Newsline Extra:
Report from the Fall General Board meeting
GENERAL BOARD DISCUSSES REVISION OF MINISTERIAL ETHICS PAPER, ADOPTS RESOLUTIONS ON MEDICAL INSURANCE AND MODERN-DAY SLAVERY
The fall meetings of the Church of the Brethren General Board were held Oct. 19-22 in Elgin, Ill., on the theme, "Come Walk with Us." Worship services and devotions addressed a scripture theme from Micah 4:1-5. Chair Tim Harvey opened the meeting in worship with an invitation to join the procession of people streaming to "the mountain of the Lord" in Micah 4.
The board made a major decision to strongly affirm ministries at the Brethren Service Center (see the Newsline Special Report of Oct. 20). In other leading items, the board provisionally accepted a revision of the denomination’s "Ethics in Ministry Relations" paper, adopted a "Resolution on Modern-Day Slavery" and a "Resolution on Ministers’ Medical Insurance Crisis," received a "Resolution Urging Forebearance" from the Association of Brethren Caregivers (ABC), adopted a 2008 budget, and discussed strategic planning for mission.
Ethics in Ministry Relations:
The revised "Ethics in Ministry Relations" document was provisionally accepted with the understanding that the board will receive it again in March for final approval and send it to the 2008 Annual Conference. The document is a revision of a 1996 paper, and outlines biblical foundations for ministerial leadership, a theology of ministerial ethics, an ethical code of conduct for ministers, and a process for dealing with ethical misconduct.
Mary Jo Flory-Steury, the board’s executive director of Ministry, and Nancy Knepper, coordinator of district ministry, presented the revised document. Revisions center on greater clarity and consistency in the code of ethics and process for dealing with complaints of misconduct, and require training for committees that are responsible for dealing with complaints of misconduct. Discussion touched on a wide variety of issues and several amendments were made to the document, which is expected to receive further revision at an upcoming meeting of the Council of District Executives before it returns to the General Board.
Resolution on Ministers' Medical Insurance Crisis:
The board affirmed and sent to the 2008 Annual Conference a "Resolution on Ministers’ Medical Insurance Crisis" jointly sponsored by the Council of District Executives, the Pastoral Compensation and Benefits Advisory Committee, and the officers of the Ministers’ Association. Flory-Steury presented the resolution, saying it is the result of conversations between these groups since the decision of the 2007 Annual Conference to phase out the Brethren Medical Plan’s medical insurance component for active ministers.
"A few of our congregations are interpreting the action that congregations are no longer expected to provide medical insurance coverage for their pastors," she said.
The resolution "reaffirms the value of congregations providing health insurance coverage for pastors and families," acknowledges feelings of "abandonment, betrayal, and distrust" by pastors, directs the establishment of standards for pastors’ medical insurance benefits, encourages expansion of two funds to assist pastors in crisis--the General Board’s Ministry Assistance Fund and the Brethren Benefit Trust’s Church Workers Assistance Plan, and sets the issue in the context of the national health care crisis and sets direction for advocacy work by the Brethren Witness/Washington Office.
As a temporary measure, the General Board’s Executive Committee raised the limit for grants from the Ministry Assistance Fund to $5,000 from $2,000, as funds are available.
Resolution on Modern-Day Slavery:
A resolution against modern-day slavery was adopted and presented to the 2008 Annual Conference, after the board heard a presentation on "Slavery in the 21st Century" by Brethren Witness/Washington Office director Phil Jones and Gather ’Round editor Anna Speicher.
In its resolution, the board noted that slavery is illegal in every nation but that many forms of slavery continue, such as child labor, sexual slavery, and debt bondage. The resolution references Luke 4:18-19 as a gospel mandate and reaffirms the historic opposition of Brethren to slavery.
The church "has spoken out strongly and repeatedly in opposition to slavery and the slave trade, passing antislavery resolutions in 1797, 1812, 1813, 1837, 1845, 1853, 1854, and 1857," the resolution says. It confesses "our complicity in the global network of slavery through consumption of goods and services...produced by slave labor," makes a commitment to education and action, and invites Brethren organizations and members to join in the work along with ecumenical and interfaith partners.
Resolution Urging Forebearance:
A "Resolution Urging Forebearance" from the board of ABC was presented by ABC executive director Kathy Reid. ABC is asking for support for the resolution from the General Board and On Earth Peace. Reid said the ABC board is sharing the paper as "a great concern" and hopes to "take a strong statement to the body of Annual Conference." She described the resolution as pointing to the importance of forebearance in the church, and calling for recognition of the time it takes for the church to work through difficult issues.
The resolution, however, was met with a mixed reaction from members of the General Board--some welcomed it and others expressed strong opposition. One said he feared it would be used to teach unbiblical doctrines, and as an excuse to violate Annual Conference polity. Another said he does not feel heard as a conservative Christian.
"There is no agenda," Reid responded, expressing a willingness from ABC to work on refinement of the wording. She defended the resolution as a call for civility and love as brothers and sisters in Christ. "It is a genuine attempt...to address the really ugly kinds of behavior that we all have seen, sometimes in our agencies, or on the floor of Annual Conference," she said. The resolution "is our attempt to say, we have got to stop hurting each other," she said.
The General Board voted to receive the resolution for the purpose of collaboration among the three agencies, stating that, "Our intent in this collaboration is that all three boards can reach consensus on a refinement of the resolution."
Mission Strategic Planning:
A session on mission was led by Global Mission Partnerships executive director Merv Keeney. In table groups, board members, staff, and guests brainstormed ideas in response to a series of questions, for example, about what effective strategies the church has used to foster engagement in international ministry, and what practices connected with international mission are becoming visible across the church. The session was the first step of a process to create a strategic plan for mission work by the Church of the Brethren.
In other business, the board adopted a 2008 budget of $9,928,630 income, $10,050,500 expense, with a net expense of $121,870; supported Church of the Brethren involvement in a peace conference being planned by the Philadelphia Yearly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) and authorized a $50,000 grant for the event; nominated Benjamin Stover Barlow, an attorney and member of Montezuma Church of the Brethren in Dayton, Va., for an at-large position on the board; and received several reports including information about possible leasing of property in Lybrook, N.M., to a nonprofit group from Western Plains District.
The board also received an offering of more than $14,000 for its Core Ministries Fund. The meetings were followed by a professional growth event on the topic of decision-making by consensus, led by On Earth Peace.
A photo journal of the fall meetings of the General Board is available at www.brethren.org, click on "Photo Journal."
Source: 10/30/2007 Newsline Extra
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
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.
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.
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
NEWS
- On Earth Peace holds fall meeting on theme of 'Building Bridges.'
- ABC seeks child safety policies from congregations.
- Brethren Disaster Ministries opens Minnesota project.
- Nappanee church pig roast becomes disaster response event.
- Grants to agriculture in North Korea represent new partnerships.
- Emergency Disaster Fund gives numerous grants.
- Dominican church holds special assembly.
- Northern Indiana holds conference at Goshen City Church.
- Brethren bits: Correction, personnel, jobs, anniversaries, more.
- Thomas retires from funding team of General Board.
- Boyer resigns as executive minister of Pacific Southwest District.
- Deoleo is called to intercultural ministries of the General Board.
On Earth Peace holds fall meeting on theme of 'Building Bridges.'
The On Earth Peace Board of Directors and staff met Sept. 21-23 at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md. Mindful of the On Earth Peace 2007 theme of "Building Bridges," they worshiped together, discussed the history of On Earth Peace, reviewed goals accomplished in the last year and the directions the group wants to move towards in upcoming years.
A special welcome and orientation was extended to new board members Don Mitchell and Susan Chapman. Also in attendance was Gimbiya Kettering, a new staff member who has joined the communication team as former co-director Barbara Sayler has moved to a part-time position.
On Earth Peace continues to build bridges and communicate with other entities of the Church of the Brethren. Board members who participated in joint meetings with the Church of the Brethren General Board and the Association of Brethren Caregivers (ABC) shared a report of that meeting. On Earth Peace welcomed the communication with the new General Board and ABC entity and expressed hope that there will projects to work on collaboratively together. The International Day of Prayer for Peace that brought together 101 congregations and Church of the Brethren communities was considered a successful way that On Earth Peace reached out to congregations in cooperation with the Brethren Witness/Washington Office of the General Board.
The Finance Committee reported that the fiscal year ending Sept. 30 saw a good balance between income and expenses. A budget of $488,000 was adopted for fiscal year 2008.
Much time was spent on external and internal evaluation of the work done by On Earth Peace, its sustainability, and directions of development. In the spring, On Earth peace invited input from other agencies of the Church of the Brethren and beyond. The responses brought to this meeting were overall positive and affirming. As an agency within the Church of the Brethren promoting peace between individuals, within communities, and globally, On Earth Peace seems to be having a positive and growing impact. As an antiracist organization, On Earth Peace evaluated how it actively strives to be inclusive and make choices against systemic biases. In conclusion, executive director Bob Gross stated, "We want to work with, learn from, and serve the whole church."
A working group of staff and board members was formed to begin strategic planning. This is the fruition of an initiative that began last year and will enable On Earth Peace to steer its future development. The strategic planning committee was charged with questions about the relationship between peace and justice, how it will address civil religion, addressing the issues of On Earth Peace constituents, and how the organization's impact can ripple beyond church congregations. These are ongoing questions that will be addressed in the next meeting of the board.
--Gimbiya Kettering is co-coordinator of communications for On Earth Peace.
Source: 10/24/2007 Newsline
The On Earth Peace Board of Directors and staff met Sept. 21-23 at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md. Mindful of the On Earth Peace 2007 theme of "Building Bridges," they worshiped together, discussed the history of On Earth Peace, reviewed goals accomplished in the last year and the directions the group wants to move towards in upcoming years.
A special welcome and orientation was extended to new board members Don Mitchell and Susan Chapman. Also in attendance was Gimbiya Kettering, a new staff member who has joined the communication team as former co-director Barbara Sayler has moved to a part-time position.
On Earth Peace continues to build bridges and communicate with other entities of the Church of the Brethren. Board members who participated in joint meetings with the Church of the Brethren General Board and the Association of Brethren Caregivers (ABC) shared a report of that meeting. On Earth Peace welcomed the communication with the new General Board and ABC entity and expressed hope that there will projects to work on collaboratively together. The International Day of Prayer for Peace that brought together 101 congregations and Church of the Brethren communities was considered a successful way that On Earth Peace reached out to congregations in cooperation with the Brethren Witness/Washington Office of the General Board.
The Finance Committee reported that the fiscal year ending Sept. 30 saw a good balance between income and expenses. A budget of $488,000 was adopted for fiscal year 2008.
Much time was spent on external and internal evaluation of the work done by On Earth Peace, its sustainability, and directions of development. In the spring, On Earth peace invited input from other agencies of the Church of the Brethren and beyond. The responses brought to this meeting were overall positive and affirming. As an agency within the Church of the Brethren promoting peace between individuals, within communities, and globally, On Earth Peace seems to be having a positive and growing impact. As an antiracist organization, On Earth Peace evaluated how it actively strives to be inclusive and make choices against systemic biases. In conclusion, executive director Bob Gross stated, "We want to work with, learn from, and serve the whole church."
A working group of staff and board members was formed to begin strategic planning. This is the fruition of an initiative that began last year and will enable On Earth Peace to steer its future development. The strategic planning committee was charged with questions about the relationship between peace and justice, how it will address civil religion, addressing the issues of On Earth Peace constituents, and how the organization's impact can ripple beyond church congregations. These are ongoing questions that will be addressed in the next meeting of the board.
--Gimbiya Kettering is co-coordinator of communications for On Earth Peace.
Source: 10/24/2007 Newsline
ABC seeks child safety policies from congregations.
The Association of Brethren Caregivers (ABC) is asking Church of the Brethren congregations that have implemented a Child Safety Policy and/or a Covenant for Childcare Volunteers to send a copy of these policies to its Family Life Ministry.
ABC is working to respond to the Child Abuse Prevention Query forwarded to it by delegates at this year's Annual Conference. One of the first steps the agency will take is to collect drafts of policies that congregations have already implemented. Several of these drafts will be posted at ABC's website as a resource for congregations that wish to implement their own Child Safety Policy and/or a Covenant for Childcare Volunteers, or other documents caring for concerns of the welfare of children, teens, and youth during congregational events.
If your congregation is utilizing policies, covenants, and statements related to safeguarding children during church functions, please share these documents with the larger church by sending electronic versions to abc@brethren.org. Word or PDF documents are preferred. Questions about ABC's response to the Child Abuse Prevention Query can be directed to Kim Ebersole, director of Family and Older Adult Ministries, at 800-323-8039 or kebersole_abc@brethren.org.
--Mary Dulabaum is director of communications for the Association of Brethren Caregivers.
Source: 10/24/2007 Newsline
The Association of Brethren Caregivers (ABC) is asking Church of the Brethren congregations that have implemented a Child Safety Policy and/or a Covenant for Childcare Volunteers to send a copy of these policies to its Family Life Ministry.
ABC is working to respond to the Child Abuse Prevention Query forwarded to it by delegates at this year's Annual Conference. One of the first steps the agency will take is to collect drafts of policies that congregations have already implemented. Several of these drafts will be posted at ABC's website as a resource for congregations that wish to implement their own Child Safety Policy and/or a Covenant for Childcare Volunteers, or other documents caring for concerns of the welfare of children, teens, and youth during congregational events.
If your congregation is utilizing policies, covenants, and statements related to safeguarding children during church functions, please share these documents with the larger church by sending electronic versions to abc@brethren.org. Word or PDF documents are preferred. Questions about ABC's response to the Child Abuse Prevention Query can be directed to Kim Ebersole, director of Family and Older Adult Ministries, at 800-323-8039 or kebersole_abc@brethren.org.
--Mary Dulabaum is director of communications for the Association of Brethren Caregivers.
Source: 10/24/2007 Newsline
Brethren Disaster Ministries opens Minnesota project.
In response to flooding in southeastern Minnesota in late August, Brethren Disaster Ministries is working closely with the Church of the Brethren's Northern Plains District to begin working in the Rushford, Minn., area. A weather system produced heavy rains in the upper midwest as remnants of Tropical Storm Erin made their way inland, producing major flooding across a broad area. Storms downed trees and power lines, and an estimated 1,500 homes were damaged.
There is an immediate need for volunteers to begin reconstruction before the cold weather sets in. Work will include repair or installation of insulation, drywall, flooring, cabinets, and painting. During the winter months the project will operate on a week-by-week basis, requiring volunteers to be flexible. The disaster project director will be Dave Engel, and volunteer housing and meals will be at St. Mark's Lutheran Church in Rushford. Each volunteer group will be limited to 15 volunteers. Call Jane Yount, 800-451-4407, to schedule a volunteer group.
The Hurricane Katrina rebuilding projects of Brethren Disaster Ministries continue in Chalmette and Pearl River, La. For more information go to www.brethren.org/genbd/BDM.
Source: 10/24/2007 Newsline
In response to flooding in southeastern Minnesota in late August, Brethren Disaster Ministries is working closely with the Church of the Brethren's Northern Plains District to begin working in the Rushford, Minn., area. A weather system produced heavy rains in the upper midwest as remnants of Tropical Storm Erin made their way inland, producing major flooding across a broad area. Storms downed trees and power lines, and an estimated 1,500 homes were damaged.
