- Church of the Brethren continues tsunami relief efforts.
- Congregations and districts contribute to tsunami relief.
- BBT Board takes steps to ensure future of Brethren Medical Plan.
- Churches begin planning for Consultation on Alternative Service.
- Global Food Crisis Fund aids reforestation in Guatemala.
- Two Annual Conference agencies hold joint retreat.
- Brethren bits: Personnel, job opening, and more.
Friday, January 21, 2005
NEWS
Church of the Brethren continues tsunami relief efforts.
As the estimates of the numbers of people killed by the Dec. 26 tsunami topped 226,000, the Church of the Brethren continued its efforts for the survivors, supporting Church World Service (CWS), the global humanitarian arm of the National Council of Churches. On Jan. 19 Indonesia added tens of thousands of the missing to the estimates of the death toll.
Brethren relief efforts since the last Newsline report included a new grant from the General Board's Emergency Disaster Fund (EDF), more shipments of relief supplies from the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md., and a call for Gift of the Heart School Kits. Many congregations and districts also have been collecting relief supplies and gathering donations.
Brethren staff took part in a conference call with CWS denominational partners on Jan. 13, in which CWS director Rick Augsberger called in from Thailand. He referred to the destruction as "indescribable," reported Jane Yount, disaster response coordinator for the General Board. Because this disaster was so intense and widespread, all phases of recovery will be significantly lengthened, she said.
Augsberger said that 500 family shelter kits have been distributed in Sri Lanka and another 1,000 have been requested. In Indonesia, CWS has two medical doctors working in Banda Aceh and four psychosocial care staff working as well. CWS Indonesia staff are participating in food distribution and identifying communities yet in need of aid. A second airlift of CWS material resources has been made, and another major shipment of relief supplies will be airlifted to Singapore. An additional 50,000 health kits have been requested for the survivors, "and thanks to the generous response by the US churches, this order can be met," Yount said. "School kits also will be in great demand in several months as schools begin to be rebuilt."
Donations to EDF are supporting the CWS response as well as shipments of material goods from the Brethren Service Center. Recent shipments include 50 cartons of medical supplies to Indonesia on behalf of Lutheran World Relief and 100 cartons of Interchurch Medical Assistance (IMA) Medicine Boxes and three skids of dry food to Indonesia on behalf of IMA, CWS, and the Presbyterian Church. The shipments were combined on one flight along with 1,512 Relief Kits from Mennonite Central Committee. Staff of the General Board's Service Ministries also began packing another 50 IMA Medicine Boxes for Thailand. In other shipments, the center put together a container bound for Sudan with 40 cartons of Gift of the Heart Layette Kits, 70 cartons of Gift of the Heart Health Kits, and 450 cases of canned chicken.
On Jan. 12 a $10,000 EDF grant was approved to aid the Church of North India's (CNI) tsunami relief efforts in the Car Nicobar islands. "We wish to express our concern, support, and sympathies directly with the Church of North India as brothers and sister in Christ," wrote Stan Noffsinger, the General Board's general secretary. The Church of the Brethren has had a relationship with CNI since Brethren churches in India joined with CNI in 1970. The area of India where most Brethren live was not affected by the tsunami.
CNI reported that the "Car Nicobar group of islands has been so completely devastated by tsunami that they would have to be built from scratch." The CNI Disaster Management Committee is overseeing rescue and relief work in Port Blair and Car Nicobar, dispatching relief workers and offering material aid such as food, tarps, medicine, clothing, and bleach powder. CNI is running two relief camps which are supporting 4,000 people. CNI itself suffered terrible losses. Out of 52 CNI pastors in the affected diocese, eight lost their lives. CNI's 33 buildings in the diocese also have been either damaged or destroyed.
"I am grateful to each one of you for your prayers and your expression of solidarity, which have been a great source of encouragement for us in the Church of North India as we have a gigantic task ahead of us to reconstruct a diocese which has lost everything," wrote Enos Das Pradhan, CNI's general secretary, in a Jan. 10 update. For more information see www.cnitsunamirelief.org.
Emergency Response/Service Ministries also has publicized an urgent request from CWS for Gift of the Heart School Kits. The request follows a request for Gift of the Heart Health Kits. Needs stemming from the tsunami are prompting CWS to ask for help to replenish the supply of school kits, which will be used first in temporary schools likely to be housed in tents. Information about assembling kits has been sent to district offices and is available at www.brethren.org.
For more information about the Church of the Brethren relief effort see www.brethren.org. For more information about CWS work see www.churchworldservice.org. The National Council of Churches (NCC) also is posting audio, photos, and reflections from NCC envoys to Sri Lanka and Indonesia at www.ncccusa.org.
Source: 01/21/2005 Newsline
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As the estimates of the numbers of people killed by the Dec. 26 tsunami topped 226,000, the Church of the Brethren continued its efforts for the survivors, supporting Church World Service (CWS), the global humanitarian arm of the National Council of Churches. On Jan. 19 Indonesia added tens of thousands of the missing to the estimates of the death toll.
Brethren relief efforts since the last Newsline report included a new grant from the General Board's Emergency Disaster Fund (EDF), more shipments of relief supplies from the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md., and a call for Gift of the Heart School Kits. Many congregations and districts also have been collecting relief supplies and gathering donations.
