NEWS

• Bethany Seminary Inaugural Forum to offer live webcasts.
  
• Annual Conference Council discusses budget deficit, merger.
  
• New orientation increases accessibility for Bethany Connections.
  
• Grants go to Darfur and Mozambique, clean-up buckets needed.
  
• Brethren bits: Corrections, remembrances, personnel, jobs, more.

PERSONNEL

• Keeney resigns as executive director of Global Mission Partnerships.
  
• Wagner begins as director of the New Windsor Conference Center.
  
• Campanella takes on new role at Brethren Service Center.
  
• McCabe retires as chief executive officer of The Cedars.

FEATURE

• Lighten UP, Brethren! Reflecting on a workcamp to Honduras.

300th ANNIVERSARY UPDATE

• Bridgewater College welcomes Andrew Young to 300th Anniversary events.
  
• Anniversary Writing Contest for Youth is announced.

ANNIVERSARY RESOURCES

• Commissioned anthem, praise song are available for Anniversary.
  
• Anniversary curriculum helps children explore ‘the Brethren way.’
  
• Anniversary Committee offers ideas for nurturing identity in youth.
  
• Anniversary video may help churches address Conference actions.

OTHER UPCOMING EVENTS

• Registration begins for 2008 National Older Adult Conference.
  
• Second annual Mother's Day Gratitude Project is announced.

Bethany Seminary Inaugural Forum to offer live webcasts.

The Church of the Brethren Webcast Series will present live video webcasts from Bethany Theological Seminary's Inaugural Forum, "Hearing Scriptures of Peace," on March 30-31.

Presentations to be webcast include a plenary with Dr. Scott Appleby on “The Incarnation of Reconciliation: Interpreting Scripture Through the Person of Jesus,” March 30 at 1:30-2:30 p.m. (eastern time); presentations by Bethany students, March 30, 4:15-5:15 p.m.; evening worship on March 30, 7:30-9 p.m., with Bethany president Ruthann Knechel Johansen speaking on "Asking for Wonder”; a plenary with Rabbi Rachel Gartner on “Vechol Netivoteha Shalom: All the Paths of Torah are Peace,” March 31, 8:30-9:30 a.m.; and a plenary with Dr. Rashied Omar on “Islam Beyond Tolerance: The Qur’anic Concept of Ta’ruf/Embrace,” March 31, 1:15-2:15 p.m.

To view the webcasts go to www.cobwebcast.bethanyseminary.edu. For questions contact Enten@bethanyseminary.edu or 800-287-8822 ext. 1831.

Source: 3/26/2008 Newsline

Annual Conference Council discusses budget deficit, merger.

In a meeting on March 10-11 at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill., the Annual Conference Council received an update on funding for the Annual Conference. The group also addressed issues related to the merger of the Association of Brethren Caregivers and the General Board, among other business.

The Annual Conference Fund ended 2007 with a deficit of $46,376, a figure $45,000 better than was projected when the year began. The deficit represents losses Annual Conference has experienced over the past five Conferences. The deficit for the year 2007 alone was $15,501, some $45,000 better than budgeted. Income for the 2007 Conference--including registrations, district contributions, etc.--exceeded budget expectations by $57,000, but facility expenses in Cleveland were $24,000 more than budgeted. The unexpected costs were due primarily to excessive labor charges at the Cleveland Convention Center.

The Annual Conference Council, which has fiscal responsibility for Conference among its functions, anticipates that the 2008 Annual Conference in Richmond, Va., will help resolve the financial problem. Already, registrations and lodging reservations are showing encouraging increases. If the Conference hotels are filled, costs of the convention facilities will be minimal.

In other business the council:

• Put finishing touches on its report to the Standing Committee of district delegates about a revision of the process for dealing with “special response queries.” The council was asked by Annual Conference to revise the existing 1988 paper in response to a recommendation from the Denominational Name Committee in 2004. If approved, Standing Committee will send the paper to the 2009 Conference for approval.
  
• Reviewed proposed bylaws for the new denominational structure merging the General Board and the Association of Brethren Caregivers, and decided that the entire document should be considered polity. The group noted that extensive changes will be required to the Manual of Organization and Polity, which has just recently been revised and reissued. It was reported there have been more orders than expected for paper copies of the recently revised manual.
  
• Compiled a list of agenda items for the April meeting of the Inter-Agency Forum, an annual meeting of executives and board chairs of the Annual Conference agencies, Annual Conference officers, and a representative of the Council of District Executives.
  
• Accepted an invitation from the General Board’s general secretary to have a joint meeting of the council and the proposed new denominational Leadership Team in August, to follow up on 2008 Annual Conference decisions and facilitate transition of responsibilities from the council to the Leadership Team.

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

Source: 3/26/2008 Newsline

New orientation increases accessibility for Bethany Connections.

A new orientation structure has been approved for Connections, Bethany Theological Seminary’s distance education program for the master of divinity degree. The move will greatly reduce the initial time commitment at the campus in Richmond, Ind., for students pursuing graduate studies from a distance. An intensive weekend retreat, followed by Bethany’s two-day orientation, will replace the two-week August class that previously served as entry into the program.

The new weekend retreat will serve as the first class session of the hybrid weekend intensive course “Exegeting the Call and Culture of Ministry.” This year, the retreat will take place Aug. 22-24, followed by new student orientation on Aug. 25-26. The second weekend session of the course will be held Dec. 5-6.

The change also eliminates the previously required two-week August intensive, opening up an additional elective class option in the academic programs of those participating in Connections. “This is an exciting opportunity for new students,” said Enten Eller, director of Distributed Education. “Not only does the shift from requiring two full weeks down to a retreat weekend and orientation make participation significantly easier, it sends the clear signal that Bethany is serious about reaching out to distance students. Additionally, this step will help unite our student body, as now both distance and local students will share in the same orientation.”

Connections students complete the master of divinity degree without relocating to Bethany’s Richmond campus through a mix of online courses, hybrid online and weekend courses, or on-campus intensives that meet for either several weekends or a two-week block. Currently 25 students from eight states are enrolled in Connections.

The application deadline for Bethany’s fall 2008-09 semester is July 31. Visit www.bethanyseminary.edu for more information about Bethany and the Connections program, or contact Enten Eller at enten@bethanyseminary.edu or 800-287-8822 ext. 1831, or interim director of Admissions Elizabeth Keller at kelleel@bethanyseminary.edu or 800-287-8822 ext. 1832.

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

Source: 3/26/2008 Newsline

Grants go to Darfur and Mozambique, clean-up buckets needed.

The Emergency Disaster Fund (EDF) of the Church of the Brethren has issued large grants to humanitarian work in Darfur, Sudan, and to Mozambique following flooding. In other disaster related news, Brethren Disaster Ministries has issued an urgent call for donations of clean-up buckets following flooding in the Midwest.

An allocation of $50,000 has been given from the EDF to support a Church World Service (CWS) appeal for Darfur, for broad aid and relief efforts in the form of medical care, nutrition, shelters, schools, and water supplies. A grant of $40,000 supports a CWS response in Mozambique, where flooding displaced tens of thousands of people, and will help provide clean water, sanitation, shelter materials, seeds, and agricultural tools. The EDF also has given $4,000 to assist displaced people in Afghanistan through CWS.

The appeal for Emergency Clean-Up Buckets was made on behalf of CWS. The buckets are needed for those affected by flooding across the central US. Flooding in Arkansas prompted a request from the Arkansas Presbytery for 96 CWS Emergency Clean-up Buckets, which the Church of the Brethren has fulfilled at a value of $4,320. Information about how to assemble and donate buckets is at www.churchworldservice.org/kits/cleanup-kits.html.

Source: 3/26/2008 Newsline

Brethren bits: Corrections, remembrances, personnel, jobs, more.

• Corrections: The Newsline of March 12 omitted “Messenger” magazine from the financial report of the Church of the Brethren General Board for 2007. “Messenger” is a self-funded budget, and ended the year with a net income of $20,080 and gross sales of just over $255,000, in pre-audit figures. The financial report also should have noted that the total expended from the Emergency Disaster Fund includes support for the program of Brethren Disaster Ministries and Children’s Disaster Services as well as grants, and the total expended from the Global Food Crisis Fund includes support for the Global Food Crisis program. The total offering received from board members and staff toward a new capital campaign was $2,284.
  
  
• Harold Z. Bomberger, 89, died on March 17 at Lebanon Valley Brethren Home in Palmyra, Pa. He was an ordained Church of the Brethren minister and moderator of Annual Conference in 1971. He was a member of the Church of the Brethren General Board for a five-year term beginning in 1966. He also served in key denominational positions as executive minister of Atlantic Northeast District from 1971-83, and during the 1950s as executive secretary of the church’s Eastern Region. At one time he worked as an editorial associate for the "Gospel Messenger" magazine (now the "Messenger"). His volunteer work for the church included two terms on the Standing Committee of Annual Conference, service on the Committee on Interchurch Relations, presidency of the Kansas Council of Churches, membership on the Pennsylvania Council of Church’s Governing Board, charter membership of the Pennsylvania Conference on Interchurch Cooperation, service as president of the Alumni Association of Elizabethtown (Pa.) College, membership in the Central Pennsylvania Chapter of the Biblical Archeological Society, and service on the executive committee of Lebanon County (Pa.) Christian Ministries. In 1980, he was honored for his leadership as a member of the board of Mennonite Mental Health Services, and in 1993 was named “Peacemaker of the Year” by the Brethren Peace Fellowship of Atlantic Northeast District. Bethany Theological Seminary awarded him an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree in 1965. In 1967, he was an exchange preacher to the British isles, which included an invitation to attend Queen Elizabeth’s garden party at Buckingham Palace, and a later audience with Pope Paul V. Born in Lebanon County, Pa., he was the son of Howard B. and Venona Zug Bomberger. He was a graduate of Lebanon High School, Elizabethtown College, Bethany Seminary, and Lutheran Theological Seminary in Gettysburg, Pa. He began in ministry in 1939 at Annville (Pa.) Church of the Brethren. He also served pastorates in Allentown, Pa.; Westminster, Md.; and McPherson, Kan., and in retirement served as interim pastor to seven Pennsylvania congregations. Prior to his ministerial career, he worked in farming and radio and television engineering. Surviving is Betty, his wife of 64 years, their children Timothy, Lane, and Venona, and their families, including nine grandchildren and ten great grandchildren. A celebration of his life was held at Annville Church of the Brethren on March 24. Memorial contributions may be made to the Fund for Humanities, care of Annville Church of the Brethren, 495 E. Maple St., Annville, PA 17003.
  
