Wednesday, August 30, 2006

NEWSPERSONNELUPCOMING EVENTS
‘Proclaim the Power of God’ is theme for Annual Conference 2007.

“Proclaim the Power of God” (Psalm 68:34-35) is the theme for the 221st Annual Conference of the Church of the Brethren, to be held in Cleveland, Ohio, on June 30-July 4, 2007. The theme and accompanying scripture was announced by the Program and Arrangements Committee after its mid-August meeting at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill.

“As we continue our Together: Conversations on Being the Church, I challenge you to join me as we ‘Proclaim the Power of God,’” said 2007 moderator Belita D. Mitchell in her statement on the theme. Mitchell is pastor of First Church of the Brethren in Harrisburg, Pa. “I believe now is the time for us to become more ethnically diverse, more spiritually alive, and more united to continue the work of Jesus across the United States and around the world. Let us prepare to come together in Cleveland celebrating the Power of God in our midst.”

Daily scriptures and expressions of the theme also have been announced (see below). The logo for the Conference has not been designed yet, and will be released after the committee meets again in November.

The moderator’s full theme statement follows:

“Throughout my years of service to Christ and the church in our beloved denomination, I have been acutely aware of the tremendous blessing God has poured out upon us. We have been endowed with many spiritual gifts. We have been inspired to ministries that have been embraced by the ecumenical community. With an evangelistic zeal, we have established missions around the world, seeing the fruits of our labor in India, China, Nigeria, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, and now Haiti and Brazil. Our newly launched initiative in Sudan is still greater evidence of our desire to follow Christ and comply with the Great Commission and the Great Commandment.

“In spite of this entire remarkable mission legacy, we see many congregations in our own country that continue to decline in vitality, flounder in vision, and who face difficulty in becoming ethnically and culturally diverse. I have heard the voices of many who are asking the questions, ‘How do we respond to the stumbling blocks that stunt our spiritual and numerical growth?’ ‘How do we overcome eroding energy and decreasing hope?’ ‘When will we unite with Christ to tear down strongholds and become like the church John saw in Revelation 7:9?’

“These questions and others have guided me through the scriptures and remained a focal part of my meditations on naming a theme for our 221st Annual Conference convening in Cleveland, Ohio, June 30-July 4, 2007. As we continue our Together: Conversations on Being the Church, I challenge you to join me as we ‘Proclaim the Power of God’ (Psalm 68:34-35).

“I envision exploring and living out this theme not only by our deeds but also by our words. Let us be bold in our proclamation of God’s power that enables us to tear down barriers which separate us and build bridges that connect us in stronger ecumenical partnerships. Proclaim God’s power to guide us in effective evangelistic outreach, to equip us for intercultural inclusion, to lead us in developing cross congregational relationships and to instill within us a life of fervent prayer.

“I believe now is the time for us to become more ethnically diverse, more spiritually alive, and more united to continue the work of Jesus across the United States and around the world. Let us prepare to come together in Cleveland celebrating the power of God in our midst. Start by praying for a mighty movement of the Holy Spirit to illumine our hearts and minds to the need for changes that will bind us together, strengthen our resolve to work for those changes, and inspire us to be open for God to do a new thing among the Brethren.”

Daily scriptures and expressions of the theme:

June 30: “Ecumenical partnerships and cross congregational relationships are ways that we can ‘Proclaim the Power of God.’ We gain benefit through connecting with brothers and sisters across denominational and congregational lines, demonstrating for the world what the fullness of God looks like” (Ephesians 3:13-16 and 4:3-6; 2 Corinthians 13:11).

July 1: “Prayer is a means to release the power of God and should be the hallmark of every believer, the foundation of every worshiping community, and the force behind every ministry endeavor. The focus would be on the importance of prayer” (Matthew 7:7; John 16:23-24; Acts 16:25-26).

July 2: “Intercultural inclusion is an expression of the power of God as we work together toward racial reconciliation and unity with diversity. We cannot adequately reflect the kingdom of God as exclusive conclaves of homogenous groups” (Acts Chapter 2, 8:25, and 15:8; Galatians 3:26-28; Revelation 7:9).

July 3: “Effective evangelistic outreach is an outgrowth of the power of God. Sharing the good news is not optional for disciples of Christ. We are commissioned to speak with boldness the confession of our faith and the availability of salvation for all who will believe” (Matthew 28:15; Acts 10:34-38; John 1:12 and 4:28-29; Romans 10:13-15).

July 4: “We serve an awesome God whose power and strength are available to us for every good work and for every need in kingdom building. Let us ‘Proclaim the Power of God’ in our speech and in our service. Let us return to our ‘first love,’ keeping Christ central to everything we say and do” (Acts 4:33; Psalm 107:1-3 and 8-9; John 4:39-42).

Source: 8/31/2006 Newsline
top
El Tema de la Conferencia Anual de 2007 es ‘Proclamar el Poder de Dios.’

El tema de la 221ava Conferencia Anual de la Iglesia de los Hermanos es "Proclamar el Poder de Dios" (Salmos 68:34-35). La conferencia se llevará a cabo en Cleveland, Ohio, del 30 de junio al 4 de julio. El tema y sus respectivas Escrituras fueron anunciados por el Comité de Programa y Arreglos después de su junta a mediados de agosto en las oficinas de la Iglesia de los Hermanos, en Elgin, IL.

Belita D. Mitchell, moderadora para 2007 anunció el tema de la Conferencia Annual y nos recordó de "Al continuar Juntos: Conversaciones sobre cómo somos la iglesia les estoy retando a todos que nos unamos a "Proclamar el Poder de Dios." Mitchell es pastora de la Primera Iglesia de los Hermanos en Harrisburg, PA. "Yo creo que ahora es el tiempo cuando debemos ser mas étnicamente diversos y estar más vivos y unidos espiritualmente mientras continuamos el trabajo de Jesús en todos los Estados Unidos y en todo el mundo. Preparémonos para reunirnos en Cleveland a celebrar el Poder de Dios Entre Nosotros."

También fueron anunciadas las Escrituras y expresiones diarias del tema (vea abajo). El logo de la conferencia todavía no ha sido diseñado, pero será revelado en noviembre, después de la junta del comité.

Declaración del tema que hizo la moderadora:

"A través de mis años de servicio a Cristo y a la iglesia en nuestra amada denominación, he estado muy al tanto de las grandísimas bendiciones que Dios nos ha dado. Nos ha dotado con muchos regalos espirituales. Hemos sido inspirados a ministerios que han sido recibidos con brazos abiertos por la comunidad ecuménica. Con entusiasmo evangelista hemos establecido misiones en todo el mundo y hemos visto los frutos de nuestra labor en India, China, Nigeria, Puerto Rico, la República Dominicana, y ahora en Haití y Brasil. La nueva iniciativa en Sudán es todavía la más grande evidencia de nuestro deseo de seguir a Cristo y cumplir con la Gran Comisión y el Gran Mandamiento.”

"A pesar de nuestro impresionante legado de misión, observamos que muchas congregaciones en nuestro país continúan declinando en vitalidad, cuya visión no es clara, y tienen problemas cambiando a ser más diversas hablando cultural y étnicamente. He escuchado las voces de muchos que nos preguntan ‘Qué hacemos con los problemas que nos están previniendo crecer espiritualmente y en membrecia?’ ‘Cómo podemos sobreponernos a la energía negativa y falta de esperanza?’ ‘Cuándo nos reuniremos con Cristo para derrumbar las fortalezas y convertirnos como la iglesia que Juan vio en Apocalipsis 7:9?”

"Estas y otras preguntas me han guiado a través de las Escrituras, y me han recordado el enfoque de mis meditaciones tratando de encontrar el tema de nuestra 221ava Conferencia Anual, que se llevará a cabo en Cleveland, Ohio, del 30 de junio al 4 julio de 2007. Al continuar Juntos: Conversaciones sobre cómo somos la iglesia, les reto a que se me unan a ‘Proclamar el Poder de Dios’ (Salmos 68:34-35).”

"Tengo la visión de explorar y vivir este tema no solamente con nuestras acciones sino también con nuestras palabras. Seamos audaces en nuestra proclamación del poder de Dios que nos permite destruir las barreras que nos separan. En su lugar construyamos puentes que nos conecten fuertemente a nuestros socios ecuménicos. Proclamemos el poder de Dios para que nos guíe en un alcance evangélico efectivo, para que nos equipe para una inclusión entre culturas, para que nos guíe al desarrollar relaciones con congregaciones de otras culturas, y que infunda en nosotros una vida ferviente de oración.”

