Wednesday, May 10, 2006

NEWSPERSONNELUPCOMING EVENTSRESOURCES
For more Church of the Brethren news, go to www.brethren.org and click on "News" to find a news feature, more "Brethren bits," links to Brethren in the news, and links to the General Board's photo albums and the Newsline archive.
at No comments:
Bethany Seminary holds 101st commencement.

Bethany Theological Seminary celebrated her 101st commencement on May 6 in Richmond, Ind. Two observances marked the occasion: a ceremony for conferring degrees in Bethany's Nicarry Chapel, and a worship celebration at nearby Richmond Church of the Brethren. The seminary graduated 10 students with master of divinity or master of arts in theology degrees, and one student received a Certificate of Achievement in Theological Studies.

Carol Scheppard, associate professor of Religion at Bridgewater (Va.) College and a member of the seminary's Board of Trustees, gave the commencement address based on scripture texts from the gospels of Matthew and John. She encouraged graduates to consider commencement as a time to take stock of where they have been, and to gaze out on the road ahead. She also reminded them that the road will not always lead to an easy journey, and that they will face difficulties just as Jesus' disciples did. "Jesus is with us as we confront the storms of life, and the ways that Jesus quiets our storms are the stories we tell," she said. "Jesus calms our storms so that we can confront a fallen world."

Stephen Breck Reid, academic dean, spoke for the afternoon worship service. His message based on texts in Genesis and Acts also advised graduates that their lives beyond commencement will include discord. "In the 12th chapter of Genesis, God's call to Abram begins with a promise. But before the chapter is over, there is conflict," he said. "Sisters and brothers, you will fare no better than Abram and Sarai. You also will experience conflict.... Bethany is a seminary rooted in a commitment to critical thinking and deep piety," he said, encouraging graduates to draw on the tenets of their seminary education when encountering conflict and change.

Eight students received master of divinity degrees: Lisa Mary Baker of Union City, Ind., with distinction in Biblical Studies; Bradley Alan Faler of Archbold, Ohio, with distinction in Biblical and Ministry Studies; Diana Lynn Lovett of Medway, Ohio; Jerry John Pokorney of Lucerne, Ind.; Laura Price-Snyder of Waterford, Calif., with an emphasis in Ministry with Youth and Young Adults; Keith Walter Simmons of Fort Wayne, Ind.; Linda Titzell of Mifflintown, Pa.; and Flora L. Williams of Lafayette, Ind.

Two students received master of arts in theology degrees: Dustin Michael Gregg of Nickerson, Kan., with an emphasis in Peace Studies; and Wendi Adele Hutchinson of Lititz, Pa., with an emphasis in Ministry with Youth and Young Adults.

Norman Edward Baker of Union City, Ind., received a Certificate of Achievement in Theological Studies.

Graduates' future plans include pastoral and congregational ministry, chaplaincy, college administration, writing, and further graduate education.

During graduation ceremonies, president Eugene Roop shared accomplishments and transitions of Bethany faculty and staff during the 2005-06 academic year, including the retirements of Theresa Eshbach, executive director of Institutional Advancement 1993-2004, and part-time advancement associate 2004 to the present; Warren Eshbach, who since 1997 has directed the programs of the Susquehanna Valley Ministry Center in Elizabethtown, Pa.; Rick Gardner, the seminary's academic dean 1992-2003, who has been teaching New Testament courses part-time since leaving that position; and Becky Muhl, a member of the Business Office staff since 1994.

Several continuing faculty members were recognized as well, including Dan Ulrich for his service as associate dean and director of the Seminary's distributed education program, returning return to full-time teaching in the 2006-07 academic year; Kathy Royer, director of admissions, for receiving a doctor of ministry degree from the Graduate Theological Foundation in South Bend, Ind.; Nadine Pence Frantz, professor of Theological Studies, receiving the Rohrer Book Award for co-editing "Hope Deferred: Heart-Healing Reflections on Reproductive Loss," published by The Pilgrim Press. The award is made possible by the Perry Rohrer Endowment for Faculty Development.

