Newsline Special: 2006 Annual Conference Preview

NEWS

• Annual Conference to address a full business agenda.
  
• La Conferencia Anual tendrá una agenda llena.
  
• Historic photo opportunity for attendees of the church’s 250th anniversary.

FEATURE

• Will there be a Church of the Brethren in Sudan?

From July 1-5, daily news and photographs will be posted from the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference in Des Moines, Iowa; go to www.brethren.org/ac.

Annual Conference to address a full business agenda.

The 220th recorded Annual Conference of the Church of the Brethren will be held July 1-5 in Des Moines, Iowa. Delegates will be kept busy by a full business agenda. Moderator Ronald D. Beachley, executive minister for Western Pennsylvania District, will preside over the business sessions.

The Conference theme, “Together: Exercise Daily in God,” from 1 Timothy 4:6-8, will be complemented by half-hour sessions during business on July 3 and 4 to engage in the denomination-wide study emphasis, “Together: Conversations on Being the Church.”

Other major items of business are:

“Call to Stewardship Education,” from Mid-Atlantic District, requesting “additional guidance, resources, and instruction for deepening our understanding of the stewardship of time, talent, and financial resources.”

Revisions to the Articles of Organization of Brethren Benefit Trust (BBT).

“Resolution: Divestment from Companies Selling Products Used as Weapons in Israel and Palestine,” from Fremont (Calif.) Fellowship in Christ and Pacific Southwest District, asking BBT to “divest itself from ownership of Caterpillar Corporation and any other company that sells products that are used routinely as weapons of destruction or death in Israel and Palestine.” The query cites scripture and Brethren tradition in asking for exploration of reinvesting funds in companies “doing business that enhances the quality of life for both Israelis and Palestinians,” and consideration of divestment because, “Caterpillar Corporation...sells to Israel bulldozers that are used to destroy Palestinian homes, farms, ancient olive groves, roads, and water and sewer pipes and that have killed several persons.... These Caterpillar D9 bulldozers are made according to military specifications and are sold to Israel under the US Foreign Military Sales Program.”

“A Call to Reduce Global Poverty and Hunger,” from the Church of the Brethren General Board, calling the denomination to help reduce global poverty and hunger by recommitting to the teachings of Jesus, revisiting the 2000 Annual Conference statement on “Caring for the Poor,” and pursuing the Millennium Development Goals of the United Nations.

“Commitment of Accessibility and Inclusion Resolution,” from the Association of Brethren Caregivers (ABC) and its Disabilities Ministries, urging “each congregation, agency, institution, facility, and gathering of the Church of the Brethren to make a new commitment to enable all people to participate fully in all ministries....” The query asks the church to examine barriers that prevent people with disabilities from full participation and to commit that “all existing and future denominational office sites be modified or designed to follow the guidelines” of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

“Doing Church Business,” a report of a study committee elected in 2004, including numerous recommendations focused on preparation and training for Conference leaders and delegates and format of the Conference. “There is a clear need for significant change in order to enhance and model a discerning Christian community and the reign of God,” it says. Specific recommendations include training for delegates and moderators; congregational discernment about Conference business; “process counselors” and a Process Committee; small-group discernment during Conference; consideration of summaries of major dissenting opinions; holding Love Feast at Conference; and expanding the length of Conference. Committee members are Dave Shetler, Joe Detrick, Matt Guynn, Verdena Lee, and Dale Posthumus.

Also on the agenda: interim reports from the Brethren Medical Plan Study Committee, Intercultural Study Committee, 300th Anniversary Committee, and Review and Evaluation Study Committee; elections; and reports from denominational agencies and committees. (For full business documents go to www.brethren.org/ac/desmoines/2006business.html.)

At its pre-Conference meeting on July 1, the General Board has a full agenda as well, including a first report from a Brethren Service Center Ministry Options Exploration Committee regarding the center in New Windsor, Md.; a “Contingency Plan for a Military Draft”; revisions to its vision, mission, and core values statements; long-range planning; and finances.

For more go to www.brethren.org/ac. Daily news reports and photographs will be posted from the Conference in Des Moines from July 1-5, on the news pages at www.brethren.org/ac.

Source: 06/23/2006 Newsline
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La Conferencia Anual tendrá una agenda llena.

La 220th Conferencia Anual de la Iglesia de los Hermanos tendrá lugar del 1 al 5 de Julio en Des Moines, Iowa. Los delegados estarán ocupados con una agenda de negocios bastante llena. El Moderador, Ronald D. Beachley, ministro executivo del Distrito del Oeste de Pennsylvania, presidirá las sesiones de negocios.

El 3 y 4 de Julio, el tema de la Conferencia, “Juntos: Ejercitándonos Diariamente con Dios.” de Timoteo 4:6-8, será complementado por sesiones de media hora durante las sesiones de negocios para envolver a toda la denominación en el énfasis de estudio titulado “Juntos, Conversaciones de como ser la Iglesia.”

Otros temas importantes de negocios:

“Llamados a hacer Buen Uso de la Educación” del Distrito de Medio-Atlántico, pidiendo “Guía adicional, recursos e instrucciones para mejor entender el buen uso de tiempo, talento, y recursos financieros.”

Revisión de los Articulos de Organización del Grupo Fideicomiso de Beneficios de los Hermanos (GFBH).

“Resolución: Sacar Inversiones Existentes en Compaias que Vendan Productos que Sean Usados como Armas en Israel y Palestina,” de los Fremont (Calif) Hermandad en Cristo, y Distrito Suroeste del Pacífico, quienes han pedido al GFBH que saque todas sus inversions en la Corporación Caterpillar, y cualquier otra compaia que venda productos usados rutinariamente como armas de destrucción y muerte en Israel y Palestina.” Esta resolución cita las escrituras y la tradición de los Hermanos al pedir se explore reinvertír esas inversions en compaias “que hagan negocios que ayuden a mejorar la calidad de vida tanto de los Israelitas como los Palestinos,” y que consideren sacar su inversión de la “Corporación Caterpillar” ya que ésta vende “bulldozers” a Israel, los cuales son usados para destruír casas, granjas, plantíos antiguos de olivos, carreteras, y pipas que acarrean agua y drenaje Palestinos, y que han matado a varias personas. Estas maquinas “Caterpillars D9 bulldozers” están hechas de acuerdo a especificaciones militares y son vendidas a Israel bajo el Programa Militar de Venta Foranea de los Estados Unidos.

“Un llamado a Reducir la Pobreza y el Hambre Global,” de la Junta General de la Iglesia de los Hermanos, está llamando a la denominación a que ayude a reducir la pobreza y el hambre global, haciendo un nuevo cometido a las enseanzas de Jesús, al considerar nuevamente la declaración de la Conferencia Anual de 2000 que habla de “Cuidar de los Pobres”, e insistir en las metas de Desarrollo del Milenio de las Naciones Unidas.

“Resolución al Cometido de Accesibilidad e Inclusión,” de los Hermanos Proveedores de Cuidado, y sus Ministerios de Desabilidades, urge a “cada congregación, agencia, institución, oficina, y grupos de reunión de la Iglesia de los Hermanos a hacer un nuevo compromiso para ayudar que toda la gente participe plenamente en todos los ministerios. Esta resolución pide a la iglesia que examine las barreras que previene que la gente con desabilidades participe plenamente, y que se comprometan a que “todas oficinas y sitios de la denominación, existentes y del futuro, sean modificadas o designadas a seguir las pautas del Acto sobre Americanos con Desabilidades.”

“Tratando los Negocios de la Iglesia,” es el reporte de un estudio del comité elegido en 2004 el cual incluyó muchas recomendaciones enfocadas en la preparación y entrenamiento de líderes y delegados de la Conferencia, y en el formato de la Conferencia. Este reporte dice que “hay una necesidad clara de un cambio significante para poder mejorar y modelar una comunidad cristiana con discernimiento y el reino de Dios.” Las recomendaciones específicas incluyen entrenamiento de delegados y moderadores; discernimiento congregacional de los asuntos de la Conferencia; “Consejeros procesadores” y un Comité Procesador; un grupo pequeo de discernimiento durante la Conferencia; consideración de sumarios de opinions desidentes importantes; tener Fiestas de Partición del Pan durante la Conferencia; y alargar la Conferencia. Los miembros del comité son Dave Shetler, Joe Detrick, Matt Guynn, Verdena Lee, y Dale Posthumus.

