- Christian Peacemaker Teams volunteers abducted in Iraq.
- Emergency Disaster Fund gives $25,000 for relief in Africa.
- Middle Pennsylvania District Conference focuses on unity in Christ.
- Western Pennsylvania District holds its 139th conference.
- Virlina District Conference meets on theme, 'You Matter to God.'
- Brethren bits: Year-end donations, Annual Conference, job openings, and more.
Wednesday, November 30, 2005
NEWS
Christian Peacemaker Teams volunteers abducted in Iraq.
On Nov. 26, four people from Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT) were kidnaped after leaving a meeting in Baghdad. The four men--two CPT members and two from a CPT visiting delegation--are Tom Fox, age 54, from Clearbrook, Va.; Norman Kember, 74, from London, England; James Loney, 41, from Toronto, Canada; and Harmeet Singh Sooden, 32, a Canadian studying in New Zealand.
The CPT group was meeting in Baghdad with representatives of Iraqi nongovernmental organizations and other institutions, according to press releases from CPT. The abduction occurred as a CPT vehicle was stopped by two vehicles. Three men with pistols ordered the Iraqi driver and translator out of the vehicle, then drove off with the CPT members and the vehicle. The two Iraqis were released. The CPT vehicle was dumped soon after in a nearby neighborhood.
CPT has its roots in the historic peace churches--Mennonite, Brethren, and Quaker--and is an ecumenical violence-reduction program that places teams of trained peacemakers in areas of lethal conflict. It has been present in Iraq since Oct. 2002, providing humanitarian aid in the form of training and human rights documentation. "As part of the international peace movement, we opposed the invasion and occupation of Iraq, and have been providing first-hand independent reports from the region," CPT said. The CPT Iraq team has hosted a total of 120 people on 16 delegations over the last three years.
Loney is the program coordinator for CPT Canada and was leading the November delegation. He has been a member of CPT since Aug. 2000. On previous visits to Iraq, his work focused on taking testimonies from families of detainees for CPT reports on detainee abuse, and making recommendations for securing basic legal rights. In a personal statement to CPT, Loney had written, "I believe that our actions as a people of peace must be an expression of hope for everyone. My hope in practicing nonviolence is that I can be a conduit for the transformative power of God's love acting upon me as much as I hope it will act upon others around me."
Fox is a father of two children and for the past two years has worked with CPT in partnership with Iraqi human rights organizations. "He has been faithful in the observance of Quaker practice for 22 years," CPT said. "While in Iraq, he sought a more complete understanding of Islamic cultural richness. He is committed to telling the truth to US citizens about the horrors of war and its effects on ordinary Iraqi civilians and families as a result of US policies and practices." (See Fox's reflection in feature below.)
Kember and his wife of 45 years have two married daughters and a three-year old grandson. "He has been a pacifist all his life beginning with his work in a hospital instead of National Service at age 18," CPT said. "Before his retirement he was a professor teaching medical students at St. Bartholemew's Hospital in London. He is well-known as a peace activist."
Sooden is an electrical engineer studying for a masters degree in English literature in Auckland University in New Zealand, to prepare for a teaching career. "His family describes him as peaceful and fun-loving and he is known to be passionate about the plight of the underprivileged around the globe," CPT said. "He works tirelessly in his spare time to educate and help others."
CPT said that its policy is to pay no ransoms, and it rejects military or violent approaches to hostage situations. In a "Statement of Conviction," longterm CPT team members in Iraq stated that they "are aware of the many risks both Iraqis and internationals currently face," and affirmed that the risks did not outweigh their purpose in remaining. They expressed the hope that "in loving both friends and enemies and by intervening nonviolently to aid those who are systematically oppressed, we can contribute in some small way to transforming this volatile situation."
CPT did not publicize the abduction until after images of the CPT team members appeared on Al Jazeera television. "We were disturbed by seeing the video and believe that repeated showing of it will endanger the lives of our friends," CPT said in a release today. "We are deeply disturbed by their abduction. We pray that those who hold them will be merciful and that they will be released soon."
"Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT) has worked for the rights of Iraqi prisoners who have been illegally detained and abused by the US government," the release continued. "We were the first people to publicly denounce the torture of Iraqi people at the hands of US forces, long before the western media admitted what was happening at Abu Ghraib. We are some of the few internationals left in Iraq who are telling the truth about what is happening to the Iraqi people."
"We mourn today that members of CPT have been kidnaped and suffer at the hands of their captors," said a statement from Phil Jones, director of the Brethren Witness/Washington Office.
Jones continued with a call for Brethren to be in prayer. "As we pray for the safe release of these four Christian peace workers we also pray for the victims and families of the over 225 kidnapings and thousands of casualties of this war to date. We pray for the immediate families of those affected by deep pain and grief of war. We call upon the administration of this nation to consider its complicity and to refocus, redefine, and reshape its foreign policy. We pray that a true advent of peace might be revealed."
Since its inception in 1984 the Church of the Brethren has been a supporter of Christian Peacemaker Teams and its call to devote the same discipline and self-sacrifice to nonviolent peacemaking that armies devote to war, Jones said. For more information see www.cpt.org.
Source: 11/30/2005 Newsline
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On Nov. 26, four people from Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT) were kidnaped after leaving a meeting in Baghdad. The four men--two CPT members and two from a CPT visiting delegation--are Tom Fox, age 54, from Clearbrook, Va.; Norman Kember, 74, from London, England; James Loney, 41, from Toronto, Canada; and Harmeet Singh Sooden, 32, a Canadian studying in New Zealand.
