NEWS

• Brethren Benefit Trust offers resource to find health insurance.
  
• Shepherd's Spring will build and host a Heifer Global Village.
  
• Brethren Volunteer Service introduces 275th orientation unit.
  
• Northern Ohio District declares that ‘Faith Is in the Following.’
  
• Brethren bits: Personnel, news from congregations, and more.

PERSONNEL

• Keller named interim director of admissions at Bethany Seminary.

UPCOMING EVENTS

• Annual Conference announces 2012 site, schedule for 2008.
  
• More than 50 churches to observe day of prayer for peace.
  
• Nigeria workcamp is announced for 2008.

300th ANNIVERSARY UPDATE

• ‘Brethren Heritage Collection’ DVD set offers 75 years of history.
  
• 300th Anniversary bits and pieces.

NEWSLINE EXTRA

• Brethren continue work in Gulf Coast two years after Katrina.
  
• Children enjoy safe haven at FEMA's Welcome Home Center.
  
• Children's Disaster Services responds to storms in midwest.
  
• Grants support continuing hurricane response, aid to Iraqis.
  
• Bezon hired as associate director for Children's Disaster Services.

Brethren Benefit Trust offers resource to find health insurance.

Brethren Benefit Trust (BBT) is offering an online resource to locate health insurance, following the decision by the 2007 Annual Conference to phase out the Brethren Medical Plan’s medical insurance component for the Ministers’ Group. This group includes employees of Church of the Brethren congregations, districts, and camps.

BBT has created the resource to support participants in the Ministers' Group to find medical coverage for themselves and their families, as this component of the Brethren Medical Plan will be closed on Dec. 31. The resource is intended for those with pre-existing conditions who are likely to have a difficult time in obtaining health insurance on their own. People who do not have such conditions are expected to be able to obtain insurance on their own from any insurance provider.

The online resource is a website titled "Insurance Coverage Support Center." It may be accessed off of the "Insurance Plans" page at www.brethrenbenefittrust.org (click on "Insurance Services" in the left-hand column).

Through the Insurance Coverage Support Center, employees may view coverage information specific to their states, find answers to frequently asked questions about insurance, and see what’s new with Brethren Benefit Trust insurance.

The website explains how individual states comply with the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). The act guarantees health insurance coverage for individuals, regardless of pre-existing medical condition, who have had 18 months of credible coverage and lose coverage through a plan closure.

For example, if an employee lives in Illinois, he or she will find information about the Illinois Comprehensive Health Insurance Plan (HIPAA-CHIP) including information about rates in different areas of the state, eligibility requirements, coverage highlights, how to enroll, and a brochure.

BBT also is offering to help participants of the Ministers’ Group find other group coverage that may be available through organizations such as AARP. For more information contact Insurance Services staff at 800-746-1505 or e-mail tchudy_bbt@brethren.org.

Shepherd's Spring will build and host a Heifer Global Village.

Heifer International and Shepherd's Spring Outdoor Ministry Center in Sharpsburg, Md., recently signed a letter of agreement to establish a Heifer Global Village at Shepherd's Spring. Shepherd’s Spring is an outdoor ministry and conference center of the Church of the Brethren’s Mid-Atlantic District.

Construction of the new Heifer Global Village on the Shepherd's Spring 220-acre campus will begin this fall. On Sept. 30, at 3:30 p.m., Shepherd's Spring will host a groundbreaking event to bless the land and prepare the site. An Open House precedes the groundbreaking at 2-4 p.m., and a parade and road dedication are planned for 2:30 p.m.

"Heifer started with the Church of the Brethren, so we’re glad to bring it full circle," said Ann Cornell, Shepherd’s Spring administrator.

Over a five-year period, an estimated 38,000 people will learn about world hunger and Heifer's mission through the programs at Shepherd's Spring. The outdoor ministry center has been a part of Heifer's Learning Center expansion process since Dec. 2003 to become a pilot Heifer Global Village community sponsor who builds and operates a Heifer Global Village at their expense.

In this model, Heifer provides Shepherd's Spring with the program curriculum, staff training, and construction plans for the Global Village. Heifer also will provide marketing support along with an annual operations review and program evaluation. For its part, Shepherd's Spring will meet Heifer's required standards and will provide the funding and staffing for the sites and programs.

Through donations, Shepherd's Spring has raised $200,000 to pave the entrance road and estimates a total cost of $120,000 to construct the village. Shepherd’s Spring will pay for the construction expenses through donations and grants, and plans to cover operational expenses through program fees and donations.

For more information visit www.shepherdsspring.org.

Source: 08/29/2007 Newsline

Brethren Volunteer Service introduces 275th orientation unit.

Volunteers who took part in Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS) orientation unit 275 have begun their terms of service. The unit included 15 volunteers. The New Windsor (Md.) Conference Center at the Brethren Service Center hosted the orientation from July 23-Aug. 10.

The volunteers, their congregations or hometowns, and projects:

Simon Albrecht of Siegen, Germany, and Jillian Baker of Woodbridge, Va., will work at the Brethren Nutrition Program in Washington D.C. Rianna Barrett of Manassas, Va., will go to the Witness to Washington Office in Washington D.C. Thomas Bergman of Yellville, Ark., will serve at the Center on Conscience and War in Washington D.C. Tom Birdzell of Wilmington (Del.) Church of the Brethren, will work with the Church of the Brethren General Board computer operations in Elgin, Ill. Becca Creath of Beacon Heights Church of the Brethren in Fort Wayne, Ind., is going to Gould Farm in Monterey, Mass. Solomon Fenton-Miller of Florence Church of the Brethren in Marcellus, Mich., will work with Musicians Without Borders in Alkmaar, the Netherlands. Leo Firus of Speyer, Germany, is going to Brethren Woods in Keezletown, Va. Steve Guenwald of Calbelah, Germany, is going to the Tri-City Homeless Coalition in Fremont, Calif. Bekah Houff of Palmyra (Pa.) Church of the Brethren, will work with the Youth and Young Adult Ministries of the General Board in Elgin, Ill. Sandy Howard of Elkton, Md., will serve at Samaritan House in Atlanta, Ga. Jay Irizarry of Waterford (Calif.) Church of the Brethren, is working for computer operations at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md. Danielle Pals of Moscow, Idaho, will serve at Jubilee USA Network in Washington, D.C. Ben Prueser of Luebeck, Germany, will go to the International Community School in Decatur, Ga. Willem Rabe of Bruehl, Germany, is to serve with Su Casa Catholic Worker House in Chicago, Ill.

"Your prayer support is greatly appreciated. Please think of the unit and the people they will touch during their year of service," said Beth Merrill of the BVS office. For more call 800-323-8039 or visit www.brethrenvolunteerservice.org.

Source: 08/29/2007 Newsline

Northern Ohio District declares that ‘Faith Is in the Following.’

"Faith Is in the Following" was the theme for the 143rd Northern Ohio District Conference. A total of 333 delegates and other district members gathered from July 27-29 at Ashland (Ohio) University for worship, business, fellowship, and information-gathering. Moderator Larry Bradley, pastor of Reading Church of the Brethren in Homeworth, Ohio, presided over the business session.

The Friday worship service drama, "The Names of God," was provided by the Senior Performing Arts Camp. The Junior Performing Arts musical, "American Ideal," gave a humorous look at popculture fame and fortune turned around to shine the spotlight on God’s truth about humility. Conference moderator Larry Bradley spoke on the theme Sunday morning, presenting the challenge that faith goes beyond a verbal profession, it must be followed with action. The message from William Q. Brown, pastor at Marvelous Light Ministries in Canton, Ohio, on Saturday evening followed his personal testimony of the power of God who changed his life, when he determined by faith to follow Christ. Offerings totaled $2,587.73.

The following business items were handled by the delegates: approval of fellowhip status for the Faith in Action ministry in Delta, Ohio; approval of a 2008 district budget of $195,021.50; election of district leaders; affirmation of Manchester College Trustees; and "Conversations on Being the District."

The District Board called Paul Bartholomew of Mohican Church of the Brethren in West Salem, as chair, and Bruce Jacobsen of Mount Pleasant Church of the Brethren in North Canton, as vice-chair. Doug Price, associate pastor at Dupont (Ohio) Church of the Brethren, will serve as moderator in 2008. Wes Richard, co-pastor at Elm Street Church of the Brethren in Lima, Ohio, was selected to be moderator-elect. A consecration service was held for the moderator and moderator-elect following the Sunday morning worship service.

"Conversations on Being the District" was a vital part of the business. The District Board desired to engage everyone in a time of discussion to discern core resources for the district. Participants were asked to complete a survey, marking their choices of top six "core resources" out of ten that had been identified by the District Board. The survey results identified these priorities: 1. camp, 2. age-specific outreach (youth, young adult, adult), 3. leadership development (clergy and laity), 4. district office (pastoral placement, information, etc.), 5. missional projects (church planting/church vitality), 6. District Conference (connection/communication), 7. disaster response, 8. stewardship, 9. peace witness, 10. retirement homes. The newly re-organized District Board will use the survey results to discern how to proceed with the desired priorities that have been identified. During this time, a motion was brought to the floor and approved, to form a Camp Board for oversight of Inspiration Hills.

In other business, the district introduced a "District Ministries" DVD, agency reports were received, and pastor Mark Teal of Black River Church of the Brethren in Spencer, reported that the congregation will break ground within the next few months for construction of a new church building. The previous structure was destroyed by fire this past Christmas Eve.

In other conference events, the Ministry Commission recognized special service anniversaries of 24 ordained ministers, including four who have served 60 years or more: Guy Buch (64), Richard Speicher (61), Wayne Wheeler (61), and Durward Hays (60). The District 300th Anniversary Committee presented biographical sketches of "founding fathers" from the Northern Ohio District. The Anniversary Committee also commissioned each congregation to bring a poster to conference that gave a brief written history of the congregation and photographs. The Peace Task Team held a Silent Auction to benefit the District Peace Endowment Fund, which provides funding for a Peace and Conciliation staff person. The auction raised $2,036.05.

