- Brethren Benefit Trust explores ways to offset cost of medical insurance.
- New guidelines issued for denominational memorial tribute.
- On Earth Peace board begins strategic planning process.
- Global Food Crisis Fund supports micro credit in Dominican Republic.
- El Fondo para la Crisis Global de Comida ayuda con creditos diminutos en la Republica Dominicana.
- Service Ministries continues relief shipments to the Gulf.
- Brethren Homes forum held at the Cedars in Kansas.
- Brethren bits: Remembrance, personnel, job opening, and more.
Wednesday, June 07, 2006
NEWS
Brethren Benefit Trust explores ways to offset cost of medical insurance.
The Brethren Medical Plan Study Committee of Annual Conference has asked Brethren Benefit Trust (BBT) to help identify potential new sources of funding for the Church of the Brethren Medical Plan. At its spring meetings April 21-23 in Elgin, Ill., the BBT Board and staff spent time brainstorming possible ways to offset the ever-escalating costs of medical insurance, BBT said in a report of the meeting.
Several ideas were offered as starting points, and then small groups considered the merits of those ideas and possible alternatives. Board and staff struggled with how to increase participation in the Brethren Medical Plan and how to decrease expenses as medical costs continue to rise well beyond inflation, and as the average age of plan participants continues to rise.
The board received reports that indicate signs of promise. After losing $1.4 million in 2003 and 2004, the Brethren Medical Plan posted a modest net gain in 2005, with more premiums being received than claims being paid. The board also heard at least one possibility for how BBT may expand its customer base.
However, board members also heard that membership in 2005 declined from 819 to 746, not including spouses and dependents. This decline included 30 active employees and 43 retirees. Moreover, only two of the 23 Church of the Brethren districts now have at least 75 percent participation in the plan, which means that if such a requirement were to be implemented at this time most Brethren pastors and church staffs would be excluded from the Brethren Medical Plan.
"Given the 2005 Annual Conference resolution that called on congregations and church agencies to support the plan during the study period, this decline was a disappointment and is reason for continued concern," BBT said.
The ideas, hopes, and concerns discussed during the brainstorming session were forwarded to the Annual Conference study committee, along with an offer from BBT staff for further meetings with committee members. In a report from earlier this year, the study committee had signaled that the denomination needs the Brethren Medical Plan to continue serving pastors and church staff, and called for re-evaluation of the proposed 75-percent participation requirement for districts. The committee also said it needs more than one year to examine the longterm viability of the plan and will seek an extension at this year's Annual Conference.
In other business, the board heard that a number of BBT-related items will be considered at Annual Conference including its Articles of Organization and a resolution from Pacific Southwest District on "Divestment from Companies Selling Products Used as Weapons in Israel and Palestine"; added two new provisions to four existing guidelines for "hardship withdrawals" from the Pension Plan; established six percent as the annuity interest rate on contributions made after July 1, 2003; and elected Nevin Dulabaum, BBT's director of Communications, to the board of the Church of the Brethren Credit Union for a new three-year term. Dulabaum has been on the credit union board for six years and currently serves as vice-chair.
In decisions regarding investments, the board affirmed a new bond manager; approved redefining investment strategy for the "core" portion of its Domestic Stock Fund and Domestic Stock Index Fund; and affirmed a continuing manager of its Community Development Investment Fund, which makes funds available for inner-city microloans. In the three years of the Community Development Investment Fund's existence, Brethren investments have led to the building or rehabilitation of 70 affordable homes, the financing of 140 microloans (250 jobs) or 20 small business loans (112 jobs), and the financing of 25 community facilities.
The board received two screening lists as part of its socially responsible investing ministry: the top 25 defense contractors, and companies that make more than 10 percent of their gross sales from defense contracts. BBT's investment policy prohibits it from investing in companies that are on either list. The lists are available by writing to newsletters_bbt@brethren.org.
For more about BBT and its ministries go to www.brethrenbenefittrust.org.
Source: 6/7/2006 Newsline
top
The Brethren Medical Plan Study Committee of Annual Conference has asked Brethren Benefit Trust (BBT) to help identify potential new sources of funding for the Church of the Brethren Medical Plan. At its spring meetings April 21-23 in Elgin, Ill., the BBT Board and staff spent time brainstorming possible ways to offset the ever-escalating costs of medical insurance, BBT said in a report of the meeting.
Several ideas were offered as starting points, and then small groups considered the merits of those ideas and possible alternatives. Board and staff struggled with how to increase participation in the Brethren Medical Plan and how to decrease expenses as medical costs continue to rise well beyond inflation, and as the average age of plan participants continues to rise.
The board received reports that indicate signs of promise. After losing $1.4 million in 2003 and 2004, the Brethren Medical Plan posted a modest net gain in 2005, with more premiums being received than claims being paid. The board also heard at least one possibility for how BBT may expand its customer base.
However, board members also heard that membership in 2005 declined from 819 to 746, not including spouses and dependents. This decline included 30 active employees and 43 retirees. Moreover, only two of the 23 Church of the Brethren districts now have at least 75 percent participation in the plan, which means that if such a requirement were to be implemented at this time most Brethren pastors and church staffs would be excluded from the Brethren Medical Plan.
"Given the 2005 Annual Conference resolution that called on congregations and church agencies to support the plan during the study period, this decline was a disappointment and is reason for continued concern," BBT said.
The ideas, hopes, and concerns discussed during the brainstorming session were forwarded to the Annual Conference study committee, along with an offer from BBT staff for further meetings with committee members. In a report from earlier this year, the study committee had signaled that the denomination needs the Brethren Medical Plan to continue serving pastors and church staff, and called for re-evaluation of the proposed 75-percent participation requirement for districts. The committee also said it needs more than one year to examine the longterm viability of the plan and will seek an extension at this year's Annual Conference.
