- January giving to Emergency Disaster Fund tops $450,000.
- Muslim Peacemaker Team in Iraq trained by CPT.
- Cabinet begins planning for National Youth Conference 2006.
- ABC seeks nominations for its Caregiving Awards program.
- Committee on Interchurch Relations calls for nominations.
- Love feast spoons support church's mission.
- Brethren families revisit mission sites in Nigeria.
- Brethren bits: Correction, remembrance, and much more.
Wednesday, February 02, 2005
NEWS
January giving to Emergency Disaster Fund tops $450,000.
Giving to the General Board's Emergency Disaster Fund (EDF) in the month of January has totaled $458,367.96--close to a half million dollars. The number is almost 51 times comparable giving in January last year. General Board staff credit the increase to the extremely generous response of Brethren congregations, districts, and individuals to the tsunami disaster. The majority of gifts are designated for tsunami relief, but even undesignated giving to the EDF is close to ten times the amount given at this time in 2004.
The response has been "astounding," said Lillian Dako, who works in accounts receivable for the board. Each day in January she received about the number of gifts that usually arrive in a month. "Giving begets giving, is much of what's happening," said Ken Neher, the board's director of Funding and Donor Development. "Thanks everybody! A lot of people will benefit from this generous spirit."
"It is clear from the generosity of our members that they have confidence that their donations to the Emergency Disaster Fund not only help with the immediate needs of the disaster survivors but also for longterm recovery," said the board's general secretary Stan Noffsinger. "Health kits, blankets, and other material resources are delivered with compassion, fostering dignity and not dependency."
Much of the money is coming from people who are new donors to the board, Neher said. He mentioned one gift of $25,000 from two individuals. When those kinds of gifts are made, he said, "it adds up." The high level of giving also is "indicative of the trust that it will be put to good use, a trust that the General Board has built up over the years," he said.
Giving also is up to the board's Emerging Global Mission Fund and the Global Food Crisis Fund--which Neher pointed out will be next to step in with support for redevelopment in the countries affected by the tsunami when direct disaster funding is no longer needed. General giving and special gifts to the "core ministries" of the board are not matching last year's numbers, however. This response is normal, according to Neher. "Whenever there is a reason for special giving the needed regular funds tend to go down." The response to the tsunami "reinforces the fact that there's plenty of money out there for the ongoing ministries of the church," he added.
Source: 2/2/2005 Newsline
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Giving to the General Board's Emergency Disaster Fund (EDF) in the month of January has totaled $458,367.96--close to a half million dollars. The number is almost 51 times comparable giving in January last year. General Board staff credit the increase to the extremely generous response of Brethren congregations, districts, and individuals to the tsunami disaster. The majority of gifts are designated for tsunami relief, but even undesignated giving to the EDF is close to ten times the amount given at this time in 2004.
The response has been "astounding," said Lillian Dako, who works in accounts receivable for the board. Each day in January she received about the number of gifts that usually arrive in a month. "Giving begets giving, is much of what's happening," said Ken Neher, the board's director of Funding and Donor Development. "Thanks everybody! A lot of people will benefit from this generous spirit."
"It is clear from the generosity of our members that they have confidence that their donations to the Emergency Disaster Fund not only help with the immediate needs of the disaster survivors but also for longterm recovery," said the board's general secretary Stan Noffsinger. "Health kits, blankets, and other material resources are delivered with compassion, fostering dignity and not dependency."
Much of the money is coming from people who are new donors to the board, Neher said. He mentioned one gift of $25,000 from two individuals. When those kinds of gifts are made, he said, "it adds up." The high level of giving also is "indicative of the trust that it will be put to good use, a trust that the General Board has built up over the years," he said.
Giving also is up to the board's Emerging Global Mission Fund and the Global Food Crisis Fund--which Neher pointed out will be next to step in with support for redevelopment in the countries affected by the tsunami when direct disaster funding is no longer needed. General giving and special gifts to the "core ministries" of the board are not matching last year's numbers, however. This response is normal, according to Neher. "Whenever there is a reason for special giving the needed regular funds tend to go down." The response to the tsunami "reinforces the fact that there's plenty of money out there for the ongoing ministries of the church," he added.
Source: 2/2/2005 Newsline
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Muslim Peacemaker Team in Iraq trained by CPT.
Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT) recently conducted a five-day training for Muslim peacemakers at the request of a human rights organization in Karbala, Iraq. Four CPT volunteers, including Church of the Brethren members Peggy Gish and Cliff Kindy, conducted the training at the office of the human rights organization Jan. 22-26. CPT is an initiative of the historic peace churches--Church of the Brethren, Mennonites, and Quakers--with support and membership from a range of Catholic and Protestant denominations.
Some of the topics covered in the training included stories of nonviolent peacemaking, the power of nonviolence, the spirituality of nonviolence, and planning for public action, CPT reported in a release. The trainers also covered various "smaller" topics including trauma and self-care, working with media, and human rights documentation.
