- Moderator encourages the church, Conference consecrates leaders for 2006 and 2007.
- Annual Conference starts study of Brethren Medical Plan.
- Conference delegates do denominational 'housekeeping.'
- New church leaders are chosen by election at Annual Conference.
- Standing Committee approves Annual Conference strategic plan.
- General Board sets 2006 budget parameter, issues resolutions on Sudan and World Friendship Center in Hiroshima
- Volunteers raise funds for Brethren hunger response.
- Young Adult Conference explores the art of provocation.
- Brethren bit: Job opening.
Thursday, July 07, 2005
NEWS
Moderator encourages the church, Conference consecrates leaders for 2006 and 2007.
Annual Conference moderator Jim Hardenbrook expressed hope, trust, and gratitude for the Church of the Brethren as he led delegates in business sessions and preached for opening worship. He also continued his call to the church to fix its eyes on Jesus.
The Conference was held in Peoria, Ill., July 2-6. Total registration came to 3,341 including 858 delegates.
Through his travels as moderator, Hardenbrook has found that "hope and trust are on the rise in our denomination." Church renewal and new church development are close to the top of most district agendas, he said, but added, "I remain concerned about the health of our congregations." The moderator opened each business session with a reading from the gospels, to continue the emphasis on gospel reading that he has encouraged.
The Annual Conference moderator and moderator-elect for 2006 were consecrated on July 6. The new moderator, Ronald D. Beachley, executive minister of Western Pennsylvania District, received the gavel in an official handing-over of the position from Hardenbrook. "It's beautiful," said Hardenbrook, gavel in hand. But the Annual Conference moderator's gavel is designed to be difficult to hold and not to fit in the hand comfortably, he added. That's the way church leaders should handle power, he said. "So hold this carefully," he told the new moderator.
In his first statement as moderator, Beachley called the denomination to prepare for next year's Conference with three disciplines: daily reading of a chapter in the New Testament aloud; fasting from food, television, the Internet, or another aspect of life the first day of each month; and praying daily for someone who does not know Christ. "We will come back next year and share our stories of how that has affected people's lives," he said.
Moderator-elect Belita D. Mitchell also was consecrated. Beachley will lead Annual Conference in Des Moines, Iowa, on July 1-5, 2006, and Mitchell will lead the Conference in Cleveland, Ohio, June 30-July 4, 2007.
Source: 7/07/2005 Newsline
top
Annual Conference moderator Jim Hardenbrook expressed hope, trust, and gratitude for the Church of the Brethren as he led delegates in business sessions and preached for opening worship. He also continued his call to the church to fix its eyes on Jesus.
The Conference was held in Peoria, Ill., July 2-6. Total registration came to 3,341 including 858 delegates.
Through his travels as moderator, Hardenbrook has found that "hope and trust are on the rise in our denomination." Church renewal and new church development are close to the top of most district agendas, he said, but added, "I remain concerned about the health of our congregations." The moderator opened each business session with a reading from the gospels, to continue the emphasis on gospel reading that he has encouraged.
The Annual Conference moderator and moderator-elect for 2006 were consecrated on July 6. The new moderator, Ronald D. Beachley, executive minister of Western Pennsylvania District, received the gavel in an official handing-over of the position from Hardenbrook. "It's beautiful," said Hardenbrook, gavel in hand. But the Annual Conference moderator's gavel is designed to be difficult to hold and not to fit in the hand comfortably, he added. That's the way church leaders should handle power, he said. "So hold this carefully," he told the new moderator.
In his first statement as moderator, Beachley called the denomination to prepare for next year's Conference with three disciplines: daily reading of a chapter in the New Testament aloud; fasting from food, television, the Internet, or another aspect of life the first day of each month; and praying daily for someone who does not know Christ. "We will come back next year and share our stories of how that has affected people's lives," he said.
Moderator-elect Belita D. Mitchell also was consecrated. Beachley will lead Annual Conference in Des Moines, Iowa, on July 1-5, 2006, and Mitchell will lead the Conference in Cleveland, Ohio, June 30-July 4, 2007.
Source: 7/07/2005 Newsline
top
Annual Conference starts study of Brethren Medical Plan.
The delegate body of the 2005 Annual Conference adopted a resolution on the Brethren Medical Plan brought by Brethren Benefit Trust (BBT). The Brethren Medical Plan is a health insurance plan for Church of the Brethren pastors and church employees, district employees, employees of Annual Conference agencies and affiliated agencies and institutions, and their families.
"There are times in the journey when we come to a crossroads. The Brethren Medical Plan has come to a crossroads," said Standing Committee member Tim Button-Harrison introducing a recommendation that the resolution be adopted and a committee of four be elected to answer questions raised in the resolution. The Conference elected to the committee James C. Gibbel, an insurance agent and former member of the BBT board, of Lititz (Pa.) Church of the Brethren; Brian Markle, a licensed minister, of Bermudian Church of the Brethren, East Berlin, Pa.; Willie Hisey Pierson, an insurance marketing manager, of Neighborhood (Boulder Hill) Church of the Brethren, Montgomery, Ill.; and Donna Shumate, a lawyer and retiring General Board chair, of Peak Creek Church of the Brethren in Laurel Spring, N.C.
BBT has announced that the plan is in a "death spiral" caused by decreased membership, the erosion of a good spread of risk, increased health care costs, and increased premiums. BBT brought the resolution for three reasons, reported chair C. Richard Pogue: "One, the Brethren Medical Plan is important to the church. Two, the Brethren Medical Plan's future is in peril. And three, the plan belongs to the church, it belongs to all of us."
The resolution gives biblical and historical background, lists the status of medical insurance in the denomination, and asks for a study committee to evaluate the plan and "assess the continuing need for and feasibility of a denominational medical insurance plan for employees of congregations, districts, and church-related agencies." The resolution also calls on every eligible congregation, district, and church-related agency to participate in the plan from 2006 through at least the conclusion of the study.
