Wednesday, April 27, 2005

NEWSUPCOMING EVENTS
NOTE TO READERS: April has been a month of special meetings for the Brethren. Next week look for a Special Report covering the "Hebrews 12:28--Brimming with Worship" conference at Bethany Theological Seminary, the Cross-Cultural Consultation and Celebration, and the Christian Citizenship Seminar focusing on conscientious objection.
Church of the Brethren membership falls again in 2004.

Overall Church of the Brethren membership continued to decline in 2004, according to year-end figures collected by the "Church of the Brethren Yearbook," published by Brethren Press. The denomination reported a net loss of 1,280 members last year, down just under one percent from the previous year. It is, however, a smaller decline than in 2003, when the Church of the Brethren had a net loss of 1,363 members.

Reported membership for the Church of the Brethren in the US and Puerto Rico is now 131,201. The figure does not include membership of Brethren bodies in other countries, including Nigeria, Brazil, and the Dominican Republic.

In the US, seven districts reported a net increase in 2004, while 16 saw a decrease. Atlantic Southeast District had the largest percentage increase, up 2.3 percent (a net gain of 44 members). Mid-Atlantic District had the largest numerical gain, with a net increase of 57 members (0.57 percent). The districts of Idaho, West Marva, Michigan, Northern Ohio, and Oregon/Washington also reported gains.

The middle and western parts of the denomination reported the biggest declines, with Missouri/Arkansas District down a net 12.9 percent, Southern Plains down 8.62 percent, and Pacific Southwest down 5.17 percent. All four Pennsylvania districts and both Indiana districts also reported declines, however, some exceeding 2 percent. Atlantic Northeast, the denomination's largest district, had the largest reported numerical decline, with a net loss of 217 members (1.44 percent).

The number of full congregations decreased by one, to 1,024, but the number of fellowships and projects increased from 37 to 44, suggesting a burst of new church plants. Total reported average worship attendance remained nearly steady from a year earlier, at 67,591 per week.

"Yearbook" figures are based on data provided by congregations that turn in updated statistical reports; 71 percent did so for 2004. Denominational membership has declined every year since 1974, and has been on a downward trend since the early 1960s.

The "Church of the Brethren Yearbook" lists contact information and statistics for the congregations, districts, and agencies of the denomination, as well as related Brethren organizations and church staff. The 2005 edition will be available soon from Brethren Press—call 800-441-3712.

Source: 04/27/2005 Newsline
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Susquehanna Valley Ministry Center board approves incorporation.

The governing board of the Susquehanna Valley Ministry Center—formerly the Susquehanna Valley Satellite—approved articles of incorporation at its April 6 meeting. The action completed a nine-month process of changing the name and structure of the center, which is affiliated with Bethany Theological Seminary. The center now meets the requirements for operation of the Pennsylvania Department of Education, the state in which it is located, reported Marcia L. Shetler, the seminary's director of Public Relations.

The process brings the center's structure in line with its governance and strengthens the ties with the seminary, said Ed Poling, a member of Bethany's Board of Trustees and representative to the center's board. To meet the requirements of the Pennsylvania Department of Higher Education, the seminary is required to approve and accredit all graduate-level courses offered by the center. Certificate-level courses must be endorsed by the Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership, a joint program of the seminary and the General Board. Bethany president Eugene Roop represented the center to the department of education in the approval process.

Susquehanna Valley Ministry Center is located on the campus of Elizabethtown (Pa.) College. Along with the seminary, five Church of the Brethren districts in the northeast are partners in its operation. Warren Eshbach serves as the center's dean, Donna Rhodes as dean of Certificate and Continuing Education Programs, and Mary Schiavoni as program coordinator and registrar. Bob Neff is chair of the center's governing board.

Source: 04/27/2005 Newsline
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Seminary board approves advancement for faculty, candidates for graduation.

The Bethany Theological Seminary Board of Trustees gathered for its semiannual meeting April 1-3. The board approved tenure and advancement for three faculty members, approved 13 candidates for graduation pending fulfillment of their academic requirements, and received reports from its committees including a report that gifts for Bethany's financial campaign Inspired by the Spirit—Educating for Ministry now exceed $13.6 million. The Board approved a 2005-06 fiscal year budget of just over $2.1 million.

Advancement was approved for faculty members Scott Holland, for tenure in Peace and Cross-Cultural Studies; Tara Hornbacker, for tenure and advancement to associate professor of Ministry Formation; and Dawn Ottoni Wilhelm, for tenure and advancement to associate professor of Preaching and Worship.

The Academic Affairs Committee discussed ways to increase the number of fulltime graduate students, learned that the Advanced Foundations for Church Leadership program of the Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership has enrolled a new cohort group of ten people, and has received several proposals for the Vital Pastor Program. The committee also heard a report on plans for an Exploring Your Call Event for high school youth, administered by the Institute for Ministry with Youth and Young Adults, which will take place Aug. 4-7.

The Institutional Advancement Committee reported that the seminary's centennial celebration is continuing with the "Hebrews 12:28--Brimming with Worship" music and arts in worship conference April 8-10; events at Annual Conference in Peoria, Ill., this summer; and Homecoming Weekend Sept. 30-Oct. 2. Members of the Institutional Advancement staff reported beginning work on a "graphic standards" project, including possible logo and publication development and implementation.

The Student and Business Affairs Committee reported that additional office space has been created in the seminary building's lower level for Brethren Academy personnel.

In other business, vice-chair Ray Donadio reported on the visit of several board members to Bologna, Italy, for a meeting of representatives of the seminary and Church of the Brethren-related colleges to discuss the international components of their educational programs.

The board welcomed new member Elaine Gibbel of Lititz, Pa. , and expressed appreciation to Ed Poling of Hagerstown, Md., and Ron Sink of Blue Ridge, Va., who are completing their terms of service. The board's new officers are chair Anne Reid of Roanoke, Va.; vice-chair Ray Donadio of Greenville, Ohio; secretary Ted Flory of Bridgewater, Va.; Academic Affairs Committee chair Ron Wyrick of Harrisonburg, Va.; Institutional Advancement Committee chair Connie Rutt of Quarryville, Pa.; and Student and Business Affairs Committee chair Jim Dodson of Lexington, Ky.

Source: 04/27/2005 Newsline
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Conference brings 85 youth and advisors to Manchester College.

Eighty-five senior high youth and advisors met on the campus of Manchester College in North Manchester, Ind., April 16-17 for the Midwest's Regional Youth Conference.

On Earth Peace staff member Matt Guynn served as keynote speaker for the weekend, leading three sessions on the national youth theme, "Seeing God." Joseph Helfrich and Brett Clark provided music leadership.

Guynn focused on ways one moves from blindness to sight, handing out symbolic blindfolds that youth carried with them during the conference. "What are those forms of blindness you're ready to release so that you can see God more clearly?" Guynn asked the group. He also wrote an upbeat chorus used in a moving evening worship: "No longer blind, let me see, Christ in you, Christ in me."