There is an immediate need for volunteers to begin reconstruction before the cold weather sets in. Work will include repair or installation of insulation, drywall, flooring, cabinets, and painting. During the winter months the project will operate on a week-by-week basis, requiring volunteers to be flexible. The disaster project director will be Dave Engel, and volunteer housing and meals will be at St. Mark's Lutheran Church in Rushford. Each volunteer group will be limited to 15 volunteers. Call Jane Yount, 800-451-4407, to schedule a volunteer group.
The Hurricane Katrina rebuilding projects of Brethren Disaster Ministries continue in Chalmette and Pearl River, La. For more information go to www.brethren.org/genbd/BDM.
Source: 10/24/2007 Newsline
Nappanee church pig roast becomes disaster response event.
Nappanee (Ind.) Church of the Brethren members were looking forward to their annual pig roast on Saturday, Oct. 20. It would be a time of fun and fellowship for the entire church family.
But Mother Nature had something else in mind. Late Thursday evening, Oct. 18, a severe tornado ravaged much of the town and countryside, including the homes of several church members.
Undaunted, the Nappanee congregation decided to go ahead with the pig roast and donate everything to the Salvation Army's feeding station for the tornado survivors.
When the Church of the Brethren showed up with huge pans full of freshly roasted pork and dozens of rolls for delicious sandwiches, Salvation Army volunteers marveled at God's provision and impeccable timing.
In an update from the Brethren in the Nappanee area affected by the tornado, Northern Indiana District disaster coordinator John Sternberg has reported that about a dozen member families were affected, mostly from the Nappanee, Yellow Creek, and Union Center congregations. Three families from Nappanee Church of the Brethren and one from Yellow Creek Church of the Brethren in Goshen completely lost their homes.
--Jane Yount is coordinator of Brethren Disaster Ministries.
Source: 10/24/2007 Newsline
Nappanee (Ind.) Church of the Brethren members were looking forward to their annual pig roast on Saturday, Oct. 20. It would be a time of fun and fellowship for the entire church family.
But Mother Nature had something else in mind. Late Thursday evening, Oct. 18, a severe tornado ravaged much of the town and countryside, including the homes of several church members.
Undaunted, the Nappanee congregation decided to go ahead with the pig roast and donate everything to the Salvation Army's feeding station for the tornado survivors.
When the Church of the Brethren showed up with huge pans full of freshly roasted pork and dozens of rolls for delicious sandwiches, Salvation Army volunteers marveled at God's provision and impeccable timing.
In an update from the Brethren in the Nappanee area affected by the tornado, Northern Indiana District disaster coordinator John Sternberg has reported that about a dozen member families were affected, mostly from the Nappanee, Yellow Creek, and Union Center congregations. Three families from Nappanee Church of the Brethren and one from Yellow Creek Church of the Brethren in Goshen completely lost their homes.
--Jane Yount is coordinator of Brethren Disaster Ministries.
Source: 10/24/2007 Newsline
Grants to agriculture in North Korea represent new partnerships.
Grants totaling $60,000 for flood response and rural development in North Korea have been approved by two funds of the Church of the Brethren General Board, the Global Food Crisis Fund and the Emergency Disaster Fund. The action was prompted by setbacks suffered by North Korean agriculture following torrential rains in late summer.
Giving impetus to the response was a $20,000 gift to the Global Food Crisis Fund from Grace Christian Church, a Church of the Brethren congregation in Hatfield, Pa., and the Korean Presbyterian Church in America. Focused on flood recovery, the effort was initiated by Young Son Min, pastor of Grace Christian Church.
The grants are "a step in the Church of the Brethren's effort to witness to the compassion and love of Jesus for all peoples, especially to the impoverished and the estranged," said Global Food Crisis Fund manager Howard Royer. "This gift is a song of partnership, with Agglobe, across agencies, between the Church of the Brethren and the Korean Presbyterian Church in America, among haves and have-nots. Praise God!"
Four farm communities in North Korea that have received assistance from the Global Food Crisis Fund for a decade were devastated by flooding in August. Drastic damage occurred to crops of cotton, rice, corn, and vegetables. Some of the communities also suffered the loss of roads, bridges, and construction materials. The grants will be used not only for emergency food and flood recovery but also for sustainable agricultural development, namely the purchase of vinyl greenhouses that will extend the growing season into the winter months.
Agglobe, a long-time partner of the Global Food Crisis Fund, will facilitate the programs of recovery and development, enlisting further support from development and assistance agencies in South Korea.
Source: 10/24/2007 Newsline
Grants totaling $60,000 for flood response and rural development in North Korea have been approved by two funds of the Church of the Brethren General Board, the Global Food Crisis Fund and the Emergency Disaster Fund. The action was prompted by setbacks suffered by North Korean agriculture following torrential rains in late summer.
Giving impetus to the response was a $20,000 gift to the Global Food Crisis Fund from Grace Christian Church, a Church of the Brethren congregation in Hatfield, Pa., and the Korean Presbyterian Church in America. Focused on flood recovery, the effort was initiated by Young Son Min, pastor of Grace Christian Church.
The grants are "a step in the Church of the Brethren's effort to witness to the compassion and love of Jesus for all peoples, especially to the impoverished and the estranged," said Global Food Crisis Fund manager Howard Royer. "This gift is a song of partnership, with Agglobe, across agencies, between the Church of the Brethren and the Korean Presbyterian Church in America, among haves and have-nots. Praise God!"
Four farm communities in North Korea that have received assistance from the Global Food Crisis Fund for a decade were devastated by flooding in August. Drastic damage occurred to crops of cotton, rice, corn, and vegetables. Some of the communities also suffered the loss of roads, bridges, and construction materials. The grants will be used not only for emergency food and flood recovery but also for sustainable agricultural development, namely the purchase of vinyl greenhouses that will extend the growing season into the winter months.
Agglobe, a long-time partner of the Global Food Crisis Fund, will facilitate the programs of recovery and development, enlisting further support from development and assistance agencies in South Korea.
Source: 10/24/2007 Newsline
Emergency Disaster Fund gives numerous grants.
The Emergency Disaster Fund of the Church of the Brethren General Board has given numerous grants recently for disaster relief work around the world, totalling more than $125,000. The 15 grants were given as follows:
Source: 10/24/2007 Newsline
The Emergency Disaster Fund of the Church of the Brethren General Board has given numerous grants recently for disaster relief work around the world, totalling more than $125,000. The 15 grants were given as follows:
- $40,000 to a Church World Service (CWS) appeal following intense flooding throughout Asia
- $15,000 to a CWS appeal following widespread destruction by Hurricane Felix in Nicaragua
- $10,000 to an appeal from IMA World Health to develop basic health services in south Sudan
- $10,000 to CWS following flooding throughout northern India
- $7,000 to a CWS appeal for humanitarian aid to Gaza and West Bank
- $7,000 to CWS work following widespread flooding in eight midwestern states in the US
- $7,000 to a CWS response to flooding in 15 provinces in China
- $5,000 to Northern Indiana District and area congregations following the Nappanee tornado
- $5,000 to open a joint Brethren Disaster Ministries and Northern Plains District project following flooding in Minnesota
- $5,000 to CWS in the wake of destruction caused in Haiti and Jamaica by Hurricane Dean
- $5,000 to purchase supplies for clean-up buckets for use by the CWS Emergency Response Program
- $3,800 to work being done in Union Victoria, Guatemala, through the General Board
- $3,500 to Disaster News Network, a news service for faith-based disaster response news
- $2,500 to a CWS appeal following torrential rains and flooding in North Kordofan, Sudan
- $2,000 to a CWS appeal for the Mount Elgon region of Kenya, where disputes between opposing clans have resulted in violent clashes.
Source: 10/24/2007 Newsline
Dominican church holds special assembly.
La Iglesia de los Hermanos en la Republica Dominicana (the Church of the Brethren in the Dominican Republic) held a special assembly on Sept. 29. The meeting, held in the capital city of Santo Domingo, brought together 121 delegates from 19 of the current 22 congregations to call new leadership and to make organizational decisions for the church's life.
Stanley Noffsinger, general secretary of the Church of the Brethren General Board, and Mervin Keeney, executive director of the board's Global Mission Partnerships, were invited to observe. They joined Irvin and Nancy Heishman, DR mission coordinators, as representatives of the US church.
"A number of persons expressed to us how meaningful and important it was for the US church to be present for this gathering," Noffsinger said. "While the church faced significant challenges, our observation was that reason, compassion, and community prevailed."
"The spirit of the meeting reflected considerable unity, and a sense of common purpose to upbuild the church," observed Keeney. "This was especially evident in an instance where a person of maturity and grace, who might have been an obvious choice for leadership, chose to stand aside in the interests of the whole body." The Heishmans added that, "We clearly sensed God's presence preparing the way for this meeting, guiding the delegates toward making a number of wise and courageous decisions. We rejoice in God's goodness and in the dedication and faithfulness of the Dominican Brethren."
Noffsinger also preached at the San Luis congregation just east of the city, at its regular Sunday evening worship service. In spite of a heavy downpour, about 150 people came out for the service. A clergy couple, Anastacia Bueno and Isaias Santo Tena, serve as co-pastors for this Dominican-Haitian congregation.
Source: 10/24/2007 Newsline
La Iglesia de los Hermanos en la Republica Dominicana (the Church of the Brethren in the Dominican Republic) held a special assembly on Sept. 29. The meeting, held in the capital city of Santo Domingo, brought together 121 delegates from 19 of the current 22 congregations to call new leadership and to make organizational decisions for the church's life.
Stanley Noffsinger, general secretary of the Church of the Brethren General Board, and Mervin Keeney, executive director of the board's Global Mission Partnerships, were invited to observe. They joined Irvin and Nancy Heishman, DR mission coordinators, as representatives of the US church.
"A number of persons expressed to us how meaningful and important it was for the US church to be present for this gathering," Noffsinger said. "While the church faced significant challenges, our observation was that reason, compassion, and community prevailed."
"The spirit of the meeting reflected considerable unity, and a sense of common purpose to upbuild the church," observed Keeney. "This was especially evident in an instance where a person of maturity and grace, who might have been an obvious choice for leadership, chose to stand aside in the interests of the whole body." The Heishmans added that, "We clearly sensed God's presence preparing the way for this meeting, guiding the delegates toward making a number of wise and courageous decisions. We rejoice in God's goodness and in the dedication and faithfulness of the Dominican Brethren."
Noffsinger also preached at the San Luis congregation just east of the city, at its regular Sunday evening worship service. In spite of a heavy downpour, about 150 people came out for the service. A clergy couple, Anastacia Bueno and Isaias Santo Tena, serve as co-pastors for this Dominican-Haitian congregation.
Source: 10/24/2007 Newsline
Northern Indiana holds conference at Goshen City Church.
Annual Conference moderator James Beckwith was the Friday evening worship speaker at the 148th District Conference of Northern Indiana District, held at Goshen (Ind.) City Church of the Brethren on Sept. 14-15. The district selected the denomination's 300th Anniversary theme for its conference: "Surrendered to GOD, Transformed by CHRIST, and Empowered by the SPIRIT."
Beckwith invited the conference to "plant some seeds" for God to nurture and bring to growth. As a symbolic reminder, each of the worshipers received a single wheat seed to remind them of a particular individual in whom they might plant a gospel seed. The opening worship service was preceded by a half-hour concert presented by the choir of Walnut Church of the Brethren in Argos, Ind.
Worship was followed by two insight sessions, one led by Beckwith and the district's 300th Anniversary Committee, and a second led by Nevin Dulabaum of the Brethren Benefit Trust focused on increasing a church's media exposure.
Saturday's business session led by district moderator Tim Sollenberger
Morphew began with a multimedia roll call including church pictures and a brief statement highlighting each congregation's community ministry. The delegates affirmed the appointment of David Wysong to serve as 2008 district moderator. This appointment was to fill the term of Ruthann Knechel Johansen, who resigned as moderator-elect following her call to serve as president of Bethany Theological Seminary.
Through a slate, delegates called to district leadership Tim Waits as moderator-elect, Beth Sollenberger Morphew and Gene Hollenberg to the District Board, Joe Long and Mary Helfrich to the Personnel Committee, Marie Tom to the Program and Arrangements Committee, and Margaret Pletcher as district representative to the Standing Committee of Annual Conference. Additional appointments to the boards of institutions related to the district also were approved.
Delegates received the report of the District Board, which included an announcement of the appointment of Rich Troyer of Middlebury (Ind.) Church of the Brethren as district youth coordinator; information about the district's plans to celebrate the 300th Anniversary; financial reports for 2006 and the first six months of 2007; recognition of Ruth Dilling as "Volunteer of the Year" for her work with youth; recognition of new pastors in the district; and information the district has received from Lilly Endowment to prepare a proposal and apply for a grant.
The business session approved a district budget for 2008 of $175,900, after considerable discussion. Delegates also received informational reports from district and denominational institutions and agencies, and visited their exhibits.
Source: 10/24/2007 Newsline
Annual Conference moderator James Beckwith was the Friday evening worship speaker at the 148th District Conference of Northern Indiana District, held at Goshen (Ind.) City Church of the Brethren on Sept. 14-15. The district selected the denomination's 300th Anniversary theme for its conference: "Surrendered to GOD, Transformed by CHRIST, and Empowered by the SPIRIT."
Beckwith invited the conference to "plant some seeds" for God to nurture and bring to growth. As a symbolic reminder, each of the worshipers received a single wheat seed to remind them of a particular individual in whom they might plant a gospel seed. The opening worship service was preceded by a half-hour concert presented by the choir of Walnut Church of the Brethren in Argos, Ind.
Worship was followed by two insight sessions, one led by Beckwith and the district's 300th Anniversary Committee, and a second led by Nevin Dulabaum of the Brethren Benefit Trust focused on increasing a church's media exposure.
Saturday's business session led by district moderator Tim Sollenberger
Morphew began with a multimedia roll call including church pictures and a brief statement highlighting each congregation's community ministry. The delegates affirmed the appointment of David Wysong to serve as 2008 district moderator. This appointment was to fill the term of Ruthann Knechel Johansen, who resigned as moderator-elect following her call to serve as president of Bethany Theological Seminary.
Through a slate, delegates called to district leadership Tim Waits as moderator-elect, Beth Sollenberger Morphew and Gene Hollenberg to the District Board, Joe Long and Mary Helfrich to the Personnel Committee, Marie Tom to the Program and Arrangements Committee, and Margaret Pletcher as district representative to the Standing Committee of Annual Conference. Additional appointments to the boards of institutions related to the district also were approved.
Delegates received the report of the District Board, which included an announcement of the appointment of Rich Troyer of Middlebury (Ind.) Church of the Brethren as district youth coordinator; information about the district's plans to celebrate the 300th Anniversary; financial reports for 2006 and the first six months of 2007; recognition of Ruth Dilling as "Volunteer of the Year" for her work with youth; recognition of new pastors in the district; and information the district has received from Lilly Endowment to prepare a proposal and apply for a grant.
The business session approved a district budget for 2008 of $175,900, after considerable discussion. Delegates also received informational reports from district and denominational institutions and agencies, and visited their exhibits.
Source: 10/24/2007 Newsline
Brethren bits: Correction, personnel, jobs, anniversaries, more.
- Correction: The name of the author of a feature in the Oct. 24 Special Report on Disaster Response was spelled incorrectly. The correct spelling is Valentina Satvedi.