The Mission and Social Action Commission provided a truck, with the challenge to "Fill it up!" with Gift of the Heart Kits for disaster relief. Although the truck was not completely filled, the district sent two pallets of health and school kits to the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md. Mort Curie, district disaster coordinator, drove the truck to New Windsor to deliver the kits.

The display area provided information tables for various denominational and district ministries, as well as Brethren Press and A Greater Gift (SERRV). Insight sessions were available on Friday and Saturday evenings for participants to gain valuable information on a variety of ministries and subjects. Each session averaged 20 participants.

Next year’s District Conference will take place July 25-27, 2008, at Ashland University.

Source: 08/29/2007 Newsline

Brethren bits: Personnel, news from congregations, and more.

• Matt and Kristy Messick will be delaying their participation in the Sudan mission initiative, announced Bradley Bohrer, director of the Sudan mission for the Church of the Brethren General Board. The Messicks were introduced as members of the lead team of mission workers for Sudan at the 2007 Annual Conference in July. "After prayerful consideration during this preparatory time, the decision has been made that they and their family will be able to serve the church and the Sudan initiative at a later date. This precludes them from being part of the lead team of mission workers, but allows for them being part of later staffing options," Bohrer said. "We regret this loss to the team and to this vital ministry."
  
  
• Westernport (Md.) Church of the Brethren celebrated a Homecoming on Aug. 5 marking the 50th anniversary that the church has held services at its present site, and its 80th anniversary as a congregation. The theme for the event was "Precious Memories." Former pastor Ervin Huston was the guest speaker, with current pastor William C. Shimer Sr. as worship leader.
  
  
• Becky and Harry Rhodes, interim pastors at Good Shepherd Church of the Brethren in Blacksburg, Va., are interested in contacting Brethren students at Virginia Tech, especially incoming freshmen. The congregation is located close to the university campus, and the pastors hope to continue the church’s care for students and offer hospitality to students who are living away from their home churches, according to the Virlina District e-mail newsletter. Contact Becky Rhodes at rhodes58@cox.net, 540-588-3252, or 540-343-5781.
  
  
• Atlantic Southeast District’s Action for Peace Team has designed a "Peacemaking Within Ministerial Leadership Questionnaire" for use in interviews of pastoral candidates by district ministerial examining committees and by congregational search committees. The questionnaire was developed in collaboration with the Brethren Witness/Washington Office and On Earth Peace, and offers committees help to discern a candidate’s familiarity with biblical and Brethren positions on peacemaking. For a copy of the questionnaire contact Phil Lersch, Chair, Action for Peace Team, 6301 56th Avenue, N., St. Petersburg, FL 33709; 727-544-2911; phillersch@verizon.net.
  
  
• Bicycle tours are planned in Middle Pennsylvania District, announced in the district newsletter. A "Tour de Dunker Ride" Sept. 9 starts at Memorial Church of the Brethren in Martinsburg, Pa., at 8:30 a.m. The tour of about 60 miles includes a 30-mile ride in the morning, lunch at the church, and the 20-plus mile Martinsburg leg of the Tour de Toona race in the afternoon. A ride is tentatively planned for Oct. 14 on Little Pine Creek Trail. Call 814-793-3451 for more details.
  
  
• During Camp Bethel's 80th Anniversary Celebration and Potluck Dinner on Sunday, Sept. 2, Fonda Wilson will be honored as the camp’s director of food services from 2004-07. Her last day at camp was Aug. 15. Camp Bethel’s 23rd Heritage Day Festival fundraiser also is planned for this fall, on Oct. 6. Information is at www.campbethelvirginia.org/hday.htm.
  
  
• Three more Manchester College graduates have received Fulbright scholarships, continuing the college's leadership in the state of Indiana of Fulbrights per capita/student, with 22 Fulbrights in the past 12 years. The three latest recipients are Stacey A. Carmichael of South Bend, Ind., who received a bachelor's degree in elementary education in May and will be teaching English in South Korea; Samuel A. Cox of Kokomo, Ind., who received a bachelor's degree in history and German in May and will teach English in Germany; and Rachel A. Paske of Fort Wayne, Ind., who received a bachelor's degree in sociology and German in 2004 and also will teach English in Germany. For more about Manchester, visit www.manchester.edu.
  
  
• The 2007 Brethren Revival Fellowship General Meeting is set for Saturday, Sept. 8, 10 a.m.-3:45 p.m., at Shanks Church of the Brethren near Greencastle, Pa. Held on the theme, "The Future of the Church of the Brethren," the meeting will be moderated by John A. Shelly. The morning message will be brought by Craig Alan Myers and the afternoon message by Harold S. Martin. Participants are invited to bring their own lunch; beverage will be provided by the host church.
  
  
• Eight members of Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT) including Church of the Brethren member Cliff Kindy were arrested while attempting to deliver roses to Alliant Techsystems Inc. headquarters in Edina, Minn., on Hiroshima Day, Aug. 6. CPT said the arrests followed a gathering of some 40 people to offer prayers for those who have suffered the effects of depleted uranium, and to commemorate those who died in the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki 62 years ago. A CPT release said Alliant is the world's largest producer of depleted uranium weapons, and produces motors for launching nuclear missiles. The Church of the Brethren General Board in late June issued a resolution against the use of depleted uranium weapons and in support of the work of CPT and the World Council of Churches against the weapons. Kindy has been a leader of the CPT campaign against depleted uranium. He and the other seven who were arrested each received a citation for trespassing that carries a $142 fine. 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.
  
  
• Brethren were involved in two New Community Project Learning Tours this summer. A July trip to Honduras included 22 Church of the Brethren members. The group lived and worked in the Chorti Mayan community of Barbasco in the western part of Honduras, helping install water lines and latrines, and learning about poverty and the racial and gender discrimination facing the indigenous community. Twelve Brethren joined an August trip to Alaska's Denali/Kenai Fjords National Parks. Sightings of lynx, bears, caribou, sheep, moose, and a variety of sea life were highlights, along with a visit to a native center. For more about the New Community Project go to http://newcommunityproject.org/learningtours.shtml.
  
  
• The World Council of Churches (WCC) has announced its internship program for 2008. The WCC will welcome five young people aged 18-30 to serve as interns in its offices in Geneva, Switzerland, from Feb. 2008-Jan. 2009. Interns will be assigned to one of the WCC working areas. Each intern will be expected to plan an ecumenical project to implement in his or her home context when they return home in Feb. 2009. Along with an application, applicants must send background information about their church or Christian youth network that will help them in implementing their proposed ecumenical project. Closing date for receiving applications is Sept. 20. More information and an application form are at www.oikoumene.org/?id=3187.

Source: 08/29/2007 Newsline

Keller named interim director of admissions at Bethany Seminary.

Elizabeth J. Keller of Richmond, Ind., has been named interim director of admissions for Bethany Theological Seminary from Aug. 23, 2007, until Sept. 30, 2008. Keller currently is enrolled in Bethany’s Master of Divinity program and intends to graduate in May 2008.

Keller has served as the seminary’s chapel coordinator and on the presidential search committee. During her time as a Bethany student, Keller also has served Northview Church of the Brethren in Indianapolis, Ind., as a student pastor, and has been a summer intern with Bethany’s Institutional Advancement office.

A 1997 graduate of Manchester College in North Manchester, Ind., she was senior admissions counselor there from 1997-2000.

Source: 08/29/2007 Newsline

Annual Conference announces 2012 site, schedule for 2008.

The Program and Arrangements Committee of the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference met recently at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md. A number of significant decisions were made regarding future conferences.

The site of Annual Conference 2012 has been chosen. The event will be held in St. Louis, Mo., July 7-11, 2012.

A number of unique events are planned for next year’s Annual Conference in Richmond, Va., July 12-16, 2008. The Conference will commemorate the 300th anniversary celebration of the Brethren movement by holding a simultaneous annual meeting with the Brethren Church at the same location, the Greater Richmond Convention Center and the Richmond Coliseum. Many joint activities are planned, in addition to other Church of the Brethren-only activities.

Notable differences from the usual Conference schedule are the time of opening worship at 6:15 p.m. on Saturday, July 12, followed by a concert of the 200-voice National Christian Choir at 8 p.m.; joint activities with the Brethren Church on Sunday, July 13, starting with worship at 10 a.m., followed by celebratory activities in the afternoon and an evening service focusing on missions; Church of the Brethren worship services on Monday and Tuesday, July 14-15, at 8:30 a.m. rather than the usual evening time slot; participation by Christian musician and composer Ken Medema in the Monday morning worship service, and a Medema concert on Monday evening at 8 p.m.; a drama on the life and death of Church of the Brethren volunteer Ted Studebaker during the Vietnam War, on Tuesday at 8 p.m.; and a closing joint worship service with the Brethren Church on Wednesday morning, July 16.

The general schedule for next year’s Conference will be posted soon at www.brethren.org/ac/richmond/schedule.html. Registration fees for 2008 have not increased over 2007, the Annual Conference office announced. Fees for all aspects of Annual Conference next year can be found at www.brethren.org/ac/richmond/feeschedule.html.

For more information go to www.brethren.org/ac. Questions may be directed to executive director Lerry Fogle, 800-688-5186.

Source: 08/29/2007 Newsline

More than 50 churches to observe day of prayer for peace.

As of Aug. 24, 54 congregations or colleges associated with the Church of the Brethren are planning a time of prayer on or near Friday, Sept. 21, to mark the International Day of Prayer for Peace, according to an update from On Earth Peace. The Brethren Witness/Washington Office of the Church of the Brethren General Board and On Earth Peace are encouraging congregations and faith communities to hold public prayer events. The day of prayer is connected with the World Council of Churches’ Decade to Overcome Violence.