  
• May H. Patalano, 52, secretary for Northern Ohio District, passed away at home on March 6. “She was at peace and we know she is now in the Lord’s house,” said a request for prayer from the district. Patalano was diagnosed with metastatic cancer of the pancreas on Jan. 20, and had been at home under hospice care. She served as secretary to the district executive since 1995. From 1993-95, she and her husband, Robert, were volunteer church and community workers in Big Creek, Ky., through Brethren Volunteer Service. She taught Bible at Westmoreland Christian High School in Greensburg, Pa., from 1992-93, and was previously a customer service manager for C-K Composites in Mt. Pleasant, Pa. She was born Oct. 23, 1955, in Seymour, Ind., to Durward and Idabelle Hays, and moved to Ashland, Ohio, in 1961 when her father became pastor of Ashland Dickey Church of the Brethren. She was a graduate of Ashland High School; Taylor University in Upland, Ind.; Greensburg (Pa.) Business School; and St. Vincent College in Latrobe, Pa. She married Robert Patalano in 1986. She was a member of the Ashland Dickey Church where she was a deacon and Sunday school teacher, active in music ministry, and a youth advisor from 1979-2005. She is survived by her husband and two stepchildren Andrea and Rob, who with his wife, Kay, are expecting the Patalanos’ first grandchild in May. A "Going Home" celebration was held at the Ashland Dickey Church on March 10. Memorials may be made to Hospice of North Central Ohio, 1050 Dauch Dr., Ashland, OH 44805; or to Ashland Dickey Church of the Brethren Memorial Fund, 1509 Twp. Road 655, Ashland, OH 44805. Condolences may be sent to www.dpkfh.com.
  
  
• Jane Bankert has announced her retirement as secretary for the Material Resources program of the Church of the Brethren General Board as of April 30, after 33 years of work at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md. She first began her work with Material Resources in 1973. With a short break for 22 months in 1976-78, she has continued working for the program up to the present time. She has witnessed the growth and change of the Material Resources department over the years, as she has helped facilitate shipments of relief materials around the world, and fulfilled wishes of the ecumenical programs that are the Material Resources clients. Her retirement plans include spending time boating with her husband, gardening, and playing golf.
  
  
• Eric Miller has submitted his resignation as customer service/inventory specialist for Brethren Press, located at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill., in order to accept a position with Tyndale House Publishers. His resignation is effective March 31, his last day in the office is March 26. He began with Brethren Press in August 2006, and over his year-and-a-half of customer service work brought a high level of dedication and professionalism to the position.
  
  
• Kathy Maxwell begins April 1 as assistant to the director of Office Operations at the Brethren Benefit Trust (BBT), located at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill. She will work in the administrative office of BBT. She is a resident of Elgin, and previously was a longterm employee of the Neighborhood Housing Services of Elgin.
  
  
• Brethren Benefit Trust (BBT) seeks a manager of publications to fill a fulltime salaried position based in Elgin, Ill. Responsibilities include oversight of BBT publications such as newsletters, press releases, website, and special projects; serving as a senior writer and copy editor; reporting on news and information related to BBT ministry areas of pension, insurance, Foundation, and credit union; some writing covering the wellness component of BBT’s mission, including financial wellness and wellness of body/spirit; reporting of socially responsible investing initiatives through management of $450 million in pension and Foundation monies; working with a production coordinator and contracted designers; assisting with marketing and promotional efforts; representing the department/agency at meetings and events; travel to the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference, BBT Board meetings, and other denominational events as assigned. BBT seeks a candidate with an undergraduate degree in communications, English, business, or a related field; and experience and expertise in writing, copyediting, and/or project management. Knowledge in personal investments is helpful, and an active member of the Church of the Brethren is preferred. Active membership in a faith community is required. Salary and benefits are competitive with Church Benefits Association agencies of comparable size and scope of services. A full benefits package is included. The application deadline is April 25. Send a letter of interest, resume, three references (one supervisor, one colleague, one friend), and salary-range expectation to Donna March, 1505 Dundee Ave., Elgin IL 60120; or dmarch_bbt@brethren.org. For questions about the position, call 847-622-3371. For more information about BBT visit www.brethrenbenefittrust.org.
  
  
• The Palms Estates, a Church of the Brethren 55-and-over independent living retirement community in central Florida, seeks executive staff. The community includes 71 homes and 40 RV sites. “This is an excellent employment opportunity for an experienced husband and wife team,” said an announcement of the position opening. Responsibilities include leadership and management of the total operation of the Palms Estates. Candidates should possess strong organizational, administrative, accounting, verbal and written communication, and interpersonal skills acquired through training and experience. Knowledge of budgets, financial statements, and computer technology related to all office functions also is required. Qualified applicants need the ability to manage multiple tasks involving residents’ needs and concerns, maintain harmonious relations with related organizations, insure compliance with governmental regulations, and manage a small citrus grove and maintenance staff. Onsite residence and office are provided in addition to salary and other benefits. Send a resume and three references by April 15 to The Palms Estates, P.O. Box 364, Lorida FL, 33857, Attn: Verna Forney; or via e-mail to thepalms@embarqmail.com. For more information about the community go to www.cob-net.org/home/palms-estates.
  
  
• The funding and stewardship office of the Church of the Brethren General Board is calling attention to the upcoming economic stimulus package for taxpayers. “The check is in the mail,” says a note from the funding office. “Your government says spend it, but your church says share it! Anything that is of value in life only multiplies when it is given. Thanks be to God!” For more information go to www.brethren.org/genbd/funding.
  
  
• Brethren Disaster Ministries staff will be at a national domestic disaster ministry forum titled “Economics and Justice in Disasters,” on March 29-April 1 in Nashville, Tenn. The conference will address how issues such as global warming, predatory lending, recovery privatization, battered local economies, and changing immigration laws worsen the effects of disasters and add to post-disaster burdens for the poor. The forum is presented by Church World Service (CWS). Church of the Brethren staff member Zachary Wolgemuth is on the planning committee. Participants are expected to include leaders from national faith groups and denominations with disaster ministries, as well as representatives of FEMA, the American Red Cross, and VOAD (Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters). A registration form and information may be downloaded from www.cwserp.org/reports.
  
  
• Brethren Volunteer Service worker Dana Cassell, serving in the Ministry Office of the Church of the Brethren General Board, plans to participate in a conference titled, "Breakthrough: The Women, Faith, and Development Summit to End Global Poverty" at the Washington National Cathedral on April 13-14. The event kicks off the Women, Faith, and Development Alliance, a partnership of faith, development, and women's organizations with the purpose of including support for women and girls in the poverty agendas of organizations and global leaders. Cassell became involved through the National Council of Churches. Organizers expect presidential candidates to attend the summit, which will be co-chaired by a group of world leaders including Archbishop Desmond Tutu of South Africa, former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Mary Robinson, and former US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright. For more information or to register to attend, go to www.wfd-alliance.org.
  
  
• The Paul Taylor Dance Company will perform a new dance, "De Suenos," as part of a performance at Juniata College in Huntingdon, Pa., on April 3 at 7:30 p.m. The dances "Cloven Kingdom" and "Antique Valentine" also will be performed in the event at Rosenberger Auditorium. The Paul Taylor Dance Company tour in Pennsylvania is part of "American Masterpieces: Three Centuries of Artistic Genius," an initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts with support from the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts (see www.ptdc.org). "De Suenos," which means "of dreams," is set to the music of Mexican composers and performed to the music of the Kronos Quartet. General admission is $20, or $12 for seniors over age 65 and children 18 and under. For tickets and information call 814-641-3608.
  
  
• The Steering Committee of the Womaen's Caucus of the Church of the Brethren is inviting attendance at an event on April 12 at 6-8 p.m. at Bethany Theological Seminary, “to hear about our current projects, to share your own experiences and insights, and to break bread with other local feminist men and women.” The event will take place in the Student Lounge of the seminary in Richmond, Ind., and will include a meal. The main course will be provided, with vegetarian options, and participants are invited to bring a salad or dessert. E-mail questions and RSVP to womaen@gmail.com. The Steering Committee includes Carla Kilgore, Jan Eller, Anna Lisa Gross, Sharon Nearhoof May, Deb Peterson, Peg Yoder, Jill Kline, and Audrey deCoursey.
  
  
• The April edition of "Brethren Voices," a community cable television program offered by Peace Church of the Brethren in Portland, Ore., features Brethren Volunteer Service. The show will celebrate BVS’s 60 years of service and the opportunities for over 6,000 volunteers to serve in the US and 30 countries around the world. The 30-minute show includes a video made by David Sollenberger. Individual copies are available for a contribution of $8 to Portland Peace Church of the Brethren, 12727 SE Market St., Portland, OR 97233. Contact producer Ed Groff at Groffprod1@msn.com or 360-256-8550.
  
  
• Special programs tomorrow, March 27, at the United Nations in New York commemorate the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (March 21) and the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade (March 25). Doris Abdullah represents the Church of the Brethren on the organizing group, the NGO Human Rights Subcommittee for the Elimination of Racism. A briefing on “Lest We Forget: Breaking the Silence on the Transatlantic Slave Trade” and a premiere of the documentary “The Slave Route: A Global Vision” will take place from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Dag Hammarskjöld Library Auditorium (the event may be webcast at www.un.org/dpi/ngosection). An afternoon program, “Eliminate Racism: Prevent Mass Atrocities,” will be held from 1:30-4:15 p.m. at The Church Center (1st Ave. and 44th St.) and is open to the public. A panel will include architect Rodney Leon, designer of the African Burial Ground National Monument; Yvette Rugasaguhunga, a survivor of the Rwandan genocide; Mark Weitzman of the Simon Weisenthal Center; and others.

Source: 3/26/2008 Newsline

Keeney resigns as executive director of Global Mission Partnerships.

Mervin B. Keeney has resigned as executive director of Global Mission Partnerships for the Church of the Brethren General Board, as of March 14. He has held the position since 1997, with responsibility for overseeing the denomination’s international mission programs, Brethren Volunteer Service, and the Brethren Witness/Washington Office.

During his tenure, the denomination has launched missions in Brazil and Haiti, and for the past few years General Board staff have been working on a new mission in Sudan. Keeney has served as a main contact with leaders of Brethren churches in Brazil, the Dominican Republic, India, and Nigeria, and fledgling congregations in Haiti.

He has traveled extensively and participated in key international delegations, including the visit of Annual Conference moderator Belita Mitchell to Nigeria in 2007 as the first African-American woman to head the US church; a trip to North Korea in 2003 as part of a delegation from the National Council of Churches (NCC) and Church World Service (CWS); and visits to India in 2000 and 2004 with Church of the Brethren leaders aiming to rebuild relationships after 30 years of separation between the Church of North India and India Brethren. In 1979 he met with Yasser Arafat as part of an NCC delegation to the Middle East. Most recently he was at the Historic Peace Churches international gathering in Indonesia. In the winter of 1998-99, he spent a sabbatical in Nigeria with his family, and was present for celebrations of the 75th anniversary of Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria (EYN--the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria).

Keeney has been a staff representative to the NCC and member of the CWS executive committee, a member of the General Board’s Mission and Ministries Planning Council, and on the board’s leadership team. He first began work for the board in 1978 as coordinator for BVS recruitment and interpretation, and then as a recruiter for mission staff through 1985. He held an assignment in Sudan 1985-87 as a medical administrator and consultant for the Sudan Council of Churches. From 1991-97 he worked for the General Board as Africa and Middle East representative.

