Wednesday, October 26, 2005

NEWSUPCOMING EVENTSRESOURCESSPECIAL REPORT: GENERAL BOARD FALL MEETING
Brethren Benefit Trust announces organizational changes.

Brethren Benefit Trust (BBT) has announced organizational changes that will also affect personnel. BBT is a Church of the Brethren agency that provides insurance and pension benefits; employee financial services; credit union, investment, asset management, and deferred gifts services; and information technology services.

Effective Jan. 3, 2006, BBT's Pension Plan and Employee Financial Services will be combined with its Insurance Plans into one department named Employee Benefit Plans. Jeff Garber will become the director of this department. Garber's responsibilities will include management of the Pension Plan and Employee Financial Services operations.

Other responsibilities and staffing in the new department will include Donna March as manager of Insurance Operations; Lori Domich as staff for Member Services, Insurance; and Peggy Bruell as staff for Member Services, Pension Plan and Employee Financial Services.

Information Services management and systems oversight in BBT has moved from the Communications Department to the Financial Operations Department. Laura Nedli is the director of this combined department and will continue to report to Darryl Deardorff as chief financial officer. Eric Thompson, network administrator, has moved to this department. Veronica Aragon has assumed increased responsibilities as system specialist.

Based on feedback received by BBT board members, the agency's Communications Team is finalizing and soon will begin implementing a new plan that calls for increased time and focus on marketing. Marketing is a prominent priority in BBT's current strategic plan. Nevin Dulabaum will continue to serve as director of the Communications Department.

For more information about BBT and its ministries, see www.brethrenbenefittrust.org.

Source: 10/26/2005 Newsline
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First junior high conference is deemed a major success.

Tony Bruner stood before a group of 250 junior high youth and advisors and told them they were part of a special moment. Never before had a conference for their age group been held on a regional or national scale in the Church of the Brethren. Yet here they were, meeting Sept. 30-Oct. 2 in New Windsor, Md. Eight districts from Pennsylvania to North Carolina took part.

Bruner co-chaired the planning committee with General Board Youth/Young Adult Ministry director Chris Douglas. More than a year of planning went into the weekend, which carried the theme "Be Strong and Courageous."

They had no trouble finding junior highers willing to come. Douglas said registration was capped at 250 due to the facility limits of the Brethren Service Center, and a waiting list quickly grew. While most events were held at the center, the group slept at a nearby middle school.

The conference packed the allotted time with worship, meals, small groups, workshops, optional service projects, games, and tours of the center. Worship messages came from Mennonite drama team Ted & Lee, New Creation Project pastor David Weiss, and Annual Conference moderator-elect Belita Mitchell, who pastors Harrisburg (Pa.) First Church of the Brethren. Brethren folksinger Joseph Helfrich led music.

"It's really putting God in perspective," said Laura Kownacki of Mechanicsburg (Pa.) Church of the Brethren, who said she particularly enjoyed a workshop with Ted & Lee. "They should make it a week long." She also liked the "hot hats" that participants received: red caps printed with "Jr. Hi."

Organizers said the response indicated a need for more such events. In the meantime, Weiss urged the junior high youth to continue offering their gifts to the church and the world. "Young people, we need you now!" Weiss said. "(Others) need to see you making a difference, and they can. There are so many many ways you can make a difference. Will you put your life in the hands of an extraordinary God?"

Source: 10/26/2005 Newsline
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Disaster staff monitor needs in Florida following Hurricane Wilma.

The General Board's disaster response staff are monitoring needs in Florida following Hurricane Wilma, and have put some Disaster Child Care (DCC) teams on alert in case they are needed.

Emergency Response director Roy Winter made contact with Church of the Brethren communities in affected areas and reported that none have major damage. Some trees were down at Cape Coral Church of the Brethren and pastor John Mueller's home. Atlantic Southeast District executive minister Martha Beach told Winter that she has not received reports of any damage from district members, but is still to hear from Eglise des Freres Haitiens in Miami.

DCC services have been offered to the American Red Cross (ARC) and FEMA in response to Hurricane Wilma, but no requests for services have been received yet.

In an update on DCC's ongoing response to Hurricane Katrina, all but one child care team have completed work. The team previously serving at the Cajun Dome in Lafayette, La., has moved to the Gonzales Shelter located between Baton Rouge and New Orleans, where the volunteers will complete their two week term of service, reported coordinator Helen Stonesifer. ARC will then re-evaluate whether an additional team will be needed as replacements.

In the meantime, a Brethren Disaster Response project rebuilding homes damaged in the four hurricanes that hit Florida last year continues in the area of Pensacola. To volunteer for that project or any of the other three current clean up and/or rebuilding projects in Alabama following Hurricane Katrina, in Louisiana following Hurricane Rita, or in Belmont County, Ohio, following flooding earlier this year, call your district disaster coordinator or 800-451-4407.

Source: 10/26/2005 Newsline
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Emergency Disaster Fund provides food for Guatemalan villages.

A grant of $7,000 has been given from the General Board's Emergency Disaster Fund to provide food to three villages in Guatemala affected by Hurricane Stan and resulting floods and mud slides. Union Victoria, Chitaburuy Chimaltenango, and El Triunfo all have a relationship with the Church of the Brethren through mission staff working in Guatemala with the General Board's Global Mission Partnerships and Brethren Volunteer Service.

Funds will be handled and directed through mission worker Rebecca Allen and Latin America specialist Tom Benevento. Some funding will go directly to a community co-op. Additional grants are anticipated to carry out a larger response.

In an update on the villages, Benevento said that "they're doing okay" except for many people who have fallen sick with chest congestion from the moisture and mold after days of rain. Union Victoria families have returned to their houses following an evacuation that stranded them on a hillside sheltering under plastic tarps and tents for some time. The community is now focused on repairing a water turbine for coffee processing, and rebuilding the bridge that was washed out, said Benevento. The bridge is crucial to transporting the community's coffee crop.

It also has been difficult to get the funds to Allen and the communities through rural banks in the area. "It's more complicated than one would think," Benevento said, giving the example of the "fairly big trip" to a bank from an area where roads and bridges have been destroyed.

Source: 10/26/2005 Newsline
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Brethren Volunteer Service unit 267 begins service.

Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS) unit 267 completed orientation in New Windsor, Md., on Oct. 14. Volunteers, their home towns or congregations, and project assignments follow:

Heidi Bailey, Oakland Church of the Brethren, Gettysburg, Ohio, to The Palms, Sebring, Fla.; Ali Bever, Eel River Church of the Brethren, N. Manchester, Ind., to Cooper-Riis, Mill Spring, N.C.; Allison Bouley, Springfield, Va., to Tri-City Homeless Coalition, Fremont, Calif.; Abby Brown, Pleasant Hill (Ohio) Church of the Brethren, to Tri-City Homeless Coalition, Fremont, Calif.; Evan Eichenberger, Pawnee City, Neb., to San Antonio (Texas) Catholic Worker House; Lindsay Garber, Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren, Elgin, Ill., to Gould Farm, Monterey, Mass.; Susie Gong, University Baptist and Brethren Church, State College, Pa., to Oakland (Calif.) Catholic Worker House; Becky Hollenberg, Union Center Church of the Brethren, N. Manchester Ind., to Oakland Catholic Worker House; Joseph Huffman, Mill Creek Church of the Brethren, Port Republic, Va., to Innisfree Village, Crozet, Va.; Jason Hughes, Panther Creek Church of the Brethren, Adel, Iowa, to Cafe 458, Decatur, Ga.; Aaron and Becky Johnston, Community of Joy Church of the Brethren, Salisbury, Md., to Su Casa Catholic Worker House, Chicago, Ill.; Hannah Kliewer, Powell, Wyo., to the Center on Conscience and War, Washington, D.C.; Philipp Krueger, Hemer, Germany, to Bering Omega, Houston, Texas; Selvan Lehmann, Eppelheim, Germany, to Brethren Nutrition Program, Washington, D.C.; Anthony Madison, Elk Grove, Ill., to Brethren Nutrition Program; Beth Merrill, Prince of Peace Church of the Brethren, Sacramento, Calif., to Bridgeway, Lakewood, Colo.; Matthias Rittmeier, Meschede, Germany, to Tri-City Homeless Coalition, Fremont, Calif.; Kent Rupel, La Verne (Calif.) Church of the Brethren, to Project PLASE, Baltimore, Md.; Emma Shaw, Knightstown, Ind., to Christ House, Washington, D.C.; Weldon and Linda Sikes, Good Shepherd Church of the Brethren, Springfield, Mo., to the Meeting Ground, Elkton, Md.; Angela Wahr, Sugar Ridge Church of the Brethren, Custer, Mich., to Gould Farm, Monterey, Mass.; Vera Wiedenbeck, Freiburg, Germany, to Carlos Rosario International Career Development Center, Washington, D.C.; and Emily Young, First Church of the Brethren, Harrisonburg, Va., to Friendship Day Care, Hutchinson, Kan.

Source: 10/26/2005 Newsline
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Atlantic Northeast District Conference takes theme from proverbs.

Atlantic Northeast District held its 2005 conference Oct. 8-9 in Leffler Chapel at Elizabethtown (Pa.) College. Larry O'Neill, pastor of Skippack Church of the Brethren in Collegeville, Pa., served as moderator. The theme, "A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver" (Proverbs 25:11), set the tone for the weekend, reported district administrative staff Doris Frysinger.

The Harrisburg (Pa.) First Church of the Brethren Inspirational Choir opened worship with energetic inspirational music. Special music was provided by the March Forth Quartet. Moderator O'Neill shared a message urging district members to be encouragers of each other and to recognize and call out leaders.

O'Neill also led delegates in approval of a slate of nominees, approval of a budget of $479,766, and receiving of a variety of reports. District leaders were recognized, with new leaders in the district during the last year introduced. Newly licensed ministers, recently ordained ministers, and pastors serving new congregations were showcased in a power point display. The district recognized Walter G. Lehman for 50 years in ministry, and recognized Edward "LeRoy" Dick posthumously for his 50 years in ministry. His wife, Evelyn, was present to accept the award.

