- General Board hears good news, shares glimpses of the church.
- Church-college conversation focuses on vocation.
- Inter-Agency Forum holds 'successful and gratifying meeting.'
- Global Food Crisis Fund distributes $90,000 for hunger relief.
- Disaster fund gives grants, disaster projects are completed.
- Dominican assembly welcomes church planting projects.
- Brethren bits: Personnel, Annual Conference, and more.
Wednesday, March 16, 2005
NEWS
General Board hears good news, shares glimpses of the church.
Meeting in Elgin, Ill., March 11-14, the General Board received numerous reports of positive developments in the agency and in the church. The agenda included time to focus on stories from board members and their congregations and districts (see feature story below).
A positive income report headed the good news (see the Feb. 16 Newsline). A giving report for 2004 "showed the first growth in years" in congregational giving to the board's Core Ministries Fund, according to Ken Neher, director of Funding and Donor Development. Other categories of giving were up as well, and the prospect for 2005 is similarly bright. Self-allocation reporting from congregations for 2005, which is up 8.9 percent from 2004, was another positive note, as was the giving to the Emergency Disaster Fund (EDF) this year, which totals $868,775. "It is remarkable what our gifts can do when bound together in Christ," Neher said.
Reports of recent out-of-the-ordinary efforts highlighted the breadth of the board's work: the Church of the Brethren Christmas Eve service on CBS, the response to the tsunami, and the Anabaptist Consultation on Alternative Service. Reports of these three juxtaposed in one meeting gave a sense of how the board is working in areas of worship, peace, service, and witness.
The board also received a report from Dale Roth, chair of the Stewardship of Properties Committee, a board-appointed committee considering use of General Board properties in Elgin, Ill., and New Windsor, Md. He reported plans to gather data from board members and staff, districts, the church at large, Annual Conference agencies, and other organizations that rent from the board. "We're open to the Spirit," he said, adding that the committee does not have a "preconceived notion" about the outcome of its work. He outlined questions the committee will ask and a timeline for the study, which will include an insight session at Annual Conference and conclude with a report and recommendations to the board in March 2006.
Board members discussed how to have informed decision making when the recommendation is received and asked that the board's October meeting include consideration of the committee's survey questions as a group. Heads of other Conference agencies may be invited. "This must be a very transparent and collaborative discussion," said Stan Noffsinger, general secretary.
A capital proposal was approved for up to $130,000 for masonry repair on the four oldest buildings at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md. Repairs are needed "so it doesn't deteriorate any further and become a more expensive problem," said executive director Roy Winter. Safety concerns also motivated the proposal.
A project to increase donations to the Emerging Global Mission Fund was presented early in the meeting. The fund supports new church planting in the US and mission in Brazil. "New Birth, New Life" would encourage Brethren to mark events of new life—such as baptisms, births, anniversaries, memorials—with gifts to the fund. A concern that the approach would not generate the amount of money needed was expressed as well. "We see this as seed planting," said Del Keeney, executive director of Congregational Life Ministries. "This feels incremental but it has the potential to change folk." By the end of the meeting, two unsolicited donations to the Emerging Global Mission Fund had been received. A collection for One Great Hour of Sharing, taken on Sunday morning when many congregations observed the annual offering, received $536.
Source: Newsline 3/16/05
Top
Meeting in Elgin, Ill., March 11-14, the General Board received numerous reports of positive developments in the agency and in the church. The agenda included time to focus on stories from board members and their congregations and districts (see feature story below).
A positive income report headed the good news (see the Feb. 16 Newsline). A giving report for 2004 "showed the first growth in years" in congregational giving to the board's Core Ministries Fund, according to Ken Neher, director of Funding and Donor Development. Other categories of giving were up as well, and the prospect for 2005 is similarly bright. Self-allocation reporting from congregations for 2005, which is up 8.9 percent from 2004, was another positive note, as was the giving to the Emergency Disaster Fund (EDF) this year, which totals $868,775. "It is remarkable what our gifts can do when bound together in Christ," Neher said.
Reports of recent out-of-the-ordinary efforts highlighted the breadth of the board's work: the Church of the Brethren Christmas Eve service on CBS, the response to the tsunami, and the Anabaptist Consultation on Alternative Service. Reports of these three juxtaposed in one meeting gave a sense of how the board is working in areas of worship, peace, service, and witness.
The board also received a report from Dale Roth, chair of the Stewardship of Properties Committee, a board-appointed committee considering use of General Board properties in Elgin, Ill., and New Windsor, Md. He reported plans to gather data from board members and staff, districts, the church at large, Annual Conference agencies, and other organizations that rent from the board. "We're open to the Spirit," he said, adding that the committee does not have a "preconceived notion" about the outcome of its work. He outlined questions the committee will ask and a timeline for the study, which will include an insight session at Annual Conference and conclude with a report and recommendations to the board in March 2006.
Board members discussed how to have informed decision making when the recommendation is received and asked that the board's October meeting include consideration of the committee's survey questions as a group. Heads of other Conference agencies may be invited. "This must be a very transparent and collaborative discussion," said Stan Noffsinger, general secretary.
A capital proposal was approved for up to $130,000 for masonry repair on the four oldest buildings at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md. Repairs are needed "so it doesn't deteriorate any further and become a more expensive problem," said executive director Roy Winter. Safety concerns also motivated the proposal.
