of the Bible" series. The series, which uses archaeology to illuminate the world of Jesus and the first Christians, appears Wednesdays at 7 and 10 p.m. Pacific time. See http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/channel/programs/science-of-the-bible.html. For more about the university, which is related to the Church of the Brethren, see www.ulv.edu.
  
  
• The Greater Gift/SERRV store at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md., is holding a holiday overstock sale through Dec. 18. All first-quality gifts, baskets, jewelry, and clothing will be 60 percent off and more. The sale also will offer overstock items from the fall catalogue.

Source: 12/14/2005 Newsline
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Brethren join rally protesting School of Americas.

By Todd Flory

Despite brisk fall weather, around 60 Church of the Brethren members and friends joined a record crowd Nov. 19-20 in Fort Benning, Ga., to protest the US Army's School of Americas (SOA) or Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation. Some 19,000 people rallied along the street in front of the military facility that, since its foundation in Panama in 1946, has produced many human rights violators in Latin American countries.

The SOA, which moved to Fort Benning in 1984, is funded by US taxpayer money and trains soldiers and military personnel from Latin American countries in subjects such as counter-insurgency, military intelligence, and counter-narcotics operations. Documentation has revealed numerous atrocities such as torture, kidnapping, and killings involving known SOA graduates.

Brethren college students attended the rally including 12 from Juniata College in Huntingdon, Pa. Many of the students were involved with the college's peace organization, Pax-O ("pax" is the Latin word for peace), and had been studying anti-torture.

Emily Eller, a senior at Juniata, said that by working with anti-torture issues, it made sense to participate in the SOA protest. Students were also able to get numerous people at the protest to write 400 anti-torture bill letters. While marching in front of the facility's fences, Eller witnessed the electronic message display explaining why people were prohibited from climbing the fence onto the military's property while simultaneously hearing the names of victims who have died at the hands of SOA graduates. "It was really surreal," she said. "Today was really, really powerful."

A group of 30 students from Manchester College in North Manchester, Ind., also attended, led by Ken Brown, peace studies and philosophy professor. Brown believes it is important for students to participate in social justice activities and to experience learning outside the classroom. "Enjoyment is at the heart of education. We don't want to postpone involvement," he said, noting this was the 10th straight year students from Manchester have come to the protest. The record number of people in attendance this year is due in part to other world events, he said. "I think it's due to national dissatisfaction of the war and government moving in the wrong direction."

Saturday, Nov. 19, served as a day of information exchange and product sales. The Brethren Witness/Washington Office joined rows of organizations handing out information and selling t-shirts, bumper stickers, and fair-trade coffee and chocolate. On stage, speakers such as an Argentinian torture survivor and an organizer with United Students Against Sweatshops told their stories. Through the weekend, nonviolence trainings, teach-ins, and workshops were held.

"While speakers and musicians are on stage, those of us behind are busy preparing the next person to go on. But this year I had a chance to hear some of the speakers," said Tracy Stoddart, resident director at McPherson (Kan.) College. In 1999, Stoddart worked at SOA Watch through Brethren Volunteer Service, and has since come back every year to work on the stage and logistics team. "I heard brave young women talk about their personal, horrific experiences being tortured and kidnapped; another young woman from the Colombian Peace Community of San Jose de Apartado spoke when only two days before troops, led by an SOA graduate, attacked her community and killed one of their leaders; and a new grandma with her two surviving daughters remembering her family members that were kidnapped and disappeared."

The Brethren Witness/Washington Office hosted a Brethren gathering including Brethren college students as well as other Brethren who made the trip to Fort Benning. The gathering provided an opportunity to share about issues with which the office is involved, and a setting for dialogue regarding national and world political issues and actions. "That was the best Brethren gathering we've had," Brown said. "It was very inspirational to remind us all what it's like to be Brethren."

A memorial service and funeral procession took place on Sunday, with many of the 19,000 people carrying banners and posters while listening to a reading of the names of victims of SOA graduates. Later, along the fence marking the border of the school, people gathered to fasten pictures and signs and to sing and pray. Forty-one people were arrested for crossing the fence.

Stoddart said, "Amidst all the fear, sadness, and hurt, an amazing spirit of forgiveness, hope, and energy flowed through the throngs of people gathered in Georgia. And that is what keeps me coming back."

--Todd Flory is a legislative associate and Brethren Volunteer Service worker at the Brethren Witness/Washington Office of the Church of the Brethren General Board.

Source: 12/14/2005 Newsline
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A Citronelle pilgrimage.

By Susan Mull

Citronelle, Ala., does not sound like the destination of one embarking on a spiritual journey. What would Citronelle have in common with Jerusalem, the holiest city in the world to millions of people?

To show people compassion and to accept the challenges of disaster response was the reason we were heading to Citronelle. Would I need more than my new tool belt and the right work clothes? What about my "Gospel armor"? Would people see Jesus in me? How would I "wear" my Christianity? Would the compassion I could feel inside be acted out? Would I even make a difference?