Source: 5/10/2006 Newsline
top
at No comments:
Puerto Rican theology students celebrate graduation.

The Instituto Teologico de Puerto Rico Iglesia de los Hermanos (Theological Institute of Puerto Rico, Church of the Brethren) held its graduation service on Saturday, April 9, at the Yahuecas, Cristo Nuestra Paz Fellowship Church of the Brethren. Graduates include Ildefonso Baerga Torres, Carmen Cruz Rodriguez, Carmen L. Fernandini Ruiz, Miguelina Medina Nieves, Jose E. Medina Ojeda, Mar¡a Otero Encarnacion, Elizabeth Perez Marrero, and Gloria Sanchez Piyeiro.

The theme text for the service was Ephesians 4:3, "Making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." The graduates selected Maria Otero Encarnacion as their representative to deliver the afternoon message. Worship was lively and filled with praise, prayer, and proclamation.

The graduating class dedicated the service to Carol Yeazell, one of the Congregational Life Teams staff for the General Board, for her distinguished work with the Puerto Rican churches. Yeazell was present at the service to receive a plaque, along with warm words of appreciation and affection. Mary Jo Flory-Steury, executive director of Ministry for the General Board, was present as well, on behalf of the Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership and bringing greetings and participating in the graduation service.

The Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership is a ministry training partnership of the Church of the Brethren General Board and Bethany Theological Seminary. The Instituto Teologico de Puerto Rico has worked closely with the Brethren Academy since its inception. Elba E. Velez is the director of the institute. Classes are currently being held at four Church of the Brethren congregations in Puerto Rico including Yahuecas, Rio Prieto, Arecibo, and Vega Baja with students from Manati attending Vega Baja. The institute also is in the process of becoming an Academy Certified Training System.

Source: 5/10/2006 Newsline
top
at No comments:
Walk Across America is 'heading for home'...for now.

"The Walk Across America for Jesus Christ is rounding third base and heading for home in northern West Virginia," announced Don Vermilyea. The walk "is over for now, for at least a year," he said. "It may be done forever, it may not."

Vermilyea, a Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS) worker, began to walk across the US on Feb. 2, 2002, with the goal of walking to every Church of the Brethren congregation that extended an invitation. The walk has been sponsored by BVS and the Brethren Witness/Washington Office of the Church of the Brethren General Board.

Having walked from coast to coast on a route that criss-crossed the country from Arizona to Washington and from North Dakota to Florida, with many stops in between, Vermilyea is ending the walk . . . for now. "I am whupped and wore out," he said, "I can't tell you how much I need a rest. I need to be in one place for awhile."

"It's been a tremendous journey for Don and for all of us," said BVS director Dan McFadden. "He has made connections with congregations on a personal level that many of us would like to do if we had the time. I don't know if there is a way to measure the impact of the walk, both on local congregations and the denomination."

The walk has been "about Jesus Christ," Vermilyea said. On the way, he has spent more than four years on the road, has walked more than 19,172 miles, has visited and made presentations in numerous congregations of the Church of the Brethren and has been welcomed in many churches of other denominations, has raised close to $8,000 for hunger and disaster relief in money picked up along the road and in donations, and has spent more than 730 nights "homeless" and more than 820 nights "cared for by humanity," according to his website.

"Many thanks to the many who have loved me across the USA," he said. "I wouldn't have made it this far without your greetings, hospitality, gifts, prayers, and love. It has been my pleasure and my blessing to spend time with y'all."

Vermilyea's walk is continuing through North Carolina, western Virginia, and eastern West Virginia. His route tentatively will take him north along Route 52, to Route 221 in Virginia, along Route 111 or other roads that parallel the Interstate 81 corridor, and then west across the mountains to end up in Burlington, W.Va. He plans to end the walk in mid-June in Burlington, where he will stay with friends while he rests and recuperates.