Brethren staff took part in a conference call with CWS denominational partners on Jan. 13, in which CWS director Rick Augsberger called in from Thailand. He referred to the destruction as "indescribable," reported Jane Yount, disaster response coordinator for the General Board. Because this disaster was so intense and widespread, all phases of recovery will be significantly lengthened, she said.
Augsberger said that 500 family shelter kits have been distributed in Sri Lanka and another 1,000 have been requested. In Indonesia, CWS has two medical doctors working in Banda Aceh and four psychosocial care staff working as well. CWS Indonesia staff are participating in food distribution and identifying communities yet in need of aid. A second airlift of CWS material resources has been made, and another major shipment of relief supplies will be airlifted to Singapore. An additional 50,000 health kits have been requested for the survivors, "and thanks to the generous response by the US churches, this order can be met," Yount said. "School kits also will be in great demand in several months as schools begin to be rebuilt."
Donations to EDF are supporting the CWS response as well as shipments of material goods from the Brethren Service Center. Recent shipments include 50 cartons of medical supplies to Indonesia on behalf of Lutheran World Relief and 100 cartons of Interchurch Medical Assistance (IMA) Medicine Boxes and three skids of dry food to Indonesia on behalf of IMA, CWS, and the Presbyterian Church. The shipments were combined on one flight along with 1,512 Relief Kits from Mennonite Central Committee. Staff of the General Board's Service Ministries also began packing another 50 IMA Medicine Boxes for Thailand. In other shipments, the center put together a container bound for Sudan with 40 cartons of Gift of the Heart Layette Kits, 70 cartons of Gift of the Heart Health Kits, and 450 cases of canned chicken.
On Jan. 12 a $10,000 EDF grant was approved to aid the Church of North India's (CNI) tsunami relief efforts in the Car Nicobar islands. "We wish to express our concern, support, and sympathies directly with the Church of North India as brothers and sister in Christ," wrote Stan Noffsinger, the General Board's general secretary. The Church of the Brethren has had a relationship with CNI since Brethren churches in India joined with CNI in 1970. The area of India where most Brethren live was not affected by the tsunami.
CNI reported that the "Car Nicobar group of islands has been so completely devastated by tsunami that they would have to be built from scratch." The CNI Disaster Management Committee is overseeing rescue and relief work in Port Blair and Car Nicobar, dispatching relief workers and offering material aid such as food, tarps, medicine, clothing, and bleach powder. CNI is running two relief camps which are supporting 4,000 people. CNI itself suffered terrible losses. Out of 52 CNI pastors in the affected diocese, eight lost their lives. CNI's 33 buildings in the diocese also have been either damaged or destroyed.
"I am grateful to each one of you for your prayers and your expression of solidarity, which have been a great source of encouragement for us in the Church of North India as we have a gigantic task ahead of us to reconstruct a diocese which has lost everything," wrote Enos Das Pradhan, CNI's general secretary, in a Jan. 10 update. For more information see www.cnitsunamirelief.org.
Emergency Response/Service Ministries also has publicized an urgent request from CWS for Gift of the Heart School Kits. The request follows a request for Gift of the Heart Health Kits. Needs stemming from the tsunami are prompting CWS to ask for help to replenish the supply of school kits, which will be used first in temporary schools likely to be housed in tents. Information about assembling kits has been sent to district offices and is available at www.brethren.org.
For more information about the Church of the Brethren relief effort see www.brethren.org. For more information about CWS work see www.churchworldservice.org. The National Council of Churches (NCC) also is posting audio, photos, and reflections from NCC envoys to Sri Lanka and Indonesia at www.ncccusa.org.
Source: 01/21/2005 Newsline
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Congregations and districts contribute to tsunami relief.
Brethren individuals, congregations, districts, and colleges are collecting funds and material supplies to support the denomination's response to the tsunami. Here is a sampling:
Naperville (Ill.) Church of the Brethren, where up to 85 percent of the congregation are from India, have held three Sunday collections for tsunami relief. A total of $1,072 has been raised for the General Board's Emergency Disaster Fund (EDF).
In impromptu offerings on Sunday Jan. 2, Ridge Church of the Brethren in Shippensburg, Pa., raised more than $2,500, and Mount Morris (Ill.) Church of the Brethren raised $983. "This is a disaster of monumental proportions. If everybody does something, it will help," Ridge pastor Harold Yeager told the "Carlisle Sentinel" newspaper.
Skippack Church of the Brethren in Collegeville, Pa.; Green Tree Church of the Brethren in Oaks, Pa.; Providence Church of the Brethren in Royersford, Pa.; and Lower Skippack Mennonite Church held a joint service for tsunami relief Jan. 19. The Skippack congregation hosted the event. Pastors from the four churches conducted the service, which included special music, reflection, and prayer. The message was delivered by Skippack pastor Larry O'Neill. An offering was taken for Church World Service and Flood Relief.
Fair-View Church of the Brethren in Masontown, Pa., hosted a tsunami relief service on Sunday Jan. 23, which was sponsored by the Klondike Clergy Association.
Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren in Elgin, Ill., is foregoing dessert at its Wednesday Common Meals during January—the money saved is going to the EDF for tsunami relief.