Participants could choose from a variety of workshops Saturday afternoon, followed by time to enjoy campus "Peace Week" activities or other recreation options. Several members of the band Mutual Kumquat gave a concert Saturday night.

Source: 04/27/2005 Newsline
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Vital Pastor program sponsors three ‘immersion retreats.'

Three groups of Church of the Brethren pastors are currently experiencing 'immersion retreats' through the Vital Pastor program of the Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership. The academy is a joint program of Bethany Theological Seminary and the General Board. The Vital Pastor experience is a self-selected group of pastors who determine their own study focus for a two-year venture. The experience begins with an immersion retreat that takes the form of travel, including international travel.

One group left April 17 to visit early Brethren sites in Germany and Switzerland. The group included Eddie Edmonds of Moler Avenue Church of the Brethren in Martinsburg, W.Va., Daniel Johnson of Brownsville (Md.) Church of the Brethren, John Weyant of Dranesville Church of the Brethren in Herndon, Va., and Mark Godfrey of Nokesville (Va.) Church of the Brethren. Over the next two years this group will study the question, "What was the original Brethren vision of the church and Christian life, and how can it guide us to be uniquely Brethren in the 21st century and beyond?"

A second group of pastors from Southern Ohio District will leave soon for England and France. The group includes Todd Hammond of Brookville (Ohio) Church of the Brethren, James Brunk of Bradford (Ohio) Church of the Brethren, James Chronister of Trotwood (Ohio) Church of the Brethren, and Ken Oren of Good Shepherd Church of the Brethren in Tipp City, Ohio. Their study question is, "How does contemplative worship inform traditional churches attempting to reach a postmodern world?" Jerramy Bowen of West Milton (Ohio) Church of the Brethren will join the group following the travel experience.

Mark Bowyer of Pleasant View Church of the Brethren in Elida, Ohio, Wes and Sue Richards of Lima (Ohio) Church of the Brethren, Martin Moyer of Sugar Creek, West Church of the Brethren in Lima, and Richard Yeager-Stiver of Marion (Ohio) Church of the Brethren—all in the Northern Ohio District--left for the Dominican Republic on April 19. This group will focus on "What can we, as pastors, do to help identify, nurture, and release leadership gifts within the congregation?"

These groups will meet regularly over two years to study their chosen questions. All the groups that began in a given year will gather in a final retreat to teach each other what they have learned. Most expenses of the program are covered by a grant from the Lilly Foundation Inc.

Similar groups are forming now to start in early 2006. Pastors interested in the program may call the Brethren Academy at 800-287-8822 ext. 1810 or e-mail Glenn and Linda Timmons at pastoralexcellence@bethanyseminary.edu.

Source: 04/27/2005 Newsline
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Brethren represented at 'Beyond Iraq: Building the Beloved Community.'

On the 37th anniversary of the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., his words echoed once again through the sanctuary of Riverside Church in New York City: "A nation that continues year after year to spend more money on military defense than on programs of social uplift is approaching spiritual death."

On April 4, voices once again offered similar challenges, echoing the need for a spoken truth for peace in the face of yet another war. James Forbes and the Riverside Church hosted the event "Beyond Iraq: Building the Beloved Community," in cooperation with over 60 sponsoring organizations. Phil Jones, director of the General Board's Brethren Witness/Washington Office, represented the Church of the Brethren in a procession into the sanctuary carrying a banner that read, "Church of the Brethren, A Living Peace Church."

Speakers for the evening worship included a Jewish rabbi, a Muslim imam, Christian ministers, and others. Jane Campbell, mayor of Cleveland, Ohio, spoke of the disparity and inequity of military recruitment that preys on minorities and those in economic difficulty. Jesse Jackson reflected on the work of King and admonished worship participants to consider "who we are, and whose we are." Jackson went on to remind the audience that, "As God's creatures of conscience, the sin of silence is abhorrent."

Celeste Zappala and Cindy Sheehan, mothers of soldiers who lost their lives in the Iraq war, also spoke. Sheehan spoke with passion against the violence of the war that had brought death to her son, one year ago on the same date. She called for America to consider its place in the world, and for its leaders to acknowledge the lies and deceptions that brought it into the war. "Not only do I weep," Sheehan said, "but in Iraq the great wail of mothers reverberates across a broken country."

Zappala reported that her son had the tragic honor of being the first National Guard member from Pennsylvania to die in military battle since 1945. "He should not have been there, there was no reason for this war to happen," she said.

Source: 04/27/2005 Newsline
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Brethren bits: Job openings, Cover the Uninsured, and more.
  • The General Board seeks a fulltime coordinator for Congregational Life Team Area 3 to start this summer with preferable location in Virginia or West Virginia. Area 3 includes the districts of Atlantic Southeast, Shenandoah, Southeastern, Virlina, and West Marva. Responsibilities include coordination of the team; working collaboratively with district and board staff on congregational consultations, presentations, training, resource development, and referrals; and supporting the core values of the Church of the Brethren and the vision of the board. Qualifications include being well-grounded in Brethren heritage, theology, and polity; ability to work collaboratively; ability to assess congregational needs and consult with congregations; interpersonal skills and ability to work in a variety of settings and cultures; oral, written, and electronic communication skills; and five or more years of pastoral work or congregational resourcing experience. A Bachelor's, seminary, or Master's degree in a related field is preferred. A position description and application form are available. Submit a resume, letter of application, and request three references to send letters of recommendation by May 19 to the Office of Human Resources, Church of the Brethren General Board, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120-1694; 800-323-8039 ext. 258; mgarrison_gb@brethren.org.

  • Experienced freelance writers are sought for the Gather 'Round curriculum. The forthcoming (Fall 2006) curriculum is accepting applications from people interested in writing for the second curriculum year. The curriculum is being produced jointly by the Church of the Brethren, Mennonite Church Canada, and Mennonite Church USA. Curriculum units are designed for preschool, kindergarten to grade 2, grades 3-5, grades 6-8, youth grades 9-12, multiage (for children from grades K-6), and parent/caregiver. Writers must be able to attend a writers' conference Aug. 2-6, and be able to commit to a writing schedule averaging one session per week (includes teacher's guide, student resource, and classroom material). For an application packet contact Anna Speicher, project director, at the Church of the Brethren General Offices, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120; 800-323-8039 ext. 209; gatherround@brethren.org. See www.gatherround.org for more information. Application deadline is May 27.

  • May 1 is National Youth Sunday in the Church of the Brethren, on the theme, "Seeing God," from 1 John 4:12-13. On this Sunday, many congregational worship services across the country will be led by the senior high youth. Worship resources, a Bible study, and a children's story can be found at www.brethren.org.

  • Young Adult Conference May 27-29 at Woodland Altars in Southern Ohio still has space available for young adults who wish to register. The Memorial Day weekend conference will be filled with fellowship, workshops, worship, singing, an outdoor campfire, an indoor coffeehouse, and more. For more information call Chris Douglas at 800-323-8039 ext. 297. Registration is available at www.brethren.org/genbd/yya/yac.htm.