While rereading "Meeting God In The Ruins," I realized God would let me know what I needed to do in Citronelle. There is a prayer in that booklet that reads, "You have come to me, O God. You are sending me to meet you in a new place. May my words, actions, and thoughts honor you as I approach the Holy Ground. Amen."

There was so much about humanitarianism and justice to ponder as my husband and I prepared for the trip. Rosa Parks had just died in October and we wanted to stop in Montgomery, Ala., because there is a museum and library there honoring her work, as well as the Southern Poverty Law Center and a huge Civil Rights Memorial. We read these words of Martin Luther King Jr. etched in stone on the outside of the Law Center building: "...Until justice rolls down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream...." We were on our way to do justice work.

Each day at the Brethren Disaster Response site in Citronelle, it was more and more clear that God was working in each of the people who formed our volunteer team. I began to think back to my earlier question, "Would I make a difference?" By acting out my faith, my experience in Citronelle made me different. There is in me a new heart, a renewed spirit, and a renewed zeal for justice work.

What did Citronelle have in common with Jerusalem? Because I said yes to God's call, God was there to meet me and guide me, and there I was on holy ground.

--Susan Mull and her husband, Earl, travel and do disaster response work together. They served as volunteers with Brethren Disaster Response in Citronelle in early November doing clean up and rebuilding following Hurricane Katrina.

Source: 12/14/2005 Newsline
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Credits

Newsline is produced by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of news services for the Church of the Brethren General Board, on every other Wednesday with other editions as needed. Kathleen Campanella, Nevin Dulabaum, Matt Guynn, Stan Noffsinger, Becky Ullom, and Walt Wiltschek contributed to this report.

Newsline Special

• Brethren call for release of kidnaped peacemakers.
  
• Association of Brethren Caregivers calls for defeat of 2006 Federal Budget.
  
• Appeal from Christian Peacemaker Teams.

Brethren call for release of kidnaped peacemakers.

Statements calling for the release of the four volunteers from Christian Peacemaker Teams who were abducted in Iraq on Nov. 26 have been issued by On Earth Peace and a group of Church of the Brethren leaders. Christian Peacemaker Teams also is calling on supporters around the world to sign an online petition for the captives' release and to hold prayer vigils on their behalf.

The four men--Tom Fox, Norman Kember, James Loney, and Harmeet Singh Sooden--are being held by a previously unknown group called Swords of Righteousness Brigade, which has threatened to kill the hostages unless all prisoners in US and Iraqi detention centers are released by Dec. 8.

In another development, according to Texans for Peace an interview with a daughter of one of the hostages may air on Nightline tonight on ABC-TV. Check your ABC affiliate for an interview with the daughter of Tom Fox. Also today, an appeal from the CPT team in Baghdad was broadcast on Al-Jazeerah television (see below).

On Dec. 2 Christian Peacemaker Teams sent out a release calling for the organization of vigils for the four men in light of the threat to their lives. "We ask communities of faith around the world to intensify prayers for the transformation of the hearts of those who are holding our friends," the release said. "We also ask that congregations pray for all people currently missing in Iraq, for prisoners in Iraqi jails, and for the prisoners' families."

"We call upon all concerned Christians to pray for the release of these men, and for their safe return to their families, " said Bob Gross, co-director of On Earth Peace, in a statement released Dec. 3.

"We join with Christian Peacemaker Teams in calling for an end to the occupation of Iraq and the violence carried out against its people," Gross saild. He added that "we know the work of CPT and we know that these men are not spies nor are they involved in religious missionary work. They are working on behalf of the Iraqi people, especially those suffering from the occupation of their country." (See www.brethren.org/genbd/newsline/index.htm for the full statement.)

"We are deeply saddened and brought to a place of clear conviction by the Nov. 26 kidnaping of four Christian Peacemaker Team members in Iraq," said the statement from the three Brethren leaders--Ronald Beachley, moderator of the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference; Stan Noffsinger, general secretary of the Church of the Brethren General Board; and Phil Jones, director of the Brethren Witness/Washington Office.

"It is imperative that we continue to lift in prayer our concern toward the active violence that remains a part of the foreign policy of our nation, and our support for the faithful witness of those who seek to serve all humankind in nonviolent and peaceful ways," the statement continued. "We lift in prayer today those who are captured in the cycle of violence that war brings whether they be innocent civilians in the fields of war, the human tools of war as soldiers, relief and humanitarian workers, or non-governmental contractors and support persons. We pray for the immediate families of those affected by deep pain and grief of war...."

The statement went on, "Even as we express concern for our own Christian peace workers, we acknowledge that over 225 persons have been kidnaped during this time of war in Iraq, thousands have died on both sides of the fields of battle, civilian and military. Our prayers are for all persons affected by the violence of this war." (See www.brethren.org/genbd/newsline/index.htm for the full statement.)

Three Muslim detainees in Toronto, Canada, have called for the hostages' release, in a statement released by CPT today. The three men--Mahmoud Jaballah, Mohammad Mahjoub, and Hassan Almrei--said they have been detained without charge for up for five and a half years under security certificates by the government of Canada, which alleges that they are linked to terrorist organizations. They identified Loney as "one of thousands of people who have been fighting to right this wrong," and said, "This is the same James Loney who has reached out to the families of the Abu Ghraib prisoners. It pains our heart to know that a person of this calibre is being held captive. We care about his freedom more than we do our own."

