- Annual Conference theme will be 'TOGETHER: Exercising Daily in God.'
- Brethren attend anniversary commemorations in Hiroshima.
- Emergency Disaster Fund gives $97,000 for disaster aid.
- Southern Plains holds 39th District Conference.
- Western Plains District re-ignites its witness.
- McPherson College students lend helping hands.
- Brethren bits: Personnel, Annual Conference website, and more.
Wednesday, August 31, 2005
NEWS
Annual Conference theme will be 'TOGETHER: Exercising Daily in God.'
The Annual Conference Program and Arrangements Committee has announced the theme for the 2006 Conference in Des Moines, Iowa. The "TOGETHER: Conversations on Being the Church" event will be launched at Des Moines next summer, and so moderator Ronald D. Beachley suggested the theme, "TOGETHER: Exercising Daily in God."
Church of the Brethren congregations and individuals are invited to explore the theme scriptures and how they apply to our faith journey, reported Lerry Fogle, executive director of the Conference. Moderator Beachley will issue a challenge related to the theme each month preceding Conference. Those theme challenges will be available at www.brethren.org/ac/.
The complete theme statement from the moderator follows:
"Discipline was a hallmark of the early faith community. It appeared to be a natural part of commitment, because of the persecution faced by Jesus' followers. Dedication and commitment seem to be lacking from our lives and faith vocabulary today. The church needs to be encouraged and challenged to a stronger commitment. This will be significant for the denomination as we begin the conversation about being the church during the next year.
"The scriptures, especially Paul's letters, remind us often of the merit and blessings of spiritual discipline. Certainly, the example of Jesus is the model for us to imitate. The early faith community was persecuted and that appeared to produce discipline. The church needs to be challenged to value spiritual discipline. Discipline could strengthen our commitment and dedication to the Lord and the faith community. We need to be reminded over and over again of the value and blessings of spiritual discipline and sharing Christ's love with others.
"Traveling and listening during this past year has been a new adventure. I have encountered many dedicated persons in our denomination. However, I have heard some of these same persons lament the lack of commitment and outreach in the local faith communities.
"Therefore, I'm going to challenge us to a new level of discipline and commitment. Part of the discipline will be to read a chapter a day in the New Testament. Secondly, pray daily for an individual who needs to know Christ as Lord and Savior. I would also encourage you to join a cell group in your congregation to pray with on a regular basis.
"I'm proposing the theme, TOGETHER: EXERCISE DAILY IN GOD, as the theme for the 2006 Annual Conference, using 1 Timothy 4:6-8 as the primary text. The actual wording comes from 'The Message.'"
Source: 08/31/2005 Newsline
top
The Annual Conference Program and Arrangements Committee has announced the theme for the 2006 Conference in Des Moines, Iowa. The "TOGETHER: Conversations on Being the Church" event will be launched at Des Moines next summer, and so moderator Ronald D. Beachley suggested the theme, "TOGETHER: Exercising Daily in God."
Church of the Brethren congregations and individuals are invited to explore the theme scriptures and how they apply to our faith journey, reported Lerry Fogle, executive director of the Conference. Moderator Beachley will issue a challenge related to the theme each month preceding Conference. Those theme challenges will be available at www.brethren.org/ac/.
The complete theme statement from the moderator follows:
"Discipline was a hallmark of the early faith community. It appeared to be a natural part of commitment, because of the persecution faced by Jesus' followers. Dedication and commitment seem to be lacking from our lives and faith vocabulary today. The church needs to be encouraged and challenged to a stronger commitment. This will be significant for the denomination as we begin the conversation about being the church during the next year.
"The scriptures, especially Paul's letters, remind us often of the merit and blessings of spiritual discipline. Certainly, the example of Jesus is the model for us to imitate. The early faith community was persecuted and that appeared to produce discipline. The church needs to be challenged to value spiritual discipline. Discipline could strengthen our commitment and dedication to the Lord and the faith community. We need to be reminded over and over again of the value and blessings of spiritual discipline and sharing Christ's love with others.
"Traveling and listening during this past year has been a new adventure. I have encountered many dedicated persons in our denomination. However, I have heard some of these same persons lament the lack of commitment and outreach in the local faith communities.
"Therefore, I'm going to challenge us to a new level of discipline and commitment. Part of the discipline will be to read a chapter a day in the New Testament. Secondly, pray daily for an individual who needs to know Christ as Lord and Savior. I would also encourage you to join a cell group in your congregation to pray with on a regular basis.
"I'm proposing the theme, TOGETHER: EXERCISE DAILY IN GOD, as the theme for the 2006 Annual Conference, using 1 Timothy 4:6-8 as the primary text. The actual wording comes from 'The Message.'"
Source: 08/31/2005 Newsline
top
Brethren attend anniversary commemorations in Hiroshima.
Garlands of folded paper cranes were everywhere at the Peace Park in Hiroshima, Japan, as people from around the world converged there for the ceremony commemorating the 60th anniversary of the atomic bombing on Aug. 6, 1945.
There were also cranes for another event in Hiroshima--a 40th anniversary celebration of the World Friendship Center (WFC). The decorations for that event included more than 1,200 cranes folded a month earlier by children and adults attending the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference in Peoria, Ill.
The Brethren have been connected to the WFC through a steady supply of volunteer directors serving through Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS). Brethren also have been heavily involved in the American Committee of the WFC, currently chaired by Mary Ann Albert of Warsaw, Ind.
"The World Friendship Center has survived 40 years," said WFC board member Michiko Yamane, who emceed the welcome gathering on Aug. 5. "It's a miracle. Maybe it is God's plan."
Greetings from the Church of the Brethren were brought by BVS director Dan McFadden, who presented a resolution from the General Board: "On the occasion of the fortieth anniversary of the World Friendship Center in Hiroshima, the Church of the Brethren General Board commends the center for its tireless efforts to work for peace, share stories about the personal suffering caused by nuclear weapons, and build friendships across borders. We in the Church of the Brethren recall our many years of partnership with the center, particularly through Brethren Volunteer Service. We celebrate the profound, interfaith witness of the center that has been born from the ashes of Hiroshima. We honor the past and express hope for the future by reaffirming, with you, our commitment to creating a world free from both nuclear weapons and war."
McFadden also presented a gift from the General Board, a new wall map to replace a fading one that is used to identify the homes of the many international visitors who pass through the center. As a companion gift, the American Committee contributed funds for mounting and framing the map.
Guests at the several-day event included a number of former WFC directors: Mary Ann Albert, Joel and Bev Eikenberry, David and Evie Bertsche, Liz Bauer, and Ed Dougherty and Beth Bentley. Current directors are Don and Pauline Hess of Massanutten, Va., who began a two-year BVS term in May. While many directors have served through BVS, staff also have come from the Mennonite and Quaker traditions.
Those participating in the WFC anniversary attended the city's 60th anniversary commemoration and traditional lantern-floating on the river, heard the stories of survivors of the bomb, visited the Peace Museum, and toured sites significant to the history of the center.
The World Friendship Center was founded in 1964 by Barbara Reynolds, a Quaker woman from the US, and Tomin Harada, a physician in Hiroshima.
Source: 08/31/2005 Newsline
top
Garlands of folded paper cranes were everywhere at the Peace Park in Hiroshima, Japan, as people from around the world converged there for the ceremony commemorating the 60th anniversary of the atomic bombing on Aug. 6, 1945.
There were also cranes for another event in Hiroshima--a 40th anniversary celebration of the World Friendship Center (WFC). The decorations for that event included more than 1,200 cranes folded a month earlier by children and adults attending the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference in Peoria, Ill.
The Brethren have been connected to the WFC through a steady supply of volunteer directors serving through Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS). Brethren also have been heavily involved in the American Committee of the WFC, currently chaired by Mary Ann Albert of Warsaw, Ind.
"The World Friendship Center has survived 40 years," said WFC board member Michiko Yamane, who emceed the welcome gathering on Aug. 5. "It's a miracle. Maybe it is God's plan."
Greetings from the Church of the Brethren were brought by BVS director Dan McFadden, who presented a resolution from the General Board: "On the occasion of the fortieth anniversary of the World Friendship Center in Hiroshima, the Church of the Brethren General Board commends the center for its tireless efforts to work for peace, share stories about the personal suffering caused by nuclear weapons, and build friendships across borders. We in the Church of the Brethren recall our many years of partnership with the center, particularly through Brethren Volunteer Service. We celebrate the profound, interfaith witness of the center that has been born from the ashes of Hiroshima. We honor the past and express hope for the future by reaffirming, with you, our commitment to creating a world free from both nuclear weapons and war."
McFadden also presented a gift from the General Board, a new wall map to replace a fading one that is used to identify the homes of the many international visitors who pass through the center. As a companion gift, the American Committee contributed funds for mounting and framing the map.
Guests at the several-day event included a number of former WFC directors: Mary Ann Albert, Joel and Bev Eikenberry, David and Evie Bertsche, Liz Bauer, and Ed Dougherty and Beth Bentley. Current directors are Don and Pauline Hess of Massanutten, Va., who began a two-year BVS term in May. While many directors have served through BVS, staff also have come from the Mennonite and Quaker traditions.
Those participating in the WFC anniversary attended the city's 60th anniversary commemoration and traditional lantern-floating on the river, heard the stories of survivors of the bomb, visited the Peace Museum, and toured sites significant to the history of the center.
The World Friendship Center was founded in 1964 by Barbara Reynolds, a Quaker woman from the US, and Tomin Harada, a physician in Hiroshima.
Source: 08/31/2005 Newsline
top
Emergency Disaster Fund gives $97,000 for disaster aid.
Eight allocations from the General Board's Emergency Disaster Fund, totaling $97,000, have been made to help those affected by natural and man-made disasters in Afghanistan and Pakistan; Ethiopia; Niger; Darfur, Sudan; India; Cuba; and following storms in Wyoming and the southern US states. (For a report on an EDF grant responding to Hurricane Katrina, see today's Newsline Special Report: Hurricane Katrina.)
An allocation of $40,000 has been made for Afghanistan and Pakistan, where thousands of homes, crops, and livestock have been destroyed in severe flooding. The Brethren grant will support a Church World Service (CWS) Emergency Response Program appeal for emergency shelter, food, and medicine.
An allocation of $20,000 responds to a CWS appeal for food security in Ethiopia, where drought and economic decline have put 3.8 million people at risk of starvation. The funds will assist CWS partners implement food relief, agricultural rehabilitation, medical assistance, and veterinary care for livestock.
A grant of $10,000 to Niger assists Swiss Interchurch Aid and Lutheran World Relief, who are working with people suffering critical malnutrition and starvation. The money, funded through CWS, will help provide emergency food, health services, and livestock feeding.
The EDF is responding to the situation of displaced people from Darfur, Sudan, who have taken refuge in Chad with an allocation of $8,000. Given through CWS, the grant will help build a new refugee camp for 20,000 people, expand three existing camps, and assist with water and sanitation projects and psycho-social support.
A grant of $7,500 supports a CWS appeal in the wake of two hurricanes in the southern states of the US. The money will help pay for local community efforts to respond to the storms as well as shipments of blankets and Gift of the Heart disaster relief kits.
An allocation of $5,000 has been made to a CWS appeal for severe flooding in the Maharashtra area of India. The heaviest rain ever recorded in Indian history fell in Mumbai, resulting in over 1,000 deaths and destruction of homes, crops, and livestock. The funds are providing immediate food relief along with basic household and hygiene items.
Another grant of $5,000 responds to a CWS appeal in the wake of Hurricane Dennis in Cuba. At least 120,000 homes were severely damaged and 50,000 people are homeless. The money will assist with immediate needs of food, housing construction and repair, household items, and psychosocial programs.
An allocation of $1,500 has been made for a seed-money grant to a local recovery committee in Wright, Wyo., after a tornado devastated the town. Ninety-one mobile homes were destroyed and two lives lost in the low-income coal-mining community. The money also will help deploy CWS staff to the area for training and capacity building, and support a shipment of blankets.
Source: 08/31/2005 Newsline
top
Eight allocations from the General Board's Emergency Disaster Fund, totaling $97,000, have been made to help those affected by natural and man-made disasters in Afghanistan and Pakistan; Ethiopia; Niger; Darfur, Sudan; India; Cuba; and following storms in Wyoming and the southern US states. (For a report on an EDF grant responding to Hurricane Katrina, see today's Newsline Special Report: Hurricane Katrina.)
An allocation of $40,000 has been made for Afghanistan and Pakistan, where thousands of homes, crops, and livestock have been destroyed in severe flooding. The Brethren grant will support a Church World Service (CWS) Emergency Response Program appeal for emergency shelter, food, and medicine.
An allocation of $20,000 responds to a CWS appeal for food security in Ethiopia, where drought and economic decline have put 3.8 million people at risk of starvation. The funds will assist CWS partners implement food relief, agricultural rehabilitation, medical assistance, and veterinary care for livestock.
A grant of $10,000 to Niger assists Swiss Interchurch Aid and Lutheran World Relief, who are working with people suffering critical malnutrition and starvation. The money, funded through CWS, will help provide emergency food, health services, and livestock feeding.
The EDF is responding to the situation of displaced people from Darfur, Sudan, who have taken refuge in Chad with an allocation of $8,000. Given through CWS, the grant will help build a new refugee camp for 20,000 people, expand three existing camps, and assist with water and sanitation projects and psycho-social support.
A grant of $7,500 supports a CWS appeal in the wake of two hurricanes in the southern states of the US. The money will help pay for local community efforts to respond to the storms as well as shipments of blankets and Gift of the Heart disaster relief kits.
An allocation of $5,000 has been made to a CWS appeal for severe flooding in the Maharashtra area of India. The heaviest rain ever recorded in Indian history fell in Mumbai, resulting in over 1,000 deaths and destruction of homes, crops, and livestock. The funds are providing immediate food relief along with basic household and hygiene items.
Another grant of $5,000 responds to a CWS appeal in the wake of Hurricane Dennis in Cuba. At least 120,000 homes were severely damaged and 50,000 people are homeless. The money will assist with immediate needs of food, housing construction and repair, household items, and psychosocial programs.
An allocation of $1,500 has been made for a seed-money grant to a local recovery committee in Wright, Wyo., after a tornado devastated the town. Ninety-one mobile homes were destroyed and two lives lost in the low-income coal-mining community. The money also will help deploy CWS staff to the area for training and capacity building, and support a shipment of blankets.
Source: 08/31/2005 Newsline
top
Southern Plains holds 39th District Conference.
The 39th District Conference of the Southern Plains District was held July 28-30 at Big Creek Church of the Brethren in Cushing, Okla. Moderator Dean Stump presided. A total of 20 delegates were seated, an increase from 16 last year.
Pre-conference highlights were a pastor's training event led by Jonathan Shively, director of the Brethren Academy, focusing on "Overcoming the Dark Side of Leadership" by Gary McIntosh and Samuel Rima. Ronald Beachley, moderator of Annual Conference, brought a compelling message at the conference opening worship Thursday evening. Shively brought three very challenging messages during conference as the main speaker.
District Board reports and actions included recognition of the Redevelopment Grant of $1,500 awarded to Family Faith Fellowship in Enid, Okla.; a decision to officially close the Enid Community Church of the Brethren; availability of the Growing Faithful Disciples resources to the churches; viewing the Outreach Packet video and distribution to the churches; and a decision to participate in the Together Conversations on Being the Church process. The board also learned that ordination reviews are near completion.
The Nurture Witness Commission voted to send a team from Falfurias to the Cross Cultural meeting. The commission also is working on a scrapbook of pictures to "put faces to the wonderful volunteers" involved in all the Nurture/Witness activities.
In other business the conference body received with appreciation a joint video report from the Annual Conference agencies, followed by brief reports from the two agencies assigned to report to the district this year. Bethany Theological Seminary with Shively highlighted the "Pilgrimage of Faith, A Future with Hope" l00th anniversary celebration; On Earth Peace with Bob Gross highlighted the work of the Ministry of Reconciliation. The annual auction benefitting Spring Lake Camp and Retreat Center brought $4467!!
The District Conference for 2006 will be at Roanoke (La.) Church of the Brethren. The conference elected Jack Graves as moderator and Jim Kelly as moderator-elect for 2006. Jackie Balmer is the Standing Committee delegate. George Brooks was elected to serve as board chair in a reorganization meeting.