A project to increase donations to the Emerging Global Mission Fund was presented early in the meeting. The fund supports new church planting in the US and mission in Brazil. "New Birth, New Life" would encourage Brethren to mark events of new life—such as baptisms, births, anniversaries, memorials—with gifts to the fund. A concern that the approach would not generate the amount of money needed was expressed as well. "We see this as seed planting," said Del Keeney, executive director of Congregational Life Ministries. "This feels incremental but it has the potential to change folk." By the end of the meeting, two unsolicited donations to the Emerging Global Mission Fund had been received. A collection for One Great Hour of Sharing, taken on Sunday morning when many congregations observed the annual offering, received $536.
Source: Newsline 3/16/05
Top
Church-college conversation focuses on vocation.
About 70 Brethren college administrators, college chaplains, denominational staff members, pastors, and others met Feb. 10-12 at Manchester College in North Manchester, Ind., for a "Church-College Conversation" on issues of faith leadership and vocation. Manchester campus chaplain Jim Chinworth said the time was intended "to create a space where we can listen, not just to each other, but to the holy and sacred."
The group was joined for the second half of the meeting by more than 20 college students who have been part of Ministry Summer Service (MSS) or Theological Exploration of Vocation (TEV), programs designed to help young adults explore Christian vocation. Those students then stayed on for a student leadership conference.
Manchester president Jo Young Switzer thanked the Lilly Endowment for the funds that made the events possible, calling it a tremendous gift. "Let's be like kids at Christmas time, rip it open, and have some fun," she said.
Margee Iddings of the Rising Phoenix Retreat Center in Maryland led several worship times, weaving in biblical background for leadership and vocation. Two of the worship times included listening circles in which participants were able to share their own stories of call and examine the challenges, fears, and joys of those callings. In another main session Rhonda Pittman Gingrich, a member of Open Circle Church of the Brethren in Burnsville, Minn., and an ordained minister, shared her personal journey that led to ordination. Del Keeney, executive director of Congregational Life Ministries for the General Board, followed with an overview of Brethren heritage and tradition related to calling. "In our tradition, to aspire to leadership is the quickest way not to be called to it," Keeney said. "It is the community that names the gifts and calls them out and affirms them."
Further exploration of calling came via short vignettes that students shared before each meal, in small-group table discussions, and through journaling. David White of Emory University's Candler School of Theology led a session of "creative play," in which participants created living sculptures to illustrate their perceptions of the church-college relationship. White and the General Board's Youth and Young Adult Ministry director Chris Douglas teamed up to share some of the learnings and best practices of MSS and TEV. MSS has had 110 young adult interns serving in congregations or other ministry settings over the past nine years, while TEV has placed 91 college students over the past four summers, many in Brethren Volunteer Service projects. This coming summer is the last funded by a special Lilly grant.
Source: Newsline 3/16/05
Top
About 70 Brethren college administrators, college chaplains, denominational staff members, pastors, and others met Feb. 10-12 at Manchester College in North Manchester, Ind., for a "Church-College Conversation" on issues of faith leadership and vocation. Manchester campus chaplain Jim Chinworth said the time was intended "to create a space where we can listen, not just to each other, but to the holy and sacred."
The group was joined for the second half of the meeting by more than 20 college students who have been part of Ministry Summer Service (MSS) or Theological Exploration of Vocation (TEV), programs designed to help young adults explore Christian vocation. Those students then stayed on for a student leadership conference.
Manchester president Jo Young Switzer thanked the Lilly Endowment for the funds that made the events possible, calling it a tremendous gift. "Let's be like kids at Christmas time, rip it open, and have some fun," she said.
Margee Iddings of the Rising Phoenix Retreat Center in Maryland led several worship times, weaving in biblical background for leadership and vocation. Two of the worship times included listening circles in which participants were able to share their own stories of call and examine the challenges, fears, and joys of those callings. In another main session Rhonda Pittman Gingrich, a member of Open Circle Church of the Brethren in Burnsville, Minn., and an ordained minister, shared her personal journey that led to ordination. Del Keeney, executive director of Congregational Life Ministries for the General Board, followed with an overview of Brethren heritage and tradition related to calling. "In our tradition, to aspire to leadership is the quickest way not to be called to it," Keeney said. "It is the community that names the gifts and calls them out and affirms them."
Further exploration of calling came via short vignettes that students shared before each meal, in small-group table discussions, and through journaling. David White of Emory University's Candler School of Theology led a session of "creative play," in which participants created living sculptures to illustrate their perceptions of the church-college relationship. White and the General Board's Youth and Young Adult Ministry director Chris Douglas teamed up to share some of the learnings and best practices of MSS and TEV. MSS has had 110 young adult interns serving in congregations or other ministry settings over the past nine years, while TEV has placed 91 college students over the past four summers, many in Brethren Volunteer Service projects. This coming summer is the last funded by a special Lilly grant.
Source: Newsline 3/16/05
Top
Inter-Agency Forum holds 'successful and gratifying meeting.'
The Inter-Agency Forum (IAF) held its ninth annual meeting Feb. 2-3 in Daytona Beach, Fla. Annual Conference officers and executive director, a representative from the Council of District Executives (CODE), and executives and board chairs of the five Conference agencies were present. Chris Bowman, immediate past Conference moderator, led the meeting.
