Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Brethren join in Butler Chapel celebration of rebuilding.
The weekend of Jan. 18-20 found a Church of the Brethren delegation of about two dozen people in Orangeburg, S.C., for the 10th anniversary of the dedication of the Butler Chapel African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church. The church building was largely built by Brethren volunteers working under the direction of Brethren Disaster Ministries (formerly Emergency Response/Service Ministries).
Butler Chapel’s original building was one of many destroyed by arsonists in the rash of church burnings in 1995-96. With funds from the National Council of Churches as well as other sources, and with the help of 300 volunteers working under the direction of Brethren Disaster Ministries, a new church building was constructed, debt-free.
The three-day celebration was marked by a wonderful mix of AME and Church of the Brethren members. The Sunday morning sermon was the only major address. But there were hundreds of "messages" seen and heard as greetings, hugs, warm embraces, tears of joy, and expressions of love. The whole event was a huge message of common faith and purpose, as two very different yet very alike denominations merged to thank God for what has happened at Butler Chapel.
However, the 10th anniversary event was much more than a focus on an attractive building. The building is simply a tool for all that is taking place in the facility. Butler Chapel AME Church is a relatively small rural (now becoming suburban) congregation. It appears that the small congregation is extending its witness in amazing ways. There are five choirs, a praise dance group of children--carefully trained in expressing worship through movement, and other events aimed at promoting dedicated discipleship. The exceptionally fine facility also has become a center for many district events.
From the moment that we stepped inside the church doors on Friday evening, until we departed on Sunday, the Brethren were treated as honored guests. There were carefully worded name tags, gift bags filled with all sorts of goodies, program booklets that included abundant information including the names of all who assisted in the construction of the new building, three delicious meals, as well as snacks. Even as we departed we received "snacks for the road," and bottles of water wrapped with the picture of the Butler Chapel Church.
One highlight of the event was a celebration choir including as many Brethren who had some gift for singing. The choir spent more than an hour in a music workshop learning how to do church music in the Butler Chapel AME way. The AME choir calls it "botheration," but the experience became ethereal for all who participated in the process.
The celebration also included a stirring "exercise hour," all kinds of recognitions, prizes, gifts, and--above all else--hundreds of expressions of brotherly and sisterly love that amounted to a foretaste of heaven.
The delegation of Brethren included acting general secretary of the Church of the Brethren General Board, Mary Jo Flory-Steury; General Board members Russell Betz and Terrell Lewis, Brethren Disaster Ministries staff Roy Winter, Judy Bezon, and Jane Yount; staff volunteers of Brethren Disaster Ministries Glenn and Helen Kinsel, who have kept in contact with Butler Chapel for the past 10 years; several of the project directors who guided the building construction--John and Marianna Baker, Stanley Barkdoll, and Earl Dohner; former Brethren Volunteer Service worker Torin Eikler; a number of volunteers who were involved in the rebuilding; and even some other interested Brethren supporters.
It is the hope of all who attended that the relationship between our two denominations can be nurtured. This anniversary year is the right time to begin.
--Glenn E. Kinsel is a Brethren Disaster Ministries staff volunteer who helped with volunteer coordination for the building project at Butler Chapel, and with promotion of the anniversary event.
Source: 1/30/2008 Newsline
The weekend of Jan. 18-20 found a Church of the Brethren delegation of about two dozen people in Orangeburg, S.C., for the 10th anniversary of the dedication of the Butler Chapel African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church. The church building was largely built by Brethren volunteers working under the direction of Brethren Disaster Ministries (formerly Emergency Response/Service Ministries).
Butler Chapel’s original building was one of many destroyed by arsonists in the rash of church burnings in 1995-96. With funds from the National Council of Churches as well as other sources, and with the help of 300 volunteers working under the direction of Brethren Disaster Ministries, a new church building was constructed, debt-free.
The three-day celebration was marked by a wonderful mix of AME and Church of the Brethren members. The Sunday morning sermon was the only major address. But there were hundreds of "messages" seen and heard as greetings, hugs, warm embraces, tears of joy, and expressions of love. The whole event was a huge message of common faith and purpose, as two very different yet very alike denominations merged to thank God for what has happened at Butler Chapel.
However, the 10th anniversary event was much more than a focus on an attractive building. The building is simply a tool for all that is taking place in the facility. Butler Chapel AME Church is a relatively small rural (now becoming suburban) congregation. It appears that the small congregation is extending its witness in amazing ways. There are five choirs, a praise dance group of children--carefully trained in expressing worship through movement, and other events aimed at promoting dedicated discipleship. The exceptionally fine facility also has become a center for many district events.
From the moment that we stepped inside the church doors on Friday evening, until we departed on Sunday, the Brethren were treated as honored guests. There were carefully worded name tags, gift bags filled with all sorts of goodies, program booklets that included abundant information including the names of all who assisted in the construction of the new building, three delicious meals, as well as snacks. Even as we departed we received "snacks for the road," and bottles of water wrapped with the picture of the Butler Chapel Church.
One highlight of the event was a celebration choir including as many Brethren who had some gift for singing. The choir spent more than an hour in a music workshop learning how to do church music in the Butler Chapel AME way. The AME choir calls it "botheration," but the experience became ethereal for all who participated in the process.
The celebration also included a stirring "exercise hour," all kinds of recognitions, prizes, gifts, and--above all else--hundreds of expressions of brotherly and sisterly love that amounted to a foretaste of heaven.
The delegation of Brethren included acting general secretary of the Church of the Brethren General Board, Mary Jo Flory-Steury; General Board members Russell Betz and Terrell Lewis, Brethren Disaster Ministries staff Roy Winter, Judy Bezon, and Jane Yount; staff volunteers of Brethren Disaster Ministries Glenn and Helen Kinsel, who have kept in contact with Butler Chapel for the past 10 years; several of the project directors who guided the building construction--John and Marianna Baker, Stanley Barkdoll, and Earl Dohner; former Brethren Volunteer Service worker Torin Eikler; a number of volunteers who were involved in the rebuilding; and even some other interested Brethren supporters.
It is the hope of all who attended that the relationship between our two denominations can be nurtured. This anniversary year is the right time to begin.
--Glenn E. Kinsel is a Brethren Disaster Ministries staff volunteer who helped with volunteer coordination for the building project at Butler Chapel, and with promotion of the anniversary event.
Source: 1/30/2008 Newsline
On Earth Peace delegation travels to the West Bank and Israel.
Thirteen delegates traveled through the West Bank and Israel from Jan. 8-21, on a trip sponsored jointly by On Earth Peace and Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT). The group learned about the region's history and politics from local leaders.
The delegation included Australians, a Canadian, and US Americans, ranging in age from 21 to 72. On Earth Peace executive director Bob Gross led the delegation. Other Brethren participants included Karen Carter, Indigo (Jamee) Eriksen, Anna Lisa Gross, Ron McAdams, and Marie Rhoades.
The group met with more than 20 organizations in five main communities of Jerusalem, Bethlehem, At-Tuwani, Hebron, and Efrat. Israeli, Palestinian, and international peace workers from groups such as Rabbis for Human Rights, the Hebron Rehabilitation Committee, B'Tselem, Wi'am, and the Holy Land Trust shared about their work. The delegation also met with people whose daily lives are profoundly affected, and even at times completely preoccupied, with the political situation.
The snaking "security wall" which has been built with US tax dollars, is growing in the West Bank, the delegation found. The wall is dividing families from each other, workers from jobs, students from schools, and the faithful from holy sites. The wall also drastically reduces the size of the West Bank, and is leaving pockets of communities that are not accessible to each other. Israeli officials say the wall is a step toward safety, while peacemakers on all sides mourn the further divisions it brings between Israelis and Palestinians, resulting not in safety but greater ignorance and fear. Already since the wall was begun there are Israeli children who have never met a Palestinian, and Palestinian children who know Israelis only as soldiers.
The delegation heard the stories of pain and hopelessness, which are as commonplace as pita and hummus in the area. But the warm hospitality the group received, along with countless cups of tea and coffee, was a tribute to the strength of people to persevere. For many Palestinians, simple acts of daily life are powerful acts of nonviolent resistance, despite the oppression of the occupation. Although the delegation heard families' stories of loss and anguish, warm cups of tea and brave words of hope were always given as well.
Morning devotions and evening gatherings were important to the group's emotional stamina and spiritual health. In the midst of cold nights, schedule changes, and painful stories, the delegates appreciated each other's flexibility and kindness. Singing and praying together was especially meaningful, and each delegate had a turn to prepare worship during the trip.
A special time of prayer took place in West Jerusalem, near the site of two suicide bombings that killed many Israeli citizens. Instances of suicide bombings has fallen to nearly zero in the past few years, but the fear of such unpredictable violence remains. The delegation prayed for safety for all people living in this holy and volatile land, and for creative work for peace and justice. As suicide bombings occur almost solely in situations of military occupation, the group also continued its prayer for an end to the occupation of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.
CPT has had a presence in Hebron since 1995. The CPT team in Hebron collaborates with local nonviolent activists and strives to communicate openly with soldiers and other armed groups as well. Their work includes monitoring checkpoints to influence Israeli soldiers to reduce violence toward and harassment of Palestinians. Twice a day, CPT team members watch as children pass through checkpoints to go to and from school, and believe their presence has made some difference in the soldiers' treatment of the children and their teachers.
In At-Tuwani, a village south of Hebron, CPT's daily school patrol monitors the safety of children passing between two (illegal) Israeli settlements. Children, as well as CPT team members, have been attacked and injured by settlers on the path to the school. The delegation joined CPT for a school patrol in both communities.
The group bade farewell in Jerusalem with renewed spirits of peacemaking, and many new commitments to share stories with their home communities, to continue in prayer and contemplation, and to do further education. For more information about On Earth Peace, go to www.onearthpeace.org. Visit the delegation's blog at www.hebronblogspot.com.
--Anna Lisa Gross is a student at Bethany Theological Seminary and a member of Richmond (Ind.) Church of the Brethren
Source: 1/30/2008 Newsline
Thirteen delegates traveled through the West Bank and Israel from Jan. 8-21, on a trip sponsored jointly by On Earth Peace and Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT). The group learned about the region's history and politics from local leaders.
The delegation included Australians, a Canadian, and US Americans, ranging in age from 21 to 72. On Earth Peace executive director Bob Gross led the delegation. Other Brethren participants included Karen Carter, Indigo (Jamee) Eriksen, Anna Lisa Gross, Ron McAdams, and Marie Rhoades.
The group met with more than 20 organizations in five main communities of Jerusalem, Bethlehem, At-Tuwani, Hebron, and Efrat. Israeli, Palestinian, and international peace workers from groups such as Rabbis for Human Rights, the Hebron Rehabilitation Committee, B'Tselem, Wi'am, and the Holy Land Trust shared about their work. The delegation also met with people whose daily lives are profoundly affected, and even at times completely preoccupied, with the political situation.
The snaking "security wall" which has been built with US tax dollars, is growing in the West Bank, the delegation found. The wall is dividing families from each other, workers from jobs, students from schools, and the faithful from holy sites. The wall also drastically reduces the size of the West Bank, and is leaving pockets of communities that are not accessible to each other. Israeli officials say the wall is a step toward safety, while peacemakers on all sides mourn the further divisions it brings between Israelis and Palestinians, resulting not in safety but greater ignorance and fear. Already since the wall was begun there are Israeli children who have never met a Palestinian, and Palestinian children who know Israelis only as soldiers.
The delegation heard the stories of pain and hopelessness, which are as commonplace as pita and hummus in the area. But the warm hospitality the group received, along with countless cups of tea and coffee, was a tribute to the strength of people to persevere. For many Palestinians, simple acts of daily life are powerful acts of nonviolent resistance, despite the oppression of the occupation. Although the delegation heard families' stories of loss and anguish, warm cups of tea and brave words of hope were always given as well.
Morning devotions and evening gatherings were important to the group's emotional stamina and spiritual health. In the midst of cold nights, schedule changes, and painful stories, the delegates appreciated each other's flexibility and kindness. Singing and praying together was especially meaningful, and each delegate had a turn to prepare worship during the trip.
A special time of prayer took place in West Jerusalem, near the site of two suicide bombings that killed many Israeli citizens. Instances of suicide bombings has fallen to nearly zero in the past few years, but the fear of such unpredictable violence remains. The delegation prayed for safety for all people living in this holy and volatile land, and for creative work for peace and justice. As suicide bombings occur almost solely in situations of military occupation, the group also continued its prayer for an end to the occupation of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.
CPT has had a presence in Hebron since 1995. The CPT team in Hebron collaborates with local nonviolent activists and strives to communicate openly with soldiers and other armed groups as well. Their work includes monitoring checkpoints to influence Israeli soldiers to reduce violence toward and harassment of Palestinians. Twice a day, CPT team members watch as children pass through checkpoints to go to and from school, and believe their presence has made some difference in the soldiers' treatment of the children and their teachers.
In At-Tuwani, a village south of Hebron, CPT's daily school patrol monitors the safety of children passing between two (illegal) Israeli settlements. Children, as well as CPT team members, have been attacked and injured by settlers on the path to the school. The delegation joined CPT for a school patrol in both communities.
The group bade farewell in Jerusalem with renewed spirits of peacemaking, and many new commitments to share stories with their home communities, to continue in prayer and contemplation, and to do further education. For more information about On Earth Peace, go to www.onearthpeace.org. Visit the delegation's blog at www.hebronblogspot.com.
--Anna Lisa Gross is a student at Bethany Theological Seminary and a member of Richmond (Ind.) Church of the Brethren
Source: 1/30/2008 Newsline
Young Center raises more than $2 million to earn NEH grant.
