- General Board gives a positive financial report for 2004.
- Emergency Disaster Fund sends $100,000 for tsunami work.
- Committee plans training, communications for TOGETHER.
- Mutual Aid Association celebrates 120 years of service.
- Stewardship of Property Committee holds first meeting.
- First Vital Pastor cohort group receives grant approval.
- Brethren bits: Remembrance, personnel, and more.
Wednesday, February 16, 2005
NEWS
General Board gives a positive financial report for 2004.
The past year was a very positive one for the Core Ministries Fund of the General Board, reported treasurer Judy Keyser. The fund provides for most ministries of the board and depends heavily on congregational and individual giving. "This type of outcome certainly relieves a bit of pressure and gives us some reprieve," said Keyser.
A welcome turnaround was an increase in congregational giving over budget and over 2003. Congregational giving had shown a downward trend in recent years. In 2004, gifts from congregations to the fund increased to $3,324,300, and gifts from individuals rose slightly to $654,200. "The General Board appreciates this strong support and trust in its ministries," Keyser said. "The board is also grateful for those individuals who provide generously through their estates. For the first time in several years, bequest income met and exceeded the budgeted amount." Investment returns were also remarkably higher than expected, she said.
"These factors, plus careful management of expenses by staff, resulted in income over expense totaling $414,200. This enabled the board to strengthen the financial foundation for ongoing ministries and to expand selected one-time ministries for 2005, resulting in a final net income of $192,200."
Because of the positive year-end report, the board did not need to use $215,000 set aside to cover projected shortfalls in 2004. The money had been redirected from funds the board designated in past years for other projects.
"The economic realities of the last several years prompted the board to take steps to provide better long-term stability in the Core Ministries Fund," Keyser said. All estate gifts will now go directly into the board's Bequest Quasi-endowment, and income budgeted from bequests will be a percentage of a five-year average of the Bequest Quasi-endowment, she said. "This will even out income from year to year without depleting the Bequest Quasi-endowment. Because investment income has also been volatile over the last several years, similar actions were taken with the Endowment Fund and the Gahagen Fund. During the transition year of 2005, a higher percentage of the Bequest Quasi-endowment will be used in order to have fewer budget reductions."
The board also operates several self-funding ministries that receive income through the sale of goods and services. While "Messenger" magazine finished the year with income over expense of $2,800, the other three self-funding units experienced losses: $47,200 for Brethren Press, $67,500 for the New Windsor (Md.) Conference Center, and $68,900 for Service Ministries. Lower net assets in some self-funding ministries is a longterm concern, Keyser said. "Each is developing plans to work at sustaining income," she said.
The board manages three special-purpose funds made possible by gifts from donors. Emergency Disaster Fund grants totaled $474,200 in 2004, Global Food Crisis Fund grants totaled $326,000, and the Emerging Global Mission Fund spent $121,400. Complete audited financial information on these funds will be available in June when the General Board audit report is published.
Despite positive results for 2004 and actions to stabilize income, expenses continue to outpace anticipated income, Keyser said. General Board budgets for 2005 were reduced by $248,210.
Source: 2/16/2005 Newsline
Top
The past year was a very positive one for the Core Ministries Fund of the General Board, reported treasurer Judy Keyser. The fund provides for most ministries of the board and depends heavily on congregational and individual giving. "This type of outcome certainly relieves a bit of pressure and gives us some reprieve," said Keyser.
A welcome turnaround was an increase in congregational giving over budget and over 2003. Congregational giving had shown a downward trend in recent years. In 2004, gifts from congregations to the fund increased to $3,324,300, and gifts from individuals rose slightly to $654,200. "The General Board appreciates this strong support and trust in its ministries," Keyser said. "The board is also grateful for those individuals who provide generously through their estates. For the first time in several years, bequest income met and exceeded the budgeted amount." Investment returns were also remarkably higher than expected, she said.
"These factors, plus careful management of expenses by staff, resulted in income over expense totaling $414,200. This enabled the board to strengthen the financial foundation for ongoing ministries and to expand selected one-time ministries for 2005, resulting in a final net income of $192,200."
Because of the positive year-end report, the board did not need to use $215,000 set aside to cover projected shortfalls in 2004. The money had been redirected from funds the board designated in past years for other projects.
"The economic realities of the last several years prompted the board to take steps to provide better long-term stability in the Core Ministries Fund," Keyser said. All estate gifts will now go directly into the board's Bequest Quasi-endowment, and income budgeted from bequests will be a percentage of a five-year average of the Bequest Quasi-endowment, she said. "This will even out income from year to year without depleting the Bequest Quasi-endowment. Because investment income has also been volatile over the last several years, similar actions were taken with the Endowment Fund and the Gahagen Fund. During the transition year of 2005, a higher percentage of the Bequest Quasi-endowment will be used in order to have fewer budget reductions."
The board also operates several self-funding ministries that receive income through the sale of goods and services. While "Messenger" magazine finished the year with income over expense of $2,800, the other three self-funding units experienced losses: $47,200 for Brethren Press, $67,500 for the New Windsor (Md.) Conference Center, and $68,900 for Service Ministries. Lower net assets in some self-funding ministries is a longterm concern, Keyser said. "Each is developing plans to work at sustaining income," she said.
The board manages three special-purpose funds made possible by gifts from donors. Emergency Disaster Fund grants totaled $474,200 in 2004, Global Food Crisis Fund grants totaled $326,000, and the Emerging Global Mission Fund spent $121,400. Complete audited financial information on these funds will be available in June when the General Board audit report is published.
Despite positive results for 2004 and actions to stabilize income, expenses continue to outpace anticipated income, Keyser said. General Board budgets for 2005 were reduced by $248,210.
Source: 2/16/2005 Newsline
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Emergency Disaster Fund sends $100,000 for tsunami work.
A grant of $100,000 from the General Board's Emergency Disaster Fund (EDF) continues Brethren support for Church World Service (CWS) work following the tsunami in south Asia. Other EDF grants have been made for disaster relief in the Caribbean, Sudan, and Nebraska.
Donations to the EDF in 2005 are approaching three-quarters of a million dollars, totaling $678,393. "The response of our members to the efforts of EDF and the needs in southeast Asia has been remarkable," commented Stan Noffsinger, the board's general secretary. "We thank both the many donors who have given so generously, and our staff and the staff of Church World Service for their tireless efforts to care for the needs of people, all of whom are our sisters and brothers in Christ."
A record number of Gift of the Heart kits for disaster relief have been received at the Brethren Service Center warehouses in New Windsor, Md. As of Feb. 7, 81,986 pounds of the kits had been received, sent from every US state but Hawaii, Utah, and Wyoming, reported Jane Bankert of the board's Service Ministries. The program warehouses and ships the kits for CWS.
The $100,000 will start rebuilding efforts following the tsunami, reported Roy Winter, director of Emergency Response. It follows three previous grants, making a total of $180,000 in Brethren funding related to the tsunami. A grant of $19,500 will continue support of a Brethren Disaster Response rebuilding project in Hallam, Neb., a small town devastated by a tornado. EDF also gave $17,500 for shipping canned meat and Gift of the Heart Health Kits and Layette Kits to southern Sudan. The donations to the New Sudan Council of Churches include over 22,000 pounds of chicken canned by Mid-Atlantic and Southern Pennsylvania Districts. An allocation of $10,000 supports CWS work in the Caribbean following the hurricanes of 2004. The funds will be used in Haiti for food assistance, medicine, water and sanitation, and agriculture and livestock recovery. Additional work will include clearing debris, recovery of schools, and income-generating activities.
For more information about Emergency Response/Service Ministries see www.brethren.org. A round-up of Brethren tsunami relief efforts by individuals, congregations, districts, and other organizations is planned for the next Newsline. Send information to News Services, Church of the Brethren General Board, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120; or e-mail cobnews@aol.com.
Source: 2/16/2005 Newsline
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A grant of $100,000 from the General Board's Emergency Disaster Fund (EDF) continues Brethren support for Church World Service (CWS) work following the tsunami in south Asia. Other EDF grants have been made for disaster relief in the Caribbean, Sudan, and Nebraska.
Donations to the EDF in 2005 are approaching three-quarters of a million dollars, totaling $678,393. "The response of our members to the efforts of EDF and the needs in southeast Asia has been remarkable," commented Stan Noffsinger, the board's general secretary. "We thank both the many donors who have given so generously, and our staff and the staff of Church World Service for their tireless efforts to care for the needs of people, all of whom are our sisters and brothers in Christ."
A record number of Gift of the Heart kits for disaster relief have been received at the Brethren Service Center warehouses in New Windsor, Md. As of Feb. 7, 81,986 pounds of the kits had been received, sent from every US state but Hawaii, Utah, and Wyoming, reported Jane Bankert of the board's Service Ministries. The program warehouses and ships the kits for CWS.
The $100,000 will start rebuilding efforts following the tsunami, reported Roy Winter, director of Emergency Response. It follows three previous grants, making a total of $180,000 in Brethren funding related to the tsunami. A grant of $19,500 will continue support of a Brethren Disaster Response rebuilding project in Hallam, Neb., a small town devastated by a tornado. EDF also gave $17,500 for shipping canned meat and Gift of the Heart Health Kits and Layette Kits to southern Sudan. The donations to the New Sudan Council of Churches include over 22,000 pounds of chicken canned by Mid-Atlantic and Southern Pennsylvania Districts. An allocation of $10,000 supports CWS work in the Caribbean following the hurricanes of 2004. The funds will be used in Haiti for food assistance, medicine, water and sanitation, and agriculture and livestock recovery. Additional work will include clearing debris, recovery of schools, and income-generating activities.
For more information about Emergency Response/Service Ministries see www.brethren.org. A round-up of Brethren tsunami relief efforts by individuals, congregations, districts, and other organizations is planned for the next Newsline. Send information to News Services, Church of the Brethren General Board, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120; or e-mail cobnews@aol.com.
Source: 2/16/2005 Newsline
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Committee plans training, communications for TOGETHER.