Collaboration and economization of resources by sharing common tasks was a dominant theme. One member commented that the desire to work together was more evident now than he had seen in more than 30 years' association with the denomination.
A major item of discussion was how agencies can collaborate to provide a more effective and comprehensive report to district conferences. The discussion began in a CODE meeting on the eve of the IAF meeting. A proposal was presented to designate representatives from two of the agencies to give a video presentation of the work of all the agencies, and then briefly talk in more detail about the work of their own agencies. Representatives of two other agencies would visit that district conference the following year, and the final agency would be represented the next year, with all agencies to be represented each three years. Exhibits would reflect a collaborative effort to present the entire work of the denomination.
District executives cautioned that each district conference is unique in its agenda and time allotment, but gave a warm reception to the idea, especially as it demonstrates an effort to show unity and creativity in denominational reporting. Members of IAF developed the idea in more detail and commissioned the communications staffs of the agencies to propose a design, beginning with the 2005 district conference season.
Other arenas in which a more unified purpose can be presented include Annual Conference, the annual consultation with Standing Committee, and the memorial time for church leaders observed at Conference.
The IAF also examined some issues of critical nature for the denomination: providing a medical plan for pastors and church workers, promoting deferred giving to denominational agencies, the study of the stewardship of denominational properties, pros and cons of dispersed staff, and how IAF members should be involved in and informed about issues that divide the denomination and alienate segments of the membership. Annual Conference, CODE, and the agencies reported their activities, financial status, and concerns as the IAF concluded what was called its most successful and gratifying meeting, reported Fred Swartz, Annual Conference secretary.
Source: Newsline 3/16/05
Top
The Inter-Agency Forum (IAF) held its ninth annual meeting Feb. 2-3 in Daytona Beach, Fla. Annual Conference officers and executive director, a representative from the Council of District Executives (CODE), and executives and board chairs of the five Conference agencies were present. Chris Bowman, immediate past Conference moderator, led the meeting.
Collaboration and economization of resources by sharing common tasks was a dominant theme. One member commented that the desire to work together was more evident now than he had seen in more than 30 years' association with the denomination.
A major item of discussion was how agencies can collaborate to provide a more effective and comprehensive report to district conferences. The discussion began in a CODE meeting on the eve of the IAF meeting. A proposal was presented to designate representatives from two of the agencies to give a video presentation of the work of all the agencies, and then briefly talk in more detail about the work of their own agencies. Representatives of two other agencies would visit that district conference the following year, and the final agency would be represented the next year, with all agencies to be represented each three years. Exhibits would reflect a collaborative effort to present the entire work of the denomination.
District executives cautioned that each district conference is unique in its agenda and time allotment, but gave a warm reception to the idea, especially as it demonstrates an effort to show unity and creativity in denominational reporting. Members of IAF developed the idea in more detail and commissioned the communications staffs of the agencies to propose a design, beginning with the 2005 district conference season.
Other arenas in which a more unified purpose can be presented include Annual Conference, the annual consultation with Standing Committee, and the memorial time for church leaders observed at Conference.
The IAF also examined some issues of critical nature for the denomination: providing a medical plan for pastors and church workers, promoting deferred giving to denominational agencies, the study of the stewardship of denominational properties, pros and cons of dispersed staff, and how IAF members should be involved in and informed about issues that divide the denomination and alienate segments of the membership. Annual Conference, CODE, and the agencies reported their activities, financial status, and concerns as the IAF concluded what was called its most successful and gratifying meeting, reported Fred Swartz, Annual Conference secretary.
Source: Newsline 3/16/05
Top
Global Food Crisis Fund distributes $90,000 for hunger relief.
The General Board's Global Food Crisis Fund (GFCF) has issued three large grants for hunger relief in North Korea, El Salvador, and Angola.
The GFCF allocated $50,000 to continue support for a longterm international farm rehabilitation project in North Korea. The project encompasses 24,000 acres across three coastal and inland counties, and involves four large farm cooperatives. The first $60,000 GFCF grant toward this effort in Jan. 2004 supported early planting of barley and rice; this new grant will help provide new and additional grain and vegetables along with material for protective covering of the crops.
In other grants the GFCF gave $20,000 to support Iglesia Bautista Emmanuel in an irrigation and water conservation project in the San Simon area of El Salvador, which will help ten communities with water management, growing crops, fruit tree cultivation, reforestation, and education. In Angola, the fund gave $20,000 to support SHARECircle in the agricultural phase of its post-war construction work. The funds will go toward equipping and training 10,000 family farmers with tools to grow grains and vegetables and will assist with water management and infrastructure.
For more information about the Global Food Crisis Fund, see www.brethren.org.
Source: Newsline 3/16/05
Top
The General Board's Global Food Crisis Fund (GFCF) has issued three large grants for hunger relief in North Korea, El Salvador, and Angola.
The GFCF allocated $50,000 to continue support for a longterm international farm rehabilitation project in North Korea. The project encompasses 24,000 acres across three coastal and inland counties, and involves four large farm cooperatives. The first $60,000 GFCF grant toward this effort in Jan. 2004 supported early planting of barley and rice; this new grant will help provide new and additional grain and vegetables along with material for protective covering of the crops.