También en la agenda: reportes interinos del Estudio del Comité del Plan Médico de los Hermanos, del Comité de Estudio Intercultural, del Comité del 300th Aniversario, y del Comité de Revisión y Evaluación de Estudio; elecciones; y reportes de agencies y comités de la denominación. (Para ver los documentos completos de estos asuntos vaya a www.brethren.org/ac/desmoines/2006business.html.)

Durante la Junta de pre-Conferencia de Julio 1, la Junta General también tiene una agenda bastante grande, incluyendo un primer reporte del Comité del Centro de Servicio de los Hermanos en New Windsor que Explora Opciones para el Centro de New Windsor, Md.; un “Plan de Contingencia en caso de un Reclutamiento Militar”; revisions de las declaraciones de su visión, misión y valores centrales; planes a largo plazo; y finanzas.

Para ver más, vaya a www.brethren.org/ac. Reportes de noticias diarias y fotografías de la Conferencia en Des Moines de Julio 1-5 podrán verse en las páginas de www.brethren.org/ac.

Source: 06/23/2006 Newsline
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Historic photo opportunity for attendees of the church’s 250th anniversary.

Annual Conference in Des Moines, Iowa, July 1-5 will include an opportunity for a historic group photo.

Participants at this year’s Conference who also were at the Church of the Brethren’s 250th anniversary celebration in Des Moines in 1958 are asked to gather for a photograph. The photo session is planned for Sunday, July 2, at 11:45 a.m. following the Annual Conference worship service.

Please gather at the message boards in the Third Street Lobby of Hy Vee Hall to be part of the photograph.

Source: 06/23/2006 Newsline
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Will there be a Church of the Brethren in Sudan?

The following reflection is by Jim Hardenbrook, interim director of the Sudan initiative of the Church of the Brethren General Board. He is speaking at the International Welcome Dinner at Annual Conference in Des Moines, Iowa, on Saturday, July 1, at 5 p.m.. He also will be available at Conference to schedule times for speaking to congregations or districts; find him at the Global Mission Partnerships booth in the Exhibit Hall.

“During a conversation in Khartoum last June, Sudan's Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Ibrahim Mahmoud Hamid, told me of a saying used in his village: 'Don't let this harvest pass.' He was raised in the Darfur region of Sudan. His village subsisted through farming small plots of land. When it was time to harvest they could not allow disagreement to delay bringing in the crops. The harvest was too important. Lives depended on cooperation and hard work.

“Over the past 25 years the Church of the Brethren has, through thoughtful and ethical ecumenical work, planted 'good seed' in war-ravaged south Sudan. Those seeds took root. Now that the Comprehensive Peace Agreement between the Government of Sudan in the north, and the Sudan Peoples Liberation Movement in the south, has been signed and is now being implemented there is a harvest ripening.

“The churches of south Sudan and the government are interested in designing a way for the Church of the Brethren to begin a holistic outreach there. The Church of the Brethren General Board voted in Oct. 2005 to move in this direction, calling for what has been named a Sudan initiative. Faltering steps have been taken but they do not match the magnitude of the harvest. Philosophical and personal differences have slowed us down.

“But the initiative continues to generate enthusiastic interest throughout the denomination. It seems as though this truly is a call from God.

“When Jesus saw a crowd of people that could only be described as 'harassed and helpless, as sheep without a shepherd,' he said to his disciples, 'The harvest is plentiful...' (Matthew 9:36-37). The people of south Sudan are harassed but certainly not helpless. They have withstood war and deprivation for years. Now they are willing to partner with us to plant churches, revive educational and medical services, extend commercial opportunities, rebuild systems of law and security, and work together at person-to-person peacemaking.

“The present needs are to design a strategy to meet the opportunities, recruit and equip workers, identify partners from other Christian agencies who will work with us, raise money, and--as Jesus said–'Ask the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into his harvest field.'

“Some say we have forgotten what it means to be mission minded but I don't think so. The evidence shows otherwise. The Church of the Brethren is facing an unparalleled opportunity in south Sudan. An amazing harvest is lying before us. We must respond.

“If you need more information, would like to visit about the Sudan initiative, or would like to schedule a presentation at your church, please contact me at pastor.jim@nampacob.org.

“As my friend in Khartoum said, 'Don't let this harvest pass.'”

Source: 06/23/2006 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. Spanish translation by Maria-Elena Rangel.

NEWS

• PBS to feature Civilian Public Service on 'History Detectives.'
  
• Young adults are called to experience transformation.
  
• IMA supports Brethren response to Katrina and Rita disasters.
  
• Mid-Atlantic Disaster Auction sets record.
  
• Young Center announces Donald F. Durnbaugh Legacy Endowment.
  
• Brethren bits: Correction, remembrance, personnel, jobs, more.

PERSONNEL

• Nadine Pence Frantz resigns from Bethany Theological Seminary.
  
• Bradley Bohrer hired as director of Sudan initiative for General Board.
  
• McPherson College hires Thomas Hurst as campus minister.

UPCOMING EVENTS

• Brethren leader Thurl Metzger to be honored by Heifer International.

FEATURE

• Spiritual directors are called to 'listen with the heart.'

PBS to feature Civilian Public Service on 'History Detectives.'

An episode of the television series "History Detectives" featuring the Church of the Brethren and Civilian Public Service (CPS) will air on PBS stations on Monday, July 10, at 9 p.m. eastern (check local listings).

The show was filmed with the help of research done by Church of the Brethren archivist Ken Shaffer, who was contacted in Nov. 2005 by the production company's staff as they were tracking down the history of a Brethren Service Committee certificate. The Brethren Historical Library and Archives and Shaffer provided background information, photos, and film. The archives is a ministry of the Church of the Brethren General Board.

The giving of Brethren Service Committee certificates and stamps was among several methods used by Brethren to raise funds to support CPS camps and the conscientious objectors who worked in the program during World War II. The certificates and stamp cards indicated the amount of the donation and stated that the donation was to be used for CPS.

As World War II neared, the Church of the Brethren along with the other historic peace churches worked with the US government to establish Civilian Public Service as an alternative service program for conscientious objectors to war. While CPS was under the authority of the government, it was organized, administered, and funded by the churches.

The Church of the Brethren was responsible for 33 CPS camps and special projects. Responsibility included funding, and the Brethren donated over $1,300,000 plus large amounts of food and clothing to support CPS.

The Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md., hosted the cast and film crew of "History Detectives" on Feb. 24-25 when they interviewed Harry Graybill, a CPS worker who served four years in the program. "History Detectives" staff also did filming and interviews at Elizabethtown (Pa.) College and other locations.

Source: 6/21/2006 Newsline
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Young adults are called to experience transformation.

The annual Young Adult Conference took place May 26-28 at Camp Swatara in Bethel, Pa. Drawing 99 young adults and leaders from around the nation, the conference focused on Romans 12:2, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God--what is good and acceptable and perfect."

"Only when we allow ourselves to be transformed are we able to recognize, accept, and respond to what God wants from us," noted coordinator Emily Tyler.

Bob Etzweiler and Hannah Serfling were the featured young adult speakers. Etzweiler opened the weekend with a challenging assessment of the ways in which Christians as the Body of Christ must transform daily lifestyle choices into faith statements in order to continue living. Serfling focused on the transformation that takes place by seeking forgiveness from sin.

Other speakers included Marlys Hershberger, pastor of Hollidaysburg (Pa.) Church of the Brethren, who spoke about the idea that each of us is called to be a "reflector" of the love of Jesus Christ. Craig Smith, executive minister of Atlantic Northeast District, spurred conference-goers to "go and do likewise" after a message describing what transformation looks like in individuals and the church. Worship services also included communion and anointing.

When not worshiping, young adults participated in several other activities. Padare (workshop) sessions were held on topics ranging from storytelling to Bible study to immigration reform. "Joyful Noise" sessions gave participants a chance to sing favorite hymns while learning a few new tunes. Small groups, called Community Groups, met several times throughout the weekend.