The next networking call for those planning events will be offered on Sept. 11, at 7 p.m. eastern time. The call facilitator is Matt Guynn, coordinator of peace witness for On Earth Peace. To register contact Mimi Copp, organizer for the International Day of Prayer for Peace in the Church of the Brethren, at 260-479-5087 or miminski@gmail.com.

In addition to the more than 50 congregations and organizations taking part, "We are also very excited to learn that our sisters and brothers in the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria, Ekklesiyar Yan'uwa a Nigeria, are planning to participate," said On Earth Peace. In addition, the Brethren Witness/Washington Office is hosting a delegation of people from five continents, through the World Council of Churches. The office will be taking the group around the east coast, including a stop in "Amish country," and ending up in New York City on Sept. 21 to be part of the United Nation’s service of prayer for peace.

Following are some examples of peace events being planned by congregations:

• Skippack Church of the Brethren in Philadelphia, Pa., is installing a peace pole on Sept. 21.
  
  
• Una Nueva Vida en Cristo church in Floyd, Va., is planning Bible study and prayer about the importance of peace in our world and our responsibility as Christians to achieve peace.
  
  
• Lower Miami Church of the Brethren in Dayton, Ohio, is planning an all-day prayer vigil, ending with a prayer service the evening of Sept. 21. Neighbor churches will be invited.
  
  
• Children at Beaver Dam Church of the Brethren in Union Bridge, Md., will pray for peace in conjunction with an "On Earth Pizza" event.
  
  
• Springfield (Ill.) First Church of the Brethren is co-sponsoring an interfaith worship event on Thursday evening, Sept. 20; a Rally for Peace on Sept. 21 at the Illinois State Capitol; and is hosting a 7 a.m. prayer service at the church’s peace pole.

For the list of Brethren congregations planning peace events, and a link to resources in English and Spanish, go to www.brethren.org/oepa/programs/peace-witness/prayforpeace.html.

Source: 08/29/2007 Newsline

Nigeria workcamp is announced for 2008.

The annual Nigeria workcamp jointly sponsored by the Global Mission Partnerships of the Church of the Brethren General Board, Ekklesiyar Yan'uwa a Nigeria (EYN--the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria), and Mission 21 (formally Basel Mission), will be held Jan. 12-Feb. 10, 2008. The workcamp led by Dave Whitten, Nigeria mission coordinator for the Church of the Brethren, will continue construction of the EYN Comprehensive Secondary School.

The workcamp also may have opportunities to worship in churches that have been repaired after being partially destroyed in religious riots, and to learn about EYN programs that strengthen the witness for Christ in Nigeria. The group will be hosted in the homes of EYN members. On the work project, American and European participants will work with Nigerian Christians with opportunities for each person to share their skills regardless of their talents and expertise.

"Are you looking for an opportunity to visit Christian sisters and brothers in Nigeria who live in the land of the world’s happiest people? Pray under the same tamarind tree where Church of the Brethren missionaries to Nigeria held their first worship service in 1923? Have your own faith strengthened and deepened?" asked Larry and Donna Elliott, former Brethren mission workers in Nigeria, in an e-mail encouraging members of the US church to take part in the next workcamp. "We would urge you to take a step of faith and say, ‘Yes, Lord I want to be a part of the Nigerian workcamp experience.’"

Cost of $2,200 includes round-trip travel from the closest airport in the continental US and living expenses while in Nigeria. For more go to www.brethren.org/genbd/global_mission/workcamp/index.html. For an application contact the Global Mission Partnerships Office, 800-323-8039 ext. 230 or mmunson_gb@brethren.org. Deadline for applications is Sept. 24.

Source: 08/29/2007 Newsline

‘Brethren Heritage Collection’ DVD set offers 75 years of history.

Congregations may want to mark the 300th Anniversary of the Church of the Brethren with viewings of the 20 titles in the new "Brethren Heritage Collection," a four-DVD boxed set of Brethren-produced films and videos selected from the past 75 years. This collection brings together a dozen and a half of the more significant films and videos from the church's archives, including some never before released to the general public.

The Brethren Service era is well represented in this set by documentaries on the lives of Dan West and M.R. Zigler, as well as the 2006 documentary on the work of the Brethren Service Commission in Europe. A film about a German exchange student's experience at Bridgewater (Va.) College is also included, a film that previously had been available only in silent form. In addition, a 1947-era film detailing the Chinese tractor unit was re-edited to include narration for the first time. Mission work in Africa also is well represented, and a bonus track offers viewers an eyewitness perspective of a plane crash in Sudan in 2000 during the delivery of Bibles to Nuer Christians by the Brethren.

Other featured titles document a tour of Brethren sites in Europe by Don and Hedda Durnbaugh in 1995, and 50 years of ministry in Puerto Rico, as well as the first 50 years of the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md. More recent titles include an overview of the Brethren peace position, and the Global Food Crisis Fund work in Guatemala.

Brethren video producer David Sollenberger compiled the collection, and wrote the study guide that accompanies it. "What makes this commemorative set unique is a background article for each title and a set of questions that can provide the basis for a post-viewing discussion in a group setting," Sollenberger said. He hopes that many of these videos will be viewed in group settings, so that their content may provoke lively discussion about how Brethren do mission and ministry, and how the church bears witness to the world.

Order the "Brethren Heritage Collection" four-DVD boxed set from Brethren Press for $39.95 plus shipping and handling. Call 800-441-3712.

Source: 08/29/2007 Newsline

300th Anniversary bits and pieces:

• The Church of the Brethren’s Atlantic Northeast and Southern Pennsylvania Districts have issued an invitation to their joint opening 300th anniversary worship service at the Sight & Sound Theater near Lancaster, Pa., on Sept. 23. Stanley Noffsinger, general secretary of the Church of the Brethren General Board, will be the speaker. Inspirational music will be provided by the Brethren Heritage Singers and a massed choir and orchestra. The event includes a congregational hymn sing and a freewill offering for expenses and disaster relief. For more information, contact Jobie Riley at 717-367-7282 or jeretown@aol.com.
  
  
• Bush Creek Church of the Brethren in Monrovia, Md., is organizing a bus trip to Sunday events at next year’s Annual Conference in Richmond, Va., from the central Maryland area. Anticipated cost is $35 to $40 per person, not including meals or the $15 registration fee at the Conference. "We would like to make this trip available to other Brethren in the central Maryland area, and anticipate pickup points in Westminster, Thurmont, Frederick, Union Bridge, and Hagerstown, in addition to here at Bush Creek Church. We need an early indication of interest from churches," said the announcement. Go to http://bushcreekchurch.org/ACBusTripContacts.html or call Bush Creek Church of the Brethren at 301-663-3025.
  
  
• The youth at Oak Grove Church of the Brethren in Roanoke, Va., are selling the 300th anniversary commemorative calendars as a fundraiser, for $5 each plus shipping and handling. Contact Carol Elmore at lafnsing@leapmail.net or 540-774-3217.

Source: 08/29/2007 Newsline

Brethren continue work in Gulf Coast two years after Katrina.

On the second anniversary of Hurricane Katrina’s devastation of the Gulf Coast, Brethren Disaster Ministries continues rebuilding work in two locations in Louisiana, the towns of Chalmette and Pearl River. "We have been asked by the local recovery groups to stay at these two locations through 2008," reported coordinator Jane Yount. Brethren Disaster Ministries is a program of the Church of the Brethren General Board.

The other two Brethren rebuilding projects that were active this year, in the towns of Lucedale and McComb, Miss., are now closed. "We had a wonderful response for those projects, and much was accomplished," Yount said. "In Lucedale, over 800 volunteers assisted 87 families. In McComb, about 350 volunteers served 47 families."

The Children’s Disaster Ministries program of the Church of the Brethren also continues to provide a response in New Orleans, located at the Welcome Home Center for returning hurricane survivors (see story below). Plans are for the response to continue until mid-September when students go back to school.

A new DVD is available from the Brethren Disaster Ministries office, "The Presence of Christ: Brethren Disaster Ministries in the Gulf Coast," illustrating what is being accomplished with Hurricane Katrina recovery--and how much still needs to be done. "Every church member should view this DVD to find out what they can do to help Katrina survivors and why, after two years, this is still so important," said Yount. For a free copy, contact Brethren Disaster Ministries, P.O. Box 188, New Windsor, MD 21776; 800-451-4407; BDM_gb@brethren.org.

The Christians of the United States have been faithful to the Gulf Coast rebuilding effort, according to a release today from the National Council of Churches (NCC). A survey of the 35 member communions in the NCC estimated those denominations and churches have sent a total of more than 120,000 volunteers to Gulf Coast areas affected by Katrina, donated 3.6 million hours in helping victims put their lives back together, and sent an estimated $250 million in financial aid to local churches and relief agencies. The survey was conducted by the NCC’s Special Commission for the Just Rebuilding of the Gulf Coast.

"The task ahead is still a mammoth one. We need people to stay with us," said Bishop Thomas Hoyt, co-chair of the Special Commission and past president of the NCC, in the release. More volunteers are needed to help people struggling all along the Gulf Coast, Hoyt said.

The release also warned of a pending housing crisis related to the trailers supplied by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The temporary housing was designed for only 18 months to two years, the release said. In a related development, NCC’s Special Commission also has asked FEMA to investigate health risks associated with some of the trailers supplied to hurricane survivors, after reports that some contained toxic levels of formaldehyde.

Brethren Disaster Ministries volunteers and project directors have been staying in trailers provided by FEMA at some rebuilding sites. The program has checked those trailers for obvious odor, and volunteers are not having symptoms of problems with formaldehyde, reported Roy Winter, director of Brethren Disaster Ministries. "We addressed this some time ago," he reassured volunteers.