- Carol Gardner is retiring as managing editor of "Brethren Life and Thought," an academic quarterly publication of the Brethren Journal Association and Bethany Theological Seminary in Richmond, Ind. Among her accomplishments during the five years in the part-time position, from 2002-07, Gardner worked on a project completed in 2005 in which all issues of "Brethren Life and Thought" were being digitized by the American Theological Library Association, making the whole collection available online to the journal's subscribers. In addition to the digitization project, she organized and computerized subscriptions and helped the journal maintain a regular publishing schedule. Gardner also oversaw mailings, convened the Brethren Journal Association meetings, corresponded with patrons, and coordinated the journal exhibits at Annual Conferences.
- Terry Stutzman Mast has resigned from her position as associate editor of the Gather 'Round curriculum project. She has served in the position for two-and-a-half years, since February of 2005. Her last day of employment will be Oct. 26. Mast and her family live in Colorado. She is a graduate of Bluffton College in Ohio, and has a degree in writing from Illinois State University, and background in writing, design, and editing for a variety of magazines and projects. Gather 'Round is jointly sponsored by Brethren Press and the Mennonite Publishing Network.
- Two Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS) workers--Kathryn Stutzman of Goshen, Ind., and Ryan Richards of Coupeville, Wash.--began two-year assignments in Central America this month, working on behalf of the Global Mission Partnerships of the Church of the Brethren General Board. Stutzman left Oct. 22 to serve as a wildlife biologist at the Iguanario in Samana, the Dominican Republic. The center is reintroducing the Rhino Iguana back into the wild. Her bachelor of arts degree is in biology from Goshen College. Richards left Oct. 13 to serve as office and volunteer coordinator at Miguel Angel Asturias Academy, Quetzaltenango, Guatemala. He will also promote the school, which gives high quality experiential learning opportunities to indigenous students. His bachelor of arts degree is in international development from Juniata College, Huntingdon, Pa.
- The Office of Ministry of the General Board has welcomed Dana Cassell as its first ever Brethren Volunteer Service program volunteer. Cassell is from Roanoke, Va., is a graduate of the College of William and Mary, and recently completed a master of divinity degree at Emory University's Candler School of Theology. She is an alumna of Ministry Summer Service, having served as an intern at Bridgewater (Va.) Church of the Brethren. She will coordinate the next clergywomen's retreat scheduled for early 2009, work on revising and updating the Office of Ministry portion of the General Board's website, and assist the executive director in various other projects including planning a celebration of the 50th anniversary of Annual Conference action granting ordination to women.
- The New Windsor (Md.) Conference Center at the Brethren Service Center has welcomed two new temporary part-time staff, who are refugees from Myanmar. Eddie and Peter (their chosen American names) recently arrived in Westminster, Md., through a refugee resettlement program. Eddie has begun work in housekeeping and Peter in dining services on the Brethren Service Center campus.
- The Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill., has welcomed three students from Jacobs High School who are taking part in a work education program for students with developmental disabilities. Josh, Alex, and Zach will shred documents and do other small jobs throughout the offices. Laura Woolf and Laura Janus are serving as their job coaches.
- The Mutual Aid Association for the Church of the Brethren (MAA) seeks new leadership to fill the position of president/general manager. Location is Abilene, Kan., some two-and-a-half hours west of Kansas City. The president/general manager serves as the principle administrator of the organization. Responsibilities include to plan, direct, and coordinate programs and staff to assure that board objectives are attained, policyholder needs are met, and effective internal and external relationships are maintained; demonstrate leadership skills and office management; and direct the organization's vision, cooperatively with the Board of Directors. Qualifications include holding Brethren values, being trustworthy and reliable, having a positive attitude to change, communication skills, people skills, insurance and marketing experience, managerial or supervisory experience, and a minimum education of a bachelor's degree. Salary is commensurate with experience. Benefits include pension and medical benefits, vacation and other leave. Start date is March 1, 2008, or negotiable. Send a letter of interest, a one-page resume, and minimum salary requirement to the Chair, MAA Board of Directors, c/o 3094 Jeep Rd., Abilene, KS 67410; fax 785-598-2214; 785-598-2212; maa@maabrethren.com.
- On Earth Peace has announced the next round of Encountering (Military) Recruitment Networking Calls. The calls are an opportunity for networking and mutual support among those working on military recruitment in their communities, and related issues of poverty, racism, and lack of opportunity. "Six by Six Thinking: Strategic Outreach and Organizing" is the theme for the next calls on Nov. 5 at 12 p.m. Pacific/3 p.m. eastern time, or Nov. 7 at 4 p.m. Pacific/7 p.m. eastern. Calls last 90 minutes. Contact mattguynn@earthlink.net to reserve a place in a call. For more go to www.brethren.org/oepa/programs/peace-witness/counter-recruitment/NetworkingCalls.html.
- The Brethren Witness/Washington Office will have a presence at a vigil and nonviolent direct action to close the School of the Americas/WHINSEC on Nov. 16-18 at the gates of Fort Benning in Columbus, Ga., and invites Brethren to attend. The weekend will include a rally, nonviolent direct action training, workshops, benefit concerts, puppet shows, teach-ins, and more. The Brethren Witness/Washington Office plans to have an exhibit table, and on Saturday evening at 7 p.m. will host a Brethren gathering at the Howard Johnson Hotel in Columbus. In 1997, the Church of the Brethren General Board issued a resolution calling for the closing of the school. According to the School of Americas Watch, WHINSEC has trained more than 60,000 Latin American soldiers in counterinsurgency techniques, sniper training, commando and psychological warfare, military intelligence, and interrogation tactics that consistently have been used against their own citizens including religious workers, educators, and those who work for the poor. For more go to www.soaw.org. Contact the Brethren Witness/Washington Office at 800-785-3246 or washington_office_gb@brethren.org.
- Congregations celebrating significant anniversaries include Garbers Church of the Brethren in Harrisonburg, Va., celebrates its 185th anniversary on Oct. 28; Downsville Church of the Brethren in Williamsport, Md., which has celebrated its 150th anniversary; Elm Street Church of the Brethren in Lima, Ohio, which celebrated 105 years on Sept. 15; and Green Hill Church of the Brethren in Salem, Va., which celebrated 90 years on Oct. 21.
- The Illinois and Wisconsin District Conference on Nov. 2-4 is being hosted by Freeport (Ill.) Church of the Brethren and will be held at the Freeport Masonic Temple.
- Elizabethtown (Pa.) College has named six new members to its board of trustees: Nevin Cooley of Manheim, Pa.; Warren Eshbach of Dover, Del.; Janice Longenecker Holsinger of Palmyra, Pa.; Robert O. Kerr of Austin, Texas; Wallace Landes Jr. of Palmyra, Pa.; and Michael Mason of Hagerstown Md. The new members include at least two ordained in the Church of the Brethren: Eshbach is an ordained minister and adjunct faculty for Congregational Ministries at the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg, and recently retired as the dean of Graduate Studies at the Susquehanna Valley Ministry Center connected with Bethany Theological Seminary; Landes is senior pastor of Palmyra (Pa.) Church of the Brethren, and has been an adjunct faculty member in the religious studies department at Elizabethtown.
- Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT) is returning a team to northern Iraq after an absence of seven months. The region is relatively calm but tensions are rising internally and on the borders and local peacemakers are seeking allies, said a prayer request from CPT. Church of the Brethren members Cliff Kindy and Peggy Gish have been planning to take part in the Iraq team.
Main leadership is announced for Church Planting Conference.
Tom Nebel and Gary Rohrmayer will provide keynote presentations and workshop leadership as part of the May 15-17, 2008, Church Planting Conference on the theme, "Plant Generously, Reap Bountifully." Also featured in leadership will be Stanley Noffsinger, general secretary of the Church of the Brethren General Board.
This is the fourth biennial conference sponsored by the New Church Development Committee of the Church of the Brethren. The event is coordinated by the Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership and will be at Bethany Theological Seminary in Richmond, Ind. The event will include keynote addresses, over 25 workshop opportunities, worship, prayer and small group conversation, and opportunities for fostering the church planting movement in the Church of the Brethren.
Nebel and Rohrmayer have extensive experience as church planters, and provide leadership for the Baptist General Conference. Nebel serves as director of Multiplication and Leadership Development Worldwide. Rohrmayer is national director of TeAmerica, the church planting ministry of the Baptist General Conference, and is an instructor with RockBridge Seminary. Both are published authors, whose titles include "Big Dreams in Small Places" by Nebel, "Next Steps--Leading a Missional Church" co-authored by Rohrmayer, and "Church Planting Landmines" by Nebel and Rohrmayer. Their connections with the Church of the Brethren include coaching Greater Harvest, the church planting mission of Illinois and Wisconsin District.
Additional details will be available in November, with registration beginning Jan. 1, 2008. Cost inclusive of conference activities, meals and lodging, will be $149 per registrant with some discounts available for groups. Contact 800-287-8822 or planting@bethanyseminary.edu, or visit www.bethanyseminary.edu/church-planting-conference.
--Marcia Shetler is director of Public Relations for Bethany Theological Seminary.
Source: 10/24/2007 Newsline
Tom Nebel and Gary Rohrmayer will provide keynote presentations and workshop leadership as part of the May 15-17, 2008, Church Planting Conference on the theme, "Plant Generously, Reap Bountifully." Also featured in leadership will be Stanley Noffsinger, general secretary of the Church of the Brethren General Board.
This is the fourth biennial conference sponsored by the New Church Development Committee of the Church of the Brethren. The event is coordinated by the Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership and will be at Bethany Theological Seminary in Richmond, Ind. The event will include keynote addresses, over 25 workshop opportunities, worship, prayer and small group conversation, and opportunities for fostering the church planting movement in the Church of the Brethren.
Nebel and Rohrmayer have extensive experience as church planters, and provide leadership for the Baptist General Conference. Nebel serves as director of Multiplication and Leadership Development Worldwide. Rohrmayer is national director of TeAmerica, the church planting ministry of the Baptist General Conference, and is an instructor with RockBridge Seminary. Both are published authors, whose titles include "Big Dreams in Small Places" by Nebel, "Next Steps--Leading a Missional Church" co-authored by Rohrmayer, and "Church Planting Landmines" by Nebel and Rohrmayer. Their connections with the Church of the Brethren include coaching Greater Harvest, the church planting mission of Illinois and Wisconsin District.
Additional details will be available in November, with registration beginning Jan. 1, 2008. Cost inclusive of conference activities, meals and lodging, will be $149 per registrant with some discounts available for groups. Contact 800-287-8822 or planting@bethanyseminary.edu, or visit www.bethanyseminary.edu/church-planting-conference.
--Marcia Shetler is director of Public Relations for Bethany Theological Seminary.
Source: 10/24/2007 Newsline
Thomas retires from funding team of General Board.
John Thomas Sr. has announced his retirement from the funding team of the Church of the Brethren General Board, effective Dec. 31. He has served as a special gift counselor and deferred gift counselor for nine years.
He began work for the board in December 1998 as a financial resource counselor. Thomas has served as field staff, and his work covered the Plains states and included much travel for the General Board.
In previous positions in the denomination, he pastored a number of Church of the Brethren congregations and was district executive minister for Southern Plains District from 1981-87. He served a term as interim executive for that district in the late 1990s. He also has been a regional director for the CROP program of Church World Service for 15 years, and was a teacher for six years and administrator for 16 years in the public schools of Missouri, Iowa, and Oklahoma.
His volunteer service in the Church of the Brethren has included terms as a trustee for McPherson College, and service on the Standing Committee and Nominating Committee of the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference. Thomas holds degrees from McPherson (Kan.) College, Bethany Theological Seminary, and the University of Central Oklahoma.
Source: 10/24/2007 Newsline
John Thomas Sr. has announced his retirement from the funding team of the Church of the Brethren General Board, effective Dec. 31. He has served as a special gift counselor and deferred gift counselor for nine years.
He began work for the board in December 1998 as a financial resource counselor. Thomas has served as field staff, and his work covered the Plains states and included much travel for the General Board.
In previous positions in the denomination, he pastored a number of Church of the Brethren congregations and was district executive minister for Southern Plains District from 1981-87. He served a term as interim executive for that district in the late 1990s. He also has been a regional director for the CROP program of Church World Service for 15 years, and was a teacher for six years and administrator for 16 years in the public schools of Missouri, Iowa, and Oklahoma.
His volunteer service in the Church of the Brethren has included terms as a trustee for McPherson College, and service on the Standing Committee and Nominating Committee of the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference. Thomas holds degrees from McPherson (Kan.) College, Bethany Theological Seminary, and the University of Central Oklahoma.
Source: 10/24/2007 Newsline
Boyer resigns as executive minister of Pacific Southwest District.
Bryan Boyer, executive minister of the Church of the Brethren's Pacific Southwest District, has announced his resignation effective Dec. 31. He has served in the position since May 2003.
Accomplishments for the district during this time have included establishment of a revitalization and church planting process, development of district policies, and hiring of bilingual staff and translation of publications into Spanish. Boyer was called to the district to provide a strong administrative and mediation background to handle the many challenges of a diverse district.
Previously he had worked in private practice as a licensed clinical psychologist and as a part-time professor at Azusa Pacific University. He also has had 10 years of pastoral experience in addition to management and clinical duties in a large hospital system. Boyer is a graduate of the University of La Verne, Cal State-Fullerton, Bethany Theological Seminary, and the Illinois School of Professional Psychology, where he earned his doctorate. He plans to return to work in his professional field of clinical psychology, serving as a clinician with both the probation and behavioral health departments in San Bernardino County, Calif.
Source: 10/24/2007 Newsline
Bryan Boyer, executive minister of the Church of the Brethren's Pacific Southwest District, has announced his resignation effective Dec. 31. He has served in the position since May 2003.
Accomplishments for the district during this time have included establishment of a revitalization and church planting process, development of district policies, and hiring of bilingual staff and translation of publications into Spanish. Boyer was called to the district to provide a strong administrative and mediation background to handle the many challenges of a diverse district.
Previously he had worked in private practice as a licensed clinical psychologist and as a part-time professor at Azusa Pacific University. He also has had 10 years of pastoral experience in addition to management and clinical duties in a large hospital system. Boyer is a graduate of the University of La Verne, Cal State-Fullerton, Bethany Theological Seminary, and the Illinois School of Professional Psychology, where he earned his doctorate. He plans to return to work in his professional field of clinical psychology, serving as a clinician with both the probation and behavioral health departments in San Bernardino County, Calif.
Source: 10/24/2007 Newsline
Deoleo is called to intercultural ministries of the General Board.
Ruben Deoleo has accepted the call to the Congregational Life Team, Intercultural Ministries, Area 2 position for the Church of the Brethren General Board, effective Nov. 12. Deoleo has most recently served in Atlantic Northeast District's Hispanic Ministries.
He brings a wide range of work experience with people of different cultures, ages, beliefs, economic status, and countries of origin. Deoleo is a graduate of O & M University in Santo Domingo, the Dominican Republic, with a doctoral degree in law equivalent to a degree in political science in the United States.
He has been an ordained minister in the Church of the Brethren since 1994. He and his family have been living in eastern Pennsylvania.
Source: 10/24/2007 Newsline
Ruben Deoleo has accepted the call to the Congregational Life Team, Intercultural Ministries, Area 2 position for the Church of the Brethren General Board, effective Nov. 12. Deoleo has most recently served in Atlantic Northeast District's Hispanic Ministries.