A Coffeehouse affirmed that the Church of the Brethren has been given many talented young adults. Musical numbers included driving rhythms, rich guitar chords, and lyrics in at least two languages. Humor was a frequent guest in the room as well; participants had a hard time taking seriously the musician who wore an over-sized orange foam cowboy hat.

In addition to providing information on its services, Mutual Aid Association held a free ice-cream social and a drawing for door prizes.

The weekend ended with hugs and goodbyes to new and old friends. Hopefully, many will re-unite next year over Memorial Day weekend at Camp Harmony in Hooversville, Pa. Also, young adults are encouraged to begin making plans now to attend the second National Young Adult Conference, June 9-13, 2008, at the YMCA of the Rockies in Estes Park, Colo.

Source: 6/21/2006 Newsline
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IMA supports Brethren response to Katrina and Rita disasters.

The first-ever domestic disaster response by Interchurch Medical Assistance (IMA) has provided $19,500 for rebuilding work coordinated by the Emergency Response program of the Church of the Brethren General Board, according to a release from IMA.

Created in 1960 to support overseas church-based health development and emergency response activities, IMA had never been called on to assist with a domestic disaster until Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf states, the release said. Just hours after the hurricane struck, donors began sending contributions to IMA, many of them repeat donors who had appreciated the effectiveness of IMA's assistance for the tsunami disaster in South Asia.

As the extent of the damage became evident in the days immediately following the hurricane, IMA's member relief and development agencies called on IMA to provide Medicine Boxes of emergency medicines and supplies. The boxes were placed in shelters for use by medical personnel treating the everyday health needs of displaced people. Over the course of about four months, IMA coordinated five shipments of medical products with a total value of $89,476.

As relief efforts moved into the longterm phase, medicines and medical supplies were no longer needed. But IMA's emergency fund for the Katrina disaster had not been depleted, and IMA began discussions about longterm recovery projects that needed funding.

IMA announced early this month that the remaining $19,500 in Katrina disaster relief funds will assist rebuilding activities under the leadership of Emergency Response. The financial support offered by IMA will help pay for building materials and their transport to the affected areas.

The Brethren response to both hurricanes collectively included deploying 128 Disaster Child Care volunteers who interacted with 3,027 children affected by the disaster; coordinating 183 volunteers who helped to clean up or repair the homes of 188 families in Alabama and Louisiana; facilitating shipments of material aid valued at $2.1 million from the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md., in collaboration with Church World Service; and providing grants totaling $257,000 for the disaster response activities.

"The disaster response work of the Church of the Brethren is well respected on all fronts," said Paul Derstine, IMA president. "IMA is diligent about staying faithful to our donors' wishes, so we're happy to be able to use their contributions for longterm recovery activities in response to the Katrina and Rita hurricane disasters. Having IMA's headquarters located at the Brethren Service Center enables us to maintain a close working relationship with Emergency Response."

IMA is a nonprofit association of 12 Protestant relief and development agencies providing assistance for overseas health programs of partner churches, faith-based development and relief organizations, and public and private agencies with similar goals. See www.interchurch.org.

Source: 6/21/2006 Newsline
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Mid-Atlantic Disaster Auction sets record.

The 2006 Mid-Atlantic Disaster Auction held May 6 at the Agricultural Center in Westminster, Md., set a record high total net income of $77,860.50, according to a report from committee member Roy Johnson. The record proceeds from the auction were announced at the May meeting of the Mid-Atlantic Disaster Response Auction Committee. The previous high income from an auction was $70,000.

Of this year's total net income, the amount of $4,500 was given to the Mid-Atlantic District to provide for transportation costs of disaster volunteers working in distant locations such as New Orleans; the amount of $73,000 was sent to the Emergency Disaster Fund of the Church of the Brethren General Board, to be used to fund disaster services.

Theme baskets were a new offering at this year's auction. The theme baskets contributed an income of $829.

In totals from a quilt auction, 161 quilts brought in $34,167.50 representing an increase of 20 pieces and $6,235 over last year's totals. Six quilt tops and one wall hanging purchased for the 2007 auction already have sponsors and quilters. A balance of some $5,000 was kept back for start-up costs for next year.

The 2006 auction booklet was again a great success as well, bringing in a profit of $13,899.97. More than 3,000 of the booklets were printed. Debbie Noffsinger served as the graphic artist for the booklet. "We congratulated her for the great job she has done," Johnson said.

Source: 6/21/2006 Newsline
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Young Center announces Donald F. Durnbaugh Legacy Endowment.

The Young Center for Anabaptist and Pietist Studies, located at Elizabethtown (Pa.) College, is honoring the outstanding scholarship of the late Donald F. Durnbaugh by creating the Durnbaugh Legacy Endowment. Durnbaugh passed away in August last year.

Contributed funds will help meet a $2 million challenge by the National Endowment for the Humanities. The endowment will support the collection of reference materials, will support teaching, will create an academic chair at the Young Center for Anabaptist and Pietist Studies, and will support many other activities of the center. Some of Durnbaugh's papers and books, contributed by his family, will be used to support the center's program of research and scholarly publications in Anabaptist and Pietist studies.

Durnbaugh is considered the preeminent scholar of the Brethren experience in Europe and America, said the announcement of the endowment. His narrative history, "Fruit of the Vine, A History of the Brethren, 1708-1997," is the standard in the field of study, the center said. Durnbaugh also authored "The Believers' Church: The History and Character of Radical Protestantism," and edited the multi-volume "Brethren Encyclopedia."

He was a long-time supporter and friend of the Young Center. In 1987, he earned the distinction of delivering the first public lecture at what would become the center. Two years later, he was appointed the first Carl W. Zeigler Professor of Religion and History at Elizabethtown College, a position he held until 1993. That same year, he was named the first Young Center Fellow. During his tenure at the center, he furthered the study of Anabaptist and Pietist faiths by presenting papers at academic conferences, writing scholarly articles, and preparing book reviews. He also played a major role in planning the 1991 meeting of the International Communal Studies Association and the first Brethren World Assembly in 1992, both held at the Young Center. From 1998 to 2004, he served as a member of the Young Center Advisory Committee.

Associated with the Durnbaugh Legacy Endowment, several naming opportunities have been established that reflect the heritage of the Believer's Church. For more information about these opportunities or for more information about the endowment, contact Allen T. Hansell, director of Church Relations at Elizabethtown College, at 717-361-1257.

Source: 6/21/2006 Newsline
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Brethren bits: Correction, remembrance, personnel, jobs, more.

• Correction: Beth Gunzel is not a volunteer with Brethren Volunteer Service, as was incorrectly reported in Newsline on June 7. She is staff for Economic Development in the Dominican Republic for the Global Mission Partnerships of the Church of the Brethren General Board.
  
  
• June Swann Hoal, aged 79, of Roanoke, Va., died on Saturday, June 10. She served Virlina District as a former co-manager of Camp Bethel in Fincastle, Va. Hoal was a lifetime member of First Church of the Brethren in Roanoke where she was a deacon and served in many other leadership capacities including as a member of the Outdoor Ministries Committee and a volunteer at the Virlina District Resource Center. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law Laura Hoal Heptinstall and Kevin L. Heptinstall, her son and daughter-in-law Alan Eugene Hoal and Carol B. Hoal, and four grandchildren, among other family members. Services were held at First Church of the Brethren in Roanoke on June 13. Memorials are made to First Church of the Brethren or to Virlina District's Church of the Brethren Pilgrimage Scholarship Fund.
  
  
• On June 8, Jake Blouch joined the General Board's communications area working with "Messenger" magazine. Blouch, who is from Hershey, Pa., will work with the magazine for the summer through the Ministry Summer Service program. He is a member of Spring Creek Church of the Brethren in Hershey and a student at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, where he is majoring in acting.
  
