Newsline Special Report
BRETHREN COLLEGE PROFESSOR ARRESTED IN STING INVESTIGATION
Late afternoon on July 20, Elizabethtown (Pa.) College officials were informed that David Eller, an ordained minister and director of the Young Center for Anabaptist and Pietest Studies and chair of the Religious Studies Department, was arrested and charged with attempted unlawful contact with a minor and criminal use of a computer.
The Pennsylvania attorney general announced July 21 that Eller was arrested by agents of the Child Predator Unit as part of an ongoing undercover Internet "sting" investigation. Eller was arrested after allegedly making contact over the Internet with several undercover agents, and after allegedly arranging to meet an undercover officer who assumed the online identity of a young girl.
Because of the seriousness of these charges, Elizabethtown president Theodore E. Long has placed Eller on administrative leave. The college is cooperating fully with the authorities.
Elizabethtown is requesting prayer for this difficult situation. "Please join me in praying for the Eller family in this very difficult time," said Allen Hansell, director of church relations for Elizabethtown.
"The Young Center has appreciated your support and asks your patience as future steps are determined for ensuring its longterm vitality," he said.
"Members of the Church of the Brethren will certainly want to keep Elizabethtown College and the Eller family at the center of our prayers in the coming weeks," said Stan Noffsinger, general secretary of the Church of the Brethren General Board. "May God's grace and peace be evident in our every word and deed in this time of sadness."
Don Kraybill has been named to serve as interim director of the Young Center. Kraybill is a senior fellow at the college and has a long history of distinguished service to both the college and the Young Center.
A statement from the college said that over the next few weeks, Kraybill will lead an effort to assess the impact of this unfortunate situation and plan a course of action that will allow the Young Center to continue with its work.
Saturday, July 22, 2006
Friday, July 21, 2006
Thousands will 'Come and See' at National Youth Conference 2006.
The National Youth Conference (NYC) of the Church of the Brethren will be held on the campus of Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colo., July 22-27. NYC will draw more than 3,600 teenage youth and adult advisors from the across the US and Puerto Rico, and a group from the Dominican Republic.
"Come and See" is the theme of the conference, which takes place every four years. Activities include morning and evening worship celebrations each day, concerts, workshops, mountain hikes, and service projects, among a host of other opportunities.
Presenters for worship celebrations include:
Jim Wallis, of the Sojourners Community in Washington, D.C., known nationally for his work to promote a Christian approach to current political issues and author of the best seller, "God's Politics: Why the Right Gets It Wrong and the Left Doesn't Get It," speaking on Monday evening, July 24. The service will be followed by a "Talk Back" session with Wallis.
Craig Kielburger, an internationally recognized advocate for children's rights and founder of Free the Children, speaking Sunday evening, July 23.
The Mennonite comedy duo Ted and Lee, performing Sunday morning, July 23.
Three Church of the Brethren youth--Allen Bowers, Jamie Frye, and Chrissy Sollenberger--who will speak for worship on Monday morning, July 24, as winners of a youth speech contest.
Other Brethren preachers include Jeff Carter, pastor of Manassas (Va.) Church of the Brethren, speaking Saturday evening, July 22; Beth Gunzel, consultant for a microloan community development program in the Dominican Republic working with the Global Mission Partnerships of the Church of the Brethren General Board, speaking Tuesday evening, July 25; Andy Murray, founder of the Baker Institute for Peace and Conflict Studies at Juniata College in Huntingdon, Pa., and a popular Brethren singer and songwriter, speaking Wednesday morning, July 26; Dawn Ottoni Wilhelm, associate professor of preaching and worship at Bethany Theological Seminary, speaking Wednesday evening, July 26; and David Radcliff, director of the New Community Project, a Church of the Brethren related nonprofit organization, speaking Thursday morning, July 27. Tuesday morning worship on July 25 will be on the theme "Church of the Brethren Connections," led by General Board staff and others.
Among musicians featured at the conference are Superchic[k], in concert the evening of Sunday, July 23; and Christian musician Ken Medema, featured in evening worship on Monday, July 24, and in a late-evening concert Tuesday, July 25.
Another main event will be "REGNUH: Turning Hunger Around," a 5K walk/run fundraiser to "undo" hunger (try spelling the name of the event backward) through the Global Food Crisis Fund. The fund is a ministry of the General Board. REGNUH will take place on a course around the CSU campus on Sunday afternoon, July 23.
The conference is planned and carried out by the National Youth Cabinet and a team of three young adult coordinators--Cindy Laprade, Beth Rhodes, and Emily Tyler--along with denominational staff and many volunteers from across the church.
Source: 7/21/2006 Newsline Special: Preview of National Youth Conference
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The National Youth Conference (NYC) of the Church of the Brethren will be held on the campus of Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colo., July 22-27. NYC will draw more than 3,600 teenage youth and adult advisors from the across the US and Puerto Rico, and a group from the Dominican Republic.
"Come and See" is the theme of the conference, which takes place every four years. Activities include morning and evening worship celebrations each day, concerts, workshops, mountain hikes, and service projects, among a host of other opportunities.
Presenters for worship celebrations include:
Jim Wallis, of the Sojourners Community in Washington, D.C., known nationally for his work to promote a Christian approach to current political issues and author of the best seller, "God's Politics: Why the Right Gets It Wrong and the Left Doesn't Get It," speaking on Monday evening, July 24. The service will be followed by a "Talk Back" session with Wallis.
Craig Kielburger, an internationally recognized advocate for children's rights and founder of Free the Children, speaking Sunday evening, July 23.
The Mennonite comedy duo Ted and Lee, performing Sunday morning, July 23.
Three Church of the Brethren youth--Allen Bowers, Jamie Frye, and Chrissy Sollenberger--who will speak for worship on Monday morning, July 24, as winners of a youth speech contest.
Other Brethren preachers include Jeff Carter, pastor of Manassas (Va.) Church of the Brethren, speaking Saturday evening, July 22; Beth Gunzel, consultant for a microloan community development program in the Dominican Republic working with the Global Mission Partnerships of the Church of the Brethren General Board, speaking Tuesday evening, July 25; Andy Murray, founder of the Baker Institute for Peace and Conflict Studies at Juniata College in Huntingdon, Pa., and a popular Brethren singer and songwriter, speaking Wednesday morning, July 26; Dawn Ottoni Wilhelm, associate professor of preaching and worship at Bethany Theological Seminary, speaking Wednesday evening, July 26; and David Radcliff, director of the New Community Project, a Church of the Brethren related nonprofit organization, speaking Thursday morning, July 27. Tuesday morning worship on July 25 will be on the theme "Church of the Brethren Connections," led by General Board staff and others.
Among musicians featured at the conference are Superchic[k], in concert the evening of Sunday, July 23; and Christian musician Ken Medema, featured in evening worship on Monday, July 24, and in a late-evening concert Tuesday, July 25.
Another main event will be "REGNUH: Turning Hunger Around," a 5K walk/run fundraiser to "undo" hunger (try spelling the name of the event backward) through the Global Food Crisis Fund. The fund is a ministry of the General Board. REGNUH will take place on a course around the CSU campus on Sunday afternoon, July 23.
The conference is planned and carried out by the National Youth Cabinet and a team of three young adult coordinators--Cindy Laprade, Beth Rhodes, and Emily Tyler--along with denominational staff and many volunteers from across the church.
Source: 7/21/2006 Newsline Special: Preview of National Youth Conference
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Dominican Republic youth get first taste of US culture on way to NYC.
By Janis Pyle
A group of six youth from the Dominican Republic have "stepped out on faith" in their efforts to attend National Youth Conference. "It is a group of exceptional leaders who all have generous and kind spirits," said Beth Gunzel, one of the group's hosts and translators. She is consultant for a microloan community development program in the DR, working with the General Board's Global Mission Partnerships.
"I was immediately impressed to see how well they worked together and the thought-provoking questions they had," Gunzel said of the Dominican group. "The group maintained a positive attitude as they practiced songs and dramas, while facing the possibility of not being able to travel." A strict US immigration policy has made it very difficult for the youth to obtain travel visas, Gunzel said.
The six youth from Iglesia de los Hermanos-DR (Church of the Brethren in the Dominican Republic) arrived July 15 to visit the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill., and the Chicago-area congregations before attending National Youth Conference in Colorado. Gunzel is assisted in translation and hosting by Tim Heishman, son of DR mission coordinators Irv and Nancy Heishman.
Participants and their churches and villages are: Guildalba Feliz Guzman, Pena de Horeb, Bastida; Elizabeth Feliz Marmolejos, La Hermosa, La Caya; Maria Virgen Suero De Leon, Ebenezer, Bonao; Vildor Archange, Nueva Uncion, Mendoza; Benjamin Lamu Bueno, Rey de Reyes, Sabana Torsa (San Luis); and Pedro Sanchez Ledesma, pastor at Mone de los Olivos, Magueyal.
Guzman explained just how new this experience is for her. In one weekend, she has experienced for the first time computers, e-mail, air travel, and hamburgers. At a Sunday morning worship service at York Center Church of the Brethren in Lombard, Ill., Guzman found herself enjoying the piano music, even without the clapping or drums she is accustomed to. "Although our worship styles differ, we serve the same God," she said.
The group's schedule included a potluck at Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren in Elgin; a trip to Camp Emmaus and Pinecrest Community in Mount Morris, Ill.; worship with Christ Connections congregation in Oswego, Ill.; and sightseeing in downtown Chicago.
The Dominican group will be highlighted at NYC on Tuesday, July 25. During morning worship, Archange will share about the microloans program from his perspective as a board member and a local representative in his community. The group will perform the closing song for evening worship the same day.
--Janis Pyle is coordinator of mission connections for the Global Mission Partnerships of the Church of the Brethren General Board.
Source: 7/21/2006 Newsline Special: Preview of National Youth Conference
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By Janis Pyle
A group of six youth from the Dominican Republic have "stepped out on faith" in their efforts to attend National Youth Conference. "It is a group of exceptional leaders who all have generous and kind spirits," said Beth Gunzel, one of the group's hosts and translators. She is consultant for a microloan community development program in the DR, working with the General Board's Global Mission Partnerships.
"I was immediately impressed to see how well they worked together and the thought-provoking questions they had," Gunzel said of the Dominican group. "The group maintained a positive attitude as they practiced songs and dramas, while facing the possibility of not being able to travel." A strict US immigration policy has made it very difficult for the youth to obtain travel visas, Gunzel said.
The six youth from Iglesia de los Hermanos-DR (Church of the Brethren in the Dominican Republic) arrived July 15 to visit the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill., and the Chicago-area congregations before attending National Youth Conference in Colorado. Gunzel is assisted in translation and hosting by Tim Heishman, son of DR mission coordinators Irv and Nancy Heishman.