He holds a graduate degree in public administration with a focus on international programs from the American University in Washington, D.C. He also has worked as a management analyst in the US General Accounting Office, and served as a Peace Corps volunteer in the Philippines.

General secretary Stan Noffsinger is assuming leadership and responsibility for the Global Mission Partnerships program during an interim time.

Source: 3/26/2008 Newsline

Wagner begins as director of the New Windsor Conference Center.

Shelly Wagner has begun work as director of the New Windsor (Md.) Conference Center, as of March 24. This is a new salaried position with the Church of the Brethren General Board, located at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor.

Wagner comes to the position with 12 years of experience in domestic and international marketing in the for-profit arena, and brings skills in strategic planning, niche marketing, branding, and customer service. She previously worked for I.M.I, a commercial tires and accessory parts company.

She has been a member of Welty Church of the Brethren in Smithsburg, Md., since she was 14 years old, where she has served on the Music and Worship Commission and a pastoral search committee, has helped with Bible School, and sings in the choir. She lives in and will be commuting from Waynesboro, Pa.

Source: 3/26/2008 Newsline

Campanella takes on new role at Brethren Service Center.

With new leadership for the New Windsor (Md.) Conference Center, Kathleen Campanella is moving to a new role as director of Partner and Public Relations for the Brethren Service Center. Campanella has worked for the last several years as a part time director for the New Windsor Conference Center, and has led the conference center through a time of extensive staff turnover and change while still carrying responsibilities for public information.

Her new salaried staff role will expand her public information work to include developing new partnerships and new program initiatives at the Brethren Service Center. She will transition back into a primary role of interpreting the Brethren Service Center to ecumenical and other partner organizations, the Church of the Brethren, and the general public.

She also will have expanded responsibilities for developing interpretative exhibits for the Brethren Service Center campus, leading tours, developing new partnerships that enhance the mission of the center, providing coordination of communication with current center partners, developing workshops and presentations, and supporting news services for the Church of the Brethren.

Source: 3/26/2008 Newsline

McCabe retires as chief executive officer of The Cedars.

The Cedars chief executive officer Sharon E. (Shari) McCabe has announced her retirement, effective May 1, after nearly 30 years in the healthcare field. The Cedars is a Church of the Brethren retirement community in McPherson, Kan., that also is associated with the Free Methodist Church.

McCabe has served as CEO of The Cedars since 2003. According to a report in the “McPherson Sentinel” newspaper, during her five years there she guided the organization through construction of four Cedar Houses and a Wellness Center (for an interview with McCabe about the major changes in retirement communities in recent decades, go to www.mcphersonsentinel.com/articles/2008/03/04/news/news2.txt).

Previously McCabe was CEO of Kansas Masonic Home in Wichita, and from 1997-2000 she was administrator for the Cedars Health Care Center. She is a graduate of Barton Community College and Kansas State University, and earned a mini-MBA certificate from Wichita State University.

The board of the Association of Brethren Caregivers has voted to honor McCabe with a caregiving award, which will be presented at the ABC recognition dinner at the 2008 Annual Conference.

Source: 3/26/2008 Newsline

Lighten UP, Brethren! Reflecting on a workcamp to Honduras.

The following reflection was written by Mary Lou Garrison for “Lighten UP, Brethren!” a listserv offering support for wellness and healthy living. Garrison directs the Wellness Ministry of the Church of the Brethren. She reflects on a workcamp held in Los Ranchos, Honduras, where earlier this year two groups of 20 people worked for 10 days each led by Bill Hare, manager of Camp Emmaus in Mt. Morris, Ill. This was the fourth time a group from the US has worked in the village. The first workcamp there was led by former Brethren Witness director David Radcliff. The sponsoring agency Christian Solidarity Program is based in Honduras. Building projects have included building a clinic, latrines, and this year 14 cement-block houses.

“Having just returned from a work mission trip to Honduras, I have a renewed appreciation for the variations in the concept of community. We were quite a mixture: a core group from the Midwest, young people from northern Honduras, masons from nearby villages in southern Honduras, a gentleman originally from Thailand (and a former Chicago resident now living in northern Honduras), all blended with the local villagers to focus on one goal--building houses.

“We were told early in our time that everyone would likely find their 'niche,' that particular job that they did best. No one assigned tasks nor did we find that people said, ‘I can only carry rocks, nothing else.’ If people really thought they had a niche, I doubt that many of us could have identified what they were. Rather, if something needed to be done most anyone would jump in and do it.

“It might not have been the most efficient way to approach the project, but it did lead to an appreciation of each other as we tried out walking in another's shoes. The variety of skill sets, personalities, varying abilities in speaking Spanish, and personal needs all faded into the background--for the most part! There was a strong sense that we were actively being the hands and feet of Christ in that setting, and that combined we were accomplishing something good.

“How easy it is to forget that we are stronger when mixed together and focused on a mission! We can be a hearty people in our communities, our churches, our places of employment, and in our families--with a little more ‘we’ and a little less ‘I need.’”

Source: 3/26/2008 Newsline

Bridgewater College welcomes Andrew Young to 300th Anniversary events.

Former ambassador and congressman Andrew Young will kick off observation of the 300th Anniversary of the Church of the Brethren at Bridgewater (Va.) College, when he speaks on March 31 at 7:30 p.m. in Cole Hall. Young will speak about the relevance of the Brethren doctrine of nonviolence.

The college--which was founded as a Brethren school in 1880 by Daniel C. Flory--will continue to observe the anniversary in April with a number of events that include conferring Young with an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree. The conferment, which takes place April 1 in the Carter Center for Worship and Music, coincides with the college’s celebration of Founder’s Day. Young will speak briefly at the ceremony.

On April 2 at 7:30 p.m. in Bowman Hall, Room 101, a panel of distinguished Brethren will discuss the significance of the Brethren heritage. "Core Brethren values seem less popular than ever, whether within the Brethren fellowship or in the larger society," said moderator and organizer Stephen Longenecker, professor of history and department chair. "What, then, does the future hold for the Brethren heritage?" The panel will consist of Mary Cline Detrick, Paul Mundey, Jeff Carter, and Bob Gross.

A public worship service commemorating the tricentennial will take place on April 6 at 3 p.m. in the Carter Center for Worship and Music. The service will feature a sermon by Kelly Burk of Richmond, Ind., and music by the College Chorale.

Additionally, on March 29, the college's Civil War Institute will host a talk about the Dunker meetinghouse on the Antietam battlefield. The speaker will be Alann Schmidt, a Park Ranger at the battlefield. The program also includes Paul Anderson of Clemson University, who will discuss Turner Ashby; and Christian Keller, professor at the US Army Command and General Staff College, who will speak on Pennsylvania German civilians during the Gettysburg Campaign. The symposium begins at 9 a.m. at McKinney Hall 100.

--Mary Kay Heatwole is media relations assistant for Bridgewater College.

Source: 3/27/2008 Newsline Extra

Anniversary Writing Contest for Youth is announced.

The 300th Anniversary Committee is sponsoring an Anniversary Writing Contest for Youth, grades 6-12, on the theme, "Why will you continue to be part of the Church of the Brethren?"

"Are you passionate about your faith?" the committee asked Brethren youth in the announcement. "Do you have a deep appreciation for the Church of the Brethren? Do you enjoy thinking and writing? If so, we have an opportunity for you."

Entries are limited to one page in length and can be in the form of poetry, short stories, or essays. The following information should be on the entry: name, grade, congregation, and district. Contact information for the author should be submitted on a separate sheet of paper. The deadline for submissions is June 1. Entries will be exhibited at Annual Conference in Richmond, Va., in July, and some may be published in "Messenger" magazine. Entries will not be returned to participants.

Submissions should be sent to Lorele Yager either electronically at loreleyager@aol.com or by mail to 425 Woodland Place, Churubusco, IN 46723.

Source: 3/27/2008 Newsline Extra

Commissioned anthem, praise song are available for Anniversary.

The 300th Anniversary committee has commissioned the creation of an anthem and praise song in honor of the 2008 anniversary of the Brethren movement. "Speak, O Lord" is the anthem, with text and tune by Keith Getty and Stuart Townend, arranged by John Ferguson. "Lord, Empower Us to Love" is the praise song, composed by Ron and Linda Sprunger from the Brethren Church.

The anthem has been published by Morningstar Music. Copies can be ordered at a reduced price by using the downloadable form located on the worship page of the anniversary website (go to www.churchofthebrethrenanniversary.org/worship.html).

In addition to the version of the praise song to be sung by congregations, the Sprunger also have offered a choral arrangement or anthem version of the praise song. Published copies of the anthem version can be ordered by using the downloadable form also located on the worship page of the anniversary website.

The 300th Anniversary committee also has developed a variety of other worship resources for congregations and districts to use as part of the Anniversary celebration. The resources are posted on the anniversary website under Resources/Worship and can be downloaded from www.churchofthebrethrenanniversary.org/worship.html.

Source: 3/27/2008 Newsline Extra

Anniversary curriculum helps children explore ‘the Brethren way.’

"Piecing Together the Brethren Way" is a curriculum resource for children, kindergarten through grade 5. It was published by the 300th Anniversary Committee and is available through Brethren Press for $49.95 plus shipping and handling, call 800-441-3712.

"Faith is like a quilt," said an announcement from the committee. "Each prayer we say, each person we encounter, each scripture passage we study, each experience we have, each song we sing are like patches added to a quilt, making it ever stronger and more beautiful. Our corporate faith is also like a quilt. The pattern of the Brethren quilt has been enriched through the years by faith-filled people, experiences, and principles. It is important that we help our children add these patches to the pattern of faith they are stitching together."

The curriculum encourages children to explore the marks and practices that make the Brethren expression of the Christian faith distinctive, and integrate them into their own walk with Christ. Marks and practices featured in the curriculum include the Believers Church, seeking the mind of Christ, counting the cost of discipleship, believers baptism, worship, the Love Feast, reconciliation, forgiveness, church discipline, nonconformity and simple living, peace and nonresistance, peace and justice, mission, service, health and wholeness, and call and vocation.

Designed with flexibility in mind, the 14 lessons in "Piecing Together the Brethren Way" can be used as a whole or selected sessions can be chosen. The lessons provide material adaptable for Sunday school, an after-school program, day camp, Vacation Bible School, or a once-a-month intergenerational program.

Source: 3/27/2008 Newsline Extra

Anniversary Committee offers ideas for nurturing identity in youth.

The 300th Anniversary offers an opportunity to engage youth in an exploration of what makes the Brethren expression of the Christian faith unique. Congregations hoping to do this may find two resources helpful:

First, "Piecing Together the Brethren Way," the Anniversary curriculum developed for children, also offers for each lesson a "Youth Connection" piece that suggests ways to engage youth in multi-media projects exploring the topic of the lesson.

Second, the Anniversary Committee has developed a listing of ideas for nurturing passion and connectedness in youth around issues of identity. Focusing on the same 14 topics addressed in the curriculum, this downloadable resource offers several interactive suggestions for exploring each topic with youth. The resource is designed to answer questions such as, "Who are we as members of the Church of the Brethren?" "How is our expression of the Christian faith unique?" "What can I learn from my brothers and sisters on the journey?" and "What difference does it make in my life--and in the world?"