The CPT group was meeting in Baghdad with representatives of Iraqi nongovernmental organizations and other institutions, according to press releases from CPT. The abduction occurred as a CPT vehicle was stopped by two vehicles. Three men with pistols ordered the Iraqi driver and translator out of the vehicle, then drove off with the CPT members and the vehicle. The two Iraqis were released. The CPT vehicle was dumped soon after in a nearby neighborhood.
CPT has its roots in the historic peace churches--Mennonite, Brethren, and Quaker--and is an ecumenical violence-reduction program that places teams of trained peacemakers in areas of lethal conflict. It has been present in Iraq since Oct. 2002, providing humanitarian aid in the form of training and human rights documentation. "As part of the international peace movement, we opposed the invasion and occupation of Iraq, and have been providing first-hand independent reports from the region," CPT said. The CPT Iraq team has hosted a total of 120 people on 16 delegations over the last three years.
Loney is the program coordinator for CPT Canada and was leading the November delegation. He has been a member of CPT since Aug. 2000. On previous visits to Iraq, his work focused on taking testimonies from families of detainees for CPT reports on detainee abuse, and making recommendations for securing basic legal rights. In a personal statement to CPT, Loney had written, "I believe that our actions as a people of peace must be an expression of hope for everyone. My hope in practicing nonviolence is that I can be a conduit for the transformative power of God's love acting upon me as much as I hope it will act upon others around me."
Fox is a father of two children and for the past two years has worked with CPT in partnership with Iraqi human rights organizations. "He has been faithful in the observance of Quaker practice for 22 years," CPT said. "While in Iraq, he sought a more complete understanding of Islamic cultural richness. He is committed to telling the truth to US citizens about the horrors of war and its effects on ordinary Iraqi civilians and families as a result of US policies and practices." (See Fox's reflection in feature below.)
Kember and his wife of 45 years have two married daughters and a three-year old grandson. "He has been a pacifist all his life beginning with his work in a hospital instead of National Service at age 18," CPT said. "Before his retirement he was a professor teaching medical students at St. Bartholemew's Hospital in London. He is well-known as a peace activist."
Sooden is an electrical engineer studying for a masters degree in English literature in Auckland University in New Zealand, to prepare for a teaching career. "His family describes him as peaceful and fun-loving and he is known to be passionate about the plight of the underprivileged around the globe," CPT said. "He works tirelessly in his spare time to educate and help others."
CPT said that its policy is to pay no ransoms, and it rejects military or violent approaches to hostage situations. In a "Statement of Conviction," longterm CPT team members in Iraq stated that they "are aware of the many risks both Iraqis and internationals currently face," and affirmed that the risks did not outweigh their purpose in remaining. They expressed the hope that "in loving both friends and enemies and by intervening nonviolently to aid those who are systematically oppressed, we can contribute in some small way to transforming this volatile situation."
CPT did not publicize the abduction until after images of the CPT team members appeared on Al Jazeera television. "We were disturbed by seeing the video and believe that repeated showing of it will endanger the lives of our friends," CPT said in a release today. "We are deeply disturbed by their abduction. We pray that those who hold them will be merciful and that they will be released soon."
"Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT) has worked for the rights of Iraqi prisoners who have been illegally detained and abused by the US government," the release continued. "We were the first people to publicly denounce the torture of Iraqi people at the hands of US forces, long before the western media admitted what was happening at Abu Ghraib. We are some of the few internationals left in Iraq who are telling the truth about what is happening to the Iraqi people."
"We mourn today that members of CPT have been kidnaped and suffer at the hands of their captors," said a statement from Phil Jones, director of the Brethren Witness/Washington Office.
Jones continued with a call for Brethren to be in prayer. "As we pray for the safe release of these four Christian peace workers we also pray for the victims and families of the over 225 kidnapings and thousands of casualties of this war to date. We pray for the immediate families of those affected by deep pain and grief of war. We call upon the administration of this nation to consider its complicity and to refocus, redefine, and reshape its foreign policy. We pray that a true advent of peace might be revealed."
Since its inception in 1984 the Church of the Brethren has been a supporter of Christian Peacemaker Teams and its call to devote the same discipline and self-sacrifice to nonviolent peacemaking that armies devote to war, Jones said. For more information see www.cpt.org.
Source: 11/30/2005 Newsline
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Emergency Disaster Fund gives $25,000 for relief in Africa.
Two grants totaling $25,000 have been given for disaster relief in Africa, from the General Board's Emergency Disaster Fund.
An allocation of $15,000 supports a Church World Service appeal for continuing relief and rehabilitation for the people of Angola. The funds will help provide seeds and agricultural tools, and help build schools and health clinics, improve sanitation, and provide clean water sources.
A grant of $10,000 supports a Church World Service appeal for drought assistance and pending famine in the West African nation of Burkina Faso. The funds will be used to provide millet, children's feeding formula, and re-hydration tables for nearly 63,000 people.
Source: 11/30/2005 Newsline
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Two grants totaling $25,000 have been given for disaster relief in Africa, from the General Board's Emergency Disaster Fund.
An allocation of $15,000 supports a Church World Service appeal for continuing relief and rehabilitation for the people of Angola. The funds will help provide seeds and agricultural tools, and help build schools and health clinics, improve sanitation, and provide clean water sources.