  
• Brethren Benefit Trust (BBT) seeks a director of Employee Benefit Plans. The position is fulltime and salaried, based in Elgin, Ill. Functions include administration of the insurance and retirement benefit plans, flexible spending and health savings accounts, clergy consultation services contract, Church Workers Assistance Plan, and wellness ministry partnership with the Association of Brethren Caregivers. Responsibilities include strategic planning and services development, Pension Plan Trust and legal plan description, employer agreements, members' handbook, actuarial support services, insurance contracts and third party administrator arrangements, plans and systems operations and member services management. Qualifications include membership in the Church of the Brethren and active participation in a Church of the Brethren congregation, at least an undergraduate degree and/or certification as an Employee Benefits Specialist, and at least five years of experience in employee benefits plan management, legal and medical practice, human resources administration, or related management experience. Send a letter of interest and a resume with salary range expectation to Susan Brandenbusch at 1505 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120; sbrandenbusch_bbt@brethren.org.
  
  
• BBT seeks a director of the Brethren Foundation Inc. The position is fulltime and salaried, based in Elgin, Ill. Functions include administration of four basic services of the foundation: aset management, deferred gifts management, deferred gifts technical assistance and client services, and enlarging of the base of the participation in foundation services. Responsibilities include strategic planning and services development, client development and service, systems knowledge and operations oversight, investment and social responsibility staff team, and financial, estate, and gift planning. Qualifications include membership in the Church of the Brethren and active participation in a Church of the Brethren congregation; at least an undergraduate degree; one or more professional credentials related to foundation management, financial planning, planned giving, or investment management (may be attained on the job); and at least five years of experience in a related management position. Send a letter of interest and a resume with salary range expectation to Susan Brandenbusch at 1505 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120; sbrandenbusch_bbt@brethren.org.
  
  
• BBT seeks a manager of Publications. The position is fulltime and salaried, based in Elgin, Ill. Functions include daily editorial oversight of BBT publications--newsletters, press releases, annual report, website, and other special projects--and serving as senior writer. Responsibilities include managing a publication schedule, content for publications and website, creation of writing assignments and photo assignments, working with a production coordinator and contracted designers, assisting with marketing and promotional efforts. Qualifications include membership in the Church of the Brethren and active participation in a Church of the Brethren congregation; at least an undergraduate degree preferably in communications, English, or related field; and experience or expertise in writing, copyediting, project management, and corporate communications. Send a letter of interest and a resume with salary range expectation to Susan Brandenbusch at 1505 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120; sbrandenbusch_bbt@brethren.org.
  
  
• The Church of the Brethren General Board seeks a fulltime director of Marketing and Sales for Brethren Press in Elgin, Ill. Responsibilities include setting, monitoring, and meeting annual sales goals; developing and implementing a marketing plan; supervising customer service and shipping and warehouse functions; overseeing creation and release of promotional materials; managing marketing aspects of the Brethren Press Bookstore at Annual Conference and other events; networking and working collegially with General Board staff in developing new products and marketing. Qualifications include proven skills in marketing or sales, ability to represent Brethren Press favorably in denominational and ecumenical settings, oral and written communication and interpersonal skills, creativity and organizational skills, ability to balance independence with collaboration, grounding in or an interest in learning Brethren heritage, theology, and polity. Required education and experience include a bachelor's degree in a related field and experience working in a religious setting. Candidates with prior successful marketing experience are given priority. A position description and application form are available on request. Application deadline is July 14. Complete the General Board application form, submit a resume and a letter of application, and request three references to send letters of recommendation to the Office of Human Resources, Church of the Brethren General Board, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120-1694; 800-323-8039 ext. 258; mgarrison_gb@brethren.org.
  
  
• "Ring in Remembrance" will mark the tragic milestone of 2,500 US soldiers killed in the Iraq War, on the weekend of June 24-25. The Brethren Witness/Washington Office issued an action alert publicizing the interfaith initiative for religious congregations to ring bells, especially the bells of their houses of worship, to remember all the casualties of the war and their hurting families. The effort is organized by FaithfulAmerica.org, an interfaith program of the National Council of Churches. "Bell ringing has historically been used to call communities together in times of joy, sadness, or crisis," said Vince Isner, director of FaithfulAmerica.org. "We believe this is not only a time of sadness, but an opportunity to ring in a new season of peace." Contact the Brethren Witness/Washington Office at 337 N. Carolina Ave., SE, Washington, DC 20003; 800-785-3246; washington_office_gb@brethren.org.
  
  
• On Earth Peace on June 16 called for remembrance of the 1976 Soweto student uprising in South Africa. "Thirty years ago today, Black South African students walked out of high school in Soweto to resist the enforced instruction of the Afrikaans language. By the end of the day, at least 95 students and as many as 500 students had been killed by police in Soweto and across South Africa," wrote Matt Guynn, coordinator of Peace Witness, in an e-mail to a Peace Witness Action List. Others remembering the event included World Council of Churches general secretary Samuel Kobia, who paid tribute to the Soweto uprising by saying it "triggered the final end to apartheid in South Africa." South Africa held a day of special events in Soweto and has named June 16 "Youth Day." The All-Africa Council of Churches has named June 16 the "International Day of the African Child," according to Ekklesia, an online religious news site.
  
  
• Pastor Doug Wantz of Chippewa Church of the Brethren in Creston, Ohio, is one of several pastors competing in the "Faster Pastor" race series at Wayne County Speedway in Ohio on June 24. Wantz was last year's Finale Winner, according to an article on www.whowon.com. For more information go to www.waynecountyspeedway.com.
  
  
• A new volume of lectionary resources on food and justice includes a reflection by Jean Lersch, of First Church of the Brethren in St. Petersburg, Fla. Lersch has been a Bread for the World member since the 1970s and is active in the Peace Team of Atlantic Southeast District. Her reflection appears in "Bread for the World, Hunger for the Word: Lectionary Reflections on Food and Justice, Year C" (order at www.breadstore.org). The volume provides weekly biblical reflections, children's sermons, and music for the lectionary readings for Year C, which begin this fall with Advent. Many authors from various denominations contributed to the volume.
  
  
• A conference on "Eco-Justice for All: God's People, God's Planet," featured Church of the Brethren member Shantilal Bhagat as a workshop leader. The event was sponsored by the National Council of Churches in New Orleans on June 1-4. Bhagat is retired from the staff of the Church of the Brethren General Board, and led workshops exploring the connections of ecological, economic, and social justice.
  
  
• More than 50 people from about 13 different congregations of Illinois and Wisconsin District gathered at Panther Creek Church of the Brethren near Roanoke, Ill., on April 29 to paint the church building, repair steps, work on insulation and plumbing, install a water heater and new sink in the kitchen, do electric work, trim weeds in the cemetery, and move a wall between the office and library. "It was suggested to make this an annual event, helping different churches throughout the district, both with work projects and cementing the bonds of friendship and fellowship between churches," wrote Linda Dooly in the district newsletter.
  
  
• The National Council of Churches (NCC) has participated in or made statements on several current political issues. General secretary Bob Edgar was one of 27 religious leaders who signed a statement calling for the elimination of torture as a part of US policy (to endorse the statement go to www.nrcat.org). The NCC renewed a call to close the US Guantanamo Bay detention center in Cuba following the suicides of three prisoners; as of June 15, more than 10,500 people had signed a petition at FaithfulAmerica.org calling for the facility to be closed (FaithfulAmerica.org is a program of the NCC; for more see www.ncccusa.org/news/060216gitmo.html). The NCC also urged Congress to raise the federal minimum wage to $7.25 an hour from $5.15 an hour, joining the Let Justice Roll Living Wage Campaign. "A raise to $7.25 an hour is the least we can do now for minimum wage workers who have gone without a raise for nine long years," the NCC said (for more go to www.letjusticeroll.org).
  
  
• The general secretary of the World Council of Churches (WCC), Samuel Kobia, has called for action to stop "terminator technology"-- plants that are genetically engineered to produce sterile seeds, preventing farmers from re-planting saved seed. This technology "turns life, which is a gift from God, into a commodity," Kobia said. "Preventing farmers from re-planting saved seed will increase economic injustice all over the world and add to the burdens of those already living in hardship." The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization estimates that 1.4 billion people depend on farmer-saved seed as their primary seed source, the WCC said. For the full release go to http://www.oikoumene.org/en/news/news-management/all-news-english/display-single-english-news/browse/1/article/1634/take-action-to-stop-termi.html.

