- Brethren funds offer replenishment grants for local hunger ministries.
- Church of the Brethren plans major disaster recovery project in Haiti.
- Grants are given for Pakistan, the Congo, Thailand.
- Thousands gather at Fort Benning to oppose School of the Americas.
- Three churches present Tercentennial Musical.
- Brethren bits: Correction, end-of-the-year giving, job opening, more.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
NEWS
Brethren funds offer replenishment grants for local hunger ministries.
The Church of the Brethren's Global Food Crisis Fund and Emergency Disaster Fund have begun a new program to encourage congregations to make a special effort this winter to respond to local food bank or soup kitchen financial needs. The "Domestic Hunger Matching Grant" program is a partnership with the Church of the Brethren's stewardship department.
Congregations will be matched dollar for dollar--up to $500--for a gift to one local food bank or soup kitchen. The program will be in place through March 15. It was developed "in response to the worsening supply crisis in our nation's food banks," said Ken Neher, director of stewardship and donor development.
To qualify for the grant a congregation must raise new funds for the food crisis, fill out and return an application form, and enclose a copy of the check it writes to the food bank or soup kitchen. Matching checks will be issued in the charity's name and mailed to the requesting congregation for forwarding to the local organization. Matching grants will be issued until the $50,000 set aside for the program by the two funds is exhausted.
The grant program also is a way that the Church of the Brethren is contributing to a new emphasis of the ecumenical organization Christian Churches Together (CCT). Each member organization and denomination in CCT is addressing poverty in a specific way through Easter 2009, according to Wendy McFadden, who helps represent the Church of the Brethren at CCT.
Said Neher: "We pray this will inspire your congregation to respond generously to this growing crisis in our own neighborhoods."
Source: 12/31/2008 Newsline
The Church of the Brethren's Global Food Crisis Fund and Emergency Disaster Fund have begun a new program to encourage congregations to make a special effort this winter to respond to local food bank or soup kitchen financial needs. The "Domestic Hunger Matching Grant" program is a partnership with the Church of the Brethren's stewardship department.
Congregations will be matched dollar for dollar--up to $500--for a gift to one local food bank or soup kitchen. The program will be in place through March 15. It was developed "in response to the worsening supply crisis in our nation's food banks," said Ken Neher, director of stewardship and donor development.
To qualify for the grant a congregation must raise new funds for the food crisis, fill out and return an application form, and enclose a copy of the check it writes to the food bank or soup kitchen. Matching checks will be issued in the charity's name and mailed to the requesting congregation for forwarding to the local organization. Matching grants will be issued until the $50,000 set aside for the program by the two funds is exhausted.
The grant program also is a way that the Church of the Brethren is contributing to a new emphasis of the ecumenical organization Christian Churches Together (CCT). Each member organization and denomination in CCT is addressing poverty in a specific way through Easter 2009, according to Wendy McFadden, who helps represent the Church of the Brethren at CCT.
Said Neher: "We pray this will inspire your congregation to respond generously to this growing crisis in our own neighborhoods."
Source: 12/31/2008 Newsline
Church of the Brethren plans major disaster recovery project in Haiti.
Church of the Brethren programs are planning a major longterm disaster recovery project in Haiti responding to the summer's hurricanes and tropical storms, following a visit from a Brethren assessment team this fall.
The Haiti disaster response project is being coordinated by Brethren Disaster Ministries. Other groups that are part of the planning and implementation of the response include the Church of the Brethren Haiti Mission, the Haiti Advisory Committee, Global Mission Partnerships, the Global Food Crisis Fund, and Jeff Boshart who will serve as coordinator for the Haiti disaster response.
An allocation of $100,000 from the Church of the Brethren's Emergency Disaster Fund has been given for the work in Haiti, which will include home rebuilding, road construction, children's programs, and agricultural support. Vocation training, capacity leadership training, and medical aid also are planned. The project may include the shipping of canned meat provided by the Mid-Atlantic and Southern Pennsylvania Districts canned meat projects. The project is expected to last up to three years.
Four tropical storms and hurricanes (Fay, Gustav, Hanna, and Ike) crossed Haiti during the summer, affecting most areas of the country. Each storm compounded Haiti's poverty and food insecurities, according to reports from disaster relief staff. More than 800 people died in the storms and some 200,000 homes were damaged or destroyed.
The Haiti Mission Advisory Committee reported that at least 35 Haitian Brethren lost their homes. There are five active Church of the Brethren congregations in Haiti, and 10 more preaching points.
The project will focus on longterm recovery in communities where Brethren churches or preaching points have been established, according to Roy Winter, executive director of Brethren Disaster Ministries. While the response will focus on communities where Brethren have been affected, he added, "Our response will focus on those with the greatest need in the community and not discriminate based on church affiliation." The Brethren plan to work in partnership with other NGOs and pastors' groups, and in coordination with local government officials. Nonprofit groups that have been invited to participate including Habitat for Humanity, Haiti Outreach, and Mennonite Central Committee.
Possible areas for Brethren response are Mirebalais, a mountainous region north of Port au Prince where Brethren preaching points are located in remote communities accessible only by foot path, and Gonaives, where there is a Brethren preaching point. Gonaives area received the greatest destruction from storms, with many damaged and destroyed homes in flood plains or mudslide areas.
Boshart traveled to Haiti on Dec. 16 to work on developing the disaster recovery project. The team that carried out the assessment trip in October included Ludovic St. Fleur, Haiti mission coordinator and pastor of L'Eglise des Freres Haitiens in Miami, Fla., his wife, Elizabeth St. Fleur, and Boshart.
Grants already given for relief in Haiti include a $10,000 grant from the Emergency Disaster Fund supporting immediate relief efforts through Church World Service (CWS), and a $15,000 grant from the Global Food Crisis Fund for agricultural development. The Brethren response also has included material aid shipped from the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md., on behalf of CWS.
In other news from the Haiti Mission Advisory Committee, the group met on Nov. 21-22 and received reports that the Brethren congregations and preaching points in Haiti were doing well. "After five-and-a-half years since the first baptisms (six persons) in May 2003, there are now five congregations and ten preaching points," said a report from chair Merle Crouse. "Ten (ministry) candidates are ready for licensing in 2009. One student will graduate from seminary in 2009." The mission held its second annual theological training in August with more than 90 people in attendance. At least one congregation has a school in place, with another hoping to open a school. In September the New Covenant School was established in St. Louis du Nord for pre-school through third grade, with sponsorship from First Church of the Brethren in Miami, Fla. Several teachers from the school attended the theological training this year, the report said. In other business, a subcommittee was appointed to move ahead on the process of gaining legal recognition for the Church of the Brethren in Haiti.
Source: 12/31/2008 Newsline
Church of the Brethren programs are planning a major longterm disaster recovery project in Haiti responding to the summer's hurricanes and tropical storms, following a visit from a Brethren assessment team this fall.
The Haiti disaster response project is being coordinated by Brethren Disaster Ministries. Other groups that are part of the planning and implementation of the response include the Church of the Brethren Haiti Mission, the Haiti Advisory Committee, Global Mission Partnerships, the Global Food Crisis Fund, and Jeff Boshart who will serve as coordinator for the Haiti disaster response.
An allocation of $100,000 from the Church of the Brethren's Emergency Disaster Fund has been given for the work in Haiti, which will include home rebuilding, road construction, children's programs, and agricultural support. Vocation training, capacity leadership training, and medical aid also are planned. The project may include the shipping of canned meat provided by the Mid-Atlantic and Southern Pennsylvania Districts canned meat projects. The project is expected to last up to three years.
Four tropical storms and hurricanes (Fay, Gustav, Hanna, and Ike) crossed Haiti during the summer, affecting most areas of the country. Each storm compounded Haiti's poverty and food insecurities, according to reports from disaster relief staff. More than 800 people died in the storms and some 200,000 homes were damaged or destroyed.
The Haiti Mission Advisory Committee reported that at least 35 Haitian Brethren lost their homes. There are five active Church of the Brethren congregations in Haiti, and 10 more preaching points.
The project will focus on longterm recovery in communities where Brethren churches or preaching points have been established, according to Roy Winter, executive director of Brethren Disaster Ministries. While the response will focus on communities where Brethren have been affected, he added, "Our response will focus on those with the greatest need in the community and not discriminate based on church affiliation." The Brethren plan to work in partnership with other NGOs and pastors' groups, and in coordination with local government officials. Nonprofit groups that have been invited to participate including Habitat for Humanity, Haiti Outreach, and Mennonite Central Committee.
Possible areas for Brethren response are Mirebalais, a mountainous region north of Port au Prince where Brethren preaching points are located in remote communities accessible only by foot path, and Gonaives, where there is a Brethren preaching point. Gonaives area received the greatest destruction from storms, with many damaged and destroyed homes in flood plains or mudslide areas.
Boshart traveled to Haiti on Dec. 16 to work on developing the disaster recovery project. The team that carried out the assessment trip in October included Ludovic St. Fleur, Haiti mission coordinator and pastor of L'Eglise des Freres Haitiens in Miami, Fla., his wife, Elizabeth St. Fleur, and Boshart.
Grants already given for relief in Haiti include a $10,000 grant from the Emergency Disaster Fund supporting immediate relief efforts through Church World Service (CWS), and a $15,000 grant from the Global Food Crisis Fund for agricultural development. The Brethren response also has included material aid shipped from the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md., on behalf of CWS.
In other news from the Haiti Mission Advisory Committee, the group met on Nov. 21-22 and received reports that the Brethren congregations and preaching points in Haiti were doing well. "After five-and-a-half years since the first baptisms (six persons) in May 2003, there are now five congregations and ten preaching points," said a report from chair Merle Crouse. "Ten (ministry) candidates are ready for licensing in 2009. One student will graduate from seminary in 2009." The mission held its second annual theological training in August with more than 90 people in attendance. At least one congregation has a school in place, with another hoping to open a school. In September the New Covenant School was established in St. Louis du Nord for pre-school through third grade, with sponsorship from First Church of the Brethren in Miami, Fla. Several teachers from the school attended the theological training this year, the report said. In other business, a subcommittee was appointed to move ahead on the process of gaining legal recognition for the Church of the Brethren in Haiti.
Source: 12/31/2008 Newsline
Grants are given for Pakistan, the Congo, Thailand.
Grants from the Church of the Brethren's Emergency Disaster Fund have been given following disasters in Pakistan, the Congo, and Thailand.