According to CPT, others calling for the release of the men include leading Palestinians such as Ikram al-Sabri, the head Mufti of Palestine; Wasif Abu-Yousef, a representative of the National and Islamic Forces in Palestine; and the National and Islamic Forces in Hebron, which held a press conference on Nov. 30 and issued a statement expressing "sorrow at the (disappearance) of four of the peace advocates from the CPT in Iraq." Palestinians from At-Tuwani, where Christian Peacemaker Teams has accompanied villagers for two years, held a demonstration on Dec. 2 calling for release of the hostages. Banners at the demonstration read, "CPTers sacrifice their blood to help us and to help the world know about our struggles. The people, women, and children of At-Tuwani ask for the captors to let the CPT free."

Among other groups calling for the captives' release was the World Council of Churches, which said that the hostages' "prolonged captivity is not in anyone's interest and is likely to further embitter and polarize Iraqi society, causing anger and frustration" and reiterated its assessment of the war on Iraq as being "immoral, illegal, and ill-advised." The National Council of Churches called on members to take time in their Sunday worship services to offer special prayers for the peacemakers, and invited other religious communities meeting to "remember our brothers."

Church of the Brethren congregations holding prayer vigils for the four CPT volunteers include First Church of the Brethren in Chicago, Ill., which held a vigil on Friday, Dec. 2; and Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren in Elgin, Ill., which plans a candlelight prayer vigil for 7:30-8 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 7.

To register a vigil so that other may join from your community, go to http://peace.mennolink.org/prayervigils.html. For a list of planned vigils see http://peace.mennolink.org/vigillist.html.

Those wishing to register support for the captured peacemakers are invited by Christian Peacemaker Teams to sign an online petition. Go to http://freethecpt.org for a petition in English or to http://electroniciraq.net/news/2210.shtml for a petition in Arabic.

For a bulletin insert on the situation of the kidnaped peacemakers go to http://peace.mennolink.org/resources/cptmissing.pdf.

For more information about Christian Peacemaker Teams go to www.cpt.org.

Source: 12/06/2005 Newsline
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Association of Brethren Caregivers calls for defeat of 2006 Federal Budget.

The Association of Brethren Caregivers (ABC) has issued a statement saying that it "stands alongside other religious leaders calling for the defeat of the 2006 Federal Budget." The association's concerns include that proposed budget cuts are attempting to balance the federal deficit at the expense of the poor.

ABC is inviting Brethren to join in a national "altar call" to prayer and worship on the budget issue on Dec. 14.

House and Senate versions of the budget differ and will be reconciled in committee. The budgets presently "call for cuts of $49.9 billion and $35 billion, respectively, in social programs that fund health care, food stamps, foster care for neglected children, Temporary Assistance to Needy Families, enforcement of child support orders and student loans," ABC said. It added that according to a Nov. 9 Action Alert from the Brethren Witness/Washington Office of the Church of the Brethren General Board, "lawmakers intend to follow these program cuts with another tax cut of $70 billion that will primarily benefit the top 3 percent of taxpayers."

ABC is supporting a Dec. 6 letter signed by five Christian denominations calling for the budget "to reflect the nation's commitment to care for the poor and those in need, especially in light of the devastation and brokenness caused by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita"; and is supporting similar calls from the Brethren Witness/Washington Office.

The full statement follows:

"The Association of Brethren Caregivers stands alongside other religious leaders calling for the defeat of the 2006 Federal Budget as it is currently proposed. Being led by scripture that 'the Lord maintains the cause of the needy, and executes justice for the poor' (Psalm 140:12), ABC is concerned about the proposed budget, which cuts deeply into programs for the poor while offering tax breaks for the wealthy. ABC supports a December 6 letter signed by five denominations calling for the federal budget to reflect the nation's commitment to care for the poor and those in need, especially in light of the devastation and brokenness caused by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

"Legislators are working to reconcile the House and Senate versions of the proposed 2006 federal budget that call for cuts of $49.9 billion and $35 billion, respectively, in social programs that fund health care, food stamps, foster care for neglected children, Temporary Assistance to Needy Families, enforcement of child support orders and student loans. According to a Nov. 9 action alert from the Church of the Brethren General Board's Washington office, lawmakers intend to follow these program cuts with another tax cut of $70 billion that will primarily benefit the top 3 percent of taxpayers. As the Church of the Brethren agency that advocates for caring ministries, especially for the marginalized in society, ABC views the proposed budget cuts as attempts to balance the federal deficit at the expense of the poor.

"ABC echos the request of the Church of the Brethren Washington Office and asks for Brethren to prayerfully consider the issues around the proposed federal budget for 2006 and voice their opinions to their legislators. ABC also asks Brethren to pray for and take part in prayer vigils planned for Dec. 14 at the U.S. Capitol, Washington, D.C., and around the country.