  • On behalf of the Church of the Brethren, the Association of Brethren Caregivers (ABC) has signed on to the Cover the Uninsured Campaign, which focuses attention on the plight of nearly 45 million uninsured Americans. This marks the second year that ABC has joined the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation campaign that has organized a range of events to educate the public about the social injustice and compounding problems that the lack of health insurance brings to all Americans. ABC encourages congregations to participate in awareness-raising and educational events planned for their areas during the week of May 1-8. To find out more about events in your area, visit www.CoverTheUninsuredWeek.org. ABC has posted "A Call to Care for People Without Insurance" on its website at www.brethren.org/abc/.

  • ABC has designated May as "Older Adult Month," encouraging Brethren to remember and celebrate the many ways lives and communities are enriched by the contributions of older adults. Resources include a bulletin insert, an activities suggestion list, a service of anointing for older adults, and a needs assessment for older adults in a congregation. See www.brethren.org/abc/.

  • Bethany Theological Seminary will host a concert by organist Marilyn Sexton Mason, who served as organist and children's choir director for the Church of the Brethren Christmas Eve Service on CBS. The concert on Sunday May 1 at 3 p.m. in Nicarry Chapel will include works by Johann Sebastian Bach, Louis Vierne, and John Leavitt, and is sponsored by the Rosenberger Memorial Recital Series. For more information call 765-983-1823.

  • Two California churches will celebrate their 100th anniversaries on Sunday, May 15: Cornerstone Community Church of the Brethren in Reedley, which is planning a special worship service, a lunch, and a Time for Memories (RSVP by May 1 to 559-638-3825; send pages for a "Book of Testimonies" to 18791 E. Livermore Ave., Reedley, CA 93654); and Pasadena Church of the Brethren, which is planning a program of remembrance in the afternoon, after worship and a lunch (send remembrances of the congregation to wvolwin@juno.com or call 909-392-3591).

  • Jonathan Emmons, organist for the 2004 Annual Conference in Charleston, W.Va., and a student at Bridgewater (Va.) College, will present his senior organ recital at 3 p.m. Sunday May 1 at Bridgewater Church of the Brethren. He will perform pieces by Johann Sebastian Bach, Frank Bridge, Charles Ives, and Johannes Brahms.

  • Kreston Lipscomb, pastor of First Church of the Brethren in Springfield, Ill., was a leader in the dedication of the new Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield. "A House United" was the theme for the Sunday afternoon service April 17 sponsored by the Greater Springfield Interfaith Association, which Lipscomb serves as president. Illinois governor Rod Blagojevich joined leaders from six faith traditions in the service including Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Baha'i, Unitarian-Universalism, and Buddhism. The diversity represented the facility's ability to be a uniting force in the community, according to a release from the library, "as well as President Lincoln's own belief that our nation could not be a house divided."

  • Greencastle (Pa.) Church of the Brethren will be one of several Franklin County churches to host a "clinic" as part of a quilt documentation project of the Chambersburg Quilt Guild. "This isn't just a group of ladies getting together to talk about quilts," Mim Huffman, president of the guild, told the "Waynesboro Record." "We're really delving into the county's history and learning stories about these quilts that help tell that history." The guild plans to publish a book with the information it gathers. Residents are invited to bring quilted items made before 1950 to the clinics, where they will be analyzed, photographed, and receive a documentation certificate. The clinic at the Greencastle church will be 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday April 1, 2006.

  • The 24th Mid-Atlantic District Disaster Auction will be held May 7 at the Agricultural Center in Westminster, Md. The auction begins at 9 a.m. with general items, special items at 10 a.m., and a quilt auction at 12:30 p.m. Crafts, baked goods, and an assortment of food also will be available. Childcare will be provided 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

  • A series of workshops titled "Imagine," focusing on revitalization of congregations in the Oregon and Washington District, will be held at Portland (Ore.) Peace Church of the Brethren on May 14, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., and Wenatchee (Wash.) Brethren Baptist Church on May 15, 2-5 p.m. Leaders include the General Board's Congregational Life Team staff for Area 5--Carol Bowman, Jeff Glass, and Steve Gregory. Workshops include "Exploring Postmodern Culture and Ministry," "The Singing Congregation," "Reclaiming the Offering as Worship," and "Healthy Churches Naturally Grow... Naturally!" For more information call Steve Gregory at 509-662-3211 or Jeff Glass at 888-826-4951. A donation of $5 per person will be requested to cover costs.

  • Camp Alexander Mack in Milford, Ind., holds its 80th Anniversary Worship on May 1 at 10:30 a.m. The speaker will be Jo Young Switzer, president of Manchester College. The restored Rose Window will be dedicated. Activities for all ages will follow a soup and sandwich luncheon, including displays of photos and memorabilia, opportunities to reminisce with others who may have attended camp during the same decade, a video of people sharing their Camp Mack stories and memories, a panel discussion by current and former camp executive directors, and children's crafts. An ice cream social will be held on top of Vesper Hill. The day will culminate with a 3 p.m. campfire, including kettle popcorn, and vespers at 3:30 p.m. For more information see www.campmack.org.

  • Camp Eder in Fairfield, Pa., will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2010. The camp seeks stories and pictures for an anniversary book. (Pictures will not be returned--send copies only.) Along with submissions send your name, address, phone number, written permission from all people named in stories, and identification of all pictures. Send submissions to Camp Eder Anniversary Book, 914 Mt. Hope Rd., Fairfield, PA 17320; or e-mail campeder@campeder.org.

  • A Grand Service of Rededication of Camp Bethel, located near Fincastle, Va., will be held Saturday, April 30, at 1:30 p.m. Annual Conference secretary Fred Swartz will speak on the theme, "A Place Apart, a Place of Transformation." Activities will include wagon rides, guided hikes, a gift shop, a historical tour, and a slide show. For more information call 540-992-2940 or e-mail camp.bethel@juno.com.

  • Also at Camp Bethel, an anti-racism workshop will be held Saturday, May 14, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. "On Earth as in Heaven--Race Relations Then and Now" will be led by the Church of the Brethren Anti-Racism Team sponsored by Virlina District Peace Affairs and Urban Ministry Committees. The workshop will look back at the camp's attempt to integrate summer camping in 1944 and examine the present reality of racism. Registration is free, lunch costs $7. Register by calling Williamson Road Church of the Brethren at 540-366-0291.

  • The Cedars, a Church of the Brethren retirement center in McPherson, Kan., has won the Clinical Care Award from the Kansas Association of Homes for the Aging. The Cedars was given the award for a risk management program of the past two years that has demonstrated improvement for residents in areas of weight, skin integrity, infections, pain, fall prevention, and restraints, the center reported in its newsletter. For more information see www.thecedars.org.