A grant of $10,000 supports a Church World Service appeal for drought assistance and pending famine in the West African nation of Burkina Faso. The funds will be used to provide millet, children's feeding formula, and re-hydration tables for nearly 63,000 people.
Source: 11/30/2005 Newsline
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Middle Pennsylvania District Conference focuses on unity in Christ.
The Middle Pennsylvania District Conference was held Oct. 7-8 at Stone Church of the Brethren in Huntingdon, Pa. Linda Banaszak of Clover Creek Church of the Brethren in Fredericksburg, Pa., served as moderator. Rodney Ritchey of Yellow Creek Church of the Brethren in Hopewell, Pa., designed and constructed the logo for the worship center using the theme, "Celebrating Our Unity in Christ." Fifty churches were represented with 167 delegates and 79 non-delegates.
Opening worship featured a district-wide choir conducted by Sarah Steele of Martinsburg (Pa.) Memorial Church of the Brethren, and the installation service for district minister David Steele, who began his work on March 1. He delivered the evening message, "A Fork in the Road." Connie Maclay, pastor at Beech Run Church of the Brethren in Mapleton Depot, Pa., delivered the Saturday morning message. Following lunch, the Youth Ministry Team led worship and members were consecrated.
An offering of "Pennies for Congregational Ministries" totaled $5,834.50, while $1,310.88 was collected for ministry education. Many laundry baskets filled with personal items were donated to benefit Huntingdon House, a facility for abused women and children. Break-out sessions included "Ask the District Minister," led by David Steele, and "Who's Calling?" with Christy Dowdy as leader.
In business sessions, James Ake of Stone Church of the Brethren was affirmed for another year as treasurer and a slate for district leadership was affirmed including Wayne Brockway, pastor of New Enterprise (Pa.) Church of the Brethren, as moderator-designate. He will assist moderator Barbara Rowe at the Oct. 20-21, 2006, district conference at Roaring Spring (Pa.) First Church of the Brethren.
Resources from the conference include a photo of the ministers present at the Friday evening banquet, which will be available on-line in the near future; and a Power Point presentation of church ministries shared Friday evening, created by Amy Crouse of Beech Run Church of the Brethren. For more about these resources contact the District Center at 814-643-0601.
Source: 11/30/2005 Newsline
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The Middle Pennsylvania District Conference was held Oct. 7-8 at Stone Church of the Brethren in Huntingdon, Pa. Linda Banaszak of Clover Creek Church of the Brethren in Fredericksburg, Pa., served as moderator. Rodney Ritchey of Yellow Creek Church of the Brethren in Hopewell, Pa., designed and constructed the logo for the worship center using the theme, "Celebrating Our Unity in Christ." Fifty churches were represented with 167 delegates and 79 non-delegates.
Opening worship featured a district-wide choir conducted by Sarah Steele of Martinsburg (Pa.) Memorial Church of the Brethren, and the installation service for district minister David Steele, who began his work on March 1. He delivered the evening message, "A Fork in the Road." Connie Maclay, pastor at Beech Run Church of the Brethren in Mapleton Depot, Pa., delivered the Saturday morning message. Following lunch, the Youth Ministry Team led worship and members were consecrated.
An offering of "Pennies for Congregational Ministries" totaled $5,834.50, while $1,310.88 was collected for ministry education. Many laundry baskets filled with personal items were donated to benefit Huntingdon House, a facility for abused women and children. Break-out sessions included "Ask the District Minister," led by David Steele, and "Who's Calling?" with Christy Dowdy as leader.
In business sessions, James Ake of Stone Church of the Brethren was affirmed for another year as treasurer and a slate for district leadership was affirmed including Wayne Brockway, pastor of New Enterprise (Pa.) Church of the Brethren, as moderator-designate. He will assist moderator Barbara Rowe at the Oct. 20-21, 2006, district conference at Roaring Spring (Pa.) First Church of the Brethren.
Resources from the conference include a photo of the ministers present at the Friday evening banquet, which will be available on-line in the near future; and a Power Point presentation of church ministries shared Friday evening, created by Amy Crouse of Beech Run Church of the Brethren. For more about these resources contact the District Center at 814-643-0601.
Source: 11/30/2005 Newsline
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Western Pennsylvania District holds its 139th conference.
Western Pennsylvania District held its 139th annual District Conference at the Frank J. Pasquerilla Conference Center in Johnstown, Pa., on Oct. 22. Moderator Christopher A. Forry of Somerset, Pa., challenged the approximately 260 participants--including 185 delegates representing 53 congregations--with the theme, "Proclaim, Sharing, Teaching--God's Love For All." The district comprises 69 churches and one fellowship with a membership of over 10,000.
Worship, music, and historical sketches were interspersed throughout the business of the day. In business sessions, a budget of $186,787 was adopted for 2006. A highlight of the conference was recognition of a new congregation, Journey's Way Ministries of Glencoe, Pa. Congregations and individuals also brought enough Gift of the Heart Kits to send five pallets to Church World Service for disaster response.
Insight sessions were held on subjects including an overview of the work of the District Mission Program that includes the Christian Community Center in San Juan, P.R., and the Emanuel Children's Home in San Pedro Sula, Honduras; a presentation about the work of the Gifts Discernment Team; and a presentation from the General Board's Emergency Response/Service Ministries.