"Jim Wallis, editor of 'Sojourners' magazine is holding an 'altar call" from 8 a.m.to noon on Dec. 14, at the US Capitol, Washington, DC. Participants will pray for and ask legislators to reject the budget. Because the event may result in arrests for those who are willing, participants must attend a training session at the Lutheran Church of the Reformation at 8 a.m., Dec. 14. Prayer vigils are also being organized across the country. For information about Sojourners' altar call and vigils, visit www.sojo.net.

"The National Council of Churches USA also will bring together heads of communions to pray about the Fiscal Budget, Dec. 14 in the US Capitol's rotunda for the 'National Day of Silence.'

"The most recent US Census Bureau report on poverty presented hard numbers: 36 million Americans living below the poverty line. In light of this reality, ABC joins in asking these questions posed by religious leaders in their Dec. 6 letter to legislators and all people of faith:

"--How can Congress compromise on food stamps when the Congressional Budget Office estimates that 222,000 people, primarily low-income working families with children, and 70,000 legal immigrants, would lose food stamps if conferees follow the House budget?

"--How can Congress compromise between the $1 billion for heating subsidies for low-income people included in the House bill but not in the Senate, while knowing that heating bills are expected to rise 50 percent?

"--How can Congress compromise on Medicaid provisions that will force low-income patients to forego needed health care or medications, and relieve states of providing low-income children just above the poverty line with comprehensive preventive care and treatment?

"--How does Congress compromise when the House proposal includes deep cuts to child support enforcement that will likely push children deeper into poverty when, already, nearly one in five children in this nation live below the poverty line?

"The Washington Office's alert encourages Brethren to consider the 2000 Annual Conference Statement on Caring For the Poor, which encourages congregations to use 'their experience in ministry with the poor to inform themselves of the legislative and political issues having impact on the poor and speak to those issues with their legislators at local, state, and national levels. The biblical witness and our own experiences as a community of faith suggest that there is a corporate or societal responsibility to deal with the problems of the poor, such as the Year of Jubilee. This extends beyond personal, hands-on responses and includes advocacy on behalf of the poor.'

"Over the last several weeks, religious leaders across the nation have voiced their concerns over the proposed budget cuts.

"'This is not the time for the budget reconciliation process to create greater hardships for those who are already experiencing greater suffering. To do so is not only unjust, it is a sin,' stated an Oct. 19 letter signed by 17 denominational members of the National Council of Churches USA. The letter voiced opposition to the House's proposed $50 billion in budget cuts.

"'Let's be clear. It is a moral disgrace to take food from the mouths of hungry children to increase the luxuries of those feasting at a table overflowing with plenty,' wrote Wallis in the Nov. 30 issue of Sojomail, an electronic newsletter of 'Sojourners' magazine.

"For more scripture references to consider and copies of the letters and documents mentioned here, visit ABC's website at www.brethren-caregivers.org."

Source: 12/06/2005 Newsline
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Appeal from the Christian Peacemaker Team in Baghdad, Iraq.

"We are very concerned about our friends. We would very much like to know that they are in good condition.

"It is our most sincere wish that you will immediately release them unharmed.

"While we believe the action of kidnapping is wrong, we do not condemn you as people. We recognize the humanity in each person, and respect it very much. This includes you, our colleagues, and all people.

"We believe there needs to be a force that counters all the resentment, the fear, the intimidation felt by the Iraqi people. We are trying to be that force: to speak for justice, to advocate for the human rights of Iraqis, to look at an Iraqi face and say: my brother, my sister,

"Perhaps you are men who only want to raise the issue of illegal detention. We don't know what you may have endured.

"As you can see by the statements of support from our friends in Iraq and all over the world, we work for those who are oppressed.

"We also condemn our own governments for their actions in Iraq.

"Please, we appeal to your humanity to show mercy on our brothers and let them come back safely to us to continue our work.

"May God spare our friends, and all the people of Iraq any further suffering."

Source: 12/06/2005 Newsline
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Credits

Newsline is produced by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of news services for the Church of the Brethren General Board, on every other Wednesday with other editions as needed. Mary Dulabaum contributed to this report.

NEWS

• Christian Peacemaker Teams volunteers abducted in Iraq.
  
• Emergency Disaster Fund gives $25,000 for relief in Africa.
  
• Middle Pennsylvania District Conference focuses on unity in Christ.
  
• Western Pennsylvania District holds its 139th conference.
  
• Virlina District Conference meets on theme, 'You Matter to God.'
  
• Brethren bits: Year-end donations, Annual Conference, job openings, and more.

FEATURE

• Death Row Support Project provides ministry to prisoners.
  
• Tom Fox's reflection, 'Fight or flight?'

Christian Peacemaker Teams volunteers abducted in Iraq.

On Nov. 26, four people from Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT) were kidnaped after leaving a meeting in Baghdad. The four men--two CPT members and two from a CPT visiting delegation--are Tom Fox, age 54, from Clearbrook, Va.; Norman Kember, 74, from London, England; James Loney, 41, from Toronto, Canada; and Harmeet Singh Sooden, 32, a Canadian studying in New Zealand.

