NEWS

• Seven students graduate from ministry training programs.
  
• Brethren tackle growing projects for Foods Resource Bank.
  
• Assessment team travels to Sudan in preparation for new mission.
  
• Brethren grants support disaster relief and hunger relief efforts.
  
• Brethren Disaster Ministries makes a difference in Gulf coast.
  
• Brethren bits: Personnel, job opening, Caring Ministries, and more.

PERSONNEL

• Lead team of mission workers is named for Sudan mission.

NEWSLINE EXTRA: UPCOMING EVENTS

• Churches invited to sponsor public prayer on International Day of Prayer for Peace.
  
• Shane Hipps to lead workshops on faith in a media culture.
  
• 300th anniversary update: Registration opens for Germantown event, academic conference.
  
• 300th anniversary bits and pieces.
  
• Anniversary is celebrated with a 300-day wellness challenge.

Seven students graduate from ministry training programs.

At the 2007 Annual Conference of the Church of the Brethren in Cleveland, Ohio, five Training in Ministry (TRIM) and two Education for Shared Ministry (EFSM) students were recognized for completing their programs.

"We ask God's blessing on these servant leaders as they minister to others in the name of Jesus," said an announcement in the newsletter of the Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership, a ministry training partnership of the Church of the Brethren General Board and Bethany Theological Seminary.

TRIM graduates are Ruth Aukerman of Union Bridge (Md.) Church of the Brethren; Ronald Bashore of Mount Wilson Church of the Brethren in Lebanon, Pa.; Carol Mason, a member of the staff of the General Board’s Congregational Life Teams; Martha Shaak of Palmyra (Pa.) Church of the Brethren; and Richard Troyer of Middlebury (Ind.) Church of the Brethren.

EFSM graduates are Philip Adams of Independence (Kan.) Church of the Brethren, and Jeremy Dykes of Jackson Park Church of the Brethren in Jonesborough, Tenn.

The academy announced 2008 new student orientation dates: Feb. 28-March 2, and June 23-26.

Source: 7/18/2007 Newsline

Brethren tackle growing projects for Foods Resource Bank.

The Church of the Brethren is cultivating 17 growing projects for the Foods Resource Bank this season. The church relates to the Foods Resource Bank through the Global Food Crisis Fund of the Church of the Brethren General Board.

Sponsoring groups include 24 congregations, a camp, and a retirement community. Nine congregational sponsors are new to the program. The projects are located in nine states. In two ventures--Reno-McPherson County in Kansas, and Grossnickle/Hagerstown/Welty/Harmony in Maryland-the harvest is winter wheat, a first among Brethren growing projects. Another first for Brethren this season are fields of popcorn, the growing project of the Cherry Grove, Dixon, and Lanark congregations in Illinois.

In six of the projects, Brethren have enlisted neighboring churches from other communions as partners. The partners include United Presbyterian, United Methodist, Church of God, United Church of Christ, Lutheran, and independent churches.

--Howard Royer is manager of the Global Food Crisis Fund for the General Board.

Source: 7/18/2007 Newsline

Assessment team travels to Sudan in preparation for new mission.

Progress is being made on two fronts for Church of the Brethren ministry in Sudan. In addition to the naming of a lead team of mission workers (see personnel notice below), an assessment team is currently traveling in Sudan.

The assessment team of Enten Eller, director of distributed education and electronic communication at Bethany Theological Seminary, and Phil and Louise Rieman, co-pastors of Northview Church of the Brethren in Indianapolis, is assessing three different areas of the country to prepare for a decision about where the Brethren will begin work.

"Each area holds great need and great promise," said Brad Bohrer, director of the Sudan mission. "We will be sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ with the people of southern Sudan, addressing the physical, spiritual, and relational needs of those we serve." The itinerary and daily blogs of the assessment team can be found at www.sudan.brethren.org.

The Sudan mission initiative is a new approach to mission by the Church of the Brethren General Board. It is a fully self-funded program, with all financial support coming through specified donations to the program and to the people serving as mission workers.

--Janis Pyle is coordinator of Mission Connections for the Church of the Brethren General Board.

Source: 7/18/2007 Newsline

Brethren grants support disaster relief and hunger relief efforts.

Thirteen recent grants from the Emergency Disaster Fund and the Global Food Crisis Fund total $153,500. Both funds are ministries of the Church of the Brethren General Board. The grants support disaster relief and hunger relief in Indonesia, China, Chad, Congo, India, Mozambique, New Orleans, the northeast United States, and the area of Greensburg, Kan., and give support to the Foods Resource Bank and the Africa Initiative of Church World Service (CWS).

A grant of $40,000 from the Global Food Crisis Fund continues support for the Africa Initiative launched by CWS in 2004. The four-year program develops innovative and sustainable strategies in the areas of hunger and poverty relief, solutions for the displaced, work against HIV and AIDS, peace building, and water for life. The grant supports ongoing work especially in the area of hunger and poverty relief, and water for life.

The Emergency Disaster Fund has given two grants to flood response in Indonesia. A grant of $29,000 responds to a CWS appeal for the North Sumatra Province, where many people remain in camps six months after the flooding, supporting the distribution of health kits and longterm activities to supply water, sanitation, and shelter. A grant of $7,500 responds to flooding in Manggarai District, where the money will help provide relief to 595 households in two phases: a "crisis phase" in which health kits, blankets, and high-energy biscuits are distributed, and a "post-crisis phase" in which CWS provides tools, seed, water, and disaster preparedness training.

A CWS appeal for water projects in the Aceh province of Indonesia is supported by an allocation of $10,000 from the Global Food Crisis Fund. The money will help clean wells and transport water to distribution points, as well as install water purification units and construct latrines.

An allocation of $12,000 from the Emergency Disaster Fund follows a CWS appeal for emergency relief operation for internally displaced people in Chad, because of the "spill-over" effects of the violent conflict in neighboring Darfur, Sudan. The funds will help with sanitation and hygiene as well as community service activities and preparation for psycho-social care.

A grant of $10,000 from the Emergency Disaster Fund is going to the St. Joseph Rebuild Center in New Orleans, La. The allocation supports the opening of the center at St. Joseph’s Church to help meet the needs of migrant day laborers and others who are homeless.

The sum of $10,000 from the Emergency Disaster Fund responds to a CWS appeal for the Democratic Republic of Congo, where decades of violence have displaced millions of people, and weather and disease threatens food security. The funds will assist with food, seeds, and plastic sheeting, as well as the rehabilitation of wells, schools, and clinics.

A $10,000 allocation from the Global Food Crisis Fund is giving operational support to the Foods Resource Bank.

An allocation of $7,500 from the Emergency Disaster Fund responds to a CWS appeal following a large earthquake in China’s Yunan province. The funds will support relief and recovery efforts, including the rebuilding of homes, irrigation systems, and schools, and distribution of rice, quilts, and plastic sheeting for tents.

A $5,000 grant from the Emergency Disaster Fund responds to a CWS appeal following flooding and tornados on the east coast and the northeast United States. The funds help support deployment of Disaster Response and Recovery Liaisons emergency shipments.

A grant of $5,000 from the Emergency Disaster Fund supports the work of Eden Valley Church of the Brethren, which has set up a recovery committee to address needs of tornado survivors in their county. The county is in the area affected by a set of powerful tornados that also destroyed the town of Greensburg, Kan. The funds will provide building materials for those needing assistance.

An allocation of $5,000 from the Emergency Disaster Fund goes to a CWS appeal following damaging flooding in southern India. The grant will support relief efforts of a feeding program, distribution of blankets, and school repairs.

The sum of $2,500 from the Emergency Disaster Fund responds to a CWS appeal for a child-focused campaign to benefit the families of children most affected when an arsenal of obsolete munitions exploded in Maputo, Mozambique. With more than 100 people dead and 400 injured, funds will support an estimated 60 children and their families who have been rendered disabled, or whose homes have been damaged or destroyed.

Source: 7/18/2007 Newsline

Brethren Disaster Ministries makes a difference in Gulf coast.