  • Church of the Brethren members who are National Merit Scholarship Finalists this year include Anna Lisa Gross of North Manchester, Ind.; Nick Kauffman, a member of Goshen (Ind.) City Church of the Brethren; and Jonathan B. Keeney, a member of Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren in Elgin, Ill. Newsline readers are invited to send in the names of other Brethren students who are National Merit Scholarship Finalists this year.

  • Churches worldwide commemorated the 90th anniversary of the Armenian genocide on April 24. The World Council of Churches (WCC) has invited its members to make that day a day of memory of the first genocide of the 20th century, in which one-and-a-half million Armenians were massacred in Turkey and another million were deported from their homeland. The WCC also stressed the need for Turkey to "deal with this dark part of its history," the WCC Central Committee said in its recommendation. The first major Church of the Brethren disaster relief effort was sparked by the genocide. "In the years from 1918-1921, the members of the Church of the Brethren contributed about $267,000 to relief of the Armenians, in the first such effort in the history of the church," according to "The Brethren Encyclopedia." Currently, through a Global Food Crisis Fund grant, the Church of the Brethren is providing housing, livestock, vocational training, and a social base for orphaned youth in Armenia.
Source: 04/27/2005 Newsline
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Cross-cultural tour visits churches in Virginia, N. Carolina, Tennessee.

A Church of the Brethren Cross-Cultural Music Group from various parts of the US will present worship concerts in congregations in Virginia, North Carolina, and Tennessee from May 14-21.

The group includes Scott Duffey, pastor of Westminster (Md.) Church of the Brethren; Gilbert Romero, pastor of Bella Vista Church of the Brethren in Los Angeles; James Washington, pastor of Faith Center Fellowship Church of the Brethren in Whitehouse, Texas; and his son James Washington Jr., also of Whitehouse. Asha Solanky of West Richmond (Va.) Church of the Brethren, and Lidia Gonzalez of HIS Way Fellowship will assist in worship leadership.

The kick-off event will be at Oak Grove Church of the Brethren in Roanoke, Va., May 14 at 7 p.m. On Sunday, May 15, at 3 p.m. the group will be at Bethlehem Church of the Brethren in Boones Mill, Va. At 7:30 p.m. on the 15th, a worship concert will be held at Topeco Church of the Brethren in Floyd, Va.

Pleasant Valley Church of the Brethren in Weyers Cave, Va., will host the group Tuesday, May 17 at 7 p.m. The following night the group will be at HIS Way Fellowship in Hendersonville, N.C., at 7:30 p.m. On May 19 at 7:30 p.m. they will perform at Friendship Church of the Brethren in North Wilkesboro, N.C. On Friday May 20 at 7:30 p.m. they will be at Spindale (N.C.) Church of the Brethren.

The final concert is Saturday May 21 at 7:30 p.m. at Trinity Church of the Brethren in Blountville, Tenn. For more information call Carol Yeazell at 828-687-1155 or e-mail cyeazell_gb@brethren.org.

Source: 04/27/2005 Newsline
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On Earth Peace helps sponsor peace conference in September.

A Historic Peace Church conference on the theme, "Seeking Peace: The Courage to Be Nonviolent," will be held Sept. 8-11 in Indianapolis, Ind. On Earth Peace is a contributing organization to the intergenerational conference, along with the Plowshares Peace Studies Collaborative that includes Manchester College, Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT), Every Church a Peace Church, Mennonite Central Committee Great Lakes, the Peace and Justice Support Network of the Mennonite Church USA, and Quaker House. The meeting also will serve as a regularly scheduled gathering for CPT and Every Church a Peace Church, titled Christian Peacemaker Congress VIII.

Featured speakers are Peggy Gish, a Church of the Brethren member who has been working with CPT in Iraq; Ann Riggs, of the Society of Friends, and an associate general secretary for faith and order at the National Council of Churches; Lisa Schirch, associate professor at Eastern Mennonite University's Masters in Conflict Transformation Program; and Damu Smith, co-chair of Black Voices for Peace and national leader for United for Peace and Justice.

Proposals for peace-related workshops are invited. Workshops, to be 90 minutes long, will give voice to a wide range of approaches to peace witness. Proposals should describe topic, approach, leadership, and relevant affiliations, and should be no more than a page in length. Send proposals by May 30 to Dean Johnson at deanjj@goshen.edu or mail to Plowshares, HPCC, 1700 S. Main St., Goshen, IN 46526.

Cost is $75-$100 for all four days or $18-$25 per day for those representing institutions or individuals of middle- to upper-level income. For students and those with low or fixed incomes, the cost is $40 for all four days or $10 per day. Register at www.plowsharesproject.org.

Source: 04/27/2005 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. Phil Jones, Marcia Shetler, Glenn Timmons, Walt Wiltschek, and Carol Yeazell contributed to this report.

Wednesday, April 13, 2005

NEWS
  • Mission Alive 2005 energizes Brethren for mission.
  • Emergency Disaster Fund disburses six grants totaling $232,500.
  • Anniversary group plans Youth Heritage Travel Teams.
  • Study committee on Doing Church Business meets, makes plans.
  • On Earth Peace forms Peace Retreat Leadership Team.
  • Brethren bits: Job opening, Annual Conference, and more.

    UPCOMING EVENTS
  • Assembly speakers will focus on 'Peace Beyond Our Fears.'

    RESOURCES
  • Office encourages youth to start conscientious objector files.
  • Mission Alive 2005 energizes Brethren for mission.

    Mission Alive 2005, a conference "designed to energize and equip members of the Church of the Brethren to faithfully share Christ's love with the world," took place in Goshen, Ind., April 1-3. With over 320 participants, the first-ever national Church of the Brethren mission conference gathered Brethren from 21 of the 23 districts. The General Board's Global Mission Partnerships was the lead sponsor, but planners emphasized widespread participation in service or funding from individuals, congregations, and denominational groups that in the end helped make the conference successful, according to the Global Mission Partnerships Office.

    The conference opened with a worship message by Nathan Showalter focused on "The Biblical Face of Mission." Showalter, director of Community Center Shanghai and country strategist China with Eastern Mennonite Mission, spoke of a paradigm shift that has taken place in the mission field in the last few years. "The 500-year-long missionary era that began when Christopher Columbus `discovered' the New World is over," stated Showalter. He said that in the past, the focus has been "missions" (what the church is doing), but the focus has now shifted to joining "God's mission," which transcends individual programs by various organizations.

    Showalter joined Art McPhee to give another worship message on "New Faces of Mission: Emerging Models." McPhee is associate professor of Mission and Intercultural Studies at Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary. The session highlighted stories from successful missions programs around the world. Many new missions programs are being started at the grassroots level by individuals rather than institutions, the speakers said. Technology also is changing the mission field, making it possible to reach people through nontraditional methods. Without the ability to love one's neighbor, the desire to lead someone to Christ and the methods by which someone is led to Christ can be misguided, McPhee said. "The Great Commandment must always precede the Great Commission."