The Young Center for Anabaptist and Pietist Studies at Elizabethtown (Pa.) College has surpassed a $2 million fundraising goal to receive a National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) challenge grant of $500,000.
The NEH Challenge Grant--one of only 17 grants awarded nationwide in 2004--was designed to strengthen the Young Center's program and scholarship and solidify its standing as the nation's only research institute for Anabaptist and Pietist groups. As the NEH grant required a 4:1 match, the Young Center needed to raise $2 million by Jan. 31. The center recently surpassed that goal by more than $100,000.
The resulting $2.5 million endowment will create a faculty chair in Anabaptist and Pietist Studies, enhance the Young Center's Visiting Fellows Program, support research and teaching, and expand its collection of books and archival materials.
"The NEH challenge grant recognized the Young Center for its outstanding scholarship and programing on Anabaptist and Pietist groups," said Elizabethtown president Theodore Long.
Director of church relations at Elizabethtown, Allen T. Hansell, directed the NEH challenge campaign for the Young Center. "This wonderful effort has enabled me to relate to many individuals and groups with deep roots in Anabaptism and Pietism, including my own Church of the Brethren," he said. "The high regard for the Young Center actually made an enormous challenge relatively easy to achieve. I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone involved, especially the generous donors, for helping to make this a highly successful campaign."
Some statistics relevant to the fundraising effort:
--Mary Dolheimer is director of marketing and media relations for Elizabethtown College.
Source: 1/30/2008 Newsline
The Young Center for Anabaptist and Pietist Studies at Elizabethtown (Pa.) College has surpassed a $2 million fundraising goal to receive a National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) challenge grant of $500,000.
The NEH Challenge Grant--one of only 17 grants awarded nationwide in 2004--was designed to strengthen the Young Center's program and scholarship and solidify its standing as the nation's only research institute for Anabaptist and Pietist groups. As the NEH grant required a 4:1 match, the Young Center needed to raise $2 million by Jan. 31. The center recently surpassed that goal by more than $100,000.
The resulting $2.5 million endowment will create a faculty chair in Anabaptist and Pietist Studies, enhance the Young Center's Visiting Fellows Program, support research and teaching, and expand its collection of books and archival materials.
"The NEH challenge grant recognized the Young Center for its outstanding scholarship and programing on Anabaptist and Pietist groups," said Elizabethtown president Theodore Long.
Director of church relations at Elizabethtown, Allen T. Hansell, directed the NEH challenge campaign for the Young Center. "This wonderful effort has enabled me to relate to many individuals and groups with deep roots in Anabaptism and Pietism, including my own Church of the Brethren," he said. "The high regard for the Young Center actually made an enormous challenge relatively easy to achieve. I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone involved, especially the generous donors, for helping to make this a highly successful campaign."
Some statistics relevant to the fundraising effort:
- 209 donors (86 percent are members of the Church of the Brethren)
- 62 percent of donors live in the denomination’s Atlantic Northeast and Southern Pennsylvania Districts
- 24 percent of donors are Brethren from across the denomination beyond the the two districts, and most gave in memory of the late professor Donald Durnbaugh. The Durnbaugh Legacy Endowment, which became part of the NEH effort following his death, raised $377,000. Mrs. Hedwig T. Durnbaugh donated a large portion of professor Durnbaugh's personal library of books and research papers to the Young Center.
- 10 percent of donors were members of other Anabaptist and Pietist groups, and
- 8 institutions (4 percent of the donors) contributed nearly $100,000.
--Mary Dolheimer is director of marketing and media relations for Elizabethtown College.
Source: 1/30/2008 Newsline
Efforts to preserve John Kline Homestead continue.
Efforts to preserve the John Kline Homestead are continuing, in an update from Paul Roth, president of the John Kline Homestead Board of Directors and pastor of Linville Creek Church of the Brethren in Broadway, Va. John Kline was a Brethren preacher and elder, and a martyr of the church during the Civil War years.
The Mennonite family who had lived on his farm in Broadway for six generations moved at the end of 2006. Four acres of the property were purchased by Park View Federal Credit Union on behalf of the Brethren until sufficient funds could be raised by a foundation that has been established to preserve the homestead for development as a heritage site. In a January letter to supporters of the effort, Roth reported on fundraising and development plans for the homestead, saying that "total gifts and pledges received are over $103,000."
A fundraising campaign is being planned for 2008 to reach a $600,000 goal to purchase more than three acres of the more than nine acre property. An additional $600,000 would be needed to purchase the remaining acreage. Incorporation papers have been filed with the Commonwealth of Virginia so that contributions to the John Kline Homestead are tax deductible. A website has been posted with photos and updates, go to http://johnklinehomestead.com.
A Church of the Brethren senior high workcamp is planned at the homestead on June 16-22 (go to www.brethren.org and click on "Key Words," then "Youth and Young Adults"). In addition, a James Madison University professor will focus on the architectural design of the John Kline house and outbuildings with a spring semester class and research study on historic preservation. The class and study will pave the way for registration of the site with national and state historic site registries. In another development, Brethren horticulturalist Jason Stevens who works at Thomas Jefferson's Monticello Plantation, has offered to plant an orchard from saplings of 120-plus year old fruit trees and create designs for traditional Shenandoah Valley gardens.
At the 2008 Church of the Brethren Annual Conference, a display on the John Kline Homestead will be provided, and plans are underway for events and tours at the homestead as part of the celebrations of the 300th Anniversary of the Brethren.
Roth added an open invitation to "please contact us with your vision for the John Kline Homestead or questions you may have regarding its preservation." Contact the John Kline Homestead at P.O. Box 174, Broadway, VA 22815.
Source: 1/30/2008 Newsline
Efforts to preserve the John Kline Homestead are continuing, in an update from Paul Roth, president of the John Kline Homestead Board of Directors and pastor of Linville Creek Church of the Brethren in Broadway, Va. John Kline was a Brethren preacher and elder, and a martyr of the church during the Civil War years.
The Mennonite family who had lived on his farm in Broadway for six generations moved at the end of 2006. Four acres of the property were purchased by Park View Federal Credit Union on behalf of the Brethren until sufficient funds could be raised by a foundation that has been established to preserve the homestead for development as a heritage site. In a January letter to supporters of the effort, Roth reported on fundraising and development plans for the homestead, saying that "total gifts and pledges received are over $103,000."
A fundraising campaign is being planned for 2008 to reach a $600,000 goal to purchase more than three acres of the more than nine acre property. An additional $600,000 would be needed to purchase the remaining acreage. Incorporation papers have been filed with the Commonwealth of Virginia so that contributions to the John Kline Homestead are tax deductible. A website has been posted with photos and updates, go to http://johnklinehomestead.com.
A Church of the Brethren senior high workcamp is planned at the homestead on June 16-22 (go to www.brethren.org and click on "Key Words," then "Youth and Young Adults"). In addition, a James Madison University professor will focus on the architectural design of the John Kline house and outbuildings with a spring semester class and research study on historic preservation. The class and study will pave the way for registration of the site with national and state historic site registries. In another development, Brethren horticulturalist Jason Stevens who works at Thomas Jefferson's Monticello Plantation, has offered to plant an orchard from saplings of 120-plus year old fruit trees and create designs for traditional Shenandoah Valley gardens.
At the 2008 Church of the Brethren Annual Conference, a display on the John Kline Homestead will be provided, and plans are underway for events and tours at the homestead as part of the celebrations of the 300th Anniversary of the Brethren.
Roth added an open invitation to "please contact us with your vision for the John Kline Homestead or questions you may have regarding its preservation." Contact the John Kline Homestead at P.O. Box 174, Broadway, VA 22815.
Source: 1/30/2008 Newsline
Brethren bits: Job openings, NYAC, disaster podcast, and more.
- The Global Mission Partnerships of the Church of the Brethren General Board seeks one couple or family to serve as part of the lead team to begin the new Sudan mission initiative. The initiative seeks to rebuild and heal communities in southern Sudan after decades of war, and will include the formation of churches. A complementary team that includes people bringing one or more of the following skill sets is preferable: peace and conflict transformation, healthcare, church planting and Christian education, community development preferably with experience in emerging nations, dealing with trauma, and literacy and adult education. Candidates should bring relevant education and experience in their areas of specialty, previous experience in international cross-cultural settings, grounding in Church of the Brethren identity and practice, and a team orientation. Secondary skills in repair or maintenance of computers, construction, or vehicle mechanics is useful. Team members will participate in raising their own support under General Board oversight. The application deadline has been extended, with a proposed timetable for interviews and decisions to be made and placement occurring during 2008. Request application forms from Karin Krog, Office of Human Resources, at 800-323-8039 ext. 258 or kkrog_gb@brethren.org.
- There are only 15 days left for young adults to receive the reduced registration fee for National Young Adult Conference. After Feb. 14, the registration fee will rise from $300 per participant to $325. Young adults are encouraged to register and send in the full registration fee now to take advantage of this opportunity. Register online at www.nyac08.org.
- January's podcast from Disaster News Network Radio focuses on the needs of children after a disaster and programs that make a difference in hundreds of young lives every year. Guests are Judy Bezon, associate director for Children's Disaster Services, a program of the Church of the Brethren, and Mike Nevergall of Lutheran Disaster Response. Find the podcast at www.podcastvillage.com/aff/dnn/archive/374.
- American participants in the annual workcamp to Nigeria sponsored by the Global Mission Partnerships of the Church of the Brethren General Board have been unable to travel this year because of lack of visas. The workcamp usually takes place from mid-January to mid-February, with participants from the US working alongside participants from Ekklesiyar Yan'uwa a Nigeria (EYN-the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria) and others from Europe to advance a building project of EYN. Nigeria mission coordinator David Whitten is leading the workcamp for the Nigerian and European participants.
- Peter Nead's high hat, a particularly muddy baptism, a witness to the Johnstown (Pa.) flood, and the rescheduling of the end of the world are all part of the second set of Tercentennial Minutes available from Everett (Pa.) Church of the Brethren. The weekly one-minute meditations on Brethren history are suitable for reading in worship or sharing in Sunday school or in newsletters or bulletins. This second set covers the weeks of March 2-May 25, although they may be used at any time. The meditations were commissioned by the Everett Church Tercentennial Committee and are researched and written by pastor Frank Ramirez. They are provided free to any interested church. In addition, the Everett Church is making available another new resource: the late Vernard Eller's original drama about the founding of the Church of the Brethren, "A Time So Urgent," which has been adapted by Ramirez. The drama was commissioned for the 250th Anniversary but not performed until 1974, when La Verne (Calif.) College students toured Brethren congregations performing the drama. Ramirez was a member of the original cast. The adaptation shortens the drama from two hours to half an hour. It can be presented in costume and memorized, or performed as reader's theater. Phyllis Eller has approved the adaptation for production and performance. Request these resources from ecob@yellowbananas.com.
- The 2008 Youth Roundtable at Bridgewater (Va.) College on April 4-6 will meet on the theme, "PST...Celebrate! Peacefully, Simply, Together." The theme was chosen to celebrate the Brethren heritage and look forward to and ponder the church's future. Keynote speakers are Amy and Brian Messler, entertainment will be by comedian and musician Tony Wolf, and music by the Bridgewater College praise band "Outspoken." The event will include singing led by the praise band, small group sessions, and a variety of workshops, as well as a Variety Show, recreation, and Bible study. Estimated cost is $43. For more go to www.bridgewater.edu/orgs/iyc.
- McPherson (Kan.) College is presenting a Religious Heritage Lecture on the topic, "300 Years of History and Heritage: What Will the Next 100 Years Look Like?" on Feb. 10 at 4 p.m. in Mingenback Theater. A panel of Church of the Brethren leaders will present answers to this focus question, including Paul Hoffman, president emeritus of McPherson College; Ruthann Knechel Johansen, president of Bethany Theological Seminary; Lowell Flory, executive director of institutional advancement for Bethany; Jonathan Shively, director of the Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership; Rhonda Pittman Gingrich of the 300th Anniversary Committee; and Herb Smith, professor of religion and philosophy at McPherson, who will be the moderator.
- Juniata College in Huntingdon, Pa., held a commemorative service for the original college chapel, now the registrar's office in Founders Hall, on Jan. 24, according to a release from the college. This year, renovation of the hall will remove the north wing of the building including the former chapel. Founders Hall was built three years after the college was established, and included a chapel that would serve as home to the Huntingdon Brethren congregation for 31 years from 1879-1910. When Founders Hall was dedicated on April 17, 1879, in the chapel, President James Quinter gave a sermon and Jacob Zuck, Juniata's first faculty member, was quoted saying, "The day of success is dawning." The chapel, a vast open space capable of seating 500 people, was constructed without benefit of supporting pillars so that no one would have an interrupted sightline. This unique architecture required the builders to use a construction system that hung each floor of the building from massive trusses atop the building. Over time, vibration and stress from everyday use has caused the walls of the north wing to bow outward, resulting in cracks in the upper two floors, which were sealed off in 1979. The commemoration was led by college chaplain David Witkovsky and Dale and Christy Dowdy, co-pastors of Stone Church of the Brethren in Huntingdon, with Robert Neff, president of Juniata from 1987-98, speaking on the importance of the ties between Juniata and the Church of the Brethren.
- Manchester College in North Manchester, Ind., is commemorating Martin Luther King Jr.'s speech there on the topic "The Future of Integration" exactly 40 years ago on Feb. 1. The college will hold a convocation in Cordier Auditorium to commemorate the event with reflections, video and still photography, student recitals from King's writing, and reflections by professor emeritus Kenneth L. Brown, recipient of the Fellowship of Reconciliation's Martin Luther King Jr. Award. Music will be preformed by the college's A Cappella Choir. The public is invited.