In other business, the board heard that a number of BBT-related items will be considered at Annual Conference including its Articles of Organization and a resolution from Pacific Southwest District on "Divestment from Companies Selling Products Used as Weapons in Israel and Palestine"; added two new provisions to four existing guidelines for "hardship withdrawals" from the Pension Plan; established six percent as the annuity interest rate on contributions made after July 1, 2003; and elected Nevin Dulabaum, BBT's director of Communications, to the board of the Church of the Brethren Credit Union for a new three-year term. Dulabaum has been on the credit union board for six years and currently serves as vice-chair.
In decisions regarding investments, the board affirmed a new bond manager; approved redefining investment strategy for the "core" portion of its Domestic Stock Fund and Domestic Stock Index Fund; and affirmed a continuing manager of its Community Development Investment Fund, which makes funds available for inner-city microloans. In the three years of the Community Development Investment Fund's existence, Brethren investments have led to the building or rehabilitation of 70 affordable homes, the financing of 140 microloans (250 jobs) or 20 small business loans (112 jobs), and the financing of 25 community facilities.
The board received two screening lists as part of its socially responsible investing ministry: the top 25 defense contractors, and companies that make more than 10 percent of their gross sales from defense contracts. BBT's investment policy prohibits it from investing in companies that are on either list. The lists are available by writing to newsletters_bbt@brethren.org.
For more about BBT and its ministries go to www.brethrenbenefittrust.org.
Source: 6/7/2006 Newsline
top
New guidelines issued for denominational memorial tribute.
Annual Conference has requested Brethren Benefit Trust (BBT) to expand guidelines for the denomination's memorial tribute for church leaders who have died during the year before each Conference. The annual tribute is given as a multimedia presentation at Annual Conference, and serves as a remembrance of denominational church leaders including pastors and lay leaders.
The guidelines are being expanded in an effort to include remembrance of more Brethren leaders. "We have worked on new guidelines this year, trying to honor national Brethren leaders who are not in the Pension Plan, in addition to Brethren Pension Plan members and their spouses," said Nevin Dulabaum, BBT's director of Communications.
"This is a national tribute of national leaders," Dulabaum emphasized. "This does not preclude other agencies, districts, or congregations from honoring former servants who are now deceased. And so while there may be individuals omitted from this tribute who some believe should be honored, the Annual Conference officers and BBT staff did their best to come up with guidelines that will hopefully honor those recognized Brethren leaders who served on a national level."
The new guidelines call on the Church of the Brethren districts and the Annual Conference agencies to participate in the process. "BBT does not know who all of these people are," said Dulabaum. "Districts and agencies are being asked to assist in the identification of people to be included in the tribute and the acquisition of photos." Each district and agency are asked to name a representative to help nominate Brethren leaders who should be included in the tribute, and to help ensure that their photos are sent to the BBT office.
The new guidelines were proposed by BBT in response to the Annual Conference request, and were adapted and accepted by the Annual Conference officers. The Conference officers will oversee the process of collecting names and photos for the tribute, and BBT will continue to produce the tribute and assist with logistical matters.
The new guidelines have been sent to the five Annual Conference agencies, the Church of the Brethren districts, all Church of the Brethren congregations, and Brethren-related camps. The guidelines, including a form to nominate a name for the memorial and a list of categories of people to be included in the memorial, are also available at www.brethrenbenefittrust.org (go to "Pension Plan," click on the "Forms" link).
Source: 6/7/2006 Newsline
top
Annual Conference has requested Brethren Benefit Trust (BBT) to expand guidelines for the denomination's memorial tribute for church leaders who have died during the year before each Conference. The annual tribute is given as a multimedia presentation at Annual Conference, and serves as a remembrance of denominational church leaders including pastors and lay leaders.
The guidelines are being expanded in an effort to include remembrance of more Brethren leaders. "We have worked on new guidelines this year, trying to honor national Brethren leaders who are not in the Pension Plan, in addition to Brethren Pension Plan members and their spouses," said Nevin Dulabaum, BBT's director of Communications.
"This is a national tribute of national leaders," Dulabaum emphasized. "This does not preclude other agencies, districts, or congregations from honoring former servants who are now deceased. And so while there may be individuals omitted from this tribute who some believe should be honored, the Annual Conference officers and BBT staff did their best to come up with guidelines that will hopefully honor those recognized Brethren leaders who served on a national level."
The new guidelines call on the Church of the Brethren districts and the Annual Conference agencies to participate in the process. "BBT does not know who all of these people are," said Dulabaum. "Districts and agencies are being asked to assist in the identification of people to be included in the tribute and the acquisition of photos." Each district and agency are asked to name a representative to help nominate Brethren leaders who should be included in the tribute, and to help ensure that their photos are sent to the BBT office.
The new guidelines were proposed by BBT in response to the Annual Conference request, and were adapted and accepted by the Annual Conference officers. The Conference officers will oversee the process of collecting names and photos for the tribute, and BBT will continue to produce the tribute and assist with logistical matters.
The new guidelines have been sent to the five Annual Conference agencies, the Church of the Brethren districts, all Church of the Brethren congregations, and Brethren-related camps. The guidelines, including a form to nominate a name for the memorial and a list of categories of people to be included in the memorial, are also available at www.brethrenbenefittrust.org (go to "Pension Plan," click on the "Forms" link).
Source: 6/7/2006 Newsline
top
On Earth Peace board begins strategic planning process.
The On Earth Peace Board of Directors and staff met April 21-22 at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md. The board's Advancement, Personnel, Finance, and Executive committees met April 20. The devotional theme used scriptures focused on "A Passion for Peace."
Beginning new strategic planning work, the board affirmed and encouraged staff to go ahead with planning three "big goals" that On Earth Peace has in process: "That On Earth Peace will make it possible for every youth in the denomination to have a real opportunity for an extended peace learning experience while in high school; that On Earth Peace will make it possible for every pastor in the denomination to learn effective conflict transformation approaches and skills; and (this goal is still being refined) that On Earth Peace will provide tools for every congregation in the denomination to have a vibrant peace/justice ministry which affects the life of its community or beyond."