"There is a special quality to our conference that is perhaps not found elsewhere," reported A. Joan Lowry, district executive minister. "Our special thanks to the Big Creek church for the hospitality and wonderful food, all the good humor, and deep love of the Lord that is always present."
Source: 08/31/2005 Newsline
top
The 39th District Conference of the Southern Plains District was held July 28-30 at Big Creek Church of the Brethren in Cushing, Okla. Moderator Dean Stump presided. A total of 20 delegates were seated, an increase from 16 last year.
Pre-conference highlights were a pastor's training event led by Jonathan Shively, director of the Brethren Academy, focusing on "Overcoming the Dark Side of Leadership" by Gary McIntosh and Samuel Rima. Ronald Beachley, moderator of Annual Conference, brought a compelling message at the conference opening worship Thursday evening. Shively brought three very challenging messages during conference as the main speaker.
District Board reports and actions included recognition of the Redevelopment Grant of $1,500 awarded to Family Faith Fellowship in Enid, Okla.; a decision to officially close the Enid Community Church of the Brethren; availability of the Growing Faithful Disciples resources to the churches; viewing the Outreach Packet video and distribution to the churches; and a decision to participate in the Together Conversations on Being the Church process. The board also learned that ordination reviews are near completion.
The Nurture Witness Commission voted to send a team from Falfurias to the Cross Cultural meeting. The commission also is working on a scrapbook of pictures to "put faces to the wonderful volunteers" involved in all the Nurture/Witness activities.
In other business the conference body received with appreciation a joint video report from the Annual Conference agencies, followed by brief reports from the two agencies assigned to report to the district this year. Bethany Theological Seminary with Shively highlighted the "Pilgrimage of Faith, A Future with Hope" l00th anniversary celebration; On Earth Peace with Bob Gross highlighted the work of the Ministry of Reconciliation. The annual auction benefitting Spring Lake Camp and Retreat Center brought $4467!!
The District Conference for 2006 will be at Roanoke (La.) Church of the Brethren. The conference elected Jack Graves as moderator and Jim Kelly as moderator-elect for 2006. Jackie Balmer is the Standing Committee delegate. George Brooks was elected to serve as board chair in a reorganization meeting.
"There is a special quality to our conference that is perhaps not found elsewhere," reported A. Joan Lowry, district executive minister. "Our special thanks to the Big Creek church for the hospitality and wonderful food, all the good humor, and deep love of the Lord that is always present."
Source: 08/31/2005 Newsline
top
Western Plains District re-ignites its witness.
Western Plains District Conference met Aug. 5-7 at Colorado State University in Pueblo for a weekend of fun, fellowship, business, and inspiration. More than 200 people attended from Colorado, Kansas, and Nebraska.
The theme, "Reigniting our Witness," grew out of the congregational renewal and transformation enterprise being launched at the Oct. 28-30 meeting called The Gathering, that invites congregations into a three-year covenant with the district. "Storytelling and faith sharing enhanced the spirit of anticipation and hope that is growing in the district," reported district co-executive minister Elsie Holderread. Sharing the campus facilities with approximately 100 military returnees from Iraq was an added opportunity for witness.
Moderator Parsram Venkatsammy, pastor of Ottawa (Kan.) Community Church of the Brethren, inspired the conference in his opening worship service. Jim Hardenbrook, past Annual Conference moderator, picked up on the theme and challenged the conference in his messages in Saturday evening and Sunday morning worship services. Stan Noffsinger, general secretary of the General Board, inspired and encouraged attendees at the minister/spouse dinner.
Twenty youth participated in the conference and activities led by Brethren Volunteer Service worker Nicole Suiters, as well as doing a service project at a pregnancy caring center. "The chair of the board for the center was so impressed with their work that she invited them to her house to swim when their work was completed!" said Holderread.
During the light business agenda, a 2006 budget was approved and new officers were elected. Two new church planters were recognized for their work. Pastors new to the district were introduced and Milestones in Ministry awards were given to 15 ordained ministers. Spirited bidding at the Projects Unlimited Auction raised $3,500 for mission projects. The pre-conference workshop and breakout sessions on vision and mission, vitality in smaller congregations, peace, the new Gather 'Round curriculum, and outdoor ministries were well attended.
Consecration of new officers and leaders followed the closing worship. LeRoy Weddle, an ordained minister from McPherson, Kan., will moderate the 2006 conference in McPherson July 28-30. David Smalley, pastor of Rochester Community Church of the Brethren in Topeka, Kan., is the moderator-elect.
Source: 08/31/2005 Newsline
top
Western Plains District Conference met Aug. 5-7 at Colorado State University in Pueblo for a weekend of fun, fellowship, business, and inspiration. More than 200 people attended from Colorado, Kansas, and Nebraska.
The theme, "Reigniting our Witness," grew out of the congregational renewal and transformation enterprise being launched at the Oct. 28-30 meeting called The Gathering, that invites congregations into a three-year covenant with the district. "Storytelling and faith sharing enhanced the spirit of anticipation and hope that is growing in the district," reported district co-executive minister Elsie Holderread. Sharing the campus facilities with approximately 100 military returnees from Iraq was an added opportunity for witness.
Moderator Parsram Venkatsammy, pastor of Ottawa (Kan.) Community Church of the Brethren, inspired the conference in his opening worship service. Jim Hardenbrook, past Annual Conference moderator, picked up on the theme and challenged the conference in his messages in Saturday evening and Sunday morning worship services. Stan Noffsinger, general secretary of the General Board, inspired and encouraged attendees at the minister/spouse dinner.
Twenty youth participated in the conference and activities led by Brethren Volunteer Service worker Nicole Suiters, as well as doing a service project at a pregnancy caring center. "The chair of the board for the center was so impressed with their work that she invited them to her house to swim when their work was completed!" said Holderread.
During the light business agenda, a 2006 budget was approved and new officers were elected. Two new church planters were recognized for their work. Pastors new to the district were introduced and Milestones in Ministry awards were given to 15 ordained ministers. Spirited bidding at the Projects Unlimited Auction raised $3,500 for mission projects. The pre-conference workshop and breakout sessions on vision and mission, vitality in smaller congregations, peace, the new Gather 'Round curriculum, and outdoor ministries were well attended.
Consecration of new officers and leaders followed the closing worship. LeRoy Weddle, an ordained minister from McPherson, Kan., will moderate the 2006 conference in McPherson July 28-30. David Smalley, pastor of Rochester Community Church of the Brethren in Topeka, Kan., is the moderator-elect.
Source: 08/31/2005 Newsline
top
McPherson College students lend helping hands.
McPherson (Kan.) College continues to encourage service and community responsibility in a program requiring all freshman and sophomore students to participate in seminar classes that provide various types of service projects on campus and in the community. The college reported in a recent release that lessons about service are well learned, as students from all classes continue to volunteer at many organizations including the Cedars Health Care Center, Good Beginnings Preschool, Meals on Wheels, the McPherson Humane Society, Multi-Community Diversified Services, the McPherson Public Library, and McPherson Family YMCA.
Two groups of McPherson College volunteers participated in a Habitat for Humanity project in Lindsborg, Kan. One group helped complete the foundation for a new house. Kevin Hadduck, director of academic development, felt that everyone benefitted from the project. "I believe that getting students out of their academic-sports-social routines and exposed, even if very briefly, to the needs and situations other people face can be very valuable," he said.
Two service trips were made during the fall break in October 2004. The first went to Hallam, Neb., where 13 students helped repair homes damaged in a tornado that devastated the town of 276 people in May 2004. "The town was a ghost town with only one or two houses left that looked livable, and only two or three trees still standing. It looked like a giant construction site. I wish we could have done more to help," said Seth Schoming, a sophomore from Davenport, Neb.
The second trip was to Heifer International in Arkansas, as part of the World Food Issues class taught by Al Dutrow, associate professor of Agriculture. Activities included cleaning animal facilities, paint branding sheep, harvesting and cleaning vegetables, fence construction, and landscape maintenance. One afternoon and night were spent in the Global Village, providing an opportunity to experience the living conditions and limited food resources of people served by Heifer International in various parts of the world.
Working through the General Board's Disaster Response program, eight students did hurricane relief work in Pensacola, Fla., during spring break this year. The work consisted mainly of dismantling unused and damaged naval base housing to salvage usable parts such as mirrors, fixtures, bricks, and wood. The salvage was sold and the proceeds were used to buy materials to help repair damaged homes. "Our trip to Pensacola was amazing," said Amy Porter, a sophomore from Quinter, Kan. "The destruction was horrific, but having the chance to help people who were so badly affected by this natural disaster gave us all a great feeling."
The tradition for service participation has contributed to the college's goal of creating whole persons. According to Tracy Stoddart, service coordinator, "the mission of McPherson College is alive and well." For more information call Stoddart at 620-241-0742 ext. 1707 or see www.mcpherson.edu.
Source: 08/31/2005 Newsline
top
McPherson (Kan.) College continues to encourage service and community responsibility in a program requiring all freshman and sophomore students to participate in seminar classes that provide various types of service projects on campus and in the community. The college reported in a recent release that lessons about service are well learned, as students from all classes continue to volunteer at many organizations including the Cedars Health Care Center, Good Beginnings Preschool, Meals on Wheels, the McPherson Humane Society, Multi-Community Diversified Services, the McPherson Public Library, and McPherson Family YMCA.
Two groups of McPherson College volunteers participated in a Habitat for Humanity project in Lindsborg, Kan. One group helped complete the foundation for a new house. Kevin Hadduck, director of academic development, felt that everyone benefitted from the project. "I believe that getting students out of their academic-sports-social routines and exposed, even if very briefly, to the needs and situations other people face can be very valuable," he said.
Two service trips were made during the fall break in October 2004. The first went to Hallam, Neb., where 13 students helped repair homes damaged in a tornado that devastated the town of 276 people in May 2004. "The town was a ghost town with only one or two houses left that looked livable, and only two or three trees still standing. It looked like a giant construction site. I wish we could have done more to help," said Seth Schoming, a sophomore from Davenport, Neb.
The second trip was to Heifer International in Arkansas, as part of the World Food Issues class taught by Al Dutrow, associate professor of Agriculture. Activities included cleaning animal facilities, paint branding sheep, harvesting and cleaning vegetables, fence construction, and landscape maintenance. One afternoon and night were spent in the Global Village, providing an opportunity to experience the living conditions and limited food resources of people served by Heifer International in various parts of the world.
Working through the General Board's Disaster Response program, eight students did hurricane relief work in Pensacola, Fla., during spring break this year. The work consisted mainly of dismantling unused and damaged naval base housing to salvage usable parts such as mirrors, fixtures, bricks, and wood. The salvage was sold and the proceeds were used to buy materials to help repair damaged homes. "Our trip to Pensacola was amazing," said Amy Porter, a sophomore from Quinter, Kan. "The destruction was horrific, but having the chance to help people who were so badly affected by this natural disaster gave us all a great feeling."
The tradition for service participation has contributed to the college's goal of creating whole persons. According to Tracy Stoddart, service coordinator, "the mission of McPherson College is alive and well." For more information call Stoddart at 620-241-0742 ext. 1707 or see www.mcpherson.edu.
Source: 08/31/2005 Newsline
top
Brethren bits: Personnel, Annual Conference website, and more.
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- The General Board has announced that L. Eric Miller of Carol Stream, Ill., will begin Sept. 6 as customer service specialist in Brethren Press. He has worked 20 years with ChurchMart, a mail-order Christian bookstore, most recently serving as director of sales and marketing. He has a master's degree in management from National-Louis University and a bachelor's degree in Christian education from Messiah College.
- Significant revisions have been made to the Annual Conference website, following the Conference in Peoria, Ill. The changes include a new leadership structure, a biography of Conference moderator Ronald Beachley, updates to the Doing Church Business Study Committee page, and a complete list of all recorded Conferences. New features include the Conference's strategic plan mission, vision, values, and objectives; a moderator's challenge that will be updated monthly; and new pages for the Review and Evaluation Committee and the Brethren Medical Plan Study Committee. Go to www.brethren.org/ac.
- "Since 1985, annual workcamps to Nigeria have sought to build relationships between our churches and kindled faith through the experience of working together," reports the General Board's Global Mission Partnerships. "Literally hundreds of persons have participated over the years. If you have missed out on this rich experience, you have another opportunity!" The 2006 workcamp will be offered Jan. 16-Feb. 11. David Whitten, pastor of Moscow Church of the Brethren in Mount Solon, Va., and former mission staff to Nigeria, will lead the event. Projected cost is $2,200. Applications are due by Oct. 3. See www.brethren.org for more information. Contact Mary Munson, Global Mission Partnerships, at mmunson_gb@brethren.org or 800-323-8039 ext. 230.
- "Archeology and the New Testament," a Brethren Academy course offering two continuing education units for pastors, will be taught by Jonathan Reed, professor of New Testament and Christian Origins at the University of La Verne, Calif., and "an extraordinary archeologist," as one reviewer describes him. The two texts for the course, focusing on Jesus and Paul, were co-authored with John Dominic Crossan. The course will be held Sept. 22-25 in Boise, Idaho. Meals will be provided and also housing on a first-come, first-served basis. Course fee is $150. For more information contact the Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership at 765-983-1824 or academy@bethanyseminary.edu.
- A New Church Development Retreat at Camp Bethel, Fincastle, Va., Sept. 23-24, will inspire, motivate, and encourage church planters and those interested in developing congregations for the Church of the Brethren from Maine to Florida. Although it began as an annual gathering for fellowship and sharing among new church core groups in Virginia and North Carolina, the retreat is currently sponsored by the New Church Development Committee of Shenandoah District and the Church Extension Committee of Virlina District. Leadership will be provided by denominational and district staff and church leaders. The event will include sharing stories, progress reports, and a commissioning service for new church planters. Cost including lodging and three meals will be $65. Registrations are due by Sept. 9. A brochure is available from Virlina District. For more information e-mail nuchurch@aol.com.
- Jeters Chapel Church of the Brethren, Vinton, Va., will celebrate its 130th anniversary on Sunday, Sept. 11, at 11 a.m. To contact the church call 540-890-7891.
- Living Faith Church of the Brethren in Concord, N.C., will be consecrated as a full congregation on Sept. 11. Jim Hardenbrook, past moderator of Annual Conference, will preach at a consecration service at 4 p.m. To contact the church call 704-782-3641.
- Papago Buttes Church of the Brethren in Scottsdale, Ariz., started meeting in a new building Aug. 7. The building, which the congregation says is the first "green" or environmentally conscious commercial building in Scottsdale, will be dedicated Sept. 18. Contact the church at 480-946-9822 or see www.pbcob.org.
- Idaho District will hold its District Conference Sept. 3-4 at Camp Wilbur Stover in New Meadows, Idaho. Stephen McPherson will be moderator.
- South/Central Indiana District gathers for District Conference Sept. 9-10 with moderator Ed Jackson, at Beech Grove Church of the Brethren in Pendleton, Ind.
- Manchester College has scheduled dedication of its new Science Center on Sept. 16 with a symposium of science presenters and tours; and inauguration of President Jo Young Switzer on Sept. 17 at 1:30 p.m. at Cordier Auditorium, following 9:30 a.m. morning worship at Manchester Church of the Brethren. For more information see www.manchester.edu/atimeforcelebration/index.htm.
- September events at Bridgewater (Va.) College include convocations and a fall spiritual focus. Convocations will take place at Cole Hall at 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 8 with Robert Stutman, former special agent in charge of New York's Drug Enforcement Administration, sponsored by the W. Harold Row Endowed Lecture Series; Sept. 15 with jazz drummer, percussionist, and composer Robert Jospe and Inner Rhythm; Sept. 22 with David Kaczynski, sponsored by W. Harold Row Endowed Lecture Series; Sept. 28 with NASA astronaut Patrick G. Forrester; and Sept. 29 with Robert Graetz, civil rights activist, sponsored by the Anna B. Mow Endowed Lecture Series. The Fall Spiritual Focus Sept. 27 will feature performance artist Al Staggs performing "A View from the Underside: The Legacy of Dietrich Bonhoeffer" at 9:30 a.m. at Cole Hall, and "Clarence Jordan and the God Movement" at 7:30 p.m. at Cole Hall. Events are free and open to the public. For more information call 800-476-4289 or see www.bridgewater.edu.