"Yo creo que ahora es el tiempo cuando debemos ser étnicamente diversos, más vivos espiritualmente y más unidos para continuar el trabajo de Jesús en todos los Estados Unidos y en todo el mundo. Preparémonos para reunirnos en Cleveland y celebrar el Poder de Dios entre nosotros. Comiencen a orar para que el Espíritu Santo ilumine nuestras mentes y corazones para que comprendamos la necesidad de estos cambios que nos unirán, nos fortalecerán en nuestra determinación de hacer estos cambios, y nos inspirarán a tener una mente abierta para que Dios haga cosas nuevas entre los Hermanos. ”

Escrituras diarias y expresiones del tema:

Junio 30: "Los socios ecuménicos y las relaciones entre congregaciones son maneras de ‘Proclamar el Poder de Dios.’ Nos beneficia estar conectados con hermanos y hermanas de otras denominaciones y congregaciones, demostrándole al mundo como se verá la plenitud de Dios.” (Efesios 3:13-16 y 4:3-6; 2 Corintios 13:11)

Julio 1: "La oración es una manera de desatar el poder de Dios y debería ser la marca de todo creyente, los cimientos de toda comunidad que venera, y la fuerza detrás de toda empresa hacia el ministerio. El enfoque debe ser la importancia de la oración." (Mateo 7:7; Juan 16-23-24; Hechos 16:25-26)

Julio 2: "La inclusión entre culturas es una expresión del poder de Dios al trabajar juntos hacia una reconciliación racial y unidad entre grupos diversos. No podemos adecuadamente reflejar el reino de Dios como conclaves exclusivos y grupos homogéneos.” (Hechos 2, 8:25, y 15:8; Gálatas 3:26-28; Apocalipsis 7:9)

Julio 3: "Un alcance evangelístico efectivo es una consecuencia del poder de Dios. El compartir las buenas nuevas no es una disciplina opcional para los discípulos de Cristo. Nosotros tenemos la responsabilidad de proclamar audazmente la confesión de nuestra fe y la salvación que está al alcance de todos aquellos que creen." (Mateo 28:15; Hechos 10:34-38; Juan 1:12 y 4:28-29; Romanos 10:13-15)

Julio 4: "Nosotros servimos a un Dios maravilloso, cuyo poder y fuerza está a nuestro alcance para cada trabajo y cada necesidad al construir el reino. "Proclamemos el Poder de Dios" en nuestro hablar y en nuestro servicio. Regresemos a nuestro ‘primer amor,’ teniendo a Cristo en el centro de todo lo que decimos y hacemos." (Hechos 4:33; Salmos 107:1-3 y 8-9; Juan 4:39-42)

Para más información de la Conferencia Anual vaya a www.brethren.org/ac.

Source: 8/31/2006 Newsline
top
Brethren Service Center committee holds first meeting.

The Brethren Service Center Ministry Options Exploration Committee held its initial meeting in New Windsor, Md., Aug. 22-24. The group is a committee of the Church of the Brethren General Board, and was formed following the action of the board in March as it dealt with stewardship of property issues related to use of its main properties in New Windsor and Elgin, Ill.

The committee’s charge is “to explore ministry options for ministries related to properties associated with the Brethren Service Center.” The group has been asked to recommend an answer to the question, “What will be the best use of the New Windsor property to support, grow, and extend the ministry of the General Board on behalf of the Church of the Brethren?” said chair Dale Minnich in his report from the meeting.

As background for its work, the committee reviewed the history of the Brethren Service Center since the property was purchased by the denomination in 1944, reviewed the recent history of the stewardship property study and subsequent General Board action, toured the facility, and visited with staff. The group discussed reports of the four areas of General Board ministry located at the Brethren Service Center: Service Ministries, Emergency Response, the New Windsor Conference Center, and New Windsor Buildings and Grounds.

The committee also met with two working groups of staff and community members launched by the center’s executive director Roy Winter, in order to generate thinking for the process of the committee’s study.

A number of assignments were made both to committee members and to staff, Minnich reported. The assignments will help the committee “flesh out possibilities to strengthen the Brethren Service Center’s ministries,” his report said. The group will receive reports of the assignments at its next meeting on Nov. 10-12.

Members of the committee are Jim Stokes-Buckles of New York, N.Y.; Kim Stuckey Hissong of Westminster, Md.; David R. Miller of Dayton, Va.; Fran Nyce of Westminster, Md.; Janet Ober of Upland, Calif.; Dale Roth of State College, Pa.; Jack Tevis of Westminster, Md.; and Dale Minnich, General Board representative, of Moundridge, Kan. General Board staff who met with the committee throughout its first meeting were general secretary Stan Noffsinger, service center executive director Roy Winter, and director of financial operations LeAnn Wine.

Source: 8/31/2006 Newsline
top
Shipments of relief materials continue one year after Katrina.

On the anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, shipments of relief materials responding to the Gulf coast hurricanes is continuing by the Service Ministries program of the Church of the Brethren General Board. The program based at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md., prepares and ships relief supplies following disasters around the world.

This month’s shipments included hurricane response supplies for Louisiana, Texas, Alabama, and Mississippi, sent on behalf of Church World Service (CWS). A shipment on Aug. 7 sent 716 cartons of Gift of the Heart Baby Kits, School Kits, Health Kits, blankets, and cleanup buckets.

Service Ministries staff this month also facilitated shipments to Lebanon through CWS, including a 40-foot container with 59 bales of blankets, 232 cartons of Gift of the Heart Health Kits, and seven pallets of five-gallon water jugs shipped to Beirut on Aug. 18; and at the end of the month a shipment of 40 medicine boxes. Today a shipment of 525 cartons of Gift of the Heart Health and School Kits are being picked up to ship via Mercy Flights to Jordan for Lebanon relief.

August has been a busy month for the program, which has moved tons of supplies, reported director Loretta Wolf. Staff have pulled and loaded 13 40-foot containers weighing 474,374 pounds, Wolf said. “Each pound is lifted and packed into the containers in the form of bales or cartons, the beginning of a labor-intensive process to move the requested supplies to the areas in need,” she said.

In addition to shipments to the Gulf and Lebanon, “currently three 40-foot containers of quilts for India are being loaded...110,800 pounds of quilts,” said Wolf. “We will be working on eight containers for Sierra Leone during the next two weeks.” Other shipments include more than 10,000 pounds of medicine and supplies to Azerbaijan on behalf of the United Methodist Committee on Relief, via Interchurch Medical Assistance (IMA); 10 bales of CWS blankets and seven cartons of Gift of the Heart Health Kits to Tulsa, Okla., for homeless and disadvantaged families; and container shipments of quilts, clothing, soap, and kits to Lutheran World Relief programs in Niger, Malawi, and Tanzania.

For more about the disaster relief ministries of the General Board, go to www.brethren.org/genbd/ersm/index.htm.

Source: 8/31/2006 Newsline
top
‘Being the Body of Christ’ is theme for Northern Ohio conference.

The theme for the 142nd Northern Ohio District Conference on July 28-30 was, “Being the Body of Christ.” Delegates and other district members gathered at Ashland University for worship, business, fellowship, and information sharing. Moderator Andy Hamilton, pastor of Center Church of the Brethren in Louisville, Ohio, presided over business. Registration totaled 347.

Hamilton spoke for worship Sunday morning on the conference theme. Other preachers were Patrick Bailey, pastor at North Bend Church of the Brethren in Danville, Ohio, who challenged attendees to reaffirm the basics of their Christian faith as they minister in the Body of Christ; and Paul Bartholomew, pastor of Mohican Church of the Brethren in West Salem, Ohio, whose message “Head Games” focused on Christ as the head of the body. Worship services also included praise teams from the Mohican church and from County Line Church of the Brethren in Harrod, Ohio. Offerings received in worship totaled $2,687.08.

A Junior Performing Arts musical, “We Are United,” was based on the theme, “One Body, Many Parts,” from 1 Corinthians 12:12-27. A Senior Performing Arts musical, “Apex of Love,” was presented Sunday morning.

In business, delegates approved the disorganization of First Church of the Brethren in Canton, Ohio. Altar items from the Canton church were used for the conference worship center. Other business included approval of the 2007 district budget; approval to form a committee to oversee employment of a fundraising firm to assist with raising approximately $1.2 million for construction of a lodge at Inspiration Hills Camp and Retreat Center in Burbank, Ohio; affirmation of Manchester College trustees; and election of district leadership. Doug Price, associate pastor at Dupont (Ohio) Church of the Brethren, was selected moderator-elect. Larry Bradley, pastor at Reading Church of the Brethren in Homeworth, Ohio, will serve as moderator for 2007.

In other events, youth and advisors who had just returned from National Youth Conference treated the delegates to songs and a slide show of activities at the conference. The Ministry Commission recognized special anniversaries of 21 ordained ministers, ranging from one year of ministry to 63. Conference attendees also had opportunity to say farewell to Kyle McCord, a Brethren Volunteer Service worker who has spent the past year working on a district project on evangelism.

A silent auction raised $2,195.85 for the Peace Endowment Fund, which provides funding for the district’s peace and conciliation staff person. Linda Fry has accepted the call to this position beginning Sept. 1.

A collection for Gift of the Heart kits for disaster relief received $2,741. All who gathered at the conference were invited to bring kits, and the Mission and Social Action Commission provided a truck with the challenge to “fill it up!” The final collection included 1,098 Gift of the Heart Health Kits, 403 School Kits, 27 Baby Kits, and 1 clean up bucket. A prayer of dedication for the kits was held during business. On Monday morning after the conference, district disaster coordinator Mort Curie drove the truck to the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md., to deliver the kits.

Source: 8/31/2006 Newsline
top
Brethren bits: Remembrance, personnel, job openings, and more.
  • Galen S. Young Sr., 94, a major contributor to the Young Center for Anabaptist and Pietist Studies at Elizabethown (Pa.) College, died on July 8 at his home in Fort Myers, Fla. The center was named in his honor in 1989. "The Young Center exists today largely because of the vision and generosity of Galen S. and Jessie B. Young," said a statement in the fall issue of the “Young Center News.” An obituary in the “Philadelphia Inquirer” described Young as “a hero” for the osteopathic profession. He was a chancellor of Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, where he served as a surgeon for 45 years, and was a past president of the American Osteopathic Association. According to the Inquirer, a conversation between Young and then-presidential candidate Dwight Eisenhower was what prompted Eisenhower to include funds for osteopathic medical schools in his first national budget. Young was a 1934 graduate of Elizabethtown and received an honorary doctorate of science degree from the college in 1951. He served as an Elizabethtown trustee for more than 30 years, joining the board in 1973 and achieving emeritus status in 2004. He received the college’s Outstanding Alumni Award and Educate for Service Award and was a charter member of the President’s Club. In other church involvements, he helped found Brethren congregations in Philadelphia and Paoli, was a founder and moderator of Drexel Hill (Pa.) Church of the Brethren, and was a moderator of North Atlantic District Conference. For the past 10 years he lived in Fort Myers and Ocean City, N.J. He is survived by his daughter Sandra and sons Galen and Jeffrey, five grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. A life celebration was held at Arlington Cemetery Chapel in Drexel Hill on July 14.