Frederick (Md.) Church of the Brethren brought a truckload of 1,400 Gift of the Heart Health Kits to the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md., on Jan. 10. Among others collecting kits are First Church of the Brethren in Flint, Mich., which posted a note in "The Flint Journal" alerting the community that it will collect Health Kits through Jan. 24; Water Street Church of the Brethren in Kent, Ohio, which informed the "Beacon Journal" that it was accepting donations for Health Kits; and Northern Colorado Church of the Brethren in Windsor, Colo., where six Health Kits and six School Kits had been made up as of Jan. 13.
As of Jan. 14, Virlina District received $18,893.60 from special offerings, individuals, and groups associated with 24 different congregations. The district has distributed $15,190.60 to the Emergency Response/Service Ministries of the General Board.
At least two of the Brethren-related colleges are collecting donations for the EDF. Neighbors and friends of Manchester College in North Manchester, Ind., have helped collect $5,400, according to the school's website at www.manchester.edu. The cash and check collection in the Business Office will continue until Feb. 1. On Jan. 20, members of the Manchester community gathered with 45 members of the African History class of Dr. Benson C. Onyeji for a brief reflection on the tragedy and a moment of silence. The Elizabethtown (Pa.) College Center for Global Citizenship is working with Elizabethtown Church of the Brethren to seek monetary donations as well as School, Health, and Medicine Kits, according to the "Elizabethtown Chronicle." The Business Office is collecting donations, the Office of Service-Learning is distributing kit instructions, and the Student Center is collecting kits.
Schools in Carroll County, Md., in the area around the Brethren Service Center, are holding fundraisers for the tsunami relief work being done at the center and collecting Gift of the Heart kits to be shipped from the center. Freedom Elementary is doing a "Health Kits Bring Hope" project; pupils at East Middle are assembling Health, School, and Baby Kits; West Middle is selling candy to help the center purchase and ship supplies, and is collecting Health Kits; Oklahoma Road Middle is collecting Health Kits; South Carroll High is collecting donations for the EDF; and the Board of Education offices has organized a Health Kit drive for employees.
Source: 01/21/2005 Newsline
top
Brethren individuals, congregations, districts, and colleges are collecting funds and material supplies to support the denomination's response to the tsunami. Here is a sampling:
Naperville (Ill.) Church of the Brethren, where up to 85 percent of the congregation are from India, have held three Sunday collections for tsunami relief. A total of $1,072 has been raised for the General Board's Emergency Disaster Fund (EDF).
In impromptu offerings on Sunday Jan. 2, Ridge Church of the Brethren in Shippensburg, Pa., raised more than $2,500, and Mount Morris (Ill.) Church of the Brethren raised $983. "This is a disaster of monumental proportions. If everybody does something, it will help," Ridge pastor Harold Yeager told the "Carlisle Sentinel" newspaper.
Skippack Church of the Brethren in Collegeville, Pa.; Green Tree Church of the Brethren in Oaks, Pa.; Providence Church of the Brethren in Royersford, Pa.; and Lower Skippack Mennonite Church held a joint service for tsunami relief Jan. 19. The Skippack congregation hosted the event. Pastors from the four churches conducted the service, which included special music, reflection, and prayer. The message was delivered by Skippack pastor Larry O'Neill. An offering was taken for Church World Service and Flood Relief.
Fair-View Church of the Brethren in Masontown, Pa., hosted a tsunami relief service on Sunday Jan. 23, which was sponsored by the Klondike Clergy Association.
Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren in Elgin, Ill., is foregoing dessert at its Wednesday Common Meals during January—the money saved is going to the EDF for tsunami relief.
Frederick (Md.) Church of the Brethren brought a truckload of 1,400 Gift of the Heart Health Kits to the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md., on Jan. 10. Among others collecting kits are First Church of the Brethren in Flint, Mich., which posted a note in "The Flint Journal" alerting the community that it will collect Health Kits through Jan. 24; Water Street Church of the Brethren in Kent, Ohio, which informed the "Beacon Journal" that it was accepting donations for Health Kits; and Northern Colorado Church of the Brethren in Windsor, Colo., where six Health Kits and six School Kits had been made up as of Jan. 13.
As of Jan. 14, Virlina District received $18,893.60 from special offerings, individuals, and groups associated with 24 different congregations. The district has distributed $15,190.60 to the Emergency Response/Service Ministries of the General Board.
At least two of the Brethren-related colleges are collecting donations for the EDF. Neighbors and friends of Manchester College in North Manchester, Ind., have helped collect $5,400, according to the school's website at www.manchester.edu. The cash and check collection in the Business Office will continue until Feb. 1. On Jan. 20, members of the Manchester community gathered with 45 members of the African History class of Dr. Benson C. Onyeji for a brief reflection on the tragedy and a moment of silence. The Elizabethtown (Pa.) College Center for Global Citizenship is working with Elizabethtown Church of the Brethren to seek monetary donations as well as School, Health, and Medicine Kits, according to the "Elizabethtown Chronicle." The Business Office is collecting donations, the Office of Service-Learning is distributing kit instructions, and the Student Center is collecting kits.