Participants and their churches and villages are: Guildalba Feliz Guzman, Pena de Horeb, Bastida; Elizabeth Feliz Marmolejos, La Hermosa, La Caya; Maria Virgen Suero De Leon, Ebenezer, Bonao; Vildor Archange, Nueva Uncion, Mendoza; Benjamin Lamu Bueno, Rey de Reyes, Sabana Torsa (San Luis); and Pedro Sanchez Ledesma, pastor at Mone de los Olivos, Magueyal.
Guzman explained just how new this experience is for her. In one weekend, she has experienced for the first time computers, e-mail, air travel, and hamburgers. At a Sunday morning worship service at York Center Church of the Brethren in Lombard, Ill., Guzman found herself enjoying the piano music, even without the clapping or drums she is accustomed to. "Although our worship styles differ, we serve the same God," she said.
The group's schedule included a potluck at Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren in Elgin; a trip to Camp Emmaus and Pinecrest Community in Mount Morris, Ill.; worship with Christ Connections congregation in Oswego, Ill.; and sightseeing in downtown Chicago.
The Dominican group will be highlighted at NYC on Tuesday, July 25. During morning worship, Archange will share about the microloans program from his perspective as a board member and a local representative in his community. The group will perform the closing song for evening worship the same day.
--Janis Pyle is coordinator of mission connections for the Global Mission Partnerships of the Church of the Brethren General Board.
Source: 7/21/2006 Newsline Special: Preview of National Youth Conference
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NYC nuggets.
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- The winner of the NYC Theme Song Contest is Seth Hendricks. His song, "Come and See," will debut during the opening worship celebration Saturday evening, July 22. Hendricks lives in Richmond, Ind., with his spouse, Laina, and has just finished his first semester at Bethany Theological Seminary.
- The closest Church of the Brethren congregation to NYC--Northern Colorado Church of the Brethren--is located in the small town of Windsor, just a few miles east of Fort Collins. The church is pastored by John Carlson.
- Buses full of youth from Atlantic Northeast District and Shenandoah District visited the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill., en-route to NYC. For several days, the office building was filled with youth taking tours and enjoying meals in the cafeteria and courtyard. Yet more busloads of youth on their way to Colorado from other areas are being hosted for overnight stops by Brethren congregations across the midwest and plains states.
- Many youth groups going to NYC have been tithing to the Global Food Crisis Fund, and raising sponsorships for the REGNUH 5K walk/run at NYC on Sunday afternoon, July 23. The fund is a ministry of the Church of the Brethren General Board and makes grants for hunger relief efforts around the world.
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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.
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.
Wednesday, July 19, 2006
NEWS
- Nigeria love offering yields $20,000 to rebuild and heal.
- Emergency Disaster Fund issues more than $470,000 in grants.
- Northern Plains holds first District Conference of the season.
- Brethren bits: Job opening, honors, and much more.
- Leiter resigns as director of Information Services for General Board.
- Donna McKee Rhodes to direct Susquehanna Valley Ministry Center.
Nigeria love offering yields $20,000 to rebuild and heal.
The sum of $20,000 has been sent to Ekklesiyar Yan'uwa a Nigeria (EYN--the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria) as a "love offering" from the Church of the Brethren in the US following the destruction of several EYN churches in interreligious violence.
On Feb. 18 five EYN churches were among many Christian churches in Maiduguri that were burned down or damaged during riots over cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad. Several EYN members were seriously injured in the rioting.
EYN general secretary YY Balami sent a reply acknowledging the gift "with thanks your love for us," the letter said. "This singular act has again reminded us that we are together, that what affects EYN also affects the Church of the Brethren. Kindly extend our appreciation and greetings to the churches and individuals who assisted financially and those who prayed for EYN."
The $20,000 equals about 2.6 million Nigerian Naira. The money will aid the affected congregations and support continuing EYN efforts toward peace and reconciliation.
The love offering was initiated by the Church of the Brethren General Board at its March meeting. The church at large has been invited to join in the offering and the response has been significant. Donations toward the love offering continue to be received. Make checks payable to the Church of the Brethren General Board with "Nigeria Love Offering" in the memo line, mail to 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120.
Source: 7/19/2006 Newsline
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The sum of $20,000 has been sent to Ekklesiyar Yan'uwa a Nigeria (EYN--the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria) as a "love offering" from the Church of the Brethren in the US following the destruction of several EYN churches in interreligious violence.
On Feb. 18 five EYN churches were among many Christian churches in Maiduguri that were burned down or damaged during riots over cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad. Several EYN members were seriously injured in the rioting.
EYN general secretary YY Balami sent a reply acknowledging the gift "with thanks your love for us," the letter said. "This singular act has again reminded us that we are together, that what affects EYN also affects the Church of the Brethren. Kindly extend our appreciation and greetings to the churches and individuals who assisted financially and those who prayed for EYN."
The $20,000 equals about 2.6 million Nigerian Naira. The money will aid the affected congregations and support continuing EYN efforts toward peace and reconciliation.
The love offering was initiated by the Church of the Brethren General Board at its March meeting. The church at large has been invited to join in the offering and the response has been significant. Donations toward the love offering continue to be received. Make checks payable to the Church of the Brethren General Board with "Nigeria Love Offering" in the memo line, mail to 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120.
Source: 7/19/2006 Newsline
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Emergency Disaster Fund issues more than $470,000 in grants.
Recent grants from the Emergency Disaster Fund (EDF) total $471,400 for disaster relief work around the world. The fund is a ministry of the Church of the Brethren General Board.
A grant of $350,000 for longterm recovery work in southern Asia following the Dec. 2004 tsunami was announced at the General Board meeting in Des Moines, Iowa, on July 1. The grant is an additional allocation for relief work related to the tsunami, which is being coordinated by Church World Service (CWS) and ACT International. Previous allocations to this project total $320,000.
An additional allocation of $60,000 continues support of longterm relief work by CWS in Sudan. The funds will help provide assistance to more than 400,000 people still living in temporary camps. Two previous allocations to this project total $110,000.
An allocation of $50,000 responds to an appeal from CWS following an earthquake in Indonesia on the island of Java. The funds will help to immediately provide food, potable water, shelter, sanitation, and health and medical services, as well as disaster preparedness and advocacy. Additional grant requests for this project are expected in the future.
The sum of $5,000 has been given for a CWS appeal after summer storms caused flooding and damage in many states along the east coast. The money will help assist communities organize for recovery work, address unmet needs, and care for the most vulnerable impacted by the flooding.
A grant of $4,000 will provide emergency food to help prevent crisis and famine relief following drought and crop failures in Tanzania, in response to a CWS appeal.
An allocation of $2,400 continues support for emergency response work after landslides and floods affected a village in Guatemala. Previous grants totaling $20,800 have provided emergency food, helped rebuild a bridge, and aided in the transport coffee beans to market. The new grant will be used to purchase a three-month supply of corn. The distribution and work is being handled and directed in Guatemala by staff of the General Board's Global Mission Partnerships: Brethren Volunteer Service worker Rebecca Allen and Latin America specialist Tom Benevento.
In other disaster relief news, Brethren Disaster Response is continuing two projects to repair and rebuild homes following hurricanes in 2004 and 2005.
A project in Lucedale, Miss., opened in mid-January, repairing and rebuilding homes damaged by Hurricane Katrina on Aug. 29, 2005. Since the project opened, nearly 200 volunteers have built four new homes and repaired and cleaned up more than 30 others, according to coordinator Jane Yount. "The official death toll has climbed to 1,836, making Katrina the deadliest hurricane since the 1928 Okeechobee Hurricane. Katrina is also the costliest hurricane in US history, with $75 billion in damages," Yount reported. "An estimated 350,000 homes were destroyed and many thousands more damaged."
Brethren Disaster Response also is continuing a rebuilding project in Pensacola, Fla., following damage caused by Hurricane Ivan in Sept. 2004, then by Hurricane Dennis in July 2005. Some 75,000 homes were affected. "Our presence is still very much needed there," Yount said.
In addition to the two ongoing projects, the program is working to develop two new repair and rebuilding project sites, and is continuing to consider the feasibility of operating a modular home project in the area affected by Hurricane Katrina, with a modular home assembly site in southern Virginia still under consideration as well. "Our goal for Gulf Coast recovery is to build one new house a week and repair three," Yount said.
To meet the need for additional leadership, the program is announcing three positions for longterm project directors who can work for five or more months over the period of a year. A monthly stipend of $1,000 per individual or $1,500 per couple is offered.
Two trainings will be offered this fall for 30 new disaster project directors and disaster project assistants. The trainings will be hands-on events at the Florida and Mississippi project sites: Oct 1-14 in Pensacola, Fla., and Oct. 22-Nov. 4 in Lucedale, Miss. Brethren Disaster Response also hopes to recruit Brethren Volunteer Service workers to serve for one year as disaster project assistants, site hosts, or household managers.
The additional projects will require more vehicles and heavy equipment as well, including heavy duty trucks, passenger vans, passenger cars, and a small front loader or backhoe. Donations of this equipment is being sought.
Yount added a call to prayer in her most recent update on Brethren Disaster Response. "Faced with dismal hurricane predictions for this season," she said, "let us pray for God's mercy and protection for vulnerable populations both within and outside our borders."
Source: 7/19/2006 Newsline
top
Recent grants from the Emergency Disaster Fund (EDF) total $471,400 for disaster relief work around the world. The fund is a ministry of the Church of the Brethren General Board.
A grant of $350,000 for longterm recovery work in southern Asia following the Dec. 2004 tsunami was announced at the General Board meeting in Des Moines, Iowa, on July 1. The grant is an additional allocation for relief work related to the tsunami, which is being coordinated by Church World Service (CWS) and ACT International. Previous allocations to this project total $320,000.
An additional allocation of $60,000 continues support of longterm relief work by CWS in Sudan. The funds will help provide assistance to more than 400,000 people still living in temporary camps. Two previous allocations to this project total $110,000.
An allocation of $50,000 responds to an appeal from CWS following an earthquake in Indonesia on the island of Java. The funds will help to immediately provide food, potable water, shelter, sanitation, and health and medical services, as well as disaster preparedness and advocacy. Additional grant requests for this project are expected in the future.
The sum of $5,000 has been given for a CWS appeal after summer storms caused flooding and damage in many states along the east coast. The money will help assist communities organize for recovery work, address unmet needs, and care for the most vulnerable impacted by the flooding.
A grant of $4,000 will provide emergency food to help prevent crisis and famine relief following drought and crop failures in Tanzania, in response to a CWS appeal.