During a short discussion, delegates expressed concern for those who are uninsurable elsewhere, asked for consideration of working with other denominations on the issue, and added a question to a list that will be presented to the committee, asking for assessment of the possibility of a denominational plan for church members as well as employees.
For more information about the Brethren Insurance Plans, call BBT at 800-746-1505.
Source: 7/07/2005 Newsline
top
The delegate body of the 2005 Annual Conference adopted a resolution on the Brethren Medical Plan brought by Brethren Benefit Trust (BBT). The Brethren Medical Plan is a health insurance plan for Church of the Brethren pastors and church employees, district employees, employees of Annual Conference agencies and affiliated agencies and institutions, and their families.
"There are times in the journey when we come to a crossroads. The Brethren Medical Plan has come to a crossroads," said Standing Committee member Tim Button-Harrison introducing a recommendation that the resolution be adopted and a committee of four be elected to answer questions raised in the resolution. The Conference elected to the committee James C. Gibbel, an insurance agent and former member of the BBT board, of Lititz (Pa.) Church of the Brethren; Brian Markle, a licensed minister, of Bermudian Church of the Brethren, East Berlin, Pa.; Willie Hisey Pierson, an insurance marketing manager, of Neighborhood (Boulder Hill) Church of the Brethren, Montgomery, Ill.; and Donna Shumate, a lawyer and retiring General Board chair, of Peak Creek Church of the Brethren in Laurel Spring, N.C.
BBT has announced that the plan is in a "death spiral" caused by decreased membership, the erosion of a good spread of risk, increased health care costs, and increased premiums. BBT brought the resolution for three reasons, reported chair C. Richard Pogue: "One, the Brethren Medical Plan is important to the church. Two, the Brethren Medical Plan's future is in peril. And three, the plan belongs to the church, it belongs to all of us."
The resolution gives biblical and historical background, lists the status of medical insurance in the denomination, and asks for a study committee to evaluate the plan and "assess the continuing need for and feasibility of a denominational medical insurance plan for employees of congregations, districts, and church-related agencies." The resolution also calls on every eligible congregation, district, and church-related agency to participate in the plan from 2006 through at least the conclusion of the study.
During a short discussion, delegates expressed concern for those who are uninsurable elsewhere, asked for consideration of working with other denominations on the issue, and added a question to a list that will be presented to the committee, asking for assessment of the possibility of a denominational plan for church members as well as employees.
For more information about the Brethren Insurance Plans, call BBT at 800-746-1505.
Source: 7/07/2005 Newsline
top
Conference delegates do denominational 'housekeeping.'
The Annual Conference made changes in the polity of the Conference and the General Board, among other business transacted in Peoria.
The relatively minor polity changes bring the documents into conformity with current practice. The delegates added an item to a list of purposes and functions of the General Board, to "provide leadership in prophetic social policy development for the denomination."
A "New Mandate for the Review and Evaluation Committee" expands this regularly scheduled review of the denomination's ministries, which occurs every ten years. The mandate was revised to include total denominational structure and program in light of the multiple agency structure put in place since the last such review. A five-member committee was elected (see below).
The Doing Church Business Study Committee and the Intercultural Study Committee brought interim reports. Each committee received an extension of one year for further study.
The Cross Cultural Ministries Team gave a brief report called for by the Caring for the Poor decision of the 2000 Annual Conference, which asked for an update in 2005. The delegate body agreed to a suggestion for a more complete report to come in 2006.
Bethany Theological Seminary gave a report on its centennial celebration. A slide show and readings reviewed the history of the seminary, structured around the tenures of its presidents, followed by stories of the ministries of its alumni. Some of the "nameless servants" who have had an impact on the school were recognized. "Bethany has lived on the trusted work of servants whose names are little known or not remembered," said president Eugene Roop. Academic dean Stephen Reid reported that more than 2,000 people have studied at Bethany since 1905. In other Conference events celebrating the centennial, an alumni choir sang a new hymn commissioned for the event: "A Pilgrimage of Faith," by Steve Engle and Frank Ramirez. Two new books were introduced as well: "The Bethany Seminary Centennial History," and "Bethany Daze" giving anecdotes of life at the seminary by Fred Swartz (order from Brethren Press, 800-441-3712).
A multimedia report, "Alive '05--Making Glad the City of God," opened the Conference business sessions with what the moderator called "a thumbnail sketch of what God is doing through the work of this denomination." The presentation featured testimonies of a variety of ministries of Brethren individuals, congregations, and the denomination, interspersed with music. Psalm 46 punctuated the presentation: "There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God." Stories of personal and communal transformation included that of Felix Lohitai, peace studies student at Manchester College who was formerly a soldier in the Sudan People's Liberation Army; Richard Propes' wheelchair tours on behalf of abused children; Nick Kauffman's experience as a young conscientious objector; and the responses of the Brethren to the tsunami, among many others.
The delegate body received a report of a recent trip to Sudan by moderator Jim Hardenbrook and Brethren Witness/Washington Office director Phil Jones. The two were part of a small delegation of interfaith leaders from the US that visited the capital city of Khartoum, and a camp of refugees fleeing violence in Darfur. The visit included a meeting with the president of Sudan. "There is a deep hope for peace throughout Sudan," Hardenbrook said. "I don't think this was true six month ago, a year ago. There is a window of opportunity there."
Other reports were give by the Association of Brethren Caregivers, Brethren Benefit Trust, the General Board, On Earth Peace, those working on TOGETHER: Conversations on Being the Church, the 300th Anniversary Committee, the Committee on Interchurch Relations, the National and World Councils of Churches, the Standing Committee, and a report on a new inter-agency Outreach Planning Packet available free to congregations titled, "As One Church." In the Program and Arrangement Committee's report it was announced that the 2010 Annual Conference will be held in Pittsburgh, Pa., July 3-7. In the report from the Pastoral Compensation and Benefits Advisory Committee, the delegates approved a 2.8 percent pastoral scale increase. Delegates also took time for stories of how the Brethren are a living peace church.
