- Christian Peacemaker Teams volunteers abducted in Iraq.
- Emergency Disaster Fund gives $25,000 for relief in Africa.
- Middle Pennsylvania District Conference focuses on unity in Christ.
- Western Pennsylvania District holds its 139th conference.
- Virlina District Conference meets on theme, 'You Matter to God.'
- Brethren bits: Year-end donations, Annual Conference, job openings, and more.
Wednesday, November 30, 2005
NEWS
Christian Peacemaker Teams volunteers abducted in Iraq.
On Nov. 26, four people from Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT) were kidnaped after leaving a meeting in Baghdad. The four men--two CPT members and two from a CPT visiting delegation--are Tom Fox, age 54, from Clearbrook, Va.; Norman Kember, 74, from London, England; James Loney, 41, from Toronto, Canada; and Harmeet Singh Sooden, 32, a Canadian studying in New Zealand.
The CPT group was meeting in Baghdad with representatives of Iraqi nongovernmental organizations and other institutions, according to press releases from CPT. The abduction occurred as a CPT vehicle was stopped by two vehicles. Three men with pistols ordered the Iraqi driver and translator out of the vehicle, then drove off with the CPT members and the vehicle. The two Iraqis were released. The CPT vehicle was dumped soon after in a nearby neighborhood.
CPT has its roots in the historic peace churches--Mennonite, Brethren, and Quaker--and is an ecumenical violence-reduction program that places teams of trained peacemakers in areas of lethal conflict. It has been present in Iraq since Oct. 2002, providing humanitarian aid in the form of training and human rights documentation. "As part of the international peace movement, we opposed the invasion and occupation of Iraq, and have been providing first-hand independent reports from the region," CPT said. The CPT Iraq team has hosted a total of 120 people on 16 delegations over the last three years.
Loney is the program coordinator for CPT Canada and was leading the November delegation. He has been a member of CPT since Aug. 2000. On previous visits to Iraq, his work focused on taking testimonies from families of detainees for CPT reports on detainee abuse, and making recommendations for securing basic legal rights. In a personal statement to CPT, Loney had written, "I believe that our actions as a people of peace must be an expression of hope for everyone. My hope in practicing nonviolence is that I can be a conduit for the transformative power of God's love acting upon me as much as I hope it will act upon others around me."
Fox is a father of two children and for the past two years has worked with CPT in partnership with Iraqi human rights organizations. "He has been faithful in the observance of Quaker practice for 22 years," CPT said. "While in Iraq, he sought a more complete understanding of Islamic cultural richness. He is committed to telling the truth to US citizens about the horrors of war and its effects on ordinary Iraqi civilians and families as a result of US policies and practices." (See Fox's reflection in feature below.)
Kember and his wife of 45 years have two married daughters and a three-year old grandson. "He has been a pacifist all his life beginning with his work in a hospital instead of National Service at age 18," CPT said. "Before his retirement he was a professor teaching medical students at St. Bartholemew's Hospital in London. He is well-known as a peace activist."
Sooden is an electrical engineer studying for a masters degree in English literature in Auckland University in New Zealand, to prepare for a teaching career. "His family describes him as peaceful and fun-loving and he is known to be passionate about the plight of the underprivileged around the globe," CPT said. "He works tirelessly in his spare time to educate and help others."
CPT said that its policy is to pay no ransoms, and it rejects military or violent approaches to hostage situations. In a "Statement of Conviction," longterm CPT team members in Iraq stated that they "are aware of the many risks both Iraqis and internationals currently face," and affirmed that the risks did not outweigh their purpose in remaining. They expressed the hope that "in loving both friends and enemies and by intervening nonviolently to aid those who are systematically oppressed, we can contribute in some small way to transforming this volatile situation."
CPT did not publicize the abduction until after images of the CPT team members appeared on Al Jazeera television. "We were disturbed by seeing the video and believe that repeated showing of it will endanger the lives of our friends," CPT said in a release today. "We are deeply disturbed by their abduction. We pray that those who hold them will be merciful and that they will be released soon."
"Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT) has worked for the rights of Iraqi prisoners who have been illegally detained and abused by the US government," the release continued. "We were the first people to publicly denounce the torture of Iraqi people at the hands of US forces, long before the western media admitted what was happening at Abu Ghraib. We are some of the few internationals left in Iraq who are telling the truth about what is happening to the Iraqi people."
"We mourn today that members of CPT have been kidnaped and suffer at the hands of their captors," said a statement from Phil Jones, director of the Brethren Witness/Washington Office.
Jones continued with a call for Brethren to be in prayer. "As we pray for the safe release of these four Christian peace workers we also pray for the victims and families of the over 225 kidnapings and thousands of casualties of this war to date. We pray for the immediate families of those affected by deep pain and grief of war. We call upon the administration of this nation to consider its complicity and to refocus, redefine, and reshape its foreign policy. We pray that a true advent of peace might be revealed."
Since its inception in 1984 the Church of the Brethren has been a supporter of Christian Peacemaker Teams and its call to devote the same discipline and self-sacrifice to nonviolent peacemaking that armies devote to war, Jones said. For more information see www.cpt.org.
Source: 11/30/2005 Newsline
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On Nov. 26, four people from Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT) were kidnaped after leaving a meeting in Baghdad. The four men--two CPT members and two from a CPT visiting delegation--are Tom Fox, age 54, from Clearbrook, Va.; Norman Kember, 74, from London, England; James Loney, 41, from Toronto, Canada; and Harmeet Singh Sooden, 32, a Canadian studying in New Zealand.
The CPT group was meeting in Baghdad with representatives of Iraqi nongovernmental organizations and other institutions, according to press releases from CPT. The abduction occurred as a CPT vehicle was stopped by two vehicles. Three men with pistols ordered the Iraqi driver and translator out of the vehicle, then drove off with the CPT members and the vehicle. The two Iraqis were released. The CPT vehicle was dumped soon after in a nearby neighborhood.
CPT has its roots in the historic peace churches--Mennonite, Brethren, and Quaker--and is an ecumenical violence-reduction program that places teams of trained peacemakers in areas of lethal conflict. It has been present in Iraq since Oct. 2002, providing humanitarian aid in the form of training and human rights documentation. "As part of the international peace movement, we opposed the invasion and occupation of Iraq, and have been providing first-hand independent reports from the region," CPT said. The CPT Iraq team has hosted a total of 120 people on 16 delegations over the last three years.
Loney is the program coordinator for CPT Canada and was leading the November delegation. He has been a member of CPT since Aug. 2000. On previous visits to Iraq, his work focused on taking testimonies from families of detainees for CPT reports on detainee abuse, and making recommendations for securing basic legal rights. In a personal statement to CPT, Loney had written, "I believe that our actions as a people of peace must be an expression of hope for everyone. My hope in practicing nonviolence is that I can be a conduit for the transformative power of God's love acting upon me as much as I hope it will act upon others around me."
Fox is a father of two children and for the past two years has worked with CPT in partnership with Iraqi human rights organizations. "He has been faithful in the observance of Quaker practice for 22 years," CPT said. "While in Iraq, he sought a more complete understanding of Islamic cultural richness. He is committed to telling the truth to US citizens about the horrors of war and its effects on ordinary Iraqi civilians and families as a result of US policies and practices." (See Fox's reflection in feature below.)
Kember and his wife of 45 years have two married daughters and a three-year old grandson. "He has been a pacifist all his life beginning with his work in a hospital instead of National Service at age 18," CPT said. "Before his retirement he was a professor teaching medical students at St. Bartholemew's Hospital in London. He is well-known as a peace activist."
Sooden is an electrical engineer studying for a masters degree in English literature in Auckland University in New Zealand, to prepare for a teaching career. "His family describes him as peaceful and fun-loving and he is known to be passionate about the plight of the underprivileged around the globe," CPT said. "He works tirelessly in his spare time to educate and help others."
CPT said that its policy is to pay no ransoms, and it rejects military or violent approaches to hostage situations. In a "Statement of Conviction," longterm CPT team members in Iraq stated that they "are aware of the many risks both Iraqis and internationals currently face," and affirmed that the risks did not outweigh their purpose in remaining. They expressed the hope that "in loving both friends and enemies and by intervening nonviolently to aid those who are systematically oppressed, we can contribute in some small way to transforming this volatile situation."
CPT did not publicize the abduction until after images of the CPT team members appeared on Al Jazeera television. "We were disturbed by seeing the video and believe that repeated showing of it will endanger the lives of our friends," CPT said in a release today. "We are deeply disturbed by their abduction. We pray that those who hold them will be merciful and that they will be released soon."
"Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT) has worked for the rights of Iraqi prisoners who have been illegally detained and abused by the US government," the release continued. "We were the first people to publicly denounce the torture of Iraqi people at the hands of US forces, long before the western media admitted what was happening at Abu Ghraib. We are some of the few internationals left in Iraq who are telling the truth about what is happening to the Iraqi people."
"We mourn today that members of CPT have been kidnaped and suffer at the hands of their captors," said a statement from Phil Jones, director of the Brethren Witness/Washington Office.
Jones continued with a call for Brethren to be in prayer. "As we pray for the safe release of these four Christian peace workers we also pray for the victims and families of the over 225 kidnapings and thousands of casualties of this war to date. We pray for the immediate families of those affected by deep pain and grief of war. We call upon the administration of this nation to consider its complicity and to refocus, redefine, and reshape its foreign policy. We pray that a true advent of peace might be revealed."
Since its inception in 1984 the Church of the Brethren has been a supporter of Christian Peacemaker Teams and its call to devote the same discipline and self-sacrifice to nonviolent peacemaking that armies devote to war, Jones said. For more information see www.cpt.org.
Source: 11/30/2005 Newsline
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Emergency Disaster Fund gives $25,000 for relief in Africa.
Two grants totaling $25,000 have been given for disaster relief in Africa, from the General Board's Emergency Disaster Fund.
An allocation of $15,000 supports a Church World Service appeal for continuing relief and rehabilitation for the people of Angola. The funds will help provide seeds and agricultural tools, and help build schools and health clinics, improve sanitation, and provide clean water sources.
A grant of $10,000 supports a Church World Service appeal for drought assistance and pending famine in the West African nation of Burkina Faso. The funds will be used to provide millet, children's feeding formula, and re-hydration tables for nearly 63,000 people.
Source: 11/30/2005 Newsline
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Two grants totaling $25,000 have been given for disaster relief in Africa, from the General Board's Emergency Disaster Fund.
An allocation of $15,000 supports a Church World Service appeal for continuing relief and rehabilitation for the people of Angola. The funds will help provide seeds and agricultural tools, and help build schools and health clinics, improve sanitation, and provide clean water sources.
A grant of $10,000 supports a Church World Service appeal for drought assistance and pending famine in the West African nation of Burkina Faso. The funds will be used to provide millet, children's feeding formula, and re-hydration tables for nearly 63,000 people.
Source: 11/30/2005 Newsline
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Middle Pennsylvania District Conference focuses on unity in Christ.
The Middle Pennsylvania District Conference was held Oct. 7-8 at Stone Church of the Brethren in Huntingdon, Pa. Linda Banaszak of Clover Creek Church of the Brethren in Fredericksburg, Pa., served as moderator. Rodney Ritchey of Yellow Creek Church of the Brethren in Hopewell, Pa., designed and constructed the logo for the worship center using the theme, "Celebrating Our Unity in Christ." Fifty churches were represented with 167 delegates and 79 non-delegates.
Opening worship featured a district-wide choir conducted by Sarah Steele of Martinsburg (Pa.) Memorial Church of the Brethren, and the installation service for district minister David Steele, who began his work on March 1. He delivered the evening message, "A Fork in the Road." Connie Maclay, pastor at Beech Run Church of the Brethren in Mapleton Depot, Pa., delivered the Saturday morning message. Following lunch, the Youth Ministry Team led worship and members were consecrated.
An offering of "Pennies for Congregational Ministries" totaled $5,834.50, while $1,310.88 was collected for ministry education. Many laundry baskets filled with personal items were donated to benefit Huntingdon House, a facility for abused women and children. Break-out sessions included "Ask the District Minister," led by David Steele, and "Who's Calling?" with Christy Dowdy as leader.
In business sessions, James Ake of Stone Church of the Brethren was affirmed for another year as treasurer and a slate for district leadership was affirmed including Wayne Brockway, pastor of New Enterprise (Pa.) Church of the Brethren, as moderator-designate. He will assist moderator Barbara Rowe at the Oct. 20-21, 2006, district conference at Roaring Spring (Pa.) First Church of the Brethren.
Resources from the conference include a photo of the ministers present at the Friday evening banquet, which will be available on-line in the near future; and a Power Point presentation of church ministries shared Friday evening, created by Amy Crouse of Beech Run Church of the Brethren. For more about these resources contact the District Center at 814-643-0601.
Source: 11/30/2005 Newsline
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The Middle Pennsylvania District Conference was held Oct. 7-8 at Stone Church of the Brethren in Huntingdon, Pa. Linda Banaszak of Clover Creek Church of the Brethren in Fredericksburg, Pa., served as moderator. Rodney Ritchey of Yellow Creek Church of the Brethren in Hopewell, Pa., designed and constructed the logo for the worship center using the theme, "Celebrating Our Unity in Christ." Fifty churches were represented with 167 delegates and 79 non-delegates.
Opening worship featured a district-wide choir conducted by Sarah Steele of Martinsburg (Pa.) Memorial Church of the Brethren, and the installation service for district minister David Steele, who began his work on March 1. He delivered the evening message, "A Fork in the Road." Connie Maclay, pastor at Beech Run Church of the Brethren in Mapleton Depot, Pa., delivered the Saturday morning message. Following lunch, the Youth Ministry Team led worship and members were consecrated.
An offering of "Pennies for Congregational Ministries" totaled $5,834.50, while $1,310.88 was collected for ministry education. Many laundry baskets filled with personal items were donated to benefit Huntingdon House, a facility for abused women and children. Break-out sessions included "Ask the District Minister," led by David Steele, and "Who's Calling?" with Christy Dowdy as leader.
In business sessions, James Ake of Stone Church of the Brethren was affirmed for another year as treasurer and a slate for district leadership was affirmed including Wayne Brockway, pastor of New Enterprise (Pa.) Church of the Brethren, as moderator-designate. He will assist moderator Barbara Rowe at the Oct. 20-21, 2006, district conference at Roaring Spring (Pa.) First Church of the Brethren.
Resources from the conference include a photo of the ministers present at the Friday evening banquet, which will be available on-line in the near future; and a Power Point presentation of church ministries shared Friday evening, created by Amy Crouse of Beech Run Church of the Brethren. For more about these resources contact the District Center at 814-643-0601.
Source: 11/30/2005 Newsline
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Western Pennsylvania District holds its 139th conference.
Western Pennsylvania District held its 139th annual District Conference at the Frank J. Pasquerilla Conference Center in Johnstown, Pa., on Oct. 22. Moderator Christopher A. Forry of Somerset, Pa., challenged the approximately 260 participants--including 185 delegates representing 53 congregations--with the theme, "Proclaim, Sharing, Teaching--God's Love For All." The district comprises 69 churches and one fellowship with a membership of over 10,000.
Worship, music, and historical sketches were interspersed throughout the business of the day. In business sessions, a budget of $186,787 was adopted for 2006. A highlight of the conference was recognition of a new congregation, Journey's Way Ministries of Glencoe, Pa. Congregations and individuals also brought enough Gift of the Heart Kits to send five pallets to Church World Service for disaster response.
Insight sessions were held on subjects including an overview of the work of the District Mission Program that includes the Christian Community Center in San Juan, P.R., and the Emanuel Children's Home in San Pedro Sula, Honduras; a presentation about the work of the Gifts Discernment Team; and a presentation from the General Board's Emergency Response/Service Ministries.
Leadership called during the conference included nine called to the district board: Kendal W. Elmore, Roger C. Knepper, Abby Mader, Eric R. Ritenour, Robert L. Rummel, Jeffrey S. Keyser, John W. Stoner Jr., Homer A. Foster, and Clarice J. Ott. Donna L. Kodis was named to the Church of the Brethren Home Board. Owen W. Hunt was called to the District Charitable Trust Board. Called to the board of Camp Harmony were James Cameron, Marietta Prebehalla, and David Tipton. Roger L. Forry was named to the denomination's Standing Committee. Darlene Rankin will serve on the district conference's program and arrangements committee.