- The annual COBYS Family Services informational/fundraising banquet on March 13 is looking to the presidential election for inspiration, with the theme, "Banquet for Better America." "In this election year, COBYS Family Services is campaigning for your vote," said a release. COBYS Family Services is a Church of the Brethren related agency that "educates, supports, and empowers children and adults to reach their full potential." The banquet will begin at 6:30 p.m. at Middle Creek Church of the Brethren in Lititz, Pa. The program will feature a mock debate between representatives of COBYS and two imaginary organizations who are vying for support. Each will make their pitch for why attendees should support them with hard-earned dollars. The presentation will include stories of how COBYS is serving children and families in Christ's name. Banquet attenders will cast their votes by dropping donations into the ballot box for the organization of their choice. The evening also will include music from the Keister Sisters of Buffalo Valley Church of the Brethren in Mifflinburg, Pa. There is no cost to attend, but reservations are required. For more information go to www.cobys.org/news.htm or contact Don Fitzkee at don@cobys.org or 717-656-6580. Those unable to attend can cast an absentee ballot by sending a banquet donation to COBYS Family Services, 1417 Oregon Rd., Leola, PA 17540.
- The February edition of "Brethren Voices," a program offering Brethren community television, features Brethren Disaster Ministries and disaster preparedness. Brethren Disaster Ministries continues to serve survivors more than two years after Hurricane Katrina. The program addresses the question, why has the Church of the Brethren historically taken such an active role in serving others following disasters? Brethren disaster volunteers provide some of the answers in video produced by David Sollenberger titled, "To Live Out Our Faith." A district disaster coordinator, Brent Carlson, also shares information for disaster preparedness. In March, Brethren Voices will feature David Radcliff of the New Community Project, a Brethren related organization that provides environmental education to a wide range of groups including schools, camps, youth retreats, churches, and youth groups. For more information or to subscribe contact Ed Groff, producer of Brethren Voices, at Groffprod1@msn.com or 360-256-8550.
- Churches working for peace amid a wave of post-electoral violence in Kenya will receive a pastoral visit by a delegation from the World Council of Churches (WCC). The group plans to be in Kenya from Jan. 30-Feb. 3, with its schedule subject to change according to conditions in the country. A wave of violence along ethnic lines has killed more than 700 people and obliged some 250,000 others to flee their homes, a release said. The visit is hosted by the National Council of Churches in Kenya. WCC general secretary Samuel Kobia is himself a Kenyan. The visit of the group, which is called "Living Letters," is part of the WCC's Decade to Overcome Violence (2001-10). About 40 such teams are expected to visit different countries until 2011.
- Former Church of the Brethren missionary Ellen Edmister Cunningham celebrated her 101st birthday on Jan. 22. She and her late husband, E. Lloyd Cunningham, responded to a call for missionaries to go to China in 1938. After unrest developed in China they were in the Philippines for language study when Pearl Harbor was attacked in 1941 and along with more than 400 other civilians they and their young son, Larry, were in a Japanese internment camp from 1941-45. The story of the internment experience was published in a recent issue of "Brethren Life and Thought." Coming home after liberation in 1945, the Cunninghams returned to China in 1947 only to be forced out by the communists in 1949. While in Hong Kong, awaiting passage home, they received word that the mission field in India needed a doctor so the family, with two children by then, went on to India. "Ellen Edmister Cunningham has lived at San Joaquin Gardens in Fresno, California, for 27 years, in independent living until this past summer when she moved to assisted living. Although her eyesight is limited, making reading difficult, she ‘listens’ to three books a week from the Library of Congress talking book program," reported Brethren Historical Committee member Marlin Heckman.
Shively resigns from academy to lead Congregational Life Ministries.
Jonathan Shively has resigned as director of the Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership, a ministry training partnership of the Church of the Brethren General Board and Bethany Theological Seminary with offices in Richmond, Ind. The resignation is effective June 30.
On July 1, he will begin as executive director of Congregational Life Ministries for the General Board, working out of the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill. He and his family will be relocating to the Elgin area.
During Shively’s tenure, the Brethren Academy has strengthened its certificate level training programs, received a $2 million dollar grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. for the Sustaining Pastoral Excellence program, provided leadership for church planting seminars, and engaged constituents in cross-cultural ministry training conversations. Shively has provided leadership for an emerging commitment to a missional church perspective at the seminary, and has taught graduate and academy courses on leadership and church growth. He also has directed a joint choir of Bethany Seminary and Earlham School of Religion, that sings at a shared chapel service.
As executive director of Congregational Life Ministries, Shively will provide leadership for the staff of the General Board’s Congregational Life Team and the Youth and Young Adult Ministry and Workcamp Ministry, as well as leadership for workshops, seminars, and academic classes.
In past positions in the church, he served on the Pacific Southwest District Board as chair 1997-2000, and pastored Pomona (Calif.) Fellowship Church of the Brethren from 1993-2000, when he was called as director of the academy. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Elizabethtown (Pa.) College, a master of divinity degree from Bethany, and a doctor of ministry degree from Fuller Theological Seminary.
Source: 1/30/2008 Newsline
Jonathan Shively has resigned as director of the Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership, a ministry training partnership of the Church of the Brethren General Board and Bethany Theological Seminary with offices in Richmond, Ind. The resignation is effective June 30.
On July 1, he will begin as executive director of Congregational Life Ministries for the General Board, working out of the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill. He and his family will be relocating to the Elgin area.
During Shively’s tenure, the Brethren Academy has strengthened its certificate level training programs, received a $2 million dollar grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. for the Sustaining Pastoral Excellence program, provided leadership for church planting seminars, and engaged constituents in cross-cultural ministry training conversations. Shively has provided leadership for an emerging commitment to a missional church perspective at the seminary, and has taught graduate and academy courses on leadership and church growth. He also has directed a joint choir of Bethany Seminary and Earlham School of Religion, that sings at a shared chapel service.
As executive director of Congregational Life Ministries, Shively will provide leadership for the staff of the General Board’s Congregational Life Team and the Youth and Young Adult Ministry and Workcamp Ministry, as well as leadership for workshops, seminars, and academic classes.
In past positions in the church, he served on the Pacific Southwest District Board as chair 1997-2000, and pastored Pomona (Calif.) Fellowship Church of the Brethren from 1993-2000, when he was called as director of the academy. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Elizabethtown (Pa.) College, a master of divinity degree from Bethany, and a doctor of ministry degree from Fuller Theological Seminary.
Source: 1/30/2008 Newsline
Hardenbrooks to serve in Nigeria before going to Sudan.
Jim and Pam Hardenbrook, members of the lead team for the Church of the Brethren’s Sudan mission initiative, will spend a semester teaching at Kulp Bible College in Nigeria before going to southern Sudan later this year. They will go in February, pending their receiving visas for entry into Nigeria.
Kulp Bible College is a ministry of Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria (EYN--the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria). "We are delighted that the Hardenbrooks can offer their gifts in this interim teaching role while the Sudan team continues to form," said Mervin Keeney, executive director of Global Mission Partnerships for the Church of the Brethren General Board. "This interim placement will be productive for both mission efforts. The understandings they will gain working with the Nigerian church will be tremendously valuable when they move into Sudan."
Keeney also clarified that Nigeria mission funds will support the Hardenbrooks while they are in Nigeria, not money they have been raising for the Sudan work.
A search continues for personnel to complete the Sudan team, which became incomplete when Matt and Kristy Messick withdrew. "The team model has been central for achieving the dual outcomes of church planting and community development that is the vision for the Sudan initiative," said director Brad Bohrer.
Source: 1/30/2008 Newsline
Jim and Pam Hardenbrook, members of the lead team for the Church of the Brethren’s Sudan mission initiative, will spend a semester teaching at Kulp Bible College in Nigeria before going to southern Sudan later this year. They will go in February, pending their receiving visas for entry into Nigeria.
Kulp Bible College is a ministry of Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria (EYN--the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria). "We are delighted that the Hardenbrooks can offer their gifts in this interim teaching role while the Sudan team continues to form," said Mervin Keeney, executive director of Global Mission Partnerships for the Church of the Brethren General Board. "This interim placement will be productive for both mission efforts. The understandings they will gain working with the Nigerian church will be tremendously valuable when they move into Sudan."
Keeney also clarified that Nigeria mission funds will support the Hardenbrooks while they are in Nigeria, not money they have been raising for the Sudan work.
A search continues for personnel to complete the Sudan team, which became incomplete when Matt and Kristy Messick withdrew. "The team model has been central for achieving the dual outcomes of church planting and community development that is the vision for the Sudan initiative," said director Brad Bohrer.
Source: 1/30/2008 Newsline
Rhoades to join On Earth Peace as peace education coordinator.
Marie Rhoades will join the staff of On Earth Peace as peace education coordinator, as of February. The peace education program is dedicated to developing leadership for peace in each new generation.
Rhoades has previous ministry experience with youth in congregational, district, and camp settings. At On Earth Peace, she will continue peace education by providing educational materials, interactive workshops, peace retreats, and other opportunities for youth and adults to grow in peacemaking leadership. The peace education program teaches youth to embrace creative Christian peacemaking, and reminds adults to follow Jesus’ way of thoughtful, creative, and prayerful nonviolence.
Rhoades has studied philosophy and religion at McPherson (Kan.) College and holds a master of divinity degree from Lancaster Theological Seminary. She is a member of Lancaster (Pa.) Church of the Brethren and has recently joined the Place Apart community, a Brethren related intentional community in Putney, Vt. She plans to carry out her ministry with On Earth Peace from Vermont. Congregations seeking new ways to teach peace are encouraged to contact her at marie.oepa@gmail.com or 717-917-9392.
Source: 1/30/2008 Newsline
Marie Rhoades will join the staff of On Earth Peace as peace education coordinator, as of February. The peace education program is dedicated to developing leadership for peace in each new generation.
Rhoades has previous ministry experience with youth in congregational, district, and camp settings. At On Earth Peace, she will continue peace education by providing educational materials, interactive workshops, peace retreats, and other opportunities for youth and adults to grow in peacemaking leadership. The peace education program teaches youth to embrace creative Christian peacemaking, and reminds adults to follow Jesus’ way of thoughtful, creative, and prayerful nonviolence.
Rhoades has studied philosophy and religion at McPherson (Kan.) College and holds a master of divinity degree from Lancaster Theological Seminary. She is a member of Lancaster (Pa.) Church of the Brethren and has recently joined the Place Apart community, a Brethren related intentional community in Putney, Vt. She plans to carry out her ministry with On Earth Peace from Vermont. Congregations seeking new ways to teach peace are encouraged to contact her at marie.oepa@gmail.com or 717-917-9392.
Source: 1/30/2008 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. Brad Bohrer, Don Fitzkee, Marlin Heckman, Bekah Houff, Merv Keeney, Gimbiya Kettering, Jeri S. Kornegay, Karin Krog, Janis Pyle, Paul Roth, Steve Spire, and John Wall 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. Brad Bohrer, Don Fitzkee, Marlin Heckman, Bekah Houff, Merv Keeney, Gimbiya Kettering, Jeri S. Kornegay, Karin Krog, Janis Pyle, Paul Roth, Steve Spire, and John Wall contributed to this report.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
NEWS
- ABC conducts survey in response to query on Child Abuse Prevention.
- Church of the Brethren is received into Christian Churches Together.
- ‘Regnuh’ poster project invites children’s ideas on turning hunger around.
- Michigan’s ‘Church in Drive’ celebrates a first anniversary.
- Brethren bits: Personnel, ‘USA Today’ on disaster work, Kenya grant, more.
ABC conducts survey in response to query on Child Abuse Prevention.
The Association of Brethren Caregivers is conducting a survey of Church of the Brethren congregations, districts, camps, programs, and agencies to gather information in response to the query on Child Abuse Prevention that came to the 2007 Annual Conference.
The effort will survey how the recommendations made in previous church statements and documents--"Conditions of Childhood in the United States" (1986), the "Child Abuse Prevention Handbook" (1991), and the "Ethical Guidelines for Congregations" (1996)--are being utilized and implemented. The survey will be conducted between Jan. 15-Feb. 15, 2008.
Church board chairs, district executives, and directors of camps, agencies, and programs have been contacted, asking them to complete the short survey online at www.brethren-caregivers.org. The website also features sample policies, FAQs, and links to child abuse prevention resources to assist organizations in responding to child protection issues.
Those without Internet access should contact the Association of Brethren Caregivers at 800-323-8039 to receive a paper copy of the survey by mail.
The Association of Brethren Caregivers will report the findings of the survey to the 2008 Annual Conference in Richmond, Va. Questions about the survey or other 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.
Source: 1/16/2008 Newsline
The Association of Brethren Caregivers is conducting a survey of Church of the Brethren congregations, districts, camps, programs, and agencies to gather information in response to the query on Child Abuse Prevention that came to the 2007 Annual Conference.The effort will survey how the recommendations made in previous church statements and documents--"Conditions of Childhood in the United States" (1986), the "Child Abuse Prevention Handbook" (1991), and the "Ethical Guidelines for Congregations" (1996)--are being utilized and implemented. The survey will be conducted between Jan. 15-Feb. 15, 2008.
Church board chairs, district executives, and directors of camps, agencies, and programs have been contacted, asking them to complete the short survey online at www.brethren-caregivers.org. The website also features sample policies, FAQs, and links to child abuse prevention resources to assist organizations in responding to child protection issues.
Those without Internet access should contact the Association of Brethren Caregivers at 800-323-8039 to receive a paper copy of the survey by mail.
The Association of Brethren Caregivers will report the findings of the survey to the 2008 Annual Conference in Richmond, Va. Questions about the survey or other 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.
Source: 1/16/2008 Newsline
Church of the Brethren is received into Christian Churches Together.