In response to stories and exploration of the power of nonviolence, participants asked, "How did that work?" and "Can we do that here?" the release said. The group also explored the roots of nonviolence in the Muslim tradition and told the CPTers that Islam has a firm tradition of nonviolence rooted in the teachings of the Qu'ran and the Prophet Mohammed. During each day's session, trainees had opportunities to facilitate sessions and be the daily photographer, log keeper, time keeper, convener, and process observer. "The concept of assigning roles for the day was new to the trainees and they greeted it with great enthusiasm," the release said.
"In the course of the training, participants shared stories of suffering and trauma they experienced under Saddam Hussein and during the wars in which Iraq has participated, including the most recent war with the US and the subsequent occupation," CPT said. "Trainees said they feel compelled to use their suffering for peacemaking instead of avenging wrongs done to them."
Muslim peacemakers and CPT are planning for future trainings in other venues around Karbala, according to CPT. Possibilities include training at a university in Karbala and in the surrounding cities of Najaf and Hilla. Contact CPT at P.O. Box 6508, Chicago, IL 60680; 773-277-0253; or e-mail peacemakers@cpt.org. For more information see www.cpt.org.
Source: 2/2/2005 Newsline
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Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT) recently conducted a five-day training for Muslim peacemakers at the request of a human rights organization in Karbala, Iraq. Four CPT volunteers, including Church of the Brethren members Peggy Gish and Cliff Kindy, conducted the training at the office of the human rights organization Jan. 22-26. CPT is an initiative of the historic peace churches--Church of the Brethren, Mennonites, and Quakers--with support and membership from a range of Catholic and Protestant denominations.
Some of the topics covered in the training included stories of nonviolent peacemaking, the power of nonviolence, the spirituality of nonviolence, and planning for public action, CPT reported in a release. The trainers also covered various "smaller" topics including trauma and self-care, working with media, and human rights documentation.
In response to stories and exploration of the power of nonviolence, participants asked, "How did that work?" and "Can we do that here?" the release said. The group also explored the roots of nonviolence in the Muslim tradition and told the CPTers that Islam has a firm tradition of nonviolence rooted in the teachings of the Qu'ran and the Prophet Mohammed. During each day's session, trainees had opportunities to facilitate sessions and be the daily photographer, log keeper, time keeper, convener, and process observer. "The concept of assigning roles for the day was new to the trainees and they greeted it with great enthusiasm," the release said.
"In the course of the training, participants shared stories of suffering and trauma they experienced under Saddam Hussein and during the wars in which Iraq has participated, including the most recent war with the US and the subsequent occupation," CPT said. "Trainees said they feel compelled to use their suffering for peacemaking instead of avenging wrongs done to them."
Muslim peacemakers and CPT are planning for future trainings in other venues around Karbala, according to CPT. Possibilities include training at a university in Karbala and in the surrounding cities of Najaf and Hilla. Contact CPT at P.O. Box 6508, Chicago, IL 60680; 773-277-0253; or e-mail peacemakers@cpt.org. For more information see www.cpt.org.
Source: 2/2/2005 Newsline
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Cabinet begins planning for National Youth Conference 2006.
The Church of the Brethren National Youth Cabinet convened Jan. 14-17 in Elgin, Ill., to begin planning for the 2006 National Youth Conference (NYC). Scheduled for July 22-27, 2006, at Colorado State University in Fort Collins, NYC is an opportunity for over 4,000 Brethren youth to spend a week in the Rocky Mountains focusing on their faith, exploring their role in the church, and getting to know other youth from around the country.
The theme for the conference will be "Come and See" based on John 1:39, a passage in which Jesus asks John's disciples what they are looking for, and then invites them to "come and see," "not to come and hear about Jesus' ministry, but to come and see for themselves what Jesus was doing," reported the coordinators. "NYC is an invitation for all youth to come and see who God is and who God is calling us to become--as individuals, as the Church of the Brethren, as people of God living in a broken world."
The cabinet met with Chris Douglas, the General Board's director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry, and NYC coordinators Cindy Laprade, Beth Rhodes, and Emily Tyler, and discussed potential speakers and coordinators. The group will continue work to plan and promote the conference. As more information becomes available, details will be posted on the website www.nyc2006.org. The next cabinet meeting is scheduled for August in Fort Collins.
Source: 2/2/2005 Newsline
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The Church of the Brethren National Youth Cabinet convened Jan. 14-17 in Elgin, Ill., to begin planning for the 2006 National Youth Conference (NYC). Scheduled for July 22-27, 2006, at Colorado State University in Fort Collins, NYC is an opportunity for over 4,000 Brethren youth to spend a week in the Rocky Mountains focusing on their faith, exploring their role in the church, and getting to know other youth from around the country.
The theme for the conference will be "Come and See" based on John 1:39, a passage in which Jesus asks John's disciples what they are looking for, and then invites them to "come and see," "not to come and hear about Jesus' ministry, but to come and see for themselves what Jesus was doing," reported the coordinators. "NYC is an invitation for all youth to come and see who God is and who God is calling us to become--as individuals, as the Church of the Brethren, as people of God living in a broken world."