Phillip A. King of Johnstown, Pa., was installed as moderator of the district for next year. Reba B. Johnson of Indiana, Pa., was named moderator-designate.
Source: 11/30/2005 Newsline
top
Western Pennsylvania District held its 139th annual District Conference at the Frank J. Pasquerilla Conference Center in Johnstown, Pa., on Oct. 22. Moderator Christopher A. Forry of Somerset, Pa., challenged the approximately 260 participants--including 185 delegates representing 53 congregations--with the theme, "Proclaim, Sharing, Teaching--God's Love For All." The district comprises 69 churches and one fellowship with a membership of over 10,000.
Worship, music, and historical sketches were interspersed throughout the business of the day. In business sessions, a budget of $186,787 was adopted for 2006. A highlight of the conference was recognition of a new congregation, Journey's Way Ministries of Glencoe, Pa. Congregations and individuals also brought enough Gift of the Heart Kits to send five pallets to Church World Service for disaster response.
Insight sessions were held on subjects including an overview of the work of the District Mission Program that includes the Christian Community Center in San Juan, P.R., and the Emanuel Children's Home in San Pedro Sula, Honduras; a presentation about the work of the Gifts Discernment Team; and a presentation from the General Board's Emergency Response/Service Ministries.
Leadership called during the conference included nine called to the district board: Kendal W. Elmore, Roger C. Knepper, Abby Mader, Eric R. Ritenour, Robert L. Rummel, Jeffrey S. Keyser, John W. Stoner Jr., Homer A. Foster, and Clarice J. Ott. Donna L. Kodis was named to the Church of the Brethren Home Board. Owen W. Hunt was called to the District Charitable Trust Board. Called to the board of Camp Harmony were James Cameron, Marietta Prebehalla, and David Tipton. Roger L. Forry was named to the denomination's Standing Committee. Darlene Rankin will serve on the district conference's program and arrangements committee.
Phillip A. King of Johnstown, Pa., was installed as moderator of the district for next year. Reba B. Johnson of Indiana, Pa., was named moderator-designate.
Source: 11/30/2005 Newsline
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Virlina District Conference meets on theme, 'You Matter to God.'
The United Methodist Temple in Beckley, W.Va., was the setting for the 34th Virlina District Conference on Nov. 11-12. "You Matter to God" (Romans 12:4-5) was the theme. Total registration was 447 people including 217 delegates and 230 non-delegates. The worship, fellowship, and discernment of the district was led by moderator Russell R. Payne Jr., pastor of Coulson Church of the Brethren near Hillsville, Va.
The last district-wide conference held in West Virginia was in March 1940 at the Pleasant View Church. The Virlina District encompasses 92 congregations and 11,128 members within Virginia, West Virginia, and North Carolina.
Ronald D. Beachley, moderator of the 2006 Annual Conference, was keynote speaker for the opening worship service. Greetings and welcoming remarks were brought by Dan Johnson, pastor of the United Methodist Temple. Keynote speaker for Saturday evening worship was Earl F. Stovall, pastor of Hopewell (Va.) Church of the Brethren. Worship services were highlighted by a choir led by Harvey Leddy of Christiansburg (Va.) Church of the Brethren. Offerings of $3,581.60 were received for the expenses of the District Conference.
New business included approval of an amendment to the Virlina District Constitution and Bylaws concerning a reduction in the number of area divisions in the district. A resolution expressing concern over the use of mercury-based compounds as preservatives in commonly used childhood and other vaccines was returned to the District Board. A District Board budget of $285,150.12 was approved for 2006. Delegates also heard that the Camp Bethel budget for 2006 will be $473,940. A resolution was approved naming Owen G. Stultz, Virlina District executive from 1969-92, as the District Executive Emeritus. Delegates also received a variety of reports.
The conference learned that 22 congregations and fellowships have been involved in the pastoral placement process during the year ending Sept. 30. New pastors were named and those present were introduced.
Business also included the calling of 20 leaders including W. Gregory Broyles of Roanoke, Oak Grove Church of the Brethren as moderator-elect. Others called to leadership are Frances S. Beam to a second term on the Standing Committee of Annual Conference; John W. "Jack" Lowe Jr. to the district Program and Arrangements Committee; Sandy Wade, Evelyn Janney, Karen Cassell, Roy L. Forbes, and Carol Hinton to the Nominating and Personnel Committee; Jerry W. Naff, William M. Pugh, Arlen Doss, Doris H. Jones, Sam Reid, David W. Miller, Kathy Otey, J. Hebron Quesenberry, Tony Robertson, and Ronald Sink to the District Board; and Marilyn Lerch and R. Wayne Pennington to the Outdoor Ministries Committee.
The District Board reported that Cathy S. Huffman will serve as chairperson for 2005-06. Other members of the Executive Committee are Jerry Wayne Naff as vice-chairperson, Thomas S. Powers as Commission on Ministry chairperson, Gary Basham as Commission of Stewards chairperson, Jim Worline as Commission on Nurture chairperson, Jeffery A. Wray as Commission on Witness chairperson, E. Patrick Starkey as Outdoor Ministries Committee chairperson, and Horace D. Light Jr. as Church Extension Committee chairperson.
George Mendenhall and V. Enos Griffith were honored for 50 years of ministerial service. Approximately 70 people attended a Ministers and Spouses Banquet.
The 35th Virlina District Conference will be held in Franklin County, Va., on Nov. 10-11, 2006. Shirley B. Jamison, a member of Monte Vista Church of the Brethren in Callaway, Va., and a practicing attorney in Boones Mill, Va., will serve as moderator.
Source: 11/30/2005 Newsline
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The United Methodist Temple in Beckley, W.Va., was the setting for the 34th Virlina District Conference on Nov. 11-12. "You Matter to God" (Romans 12:4-5) was the theme. Total registration was 447 people including 217 delegates and 230 non-delegates. The worship, fellowship, and discernment of the district was led by moderator Russell R. Payne Jr., pastor of Coulson Church of the Brethren near Hillsville, Va.
The last district-wide conference held in West Virginia was in March 1940 at the Pleasant View Church. The Virlina District encompasses 92 congregations and 11,128 members within Virginia, West Virginia, and North Carolina.
Ronald D. Beachley, moderator of the 2006 Annual Conference, was keynote speaker for the opening worship service. Greetings and welcoming remarks were brought by Dan Johnson, pastor of the United Methodist Temple. Keynote speaker for Saturday evening worship was Earl F. Stovall, pastor of Hopewell (Va.) Church of the Brethren. Worship services were highlighted by a choir led by Harvey Leddy of Christiansburg (Va.) Church of the Brethren. Offerings of $3,581.60 were received for the expenses of the District Conference.
New business included approval of an amendment to the Virlina District Constitution and Bylaws concerning a reduction in the number of area divisions in the district. A resolution expressing concern over the use of mercury-based compounds as preservatives in commonly used childhood and other vaccines was returned to the District Board. A District Board budget of $285,150.12 was approved for 2006. Delegates also heard that the Camp Bethel budget for 2006 will be $473,940. A resolution was approved naming Owen G. Stultz, Virlina District executive from 1969-92, as the District Executive Emeritus. Delegates also received a variety of reports.
The conference learned that 22 congregations and fellowships have been involved in the pastoral placement process during the year ending Sept. 30. New pastors were named and those present were introduced.
Business also included the calling of 20 leaders including W. Gregory Broyles of Roanoke, Oak Grove Church of the Brethren as moderator-elect. Others called to leadership are Frances S. Beam to a second term on the Standing Committee of Annual Conference; John W. "Jack" Lowe Jr. to the district Program and Arrangements Committee; Sandy Wade, Evelyn Janney, Karen Cassell, Roy L. Forbes, and Carol Hinton to the Nominating and Personnel Committee; Jerry W. Naff, William M. Pugh, Arlen Doss, Doris H. Jones, Sam Reid, David W. Miller, Kathy Otey, J. Hebron Quesenberry, Tony Robertson, and Ronald Sink to the District Board; and Marilyn Lerch and R. Wayne Pennington to the Outdoor Ministries Committee.
The District Board reported that Cathy S. Huffman will serve as chairperson for 2005-06. Other members of the Executive Committee are Jerry Wayne Naff as vice-chairperson, Thomas S. Powers as Commission on Ministry chairperson, Gary Basham as Commission of Stewards chairperson, Jim Worline as Commission on Nurture chairperson, Jeffery A. Wray as Commission on Witness chairperson, E. Patrick Starkey as Outdoor Ministries Committee chairperson, and Horace D. Light Jr. as Church Extension Committee chairperson.
George Mendenhall and V. Enos Griffith were honored for 50 years of ministerial service. Approximately 70 people attended a Ministers and Spouses Banquet.
The 35th Virlina District Conference will be held in Franklin County, Va., on Nov. 10-11, 2006. Shirley B. Jamison, a member of Monte Vista Church of the Brethren in Callaway, Va., and a practicing attorney in Boones Mill, Va., will serve as moderator.
Source: 11/30/2005 Newsline
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Brethren bits: Year-end donations, Annual Conference, job openings, and more.
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- Year-end donations to the Association of Brethren Caregivers, Bethany Theological Seminary, the General Board, and On Earth Peace must be dated and postmarked by Dec. 31 in order to be counted as a 2005 charitable gift for tax purposes.
- Those making nominations for Annual Conference elective offices in 2006, using the new on-line nomination form at the Annual Conference website, are requested to have the permission of the person being nominated before the form is filled out and submitted. As the Dec. 1 deadline approaches, nominations are encouraged from all over denomination. "Thank you for participating in the selection of denominational leadership," said Annual Conference executive director Lerry Fogle.
- The Association of Brethren Caregivers seeks a director of Wellness Ministries to fill a fulltime position. Location is negotiable, with a minimum of half-time in the ABC office in Elgin, Ill. Starting date is Feb. 1, 2006. Responsibilities include promotion of wellness and the goals of the Wellness Ministry within the Church of the Brethren, working particularly with those enrolled in the Brethren Medical Plan; research and development of risk assessment programs in coordination with Brethren Benefit Trust staff; coordination, development, and assessment of educational programs that challenge church members to adopt healthy living behaviors. Qualifications include a minimum of a bachelor's degree with background in education or health/medicine/nutrition; basic knowledge of and commitment to wellness issues such as nutrition, physical, spiritual, and emotional health; modeling a positive, healthy lifestyle; oral and written communication and interpersonal skills; previous experience in a nonprofit environment. Applications will be received beginning immediately, with a deadline of Jan. 4, 2006. A position description and application form are available on request. Qualified candidates are invited to submit a resume, cover letter of application, and to request three individuals to send letters of recommendation to Mary Lou Garrison, Director of Human Resources, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120; mgarrison_gb@brethren.org.
- The Brethren Home Community of New Oxford, Pa., seeks a health care chaplain/congregational pastor. The community is a licensed Continuing Care Retirement Community located on a 200-plus acre campus serving approximately 900 residents and villagers. The position serves residents and the Church of the Brethren members on campus who attend The Faith Community of the Brethren Home Community. This fulltime position is currently open and will require four days a week. Responsibilities include clinical duties of visitation, devotions, and counseling; and congregational duties of preaching and worship leading. Candidates must be licensed or ordained and in good standing with the Southern Pennsylvania District of the Church of the Brethren. Chaplaincy experience is helpful and CPE is preferred. Send resumes to Merv Wunderlich, Director of the Pastoral Care Department and pastor of the congregation, 2990 Carlisle Pike, P.O. Box 128, New Oxford, PA 17350-0128.
- Don Vermilyea, a Brethren Volunteer Service worker on a Walk Across America, is currently in Chattahoochee, Fla. He has counted 17,253 miles to date since he began the walk in Arizona in Jan. 2002. Today is day 1,398 on the walk, with 643 nights homeless and 755 nights cared for by humanity, Vermilyea reported. He has picked up $1,470.58 along the road, and received $4,916.74 unsolicited from motorists to benefit the Global Food Crisis Fund and other charities. His next visit to a Church of the Brethren is tentatively scheduled for Dec. 18, at Good Samaritan Church of the Brethren in Brandon, Fla. For more see www.brethren.org/genbd/witness/Walk.html.
- Westminster (Md.) Church of the Brethren has established a Peace Studies Scholarship Program with the first grant going to Jordan Blevins, a 2004 graduate of Bridgewater (Va.) College. He is working on master's degrees in Theological Studies from Wesley Theological Seminary and in International Peace and Conflict Resolution from American University.
- Hanoverdale Church of the Brethren in Hummelstown, Pa., holds its Celebrate Christmas 2005 event on Dec. 3 with a live nativity, Teen Challenge Poinsettia Sale, Children's Gift Store of gifts all under $5 benefitting Heifer International, and a Christmas in Reverse Pageant. See www.hanoverdalechurch.com.
- Fundraising efforts for the University of La Verne (Calif.) Campus Center Project have reached $16,555,941. President Steve Morgan made this announcement during a Board of Trustees meeting, igniting a spontaneous celebration that momentarily interrupted the day's busy agenda. "This is a landmark event in the 114-year history of the University of La Verne," Morgan said. On Oct. 25 the university's private fundraising effort surpassed $16 million, a goal established in Feb. 2004 when trustee Michael Abraham issued a conditional pledge of $4 million toward the Campus Center Building. Conditions set by Abraham called for the members of the board to match his $4 million pledge and for the university to raise an additional $8 million, with the combined total due by the November meeting. In recognition the building will be named the Sara and Michael Abraham Campus Center. Trustee and former board chair Jim Long and his wife, Marie, made the contribution that pushed the total past the $16 million challenge mark. "It was both a pleasure and an honor," Jim Long said.
- Pinecrest Community in Mount Morris, Ill., a Church of the Brethren retirement center, is holding its second annual Community Open House on Dec. 10 from 2-4 p.m. Visitors will be able to have a picture taken with Santa, take home a free Pinecrest keepsake, and enjoy refreshments.
- Harold S. Martin and Craig Alan Myers, leaders in the Brethren Revival Fellowship, are among 29 leaders of "renewal movements" in mainline denominations who have signed an open letter from the Association for Church Renewal. The letter warns US Christians against "third way" proposals regarding sexuality. According to the association, the letter decries "a new strategy to win the church's affirmation of homosexual acts" through procedural devices. The letter was issued following an October meeting of the group and cites strategies proposed or adopted in denominations such as the Episcopal Church and the American Baptist Churches, among others. For the text of the letter and list of signatories, visit www.ird-renew.org/acr.
- Church World Service (CWS) has announced the election of Donna Derr to the position of director of the Emergency Response Program. Derr recently served as interim director of the program and earlier was associate director for International Emergency Response Programs. Prior to working for CWS, she spent 16 years with the Church of the Brethren as a program assistant and then as director of the General Board's Disaster and Refugee Programs. She will continue to work out of the CWS Washington, D.C., office.
- The National Council of Churches has issued an alert to support the Coalition of Immokalee Workers farmworker organization in a continuing struggle for fair wages and working conditions. For months, the coalition and allies across the country have called on McDonald's to follow Taco Bell's lead and work to establish fair wages and working conditions for farmworkers who pick its tomatoes. McDonald's has refused to do so, according to the NCC. In March an agreement between Yum Brands (Taco Bell's parent company) and the coalition set several precedents for social responsibility in the fast-food industry including paying a penny more per pound for the tomatoes it buys from Florida growers. This would nearly double workers' sub-poverty wages if extended throughout the industry, the NCC said. The NCC also commended McDonald's announcement that it will offer only fair-trade coffee in more than 650 restaurants from New York to Maine. The NCC called on Christians to pray for the restaurant chain to work with those harvesting its tomatoes and to send e-mails directly to McDonald's at www.bluelatinos.org/fairfood.htm. "God who labors and rests, we give thanks for and remember all those who labor to bring food to our tables," said a prayer from the NCC.