Schools in Carroll County, Md., in the area around the Brethren Service Center, are holding fundraisers for the tsunami relief work being done at the center and collecting Gift of the Heart kits to be shipped from the center. Freedom Elementary is doing a "Health Kits Bring Hope" project; pupils at East Middle are assembling Health, School, and Baby Kits; West Middle is selling candy to help the center purchase and ship supplies, and is collecting Health Kits; Oklahoma Road Middle is collecting Health Kits; South Carroll High is collecting donations for the EDF; and the Board of Education offices has organized a Health Kit drive for employees.
Source: 01/21/2005 Newsline
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BBT Board takes steps to ensure future of Brethren Medical Plan.
Meeting in Middlebury, Ind., Nov. 19-20, 2004, the Brethren Benefit Trust (BBT) Board took several steps in an effort to ensure the longterm health of the Brethren Medical Plan (see Newsline Dec. 3, 2004, "BBT makes new requirement in effort to save Brethren Medical Plan").
The board also supported a program to help church agencies develop planned giving and approved a 2005 budget, and its Investment Committee studied the use of "soft dollars" and reviewed investment strategy for the Retirement Benefits Fund and the possibility of creating a "stable-value" fund.
The board reaffirmed its support for a new program being developed in which BBT staff members work with other church agencies to develop longterm financial support through deferred giving. The program is intended to assist church agencies that do not have planned giving staff of their own. Under the plan, agencies will continue to be the prime contact with their own donors. BBT will support the agencies with calculations, explaining gift options to donors, and through the production of applicable resources.
The BBT Investment Committee studied the use of "soft dollars" to pay for certain investment research costs. Soft dollars are generated when an investor directs that purchases and sales of securities be handled by a specific broker. The broker then rebates a portion of his or her commission on the sales to be used by the investor to purchase research. Although widespread, the practice has received considerable negative attention recently, primarily because of the potential for conflicts of interest that it creates. The Investment Committee declined to accept soft dollars on BBT accounts and will request more complete reporting from investment managers on how they use soft dollars.
The Investment Committee also reviewed its investment strategy for the Retirement Benefits Fund. Assets in the fund are the source of payments for Brethren Pension Plan retirees. With many experts predicting several years of below-average returns, the committee decided to review current allocations.
In response to requests from Brethren Pension Plan members and asset management clients, the Investment Committee also addressed the possibility of creating a "stable-value" fund. By investing in a socially responsible mix of short-term securities, such a fund would be able to generate positive returns under most market conditions. Although returns would be small, they would be unlikely to be negative in any given month. A stable-value fund would benefit those nearing retirement who could use a stable-value investment to "park" pension contributions and earnings up to six months before retirement, thus locking in a minimum level for their monthly annuity. Asset management clients of the Brethren Foundation would use a stable-value fund primarily when they want to protect funds they know will be used in a relatively short period.
In other business the board approved a 2005 budget that calls for expenditures of $2,790,000; approved the recommended 100 percent housing allowance limit for pastors receiving pension annuities and disability benefits; authorized grants from the Supplemental Income Fund for Equitable Annuitants assets to former members of the equitable plan; and elected to explore the actions required for BBT to fulfill the spirit of the 2002 Sarbanes-Oxley Act placing stringent requirements on financial activities of publicly traded companies. While BBT is not subject to the act's provisions, the board expressed its desire to hold BBT's activities to the highest possible standards.
The board also received reports from the Brethren Foundation and the Church of the Brethren Credit Union. The foundation noted that its asset management clients represent all 23 districts in the Church of the Brethren. The foundation currently manages approximately $117 million, most of which represents asset management funds on deposit from about 200 congregations and other church agencies. The foundation also is responsible for numerous charitable trusts and charitable gift annuities.
Dennis Kingery, director of Credit Union Operations, reported that the credit union is engaged in an extended process of merging its existing internal controls with those already in place for BBT, and is exploring the possibility of offering members online access to their accounts.
The BBT Board will meet next in Elgin, Ill., April 16-17. For more information see www.brethrenbenefittrust.org.
Source: 01/21/2005 Newsline
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Meeting in Middlebury, Ind., Nov. 19-20, 2004, the Brethren Benefit Trust (BBT) Board took several steps in an effort to ensure the longterm health of the Brethren Medical Plan (see Newsline Dec. 3, 2004, "BBT makes new requirement in effort to save Brethren Medical Plan").
The board also supported a program to help church agencies develop planned giving and approved a 2005 budget, and its Investment Committee studied the use of "soft dollars" and reviewed investment strategy for the Retirement Benefits Fund and the possibility of creating a "stable-value" fund.
The board reaffirmed its support for a new program being developed in which BBT staff members work with other church agencies to develop longterm financial support through deferred giving. The program is intended to assist church agencies that do not have planned giving staff of their own. Under the plan, agencies will continue to be the prime contact with their own donors. BBT will support the agencies with calculations, explaining gift options to donors, and through the production of applicable resources.
The BBT Investment Committee studied the use of "soft dollars" to pay for certain investment research costs. Soft dollars are generated when an investor directs that purchases and sales of securities be handled by a specific broker. The broker then rebates a portion of his or her commission on the sales to be used by the investor to purchase research. Although widespread, the practice has received considerable negative attention recently, primarily because of the potential for conflicts of interest that it creates. The Investment Committee declined to accept soft dollars on BBT accounts and will request more complete reporting from investment managers on how they use soft dollars.