The cabinet met with Chris Douglas, the General Board's director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry, and NYC coordinators Cindy Laprade, Beth Rhodes, and Emily Tyler, and discussed potential speakers and coordinators. The group will continue work to plan and promote the conference. As more information becomes available, details will be posted on the website www.nyc2006.org. The next cabinet meeting is scheduled for August in Fort Collins.
Source: 2/2/2005 Newsline
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ABC seeks nominations for its Caregiving Awards program.
The Association of Brethren Caregivers (ABC) is seeking nominations for its annual Caregiving Awards program and its Open Roof Award.
Nominees for Caregiving Awards can be individuals or organizations connected to the Church of the Brethren that have made significant contributions in health and/or caregiving fields for at least five years. Nominations also are sought for the Open Roof Award to recognize congregations and districts working on accessibility issues over the past five years. Recipients will be honored at ABC's Annual Recognition Dinner to be held July 2 at Annual Conference in Peoria, Ill.
To nominate a person or organization for a Caregiving Award, send a letter or e-mail outlining the reasons for the nomination to ABC, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60123; fax 847-742-6103; e-mail abc@brethren.org. Nominations for the Open Roof Award must be made by completing a form available online at www.brethren.org/abc/ or by calling ABC at 800-323-8039. All nominations should be received by March 1 and electronic submissions are appreciated.
Source: 2/2/2005 Newsline
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The Association of Brethren Caregivers (ABC) is seeking nominations for its annual Caregiving Awards program and its Open Roof Award.
Nominees for Caregiving Awards can be individuals or organizations connected to the Church of the Brethren that have made significant contributions in health and/or caregiving fields for at least five years. Nominations also are sought for the Open Roof Award to recognize congregations and districts working on accessibility issues over the past five years. Recipients will be honored at ABC's Annual Recognition Dinner to be held July 2 at Annual Conference in Peoria, Ill.
To nominate a person or organization for a Caregiving Award, send a letter or e-mail outlining the reasons for the nomination to ABC, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60123; fax 847-742-6103; e-mail abc@brethren.org. Nominations for the Open Roof Award must be made by completing a form available online at www.brethren.org/abc/ or by calling ABC at 800-323-8039. All nominations should be received by March 1 and electronic submissions are appreciated.
Source: 2/2/2005 Newsline
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Committee on Interchurch Relations calls for nominations.
The Committee on Interchurch Relations (CIR) is calling for nominations for the 2005 Ecumenical Citation. In keeping with the goals of the Decade to Overcome Violence (DOV), the search is on for a Church of the Brethren youth or young adult age 14-35 who is involved in ecumenical, interfaith, or community peace-building.
"The committee felt that many young people are involved in meaningful witness to Christ outside of the church and seldom have the opportunity to come into the church's view," said Belita Mitchell, pastor of Harrisburg (Pa.) First Church of the Brethren, who is serving her sixth year as a member of CIR. "We want to provide a way for them to add their voice and affirm their testimony."
In 2004 CIR presented the citation to 20-year-old Kira Anne Marriner of the Live Oak congregation in California. "Her work in raising awareness about domestic violence is an example and model for other young people in the church," said Mitchell, who was committee chair at the time. Marriner's efforts included developing and performing skits in her community, making kits for a women's shelter, and teaching nonviolence workshops to children.
CIR is hopeful that youth leaders, pastors, or others will know of someone in their own congregation or district and make the effort to nominate them this year. "No story is too small," said Mitchell. "What may not seem significant to someone can actually be a blessing to others."
The citation is awarded at CIR's Ecumenical Luncheon at Annual Conference. The luncheon this year will feature a message from Becky Ullom, director of Identity and Relations for the General Board, who attended the National Council of Churches General Assembly as a young adult observer this past November. Tickets for the luncheon on Tuesday, July 5, in Peoria, Ill., will be available when Conference registration opens, or onsite.
Nominations can be made at CIR's website www.brethren.org/genbd/CIR/index.htm. The deadline is March 15. For more information call the General Secretary's Office at 800-323-8039 ext. 202.
Source: 2/2/2005 Newsline
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The Committee on Interchurch Relations (CIR) is calling for nominations for the 2005 Ecumenical Citation. In keeping with the goals of the Decade to Overcome Violence (DOV), the search is on for a Church of the Brethren youth or young adult age 14-35 who is involved in ecumenical, interfaith, or community peace-building.
"The committee felt that many young people are involved in meaningful witness to Christ outside of the church and seldom have the opportunity to come into the church's view," said Belita Mitchell, pastor of Harrisburg (Pa.) First Church of the Brethren, who is serving her sixth year as a member of CIR. "We want to provide a way for them to add their voice and affirm their testimony."
In 2004 CIR presented the citation to 20-year-old Kira Anne Marriner of the Live Oak congregation in California. "Her work in raising awareness about domestic violence is an example and model for other young people in the church," said Mitchell, who was committee chair at the time. Marriner's efforts included developing and performing skits in her community, making kits for a women's shelter, and teaching nonviolence workshops to children.