Scheduled stops include Laurel Branch Church of the Brethren in Floyd, Va., on May 10; Camp Bethel, Fincastle, Va., May 15; Forest Chapel Church of the Brethren, Crimora, Va., May 21; and Harness Run Church of the Brethren in Burlington on June 4.

Vermilyea will continue to visit congregations on his walking route or close to it, as he is invited, on a "first come, first served" basis. He also welcomes walking partners, anyone who wants to help carry his backpack, and overnight hosts. To contact him, leave a message on his voice mail care of the Church of the Brethren General Board at 800-323-8039 ext. 239. For more information go to
www.brethren.org/genbd/witness/Walk.html.

Source: 5/10/2006 Newsline
top
at No comments:
Brethren bits: Correction, remembrance, job openings, and more.
  • Correction: An auction referred to in "Brethren bits" on April 26 should correctly be identified as the 26th Mid-Atlantic Disaster Response Auction.

  • William (Bill) Edward Bennett, accounts payable and payroll specialist for the Church of the Brethren General Board, died April 28 at his home in Elgin, Ill. He had returned to work two weeks previously, after a heart attack and surgery in Oct. 2005. "It is with great sadness that we ask for your prayers for the family of Bill Bennett," a statement from the General Board said. An obituary noted that "William very much loved and revered all of his co-workers and friends at the Church of the Brethren General Offices." Bennett was born in Elgin in 1947 and was a respected local consultant in "all things Elgin," well known for his knowledge of Elgin history and the history of McHenry County, his wife's home area. He was the author of a book on Elgin area postcards titled "Wish You Were Here." Bennett also enjoyed genealogical research, gardening, and cooking. He was a graduate of Elgin Community College and of Northern Illinois University, with degrees in accounting. He began his career in 1965 as an accountant with DeSoto Inc. in Des Plaines, Ill., and then worked at Admiral Corp. in Harvard, Ill. He moved back to Elgin after he and his wife, Barbara, were married in 1975. Other positions that he held over the years included accounting and controller positions in companies and corporations such as Howell Company in St. Charles, Ill., Elgin Industries, Elgin Salvage, and Elgin Roofing Company. He is survived by his wife of 30 years, his two sons and their families including two infant granddaughters, his father, and other family members. Burial services were private. A memorial visitation was held for family and friends on May 2.

  • Bethany Theological Seminary in Richmond, Ind., seeks an associate for its Institutional Advancement department. Primary responsibilities include visiting with donors, representing Bethany at conferences and church gatherings, and working with the advancement team to plan and implement constituent relations and fundraising activity. This member of the advancement team will spend at least half-time calling on present and future donors throughout the country. Prior fundraising experience is not required, but best suited candidates will enjoy creative and fruitful interpersonal conversation as well as be comfortable speaking in public settings; will also be prepared to learn about funding approaches and strategies, and to develop skill and astuteness in assessing donor circumstances and matching appropriate approaches with donors. Must be familiar with the Church of the Brethren, be committed to leadership development for a changing church, and have instinctive sensitivity for realities of congregational life and ministry challenges in congregations. Minimum educational preparation is baccalaureate degree, master of divinity preferred. Send resume as soon as possible to Lowell Flory, Bethany Theological Seminary, 615 National Rd. W., Richmond, IN 47374; or florylo@bethanyseminary.edu. Interviewing will begin in early June; applications will continue to be received until the position is filled. Bethany is an equal opportunity employer.

  • The Church of the Brethren General Board seeks a fulltime accounts payable and payroll specialist, to fill an hourly position. Application deadline is May 11. Responsibilities include accounts payable processing, corporate credit card processing, maintenance of proper records and documentation, preparation of 1099s and other year-end documents, creation and review of payroll process, reconciliation of general ledger accounts, and preparation of audit reports and monthly and quarterly journals. Skills and knowledge required include excellent data entry skills, accuracy and efficiency on a 10-key calculator, orientation to details, spreadsheet applications, word processing, and strong accounting systems knowledge. Human resources and payroll systems knowledge (ABRA) is beneficial. Three to five years of experience in accounts payable or payroll, and computer systems experience is required. A minimum of high school graduation with an accounting emphasis is required; an associate's degree in accounting, finance, or business is preferred. Start date is negotiable. For a position description and application form contact the Office of Human Resources, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120-1694; 847-742-5100.