In other grants the GFCF gave $20,000 to support Iglesia Bautista Emmanuel in an irrigation and water conservation project in the San Simon area of El Salvador, which will help ten communities with water management, growing crops, fruit tree cultivation, reforestation, and education. In Angola, the fund gave $20,000 to support SHARECircle in the agricultural phase of its post-war construction work. The funds will go toward equipping and training 10,000 family farmers with tools to grow grains and vegetables and will assist with water management and infrastructure.
For more information about the Global Food Crisis Fund, see www.brethren.org.
Source: Newsline 3/16/05
Top
Disaster fund gives grants, disaster projects are completed.
Several grants have been given from the Emergency Disaster Fund (EDF) totaling $50,000, and disaster response staff are celebrating completion of disaster rebuilding and repair projects in Poquoson, Va., and Camp Ithiel in Florida.
The EDF grants are headed by $20,000 for the Brethren Disaster Response work in Florida, where funds will continue clean-up, repair, and rebuilding projects. An allocation of $10,000 supports a Church World Service (CWS) appeal for peace and rebuilding initiatives in post-war Liberia, including building permanent shelters, distributing tools and seeds, and health services for women, youth, and children. Another $10,000 goes to CWS hurricane disaster response work in nine US states and territories, continuing to provide small grants to recovery groups, trauma response training, "Gift of the Heart" kits, and supporting staff working on longterm recovery. A grant of $5,000 supports a CWS appeal for longterm recovery from severe flooding and mudslides in five US states: California, Indiana, Ohio, Texas, and Arizona. Another $5,000 supports CWS recovery work in the Philippines following flooding and mudslides in Nov. 2004.
In other disaster response news, the rebuilding project in Poquoson, Va., is completed and will close March 19. "In the past 13 months, over 700 volunteers have assisted more than 50 families," reported Jane Yount, of the General Board's Emergency Response. "Well done!" she added in a newsletter for disaster volunteers. "It's difficult to say goodbye to a community that has been so warm and accepting of our presence, but we rejoice at their recovery and healing from Hurricane Isabel."
A project to repair storm damage at Camp Ithiel, a Church of the Brethren camp in Gotha, Fla., also has been completed. Over 100 volunteers worked at the camp and in the surrounding community starting in January. "Now it is time to move on," Yount said, reporting that the project will move to Pensacola, Fla., over Holy Week. Pensacola and neighboring Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties bore the brunt of Hurricane Ivan on Sept. 16, 2004, the third of four hurricanes to strike Florida in a five-week period. Volunteer Glenn Kinsel reported, "Upon flying in over the area, I was immediately struck with the preponderance of blue (tarped) roofs.... The older, non-affluent area of the inner city of Pensacola is indeed in bad shape.... One shocking statistic is that as of now one in eight persons in the area is homeless." Volunteers will repair roofs and water-damaged sections of homes.
For more information about the General Board's disaster response work, see www.brethren.org.
Source: Newsline 3/16/05
Top
Several grants have been given from the Emergency Disaster Fund (EDF) totaling $50,000, and disaster response staff are celebrating completion of disaster rebuilding and repair projects in Poquoson, Va., and Camp Ithiel in Florida.
The EDF grants are headed by $20,000 for the Brethren Disaster Response work in Florida, where funds will continue clean-up, repair, and rebuilding projects. An allocation of $10,000 supports a Church World Service (CWS) appeal for peace and rebuilding initiatives in post-war Liberia, including building permanent shelters, distributing tools and seeds, and health services for women, youth, and children. Another $10,000 goes to CWS hurricane disaster response work in nine US states and territories, continuing to provide small grants to recovery groups, trauma response training, "Gift of the Heart" kits, and supporting staff working on longterm recovery. A grant of $5,000 supports a CWS appeal for longterm recovery from severe flooding and mudslides in five US states: California, Indiana, Ohio, Texas, and Arizona. Another $5,000 supports CWS recovery work in the Philippines following flooding and mudslides in Nov. 2004.
In other disaster response news, the rebuilding project in Poquoson, Va., is completed and will close March 19. "In the past 13 months, over 700 volunteers have assisted more than 50 families," reported Jane Yount, of the General Board's Emergency Response. "Well done!" she added in a newsletter for disaster volunteers. "It's difficult to say goodbye to a community that has been so warm and accepting of our presence, but we rejoice at their recovery and healing from Hurricane Isabel."
A project to repair storm damage at Camp Ithiel, a Church of the Brethren camp in Gotha, Fla., also has been completed. Over 100 volunteers worked at the camp and in the surrounding community starting in January. "Now it is time to move on," Yount said, reporting that the project will move to Pensacola, Fla., over Holy Week. Pensacola and neighboring Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties bore the brunt of Hurricane Ivan on Sept. 16, 2004, the third of four hurricanes to strike Florida in a five-week period. Volunteer Glenn Kinsel reported, "Upon flying in over the area, I was immediately struck with the preponderance of blue (tarped) roofs.... The older, non-affluent area of the inner city of Pensacola is indeed in bad shape.... One shocking statistic is that as of now one in eight persons in the area is homeless." Volunteers will repair roofs and water-damaged sections of homes.