An offering of $2,081 will be divided equally between the Mission Church Fund and the District Ministries.

Source: 10/26/2005 Newsline
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Atlantic Southeast District Conference raises money for hurricane relief.

Over $10,000 was raised for the victims of Hurricane Katrina at this year's Atlantic Southeast District Conference, reported district executive minister Martha Beach. The district's 81st conference was held at Orlando (Fla.) Community Church of the Brethren on Oct. 7-8, with Kevin King as moderator. King is pastor of Orlando Community Church. The theme was, "To Know...to Live...to Share...the Love of Christ!"

Two pre-conference workshops were held, one led by Vickie Smith of Atlantic Northeast District, entitled "Spiritual Gifts"; and one led by Ronald Beachley, Annual Conference moderator, on "Developing Deacon Ministry."

Beachley lit the "dancing flame" candle to begin the inspiring opening worship service, which was led by Smith. The youth from Miami First Church of the Brethren entertained conference-goers with music to begin the afternoon session on Saturday.

In business, the 46 delegates voted to approve Naples Haitian Church as a new fellowship, and accepted an invitation by St. Petersburg First Church of the Brethren to host the 2007 district conference. The recommendation of the District Board for the dissolution of the Rios de Agua Viva Fellowship was also agreed to by the delegates. In other business, delegates called Ana Figueroa from the St. Petersburg First Church as moderator-elect.

In other events during the weekend, the district's annual pie auction brought in over $1,100. The conference recognized Berwyn Oltman for 50 years of ordained ministry. Mary Mueller was presented with a certificate for becoming the district's first Training in Ministry graduate.

Next year Atlantic Southeast District Conference will be held at Yahuecas Cristo Nuestra Paz Church of the Brethren in Castaner, P.R. Hector Perez, pastor of Vega Baja Iglesia de Los Hermanos Cristo El Senor, will serve as moderator.

Source: 10/26/2005 Newsline
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Brethren bits: Remembrances, job openings, and more.
  • Brethren joined the nation in celebrating the legacy of Rosa Parks, whose refusal to give up her seat on a Montgomery, Ala., bus launched the civil rights movement. She died Oct. 24 at age 92. "I feel like Rosa Parks demonstrated for Americans what it means to stand up on the inside while it may appear like you're sitting down on the outside," said Annual Conference moderator-elect Belita Mitchell. "The impact of Parks' decision still affects the black community," Mitchell said, adding that her action was "a testament to what one person's courage and commitment can do." The National Council of Churches (NCC) also celebrated the life and legacy of Parks in a statement released yesterday. "She was a heroine in our midst--one who taught our nation about courage and determination," the NCC said. "Although her physical life has ended, her work lives on even as we continue to fight for justice and equality in this nation."

  • Former General Board missionary Joy (Elaine) Cullen Fasnacht passed away Oct. 21 at age 90. She and her husband, Everett, served in western India during various terms in each decade between 1940 and 1970. She was born in Beatrice, Neb., in 1915, but was a resident of Sebring, Fla., for the past several years. Her husband of over 50 years preceded her in death. She is survived by sons Robert Paul and Dean Merrill, daughters-in-law Ellen Jenks and Lorene Fasnacht, six grandchildren, and seven great grandchildren. The family will receive friends at Morris Funeral Home in Sebring on Oct. 30, between 2-4 p.m., followed by a funeral at Sebring Church of the Brethren chapel at 10 a.m. Oct. 31. A memorial fund has been created to accept donations to the Rural Service Center in Ankleshwar, India, care of the General Board.

  • Two job openings have been announced at Camp Brethren Heights, Rodney, Mich., for a camp director and a camp maintenance director. The camp director will serve in a year-round position as part-time administrator. A newly renovated residence, utilities, and health insurance assistance are provided. The current director is leaving by the end of 2005. The camp maintenance director will fill a full-time position for the camping season, May through September. A wide variety of knowledge and skills are important to these positions, as is a love of God's creation, people, and Christian camping. Submit a letter of intent to Barry Barto, Camp Personnel, c/o Michigan District Office, P.O. Box 47, Kaleva, MI 49645; or e-mail bbarto@manistee.org; or call 231-362-2456. Applicants will be contacted concerning additional information to submit.

  • The next Fellowship of Brethren Homes Forum will take place in April 2006 at the Cedars in McPherson, Kan. The focus will be on "Person-Centered Care," featuring the Cedar House Project. Wally Landes, pastor of Palmyra (Pa.) Church of the Brethren, will speak on "Piety and the Church of the Brethren." The 2006 forum was originally scheduled to be at Brethren Hillcrest Homes in La Verne, Calif.

  • Bakersfield (Calif.) Community Church of the Brethren celebrated "three quarters of a century serving God" on Oct. 23 with an anniversary celebration, potluck, and afternoon program led by Pacific Southwest District executive minister Bryan Boyer.

  • Empire (Calif.) Church of the Brethren will celebrate 100 years on Nov. 20. For more information contact the church at 209-522-4371.

  • When Palmyra (Pa.) Church of the Brethren gathered for Love Feast on Sunday, Oct. 2, they did things a little differently. At the recommendation of the pastoral staff, the deacons voted to alter the order of service at the point of the Agape Meal, reported pastor Wally Landes. Instead of eating the traditional meal, the congregation fasted for World Communion Sunday. Where the brothers and sisters would have eaten together, the pastors shared scriptural meditations on prayer and fasting focusing on Luke's account of the Last Supper--"where it is not clear whether Jesus ate with the 12 or himself fasted in preparation for his death," Landes said. The hymn "Brothers and Sisters of Mine Are the Hungry" was sung with its pledge, "and I shall not feast 'til the hungry are fed." Members were asked to bring non-perishable food items to help stock the congregation food bank that assists dozens of area families.

  • Topeka Church of the Brethren has returned to its original name, Rochester Community Church of the Brethren to re-emphasize community connections. The church is located on Rochester Road in Topeka, Kan.

  • Two districts will hold their conferences over the Nov. 4-6 weekend: Illinois and Wisconsin District will meet Nov. 4-6 at Springfield (Ill.) Church of the Brethren with Pat Rittle as moderator; Shenandoah District will meet Nov. 4-5 at Bridgewater (Va.) Church of the Brethren with Peter Leddy as moderator.

  • Pinecrest Community, a Church of the Brethren retirement center in Mount Morris, Ill., will hold its Holiday Bazaar on Nov. 11 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. "We've been inviting hand-crafters to set up booths and sell their one-of-a-kind items for 13 years," said activities director Janell Miller. A tradition at the bazaar are fresh, hot cinnamon rolls, baked throughout the day, according to a press release. A barbeque lunch will be served from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and a bake sale will be held along with a special raffle item of 48-inch hand-painted wooden carolers. All proceeds go toward resident's activities throughout the year.

  • Leffler Chapel and Performance Center at Elizabethtown (Pa.) College will host a concert by Minas, a Brazilian ensemble performing samba and bassa nova music, on Nov. 18 at 8 p.m. On Nov. 20 at 7:30 p.m. the Ying Quartet will perform Beethoven's String Quartet Cycle. For more information call 717-361-1410.

  • Bridgewater (Va.) College has announced upcoming events including an Ethics Bowl Final on Nov. 1 at 9:30 a.m. in Cole Hall, sponsored by the Virginia Foundation of Independent Colleges; and a W. Harold Row Endowed Lecture on Nov. 2 at 7:30 p.m. on the subject of "Seeds of Peace," at the Carter Center. The speaker will be Barbara Gottschalk. For more information call 540-828-5486.

  • Dr. Leon Kintaudi, director of the SANRU Program in the Democratic Republic of Congo connected with Interchurch Medical Assistance (IMA), has been named by TIME magazine as one of its global health heroes to be recognized at the TIME Magazine Global Health Summit on Nov. 1 in New York. The Church of the Brethren is a contributing denomination to IMA, which is headquartered at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md.

  • The 2,000th American death in Iraq marks a "tragic milestone," said general secretary Bob Edgar of the National Council of Churches (NCC) in a statement on Oct. 25. Expressing support for military personnel as individuals he called on American Christians to engage in prayer and reflection, to pray for the families of those in the military in Iraq, for national leaders, and for an end to the war. "Speaking frankly, this milestone is also a cause for anger," he said. "It's hard today to set aside the reality that the administration started this war despite the earnest protests of church leaders and millions of persons of faith.... We must take these burdens to God," Edgar added. "It's time to bring this tragic chapter of American history to a close. Like Vietnam, the light at the end of this tunnel is a warning of more death, not a promise of victory." An NCC Resource packet, "Praying for Peace," can be downloaded at www.ncccusa.org/Prayers.html.
Source: 10/26/2005 Newsline
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Cross-cultural music tour visits churches in Kansas and Missouri.

A cross-cultural music tour will travel to Church of the Brethren congregations in Missouri and Kansas Oct. 29-Nov. 3 to share testimonies, Bible study, and music that emphasize God's desire for the church to reflect racial and ethnic diversity.

Participants in the tour are Gilbert Romero, pastor of Bella Vista Church of the Brethren in Los Angeles, Calif.; Don Mitchell, a music leader at First Church of the Brethren in Harrisburg, Pa.; Marilyn Montauban, a singer from First Haitian Church of the Brethren in Brooklyn, N.Y.; and Duane Grady, a staff member for the General Board's Congregational Life Teams.

The tour schedule includes worship concerts at First Central Church of the Brethren in Kansas City, Kan., on Oct. 29, at 10:30 a.m.; Messiah Church of the Brethren in Kansas City, Mo., on Oct. 30 at 7 p.m.; Cabool (Mo.) Church of the Brethren on Nov. 1 at 7 p.m.; and Rochester Comunity Church of the Brethren in Topeka, Kan., on Nov. 3 at 7 p.m.