On Jan. 11, the new ecumenical organization Christian Churches Together completed its second annual meeting in Baltimore at the Maritime Institute. Representatives of 37 participating churches and six organizations attended. CCT’s main objectives are evangelism and domestic poverty, and the organization seeks to bring Christians from across the theological and denominational spectrum together for fellowship and common witness.
The Church of the Brethren was one of seven new churches and organizations received into CCT during the opening worship service on Jan. 8. The other new participants are the American Bible Society, Elim Fellowship, Habitat For Humanity, the Mennonite Church USA, the Polish National Catholic Church, and the Vineyard USA.
"It was a very simple but meaningful ceremony. They called us forward, identified us, and gave thanks to God for us in prayer," said James Beckwith, moderator of the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference.He was one of two delegates representing the Brethren, along with Michael Hostetter, chair of the Committee on Interchurch Relations. Annual Conference moderator-elect David Shumate attended as an observer.
"I think our part in the CCT is intended to complement our work with other ecumenical groups, not to compete with other national associations," Hostetter said. "It is intended as a much more broadly based national Christian organization and to bring a variety of Christian expression at the table."
On Jan. 9, the group visited the headquarters of Bread for the World, a CCT participant organization, where they were joined by 18 seminarians including Nathan Myers, a Church of the Brethren student at Eastern Mennonite Seminary. The group also toured the service sites of S.O.M.E. (So Others May Eat) in Washington, D.C., and Sojourners, another CCT participant organization. They heard reflections from representatives of churches on the topic, "What we have learned in our struggle to eliminate poverty."
Throughout the meeting, participants met in small discernment groups to pray and think together about what God may be calling CCT to do--as individuals, as churches and as CCT together--in regard to poverty and in addition to the organization’s Statement on Poverty.
"The heart of the meeting was in the discernment groups," said Beckwith. The groups of five people were intended to include one person from each of the five faith families in CCT (Catholic, Historic Protestant, Evangelical/Pentecostal, Orthodox, and Racial Ethnic). "We talked about evangelism and poverty in tandem, just as Jesus did when he declared that he had come to preach good news to the poor in Luke," Beckwith said. "We represented a broad political and religious spectrum and tried to discern what we can say together about the issues of poverty and evangelism."
The group approved next steps including dedicating the largest part of the 2009 annual meeting to a continued exploration of the convergences and divergences of the participant churches and organizations regarding poverty. The group also decided to press the new US president-elect to make the elimination of domestic poverty a part of his or her administration’s goals.
In other actions, Wesley Granberg Michaelson, general secretary of the Reformed Church in America, was thanked for his service as moderator; Leonid Kishkovsky, director of External Affairs and Interchurch Relations of the Orthodox Church in America, was commissioned as the new moderator; and Richard L. Hamm was installed as the new executive administrator.
New members of the Steering Committee also were affirmed. One new member on the Steering Committee is Wendy McFadden, executive director and publisher of Brethren Press, who was selected because the Historic Protestant group wanted to include a peace church representative, Beckwith reported.
The date for the next annual meeting was set for Jan. 13-16, 2009.
--Brethren Press intern Jamie Denlinger contributed to this story. Denlinger is a senior English major at Ohio University, and has been an outreach intern at Prince of Peace Church of the Brethren in Kettering, Ohio.
Source: 1/16/2008 Newsline
On Jan. 11, the new ecumenical organization Christian Churches Together completed its second annual meeting in Baltimore at the Maritime Institute. Representatives of 37 participating churches and six organizations attended. CCT’s main objectives are evangelism and domestic poverty, and the organization seeks to bring Christians from across the theological and denominational spectrum together for fellowship and common witness.
The Church of the Brethren was one of seven new churches and organizations received into CCT during the opening worship service on Jan. 8. The other new participants are the American Bible Society, Elim Fellowship, Habitat For Humanity, the Mennonite Church USA, the Polish National Catholic Church, and the Vineyard USA.
"It was a very simple but meaningful ceremony. They called us forward, identified us, and gave thanks to God for us in prayer," said James Beckwith, moderator of the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference.He was one of two delegates representing the Brethren, along with Michael Hostetter, chair of the Committee on Interchurch Relations. Annual Conference moderator-elect David Shumate attended as an observer.
"I think our part in the CCT is intended to complement our work with other ecumenical groups, not to compete with other national associations," Hostetter said. "It is intended as a much more broadly based national Christian organization and to bring a variety of Christian expression at the table."
On Jan. 9, the group visited the headquarters of Bread for the World, a CCT participant organization, where they were joined by 18 seminarians including Nathan Myers, a Church of the Brethren student at Eastern Mennonite Seminary. The group also toured the service sites of S.O.M.E. (So Others May Eat) in Washington, D.C., and Sojourners, another CCT participant organization. They heard reflections from representatives of churches on the topic, "What we have learned in our struggle to eliminate poverty."
Throughout the meeting, participants met in small discernment groups to pray and think together about what God may be calling CCT to do--as individuals, as churches and as CCT together--in regard to poverty and in addition to the organization’s Statement on Poverty.
"The heart of the meeting was in the discernment groups," said Beckwith. The groups of five people were intended to include one person from each of the five faith families in CCT (Catholic, Historic Protestant, Evangelical/Pentecostal, Orthodox, and Racial Ethnic). "We talked about evangelism and poverty in tandem, just as Jesus did when he declared that he had come to preach good news to the poor in Luke," Beckwith said. "We represented a broad political and religious spectrum and tried to discern what we can say together about the issues of poverty and evangelism."
The group approved next steps including dedicating the largest part of the 2009 annual meeting to a continued exploration of the convergences and divergences of the participant churches and organizations regarding poverty. The group also decided to press the new US president-elect to make the elimination of domestic poverty a part of his or her administration’s goals.
In other actions, Wesley Granberg Michaelson, general secretary of the Reformed Church in America, was thanked for his service as moderator; Leonid Kishkovsky, director of External Affairs and Interchurch Relations of the Orthodox Church in America, was commissioned as the new moderator; and Richard L. Hamm was installed as the new executive administrator.
New members of the Steering Committee also were affirmed. One new member on the Steering Committee is Wendy McFadden, executive director and publisher of Brethren Press, who was selected because the Historic Protestant group wanted to include a peace church representative, Beckwith reported.
The date for the next annual meeting was set for Jan. 13-16, 2009.
--Brethren Press intern Jamie Denlinger contributed to this story. Denlinger is a senior English major at Ohio University, and has been an outreach intern at Prince of Peace Church of the Brethren in Kettering, Ohio.
Source: 1/16/2008 Newsline
‘Regnuh’ poster project invites children’s ideas on turning hunger around.
On the heels of senior high and senior adult campaigns last year on "Regnuh: Turning Hunger Around," the opportunity comes for younger folk to put forth their ideas on reducing global hunger. Kid’s Regnuh Poster Project invites children ages 6-14 to illustrate ways humankind can better respond to the world’s one billion people who lack adequate food.
The Regnuh Poster Project is sponsored by the Global Food Crisis Fund as part of its 25th anniversary celebration. While Regnuh (hunger spelled backward) is the overaching theme, the posters may also illustrate biblical sayings, Brethren teachings, or health and environment concerns related to hunger.
The drawings are to be on 8 1/2 x 11-inch paper with the name and age of the child, congregation, and district legibly noted on the reverse side. Entries are to be postmarked by April 30 and sent to the Global Food Crisis Fund, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120.
Tentative plans are to display the drawings at Annual Conference or to post them on the Global Food Crisis Fund website.
--Howard Royer is manager of the Global Food Crisis Fund for the Church of the Brethren General Board.
Source: 1/16/2008 Newsline
On the heels of senior high and senior adult campaigns last year on "Regnuh: Turning Hunger Around," the opportunity comes for younger folk to put forth their ideas on reducing global hunger. Kid’s Regnuh Poster Project invites children ages 6-14 to illustrate ways humankind can better respond to the world’s one billion people who lack adequate food.
The Regnuh Poster Project is sponsored by the Global Food Crisis Fund as part of its 25th anniversary celebration. While Regnuh (hunger spelled backward) is the overaching theme, the posters may also illustrate biblical sayings, Brethren teachings, or health and environment concerns related to hunger.
The drawings are to be on 8 1/2 x 11-inch paper with the name and age of the child, congregation, and district legibly noted on the reverse side. Entries are to be postmarked by April 30 and sent to the Global Food Crisis Fund, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120.
Tentative plans are to display the drawings at Annual Conference or to post them on the Global Food Crisis Fund website.
--Howard Royer is manager of the Global Food Crisis Fund for the Church of the Brethren General Board.
Source: 1/16/2008 Newsline
Michigan’s ‘Church in Drive’ celebrates a first anniversary.
The Church in Drive, a church plant of New Life Christian Fellowship in Mount Pleasant, Mich., is celebrating the one-year anniversary of its first official prayer meeting. This prayer meeting, held in Jan. 2007, involved pastor Nate Polzin along with Jeannie Kaufmen, Vanessa Palmer, and Jessica Herron, who drove throughout Saginaw, Mich., praying for those in need.
Polzin began his career in campus ministry at the Church of the Brethren’s New Life Christian Fellowship. There he directed the program "Standing in the Gap," geared to bringing college students closer to Christ. The program began at Central Michigan University in Mount Pleasant, and incorporates a weekly Bible study, service projects, game nights, concerts, dances, and football tailgating. "The college campus is one of the greatest missionary fields and we have seen a lot of students come to Christ," said Polzin.
After being called to ministry while working at New Life, Polzin believed it was time to reach out to a new community. "I felt God really started to talk to me about starting a new church" he said. This call was supported by New Life Christian Fellowship as well as the Michigan District Board. "The Michigan District people are very excited for the Church in Drive and all that Nate Polzin is doing," said district executive minister Marie Willoughby.
Saginaw became the location for the new ministry. "As far as ‘choosing’ Saginaw, it was much more a spiritual draw that was confirmed by New Life than it was a calculated decision to come here because of the economic depression," Polzin said. "The economic and social woes of Saginaw are real enough, but I came here because God really made it clear I was to come." The location’s close proximity to Saginaw Valley State University, where Polzin began a second chapter of Standing in the Gap, was also a factor in the decision.
Economic hardships facing the community are caused partly by the struggling auto industry in the area. "The auto industry is going down the tank and the community is suffering from an economic depression," said Polzin. The auto industry’s influence in the community was one of the leading factors for selecting the name "The Church in Drive" for the new plant. The name is both a symbol of hopeful progress for the community, and a reference to Jeremiah 29:7. According to the Church in Drive mission statement, the Jeremiah passage relates how "God tells His people to seek the shalom of the city they are living in, for as the city prospers, they too will prosper."
Polzin hopes to bring a sense of community and safety to the citizens of Saginaw through creating a location that is not only a place of worship, but a place for events and a way to offer a circle of support. The Church in Drive is currently being housed in a remodeled jewelry store. Polzin hopes the recent addition of cable television and Internet access will allow for a more comfortable setting as well as a wider variety of activities throughout the week. Currently, Steve Heska, Marcy Abner, and Ian Niecko are assisting Polzin in the ministry.
The Church in Drive is based heavily on prayer. "Prayer Partners," an initiative through the church’s website, is searching for dedicated volunteers to pray daily for the Church in Drive’s success. Polzin continues the theme of prayer in the Saginaw community by asking businesses for their individual prayer requests.
As for Standing in the Gap, it has expanded also, with a second chapter at Saginaw Valley State University drawing a regular attendance of 10-15 students for Bible study and prayer meetings. Polzin hopes for a bright future for the continuing campus ministry, and plans to assist in the formation of nine other chapters at surrounding campuses including schools such as Michigan State University.
--Brethren Press intern Jamie Denlinger is a senior English major at Ohio University, and has been an outreach intern at Prince of Peace Church of the Brethren in Kettering, Ohio.
Source: 1/16/2008 Newsline
The Church in Drive, a church plant of New Life Christian Fellowship in Mount Pleasant, Mich., is celebrating the one-year anniversary of its first official prayer meeting. This prayer meeting, held in Jan. 2007, involved pastor Nate Polzin along with Jeannie Kaufmen, Vanessa Palmer, and Jessica Herron, who drove throughout Saginaw, Mich., praying for those in need.
Polzin began his career in campus ministry at the Church of the Brethren’s New Life Christian Fellowship. There he directed the program "Standing in the Gap," geared to bringing college students closer to Christ. The program began at Central Michigan University in Mount Pleasant, and incorporates a weekly Bible study, service projects, game nights, concerts, dances, and football tailgating. "The college campus is one of the greatest missionary fields and we have seen a lot of students come to Christ," said Polzin.
After being called to ministry while working at New Life, Polzin believed it was time to reach out to a new community. "I felt God really started to talk to me about starting a new church" he said. This call was supported by New Life Christian Fellowship as well as the Michigan District Board. "The Michigan District people are very excited for the Church in Drive and all that Nate Polzin is doing," said district executive minister Marie Willoughby.
Saginaw became the location for the new ministry. "As far as ‘choosing’ Saginaw, it was much more a spiritual draw that was confirmed by New Life than it was a calculated decision to come here because of the economic depression," Polzin said. "The economic and social woes of Saginaw are real enough, but I came here because God really made it clear I was to come." The location’s close proximity to Saginaw Valley State University, where Polzin began a second chapter of Standing in the Gap, was also a factor in the decision.
Economic hardships facing the community are caused partly by the struggling auto industry in the area. "The auto industry is going down the tank and the community is suffering from an economic depression," said Polzin. The auto industry’s influence in the community was one of the leading factors for selecting the name "The Church in Drive" for the new plant. The name is both a symbol of hopeful progress for the community, and a reference to Jeremiah 29:7. According to the Church in Drive mission statement, the Jeremiah passage relates how "God tells His people to seek the shalom of the city they are living in, for as the city prospers, they too will prosper."