Brethren Disaster Ministries (formerly Brethren Disaster Response) is making a difference following Hurricane Katrina, reports coordinator Jane Yount. In a recent report, she released figures for the number of volunteers, work days, and homes that have been repaired or rebuilt by this program of the Church of the Brethren General Board, following the disastrous hurricane in the Gulf Coast region.

"Since Hurricane Katrina made landfall nearly two years ago, Brethren Disaster Ministries has been actively involved with longterm recovery. Putting their faith into action, volunteers are making the difference!" Yount reported.

She release the following summary of statistics for the four current repair and rebuilding sites, as of May 31: In Lucedale, Miss., 744 volunteers have given 4,577 workdays, repairing and rebuilding homes for 79 families. In Pearl River, La., 330 volunteers have donated 2,271 workdays, completing major repairs to 10 homes thus far. In McComb, Miss., 214 volunteers have served for 1,265 workdays, helping 36 families with cleanup and repairs. In Chalmette, La., 116 volunteers have shared their time and skills for 1,324 workdays, assisting 23 families in this hard-hit area.

"Our work at the two Mississippi projects has been nearly accomplished," Yount added. "We will be shutting down the Lucedale project at the end of June and the McComb project in early August. Our warmest thanks to all for making these projects possible!"

In other disaster response news, Material Resources (formerly Service Ministries) recently made the following international shipments: two containers of health kits, toothpaste, and blankets to Bolivia for Church World Service (CWS); a shipment of 374 bales of quilts to Armenia, for Lutheran World Relief and International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC); a 40-foot container of health kits to Romania, in a cooperative shipment by CWS and IOCC; a 40-foot-high cube container holding 36,704 pounds of donated medical supplies and equipment to the Republic of Congo, for Interchurch Medical Assistance; a container of CWS blankets, baby kits, plastic jugs, and children’s kits to the Dominican Republic; four 40-foot containers of clothing, sweaters, coats, blankets, quilts, sewing kits, school kits, and health and layettes soap weighing 150,361 pounds to Niger on behalf of Lutheran World Relief; a 40-foot container to Guatemala of Lutheran health and school kits; and two 40-foot containers shipped to Peru on behalf of Lutheran World Relief.

Domestic shipments have included an airlift on behalf of CWS of 23 cartons of health kits to Montgomery, Ala., for tornado and flood survivors; 45 emergency cleanup buckets to flood and tornado survivors in Savannah, Mo., on behalf of CWS; health kits for migrant workers in Syracuse, New York; blankets and health kits shipped to Des Moines, Iowa; health kits shipped to Dubuque, Iowa; blankets and health kits for Albuquerque, N.M.; blankets sent to Pine Ridge, S.D.; and flood response shipments of health kits to Austin, Texas, health kits and cleanup buckets to Coffeyville, Kan., and school and health kits to Independence, Kan.

Donations of kits were picked up from Maine to Virginia during several weeks on behalf of Material Resources by Ken Bragg and Max Price--the trucks traveled 4,210 miles picking up 63,978 pounds of kits.

Source: 7/18/2007 Newsline

Brethren bits: Personnel, job opening, Caring Ministries, and more.

• The dining services at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md., has welcomed Elena Cutsail as a summer worker. Cutsail is a high school junior, and is enrolled in the Culinary Arts program at the Carroll County (Md.) Career Center.
  
  
• The Church of the Brethren General Board seeks a fulltime salaried staff person to fill a new position: Congregational Life Team, Intercultural Ministries. Primary responsibilities will be congregational, district, and denominational resourcing, consultation, leadership development, and networking in intercultural ministries. Other functions include planning, developing, and implementing intercultural events and training; sharing in development of work objectives based on priorities established by the General Board; serving as a bridge between the board and its staff, and districts and congregations; serving as a voice for intercultural ministries to the board; availability to consult with leaders in intercultural church planting efforts; cooperating, coordinating, and collaborating as needed in the Congregational Life Team and other work relationships. Required skills, knowledge, and experience include knowledge of Church of the Brethren heritage, theology, and polity; ability to articulate and operate out of the vision of the General Board; intercultural understanding and competency; interpersonal skills that contribute to effective work with the Congregational Life Team, congregations, and districts; computer aptitude and experience; five or more years of participation in intercultural ministries or experiences with experience developing and implementing program and the ability to build relational bridges between established and emerging groups; and ability to communicate in written and oral forms. Bilingual skills are preferred. A bachelor’s degree is required; a master’s degree in a related field is preferred. Travel across the denomination will be required. The position begins Sept. 17. The application deadline is Aug. 15. To apply, complete the General Board application form, submit a resume and letter of application, and request three references to send letters of recommendation to the Office of Human Resources, Church of the Brethren General Board, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120-1694; 800-323-8039 ext. 258; kkrog_gb@brethren.org.
  
  
• Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS) has announced the start of its summer orientation, July 22-Aug. 10 at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md. This will be the 275th orientation unit for BVS and will consist of 16 volunteers. The unit will spend three weeks exploring project possibilities and topics of community building, peace and social justice, faith sharing, diversity training, and more. The volunteers also will have the opportunity for several work days, both in the area of New Windsor and in Baltimore, Md. A BVS potluck will be held as part of the orientation, on Saturday, July 28, at 6 p.m. at Union Bridge (Md.) Church of the Brethren. All who are interested are welcome at the potluck, to meet new BVS volunteers and to share about experiences of volunteering. For more information contact the BVS office at 800-323-8039.
  
  
• On July 9 two summer workcamp groups were hosted at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill. One group of 28 was a joint workcamp from East Chippewa Church of the Brethren and Smithville Ashland Brethren Church in northern Ohio. A second group of 19 was one of the national youth workcamps sponsored by the Church of the Brethren General Board, with participants from across the denomination. The two groups enjoyed tours of the General Offices and the Brethren Historical Library and Archives, talked with a number of staff persons, and ate a cook-out lunch. The group of 19 also did its work project at the offices, including planting trees, cement repair work on a stone wall on the front terrace, and unloading boxes returning from the exhibit hall and the book store at the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference in Cleveland, Ohio.
  
  
• Church of the Brethren members interested in attending the Caring Ministries Assembly sponsored by the Association of Brethren Caregivers (ABC) in September can register for the full conference at the rate of $125 until Aug. 1. After that date, the fee increases to $150. Single-day registration also is available. The Sept. 6-8 conference about "Being Family: Reality and Renewal," will be held at Lititz (Pa.) Church of the Brethren. ABC sponsors the biennial conference for deacons, pastors, chaplains, and those interested in family life ministry. Register at www.brethren.org/abc/cma/cma_07/index.html. A video of keynote presenter David H. Jensen is available at www.brethren.org/abc/cma/cma_07/keynote.html.
  
  
• Pipe Creek Church of the Brethren in Union Bridge, Md., is beginning planning for its 250th anniversary next year. The church invites anyone who has been part of the congregation over the year to an all-day celebration on Sept. 28, 2008. The congregation also wants to contact Brethren Volunteer Service workers who attended Pipe Creek while training or serving at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md. Contact Gertrude Robertson, 122 N. Main St., Union Bridge, MD 21791; 410-775-7357.
  
  
• Northern Ohio District holds its 2007 district conference on July 27-29 at Ashland (Ohio) University on the theme, "Faith Is in the Following," from Mark 10:35-45. The moderator will be Larry Bradley, pastor of Reading Church of the Brethren. The conference will include worship services led by the Senior Performing Arts Camp and the Junior Performing Arts Camp, pastor William Brown of Marvelous Light Ministries in Canton, and moderator Bradley. Business items include a recommendation to grant fellowship status to Faith in Action of Toledo, a 2008 district budget, a district leadership ballot, affirmation of Manchester College trustees, "Conversations on Being the District," and district and denominational reports. A silent auction will benefit the Peace Endowment Fund. In response to Church World Service (CWS) appeals to replenish the supply of Gift of the Heart Kits for disaster relief around the world, the Mission and Social Action Commission and the District Disaster Coordinator are sponsoring a truck to receive donations of kits.
  
