NEWS

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

UPCOMING EVENTS

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

ROUND-UP OF DISTRICT NEWS

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

FEATURES

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

300th ANNIVERSARY UPDATE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Source: 11/21/2007 Newsline

Program and Arrangements requests review of sexuality statement.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Source: 11/21/2007 Newsline

Brethren workcamp ministry experiences successful expansion.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Source: 11/21/2007 Newsline

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

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

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

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

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

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

Source: 11/21/2007 Newsline

Brethren bits: Remembrance, job, Asia peace conference, more.

• Edward "Ned" W. Stowe passed away on Nov. 4 at his home in York Center-Lombard, Ill. He was a former volunteer staff member of the Church of the Brethren General Board, serving as interim controller from July to September, 1998, at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill. He and his wife, Mary, also served as directors of program volunteers for the General Board for two years, in 1991-92, and prior to that were longterm volunteers at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md. He was an active leader in York Center Church of the Brethren. Stowe was born on July 18, 1926, in Chicago, and was a 42-year resident of York Center-Lombard. He retired in 1985 from George Williams College as director of Student Financial Aid, and also had served as an officer of the York Center Community Cooperative. He is survived by his wife, Mary, and his children David (Phyllis), Ned (Amy), Scott (Ann) Stowe and Ruth (Mark) Karasek, and 10 grandchildren. Family and friends will gather for a memorial service on Saturday, Nov. 24, at 11 a.m. at York Center Church of the Brethren.
  
  
• Timbercrest Senior Living Community in North Manchester, Ind., seeks to fill a vacant chaplain position. Two part-time chaplains maintain a program of visitation with residents, make hospital visits in a 50-mile radius, conduct public worship, and support the work of several committees. Energetic candidates with a caring heart, strong counseling skills, experience in ministry with older adults, and denominational credentials can send a resume to Ted Neidlinger, Timbercrest Senior Living Community, P.O. Box 501, North Manchester, IN 46962.
  
  
• Representatives of the Church of the Brethren are traveling to the Historic Peace Churches of Asia Conference in early December. The group includes Stan Noffsinger, general secretary of the Church of the Brethren General Board; Merv Keeney, executive director of Global Mission Partnerships for the General Board; Donald Miller, a former general secretary of the board and professor emeritus of Bethany Theological Seminary; Scott Holland, associate professor of theology and culture and director of peace studies for Bethany Seminary; and Brethren videographer David Sollenberger. Prior to the peace conference, Noffsinger, Keeney, and Sollenberger will visit with Brethren in India.
  
  
• Registration for the Church of the Brethren’s 2008 Cross Cultural Consultation and Celebration will be available online as of Dec. 1. The consultation will be April 24-27, 2008, in Elgin, Ill. "This is a wonderful opportunity see the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, and worship at three area churches," said an invitation from Ruben Deoleo, newly appointed as the Cross Cultural Consultation coordinator. Go to www.brethren.org and use the keyword box to highlight "Cross Cultural Ministries" to find the registration form and schedule information in English and Spanish. Send registrations to jwillrett_gb@brethren.org or mail paper copies to Joy Willrett, Church of the Brethren General Board, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120. For more information, contact Deoleo at 717-669-9781.
  
  
• On Earth Peace has announced its next counter-recruitment networking call for those working against military recruitment, on Dec. 13 at 10 a.m. Pacific time/1 p.m. eastern time. The networking calls are for both new and experienced peacemakers to share experiences and receive support for their work resisting military recruitment and generating alternatives for youth. Each call offers opportunities for sharing, as well as a "strategy session," and spiritual and theological reflections on counter-recruitment. Find more information about the calls at www.brethren.org/oepa/programs/peace-witness/counter-recruitment/NetworkingCalls.html. Reserve a place in the Dec. 13 call by e-mailing mattguynn@earthlink.net.
  