On Nov. 2 the group will give two worship concerts at McPherson (Kan.) College: one at 7:30-8:30 p.m. for senior high youth from McPherson Church of the Brethren and the community; and another at 9-10 p.m. for the Brethren and Anabaptist student group. At the McPherson church, the group will join a drop-in Wednesday evening meal beginning at 5:30 p.m., followed by a time for informal sharing.

Source: 10/26/2005 Newsline
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Brochures and website are available for 2006 workcamps.

The Youth and Young Adult Office of the General Board has announced that brochures and a website for the 2006 workcamps are now available. Around 3,000 brochures already have been mailed directly to congregations and individuals. For the summer of 2006 the office is planning six junior high workcamps including a new junior high/intergenerational workcamp, one senior high workcamp, and one young adult workcamp.

Junior high workcamps are scheduled for June 12-16 in Ashland, Ohio; June 19-23 in Innisfree Village, Va.; July 9-13 in New Windsor, Md.; July 16-20 in Keyser, W.Va.; and Aug. 9-13 in Indianapolis, Ind. The junior high/intergenerational workcamp is set for Aug. 2-6 in Harrisburg, Pa. The senior high workcamp will take place June 11-17 in Kyle, S.D. The young adult workcamp will be May 29-June 5 in Tijuana, Mexico.

"Continuing the WORK of Jesus" will be the theme for the workcamps, taking a look at the example of Jesus' life and ministry and applying that example to situations in workcamp settings. There will also be sharing about modern people who exemplify Jesus' work in the world, and some of the Youth Action Goals for the United Nations Millennium Development Campaign will be incorporated. "Altogether, we are planning to grow in faith, knowledge, and appreciation for service in many different settings through the 2006 workcamps," said coordinator Monica Rice.

To order brochures or for more information contact Rice at 800-323-8039 or mrice_gb@brethren.org. Visit the workcamp website, where you can download a PDF version of the workcamp brochure and begin registration for workcamps on Dec 1 at 12:00 am Eastern time, at www.brethren.org/genbd/yya/workcamps/index.html.

Source: 10/26/2005 Newsline
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Preparations for National Youth Conference 2006 continue.

Preparations for National Youth Conference (NYC) 2006 in Fort Collins, Colo., next summer continue with calls for entries to a Theme Song Contest and a Speech Contest, and an announcement of a new list server for the event. The NYC coordinators also issued a call for youth worker applications. Youth workers act as volunteer staff for the event and carry out a variety of tasks during the week of the conference.

The Theme Song Contest is open to anyone who likes to write music. Songs should center on the theme for NYC, "Come and See." Submissions are due to the NYC Office by Nov. 1 in the form of both an audio recording and a print copy of the lyrics.

The Speech Contest is open to all youth attending NYC 2006. The topic of speeches should center on the theme for NYC, "Come and See." Entries should include a written copy and audio copy of the speech, which should be 500-700 words (about 10 minutes spoken). Submissions are due to the NYC Office by Jan. 1, 2006. The authors of the top two entries will give their speeches during a worship service at NYC.

The new list serv is open to anyone who wants to keep up to date on the latest NYC news. Subscribe at http://listserver.emountain.net/mailman/listinfo/nyc2006

Youthworker applications are due Nov. 1. The application form and more information may be found on the NYC website at www.brethren.org/genbd/yya/NYC2006/index.html.

Coordinators for NYC 2006 are Cindy Laprade, Beth Rhodes, and Emily Tyler, working with Chris Douglas, the General Board's director for Youth and Young Adult Ministries. For more information about NYC 2006, see www.brethren.org/genbd/yya/NYC2006/index.html.

Source: 10/26/2005 Newsline
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Bethany Seminary professor co-edits book on reproductive loss.

Ten years ago, five women theological educators discovered their common anguish during a professional growth event in Crawfordsville, Ind. Their collaborative discussions and research, along with their personal reflections, are compiled in "Hope Deferred: Heart-Healing Reflections on Reproductive Loss," recently released by Pilgrim Press. Nadine Pence Frantz, professor of theological studies at Bethany Theological Seminary in Richmond, Ind., and an ordained minister in the Church of the Brethren is one of the book's co-editors.

Mary T. Stimming, adjunct professor of theology at Dominican University in River Forest, Ill., also served as a co-editor. Other contributing writers are L. Serene Jones, Titus Street professor of theology at Yale Divinity School; Kristen E. Kvam, associate professor of theology at St. Paul School of Theology, Kansas City; and Linda A. Mercadante, B. Robert Straker professor of theology at the Methodist Theological School in Delaware, Ohio.

In the book's introduction, Frantz and Stimming note that during their initial conversations they shared titles of many works of sociology and psychology that document the effects of infertility and miscarriage, but were hard-pressed to name any theological works explicitly devoted to the experience. "In the course of our conversations, we spoke of struggles with prayer, of painful treatment within our churches, of anger with God and others, of being unable to speak of God coherently, and of other theological wrestling," they wrote. "We had not encountered any serious, sustained theological reflections on such topics in direct connection with infertility, miscarriage, and stillbirth. Our frustration became part of the impetus of this project."

The book contains an essay from each writer, covering a spectrum of responses to reproductive loss. "Why" centers on the loss of autobiographical narrative and the hopes and dreams contained in a marriage; "Sorrow" highlights the loss of the physical realities of pregnancy and participation in the world of mothers; "Rupture" explores the loss of control over self and of hopes and dreams of the future; "Comfort" ponders a loss of relationship; and "Faith" considers the loss of a jointly conceived, genetically linked child.

Order from Brethren Press for $18 plus shipping and handling; call 800-441-3712.

Source: 10/26/2005 Newsline
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General Board tackles new mission in Sudan, Millennium Development Goals, and stem cell research in a busy fall meeting.

"We have affirmed a major new mission in Sudan," said General Board chair Glenn Mitchell at board meetings Oct. 15-17 in Elgin, Ill. The new mission was approved in concept during a meeting focused on "Bound Together, Finely Woven: That Your Hearts May Be Encouraged," a theme taken from Colossians 2:1-3. Lively and intense worship experiences marked the meeting, with closing worship led in Spanish and English by board member Jaime Diaz, a pastor from Puerto Rico.

In other business, the board approved a budget for 2006, a resolution supporting the Millennium Development Goals, and study of stem cell research. It also met with the Stewardship of Property Committee considering use of the board's two main facilities in Elgin and New Windsor, Md.

Sudan Mission Initiative:

The General Board accepted a proposal for a new Church of the Brethren mission initiative in Sudan and approved it "as a concept for implementation and development." "There is new opportunity to walk with the Sudanese in a healing and reconciling way, and to work together to rebuild their land," said the proposal for the new mission. (See story below for a full report.)

Budget and Finances:

The board approved a "grand total" budget for 2006 of $9,318,470 of net income for all General Board ministries. This budget includes the Core Ministries Fund as well as special funds and self-funded units such as Brethren Press and the New Windsor Conference Center among others. Treasurer Judy Keyser gave a presentation of "good news" for next year, announcing that no deficit budgets are expected and no staff or program cuts are anticipated.

In an income and expense report through Sept. 30, the board learned that this year's budget is currently at almost $47,000 of expense over income. However, a funding report revealed that congregational giving to all of the General Board ministries, including special funds such as the Emergency Disaster Fund (EDF), is up 27.5 percent or more. Giving to the EDF has exceeded $2.2 million so far this year, in an extremely generous response to the board's disaster work following the tsunami and the Gulf Coast hurricanes.

"The Core Ministries Fund is trailing its congregational giving budget projection by seven percent or about $150,000," reported Ken Neher, director of Funding. "However, total giving from congregations and districts has exceeded $3 million by October for the first time in memory, perhaps ever."

The board also approved a series of revisions in its Financial Policies document, including such changes as allowing donations through electronic transfer, a new percentage formula for use of bequest funds, the prohibition of loans to individuals, and new approval levels for grants from special funds, among several other revisions.

Millennium Development Goals:

A resolution supporting the Millennium Development Goals was approved and recommended to Annual Conference for adoption. "To all who are concerned with making known to a suffering world the teachings and compassion of Jesus Christ, now is a critical time for addressing the crisis of extreme poverty and widespread hunger," said the opening sentence of the resolution. It was presented by Howard Royer, manager of the board's Global Food Crisis Fund, and Phil Jones, director of the Brethren Witness/Washington Office.

The resolution recommits the board to "follow the teachings of Jesus that prompt our loving response to the poor and hungry. We recommend that congregations, agencies, and members revisit the 2000 Annual Conference Statement on Caring for the Poor, using this and other study materials to prayerfully engage the questions of hunger and poverty. We call on all levels and structures of the denomination to identify with and pursue the Millennium Development Goals," the resolution continues.

In a grim focus on what is at stake, an advertisement for www.makepovertyhistory.org was shown featuring well-known actors snapping their fingers--a snap once every three seconds for the children who die every three seconds from hunger and poverty-related causes around the world. "And all preventable," stated actor Liam Neeson.

The Millennium Development Goals "seek to make a change in this generation," said Royer. Goal 1, for example, is to "eradicate extreme poverty and hunger." Target 1 under that goal is to "halve, between 1999 and 2015, the proportion of people whose income is less than $1 a day." Royer emphasized Goal 3, "Promote gender equality and empower women." He repeated UN general secretary Kofi Annan's assertion that study after study has shown the best way to improve life and health is to educate girls. The US signed and committed to achieve the goals along with 188 other countries at the UN Millennium Summit in September 2000.

Other goals aim to increase primary education, reduce child mortality, improve maternal health, combat HIV/AIDS and other diseases, ensure environmental sustainability, and develop a global partnership for development.