  
• The annual Heritage Scramble Golf Tournament hosted by Middle Pennsylvania District and Camp Blue Diamond will be held on Aug. 14 at Iron Masters Country Club in Roaring Spring, Pa. Registration begins at 11:30-12:30 p.m. and start time is 1 p.m. A banquet will follow at Albright Church of the Brethren in Roaring Spring at 6:15 p.m. Cost is $60 per person and includes 18 holes, cart, dinner, and prizes. Registration deadline is Aug. 1 or until the limit of 120 golfers is met. Contact Middle Pennsylvania District at 814-643-0601 or Camp Blue Diamond at 814-667-2355.
  
  
• Camp Bethel in Fincastle, Va., holds its 13th Annual Benefit Golf Tournament and Banquet on Aug. 22 at Botetourt Country Club. Tee off is at 12:45 p.m. with a "shotgun start." The fee of $65 per person includes green fees, team photo, cart, and dinner at camp ($15 for dinner only). Mulligans are sold at the course for $5 each. Prizes also will be awarded. "Assemble your dream team for a day of fun on the greens while supporting the ministries of Camp Bethel," invited the camp newsletter. For more information go to www.campbethelvirginia.org/golf.htm.
  
  
• Camp Alexander Mack in Milford, Ind., is sponsoring two golf "fun"draisers in 2007. The first was held at Sycamore Golf Club at North Manchester, Ind., on May 12. The second is scheduled for Maxwelton Golf Course at Syracuse, Ind., on Aug. 11, with registration at 7 a.m. and a shot-gun start at 8 a.m. The event will "help us meet the increasingly large challenge of providing camper scholarships to those who would otherwise be unable to experience the sanctuary of camp. Let us work together to make a difference in the life of a child," said the Northern Indiana District newsletter. Contact the camp office for a registration form, at 574-658-4831 or rex@campmack.org.
  
  
• Manchester College in North Manchester, Ind., has announced that J. Bentley Peters will continue his service on the board of trustees with honorary status. Peters has served as a representative of the Church of the Brethren’s Illinois and Wisconsin District and as a trustee-at-large. He is one of two longtime board members and former chairs of the board who are returning as honorary members, along with William N. Harper of Scottsdale, Ariz. Both will serve in an ongoing advisory role, and are invited to participate in board meetings and discussions in a nonvoting capacity. Peters is a 1962 religion and philosophy graduate of the college, a retired senior vice president of Mutual Aid Exchange, and owner of a consulting company. For more go to www.manchester.edu.
  
  
• Fahrney-Keedy Home and Village, a Church of the Brethren retirement center near Boonsboro, Md., hosts its 3rd Annual Heritage Festival on Aug. 4 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. The event is free to the public. This year’s entertainment includes Classic Cars with a Disc Jockey, the 61st Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry Regiment Civil War Living History, craft vendors, a petting zoo from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., a scrap booking table, and a book signing by local author Catherine Reese. The event also will include a chicken barbeque, bake sale, fresh produce, and food vendors. For more information or to volunteer, sponsor, or participate as a vendor in the festival contact Mike Leiter, director of Marketing and Development, at 301-671-5015.
  
  
• A new DVD resource on Sudan produced by the National Council of Churches (NCC) includes three short contemplative videos of "Prayers for Sudan" by Church of the Brethren staff member Janis Pyle, coordinator of Mission Connections for the General Board. The video from the NCC’s Program Committee on Education and Mission is titled, "Touch the World, Touch Sudan," and contains prayers, stories, and factual updates on the situation in Sudan and the situation of Sudanese refugees. The material on the DVD may be downloaded from www.ncccusa.org/missioneducation/sudan/touch_sudan.htm. Order the DVD from the Education and Leadership Ministries Commission, 475 Riverside Dr., Suite 812, New York, NY 10115; or contact Janis Pyle at 800-323-8039.
  
  
• The Faith and Order Commission of the National Council of Churches (NCC) is celebrating its 50th anniversary this summer with an eye on the next generation of theological leaders, according to a release. The commission has launched an online electronic journal written and edited by younger theologians and judged by senior scholars. The journal was developed by R. Keelan Downton, postdoctoral fellow with Faith and Order, in conjunction with staff, members of the commission, and colleagues from the World Council of Churches. An editorial board from a broad range of Christian traditions has been instrumental in reviewing submissions and constructing a comprehensive evaluation process. Access to the articles is free at www.ncccusa.org/faithandorder/journals/newhorizons/. The commission will celebrate its 50th anniversary at Oberlin, Ohio, from July 19-23 (www.ncccusa.org/faithandorder/oberlin2007/).
  
  
• Gearing up for a heavier than usual influx of refugees over the next three months, Church World Service (CWS) refugee service affiliates in several states are looking to congregations for help in welcoming the newcomers, according to a recent CWS press release. For the whole US Refugee Program, that means as many as 25,000 arrivals in three months toward a fiscal year 2007 total of 50,000. For CWS, that could mean between 600 to 700 refugees arriving each month, double the monthly average so far this year. The majority will be ethnic Karen and Chin Burmese and Africans, a significant number of them "1972 Burundians." The 1972 Burundians are refugees, primarily Hutus, who fled widespread ethnic violence in Burundi in 1972 and have been in refugee camps ever since. CWS is one of 10 agencies that work with the Department of State to resettle refugees in the US. For more information and to locate local CWS offices by state, go to www.churchworldservice.org/Immigration/index.html.
  
  
• As the longterm recovery work continues in response to the tsunami in South Asia, Interchurch Medical Assistance (IMA) World Health has announced that it is designating its remaining donated funds to support rebuilding and rehabilitation projects. The program’s initial response provided emergency medicines and medical supplies at the request of Church World Service (CWS), Lutheran World Relief, and other disaster relief agencies. Emergency medical products are no longer needed, IMA said, but CWS continues to support reconstruction activities. The IMA program has provided $35,000 to CWS for its work, and $100,000 to Church's Auxiliary for Social Action in India for similar rehabilitation and rebuilding projects.
  
  
• Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT) has announced a delegation to investigate and challenge use and manufacture of depleted uranium munitions. The Church of the Brethren General Board on June 30 issued a resolution against the use of depleted uranium weaponry, in partnership with the work of CPT and the World Council of Churches (see the Newsline of July 4). The delegation is scheduled for Oct. 26-Nov. 4 starting in Jonesborough, Tenn., the location of one of the main production facilities in the US. Delegates will meet with government officials and people affected by the weapons, including military veterans, hospital administrators, and plant employees. The delegation also will organize and carry out a nonviolent public witness. Delegates arrange their own transportation to Knoxville or Jonesborough, Tenn., and raise $300 to cover on-ground travel, two meals a day, simple accommodations, and honorariums and delegation fees. Delegates should have plans to share about the trip upon return to their home communities and congregations. For more information or to apply, go to www.cpt.org or contact CPT, P.O. Box 6508, Chicago, IL 60680; 773-277-0253; delegations@cpt.org. 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.
  
  
• Church of the Brethren members Emily Young and Melanie Blevins are among four young adults who are working this summer in the southern Sudanese community of Nimule, through the New Community Project. The team also includes Sophie Beya and Ian Christie. The Sudan Council of Churches invited the volunteers and is coordinating their work, according to project director David Radcliff. The group arrived in Sudan in early June. Their work includes teaching in six schools, providing carpentry training, strengthening a sports program for children, organizing a human rights club, and giving teacher training workshops.

Source: 7/18/2007 Newsline

Lead team of mission workers is named for Sudan mission.

The lead team of mission workers has been named for the Church of the Brethren’s Sudan mission initiative. The team includes Jim and Pam Hardenbrook of Caldwell, Idaho, and Matt and Kristy Messick of Salida, Colo.

Jim Hardenbrook has been pastor of Nampa (Idaho) Church of the Brethren for the past 15 years, and served as moderator of the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference in 2005. He also served as interim director of the Sudan Initiative in 2006. Pam Hardenbrook is senior content developer for Axiom Inc., a technical writing company, and has been involved with Children’s Disaster Services, a Church of the Brethren ministry serving children following disasters. The Hardenbrooks both hold bachelor’s degrees in Bible studies from Puget Sound Christian College in Everett, Wash., and Jim Hardenbrook received a master of ministry degree from Northwest Nazarene University in Nampa.