- When Bible scholars and students converged on the American Academy of Religion and Society of Biblical Literature Convention in Philadelphia, Nov. 19-22, they found the New Revised Standard Version (copyright National Council of Churches), in a popular selling product for handhelds, Olive Tree Bible Software. According to a release from Religion News Service, attendees were be able to purchase the NRSV for the Palm and Pocket PC. Plans are in the works to introduce this translation in other formats as well, the release said. Olive Tree Bible Software provides Bible versions and study tools for Palm OS, Pocket PC, Smartphone and Symbian cell phones, and BlackBerry devices. For more see www.olivetree.com.
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Death Row Support Project provides ministry to prisoners.
The following is taken from the "Peace Witness Action List" of On Earth Peace (e-mail mattguynn@earthlink.net or see www.brethren.org/oepa):
The Death Row Support Project (DRSP) was conceived by Church of the Brethren members Bob and Rachel Gross in 1978. The combination of Bob's prison experience and Rachel's enjoyment of letter-writing, along with their concern about the reinstatement of the death penalty, provided the necessary ingredients for beginning this ministry. Also critical was the support of the Washington office of the Church of the Brethren, and now the Brethren Witness Office.
In 1978, there were 400 people under sentence of death in the US. Now there are over 3,800. Needless to say, the little card file that was used at the beginning of the project has long since been outgrown. Initially, the project was publicized within the Church of the Brethren. But, as is the case with many Brethren efforts, DRSP has become an ecumenical effort, with the largest number of participants coming from the Roman Catholic and Seventh Day Adventist Churches.
Rachel receives mail daily from prisoners who would like have a "pen pal." At about the same rate, requests from the "outside" world come from people interested in reaching out to those on death row. DRSP has provided an excellent way for those on death row to know that they are not forgotten, and for those outside to learn about the real people and stories behind the issue of the death penalty.
Writing to a person on death row is not something that should be entered into lightly. Currently, the average stay of someone on death row is ten years. Writing to that person is a longterm commitment. One of Rachel's disappointments as coordinator of DRSP is that many people write a letter or two to the person in prison, and then decide they're really not interested after all. She encourages those that are interested to prayerfully consider before requesting the name of a pen pal. Rachel can also put someone in touch with others who have been writing, in order to gain a better understanding of what is involved.
Within the Church of the Brethren, some individuals have chosen to be involved with DRSP as a Sunday school class, or as a youth group. This has worked very well, as the group members can provide support for each other in writing, and also are able to reach out to the person on death row in a fuller way. At one time, students from Manchester College traveled to the Indiana State Prison bi-monthly in order to visit several men on death row.
For more information contact Death Row Support Project, P.O. Box 600, Liberty Mills, IN 46946; 260-982-7480.
Source: 11/30/2005 Newsline
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The following is taken from the "Peace Witness Action List" of On Earth Peace (e-mail mattguynn@earthlink.net or see www.brethren.org/oepa):
The Death Row Support Project (DRSP) was conceived by Church of the Brethren members Bob and Rachel Gross in 1978. The combination of Bob's prison experience and Rachel's enjoyment of letter-writing, along with their concern about the reinstatement of the death penalty, provided the necessary ingredients for beginning this ministry. Also critical was the support of the Washington office of the Church of the Brethren, and now the Brethren Witness Office.
In 1978, there were 400 people under sentence of death in the US. Now there are over 3,800. Needless to say, the little card file that was used at the beginning of the project has long since been outgrown. Initially, the project was publicized within the Church of the Brethren. But, as is the case with many Brethren efforts, DRSP has become an ecumenical effort, with the largest number of participants coming from the Roman Catholic and Seventh Day Adventist Churches.
Rachel receives mail daily from prisoners who would like have a "pen pal." At about the same rate, requests from the "outside" world come from people interested in reaching out to those on death row. DRSP has provided an excellent way for those on death row to know that they are not forgotten, and for those outside to learn about the real people and stories behind the issue of the death penalty.
Writing to a person on death row is not something that should be entered into lightly. Currently, the average stay of someone on death row is ten years. Writing to that person is a longterm commitment. One of Rachel's disappointments as coordinator of DRSP is that many people write a letter or two to the person in prison, and then decide they're really not interested after all. She encourages those that are interested to prayerfully consider before requesting the name of a pen pal. Rachel can also put someone in touch with others who have been writing, in order to gain a better understanding of what is involved.
Within the Church of the Brethren, some individuals have chosen to be involved with DRSP as a Sunday school class, or as a youth group. This has worked very well, as the group members can provide support for each other in writing, and also are able to reach out to the person on death row in a fuller way. At one time, students from Manchester College traveled to the Indiana State Prison bi-monthly in order to visit several men on death row.
For more information contact Death Row Support Project, P.O. Box 600, Liberty Mills, IN 46946; 260-982-7480.
Source: 11/30/2005 Newsline
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Tom Fox's reflection, 'Fight or flight?'
Christian Peacemaker Team member Tom Fox, currently being held captive in Iraq, wrote the following reflection in Oct. 2004.
"'If an attacker inspires anger or fear in my heart, it means that I have not purged myself of violence. To realize nonviolence means to feel within you its strength--soul force--to know God. A person who has known God will be incapable of harboring anger or fear within him, no matter how overpowering the cause for that anger or fear may be.' (Gandhi speaking to Badshah Kahn's Khudai Khidmatgar officers, from "A Man to Match His Mountains" by Eknath Easwaran, 1985).
"When I allow myself to become angry, I disconnect from God and connect with the evil force that empowers fighting. When I allow myself to become fearful, I disconnect from God and connect with the evil force that encourages flight.
"The French theologian Rene Girard has a very powerful vision of Satan that speaks to me: 'Satan sustains himself as a parasite on what God creates by imitating God in a manner that is jealous, grotesque, perverse, and as contrary as possible to the loving and obedient imitation of Jesus' ("I See Satan Falling like Lightning," 2001).
"If I am not to fight or flee in the face of armed aggression, be it the overt aggression of the army or the subversive aggression of the terrorist, then what am I to do? 'Stand firm against evil' (Matthew 5:39, translated by Walter Wink) seems to be the guidance of Jesus and Gandhi in order to stay connected with God.
"Here in Iraq I struggle with that second form of aggression. I have visual references and written models of CPTers standing firm against the overt aggression of an army, be it regular or paramilitary. But how do you stand firm against a car-bomber or a kidnapper? Clearly the soldier disconnected from God needs to have me fight. Just as clearly the terrorist disconnected from God needs to have me flee. Both are willing to kill me using different means to achieve he same end--that end being to increase the parasitic power of Satan within God's good creation.
"It seems easier somehow to confront anger within my heart than it is to confront fear. But if Jesus and Gandhi are right then I am not to give in to either. I am to stand firm against the kidnapper as I am to stand firm against the soldier. Does that mean I walk into a raging battle to confront the soldiers? Does that mean I walk the streets of Baghdad with a sign saying 'American for the Taking?' No to both counts. But if Jesus and Gandhi are right, then I am asked to risk my life, and if I lose it to be as forgiving as they were when murdered by the forces of Satan.
"Standing firm is a struggle, but I'm willing to keep working at it."
Source: 11/30/2005 Newsline
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Christian Peacemaker Team member Tom Fox, currently being held captive in Iraq, wrote the following reflection in Oct. 2004.
"'If an attacker inspires anger or fear in my heart, it means that I have not purged myself of violence. To realize nonviolence means to feel within you its strength--soul force--to know God. A person who has known God will be incapable of harboring anger or fear within him, no matter how overpowering the cause for that anger or fear may be.' (Gandhi speaking to Badshah Kahn's Khudai Khidmatgar officers, from "A Man to Match His Mountains" by Eknath Easwaran, 1985).
"When I allow myself to become angry, I disconnect from God and connect with the evil force that empowers fighting. When I allow myself to become fearful, I disconnect from God and connect with the evil force that encourages flight.
"The French theologian Rene Girard has a very powerful vision of Satan that speaks to me: 'Satan sustains himself as a parasite on what God creates by imitating God in a manner that is jealous, grotesque, perverse, and as contrary as possible to the loving and obedient imitation of Jesus' ("I See Satan Falling like Lightning," 2001).
"If I am not to fight or flee in the face of armed aggression, be it the overt aggression of the army or the subversive aggression of the terrorist, then what am I to do? 'Stand firm against evil' (Matthew 5:39, translated by Walter Wink) seems to be the guidance of Jesus and Gandhi in order to stay connected with God.
"Here in Iraq I struggle with that second form of aggression. I have visual references and written models of CPTers standing firm against the overt aggression of an army, be it regular or paramilitary. But how do you stand firm against a car-bomber or a kidnapper? Clearly the soldier disconnected from God needs to have me fight. Just as clearly the terrorist disconnected from God needs to have me flee. Both are willing to kill me using different means to achieve he same end--that end being to increase the parasitic power of Satan within God's good creation.
"It seems easier somehow to confront anger within my heart than it is to confront fear. But if Jesus and Gandhi are right then I am not to give in to either. I am to stand firm against the kidnapper as I am to stand firm against the soldier. Does that mean I walk into a raging battle to confront the soldiers? Does that mean I walk the streets of Baghdad with a sign saying 'American for the Taking?' No to both counts. But if Jesus and Gandhi are right, then I am asked to risk my life, and if I lose it to be as forgiving as they were when murdered by the forces of Satan.
"Standing firm is a struggle, but I'm willing to keep working at it."
Source: 11/30/2005 Newsline
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Credits
Newsline is produced by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of news services for the Church of the Brethren General Board, on every other Wednesday with other editions as needed. Mary Dulabaum, Lerry Fogle, Amy Heckert, Mary Lou Garrison, Rachel Gross, Matt Guynn, Jon Kobel, and Suzanne Moss contributed to this report.
Newsline is produced by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of news services for the Church of the Brethren General Board, on every other Wednesday with other editions as needed. Mary Dulabaum, Lerry Fogle, Amy Heckert, Mary Lou Garrison, Rachel Gross, Matt Guynn, Jon Kobel, and Suzanne Moss contributed to this report.
Friday, November 18, 2005
NEWS
TODAY'S NEWSLINE APPEARS EARLY because of the Thanksgiving holiday next week. The following Newsline is planned for Dec. 1 or 2.
NOTE TO READERS: The Newsline on-line page will feature stories from Brethren Disaster Response on the Gulf coast over the upcoming holiday week. Find the series at www.brethren.org/genbd/newsline/index.htm. For photos of the Brethren Disaster Response work in Louisiana and Alabama go to www.brethren.org/pjournal/.
- Speakers for National Youth Conference 2006 are announced.
- Review and Evaluation Study Committee begins work.
- Fund sends aid to survivors of earthquake and other disasters.
- Tour group worships across boundaries.
- Brethren Witness/Washington Office calls for signatures of death penalty letter.
- Brethren Volunteer Service/Brethren Revival Fellowship unit begins service.
- Brethren Historical Committee meets at McPherson College.
- Pacific Southwest District passes divestment resolution.
- Brethren bits: Correction, remembrances, personnel, and more.
- New workcamp announced for summer 2006.
- Conference call offered on Medicare Prescription Drug program.
- Documentary on mental illness is recommended to Brethren.
- Give a gift that grows through the Emerging Global Mission Fund.
- Welcome Home Project offers e-mail list.
TODAY'S NEWSLINE APPEARS EARLY because of the Thanksgiving holiday next week. The following Newsline is planned for Dec. 1 or 2.
NOTE TO READERS: The Newsline on-line page will feature stories from Brethren Disaster Response on the Gulf coast over the upcoming holiday week. Find the series at www.brethren.org/genbd/newsline/index.htm. For photos of the Brethren Disaster Response work in Louisiana and Alabama go to www.brethren.org/pjournal/.
Speakers for National Youth Conference 2006 are announced.
The line-up of speakers for National Youth Conference 2006, to be held in Fort Collins, Colo., July 22-27, will feature nationally known Christian activist and Sojourners community leader Jim Wallis, among a number of Church of the Brethren leaders, a comedy duo, a recipient of aid from Heifer International, and a leader against child slavery.
Wallis will speak on Sunday evening, July 23. The Mennonite comedy team Ted & Lee will perform on Sunday morning July 23. Craig Kielburger, who at the age of 12 helped organize the "Free the Children" network aimed at eradicating child slavery, will speak Monday evening July 24. Beatrice Biira, heroine of the children's story "Beatrice's Goat" and a Heifer International recipient from Uganda, will speak on Tuesday evening July 25.
Church of the Brethren speakers include Jeff Carter, a pastor at Manassas (Va.) Church of the Brethren, on Saturday evening July 22; peace studies leader and Juniata College professor emeritus Andy Murray on Wednesday morning July 26; Bethany Theological Seminary professor Dawn Ottoni Wilhelm on Wednesday evening July 26; and David Radcliff, director of the New Community Project, on Thursday morning July 27.
On Monday morning July 24 the speakers will be the winners of a Youth Speech Contest. In addition, a Church of the Brethren Connections Service will highlight the work of the church around the world. The service will use multi-media to both inform and inspire youth by allowing them to see, hear, and feel what the church does both nationally and internationally, said a release from the NYC coordinators. "The hope for this service is that it will encourage the youth to make the work of the church a permanent part of their lives." Coordinators for the event are Cindy Laprade, Beth Rhodes, and Emily Tyler.
Follow up at the NYC website, www.nyc2006.org, which soon will offer more information about each of the speakers.
Source: 11/18/2005 Newsline
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The line-up of speakers for National Youth Conference 2006, to be held in Fort Collins, Colo., July 22-27, will feature nationally known Christian activist and Sojourners community leader Jim Wallis, among a number of Church of the Brethren leaders, a comedy duo, a recipient of aid from Heifer International, and a leader against child slavery.
Wallis will speak on Sunday evening, July 23. The Mennonite comedy team Ted & Lee will perform on Sunday morning July 23. Craig Kielburger, who at the age of 12 helped organize the "Free the Children" network aimed at eradicating child slavery, will speak Monday evening July 24. Beatrice Biira, heroine of the children's story "Beatrice's Goat" and a Heifer International recipient from Uganda, will speak on Tuesday evening July 25.
Church of the Brethren speakers include Jeff Carter, a pastor at Manassas (Va.) Church of the Brethren, on Saturday evening July 22; peace studies leader and Juniata College professor emeritus Andy Murray on Wednesday morning July 26; Bethany Theological Seminary professor Dawn Ottoni Wilhelm on Wednesday evening July 26; and David Radcliff, director of the New Community Project, on Thursday morning July 27.
On Monday morning July 24 the speakers will be the winners of a Youth Speech Contest. In addition, a Church of the Brethren Connections Service will highlight the work of the church around the world. The service will use multi-media to both inform and inspire youth by allowing them to see, hear, and feel what the church does both nationally and internationally, said a release from the NYC coordinators. "The hope for this service is that it will encourage the youth to make the work of the church a permanent part of their lives." Coordinators for the event are Cindy Laprade, Beth Rhodes, and Emily Tyler.
Follow up at the NYC website, www.nyc2006.org, which soon will offer more information about each of the speakers.
Source: 11/18/2005 Newsline
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Review and Evaluation Study Committee begins work.
The Review and Evaluation study committee, elected at Annual Conference in Peoria this summer, held its initial meeting Nov. 11-12 in Elgin, Ill. Paul Hoffman of Western Plains District was selected as chair; Michaela Camps of Atlantic Southeast District was selected as recorder. Other members of the committee are Rebecca Baile Crouse of Missouri/Arkansas District, Craig Gandy of Middle Pennsylvania District, and James Martinez of Pacific Southwest District.
In addition to organizing, the committee explored reasons for the study, what research needs to be done, and what dialogue is needed with the denomination. Annual Conference executive director Lerry Fogle reported that the committee will study existing structure and programs, looking at the goals and purpose of each Annual Conference agency and how they relate to each other and the mission of the Church of the Brethren, being mindful of the spirituality, balance, and effectiveness of the denomination.
A general timeline was established and committee member assignments were made as well. Vehicles for communicating with the Review and Evaluation Committee include interviews with denominational leaders, online surveys, questionnaires for all congregations and church member distributed through the Source packet, and listening sessions at Annual Conference 2006. Comments, affirmations, and suggestions for the committee may be sent to annualconference@brethren.org.