- "Together in Toronto: Claiming an Open Spirit," will be held July 27-30, 2006, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, sponsored by the Brethren and Mennonite Council for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Interests (BMC) along with two other faith-based groups, Affirm United's/Affirmer Ensemble and Lutherans Concerned/North America. It is the first-ever joint meeting of such groups from Brethren, Mennonite, Lutheran, and United Church of Canada backgrounds, according to a release from BMC. The conference will feature speakers, plenary sessions, worship, workshops, and entertainment. The three welcoming movements of Reconciling in Christ, the Supportive Congregations Network, and Affirming Ministries, as well as people from other faith traditions in North America will be welcomed. For more information contact co-chairs Ralph Carl Wushke at rwushke@interlog.com or Shannon Neufeldt at slneufeldt@yahoo.com.
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Brethren Witness/Washington Office highlights upcoming peace events.
The General Board's Brethren Witness/Washington Office is encouraging Brethren participation in upcoming peace-related events: the Seeking Peace Conference, Sept. 8-11, in Indianapolis, Ind.; a March on Washington and three days of action against the war in Iraq, Sept. 24-26; the International Day of Peace on Sept. 21; and "Shift Your Space, Transform the World: Young Adults Connecting Ecumenically for Peace and Justice," Oct. 8-10 in Chicago.
The Seeking Peace Conference Sept. 8-11 will be a multi-faceted and intergenerational gathering providing opportunities to build mentoring relationships and explore practical and intellectual approaches to peace and peacemaking. Sponsored in part by the Brethren Witness/Washington Office and On Earth Peace, the conference will feature workshops and seminars, a large book table and resource center, applications for all careers, youth participation, fellowship, and biblical, dynamic worship. For more information contact the office at 800-785-3246 or visit www.plowsharesproject.org.
The days of action against the war in Iraq, Sept. 24-26, will begin with a march, rally, and festival Saturday, Sept. 24 in Washington D.C. Brethren are encouraged to gather at the Brethren Witness/Washington Office (337 North Carolina Ave. SE), at 10 a.m. to march together to join the larger rally at the Washington Monument (watch for the Church of the Brethren display table on the mall). Other scheduled events include an interfaith religious service and day of grassroots training on Sept. 25, and a large-scale grassroots lobbying day and mass nonviolent direct action and civil disobedience on Sept. 26. For more information call the Brethren Witness/Washington Office or visit www.brethren.org or www.unitedforpeace.org. Contact the office for assistance in scheduling lobbying visits on Sept. 26.
Brethren are invited to join people from around the world in observing the International Day of Peace on Sept. 21. The vision for this day is a global cease-fire, as well as lifting up the principles of nonviolence. The day was established by a United Nations resolution in 1981, with the intention of setting aside a specific time for the UN and its member states to promote the ideals of peace. "We understand that this is only a symbolic day, but one that can and should raise the consciousness of peacemakers in all places. The challenge is to transform this symbolic day into reality," commented Phil Jones, office director. The day is supported by the World Council of Churches (WCC) as the International Day of Prayer for Peace. Resources are available at www.overcomingviolence.org/peace2005. Brethren may commit to a peace vigil and record the information at www.idpvigil.com/commitment. Contact the Brethren Witness/Washington Office for more peace-related resources or assistance in vigil promotion.
"Shift Your Space Transform the World," Oct. 8-10, is for young adult leaders in peace and justice work to build ecumenical connections. Seminarians, students, and youth delegates to the WCC's 9th Assembly will find links with the vision for peace promoted by the Decade to Overcome Violence (DOV). Activities will include participation in peace and justice projects, an action with the Chicago chapter of the National Interfaith Committee for Worker Justice, time for sharing resources, space for theological reflection with leaders in the WCC and member communions, and a visioning process with members of the US DOV Committee. The Church of the Brethren is represented on the committee by Phil Jones of the Brethren Witness/Washington Office and Matt Guynn of On Earth Peace. Young adults are invited to stay in Chicago to attend the Annual Meeting of the US Conference for the WCC and the WCC 9th Assembly Pre-Event, Oct. 10-12. Scholarships are available for Brethren who need assistance in order to attend. Registration information is available at www.wcc-usa.org. "Shift Your Space Transform the World" will cost $75 for the event, food and hostel-style lodging; or $35 without lodging. Registration deadline is Sept. 16.
Source: 08/31/2005 Newsline
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The General Board's Brethren Witness/Washington Office is encouraging Brethren participation in upcoming peace-related events: the Seeking Peace Conference, Sept. 8-11, in Indianapolis, Ind.; a March on Washington and three days of action against the war in Iraq, Sept. 24-26; the International Day of Peace on Sept. 21; and "Shift Your Space, Transform the World: Young Adults Connecting Ecumenically for Peace and Justice," Oct. 8-10 in Chicago.
The Seeking Peace Conference Sept. 8-11 will be a multi-faceted and intergenerational gathering providing opportunities to build mentoring relationships and explore practical and intellectual approaches to peace and peacemaking. Sponsored in part by the Brethren Witness/Washington Office and On Earth Peace, the conference will feature workshops and seminars, a large book table and resource center, applications for all careers, youth participation, fellowship, and biblical, dynamic worship. For more information contact the office at 800-785-3246 or visit www.plowsharesproject.org.
The days of action against the war in Iraq, Sept. 24-26, will begin with a march, rally, and festival Saturday, Sept. 24 in Washington D.C. Brethren are encouraged to gather at the Brethren Witness/Washington Office (337 North Carolina Ave. SE), at 10 a.m. to march together to join the larger rally at the Washington Monument (watch for the Church of the Brethren display table on the mall). Other scheduled events include an interfaith religious service and day of grassroots training on Sept. 25, and a large-scale grassroots lobbying day and mass nonviolent direct action and civil disobedience on Sept. 26. For more information call the Brethren Witness/Washington Office or visit www.brethren.org or www.unitedforpeace.org. Contact the office for assistance in scheduling lobbying visits on Sept. 26.
Brethren are invited to join people from around the world in observing the International Day of Peace on Sept. 21. The vision for this day is a global cease-fire, as well as lifting up the principles of nonviolence. The day was established by a United Nations resolution in 1981, with the intention of setting aside a specific time for the UN and its member states to promote the ideals of peace. "We understand that this is only a symbolic day, but one that can and should raise the consciousness of peacemakers in all places. The challenge is to transform this symbolic day into reality," commented Phil Jones, office director. The day is supported by the World Council of Churches (WCC) as the International Day of Prayer for Peace. Resources are available at www.overcomingviolence.org/peace2005. Brethren may commit to a peace vigil and record the information at www.idpvigil.com/commitment. Contact the Brethren Witness/Washington Office for more peace-related resources or assistance in vigil promotion.
"Shift Your Space Transform the World," Oct. 8-10, is for young adult leaders in peace and justice work to build ecumenical connections. Seminarians, students, and youth delegates to the WCC's 9th Assembly will find links with the vision for peace promoted by the Decade to Overcome Violence (DOV). Activities will include participation in peace and justice projects, an action with the Chicago chapter of the National Interfaith Committee for Worker Justice, time for sharing resources, space for theological reflection with leaders in the WCC and member communions, and a visioning process with members of the US DOV Committee. The Church of the Brethren is represented on the committee by Phil Jones of the Brethren Witness/Washington Office and Matt Guynn of On Earth Peace. Young adults are invited to stay in Chicago to attend the Annual Meeting of the US Conference for the WCC and the WCC 9th Assembly Pre-Event, Oct. 10-12. Scholarships are available for Brethren who need assistance in order to attend. Registration information is available at www.wcc-usa.org. "Shift Your Space Transform the World" will cost $75 for the event, food and hostel-style lodging; or $35 without lodging. Registration deadline is Sept. 16.
Source: 08/31/2005 Newsline
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World Mission Offering builds on missions conference momentum.
"The theme for this year's World Mission Offering emphasis, 'Alive to Mission,' builds on the excitement generated at the Mission Alive 2005 conference in Goshen, Ind., in April," said Janis Pyle, coordinator for Mission Connections for the General Board. The suggested date for the annual offering is Oct. 9.
A packet of offering-related materials including a DVD entitled, "Mission Alive 2005... and Beyond," has been mailed to all Church of the Brethren congregations. The theme comes from John 10:10, "I came that they might have life...." The packet includes ideas for activities to prepare for the offering. Enclosed are a bulletin insert/brochure on Brethren mission workers abroad, a sample offering envelope, and interpretation resources with ideas to help pastors develop mission-centered worship services. The interpretation resources are available in Spanish. For further information contact Janis Pyle at 800-323-8039 ext 227.
Source: 08/31/2005 Newsline
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"The theme for this year's World Mission Offering emphasis, 'Alive to Mission,' builds on the excitement generated at the Mission Alive 2005 conference in Goshen, Ind., in April," said Janis Pyle, coordinator for Mission Connections for the General Board. The suggested date for the annual offering is Oct. 9.
A packet of offering-related materials including a DVD entitled, "Mission Alive 2005... and Beyond," has been mailed to all Church of the Brethren congregations. The theme comes from John 10:10, "I came that they might have life...." The packet includes ideas for activities to prepare for the offering. Enclosed are a bulletin insert/brochure on Brethren mission workers abroad, a sample offering envelope, and interpretation resources with ideas to help pastors develop mission-centered worship services. The interpretation resources are available in Spanish. For further information contact Janis Pyle at 800-323-8039 ext 227.
Source: 08/31/2005 Newsline
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Newsline Special Report: Hurricane Katrina
THE BRETHREN SEND MATERIALS AND GRANT MONEY TO AID HURRICANE SURVIVORS.
The Church of the Brethren has begun responding to the needs of survivors of Hurricane Katrina with an initial grant from the General Board's Emergency Disaster Fund (EDF) and a shipment of relief materials from the Brethren Service Center warehouses in New Windsor, Md. In addition, board staff Roy Winter, director of Emergency Response, and Helen Stonesifer, coordinator of Disaster Child Care, have been requested to participate in the coordination of mass care for all the survivors, working out of Washington, D.C., with the Red Cross.
On Aug. 29, Hurricane Katrina slammed into the northern Gulf Coast causing massive destruction in the city of New Orleans, and in other areas of Louisiana, and Mississippi. The storm also affected the Alabama coast and Florida panhandle, reported Emergency Response/Service Ministries (ER/SM). "The storm is tracking up into the Tennessee and Ohio Valleys, where widespread flooding is expected," ER/SM said. According to press reports, death tolls may rise into the hundreds, and most of the half-million residents of New Orleans--which is being completely evacuated--will be unable to return home and need temporary shelter for weeks if not longer.
A shipment of relief materials left the Brethren Service Center last night, Aug. 30, bound for Baton Rouge, La. The shipment of 5,000 blankets and 5,040 Gift of the Heart Health Kits was prepared for Church World Service (CWS) by the staff of Service Ministries. It should arrive this afternoon, said Diane Gosnell, secretary for Emergency Response. Service Ministries also is preparing a shipment of 540 Health Kits for CWS to send to West Memphis, Ark.
The initial EDF grant of $15,000 responds to a CWS appeal for $300,000 for the disaster. The funds will support shipments of Gift of the Heart Kits, material aid, and the organization of longterm recovery. CWS anticipates that its response to Hurricane Katrina may be the largest US relief and recovery effort in its history, a press release today reported. CWS executive director John L. McCullough is travelling to Louisiana to personally assess emergency and longterm recovery needs and to meet with area faith leaders. "Church World Service is particularly concerned about the plight of what we anticipate to be a high percentage of poor people, the elderly, and other vulnerable populations," he said. "Stories of individuals who had to stay in their homes because they couldn't afford to evacuate personify that crisis." For more about the CWS response, see www.churchworldservice.org.
Church of the Brethren Disaster Child Care volunteers are standing by, and will likely work at shelters as well as in service centers. The child-care deployment is being organized and priorities are being set with the Red Cross, Winter said.
A call to remember those in Biloxi, Miss., who received Brethren aid to rebuild following a storm in the late 1990s came from Stan Noffsinger, general secretary of the General Board. He recalled in particular a grandmother named Miss Grace, who lived with three generations of her family in a home rebuilt by the Brethren. It was the first Brethren Disaster Response project after Noffsinger became director of the program in 1999. "I was so moved by the relationships that we built with the people in Biloxi, dear friends, dear souls," he said, remembering as well the hundreds of Brethren volunteers who gave hours of aid to Biloxi.
Miss Grace's home and others the Brethren helped to rebuild were located right behind the casinos that were destroyed along the coast line in Biloxi, Noffsinger said. The conflicting images of opulence and poverty highlight the problems that the country, and the church, face following this disaster, he said. "In light of the mighty winds, and the mighty waters, the opulence could not stand, but neither did Miss Grace's house. It makes you wonder what happened to the people we worked for, because they've lost everything. Where do they go now, and how do they recover?"
The Brethren who have been calling the Brethren Service Center with offers of rooms and hospitality for those displaced by the hurricane were thanked by Noffsinger, but he called for great care to be taken in responding to the crisis so that the church's response is appropriate. "I have confidence in our Emergency Response program, the Disaster Child Care program, and our participation in Church World Service," he said. "When we respond it will be appropriate, it will be humane, and it will be respectful of the lives that we care for."
In other Brethren news related to the hurricane, a prayer request was issued by Southeastern District for hurricane damage in Alabama. The church buildings of Fruitdale (Ala.) Church of the Brethren and Cedar Creek Church of the Brethren in Citronelle, Ala., were unharmed. A member of Cedar Creek lost her home, and the daughter of the Fruitdale pastor had a tree fall on one end of her mobile home. Steven Petcher, a team pastor at Cedar Creek, reported that many trees were blown over by the 60- to 90-mile-an-hour winds, but all church members are safe.
The district is collecting donations toward the disaster. "When you look at the whole picture it's just overwhelming," said district co-executive Martha Roudebush, expressing concern for all of those affected by the hurricane. "You can't find words" to share the feelings, she said.
Gift of the Heart Health Kits are needed for the relief effort, as well as Heart to Heart Kids Kits, and donations to the Emergency Disaster Fund to support Brethren efforts to help those in need. Information about kits is at www.churchworldservice.org/kits/index.html. Donations may be sent to the Emergency Disaster Fund, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120. For more about the Emergency Response/Service Ministries see www.brethren.org/genbd/ersm/.
Source: 08/31/2005 Newsline
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THE BRETHREN SEND MATERIALS AND GRANT MONEY TO AID HURRICANE SURVIVORS.
The Church of the Brethren has begun responding to the needs of survivors of Hurricane Katrina with an initial grant from the General Board's Emergency Disaster Fund (EDF) and a shipment of relief materials from the Brethren Service Center warehouses in New Windsor, Md. In addition, board staff Roy Winter, director of Emergency Response, and Helen Stonesifer, coordinator of Disaster Child Care, have been requested to participate in the coordination of mass care for all the survivors, working out of Washington, D.C., with the Red Cross.
On Aug. 29, Hurricane Katrina slammed into the northern Gulf Coast causing massive destruction in the city of New Orleans, and in other areas of Louisiana, and Mississippi. The storm also affected the Alabama coast and Florida panhandle, reported Emergency Response/Service Ministries (ER/SM). "The storm is tracking up into the Tennessee and Ohio Valleys, where widespread flooding is expected," ER/SM said. According to press reports, death tolls may rise into the hundreds, and most of the half-million residents of New Orleans--which is being completely evacuated--will be unable to return home and need temporary shelter for weeks if not longer.
A shipment of relief materials left the Brethren Service Center last night, Aug. 30, bound for Baton Rouge, La. The shipment of 5,000 blankets and 5,040 Gift of the Heart Health Kits was prepared for Church World Service (CWS) by the staff of Service Ministries. It should arrive this afternoon, said Diane Gosnell, secretary for Emergency Response. Service Ministries also is preparing a shipment of 540 Health Kits for CWS to send to West Memphis, Ark.
The initial EDF grant of $15,000 responds to a CWS appeal for $300,000 for the disaster. The funds will support shipments of Gift of the Heart Kits, material aid, and the organization of longterm recovery. CWS anticipates that its response to Hurricane Katrina may be the largest US relief and recovery effort in its history, a press release today reported. CWS executive director John L. McCullough is travelling to Louisiana to personally assess emergency and longterm recovery needs and to meet with area faith leaders. "Church World Service is particularly concerned about the plight of what we anticipate to be a high percentage of poor people, the elderly, and other vulnerable populations," he said. "Stories of individuals who had to stay in their homes because they couldn't afford to evacuate personify that crisis." For more about the CWS response, see www.churchworldservice.org.