A session was devoted to reviewing the vision and goals from the agency's 2000-01 strategic planning process, looking at how On Earth Peace wants to move forward in new planning. Time was given for a "clearness process" for raising concerns and questions, followed by small group discussion. Issues included organizational health, identification of what is working and what is not, who On Earth Peace primarily represents, and who the agency would like to represent.
Board and staff reviewed the report from the Annual Conference Study Committee on Doing Church Business, which includes On Earth Peace staff member Matt Guynn and board member Verdena Lee. After meeting in small groups, the board offered a brief response to the study committee, recognizing that the paper's implications for On Earth Peace and for the Annual Conference will be major if it is adopted.
In other business, the board received reports from its committees and staff and was introduced to a "big goal" of resourcing congregations to have a significant peace ministry either locally or globally. Other program developments included a new resource packet on "Encountering Recruitment," workshops at all four regional youth conferences, expansion of the Peace Retreat Leadership Team, the Ministry of Reconciliation's training for Shalom Teams in many districts, creation of a new manual for leaders of Matthew 18 workshops, the growing number of congregations receiving "Living Peace Church News & Notes," Spanish translation of printed materials, a new video telling the story of the work of Brethren Service Committee after World War II, and development of a program focus on Israel/Palestine that includes delegations, speakers, and resource materials. Updates on On Earth Peace's effort to become an anti-racist organization were shared as well, highlighting the work with consultant Erika Thorne from Future Now.
For more about On Earth Peace go to www.brethren.org/oepa.
Source: 6/7/2006 Newsline
top
The On Earth Peace Board of Directors and staff met April 21-22 at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md. The board's Advancement, Personnel, Finance, and Executive committees met April 20. The devotional theme used scriptures focused on "A Passion for Peace."
Beginning new strategic planning work, the board affirmed and encouraged staff to go ahead with planning three "big goals" that On Earth Peace has in process: "That On Earth Peace will make it possible for every youth in the denomination to have a real opportunity for an extended peace learning experience while in high school; that On Earth Peace will make it possible for every pastor in the denomination to learn effective conflict transformation approaches and skills; and (this goal is still being refined) that On Earth Peace will provide tools for every congregation in the denomination to have a vibrant peace/justice ministry which affects the life of its community or beyond."
A session was devoted to reviewing the vision and goals from the agency's 2000-01 strategic planning process, looking at how On Earth Peace wants to move forward in new planning. Time was given for a "clearness process" for raising concerns and questions, followed by small group discussion. Issues included organizational health, identification of what is working and what is not, who On Earth Peace primarily represents, and who the agency would like to represent.
Board and staff reviewed the report from the Annual Conference Study Committee on Doing Church Business, which includes On Earth Peace staff member Matt Guynn and board member Verdena Lee. After meeting in small groups, the board offered a brief response to the study committee, recognizing that the paper's implications for On Earth Peace and for the Annual Conference will be major if it is adopted.
In other business, the board received reports from its committees and staff and was introduced to a "big goal" of resourcing congregations to have a significant peace ministry either locally or globally. Other program developments included a new resource packet on "Encountering Recruitment," workshops at all four regional youth conferences, expansion of the Peace Retreat Leadership Team, the Ministry of Reconciliation's training for Shalom Teams in many districts, creation of a new manual for leaders of Matthew 18 workshops, the growing number of congregations receiving "Living Peace Church News & Notes," Spanish translation of printed materials, a new video telling the story of the work of Brethren Service Committee after World War II, and development of a program focus on Israel/Palestine that includes delegations, speakers, and resource materials. Updates on On Earth Peace's effort to become an anti-racist organization were shared as well, highlighting the work with consultant Erika Thorne from Future Now.
For more about On Earth Peace go to www.brethren.org/oepa.
Source: 6/7/2006 Newsline
top
Global Food Crisis Fund supports micro credit in Dominican Republic.
In poor countries like the Dominican Republic, micro-credit is one of the few options many people have to earn a living, according to a report from Global Food Crisis Fund manager Howard Royer. The fund is giving a grant of $66,500 to cover the 2006 budget of a Church of the Brethren microloan program in the DR, called the Community Development Program. The fund is a ministry of the Church of the Brethren General Board and gives an annual grant to the DR program.
"Over 40 percent of the job openings in the DR are with small businesses that hire from one to ten workers," Royer said. "Loans from the Global Food Crisis Fund enable people who under traditional markets would be excluded from credit opportunities to enter this sector."
The loan program also draws together committees of local volunteers to facilitate their own meetings, design financial management plans, and oversee the well-being of projects in the community. This enables administrative costs and interest rates to be kept relatively low. In the process, skills are being learned, solidarity is being strengthened, and income allows for health care and education.
"The Community Development Committee and I are excited about the wisdom and experience we are gaining," states Beth Gunzel, program coordinator and Brethren Volunteer Service worker with the General Board's Global Mission Partnerships. "Our priorities this year are to continue improving our program's structure by formalizing policies and procedures, by providing more training for loan groups, by creating orientation manuals and business management guides, and by designing more comprehensive entrance criteria and evaluations that ensure loans are being used for their intended purposes."
Sixteen communities are moving on to the next loan cycle in 2006, and two other communities have determined they are not ready now but may move forward later. The number of loan participants is 473; last year it was 494.
Since its inception, the Community Development Program has depended solely on the Global Food Crisis Fund for support, with grants totaling $260,000 over the past three years.
In other news from the Global Food Crisis Fund, a grant of $4,000 has been given for Church World Service (CWS) work in Tanzania to provide emergency food relief for the drought-stricken country; $2.500 has been allocated from the Church of the Brethren Foods Resource Bank account for a rural women's development program in Nicaragua; and $2,500 from the Brethren Foods Resource Bank account is allocated for the Christian Center for Integrated Development in Haiti, to aid rural communities in two of Haiti's poorest areas.