The body welcomed new congregations and fellowships: La Casa Del Amigo, Arecibo, P.R.; Lirio de Los Valles, Lebanon, Pa., New Beginnings, Manheim, Pa.; Maranatha Multicultural, Lancaster, Pa.; Trinity, Shippensburg, Pa.; Jesu Cristo El Camino, Hendersonville, N.C.; New Creation, Morrisville, Pa.; Mountain View, McGaheysville, Va.; Living Faith, Concord, N.C.; Knight's Chapel, Barboursville, Va.
Source: 7/07/2005 Newsline
top
The Annual Conference made changes in the polity of the Conference and the General Board, among other business transacted in Peoria.
The relatively minor polity changes bring the documents into conformity with current practice. The delegates added an item to a list of purposes and functions of the General Board, to "provide leadership in prophetic social policy development for the denomination."
A "New Mandate for the Review and Evaluation Committee" expands this regularly scheduled review of the denomination's ministries, which occurs every ten years. The mandate was revised to include total denominational structure and program in light of the multiple agency structure put in place since the last such review. A five-member committee was elected (see below).
The Doing Church Business Study Committee and the Intercultural Study Committee brought interim reports. Each committee received an extension of one year for further study.
The Cross Cultural Ministries Team gave a brief report called for by the Caring for the Poor decision of the 2000 Annual Conference, which asked for an update in 2005. The delegate body agreed to a suggestion for a more complete report to come in 2006.
Bethany Theological Seminary gave a report on its centennial celebration. A slide show and readings reviewed the history of the seminary, structured around the tenures of its presidents, followed by stories of the ministries of its alumni. Some of the "nameless servants" who have had an impact on the school were recognized. "Bethany has lived on the trusted work of servants whose names are little known or not remembered," said president Eugene Roop. Academic dean Stephen Reid reported that more than 2,000 people have studied at Bethany since 1905. In other Conference events celebrating the centennial, an alumni choir sang a new hymn commissioned for the event: "A Pilgrimage of Faith," by Steve Engle and Frank Ramirez. Two new books were introduced as well: "The Bethany Seminary Centennial History," and "Bethany Daze" giving anecdotes of life at the seminary by Fred Swartz (order from Brethren Press, 800-441-3712).
A multimedia report, "Alive '05--Making Glad the City of God," opened the Conference business sessions with what the moderator called "a thumbnail sketch of what God is doing through the work of this denomination." The presentation featured testimonies of a variety of ministries of Brethren individuals, congregations, and the denomination, interspersed with music. Psalm 46 punctuated the presentation: "There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God." Stories of personal and communal transformation included that of Felix Lohitai, peace studies student at Manchester College who was formerly a soldier in the Sudan People's Liberation Army; Richard Propes' wheelchair tours on behalf of abused children; Nick Kauffman's experience as a young conscientious objector; and the responses of the Brethren to the tsunami, among many others.
The delegate body received a report of a recent trip to Sudan by moderator Jim Hardenbrook and Brethren Witness/Washington Office director Phil Jones. The two were part of a small delegation of interfaith leaders from the US that visited the capital city of Khartoum, and a camp of refugees fleeing violence in Darfur. The visit included a meeting with the president of Sudan. "There is a deep hope for peace throughout Sudan," Hardenbrook said. "I don't think this was true six month ago, a year ago. There is a window of opportunity there."
Other reports were give by the Association of Brethren Caregivers, Brethren Benefit Trust, the General Board, On Earth Peace, those working on TOGETHER: Conversations on Being the Church, the 300th Anniversary Committee, the Committee on Interchurch Relations, the National and World Councils of Churches, the Standing Committee, and a report on a new inter-agency Outreach Planning Packet available free to congregations titled, "As One Church." In the Program and Arrangement Committee's report it was announced that the 2010 Annual Conference will be held in Pittsburgh, Pa., July 3-7. In the report from the Pastoral Compensation and Benefits Advisory Committee, the delegates approved a 2.8 percent pastoral scale increase. Delegates also took time for stories of how the Brethren are a living peace church.
The body welcomed new congregations and fellowships: La Casa Del Amigo, Arecibo, P.R.; Lirio de Los Valles, Lebanon, Pa., New Beginnings, Manheim, Pa.; Maranatha Multicultural, Lancaster, Pa.; Trinity, Shippensburg, Pa.; Jesu Cristo El Camino, Hendersonville, N.C.; New Creation, Morrisville, Pa.; Mountain View, McGaheysville, Va.; Living Faith, Concord, N.C.; Knight's Chapel, Barboursville, Va.
Source: 7/07/2005 Newsline
top
New church leaders are chosen by election at Annual Conference.
The 2005 Annual Conference election results are listed below, by position, followed by those appointments affirmed or approved to the boards of Annual Conference agencies.
MODERATOR-ELECT: Belita D. (Brewington) Mitchell
ANNUAL CONFERENCE COUNCIL: James F. Myer
PROGRAM AND ARRANGEMENTS COMMITTEE: Kristi A. Kellerman
PASTORAL COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS ADVISORY COMMITTEE: David Shoup
REVIEW AND EVALUATION COMMITTEE: Michaela Camps, Rebecca Baile Crouse, Craig L. Gandy, Paul Hoffman, James Edward Martinez
ASSOCIATION OF BRETHREN CAREGIVERS (ABC): Brian S. Black, Heather L. Neff
BETHANY THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY TRUSTEE--MINISTRY: John David Bowman;
LAITY: Ted Flory
BRETHREN BENEFIT TRUST (BBT): Carol Ann Jackson Greenwood
ON EARTH PEACE: Sarah Quinter Malone
COMMITTEE ON INTERCHURCH RELATIONS: Ilexene Alphonse
Appointments affirmed or approved include: Allegra Hess, John Katonah, and Dan McRoberts to the ABC board; Elaine L. Gibbel and J. Paul Wampler to the Bethany board; Gail Morgan Habecker to the BBT board; Ken Edwards and Debbie Roberts to the On Earth Peace board; and district nominees Bruce Holderreed (Idaho) and Ramona Pence (Shenandoah), and at-large nominees Marian Thornton and Kate Spire to the General Board.