  • Three Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS) workers have begun terms of service for the Church of the Brethren General Board in Elgin, Ill. Rachel McFadden and Travis Beam have begun one-year terms as workcamp assistant coordinators in Youth and Young Adult Ministries. McFadden is from North Manchester, Ind. Beam is from Concord, N.C. Tim Stauffer will work for the board’s information services department. Stauffer is from Polo, Ill.

  • Manchester College in North Manchester, Ind., is accepting applications for the position of campus pastor, to plan and coordinate religious services and oversee religious life programming. Additional responsibilities include serving on the counseling staff and maintaining relationships with the Church of the Brethren and ecumenical agencies. A minimum of a Master of Divinity or equivalent master’s degree and ordination in the Church of the Brethren is required. The college offers a competitive pay and benefits package including health insurance, retirement, and tuition. Submit a cover letter, resume, and employment application (see www.manchester.edu/OHR/applicationprocess.htm) to Human Resources, Attn: CP/B, Manchester College, 604 E. College Ave., North Manchester, IN 46962. Applications will be reviewed beginning immediately and continue until the position is filled.

  • The Brethren Home Community of New Oxford, Pa., seeks a fulltime chaplain for its Cross Keys Village. Primary responsibilities include visitation (scheduled and during crisis), leading devotions and Bible study, on-call coverage, leading worship, and some preaching. Qualified candidates should be licensed into Christian ministry and moving to ordination with good standing in their denomination. Clinical Pastoral Education experience is highly desired. The Brethren Home Community is looking for a caring and motivated person to join its Pastoral Care and Brethren Home team. Interested candidates should contact Merv Wunderlich, Director of Pastoral Care, by e-mail at m.wunderlich@brethrenhome.org. The position will be open until Sept. 30.

  • Older adults from Church of the Brethren congregations across the country will converge on Lake Junaluska Assembly in North Carolina next week for National Older Adult Conference. The conference Sept. 4-8 is sponsored by the Association of Brethren Caregivers to offer inspiration, renewal, and community for adults age 50 and older. More than 1,100 participants are expected to meet on the theme, “Walk in the Light” (Matthew 5:14).

  • The Ministry of Reconciliation (MOR) of On Earth Peace is offering “Advanced Reconciliation Skills: A Systems Approach to Conflict and Self Understanding,” a fall practitioner workshop, on Nov. 15-17 at Camp Mack in Milford, Ind. Participants will learn a biblical approach to consulting and healing broken communities, the dynamics of emotional fields, brain function and co-causal understandings of human interaction, and skills for self-understanding and differentiation in healing ministries. Leadership is provided by Jim Kinsey, a member of the General Board’s Congregational Life Teams and a certified trainer, consultant, and practitioner of the Bowen, Friedman, Steinke Systems Process. Cost of $120 covers tuition, materials, meals, and two nights lodging. Commuters pay $84 for tuition, materials, three meals, and day-use fees. The workshop begins at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday and concludes at 4 p.m. Friday. Time for worship and fellowship is included. One continuing education unit is available to Church of the Brethren ministers through the Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership. Registration deadline is Oct. 15. To register or for more information, contact Annie Clark, MOR coordinator, at annieclark@mchsi.com.

  • A fire destroyed much of the parsonage of Denton (Md.) Church of the Brethren on Sunday, Aug. 20. “The fire started in the kitchen area and spread throughout the house with the major damage to the downstairs area,” reported Mid-Atlantic District executive minister Don Booz, who added that church members are surrounding pastor Alan Kieffaber and his wife, Marilyn, “with care, love, and support.” The district is receiving contributions to a replacement fund for the family.

  • Three Church of the Brethren colleges--Elizabethtown (Pa.) College, Juniata College in Huntingdon, Pa., and Manchester College in North Manchester, Ind.--made the “best schools” listings for 2007 from “US News & World Report.” The magazine publishes an annual study of colleges and universities in the US. Juniata was ranked 95th in the listing of “top schools” among liberal arts colleges. In listings for comprehensive colleges in the north, Elizabethtown was ranked second for “best value” and third of the “top schools.” In listings for comprehensive colleges in the midwest, Manchester was ranked third for “best value” and 20th of the “top schools.” A release from Manchester said the magazine uses 15 indicators of academic excellence and bases 25 percent of its ranking on the opinions of presidents, provosts, and deans of peer institutions. “We're thrilled to be near the top of the Best Value list year after year,” said David F. McFadden, executive vice president of Manchester, which has made the rankings for 12 consecutive years. The listings are available at www.usnews.com.

  • A Church of the Brethren advocate to halt capital punishment, SueZann Bosler, will speak on Sept. 6 at McPherson (Kan.) College in conjunction with the Kansas premiere of “Frozen,” the first play of the college’s new theater season. The play about a serial pedophile, and the human capacity for forgiveness, is described as “powerful and disturbing...about forgiving the unforgivable,” in a release from the college. Bosler has spoken against the death penalty following the 1986 murder of her father, Billy Bosler, when he was pastor of First Miami Church of the Brethren in Florida. “Frozen” by playwright Bryony Lavery will be performed Sept. 7-9 as a senior project. The play premiered in England in 1998 and was a Tony Award Nominee for Best Play in 2004. “Frozen” is not the usual offering from McPherson theater department, the college said, and is not recommended for children; some viewers may be disturbed by content and language. For more go to www.mcpherson.edu/news/index.asp?action=fullnews&id=860.

  • Camp Bethel in Fincastle, Va., is offering free bluegrass concerts by Brethren musicians over Labor Day weekend. “The Comptons” will play on Sept 1, 8-9 p.m. “Wow! What talent in the Church of the Brethren!” commented the camp newsletter. “Makeshift” plays on Sept. 2, from 8-9 p.m., described as “an exciting, young, upcoming band” ranging in age from 14-17. “Enjoy hearing Makeshift live before they hit the big time, (or at least before they all turn 18!),” said the newsletter. “The Whispering Pines” performs on Sept. 3, 8-9 p.m., featuring Matt Spence and family, based at Masons Cove Church of the Brethren in Salem, Va. See the entire Labor Day Family Weekend schedule of activities and meals at www.campbethelvirginia.org/labor_day.htm.

  • A “Brethren tree” is one of several trees nominated for inclusion in the book, “Remarkable Trees of Virginia,” according to the “Daily News-Record” of Harrisonburg. “Ruth Fifer of Bridgewater nominated the black oak on the lawn of Summit Church of the Brethren” in Bridgewater, Va., the paper said in an article that includes a stanza of Fifer’s poem written in honor of the tree. The poem and a picture of the tree may be found at the Remarkable Trees website www.cnr.vt.edu/4h/remarkabletree/.
Source: 8/31/2006 Newsline
top
Connie Burkholder resigns from Northern Plains District.

Connie R. Burkholder has resigned as executive minister of Northern Plains District, effective Nov. 15. She has served in the position for 10 years. Burkholder also has pastored churches in Kansas and Ohio.

Highlights of her work with the district include establishment of three new church projects, numerous people who received training for new church planting, development of an e-mail connection among far-flung churches and members, and a focus on inviting members to deepen their spiritual lives.

Her denominational responsibilities have included service on the Council of District Executives and volunteer positions on the boards of Western Plains District and Northern Ohio District; a term as a Brethren representatives to the National Council of Churches 1997-2000; and service as pianist for Annual Conference this July. She also is a member of the Ministry Advisory Council.

Ecumenical involvements have included terms on the boards of Ecumenical Ministries of Iowa, Minnesota Council of Churches, and North Dakota Council of Churches, among several others. For several years she wrote religious perspective articles for the “Kansas City Kansan”; and is the author of “Exodus,” a Covenant Bible Study to be published by Brethren Press this fall.

A graduate of Bethany Theological Seminary and Lebanon Valley College in Pennsylvania, Burkholder holds certification in spiritual direction from Creighton University in Nebraska. Her future plans include pastoral ministry and pursuing a call to the ministry of spiritual direction.

Source: 8/31/2006 Newsline
top
Jim Chinworth resigns as campus pastor at Manchester College.

Campus pastor Jim Chinworth, who has led Manchester College's spiritual life program for eight years, will join Manchester Church of the Brethren as associate pastor for youth ministry and congregational life in January. Manchester College in North Manchester, Ind., is a Church of the Brethren school.

Chinworth has served a campus community of almost 30 denominations and faiths including Roman Catholic, mainline Protestant, Jewish, and Muslim. The campus religious life program that he has led includes weekly chapel services, retreats and Bible study, and other spiritual development and enrichment. He has served on the college’s counseling team, and provided personal and pre-marital counseling.

His prayers have opened campus ceremonies and celebrations, and he has led development of the annual community Martin Luther King Jr. service, student involvement in spirituality groups, and Holocaust remembrance programs. Chinworth also has worked to dissipate liberal-conservative tension on campus, according to a release from the college, and was influential in creating a new format for acclimating first-year students to academic life.

Chinworth holds a master of divinity degree from Lancaster (Pa.) Theological Seminary.

Source: 8/31/2006 Newsline
top
Stephen Mason will direct the Brethren Foundation.

Brethren Benefit Trust (BBT) has announced the appointment of Stephen O. Mason as director of the Brethren Foundation, Inc. In addition to the foundation, Mason will assume the responsibilities of director of Investments for BBT.