For the full text of the board's resolution and the list of the Millennium Development Goals, contact the Brethren Witness/Washington Office at 337 North Carolina Avenue, SE, Washington, DC 20003; 800-785-3246; washington_office_gb@brethren.org

Stem Cell Research Study:

The board affirmed a plan for staff to work on a study of stem cell research, in cooperation with the Association of Brethren Caregivers (ABC). The study will be presented to Annual Conference as a report and/or study guide for discussion or affirmation as a denomination-wide study.

General secretary Stan Noffsinger and ABC executive director Kathy Reid initiated the study out of "concern about helping the church think in theological and ethical ways about this whole area" of bio-ethics and bio-medical advances, Del Keeney told the board. Keeney is executive director of Congregational Life Ministries and will work on the study with Scott Douglas, director of Older Adult Ministry for ABC. The staff members will lead a group of three to five Church of the Brethren members with expertise in bio-ethics to develop the report and/or study resource.

The last Annual Conference statement on issues of bio-ethics and medical technology was made in 1984 and does not directly address stem cell research. Keeney explained that such a study has a "fast moving target" because research and technology is progressing and developing so quickly. For example, he told the board that recent research findings suggest that adult stem cell research is more promising than had been previously thought. He and Douglas hope to be able to provide "an informed offering to the church," Keeney said, commenting that "there are people in our congregations who are waiting for help and hope."

Stewardship of Properties Committee and other reports:

The board members were the final group to have a hearing and listening session with the Stewardship of Properties Committee, in a closed session. Chair Dale Roth gave a brief update on the committee's work in an open session. The committee will bring recommendations to the March 2006 meeting of the General Board in New Windsor.

Other reports gave updates on the response to the Gulf Coast hurricanes; the Gather 'Round curriculum; next year's National Youth Conference; the 60th anniversary commemoration of the bombing of Hiroshima; the Vital Pastor Program of the Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership; and plans for Annual Conference 2006. The Congregational Life Teams staff gave a presentation of observations from congregations, which included times for discussion of issues in small groups.

Music and Worship:

On Sunday evening Oct. 16, members of the Organ Historical Society, Chicago-Midwest chapter, offered a ceremony and recital in recognition of the historical status of the Kurtz Organ (see story below) also known as the 1698 Johann Christoph Harttman organ after its maker.

Other guests present over the long weekend of meetings included Bethany Theological Seminary students, a Training in Ministry class, members of the Cross Cultural Ministries Team, the Stewardship of Properties Committee, and district executives and visitors. During a time of employee recognitions, it was "standing room only" in the board room.

Among the guests were the pastors of a new church plant in Illinois and Wisconsin District, who helped lead the opening worship service for the weekend along with district executive Jim Yaussy Albright. Tom and Lynda DeVore pastor Christ Connections Community Church, which will be welcomed as a new Church of the Brethren fellowship at this fall's district conference.

An offering for the Global Food Crisis Fund raised $2,001 during a Sunday morning worship service in observance of World Food Day. The smell of bread permeated the chapel at the Church of the Brethren General Offices as bread was made and baked during the service, a procession carried bread from different cultures to the altar table, the offering was taken in bread bowls, and board members and staff gave testimonies about Brethren efforts to combat hunger.

Diaz encapsulated the mood of the meeting in his closing sermon. "I think this church has been called to do wonderful ministry," he said, "but we face struggles. You know what? I think we can go home and give words of encouragement. The work of Jesus will continue."

After the close of the meeting, board members stayed on for a professional growth event and a regularly scheduled performance evaluation for general secretary Stan Noffsinger.

Source: 10/27/2005 Special Newsline
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Ambitious new mission initiative in Sudan is approved in concept.

At meetings in Elgin, Ill., Oct. 15-17 the General Board accepted a proposal for a new Church of the Brethren mission initiative in Sudan and approved it "as a concept for implementation and development."

"There is new opportunity to walk with the Sudanese in a healing and reconciling way, and to work together to rebuild their land," said the proposal in part. The proposal calls for an ambitious 2006 budget in excess of $1 million with a projection of quickly fielding 20-plus mission workers. Mission workers would do a variety of work to help rebuild Sudan following the civil war, such as health care and education, with direction from indigenous agencies such as the New Sudan Council of Churches. The board's discussion indicated it is likely that church planting will be added to the mission workers' tasks.

The proposal was brought through the Mission and Ministries Planning Council by an ad-hoc group of more than 20 former General Board staff and mission workers, along with others who attended the Mission Alive '05 conference this past spring. Two members of the group were present to speak to the board: Roger Schrock, a former executive of the General Board's World Ministries Commission, and Merlyn Kettering, a consultant for the General Board's work with the New Sudan Council of Churches.

The "need is terrific" in Sudan, said Global Mission Partnership executive director Merv Keeney as he introduced the proposal. He and other presenters couched it as a new mission initiative for the denomination "with initial mission program in south Sudan." They outlined a vision to expand the initiative, tailored for countries emerging from violent conflict, to other such areas in Africa.

There is no functioning social organization other than the church in southern Sudan, Keeney told the board, and the Brethren mission will be part of a large international effort to rebuild the country's infrastructure. Kettering challenged the board to say "yes" to the proposal, to say "we want to be involved in the rebuilding of Sudan, and doing it the way the Brethren can do it."

Discussion around the board table included the possibility of the new mission being carried out in cooperation with the councils of churches in Sudan as well as with sister Churches of the Brethren in Nigeria and other countries. Before presentation to the board, the proposal had been reviewed by leaders of the New Sudan Council of Churches, Haruun Ruun and Emmanuel Lowilla.

The General Board's more than 25 years of relationship with Sudan is "an important basis" for the new initiative, Keeney said. Past General Board mission programs in Sudan have included a rural health program, the training of pastors, theological education, Bible translation, food distribution and relief efforts, a peace program, and financial support of staff of the New Sudan Council of Churches. "The Sudanese are saying, you've walked with us in difficult times, walk with us now," Keeney said.

Many questions focused on the proposal's "faith mission model" of funding that differs from the current way the board funds mission. The proposal for Sudan has missionaries raising their own support and salaries along with a percentage for administration, seeking direct sponsorship from congregations. Those presenting the proposal said the proposing group has people "poised to give" to start the mission, as well as people ready to go to Sudan as mission workers.

During the discussion, some wondered if the new funding model will damage the board's fundraising for its core ministries. Others were concerned about the ability for mission workers to sustain a commitment to the people of Sudan under such a structure. As churches are planted there also is a concern about how to commit to new congregations under such a structure. Finance office staff said that the proposed funding model would be inconsistent with current financial policies. If the proposed funding model is adopted the board may need to examine how other ministry areas are in conversation with their constituents about funding.

"All of our concerns look like things we can talk through and solve," Keeney told the board. "The question before us is where is God leading us?"

Board members agreed, although reservations continued to be expressed throughout discussion of the proposal. After saying that he still had lots of questions, board member Dale Minnich affirmed, "I don't know how we can't do it. Is God asking us to go? We have to discern that together, but I think the answer is yes," he said. "But it's a leap of faith."

In approving the proposal in concept the board referred to the 1989 Annual Conference paper Mission Theology and Guidelines. It also referred to a resolution passed in July calling the Church of the Brethren to new opportunities in Sudan following the peace accords signed in January that ended years of civil war.

The board identified several areas where it still had questions, including the christology of the proposal, details of church planting plans, the funding model, the name of the mission, and partnering details. The General Board and staff will engage in further dialogue about the mission initiative in Sudan in future Executive Committee and General Board meetings.

Source: 10/27/2005 Special Newsline
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Kurtz Organ receives historical citation.

The Kurtz Organ received a Historic Organ Citation from the Organ Historical Society at a ceremony and recital on Sunday evening, Oct. 16, during the fall General Board meeting.

Stephen Schnurr, chair of the Historic Organ Citations Committee, presented the citation to general secretary Stan Noffsinger and Ken Shaffer, archivist for the Brethren Historical Library and Archives (BHLA). The small pipe organ is part of the BHLA collection. Since the awarding of the first citation in 1975, some 330 organs in the US and Canada have received the honor. Susan Friesen, a member of the society's Chicago-Midwest Chapter, gave the recital at the chapel at the Church of the Brethren General Offices. Several other members of the society attended along with board members, staff, and guests.

The organ also is known as the 1698 Johann Christoph Harttman pipe organ, named after its maker, and is one of the oldest organs in the United States. It is the only known surviving work of Harttman, who was an organ builder in the Wurttemberg region of Germany in the late 17th and early 18th centuries. Henry Kurtz, editor of the first Church of the Brethren periodical the Gospel Visiter (sic), owned the organ and probably brought it with him from Germany. After Kurtz's death, the organ remained in the family for awhile and then was placed in Bethel Church in Poland, Ohio. A great-grandson of Kurtz, Levi P. Good, acquired the organ again by 1952. In 1957 it was given to the Brethren Historical Committee and moved to Elgin.

The organ arrived in Elgin in badly deteriorated condition. In the 1960s preliminary work to restore it was done by Al Brightbill, a noted Church of the Brethren musician and seminary professor, along with other General Board staff. In 1976, organ restorer John Brombaugh of Middletown, Ohio, finished the restoration over a period of two months. Brombaugh, who is of Church of the Brethren background, was trained in Europe.

After its restoration, the organ was played at the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference in 1976. It also was featured in a recital at the 1984 National Convention of the Organ Historical Society.

Source: 10/27/2005 Special 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. Martha Beach, Nevin Dulabaum, Doris Frysinger, Duane Grady, Vickie Johnson, Wally Landes, Marcia Shetler, Helen Stonesifer, Walt Wiltschek, and Roy Winter contributed to this report.

Friday, October 14, 2005

Newsline Special: Bethany Centennial, Round Up of Disaster Relief News

NEWSROUND UP OF DISASTER RELIEF NEWS
Bethany Theological Seminary looks forward to another 100 years.