  
• The Ministry of Reconciliation, a branch of On Earth Peace, welcomes natural peacemakers and those interested in conflict resolution to a two-weekend "Faith-Based Mediation Workshop" on Feb. 16-17 and 23-24, 2008, at Camp Mack, Milford, Ind. A refreshing, faithful approach to interpersonal peacemaking will be taught through a series of interactive and collaborative sessions. The workshop is designed for church leaders, pastors, deacons, members of Shalom Teams and Discipleship and Reconciliation teams, and anyone interested in introductory level mediation. Led by Janet Mitchell, attorney-mediator and Ministry of Reconciliation practitioner, and Angie Briner, executive director of Education for Conflict Resolution, this workshop will introduce the process for mediating between individuals and provide hands-on mediation practice. Learn effective communication skills for all ages, conflict theory, how the Christian faith informs an approach to mediation, how to understand and work with style differences in communication, and mediation skills to assist those in conflict. Cost is $275-$350 on a sliding scale and includes tuition, lodging, meals, and materials. Commuters pay $225-$300 on a sliding scale. Scholarships are available. Continuing education credit is available to Church of the Brethren ministers. To register or for more information, send name, contact information, and number of participants to Annie Clark at annie.clark@verizon.net or 260-982-8595. The registration deadline is Jan. 16, 2008.
  
  
• A dining hall and kitchen remodeling project is beginning at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill. Environ Corporation, an environmental consulting firm, is overseeing the project to assure employee safety and compliance with environmental and state regulations, as the project will include the removal of asbestos-containing floor tile. Hard surface flooring will be replaced in the kitchen and hallway and part of the dining hall, the rest of the dining hall will receive new carpet and fresh paint, and some new equipment will be installed in the kitchen. Special provisions are being put in place during the asbestos abatement process to ensure that the kitchen and dining hall area is cut off from the rest of the building in terms of ventilation and accessibility by staff and visitors, and that proper processes are used for the safety of workers who will do the removal, and for appropriate clean up and disposal of waste. The abatement process begins Nov. 26 and is expected to be completed by Dec. 3. The entire remodeling project will be completed by the end of the year.
  
  
• Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT) is requesting prayer for the four-member CPT team in northern Iraq including Church of the Brethren members Peggy Gish and Cliff Kindy. The team has been invited by Kurdish nonviolence trainers to lead a training module for regional police officers this week on human rights for detainees. For more go to www.cpt.org.
  
  
• Linville Creek Church of the Brethren in Broadway, Va., hosts the celebration of a new book release from CrossRoads Valley Brethren-Mennonite Heritage Center: Volume IV in the series, "Unionists and the Civil War Experience in the Shenandoah Valley," on Dec. 2 at 4 p.m. Researchers and compilers David Rodes and Norman Wenger and editor Emmert Bittinger will share insights from the 1,090-page volume documenting the testimony submitted to the Southern Claims Commission by 60 families in northwestern Rockingham County who lost cattle, saddles, firewood, animal and human food stores during the Civil War.
  
  
• Students of theology and young theologians are being invited by the World Council of Churches (WCC) to participate in an essay competition to mark the council's 60th anniversary. Participants are invited to address the theme, "Making a Difference Together--Prospects for Ecumenism in the 21st Century." The best six essays will be presented by their authors at an international consultation in Switzerland in late 2008. Other selected essays will be published by the WCC. Essays should be written in English, but will be judged for the quality of their contribution and not their language proficiency. With a length of 5,000-6,000 words, the essays should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere. More details are at www.oikoumene.org/contest. The deadline is Feb. 28, 2008.
  
  
• David A. Leiter, pastor of Green Tree Church of the Brethren in Oaks, Pa., has authored a book recently published by Herald Press. "Neglected Voices: Peace in the Old Testament" identifies five types of peace in the Old Testament as a way of presenting significant "peace passages" of scripture that often are ignored. "Perhaps Leiter’s greatest gift in this book is his contention that the Old Testament contains a systemized typology for peace," writes Jay W. Marshall in the foreword to the book. "In seeking to demonstrate the truth of this conviction, he introduces multiple distinct ideologies of peace that demonstrate where the Old Testament contains nonviolent responses to conflict. The presence of these ideologies of peace recasts the dominant perception that the Old Testament only supports violence." Order from Brethren Press for $16.99 plus shipping and handling, call 800-441-3712.

Source: 11/21/2007 Newsline

Bethany Seminary to offer offsite classes in Spring semester.

Bethany Theological Seminary in Richmond, Ind., will offer four offsite classes during the 2007-08 Spring semester, focusing on Brethren heritage, Brethren polity, conflict resolution, and biblical studies.A class titled "Brethren Beliefs and Practices" will be offered at Elizabethtown (Pa.) College on Feb. 29-March 1, March 14-15, April 4-5, and April 18-19. Wally Landes, senior pastor at Palmyra (Pa.) Church of the Brethren, will be the instructor. The course examines major beliefs and doctrinal interpretations along with practices that shape the Church of the Brethren, including discussions about the present life and faith of the church.