Brethren Disaster Ministries also has issued a renewed call for disaster volunteers to serve in the Gulf Coast. The program specifically needs volunteers to fill cancellations in the schedule at Pearl River the week of Sept. 9-15, and at Chalmette the week of Sept. 23-29. To volunteer, call Brethren Disaster Ministries at 800-451-4407 or contact a district disaster coordinator.

Yount also called for prayer for those affected by Hurricane Dean, which struck Jamaica and other Caribbean islands, as well as Mexico and Belize in mid-August. "We are now in the throes of hurricane season, with five named storms already," she reminded disaster responders.

Source: 08/29/2007 Newsline Extra

Children enjoy safe haven at FEMA's Welcome Home Center.

In a small area within a center for disaster victims, five young children bubble with excitement. Three boys play ball. One girl builds houses with blocks, and another one goes to and fro between the imaginary kitchen where she makes cookies with Play-Doh and the fictitious room where she looks after a few baby dolls.

This is one of the lively backdrops that children who experienced Hurricane Katrina encounter at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)'s Welcome Home Center in New Orleans. A concerted endeavor to serve storm victims, the center includes a special nursery run by volunteers of Children's Disaster Services, a ministry of the Church of the Brethren.

The volunteers, among them retired school teachers and nurses, are trained to provide a safe and comforting environment to children impacted by traumatic events. Since the opening of the multi-resource center in Jan. 2007, a total of 64 volunteers equipped with toys and games have tended to 1,997 children while their parents focused on requesting assistance.

"I like this place because the ladies here play with me," said five-year-old Destiny Domino as she made Play-Doh cookies with a volunteer. Five-year-old Nia Rivers concurred while she tucked in the baby dolls' clothes under the wing of another volunteer.

Both girls lost their Orleans Parish homes to Katrina and remember the day it arrived. Destiny, whose mother went to the Welcome Home Center to request funds for basic home appliances, expressed the fear she felt when her home flooded. Likewise, Nia, whose grandmother asked for assistance to buy furniture, described how upset she was when her home was destroyed and her toys along with it.

"We are here to give children comfort in a wholesome and nurturing atmosphere," said volunteer Carolyn Guay, who worked with Nia. "That is part of the philosophy of disaster child care."

With that in mind, FEMA brought Children’s Disaster Services to the Welcome Home Center.

"We saw the need to have Children’s Disaster Services when we noticed many people with children affected by the storm returning to the city," said Verdie Culpepper, supervisor of the Voluntary Agency Liaison Department at the FEMA Louisiana Transitional Recovery Office. "CDS volunteers have been taking care of the children while their parents do recovery-related paperwork at the center."

A joint effort between the city of New Orleans and FEMA, the Welcome Home Center offers a variety of resources for residents who are rebuilding their lives. The center houses FEMA, the Housing Authority of New Orleans, Louisiana Spirit, Odyssey House, the Small Business Administration, Louisiana State University, and Road Home.

"I thank people for all the time they give to aid us to come back," said Nia's grandmother Bernett Glasper, whose house was decimated by the flood. "It's a long struggle, but we are working together as a family, like in this center. The community is binding together, and that is what is helping us survive."

FEMA coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror. For more information on Louisiana disaster recovery, visit www.fema.gov.

--Gina Cortez is a Public Affairs Specialist at the US Department of Homeland Security/FEMA Louisiana Transitional Recovery Office in New Orleans. This report was taken from a FEMA press release.

Source: 08/29/2007 Newsline Extra

Children's Disaster Services responds to storms in midwest.

The American Red Cross has requested Children’s Disaster Services (formerly Disaster Child Care) volunteers to work in a shelter in Rushford in southern Minnesota, following storms and flooding across the midwest. The announcement of the response was sent Aug. 24, in an e-mail to regional coordinators for the program, by Brethren Disaster Ministries director Roy Winter. Children’s Disaster Services is a ministry of the Church of the Brethren General Board.

Trained volunteers in northern Illinois were to be contacted first, following by volunteers in Iowa and other nearby states, as Children’s Disaster Services sought a team of three for the response. "Currently the shelter only has 25 residents, but the numbers are growing. It is expected this team will transition to a service center once the shelter needs have reduced," Winter reported.

The Red Cross also requested that Children’s Disaster Services put another team on alert for a response in Ohio, at a shelter that was housing 250 people as of last Friday. Children’s Disaster Services staff at the time were awaiting a request from that shelter.

Source: 08/29/2007 Newsline Extra

Grants support continuing hurricane response, aid to Iraqis.

Seven grants totaling $116,000 have been given from two funds of the Church of the Brethren General Board. The grants from the Emergency Disaster Fund (EDF) and the Global Food Crisis Fund (GFCF) support continuing rebuilding following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, aid to Iraqis affected by the war, support to Church World Service (CWS), and other disaster and hunger relief efforts.

An EDF allocation of $25,000 through CWS supports vulnerable Iraqis both in Iraq and those who have been displaced by the war. The funds will help provide nutrition, water, and sanitation, along with shipping and medical supplies and a children’s program.

The Brethren Disaster Ministries program received an additional allocation of $25,000 from the EDF to support its Hurricane Katrina rebuilding site in Chalmette, La. The funds will continue to provide travel expenses for disaster volunteers, leadership training, tools and equipment, food and housing, and some building supplies.

An EDF grant of $22,000 will help the CWS Disaster Response and Recovery Liaison team’s shift to an Emergency Response Specialist program. The funds help provide longterm recovery and aid to vulnerable communities through this newly permanent program.

A GFCF grant of $15,000 will support a water filtering system in Iraq. The allocation assists Norwegian Church Aid in equipping a hospital in Abu Al-Khasib, Iraq, with a water filtering system to provide clean water for the 85-bed hospital, as well as the area’s 200,000 residents.

A grant of $15,000 from the GFCF will go the Democratic Republic of the Congo where the money will assist CWS through Action by Churches Together to underwrite the cost of rehabilitating 15 of 40 wells. The effort will help bring safe drinking water to 8,000 households.

The sum of $10,000 from the EDF responds to a CWS appeal for southeastern Kansas and northeastern Oklahoma. Flooding began there in late June, and the area has been further contaminated by an oil spill. The funds will help provide protective clothing and respirators for volunteers.

An EDF allocation of $4,000 supports the Southeast Texas Interfaith Organization, an interfaith and interracial coalition of congregations and faith-based service organizations assisting survivors of Hurricane Rita in southeast Texas. The grant will support ongoing disaster response operations at the Port Arthur Recovery Project that is managed by the organization.

Source: 08/29/2007 Newsline Extra

Bezon hired as associate director for Children’s Disaster Services.

Brethren Disaster Ministries has announced the hiring of an associate director for the Children's Disaster Services program. On Sept. 10, the program located at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md., will welcome Judy Bezon as associate director. Brethren Disaster Ministries and Children’s Disaster Services are programs of the Church of the Brethren General Board.

Bezon has provided volunteer services in four rebuilding experiences, as co-leader of the Camp Hope rebuilding effort in Vancleave, Miss., as a disaster child care worker in Louisiana and Florida, as a project manager for Disaster Child Care in New Orleans, and as a site coordinator for Mississippi United Methodist Disaster Response.

She is retired from 30 years as a school psychologist in upstate New York, and has developed skills as a mediator, in sign language, in play therapy, and in conflict resolution for children.

Source: 08/29/2007 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, Nevin Dulabaum, Larry and Donna Elliott, Lerry Fogle, Matt Guynn, Jon Kobel, Jeri S. Kornegay, Joan E. McGrath, Beth Merrill, Janis Pyle, David Radcliff, Marcia Shetler, David Sollenberger, Roy Winter, Jay Wittmeyer, and Jane Yount contributed to this report.

NEWS

• Agency executive committees and members of Implementation Committee hold discussion.
  
• Disaster project leadership trainees are ‘hooked.’
  
• Toothpaste is removed from hygiene kits at Brethren Service Center.
  
• Travel seminar takes students to visit Brethren in Brazil.
  
• Conference kicks off Southeastern's 300th anniversary celebration.
  
• Brethren bits: Personnel, Caring Ministries Assembly, and more.

PERSONNEL

• Bosserman resigns as district executive for Missouri and Arkansas.
  
• Royer resigns as director of admissions for Bethany Seminary.
  
• Poole begins as coordinator of ministry formation for Bethany.

FEATURE

• Reflection from Brazil: Doing an excellent job of being church.

NEWSLINE EXTRA: UPCOMING EVENTS

• Bethany Emphasis Sunday focuses on discipleship.
  
• Mission Alive 2008 to recognize anniversary year.
  
• Church planting conference is scheduled for May 2008.
  
• 300th Anniversary update: Celebration is planned for Schwarzenau, Germany.
  
• 300th Anniversary resources: Commemorative calendars are still available.
  
• More Brethren bits: Current job openings.

Agency executive committees and members of Implementation Committee hold discussion.

A previously scheduled meeting of the executive committees of three program agencies of the Church of the Brethren at the New Windsor (Md.) Conference Center, Aug. 6-7, took on new significance when members of the Annual Conference-elected Implementation Committee were invited to attend.

The Implementation Committee was elected by the Conference in early July as part of its adoption of recommendations from the Review and Evaluation Study Committee that assessed the program work of the denomination. Following adoption of the Review and Evaluation Study Committee's report, the delegate body elected a seven-member committee to address ways the recommendations could best be implemented.

Members of the Implementation Committee are the executives of three agencies and the Annual Conference Office--general secretary Stan Noffsinger for the General Board, executive director Kathy Reid for the Association of Brethren Caregivers, executive director Bob Gross for On Earth Peace, and executive director Lerry Fogle for Annual Conference--and elected members Gary Crim, John Neff, and David Sollenberger. The committee's task is to implement a transformation of the organizational structure of program agencies of the Church of the Brethren, specifically the General Board and the Association of Brethren Caregivers. On Earth Peace is involved in the process as well.