Kristy Messick holds a bachelor’s degree in international development from the University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada, and a nursing degree from the University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Matt Messick is employed as lead field engineer for Haseldon Construction Co. His bachelor’s degree was in construction engineering technology from Pennsylvania State University. The Messicks served together as teachers at the Comprehensive Secondary School in Mubi, Nigeria, which is related to Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria (EYN--the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria). They also have been mission volunteers in Nicaragua and Burkina Faso. They are the parents of Jonah, age two-and-a-half, and Micah, age one.

The two couples are in the process of securing funding, transitioning from their current employment, and being oriented for two-year placements in Sudan. They are scheduled for placement in Sudan in Jan. 2008.

The Sudan mission initiative is a new approach to mission by the Church of the Brethren General Board. It is a fully self-funded program, with all financial support coming through specified donations to the program and to the people serving as mission workers.

Source: 7/18/2007 Newsline

Churches invited to sponsor public prayer on International Day of Prayer for Peace.

The Brethren Witness/Washington Office and On Earth Peace are calling on congregations to organize prayer events as part of the World Council of Churches (WCC) International Day of Prayer for Peace on Sept. 21. The Brethren Witness/Washington Office is a ministry of the Church of the Brethren General Board. On Earth Peace is an agency rooted in the Church of the Brethren, empowering people to discern the things that make for peace.

Sept. 21, 2007, marks the fourth observance of the WCC-sponsored International Day of Prayer for Peace, which joins the 25-year commitment by the United Nations to an International Day of Peace. Churches are invited to plan prayer meetings, vigils, or other events that focus on concerns about violence in their own communities and around the world, and that lift up God's promise of shalom and healing for all people.

On Earth Peace and the Brethren Witness/Washington Office have jointly announced a goal of at least 40 vigils or public prayer meetings sponsored by Brethren congregations. It is hoped that at least half of those events will be cosponsored with ecumenical or interfaith partners, inviting fellow Christian denominations and movements to join with this effort for prayer and peacemaking. Participants are invited to ask God for vision and insight about how to address violence, laying the groundwork for faithful engagement and collaboration to overcome evil with good (Romans 12:21).

"The idea of linking the world in prayer is awesome, whether it is a moment at noon praying, 'May Peace Prevail,' or a 24-hour vigil. It's truly exhilarating!" said Lois Clark, Decade to Overcome Violence organizer for the Northern Indiana District of the Church of the Brethren.

A Source mailing at the beginning of August will include a bulletin insert about the International Day of Prayer for Peace. For more information contact Mimi Copp, Church of the Brethren organizer for the International Day of Prayer for Peace, at 260-479-5087 or miminski@gmail.com. Find the International Day of Prayer for Peace website at http://overcomingviolence.org/en/about-dov/international-day-of-prayer-for-peace.

Source: 7/19/2007 Newsline Extra

Shane Hipps to lead workshops on faith in a media culture.

"Navigating the Technological Storm: Leadership and Faith in a Media-Drenched Culture" is the title of a pair of workshops scheduled for early November in Pennsylvania, to be presented by Shane Hipps. The workshops are offered on Nov. 2 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at Chambersburg (Pa.) Church of the Brethren, and on Nov. 3 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at Carlisle (Pa.) Church of the Brethren.

The events are sponsored jointly by the Church of the Brethren General Board’s Congregational Life Team, Area 1, along with Atlantic Northeast District, Mid-Atlantic District, Middle Pennsylvania District, Southern Pennsylvania District, Western Pennsylvania District, and the Susquehanna Valley Ministry Center.

Hipps is pastor of Trinity Mennonite Church in Phoenix, Ariz., and previously was a strategic planner in advertising who worked on a multimillion dollar communications plan for Porsche. He is a contributor to "Leadership Journal," host of a "Third-Way Faith" podcast on wiredparish.com, and author of "The Hidden Power of Electronic Culture: How Media Shapes Faith, the Gospel, and Church" (go to www.shanehipps.com). Hipps will speak on the broader impact of the electronic culture on the church.

"This is an event for pastors and laity concerned with the changing cultural realities and how we stay connected to the spiritual heritage of the Church of the Brethren," said an announcement of the workshops. "We live in a media-drenched culture, confronted with a legion of options for how to communicate, how to be more productive, and how to be entertained from blogs and Blackberrys to plasma screens and iPods. Nearly every aspect of culture and the church are altered by them.... Amid these perpetual changes, the challenge of leading God’s people has never been greater."

The individual registration fee is $35 for pastors, $25 for laity. An "early bird" group discount registration rate is offered for a church that sends a pastor and three or more laity, saving $5 per person. Register by Sept. 28 to receive the group discount. Registration includes the workshop, lunch, and .5 continuing education credit for pastors.

To register, go to www.brethren.org/genbd/clm/clt/ShaneHipps.html. For more information contact Stan Dueck, Congregational Life Team, Area 1, 717-335-3226, sdueck_gb@brethren.org.

Source: 7/19/2007 Newsline Extra

300th anniversary update: Registration opens for Germantown event, academic conference.

Registration has begun for the Opening Celebration of the 300th Anniversary on Sept. 15-16 at Germantown (Pa.) Church of the Brethren near Philadelphia; and for an academic conference titled "Honoring a Legacy, Embracing a Future: 300 Years of Brethren Heritage," sponsored by the Young Center for Anabaptist and Pietist Studies at Elizabethtown (Pa.) College on Oct. 11-13.

Opening Celebration, Germantown, Sept. 15-16:

Registration began July 4 and ends Aug. 31 for the opening celebration at the first Brethren meetinghouse in the Americas. Registration costs $10 per person or $20 per household. Find a registration brochure at www.churchofthebrethrenanniversary.org/germantown.html.

On the schedule for Saturday, Sept. 15, are a lunch prepared by the Germantown Church Women’s Fellowship, children’s activities, a historic simulation of crossing the Atlantic ocean, and a number of short afternoon presentations such as a Bible study on the anniversary scripture, a session of prayer, guided exploration of the Germantown Cemetery, a presentation of the current work and vision of Germantown Outreach Ministries, history sessions on the congregation and various aspects of Brethren history, music from contemporary Brethren cultures and Germantown members, a session on the Sauer Bible, a session on the Ephrata Cloister, a Youth Heritage Travel Team presentation, and a workshop on connections between Brethren, Mennonites, and Quakers. Saturday evening at 6:30-8 p.m. neighboring Coventry Church of the Brethren will hold a Historical Presentation and Hymn Sing.

On Sunday, Sept. 16, a worship service at 10 a.m. is planned by the Germantown congregation led by pastor Richard Kyerematen, with guest preacher Earl K. Ziegler, followed by a catered lunch. Afternoon worship at 2 p.m. will feature guest preacher Belita Mitchell, moderator of the 2007 Annual Conference, marking the opening of the anniversary year.

Organizers request attendees to register ahead of time, because space is limited at the Germantown church. They suggest that area congregations interested in attending may charter buses to help with the traffic situation. The Germantown event is planned by a joint group from the Germantown and Coventry congregations and the 300th Anniversary Committee: George Ansah, Marilyn Ansah, Jeff Bach, Karen Christophel, Sandy Christophel, Joseph Craddock, Norma Keith, Richard Kyerematen, and Lorele Yager.

Academic Conference, Elizabethtown College, Oct. 11-13:

Register by Sept. 7 to receive a discount for this national academic conference on the 300th anniversary of the Brethren movement, 1708-2008. The registration deadline is Sept. 20. Cost is $110. For schedule information and a registration form go to www.etown.edu/YoungCenter.aspx?topic=Brethren+Conference.

The conference will focus on the historical development and cultural life of the Church of the Brethren and related groups, featuring six plenary speakers and more than 20 additional presentations on the Brethren experience since 1708.