Ideas vary but include intergenerational dialogue, practical applications, and personal reflection. Download the resource from the anniversary website at www.churchofthebrethrenanniversary.org/youth.html.

Source: 3/27/2008 Newsline Extra

Anniversary video may help churches address Conference actions.

A 300th Anniversary video DVD titled, "Faith Alive: Surrendered, Transformed, Empowered," produced by the 300th Anniversary Committee in cooperation with David Sollenberger, explores distinctive marks that make our faith peculiarly Brethren.

The video profiles members who live their beliefs in ways that make a real difference, daily exemplifying the values of baptism, simplicity, peacemaking, service to others, respect for creation, and the need to share the good news of Jesus Christ.

"But this DVD does more than help us celebrate who we have become and how God is working among us," said an announcement from the Anniversary Committee. "It is an especially valuable resource for congregations taking to heart recent Annual Conference decisions related to intercultural ministry and the Great Commission challenge to reverse the declining membership trend. As we learn the stories of these faithful Brethren, may we all be inspired to continue expanding God's kingdom now and as we move into the future."

"Faith Alive" is available from Brethren Press for $20 plus shipping and handling, call 800-441-3712.

Source: 3/27/2008 Newsline Extra

Registration begins for 2008 National Older Adult Conference.

Registration is now open for the ninth National Older Adult Conference (NOAC) to be held Sept. 1-5 at Lake Junaluska (N.C.) Assembly (go to www.brethren-caregivers.org). Sponsored by the Association of Brethren Caregivers (ABC), the week-long conference will provide adults age 50 and older with a time for inspiration, renewal, and community.

The conference theme of "Come to the Water" is based on Isaiah 41:18. Participants are invited to "come to the water" to remember those who have informed their faith and inspired their living, to be awakened to the needs of neighbors here and around the world, and to experience God’s redemptive hope, wondrous assurance, and abundant provision.

NOAC will begin with a worship celebration on Monday evening with Sandy Bosserman delivering the message. Preaching during Wednesday’s worship is Valerie Bridgeman Davis, and Friday morning’s closing worship will feature Frank Ramirez. Stephen Breck Reid will lead the morning Bible study.

The Tuesday morning keynote presenter will be Donald B. Kraybill, speaking about his book co-authored with Steve Nolt and David Weaver-Zercher, "Amish Grace: How Forgiveness Redeemed a Tragedy," the story of forgiveness following the schoolhouse shooting of 10 Amish girls in Nickel Mines, Pa., in 2006.

Jane Thibault, author of the book, "10 Gospel Promises for Later Life," will speak Wednesday morning exploring the "good news" of the Good News that brings hope to the challenges of later life. Thibault is a clinical gerontologist, a clinical professor at the School of Medicine and adjunct faculty in the School of Social Work at the University of Louisville, and a trained spiritual director as well as an author.

"Don’t Manage Your Stress--Rekindle Your Spirit" is the topic of Thursday morning’s presentation by Scott Sheperd, a speaker, counselor, musician, and author who uses a humorous thought-provoking approach to challenge audiences to accept responsibility for their own lives, and give strategies to improve the quality of life.

Special observances will commemorate the 50th anniversary of women’s ordination, the 50th reunion of the 1958 National Youth Conference held at Lake Junaluska, and the 60th anniversary of Brethren Volunteer Service. A hymn sing featuring 300 years of music in the Church of the Brethren will be led by Nancy Faus-Mullen. An "informance" will be offered by the acoustic trio Trifolkal. A Well Walk will raise money to supply water for the secondary school at the headquarters of Ekklesiyar Yan'uwa a Nigeria (EYN--the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria). The week also will feature Interest Group workshops and recreational activities.

Registration for the conference costs $150 per person, or $180 per person after July 18. Register online at www.brethren-caregivers.org, where there is complete conference information including schedule and housing information. The registration form also may be downloaded. The registration fee for the conference does not include meals or housing. The Lake Junaluska Housing department will begin to take requests for housing on April 1.

Contact ABC at 800-323-8039 for more information, to have a registration brochure sent to you, or for housing and registration forms on paper.

Source: 3/27/2008 Newsline Extra

Second annual Mother's Day Gratitude Project is announced.

"In honor of a woman you know and love, and in solidarity with mothers around the world," the Church of the Brethren's Global Women's Project has announced its 2nd annual Mother's Day Gratitude Project.

"Rather than buying more material gifts for your loved one, express your gratitude with a gift that helps other women around the world," said the announcement. "Your donation allows us to fund projects focused on women's health, education, and employment. In return, your chosen recipient will receive a card indicating that a gift has been made in her honor."

To participate, send a donation to the Global Women's Project, Church of the Brethren General Offices, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120. Include your name and the recipient's name and address. Memorial donations also will be received, and will be honored on a special page on the project's website. Gratitude cards will be mailed to honorees in time for Mother's Day on Sunday, May 11.

The Global Women's Project seeks to raise awareness of the poverty, oppression, and injustice suffered by women around the world; to recognize how our overconsumption and misuse of resources contributes to that suffering; to change our way of living; and to support self-help community projects that are led by, empower, and benefit women. Additional information can be found at www.brethren.org/genbd/witness/gwp.htm.

Source: 3/27/2008 Newsline Extra

Credits

Newsline is produced by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of news services for the Church of the Brethren General Board, cobnews@brethren.org or 800-323-8039 ext. 260. Members of the 300th Anniversary Committee, Doris Abdullah, John Ballinger, Dana Cassell, Miller Davis, Kim Ebersole, Enten Eller, Linda Fry, Jon Kobel, Karin Krog, Jeff Lennard, Donna March, Joan McGrath, Ken Neher, Kathy Reid, John Wall, Roy Winter, and Jane Yount contributed to this report.

ANNUAL CONFERENCE PREVIEW

• 2008 Annual Conference will celebrate the 300th Anniversary.
  
• Moderator issues 300th Anniversary challenge.
  
• Food drive to be part of service project at Annual Conference.
  
• Annual Conference to feature a children's art exhibit.
  
• More Annual Conference bits and pieces.

PRE-CONFERENCE EVENTS

• Ministers' Association offers continuing education event.
  
• Song and Story Fest to focus on "Streams of Mercy."

300th ANNIVERSARY and OTHER UPCOMING EVENTS

• Peace Fest to be part of Anniversary events in Germany.
  
• Pentecost offering celebrates the 300th Anniversary.
  
• Mission Alive 2008 focuses on vision for mission.

EXTRA

• Brethren participate in observance of five-year anniversary of the Iraq war.

2008 Annual Conference will celebrate the 300th Anniversary.

The 222nd recorded Annual Conference of the Church of the Brethren will be held July 12-16 in Richmond, Va. The Conference will focus on a celebration of the 300th Anniversary of the Brethren movement, and is a joint annual meeting with the Brethren Church. The theme for the Conference is the 300th Anniversary theme, "Surrendered to God--Transformed in Christ--Empowered by the Spirit" (John 12:24-26a). Pre-registration for the Conference began online on March 7, and is available through May 30 at www.brethren.org/ac.

The Conference will convene at the Greater Richmond Convention Center, with worship services and business sessions at the Richmond Coliseum. Some meal events and insight sessions will be held at the Richmond Marriott.

Main events on Saturday, July 12, include opening worship at 6:15 p.m., and an 8 p.m. worship concert by the National Christian Choir. Based in the area of Washington, D.C., the choir of 200 includes members representing a variety of denominations including the Church of the Brethren. The choir has been in existence since 1984, and was founded by its director, C. Harry Causey.

On Sunday, July 13, morning worship will be a joint service with the Brethren Church at 9:30 a.m., with a worship team representing both denominations. "Jubilee Events" on Sunday include an afternoon "Experience of Brethren Faith Journeys," from 1:30-4:30 p.m., in which conference-goers may choose one of 10 presentations each hour that explore the past, present, and future identity of the Brethren. A "Global Celebration" is planned for the evening, beginning at 7 p.m., as a celebration of the Brethren presence and mission around the world, and featuring representatives from the global community of Brethren. In a special event on Sunday, the John Kline Memorial Riders will make a presentation in the morning, and then will be outside the Coliseum with their horses following the worship service.

On Monday, July 14, and Tuesday, July 15, the two denominations will hold separate business meetings and worship services. A concert on July 14 at 8 p.m. will feature Christian musician Ken Medema, known in the Church of the Brethren from his regular appearances at National Youth Conference. On July 15 at 8 p.m. will be a drama titled, "Life Is Great. Yea!" about the life of Ted Studebaker, a church volunteer who was killed during the Vietnam War.

On Wednesday, July 16, the Conference closes with a joint worship service with the Brethren Church, at 9:30 a.m., with a worship team representing both bodies.

A Service Blitz on Saturday, July 12, and Monday, July 14, will support to the Richmond community through a variety of work projects. "We are hoping that thousands of Brethren will participate, showing our Christian love by helping others in this way," said the 300th Anniversary Committee. Various shifts are available each day. Advance registration by May 30 is required, and a fee of $12 for a half-day, $20 for a full day (including lunch), will help defray costs. Participants may order a sack lunch with registration (forms and more information are in the Annual Conference Packet and at www.brethren.org/ac).

Business to be addressed by the 2008 Conference includes two unfinished business items, the "Review and Evaluation Implementation Committee Recommendation" and the "Process Committee for Doing Church Business," and six items of new business: "Update on Ministerial Ethics," "Resolution on Ministers’ Medical Insurance Crisis," "Resolution on Slavery in the 21st Century," "Resolution Urging Forbearance," "Query--Conference Witness to Host City," and "Revision to Unfunded Mandates Polity."

This special annual meeting also offers the usual Annual Conference features of daily Bible studies, a variety of meal events and insight sessions, hearings on business items, age group activities, and a shared exhibit hall with the Brethren Church featuring a large heritage display.

Cost of registration for adult non-delegates is $75 for the full conference if pre-registered, or $100 onsite. Weekend and daily registration are also available. Cost of registration for ages 12-21 is $25 for the full conference if pre-registered, or $43 onsite. Children under 12 are free. Fees are required for age-group activities and child care. There is no charge to attend worship.

Pre-registration continues through May 30 at www.brethren.org/ac, or fill out and mail in the registration form from the Annual Conference Packet, which also gives detailed information about the Conference schedule, hotel options, meal tickets, age group activities, and more. Packets have been mailed to each congregation on CD, and the packet is posted at www.brethren.org/ac. For more information contact the Annual Conference Office at 800-688-5186.

Source: 3/20/2008 Newsline

Moderator issues 300th Anniversary challenge.

"This will be a historic conference--the 300th Anniversary of the Brethren movement as well as the first time in 125 years that the Church of the Brethren and the Brethren Church have held denominational conferences together," said 2008 Annual Conference moderator James M. Beckwith. He is challenging congregations to, "Come! Take part in this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. And bring others with you."