CIR is hopeful that youth leaders, pastors, or others will know of someone in their own congregation or district and make the effort to nominate them this year. "No story is too small," said Mitchell. "What may not seem significant to someone can actually be a blessing to others."
The citation is awarded at CIR's Ecumenical Luncheon at Annual Conference. The luncheon this year will feature a message from Becky Ullom, director of Identity and Relations for the General Board, who attended the National Council of Churches General Assembly as a young adult observer this past November. Tickets for the luncheon on Tuesday, July 5, in Peoria, Ill., will be available when Conference registration opens, or onsite.
Nominations can be made at CIR's website www.brethren.org/genbd/CIR/index.htm. The deadline is March 15. For more information call the General Secretary's Office at 800-323-8039 ext. 202.
Source: 2/2/2005 Newsline
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Love feast spoons support church's mission.
Spoons rescued from a fire in a church in Iowa 61 years ago were auctioned at a "Spoon Dinner" Jan. 30 by Fairview Church of the Brethren to raise money for the church and for Brethren missions. The spoons, which were imprinted with the word "Brethren," were among the few items pulled out of the congregation's first church building when it burned down on Jan. 7, 1944.
Last summer the Ladies Aid group found the spoons stored away, and wondered what to do with them, reported Diane Mason, a member of the congregation. The women decided "to use something old to benefit the current mission of the church," she said. Coincidentally, when the spoons were originally purchased for the church, a couple in the congregation--Richard and Ann Burger, who are still members--were preparing to go to Nigeria as missionaries, Mason said.
Each person who bought a spoon received a history of the Fairview church, which is located south of Unionville, Iowa, and the story of the spoons' rescue. "The simple rectangular structure served the growing congregation for nearly 78 years" from when it was built in 1866, the history read. The fire began after "the furnace had been lit in preparation for Communion and Love Feast. It overheated and caught the floor beams on fire. The building burned to the ground in three and one-half hours despite the valiant efforts of community members to fight the fire."
Among the few items saved "was the walnut `preaching table' around which the deacons and elders sat to lead worship," the story read. "It had drawers in which the Love Feast foot-washing basins and other items were kept.... Most likely the spoons we are auctioning today were in one of the drawers. A large picture of Jesus was also rescued from the fire by church member Dwight Powell. By the time Powell went in for the picture, the smoke had thickened to where he could not see. The men on the outside kept talking to him to guide him out by the sound of their voices."
"We had 36 people at the Spoon Dinner," said Mason. "Spoon and finger foods were featured: four soups, relishes, cookies, ice cream, etc. After the meal, we watched the `Dear Friends' DVD from the General Board to learn about present-day Church of the Brethren missions." Some 45 of the spoons and a few other items were auctioned for a total of $1,149, a tithe of which will be sent to Church of the Brethren missions.
Source: 2/2/2005 Newsline
top
Spoons rescued from a fire in a church in Iowa 61 years ago were auctioned at a "Spoon Dinner" Jan. 30 by Fairview Church of the Brethren to raise money for the church and for Brethren missions. The spoons, which were imprinted with the word "Brethren," were among the few items pulled out of the congregation's first church building when it burned down on Jan. 7, 1944.
Last summer the Ladies Aid group found the spoons stored away, and wondered what to do with them, reported Diane Mason, a member of the congregation. The women decided "to use something old to benefit the current mission of the church," she said. Coincidentally, when the spoons were originally purchased for the church, a couple in the congregation--Richard and Ann Burger, who are still members--were preparing to go to Nigeria as missionaries, Mason said.
Each person who bought a spoon received a history of the Fairview church, which is located south of Unionville, Iowa, and the story of the spoons' rescue. "The simple rectangular structure served the growing congregation for nearly 78 years" from when it was built in 1866, the history read. The fire began after "the furnace had been lit in preparation for Communion and Love Feast. It overheated and caught the floor beams on fire. The building burned to the ground in three and one-half hours despite the valiant efforts of community members to fight the fire."
Among the few items saved "was the walnut `preaching table' around which the deacons and elders sat to lead worship," the story read. "It had drawers in which the Love Feast foot-washing basins and other items were kept.... Most likely the spoons we are auctioning today were in one of the drawers. A large picture of Jesus was also rescued from the fire by church member Dwight Powell. By the time Powell went in for the picture, the smoke had thickened to where he could not see. The men on the outside kept talking to him to guide him out by the sound of their voices."
"We had 36 people at the Spoon Dinner," said Mason. "Spoon and finger foods were featured: four soups, relishes, cookies, ice cream, etc. After the meal, we watched the `Dear Friends' DVD from the General Board to learn about present-day Church of the Brethren missions." Some 45 of the spoons and a few other items were auctioned for a total of $1,149, a tithe of which will be sent to Church of the Brethren missions.
Source: 2/2/2005 Newsline
top
Brethren families revisit mission sites in Nigeria.
A group of 24 from the Baldwin and Good families traveled in Nigeria for two-and-a-half weeks in late December to revisit sites important to the families' mission experiences. The trip was coordinated by former Nigeria mission worker Monroe Good and son Dave Good, grounds coordinator and men's soccer coach at Manchester College in North Manchester, Ind.