"We hope you're here for another 100 years!" Sally Hutton, mayor of Richmond, Ind., summed up the sentiments of many who were in town for the Bethany Theological Seminary Centennial Homecoming Weekend Sept. 30-Oct. 2. More than 200 people attended one or more of the centennial events over course of the weekend.

Hutton was one of several speakers at a convocation Oct. 1, addressing a colorful audience of current and former faculty in full academic garb, staff, trustees, alumni, and students. Others who joined Hutton in celebrating Bethany's presence in Richmond were Anne Reid, chair of the Board of Trustees; Stephen Breck Reid, academic dean; Annual Conference moderator Ronald Beachley; and Jay Marshall, dean of Earlham School of Religion (ESR).

Bethany's immediate neighbor at the northeast corner of the Earlham College campus, ESR is a partner in providing theological education, sharing many facilities, faculty, and staff with Bethany. Each of the schools "understands that the pursuit of truth is essential to education," Marshall said. They have provided a model of how to work together "without losing our identity which is so important to us," he added. "I too hope for another 100 years with Bethany, as we witness to our faith and we serve God."

Bethany's president Eugene Roop gave the convocation address. "For 100 years, Bethany has worked to equip the saints for the ministries of the church," he said. Roop reviewed theological and social concerns that motivated education at Bethany, from its beginnings on Hastings Street in Chicago, through the establishment of a campus on Van Buren Street on Chicago's west side, to the school's moves to Oak Brook, Ill., and Richmond, Ind.

Bethany was founded in a decade of high expectations, Roop said, hopes for a new Christian age as well as developments in science, medicine, social welfare, and world peace. A line from a hymn by A.C. Wieand, one of Bethany's founders, expressed the sentiments of the era: "On the radiant threshold of this dawning day...."

Although the mood in 2005 is quite different--Roop referred to a current culture of "blame and fear"--Roop called on the school and the church to renew anticipation for the future. As for the ancient Israelites emerging from the wilderness, on the verge of crossing the Jordan, and the disciples of Jesus, ready to follow him down from the mountaintop, "the anticipation of a new day overrides the cynicism of the day," Roop said. "The invitation of God's new day is the opportunity of life, by life, for life.... That is the quintessential teachable moment. That is when and where the church needs a seminary," he said.

In other homecoming events, a concert was given by alumni, faculty, staff, students, and a Bethany Alumni/ae Choir. Nancy Faus-Mullen directed the choir and much of the congregational singing during the weekend. An ice cream social was the venue for a surprise announcement by Lowell Flory, executive director of Institutional Advancement, that the seminary has achieved its initial goal for a fundraising campaign, receiving gifts and commitments totaling more than $15,700,000. A wide variety of "mini-classes" were offered by present and past faculty on subjects such as "Brethren Leaders" and "What's Up in Preaching?"

An evening celebration Oct. 1 began with a banquet featuring ESR faculty member and humorist Tom Mullen as master of ceremonies, leading a search for the most "Bethany-ized" person present. Former faculty member Donald Miller won the prize of an ice cream scoop, after Mullen commented on the Brethren love for ice cream. Following, Bethany sponsored a concert by the male a capella group Cantus of Minneapolis, Minn. The concert was open to the public and the student body at Earlham as a gift to the Richmond community.

Added to the schedule was a memorial service for Donald Durnbaugh, former faculty member who had been scheduled to help teach one of the homecoming's mini-classes. At the service, memories of Durnbaugh were shared by Roop and Donald Miller, who had taught with Durnbaugh.

Planning for the centennial celebration began in 1999 with the formation of a steering committee coordinated by Earle and Jean Fike. Other committee members are Tim Binkley, Nancy Faus-Mullen, Jay and June Gibble, Michelle Grimm, Mary Jessup, Donald Miller, Barb Sayler, Ken Shaffer, Graydon Snyder, David Steele, Fred Swartz, and Janice Ruhl.

"The future of Bethany will probably be different than any we can anticipate," said Roop when he preached for the weekend's closing worship service at Bethany's Nicarry Chapel. To face that future, Roop said, Bethany brings "an incredible adaptability in seminary education."

For more about Bethany Theological Seminary see www.brethren.org/bethany/.

Source: 10/14/2005 Newsline Special Report
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Emergency Disaster Fund tops $2 million in 2005.

The Emergency Disaster Fund of the General Board has received more than $2 million in donations for disaster relief in 2005--five or six times the regular annual rate of giving to the fund. The church's generous response to the needs of survivors of the South Asia tsunami of Dec. 26, 2004, and the needs generated by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, is credited for this increase in giving.

As of Oct. 12, the fund had received $2,109,925 from Jan. 1 through Oct. 12, 2005, as compared to $345,406 in the same period last year.

"Our ministries and our donors have had the opportunity to do good for a great many more people than the norm this year," said Ken Neher, director of Funding and Donor Development for the General Board, referring to Galatians 6:10.

The Emergency Disaster Fund supports the work of Church World Service through grants to disaster appeals, longterm recovery groups, and refugee services. It also supports Church of the Brethren disaster relief work including the Emergency Response/Service Ministries of the General Board, Disaster Child Care, and Brethren Disaster Response.

The generous giving received in 2005 for disaster relief are making it possible for Emergency Response/Service Ministries to field more Disaster Child Care teams and train more child care volunteers--a necessity this year because of the scope of the Hurricane Katrina disaster. Also, the Church of the Brethren has been able to contribute more funds to the Church World Service work related to the tsunami in Indonesia, and the Gulf Coast hurricanes.

About one third of the giving designated for tsunami relief is being held for the two-to-five-year response phase of the recovery effort, said Roy Winter, director of Emergency Response. "It's important to support the longterm work since the church had such a great response" in giving to the Emergency Disaster Fund, he said. The higher level of giving also will make it possible for the church to give to revised appeals from CWS related to the tsunami, after new estimates are made following the end of the first phase of response.

And the Brethren generosity makes it possible for the church to contribute immediately to CWS work for survivors of last weekend's earthquake in Pakistan and India. A new grant from the Emergency Disaster Fund sends $50,000 to CWS' work in Pakistan following last weekend's earthquake, where three assessment teams are deployed and CWS is providing food, shelter, reconstruction supplies, and medical assistance. Another new grant gives $5,000 for the Brethren Disaster Response clean up project in the area of Lake Charles, La., following Hurricane Rita.

Source: 10/14/2005 Newsline Special Report
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New Brethren Disaster Response project begins in Louisiana.

Brethren Disaster Response is starting a new clean up project next week in the area of Lake Charles, La., following destruction by hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Emergency Response director Roy Winter is returning today from an assessment tour of areas of Mississippi, Louisiana, and Alabama, where he visited Disaster Child Care projects, the Brethren Disaster Response clean up project in Citronelle, Ala., and two Church of the Brethren congregations in southern Louisiana.

The new Brethren Disaster Response clean up project in Louisiana is in cooperation with the Brethren congregations in the area: Lake Charles Community Church of the Brethren and Roanoke Church of the Brethren. Winter visited with pastor Jim Balmer and his wife, Jackie, of Roanoke, and with members of the Lake Charles congregation.

Lake Charles and surrounding communities were hit hard by the storm, suffering extensive damage from wind and fallen trees on homes, reported Emergency Response staff. Many elderly residents were affected who require assistance to clear the debris. Lake Charles Church of the Brethren members were affected as well, but suffered for the most only minor damage to homes, Winter said. While visiting the area, Winter helped remove a fallen log off of one member's home. Elsewhere he saw mostly minor roof damage and lots of fallen trees, he said. In a neighborhood of mobile homes, he did see homes "cut in half" by big trees, he added.

Volunteer work teams will begin arriving to start the new clean up project on Oct. 16, based out of a United Methodist Church parsonage in Roanoke. A tool trailer will be supplied from Western Plains District, Winter said, and Missouri and Arkansas District will provide the first team of volunteers.

Brethren Disaster Response already has experienced a decrease in the number of people interested in volunteering following the Gulf Coast hurricanes, Winter said. He asked the church not to lose track of the needs in the Gulf Coast--and needs still lingering following hurricanes and flooding last year. Florida still has 47,000 homes to be rebuilt following the four hurricanes that hit the state in 2004, Winter said. "In many ways their recovery is just starting. We're going to need some longterm volunteer help to keep this going," he said.

Winter emphasized that "we need immediate volunteers to help with the clean up efforts in Alabama and Louisiana, which tends to be physically demanding work." Winter also called for volunteers to consider going to the Brethren Disaster Response rebuilding projects in Florida and Ohio. "We don't want to forget our longterm projects," he said.

"The other great need right now is clean-up buckets," Winter added. "We're totally out of clean-up buckets."

To volunteer for a Brethren Disaster Response clean up or rebuilding project, call your district disaster coordinator or the Emergency Response office at 800-451-4407. For information on assembling and shipping Gift of the Heart Clean-Up Buckets, see the Sept. 28 Newsline Update or go to www.churchworldservice.org, click on "Tools, Kits, and Blankets," then click on "Gift of the Heart Kits."

Source: 10/14/2005 Newsline Special Report
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Guatemala village homeless following hurricane and mud slides.

The village of Union Victoria in Guatemala, which has had a strong relationship with the Church of the Brethren for the past five years, is homeless and without food following Hurricane Stan and resulting mud slides. Union Victoria is the placement site for mission worker Rebecca Allen since the fall of 2004, working through the General Board's Global Mission Partnerships and Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS). Allen was away from the village when the five days of hurricane-related rains began, but returned on Oct. 11 to continue accompanying the villagers as they await aid.

General Board staff are working on ways to respond to the needs in Union Victoria, including grants from the Emergency Disaster Fund for immediate food and shelter needs and other responses.

Other Guatemalan communities with Brethren connections were not hit so hard, according to Tom Benevento, Latin America/Caribbean staff for Global Mission Partnerships. Another mission worker in Guatemala, Todd Bauer, reported by e-mail to the BVS office that in other areas of the country there is great damage. "There are whole villages that have been lost. There are major damages to the transportation infrastructure of the country," he wrote.