The Investment Committee also reviewed its investment strategy for the Retirement Benefits Fund. Assets in the fund are the source of payments for Brethren Pension Plan retirees. With many experts predicting several years of below-average returns, the committee decided to review current allocations.
In response to requests from Brethren Pension Plan members and asset management clients, the Investment Committee also addressed the possibility of creating a "stable-value" fund. By investing in a socially responsible mix of short-term securities, such a fund would be able to generate positive returns under most market conditions. Although returns would be small, they would be unlikely to be negative in any given month. A stable-value fund would benefit those nearing retirement who could use a stable-value investment to "park" pension contributions and earnings up to six months before retirement, thus locking in a minimum level for their monthly annuity. Asset management clients of the Brethren Foundation would use a stable-value fund primarily when they want to protect funds they know will be used in a relatively short period.
In other business the board approved a 2005 budget that calls for expenditures of $2,790,000; approved the recommended 100 percent housing allowance limit for pastors receiving pension annuities and disability benefits; authorized grants from the Supplemental Income Fund for Equitable Annuitants assets to former members of the equitable plan; and elected to explore the actions required for BBT to fulfill the spirit of the 2002 Sarbanes-Oxley Act placing stringent requirements on financial activities of publicly traded companies. While BBT is not subject to the act's provisions, the board expressed its desire to hold BBT's activities to the highest possible standards.
The board also received reports from the Brethren Foundation and the Church of the Brethren Credit Union. The foundation noted that its asset management clients represent all 23 districts in the Church of the Brethren. The foundation currently manages approximately $117 million, most of which represents asset management funds on deposit from about 200 congregations and other church agencies. The foundation also is responsible for numerous charitable trusts and charitable gift annuities.
Dennis Kingery, director of Credit Union Operations, reported that the credit union is engaged in an extended process of merging its existing internal controls with those already in place for BBT, and is exploring the possibility of offering members online access to their accounts.
The BBT Board will meet next in Elgin, Ill., April 16-17. For more information see www.brethrenbenefittrust.org.
Source: 01/21/2005 Newsline
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Churches begin planning for Consultation on Alternative Service.
Leaders from several Christian denominations will hold a March 4-5 consultation at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill., to make contingency plans in case of a US military draft. The consultation of church leaders—mostly from peace churches in the Anabaptist tradition—will include education on Selective Service requirements, updates on military recruiting efforts, and conversation about alternatives to military service. It also will address how to respond to an increase in military recruitment efforts and how to promote a culture of volunteerism among youth.
The Council of Moderators and Secretaries (COMS), a group of leaders from Anabaptist denominations, is sponsoring the by-invitation-only consultation of about 80 people. The planning group includes representatives from the Church of the Brethren, the Mennonite Church USA, the Brethren in Christ Church of North America, the US Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches, and Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) US.
Invited participants will include church leaders, church youth and young adults, and representatives from church agencies and educational institutions. The Church of the Brethren will have a delegation of about 12 people including the Annual Conference moderator and moderator-elect, representatives of the General Board and On Earth Peace, and youth and young adults. Other denominations have asked to be included in the consultation and the planning group is considering inviting representatives of the American Friends Service Committee and the Bruderhof. In addition, an invitation is being extended to representatives of the American Baptist Churches USA.
The idea for the consultation was sparked in part by face-to-face conversations between Selective Service staff and General Board staff (see related stories in the Dec. 17 and Dec. 31, 2004, issues of Newsline). Planning for the consultation has been facilitated by staff of MCC US, which have spent ten months making contingency planning for such a meeting.
The consultation "is important to all of us as Historic Peace Churches," said Stan Noffsinger, general secretary of the General Board. "The outcome of this gathering is strengthened through the participation of each of these denominations," he said. The prospect for a military draft "is a common denominator and we are proactive in considering our next steps."
"I think it's very important that the Anabaptist churches and those of us with concerns for peace be working together," said McFadden, who represents the Church of the Brethren on the planning group. "While the political parties and leaders continue to say there will be no draft, it's time for us to prepare," he said.
Source: 01/21/2005 Newsline
top
Leaders from several Christian denominations will hold a March 4-5 consultation at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill., to make contingency plans in case of a US military draft. The consultation of church leaders—mostly from peace churches in the Anabaptist tradition—will include education on Selective Service requirements, updates on military recruiting efforts, and conversation about alternatives to military service. It also will address how to respond to an increase in military recruitment efforts and how to promote a culture of volunteerism among youth.
The Council of Moderators and Secretaries (COMS), a group of leaders from Anabaptist denominations, is sponsoring the by-invitation-only consultation of about 80 people. The planning group includes representatives from the Church of the Brethren, the Mennonite Church USA, the Brethren in Christ Church of North America, the US Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches, and Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) US.
Invited participants will include church leaders, church youth and young adults, and representatives from church agencies and educational institutions. The Church of the Brethren will have a delegation of about 12 people including the Annual Conference moderator and moderator-elect, representatives of the General Board and On Earth Peace, and youth and young adults. Other denominations have asked to be included in the consultation and the planning group is considering inviting representatives of the American Friends Service Committee and the Bruderhof. In addition, an invitation is being extended to representatives of the American Baptist Churches USA.