An allocation of $2,400 continues support for emergency response work after landslides and floods affected a village in Guatemala. Previous grants totaling $20,800 have provided emergency food, helped rebuild a bridge, and aided in the transport coffee beans to market. The new grant will be used to purchase a three-month supply of corn. The distribution and work is being handled and directed in Guatemala by staff of the General Board's Global Mission Partnerships: Brethren Volunteer Service worker Rebecca Allen and Latin America specialist Tom Benevento.
In other disaster relief news, Brethren Disaster Response is continuing two projects to repair and rebuild homes following hurricanes in 2004 and 2005.
A project in Lucedale, Miss., opened in mid-January, repairing and rebuilding homes damaged by Hurricane Katrina on Aug. 29, 2005. Since the project opened, nearly 200 volunteers have built four new homes and repaired and cleaned up more than 30 others, according to coordinator Jane Yount. "The official death toll has climbed to 1,836, making Katrina the deadliest hurricane since the 1928 Okeechobee Hurricane. Katrina is also the costliest hurricane in US history, with $75 billion in damages," Yount reported. "An estimated 350,000 homes were destroyed and many thousands more damaged."
Brethren Disaster Response also is continuing a rebuilding project in Pensacola, Fla., following damage caused by Hurricane Ivan in Sept. 2004, then by Hurricane Dennis in July 2005. Some 75,000 homes were affected. "Our presence is still very much needed there," Yount said.
In addition to the two ongoing projects, the program is working to develop two new repair and rebuilding project sites, and is continuing to consider the feasibility of operating a modular home project in the area affected by Hurricane Katrina, with a modular home assembly site in southern Virginia still under consideration as well. "Our goal for Gulf Coast recovery is to build one new house a week and repair three," Yount said.
To meet the need for additional leadership, the program is announcing three positions for longterm project directors who can work for five or more months over the period of a year. A monthly stipend of $1,000 per individual or $1,500 per couple is offered.
Two trainings will be offered this fall for 30 new disaster project directors and disaster project assistants. The trainings will be hands-on events at the Florida and Mississippi project sites: Oct 1-14 in Pensacola, Fla., and Oct. 22-Nov. 4 in Lucedale, Miss. Brethren Disaster Response also hopes to recruit Brethren Volunteer Service workers to serve for one year as disaster project assistants, site hosts, or household managers.
The additional projects will require more vehicles and heavy equipment as well, including heavy duty trucks, passenger vans, passenger cars, and a small front loader or backhoe. Donations of this equipment is being sought.
Yount added a call to prayer in her most recent update on Brethren Disaster Response. "Faced with dismal hurricane predictions for this season," she said, "let us pray for God's mercy and protection for vulnerable populations both within and outside our borders."
Source: 7/19/2006 Newsline
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Northern Plains holds first District Conference of the season.
Northern Plains District held its District Conference on July 1 in Des Moines, Iowa. Business, fellowship, and worship centered around the theme "Together: We're Living Our Love for Jesus," made up the three-hour meeting prior to the 2006 Annual Conference.
The meeting began with fellowship time, which continued through a luncheon while district commission reports were presented. After the meal, the 76 delegates were seated and moderator Diane Mason called the meeting to order.
Among the business was discussion and adoption of multiple revisions to the district's Constitution and Bylaws. Another conversation concerned scheduling the 2008 District Conference amongst the other celebrations of the 300th anniversary of the Brethren movement that year. In balloting, delegates called Lois Grove as moderator-elect. A deficit budget was passed with delegates reminded to carry this news to their congregations.
A silent auction of the table centerpieces, candles embossed with the conference theme and logo, raised $906 for the district funds.
The conference closed with the installation of newly-elected leaders, followed by a communion service that served as a call to remember to "live love for Jesus" as participants departed.
Next year the Northern Plains District will meet Aug. 3-4 at South Waterloo (Iowa) Church of the Brethren under the leadership of moderator Jerry Waterman.
Source: 7/19/2006 Newsline
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Northern Plains District held its District Conference on July 1 in Des Moines, Iowa. Business, fellowship, and worship centered around the theme "Together: We're Living Our Love for Jesus," made up the three-hour meeting prior to the 2006 Annual Conference.
The meeting began with fellowship time, which continued through a luncheon while district commission reports were presented. After the meal, the 76 delegates were seated and moderator Diane Mason called the meeting to order.
Among the business was discussion and adoption of multiple revisions to the district's Constitution and Bylaws. Another conversation concerned scheduling the 2008 District Conference amongst the other celebrations of the 300th anniversary of the Brethren movement that year. In balloting, delegates called Lois Grove as moderator-elect. A deficit budget was passed with delegates reminded to carry this news to their congregations.
A silent auction of the table centerpieces, candles embossed with the conference theme and logo, raised $906 for the district funds.
The conference closed with the installation of newly-elected leaders, followed by a communion service that served as a call to remember to "live love for Jesus" as participants departed.
Next year the Northern Plains District will meet Aug. 3-4 at South Waterloo (Iowa) Church of the Brethren under the leadership of moderator Jerry Waterman.
Source: 7/19/2006 Newsline
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Brethren bits: Job opening, honors, and much more.
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- The Church of the Brethren General Board seeks a director of Information Services to fill a fulltime position located in Elgin, Ill. Responsibilities include developing, maintaining, and implementing a technology system to support General Board programs; providing management responsibility for day-to-day operations; maintaining and developing appropriate hardware and software systems; budget development, monitoring, and reporting in information services arena; providing for accurate and efficient support of use of computers to meet user needs. Qualifications include knowledge and experience in planning and implementing an information system; knowledge and experience in budget development and management; strong technical skills in programming and systems analysis; progressive administrative and leadership skills. Education and experience required includes a minimum of a bachelor's degree in information sciences or related field; a minimum of five years of significant information services experience, including systems analysis and design, and programming involving networks. A position description and application form are available on request. Application deadline is Aug. 12. Qualified candidates are invited to complete the application form, submit a resume and 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; kkrog_gb@brethren.org.
- Chris Douglas, director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry for the Church of the Brethren General Board, was among five alumni honored at Alumni Days at Manchester College in North Manchester, Ind. Other were former college faculty Allen C. Deeter, William R. Eberly, and Arthur L. Gilbert, and college trustee Melvin L. Holmes. Deeter is professor emeritus of Religion and Philosophy and is known for his leadership in expanding Brethren Colleges Abroad; Eberly is professor emeritus of Biology and author of "The History of the Natural Sciences at Manchester College"; Gilbert is professor emeritus of accounting, who led expansion of the accounting department and the master's of accountancy degree; Holmes is a retired senior buyer at AM General Corporation in South Bend, Ind., and a community leader in intercultural relations. For more go to www.manchester.edu.
- Matt Guynn, coordinator of peace witness for On Earth Peace, had poems published in a new book, "Becoming Fire: Spiritual Writing from Rising Generations," published by Andover Newton Theological School. The book is an anthology of spiritual writing from Generations X and Y and their mentors, and includes essays, fiction, poems, and sermons. It sells for $12.95, with proceeds benefitting the Faith Youth Institute. For more go to www.ants.edu/about/publications/index.htm.
- Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS) holds its summer orientation July 30-Aug. 18 at the New Windsor (Md.) Conference Center. This will be the 270th BVS unit, and will be made up of 21 volunteers from across the US and Germany. Half of the group is Church of the Brethren, with the others coming from varied faith backgrounds. A weekend immersion trip to Baltimore is planned with volunteer opportunities at area soup kitchens and outreach centers, as well as at Jonah House. Volunteers also will have a chance to work at the Brethren Service Center for a day, and at several service sites in Carroll County. A BVS potluck is open to all those who are interested on Aug. 5 at 6:30 p.m. at Union Bridge Church of the Brethren. "Please feel free to come and welcome the new BVS volunteers and share your own experiences," said Becky Snavely of the BVS office. "Don Vermilyea will also be present to share experiences from his Walk Across America. As always your prayer support is welcome and needed," she added. "Please pray for the unit, and the people they will touch during their year of service through BVS." For more information call 800-323-8039 ext. 423.
- Disaster Child Care (DCC) volunteers have visited five FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers in Pennsylvania to research the need for child care following the worst flooding to hit the Susquehanna River valley and its tributaries since Hurricane Agnes in 1972. Over 200,000 residents were evacuated due to rising flood waters, reported DCC coordinator Helen Stonesifer. The widespread flooding affected numerous rivers, lakes, and communities from upstate New York to North Carolina. Also being researched is the need for child care services in California, where homes have been burned in a large wildfire east of Los Angeles.
- Community Church of Waterford, a Church of the Brethren congregation in Goshen, Ind., held its Grand Opening Celebration on May 7 with over 400 people in attendance.
- Jonathan Emmons will present a Benefit Organ Recital at Antioch Church of the Brethren in Rocky Mount, Va., on July 29 at 4 p.m. Emmons was organist for the 2004 Annual Conference in Charleston, W.Va. Donations will support the World Hunger Auction, a cooperative venture of 10 congregations in Virlina District. The auction itself is planned for Aug. 12, beginning at 9:30 a.m., at the Antioch church. For more go to www.worldhungerauction.org.
- Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT) has a small team of peacemakers at Bear Butte, S.D., from July 3-Aug. 15 to nonviolently resist continued development and encroachment on land that Native American tribes consider sacred. An Intertribal Coalition of 30 tribes requested CPT's assistance as they oppose a new development including a biker bar and concert venue called the "Sturgis County Line" on 600 acres at the base of Bear Butte. Every year, thousands of Native people travel to pray at the butte. The final week of the encampment will coincide with the 66th annual Sturgis motorcycle rally that brings 500,000 bikers to the area.
- A Christian Peacemaker Team (CPT) women's delegation to the Democratic Republic of the Congo is planned for Oct. 18-Nov. 2. Rape has been a weapon of war among militias in the Congo. Delegates will meet with Congolese women and human rights organizations to witness the effects of the war and to learn about western countries' roles in the conflict. Delegates raise $3,100 to cover costs; financial assistance may be available. Application deadline is July 31. For more information go to www.cpt.org and click on "Delegations."
- The National Council of Churches (NCC), Church World Service (CWS), and the World Council of Churches (WCC) issued a joint statement July 14 urging nonviolent solutions to the violence in Israel, Lebanon, and Palestine. "Is there ever to be an end to violence in the land we call holy? What has violence solved these last 60 years? What has violence solved these past weeks?" the statement asked. The NCC, WCC, and CWS called for an immediate cessation of attacks on all sides and urged the US government and other nations to recognize the success of former peace initiatives, and with the assistance of the United Nations to seek nonviolent solutions for all parties involved. They also urged their member Christian denominations to "pray for all those who have suffered and died as a result of this violence, and their families and communities, and to engage in humanitarian and advocacy actions for peace." For the full statement go to www.councilofchurches.org.