The steering committee of the new Church of the Brethren denominational initiative titled TOGETHER: Conversations on Being the Church, met at Bethany Theological Seminary in Richmond, Ind., Jan. 20-21. Content for the various elements of the process was further defined in this sixth meeting of the steering committee, which was chaired by Mark Flory-Steury, district executive of Southern Ohio.
The goal of TOGETHER is a denomination-wide conversation on the state of the church. In addition to representatives of the Council of District Executives, where it originated, representatives from denominational agencies and Annual Conference attended along with Ron and Harriet Finney, who will coordinate regional conversations in 2006.
Resource leaders for a training to be held Feb. 2006 in New Windsor, Md., were nominated, with priority given to a well-known authority in the field of church analysis who also is familiar with the Church of the Brethren. The training will bring together some 140 people, primarily named by the districts, who will be prepared to lead conversations in their geographic areas.
Following the training, TOGETHER will be launched at Annual Conference 2006, principally through the use of a study guide at each business session. Delegates and others in attendance will be encouraged to join in 30 minutes of conversation about the church at each session. This plan, along with some other references to the program at the Conference, has been approved by the Conference Program and Arrangements Committee.
The steering committee also dealt with funding for the program. "One note of rejoicing was the announcement that the General Board will donate one of its special offerings to TOGETHER," Swartz reported. "The amount of these offerings usually ranges from $15,000-$30,000, according to general secretary Stan Noffsinger." The committee also developed a case statement to pursue foundation grants for the program.
A communications plan, submitted by Brethren Press publisher Wendy McFadden, was adopted with immediate priority given to developing a brochure for distribution at the 2005 Conference. Also in the works are advertisements to appear in "Messenger" magazine, a calling card or badge sticker with a "catchy" phrase related to the program, and a website. A logo is being designed by Debbie Noffsinger. Jonathan Shively, director of the Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership, and Matt Guynn, On Earth Peace program coordinator for Peace Witness, are working on a theme song.
Source: 2/16/2005 Newsline
Top
The steering committee of the new Church of the Brethren denominational initiative titled TOGETHER: Conversations on Being the Church, met at Bethany Theological Seminary in Richmond, Ind., Jan. 20-21. Content for the various elements of the process was further defined in this sixth meeting of the steering committee, which was chaired by Mark Flory-Steury, district executive of Southern Ohio.
The goal of TOGETHER is a denomination-wide conversation on the state of the church. In addition to representatives of the Council of District Executives, where it originated, representatives from denominational agencies and Annual Conference attended along with Ron and Harriet Finney, who will coordinate regional conversations in 2006.
Resource leaders for a training to be held Feb. 2006 in New Windsor, Md., were nominated, with priority given to a well-known authority in the field of church analysis who also is familiar with the Church of the Brethren. The training will bring together some 140 people, primarily named by the districts, who will be prepared to lead conversations in their geographic areas.
Following the training, TOGETHER will be launched at Annual Conference 2006, principally through the use of a study guide at each business session. Delegates and others in attendance will be encouraged to join in 30 minutes of conversation about the church at each session. This plan, along with some other references to the program at the Conference, has been approved by the Conference Program and Arrangements Committee.
The steering committee also dealt with funding for the program. "One note of rejoicing was the announcement that the General Board will donate one of its special offerings to TOGETHER," Swartz reported. "The amount of these offerings usually ranges from $15,000-$30,000, according to general secretary Stan Noffsinger." The committee also developed a case statement to pursue foundation grants for the program.
A communications plan, submitted by Brethren Press publisher Wendy McFadden, was adopted with immediate priority given to developing a brochure for distribution at the 2005 Conference. Also in the works are advertisements to appear in "Messenger" magazine, a calling card or badge sticker with a "catchy" phrase related to the program, and a website. A logo is being designed by Debbie Noffsinger. Jonathan Shively, director of the Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership, and Matt Guynn, On Earth Peace program coordinator for Peace Witness, are working on a theme song.
Source: 2/16/2005 Newsline
Top
Mutual Aid Association celebrates 120 years of service.
The Mutual Aid Association (MAA) is celebrating 120 years of service to the Church of the Brethren in 2005. "The organization founded by Brethren for Brethren now reaches this historic milestone," MAA said in a release about plans for a celebration at Annual Conference. The organization invites Brethren to join MAA "for its 120th birthday party! We celebrate the spirit of brothers and sisters working together, the idea of the strong protecting the weak, and the commitment that we stand together, so that all may benefit."
MAA was begun in 1885 as the Mutual Aid Society of Northeastern Kansas by church members who "sought an alternative to worldly insurance and wanted to continue the tradition of sharing one another's burdens, typified by the practice known as barn-raising," the release said. "For nearly the first century of its work, MAA operated from the kitchen table of its then-president. The Annual Meeting set simple rates and assessed members accordingly. In the 1970s a functional building was constructed near Abilene, Kan., was eventually remodeled and enlarged, and today serves as the association's home office."
Over the decades, changes at MAA have included opening coverage to small businesses and rental properties as well as to suburban housing, and securing personal liability insurance. As risk coverage amounts increased, MAA cooperated with other small mutuals and purchased insurance for safeguarding its own policies in the event of a catastrophe. MAA also created its own benevolence organization, pledging a company tithe to sustain the MAA Share Fund. The fund is a nonprofit entity making matching grants to insured churches for their ministries with people in unexpected financial need.
"Our service has always been the prevention and sharing of misfortune," according to MAA's Centennial History. Today MAA emphasizes property insurance for homes, farms, and small businesses, and covers seasonal dwellings, personal property for renters, and special collections. It serves individuals in the Church of the Brethren and its historically-related denominations and employees of church colleges, retirement homes, and agencies. Through a specialty company MAA secures coverage for congregations, camps, colleges, districts, and other ministries. For more information see www.maabrethren.com.
Source: 2/16/2005 Newsline
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The Mutual Aid Association (MAA) is celebrating 120 years of service to the Church of the Brethren in 2005. "The organization founded by Brethren for Brethren now reaches this historic milestone," MAA said in a release about plans for a celebration at Annual Conference. The organization invites Brethren to join MAA "for its 120th birthday party! We celebrate the spirit of brothers and sisters working together, the idea of the strong protecting the weak, and the commitment that we stand together, so that all may benefit."
MAA was begun in 1885 as the Mutual Aid Society of Northeastern Kansas by church members who "sought an alternative to worldly insurance and wanted to continue the tradition of sharing one another's burdens, typified by the practice known as barn-raising," the release said. "For nearly the first century of its work, MAA operated from the kitchen table of its then-president. The Annual Meeting set simple rates and assessed members accordingly. In the 1970s a functional building was constructed near Abilene, Kan., was eventually remodeled and enlarged, and today serves as the association's home office."
Over the decades, changes at MAA have included opening coverage to small businesses and rental properties as well as to suburban housing, and securing personal liability insurance. As risk coverage amounts increased, MAA cooperated with other small mutuals and purchased insurance for safeguarding its own policies in the event of a catastrophe. MAA also created its own benevolence organization, pledging a company tithe to sustain the MAA Share Fund. The fund is a nonprofit entity making matching grants to insured churches for their ministries with people in unexpected financial need.
"Our service has always been the prevention and sharing of misfortune," according to MAA's Centennial History. Today MAA emphasizes property insurance for homes, farms, and small businesses, and covers seasonal dwellings, personal property for renters, and special collections. It serves individuals in the Church of the Brethren and its historically-related denominations and employees of church colleges, retirement homes, and agencies. Through a specialty company MAA secures coverage for congregations, camps, colleges, districts, and other ministries. For more information see www.maabrethren.com.
Source: 2/16/2005 Newsline
Top
Stewardship of Property Committee holds first meeting.
The Stewardship of Property Committee formed by the General Board gathered at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill., Jan. 28-29 for its first meeting. Members are D. Miller Davis of Westminster, Md.; Fletcher Farrar, Springfield, Ill.; Dale Grosbach, Gladstone, Mo.; Wanda Haynes, Seattle, Wash.; Ivan Patterson, Greenville, Ohio; Marianne Pittman, Blacksburg, Va.; Dale Roth, State College, Pa.; and David Sollenberger, Annville, Pa. Staff liaisons are Dave Ingold, director of Buildings and Grounds at the General Offices; Ed Palsgrove, director of Buildings and Grounds at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md.; and Stan Noffsinger, general secretary.
The committee discussed the task assigned by the board of "reviewing, evaluating, and offering recommendations to the General Board regarding utilization of the two properties from which the General Board's ministries operate in Elgin, Ill., and New Windsor, Md." An extensive list of questions pertinent to the task was created. Ingold led a tour of the Elgin facility. Roth was called to chair the committee.
The committee's next meeting will be at the Brethren Service Center Feb. 25-26. Additional meetings have been scheduled for June 3-4 and Sept. 8-9.
Source: 2/16/2005 Newsline
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The Stewardship of Property Committee formed by the General Board gathered at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill., Jan. 28-29 for its first meeting. Members are D. Miller Davis of Westminster, Md.; Fletcher Farrar, Springfield, Ill.; Dale Grosbach, Gladstone, Mo.; Wanda Haynes, Seattle, Wash.; Ivan Patterson, Greenville, Ohio; Marianne Pittman, Blacksburg, Va.; Dale Roth, State College, Pa.; and David Sollenberger, Annville, Pa. Staff liaisons are Dave Ingold, director of Buildings and Grounds at the General Offices; Ed Palsgrove, director of Buildings and Grounds at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md.; and Stan Noffsinger, general secretary.
The committee discussed the task assigned by the board of "reviewing, evaluating, and offering recommendations to the General Board regarding utilization of the two properties from which the General Board's ministries operate in Elgin, Ill., and New Windsor, Md." An extensive list of questions pertinent to the task was created. Ingold led a tour of the Elgin facility. Roth was called to chair the committee.
The committee's next meeting will be at the Brethren Service Center Feb. 25-26. Additional meetings have been scheduled for June 3-4 and Sept. 8-9.
Source: 2/16/2005 Newsline
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First Vital Pastor cohort group receives grant approval.