  • Young Adult Conference 2006 is planned for May 26-28 at Camp Swatara in Bethel, Pa., on the theme, "Transformed" from Romans 12:1-8. Activities will include worship, campfires, "padares" for small group discussion, an open microphone session, community groups, and a coffee house. Register online at www.brethren.org/genbd/yya/yac.htm.

  • Robert W. Goodlatte, congressman for Virginia's Sixth Congressional District, will deliver the 2006 commencement address at Bridgewater (Va.) College at 2 p.m. on May 14. Approximately 300 seniors are expected to receive degrees at the commencement exercises on the campus mall. Robert R. Miller, chaplain and director of service learning, will deliver the message at the 10 a.m. baccalaureate service in Nininger Hall. For more information go to www.bridgewater.edu.

  • Former Indiana first lady Judy O'Bannon will deliver the 2006 commencement message and receive an honorary degree at Manchester College in North Manchester, Ind., on May 21. Some 224 students will receive degrees, according to a release from the college. Graduates with key roles include James B. Hutchings, who will offer reflections at the 2:30 p.m. commencement and will direct the A Cappella Choir in his arrangement of Kwmbaya for 11 a.m. baccalaureate services; Sarah A. Reed and Benjamin G. Leiter, who will offer reflections at the baccalaureate; Meagan E. Harlow, who will call the congregation to worship and deliver the invocation; Kelsey D. Swanson, who will give the benediction at commencement; and Eric M. Strobel, who will read scripture for baccalaureate. A number of graduates and faculty will wear green ribbons to signify that they have taken the Graduation Pledge of Social and Environmental Responsibility. The pledge is headquartered at Manchester with more than 100 member colleges and universities, and is a voluntary pledge "to explore and take into account the social and environmental consequences of any job I consider and will try to improve these aspects of any organizations for which I work." For more see www.manchester.edu.

  • Manchester College's Chamber Singers and A Cappella Choir begin a spring tour of churches in Indiana and Illinois with a home concert at 7:30 p.m. May 12 at Manchester Church of the Brethren in North Manchester, Ind. The choirs take to the road May 22-28, performing at Anderson (Ind.) Church of the Brethren at 7:30 p.m. May 22; at Northview Church of the Brethren in Indianapolis at 7:30 p.m. May 24; at New Hope Christian Church in Crawfordsville, Ind., at 7:30 p.m. May 25; at Peoria (Ill.) Church of the Brethren at 7:30 p.m. May 26; and for worship at Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren in Elgin, Ill., at 9:30 a.m. May 28. Debra Lynn, associate professor of music, directs the choirs and has composed some of their music. For more visit www.manchester.edu.

  • The Brethren Revival Fellowship (BRF) is planning "Brethren Alive 2006" for July 28-30 on the campus of Elizabethtown (Pa.) College. The theme is, "The Dynamic Nature of the Church," from Matthew 16:18. Speakers include Charles Ilyes, ordained minister and pastor at Midway Church of the Brethren, Lebanon, Pa.; Allen Nell, ordained minister and moderator serving in the Upper Conewago Church of the Brethren, Abbottstown, Pa.; Julian Rittenhouse, ordained minister in Pocahontas Church of the Brethren in Shenandoah District; and James F. Myer, ordained minister serving in White Oak Church of the Brethren in Manheim, Pa. The event is planned as a national convention of Anabaptist-oriented evangelical Brethren to celebrate life in Christ and encourage one another to spiritual growth and faithfulness. Workshops will focus on various aspects of church life. Activities for children and youth will be offered. Cost for adults staying in campus dormitories includes registration, room, and meals for $50; cost for children ages 5-15 is $25; children under 5 are free. Commuters may attend for free, but are asked to register. A registration form is available at http://www.brfwitness.org/BA2000/register.htm or go to www.brfwitness.org/BA2000/info.htm for more information. Registration is due by June 29.