Source: 6/21/2006 Newsline
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Nadine Pence Frantz resigns from Bethany Theological Seminary.

Nadine Pence Frantz, professor of Theological Studies at Bethany Theological Seminary in Richmond, Ind., has accepted an appointment as director of the Wabash Center for Teaching and Learning in Theology and Religion, effective Jan. 1, 2007.

The Wabash Center, located at Wabash College in Crawfordsville, Ind., works on issues of teaching and learning with faculties of religion in colleges and universities, seminaries, and theological schools across the country. The center is fully funded by the Lilly Endowment.

Bethany president Eugene F. Roop and dean Stephen Reid accepted Frantz's resignation recognizing the loss that comes with the departure of an excellent teacher and Bethany's senior faculty member, according to an announcement from the seminary. "Dena's passion for excellent teaching has been reflected in the maturity of her own work with students," said Roop. "Those learning to teach religion in seminaries and colleges will be wonderfully served with Dena as director of the Wabash Center."

Frantz first came to Bethany as a student in 1977-80. She completed a doctorate at the University of Chicago and joined the Bethany faculty in 1992. She has focused her research and writing in the areas of christology, theology, the visual arts, and feminist theology. Recently she edited and contributed to the book, "Hope Deferred: Heart-Healing Reflections on Reproductive Loss." In other professional involvements, she has been executive director of the Council for the Societies for the Study of Religion.

Source: 6/21/2006 Newsline
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Bradley Bohrer hired as director of Sudan initiative for General Board.

Bradley Bohrer begins Sept. 11 as director of the Sudan initiative of the Church of the Brethren General Board. He has most recently served as pastor of Brook Park Community Church of the Brethren in Brookpark, Ohio, for over 22 years.

For the past four years he also has served as an advisor to doctor of ministry students, and as an instructor, at Ashland Theological Seminary. Bohrer also has worked in Northern Ohio District as director of Pastoral Continuing Education for the past two years. In 1995-97 he taught at Kulp Bible College in Nigeria.

Bohrer is a graduate of Manchester College, North Manchester, Ind., with a degree in music performance and sociology. He also holds a master of divinity degree from Bethany Seminary, and obtained a doctor of ministry degree from Ashland Seminary.

Source: 6/21/2006 Newsline
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McPherson College hires Thomas Hurst as campus minister.

McPherson (Kan.) College has announced that Thomas Hurst has accepted the position of campus minister, beginning in mid-July. A life-long member of the Church of the Brethren, Hurst currently is Mid-Atlantic Regional Field Manager for AFS Intercultural Programs securing family and school placements for students in international education.

Hurst has worked as executive director for On Earth Peace, as pastor of Downsville Church of the Brethren in Williamsport, Md., and as an area representative for Heifer International.

He received his bachelor's degree from Manchester College in North Manchester, Ind., with a degree in sociology; completed a master's degree from Ohio University in American Government and Foreign Policy; completed coursework at Bethany Theological Seminary in 2003-04; and holds a doctorate in Higher Education Administration from Temple University.

Source: 6/21/2006 Newsline
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Brethren leader Thurl Metzger to be honored by Heifer International.

A new Thurl Metzger Education Center will be dedicated at 1:30 p.m. on Aug. 4 at Heifer Ranch near Perryville, Ark. A Church of the Brethren member, Metzger served Heifer International for some 30 years as executive director, director of International Programs, and senior consultant, beginning in 1953. The Church of the Brethren started Heifer Project in 1944.

Previous to his service to Heifer, Metzger was director of the Polish farm-youth exchange program of the Church of the Brethren Service Commission.

The new building will include "green" features, classrooms, and office space for the Ranch education team and the Volunteer Department team. It will be equipped with handicap accessible trails to accommodate wheel chairs, and will serve as a severe weather and tornado shelter.

For information about accommodations and other arrangements, contact Bonnie Williams at 501-889-5124 or bonnie.williams@heifer.org no later than June 30.

Source: 6/21/2006 Newsline
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Spiritual directors are called to 'listen with the heart.'

By Connie Burkholder

What is the connection between the ministry of being with the dying, and the ministry of being a spiritual director? That question was prompted by the theme for the Church of the Brethren spiritual directors' retreat May 22-24 at Shepherd's Spring, camp and conference center of Mid-Atlantic District. About two dozen Church of the Brethren spiritual directors attended the retreat.

We heard a number of answers to the question through the presentations of Rose Mary Dougherty, a School Sister of Notre Dame who spent many years training spiritual directors at Shalem Institute and who now does hospice ministry. Sharing personal experiences from these two ministries, Dougherty spoke of the importance of being fully present in each moment with a person. She reminded us to trust the holy mystery of the process that is going on in the person with whom we are ministering. Quoting Teilhard de Chardin, she said, "Above all, be patient with the slow work of God."

We considered "the slow work of God" in ourselves through an afternoon in the spiritual discipline of silence. Dougherty invited us to a prayerful exercise of stripping away the roles we play and the masks we wear to be closer to uncovering our true selves. She noted that as we come closer to our true selves and allow God's mercy to touch us, we are able to be present with others without our own agendas getting in the way of hearing, welcoming, and receiving whatever the other person brings.

An evening session in group spiritual direction gave the opportunity for each of us to share our prayer experience in a small group. I found this to be a powerful experience of sharing deeply with people who were willing to be present to me in my journey as I continue discerning God's leading in my life.

I was moved deeply by Dougherty's instruction to cross each threshold with openness to God and to the other person's experience. The threshold may be a physical doorway, as we enter a room to see a person. It may be a moment in time, when we pause to pray and set aside what has happened previously and prepare ourselves to be available and present in the moment.

"Listen with the ear of your heart," said Dougherty, quoting the Rule of St. Benedict. "And listen. Listen. Listen." Such is the calling and task of spiritual directors. The retreat allowed me and others to be refreshed and renewed to follow that calling.

--Connie Burkholder is executive minister of Northern Plains District.

Source: 6/21/2006 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. Contact the editor at cobnews@brethren.org or 800-323-8039 ext. 260. Kathleen Campanella, Allen Hansell, Roy Johnson, Vickie Johnson, Ken Shaffer, and Becky Ullom contributed to this report.

NEWS

• Brethren Benefit Trust explores ways to offset cost of medical insurance.
  
• New guidelines issued for denominational memorial tribute.
  
• On Earth Peace board begins strategic planning process.
  
• Global Food Crisis Fund supports micro credit in Dominican Republic.
  
• El Fondo para la Crisis Global de Comida ayuda con creditos diminutos en la Republica Dominicana.
  
• Service Ministries continues relief shipments to the Gulf.
  
• Brethren Homes forum held at the Cedars in Kansas.
  
• Brethren bits: Remembrance, personnel, job opening, and more.

PERSONNEL

• Jewel McNary resigns as Brethren Press director of marketing and sales.

UPCOMING EVENTS

• On Earth Peace issues invitation to counter-recruitment calls.

FEATURE

• A Brethren volunteer reflects on a 'pray-in' outside the White House.

Brethren Benefit Trust explores ways to offset cost of medical insurance.

The Brethren Medical Plan Study Committee of Annual Conference has asked Brethren Benefit Trust (BBT) to help identify potential new sources of funding for the Church of the Brethren Medical Plan. At its spring meetings April 21-23 in Elgin, Ill., the BBT Board and staff spent time brainstorming possible ways to offset the ever-escalating costs of medical insurance, BBT said in a report of the meeting.

Several ideas were offered as starting points, and then small groups considered the merits of those ideas and possible alternatives. Board and staff struggled with how to increase participation in the Brethren Medical Plan and how to decrease expenses as medical costs continue to rise well beyond inflation, and as the average age of plan participants continues to rise.

The board received reports that indicate signs of promise. After losing $1.4 million in 2003 and 2004, the Brethren Medical Plan posted a modest net gain in 2005, with more premiums being received than claims being paid. The board also heard at least one possibility for how BBT may expand its customer base.

However, board members also heard that membership in 2005 declined from 819 to 746, not including spouses and dependents. This decline included 30 active employees and 43 retirees. Moreover, only two of the 23 Church of the Brethren districts now have at least 75 percent participation in the plan, which means that if such a requirement were to be implemented at this time most Brethren pastors and church staffs would be excluded from the Brethren Medical Plan.