- Brethren elder John Kline's historic Civil War-era home and farmland will be for put up for sale within the next six months by its Mennonite owners, according to Paul Roth, pastor of Linville Creek Church of the Brethren in Broadway, Va. Roth seeks people within the Brethren bodies who can help plan for purchase of the property and a design for its use. The owners wish to give the Brethren first right of refusal on the property, Roth said. Local developers are eager to buy the 10-acre property and place townhouses on it, he added. "It is important that we act quickly." Contact Roth at 540-896-5001.
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Leiter resigns as director of Information Services for General Board.
Ed Leiter has submitted his resignation as director of Information Services for the Church of the Brethren General Board, working at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md. His resignation will be effective no later than Dec. 31.
He has worked for the General Board for 25 years, since 1988. He worked at the service center from 1984-87 as a programmer, and then from 1988-2004 as lead programmer and analyst. He assumed his current role in June 2004.
Leiter is a graduate of Elizabethtown (Pa.) College with a degree in Business Administration and a concentration in Computer Science. Following college he served in Brethren Volunteer Service. He is a member of Union Bridge (Md.) Church of the Brethren.
Source: 7/19/2006 Newsline
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Ed Leiter has submitted his resignation as director of Information Services for the Church of the Brethren General Board, working at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md. His resignation will be effective no later than Dec. 31.
He has worked for the General Board for 25 years, since 1988. He worked at the service center from 1984-87 as a programmer, and then from 1988-2004 as lead programmer and analyst. He assumed his current role in June 2004.
Leiter is a graduate of Elizabethtown (Pa.) College with a degree in Business Administration and a concentration in Computer Science. Following college he served in Brethren Volunteer Service. He is a member of Union Bridge (Md.) Church of the Brethren.
Source: 7/19/2006 Newsline
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Donna McKee Rhodes to direct Susquehanna Valley Ministry Center.
The Susquehanna Valley Ministry has announced the appointment of Donna McKee Rhodes to the position of executive director beginning Aug. 1. She has served for the past five years as dean of Certificate and Continuing Education Programs at the center, which is a ministry education partnership of Bethany Theological Seminary and five districts in the northeast.
Rhodes is a graduate of Juniata College in Huntingdon, Pa., with a bachelor's degree in education. She received her Training in Ministry certificate through the Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership in 1996 and is currently enrolled as an occasional student at Bethany Seminary. Rhodes also has completed a three-year training program in spiritual direction through Oasis Ministries. She is an ordained minister in the Church of the Brethren.
Rhodes and her family live in Huntingdon, Pa., and are members of Stone Church of the Brethren. She will work out of her home and from the center's central office on the campus of Elizabethtown (Pa.) College.
Source: 7/19/2006 Newsline
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The Susquehanna Valley Ministry has announced the appointment of Donna McKee Rhodes to the position of executive director beginning Aug. 1. She has served for the past five years as dean of Certificate and Continuing Education Programs at the center, which is a ministry education partnership of Bethany Theological Seminary and five districts in the northeast.
Rhodes is a graduate of Juniata College in Huntingdon, Pa., with a bachelor's degree in education. She received her Training in Ministry certificate through the Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership in 1996 and is currently enrolled as an occasional student at Bethany Seminary. Rhodes also has completed a three-year training program in spiritual direction through Oasis Ministries. She is an ordained minister in the Church of the Brethren.
Rhodes and her family live in Huntingdon, Pa., and are members of Stone Church of the Brethren. She will work out of her home and from the center's central office on the campus of Elizabethtown (Pa.) College.
Source: 7/19/2006 Newsline
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Missions class is offered at Bethany Seminary.
A course titled, "Brethren Mission: With a Bible and a Shovel," will be offered at Bethany Theological Seminary in Richmond, Ind., on three weekends this fall: Sept. 8-9, Oct. 6-7, and Nov. 3-4. The course is available to students in the master of divinity track, or for Training in Ministry credit.
The course introduces the historical, biblical, and theological foundation of Brethren mission from its earliest roots, and will challenge participants to formulate a vision for the future of Brethren mission. Bradley Bohrer, newly named director for the Sudan mission initiative of the General Board, will teach the class assisted by Merv Keeney, executive director of the board's Global Mission Partnerships.
To register contact Deb Gropp, Academic Services, at 800-287-8822 ext. 1821.
Source: 7/19/2006 Newsline
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A course titled, "Brethren Mission: With a Bible and a Shovel," will be offered at Bethany Theological Seminary in Richmond, Ind., on three weekends this fall: Sept. 8-9, Oct. 6-7, and Nov. 3-4. The course is available to students in the master of divinity track, or for Training in Ministry credit.
The course introduces the historical, biblical, and theological foundation of Brethren mission from its earliest roots, and will challenge participants to formulate a vision for the future of Brethren mission. Bradley Bohrer, newly named director for the Sudan mission initiative of the General Board, will teach the class assisted by Merv Keeney, executive director of the board's Global Mission Partnerships.
To register contact Deb Gropp, Academic Services, at 800-287-8822 ext. 1821.
Source: 7/19/2006 Newsline
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Nigeria workcamp planned for early 2007.
Projected dates for the 2007 workcamp in Nigeria are Jan. 13-Feb. 11. Since 1985 an annual workcamp has been held in Nigeria sponsored by Global Mission Partnerships of the Church of the Brethren General Board, in order to provide an opportunity for relationship building and mutual encouragement.
Work will again focus on building the Comprehensive Secondary School of Ekklesiyar Yan'uwa a Nigeria (EYN the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria). Plans include a visit to congregations in Maiduguri, where violence in February led to the destruction of five church buildings of EYN. Participants will be present with members of the affected congregations and see progress made with the support of a love offering given by the US church.
David Whitten, coordinator of Nigeria mission for the General Board, will lead the workcamp. Projected cost is $2,200. See www.brethren.org/genbd/global_mission/workcamp/index.html for more information. Applications are due Oct. 2 and are available from Mary Munson at 800-323-8039.
Source: 7/19/2006 Newsline
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Projected dates for the 2007 workcamp in Nigeria are Jan. 13-Feb. 11. Since 1985 an annual workcamp has been held in Nigeria sponsored by Global Mission Partnerships of the Church of the Brethren General Board, in order to provide an opportunity for relationship building and mutual encouragement.
Work will again focus on building the Comprehensive Secondary School of Ekklesiyar Yan'uwa a Nigeria (EYN the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria). Plans include a visit to congregations in Maiduguri, where violence in February led to the destruction of five church buildings of EYN. Participants will be present with members of the affected congregations and see progress made with the support of a love offering given by the US church.
David Whitten, coordinator of Nigeria mission for the General Board, will lead the workcamp. Projected cost is $2,200. See www.brethren.org/genbd/global_mission/workcamp/index.html for more information. Applications are due Oct. 2 and are available from Mary Munson at 800-323-8039.
Source: 7/19/2006 Newsline
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Caring for body and soul in the Dominican Republic.
By Irvin and Nancy Heishman
The germ of an idea began to grow when Paul Mundey heard pastor Anastacia Bueno Beltre preach at the 2005 Annual Conference. Beltre is pastor of San Luis Iglesia de los Hermanos (Church of the Brethren) in the Dominican Republic. Mundey heard in her sermon the excitement of her dynamic and resilient faith, and wondered how the church he pastors in Frederick, Md., could become involved in the mission in the DR.
Frederick Church of the Brethren had previously sent members on mission trips to Latin America but had not connected with Brethren mission projects. Through a series of communications, we considered plans together for how a group of Frederick members could visit the DR and become familiar with the Brethren mission.
In March 2006 a group of five people from Frederick, led by pastor Bill Van Buskirk and medical doctor Julian Choe, visited the DR for nine days. The experience was a rich blessing for the church in the DR and was personally transforming for the group from Frederick.
The group traveled first to Fondo Negro, a small congregation in the southwest DR. Church members gave them a tour of the community including the beautiful Yaque River, where many go to swim and bathe. The group also stayed overnight in the homes of congregation members, a "stretch" for Americans given that not all homes in the DR have indoor plumbing or other comforts. The Frederick group offered children's activities, sharing simple crafts like a "salvation bracelet." This activity facilitated a clear sharing of the gospel message and yielded delightful interaction with the children.
The group then headed back to the area of the DR's capital to spend several days with the San Jose congregation. In contrast to Fondo Negro's semi-arid rural location, the San Jose church is located in the middle of a desperately poor community surrounded by abandoned sugar cane fields. This type of community is called a "batey," which means a community where Haitian immigrant workers are housed for the sugar cane industry. In San Jose the sugar industry has been abandoned, so residents eke out a living with limited, low-paying seasonal work in a near-by palm oil plantation.
Frederick members felt called to respond not only to physical needs but also spiritual needs. In planning their trip they designed a combination of activities to reach out to the whole person. As Van Buskirk put it, "The first day was physical saving. The next day was soul saving." Although several group members had participated in mission trips before, they were shaken by the desperate poverty in San Jose. Under the direction of Dr. Choe, the group was prepared for medical outreach. They had brought 100 pounds of medicine, focusing mostly on treating dysentery and parasitic conditions and offering much-needed vitamins.
While this treatment was effective in the short-term, the group realized that these problems will continue to plague this community and others like it. Parasites can be treated, for example, but if people are drinking contaminated water, they will soon have parasites again. For this reason, the Frederick church is interested in forming a longer-term relationship with the mission in the DR, specifically in the area of health. "We don't just want to do a hit and run," said Van Buskirk in an article in the "Frederick (Md.) News Post."
Dominican church leaders are considering the possibility of developing a preventative health ministry in cooperation with the General Board and congregations like Frederick. Let's dare to pray boldly that God will open the way for this ministry to become a reality in 2007.
--Irvin and Nancy Heishman are mission coordinators for the Church of the Brethren General Board in the Dominican Republic.
Source: 7/19/2006 Newsline
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By Irvin and Nancy Heishman
The germ of an idea began to grow when Paul Mundey heard pastor Anastacia Bueno Beltre preach at the 2005 Annual Conference. Beltre is pastor of San Luis Iglesia de los Hermanos (Church of the Brethren) in the Dominican Republic. Mundey heard in her sermon the excitement of her dynamic and resilient faith, and wondered how the church he pastors in Frederick, Md., could become involved in the mission in the DR.
Frederick Church of the Brethren had previously sent members on mission trips to Latin America but had not connected with Brethren mission projects. Through a series of communications, we considered plans together for how a group of Frederick members could visit the DR and become familiar with the Brethren mission.