  • The Annual World Fair Trade Day celebration of A Greater Gift/SERRV is May 13 at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md. The event is organized to show how buying fair trade foods and crafts contributes to peace building and justice around the world. Local craftspeople and world music groups will be joining in the event, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

  • Church World Service (CWS), which celebrated its 60th anniversary on May 4, has issued an urgent request for Gift of the Heart kits for disaster survivors. "Needs stemming from the earthquake in southern Asia in Oct. 2005 and the hurricanes that affected the US in the summer of 2005" are prompting the request, according to a release. CWS is asking for Gift of the Heart Baby and School Kits and Emergency Clean-up Buckets. For instructions for packing and shipping the kits and buckets, go to www.churchworldservice.org.

  • "Together in Toronto: Claiming an Open Spirit " is planned for July 27-30 at the University of Toronto in Ontario, Canada. It is the first ecumenical conference for "affirming ministries" from several Christian traditions including Church of the Brethren, Mennonite, United Church of Canada, and Lutheran. Co-sponsored by the Brethren Mennonite Council for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Interests (BMC), the conference will include worship, theological and biblical reflections, opportunities for spiritual sharing, keynote presentations, and cross-denominational conversation. Keynote speakers are Irene Monroe, African-American theologian at Harvard Divinity School; and Martin Brokenleg, Aboriginal professor and director of Native Ministries Programs at Vancouver School of Theology. Upwards of 400 people are expected. "This is a very important event for BMC," said executive director Carol Wise. "The crossing of national and denominational lines represents the growing broadness of the welcoming movement," she said. Many BMC constituents are serving on conference committees, with BMC board member Shannon Neufeldt serving as co-chair. Registration and information is at www.openspirit.ca.

  • The National Interfaith Cable Coalition Inc. (NICC), doing business as Faith and Values Media, has announced that its board voted to open its membership to groups and individuals from the Islamic tradition. Previously, membership had been limited to groups and individuals related to Jewish or Christian traditions. Inner-Attainment TV Inc., headquartered in Annandale, Va., was welcomed as the first member from the Islamic tradition. The vote followed a year-long study. "One of Faith and Values Media's goals is to expand understanding and cooperation between and among the faith groups within the American experience," said Daniel P. Matthews, NICC board chair. "While we are not of one theology," he said, "we worship one God. Our organization exists to share God's word and presence in our lives through television, the internet, and other media." The Faith and Values Media Association is made up of denominations, organizations, and individuals that encompass the Abrahamic tradition in the US, among them the Church of the Brethren. It provides members with access to a national audience through various outlets, including Hallmark Channel and FaithStreams.com. For more go to www.faithandvaluesmedia.org.
Source: 5/10/2006 Newsline
top
at No comments:
Jim Yaussy Albright resigns from Illinois and Wisconsin District.

Jim Yaussy Albright has announced his resignation as executive minister of Illinois and Wisconsin District, effective no later than Aug. 31. He has served in the half-time position since Sept. 1999.

Albright also has worked as "apostle" for the New Church Development Board of the district on a part-time basis, and recently has been interim pastor of Neighborhood Church of the Brethren in Montgomery, Ill.

A pastor since 1975, Albright has served congregations in the districts of Northern Plains, Northern Ohio, Northern Indiana, and South Central Indiana. He has worked as well in mediation and has been a church consultant on conflict transformation. He was on the original Ministry of Reconciliation Steering Committee of On Earth Peace, and has been a member of an Annual Conference study committee.

"Jim has served the district for the last six years and has been a big part of our family in Christ," said Guy Ball, chair of the district Leadership Team, in a letter to the Illinois and Wisconsin congregations. Albright plans to seek a pastorate, he said in his letter to the district.