Source: 7/07/2005 Newsline
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The 2005 Annual Conference election results are listed below, by position, followed by those appointments affirmed or approved to the boards of Annual Conference agencies.
MODERATOR-ELECT: Belita D. (Brewington) Mitchell
ANNUAL CONFERENCE COUNCIL: James F. Myer
PROGRAM AND ARRANGEMENTS COMMITTEE: Kristi A. Kellerman
PASTORAL COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS ADVISORY COMMITTEE: David Shoup
REVIEW AND EVALUATION COMMITTEE: Michaela Camps, Rebecca Baile Crouse, Craig L. Gandy, Paul Hoffman, James Edward Martinez
ASSOCIATION OF BRETHREN CAREGIVERS (ABC): Brian S. Black, Heather L. Neff
BETHANY THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY TRUSTEE--MINISTRY: John David Bowman;
LAITY: Ted Flory
BRETHREN BENEFIT TRUST (BBT): Carol Ann Jackson Greenwood
ON EARTH PEACE: Sarah Quinter Malone
COMMITTEE ON INTERCHURCH RELATIONS: Ilexene Alphonse
Appointments affirmed or approved include: Allegra Hess, John Katonah, and Dan McRoberts to the ABC board; Elaine L. Gibbel and J. Paul Wampler to the Bethany board; Gail Morgan Habecker to the BBT board; Ken Edwards and Debbie Roberts to the On Earth Peace board; and district nominees Bruce Holderreed (Idaho) and Ramona Pence (Shenandoah), and at-large nominees Marian Thornton and Kate Spire to the General Board.
Source: 7/07/2005 Newsline
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Standing Committee approves Annual Conference strategic plan.
The Standing Committee of representatives from the 23 districts of the Church of the Brethren held three days of meetings prior to Annual Conference in Peoria, Ill. The committee met June 29-July 2. Conference moderator Jim Hardenbrook chaired the meeting.
A new "Strategic Plan to Guide the Staff and Volunteers of the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference" was adopted by Standing Committee. The plan was brought by the Annual Conference Council. The plan's mission and vision statements, list of core values, and objectives were shared with the Conference delegates. The plan also includes a ministry analysis of the Conference, strategic actions to achieve objectives, an implementation and evaluation plan. The entire strategic plan will be made available on the Annual Conference website, reported executive director Lerry Fogle. The plan is considered a working document, said Hardenbrook, and further suggestions for the plan from Standing Committee and others will continue to be received and considered by the council.
New members were elected to subcommittees of Standing Committee. New members Don Fitzkee, M. Anne Whited, Larry Dentler, and Glenn Bollinger joined continuing members Bruce Hostetler, Kathryn Ludwick, Ron McAdams, and Sue Ellen Wheatley on the Nominating Committee. The appeals committee for 2005-06 will be David Stauffer, Emily Mumma, and Kreston Lipscomb, with Charles Simmons and J. Michael Varner as alternates.
A consultation with the Annual Conference agencies was held with executives and board chairs of the Association of Brethren Caregivers, Bethany Theological Seminary, Brethren Benefit Trust, the General Board, and On Earth Peace. A representative of the Council of District Executives also gave a short presentation. Agency representatives answered three questions: "How has your agency been able to fulfill these calls?" (referring to the Annual Conference theme, "Fixing our eyes on Jesus," and the Church of the Brethren tagline, "Continuing the work of Jesus..."), "What has caused you to go hmmm...?" and "What have you been able to celebrate?" The representatives also answered Standing Committee members' questions in small groups.
In an "envisioning time" a subcommittee led small group discussions of two questions: "What is the best way to develop and call leadership in the church?" and "How to answer the call to be in loving relationship and respectful dialogue especially when we disagree?" These are the two questions that "rose to the top" at envisioning sessions led by Standing Committee members at district conferences over the past year, said Nathan Polzin, a member of the envisioning committee. The small groups used a model process for doing envisioning, briefly listing statements in favor and statements against, then brainstorming options for answering the questions. The options lists were brought back to the large group and will be passed on to the envisioning subcommittee for next year's meeting. Concerns raised during the discussion will also be communicated to those planning the TOGETHER: Conversations on Being the Church, Hardenbrook said.
Standing Committee received reports from districts; from the international Church of the Brethren given by Merv Keeney, executive director of Global Mission Partnerships for the General Board; from the Anniversary Committee planning the 300th anniversary celebration for the Church of the Brethren in 2008; from those working on TOGETHER: Conversations on Being the Church; and from the Annual Conference Council during which appreciation was given to Earl Ziegler and Chris Bowman who are ending their terms of service on the council. The Nominating Committee gave a preliminary report on a process for making online nominations for denominational positions. The process is to be up and running later this summer, and will include automatic e-mailing of nomination forms to the Annual Conference office, and automatic notification of nominees by e-mail.
The committee also fulfilled one of its main functions, to make recommendation to the Annual Conference delegate body on each item of new business.
Source: 7/07/2005 Newsline
top
The Standing Committee of representatives from the 23 districts of the Church of the Brethren held three days of meetings prior to Annual Conference in Peoria, Ill. The committee met June 29-July 2. Conference moderator Jim Hardenbrook chaired the meeting.
A new "Strategic Plan to Guide the Staff and Volunteers of the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference" was adopted by Standing Committee. The plan was brought by the Annual Conference Council. The plan's mission and vision statements, list of core values, and objectives were shared with the Conference delegates. The plan also includes a ministry analysis of the Conference, strategic actions to achieve objectives, an implementation and evaluation plan. The entire strategic plan will be made available on the Annual Conference website, reported executive director Lerry Fogle. The plan is considered a working document, said Hardenbrook, and further suggestions for the plan from Standing Committee and others will continue to be received and considered by the council.