Mason will work closely with Darryl Deardorff, BBT’s chief financial officer, to phase into the investment work over the next two to three years.

He brings extensive experience in institutional advancement focusing on gift development and administration. Most recently Mason has served as executive director of the Community Foundation of Wabash County, Ind. Previous work in the Church of the Brethren has included positions as executive director of the Association of Brethren Caregivers, vice president for Financial Services and director of Development at McPherson (Kan.) College, and vice president for College Advancement at Manchester College in North Manchester, Ind.

Mason will begin with BBT on or about Nov. 1, working out of the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill.

Source: 8/31/2006 Newsline
top
Brethren are invited to Counter-Recruitment Conference.

A Counter-Recruitment Conference sponsored by Mennonite Central Committee US (MCC US) will be held in San Antonio, Texas, on Nov. 3-5. On Earth Peace is planning a delegation from Church of the Brethren congregations, led by Matt Guynn, coordinator of Peace Witness.

"This is an open invitation event which a group of Mennonites who are mostly people of color have had the major hand in planning," reported Guynn. “The conference is going to be a special opportunity to worship, share, learn, and plan together as we prepare to respond actively to the impact of military recruitment on communities.”

The conference will bring together youth and adults from communities heavily targeted by military recruitment. It was inspired by the Anabaptist Consultation that took place at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill., in March 2005, which focused on the potential for military conscription.

"Given the strong military recruitment efforts in communities burdened by poverty and racism, a people-of-color caucus at the (March 2005) consultation issued a strong call for a conference focusing on military recruitment," said the announcement of the event from MCC US.

The event is planned for youth and young adults, youth sponsors, Sunday school teachers, pastors and youth pastors, district and conference youth ministers, peace committee members, school teachers, and guidance counselors. Organizers hope to equip congregations to help youth find meaningful nonmilitary opportunities for education, job training, employment, and leadership development; network and share resources and strategies for outreach in schools and other public settings; and ground the work of counter recruitment in commitment to Christ's way of peace and reconciliation through worship and biblical study.

Register and get more information at www.mcc.org/us/co/counter/conference. To attend as part of the Brethren delegation, contact Guynn at mattguynn@earthlink.net or 765-962-6234.

A truth-in-recruiting organizing and outreach packet is now available from On Earth Peace, including a 10-minute DVD to be used as a conversation starter related to questions of military recruitment. The packet will be useful for Sunday school classes and youth groups. For more information go to the On Earth Peace website www.brethren.org/oepa/CounterRecruitment.html.

Source: 8/31/2006 Newsline
top
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. Annie Clark, Janice England, Lerry Fogle, Jeri S. Kornegay, Dale Minnich, Wilfred E. Nolen, and Loretta Wolf contributed to this report.

Wednesday, August 16, 2006

NEWSUPCOMING EVENTSFEATURE
Denominational membership declines by largest amount in five years.

Church of the Brethren membership declined by the largest amount in five years in 2005, down 1,861 members or 1.42 percent. Total reported denominational membership fell under 130,000 for the first time since the 1920s. Denominational membership has been on a steady decline since the early 1960s, as it has been for most “mainline” denominations in the US.

Membership for the denomination in the US and Puerto Rico at the end of 2005 stood at 129,340 according to figures collected by the “Church of the Brethren Yearbook” published by Brethren Press. The figure does not include Church of the Brethren membership in other countries including Nigeria, Brazil, India, the Dominican Republic, and Haiti. The Nigerian church reported a membership of about 160,000 earlier this year.

Fifteen of the 23 US districts reported membership declines last year, one (Oregon/Washington) reported no change, and seven reported membership increases.

Atlantic Southeast District had the largest percentage increase, up 2.66 percent with a net gain of 52 members. Atlantic Northeast, already the largest district, grew larger with the largest numerical gain last year. It reported an increase of 101 members (.68 percent), for a total of 14,947.

The largest numerical and percentage decrease came from Pacific Southwest District, down 472 members or 16.38 percent. Missouri/Arkansas District dropped 12.79 percent, a loss of 82 members, moving it behind Idaho to become the denomination’s smallest district. Three other districts--South/Central Indiana, Michigan, and West Marva-had declines of 3.75 percent or more.

The number of full congregations fell by nine, but there were four new fellowships and four new projects welcomed during the year. Total reported average weekly worship attendance dropped by nearly 2,500 people from the year before, to 65,143. And the number of baptisms was at its lowest level in recent history, with just 1,660 reported. A total of 1,955 baptisms were reported in 2004 and 2,923 in 2003.

Updated “Yearbook” figures are based on data provided by congregations that turn in statistical reports. In 2005, 69 percent of the congregations reported, a fairly consistent response to previous years; 71 percent reported in 2004.

The “Yearbook” also lists contact information and statistics for congregations, districts, and agencies of the denomination, as well as related Brethren organizations. The 2006 edition is available from Brethren Press; to order call 800-441-3712.

Source: 8/16/2006 Newsline
top
Brethren cooperate in Peace Church Longterm Care Insurance.

A new Peace Church Longterm Care Insurance program is now available through the Fellowship of Brethren Homes, an organization of Church of the Brethren retirement centers, and the Association of Brethren Caregivers (ABC). The new program addresses the problem of “uncompensated care” that is faced by the Brethren retirement facilities. For the last several years, more than $14 million annually has been spent by 18 of the 22 centers to care for older adults who no longer have the financial resources to pay for their own care.

“As our population and denomination continue to age, (the fastest-growing segment of the US population is the 80 and older group), the financial strain on our retirement facilities increases,” reported Don Fecher, director of the fellowship. It is unlikely that governmental funding for longterm care will increase, or that a legislative solution is even possible, Fecher said. “It is also unlikely that a Church of the Brethren facility will turn away a resident in need,” he added.

Through its ecumenical partnerships with the other historic peace churches--Mennonites and Friends--the fellowship is making it possible for anyone connected with the Church of the Brethren to take advantage of the Peace Church Longterm Care Insurance program. Anyone connected to the Church of the Brethren may participate along with their spouse, children ages 18 and older, parents, grandparents, siblings, in-laws, aunts, and uncles.

The program will pay benefits for longterm care services in a person’s home, assisted living facility, adult day care facility, or nursing home, and is available for Alzheimer’s/dementia coverage. The program is guaranteed renewable and offers tax quantified plans.

Currently, costs for assisted living facilities range from $900 to $3,000 per month depending on amenities provided and services required, according to ABC. Also, about 90 percent of the nation’s assisted living services are paid for with private funds, states the National Center for Assisted Living. The Health Insurance Association of America reports that the national average for a year in a nursing home is estimated to cost more than $46,000, and in some areas can easily cost twice that amount.

“The costs of longterm care may present the greatest threat to financial security during a person’s retirement years,” Fecher said. “Longterm care insurance is also appropriate for the working age person to protect against illnesses, disabilities, or injuries from automobile or sporting accidents. HMOs and traditional health insurance policies generally do not pay for long-term care services.”

To find out more about the program or to request cost estimates contact the administering organization, Senior Ministries Insurance Alliance of Harrisburg, Pa., at 800-382-1352.

Source: 8/16/2006 Newsline
top
Caregiving award winners honored by Association of Brethren Caregivers.

The Association of Brethren Caregivers (ABC) recognized recipients of the agency’s annual caregiving awards during a reception July 3 at the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference in Des Moines, Iowa.

Retired pastor Chuck Boyer of La Verne, Calif., was recognized for a lifetime of caregiving. Throughout his ministry, he has advocated for peace and for those who were left at the margins in society and the church, ABC said. He has served the Church of the Brethren as director of Brethren Volunteer Service, peace consultant, pastor, and moderator of Annual Conference. During his time as peace consultant, Boyer focused on domestic peace concerns, action, and education. In 1988, he became senior pastor of La Verne Church of the Brethren, where he was active in housing and food projects, the formation of a new ministerium that supported women in ministerial roles, and compassionate caregiving for his congregation, especially those who felt excluded from the faith community.

Rodney E. Mason of Chambersburg, Pa., was recognized for his service as former CEO of Peter Becker Community, a Church of the Brethren retirement community in Harleysville, Pa. During his tenure Mason fostered ministry for and with elders in many ways, collaborating with the Indian Valley YMCA to bring a satellite to Peter Becker Community, working with other area care centers to provide services to seniors in the Harleysville community, and helping establish the Peace Church Risk Retention Group, a collaboration between the Church of the Brethren, Mennonites, and Friends. Mason resigned from Peter Becker in 2005 to become CEO of Menno Haven Retirement Communities.

ABC honored Disaster Child Care, a program of the Church of the Brethren General Board, for providing more than 25 years of caregiving for children and families during more than 175 disasters. The program has trained more than 2,500 volunteers who donate their time and services. Disaster Child Care began in 1980 and later became an ecumenical endeavor. The program is well respected and relied on by partner agencies such as the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the American Red Cross, and Church World Service. In 1998, it was designated as the official child-care service to assist the American Red Cross following a domestic aviation disaster and formed a specially trained group of volunteers for its “Critical Response Childcare Team.”

Papago Buttes Church of the Brethren in Scottsdale, Ariz., received the “Open Roof” award for its work on accessibility for people with disabilities. People with disabilities participate fully in the worship, activities, and leadership of the church, even though the congregation does not have a formal disabilities program. Papago Buttes has reached out with services and programs to members of a neighboring group home. Love Feast at the congregation includes hand washing for those with mobility issues, along with the traditional foot washing. Adults and children with disabilities are mainstreamed into Sunday school classes, with special training available for teachers when needed. The congregation’s new building was designed to be completely handicapped accessible. Now the congregation is beginning a new construction project, a handicapped accessible baptistery.