The group included Ferne Baldwin, a Church of the Brethren missionary who worked in Nigeria with her late husband Elmer for 18 years 1944-62, and her three daughters, their spouses, all of her grandchildren and two of their spouses, and two friends of the family; and Monroe and Ada Good, who were Church of the Brethren missionaries in Nigeria from 1952-64 and 1984-88, and three of their four children and two spouses, two grandchildren, and the spouse of one grandson. The Good and Baldwin families are linked by marriage.
The trip was made "to show their children and grandchildren where they lived and grew up," said Tina Rieman, a grandchild of Ferne Baldwin. "It was really special to be able to share it with our adult children, who can identify with the unique feelings we had growing up there," said Dave Good. The group visited Hillcrest School in Jos, where mission children attended boarding school, and villages where family members lived--Garkida, Marama, and Shaff--as well as the headquarters of Ekklesiyar Yan'uwa a Nigeria (EYN--the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria) and the EYN secondary school and Kulp Bible College near Mubi.
"Those of us in the younger generation really appreciated seeing the older generations in the places they lived for so many years," Rieman commented. "We heard so many stories. One day we sat in the living room of the first home my grandparents lived in and heard Grandma share stories of life in the 1940s. Her eyes and many of our eyes were tear-filled as she shared the emotions she felt as she took her baby daughter to the hospital with meningitis, not sure if she would survive or not. This was just one of several such stories and spoke to us of the pure dedication of the Church of the Brethren mission of providing a better life to the Nigerian people, in spite of the risks and dangers of being there."
"It was neat to hear Grandma speaking fluent Bura again," she added. "The Nigerians have such an immense respect for their elders and seemed very impressed that she was speaking their language!"
Besides reconnecting with their past, the families also wanted to contribute something to the people family members had served. Since 1988 Monroe Good has returned to Nigeria numerous times with workcamps and tour groups sponsored by the General Board or Atlantic Northeast District, and he and Ada Good spent a month in Nigeria preparing for the family trip. The families held a week-long workcamp at EYN's Madu Bible School in Marama carrying stones, mixing cement by hand, and pouring a cement floor for two classroom buildings. With the help of around 100 Nigerians including 27 cooks and many children, the group "also built a library building for the Madu Bible School from the foundation up to just above the windows," Rieman said. The children "were just interested in what was going on and ended up working harder than some of us!" Workers included Madu Bible School students, members of the Marama church, and representatives from districts across EYN.
Rieman said that the group was well received by EYN as former missionary families, and that EYN members were touched that they had come to visit. "Heartfelt gratitude was expressed over and over by EYN members for the work of the early missionaries in education, construction, health care, and in the church," said Dave Good. "Many give credit to the Church of the Brethren mission program for their quality of life and as the primary reason so many EYN people are in leadership positions across Nigeria today." Good added that "the EYN church seems to be a dynamic force in such things as working against corruption, educating about HIV/AIDS, and improving communication and cooperation with Muslims in their communities."
"The church in Nigeria is alive and well!" Rieman said. "They send greetings to the Church of the Brethren here in the US." Good added, "The Baldwins and Goods give thanks to their Nigerian brothers and sisters for sharing so much warmth, graciousness, friendship, and Christian love."
Source: 2/2/2005 Newsline
top
A group of 24 from the Baldwin and Good families traveled in Nigeria for two-and-a-half weeks in late December to revisit sites important to the families' mission experiences. The trip was coordinated by former Nigeria mission worker Monroe Good and son Dave Good, grounds coordinator and men's soccer coach at Manchester College in North Manchester, Ind.
The group included Ferne Baldwin, a Church of the Brethren missionary who worked in Nigeria with her late husband Elmer for 18 years 1944-62, and her three daughters, their spouses, all of her grandchildren and two of their spouses, and two friends of the family; and Monroe and Ada Good, who were Church of the Brethren missionaries in Nigeria from 1952-64 and 1984-88, and three of their four children and two spouses, two grandchildren, and the spouse of one grandson. The Good and Baldwin families are linked by marriage.
The trip was made "to show their children and grandchildren where they lived and grew up," said Tina Rieman, a grandchild of Ferne Baldwin. "It was really special to be able to share it with our adult children, who can identify with the unique feelings we had growing up there," said Dave Good. The group visited Hillcrest School in Jos, where mission children attended boarding school, and villages where family members lived--Garkida, Marama, and Shaff--as well as the headquarters of Ekklesiyar Yan'uwa a Nigeria (EYN--the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria) and the EYN secondary school and Kulp Bible College near Mubi.
"Those of us in the younger generation really appreciated seeing the older generations in the places they lived for so many years," Rieman commented. "We heard so many stories. One day we sat in the living room of the first home my grandparents lived in and heard Grandma share stories of life in the 1940s. Her eyes and many of our eyes were tear-filled as she shared the emotions she felt as she took her baby daughter to the hospital with meningitis, not sure if she would survive or not. This was just one of several such stories and spoke to us of the pure dedication of the Church of the Brethren mission of providing a better life to the Nigerian people, in spite of the risks and dangers of being there."