Leadership called during the conference included nine called to the district board: Kendal W. Elmore, Roger C. Knepper, Abby Mader, Eric R. Ritenour, Robert L. Rummel, Jeffrey S. Keyser, John W. Stoner Jr., Homer A. Foster, and Clarice J. Ott. Donna L. Kodis was named to the Church of the Brethren Home Board. Owen W. Hunt was called to the District Charitable Trust Board. Called to the board of Camp Harmony were James Cameron, Marietta Prebehalla, and David Tipton. Roger L. Forry was named to the denomination's Standing Committee. Darlene Rankin will serve on the district conference's program and arrangements committee.
Phillip A. King of Johnstown, Pa., was installed as moderator of the district for next year. Reba B. Johnson of Indiana, Pa., was named moderator-designate.
Source: 11/30/2005 Newsline
top
Western Pennsylvania District held its 139th annual District Conference at the Frank J. Pasquerilla Conference Center in Johnstown, Pa., on Oct. 22. Moderator Christopher A. Forry of Somerset, Pa., challenged the approximately 260 participants--including 185 delegates representing 53 congregations--with the theme, "Proclaim, Sharing, Teaching--God's Love For All." The district comprises 69 churches and one fellowship with a membership of over 10,000.
Worship, music, and historical sketches were interspersed throughout the business of the day. In business sessions, a budget of $186,787 was adopted for 2006. A highlight of the conference was recognition of a new congregation, Journey's Way Ministries of Glencoe, Pa. Congregations and individuals also brought enough Gift of the Heart Kits to send five pallets to Church World Service for disaster response.
Insight sessions were held on subjects including an overview of the work of the District Mission Program that includes the Christian Community Center in San Juan, P.R., and the Emanuel Children's Home in San Pedro Sula, Honduras; a presentation about the work of the Gifts Discernment Team; and a presentation from the General Board's Emergency Response/Service Ministries.
Leadership called during the conference included nine called to the district board: Kendal W. Elmore, Roger C. Knepper, Abby Mader, Eric R. Ritenour, Robert L. Rummel, Jeffrey S. Keyser, John W. Stoner Jr., Homer A. Foster, and Clarice J. Ott. Donna L. Kodis was named to the Church of the Brethren Home Board. Owen W. Hunt was called to the District Charitable Trust Board. Called to the board of Camp Harmony were James Cameron, Marietta Prebehalla, and David Tipton. Roger L. Forry was named to the denomination's Standing Committee. Darlene Rankin will serve on the district conference's program and arrangements committee.
Phillip A. King of Johnstown, Pa., was installed as moderator of the district for next year. Reba B. Johnson of Indiana, Pa., was named moderator-designate.
Source: 11/30/2005 Newsline
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Virlina District Conference meets on theme, 'You Matter to God.'
The United Methodist Temple in Beckley, W.Va., was the setting for the 34th Virlina District Conference on Nov. 11-12. "You Matter to God" (Romans 12:4-5) was the theme. Total registration was 447 people including 217 delegates and 230 non-delegates. The worship, fellowship, and discernment of the district was led by moderator Russell R. Payne Jr., pastor of Coulson Church of the Brethren near Hillsville, Va.
The last district-wide conference held in West Virginia was in March 1940 at the Pleasant View Church. The Virlina District encompasses 92 congregations and 11,128 members within Virginia, West Virginia, and North Carolina.
Ronald D. Beachley, moderator of the 2006 Annual Conference, was keynote speaker for the opening worship service. Greetings and welcoming remarks were brought by Dan Johnson, pastor of the United Methodist Temple. Keynote speaker for Saturday evening worship was Earl F. Stovall, pastor of Hopewell (Va.) Church of the Brethren. Worship services were highlighted by a choir led by Harvey Leddy of Christiansburg (Va.) Church of the Brethren. Offerings of $3,581.60 were received for the expenses of the District Conference.
New business included approval of an amendment to the Virlina District Constitution and Bylaws concerning a reduction in the number of area divisions in the district. A resolution expressing concern over the use of mercury-based compounds as preservatives in commonly used childhood and other vaccines was returned to the District Board. A District Board budget of $285,150.12 was approved for 2006. Delegates also heard that the Camp Bethel budget for 2006 will be $473,940. A resolution was approved naming Owen G. Stultz, Virlina District executive from 1969-92, as the District Executive Emeritus. Delegates also received a variety of reports.
The conference learned that 22 congregations and fellowships have been involved in the pastoral placement process during the year ending Sept. 30. New pastors were named and those present were introduced.
Business also included the calling of 20 leaders including W. Gregory Broyles of Roanoke, Oak Grove Church of the Brethren as moderator-elect. Others called to leadership are Frances S. Beam to a second term on the Standing Committee of Annual Conference; John W. "Jack" Lowe Jr. to the district Program and Arrangements Committee; Sandy Wade, Evelyn Janney, Karen Cassell, Roy L. Forbes, and Carol Hinton to the Nominating and Personnel Committee; Jerry W. Naff, William M. Pugh, Arlen Doss, Doris H. Jones, Sam Reid, David W. Miller, Kathy Otey, J. Hebron Quesenberry, Tony Robertson, and Ronald Sink to the District Board; and Marilyn Lerch and R. Wayne Pennington to the Outdoor Ministries Committee.