Church of the Brethren Disaster Child Care volunteers are standing by, and will likely work at shelters as well as in service centers. The child-care deployment is being organized and priorities are being set with the Red Cross, Winter said.
A call to remember those in Biloxi, Miss., who received Brethren aid to rebuild following a storm in the late 1990s came from Stan Noffsinger, general secretary of the General Board. He recalled in particular a grandmother named Miss Grace, who lived with three generations of her family in a home rebuilt by the Brethren. It was the first Brethren Disaster Response project after Noffsinger became director of the program in 1999. "I was so moved by the relationships that we built with the people in Biloxi, dear friends, dear souls," he said, remembering as well the hundreds of Brethren volunteers who gave hours of aid to Biloxi.
Miss Grace's home and others the Brethren helped to rebuild were located right behind the casinos that were destroyed along the coast line in Biloxi, Noffsinger said. The conflicting images of opulence and poverty highlight the problems that the country, and the church, face following this disaster, he said. "In light of the mighty winds, and the mighty waters, the opulence could not stand, but neither did Miss Grace's house. It makes you wonder what happened to the people we worked for, because they've lost everything. Where do they go now, and how do they recover?"
The Brethren who have been calling the Brethren Service Center with offers of rooms and hospitality for those displaced by the hurricane were thanked by Noffsinger, but he called for great care to be taken in responding to the crisis so that the church's response is appropriate. "I have confidence in our Emergency Response program, the Disaster Child Care program, and our participation in Church World Service," he said. "When we respond it will be appropriate, it will be humane, and it will be respectful of the lives that we care for."
In other Brethren news related to the hurricane, a prayer request was issued by Southeastern District for hurricane damage in Alabama. The church buildings of Fruitdale (Ala.) Church of the Brethren and Cedar Creek Church of the Brethren in Citronelle, Ala., were unharmed. A member of Cedar Creek lost her home, and the daughter of the Fruitdale pastor had a tree fall on one end of her mobile home. Steven Petcher, a team pastor at Cedar Creek, reported that many trees were blown over by the 60- to 90-mile-an-hour winds, but all church members are safe.
The district is collecting donations toward the disaster. "When you look at the whole picture it's just overwhelming," said district co-executive Martha Roudebush, expressing concern for all of those affected by the hurricane. "You can't find words" to share the feelings, she said.
Gift of the Heart Health Kits are needed for the relief effort, as well as Heart to Heart Kids Kits, and donations to the Emergency Disaster Fund to support Brethren efforts to help those in need. Information about kits is at www.churchworldservice.org/kits/index.html. Donations may be sent to the Emergency Disaster Fund, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120. For more about the Emergency Response/Service Ministries see www.brethren.org/genbd/ersm/.
Source: 08/31/2005 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 if Newsline is cited as the source. Janice England, Lerry Fogle, Mary Kay Heatwole, Elsie Holderread, Phil Jones, Merv Keeney, Jon Kobel, Jeri S. Kornegay, A. Joan Lowry, Wendy McFadden, Janis Pyle, and Joe Vecchio 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 if Newsline is cited as the source. Janice England, Lerry Fogle, Mary Kay Heatwole, Elsie Holderread, Phil Jones, Merv Keeney, Jon Kobel, Jeri S. Kornegay, A. Joan Lowry, Wendy McFadden, Janis Pyle, and Joe Vecchio contributed to this report.
Monday, August 29, 2005
Donald F. Durnbaugh is remembered as 'dean of Brethren historians.'
Church of the Brethren historian, educator, and church leader Donald F. Durnbaugh died on Saturday, Aug. 27, at Beth Israel Hospital in Newark, N.J., at age 77. He and his wife, Hedda, were returning from a trip to Europe. He lived in James Creek, Pa., and attended Stone Church of the Brethren in Huntingdon, Pa. He was born in Detroit, Mich., in 1927. The Durnbaughs have three children and two grandchildren.
Durnbaugh held a unique position in the Church of the Brethren as "the dean of Brethren historians," in the words of Dale W. Brown, a colleague when Durnbaugh taught at Bethany Theological Seminary. He also was considered a leading authority on the Historic Peace Churches and American communitarian movements. "Don is internationally known and widely considered to be the leading twentieth century historian of the Church of the Brethren and other Brethren groups that originated in Schwarzenau, Germany, in the early 18th century," wrote seminary colleague Donald E. Miller in a 1997 "festschrift" celebrating Durnbaugh's work.
Among his numerous books and articles are "European Origins of the Brethren: A Source Book on the Beginnings of the Church of the Brethren in Early Eighteenth-Century Europe" (Brethren Press, 1958), "Brethren in Colonial America: A Source Book on the Transplantation and Development of the Church of the Brethren in the Eighteenth Century" (Brethren Press, 1967), "The Believers' Church: The History and Character of Radical Protestantism" (Macmillan, 1968), and "Fruit of the Vine: A History of the Brethren, 1708-1995" (Brethren Press, 1997). Durnbaugh served as editor-in-chief of the three-volume "Brethren Encyclopedia," published in 1983-84. He was working on completing the editing of the fourth volume that is to be published soon.
Durnbaugh taught at Juniata College in Huntingdon, Pa., for four years before he began teaching church history at Bethany Theological Seminary in 1962. In 1988 he became the J. Omar Good Distinguished Visiting Professor at Juniata, and in 1989 became the Carl W. Ziegler Professor of History and Religion at Elizabethtown (Pa.) College. He held degrees from Manchester College in North Manchester, Ind.; the University of Michigan; and the University of Pennsylvania; and studied at Philipps-Universitaet Marburg, Germany. His many professional associations included affiliation with the Young Center for the Study of Anabaptist and Pietist Groups at Elizabethtown, and service as president of the Brethren Journal Association.
Among Durnbaugh's Brethren mentors were Gladdys Muir and M.R. Zigler. Commissioned by Zigler, he collected a book of documents entitled "On Earth Peace: Discussions on War/Peace Issues Between Friends, Mennonites, Brethren, and European Churches 1935-1975" (Brethren Press, 1978). His biography of Zigler, "Pragmatic Prophet," was published by Brethren Press in 1989.
Durnbaugh's career as a church leader began with volunteer service in Europe through the Brethren Service Commission, beginning in 1949. He was in the third unit of Brethren Volunteer Service and worked with refugees in Austria, later returning to direct the Brethren Service program there. He met his wife, Hedda, at a peace seminar in Vienna. It was with her help in translating documents from the German that Durnbaugh began his study of Brethren history in Europe.
In 1986 he served in the highest elected position in the Church of the Brethren as Annual Conference moderator. Other church leadership positions included a Conference study committee on church and state, leadership of the Brethren Colleges Abroad program in Europe 1964-65, membership in the Brethren Historical Committee and the Germantown Trust, leadership in a Brethren-Russian Orthodox Exchange in 1971, and service in the Fraternal Relations Committee. With John Howard Yoder he was a co-coordinator of Believers' Church conferences that gathered "free church" traditions in a new configuration.
Most recently, he was a member of the committee planning the celebration of the 300th anniversary of the Church of the Brethren. He served a term as chair and was a key leader in contacts with other Brethren bodies, who held him in high esteem. In recent years, he and Hedda also led Brethren history tours of Europe.
A memorial service is being planned for a future date.
Source: 8/29/2005 Newsline
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Church of the Brethren historian, educator, and church leader Donald F. Durnbaugh died on Saturday, Aug. 27, at Beth Israel Hospital in Newark, N.J., at age 77. He and his wife, Hedda, were returning from a trip to Europe. He lived in James Creek, Pa., and attended Stone Church of the Brethren in Huntingdon, Pa. He was born in Detroit, Mich., in 1927. The Durnbaughs have three children and two grandchildren.
Durnbaugh held a unique position in the Church of the Brethren as "the dean of Brethren historians," in the words of Dale W. Brown, a colleague when Durnbaugh taught at Bethany Theological Seminary. He also was considered a leading authority on the Historic Peace Churches and American communitarian movements. "Don is internationally known and widely considered to be the leading twentieth century historian of the Church of the Brethren and other Brethren groups that originated in Schwarzenau, Germany, in the early 18th century," wrote seminary colleague Donald E. Miller in a 1997 "festschrift" celebrating Durnbaugh's work.
Among his numerous books and articles are "European Origins of the Brethren: A Source Book on the Beginnings of the Church of the Brethren in Early Eighteenth-Century Europe" (Brethren Press, 1958), "Brethren in Colonial America: A Source Book on the Transplantation and Development of the Church of the Brethren in the Eighteenth Century" (Brethren Press, 1967), "The Believers' Church: The History and Character of Radical Protestantism" (Macmillan, 1968), and "Fruit of the Vine: A History of the Brethren, 1708-1995" (Brethren Press, 1997). Durnbaugh served as editor-in-chief of the three-volume "Brethren Encyclopedia," published in 1983-84. He was working on completing the editing of the fourth volume that is to be published soon.
Durnbaugh taught at Juniata College in Huntingdon, Pa., for four years before he began teaching church history at Bethany Theological Seminary in 1962. In 1988 he became the J. Omar Good Distinguished Visiting Professor at Juniata, and in 1989 became the Carl W. Ziegler Professor of History and Religion at Elizabethtown (Pa.) College. He held degrees from Manchester College in North Manchester, Ind.; the University of Michigan; and the University of Pennsylvania; and studied at Philipps-Universitaet Marburg, Germany. His many professional associations included affiliation with the Young Center for the Study of Anabaptist and Pietist Groups at Elizabethtown, and service as president of the Brethren Journal Association.
Among Durnbaugh's Brethren mentors were Gladdys Muir and M.R. Zigler. Commissioned by Zigler, he collected a book of documents entitled "On Earth Peace: Discussions on War/Peace Issues Between Friends, Mennonites, Brethren, and European Churches 1935-1975" (Brethren Press, 1978). His biography of Zigler, "Pragmatic Prophet," was published by Brethren Press in 1989.
Durnbaugh's career as a church leader began with volunteer service in Europe through the Brethren Service Commission, beginning in 1949. He was in the third unit of Brethren Volunteer Service and worked with refugees in Austria, later returning to direct the Brethren Service program there. He met his wife, Hedda, at a peace seminar in Vienna. It was with her help in translating documents from the German that Durnbaugh began his study of Brethren history in Europe.
In 1986 he served in the highest elected position in the Church of the Brethren as Annual Conference moderator. Other church leadership positions included a Conference study committee on church and state, leadership of the Brethren Colleges Abroad program in Europe 1964-65, membership in the Brethren Historical Committee and the Germantown Trust, leadership in a Brethren-Russian Orthodox Exchange in 1971, and service in the Fraternal Relations Committee. With John Howard Yoder he was a co-coordinator of Believers' Church conferences that gathered "free church" traditions in a new configuration.
Most recently, he was a member of the committee planning the celebration of the 300th anniversary of the Church of the Brethren. He served a term as chair and was a key leader in contacts with other Brethren bodies, who held him in high esteem. In recent years, he and Hedda also led Brethren history tours of Europe.
A memorial service is being planned for a future date.
Source: 8/29/2005 Newsline
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Brethren disaster staff prepare for aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.
Staff of the General Board's Emergency Response/Service Ministries are monitoring the progress of Hurricane Katrina, in anticipation of much work to do in the aftermath of the storm. Disaster Child Care volunteers are being put on alert, and the two active Brethren Disaster Response projects in Florida and Ohio are being shut down because of the storm. The category four hurricane, which passed over southern Florida Thursday, hit the gulf coast east of New Orleans this morning, and is expected to make its way north in the coming days.
"A lot of what's going on right now is the coordinating effort of responding organizations," said Emergency Response director Roy Winter, who was unable to fly to visit the Brethren project in Pensacola, Fla., this morning because the airport there is closed. His staff have been engaged in conference calls today to coordinate the Brethren involvement in the response effort. The Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Red Cross are setting up emergency centers, and Church World Service (CWS) has activated its response as well.
Disaster Child Care staff hope to get teams into the federal and Red Cross emergency centers. Child care volunteers are asked to contact their regional coordinators to indicate their availability; or to call the Emergency Response office at 800-451-4407.
The team of volunteers scheduled to work at the Pensacola project this week has been canceled because of the proximity to the hurricane, Winter said. Volunteers at the Ohio project are being relocated because of more flooding in the area anticipated from heavy rainfall as Katrina moves north.
He said the city of New Orleans was "fortunate" that the storm moved east, but expressed concerned about the situation in other areas in Mississippi. The movement east "may have been the saving grace for a lot of people" in New Orleans, he said.
Winter called on Brethren to help support a CWS appeal for help for the storm victims, through the General Board's Emergency Disaster Fund (1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120). "With 28 percent of New Orleans' residents living below poverty level, CWS is mobilizing to help the most vulnerable with long-term recovery," said CWS associate director for Domestic Emergency Response Linda Reed Brown, in a press release from the ecumenical agency. "While we'll have to wait for results of assessments, it's clear that even though New Orleans was spared the worst of storm surge catastrophes, there's no doubt that damage to homes and possessions will be major, throughout affected areas."
For further information about the CWS response to Hurricane Katrina, visit www.churchworldservice.org. For more information about Emergency Response/Service Ministries, see www.brethren.org/genbd/ersm/.
Source: 8/29/2005 Newsline
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Staff of the General Board's Emergency Response/Service Ministries are monitoring the progress of Hurricane Katrina, in anticipation of much work to do in the aftermath of the storm. Disaster Child Care volunteers are being put on alert, and the two active Brethren Disaster Response projects in Florida and Ohio are being shut down because of the storm. The category four hurricane, which passed over southern Florida Thursday, hit the gulf coast east of New Orleans this morning, and is expected to make its way north in the coming days.
"A lot of what's going on right now is the coordinating effort of responding organizations," said Emergency Response director Roy Winter, who was unable to fly to visit the Brethren project in Pensacola, Fla., this morning because the airport there is closed. His staff have been engaged in conference calls today to coordinate the Brethren involvement in the response effort. The Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Red Cross are setting up emergency centers, and Church World Service (CWS) has activated its response as well.
Disaster Child Care staff hope to get teams into the federal and Red Cross emergency centers. Child care volunteers are asked to contact their regional coordinators to indicate their availability; or to call the Emergency Response office at 800-451-4407.
The team of volunteers scheduled to work at the Pensacola project this week has been canceled because of the proximity to the hurricane, Winter said. Volunteers at the Ohio project are being relocated because of more flooding in the area anticipated from heavy rainfall as Katrina moves north.
He said the city of New Orleans was "fortunate" that the storm moved east, but expressed concerned about the situation in other areas in Mississippi. The movement east "may have been the saving grace for a lot of people" in New Orleans, he said.
Winter called on Brethren to help support a CWS appeal for help for the storm victims, through the General Board's Emergency Disaster Fund (1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120). "With 28 percent of New Orleans' residents living below poverty level, CWS is mobilizing to help the most vulnerable with long-term recovery," said CWS associate director for Domestic Emergency Response Linda Reed Brown, in a press release from the ecumenical agency. "While we'll have to wait for results of assessments, it's clear that even though New Orleans was spared the worst of storm surge catastrophes, there's no doubt that damage to homes and possessions will be major, throughout affected areas."
For further information about the CWS response to Hurricane Katrina, visit www.churchworldservice.org. For more information about Emergency Response/Service Ministries, see www.brethren.org/genbd/ersm/.
Source: 8/29/2005 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 special reports as needed. Newsline stories may be reprinted if Newsline is cited as the source. Ken Shaffer and Mary Lou Garrison 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 special reports as needed. Newsline stories may be reprinted if Newsline is cited as the source. Ken Shaffer and Mary Lou Garrison contributed to this report.
Friday, August 26, 2005
Caring Ministries Assembly explores 'Peace Beyond Our Fears.'
More than 200 Brethren caregivers focused on "Peace Beyond Our Fears" at the Caring Ministries Assembly Aug. 11-13 at Bridgewater (Va.) Church of the Brethren. The theme was explored through speakers, preachers, and workshops.
"Conference attendees thanked us for this event because of the spirit of healing and peace that they experienced," said Kathy Reid, executive director for the Association of Brethren Caregivers, the Church of the Brethren agency that sponsors the conference biennially.