"It was neat to hear Grandma speaking fluent Bura again," she added. "The Nigerians have such an immense respect for their elders and seemed very impressed that she was speaking their language!"
Besides reconnecting with their past, the families also wanted to contribute something to the people family members had served. Since 1988 Monroe Good has returned to Nigeria numerous times with workcamps and tour groups sponsored by the General Board or Atlantic Northeast District, and he and Ada Good spent a month in Nigeria preparing for the family trip. The families held a week-long workcamp at EYN's Madu Bible School in Marama carrying stones, mixing cement by hand, and pouring a cement floor for two classroom buildings. With the help of around 100 Nigerians including 27 cooks and many children, the group "also built a library building for the Madu Bible School from the foundation up to just above the windows," Rieman said. The children "were just interested in what was going on and ended up working harder than some of us!" Workers included Madu Bible School students, members of the Marama church, and representatives from districts across EYN.
Rieman said that the group was well received by EYN as former missionary families, and that EYN members were touched that they had come to visit. "Heartfelt gratitude was expressed over and over by EYN members for the work of the early missionaries in education, construction, health care, and in the church," said Dave Good. "Many give credit to the Church of the Brethren mission program for their quality of life and as the primary reason so many EYN people are in leadership positions across Nigeria today." Good added that "the EYN church seems to be a dynamic force in such things as working against corruption, educating about HIV/AIDS, and improving communication and cooperation with Muslims in their communities."
"The church in Nigeria is alive and well!" Rieman said. "They send greetings to the Church of the Brethren here in the US." Good added, "The Baldwins and Goods give thanks to their Nigerian brothers and sisters for sharing so much warmth, graciousness, friendship, and Christian love."
Source: 2/2/2005 Newsline
top
Brethren bits: Correction, remembrance, and much more.
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- In a correction to "Churches Begin Planning for Consultation on Alternative Service" (Newsline Jan. 21), Dan McFadden was not identified. He is director of Brethren Volunteer Service for the General Board and the Church of the Brethren representative on the consultation planning group.
- J. Richard Butler, 74, executive director of Church World Service (CWS) in the 1980s, died at his home in New York on Jan. 25. "During his years at the helm of Church World Service, Dick focused on flexibility and excellence," said CWS executive director John L. McCullough. "He is quoted as saying, `If we are to do God's work, we must do it well.' These are without doubt fitting watchwords as we continue a ministry Dick helped to shape." Butler became CWS associate executive director in 1978 and executive director in 1985. In the 1960s and `70s he worked on Middle East assignments for CWS, the Near East Council of Churches, and the World Council of Churches. During the Iranian hostage crisis in 1979, Butler arranged for the hostages to have a pastoral Christmas day visit by three US clergy. A member of the United Church of Christ, Butler grew up in Akron, Ohio, and was a conscientious objector during the Korean War. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Earlham College in Richmond, Ind. A memorial service will take place at 10:30 a.m. Feb. 26 at The Riverside Church followed by a reception at Union Theological Seminary.
- The General Board seeks a PC and programming specialist for a fulltime hourly position in Elgin, Ill. Position description and application form are available on request. Application deadline is Feb. 9. Responsibilities include troubleshooting problems with software and hardware, developing and modifying programs and applications, assisting users, and installing new software, upgrades, and hardware. Qualifications include familiarity with AS/400, networks, personal computers, current Windows versions, and Office Suite; expertise in programming languages, particularly RPG III or RPG IV; ability to work with minimal supervision and a variety of people; minimum of an associate degree, equivalent experience, or certification; and a strong background in programming, operations, networks, and personal computers. Submit the General Board application form, a hard copy resume, and a letter of application to Office of Human Resources, Church of the Brethren General Board, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120-1694; 800-323-8039 ext. 258; or e-mail mgarrison_gb@brethren.org.
- The General Board is seeking a fulltime customer service resource specialist to work in Elgin, Ill. The position is available March 1. The position provides Brethren Press resource information to congregations and individuals, handling telephone, mail, and internet orders as well as processing accounts receivable, monthly statements, and reports. The ideal candidate has demonstrated abilities in customer service, word processing, intermediate accounting, and general office skills. Experience in a church or service organization and some college credit is preferred. To apply, send a resume and cover letter to Mary Lou Garrison, Director of Human Resources, Church of the Brethren General Board, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120. Application deadline is Feb. 16.
- Spurgeon Manor, Inc., a non-profit multi-level care facility affiliated with the Church of the Brethren, is seeking an administrator for its facility in Dallas Center, Iowa. Located 25 miles west of Des Moines, Spurgeon Manor currently operates 42 nursing facility beds, 30 residential care beds, 7 independent apartments, and 19 townhouses. An Iowa Nursing Home Administrator's license is required. Send resume and salary history to Spurgeon Manor, Inc., Karl Eby, Chair, 2437 U Ave., Dallas Center, IA 50063. Resume and salary history can be e-mailed to eby-erickson@worldnet.att.net or faxed to 515-992-4070.