The meeting at New Windsor was originally scheduled to address ways the agencies could better collaborate on programs of the wider church. It quickly became a consultation between the three program agencies and the Implementation Committee. Although this gathering was not an official meeting of the Implementation Committee, it proved to be a valuable time of discernment for the agencies and the committee. Members of the Implementation Committee who were present said that the information gleaned will greatly inform their work.

The group worked through a process to identify core ministries of each agency and how the values and programs of each agency could be enhanced by greater collaboration with one or both of the other agencies. It was agreed that the mission and vision documents of each agency will serve to guide the collaborative work of the denomination during this period of transition in organizational structure.

A congenial spirit permeated the two-day meeting that was led by Glenn Mitchell, a spiritual director and former chair of the General Board. Stan Noffsinger, general secretary of the General Board, commented, "How wonderful it is that we have all shared openly and honestly today, and everyone is still present!" The two days also included an evening gathering for a time of fellowship and fun, during which participants sang songs popular in the church and society through the years.

A follow-up meeting with the agency executives, board chairs, and representation from the Implementation Committee has been scheduled to take place at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill., on Sept. 26-27. The Implementation Committee will meet officially for the first time in late October, and will bring an update of its work to the 2008 Annual Conference in Richmond, Va.

Expenses for the New Windsor meeting as well as the follow-up meeting will be supported by each of the program agencies, with some of the participants donating all or part of their individual expenses. The General Board, Association of Brethren Caregivers, and On Earth Peace all indicated the importance of continued prayerful and financial support during this time of transformation.

--Eddie Edmonds is chair-elect of the Association of Brethren Caregivers and appointed scribe for the consultation meeting. He is pastor of Moler Avenue Church of the Brethren in Martinsburg, W.Va.

Source: 8/15/2007 Newsline

Disaster project leadership trainees are ‘hooked.’

"My name is Larry, and I'm an addict." The roomful of fellow addicts responded, "Hi, Larry!" This is not the typical opening for a meeting of Church of the Brethren volunteers, but Larry Williams offered this caveat, "I'm addicted to disaster response."

Williams is a disaster project director for Brethren Disaster Ministries. He served as co-trainer for a five-day Disaster Project Leadership Training held at the New Windsor (Md.) Conference Center on July 30-Aug. 3. All of the Brethren Disaster Ministries project leaders are volunteers. Teams of trained leaders work together in various capacities at each project site where the program carries out clean up, repairs, and rebuilding following disasters.

The 18 trainees at the event included Rodney and Christine Delawder, Jim and Doretta Dorsch, Jim and Alice Graybill, Charles and Sigrid Horner, Steve Keim, Jerry Moore, Alan and Denise Oneal, Mike and Ruth Siburt, Lee and Trudy Stamy, and John and Janet Tubbs. Trainers included Bob and Marianne Pittman, John and Mary Mueller, Glenn Kinsel, and staff members Roy Winter, Zach Wolgemuth, and Jane Yount.

Trainees learned all aspects of disaster project oversight--volunteer management, coordinating work, safety, household management--and the various nuances of relationships, faith, and ethics that are an integral part of the work.

When asked what they thought makes people volunteer for disaster relief, the group was quick to respond: "To give back to people," explained Doretta Dorsch, "It’s what we are commissioned to do--what Jesus tells us to do." Rodney Delawder added, "You build up self-confidence, knowing you can contribute."

Christine Delawder chimed in, "They get hooked. Once you see the families and the smiles on their faces, you want to go back and help more." Trudy Stamy agreed, "The thank yous and hugs from homeowners make you want to come back." Jim Dorsch pointed out that, while volunteering is important, it’s also fun: "We laughed ’til our stomachs hurt!"

The training ended with a commissioning service led by Marianne Pittman, who instructed the group to look intently at their hands. "The saying that Christ has no hands but your own is true for disaster service," she said. "Blessed be the hands that bring help to one another."

She invited the other trainers to share from their own experiences, and John Mueller offered the group this challenge: "Just try to leave more than you bring back. It’s not possible.... Welcome to the losing battle of not being able to give back more than you received."

--Jane Yount is coordinator of Brethren Disaster Ministries for the Church of the Brethren General Board.

Source: 8/15/2007 Newsline

Toothpaste is removed from hygiene kits at Brethren Service Center.

"We are in the process of removing toothpaste from hygiene kits (formerly named health kits) and checking the contents to be sure only the correct items are included in the kits," reports Loretta Wolf, director of the Material Resources program of the Church of the Brethren General Board. The program packs, stores, and ships disaster relief materials worldwide from the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md., on behalf of partner organizations such as Church World Service (CWS) and Lutheran World Relief.

Brethren and others who donate hygiene kits are being alerted that toothpaste will no longer be included in kits. "This goes for Church World Service and Lutheran World Relief kits," said Wolf. "It is also helpful to mark the donation carton ‘hygiene kit w/o toothpaste,’" she said.

The decision to remove toothpaste from the contents of the kits was in response to an initial problem with expiration dates, Wolf said. Now with the potential for "poisoned" toothpaste from China, she reported that CWS is purchasing bulk toothpaste to send alongside the hygiene kits for onsite distribution.

No decision has been made as to the disposal of the toothpaste that is being removed from donated kits, Wolf said.

In related news, the program is issuing an urgent call for donations of school kits. Wolf said there is "desperate need for school kits for Church World Service. At this point we have about 30 cartons. Church World Service has requests for several containers they are currently unable to fill." For information about school kits, including a contents list and instructions for packing, go to www.churchworldservice.org/kits/school-kits.html.

Material Resources also issued a call for more volunteers to help staff work with the CWS kits. Help is needed to check items in donated kits so that each recipient is assured a complete and appropriate kit. Volunteer opportunities are available Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m.-4 p.m., at the Brethren Service Center. Lunch is provided for volunteers who work six hours or more. For more information or to schedule a date to volunteer, contact the New Windsor Conference Center at 410-635-8700.

More information about the toothpaste poisoning is available from the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/oc/opacom/hottopics/toothpaste.html. In a statement on the website, the FDA said it has found a poisonous chemical, diethylene glycol (DEG), in certain toothpastes imported from China. It warns consumers to avoid using toothpaste labeled as made in China that is typically sold at low-cost, bargain outlets such as dollar stores. An import alert is stopping suspect toothpaste from entering the US, the website said. The website offers a list of brands from China that have been found to contain diethylene glycol.

Source: 8/15/2007 Newsline

Travel seminar takes students to visit Brethren in Brazil.

On a recent travel seminar to Brazil, students of Bethany Theological Seminary and the Training in Ministry (TRIM) program engaged the question of what it means to be Anabaptists planting churches in today's diverse world. The seminar was jointly sponsored by the Global Mission Partnerships of the Church of the Brethren General Board, and the Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership.

Led by Jonathan Shively, director of the Brethren Academy, and accompanied by General Board member Vickie Samland, the seminar traveled in Brazil from May 17-June 2. They shared learnings with leaders of Igreja da Irmandade-Brasil (the Church of the Brethren in Brazil), participated in language school, experienced Brazilian culture, and worshiped in several congregations.

Participants included Virginia Bandy of Homeworth, Ohio; Jim and Elaine Gibbel of Lititz, Pa.; Carla Gillespie of Richmond, Ind.; Haley Goodwin of Richmond, Ind.; Jason Kreighbaum of Richmond, Ind.; Matt and Becky McKimmy of Richmond, Ind.; David and Cheryl Mishler of Sabetha, Kan.; and Christine Sheller of Wichita, Kan.

For more from the Brazil seminar, see the feature reflection by Haley Goodwin at the end of this Newsline. For an online photo album, go to www.brethren.org/pjournal/2007/BrazilTravelSeminar2007/index.html.

Source: 8/15/2007 Newsline

Conference kicks off Southeastern's 300th anniversary celebration.

The Southeastern District Conference on July 27-29 at Mars Hill College in Mars Hill, N.C., culminated with a kick off event for the district’s celebration of the 300th anniversary of the Church of the Brethren.

Moderator Donna Shumate called the conference together as the 96 delegates met, with 33 churches represented. The delegates heard reports on Friday afternoon. Guest speaker Dennis Webb, pastor of Naperville (Ill.) Church of the Brethren, brought the message on Friday evening from Ezekiel 37:1-14, "Can These Dry Bones Live?" Saturday morning’s message by moderator Donna Shumate was from Matthew 14:29, "Walking on Water."

In new business, the delegates approved closing two Bible Study Projects that were started in 2005, and approved a new Hispanic Bible Study Project for downtown Asheville, N.C., with sponsoring church HIS Way Fellowship Church of the Brethren/Eglesia Jesucristo El Camino, in Hendersonville, N.C. Carol Yeazell, a member of HIS Way, told the conference how the Bible Study Project is already sharing Christ with 27 individuals with regular attendance.

The conference also approved and celebrated the Hispanic HIS Way Fellowship moving to "church" status. Several members from the congregation attended the conference in support of their church, and also brought special music. The delegate body and others in attendance shared their support with a standing ovation, and pastor Raul Gonzalez expressed the congregation’s appreciation for the district support.

In other business, a 2008 budget of $81,748 was approved. Pastor Jeff Jones from Beaver Creek Church of the Brethren in Knoxville, Tenn., was called as moderator-elect. Pastor Wallace Cole of First Church of the Brethren in Mount Airy, N.C., was selected as district representative to the Church of the Brethren General Board. Proceeds from the Quilt Auction went to the district’s Ministry Assistance Fund.