New members were elected to subcommittees of Standing Committee. New members Don Fitzkee, M. Anne Whited, Larry Dentler, and Glenn Bollinger joined continuing members Bruce Hostetler, Kathryn Ludwick, Ron McAdams, and Sue Ellen Wheatley on the Nominating Committee. The appeals committee for 2005-06 will be David Stauffer, Emily Mumma, and Kreston Lipscomb, with Charles Simmons and J. Michael Varner as alternates.
A consultation with the Annual Conference agencies was held with executives and board chairs of the Association of Brethren Caregivers, Bethany Theological Seminary, Brethren Benefit Trust, the General Board, and On Earth Peace. A representative of the Council of District Executives also gave a short presentation. Agency representatives answered three questions: "How has your agency been able to fulfill these calls?" (referring to the Annual Conference theme, "Fixing our eyes on Jesus," and the Church of the Brethren tagline, "Continuing the work of Jesus..."), "What has caused you to go hmmm...?" and "What have you been able to celebrate?" The representatives also answered Standing Committee members' questions in small groups.
In an "envisioning time" a subcommittee led small group discussions of two questions: "What is the best way to develop and call leadership in the church?" and "How to answer the call to be in loving relationship and respectful dialogue especially when we disagree?" These are the two questions that "rose to the top" at envisioning sessions led by Standing Committee members at district conferences over the past year, said Nathan Polzin, a member of the envisioning committee. The small groups used a model process for doing envisioning, briefly listing statements in favor and statements against, then brainstorming options for answering the questions. The options lists were brought back to the large group and will be passed on to the envisioning subcommittee for next year's meeting. Concerns raised during the discussion will also be communicated to those planning the TOGETHER: Conversations on Being the Church, Hardenbrook said.
Standing Committee received reports from districts; from the international Church of the Brethren given by Merv Keeney, executive director of Global Mission Partnerships for the General Board; from the Anniversary Committee planning the 300th anniversary celebration for the Church of the Brethren in 2008; from those working on TOGETHER: Conversations on Being the Church; and from the Annual Conference Council during which appreciation was given to Earl Ziegler and Chris Bowman who are ending their terms of service on the council. The Nominating Committee gave a preliminary report on a process for making online nominations for denominational positions. The process is to be up and running later this summer, and will include automatic e-mailing of nomination forms to the Annual Conference office, and automatic notification of nominees by e-mail.
The committee also fulfilled one of its main functions, to make recommendation to the Annual Conference delegate body on each item of new business.
Source: 7/07/2005 Newsline
top
General Board sets 2006 budget parameter, issues resolutions on Sudan and World Friendship Center in Hiroshima
Finances were at the top of the General Board agenda in its pre-Conference meeting in Peoria, Ill., on July 2. A 2006 budget parameter of $5,618,000 was set, following financial reports and projections. The board also received reports, passed a resolution on the 40th anniversary of the World Friendship Center in Hiroshima, Japan, and added a member to the staff Leadership Team.
In its reorganization meeting on July 4, the General Board passed a resolution on Sudan to the Annual Conference officers, for consideration by the 2005 Annual Conference, and named a new chair and executive committee members.
The financial report included information on long-range financial planning. Projections for 2006 are for a balanced budget of $5,618,000. In later years, however, projections are for expense over income based on a variety of factors including uncertainties in market fluctuations and medical insurance. The board also was presented with a first read-through of revisions of financial policy.
The board approved a new member of the staff Leadership Team: executive director of the Ministry Office. This moves the Ministry Office, along with district ministry and the General Board's portion of the Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership, from the Congregational Life Ministries to report directly to the general secretary. Mary Jo Flory Steury, director of Ministry, will begin as executive director of Ministry effective July 17.
The 40th anniversary of the World Friendship Center was celebrated with a resolution commending the center "for its tireless efforts to work for peace, share stories about the personal suffering caused by nuclear weapons, and build friendships across borders." The resolution recalled the Center's partnership with Brethren Volunteer Service through volunteers who have served as hosts. "We honor the past and express hope for the future by reaffirming, with you, our commitment to creating a world free from both nuclear weapons and war," the resolution said.
The report of general secretary Stan Noffsinger highlighted ecumenical documents he has signed recently on behalf of the board and the church, especially an open letter on Iraq addressed to the American people from the National Council of Churches (NCC) governing board. Noffsinger was part of a "committee of reference" that worked on "A Call to Speak Out." The letter's release was timed to coincide with the fourth of July weekend, and was to be published in several major newspapers across the country. The NCC invites all concerned Christians and citizens to sign the letter via a website. As of June 30, about 630 religious leaders and more than 15,000 other people have endorsed the letter, the NCC said, adding that "religious leaders and persons of faith continue to e-mail their affirmations at a rate of several hundred a day."
Noffsinger called the letter "a pretty strong statement" against the war in Iraq. The document reads in part: "...We believe in the transcendent sovereignty and love of God for creation, and that the responsibility of human beings is thus to pursue justice and peace for all. We also believe that, as the biblical prophets of old, who in faithfulness to God spoke out to a people and a nation they loved, in humility before God we too are to speak to a land and people we love.... On the day we celebrate our freedom, we acknowledge that the freedom promised in the toppling of a dictator has been replaced by the humiliation of occupation and the violence of a civil war. The sacrifice of brave men and women has been used to serve policies that have diminished our nation's prestige and our capacity to be agents of justice in the world." See http://ga3.org/campaign/endorsement for more information.
In discussion of the letter, board members affirmed Brethren participation but expressed concern about its lack of scripture references for the peace witness, and suggested that an accompanying cover page list biblical background and Brethren background when this and other such documents are shared with staff and congregations.
Noffsinger also reported that he and Kathy Reid, executive director of the Association of Brethren Caregivers, plan to work together on the idea of creating a study committee on the issue of stem cell research.