The District Board reported that Cathy S. Huffman will serve as chairperson for 2005-06. Other members of the Executive Committee are Jerry Wayne Naff as vice-chairperson, Thomas S. Powers as Commission on Ministry chairperson, Gary Basham as Commission of Stewards chairperson, Jim Worline as Commission on Nurture chairperson, Jeffery A. Wray as Commission on Witness chairperson, E. Patrick Starkey as Outdoor Ministries Committee chairperson, and Horace D. Light Jr. as Church Extension Committee chairperson.
George Mendenhall and V. Enos Griffith were honored for 50 years of ministerial service. Approximately 70 people attended a Ministers and Spouses Banquet.
The 35th Virlina District Conference will be held in Franklin County, Va., on Nov. 10-11, 2006. Shirley B. Jamison, a member of Monte Vista Church of the Brethren in Callaway, Va., and a practicing attorney in Boones Mill, Va., will serve as moderator.
Source: 11/30/2005 Newsline
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The United Methodist Temple in Beckley, W.Va., was the setting for the 34th Virlina District Conference on Nov. 11-12. "You Matter to God" (Romans 12:4-5) was the theme. Total registration was 447 people including 217 delegates and 230 non-delegates. The worship, fellowship, and discernment of the district was led by moderator Russell R. Payne Jr., pastor of Coulson Church of the Brethren near Hillsville, Va.
The last district-wide conference held in West Virginia was in March 1940 at the Pleasant View Church. The Virlina District encompasses 92 congregations and 11,128 members within Virginia, West Virginia, and North Carolina.
Ronald D. Beachley, moderator of the 2006 Annual Conference, was keynote speaker for the opening worship service. Greetings and welcoming remarks were brought by Dan Johnson, pastor of the United Methodist Temple. Keynote speaker for Saturday evening worship was Earl F. Stovall, pastor of Hopewell (Va.) Church of the Brethren. Worship services were highlighted by a choir led by Harvey Leddy of Christiansburg (Va.) Church of the Brethren. Offerings of $3,581.60 were received for the expenses of the District Conference.
New business included approval of an amendment to the Virlina District Constitution and Bylaws concerning a reduction in the number of area divisions in the district. A resolution expressing concern over the use of mercury-based compounds as preservatives in commonly used childhood and other vaccines was returned to the District Board. A District Board budget of $285,150.12 was approved for 2006. Delegates also heard that the Camp Bethel budget for 2006 will be $473,940. A resolution was approved naming Owen G. Stultz, Virlina District executive from 1969-92, as the District Executive Emeritus. Delegates also received a variety of reports.
The conference learned that 22 congregations and fellowships have been involved in the pastoral placement process during the year ending Sept. 30. New pastors were named and those present were introduced.
Business also included the calling of 20 leaders including W. Gregory Broyles of Roanoke, Oak Grove Church of the Brethren as moderator-elect. Others called to leadership are Frances S. Beam to a second term on the Standing Committee of Annual Conference; John W. "Jack" Lowe Jr. to the district Program and Arrangements Committee; Sandy Wade, Evelyn Janney, Karen Cassell, Roy L. Forbes, and Carol Hinton to the Nominating and Personnel Committee; Jerry W. Naff, William M. Pugh, Arlen Doss, Doris H. Jones, Sam Reid, David W. Miller, Kathy Otey, J. Hebron Quesenberry, Tony Robertson, and Ronald Sink to the District Board; and Marilyn Lerch and R. Wayne Pennington to the Outdoor Ministries Committee.
The District Board reported that Cathy S. Huffman will serve as chairperson for 2005-06. Other members of the Executive Committee are Jerry Wayne Naff as vice-chairperson, Thomas S. Powers as Commission on Ministry chairperson, Gary Basham as Commission of Stewards chairperson, Jim Worline as Commission on Nurture chairperson, Jeffery A. Wray as Commission on Witness chairperson, E. Patrick Starkey as Outdoor Ministries Committee chairperson, and Horace D. Light Jr. as Church Extension Committee chairperson.
George Mendenhall and V. Enos Griffith were honored for 50 years of ministerial service. Approximately 70 people attended a Ministers and Spouses Banquet.
The 35th Virlina District Conference will be held in Franklin County, Va., on Nov. 10-11, 2006. Shirley B. Jamison, a member of Monte Vista Church of the Brethren in Callaway, Va., and a practicing attorney in Boones Mill, Va., will serve as moderator.
Source: 11/30/2005 Newsline
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Brethren bits: Year-end donations, Annual Conference, job openings, and more.
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- Year-end donations to the Association of Brethren Caregivers, Bethany Theological Seminary, the General Board, and On Earth Peace must be dated and postmarked by Dec. 31 in order to be counted as a 2005 charitable gift for tax purposes.
- Those making nominations for Annual Conference elective offices in 2006, using the new on-line nomination form at the Annual Conference website, are requested to have the permission of the person being nominated before the form is filled out and submitted. As the Dec. 1 deadline approaches, nominations are encouraged from all over denomination. "Thank you for participating in the selection of denominational leadership," said Annual Conference executive director Lerry Fogle.