Plenary speakers are

• Carl Bowman, author of "Brethren Society" and director of the Brethren Member Profile 2006, a professor of sociology at Bridgewater (Va.) College and director of survey research at the University of Virginia's Institute for Advanced Studies in Culture;
  
  
• Chris Bucher, Carl W. Zeigler Professor of Religion at Elizabethtown College, currently serving a four-year term as dean of faculty, who has a special interest in Pietist readings of scripture;
  
  
• Stewart Hoover, professor of media studies at the University of Colorado at Boulder and a professor adjoint of Religious Studies and American Studies, with research interests in reception studies of media audiences and the related cultural implications;
  
  
• Richard T. Hughes, senior fellow in the Ernest L. Boyer Center and distinguished professor at Messiah College, who has written extensively on American political myths, the restoration impulse in Christian history, and scholarship in relation to Christian faith;
  
  
• Marcus Meier, teaching assistant in the theology department at Philipps-University Marburg, Germany, who in 2003 finished his doctoral dissertation about the beginnings of the Schwarzenau Brethren in Europe and currently is the recipient of a research award from the University at Halle/Saale; and
  
  
• Dale Stoffer, academic dean and professor of historical theology at Ashland Theological Seminary, who teaches in the fields of church history, theology, and Brethren, Anabaptist, and Pietist studies.

The Young Center advises that many hotels and motels in the area are already sold out for the nights of the conference because a large car show will be held on the same dates. Go to the website www.etown.edu/YoungCenter.aspx?topic=Brethren+Conference for lists of lodging options that are still available, or for a form to request lodging in the homes of church members.

Source: 7/19/2007 Newsline Extra

300th anniversary bits and pieces:

• A traditional love feast will be held at the Young Center on Oct. 13, at 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Jeff Bach will lead this Brethren service of communion that includes a time of self-examination, feetwashing, a love feast meal, and the bread and cup of communion. The service combines scripture readings, devotional commentary, and hymn singing, and will last approximately two hours. Registration is required for this event, which is separate from the academic conference sponsored by the Young Center. A freewill offering will be taken. To register, send an e-mail to brethren2007@etown.edu or call the Young Center at 717-361-1470. Include your name, phone number, e-mail address, and the time of the love feast service you would like to attend (4:30 or 7:30 p.m.). The registration deadline is Sept. 20.
  
  
• An inspirational DVD titled "FAITH ALIVE! Surrendered, Transformed, Empowered," tells stories of contemporary Brethren continuing the work of Jesus 300 years after the birth of the denomination. The video explores distinctive marks of Brethren faith, and profiles Brethren members who live their beliefs in ways that make a real difference, daily exemplifying the values of baptism, simplicity, peacemaking, service to others, respect for creation, and the need to share with others the good news of Jesus Christ. The video was written and produced by David Sollenberger, together with the 300th Anniversary Committee. The DVD is available from Brethren Press for $20 plus shipping and handling, call 800-441-3712.
  
  
• Michigan District 300th anniversary plans include a car pool tour of all the congregations in the district. A district-wide children’s class on Brethren beliefs is also being planned. District conferences in 2007 and 2008 will be devoted to the anniversary. Frank Ramirez is the speaker for 2007, and Tim Harvey is scheduled for 2008.
  
  
• The 300th Anniversary Committee has collected more information about tours being planned by individuals to coincide with the Brethren World Assembly on Aug. 3, 2008, in Schwarzenau, Germany. The list is not meant as endorsement of any tour, and the committee is not sponsoring any tours. More tours may be added to the list in the future. Brethren-related tours to Europe in the summer of 2008 are planned by: Jeff Bach, bachje@bethanyseminary.edu; Fred Bernhard, on July 26-Aug. 7, 800-658-7128, tours@ed-ventures.com, information at www.ed-ventures.com or from bernhfr@bethanyseminary.edu; Mark and Mary Jo Flory-Steury, on July 26-Aug. 9, 937-293-8585, mflorysteu@aol.com; Jim Hardenbrook, July 26-Aug. 7, 800-658-7128, tours@ed-ventures.com, information at www.ed-ventures.com or from jobrook@hughes.net; Gordon Hoffert, a Brethren minister who works at Ed-Ventures Inc., who is working with the Bernhard, Hardenbrook, and Jim Miller tours, contact 507-289-3332 or gordon@ed-ventures.com; Glen Kinsel, July 24-Aug. 4, 717-630-8433, hgkinsel@juno.com; Ken Kreider, July 29-Aug. 10, 717-367-7622, kreiderk@etown.edu; Jim Miller, July 26-Aug. 7, 800-658-7128, tours@ed-ventures.com, information at www.ed-ventures.com; Mike and Sondra Miller, July 26-Aug. 7, 937-687-3363, 1715 N. Clayton Rd., Brookville, OH 45309; Ted Rondeau, 574-268-1888 ext. 29, trondeau@gbim.org, P.O. Box 588, Winona Lake, IN 46590; and Dale Stoffer, 419-289-5161, dstoffer@ashland.edu, 910 Center St., Ashland, OH 44805.

Source: 7/19/2007 Newsline Extra

Anniversary is celebrated with a 300-day wellness challenge.

The Church of the Brethren Wellness Ministry has issued a 300-day wellness challenge as another way of celebrating the 300th anniversary of the Church of the Brethren, using Romans 12:1 as a theme scripture: "Therefore, I urge you...offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God--this is your spiritual act of worship."

The Wellness Ministry is a joint ministry of the Association of Brethren Caregivers, Brethren Benefit Trust, and the Church of the Brethren General Board, staffed by Mary Lou Garrison.

The "Anniversary Challenge" encourages Brethren to engage in exercise or other healthy activities on 300 days of the next year. The challenge was issued at the 2007 Annual Conference that ended July 4, and continues through next year’s anniversary Conference in Richmond, Va., on July 12-16, 2008.

"As part of our 300th Anniversary celebration, individuals and congregations are encouraged to take on the challenge to be fit for the journey as the Church of the Brethren," said Garrison on the challenge website. "Being well is a journey--of the body, mind, and soul. Each step takes us to new places of discovery about ourselves. As we exercise our freedom to make healthy choices in how we use our body, tend our soul, and enrich our mind, we draw closer to the Creator."

Those who attended the 2007 Conference and completed the "Passport to Wellness" activities received a "Fit for the Journey" t-shirt that featured a chart to mark off 300 days of participation. The same chart can be downloaded from www.brethren.org/abc/health/pdf/challenge_grid.pdf. Participants mark a square of the chart for each day they engage in a "good-for-you choice" of activity, then are invited to bring their completed chart to the Wellness Office exhibit at the 2008 Annual Conference.

"Keep in mind that the 300 days do not need to be consecutive and the more varied activities you mix in, the happier and healthier you’ll be!" said Garrison. "Post or hang your chart where you will see it and mark it daily, incorporating the challenge as part of your spiritual wellness and whole person development."

Brethren are invited to take the Anniversary Challenge as a personal goal, invite others to join in a supportive group, or use the challenge to promote healthy activities in a congregation or district. The website also offers sample wellness activities such as an annual physical, turning down dessert, eating a healthy snack, reading scripture, going on a family picnic, and taking a walk, among others. Also available is a bulletin insert about the Anniversary Challenge to help congregations promote the program.

Find the bulletin insert, the chart, and more information about the challenge at www.brethren.org/abc/health/challenge.html, where congregations and individuals also may register their activities and sign up to receive periodic notes of encouragement and a "mid-way check in."

Source: 7/19/2007 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. Mary Dulabaum, Dean Garrett, Matt Guynn, Vickie Johnson, Hannah Kliewer, Jon Kobel, Jeri S. Kornegay, Michael Leiter, Joan McGrath, Rhonda Pittman Gingrich, Janis Pyle, David Radcliff, Loretta Wolf, and Jane Yount contributed to this report.

NEWS

• Annual Conference 2007 makes history, addresses complex and lengthy business agenda.
  
• Annual Conference elections and appointments.
  