Beckwith has reiterated a challenge from the 300th Anniversary Committee that each congregation triple the number of its participants at Annual Conference. The moderator suggests three specific ways individuals and congregations may participate in the challenge to triple participation:

1. Invite at least one person who is not active in the Body of Christ to come into a life of faith as a partner with you in continuing the work of Jesus--the Great Commission Challenge issued at the 2007 Annual Conference. If you can bring that person with you to Annual Conference (in 2008), what a wonderful opportunity it will be for him or her to encounter the missions and ministries of the Body of Christ!
   
   
2. Make a connection with someone from a congregation that has not been as active in the larger church. If you are coming to Conference, perhaps you can connect with a congregation that has not sent someone to Annual Conference in recent years and invite one of its participants to travel with you or to share lodging with you, or even just to sit with you at Conference events. Even if you are not able to come to Richmond, the 300th Anniversary is a key time to make connections with others who share our common origin in the Eder River baptisms of 1708.
   
   
3. Make a connection with someone in upcoming generations--a child or a youth or a young adult. Encourage them to experience Annual Conference. It will be a special time for them to help launch the Brethren movement into our fourth century.

He also noted with appreciation that "so many of our congregations are taking part in this 300th Anniversary--some are collecting anecdotes from their histories, some are collecting 300 blankets or 300 cans of food, or giving multiples of $300 towards special mission projects. It is Life-giving to take part in the work of Jesus in God’s world."

Source: 3/20/2008 Newsline

Food drive to be part of service project at Annual Conference.

In an effort to "shower the Richmond community with loving acts of service," a food drive is being planned in conjunction with the Service Blitz at the 2008 Annual Conference. The drive is sponsored by the 300th Anniversary Committee, to benefit the Central Virginia Food Bank. The scriptural theme for the project is from Matthew 25:35, "For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat."

"Food banks experience a drastic increase in demand each summer," explained the committee in an announcement. "During the school year, children in need are ensured one good meal a day through the free and reduced lunch program in their schools. However, during the summer, families in need really struggle and many of these children would go hungry without the help of organizations that provide food to those in need."

Founded in 1980, the Central Virginia Food Bank distributes almost 49,000 pounds of food each day to the most vulnerable people--children in need, the elderly, working poor families, disabled individuals, and others in crisis--through more than 500 organizations and agencies feeding the hungry in five cities and 31 counties in the region, according to the announcement. "That's 12.6 million pounds of food a year!"

Conferencegoers are encouraged to bring a donation of healthy, non-perishable food. Particular needs include canned fish and meats, peanut butter, canned fruits and vegetables, hot and cold cereals, pasta, and rice. Donations will be collected in the registration lobby at the Richmond Convention Center. The goal is to collect three tons (6,000 pounds) of food in celebration of the 300th Anniversary. Congregations are invited to hold a food drive in advance of Annual Conference and send their donations with their delegates.

Source: 3/20/2008 Newsline

Annual Conference to feature a children's art exhibit.

The Association for the Arts in the Church of the Brethren (AACB) is sponsoring a children's art exhibit for the 300th Anniversary celebration at the 2008 Annual Conference in Richmond, Va., in July. The theme for the exhibit is, "Show Us What Life Looks Like When God Is Important."

The association is inviting children age pre-school through grade 5, to submit a drawing for the exhibit. Drawings should depict the theme, and should be done in crayon, paint, chalk, etc. The size of the drawings should be 8 1/2 by 11 inches. Only one entry per child will be accepted.

Mail entries by July 1 to Leslie Lake, P.O. Box 73, Orrville, OH 44667; or send entries to the 2008 Annual Conference with congregational delegates, hand-deliver to the AACB exhibit area by Saturday afternoon, July 12.

Source: 3/20/2008 Newsline

More Annual Conference bits and pieces.

• A tour guide of Brethren historical sites in the mid-Atlantic region is available from the 300th Anniversary Committee. With Richmond, Va., as the site of the 2008 gathering, conference-goers may want to take advantage of the opportunity to visit historical sites in the region. The Anniversary Committee has developed a tour guide listing sites and giving background information, photos, hours, contact information, and directions. The guide can be downloaded from www.churchofthebrethrenanniversary.org/miscresources.html. The project was inspired by the late Donald F. Durnbaugh, and completed by committee member Dean Garrett.
  
  
• The 2008 Conference will offer continuing education opportunities for ministers:
  
  
  • Insight sessions sponsored by ABC offer .1 continuing education credit each: "Temperament: Understanding Your Child’s God-Given Individual Nature" at 6:45 p.m. on July 14; "The High Cost of Not Managing Your Health" at 6:45 p.m. on July 14; "LTC with TLC" co-sponsored by Brethren Benefit Trust at 12:30 p.m. on July 15; "The Legacy and Character of Deacons" at 12:30 p.m. on July 15; "A Heritage of Health: Reclaiming Our Wellbeing" at 12:30 p.m. on July 15; and "Passing on Sacred Legacies: Memory, Identity and Ritual" at 6:45 p.m. on July 15.
    
    
  • Insight sessions sponsored by On Earth Peace offer .1 credit each: "Deacons Guiding Us Toward Peace/Los Diáconos y Las Diaconisas guiándonos hacía la Paz" at 12:30-1:30 p.m. on July 14; "What I Wish Every Christian Knew About Islam" at 12:30-1:30 p.m. on July 14; "Working for Peace in the Middle East" at 12:30-1:30 p.m. on July 14; "Another Way of Believing--A Conversation with Dale Brown" at 6:45-7:45 p.m. on July 14; "Singing and Proclaiming Peace to a Troubled World" at 6:45-7:45 p.m. on July 14; "Exploring Your Faith Through Games" at 12:30-1:30 p.m. on July 15; "Prayerful Community Change" at 12:30-1:30 p.m. on July 15; "The Proclamation of Peace in the Old Testament" at 6:45-7:45 p.m. on July 15; and "Positive Futures for Youth: Alternatives to the Military" at 6:45-7:45 p.m. on July 15.
    
    
  • The Congregational Life Ministries Dinner offers .1 credit. It will be held at 5 p.m. on July 15 at the Richmond Marriott, on the theme, "Launching a Spiritual Strategic Journey" with speaker George Bullard, a church growth strategist and authority in conflict management who has written extensively on a life cycle model for congregations.
    
    
  • The Global Ministries Dinner offers .1 credit. It will be held at 5 p.m. on July 14 at the Richmond Marriott with speaker Baldemar Valásquez, president of the Farm Labor Organizing Committee, on the topic, "Immigration and Farm Labor: Toward Faithful Policy."
  
  
• Brethren Benefit Trust (BBT) holds a retirement reception honoring Wil Nolen, BBT president, on July 13 at 4:30-6:30 p.m. at the Richmond Marriott. Nolen will be celebrated for his 25 years of guiding BBT ministries, and 42 years of service to the Church of the Brethren.
  
  
• The Fitness Challenge sponsored by BBT will be held July 13, beginning at 7 a.m. The 5K race is a measured course for runners and walkers of all ages. Registration costs $15. For a registration form contact Donna March at 800-746-1505 ext. 371 or dmarch_bbt@brethren.org.
  
  
• Bethany Theological Seminary is offering an insight session for dialogue with the school's new president Ruthann Knechel Johansen, on July 14 at 6:45-7:45 p.m. at the Richmond Marriott.
  
  
• The Association of Brethren Caregivers (ABC) is advertising two special meal events at the 2008 Conference. The ABC Recognition Dinner on the theme, "Finding Your Healing Gifts," takes place July 13 at 5 p.m. at the Richmond Marriott, with speaker and "chefnurcian" Laura Pole. She is president of "Eating for a Lifetime," and is a Health Supportive Gourmet Chef, a registered nurse and clinical nurse specialist, a certified Nia Fitness Instructor, and a professional musician. The Denominational Deacon Luncheon will be held on the theme, "Grief, Hope, and Healing," on July 14 at 12 noon at the Marriott. Leadership will be provided by Ray Donadio, who will share from his experience of grief, hope, and the beginnings of healing following a car accident that took the life of his young adult daughter. Donadio is an attorney in Greenville, Ohio, a member of Oakland Church of the Brethren, and currently vice-chair of the Bethany Theological Seminary board of directors.
  
  
• Congregations are invited to "Celebrate 2008" by creating a block for the Conference Quilting Bee sponsored by the Association for the Arts in the Church of the Brethren (AACB). The bee will make "historic 2008 Conference quilts," according to an invitation in the Annual Conference Packet. Congregations are asked to mail quilt blocks postmarked by May 15. Proceeds from the quilt auction will benefit projects to alleviate hunger. Mail blocks to: Mary Cline, 2321 Long Meadow Rd., Waynesboro, VA 22980; 540-363-5230. Enclose a check for $1 payable to AACB to help offset costs. For information about size, design, and fabric requirements, see the Annual Conference Packet or www.brethren.org/ac.
  
  
• The Brethren Disaster Ministries program is sponsoring a "Gift of the Heart Kit Challenge" on the theme, "Because Little Things Mean a Lot." Conference participants are invited to collect and bring Church World Service kits providing essential supplies to disaster survivors. These kits are processed, warehoused, and shipped from the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md. "Let's see if we can surpass our goal of collecting 5,000 kits this year at Annual Conference!" said the invitation, which noted that School Kits are most needed. Kits will be collected at the Brethren Disaster Ministries booth in the exhibit hall. For a list of kits and content requirements, see the flier in the Annual Conference Packet or go to www.churchworldservice.org/kits.
  
  
• "Brethren Life and Thought" is celebrating the 300th Anniversary with a luncheon on July 14 at 12-1:30 p.m., with speaker Dale R Stoffer, dean of Ashland Theological Seminary. Stoffer will present faith perspectives from the Brethren Church. An insight session sponsored by "Brethren Life and Thought" on July 14 from 6:45-7:45 p.m. features a panel on "Kassel House, Katrina, and Karbala: The WWII Brethren Service Explosion and Possibilities for Longterm Recovery after Katrina and the Iraq War."
  
  
• The Brethren Press Breakfast on July 14 will feature Donald B. Kraybill, one of the authors of the book "Amish Grace: How Forgiveness Transcended Tragedy." Kraybill will speak about the book was written and researched. He is a senior fellow at theYoung Center for Anabaptist and Pietist Studies at Elizabethtown (Pa.) College and a member of Elizabethtown Church of the Brethren. He will sign copies of his book in the Brethren Press Bookstore (a schedule of book signings will be announced at Annual Conference).
  
  
• The "Messenger" Dinner at the 2008 Conference will feature keynote speaker Tom Ehrich, a nationally syndicated religion columnist, author, and church consultant. His topic will be, "On a Journey: Encountering God in Everyday Life." The dinner is at 5 p.m. on July 13.
  
  
• The Church of the Brethren Credit Union holds its Open House and Members Meeting on July 12 at 2 p.m. at the Richmond Marriott. By the time of Annual Conference, the credit union will be offering new checking accounts with debit cards, usable at thousands of surcharge-free ATMs nationwide. Membership in the credit union is open to all Church of the Brethren members. Learn more at the meeting or contact Dennis Kingery at 888-832-1383 or dkingery_bbt@brethren.org.
  