For more information about the Association of Brethren Caregivers go to www.brethren.org/abc.

Source: 8/16/2006 Newsline
top
Grants go to Lebanon crisis, Katrina rebuilding, hunger in Guatemala.

Two funds of the Church of the Brethren General Board--the Emergency Disaster Fund (EDF), and the Global Food Crisis Fund--are giving a total of $68,555 in three grants for the humanitarian crisis in Lebanon, rebuilding following Hurricane Katrina, and a hunger relief program in Guatemala.

The EDF has given a grant of $25,000 to support a Church World Service appeal for the humanitarian crisis created by the Israeli/Hezbollah war in Lebanon. The funds will help provide emergency supplies of food, water, bedding, medicine, and sanitation.

The fund also is granting $25,000 for Brethren Disaster Response to open a new rebuilding site in an area affected by Hurricane Katrina. The money will pay for the travel expenses, leadership training, food, and housing of volunteers working on the project, as well as additional tools and equipment and some building supplies.

In Guatemala, the Global Food Crisis Fund has allocated a grant of $18,555 from the Church of the Brethren Foods Resource Bank account to continue support of a hunger relief project in the Totonicapan region. This is the second year of a three year project to help increase food diversification through community greenhouse and patio gardening. Additionally, the project promotes appropriate technology, community organization, and food security.

Source: 8/16/2006 Newsline
top
Western Plains District Conference sees signs of transformation.

With a theme of “God’s Love Forever and Ever,” the Western Plains District Conference was convened by moderator LeRoy Weddle at McPherson (Kan.) Church of the Brethren and McPherson College. The conference had 272 registered attendees.

Jim Kinsey, Congregational Life Team staff of the General Board, was the theme speaker. Sandy Bosserman, executive minister for Missouri and Arkansas District, spoke at the minister and spouse dinner.

There was an emphasis on the congregational transformation movement that is permeating the district, reported district co-executive minister Elsie Holderread. Singing, worship, sharing of individual faith stories, and congregational stories of transformation were woven throughout the weekend. The presence of 30 youth, some coming directly from National Youth Conference in Fort Collins, Colo., was a positive influence. The renovation to the church added greatly to the quality and comfort of the conference, Holderread added.

In business sessions, the 73 delegates from 32 congregations passed a $194,000 district budget, approved a constitutional amendment, and elected eight new district board members and elected Sonja Griffith as moderator-elect.

A Projects Unlimited auction raised $4,416.25 to be divided between Heifer Project, Trees for Life, On Earth Peace, Disaster Child Care, Camp Colorado, Camp Mount Hermon, the Outdoor Ministries Association, the Western Plains District General Fund, McPherson College, the Lybrook Mission, and Darfur World Hunger. The district quilt sold for $1,000.

Next year’s district conference will be held at McPherson, Kan., July 27-29 with David Smalley as moderator.

Source: 8/16/2006 Newsline
top
Southeastern District holds 38th annual district conference.

The 38th annual Southeastern District Conference on July 28-30 was led by moderator Jim Hoffman on the theme, “Together in God's Presence.” A total of 94 delegates represented 27 congregations, and a total of 167 people were in attendance. Prayer was given for the youth and leaders who were returning home from National Youth Conference in Colorado, said co-executive minister Martha Roudebush in her report from the meeting.

Keynote speaker pastor Gilbert Romero of Bella Vista Church of the Brethren in Los Angeles, presented challenging messages Friday evening and Sunday morning entitled "To His Presence We Will Go."

A 2007 district budget of $80,148 was passed including increasing the position of the co-executive ministers to three-quarter time. The delegate body approved and passed a new business item allowing His Way Fellowship to seek out and purchase a larger facility, and to sell the current property. They also approved and supported the new district ministry education program "School of Spiritual Leadership.”

In elections, Jeremy Dykes, youth pastor from Jackson Park Church of the Brethren in Jonesborough, Tenn., was called to be moderator-elect.

The district churches were thanked for giving $70,674 to the Disaster Katrina Fund. The conference received a that some of this fund is still being used to help with small town situations along the gulf coast in Alabama.

The Witness Commission also had challenged each church this past year to collect money for Heifer International. Several churches in the district participated, collecting a total of $25,506. The donations purchased several “arks” of animals, heifers, llamas, and many others. The district youth visited the Heifer Ranch in Arkansas on the way to National Youth Conference, and presented the check from the district.

A time was held during the business to have small group discussions as part of the denominational study process Together: Conversations on Being the Church. Discussion focused on the question, "What does it mean to be the church?" This was a very productive time of conversation, Roudebush reported. Saturday night’s insight session provided leadership training for individuals to lead their congregations in this conversation.

A quilt auction was held with proceeds going to the John M. Reed Home.

Roudebush said that the district faced a “unique situation” this year. “The parliamentarian was at National Youth Conference,” she said, “and the moderator-elect was also at NYC. Donna Shumate, who will be moderator in 2007, was in the hospital with a new baby boy.”

Source: 8/16/2006 Newsline
top
Brethren bits: Personnel, Annual Conference office move, and more.
  • Ralph McFadden will serve as coordinator for the second Mission Alive conference, planned for April 13-15, 2007, filling a temporary, part-time position in the Global Mission Partnerships of the General Board. McFadden will coordinate a working committee to plan and implement the conference. He will work from the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill., and from his home in Elgin. He has served in the Church of the Brethren as a pastor, district executive, and executive for Parish Ministries Commission of the General Board. Among his wide experience is coordinating the National Youth Conference in 1974. More recently he has been a part of the Association for Brethren Caregivers staff, and has served as chaplain for Hospice of Northeastern Illinois.

  • As announced earlier this year, the Annual Conference Office relocates from the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill., to the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md., this month. The move takes place the week of Aug. 21-25. The office will open for business in New Windsor on Aug. 28. The new address of the Annual Conference Office is 500 Main Street, P.O. Box 720, New Windsor, MD, 21776-0720; 410-635-8740, 800-688-5186, fax 410-635-8742, executive director 410-635-8781. E-mail addresses remain unchanged for Fogle (lfogle_ac@brethren.org) and Conference assistant Dana Weaver (dweaver_ac@brethren.org).

  • The annual Brethren Revival Fellowship orientation unit for Brethren Volunteer Service will be held at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md., from Aug. 20-30. A total of 11 staff and volunteers are expected.

  • An Action Alert from the Brethren Witness/Washington Office of the General Board, dated Aug. 3, calls attention to the Global Warming Pollution Reduction Act of 2006 (S. 3698), introduced by Senator Jim Jeffords (I, VT). The legislation “is based on the increasing scientific evidence that global warming poses a significant threat to the public health and welfare of the US and to the global environment as a whole,” the alert stated. As well as giving details of the legislation, the alert quotes from the 1991 Annual Conference statement “Creation: Called to Care,” and urges Brethren to contact their senators in support of the act. “Your voice can make a difference,” the alert said. “As little as 10 calls or letters on an issue can be enough to convince an elected official to support or not support a piece of legislation. Let us take a serious stand on reducing global warming and caring for our environment.” For more information go to www.brethren.org/genbd/WitnessWashOffice.html or contact the office at 800-785-3246 or washington_office_gb@brethren.org.

  • Virlina District is holding a teacher’s workshop for Christian educators on the theme, “Called, Equipped, Sent Forth” on Sept. 16 from 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at Germantown Brick Church of the Brethren in Rocky Mount, Va. The scriptural texts will be Deuteronomy 6:4-9 and Ephesians 4:11-12. The workshop will include worship, teacher training, inspiration, and a commissioning of teachers. Workshops will include training for the new curriculum “Gather ’Round: Hearing and Sharing God’s Good News” from Brethren Press and Mennonite Publishing Network; a workshop on serving those with disabilities; and a workshop on ministering to difficult behaviors. Cost is $15 for an individual or $25 for a group from a congregation. Carol Mason, staff for the General Board’s Congregational Life Teams and a retired school teacher and ordained minister with a master's degree in curriculum development, will provide leadership. For more information contact Virlina District at 540-362-1816.

  • Bridgewater (Va.) College “enjoyed unparalleled fundraising success in fiscal year 2005-06,” according to a release from the school. Gifts and pledges totaled $8,074,548, the release said, with highlights of the year including several gifts in the range of a half million dollars, and additions to the college endowment of $4.2 million. In other news from the college, nine new fulltime faculty arrive in mid-August to join the departments of communication studies, education, health and exercise science, history, music, and philosophy.

  • Manchester College in North Manchester, Ind., is changing its accounting offerings to reflect changing needs in the larger accounting environment, announced a letter from president Jo Young Switzer. “After 15 years with a good master of accountancy program that has dwindled in number of graduates, we will offer, instead, a program that allows students to complete their 150 hours required by the accounting industry in four-and-a-half years,” the letter said. “Accounting firms nationwide are clear that they prefer to hire new accountants who already have met the 150-hour requirement and are ready to sit for the CPA exam. Firms are telling us the master's degree does not carry weight in their hiring decisions.” The new accounting program will begin this fall. For more about the college go to www.manchester.edu.

  • Sculptor Jeff Adams has been commissioned to create a bronze sculpture to depict the spirit of compassion given to seniors at Pinecrest Community in Mount Morris, Ill. A “maquette” or model of the sculpture titled "The Good Samaritan" was unveiled at a fundraiser in July. The sculpture is to be displayed at the entrance of the Grove, a new 20-acre active adult community now under construction as part of Pinecrest.

  • Fahrney Keedy Home and Village holds its Second Annual Heritage Day on Aug. 19, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Events includes live entertainment, a chicken barbecue, bake sale, yard sale, food vendors, craft vendors, trade vendors, and displays of quilts and celebrity autographs. Fahrney Keedy Home and Village is located at 8507 Mapleville Rd., Boonsboro, Md.