A grant of $32,000 responds to a Church World Service (CWS) appeal following a deadly earthquake in Pakistan. The funds will help provide water and sanitation, food, tents, blankets, stoves, and coal, as well as psycho-social support.
A grant of $20,000 responds to a CWS appeal for the Democratic Republic of the Congo where years of fighting have left millions dead and more than one million people displaced in the last two years. The grant will help supply water and sanitation, food security, nutritional supplements, clothing, basic supplies, and psycho-social support.
A grant of $2,500 responds to a CWS appeal in light of territorial disputes between Thailand and Cambodia, which have displaced hundreds of families. The money will help support a temporary school with meals, as well as fresh water, sanitation, and hygiene facilities for families.
In other news from Church of the Brethren disaster response efforts, Children's Disaster Service (CDS) has cared for children in Indiana following winter storms across the Midwest. CDS volunteers worked at a shelter at the Fort Wayne Memorial Coliseum the weekend of Dec. 20-21, helping care for families and children whose homes lacked heat due to a power outage caused by an ice storm. "Despite the busy season, volunteers are willing to help out," reported Judy Bezon, associate director for CDS. "One volunteer said, 'When things happen, they happen.'"
Source: 12/31/2008 Newsline
Grants from the Church of the Brethren's Emergency Disaster Fund have been given following disasters in Pakistan, the Congo, and Thailand.
A grant of $32,000 responds to a Church World Service (CWS) appeal following a deadly earthquake in Pakistan. The funds will help provide water and sanitation, food, tents, blankets, stoves, and coal, as well as psycho-social support.
A grant of $20,000 responds to a CWS appeal for the Democratic Republic of the Congo where years of fighting have left millions dead and more than one million people displaced in the last two years. The grant will help supply water and sanitation, food security, nutritional supplements, clothing, basic supplies, and psycho-social support.
A grant of $2,500 responds to a CWS appeal in light of territorial disputes between Thailand and Cambodia, which have displaced hundreds of families. The money will help support a temporary school with meals, as well as fresh water, sanitation, and hygiene facilities for families.
In other news from Church of the Brethren disaster response efforts, Children's Disaster Service (CDS) has cared for children in Indiana following winter storms across the Midwest. CDS volunteers worked at a shelter at the Fort Wayne Memorial Coliseum the weekend of Dec. 20-21, helping care for families and children whose homes lacked heat due to a power outage caused by an ice storm. "Despite the busy season, volunteers are willing to help out," reported Judy Bezon, associate director for CDS. "One volunteer said, 'When things happen, they happen.'"
Source: 12/31/2008 Newsline
Thousands gather at Fort Benning to oppose School of the Americas.
This year's gathering at the gates of Fort Benning, Ga., marked the 19th year that activists came together to voice opposition to the Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation, formerly known as the School of the Americas. School of Americas Watch (SOAW) organizers estimated the crowd on the first day of the events, Saturday, Nov. 22, at 12,000 and the crowd on the second day, Sunday, Nov. 23, at 20,000.
The days leading up to the weekend of Nov. 22-2 were filled with workshops, documentaries, learning, and breakout sessions, giving early arrivals a chance to network with others sharing their opposition to the institute. A group from Manchester College participated in many of the sessions. Nick Kauffman, a Manchester senior, shared his reasons for attending: "One of the things that makes the SOAW vigil special among protests is the faith-centeredness. Instead of the anger and jeering I encounter at other political events, there's more of an emphasis on God's call to a different life. I think SOAW is an important witness, both for myself and for the Church of the Brethren, if we're to take seriously Christ's call to seek justice and love our enemies."
Saturday began with thousands of people perusing the hundreds of information tables lining the street leading to the military base. Throughout the day there were presenters, speakers, and musicians on the main stage of the event.
Saturday evening the Brethren Witness/Washington Office hosted a Brethren Gathering. Close to 80 people attended. Four colleges--Juniata College in Huntingdon, Pa.; McPherson (Kan.) College, Bridgewater (Va.) College, and Manchester College in North Manchester, Ind.--were recognized as having students at the gathering. Peter Buck from Equal Exchange spoke to the group about buying fair trade goods, and connections between Equal Exchange, the Church of the Brethren, and Latin America. Hayley Hathoway from Jubilee USA Network spoke about debt relief and the work of Jubilee, which is an advocacy partner of the Church of the Brethren.
On Sunday morning thousands more gathered in the street in front of Fort Benning. They marched in a solemn procession that lasted almost three hours. During that time people walked by the razor-wired gates of the base, while names of people who were killed by those trained at the School of Americas were spoken. After each name was spoken, crosses, hands, and voices were raised in salute. "Presente," the procession mourned, "you are accounted for." Six people were arrested for civil disobedience.
Source: 12/31/2008 Newsline
This year's gathering at the gates of Fort Benning, Ga., marked the 19th year that activists came together to voice opposition to the Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation, formerly known as the School of the Americas. School of Americas Watch (SOAW) organizers estimated the crowd on the first day of the events, Saturday, Nov. 22, at 12,000 and the crowd on the second day, Sunday, Nov. 23, at 20,000.
The days leading up to the weekend of Nov. 22-2 were filled with workshops, documentaries, learning, and breakout sessions, giving early arrivals a chance to network with others sharing their opposition to the institute. A group from Manchester College participated in many of the sessions. Nick Kauffman, a Manchester senior, shared his reasons for attending: "One of the things that makes the SOAW vigil special among protests is the faith-centeredness. Instead of the anger and jeering I encounter at other political events, there's more of an emphasis on God's call to a different life. I think SOAW is an important witness, both for myself and for the Church of the Brethren, if we're to take seriously Christ's call to seek justice and love our enemies."
Saturday began with thousands of people perusing the hundreds of information tables lining the street leading to the military base. Throughout the day there were presenters, speakers, and musicians on the main stage of the event.
Saturday evening the Brethren Witness/Washington Office hosted a Brethren Gathering. Close to 80 people attended. Four colleges--Juniata College in Huntingdon, Pa.; McPherson (Kan.) College, Bridgewater (Va.) College, and Manchester College in North Manchester, Ind.--were recognized as having students at the gathering. Peter Buck from Equal Exchange spoke to the group about buying fair trade goods, and connections between Equal Exchange, the Church of the Brethren, and Latin America. Hayley Hathoway from Jubilee USA Network spoke about debt relief and the work of Jubilee, which is an advocacy partner of the Church of the Brethren.
On Sunday morning thousands more gathered in the street in front of Fort Benning. They marched in a solemn procession that lasted almost three hours. During that time people walked by the razor-wired gates of the base, while names of people who were killed by those trained at the School of Americas were spoken. After each name was spoken, crosses, hands, and voices were raised in salute. "Presente," the procession mourned, "you are accounted for." Six people were arrested for civil disobedience.
Source: 12/31/2008 Newsline
Three churches present Tercentennial Musical.
A group of Brethren from Everett (Pa.) Church of the Brethren, Bedford (Pa.) Church of the Brethren, and Stone Church of the Brethren in Huntingdon, Pa., worked together to perform an original one-act musical by Frank Ramirez and Steve Engle titled "The Three Visions of Israel Poulson, Senior."
The musical was commissioned by Robert Neff to be presented on Oct. 18 at the annual Good Samaritan Banquet of The Village at Morrison's Cove, a Church of the Brethren retirement community in Martinsburg, Pa. The musical also recognized the 300th Anniversary--or tercentennial--of the Church of the Brethren as a way of looking forward into the future of caring ministries in the church.
The event dramatized the difference between cheerful and grumpy workers, an old fiddle that symbolized a tired-out sermon, and the terror of being weighed in the balance at the Last Trump. "The Three Visions" is based on reminiscences of the 19th century Brethren historian and book collector Abraham Harley Cassel about Israel Poulson, Sr., (1770-1856) who was pastor of the Amwell, New Jersey, congregation.
Scripts and accompaniment CDs can be made available to congregations who wish to perform the 25-minute show. Contact Frank Ramirez at frankramirez@embarqmail.com or Steve Engle at englemedia@juno.com.
Source: 12/31/2008 Newsline
A group of Brethren from Everett (Pa.) Church of the Brethren, Bedford (Pa.) Church of the Brethren, and Stone Church of the Brethren in Huntingdon, Pa., worked together to perform an original one-act musical by Frank Ramirez and Steve Engle titled "The Three Visions of Israel Poulson, Senior."
The musical was commissioned by Robert Neff to be presented on Oct. 18 at the annual Good Samaritan Banquet of The Village at Morrison's Cove, a Church of the Brethren retirement community in Martinsburg, Pa. The musical also recognized the 300th Anniversary--or tercentennial--of the Church of the Brethren as a way of looking forward into the future of caring ministries in the church.
The event dramatized the difference between cheerful and grumpy workers, an old fiddle that symbolized a tired-out sermon, and the terror of being weighed in the balance at the Last Trump. "The Three Visions" is based on reminiscences of the 19th century Brethren historian and book collector Abraham Harley Cassel about Israel Poulson, Sr., (1770-1856) who was pastor of the Amwell, New Jersey, congregation.
Scripts and accompaniment CDs can be made available to congregations who wish to perform the 25-minute show. Contact Frank Ramirez at frankramirez@embarqmail.com or Steve Engle at englemedia@juno.com.
Source: 12/31/2008 Newsline
Brethren bits: Correction, end-of-the-year giving, job opening, more.
- Correction: In the Newsline of Dec. 17, Bernie Sanders was incorrectly identified. He is a senator from Vermont.
- In an end-of-the-year reminder, giving to Church of the Brethren ministries continues to be encouraged following the joining together of the former General Board, Association of Brethren Caregivers, and some Annual Conference administration into the new organization named "Church of the Brethren." The action has not eliminated or ended any Brethren ministries. The preferred method of support from congregations is still the check, now to be made out to Church of the Brethren and mailed to 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120, or by electronic deposit. Individuals also may give by check, credit card, or online at www.brethren.org. A note in the memo line of a check will direct the donation to Core Ministries, which supports the work of the Caring Ministries (formerly ABC) and ministries of the former General Board including many basic church ministries such as Congregational Life, Youth and Young Adult Ministries, Global Mission Partnerships, the Ministry Office, the Brethren Witness/Washington Office, Brethren Volunteer Service, Communications, and the Brethren Historical Library and Archives, among others. Donations also are received to the other three major relief and church-planting funds of the Church of the Brethren: the Emergency Disaster Fund, the Global Food Crisis Fund, and the Emerging Global Mission Fund. For more information call 800-323-8039 ext. 271.