In March 2006 a group of five people from Frederick, led by pastor Bill Van Buskirk and medical doctor Julian Choe, visited the DR for nine days. The experience was a rich blessing for the church in the DR and was personally transforming for the group from Frederick.
The group traveled first to Fondo Negro, a small congregation in the southwest DR. Church members gave them a tour of the community including the beautiful Yaque River, where many go to swim and bathe. The group also stayed overnight in the homes of congregation members, a "stretch" for Americans given that not all homes in the DR have indoor plumbing or other comforts. The Frederick group offered children's activities, sharing simple crafts like a "salvation bracelet." This activity facilitated a clear sharing of the gospel message and yielded delightful interaction with the children.
The group then headed back to the area of the DR's capital to spend several days with the San Jose congregation. In contrast to Fondo Negro's semi-arid rural location, the San Jose church is located in the middle of a desperately poor community surrounded by abandoned sugar cane fields. This type of community is called a "batey," which means a community where Haitian immigrant workers are housed for the sugar cane industry. In San Jose the sugar industry has been abandoned, so residents eke out a living with limited, low-paying seasonal work in a near-by palm oil plantation.
Frederick members felt called to respond not only to physical needs but also spiritual needs. In planning their trip they designed a combination of activities to reach out to the whole person. As Van Buskirk put it, "The first day was physical saving. The next day was soul saving." Although several group members had participated in mission trips before, they were shaken by the desperate poverty in San Jose. Under the direction of Dr. Choe, the group was prepared for medical outreach. They had brought 100 pounds of medicine, focusing mostly on treating dysentery and parasitic conditions and offering much-needed vitamins.
While this treatment was effective in the short-term, the group realized that these problems will continue to plague this community and others like it. Parasites can be treated, for example, but if people are drinking contaminated water, they will soon have parasites again. For this reason, the Frederick church is interested in forming a longer-term relationship with the mission in the DR, specifically in the area of health. "We don't just want to do a hit and run," said Van Buskirk in an article in the "Frederick (Md.) News Post."
Dominican church leaders are considering the possibility of developing a preventative health ministry in cooperation with the General Board and congregations like Frederick. Let's dare to pray boldly that God will open the way for this ministry to become a reality in 2007.
--Irvin and Nancy Heishman are mission coordinators for the Church of the Brethren General Board in the Dominican Republic.
Source: 7/19/2006 Newsline
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Brethren minister among group pardoned for sedition convictions.
A Church of the Brethren minister is among 78 people granted pardons for sedition convictions in Montana during World War I, the fruit of a Sedition Pardons Project at the University of Montana. The project was directed by Clemens P. Work, professor of media law and director of Graduate Studies at the School of Journalism.
Sedition charges were filed against the late Church of the Brethren elder and minister John Silas (J.S.) Geiser on July 2, 1918, stemming from statements he made on Sunday, May 5, 1918, opposing the war. The statements were most probably made as part of a sermon.
The charges against Geiser were "extremely unusual," said Work. Geiser was "the only one of these cases of a minister being convicted...for what he said during a sermon."
At the time, Geiser served the Grandview congregation near Froid, Mont. He was charged under a law passed by the Montana legislature in 1918, that "criminalized all sorts of negative speech," according to Work. In all, 79 people in Montana (one pardoned in 1921) were convicted for criticizing the government during wartime.
Geiser was reported to the authorities for making the following statement: "All war is wrong. It is all wrong to buy liberty bonds or thrift stamps. We should remain firm; and I urge you not to buy or purchase any liberty bonds or thrift stamps.... I believe it is wrong to kill one's fellow man. One who buys Liberty Bonds and Thrift Stamps to furnish ammunition for the killing of people is as bad as it would be to kill one's self. I believe that one who buys Liberty Bonds and Thrift Stamps to aid and support the war is as bad as those who hire gunmen in the city of New York to kill their fellow man."
"It sounds like he was proclaiming the Brethren peace stance, doesn't it?" commented Ralph Clark, a current member of the congregation who is interested in church history. Clark has carried out research about Geiser on behalf of the pardons project.
Geiser moved to Froid in 1915 from Maryland, where he had started a mission that later developed into Baltimore First Church of the Brethren, according to an obituary in the Church of the Brethren magazine "The Gospel Messenger" of April 27, 1935. Geiser also worked as a dentist to support his family while he served at Grandview. The congregation he served is now the Big Sky American Baptist/Brethren Church with joint Brethren and Baptist affiliation. In 1927, illness forced Geiser's return to the lower altitudes of the east coast, where he died in 1934.
The obituary makes no mention of Geiser's sedition conviction. But according to Clark's research, church minutes reveal more. In a congregational meeting on May 14, 1918, Geiser retracted part of his statement saying he had misunderstood Annual Meeting rulings on the purchase of war bonds. Clark said Geiser may have been referring to an Annual Meeting minute from the Civil War era allowing the purchase of government bonds.
The congregation voted to continue Geiser in his office and to help him seek legal assistance for the sedition charge. Then, in June 1918, Geiser handed in his resignation to the church after having declared bankruptcy. The district elders made a ruling in July 1918 undoing Geiser's ordination, Clark said. In Sept. 1920, however, he was reinstated to full ministry. Annual Meeting frowned on declaring bankruptcy and that was probably the factor that led to the ruling undoing Geiser's ordination, Clark said.
Geiser did not do jail time for his conviction but was fined $200. "As far as I can determine they (the Geiser family) continued to live in their house and three church members signed for the $5,000 bail bond and one member paid the $200 fine," Clark said.
Of the 79 people convicted of sedition in Montana, 41 went to prison and the others were fined, Work said. The range of prison sentence was 1 to 20 years, the range actually served was 7 months to 3 years. Fines ranged from $200 to $5,000. "My position is that they shouldn't have served a day in prison," Work added. The sedition law was passed in an atmosphere of hysteria, because of fear of disruption of the war effort by labor radicals. "People were just hysterical at the time about the war and apprehending spies and enemies of the war effort," Work said.
Those convicted of sedition were for the most part "ordinary people who said critical or derogatory things about the government," Work said. Most of the comments for which people were charged were made privately or were off-handed outbursts of anger or made under the influence of alcohol. In all cases, somebody listening took offense and turned the person in, Work said. Many times the person was not charged for what they said, but for who they were. For example, some of those convicted were German immigrants, Work said. "Or the person who reported them used the law as permission for revenge or payback, or exercising a grudge. We don't know how many fell into that category."
The pardons project grew out of research for Work's 2005 book, "Darkest Before Dawn: Sedition and Free Speech in the American West." The project obtained an executive pardon from Governor Schweitzer of Montana with the help of professor Jeffrey T. Renz, of the University of Montana's School of Law, and a large group of others including law and journalism students, historians, and genealogists. On May 3, more than 40 relatives of those convicted of sedition were present when the governor issued the pardon.
As for Geiser, his obituary hints that he did not let the experience affect his love for ministry or the northwest. "He loved the great northwest, but above all he loved his church and the souls of men. He wanted to see our church established in this pioneer country," the obituary said.
For more information about the Sedition Pardons Project go to www.seditionproject.net.
Source: 7/19/2006 Newsline
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A Church of the Brethren minister is among 78 people granted pardons for sedition convictions in Montana during World War I, the fruit of a Sedition Pardons Project at the University of Montana. The project was directed by Clemens P. Work, professor of media law and director of Graduate Studies at the School of Journalism.
Sedition charges were filed against the late Church of the Brethren elder and minister John Silas (J.S.) Geiser on July 2, 1918, stemming from statements he made on Sunday, May 5, 1918, opposing the war. The statements were most probably made as part of a sermon.
The charges against Geiser were "extremely unusual," said Work. Geiser was "the only one of these cases of a minister being convicted...for what he said during a sermon."
At the time, Geiser served the Grandview congregation near Froid, Mont. He was charged under a law passed by the Montana legislature in 1918, that "criminalized all sorts of negative speech," according to Work. In all, 79 people in Montana (one pardoned in 1921) were convicted for criticizing the government during wartime.
Geiser was reported to the authorities for making the following statement: "All war is wrong. It is all wrong to buy liberty bonds or thrift stamps. We should remain firm; and I urge you not to buy or purchase any liberty bonds or thrift stamps.... I believe it is wrong to kill one's fellow man. One who buys Liberty Bonds and Thrift Stamps to furnish ammunition for the killing of people is as bad as it would be to kill one's self. I believe that one who buys Liberty Bonds and Thrift Stamps to aid and support the war is as bad as those who hire gunmen in the city of New York to kill their fellow man."
"It sounds like he was proclaiming the Brethren peace stance, doesn't it?" commented Ralph Clark, a current member of the congregation who is interested in church history. Clark has carried out research about Geiser on behalf of the pardons project.
Geiser moved to Froid in 1915 from Maryland, where he had started a mission that later developed into Baltimore First Church of the Brethren, according to an obituary in the Church of the Brethren magazine "The Gospel Messenger" of April 27, 1935. Geiser also worked as a dentist to support his family while he served at Grandview. The congregation he served is now the Big Sky American Baptist/Brethren Church with joint Brethren and Baptist affiliation. In 1927, illness forced Geiser's return to the lower altitudes of the east coast, where he died in 1934.
The obituary makes no mention of Geiser's sedition conviction. But according to Clark's research, church minutes reveal more. In a congregational meeting on May 14, 1918, Geiser retracted part of his statement saying he had misunderstood Annual Meeting rulings on the purchase of war bonds. Clark said Geiser may have been referring to an Annual Meeting minute from the Civil War era allowing the purchase of government bonds.
The congregation voted to continue Geiser in his office and to help him seek legal assistance for the sedition charge. Then, in June 1918, Geiser handed in his resignation to the church after having declared bankruptcy. The district elders made a ruling in July 1918 undoing Geiser's ordination, Clark said. In Sept. 1920, however, he was reinstated to full ministry. Annual Meeting frowned on declaring bankruptcy and that was probably the factor that led to the ruling undoing Geiser's ordination, Clark said.
Geiser did not do jail time for his conviction but was fined $200. "As far as I can determine they (the Geiser family) continued to live in their house and three church members signed for the $5,000 bail bond and one member paid the $200 fine," Clark said.
Of the 79 people convicted of sedition in Montana, 41 went to prison and the others were fined, Work said. The range of prison sentence was 1 to 20 years, the range actually served was 7 months to 3 years. Fines ranged from $200 to $5,000. "My position is that they shouldn't have served a day in prison," Work added. The sedition law was passed in an atmosphere of hysteria, because of fear of disruption of the war effort by labor radicals. "People were just hysterical at the time about the war and apprehending spies and enemies of the war effort," Work said.