Source: 11/18/2005 Newsline
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The Review and Evaluation study committee, elected at Annual Conference in Peoria this summer, held its initial meeting Nov. 11-12 in Elgin, Ill. Paul Hoffman of Western Plains District was selected as chair; Michaela Camps of Atlantic Southeast District was selected as recorder. Other members of the committee are Rebecca Baile Crouse of Missouri/Arkansas District, Craig Gandy of Middle Pennsylvania District, and James Martinez of Pacific Southwest District.
In addition to organizing, the committee explored reasons for the study, what research needs to be done, and what dialogue is needed with the denomination. Annual Conference executive director Lerry Fogle reported that the committee will study existing structure and programs, looking at the goals and purpose of each Annual Conference agency and how they relate to each other and the mission of the Church of the Brethren, being mindful of the spirituality, balance, and effectiveness of the denomination.
A general timeline was established and committee member assignments were made as well. Vehicles for communicating with the Review and Evaluation Committee include interviews with denominational leaders, online surveys, questionnaires for all congregations and church member distributed through the Source packet, and listening sessions at Annual Conference 2006. Comments, affirmations, and suggestions for the committee may be sent to annualconference@brethren.org.
Source: 11/18/2005 Newsline
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Fund sends aid to survivors of earthquake and other disasters.
The 51st disbursement of the year has been made from the Emergency Disaster Fund of the Church of the Brethren General Board: a grant of $150,000 to aid survivors of the massive earthquake in southern Asia and Pakistan. Other grants also have been announced for a flood recovery project in Ohio, recovery efforts following Hurricane Wilma in Florida, and work following the recent series of tornados.
Gifts and donations to the Emergency Disaster Fund this year have now exceeded two-and-three-quarter million dollars, totaling $2,766,034 as of Nov. 16.
The grant for earthquake continues Church of the Brethren support of the Church World Service (CWS) response and will help with emergency needs of food and shelter along with preparation for longterm work of reconstruction, sanitation, and psycho-social support.
An allocation of $20,000 continues support of a Brethren Disaster Response project in Belmont County, Ohio. The area has been struck repeatedly by severe flooding, destroying many homes and heavily damaging others.
A grant of $5,000 responds to a CWS appeal in the aftermath of Hurricane Wilma in southern Florida. The funds will support shipment of Gifts of the Heart kits and blankets, and the development of longterm recovery committees.
An allocation of $3,000 responds to a CWS appeal following tornados that caused massive destruction in Kentucky, Tennessee, Indiana, and Iowa. The funds will provide support for shipment of relief supplies and help establish longterm recovery work.
Source: 11/18/2005 Newsline
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The 51st disbursement of the year has been made from the Emergency Disaster Fund of the Church of the Brethren General Board: a grant of $150,000 to aid survivors of the massive earthquake in southern Asia and Pakistan. Other grants also have been announced for a flood recovery project in Ohio, recovery efforts following Hurricane Wilma in Florida, and work following the recent series of tornados.
Gifts and donations to the Emergency Disaster Fund this year have now exceeded two-and-three-quarter million dollars, totaling $2,766,034 as of Nov. 16.
The grant for earthquake continues Church of the Brethren support of the Church World Service (CWS) response and will help with emergency needs of food and shelter along with preparation for longterm work of reconstruction, sanitation, and psycho-social support.
An allocation of $20,000 continues support of a Brethren Disaster Response project in Belmont County, Ohio. The area has been struck repeatedly by severe flooding, destroying many homes and heavily damaging others.
A grant of $5,000 responds to a CWS appeal in the aftermath of Hurricane Wilma in southern Florida. The funds will support shipment of Gifts of the Heart kits and blankets, and the development of longterm recovery committees.
An allocation of $3,000 responds to a CWS appeal following tornados that caused massive destruction in Kentucky, Tennessee, Indiana, and Iowa. The funds will provide support for shipment of relief supplies and help establish longterm recovery work.
Source: 11/18/2005 Newsline
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Tour group worships across boundaries.
A Cross-Cultural Music Tour visited congregations and other Church of the Brethren facilities in Kansas and Missouri from Oct. 30-Nov. 3.
The tour produced many highlights but none as descriptive as a scene from the Nursing Care Center at The Cedars in McPherson, Kan., according to Duane Grady, tour organizer. "As Marilyn Montauban, Gilbert Romero, and Don Mitchell sang in the hallways, doors opened and people were drawn towards the familiar sound of hymns they knew by heart," Grady said. "Smiles came to faces and tears to eyes as we worshiped together and crossed boundaries of language, race, experience, and age."
"As people came near, many in wheel chairs, I was reminded of how villagers were drawn to Jesus in his travels from place to place," Grady said.
Similar experiences occurred as the team shared music and testimonies with Church of the Brethren congregations in McPherson; Kansas City, Kan.; Kansas City, Mo.; Cabool, Mo.; and Topeka, Kan. At each location on the tour, the vision of Ephesians 2:12-22 was read.
At Cabool, a special prayer of healing was offered for 40 young men from a juvenile detention center who responded to Romero's invitation. Romero invited the men "to allow Jesus to turn their hearts into open vessels of God's grace," Grady said. Romero, now pastor of Bella Vista Church of the Brethren in Los Angeles, Calif., is a former gang member who spent much of his youth in a similar facility.
In Iola, Kan., the group was reminded of the changing landscape in many rural communities when they stopped for lunch at a restaurant owned by a Mexican family who has lived in this community for nearly 37 years.
Don Mitchell, husband of Annual Conference moderator-elect Belita Mitchell and a music leader at Harrisburg (Pa.) First Church of the Brethren, brought greetings on her behalf and was asked to share with her many prayers of encouragement and support. Montauban lives in Brooklyn, N.Y., and is a member of First Haitian Church of the Brethren, where her father is pastor. The tour was planned and coordinated by Grady, a member of the Congregational Life Team staff for the General Board.
Source: 11/18/2005 Newsline
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A Cross-Cultural Music Tour visited congregations and other Church of the Brethren facilities in Kansas and Missouri from Oct. 30-Nov. 3.
The tour produced many highlights but none as descriptive as a scene from the Nursing Care Center at The Cedars in McPherson, Kan., according to Duane Grady, tour organizer. "As Marilyn Montauban, Gilbert Romero, and Don Mitchell sang in the hallways, doors opened and people were drawn towards the familiar sound of hymns they knew by heart," Grady said. "Smiles came to faces and tears to eyes as we worshiped together and crossed boundaries of language, race, experience, and age."
"As people came near, many in wheel chairs, I was reminded of how villagers were drawn to Jesus in his travels from place to place," Grady said.
Similar experiences occurred as the team shared music and testimonies with Church of the Brethren congregations in McPherson; Kansas City, Kan.; Kansas City, Mo.; Cabool, Mo.; and Topeka, Kan. At each location on the tour, the vision of Ephesians 2:12-22 was read.
At Cabool, a special prayer of healing was offered for 40 young men from a juvenile detention center who responded to Romero's invitation. Romero invited the men "to allow Jesus to turn their hearts into open vessels of God's grace," Grady said. Romero, now pastor of Bella Vista Church of the Brethren in Los Angeles, Calif., is a former gang member who spent much of his youth in a similar facility.
In Iola, Kan., the group was reminded of the changing landscape in many rural communities when they stopped for lunch at a restaurant owned by a Mexican family who has lived in this community for nearly 37 years.
Don Mitchell, husband of Annual Conference moderator-elect Belita Mitchell and a music leader at Harrisburg (Pa.) First Church of the Brethren, brought greetings on her behalf and was asked to share with her many prayers of encouragement and support. Montauban lives in Brooklyn, N.Y., and is a member of First Haitian Church of the Brethren, where her father is pastor. The tour was planned and coordinated by Grady, a member of the Congregational Life Team staff for the General Board.
Source: 11/18/2005 Newsline
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Brethren Witness/Washington Office calls for signatures of death penalty letter.
The Brethren Witness/Washington Office of the Church of the Brethren General Board is calling for church leaders to sign a letter regarding capital punishment.
"Open Letter from Faith Leaders Regarding the 1,000th Execution in the United States since the Reinstatement of Capital Punishment" says in part: "We, the undersigned faith leaders, reflecting the rich diversity of faith traditions and spiritual practices observed in the United States, stand together in expressing our deep concern that nearly 1,000 executions have occurred in this country since the reinstatement of capital punishment in 1976. We join with many Americans in questioning the need for the death penalty in our modern society and in challenging the effectiveness of this punishment, which has consistently been shown to be ineffective, unfair, and inaccurate," the letter continues. Contact the Brethren Witness/Washington Office for a copy of the letter, call 800-785-3246 or e-mail pjones_gb@brethren.org.
Phil Jones, director of the Brethren Witness/Washington Office, will join other faith leaders on Nov. 28 to hold a press conference on Capitol Hill announcing a "united voice of the religious community" on the death penalty. The Church of the Brethren most recently expressed a position on the death penalty in a 1987 Annual Conference statement. For the statement visit www.brethren.org/ac/ac_statements/87DeathPenalty.htm.
Sign on to the letter by Nov. 27 by sending an e-mail with full name, church title, name of faith community, and home town and state to Kristin Houle at khoule@aiusa.org. A copy of the signed letter may be faxed to 202-546-7142. Copy your intent to sign to the Brethren Witness/Washington Office at pjones_gb@brethren.org.
Source: 11/18/2005 Newsline
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The Brethren Witness/Washington Office of the Church of the Brethren General Board is calling for church leaders to sign a letter regarding capital punishment.
"Open Letter from Faith Leaders Regarding the 1,000th Execution in the United States since the Reinstatement of Capital Punishment" says in part: "We, the undersigned faith leaders, reflecting the rich diversity of faith traditions and spiritual practices observed in the United States, stand together in expressing our deep concern that nearly 1,000 executions have occurred in this country since the reinstatement of capital punishment in 1976. We join with many Americans in questioning the need for the death penalty in our modern society and in challenging the effectiveness of this punishment, which has consistently been shown to be ineffective, unfair, and inaccurate," the letter continues. Contact the Brethren Witness/Washington Office for a copy of the letter, call 800-785-3246 or e-mail pjones_gb@brethren.org.
Phil Jones, director of the Brethren Witness/Washington Office, will join other faith leaders on Nov. 28 to hold a press conference on Capitol Hill announcing a "united voice of the religious community" on the death penalty. The Church of the Brethren most recently expressed a position on the death penalty in a 1987 Annual Conference statement. For the statement visit www.brethren.org/ac/ac_statements/87DeathPenalty.htm.
Sign on to the letter by Nov. 27 by sending an e-mail with full name, church title, name of faith community, and home town and state to Kristin Houle at khoule@aiusa.org. A copy of the signed letter may be faxed to 202-546-7142. Copy your intent to sign to the Brethren Witness/Washington Office at pjones_gb@brethren.org.
Source: 11/18/2005 Newsline
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Brethren Volunteer Service/Brethren Revival Fellowship unit begins service.
The Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS) and Brethren Revival Fellowship (BRF) training Unit 266 has begun service. Volunteer placements and home congregations follow:
Serving at Good Shepherd Food Bank in Lewiston, Maine, are Ron and Laura Brinton and family members Anna, Ben, and Megan, of New Fairview Church of the Brethren in York, Pa.; Christopher Clayton, of New Paris (Ind.) Church of the Brethren; Tonia Little, of Blue Rock Independent Brethren Church; and Dwight Stauffer, of White Oak Church of the Brethren in Manheim, Pa.
Serving at the Maine Home School Project in Lewiston, Maine, is Sonya Little, of Upton Church of the Brethren in Greencastle, Pa.
Source: 11/18/2005 Newsline
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The Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS) and Brethren Revival Fellowship (BRF) training Unit 266 has begun service. Volunteer placements and home congregations follow:
Serving at Good Shepherd Food Bank in Lewiston, Maine, are Ron and Laura Brinton and family members Anna, Ben, and Megan, of New Fairview Church of the Brethren in York, Pa.; Christopher Clayton, of New Paris (Ind.) Church of the Brethren; Tonia Little, of Blue Rock Independent Brethren Church; and Dwight Stauffer, of White Oak Church of the Brethren in Manheim, Pa.
Serving at the Maine Home School Project in Lewiston, Maine, is Sonya Little, of Upton Church of the Brethren in Greencastle, Pa.
Source: 11/18/2005 Newsline
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Brethren Historical Committee meets at McPherson College.
The Brethren Historical Committee met Nov. 4-5 at the Miller Library on the McPherson (Kan.) College campus. On the agenda were items related to preservation of Brethren materials.
The committee discussed the microfilming of Brethren periodicals, the preservation of 16 millimeter films, and the creation of an archival policy for materials produced as part of the 300th anniversary of the Church of the Brethren in 2008.
In other business, plans were made for an insight session at the 2006 Annual Conference, the committee decided to increase the cost of obituaries copies, and decided to make a Russian icon available to the public in the archives at the General Offices. The icon was a gift to the Church of the Brethren from the Russian Orthodox Church in 1963. Reports were received from the Brethren Historical Library and Archives, Brethren Press, and the Germantown Trust.
Members of the committee are Bill Kostlevy (chair), Jane Davis (secretary), Marlin Heckman, and Ken Kreider. Ken Shaffer, director of the Brethren Historical Library and Archives, also met with the committee. Hospitality for the committee was arranged by Susan Taylor, college librarian, and by Elsie Holderread, co-executive minister for Western Plains District.
Source: 11/18/2005 Newsline
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The Brethren Historical Committee met Nov. 4-5 at the Miller Library on the McPherson (Kan.) College campus. On the agenda were items related to preservation of Brethren materials.
The committee discussed the microfilming of Brethren periodicals, the preservation of 16 millimeter films, and the creation of an archival policy for materials produced as part of the 300th anniversary of the Church of the Brethren in 2008.
In other business, plans were made for an insight session at the 2006 Annual Conference, the committee decided to increase the cost of obituaries copies, and decided to make a Russian icon available to the public in the archives at the General Offices. The icon was a gift to the Church of the Brethren from the Russian Orthodox Church in 1963. Reports were received from the Brethren Historical Library and Archives, Brethren Press, and the Germantown Trust.
Members of the committee are Bill Kostlevy (chair), Jane Davis (secretary), Marlin Heckman, and Ken Kreider. Ken Shaffer, director of the Brethren Historical Library and Archives, also met with the committee. Hospitality for the committee was arranged by Susan Taylor, college librarian, and by Elsie Holderread, co-executive minister for Western Plains District.
Source: 11/18/2005 Newsline
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Pacific Southwest District passes divestment resolution.
Micah 6:8, "What does the Lord require of you? Do justice, love tenderly, walk humbly with your God," guided business, worship, and fellowship at the 2005 conference of Pacific Southwest District on Oct. 7-9 in Modesto, Calif.
The conference passed a resolution on "Divestment from Companies Selling Products Used as Weapons in Israel and Palestine," according to a report by Janelle Flory. Other business included changes to the district by-laws regarding the Nominating Committee, unveiling of a new church grant process, a 2006 Budget with $400,000 earmarked to support new and growing ministries in congregations, elections, and reports.
The conference delegates passed the divestment resolution from the Fellowship in Christ, Fremont, Calif., on to the Annual Conference Standing Committee. The resolution calls for Brethren agencies to examine the divestment issue.
Four worship services shaped the spirit of the conference, Flory wrote. Moderator R. Jan Thompson, of Papago Buttes Church of the Brethren in Scottsdale, Ariz., opened with the question, Are we there yet? "I have the feeling that the people (of our district) are becoming excited about sharing the good news of the Gospel," he said. "That includes sharing justice in the local community as well as in the global community."
Moderator-elect Joe Schechter of La Verne (Calif.) Church of the Brethren, introduced the district theme for 2006, "Centered in Jesus," in a following service. The theme is from Acts 17:28, "In Him we live and move and have our being." Junior and senior high youth led a multi-media worship service incorporating elements of drama, dance, chanting, the song "Where is the Love?" from rap artists the Black-Eyed Peas, and a photo and video montage. In place of a sermon, speakers shared briefly about the ministries of their congregations. "It was an extremely moving service," said District Board chair Paul Lovelace, of Pomona (Calif.) Fellowship.
