NEWS

• Committee makes progress on new organization for Brethren agencies.
  
• Annual Conference Council holds envisioning retreat.
  
• Around 50 Brethren attend vigil against School of the Americas.
  
• Brethren funds give $84,000 in grants for hunger and disaster relief.
  
• Brethren bits: Personnel, job openings, and much more.

PERSONNEL

• Yoder to direct Insurance Services for Brethren Benefit Trust.
  
• Wittmeyer to be interim director of Pension Plans for BBT.

FEATURES

• Partnerships in the Gospel in Northern Ohio District.
  
• Sharing memories of lost missionaries.

RESOURCES

• New from Brethren Press: Devotionals, study of Hebrews, Talkabout decoder wheel.
  
• Brethren Press offers special Living Word Bulletin for 300th Anniversary, plans joint series with Mennonites.
  
• Update of Spanish language minister’s manual to be available soon.
  
• Resources bits and pieces: New denominational Polity Manual, books for intercultural understanding and evangelism, ‘green’ Bible, and more.

Committee makes progress on new organization for Brethren agencies.

The committee charged with the task of how to implement the streamlining of two church agencies while incorporating the functions of the Annual Conference Council, held its second meeting Dec. 10-11. The committee was formed after passage of the 2007 Review and Evaluation study by the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference.

The Implementation Committee reports that it is making continuing progress on its assignment, and is preparing the documentation for the new organization. The proposed merger agreement, including a new set of bylaws and revised articles of incorporation, will be reviewed in early March 2008 during a combined meeting of the General Board, the Association of Brethren Caregivers board, and the Annual Conference Council.

Each board will be invited to approve the proposed plan before it is considered by the 2008 Annual Conference. A summary of the implementation plan along with the bylaws, articles of incorporation, and merger agreement will be posted on the Annual Conference website shortly after they are considered in March.

The Implementation Committee is recommending to the 2008 Annual Conference that the General Board and the Association of Brethren Caregivers be united in a single entity, incorporated as "Church of the Brethren, Inc." and doing business as "Church of the Brethren." The inclusion of the term "Incorporated" or "Inc." will only be referenced in legal documents.

The new organization will become effective Aug. 1, 2008. For more information about the work of the Implementation Committee, go to the committee's webpage on the Annual Conference website at www.brethren.org/ac/revieweval.html.

--David Sollenberger is an elected member of the Implementation Committee, and serves as coordinator of interpretation for the committee.

Source: 12/19/2007 Newsline

Annual Conference Council holds envisioning retreat.

Denominational envisioning, the frequency of Annual Conference, polity questions, financial concerns, and business items for the 2008 Annual Conference were all on the agenda of the Annual Conference Council on Nov. 27-30, in New Windsor, Md.

The meeting, chaired by immediate past Annual Conference moderator Belita Mitchell, also included 2008 moderator Jim Beckwith and moderator-elect David Shumate, Joan Daggett, Jim Myer, Fred Swartz, and Lerry Fogle. Don Kraybill of the Young Center for Anabaptist and Pietist Studies at Elizabethown (Pa.) College, led a day and a half retreat devoted to discussions of denominational envisioning and the future of Annual Conference.

Denominational envisioning has been on the council’s agenda for a number of years. When it received its charter from the 2001 Annual Conference, one function was to "share with the Standing Committee the responsibility to see that envisioning is an ongoing part of denominational planning." Longterm envisioning for the church was no longer lodged in the denominational structure, as it once was with the Goals and Budget Committee of the General Board. Since the board’s restructure at the end of the 1990s, each of the Annual Conference agencies has adopted strategic plans for carrying out its individual programs. The Standing Committee of district delegates understands its envisioning function to be primarily a listening role, collating concerns to pass on to agencies.

The Annual Conference Council has sent a request to consider options for including the envisioning function to the Implementation Committee that is studying a restructure of the General Board, the Association of Brethren Caregivers, and the council. The council suggested examples of long-range envisioning for the denomination, and cited areas that could be explored: mission, including overseas mission, congregational renewal, and new church development; leadership, examining how vital, excited, and loyal leadership can be called for denominational positions; making disciples, calling and growing disciples to do the work of Jesus; and worship, nurturing vital worship in our congregations and conferences.

The other portion of the retreat addressed whether the denominational Conference should continue to be held yearly. The council examined 10 different scenarios ranging from alternating a delegate’s Conference and a full Conference, to holding Conference every three years. The council recognized that economic concerns and diminishing attendance are driving the question, and that there are many benefits to holding a biennial Conference. The council looked at other factors as well, including historical, sociological, and spiritual values to the denomination of an annual meeting. The discussion pointed out the effect of increased pulls in our culture away from opportunities to gather face-to-face.

The council will pass on to the Program and Arrangements Committee its sense that an annual Conference is preferred, with a biennial Conference as a second choice. There was unanimous agreement that the Conference needs to be "reenergized and revitalized," and the council included in its communication several of its own ideas for making that happen.

In its regular meeting prior to the retreat, the council expedited a full agenda. Beckwith asked the council to give an opinion on whether the Program and Arrangements Committee can send a query to Standing Committee. The committee has prepared a query to send to Standing Committee asking, "Is it possible for the Annual Conference of the Church of the Brethren to review the section of the 1983 Statement on Human Sexuality that deals with ‘homosexual persons and sexuality’ and engage the denomination in a study and dialogue in order to clarify the church's response to homosexual persons?" (see the Newsline of Nov. 21).

The council indicated that polity only allows for queries to come through the normal district process, from an Annual Conference agency, or from Standing Committee itself. Therefore, the committee’s query is regarded as a request for help and interpretation from Standing Committee. In order for the committee’s concern to become a query for Annual Conference, Standing Committee will need to adopt it as its own question to Conference. This means that the committee’s query will not be included in the 2008 Annual Conference booklet.

In other business, the council completed a revision to the paper, "A Structural Framework for Dealing with Strongly Controversial Issues," which it was asked by Conference to do following the adoption of a recommendation from the Denominational Name Study Committee in 2004. The paper will be sent to Standing Committee.

The council also received a positive financial report of offerings and registrations at the 2007 Conference, enabling the Annual Conference Fund to make progress to reduce its deficit; adopted a 2008 budget of nearly $550,000 with anticipated income of $585,000; prepared several questions of concern to the Implementation Committee; previewed a new promotional video for Annual Conference; celebrated completion of the update to the denominational polity manual; and conducted a five-year performance review for Annual Conference executive director Lerry Fogle. The next meeting of the council will be March 8-11, 2008, in Elgin, Ill.

--Fred W. Swartz is the Annual Conference secretary.

Source: 12/19/2007 Newsline

Around 50 Brethren attend vigil against School of the Americas.

More than 11,000 people gathered at Fort Benning, Ga., on Nov. 16-18 for the 18th annual School of the Americas (SOA) Watch protest and vigil, including around 50 Church of the Brethren members. The protest has been held on a weekend in November since 1990, marking the anniversary of the Nov. 16, 1989, slaying of six priests in El Salvador. SOA Watch organizers say 18 of the 26 soldiers involved had attended the School of the Americas.

The SOA, renamed the Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation (WHINSEC) in 2001, is a combat training school for Latin American soldiers. Protesters say it teaches security personnel from Latin American countries to use repressive tactics, and that graduates have overthrown legitimate governments. They cite a coup against Chilean president Salvador Allende in 1973 as an example. SOA Watch is a nonviolent grassroots movement to close SOA/WHINSEC and to change the US foreign policy that the SOA represents.

On Friday night various workshops and concerts were held at a convention center. On Saturday, people gathered outside the gates of Fort Benning for a rally, and the street was lined with more than 100 exhibit tables representing various organizations. The Brethren Witness/Washington Office handed out resources about its work, the Church of the Brethren, and the National Farm Worker Ministry, and also promoted Fair Trade coffee and chocolate for Equal Exchange.

Sunday featured a three-hour vigil during which the participants marched carrying crosses while the names of those killed by people trained at the SOA were sung. Fort Benning officials report that 11 protesters were arrested by federal marshals for trespassing, and face up to six months in prison for civil disobedience. Speakers included presidential candidate Dennis Kucinich, Rabbi Michael Lerner, and the founder of SOA Watch, Father Roy Bourgeois.

A Church of the Brethren gathering Saturday evening was hosted by the Brethren Witness/Washington Office. A group of students from Manchester College in North Manchester, Ind., were in attendance along with Brethren from across the country. When asked, "What justice issue is most important to you?" the group gave answers including immigration, climate change, genocide, health care, and war. Phil Jones, director of the Brethren Witness/Washington Office, led the discussion.

The overall feeling of the weekend was one of energy and hope, even with a funeral procession that served as a reminder of the tragedies that have occurred. The SOA Watch vigil was a time to say that human rights violations are not acceptable.

--Rianna Barrett is a legislatives associate at the Brethren Witness/Washington Office of the Church of the Brethren General Board.

Source: 12/19/2007 Newsline

Brethren funds give $84,000 in grants for hunger and disaster relief.

Recent grants from the Global Food Crisis Fund (GFCF) and the Emergency Disaster Fund (EDF), two funds of the Church of the Brethren General Board, total $84,000 given to target hunger and disaster relief.

• $30,000 from the GFCF has been given to the Christian Commission for Development in Honduras, to work with eight villages to develop food security, commercialization, and an alternative financial system for the area’s poor.
  
• $15,000 from the GFCF has gone to Church World Service (CWS) following serious food shortages in Zimbabwe.
  
• $10,000 from the EDF covers outstanding expenses for the Brethren Disaster Ministries’ Hurricane Katrina Project Rebuilding Site 1 in Lucedale, Miss., which is now closed. Previous allocations to this project since 2006 have totaled $105,000.
  
• $8,000 from the EDF is given to CWS for escalating humanitarian crisis in Myanmar (Burma).
  