For more about the fund and its work, go to http://www.brethren.org/genbd/global_mission/gfcf.htm.
Source: 6/7/2006 Newsline
top
In poor countries like the Dominican Republic, micro-credit is one of the few options many people have to earn a living, according to a report from Global Food Crisis Fund manager Howard Royer. The fund is giving a grant of $66,500 to cover the 2006 budget of a Church of the Brethren microloan program in the DR, called the Community Development Program. The fund is a ministry of the Church of the Brethren General Board and gives an annual grant to the DR program.
"Over 40 percent of the job openings in the DR are with small businesses that hire from one to ten workers," Royer said. "Loans from the Global Food Crisis Fund enable people who under traditional markets would be excluded from credit opportunities to enter this sector."
The loan program also draws together committees of local volunteers to facilitate their own meetings, design financial management plans, and oversee the well-being of projects in the community. This enables administrative costs and interest rates to be kept relatively low. In the process, skills are being learned, solidarity is being strengthened, and income allows for health care and education.
"The Community Development Committee and I are excited about the wisdom and experience we are gaining," states Beth Gunzel, program coordinator and Brethren Volunteer Service worker with the General Board's Global Mission Partnerships. "Our priorities this year are to continue improving our program's structure by formalizing policies and procedures, by providing more training for loan groups, by creating orientation manuals and business management guides, and by designing more comprehensive entrance criteria and evaluations that ensure loans are being used for their intended purposes."
Sixteen communities are moving on to the next loan cycle in 2006, and two other communities have determined they are not ready now but may move forward later. The number of loan participants is 473; last year it was 494.
Since its inception, the Community Development Program has depended solely on the Global Food Crisis Fund for support, with grants totaling $260,000 over the past three years.
In other news from the Global Food Crisis Fund, a grant of $4,000 has been given for Church World Service (CWS) work in Tanzania to provide emergency food relief for the drought-stricken country; $2.500 has been allocated from the Church of the Brethren Foods Resource Bank account for a rural women's development program in Nicaragua; and $2,500 from the Brethren Foods Resource Bank account is allocated for the Christian Center for Integrated Development in Haiti, to aid rural communities in two of Haiti's poorest areas.
For more about the fund and its work, go to http://www.brethren.org/genbd/global_mission/gfcf.htm.
Source: 6/7/2006 Newsline
top
El Fondo para la Crisis Global de Comida ayuda con creditos diminutos en la Republica Dominicana.
(Atencion: La editora pregunta pardon porque, a causa de dificultades technicas, el articulo siguiente no incluye los acentos o las letras de la lengua Español.)
En paises pobres como la República Dominicana, los créditos diminutos son una de las pocas opciones que mucha gente tiene para vivir, de acuerdo a un reporte de Howard Royer, gerente del Fondo para la Crisis Global de Comida. Este Fondo proporcionó una beca de $66,500 para cubrir el presupuesto de 2006 del programa de fondos diminutos de la Junta General de la Iglesia de los Hermanos (Church of the Brethren) en la República Dominicana.
“Mas del 40 por ciento de todos los trabajos en la República Dominicana son con negocios pequeños que tienen de uno a diez empleados, dijo Royer. Los préstamos del Fondo para la Crisis Global de Comida ofrecen nuevas oportunidades de crédito a personas en este sector que hubieran sido excluidas.
Este programa de prestamos también junta comités locales de voluntarios para facilitar sus juntas, diseñar planes financieros, y ver que todo vaya bién con los projectos en la comunidad. Esto permite que los costos administrativos y los intereses sean relativamente bajos. En el proceso, la gente está aparendiendo nuevas habilidades, la solidaridad se está reforzando, y las entradas ayudan la salud y educación.
Beth Gunzel, coordinadora del programa y voluntaria con la Junta General de Global Mission Partnerships dijo “el Comite de Desarrollo de la Comunidad y yo estamos muy contentos con la sabiduría y experiencia que estamos desarrollando” “Nuestras prioridades para este año son continuar mejorando la estructura de nuestro programa al formalizar las pólizas y procedimientos, proveer mas entrenamiento a los grupos que han recibido préstamos, crear manuales de orientación y guias para manejar un negocio, y diseñar criterios de entrada y evaluaciones para asegurarse que los préstamos están siendo usados para el propósito que fueron dados.
Diez y seis comunidades recibirán préstamos en el ciclo de 2006, y otras dos comunidades han decidido que no están listas ahora, pero lo harán mas tarde. Este año 473 personas han recibido préstamos; 494 los recibieron el año pasado.
Desde el principio, el Programa de Desarrollo Comunitario ha dependido solamente del apoyo del Fondo Global de Crisis de Comida, con un total de $260,000 en becas en los ultimos tres años.
En otras noticias del Fondo Global de Crisis para la Comida, Church World Service (CWS) otorgó una beca de $4,000 a Tanzania para proveer comida de emergencia a ese pais por la falta de lluvia; $2,500 fueron designados para el programa de desarrollo de mujeres en Nicaragüa de la cuenta Bancaria de Recursos de Comida de la Iglesia de los Hermanos; y $2,500 de la cuenta Bancaria de Recursos de Comida de los Brethren fueron enviados al Centro Cristiano para Desarrollo Integrado en Haiti para ayudar a comunidades rurales en dos de las areas mas pobres en Haiti.
Para mas información acerca de éste fondo y su trabajo vaya a http://www.brethren.org/genbd/global_mission/gfcf.htm.
Source: 6/7/2006 Newsline
top
(Atencion: La editora pregunta pardon porque, a causa de dificultades technicas, el articulo siguiente no incluye los acentos o las letras de la lengua Español.)