The first Vital Pastor cohort group of the Sustaining Pastoral Excellence program of the Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership received approval for its grant proposal this week. The group comprises five pastors from South/Central Indiana District: Gale Burkholder, Pleasant View Church of the Brethren, South Whitley, Ind.; Bruce Hostetler, Roann (Ind.) Church of the Brethren; Val Kline, Upper Fall Creek Church of the Brethren, Middletown, Ind.; Dan Riccius, Eel River Community Church of the Brethren, Silver Lake, Ind.; and Bev Weaver, Anderson (Ind.) Church of the Brethren.
The group is exploring the question, "How do we create and sustain a mission heart locally and globally?" For an initial Immersion Retreat, the pastors will meet with Church of the Brethren congregations and pastors in Brazil Feb. 21-March 2. The group will then meet monthly over the next two years.
Sustaining Pastoral Excellence is underwritten by a $2 million grant from Lilly Foundation Inc. The program is for "quality pastors to engage in ongoing learning, maintain healthy boundaries, and develop support systems" and is designed to encourage and promote excellence in ministry. The academy is a program of Bethany Theological Seminary and the General Board. To learn more contact Linda or Glenn Timmons at 800-287-8822 ext. 1810.
Source: 2/16/2005 Newsline
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The first Vital Pastor cohort group of the Sustaining Pastoral Excellence program of the Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership received approval for its grant proposal this week. The group comprises five pastors from South/Central Indiana District: Gale Burkholder, Pleasant View Church of the Brethren, South Whitley, Ind.; Bruce Hostetler, Roann (Ind.) Church of the Brethren; Val Kline, Upper Fall Creek Church of the Brethren, Middletown, Ind.; Dan Riccius, Eel River Community Church of the Brethren, Silver Lake, Ind.; and Bev Weaver, Anderson (Ind.) Church of the Brethren.
The group is exploring the question, "How do we create and sustain a mission heart locally and globally?" For an initial Immersion Retreat, the pastors will meet with Church of the Brethren congregations and pastors in Brazil Feb. 21-March 2. The group will then meet monthly over the next two years.
Sustaining Pastoral Excellence is underwritten by a $2 million grant from Lilly Foundation Inc. The program is for "quality pastors to engage in ongoing learning, maintain healthy boundaries, and develop support systems" and is designed to encourage and promote excellence in ministry. The academy is a program of Bethany Theological Seminary and the General Board. To learn more contact Linda or Glenn Timmons at 800-287-8822 ext. 1810.
Source: 2/16/2005 Newsline
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Brethren bits: Remembrance, personnel, and more.
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- Don Snider, 89, died Feb. 1 at his home at Timbercrest Church of the Brethren Home in North Manchester, Ind. Interspersed with several pastoral placements in Illinois and Pennsylvania, Snider served as National Youth Director for the Church of the Brethren 1944-51; directed Brethren Service post-World War II relief and rehabilitation work in Kassel, Germany, 1951-54; and directed Brethren Volunteer Service 1961-69. He was a regional secretary in Middle Pennsylvania District 1942-44, interpreting the then-new Brethren Service and serving as recruitment staff for Juniata College in Huntingdon, Pa., his alma mater. At one time, Snider held the quarter-mile track record at Juniata, time 50 seconds flat. He also held a degree from Bethany Theological Seminary. Snider was a leader in the peace witness of the denomination, was a draft counselor for youth, and was vocal in opposition to the law instituted in 1980 requiring young men to register for Selective Service. He also worked to resettle Vietnamese refugees in the US, and led numerous youth camps. A memorial service was held at Manchester Church of the Brethren on Feb. 12.
- Brenda Hayward has begun as receptionist at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill. Her work experience includes 18 years in a variety of capacities at Bank One, as well as other customer service settings. She has an early connection with the General Offices through her father, Henry Barton, who worked in the building as a printing press operator for many years.
- The Brethren Retirement Community in Greenville, Ohio, seeks a president/CEO. The community serves 450 residents in independent living, at a satellite campus, and in residential, assisted living, skilled nursing, and dementia care units. The CEO will play a pivotal role in guiding the Brethren Retirement Community through its current five-year strategic planning process. Expectations for candidates include financial and operational management experience, a team style of leadership, community public relations, and effective communication skills. NHA required. Contact Ralph McFadden at 352 Shiloh Ct., Elgin, IL 60120; 847-622-1677; e-mail hikermac@sbcglobal.net; fax 847-742-6103. Resumes and salary histories will be accepted until March 18.
- Southern Ohio District is searching for a part-time director of Outdoor Ministries. The district seeks applicants committed to leading and implementing Christian ministry in a variety of outdoor settings. Applicants may respond by post, e-mail, or fax by March 15 to Southern Ohio District Church of the Brethren, 1001 Mill Ridge Circle, Union, OH 45322; e-mail mfsteury_ds@brethren.org; fax 937-832-6396. In case of questions, please call 937-832-6399.
- Volunteers are needed for Annual Conference in Peoria, July 2-6, especially to work with registration. If you plan to attend and can help, please call the Annual Conference office at 800-323-8039 or e-mail annualconference@brethren.org.
- Information Services staff for the General Board have installed a spam filter on the board's e-mail server. This filter has been effective in reducing spam e-mail arriving in staff e-mail boxes. However, some good e-mail has been blocked. If you have sent an e-mail to General Board staff and have not gotten a timely response, please follow up with a phone call to that staff person. It is possible the e-mail was not received. Information Services continues to work at fine tuning the spam filter for maximum effectiveness.
- "Messenger" magazine editor Walt Wiltschek is serving as the English-language reporter for the World Council of Churches (WCC) Central Committee meetings in Geneva, Switzerland, Feb. 15-22. The General Board is offering his time and talents as a service to the international ecumenical organization, which is covering his expenses, said Wendy McFadden, Brethren Press publisher. Jeff Carter, pastor of Manassas (Va.) Church of the Brethren, is the Church of the Brethren observer at the meetings. On the agenda: making consensus the established method of decision-making; planning for the WCC Ninth Assembly in Porto Alegre, Brazil, in Feb. 2006; the peoples and churches of the Pacific region; ethical challenges including human sexuality; and a new configuration of the ecumenical movement.
- The General Board's Brethren Witness/Washington Office invites Brethren to the 2005 Ecumenical Advocacy Days March 11-14 in Arlington, Va. "Making All Things New" is the theme. Participants will examine US policy regarding the Middle East, Africa, Asia, Latin America, global economic justice, global security, ecological justice, and US domestic issues. An additional "track" will be offered on "Global Security and Nuclear Weapons Danger" focusing on terrorism, militarism, and nuclear weapons. Registration is $135, not including hotel stay. See www.advocacydays.org or call the Brethren Witness/Washington Office at 800-785-3246.
- The Brethren Witness/Washington Office will host a drop-in Feb. 22 for the School of Americas (SOA) Watch Legislative Action Days. The event supports legislation to close the US Army's Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation (formerly the SOA). See http://home.maryknoll.org or call the office at 800-785-3246.
- Mary Blocher Smeltzer of La Verne (Calif.) Church of the Brethren, was one of more than 200 teachers honored by the Japanese American National Museum in Little Tokyo, Los Angeles, Feb. 5. The group taught Japanese American students in internment camps during World War II, and were honored for "extraordinary actions (that) touched and transformed a generation of Japanese Americans," reported the "Los Angeles Times." Smeltzer was invited to a dinner at the Century Plaza Hotel in company with many of the teachers, now in their 80s and 90s, who voluntarily joined Japanese Americans in the internment camps. "We thought they needed help, so we helped," she told the Times. She taught at the Manzanar camp in California with her husband Ralph, now deceased. "Inside the camp, when every public indication was that we had no future, you had these teachers saying, `Yes, you do matter,'" said Glenn Kumekawa, a retired Rhode Island professor who was sent to Topaz camp in Utah at age 14. Some 110,000 Japanese Americans were held at 10 camps and an estimated 30,000 children attended school there. Smeltzer and her husband also helped resettle 1,000 Japanese Americans in Chicago and New York through the Church of the Brethren.
- Bill Puffenberger, a retired Elizabethtown (Pa.) College professor of Religious Studies, is making a collection of Brethren Service Commission Cups in their various shapes, sizes, and wood types for permanent display at the Young Center for Anabaptist and Pietist Studies. For a brief history of the cups, or to donate a cup to the collection, contact Puffenberger at 28 Shybrook Ct., Elizabethtown, PA 17022-9200; 717-367-7021; e-mail puffenwv@etown.edu. Include a brief descriptive note with cup donations. "We want to document the age, locality, wood type, and craftsperson of each donated cup if at all possible," Puffenberger said.
- "Lenten Fast from Violence" weekly resource guides are available from the US Committee for the Decade to Overcome Violence (DOV), a program of the World Council of Churches. The guides for the six weeks of Lent highlight responses of people of faith to overcoming violence with nonviolent means. Weekly themes include violent media and video games, violence in creation, violence against women, militarism, Iraq, and the violence of poverty. Included are biblical reflections, prayers, educational resources, advocacy tools, and samples of nonviolent responses. See the DOV website www.overcomingviolence.org.
- The National Campaign for a Peace Tax Fund is offering a sample letter to the IRS that taxpayers concerned for peace may enclose with 2004 returns. The nonprofit campaign advocates for a law allowing conscientious objectors to pay full federal income taxes without funding the military. The letter explains that the sender is not opposed to paying taxes, expresses opposition to war, and supports the Religious Freedom Peace Tax Fund Bill. It quotes the Ten Commandments, "Thou shalt not kill," and Matthew 5:44, Jesus' command to "Love your enemies." See www.peacetaxfund.org.
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Kim Stuckey Hissong resigns from On Earth Peace.
Kim Stuckey Hissong, program coordinator for Peacemaker Formation at On Earth Peace, has announced her resignation effective Aug. 24. She has worked with On Earth Peace since Oct. 2001. Hissong plans to pursue a master's degree in social work.
In her three and a half years at On Earth Peace, Hissong coordinated and led educational retreats, training events, and volunteer opportunities for youth and young adults seeking to develop faith-based beliefs and skills as peacemakers. She introduced innovative programs and ideas to Peacemaker Formation and demonstrated commitment to the youth of the denomination.