- The Church of the Brethren's Mid-Atlantic District seeks a fulltime district executive minister. The position is available immediately. The district includes 62 congregations in the states of Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and the District of Columbia. The district's congregations are urban, suburban, and rural, and its membership is theologically diverse. The district office is located in New Windsor, Md., at the Brethren Service Center some 40 miles northwest of Baltimore. District staff include the district executive and a fulltime administrative assistant. The preferred candidate is someone who understands the history, values, and workings of the Church of the Brethren. Responsibilities include serving as executive officer of the Leadership Team of the district; giving general oversight to the planning and implementation of ministries as directed by District Conference and the Leadership Team; providing linkages to congregations, the Mission and Ministry Board, and other denominational agencies; assisting congregations and pastors with placement; building and strengthening relationships with congregations and pastors; using mediation skills to work with congregations in conflict; articulating and promoting the vision of the district; facilitating and encouraging the calling of people to set-apart ministry and lay leadership in the church; promoting unity in the district. Qualifications include a clear commitment to Jesus Christ demonstrated by a vibrant spiritual life; commitment to New Testament values; commitment to Church of the Brethren faith and heritage; a Master of Divinity or equivalent theological degree preferred; a minimum of seven years of pastoral experience; communication, mediation, and conflict resolution skills; administrative, management, and budget skills; respect for theological diversity; flexibility in working with staff, volunteer, pastoral, and lay leadership. Apply by sending a letter of interest and resume via e-mail to DistrictMinistries_gb@brethren.org. Applicants are requested to contact three or four people to provide a letter of reference. A candidate profile must be completed and returned before the application is considered complete. The application deadline is Feb. 20. Visit http://madcob.com for more information about the district.
- The Brethren Witness/Washington Office has issued an invitation for anyone who is interested to attend the upcoming Historic Peace Churches meeting, "Heeding God's Call: a Gathering on Peace," in Philadelphia, Pa., on Jan. 13-17. "We have a number of unclaimed seats that we had reserved for Brethren delegates," said the announcement. "We would like to...invite you and members of your faith communities to join hundreds of others who have already registered for this amazing Gathering in Philadelphia." E-mail pjones_gb@brethren.org for more information.
- Professors at Bethany Theological Seminary in Richmond, Ind., have written chapters in newly released books. Tara Hornbacker, associate professor of ministry formation, recently completed a chapter titled "Working with Technology and Distance Education in Theological Field Education" in the book "Preparing for Ministry: A Practical Guide to Theological Field Education" by George M. Hillman, Jr., published by Kregel Academic and Professional. "Anabaptist Theology," an article by Thomas Finger, scholar in residence at Bethany during 2008-09, appears in the new "Global Dictionary of Theology" published by Intervarsity Press. Finger's article is one of approximately 250 articles written by over 100 contributors.
- In other news from Bethany, Hornbacker has received a grant from the Wabash Center for Teaching and Learning in Theology and Religion to examine and revise the seminary's Master of Divinity Review course. Dawn Ottoni Wilhelm, associate professor of preaching and worship, and Russell Haitch, associate professor of Christian education, also will work on the project. "Receiving the grant is the culmination of much of my work with the Wabash Center over the past two years in integration, curricular design, and assessment in theological education," Hornbacker said. "The review also will facilitate the work of the entire faculty as we consider new curricular objectives." The Master of Divinity Review course is the concluding course in the overall ministry formation process for the master of divinity degree. Seniors participate in a review by a faculty committee to assess their fulfillment of the objectives of the degree program.
- The Church of the Brethren's Global Women's Project has made a year-end appeal for donations to its work with women seeking justice through grassroots projects in Rwanda, Nepal, Sudan, Palestine, and Uganda. Gifts may be made in honor of a loved one. Visit globalwomensproject.org to download cards for those being honored.
- The SERRV store at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md., will be holding sales of holiday merchandise through the end of January (the store will be closed for inventory from Jan. 4-8). All holiday items will be 50 percent off. Also now through Feb. 15 customers may bring a nonperishable food item and receive 20 percent off their total purchase.
- Dates have been announced for next year's Ecumenical Advocacy Days on March 13-16, 2009, in Washington, D.C. The Brethren Witness/Washington Office is inviting Brethren to take part in this gathering on the theme, "Enough for All Creation" (John 10:10). Go to www.advocacydays.org for more information or contact the Brethren Witness/Washington Office at washington_office_gb@brethren.org or 800-785-3246.
- The Death Row Support Project (DRSP) celebrated its 30th anniversary this year. A project of the Brethren Witness/Washington Office, DRSP invites people to respond to Jesus' call to visit those in prison by writing letters to individuals who have been sentenced to death across the US. Like many other Brethren projects, DRSP has become an ecumenical effort: about 300 Brethren have been involved and over 4,000 people from around the world have participated in reaching out to more than 3,000 on death row. Visit www.brethren.org/genbd/witness/drsp.htm for more information or e-mail coordinator Rachel Gross at drsp.cob@earthlink.net.
- Parker Ford Church of the Brethren in Pottstown, Pa., recently recognized their pastor and his wife for longterm contributions to the congregation. Robert and Rose Ella Latshaw were honored for four decades of dedicated service. They have served the congregation since 1968, according to an article in the "Spring Ford Reporter" newspaper.
- Among churches featured on the Botetourt County (Va.) Historical Society's 2009 historical calendars are two Brethren congregations: Troutville (Va.) Church of the Brethren and Cloverdale (Va.) Church of the Brethren. The calendar is titled "Historical Churches of Botetourt."
- Two of three marshalls for the Floyd (Va.) Christmas Parade were leaders in the Church of the Brethren, according to a report in "Southwest Virginia Today." Dale Bowman and Vernon Baker were among the marshalls. Bowman is retired as pastor of Copper Hill Church of the Brethren, and continues in free ministry at Parkway Church of the Brethren. Baker is a deacon at Topeco Church of the Brethren and is moderator for the Church of the Brethren's Virlina District.
- Manchester College in North Manchester, Ind., has announced a new "Triple Guarantee": financial aid, graduate within four years, and a job or graduate school within six months of graduation. The guarantee is Manchester's response to making college accessible and affordable in difficult times, according to a release from the school. President Jo Young Switzer announced the guarantee in a press conference on Dec. 16: Financial aid for all fulltime students, and full tuition for academically strong low-income students who live in Indiana; graduation within four years for all fulltime students or receive free tuition for credits needed to graduate in five years; and a job or post-graduate school within six months of graduation, or return for a full year tuition-free. "These are not 'stretch' goals" for Manchester," the release said. "More than 85 percent of Manchester graduates already finish within four years...a rate far exceeding Indiana state universities.... More than 97 percent have jobs or are in graduate school within six months of receiving their diplomas." The guarantees require students to maintain good academic and disciplinary standing and to meet financial aid filing and payment deadlines. To qualify for full tuition, students also must qualify for Indiana and federal Pell grant funds. Go to www.manchester.edu/tripleguarantee for more information.
- Juniata Voices, a yearly anthology of lectures, articles, and presentations given by Juniata College faculty and visiting speakers, has released its 2008 edition featuring contributions from Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Galway Kinnell, "New York Times" journalist Cornelia Dean, and Andrew Murray, professor emeritus of peace and conflict studies. Go to www.juniata.edu/services/jcpress/voices/past_issues.html.
- The January issue of "Brethren Voices" features an interview with Peggy Reiff Miller of Milford, Ind., about seagoing cowboys who between 1945-47 accompanied livestock to war-torn countries following World War II. Brethren Voices is a community television program produced by Portland (Ore.) Peace Church of the Brethren. More than 7,000 seagoing cowboys served under the partnership of the Brethren Service Committee and the UN Relief and Rehabilitation Administration. Dan West was the "idea man" for this project, inspiring the Heifer Project that soon became an ecumenical program involving many denominations. Miller shares photographs and stories she obtained from many of the seagoing cowboys during seven years of research. Brethren Voices programs are available for $8. E-mail groffprod1@msn.com to contact producer Ed Groff.
- Two ecumenical groups that include the Church of the Brethren as a member have joined religious leaders around the world in calling for a cease fire between Israel and Gaza. Churches for Middle East Peace is urging Christians to call on the United States to exercise leadership to immediately end the violence, restore the cease fire, and lift the blockade of Gaza. As the death toll in Gaza exceeded 350 in the fourth day of violence yesterday, NCC general secretary Michael Kinnamon issued a prayer and a plea to God to "make war cease." Also yesterday, patriarchs and heads of churches in Jerusalem issued a statement expressing "deep concern, regret, and shock." Following are portions of Kinnamon's prayer: "God of all creation, you who are so bound to humankind that you feel the joys that complete us and the sorrows that rend us; God of Abraham, you who have made covenant with our ancestors and called us to be special instruments of your peace; we come to you in pain. You have commanded us to love our neighbors as ourselves; yet throughout our world we see horrifying examples of our failure to love as you command.... Forgive us for how we turn away from the suffering of others. Help us to face their agony so that you might use us as instruments of your peace."
- Church World Service (CWS) is promoting its annual alternative gifts catalogue. Go to https://secure2.convio.net/cws/site/Ecommerce?store_id=1241 to find the "Best Gifts" catalogue online, where gifts may be browsed by type or price. Sample gifts include a blanket for $10, a goat for $112, and an Emergency Food Package for $72.
- Religions for Peace is celebrating the Cluster Munitions Treaty signed by 100 governments on Dec. 3, calling it "the most significant disarmament and humanitarian treaty of the decade." In a release, the organization said, "The treaty bans the use, production, transfer, and stockpiling of cluster munitions, committing each government to provide victim assistance and to clear contaminated land." The organization continues to urge each government to ratify the treaty so that it becomes legally binding, and called on governments that have not yet signed to do so. The Church of the Brethren is a member of Religions for Peace.
- Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT) has announced a delegation to Iraq on April 18-May 2. The delegation will be based in Suleimaniya, in the Kurdish north of Iraq, and will meet with representatives of nongovernmental organizations, human rights groups, displaced people, government officials, and others to gain perspective on the challenges facing people in northern Iraq and the impact of violence in other areas of Iraq and along the border. CPT has had a presence in Iraq since Oct. 2002. The fundraising expectation is $3,500, which includes roundtrip airfare from a US or Canadian city. Apply at www.cpt.org or contact CPT at delegations@cpt.org or 773-277-0253. Applications are due March 2.