"Brethren Polity and Practice" will be offered at Bridgewater (Va.) Church of the Brethren on Feb. 1-2, Feb. 15-16, Feb. 29-March 1, and March 28-29. Earle Fike, an author and retired pastor and former teacher at Bethany Seminary, and Fred Swartz, retired pastor and current Church of the Brethren Annual Conference secretary, will be the instructors. The course will focus on Church of the Brethren policy and governance, and how it is lived out at the denominational, district, and local levels.Celia Cook Huffman, professor of Conflict Resolution at Juniata College in Huntingdon, Pa., will teach the course "Conflict Resolution." The course includes classes at Juniata College and additional course work online. Class dates are Jan. 18-19, Feb. 1-2, and Feb. 15-16. The course provides an introduction to the study of conflict and its resolution, exploring basic theoretical concepts of the field, and learning and practicing skills for analyzing and resolving conflicts.Bob Neff, president emeritus at Juniata College and a former general secretary of the Church of the Brethren General Board, is the instructor for "The Prophets: Jeremiah" at Elizabethtown College on May 2-3, May 23-24, June 6-7, and June 20-21. The course examines Jeremiah’s prophetic call, the role of lament in the life of faith, the nature of patriotism in the context of war, the definitions of enemy and hope in a time of terror, and devotion to God in adversity.Tuition is $975 for each course, plus applicable fees. Those interested in enrolling in the courses for graduate credit who are not currently Bethany students must complete the application process no later than four weeks prior to the start of the class. Applications can be completed online at www.bethanyseminary.edu/admissions/apply. For more information contact the Admissions Department at 800-287-8822 ext. 1832 or enroll@bethanyseminary.edu. A limited number of places may be available for those who wish to take a course for personal enrichment or non-credit continuing education, for a cost of $275 per course. Reservations are made through the office of the Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership. Contact academy@bethanyseminary.edu or 800-287-8822 ext. 1824.

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

Source: 11/21/2007 Newsline

300th Anniversary update: Calls for exhibit items and video entries.

A special exhibit and an anniversary video contest are planned for the 2008 Annual Conference, to be held in Richmond, Va., on July 12-16, marking the 300th anniversary of the Brethren:

• The 300th Anniversary Committee is organizing an exhibit of Brethren artifacts. Individuals and congregations are encouraged to consider items they may have to offer, and submit a photo and description of each item. The committee is especially interested in items that will attract people of all ages, including children. Objects may relate to baptism, the Love Feast, Sunday school--especially curriculum and hand-out pages, music and hymnbooks, clothing, missions, service, or other expressions of Brethren beliefs and practices. To submit an item, send the following no later than Feb. 1, 2008, to Lorele Yager, 425 Woodland Place, Churubusco, IN 46723: for each item include a photo, name and description, age (or approximate), size and dimensions, a history of the item, and a contact person including name, address, e-mail address, and telephone. Also include an acknowledgment that "Yes, I understand the enclosed photo will not be returned." Complete one form for each item; forms and photos will not be accepted by e-mail. Those who submit items for consideration will be contacted by April 5 regarding the committee’s decision. For more information contact loreleyager@aol.com.
  
  
• A 300th Anniversary Video Contest has been announced by the Congregational Life Teams of the Church of the Brethren General Board. Individuals and churches are invited to create a three-minute video representing the 2008 Annual Conference theme, "Surrendered to God, Transformed in Christ, Empowered by the Spirit" (John 12:24-26a). The most creative video will be shown at the 2008 Conference, and a DVD featuring the top five entries will be given away at the Congregational Life Team exhibit. Each video entry should be a maximum of three minutes, with only one entry per church or individual. Entries will be reviewed for creativity and theme inspiration. Entries are due Feb. 1, 2008. For more about the anniversary theme go to www.brethren.org/ac/richmond/theme.html. For a video entry form, go to www.brethren.org/genbd/clm/clt/VideoContest.pdf.

Source: 11/21/2007 Newsline

300th Anniversary bits and pieces:

• Camp Alexander Mack near Milford, Ind., is planning a New Year’s Eve event for the 300th anniversary. "Wouldn't it be great if 300 young people (who represent the next generation of the church) gathered together in one place to celebrate this milestone in our history by ushering in the New Year?" said an invitation from the camp. The event is being planned for 300 junior high and senior high youth. It will begin at 2 p.m. on Dec. 31, and conclude at 1 p.m. on Jan. 1, 2008. The theme is "Fan the Flame." Indoor and outdoor activities are planned including worship, an "Olympics," talent shows, and a Times Square-like countdown to the New Year with the dropping of a lighted ball at midnight followed by a hike to the "living cross" for devotions, and continuing on with activities throughout the night. The fee is $55 ($45 before Dec. 10). T-shirts cost $10. Contact the office at Camp Mack for brochures, 574-658-4831.