En paises pobres como la República Dominicana, los créditos diminutos son una de las pocas opciones que mucha gente tiene para vivir, de acuerdo a un reporte de Howard Royer, gerente del Fondo para la Crisis Global de Comida. Este Fondo proporcionó una beca de $66,500 para cubrir el presupuesto de 2006 del programa de fondos diminutos de la Junta General de la Iglesia de los Hermanos (Church of the Brethren) en la República Dominicana.
“Mas del 40 por ciento de todos los trabajos en la República Dominicana son con negocios pequeños que tienen de uno a diez empleados, dijo Royer. Los préstamos del Fondo para la Crisis Global de Comida ofrecen nuevas oportunidades de crédito a personas en este sector que hubieran sido excluidas.
Este programa de prestamos también junta comités locales de voluntarios para facilitar sus juntas, diseñar planes financieros, y ver que todo vaya bién con los projectos en la comunidad. Esto permite que los costos administrativos y los intereses sean relativamente bajos. En el proceso, la gente está aparendiendo nuevas habilidades, la solidaridad se está reforzando, y las entradas ayudan la salud y educación.
Beth Gunzel, coordinadora del programa y voluntaria con la Junta General de Global Mission Partnerships dijo “el Comite de Desarrollo de la Comunidad y yo estamos muy contentos con la sabiduría y experiencia que estamos desarrollando” “Nuestras prioridades para este año son continuar mejorando la estructura de nuestro programa al formalizar las pólizas y procedimientos, proveer mas entrenamiento a los grupos que han recibido préstamos, crear manuales de orientación y guias para manejar un negocio, y diseñar criterios de entrada y evaluaciones para asegurarse que los préstamos están siendo usados para el propósito que fueron dados.
Diez y seis comunidades recibirán préstamos en el ciclo de 2006, y otras dos comunidades han decidido que no están listas ahora, pero lo harán mas tarde. Este año 473 personas han recibido préstamos; 494 los recibieron el año pasado.
Desde el principio, el Programa de Desarrollo Comunitario ha dependido solamente del apoyo del Fondo Global de Crisis de Comida, con un total de $260,000 en becas en los ultimos tres años.
En otras noticias del Fondo Global de Crisis para la Comida, Church World Service (CWS) otorgó una beca de $4,000 a Tanzania para proveer comida de emergencia a ese pais por la falta de lluvia; $2,500 fueron designados para el programa de desarrollo de mujeres en Nicaragüa de la cuenta Bancaria de Recursos de Comida de la Iglesia de los Hermanos; y $2,500 de la cuenta Bancaria de Recursos de Comida de los Brethren fueron enviados al Centro Cristiano para Desarrollo Integrado en Haiti para ayudar a comunidades rurales en dos de las areas mas pobres en Haiti.
Para mas información acerca de éste fondo y su trabajo vaya a http://www.brethren.org/genbd/global_mission/gfcf.htm.
Source: 6/7/2006 Newsline
top
Service Ministries continues relief shipments to the Gulf.
The General Board's Service Ministries program, which warehouses and ships relief materials following disasters, is continuing shipments related to Hurricane Katrina as well as many other disasters around the world.
In April, the program shipped blankets, Gift of the Heart Baby Kits and Health Kits, and cleanup buckets to Houma, La., for use by Hurricane Katrina survivors, on behalf of Church World Service (CWS). Other April shipments included blankets and Gift of the Heart Health Kits to a homeless mission in Baltimore, Md.; and shipments of medical and educational supplies to Malawi and the Republic of Congo on behalf of Interchurch Medical Assistance (IMA).
In May, Service Ministries made two shipments of supplies to serve survivors of tornados and spring storms in the US, on behalf of CWS: clean up buckets to Missouri and Gift of the Heart School Kits to Arkansas. CWS also had Gift of the Heart Health Kits sent to Syracuse, N.Y., for a Migrant Health Program, and Gift of the Heart Baby Kits and Sewing Kits and blankets shipped to the Fort Peck Tribes in Montana, to serve the elderly and economically disadvantaged.
International shipments in May included medical supplies and equipment sent to Tanzania and a shipment of medical supplies to Honduras on behalf of IMA, Feed the Nations relief goods to Rwanda, and Gift of the Heart School Kits and Health Kits to the Dominican Republic on behalf of CWS.
As of the end of May, the Service Ministries staff were beginning work to prepare a large shipment on behalf of Lutheran World Relief. June shipments on behalf of CWS began with blankets sent to Dorchester, Mass., for use by the homeless and economically disadvantaged.
In other disaster response news, the Emergency Disaster Fund has given a grant of $4,000 to underwrite expenses incurred by volunteers and staff who assessed needs in the wake of several devastating storms in the US.
Source: 6/7/2006 Newsline
top
The General Board's Service Ministries program, which warehouses and ships relief materials following disasters, is continuing shipments related to Hurricane Katrina as well as many other disasters around the world.
In April, the program shipped blankets, Gift of the Heart Baby Kits and Health Kits, and cleanup buckets to Houma, La., for use by Hurricane Katrina survivors, on behalf of Church World Service (CWS). Other April shipments included blankets and Gift of the Heart Health Kits to a homeless mission in Baltimore, Md.; and shipments of medical and educational supplies to Malawi and the Republic of Congo on behalf of Interchurch Medical Assistance (IMA).
In May, Service Ministries made two shipments of supplies to serve survivors of tornados and spring storms in the US, on behalf of CWS: clean up buckets to Missouri and Gift of the Heart School Kits to Arkansas. CWS also had Gift of the Heart Health Kits sent to Syracuse, N.Y., for a Migrant Health Program, and Gift of the Heart Baby Kits and Sewing Kits and blankets shipped to the Fort Peck Tribes in Montana, to serve the elderly and economically disadvantaged.
International shipments in May included medical supplies and equipment sent to Tanzania and a shipment of medical supplies to Honduras on behalf of IMA, Feed the Nations relief goods to Rwanda, and Gift of the Heart School Kits and Health Kits to the Dominican Republic on behalf of CWS.