- "Lectern Resource," published by Logos Productions, features Frank Ramirez as the writer for 2009. Ramirez is pastor of Everett (Pa.) Church of the Brethren and the author of several books published by Brethren Press, most recently "Brethren Brush with Greatness." Ramirez provides a children's story and an offering message for each Sunday, along with several other worship resources including a Call to Worship, Prayer of Confession, Responsorial Psalm, and Benediction. The resources are built around the Year B Revised Common Lectionary scriptures, and are keyed to sermons written by William H. Willimon, available through another Logos publication. Go to www.logosproductions.com or call 800-328-0200.
- "Springs of Living Water-Christ-Centered Church Renewal" by David S. Young has been published by Herald Press. Young is an ordained minister in the Church of the Brethren and author of "Servant Leadership for Church Renewal." The book is a manual to help a church cultivate its spiritual life and focus efforts in ministries that express its identity and call, through a renewal team trained to get the congregation involved and to build on the church's strengths. Young has used the model in Brethren, American Baptist, and Mennonite congregations.
- Three new books feature the journals of the Bucher brothers--Christian, Jacob, and George--who lived in the Lebanon, Pa., area in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and were influential among Brethren there. The books by Gladys Sowers are published by Mast-hof Press: "Christian Bucher, Elder, Church of the Brethren: His Journals, Pastoral, and Genealogical Records, Jan. 1851 to June 1907," "Jacob Bucher: His Journals and Agricultural Transactions, Jan. 1858 to July 1877," and "George Bucher, Elder, Church of the Brethren: His Journals and Pastoral Records, Feb. 1862 to Sept. 1908."
Musings on a resounding call for change.
The one-word message from this election year has been CHANGE. A noble call indeed! For far too many, change simply implies something different, doing away with old customs, patterns, traditions, just for the sake of being different. That is a poor excuse for change.
May I suggest that change starts from within. A changed society, indeed a changed culture must be built on changed hearts of individuals within that culture. Never is this kind of change easy. It comes out of struggle, discipline, willpower, prayer, and soul energy. Worthy change comes from God's spirit and power touching the heart and the soul of an individual.
Here is what I see as evidence of real change: from fear to faith, from getting to giving, from greed to generosity, from futility to fulfillment, from words to work, from despair to discipleship, from loathing to loving. Try building a sermon or two by using the above expressions, and the following texts: "I will give them one heart, and put a new spirit within them" (Ezekiel 11:19); "So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation" (2 Corinthians 5:17a).
This 300th anniversary year could simply result in polishing the old, and some of that is good, but this special year also must help us faithfully face the future. I regularly remember my dad, Eugene O. Kinsel, resisting singing "'Tis the old-time religion and it's good enough for me." He always said, "The old-time religion is not good enough else this world would be a much better place."
Godly change? Yes!
--Glenn Eugene Kinsel is a volunteer with Brethren Disaster Ministries.
Source: 12/31/2008 Newsline
The one-word message from this election year has been CHANGE. A noble call indeed! For far too many, change simply implies something different, doing away with old customs, patterns, traditions, just for the sake of being different. That is a poor excuse for change.
May I suggest that change starts from within. A changed society, indeed a changed culture must be built on changed hearts of individuals within that culture. Never is this kind of change easy. It comes out of struggle, discipline, willpower, prayer, and soul energy. Worthy change comes from God's spirit and power touching the heart and the soul of an individual.
Here is what I see as evidence of real change: from fear to faith, from getting to giving, from greed to generosity, from futility to fulfillment, from words to work, from despair to discipleship, from loathing to loving. Try building a sermon or two by using the above expressions, and the following texts: "I will give them one heart, and put a new spirit within them" (Ezekiel 11:19); "So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation" (2 Corinthians 5:17a).
This 300th anniversary year could simply result in polishing the old, and some of that is good, but this special year also must help us faithfully face the future. I regularly remember my dad, Eugene O. Kinsel, resisting singing "'Tis the old-time religion and it's good enough for me." He always said, "The old-time religion is not good enough else this world would be a much better place."
Godly change? Yes!
--Glenn Eugene Kinsel is a volunteer with Brethren Disaster Ministries.
Source: 12/31/2008 Newsline
A peace pole is erected in Schwarzenau.
At the 300th Anniversary Celebration in Schwarzenau, Germany, on Aug. 3, a Peace Pole was given to the village by the Brethren Encyclopedia Board of Directors on behalf of the Brethren bodies. In 1708 the village of Schwarzenau was the site of the first Brethren baptisms, which took place in the Eder River.
The villagers have now erected the Peace Pole near the village information sign at the end of the bridge across the Eder River. The Peace Pole has on it the words "May Peace Prevail on Earth" in eight languages.
"Peace Poles are memorials, silent prayers, and international symbols for peace," said Karin Zacharias, a Schwarzenau resident and a member of the Schwarzenau Planning Committee for the 300th Anniversary Celebration, when she spoke at the ceremony. "They remind us that peace is possible and can only grow within us, and that we should live our everyday lives in the spirit of the words 'May Peace Prevail on Earth.'"
The villagers of Schwarzenau (population 800) worked diligently to make the 300th Anniversary Celebration a most memorable occasion for the more than 500 Brethren who attended from 18 nations. The Peace Pole will be a constant reminder of the village's appreciation of the Brethren, and stands as a challenge to all who see it to work for peace on earth.
--Dale Ulrich is a member of the Brethren Encyclopedia Board of Directors and helped coordinate the celebration in Schwarzenau.
Source: 12/31/2008 Newsline
At the 300th Anniversary Celebration in Schwarzenau, Germany, on Aug. 3, a Peace Pole was given to the village by the Brethren Encyclopedia Board of Directors on behalf of the Brethren bodies. In 1708 the village of Schwarzenau was the site of the first Brethren baptisms, which took place in the Eder River.
The villagers have now erected the Peace Pole near the village information sign at the end of the bridge across the Eder River. The Peace Pole has on it the words "May Peace Prevail on Earth" in eight languages.
"Peace Poles are memorials, silent prayers, and international symbols for peace," said Karin Zacharias, a Schwarzenau resident and a member of the Schwarzenau Planning Committee for the 300th Anniversary Celebration, when she spoke at the ceremony. "They remind us that peace is possible and can only grow within us, and that we should live our everyday lives in the spirit of the words 'May Peace Prevail on Earth.'"
The villagers of Schwarzenau (population 800) worked diligently to make the 300th Anniversary Celebration a most memorable occasion for the more than 500 Brethren who attended from 18 nations. The Peace Pole will be a constant reminder of the village's appreciation of the Brethren, and stands as a challenge to all who see it to work for peace on earth.
--Dale Ulrich is a member of the Brethren Encyclopedia Board of Directors and helped coordinate the celebration in Schwarzenau.
Source: 12/31/2008 Newsline
Credits
Newsline is produced by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of news services for the Church of the Brethren, cobnews@brethren.org or 800-323-8039 ext. 260. Judy Bezon, Jeff Boshart, Merle Crouse, Lerry Fogle, Ed Groff, Nancy Knepper, Jon Kobel, Jeri S. Kornegay, Wendy McFadden, Frank Ramirez, Carmen Rubio, Marcia Shetler, John Wall, and Roy Winter contributed to this report.
Newsline is produced by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of news services for the Church of the Brethren, cobnews@brethren.org or 800-323-8039 ext. 260. Judy Bezon, Jeff Boshart, Merle Crouse, Lerry Fogle, Ed Groff, Nancy Knepper, Jon Kobel, Jeri S. Kornegay, Wendy McFadden, Frank Ramirez, Carmen Rubio, Marcia Shetler, John Wall, and Roy Winter contributed to this report.
Monday, December 29, 2008
Remembrance: Philip W. Rieman and Louise Baldwin Rieman.
Philip Wayne Rieman (64) and Louise Ann Baldwin Rieman (63), co-pastors of Northview Church of the Brethren in Indianapolis, Ind., were killed in a car accident on the morning of Dec. 26. The accident occurred on a highway north of Indianapolis when the couple were on their way to a family gathering.
Louise Rieman was a current member of the Church of the Brethren's Mission Advisory Committee. The couple both participated in the Sudan Assessment Team that spent three weeks in southern Sudan in July-Aug. 2007 (http://sudan.brethren.org/blog/enten-eller). They also were part of an informal group that helped support the original proposal for the Church of the Brethren's Sudan mission initiative.
The Riemans were Brethren mission workers in Sudan from 1992-96, when they worked as community development facilitators for the New Sudan Council of Churches and with the council's Peace Department. Their work for the council also took them to Uganda and Kenya.
In other service to the church, the Riemans pastored congregations in Iowa and Indiana. They coordinated the church's first Nigeria workcamp in 1985, which has since become an annual event. They were peace witnesses and war tax resisters for decades, and were featured by the "New York Times" in an article about the National Campaign for a Peace Tax Fund on Aug. 3, 2002. The article reported that they gave about 60 percent of their taxes to civil rights and peace programs, despite Internal Revenue Service threats of liens against bank accounts, wage garnishments, and seizure of the family van. "We will look back on war someday like we did on slavery," Phil Rieman told the paper.
Phil Rieman was born in Chicago on Aug. 27, 1944, the son of T. Wayne and Gwen Rieman. Louise Baldwin Rieman was born in Garkida, Nigeria, on June 23, 1946, the daughter of Elmer and Ferne Baldwin who were longterm Brethren mission workers in Nigeria. Both graduated from Manchester College in North Manchester, Ind., and from Bethany Theological Seminary. They were married in 1967. They are survived by their children, son Ken and his wife Kate, and daughters Tina and Cheri.
Condolences to the family may be sent care of Northview Church of the Brethren, 5555 E. 46th St., Indianapolis, IN 46226. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Dec. 31 at the Northview church. A live webcast of the service will be offered at www.bethanyseminary.edu/riemanmemorial which also includes directions for logging in from any computer with an Internet connection (for questions or technical assistance contact Enten Eller at Enten@BethanySeminary.edu or 765-983-1831). A memorial time of silence, prayer, sharing, and fellowship is planned for 10 a.m. on Dec. 31 at Ivester Church of the Brethren in Grundy Center, Iowa, where the Riemans were pastors from 1985-92.
Source: 12/29/2008 Newsline Extra
Philip Wayne Rieman (64) and Louise Ann Baldwin Rieman (63), co-pastors of Northview Church of the Brethren in Indianapolis, Ind., were killed in a car accident on the morning of Dec. 26. The accident occurred on a highway north of Indianapolis when the couple were on their way to a family gathering.