- Dana and Nelda Snider of Middlebury (Ind.) Church of the Brethren led two "Conversation Café" workshops at the General Offices in Elgin, Ill., Jan. 25-26 at the invitation of the Association of Brethren Caregivers (ABC). Conversation Cafe is a communication model for discussing difficult or controversial issues in small groups, creating an environment where people can safely share their views and focus on listening to one another. A total of 14 people took part, including pastors and members of Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren in Elgin and York Center Church of the Brethren in Lombard, Ill. ABC staff may use the model in workshops or when facilitating small groups.
- 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 General Board's program to recycle used ink jet cartridges is expanding to offer cell phone recycling through AAA Environmental, Inc. Call Amy Heckert at 800-323-8039 ext. 257 or e-mail aheckert_gb@brethren.org for free recycling envelopes to take part in the program and for instructions. "Our recycling efforts are paying off," she reported on Jan. 26. "We received yet another check in the amount of $10.81 for the 'If a Tree Falls' program. This money will help plant 10 fruit trees and 8 forest trees. To date we have contributed $127.97."
- "Pilgrimage--Faithquest for Adults," a spiritual development retreat for adults of any age, will be held March 11-13 at Camp Bethel, Fincastle, Va. The retreat will provide an opportunity to explore relationship with God and to join others on a journey of deepening spirituality and commitment to Jesus Christ. The cost of $125 includes housing and meals. Contact Virlina District at 800-847-5462 or e-mail virlina2@aol.com.
- "Without the Rest, There is No Music" is the topic of this year's Ministry R&R Conference of Atlantic Northeast District, to be held April 27, 8:45 a.m.-3:45 p.m., at Elizabethtown (Pa.) College for ministers, church leaders, and other interested persons. The retreat leader is Kirk Jones--a pastor, professor, and author of the books "Rest in the Storm" and "Addicted to Hurry." He also teaches preaching and ethics at Andover Newton Theological Seminary and has a website, www.savoringpace.com. Jones will hold sessions on self violence, overcoming over-commitment, and keys to developing a dynamic ministry. His books will be on sale. Lunch hosted by the college is part of the day and continuing education units will be offered. For more information e-mail David Young at davidyoung@churchrenewalservant.org.
- On Jan. 30, representatives of McPherson (Kan.) College's Automotive Restoration Program watched as a 1969 Corvette Stingray Convertible was sold to the highest bidder at the 34th annual Barrett-Jackson Auction in Scottsdale, Ariz. The total amount of the sale will be donated to help fund the renovation of Templeton Hall, which houses the restoration program. The sale was arranged by Craig Jackson, president of the "World's Greatest Classic Car Auction" and a member of the college's automotive restoration national advisory board. Jackson recently donated $100,000 from the television reality series "Car Search" to endow two auto restoration scholarships.
- "Damascus and Beyond: Seeking Clearer Sight, Bolder Spirit," an anti-racism conference of the Damascus Road Network and others concerned with racism in the church, will be held March 11-13 in Atlanta, Ga. Mennonite Central Committee's Damascus Road Network has provided training to the Church of the Brethren Anti-Racism Team. The event celebrate ten years of anti-racism organizing in the Mennonite, Brethren in Christ, Church of the Brethren, Mennonite Brethren, Episcopal, and Presbyterian denominations. Speakers will be theologian Ada Maria Isasi-Diaz and poet Ewuare Osayande. Anti-racism teams will bring poster displays about their successes and struggles and hold panel discussions of their work in congregations. Bluffton University students plan to offer a session on organizing in colleges. More information is available in English at www.mcc.org/damascusandbeyond and in Spanish at www.mcc.org/damascoymasalla. On-line registration is open.
- "Living Waters: A National Council of Churches Eco-Justice Training Event and Gathering" in Toledo, Ohio, Feb. 25-26, will include workshops on conservation landscaping, a session on reaching out to congregants and organizing a congregation, Great Lakes water issues, and social justice and advocacy. For more information visit www.nccecojustice.org (click on Water Campaigns). To register, e-mail Cassandra Carmichael, Director, Eco-Justice Programs, at cassandra@toad.net or call 202-544-2350.
- Church World Service (CWS), the global humanitarian arm of the National Council of Churches, will hold its annual Leadership Day Conference at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill., on Feb. 5. The one-day event will train Crop Walk leaders to raise money for local hunger-fighting agencies as well as CWS' international relief and development efforts.
- Board members of Habitat for Humanity International have fired founder and president Millard Fuller, saying "several months of differences" over alleged inappropriate conduct led to their decision, reported Religion News Service. The Habitat executive committee announced its decision Jan. 31, prompting almost immediate criticism from Fuller and supporters who want to see him reinstated. The executive committee, acting on the authority of the full board, said the termination followed "divisive and disruptive" comments about the organization by the Fullers since allegations of his inappropriate behavior with a female former employee surfaced. Fuller denied any wrongdoing. President Jimmy Carter will serve as honorary chair of the search committee for a new president. Paul Leonard, Habitat's chief executive officer, will lead the organization until a permanent successor to Fuller is found. Since 1976, Habitat has built more than 150,000 houses in 3,000 communities. It expects to build its 200,000th house this summer.