    A sweeping historical panorama of missions from the Roman era to the present was presented by Grace Holland, who with her husband, Fred, spent 23 years with Brethren in Christ World Missions in Zimbabwe and Zambia. She currently serves as chair of the same group. She warned that "keeping the treasure of Jesus Christ to ourselves could cost us our civilization." Annual Conference moderator Jim Hardenbrook encouraged participants to "Go, see, and love," in a sermon entitled, "Setting Your Face...Toward Mission: Accepting the Challenge, and Going Forth to Serve!"

    In a panel discussion, Brethren speakers answered the question, "What distinctive gifts, or weaknesses, does the Church of the Brethren bring to mission from its Anabaptist-Pietist identity?" Brethren emphasis on holistic mission was a natural outcome of this heritage, according to some presenters. Bradley Bohrer, pastor of Brook Park (Ind.) Church of the Brethren and former Nigeria mission staff, moderated the session. Other panel members were Jeff Bach, associate professor of Brethren and Historical Studies at Bethany Theological Seminary; Peggy Boshart, former mission staff in the Dominican Republic; Merv Keeney, executive director of Global Mission Partnerships; Suely Inhauser, national co-director for the Church of the Brethren Brazil mission; and J. Roger Schrock, pastor of Cabool (Mo.) Church of the Brethren and former denominational mission executive.

    An offering for new mission ventures received $13,231.03 for the General Board's Emerging Global Mission Fund, including special gifts from congregations.

    Members of the steering committee reported that evaluations were overwhelmingly positive. "I felt a strong sense of unity and positive energy," noted Larry Dentler. "Many participants anticipated this event to be the beginning of a series of mission conferences," added Carol Spicher Waggy. The steering committee also included James F. Myer, Carolyn Schrock, and Keeney.

    For more information about the General Board's mission programs, contact Janis Pyle, coordinator for Mission Connections, at jpyle_gb@brethren.org or call 800-323-8039 ext. 227.

    Source: 4/13/2005 Newsline
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    Emergency Disaster Fund disburses six grants totaling $232,500.

    Six grants totaling $232,500 have been given from the General Board's Emergency Disaster Fund (EDF) for tsunami relief and work in Sudan, Arizona, Mexico, and China. Giving to the EDF in 2005 has now topped $1 million, totaling $1,036,024 as of today.

    An allocation of $150,000 continues Church of the Brethren support of a Church World Service appeal for work in southern Asia following the tsunami Dec. 26. The money will provide emergency food, medical support, drinking water, and shelter, along with mental health interventions and income-generating programs. Another $30,000 will go to Service Ministries' tsunami relief efforts. As a result of this disaster, the program based at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md., has received 330,000 pounds of Gift of the Heart kits and over 327,000 pounds of aid. The funds will help cover additional staff and volunteer expenses needed for this large response effort. Including these two grants, to date the EDF has given a total of $360,000 toward tsunami relief.

    An allocation of $25,000 supports an Action by Churches Together International (ACT) appeal for repatriation, relief, and rehabilitation for displaced families returning to southern Sudan. The money will help with food production, infrastructure development in health and education, and social services and activities.

    Another $10,000 supports an ACT appeal for relief work in China following snowstorms and accompanying avalanches, landslides, and mudslides. The grant will help distribute food and blankets and rebuild homes, schools, and irrigation canals for drinking water systems.

    An allocation of $10,000 supports the work of Companeros en Ministerio after mudslides destroyed more than 150 homes in Tijuana, Mexico. The funds will help repair and rebuild homes and build retaining walls. The General Board's Emergency Response program and Companeros have had successful partnerships in rebuilding homes damaged by a variety of disasters, said Roy Winter, director of Emergency Response.

    A grant of $7,500 supports No More Deaths, an Arizona-based multifaith coalition supplying food, water, and medical assistance to migrants crossing the Arizona desert. "Over the last six years more than 2,000 men, women, and children have died trying to cross the Mexican border into the United States. Most of these deaths occur in the brutal heat of the summer months," Winter said. "Recognizing the current militarized border enforcement strategy is a failed policy, No More Deaths determined an around-the-clock, nonviolent, humanitarian physical presence in the desert was needed." Central to the program are camps called "Arks of the Covenant," where volunteers keep water and shelter available for migrants.

    The grant has the support of Brethren congregations in Arizona. "Prior to requesting this grant, the district executive of Pacific Southwest District and all of the Church of the Brethren congregations in Arizona were consulted," Winter said. "Each of the churches that responded supported a grant to No More Deaths."

    In other news, the board's Disaster Response program and volunteers who worked on a rebuilding project in Poquoson, Va., were recognized by the city council in a resolution dated Dec. 13. Poquoson was devastated by Hurricane Isabel on Sept. 18, 2003. The Brethren rebuilding project completed on March 18 repaired more than 40 homes. "The Church of the Brethren Disaster Response Program volunteer teams immediately responded to the city's needs," the resolution said. "Their dedication to the highest principles of service to humanity has earned respect, praise, and admiration of the citizens of this community."

    Source: 4/13/2005 Newsline
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    Anniversary group plans Youth Heritage Travel Teams.

    The Annual Conference Anniversary Committee met March 13-15 in Elgin, Ill. Named at Annual Conference 2000, this committee is developing events, activities, and resources to help congregations, districts, and the denomination as a whole celebrate the 300th anniversary of the Church of the Brethren in 2008.

    Engaging children and youth in the anniversary celebration was a key agenda item at the meeting. The committee met with Chris Douglas, General Board director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry, who has agreed to work with the committee in planning for the training and equipping of Youth Heritage Travel Teams. These teams of two youth from each district will visit congregations during the anniversary year to interpret Brethren heritage and how it can shape the church today and into the future.

    The committee also met with Wendy McFadden and Nancy Klemm from Brethren Press to receive updates on publishing projects related to the anniversary. "Meanest Man in Patrick County," a book by Frank Ramirez, was released at Annual Conference last summer. The second book in the anniversary series, "Another Way of Believing," by Dale Brown on Brethren theology, should be released at Annual Conference this summer. A sourcebook by Steve Longenecker on the Brethren between the world wars is being edited and indexed. In addition, Brethren Press is beginning work on a devotional book to be used during the anniversary year.

    Updates on current and potential projects fleshed out the agenda: a kick-off celebration in Germantown, Pa., in Sept. 2007; a celebration in Schwarzenau, Germany, Aug. 3, 2008; a curriculum resource for the anniversary year; plans for Annual Conference 2008; a commemorative calendar; anniversary-related courses at the Brethren colleges; a tour guide for Brethren historical sites; submission of music, drama, and worship resources; and a study guide on the anniversary theme.

    For more information on anniversary plans, including the submission of original musical compositions, drama resources, and worship resources, visit www.churchofthebrethrenanniversary.org. Committee members are Jeff Bach (chair), Don Durnbaugh, Dean Garrett, Rhonda Pittman Gingrich (recorder), Leslie Lake, Lorele Yager, and Lerry Fogle (ex-officio).

    Source: 4/13/2005 Newsline
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    Study Committee on Doing Church Business meets, makes plans.