For more information about the General Board's disaster response work, see www.brethren.org.
Source: Newsline 3/16/05
Top
Dominican assembly welcomes church planting projects.
The 14th Annual Assembly of the Church of the Brethren in the Dominican Republic was held Feb. 18-20 in Santo Domingo with the theme "Peace in the Storm" from Luke 8:22-25. Preachers included Stan Noffsinger, general secretary of the General Board, and Jim Hardenbrook, Annual Conference moderator.
Led by moderator and pastor Anastacia Bueno Beltre, some 95 delegates and many additional attenders enjoyed a spirited weekend of worship, business, and fellowship. The 19 Dominican congregations gave a hearty official welcome to three new church planting projects: Carmona, located in the area of Sabana Grande de Boya, is a "daughter" of the San Luis congregation and because of its larger size was welcomed as a fellowship; Al Coride, a preaching point of the Peniel congregation; and Villa Esperanza, a preaching point of the San Juan congregation. Delegates elected as pastor Mardocheo Catalice from the "Fe en Cristo" congregation in Boca Chica as moderator-elect and approved a 2005 budget.
The assembly also received reports from all the congregations, elected leaders, and General Board staff working in the DR, while the children in attendance enjoyed activities provided by Dominican church leaders working jointly with a work group from Florin Church of the Brethren, Mount Joy, Pa. Youth and young adults were led in Bible study by Carol Yeazell, a member of the General Board's Congregational Life Teams.
Source: Newsline 3/16/05
Top
The 14th Annual Assembly of the Church of the Brethren in the Dominican Republic was held Feb. 18-20 in Santo Domingo with the theme "Peace in the Storm" from Luke 8:22-25. Preachers included Stan Noffsinger, general secretary of the General Board, and Jim Hardenbrook, Annual Conference moderator.
Led by moderator and pastor Anastacia Bueno Beltre, some 95 delegates and many additional attenders enjoyed a spirited weekend of worship, business, and fellowship. The 19 Dominican congregations gave a hearty official welcome to three new church planting projects: Carmona, located in the area of Sabana Grande de Boya, is a "daughter" of the San Luis congregation and because of its larger size was welcomed as a fellowship; Al Coride, a preaching point of the Peniel congregation; and Villa Esperanza, a preaching point of the San Juan congregation. Delegates elected as pastor Mardocheo Catalice from the "Fe en Cristo" congregation in Boca Chica as moderator-elect and approved a 2005 budget.
The assembly also received reports from all the congregations, elected leaders, and General Board staff working in the DR, while the children in attendance enjoyed activities provided by Dominican church leaders working jointly with a work group from Florin Church of the Brethren, Mount Joy, Pa. Youth and young adults were led in Bible study by Carol Yeazell, a member of the General Board's Congregational Life Teams.
Source: Newsline 3/16/05
Top
Brethren bits: Personnel, Annual Conference, and more.
Top
- Marilyn Ziegler has been appointed interim manager of the Pension Plan and Church Workers Assistance Plan at Brethren Benefit Trust effective March 1. She will occupy the former office of Don Fecher. At this time, the appointment is until the end of 2005.
- Pre-registration for Annual Conference 2005 in Peoria, Ill., is now available online at www.brethren.org/ac or by using the pre-registration form in the Information Packet. The packet has been sent on CD to Church of the Brethren congregations in the March Source mailing, and is available online. For more information call the Annual Conference Office at 800-323-8039.
- The Annual Conference Anniversary Committee invites submissions of music, drama, and worship resources representing the 2008 Tricentennial theme "Surrendered to God, Transformed in Christ, Empowered by the Spirit." Music submissions, due June 30, may include hymns, folk songs, praise songs, anthems, and children's songs. Dramatic writings, due Dec. 31, may be full-length dramas, skits, monologues, and vignettes for adults, children, and/or youth. Worship resources, due Dec. 31, may include calls to worship, prayers, litanies, responsive readings, offertory statements, children's stories, benedictions, worship centers (description and/or drawing), power point presentations, and interpretive movements. All submissions become the property of the Anniversary Committee for use in tricentennial activities. Name, address, and phone number of the writer or composer should not appear on the submission but should be included on a separate page. Send submissions to the Annual Conference Office, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120.
- March 31 is the deadline for this year's "Messenger" youth essay contest. It is open to anyone age 13-18 during the current school year. Answer the question, "What do you like best about the Church of the Brethren?" in 300 words or less and send it to messenger@brethren.org or to 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120, postmarked by March 31. Include name, address, age, phone number, e-mail, and home congregation. Up to five entries will be published in the July/August issue; the writer of the top entry will be invited to share his or her essay at the 2005 "Messenger" dinner at Annual Conference.
- "Messenger" magazine readers noted a few months ago that a Church of the Brethren high school senior was recognized as a National Merit Scholarship semi-finalist. While these names often are published in local newspapers, there is no way to research the total Church of the Brethren list. If you are aware of a National Merit Scholarship finalist who is a member of the Church of the Brethren and attending either high school or college, please send that information to cobnews@aol.com.