Source: 11/21/2007 Newsline

Atlantic Northeast District meets on theme, 'God Is Faithful.'

Atlantic Northeast District held its 2007 conference on Oct. 12-13 in Leffler Chapel at Elizabethtown (Pa.) College. Norman D. Yeater, free minister of Chiques Church of the Brethren near Manheim, Pa., served as moderator. The theme was "God Is Faithful," with the scripture reference Philippians 1:6b, "The one who began a good work among you will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ."

Friday evening began with an inspirational time of music led by Hanoverdale (Pa.) Church of the Brethren's worship team. Pastor Belita Mitchell of Harrisburg (Pa.) First Church of the Brethren, who served as the 2007 Annual Conference moderator, shared a motivational message. J. Becker Ginder, Clem Rosenberger, and Curtis Ziegler (posthumously) were recognized for 50 years in ordained ministry. The Ridgeway Community Brass Ensemble played during the collection of the offering. The $1,740.50 received will be divided equally between the Mission Church Support Fund and District Ministries.

Moderator Yeater led delegates in approval of a slate of nominees and a budget of $631,345, in addition to receiving a variety of reports. An informative DVD and interviews highlighted district programs. District leaders were recognized, with new leaders in the district during the last year introduced. Newly licensed ministers, recently ordained ministers, and pastors serving new congregations were showcased in a power point display. Puerta del Cielo under the leadership of Ramon and Gloria Torres was recognized as a new congregation.

The meeting consecrated Paul Steiner, retired pastor of Mountville (Pa.) Church of the Brethren, as the moderator for next year's District Conference, to be held on Oct 10-11, 2008 in Leffler Chapel at Elizabethtown College.

--Doris Frysinger serves as secretary and newsletter editor for Atlantic Northeast District.

Source: 11/21/2007 Newsline Extra

Atlantic Southeast District celebrates its 83rd conference.

The 83rd District Conference of Atlantic Southeast District was held at St. Petersburg (Fla.) First Church of the Brethren. The conference began with two seminars on Oct. 12 and continued through the weekend.

The seminars were held on the topic of "Mother-Daughter Church Planting," led by Ray Hileman and Wayne Sutton and an interview with Ludovic St. Fleur, pastor of Eglise des Freres Haitiens (Haitian Church of the Brethren) in Miami, Fla.; and on "Biblical and Brethren Peace Heritage," presented by Jean and Phil Lersch.

The opening evening worship service was led by Carol Mason, coordinator for the General Board's Congregational Life Team, Area 3. A mime group from the local area also performed two numbers. A tour of the Raymond James Home Office, an extensive art collection of paintings and sculptures, all from living artists, preceded the worship service.

During morning worship on Saturday six people were licensed to ministry, five of them coming from the Miami Haitian church: Founa Augustin, Fred Belony, Jean Nixon Aubel, Henry Pierre, Servillia Attelus, along with Leah Hileman from Christ the Servant Church of the Brethren in Cape Coral, Fla.

In business sessions, moderator-elect Wayne Sutton led the consecration service for the 43 delegates who were present. A report from executive minister Martha Beach kicked off the district's 300th Anniversary Celebration, challenging the district to "Lighten Up" by losing 300 pounds before the next conference. Those not needing to lose weight will sponsor those who do by contributing a monetary amount to help pay the expenses for volunteers traveling to disaster sites. Another challenge to conferencegoers was for each church to do 300 hours of some type of disaster response work.

Beach also thanked all of the churches who committed to self-allocation. For the fourth year in a row, all of those making commitments either met or exceeded the stated amount. All of the church openings also have been filled.

The delegates voted to accept the recommendation of the District Board that all undesignated gifts to the district be divided in four ways, to be shared among the Church Development Council, District Board Operating Account, Ministry Scholarships, and Brethren Foundation. A pie auction to benefit the Church Development Council raised more than $1,100, with $125 being the highest price paid for one pie.

Certificates were presented to those in ministry, for every five years of service. Receiving certificates were Cecil Hess, Terry Grove, and Keith Simmons.