• $7,000 from the EDF is going to the Comision de Trabajo Ecumenico Dominicano following Tropical Storm Noel, which caused extensive flooding in the DR.
  
• $5,000 from the EDF responds to an Action by Churches Together appeal following an earthquake in Peru.
  
• $4,000 from the EDF supports work by CWS in Somalia with some 400,000 displaced people.
  
• $3,000 from the EDF is given to CWS after flooding in Nicaragua.
  
• $2,000 from the EDF goes to a CWS appeal for flooding in the Pacific Northwest.

Source: 12/19/2007 Newsline

Brethren bits: Personnel, job openings, and much more.

• Jerry Duble is retiring from his position with the Church of the Brethren General Board on Dec. 31. He has been serving as housekeeping supervisor for the New Windsor Conference Center located at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md. He began his career with the General Board at the Brethren Service Center in 1994, working for SERRV International. Duble has been a key staff member at the New Windsor Conference Center since 1999. He is a member of Edgewood Church of the Brethren in New Windsor.
  
  
• Lois Duble is retiring for a second time from programs of the Church of the Brethren General Board at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md. In retirement following several fulltime positions at the center, she has been working part-time as needed for Children’s Disaster Services and Brethren Disaster Ministries. She has had a total 18 years with the center.
  
  
• LethaJoy Martin started on Dec. 17 as a program assistant in the Children’s Disaster Services ministry of the Church of the Brethren General Board, at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md. She is returning to the workforce after a break from Maryland Public Television, where she was involved with the production of shows such as "Wall Street Week" and "Great Performances." She also has worked as missions coordinator for Mays Chapel United Methodist Church in Timonium, Md., and secretary for Good Bears of the World. She holds a bachelor's degree in broadcast and business administration from Anderson (Ind.) University.
  
  
• Tammy Chudy will move from temporary employment to permanent employment status with Brethren Benefit Trust on Jan. 1, 2008. Her title will be Insurance Plans member services representative.
  
  
• Pacific Southwest District has named Richard Hart as interim district executive minister as of Jan. 1, 2008. He previously served the district in the same position almost five years ago.
  
  
• Pacific Southwest District seeks a fulltime district executive minister. Responsibilities are to serve as executive of the district, strengthening a diverse, collaborative team environment; collaborate with the district board in shaping vision; articulate and promote the vision of the district; strengthen relationships with pastors and congregations; facilitate pastoral placement; administer the work of the district board. Qualifications include passion about the potential of the Church of the Brethren and openness to the leading of the Holy Spirit; pastoral and prophetic gifts; deep faith and prayer life; spiritual maturity and Christian integrity; being a student of the scriptures with a good grasp of theology and Brethren history; staff and team management skills; flexibility working with staff, volunteer, pastoral, and lay leadership; experience with growth and change; communication skills with ability to build relationships across cultural, theological, and geographic boundaries; abilidad para escuchar y crear puentes en medio de la diversidad cultural, teologica y geografica. A masters degree is preferred, English and Spanish bilingual skills are advantageous. Send 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 a letter of reference. Application deadline is Feb. 15, 2008.
  
  
• The Church of the Brethren General Board seeks a director for Conference Center and Marketing at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md., to begin in early 2008. This new position will direct all aspects of the New Windsor Conference Center (dining services, conference coordination, and housekeeping) as well as lead development, implementation, and evaluation of a strategic marketing plan. The director will be responsible for increasing the total number of bookings and revenue of the conference center, must be strongly versed in quality customer service, and bears ultimate responsibility for insuring that the needs of each guest or volunteer are met. Qualifications include ability to relate with integrity and respect within and beyond the Brethren Service Center, at least two years of experience developing and implementing a successful marketing plan, at least two years of hotel or conference center management experience, strong general management skills, knowledge and experience in budget development. Non-profit and volunteer coordination experience are preferred. A bachelor's degree is required, preferably in management or marketing. EOE/ADA. Send a resume with a cover letter no later than Jan. 16, 2008, to Joan McGrath, Human Resources Coordinator, Brethren Service Center, P.O. Box 188, New Windsor, MD 21776; or by e-mail to jmcgrath_gb@brethren.org.
  
  
• Brethren Benefit Trust (BBT) seeks a manager of publications to fill a fulltime one-year interim salaried position in Elgin, Ill., available immediately. Responsibilities include oversight of BBT’s publications; serving as a senior writer; reporting on news and information related to BBT’s ministry areas; supporting BBT’s wellness component and socially responsible investing; managing the publication schedule, content for publications and website, and creating writing and photo assignments; working with a production coordinator and contracted designers; assisting marketing and promotional efforts; and travel to denominational events as assigned. Qualifications include at least an undergraduate degree, preferably in Communications, English, Marketing, Business, or a related field, with experience or expertise in writing, copyediting, or project management. Knowledge of business is helpful. Active membership in the Church of the Brethren is preferred. Salary is competitive with Church Benefits Association agencies of comparable size and scope of services. A full benefits package is included. Send a letter of interest and resume with salary range expectation to Nevin Dulabaum, 1505 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120; or e-mail to ndulabaum_bbt@brethren.org. For questions or clarification about the position, please call Dulabaum at 847-778-8274.
  
  
• National Young Adult Conference worship coordinators Jim Chinworth and Becky Ullom have begun planning for the upcoming conference on the theme "Come to the Mountain, Guidance for the Journey," based on Isaiah 2:3. The conference takes place Aug. 11-15, 2008, in Estes Park, Colo. Speakers will include Michaela Camps from Atlantic Southeast District, Thomas Dowdy from Pacific Southwest District, Matt Guynn from the staff of On Earth Peace, and Laura Stone from South/Central Indiana District. Guest worship coordinators are David Sollenberger and Walt Wiltschek. Online registration begins on Jan. 7, 2008 at 12 noon central time. The cost will be reduced to $300 for those registering between Jan. 7 and Feb. 14. Go to www.nyac08.org.
  
  
• Black River Church of the Brethren in Spencer, Ohio, held a groundbreaking ceremony for a new church building on Nov. 18. It will be a year ago on Christmas Eve that the Black River church building was destroyed by fire.
  
  
• The Lititz (Pa.) Area Meals on Wheels has been preparing meals from the church kitchen at Lititz Church of the Brethren since 1973. In November, the 1 millionth meal was served. On Sunday, Nov. 25, the church and Lititz Area Meals on Wheels volunteers were honored as a representative from the Lancaster County Office of the Aging shared comments, and Lititz mayor Russell Pettyjohn read a proclamation recognizing the community ministry.
  
  
• A nationally televised "Farm News Show" from WGN has been taped in part on the campus of Pinecrest Community, a Church of the Brethren retirement center in Mount Morris, Ill. Other area locations will be featured as well, such as White Pines State Park near Mount Morris. The show is scheduled for Dec. 22-24 on satellite and dish networks. It is to air at 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Dec. 22, at 7 a.m. on Dec. 23, and 5 p.m. on Dec. 24.
  
  
• Five Learning Tours are being offered in 2008 by the New Community Project, a Brethren-related nonprofit. The trips welcome all ages to learn about troubled areas of the world and build relationships with neighbors and God's creation. Learning Tours will go to Nepal on Jan. 5-15, studying areas of poverty and women's empowerment; to the Ecuadorian Amazon on May 18-29 to explore the rainforest and learn about threats to it; to Guatemala on June 15-25 to visit with indigenous communities, see reforestation efforts, and possibly make church-to-church connections; to Honduras on July 19-28, where participants will live and work in a poor community; to Denali National Park, Alaska, on Aug. 7-15, to view wildlife and the effects of global warming; and to Burma on Aug. 18-27, where the group will study poverty, repression, and visit Christian villages. Go to http://newcommunityproject.org/tours.shtml or contact director David Radcliff at 888-800-2985 or ncp@newcommunityproject.org.
  
  
• Tom Lehman, a librarian at Notre Dame University and a member of the Mennonite Church, is seeking slides of Brethren and Mennonite mission work in Puerto Rico in the 1940s and ’50s for an online collection. He is hoping that those with Puerto Rico slides will make them available for scanning. For details contact Tom Lehman, 17701 Tanager Lane, South Bend, IN 46635; 574-272-3817; telehman@gmail.com. View the online collection at www.flickr.com/photos/tlehman/collections/72157600017663873.

Source: 12/19/2007 Newsline

Yoder to direct Insurance Services for Brethren Benefit Trust.

Randy Yoder begins Jan. 1, 2008, as director of Insurance Services for the Brethren Benefit Trust (BBT). He will work part-time out of his home in Huntingdon, Pa., with periods in the Elgin (Ill.) offices of BBT twice a month.

Since April 2006, Yoder has served as interim director of the Brethren Insurance Plans for BBT. He previously was a BBT field staff representative with most of his work focused on the Brethren Medical Plan and the Brethren Foundation. In 2005, he helped establish the Brethren Medical Plan District Advocate Network and facilitated many insurance-related meetings throughout the denomination. He also has represented the Brethren Medical Plan at Annual Conference and helped present related insight sessions. Prior to joining BBT, he served for 20 years as district executive minister for Middle Pennsylvania District.

In the new position, Yoder's main duties will be to provide oversight of BBT's Insurance Services and administer the service grants program related to the Ministers' Group Medical Plan, which was approved at the November meeting of the BBT board. He will continue working with the agency's Wellness Program, and also will have responsibility for exploring and developing new initiatives in insurance and insurance services.

Source: 12/19/2007 Newsline

Wittmeyer to be interim director of Pension Plans for BBT.

Jay Wittmeyer has accepted the position of interim director of Pension Plans and Employee Financial Services for the Brethren Benefit Trust (BBT), as of Jan. 1, 2008. In his new position, he will serve on the Management Team of BBT.