An announcement regarding the position opening will be released in early March. For more information contact On Earth Peace, P.O. Box 188, New Windsor, MD 21776; 410-635-8704; e-mail oepa_oepa@brethren.org; or see www.brethren.org/oepa.
Source: 2/16/2005 Newsline
Top
Kim Stuckey Hissong, program coordinator for Peacemaker Formation at On Earth Peace, has announced her resignation effective Aug. 24. She has worked with On Earth Peace since Oct. 2001. Hissong plans to pursue a master's degree in social work.
In her three and a half years at On Earth Peace, Hissong coordinated and led educational retreats, training events, and volunteer opportunities for youth and young adults seeking to develop faith-based beliefs and skills as peacemakers. She introduced innovative programs and ideas to Peacemaker Formation and demonstrated commitment to the youth of the denomination.
An announcement regarding the position opening will be released in early March. For more information contact On Earth Peace, P.O. Box 188, New Windsor, MD 21776; 410-635-8704; e-mail oepa_oepa@brethren.org; or see www.brethren.org/oepa.
Source: 2/16/2005 Newsline
Top
Youth and young adults sought for mission conference.
A special effort is being made to include youth and young adults in the Mission Alive 2005 event on April 1-3 in Goshen, Ind. Evening reflection times for youth and young adults will be led by Chris Douglas, the General Board's director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries. The reflection time on Saturday evening during the conference also will feature time with general secretary Stan Noffsinger and Merv Keeney, executive director of Global Mission Partnerships.
Mission Alive 2005 is planned as a missions challenge for the Church of the Brethren, sponsored by the General Board. Keynote topics include biblical guidance for mission, learnings from mission experience, emerging models of mission, and accepting the call to mission. Other features of the conference include global worship services, workshops, missionary reunions, and ice cream socials.
Planners also hope to draw pastors, board members, Sunday school teachers, prospective missionaries, and mission supporters. This week, all pastors and Witness chairs of Church of the Brethren congregations will receive brochures for the gathering. Each congregation is invited to send a representative and a special offering for new mission, to be received at the Sunday morning service.
Continuing education units are available to attendees (.75 for the entire conference) and can be arranged through the registration process. Registration is $50 before March 15, $60 after. To register online see www.brethren.org. For questions or brochures call Global Mission Partnerships at 800-323-8039 ext. 227.
Source: 2/16/2005 Newsline
Top
A special effort is being made to include youth and young adults in the Mission Alive 2005 event on April 1-3 in Goshen, Ind. Evening reflection times for youth and young adults will be led by Chris Douglas, the General Board's director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries. The reflection time on Saturday evening during the conference also will feature time with general secretary Stan Noffsinger and Merv Keeney, executive director of Global Mission Partnerships.
Mission Alive 2005 is planned as a missions challenge for the Church of the Brethren, sponsored by the General Board. Keynote topics include biblical guidance for mission, learnings from mission experience, emerging models of mission, and accepting the call to mission. Other features of the conference include global worship services, workshops, missionary reunions, and ice cream socials.
Planners also hope to draw pastors, board members, Sunday school teachers, prospective missionaries, and mission supporters. This week, all pastors and Witness chairs of Church of the Brethren congregations will receive brochures for the gathering. Each congregation is invited to send a representative and a special offering for new mission, to be received at the Sunday morning service.
Continuing education units are available to attendees (.75 for the entire conference) and can be arranged through the registration process. Registration is $50 before March 15, $60 after. To register online see www.brethren.org. For questions or brochures call Global Mission Partnerships at 800-323-8039 ext. 227.
Source: 2/16/2005 Newsline
Top
Heartland Song and Story Fest to take place in Indiana.
The annual Church of the Brethren family camp Song and Story Fest will take place near North Manchester, Ind., July 6-12, following Annual Conference. The theme is "Heartland Song and Story Fest--Rooted and Grounded in Love."
On Earth Peace is sponsoring the event and its staff will help provide leadership. Other leaders include Jim Lehman, Jonathan Hunter, Kathy Guisewite, Sue Overman, Barb Sayler, Bob Gross, Cliff Kindy, Bill and Jacob Jolliff, Peg Lehman, Lee Krahenbuhl, Joseph Helfrich, Brian Krushwitz, and LuAnne Harley. The camp will be held at Joyfield Farm at the invitation of Cliff and Arlene Kindy and Rachel and Bob Gross. "We'll cook and eat some of their organic produce, camp in their fields, enjoy concerts and gatherings in a large rented tent and their barn, canoe on the Kenapocomoco River, and generally have a great time being together," said Ken Kline Smeltzer, volunteer director.
Registration includes meals and is $90 for adults, with graduated fees for children to a family maximum of $300. Registration will be available in a few weeks at www.brethren.org/oepa.
Source: 2/16/2005 Newsline
Top
The annual Church of the Brethren family camp Song and Story Fest will take place near North Manchester, Ind., July 6-12, following Annual Conference. The theme is "Heartland Song and Story Fest--Rooted and Grounded in Love."
On Earth Peace is sponsoring the event and its staff will help provide leadership. Other leaders include Jim Lehman, Jonathan Hunter, Kathy Guisewite, Sue Overman, Barb Sayler, Bob Gross, Cliff Kindy, Bill and Jacob Jolliff, Peg Lehman, Lee Krahenbuhl, Joseph Helfrich, Brian Krushwitz, and LuAnne Harley. The camp will be held at Joyfield Farm at the invitation of Cliff and Arlene Kindy and Rachel and Bob Gross. "We'll cook and eat some of their organic produce, camp in their fields, enjoy concerts and gatherings in a large rented tent and their barn, canoe on the Kenapocomoco River, and generally have a great time being together," said Ken Kline Smeltzer, volunteer director.
Registration includes meals and is $90 for adults, with graduated fees for children to a family maximum of $300. Registration will be available in a few weeks at www.brethren.org/oepa.
Source: 2/16/2005 Newsline
Top
The story of a week at a disaster rebuilding project.
By Dwight Butterbaugh
This fall, I received a letter asking for help at the Disaster Response project at Hallam, Neb., which a tornado hit in May 2004. Disaster Response is a program of the General Board's Emergency Response/Service Ministries. The town of Hallam had 170 homes, and only seven were repairable.
The Nov. 14-20 dates fit my schedule and my next thought was of my two brothers, Dean and Duane Butterbaugh, members of Dixon (Ill.) Church of the Brethren. Their answers were "yes," so I knew I had the start of a crew.
We three brothers had never worked on a Disaster Response project together, but all had experience in building and each had served before in disaster work. I next recruited three people from my church: Earl Miller, a retired plumber, and Harold and Carla Goeking, who were interested because Hallam was the area where Harold was raised and his aunt lived near there. There were now six people lined up ready to go, and we received our instructions.
Lincoln, Neb., was our destination as we left on Sunday morning Nov. 14. We were to be housed and fed at Lincoln Church of the Brethren. Six of us used the church annex for sleeping, and it worked out very well with its one bathroom and a 12-gallon hot water heater. Our very good meals were in the church basement. Ken and Lou Ella Imhoff were project coordinators for the week, and Lou Ella was responsible for the good meals. The Mount Morris church had collected $90 for us to take the project coordinators out to eat. We decided Lou Ella's meals were so good, we would donate that money to the Emergency Disaster Fund.
There were two crews working that week, and crews had been at the site since September. We were the second crew from Illinois/Wisconsin District. The house the five of us worked on was for a family of five. We hung sheet rock and taped, and did other small jobs. When I used to build houses as my profession, I hired that work done for me! The family was trying for their third house after being burned out once, then having their house leveled by the tornado.
The Goekings said it was the best "vacation" they ever had. Earl Miller has since become interested in working further in disaster relief. I will remember this experience because we brothers--Dean, Duane, and I--shared a week of fellowship and getting to know the family we were building for. We refused mileage money, and our pay was a feeling of a job well done, memories, and safe travel.
--Dwight Butterbaugh is the Disaster Response contact person at Mt. Morris (Ill.) Church of the Brethren.
Source: 2/16/2005 Newsline
Top
By Dwight Butterbaugh
This fall, I received a letter asking for help at the Disaster Response project at Hallam, Neb., which a tornado hit in May 2004. Disaster Response is a program of the General Board's Emergency Response/Service Ministries. The town of Hallam had 170 homes, and only seven were repairable.
The Nov. 14-20 dates fit my schedule and my next thought was of my two brothers, Dean and Duane Butterbaugh, members of Dixon (Ill.) Church of the Brethren. Their answers were "yes," so I knew I had the start of a crew.
We three brothers had never worked on a Disaster Response project together, but all had experience in building and each had served before in disaster work. I next recruited three people from my church: Earl Miller, a retired plumber, and Harold and Carla Goeking, who were interested because Hallam was the area where Harold was raised and his aunt lived near there. There were now six people lined up ready to go, and we received our instructions.
Lincoln, Neb., was our destination as we left on Sunday morning Nov. 14. We were to be housed and fed at Lincoln Church of the Brethren. Six of us used the church annex for sleeping, and it worked out very well with its one bathroom and a 12-gallon hot water heater. Our very good meals were in the church basement. Ken and Lou Ella Imhoff were project coordinators for the week, and Lou Ella was responsible for the good meals. The Mount Morris church had collected $90 for us to take the project coordinators out to eat. We decided Lou Ella's meals were so good, we would donate that money to the Emergency Disaster Fund.
There were two crews working that week, and crews had been at the site since September. We were the second crew from Illinois/Wisconsin District. The house the five of us worked on was for a family of five. We hung sheet rock and taped, and did other small jobs. When I used to build houses as my profession, I hired that work done for me! The family was trying for their third house after being burned out once, then having their house leveled by the tornado.
The Goekings said it was the best "vacation" they ever had. Earl Miller has since become interested in working further in disaster relief. I will remember this experience because we brothers--Dean, Duane, and I--shared a week of fellowship and getting to know the family we were building for. We refused mileage money, and our pay was a feeling of a job well done, memories, and safe travel.
--Dwight Butterbaugh is the Disaster Response contact person at Mt. Morris (Ill.) Church of the Brethren.