John Mueller completed his term as District Board chair at this meeting. For the past year, he has been commuting more than 700 miles to District Board meetings while he and his wife, Mary, have responded to a call to be disaster response coordinators in Chalmette, La., for Brethren Disaster Ministries.

The incoming officers were installed by Mueller: James Longenecker, moderator; Charles McGuckin, chair of the District Board; Keith Simmons, vice chair of the board; Jim Baker, at-large member of the board; Jerry Hartwell, in a second term as director of ministry; and Jose Calleja, director of witness.

Carol Mason wrapped up the conference by encouraging those in attendance to "go out and sow peace."

--Martha R. Beach is district executive minister of Atlantic Southeast District.

Source: 11/21/2007 Newsline Extra

Middle Pennsylvania District Conference affirms new mission plan.

Middle Pennsylvania District Conference was hosted Oct. 19-20 by Everett (Pa.) Church of the Brethren. Wayne Brockway, pastor of New Enterprise (Pa.) Church of the Brethren, served as moderator. The Everett volunteers led by Leah Pepple, on-site coordinator, welcomed the conference with hospitality. Jolene Black of New Enterprise created and designed the conference logo using the theme, "Follow Me...Where? How? Now?"

Friday evening featured a Ministers' Banquet and a district Pastors and Spouses Choir led by Terry Hershberger and accompanied by Earla Shehan-Reffner. The Adult Choir of New Enterprise also shared music. Brockway gave the message for opening worship, asking the question whether we have become too comfortable in our churches. "Following Jesus: Where?" was his title based on Luke 9:23-26. Are we willing to follow Jesus wherever he would have us go? Brockway asked.

In business sessions, 51 churches were represented with 160 delegates, and 144 nondelegates also registered. The delegates affirmed an aggressive 2008 Mission Plan (2008 budget) which calls for a 7.6 percent increase over 2007. Prior to the conference delegates, pastors, board chairs, and treasurers were asked to take the increases and ministry priorities seriously. In order to meet the goals of the plan, congregations were asked to increase their giving levels to $25 per member. Churches already at or above that level were asked to consider a $5 per member increase. Most of the increases represented in the plan are seen in the addition of a part-time youth position (up to 10 hours per week) and additional expenses associated with an upcoming combined District Conference and Heritage Fair planned for Sept. 26-28, 2008, at Camp Blue Diamond to celebrate the 300th Anniversary of the Brethren.

The Youth Ministry Team and Connie Maclay, pastor of Beech Run Church of the Brethren in Mapleton Depot, Pa., shared with the delegate body on Saturday morning followed by an anointing and commissioning service for the Youth Ministry Team. Joel Rhodes of Stone Church and Kay Guyer of Woodbury (Pa.) Church of the Brethren also shared stories of their workcamp experiences this past summer. Doc O'Connor of Point Man Ministries shared ideas of how congregations can support returning military veterans as part of On Earth Peace's Welcome Home Project.

The Youth Ministry offering totaled $1,724, while a Pennies for Congregational Ministries offering totaled $5,027.30. Gas cards, phone cards, and pajamas were collected for Your Safe Haven, Inc.

Several ministers were recognized for ministry milestones. Recognized for 50 or more years of service were Dick Landrum of Huntingdon (Pa.) Stone Church of the Brethren, Michael Olivieri of Albright Church of the Brethren in Roaring Spring, Pa. (52 years), and Ron Hershberger of State College (Pa.) University Baptist and Brethren Church (56 years). Patricia Muthler was recognized for completing the Training in Ministry program. Michael Benner was recognized for his graduation from Bethany Theological Seminary this year.

In leadership positions, James Ake of the Stone Church was affirmed for another year as treasurer. A slate for district leadership was affirmed including Lori Knepp of the Everett Church as moderator designate. She will assist Robert Sell at the 2008 combined District Conference and Heritage Fair. Other leaders affirmed were Dennis Brumbaugh and Dale Dowdy for the Gifts Discernment Committee; Pat Gong for the Program and Arrangements Committee; Kelly Ritchey for the Audit Committee; Charles Eldredge for Standing Committee; Sara Miller, Brian Creps, and Dale Roth for the Congregational Ministry Coordinating Team; and Donald Brumbaugh for Pennsylvanians Concerned about Alcohol Problems.

The Conference concluded with moderator Brockway consecrating Robert Sell as moderator for 2008.