The CPT group was meeting in Baghdad with representatives of Iraqi nongovernmental organizations and other institutions, according to press releases from CPT. The abduction occurred as a CPT vehicle was stopped by two vehicles. Three men with pistols ordered the Iraqi driver and translator out of the vehicle, then drove off with the CPT members and the vehicle. The two Iraqis were released. The CPT vehicle was dumped soon after in a nearby neighborhood.

CPT has its roots in the historic peace churches--Mennonite, Brethren, and Quaker--and is an ecumenical violence-reduction program that places teams of trained peacemakers in areas of lethal conflict. It has been present in Iraq since Oct. 2002, providing humanitarian aid in the form of training and human rights documentation. "As part of the international peace movement, we opposed the invasion and occupation of Iraq, and have been providing first-hand independent reports from the region," CPT said. The CPT Iraq team has hosted a total of 120 people on 16 delegations over the last three years.

Loney is the program coordinator for CPT Canada and was leading the November delegation. He has been a member of CPT since Aug. 2000. On previous visits to Iraq, his work focused on taking testimonies from families of detainees for CPT reports on detainee abuse, and making recommendations for securing basic legal rights. In a personal statement to CPT, Loney had written, "I believe that our actions as a people of peace must be an expression of hope for everyone. My hope in practicing nonviolence is that I can be a conduit for the transformative power of God's love acting upon me as much as I hope it will act upon others around me."

Fox is a father of two children and for the past two years has worked with CPT in partnership with Iraqi human rights organizations. "He has been faithful in the observance of Quaker practice for 22 years," CPT said. "While in Iraq, he sought a more complete understanding of Islamic cultural richness. He is committed to telling the truth to US citizens about the horrors of war and its effects on ordinary Iraqi civilians and families as a result of US policies and practices." (See Fox's reflection in feature below.)

Kember and his wife of 45 years have two married daughters and a three-year old grandson. "He has been a pacifist all his life beginning with his work in a hospital instead of National Service at age 18," CPT said. "Before his retirement he was a professor teaching medical students at St. Bartholemew's Hospital in London. He is well-known as a peace activist."

Sooden is an electrical engineer studying for a masters degree in English literature in Auckland University in New Zealand, to prepare for a teaching career. "His family describes him as peaceful and fun-loving and he is known to be passionate about the plight of the underprivileged around the globe," CPT said. "He works tirelessly in his spare time to educate and help others."

CPT said that its policy is to pay no ransoms, and it rejects military or violent approaches to hostage situations. In a "Statement of Conviction," longterm CPT team members in Iraq stated that they "are aware of the many risks both Iraqis and internationals currently face," and affirmed that the risks did not outweigh their purpose in remaining. They expressed the hope that "in loving both friends and enemies and by intervening nonviolently to aid those who are systematically oppressed, we can contribute in some small way to transforming this volatile situation."

CPT did not publicize the abduction until after images of the CPT team members appeared on Al Jazeera television. "We were disturbed by seeing the video and believe that repeated showing of it will endanger the lives of our friends," CPT said in a release today. "We are deeply disturbed by their abduction. We pray that those who hold them will be merciful and that they will be released soon."

"Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT) has worked for the rights of Iraqi prisoners who have been illegally detained and abused by the US government," the release continued. "We were the first people to publicly denounce the torture of Iraqi people at the hands of US forces, long before the western media admitted what was happening at Abu Ghraib. We are some of the few internationals left in Iraq who are telling the truth about what is happening to the Iraqi people."

"We mourn today that members of CPT have been kidnaped and suffer at the hands of their captors," said a statement from Phil Jones, director of the Brethren Witness/Washington Office.

Jones continued with a call for Brethren to be in prayer. "As we pray for the safe release of these four Christian peace workers we also pray for the victims and families of the over 225 kidnapings and thousands of casualties of this war to date. We pray for the immediate families of those affected by deep pain and grief of war. We call upon the administration of this nation to consider its complicity and to refocus, redefine, and reshape its foreign policy. We pray that a true advent of peace might be revealed."

Since its inception in 1984 the Church of the Brethren has been a supporter of Christian Peacemaker Teams and its call to devote the same discipline and self-sacrifice to nonviolent peacemaking that armies devote to war, Jones said. For more information see www.cpt.org.

Source: 11/30/2005 Newsline
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Emergency Disaster Fund gives $25,000 for relief in Africa.

Two grants totaling $25,000 have been given for disaster relief in Africa, from the General Board's Emergency Disaster Fund.

An allocation of $15,000 supports a Church World Service appeal for continuing relief and rehabilitation for the people of Angola. The funds will help provide seeds and agricultural tools, and help build schools and health clinics, improve sanitation, and provide clean water sources.

A grant of $10,000 supports a Church World Service appeal for drought assistance and pending famine in the West African nation of Burkina Faso. The funds will be used to provide millet, children's feeding formula, and re-hydration tables for nearly 63,000 people.

Source: 11/30/2005 Newsline
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Middle Pennsylvania District Conference focuses on unity in Christ.