"Given the 2005 Annual Conference resolution that called on congregations and church agencies to support the plan during the study period, this decline was a disappointment and is reason for continued concern," BBT said.

The ideas, hopes, and concerns discussed during the brainstorming session were forwarded to the Annual Conference study committee, along with an offer from BBT staff for further meetings with committee members. In a report from earlier this year, the study committee had signaled that the denomination needs the Brethren Medical Plan to continue serving pastors and church staff, and called for re-evaluation of the proposed 75-percent participation requirement for districts. The committee also said it needs more than one year to examine the longterm viability of the plan and will seek an extension at this year's Annual Conference.

In other business, the board heard that a number of BBT-related items will be considered at Annual Conference including its Articles of Organization and a resolution from Pacific Southwest District on "Divestment from Companies Selling Products Used as Weapons in Israel and Palestine"; added two new provisions to four existing guidelines for "hardship withdrawals" from the Pension Plan; established six percent as the annuity interest rate on contributions made after July 1, 2003; and elected Nevin Dulabaum, BBT's director of Communications, to the board of the Church of the Brethren Credit Union for a new three-year term. Dulabaum has been on the credit union board for six years and currently serves as vice-chair.

In decisions regarding investments, the board affirmed a new bond manager; approved redefining investment strategy for the "core" portion of its Domestic Stock Fund and Domestic Stock Index Fund; and affirmed a continuing manager of its Community Development Investment Fund, which makes funds available for inner-city microloans. In the three years of the Community Development Investment Fund's existence, Brethren investments have led to the building or rehabilitation of 70 affordable homes, the financing of 140 microloans (250 jobs) or 20 small business loans (112 jobs), and the financing of 25 community facilities.

The board received two screening lists as part of its socially responsible investing ministry: the top 25 defense contractors, and companies that make more than 10 percent of their gross sales from defense contracts. BBT's investment policy prohibits it from investing in companies that are on either list. The lists are available by writing to newsletters_bbt@brethren.org.

For more about BBT and its ministries go to www.brethrenbenefittrust.org.

Source: 6/7/2006 Newsline
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New guidelines issued for denominational memorial tribute.

Annual Conference has requested Brethren Benefit Trust (BBT) to expand guidelines for the denomination's memorial tribute for church leaders who have died during the year before each Conference. The annual tribute is given as a multimedia presentation at Annual Conference, and serves as a remembrance of denominational church leaders including pastors and lay leaders.

The guidelines are being expanded in an effort to include remembrance of more Brethren leaders. "We have worked on new guidelines this year, trying to honor national Brethren leaders who are not in the Pension Plan, in addition to Brethren Pension Plan members and their spouses," said Nevin Dulabaum, BBT's director of Communications.

"This is a national tribute of national leaders," Dulabaum emphasized. "This does not preclude other agencies, districts, or congregations from honoring former servants who are now deceased. And so while there may be individuals omitted from this tribute who some believe should be honored, the Annual Conference officers and BBT staff did their best to come up with guidelines that will hopefully honor those recognized Brethren leaders who served on a national level."

The new guidelines call on the Church of the Brethren districts and the Annual Conference agencies to participate in the process. "BBT does not know who all of these people are," said Dulabaum. "Districts and agencies are being asked to assist in the identification of people to be included in the tribute and the acquisition of photos." Each district and agency are asked to name a representative to help nominate Brethren leaders who should be included in the tribute, and to help ensure that their photos are sent to the BBT office.

The new guidelines were proposed by BBT in response to the Annual Conference request, and were adapted and accepted by the Annual Conference officers. The Conference officers will oversee the process of collecting names and photos for the tribute, and BBT will continue to produce the tribute and assist with logistical matters.

The new guidelines have been sent to the five Annual Conference agencies, the Church of the Brethren districts, all Church of the Brethren congregations, and Brethren-related camps. The guidelines, including a form to nominate a name for the memorial and a list of categories of people to be included in the memorial, are also available at www.brethrenbenefittrust.org (go to "Pension Plan," click on the "Forms" link).

Source: 6/7/2006 Newsline
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On Earth Peace board begins strategic planning process.

The On Earth Peace Board of Directors and staff met April 21-22 at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md. The board's Advancement, Personnel, Finance, and Executive committees met April 20. The devotional theme used scriptures focused on "A Passion for Peace."

Beginning new strategic planning work, the board affirmed and encouraged staff to go ahead with planning three "big goals" that On Earth Peace has in process: "That On Earth Peace will make it possible for every youth in the denomination to have a real opportunity for an extended peace learning experience while in high school; that On Earth Peace will make it possible for every pastor in the denomination to learn effective conflict transformation approaches and skills; and (this goal is still being refined) that On Earth Peace will provide tools for every congregation in the denomination to have a vibrant peace/justice ministry which affects the life of its community or beyond."

A session was devoted to reviewing the vision and goals from the agency's 2000-01 strategic planning process, looking at how On Earth Peace wants to move forward in new planning. Time was given for a "clearness process" for raising concerns and questions, followed by small group discussion. Issues included organizational health, identification of what is working and what is not, who On Earth Peace primarily represents, and who the agency would like to represent.

Board and staff reviewed the report from the Annual Conference Study Committee on Doing Church Business, which includes On Earth Peace staff member Matt Guynn and board member Verdena Lee. After meeting in small groups, the board offered a brief response to the study committee, recognizing that the paper's implications for On Earth Peace and for the Annual Conference will be major if it is adopted.

In other business, the board received reports from its committees and staff and was introduced to a "big goal" of resourcing congregations to have a significant peace ministry either locally or globally. Other program developments included a new resource packet on "Encountering Recruitment," workshops at all four regional youth conferences, expansion of the Peace Retreat Leadership Team, the Ministry of Reconciliation's training for Shalom Teams in many districts, creation of a new manual for leaders of Matthew 18 workshops, the growing number of congregations receiving "Living Peace Church News & Notes," Spanish translation of printed materials, a new video telling the story of the work of Brethren Service Committee after World War II, and development of a program focus on Israel/Palestine that includes delegations, speakers, and resource materials. Updates on On Earth Peace's effort to become an anti-racist organization were shared as well, highlighting the work with consultant Erika Thorne from Future Now.

For more about On Earth Peace go to www.brethren.org/oepa.

Source: 6/7/2006 Newsline
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Global Food Crisis Fund supports micro credit in Dominican Republic.

In poor countries like the Dominican Republic, micro-credit is one of the few options many people have to earn a living, according to a report from Global Food Crisis Fund manager Howard Royer. The fund is giving a grant of $66,500 to cover the 2006 budget of a Church of the Brethren microloan program in the DR, called the Community Development Program. The fund is a ministry of the Church of the Brethren General Board and gives an annual grant to the DR program.

"Over 40 percent of the job openings in the DR are with small businesses that hire from one to ten workers," Royer said. "Loans from the Global Food Crisis Fund enable people who under traditional markets would be excluded from credit opportunities to enter this sector."

The loan program also draws together committees of local volunteers to facilitate their own meetings, design financial management plans, and oversee the well-being of projects in the community. This enables administrative costs and interest rates to be kept relatively low. In the process, skills are being learned, solidarity is being strengthened, and income allows for health care and education.

"The Community Development Committee and I are excited about the wisdom and experience we are gaining," states Beth Gunzel, program coordinator and Brethren Volunteer Service worker with the General Board's Global Mission Partnerships. "Our priorities this year are to continue improving our program's structure by formalizing policies and procedures, by providing more training for loan groups, by creating orientation manuals and business management guides, and by designing more comprehensive entrance criteria and evaluations that ensure loans are being used for their intended purposes."

Sixteen communities are moving on to the next loan cycle in 2006, and two other communities have determined they are not ready now but may move forward later. The number of loan participants is 473; last year it was 494.

Since its inception, the Community Development Program has depended solely on the Global Food Crisis Fund for support, with grants totaling $260,000 over the past three years.