The meeting concluded Sunday morning with a message from Stephen Breck Reid, academic dean at Bethany Theological Seminary, on "Mission--Here--Now." He wove together scripture references from Jeremiah 29, the Great Commission, and the theme from Micah to emphasize the importance of establishing ministries that build the kingdom of God here and now. He also led a Friday workshop on "When Micah Meets Matthew." Worship experiences included the commissioning of Schechter and moderator-elect Mary Kay Ogden, also of La Verne.
Source: 11/18/2005 Newsline
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Micah 6:8, "What does the Lord require of you? Do justice, love tenderly, walk humbly with your God," guided business, worship, and fellowship at the 2005 conference of Pacific Southwest District on Oct. 7-9 in Modesto, Calif.
The conference passed a resolution on "Divestment from Companies Selling Products Used as Weapons in Israel and Palestine," according to a report by Janelle Flory. Other business included changes to the district by-laws regarding the Nominating Committee, unveiling of a new church grant process, a 2006 Budget with $400,000 earmarked to support new and growing ministries in congregations, elections, and reports.
The conference delegates passed the divestment resolution from the Fellowship in Christ, Fremont, Calif., on to the Annual Conference Standing Committee. The resolution calls for Brethren agencies to examine the divestment issue.
Four worship services shaped the spirit of the conference, Flory wrote. Moderator R. Jan Thompson, of Papago Buttes Church of the Brethren in Scottsdale, Ariz., opened with the question, Are we there yet? "I have the feeling that the people (of our district) are becoming excited about sharing the good news of the Gospel," he said. "That includes sharing justice in the local community as well as in the global community."
Moderator-elect Joe Schechter of La Verne (Calif.) Church of the Brethren, introduced the district theme for 2006, "Centered in Jesus," in a following service. The theme is from Acts 17:28, "In Him we live and move and have our being." Junior and senior high youth led a multi-media worship service incorporating elements of drama, dance, chanting, the song "Where is the Love?" from rap artists the Black-Eyed Peas, and a photo and video montage. In place of a sermon, speakers shared briefly about the ministries of their congregations. "It was an extremely moving service," said District Board chair Paul Lovelace, of Pomona (Calif.) Fellowship.
The meeting concluded Sunday morning with a message from Stephen Breck Reid, academic dean at Bethany Theological Seminary, on "Mission--Here--Now." He wove together scripture references from Jeremiah 29, the Great Commission, and the theme from Micah to emphasize the importance of establishing ministries that build the kingdom of God here and now. He also led a Friday workshop on "When Micah Meets Matthew." Worship experiences included the commissioning of Schechter and moderator-elect Mary Kay Ogden, also of La Verne.
Source: 11/18/2005 Newsline
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Brethren bits: Correction, remembrances, personnel, and more.
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- CORRECTION: In the Nov. 10 Newsline, the Association of Brethren Caregivers was inadvertently omitted from a list of church agencies that may benefit from new giving incentives included in the Katrina Emergency Relief Tax Act of 2005 (KETRA). Any qualified charity may receive gifts under the new law, including congregations. The act also includes a number of other charitable giving provisions such as tax benefits for businesses that donate food, books, and cash to disaster victims, and special tax accommodations for people who volunteer time and assistance to affected individuals. See a tax advisor to take advantage of benefits for which you may qualify.
- Glee E. Yoder, 89, of Willow Valley Lakes Manor in Willow Street, Pa., died Oct. 23 in Lancaster, Pa. Yoder served the Church of the Brethren as director of Christian Education for the Western Region in the 1950s and was administrative assistant for the Western Region in the 1960s. She served on the General Board 1977-1981. Yoder also wrote church school and Vacation Bible School curriculum for a variety of denominations from 1958-84, and wrote "Passing on the Gift," a biography of Heifer International founder and Brethren leader Dan West. She was married to R. Gordon Yoder for 66 years as of this August and lived most of her adult life in McPherson and Wichita, Kan. She was a graduate of McPherson College. Most recently she was a member of Lancaster Church of the Brethren. She is survived by her husband, a daughter, two grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and a sister. A memorial service was held Oct. 29. Her family requested that those wanting to contribute a memorial consider giving time to read a book to a child.
- Southern Pennsylvania District has appointed Lyn Becker as executive director of the Children's Aid Society. She assumed the role in August. She has 25 years of experience in business management in a variety of fields including healthcare, retail sales, and human services. She holds a bachelor's and master's degree in Business Administration from York College. She also completed CNA training through Harrisburg Area Community College at the Brethren Home and earned the Senior Professional in Human Resource Management designation. Becker has parented both foster and adopted children, with understanding of the many issues with which abandoned, neglected, and abused children must deal. She is a member of Lakeview Christian Fellowship Church of the Brethren in Adams County, Pa.
- The Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill., hosted the Foods Resource Bank's annual meeting on Nov. 14. Events included a chapel service and lunch for 80 to 100 participants including leaders of growing projects, representatives of the 16 implementing member denominations and agencies, overseas partners, and Foods Resource Bank staff and volunteers. Organized six years ago as a Christian response to world hunger, the Foods Resource Bank enables some of the poorest communities in the world to develop sustainable food security, said Howard Royer, manager of the General Board's Global Food Crisis Fund.
- Grants of up to $500 are available for people of faith to host and engage in dialogue on foreign policy issues including the environment; poverty, hunger or health; war and conflict; or weapons of mass destruction and terrorism. The Brethren Witness/Washington Office is encouraging Brethren congregations to take advantage of this program of Religions for Peace, of which the Church of the Brethren is a member. Deadline for grant applications is mid-December. Visit www.thepeoplespeak.org for more information. Contact the Brethren Witness/Washington Office at 800-785-3246 for resource materials and help in the grant process.
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New workcamp announced for summer 2006.
Registration for the 2006 summer workcamp season will begin on Dec. 1 at 12 a.m. eastern time. Brochures listing the workcamp options and a listing on the website are available from the Youth and Young Adult Office of the church of the Brethren General Board. The office also has announced that it is jointly sponsoring with the Brethren Revival Fellowship (BRF) a new senior high BRF workcamp option in Puerto Rico for summer of 2006.
Dates for the BRF workcamp are June 17-27. Twenty senior high youth and advisors who identify themselves with the BRF are welcome to join a workcamp that will partner with Puerto Rican congregations in work projects and to build relationships between campers and members of Puerto Rican congregations. "This workcamp will emphasize conservative, evangelical ideals with BRF leadership directing the camp," said workcamp coordinator Monica Rice.
Rice added, "Make sure to get your workcamp registrations in as soon as possible to insure that you receive your first workcamp choice. Just remember that there are many exciting options including five junior high camps, one senior high camp, one young adult camp, and a brand-new junior high/intergenerational camp." Find more information and register at www.brethren.org/genbd/yya/workcamps/index.html, or e-mail mrice_gb@brethren.org or call 800-323-8039 ext. 281.
Source: 11/18/2005 Newsline
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Registration for the 2006 summer workcamp season will begin on Dec. 1 at 12 a.m. eastern time. Brochures listing the workcamp options and a listing on the website are available from the Youth and Young Adult Office of the church of the Brethren General Board. The office also has announced that it is jointly sponsoring with the Brethren Revival Fellowship (BRF) a new senior high BRF workcamp option in Puerto Rico for summer of 2006.
Dates for the BRF workcamp are June 17-27. Twenty senior high youth and advisors who identify themselves with the BRF are welcome to join a workcamp that will partner with Puerto Rican congregations in work projects and to build relationships between campers and members of Puerto Rican congregations. "This workcamp will emphasize conservative, evangelical ideals with BRF leadership directing the camp," said workcamp coordinator Monica Rice.
Rice added, "Make sure to get your workcamp registrations in as soon as possible to insure that you receive your first workcamp choice. Just remember that there are many exciting options including five junior high camps, one senior high camp, one young adult camp, and a brand-new junior high/intergenerational camp." Find more information and register at www.brethren.org/genbd/yya/workcamps/index.html, or e-mail mrice_gb@brethren.org or call 800-323-8039 ext. 281.
Source: 11/18/2005 Newsline
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Conference call offered on Medicare Prescription Drug program.
The Association of Brethren Caregivers is inviting anyone interested in helping older adults enroll in the new Medicare Prescription Drug program to participate in an educational conference call on Dec. 5 at 3 p.m. eastern time. The call will train volunteers in use of an online resource that the Coalition to Advance Prescription Drug Education (CARxE) is offering to the Church of the Brethren as a tool for enrolling older adults in the Medicare Plan D.
Older adults have until May 2006 to enroll in the Medicare Part D. The conference call will help make this process more understandable and help offer seniors the most economical fit for their prescription drug needs. The call is for people who are assisting older adults with enrollment in the Medicare Plan D, such as social workers or representatives of retirement communities, districts, and congregations. Participants will receive a demonstration of the website offering education and comparisons of various provisions of Part D. The online resource can be accessed from www.brethren-caregivers.org.
Space is limited and only the first 85 people to express interest can participate. To sign up for the call, provide complete contact information and church affiliation to Nancy Miner at 847-742-5100 ext. 300 or nminer_abc@brethren.org.
Source: 11/18/2005 Newsline
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The Association of Brethren Caregivers is inviting anyone interested in helping older adults enroll in the new Medicare Prescription Drug program to participate in an educational conference call on Dec. 5 at 3 p.m. eastern time. The call will train volunteers in use of an online resource that the Coalition to Advance Prescription Drug Education (CARxE) is offering to the Church of the Brethren as a tool for enrolling older adults in the Medicare Plan D.
Older adults have until May 2006 to enroll in the Medicare Part D. The conference call will help make this process more understandable and help offer seniors the most economical fit for their prescription drug needs. The call is for people who are assisting older adults with enrollment in the Medicare Plan D, such as social workers or representatives of retirement communities, districts, and congregations. Participants will receive a demonstration of the website offering education and comparisons of various provisions of Part D. The online resource can be accessed from www.brethren-caregivers.org.
Space is limited and only the first 85 people to express interest can participate. To sign up for the call, provide complete contact information and church affiliation to Nancy Miner at 847-742-5100 ext. 300 or nminer_abc@brethren.org.
Source: 11/18/2005 Newsline
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Documentary on mental illness is recommended to Brethren.
The Association of Brethren Caregivers encourages congregations to view a new documentary about mental illness that will begin airing Dec. 4 on ABC-TV. "Shadow Voices: Finding Hope in Mental Illness" focuses on people's experiences with stigma, recovery, rehabilitation, parity in insurance programs, and how faith communities can better respond to those with mental illness.
"The church has a vital role in showing families experiencing mental illness that they are not isolated," said Mary Dulabaum, staff for Voice: Mental Illness Ministry of the Association of Brethren Caregivers. "This film will educate viewers about issues around mental illness so the church can better respond, just as we respond to physical illness such as heart disease."
The film includes interviews of former first lady Rosalynn Carter, former surgeon general David Satcher, United Methodist minister Susan Gregg Schroeder, and advocates from Nation's Voice on Mental Illness, Hope Haven, FaithNet, and Cincinnati Mennonite Fellowship. To find out when the documentary will be aired in your area, visit www.ShadowVoices.com.
The documentary was produced by Mennonite Media in cooperation with the Interfaith Broadcasting Commission and the Communications Commission of the National Council of Churches. Copies are available after Dec. 15 from Mennonite Media, 800-999-3534. For information about the Association of Brethren Caregivers' ministry on mental illness, contact mdulabaum_abc@brethren.org or 800-323-8039.
Source: 11/18/2005 Newsline
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The Association of Brethren Caregivers encourages congregations to view a new documentary about mental illness that will begin airing Dec. 4 on ABC-TV. "Shadow Voices: Finding Hope in Mental Illness" focuses on people's experiences with stigma, recovery, rehabilitation, parity in insurance programs, and how faith communities can better respond to those with mental illness.
"The church has a vital role in showing families experiencing mental illness that they are not isolated," said Mary Dulabaum, staff for Voice: Mental Illness Ministry of the Association of Brethren Caregivers. "This film will educate viewers about issues around mental illness so the church can better respond, just as we respond to physical illness such as heart disease."
The film includes interviews of former first lady Rosalynn Carter, former surgeon general David Satcher, United Methodist minister Susan Gregg Schroeder, and advocates from Nation's Voice on Mental Illness, Hope Haven, FaithNet, and Cincinnati Mennonite Fellowship. To find out when the documentary will be aired in your area, visit www.ShadowVoices.com.
The documentary was produced by Mennonite Media in cooperation with the Interfaith Broadcasting Commission and the Communications Commission of the National Council of Churches. Copies are available after Dec. 15 from Mennonite Media, 800-999-3534. For information about the Association of Brethren Caregivers' ministry on mental illness, contact mdulabaum_abc@brethren.org or 800-323-8039.
Source: 11/18/2005 Newsline
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Give a gift that grows through the Emerging Global Mission Fund.
An alternative Christmas gift-giving opportunity has been developed for the Emerging Global Mission Fund of the General Board. When a contribution is made to the fund this holiday season, a "New Birth, New Life" ornament and Christmas card will be mailed to the recipient in the sender's name.
The fund, established in 2001, currently fosters new fellowships in Brazil and supports new church planting in the US. The latest Source packet included fliers about the opportunity and bulk copies have been mailed to congregations on the World Mission Offering standing list. For more information contact Janis Pyle at 800-323-8039 ext. 227 or jpyle_g@brethren.org.
Source: 11/18/2005 Newsline
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An alternative Christmas gift-giving opportunity has been developed for the Emerging Global Mission Fund of the General Board. When a contribution is made to the fund this holiday season, a "New Birth, New Life" ornament and Christmas card will be mailed to the recipient in the sender's name.
The fund, established in 2001, currently fosters new fellowships in Brazil and supports new church planting in the US. The latest Source packet included fliers about the opportunity and bulk copies have been mailed to congregations on the World Mission Offering standing list. For more information contact Janis Pyle at 800-323-8039 ext. 227 or jpyle_g@brethren.org.
Source: 11/18/2005 Newsline
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Welcome Home Project offers e-mail list.
On Earth Peace and the Association of Brethren Caregivers are collaborating on the Welcome Home Project: A Living Peace Church Response for Returning Military Personnel and Others. For nearly a year, a small committee has considered how the Church of the Brethren can respond to soldiers returning home from conflict zones and support their families.
Now an e-mail list has been created for the project. Congregations and individuals are invited to join. The list will provide family members of soldiers the opportunity to support one another as they share thoughts and feelings about their situations; and will provide Brethren with the opportunity to share ideas and network about congregational outreach and ministry ideas.
"As a Living Peace church, our denomination has much to offer people who may be hurting and need a safe place to share their feelings and receive support," said a release from the two agencies.
Subscribe by visiting
http://listserver.emountain.net/mailman/listinfo/welcomehomeproject. For more information about the project visit www.brethren.org/oepa/WelcomeHomeProject.html. Questions may be directed to Matt Guynn of On Earth Peace at 765-962-6234.
Source: 11/18/2005 Newsline
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On Earth Peace and the Association of Brethren Caregivers are collaborating on the Welcome Home Project: A Living Peace Church Response for Returning Military Personnel and Others. For nearly a year, a small committee has considered how the Church of the Brethren can respond to soldiers returning home from conflict zones and support their families.
Now an e-mail list has been created for the project. Congregations and individuals are invited to join. The list will provide family members of soldiers the opportunity to support one another as they share thoughts and feelings about their situations; and will provide Brethren with the opportunity to share ideas and network about congregational outreach and ministry ideas.
"As a Living Peace church, our denomination has much to offer people who may be hurting and need a safe place to share their feelings and receive support," said a release from the two agencies.
Subscribe by visiting
http://listserver.emountain.net/mailman/listinfo/welcomehomeproject. For more information about the project visit www.brethren.org/oepa/WelcomeHomeProject.html. Questions may be directed to Matt Guynn of On Earth Peace at 765-962-6234.
Source: 11/18/2005 Newsline
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'Camp Casey' makes a witness for peace in Fort Wayne.
By Tom Benevento
We had a steady stream of people coming to visit Camp Casey to think together how to end the war in Iraq. Each day brought 30 to 50 people from early morning to late at night. Many brought food, like homemade cookies or donuts. Others come to sit by the fire and feel the calmness of the camp.