Source: 2/16/2005 Newsline
Top
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. Newsline stories may be reprinted provided that Newsline is cited as the source. Judy Keyser, Janis Pyle, Barb Sayler, Ken Kline Smeltzer, Fred Swartz, and Glenn and Linda Timmons contributed to this report.
Newsline is produced by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of news services for the Church of the Brethren General Board, on every other Wednesday with other editions as needed. Newsline stories may be reprinted provided that Newsline is cited as the source. Judy Keyser, Janis Pyle, Barb Sayler, Ken Kline Smeltzer, Fred Swartz, and Glenn and Linda Timmons contributed to this report.
Wednesday, February 02, 2005
NEWS
- January giving to Emergency Disaster Fund tops $450,000.
- Muslim Peacemaker Team in Iraq trained by CPT.
- Cabinet begins planning for National Youth Conference 2006.
- ABC seeks nominations for its Caregiving Awards program.
- Committee on Interchurch Relations calls for nominations.
- Love feast spoons support church's mission.
- Brethren families revisit mission sites in Nigeria.
- Brethren bits: Correction, remembrance, and much more.
January giving to Emergency Disaster Fund tops $450,000.
Giving to the General Board's Emergency Disaster Fund (EDF) in the month of January has totaled $458,367.96--close to a half million dollars. The number is almost 51 times comparable giving in January last year. General Board staff credit the increase to the extremely generous response of Brethren congregations, districts, and individuals to the tsunami disaster. The majority of gifts are designated for tsunami relief, but even undesignated giving to the EDF is close to ten times the amount given at this time in 2004.
The response has been "astounding," said Lillian Dako, who works in accounts receivable for the board. Each day in January she received about the number of gifts that usually arrive in a month. "Giving begets giving, is much of what's happening," said Ken Neher, the board's director of Funding and Donor Development. "Thanks everybody! A lot of people will benefit from this generous spirit."
"It is clear from the generosity of our members that they have confidence that their donations to the Emergency Disaster Fund not only help with the immediate needs of the disaster survivors but also for longterm recovery," said the board's general secretary Stan Noffsinger. "Health kits, blankets, and other material resources are delivered with compassion, fostering dignity and not dependency."
Much of the money is coming from people who are new donors to the board, Neher said. He mentioned one gift of $25,000 from two individuals. When those kinds of gifts are made, he said, "it adds up." The high level of giving also is "indicative of the trust that it will be put to good use, a trust that the General Board has built up over the years," he said.
Giving also is up to the board's Emerging Global Mission Fund and the Global Food Crisis Fund--which Neher pointed out will be next to step in with support for redevelopment in the countries affected by the tsunami when direct disaster funding is no longer needed. General giving and special gifts to the "core ministries" of the board are not matching last year's numbers, however. This response is normal, according to Neher. "Whenever there is a reason for special giving the needed regular funds tend to go down." The response to the tsunami "reinforces the fact that there's plenty of money out there for the ongoing ministries of the church," he added.
Source: 2/2/2005 Newsline
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Giving to the General Board's Emergency Disaster Fund (EDF) in the month of January has totaled $458,367.96--close to a half million dollars. The number is almost 51 times comparable giving in January last year. General Board staff credit the increase to the extremely generous response of Brethren congregations, districts, and individuals to the tsunami disaster. The majority of gifts are designated for tsunami relief, but even undesignated giving to the EDF is close to ten times the amount given at this time in 2004.
The response has been "astounding," said Lillian Dako, who works in accounts receivable for the board. Each day in January she received about the number of gifts that usually arrive in a month. "Giving begets giving, is much of what's happening," said Ken Neher, the board's director of Funding and Donor Development. "Thanks everybody! A lot of people will benefit from this generous spirit."
"It is clear from the generosity of our members that they have confidence that their donations to the Emergency Disaster Fund not only help with the immediate needs of the disaster survivors but also for longterm recovery," said the board's general secretary Stan Noffsinger. "Health kits, blankets, and other material resources are delivered with compassion, fostering dignity and not dependency."
Much of the money is coming from people who are new donors to the board, Neher said. He mentioned one gift of $25,000 from two individuals. When those kinds of gifts are made, he said, "it adds up." The high level of giving also is "indicative of the trust that it will be put to good use, a trust that the General Board has built up over the years," he said.
Giving also is up to the board's Emerging Global Mission Fund and the Global Food Crisis Fund--which Neher pointed out will be next to step in with support for redevelopment in the countries affected by the tsunami when direct disaster funding is no longer needed. General giving and special gifts to the "core ministries" of the board are not matching last year's numbers, however. This response is normal, according to Neher. "Whenever there is a reason for special giving the needed regular funds tend to go down." The response to the tsunami "reinforces the fact that there's plenty of money out there for the ongoing ministries of the church," he added.
Source: 2/2/2005 Newsline
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Muslim Peacemaker Team in Iraq trained by CPT.
Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT) recently conducted a five-day training for Muslim peacemakers at the request of a human rights organization in Karbala, Iraq. Four CPT volunteers, including Church of the Brethren members Peggy Gish and Cliff Kindy, conducted the training at the office of the human rights organization Jan. 22-26. CPT is an initiative of the historic peace churches--Church of the Brethren, Mennonites, and Quakers--with support and membership from a range of Catholic and Protestant denominations.
Some of the topics covered in the training included stories of nonviolent peacemaking, the power of nonviolence, the spirituality of nonviolence, and planning for public action, CPT reported in a release. The trainers also covered various "smaller" topics including trauma and self-care, working with media, and human rights documentation.
In response to stories and exploration of the power of nonviolence, participants asked, "How did that work?" and "Can we do that here?" the release said. The group also explored the roots of nonviolence in the Muslim tradition and told the CPTers that Islam has a firm tradition of nonviolence rooted in the teachings of the Qu'ran and the Prophet Mohammed. During each day's session, trainees had opportunities to facilitate sessions and be the daily photographer, log keeper, time keeper, convener, and process observer. "The concept of assigning roles for the day was new to the trainees and they greeted it with great enthusiasm," the release said.
"In the course of the training, participants shared stories of suffering and trauma they experienced under Saddam Hussein and during the wars in which Iraq has participated, including the most recent war with the US and the subsequent occupation," CPT said. "Trainees said they feel compelled to use their suffering for peacemaking instead of avenging wrongs done to them."
Muslim peacemakers and CPT are planning for future trainings in other venues around Karbala, according to CPT. Possibilities include training at a university in Karbala and in the surrounding cities of Najaf and Hilla. Contact CPT at P.O. Box 6508, Chicago, IL 60680; 773-277-0253; or e-mail peacemakers@cpt.org. For more information see www.cpt.org.
Source: 2/2/2005 Newsline
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Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT) recently conducted a five-day training for Muslim peacemakers at the request of a human rights organization in Karbala, Iraq. Four CPT volunteers, including Church of the Brethren members Peggy Gish and Cliff Kindy, conducted the training at the office of the human rights organization Jan. 22-26. CPT is an initiative of the historic peace churches--Church of the Brethren, Mennonites, and Quakers--with support and membership from a range of Catholic and Protestant denominations.
Some of the topics covered in the training included stories of nonviolent peacemaking, the power of nonviolence, the spirituality of nonviolence, and planning for public action, CPT reported in a release. The trainers also covered various "smaller" topics including trauma and self-care, working with media, and human rights documentation.
In response to stories and exploration of the power of nonviolence, participants asked, "How did that work?" and "Can we do that here?" the release said. The group also explored the roots of nonviolence in the Muslim tradition and told the CPTers that Islam has a firm tradition of nonviolence rooted in the teachings of the Qu'ran and the Prophet Mohammed. During each day's session, trainees had opportunities to facilitate sessions and be the daily photographer, log keeper, time keeper, convener, and process observer. "The concept of assigning roles for the day was new to the trainees and they greeted it with great enthusiasm," the release said.
"In the course of the training, participants shared stories of suffering and trauma they experienced under Saddam Hussein and during the wars in which Iraq has participated, including the most recent war with the US and the subsequent occupation," CPT said. "Trainees said they feel compelled to use their suffering for peacemaking instead of avenging wrongs done to them."
Muslim peacemakers and CPT are planning for future trainings in other venues around Karbala, according to CPT. Possibilities include training at a university in Karbala and in the surrounding cities of Najaf and Hilla. Contact CPT at P.O. Box 6508, Chicago, IL 60680; 773-277-0253; or e-mail peacemakers@cpt.org. For more information see www.cpt.org.
Source: 2/2/2005 Newsline
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Cabinet begins planning for National Youth Conference 2006.
The Church of the Brethren National Youth Cabinet convened Jan. 14-17 in Elgin, Ill., to begin planning for the 2006 National Youth Conference (NYC). Scheduled for July 22-27, 2006, at Colorado State University in Fort Collins, NYC is an opportunity for over 4,000 Brethren youth to spend a week in the Rocky Mountains focusing on their faith, exploring their role in the church, and getting to know other youth from around the country.
The theme for the conference will be "Come and See" based on John 1:39, a passage in which Jesus asks John's disciples what they are looking for, and then invites them to "come and see," "not to come and hear about Jesus' ministry, but to come and see for themselves what Jesus was doing," reported the coordinators. "NYC is an invitation for all youth to come and see who God is and who God is calling us to become--as individuals, as the Church of the Brethren, as people of God living in a broken world."
The cabinet met with Chris Douglas, the General Board's director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry, and NYC coordinators Cindy Laprade, Beth Rhodes, and Emily Tyler, and discussed potential speakers and coordinators. The group will continue work to plan and promote the conference. As more information becomes available, details will be posted on the website www.nyc2006.org. The next cabinet meeting is scheduled for August in Fort Collins.
Source: 2/2/2005 Newsline
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The Church of the Brethren National Youth Cabinet convened Jan. 14-17 in Elgin, Ill., to begin planning for the 2006 National Youth Conference (NYC). Scheduled for July 22-27, 2006, at Colorado State University in Fort Collins, NYC is an opportunity for over 4,000 Brethren youth to spend a week in the Rocky Mountains focusing on their faith, exploring their role in the church, and getting to know other youth from around the country.