The Middle Pennsylvania District Conference was held Oct. 7-8 at Stone Church of the Brethren in Huntingdon, Pa. Linda Banaszak of Clover Creek Church of the Brethren in Fredericksburg, Pa., served as moderator. Rodney Ritchey of Yellow Creek Church of the Brethren in Hopewell, Pa., designed and constructed the logo for the worship center using the theme, "Celebrating Our Unity in Christ." Fifty churches were represented with 167 delegates and 79 non-delegates.

Opening worship featured a district-wide choir conducted by Sarah Steele of Martinsburg (Pa.) Memorial Church of the Brethren, and the installation service for district minister David Steele, who began his work on March 1. He delivered the evening message, "A Fork in the Road." Connie Maclay, pastor at Beech Run Church of the Brethren in Mapleton Depot, Pa., delivered the Saturday morning message. Following lunch, the Youth Ministry Team led worship and members were consecrated.

An offering of "Pennies for Congregational Ministries" totaled $5,834.50, while $1,310.88 was collected for ministry education. Many laundry baskets filled with personal items were donated to benefit Huntingdon House, a facility for abused women and children. Break-out sessions included "Ask the District Minister," led by David Steele, and "Who's Calling?" with Christy Dowdy as leader.

In business sessions, James Ake of Stone Church of the Brethren was affirmed for another year as treasurer and a slate for district leadership was affirmed including Wayne Brockway, pastor of New Enterprise (Pa.) Church of the Brethren, as moderator-designate. He will assist moderator Barbara Rowe at the Oct. 20-21, 2006, district conference at Roaring Spring (Pa.) First Church of the Brethren.

Resources from the conference include a photo of the ministers present at the Friday evening banquet, which will be available on-line in the near future; and a Power Point presentation of church ministries shared Friday evening, created by Amy Crouse of Beech Run Church of the Brethren. For more about these resources contact the District Center at 814-643-0601.

Source: 11/30/2005 Newsline
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Western Pennsylvania District holds its 139th conference.

Western Pennsylvania District held its 139th annual District Conference at the Frank J. Pasquerilla Conference Center in Johnstown, Pa., on Oct. 22. Moderator Christopher A. Forry of Somerset, Pa., challenged the approximately 260 participants--including 185 delegates representing 53 congregations--with the theme, "Proclaim, Sharing, Teaching--God's Love For All." The district comprises 69 churches and one fellowship with a membership of over 10,000.

Worship, music, and historical sketches were interspersed throughout the business of the day. In business sessions, a budget of $186,787 was adopted for 2006. A highlight of the conference was recognition of a new congregation, Journey's Way Ministries of Glencoe, Pa. Congregations and individuals also brought enough Gift of the Heart Kits to send five pallets to Church World Service for disaster response.

Insight sessions were held on subjects including an overview of the work of the District Mission Program that includes the Christian Community Center in San Juan, P.R., and the Emanuel Children's Home in San Pedro Sula, Honduras; a presentation about the work of the Gifts Discernment Team; and a presentation from the General Board's Emergency Response/Service Ministries.

Leadership called during the conference included nine called to the district board: Kendal W. Elmore, Roger C. Knepper, Abby Mader, Eric R. Ritenour, Robert L. Rummel, Jeffrey S. Keyser, John W. Stoner Jr., Homer A. Foster, and Clarice J. Ott. Donna L. Kodis was named to the Church of the Brethren Home Board. Owen W. Hunt was called to the District Charitable Trust Board. Called to the board of Camp Harmony were James Cameron, Marietta Prebehalla, and David Tipton. Roger L. Forry was named to the denomination's Standing Committee. Darlene Rankin will serve on the district conference's program and arrangements committee.

Phillip A. King of Johnstown, Pa., was installed as moderator of the district for next year. Reba B. Johnson of Indiana, Pa., was named moderator-designate.

Source: 11/30/2005 Newsline
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Virlina District Conference meets on theme, 'You Matter to God.'

The United Methodist Temple in Beckley, W.Va., was the setting for the 34th Virlina District Conference on Nov. 11-12. "You Matter to God" (Romans 12:4-5) was the theme. Total registration was 447 people including 217 delegates and 230 non-delegates. The worship, fellowship, and discernment of the district was led by moderator Russell R. Payne Jr., pastor of Coulson Church of the Brethren near Hillsville, Va.

The last district-wide conference held in West Virginia was in March 1940 at the Pleasant View Church. The Virlina District encompasses 92 congregations and 11,128 members within Virginia, West Virginia, and North Carolina.

Ronald D. Beachley, moderator of the 2006 Annual Conference, was keynote speaker for the opening worship service. Greetings and welcoming remarks were brought by Dan Johnson, pastor of the United Methodist Temple. Keynote speaker for Saturday evening worship was Earl F. Stovall, pastor of Hopewell (Va.) Church of the Brethren. Worship services were highlighted by a choir led by Harvey Leddy of Christiansburg (Va.) Church of the Brethren. Offerings of $3,581.60 were received for the expenses of the District Conference.