Source: 11/21/2007 Newsline Extra

W. Pennsylvania District challenges members to be salt and light.

Western Pennsylvania District held its 141st annual District Conference at Smith Hall/Ferguson Theater on the campus of the University of Pittsburgh in Greensburg, Pa., on Oct. 27. Moderator Reba B. Johnson of Indiana, Pa., challenged the approximately 226 participants with the theme "You Are the Salt of the Earth...You Are the Light of the World."

Worship and music were interspersed throughout the business of the day. Insight sessions were held in the morning. The subjects included an overview of the work of two agencies of the denomination--the General Board and Brethren Benefit Trust, a presentation about the mission work of the denomination's Sudan Initiative, and a presentation about the work of Camp Harmony, the district's camp facility.

A highlight of the conference was an auction of three hours of district minister Ronald Beachley's time. This was done to encourage attendance at the district's second annual auction that took place on Nov. 3. Congregations and individuals also brought enough Gift of the Heart Kits for disaster relief, to send a van load to the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md.

In business session, the budget of $189,259 for 2008 was adopted by 194 delegates representing 53 congregations of the district, which has its office near Jerome. The district is comprised of 69 churches and one fellowship, with a membership of over 9,500.

Robert R. Stein of Chalk Hill was installed as moderator of the district for the next year. William A. Waugh of Greensburg was named moderator-designate. Twelve people were called to the district leadership team: David A. Baker, AnnaBelle Coleman, Janice Kaltenbaugh, Linda L. Reininger, Patti Shaulis, Larry E. Walker, Mildred Z. Hartzell, Phillip A. King, Homer H. Marshall, Guy L. Myers, Shirley Baker, and Gary N. Weaver. Myrna P. Baer was called as district delegate to Standing Committee. Charles B. Statler was named to the Board of Trustees for the Brethren Home Community Windber, Pa. Called to the board of directors of Camp Harmony located near Hooversville, Pa., were John E. Eash, Linda L. Reininger, and Patti Shaulis. Two people were called to serve on the district's gifts discernment team: Bertha Hironimus and Patricia M. Marshall.

--Suzanne Moss is secretary for Western Pennsylvania District.

Source: 11/21/2007 Newsline Extra

Virlina District celebrates 36th district conference.

The 36th Virlina District Conference was held at Bonsack (Va.) Baptist Church on Nov. 9-10, on the theme, "CELEBRATE: Surrendered to GOD, Transformed in CHRIST, Empowered by SPIRIT" (Philippians 4:4-8). Total registration was 534 people, with 249 delegates (including 72 pastors) and 285 nondelegates from 78 congregations. These participated in the worship, fellowship, and discernment of the district under the leadership of moderator W. Gregory Broyles of Oak Grove Church of the Brethren in Roanoke, Va.

Keynote speaker for the Friday and Saturday evening worship services was Timothy P. Harvey, chair of the Church of the Brethren General Board and pastor of Central Church of the Brethren in Roanoke. The Friday evening service was enhanced by a duet, "Glory to the Lord, Our God," by Linda Clague and Fred Porter, as well as instrumental selections by musicians drawn from the Central and Oak Grove congregations. More than 460 people were present for the Friday evening service.

Saturday morning devotional services were led by Broyles as district moderator, and featured the lighting of a candle for each congregation and meeting point. On Saturday evening, an inspiring service was highlighted by a choir of youth and young adults from throughout the district. Attendance for the Saturday evening service was 208.

A Ministers and Spouses Banquet was held on Friday evening at Cloverdale (Va.) Church of the Brethren, with 65 people in attendance and Jim Beckwith, moderator of the 2008 Annual Conference and pastor of Annville (Pa.) Church of the Brethren, as the featured speaker. Bob Gross, executive director of On Earth Peace, was the leader of the Peace Affairs Breakfast which preceded the district conference on Saturday morning.

In business sessions, the district recognized Una Nueva Vida En Cristo Fellowship of Willis, Va., and seated the fellowship delegates. New business included approval of the Master Site Plan for Camp Bethel. This comprehensive plan details the 100 Year Vision previously adopted, and will guide the transformation of the camp over coming generations. The district also approved a District Board budget of approximately $308,000 for 2008. Delegates also heard that the Camp Bethel budget for 2008 will be $617,610. Offerings of $3,465.04 were received for the expenses of the District Conference.