Louise Rieman was a current member of the Church of the Brethren's Mission Advisory Committee. The couple both participated in the Sudan Assessment Team that spent three weeks in southern Sudan in July-Aug. 2007 (http://sudan.brethren.org/blog/enten-eller). They also were part of an informal group that helped support the original proposal for the Church of the Brethren's Sudan mission initiative.
The Riemans were Brethren mission workers in Sudan from 1992-96, when they worked as community development facilitators for the New Sudan Council of Churches and with the council's Peace Department. Their work for the council also took them to Uganda and Kenya.
In other service to the church, the Riemans pastored congregations in Iowa and Indiana. They coordinated the church's first Nigeria workcamp in 1985, which has since become an annual event. They were peace witnesses and war tax resisters for decades, and were featured by the "New York Times" in an article about the National Campaign for a Peace Tax Fund on Aug. 3, 2002. The article reported that they gave about 60 percent of their taxes to civil rights and peace programs, despite Internal Revenue Service threats of liens against bank accounts, wage garnishments, and seizure of the family van. "We will look back on war someday like we did on slavery," Phil Rieman told the paper.
Phil Rieman was born in Chicago on Aug. 27, 1944, the son of T. Wayne and Gwen Rieman. Louise Baldwin Rieman was born in Garkida, Nigeria, on June 23, 1946, the daughter of Elmer and Ferne Baldwin who were longterm Brethren mission workers in Nigeria. Both graduated from Manchester College in North Manchester, Ind., and from Bethany Theological Seminary. They were married in 1967. They are survived by their children, son Ken and his wife Kate, and daughters Tina and Cheri.
Condolences to the family may be sent care of Northview Church of the Brethren, 5555 E. 46th St., Indianapolis, IN 46226. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Dec. 31 at the Northview church. A live webcast of the service will be offered at www.bethanyseminary.edu/riemanmemorial which also includes directions for logging in from any computer with an Internet connection (for questions or technical assistance contact Enten Eller at Enten@BethanySeminary.edu or 765-983-1831). A memorial time of silence, prayer, sharing, and fellowship is planned for 10 a.m. on Dec. 31 at Ivester Church of the Brethren in Grundy Center, Iowa, where the Riemans were pastors from 1985-92.
Source: 12/29/2008 Newsline Extra
Remembrance: Earl H. Traughber.
Earl H. Traughber (80) passed away on Sunday, Dec. 21, in Ontario, Idaho. He was a former district executive minister for Idaho District, a former member of the Church of the Brethren General Board, and an ordained minister and pastor in the Church of the Brethren.
"Tonight we in the Idaho District mourn the passing of a dear friend and brother," said a call to prayer from the Idaho District Office, sent by e-mail on the evening of Dec. 21.
Traughber was district executive minister of Idaho District from 1977-85, in a part-time position while he concurrently served as pastor of Fruitland (Idaho) Church of the Brethren and the nearby New Plymouth United Church of Christ. He was pastor of the Fruitland congregation for a total of more than 30 years. He also served as a member of the Church of the Brethren General Board from 1989-94. In other volunteer service, he had a passion for working with the church's disaster ministries and was a counselor for the Fruitland school district.
Condolences may be sent to his wife, Lois Traughber, at 1565 W. First St., Fruitland, ID 83619-2492. A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 3, at Fruitland Church of the Brethren. Concluding services will be at Riverside Cemetery in Payette, Idaho. Memorial contributions are being received to the Idaho District disaster ministries, Fruitland Church of the Brethren, and Heifer International.
Source: 12/29/2008 Newsline Extra
Earl H. Traughber (80) passed away on Sunday, Dec. 21, in Ontario, Idaho. He was a former district executive minister for Idaho District, a former member of the Church of the Brethren General Board, and an ordained minister and pastor in the Church of the Brethren.
"Tonight we in the Idaho District mourn the passing of a dear friend and brother," said a call to prayer from the Idaho District Office, sent by e-mail on the evening of Dec. 21.
Traughber was district executive minister of Idaho District from 1977-85, in a part-time position while he concurrently served as pastor of Fruitland (Idaho) Church of the Brethren and the nearby New Plymouth United Church of Christ. He was pastor of the Fruitland congregation for a total of more than 30 years. He also served as a member of the Church of the Brethren General Board from 1989-94. In other volunteer service, he had a passion for working with the church's disaster ministries and was a counselor for the Fruitland school district.
Condolences may be sent to his wife, Lois Traughber, at 1565 W. First St., Fruitland, ID 83619-2492. A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 3, at Fruitland Church of the Brethren. Concluding services will be at Riverside Cemetery in Payette, Idaho. Memorial contributions are being received to the Idaho District disaster ministries, Fruitland Church of the Brethren, and Heifer International.
Source: 12/29/2008 Newsline Extra
Credits
Newsline is produced by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of news services for the Church of the Brethren, cobnews@brethren.org or 800-323-8039 ext. 260. Karin Krog and Sue Daniel contributed to this report.
Newsline is produced by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of news services for the Church of the Brethren, cobnews@brethren.org or 800-323-8039 ext. 260. Karin Krog and Sue Daniel contributed to this report.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Charges Brought Against Woman in BVS Fall Orientation Unit
Criminal charges have been brought against a young woman for an incident that took place while she was in the Fall orientation unit of Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS) in Baltimore, Md. Charges of first-degree murder and child abuse resulting in death have been brought against Melanie Blevins of Westminster, Md., who is a member of the Church of the Brethren.
The incident took place on Oct. 4, when Blevins checked into a hospital and was discovered to have given birth recently. After she told police the baby was stillborn, they found the body of the child in a trash bin outside St. John's United Methodist Church in Baltimore, where the BVS orientation group was staying while doing volunteer work in the inner-city. Police then investigated the death of the baby.
After being released from hospital, Blevins returned home and did not complete the BVS orientation. She is not serving as a BVS volunteer.
BVS staff found out about the birth from the police, after she entered the hospital. They did not know she was pregnant, and the BVS orientation staff who were present in Baltimore did not know she gave birth.
The organization followed its usual protocols when the young woman was accepted into training, according to director Dan McFadden. A physical is not required for trainees as part of regular procedures, he said, but volunteers are required to provide a medical history. In a telephone interview that is required before accepting a trainee, the young woman answered in the negative the standard questions that are asked about any physical or other impediments to taking part in volunteer service.
The incident happened just a few days before the end of the three-week orientation. After the trauma of the orientation, staff and volunteers received professional counseling and support. The members of the unit have gone out on placements as fulltime BVS volunteers, and are working in a variety of places around the country and internationally.
"We in the Church of the Brethren are expressing our deep sadness for the loss of this life," said Stan Noffsinger, general secretary of the Church of the Brethren. "Our tradition holds all life sacred, and we hold this child's life as sacred. It tears at our very soul, that this precious life has been taken."
Executive staff of the Church of the Brethren have been in touch with Blevins and her family since she left the orientation, and have kept in communication with her pastor and leaders of her congregation. "The church will continue to reach out to the family," Noffsinger said.
Source: 12/18/2008 Newsline Update
Criminal charges have been brought against a young woman for an incident that took place while she was in the Fall orientation unit of Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS) in Baltimore, Md. Charges of first-degree murder and child abuse resulting in death have been brought against Melanie Blevins of Westminster, Md., who is a member of the Church of the Brethren.
The incident took place on Oct. 4, when Blevins checked into a hospital and was discovered to have given birth recently. After she told police the baby was stillborn, they found the body of the child in a trash bin outside St. John's United Methodist Church in Baltimore, where the BVS orientation group was staying while doing volunteer work in the inner-city. Police then investigated the death of the baby.
After being released from hospital, Blevins returned home and did not complete the BVS orientation. She is not serving as a BVS volunteer.
BVS staff found out about the birth from the police, after she entered the hospital. They did not know she was pregnant, and the BVS orientation staff who were present in Baltimore did not know she gave birth.
The organization followed its usual protocols when the young woman was accepted into training, according to director Dan McFadden. A physical is not required for trainees as part of regular procedures, he said, but volunteers are required to provide a medical history. In a telephone interview that is required before accepting a trainee, the young woman answered in the negative the standard questions that are asked about any physical or other impediments to taking part in volunteer service.
The incident happened just a few days before the end of the three-week orientation. After the trauma of the orientation, staff and volunteers received professional counseling and support. The members of the unit have gone out on placements as fulltime BVS volunteers, and are working in a variety of places around the country and internationally.
"We in the Church of the Brethren are expressing our deep sadness for the loss of this life," said Stan Noffsinger, general secretary of the Church of the Brethren. "Our tradition holds all life sacred, and we hold this child's life as sacred. It tears at our very soul, that this precious life has been taken."
Executive staff of the Church of the Brethren have been in touch with Blevins and her family since she left the orientation, and have kept in communication with her pastor and leaders of her congregation. "The church will continue to reach out to the family," Noffsinger said.
Source: 12/18/2008 Newsline Update
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
NEWS
- Church of the Brethren leaders address WCC's US Conference.
- Church of the Brethren issues update on Sudan mission.
- Grants support disaster relief in Asia, Central America, Nigeria.
- Brethren bits: Remembrances, personnel, jobs, workcamps, more.
Church of the Brethren leaders address WCC's US Conference.
"Making Peace: Claiming God's Promise" was the banner under which the US Conference for the World Council of Churches (WCC) gathered in Washington, D.C., on Dec. 2-4 for its annual meeting. Planned and developed by the US Conference staff--Deborah Dewinter, David Fracarro, and John Asher--the meeting engaged in conversations about topics ranging from racial reconciliation to care for creation. One focus of the meeting was framing a message that could be shared with US President-Elect Barack Obama with regard to the passions of the church and a call to "claim God's peace."
Church of the Brethren pastors and members were leaders for the opening worship service, which was held in the peace church tradition. The service was at the Omni Shore Hotel in conjunction with the Progressive Baptist Convention. Leading the service was Jeff Carter, pastor of Manassas (Va.) Church of the Brethren and the Brethren representative to the board of the US Conference of the WCC. Joining Carter in worship leadership were pastor Nancy Fitzgerald of Arlington (Va.) Church of the Brethren and John Shafer of Oakton Church of the Brethren in Vienna, Va. Also participating were Ilana Naylor of Manassas Church of the Brethren, Rich Meyer of Benton Mennonite Church, Ann Riggs of the Society of Friends, Jordan Blevins of Westminister (Md.) Church of the Brethren, and Phil Jones, director of the Brethren Witness/Washington Office.