The report on a recent trip to Sudan by Annual Conference moderator Jim Hardenbrook and Brethren Witness/Washington Office director Phil Jones prompted the board to write a resolution reaffirming the Church of the Brethren commitment to work in Sudan. On July 4, the board passed a resolution on Sudan to the Annual Conference officers for consideration by the 2005 Annual Conference. The short document "recognizes that God calls the Church of the Brethren to continue to minister to the people of Sudan," and recommits the church to peace-building efforts and continuation of Brethren work in southern Sudan.
Other reports were received on the Mission Alive '05 conference, the new Growing Faithful Disciples resource, and from mission staff Irv and Nancy Heishman, working in the Dominican Republic, and Greg and Karin Davidson Laszakovitz, working in Brazil. Stewardship of Property Committee chair Dale Roth gave an update of the group's work and current listening sessions. A report on staff work related to conscientious objection and preparations for the eventuality of a military draft was given by Jones and Brethren Volunteer Service director Dan McFadden, who are working with staff of On Earth Peace and ecumenical partners to create resources for conscientious objection and to plan for alternative service opportunities.
Noffsinger told the board of a new way Annual Conference agencies will report to district conferences, beginning this year. The five agencies will share a 15-20 minute time slot in most districts, beginning with a five-minute video on the vision and mission of the agencies, followed by a presentation by two of the agencies. Over a three-year period every agency will have the opportunity to report to all 23 district conferences.
Staff citations were given for Julie Hostetter and Jeff and Peggy Boshart. Citations also recognized outgoing General Board members Carol Kussart, J.D. Glick, Doug Price, and Donna Shumate, who has served as chair. Outgoing members were given plaques representing a donation of over $1,000 to the Emerging Global Mission Fund in their honor by continuing board members. The gift is seen as a model for others to recognize service with donations to the fund's New Birth New Life campaign.
In the board's reorganization, Glenn Mitchell was selected as chair. Others named to the Executive Committee are Jeff Neuman-Lee, vice chair, along with Jaime Diaz, Vickie Samland, David Sollenberger, and Angie Lehman Yoder.
Greetings were brought by Anastacia Bueno Beltre from the Church of the Brethren in the Dominican Republic, and by Toma Ragnjiya of the Ekklesiyar Yan'uwa a Nigeria (EYN--the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria), who is studying in the US. He affirmed the board's concern for Sudan and for peace in Iraq, expressing the EYN's concern for peace in the north of Nigeria.
The board closed its pre-Conference meeting with a dedication of the General Board exhibit.
Source: 7/07/2005 Newsline
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Finances were at the top of the General Board agenda in its pre-Conference meeting in Peoria, Ill., on July 2. A 2006 budget parameter of $5,618,000 was set, following financial reports and projections. The board also received reports, passed a resolution on the 40th anniversary of the World Friendship Center in Hiroshima, Japan, and added a member to the staff Leadership Team.
In its reorganization meeting on July 4, the General Board passed a resolution on Sudan to the Annual Conference officers, for consideration by the 2005 Annual Conference, and named a new chair and executive committee members.
The financial report included information on long-range financial planning. Projections for 2006 are for a balanced budget of $5,618,000. In later years, however, projections are for expense over income based on a variety of factors including uncertainties in market fluctuations and medical insurance. The board also was presented with a first read-through of revisions of financial policy.
The board approved a new member of the staff Leadership Team: executive director of the Ministry Office. This moves the Ministry Office, along with district ministry and the General Board's portion of the Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership, from the Congregational Life Ministries to report directly to the general secretary. Mary Jo Flory Steury, director of Ministry, will begin as executive director of Ministry effective July 17.
The 40th anniversary of the World Friendship Center was celebrated with a resolution commending the center "for its tireless efforts to work for peace, share stories about the personal suffering caused by nuclear weapons, and build friendships across borders." The resolution recalled the Center's partnership with Brethren Volunteer Service through volunteers who have served as hosts. "We honor the past and express hope for the future by reaffirming, with you, our commitment to creating a world free from both nuclear weapons and war," the resolution said.
The report of general secretary Stan Noffsinger highlighted ecumenical documents he has signed recently on behalf of the board and the church, especially an open letter on Iraq addressed to the American people from the National Council of Churches (NCC) governing board. Noffsinger was part of a "committee of reference" that worked on "A Call to Speak Out." The letter's release was timed to coincide with the fourth of July weekend, and was to be published in several major newspapers across the country. The NCC invites all concerned Christians and citizens to sign the letter via a website. As of June 30, about 630 religious leaders and more than 15,000 other people have endorsed the letter, the NCC said, adding that "religious leaders and persons of faith continue to e-mail their affirmations at a rate of several hundred a day."
Noffsinger called the letter "a pretty strong statement" against the war in Iraq. The document reads in part: "...We believe in the transcendent sovereignty and love of God for creation, and that the responsibility of human beings is thus to pursue justice and peace for all. We also believe that, as the biblical prophets of old, who in faithfulness to God spoke out to a people and a nation they loved, in humility before God we too are to speak to a land and people we love.... On the day we celebrate our freedom, we acknowledge that the freedom promised in the toppling of a dictator has been replaced by the humiliation of occupation and the violence of a civil war. The sacrifice of brave men and women has been used to serve policies that have diminished our nation's prestige and our capacity to be agents of justice in the world." See http://ga3.org/campaign/endorsement for more information.
In discussion of the letter, board members affirmed Brethren participation but expressed concern about its lack of scripture references for the peace witness, and suggested that an accompanying cover page list biblical background and Brethren background when this and other such documents are shared with staff and congregations.
Noffsinger also reported that he and Kathy Reid, executive director of the Association of Brethren Caregivers, plan to work together on the idea of creating a study committee on the issue of stem cell research.
The report on a recent trip to Sudan by Annual Conference moderator Jim Hardenbrook and Brethren Witness/Washington Office director Phil Jones prompted the board to write a resolution reaffirming the Church of the Brethren commitment to work in Sudan. On July 4, the board passed a resolution on Sudan to the Annual Conference officers for consideration by the 2005 Annual Conference. The short document "recognizes that God calls the Church of the Brethren to continue to minister to the people of Sudan," and recommits the church to peace-building efforts and continuation of Brethren work in southern Sudan.