  • Camp Eder in Fairfield, Pa., is hosting a “Moving Stories, Healing Stories” retreat on Sept. 22-24, with sponsorship from the Jubilee Troupe. The troupe is an endeavor of Brethren and others joining creative arts, social change, and spiritual renewal, sponsored by On Earth Peace, the New Community Project, and the Brethren Peace Fellowship. Keynote presenter is Julie Portman, an Obie Award winning performer and founder of Ki Theater in Washington, Va. The retreat is an opportunity to explore spiritual enrichment and community renewal processes through forms of interactive drama, movement, and other creative arts. Activities include working with storytelling tools and exploring personal stories; forums for sharing skills, ideas, media, and findings; "getting into our bodies" with quietness and play; personal and group devotional time; sharing meals and supportive fellowship. InterPlay instructor Judith Reichsman from Marlboro, Vt., also will lead a workshop to provide improvisational tools to further explore personal stories. Find out more and register online at http://jubileetroupe.org/events/2006-retreat.htm.

  • Members of Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT) in northern Indiana have begun a nonviolent campaign to stop the production of depleted uranium weaponry. Leaders include Church of the Brethren members Cliff Kindy and Tom Benevento, who is Latin America/Caribbean program volunteer for the Global Mission Partnerships of the General Board. CPT was originally an initiative of the historic peace churches (Church of the Brethren, Mennonites, and Quakers) but now enjoys support and membership from a wide range of Christian denominations. The campaign focuses on depleted uranium production sites, such as the ones in Rocket Center, W.Va., and Jonesborough, Tenn., both operated or contracted by Alliant Technologies, said a release from the campaign. The focus is to only stop the production of depleted uranium, not to shut down the plants, the release said. Those participating in the campaign spend an hour in silence and fasting every Friday noon, and are encouraged to examine their lifestyles to ask how one lives a life that does not need to be defended by war. Plans have included monitoring trucks in and out of plants, holding prayer vigils for the victims of depleted uranium weapons, and scheduling public forums on the effects of depleted uranium weapons. For more go to the campaign’s website www.stop-du.org.

  • A National Council of Churches (NCC) expert on international affairs and peace is scheduled to be on Fox News tonight, Aug. 16. Antonios Kireopoulos, the NCC's associate general secretary for International Affairs and Peace, is to be interviewed by Bill O'Reilly on “The O'Reilly Factor.” The program airs on the Fox News cable channel at 8 p.m. and 11 p.m. eastern. Kireopoulos will discuss solutions to the war in Lebanon and Israel, and the root causes of terrorism. He has visited the region many times and has worked on issues of peace for several years. For more information about the programs of the NCC go to www.councilofchurches.org.

  • A Greater Gift (SERRV) offers a “Summer Overstock Sale” on Aug. 23-26 at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md. The sale will include 60 percent off first quality items. A Greater Gift sells fair trade handcrafts and foods from around the world through partnerships with small-scale artisan and farmer groups. The organization was started by the Church of the Brethren. For more information go to www.agreatergift.org.
Source: 8/16/2006 Newsline
top
New speaker announced for National Older Adult Conference.

David Augsburger will give the keynote plenary session on Wednesday morning of the National Older Adult Conference (NOAC), an event sponsored by the Association of Brethren Caregivers (ABC). Ken Haughk, founder of Stephen Ministries, was slated to speak but cancelled because of caregiving responsibilities. NOAC takes place Sept. 4-8 at Lake Junaluska Assembly in North Carolina.

Augsburger is professor of pastoral counseling at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, Calif. An ordained minister in the Mennonite Church, he has written 20 books on pastoral counseling, marriage, conflict, and human relations. His most recent books are “Pastoral Counseling Across Cultures” and “Conflict Mediation Across Cultures.” He also has taught at seminaries in Chicago, Indiana, and Pennsylvania, and has been a radio spokesperson for the Mennonite churches.

Augsburger's presentation, "Forgiving: Thou Shalt Not Nail Others to Their Past," will be followed that evening with a worship service in which his brother, Myron Augsburger, is the featured preacher.

Older adults who are 50 and over can still register for the conference at www.brethren-caregivers.org or by calling ABC at 800-323-8039.

Source: 8/16/2006 Newsline
top
Bethany Seminary to host discernment retreat.

Bethany Theological Seminary in Richmond, Ind., will host a discernment retreat titled “Open Hearts--Open Minds” on Sept. 22-24. Participants will discover and work with their calls to ministry through prayer, worship, group sessions, and personal time for reflection.

Tara Hornbacker, assistant professor of Ministry Formation, is the retreat leader. An inspirational speaker, humorist, and ministry consultant, Hornbacker is an ordained minister in the Church of the Brethren. As a faculty member, she gives overall direction to the seminary's program of preparing people for the ministry through experiential education, spiritual formation, and theological reflection on the practice of ministry.

Opportunities for individual spiritual direction also will be available, facilitated by Lisa Lundeen Nagel, a 2006 graduate of Earlham School of Religion.

"Open Hearts--Open Minds is a retreat grounded in scripture, worship, and an openness to the presence of God," said Amy Gall Ritchie, director of student development at Bethany. "It brings learning and doing together, as people delve into the issues that God is presenting to them."

Registration cost is $25. Information about lodging and other information will be sent to participants registered by Sept. 1. To register or for more information contact Ritchie at 765-983-1806 or ritcham@bethanyseminary.edu.

Source: 8/16/2006 Newsline
top
Finding the roots of hope in Iraq.

Church of the Brethren member Peggy Gish has returned to Iraq with Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT). Originally a violence-reduction initiative of the historic peace churches (Church of the Brethren, Mennonite, and Quaker), CPT now enjoys support and membership from a wide range of Christian denominations. Gish has spent much of the last several years in Iraq, first working there before the war began. Formerly the CPT Iraq team was based in Baghdad, but currently is working in another area of the country. Here Gish reflects on the seeming hopelessness of the war, and our source of hope in God.

"A call came last week from an Iraqi human rights worker and friend of the (CPT) team. The previous night, someone attempted to shoot him near his home in southern Iraq. He does not know what group may be behind this attack and the threats on his life he has received in the past months.

"A former team translator told us that militia and criminal gangs control many neighborhoods in Baghdad. In his neighborhood, daily gun battles on the street break out. In another Baghdad neighborhood, the husband of another team friend--also a human rights activist--was killed.

"'I couldn't believe it at first,' another human rights worker in Najaf told us after recently returning from several months in the US. 'The situation in Iraq is much worse than I ever imagined. I can no longer say this isn't civil war.'

"Some Iraqis are fleeing their homes, but most cannot leave. They feel helpless to do anything to change the escalating violence and chaos. Just two weeks ago the team's landlord and his wife told us that even though most of Baghdad was dangerous, the neighborhood we had been living in was safe. Since then, they have called us to say the situation there has become worse. Fewer people are out on the streets doing business or shopping. They have left and now agree with other Iraqi friends and colleagues who have advised our team not to return to Baghdad.

"These Iraqis are like our family. We feel a deep love and grieve for them. Not being able to accompany them or to do more to help them is painful. During our morning prayers, we mentioned them by name. We read about and spoke of hope, but we felt this hope was something out of reach, something that instead of buoying us up, was flying in our faces. A team mate named what we were all feeling, 'Right now it's hard to have hope for the future of Iraq.'

"But, I thought, the prophet Isaiah addressed this struggle when he spoke of God bringing forth springs of water in the thirsty ground of the desert (Isaiah 35:6-7) and of God being with us as we pass through the rivers and through fire (Isaiah 43:2.) Just like water in dry lands, hope is a precious commodity in war-torn places.

"If we base our hope mainly on our ability to stop this horrible violence, we are lost. Only when our faith is rooted in God's ability to work in impossible situations can we rise above despair and allow hope to strengthen us and lead us to action. That is the hope I pray for and want to walk in."

Source: 8/16/2006 Newsline
top
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. Chrystal Bostian, Mary Dulabaum, Mary Kay Heatwole, Elsie Holderread, Jon Kobel, Martha June Roudebush, Marcia Shetler, and Walt Wiltschek contributed to this report.

Thursday, August 10, 2006

Newsline Special: Call to Prayer for Peace

BRETHREN LEADERS INVITE CONGREGATIONS TO PRAY AND ACT FOR PEACE


On a day of terror alerts and increasing violence in the Middle East, Church of the Brethren leaders are joining in a call to congregations to pray and act for peace, including general secretary Stan Noffsinger of the General Board, On Earth Peace co-directors Bob Gross and Barbara Sayler, and Brethren Witness/Washington Office director Phil Jones.

Several options for prayer and activities for peace are listed below, in which Brethren are invited to join in with ecumenical partners, the historic peace churches, and other Christians and people of faith around the world.

"Your church needs to be a part of this," said Noffsinger, characterizing activities as simple as a prayer, or the lighting of a candle, as "singular acts" that can build peace. The church offers "a different voice than the rumblings of the war on terror," he said. "It is time for the people of the church to offer a light to the world that leads to a just peace for all people."

"Our hearts cry out for the loss of life in Lebanon, in Israel, and in Gaza, as the violence there grows and spreads," said Gross. "When we try to fight violence with violence, we have let ourselves be overcome by evil. Romans 12:21 admonishes us, 'Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.'

"Some of us have traveled to the Middle East to meet with Israeli and Palestinian peacemakers, among them many Palestinian Christians," Gross continued. "We have seen that even in this tragic time they are lifting up the light of peace. Pray for those who are suffering as this war surrounds them, and for those who have been driven from their homes. Pray for those who could choose to stop the war. Pray for guidance for us all. Our only real security comes from God."