In the opening worship service, a visual prelude showing images of fear while organist John Barr performed Samuel Barber's "Adagio for Strings." Worship leader Del Keeney led a confession of fears that incorporated readings and responses based on Psalm 23:1-6. Robert Wicks, professor of pastoral care at Baltimore's Loyola College, gave the message focused on the need for caregivers to have perspective about the problems and difficulties facing them and the people for whom they care. Perspective comes from "the source of all of this, God, scripture, prayer life," and without these things caregivers lose perspective, he said.
Wicks carried the theme into a morning plenary session about the three pieces of spiritual life, which he named as presence to others, presence to self, and presence to God. "One of the greatest things (caregivers) can offer others is the circle of grace formed by love and freedom," he said. "We offer this space to others where they can rest their burdens, their questions, their anger, their doubts, their anxieties."
Jayne Seminare Docherty, of the STAR Center at Eastern Mennonite University, provided a plenary presentation on the dynamics that individuals and groups experience as a result of trauma and being victimized. She described how trauma victims experience physical and emotional cycles such as physical reactions to trauma, feelings of loss, grief, anger, helplessness, and a need for justice. She explained how individuals and groups must experience these stages as part of a journey toward healing. People of faith can be harmed if they focus too quickly on God's reassurance to "be not afraid," without acknowledging what really happened and working through these stages, Docherty said.
Louise Baldwin Rieman, co-pastor of Northview Church of the Brethren in Indianapolis, preached on the Acts 27 story of Paul's journey as a prisoner to Rome to appeal his case before the emperor. When Paul's ship met with terrible storms followed by days of dormant seas, he broke bread and encouraged the passengers and sailors to eat and keep up their courage. "It's truly easier to have courage when you have a mission, a purpose, a passion," Rieman said. She wondered who will have Paul-like courage to go to "our Rome" to protest the Iraq war, speak out for the victims of an unjust health-care system, and work for tolerance for those who are different.
Stephen Reid, academic dean and professor of Old Testament Studies at Bethany Theological Seminary in Richmond, Ind., explored fear and courage through Isaiah 41:8-16 and 43:1-7 in morning Bible studies. He described how these words of affirmation and encouragement from God, written in 700-500 B.C., continue as words of encouragement to the present church to appreciate its roots but also embrace the living God who calls us to change and welcome others.
The assembly's closing worship featured a sermon from Andrew Murray, founder and director of Juniata College's Institute for Peace and Conflict Studies. Murray preached a message of peace despite fear, a message he believes Brethren don't hear enough from church leaders or the pulpit.
More than 20 workshops covered a range of topics, led by several denominational agencies. Topics included peacemaking, older adult ministry, healthy communication, dealing with conflict, mental health, and healthy lifestyles. Tracks were offered for deacons and chaplains. Each day, attendees entered into a period of silence and could rest, walk the grounds, meditate, or do Tai Chi. Massage and spiritual direction were offered as well.
Photographs from the event can be viewed at www.brethren-caregivers.org.
Source: 8/26/2005 Newsline
top
More than 200 Brethren caregivers focused on "Peace Beyond Our Fears" at the Caring Ministries Assembly Aug. 11-13 at Bridgewater (Va.) Church of the Brethren. The theme was explored through speakers, preachers, and workshops.
"Conference attendees thanked us for this event because of the spirit of healing and peace that they experienced," said Kathy Reid, executive director for the Association of Brethren Caregivers, the Church of the Brethren agency that sponsors the conference biennially.
In the opening worship service, a visual prelude showing images of fear while organist John Barr performed Samuel Barber's "Adagio for Strings." Worship leader Del Keeney led a confession of fears that incorporated readings and responses based on Psalm 23:1-6. Robert Wicks, professor of pastoral care at Baltimore's Loyola College, gave the message focused on the need for caregivers to have perspective about the problems and difficulties facing them and the people for whom they care. Perspective comes from "the source of all of this, God, scripture, prayer life," and without these things caregivers lose perspective, he said.
Wicks carried the theme into a morning plenary session about the three pieces of spiritual life, which he named as presence to others, presence to self, and presence to God. "One of the greatest things (caregivers) can offer others is the circle of grace formed by love and freedom," he said. "We offer this space to others where they can rest their burdens, their questions, their anger, their doubts, their anxieties."
Jayne Seminare Docherty, of the STAR Center at Eastern Mennonite University, provided a plenary presentation on the dynamics that individuals and groups experience as a result of trauma and being victimized. She described how trauma victims experience physical and emotional cycles such as physical reactions to trauma, feelings of loss, grief, anger, helplessness, and a need for justice. She explained how individuals and groups must experience these stages as part of a journey toward healing. People of faith can be harmed if they focus too quickly on God's reassurance to "be not afraid," without acknowledging what really happened and working through these stages, Docherty said.
Louise Baldwin Rieman, co-pastor of Northview Church of the Brethren in Indianapolis, preached on the Acts 27 story of Paul's journey as a prisoner to Rome to appeal his case before the emperor. When Paul's ship met with terrible storms followed by days of dormant seas, he broke bread and encouraged the passengers and sailors to eat and keep up their courage. "It's truly easier to have courage when you have a mission, a purpose, a passion," Rieman said. She wondered who will have Paul-like courage to go to "our Rome" to protest the Iraq war, speak out for the victims of an unjust health-care system, and work for tolerance for those who are different.
Stephen Reid, academic dean and professor of Old Testament Studies at Bethany Theological Seminary in Richmond, Ind., explored fear and courage through Isaiah 41:8-16 and 43:1-7 in morning Bible studies. He described how these words of affirmation and encouragement from God, written in 700-500 B.C., continue as words of encouragement to the present church to appreciate its roots but also embrace the living God who calls us to change and welcome others.
The assembly's closing worship featured a sermon from Andrew Murray, founder and director of Juniata College's Institute for Peace and Conflict Studies. Murray preached a message of peace despite fear, a message he believes Brethren don't hear enough from church leaders or the pulpit.
More than 20 workshops covered a range of topics, led by several denominational agencies. Topics included peacemaking, older adult ministry, healthy communication, dealing with conflict, mental health, and healthy lifestyles. Tracks were offered for deacons and chaplains. Each day, attendees entered into a period of silence and could rest, walk the grounds, meditate, or do Tai Chi. Massage and spiritual direction were offered as well.
Photographs from the event can be viewed at www.brethren-caregivers.org.
Source: 8/26/2005 Newsline
top
Assembly offers 'a different level of community.'
By Ruth Aukerman
I had never been to a Caring Ministries Assembly before. I might have missed this one as well had it not been for a Training in Ministry (TRIM) class that was offered in connection with it. I am so glad that I went. This conference was the best Brethren gathering in a long time for me. I cannot remember an Annual Conference, district meeting, TRIM experience, or any other recent spiritual event that has touched the core of my being as has this Caring Ministries Assembly.
Maybe the most important reason was the theme, "Peace Beyond Our Fears." The hymn, "Healer of Our Every Ill," with its prayer, "give us peace beyond our fear and hope beyond our sorrow," was one of our favorites at the time when my husband, Dale, was dying from lung cancer. So when in the assembly's Bible studies, lectures, and sermons fears and anxieties were identified and then held up to the grace of God, this was very personal for me. Even big, global fears like the tsunami, terrorism, and 9/11 can be seen in a new light and from a new perspective. Out of the pain and the sub-basement of my soul still needs to come much more gratitude for the life God has given me and is living through me.
The presenters and ministers of the word seemed to know my life, but I found out that I was not alone in my fears. Next to me sat sisters and brothers who also were afraid of failure, isolation, or our economic and political tomorrow, let alone the tomorrow of our dwindling, marginalized denomination. Many of them I knew by name but most were strangers. They came from a wide spectrum of theological and political persuasions.
It was not the kind of conference where one is already of one mind, where speakers preach to the choir. No, if we were to identify the demons that were binding us we might each have different names for them, but I think we all came with the deep question: "Is God still with us? How long is Christ sleeping while the storm rages outside our little boat?" That for me was a different level of community--a community of those who know that they need to be freed from fear.
The bread we broke together assured us that God still is Immanuel, spreading a table in the presence of our personal, communal, or political enemies. We, the "worm" of the Church of the Brethren, are beloved by God.
Because of that we can and must return to our heritage of peacemaking and peace witness. We as caregivers must call our people away from the spiral of fear that paralyzes and is subservient to the principalities and powers of the prevailing culture. Through ever-consistent prayer we must again be a living peace church, all the more now, all the more even in the valley....
At a time when many pastors are afraid to speak truth to power and when whole communities--and even Christian congregations--give in to irrational fears, it simply was good to be reminded of who we are and whose we are. I am so very thankful for this unapologetically Brethren conference, and to all who prayed and worked so hard to make it happen.
For me it was a 'kairos' event. God's timing is perfect.
--Ruth Aukerman is a licensed Church of the Brethren minister from Union Bridge, Md.
Source: 8/26/2005 Newsline
top
By Ruth Aukerman
I had never been to a Caring Ministries Assembly before. I might have missed this one as well had it not been for a Training in Ministry (TRIM) class that was offered in connection with it. I am so glad that I went. This conference was the best Brethren gathering in a long time for me. I cannot remember an Annual Conference, district meeting, TRIM experience, or any other recent spiritual event that has touched the core of my being as has this Caring Ministries Assembly.
Maybe the most important reason was the theme, "Peace Beyond Our Fears." The hymn, "Healer of Our Every Ill," with its prayer, "give us peace beyond our fear and hope beyond our sorrow," was one of our favorites at the time when my husband, Dale, was dying from lung cancer. So when in the assembly's Bible studies, lectures, and sermons fears and anxieties were identified and then held up to the grace of God, this was very personal for me. Even big, global fears like the tsunami, terrorism, and 9/11 can be seen in a new light and from a new perspective. Out of the pain and the sub-basement of my soul still needs to come much more gratitude for the life God has given me and is living through me.
The presenters and ministers of the word seemed to know my life, but I found out that I was not alone in my fears. Next to me sat sisters and brothers who also were afraid of failure, isolation, or our economic and political tomorrow, let alone the tomorrow of our dwindling, marginalized denomination. Many of them I knew by name but most were strangers. They came from a wide spectrum of theological and political persuasions.
It was not the kind of conference where one is already of one mind, where speakers preach to the choir. No, if we were to identify the demons that were binding us we might each have different names for them, but I think we all came with the deep question: "Is God still with us? How long is Christ sleeping while the storm rages outside our little boat?" That for me was a different level of community--a community of those who know that they need to be freed from fear.
The bread we broke together assured us that God still is Immanuel, spreading a table in the presence of our personal, communal, or political enemies. We, the "worm" of the Church of the Brethren, are beloved by God.
Because of that we can and must return to our heritage of peacemaking and peace witness. We as caregivers must call our people away from the spiral of fear that paralyzes and is subservient to the principalities and powers of the prevailing culture. Through ever-consistent prayer we must again be a living peace church, all the more now, all the more even in the valley....
At a time when many pastors are afraid to speak truth to power and when whole communities--and even Christian congregations--give in to irrational fears, it simply was good to be reminded of who we are and whose we are. I am so very thankful for this unapologetically Brethren conference, and to all who prayed and worked so hard to make it happen.
For me it was a 'kairos' event. God's timing is perfect.
--Ruth Aukerman is a licensed Church of the Brethren minister from Union Bridge, Md.
Source: 8/26/2005 Newsline
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Wednesday, August 17, 2005
NEWS
- Brethren share in loss of Brother Roger of Taize.
- Conference publicizes key points of strategic plan.
- Brethren Benefit Trust celebrates 'no smoking' decision.
- Credit union implements staggered terms for board.
- Northern Plains District meets 'With Christ, Without Fear.'
- New shoes, a stop at denominational offices for the Walk Across America.
- Brethren bits: Remembrances, job openings, and more.
Brethren share in loss of Brother Roger of Taize.
The founder of the Taize community in France, brother Roger Louis Schutz-Marsauche, was stabbed to death yesterday, Aug. 16, during an evening prayer service at the community's Reconciliation Church, according to a press report from France. Taize's 90-year-old founder was known simply as Brother Roger.
Taize is an ecumenical monastic community founded in the 1940s with a message of peace and friendship across cultures. The group's unique meditative music and worship style draws tens of thousands of youth and young adult pilgrims from around the world every year. The report said police detained a 36-year-old mentally disturbed Romanian woman who made the attack in the presence of some 2,500 young worshippers.
"We join the world in this loss," said Stan Noffsinger, general secretary of the General Board. "We recognize that the Taize community and Brother Roger have had a significant impact on the lives of many Brethren, and will continue to have an effect on the church for many years to come." Several Taize hymns are included in "Hymnal: A Worship Book" and in the "Hymnal Supplement" series published by Brethren Press. Some Brethren congregations regularly hold prayer services in the Taize style.
Among those who visited Taize were several study groups from Bethany Theological Seminary, led by professor emerita Nancy Faus. The manner of Brother Roger's death, and his character of "deep compassion and tremendous love," made the tragedy "unbelievable and ironic," she said. "Here was a man that started this community with an emphasis on peace and love and reconciliation for Christians and the world. For this to happen in a service of prayer is beyond all comprehension."
Brother Roger's burial is planned for Aug. 23. Until then, his body will be placed in the Reconciliation Church every afternoon for all who would like to meditate near to him, Faus said.
Source: 8/17/2005 Newsline
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The founder of the Taize community in France, brother Roger Louis Schutz-Marsauche, was stabbed to death yesterday, Aug. 16, during an evening prayer service at the community's Reconciliation Church, according to a press report from France. Taize's 90-year-old founder was known simply as Brother Roger.
Taize is an ecumenical monastic community founded in the 1940s with a message of peace and friendship across cultures. The group's unique meditative music and worship style draws tens of thousands of youth and young adult pilgrims from around the world every year. The report said police detained a 36-year-old mentally disturbed Romanian woman who made the attack in the presence of some 2,500 young worshippers.
"We join the world in this loss," said Stan Noffsinger, general secretary of the General Board. "We recognize that the Taize community and Brother Roger have had a significant impact on the lives of many Brethren, and will continue to have an effect on the church for many years to come." Several Taize hymns are included in "Hymnal: A Worship Book" and in the "Hymnal Supplement" series published by Brethren Press. Some Brethren congregations regularly hold prayer services in the Taize style.
Among those who visited Taize were several study groups from Bethany Theological Seminary, led by professor emerita Nancy Faus. The manner of Brother Roger's death, and his character of "deep compassion and tremendous love," made the tragedy "unbelievable and ironic," she said. "Here was a man that started this community with an emphasis on peace and love and reconciliation for Christians and the world. For this to happen in a service of prayer is beyond all comprehension."
Brother Roger's burial is planned for Aug. 23. Until then, his body will be placed in the Reconciliation Church every afternoon for all who would like to meditate near to him, Faus said.
Source: 8/17/2005 Newsline
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Conference publicizes key points of strategic plan.
A strategic plan to guide Annual Conference staff and volunteers was recently approved by Standing Committee when it met in Peoria, Ill. Standing Committee is made up of delegates from the Church of the Brethren districts. Conference executive director Lerry Fogle reported that the plan was developed by the Annual Conference Council over the past two years and will be instrumental in steering staff, the Program and Arrangements Committee, and other volunteers who plan and implement activities related to the annual meeting of the Church of the Brethren.
The complete strategic plan will be available on the Annual Conference website later this summer. The mission, vision, values, and objectives of the plan were distributed to Conference delegates at Peoria. These components of the plan are as follows:
Mission:
Source: 8/17/2005 Newsline
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A strategic plan to guide Annual Conference staff and volunteers was recently approved by Standing Committee when it met in Peoria, Ill. Standing Committee is made up of delegates from the Church of the Brethren districts. Conference executive director Lerry Fogle reported that the plan was developed by the Annual Conference Council over the past two years and will be instrumental in steering staff, the Program and Arrangements Committee, and other volunteers who plan and implement activities related to the annual meeting of the Church of the Brethren.