- "Ever eaten a haystack?" asks the Global Mission Partnership Office of the General Board, sponsor of the Mission Alive 2005 conference in Goshen, Ind., April 1-3. Youth from Goshen's Rock Run Church of the Brethren are providing a regional dish known as a "haystack" for the Saturday evening meal at the conference, as a fundraiser for National Youth Conference. Participation by nearby congregations in meal preparation, music, and other aspects of the conference has been an important dimension of the event, organizers said. Participants also are coming from across the US and a few other nations. Keynote speaker Nathan Showalter is traveling from China to attend, and workshop and panel speakers Marcos and Suely Inhauser will attend from Igreja da Irmandade Brasil (the Church of the Brethren in Brazil). Participants are reminded to bring a gift for new missions from their congregations and "Hymnal: A Worship Book." For more information see the Mission Alive page of www.brethren.org, including the list of 21 workshops that will be offered. Registration also continues at this site, or call Mary Munson at 800-323-8039 ext. 230.
- The General Board's Brethren Witness/Washington Office is supporting activities March 18-20 in Fayetteville, N.C., to voice opposition to the war in Iraq on the second anniversary of the war. Activities will include a march and rally, a concert by hip-hop artists Ricanstruction and Little Brother, and a meeting on "Organizing in the South: Strengthening Our Communities, Sharpening Our Skills." The first national meetings of Iraq Veterans Against the War, Military Families Speak Out, and Gold Star Families for Peace are also planned. The Brethren Witness/Washington Office will set up a table March 19 and will gather Brethren participants to march together. Last year a similar event in Fayetteville, which is home to Fort Bragg and Pope Air Force Base, drew 1,500 people. Heavy involvement by veterans and military families makes the Fayetteville events unique, according to an Action Alert from the Brethren Witness/Washington Office. For more information see www.ncpeacejustice.org, call the office at 800-785-3246 or e-mail washington_office_gb@brethren.org. See www.unitedforpeace.org for information about events planned in other parts of the country.
- Don Vermilyea has passed the 14,000-mile mark and has begun year four of his Walk Across America. The Brethren Volunteer Service worker is attempting to walk to every Church of the Brethren congregation. See http://www.brethren.org/genbd/witness/Walk.html or listen to Vermilyea's phone message at 800-323-8039 ext. 239.
- "Study of the Psalms," a Teleconference Continuing Education Event sponsored by Bethany Theological Seminary's Susquehanna Valley Satellite 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. on April 9, will feature Robert Neff, a Church of the Brethren biblical scholar. Cost is $100 plus a $10 continuing education fee. Pre-registration is required by March 25. The teleconference is limited to 20 seats at each location. For more information call 814-643-6001 or e-mail svs@etown.edu.
- A church-supported boycott of Taco Bell and its parent company, Yum Brands, ended March 8 after Taco Bell agreed to a penny-per-pound increase in wages for migrant tomato pickers in Florida, reports Religion News Service. Church groups that joined the boycott included the National Council of Churches, the United Church of Christ, the United Methodist Church, the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), and the Presbyterian Church (USA). Tomato pickers earn about 40 cents for each 32-pound bucket of tomatoes they pick, according to "The Washington Post," and must pick two tons of tomatoes to earn $50. Labor leader Lucas Benitez said, "This is an important victory for farmworkers, one that establishes a new standard of social responsibility for the fast-food industry and makes an immediate material change in the lives of workers."
- The early-bird registration deadline is approaching for a New Life Ministries event led by Tony Campolo and Brian McLaren in Telford, Pa., April 26. "Renewing the Church—Reclaiming the Gospel" also features Brethren workshop leaders Fred Bernhard, Steve Clapp, S. Joan Hershey, David Young, and Paul Mundey. Save $10 by registering before April 1. Church of the Brethren attendees will earn .6 continuing education units. For more information call 800-774-3360, e-mail NLMServiceCenter@aol.com, or visit www.NewLifeMinistries-NLM.org.
- "Let March 20 this year be a celebration of the beginning of the end of the war and occupation" in Iraq, wrote Cliff Kindy, a Church of the Brethren member of Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT). March 20 is the second anniversary of the beginning of the war. "This is the day the US public should proclaim the end of the war," Kindy urged in a letter to supporters of his peacemaking work based in Baghdad. His suggestions for celebratory peacemaking actions on March 20 included bringing the US soldiers home, supporting military resisters, and wrapping peace ribbons around weapons factories, among many others. "CPT has been here in Iraq for well over two years. Please hear this proposal," Kindy asked. "March 20 will no longer be a time to remember war, but a time of new beginnings." For more information about Kindy's work see www.cpt.org. CPT is an initiative of the historic peace churches (Mennonites, Church of the Brethren, and Quakers) with support and membership from a range of Catholic and Protestant denominations.
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Julie Hostetter resigns from Congregational Life Teams.
Julie M. Hostetter, coordinator of Congregational Life Team (CLT) Area 3 for the General Board, has resigned effective April 30. She has accepted the position of Academic Coordinator for United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio, where she received her master of divinity degree in 1982 and served as administrative staff for five-and-a-half years.
Hostetter began with the board in 1997, working from Roanoke, Va. She brought experience as a co-pastor, pastoral administrator, church musician, and teacher, as well as a priority for education and the place of children to her work. Her duties included resourcing and consulting with congregations and districts, networking with Annual Conference agencies, and providing leadership training in Christian education, worship, music, and ethics. She coordinated the editorial team for "The Seed Packet" Christian education newsletter, served on the advisory committee for the new Gather 'Round curriculum, and chaired the launch committee for TOGETHER: Conversations on Being the Church.