Source: 5/10/2006 Newsline
top
at No comments:
Karin Krog is hired as director of Human Resources for General Board.

Karin Krog has accepted the position of director of Human Resources for the Church of the Brethren General Board, beginning June 5. The position is located at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill.

Krog's career has been centered in the field of human resources since 1988, in a variety of organizations. Most recently she has been supporting human resources functions for the West Chicago (Ill.) Public Library District.

A graduate of Judson College in Elgin, with a bachelor of arts degree in Management and Leadership, Krog has continued to expand her knowledge base in the field through additional courses. She and her family live in the Elgin area and she is active in the community, assists with food preparation for the Soup Kettle, and contributes leadership to fundraisers benefitting local and national charities.

Source: 5/10/2006 Newsline
top
at No comments:
David Whitten to fill position of mission coordinator for Nigeria.

David Whitten has accepted the position of Nigeria mission coordinator for the Church of the Brethren General Board, beginning in August. He will join the Global Mission Partnerships staff of the denomination, and will lead the Church of the Brethren team in Nigeria and relate to leadership of Ekklesiyar Yan'uwa a Nigeria (EYN--the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria).

Whitten served the General Board in Nigeria as rural development consultant from 1991-94. Since then he has returned to Nigeria on several occasions, including leading the 2006 Nigeria workcamp. In other past positions, he was employed by Gould Farm in Monterey, Mass., America's oldest residential psycho-social therapeutic facility for adults with mental illness, as manager from 1986-1991. Gould Farm is a Brethren Volunteer Service project site.

Since obtaining a master of divinity degree from Eastern Mennonite Seminary in 2000, Whitten has been pastor of Moscow Church of the Brethren in Mount Solon, Va.

Source: 5/10/2006 Newsline
top
at No comments:
Steve Van Houten to coordinate General Board's workcamp ministry.

Steve Van Houten has been hired to fill a new position as coordinator of Workcamp Ministry for the Church of the Brethren General Board. The position is housed in the board's Youth and Young Adult Ministries, and will begin July 6 at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill.

Van Houten has been senior pastor of Akron (Ohio) Springfield Church of the Brethren for 11 years, and also spent 12 years as pastor of Cloverdale (Va.) Church of the Brethren. He also has been a volunteer leader for several workcamps for the General Board over the past 10 years.

He brings to the position a degree in biology and chemistry as a pre-med major at Manchester College in North Manchester, Ind., a degree from Bethany Theological Seminary, and several years of teaching high school math.

Source: 5/10/2006 Newsline
top
at No comments:
Jim Hardenbrook to be interim director of Sudan initiative.

Jim Hardenbrook, past moderator of Annual Conference and a pastor at Nampa (Idaho) Church of the Brethren, has accepted an assignment to work part-time as interim director for the General Board's Sudan initiative, while continuing his pastoral duties.

Hardenbrook traveled to Sudan last spring with an ecumenical delegation and reported about that experience to the 2005 Annual Conference. His has been a strong voice for Brethren to do more in response to the tremendous needs in southern Sudan during a "critical moment" following peace accords between the northern government and southern rebel movements.

In this role, Hardenbrook joins the Global Mission Partnerships team of the General Board. The assignment likely will continue through the summer.

Source: 5/10/2006 Newsline
top
at No comments:
Brethren Academy offers courses for students, pastors, laypeople.

The Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership offers an array of courses in theological and biblical study, open to students in the Training in Ministry and Education for Shared Ministry programs as well as pastors seeking continuing education and interested laypeople. The academy is a ministry training partnership of the Church of the Brethren General Board and Bethany Theological Seminary.

Registration for each course costs $150. Each offers one academy-level credit for students or two continuing education credits for pastors. Upcoming courses include:

"Interpreting the Brethren," June 10-14, at Bethany Seminary in Richmond, Ind. Instructor is Timothy Binkley, archivist of the Center for Evangelical United Brethren Heritage at United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio.