  
• The Mutual Aid Association (MAA) 2008 Members Meeting will be held on July 14 from 4:30-5:30 p.m. at the Richmond Marriott. MAA invites its constituents to attend the meeting to say farewell to outgoing president Jean Hendricks, who has served as MAA president from 2001-08, and to welcome new leadership. The incoming MAA president will be introduced at the event.
  
  
• Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS) will celebrates its 60th anniversary with a luncheon on July 14. The theme will be, "Oaks of Righteousness: BVSers in the 21st Century," with speaker James H. Lehman. He is a writer and publisher in Elgin, Ill., author of "Living the Story," a booklet celebrating BVS's 50th anniversary in 1998, and BVS facilitator for Volunteers Exploring Vocation, a program funded by the Lilly Endowment and administered by the Fund for Theological Education encouraging volunteers to consider their calling.
  
  
• The Committee on Interchurch Relations (CIR) has announced its Ecumenical Luncheon to take place July 15 at 12 noon at the Richmond Marriott, on the topic, "How the Closed Brethren Became Open." The speaker will be leading Brethren Church historian Dale R. Stoffer, professor of historical theology and academic dean at Ashland Theological Seminary. He is involved on the Brethren Encyclopedia Board, and is program coordinator of the Fourth Brethren World Assembly to be held in Schwarzenau, Germany, in August. The 2008 Ecumenical Citation will be presented at the luncheon.

Source: 3/20/2008 Newsline

Ministers' Association offers continuing education event.

The Church of the Brethren Ministers’ Association is offering a pre-Conference continuing education event on July 11-12 in Richmond, Va. The event begins with worship at 1 p.m. on July 11, and closing worship will end the event by 12 noon on July 12.

The event will be led by Bethany Theological Seminary professor Dawn Ottoni Wilhelm, with Russ Matteson, co-pastor of Modesto (Calif.) Church of the Brethren, and Jonathan Shively, director of the Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership. Speakers will celebrate three centuries of Brethren worship, and explore the traditions, values, and practices that inform corporate worship among the Brethren as we seek the transforming power of Christ’s Spirit.

Presentations will be offered on "Better Than Burnt Offerings" (Mark 12:28-34), "The Sights, Sounds, and Technology of Worship," and "The Music of Worship." A Ministers’ Association Business Meeting will be included in the schedule, at 4-4:30 p.m. on July 11, and an offering will be taken for the Ministry Assistance Fund. A picnic is offered the evening of July 11, for an extra fee.

Cost is $60 per person for those who pre-register, or $90 at the door. A discount is available for clergy couples and current seminary, EFSM, or TRIM students. A per-session individual fee also is offered. Child care is $5 per child. Continuing education certificates will be available. Pre-registration forms and fees must be postmarked by June 10. Find the registration form and more information in the Annual Conference Packet or at www.brethren.org/ac.

Source: 3/20/2008 Newsline

Song and Story Fest to focus on "Streams of Mercy."

The 12th annual Song and Story Fest family camp co-sponsored by On Earth Peace will be held on the theme, "Shenandoah Song and Story Fest: Streams of Mercy, Never Ceasing." The dates are July 6-12, at Brethren Woods Camp and Retreat Center in Keezletown, Va. The event features storytelling, workshops, concerts, campfires, intergenerational gatherings, recreation, and worship, for all ages of children, youth, and adults.

"We have a great line-up of the best folk musicians and story tellers in the denomination," said director Ken Kline Smeltzer in an announcement. "In this 300th Brethren anniversary year, we will give thanks for God's unceasing mercy and look forward to how God would use us to foster faith and peace and justice in a troubled world."

Cost for the full event for adults is $230, $200 for teens, and $160 for children age 6-12. Children age 5 and under are welcome at no charge. A daily fee of $40 per person or $120 per family is available. Maximum fee per family is $720. Registration includes meals, onsite facilities, and leadership. Registrations post-marked after June 15 are subject to a 10 percent late fee. For information about financial aid, contact Bob Gross, On Earth Peace director, at 260-982-7751 or bgross@igc.org.

Register at www.brethren.org/oepa/programs/special/song-story-fest. To mail registrations or for more information, contact On Earth Peace, P.O. Box 188, New Windsor, MD 21776; 410-635-8704; oepa_oepa@brethren.org. Contact Ken Kline Smeltzer, Song and Story Fest Director, at 1452 Willowbrook Dr., Boalsburg, PA 16827-1668; 814-466-6491 or bksmeltz@comcast.net. More about the camp is at www.brethrenwoods.org.

Source: 3/20/2008 Newsline

Peace Fest to be part of Anniversary events in Germany.

A Peace Fest with Brethren programs and partners in Europe is planned for the evening of Friday, Aug. 1, at the Lutheran Pfarrkirche St. Marien in Marburg, Germany. The fest is part of a weekend of international celebrations of the 300th Anniversary of the Brethren movement, centered in the village of Schwarzenau, Germany, on Aug. 2-3. The first Brethren were baptized in Schwarzenau in 1708.

The event will begin at 6:30 p.m. and feature displays by peace organizations and a variety of presenters including Ken Kreider, author of the book "A Cup of Cold Water: The Story of Brethren Service"; Ken Rogers, speaking on the International Cultural Youth Exchange and Brethren Colleges Abroad; Dale Ott and Kristin Flory speaking about Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS) in Europe; Marie-Noelle von der Recke speaking about Church and Peace and faith communities committed to nonviolent discipleship; Angela Koenig of EIRENE International Christian Service for Peace, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary; Wolfgang Krauss from the German Mennonite Peace Committee; and a presentation on a Marburg Peace Initiative.

The event is co-sponsored by BVS and EIRENE. To attend, please contact Myrna Frantz at myrnajef@netins.net or 641-475-3463.

Source: 3/20/2008 Newsline

Pentecost offering celebrates the 300th Anniversary.

Resource packets are now available for the "New Heart--New Spirit" Pentecost 300th Anniversary Offering. The offering is designed to be "a gift from all of us to the whole church for the new day!" said an announcement from the stewardship and funding offices of the Church of the Brethren General Board.

Suggested dates for the offering are the Sundays of May 11 or May 18. Resource packets, which include a worship resource guide and multiple insert-offering envelopes, will arrive in congregations' mailboxes around April 1. A letter explaining the process, as well as a posting of the worship resource guide are available at www.brethren.org/genbd/funding/opportun/Pentecost.htm.

"The way this special offering will work is quite different than other special offerings," explained the announcement. When the offering is received, each congregation is to keep one third for local ministries and within 30 days forward the rest to the General Board. The General Board will then gather together all the offerings that are sent by district churches and return one half of that total--the second third--to the district office for district ministries. The final third of the offerings will then, after expenses, be shared in various amounts with several denominational ministries. For more go to www.brethren.org/genbd/funding/opportun/Pentecost.htm.

Source: 3/20/2008 Newsline

Mission Alive 2008 focuses on vision for mission.

The Mission Alive 2008 conference scheduled for April 4-6 at Bridgewater (Va.) Church of the Brethren is planned both to empower congregations to take roles in mission in their communities, and to empower the Church of the Brethren denomination’s role in international mission. Online registration for the conference ends March 24, go to www.brethren.org/genbd/MissionAlive.

The conference is sponsored by the Church of the Brethren General Board with support from the Brethren Revival Fellowship (BRF) and Brethren World Mission, and extensive involvement and logistical support from the churches of Shenandoah District.

In a recent addition to the conference schedule, the general secretary and leadership team of the General Board will hold an open discussion titled, "Hearing the Heart of the Church on Mission." General secretary Stan Noffsinger issued an invitation to "come one, come all" to the discussion on Saturday, April 5, from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

The conference will begin with worship at 1:30 p.m. on Friday, April 4, and will close with worship, ending by mid-morning on Sunday, April 6. Highlights of the schedule are plenary sessions on "Biblical Calls: Biblical Bases of Mission," "A Fruitful Past," "Leadership for the Missional Church," "Cultivating Faithful Congregations," and "Challenges Facing the Church in Mission."

Evening worship at 7 p.m. on Friday, April 4, will feature a drama by Ted & Trent and music from "Bellaccord," a men’s ensemble from Eastern Mennonite University. For nearly two decades, Mennonite comedians and actors Ted & Lee offered a unique take on scripture stories; now after the sudden death of Lee Eshleman last year, Ted Swartz will be joined at Mission Alive by Trent Wagler, an actor and musician from Harrisonburg, Va.

A guest from Pakistan, Anglican Bishop Mano Rumalshah, will preach on Saturday, April 5, at 7 p.m., in a service also featuring "Shekinah," a women’s music ensemble. Rumalshah serves the Peshawar Diocese of the Church of Pakistan, and previously was general secretary of the United Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in the UK, the oldest Anglican mission agency. He will be available for a "talk on" following worship, for participants to hear more about the current situation in Pakistan and to explore mission from the point of view of the church in a Muslim-oriented society.

A variety of workshops and panel discussions are offered, with a number of leaders from within and outside the denomination including Annual Conference moderator Jim Beckwith; Robert Alley, pastor of the Bridgewater congregation; Stephen Breck Reid, academic dean, and Eugene Roop, former president of Bethany Theological Seminary; general secretary Stan Noffsinger; and many former missionaries and denominational staff members. Dorothy Jean Weaver, professor at Eastern Mennonite Seminary who co-leads Middle East study tours and work groups, will also speak, among many others.

Offerings will be taken for the Emerging Global Mission Fund on Saturday evening, and for Bridgewater Church on Sunday morning. Evening meals provided by groups from the Bridgewater church and Shenandoah District also are fundraisers, and will be available for a donation.

A post-conference event at Harrisonburg (Va.) Mennonite Church on April 6 at 4 p.m. will be on the theme, "Missions in the Brethren Tradition," with speaker Joan Daggett, associate executive minister of Shenandoah District. It is sponsored by Valley Brethren Mennonite Heritage Center.

The conference fee for those who pre-register is $79 and includes Saturday lunch. Onsite registration begins at 12:30 p.m. on April 4, with a cost of $89. Participation in segments of the program is invited; part-time participants are encouraged to support the conference through the Saturday evening offering. Housing arrangements are the responsibility of participants. Ministers may receive .75 continuing education credit. Register at www.brethren.org/genbd/MissionAlive or call 800-323-8039 ext. 230. To register by mail, send checks to Mission Alive 2008, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120.

Source: 3/20/2008 Newsline

Brethren participate in observance of five-year anniversary of the Iraq war.

Hundreds of people assembled in the afternoon of March 7 in Washington, D.C., marking the fifth year of the war in Iraq with a public demonstration against the war and the US occupation. Thousands of worshipers gathered at noon that Friday for worship services as part of a Christian Peace Witness for Iraq.

More than forty religious leaders and faith-based peace activists were arrested in the Hart Senate Office Building on Capitol Hill late in the afternoon on March 7 during a nonviolent witness to end the war. Brethren Witness/Washington Office director Phil Jones was among those arrested.