Polzin hopes to bring a sense of community and safety to the citizens of Saginaw through creating a location that is not only a place of worship, but a place for events and a way to offer a circle of support. The Church in Drive is currently being housed in a remodeled jewelry store. Polzin hopes the recent addition of cable television and Internet access will allow for a more comfortable setting as well as a wider variety of activities throughout the week. Currently, Steve Heska, Marcy Abner, and Ian Niecko are assisting Polzin in the ministry.
The Church in Drive is based heavily on prayer. "Prayer Partners," an initiative through the church’s website, is searching for dedicated volunteers to pray daily for the Church in Drive’s success. Polzin continues the theme of prayer in the Saginaw community by asking businesses for their individual prayer requests.
As for Standing in the Gap, it has expanded also, with a second chapter at Saginaw Valley State University drawing a regular attendance of 10-15 students for Bible study and prayer meetings. Polzin hopes for a bright future for the continuing campus ministry, and plans to assist in the formation of nine other chapters at surrounding campuses including schools such as Michigan State University.
--Brethren Press intern Jamie Denlinger is a senior English major at Ohio University, and has been an outreach intern at Prince of Peace Church of the Brethren in Kettering, Ohio.
Source: 1/16/2008 Newsline
Brethren bits: Personnel, ‘USA Today’ on disaster work, Kenya grant, more.
- Stan Noffsinger, general secretary of the Church of the Brethren General Board, will be on sabbatical from Jan. 2-March 3. The sabbatical was approved and announced by the General Board’s Executive Committee at the board’s Fall meeting in Oct. 2007. Noffsinger’s sabbatical time will be spent reading, studying German, and spending several weeks in the high Sonoran Desert of Arizona considering wellness and wisdom through the desert prophets. Executive director of the Ministry Office, Mary Jo Flory-Steury, will be acting general secretary. She will work with Tim Harvey, General Board chair, and Jon Kobel of the general secretary’s office, to prepare for the Spring meeting of the General Board in March. To contact Flory-Steury call Jon Kobel at the general secretary’s office at 800-323-8039 ext. 201, or Margie Paris at the Ministry Office at 800-323-8039 ext. 207.
- Tim Stauffer has accepted the position of computer technical support specialist in the Information Services department of the Church of the Brethren General Board, effective Jan. 7. Stauffer will work at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill., where he has been a Brethren Volunteer Service worker since Aug. 2006. He is from Polo, Ill.
- Nancy Buffenmyer, of Lombard, Ill., began work as the Gather 'Round editorial and marketing assistant on Jan. 14. Gather 'Round is a Sunday school curriculum published jointly by Brethren Press and the Mennonite Publishing Network. Buffenmyer has extensive experience in the publication production process, having worked for Tyndale House Publishers for more than a dozen years and more recently for Douglas Shaw and Associates in West Chicago. She currently serves on the worship committee of York Center Church of the Brethren. She will work fulltime at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill.
- John and Mary Mueller, directors of a Katrina rebuilding project for Brethren Disaster Ministries, are part of the largest volunteer response in US history, according to an article published yesterday in "USA Today." The Muellers and their story provide the lead for a Jan. 15 article, "Katrina Volunteers Come to Stay," focused on those who are rebuilding the New Orleans area as fulltime volunteers. To find the article online, go to www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2008-01-14-katrina-volunteers-main_N.htm.
- The Emergency Disaster Fund has sent a grant of $2,300 to aid those displaced by political unrest and violence in Kenya. The grant supports a Church World Service appeal for displaced people affected by post-election rioting and violence, and supports the Kenya Evangelical Lutheran Church in providing emergency food to 15,000 displaced Kenyans.
- The 2008 Lent devotional from Brethren Press, "He Set His Face: Devotions for Ash Wednesday Through Easter," is written by James L. Benedict, pastor of Union Bridge (Md.) Church of the Brethren. The booklet of daily devotions offers a scripture, meditation, and prayer for each day of Lent through Easter Sunday. "The purpose of this devotional guide is to encourage reflection and prayer, two of the four pillars of Lenten observance," Benedict writes in the introduction. "Through reflection and prayer, we will be encouraged to renew our understanding of discipleship and deepen our commitment to being followers of Jesus." Order from Brethren Press for $2.25 each plus shipping and handling; call 800-441-3712 or go to www.brethrenpress.com.
- Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS) announces the start of its 2008 Winter Orientation Unit, to be held Jan. 27-Feb. 15 at Camp Ithiel in Gotha, Fla. This will be the 278th unit for BVS with eight volunteers from the US and Germany, including several Church of the Brethren members. A highlight of the three-week orientation will be a weekend immersion experience in Miami, as well as volunteer work experiences in the Orlando area. The group will have the opportunity to work at food banks, nature preserves, nonprofit organizations, and Habitat for Humanity, and will work at Camp Ithiel for a day. A BVS potluck is open to all those who are interested on Feb. 4, at 5:30 p.m., at Camp Ithiel. "Please feel free to come and welcome the new BVS volunteers and to share your own experiences," said an invitation from Beth Merrill of the BVS staff. "As always your thoughts and prayers are welcome and needed. Please remember this new unit and the people they will touch during their year of service through BVS," Merrill said. For more information contact the BVS office at 800-323-8039 ext. 423.
- On Earth Peace has announced the theme for its work in 2008, "Steadfast love and faithfulness will meet; righteousness and peace will kiss each other" (Psalm 85:10). Each year, On Earth Peace selects a theme to inform its work, inspire its community, and ground its peacemaking efforts in scripture, according to an announcement in "The Peacebuilder" newsletter.
- On Earth Peace is offering follow-up support for those who took part in events on the International Day of Prayer for Peace last September. Congregations that planned events are receiving phone calls to support and encourage next steps for building peace in local communities. To receive a support phone call contact the Peace Witness program at 503-775-1636. In addition, on Jan. 30 at 4 p.m. Pacific time (7 p.m. Eastern) a networking conference call is offered for organizers to share what has been happening since then, and to offer and receive inspiration and support for next steps. To register for the networking call, contact Darlene Johnson at 410-635-8706 or djohnson_oepa@brethren.org.
- Emmanuel Church of the Brethren in Mount Solon, Va., has moved to a new building. The old building that dates from 1896 is scheduled to be torn down, according to a report in the "Daily News Record" of Harrisonburg, Va. The new $1.5 million building was dedicated with worship on Dec. 30. Pastor Eugene Shaver said the church hopes the new building will become a resource for the community, and plans to open a day care center in the fall.
- Stonewall Church of the Brethren in Floyd, Va., plans to honor former pastor Elbert Lee Naff Sr. for 33 years of service on Sunday, Jan. 20. Naff retired on Dec. 31.
- Lititz (Pa.) Church of the Brethren held its ninth annual "First Day Feast" on New Year's Day, with 1,365 people in attendance according to the "Lititz Record Express." The feast included pork, potatoes, and sauerkraut. "For anyone wondering why the streets of Lititz were so barren on New Year's Day, it's because everyone in town, or so it seemed, was at Lititz Church of the Brethren for dinner," the article said, going on to report that the event took place with the help of 135 volunteers working over two days, and that the church served 800 pounds of pork, 540 pounds of potatoes, and 85 gallons of sauerkraut. The annual dinner raises thousands of dollars for a Youth Foundation Fund.
- The annual midwestern Regional Youth Conference usually hosted by Manchester College will not take place this year, according to an announcement posted on the website of Illinois and Wisconsin District. Dave McFadden, Manchester’s executive vice president, said in the announcement that declining attendance has led organizers to ask how youth and congregations in Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, and Michigan may be better served. During a meeting with youth pastors from Northern and South/Central Indiana Districts, McFadden and campus pastor Steve Crain learned that the traditional late April date conflicts with end-of-year school activities for many youth. Also, the "mini-National Youth Conference" approach spreads leadership and participants too thinly, the announcement said. "We know there will be disappointments with our decision but we hope this disappointment is a good sign that there is ongoing interest in a six-district event," McFadden said. "As the interests and schedules of youth change, we want to adapt creatively to those changes."
- Upcoming "Grow with CBS (Center for Brethren Studies)" courses in Pacific Southwest District are planned on the theme "Serving in Your Strengths" on Jan. 31-Feb. 1 at Empire Church of the Brethren in Modesto, Calif., and on Feb. 7-8 at La Verne (Calif.) Church of the Brethren, with instructor Jeff Glass of the General Board's Congregational Life Teams. A course on "The Vital Community of Jesus" is offered on Feb. 21-24 at the La Verne Church with former Annual Conference moderator Paul Grout as instructor. The Center for Brethren Studies is sponsored by the district and directed by Doris H. Dunham. For more information go to www.pswdcob.org/cbs or contact the Center for Brethren Studies, P.O. Box 219, La Verne, CA 91750-0219; cbs@pswdcob.org.
- A state survey of 224 nursing homes by the Maryland Health Care Commission found that families have "an excellent opinion" of Fahrney-Keedy Home and Village. Fahrney-Keedy is a Church of the Brethren retirement community in Boonsboro, Md., and reported these findings in a recent release. "From September to November the commission surveyed family members and other primary responsible parties with regard to services and care available for residents in the nursing homes," the release said. For Fahrney-Keedy, 87 families received surveys, and on a 1-to-10 scale of overall satisfaction rated Fahrney-Keedy at 9.3. Statewide, the average rate was 8.1. "The results of this survey validate that the residents at Fahrney-Keedy receive quality care and that we have a dedicated group of staff that are committed to serving our residents well. We always strive to maintain this excellent level of care," said Bob Lytle, administrator.
- Pleasant Hill Village, a Church of the Brethren retirement community in Girard, Ill., held its annual Dinner and Auction on Oct. 20. Almost 200 people were in attendance, and proceeds netted $9,244, from an auction and other games. The gross revenue from the event is estimated at $15,300. "Thank you to all who assisted with this event and made donations. Several new donations were received from Brethren churches," said Pleasant Hill Village in a note in the Illinois and Wisconsin District newsletter.
- Pinecrest Community, a Church of the Brethren retirement community in Mount Morris, Ill., is holding an open house for new homes on Jan. 25-27. The new designs by Willett Hofman and Associates feature one and two bedroom homes with a one-car garage. For more information contact Chrystal Bostian at 815-734-2103.
- For its annual Martin Luther King Day observance, Manchester College is bringing activist and historian Reiland Rabaka to campus on Jan.17-18. Manchester is a Church of the Brethren-related college in North Manchester, Ind. Rabaka is associate professor of Africana studies at the University of Colorado, and an affiliate professor of women and gender studies, and is author of "W.E.B. Du Bois and the Problems of the Twenty-First Century." The public is invited to "A Drum Major for Justice: Martin Luther King Jr.'s Message and Its Special Meaning" at 7 p.m. on Jan. 18 in the College Union. A service of remembrance and celebration for Martin Luther King Jr. will follow, with the Union Baptist Church Mass Choir of Fort Wayne. While on campus, Rabaka also will lecture on "African-American Radical Politics and Social Movements" at 9 a.m. on Jan. 18, in the Lahman Room of the College Union; and at 7 p.m. on Jan. 17 will present "Hip-Hop vs. Hip-Pop" during a student poetry reading in Oakwood Hall. In February Manchester will commemorate the 40th anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr.’s visit to the college, when he delivered his final college address before his death. The commemoration will take place at 10 a.m. on Feb. 1, in Cordier Auditorium, with a 50-minute program including video clips, student readings from the speech, remembrances, and music.
- A spring gathering of the Brethren Peace Fellowship will be held April 12 in Union Bridge, Md., on the topic, "Neglected Voices: Peace in the Old Testatment." Leadership will be provided by David Leiter, pastor of Green Tree Church of the Brethren in Oaks, Pa., and author of a new book of the same title (available from Brethren Press, call 800-441-3712). The gathering also will include times of worship and singing, a potluck lunch, and the opportunity for walks around the Aukerman homestead. Participants are invited to bring food to share. The event will be held at Ruth Aukerman's home, or if the group grows too large at Union Bridge Church of the Brethren. Limited sleeping space is available for those who may need it. To attend, contact Aukerman at 410-775-2254 or aukartist@aol.com (note "BPF" in the e-mail title).
- The Church of the Brethren’s Global Women's Project has partnered with the New Community Project to help support a women's empowerment initiative of the Christian Commission in Honduras. The two groups have sent a $5,000 grant--$2,500 from the New Community Project and $2,500 from the Global Women's Project--for a series of community meetings and workshops designed to give women more voice in civic affairs and more equal standing in their communities.
- Peggy Gish, a Church of the Brethren member with Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT) in Iraq, has reported that Turkish bombings in the Kurdish area of northern Iraq have killed, injured, and displaced civilians. The CPT team met with people who experienced the bombings, some of whom lost family members or had family members injured in the attacks. Gish reported that on the night of Dec. 16, Turkish planes bombed 34 villages in central-eastern Iraqi Kurdistan, close to the Iranian border. "This attack also displaced 350-400 families, destroyed a school, and damaged several mosques. Turkish planes flew as far as 50 miles south of the Turkish border across Iraqi airspace to bomb these villages," she wrote. For the full report, go to www.cpt.org.
- A Jan. 11 article in the "Arizona Republic" newspaper reminded Super Bowl fans that Glendale, Ariz.--the site of this year’s big game--was founded in 1892 by the New England Land Company for the Church of the Brethren in Illinois. "The city of Glendale began as a religious and temperance community," the article said. "Farmers by trade, church members were attracted by cheap land, a miracle in the desert made possible by the arrival of water after the completion of the Arizona Canal in 1885." There are no longer any Church of the Brethren congregations in Glendale, but the city's tourism manager told the newspaper, "We still value our history.... We're very proud to share the old and the new Glendale with visitors." For the full article, go to www.azcentral.com/news/articles/0111glendale-main.html.