Those convicted of sedition were for the most part "ordinary people who said critical or derogatory things about the government," Work said. Most of the comments for which people were charged were made privately or were off-handed outbursts of anger or made under the influence of alcohol. In all cases, somebody listening took offense and turned the person in, Work said. Many times the person was not charged for what they said, but for who they were. For example, some of those convicted were German immigrants, Work said. "Or the person who reported them used the law as permission for revenge or payback, or exercising a grudge. We don't know how many fell into that category."
The pardons project grew out of research for Work's 2005 book, "Darkest Before Dawn: Sedition and Free Speech in the American West." The project obtained an executive pardon from Governor Schweitzer of Montana with the help of professor Jeffrey T. Renz, of the University of Montana's School of Law, and a large group of others including law and journalism students, historians, and genealogists. On May 3, more than 40 relatives of those convicted of sedition were present when the governor issued the pardon.
As for Geiser, his obituary hints that he did not let the experience affect his love for ministry or the northwest. "He loved the great northwest, but above all he loved his church and the souls of men. He wanted to see our church established in this pioneer country," the obituary said.
For more information about the Sedition Pardons Project go to www.seditionproject.net.
Source: 7/19/2006 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. Merv Keeney, Jon Kobel, Karin Krog, Diane Mason, Ken Neher, Becky Snavely, Helen Stonesifer, and Jane Yount contributed to this report.
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. Merv Keeney, Jon Kobel, Karin Krog, Diane Mason, Ken Neher, Becky Snavely, Helen Stonesifer, and Jane Yount contributed to this report.
Wednesday, July 05, 2006
NEWS FROM THE 2006 ANNUAL CONFERENCE
- 'Doing Church Business,' Iraq war, divestment head Annual Conference business agenda.
- Conference chooses James Beckwith as moderator for 2008.
- Answers are received to questions about sexuality and ministry.
- Julie Garber is selected as editor of 'Brethren Life and Thought.'
- Bethany Seminary announces search for new president.
'Doing Church Business,' Iraq war, divestment head Annual Conference business agenda.
A very full business agenda faced the delegate body at the 2006 Annual Conference in Des Moines, Iowa, on July 1-5. The business sessions were chaired by moderator Ronald D. Beachley, executive minister of Western Pennsylvania District. Moderator-elect Belita Mitchell assisted.
Doing Church Business:
The report of the study committee on Doing Church Business was referred to the Program Feasibility Study Committee of Annual Conference. The paper's recommendations have potential to make significant changes in the format of the Conference and the way delegates address business.
"There is a clear need for significant change in order to enhance and model a discerning Christian community and the reign of God," the paper said.
"We recognize the complexity of this undertaking," said committee member Matt Guynn, who asked delegates to recognize the capacity for creativity in doing Conference business. The committee's presentation of the paper highlighted several of its key recommendations and explained some of the thinking behind them.
Many who spoke to the paper affirmed its intent, but concerns were raised about implementation and cost. Delegates in 2007 will address the paper in light of the feasibility study, and will take up the paper at the point at which the motion to refer was made.
In a moment of confusion on the Conference floor, a re-count of a vote on the motion to refer had to be taken because the count of a previous vote--in which the motion was declared to have failed--was greater than the total number of delegates. However, a re-count by paper ballot approved the motion to refer.
Resolution on an End to the War in Iraq:
A resolution from the General Board calling for an end to the war in Iraq was adopted by the Annual Conference. It petitions for the troops to be brought home from Iraq, and calls on the global community to implement a nonviolent plan to bring peace and security there.
"As disciples of Christ and members of one of the three historic peace churches, we cannot ignore the death, destruction, and violence in the war in Iraq," it says.
At the microphones to support the resolution were family members of soldiers either currently in Iraq or returned from Iraq.
"Let them come home. We want our children back home," pleaded a mother, from Atlantic Northeast District.
A Navy veteran of the first Iraq war echoed the sentiment. "I say it's time to bring our men and women home."
A sizeable minority voted against the resolution. Some people said that bringing the news of the decision home to their congregations would be an unwelcome task.
"I realized I will take some heat. Brother moderator, you will too," said William Waugh, Standing Committee member from Western Pennsylvania, who presented the recommendation to adopt the paper.
Standing Committee's recommendation included a hope that all Brethren agencies and congregations will publicize the resolution.
Resolution on Divestment:
The Conference expressed appreciation for "Resolution: Divestment from Companies Selling Products Used as Weapons in Israel and Palestine," and thanked Brethren Benefit Trust (BBT) for its efforts to dialogue with the Caterpillar Corporation.
The delegates urged "Brethren agencies and individuals and other people of faith to review their own investments and refrain from investing in businesses that profit from war and violence, and to give faithful witness to Jesus Christ as the Prince of Peace in financial matters as in all other matters."
The resolution asked BBT in particular to divest from the Caterpillar Corporation "and any other company that sells products that are used routinely as weapons of destruction or death in Israel and Palestine."
Since the resolution was made, the stocks at issue have been sold by BBT's fund managers simply as a financial decision. BBT no longer owns stock in Caterpillar.
BBT's initial approach to the issue was not to divest but to use the shares that it held to speak to Caterpillar, BBT president Wil Nolen told the Conference. Referring to Caterpillar's D9 bulldozers made to military specifications, Nolen told the body that "our approach was to directly inquire of Caterpillar how this...conforms with their own Worldwide Code of Conduct."
In other business:
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A very full business agenda faced the delegate body at the 2006 Annual Conference in Des Moines, Iowa, on July 1-5. The business sessions were chaired by moderator Ronald D. Beachley, executive minister of Western Pennsylvania District. Moderator-elect Belita Mitchell assisted.
Doing Church Business:
The report of the study committee on Doing Church Business was referred to the Program Feasibility Study Committee of Annual Conference. The paper's recommendations have potential to make significant changes in the format of the Conference and the way delegates address business.
"There is a clear need for significant change in order to enhance and model a discerning Christian community and the reign of God," the paper said.
"We recognize the complexity of this undertaking," said committee member Matt Guynn, who asked delegates to recognize the capacity for creativity in doing Conference business. The committee's presentation of the paper highlighted several of its key recommendations and explained some of the thinking behind them.
Many who spoke to the paper affirmed its intent, but concerns were raised about implementation and cost. Delegates in 2007 will address the paper in light of the feasibility study, and will take up the paper at the point at which the motion to refer was made.
In a moment of confusion on the Conference floor, a re-count of a vote on the motion to refer had to be taken because the count of a previous vote--in which the motion was declared to have failed--was greater than the total number of delegates. However, a re-count by paper ballot approved the motion to refer.
Resolution on an End to the War in Iraq:
A resolution from the General Board calling for an end to the war in Iraq was adopted by the Annual Conference. It petitions for the troops to be brought home from Iraq, and calls on the global community to implement a nonviolent plan to bring peace and security there.
"As disciples of Christ and members of one of the three historic peace churches, we cannot ignore the death, destruction, and violence in the war in Iraq," it says.
At the microphones to support the resolution were family members of soldiers either currently in Iraq or returned from Iraq.
"Let them come home. We want our children back home," pleaded a mother, from Atlantic Northeast District.
A Navy veteran of the first Iraq war echoed the sentiment. "I say it's time to bring our men and women home."
A sizeable minority voted against the resolution. Some people said that bringing the news of the decision home to their congregations would be an unwelcome task.
"I realized I will take some heat. Brother moderator, you will too," said William Waugh, Standing Committee member from Western Pennsylvania, who presented the recommendation to adopt the paper.
Standing Committee's recommendation included a hope that all Brethren agencies and congregations will publicize the resolution.
Resolution on Divestment:
The Conference expressed appreciation for "Resolution: Divestment from Companies Selling Products Used as Weapons in Israel and Palestine," and thanked Brethren Benefit Trust (BBT) for its efforts to dialogue with the Caterpillar Corporation.
The delegates urged "Brethren agencies and individuals and other people of faith to review their own investments and refrain from investing in businesses that profit from war and violence, and to give faithful witness to Jesus Christ as the Prince of Peace in financial matters as in all other matters."
The resolution asked BBT in particular to divest from the Caterpillar Corporation "and any other company that sells products that are used routinely as weapons of destruction or death in Israel and Palestine."
Since the resolution was made, the stocks at issue have been sold by BBT's fund managers simply as a financial decision. BBT no longer owns stock in Caterpillar.
BBT's initial approach to the issue was not to divest but to use the shares that it held to speak to Caterpillar, BBT president Wil Nolen told the Conference. Referring to Caterpillar's D9 bulldozers made to military specifications, Nolen told the body that "our approach was to directly inquire of Caterpillar how this...conforms with their own Worldwide Code of Conduct."
In other business:
- The delegate body welcomed and adopted a resolution on "Commitment of Accessibility and Inclusion" from the Association of Brethren Caregives. Although a 1994 Annual Conference resolution urged Church of the Brethren congregations and institutions to become accessible to the disabled, many congregations have not yet done so. The resolution urges "each congregation, agency, institution, facility and gathering" in the denomination to recommit to becoming fully accessible and including every person in its ministry. The resolution states that the barriers are not only architectural, but also "attitudes that reflect a lack of sensitivity or understanding, which deny persons with disabilities the right to a life of dignity and respect." Several people spoke at the microphones, sharing their stories of disability and how their churches have embraced them persons or how they have been challenged in their efforts to participate in the church.
- Delegates approved the concerns of a query on "Call to Stewardship Education" and referred it to the General Board.
- The General Board's resolution on "A Call to Reduce Global Poverty and Hunger," was adopted by the Conference without discussion. It calls on Brethren to pursue the Millennium Development Goals developed by the United Nations in 2000, including universal primary education, reduction of child mortality, improvement in maternal health, care for the environment, combating infectious diseases, and empowerment of women. The resolution closes, "Through prayer, study, and concrete action, let us resolve to act so that those who know extreme poverty and hunger might enter more fully into the abundance of God's love."
- The direction of revisions of the Articles of Organization of Brethren Benefit Trust (BBT) were affirmed. Among other things, the revisions allow BBT to provide more services to Brethren Medical Plan participants and add language to acknowledge BBT's recently taking on oversight of the Church of the Brethren Credit Union. The revisions also balance representation on the BBT board from different constituent groups. Proposed language to allow BBT to solicit donations and seek grants and other funding was withdrawn by the BBT board before Standing Committee recommended the revisions to Annual Conference. Standing Committee had expressed unease with the sentence's introduction of a new ability for BBT to seek funding sources beyond fees, perceiving that to open the agency to possible conflicts of interest and privacy violations as BBT may have access to donor lists of other Brethren agencies that use its services.
- The Conference approved a 4.2 percent cost of living increase for 2007 for the minimum pastoral salary table, at the recommendation of the Pastoral Compensation and Benefits Advisory Committee.