The arrests came at the end of a day of worship and prayer. Following noon-time services in 10 different houses of worship across Washington, worshipers processed to Upper Senate Park for an interfaith witness near the US Capitol. Standing in a driving rain, leaders from Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, and Unitarian traditions insisted that people of faith will be relentless in encouraging their political leaders to take bold action for peace.

Multifaith delegations from the Olive Branch Interfaith Peace Partnership, the organizing coalition of the afternoon’s events, met with high level staffers from the offices of both House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid. The delegations expressed concern for a clear exit strategy from Iraq and a regional, multilateral effort at development and diplomacy.

The Christian Peace Witness for Iraq gathered around the following convictions: "The war in Iraq must end and diplomacy must replace the threat of war with Iran. We must provide far better support to our returning soldiers. We must commit to the long-term work of development in Iraq. There can be no equivocation in our renunciation of all use of torture. We must commit real resources to justice in our own communities in the US."

Washington City Church of the Brethren was one of the worship sites for the event. The Brethren Witness/Washington Office hosted this gathering where Daryl Byler, Mennonite Central Committee Middle East region, was the guest speaker. Washington Office director Phil Jones served communion at the service, assisted by Church of the Brethren members from Virginia and Pennsylvania. Some 40 Brethren from New York, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia attended the Friday afternoon event.

Jones was one of the 42 who chose to participate in nonviolent direct action and were arrested while kneeling in prayer. He voiced aloud in prayer portions of the 2004 resolution on the Iraq war made by the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference, which reads: "Our deepest prayers of confession, our compassionate prayers of care, and our faithful prayers of hope are the strength we find in the realities of this day. We call upon the administration of our government and the leadership of nations in all places to join us in these prayers of confession, petition, and hope. Scripture continues to offer lessons for today, for all people: ‘Human beings and animals shall be covered with sackcloth, and they shall cry mightily to God. All shall turn from their evil ways and violence that is in their hands’ (Jonah 3:7-9)."

Jones also shared his concern for this anniversary event. "How often will we need to bring this message before those who have the political power...to end this violence?" he asked. "Our voice and our action is an indicator to these men and women that the faith community calls for faithful discernment and direct action by its representatives. We call for our Senate and House leaders to struggle with their conscience and their faith and to step forward boldly on behalf of this nation searching for clear ways to act justly, love kindly, and walk humbly. This mandate from God seems a powerful basis for political foreign policy. Five years of this madness of war must end. A new understanding must begin."

--This report was provided by the Brethren Witness/Washington Office.

Source: 3/20/2008 Newsline Extra

Credits

Newsline is produced by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of news services for the Church of the Brethren General Board, cobnews@brethren.org or 800-323-8039 ext. 260. Loyce Swartz Borgmann, Mark Flory Steury, Lerry Fogle, Bob Gross, Matt Guynn, Jon Kobel, and Stanley Noffsinger contributed to this report.

NEWS

• General Board approves ethics document, celebrates anniversary of women's ordination.
  
• General Board closes year with net income, experiences increase in total giving.
  
• Brethren bits: Personnel, job openings, and much more.

PERSONNEL

• Jim and Pam Hardenbrook resign from Sudan initiative.

FEATURE

• A reflection on the life and ministry of Harriett Howard Bright.

EXTRA

• Merger plan for church agencies is presented

General Board approves ethics document, celebrates anniversary of women's ordination.

After participating in a joint meeting March 8 on a plan of merger with the Association of Brethren Caregivers (see the Newsline Extra for today, March 12), the General Board continued its meetings at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill., on March 9-10.

Major items of business included a revision of the denomination's Ethics in Ministry document, a resolution celebrating the 50th anniversary of the ordination of women to ministry, and a capital proposal for replacement of failed air conditioning equipment.

The board approved a revision of the denomination's Ethics in Ministry paper, using a consensus model of decision making for this business item. The document will go to the 2008 Annual Conference for approval. The revision has been in process for some time, led by the staff of the board's Ministry Office. In previous meetings, the board had considered earlier versions of the document. The paper also has been reviewed by the Council of District Executives and by the board's legal counsel, as it includes sections on processes for dealing with complaints of ministerial misconduct. The board changed the wording of the document in only a couple of places, for greater clarity. Issues and wording that received most attention and discussion came in the Code of Ethics for Ministerial Leaders, in sections outlining how ministers will relate to other clergy colleagues, how pastors will relate to former parishes and what is inappropriate behavior for former pastors, and the appropriate congregational involvement of ministerial leaders other than pastors.

The board approved a "Resolution on 50 Years of Women's Ordination in the Church of the Brethren." The resolution marks 2008 as the 50th anniversary of the 1958 Annual Conference decision "that women be granted full and unrestricted rights to ordination." The one-page resolution also notes that, "Women have a long history of serving the denomination in ministry, and conversations about official recognition of their gifts extend back to the beginnings of the church." The resolution gives thanks "for the nearly 400 women who have served the church as ordained ministers over the last 50 years" and "for the openness of the church to the Holy Spirit, for the processes of discernment and discussion, for the slow and deliberate practices of listening to one another that lead, in time, to transformation." (Find the full resolution at www.brethren.org/genbd/GBResolutions/2008WomensOrdination.pdf).

The board approved an initial capital expenditure of $390,000 for a thermal ice storage air conditioning system at the General Offices, and directed staff to "boldly seek energy source solutions that reduce our dependence on commercial electricity and fossil fuels. Solar, geo-thermal, and similar energy sources should be given high priority in the General Board property master planning." The expenditure was made necessary when one of the facility's two "chillers" failed--the equipment is original to the building, and now about 50 years old. The capital proposal from staff offered options for replacing the whole heating, air conditioning, and ventilation system of the building with more energy efficient and "green" technologies.

In other business, the Annual Report of the General Board was approved, Barbra Davis was appointed the board's representative to the Brethren Support Staff Association, and numerous reports were received including financial reports (see story below), a report from the annual assembly of the church in the Dominican Republic, a report on the upcoming National Peace Conference of the Historic Peace Churches to take place in Philadelphia next January, and an update on sales of the Gather 'Round curriculum.

A report on the Sudan mission initiative prompted much discussion, following the announcement that lead mission workers Jim and Pam Hardenbrook have resigned. Director Brad Bohrer told the board he grieves their loss to the program. He announced that the board will be opening recruiting again for the lead team position. The goal of doing mission in Sudan "is not lost," he said, as he explained some of the complexities of setting up a new mission for the church. Some board members, however, characterized the loss as devastating, and expressed a need to revisit the total direction of the mission in Sudan. General secretary Stan Noffsinger said the executive committee of the board has already begun work with mission and funding staff on issues related to the Sudan initiative. The discussion closed with moments of silent and spoken prayer for Sudan and all the people involved with the mission.

An offering received during the meetings will support a new capital campaign for repairs, special facilities needs, and the "greening" of the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill., and the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md.--such as the replacement of the air conditioning system at the General Offices. The campaign's goal is to raise $3 million.

Source: 3/12/2008 Newsline

General Board closes year with net income, experiences increase in total giving.

The Church of the Brethren General Board ended the year 2007 with a net income in its Core Ministries Fund, in pre-audit figures. The pre-audit financial report presented to the spring General Board meeting revealed an increase in total giving to denominational ministries by individuals and congregations, but a continuing decline in congregational giving to the board's core ministries.

The board ended the year with a net income of about $130,000 in its Core Ministries Fund, in a total core ministries budget of around $5.6 million. The Core Ministries Fund supports most of the program and administrative work of the board. The board also has self-funded ministries including the Brethren Disaster Ministries (funded through the Emergency Disaster Fund), the Material Resources program that warehouses and ships relief materials on behalf of the church and ecumenical partners, the New Windsor (Md.) Conference Center, the Global Food Crisis ministry (funded through the Global Food Crisis Fund), Brethren Press, and "Messenger" magazine.

Total giving to the board increased by 9.5 percent over 2006, adding in all individual and congregational gifts to all the funds of the board, and
including bequests and donor restricted gifts. Gifts from individuals, donor-restricted gifts, and bequests increased considerably from 2006, reported Ken Neher, director of funding and donor development. The total of individual giving to all of the board's funds including donor restricted gifts and bequests rose more than 28 percent to more than $2.5 million. Individual giving to the Core Ministries Fund increased .4 percent.

Total giving from congregations remained constant, when giving to all the funds of the board, donor restricted gifts, and district disaster fundraising was included in the figure. However, giving from congregations to the Core Ministries Fund fell two percent. The congregational giving to the Core Ministries Fund was a significant shortfall of $411,000 from the budgeted projection, and presents the General Board with a major challenge since the same amount for congregational giving has been projected in the budget for the years 2008 and 2009, noted treasurer Judy Keyser.

This decline in congregational giving to the denomination's core ministries continues a 10- to 15-year trend of about a 2 percent decline per year, Neher said. He said the decline is related to the denomination's membership decline, the number of churches closing, and changing priorities of congregations.

Other highlights of the General Board's financial report for 2007:

• The Emergency Disaster Fund gave a total of $1.42 million in grants in 2007. Donations to the fund totaled $878,688.
  
  
• The Global Food Crisis Fund gave a total of $341,612 in grants. Donations to the fund totaled $319,994.
  
  
• The General Board's bequest quasi-endowment has hit the $6 million mark for the first time. This fund helps support the board's core ministries budget.
  
  
• Brethren Press total sales were especially strong in 2007, reaching over $1 million. After several unexpected inventory writeoffs and adjustments and a budgeted payment toward early Gather 'Round curriculum expenses, however, Brethren Press ended the year with about $81,000 of expense over income.
  
  
• The Gather 'Round Sunday school curriculum--a joint project of Brethren Press and the Mennonite Publishing Network in its first full year of sales had gross sales of just over $500,000. This represents mostly wholesale orders to the two publishing houses and their cooperative users. During 2007, a total of 310 Church of the Brethren congregations used the curriculum.
  
  
• The New Windsor Conference Center, which has struggled financially in past years, had gross sales of $56,000, and a net income of $24,660.
  
  
• The Emerging Global Mission Fund--which mainly supports the denomination's mission work in Brazil--spent a total of $64,614. Donations to the fund totaled more than $66,000.

Source: 3/12/2008 Newsline

Brethren bits: Personnel, job openings, and much more.

• Allen T. Hansell Sr. has announced his retirement as director of church relations for Elizabethtown (Pa.) College, effective April 5. He has filled the position since May 2005, serving as the primary liaison between the college and the Church of the Brethren, including alumni, congregations, districts, and Annual Conference agencies. His previous denominational leadership positions have included service as director of ministry for the Church of the Brethren General Board from late 1997 through 2001, following a term of eight years as executive minister of the Church of the Brethren's Atlantic Northeast District. Prior to that, he had been a pastor for 23 years. He also chaired the Small Church Task Team, was a member of the Standing Committee of Annual Conference, and served as moderator of Atlantic Northeast District. He holds degrees from Bridgewater (Va.) College and Bethany Theological Seminary.
  