Twenty-two individuals were called to leadership positions including E. Patrick Starkey of Ninth Street Church of the Brethren in Roanoke, Va., as moderator-elect. Rosalie R. Wood was called as clerk; Roger G. Stultz was called as district representative to Standing Committee; W. Gregory Broyles was called as trustee of Bridgewater (Va.) College; Donna Jamison and Judy D. Mills were called to the Program and Arrangements Committee; Dewey V. Broyles, Sandra H. Layman, and James R. Worline were called to the Nominating and Personnel Committee; Michael G. Battle, Sandra Sue Bolton, Jane Fralin Grisso, Mark L. Harmon, William J. Hinton Sr., Gerald L. Hylton, Chuck Martin, Lenoria Naff, Michael L. Pugh, Claude C. Shell, and Harry W. Shelton were called to the District Board; Terry Harris and Amanda Naff were called to the Outdoor Ministries Committee.

Delegates heard reports that Cathy S. Huffman will continue to serve as the District Board chair for 2007-08. Other members of the Executive Committee are Ronald Sink as vice-chair, J. Hebron Quesenberry as Commission on Ministry chair, Gary L. Basham as Commission of Stewards chair, Kathy Otey as Commission on Nurture chair, Jerry Wayne Naff as Commission on Witness chair, Wayne Bailey as Outdoor Ministries Committee chair, and Roy A. McVey as Church Extension Committee chair.

Reports from the district staff were received, and an entertaining and an informative District Board report titled "Are You Smarter Than a District Executive?" was presented by chair Cathy S. Huffman. Other reports were received from district committees and other institutions of the district and denomination. A report on pastoral placement revealed that 26 congregations, fellowships, and projects have been involved in the pastoral placement process in the year ending Sept. 30. Fourteen new pastors in 15 congregations were named and introduced. The conference honored Donald Kline for 59 years of ministerial service and Kermit P. Flora for 74 years of ministerial service.

The 37th Virlina District Conference will be held Nov. 14-15, 2008. Vernon E. Baker, a member of Topeco Church of the Brethren in Floyd County, Va., will serve as the moderator.

David Shumate is district executive minister for Virlina District.

Source: 11/21/2007 Newsline Extra

'Gathering' of Western Plains District is centerpiece of revival effort.

For a third straight year, Brethren in Western Plains District met together to celebrate the transformation occurring in the district and to gain new tools and support for the work ahead. Called "The Gathering," the annual retreat at a conference center in Salina, Kan., is the centerpiece of a larger renewal and revitalization effort for many of the district's 38 congregations.

About 300 people attended this year's event on Oct. 26-28, engaging in worship, plenary sessions, workshops, and fellowship. Events for children and youth were held concurrently.

Eight congregations entered into a "covenant process" with the district in 2005, eight more in 2006, and another five this year. The congregations each appoint a transformation steering team to work at discernment and to set goals, and each receives coaching from the district. The Gathering offers a chance for the congregations to come together, learn, and share about their journeys.

For some congregations, the change has been incremental. For others, it has been fairly dramatic--such as the Independence congregation in southeastern Kansas, which has freed its pastor to spend most of his time leading disaster relief efforts for the area that was struck by severe flooding earlier this year. The Independence youth group now has about 50 participants.

Other congregations also have seen growth or have become significantly involved in community ministries. A new DVD created by Chris Stover-Brown, shown at the Gathering, featured four of those stories.

Highlights of the weekend included messages from Bethany Theological Seminary staff member and author Fred Bernhard, and 2007 Annual Conference moderator Belita Mitchell; a session on worship led by Kim Bontrager of First Mennonite Brethren Church of Wichita, Kan.; and a concert by Seth Hendricks, who coordinated music at the 2006 National Youth Conference.

A fuller report on Western Plains' transformation emphasis will appear in the January issue of Messenger magazine.

Walt Wiltschek is editor of the Church of the Brethren's Messenger magazine.

Source: 11/21/2007 Newsline Extra

'Come and Walk with Jesus': The Footprints story.

Who would have ever imagined that the choice of "Come and Walk with Jesus" as the theme for the 2007 District Conference of Western Plains District would help create an amazing new ministry?

Every year the committee that plans the conference chooses a theme, and worship centers are created to reflect the theme. This year, committee member Cheryl Mishler contacted Connie Rhodes, from Newton (Kan.) Church of the Brethren, and asked if she would consider making the worship centers. What followed was nothing short of divine intervention.