    The Annual Conference Study Committee on Doing Church Business held its second meeting March 11-13, at Camp Mack near Milford, Ind. In three days of meetings, the committee spent time in prayer, song, and lengthy discussion, and prepared for the next 12 months' work, reported committee member Matt Guynn.

    Results from an initial round of interviewing with conflict and process experts informed the weekend's work. Plans laid by the committee feature extensive information-gathering including interviews, a survey, and a web page. "We recognize that this query isn't just about process," said Guynn. "It addresses a broader and widely shared concern about the spiritual health of the Church of the Brethren."

    Committee members also shared in Sunday school, discussion, and worship with Turkey Creek Church of the Brethren near Nappanee, Ind., which sent the query on doing church business, and shared a meal with Turkey Creek pastor Roger Eberly.

    The committee will ask this year's Annual Conference for a one-year extension of its work. A listening session is scheduled for Saturday evening, July 2, at the Conference in Peoria, Ill.

    Committee members are Joe Detrick of Logansville, Pa.; Matt Guynn of Richmond, Ind.; Dena Lee of Kent, Ohio; Dale Posthumus of University Park, Md.; and Dave Shetler of New Paris, Ohio. Contact the committee by e-mail at doingchurchbusiness@brethren.org. An updated webpage will be available soon on the Annual Conference website at www.brethren.org.

    Source: 4/13/2005 Newsline
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    On Earth Peace forms Peace Retreat Leadership Team.

    On Earth Peace has formed a volunteer Peace Retreat Leadership Team to help increase the number of retreats and workshops it is able to offer across the denomination, reported Kim Stuckey Hissong, On Earth Peace program coordinator of Peacemaker Formation. The new team will expand and energize the existing retreat program. Team members will be available to provide leadership for youth retreats, workshops, and worship experiences for congregations, districts, camps, denominational gatherings, and other groups.

    Plans call for slowly expanding the number of team members, making sure that program staff can adequately support the network, according to Hissong. Retreats provided by the team will be based on an interactive, experiential model that challenges youth to consider Christian peacemaking in the context of faith and the world. Retreat sessions will draw on the Brethren heritage of peacemaking and bring scripture alive to examine how Christ calls believers to live in these times.

    "If we are serious about being a resource to the entire denomination, we need to increase our identified leaders in the church," said Hissong. "There are so many great leaders in our denomination that are already doing peace education work. Formation of the Peace Retreat Leadership Team is an attempt to bring these folks together, recognize them for the work they are doing, and provide support and a place to develop and exchange ideas."

    The team gathered for an initial planning meeting at the New Windsor (Md.) Conference Center in late February. Current team members are Carrie Eikler of Richmond, Ind.; Debbie Eisenbise of Kalamazoo, Mich.; Dena Lee of Kent, Ohio; and Rick Polhamus of Fletcher, Ohio. To schedule a retreat, or if you are interested in serving on the Peace Retreat Leadership Team, call Kim Stuckey Hissong at 410-635-8706 or e-mail kstuckey_oepa@brethren.org. See www.brethren.org/oepa/team.html for more information.

    Source: 4/13/2005 Newsline
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    Brethren bits: Job opening, Annual Conference, and more.
    • Camp Eder seeks a fulltime executive director. The 400-acre facility is a year-round Church of the Brethren camp and retreat center near Gettysburg, Pa., in the southern Pennsylvania mountains. The qualified candidate will be a Christian with a growing faith, a heart for evangelism, understanding and acceptance of Brethren values, passion for outdoor ministry, ability to implement planning as directed by the camp board, capability and enthusiasm for interpreting the mission and vision of the camp, a bachelor's degree or equivalent experience, and strong fiscal, management, and communication skills. Previous administration and camping experience is preferred. Application deadline is June 1. Send a letter of interest and resume, and provide letters of professional reference from three or four people, to Kris Longwell, Search Committee, 319 E. Hanover St., Hanover, PA 17331; or e-mail e319hanover@juno.com.

    • Short-term resident volunteer opportunities are available for people interested in serving as hosts and hostesses at the New Windsor (Md.) Conference Center. Duties include welcoming guests and other hospitality tasks. There is a special need for volunteers in May, but other dates are available as well. Meals and an apartment on the Brethren Service Center campus are provided. Contact Connie Bohn at 800-766-1553 for more information.

    • The Annual Conference Office has issued a reminder to pre-register, for those planning to attend the Conference this summer in Peoria, Ill. Those not attending as church delegates can pre-register online or by mail. Doing so before May 20 saves $10 and eliminates the need to stand in long registration lines onsite. To register online, visit the Conference homepage at www.brethren.org. To register by mail, complete the registration form from the Annual Conference Information CD that has been mailed to each Church of the Brethren congregation, or from the Information Packet on the website. Mail registration forms to the Annual Conference Office, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120.

    • The Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS) annual Older Adult Orientation will be held April 17-29 at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md. The unit will be made up of seven older adults including five members of the Church of the Brethren. The unit will spend two weeks exploring project possibilities and topics of community building, faith sharing, diversity training, and more. Two work days will be included, at the Brethren Service Center and at the Church of the Brethren Soup Kitchen in Washington, D.C. Field trips are planned to the Young Center at Elizabethtown (Pa.) College, the Ephrata Cloister, and Grace LeFever's organic farm. Guest staff and speakers include Larry and Alice Petry, Joyce Nolen, Rebekah Helsel, Al Herring, and David Eller. For more information call the BVS office, 800-323-8039 ext. 410.

    • The situation in Darfur, Sudan, is the topic of a letter-writing campaign publicized by the General Board's Brethren Witness/Washington Office in its most recent newsletter. The office is urging Brethren to write to the United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan and members of the Security Council to help stop the violence in Darfur. The newsletter stated that "since spring 2003, over 300,000 persons of Darfur have died from violence, disease, and starvation. More than two million people have been forced from their homes and over 2,000 non-Arab villages have been destroyed. To date, three UN resolutions have done little to stop death and destruction in Darfur. A fourth resolution, being considered this week, should include strong language that pressures the government of Sudan and its proxy militia to halt the ongoing atrocities." For more information call the office at 800-785-3246 or e-mail washington_office_gb@brethren.org.

    • Online registration has opened for the Heartland Song and Story Fest co-sponsored by On Earth Peace July 6-12 at Joyfield Farm in North Manchester, Ind. The annual family camp features Brethren musicians and storytellers. See www.brethren.org/oepa/SongandStoryFest2005.html or call On Earth Peace at 410-635-8704 or e-mail oepa_oepa@brethren.org.

    • Elkhart City (Ind.) Church of the Brethren has changed its name to Creekside Church of the Brethren because land purchased for a new building is outside the city. A statement on the church website says, "We are a baptism community and water is an important factor in this imagery."