Other reports were received on the Mission Alive '05 conference, the new Growing Faithful Disciples resource, and from mission staff Irv and Nancy Heishman, working in the Dominican Republic, and Greg and Karin Davidson Laszakovitz, working in Brazil. Stewardship of Property Committee chair Dale Roth gave an update of the group's work and current listening sessions. A report on staff work related to conscientious objection and preparations for the eventuality of a military draft was given by Jones and Brethren Volunteer Service director Dan McFadden, who are working with staff of On Earth Peace and ecumenical partners to create resources for conscientious objection and to plan for alternative service opportunities.
Noffsinger told the board of a new way Annual Conference agencies will report to district conferences, beginning this year. The five agencies will share a 15-20 minute time slot in most districts, beginning with a five-minute video on the vision and mission of the agencies, followed by a presentation by two of the agencies. Over a three-year period every agency will have the opportunity to report to all 23 district conferences.
Staff citations were given for Julie Hostetter and Jeff and Peggy Boshart. Citations also recognized outgoing General Board members Carol Kussart, J.D. Glick, Doug Price, and Donna Shumate, who has served as chair. Outgoing members were given plaques representing a donation of over $1,000 to the Emerging Global Mission Fund in their honor by continuing board members. The gift is seen as a model for others to recognize service with donations to the fund's New Birth New Life campaign.
In the board's reorganization, Glenn Mitchell was selected as chair. Others named to the Executive Committee are Jeff Neuman-Lee, vice chair, along with Jaime Diaz, Vickie Samland, David Sollenberger, and Angie Lehman Yoder.
Greetings were brought by Anastacia Bueno Beltre from the Church of the Brethren in the Dominican Republic, and by Toma Ragnjiya of the Ekklesiyar Yan'uwa a Nigeria (EYN--the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria), who is studying in the US. He affirmed the board's concern for Sudan and for peace in Iraq, expressing the EYN's concern for peace in the north of Nigeria.
The board closed its pre-Conference meeting with a dedication of the General Board exhibit.
Source: 7/07/2005 Newsline
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Volunteers raise funds for Brethren hunger response.
One of the untold tales of hunger response is the creative way volunteers give time and talent to support global food security development, reports Howard Royer, manager of the General Board's Global Food Crisis Fund.
In Harrisonburg, Va., the newly opened Tried and True thrift shop raises money through the resale of used clothing, dividing its "first fruits" proceeds between the Global Food Crisis Fund and Mennonite Central Committee. An initial check for $1,000 was received this spring from Ken and Deb Layman, managers of the joint Brethren and Mennonite venture.
Folksinger and storyteller Joseph Helfrich of Bradford, Ohio, released a CD titled "Make a Difference" as a benefit to the fund. The 19 songs by Helfrich and other musicians were recorded at the 2001 Song and Story Fest at Shepherd's Spring in Maryland. Since its release two years ago, Brethren Press has reported quarterly sales of from $100 to $200. In addition, Helfrich this spring sent a check for $1,000 from his own sales of the album. (Order from Brethren Press, call 800-441-3712.)
This June the volunteer servers at St. Martin's Table, a bookstore and restaurant in Minneapolis, Minn., passed their tips on to the Global Food Crisis Fund. An outreach ministry of the Community of St. Martin, the enterprise provides "food for thought" by selling books that promote inclusiveness, nonviolence, justice, and care for creation. The ministry also serves vegetarian meals and locally grown organic foods as a celebration of God's gifts, and hosts conversation and evening programs on peacemaking, justice issues, the arts, and community building. Mysti Roberts Murphy, a 1995-98 Brethren Volunteer Service worker, is the volunteer coordinator. Tips average about $2,000 a month.
A portion of the money raised at the Quilt Auction held each year at Annual Conference also is contributed to the Global Food Crisis Fund. The auction is sponsored by the Association for the Arts in the Church of the Brethren and supported by the many people who send blocks from congregations across the country, and those who gather to help quilt the squares together during the Conference. This year the auction raised a total of $21,450.
A youth "walking workcamp" that walked some 100 miles to Peoria to attend Annual Conference also raised funds for the Global Food Crisis Fund and the General Board's Emergency Disaster Fund. The group received sponsorships of over $4,000.
Source: 7/07/2005 Newsline
top
One of the untold tales of hunger response is the creative way volunteers give time and talent to support global food security development, reports Howard Royer, manager of the General Board's Global Food Crisis Fund.
In Harrisonburg, Va., the newly opened Tried and True thrift shop raises money through the resale of used clothing, dividing its "first fruits" proceeds between the Global Food Crisis Fund and Mennonite Central Committee. An initial check for $1,000 was received this spring from Ken and Deb Layman, managers of the joint Brethren and Mennonite venture.
Folksinger and storyteller Joseph Helfrich of Bradford, Ohio, released a CD titled "Make a Difference" as a benefit to the fund. The 19 songs by Helfrich and other musicians were recorded at the 2001 Song and Story Fest at Shepherd's Spring in Maryland. Since its release two years ago, Brethren Press has reported quarterly sales of from $100 to $200. In addition, Helfrich this spring sent a check for $1,000 from his own sales of the album. (Order from Brethren Press, call 800-441-3712.)
This June the volunteer servers at St. Martin's Table, a bookstore and restaurant in Minneapolis, Minn., passed their tips on to the Global Food Crisis Fund. An outreach ministry of the Community of St. Martin, the enterprise provides "food for thought" by selling books that promote inclusiveness, nonviolence, justice, and care for creation. The ministry also serves vegetarian meals and locally grown organic foods as a celebration of God's gifts, and hosts conversation and evening programs on peacemaking, justice issues, the arts, and community building. Mysti Roberts Murphy, a 1995-98 Brethren Volunteer Service worker, is the volunteer coordinator. Tips average about $2,000 a month.