• Annual Conference bits and pieces.
  
• General Board sets budget parameter, gives 'first read' to recommendations for Brethren Service Center.
  
• Final building site at former Bethany Seminary location is sold.
  
• Grout calls young adults to enter into God's kingdom.
  
• Brethren bits: Correction, personnel, and more.

PERSONNEL

• Genelle Wine resigns as coordinator of orientation for BVS.

FEATURE

• Letter from Louisiana: We are the hands and feet of Christ.

Annual Conference 2007 makes history, addresses complex and lengthy business agenda.

Belita D. Mitchell, pastor of First Church of the Brethren in Harrisburg, Pa., has made history as the first African-American woman to serve as moderator of Annual Conference. "Jesus never intended the church to fail," she told the Conference when she preached on Sunday morning. "I don't believe declining membership is a part of his mission plan."

Delegates faced a lengthy and complex business agenda. In a leading item of business, the Conference approved phasing out the Brethren Medical Plan's medical insurance component for active ministers. The health insurance coverage will be phased out no sooner than Dec. 31, 2007. Brethren Benefit Trust (BBT) will work to assist ministers who are in the plan to find alternate coverage.

The decision came as delegates approved a report of the Brethren Medical Plan Study Committee appointed in 2005 by Annual Conference. BBT called for the study, announcing that the plan was in a "death spiral" of decreased membership, erosion of a good spread of risk, and increased health care costs and premiums.

The plan has offered health insurance for pastors, church employees, district employees, employees of Conference agencies and affiliated agencies and institutions, and their families.

The committee recommended BBT phase out medical insurance for ministers and retirees, while continuing to explore viability of the plan for agencies, which have 100 percent plan participation, and continuing to offer longterm disability, life, vision, and dental insurance.

The report was approved with two changes, that BBT include "members of the ministers' group who are currently retired or retire in the future and who are age 65 or older" as it explores viability of the plan for agency employees, and that BBT "mutually assist in finding" alternate medical coverage for current participants.

In addition to the Brethren Medical Plan, the following business was addressed:

• Intercultural Study Committee report: The report was adopted. Based on Revelation 7:9, the report engages the denomination in intentional steps to become intercultural. Changes are prescribed for all levels of the church, including making intercultural inclusion a part of vision statements, hiring processes, and continuing education for ministers and agency staff.
  
  
• Review and Evaluation Study Committee report: The Conference adopted the ten recommendation of the report. The first recommendation merges the General Board and the Association of Brethren Caregivers (ABC) into an entity called "The Church of the Brethren," with the new board also replacing the roles and functions of the General Board and the Annual Conference Council, uniting them into a single body. An amendment struck "USA" from the end of the name of the new entity. The recommendation also encourages On Earth Peace to join. The Conference named an implementation committee: the executives of the General Board, ABC, On Earth Peace, and Annual Conference, and elected members Gary Crim, John Neff, David Sollenberger.
  
  
• Doing Church Business Study Committee report: The report was received "as a resource and study information" and "as possible options for future Annual Conferences." The item was continued from 2006, after referral to the Program Feasibility Committee for study of the financial implications.
  
  
• Christian Churches Together: A recommendation that the Church of the Brethren become a full participant in Christian Churches Together (CCT) was approved.
  
  
• Query: Reverse Membership Trend: A lengthy recommendation from Standing Committee was adopted. The query called for solutions to declining membership in the church. The answer refers to the Great Commission, points to a 1981 study "Diminishing Membership in the Church of the Brethren," and recommends actions to be taken by congregations, districts, and church agencies.
  
  
• Query: Child Abuse Prevention: The query was referred to ABC.
  
  
• Query: Annual Conference Schedule: Concerns of the query, which was prompted by the financial burden of holding an annual meeting and the rise of new communication technology, were accepted and passed to the Conference leadership.
  
  
• Update to Annual Conference Polity: A recommendation for a change in location rotation for Conference, to increase attendance by holding the meeting more often in the east, nearer the center of Brethren population, was approved.
  
  
• Adjustment to the cash salary table for pastors: A 2.7 percent increase for 2008 was adopted, presented by the Pastoral Compensation and Benefits Advisory Committee. A group of ministers came forward during the committee's report to express concern about the phasing out of health insurance. Chair Linda Frey Barkdoll pledged the committee's support. "We would urge delegates and everyone present to support pastors and their families," she said. "It is critical that health insurance is offered."

Source: 07/04/2007 Newsline

Annual Conference elections and appointments.

Following are the elections and appointments made by the 2007 Annual Conference, listed by position:

Annual Conference Moderator-Elect: David K. Shumate

Annual Conference Secretary: Fred W. Swartz

Program and Arrangements Committee: Sarah B. Steele

Pastoral Compensation and Benefits Advisory Committee: Peter C. Kaltenbaugh Jr.

Committee on Interchurch Relations: James O. Eikenberry

Association of Brethren Caregivers: J. Colleen Michael. The appointments of Marilyn E. Bussey, Wayne T. Scott, James L. Tiffin, and Chris Whitacre were affirmed.

Bethany Theological Seminary, representing colleges: Carol A. Scheppard; representing clergy: Lisa L. Hazen. The appointments of Martha Farahat and Connie Rutt were affirmed.

Brethren Benefit Trust: Deborah E. Romary. The appointments of Janice Bratton and Ann Quay Davis were affirmed.

General Board, at large: Terrell Lewis. The appointments of Frances Townsend (Michigan District), Dan Petry (Northern Indiana District), and John Moyers (West Marva District) were affirmed.

On Earth Peace: Susan Chapman. The appointments of Doris Abdullah and Don Mitchell were affirmed.

Source: 07/04/2007 Newsline

Annual Conference bits and pieces:

Site: Cleveland (Ohio) Convention Center

Registration: 3,578 including 831 delegates and 2,747 nondelegates.

New congregations: Harvest Fellowship, Wabash, Ind.; Latino Community Brethren Church Fellowship, Fresno, Calif.; Community of Joy, Salisbury, Md.

Brethren Benefit Trust Fitness Challenge: Top finishers in the 5K walk/run were Jerry Crouse (male runner, 18:37), Katherine O' Donnell (female runner, 22:13), Don Shankster (male walker, 33:09), and Bev Anspaugh (female walker, 33:09).

Blood drive: Brethren gave 212 units of blood over three days.

Quilt auction: The auction of quilts, wall hangings, and an autographed 300th anniversary calendar raised $7,558.58 for hunger, sponsored by the Association for the Arts in the Church of the Brethren.

Annual Conference 2009: New dates of June 27-July 1, 2009, were announced for the Conference to be held in San Diego Calif.

Source: 07/04/2007 Newsline

General Board sets budget parameter, gives 'first read' to recommendations for Brethren Service Center.

At a pre-Annual Conference meeting in Cleveland, Ohio, the General Board set a budget parameter for 2008, gave a first reading to the report from a committee exploring ministry options at the Brethren Service Center, acted on a resolution against the use of depleted uranium weapons, acted on mission funding in Haiti, and received a report naming a lead team of mission workers for Sudan, among other business.

The 2008 budget parameter was set at $5,803,000 expense, and $5,892,000 income. In funding and finance reports, the board heard that although the agency experienced a good year financially in 2006, this year's giving to date has fallen about 9.2 percent.

The board engaged in a first read-through of a report from Brethren Service Center Ministry Options Exploration Committee, presented by chair Dale Minnich. A final report and recommendations will come to the board for action in October. The report makes a foundational recommendation for the center in New Windsor, Md.: "That the Brethren Service Center continue in its present location and that its ministries be strengthened and undergirded with new vision." A recommendation directed to the General Board is to "strongly affirm its ministries based at the Brethren Service Center--Brethren Disaster Ministries, lease partnerships with other agencies, Material Resources, and the New Windsor Conference Center--and plan to support their continued development."

The rest of the report gives a context for the committee's work, states the mission of the Brethren Service Center, reviews ministries presently located at the center, recommends enhancements to the center and organizational changes, and addresses funding. The committee will hold a series of hearings on its report at the Brethren Service Center in August, and is gathering and sharing responses to its report.