"The response of the Guatemalans to help their neighbors has been quick and effective," Bauer added. "People that haven't been affected directly are sending canned goods, clothes, and medicine to the affected zones. The affected families are being taken care of for the moment. The big question will be the reconstruction of the lost homes. This is a cost the Guatemalan people and unfortunately the government can't afford. This is where foreign governments, international agencies, solidarity groups, and sympathetic individuals are needed to help."

Reporting by satellite telephone to Benevento, Allen said that the 86 or 87 families that make up the village of Union Victoria are camped out on a hillside, sheltering in plastic sheets and tents. The community was evacuated, and rain and mud slides have destroyed some homes and the village crops, Allen said. No one in Union Victoria died in the disaster--one woman was saved after she was trapped by the slides.

The villagers had no food as of the time Allen called, and feared that it will be difficult for aid to reach them as the road and bridge to the community have been destroyed. The villagers asked Allen to pass on a request for help.

The Church of the Brethren has supported the village of Union Victoria for about the last five years through the accompaniment of mission and BVS workers and a variety of development projects, said Benevento. The village is made up of refugees who have returned from 15 years of hiding out in the mountains during Guatemala's time of armed conflict. The Church of the Brethren was the first group to help accompany the villagers after they settled, "so there's a strong connection," Benevento said.

In Union Victoria, "for every one person that's alive, one has died from those 15 years of starvation and attacks from the military," Benevento said. For the past five years the community has done "pretty well," he said, as it established a school and built homes. Now a number of those homes are washed out as well as all of the community's crops. "Some people are saying they're not sure they want to stay," Benevento reported from his conversation with Allen. "They're pretty frightened."

Source: 10/14/2005 Newsline Special Report
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Disaster Child Care has cared for thousands since Hurricane Katrina.

In an update on Disaster Child Care (DCC), as of Oct. 11 approximately 80 trained DCC volunteers have cared for about 2,400 children in 11 centers throughout the US, responding to Hurricane Katrina. "Hitting, biting, grabbing toys from other children are some of the behaviors exhibited by children who have been evacuated due to the destruction caused by Hurricane Katrina," reported Stonesifer.

Only one DCC project location related to Hurricane Katrina--Lafayette, La.--continues as of today. The other locations where child care teams cared for Hurricane Katrina survivors included Mobile, Ala.; Los Angeles and San Bernardino, Calif.; Pensacola and Fort Walton Beach, Fla.; Biloxi, Miss.; Fort Pickett and Norfolk, Va.; Denver, Colo.; and Kingwood, W.Va.

The program also has scheduled another Level I training workshop for new Disaster Child Care volunteers. The event will take place 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 12, at United Third Methodist Church, 56 West Main St., Sodus, New York 14551. Local coordinator is Judy Bezon, 315-573-2238 or 585-787-0379. For information about DCC training workshops and registration information see www.disasterchildcare.org.

Source: 10/14/2005 Newsline Special Report
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In Pakistan, 'It's a horror story that doesn't end.'

The following telephone interview with Church World Service (CWS) Pakistan/Afghanistan director Marvin Parvez was written by CWS staff member Chris Herlinger on Oct. 11 in New York. The Church of the Brethren has given $50,000 to CWS for work in Pakistan following the earthquake, through a grant from the General Board's Emergency Disaster Fund.

"'This is going to be the one remembered as the earthquake that killed the children,' said Church World Service (CWS) Pakistan/Afghanistan director Marvin Parvez.

"Parvez is on the scene helping coordinate the CWS response to the calamitous earthquake that has killed more than 20,000 persons. Parvez said one report from Pakistan on Oct. 11 estimated the toll could climb to 80,000 fatalities.

"While there are occasional bits of good news about rescued survivors--as he spoke to CWS New York staff, Parvez received 'beautiful news' of four children being rescued from a school--reports from the scene have otherwise been extremely bleak.

"'There are recovered bodies of children being set outside of schools, ready for burial. As a parent, this is very difficult to see,' Parvez said.

"He added, 'It's a horror story that doesn't end. You find yet another village that has been flattened by this earthquake.' Efforts to rescue survivors or retrieve bodies are being hampered by the inaccessibility of remote rural villages. 'These villages are in mountainous regions where there no roads,' he said.

"Parvez urged support for CWS efforts to provide shelter to earthquake survivors, saying there is 'tremendous need right now. People have lost their homes and need shelter. People are very scared and they can't afford to lose any more loved ones.'

"In addition to support, Parvez, a United Methodist, asked for prayer from US Christians and supporters of CWS efforts in Pakistan. 'We need prayers for parents who lost their children,' he said, 'and for children who lost their parents.'"

Source: 10/14/2005 Newsline Special Report
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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. Todd Bauer, Diane Gosnell, Chris Herlinger, and Helen Stonesifer contributed to this report.

Wednesday, October 12, 2005

NEWSFEATURE
Leadership and daily themes for 2006 Annual Conference are announced.

The Annual Conference Program and Arrangements Committee has announced preachers, worship leaders, and other leadership for the 2006 Annual Conference, as well as daily themes. The conference will take place July 1-5 in Des Moines, Iowa.

The daily theme for the first day of the Conference, Saturday, center on the Conference theme, "Together: Exercise Daily in God" and the theme scripture 1 Timothy 4:6-8 along with Philippians 1:3-7. "The Light That Guides" will be Sunday's theme, with reference to Deuteronomy 11:18, Psalm 119:97-112 and 129-136. On Monday conference-goers will be asked, "How Many Exercises Can You Do?" with reference to Joshua 1:6-9, Psalm 1:2, and Matthew 6:16-18. Tuesday's theme is "Faith Is Not Being a Couch Potato," referring to Philemon 1:4-7 and Matthew 28:18-20. On the final day, "Holding on to the Solid Rock" will serve as theme with Luke 21:19 and Hebrews 10:19-25.

Kelly Burk, pastor of Richmond (Ind.) Church of the Brethren, will preach for the opening service Saturday evening, with worship leader Clara Glover, pastor of Stover Memorial Church of the Brethren in Des Moines. On Sunday morning, Annual Conference moderator Ronald Beachley will preach, with moderator-elect Belita Mitchell leading worship. On Monday evening, Myrna Long Wheeler, chaplain at Brethren Hillcrest Homes in La Verne, Calif., will preach with worship leader Ruben DeOleo, director of Hispanic Ministry for Atlantic Northeast District. Tuesday evening the message will be brought by Dennis Webb, pastor of Naperville (Ill.) Church of the Brethren, with worship leader Joy Zepp, pastor of Manor Church of the Brethren in Boonsboro, Md. The closing service on Wednesday morning will hear from Lisa Hess and Brian Maguire, who will serve at the Conference as consultants for Together: Conversations on Being the Church. David Shumate, executive minister for Virlina District, will lead the service.

In other leadership positions, Rosanna McFadden of Goshen, Ind., is worship coordinator. The music coordinator will be Kathy Johnson of Dallas Center, Iowa. Carolyn Fitzkee of Manheim, Pa., will direct the Conference Choir and Denise Oneal of Adel, Iowa, will direct the Children's Choir. Earla Reffner of Roaring Springs, Pa., will serve as organist and Connie Burkholder of Ankeny, Iowa, as pianist.

Bible study leaders also have been announced: Jim Lehman of Elgin, Ill.; Christy Waltersdorff of Lombard, Ill.; Bill Waugh of Greensburg, Pa.; and Hector E. Perez-Borges of Bayamon, P.R., as Hispanic Bible study coordinator. The theological studies will be led by Tara Hornbacker, assistant professor of Ministry Formation at Bethany Theological Seminary.

For more about Annual Conference go to www.brethren.org/ac/.

Source: 10/12/2005 Newsline
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Association of Brethren Caregivers Board issues visioning statement for denomination.

The Association of Brethren Caregivers (ABC) Board has approved a visioning statement encouraging a new look at how the Church of the Brethren structure enables the mission and ministry of the denomination. The document, "A New World Coming--A Renewed Church Emerging," was approved during board meetings Sept. 23-25 in Elgin, Ill. The statement describes how ABC sees the denomination and itself, and challenges the Church of the Brethren to intentionally organize and position itself for ministry and mission in the future.

The paper begins by stating why the ABC Board is interested in bringing attention to the organizational health of the denomination. "A key component of the vision of the Association of Brethren Caregivers--to seek and secure the well-being of all people--causes the ABC Board to address growing concerns over the way in which Brethren are currently organized for ministry and mission," the statement says in part. "Out of love and care for our denomination, and in pursuance of Christ's prayerful petition 'that they may all be one,' the ABC Board is committed to working earnestly and collaboratively to address the inadequacies of our current structure, as well as its inability to account for widely differing expectations within our denomination."

"On the eve of our 300th anniversary as Brethren, and in anticipation of discussions soon to be held concerning Brethren ecclesiology, we offer a pro-active call for transformational change which will define the Church of the Brethren as it transitions into being the church for the present age," the document continues.

The statement was written by an ABC study committee that evaluated how ABC relates to the denomination. Committee members were Connie Burk Davis, chair; Wally Landes, chair-elect of the ABC Board; Eddie Edmonds, ABC treasurer; Marty Barlow, former General Board member; and Sandy Bosserman, executive minister of Missouri and Arkansas District.

Former staff and board members of ABC raised similar concerns at meetings in 2003 with the Interagency Forum and other denominational committees, noted Kathy Reid, executive director of ABC. "We see the document as continuing a needed and difficult conversation. To that end, this paper offers our humble observations and a hope for structures that more suitably meet the needs of the church," Reid said. "The paper also states ABC's intention of continuing to serve the caring ministries of the Church of the Brethren within the current denominational structure." The full paper can be downloaded in a PDF format from www.brethren-caregivers.org.