I was amazed at the diversity of people who came. One late afternoon we had a university professor of peace studies, a grandmother from a poor neighborhood, a man who has been living on the streets, two middle school boys, and an army veteran--all sitting together at our camp fire discussing the war. As we talked my eyes rose to see the quarter moon that was lifting above the trees. Its light glistened down on 59 white crosses we set out in honor of the Indiana soldiers killed. Smoke from the fire made its way into the sky, screening the crosses as I listened to the many voices speak.
At that moment it struck me how the dead represented by the white crosses, and the thousands of Iraqis buried now, were being honored in our work together to end the war. It was an unplanned sacred ceremony.
--Tom Benevento, Latin America/Caribbean staff for the General Board's Global Mission Partnerships, and Cliff Kindy, longtime Brethren volunteer for Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT), helped organize "Camp Casey" in Fort Wayne, Ind., for two weeks in October. The camp called for the end of the war in Iraq. They invite others to join an "Iraq Public Witness Delegation" in northern Indiana Nov. 26-Dec. 10 to raise awareness about the situation in Iraq through a tent encampment and nonviolent action at sites such as munitions factories and military recruitment offices. Participants should be prepared to spend 14 days camping in arduous winter conditions or in simple accommodations. Participants will raise prayer support and $250 to cover costs, and arrange their own transportation to South Bend, Ind. Apply by Nov. 20; e-mail delegations@cpt.org or see www.cpt.org/.
Source: 11/18/2005 Newsline
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By Tom Benevento
We had a steady stream of people coming to visit Camp Casey to think together how to end the war in Iraq. Each day brought 30 to 50 people from early morning to late at night. Many brought food, like homemade cookies or donuts. Others come to sit by the fire and feel the calmness of the camp.
I was amazed at the diversity of people who came. One late afternoon we had a university professor of peace studies, a grandmother from a poor neighborhood, a man who has been living on the streets, two middle school boys, and an army veteran--all sitting together at our camp fire discussing the war. As we talked my eyes rose to see the quarter moon that was lifting above the trees. Its light glistened down on 59 white crosses we set out in honor of the Indiana soldiers killed. Smoke from the fire made its way into the sky, screening the crosses as I listened to the many voices speak.
At that moment it struck me how the dead represented by the white crosses, and the thousands of Iraqis buried now, were being honored in our work together to end the war. It was an unplanned sacred ceremony.
--Tom Benevento, Latin America/Caribbean staff for the General Board's Global Mission Partnerships, and Cliff Kindy, longtime Brethren volunteer for Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT), helped organize "Camp Casey" in Fort Wayne, Ind., for two weeks in October. The camp called for the end of the war in Iraq. They invite others to join an "Iraq Public Witness Delegation" in northern Indiana Nov. 26-Dec. 10 to raise awareness about the situation in Iraq through a tent encampment and nonviolent action at sites such as munitions factories and military recruitment offices. Participants should be prepared to spend 14 days camping in arduous winter conditions or in simple accommodations. Participants will raise prayer support and $250 to cover costs, and arrange their own transportation to South Bend, Ind. Apply by Nov. 20; e-mail delegations@cpt.org or see www.cpt.org/.
Source: 11/18/2005 Newsline
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Credits
Newsline is produced by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of news services for the Church of the Brethren General Board. Lyn Becker, Tom Benevento, Charles Bentley, Mary Dulabaum, Janelle Flory, Lerry Fogle, Duane Grady, Phil Jones, Jon Kobel, Janis Pyle, Monica Rice, Ken Shaffer, Emily Tyler, and Jane Yount contributed to this report.
Newsline is produced by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of news services for the Church of the Brethren General Board. Lyn Becker, Tom Benevento, Charles Bentley, Mary Dulabaum, Janelle Flory, Lerry Fogle, Duane Grady, Phil Jones, Jon Kobel, Janis Pyle, Monica Rice, Ken Shaffer, Emily Tyler, and Jane Yount contributed to this report.
Thursday, November 10, 2005
NEWS
NOTE: Readers are invited to log on to a new web page that will feature Church of the Brethren news stories on a regular basis. The page can be found at www.brethren.org, click on "News." Or go directly to www.brethren.org/genbd/newsline/.
- Peter Becker Community responds pro-actively to Legionnaires outbreak.
- Annual Conference unveils logo for 2006.
- Emergency Disaster Fund grants send $167,000 for disaster relief.
- New tax law for 2005 is an opportunity for generous givers.
- New endowment supports Church of the Brethren mission work.
- The Gathering brings a 'fresh breeze' to Western Plains District.
- South/Central Indiana District focuses on love through service.
- Brethren bits: Correction, remembrance, job opening, and more.
- Haruun Ruun appointed to Sudan government post.
- Carol Mason appointed coordinator of Congregational Life Team Area 3.
- Brethren invited to join in helping close the School of the Americas.
- Cross Cultural Celebration 2006 will be held in Lancaster, Pa.
NOTE: Readers are invited to log on to a new web page that will feature Church of the Brethren news stories on a regular basis. The page can be found at www.brethren.org, click on "News." Or go directly to www.brethren.org/genbd/newsline/.
Peter Becker Community responds pro-actively to Legionnaires outbreak.
Four cases of Legionnaires' disease have been confirmed at the Peter Becker Community in Harleysville, Pa. The community reports that all those diagnosed with the disease are now at home or have returned to the community. Peter Becker Community is a Church of the Brethren retirement facility.
Legionnaires' disease is a pneumonia-like caused by bacteria. It was named in 1976 when an outbreak of pneumonia occurred during an American Legion convention in Philadelphia.
J. Edward Burleigh III, interim chief executive officer for Peter Becker, has taken a proactive approach to the situation. "As a precaution the entire facility is being inspected and treated," Burleigh said. "Sanitizing of water systems and ventilation systems has been ongoing since the initial report of the first diagnosis. We are taking every precaution to ensure the health, welfare, and safety of each member of the community as well as our employees and volunteers. We plan to continue to communicate our findings and do everything with in our power to eradicate the bacterium within the facility."
Montgomery County Health Department environmental services and water quality personnel have been at the facility conducting tests. "Legionnaires' disease is not passed from person to person," the department said. "It is most commonly contracted by breathing mists from a water source--such as air conditioning cooling towers, whirlpool spas, and showers--where the bacterium can grow." Legionnaires' can have symptoms like other forms of pneumonia including a high fever, chills, a cough, muscle and headaches.
The community has brought in outside consultants to perform testing and sanitizing including Tim Keane, of Legionella Risk Management Inc., and Terry Bartley from Water Chemical Services Inc. The community is working with Montgomery County Health Department's C. Michael Baysinger, division director for Communicable Disease Control, and is following all protocol outlined through the Centers for Disease Control, the releases said.
First diagnosis of the cases at Peter Becker Community was made by a local hospital after a resident was hospitalized. Following diagnoses came as a result of aggressive clinical testing of residents with pneumonia-like symptoms, according to the community. The "Morning Call" newspaper reported that this brings to eight the number of cases in Montgomery County in 2005.
Those who have been diagnosed include a 74-year-old resident who has been released from hospital and has returned to the community, a 94-year-old resident who developed a high fever but was not hospitalized, an 85-year-old resident of the personal care unit, and a volunteer who is now home recovering. Ten residents were tested; three tests returned with positive results. There have been no other residents or employees showing symptoms, the community reported.
The health department recommends that the very old, the very young, and those with compromised immune system refrain from visiting the community until the matter is resolved.
Source: 11/10/2005 Newsline
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Annual Conference unveils logo for 2006.
The logo for the 2006 Annual Conference has been unveiled. Rosanna Eller McFadden, a member of the Program and Arrangements Committee and worship coordinator for the Conference, is the artist. The logo will be used as a centerpiece at Annual Conference on July 1-5, 2006, in Des Moines, Iowa, and illustrates the theme, "TOGETHER: Exercise Daily in God."
"Spiritual disciplines are an indispensable part of the Christian walk," McFadden said in an artist's statement. "But these disciplines aren't merely for us as individuals; when we practice these together in community with other believers, we not only exercise our own privilege as Christians, we build up the body of Christ. I wanted to represent each of the five disciplines which will be topics of the Conference worship services, but also show that they are held together, and that they hold us together."
The logo uses images from quilting as well, McFadden said. "Beautiful quilts thoughtfully incorporate a wide variety of color, and make use of contrasting, as well as complementary color. If we are to be a vibrant denomination, we need to affirm diversity in our midst, and see that each piece works together to form a whole which honors Jesus Christ."
"In keeping with the 2006 Annual Conference theme, this logo design was a collaborative effort," said McFadden. "The artwork for the word 'Together' was borrowed with permission from Debbie Noffsinger's logo for 'Together: Conversations on Being the Church.' This is also the first time that I have executed a Conference logo in Spanish, and I would like to thank Nadine Monn for the translation which made that possible."
McFadden also thanked a member of her congregation, Jean Mann, craftswoman behind a series of quilted chancel cloths McFadden designed for the Conference worship services, and Rachel Brown and other members of the Association for the Arts in the Church of the Brethren who contributed their time and skills to make the quilts.
Source: 11/10/2005 Newsline
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Emergency Disaster Fund grants send $167,000 for disaster relief.
Four grants from the Emergency Disaster Fund are sending a total of $167,000 to continue response to Hurricane Katrina, provide clean up buckets following hurricanes Katrina and Rita, respond to the destruction caused by tropical storm Stan in Central America, and support Disaster Child Care volunteers preparing to respond to Hurricane Wilma.
An additional allocation of $100,000 continues support of the Church World Service response to Hurricane Katrina in the Gulf Coast. The funds will continue to help deploy Disaster Response and Recover Liaisons; distribute Tools of Hope, blankets, and Gift of the Heart Kits; support longterm recovery organizations; provide spiritual care and care for caregivers; and support a relocation program for 500 displaced Americans.
A grant of $42,000 supports the purchase, assembly, and shipment of 1,000 Clean Up Buckets by the General Board's Emergency Response/Service Ministries. The buckets were assembled for Church World Service following a request to assist in the clean-up efforts after hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
The sum of $20,000 goes to Church World Service for relief work following the destruction caused by tropical storm Stan in Central America. The funds will help provide food and medical and non-food relief supplies to people in Nicaragua, Guatemala, and El Salvador.
The fund has given $5,000 for Disaster Child Care volunteers preparing to respond in southern Florida following Hurricane Wilma. The money also will help with other related volunteer and staff expenses.
Source: 11/10/2005 Newsline
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New tax law for 2005 is an opportunity for generous givers.
The series of natural disasters this year has elicited an unprecedented response from people wanting to help the survivors. Now Congress has acted to encourage additional charitable giving for relief and to traditional charitable interests during this critical time, reported Ken Neher, director of Funding for the Church of the Brethren General Board.
"Of particular note is the KETRA (Katrina Emergency Tax Relief Act), which includes special new incentives for those who wish to make charitable gifts of cash before the end of 2005," reported Neher. "In it Congress has suspended previous limits on deductions for gifts of cash to qualified not-for-profits for the rest of this year." For example, the General Board, On Earth Peace, and Bethany Seminary are among those that will qualify, Neher said. Donors may now deduct qualified charitable gifts in amounts up to 100 percent of their Adjusted Gross Income (AGI), instead of the more common 50 percent for most tax payers, Neher said.
"There are just so many ways a donor can use this bill to maximize their charitable giving," said Robert Sharpe, who has become a national town crier on giving issues and tax laws according to Neher. "The suspension of the 50 percent of AGI limit creates a short window of opportunity for larger gifts by donors that could otherwise cause them to exceed the amount they could normally deduct," Sharpe said.
An additional benefit is the possibility for donors over the age of 59 ½ to fund larger gifts with funds drawn directly from their IRAs and many other types of retirement accounts on a relatively tax-free basis, Neher added.
If you have questions, talk with your tax advisor or call Neher at 509 665-0441.
Source: 11/10/2005 Newsline
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New endowment supports Church of the Brethren mission work.
The Church of the Brethren General Board has created a unique mission endowment through the donation and solicitation efforts of Gerald and Eleanor Roller of Roanoke, Va.
The "Established Mission Endowment" was designed initially to support the Lafiya or Rural Health Program in Garkida, Nigeria, for the next five years, after which it can more broadly support existing Church of the Brethren mission efforts.
The Rural Health Program was begun by Church of the Brethren mission staff and has been highly acclaimed internationally. The village-based program serves a large population in the rural areas of northeast Nigeria, from where Ekklesiyar Yan'uwa a Nigeria (EYN--the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria) emerged. The program uses village-based health workers to offer basic health education and immunizations. Now operated by EYN, the program generates some income but requires supplemental support to adequately serve rural communities.
The Rollers have served repeatedly with the Rural Health ministry through the Global Mission Partnerships of the General Board, and plan to return to Nigeria to serve again later this year.
To support this new endowment, earmark checks to the Church of the Brethren General Board with the designation, "Established Mission Endowment"; mail to 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120. For more information about Global Mission Partnerships and the mission work of the Church of the Brethren see www.brethren.org/genbd/global_mission/.
Source: 11/10/2005 Newsline
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The Gathering brings a 'fresh breeze' to Western Plains District.
A congregational transformation movement was launched Oct. 28-30 by Western Plains District after two years of preparation. The movement launched at an event called "The Gathering" has brought a "fresh breeze" to the district, according to a report from Dale Minnich, one of the leaders at the event. Western Plains is a geographically widespread district of 38 predominantly small congregations in Kansas, Nebraska, Colorado, and New Mexico, with an average district-wide worship attendance of about 1,800.
"For this event 312 persons from 26 congregations, representing nearly 20 percent of all who regularly worship, gathered at an outdoor education center in Salina, Kan.," Minnich reported. The Gathering focused on "hope, a fresh vision of the church, spiritual enrichment, and training for children, youth and adults," he said.
Events included a retreat for 66 youth, a Bible school for 23 children, and seven two-and-a-half hour workshops for adults. Workshops were organized into two tracks, with one for congregations entering a three-year covenant with the district to partner in working toward congregational transformation, and a second track for people from congregations interested in transformation but not entering a covenant. Workshop leaders included Fred Bernhard, Stan Dueck, Duane Grady, Julie Hostetter, Lisa Hazen, Jim Kinsey, Ken Holderread, Glenn Timmons, and Minnich. The keynote speaker for the conference was Susan Boyer, senior pastor of La Verne (Calif.) Church of the Brethren, preaching on the Great Commandment and the Great Commission.
The district is inviting congregations to enter a covenant for a three-year transformation journey, Minnich said. The first congregations to enter the covenant were consecrated at the conference including Quinter (Kan.) Church of the Brethren; Prince of Peace Church of the Brethren in Littleton, Colo.; Holmesville (Neb.) Church of the Brethren; Independence (Kan.) Church of the Brethren; McPherson (Kan.) Church of the Brethren; Eden Valley (Kan.) Church of the Brethren; Wichita (Kan.) Church of the Brethren; and Wiley (Colo.) Church of the Brethren. The district hopes to be in covenant relationship with 25 congregations by the effort's fall 2007 entry date.
A plan of serving the dispersed congregations of the district utilizes nine area ministers coordinated by district executive minister Ken Holderread. This plan initiated in 2003 is significantly increasing district contact with congregations and is integral to the renewal effort, Minnich said. Fifteen people, including the area ministers, have received 10 days of training during 2005 to prepare them as congregational coaches and are assigned to coach either a covenanting congregation or a congregation actively considering a covenant.
Glenn Timmons of Englewood, Ohio, is the district's volunteer guide for the movement. Timmons co-directs the Sustaining Pastoral Excellence Program for the Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership.
Source: 11/10/2005 Newsline
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South/Central Indiana District focuses on love through service.
The 2005 South/Central Indiana District Conference was held at the Grandview (formerly Beech Grove) Church of the Brethren near Lapel, Ind., on Sept. 9-10. Ed Jackson served as moderator. The theme, "Through Love Be Servants One to Another," was based on Galatians 5:13. The focus of the conference was on worship and fellowship.
The theme was carried in each worship service, the devotional thoughts presented by the Break Makers, and testimonies of service. Phil and Louise Baldwin Rieman from Northview Church of the Brethren in Indianapolis, talked about their service in Sudan; Jennifer and Pat Maier of Anderson Church of the Brethren expressed their joyful service time in China; the Anderson church youth talked about a mission trip to Tijuana, Mexico; and John Bunch challenged the district to become involved in the service mission of the disaster relief effort in Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, and other areas following hurricanes.