Jeremy Dykes, who will serve as district moderator for 2008, announced the theme "Come, Holy Spirit" based on Acts 1:4-8 for the 300th anniversary year. After the business session closed Saturday afternoon, the district held its kick-off celebration for the 300th anniversary. Several people attended in "old Brethren dress," with Shirley Spire and Pete Roudebush acknowledged for their old Brethren style. The children played several old-fashioned games, and the adults had a time to visit with Ruell Pritchett’s granddaughter. Old quilts from past conferences were on display along with early history information concerning meetings and events held in Southeastern District.

The district’s Youth Heritage Team of Rebecca Thomas and Jennifer Stacy also shared with the delegate body concerning their training. After the worship service held by the youth, everyone enjoyed a time of ice cream and cake.

For the final worship service of the conference on Sunday, Dennis Webb based his message on Matthew 14:29. A time of feetwashing and the bread and cup closed the conference.

--Martha June Roudebush is co-executive minister for Southeastern District.

Source: 8/15/2007 Newsline

Brethren bits: Personnel, Caring Ministries Assembly, and more.

• Stephanie Hartley of Lewistown, Pa., completed a two-year term of service as a mission worker in Nigeria with the Global Mission Partnerships of the Church of the Brethren General Board. Her term was completed at the end of the school year. In 2005-06, she taught math and social studies at the Comprehensive Secondary School of Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria (EYN-the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria), near Mubi. In 2006-07, she taught middle school history at Hillcrest School in Jos. Hartley is returning to Nigeria to teach at a private international school.
  
  
• Emily O'Donnell has ended her service with the Brethren Witness/Washington Office as a legislative associate and Brethren Volunteer Service worker, as of Aug. 3. She is a member of Green Tree Church of the Brethren in Oaks, Pa.
  
  
• Beth Merrill has joined the Brethren Volunteer Service office as a fulltime BVS volunteer. Merrill, who attended Prince of Peace Church of the Brethren in her hometown of Sacramento, Calif., first joined BVS in the fall of 2005. She spent four months as a BVS volunteer at Bridgeway in Lakewood, Colo., working with pregnant women, and a year at Quaker Cottage in Northern Ireland, a cross-community family support center.
  
  
• The General Board welcomes two new computer support volunteers serving through Brethren Volunteer Service. Jay Irizarry will serve at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md.; Tom Birdzell will serve at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill.
  
  
• On Earth Peace and the Brethren Witness/Washington Office of the Church of the Brethren General Board haved hired Mimi Copp as grassroots organizer for the denomination’s participation in the International Day of Prayer for Peace on Sept. 21. This short-term position is a joint partnership of the two agencies to develop and carry out marketing, outreach, and organizing plans for the commemoration. A goal has been set of holding at least 40 vigils in Brethren communities on this date. Copp will provide resource materials and program support to congregations that become involved. She has served as a Brethren volunteer in Chicago, Ill., and Nigeria, and holds a master's degree in Peace and Development Studies from Universitat Jaume I in Spain. She is a member of Shalom House, an intentional community in Philadelphia, Pa.
  
  
• The morning Bible study leader for the next Caring Ministries Assembly will be Stephen Breck Reid, academic dean of Bethany Theological Seminary. Curtis Dubble was to be the featured Bible study leader but has had to cancel his involvement in the Sept. 6-8 conference on "Being Family: Reality and Renewal" to take place at Lititz (Pa.) Church of the Brethren. Pastors, deacons, chaplains, caregivers, and those interested in family ministry can still register for the assembly, which promises three keynote sessions, three worship celebrations, and almost 30 workshops about family life. For more information visit the Association of Brethren Caregivers website at www.brethren-caregivers.org or contact the ABC office at 800-323-8039 ext. 300.
  
  
• A conference call for International Day of Prayer for Peace organizers is offered tomorrow, Aug. 16, at 7 p.m. eastern time. The 90-minute call will offer ideas and plans for the Church of the Brethren congregations planning a public prayer meeting for peace on or near Sept 21. The facilitator will be Matt Guynn, coordinator of peace witness for On Earth Peace. To register send an e-mail to Mimi Copp, organizer for the International Day of Prayer for Peace in the Church of the Brethren, at miminski@gmail.com. For resources and a list of participating congregations, visit www.brethren.org/oepa/programs/peace-witness/prayforpeace.html.
  
  
• The annual Brethren Revival Fellowship/Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS) unit will begin orientation on Aug. 18 at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md.
  
  
• "We’re doing well. We’re anxious to build," reported pastor Mark Teal of Black River Church of the Brethren in Spencer, Ohio. The Black River church building burned to the ground on Christmas Eve night last year, Dec. 24, 2006. Now the congregation is close to making a contract with a builder and breaking ground for a new building, and hopes to be able to worship in the new facility by the end of this year, Teal said. The congregation has actually increased in attendance while it has been meeting in the facilities of Chatham Community Church, just a couple of miles away. The new building will be built on an open field that was part of the original property. "It is going to be larger," Teal said, adding that the building plans include additional seating capacity for worship and more classrooms as well. "We’ve received a great deal of support and offers of help from across the denomination," Teal said. "We’ve really appreciated their prayers and support."
  
  
• Oregon and Washington District is holding its first annual District Song and Story Fest on Aug. 17-19 at Camp Koinonia in Cle Elum, Wash. The purpose of the camp is "to get to know other district folks" and "to have fun together using music and stories," according to the district newsletter. Cost is $55. To register contact Mike and Nancy O'Cain at 509-674-5767.
  
  
• Brethren Village, a Church of the Brethren retirement center in Lancaster, Pa., has the only two low-income housing units at a Lancaster County continuing-care retirement community that are subsidized by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, according to the newsletter of the Fellowship of Brethren Homes. The second of the units, Fairview Meadows, was dedicated May 8. The first is the Village Garden Apartments, built in 1990. Brethren Village began work on the second low-income unit after Village Gardens experienced a long waiting list, indicating need for low-income housing for seniors. Even after the second unit was built, 50 seniors are still on a waiting list, the newsletter said.
  
  
• Camp Bethel near Fincastle, Va., celebrates its 80th anniversary with a service of celebration on Sunday, Sept. 2, at 4 p.m., followed by a potluck dinner at 5:30 p.m.
  
  
• Friends, fans, and former students were invited to Roland "Ort" Ortmayer’s 90th birthday celebration on July 7, hosted by the Ortmayer family and the University of La Verne (ULV), in La Verne, Calif. Ortmayer served as head football coach from 1948-90. During 43 years at ULV, he also coached other intercollegiate sports teams and served as athletic director and professor of physical education. In 1980 he was inducted into the NAIA Coaching Hall of Fame. He later brought the university added prominence in 1989 as the subject of a feature article in "Sports Illustrated." His popular summer courses featuring rafting and kayaking in Montana began an "alumni float trip" tradition that continues today. The celebration on the football field in ULV’s Ortmayer Stadium featured picnic food, snow cones, and a special birthday cake. For more about the university go to www.ulv.edu.

Source: 8/15/2007 Newsline

Bosserman resigns as district executive for Missouri and Arkansas.

Sandra L. Bosserman has announced her resignation as executive minister of Missiouri and Arkansas District, effective on or about Nov. 15. She has served as district staff for almost eight years, since she was called to the position on Jan. 1, 2000.

Bosserman has broad denominational and district experience, having served as a member of the Church of the Brethren General Board from 1986-87 and 1990-95. She also has served on the Standing Committee of district representatives, the Annual Conference Council, and the Inter-Agency Forum. Previous to her district position, she was pastor of Peace Valley (Mo.) Church of the Brethren for more than six years.

She is known by members of her district also as author of a "DE Dogma" column in district newsletters, and has written the Lenten devotional "A Time to Lie Fallow," published by Brethren Press. She lives with her family in Peace Valley, Mo.

Source: 8/15/2007 Newsline

Royer resigns as director of admissions for Bethany Seminary.

Kathy Royer, director of admissions at Bethany Theological Seminary in Richmond, Ind., has announced her resignation effective Sept. 3. In her three years of guiding and shaping recruitment and admissions work at Bethany, since her appointment in Sept. 2004, she has traveled extensively to connect with potential students from the Church of the Brethren and other denominations.

"Kathy has worked determinedly to enhance enrollment, to increase Bethany's exposure in areas beyond Church of the Brethren realms, as well as to deepen connections with our Church of the Brethren college students," said Brenda Reish, executive director of student and business services and treasurer.

Previously, Royer served in various roles at Hospice of Miami County, Ohio, for nine years. She is an ordained minister in the Church of the Brethren. She plans to expand her spiritual direction practice through teaching and individual counseling.

Source: 8/15/2007 Newsline

Poole begins as coordinator of ministry formation for Bethany.

Dan Poole of Bradford, Ohio, has accepted the half-time position of coordinator of Ministry Formation at Bethany Theological Seminary, beginning Aug. 1. He will work closely with Tara Hornbacker, associate professor of Ministry Formation, in the administration and teaching of the ministry formation component in the local and Connections programs.

"Dan will be a wonderful addition to the Bethany community," said academic dean Stephen Breck Reid. "He brings 16 years of pastoral experience and has served as an adjunct faculty member for the past several years."

Poole is a 1991 graduate of Bethany Seminary. He will continue to serve as pastor of Covington (Ohio) Church of the Brethren in a half-time capacity.

Source: 8/15/2007 Newsline

Reflection from Brazil: Doing an excellent job of being church.

The Church of the Brethren in Brazil, though small, is doing an excellent job of being church. Even though this was my second trip to Brazil, it was my first trip focusing on Igreja da Irmandade, the Church of the Brethren. I received a bigger picture of what the Church of the Brethren is doing in Brazil.

The church is doing a very good job at being "radical" in regard to the culture. The push for pacifism and community is very strong. The congregations are small, most of them resembling house churches. This seems to be effective, because everyone has an important role in the church. Without each person, the congregation would not function properly as a church.