- Reports were received from the five Annual Conference agencies: Association of Brethren Caregivers, the Brethren Benefit Trust, Bethany Theological Seminary, the General Board, and On Earth Peace; delegates also received a report of the denomination's activities in ministry to the poor, following up on a previous Annual Conference action; an interim report from the Review and Evaluation Committee; an interim report from the 300th Anniversary Committee. One-year extensions for the Brethren Medical Plan Study Committee and the Intercultural Study Committee were approved after the body received interim reports from the two committees. Other reports included the Brethren representatives to the National Council of Churches and World Council of Churches, and the Committee on Interchurch Relations.
- The delegates welcomed six new fellowships: Christ Connections Community Fellowship of Oswego, Ill.; Faithful Servants Fellowship of Frederick, Md.; Family Faith Fellowship of Enid, Okla.; Journeys Way Ministries Fellowship of Fairhope, Pa.; Naples (Fla.) Haitian Fellowship; and Ramey Flats Fellowship of Clintwood, Va.
- Delegates also got a taste of "Together: Conversations on Being the Church," a study process being carried out across the denomination this year. Business sessions included four half-hour segments for small group conversation using the Together study guide available from Brethren Press. Together conversations will continue in regional and district gatherings.
- The Program and Arrangements Commitee announced that the 2011 Conference will be held in Grand Rapids, Mich. The dates will be July 2-6, 2011.
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Conference chooses James Beckwith as moderator for 2008.
Topping election results from the 2006 Annual Conference was the choice of James M. Beckwith, pastor of Annville (Pa.) Church of the Brethren, as moderator-elect. Beckwith will serve as moderator of the 2008 Annual Conference that will include a celebration of the 300th anniversary of the Brethren movement.
Other election results include:
Annual Conference Program and Arrangements Committee: Scott L. Duffey of Westminster, Md.
Pastoral Compensation and Benefits Advisory Committee: Philip Hershey of Quarryville, Pa.
Committee on Interchurch Relations: Rene Quintanilla of Fresno, Calif.
Association of Brethren Caregivers: Vernne Wetzel Greiner of Mechanicsburg, Pa.;Dave Fouts of Maysville, W.Va. Nominees to the ABC board were affirmed: William Cave of Palmyra, Pa.; Gayle Hunter Sheller of Hillsboro, Ore.; Tamela Kiser of Dayton, Va.; John Kinsel of Beavercreek, Ohio.
Bethany Theological Seminary, representing colleges: Jonathan Frye of McPherson, Kan.; representing laity: Rex M. Miller of Milford, Ind.
Brethren Benefit Trust: Eunice Culp of Goshen, Ind. A nominee for the board of Brethren Benefit Trust was affirmed: Harry S. Rhodes of Roanoke (Va.) Central Church of the Brethren.
General Board, at large: Hector E. Perez-Borges of Bayamon, P.R. District nominees to the General Board were confirmed: David Bollinger, Atlantic Southeast District; Barbra S. Davis, Missouri and Arkansas District; and Kenneth Geisewite, Southern Pennsylvania District.
On Earth Peace: Madalyn Metzger of Bristol, Ind. Nominees for the board of On Earth Peace were affirmed: Verdena Lee of Living Peace Church of the Brethren, Columbus, Ohio; and Phil Miller of Ivester Church of the Brethren, Grundy Center, Iowa.
In a reorganization meeting, the General Board chose a new executive committee: The Church of the Brethren General Board reorganized at a meeting this evening in Des Moines.
The Executive Committee for 2006-07 will be: Jeff Neuman Lee, chair; Tim Harvey, vice chair; Vickie Samland; Angie L. Yoder; Dale Minnich; Ken Wenger; and Belita Mitchell as the 2007 Annual Conference moderator after July 5.
The board of Brethren Benefit Trust also chose 2006-07 officers: Harry Rhodes, chair; Jan Bratton, vice chair; Wilfred E. Nolen, secretary; Darryl Deardorff, treasurer. The BBT board's Budget and Audit Review committee includes Steve Mason, Carol Ann Jackson Greenwood, Brenda Reish, Dave Gerber. The Investment Committee includes Jan Bratton, Harry Rhodes, Gail Habecker, Eric Kabler. The Nominating Committee includes Ken Holderread, Donna Forbes Steiner, John Braun. The Succession Committee includes Harry Rhodes, Jan Bratton, Gail Habecker.
Source: 7/05/2006 Newsline
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Topping election results from the 2006 Annual Conference was the choice of James M. Beckwith, pastor of Annville (Pa.) Church of the Brethren, as moderator-elect. Beckwith will serve as moderator of the 2008 Annual Conference that will include a celebration of the 300th anniversary of the Brethren movement.
Other election results include:
Annual Conference Program and Arrangements Committee: Scott L. Duffey of Westminster, Md.
Pastoral Compensation and Benefits Advisory Committee: Philip Hershey of Quarryville, Pa.
Committee on Interchurch Relations: Rene Quintanilla of Fresno, Calif.
Association of Brethren Caregivers: Vernne Wetzel Greiner of Mechanicsburg, Pa.;Dave Fouts of Maysville, W.Va. Nominees to the ABC board were affirmed: William Cave of Palmyra, Pa.; Gayle Hunter Sheller of Hillsboro, Ore.; Tamela Kiser of Dayton, Va.; John Kinsel of Beavercreek, Ohio.
Bethany Theological Seminary, representing colleges: Jonathan Frye of McPherson, Kan.; representing laity: Rex M. Miller of Milford, Ind.
Brethren Benefit Trust: Eunice Culp of Goshen, Ind. A nominee for the board of Brethren Benefit Trust was affirmed: Harry S. Rhodes of Roanoke (Va.) Central Church of the Brethren.
General Board, at large: Hector E. Perez-Borges of Bayamon, P.R. District nominees to the General Board were confirmed: David Bollinger, Atlantic Southeast District; Barbra S. Davis, Missouri and Arkansas District; and Kenneth Geisewite, Southern Pennsylvania District.
On Earth Peace: Madalyn Metzger of Bristol, Ind. Nominees for the board of On Earth Peace were affirmed: Verdena Lee of Living Peace Church of the Brethren, Columbus, Ohio; and Phil Miller of Ivester Church of the Brethren, Grundy Center, Iowa.
In a reorganization meeting, the General Board chose a new executive committee: The Church of the Brethren General Board reorganized at a meeting this evening in Des Moines.
The Executive Committee for 2006-07 will be: Jeff Neuman Lee, chair; Tim Harvey, vice chair; Vickie Samland; Angie L. Yoder; Dale Minnich; Ken Wenger; and Belita Mitchell as the 2007 Annual Conference moderator after July 5.
The board of Brethren Benefit Trust also chose 2006-07 officers: Harry Rhodes, chair; Jan Bratton, vice chair; Wilfred E. Nolen, secretary; Darryl Deardorff, treasurer. The BBT board's Budget and Audit Review committee includes Steve Mason, Carol Ann Jackson Greenwood, Brenda Reish, Dave Gerber. The Investment Committee includes Jan Bratton, Harry Rhodes, Gail Habecker, Eric Kabler. The Nominating Committee includes Ken Holderread, Donna Forbes Steiner, John Braun. The Succession Committee includes Harry Rhodes, Jan Bratton, Gail Habecker.
Source: 7/05/2006 Newsline
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Answers are received to questions about sexuality and ministry.
The Annual Conference Council reported answers to questions raised by Michigan District's 2003 query, "Clarification of Confusion." That query followed the previous year's Conference action declaring it "inappropriate" to license or ordain individuals "engaging in homosexual practice."
The answers note that the 2002 action was a policy decision that was based on polity, which "requires that ordination be reserved for those who will support the actions of Annual Conference." The council said the action did not change the 1983 Statement on Human Sexuality, and that present polity for licensing and ordination is sufficient.
This year's answers follow an initial response from the council in 2003, that "no one known to be engaging in homosexual practices will be licensed or ordained in the Church of the Brethren."
After receiving a report of the answers in pre-Conference meetings, the Standing Committee of district delegates requested copies and directed that the response be distributed also to the delegate body. Jim Hardenbrook as chair of the Annual Conference Council read the answers to the delegate body. The item was received as a report, without time given for discussion or questions.
The concerns of the query had been referred to the council by Annual Conference in 2003. The first response from the council in 2003 added that, "specific structural and theological issues will be answered later." Since then, Hardenbrook said, the council's response also has included visits of council members to Michigan District, other meetings with district leaders, work on the issues in other settings including by staff of the General Board's Ministry Office and the Council of District Executives, and a listening session at the 2004 Annual Conference.
The Standing Committee discussion ranged over a variety of issues including whether the letter should be shared at all with the Annual Conference delegates. "The query came from Michigan, but Michigan isn't the only district that holds these concerns," said John Willoughby, Michigan representative to Standing Committee. "I'm confused by the fact that we'd handle this one differently, other than the fact that we just want this to go away," he said later in the discussion. "I think that the Annual Conference as a whole needs to hear the answer."
Annual Conference did not request a report back from the council when it referred the query in 2003, according to Annual Conference secretary Fred Swartz. Many Standing Committee delegates expressed the understanding that the council's answers close the issue.
Other issues raised in the Standing Committee discussion included the unusual nature of the response to this query, that it is the first query to be referred for an answer to the Annual Conference Council, whether the council's answer is subject to approval by Annual Conference, whether the answer should be treated as an unfinished item of business, whether Standing Committee should give a verbal report to the Conference delegates or include the letter as a written document in the delegate packets, and whether Standing Committee would include the Michigan District response in its report.
Some spoke of the newness of the Annual Conference Council itself, which as Hardenbrook told the Standing Committee, has only been in existence for five years. The role of the council is still being clarified, said 2006 Annual Conference moderator Ronald Beachley. "This is new territory," Beachley said, adding that the council was not sure how to report on its action. As the first query to be referred to the council, "the answer to this query has been different from the beginning," said Hardenbrook.
Source: 7/05/2006 Newsline
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The Annual Conference Council reported answers to questions raised by Michigan District's 2003 query, "Clarification of Confusion." That query followed the previous year's Conference action declaring it "inappropriate" to license or ordain individuals "engaging in homosexual practice."
The answers note that the 2002 action was a policy decision that was based on polity, which "requires that ordination be reserved for those who will support the actions of Annual Conference." The council said the action did not change the 1983 Statement on Human Sexuality, and that present polity for licensing and ordination is sufficient.
This year's answers follow an initial response from the council in 2003, that "no one known to be engaging in homosexual practices will be licensed or ordained in the Church of the Brethren."