Wittmeyer began working for BBT on Oct. 30, 2006, as manager of publications. In this role, he developed knowledge of the BBT Pension Plans through attending Investment Committee meetings of the board, and writing pension-related newsletters and other pension communications. He also has a strong interest in finance and investments.

He holds master's degrees in English and in conflict transformation with a focus on organizational development, and also has led workshops and has extensive experience in public speaking. Previously he served as assistant director of Lombard (Ill.) Mennonite Peace Center, and from 1996-99 worked for Mennonite Central Committee in Bangladesh as a community development officer, and from 2000-04 he served the MCC in Nepal as project director of a community health project, and as organization development facilitator at a hospital.

He currently is in the Training in Ministry program of the Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership, and has been licensed to the ministry by Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren in Elgin, Ill.

Source: 12/19/2007 Newsline

Partnerships in the Gospel in Northern Ohio District.

"The time has come," the Walrus said, "to talk of many things: of shoes--and ships--and sealing-wax--of cabbages and kings." So says the poem "The Walrus and the Carpenter" from Lewis Carroll’s "Through the Looking Glass and What Alice Found There."

This past year, leaders in Northern Ohio District decided that the time has come to talk of re-evaluating the way we do some of our work, in order to better serve the congregations and enhance our ministry partnerships. We recognize God is blessing us, and that things are going well, but we could do better.

They identified four directions for change: District Board configuration, method of calling district leaders, district budget construction process, and core services/resources the district provides. They also decided that the time has come to critically evaluate Camp Inspiration Hills’ funding and operations. In addition they decided to raise awareness of the many services and resources the district provides and invite each congregation’s participation and support.

To help raise awareness the District Board asked Church of the Brethren videographer David Sollenberger to prepare a video about the district. That video project, "Partnerships in the Gospel," premiered at the July 2007 District Conference. Copies of the DVD were included in each congregation’s District Conference Self-Allocation Packet. Additional copies of the DVD are available from the District Office, and the video can be viewed by visiting www.lahmansollenbergervideo.com, click on the "gallery" link, then "videos," and then "Partners in the Gospel."

In the opening moments of the video, narrator Sollenberger states that "Brethren have learned that as congregations, you can’t go it alone. You need the help of the Holy Spirit and your brothers and sisters in Christ, believers who share a similar faith understanding. The Apostle Paul commended the Philippians for their partnership in the Gospel (Philippians 1:4-5), and in the Northern Ohio District, partnerships are everywhere." He then goes on to describe the district partnerships that support pastors and congregations.

The time has come to for us talk as individuals and congregations about the effectiveness of our ministry partnerships. "The Northern Ohio District is a great place to do ministry," the video concludes, "Why not join them in the good work the Lord is doing among them and through them?" Sollenberger is right: we really can’t go it alone. How are we doing in our ministry partnerships? The time has come for us to find out.

--John Ballinger is district executive minister for Northern Ohio District. His article originally was published in the district newsletter.

Source: 12/19/2007 Newsline

Sharing memories of lost missionaries.

Seventy years ago and half a world away, a young woman, her new husband, and a friend from California--all three Church of the Brethren missionaries--disappeared without a trace in rural China.

On Sunday, Dec. 2, the congregation of Broadfording Church of the Brethren Fellowship in Hagerstown, Md., and a few family members swept away the miles and the years as they shared memories of the three missionaries and their ultimate sacrifice for their beliefs.

Mary Hykes Harsh, Alva Harsh, and Minneva Neher set off for China on Sept. 2, 1935, according to Broadfording pastor Len Smith. They disappeared two years later on Dec. 2, 1937. "The family, the mission board, and the US State Department tried to solve the mystery (of their disappearance) but there were no answers," Smith said.

Some information later emerged from a Chinese citizen who claimed to have witnessed their deaths at the hands of the Japanese, Smith said. In 1937, China was in the throes of a Japanese invasion as well as internal unrest. Missionaries were often in jeopardy because of their efforts to aid Chinese women and girls who sometimes were brutalized by the invaders.

A book written in 1947 about the event contains pictures of the missionaries' compound in Show Yang, some Chinese friends, and a snapshot of the Harshes and Neher, which reportedly was taken just a few days before they disappeared.

"I remember my mom telling me that Aunt Mary had written there was danger but that she was going to stay because of God," said pastor John Mowen, a nephew of Mary Hykes Harsh. Mowen was born in 1937, two years after Ruth Hykes Mowen's sister left for China. Mowen said he remembers his grandfather, Charles Samuel Hykes, telling him that when Mary Hykes was wed to Alva Harsh, "Pappy" made Harsh promise that he would never take Mary out of the country.

But Mary and her husband were determined to serve their calling, even in those troubled times, Mowen said. The two met when they were earning degrees at Elizabethtown (Pa.) College, Mowen said.

"Mission work began in China in 1908 and about 100 missionaries were sent," Smith said. All were evacuated by December 1940 and were not able to return until 1946.

Mowen said his Aunt Mary was the first in her family to earn a college degree. She was also the only member of the Broadfording congregation to ever go on a fulltime, longterm mission.

Arvin Harsh, a brother of Alva, is still living but was unable to travel to Broadfording from his home in West Virginia for the service. The service included carefully selected hymns such as "I'll Go Where You Want Me to Go," and "So I Send You." Smith read a poem that Mary Hykes Harsh had written.

The service was inspiring and sparked a lot of conversations about the ultimate sacrifice made so many years ago, Mowen said. "I was in awe that, 70 years later, people still remember and care," Mowen said. "The church and her family have kept this alive."

Mowen's sister, Beverly Mowen Hann, gathered much of the information for the observance from her home in Florida. And then there was some unexpected help. Patricia Robinson might not be a member of the Hykes family, but the 16-year-old homeschooled student became intrigued by the trio's sacrifice when she saw the plaque that had been erected 10 years ago. "I mentioned it to Mom and then I began doing some research on the computer," Patricia said. "I also learned that Ruth Mowen (Mary Hykes Harsh's sister) was friends with my great-grandmother."

The plaque that inspired Patricia in her research project reads, "The church provides this memorial that the full measure of their devotion to Christ may not be forgotten."

--Marlo Barnhart is the community reporter for the "Herald-Mail News" of Hagerstown, Md. This article is reprinted with permission.

Source: 12/19/2007 Newsline

New from Brethren Press: Devotionals, study of Hebrews, Talkabout decoder wheel.

New resources from Brethren Press include a Lent and Easter devotional booklet, a Covenant Bible study on Hebrews, and a Talkabout decoder wheel from the Gather ’Round curriculum, among others.

"He Set His Face," the devotional booklet for Lent and Easter 2008 by James L. Benedict, pastor of Union Bridge (Md.) Church of the Brethren, is available from Brethren Press for $2.25 each, plus shipping and handling; call 800-441-3712. Through reflection and prayer, two pillars of the Lenten observance, the daily devotions from Ash Wednesday through Easter encourage renewal of our understanding of discipleship and deepening commitment to being followers of Jesus. Each day’s devotion includes a scripture, meditation, and prayer.

More than 14,000 copies of the 300th Anniversary devotional "Fresh from the Word" have already sold in anticipation of the 300th anniversary year, which begins Jan. 1, 2008. This historic collection draws from each of the six Brethren bodies and is perpetually dated so it can be enjoyed for years to come. Readers will join together with thousands of Brethren in daily meditation, lifting up God's word fresh for each day of the 300th anniversary year. Copies are still available from Brethren Press for $20 plus shipping and handling, and orders of 10 or more may be made for $15 each copy plus shipping and handling.

"Hebrews: Beyond Christianity 101" is the new Covenant Bible Study from Brethren Press, written by Edward L. Poling, pastor of Hagerstown (Md.) Church of the Brethren. It is available for $6.95 plus shipping and handling. Covenant Bible Studies are relational Bible studies for small groups. Each book contains 10 sessions that promote group interaction and encourage open discussion about practical aspects of the Christian faith. This study takes a look at the book of Hebrews, written to believers who were ready to walk away from their communities of faith. The study aims to help readers revitalize their faith and move beyond elementary beliefs into deeper waters, providing a model of Christian discipleship full of meaning and hope.

The Spring 2008 Talkabout from the Gather 'Round curriculum is a "Decoder Wheel" (available for $5.95 each plus shipping and handling). Gather ’Round is published jointly by Brethren Press and the Mennonite Publishing House. The Talkabout is a Sunday school take-home piece to help connect the themes of Christian education with family life at home. Using the "Talkabout Decoder Wheel," family members will take turns answering questions about the weekly Bible stories they learn in Sunday school by unscrambling words and decoding hints. Discussion starters, prayers, and activity suggestions will bring the Bible home.

"Living the Good News Together" is the theme for the Spring 2008 quarter of Gather 'Round, taken from the Easter text of Jesus' resurrection that also includes the great commission, a call to the disciples to "go and teach." Many Gather 'Round teachers experience God's call to mission as they share the stories of Jesus and the early church with children, junior high, youth, and parents/caregivers classes. A variety of curriculum materials are available; view Gather 'Round materials online at www.gatherround.org.

To order Gather ’Round curriculum or any other Brethren Press resource, call 800-441-3712.

Source: 12/19/2007 Newsline Extra

Brethren Press offers special bulletin cover for 300th Anniversary, Mennonites to join bulletin series in 2009.

A special 300th Anniversary commerative bulletin cover, featured in the Living Word Bulletin series, is being offered to congregations. This special bulletin cover may be particularly appropriate for use on Aug. 3, 2008, which has been designated as the 300th Anniversary Celebration Sunday for the Church of the Brethren.

"We have contracted with Anchor Wallace publishers to have a limited number of these covers printed," said Jeff Lennard, director of marketing and sales for Brethren Press. "Churches who participate in the Living Word Bulletin series will receive these covers as part of the program. Churches not enrolled in the program will have their orders filled on a first come, first served basis."