In a report on the Sudan mission, director Bradley Bohrer announced the names of the lead team of mission workers: Jim and Pam Hardenbrook of Idaho, and Matt and Kristy Messick of Colorado. An assessment team also has been named for the initiative: Phil and Louise Rieman and Enten Eller. The assessment team plans a trip to Sudan from July 8-Aug. 6.

A decision with regard to funding of the Church of the Brethren mission in Haiti was made by the board, affirming a move by staff to add the mission in Haiti to the mission projects supported by the Emerging Global Mission Fund.

A resolution against the use of depleted uranium weapons was adopted. It was presented by Brethren Witness/Washington Office director Phil Jones, who introduced it as a partnership with Christian Peacemaker Teams and the World Council of Churches, which both have worked against such weapons. The paper states that "the primary danger of using depleted uranium in weapons comes from breathing in the DU dust created by burning or exploded weaponry, or from ingesting DU dust that has contaminated the food or water supply. A growing body of evidence suggests such exposure may increase a person's cancer risk and cause birth defects." The resolution declares the use of depleted uranium weapons as "a specific and compelling example of the sinfulness of war," appeals for a halt to their manufacture, lifts up the work of CPT and the WCC, and directs the Brethren Witness/Washington Office to advocate for elimination of the weapons, among other actions.

In other business, the board gave a first reading to part of a revision of the Ethics in Ministry Relations paper, with the full document to come to an October meeting; received reports on recent conferences including the first National Junior High Conference; heard an update on Brethren Disaster Ministries; recognized retiring Bethany Seminary president Eugene Roop; and recognized board members who are completing their terms of service: chair Jeff Neuman-Lee, Frank Ramirez, Janet Stutzman, and Angela Lahman Yoder. The meeting closed with prayer and consecration of the General Board exhibit.

During a reorganization meeting later in the Conference week, a new executive committee was named: Tim Harvey, chair; Dale Minnich, vice chair; Michael Benner; Vickie Samland; Kate Spire; Ken Wenger.

Source: 07/04/2007 Newsline

Final building site at former Bethany Seminary location is sold.

Sunrise Senior Living has purchased the final building site at Fountain Square of Lombard, Ill., completing a 15-year process of selling the former location of Bethany Theological Seminary. Bethany formed Fountain Square, Inc., with the Shaw Company of Chicago to sell and develop the property in cooperation with the city of Lombard. The seminary relocated to Richmond, Ind. in 1994.

The 50-plus acres in Lombard now are home to a mixture of stores, restaurants, condominiums, a hotel, and the anticipated senior living community. The property includes ponds and green space.

"I'm quite satisfied with the new occupants of the property," said Eugene F. Roop, president of the seminary. "Fountain Square of Lombard was an unexpected way to creatively influence the development of that retail, restaurant, and residential complex. Each business has a vested interest and say in the governance, as opposed to a group of businesses leasing space, with one owner who can sell the entire property for a financial return. We publicly express deep appreciation to the Shaw Company and to its president, Denny Stine, for their commitment and persistence in seeing the project through with us."

The income that the seminary received when Fountain Square, Inc., was formed retired all previous debt. Additional revenue has been invested in an endowment to fund scholarships and Bethany's educational programs.

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

Source: 07/04/2007 Newsline

Grout calls young adults to enter into God's kingdom.

This year's Church of the Brethren Young Adult Conference, held at Camp Harmony near Hooversville, Pa., brought together about 85 people Memorial Day weekend. Paul Grout of the A Place Apart community in Putney, Vt., provided keynote leadership through the weekend, speaking on the theme "But be doers of the word, and not merely hearers" from James 1.

"You can sit through hundreds of sermons, and at the end of your life not understand the kingdom of God," Grout told the group. "You have to enter into it." Grout discussed elements needed to be fully alive and find wholeness, moving into a new paradigm of faith in which seeking is key.

Several young adults planned worship for the weekend, with Grout and Meryl Reist preaching in two of the services and a group doing a drama in a third. Brethren folksinger Joseph Helfrich led music. The conference schedule also included a campfire, games, recreation, workshops, and singing.

Next year's National Young Adult Conference is a larger event, scheduled for Aug. 11-15, 2008, in Estes Park, Colo.

--Walt Wiltschek is editor of the Church of the Brethren "Messenger" magazine.

Source: 07/04/2007 Newsline

Brethren bits: Correction, personnel, and more.

• Correction: The e-mail and website addresses for "Brethren Life and Thought" were given incorrectly in the Newsline of June 20. The correct e-mail address is blt@bethanyseminary.edu; the correct Internet address is www.bethanyseminary.edu/blt.
  
  
• Mary Munson is retiring as program assistant for the Global Mission Partnerships Office of the Church of the Brethren General Board, located in Elgin, Ill. Effective date of her retirement is Sept. 30. She has worked for the General Board for 18 years, beginning as secretary for Africa and the Middle East in May of 1989, and transitioning to secretary for Global Mission Partnerships during the General Board's restructuring in 1997. Munson's current position began in 2000. Her responsibilities have included supporting the work of the executive director, facilitating the sending and supporting of numerous mission workers, delegations, and workcamps during this time, bridging many transitions in staffing, and engaging constituency concerns in the work of supporting the Church of the Brethren's international mission.
  
  
• Elaine Hyde, who has served as conference coordinator at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md., since 1999, has announced her decision to retire effective June 30. She has been an integral part of the growth of the New Windsor Conference Center into a retreat venue for many groups of varying religious beliefs, and for many secular groups. She is looking forward to spending more time with her grandchildren and to travel with her daughter, Tara.
  
  
• Peggy Bruell has tendered her resignation from Brethren Benefit Trust (BBT) as of June 29, following almost 20 years of work for the agency. She began working for BBT on Oct. 14, 1987, serving for most of her tenure with Brethren Insurance Plans. One of her main responsibilities and specialties was understanding and working with medical claims. However, as the insurance department was downsized due to moving to a fully insured medical plan and then subsequently back to a self-insured model with a third party administrator, Bruell was shifted to also work in Information Services, Pension, and, most recently, in a shared status between General Office Services and Brethren Foundation. On July 2, she began a new job with a firm where she now bills for providers of medical services. "Peggy will be missed at BBT as a colleague and a friend among the BBT staff and the General Offices community, but we wish her the best as she returns to fulltime work in the medical claims field," said Wil Nolen, BBT president.
  
  
• The Church of the Brethren General Board seeks a coordinator of Orientation for Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS), to fill a fulltime, salaried position beginning Sept. 17. The coordinator is responsible for directing and coordinating the application process and the orientation programs of BVS, including organizing and scheduling facilities, resource people, and volunteers; provides administrative back up in the absence of the BVS director; and participates as an active member of the BVS staff team. Required skills and knowledge include grounding in Church of the Brethren heritage and theology; communication at a professional level, both verbally and in writing; demonstrated administrative and management skills; ability to maintain flexibility with evolving program needs; demonstrated expertise in group dynamics; and ability to supervise and utilize volunteers. Previous BVS experience will be helpful, experience in group training and experience in cross-cultural awareness is required. A minimum of a bachelor's degree in a relevant field is required. The application deadline is Aug. 3. To apply, complete the General Board application form, submit a resume and letter of application, and request three references to send letters of recommendation to the Office of Human Resources, Church of the Brethren General Board, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120-1694; 800-323-8039 ext. 258; kkrog_gb@brethren.org.
  
  
• The search is under way for a new general secretary of the National Council of Churches (NCC) to succeed Bob Edgar, who is leaving the council to be president of the national advocacy group Common Cause. The NCC is the leading ecumenical organization among Christians in the US. It encompasses 35 member communions including Protestant, Anglican, and Orthodox communions. The Church of the Brethren is a member communion. The NCC Governing Board is seeking candidates with extraordinary qualifications to take on a challenging job. The position description calls for a man or woman who is "proactive, creative, and entrepreneurial," and--whether ordained or lay--is "committed to Christ," and "a visionary with the maturity, confidence, wisdom, and collaborative skills necessary to garner the trust and confidence of a diverse and complex organization." The search committee is also looking for a person who is "emotionally mature with a healthy ego in check; even-tempered, approachable, thick-skinned and resilient." For a job description go to www.ncccusa.org/jobs/jobshome.html.
  