Celebration marks 60th anniversary of BVS work in Falfurrias, Texas.
The year 2008 marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of a Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS) project in Falfurrias, Texas. Falfurrias Church of the Brethren is holding a celebration of this anniversary on Saturday and Sunday March 8-9. The congregation is welcoming former BVS workers at Falfurrias, former church members, and friends of the community.
More than 140 BVS volunteers served in Falfurrias between 1948-68. The volunteers helped to build the Falfurrias Church and various farm buildings, and either built or improved the homes of many low-income families in the community, said the invitation from the church.
"Most importantly, BVS volunteers created an atmosphere of goodwill and service, and demonstrated God's love in daily practical acts," the invitation said. "The Falfurrias community was changed and improved by the Christian witness of the BVS volunteers. Many hundreds of Falfurrias residents were uplifted. Many persons have moved to other communities now, but continue to be active participants in community betterment and church activities wherever they live."
The celebration will include opportunities to meet former volunteers, church members, and old friends, as well as time to share stories and memories, look at pictures, and eat and fellowship. A written history of the work of BVS in Falfurrias will be available, along with pictures of volunteers and directors for the project, and updates of the results of some of the work BVS did in the community. Activities will start at noon on March 8.
"If you are unable to come, we invite you to send pictures and letters of greeting," said the church’s pastor, Stanley Bittinger. "Please let us hear from you." For more information contact Bittinger at 1614 Santa Cecilia, Kingsville, TX 78363; 361-592-5945; bittinger@cmaaccess.com.
Source: 1/16/2008 Newsline
The year 2008 marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of a Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS) project in Falfurrias, Texas. Falfurrias Church of the Brethren is holding a celebration of this anniversary on Saturday and Sunday March 8-9. The congregation is welcoming former BVS workers at Falfurrias, former church members, and friends of the community.
More than 140 BVS volunteers served in Falfurrias between 1948-68. The volunteers helped to build the Falfurrias Church and various farm buildings, and either built or improved the homes of many low-income families in the community, said the invitation from the church.
"Most importantly, BVS volunteers created an atmosphere of goodwill and service, and demonstrated God's love in daily practical acts," the invitation said. "The Falfurrias community was changed and improved by the Christian witness of the BVS volunteers. Many hundreds of Falfurrias residents were uplifted. Many persons have moved to other communities now, but continue to be active participants in community betterment and church activities wherever they live."
The celebration will include opportunities to meet former volunteers, church members, and old friends, as well as time to share stories and memories, look at pictures, and eat and fellowship. A written history of the work of BVS in Falfurrias will be available, along with pictures of volunteers and directors for the project, and updates of the results of some of the work BVS did in the community. Activities will start at noon on March 8.
"If you are unable to come, we invite you to send pictures and letters of greeting," said the church’s pastor, Stanley Bittinger. "Please let us hear from you." For more information contact Bittinger at 1614 Santa Cecilia, Kingsville, TX 78363; 361-592-5945; bittinger@cmaaccess.com.
Source: 1/16/2008 Newsline
Ministry of Reconciliation offers spring workshops.
The Ministry of Reconciliation (MOR) has announced its spring 2008 workshop schedule. MOR is a ministry of On Earth Peace.
The season begins with "Basic Conflict Mediation for Peacemakers: At Home, Work, or Play," in Columbus, Ohio, on Feb. 22-23. CME credit is available for this workshop for social workers and nurses living in the state of Ohio.
"Keeping a Cool Head in a Hot Meeting," a workshop on the facilitation of difficult meetings, takes place on April 3 at the New Windsor Conference Center on the campus of the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md.
"Exploring Consensus Decision-Making," an introduction to the consensus process, will be presented on April 12 at West Charleston Church of the Brethren in Tipp City, Ohio.
Rounding out the spring season, "Healthy Congregations," a workshop on congregational systems, will take place on May 3 at Camp Harmony in Hooversville, Pa.
MOR workshops taking place in April and May offer continuing education credits for Church of the Brethren ministers. For more information, go to www.brethren.org/oepa/mor/upcoming or contact Annie Clark at annie.clark@verizon.net or 260-982-8595.
Source: 1/16/2008 Newsline
The Ministry of Reconciliation (MOR) has announced its spring 2008 workshop schedule. MOR is a ministry of On Earth Peace.
The season begins with "Basic Conflict Mediation for Peacemakers: At Home, Work, or Play," in Columbus, Ohio, on Feb. 22-23. CME credit is available for this workshop for social workers and nurses living in the state of Ohio.
"Keeping a Cool Head in a Hot Meeting," a workshop on the facilitation of difficult meetings, takes place on April 3 at the New Windsor Conference Center on the campus of the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md.
"Exploring Consensus Decision-Making," an introduction to the consensus process, will be presented on April 12 at West Charleston Church of the Brethren in Tipp City, Ohio.
Rounding out the spring season, "Healthy Congregations," a workshop on congregational systems, will take place on May 3 at Camp Harmony in Hooversville, Pa.
MOR workshops taking place in April and May offer continuing education credits for Church of the Brethren ministers. For more information, go to www.brethren.org/oepa/mor/upcoming or contact Annie Clark at annie.clark@verizon.net or 260-982-8595.
Source: 1/16/2008 Newsline
Brethren Press kicks off 20th year of faithQuest with Hebrews study.
Brethren Press celebrated the 20th year of its faithQuest imprint by releasing "Hebrews: Beyond Christianity 101." The study guide becomes the 38th title in the Covenant Bible Studies Series, a series introduced in 1988 as a new relational Bible study especially designed for small groups.
The series began as the curriculum for a small group program called People of the Covenant. Although the program has since completed its run, the Bible study series was continued because of requests from ongoing groups. The study guides maintain their original purpose of challenging committed Christians to become biblically informed, socially aware, and relationally sensitive.
"Hebrews: Beyond Christianity 101" focuses on the book of Hebrews in the New Testament. Author and spiritual director Edward L. Poling offers hope for the spiritually stagnant and invites believers to move beyond the shallow shorelines of elementary faith and into the deeper waters of lasting spiritual maturity.
Edward L. Poling is pastor of Hagerstown (Md.) Church of the Brethren. He has facilitated spiritual direction since 1994, receiving his training through the Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation in Bethesda, Md. Poling has been a contributor on past Brethren Press projects. This is his first book.
Order "Hebrews: Beyond Christianity 101" for $6.95 plus shipping and handling; call 800-441-3712.
--Jeff Lennard is director of marketing for Brethren Press.
Source: 1/16/2008 Newsline
Brethren Press celebrated the 20th year of its faithQuest imprint by releasing "Hebrews: Beyond Christianity 101." The study guide becomes the 38th title in the Covenant Bible Studies Series, a series introduced in 1988 as a new relational Bible study especially designed for small groups.
The series began as the curriculum for a small group program called People of the Covenant. Although the program has since completed its run, the Bible study series was continued because of requests from ongoing groups. The study guides maintain their original purpose of challenging committed Christians to become biblically informed, socially aware, and relationally sensitive.
"Hebrews: Beyond Christianity 101" focuses on the book of Hebrews in the New Testament. Author and spiritual director Edward L. Poling offers hope for the spiritually stagnant and invites believers to move beyond the shallow shorelines of elementary faith and into the deeper waters of lasting spiritual maturity.
Edward L. Poling is pastor of Hagerstown (Md.) Church of the Brethren. He has facilitated spiritual direction since 1994, receiving his training through the Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation in Bethesda, Md. Poling has been a contributor on past Brethren Press projects. This is his first book.
Order "Hebrews: Beyond Christianity 101" for $6.95 plus shipping and handling; call 800-441-3712.
--Jeff Lennard is director of marketing for Brethren Press.
Source: 1/16/2008 Newsline
300th Anniversary update: Pentecost offering will support churches, districts, denomination.
A special Pentecost offering scheduled for the Sundays of May 11 or 18 on the theme, "New Heart...New Spirit" (Ezekiel 36:26) is being planned as a 300th Anniversary offering for the Church of the Brethren. The special Pentecost offering will support congregations, districts, and the denomination, and is sponsored by the Church of the Brethren General Board.
"Just as the wind and fire of Pentecost drew together and strengthened Jesus’ followers, through God’s spirit we can speak and work as one voice," said an invitation from Ken Neher, director of donor development, and Carol Bowman, coordinator of stewardship education. "We hope and pray that this will be about new life and one spirit-filled voice within the Church of the Brethren."
The Pentecost offering will differ from previous offering emphases in the way it will be allocated to support ministry at all levels of the church. "When the offering is received, your congregation will keep one third for local ministries and within two weeks forward the rest to the General Board," the invitation said. "The General Board will then gather together all the offerings that are sent by your district churches and return one half of that total to the district office for district ministries. The final third of the offerings will then, after expenses, be shared in various amounts with several other denominational ministries."
Congregations across the country are being encouraged to participate, and to consider multiples of three or 300 to "symbolize the three life-changing centuries of continuing the work of Jesus together."
Worship resources, offering envelopes, and additional materials will be available. Contact Neher at 509-665-0441 or kneher_gb@brethren.org; or Bowman at 509-663-2833 or cbowman_gb@brethren.org.
Source: 1/16/2008 Newsline Extra
A special Pentecost offering scheduled for the Sundays of May 11 or 18 on the theme, "New Heart...New Spirit" (Ezekiel 36:26) is being planned as a 300th Anniversary offering for the Church of the Brethren. The special Pentecost offering will support congregations, districts, and the denomination, and is sponsored by the Church of the Brethren General Board.
"Just as the wind and fire of Pentecost drew together and strengthened Jesus’ followers, through God’s spirit we can speak and work as one voice," said an invitation from Ken Neher, director of donor development, and Carol Bowman, coordinator of stewardship education. "We hope and pray that this will be about new life and one spirit-filled voice within the Church of the Brethren."
The Pentecost offering will differ from previous offering emphases in the way it will be allocated to support ministry at all levels of the church. "When the offering is received, your congregation will keep one third for local ministries and within two weeks forward the rest to the General Board," the invitation said. "The General Board will then gather together all the offerings that are sent by your district churches and return one half of that total to the district office for district ministries. The final third of the offerings will then, after expenses, be shared in various amounts with several other denominational ministries."
Congregations across the country are being encouraged to participate, and to consider multiples of three or 300 to "symbolize the three life-changing centuries of continuing the work of Jesus together."
Worship resources, offering envelopes, and additional materials will be available. Contact Neher at 509-665-0441 or kneher_gb@brethren.org; or Bowman at 509-663-2833 or cbowman_gb@brethren.org.
Source: 1/16/2008 Newsline Extra
300th Anniversary bits and pieces.
- A press release template has been posted at www.brethren.org/genbd/newsline/300th.html to help congregations and districts publicize local or regional 300th Anniversary events. For more about the use of the template or for help with press releases, contact the General Board’s director of News Services, Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, at 800-323-8039 ext. 260 or cobnews@brethren.org. In the future, the website also will be offering a list of links to media reports about local or regional 300th Anniversary events. Please send any links or copies of articles to cobnews@brethren.org or News Services, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120.
- The 300th Anniversary Committee has issued a challenge to each congregation to multiply its attendance at the 2008 Annual Conference in Richmond, Va., in July. Congregations are challenged to multiply by three the representation they sent to the 2007 Annual Conference. If a congregation had no members attending last year, they are encouraged to send at least three this year. "If there were four persons from your congregation at Conference last year, for instance, then this year the goal would be to have 12," the committee said. "This would be an overall increase of 300 percent at our 300th Anniversary!" Congregations that succeed in this challenge will receive special recognition at the 2008 Annual Conference.
- Southern Ohio District is planning three worship services centered around the 300th Anniversary theme. The first was planned for Jan. 13 at West Alexandria (Ohio) Church of the Brethren with Bethany Theological Seminary president Ruthann Knechel Johansen speaking on the theme, "Surrendered to God." The second service is planned for March 2 at the recently purchased meetinghouse of Cincinnati (Ohio) Church of the Brethren, with Annual Conference moderator James Beckwith speaking on "Transformed in Christ." The third service is scheduled at Pitsburg Church of the Brethren in Arcanum, Ohio, on May 18, with Annual Conference moderator-elect David Shumate speaking on "Empowered by the Spirit."
- Westminster (Md.) Church of the Brethren served an 18th-century dinner and offered a drama about Brethren history given by members of Everett (Pa.) Church of the Brethren, to kick off its celebration of the anniversary according to a piece in the "Carroll County Times." Church members were encouraged to dress like the church founders, and the meal eaten by the light of oil lanterns included a corn-and-chicken casserole, corn fritters, applesauce, carrots, green beans, and an apple crisp. At each table were pictures of the Westminster church in its early days, the newspaper reported. Other events planned by the church include an old-fashioned worship service in February and a tour of the county’s Brethren churches in March.
- A. Kathryn Oller, 91, retired as associate dean of the School of Library and Information Science at Drexel University in Philadelphia, is filling "her latest volunteer post" by helping to plan anniversary events at Waynesboro (Pa.) Church of the Brethren, according to the "Record Herald" of Waynesboro. The anniversary activities will include a program in March featuring Oller's slides of her trip to Swarzenau, Germany, where the Church of the Brethren was founded. Oller is uniquely qualified, as she and her family are direct descendants of church founder Alexander Mack, the newspaper said, and her doctoral dissertation focused on Christopher Sauer, a colonial printer connected with the Brethren.