The commemorative bulletins will be ready for shipment by June. Interested churches can place their orders by calling Brethren Press customer service at 800-441-3712.

In other news, the Mennonite Publishing Network will be joining Brethren Press in the Living Word Bulletin Series. The new partnership will begin with the 2009 series of bulletins. The two publishing houses already work together on the Gather ’Round curriculum.

Mennonite Publishing Network staff in November took part in a photo selection meeting for the 2009 bulletin covers at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill. The bulletin covers are offered for weekly worship services, and feature a cover theme based on the scripture text, which is printed on the back of the bulletin along with a short meditation or worship resource. Beginning in 2009, Mennonite customers will be using the same bulletin cover images and scriptures on the same Sundays as Church of the Brethren congregations across the country.

Source: 12/19/2007 Newsline Extra

Update of Spanish language minister’s manual to be available soon.

An update of the Spanish-language edition of the manual for Church of the Brethren ministers published by Brethren Press, "For All Who Minister," may be in print and available in early 2008.

Mary Jo Flory-Steury, director of the Office of Ministry for the Church of the Brethren General Board, and Carol Yeazell of Congregational Life Ministries, are working on the project with Brethren Press. The previous Spanish-language edition of the ministers’ manual titled "Manual del Pastor," dated from some years ago, is no longer available in print. It was translated, type set, and printed in the Dominican Republic.

The new edition is being edited by a professional Spanish-language editor, and will be redesigned as a spiral-bound book with a flexible Lexotone cover. The final title is not yet confirmed. Congregational Life Ministries is helping to cover expenses of the project, and Brethren Press staff are assisting with consultation and production.

Source: 12/19/2007 Newsline Extra

Resources bits and pieces: Denominational Polity Manual, books for intercultural understanding and evangelism, ‘green’ Bible, and more.

• The Annual Conference Council recently completed revisions to the Church of the Brethren's denominational Polity Manual. Revisions include changes to polity created by Annual Conference actions through the most recent annual meeting in July 2007. The 2008 version of the manual is now available free of charge at www.brethren.org/ac/PPG in downloadable pdf format. Congregations without Internet access may request a printed copy for $10, including shipping and handling. Send orders and checks made out to "Annual Conference" to the Annual Conference Office, P.O. Box 720, New Windsor, MD 21776-0720.
  
  
• Recommended by the publisher: three books for intercultural understanding. Following passage of the 2007 Annual Conference statement, "Separate No More," Brethren Press executive director Wendy McFadden has recommended three books to help church leaders increase intercultural understanding. All three may be ordered through Brethren Press, call 800-441-3712; shipping and handling charges will be added to the prices listed below, call 800-441-3712. "Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria?: A Psychologist Explains the Development of Racial Identity" by Beverly Daniel Tatum (Basic Books, revised 2003), $15.95 from Brethren Press; "It's the Little Things: Everyday Interactions that Anger, Annoy, and Divide the Races" by Lena Williams (Harcourt, Inc., 2000), $14 from Brethren Press; "Divided by Faith: Evangelical Religion and the Problem of Race in America" by Michael O. Emerson and Christian Smith (Oxford University Press, 2000), $17.95 from Brethren Press.
  
  
• The first-ever recognized "green" Bible--a Charles Stanley "Life Principles" daily Bible in the New King James Version, published by Thomas Nelson--is now available for purchase through Brethren Press for $19.99 plus shipping and handling, call 800-441-3712. Nelson worked on the project with paper manufacturer Domtar and the Green Press Initiative, a nonprofit that works with the book industry to conserve environmental resources. The new Bible fits into the "Treatise on Responsible Paper Use," an industry-developed agreement that defines shared goals for improving environmental impacts associated with book publishing.
  
  
• "Unbinding Your Heart: 40 Days of Prayer and Faith Sharing" (Chalice Press) is a new all-congregation evangelism study by Martha Grace Reese, available from Brethren Press for $19.99 plus shipping and handling. The study is a six-week, churchwide, small group evangelism event perfect for Lenten, summer, or fall study for all established classes and church groups. Based on the best-selling book "Unbinding the Gospel," this addition to the series includes 40 days of individual prayer exercises coordinated with each chapter. "Unbinding Your Heart" will enrich a church’s community life and help individuals risk fact-to-face encounters with God.
  
  
• Brethren Press is hosting a meet and greet with Chicago poet Anne Basye, author of the newly released book "Sustaining Simplicity: A Journal," on Jan. 9, 2008, at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill. The book has been described as "an emotionally honest exploration of mindful lifestyle decisions" and shows how faith and daily life intersect. The reception will follow Basye's chapel message at 9:15 a.m. that Wednesday. On the same day, at 12:10 p.m., Basye will also give a Brown Bag Briefing at the General Offices on the topic of "Sustaining Simplicity in the New Year." Her book is available for purchase from Brethren Press for $12 plus shipping and handling.
  
  
• In a congregational renewal project in some districts of the Church of the Brethren, the 300th Anniversary devotional from Brethren Press, "Fresh from the Word," is being accompanied by a study guide for church renewal. The study guide was prepared by David Young and the Springs of Living Water renewal initiative. It offers a spiritual disciplines guide to help members of congregations, with the hoped-for outcome of new focus, energy, and growth in the church. The guide uses the same scriptures as the 300th Anniversary devotional book, looks like a bulletin, and includes instructions, daily texts, and an insert on spiritual disciplines. Young anticipates offering new guides for each quarter of 2008. He also reported that the guide may be used by the Church of the Brethren in Brazil, and is being translated into Portuguese. Contact David Young, 464 Ridge Ave., Ephrata, PA 17522; 717-738-1887; davidyoung@churchrenewalservant.org.
  
  
• In honor of the 300th Anniversary of the first Brethren baptism, the Tercentennial Committee of Everett (Pa.) Church of the Brethren is offering a year’s worth of one-minute meditations focused on events in Brethren history. The "Tercentennial Minutes" are designed to be read one a week in worship or Sunday school settings, starting with Sunday, Dec. 23. On that day, the one-minute meditation will focus on the first Brethren baptism in America, which took place on Christmas Day in 1723. Upcoming minutes will tell stories from Brethren history, such as the Brethren connection with Billy the Kid, Abraham Harley Cassel’s visit to the nation’s centennial in 1876, Julia Gilbert’s impassioned speech at Annual Meeting in 1910, Evelyn Trostle’s brave stand to protect Armenian orphans from the Turks in 1920, and many others. Each is written in an entertaining style by Frank Ramirez, pastor of the Everett congregation. The Everett church will share the "Tercentennial Minutes" by e-mail with any church interested in receiving and using them. Contact the congregation at ecob@yellowbananas.com.
  
  
• The Juniata College Concert Choir has released its first CD, called "Velvet Light: Christmas Carol Arrangements by Shawn Kirchner." Kirchner is the former music director at La Verne (Calif.) Church of the Brethren. The recording was inspired by the Church of the Brethren’s Christmas Eve special on CBS, for which Kirchner also served as music director. The music on "Velvet Light" is scored for string quartet, oboe, flute, guitar, piano, and percussion, as well as the choir from Juniata College in Huntingdon, Pa., and offers a fresh approach to Christmas music. The CD is available for $15 plus shipping and handling from Brethren Press, call 800-441-3712

Source: 12/19/2007 Newsline Extra

Credits

Newsline is produced by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of news services for the Church of the Brethren General Board, cobnews@brethren.org or 800-323-8039 ext. 260. Judy Bezon, Kathleen Campanella, Lerry Fogle, Bekah Houff, Bill Johnson, Bob Kettering, Nancy Knepper, Jon Kobel, Karin Krog, Jeff Lennard, Donna March, Wendy McFadden, Joan McGrath, Frank Ramirez, and David Young contributed to this report.

NEWS

• Bethany Seminary trustees welcome new president and new chair.
  
• Vital Pastors 'cohort groups' report at conference in San Antonio.
  
• National Council receives text of social creed for 21st century.
  
• Brethren share 300th Anniversary devotional at NCC assembly.
  
• CPT gives human rights training to Kurdish security officers in Iraq.
  
• Brethren bits: Personnel, position openings, cyclone response, more.

UPCOMING EVENTS

• Deacon Ministry offers regional training events.
  
• 300th Anniversary update: Clarification of plans for 'service blitz,' historical exhibit.

FEATURES

• Why First Church needed a weekly electronic newsletter.
  
• Small congregation issues big giving challenge.

Bethany Seminary trustees welcome new president and new chair.

The Bethany Theological Seminary Board of Trustees met on Oct. 26-28 in Richmond, Ind., led by a new chair and a new president. The meeting began with a time of worship and an anointing service for incoming Bethany Seminary president Ruthann Knechel Johansen. Board chair Ted Flory of Bridgewater, Va., directed the board through the agenda.

The board also welcomed new member Martha Farahat of Oceana, Calif., and accepted with regret the resignation of Jim Hardenbrook of Caldwell, Idaho, as he and his wife, Pam, prepare for mission work in Sudan on behalf of the Church of the Brethren.

The Academic Affairs Committee reported that faculty are considering ways the seminary can respond to recent Annual Conference statements such as "Becoming a Multi-Ethnic Church" and "Reverse Membership Trend." They also shared a progress report on the search process for two fulltime faculty who will be responsible for the areas of theology, church history, Brethren studies, and the master of arts program. Because of the potential for faculty overload, the board approved an additional search for a half-time position in Brethren studies.

The Institutional Advancement Committee reported that Bethany's website has been redesigned and includes many new features. The committee announced the launch of two new development initiatives: a Congregational Ambassador program for church relations, and a President's Associates group for donors.