After receiving a report of the answers in pre-Conference meetings, the Standing Committee of district delegates requested copies and directed that the response be distributed also to the delegate body. Jim Hardenbrook as chair of the Annual Conference Council read the answers to the delegate body. The item was received as a report, without time given for discussion or questions.
The concerns of the query had been referred to the council by Annual Conference in 2003. The first response from the council in 2003 added that, "specific structural and theological issues will be answered later." Since then, Hardenbrook said, the council's response also has included visits of council members to Michigan District, other meetings with district leaders, work on the issues in other settings including by staff of the General Board's Ministry Office and the Council of District Executives, and a listening session at the 2004 Annual Conference.
The Standing Committee discussion ranged over a variety of issues including whether the letter should be shared at all with the Annual Conference delegates. "The query came from Michigan, but Michigan isn't the only district that holds these concerns," said John Willoughby, Michigan representative to Standing Committee. "I'm confused by the fact that we'd handle this one differently, other than the fact that we just want this to go away," he said later in the discussion. "I think that the Annual Conference as a whole needs to hear the answer."
Annual Conference did not request a report back from the council when it referred the query in 2003, according to Annual Conference secretary Fred Swartz. Many Standing Committee delegates expressed the understanding that the council's answers close the issue.
Other issues raised in the Standing Committee discussion included the unusual nature of the response to this query, that it is the first query to be referred for an answer to the Annual Conference Council, whether the council's answer is subject to approval by Annual Conference, whether the answer should be treated as an unfinished item of business, whether Standing Committee should give a verbal report to the Conference delegates or include the letter as a written document in the delegate packets, and whether Standing Committee would include the Michigan District response in its report.
Some spoke of the newness of the Annual Conference Council itself, which as Hardenbrook told the Standing Committee, has only been in existence for five years. The role of the council is still being clarified, said 2006 Annual Conference moderator Ronald Beachley. "This is new territory," Beachley said, adding that the council was not sure how to report on its action. As the first query to be referred to the council, "the answer to this query has been different from the beginning," said Hardenbrook.
Source: 7/05/2006 Newsline
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Julie Garber is selected as editor of 'Brethren Life and Thought.'
Julie Lynne Garber of North Manchester, Ind., received a unanimous vote of affirmation as the new editor of "Brethren Life and Thought," at the Brethren Journal Association meeting at Annual Conference in Des Moines, Iowa, on July 3.
Garber is currently director of Plowshares at Manchester College and also has served the college as associate dean for Academic Affairs 2002-06 and assistant to the academic dean 1987-2000. In other service to the church, she was editor of books and curriculum for Brethren Press 1990-2002, working as staff of the Church of the Brethren General Board.
She holds a bachelor's degree from Manchester College, a master of theology degree from Bethany Theological Seminary, and a master's degree from the University of Chicago Divinity School.
With Plowshares Garber has administered a multi-million dollar grant to strengthen peace studies. As Brethren Press editor she was instrumental in producing several key curriculum series, as well as editing seminal volumes such as "Fruit of the Vine," by the late Donald F. Durnbaugh, and "A Cup of Cold Water: The Story of Brethren Service," by J. Kenneth Kreider.
"Brethren Life and Thought" is an academic journal jointly published by Bethany Theological Seminary and the Brethren Journal Association in the interests of the Church of the Brethren. Garber's appointment was recommended by the Journal Association Advisory Board.
Source: 7/05/2006 Newsline
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Julie Lynne Garber of North Manchester, Ind., received a unanimous vote of affirmation as the new editor of "Brethren Life and Thought," at the Brethren Journal Association meeting at Annual Conference in Des Moines, Iowa, on July 3.
Garber is currently director of Plowshares at Manchester College and also has served the college as associate dean for Academic Affairs 2002-06 and assistant to the academic dean 1987-2000. In other service to the church, she was editor of books and curriculum for Brethren Press 1990-2002, working as staff of the Church of the Brethren General Board.
She holds a bachelor's degree from Manchester College, a master of theology degree from Bethany Theological Seminary, and a master's degree from the University of Chicago Divinity School.
With Plowshares Garber has administered a multi-million dollar grant to strengthen peace studies. As Brethren Press editor she was instrumental in producing several key curriculum series, as well as editing seminal volumes such as "Fruit of the Vine," by the late Donald F. Durnbaugh, and "A Cup of Cold Water: The Story of Brethren Service," by J. Kenneth Kreider.
"Brethren Life and Thought" is an academic journal jointly published by Bethany Theological Seminary and the Brethren Journal Association in the interests of the Church of the Brethren. Garber's appointment was recommended by the Journal Association Advisory Board.
Source: 7/05/2006 Newsline
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Bethany Seminary announces search for new president.
The Board of Trustees of Bethany Theological Seminary and its Presidential Search Committee invite inquiries, nominations, and applications for the position of president, succeeding Eugene F. Roop.
Roop is retiring after 15 years of leadership at the seminary located in Richmond, Ind. The new president will assume office in July 2007.
The seminary seeks a president who carries knowledge of theological education, a passion for teaching and research, and a deep love for the church, bringing a directed vision for Bethany's future. He or she should possess a Ph.D., D.Min., or other earned terminal degree, and strong skills in administration, communication, cooperative leadership, and fundraising, as well as the ability to engage others in effective planning and implementation of priorities.
Founded in 1905, Bethany is a graduate school and academy that seeks to prepare people for Christian ministry, and to educate those called as Christian leaders and scholars. Bethany's educational program bears witness to the beliefs, heritage, and practices of the Church of the Brethren in the context of the whole Christian tradition. Set in partnership with Earlham School of Religion and the Susquehanna Valley Ministry Center, Bethany embodies ecumenical cooperation in the Anabaptist tradition and innovation in programming, curriculum design, and economic stewardship. Bethany is fully accredited by the American Association of Theological Schools in the US and Canada and by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools. Bethany Theological Seminary is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Review of applications will begin this summer and will continue until an appointment is made. Interested individuals should provide a letter outlining their interest in and qualification for the position, a curriculum vita, and the names and contact information for five references.
Applications and nominations may be submitted electronically or by mail to Dr. Carol A. Scheppard, Chairperson, Presidential Search Committee, Bethany Theological Seminary, 615 National Rd. W., Richmond, Indiana 47374-4019; presidentialsearch@bethanyseminary.edu.
For more information about Bethany Theological Seminary, visit www.bethanyseminary.edu.
Source: 7/05/2006 Newsline
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The Board of Trustees of Bethany Theological Seminary and its Presidential Search Committee invite inquiries, nominations, and applications for the position of president, succeeding Eugene F. Roop.
Roop is retiring after 15 years of leadership at the seminary located in Richmond, Ind. The new president will assume office in July 2007.
The seminary seeks a president who carries knowledge of theological education, a passion for teaching and research, and a deep love for the church, bringing a directed vision for Bethany's future. He or she should possess a Ph.D., D.Min., or other earned terminal degree, and strong skills in administration, communication, cooperative leadership, and fundraising, as well as the ability to engage others in effective planning and implementation of priorities.
Founded in 1905, Bethany is a graduate school and academy that seeks to prepare people for Christian ministry, and to educate those called as Christian leaders and scholars. Bethany's educational program bears witness to the beliefs, heritage, and practices of the Church of the Brethren in the context of the whole Christian tradition. Set in partnership with Earlham School of Religion and the Susquehanna Valley Ministry Center, Bethany embodies ecumenical cooperation in the Anabaptist tradition and innovation in programming, curriculum design, and economic stewardship. Bethany is fully accredited by the American Association of Theological Schools in the US and Canada and by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools. Bethany Theological Seminary is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Review of applications will begin this summer and will continue until an appointment is made. Interested individuals should provide a letter outlining their interest in and qualification for the position, a curriculum vita, and the names and contact information for five references.
Applications and nominations may be submitted electronically or by mail to Dr. Carol A. Scheppard, Chairperson, Presidential Search Committee, Bethany Theological Seminary, 615 National Rd. W., Richmond, Indiana 47374-4019; presidentialsearch@bethanyseminary.edu.
For more information about Bethany Theological Seminary, visit www.bethanyseminary.edu.
Source: 7/05/2006 Newsline
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Training event at National Older Adult Conference is open to all pastors.
Pastors are encouraged to attend the Older Adult Ministry Training Event to be held during the National Older Adult Conference (NOAC), Sept. 4-8 at Lake Junaluska Assembly in North Carolina. Both events are sponsored by the Association of Brethren Caregivers (ABC).
Clergy will receive continuing education credit (10 contact hours or 1 continuing education unit) for attending the training event. Pastors also may want to bring interested people from their congregations to the training event, which is open to anyone who would like to attend, regardless of whether the attendee is an "older adult" or not, ABC said.
This year's training event features Richard Gentzler, a Methodist pioneer and "guru" of older adult ministry. The training event also will feature four workshops to help congregations relate and minister to older adults: "Spiritual Challenges and Blessings of Aging," "Liturgies of Healing Transformations: Marking Life Transitions in Community," "Advance Directives," and "Support Groups for Older Adults."
Registration costs $180 per person, which also enables the participant to attend any portion of NOAC. To register for the training event, and for information about transportation, lodging, and meals, see the NOAC brochure or request one from the ABC office by calling 800-323-8039.
Source: 7/05/2006 Newsline
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Pastors are encouraged to attend the Older Adult Ministry Training Event to be held during the National Older Adult Conference (NOAC), Sept. 4-8 at Lake Junaluska Assembly in North Carolina. Both events are sponsored by the Association of Brethren Caregivers (ABC).
Clergy will receive continuing education credit (10 contact hours or 1 continuing education unit) for attending the training event. Pastors also may want to bring interested people from their congregations to the training event, which is open to anyone who would like to attend, regardless of whether the attendee is an "older adult" or not, ABC said.
This year's training event features Richard Gentzler, a Methodist pioneer and "guru" of older adult ministry. The training event also will feature four workshops to help congregations relate and minister to older adults: "Spiritual Challenges and Blessings of Aging," "Liturgies of Healing Transformations: Marking Life Transitions in Community," "Advance Directives," and "Support Groups for Older Adults."
Registration costs $180 per person, which also enables the participant to attend any portion of NOAC. To register for the training event, and for information about transportation, lodging, and meals, see the NOAC brochure or request one from the ABC office by calling 800-323-8039.
Source: 7/05/2006 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. Mary Dulabaum, Wendy McFadden, Frank Ramirez, and Frances Townsend contributed to this report. Newsline appears every other Wednesday, with the next regularly scheduled Newsline set for July 19; other special issues may be sent as needed.
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. Mary Dulabaum, Wendy McFadden, Frank Ramirez, and Frances Townsend contributed to this report. Newsline appears every other Wednesday, with the next regularly scheduled Newsline set for July 19; other special issues may be sent as needed.
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