He brings a wide range of work experience with people of different cultures, ages, beliefs, economic status, and countries of origin. Deoleo is a graduate of O & M University in Santo Domingo, the Dominican Republic, with a doctoral degree in law equivalent to a degree in political science in the United States.
He has been an ordained minister in the Church of the Brethren since 1994. He and his family have been living in eastern Pennsylvania.
Source: 10/24/2007 Newsline
Children's Disaster Services gears up for California fire response.
Fueled by dry brush and the relentless Santa Ana winds, as many as 22 wildfires have been raging for days in seven southern California counties, some of which are affecting urban areas. Close to 900,000 people have been evacuated, and the American Red Cross (ARC) has opened innumerable shelters.
A Rapid Response Team of volunteers from Children’s Disaster Services--a ministry of the Church of the Brethren General Board--are already at work in one of the shelters housing evacuees. The team of a handful of volunteers is coordinated by Sharon Gilbert, and is working in cooperation with local disaster relief agencies and authorities, said Roy Winter, director of Brethren Disaster Ministries.
Children’s Disaster Services is preparing to open up child care centers in ARC shelters as early as Thursday morning. Shelter sites may be anywhere from Ventura County south to the Mexican border.
The Rapid Response Team model enables volunteers to respond quickly to local disasters. Representatives are in the field actively assessing the situation and deciding where responses are most needed, and how volunteers can safely travel and stay out of harm’s way. "This rapid response team is what we hope to replicate throughout the country," Winter said. "It creates a first line of volunteers who are ready to respond. Once the response grows, we can send in additional volunteers from other states."
The situation in southern California "is more than we will be able to staff (with California volunteers) so the plan is to extend our reach as much as possible," said Judy Bezon, associate director of Children’s Disaster Services. "We will staff each center with less than a full team of certified child care workers. They would then work with and supervise local volunteers after presenting a brief orientation on the essential elements of our program."
Bezon has asked all Children’s Disaster Services regional coordinators to determine which of their volunteers would be most appropriate for this response.
San Diego Church of the Brethren is perhaps the closest Brethren congregation to the fires. It is located about three miles from the inner city of San Diego and about 25 miles away from the nearest line of fires north or south, said pastor Sara Haldeman-Scarr, contacted by phone today. The church has mostly been affected by smoke, she said. Several families in the church have been on evacuation alert, with two or three "packed and awaiting evacuation orders," she said.
Some members of San Diego Church of the Brethren are volunteering at Qualcomm Stadium, Haldeman-Scarr said. The stadium is serving as a shelter for more than 12,000 people. Church members are registered nurses and licensed practitioners, and are helping to offer medical services to evacuees.
The church is assessing how best to be helpful to the community, the pastor said, as well as doing a lot of communication with its 80-some members by telephone. Today, she said, she and her assistant "might just be calling every member of the congregation, and just touch base."
Pacific Southwest District disaster coordinator Everett Deidiker, who was contacted by telephone today, anticipates that Brethren from the district will help with clean up following the fires. "It is such chaos right now that we can’t do anything" at the moment, he said. "Often the organized work follows. The clean up part of it is probably where we would start."
For more about Children’s Disaster Services, go to www.brethren.org/genbd/BDM/CDS.
Source: 10/24/2007 Newsline Special Report
Fueled by dry brush and the relentless Santa Ana winds, as many as 22 wildfires have been raging for days in seven southern California counties, some of which are affecting urban areas. Close to 900,000 people have been evacuated, and the American Red Cross (ARC) has opened innumerable shelters.
A Rapid Response Team of volunteers from Children’s Disaster Services--a ministry of the Church of the Brethren General Board--are already at work in one of the shelters housing evacuees. The team of a handful of volunteers is coordinated by Sharon Gilbert, and is working in cooperation with local disaster relief agencies and authorities, said Roy Winter, director of Brethren Disaster Ministries.
Children’s Disaster Services is preparing to open up child care centers in ARC shelters as early as Thursday morning. Shelter sites may be anywhere from Ventura County south to the Mexican border.
The Rapid Response Team model enables volunteers to respond quickly to local disasters. Representatives are in the field actively assessing the situation and deciding where responses are most needed, and how volunteers can safely travel and stay out of harm’s way. "This rapid response team is what we hope to replicate throughout the country," Winter said. "It creates a first line of volunteers who are ready to respond. Once the response grows, we can send in additional volunteers from other states."
The situation in southern California "is more than we will be able to staff (with California volunteers) so the plan is to extend our reach as much as possible," said Judy Bezon, associate director of Children’s Disaster Services. "We will staff each center with less than a full team of certified child care workers. They would then work with and supervise local volunteers after presenting a brief orientation on the essential elements of our program."
Bezon has asked all Children’s Disaster Services regional coordinators to determine which of their volunteers would be most appropriate for this response.
San Diego Church of the Brethren is perhaps the closest Brethren congregation to the fires. It is located about three miles from the inner city of San Diego and about 25 miles away from the nearest line of fires north or south, said pastor Sara Haldeman-Scarr, contacted by phone today. The church has mostly been affected by smoke, she said. Several families in the church have been on evacuation alert, with two or three "packed and awaiting evacuation orders," she said.
Some members of San Diego Church of the Brethren are volunteering at Qualcomm Stadium, Haldeman-Scarr said. The stadium is serving as a shelter for more than 12,000 people. Church members are registered nurses and licensed practitioners, and are helping to offer medical services to evacuees.
The church is assessing how best to be helpful to the community, the pastor said, as well as doing a lot of communication with its 80-some members by telephone. Today, she said, she and her assistant "might just be calling every member of the congregation, and just touch base."
Pacific Southwest District disaster coordinator Everett Deidiker, who was contacted by telephone today, anticipates that Brethren from the district will help with clean up following the fires. "It is such chaos right now that we can’t do anything" at the moment, he said. "Often the organized work follows. The clean up part of it is probably where we would start."
For more about Children’s Disaster Services, go to www.brethren.org/genbd/BDM/CDS.
Source: 10/24/2007 Newsline Special Report
Brethren Disaster Ministries assesses needs following Nappanee tornado.
Staff of Brethren Disaster Ministries and Children’s Disaster Services visited Nappanee, Ind., this weekend to assess damage following a tornado that hit the community on Oct. 18. Judy Bezon, associate director of Children’s Disaster Services, and Zach Wolgemuth, associate director of Brethren Disaster Ministries, toured the community, met with the mayor, and contacted local and district Church of the Brethren leaders. Nappanee is a center for the Brethren, Mennonite, and Amish populations in the midwest.
Six or seven Brethren families lost their homes in the Category 3 tornado, Wolgemuth said. Most of the families who lost homes are from Nappanee Church of the Brethren and from Union Center Church of the Brethren, also located in Nappanee. Both churches are in Northern Indiana District.
In a report to the General Board meeting on Oct. 22, the staff said that a grant is being made from the Church of the Brethren’s Emergency Disaster Fund to support the work of Northern Indiana District in response to the storm. The grant will give an initial $5,000 to the effort.
The storm damaged some 200 to 250 homes and businesses, and destroyed between 100 to 150 homes, Wolgemuth reported. A two-mile swath in the town was destroyed, and the tornado was on the ground for a total of 20 miles. Just a few people suffered minor injuries, however, and there were no deaths.
Wolgemuth noted the massive community response to local officials’ calls for help with clean up. The officials announced on Saturday that Sunday, Oct. 21, would be a community clean up day. Some 5,000 people from the area responded to the announcement, and traffic to the high school--a meeting point for volunteers--was backed up for six miles, Wolgemuth said.
Wolgemuth and Bezon met with Nappanee mayor Larry Thompson, who already had been in contact with a Church of the Brethren member who is a trained Children’s Disaster Services volunteer. The mayor expressed respect for Brethren disaster work, Wolgemuth said, and asked many questions about how the Brethren could help the community.
Information from Nappanee about its tornado recovery efforts and how to help that local effort is available at www.nappanee.org/tornado%20recovery%20information.htm. For more information about Brethren Disaster Ministries, go to www.brethren.org/genbd/BDM.
Source: 10/24/2007 Newsline Special Report
Staff of Brethren Disaster Ministries and Children’s Disaster Services visited Nappanee, Ind., this weekend to assess damage following a tornado that hit the community on Oct. 18. Judy Bezon, associate director of Children’s Disaster Services, and Zach Wolgemuth, associate director of Brethren Disaster Ministries, toured the community, met with the mayor, and contacted local and district Church of the Brethren leaders. Nappanee is a center for the Brethren, Mennonite, and Amish populations in the midwest.
Six or seven Brethren families lost their homes in the Category 3 tornado, Wolgemuth said. Most of the families who lost homes are from Nappanee Church of the Brethren and from Union Center Church of the Brethren, also located in Nappanee. Both churches are in Northern Indiana District.
In a report to the General Board meeting on Oct. 22, the staff said that a grant is being made from the Church of the Brethren’s Emergency Disaster Fund to support the work of Northern Indiana District in response to the storm. The grant will give an initial $5,000 to the effort.
The storm damaged some 200 to 250 homes and businesses, and destroyed between 100 to 150 homes, Wolgemuth reported. A two-mile swath in the town was destroyed, and the tornado was on the ground for a total of 20 miles. Just a few people suffered minor injuries, however, and there were no deaths.
Wolgemuth noted the massive community response to local officials’ calls for help with clean up. The officials announced on Saturday that Sunday, Oct. 21, would be a community clean up day. Some 5,000 people from the area responded to the announcement, and traffic to the high school--a meeting point for volunteers--was backed up for six miles, Wolgemuth said.
Wolgemuth and Bezon met with Nappanee mayor Larry Thompson, who already had been in contact with a Church of the Brethren member who is a trained Children’s Disaster Services volunteer. The mayor expressed respect for Brethren disaster work, Wolgemuth said, and asked many questions about how the Brethren could help the community.
Information from Nappanee about its tornado recovery efforts and how to help that local effort is available at www.nappanee.org/tornado%20recovery%20information.htm. For more information about Brethren Disaster Ministries, go to www.brethren.org/genbd/BDM.
Source: 10/24/2007 Newsline Special Report
Brethren volunteer shares life, work, and more on Gulf Coast.
For Santos Morales, going to the Gulf Coast for Hurricane Katrina recovery was another important stop on his journey out of a rough life. The 57-year-old native of East Los Angeles said he could understand the hardships faced by Gulf Coast residents.
"I know what's it like to be homeless and penniless," said Morales, who spent 35 years involved with gangs and criminal activity that landed in him in prison four times. Having been in tough spots many times himself, he knew he had to help.
Some 10 years since turning his life around, Morales spent three weeks of volunteer work in Chalmette, La., rehabbing homes with Church of the Brethren disaster volunteer teams. The experience was moving, he said, adding that the trip was about more than the physical. "Just seeing all that devastation--and it wasn't just the buildings, it was the humans," he said. "There was such a need there for just a smile."
Despite being a skilled roofer and dry-waller, Morales said his willingness to give smiles and to talk with families was his most valuable work while in Chalmette. That communication created new friendships and allowed residents to share how they were doing with the recovery, he said.
"Buildings can be rebuilt and replaced, but the people will take longer," he said. "The people need to be rebuilt."
For someone who looks like he does--"I have a lot of tattoos, so people get nervous when they first see me"--Morales said it was nice to also help break down stereotypes and make friends with people who never would have met a former gang member from the streets of Los Angeles. His sense of humor helped smooth the communication, he said.
Everyone working together is what matters most, he added. "We all come from different walks of life," Morales said. "What's important is where we're headed."
Morales, who lives in New Windsor, Md., and volunteers regularly at the Brethren Service Center there, said he would recommend a Gulf Coast hurricane recovery trip to everyone. Whether volunteers go for a day or a week or longer, he said it was important to show affected residents how much people care. He said he expected to return early next year.
"I've done dirty and tough work before, but I've never done it for a good cause," he said. "But I enjoyed this job and the people."
Morales said he was happy to have shared his time and talents with others. He considers himself fortunate to be where he is now and hopes to continue moving his life in the right direction. "I'm thankful," he said. "I don't have much. Whatever I have and experience I share with others. I know what it can do for others because it's been done for me."
--By Heather Moyer for Disaster News Network. Reproduced with permission from Disaster News Network, www.disasternews.net, (c) 2007 Village Life Company.
Source: 10/24/2007 Newsline Special Report
For Santos Morales, going to the Gulf Coast for Hurricane Katrina recovery was another important stop on his journey out of a rough life. The 57-year-old native of East Los Angeles said he could understand the hardships faced by Gulf Coast residents.
"I know what's it like to be homeless and penniless," said Morales, who spent 35 years involved with gangs and criminal activity that landed in him in prison four times. Having been in tough spots many times himself, he knew he had to help.
Some 10 years since turning his life around, Morales spent three weeks of volunteer work in Chalmette, La., rehabbing homes with Church of the Brethren disaster volunteer teams. The experience was moving, he said, adding that the trip was about more than the physical. "Just seeing all that devastation--and it wasn't just the buildings, it was the humans," he said. "There was such a need there for just a smile."
Despite being a skilled roofer and dry-waller, Morales said his willingness to give smiles and to talk with families was his most valuable work while in Chalmette. That communication created new friendships and allowed residents to share how they were doing with the recovery, he said.
"Buildings can be rebuilt and replaced, but the people will take longer," he said. "The people need to be rebuilt."
For someone who looks like he does--"I have a lot of tattoos, so people get nervous when they first see me"--Morales said it was nice to also help break down stereotypes and make friends with people who never would have met a former gang member from the streets of Los Angeles. His sense of humor helped smooth the communication, he said.
Everyone working together is what matters most, he added. "We all come from different walks of life," Morales said. "What's important is where we're headed."
Morales, who lives in New Windsor, Md., and volunteers regularly at the Brethren Service Center there, said he would recommend a Gulf Coast hurricane recovery trip to everyone. Whether volunteers go for a day or a week or longer, he said it was important to show affected residents how much people care. He said he expected to return early next year.
"I've done dirty and tough work before, but I've never done it for a good cause," he said. "But I enjoyed this job and the people."
Morales said he was happy to have shared his time and talents with others. He considers himself fortunate to be where he is now and hopes to continue moving his life in the right direction. "I'm thankful," he said. "I don't have much. Whatever I have and experience I share with others. I know what it can do for others because it's been done for me."
--By Heather Moyer for Disaster News Network. Reproduced with permission from Disaster News Network, www.disasternews.net, (c) 2007 Village Life Company.
Source: 10/24/2007 Newsline Special Report
Reflection: A call for prayer for southern California.
This evening I heard the words "this will not be another Katrina." These are words that I heard over the radio. A quote from the President. I wonder what that means...and wait...and we all wait.
When I stepped outside the office today the air was dry, strange, thick, heavy, a mix of smoke and ash. Yes there was ash on my car. They say it is not healthy to breathe this air. As I drove home the setting sun was a strange bloody red. The sky a strange mix of red and grey. I saw smoke in every direction. I just have to drive about 45 minutes north or an hour east, west, or south, and I am bound to run into these wild fires. Some of them are no longer wild fires, they are firestorms. Dangerous infernos.
The images that I see on television are mesmerizing and also saddening at times. A home that takes more than six months to build is reduced to ash in less than five minutes. This is not the first time that I have seen this, but it continues to amaze me. This is life in southern California during fire season.