Jones reported from his recent participation in a training orientation for new Brethren Volunteer Service workers. "We painfully, and with great sorrow explored the current foreign policy programs of our nation," he said. "The extreme number of casualties, loss of life, and human degradation that occurs from the violence of war are so blatantly against the teachings of the one we know as Christ. We struggled with identifying ways that we can boldly give witness to a faithful moral conscience, one that might change and transform the minds and hearts of those who choose to make war. One that might identify, bring justice to, and transform the root of our many conflicts."

At least a few Brethren have kept candles burning since Sept. 11, 2001, as an enduring witness for peace, Jones recalled, bringing to mind the many ways Brethren have been calling for peace in recent years.

The Brethren Witness/Washington Office continues to encourage Brethren to communicate with elected representatives to support an immediate cease-fire between Israel and Hezbollah forces in Lebanon, and for the end of the war in Iraq. On Monday the office plans to release an Action Alert with a letter from United for Peace and Justice.

Other current peace initiatives to which Brethren are invited:

--A grassroots call to "encircle the world with light," begun by women at the Yealand Friends Meeting, a local Quaker congregation in England, and its monthly meeting of 10 congregations in North Lancashire. The Friends are one of the three historic peace churches along with the Mennonites and Church of the Brethren. The English initiative was highlighted on a day when the US and English governments cooperated in responding to plans for a terror attack on airplanes flying between the two countries. It calls on people of faith to light a candle every evening from 9-10 p.m. "as a witness to our common humanity, as long as violence rules in the Middle East." A poster of a lit candle with the invitation, "Let's encircle the world with light" designed by James Woolgrove of Yealand Meeting is available at www.brethren.org/genbd/EncircleTheWorld.pdf The poster quotes Martin Luther King Jr., "Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that."

--"A Season of Prayer for Peace in the Middle East" from the National Council of Churches and Religions for Peace-USA requests congregations to pray for peace in the Middle East and to join with their communities in activities that witness for peace. For resources from a variety of religious traditions go to www.seasonofprayer.org Find the Christian prayer resources by clicking on "Christian" in the left-hand column of the web page.

--An International Day of Prayer for Peace on Thursday, Sept. 21, part of the Decade to Overcome Violence program of the World Council of Churches. "Between now and then we invite every Church of the Brethren into thoughtful reflection of what it means to be a people following the Prince of Peace," Noffsinger said. For more information go to
http://overcomingviolence.org/en/about-the-dov/international-day-of-prayer-for-peace.html

--On Earth Peace has publicized a call for daily prayer from the Mideast Peace Prayer Foundation, which sets aside a few moments each day at 5 p.m. local time for people around the world to pause for silent prayer for peace. For more information go to http://www.mideastpeaceprayer.org/welcome.html

--A "Let Us Talk Fast" led by Christian Palestinian leader Mubarak Awad, is also highlighted by On Earth Peace. Awad is founder of the Palestinian Centre for the Study of Nonviolence (now the Holy Land Trust), and Nonviolence International in Washington, D.C. The fast began with participation by Lebanese, Israeli, and Palestinian citizens, and organizers expect many others to join the effort in the Middle East and around the world, fasting from 1 to 21 days. The fast calls on all parties to the conflict in Lebanon and Israel, and the US and other international parties, to "talk rather than kill." Many fasters are expected to donate their meal savings to peace and humanitarian groups. For more go to www.nonviolenceinternational.net

Friday, August 04, 2006

Newsline Special Report Aug. 4, 2006

MIDDLE EAST VIOLENCENATIONAL YOUTH CONFERENCE 2006
Christian leaders call for cease-fire between Hezbollah and Israel.

The violence in the Middle East is escalating into heartbreaking futility, said the National Council of Churches (NCC) in just one of the statements made by Christian leaders worldwide decrying the war between Israel and forces of Hezbollah in southern Lebanon.

Stan Noffsinger, general secretary of the Church of the Brethren General Board, has signed on to two statements about the war: a July 20 letter from Churches for Middle East Peace calling for President Bush to do everything possible to calm the crisis and restore hope for a diplomatic solution; and a call for an interreligious season of prayer from the NCC and Religions for Peace-USA.

Churches for Middle East Peace expressed specific concern for the situation of Palestinians in Gaza and alarm for possible regional dimension of the war. It asked the US to intervene at the highest levels with Israeli and Palestinian officials.

Religions for Peace-USA is cooperating with the NCC to encourage "A Season of Prayer for Peace in the Middle East." NCC leaders called on individuals and congregations of all faiths and nations "to unite their hearts and souls in prayer, calling upon the Creator in whose image all human beings are made to write this message of peace on the hearts of all who want war."

This interreligious effort requests congregations to pray for peace in the Middle East this weekend and into the future, and to join with other people of faith and local communities in activities that witness for peace. For resources appropriate to the current crisis from a variety of religious traditions go to www.seasonofprayer.org (to find the Christian prayer resources click on "Christian" in the left-hand column of the web page).

The World Council of Churches (WCC) is offering prayer for "the people of Israel who have fallen victims to the missiles that continue to be fired indiscriminately into their towns and villages" and for "all the people of Lebanon, Muslims and Christians alike," in a statement issued yesterday.

The WCC appealed to the international community to "do whatever is possible" for a cease-fire. General secretary Samuel Kobia asked for a stop to the bombings, the negotiation of a cease-fire, and a comprehensive peace settlement between Hezbollah and Israel, calling especially on the leaders of the US, Israel, and the United Kingdom. He called on the Israeli government also to "give guarantees that humanitarian organizations will be allowed unhindered access to those in need of assistance."

Kobia said the war is "of ominous dimension and of far-reaching consequences" and said it is "shocking and disgraceful" to witness the spectacle of world leaders saying "in a most callous manner that fighting will continue ’til strategic military objectives are met." Kobia added that "blind faith in military violence to resolve disputes and disagreements is totally unwarranted, illegal, and immoral."

The NCC also called on Israel and Hezbollah to immediately cease hostilities. "All sides in this conflagration are showing appalling indifference to the deaths and injuries of hundreds of innocents on both sides of the border and in Gaza," said Shanta Premawardhana, associate general secretary for Interfaith Relations. "The stated goals of each belligerent to eliminate the other is solidifying a hatred that will last for generations." NCC leaders said neither side can shell its way to security.

Church World Service (CWS), the humanitarian arm of the NCC, has sent an initial aid shipment of 5,000 Gift of the Heart Health Kits, 500 water containers, and a large supply of blankets to support work by International Orthodox Christian Charities, said CWS emergency response program director Donna Derr. CWS also issued a fundraising appeal for $1 million and voiced increasing concern over a growing humanitarian crisis in Lebanon.

As of the beginning of this week, CWS also planned a shipment of food and non-food items to the Middle East Council of Churches, which is delivering food, non-food relief items, water and sanitation, and psychosocial attention through its Interchurch Network for Development in Lebanon in conjunction with the Action by Churches Together (ACT). ACT has issued its own appeal for $4.6 million, according to Presbyterian Churches USA news service.

CWS added that it is alarmed at the lack of safe passage needed to deliver humanitarian aid. "The UN has been asking for opening of humanitarian corridors but so far those corridors haven't materialized and transport routes and communication in the damaged Lebanese regions are severely hindered," said Derr. "It's an increasingly critical situation, with bridges destroyed, so many roads impassable, airports and power supplies bombed and inoperable."

The Lebanese government and the UN estimate that more than 500,000 people are displaced from their homes, needing shelter, food, safe drinking water, sanitation, and medical assistance, CWS said. At least 140,000 have fled to Syria and other neighboring countries for refuge. Particular concern was given for the disproportionate number of children affected, CWS said. The agency also is concerned about the humanitarian situation in Israeli-occupied territories of the West Bank and Gaza.

Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT) has sent a 12-member delegation to Israel and Palestine, which arrived in Jerusalem July 27. CPT is a violence-reduction initiative of the historic peace churches (Church of the Brethren, Mennonite, and Quaker), with support and membership from a wide range of Christian denominations. The delegation planned to speak with representatives of Israeli and Palestinian peace and human rights organizations in Jerusalem and Bethlehem, and then to travel to Hebron in the West Bank where CPT's longterm team is based and where Israeli settler and soldier violence against Palestinians and internationals has escalated. The delegation is scheduled to be in Israel and Palestine through Aug. 8.

Source: 8/4/2006 Newsline Special Report
top
Youth bear witness to a faith in Christ that moves mountains.

National Youth Conference (NYC), July 22-27, 2006, challenged the youth of the Church of the Brethren to "come and see" with a conference theme inspired by John 1:35-39. The 3,606 youth and advisors who answered the call witnessed a faith in Christ that can move mountains.

Set at the base of the Rocky Mountains on the campus of Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colo., NYC offered a experience of the awesomeness of God’s creation, and a challenge to "move" the mountainous problems of our world such as hunger, poverty, child welfare, and violence.

Worship played a central role, with morning and evening worship celebrations held in Moby Arena. Questions of the day guided worship services led by a host of dynamic speakers--and by the NYC band that rocked the arena with the theme song, "Come and See" by Seth Hendricks.

Among preachers who inspired and challenged the youth were Craig Kielburger, founder of (Kids Can) Free the Children, who urged youth not to wait to get to work for God. "Every day we receive our calling," he said.

Jim Wallis, founder of Sojourners community in Washington, D.C., and an evangelical leader on social issues, gave the youth an important task: "You’ve got to clear up the confusion about what it means to be a Christian." Following Jesus means getting in the middle of the world’s suffering, "because that’s where (Jesus) stands inviting us in," he said.