    • Bells of the Valley, a group from Codorus Church of the Brethren in Loganville, Pa., will join other church musicians performing in a benefit for O.P.E.N., the HIV/AIDS ministry of the York County (Pa.) Council of Churches. The concert will be hosted by Otterbein United Methodist Church (301 W. Philadelphia St., York) at 4 p.m. Sunday, April 17. Admission is free, and a free-will offering will be taken.

    • Benefit concerts for cystic fibrosis were presented in two Church of the Brethren congregations in Maryland in early April. Locust Grove Church of the Brethren in Mount Airy, Md., hosted its seventh annual "Sing for Breath" concert April 9, and Frederick (Md.) Church of the Brethren hosted its 23rd annual "Sing for Breath" concert April 10. Freewill donations went to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

    • "Wonderful World of Wildflowers" is presented by the Southern Ohio District Outdoor Ministries from 2-5 p.m. on April 17 at Charleston Falls, south of Tipp City. Robert Henn, author of "Wild Flowers of Ohio," will lead the program including a walking tour. Children, adults, and older adults are invited. For more information call Bruce Rosenberger at 937-417-1184.

    • Middle Pennsylvania District presents "Congregations Alive '05: To Empower, Nourish, and Renew Congregations," from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. April 16 at Martinsburg (Pa.) Memorial Church of the Brethren. The event is sponsored by the Congregational Development Team. Childcare will be provided. Call the district office at 814-643-0601.

    • West Marva District's Pulpit Exchange Sunday is scheduled for April 17 on the Annual Conference theme, "Fixing Our Eyes on Jesus." The scripture text will be Hebrews 12:1-4.

    • A fourth annual Sounds of the Mountains Music and Story Festival will be held at Camp Bethel near Fincastle, Va., April 22-23. Topping the list of performers are John McCutcheon, five-time Grammy-nominated recording artist and Appalachian performer, and Donald Davis, master storyteller. Also performing are Brethren folk singer and instrumentalist Joseph Helfrich; Baba Jamal Koram, a traditional African storyteller and percussionist; Marshall Brothers and Highroad, a bluegrass and gospel band; and Steel Praisin', a steel drum band from Friedberg Moravian Church. The festival is a fundraiser for the camp. Lodging, RV, and tent sites are available. See www.campbethelvirginia.org/sotm.htm or call 540-992-2940.

    • Bridgewater (Va.) College is honoring six alumni and a retiring professor as part of its annual Alumni Weekend April 15-16. William R. Johnson and Elbridge "Ed" and Louis Bowman Callahan, all members of Bridgewater Church of the Brethren, will receive the 2005 Ripples Society Medals. The Ripples Society comprises alumni who graduated 50 or more years ago. The others receiving awards during the weekend are Donald G. Simmons, Julie C. Hensley, Cheryl Lackey Fairchilds, and Ralph C. MacPhail Jr., professor of Theater and Communication Studies, who is retiring after 33 years on the faculty. Alumni Weekend opens Friday morning with campus tours and alumni seminars. For information call 540-828-5451.

    • On April 12 the University of La Verne in La Verne, Calif., launched its Campus Center Project with a celebration for alumni. The project will transform the school's "Super Tents"--described in a release as the "university's most recognizable campus feature"--into a Sports Science and Athletics Pavilion. The project also includes the building of the Plaza, an outdoor, three-tiered central gathering place of circular pads, and the Sara and Michael Abraham Campus Center.

    • Elizabethtown (Pa.) College's Durnbaugh Lectures will feature Donald E. Miller on "The Challenge of Being a Peace Church in Africa" at 7:30 p.m. April 14. Miller will report on the Aug. 2004 People of Peace Conference in Nairobi, Kenya. The talk is part of the annual banquet of the Young Center for Anabaptist and Pietist Studies. Participants may attend the banquet, lecture, or both. Miller also will present a seminar, "Expanding the Circle of Peace: The World Council of Churches (WCC), the Historic Peace Churches, and Violence in Africa" at 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. April 15 at the Young Center. He is professor emeritus at Bethany Theological Seminary, former general secretary of the General Board, and has served on the WCC Central Committee. The lecture is free; tickets are $14 for the banquet, $10 for the seminar. Reservations are required--call 717-361-1470.

    • Wallace A. Lusk, visitation pastor at Locust Grove Church of the Brethren in Mount Airy, Md., was among five inducted into the Mount Airy Hall of Fame March 22. The ceremony hosted by the Mount Airy Historical Society honored positive contributions to the community.

    • Larry O'Neill, moderator of Atlantic Northeast District, has pledged to "go backwards, so COBYS can go forward." O'Neill has promised to walk the COBYS "Family Fun Walk" backwards--if he can gather $1,000 in sponsorships. COBYS is an agency affiliated with the district, serving children and families in several Pennsylvania counties. The walk takes place on May 1. E-mail O'Neill at SkippackChurch@comcast.net.

    • In the past six months, ten Brethren and Mennonite congregations or groups have joined the Supportive Communities Network (SCN) of the Brethren Mennonite Council for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Interests (BMC), according to a news release from the council. The communities in the network indicate public welcome of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals and their families. The ten new communities bring the number in the network to 43, including 21 Church of the Brethren congregations and Brethren-related groups. The ten new members are Fellowship in Christ Church of the Brethren, Fremont, Calif.; San Diego (Calif.) Church of the Brethren; Springfield (Ill.) Church of the Brethren; Voices for an Open Spirit, a Church of the Brethren group; Womaen's Caucus, a Church of the Brethren group; The Group meeting at Palmyra (Pa.) Church of the Brethren; Christian Community, Inc., of Fort Wayne, Ind.; the Welcoming Dialogue Group of Lancaster County, Pa.; Mennonite House Church of St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada; and the Inclusion Team of Assembly Mennonite Church, Goshen, Ind. For more information call BMC at 612-343-2060 or e-mail bmc@bmclgbt.org.
    Source: 4/13/2005 Newsline
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    Assembly speakers will focus on 'Peace Beyond Our Fears.'

    Speakers for the next Caring Ministries Assembly will focus on the theme, "Peace Beyond Our Fears." The assembly, sponsored by the Association of Brethren Caregivers (ABC), will be held Aug. 11-13 at Bridgewater (Va.) Church of the Brethren.

    "Fear has become a more prominent part of daily life," ABC said in a release about the event. "Brethren deacons, pastors, chaplains, and caregivers are invited to explore how people of faith respond to threats and fears that are ever present in this world.... Through worship, keynote presentations, workshops, and intentional times of silence, planners hope that participants will explore the character of fear and invite God to reshape it."

    Keynote speakers Robert Wicks, Louise Baldwin Rieman, Carol Yoder, and Andrew Murray will take different approaches to explore transforming fear with faith. Wicks, professor of pastoral care at Loyola College in Maryland, works with clergy and first responders on prevention of secondary stress and the integration of spirituality and psychology. Rieman co-pastors Northview Church of the Brethren in Indianapolis with her husband, Phil, and has served as a missionary in Africa. Yoder directs STAR, a justice and peace-building program at Eastern Mennonite University, and has worked with relief workers in the Middle East and Africa as well as with victims of war and torture. Murray founded Juniata College's Institute for Peace and Conflict Studies and has served as a college chaplain and a pastor. Bible studies will be led by Stephen Reid, academic dean and professor of Old Testament at Bethany Theological Seminary.