"Worship," Sept 22-24, taught by Andrew Murray, professor of Peace and Conflict Studies and Religion, and director of the Baker Institute for Peace and Conflict Studies at Juniata College in Huntingdon, Pa. This course is offered through the Susquehanna Valley Ministry Center.

"Daniel," Oct. 2-Nov. 11, an online course taught by Susan Jeffers, adjunct professor at Bethany and an academy instructor, is offered through the Susquehanna Valley Ministry Center.

"Passions of Youth, Practices of Christ," Oct. 12-15, a follow-up study to this summer's National Youth Conference for youth leaders and others interested in the rising generation in the church. The course will be taught at Manchester Church of the Brethren in North Manchester, Ind., by Russell Haitch, Bethany's assistant professor of Christian Education and director of the Institute for Ministry with Youth and Young Adults.

"Leaders, Boards, and the Brethren," Oct. 19-22, is centered on the experience of attending the fall meeting of the Church of the Brethren General Board in Elgin, Ill., taught by Brethren writer and historian James Lehman. The course introduces students to denominational structure and program, and current denominational leadership.

Registration brochures are available at www.bethanyseminary.edu/academy or by calling 800-287-8822 ext. 1824. Register for courses held through the Susquehanna Valley Ministry Center by contacting Mary Schiavoni, Program Administrator, Susquehanna Valley Ministry Center, Elizabethtown College, One Alpha Dr., Elizabethtown, PA 17022; 717-361-1450.

Source: 5/10/2006 Newsline
top
at No comments:
Ministers Association offers pre-Annual Conference event.

The Church of the Brethren Ministers' Association is offering "Third Way Faith Reimagined: Exploring the Kinship Between Anabaptism and Postmodernity" as a pre-Annual Conference event in Des Moines, Iowa, on June 30-July 1. The presenter is Shane Hipps, pastor of Trinity Mennonite Church in Glendale, Ariz., and a former communication strategist for Porsche Cars.

A postcard mailed to pastors about this event included an incorrect web address. The correct address for registration information is www.brethren.org/ac/desmoines/infopacket.pdf, to download the Annual Conference information packet that includes a registration form for the event on pages 40-41. The form is also available on a CD included in a recent Source mailing to all congregations.

Pre-registration is available until June 1. Those who pre-register will receive a complimentary copy of Hipps' book "The Hidden Power of Electronic Culture: How Media Shapes Faith, the Gospel, and Church." Continuing education credit is available. Cost for registration is $90 with discounts for couples and students, and extra fees for childcare and a picnic.

Source: 5/10/2006 Newsline
top
at No comments:
Summer 'Guide for Biblical Studies' is an extra Together resource.

The summer issue of "A Guide for Biblical Studies" offering weekly Bible studies for June, July, and August 2006 may serve congregations as an extra resource for the denomination-wide discussion process, Together: Conversations on Being the Church.

On the theme, "Called to Be a Christian Community," this issue of "Guide" focuses on scripture texts from 1 and 2 Corinthians. It is written by James Eikenberry, an ordained minister in the Church of the Brethren who lives in Stockton, Calif.; with the "Out of Context" feature written by Frank Ramirez, pastor of Everett (Pa.) Church of the Brethren.

Suggestions for using this Bible study as an extra resource for Together include: expanding a Sunday morning "Guide" class to include a weekday time for others in the congregation to join in a Together conversation; or inviting a "Guide" class that completes the summer curriculum to join others in a follow-up Together conversation.

The summer issue is now available from Brethren Press for $2.90 per copy or $5.15 for large print, plus shipping and handling; call 800-441-3712. For more about the Together conversations go to www.togetherconversations.org.

Source: 5/10/2006 Newsline
top
at No comments:
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 Jo Flory-Steury, Mary Lou Garrison, Diane Gosnell, Linda Kjeldgaard, Jeri S. Kornegay, and Marcia Shetler contributed to this report.
at No comments:
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)