People continue to lose their homes. Some of the homes are miraculously spared. Some people are sad, some mad, and some without any emotions yet. This is indeed the price of living in southern California.
In the midst of this all I invite you to be in an attitude of prayer and awareness.
Source: 10/24/2007 Newsline Special Report
This evening I heard the words "this will not be another Katrina." These are words that I heard over the radio. A quote from the President. I wonder what that means...and wait...and we all wait.
When I stepped outside the office today the air was dry, strange, thick, heavy, a mix of smoke and ash. Yes there was ash on my car. They say it is not healthy to breathe this air. As I drove home the setting sun was a strange bloody red. The sky a strange mix of red and grey. I saw smoke in every direction. I just have to drive about 45 minutes north or an hour east, west, or south, and I am bound to run into these wild fires. Some of them are no longer wild fires, they are firestorms. Dangerous infernos.
The images that I see on television are mesmerizing and also saddening at times. A home that takes more than six months to build is reduced to ash in less than five minutes. This is not the first time that I have seen this, but it continues to amaze me. This is life in southern California during fire season.
People continue to lose their homes. Some of the homes are miraculously spared. Some people are sad, some mad, and some without any emotions yet. This is indeed the price of living in southern California.
In the midst of this all I invite you to be in an attitude of prayer and awareness.
Pray for all the people out here who have lost everything they had.--Valentina Satvedi is an ordained minister in the Church of the Brethren and co-director of Mennonite Central Committee’s Anti-Racism Program. She lives in Glendale, Calif.
Pray for those who have been evacuated from their homes and have no idea of when they get to return home.
Pray for all helping fight fires over land and through air.
Pray for those who feel slighted that the firefighters did not get to them at all to save their homes.
Pray that help arrives for all those in need.
Pray that every one regardless of their status, the color of their skin, the level of their education, receive help.
Pray that the weather changes soon, that the winds (the Santa Anas) subside and there is some relief.
Lord have mercy.
Source: 10/24/2007 Newsline Special Report
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. Julie Garber, Matt Guynn, Merv Keeney, Nancy Knepper, Jon Kobel, Karin Krog, Joan McGrath, Stan Noffsinger, Janis Pyle, Howard Royer, Cindy Smith, Roy Winter, and Jane Yount contributed to this report.
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. Julie Garber, Matt Guynn, Merv Keeney, Nancy Knepper, Jon Kobel, Karin Krog, Joan McGrath, Stan Noffsinger, Janis Pyle, Howard Royer, Cindy Smith, Roy Winter, and Jane Yount contributed to this report.
Saturday, October 20, 2007
General Board commits to Brethren Service Center
The Church of the Brethren General Board has acted to "strongly affirm" ministries based at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md., and committed to continue to develop and enhance the center. In a report from the Brethren Service Center Ministry Options Exploration Committee, the board approved a new mission statement for the center, commended seven items to staff for action, and approved a five-year review for the center. The action came this afternoon, during the board's fall meeting.
The recommendations resulted from an in-depth, year-long study of General Board programs based at the Brethren Service Center--Brethren Disaster Ministries, Material Resources, and the New Windsor Conference Center--and partnerships with agencies that lease office or warehouse facilities there: the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference, On Earth Peace, Mid-Atlantic District, A Greater Gift/SERRV, and Interchurch Medical Assistance.
The central recommendation approved today states, "That the General Board strongly affirm its ministries based at the Brethren Service Center--Brethren Disaster Ministries, Lease Partnerships with Other Agencies, Material Resources, and the New Windsor Conference Center--and plan to support their continued development."
The new mission statement adopted for the center reads: "The Brethren Service Center is a community that fosters ministry to human need around the world and nurtures commitment to service, peace, and justice in the name of Christ."
Today's action also includes seven recommendations that were commended to staff for action: encouragement to nourish and continue the relationship with A Greater Gift/SERRV; response to needs of youth, young adults, and others for low-budget housing facilities at the center; development of new programming at the Conference Center to support the mission of the Brethren Service Center; development of a welcome center and interpretive exhibits; creation of a campus master plan; the calling of an ad hoc advisory committee to support staff leaders at the center; and the seeking of new relationships with potential partner organizations to join the community at the Brethren Service Center.
Today's action follows up on a meeting of the board in March last year, when it decided not to adopt a recommendation from its Stewardship of Property Committee that the New Windsor property be sold or leased. Instead, at that time the board called for a new committee to be named to explore ministry options for the Brethren Service Center.
The Brethren Service Center Ministry Options Exploration Committee was chaired by General Board member Dale Minnich of Moundridge, Kan., and also included David R. Miller of Dayton, Va.; Fran Nyce of Westminster, Md.; Dale Roth of State College, Pa.; Jim Stokes-Buckles of New York, N.Y.; Kim Stuckey Hissong of Westminster; and Jack Tevis of Westminster. Several General Board staff worked closely with the committee, and two staff committees at the Brethren Service Center also assisted the group.
Over the past year, the committee held hearings at the Brethren Service Center, met with staff of the General Board and other agencies based at the center, and gave preliminary reports to the board. The group also talked with six consultants in the hotel and hospitality industry in the New Windsor area to consider management challenges facing the Conference Center. The committee's report to the board today reviewed the challenges and possibilities of the four ministry areas of the Brethren Service Center, with specific challenges noted for the Conference Center and the Material Resources program.
"The focus on human need is at the center of the mission," said Minnich as he presented the recommendations. The center also functions to "turn on" people to that mission, he said, as for example volunteers experience the work of disaster relief or SERRV. Responding to a question about the shift of direction from this report to the one received from the Stewardship of Property Committee, Minnich said that it had been helpful "to look carefully at what's going on (at the Brethren Service Center) and to discover the layers of mission that are undergirding what's there."
"How do we fund this? We conclude that the General Board has appropriate channels to fund all of this," Minnich said. He pointed out that the report did not attach dollar figures to the recommendations to develop the Brethren Service Center. "In fact, none of the recommendations before us are authorizing money," he added. Instead, the report sets a general direction for the work of staff, who are anticipated to bring proposals for capital developments projects over the next few months and years.
Addressing financial concerns about the Conference Center and Material Resources, Minnich presented both in a positive light. "We believe the Conference Center can be financially viable," he said, reviewing feedback received from consultants who were unanimous that the Conference Center can expand its clientele through marketing. He addressed the Material Resources budget as cyclical, noting from study of the program's history that there is very positive cash flow in years with large needs for material aid for disaster response, and that in other years the program may break even or function at a loss. But over the long term, the Material Resources program can "make it" financially, he said.
"Whatever action we take today isn't the end of it," Minnich said, pointing out that it will take several years for most of the recommendations to be enacted, and for the development envisioned for the center to take place.
As the board considered and adopted the new mission statement for the Brethren Service Center, board member Michael Benner told a personal story of a recent visit he made there. Thoughts of all the lives that have been touched by the work of the center crossed his mind, he said, along with a new awareness of "all the prayers God has answered through that little oasis."
Source: 10/20/2007 Newsline Special Report
The Church of the Brethren General Board has acted to "strongly affirm" ministries based at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md., and committed to continue to develop and enhance the center. In a report from the Brethren Service Center Ministry Options Exploration Committee, the board approved a new mission statement for the center, commended seven items to staff for action, and approved a five-year review for the center. The action came this afternoon, during the board's fall meeting.
The recommendations resulted from an in-depth, year-long study of General Board programs based at the Brethren Service Center--Brethren Disaster Ministries, Material Resources, and the New Windsor Conference Center--and partnerships with agencies that lease office or warehouse facilities there: the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference, On Earth Peace, Mid-Atlantic District, A Greater Gift/SERRV, and Interchurch Medical Assistance.
The central recommendation approved today states, "That the General Board strongly affirm its ministries based at the Brethren Service Center--Brethren Disaster Ministries, Lease Partnerships with Other Agencies, Material Resources, and the New Windsor Conference Center--and plan to support their continued development."
The new mission statement adopted for the center reads: "The Brethren Service Center is a community that fosters ministry to human need around the world and nurtures commitment to service, peace, and justice in the name of Christ."
Today's action also includes seven recommendations that were commended to staff for action: encouragement to nourish and continue the relationship with A Greater Gift/SERRV; response to needs of youth, young adults, and others for low-budget housing facilities at the center; development of new programming at the Conference Center to support the mission of the Brethren Service Center; development of a welcome center and interpretive exhibits; creation of a campus master plan; the calling of an ad hoc advisory committee to support staff leaders at the center; and the seeking of new relationships with potential partner organizations to join the community at the Brethren Service Center.
Today's action follows up on a meeting of the board in March last year, when it decided not to adopt a recommendation from its Stewardship of Property Committee that the New Windsor property be sold or leased. Instead, at that time the board called for a new committee to be named to explore ministry options for the Brethren Service Center.
The Brethren Service Center Ministry Options Exploration Committee was chaired by General Board member Dale Minnich of Moundridge, Kan., and also included David R. Miller of Dayton, Va.; Fran Nyce of Westminster, Md.; Dale Roth of State College, Pa.; Jim Stokes-Buckles of New York, N.Y.; Kim Stuckey Hissong of Westminster; and Jack Tevis of Westminster. Several General Board staff worked closely with the committee, and two staff committees at the Brethren Service Center also assisted the group.
Over the past year, the committee held hearings at the Brethren Service Center, met with staff of the General Board and other agencies based at the center, and gave preliminary reports to the board. The group also talked with six consultants in the hotel and hospitality industry in the New Windsor area to consider management challenges facing the Conference Center. The committee's report to the board today reviewed the challenges and possibilities of the four ministry areas of the Brethren Service Center, with specific challenges noted for the Conference Center and the Material Resources program.
"The focus on human need is at the center of the mission," said Minnich as he presented the recommendations. The center also functions to "turn on" people to that mission, he said, as for example volunteers experience the work of disaster relief or SERRV. Responding to a question about the shift of direction from this report to the one received from the Stewardship of Property Committee, Minnich said that it had been helpful "to look carefully at what's going on (at the Brethren Service Center) and to discover the layers of mission that are undergirding what's there."
"How do we fund this? We conclude that the General Board has appropriate channels to fund all of this," Minnich said. He pointed out that the report did not attach dollar figures to the recommendations to develop the Brethren Service Center. "In fact, none of the recommendations before us are authorizing money," he added. Instead, the report sets a general direction for the work of staff, who are anticipated to bring proposals for capital developments projects over the next few months and years.
Addressing financial concerns about the Conference Center and Material Resources, Minnich presented both in a positive light. "We believe the Conference Center can be financially viable," he said, reviewing feedback received from consultants who were unanimous that the Conference Center can expand its clientele through marketing. He addressed the Material Resources budget as cyclical, noting from study of the program's history that there is very positive cash flow in years with large needs for material aid for disaster response, and that in other years the program may break even or function at a loss. But over the long term, the Material Resources program can "make it" financially, he said.
"Whatever action we take today isn't the end of it," Minnich said, pointing out that it will take several years for most of the recommendations to be enacted, and for the development envisioned for the center to take place.
As the board considered and adopted the new mission statement for the Brethren Service Center, board member Michael Benner told a personal story of a recent visit he made there. Thoughts of all the lives that have been touched by the work of the center crossed his mind, he said, along with a new awareness of "all the prayers God has answered through that little oasis."
Source: 10/20/2007 Newsline Special Report
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.
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.
Friday, October 19, 2007
Young Center hosts academic conference for the 300th Anniversary of the Brethren.
"Honoring a Legacy, Embracing a Future: 300 Years of Brethren Heritage," was the theme of an academic conference hosted by the Young Center for Anabaptist and Pietist Studies at Elizabethtown (Pa.) College on Oct. 11-13. The conference was attended by some 106 participants and presenters, most from the Church of the Brethren but also including Brethren Church members and others from different sectors of the Brethren movement.
Along with serious academic inquiry, participants heard from several speakers strong calls for strengthening a particular Brethren identity--focused by some on the peace witness--along with expressions of concern about the future of Brethren values and the Church of the Brethren as a denomination.
As he opened the conference, Young Center director Jeff Bach invited participants to a "time to reflect on our beginnings, our changes, our future." Bach also led worship during the conference, and held two Love Feast services at the Young Center’s Bucher Meetinghouse on the evening after the conference ended.
Brethren today face difficult challenges in maintaining identity and community, particularly in the media culture, said Stewart Hoover in the keynote address. Hoover is professor of media studies at the University of Colorado at Boulder, a professor adjoint of Religious Studies and American Studies, and a former staff member of the Church of the Brethren General Board. He spoke on "Brethren Heritage and Modern Culture: Vision and Challenge."
The Brethren must continue to search for a unique identity and voice, Stewart advised. He spoke of the 21st century cultural context as a time of great change in institutions and religion. Christian identity is no longer denominational, rather it is found at the congregational level, he said. In this context, it is a problem that 20th century Brethren "cast their lot" in two directions--evangelical Christianity, and the mainline Protestant churches--Stewart said, characterizing the two directions as contradictory, and neither particularly Brethren.
As he advised Brethren to seek a stronger voice in the culture, Stewart warned that "we Brethren know that ascendancy comes at a cost...at the expense of the rights of others." However, he added that Brethren may be particularly well placed to play a constructive role in the current debate or "clash of civilizations" between Western society and radical Islam. Brethren "know that both sides of this conflict are wrong" in advocating a strong role for religion in the state, Stewart said. Brethren know that involvement of religion in the state will lead to coercion, violence, and the antithesis of religion’s claims, he said. At the same time, Brethren may help shed light and reduce heat in these debates. "We Brethren would argue that to work toward coexistence (of Western society and radical Islam) would not be a denial of our theology but a fulfillment of it," Stewart said. At a time when other forces seem to want to enhance this clash of cultures, he asserted that Brethren "can see how un-Christian such a movement is."
Other plenary presentations focused on the Anabaptist and Pietist heritage of the Brethren, the role of the Old Testament in Brethren life, and the balance between inner and outer faith in Brethren tradition.
German scholar and Lutheran minister Marcus Meier offered new theories about "Anabaptist and Pietist Influences on the Early Brethren." He has been a teaching assistant in the theology department at Philipps-University Marburg, and is the recepient of a research award from the University at Halle/Saale. In 2003 he completed his doctoral dissertation about the beginnings of the Schwarzenau Brethren in Europe, emphasizing Pietist influences on the genesis of the Brethren. Meier’s presentation at the conference contended that new research suggests a stronger Anabaptist influence on the radical Pietists of the early 18th century than has been recognized.
Dale Stoffer, chair of the Brethren Church’s anniversary committee and academic dean and professor of historical theology at Ashland (Ohio) Theological Seminary, offered a plenary session on "Balancing Word and Spirit in Anabaptist, Pietist, and Brethren Hermeneutics." He reviewed how Brethren, Anabaptists, and Pietists have made use of the concepts of Word and Spirit, characterizing these as a fundamental inner-outer spiritual tension.
A session on the importance of the Old Testament or Hebrew scriptures was given by Chris Bucher, the Carl W. Zeigler Professor of Religion and dean of faculty at Elizabethtown College. She spoke on the topic, "The New Testament Is Our Creed: Brethren and the Canon," reviewing ways Brethren have used the scriptures and calling on Brethren to seek new ways to live with or live out of conflicts found in scripture, rather than to ignore them. She also called for Brethren to return to the practice of community reading of scripture. "If reading scripture is to promote unity, then Brethren should read scripture together," she said.