  
• Pacific Southwest District has announced the hiring of Carrie Cesar as intergenerational ministry director, and her husband, Alfredo Cesar, as intercultural ministry director. Carrie Cesar will work with youth, young adults, and family ministries, coordinating training and resources for congregations and their leaders, and serving as a liaison for age-related leadership teams and district programming. She previously served as missions director for the district. Alfredo Cesar will coordinate district efforts in mission and church planting, and will hold a variety of responsibilities including developing a program to recruit coaches and church planters and other new leaders, and relate to ministries in Mexico. The Cesars live in Mesa, Ariz.
  
  
• Donna Forbes Steiner begins April 1 as director of church relations at Elizabethtown College. She holds a bachelor's degree in music education from Drake University and a masters of religious education from Bethany Theological Seminary. She began serving in ministry in 1964, as minister of Christian education for Palmyra (Pa.) Church of the Brethren, and since then has held several pastoral positions. From 1997-2002, she was associate executive minister of Atlantic Northeast District. Most recently, since 2003, she has been interim pastor of Elizabethtown (Pa.) Church of the Brethren and summer pastor of Palmyra (Pa.) Church of the Brethren and Reading (Pa.) Church of the Brethren. She also has served as a consultant for congregational ministries for Mid-Atlantic District, and as a consultant for districts and congregations in Virginia. She will work out of the Institutional Advancement Office of Elizabethtown College.
  
  
• Brian Bert has begun as program director at Camp Blue Diamond, a ministry of Middle Pennsylvania District near Petersburg, Pa. He started in the position on Jan. 21. He is a member of Hollidaysburg (Pa.) Church of the Brethren where he is a youth group advisor. He also serves as advisor for the district's Youth Ministry Team. He is a graduate of West Virginia University and worked last summer as a fulltime counselor at the camp.
  
  
• Scott Senseney began work this week in the Material Resources program of the Church of the Brethren General Board as a forklift operator/warehouse coordinator. He previously worked for 17 years with Fidelitone/Black and Decker. He lives in Keymar, Md., and will work at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md.
  
  
• Diane Parrott begins a temporary part-time assignment at the Church of the Brethren Credit Union in Elgin, Ill., on March 14. She will work on loans and assist with other projects. She is a member of Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren in Elgin, and worked most recently for the Kane County Teachers Credit Union.
  
  
• David and Maria Huber have completed a six-month assignment as volunteer hosts for the New Windsor (Md.) Conference Center, serving at the Windsor and Zigler Halls on the campus of the Brethren Service Center. The couple have been serving through Brethren Volunteer Service.
  
  
• Brethren Benefit Trust (BBT) is seeking applicants for the position of president. BBT's offices are located at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill. The primary services of BBT are the administration of the Pension Plan and the Brethren Foundation. The president serves as chief executive officer for BBT, including all its corporate entities (Brethren Benefit Trust, Brethren Benefit Trust, Inc., Brethren Foundation, Trustee, Pension Plan Trust). The president will oversee the administration and operations of BBT by leading, administering, managing, and inspiring the staff, modeling servant leadership. The president will guide BBT in its service to the Church of the Brethren by developing and maintaining mutually beneficial relationships with individuals and organizations which are affiliated with or share the values of the Church of the Brethren. The full position description can be found at www.brethrenbenefittrust.org. Church of the Brethren membership is preferred. The president will be expected to live in the Elgin area. The deadline for applications is April 30. Applicants are requested to send a current resume, cover letter, and three references via e-mail to Ralph McFadden, Search Committee Consultant, Hikermac@sbcglobal.net. Hard copies, if necessary, may be sent to 352 Shiloh Ct., Elgin, IL 60120. The Search Committee also is inviting nominations. Send the names of people who should be called to consider the position to any member of the Search Committee or send to Ralph McFadden. The Search Committee is composed of Eunice Culp, chair; Harry Rhodes, BBT Board chair; Janice Bratton, BBT Board vice chair; Donna Forbes Steiner, BBT Board member; and Fred Bernhard, former longterm BBT Board member.
  
  
• Bethany Theological Seminary and the Church of the Brethren General Board seek a fulltime director of the Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership, to start in the summer of 2008. The director will work from the Bethany campus in Richmond, Ind. Responsibilities include discerning the leadership needs of the denomination, working with the Ministry Advisory Council, coordinating the Education for Shared Ministry (EFSM) and Training in Ministry (TRIM) programs, certifying ministry training programs of districts, contributing to developing intercultural competencies, planning and coordinating continuing education events, denominational workshops for leadership development, teaching in the academy program and offering occasional courses in the seminary's graduate-level curriculum, supervising staff, budget development, and reporting to both sponsoring institutions. Qualifications include five years of effective leadership in pastoral ministry; grounding in Church of the Brethren heritage, theology, and polity; ability to articulate and operate out of the vision of Bethany and the General Board; ability to relate with integrity and respect; interpersonal skills; knowledge and experience in budget development and management; oral and written communication skills; knowledge and skill in systems theory; knowledge and skills in developing educational experiences in ministry training and professional growth; ability to envision grant proposals and oversee grant-funded programs. Required education and experience includes a master of divinity degree or the equivalent, a record of regular continuing education experiences, ordination and active membership in the Church of the Brethren. The application deadline is April 3. To apply, complete the Bethany Theological Seminary application form, submit a resume and letter of application, and request three references to send letters of recommendation to Bethany Theological Seminary, Stephen Reid, Academic Dean, 615 National Rd. W., Richmond, IN 47374-4019; 765-983-1815; reidst@bethanyseminary.edu. For additional information contact Mary Jo Flory-Steury, Executive Director of Ministry, Church of the Brethren General Board, 847-644-1153, mjflorysteury_gb@brethren.org.
  
  
• The Cedars, Inc., of McPherson, Kan., a Church of the Brethren continuing care retirement community also affiliated with the Great Plains Conference of the Free Methodist Church, is seeking applicants for its chief executive officer. With more than 300 residents on its 60-acre campus, the Cedars provides levels of care ranging from independent living to skilled nursing, from a person-centered social model. The Board of Trustees is looking for a person with home administration credentials who appreciates a faith-based environment and who has strategic planning skills, and experience in fund development, marketing, and innovative planning. Resumes are to be sent to Bob R. Green, 110 Eastmoor Dr., McPherson, KS 67460; greenbg412@sbcglobal.net.
  
  
• The Pacific Southwest District of the Church of the Brethren seeks a qualified person to serve as finance and property manager, to maintain income, expense, and balance sheet records for the district office. In addition, duties will include limited property management for congregational churches in California and Arizona. Proven experience in accounting and commercial property transactions are necessary qualifications. This person must see the position as a ministry and have a faith compatible with the mission of the Church of the Brethren. This is a fulltime position with benefits. To apply and receive a complete job description, send a cover letter of interest, a resume of relevant work experience, and three letters of reference to the Pacific Southwest District of the Church of the Brethren, P.O. Box 219, La Verne, CA 91750-0219. Applications and materials will be reviewed beginning April 1 until the position is filled.
  
  
• Three Children's Disaster Services Level 1 Trainings have been added to the 2008 spring training schedule, in addition to trainings that already have been announced at Blackrock Church of the Brethren in Glenville, Pa., on April 4-5 and at La Verne (Calif.) Church of the Brethren on April 12-13. The training events are for volunteers interested in serving with Children's Disaster Services to care for children and their families following disasters. The additional trainings will be held at Ivy Tech Community College in Evansville, Tenn., on April 4-5; at the Pacific Union Conference Office in Westlake Village, Calif., on April 19-20; and at First Presbyterian Church in Bethlehem, Pa., on April 25-26. More information and registration forms go to the website of Children's Disaster Services.
  
  
• A workshop for pastors and congregations titled, "Facilitating Healthy Pastor-Congregation Relations," is sponsored by Middle Pennsylvania District's Shalom Team and the Church College Relations Council of Juniata College in Huntingdon, Pa. The event will be led by the Lombard Mennonite Peace Center on March 28-29, and will be part of a weekend event kicking off the evening of March 27 with a presentation by Brethren sociologist Carl Bowman. A March 28 workshop for students and the public will be held on "Appreciative Inquiry." Brochures and registration information can be found on the district website at www.midpacob.org. The registration deadline is March 24.
  
  
• The Peter Becker Community, a Church of the Brethren retirement community in Harleysville, Pa., is holding its 25th Annual Flower Show on the theme, "Back the Old Country Road." The show is open to the public on March 13-15, with a suggested donation at the door of $5 per person, children free. The show began 25 years ago as a winter " pick me up" and a resident activity that recognized those who took great care of their house plants, said a release from the community. This year's show is very different, fully encompassing a large auditorium with custom painted backdrops and hand crafted architectural elements providing staging for scores of greenhouse-grown flowers. The community expects more than 8,000 guests to attend. Visit www.peterbeckercommunity.com for more information.
  
  
• The World Council of Churches (WCC) Ecumenical Water Network is offering a "Summer School on Water" for young adults from July 27 through Aug. 5 at the Ecumenical Institute in Bossey, Switzerland. "Preserving the world's water resources and securing access to water for all is one of the greatest challenges of the 21st century," said an announcement of the event. Participants will have the opportunity to study--in a regionally and confessionally diverse group--the local, regional, and international manifestations and causes of the water crisis. Participants must be between 18 and 30 years old with a good knowledge of English, which is the working language of the program. More information and an application form are available at http://water.oikoumene.org. Applications are due before March 24. Applications sent by e-mail should be addressed to water@wcc-coe.org.
  
  
• The New Community Project (NCP), a Church of the Brethren related nonprofit, has forwarded grants totaling nearly $33,000 to church and community partners in and around the southern Sudanese communities of Nimule and Maridi. A total of $18,000 was sent from the Give a Girl a Chance Fund for girls' education, girls' sanitary products, adult literacy, and women's development; $2,300 from the If a Tree Falls fund to a reforestation project on the banks of the Nile River near Nimule; some $4,500 from the Every 30 Seconds mosquito net fund for malaria prevention to support sewing cooperatives; $3,500 to complete and stock a community store; and the remainder was allocated for stipends and logistical support for workers in Sudan. An additional $8,600 has been pledged for projects later in the year. NCP's partners in the projects are the Sudan Council of Churches and a community-based group in Nimule. For more visit www.newcommunityproject.org.
  
  
• Church of the Brethren member Cliff Kindy was interviewed on WBEZ Chicago Public Radio's "WorldView" program on Feb. 27, about his work with Christian Peacemaker Teams in the northern, Kurdish area of Iraq, and military operations by Turkish troops against Kurdish PKK separatists. He spoke about visiting with survivors and families from villages bombed in the Iraqi Kurdish area in December as Turkey began air attacks. To listen to the radio show online go to www.chicagopublicradio.org/content.aspx?audioID=18987.
  
  
• Seven-year-old Emma Marten has been chosen one of six Distinguished Kansans of 2007, reports the "McPherson Sentinel." Marten held an auction of art work at McPherson Church of the Brethren in Sept. 2007 to benefit the children of Greensburg, Kan., after that town was devastated by a tornado. She recently presented about $4,000 to Greensburg Elementary School.

Source: 3/12/2008 Newsline