The theme for the conference will be "Come and See" based on John 1:39, a passage in which Jesus asks John's disciples what they are looking for, and then invites them to "come and see," "not to come and hear about Jesus' ministry, but to come and see for themselves what Jesus was doing," reported the coordinators. "NYC is an invitation for all youth to come and see who God is and who God is calling us to become--as individuals, as the Church of the Brethren, as people of God living in a broken world."
The cabinet met with Chris Douglas, the General Board's director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry, and NYC coordinators Cindy Laprade, Beth Rhodes, and Emily Tyler, and discussed potential speakers and coordinators. The group will continue work to plan and promote the conference. As more information becomes available, details will be posted on the website www.nyc2006.org. The next cabinet meeting is scheduled for August in Fort Collins.
Source: 2/2/2005 Newsline
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ABC seeks nominations for its Caregiving Awards program.
The Association of Brethren Caregivers (ABC) is seeking nominations for its annual Caregiving Awards program and its Open Roof Award.
Nominees for Caregiving Awards can be individuals or organizations connected to the Church of the Brethren that have made significant contributions in health and/or caregiving fields for at least five years. Nominations also are sought for the Open Roof Award to recognize congregations and districts working on accessibility issues over the past five years. Recipients will be honored at ABC's Annual Recognition Dinner to be held July 2 at Annual Conference in Peoria, Ill.
To nominate a person or organization for a Caregiving Award, send a letter or e-mail outlining the reasons for the nomination to ABC, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60123; fax 847-742-6103; e-mail abc@brethren.org. Nominations for the Open Roof Award must be made by completing a form available online at www.brethren.org/abc/ or by calling ABC at 800-323-8039. All nominations should be received by March 1 and electronic submissions are appreciated.
Source: 2/2/2005 Newsline
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The Association of Brethren Caregivers (ABC) is seeking nominations for its annual Caregiving Awards program and its Open Roof Award.
Nominees for Caregiving Awards can be individuals or organizations connected to the Church of the Brethren that have made significant contributions in health and/or caregiving fields for at least five years. Nominations also are sought for the Open Roof Award to recognize congregations and districts working on accessibility issues over the past five years. Recipients will be honored at ABC's Annual Recognition Dinner to be held July 2 at Annual Conference in Peoria, Ill.
To nominate a person or organization for a Caregiving Award, send a letter or e-mail outlining the reasons for the nomination to ABC, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60123; fax 847-742-6103; e-mail abc@brethren.org. Nominations for the Open Roof Award must be made by completing a form available online at www.brethren.org/abc/ or by calling ABC at 800-323-8039. All nominations should be received by March 1 and electronic submissions are appreciated.
Source: 2/2/2005 Newsline
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Committee on Interchurch Relations calls for nominations.
The Committee on Interchurch Relations (CIR) is calling for nominations for the 2005 Ecumenical Citation. In keeping with the goals of the Decade to Overcome Violence (DOV), the search is on for a Church of the Brethren youth or young adult age 14-35 who is involved in ecumenical, interfaith, or community peace-building.
"The committee felt that many young people are involved in meaningful witness to Christ outside of the church and seldom have the opportunity to come into the church's view," said Belita Mitchell, pastor of Harrisburg (Pa.) First Church of the Brethren, who is serving her sixth year as a member of CIR. "We want to provide a way for them to add their voice and affirm their testimony."
In 2004 CIR presented the citation to 20-year-old Kira Anne Marriner of the Live Oak congregation in California. "Her work in raising awareness about domestic violence is an example and model for other young people in the church," said Mitchell, who was committee chair at the time. Marriner's efforts included developing and performing skits in her community, making kits for a women's shelter, and teaching nonviolence workshops to children.
CIR is hopeful that youth leaders, pastors, or others will know of someone in their own congregation or district and make the effort to nominate them this year. "No story is too small," said Mitchell. "What may not seem significant to someone can actually be a blessing to others."
The citation is awarded at CIR's Ecumenical Luncheon at Annual Conference. The luncheon this year will feature a message from Becky Ullom, director of Identity and Relations for the General Board, who attended the National Council of Churches General Assembly as a young adult observer this past November. Tickets for the luncheon on Tuesday, July 5, in Peoria, Ill., will be available when Conference registration opens, or onsite.
Nominations can be made at CIR's website www.brethren.org/genbd/CIR/index.htm. The deadline is March 15. For more information call the General Secretary's Office at 800-323-8039 ext. 202.
Source: 2/2/2005 Newsline
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The Committee on Interchurch Relations (CIR) is calling for nominations for the 2005 Ecumenical Citation. In keeping with the goals of the Decade to Overcome Violence (DOV), the search is on for a Church of the Brethren youth or young adult age 14-35 who is involved in ecumenical, interfaith, or community peace-building.
"The committee felt that many young people are involved in meaningful witness to Christ outside of the church and seldom have the opportunity to come into the church's view," said Belita Mitchell, pastor of Harrisburg (Pa.) First Church of the Brethren, who is serving her sixth year as a member of CIR. "We want to provide a way for them to add their voice and affirm their testimony."
In 2004 CIR presented the citation to 20-year-old Kira Anne Marriner of the Live Oak congregation in California. "Her work in raising awareness about domestic violence is an example and model for other young people in the church," said Mitchell, who was committee chair at the time. Marriner's efforts included developing and performing skits in her community, making kits for a women's shelter, and teaching nonviolence workshops to children.
CIR is hopeful that youth leaders, pastors, or others will know of someone in their own congregation or district and make the effort to nominate them this year. "No story is too small," said Mitchell. "What may not seem significant to someone can actually be a blessing to others."
The citation is awarded at CIR's Ecumenical Luncheon at Annual Conference. The luncheon this year will feature a message from Becky Ullom, director of Identity and Relations for the General Board, who attended the National Council of Churches General Assembly as a young adult observer this past November. Tickets for the luncheon on Tuesday, July 5, in Peoria, Ill., will be available when Conference registration opens, or onsite.
Nominations can be made at CIR's website www.brethren.org/genbd/CIR/index.htm. The deadline is March 15. For more information call the General Secretary's Office at 800-323-8039 ext. 202.
Source: 2/2/2005 Newsline
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Love feast spoons support church's mission.
Spoons rescued from a fire in a church in Iowa 61 years ago were auctioned at a "Spoon Dinner" Jan. 30 by Fairview Church of the Brethren to raise money for the church and for Brethren missions. The spoons, which were imprinted with the word "Brethren," were among the few items pulled out of the congregation's first church building when it burned down on Jan. 7, 1944.
Last summer the Ladies Aid group found the spoons stored away, and wondered what to do with them, reported Diane Mason, a member of the congregation. The women decided "to use something old to benefit the current mission of the church," she said. Coincidentally, when the spoons were originally purchased for the church, a couple in the congregation--Richard and Ann Burger, who are still members--were preparing to go to Nigeria as missionaries, Mason said.
Each person who bought a spoon received a history of the Fairview church, which is located south of Unionville, Iowa, and the story of the spoons' rescue. "The simple rectangular structure served the growing congregation for nearly 78 years" from when it was built in 1866, the history read. The fire began after "the furnace had been lit in preparation for Communion and Love Feast. It overheated and caught the floor beams on fire. The building burned to the ground in three and one-half hours despite the valiant efforts of community members to fight the fire."
Among the few items saved "was the walnut `preaching table' around which the deacons and elders sat to lead worship," the story read. "It had drawers in which the Love Feast foot-washing basins and other items were kept.... Most likely the spoons we are auctioning today were in one of the drawers. A large picture of Jesus was also rescued from the fire by church member Dwight Powell. By the time Powell went in for the picture, the smoke had thickened to where he could not see. The men on the outside kept talking to him to guide him out by the sound of their voices."
"We had 36 people at the Spoon Dinner," said Mason. "Spoon and finger foods were featured: four soups, relishes, cookies, ice cream, etc. After the meal, we watched the `Dear Friends' DVD from the General Board to learn about present-day Church of the Brethren missions." Some 45 of the spoons and a few other items were auctioned for a total of $1,149, a tithe of which will be sent to Church of the Brethren missions.
Source: 2/2/2005 Newsline
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Spoons rescued from a fire in a church in Iowa 61 years ago were auctioned at a "Spoon Dinner" Jan. 30 by Fairview Church of the Brethren to raise money for the church and for Brethren missions. The spoons, which were imprinted with the word "Brethren," were among the few items pulled out of the congregation's first church building when it burned down on Jan. 7, 1944.
Last summer the Ladies Aid group found the spoons stored away, and wondered what to do with them, reported Diane Mason, a member of the congregation. The women decided "to use something old to benefit the current mission of the church," she said. Coincidentally, when the spoons were originally purchased for the church, a couple in the congregation--Richard and Ann Burger, who are still members--were preparing to go to Nigeria as missionaries, Mason said.
Each person who bought a spoon received a history of the Fairview church, which is located south of Unionville, Iowa, and the story of the spoons' rescue. "The simple rectangular structure served the growing congregation for nearly 78 years" from when it was built in 1866, the history read. The fire began after "the furnace had been lit in preparation for Communion and Love Feast. It overheated and caught the floor beams on fire. The building burned to the ground in three and one-half hours despite the valiant efforts of community members to fight the fire."
Among the few items saved "was the walnut `preaching table' around which the deacons and elders sat to lead worship," the story read. "It had drawers in which the Love Feast foot-washing basins and other items were kept.... Most likely the spoons we are auctioning today were in one of the drawers. A large picture of Jesus was also rescued from the fire by church member Dwight Powell. By the time Powell went in for the picture, the smoke had thickened to where he could not see. The men on the outside kept talking to him to guide him out by the sound of their voices."
"We had 36 people at the Spoon Dinner," said Mason. "Spoon and finger foods were featured: four soups, relishes, cookies, ice cream, etc. After the meal, we watched the `Dear Friends' DVD from the General Board to learn about present-day Church of the Brethren missions." Some 45 of the spoons and a few other items were auctioned for a total of $1,149, a tithe of which will be sent to Church of the Brethren missions.
Source: 2/2/2005 Newsline
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Brethren families revisit mission sites in Nigeria.