In other news from the Global Food Crisis Fund, a grant of $4,000 has been given for Church World Service (CWS) work in Tanzania to provide emergency food relief for the drought-stricken country; $2.500 has been allocated from the Church of the Brethren Foods Resource Bank account for a rural women's development program in Nicaragua; and $2,500 from the Brethren Foods Resource Bank account is allocated for the Christian Center for Integrated Development in Haiti, to aid rural communities in two of Haiti's poorest areas.

For more about the fund and its work, go to http://www.brethren.org/genbd/global_mission/gfcf.htm.

Source: 6/7/2006 Newsline
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El Fondo para la Crisis Global de Comida ayuda con creditos diminutos en la Republica Dominicana.

(Atencion: La editora pregunta pardon porque, a causa de dificultades technicas, el articulo siguiente no incluye los acentos o las letras de la lengua Español.)

En paises pobres como la República Dominicana, los créditos diminutos son una de las pocas opciones que mucha gente tiene para vivir, de acuerdo a un reporte de Howard Royer, gerente del Fondo para la Crisis Global de Comida. Este Fondo proporcionó una beca de $66,500 para cubrir el presupuesto de 2006 del programa de fondos diminutos de la Junta General de la Iglesia de los Hermanos (Church of the Brethren) en la República Dominicana.

“Mas del 40 por ciento de todos los trabajos en la República Dominicana son con negocios pequeños que tienen de uno a diez empleados, dijo Royer. Los préstamos del Fondo para la Crisis Global de Comida ofrecen nuevas oportunidades de crédito a personas en este sector que hubieran sido excluidas.

Este programa de prestamos también junta comités locales de voluntarios para facilitar sus juntas, diseñar planes financieros, y ver que todo vaya bién con los projectos en la comunidad. Esto permite que los costos administrativos y los intereses sean relativamente bajos. En el proceso, la gente está aparendiendo nuevas habilidades, la solidaridad se está reforzando, y las entradas ayudan la salud y educación.

Beth Gunzel, coordinadora del programa y voluntaria con la Junta General de Global Mission Partnerships dijo “el Comite de Desarrollo de la Comunidad y yo estamos muy contentos con la sabiduría y experiencia que estamos desarrollando” “Nuestras prioridades para este año son continuar mejorando la estructura de nuestro programa al formalizar las pólizas y procedimientos, proveer mas entrenamiento a los grupos que han recibido préstamos, crear manuales de orientación y guias para manejar un negocio, y diseñar criterios de entrada y evaluaciones para asegurarse que los préstamos están siendo usados para el propósito que fueron dados.

Diez y seis comunidades recibirán préstamos en el ciclo de 2006, y otras dos comunidades han decidido que no están listas ahora, pero lo harán mas tarde. Este año 473 personas han recibido préstamos; 494 los recibieron el año pasado.

Desde el principio, el Programa de Desarrollo Comunitario ha dependido solamente del apoyo del Fondo Global de Crisis de Comida, con un total de $260,000 en becas en los ultimos tres años.

En otras noticias del Fondo Global de Crisis para la Comida, Church World Service (CWS) otorgó una beca de $4,000 a Tanzania para proveer comida de emergencia a ese pais por la falta de lluvia; $2,500 fueron designados para el programa de desarrollo de mujeres en Nicaragüa de la cuenta Bancaria de Recursos de Comida de la Iglesia de los Hermanos; y $2,500 de la cuenta Bancaria de Recursos de Comida de los Brethren fueron enviados al Centro Cristiano para Desarrollo Integrado en Haiti para ayudar a comunidades rurales en dos de las areas mas pobres en Haiti.

Para mas información acerca de éste fondo y su trabajo vaya a http://www.brethren.org/genbd/global_mission/gfcf.htm.

Source: 6/7/2006 Newsline
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Service Ministries continues relief shipments to the Gulf.

The General Board's Service Ministries program, which warehouses and ships relief materials following disasters, is continuing shipments related to Hurricane Katrina as well as many other disasters around the world.

In April, the program shipped blankets, Gift of the Heart Baby Kits and Health Kits, and cleanup buckets to Houma, La., for use by Hurricane Katrina survivors, on behalf of Church World Service (CWS). Other April shipments included blankets and Gift of the Heart Health Kits to a homeless mission in Baltimore, Md.; and shipments of medical and educational supplies to Malawi and the Republic of Congo on behalf of Interchurch Medical Assistance (IMA).

In May, Service Ministries made two shipments of supplies to serve survivors of tornados and spring storms in the US, on behalf of CWS: clean up buckets to Missouri and Gift of the Heart School Kits to Arkansas. CWS also had Gift of the Heart Health Kits sent to Syracuse, N.Y., for a Migrant Health Program, and Gift of the Heart Baby Kits and Sewing Kits and blankets shipped to the Fort Peck Tribes in Montana, to serve the elderly and economically disadvantaged.

International shipments in May included medical supplies and equipment sent to Tanzania and a shipment of medical supplies to Honduras on behalf of IMA, Feed the Nations relief goods to Rwanda, and Gift of the Heart School Kits and Health Kits to the Dominican Republic on behalf of CWS.

As of the end of May, the Service Ministries staff were beginning work to prepare a large shipment on behalf of Lutheran World Relief. June shipments on behalf of CWS began with blankets sent to Dorchester, Mass., for use by the homeless and economically disadvantaged.

In other disaster response news, the Emergency Disaster Fund has given a grant of $4,000 to underwrite expenses incurred by volunteers and staff who assessed needs in the wake of several devastating storms in the US.

Source: 6/7/2006 Newsline
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Brethren Homes forum held at the Cedars in Kansas.

Many CEOs, administrators, board members, and chaplains of Brethren-affiliated retirement centers met May 4-6 at the Cedars in McPherson, Kan., for the Fellowship of Brethren Homes' annual forum. The Cedars is one of 22 Church of the Brethren facilities that are members of the Fellowship, a ministry of the Association of Brethren Caregivers (ABC).

The theme for this year's forum was "Developing Leadership." Both an administrators' and chaplains track were available. Wally Landes, pastor of Palmyra (Pa.) Church of the Brethren and chair of the board of ABC, spoke on "The Church of the Brethren: Who We Are and How We Got Here," which set the tone for discussion regarding leadership within the Brethren agencies.

David Slack, executive vice president of the Aging Research Institute, continued the discussion by presenting "Developing Leadership and Strategic Learning." Don Fecher, director of the Fellowship of Brethren Homes, and Malcolm Nimick, CFA, Lancaster Pollard, also gave presentations.

Plans are underway for next year's forum to be held at Hillcrest Homes in La Verne, Calif., with Larry Minnix, CEO of the American Association of Health Services for the Aging, as the keynote speaker.

For more about the Brethren homes, go to www.brethren.org/abc.

Source: 6/7/2006 Newsline
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Brethren bits: Remembrance, personnel, job opening, and more.

• Emma Jean Wine, a former Church of the Brethren missionary in Nigeria, died May 24 at Brethren Village in Lancaster, Pa. She was 85 years old. Wine and her husband, Jacob Calvin (J.C.) Wine, served from 1949-56 as boarding school houseparents at Hillcrest School in Jos, Nigeria, where J.C. also was headmaster for a time. She attended Bethany Training School and George Peabody College. She was born in East Petersburg, Pa., and was an active member of Hempfield Church of the Brethren in East Petersburg. She taught school at East Petersburg Elementary School for 16 years. Wine is survived by her husband and by her daughter, Jeanine Wine, of North Manchester, Ind. Memorials are being given to the Good Samaritan Fund at Brethren Village or a place of your choosing. The funeral took place on May 26 at the Hempfield church.
  
  
• Logan R. Condon began a 13-month internship at the Brethren Historical Library and Archives of the Church of the Brethren General Board, in Elgin, Ill., on June 1. Condon is a 2006 graduate of Manchester College in North Manchester, Ind., where he majored in history and managed the college radio station. His home is in Naperville, Ill.
  