The complete strategic plan will be available on the Annual Conference website later this summer. The mission, vision, values, and objectives of the plan were distributed to Conference delegates at Peoria. These components of the plan are as follows:
Mission:
"Annual Conference exists to unite, strengthen and equip the Church of the Brethren to follow Jesus."Vision:
"Annual Conferences must be special times in the life of the Church of the Brethren. We envision Annual Conferences... that bring or revive commitment to Jesus; that glorify God in excellent worship, work, and fellowship; that facilitate the business of the church through business sessions, study committees, agency reports, and disposition of queries; that are open and welcoming, and bring together Brethren from all cultures and points of view to proclaim Jesus as Lord; where we humbly celebrate our oneness in the Body as well as our unique place and ministry in the Body; that reach out to the local community with the Good News; that have dynamic preaching and quality leadership development; that have open and compassionate dialogue; that are a catalyst for personal and corporate change, and Kingdom momentum; that make people enthusiastic about witness and service."Values:
"We believe that Jesus is the head of the Church. As part of the larger Body of Jesus Christ, the Church of the Brethren has a unique ministry to the world. Therefore, Annual Conference, the Church of the Brethren assembled, is committed to: the Lordship of Jesus Christ, worship, unity, the New Testament as our rule of faith and practice, relationships, identity, a variety of faith experiences."Objectives:
"Develop intentional community in the Annual Conference experience. Foster Christian spirituality and affirm it. Combine the broadest possible welcome with the strongest possible commitment to following Jesus. Develop a relational discernment style that is open to others of different cultures. Enhance age group programming. Foster open and compassionate dialogue in the Annual Conference experience. Develop an Annual Conference marketing plan to strengthen the event. Review and recommend enhancements to insight sessions. Incorporate intentional Bible studies that relate to the Conference theme and the issues facing the church. Strengthen the financial position of Conference. Minimize risks associated with planning and conducting Conference. Leverage technology to maximum advantage for Annual Conference use. Complete administrative tasks that strengthen Conference and unite the church."Fogle emphasized that Standing Committee not only approved a strategic plan but a process that will be followed to regularly review, revise, and implement measures to ensure that the vision for Annual Conference is being realized and the mission accomplished. For more information about Annual Conference see www.brethren.org/ac/index.htm.
Source: 8/17/2005 Newsline
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Brethren Benefit Trust celebrates 'no smoking' decision.
The next time you sit down to eat in a KFC or Pizza Hut restaurant, you may notice something is missing--second-hand smoke. Yum! Brands, parent company of the two fast-food chains, based in Louisville, Ky., announced Aug. 12 that "no smoking" signs will be going up across the country beginning immediately. The new policy affects the 1,200 KFC and 1,675 Pizza Hut restaurants owned by the company. Franchisees will be encouraged to adopt their own smoke-free policies.
At the Yum! annual shareholder meetings in 2002, 2003, and 2004, Brethren Benefit Trust (BBT) presented a resolution seeking a no-smoking policy in response to the 1981 Church of the Brethren Annual Conference statement on tobacco. Although the resolutions did not pass, they did bring the issue of second-hand smoke to the attention of the company's board and management, according to a Yum! representative.
"We applaud Yum!'s decision and celebrate with our Brethren Foundation clients and Brethren Pension Plan members whose investments in stocks provide the opportunity for BBT to engage in socially responsible investment initiatives," said Wil Nolen, BBT president. "This action is proof that small voices can make a difference."
The nearly $400 million BBT manages consists of assets from 200 Brethren Foundation clients and retirement monies of more than 4,000 Brethren Pension Plan members. BBT manages about $1.17 million in Yum! stock.
At the 2004 annual meeting of Yum! Brands, BBT representatives were joined by Jennifer Hollifield of the American Lung Association of Kentucky. In response to Friday's announcement, she said, "It's great to see that Yum! Brands is being proactive and taking the initiative to make their restaurants smoke-free."
Yum! Brands has more restaurants around the world than any other company. Its Taco Bell, Long John Silver's, and A&W All-American Foods chains are already smoke-free in company-owned restaurants within the US.
"We are taking this action today to help heighten awareness of second-hand smoke issues raised by US Surgeon General, Richard Carmona, who has indicated second-hand smoke may be harmful and hazardous to the health of the general public," said Gregg Dedrick, KFC president, and Peter Hearl, president of Pizza Hut, speaking Friday during a press conference. "In our opinion, going smoke-free is simply the right thing to do."
For more information about BBT and its ministries, go to www.brethrenbenefittrust.org.
Source: 8/17/2005 Newsline
top
The next time you sit down to eat in a KFC or Pizza Hut restaurant, you may notice something is missing--second-hand smoke. Yum! Brands, parent company of the two fast-food chains, based in Louisville, Ky., announced Aug. 12 that "no smoking" signs will be going up across the country beginning immediately. The new policy affects the 1,200 KFC and 1,675 Pizza Hut restaurants owned by the company. Franchisees will be encouraged to adopt their own smoke-free policies.
At the Yum! annual shareholder meetings in 2002, 2003, and 2004, Brethren Benefit Trust (BBT) presented a resolution seeking a no-smoking policy in response to the 1981 Church of the Brethren Annual Conference statement on tobacco. Although the resolutions did not pass, they did bring the issue of second-hand smoke to the attention of the company's board and management, according to a Yum! representative.
"We applaud Yum!'s decision and celebrate with our Brethren Foundation clients and Brethren Pension Plan members whose investments in stocks provide the opportunity for BBT to engage in socially responsible investment initiatives," said Wil Nolen, BBT president. "This action is proof that small voices can make a difference."
The nearly $400 million BBT manages consists of assets from 200 Brethren Foundation clients and retirement monies of more than 4,000 Brethren Pension Plan members. BBT manages about $1.17 million in Yum! stock.
At the 2004 annual meeting of Yum! Brands, BBT representatives were joined by Jennifer Hollifield of the American Lung Association of Kentucky. In response to Friday's announcement, she said, "It's great to see that Yum! Brands is being proactive and taking the initiative to make their restaurants smoke-free."
Yum! Brands has more restaurants around the world than any other company. Its Taco Bell, Long John Silver's, and A&W All-American Foods chains are already smoke-free in company-owned restaurants within the US.
"We are taking this action today to help heighten awareness of second-hand smoke issues raised by US Surgeon General, Richard Carmona, who has indicated second-hand smoke may be harmful and hazardous to the health of the general public," said Gregg Dedrick, KFC president, and Peter Hearl, president of Pizza Hut, speaking Friday during a press conference. "In our opinion, going smoke-free is simply the right thing to do."
For more information about BBT and its ministries, go to www.brethrenbenefittrust.org.
Source: 8/17/2005 Newsline
top
Credit union implements staggered terms for board.
Church of the Brethren Credit Union (CoBCU) members elected board members for the next year in a venue and process new to the organization, at their annual meeting in July.
Meeting for the first time at the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference, in Peoria, Ill., credit union members elected nine returning and three new members to serve on the board during the upcoming year. However, unlike in past years, not all board members were elected to one-year terms. Concerned about the potential loss of corporate memory if a number of board members should simultaneously decide not to run for re-election, the CoBCU board in April approved an executive committee recommendation that created three-year terms.
To immediately implement these terms, all 12 candidates were up for election--four for one year, four for two years, and four for three years. Henceforth, only four board seats will be up for election for three-year terms in a given year.
Elected for 2005-06 for one-year terms were Nevin Dulabaum, director of Communication and Information Services for the Brethren Benefit Trust; Cathy S. Huffman, a teacher from Rocky Mount, Va.; Don Post, self-employed contractor and collector from Elgin, Ill.; and Ed Woolf, gift management/resources assistant for the General Board.
Elected for two-year terms, from 2005-07, were Janice L. Bratton, an investment officer of Hershey (Pa.) Trust Company; Paul W. Brubaker, executive vice president of Ephrata (Pa.) National Bank; Eric P. Kabler, owner of a financial service firm in Johnstown, Pa.; and Wilfred E. Nolen, president of Brethren Benefit Trust.
Elected for three-year terms (2005-08) were Ann Quay Davis, co-managing partner of Vicenti, Lloyd, and Stutzman in Glendora, Calif.; Darryl K. Deardorff, chief financial officer of Brethren Benefit Trust and director of the Brethren Foundation Inc.; David K. Gerber, senior vice president of Finance at Brethren Home Community in New Oxford, Pa.; and Daniel Poole, pastor of Covington (Ohio) Church of the Brethren.
The CoBCU executive committee for 2005-06 is David Gerber, chair; Nevin Dulabaum, vice chair; Ann Quay Davis, treasurer; and Ed Woolf, secretary.
Source: 8/17/2005 Newsline
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Church of the Brethren Credit Union (CoBCU) members elected board members for the next year in a venue and process new to the organization, at their annual meeting in July.
Meeting for the first time at the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference, in Peoria, Ill., credit union members elected nine returning and three new members to serve on the board during the upcoming year. However, unlike in past years, not all board members were elected to one-year terms. Concerned about the potential loss of corporate memory if a number of board members should simultaneously decide not to run for re-election, the CoBCU board in April approved an executive committee recommendation that created three-year terms.
To immediately implement these terms, all 12 candidates were up for election--four for one year, four for two years, and four for three years. Henceforth, only four board seats will be up for election for three-year terms in a given year.
Elected for 2005-06 for one-year terms were Nevin Dulabaum, director of Communication and Information Services for the Brethren Benefit Trust; Cathy S. Huffman, a teacher from Rocky Mount, Va.; Don Post, self-employed contractor and collector from Elgin, Ill.; and Ed Woolf, gift management/resources assistant for the General Board.
Elected for two-year terms, from 2005-07, were Janice L. Bratton, an investment officer of Hershey (Pa.) Trust Company; Paul W. Brubaker, executive vice president of Ephrata (Pa.) National Bank; Eric P. Kabler, owner of a financial service firm in Johnstown, Pa.; and Wilfred E. Nolen, president of Brethren Benefit Trust.
Elected for three-year terms (2005-08) were Ann Quay Davis, co-managing partner of Vicenti, Lloyd, and Stutzman in Glendora, Calif.; Darryl K. Deardorff, chief financial officer of Brethren Benefit Trust and director of the Brethren Foundation Inc.; David K. Gerber, senior vice president of Finance at Brethren Home Community in New Oxford, Pa.; and Daniel Poole, pastor of Covington (Ohio) Church of the Brethren.
The CoBCU executive committee for 2005-06 is David Gerber, chair; Nevin Dulabaum, vice chair; Ann Quay Davis, treasurer; and Ed Woolf, secretary.
Source: 8/17/2005 Newsline
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Northern Plains District meets 'With Christ, Without Fear.'
Under the theme, "With Christ, Without Fear," the Northern Plains District Conference was held on the campus of the University of Northern Iowa on Aug. 5-7. Tim Peter, pastor of Prairie City Church of the Brethren, served as moderator. Some 180 people were registered for the event, with others joining for worship and activities at various times during the weekend.
Joseph Helfrich was a special guest who provided music and story-telling during worship and in a Saturday evening concert. Helfrich delighted worshipers on Sunday morning by sharing a song he composed during the weekend based on the sermon preached by Peter on Friday evening.
The "worshipful work" business agenda included approving the 2006 district budget, electing district leaders, approving the closure of Prairie Peace Fellowship in Surrey, N.D., and approving locations for the 2006 and 2007 district conferences. Leaders from two new church projects in Sioux City, Iowa, and Minneapolis, Minn., were introduced during the business session.
A blood drive service project conducted by the District Witness Commission gathered 38 units of blood. Conference-goers also enjoyed an auction that raised over $3,100 for the General Board's Emergency Disaster Fund.
Several attendees were recognized. Camp Pine Lake Board president Kirby Leland presented the annual Volunteer of the Year Award to Cletus and Dorothy Miller for their many years of service. Milestones in Ministry awards were given to several ordained ministers during a Friday evening banquet.
The conference concluded with Sunday worship and consecration of new officers and leaders. Diane Mason, a laywoman from Fairview Church of the Brethren, was installed as moderator. Lay speaker Jerry Waterman from Iowa River Church of the Brethren was selected as moderator-elect.
The 2006 Northern Plains District Conference will be held in Des Moines, Iowa, on July 1--the Saturday afternoon just prior to the beginning of the 2006 Annual Conference of the Church of the Brethren.
Source: 8/17/2005 Newsline
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Under the theme, "With Christ, Without Fear," the Northern Plains District Conference was held on the campus of the University of Northern Iowa on Aug. 5-7. Tim Peter, pastor of Prairie City Church of the Brethren, served as moderator. Some 180 people were registered for the event, with others joining for worship and activities at various times during the weekend.
Joseph Helfrich was a special guest who provided music and story-telling during worship and in a Saturday evening concert. Helfrich delighted worshipers on Sunday morning by sharing a song he composed during the weekend based on the sermon preached by Peter on Friday evening.
The "worshipful work" business agenda included approving the 2006 district budget, electing district leaders, approving the closure of Prairie Peace Fellowship in Surrey, N.D., and approving locations for the 2006 and 2007 district conferences. Leaders from two new church projects in Sioux City, Iowa, and Minneapolis, Minn., were introduced during the business session.
A blood drive service project conducted by the District Witness Commission gathered 38 units of blood. Conference-goers also enjoyed an auction that raised over $3,100 for the General Board's Emergency Disaster Fund.
Several attendees were recognized. Camp Pine Lake Board president Kirby Leland presented the annual Volunteer of the Year Award to Cletus and Dorothy Miller for their many years of service. Milestones in Ministry awards were given to several ordained ministers during a Friday evening banquet.
The conference concluded with Sunday worship and consecration of new officers and leaders. Diane Mason, a laywoman from Fairview Church of the Brethren, was installed as moderator. Lay speaker Jerry Waterman from Iowa River Church of the Brethren was selected as moderator-elect.
The 2006 Northern Plains District Conference will be held in Des Moines, Iowa, on July 1--the Saturday afternoon just prior to the beginning of the 2006 Annual Conference of the Church of the Brethren.
Source: 8/17/2005 Newsline
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New shoes, a stop at the denominational offices for the Walk Across America.
On Aug. 11 a New Balance shoe store in Geneva, Ill., witnessed a unique event in Don Vermilyea's Walk Across America: the chance to buy a new pair of shoes in person, and to try them on with the help of a sales clerk.
Vermilyea is a Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS) worker on a Walk Across America, a quest to visit on foot every Church of the Brethren congregation in the US that extends an invitation. Along the way, Vermilyea shares his message "that it is time to get serious about our relationship with Jesus Christ." He has walked for more than three and a half years, and more than 15,700 miles, beginning in Tucson, Ariz.
BVS staff usually buy his shoes from congregational and individual gifts, and mail them to his next destination, said Vermilyea--who walks everywhere he goes and does not accept rides except in unusual circumstances. The shoes he exchanged for a new pair carried him from southern Louisiana to Arkansas, then from Missouri to Faith Church of the Brethren in Batavia, Ill. They had "only" 1,312 miles on them, Vermilyea said, regretting that he was not able to put on one pair the full mileage of the Illinois and Wisconsin District. However, this pair had become unwalkable because of uneven wear on the heels. Walking up to 34 miles a day, Vermilyea cannot take the chance of injury to his ankles.
After the shoe store, Vermilyea's next stop was the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill., where he presented a slide show and held a question and answer session on Aug. 13. Vermilyea called on his audience to "wake up" to changes needed in American society, showing pictures he has taken along his walk of environmental destruction, pollution, development, and even road kill--and signs people have displayed expressing hatred and support for the war in Iraq. "I'm walking across America because we... Christians need to do things differently," he told the group of denominational staff who gathered to hear him.
On Sunday Aug. 14, he preached and held a "talk on" at Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren in Elgin. Previous stops in the district included many of the congregations in Illinois, the church in Wisconsin, and two weeks with the junior and senior high youth camps at Camp Emmaus in Mount Morris, Ill. Vermilyea was invited to join the junior highs for their annual seven-mile hike to White Pines State Park by camp counselor Jim Miner. While the rest of the group accepted a hayride back to camp, five youth opted to walk back with Vermilyea. Miner said that at the close of the senior high camp, more than 90 people walked a stretch of road with Vermilyea, the largest group to walk with him since the start of his trek in February 2002.
From Elgin, Vermilyea headed east through Chicago-land, making stops at Church of the Brethren congregations and a large downtown Presbyterian church. On Aug. 16 he visited York Center Church of the Brethren in Lombard, and today Aug. 17 he will be at Douglas Park Church of the Brethren in Chicago. On Aug. 21 he plans to speak at Fourth Presbyterian Church, and on Aug. 24 at First Church of the Brethren in Chicago.