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. Stanley Bittinger, Chrystal Bostian, Annie Clark, Kim Ebersole, Jon Kobel, Jeri S. Kornegay, Karin Krog, Michael Leiter, Beth Merrill, and Anna Speicher 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. Stanley Bittinger, Chrystal Bostian, Annie Clark, Kim Ebersole, Jon Kobel, Jeri S. Kornegay, Karin Krog, Michael Leiter, Beth Merrill, and Anna Speicher contributed to this report.
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
NEWS
- Visit to India Brethren finds a church maintaining its faith.
- Historic Peace Churches Asia gathering is held in Indonesia.
- Grants help continue Hurricane Katrina rebuilding efforts.
- Nigerian church leader completes doctoral study on peacebuilding.
- Brethren bits: Remembrance, personnel, workcamp registration, more.
Visit to India Brethren finds a church maintaining its faith.
A group of Church of the Brethren leaders from the US visited Brethren in India on Nov. 27-30, finding a church that is maintaining its faith and identity. The US group joined in celebrations of the 300th Anniversary of the Church of the Brethren, but also heard church members speak about difficult issues such as the continuing persecution of Christians in India, the struggle to carve out a daily living, and the desire to educate children to keep them from child employment.
It was the first visit to the India churches by the general secretary of the Church of the Brethren General Board, Stanley Noffsinger. Also present was Mervin Keeney, executive director for Global Mission Partnerships, and Brethren videographer David Sollenberger, who filmed the visit. The group visited India on the way to Indonesia to attend an Asia conference of the Historic Peace Churches.
The group was met at Mumbai, and traveled north to Gujarat State, passing by the property of the former Church of the Brethren mission hospital at Dahanu. One day was spent in worship in the Valsad church building, which dates to 1908, and celebrating the 300th Anniversary at the Wilbur Stover bungalow nearby.
The following day, the group traveled to Ankleshwar where a new building had been constructed for the congregation, and made a visit to the Vocational Training School. The group also viewed new buildings of the church and brought greetings at Bhilwara, and at Centenary Church at Vali, and by the end of a long travel day had reached a new building under construction at Dariya village. A surprising introduction at this stop was meeting the Hindu man from the village who had donated the land for the church building, which is located on a prominent ridge.
The final day of the India visit was spent orienting and preparing the 17 Brethren representatives from India who also traveled to Indonesia to participate in the Asia conference of the Historic Peace Churches. The India representatives included Kantilal R. Rajwadi (K.R. Rajwadi), president of the Church of the Brethren in India.
Darryl Sankey, the India church leader who coordinated the visit, spoke to its importance. The visit “really boosts our church,” he said. “Their presence itself helps the church because it gives us a feeling of belonging, it gives us a feeling of brotherly love. We don't expect any financial aid, we don't expect any support from them. But just their being there with the church with whom we have had relationships for the past 100 years, does provide us with inspiration.”
Source: 01/02/2008 Newsline
A group of Church of the Brethren leaders from the US visited Brethren in India on Nov. 27-30, finding a church that is maintaining its faith and identity. The US group joined in celebrations of the 300th Anniversary of the Church of the Brethren, but also heard church members speak about difficult issues such as the continuing persecution of Christians in India, the struggle to carve out a daily living, and the desire to educate children to keep them from child employment.
It was the first visit to the India churches by the general secretary of the Church of the Brethren General Board, Stanley Noffsinger. Also present was Mervin Keeney, executive director for Global Mission Partnerships, and Brethren videographer David Sollenberger, who filmed the visit. The group visited India on the way to Indonesia to attend an Asia conference of the Historic Peace Churches.
The group was met at Mumbai, and traveled north to Gujarat State, passing by the property of the former Church of the Brethren mission hospital at Dahanu. One day was spent in worship in the Valsad church building, which dates to 1908, and celebrating the 300th Anniversary at the Wilbur Stover bungalow nearby.
The following day, the group traveled to Ankleshwar where a new building had been constructed for the congregation, and made a visit to the Vocational Training School. The group also viewed new buildings of the church and brought greetings at Bhilwara, and at Centenary Church at Vali, and by the end of a long travel day had reached a new building under construction at Dariya village. A surprising introduction at this stop was meeting the Hindu man from the village who had donated the land for the church building, which is located on a prominent ridge.
The final day of the India visit was spent orienting and preparing the 17 Brethren representatives from India who also traveled to Indonesia to participate in the Asia conference of the Historic Peace Churches. The India representatives included Kantilal R. Rajwadi (K.R. Rajwadi), president of the Church of the Brethren in India.
Darryl Sankey, the India church leader who coordinated the visit, spoke to its importance. The visit “really boosts our church,” he said. “Their presence itself helps the church because it gives us a feeling of belonging, it gives us a feeling of brotherly love. We don't expect any financial aid, we don't expect any support from them. But just their being there with the church with whom we have had relationships for the past 100 years, does provide us with inspiration.”
Source: 01/02/2008 Newsline
Historic Peace Churches Asia gathering is held in Indonesia.
Representatives of the Historic Peace Churches gathered in Solo, Indonesia, on Dec. 1-8, 2007, to focus on the theme of “Peace in Our Land” through the interrelated topics of injustice, religious pluralism, and poverty. These churches include the Church of the Brethren, the Mennonites, and the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers).
The Brethren were represented regionally by 17 representatives from the Church of the Brethren in India, which has roots in the mission efforts of the US church to India beginning in 1895. Present on behalf of the Church of the Brethren in the US were Stanley Noffsinger, general secretary of the General Board; Mervin Keeney, executive director for Global Mission Partnerships; Donald Miller, emeritus faculty at Bethany Theological Seminary; and Scott Holland, seminary faculty for peace and cross cultural studies. Miller had served on the planning committee on behalf of the General Board’s Global Mission Partnerships office. David Sollenberger also was present to photograph and film the event.
This was the third in a series of regional conferences of the peace churches, invited by the Decade to Overcome Violence program of the World Council of Churches. Previous gatherings had been held in Beinenberg, Switzerland, in 2001; and in Kenya in 2004. Each gathering has been funded and planned by the peace churches themselves.
This gathering included participants from Australia, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, the Philippines, New Zealand, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the US. Representatives came from a wide array of backgrounds in professions and industry in addition to church work. Presenters told stories of the poverty and injustices of their specific contexts, and how the church was responding. Christians are small minorities in many countries in Asia, so in every case religious diversity was a factor. Poverty also is a dimension of these societies that undermines peace. The Church of the Brethren group observed that a government role can be relevant in peace building, sometimes as an instrument of fairness and inclusion and at other times fostering injustice and conflict.
Some of the stories of struggle gave cause for hope. The loving and courageous actions by the churches in very difficult settings were a challenge and witness to all listeners. It was reported by some that Christianity in the East often is seen as foreign religion, and is associated with the worst aspects of the West. This perception creates a credibility challenge for Asian churches.
In addition to speakers, plenary sessions, and small group discussions, the conference integrated visits to Indonesian churches, and also included colorful cultural events and short trips that helped to ground discussion in the local reality.
Differences within the region had surfaced by the end of the week. The activist approach of the Australian and New Zealand participants, who felt free to speak out and to confront their governments, contrasted with the real risk of such expression in some nations. As a result, a slower, relationship-building approach to peacebuilding is used by most Asian churches within their communities and nation.
Darryl Sankey, a Church of the Brethren member from Valsad, India, served on the planning committee. He reflected on the event at its conclusion: “As the Church of the Brethren in India, we have learned what the Historic Peace Churches actually mean. For the last several years, we have felt left out of this process, of relating to other churches. This (was an) opportunity to participate in an international conference where we, as a peace church, have realized the importance of being a peace church. This has been a very great learning experience, not only for me, but for everyone who has been part of this delegation…. I think this could be a revival for our church.”
--Mervin Keeney is executive director of the Global Mission Partnerships of the Church of the Brethren General Board.
Source: 01/02/2008 Newsline
Representatives of the Historic Peace Churches gathered in Solo, Indonesia, on Dec. 1-8, 2007, to focus on the theme of “Peace in Our Land” through the interrelated topics of injustice, religious pluralism, and poverty. These churches include the Church of the Brethren, the Mennonites, and the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers).
The Brethren were represented regionally by 17 representatives from the Church of the Brethren in India, which has roots in the mission efforts of the US church to India beginning in 1895. Present on behalf of the Church of the Brethren in the US were Stanley Noffsinger, general secretary of the General Board; Mervin Keeney, executive director for Global Mission Partnerships; Donald Miller, emeritus faculty at Bethany Theological Seminary; and Scott Holland, seminary faculty for peace and cross cultural studies. Miller had served on the planning committee on behalf of the General Board’s Global Mission Partnerships office. David Sollenberger also was present to photograph and film the event.
This was the third in a series of regional conferences of the peace churches, invited by the Decade to Overcome Violence program of the World Council of Churches. Previous gatherings had been held in Beinenberg, Switzerland, in 2001; and in Kenya in 2004. Each gathering has been funded and planned by the peace churches themselves.
This gathering included participants from Australia, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, the Philippines, New Zealand, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the US. Representatives came from a wide array of backgrounds in professions and industry in addition to church work. Presenters told stories of the poverty and injustices of their specific contexts, and how the church was responding. Christians are small minorities in many countries in Asia, so in every case religious diversity was a factor. Poverty also is a dimension of these societies that undermines peace. The Church of the Brethren group observed that a government role can be relevant in peace building, sometimes as an instrument of fairness and inclusion and at other times fostering injustice and conflict.
Some of the stories of struggle gave cause for hope. The loving and courageous actions by the churches in very difficult settings were a challenge and witness to all listeners. It was reported by some that Christianity in the East often is seen as foreign religion, and is associated with the worst aspects of the West. This perception creates a credibility challenge for Asian churches.
In addition to speakers, plenary sessions, and small group discussions, the conference integrated visits to Indonesian churches, and also included colorful cultural events and short trips that helped to ground discussion in the local reality.
Differences within the region had surfaced by the end of the week. The activist approach of the Australian and New Zealand participants, who felt free to speak out and to confront their governments, contrasted with the real risk of such expression in some nations. As a result, a slower, relationship-building approach to peacebuilding is used by most Asian churches within their communities and nation.
Darryl Sankey, a Church of the Brethren member from Valsad, India, served on the planning committee. He reflected on the event at its conclusion: “As the Church of the Brethren in India, we have learned what the Historic Peace Churches actually mean. For the last several years, we have felt left out of this process, of relating to other churches. This (was an) opportunity to participate in an international conference where we, as a peace church, have realized the importance of being a peace church. This has been a very great learning experience, not only for me, but for everyone who has been part of this delegation…. I think this could be a revival for our church.”
--Mervin Keeney is executive director of the Global Mission Partnerships of the Church of the Brethren General Board.
Source: 01/02/2008 Newsline
Grants help continue Hurricane Katrina rebuilding efforts.
Two grants from the Church of the Brethren's Emergency Disaster Fund have been given to the Hurricane Katrina rebuilding efforts of Brethren Disaster Ministries. A grant of $30,000 continues funding of work at the Hurricane Katrina Rebuilding Site 2 in Pearl River, La., and a grant of $30,000 continues funding for Rebuilding Site 4 in Chalmette, La. The money helps feed, house, transport, and support the Brethren volunteers that travel to Louisiana, as well as provides tools and materials.
In an update on the work of Brethren Disaster Ministries, the staff report that volunteers are sought for the rebuilding project in Rushford, Minn., following flooding this past August. The program “is looking for some hardy people who aren't afraid of a little snow and cold weather to work on homes this winter so that displaced flood survivors can occupy their homes this spring,” said the update. “We have project directors who are willing to go, but we need workers!” For the remainder of the winter, the project will operate on a week-by-week basis as volunteers are available. Group size is limited to 15 volunteers. Most work is inside buildings where furnaces are running. Work may include insulation, drywall, flooring, cabinets, and painting. To volunteer, contact Zach Wolgemuth at 410-259-6194 or 800-451-4407 ext. 9.
“Brethren Disaster Ministries wishes to thank all who have played a part in Katrina recovery,” the update said. “Your continued participation is essential to the restoration of hope in the Gulf Coast. Together we are spreading the love of Christ to so many desperate people.”
Source: 01/02/2008 Newsline
Two grants from the Church of the Brethren's Emergency Disaster Fund have been given to the Hurricane Katrina rebuilding efforts of Brethren Disaster Ministries. A grant of $30,000 continues funding of work at the Hurricane Katrina Rebuilding Site 2 in Pearl River, La., and a grant of $30,000 continues funding for Rebuilding Site 4 in Chalmette, La. The money helps feed, house, transport, and support the Brethren volunteers that travel to Louisiana, as well as provides tools and materials.
In an update on the work of Brethren Disaster Ministries, the staff report that volunteers are sought for the rebuilding project in Rushford, Minn., following flooding this past August. The program “is looking for some hardy people who aren't afraid of a little snow and cold weather to work on homes this winter so that displaced flood survivors can occupy their homes this spring,” said the update. “We have project directors who are willing to go, but we need workers!” For the remainder of the winter, the project will operate on a week-by-week basis as volunteers are available. Group size is limited to 15 volunteers. Most work is inside buildings where furnaces are running. Work may include insulation, drywall, flooring, cabinets, and painting. To volunteer, contact Zach Wolgemuth at 410-259-6194 or 800-451-4407 ext. 9.
“Brethren Disaster Ministries wishes to thank all who have played a part in Katrina recovery,” the update said. “Your continued participation is essential to the restoration of hope in the Gulf Coast. Together we are spreading the love of Christ to so many desperate people.”
Source: 01/02/2008 Newsline
Nigerian church leader completes doctoral study on peacebuilding.
The peace coordinator for Ekklesiyar Yan'uwa a Nigeria (EYN--the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria), Toma H. Ragnjiya, has completed his Doctor of Ministry degree at Ashland (Ohio) Seminary. He was awarded the degree on Dec. 15. His thesis is titled, “Create a Model for Peace-Building in the Ethno-Religious Conflict of Kaduna, Nigeria, and Evaluate Its Effectiveness for Achieving Peaceful Coexistance."