Hostetter plans to bring her regional work to a close by April 30, but will continue denomination-related tasks during a time of transition. Carol Yeazell, Area 3 CLT member, will serve as interim coordinator until a new CLT staff member is hired.
Source: Newsline 3/16/05
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Julie M. Hostetter, coordinator of Congregational Life Team (CLT) Area 3 for the General Board, has resigned effective April 30. She has accepted the position of Academic Coordinator for United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio, where she received her master of divinity degree in 1982 and served as administrative staff for five-and-a-half years.
Hostetter began with the board in 1997, working from Roanoke, Va. She brought experience as a co-pastor, pastoral administrator, church musician, and teacher, as well as a priority for education and the place of children to her work. Her duties included resourcing and consulting with congregations and districts, networking with Annual Conference agencies, and providing leadership training in Christian education, worship, music, and ethics. She coordinated the editorial team for "The Seed Packet" Christian education newsletter, served on the advisory committee for the new Gather 'Round curriculum, and chaired the launch committee for TOGETHER: Conversations on Being the Church.
Hostetter plans to bring her regional work to a close by April 30, but will continue denomination-related tasks during a time of transition. Carol Yeazell, Area 3 CLT member, will serve as interim coordinator until a new CLT staff member is hired.
Source: Newsline 3/16/05
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Young adults will meet on 'Provoking Love and Good Deeds.'
Young Adult Conference (YAC) will be held the weekend of May 27-29 at Woodland Altars, a Church of the Brethren camp near Peebles, Ohio. The theme for the conference is "Provoking Love and Good Deeds" from Hebrews 10:24.
"A majority of the leadership is already in place," reported Bob Etzweiler of the Young Adult Steering Committee. "Music and worship are in good hands." Church of the Brethren musicians Shawn Kirchner and Joseph Helfrich are leading music and General Board staff Walt Wiltschek and Becky Ullom are planning worship. Speakers Kurt Borgmann, Cliff Kindy, and Margo Miller will focus three worship times during the weekend. A fourth worship time will use drama and multimedia to explore the theme.
"Workshops were done a little differently at National Young Adult Conference this past year," Etzweiler added. "Called 'padares,' there was a shift from focus on the seeker to more group participation. They'll be a part of YAC this year with a lot of topics to choose from," he said. "With the chance to meet other young adults, singing, worship, a coffeehouse or two, small groups, recreation, padares, free time, and just hanging out, YAC promises to be a great weekend. We hope to see you there!"
For more information and to register see www.brethren.org/genbd/yya/yac.htm. Cost is $80. Participants may request the Youth and Young Adult Ministries Office to send a letter to their home congregations asking them to provide a $50 scholarship. Scholarship requests must be received by April 30.
Source: Newsline 3/16/05
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Young Adult Conference (YAC) will be held the weekend of May 27-29 at Woodland Altars, a Church of the Brethren camp near Peebles, Ohio. The theme for the conference is "Provoking Love and Good Deeds" from Hebrews 10:24.
"A majority of the leadership is already in place," reported Bob Etzweiler of the Young Adult Steering Committee. "Music and worship are in good hands." Church of the Brethren musicians Shawn Kirchner and Joseph Helfrich are leading music and General Board staff Walt Wiltschek and Becky Ullom are planning worship. Speakers Kurt Borgmann, Cliff Kindy, and Margo Miller will focus three worship times during the weekend. A fourth worship time will use drama and multimedia to explore the theme.
"Workshops were done a little differently at National Young Adult Conference this past year," Etzweiler added. "Called 'padares,' there was a shift from focus on the seeker to more group participation. They'll be a part of YAC this year with a lot of topics to choose from," he said. "With the chance to meet other young adults, singing, worship, a coffeehouse or two, small groups, recreation, padares, free time, and just hanging out, YAC promises to be a great weekend. We hope to see you there!"
For more information and to register see www.brethren.org/genbd/yya/yac.htm. Cost is $80. Participants may request the Youth and Young Adult Ministries Office to send a letter to their home congregations asking them to provide a $50 scholarship. Scholarship requests must be received by April 30.
Source: Newsline 3/16/05
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General Board shares glimpses of the church.
The General Board in its March 11-14 meeting shared stories from congregations and districts that became, in effect, an informal collective "snapshot" of the church.
Many board members talked enthusiastically of energy and excitement in their congregations and districts for the work of Jesus Christ and the task of calling new disciples. In his general secretary's report, Stan Noffsinger spoke of being at the annual assembly of the Church of the Brethren in the Dominican Republic, where each announcement of a new fellowship was met with a round of applause. From that point on, General Board members applauded each mention of a new fellowship—as well as other signs of new life in the church.
"God indeed has blessed our congregation," said J.D. Glick, who pastors a new church that three weeks ago moved into its first building, enabled by generous gifts to pay half of the $700,000 cost in one down payment. Jaime Diaz reported news of a large youth group at the new fellowship in Arecibo, P.R., and an "explosion" in attendance at Rio Prieto. Dale Minnich talked about the transformation movement in Western Plains District. Russell Betz reported renewal in two small congregations in Southern Plains District. "We're seeing God working in our churches," he said. Janet Stutzman praised the powerful prayer chain at the Sunnyslope Brethren/United Church of Christ congregation. "I just think the church is ready to explode," said Doug Diamond of his congregation's enthusiasm for saving souls, "because people are just ready to invite their neighbors to be part of the church."