A group of 24 from the Baldwin and Good families traveled in Nigeria for two-and-a-half weeks in late December to revisit sites important to the families' mission experiences. The trip was coordinated by former Nigeria mission worker Monroe Good and son Dave Good, grounds coordinator and men's soccer coach at Manchester College in North Manchester, Ind.
The group included Ferne Baldwin, a Church of the Brethren missionary who worked in Nigeria with her late husband Elmer for 18 years 1944-62, and her three daughters, their spouses, all of her grandchildren and two of their spouses, and two friends of the family; and Monroe and Ada Good, who were Church of the Brethren missionaries in Nigeria from 1952-64 and 1984-88, and three of their four children and two spouses, two grandchildren, and the spouse of one grandson. The Good and Baldwin families are linked by marriage.
The trip was made "to show their children and grandchildren where they lived and grew up," said Tina Rieman, a grandchild of Ferne Baldwin. "It was really special to be able to share it with our adult children, who can identify with the unique feelings we had growing up there," said Dave Good. The group visited Hillcrest School in Jos, where mission children attended boarding school, and villages where family members lived--Garkida, Marama, and Shaff--as well as the headquarters of Ekklesiyar Yan'uwa a Nigeria (EYN--the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria) and the EYN secondary school and Kulp Bible College near Mubi.
"Those of us in the younger generation really appreciated seeing the older generations in the places they lived for so many years," Rieman commented. "We heard so many stories. One day we sat in the living room of the first home my grandparents lived in and heard Grandma share stories of life in the 1940s. Her eyes and many of our eyes were tear-filled as she shared the emotions she felt as she took her baby daughter to the hospital with meningitis, not sure if she would survive or not. This was just one of several such stories and spoke to us of the pure dedication of the Church of the Brethren mission of providing a better life to the Nigerian people, in spite of the risks and dangers of being there."
"It was neat to hear Grandma speaking fluent Bura again," she added. "The Nigerians have such an immense respect for their elders and seemed very impressed that she was speaking their language!"
Besides reconnecting with their past, the families also wanted to contribute something to the people family members had served. Since 1988 Monroe Good has returned to Nigeria numerous times with workcamps and tour groups sponsored by the General Board or Atlantic Northeast District, and he and Ada Good spent a month in Nigeria preparing for the family trip. The families held a week-long workcamp at EYN's Madu Bible School in Marama carrying stones, mixing cement by hand, and pouring a cement floor for two classroom buildings. With the help of around 100 Nigerians including 27 cooks and many children, the group "also built a library building for the Madu Bible School from the foundation up to just above the windows," Rieman said. The children "were just interested in what was going on and ended up working harder than some of us!" Workers included Madu Bible School students, members of the Marama church, and representatives from districts across EYN.
Rieman said that the group was well received by EYN as former missionary families, and that EYN members were touched that they had come to visit. "Heartfelt gratitude was expressed over and over by EYN members for the work of the early missionaries in education, construction, health care, and in the church," said Dave Good. "Many give credit to the Church of the Brethren mission program for their quality of life and as the primary reason so many EYN people are in leadership positions across Nigeria today." Good added that "the EYN church seems to be a dynamic force in such things as working against corruption, educating about HIV/AIDS, and improving communication and cooperation with Muslims in their communities."
"The church in Nigeria is alive and well!" Rieman said. "They send greetings to the Church of the Brethren here in the US." Good added, "The Baldwins and Goods give thanks to their Nigerian brothers and sisters for sharing so much warmth, graciousness, friendship, and Christian love."
Source: 2/2/2005 Newsline
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A group of 24 from the Baldwin and Good families traveled in Nigeria for two-and-a-half weeks in late December to revisit sites important to the families' mission experiences. The trip was coordinated by former Nigeria mission worker Monroe Good and son Dave Good, grounds coordinator and men's soccer coach at Manchester College in North Manchester, Ind.
The group included Ferne Baldwin, a Church of the Brethren missionary who worked in Nigeria with her late husband Elmer for 18 years 1944-62, and her three daughters, their spouses, all of her grandchildren and two of their spouses, and two friends of the family; and Monroe and Ada Good, who were Church of the Brethren missionaries in Nigeria from 1952-64 and 1984-88, and three of their four children and two spouses, two grandchildren, and the spouse of one grandson. The Good and Baldwin families are linked by marriage.
The trip was made "to show their children and grandchildren where they lived and grew up," said Tina Rieman, a grandchild of Ferne Baldwin. "It was really special to be able to share it with our adult children, who can identify with the unique feelings we had growing up there," said Dave Good. The group visited Hillcrest School in Jos, where mission children attended boarding school, and villages where family members lived--Garkida, Marama, and Shaff--as well as the headquarters of Ekklesiyar Yan'uwa a Nigeria (EYN--the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria) and the EYN secondary school and Kulp Bible College near Mubi.
"Those of us in the younger generation really appreciated seeing the older generations in the places they lived for so many years," Rieman commented. "We heard so many stories. One day we sat in the living room of the first home my grandparents lived in and heard Grandma share stories of life in the 1940s. Her eyes and many of our eyes were tear-filled as she shared the emotions she felt as she took her baby daughter to the hospital with meningitis, not sure if she would survive or not. This was just one of several such stories and spoke to us of the pure dedication of the Church of the Brethren mission of providing a better life to the Nigerian people, in spite of the risks and dangers of being there."
"It was neat to hear Grandma speaking fluent Bura again," she added. "The Nigerians have such an immense respect for their elders and seemed very impressed that she was speaking their language!"
Besides reconnecting with their past, the families also wanted to contribute something to the people family members had served. Since 1988 Monroe Good has returned to Nigeria numerous times with workcamps and tour groups sponsored by the General Board or Atlantic Northeast District, and he and Ada Good spent a month in Nigeria preparing for the family trip. The families held a week-long workcamp at EYN's Madu Bible School in Marama carrying stones, mixing cement by hand, and pouring a cement floor for two classroom buildings. With the help of around 100 Nigerians including 27 cooks and many children, the group "also built a library building for the Madu Bible School from the foundation up to just above the windows," Rieman said. The children "were just interested in what was going on and ended up working harder than some of us!" Workers included Madu Bible School students, members of the Marama church, and representatives from districts across EYN.
Rieman said that the group was well received by EYN as former missionary families, and that EYN members were touched that they had come to visit. "Heartfelt gratitude was expressed over and over by EYN members for the work of the early missionaries in education, construction, health care, and in the church," said Dave Good. "Many give credit to the Church of the Brethren mission program for their quality of life and as the primary reason so many EYN people are in leadership positions across Nigeria today." Good added that "the EYN church seems to be a dynamic force in such things as working against corruption, educating about HIV/AIDS, and improving communication and cooperation with Muslims in their communities."
"The church in Nigeria is alive and well!" Rieman said. "They send greetings to the Church of the Brethren here in the US." Good added, "The Baldwins and Goods give thanks to their Nigerian brothers and sisters for sharing so much warmth, graciousness, friendship, and Christian love."
Source: 2/2/2005 Newsline
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Brethren bits: Correction, remembrance, and much more.
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- In a correction to "Churches Begin Planning for Consultation on Alternative Service" (Newsline Jan. 21), Dan McFadden was not identified. He is director of Brethren Volunteer Service for the General Board and the Church of the Brethren representative on the consultation planning group.
- J. Richard Butler, 74, executive director of Church World Service (CWS) in the 1980s, died at his home in New York on Jan. 25. "During his years at the helm of Church World Service, Dick focused on flexibility and excellence," said CWS executive director John L. McCullough. "He is quoted as saying, `If we are to do God's work, we must do it well.' These are without doubt fitting watchwords as we continue a ministry Dick helped to shape." Butler became CWS associate executive director in 1978 and executive director in 1985. In the 1960s and `70s he worked on Middle East assignments for CWS, the Near East Council of Churches, and the World Council of Churches. During the Iranian hostage crisis in 1979, Butler arranged for the hostages to have a pastoral Christmas day visit by three US clergy. A member of the United Church of Christ, Butler grew up in Akron, Ohio, and was a conscientious objector during the Korean War. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Earlham College in Richmond, Ind. A memorial service will take place at 10:30 a.m. Feb. 26 at The Riverside Church followed by a reception at Union Theological Seminary.
- The General Board seeks a PC and programming specialist for a fulltime hourly position in Elgin, Ill. Position description and application form are available on request. Application deadline is Feb. 9. Responsibilities include troubleshooting problems with software and hardware, developing and modifying programs and applications, assisting users, and installing new software, upgrades, and hardware. Qualifications include familiarity with AS/400, networks, personal computers, current Windows versions, and Office Suite; expertise in programming languages, particularly RPG III or RPG IV; ability to work with minimal supervision and a variety of people; minimum of an associate degree, equivalent experience, or certification; and a strong background in programming, operations, networks, and personal computers. Submit the General Board application form, a hard copy resume, and a letter of application to Office of Human Resources, Church of the Brethren General Board, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120-1694; 800-323-8039 ext. 258; or e-mail mgarrison_gb@brethren.org.
- The General Board is seeking a fulltime customer service resource specialist to work in Elgin, Ill. The position is available March 1. The position provides Brethren Press resource information to congregations and individuals, handling telephone, mail, and internet orders as well as processing accounts receivable, monthly statements, and reports. The ideal candidate has demonstrated abilities in customer service, word processing, intermediate accounting, and general office skills. Experience in a church or service organization and some college credit is preferred. To apply, send a resume and cover letter to Mary Lou Garrison, Director of Human Resources, Church of the Brethren General Board, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120. Application deadline is Feb. 16.
- Spurgeon Manor, Inc., a non-profit multi-level care facility affiliated with the Church of the Brethren, is seeking an administrator for its facility in Dallas Center, Iowa. Located 25 miles west of Des Moines, Spurgeon Manor currently operates 42 nursing facility beds, 30 residential care beds, 7 independent apartments, and 19 townhouses. An Iowa Nursing Home Administrator's license is required. Send resume and salary history to Spurgeon Manor, Inc., Karl Eby, Chair, 2437 U Ave., Dallas Center, IA 50063. Resume and salary history can be e-mailed to eby-erickson@worldnet.att.net or faxed to 515-992-4070.