The idea for the consultation was sparked in part by face-to-face conversations between Selective Service staff and General Board staff (see related stories in the Dec. 17 and Dec. 31, 2004, issues of Newsline). Planning for the consultation has been facilitated by staff of MCC US, which have spent ten months making contingency planning for such a meeting.
The consultation "is important to all of us as Historic Peace Churches," said Stan Noffsinger, general secretary of the General Board. "The outcome of this gathering is strengthened through the participation of each of these denominations," he said. The prospect for a military draft "is a common denominator and we are proactive in considering our next steps."
"I think it's very important that the Anabaptist churches and those of us with concerns for peace be working together," said McFadden, who represents the Church of the Brethren on the planning group. "While the political parties and leaders continue to say there will be no draft, it's time for us to prepare," he said.
Source: 01/21/2005 Newsline
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Global Food Crisis Fund aids reforestation in Guatemala.
A grant of $14,000 from the General Board's Global Food Crisis Fund has been allocated for trees, cisterns, and stoves in Guatemala.
The fund's Grants Review Panel requested the allocation to support ongoing reforestation, wells, and stove programs in the central American country. The funds will be used for materials, workers, construction, transportation, and stipends for these three areas of ministry.
Source: 01/21/2005 Newsline
top
A grant of $14,000 from the General Board's Global Food Crisis Fund has been allocated for trees, cisterns, and stoves in Guatemala.
The fund's Grants Review Panel requested the allocation to support ongoing reforestation, wells, and stove programs in the central American country. The funds will be used for materials, workers, construction, transportation, and stipends for these three areas of ministry.
Source: 01/21/2005 Newsline
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Two Annual Conference agencies hold joint retreat.
Staff for On Earth Peace and the Association of Brethren Caregivers (ABC) participated a two-day retreat at Camp Harmony in Hooversville, Pa., to become more familiar with each other's ministries and to discuss collaboration between the agencies. ABC joined part of the On Earth Peace annual week-long staff retreat. The agencies are similar in size and deliver their programs through workshops at congregations and at district, regional, and denominational conferences.
On Earth Peace and ABC will collaborate at Annual Conference on two insight sessions: "Listening Skills for Deacons" and "Helping Soldiers Heal from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder." They will share a large exhibit space to provide opportunities to talk with Conference attendees about the two programs and how their concerns dovetail. During the retreat, staff discussed plans for the exhibit and a joint project to help soldiers returning from active military conflict find healing from the physical, mental, and spiritual trauma of war. Times of worship focused on peace and healing, the impact of social justice during the civil rights movement, and the teachings of Martin Luther King Jr.
"This was the first time that our two agencies have intentionally taken a retreat together," said Kathy Reid, ABC executive director. "It was a wonderful opportunity... to interact with one another, learn more about our programs, and plan for projects we are already collaborating on." Reid said she hopes the agencies will repeat this kind of retreat.
Source: 01/21/2005 Newsline
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Staff for On Earth Peace and the Association of Brethren Caregivers (ABC) participated a two-day retreat at Camp Harmony in Hooversville, Pa., to become more familiar with each other's ministries and to discuss collaboration between the agencies. ABC joined part of the On Earth Peace annual week-long staff retreat. The agencies are similar in size and deliver their programs through workshops at congregations and at district, regional, and denominational conferences.
On Earth Peace and ABC will collaborate at Annual Conference on two insight sessions: "Listening Skills for Deacons" and "Helping Soldiers Heal from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder." They will share a large exhibit space to provide opportunities to talk with Conference attendees about the two programs and how their concerns dovetail. During the retreat, staff discussed plans for the exhibit and a joint project to help soldiers returning from active military conflict find healing from the physical, mental, and spiritual trauma of war. Times of worship focused on peace and healing, the impact of social justice during the civil rights movement, and the teachings of Martin Luther King Jr.
"This was the first time that our two agencies have intentionally taken a retreat together," said Kathy Reid, ABC executive director. "It was a wonderful opportunity... to interact with one another, learn more about our programs, and plan for projects we are already collaborating on." Reid said she hopes the agencies will repeat this kind of retreat.
Source: 01/21/2005 Newsline
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Brethren bits: Personnel, job opening, and more.
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- Stephanie Hartley, of Lewistown, Pa., left for Nigeria Jan. 20 to serve as a Brethren Volunteer Service/Global Mission Partnerships worker for the General Board. She will teach at the Ekklesiyar Yan'uwa a Nigeria (EYN—the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria) Secondary School at the EYN headquarters near Mubi for two years.
- The General Board seeks a fulltime receptionist at the General Offices in Elgin, Ill. The position is available immediately. Responsibilities include managing the switchboard, proficiency with the telephone system, general office duties, and basic computer use. The ideal candidate will have demonstrated ability in customer service, word processing, general office skills, and the ability to serve as a backup to the Building Services coordinator. Experience in a church or service organization is beneficial. Deadline for applications is Jan. 27. Mail resumes to Mary Lou Garrison, Director of Human Resources, Church of the Brethren General Board, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120. For more information call 800-323-8039 or e-mail mgarrison_gb@brethren.org.