The board approved a recommendation from the Student and Business Affairs Committee to increase tuition for the 2008-09 fiscal year from $296 to $325 per credit hour. The committee shared a synopsis of the annual questionnaire completed by graduating students for the Association of Theological Schools. The students expressed satisfaction in class size, quality of teaching, and accessibility of faculty. The top five skill areas cited as most improved were ability to conduct worship, knowledge of their own religious tradition, ability to relate social issues to faith, ability to preach well, and ability to use and interpret scripture.

A joint committee of board members, faculty, and staff announced dates for an Inaugural Forum on March 30-31, 2008. More information will be made available.

On Saturday evening, the board invited faculty and staff to a dinner and an envisioning discussion to identify the core values that guide the seminary's mission. Sunday's closing session included a report by president Johansen on her first 100 days. She has experienced Bethany as a welcoming community of creative and competent students, faculty, and staff, and has identified three items for development: strengthening internal procedures, clarifying and renewing the seminary's mission focus, and marketing that mission.

--Marcia Shetler is director of Public Relations for Bethany Theological Seminary.

Source: 12/05/2007 Newsline

Vital Pastors 'cohort groups' report at conference in San Antonio.

One group looked at postmodernism, another at being missional. Still another examined the balance of worshiping with both head and heart. In all, six groups of pastors studied a variety of questions over the past two years but all with the same ultimate goal: determining the qualities that contribute to pastoral excellence and how to sustain them.

The pastors groups reported their findings during a Vital Pastors conference held Nov. 5-9 at the Oblate Renewal Center in San Antonio, Texas. The conference continued the work of the Sustaining Pastoral Excellence program, funded by the Lilly Endowment Inc. Dozens of institutions around the country, including the Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership, received generous grants to make the endeavor possible.

"Lilly asked where can they best invest resources to build up the church, and they settled on pastors," said Brethren Academy director Jonathan Shively, who led the effort to get one of the grants.

The first four Brethren "cohort" groups made their reports last February. A new class of six cohorts began their study in January of this year, another class begins in January 2008. The final scheduled class of cohorts will begin in January 2009. Three more concluding retreats are planned in 2008, 2009, and 2010.

Each cohort group examines a "critical question" related to pastoral ministry, beginning with an immersion experience to study the issue in context. Groups that reported in San Antonio had traveled to the Iona community in Scotland, South Africa, Rome, Texas, Hawaii, and a pastors' conference in San Diego, Calif.

Many of the questions centered on transformation, both personal and congregational, and on the changing culture in which the church finds itself. As one participant said, "I'm still trying to figure out what it means to be a pastor in this emerging world...and it's actually a lot of fun." Another noted, "Fewer people are identifying themselves as Christians.... We can't just assume there's respect for Christians and Christianity." That, he said, has parallels to the pre-Constantine era of the early church.

Most of the cohort groups are geographical, drawing four to six pastors from a particular district or region. One group, though, consisted of four clergy couples who are either serving together in team ministry or each serving separate congregations. Another grouped pastors who are serving churches in college or university settings.

In addition to the group reporting, in blocks of three hours each, the conference also included daily times of worship. Glenn Timmons, co-director of the Sustaining Pastoral Excellence program for the Brethren Academy with his wife, Linda, set the tone in the opening service with the reminder, "The reign of God shows up where we least expect it. We want to control outcomes rather than be surprised by grace."

The next set of Vital Pastors cohort groups will report at a conference in the fall of 2008.

Walt Wiltschek is editor of "Messenger" magazine.

Source: 12/05/2007 Newsline

National Council receives text of social creed for 21st century.

Church of the Brethren representatives attended the annual General Assembly of the National Council of Churches (NCC) and Church World Service on Nov. 6-8 in Iselin, N.J. The theme for the meeting was, "Journeys: For We Walk by Faith..." (2 Corinthians 5:7), and time was spent in worship, Bible study, and fellowship, as well as business. The assembly installed new officers and a new general secretary, set in motion plans for a new quadrennium, passed resolutions on social issues, and received the text of "A Social Creed for the 21st Century."

"A Social Creed for the 21st Century" had been approved by the Governing Board in September. In 1908 the NCC's predecessor, the Federal Council of Churches, adopted a social creed that addressed issues of the early 20th century such as industrialization, and pledged then "to work together for a better, fairer and more faithful United States." The NCC has now developed a social creed for the 21st century that addresses globalization, poverty, and violence. "We--individual Christians and churches--commit ourselves to a culture of peace and freedom that embraces nonviolence, nurtures character, treasures the environment, and builds community, rooted in a spirituality of inner growth and outward action," states the conclusion of the new social creed. The full text of the creed is at www.ncccusa.org/news/ga2007.socialcreed.html.

In other business, the assembly reaffirmed the NCC's commitment to Middle East peace, unanimously passing a statement updating a 1980 Middle East policy. The updated statement calls for "responsible public discourse" about Middle East issues and a focus on issues related to the Israel-Palestine conflict, expresses concern for the drop in the number of Christians in the Middle East, and calls for interfaith sensitivities "devoid of anti-Semitism and Islamophobia."

The assembly also urged the US House of Representatives to pass legislation recognizing the slaughter of Armenians in 1915 as a genocide, passing a resolution by voice vote with six abstentions; continued to evaluate recovery efforts in the Gulf coast following Hurricane Katrina, receiving a report from the NCC's Special Commission for the Just Rebuilding of the Gulf Coast; and established a memorial fund honoring Claire Randall, the NCC's first woman general secretary.

Vicken Aykazian, archbishop of the Diocese of the Armenian Orthodox Church of America (Eastern), was installed as president of the NCC; Peg Chemberlin, a Moravian clergywoman and executive director of the Minnesota Council of Churches, was installed as president elect; and Michael Kinnamon, a Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) clergyman, educator, and ecumenical leader, was elected and installed as the NCC's ninth general secretary.

Stanley Noffsinger, the general secretary of the Church of the Brethren General Board, was elected to the NCC Governing Board as vice president at large.

The Brethren participants were elected representatives Nelda Rhoades Clark, Jennie Ramirez, and Marianne Miller Speicher; and staff representatives from the General Board including Noffsinger, Global Mission Partnerships executive director Merv Keeney, and director of Identity and Relations Becky Ullom. Also participating in the meeting as an NCC staff member was Jordan Blevins.

Because the year 2008 signifies a new quadrennium for the NCC, each communion identified its delegates who will serve for the next four years. Church of the Brethren representatives will include Elizabeth Bidgood Enders, Ken Reiman, John (J.D.) Glick, Merv Keeney, Illana Naylor, and Stan Noffsinger. David Metzler and Wendy McFadden will serve on the NCC's Interfaith Relations Commission from 2008-2011 as well.

Source: 12/05/2007 Newsline

Brethren share 300th Anniversary devotional at NCC assembly.

Representatives of the Church of the Brethren who attended the annual General Assembly of the National Council of Churches also took part in a traditional event during that gathering, a "communion dinner" during which each denomination comes together to build community among its own ecumenical representatives.

For the past several years, Brethren have joined with representatives from Quaker bodies and the American Baptist Church USA at the communion dinner. At this year's dinner, general secretary Stan Noffsinger gave each attendee a copy of "Fresh from the Word," the devotional book published by Brethren Press for the Church of the Brethren's 300th Anniversary. Having a few extra copies, he also gave one to NCC president Michael Livingston.

Livingston received several questions from others about the book, with people asking how they could get a copy. As a result, Noffsinger was invited to a microphone during the General Assembly in order to give information about how to order the book from Brethren Press.

>From this, much interest was generated in the 300th Anniversary. Three other denominational leaders requested to be a part of the Committee on Interchurch Relations events during the 2008 Annual Conference: Roy Medley of the American Baptist Churches USA, Stan Hastings of the Alliance of Baptists, and Thomas Swain of the Philadelphia Yearly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends.

--Jon Kobel is manager of the office of the general secretary for the General Board.

Source: 12/05/2007 Newsline

CPT gives human rights training to Kurdish security officers in Iraq.

Venus Shamal, the deputy director of Kurdish Human Rights Watch in Suleimaniya, in northern Iraq, recently invited Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT) to assist in the human rights training of security officers from the Kurdish Regional Government (KRG).

She told members of the CPT Iraq team that the director of the security office in Suleimaniya, a former teacher, had begun promoting human rights in his office after a scathing critique of KRG human rights abuses from Amnesty International and the US State Department.

Members of the CPT team in Suleimaniya hesitated to accept the invitation because the training CPT receives does not provide in-depth instruction in international human rights principles developed over the past 60 years. But the CPT team agreed to conduct this short one-hour training in the context of CPT's own experiences.

Hours before the training was to start, the translator CPT had arranged for the module called to say that her relative was ill and she could not translate that day. She contacted a friend who was an English teacher in the local secondary school. He came to the CPT apartment and spent an hour going over the first three pages of a 10-page document that CPT had prepared before the team had to leave for the training. Clearly, the concepts and vocabulary were new to him.

When the CPT team arrived at the classroom, the training coordinator explained that CPT would have just one hour to teach, translation included. CPT presenters cut sections of their talks, which further confused the translator, but the session turned out to be adequate. Shamal praised Peggy Gish for the stories she had selected from the detainee abuse report the team in Baghdad had written and distributed in 2004 (see "CPT reports on Detainees," at www.cpt.org/iraq/iraq.php).

Afterwards CPT team members had a chance to visit with some of the officers, who came from various parts of the KRG area. One told them, "Security is a very serious concern for Kurdistan." A day earlier, CPT had learned that 200 security suspects in four northern governates of Iraq had been detained. These detentions happened on the heels of news that the US military had released 500 detainees from its prisons in Iraq. During the "surge" of the last few months, 10,000 new detainees had been added to the US detention centers in Iraq.