From there, Vermilyea plans to walk through southern Illinois and eventually to Florida, where he hopes to spend the winter. Plans for 2006 and following years include walking north through the east-coast states, and then heading west again to visit the mid-western Brethren. Vermilyea estimates that he will complete the walk in 2011 or 2012.
For more information and a photo gallery see www.brethren.org/genbd/witness/Walk.html.
Source: 8/17/2005 Newsline
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On Aug. 11 a New Balance shoe store in Geneva, Ill., witnessed a unique event in Don Vermilyea's Walk Across America: the chance to buy a new pair of shoes in person, and to try them on with the help of a sales clerk.
Vermilyea is a Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS) worker on a Walk Across America, a quest to visit on foot every Church of the Brethren congregation in the US that extends an invitation. Along the way, Vermilyea shares his message "that it is time to get serious about our relationship with Jesus Christ." He has walked for more than three and a half years, and more than 15,700 miles, beginning in Tucson, Ariz.
BVS staff usually buy his shoes from congregational and individual gifts, and mail them to his next destination, said Vermilyea--who walks everywhere he goes and does not accept rides except in unusual circumstances. The shoes he exchanged for a new pair carried him from southern Louisiana to Arkansas, then from Missouri to Faith Church of the Brethren in Batavia, Ill. They had "only" 1,312 miles on them, Vermilyea said, regretting that he was not able to put on one pair the full mileage of the Illinois and Wisconsin District. However, this pair had become unwalkable because of uneven wear on the heels. Walking up to 34 miles a day, Vermilyea cannot take the chance of injury to his ankles.
After the shoe store, Vermilyea's next stop was the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill., where he presented a slide show and held a question and answer session on Aug. 13. Vermilyea called on his audience to "wake up" to changes needed in American society, showing pictures he has taken along his walk of environmental destruction, pollution, development, and even road kill--and signs people have displayed expressing hatred and support for the war in Iraq. "I'm walking across America because we... Christians need to do things differently," he told the group of denominational staff who gathered to hear him.
On Sunday Aug. 14, he preached and held a "talk on" at Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren in Elgin. Previous stops in the district included many of the congregations in Illinois, the church in Wisconsin, and two weeks with the junior and senior high youth camps at Camp Emmaus in Mount Morris, Ill. Vermilyea was invited to join the junior highs for their annual seven-mile hike to White Pines State Park by camp counselor Jim Miner. While the rest of the group accepted a hayride back to camp, five youth opted to walk back with Vermilyea. Miner said that at the close of the senior high camp, more than 90 people walked a stretch of road with Vermilyea, the largest group to walk with him since the start of his trek in February 2002.
From Elgin, Vermilyea headed east through Chicago-land, making stops at Church of the Brethren congregations and a large downtown Presbyterian church. On Aug. 16 he visited York Center Church of the Brethren in Lombard, and today Aug. 17 he will be at Douglas Park Church of the Brethren in Chicago. On Aug. 21 he plans to speak at Fourth Presbyterian Church, and on Aug. 24 at First Church of the Brethren in Chicago.
From there, Vermilyea plans to walk through southern Illinois and eventually to Florida, where he hopes to spend the winter. Plans for 2006 and following years include walking north through the east-coast states, and then heading west again to visit the mid-western Brethren. Vermilyea estimates that he will complete the walk in 2011 or 2012.
For more information and a photo gallery see www.brethren.org/genbd/witness/Walk.html.
Source: 8/17/2005 Newsline
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Brethren bits: Remembrances, job openings, and more.
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- J. Stanley Earhart died at Brethren Village in Lancaster, Pa., on Aug. 1. He was executive secretary of Southern Pennsylvania District from 1970-83. He also served as part-time director of District Ministries for the General Board 1983-86. He pastored several Pennsylvania and Maryland congregations from 1942-70. In his work for the General Board he supported district staff and assisted districts in calling church members to district staff positions. Earhart served on several denominational committees, including Standing Committee and the Annual Conference Central Committee, and chaired the Council of District Executives. In retirement, he also directed the Keystone Bible Institutes, a cooperative Bible study program of the Church of the Brethren, Brethren in Christ, and Mennonite Churches of eastern Pennsylvania. He was a graduate of Elizabethtown (Pa.) College--which conferred on him an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree--and of Bethany Bible Training School. He is survived by his wife, Anna Lois (Laurie), and three children. A memorial service was held Aug. 13 at Lampeter (Pa.) Church of the Brethren.
- John Wilburn Lewallen died Aug. 8 at Timbercrest Church of the Brethren Home in North Manchester, Ind., surrounded by family. He was 86. He had served as executive minister of Northern Illinois and Wisconsin Districts beginning in 1955, and of Northern Indiana District from 1962-77. He also served as pastor of Church of the Brethren congregations in Kansas and Ohio, where he retired from the ministry in 1982. He was a graduate of McPherson (Kan.) College and of Bethany Biblical Seminary in Chicago, Ill. Lewallen had a lifelong interest in photography and also was skilled at woodworking, refinishing antiques, creating stained glass lamps, and cutting and polishing rocks. He had lived at Timbercrest Health Care since 2001. His family includes his wife, Joy, two children, four grandchildren, and six great grandchildren. Services were held this afternoon, Aug. 17, at the Timbercrest Chapel in North Manchester.
- The General Board seeks a public health professional or physician to serve as a consultant for Community Health/Church Development in the Dominican Republic. This is a fulltime staff position. The consultant will guide development of a community-based health program similar to the model of the Lafiya Rural Health program in Nigeria, working closely with mission coordinators in the DR. A candidate with appropriate health background will be considered, but a person or team with both health and pastoral experience is preferred. Qualifications include background and licenses in medicine, public health, or a related field; grounding in Church of the Brethren heritage, theology, and polity; communication skills and ability to facilitate change and motive others; ability to function collaboratively with colleagues in a team; Spanish and/or Creole language skills or ability to learn functional language. Theological education and pastoral experience is an asset. Starting date is January 2006. Applications will be received and the search will continue until the position is filled. Initial deadline to indicate interest is Sept. 15. Qualified candidates are invited to submit a resume and letter of application, and to request three references to send letters of recommendation to Office of Human Resources, Church of the Brethren General Board, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120; 800-323-8039 ext. 258.
- The General Board's Emergency Response/Service Ministries (ER/SM) is publicizing staffing vacancies in Darfur, Sudan, with ACT (Action by Churches Together) and Caritas Internationalis, the federations of Protestant, Orthodox, and Catholic aid agencies worldwide. The Church of the Brethren is providing relief to the humanitarian crisis in Darfur, working through Church World Service, ACT, and Caritas Internationalis. "These are demanding positions in a very high stress situation," ER/SM staff reported. "The ACT management makes all placement decisions, but we can work to help any interested Brethren with a placement." Positions with job descriptions are: architect/construction engineer for the health program (6-12 month contract), environmental health program manager (12-month unaccompanied contract is offered), health advisor (up to the end of December), health promotion officer (up to the end of December), officer manager Khartoum (up to the end of December), protection officer (up to the end of December). Positions currently without a job description are: partner support advisor, personnel and administrative manager, nutrition program manager, security manager. Terms and conditions include contract with a six-week probationary period, start date immediate with later starting dates considered, salary competitive with international NGO salary and benefits package. Contact Roy Winter, Emergency Response/Service Ministries, 601 Main St., P.O. Box 188, New Windsor, MD 21776; 800-451-4407 ext. 7; rwinter_gb@brethren.org.
- Mennonite Mutual Aid (MMA) is seeking a chief information officer (CIO) to fill its highest-ranking technology position. The CIO is responsible for all information technology strategy, systems, projects, and staff related to traditional and Web technology infrastructure. Qualified applicants will have a bachelor's degree in a technical or business discipline, at least five years of related management or leadership experience, and understanding of network and data architectures. Experience in the finance or health industries is a plus. MMA provides insurance and financial services and is affiliated with Anabaptist denominations. MMA is an equal opportunity employer offering a competitive salary and excellent benefits. Send resume and cover letter to MMA, Human Resources, 1110 N. Main St., P.O. Box 483, Goshen, IN 46527; hr@mma-online.org; fax 574-537-6635.
- The Annual Conference Anniversary Committee invites you to submit music, drama, or worship resources, representing the 2008 tricentennial theme, "Surrendered to God, Transformed in Christ, Empowered by the Spirit." Music submissions, due Aug. 31, can include hymns, folk songs, praise songs, anthems, and children's songs. Dramatic writings, due Dec. 31, can be full-length dramas, skits, monologues, and vignettes for adults, children, and/or youth. Worship resources, due Dec. 31, can include calls to worship, prayers, litanies, responsive readings, offertory statements, children's stories, benedictions, worship centers (description and/or drawing), Powerpoint presentations, and interpretive movements. All submissions become the property of the Anniversary Committee for use in tricentennial activities. The name, address, and phone number of the writer or composer should not appear on submissions but should be included on a separate page. Music, drama, and worship resources should be sent to the Annual Conference Office, 1451 Dundee Ave, Elgin, IL 60120.
- If you lost a valuable item at Annual Conference this summer in Peoria, Ill., please call the Annual Conference office, 800-323-8039 ext. 296, or e-mail annualconference@brethren.org.
- Brethren from across the country gathered at Genesis Church of the Brethren in Putney, Vt., on Aug. 5-7 for the first A Place Apart spiritual retreat. A Place Apart is an initiative to create a Brethren retreat center where Brethren and others can step apart from the busy world to reconnect with God in a wilderness setting. Participants celebrated the Liturgy of the Hours during the weekend, gathering for worship at key times throughout the day. Leadership included Carol Scheppard and Paul Grout. A Place Apart is planning further retreats, in different regions, for April 2006. For more information contact apart@sover.net.
- Osceola (Ind.) Church of the Brethren will host a food-eating contest at the Osceola Bluegrass Festival Aug. 20-21, according to "The Truth" newspaper. Participants, who are encouraged to sign up early at the church's booth, will choose nicknames and bring their own cheering sections. On the menu: hot dogs, pies, peanut butter sandwiches, dill pickles, and/or sweet corn.
- Oregon and Washington District will hold its conference Aug. 26-28 at Camp Koinonia in Cle Elum, Wash., with Carol Mason as moderator. "The focus will continue to be on expanding skills for discernment in decision-making, including release of the 'way we want the vote to go' and becoming aware of how the language we use reveals beliefs about faith and politics," reported Lani Wright, Standing Committee member for the district. "Small groups will practice 'minute-making,' a listening skill for discernment, adding this to the skills practiced last year. The district uses the manual 'Formal Consensus,' recommended by On Earth Peace, as a model for business sessions."
- The 11th Annual Camp Bethel Benefit Golf Tournament will be held Aug. 24 with a 12:45 p.m. start at Botetourt Country Club. The event benefits the camp in Fincastle, Va. Cost is $60 or $240 for a team of four including a banquet that evening at the camp; $10 per person for banquet only. Register by Aug. 19 at www.campbethelvirginia.org/golf.htm.
- The Brethren Revival Fellowship is bringing its summer Brethren Volunteer Service orientation unit to the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md., beginning Aug. 21. Fifteen volunteers and staff are expected. The orientation will conclude Aug. 31.
- Bridgewater (Va.) College will hold its opening convocation for the school year Aug. 30 at 9:30 a.m. at Nininger Hall, with president Phillip C. Stone speaking. The event is free and open to the public. For more information call 800-476-4289 or see www.bridgewater.edu.
- COBYS Family Services is seeking to attract 500 people and raise $60,000 on Sept. 11 at its 9th Annual Bike and Hike and Dutch Country Motorcycle Ride. Events begin at 1 p.m. at Lititz (Pa.) Church of the Brethren. The event includes a three-mile walk, a 10-mile bicycle Fun Ride, a 25-mile bicycle Challenge Ride, and a 60-mile Dutch Country Motorcycle Ride. Participants obtain sponsors or pay a registration fee. Grand prizes for top fundraisers include a $100 gift card from Bob Neff Tours, a "Do as You Please" trip for two to New York City from Conestoga Tours, two free tickets to Knoebels Grove Amusement Resort, and a two-hour private plane ride for three. Youth group prizes include 20 free Hersheypark tickets and a gym and pizza night. COBYS is a Church of the Brethren-related agency providing adoption and foster care services, counseling, family life education, and a teen mother and child group home. For more go to www.cobys.net/new.htm.
- Bob Edgar, general secretary of the National Council of Churches (NCC), is urging President Bush to join a group of mothers of soldiers killed in Iraq in an interfaith prayer service outside the Bush ranch in Crawford, Texas, at noon Aug. 19. The service has been called by Gold Star mother Cindy Sheehan "as an opportunity for Americans and others across the world to pray for our soldiers in Iraq, their families, and in particular the mothers of our fallen," according to an NCC release. Sheehan's son Casey was killed in Baghdad on April 4, 2004. She, along with United Methodist laywoman Celeste Zappala and other mothers, has been waiting to meet with the President since his five-week vacation began. Edgar visited the mothers and conducted a worship service on Aug. 12 at the invitation of fellow Methodist Zappala, whose son Sherwood was killed in Iraq. "This war, like any war, has generated terrible losses, immense pain, and sharp divisions in our country," Edgar said. "Each day we see the pain in the faces of the Gold Star mothers and their families. It's evident that President Bush, who has faced agonizing decisions in this war, feels the pain as well.... Let's suspend the rhetoric for a few minutes on Friday and join together--commander-in-chief and families of the fallen--to seek strength from the God who sustains us all." In an open letter to religious leaders Aug. 15, Sheehan urged those who cannot attend to host a prayer vigil in their cities. For more information see www.ncccusa.org.
- Habitat for Humanity International's Board of Directors has named Jonathan T.M. Reckford as chief executive officer, in a release by Religion News Service. Reckford has served for two years as executive pastor of Christ Presbyterian Church of Edina, Minn. Previously he was president of stores for the Musicland division of Best Buy, senior vice president of corporate planning and communications for Circuit City, and director of strategic planning for Disney Design and Development. "I believe passionately in Habitat's mission and can't think of a movement I would rather join," said Reckford, who succeeds interim CEO Paul Leonard. For more information see www.habitat.org.
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General Board offers a Brazilian immersion experience.
Experience the church at work in Brazil, learn about the culture and history of the country, and see the sights as part of a delegation, "A Brazilian Immersion," scheduled for Nov. 19-30. The delegation will be led by Greg and Karin Davidson Laszakovits, Brazil representatives for the Global Mission Partnerships of the General Board.
Pastors, scholars, laypeople, and those interested in witness or mission are invited to sign up for the trip. The schedule will include visits to most of the six fellowships of Igreja da Irmandade (Church of the Brethren in Brazil), participation in their Annual Conference, and sessions on Brazilian culture. The teachings of Jesus will be explored from a Brazilian viewpoint. The trip will be capped off with a two-day sightseeing trip to Rio de Janeiro.
Projected cost is $1,995. Deadline for signing up is Oct. 15. Contact Mary Munson at 800-323-8039 ext. 230 or mmunson_gb@brethren.org.
Source: 8/17/2005 Newsline
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Experience the church at work in Brazil, learn about the culture and history of the country, and see the sights as part of a delegation, "A Brazilian Immersion," scheduled for Nov. 19-30. The delegation will be led by Greg and Karin Davidson Laszakovits, Brazil representatives for the Global Mission Partnerships of the General Board.
Pastors, scholars, laypeople, and those interested in witness or mission are invited to sign up for the trip. The schedule will include visits to most of the six fellowships of Igreja da Irmandade (Church of the Brethren in Brazil), participation in their Annual Conference, and sessions on Brazilian culture. The teachings of Jesus will be explored from a Brazilian viewpoint. The trip will be capped off with a two-day sightseeing trip to Rio de Janeiro.
Projected cost is $1,995. Deadline for signing up is Oct. 15. Contact Mary Munson at 800-323-8039 ext. 230 or mmunson_gb@brethren.org.
Source: 8/17/2005 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 if Newsline is cited as the source. Connie Burkholder, Nevin Dulabaum, Lerry Fogle, Mary Lou Garrison, Mary Kay Heatwole, Elaine Foster Hyde, Janis Pyle, Jim Stokes-Buckles, and Lani Wright 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 if Newsline is cited as the source. Connie Burkholder, Nevin Dulabaum, Lerry Fogle, Mary Lou Garrison, Mary Kay Heatwole, Elaine Foster Hyde, Janis Pyle, Jim Stokes-Buckles, and Lani Wright contributed to this report.