Carter also was one of those in a panel discussion held during the conference around the concern, "What message does the church have to share to the new administration of our nation?" In his remarks, Carter expressed as the highest concern for the Brethren tradition that of ending the Iraq war. His message to President-Elect Obama would be "to think globally, work collaboratively, and act morally," he said. "To be truthful and transparent in all actions, and to hold close to his faith convictions. Be faithful in doing justice, loving kindness, and walking humbly with our God."
Leaders from other Christian traditions expressed their concerns for change as well, ranging from healthcare reform to the sanctity of life, torture and human rights, and the education and care of children around the world. A drafting committee has been formed to shape this conversation into a letter to be sent to the new US President.
In an ecumenical young adult presentation on the opening night of the conference Jordan Blevins represented the National Council of Churches' Eco-Justice Program as assistant director of the program, and represented the Church of the Brethren. He shared from his experiences of working in young adult ecumenical circles around the issue of environmental justice. Blevins expressed excitement that the young adult generation of today "get it," he said. "They understand that acknowledging climate change and being active in the protection of our environment is critical to the survival of humanity."
Jones as director of the Brethren Witness/Washington Office and co-chair of the US Decade to Overcome Violence program, spoke as part of a panel in the opening plenary of the conference. Building on one of the key themes of the WCC's Decade to Overcome Violence, he spoke about the churches' call to end war. Jones quoted President-Elect Obama, challenging the group to find its own voice, and reminded the meeting of its previous statements in regard to war, most recently the confession of culpability offered at the 2006 World Council of Churches Assembly in Brazil. He also spoke of the need to engage congregations in the United States in this conversation of moral integrity. The church's voice "cannot be empty rhetoric drawn from statements or resolutions," he said. "We must pray, organize, commit to, and seek peace as the church of God."
The meeting presented "Blessed Are the Peacemaker" awards. Both Jones and Carter participated in the presentations. This year's recipients included Blevins, who joined other members of the staff of the NCC's Eco-Justice Program in receiving an award for their efforts in addressing global warming and other environmental issues.
--Phil Jones is director of the Brethren Witness/Washington Office.
Source: 12/17/2008 Newsline
"Making Peace: Claiming God's Promise" was the banner under which the US Conference for the World Council of Churches (WCC) gathered in Washington, D.C., on Dec. 2-4 for its annual meeting. Planned and developed by the US Conference staff--Deborah Dewinter, David Fracarro, and John Asher--the meeting engaged in conversations about topics ranging from racial reconciliation to care for creation. One focus of the meeting was framing a message that could be shared with US President-Elect Barack Obama with regard to the passions of the church and a call to "claim God's peace."
Church of the Brethren pastors and members were leaders for the opening worship service, which was held in the peace church tradition. The service was at the Omni Shore Hotel in conjunction with the Progressive Baptist Convention. Leading the service was Jeff Carter, pastor of Manassas (Va.) Church of the Brethren and the Brethren representative to the board of the US Conference of the WCC. Joining Carter in worship leadership were pastor Nancy Fitzgerald of Arlington (Va.) Church of the Brethren and John Shafer of Oakton Church of the Brethren in Vienna, Va. Also participating were Ilana Naylor of Manassas Church of the Brethren, Rich Meyer of Benton Mennonite Church, Ann Riggs of the Society of Friends, Jordan Blevins of Westminister (Md.) Church of the Brethren, and Phil Jones, director of the Brethren Witness/Washington Office.
Carter also was one of those in a panel discussion held during the conference around the concern, "What message does the church have to share to the new administration of our nation?" In his remarks, Carter expressed as the highest concern for the Brethren tradition that of ending the Iraq war. His message to President-Elect Obama would be "to think globally, work collaboratively, and act morally," he said. "To be truthful and transparent in all actions, and to hold close to his faith convictions. Be faithful in doing justice, loving kindness, and walking humbly with our God."
Leaders from other Christian traditions expressed their concerns for change as well, ranging from healthcare reform to the sanctity of life, torture and human rights, and the education and care of children around the world. A drafting committee has been formed to shape this conversation into a letter to be sent to the new US President.
In an ecumenical young adult presentation on the opening night of the conference Jordan Blevins represented the National Council of Churches' Eco-Justice Program as assistant director of the program, and represented the Church of the Brethren. He shared from his experiences of working in young adult ecumenical circles around the issue of environmental justice. Blevins expressed excitement that the young adult generation of today "get it," he said. "They understand that acknowledging climate change and being active in the protection of our environment is critical to the survival of humanity."
Jones as director of the Brethren Witness/Washington Office and co-chair of the US Decade to Overcome Violence program, spoke as part of a panel in the opening plenary of the conference. Building on one of the key themes of the WCC's Decade to Overcome Violence, he spoke about the churches' call to end war. Jones quoted President-Elect Obama, challenging the group to find its own voice, and reminded the meeting of its previous statements in regard to war, most recently the confession of culpability offered at the 2006 World Council of Churches Assembly in Brazil. He also spoke of the need to engage congregations in the United States in this conversation of moral integrity. The church's voice "cannot be empty rhetoric drawn from statements or resolutions," he said. "We must pray, organize, commit to, and seek peace as the church of God."
The meeting presented "Blessed Are the Peacemaker" awards. Both Jones and Carter participated in the presentations. This year's recipients included Blevins, who joined other members of the staff of the NCC's Eco-Justice Program in receiving an award for their efforts in addressing global warming and other environmental issues.
--Phil Jones is director of the Brethren Witness/Washington Office.
Source: 12/17/2008 Newsline
Church of the Brethren issues update on Sudan mission.
General secretary Stan Noffsinger has issued an update on the Church of the Brethren work in Sudan, in a letter sent this week to congregations and to those who have contributed to funding of the Sudan Initiative.
"This program has not gone as smoothly as we had hoped," Noffsinger wrote. "Nevertheless, we are encouraged by the latest developments.... In the three years since taking on this challenge, we have learned a great deal."
The letter listed three specific learnings for the denomination during the three years since Oct. 2005 when the Church of the Brethren board approved the Sudan Initiative, including difficulties related to various views of mission and related personality conflicts, and that in trying a new model of fundraising the church has found "that it is difficult to operate a venture like this outside the core ministries budget of the church."
The Sudan Initiative was approved as a new model of funding for mission efforts, in which mission workers raised their own funds and the mission budget was based solely on designated gifts. The letter noted problems with this model including placing burdens on prospective mission workers, the time required to manage fundraising, and the way it "undervalued the need to provide overall administration." The letter also noted "a clear benefit to this model was the face-to-face contact with church members."
A third learning for the church was that original expectations for church planting in Sudan "have been met with caution," Noffsinger wrote. "Church leaders there tell us that 95 percent of southern Sudan has been exposed to Christianity and has access to existing indigenous churches.... The task in this place and time appears to be church-tending more than church-planting."
The letter closed by lifting up the invitation for the Church of the Brethren to join in work with Reconcile International, an affiliate church organization in southern Sudan established by the New Sudan Council of Churches. Bibek Sahu, a computer consultant who has been active in Church of the Brethren congregations in Kansas and Iowa, began work with Reconcile earlier this month as a Church of the Brethren short-term mission worker.
Noffsinger closed the letter with a request for prayer and continued financial support for the Sudan mission: "Please join us as we pray for good judgment, for the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and for wisdom to sense where God is leading us at this juncture."
Source: 12/17/2008 Newsline
General secretary Stan Noffsinger has issued an update on the Church of the Brethren work in Sudan, in a letter sent this week to congregations and to those who have contributed to funding of the Sudan Initiative.
"This program has not gone as smoothly as we had hoped," Noffsinger wrote. "Nevertheless, we are encouraged by the latest developments.... In the three years since taking on this challenge, we have learned a great deal."
The letter listed three specific learnings for the denomination during the three years since Oct. 2005 when the Church of the Brethren board approved the Sudan Initiative, including difficulties related to various views of mission and related personality conflicts, and that in trying a new model of fundraising the church has found "that it is difficult to operate a venture like this outside the core ministries budget of the church."
The Sudan Initiative was approved as a new model of funding for mission efforts, in which mission workers raised their own funds and the mission budget was based solely on designated gifts. The letter noted problems with this model including placing burdens on prospective mission workers, the time required to manage fundraising, and the way it "undervalued the need to provide overall administration." The letter also noted "a clear benefit to this model was the face-to-face contact with church members."
A third learning for the church was that original expectations for church planting in Sudan "have been met with caution," Noffsinger wrote. "Church leaders there tell us that 95 percent of southern Sudan has been exposed to Christianity and has access to existing indigenous churches.... The task in this place and time appears to be church-tending more than church-planting."
The letter closed by lifting up the invitation for the Church of the Brethren to join in work with Reconcile International, an affiliate church organization in southern Sudan established by the New Sudan Council of Churches. Bibek Sahu, a computer consultant who has been active in Church of the Brethren congregations in Kansas and Iowa, began work with Reconcile earlier this month as a Church of the Brethren short-term mission worker.
Noffsinger closed the letter with a request for prayer and continued financial support for the Sudan mission: "Please join us as we pray for good judgment, for the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and for wisdom to sense where God is leading us at this juncture."
Source: 12/17/2008 Newsline
Grants support disaster relief in Asia, Central America, Nigeria.
A number of grants have been given recently for disaster relief in several areas around the world. The grants have come from the Church of the Brethren's Emergency Disaster Fund.
An allocation of $30,000 responds to a Church World Service (CWS) appeal following major flooding and mudslides in Pakistan. It is estimated that up to 500,000 people have been affected, with 40 deaths and 50 reported missing.
A grant of $10,000 assists partner agency Proyecto Aldea Global in responding to massive mudslides in Honduras. The grant will support the reopening of roads and help provide food, water, and medical assistance, as well as health kits and crop assistance.
A grant of $10,000 responds to a CWS appeal for the growing humanitarian crisis of displaced Afghans. Those displaced experience multiple problems including lack of food and water, sanitation, health care, and violence.
An allocation of $4,000 has been given for the work of Children's Disaster Services responding to multiple wildfires in southern California. Children's Disaster Services is a ministry of the Church of the Brethren.