"What does it mean to build a church?" asked Doug Price, one of several board members who also gave voice to key questions currently facing the church. Price reflected on the experience of helping to build a church in Honduras, for a congregation that grew out of disaster relief work. Tim Harvey asked a related question, "How do we become a missional congregation?"
"Are we intentional about calling pastors out of our congregations?" asked Jay Carter, who recently began work as a pastor after 28 years in secular work. David Sollenberger echoed the concern for calling ministers and the process of licensing and ordination.
How the church welcomes children is another challenge, said Michael Benner. The church can see children "as a gift God has brought into our midst" or "give them the cold shoulder." Others echoed the concern for youth and extended it to young adults. Susan Kinsel Fitze told the story of a youth ministry that began in the Trotwood (Ohio) Church of the Brethren following the tragic death of the custodian's 18-year-old son. Jeff Neuman-Lee reported on a personal "What If" project to new patterns of worship for young adults. Is the church "willing to attract young people or are they not?" Carol Kussart asked.
"This is an incredible time to be in church work," summarized Annual Conference moderator Jim Hardenbrook. "Believe it or not, the world is looking to us, looking to the church for answers. We are in a spiritual awakening."
In his moderator's report, he urged the board not to squander what may be a crucial moment of opportunity for the Church of the Brethren. Hardenbrook referred to two unprecedented events as indicators of what he called a "tipping point," that when looking for a church to provide its annual Christmas Eve service, CBS turned to the Church of the Brethren; and Selective Service also turned to the Brethren from among the peace churches. "It is very possible in this church's life that this is one of those tipping points," Hardenbrook said. "Use it well."
Source: Newsline 3/16/05
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The General Board in its March 11-14 meeting shared stories from congregations and districts that became, in effect, an informal collective "snapshot" of the church.
Many board members talked enthusiastically of energy and excitement in their congregations and districts for the work of Jesus Christ and the task of calling new disciples. In his general secretary's report, Stan Noffsinger spoke of being at the annual assembly of the Church of the Brethren in the Dominican Republic, where each announcement of a new fellowship was met with a round of applause. From that point on, General Board members applauded each mention of a new fellowship—as well as other signs of new life in the church.
"God indeed has blessed our congregation," said J.D. Glick, who pastors a new church that three weeks ago moved into its first building, enabled by generous gifts to pay half of the $700,000 cost in one down payment. Jaime Diaz reported news of a large youth group at the new fellowship in Arecibo, P.R., and an "explosion" in attendance at Rio Prieto. Dale Minnich talked about the transformation movement in Western Plains District. Russell Betz reported renewal in two small congregations in Southern Plains District. "We're seeing God working in our churches," he said. Janet Stutzman praised the powerful prayer chain at the Sunnyslope Brethren/United Church of Christ congregation. "I just think the church is ready to explode," said Doug Diamond of his congregation's enthusiasm for saving souls, "because people are just ready to invite their neighbors to be part of the church."
"What does it mean to build a church?" asked Doug Price, one of several board members who also gave voice to key questions currently facing the church. Price reflected on the experience of helping to build a church in Honduras, for a congregation that grew out of disaster relief work. Tim Harvey asked a related question, "How do we become a missional congregation?"
"Are we intentional about calling pastors out of our congregations?" asked Jay Carter, who recently began work as a pastor after 28 years in secular work. David Sollenberger echoed the concern for calling ministers and the process of licensing and ordination.
How the church welcomes children is another challenge, said Michael Benner. The church can see children "as a gift God has brought into our midst" or "give them the cold shoulder." Others echoed the concern for youth and extended it to young adults. Susan Kinsel Fitze told the story of a youth ministry that began in the Trotwood (Ohio) Church of the Brethren following the tragic death of the custodian's 18-year-old son. Jeff Neuman-Lee reported on a personal "What If" project to new patterns of worship for young adults. Is the church "willing to attract young people or are they not?" Carol Kussart asked.
"This is an incredible time to be in church work," summarized Annual Conference moderator Jim Hardenbrook. "Believe it or not, the world is looking to us, looking to the church for answers. We are in a spiritual awakening."
In his moderator's report, he urged the board not to squander what may be a crucial moment of opportunity for the Church of the Brethren. Hardenbrook referred to two unprecedented events as indicators of what he called a "tipping point," that when looking for a church to provide its annual Christmas Eve service, CBS turned to the Church of the Brethren; and Selective Service also turned to the Brethren from among the peace churches. "It is very possible in this church's life that this is one of those tipping points," Hardenbrook said. "Use it well."
Source: Newsline 3/16/05
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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. Bob Etzweiler, Mary Lou Garrison, Julie Hostetter, Irvin and Nancy Heishman, Merv Keeney, Fred Swartz, and Walt Wiltschek 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. Bob Etzweiler, Mary Lou Garrison, Julie Hostetter, Irvin and Nancy Heishman, Merv Keeney, Fred Swartz, and Walt Wiltschek contributed to this report.
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