The Brethren in Brazil recognize that ministry happens every day, and not simply on Sunday, or during Bible study. The emphasis is on community--on living, loving, learning, laughing, playing, celebrating, and crying as a community. We spent a weekend at the Rio Verde church and with the members there. We worshiped together, but also spent a day full of fun and recreation. Being in community is ministry, and being in ministry is all aspects of life. One must study, worship, reflect, and play. It is a balance that each church community must strive to achieve.

There are two moments that moved me--statements made by Marcos Inhauser, national co-director of Igreja da Irmandade. The first was made during his reflection on John 9:1-7, the story of Jesus healing a blind man. "God does what God wants without our permission," Marcos said. It is a simple statement but at that moment it rang true to my heart and soul. It spoke to me of my life.

The second statement was made as Marcos was reflecting on the story of the Last Supper in Matthew. He said, "All Jesus left us was the table." Simple, profound, powerful, and layered with meaning and metaphor. If Jesus left us the table, then shouldn't we be dining around it, and fellowshiping around it together?

--Haley Goodwin is a student at Bethany Theological Seminary in Richmond, Ind.

Source: 8/15/2007 Newsline

Bethany Emphasis Sunday focuses on discipleship.

Bethany Theological Seminary has announced Sept. 9 as Bethany Emphasis Sunday for the Church of the Brethren. The theme, "Go Deeper: Cost of Discipleship," is based on Luke 14:25-33, a lectionary reading for that day. Worship materials and resources offered for congregational celebrations were created by faculty, students, and graduates of the seminary.

Resources include a benediction by the seminary’s new president Ruthann Knechel Johansen; an invocation prayer by Jonathan Shively, director of the Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership; an adult Sunday school lesson by Amy Ritchie, director of Student Development; a youth Sunday school lesson by Tracy Stoddart; a meditation by student Elizabeth Keller; a call to worship by student Anna Lisa Gross; an offertory statement by Kelly Meyerhoeffer; a "scripture jam" by Elizabeth Keller; and a children's story by Barb Dickason. A bulletin insert includes a litany by Dawn Ottoni Wilhelm, associate professor of Preaching and Worship, and comments by students and graduates about the importance of the congregation in encouraging them to consider ministry.

Also offered are a PowerPoint of Bethany's logo, resource people for "Minute for Mission" presentations, and guest speakers. Congregations should have received a letter from Bethany that includes a postcard to order materials or invite a guest speaker. Printed resources and the logo are available at www.bethanyseminary.edu. Bethany invites congregations to celebrate the emphasis on another date if Sept. 9 is not possible.

Source: 8/15/2007 Newsline Extra

Mission Alive 2008 to recognize anniversary year.

Mission Alive 2008 will be held at Bridgewater (Va.) Church of the Brethren on April 4-6, 2008. Recognizing the 300th anniversary year, the Steering Committee chose the theme, "Celebrating a Fruitful Past, Cultivating a Faith-full Future."

The program of worship, speakers, and workshops will lift up Brethren contributions in international mission, note learnings, and emphasize how individuals and congregations can be spiritually renewed and energized through mission support and involvement.

Steering Committee members are Linetta Alley Ballew, camp program director and seminary student, from Lebanon Church of the Brethren in Mount Sidney, Va.; Carl Brubaker, associate pastor of Midway Church of the Brethren in Lebanon, Pa.; Larry Dentler, pastor at Bermudian Church of the Brethren in East Berlin, Pa.; Carol Spicher Waggy, former mission staff and pastor/pastoral counselor, of Rock Run Church of the Brethren in Goshen, Ind.; and Mervin Keeney, executive director for the Global Mission Partnerships of the Church of the Brethren General Board, and a member of Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren in Elgin, Ill. Keeney serves as the General Board staff liaison.

Source: 8/15/2007 Newsline Extra

Church planting conference is scheduled for May 2008.

A church planting conference will convene from Thursday through Saturday, May 15-17, 2008, in Richmond, Ind. Early registration and pre-conference activities are scheduled for May 14.

The conference will contribute to new church development in the Church of the Brethren by providing training for church planters, supportive networks, and coaches; enriching spiritual resources through revitalizing worship and focused prayer; promoting synergistic conversation and strategic cooperation among individuals, districts, and agencies; and assessing individual and organizational capacities for leadership.

A series of worship and prayer experiences, speakers, workshops, outreach opportunities, and small group conversations will make up the conference. The event is sponsored every other year by the New Church Development Committee of the Church of the Brethren in partnership with the Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership and hosted by Bethany Theological Seminary.

Committee members guiding the planning are Carrie Cortez of Pacific Southwest District, Lynda DeVore of Illinois and Wisconsin District, Don Mitchell of Atlantic Northeast District, David Shumate of Virlina District, Steve Gregory of the General Board’s Congregational Life Teams staff, and Jonathan Shively, director of the Brethren Academy.

Detailed information will be available by mid-September, and registration materials will be available Jan. 1, 2008. Direct inquiries to planting@bethanyseminary.edu.

Source: 8/15/2007 Newsline Extra

300th Anniversary update: Celebration is planned for Schwarzenau, Germany.

The village of Schwarzenau, Germany, is the site of the 2008 Brethren World Assembly and 300th Anniversary Celebration to take place the weekend of Aug. 2-3 next year. The event is being planned by the Board of Directors of Brethren Encyclopedia, Inc., which has representation from the six largest Brethren bodies descended from the group of eight Brethren who were baptized in the Eder River in Schwarzenau in 1708.

Dale R. Stoffer, vice president of board of directors and dean of Ashland Theological Seminary, Ohio, is serving as chair of the planning committee. The secretary for the board, Dale V. Ulrich of Bridgewater, Va., is serving as coordinator.

A preliminary schedule for the assembly and celebration in Schwarzenau includes:

• On Saturday, Aug. 2, time during the day for visitors to meditate at the Eder River, walk around the village of Schwarzenau, visit the Alexander Mack Museum--named after the founder of the Brethren, hike as Mack did from the Hüttental to the mill along the river, visit the castle and museum in nearby Bad Berleburg, and take a walking tour of nearby Marburg; a meal tent where a lunch and dinner will be served for a fee; an evening concert by the McPherson (Kan.) College Choir, the Schwarzenau Ladies Choir, the Schwarzenau Men's Choir, and the Bad Berleburg Choir.
  
  
• On Sunday, Aug. 3, a morning worship service at 10 a.m. with preachers James M. Beckwith, 2008 moderator of the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference, and Frederick G. Miller, Jr., pastor of Mount Olivet Brethren Church in Virginia; a meal tent where lunch will be served; a 2 p.m. Anniversary Program with guest speaker and German academic Dr. Marcus Meier, author of the book "The Origins of the Schwarzenau Brethren" to be published in English by Brethren Encyclopedia, Inc. in 2008; and a 4:30 p.m. closing gathering at the Eder River.

Registration for the assembly and celebration including Sunday lunch in Schwarzenau is $85. For a registration form, schedule, and more information, including a list of some nearby hotels and a map of the area, contact Dale Ulrich, Brethren Encyclopedia Coordinator of the 300th Anniversary Celebration, 26 College Woods Dr., Bridgewater, VA 22812; daulrich@comcast.net; 540-828-6548. A list of tours also is available.

Source: 8/15/2007 Newsline Extra

300th Anniversary resources: Commemorative calendars are still available.

Brethren Anniversary Commemorative Calendars are still available through the Brethren Church, according to the Church of the Brethren 300th Anniversary Committee. The Church of the Brethren sold out of its allocation of the calendars at the 2007 Annual Conference in Cleveland, Ohio.

The Brethren Church had been handling requests for the calendars from all the other branches of the Brethren. "At this juncture we can now report that it looks like the Brethren Church should have an adequate supply for churches or districts that may not have been able get a supply of them at Cleveland," said Jim Hollinger, of the Brethren Church Tercenntenial Committee, in a recent e-mail.

For an order form that includes prices for individual calendars as well as quantity prices, contact Jim Hollinger, 112 Westwood Rd., Goshen, IN 46526; 574-533-0737; fax 574-533-4715; jhollinger@goshenhealth.com. Orders will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Pre-payment is requested. Those who live near Goshen, Ind., or close to Brethren Church offices in Ashland, Ohio, may make arrangements to pick up their orders personally and save on shipping costs.

Source: 8/15/2007 Newsline Extra

More Brethren bits: Current job openings.

• The Brethren Foundation Inc. seeks a manager of Foundation Operations to fill a fulltime salaried position based in Elgin, Ill. The Brethren Foundation is a not-for-profit ministry of Brethren Benefit Trust (BBT). The manager will assist the director of the foundation with all aspects of the foundation’s operation. Responsibilities include serving as a primary contact and information source for inquiries received; assisting current and prospective clients with foundation services; initiating activities that strengthen relationships with clients; assessing needs, satisfaction, and interests of current and potential clients; managing and maintaining databases; ensuring that records are complete, accurate, and orderly; ensuring compliance and reporting activities; generating reports; interacting with the BBT Finance Department and Communications Department. Qualifications include an undergraduate degree in business, accounting, or nonprofit management; experience in nonprofit finance; a basic understanding of investment management and planned giving; proficiency with computer technology; communications and interpersonal skills; a strong work ethic; enthusiasm for new opportunities; willingness to learn new things; openness to limited travel; and membership in or appreciation for the Church of the Brethren. All interested parties are encouraged to apply, whether or not they possess all qualifications. Salary and benefits are competitive with not-for-profit organizations of similar size and function. To apply send a letter of interest, resume, and contact information for three references to Donna March, 1505 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120; or dmarch_bbt@brethren.org. The position is available immediately and the search will continue until the position is filled.
  