Carl Bowman gave perhaps the most provocative paper of the conference, reporting results of a 2006 scientific survey of Church of the Brethren members in his plenary address titled, "A Profile of the Church of the Brethren Today." Bowman has been a professor of sociology at Bridgewater (Va.) College for many years, and is director of survey research at the University of Virginia's Institute for Advanced Studies in Culture.
The opening phrase of the "tagline" of the Church of the Brethren--"Another way of living"--is "at best a hope, at worst a deception" in light of the 2006 survey, Bowman said. To support this statement he reviewed survey findings that indicate Brethren today are both conservative and progressive at the same time, he said. Many Brethren do not consider themselves to be radical, nor consider their faith to be radical or even Anabaptist or Pietist. Relatively small numbers of Brethren say they experience any conflict between Brethren ways and the larger society, he reported, and many say there is no difference between the Brethren and other mainline Christian denominations.
"Are these marks of another way of living, or the typical rural American way?" Bowman asked. "Today, does ‘A comfortable way of caring’ really capture it?" he said, proposing with a note of sarcasm a tagline he suggested might more accurately reflect the current identity of Brethren.
A panel of young adult scholars and seminary students--Jordan Blevins, Anna Lisa Gross, Elizabeth Keller, Ben Leiter, and Felix Lohitai--rounded out the plenary sessions. Small group sessions also were offered on more than 20 other topics organized around themes of theology, history, missions, contemporary issues, peace, hymnody, ministry, and service. In some, presenters read academic papers, and others featured panel discussions.
Richard T. Hughes gave closing reflections on the conference as a scholar from outside the Brethren tradition. He is senior fellow in the Ernest L. Boyer Center and distinguished professor at Messiah College. Reflecting on the Brethren focus on relationship and discipleship, and the peace witness, Hughes said, "How can you bring this vision into the post-modern world? That seemed to be the question I heard at this conference over and over again." He also listed the "lamentations" he had heard at the conference, classifying them in three parts: laments about the church in decline, about the lack of racial and ethnic diversity among Brethren, and about a lack of conflict resolution skills in congregations.
To the question, "How can the Brethren both survive and thrive in the 21st century?" Hughes focused on one of the main answers he heard at the conference: that Brethren need to find ways to inject their voice into the "public square." "Your voice in my judgment is far too muted," he said. At a time when global conflict threatens the very existence of the world, peace churches have an obligation to speak up, he said. "Humility does not mean you have no voice.... Your voice is so desperately needed."
Bethany Theological Seminary offered streaming video of the conference, as part of the Church of the Brethren Webcast Series. To view sessions online go to http://webcast.bethanyseminary.edu. A photo journal of the conference is at www.brethren.org/pjournal/2007/300thAnnivAcademic.
(Sermons from main celebrations of the Brethren 300th anniversary are being posted at www.brethren.org, as they become available. For Earl K. Ziegler’s keynote address at the opening anniversary event at Germantown Church of the Brethren on Sept. 16, go to www.brethren.org/genbd/newsline/2007/300thSermonZiegler.pdf. For a link to all of the news resources from 300th anniversary events, go to www.brethren.org and click on "300th Anniversary.")
Source: 10/19/200 300th Anniversary Update Newsline
"Honoring a Legacy, Embracing a Future: 300 Years of Brethren Heritage," was the theme of an academic conference hosted by the Young Center for Anabaptist and Pietist Studies at Elizabethtown (Pa.) College on Oct. 11-13. The conference was attended by some 106 participants and presenters, most from the Church of the Brethren but also including Brethren Church members and others from different sectors of the Brethren movement.
Along with serious academic inquiry, participants heard from several speakers strong calls for strengthening a particular Brethren identity--focused by some on the peace witness--along with expressions of concern about the future of Brethren values and the Church of the Brethren as a denomination.
As he opened the conference, Young Center director Jeff Bach invited participants to a "time to reflect on our beginnings, our changes, our future." Bach also led worship during the conference, and held two Love Feast services at the Young Center’s Bucher Meetinghouse on the evening after the conference ended.
Brethren today face difficult challenges in maintaining identity and community, particularly in the media culture, said Stewart Hoover in the keynote address. Hoover is professor of media studies at the University of Colorado at Boulder, a professor adjoint of Religious Studies and American Studies, and a former staff member of the Church of the Brethren General Board. He spoke on "Brethren Heritage and Modern Culture: Vision and Challenge."
The Brethren must continue to search for a unique identity and voice, Stewart advised. He spoke of the 21st century cultural context as a time of great change in institutions and religion. Christian identity is no longer denominational, rather it is found at the congregational level, he said. In this context, it is a problem that 20th century Brethren "cast their lot" in two directions--evangelical Christianity, and the mainline Protestant churches--Stewart said, characterizing the two directions as contradictory, and neither particularly Brethren.
As he advised Brethren to seek a stronger voice in the culture, Stewart warned that "we Brethren know that ascendancy comes at a cost...at the expense of the rights of others." However, he added that Brethren may be particularly well placed to play a constructive role in the current debate or "clash of civilizations" between Western society and radical Islam. Brethren "know that both sides of this conflict are wrong" in advocating a strong role for religion in the state, Stewart said. Brethren know that involvement of religion in the state will lead to coercion, violence, and the antithesis of religion’s claims, he said. At the same time, Brethren may help shed light and reduce heat in these debates. "We Brethren would argue that to work toward coexistence (of Western society and radical Islam) would not be a denial of our theology but a fulfillment of it," Stewart said. At a time when other forces seem to want to enhance this clash of cultures, he asserted that Brethren "can see how un-Christian such a movement is."
Other plenary presentations focused on the Anabaptist and Pietist heritage of the Brethren, the role of the Old Testament in Brethren life, and the balance between inner and outer faith in Brethren tradition.
German scholar and Lutheran minister Marcus Meier offered new theories about "Anabaptist and Pietist Influences on the Early Brethren." He has been a teaching assistant in the theology department at Philipps-University Marburg, and is the recepient of a research award from the University at Halle/Saale. In 2003 he completed his doctoral dissertation about the beginnings of the Schwarzenau Brethren in Europe, emphasizing Pietist influences on the genesis of the Brethren. Meier’s presentation at the conference contended that new research suggests a stronger Anabaptist influence on the radical Pietists of the early 18th century than has been recognized.
Dale Stoffer, chair of the Brethren Church’s anniversary committee and academic dean and professor of historical theology at Ashland (Ohio) Theological Seminary, offered a plenary session on "Balancing Word and Spirit in Anabaptist, Pietist, and Brethren Hermeneutics." He reviewed how Brethren, Anabaptists, and Pietists have made use of the concepts of Word and Spirit, characterizing these as a fundamental inner-outer spiritual tension.
A session on the importance of the Old Testament or Hebrew scriptures was given by Chris Bucher, the Carl W. Zeigler Professor of Religion and dean of faculty at Elizabethtown College. She spoke on the topic, "The New Testament Is Our Creed: Brethren and the Canon," reviewing ways Brethren have used the scriptures and calling on Brethren to seek new ways to live with or live out of conflicts found in scripture, rather than to ignore them. She also called for Brethren to return to the practice of community reading of scripture. "If reading scripture is to promote unity, then Brethren should read scripture together," she said.
Carl Bowman gave perhaps the most provocative paper of the conference, reporting results of a 2006 scientific survey of Church of the Brethren members in his plenary address titled, "A Profile of the Church of the Brethren Today." Bowman has been a professor of sociology at Bridgewater (Va.) College for many years, and is director of survey research at the University of Virginia's Institute for Advanced Studies in Culture.
The opening phrase of the "tagline" of the Church of the Brethren--"Another way of living"--is "at best a hope, at worst a deception" in light of the 2006 survey, Bowman said. To support this statement he reviewed survey findings that indicate Brethren today are both conservative and progressive at the same time, he said. Many Brethren do not consider themselves to be radical, nor consider their faith to be radical or even Anabaptist or Pietist. Relatively small numbers of Brethren say they experience any conflict between Brethren ways and the larger society, he reported, and many say there is no difference between the Brethren and other mainline Christian denominations.
"Are these marks of another way of living, or the typical rural American way?" Bowman asked. "Today, does ‘A comfortable way of caring’ really capture it?" he said, proposing with a note of sarcasm a tagline he suggested might more accurately reflect the current identity of Brethren.
A panel of young adult scholars and seminary students--Jordan Blevins, Anna Lisa Gross, Elizabeth Keller, Ben Leiter, and Felix Lohitai--rounded out the plenary sessions. Small group sessions also were offered on more than 20 other topics organized around themes of theology, history, missions, contemporary issues, peace, hymnody, ministry, and service. In some, presenters read academic papers, and others featured panel discussions.
Richard T. Hughes gave closing reflections on the conference as a scholar from outside the Brethren tradition. He is senior fellow in the Ernest L. Boyer Center and distinguished professor at Messiah College. Reflecting on the Brethren focus on relationship and discipleship, and the peace witness, Hughes said, "How can you bring this vision into the post-modern world? That seemed to be the question I heard at this conference over and over again." He also listed the "lamentations" he had heard at the conference, classifying them in three parts: laments about the church in decline, about the lack of racial and ethnic diversity among Brethren, and about a lack of conflict resolution skills in congregations.
To the question, "How can the Brethren both survive and thrive in the 21st century?" Hughes focused on one of the main answers he heard at the conference: that Brethren need to find ways to inject their voice into the "public square." "Your voice in my judgment is far too muted," he said. At a time when global conflict threatens the very existence of the world, peace churches have an obligation to speak up, he said. "Humility does not mean you have no voice.... Your voice is so desperately needed."
Bethany Theological Seminary offered streaming video of the conference, as part of the Church of the Brethren Webcast Series. To view sessions online go to http://webcast.bethanyseminary.edu. A photo journal of the conference is at www.brethren.org/pjournal/2007/300thAnnivAcademic.
(Sermons from main celebrations of the Brethren 300th anniversary are being posted at www.brethren.org, as they become available. For Earl K. Ziegler’s keynote address at the opening anniversary event at Germantown Church of the Brethren on Sept. 16, go to www.brethren.org/genbd/newsline/2007/300thSermonZiegler.pdf. For a link to all of the news resources from 300th anniversary events, go to www.brethren.org and click on "300th Anniversary.")
Source: 10/19/200 300th Anniversary Update Newsline
General Board agenda includes Brethren Service Center recommendations.
The Church of the Brethren General Board meets this weekend, Oct. 19-22, followed by a professional growth event on the topic of consensus decision-making led by On Earth Peace. On the business agenda are approval of a 2008 budget, discussion of strategic planning for mission, discussion of medical insurance for pastors, and reports on various aspects of the board’s work, alongside some key business items:
Source: 10/19/200 300th Anniversary Update Newsline
The Church of the Brethren General Board meets this weekend, Oct. 19-22, followed by a professional growth event on the topic of consensus decision-making led by On Earth Peace. On the business agenda are approval of a 2008 budget, discussion of strategic planning for mission, discussion of medical insurance for pastors, and reports on various aspects of the board’s work, alongside some key business items:
- Action on recommendations from the board’s Brethren Service Center Ministry Options Exploration Committee.
- Discussion of a proposed update to the denomination’s Ethics in Ministry Relations paper.
- Discussion of a paper on "Slavery in the 21st Century" giving information, resources, and possible steps for action on the modern forms of slavery such as forced labor or child soldiering.
Source: 10/19/200 300th Anniversary Update Newsline
Association of Brethren Caregivers continues to need support from congregations.
The Association of Brethren Caregivers (ABC) sent a letter last week to congregations that have contributed to the agency, asking that they continue to include ABC in their congregational budget now and in the future. In July, Annual Conference approved the Review and Evaluation Committee’s recommendation that the General Board and ABC consider re-forming into a new organization. An implementation committee was appointed to determine in the next two to three years how best to accomplish this vision.
Until this process is complete, ABC will continue as a financially independent organization, without any financial support from the General Board. Some congregations have misunderstood the timetable of the Annual Conference action and have eliminated or reallocated their past funding of ABC to the General Board. Given that the implementation committee’s process will take two to three years, the ABC Board and staff are relying on the direct support from congregations to sustain programming for the caring ministries in the Church of the Brethren. The ABC letter requested that congregations continue to include ABC in their budgets.
--Mary Dulabaum is director of communications for the Association of Brethren Caregivers.
Source: 10/19/200 300th Anniversary Update Newsline
The Association of Brethren Caregivers (ABC) sent a letter last week to congregations that have contributed to the agency, asking that they continue to include ABC in their congregational budget now and in the future. In July, Annual Conference approved the Review and Evaluation Committee’s recommendation that the General Board and ABC consider re-forming into a new organization. An implementation committee was appointed to determine in the next two to three years how best to accomplish this vision.
Until this process is complete, ABC will continue as a financially independent organization, without any financial support from the General Board. Some congregations have misunderstood the timetable of the Annual Conference action and have eliminated or reallocated their past funding of ABC to the General Board. Given that the implementation committee’s process will take two to three years, the ABC Board and staff are relying on the direct support from congregations to sustain programming for the caring ministries in the Church of the Brethren. The ABC letter requested that congregations continue to include ABC in their budgets.
--Mary Dulabaum is director of communications for the Association of Brethren Caregivers.
Source: 10/19/200 300th Anniversary Update Newsline
Credits
Newsline is produced by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of news services for the Church of the Brethren General Board, cobnews@brethren.org or 800-323-8039 ext. 260.
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.
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
NEWS
- Joint statement is issued from discussion of Annual Conference exhibit policy.
- ABC Board receives multicultural sensitivity training.
- Committee receives challenge from American Baptists.
- Children's Disaster Services trains ‘CJ's Bus’ volunteers.
- Atlantic Southeast District holds a Family Peace Camp.
- Brethren Revival Fellowship holds its General Meeting.
- Brethren bits: Corrections, jobs, seeking anointing services, more.
Joint statement is issued from discussion of Annual Conference exhibit policy.
Representatives of the Brethren and Mennonite Council for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Interests (BMC), the Womaen’s Caucus, and Voices for an Open Spirit (VOS) met with the Annual Conference Program and Arrangements Committee on Aug. 22 to discuss issues related to the denial of a Conference exhibit booth for BMC.
Present at the meeting were Carol Wise, Ralph McFadden, and Everett Fisher representing BMC; Jan Eller, Lucy Loomis, and Carla Kilgore representing the Womaen’s Caucus; Jan Fairchild, David Witkovsky, Roger Eberly, Liz Bidgood Enders, and Ken Kline Smeltzer representing VOS; and Scott Duffey, Kristi Kellerman, Sarah Steele, Jim Beckwith, Belita Mitchell, David Shumate, and Fred Swartz representing the Program and Arrangements Committee.
Also present were Susan Nienaber, facilitator from the Alban Institute, and Lerry Fogle, Annual Conference executive director.
Following is the joint statement that was issued following the meeting:
Representatives of the Brethren and Mennonite Council for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Interests (BMC), the Womaen’s Caucus, and Voices for an Open Spirit (VOS) met with the Annual Conference Program and Arrangements Committee on Aug. 22 to discuss issues related to the denial of a Conference exhibit booth for BMC.