Connie spent time thinking and praying, and thinking and praying some more, about what she could do to help carry the conference theme over into the business meetings and worship. Finally, she started creating the worship center: wonderful works of art around the theme of footprints.

Each painting ended up in the shape of a foot. Each painting was created on plain white corrugated cardboard. In addition, Connie provided scripture references for each painting as well as her own personal thoughts about each painting.

Here is what she said regarding "The Footprints," as they are now called: "I left the cardboard footprint posters free hand-cut, with all the nicks, tears, and uneven rough edges, because life is full of nicks, cuts, roughness, and yet smooth and straight at other times. Especially walking in Jesus' footprints...it's a good reminder to us that it's not so much the situation that will be remembered...but our reaction to it! And that this gives us character of the soul."

Connie's wonderful paintings have had an impact on conference attendees. The beauty of each painting, the spiritual impression, and the interpretation that each person took from the paintings was amazing. We were truly blessed to have Connie share her God-given talent with us that weekend of district conference.

One of the ways the district has decided to carry on "The Footprints" ministry is to offer the paintings as note cards. Profits from the sale of the note cards will benefit the ministries of Western Plains District. Each set of note cards contains 18 cards, including the 17 Footprints paintings and a card of the 2007 Western Plains District Conference logo. Each card features the name of the painting, the scripture reference, and Connie's personal reflection, with the inside of the card left blank. Each set of note cards is $25 plus $4.60 shipping. Order from www.rochestercommunitycob.org.

--Terry Smalley is a member of Rochester Community Church of the Brethren in Topeka, Kan. (formerly Topeka Church of the Brethren).

Source: 11/21/2007 Newsline Extra

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

• Michigan District is holding "Heritage Car Caravans" as part of its celebration of the 300th anniversary of the Brethren movement. The first caravans were held Oct. 13, 20, and 27. "We had a GREAT TIME today on the first of these journeys to visit the Churches of the Brethren in Michigan," reported district executive minister Marie Willoughby in an e-mail note. "There were 15 of us from four congregations who traveled. Each church we visited hosted us extremely well with people there to tell about the church, give a tour, and offer refreshments. We were at Sugar Ridge, Onekama, Marilla, and Lakeview. And we made a stop at the district office." More car caravan trips are planned for next year.
  
  
• Northern Indiana District's 300th Anniversary Celebration has been scheduled for April 20, 2008, at West Goshen (Ind.) Church of the Brethren. In more anniversary news from the district, it is sponsoring with a charter bus to the 300th Anniversary Celebration at next summer's Annual Conference in Richmond, Va. Middlebury Church of the Brethren members Don and Patti Weirich of Donatti Tours are planning the special charter package, which will include highlights en route such as a stop in Lancaster County, Pa., to see "In the Beginning" at Sight and Sound's Millennium Theatre, and a driving tour of Washington, D.C. Cost of the package is $325 (registration and lodging while at Annual Conference will be at the individual's expense). For more information contact theweirichs@verizon.net or 574-825-2955.
  
  
• Northern Ohio District is inviting each church to create a block for its 300th anniversary commemorative quilt. In addition to a block from each congregation, the district is seeking the signature of all pastors--ordained, licensed, and retired--for a border around the outside of the quilt.
  
  
• Middle Pennsylvania District is planning a combined District Conference and Heritage Fair for 2008. The event will be held Sept. 26-28, 2008, at Camp Blue Diamond to celebrate the 300th Anniversary of the Church of the Brethren. Plans are underway for a "Big-Tent Meeting," a Friday night "sing through the 300 years of hymnody" with Nancy Faus, worship on Saturday evening with Andy Murray, and a Sunday morning service.
  
  
• Virlina District's 300th Anniversary celebration committee is developing plans for volunteers to make a five-minute "Happy Birthday" celebration visit with each congregation during a Sunday morning worship time between Nov. 1 and Feb. 29. The visits will be an opportunity for the district to share a greeting during the anniversary celebration and to encourage each church to develop special local plans. Host congregations may choose to make the anniversary theme the focus of the worship service on the Sunday of the visit, or plan an all-church birthday luncheon with a birthday cake and all the trimmings, or use one of several audiovisual anniversary resources available from Brethren Press.

Source: 11/21/2007 Newsline Extra

Credits

Newsline is produced by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of news services for the Church of the Brethren General Board, cobnews@brethren.org or 800-323-8039 ext. 260. J. Allen Brubaker, Annie Clark, Ruben Deoleo, Sharon Flaten, and Karin Krog contributed to this report.