- The Association of Brethren Caregivers seeks a director of Wellness Ministries to fill a fulltime position. Location is negotiable, with a minimum of half-time in the ABC office in Elgin, Ill. Starting date is Feb. 1, 2006. Responsibilities include promotion of wellness and the goals of the Wellness Ministry within the Church of the Brethren, working particularly with those enrolled in the Brethren Medical Plan; research and development of risk assessment programs in coordination with Brethren Benefit Trust staff; coordination, development, and assessment of educational programs that challenge church members to adopt healthy living behaviors. Qualifications include a minimum of a bachelor's degree with background in education or health/medicine/nutrition; basic knowledge of and commitment to wellness issues such as nutrition, physical, spiritual, and emotional health; modeling a positive, healthy lifestyle; oral and written communication and interpersonal skills; previous experience in a nonprofit environment. Applications will be received beginning immediately, with a deadline of Jan. 4, 2006. A position description and application form are available on request. Qualified candidates are invited to submit a resume, cover letter of application, and to request three individuals to send letters of recommendation to Mary Lou Garrison, Director of Human Resources, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120; mgarrison_gb@brethren.org.
- The Brethren Home Community of New Oxford, Pa., seeks a health care chaplain/congregational pastor. The community is a licensed Continuing Care Retirement Community located on a 200-plus acre campus serving approximately 900 residents and villagers. The position serves residents and the Church of the Brethren members on campus who attend The Faith Community of the Brethren Home Community. This fulltime position is currently open and will require four days a week. Responsibilities include clinical duties of visitation, devotions, and counseling; and congregational duties of preaching and worship leading. Candidates must be licensed or ordained and in good standing with the Southern Pennsylvania District of the Church of the Brethren. Chaplaincy experience is helpful and CPE is preferred. Send resumes to Merv Wunderlich, Director of the Pastoral Care Department and pastor of the congregation, 2990 Carlisle Pike, P.O. Box 128, New Oxford, PA 17350-0128.
- Don Vermilyea, a Brethren Volunteer Service worker on a Walk Across America, is currently in Chattahoochee, Fla. He has counted 17,253 miles to date since he began the walk in Arizona in Jan. 2002. Today is day 1,398 on the walk, with 643 nights homeless and 755 nights cared for by humanity, Vermilyea reported. He has picked up $1,470.58 along the road, and received $4,916.74 unsolicited from motorists to benefit the Global Food Crisis Fund and other charities. His next visit to a Church of the Brethren is tentatively scheduled for Dec. 18, at Good Samaritan Church of the Brethren in Brandon, Fla. For more see www.brethren.org/genbd/witness/Walk.html.
- Westminster (Md.) Church of the Brethren has established a Peace Studies Scholarship Program with the first grant going to Jordan Blevins, a 2004 graduate of Bridgewater (Va.) College. He is working on master's degrees in Theological Studies from Wesley Theological Seminary and in International Peace and Conflict Resolution from American University.
- Hanoverdale Church of the Brethren in Hummelstown, Pa., holds its Celebrate Christmas 2005 event on Dec. 3 with a live nativity, Teen Challenge Poinsettia Sale, Children's Gift Store of gifts all under $5 benefitting Heifer International, and a Christmas in Reverse Pageant. See www.hanoverdalechurch.com.
- Fundraising efforts for the University of La Verne (Calif.) Campus Center Project have reached $16,555,941. President Steve Morgan made this announcement during a Board of Trustees meeting, igniting a spontaneous celebration that momentarily interrupted the day's busy agenda. "This is a landmark event in the 114-year history of the University of La Verne," Morgan said. On Oct. 25 the university's private fundraising effort surpassed $16 million, a goal established in Feb. 2004 when trustee Michael Abraham issued a conditional pledge of $4 million toward the Campus Center Building. Conditions set by Abraham called for the members of the board to match his $4 million pledge and for the university to raise an additional $8 million, with the combined total due by the November meeting. In recognition the building will be named the Sara and Michael Abraham Campus Center. Trustee and former board chair Jim Long and his wife, Marie, made the contribution that pushed the total past the $16 million challenge mark. "It was both a pleasure and an honor," Jim Long said.
- Pinecrest Community in Mount Morris, Ill., a Church of the Brethren retirement center, is holding its second annual Community Open House on Dec. 10 from 2-4 p.m. Visitors will be able to have a picture taken with Santa, take home a free Pinecrest keepsake, and enjoy refreshments.
- Harold S. Martin and Craig Alan Myers, leaders in the Brethren Revival Fellowship, are among 29 leaders of "renewal movements" in mainline denominations who have signed an open letter from the Association for Church Renewal. The letter warns US Christians against "third way" proposals regarding sexuality. According to the association, the letter decries "a new strategy to win the church's affirmation of homosexual acts" through procedural devices. The letter was issued following an October meeting of the group and cites strategies proposed or adopted in denominations such as the Episcopal Church and the American Baptist Churches, among others. For the text of the letter and list of signatories, visit www.ird-renew.org/acr.
- Church World Service (CWS) has announced the election of Donna Derr to the position of director of the Emergency Response Program. Derr recently served as interim director of the program and earlier was associate director for International Emergency Response Programs. Prior to working for CWS, she spent 16 years with the Church of the Brethren as a program assistant and then as director of the General Board's Disaster and Refugee Programs. She will continue to work out of the CWS Washington, D.C., office.