Wednesday, August 03, 2005
NEWS
- Leaders are announced for TOGETHER launch event.
- Northern Ohio District focuses on theme from 1 John.
- Southeastern District is 'Anchored in Jesus.'
- Hurricane affects Disaster Response project in Florida.
- Brethren bits: Job openings, stewardship resources, and more.
- Brethren to gather in Virginia for Caring Ministries Assembly.
- Youth conference will offer opportunity to 'Come and See.'
- Bethany Seminary hosts a weekend for 'Open Hearts/Open Minds.'
- Retreat focuses on Brethren in mission in the 21st century.
Leaders are announced for TOGETHER launch event.
Leaders have been announced for the launch event of TOGETHER: Conversations on Being the Church. TOGETHER is an outgrowth of the ecclesiology conversation begun by the district executives. A program to extend the conversation to the whole church is being carried out by a committee of staff of denominational agencies and districts. "This consultation is a first step toward a new and common understanding within the church concerning who, whose, and what we are," planners said.
Lisa M. Hess and Brian D. Maguire will lead the TOGETHER launch event in New Windsor, Md., on Feb. 24-26, 2006. They also will help lead conversations at Annual Conference 2006. Hess teaches practical theology--ecclesiology, ministry formation, Christian education, and leadership development--at United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio. She is an ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church (USA). Maguire is pastor of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Xenia, Ohio. Prior to entering the ministry he worked as an attorney and human relations consultant helping Fortune 500 corporations, nonprofit organizations, higher education institutions, and state and local governments through periods of change.
Maguire and Hess will facilitate a training process for district leaders at the launch event. Each district will select, elect, or discern one facilitator and two general representatives to send to the meeting. One Standing Committee member per district, as well as the district executives, also will be invited to participate. Annual Conference officers and leaders from the Conference agencies will attend as well.
The launch is envisioned as "a dynamic encounter with people from across the denomination, discussing 'What does it mean to be the church?'" planners said. The hope is for district leaders to be prepared to model and lead different styles of conversation on that question in their own areas. Participants also will become familiar with the study guide for the TOGETHER conversations, which will be available for use in districts and congregations and at the 2006 Annual Conference. The training will focus on awareness of relationships within the Church of the Brethren structure, the broad scope of church history including Brethren history and Pietism and Anabaptism, recent patterns of church growth and development, the decline in mainline denominations, and generational differences in society.
Following the launch, the TOGETHER committee will develop dates and places for area and district meetings in conjunction with district executives, the Congregational Life Ministries staff of the General Board, and Ron and Harriet Finney, the volunteer coordinators for the regional events.
Plans for Annual Conference 2006 include an exhibit explaining the conversation process, a report to the Conference, insight sessions, special guest speakers, and experiences of the conversation process in small groups. Conversations also will take place at National Youth Conference and National Older Adult Conference in 2006. Information and insights from all of the conversations will be compiled. A culminating TOGETHER event is planned for Annual Conference 2007. For more information contact Mark Flory Steury, chair of the TOGETHER committee, at mfsteury_ds@brethren.org. For information about the launch event contact Julie Hostetter at jhostetter_gb@brethren.org.
Source: 8/3/2005 Newsline
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Leaders have been announced for the launch event of TOGETHER: Conversations on Being the Church. TOGETHER is an outgrowth of the ecclesiology conversation begun by the district executives. A program to extend the conversation to the whole church is being carried out by a committee of staff of denominational agencies and districts. "This consultation is a first step toward a new and common understanding within the church concerning who, whose, and what we are," planners said.
Lisa M. Hess and Brian D. Maguire will lead the TOGETHER launch event in New Windsor, Md., on Feb. 24-26, 2006. They also will help lead conversations at Annual Conference 2006. Hess teaches practical theology--ecclesiology, ministry formation, Christian education, and leadership development--at United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio. She is an ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church (USA). Maguire is pastor of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Xenia, Ohio. Prior to entering the ministry he worked as an attorney and human relations consultant helping Fortune 500 corporations, nonprofit organizations, higher education institutions, and state and local governments through periods of change.
Maguire and Hess will facilitate a training process for district leaders at the launch event. Each district will select, elect, or discern one facilitator and two general representatives to send to the meeting. One Standing Committee member per district, as well as the district executives, also will be invited to participate. Annual Conference officers and leaders from the Conference agencies will attend as well.
The launch is envisioned as "a dynamic encounter with people from across the denomination, discussing 'What does it mean to be the church?'" planners said. The hope is for district leaders to be prepared to model and lead different styles of conversation on that question in their own areas. Participants also will become familiar with the study guide for the TOGETHER conversations, which will be available for use in districts and congregations and at the 2006 Annual Conference. The training will focus on awareness of relationships within the Church of the Brethren structure, the broad scope of church history including Brethren history and Pietism and Anabaptism, recent patterns of church growth and development, the decline in mainline denominations, and generational differences in society.
Following the launch, the TOGETHER committee will develop dates and places for area and district meetings in conjunction with district executives, the Congregational Life Ministries staff of the General Board, and Ron and Harriet Finney, the volunteer coordinators for the regional events.
Plans for Annual Conference 2006 include an exhibit explaining the conversation process, a report to the Conference, insight sessions, special guest speakers, and experiences of the conversation process in small groups. Conversations also will take place at National Youth Conference and National Older Adult Conference in 2006. Information and insights from all of the conversations will be compiled. A culminating TOGETHER event is planned for Annual Conference 2007. For more information contact Mark Flory Steury, chair of the TOGETHER committee, at mfsteury_ds@brethren.org. For information about the launch event contact Julie Hostetter at jhostetter_gb@brethren.org.
Source: 8/3/2005 Newsline
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Northern Ohio District focuses on theme from 1 John.
"That You May Know..." from 1 John 5:13 was the theme of the Northern Ohio District Conference at Ashland University on July 29-31. Over 350 people registered for the conference, which featured messages by moderator Terry Baldwin, pastor of Silver Creek Church of the Brethren in Pioneer; moderator-elect Andy Hamilton, pastor of Center Church of the Brethren in Louisville; and 2006 Annual Conference moderator Ron Beachley, who serves as executive of Western Pennsylvania District.
Members of the Junior and Senior Performing Arts Camp performed two musicals titled "Once Upon a Time Shop" and "Holy, Holy, Awesome God." Annual Conference agency representatives including Stan Noffsinger, general secretary of the General Board, shared reports and led insight sessions on denominational happenings.
The delegates adopted an ambitious budget for 2006. Among other business items approved by the delegates was a recommendation for closure of Trinity Church of the Brethren in Massillon, a church plant established by the district in 1977. Members of the congregation were on hand for heartfelt discussion and prayer, and worship aids from the church's communion table were used in the conference worship services.
Hamilton and newly-called moderator-elect Larry Bradley, pastor of Reading Church of the Brethren in Homeworth, were consecrated at the closing worship service on Sunday morning. Hamilton announced that the 2006 conference theme would focus on the Body of Christ from 1 Corinthians 12.
Source: 8/3/2005 Newsline
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"That You May Know..." from 1 John 5:13 was the theme of the Northern Ohio District Conference at Ashland University on July 29-31. Over 350 people registered for the conference, which featured messages by moderator Terry Baldwin, pastor of Silver Creek Church of the Brethren in Pioneer; moderator-elect Andy Hamilton, pastor of Center Church of the Brethren in Louisville; and 2006 Annual Conference moderator Ron Beachley, who serves as executive of Western Pennsylvania District.
Members of the Junior and Senior Performing Arts Camp performed two musicals titled "Once Upon a Time Shop" and "Holy, Holy, Awesome God." Annual Conference agency representatives including Stan Noffsinger, general secretary of the General Board, shared reports and led insight sessions on denominational happenings.
The delegates adopted an ambitious budget for 2006. Among other business items approved by the delegates was a recommendation for closure of Trinity Church of the Brethren in Massillon, a church plant established by the district in 1977. Members of the congregation were on hand for heartfelt discussion and prayer, and worship aids from the church's communion table were used in the conference worship services.
Hamilton and newly-called moderator-elect Larry Bradley, pastor of Reading Church of the Brethren in Homeworth, were consecrated at the closing worship service on Sunday morning. Hamilton announced that the 2006 conference theme would focus on the Body of Christ from 1 Corinthians 12.
Source: 8/3/2005 Newsline
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Southeastern District is 'Anchored in Jesus.'
"Anchored in Jesus" was the theme of Southeastern's 37th District Conference held in Mars Hill, N.C., from July 29-31. Past moderator Harold Rose presided over the business meetings, which included 106 delegates representing 33 of the 39 churches and one fellowship. In addition, activities were held each day for one of the largest gatherings of youth in recent years. The youth led worship on Saturday evening. Guest preacher for two worship services was Wallace Cole, pastor of Mount Airy (N.C.) Church of the Brethren.
The delegate body voted to re-open the Ramey Flats church in Clintwood, Va., as a fellowship under the leadership of Jack Taylor; begin a Bible study project in Marion, N.C., under the leadership of James Huskins; and approve a new Hispanic project/fellowship in Jefferson, N.C., called "Walking in Christ...Caminando Con Cristo," under the leadership of pastor Doug Diamond. The delegates also approved a budget of $76,901 for 2006. Installed as moderator for 2006 was Jim Hoffman, with Donna Shumate chosen as moderator-elect.
Other highlights included recognition of 24 people from HIS Way Fellowship/Iglesia Jesucristo El Camino, who reported that there are now 20 members and an average attendance of 35 on Sundays, and 15-20 on Wednesday evenings. A quilt auction was held, and a special offering of $750 was received to assist in sending youth to National Youth Conference.
Source: 8/3/2005 Newsline
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"Anchored in Jesus" was the theme of Southeastern's 37th District Conference held in Mars Hill, N.C., from July 29-31. Past moderator Harold Rose presided over the business meetings, which included 106 delegates representing 33 of the 39 churches and one fellowship. In addition, activities were held each day for one of the largest gatherings of youth in recent years. The youth led worship on Saturday evening. Guest preacher for two worship services was Wallace Cole, pastor of Mount Airy (N.C.) Church of the Brethren.
The delegate body voted to re-open the Ramey Flats church in Clintwood, Va., as a fellowship under the leadership of Jack Taylor; begin a Bible study project in Marion, N.C., under the leadership of James Huskins; and approve a new Hispanic project/fellowship in Jefferson, N.C., called "Walking in Christ...Caminando Con Cristo," under the leadership of pastor Doug Diamond. The delegates also approved a budget of $76,901 for 2006. Installed as moderator for 2006 was Jim Hoffman, with Donna Shumate chosen as moderator-elect.
Other highlights included recognition of 24 people from HIS Way Fellowship/Iglesia Jesucristo El Camino, who reported that there are now 20 members and an average attendance of 35 on Sundays, and 15-20 on Wednesday evenings. A quilt auction was held, and a special offering of $750 was received to assist in sending youth to National Youth Conference.
Source: 8/3/2005 Newsline
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Hurricane affects Disaster Response project in Florida.
"Hurricane Dennis forced us to batten down the hatches and close down the project the week of July 10," reported Jane Yount, coordinator of the General Board's Disaster Response program. The program has a rebuilding project ongoing in Florida following the series of hurricanes that hit the state in 2004. "Thankfully, Dennis didn't wreak as much havoc as Ivan, but more people are now in need of assistance," Yount said. The current Disaster Response project is located in Pensacola and in Escambia County, which Yount said is the poorest county in Florida and the 17th poorest in the nation.
"The hurricane season is coming up on its eighth named storm," Yount added. "This kind of hurricane activity so early in the season is unprecedented and serves as a reminder that the world is an unpredictable place. But we can take heart, for we have victory over the world in Christ!" For updated hurricane predictions for the year, the Disaster Response staff recommend www.disasternews.net/news/news.php?articleid=2744.
Yount highlighted volunteer needs in Florida, where volunteers are scheduled only through Oct. 1. "The entire month of October is open for anyone who feels called to go for a week or two," she said. She called on district disaster coordinators to recruit volunteer groups for two-week commitments if possible. Work at the Florida project consists mainly of repairs to water-damaged sections of homes, including drywall, floors, insulation, and siding. "As is often the case in many low-income coastal areas where older homes have been battered by previous storms, some of the repairs may have been needed prior to the latest storm," Yount said. "Some pre-existing damage may need to be repaired in order to make the current storm repairs more durable and meet local building codes."
A Disaster Response rebuilding project in Hallam, Neb., following tornado damage, closed on July 29. Brethren Volunteer Service workers Larry and Sandee Kitzel have stayed on longer to shut down the project. Larry Kitzel "reports that we ended in good standing with all the homeowners we have assisted, and all are very appreciative of our work," Yount said.
A new project in Belmont County, Ohio, repairing and rebuilding homes following flooding, continues this summer. "Southeastern Ohio was hit with three severe floods," Yount said, "first by the remnants of Hurricane Ivan in Sept. 2004, a second time in December, and the third in January, caused by rain and rapid snow melt. In Belmont County, dozens of homes along the Ohio River and its tributaries were destroyed and over 150 more were heavily damaged." The Brethren project began in June. Work to be done includes demolition; interior repairs such as drywall, insulation, and floors; vinyl siding, decks, and steps; and rebuilding from the ground up.
For more information about volunteer opportunities in Florida and Ohio, please contact a district disaster coordinator or call the Disaster Response office at 800-451-4407.
Yount also repeated a request for a volunteer tool coordinator team to come to the program's New Windsor, Md., office to work at standardizing the tools in tool trailers and to test and replace tools as necessary. Contact Roy Winter at rwinter_gb@brethren.org for more information.
Source: 8/3/2005 Newsline
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"Hurricane Dennis forced us to batten down the hatches and close down the project the week of July 10," reported Jane Yount, coordinator of the General Board's Disaster Response program. The program has a rebuilding project ongoing in Florida following the series of hurricanes that hit the state in 2004. "Thankfully, Dennis didn't wreak as much havoc as Ivan, but more people are now in need of assistance," Yount said. The current Disaster Response project is located in Pensacola and in Escambia County, which Yount said is the poorest county in Florida and the 17th poorest in the nation.
"The hurricane season is coming up on its eighth named storm," Yount added. "This kind of hurricane activity so early in the season is unprecedented and serves as a reminder that the world is an unpredictable place. But we can take heart, for we have victory over the world in Christ!" For updated hurricane predictions for the year, the Disaster Response staff recommend www.disasternews.net/news/news.php?articleid=2744.
Yount highlighted volunteer needs in Florida, where volunteers are scheduled only through Oct. 1. "The entire month of October is open for anyone who feels called to go for a week or two," she said. She called on district disaster coordinators to recruit volunteer groups for two-week commitments if possible. Work at the Florida project consists mainly of repairs to water-damaged sections of homes, including drywall, floors, insulation, and siding. "As is often the case in many low-income coastal areas where older homes have been battered by previous storms, some of the repairs may have been needed prior to the latest storm," Yount said. "Some pre-existing damage may need to be repaired in order to make the current storm repairs more durable and meet local building codes."
A Disaster Response rebuilding project in Hallam, Neb., following tornado damage, closed on July 29. Brethren Volunteer Service workers Larry and Sandee Kitzel have stayed on longer to shut down the project. Larry Kitzel "reports that we ended in good standing with all the homeowners we have assisted, and all are very appreciative of our work," Yount said.
A new project in Belmont County, Ohio, repairing and rebuilding homes following flooding, continues this summer. "Southeastern Ohio was hit with three severe floods," Yount said, "first by the remnants of Hurricane Ivan in Sept. 2004, a second time in December, and the third in January, caused by rain and rapid snow melt. In Belmont County, dozens of homes along the Ohio River and its tributaries were destroyed and over 150 more were heavily damaged." The Brethren project began in June. Work to be done includes demolition; interior repairs such as drywall, insulation, and floors; vinyl siding, decks, and steps; and rebuilding from the ground up.
For more information about volunteer opportunities in Florida and Ohio, please contact a district disaster coordinator or call the Disaster Response office at 800-451-4407.
Yount also repeated a request for a volunteer tool coordinator team to come to the program's New Windsor, Md., office to work at standardizing the tools in tool trailers and to test and replace tools as necessary. Contact Roy Winter at rwinter_gb@brethren.org for more information.
Source: 8/3/2005 Newsline
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