Present at the meeting were Carol Wise, Ralph McFadden, and Everett Fisher representing BMC; Jan Eller, Lucy Loomis, and Carla Kilgore representing the Womaen’s Caucus; Jan Fairchild, David Witkovsky, Roger Eberly, Liz Bidgood Enders, and Ken Kline Smeltzer representing VOS; and Scott Duffey, Kristi Kellerman, Sarah Steele, Jim Beckwith, Belita Mitchell, David Shumate, and Fred Swartz representing the Program and Arrangements Committee.
Also present were Susan Nienaber, facilitator from the Alban Institute, and Lerry Fogle, Annual Conference executive director.
Following is the joint statement that was issued following the meeting:
"The bulk of the time was spent in reviewing the more than 20-year history of the denial of exhibit space and in listening to the emotions and frustrations of both those representing BMC and the members of the Program and Arrangements Committee. Discussion focused on the guidelines for exhibits which state, both (1) the exhibit hall should ‘bring together Brethren from all cultures and points of view to proclaim Jesus as Lord,’ and (2) ‘The ministry and mission of all exhibitors shall honor the New Testament and Annual Conference statements and decisions.’Source: 10/10/2007 Newsline
"The representatives of BMC, VOS, and the Womaen’s Caucus expressed their belief that the Program and Arrangements Committee guidelines for the Conference exhibit hall, as well as a variety of Annual Conference statements, including the 1983 statement on Human Sexuality, clearly call for Annual Conference and the exhibit hall to be ‘open and welcoming,’ to ‘bring together Brethren from all cultures and points of view to proclaim Jesus as Lord,’ and to ‘encourage open and compassionate dialogue.’ Persons from BMC, the Womaen’s Caucus, and VOS believe that the denomination should encourage ongoing dialogue on human sexuality, including homosexuality, should allow Christians of different cultures and points of view the opportunity to be included ‘around the table,’ and should permit BMC to have an exhibit booth at Annual Conference. They noted that the exhibit hall already includes groups who hold views that are contrary to Annual Conference statements.
"The members of the Program and Arrangements Committee agreed that the ideal Conference environment, toward which we all wish to work, is one in which all Brethren can come together in compassionate and open community in Christ. The Program and Arrangements Committee also expressed the willingness and openness to listen and to work further at understanding the issues that separate us from that ideal. The Program and Arrangements Committee feels bound, however, to the decisions and statements of Annual Conference, and until Conference changes its stand, the 1983 paper on Human Sexuality states that ‘covenantal relationships between homosexual persons is an additional lifestyle option but, in the church’s search for a Christian understanding of human sexuality, this alternative is not acceptable.’ The Program and Arrangement Committee also believes that the exhibit hall is not the place to ‘test’ whether the denomination is ready to change its position. The Program and Arrangements Committee has encouraged agencies and others to consider queries and other ways by which the denomination might be engaged in a new examination of the subject of human sexuality.
"Following the presentations by all of the groups, questions were asked for clarification, but there was little time left for deliberation of solutions. At the urging of the facilitator, a number of issues were identified as meriting further discussion. All of the participants left the meeting feeling unfulfilled in goal or acceptance."
ABC Board receives multicultural sensitivity training.
The Association of Brethren Caregivers (ABC) Board and staff participated in multicultural sensitivity training during fall board meetings, held at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill. Kathy Reid, ABC executive director, and Wendy McFadden, publisher of Brethren Press, provided the training.
The training began with an exercise that raised awareness about how individuals identify themselves, noting especially when race and gender were identifying elements of an individual’s personality. A presentation based on Michael O. Emerson and Christian Smith’s book, "Divided by Faith: Evangelical Religion and the Problem of Race in America," illustrated several ways that "well-intentioned people, their values, and their institutions actually recreate racial divisions and inequalities they ostensibly oppose."
Reid and McFadden presented several other resources, including "It’s the Little Things: Everyday Interactions that Anger, Annoy, and Divide the Races" by Lena Williams, "Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria?" by Beverly Daniel Tatum, and "Racism" by Kathy and Stephen Reid. These publications can be purchased from Brethren Press, call 800-441-3712.
In other business, the ABC Board
--Mary Dulabaum is director of Communications for the Association of Brethren Caregivers.
Source: 10/10/2007 Newsline
The Association of Brethren Caregivers (ABC) Board and staff participated in multicultural sensitivity training during fall board meetings, held at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill. Kathy Reid, ABC executive director, and Wendy McFadden, publisher of Brethren Press, provided the training.
The training began with an exercise that raised awareness about how individuals identify themselves, noting especially when race and gender were identifying elements of an individual’s personality. A presentation based on Michael O. Emerson and Christian Smith’s book, "Divided by Faith: Evangelical Religion and the Problem of Race in America," illustrated several ways that "well-intentioned people, their values, and their institutions actually recreate racial divisions and inequalities they ostensibly oppose."
Reid and McFadden presented several other resources, including "It’s the Little Things: Everyday Interactions that Anger, Annoy, and Divide the Races" by Lena Williams, "Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria?" by Beverly Daniel Tatum, and "Racism" by Kathy and Stephen Reid. These publications can be purchased from Brethren Press, call 800-441-3712.
In other business, the ABC Board
- Delayed approval of 2008 and 2009 budgets because of the uncertainty of revenue streams and health insurance costs, which have not yet been finalized for the agency. Several factors are influencing revenue streams, chief among them the fact that to date only a quarter of the denomination’s congregations are financially contributing to ABC.
- Heard a report about the Caring Ministries Assembly, held Sept. 6-8 at Lititz (Pa.) Church of the Brethren, which was evaluated very positively by participants. ABC staff and assembly coordinator Kim Ebersole said that based on the success of this year’s assembly, the next one will be scheduled for Sept. 9-11, 2010. ABC will hold National Older Adult Conference (NOAC) in 2008 and 2009, therefore postponing the next Caring Ministries Assembly until 2010.
- Heard reports from various ministry areas including Deacons, Disabilities, Family Life, Wellness, Older Adults, Voice: Mental Illness Ministry, and the Fellowship of Brethren Homes.
- Appointed Vernne Greiner of Mechanicsburg (Pa.) Church of the Brethren as vice-chair of the board beginning January 2008. The board also elected Dan McRoberts of Hope Church of the Brethren in Freeport, Mich., and John Katonah of Sacramento, Calif., to second terms of service on the board, and Chris Whitacre of McPherson (Kan.) Church of the Brethren to the Executive Committee.
- Approved new board meeting dates for March 7-9, 2008, since members of the ABC staff and board will attend the Health Ministries Assembly on the original meeting dates of March 27-30. The Health Ministries Assembly is a joint meeting for Anabaptist-related health and human service ministries, doctors, nurses, social workers, pastors, and other professionals in the Church of the Brethren, Friends (Quakers) churches, and Mennonite Church USA. ABC hopes to hold its annual Forum for staff and administrators of the Fellowship of Brethren Homes at the event, and to bring workshops from various ABC ministry areas.
--Mary Dulabaum is director of Communications for the Association of Brethren Caregivers.
Source: 10/10/2007 Newsline
Committee receives challenge from American Baptists.
The Committee on Interchurch Relations (CIR) met at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill., on Sept. 6-8. Planning for CIR-sponsored activities at the 2008 Annual Conference was a major portion of the agenda. The group also received a challenge from its American Baptist counterpart to encourage interaction between Brethren and Baptists.
In light of the 300th Anniversary of the Brethren and the joint activities with the Brethren Church at the 2008 Annual Conference, the CIR is pursuing speakers and topics that will give the two denominations opportunity to explore their common history and be challenged in their current understandings. The Brethren Church will be invited to have a presence at the Ecumenical Luncheon, and an insight session sponsored by the CIR will focus on interfaith stories of courage, hope, and love from the past 300 years of the Brethren movement.
Dr. Jerry Cain, the CIR’s American Baptist representative and president of Judson College in Elgin, shared a report on current activities in his denomination. He announced that in the most recent meeting of the Committee on Church Unity, the American Baptist counterpart to the CIR, challenges were issued to the CIR for intentional interactions with the Brethren through colleges and congregations. These events will offer opportunities for Brethren and Baptists to get to know each other better. The CIR accepted the challenge and is looking forward to more grassroots activity between the two denominations.
Stan Noffsinger, general secretary of the General Board, reported on the work of Christian Churches Together, the National Council of Churches, the World Council of Churches, and an upcoming conference of the Historic Peace Churches to be held in Jakarta, Indonesia. Brethren who plan to participate at the upcoming conference include members of the churches in India and Nigeria.
Committee members in attendance at the meeting were Ilexene Alphonse of Miami, Fla.; Melissa Bennett of Fort Wayne, Ind.; Jim Eikenberry of Stockton, Calif.; Michael Hostetter of Englewood, Ohio; Rene Quintanilla of Fresno, Calif.; and Carolyn Schrock of Mountain Grove, Mo.
--Carolyn Schrock is a member of the Committee on Interchurch Relations.
Source: 10/10/2007 Newsline
The Committee on Interchurch Relations (CIR) met at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill., on Sept. 6-8. Planning for CIR-sponsored activities at the 2008 Annual Conference was a major portion of the agenda. The group also received a challenge from its American Baptist counterpart to encourage interaction between Brethren and Baptists.
In light of the 300th Anniversary of the Brethren and the joint activities with the Brethren Church at the 2008 Annual Conference, the CIR is pursuing speakers and topics that will give the two denominations opportunity to explore their common history and be challenged in their current understandings. The Brethren Church will be invited to have a presence at the Ecumenical Luncheon, and an insight session sponsored by the CIR will focus on interfaith stories of courage, hope, and love from the past 300 years of the Brethren movement.
Dr. Jerry Cain, the CIR’s American Baptist representative and president of Judson College in Elgin, shared a report on current activities in his denomination. He announced that in the most recent meeting of the Committee on Church Unity, the American Baptist counterpart to the CIR, challenges were issued to the CIR for intentional interactions with the Brethren through colleges and congregations. These events will offer opportunities for Brethren and Baptists to get to know each other better. The CIR accepted the challenge and is looking forward to more grassroots activity between the two denominations.
Stan Noffsinger, general secretary of the General Board, reported on the work of Christian Churches Together, the National Council of Churches, the World Council of Churches, and an upcoming conference of the Historic Peace Churches to be held in Jakarta, Indonesia. Brethren who plan to participate at the upcoming conference include members of the churches in India and Nigeria.
Committee members in attendance at the meeting were Ilexene Alphonse of Miami, Fla.; Melissa Bennett of Fort Wayne, Ind.; Jim Eikenberry of Stockton, Calif.; Michael Hostetter of Englewood, Ohio; Rene Quintanilla of Fresno, Calif.; and Carolyn Schrock of Mountain Grove, Mo.
--Carolyn Schrock is a member of the Committee on Interchurch Relations.
Source: 10/10/2007 Newsline
Children's Disaster Services trains ‘CJ's Bus’ volunteers.
The Children’s Disaster Services program of the Church of the Brethren is training volunteers for a new project called CJ’s Bus. "We are excited that our quality of training is being excepted as a standard by CJ's Bus and hope to expand our relationship in the coming year," said Roy Winter, director of Brethren Disaster Ministries.
Disaster News Network (DNN) reported on Oct. 2 that Children’s Disaster Services was involved with CJ’s Bus, a new mobile unit to provide services to children following disasters. The bus has not yet been put into service, DNN said.
The large bus is painted bright yellow and black with the smiling face of a young boy on the side giving a two thumbs up sign, according to DNN. Kathryn Martin has spent a year working to make the bus a reality. It is named for her two-year-old son who was killed in a tornado on Nov. 6, 2005, in Evansville, Ind. DNN said the bus may be the first disaster response mobile day care unit in the nation.
"Having gone through the Evansville tornado and having lost one of my four children, I know how important it is to help children maintain their innocence in these disasters while providing parents a few hours to attend to their own recovery needs," Martin told DNN. "I could think of no greater legacy to my son...."
The bus will be staffed by four to six certified volunteers trained by the Church of the Brethren's Children's Disaster Services. Those organizing the bus project "requested our training, recognizing the longstanding quality of our work," said Judy Bezon, associate director of Children’s Disaster Services.
A training for seven volunteers for CJ’s Bus has been held by Children’s Disaster Services, with three of the volunteers now certified by Children’s Disaster Services, and three more going through the certification process. The volunteers undergo national background checks as part of the certification.
Another effort honoring CJ is a Congressional bill called "CJ's Home Protection Act of 2007." The bill "would require weather radios to be installed in all mobile homes manufactured or sold in the US," DNN reported. "Martin already has helped push a similar bill through the Indiana Legislature. Martin's son, as well as her mother-in-law and grandmother-in-law were killed when a F3 tornado struck the Eastbrook mobile home park in Evansville. A total of 25 people were killed in the area, including 20 in the mobile home park. More than 200 others were injured."
(Portions of this report on CJ’s Bus have been reproduced with permission from Disaster News Network at www.disasternews.net (c) 2007 Village Life Company.)
Source: 10/10/2007 Newsline
The Children’s Disaster Services program of the Church of the Brethren is training volunteers for a new project called CJ’s Bus. "We are excited that our quality of training is being excepted as a standard by CJ's Bus and hope to expand our relationship in the coming year," said Roy Winter, director of Brethren Disaster Ministries.
Disaster News Network (DNN) reported on Oct. 2 that Children’s Disaster Services was involved with CJ’s Bus, a new mobile unit to provide services to children following disasters. The bus has not yet been put into service, DNN said.
The large bus is painted bright yellow and black with the smiling face of a young boy on the side giving a two thumbs up sign, according to DNN. Kathryn Martin has spent a year working to make the bus a reality. It is named for her two-year-old son who was killed in a tornado on Nov. 6, 2005, in Evansville, Ind. DNN said the bus may be the first disaster response mobile day care unit in the nation.
"Having gone through the Evansville tornado and having lost one of my four children, I know how important it is to help children maintain their innocence in these disasters while providing parents a few hours to attend to their own recovery needs," Martin told DNN. "I could think of no greater legacy to my son...."
The bus will be staffed by four to six certified volunteers trained by the Church of the Brethren's Children's Disaster Services. Those organizing the bus project "requested our training, recognizing the longstanding quality of our work," said Judy Bezon, associate director of Children’s Disaster Services.
A training for seven volunteers for CJ’s Bus has been held by Children’s Disaster Services, with three of the volunteers now certified by Children’s Disaster Services, and three more going through the certification process. The volunteers undergo national background checks as part of the certification.
Another effort honoring CJ is a Congressional bill called "CJ's Home Protection Act of 2007." The bill "would require weather radios to be installed in all mobile homes manufactured or sold in the US," DNN reported. "Martin already has helped push a similar bill through the Indiana Legislature. Martin's son, as well as her mother-in-law and grandmother-in-law were killed when a F3 tornado struck the Eastbrook mobile home park in Evansville. A total of 25 people were killed in the area, including 20 in the mobile home park. More than 200 others were injured."
(Portions of this report on CJ’s Bus have been reproduced with permission from Disaster News Network at www.disasternews.net (c) 2007 Village Life Company.)
Source: 10/10/2007 Newsline
Atlantic Southeast District holds a Family Peace Camp.
Following the theme, "Empowered For Peacemaking," the Action for Peace Team and Camp Ithiel of Atlantic Southeast District sponsored a Family Peace Camp over Labor Day weekend, at the camp near Orlando, Fla.