The Friday evening worship was lead by Annual Conference moderator Ronald Beachley, preceded by singing led by Jerry Longenbaugh and a praise band. "The Servant Song" was sung at the opening service and throughout the conference. Saturday worship was lead by Valarie Kline.
During business sessions, delegates received reports from various institutions and agencies throughout the district and denomination including a new multimedia presentation from the five agencies of the Annual Conference. Revisions to the District Constitution were passed by the conference. Other business items included closing of the New Hope Church of the Brethren, name change of the Beech Grove Church of the Brethren to Grandview Church of the Brethren, recognition of pastors and the graduation of Jay Carter from the Training in Ministry program.
An offering of $962.52 will be used for the district's Ministry Scholarship program. Meals and fellowship time with ice cream were provided by various churches in the district.
Pam Princell was installed as moderator for 2005-06, with Jerry Longenbaugh as moderator-elect. A dedication service followed for the members of the District Board.
Source: 11/10/2005 Newsline
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Brethren bits: Correction, remembrance, job opening, and more.
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Haruun Ruun appointed to Sudan government post.
Haruun Ruun, executive secretary for the New Sudan Council of Churches (NSCC) and a shared staff for the Global Mission Partnerships of the Church of the Brethren General Board, has accepted a position as presidential advisor to the government of Sudan as it is being re-formed based on a peace agreement signed earlier this year.
Ruun will have a portfolio as "peace and tolerance advisor." Ruun will assume this important role, based in Khartoum, following the process of handing over his responsibilities with NSCC in Nairobi, Kenya. He has been a part of the Church of the Brethren staff team in Sudan since 1996, jointly supported with the Presbyterian Church USA and the Reformed Church in America.
"Rev. Dr. Ruun has served in this ecumenical leadership role during challenging and difficult times of the Sudan civil war and conflict," said Merv Keeney, executive director of Global Mission Partnerships. "He spearheaded the People-to-People Peacemaking Movement that was facilitated by NSCC and which brought reconciliation among warring groups and elevated commitment and hopes for a just and lasting peace." Keeney said the Brethren played a part in the People-to-People Peacemaking Movement in terms of support given by advisors, observers, and funding.
Two other former NSCC staff who worked in the People-to-People Peacemaking Movement have been appointed to the government of Sudan as well: Telar Deng as state minister for Central Government; Mrs. Awut Deng Acuil, who spoke at the Global Mission Partnerships Dinner at the 2001 Annual Conference of the Church of the Brethren, as presidential advisor on Gender and Human Rights for the government of South Sudan.
Source: 11/10/2005 Newsline
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Carol Mason appointed coordinator of Congregational Life Team Area 3.
Carol Mason has accepted the position of coordinator of the General Board's Congregational Life Team for Area 3, which includes the districts of Atlantic Southeast, Shenandoah, Southeastern, Virlina, and West Marva.
Mason is a former General Board employee and mission worker who served as co-founder and director of the Ekklesiyar Yan'uwa a Nigeria (EYN--the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria) Technical School. Since that time she has taught public school, directed congregational volunteer ministries, and served as moderator for Oregon and Washington District. She has a Master of Education degree from St. Martin's College in Lacey, Wash., and is working toward a Masters in Ministry and Pastoral Skills through the Institute of Ecumenical Theological Study at Seattle University. She also is completing the Training in Ministry program.
Mason will begin her new responsibilities on Dec. 5. She currently lives in Centralia, Wash., and will move to the northern region of Area 3 in January 2006.
Source: 11/10/2005 Newsline
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Brethren invited to join in helping close the School of the Americas.
The Brethren Witness/Washington Office has issued an invitation to Brethren to join in the School of the Americas (SOA) Watch vigil on Nov. 18-20 in Fort Benning, Ga. Fort Benning is one of the largest military bases in the world and home to the notorious School of Americas/Western Institute for Security Cooperation.
"This is a very important year for the vigil," the office said in an Action Alert. "Since there will be a vote this spring or summer to decide whether or not to close the school, there needs to be a stronger presence at the gates of Fort Benning to send a loud message to Congress to close the SOA." In 1997, the Church of the Brethren General Board passed a resolution calling for the closing of the School of Americas.
Brethren Witness/Washington Office events at the vigil include an information table outside the gates of Fort Benning on Saturday and Sunday, a Brethren Gathering Saturday night at the Howard Johnson Presidential Room from 7-8:30 p.m., and a gathering of Brethren Sunday morning at the Brethren Witness/Washington Office booth to march in the procession together. For more information contact the office at 800-785-3246. A more detailed description of the vigil events can be found at www.soaw.org.
Source: 11/10/2005 Newsline
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Cross Cultural Celebration 2006 will be held in Lancaster, Pa.
The Church of the Brethren's next Cross Cultural Consultation and Celebration will be held May 4-7, 2006, at Lancaster (Pa.) Church of the Brethren. The theme for the annual gathering will be, "Built Together: The Household of God." Participants are encouraged to read and study Ephesians 2:17-22 as preparation for prayer, worship, and study together.
Register for the event at www.brethren.org, follow the key word link to "Cross Cultural Ministries." A schedule of the event will soon be posted as well. Registrations are due by mid-January 2006. For more information contact Duane Grady, Congregational Life Teams staff for the General Board, at 800-505-1596 or dgrady_gb@brethren.org.
Source: 11/10/2005 Newsline
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Credits
Newsline is produced by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of news services for the Church of the Brethren General Board, on every other Wednesday with other editions as needed. Newsline stories may be reprinted if Newsline is cited as the source. Merv Keeney, Jon Kobel, Jeri S. Kornegay, Dale Minnich, and Ken Neher contributed to this report.
Four cases of Legionnaires' disease have been confirmed at the Peter Becker Community in Harleysville, Pa. The community reports that all those diagnosed with the disease are now at home or have returned to the community. Peter Becker Community is a Church of the Brethren retirement facility.
Legionnaires' disease is a pneumonia-like caused by bacteria. It was named in 1976 when an outbreak of pneumonia occurred during an American Legion convention in Philadelphia.
J. Edward Burleigh III, interim chief executive officer for Peter Becker, has taken a proactive approach to the situation. "As a precaution the entire facility is being inspected and treated," Burleigh said. "Sanitizing of water systems and ventilation systems has been ongoing since the initial report of the first diagnosis. We are taking every precaution to ensure the health, welfare, and safety of each member of the community as well as our employees and volunteers. We plan to continue to communicate our findings and do everything with in our power to eradicate the bacterium within the facility."
Montgomery County Health Department environmental services and water quality personnel have been at the facility conducting tests. "Legionnaires' disease is not passed from person to person," the department said. "It is most commonly contracted by breathing mists from a water source--such as air conditioning cooling towers, whirlpool spas, and showers--where the bacterium can grow." Legionnaires' can have symptoms like other forms of pneumonia including a high fever, chills, a cough, muscle and headaches.
The community has brought in outside consultants to perform testing and sanitizing including Tim Keane, of Legionella Risk Management Inc., and Terry Bartley from Water Chemical Services Inc. The community is working with Montgomery County Health Department's C. Michael Baysinger, division director for Communicable Disease Control, and is following all protocol outlined through the Centers for Disease Control, the releases said.
First diagnosis of the cases at Peter Becker Community was made by a local hospital after a resident was hospitalized. Following diagnoses came as a result of aggressive clinical testing of residents with pneumonia-like symptoms, according to the community. The "Morning Call" newspaper reported that this brings to eight the number of cases in Montgomery County in 2005.
Those who have been diagnosed include a 74-year-old resident who has been released from hospital and has returned to the community, a 94-year-old resident who developed a high fever but was not hospitalized, an 85-year-old resident of the personal care unit, and a volunteer who is now home recovering. Ten residents were tested; three tests returned with positive results. There have been no other residents or employees showing symptoms, the community reported.
The health department recommends that the very old, the very young, and those with compromised immune system refrain from visiting the community until the matter is resolved.
Source: 11/10/2005 Newsline
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Annual Conference unveils logo for 2006.
The logo for the 2006 Annual Conference has been unveiled. Rosanna Eller McFadden, a member of the Program and Arrangements Committee and worship coordinator for the Conference, is the artist. The logo will be used as a centerpiece at Annual Conference on July 1-5, 2006, in Des Moines, Iowa, and illustrates the theme, "TOGETHER: Exercise Daily in God."
"Spiritual disciplines are an indispensable part of the Christian walk," McFadden said in an artist's statement. "But these disciplines aren't merely for us as individuals; when we practice these together in community with other believers, we not only exercise our own privilege as Christians, we build up the body of Christ. I wanted to represent each of the five disciplines which will be topics of the Conference worship services, but also show that they are held together, and that they hold us together."The logo uses images from quilting as well, McFadden said. "Beautiful quilts thoughtfully incorporate a wide variety of color, and make use of contrasting, as well as complementary color. If we are to be a vibrant denomination, we need to affirm diversity in our midst, and see that each piece works together to form a whole which honors Jesus Christ."
"In keeping with the 2006 Annual Conference theme, this logo design was a collaborative effort," said McFadden. "The artwork for the word 'Together' was borrowed with permission from Debbie Noffsinger's logo for 'Together: Conversations on Being the Church.' This is also the first time that I have executed a Conference logo in Spanish, and I would like to thank Nadine Monn for the translation which made that possible."
McFadden also thanked a member of her congregation, Jean Mann, craftswoman behind a series of quilted chancel cloths McFadden designed for the Conference worship services, and Rachel Brown and other members of the Association for the Arts in the Church of the Brethren who contributed their time and skills to make the quilts.
Source: 11/10/2005 Newsline
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Emergency Disaster Fund grants send $167,000 for disaster relief.
Four grants from the Emergency Disaster Fund are sending a total of $167,000 to continue response to Hurricane Katrina, provide clean up buckets following hurricanes Katrina and Rita, respond to the destruction caused by tropical storm Stan in Central America, and support Disaster Child Care volunteers preparing to respond to Hurricane Wilma.
An additional allocation of $100,000 continues support of the Church World Service response to Hurricane Katrina in the Gulf Coast. The funds will continue to help deploy Disaster Response and Recover Liaisons; distribute Tools of Hope, blankets, and Gift of the Heart Kits; support longterm recovery organizations; provide spiritual care and care for caregivers; and support a relocation program for 500 displaced Americans.
A grant of $42,000 supports the purchase, assembly, and shipment of 1,000 Clean Up Buckets by the General Board's Emergency Response/Service Ministries. The buckets were assembled for Church World Service following a request to assist in the clean-up efforts after hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
The sum of $20,000 goes to Church World Service for relief work following the destruction caused by tropical storm Stan in Central America. The funds will help provide food and medical and non-food relief supplies to people in Nicaragua, Guatemala, and El Salvador.
The fund has given $5,000 for Disaster Child Care volunteers preparing to respond in southern Florida following Hurricane Wilma. The money also will help with other related volunteer and staff expenses.
Source: 11/10/2005 Newsline
top
New tax law for 2005 is an opportunity for generous givers.
The series of natural disasters this year has elicited an unprecedented response from people wanting to help the survivors. Now Congress has acted to encourage additional charitable giving for relief and to traditional charitable interests during this critical time, reported Ken Neher, director of Funding for the Church of the Brethren General Board.
"Of particular note is the KETRA (Katrina Emergency Tax Relief Act), which includes special new incentives for those who wish to make charitable gifts of cash before the end of 2005," reported Neher. "In it Congress has suspended previous limits on deductions for gifts of cash to qualified not-for-profits for the rest of this year." For example, the General Board, On Earth Peace, and Bethany Seminary are among those that will qualify, Neher said. Donors may now deduct qualified charitable gifts in amounts up to 100 percent of their Adjusted Gross Income (AGI), instead of the more common 50 percent for most tax payers, Neher said.
"There are just so many ways a donor can use this bill to maximize their charitable giving," said Robert Sharpe, who has become a national town crier on giving issues and tax laws according to Neher. "The suspension of the 50 percent of AGI limit creates a short window of opportunity for larger gifts by donors that could otherwise cause them to exceed the amount they could normally deduct," Sharpe said.
An additional benefit is the possibility for donors over the age of 59 ½ to fund larger gifts with funds drawn directly from their IRAs and many other types of retirement accounts on a relatively tax-free basis, Neher added.
If you have questions, talk with your tax advisor or call Neher at 509 665-0441.
Source: 11/10/2005 Newsline
top
New endowment supports Church of the Brethren mission work.
The Church of the Brethren General Board has created a unique mission endowment through the donation and solicitation efforts of Gerald and Eleanor Roller of Roanoke, Va.
The "Established Mission Endowment" was designed initially to support the Lafiya or Rural Health Program in Garkida, Nigeria, for the next five years, after which it can more broadly support existing Church of the Brethren mission efforts.
The Rural Health Program was begun by Church of the Brethren mission staff and has been highly acclaimed internationally. The village-based program serves a large population in the rural areas of northeast Nigeria, from where Ekklesiyar Yan'uwa a Nigeria (EYN--the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria) emerged. The program uses village-based health workers to offer basic health education and immunizations. Now operated by EYN, the program generates some income but requires supplemental support to adequately serve rural communities.
The Rollers have served repeatedly with the Rural Health ministry through the Global Mission Partnerships of the General Board, and plan to return to Nigeria to serve again later this year.
To support this new endowment, earmark checks to the Church of the Brethren General Board with the designation, "Established Mission Endowment"; mail to 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120. For more information about Global Mission Partnerships and the mission work of the Church of the Brethren see www.brethren.org/genbd/global_mission/.
Source: 11/10/2005 Newsline
top
The Gathering brings a 'fresh breeze' to Western Plains District.
A congregational transformation movement was launched Oct. 28-30 by Western Plains District after two years of preparation. The movement launched at an event called "The Gathering" has brought a "fresh breeze" to the district, according to a report from Dale Minnich, one of the leaders at the event. Western Plains is a geographically widespread district of 38 predominantly small congregations in Kansas, Nebraska, Colorado, and New Mexico, with an average district-wide worship attendance of about 1,800.
"For this event 312 persons from 26 congregations, representing nearly 20 percent of all who regularly worship, gathered at an outdoor education center in Salina, Kan.," Minnich reported. The Gathering focused on "hope, a fresh vision of the church, spiritual enrichment, and training for children, youth and adults," he said.
Events included a retreat for 66 youth, a Bible school for 23 children, and seven two-and-a-half hour workshops for adults. Workshops were organized into two tracks, with one for congregations entering a three-year covenant with the district to partner in working toward congregational transformation, and a second track for people from congregations interested in transformation but not entering a covenant. Workshop leaders included Fred Bernhard, Stan Dueck, Duane Grady, Julie Hostetter, Lisa Hazen, Jim Kinsey, Ken Holderread, Glenn Timmons, and Minnich. The keynote speaker for the conference was Susan Boyer, senior pastor of La Verne (Calif.) Church of the Brethren, preaching on the Great Commandment and the Great Commission.
The district is inviting congregations to enter a covenant for a three-year transformation journey, Minnich said. The first congregations to enter the covenant were consecrated at the conference including Quinter (Kan.) Church of the Brethren; Prince of Peace Church of the Brethren in Littleton, Colo.; Holmesville (Neb.) Church of the Brethren; Independence (Kan.) Church of the Brethren; McPherson (Kan.) Church of the Brethren; Eden Valley (Kan.) Church of the Brethren; Wichita (Kan.) Church of the Brethren; and Wiley (Colo.) Church of the Brethren. The district hopes to be in covenant relationship with 25 congregations by the effort's fall 2007 entry date.
A plan of serving the dispersed congregations of the district utilizes nine area ministers coordinated by district executive minister Ken Holderread. This plan initiated in 2003 is significantly increasing district contact with congregations and is integral to the renewal effort, Minnich said. Fifteen people, including the area ministers, have received 10 days of training during 2005 to prepare them as congregational coaches and are assigned to coach either a covenanting congregation or a congregation actively considering a covenant.