A grant of $5,000 supports the work of the Emergency Preparedness-Response Team (EPRT) in Jos, Nigeria, following sectarian violence (see the Newsline reports of Dec. 3 and Dec. 5). EPRT is a network of 10 inter-religious and inter-agency groups that came together after the 2001 crises in Jos. Member organizations include Mennonite Central Committee, Justice Development Peace/Caritas of Jos Catholic Diocese, the National Council of Muslim Youth Organizations, the Nigerian Red Cross Society, and the state and national Emergency Management Authorities, among others.
In a recent report from EPRT, staff Mark and Brenda Hartman-Souder and Matthew Tangbuin of Mennonite Central Committee Nigeria said that the situation in Jos remains calm. The organization has registered more than 28,000 internally displaced people who have lost their homes and have been staying in camps or with relatives and friends. "Let's continue to pray for all the people of Jos and Plateau State who are suffering in one way or the other because of this crisis," said the report. "Food is scarce and expensive and people continue to live in fear and suspicion."
Source: 12/17/2008 Newsline
A number of grants have been given recently for disaster relief in several areas around the world. The grants have come from the Church of the Brethren's Emergency Disaster Fund.
An allocation of $30,000 responds to a Church World Service (CWS) appeal following major flooding and mudslides in Pakistan. It is estimated that up to 500,000 people have been affected, with 40 deaths and 50 reported missing.
A grant of $10,000 assists partner agency Proyecto Aldea Global in responding to massive mudslides in Honduras. The grant will support the reopening of roads and help provide food, water, and medical assistance, as well as health kits and crop assistance.
A grant of $10,000 responds to a CWS appeal for the growing humanitarian crisis of displaced Afghans. Those displaced experience multiple problems including lack of food and water, sanitation, health care, and violence.
An allocation of $4,000 has been given for the work of Children's Disaster Services responding to multiple wildfires in southern California. Children's Disaster Services is a ministry of the Church of the Brethren.
A grant of $5,000 supports the work of the Emergency Preparedness-Response Team (EPRT) in Jos, Nigeria, following sectarian violence (see the Newsline reports of Dec. 3 and Dec. 5). EPRT is a network of 10 inter-religious and inter-agency groups that came together after the 2001 crises in Jos. Member organizations include Mennonite Central Committee, Justice Development Peace/Caritas of Jos Catholic Diocese, the National Council of Muslim Youth Organizations, the Nigerian Red Cross Society, and the state and national Emergency Management Authorities, among others.
In a recent report from EPRT, staff Mark and Brenda Hartman-Souder and Matthew Tangbuin of Mennonite Central Committee Nigeria said that the situation in Jos remains calm. The organization has registered more than 28,000 internally displaced people who have lost their homes and have been staying in camps or with relatives and friends. "Let's continue to pray for all the people of Jos and Plateau State who are suffering in one way or the other because of this crisis," said the report. "Food is scarce and expensive and people continue to live in fear and suspicion."
Source: 12/17/2008 Newsline
Brethren bits: Remembrances, personnel, jobs, workcamps, more.
- Warren S. Kissinger died on Dec. 14, after having been diagnosed this fall with a tumor in his shoulder and back. He was an ordained Church of the Brethren minister and a religion and philosophy cataloguer at the Library of Congress. In 1988 he received a pin commemorating 20 years of Federal service, all of which were in subject cataloguing at the Library of Congress. Kissinger read several Western European languages and told "Messenger" magazine in a 1975 interview that he handled more books in other languages than in English for the library. He also was editor of the academic journal "Brethren Life and Thought" for 10 years. He was the author of four books including "The Sermon on the Mount: A History of Interpretation and Bibliography," "The Parables of Jesus: A History of Interpretation and Bibliography," "The Lives of Jesus: A History and Bibliography," and "The Buggies Still Run." In a "Messenger" review of "The Sermon on the Mount," reviewer Murray Wagner commented, "It is a volume which belongs in the personal library of anyone who believes the Beatitudes to be formative to Christian discipleship." In addition, Kissinger taught for four years in the Department of Religion and Philosophy at Juniata College in Huntingdon, Pa. He pastored congregations in Pennsylvania and served a number of interim and part-time pastorates in churches in Virginia and Maryland. He held a bachelor's degree from Elizabethtown (Pa.) College, a master's degree in Library Science from Drexel University, and master's degrees from Yale Divinity School and the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg, Pa. He has been an active member at University Park Church of the Brethren in Hyattsville, Md. Kissinger is survived by his wife, Jean, and his children Anne, Adele, and David. His oldest son, John, predeceased him by three weeks. A memorial service will be held on Friday, Dec. 19, at 10 a.m. at University Park Church of the Brethren, followed by burial at the Middle Creek Church of the Brethren cemetery in Lititz, Pa.
- Bill Eicher, 85, died on Dec. 13 at his home in Harrisonburg, Va. He was one of those who went to China in 1946 as part of the Church of the Brethren's "tractor unit" with Brethren Service. He was born in Mount Pleasant, Pa., on April 16, 1923, a son of Marion L. and Vernie Lillian (Shaffer) Eicher. He was an ordained minister in the Church of the Brethren, a 1946 graduate of Manchester College in North Manchester, Ind., and a 1950 graduate of Bethany Biblical Seminary in Chicago, Ill. He served as pastor of five congregations in Virginia, a congregation in Ohio, and a church in Pennsylvania. Following his retirement in 1993, he was interim pastor at five other churches. He married Elsie Ruth (Williard) Eicher of Harrisonburg on June 24, 1949. He is survived by his wife, daughter Linda Neff and husband John of Harrisonburg, son David Eicher of Louisville, Ken., and two grandchildren. A memorial service was held at Harrisonburg First Church of the Brethren on Dec. 16. A funeral service was to be held at Fraternity Church of the Brethren, Winston Salem, N.C., at 3 p.m. today, Dec. 17, with burial following at Fraternity Church of the Brethren Cemetery. Memorial contributions are being received to Heifer International, RMH Hospice, or Harrisonburg First Church of the Brethren. Go to www.johnsonfs.com to send condolences to the family.
- The World Council of Churches (WCC) and Christians around the world are joining in remembrance of the life and ministry of the Patriarch of Moscow and all Russia, Alexy II, who died on Dec. 5 at the age of 79. The patriarch had led the Russian Orthodox Church since 1990. The church counts the majority of Russia's 142.5 million people among its members, according to a release from the WCC. From the 1960s, Alexy II was seen as being one of the most vigorous supporters of the movement for church unity. He played a major role in theological dialogue with Protestant churches in Germany and Finland and held a seat on the WCC Central Committee.
- Leah Yingling of Martinsburg, Pa., will complete her term of service with the Church of the Brethren's Global Mission Partnerships and Brethren Volunteer Service on Dec. 24. She has been a staff worker at the Emanuel Children's Home in San Pedro Sula, Honduras. Her work has involved daily support and teaching at the facility, which is an orphanage for abused and neglected children. She holds a bachelor's degree in Spanish education from Juniata College in Huntingdon, Pa.
- Amy Waldron of Lima, Ohio, completed her term of service with Global Mission Partnerships and Brethren Volunteer Service on Dec. 12. She has been a mathematics teacher at the Comprehensive Secondary School of Ekklesiyar Yan'uwa a Nigeria (EYN, the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria). She holds a bachelor of arts degree in physics from Bluffton (Ohio) College and a master of science degree in physics from Indiana University in Bloomington.
- The Church of the Brethren's Western Plains District seeks a district executive minister to fill a half-time position available Jan. 1, 2010. Since 2003, the district has been engaged in a visionary, Christ-centered transformation movement and has become deeply committed to personal and congregational transformation. A team of volunteer Area Ministers works closely with the district executive in serving congregations, facilitating congregational relationships across considerable geographic distance. An annual "Gathering" conference and a creative program of leadership training for pastors and other key leaders support an environment of growing unity in vision and mission. The district foresees the position of district executive as being attractive to energetic, pioneering, spiritually-sensitive people who are seeking an exciting and challenging calling. The district serves 36 congregations and several fellowships in Kansas, Nebraska, Colorado, and New Mexico. The district office is located in McPherson, Kan. Focuses of the district executive position include to call forth a vision for the district, provide leadership for the transformation movement, support congregational life including pastoral placement through leadership of the Area Minister network, give leadership to an emerging New Church Development movement, assist the district search committee in calling additional staff, develop collegial team leadership relationships. Qualifications include having a vibrant Christian faith; membership and active participation in the Church of the Brethren; passion about the potential of the Church of the Brethren; openness to the leading of the Holy Spirit; positive pastoral experience in the Church of the Brethren; ability to serve as a spiritual leader of the district; understanding of the transformation in process in the district and ability to give leadership to this movement; commitment to the Area Minister model of servicing congregational needs; commitment to a team leadership style; ability to build strong bonds of shared ministry; "big picture" management skills; commitment to Christian coaching; master of divinity degree preferred. Apply by sending a letter of interest and resume via e-mail to DistrictMinistries_gb@brethren.org and contact three or four people to provide letters of reference. A Candidate Profile must be completed and returned before the application is considered complete. The application deadline is Feb. 7, 2009.
- The Church of the Brethren seeks a director of Buildings and Grounds for the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill. The position will manage assets at the General Offices and related houses including capital planning, equipment selection, inventory, acquisition, and disposal; provide space planning, utilization, negotiating, and letting; manage building and equipment maintenance for the physical plant and grounds; ensure development and maintenance of a purchasing system for office supplies and small equipment, photocopier systems, mail systems, telephone system, and a system to meet catering needs; coordinate technology needs with the Buildings and Grounds department at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md., and the director of Information Systems; establish cost allocation methods for billable services; manage Church of the Brethren-owned vehicles; hold responsibility for budget development, monitoring, and reporting; administer human resource policies and procedures for the Buildings and Grounds unit in consultation with executive staff. Required skills and knowledge include a minimum of three years of administrative experience in facilities management; a bachelor's degree or equivalent; ability to articulate and operate out of the vision of the Church of the Brethren; ability to relate with integrity and respect in and beyond the organization; knowledge and experience to plan and implement a vision for ongoing facilities needs and uses of physical resources; communication skills; and knowledge and experience in budget development and management. Request the Church of the Brethren application packet from the Office of Human Resources, Church of the Brethren, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120-1694; kkrog_gb@brethren.org or 800-323-8039 ext. 258. The deadline for applications is Jan. 5.