A total of 83 people--62 registrants and 21 other attenders--were involved in this first all-ages Family Peace Camp in the district in many years. Some attended from the opening get-acquainted activities and devotions on Friday evening to the constructive evaluation and wrap-up Monday noon, while others could only be there part of the time. This flexibility encouraged participation according to family multi-age availability.
Resource leaders were Matt Guynn from On Earth Peace, and SueZann Bosler, a death penalty opponent. From the Camp Ithiel staff, Michaela Camps directed the children’s activities and Mike Neff, camp director, led group activities and games. Several other volunteers also helped with the event.
Through many participatory activities, Guynn placed strong emphasis on relationship with God and Jesus Christ as the primary source of "power from within" for peacemaking. With that relationship, peacemakers are better prepared to influence areas of strife and conflict in our communities through existing channels--such as the church, schools, youth organizations, service clubs, social agencies, ministerial associations, city government, etc.
Bosler shared her deep concern for those on death row and her calling to work intently for the abolishment of the death penalty in Florida. Her commitment to that work follows the murder of her father, a Church of the Brethren pastor in Miami, Fla., by an intruder into their home in 1986. She also was seriously injured in the attack. Bosler provided several resources and promised to assist the Action for Peace Team in the future, as it prepares to place further emphasis on death penalty concerns in the district. Bosler will assist the district in "empowerment to make a difference."
The Family Peace Camp also featured good food, singing, swimming, time for leisure activities, visitation, mutual prayer, Morning Watch, campfire, a talent night, and more. Tentative plans call for the possibility of another such peace-centered, ethnic-diversified event over Labor Day weekend in 2008.
--Phil Lersch is chair of Atlantic Southeast District’s Action For Peace Team.
Source: 10/10/2007 Newsline
Following the theme, "Empowered For Peacemaking," the Action for Peace Team and Camp Ithiel of Atlantic Southeast District sponsored a Family Peace Camp over Labor Day weekend, at the camp near Orlando, Fla.
A total of 83 people--62 registrants and 21 other attenders--were involved in this first all-ages Family Peace Camp in the district in many years. Some attended from the opening get-acquainted activities and devotions on Friday evening to the constructive evaluation and wrap-up Monday noon, while others could only be there part of the time. This flexibility encouraged participation according to family multi-age availability.
Resource leaders were Matt Guynn from On Earth Peace, and SueZann Bosler, a death penalty opponent. From the Camp Ithiel staff, Michaela Camps directed the children’s activities and Mike Neff, camp director, led group activities and games. Several other volunteers also helped with the event.
Through many participatory activities, Guynn placed strong emphasis on relationship with God and Jesus Christ as the primary source of "power from within" for peacemaking. With that relationship, peacemakers are better prepared to influence areas of strife and conflict in our communities through existing channels--such as the church, schools, youth organizations, service clubs, social agencies, ministerial associations, city government, etc.
Bosler shared her deep concern for those on death row and her calling to work intently for the abolishment of the death penalty in Florida. Her commitment to that work follows the murder of her father, a Church of the Brethren pastor in Miami, Fla., by an intruder into their home in 1986. She also was seriously injured in the attack. Bosler provided several resources and promised to assist the Action for Peace Team in the future, as it prepares to place further emphasis on death penalty concerns in the district. Bosler will assist the district in "empowerment to make a difference."
The Family Peace Camp also featured good food, singing, swimming, time for leisure activities, visitation, mutual prayer, Morning Watch, campfire, a talent night, and more. Tentative plans call for the possibility of another such peace-centered, ethnic-diversified event over Labor Day weekend in 2008.
--Phil Lersch is chair of Atlantic Southeast District’s Action For Peace Team.
Source: 10/10/2007 Newsline
Brethren Revival Fellowship holds its General Meeting
With the theme, "The Future of the Church of the Brethren," about 135 Brethren from several states and nine districts attended the annual meeting of the Brethren Revival Fellowship (BRF) on Sept. 8 at Shank’s Church of the Brethren in Greencastle, Pa.
John A. Shelly Jr., of the home congregation, moderated the meeting. Ron Showalter enthusiastically led in a cappela congregational singing, mostly from the 1901 "Brethren Hymnal."
Craig Alan Myers, BRF chairman from Columbia City (Ind.) Church of the Brethren (Blue River Congregation) spoke on five "Challenges Facing the Church of the Brethren," which he identified as pluralism, or the notion that all religions are valid; demographics, or the change in population in recent years; conformity and a worldly spirit; faithfulness to New Testament teaching; and action or the lack thereof on the part of the church.
James F. Myer, BRF vice chairman from White Oak Church of the Brethren in Manheim, Pa., presented a review of the 2007 Annual Conference in Cleveland, most of which can be found in the most recent issue of the "BRF Witness" newsletter.
After a more-than-sufficient lunch, Myers gave the chairman's report, highlighting the main activities of the BRF over the last year. The BRF prints the "BRF Witness," publishes the Brethren New Testament Commentary series, maintains a website, directs the Brethren Mission Fund, oversees a Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS) unit, and plans events at Annual Conference, among others.
Harold S. Martin of Lititz, Pa. (Pleasant Hill Church of the Brethren) preached the afternoon message on "The Challenge to Persevere in the Church of the Brethren." In it, he presented reasons some give to leave the church, and countered with reasons to stay in the church and work for revival.
Paul E. Schildt Jr. of East Berlin, Pa. (Upper Conewago Church of the Brethren in Abbottstown, Pa.), and Mervin C. Groff of Manheim, Pa. (White Oak Church of the Brethren) were confirmed to continue on the BRF Committee for another five-year term, and Jordan Keller of Wales, Maine (Lewiston Church of the Brethren) was confirmed to fill out an unexpired term.
The offering for the day was $2,273.
For more information about the Brethren Revival Fellowship, go to www.brfwitness.org.
Source: 10/10/2007 Newsline
With the theme, "The Future of the Church of the Brethren," about 135 Brethren from several states and nine districts attended the annual meeting of the Brethren Revival Fellowship (BRF) on Sept. 8 at Shank’s Church of the Brethren in Greencastle, Pa.
John A. Shelly Jr., of the home congregation, moderated the meeting. Ron Showalter enthusiastically led in a cappela congregational singing, mostly from the 1901 "Brethren Hymnal."
Craig Alan Myers, BRF chairman from Columbia City (Ind.) Church of the Brethren (Blue River Congregation) spoke on five "Challenges Facing the Church of the Brethren," which he identified as pluralism, or the notion that all religions are valid; demographics, or the change in population in recent years; conformity and a worldly spirit; faithfulness to New Testament teaching; and action or the lack thereof on the part of the church.
James F. Myer, BRF vice chairman from White Oak Church of the Brethren in Manheim, Pa., presented a review of the 2007 Annual Conference in Cleveland, most of which can be found in the most recent issue of the "BRF Witness" newsletter.
After a more-than-sufficient lunch, Myers gave the chairman's report, highlighting the main activities of the BRF over the last year. The BRF prints the "BRF Witness," publishes the Brethren New Testament Commentary series, maintains a website, directs the Brethren Mission Fund, oversees a Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS) unit, and plans events at Annual Conference, among others.
Harold S. Martin of Lititz, Pa. (Pleasant Hill Church of the Brethren) preached the afternoon message on "The Challenge to Persevere in the Church of the Brethren." In it, he presented reasons some give to leave the church, and countered with reasons to stay in the church and work for revival.
Paul E. Schildt Jr. of East Berlin, Pa. (Upper Conewago Church of the Brethren in Abbottstown, Pa.), and Mervin C. Groff of Manheim, Pa. (White Oak Church of the Brethren) were confirmed to continue on the BRF Committee for another five-year term, and Jordan Keller of Wales, Maine (Lewiston Church of the Brethren) was confirmed to fill out an unexpired term.
The offering for the day was $2,273.
For more information about the Brethren Revival Fellowship, go to www.brfwitness.org.
Source: 10/10/2007 Newsline
Brethren bits: Corrections, jobs, seeking anointing services, more.
- Corrections: In a correction to the Mission Update in the Newsline Extra of Oct. 1, pastors Isaias Tena and Anastasia Buena are serving the Church of the Brethren in San Luis, the Dominican Republic (located in Santo Domingo). In a correction to the remembrance for June Adams Gibble in the Newsline of Sept. 26, the dates of her service with the Church of the Brethren General Board were given incorrectly. She was employed by the General Board from 1977-84, and then again worked for the board from 1988-97.
- Ric and Jan Martinez have completed their tenure as volunteer hosts for the Old Main building at the New Windsor Conference Center, on the campus of the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md. The center is welcoming Ed and Betty Runion of Markle, Ind., as the new hosts for Old Main.
- On Earth Peace seeks a program coordinator to oversee its peace education program. Responsibilities include planning and coordinating educational events for all ages, particularly youth and young adults; developing peace education resources; coordinating the youth peace travel team; participating in district and denominational conferences; and other responsibilities. Requirements include commitment to Christian peacemaking, experience with educational programing, strong communication skills and organizational ability, self-motivation. Call 410-635-8704 or e-mail oepa_oepa@brethren.org for more information, including a complete position description and announcement. To apply, send a letter and resume with three to four references to Bob Gross, Executive Director of On Earth Peace, at bgross@igc.org. Applications will be reviewed beginning Nov. 15, continuing until the position is filled. The position begins Jan. 28, 2008.
- Camp Blue Diamond, a summer camp and retreat center for the Middle Pennsylvania District of the Church of the Brethren, seeks a fulltime program director. Responsibilities include summer and year-round programming, group hosting, camp promotion, off-season housekeeping, and some kitchen work during outdoor school season. Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, considerable summer camp leadership experience, and excellent writing, communication, and organizational skills. Compensation includes salary, housing, medical insurance, pension, and other benefits. For an application write or contact Camp Blue Diamond, P.O. Box 240, Petersburg, PA 16669; 814-667-2355; bludia@penn.com. Applications will be accepted until Oct. 30. Position begins in January. For more information concerning Camp Blue Diamond, visit www.campbluediamond.org.
- Oaklawn, a mental health provider that often offers services to the Anabaptist church community including Church of the Brethren members and congregations, seeks a child and adolescent psychiatrist to join a team of 10 psychiatrists, five of whom are certified in child and adolescent psychiatry. Located in Goshen, Ind., a mid-sized rural community two hours from Chicago and three hours from Indianapolis, offering a cost of living 17.6 percent below the national average. Oaklawn is faith-based, sponsored by Mennonite Health Services Alliance. A competitive salary is offered along with RVU-based incentive, signing bonus, relocation expense, and student loan forgiveness. For more information about this position, contact Human Resources at 800-282-0809 ext. 675. All inquiries are kept confidential. For more about Oaklawn, visit www.oaklawn.org.
- The Association of Brethren Caregivers (ABC) is seeking information about upcoming anointing services that individuals and congregations plan to hold. ABC is creating a video about the power and comfort of the anointing service for congregational and individual use. Planners hope to illustrate the recording with actual anointing events. If you have a planned event or are calling for a more private service of anointing, please e-mail this news to abc@brethren.org. If time and production details allow for the event to be recorded, ABC will send videographer David Sollenberger to the event. Recordings will take place over the next six months, so notication of events is not limited to a certain time.
- "Making Poverty History: Hunger Education Activities that Work," a new Church World Service (CWS) resource on the Millennium Development Goals, has been distributed to Church of the Brethren congregations by the Global Food Crisis Fund in the October "Source" packet. The 26-page guide offers drama, simulations, and worship helps for congregational and special group use. "It will be great for Global Food Crisis Fund appeals, CROP hunger walks, growing project celebrations, and youth and mission observances," said fund manager Howard Royer. Activities are organized around the major themes of the Millennium Development Goals. Each section contains a few facts on the theme, a related story from the work of CWS, and interactive ways to engage people. The back cover features a litany by Jeff Carter, pastor of Manassas (Va.) Church of the Brethren and used at this summer’s "Sowing Seeds" conference on hunger in Washington, D.C. The resource also is available at www.churchworldservice.org/hungerbooklet.
- Senior high youth are invited to Waynesboro (Va.) Church of the Brethren on Nov. 16-18 for a peace retreat on the theme, "A Kingdom that Cannot Be Shaken." Susan Chapman (program director at Camp Bethel) and Susanna Farahat (coordinator for peace education at On Earth Peace) will lead youth in a weekend of energizing sessions based on Hebrews 12:18: "Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe." Youth will have an opportunity to discuss the questions brought up by this scripture: How do we worship acceptably? What does it mean to be part of "a kingdom that cannot be shaken"? How can we accept the challenge that Jesus’ call to discipleship presents, in a world of diversity? In addition to times for study and worship, participants will also enjoy food, fellowship, and recreation time with youth from across the Virlina and Shenandoah Districts. Registration forms are available online at www.onearthpeace.org. For more information contact Susanna Farahat at 410-635-8706 or sfarahat_oepa@brethren.org, or Terrie Glass (host) at 804-439-0478 or t.glass@comcast.net.
- The 2008 Song and Story Fest, an annual family camp with sponsorship from On Earth Peace, will be held prior to Annual Conference next year on July 6-12, 2008. The location will be Camp Brethren Woods, Keezletown, Va. Ken Kline Smeltzer coordinates the Song and Story Fest.
- The Church of the Brethren congregation in Vega Baja, P.R., will celebrate its 25th anniversary on Oct. 24-27. The urban congregation of about 90 members was formed in 1982 and has served the community with witness and outreach ministries, evangelism, Christian education, music concerts, children’s fairs, and food and clothing for the homeless. An evening of Sacred and Folkoric Music Concert will be held in Vega Baja’s Arts Theater on Friday, Oct. 26.
- Upcoming district conferences are held by Atlantic Northeast District at Elizabethtown (Pa.) College on Oct. 12-13, Atlantic Southeast District at Saint Petersburg (Fla.) Church of the Brethren on Oct. 12-13, Southern Ohio District at Eaton (Ohio) Church of the Brethren on Oct. 12-13, Pacific Southwest District at La Verne (Calif.) Church of the Brethren on Oct. 12-14, and Middle Pennsylvania District at Everett (Pa.) Church of the Brethren on Oct. 19-20.
- The 11th Annual Fall Dinner and Auction to support Pleasant Hill Village, a Church of the Brethren retirement center in Girard, Ill., will take place Oct. 20 at 5 p.m. in Virden at the Knights of Columbus Hall. Cost is $25. The event is a benefit for residents with a fundraising goal of $20,000 for health care projects including new furniture for the residents’ living room, updating a courtyard fence, maintaining bird aviaries, redecorating a bath and shower room, a sound system for the dining room, and establishing a residents’ assistance fund. Contact Paulette Miller at 217-627- 2181 or phvil@royell.net.
- Voices for an Open Spirit is holdings its fall gathering on the theme "What’s in Your God-Box? Discerning Faith for Ourselves and Others," on Nov. 9-11 at Ridgeway Community Church of the Brethren in Harrisburg, Pa. The keynote speaker and Sunday preacher is Anne Robertson, an ordained United Methodist minister and executive director of the Massachusetts Bible Society, and author of "Blowing the Lid Off the God-Box," and "God’s Top 10: Blowing the Lid Off the Commandments." Registration is $60 and covers meals and all activities. Participants reserve their own accommodations. For more information go to www.voicesforanopenspirit.org. Online registration is available.
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