A portion of the money raised at the Quilt Auction held each year at Annual Conference also is contributed to the Global Food Crisis Fund. The auction is sponsored by the Association for the Arts in the Church of the Brethren and supported by the many people who send blocks from congregations across the country, and those who gather to help quilt the squares together during the Conference. This year the auction raised a total of $21,450.
A youth "walking workcamp" that walked some 100 miles to Peoria to attend Annual Conference also raised funds for the Global Food Crisis Fund and the General Board's Emergency Disaster Fund. The group received sponsorships of over $4,000.
Source: 7/07/2005 Newsline
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Young Adult Conference explores the art of provocation.
More than 130 young adults explored the art of provocation at this year's Church of the Brethren Young Adult Conference. The gathering May 27-29 at Camp Woodland Altars near Peebles, Ohio, had as its theme, "Provoking Love and Good Deeds," based on Hebrews 10:24.
Worship formed the heart of the conference, with three speakers and a service of drama and multimedia examining aspects of the theme. Young adult Jim Stokes-Buckles of Putney, Vt., in the opening service noted Jesus Christ as a model of provocation. "He provoked people by loving those he wasn't supposed to love," Stokes-Buckles said. He challenged young adults to take the lead "at this critical junction of history."
Cliff Kindy, a member of Christian Peacemaker Teams, emphasized the need for people to stand up to "empires" that sacrifice the rest of the world for their purposes. "The Church of the Brethren has a different vision of the world that doesn't depend on diminishing or destroying other people," Kindy said. "It's a noble vision."
Jeff McAvoy and Carrie Fry-Miller performed a drama, interspersed with video clips, and Margo Miller-Royer closed the weekend with a series of reflections on relationships. That final service included a time of feetwashing.
Shawn Kirchner and Joseph Helfrich served as music leaders for the weekend; General Board staff members Becky Ullom and Walt Wiltschek were worship coordinators. The annual event is planned by the General Board's Youth and Young Adult Ministries office and its Young Adult Steering Committee.
Other features of the conference included "padare" workshops on a variety of topics, sharing time in small groups, a campfire, open mike coffeehouses, and an upbeat "joyful noise" singing session. An auction raised more than $200 for the General Board's Global Food Crisis Fund.
Source: 7/07/2005 Newsline
top
More than 130 young adults explored the art of provocation at this year's Church of the Brethren Young Adult Conference. The gathering May 27-29 at Camp Woodland Altars near Peebles, Ohio, had as its theme, "Provoking Love and Good Deeds," based on Hebrews 10:24.
Worship formed the heart of the conference, with three speakers and a service of drama and multimedia examining aspects of the theme. Young adult Jim Stokes-Buckles of Putney, Vt., in the opening service noted Jesus Christ as a model of provocation. "He provoked people by loving those he wasn't supposed to love," Stokes-Buckles said. He challenged young adults to take the lead "at this critical junction of history."
Cliff Kindy, a member of Christian Peacemaker Teams, emphasized the need for people to stand up to "empires" that sacrifice the rest of the world for their purposes. "The Church of the Brethren has a different vision of the world that doesn't depend on diminishing or destroying other people," Kindy said. "It's a noble vision."
Jeff McAvoy and Carrie Fry-Miller performed a drama, interspersed with video clips, and Margo Miller-Royer closed the weekend with a series of reflections on relationships. That final service included a time of feetwashing.
Shawn Kirchner and Joseph Helfrich served as music leaders for the weekend; General Board staff members Becky Ullom and Walt Wiltschek were worship coordinators. The annual event is planned by the General Board's Youth and Young Adult Ministries office and its Young Adult Steering Committee.
Other features of the conference included "padare" workshops on a variety of topics, sharing time in small groups, a campfire, open mike coffeehouses, and an upbeat "joyful noise" singing session. An auction raised more than $200 for the General Board's Global Food Crisis Fund.
Source: 7/07/2005 Newsline
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Brethren bit: Job opening.
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- The New Church Development Board of the Illinois and Wisconsin District seeks an "apostle" to help start new churches. The successful candidate will be knowledgeable and supportive of denominational polity and skillful at adapting procedures to meet the needs of the church planting movement in the district, and will have interest in working with a diverse population and immigrant groups that may worship in languages other than English. Responsibilities include training board members and training and coaching church planters and core team members of new church projects, and providing a ministry of presence to church planters and new church projects, as well as fundraising. Preferred qualifications include a master of divinity in church planting. Send a letter of interest and resume to Dennis E. Metzger, Chair, New Church Development Board, 1453 E. Walnut St., Chatham, IL 62629; d-v.metzger@att.net or sharing@NCDB.org. Applicants are requested to contact three people to provide a letter of reference. Upon receipt of a resume candidates will be sent a set of additional questions that must be completed and returned before the application process is considered complete. Application closes on Sept. 1.
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Credits
Newsline is produced by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of news services for the Church of the Brethren General Board, on every other Wednesday with other editions as needed. Newsline stories may be reprinted if Newsline is cited as the source. The Annual Conference news team contributed to this report: Kathleen Campanella, Hannah Edwards, Kendra Flory, Karen Garrett, Amy Heckert, Jill Kline, Sarah Kovacs, Frank Ramirez, Jesse Reid, Regina Roberts, Frances Townsend, Becky Ullom, and Sarah Leatherman Young. Others contributors are Mary Dulabaum, Nevin Dulabaum, Eddie Edmonds, Wendy McFadden, Howard Royer, and Walt Wiltschek.
Newsline is produced by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of news services for the Church of the Brethren General Board, on every other Wednesday with other editions as needed. Newsline stories may be reprinted if Newsline is cited as the source. The Annual Conference news team contributed to this report: Kathleen Campanella, Hannah Edwards, Kendra Flory, Karen Garrett, Amy Heckert, Jill Kline, Sarah Kovacs, Frank Ramirez, Jesse Reid, Regina Roberts, Frances Townsend, Becky Ullom, and Sarah Leatherman Young. Others contributors are Mary Dulabaum, Nevin Dulabaum, Eddie Edmonds, Wendy McFadden, Howard Royer, and Walt Wiltschek.
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