New business included approval of an amendment to the Virlina District Constitution and Bylaws concerning a reduction in the number of area divisions in the district. A resolution expressing concern over the use of mercury-based compounds as preservatives in commonly used childhood and other vaccines was returned to the District Board. A District Board budget of $285,150.12 was approved for 2006. Delegates also heard that the Camp Bethel budget for 2006 will be $473,940. A resolution was approved naming Owen G. Stultz, Virlina District executive from 1969-92, as the District Executive Emeritus. Delegates also received a variety of reports.

The conference learned that 22 congregations and fellowships have been involved in the pastoral placement process during the year ending Sept. 30. New pastors were named and those present were introduced.

Business also included the calling of 20 leaders including W. Gregory Broyles of Roanoke, Oak Grove Church of the Brethren as moderator-elect. Others called to leadership are Frances S. Beam to a second term on the Standing Committee of Annual Conference; John W. "Jack" Lowe Jr. to the district Program and Arrangements Committee; Sandy Wade, Evelyn Janney, Karen Cassell, Roy L. Forbes, and Carol Hinton to the Nominating and Personnel Committee; Jerry W. Naff, William M. Pugh, Arlen Doss, Doris H. Jones, Sam Reid, David W. Miller, Kathy Otey, J. Hebron Quesenberry, Tony Robertson, and Ronald Sink to the District Board; and Marilyn Lerch and R. Wayne Pennington to the Outdoor Ministries Committee.

The District Board reported that Cathy S. Huffman will serve as chairperson for 2005-06. Other members of the Executive Committee are Jerry Wayne Naff as vice-chairperson, Thomas S. Powers as Commission on Ministry chairperson, Gary Basham as Commission of Stewards chairperson, Jim Worline as Commission on Nurture chairperson, Jeffery A. Wray as Commission on Witness chairperson, E. Patrick Starkey as Outdoor Ministries Committee chairperson, and Horace D. Light Jr. as Church Extension Committee chairperson.

George Mendenhall and V. Enos Griffith were honored for 50 years of ministerial service. Approximately 70 people attended a Ministers and Spouses Banquet.

The 35th Virlina District Conference will be held in Franklin County, Va., on Nov. 10-11, 2006. Shirley B. Jamison, a member of Monte Vista Church of the Brethren in Callaway, Va., and a practicing attorney in Boones Mill, Va., will serve as moderator.

Source: 11/30/2005 Newsline
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Brethren bits: Year-end donations, Annual Conference, job openings, and more.

• Year-end donations to the Association of Brethren Caregivers, Bethany Theological Seminary, the General Board, and On Earth Peace must be dated and postmarked by Dec. 31 in order to be counted as a 2005 charitable gift for tax purposes.
  
  
• Those making nominations for Annual Conference elective offices in 2006, using the new on-line nomination form at the Annual Conference website, are requested to have the permission of the person being nominated before the form is filled out and submitted. As the Dec. 1 deadline approaches, nominations are encouraged from all over denomination. "Thank you for participating in the selection of denominational leadership," said Annual Conference executive director Lerry Fogle.
  
  
• The Association of Brethren Caregivers seeks a director of Wellness Ministries to fill a fulltime position. Location is negotiable, with a minimum of half-time in the ABC office in Elgin, Ill. Starting date is Feb. 1, 2006. Responsibilities include promotion of wellness and the goals of the Wellness Ministry within the Church of the Brethren, working particularly with those enrolled in the Brethren Medical Plan; research and development of risk assessment programs in coordination with Brethren Benefit Trust staff; coordination, development, and assessment of educational programs that challenge church members to adopt healthy living behaviors. Qualifications include a minimum of a bachelor's degree with background in education or health/medicine/nutrition; basic knowledge of and commitment to wellness issues such as nutrition, physical, spiritual, and emotional health; modeling a positive, healthy lifestyle; oral and written communication and interpersonal skills; previous experience in a nonprofit environment. Applications will be received beginning immediately, with a deadline of Jan. 4, 2006. A position description and application form are available on request. Qualified candidates are invited to submit a resume, cover letter of application, and to request three individuals to send letters of recommendation to Mary Lou Garrison, Director of Human Resources, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120; mgarrison_gb@brethren.org.
  
  
• The Brethren Home Community of New Oxford, Pa., seeks a health care chaplain/congregational pastor. The community is a licensed Continuing Care Retirement Community located on a 200-plus acre campus serving approximately 900 residents and villagers. The position serves residents and the Church of the Brethren members on campus who attend The Faith Community of the Brethren Home Community. This fulltime position is currently open and will require four days a week. Responsibilities include clinical duties of visitation, devotions, and counseling; and congregational duties of preaching and worship leading. Candidates must be licensed or ordained and in good standing with the Southern Pennsylvania District of the Church of the Brethren. Chaplaincy experience is helpful and CPE is preferred. Send resumes to Merv Wunderlich, Director of the Pastoral Care Department and pastor of the congregation, 2990 Carlisle Pike, P.O. Box 128, New Oxford, PA 17350-0128.
  