In other business, the board approved a proposed budget of $534,960 for 2007; received reports about ABC's ministries and their initiatives including resources available to churches for Disabilities Awareness Month (October), National Observance of Children's Sabbath (Oct. 14-16), and National Donor Sabbath (Nov. 13); heard reports about Annual Conference activities; heard about plans for the next National Older Adult Conference, Sept. 4-8, 2006, at Lake Junaluska (N.C.) Assembly; and discussed the recent Caring Ministries Assembly that drew more than 200 participants to Bridgewater (Va.) Church of the Brethren Aug. 11-13. The board overwhelmingly agreed for staff to begin planning for a 2007 assembly, to continue its programming for deacons, chaplains, and pastors.

The board also participated in a development program around a theme of nationalized health care. Landes gave a presentation prepared for a state-wide meeting of Physicians for a National Health Program, comparing statistics of US health-care costs and efficacy with statistics from countries that offer national health-care programs.

Following the launch of ABC's "Lighten Up, Brethren!" campaign and wellness ministry, collectively the ABC board and staff have lost 76 pounds. This achievement has taken place over the last six months.

The contributions of board chair Sue Moore Ranson of Roanoke, Va., and board member Katherine Ramsey Melhorn of Wichita, Kan., were recognized as their terms end. Ranson has been a part of the board since 1998. The board appointed Edmonds of Martinsburg, W.Va., as chair-elect for 2006 and Dan McRoberts of Caledonia, Mich., as treasurer for 2006; accepted the resignation of Brian Black of Ephrata, Pa., who resigned due to a change in employment; appointed Tammy Kiser of Dayton, Va., to fill Black's term; and appointed Bill Cave of Cleona, Pa., to a three-year term.

Source: 10/12/2005 Newsline
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Brethren Medical Plan Study Committee holds first meeting.

The Brethren Medical Plan Study Committee met for an organizational meeting in Elgin, Ill., on Sept. 11-12. The committee was elected at the 2005 Annual Conference to review the Brethren Medical Plan and respond with recommendations regarding the denomination's participation in the plan. The Brethren Medical Plan is a ministry of Brethren Benefit Trust and offers health insurance for eligible church workers and their families, which includes pastors and lay employees of congregations, district employees, and employees of other Brethren agencies.

The study committee comprises James Gibble of Atlantic Northeast District, Willie Hisey Pierson of Illinois and Wisconsin District, Brian Markle of Southern Pennsylvania District, and Donna Shumate of Southeastern District. The committee called Shumate as chair and Pierson as recorder.

The Annual Conference resolution charged the committee with the task of evaluating the Brethren Medical Plan and assessing the continuing need for and feasibility of such a denominational medical insurance plan. A full copy of the resolution is available at www.brethren.org/ac/medicalplan. The committee has been asked to bring recommendations to the 2006 Annual Conference in Des Moines, Iowa.

The committee began its work by meeting with Wil Nolen, Jeff Garber, and Donna March of Brethren Benefit Trust to gather facts relating to all aspects of the current plan. The committee plans to meet with representatives of other agencies and districts in the near future. The committee also welcomes comments from individuals and congregations at annualconference@brethren.org.

The committee asked everyone in the denomination to keep the group in prayer as it continues its work on this important task, reported Conference executive director Lerry Fogle.

Additional information about the committee's work will be available at www.brethren.org/ac/medicalplan.

Source: 10/12/2005 Newsline
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Committee on Interchurch Relations sets priorities and theme focus.

The Committee on Interchurch Relations (CIR) met in New Windsor, Md., Sept. 9-11, to set priorities for its work and a theme focus for the next two years. CIR is a committee of Annual Conference and the General Board.

The committee set a priority to "encourage the Church of the Brethren to think about Christ's call for us in this time when people of various world religions are increasingly in contact and experiencing conflict, or opportunities for friendship and community." The CIR theme and focus for the next two years will continue to be on the Decade to Overcome Violence, a program of the World Council of Churches (WCC), with particular attention to interfaith relations. The committee also continues its focus on relationships with the American Baptist Churches USA.

In line with the CIR theme, the Ecumenical Citation to be awarded at Annual Conference 2006 will shift from a youth/young adult focus to a focus on congregations. "Continuing in the theme of the Decade to Overcome Violence, the CIR seeks stories of how congregations are pursuing ecumenical, intercultural, or interfaith connections that build friendships and community," the committee said.

Plans for the Ecumenical Luncheon at Annual Conference 2006 also were made. Deborah DeWinter, program executive of the US Office of the WCC, will be the speaker with the suggested topic, "Where Have All the Christians Gone? The Changing Face of the World's Churches." She will be invited to give information on the population shift of the Christian church from the northern to the southern hemisphere.

The committee also received reports from Church of the Brethren delegates to the World and National Councils of Churches, and received a report from the American Baptist Churches USA. The committee was joined by Jeff Carter, delegate to the WCC, who shared about several issues pertaining to the council and its Ninth Assembly to take place in Porto Alegre, Brazil. Rothang Chhangte reported from the American Baptists on several items from their ecumenical committee, called the Committee on Christian Unity. There was considerable discussion on where the two denominations are heading, multicultural learnings, and planting of new churches.

The committee also heard reports from the general secretary of the General Board and discussed written reports from representatives who attended annual gatherings of other Brethren bodies.

The group welcomed new member Ilexene Alphonse and ex-officio member Rothang Chhangte representing the American Baptist Churches USA. Continuing members are Steve Brady (chair), Jim Eikenberry, Brandy Fix, Michael Hostetter, and Bob Johansen.

Source: 10/12/2005 Newsline
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On Earth Peace hosts sixth monthly 'truth-in-recruiting' support call.

On Earth Peace recently hosted its sixth monthly support call for people working on "truth in recruiting" and alternatives to military service. Participants from Nebraska, Tennessee, West Virginia, Maryland, Indiana, and North Carolina included Brethren, Mennonites, and a Quaker. Several are active in local communities; others are regional or national organizers.

The monthly support calls are an opportunity for spiritual and practical support for those involved in counter-recruiting and offering alternatives to the military, said Matt Guynn, coordinator of peace witness for On Earth Peace. "There is a growing concern in the US about the promises made by military recruiters," he said. "It turns out that they aren't bound by any verbal or written promises made when young people sign the enlistment papers. We hope to spread this information, and help anyone who wants to find useful, income-producing alternatives to military service. As Christians, we hope to recruit people to serve the Lord of life, not the forces of death."

In addition, nearly 50 people participate in an e-mail discussion list on counter-recruitment, hosted by On Earth Peace.

The next "Truth in Recruiting" support call is scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 25, at 7 p.m. Eastern time. The call will feature in-depth reports from two or three local organizers and a question and answer time. To join the network, contact Guynn at 765-962-6234 or mattguynn@earthlink.net, or visit www.brethren.org/oepa/CounterRecruitment.html. The 146 Decade to Overcome Violence congregations in the Church of the Brethren are especially encouraged to participate.

Source: 10/12/2005 Newsline
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Northern Indiana District fixes eyes on Jesus.

The 2005 Northern Indiana District Conference was held at Beacon Heights Church of the Brethren in Fort Wayne, Ind., Sept. 16-17. Dan Petry served as moderator. The conference theme, "Fixing Our Eyes on Jesus," utilized the 2005 Annual Conference theme, reported district minister Herman Kauffmann.

Some 190 people were present for the Friday evening worship service led by moderator-elect Mike Kauffman and the worship team from Maple Grove Church of the Brethren in New Paris, Ind. Annual Conference moderator Ron Beachley was the guest speaker with a sermon titled, "What Do You See?" An offering of $1,265.45 was received for the Ministry Scholarship Fund.

Petry led Saturday morning worship and then shared a humorous roll call in the form of a letter utilizing the names of all district congregations. Throughout the day, delegates were provided glimpses of the congregations through projected pictures and paragraphs titled "Marvelous Ministries of Northern Indiana Churches Who Are Fixing Their Eyes on Jesus."

Insight sessions included "Meet the Annual Conference Moderator," "National Youth Conference and District Transportation," and "On Earth Peace--Practical Ways to Be a Living Peace Church." Twenty-five exhibitors shared displays with information for conference-goers.

In business sessions, delegates approved closure of Wakarusa (Ind.) Church of the Brethren by the end of the year and authorized the District Board to explore and implement future use of the Wakarusa building. Uses may include use for the district office or sale to another church group. The conference also authorized the District Board to sell the present district office if it decides to use the Wakarusa property, or to negotiate space in another congregation. The delegates also approved a bylaw amendment allowing the Personnel Committee to bring either a ballot or a slate to call district leadership. An amended district budget of $180,000 was approved for 2006.

Mike Kauffman was installed as moderator for 2005-06 and will serve the 2006 District Conference scheduled for Sept. 15-16 at Camp Mack in Milford, Ind. Other leaders elected were Tim Sollenberger Morphew, moderator-elect; Roger Haupert, District Conference clerk; Don Shankster, Program and Arrangements Committee; Ruthann Angle and Mark Riege, District Board; and Jan Nicodemus and Janet Kagarise, Personnel Committee. Appointees were approved to Timbercrest Church of the Brethren Home Inc. in North Manchester, Ind.; Indiana camp boards; and the Manchester College Board of Trustees.

The District Board presented the "Volunteer of the Year" award to Brian and Miriam Hartman of Nappanee (Ind.) Church of the Brethren for their service as volunteer custodians at the district office.

Source: 10/12/2005 Newsline
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Chicago youth hear truth from Sergeant Abe.

With its young folks on the receiving end of a slick and aggressive nationwide military recruiting drive, members of First Church of the Brethren in Chicago, Ill., brought in their own recruiter: Sergeant Abe.

A creation of Quaker House in Fayetteville, N.C.--neighbor to Fort Bragg, one of the world's largest military complexes--"Sgt. Abe, the Honest Recruiter" appears overlaid on a copy of a conscription agreement. He points out key details that recruiters often fail to mention, such as non-negotiable extensions of deployment, and explains what they can mean in a soldier's life.