- The National Council of Churches has issued an alert to support the Coalition of Immokalee Workers farmworker organization in a continuing struggle for fair wages and working conditions. For months, the coalition and allies across the country have called on McDonald's to follow Taco Bell's lead and work to establish fair wages and working conditions for farmworkers who pick its tomatoes. McDonald's has refused to do so, according to the NCC. In March an agreement between Yum Brands (Taco Bell's parent company) and the coalition set several precedents for social responsibility in the fast-food industry including paying a penny more per pound for the tomatoes it buys from Florida growers. This would nearly double workers' sub-poverty wages if extended throughout the industry, the NCC said. The NCC also commended McDonald's announcement that it will offer only fair-trade coffee in more than 650 restaurants from New York to Maine. The NCC called on Christians to pray for the restaurant chain to work with those harvesting its tomatoes and to send e-mails directly to McDonald's at www.bluelatinos.org/fairfood.htm. "God who labors and rests, we give thanks for and remember all those who labor to bring food to our tables," said a prayer from the NCC.
- When Bible scholars and students converged on the American Academy of Religion and Society of Biblical Literature Convention in Philadelphia, Nov. 19-22, they found the New Revised Standard Version (copyright National Council of Churches), in a popular selling product for handhelds, Olive Tree Bible Software. According to a release from Religion News Service, attendees were be able to purchase the NRSV for the Palm and Pocket PC. Plans are in the works to introduce this translation in other formats as well, the release said. Olive Tree Bible Software provides Bible versions and study tools for Palm OS, Pocket PC, Smartphone and Symbian cell phones, and BlackBerry devices. For more see www.olivetree.com.
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Death Row Support Project provides ministry to prisoners.
The following is taken from the "Peace Witness Action List" of On Earth Peace (e-mail mattguynn@earthlink.net or see www.brethren.org/oepa):
The Death Row Support Project (DRSP) was conceived by Church of the Brethren members Bob and Rachel Gross in 1978. The combination of Bob's prison experience and Rachel's enjoyment of letter-writing, along with their concern about the reinstatement of the death penalty, provided the necessary ingredients for beginning this ministry. Also critical was the support of the Washington office of the Church of the Brethren, and now the Brethren Witness Office.
In 1978, there were 400 people under sentence of death in the US. Now there are over 3,800. Needless to say, the little card file that was used at the beginning of the project has long since been outgrown. Initially, the project was publicized within the Church of the Brethren. But, as is the case with many Brethren efforts, DRSP has become an ecumenical effort, with the largest number of participants coming from the Roman Catholic and Seventh Day Adventist Churches.
Rachel receives mail daily from prisoners who would like have a "pen pal." At about the same rate, requests from the "outside" world come from people interested in reaching out to those on death row. DRSP has provided an excellent way for those on death row to know that they are not forgotten, and for those outside to learn about the real people and stories behind the issue of the death penalty.
Writing to a person on death row is not something that should be entered into lightly. Currently, the average stay of someone on death row is ten years. Writing to that person is a longterm commitment. One of Rachel's disappointments as coordinator of DRSP is that many people write a letter or two to the person in prison, and then decide they're really not interested after all. She encourages those that are interested to prayerfully consider before requesting the name of a pen pal. Rachel can also put someone in touch with others who have been writing, in order to gain a better understanding of what is involved.
Within the Church of the Brethren, some individuals have chosen to be involved with DRSP as a Sunday school class, or as a youth group. This has worked very well, as the group members can provide support for each other in writing, and also are able to reach out to the person on death row in a fuller way. At one time, students from Manchester College traveled to the Indiana State Prison bi-monthly in order to visit several men on death row.
For more information contact Death Row Support Project, P.O. Box 600, Liberty Mills, IN 46946; 260-982-7480.
Source: 11/30/2005 Newsline
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The following is taken from the "Peace Witness Action List" of On Earth Peace (e-mail mattguynn@earthlink.net or see www.brethren.org/oepa):
The Death Row Support Project (DRSP) was conceived by Church of the Brethren members Bob and Rachel Gross in 1978. The combination of Bob's prison experience and Rachel's enjoyment of letter-writing, along with their concern about the reinstatement of the death penalty, provided the necessary ingredients for beginning this ministry. Also critical was the support of the Washington office of the Church of the Brethren, and now the Brethren Witness Office.
In 1978, there were 400 people under sentence of death in the US. Now there are over 3,800. Needless to say, the little card file that was used at the beginning of the project has long since been outgrown. Initially, the project was publicized within the Church of the Brethren. But, as is the case with many Brethren efforts, DRSP has become an ecumenical effort, with the largest number of participants coming from the Roman Catholic and Seventh Day Adventist Churches.
Rachel receives mail daily from prisoners who would like have a "pen pal." At about the same rate, requests from the "outside" world come from people interested in reaching out to those on death row. DRSP has provided an excellent way for those on death row to know that they are not forgotten, and for those outside to learn about the real people and stories behind the issue of the death penalty.
Writing to a person on death row is not something that should be entered into lightly. Currently, the average stay of someone on death row is ten years. Writing to that person is a longterm commitment. One of Rachel's disappointments as coordinator of DRSP is that many people write a letter or two to the person in prison, and then decide they're really not interested after all. She encourages those that are interested to prayerfully consider before requesting the name of a pen pal. Rachel can also put someone in touch with others who have been writing, in order to gain a better understanding of what is involved.
Within the Church of the Brethren, some individuals have chosen to be involved with DRSP as a Sunday school class, or as a youth group. This has worked very well, as the group members can provide support for each other in writing, and also are able to reach out to the person on death row in a fuller way. At one time, students from Manchester College traveled to the Indiana State Prison bi-monthly in order to visit several men on death row.
For more information contact Death Row Support Project, P.O. Box 600, Liberty Mills, IN 46946; 260-982-7480.