Ragnjiya's family is from the Margi people, a group that includes both Muslims and Christians. Having served previously in the positions of general secretary and president of EYN, he most recently has filled the relatively new position of peace coordinator. His study has been supported by the Global Mission Partnerships office of the Church of the Brethren General Board. Bradley Bohrer, director of the General Board's Sudan mission initiative, was an advisor on his final thesis review committee.
Given the post-911 difficulties of bringing Nigerian church leaders to the US for study at Bethany Theological Seminary, the Global Mission Partnerships office is also assisting another EYN leader, Yakubu Joseph, for study in peace at the University for Peace. UPEACE is a United Nations-mandated entity in Costa Rica.
Source: 01/02/2008 Newsline
The peace coordinator for Ekklesiyar Yan'uwa a Nigeria (EYN--the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria), Toma H. Ragnjiya, has completed his Doctor of Ministry degree at Ashland (Ohio) Seminary. He was awarded the degree on Dec. 15. His thesis is titled, “Create a Model for Peace-Building in the Ethno-Religious Conflict of Kaduna, Nigeria, and Evaluate Its Effectiveness for Achieving Peaceful Coexistance."
Ragnjiya's family is from the Margi people, a group that includes both Muslims and Christians. Having served previously in the positions of general secretary and president of EYN, he most recently has filled the relatively new position of peace coordinator. His study has been supported by the Global Mission Partnerships office of the Church of the Brethren General Board. Bradley Bohrer, director of the General Board's Sudan mission initiative, was an advisor on his final thesis review committee.
Given the post-911 difficulties of bringing Nigerian church leaders to the US for study at Bethany Theological Seminary, the Global Mission Partnerships office is also assisting another EYN leader, Yakubu Joseph, for study in peace at the University for Peace. UPEACE is a United Nations-mandated entity in Costa Rica.
Source: 01/02/2008 Newsline
Brethren bits: Remembrance, personnel, workcamp registration, more.
- John Samuel Horning (82) died Dec. 26, 2007. He was an ordained minister in the Church of the Brethren and with his wife, Estella, was a former Brethren mission worker in Ecuador and Nigeria. From 1956-71, the couple were medical mission workers in Ecuador, where Horning worked in a variety of ministries that included clinics, school vaccination programs, and planned parenthood measures. In Nigeria, from 1973-76, Horning was a mission doctor in the Lafiya health and medical program and served as director of the Rural Health Program. By the end of his service in Nigeria, 32 villages were participating in the Rural Health Program, and trained Nigerian medical staff were placed in leadership positions. Horning also was a medical family doctor and had been at the Wheaton (Ill.) Medical Clinic for 23 years, retiring in 1990. In volunteer service to the denomination, he was on the board of Bethany Hospital in Chicago, a Brethren-founded institution, and also was instrumental in forming the Brethren Health and Education Foundation. The Hornings were recipients of the Brethren Health and Welfare Association's Caregiving Award in 1978 and have been longtime supporters of the ministries of the Association of Brethren Caregivers. Horning was born in China on Dec. 9, 1925, to Brethren mission workers Daniel and Martha (Daggett) Horning. He graduated from Manchester College and studied medicine at the Chicago Medical School, Chicago’s Cook County Hospital, and Milwaukee (Wis.) County General Hospital, and also served at Bethany Hospital. During World War II, he was in Civilian Public Service at a camp at Wellston, Mich., and at the state mental hospital at Logansport, Ind. He also was an ardent photographer, and his pictures interpreting mission work appeared often in publications of the church. On their return to the US, the family lived for some years in the York Center community in Lombard, Ill. Most recently Horning had been a resident of Goshen, Ind., and a member of Goshen City Church of the Brethren. He is survived by his wife, their four daughters and one son, 13 grandchildren, and a great-grandson. Services will be held at York Center Church of the Brethren at 4 p.m. on Jan. 12; and at Goshen City Church of the Brethren at 4 p.m. on Jan. 19. Memorial contributions may be made to Goshen City Church of the Brethren.
- Randy Koontz has resigned from the Material Resources program of the Church of the Brethren General Board, located at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md. He has been a baler for the program since 1985. Effective Jan. 1, he has taken a position with the warehouse operations of A Greater Gift/SERRV, which also are located at the Brethren Service Center.
- Harry Torres Jr. has accepted the position of housekeeping supervisor for the New Windsor Conference Center at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md., effective Jan. 2. Torres brings a good deal of experience to the position, having headed and managed cleaning crews for a private cleaning company, served as rental manager for heavy equipment rentals, and as a housekeeper at Carroll Hospital Center. He is a graduate of Gary Whetsone School of Biblical Studies and also has been a youth pastor for Crossroads Restoration Church.
- Jamie Denlinger begins Jan. 7 as an intern with Brethren Press. She is a senior English major at Ohio University, and plans to complete a three-month internship with the publishing house at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill. In addition to her work experience at Ohio University Press, where she has been a production and office assistant, she has been an outreach intern at Prince of Peace Church of the Brethren in Kettering, Ohio.
- Registration for the 2008 workcamps offered by the Church of the Brethren General Board begins online early tomorrow morning, on Jan. 3 at 12:01 a.m. central time. To register go to www.brethrenworkcamps.org. The workcamp program is part of the Youth and Young Adult Ministries of the General Board. Staff issued a reminder today of some things to remember when registering: individual congregations are asked to make up no more than a third of the participants of any one workcamp; although those registering will receive a confirmation e-mail, this may not guarantee a place in the workcamp because registration is not complete until the $100 non-refundable deposit is received; deposits are due within seven days of registration. “We at the workcamp office have been anxiously awaiting this day for months,” said the staff. “Thank you for your submissions, questions, recommendations, and all of the other things you do to help us prepare for the 2008 Workcamps.” The workcamp coordinators for 2008 are Sharon Flaten, Jerry O’Donnell, Jeanne Davies, and Steve Van Houten. Contact the program at 800-323-8039 or cobworkcamps_gb@brethren.org.
- Children’s Disaster Services Level I Training Workshops will be held Feb. 1-2, at Hudson Community Chapel in Hudson, Ohio, and on the same dates at the Children’s Board of Hillsborough County in Tampa, Fla. The workshop is required for all volunteers in the program, which serves children and families in disaster situations. Cost is $45 for early registration, $55 for late registration mailed less than three weeks before the workshop. For more information contact Children’s Disaster Services at 800-451-4407 ext. 5.
- On Earth Peace has issued a “last chance” notice for registration for the Faith-Based Mediation Workshop in Milford, Ind., in February. The Ministry of Reconciliation, a branch of On Earth Peace, welcomes natural peacemakers and those interested in conflict resolution to a two-weekend mediation workshop. Five more participants are needed to meet the attendance quota. Registration continues until Jan. 16. For more information, visit www.brethren.org/oepa/programs/mor/upcoming-events/index.html#FBM.
- On Earth Peace also requests prayer for a delegation to the Middle East, sponsored jointly with Christian Peacemakers Team, which will take place Jan. 8-21. “Please add our leaders, delegates, and those they will meet to your prayers. Also remember the family members left behind,” said a prayer request in the On Earth Peace newsletter. For more information about the delegation, go to www.brethren.org/oepa/programs/special/middle-east-peacemaking/delegations.html.
- Una Nueva Vida En Cristo, a new church development in Virlina District, was chartered as a fellowship in a special worship service on Dec. 21. The fellowship worships near Willis in Floyd County, Va., with Manuel Gonzalez as pastor.
- Oak Grove Church of the Brethren in Roanoke, Va., is hosting a performance by hip hop artist Demetrius Doss, known as El Prezidino, at 6 p.m. on Jan. 6. Formerly a star athlete at Marshall University and an arena league football all star, the rapper originally from South Philadelphia brings a “funky, upbeat, and unflinchingly Christian message,” according to an announcement from Virlina District.
- Middle Pennsylvania District and Church of the Brethren congregations are supporting Trucker Traveler Ministries. In a ministry sponsored by the Pennsylvania Council of Churches, chaplain Bruce Maxwell is available to those who are traveling through Breezewood, Pa. As part of a Trucker Ministry in Carlisle, members at York First Church of the Brethren have been sharing cookies at a truck stop. “The church ladies baked, the Bible Study ladies packed, and 110 bags of delicious cookies were delivered to the Carlisle Truck Stop!” reported a newsletter from York First. “This brought the total bags of cookies donated this year to this ministry to over 8,800.”
- “Another Way of Sending: Brethren Mission in the 21st Century” is a continuing education event led by Wally Landes, pastor of Palmyra (Pa.) Church of the Brethren on Feb. 21, at Juniata College in Huntingdon, Pa. The event is co-sponsored by the General Board’s Congregational Life Team, Area 1, the Susquehanna Valley Ministry Center, Middle Pennsylvania District, and Juniata College. Cost is $25 plus $10 for continuing education documentation. Light refreshments and a lunch are included. The event meets the “Evangelism and Church Growth” category of the Annual Conference Continuing Education paper and provides .5 continuing education units. The registration deadline is Feb. 5.
- Manchester College in North Manchester, Ind., has announced Fast Forward, a new way to get a bachelor's degree in three years, available for every major offered by the college. “It is the complete four-year program, compressed into three years by offering the general education courses online during summers,” explained a press release. “Students can finish in three years, saving as much as $25,000 in room and board and tuition (summer online tuition costs less), and getting an entire year jump on their careers.” Only a handful of colleges and universities in the nation are offering this kind of program for all majors, the release said. Participating students must be highly motivated, in the top quarter of their high school classes, score at least 1,100 on the SAT, and maintain at least a B average. Go to http://fastforward.manchester.edu.
- A class of 15 Manchester College political science students and their professor are studying the Iowa caucuses up close this week. The "Contemporary Politics: Presidential Campaign" course is led by professor Leonard Williams. Students are following the campaigns, volunteering for a candidate of their choice, attending precinct caucuses, and keeping a daily blog, according to a release from the college. Two of the students are Church of the Brethren: Stephen Hendricks of Prince of Peace Church of the Brethren in South Bend, Ind., and Benjamin Martin of Grossnickle (Md.) Church of the Brethren. The group departed for Iowa on Dec. 31, 2007, and will return to Manchester to continue their studies on campus Jan. 7. For the students’ blog go to http://mccaucus.blogspot.com.
- Elizabethtown (Pa.) College has bought a nine-acre farm bordering its campus for $1.25 million, according to the “Lancaster (Pa.) Sunday News.” Formerly known as the Simon farm, the nine acres is located along Cedar Street between Elizabethtown Church of the Brethren and the Founders Hall of the college. In an e-mail sent to the college community, president Theodore E. Long said that the purchase is part of a plan to renovate older residence halls and construct new, high-quality housing on campus, the newspaper said.
- Cross Keys Village-The Brethren Home Community in New Oxford, Pa., has announced that David K. Gerber, senior vice president, has earned the Certified Aging Services Professional credential from the Coalition for Leadership in Aging Services. Gerber was one of approximately 110 graduates of the professional training program this year, and was recognized during the annual meeting of the American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging. Gerber serves on the board of the Brethren Benefit Trust, and is a lay leader for Black Rock Church of the Brethren in Glenville, Pa.
- Dorothy Van Landeghem, a resident of the Peter Becker Community retirement center in Harleysville, Pa., plans to celebrate her 100th birthday on Jan. 13.
- The Sojourners Community in Washington, D.C., has called attention to an effort by Burger King to undermine agreements between farm workers and fast-food chains to increase pay for Florida tomato pickers. The agreement for a pay increase of one penny per pound of picked tomatos was made by the Coalition of Immokalee Workers and McDonald’s and Yum! Brands--owner of Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, and KFC. Representatives of the Immokalee workers visited a meeting of the Church of the Brethren General Board in Oct. 2006, where they received the blessing of a laying on of hands. The “New York Times” has reported, however, that “Burger King has refused to pay the extra penny... and its refusal has encouraged tomato growers to cancel the deals already struck with Taco Bell and McDonald's.”
- The January 2008 edition of "Brethren Voices," the 30-minute community television program produced by Portland (Ore.) Peace Church of the Brethren, features "Nightmare Beyond Borders," a discussion of the Iraq refugee crisis with two representatives of the American Friends Service Committee. In February, the show will feature Brethren Disaster Ministries as church members serve in areas around the country devastated by natural disasters. Contact Ed Groff at groffprod1@msn.com for copies of the programs and information about how to subscribe.
- Tom Benevento has joined the staff of the New Community Project as a “sustainability specialist” to coordinate an Undoing Global Warming initiative and develop a model sustainable living center in Harrisonburg, Va. A key part of the program is to visit congregations to do energy audits, helping churches reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and save money. The Harrisonburg Habitat for Humanity group has asked Benevento to work with them to install solar hot water heaters on all future homes they build, using a model he has developed. Contact Benevento at 540-433-2363 or go to http://newcommunityproject.org/grounds_keepers.shtml.
- The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity marks its 100th anniversary in 2008. The first time Christians joined in such a week of prayer was in 1908 in Graymoor, N.Y., according to a release from the World Council of Churches (WCC). Jan. 18-25 is the traditional date for the week. "Pray Without Ceasing" is the theme for 2008, from 1 Thessalonians. The worship resources are jointly published by the WCC's Commission on Faith and Order and the Vatican's Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity. Download in English from www.oikoumene.org/fileadmin/files/wcc-main/2007pdfs/WPCU2008_Booklet_EN.pdf and in Spanish from www.oikoumene.org/fileadmin/files/wcc-main/2007pdfs/WPCU2008_Oracion_SPA_.pdf.
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