  
• The Church of the Brethren General Board is seeking a coordinator for the New Windsor Conference Center, to fill an hourly, fulltime position located at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md. The Conference Center is a facility with dining services, meeting rooms, and 72 lodging rooms. The regular work schedule for the coordinator will be Tuesday-Saturday, three weeks of each month, and Monday-Friday one week of each month. The position works as a member of a team to support and uphold the hospitality mission of the General Board. Key areas of responsibility are coordinating conference groups, guests, and volunteers; managing volunteers; providing exceptional customer service for guests both directly and through volunteers and staff; and demonstrating strong administrative skills in the areas of booking banquets, lodging and meeting rooms, billing, and preparation and distribution of marketing materials. Requirements include ability to communicate in a professional manner; organized and detail-oriented work methods; a welcoming, outgoing, and customer-oriented attitude; customer service skills; ability to think clearly and make rational decisions in stressful situations; ability to work collaboratively with staff and volunteers; competent user status in Microsoft Office Suite and the capability and willingness to learn new applications. Experience with hotel reservations software preferred. Minimum education and experience requirements are a high school diploma with some college training, at least three years of experience in hospitality or other customer service environment, volunteer coordination experience, demonstrated ability to handle multiple competing priorities. Nonprofit experience preferred. The General Board is an equal opportunity employer. The application period closes Aug. 17. Contact Joan McGrath, Office of Human Resources, Brethren Service Center, 500 Main St., P.O. Box 188, New Windsor, MD 21776; jmcgrath_gb@brethren.org; 410-635-8780.
  
  
• Today is the last day applications will be received for the position of manager editor at Brethren Press, a fulltime position in Elgin, Ill., with the Church of the Brethren General Board. Responsibilities including managing the publishing schedule for curriculum, books, bulletins, pamphlets, and other publications; managing the editorial office including contracts, copyright permissions, and payments; copy-editing and proofreading most publications; providing content editing on selected publications; supervising projects through typesetting and design; working collaboratively with writers, editors, designers, typesetters, and photographers; and assisting with acquisitions of new titles. Qualifications include excellent editing and proofreading skills and experience with broader areas of production and publishing; ability to supervise and organize many details and meet deadlines; computer skills; understanding of Brethren heritage, theology, and polity or willingness to learn; communication and interpersonal skills; skill in establishing and operating in a collegial framework. Required education and experience include a bachelor’s degree in a related field, with a master’s degree preferred, and prior successful experience with editing and production. Preference will be given to individuals active in the Church of the Brethren. A position description and application form are available, contact the Office of Human Resources, Church of the Brethren General Board, 800-323-8039 ext. 258, kkrog_gb@brethren.org.
  
  
• McPherson (Kan.) College is seeking an outgoing, organized, energetic, self-motivated person who will serve as executive director of Development. This position reports to the vice president of Advancement. The executive director will plan and carry out fundraising events, meet with existing and new constituents to solicit funds, should be able to lead a team, have good relationship building skills, and understand the benefits of a small-college education. This position involves travel, salary is flexible. A Bachelor’s degree is required. Send a cover letter, resume, and references to Lisa Easter, Human Resources, P.O. Box 1402, McPherson, KS 67460; or e-mail easterl@mcpherson.edu. No phone calls please. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. EOE.
  
  
• Interchurch Medical Assistance (IMA) World Health seeks a vice president for International Programs to fill a fulltime position with excellent benefits. IMA World Health, a nonprofit organization advancing health and healing in communities the world over, seeks a professional with strong interpersonal and leadership skills; knowledge and experience in developing strategic partnerships with a diverse network of donor and partner organizations; and a proven track record in proposal development and successful resource mobilization in support of major international health program services. Requirements include a doctorate or master’s degree in Public Health or a medical doctor with significant public health experience; a minimum of five years of documented international experience in field positions in Africa, Asia, or Latin America; and proven proficiency in a second language such as French or Spanish. EOE. Send resume and salary requirements to Ms. Carol Hulver, IMA, P.O. Box 429, New Windsor MD 21776; fax 410-635-8726; e-mail carolhulver@interchurch.org.
  
  
• Camp Bethel, a Church of the Brethren camp in Fincastle, Va., seeks to fill two fulltime staff positions: director of Food Services, and office manager. Camp Bethel, an ACA-accredited Christian camp and retreat center, is experiencing tremendous growth in summer programing and year-round guest groups. For the director of Food Services position: summer responsibilities include arranging staffing to plan and provide meal service Sunday evenings through Friday evenings; fall, winter, and spring responsibilities include arranging staffing to plan and provide meal service primarily on weekends; a competitive salary package is based on experience and includes medical insurance, pension, professional growth, travel allowance, and a housing option; previous culinary experience or training is required, and staff management experience is preferred. For the office manager position: responsibilities include guest information services, correspondence, event coordination, marketing outreach, and camper registration; starting salary package includes medical insurance, pension, professional growth, travel allowance, and a housing option; previous office experience is preferred, and creative skill with Internet, e-mail, MS Windows, Word, and Excel (or comparable software) is required. Detailed job descriptions, job applications, and information about Camp Bethel is at www.campbethelvirginia.org, or interested applicants may request applications from Barry LeNoir, camp director, at camp.bethel@juno.com, 540-992-2940, or via post-mail at Camp Bethel, 328 Bethel Rd., Fincastle, VA 24090.

Source: 8/15/2007 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. Kathleen Campanella, Mary Dulabaum, Kim Ebersole, Dean Garrett, Phil Jones, Merv Keeney, Nancy Knepper, Karin Krog, Barry LeNoir, Janis Pyle, Marcia Shetler, Jonathan Shively, Dale Ulrich and Loretta Wolf contributed to this report.

NEWS

• Butler Chapel celebrates tenth anniversary of rebuilding.
  
• Foods Resource Bank holds annual meeting.
  
• Grants support DR community development, Katrina relief.
  
• ABC encourages support of SCHIP reauthorization.
  
• Brethren bits: Personnel, job openings, Annual Conference, more.

UPCOMING EVENTS

• Course offerings are announced by Brethren Academy.
  
• 300th Anniversary update: Plans are announced for Conference 2008.

FEATURE

• Reflection: Meeting with USAID.

Butler Chapel celebrates tenth anniversary of rebuilding.

Ten years have passed since hundreds of Church of the Brethren volunteers helped to build a new Butler Chapel AME Church in Orangeburg, S.C. The original church was burned by arson.

Local church leaders there are now planning a major 10th Anniversary celebration to be held Jan. 11-13, 2008, and the Brethren are invited, reports the "Bridge" newsletter of the Brethren Disaster Ministries.

A variety of events are being planned for the anniversary including a banquet, music, fellowship, worship, and time to reconnect with friends and volunteers. All who love to sing will be offered an opportunity to experience typical AME Church music. The congregation will reserve housing and arrange for meals.

"This cross-cultural event will be a great way to begin our 300th Anniversary year," said the "Bridges" announcement. "Mark your calendars now."

Source: 8/1/2007 Newsline

Foods Resource Bank holds annual meeting.

The Foods Resource Bank (FRB) annual meeting took place in mid-July at Sauder Village in Archbold, northwest Ohio. Global Food Crisis Fund manager Howard Royer was among several Brethren members who attended. The Church of the Brethren participates in the Foods Resource Bank through the fund, which is a ministry of the Church of the Brethren General Board.

"Some 200 people impassioned about hunger action were present for the Wednesday focus on growing projects," Royer reported. Patty Hurwitz was on the program to share the story of the growing project of Grossnickle Church of the Brethren in Myersville, Md. Also present from Grossnickle were pastor Timothy Ritchey Martin, Jennifer Leatherman, and Patty and Don Hughes.

Later this fall, the Hughes plan to join Foods Resource Bank staff member Bev Abma in a visit to the Kenya Bamba program, which was supported by $36,000 from the 2006 proceeds of the Grossnickle growing project and matching funds from USAID (see below for a feature story about a meeting of Grossnickle members at USAID offices in Washington, D.C.).

Other Brethren present at the annual meeting were Floyd Troyer and Sam Reinoehl of Pleasant Chapel Church of the Brethren in Ashley, Ind.; Steve Rodebeck of Pleasant Dale Church of the Brethren in Decatur, Ind.; and Lois Kruse from Ivester Church of the Brethren in Grundy Center, Iowa. Bonnie Baker, a Presbyterian from Hutchinson, Kan., represented a growing project in which three Brethren congregations are partners: McPherson (Kan.) Church of the Brethren, Monitor Church of the Brethren also in McPherson, and Community Church of the Brethren in Hutchinson, Kan.

Among the speakers were Max Finkberg, executive director of the Alliance for Hunger; Jim Thompson, acting director of USAID's Global Development Alliance; and Maynard Saunder, CEO of Saunder Industries and son of the firm's founder. Saunder told the group that a favorite saying of his father was, "It’s amazing what you can do when you don't know you can’t do it," reported Royer. "In spite of its fast growth, FRB still seems to have that semblance of innocence about it."

"Especially moving were the presentations of four overseas guests, representing programs in Bolivia, Cambodia, Kenya, and Zambia assisted by FRB grants," Royer said. Hanah Mwachofi, a water technician from the Kenya Bamba program, who had spent a couple of days at the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference in Cleveland, also has visited a growing project of South Waterloo (Iowa) Church of the Brethren, the Grossnickle project, and the ECHO training center in Florida, which was the site of a Church of the Brethren youth workcamp this summer. Mwachofi returned to Kenya on July 19.

One day of the meeting was given to a smaller group delving into ways of moving overseas programs and grant communities beyond subsistence, Royer said. "These words--‘beyond subsistence’--became a kind of unofficial mantra," he added.

In naming new officers, the FRB board elected as chair Doug Harford, an FRB volunteer and a farmer from Mazon, Ill., to succeed Cort Miller of Nazarene Compassionate Ministries in Kansas City. The board's winter meeting is slated for San Antonio, Texas, in January. Its 2008 annual meeting will be held in July at Souix Falls, S.D.

Source: 8/1/2007 Newsline