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Don Fecher joins staff of Association of Brethren Caregivers.
Don Fecher will serve as director of the Fellowship of Brethren Homes, a ministry of the Association of Brethren Caregivers (ABC), beginning March 1. Fecher has announced his resignation from Brethren Benefit Trust, effective Feb. 18, to pursue an independent financial consulting business (see the Jan. 21 issue of Newsline).
Fecher's responsibilities at ABC will include coordinating the Fellowship of Brethren Homes' Annual Forum, working with the Peace Church Purchasing Group and the Peace Church Risk Retention Group, and serving as liaison between the homes and the denomination. He will work on a part-time, contract basis from his home and the ABC office in Elgin, Ill.
Source: 2/2/2005 Newsline
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Don Fecher will serve as director of the Fellowship of Brethren Homes, a ministry of the Association of Brethren Caregivers (ABC), beginning March 1. Fecher has announced his resignation from Brethren Benefit Trust, effective Feb. 18, to pursue an independent financial consulting business (see the Jan. 21 issue of Newsline).
Fecher's responsibilities at ABC will include coordinating the Fellowship of Brethren Homes' Annual Forum, working with the Peace Church Purchasing Group and the Peace Church Risk Retention Group, and serving as liaison between the homes and the denomination. He will work on a part-time, contract basis from his home and the ABC office in Elgin, Ill.
Source: 2/2/2005 Newsline
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Jacki Hartley resigns as coordinator of disabilities network.
Jacki Hartley has resigned as coordinator of the Church and Persons with Disabilities Network, a ministry of the Association of Brethren Caregivers (ABC). Hartley joined ABC in May 2004 to serve in the part-time, contract position and began working fulltime for Hospice of Northeastern Illinois in July 2004.
Hartley chose to end her service with ABC when it became too difficult to maintain a schedule of working for both agencies, ABC reported. With Hartley's departure, the Church and Persons with Disabilities Network will be staffed by ABC's executive director Kathy Reid, who also staffs the Whole-Person Health Ministry and the Denominational Deacon Ministry.
Source: 2/2/2005 Newsline
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Jacki Hartley has resigned as coordinator of the Church and Persons with Disabilities Network, a ministry of the Association of Brethren Caregivers (ABC). Hartley joined ABC in May 2004 to serve in the part-time, contract position and began working fulltime for Hospice of Northeastern Illinois in July 2004.
Hartley chose to end her service with ABC when it became too difficult to maintain a schedule of working for both agencies, ABC reported. With Hartley's departure, the Church and Persons with Disabilities Network will be staffed by ABC's executive director Kathy Reid, who also staffs the Whole-Person Health Ministry and the Denominational Deacon Ministry.
Source: 2/2/2005 Newsline
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Disaster Child Care training workshops are announced.
The 2005 Level 1 Disaster Child Care Training Workshops have been announced by the General Board program. The workshops are for those interested in becoming child care volunteers following disasters.
The workshops will be held Feb. 26-27 at Benton (Ark.) Seventh-Day Adventist Church, March 11-12 at Beaverton (Mich.) Church of the Brethren, April 15-16 at Victor (N.Y.) United Methodist Church, July 22-23 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Paw Paw, Mich., and Oct. 7-8 in Reno, Nev. For information about training and how to register, call Helen Stonesifer at 800-451-4407 (option 5) or visit www.disasterchildcare.org.
Source: 2/2/2005 Newsline
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The 2005 Level 1 Disaster Child Care Training Workshops have been announced by the General Board program. The workshops are for those interested in becoming child care volunteers following disasters.
The workshops will be held Feb. 26-27 at Benton (Ark.) Seventh-Day Adventist Church, March 11-12 at Beaverton (Mich.) Church of the Brethren, April 15-16 at Victor (N.Y.) United Methodist Church, July 22-23 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Paw Paw, Mich., and Oct. 7-8 in Reno, Nev. For information about training and how to register, call Helen Stonesifer at 800-451-4407 (option 5) or visit www.disasterchildcare.org.
Source: 2/2/2005 Newsline
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Credits
Newsline is produced by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of news services for the Church of the Brethren General Board, on every other Wednesday with other editions as needed. Newsline stories may be reprinted provided that Newsline is cited as the source. Joann Anand, Mary Dulabaum, Darren Hendricks, Jon Kobel, Diane Mason, Beth Rhodes, Tina Rieman, Ann Walle, and David Young contributed to this report.
Newsline is produced by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of news services for the Church of the Brethren General Board, on every other Wednesday with other editions as needed. Newsline stories may be reprinted provided that Newsline is cited as the source. Joann Anand, Mary Dulabaum, Darren Hendricks, Jon Kobel, Diane Mason, Beth Rhodes, Tina Rieman, Ann Walle, and David Young contributed to this report.
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