The four-day training culminated in a graduation exercise during which the head of the security office came to hand out the certificates and shake hands. Interestingly, this office is in the process of evaluating CPT's request for extended visas, a requirement for this project to continue. Shamal has asked CPT to assist with future human rights trainings of security officers.

--Cliff Kindy is a Church of the Brethren member working in Iraq with Christian Peacemaker Teams (Iraq team member Peggy Gish also is Brethren). This report was taken from a CPT press release of Nov. 26. 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.

Source: 12/05/2007 Newsline

Brethren bits: Personnel, position openings, cyclone response, more.

• Pat Papay has announced her retirement from Brethren Benefit Trust (BBT) effective April 1, 2008. She was hired as BBT's general office services support staff in 1995, and since then has been "the cheerful greeter" for the agency for more than 12 years. In addition to operating the switchboard, she has processed mail and mailings, ordered office supplies, coordinated special celebrations of the staff, and performed many other miscellaneous duties. Her future plans include joining her husband, Ron, in more quality time together, and possibly returning to school. BBT will plan a celebration of Papay's work as April approaches.
  
  
• Ed and Betty Runion and Art and Lois Hermannson have concluded terms of service at the New Windsor (Md.) Conference Center as part of the team of volunteer hosts at the Brethren Service Center.
  
  
• Applications are being accepted for the 2008 Youth Peace Travel Team sponsored jointly by the Youth and Young Adult Ministry Office, Brethren Witness/Washington Office, and Brethren Volunteer Service of the Church of the Brethren General Board, and by On Earth Peace and the Outdoor Ministries Association. The first Youth Peace Travel Team was formed in the summer of 1991 as a cooperative effort of a number of General Board programs. Since that year a team has been fielded every summer. The team travels to camps throughout the Church of the Brethren to talk with other young people about the Christian message and the Brethren tradition of peacemaking. College-age Brethren young adults between the ages of 19 and 22 will be selected for the 2008 team. A stipend is paid to team members. For a downloadable application form go to www.brethren.org/genbd/witness/YPTT.htm. Applications are due Feb. 4, 2008. For more information contact the Brethren Witness/Washington Office at 202-546-3202.
  
  
• Brethren Disaster Ministries reports that the Church of the Brethren contributed to an international response to Cyclone Sidr, which hit the southern coast of Bangladesh on Nov. 15. The response was carried out through Church World Service (CWS) and ACT International (Action by Churches Together). CWS said the death toll was more than 3,000, with that number expected to rise. The ACT response began with an initial grant of $50,000, along with a short-term operation to provide family relief packages of food including rice, pulses, oil, salt, and oral dehydration saline sachets. ACT members were to distribute relief packages in the most severely affected locations, with the goal of providing immediate assistance to 7,098 cyclone-affected families representing more than 35,500 people. Special attention was paid to the very poor and destitute, women, children, the elderly, and disabled. "There may be as many as three million survivors who need assistance," said CWS.
  
  
• Chicken Soup for the Soul and HCI are providing an opportunity for On Earth Peace to earn a commission on each copy of "Chicken Soup for the Soul: Stories for a Better World" sold from the On Earth Peace website, a fundraiser made possible by On Earth Peace supporter Linda K. Williams who is a co-author of the book. With each purchase, a 20 percent commission comes to On Earth Peace; visit www.brethren.org/oepa/support. On Earth Peace also has suggested other Christmas-season giving opportunities in its recent newsletter, such as honoring a loved one through a donation to On Earth Peace, which will send the honoree a beautiful holiday card. The newsletter gave examples of what the holiday gifts can accomplish: $20 would cover the cost of an information packet on counter recruitment, $75 would provide scholarship assistance to one person attending a Ministry of Reconciliation workshop, and $1,800 would provide support for one member of next summer's Youth Peace Travel Team. Contact On Earth Peace, P.O. Box 188, New Windsor, MD 21776.
  
  
• Next year's courses offered by the Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership are open to students in the Training in Ministry and Education for Shared Ministry programs, pastors, and laypeople. The academy is a ministry training partnership of the Church of the Brethren General Board and Bethany Theological Seminary. "Everyday Life in Biblical Times" is offered Jan. 14-18, 2008, at Bethany Seminary in Richmond, Ind., with instructor Stephen Breck Reid. "Jeremiah" is offered Feb. 4-March 15, 2008, online with instructor Susan Jeffers, register through the Susquehanna Valley Ministry Center (SVMC). "Sermon on the Mount" is offered Feb. 7-10 at St. Petersburg (Fla.) Church of the Brethren with instructor Richard Gardner. "Pastor as a Spiritual Being" is offered Feb. 21-24, 2008, at La Verne (Calif.) Church of the Brethren with instructor Paul Grout. "Me, My Church, and Money" is offered March 3-9 at Troy (Ohio) Church of the Brethren with instructor Steve Ganger. "Church Vitality and Evangelism" is offered April 17-20, 2008, at Juniata College in Huntingdon, Pa., with instructor Randy Yoder, register through SVMC. Contact the Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership at www.bethanyseminary.edu/academics_programs/academy or 800-287-8822 ext. 1824. To register for Susquehanna Valley Ministry Center courses, contact 717-361-1450 or svmc@etown.edu.
  
  
• Middle River Church of the Brethren in New Hope, Va., is celebrating its rebuilt sanctuary following a fire that destroyed sections of the church more than a year ago, according to a report from WVIR-TV of Charlottesville, Va. The fire on Nov. 7, 2006, destroyed the sanctuary roof and the whole building suffered smoke damage. "After 13 months of prayer and about $1.5 million, the new sanctuary now boasts high, wooded ceilings, fine furniture, and a fresh coat of paint," the report said. The first service in the sanctuary is planned for Sunday, Dec. 9.
  
  
• As of yesterday morning, Oregon and Washington District disaster relief coordinators reported that "all of our vulnerable churches and people of the Oregon and Washington District are okay from the latest wrath of winter weather," in an e-mail alert. Co-coordinators Nancy Louise Wilkinson and Brent Carlson said that the disaster relief agencies of Washington State will gather teams of volunteers to help clean up flooded homes. "More than 1,000 homes in Lewis County have waist-deep water in the house, and other counties are also affected," they said. Contact Nancy Louise Wilkinson at 360-848-1827 or theshepherdsgarden@verizon.net, or Brent Carlson at 503-697-7500 or brentcarlson1@earthlink.net. In other news from the district, $4,059.50 was raised by a Disaster Relief Auction at the district conference this year. The money will be used to aid local and national rebuilding projects and help disaster volunteers with transportation expenses.
  
  
• Ten new members have been elected to the Bridgewater (Va.) College Board of Trustees. The group includes four Church of the Brethren members: Carl R. Fike, vice president of O.C. Cluss Lumber in Uniontown, W.Va., and a licensed Church of the Brethren lay speaker; Stephen L. Hollinger, president of Construction Options Inc., and a member of Manassas (Va.) Church of the Brethren; Stephanie LaPrade Naff, church secretary for Mill Creek Church of the Brethren and a member of Southeastern District's Program and Arrangements Committee; and Ronald E. Sink, a retired treasurer for Norfolk Southern Corp., former board member of Bethany Seminary and active in Church of the Brethren and civic activities in the Roanoke, Va., area.

Source: 12/05/2007 Newsline

Deacon Ministry offers regional training events.

The deacon story in the Church of the Brethren is mixed, according to a report from the Association of Brethren Caregivers (ABC). Some Brethren members and congregations regard the deacon ministry as a cherished tradition of caring for the poor, the elderly, and the orphans. Others hold on to memories from the past, of deacons as "enforcers" of rigid behavior codes, such as counseling members on appropriate dress, hair style, and prayer coverings for women.

"However the office of deacon is remembered, it is an office nearly as old as the denomination," reminds ABC executive director Kathy Reid. "Most importantly, wherever there was an expressed human need, deacons assumed responsibility to address those needs. Thus in this 300th anniversary celebration year, it is timely to review the legacy and character of deacons in our denomination as we enter another century of opportunities to serve and to care."

ABC is planning a series of regional Deacon Ministry Training Events for the Spring of 2008. Each event will feature Bible study, keynote presentations, multiple workshops, and worship. The keynote speaker will be Jay Gibble, former director of the Association of Brethren Caregivers. Workshops will address issues such as deacon roles and functions, recruitment of new deacons, outreach to all, and the love feast. Cost is $20 per person, and lunch will be provided. Registration materials are available at www.brethren-caregivers.org or call ABC at 800-323-8039.

Following is the schedule of Deacon Ministry Training Events:

• Plains region: April 12, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., at Dallas Center (Iowa) Church of the Brethren, co-sponsored by Spurgeon Manor, a Church of the Brethren retirement center
  
• Southwest: April 19, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., at Modesto (Calif.) Church of the Brethren
  
• Northwest: May 10, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., at Olympia, Lacey (Wash.) Community Church of the Brethren; and May 11, 1-6 p.m., at Wenatchee (Wash.) Brethren-Baptist Church
  
• East: May 31, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., at Frederick (Md.) Church of the Brethren.

Source: 12/05/2007 Newsline

300th Anniversary update: Clarification of plans for 'service blitz,' historical exhibit.

The 300th Anniversary Committee has issued a clarification of plans for a "service blitz" and an exhibit of historical artifacts at the 2008 Annual Conference on July 12-16 in Richmond, Va.:

• A "service blitz" is scheduled for Saturday, July 12, and Monday, July 14. Service projects will be sponsored by the Church of the Brethren. Members of the Brethren Church also may participate. The planning committee includes Rhonda Pittman Gingrich of the 300th Anniversary Committee, Brethren Disaster Ministries director Roy Winter, outgoing director of the General Board's Workcamp ministry Steve Van Houten, and Virlina District disaster response coordinator Wayne Garst. Participants will be required to register in advance, and there will be a modest fee to cover expenses.
  