    The assembly will feature more than 25 workshops with special tracks for chaplains and deacons. A post-assembly EFSM/TRIM academy-level course will be offered (information will be included in the registration booklet or call Marilyn Lerch at 540-961-0354).

    Registration is $100. Hotels are available for housing. Meals will be available for purchase at the Bridgewater Retirement Community, adjacent to the Bridgewater church. Registration materials will be mailed in May to each congregation's deacon contact, pastors, chaplains, and past assembly participants. Posters announcing theme and speakers have been sent to congregations in a Source mailing. Information will be posted at www.brethren.org/abc/ as it becomes available.

    Source: 4/13/2005 Newsline
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    Office encourages youth to start conscientious objector files.

    Resources related to conscientious objection are available from the General Board's Brethren Witness/Washington Office, including the maintenance of personal conscientious objector files. The office maintains individual files for youth and young adult men and women who choose to document their conscientious objection to war and violence.

    The office has received over 40 conscientious objector files in recent months. Such files are the only means for conscientious objectors to register their beliefs against war, as the Selective Service System does not keep records of conscientious objectors and does not acknowledge statements of conscientious objection when young men register at age 18. In the event of a military draft, having such a file in place from an early age may help a young man or woman prove a long-standing faith basis for his or her convictions.

    Forms and instructions for the files are included in a Church/Youth Conscientious Objector Packet available from the office. Over the past 18 months more than 2,500 of the packets have been distributed. Call 800-785-3246 or download the packet from the Conscientious Objection link at www.brethren.org (search words: Witness/Washington Office). Congregations and youth groups are encouraged to use the packet in youth group discussions and congregational forums.

    Brethren may request office staff to lead congregational or district conscientious objection workshops. Office staff have presented workshops in seven districts and another district event is planned for Columbus, Ohio, in May. Other regional retreats are scheduled for the Spring, and workshops at district conferences are scheduled for the Fall. Office director Phil Jones also is a board member of the Center on Conscience and War (CCW--formerly NISBCO), and can assist in making available materials, resources, and staff leadership from that organization.

    Other upcoming events on conscientious objection include the Christian Citizenship Seminar for Church of the Brethren youth, which will provide an opportunity for youth to make their voice heard in Washington, D.C,; and an insight session and the "Un-Luncheon" at this year's Annual Conference. The "Un-Luncheon" will feature CCW program director Bill Galvin.

    The office also is organizing a pool of district support people and legal counselors to be available to conscientious objectors in the event of a draft. To participate in the program, call the office at 800-785-3246 or visit www.brethren.org (search words: Witness/Washington Office).

    Source: 4/13/2005 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. Mary Dulabaum, Lerry Fogle, Rhonda Pittman Gingrich, Matt Guynn, Mary Kay Heatwole, Kim Stuckey Hissong, Phil Jones, Becky Ullom, and Carol Wise contributed to this report.

    Tuesday, April 05, 2005

    SPECIAL REPORT

  • Church of the Brethren leaders mourn death of Pope John Paul II.
  • Association of Brethren Caregivers posts end-of-life resources.
  • Church of the Brethren leaders mourn death of Pope John Paul II.

    Church of the Brethren leaders have joined Christians and others worldwide in mourning the death of Pope John Paul II, and expressing condolence to the Roman Catholic community. "It is with sadness that the Church of the Brethren in the United States received the news of the death of His Holiness Pope John Paul II. We mourn the loss of this servant of Christ," said a letter signed by Annual Conference moderator Jim Hardenbrook and the general secretary of the General Board, Stan Noffsinger. "His light and life will be missed."

    Quoting from 1 Peter 1:3, the letter expressed appreciation for the many ministries of Pope John Paul II and celebrated the contributions he made to the ecumenical movement. The Brethren leaders prayed that others will be inspired by his work for peace and justice.

    The letter was sent to his Eminence Angelo Cardinal Sodano, Secretary of State for the Vatican; the Most Reverend William Skylstad, President of the US Conference of Catholic Bishops; and the Most Reverend Michael P. Driscoll of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Boise, as a colleague of the Annual Conference moderator.

    Source: Newsline 4/5/2005
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    Association of Brethren Caregivers posts end-of-life resources.

    The Association of Brethren Caregivers (ABC) has posted several end-of-life resources from the Church of the Brethren on its website, prompted by the widespread media coverage of the deaths of Terri Schiavo and Pope John Paul II. The two deaths have spurred many in the church to think about end-of-life issues, ABC said in a statement. ABC provides publications and educational and faith opportunities that encourage the church to do caring ministries as the work of Jesus Christ.

    "Within a week's time, the nation and members of the Church of the Brethren have witnessed two very different experiences of death with the passing of Terri Schiavo and Pope John Paul II," ABC said. Pope John Paul II's death came after a long life of service as leader of the Roman Catholic Church, and years of deteriorating health. Schiavo, a Florida woman who had been declared in a "vegetative state," died after her feeding tube was removed by court order, and after years of legal battles between her husband and parents regarding her condition and care.

    "These two different experiences of death have caused many people to begin discussing the theological and practical aspects of their own end of life," ABC said. "Equally important, Schiavo and Pope John Paul II's deaths have spurred families and friends to begin talking with one another about their wishes and plans at their end of life."

    End-of-life resources offered at www.brethren.org/abc/ include "Facing the Gray Areas in Dying," a four-page article by Guy Wampler; two articles about preparing for the end of life, from the ABC quarterly magazine "Caregiving"; an end-of-life preparations worksheet; a link to a hospice website providing help in creating advance directives in the different US states; worship resources and related scriptures; a resource list of books for adults and children; and a link to the 1996 Annual Conference End-of-Life Decision-Making Statement. ABC helped to form the statement, which affirms that "we do not live to ourselves, and we do not die to ourselves. If we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord" (Romans 14:7-8).

    Other end-of-life resources produced by ABC and sold through Brethren Press are five end-of-life study guides written by Grady Snyder, a retired Church of the Brethren seminary professor (to order call 800-441-3712). Articles about end-of-life issues also have appeared in the Winter 2000 issue of "Caregiving," which was devoted to the topic (order from Mary Dulabaum at 800-323-8039 ext. 304).

    ABC affirms the Annual Conference statement that "spiritual growth can come from facing suffering and death honestly." The agency hopes that the resources it provides will help individuals consider their own end of life, and that of their loved ones, from a biblical and Brethren understanding.

    For more information see www.brethren.org/abc/ or call ABC at 800-323-8039.

    Source: Newsline 4/5/2005
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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 the first, third, and fifth Friday of each month, with other editions as needed. Newsline stories may be reprinted provided that Newsline is cited as the source. Mary Dulabaum contributed to this report.