As of the end of May, the Service Ministries staff were beginning work to prepare a large shipment on behalf of Lutheran World Relief. June shipments on behalf of CWS began with blankets sent to Dorchester, Mass., for use by the homeless and economically disadvantaged.
In other disaster response news, the Emergency Disaster Fund has given a grant of $4,000 to underwrite expenses incurred by volunteers and staff who assessed needs in the wake of several devastating storms in the US.
Source: 6/7/2006 Newsline
top
Brethren Homes forum held at the Cedars in Kansas.
Many CEOs, administrators, board members, and chaplains of Brethren-affiliated retirement centers met May 4-6 at the Cedars in McPherson, Kan., for the Fellowship of Brethren Homes' annual forum. The Cedars is one of 22 Church of the Brethren facilities that are members of the Fellowship, a ministry of the Association of Brethren Caregivers (ABC).
The theme for this year's forum was "Developing Leadership." Both an administrators' and chaplains track were available. Wally Landes, pastor of Palmyra (Pa.) Church of the Brethren and chair of the board of ABC, spoke on "The Church of the Brethren: Who We Are and How We Got Here," which set the tone for discussion regarding leadership within the Brethren agencies.
David Slack, executive vice president of the Aging Research Institute, continued the discussion by presenting "Developing Leadership and Strategic Learning." Don Fecher, director of the Fellowship of Brethren Homes, and Malcolm Nimick, CFA, Lancaster Pollard, also gave presentations.
Plans are underway for next year's forum to be held at Hillcrest Homes in La Verne, Calif., with Larry Minnix, CEO of the American Association of Health Services for the Aging, as the keynote speaker.
For more about the Brethren homes, go to www.brethren.org/abc.
Source: 6/7/2006 Newsline
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Many CEOs, administrators, board members, and chaplains of Brethren-affiliated retirement centers met May 4-6 at the Cedars in McPherson, Kan., for the Fellowship of Brethren Homes' annual forum. The Cedars is one of 22 Church of the Brethren facilities that are members of the Fellowship, a ministry of the Association of Brethren Caregivers (ABC).
The theme for this year's forum was "Developing Leadership." Both an administrators' and chaplains track were available. Wally Landes, pastor of Palmyra (Pa.) Church of the Brethren and chair of the board of ABC, spoke on "The Church of the Brethren: Who We Are and How We Got Here," which set the tone for discussion regarding leadership within the Brethren agencies.
David Slack, executive vice president of the Aging Research Institute, continued the discussion by presenting "Developing Leadership and Strategic Learning." Don Fecher, director of the Fellowship of Brethren Homes, and Malcolm Nimick, CFA, Lancaster Pollard, also gave presentations.
Plans are underway for next year's forum to be held at Hillcrest Homes in La Verne, Calif., with Larry Minnix, CEO of the American Association of Health Services for the Aging, as the keynote speaker.
For more about the Brethren homes, go to www.brethren.org/abc.
Source: 6/7/2006 Newsline
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Brethren bits: Remembrance, personnel, job opening, and more.
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- Emma Jean Wine, a former Church of the Brethren missionary in Nigeria, died May 24 at Brethren Village in Lancaster, Pa. She was 85 years old. Wine and her husband, Jacob Calvin (J.C.) Wine, served from 1949-56 as boarding school houseparents at Hillcrest School in Jos, Nigeria, where J.C. also was headmaster for a time. She attended Bethany Training School and George Peabody College. She was born in East Petersburg, Pa., and was an active member of Hempfield Church of the Brethren in East Petersburg. She taught school at East Petersburg Elementary School for 16 years. Wine is survived by her husband and by her daughter, Jeanine Wine, of North Manchester, Ind. Memorials are being given to the Good Samaritan Fund at Brethren Village or a place of your choosing. The funeral took place on May 26 at the Hempfield church.
- Logan R. Condon began a 13-month internship at the Brethren Historical Library and Archives of the Church of the Brethren General Board, in Elgin, Ill., on June 1. Condon is a 2006 graduate of Manchester College in North Manchester, Ind., where he majored in history and managed the college radio station. His home is in Naperville, Ill.
- Illinois and Wisconsin District seeks a district executive to fill a half-time position available Sept. 1. The district is looking for a visionary leader with experience and training in the area of congregational and/or faith based organizational management; ability to initiate, implement, and manage creative ministries and relevant programs; knowledge and support of denominational polity; ability to meet the unique needs of the district; experience in working with diverse populations; and experience in stewardship and finance. Responsibilities include serving as executive officer of the district Leadership Team, giving oversight to district ministries and programs, providing links to congregations and denominational agencies, building strong relationships with pastors and congregations, assisting pastors and congregations with placements, managing district office and staff, providing leadership to district deacons, and encouraging the calling of people to set-apart ministry and lay leadership. Qualifications include commitment to Jesus Christ, New Testament values, and Church of the Brethren faith and heritage; a master of divinity degree or equivalent; minimum of five years of pastoral or related experience; communication and mediation skills; administrative and management skills; and respect for theological diversity. Apply by sending a letter of interest and resume via e-mail to districtministries_gb@brethren.org. Applicants are requested to contact three or four people to provide letters of reference. Upon receipt of a resume, the candidate will be sent a Candidate Profile that must be completed and returned before the application is complete. Application deadline is Aug. 5.
- Peter Becker Community, a Church of the Brethren retirement center in Harleysville, Pa., raised more than $66,000 at an annual Benevolent Fund Dinner marking the community's 35th anniversary in May. Carolyn Bechtel, vice president of the Peter Becker Auxiliary, the community's volunteer support group, presented a $15,000 donation to president and CEO Carol Berster during the dinner. More than 175 guests attended the event May 11, according to a release from the community. The evening featured concert pianist Marvin Blickenstaff and "a stroll down memory lane" led by Berster. She reviewed a few of the original fundraising initiatives for the Benevolent Fund, including a collection of S&H Green Stamps, Betty Crocker box tops, and a "sunshine jar" requesting a penny for each sunny day and a dime for each rainy day. For nostalgia's sake, each guest was offered a replica sunshine jar to take home.