  
• The NCC also is accepting applications for young adult "stewards" to volunteer at its 2007 General Assembly on Nov. 6-8 in Woodbridge, N.J. The assembly is the annual gathering of more than 250 delegates from the 35 member communions of the NCC for legislation, worship, fellowship, and ecumenical sharing. A group of young adults from across the country participate in the assembly as stewards and benefit from the opportunity to network with other young adults, discover particulars about a variety of different communions, encounter a rich multicultural environment, worship in an ecumenical setting, experience the church at work, living its unity in Jesus Christ, and interact with national church leaders. Stewards must arrive for orientation on Nov. 4. All expenses, except personal expenses will be covered by the assembly. Deadline for applications is Sept. 14. For an application form go to www.ncccusa.org/pdfs/2007stewardsapplication.pdf.
  
  
• A new book, "Faith in Children: Stories from Faith-Based Children's Centers," by Roberta R. Owens of the Legacy of Caring organization, features a chapter on the Church of the Brethren program Children's Disaster Services (formerly Disaster Child Care). The 264-page book was published by Providence House Publishers in April this year. Legacy of Caring will use profits from the sale of the book to publish future volumes in a "Faith in Children" series and to provide grants to faith-based early care and education programs for innovative projects. For more about Legacy of Caring contact Owens at 229-247-9959 or LegacyofCaring@aol.com.
  
  
• On Earth Peace has announced the "next round" of its counter-recruitment networking telephone conference calls. On Earth Peace is a peace education and action agency of the Church of the Brethren. The phone calls are for those working against military recruitment in high schools and communities where recruitment for the military takes place. On Earth Peace regularly sponsors these national networking calls as an opportunity for mutual support among those working on issues of military recruitment. The next general networking call is planned for Wed., July 11, at 1-2:30 p.m. eastern time. A call focused on the theme, "Counter-Recruitment in Schools: Access, Legal Information, Success Stories, and Words from the Wise" is planned for Wed., July 18, 1-2:30 p.m. eastern. There will be eight slots available in each call. Facilitators are Matt Guynn, coordinator of Peace Witness for On Earth Peace; and Deb Oskin, peace minister at Living Peace Church of the Brethren in Columbus, Ohio. Contact Matt Guynn at mattguynn@earthlink.net or 765-962-6234 to reserve a place in the conference calls.
  
  
• York Center Church of the Brethren in Lombard, Ill., and Illinois and Wisconsin District of the Church of the Brethren are co-sponsoring a "Green Fair: An Interfaith Initiative to Sustain Creation," on July 21 from 2-6 p.m. at the church. The objective of the fair is to engage faith communities in the west suburban area of Chicago in a discussion of how to promote an appropriate response to global warming. Participants include keynote speaker Ned Stowe III, senior legislative secretary for the Friends Committee on National Legislation. Other speakers will represent Faith in Place, an affiliate of the national Regeneration Project/Interfaith Power and Light, the Illinois Renewable Energy Association, the New Community Project, DuPage County Solid Waste Education Center-SCARCE, and Argonne Transportation Research Center. The congregation requests attendees to contact 630-627-7411 or jomiller071@juno.com. More information is at yccob.org/GreenFair.

Source: 07/04/2007 Newsline

Genelle Wine resigns as coordinator of orientation for BVS.

Genelle Wine has resigned from her position with the Church of the Brethren General Board as coordinator of orientation for Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS). Her last day in the position will be Oct. 19.

Wine announced her resignation after almost five years of General Board employment. She began employment with the board in 2002, working as assistant to the director of BVS while serving as a volunteer at the BVS office in Elgin, Ill. During her service as a volunteer with BVS she also was a houseparent at Casa de Esperanza de los Ninos in Houston, Texas. After her term of volunteer service with BVS, she lived and studied in Germany for a time.

She returned to employment with BVS as coordinator of orientation in August 2004. While serving in the position, she has worked with 13 orientation units and more than 200 volunteers. She also helped start the Church of the Brethren's annual recognition of Service Sunday.

Wine is originally from Imperial, Neb., and is a graduate of McPherson (Kan.) College. She plans to move to Minneapolis, Minn., and continue working in the area of social justice and serving basic human needs.

Source: 07/04/2007 Newsline

Letter from Louisiana: We are the hands and feet of Christ.

John and Mary Mueller left their home in Cape Coral, Fla. to volunteer as longterm regional project directors with Brethren Disaster Ministries. The following is excerpted from a letter received from the Muellers on May 24:

"John and I are feeling incredibly blessed to be here in Chalmette, La., in the St. Bernard parish (parishes are a unit of government like counties) doing disaster response work. For those of you who have done disaster response before, Chalmette is a different disaster project in many ways. We are sleeping in trailers and eating at a place called Camp Hope. It is different, but different is not the same as bad. We are still being the hands and feet of Christ to hurting people.

"Part of the reason we feel so blessed is that the people here are wonderful, caring people who make you feel welcome right from the start. They feel that if it wasn't for the faith-based community, they would be forgotten, and so they thank us for coming.

"This is a very intergenerational community with parents, grandparents, sisters, brothers, aunts, uncles, and cousins all living in the area and helping one another. Most everybody lost everything. Every house and every building was flooded. People had to wait on their roofs for days to be rescued. And yet I see a predominately positive, giving, grateful attitude in the community. We see the community rebuilding. Every week there are more businesses opening up or reopening. People are moving back, getting back into their homes.

"Everybody here has a story and all you have to do is stop and listen. Mr. Gonzales misses his wife who died in February. They got married when he was 18 and she was 14. Miss Lillie evacuated to another area and stayed with family but wanted to come back. She is over 80 but tells of how she cleaned out her back yard, using a wheelbarrow to get it out to the street for pick up. Councilwoman Judy tells of being up on the roof for days and nights with nothing, and not knowing when or if help would come. Many of the volunteers who have been here have met Karen. She, her children, and her grandchildren lost everything, yet she insists on cooking for all the volunteers every week that we are working on her house. And cook she does! Everyone who has spent a week eating her food would have to decide if the chicken was the best thing, or the spaghetti and meatballs, or the jambalaya, or the you get the idea.

"John and I are very impressed with the people who we have been getting the work assignments from so far. Most disaster projects traditionally get houses assigned to them by the longterm recovery committee. While we recently did receive some requests from them, which we accepted, it has taken them a long time to start allocating the work. Remember that all the committee members lost everything too, were scattered who knows where, and had no place to hold meetings once they did find each other.

"In the meantime, we have been working with a group called the St. Bernard Project, which was started by two people, Zach and Liz, who had come down to volunteer in Feb. 2006. When they returned to their home in Washington, D.C., they just couldn't go back to their lives as usual; they knew they had to do something. They moved down here, formed a 501c3, and started helping people get back into their homes.

"So far, they and their organization have helped more than 70 people! They did not have previous construction knowledge, but Zach will tell you, 'This is doable. This is America. We can help people get back in their homes.' He says that at times they were scared because they didn't know what they were doing, but that when they needed an electrician, Pete showed up; when they needed a plumber, Bob showed up; when they needed more help, the Church of the Brethren showed up. I shudder to think of what would not have happened--who would not have gotten help--if they had not followed the leading to do what they could do.

"Thank you, to all the volunteers who have come to help the people here. It is important to remember that the whole program's success depends on you who make it happen. It is the power of one, as each one of you did what you could and together you made a difference to those who felt overwhelmed and forgotten. Surely, giving of your time and talents is just another way to obey God's command to love one another.

"We encourage all who feel God nudging them to come and join us. Please remember the people here, the volunteers, the work, and us in your prayers."

Source: 07/04/2007 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. Nevin Dulabaum, Karin Krog, Joan McGrath, and Frances Townsend contributed to this report.