  
• Don Vermilyea, a Brethren Volunteer Service worker on a Walk Across America, is currently in Chattahoochee, Fla. He has counted 17,253 miles to date since he began the walk in Arizona in Jan. 2002. Today is day 1,398 on the walk, with 643 nights homeless and 755 nights cared for by humanity, Vermilyea reported. He has picked up $1,470.58 along the road, and received $4,916.74 unsolicited from motorists to benefit the Global Food Crisis Fund and other charities. His next visit to a Church of the Brethren is tentatively scheduled for Dec. 18, at Good Samaritan Church of the Brethren in Brandon, Fla. For more see www.brethren.org/genbd/witness/Walk.html.
  
  
• Westminster (Md.) Church of the Brethren has established a Peace Studies Scholarship Program with the first grant going to Jordan Blevins, a 2004 graduate of Bridgewater (Va.) College. He is working on master's degrees in Theological Studies from Wesley Theological Seminary and in International Peace and Conflict Resolution from American University.
  
  
• Hanoverdale Church of the Brethren in Hummelstown, Pa., holds its Celebrate Christmas 2005 event on Dec. 3 with a live nativity, Teen Challenge Poinsettia Sale, Children's Gift Store of gifts all under $5 benefitting Heifer International, and a Christmas in Reverse Pageant. See www.hanoverdalechurch.com.
  
  
• Fundraising efforts for the University of La Verne (Calif.) Campus Center Project have reached $16,555,941. President Steve Morgan made this announcement during a Board of Trustees meeting, igniting a spontaneous celebration that momentarily interrupted the day's busy agenda. "This is a landmark event in the 114-year history of the University of La Verne," Morgan said. On Oct. 25 the university's private fundraising effort surpassed $16 million, a goal established in Feb. 2004 when trustee Michael Abraham issued a conditional pledge of $4 million toward the Campus Center Building. Conditions set by Abraham called for the members of the board to match his $4 million pledge and for the university to raise an additional $8 million, with the combined total due by the November meeting. In recognition the building will be named the Sara and Michael Abraham Campus Center. Trustee and former board chair Jim Long and his wife, Marie, made the contribution that pushed the total past the $16 million challenge mark. "It was both a pleasure and an honor," Jim Long said.
  
  
• Pinecrest Community in Mount Morris, Ill., a Church of the Brethren retirement center, is holding its second annual Community Open House on Dec. 10 from 2-4 p.m. Visitors will be able to have a picture taken with Santa, take home a free Pinecrest keepsake, and enjoy refreshments.
  
  
• Harold S. Martin and Craig Alan Myers, leaders in the Brethren Revival Fellowship, are among 29 leaders of "renewal movements" in mainline denominations who have signed an open letter from the Association for Church Renewal. The letter warns US Christians against "third way" proposals regarding sexuality. According to the association, the letter decries "a new strategy to win the church's affirmation of homosexual acts" through procedural devices. The letter was issued following an October meeting of the group and cites strategies proposed or adopted in denominations such as the Episcopal Church and the American Baptist Churches, among others. For the text of the letter and list of signatories, visit www.ird-renew.org/acr.
  
  
• Church World Service (CWS) has announced the election of Donna Derr to the position of director of the Emergency Response Program. Derr recently served as interim director of the program and earlier was associate director for International Emergency Response Programs. Prior to working for CWS, she spent 16 years with the Church of the Brethren as a program assistant and then as director of the General Board's Disaster and Refugee Programs. She will continue to work out of the CWS Washington, D.C., office.
  
  
• The National Council of Churches has issued an alert to support the Coalition of Immokalee Workers farmworker organization in a continuing struggle for fair wages and working conditions. For months, the coalition and allies across the country have called on McDonald's to follow Taco Bell's lead and work to establish fair wages and working conditions for farmworkers who pick its tomatoes. McDonald's has refused to do so, according to the NCC. In March an agreement between Yum Brands (Taco Bell's parent company) and the coalition set several precedents for social responsibility in the fast-food industry including paying a penny more per pound for the tomatoes it buys from Florida growers. This would nearly double workers' sub-poverty wages if extended throughout the industry, the NCC said. The NCC also commended McDonald's announcement that it will offer only fair-trade coffee in more than 650 restaurants from New York to Maine. The NCC called on Christians to pray for the restaurant chain to work with those harvesting its tomatoes and to send e-mails directly to McDonald's at www.bluelatinos.org/fairfood.htm. "God who labors and rests, we give thanks for and remember all those who labor to bring food to our tables," said a prayer from the NCC.
  
  
• When Bible scholars and students converged on the American Academy of Religion and Society of Biblical Literature Convention in Philadelphia, Nov. 19-22, they found the New Revised Standard Version (copyright National Council of Churches), in a popular selling product for handhelds, Olive Tree Bible Software. According to a release from Religion News Service, attendees were be able to purchase the NRSV for the Palm and Pocket PC. Plans are in the works to introduce this translation in other formats as well, the release said. Olive Tree Bible Software provides Bible versions and study tools for Palm OS, Pocket PC, Smartphone and Symbian cell phones, and BlackBerry devices. For more see www.olivetree.com.

Source: 11/30/2005 Newsline
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