- Dana and Nelda Snider of Middlebury (Ind.) Church of the Brethren led two "Conversation Café" workshops at the General Offices in Elgin, Ill., Jan. 25-26 at the invitation of the Association of Brethren Caregivers (ABC). Conversation Cafe is a communication model for discussing difficult or controversial issues in small groups, creating an environment where people can safely share their views and focus on listening to one another. A total of 14 people took part, including pastors and members of Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren in Elgin and York Center Church of the Brethren in Lombard, Ill. ABC staff may use the model in workshops or when facilitating small groups.
- Bethany Theological Seminary's Mid-Winter Open House for college students will be held Feb. 26, 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. on the campus in Richmond, Ind. There will be opportunities for conversation with faculty, staff, and students, a class visit, and a campus tour. "Come join in a day of exploring theological education and its possibilities in your life," invited Kathy Royer, director of Admissions. For more information e-mail her at enroll@bethanyseminary.edu.
- The General Board's program to recycle used ink jet cartridges is expanding to offer cell phone recycling through AAA Environmental, Inc. Call Amy Heckert at 800-323-8039 ext. 257 or e-mail aheckert_gb@brethren.org for free recycling envelopes to take part in the program and for instructions. "Our recycling efforts are paying off," she reported on Jan. 26. "We received yet another check in the amount of $10.81 for the 'If a Tree Falls' program. This money will help plant 10 fruit trees and 8 forest trees. To date we have contributed $127.97."
- "Pilgrimage--Faithquest for Adults," a spiritual development retreat for adults of any age, will be held March 11-13 at Camp Bethel, Fincastle, Va. The retreat will provide an opportunity to explore relationship with God and to join others on a journey of deepening spirituality and commitment to Jesus Christ. The cost of $125 includes housing and meals. Contact Virlina District at 800-847-5462 or e-mail virlina2@aol.com.
- "Without the Rest, There is No Music" is the topic of this year's Ministry R&R Conference of Atlantic Northeast District, to be held April 27, 8:45 a.m.-3:45 p.m., at Elizabethtown (Pa.) College for ministers, church leaders, and other interested persons. The retreat leader is Kirk Jones--a pastor, professor, and author of the books "Rest in the Storm" and "Addicted to Hurry." He also teaches preaching and ethics at Andover Newton Theological Seminary and has a website, www.savoringpace.com. Jones will hold sessions on self violence, overcoming over-commitment, and keys to developing a dynamic ministry. His books will be on sale. Lunch hosted by the college is part of the day and continuing education units will be offered. For more information e-mail David Young at davidyoung@churchrenewalservant.org.
- On Jan. 30, representatives of McPherson (Kan.) College's Automotive Restoration Program watched as a 1969 Corvette Stingray Convertible was sold to the highest bidder at the 34th annual Barrett-Jackson Auction in Scottsdale, Ariz. The total amount of the sale will be donated to help fund the renovation of Templeton Hall, which houses the restoration program. The sale was arranged by Craig Jackson, president of the "World's Greatest Classic Car Auction" and a member of the college's automotive restoration national advisory board. Jackson recently donated $100,000 from the television reality series "Car Search" to endow two auto restoration scholarships.
- "Damascus and Beyond: Seeking Clearer Sight, Bolder Spirit," an anti-racism conference of the Damascus Road Network and others concerned with racism in the church, will be held March 11-13 in Atlanta, Ga. Mennonite Central Committee's Damascus Road Network has provided training to the Church of the Brethren Anti-Racism Team. The event celebrate ten years of anti-racism organizing in the Mennonite, Brethren in Christ, Church of the Brethren, Mennonite Brethren, Episcopal, and Presbyterian denominations. Speakers will be theologian Ada Maria Isasi-Diaz and poet Ewuare Osayande. Anti-racism teams will bring poster displays about their successes and struggles and hold panel discussions of their work in congregations. Bluffton University students plan to offer a session on organizing in colleges. More information is available in English at www.mcc.org/damascusandbeyond and in Spanish at www.mcc.org/damascoymasalla. On-line registration is open.
- "Living Waters: A National Council of Churches Eco-Justice Training Event and Gathering" in Toledo, Ohio, Feb. 25-26, will include workshops on conservation landscaping, a session on reaching out to congregants and organizing a congregation, Great Lakes water issues, and social justice and advocacy. For more information visit www.nccecojustice.org (click on Water Campaigns). To register, e-mail Cassandra Carmichael, Director, Eco-Justice Programs, at cassandra@toad.net or call 202-544-2350.
- Church World Service (CWS), the global humanitarian arm of the National Council of Churches, will hold its annual Leadership Day Conference at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill., on Feb. 5. The one-day event will train Crop Walk leaders to raise money for local hunger-fighting agencies as well as CWS' international relief and development efforts.
- Board members of Habitat for Humanity International have fired founder and president Millard Fuller, saying "several months of differences" over alleged inappropriate conduct led to their decision, reported Religion News Service. The Habitat executive committee announced its decision Jan. 31, prompting almost immediate criticism from Fuller and supporters who want to see him reinstated. The executive committee, acting on the authority of the full board, said the termination followed "divisive and disruptive" comments about the organization by the Fullers since allegations of his inappropriate behavior with a female former employee surfaced. Fuller denied any wrongdoing. President Jimmy Carter will serve as honorary chair of the search committee for a new president. Paul Leonard, Habitat's chief executive officer, will lead the organization until a permanent successor to Fuller is found. Since 1976, Habitat has built more than 150,000 houses in 3,000 communities. It expects to build its 200,000th house this summer.
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Don Fecher joins staff of Association of Brethren Caregivers.
Don Fecher will serve as director of the Fellowship of Brethren Homes, a ministry of the Association of Brethren Caregivers (ABC), beginning March 1. Fecher has announced his resignation from Brethren Benefit Trust, effective Feb. 18, to pursue an independent financial consulting business (see the Jan. 21 issue of Newsline).
Fecher's responsibilities at ABC will include coordinating the Fellowship of Brethren Homes' Annual Forum, working with the Peace Church Purchasing Group and the Peace Church Risk Retention Group, and serving as liaison between the homes and the denomination. He will work on a part-time, contract basis from his home and the ABC office in Elgin, Ill.
Source: 2/2/2005 Newsline
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Don Fecher will serve as director of the Fellowship of Brethren Homes, a ministry of the Association of Brethren Caregivers (ABC), beginning March 1. Fecher has announced his resignation from Brethren Benefit Trust, effective Feb. 18, to pursue an independent financial consulting business (see the Jan. 21 issue of Newsline).
Fecher's responsibilities at ABC will include coordinating the Fellowship of Brethren Homes' Annual Forum, working with the Peace Church Purchasing Group and the Peace Church Risk Retention Group, and serving as liaison between the homes and the denomination. He will work on a part-time, contract basis from his home and the ABC office in Elgin, Ill.
Source: 2/2/2005 Newsline
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Jacki Hartley resigns as coordinator of disabilities network.
Jacki Hartley has resigned as coordinator of the Church and Persons with Disabilities Network, a ministry of the Association of Brethren Caregivers (ABC). Hartley joined ABC in May 2004 to serve in the part-time, contract position and began working fulltime for Hospice of Northeastern Illinois in July 2004.
Hartley chose to end her service with ABC when it became too difficult to maintain a schedule of working for both agencies, ABC reported. With Hartley's departure, the Church and Persons with Disabilities Network will be staffed by ABC's executive director Kathy Reid, who also staffs the Whole-Person Health Ministry and the Denominational Deacon Ministry.
Source: 2/2/2005 Newsline
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Jacki Hartley has resigned as coordinator of the Church and Persons with Disabilities Network, a ministry of the Association of Brethren Caregivers (ABC). Hartley joined ABC in May 2004 to serve in the part-time, contract position and began working fulltime for Hospice of Northeastern Illinois in July 2004.
Hartley chose to end her service with ABC when it became too difficult to maintain a schedule of working for both agencies, ABC reported. With Hartley's departure, the Church and Persons with Disabilities Network will be staffed by ABC's executive director Kathy Reid, who also staffs the Whole-Person Health Ministry and the Denominational Deacon Ministry.
Source: 2/2/2005 Newsline
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Disaster Child Care training workshops are announced.
The 2005 Level 1 Disaster Child Care Training Workshops have been announced by the General Board program. The workshops are for those interested in becoming child care volunteers following disasters.
The workshops will be held Feb. 26-27 at Benton (Ark.) Seventh-Day Adventist Church, March 11-12 at Beaverton (Mich.) Church of the Brethren, April 15-16 at Victor (N.Y.) United Methodist Church, July 22-23 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Paw Paw, Mich., and Oct. 7-8 in Reno, Nev. For information about training and how to register, call Helen Stonesifer at 800-451-4407 (option 5) or visit www.disasterchildcare.org.
Source: 2/2/2005 Newsline
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The 2005 Level 1 Disaster Child Care Training Workshops have been announced by the General Board program. The workshops are for those interested in becoming child care volunteers following disasters.
The workshops will be held Feb. 26-27 at Benton (Ark.) Seventh-Day Adventist Church, March 11-12 at Beaverton (Mich.) Church of the Brethren, April 15-16 at Victor (N.Y.) United Methodist Church, July 22-23 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Paw Paw, Mich., and Oct. 7-8 in Reno, Nev. For information about training and how to register, call Helen Stonesifer at 800-451-4407 (option 5) or visit www.disasterchildcare.org.
Source: 2/2/2005 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. Newsline stories may be reprinted provided that Newsline is cited as the source. Joann Anand, Mary Dulabaum, Darren Hendricks, Jon Kobel, Diane Mason, Beth Rhodes, Tina Rieman, Ann Walle, and David Young contributed to this report.
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. Newsline stories may be reprinted provided that Newsline is cited as the source. Joann Anand, Mary Dulabaum, Darren Hendricks, Jon Kobel, Diane Mason, Beth Rhodes, Tina Rieman, Ann Walle, and David Young contributed to this report.
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