Source: 11/30/2005 Newsline
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Tom Fox's reflection, 'Fight or flight?'
Christian Peacemaker Team member Tom Fox, currently being held captive in Iraq, wrote the following reflection in Oct. 2004.
"'If an attacker inspires anger or fear in my heart, it means that I have not purged myself of violence. To realize nonviolence means to feel within you its strength--soul force--to know God. A person who has known God will be incapable of harboring anger or fear within him, no matter how overpowering the cause for that anger or fear may be.' (Gandhi speaking to Badshah Kahn's Khudai Khidmatgar officers, from "A Man to Match His Mountains" by Eknath Easwaran, 1985).
"When I allow myself to become angry, I disconnect from God and connect with the evil force that empowers fighting. When I allow myself to become fearful, I disconnect from God and connect with the evil force that encourages flight.
"The French theologian Rene Girard has a very powerful vision of Satan that speaks to me: 'Satan sustains himself as a parasite on what God creates by imitating God in a manner that is jealous, grotesque, perverse, and as contrary as possible to the loving and obedient imitation of Jesus' ("I See Satan Falling like Lightning," 2001).
"If I am not to fight or flee in the face of armed aggression, be it the overt aggression of the army or the subversive aggression of the terrorist, then what am I to do? 'Stand firm against evil' (Matthew 5:39, translated by Walter Wink) seems to be the guidance of Jesus and Gandhi in order to stay connected with God.
"Here in Iraq I struggle with that second form of aggression. I have visual references and written models of CPTers standing firm against the overt aggression of an army, be it regular or paramilitary. But how do you stand firm against a car-bomber or a kidnapper? Clearly the soldier disconnected from God needs to have me fight. Just as clearly the terrorist disconnected from God needs to have me flee. Both are willing to kill me using different means to achieve he same end--that end being to increase the parasitic power of Satan within God's good creation.
"It seems easier somehow to confront anger within my heart than it is to confront fear. But if Jesus and Gandhi are right then I am not to give in to either. I am to stand firm against the kidnapper as I am to stand firm against the soldier. Does that mean I walk into a raging battle to confront the soldiers? Does that mean I walk the streets of Baghdad with a sign saying 'American for the Taking?' No to both counts. But if Jesus and Gandhi are right, then I am asked to risk my life, and if I lose it to be as forgiving as they were when murdered by the forces of Satan.
"Standing firm is a struggle, but I'm willing to keep working at it."
Source: 11/30/2005 Newsline
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Christian Peacemaker Team member Tom Fox, currently being held captive in Iraq, wrote the following reflection in Oct. 2004.
"'If an attacker inspires anger or fear in my heart, it means that I have not purged myself of violence. To realize nonviolence means to feel within you its strength--soul force--to know God. A person who has known God will be incapable of harboring anger or fear within him, no matter how overpowering the cause for that anger or fear may be.' (Gandhi speaking to Badshah Kahn's Khudai Khidmatgar officers, from "A Man to Match His Mountains" by Eknath Easwaran, 1985).
"When I allow myself to become angry, I disconnect from God and connect with the evil force that empowers fighting. When I allow myself to become fearful, I disconnect from God and connect with the evil force that encourages flight.
"The French theologian Rene Girard has a very powerful vision of Satan that speaks to me: 'Satan sustains himself as a parasite on what God creates by imitating God in a manner that is jealous, grotesque, perverse, and as contrary as possible to the loving and obedient imitation of Jesus' ("I See Satan Falling like Lightning," 2001).
"If I am not to fight or flee in the face of armed aggression, be it the overt aggression of the army or the subversive aggression of the terrorist, then what am I to do? 'Stand firm against evil' (Matthew 5:39, translated by Walter Wink) seems to be the guidance of Jesus and Gandhi in order to stay connected with God.
"Here in Iraq I struggle with that second form of aggression. I have visual references and written models of CPTers standing firm against the overt aggression of an army, be it regular or paramilitary. But how do you stand firm against a car-bomber or a kidnapper? Clearly the soldier disconnected from God needs to have me fight. Just as clearly the terrorist disconnected from God needs to have me flee. Both are willing to kill me using different means to achieve he same end--that end being to increase the parasitic power of Satan within God's good creation.
"It seems easier somehow to confront anger within my heart than it is to confront fear. But if Jesus and Gandhi are right then I am not to give in to either. I am to stand firm against the kidnapper as I am to stand firm against the soldier. Does that mean I walk into a raging battle to confront the soldiers? Does that mean I walk the streets of Baghdad with a sign saying 'American for the Taking?' No to both counts. But if Jesus and Gandhi are right, then I am asked to risk my life, and if I lose it to be as forgiving as they were when murdered by the forces of Satan.
"Standing firm is a struggle, but I'm willing to keep working at it."
Source: 11/30/2005 Newsline
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Credits
Newsline is produced by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of news services for the Church of the Brethren General Board, on every other Wednesday with other editions as needed. Mary Dulabaum, Lerry Fogle, Amy Heckert, Mary Lou Garrison, Rachel Gross, Matt Guynn, Jon Kobel, and Suzanne Moss contributed to this report.
Newsline is produced by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of news services for the Church of the Brethren General Board, on every other Wednesday with other editions as needed. Mary Dulabaum, Lerry Fogle, Amy Heckert, Mary Lou Garrison, Rachel Gross, Matt Guynn, Jon Kobel, and Suzanne Moss contributed to this report.
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