Glenn Timmons of Englewood, Ohio, is the district's volunteer guide for the movement. Timmons co-directs the Sustaining Pastoral Excellence Program for the Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership.
Source: 11/10/2005 Newsline
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South/Central Indiana District focuses on love through service.
The 2005 South/Central Indiana District Conference was held at the Grandview (formerly Beech Grove) Church of the Brethren near Lapel, Ind., on Sept. 9-10. Ed Jackson served as moderator. The theme, "Through Love Be Servants One to Another," was based on Galatians 5:13. The focus of the conference was on worship and fellowship.
The theme was carried in each worship service, the devotional thoughts presented by the Break Makers, and testimonies of service. Phil and Louise Baldwin Rieman from Northview Church of the Brethren in Indianapolis, talked about their service in Sudan; Jennifer and Pat Maier of Anderson Church of the Brethren expressed their joyful service time in China; the Anderson church youth talked about a mission trip to Tijuana, Mexico; and John Bunch challenged the district to become involved in the service mission of the disaster relief effort in Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, and other areas following hurricanes.
The Friday evening worship was lead by Annual Conference moderator Ronald Beachley, preceded by singing led by Jerry Longenbaugh and a praise band. "The Servant Song" was sung at the opening service and throughout the conference. Saturday worship was lead by Valarie Kline.
During business sessions, delegates received reports from various institutions and agencies throughout the district and denomination including a new multimedia presentation from the five agencies of the Annual Conference. Revisions to the District Constitution were passed by the conference. Other business items included closing of the New Hope Church of the Brethren, name change of the Beech Grove Church of the Brethren to Grandview Church of the Brethren, recognition of pastors and the graduation of Jay Carter from the Training in Ministry program.
An offering of $962.52 will be used for the district's Ministry Scholarship program. Meals and fellowship time with ice cream were provided by various churches in the district.
Pam Princell was installed as moderator for 2005-06, with Jerry Longenbaugh as moderator-elect. A dedication service followed for the members of the District Board.
Source: 11/10/2005 Newsline
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Brethren bits: Correction, remembrance, job opening, and more.
- Correction: The 2006 budget figure for Atlantic Northeast District should be $612,766, in the report from Atlantic Northeast District Conference in the Newsline of Oct. 26.
- Patricia Kennedy Helman died on Oct. 28 at age 80. She was a frequent writer for the Church of the Brethren "Messenger" magazine and from 1979-82 wrote a regular monthly column, "Pilgrim's Pen," musing on events in life's journey. She was a leader in the Association for the Arts in the Church of the Brethren, a denominational representative to the National Council of Churches, and in the 1980s served as a consultant for spiritual life to the Parish Ministries Commission of the General Board. Her husband of 58 years, A. Blair Helman, was president of Manchester College in North Manchester, Ind., for three decades. Most recently, Helman lived at Timbercrest Retirement Community in North Manchester. "Pat's keen intellect, infectious wit, and deep love for the college have touched thousands of people over the years," said college president Jo Young Switzer, who remembered Helman hosting a variety of famous people at the college's presidential residence during her husband's tenure. "She regaled us for years with the story of Eleanor Roosevelt getting locked in the upstairs bathroom. She didn't know a stranger," Switzer said. Helman is survived by her husband and daughters, Bunny Hill and Patty Magaro, and their families. A memorial service took place Nov. 4 at Manchester Church of the Brethren, with the college choir performing among other pieces "Manchester Fair," an anthem that Helman wrote with Gary Deavel, professor emeritus of music. For a more complete obituary see www.manchester.edu.
- The General Board seeks a director for its Sudan Initiative, a fulltime position in the Global Mission Partnerships area of the General Board located in Elgin, Ill. The position arises from recent action to begin a new ministry to respond to opportunities in southern Sudan since the signing of peace accords. Responsibilities include providing leadership for development and implementation of the new mission concept; recruitment, direction, and support of workers; and a new model that involves candidates assisting in raising their own financial support before placement. Qualifications include grounding in Church of the Brethren heritage, theology, and polity; a minimum of three years of international mission/development experience; communication skills; ability to function collaboratively with colleagues in a team context; background in program administration; and a minimum of a bachelor's degree in a related field. Applications will be received and the search will continue until the position is filled. The deadline to indicate interest in exploring this opportunity is Dec. 6. Starting date is in the winter of 2006. A position description and application form are available. Qualified candidates are invited to submit a resume, a letter of application, and to request three references to send letters of recommendation to the Office of Human Resources, Church of the Brethren General Board, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120-1694; 800-323-8039 ext. 258; mgarrison_gb@brethren.org. The General Board is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer.
- Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS) workers who recently have begun in positions at the BVS office in Elgin, Ill., include Carolyn Gong of State College, Pa., who is serving as BVS recruiter; Becky Snavely of Lancaster, Pa., serving as BVS orientation assistant; Emily Wampler of Bridgewater, Va., assistant to the BVS director. Outgoing orientation assistant Samuel Bowman is staying on for another year to carry out a special assignment. He will be visiting congregations across the country, doing recruitment for BVS and meeting with pastors to talk about preparedness in the eventuality of a military draft. Bowman will schedule his congregational visits through the district offices.
- The Brethren Witness/Washington Office and On Earth Peace are seeking submissions of Lenten worship resources to be used in the next mailing of "Coming to Life Worship Aids for the Living Peace Church." This edition will focus on inspiration for being a living peace church during the seasons of Lent and Easter. Submissions should be sent by e-mail to Phil Jones at pjones_gb@brethren.org. The deadline for submissions is Dec. 9. "We welcome original pieces or your very favorite from another noted source," Jones said. "Items can include litanies, calls to worship, offertories, sermon starters, children stories, etc." Find the Advent and Christmas edition of "Coming to Life" a www.brethren.org/oepa/2004%20--%20Advent%20Issue.pdf.
- The Ministry of Reconciliation of On Earth Peace has announced upcoming conflict transformation trainings: On Nov. 12 a training on "Ministry with Difficult Behavior" will be held at Carson Valley Church of the Brethren in Duncansville, Pa. On Nov. 16-18 a practitioner workshop titled "Advanced Reconciliation Skills, Applying the Polarity Principles for Reconciliation in Congregations," will take place at Camp Mack, Milford, Ind., led by Mike Crump, Ministry of Reconciliation practitioner, and Bob Gross, co-director of On Earth Peace; cost is $195 and includes tuition, materials, and accommodations; one continuing education unit is available for Church of the Brethren ministers. A Spring 2006 Intensive course on "Conflict Transformation for Pastors" will be held at Bethany Theological Seminary in Richmond, Ind. Contact annieclark@mchsi.com. For more information about the Ministry of Reconciliation see www.onearthpeace.org.
- Virlina District conference on the theme, "You Matter to God," from Romans 12:4-5, will be held Nov. 11-12 at United Methodist Temple in Beckley, W.Va. Russell Payne will serve as moderator and Shirley Jamison as moderator-elect.
- Manchester College professor Kenneth L. Brown has received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Peace and Justice Studies Association. More than 300 colleges and universities are members of the group. For more than 50 years, Brown has been a nonviolent activist and educator for peace and justice. For 25 years, he has directed the peace studies program at Manchester College in North Manchester, Ind. An ordained minister in the Church of the Brethren, Brown has founded several organizations including the War Tax Resisters' Penalty Fund. Brown assumed leadership of the college's Peace Studies Institute and Program in Conflict Resolution in 1980. With leadership in merging study with action, Brown has served as consultant to peace studies programs across the country and has led study teams to Vietnam, Brazil, Northern Ireland, Haiti, Thailand, India, Jamaica, Colombia, Nicaragua, Mexico, and Cuba. For more about Manchester's peace studies program, visit www.manchester.edu. For more about the Peace and Justice Studies Association, visit www.peacejusticestudies.org.
- The Womaen's Caucus Steering Committee met Oct. 13-16 at the home of Lucy and Joe Loomis near State College, Pa. In addition to a business meeting, the group met with several caucus supporters, attended worship at University Baptist-Brethren Church, and saw a play put on by Penn State students. Members of the committee are Carla Kilgore, Fort Wayne, Ind., convener; Deb Peterson, Goshen, Ind, "Femailings" editor; Lucy Loomis, Pennsylvania Furnace, Pa.; Heidi Gardner, Keyser, W.Va.; Audrey de Coursey, Pacific School of Religion student; and Jan Eller, Portland, Ore., administrator.
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Haruun Ruun appointed to Sudan government post.
Haruun Ruun, executive secretary for the New Sudan Council of Churches (NSCC) and a shared staff for the Global Mission Partnerships of the Church of the Brethren General Board, has accepted a position as presidential advisor to the government of Sudan as it is being re-formed based on a peace agreement signed earlier this year.
Ruun will have a portfolio as "peace and tolerance advisor." Ruun will assume this important role, based in Khartoum, following the process of handing over his responsibilities with NSCC in Nairobi, Kenya. He has been a part of the Church of the Brethren staff team in Sudan since 1996, jointly supported with the Presbyterian Church USA and the Reformed Church in America.
"Rev. Dr. Ruun has served in this ecumenical leadership role during challenging and difficult times of the Sudan civil war and conflict," said Merv Keeney, executive director of Global Mission Partnerships. "He spearheaded the People-to-People Peacemaking Movement that was facilitated by NSCC and which brought reconciliation among warring groups and elevated commitment and hopes for a just and lasting peace." Keeney said the Brethren played a part in the People-to-People Peacemaking Movement in terms of support given by advisors, observers, and funding.
Two other former NSCC staff who worked in the People-to-People Peacemaking Movement have been appointed to the government of Sudan as well: Telar Deng as state minister for Central Government; Mrs. Awut Deng Acuil, who spoke at the Global Mission Partnerships Dinner at the 2001 Annual Conference of the Church of the Brethren, as presidential advisor on Gender and Human Rights for the government of South Sudan.
Source: 11/10/2005 Newsline
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Carol Mason appointed coordinator of Congregational Life Team Area 3.
Carol Mason has accepted the position of coordinator of the General Board's Congregational Life Team for Area 3, which includes the districts of Atlantic Southeast, Shenandoah, Southeastern, Virlina, and West Marva.
Mason is a former General Board employee and mission worker who served as co-founder and director of the Ekklesiyar Yan'uwa a Nigeria (EYN--the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria) Technical School. Since that time she has taught public school, directed congregational volunteer ministries, and served as moderator for Oregon and Washington District. She has a Master of Education degree from St. Martin's College in Lacey, Wash., and is working toward a Masters in Ministry and Pastoral Skills through the Institute of Ecumenical Theological Study at Seattle University. She also is completing the Training in Ministry program.
Mason will begin her new responsibilities on Dec. 5. She currently lives in Centralia, Wash., and will move to the northern region of Area 3 in January 2006.
Source: 11/10/2005 Newsline
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Brethren invited to join in helping close the School of the Americas.
The Brethren Witness/Washington Office has issued an invitation to Brethren to join in the School of the Americas (SOA) Watch vigil on Nov. 18-20 in Fort Benning, Ga. Fort Benning is one of the largest military bases in the world and home to the notorious School of Americas/Western Institute for Security Cooperation.
"This is a very important year for the vigil," the office said in an Action Alert. "Since there will be a vote this spring or summer to decide whether or not to close the school, there needs to be a stronger presence at the gates of Fort Benning to send a loud message to Congress to close the SOA." In 1997, the Church of the Brethren General Board passed a resolution calling for the closing of the School of Americas.
Brethren Witness/Washington Office events at the vigil include an information table outside the gates of Fort Benning on Saturday and Sunday, a Brethren Gathering Saturday night at the Howard Johnson Presidential Room from 7-8:30 p.m., and a gathering of Brethren Sunday morning at the Brethren Witness/Washington Office booth to march in the procession together. For more information contact the office at 800-785-3246. A more detailed description of the vigil events can be found at www.soaw.org.
Source: 11/10/2005 Newsline
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Cross Cultural Celebration 2006 will be held in Lancaster, Pa.
The Church of the Brethren's next Cross Cultural Consultation and Celebration will be held May 4-7, 2006, at Lancaster (Pa.) Church of the Brethren. The theme for the annual gathering will be, "Built Together: The Household of God." Participants are encouraged to read and study Ephesians 2:17-22 as preparation for prayer, worship, and study together.
Register for the event at www.brethren.org, follow the key word link to "Cross Cultural Ministries." A schedule of the event will soon be posted as well. Registrations are due by mid-January 2006. For more information contact Duane Grady, Congregational Life Teams staff for the General Board, at 800-505-1596 or dgrady_gb@brethren.org.
Source: 11/10/2005 Newsline
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Credits
Newsline is produced by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of news services for the Church of the Brethren General Board, on every other Wednesday with other editions as needed. Newsline stories may be reprinted if Newsline is cited as the source. Merv Keeney, Jon Kobel, Jeri S. Kornegay, Dale Minnich, and Ken Neher contributed to this report.
Wednesday, November 09, 2005
News
NEW ENDOWMENT SUPPORTS BRETHREN MISSION WORK
The Church of the Brethren General Board has created a unique mission endowment through the donation and solicitation efforts of Gerald and Eleanor Roller of Roanoke, Va.
The "Established Mission Endowment" was designed initially to support the Lafiya or Rural Health Program in Garkida, Nigeria, for the next five years, after which it can more broadly support existing Church of the Brethren mission efforts.
The Rural Health Program was begun by Church of the Brethren mission staff and has been highly acclaimed internationally. The village-based program serves a large population in the rural areas of northeast Nigeria, from where Ekklesiyar Yan'uwa a Nigeria (EYN--the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria) emerged. The program uses village-based health workers to offer basic health education and immunizations. Now operated by EYN, the program generates some income but requires supplemental support to adequately serve rural communities.
The Rollers have served repeatedly with the Rural Health ministry through the Global Mission Partnerships of the General Board, and plan to return to Nigeria to serve again later this year.
To support this new endowment, earmark checks to the Church of the Brethren General Board with the designation, "Established Mission Endowment"; mail to 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120. For more information about Global Mission Partnerships and the mission work of the Church of the Brethren see www.brethren.org/genbd/global_mission/.
Source: 11/09/2005 Newsline
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BRETHREN BITS
Nov. 9, 2005 -- Virlina District conference on the theme, “You Matter to God,” from Romans 12:4-5, will be held Nov. 11-12 at United Methodist Temple in Beckley, W.Va. Russell Payne will serve as moderator and Shirley Jamison as moderator-elect.
Source: 11/09/2005 Newsline
top
Credits
The Church of the Brethren Newsline is produced by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of news services for the Church of the Brethren General Board.
NEW ENDOWMENT SUPPORTS BRETHREN MISSION WORK
The Church of the Brethren General Board has created a unique mission endowment through the donation and solicitation efforts of Gerald and Eleanor Roller of Roanoke, Va.
The "Established Mission Endowment" was designed initially to support the Lafiya or Rural Health Program in Garkida, Nigeria, for the next five years, after which it can more broadly support existing Church of the Brethren mission efforts.
The Rural Health Program was begun by Church of the Brethren mission staff and has been highly acclaimed internationally. The village-based program serves a large population in the rural areas of northeast Nigeria, from where Ekklesiyar Yan'uwa a Nigeria (EYN--the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria) emerged. The program uses village-based health workers to offer basic health education and immunizations. Now operated by EYN, the program generates some income but requires supplemental support to adequately serve rural communities.
The Rollers have served repeatedly with the Rural Health ministry through the Global Mission Partnerships of the General Board, and plan to return to Nigeria to serve again later this year.
To support this new endowment, earmark checks to the Church of the Brethren General Board with the designation, "Established Mission Endowment"; mail to 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120. For more information about Global Mission Partnerships and the mission work of the Church of the Brethren see www.brethren.org/genbd/global_mission/.
Source: 11/09/2005 Newsline
top
BRETHREN BITS
Nov. 9, 2005 -- Virlina District conference on the theme, “You Matter to God,” from Romans 12:4-5, will be held Nov. 11-12 at United Methodist Temple in Beckley, W.Va. Russell Payne will serve as moderator and Shirley Jamison as moderator-elect.
Source: 11/09/2005 Newsline
top
Credits
The Church of the Brethren Newsline is produced by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of news services for the Church of the Brethren General Board.
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