- Brethren Volunteer Service is holding its Winter Orientation Unit 263 from Jan. 23-Feb. 11 at Camp Ithiel in Gotha, Fla. The 17 trainees include six members of the Church of the Brethren and five Germans. The unit will spend a weekend at Eglise des Freres Haitiens in Miami, Fla., as part of the training. Leadership will include Matt Guynn, On Earth Peace program coordinator for Peace Witness; Phil Jones, director of the General Board's Brethren Witness/Washington Office; and Chris Douglas, director of the General Board's Youth and Young Adult Ministry.
- Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS) is having a potluck Jan. 29 at 6:30 p.m. for former BVS workers, Civilian Public Service (CPS) workers, and anyone with a connection to BVS or CPS. The potluck will be at Camp Ithiel in Gotha, Fla. "We see this potluck as a wonderful opportunity for the volunteers in training from Unit 263 to be able to connect with people that have done similar service," said Sam Bowman of the BVS office.
- The Association of Brethren Caregivers (ABC) offices have moved to a new location within the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill. ABC is now located near the General Board's Communications area. As part of the move, ABC has a new fax number: 847-742-6103. The ABC address and telephone numbers remain the same: 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120; 800-323-8039 or 847-742-5100.
- An open letter to President Bush urging him to seize the opportunity to end the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has been signed by 57 Christian leaders. Signers included Phil Jones, director of the General Board's Brethren Witness/Washington Office, along with National Council of Churches (NCC) general secretary Robert Edgar, leaders of other NCC member churches, and other prominent Christians. The letter was published as a full-page ad in today's "New York Times." It expressed concern for the security and freedom of Israelis and Palestinians and the security and reputation of the US. "We believe that the promise of peace in Jerusalem is the best defense against terrorism," it said. See www.ncccusa.org for more information; for the text of the letter and a list of signers see www.cmep.org.
- Brethren are invited to sign a National Council of Churches (NCC) statement, "God's Mandate: Care for Creation." Stan Noffsinger, general secretary of the General Board, issued the invitation saying that the document expresses well the biblical mandate of care for God's creation and the environment. The document was formulated by the NCC's Eco-Justice ministry. The NCC said signatures will be accepted past the announced deadline of today, Jan. 21. The statement and an opportunity to sign may be found at www.nccecojustice.org.
- Bethany Theological Seminary's Mid-Winter Open House for college students will be held Feb. 26, 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. on the campus in Richmond, Ind. There will be opportunities for conversation with faculty, staff, and students, a class visit, and a campus tour. "Come join in a day of exploring theological education and its possibilities in your life," invited Kathy Royer, director of Admissions. For more information e-mail her at enroll@bethanyseminary.edu.
- The registration deadline is approaching for "Manna in the Wilderness/Coming to God in Daily Life," a spiritual retreat with Glenn Mitchell and Jonathan Shively at Camp Ithiel in Gotha, Fla., Feb. 24-27. Registration is due Feb. 1. Send name and address and a $25 deposit to: Retreat, 806 W. New Nolte Rd., St. Cloud, FL 34769; or e-mail crousejm@net.net. The retreat is sponsored by New Covenant Church of the Brethren, Bethany Theological Seminary, and Camp Ithiel.
- Registration has opened for "Hebrews 12:28—Brimming with Worship," a conference celebrating music and the arts in worship at Bethany Theological Seminary in Richmond, Ind., April 8-10. For registration forms see www.bethanyseminary.edu.
- On Earth Peace co-director Bob Gross will lead a workshop on conscientious objection at York Center Church of the Brethren in Lombard, Ill., 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. tomorrow Jan. 22. The free workshop is open to junior and senior high youth. Topics will include the peace church tradition, scriptural roots of these beliefs, how Selective Service works, and what to do if there's a draft. For information call 630-627-7411.
- Chambersburg (Pa.) Church of the Brethren hosted the Chambersburg Community Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Service on Monday Jan. 17. Manuel Diaz, pastor of the Chambersburg church, also was on a pastoral panel at Shippensburg University as part of the university's celebration of King.
- McPherson (Kan.) College has received a matching gift from the SBC Foundation, the philanthropic arm of SBC Communications. The $5,000 grant is a result of a gift made to the college by McPherson president Ron Hovis, an SBC retiree. David Kerr, president of SBC Kansas, was in McPherson on Jan. 17 to present the grant.
- Nine Brethren took part in a New Community Project (NCP) Learning Tour to the Ecuadorian Amazon Jan. 3-13. NCP is a Church of the Brethren-related nonprofit. The group focused its trip on the Cuyabeno National Park at the headwaters of the Amazon. The delegation stayed in a rainforest encampment, met with members of the Siona and Cofan tribes, learned about medicinal plants, observed bird and wildlife populations, and saw the effect of oil drilling. The trip was hosted by the SELVA Foundation, an Ecuadorian ecological and human rights organization. In 2005, NCP is planning Learning Tours to Guatemala, Honduras, "Cancer Alley" in Louisiana, and Denali National Park, Arctic Village, Alaska. Tours are open to all ages. Call NCP director David Radcliff at 888-800-2985 or e-mail ncp@newcommunityproject.org.