  
• Plans for a historical exhibit have changed. Instead of soliciting submissions of Brethren artifacts from individuals, congregations, and districts, the committee has decided to invite each district to bring a display. Districts are encouraged to identify people, places, events, and items that have enriched experiences of Brethren beliefs and practices. Present ministries and future plans that call people to participate in Brethren beliefs and practices should also be included. Displays are to present information in ways that will teach a variety of people, especially children. In addition, a few agencies and organizations whose mission is directly related to preserving and sharing Brethren heritage will be invited to bring an exhibit.

Source: 12/05/2007 Newsline

Why First Church needed a weekly electronic newsletter.

York (Pa.) First Church of the Brethren employs many kinds of publicity. There are pulpit announcements, weekly bulletins, monthly newsletters, pamphlets, posters, a website, periodic e-mails, word of mouth, semi-annual reports, and others. What seemed to be lacking was an organized approach to rapidly communicate current news to the congregation.

The thought came, why doesn't the church electronically communicate more often, perhaps daily or weekly, to its members? How would church members feel if they were more knowledgeable about what is happening in the congregation, and if they received news relatively quickly? Why not have someone, a "reporter" for the congregation, collect information from the various groups in the church, condense it into something to be shared with the entire congregation, and serve as editor for the newsletter? Why not use the same technology that many of us use outside of church, namely e-mail? And for those who do not regularly use computers, why not print out the weekly news for pick up on Sunday mornings?

This approach of a weekly electronic newsletter is now being used by our church. Our church recognizes that a more informed congregation is more responsive and committed. Here's how we have carried it out:

The reporter is neither the preacher, nor the board chair, nor some other person in church governance. The reporter is someone to whom the pastors, church leaders, and individual members can come to with their tidbits of information, knowing that it will be released not more than seven days later. The reporter need not be a professional, just someone who wants to keep lines of communication open in the congregation. Retired people with word processing skills are good candidates. The key is that the reporter and the church leaders have a good working relationship so that information can flow quickly and easily.

We picked a Friday e-mail date for several reasons. First, most of our meetings are held early in the week, so information can be collected in time to make a Friday release date and be timely. Second, the newsletter can serve as a reminder for church on the following Sunday--it helps jog our memories to prepare for worship and study, just two days away.

How do we gather e-mail addresses? Over the past few years, our church has developed a list of all members and friends who have e-mail. As a help to the pastors, the reporter maintains a master list of the e-mail addresses.

What technique do we use to send the newsletter? For ease in mailing, the e-mail address list is split into three equally-sized groups. E-mails are then sent in three batches.

How does the reporter make contact with the various church groups and committees? Now that the newsletter is maturing, a few church leaders take initiative to contact the reporter. In most instances, however, the reporter contacts them, and stays aware of meeting schedules. The leaders of groups provide information either over the phone or by e-mail. These busy people are happy that someone is communicating on their behalf.

How much time does it takes each week? Maybe three to five hours.

--Larry Gibble is a member of York (Pa.) First Church of the Brethren and serves as reporter and editor of York First's electronic newsletter.

Source: 12/05/2007 Newsline

Small congregation issues big giving challenge.

Who said, "Be careful what you pray for, because you might get it"? Be careful what you propose to a congregation because it might happen.

So it was at the Sunnyslope Brethren/United Church of Christ in Wenatchee, Wash., jointly affiliated with the Church of the Brethren and the United Church of Christ. One member of the congregation was inspired by a recent letter from Stan Noffsinger, general secretary of the Church of the Brethren General Board, and Ken Neher, director of Stewardship and Donor Development. The letter raised concerns about the General Board's $150,000 giving shortfall for 2007, and the subsequent $15,000 offering received at the General Board's October meeting.

This member proposed to the congregation that the next Sunday they take a special offering to "do our part in addressing that deficit." The congregation decided this was something it indeed ought to do. A women's group in the church sponsors an annual Christmas Bazaar and said, "Great! We'll match whatever the congregation raises."

On Sunday, Nov. 25, the special offering was received and totaled a few dollars over $1,300. With the Christmas Bazaar match, it became $2,700 toward erasing the General Board ministries' giving shortfall for the year.

Now, for the rest of the story. Sunnyslope is a congregation of just 55 to 65 worshipers, but we are serious about challenging the rest of the 1,030 congregations and fellowships in the denomination to do something similar yet in December. We feel this was a God-inspired miracle, and believe other churches could be similarly inspired when they hear our story.

--Galen Miller is a retired pastor at the Sunnyslope Church. In the interest of full disclosure, he also is father-in-law to Ken Neher, but claims that he had the initiative for a special offering going "before he even heard about it!"

Source: 12/05/2007 Newsline

Credits

Newsline is produced by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of news services for the Church of the Brethren General Board, cobnews@brethren.org or 800-323-8039 ext. 260. Brent Carlson, Rhonda Pittman Gingrich, Cori Hahn, Mary K. Heatwole, Donna March, Kathy Reid, Becky Ullom, and Nancy Louise Wilkinson contributed to this report.

NEWS

• Wil Nolen to retire in 2008 as president of Brethren Benefit Trust.
  
• Program and Arrangements requests review of sexuality statement.
  
• Brethren workcamp ministry experiences successful expansion.
  
• Womaen's Caucus to focus on next 300 years in 2008.
  
• Brethren bits: Remembrance, job, Asia peace conference, more.

UPCOMING EVENTS

• Bethany Seminary to offer offsite classes in Spring semester.
  
• 300th Anniversary update: Calls for exhibit items and video entries.
  
• 300th Anniversary bits and pieces.

ROUND-UP OF DISTRICT NEWS

• Atlantic Northeast District meets on theme, 'God Is Faithful.'
  
• Atlantic Southeast District celebrates its 83rd conference.
  
• Middle Pennsylvania District Conference affirms new mission plan.
  
• W. Pennsylvania District challenges members to be salt and light.
  
• Virlina District celebrates 36th district conference.

FEATURES

• 'Gathering' of Western Plains District is centerpiece of revival effort.
  
• 'Come and Walk with Jesus': The Footprints story.

300th ANNIVERSARY UPDATE

• 300th Anniversary update: Bits and pieces from the districts.

Wil Nolen to retire in 2008 as president of Brethren Benefit Trust.

Wilfred E. Nolen, president of Brethren Benefit Trust (BBT) since the agency’s inception in 1988 and chief administrator and trustee of the Church of the Brethren Pension Board since 1983, has announced that he will retire in 2008.

Nolen informed the BBT Board of Directors of his decision as it met Nov. 17 in Lancaster, Pa. "The timing of such a decision is never easy as there are always pressing issues that must be addressed," Nolen said following the meeting. "Nevertheless, BBT is a healthy organization with about $440 million in assets under management for 6,000 pension, Foundation, insurance, and Church of the Brethren Credit Union clients and members. It has a sharp staff and a new strategic plan and is primed for continued success." In a letter to Harry Rhodes, BBT board chair, Nolen offered to retire on Dec. 31, 2008, or on a date mutually determined with the board.

"We, the church, owe much to Wil," Rhodes said, "for pastors and church staffs having sound retirements; for churches and organizations having their assets under strong management and invested in a way that reflects Brethren values through the Brethren Foundation; and for credit union members who receive competitive rates and compassionate service that promotes financial health and good monetary decision making. Wil has also advocated for and has overseen the growth of the Church Worker’s Assistance Plan, which assists eligible current and former church workers who are in financial need.

"We also owe much to Wil for the healthcare insurance BBT long provided pastors and church workers, despite an aging employee population and despite the challenges of providing healthcare in the midst of a national healthcare crisis," Rhodes said. "Even in the wake of Annual Conference delegates declaring that the Brethren Medical Plan for the ministers’ group should be shut down, BBT continues to reach out to those pastors who are finding difficulty in obtaining new healthcare insurance and is prepared to provide support for those having to pay much higher insurance premiums."

Nolen has spent his professional career in service to the church. He holds a bachelor’s degree in music from Bridgewater (Va.) College and a master of divinity degree from Bethany Theological Seminary. In the mid-1960s, he was selected to coordinate the 1966 National Youth Conference (NYC). Later that year he joined the Church of the Brethren General Board fulltime on the Christian Education Commission’s youth ministries staff.

Over the years, Nolen also worked for the General Board as coordinator of the Fund for the Americas, which provided grants for minority groups and encouraged Brethren to examine the causes of racial injustice; as a Parish Ministries Commission consultant for worship and the arts; as director of the SHARE program, which emphasized meeting human needs of economically disadvantaged groups in the US; as coordinator of Development Ministries; and as director of SERRV (now A Greater Gift) handcrafts ministry benefiting artisans from developing countries.

In 1983, he began as administrator of the Brethren Pension Board. In 1988, Annual Conference declared that the General Board and the Pension Board should no longer be composed of the same 25 people. The Pension Board was moved into a new organizational structure, named Brethren Benefit Trust. Nolen was heavily involved in this restructure and has served as president of BBT ever since.

As an ordained minister, Nolen has had an active avocation in the ministry of choral music. He has served as choir director at Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren in Elgin, Ill., for 37 years and has led choirs and congregational singing at Annual Conference and at National Older Adult Conference (NOAC), as well as conferences of other denominations. He also has promoted wellness among Brethren as a coordinator of fitness and recreational outings at Annual Conference and NOAC.

In other volunteer positions, Nolen served on the boards of Bridgewater (Va.) College, the Mutual Aid Association of the Church of the Brethren, the Elgin (Ill.) Choral Union, and Praxis Mutual Funds, and as president of the Church Benefits Association, a national coalition of 50 denominations and religious organizations.