- "The lightning-like spread of AIDS and HIV infection has been more than a tragedy. It has been a catastrophe," said a statement from Bob Edgar, general secretary of the National Council of Churches, marking the 25th anniversary of the appearance of the disease. He noted that several faith communities began AIDS ministries in the 1980s, many of which continue. John McCullough, executive director of NCC's partner relief agency Church World Service, spoke to the United Nations special session on AIDS, calling on "the rich nations of the world to increase production of HIV/AIDS medications for children in developing nations who are living with the disease, to increase production of medications to fight AIDS related infections, and to increase sharing of technology, research, and test data." The full NCC statement is posted at www.councilofchurches.org.
- AFS Intercultural Programs (formerly American Field Service) sponsor intercultural educational programs around the world through exchanges between partner countries and the hosting of international students. The program works with local groups of volunteers to locate families who want to share their homes with an international student, and to locate US students who want to study abroad, according to Tom Hurst, a Church of the Brethren member who serves in Baltimore, Md., as the Mid-Atlantic Regional Field Manager for the program. Brethren who are interested in the opportunity to host international students through AFS Intercultural Programs may contact Hurst at 800-876-2377 ext. 121. Check out the AFS website at www.afs.org.
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Jewel McNary resigns as Brethren Press director of marketing and sales.
Jewel McNary has resigned her position as director of marketing and sales for Brethren Press, effective June 30. Her last day of work will be June 16. Brethren Press is a ministry of the Church of the Brethren General Board.
McNary has held the Brethren Press position since Sept. 2003. Prior to that she was part-time promotion consultant for "Messenger" magazine, and had provided temporary assistance in Brethren Press customer service over the previous four years.
A paralegal, McNary's earlier work experience included management of the closing department of a title insurance company. She is a University of Illinois graduate, with a bachelor's degree in political science and minor in business. She attends Neighborhood Church of the Brethren in Montgomery, Ill., and Faith Church of the Brethren in Batavia, Ill.; serves as a district youth advisor for Illinois and Wisconsin District; and serves on the Camp Emmaus board.
Source: 6/7/2006 Newsline
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Jewel McNary has resigned her position as director of marketing and sales for Brethren Press, effective June 30. Her last day of work will be June 16. Brethren Press is a ministry of the Church of the Brethren General Board.
McNary has held the Brethren Press position since Sept. 2003. Prior to that she was part-time promotion consultant for "Messenger" magazine, and had provided temporary assistance in Brethren Press customer service over the previous four years.
A paralegal, McNary's earlier work experience included management of the closing department of a title insurance company. She is a University of Illinois graduate, with a bachelor's degree in political science and minor in business. She attends Neighborhood Church of the Brethren in Montgomery, Ill., and Faith Church of the Brethren in Batavia, Ill.; serves as a district youth advisor for Illinois and Wisconsin District; and serves on the Camp Emmaus board.
Source: 6/7/2006 Newsline
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On Earth Peace issues invitation to counter-recruitment calls.
On Earth Peace has issued an invitation to participate in a networking call for those working to counter military recruitment in high schools and communities.
Two calls are tentatively planned for the week of June 19: on Tuesday, June 20, at 3 p.m. eastern; and on Thursday, June 22, at 7 p.m. eastern.
The networking calls are "for all who are currently involved or who wish to get involved in creatively countering the prevalent presence of military recruiters, and offering meaningful alternatives for youth," said Matt Guynn, coordinator of Peace Witness for On Earth Peace. "Does this describe you? If so, can you join us for a networking call on June 20 or 22?"
The calls offer an opportunity to meet others from around the country who are involved in counter-recruitment and to share lessons learned during this school year's organizing, and are for people of a variety of levels of experience in counter recruitment. Participants discuss questions such as: What has worked well? What are your "best practices"? What will you do differently next year? What would you like to still learn how to do better? How can I get started?
On Earth Peace hopes participants will "return to your organizing feeling more connected to the broader movement and to your own motivations for the work."
Contact Guynn at mattguynn@earthlink.net to register for one of the calls. Visit www.brethren.org/oepa/CounterRecruitment.html for more information about On Earth Peace's work on truth-in-recruiting and counter-recruiting.
Source: 6/7/2006 Newsline
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On Earth Peace has issued an invitation to participate in a networking call for those working to counter military recruitment in high schools and communities.
Two calls are tentatively planned for the week of June 19: on Tuesday, June 20, at 3 p.m. eastern; and on Thursday, June 22, at 7 p.m. eastern.
The networking calls are "for all who are currently involved or who wish to get involved in creatively countering the prevalent presence of military recruiters, and offering meaningful alternatives for youth," said Matt Guynn, coordinator of Peace Witness for On Earth Peace. "Does this describe you? If so, can you join us for a networking call on June 20 or 22?"
The calls offer an opportunity to meet others from around the country who are involved in counter-recruitment and to share lessons learned during this school year's organizing, and are for people of a variety of levels of experience in counter recruitment. Participants discuss questions such as: What has worked well? What are your "best practices"? What will you do differently next year? What would you like to still learn how to do better? How can I get started?
On Earth Peace hopes participants will "return to your organizing feeling more connected to the broader movement and to your own motivations for the work."
Contact Guynn at mattguynn@earthlink.net to register for one of the calls. Visit www.brethren.org/oepa/CounterRecruitment.html for more information about On Earth Peace's work on truth-in-recruiting and counter-recruiting.
Source: 6/7/2006 Newsline
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A Brethren volunteer reflects on a 'pray-in' outside the White House.