Ken Medema, who has been a popular performer at previous youth conferences, sang a song in response to Wallis’ message. The congregation was invited to join in the chorus: "We are the people we’ve been waiting for. The world is waiting so come through the door. There’s lots of room here on the dancing floor. There’s no delaying anymore."

The Mennonite comedy duo Ted and Lee were received with laughter and applause as they acted out gospel stories about the disciples’ relationship with Jesus.

Youth speakers Jamie Frye from Kansas, Allen Bowers from Virginia, and Chrissy Sollenberger from Pennsylvania, each gave his or her own different perspective on what following Jesus really means.

Jeff Carter, pastor of Manassas (Va.) Church of the Brethren, answered the NYC theme with his statement, "It is the Christ that we have come to see."

In a service created by General Board staff, several Brethren youth and adults spoke of the importance of being part of the church, and told stories of their work for Christ in the world.

Beth Gunzel, Brethren mission worker in the Dominican Republic and consultant for a microloan community development program of the Church of the Brethren, led a service focused on the situation of the poor in the DR. She said that Christians have a responsibility to others. "We are guided by the Holy Spirit to turn wrongs into rights, to be used for a divine purpose," she said.

Andrew Murray, professor of peace studies at Juniata College in Huntingdon, Pa., and a popular Brethren folksinger, answered the question of the day, "Who are you becoming?" At age 64, he told the conference that most of what he has become he never anticipated. "I believe Jesus said, ‘Come and see,’ because whose you become will determine who you become."

Preaching on 2 Corinthians 3:12-18, Bethany Seminary professor Dawn Ottoni Wilhelm said, "God’s got you covered.... But beware of the protective coverings you make for yourself" including "veils" of hardness of heart and mind, she added. "If you want to loosen the hold of hardness...then do what God does, do what this conference has asked you to do. Ask questions." Wilhelm asserted, "With every question we ask, we join Jesus in tugging at the veils and revealing God."

Worship on Wednesday evening ended with anointing for freedom through Christ. Afterwards, in moments of deep emotion, groups of youth sat in tight circles on the floor, or stood in large groups, swaying to the music with their arms around each other.

"I am ready to change the world!" responded Deborah from Washington State the next morning. She was one of several youth who gave testimonies at the final worship service. At NYC, "thousands of strangers have truly become the body of Christ," said Caitlin from Arizona.

New Community Project director David Radcliff preached for closing worship. "You’ve got the world in your hands," he said in a sermon that sent youth home with new hope and energy to follow Jesus. Brethren youth are up to the challenges of the 21st century, he said. "Jesus will give you power to change this world," Radcliff said. "I want to tell you Jesus believes in you, enough to put his mission and his world in your hands."

In addition to worship, NYC offered small groups, concerts, recreation, service projects, workshops, devotions, and late-evening activities. Tournaments of Jungle Ball volleyball and Ultimate Frisbee continued late Wednesday because of interruptions by afternoon thunderstorms earlier in the week. Concerts were given by Superchick, Ken Medema, Andy and Terry Murray, The Guys, and the Bittersweet Gospel Band. Other late-evening activities included worship service led by groups from Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic, a talk-back session with Jim Wallis, a reception honoring scholarship recipients and international guests, a swing dance, a performance of "Godspell" by an arts camp from Camp Harmony, and an Open Mic talent show.

NYC coordinators Cindy Laprade, Beth Rhodes, and Emily Tyler worked with Chris Douglas, director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry for the General Board, and the National Youth Cabinet to prepare for the conference over the past two years. Cabinet members are Becky Ball-Miller, Leigh-Anne Enders, Nick Kauffman, Zac Morgan, Shawn Flory Replogle, Erin Smith, and Rachael Stevens. Numerous other volunteers made NYC possible including youth workers, worship coordinators and musicians, workshop and special event leaders, and youth advisors from congregations and districts.

For more stories and photos from National Youth Conference 2006, go to www.brethren.org/NYC2006/.

Source: 8/4/2006 Newsline Special Report
top
Wow! Together we can end hunger.

Hunger is a big word, seemingly larger than all our efforts to combat it. But the funds raised in various ways by NYC participants to turn hunger around is huge--exceeding even the wildest expectations of the coordinators. NYC 2006 has demonstrated in a very real way that youth are intentional about the church’s work to end hunger and poverty.

Responding to the theme, "Come and See," more than 1,100 people took part in a REGNUH 5K Walk/Run to "turn hunger around." Sponsorships of participants, coupled with a special offering, has now raised a total of $90,904.63.

The total adds $3,825.67 received since NYC ended, to the previous total of $87,078.96 announced on the last day of the conference. It includes $29,410.08 in REGNUH sponsorships and $61,494.55 received in the offering and through tithes of NYC registration fees from more than 30 congregations. The funds will be distributed through the Global Food Crisis Fund of the Church of the Brethren General Board.

"WOW!" said Howard Royer, manager of the Global Food Crisis Fund. "What signals NYC has sent to the church and the world! The first is to offer what Brethren and the Bible have championed--that God calls us to be with the poor and the hungry. The second is that no longer are the most vulnerable to be the most expendable; together we can put an end to extreme hunger."

Daniel Neidlinger of Indiana was the first runner to cross the REHNUH finish line, with a time of 19 minutes, 28 seconds. Dustin Adams of Maryland came in second.

Neidlinger’s whole youth group of nine, including advisors, either ran or walked. "They all wanted me to run to win it!" said Neidlinger, who does cross country and track in high school. His church helped the youth raise several hundred dollars for the Global Food Crisis Fund, and was still collecting a special offering in worship the morning of the REGNUH walk/run.

One of the top individual fundraisers for REGNUH is Dianne Hollinger, a youth advisor from York (Pa.) First Church of the Brethren, who raised $4,422. She originally challenged her congregation to help her raise $2,000, saying she would run 10 percent of the course for every 10 percent of the money raised. The congregation raised more than twice that amount, so she ran the whole five kilometers. When Hollinger collapsed at the finish line, friends from her congregation were there to help her back to her feet.

Heather Simmons of Ohio walked the course. She said it was the experience that mattered--especially at one of the learning stations along the route when she carried buckets with 20 pounds of water to simulate what women in many countries do every day. She said, "I can’t imagine how they do it all the time."

Source: 8/4/2006 Newsline Special Report
top
Youth take up love offering at NYC.

Participants at NYC took up a love offering for a youth whose home was severely damaged by fire while he was at the conference. Jeff from Northern Indiana District received word July 25 that the house he and his mother lived in was damaged by a fire in an area of the house that included his room. The remaining part of the house suffered extensive smoke damage. The fire also claimed the life of the family's pet cats.

NYC counselors and spiritual directors collectively called for a love offering during an evening service. The response was so great that many people asked for an additional day to give more funds, reported district youth coordinator Keith Carter. The offering allows the family to replace necessities such as beds, clothing, and other household items in an expedient manner, he said.

"I would just like to thank everyone for responding the way in which they did," Jeff said. "I am thankful to all of you for your generosity. You all have helped me see God this week."

"I was deeply touched when I saw the outpouring of love and support by conference participants," Carter said. "What a great way for NYC participants to respond in an immediate tangible way to everything learned at NYC. The generosity and response has a great impact not only on Jeff and his family, but for the local congregation and district. Thank you to all for contributing to this love offering and most of all for being the church."

Stacey Carter, youth director at Jeff’s church, said, "God took a tragedy and turned it into a miracle! We are thankful for the abundant outpouring of love and support for Jeff and his mother. Thank you all for being Jesus to someone else."

Source: 8/4/2006 Newsline Special Report
top
NYC nuggets.
  • In other NYC offerings, 2,522 pounds of food was given to the Food Bank for Larimer County, Colo.; $18,532.37 was received for the NYC Scholarship Fund; 1,357 Gift of the Heart School Kits were donated along with $7,123.53 to help pay for shipping the kits to children in need through Church World Service.

  • Service projects and mountain hikes were favorite NYC activities. Some 2,700 people went on hikes in the mountains above Fort Collins. More than 2,000 pre-registered to work at 45-plus service projects around the Fort Collins and Loveland areas. Projects included clean up of highways and parks, work at a shelter and thrift stores--including two run by Habitat for Humanity, a Hearts and Horses Therapy center, Fort Collins’ Lincoln Center for the performing arts, nursing homes, the university’s campus ministry, and many others.

  • Inspired by REGNUH, a group of youth decided the next day to hold "REGNUH Part II." Spokesperson Alex from Pennsylvania said, "The service last night kind of touched me, and I had to do something." His friends reported that all day long he had been saying, "I’m on a God high!" The 13 youth and 2 advisors created their own walk of about 1 hour, or approximately 2 miles. Along the way, they asked people to join in or to give a donation. In another REGNUH-inspired effort, three youth from Pennsylvania--nose flute players Brad and David, their "manager" Seth, and a garden gnome mascot--created a band called "The Nose Knows" to raise money for hunger. They put the money into the offering for the Global Food Crisis Fund. The nose flute repertoire included "Yankee Doodle Dandy," "Mary Had a Little Lamb," and the theme song to "The Adams Family." "We're working on ‘Amazing Grace,’" they reported.

  • Another REGNUH walk/run will be held at National Older Adult Conference (NOAC) on Sept. 7 at Lake Junaluska, N.C. NOAC is sponsored by the Association of Brethren Caregivers. Participants are being asked to accept the invitation to walk or run a two-mile circuit around the lake to support the Global Food Crisis Fund. First- and second-place awards will be given by the Brethren Foundation, which also is giving a "REGNUH...turning hunger around" cap to each walker and runner. The foundation is a ministry of Brethren Benefit Trust.
Source: 8/4/2006 Newsline Special Report
top