- Brian McLaren and Tony Campolo will be the featured speakers at "Renewing the Church--Reclaiming the Gospel," a New Life Ministries (NLM) Leadership Training Event on April 26 at Franconia Mennonite Church in Telford, Pa., in the Philadelphia area. Attendees will earn .6 continuing education units and registration discounts are available for multiple attendees from the same congregation. For more information call Kristen Leverton Helbert, NLM director, at 800-774-3360 or e-mail NLMServiceCenter@aol.com; or see www.NewLifeMinistries-NLM.org. NLM provides resources, training events, and research to Anabaptist congregations in the areas of evangelism, church vitality, and hospitality.
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Don Fecher resigns from Brethren Benefit Trust.
Don Fecher has resigned from Brethren Benefit Trust (BBT) as director of the Brethren Pension Plan and Employee Financial Services, as of Feb. 18. The two ministries have been guided by Fecher since 1998, when he also joined BBT's executive management team. Fecher first joined BBT in October 1995 as manager of Accounting. His resignation was prompted by his dream of developing an independent financial consulting business, BBT reported.
During Fecher's tenure, two investment funds were created and pension plan retirees were given opportunity to continue investing in the plan even after their accounts were annuitized. His tenure also saw BBT remaining compliant with tax laws allowing Brethren employees to transfer accumulations from other retirement plans. He played a key role in addressing concern over longterm funding of the Retirement Benefits Fund and managed the Supplemental Income Fund for Equitable Annuitants. As director of Employee Financial Services he supervised restructuring of the Retired Church Workers Fund into the Church Workers Assistance Plan, provided financial counseling, and presented seminars on financial and retirement planning, personal asset management, and pastors' taxation rules and compensation issues.
Pension plan members with questions about the plan or their accounts should call Marilyn Ziegler, member services representative, at 800-746-1505 or e-mail mziegler_bbt@brethren.org.
Source: 01/21/2005 Newsline
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Don Fecher has resigned from Brethren Benefit Trust (BBT) as director of the Brethren Pension Plan and Employee Financial Services, as of Feb. 18. The two ministries have been guided by Fecher since 1998, when he also joined BBT's executive management team. Fecher first joined BBT in October 1995 as manager of Accounting. His resignation was prompted by his dream of developing an independent financial consulting business, BBT reported.
During Fecher's tenure, two investment funds were created and pension plan retirees were given opportunity to continue investing in the plan even after their accounts were annuitized. His tenure also saw BBT remaining compliant with tax laws allowing Brethren employees to transfer accumulations from other retirement plans. He played a key role in addressing concern over longterm funding of the Retirement Benefits Fund and managed the Supplemental Income Fund for Equitable Annuitants. As director of Employee Financial Services he supervised restructuring of the Retired Church Workers Fund into the Church Workers Assistance Plan, provided financial counseling, and presented seminars on financial and retirement planning, personal asset management, and pastors' taxation rules and compensation issues.
Pension plan members with questions about the plan or their accounts should call Marilyn Ziegler, member services representative, at 800-746-1505 or e-mail mziegler_bbt@brethren.org.
Source: 01/21/2005 Newsline
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Class is offered in connection with Mission Alive 2005.
A graduate-level intensive class on missions is being framed around the Mission Alive 2005 conference, to be held April 1-3 in Goshen, Ind. The class is a joint project of Bethany Theological Seminary, its Susquehanna Valley Satellite, and the General Board's Global Mission Partnerships.
Entitled, "With a Bible and a Shovel: Brethren Mission to the World," the class includes weekend intensives on Feb. 26 and April 16 in addition to the conference. Bradley Bohrer, a former missionary in Nigeria and pastor of Brook Park (Ohio) Community Church of the Brethren, will teach the class with Mervin Keeney, executive director of Global Mission Partnerships. For information call Bethany at 800-287-8822 or the satellite at 717-367-1195. Continuing education units are available and can be initiated during registration for Mission Alive 2005 at www.brethren.org.
Source: 01/21/2005 Newsline
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A graduate-level intensive class on missions is being framed around the Mission Alive 2005 conference, to be held April 1-3 in Goshen, Ind. The class is a joint project of Bethany Theological Seminary, its Susquehanna Valley Satellite, and the General Board's Global Mission Partnerships.
Entitled, "With a Bible and a Shovel: Brethren Mission to the World," the class includes weekend intensives on Feb. 26 and April 16 in addition to the conference. Bradley Bohrer, a former missionary in Nigeria and pastor of Brook Park (Ohio) Community Church of the Brethren, will teach the class with Mervin Keeney, executive director of Global Mission Partnerships. For information call Bethany at 800-287-8822 or the satellite at 717-367-1195. Continuing education units are available and can be initiated during registration for Mission Alive 2005 at www.brethren.org.
Source: 01/21/2005 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 the first, third, and fifth Friday of each month, with other editions as needed. Newsline stories may be reprinted provided that Newsline is cited as the source. Kathleen Campanella, Mary Dulabaum, Nevin Dulabaum, Mary Lou Garrison, Kristen Leverton Helbert, Merv Keeney, David Radcliff, 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, on the first, third, and fifth Friday of each month, with other editions as needed. Newsline stories may be reprinted provided that Newsline is cited as the source. Kathleen Campanella, Mary Dulabaum, Nevin Dulabaum, Mary Lou Garrison, Kristen Leverton Helbert, Merv Keeney, David Radcliff, and Jane Yount contributed to this report.
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