By Todd Flory
"The Church of the Brethren has a really good bumper sticker like that. Have you seen those?" His right hand gripped mine in a firm hand shake, his left index finger tapped the front of my shirt that read, "When Jesus said, 'Love your enemies,' I think he probably meant don't kill them."
After telling the Reverend Tony Campolo that yes, I indeed had seen those bumper stickers, we chatted for a few minutes before he had to take the stage for the Pray-In for Peace held outside of the White House in Lafayette Park on May 18, as part of the 2006 Spiritual Activism Conference. Staff of the Brethren Witness/Washington Office attended the pray-in to show support and to be a part of the continued peace movement to end the war in Iraq, to prevent war in Iran, and to pray and work for peace in all areas of the world.
Rabbi Michael Lerner told the several hundred activists in attendance that they were not only praying for an end to war, but for a new spiritual vision for our society. He likened the pray-in to an announcement for the birth of a religious and spiritual left. Too often, he explained, the religious left has not portrayed its message to the public as effectively as the religious right has. "There hasn't been a frame in the mindset (of the media) for the religious left, and we're here to change that," he said. "We need not only to say what we're against, but what we're for."
Amid chants of "Don't Iraq Iran," the peace movement's recent unofficial spokes-mom, Cindy Sheehan, spoke on the need for separation of church and state. She noted the frustration of using religion as justification for the government's war actions. "You put your hand on the Bible and take an oath to the Constitution," Sheehan said. "You don't put your hand on the Constitution and take an oath to the Bible."
Sheehan also discussed the concept of borders and the US administration's incessant use of "us" and "them" language. "This spiritual awakening tells us to tear down these walls. We need to erase these borders," she said. "When they use the rhetoric, 'We have to fight them over there, so we don't have to fight them over here,' I ask them, 'What makes their babies less precious than our babies?' Peace isn't an absence of conflict; it's solving the conflict nonviolently."
Campolo was among the last to address the crowd, which heard around a dozen speakers from a variety of faith traditions. He urged a need for systemic change and a deeper look into the causes of war and terrorism. "You don't get rid of terrorists by killing terrorists, any more than you get rid of malaria by killing mosquitoes, " he said. "You get rid of malaria by getting rid of the swamps that breed them."
The culture of war and how societies view each other and deal with conflict was at the heart of the pray-in, and in the hearts of the hundreds who turned out to help ensure that peace becomes a societal and faithful reaction to conflict.
--Todd Flory is a Brethren Volunteer Service worker and a legislative associate at the Brethren Witness/Washington Office, a ministry of the Church of the Brethren General Board.
Source: 6/7/2006 Newsline
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By Todd Flory
"The Church of the Brethren has a really good bumper sticker like that. Have you seen those?" His right hand gripped mine in a firm hand shake, his left index finger tapped the front of my shirt that read, "When Jesus said, 'Love your enemies,' I think he probably meant don't kill them."
After telling the Reverend Tony Campolo that yes, I indeed had seen those bumper stickers, we chatted for a few minutes before he had to take the stage for the Pray-In for Peace held outside of the White House in Lafayette Park on May 18, as part of the 2006 Spiritual Activism Conference. Staff of the Brethren Witness/Washington Office attended the pray-in to show support and to be a part of the continued peace movement to end the war in Iraq, to prevent war in Iran, and to pray and work for peace in all areas of the world.
Rabbi Michael Lerner told the several hundred activists in attendance that they were not only praying for an end to war, but for a new spiritual vision for our society. He likened the pray-in to an announcement for the birth of a religious and spiritual left. Too often, he explained, the religious left has not portrayed its message to the public as effectively as the religious right has. "There hasn't been a frame in the mindset (of the media) for the religious left, and we're here to change that," he said. "We need not only to say what we're against, but what we're for."
Amid chants of "Don't Iraq Iran," the peace movement's recent unofficial spokes-mom, Cindy Sheehan, spoke on the need for separation of church and state. She noted the frustration of using religion as justification for the government's war actions. "You put your hand on the Bible and take an oath to the Constitution," Sheehan said. "You don't put your hand on the Constitution and take an oath to the Bible."
Sheehan also discussed the concept of borders and the US administration's incessant use of "us" and "them" language. "This spiritual awakening tells us to tear down these walls. We need to erase these borders," she said. "When they use the rhetoric, 'We have to fight them over there, so we don't have to fight them over here,' I ask them, 'What makes their babies less precious than our babies?' Peace isn't an absence of conflict; it's solving the conflict nonviolently."
Campolo was among the last to address the crowd, which heard around a dozen speakers from a variety of faith traditions. He urged a need for systemic change and a deeper look into the causes of war and terrorism. "You don't get rid of terrorists by killing terrorists, any more than you get rid of malaria by killing mosquitoes, " he said. "You get rid of malaria by getting rid of the swamps that breed them."
The culture of war and how societies view each other and deal with conflict was at the heart of the pray-in, and in the hearts of the hundreds who turned out to help ensure that peace becomes a societal and faithful reaction to conflict.
--Todd Flory is a Brethren Volunteer Service worker and a legislative associate at the Brethren Witness/Washington Office, a ministry of the Church of the Brethren General Board.
Source: 6/7/2006 Newsline
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Credits
Newsline is produced by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of news services for the Church of the Brethren General Board. Contact the editor at cobnews at brethren.org or 800-323-8039 ext. 260. Jane Bankert, Mary Dulabaum, Nevin Dulabaum, Matt Guynn, Colleen M. Hart, Jon Kobel, Howard Royer, and Barbara Sayler contributed to this report. Spanish translation by Maria-Elena Rangel.
Newsline is produced by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of news services for the Church of the Brethren General Board. Contact the editor at cobnews at brethren.org or 800-323-8039 ext. 260. Jane Bankert, Mary Dulabaum, Nevin Dulabaum, Matt Guynn, Colleen M. Hart, Jon Kobel, Howard Royer, and Barbara Sayler contributed to this report. Spanish translation by Maria-Elena Rangel.
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