  
• Illinois and Wisconsin District seeks a district executive to fill a half-time position available Sept. 1. The district is looking for a visionary leader with experience and training in the area of congregational and/or faith based organizational management; ability to initiate, implement, and manage creative ministries and relevant programs; knowledge and support of denominational polity; ability to meet the unique needs of the district; experience in working with diverse populations; and experience in stewardship and finance. Responsibilities include serving as executive officer of the district Leadership Team, giving oversight to district ministries and programs, providing links to congregations and denominational agencies, building strong relationships with pastors and congregations, assisting pastors and congregations with placements, managing district office and staff, providing leadership to district deacons, and encouraging the calling of people to set-apart ministry and lay leadership. Qualifications include commitment to Jesus Christ, New Testament values, and Church of the Brethren faith and heritage; a master of divinity degree or equivalent; minimum of five years of pastoral or related experience; communication and mediation skills; administrative and management skills; and respect for theological diversity. Apply by sending a letter of interest and resume via e-mail to districtministries_gb@brethren.org. Applicants are requested to contact three or four people to provide letters of reference. Upon receipt of a resume, the candidate will be sent a Candidate Profile that must be completed and returned before the application is complete. Application deadline is Aug. 5.
  
  
• Peter Becker Community, a Church of the Brethren retirement center in Harleysville, Pa., raised more than $66,000 at an annual Benevolent Fund Dinner marking the community's 35th anniversary in May. Carolyn Bechtel, vice president of the Peter Becker Auxiliary, the community's volunteer support group, presented a $15,000 donation to president and CEO Carol Berster during the dinner. More than 175 guests attended the event May 11, according to a release from the community. The evening featured concert pianist Marvin Blickenstaff and "a stroll down memory lane" led by Berster. She reviewed a few of the original fundraising initiatives for the Benevolent Fund, including a collection of S&H Green Stamps, Betty Crocker box tops, and a "sunshine jar" requesting a penny for each sunny day and a dime for each rainy day. For nostalgia's sake, each guest was offered a replica sunshine jar to take home.
  
  
• "The lightning-like spread of AIDS and HIV infection has been more than a tragedy. It has been a catastrophe," said a statement from Bob Edgar, general secretary of the National Council of Churches, marking the 25th anniversary of the appearance of the disease. He noted that several faith communities began AIDS ministries in the 1980s, many of which continue. John McCullough, executive director of NCC's partner relief agency Church World Service, spoke to the United Nations special session on AIDS, calling on "the rich nations of the world to increase production of HIV/AIDS medications for children in developing nations who are living with the disease, to increase production of medications to fight AIDS related infections, and to increase sharing of technology, research, and test data." The full NCC statement is posted at www.councilofchurches.org.
  
  
• AFS Intercultural Programs (formerly American Field Service) sponsor intercultural educational programs around the world through exchanges between partner countries and the hosting of international students. The program works with local groups of volunteers to locate families who want to share their homes with an international student, and to locate US students who want to study abroad, according to Tom Hurst, a Church of the Brethren member who serves in Baltimore, Md., as the Mid-Atlantic Regional Field Manager for the program. Brethren who are interested in the opportunity to host international students through AFS Intercultural Programs may contact Hurst at 800-876-2377 ext. 121. Check out the AFS website at www.afs.org.

Source: 6/7/2006 Newsline
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Jewel McNary resigns as Brethren Press director of marketing and sales.

Jewel McNary has resigned her position as director of marketing and sales for Brethren Press, effective June 30. Her last day of work will be June 16. Brethren Press is a ministry of the Church of the Brethren General Board.

McNary has held the Brethren Press position since Sept. 2003. Prior to that she was part-time promotion consultant for "Messenger" magazine, and had provided temporary assistance in Brethren Press customer service over the previous four years.

A paralegal, McNary's earlier work experience included management of the closing department of a title insurance company. She is a University of Illinois graduate, with a bachelor's degree in political science and minor in business. She attends Neighborhood Church of the Brethren in Montgomery, Ill., and Faith Church of the Brethren in Batavia, Ill.; serves as a district youth advisor for Illinois and Wisconsin District; and serves on the Camp Emmaus board.

Source: 6/7/2006 Newsline
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On Earth Peace issues invitation to counter-recruitment calls.

On Earth Peace has issued an invitation to participate in a networking call for those working to counter military recruitment in high schools and communities.

Two calls are tentatively planned for the week of June 19: on Tuesday, June 20, at 3 p.m. eastern; and on Thursday, June 22, at 7 p.m. eastern.

The networking calls are "for all who are currently involved or who wish to get involved in creatively countering the prevalent presence of military recruiters, and offering meaningful alternatives for youth," said Matt Guynn, coordinator of Peace Witness for On Earth Peace. "Does this describe you? If so, can you join us for a networking call on June 20 or 22?"

The calls offer an opportunity to meet others from around the country who are involved in counter-recruitment and to share lessons learned during this school year's organizing, and are for people of a variety of levels of experience in counter recruitment. Participants discuss questions such as: What has worked well? What are your "best practices"? What will you do differently next year? What would you like to still learn how to do better? How can I get started?

On Earth Peace hopes participants will "return to your organizing feeling more connected to the broader movement and to your own motivations for the work."

Contact Guynn at mattguynn@earthlink.net to register for one of the calls. Visit www.brethren.org/oepa/CounterRecruitment.html for more information about On Earth Peace's work on truth-in-recruiting and counter-recruiting.

Source: 6/7/2006 Newsline
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A Brethren volunteer reflects on a 'pray-in' outside the White House.

By Todd Flory

"The Church of the Brethren has a really good bumper sticker like that. Have you seen those?" His right hand gripped mine in a firm hand shake, his left index finger tapped the front of my shirt that read, "When Jesus said, 'Love your enemies,' I think he probably meant don't kill them."

After telling the Reverend Tony Campolo that yes, I indeed had seen those bumper stickers, we chatted for a few minutes before he had to take the stage for the Pray-In for Peace held outside of the White House in Lafayette Park on May 18, as part of the 2006 Spiritual Activism Conference. Staff of the Brethren Witness/Washington Office attended the pray-in to show support and to be a part of the continued peace movement to end the war in Iraq, to prevent war in Iran, and to pray and work for peace in all areas of the world.

Rabbi Michael Lerner told the several hundred activists in attendance that they were not only praying for an end to war, but for a new spiritual vision for our society. He likened the pray-in to an announcement for the birth of a religious and spiritual left. Too often, he explained, the religious left has not portrayed its message to the public as effectively as the religious right has. "There hasn't been a frame in the mindset (of the media) for the religious left, and we're here to change that," he said. "We need not only to say what we're against, but what we're for."

Amid chants of "Don't Iraq Iran," the peace movement's recent unofficial spokes-mom, Cindy Sheehan, spoke on the need for separation of church and state. She noted the frustration of using religion as justification for the government's war actions. "You put your hand on the Bible and take an oath to the Constitution," Sheehan said. "You don't put your hand on the Constitution and take an oath to the Bible."

Sheehan also discussed the concept of borders and the US administration's incessant use of "us" and "them" language. "This spiritual awakening tells us to tear down these walls. We need to erase these borders," she said. "When they use the rhetoric, 'We have to fight them over there, so we don't have to fight them over here,' I ask them, 'What makes their babies less precious than our babies?' Peace isn't an absence of conflict; it's solving the conflict nonviolently."

Campolo was among the last to address the crowd, which heard around a dozen speakers from a variety of faith traditions. He urged a need for systemic change and a deeper look into the causes of war and terrorism. "You don't get rid of terrorists by killing terrorists, any more than you get rid of malaria by killing mosquitoes, " he said. "You get rid of malaria by getting rid of the swamps that breed them."

The culture of war and how societies view each other and deal with conflict was at the heart of the pray-in, and in the hearts of the hundreds who turned out to help ensure that peace becomes a societal and faithful reaction to conflict.

--Todd Flory is a Brethren Volunteer Service worker and a legislative associate at the Brethren Witness/Washington Office, a ministry of the Church of the Brethren General Board.

Source: 6/7/2006 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. Contact the editor at cobnews at brethren.org or 800-323-8039 ext. 260. Jane Bankert, Mary Dulabaum, Nevin Dulabaum, Matt Guynn, Colleen M. Hart, Jon Kobel, Howard Royer, and Barbara Sayler contributed to this report. Spanish translation by Maria-Elena Rangel.