Sgt. Abe was just one of many tools employed during an afternoon workshop held at the church on the International Day of Peace, Sept. 21, said Duane Ediger in a report from the event. To open the session, participants shared their connections with the military. Several offered stories of deep suffering by friends and family with combat-induced Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. They also heard personal experiences of peacemaking in war zones, saw a video featuring interviews of enlistees, were given forms to fill out to help establish a claim of conscientious objection in case a military draft is reinstated, and learned that it is possible--even easy--to back out of a commitment to the Delayed Entry Program.

The 22 participants included seven youth--three regulars at First Church with four of their friends--several adult members of First Church, a chaplain from the neighboring Bethany Hospital, a South African visitor, a Mennonite pastor, a Voluntary Service worker with youth organizing for peace, and other local community organizers. Doug Hostetter, peace minister of Evanston (Ill.) Mennonite Church, and experienced draft counselor Rich Rutschman led the session.

The church served pizza and soft drinks after the 90-minute workshop and participants were invited to stay for the evening Bible study on the related theme of "The Healing Power of Nonviolence/Love" led by First Church pastor Orlando Redekopp.

"Sergeant Abe, the Honest Recruiter" is downloadable as a pdf file from www.quakerhouse.org.

Source: 10/12/2005 Newsline
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Brethren bits: Personnel, National Donor Sabbath, and more.
  • The Gather 'Round curriculum project has hired Karen McKeever, of Elgin, Ill., for an interim, part-time position as administrative assistant. She will work out of an office at Brethren Press several half-days a week until mid-February, when the curriculum is launched at a major training event. McKeever is a writer and a home-schooler of her two children, and attends Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren. Gather 'Round is a joint publishing project of Brethren Press and the Mennonite Publishing Network. The curriculum will be used beginning fall 2006.

  • National donor pins will be available from the Association of Brethren Caregivers (ABC) to help congregations talk about National Donor Sabbath, which will be celebrated Nov. 13. According to statistics for 2004 from the US Department of Health and Human Services, more than 87,000 men, women, and children nationwide were waiting for organ transplants, and some 17 patients die each day while waiting for a transplant. Congregations are urged to honor the observance through worship, prayer, or by wearing donation pins as way to call attention to the need for organ and tissue donation. Worship resources are available at www.brethren-caregivers.org. Congregations can receive up to 25 donor pins--call ABC at 800-323-8039.

  • Several Brethren and other groups will meet at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill., over the next week. The General Board will meet Oct. 15-17, with a professional growth event following on Oct. 18. A Brethren Academy class, "Leaders, Boards, and Brethren," will meet in conjunction with the General Board meeting. Other groups to be at the General Offices in the next several days include the World Council of Churches' Decade to Overcome Violence National Committee, the Pastoral Compensation and Benefits Advisory Committee, the General Board's Stewardship of Property Committee, the Cross-Cultural Steering Committee, and the Rural/Small Church Committee. In addition, the Kurtz Organ will receive a citation from the Organ Historical Society in an evening event and concert Oct. 16 in the chapel at the General Offices. The organ is part of the collection of the Brethren Historical Library and Archives.

  • The Annual Conference Anniversary Committee thanks all who have submitted musical compositions for the anniversary celebration in 2008. Submissions are now being reviewed. The committee is still seeking drama as well as worship resources for use during the anniversary year, based on the 2008 Tricentennial theme "Surrendered to God, Transformed in Christ, Empowered by the Spirit." Dramatic writings can be full-length dramas, skits, monologues, and vignettes for adults, children, and/or youth. Worship resources can include calls to worship, prayers, litanies, responsive readings, offertory statements, children's stories, benedictions, worship centers (description and/or drawing), power point presentations, and interpretive movements. All submissions, due Dec. 31, become the property of the Anniversary Committee for use in tricentennial activities and should be sent to the Annual Conference Office, 1451 Dundee Ave, Elgin, IL 60120. The name, address, and phone number of the author should not appear on submissions but should be included on a separate page.

  • Mill Creek Church of the Brethren in Port Republic, Va., celebrates its 165th Renewal and Homecoming on Oct. 22-23. Events include finger food and renewal 6 p.m. Saturday, morning worship 10 a.m. Sunday, a fellowship meal following, and a historical review at 3 p.m. Sunday afternoon. For more information call 540-289-5084.

  • Dranesville Church of the Brethren in Herndon, Va., celebrates its 100th anniversary on Oct. 16. Worship begins at 11 a.m. A lunch will follow, and an afternoon service of sharing and remembrance at 2-3:30 p.m. For more information contact 703-430-7872 or dcoboffice@aol.com.

  • Richmond (Ind.) Church of the Brethren will dedicate a new location and recent renovations with an open house on Sunday, Oct. 23. Now located at 1 S.W. 17th Street in Richmond, the congregation will begin celebrations during the 10:30 a.m. worship service with Annual Conference moderator Ronald Beachley preaching. The open house is from 2-5 p.m. with the dedication service beginning at 3 p.m. District executive Allen Kahler will preside. Contact the congregation at 765-966-1930.

  • Western Pennsylvania District holds its district conference Oct. 22 at Pasquerilla Conference Center in Johnstown, Pa. Christopher A. Forry will moderate.

  • Hundreds of alumni are expected at Manchester College's 81st annual homecoming Oct. 14-15. "Alumni will get a chance to tour the Science Center for the first time," said Gary Montel, director of the 14,000-member Manchester College Alumni Association. Alumni also will find the traditional football game--the Spartans meet Mount St. Joseph at 1:30 p.m. Oct. 15--and homecoming ceremonies, a golf tournament, a production from the Theatre of the Absurd, breakfast with President Jo Young Switzer at 8:30 a.m. in the College Union on Oct. 15, an alumni baseball game, the Manchester cross-country invitational, and special programs for the classes of 1965, 1970, 1975, 1980, 1985, 1990, and 1995. Choir and band alumni will perform with students for a joint concert. Manchester students have an entire week of activities highlighted by powder-puff football Oct. 12 at 8 p.m., and a bonfire and band concert at 8:30 p.m. Oct. 14. A Homecoming Reception begins at 5 p.m. Oct. 14 in Wine Recital Hall. For a complete homecoming schedule visit www.manchester.edu or call 888-257-2586.

  • Jonathan Reed, professor religion at the University of La Verne, Calif., served as senior historical consultant to the "Science of the Bible" series on the National Geographic Channel, according to a recent release from the university. The 10-part series utilizes modern technology and research to explore a wide range of topics including the "Da Vinci Code" and the Shroud of Turin. The first in the series, "Birth of Jesus," aired on Sept. 14; the next in the series, "Jesus the Healer," airs Oct. 24 at 10 p.m. Eastern time. Reed is co-author of "Excavating Jesus" and "In Search of Paul" and an authority of first-century Palestine archeology. He currently is lead archaeologist at Sepphoris, the ancient capital of Galilee.

  • The Valley Brethren-Mennonite Heritage Center, of Cross Roads, is sponsoring a Harvest Day on Saturday, Oct. 15, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 711 Garbers Church Rd. In Harrisonburg, Va. The event will include activities for children, hayrides, shelling and grinding corn, music, stories of faith and conscience, spinners and quilters, and apple pressing, as well as the making of molasses from sorghum syrup. Entrance fee is $8 per carload. For more information call 540-438-1275.
Source: 10/12/2005 Newsline
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Brethren participate in anti-war protest.

By Todd Flory

Around 80 members and supporters of the Church of the Brethren met at the Church of the Brethren Witness/Washington Office Oct. 1 in preparation for the Iraq war protest and rally on Capitol Hill in downtown Washington, D.C. The Brethren made signs, read church policy on war, and had breakfast before joining the estimated 100,000 people who gathered to express their opposition to the US-led war in Iraq.

Tables and tents lined the grounds of the monument. A giant stage played host to dozens of folk, hip-hop, and rock bands and speakers including Jesse Jackson and Cindy Sheehan. Hundreds of white crosses representing the lives lost in the war were set up on the monument grounds.

The march took the crowd through downtown Washington and past the White House on Pennsylvania Avenue. Walking through the crowd, one could not help but have a sense of awe and amazement at the sheer numbers of people and the diversity that accompanied them. Many in the crowd paused in front of the White House to dance, play music and chant.

Sunday was a day of training for the lobbying on Capitol Hill and the civil disobedience at the White House that was to follow Oct. 3. "I gathered with people at the Ellipse (next to the White House) and my spirit became very peaceful. It's like getting in a boat and feeling God's presence," said Illana Naylor, a member of Manassas (Va.) Church of the Brethren. She was one of the 374 people, and a handful of Brethren, who were arrested in front of the White House. "I felt such a sense of wholeness."

Her decision to get arrested was not planned in advance. In fact, while walking to the Ellipse, Naylor pondered whether she would be willing to risk arrest, even for a cause that, like thousands of other people, was so important for a person of faith and social justice. When the time came, however, she felt that she needed to act on her faith. "There was a movement, like angels' wings, pushing the people forward," Naylor said. "Though a very public witness, the decision was between me and the Lord, and I had and still have Christ's peace about this decision. I had an old, tender woman ask me if I was afraid, and I said, 'No, because it's time.'"

Even though the arresting process took many hours, beginning with the arrest of Cindy Sheehan amid a chorus of cheers, Naylor was impressed with the mood of those getting arrested. The mood was "very hopeful," she said, "that by our witness, our symbol, we're just the tip of the iceberg, that we represent thousands of other people."

Early the next morning, when the last few demonstrators were being processed and released from jail, it remained unknown--as it may indeed for many months--to what extent the march, rally, lobbying, civil disobedience, peace vigils, t-shirts, signs, speeches, and music will have had on the war in Iraq. One thing is for certain: the events over the weekend proved a visible reminder to peace. And, as Naylor so aptly stated, "Sometimes we need visible reminders."

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

Source: 10/12/2005 Newsline
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