A president search committee was appointed by the BBT board, consisting of four board members: chair Harry Rhodes, of Roanoke, Va.; vice chair Janice Bratton, of Hummelstown, Pa.; Eunice Culp, of Goshen, Ind.; and Donna Forbes Steiner, of Landisville, Pa. Also called to serve on the committee was H. Fred Bernhard of Arcanum, Ohio, a former pastor, Annual Conference moderator, and BBT board member.

--Nevin Dulabaum is director of communications for Brethren Benefit Trust.

Source: 11/21/2007 Newsline

Program and Arrangements requests review of sexuality statement.

The Program and Arrangements Committee of the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference will ask the Standing Committee for help in moving the church toward a clarification of its position on homosexuality. The Program and Arrangements Committee of three at-large members and the Annual Conference officers holds responsibility for organizing and planning events at the Conference. The Standing Committee is made up of delegates from the 23 districts of the Church of the Brethren with leadership from the Conference officers.

In its annual fall meeting held in Richmond, Va., on Nov. 16-17, the Program and Arrangements Committee drafted a query that it will take to this year’s Standing Committee asking, "Is it possible for the Annual Conference of the Church of the Brethren to review the section of the 1983 Statement on Human Sexuality that deals with ‘homosexual persons and sexuality’ and engage the denomination in a study and dialogue in order to clarify the church’s response to homosexual persons?"

The Program and Arrangements Committee has perennially received an application for an Annual Conference exhibit from the Brethren and Mennonite Council for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Interests (BMC), an application which has been consistently denied by the committee for a variety of reasons, including the 1983 Annual Conference statement that covenantal relationships between homosexual persons is "unacceptable."

The query that is being sent to Standing Committee also notes that "many in the church believe it is an issue of justice that the ministries of BMC be granted exhibit space alongside their sisters and brothers in the church, while many others believe it contradicts scriptural teaching to grant that space." It also states that the Program and Arrangements Committee "believes it is inappropriate and irresponsible for P&AC to make a decision that should be made by the church as a whole."

In its response to BMC regarding its decision about this year’s exhibit application, the Program and Arrangements Committee said, "We appreciate your efforts to plan an exhibit that honors the 1983 Annual Conference Statement on Human Sexuality. The concerns you wish to help the church address regarding treating lgbt (lesbian, gay bisexual, transgender) people with respect and protecting them from violence are extremely important. At the same time, we are deeply concerned, as we have said in previous communications, that the exhibit hall is not the venue that can help our denomination enter into conversation about the issues of homosexuality, an issue which causes such passionate divisiveness in our denomination.

"We wish to move forward in seeking to bring before the denomination the need for dialogue about the church’s response to homosexual persons," the response continued. "We strongly believe that the church as a whole must work on these issues and that it is inappropriate and irresponsible for our committee to make a decision which will be interpreted by each side in this debate as either favoring or opposing its partisan interests. Therefore, we have decided to put BMC’s application for exhibit space on hold, while we ask Standing Committee to consider the...query."

Also on the agenda of the Program and Arrangements Committee’s meeting was a tour of the facilities for the 300th Anniversary Annual Conference, July 12-16, 2008, in Richmond’s Coliseum and Convention Center. The site provides ample space for both the Brethren Church and the Church of the Brethren to have both separate and joint sessions. The committee received a report from the Joint Anniversary Committee (JAC) that met earlier in the same week at Richmond. The JAC is arranging for a major service project within the city of Richmond for Monday, July 14, as a way of honoring Brethren commitment to service in the local community. It is anticipated that 1,000 conference attendees from both denominations may take part. The committee also encourages conferencegoers to bring canned goods to the Conference, which will be collected for a local food bank.

The Program and Arrangements Committee and the Joint Anniversary Committee have agreed that the combined denominational worship services on Sunday and Wednesday, July 13 and 16, will begin at 9:30 a.m. Sunday afternoon there will be an educational opportunity for all attendees, including 30 heritage sessions. The John Kline Riders, with their equine friends, will also make an appearance on Sunday. Sunday’s events will climax with an evening event focusing on mission efforts of the two denominations.

In other actions, the Program and Arrangements Committee updated position description for the Conference coordinators of children’s and youth activities; updated guidelines for meals and other special events to allow musical and other groups to sell products at the events, with the permission of the committee; decided to restrict the delegate packet at Conference to items only relating to the business agenda; decided to revise the next bound Conference minute book to include only four years of minutes instead of five; considered ideas for marketing future Conferences; decided that it is not feasible to have a love feast that would include every conferencegoer; and heard a positive report from the Association of Brethren Caregivers indicating that the spiritual growth tract of the Passport to Wellness will be expanded for the 2008 Conference.

--Fred Swartz is the secretary of the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference.

Source: 11/21/2007 Newsline

Brethren workcamp ministry experiences successful expansion.

An expansion of the workcamp ministry of the Church of the Brethren General Board has been very successful, according to coordinator Steve Van Houten. This past summer, the ministry involved about 875 participants in a total of 37 workcamps that took place across the US and internationally.

"We really jumped into it this year," Van Houten said. The most workcamps held in previous years was in 2005, when 26 events involved about 650 people. Another aspect of the expansion was the number of workcamps offered for different age groups, from junior high through youth to young adults, to intergenerational events that also involved older adults. The workcamp ministry also offered "custom" workcamps for congregations that could send a large enough group to hold a workcamp by themselves (at regular workcamps only a third of participants can come from the same church). Also new this year was the widest variety of locations ever offered.

"It was a very positive year, from the youth who responded," Van Houten said, adding that, "the adult leadership that stepped up and came on board was wonderful."

New locations offered the opportunity to partner with Brethren camps, including Camp Mardela in Maryland and Camp Wilbur Stover in Idaho, and with Brethren Disaster Ministries at the Hurricane Katrina rebuilding sites in the Gulf coast. Other new locations included a home building site in an Appalachian area in southeastern Kentucky with Homes, Inc., which saw the largest single group this summer with 52 participants. Five workcamps were held in the Caribbean including the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, and St. Croix in the Virgin Islands. Other international workcamps were held in Mexico and Guatemala.

The responses from those receiving the service of workcampers signaled success to Van Houten. "People are amazed that the youth workcampers will pay to come to work," he said. Community members always want to know why the youth are there, he said.

Van Houten described a conversation on St. Croix with a Muslim man who managed the lumberyard that supplied materials for the workcamp. "He scratched his head," Van Houten recalled. "He said, are these bad kids doing community service? I explained these are good kids who want to be here. He struggled to understand.... He said, your kids come here and do things for people who aren’t even neighbors, this is amazing."

At the end of the conversation, the manager insisted on giving Van Houten a hug, instead of a simple handshake, saying, "We are brothers."

Another unmistakeable sign of success for Van Houten came during a "custom" intergenerational workcamp held for Plymouth (Ind.) Church of the Brethren in Keyser, W.Va. Ages ranged from the teens to the mid-70s. "Those 26 people will always have a bond that they wouldn’t have otherwise," Van Houten said. He had asked the adults to take the role of mentors, to share their knowledge and skills with the youth, and encouraged the youth to be the ones actually doing most of the work. The youth responded with affirmation, he said, even expressing the wish that their grandparents and parents would spend that kind of time with them. "Work-wise we might not have gotten quite as much done," Van Houten said, "but I think in the end they all saw the benefit."

Van Houten has resigned as coordinator for the program as of the end of the year, to return to pastoral ministry. Jeanne Davies begins in mid-January as fulltime coordinator. Sharon Flaten and Jerry O'Donnell are working with the ministry as Brethren Volunteer Service workers.

The General Board will offer 26 workcamps next summer, 2008, on the theme "Strengthen My Hands" (Nehemiah 6:9). Locations will include the Brethren Disaster Ministries rebuilding projects on the Gulf coast; the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md.; the Dominican Republic (co-sponsored by the Brethren Revival Fellowship); Roanoke, Va.; Richmond, Va.; Ashland, Ohio; Baltimore, Md.; Indianapolis, Ind.; Harrisburg, Pa.; Idaho; Broadway, Va.; Castaner, P.R.; Neon, Ky.; Kyle, S.D.; the eastern shore of Maryland; Keyser, W.Va.; Chicago, Ill.; St. Croix; Reynosa, Mexico; and North Fort Myers, Fla.

For a 2008 brochure contact cobworkcamps_gb@brethren.org or 800-323-8039, or go to www.brethrenworkcamps.org for more information. Registration for the 2008 workcamps begins online at www.brethrenworkcamps.org as of 12:01 a.m. (central time) on Jan. 3.

Source: 11/21/2007 Newsline

Womaen's Caucus to focus on next 300 years in 2008.

The Church of the Brethren Womaen's Caucus Steering Committee met recently in Fort Wayne, Ind., for three days of meetings. Two new members, Jill Kline and Peg Yoder, joined the committee that includes Audrey deCoursey, Jan Eller, Carla Kilgore, and Deb Peterson.

The business addressed by the committee included planning for a booth at the 2008 Annual Conference, incorporating the Conference theme for the Womaen’s Caucus as "Women's Empowerment in the Future Church." It was decided to focus the booth on the next 300 years, rather than reflecting on the past 300 years.

The group planned future issues of the journal, "Femailings." The next issue will be published in February and will focus on ministries of women. The committee also discussed sisterhood as ministry and how women are supporting one another. Ways to reach out to younger women was reflected on, noting that the Womaen's Caucus blog and new website are positive steps in that direction. In addition, the group is planning feminist worship resources including liturgy, prayers, and hymns for congregations to use for a once-a-year service honoring women. Meeting time also included worship and singing.

Terms for current members were clarified and it was noted that the Womaen's Caucus is currently looking for a new editor for "Femailings," as editor Deb Peterson's term in office expires in July. Anyone interested in this position should contact the Womaen’s Caucus at wcaucus@hotmail.com.

--Deb Peterson is a member of the Womaen’s Caucus Steering Committee and editor of "Femailings."

Source: 11/21/2007 Newsline