- The World Council of Churches (WCC) is inviting applications for its top executive position. The WCC has invited member churches and ecumenical partners to nominate candidates for the position of general secretary. The deadline for applications is Feb. 28. The general secretary is the WCC's chief executive officer and serves as a spokesperson for the council. He or she is charged with the responsibility to interpret and promote the strategic vision of the WCC. An active lay or ordained member of one of the member churches of the WCC, the general secretary is expected to be a gifted, skilled, and experienced Christian theologian and leader with deep spiritual discernment grounded in scripture and prayer. A new WCC general secretary is to be elected at the council's Central Committee meeting in Geneva, Switzerland, from Aug. 26-Sept. 2. At the Feb. 2008 Central Committee meeting a search committee was formed after the current general secretary, Samuel Kobia, announced he would not seek a second term. Candidates' applications must be addressed to the moderator of the search committee, Dr. Agnes Abuom. The search committee will screen applications and short-list candidates at the beginning of April. Interviews are expected to take place in late June. Go to www.oikoumene.org/?id=6515 for a full description.
- The Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill., hosted a meeting of the Anabaptist Council of Moderators and Secretaries on Dec. 12-13. The council includes the moderators and general secretaries of several Anabaptist denominations and groups including the Church of the Brethren, Mennonite Church USA, the Brethren in Christ, Mennonite Central Committee, the Conservative Mennonite Church, and the Mennonite Brethren.
- Registration opens Jan. 5 at 8 p.m. central time for the Church of the Brethren's 2009 workcamps. The 2009 workcamp theme is "Bound Together, Finely Woven." Workcamp opportunities are available for junior high youth, senior high youth, and young adults, as well as a new opportunity for an intergenerational workcamp on the theme, "Passing on the Peace Witness," available for families. Also new this year is "We Are Able," a workcamp for intellectually disabled participants to work alongside a service partner. Go to www.brethrenworkcamps.org for a bulletin insert with a list of the 2009 workcamps and more information, or call the workcamp office at 800-323-8039.
- For the 2009 Annual Conference, the Church of the Brethren's Congregational Life Team is sponsoring a contest for the best 3-minute video giving a creative interpretation of the Conference theme, "The old has gone! The new has come! All this is from God!" The winner of the contest will see their video shown from the floor of Annual Conference and will receive a $100 prize. Up to four runner-ups will have their videos distributed on a DVD at the Conference and will receive $50. The video contest entry form and an information form are at www.emergentbrethren.org. For more information contact Jeff Glass at jglass_gb@brethren.org or 888-826-4951.
- The National Council of Churches (NCC) has announced a holiday television special on Christmas Eve at 11:35 p.m. on the CBS network. "The Voices of Christmas" will include music and testimonies from a variety of faith groups ranging from the Brethren to Baptist, Lutheran, Presbyterian, Methodist, and Orthodox traditions in celebration of 100 years of ecumenism.
- New resources on the issue of human trafficking and modern-day slavery are available from the National Council of Churches website, according to an announcement from Ann Tiemeyer, director for Women's Ministry. They were issued on Dec. 10 as a way to mark the 60th Anniversary of the Declaration of Human Rights, and are designed for use on Sunday, Jan. 11, for Human Trafficking Awareness Day. Go to www.ncccusa.org for more information.
- Subway, the third largest fast-food chain in the world and the biggest fast-food buyer of Florida tomatoes, reached an agreement on Dec. 2 with the Coalition of Immokalee Workers to help improve wages and working conditions for workers who pick tomatoes, according to the Presbyterian Church news service. The agreement with Subway follows on the heels of similar wage and working condition agreements with Yum! Brands--the parent of Taco Bell--as well as Burger King, McDonald's, and Whole Foods stories. Subway has agreed to pay the additional one cent per pound for tomatoes grown in the Immokalee region of Florida. Florida Senator Bernie Sanders issued a statement saying the agreement "is yet another blow to the scourge of slavery that continues to exist in the tomato fields of Florida."
- Liz McCartney of the St. Bernard Project in Louisiana has won the 2008 CNN Hero of the Year award. The St. Bernard Project is a grassroots disaster recovery organization and a partner organization for the Hurricane Katrina rebuilding project of Brethren Disaster Ministries. The St. Bernard Project will receive a $100,000 donation from CNN.
Dates for study tour to Georgia and Armenia are announced.
The Church of the Brethren and Heifer International are jointly sponsoring a Study Tour to Georgia and Armenia on Sept. 17-Oct. 1, 2009. The tour leaders will be Jan Schrock, senior advisor for Heifer International, and Kathleen Campanella, partner and public relations director of the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md.
The tour will begin with several days in Georgia visiting Heifer dairy and rehabilitation projects, with the remaining time spent in Armenia focusing on agricultural developments, youth peace programs, and cultural landmarks. The tour may visit a site of Brethren mission and relief work in the early 1900s.
The cost of $3,500 includes in-country transportation, accommodations, meals, tour guides, workshops, and SOS emergency evacuation insurance. Participants will be responsible for their own air travel to Tbsili, Georgia, and from Yerevan, Armenia. The application process will begin in January. Contact Jan Schrock at jan.schrock@heifer.org to receive an itinerary and application form.
Source: 12/17/2008 Newsline
The Church of the Brethren and Heifer International are jointly sponsoring a Study Tour to Georgia and Armenia on Sept. 17-Oct. 1, 2009. The tour leaders will be Jan Schrock, senior advisor for Heifer International, and Kathleen Campanella, partner and public relations director of the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md.
The tour will begin with several days in Georgia visiting Heifer dairy and rehabilitation projects, with the remaining time spent in Armenia focusing on agricultural developments, youth peace programs, and cultural landmarks. The tour may visit a site of Brethren mission and relief work in the early 1900s.
The cost of $3,500 includes in-country transportation, accommodations, meals, tour guides, workshops, and SOS emergency evacuation insurance. Participants will be responsible for their own air travel to Tbsili, Georgia, and from Yerevan, Armenia. The application process will begin in January. Contact Jan Schrock at jan.schrock@heifer.org to receive an itinerary and application form.
Source: 12/17/2008 Newsline
Mateo begins work with Community Development Program in the DR.
¡Bendecido! The newly-appointed director of the Church of the Brethren's Community Development Program in the Dominican Republic, Felix Arias Mateo, always answers his phone with the greeting, "Bendecido!" which in Spanish means "Blessed!" This greeting, replacing the traditional "Hola!" expresses well his attitude towards life. As 1 Peter 1:3-7 articulates, we have been blessed with every spiritual blessing in heaven and on earth. Even in the midst of life's struggles, this faith is rock-solid for Mateo.
After the departure of Beth Gunzel, who devoted four faithful years to directing the program, the Church of the Brethren's Global Mission Partnerships approved the hiring of a Dominican Brethren director. This supports the mission's longterm goal of turning the program over to the Dominican church.
Mateo brings a wealth of experience and gifts to the program, having served as president of the program's board since its inception. As well, he has been overseeing the program's financial transition to working with Cooperativa Central, a Dominican credit union. Through the credit union, the participants will receive their next loans, develop increased credit, and have access to services and resources of the institution. Mateo will continue supporting the program goals of giving good support to local loan communities and participants, and will give general oversight to the total program.
In addition to these new responsibilities, Mateo also is pastor of a new church located in San Juan de la Maguana, and is moderator-elect of the Dominican Church of the Brethren.
Funds for the Community Development Program come from the Church of the Brethren's Global Food Crisis Fund, which has just approved a final grant for the program. Ongoing funds for the program will be generated by the investment and participation with Cooperativa Central.
--Irvin and Nancy Heishman are the Church of the Brethren mission coordinators in the DR.
Source: 12/17/2008 Newsline
¡Bendecido! The newly-appointed director of the Church of the Brethren's Community Development Program in the Dominican Republic, Felix Arias Mateo, always answers his phone with the greeting, "Bendecido!" which in Spanish means "Blessed!" This greeting, replacing the traditional "Hola!" expresses well his attitude towards life. As 1 Peter 1:3-7 articulates, we have been blessed with every spiritual blessing in heaven and on earth. Even in the midst of life's struggles, this faith is rock-solid for Mateo.
After the departure of Beth Gunzel, who devoted four faithful years to directing the program, the Church of the Brethren's Global Mission Partnerships approved the hiring of a Dominican Brethren director. This supports the mission's longterm goal of turning the program over to the Dominican church.
Mateo brings a wealth of experience and gifts to the program, having served as president of the program's board since its inception. As well, he has been overseeing the program's financial transition to working with Cooperativa Central, a Dominican credit union. Through the credit union, the participants will receive their next loans, develop increased credit, and have access to services and resources of the institution. Mateo will continue supporting the program goals of giving good support to local loan communities and participants, and will give general oversight to the total program.
In addition to these new responsibilities, Mateo also is pastor of a new church located in San Juan de la Maguana, and is moderator-elect of the Dominican Church of the Brethren.
Funds for the Community Development Program come from the Church of the Brethren's Global Food Crisis Fund, which has just approved a final grant for the program. Ongoing funds for the program will be generated by the investment and participation with Cooperativa Central.
--Irvin and Nancy Heishman are the Church of the Brethren mission coordinators in the DR.
Source: 12/17/2008 Newsline
Young adults are chosen as National Youth Conference coordinators.
Coordinators have been chosen for the Church of the Brethren's National Youth Conference (NYC) in 2010. The conference takes place every four years, sponsored by the denomination's Youth and Young Adult Ministry.
The NYC coordinators will be Audrey Hollenberg, a senior at Bridgewater (Va.) College from Westminster (Md.) Church of the Brethren; Emily Laprade, currently one of the assistant coordinators for the Church of the Brethren's workcamp program, from Antioch Church of the Brethren in Rocky Mount, Va.; and Matt Witkovsky, a graduate of Juniata College in Huntingdon, Pa., from Stone Church of the Brethren in Huntingdon.
The NYC coordinators will serve as fulltime volunteers through Brethren Volunteer Service. They will spend 15 months working in the Youth and Young Adult Ministry Office in Elgin, Ill., beginning in May 2009. The work will entail planning for the gathering of thousands of Brethren youth at Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colo., on July 17-22.
Source: 12/17/2008 Newsline
Coordinators have been chosen for the Church of the Brethren's National Youth Conference (NYC) in 2010. The conference takes place every four years, sponsored by the denomination's Youth and Young Adult Ministry.
The NYC coordinators will be Audrey Hollenberg, a senior at Bridgewater (Va.) College from Westminster (Md.) Church of the Brethren; Emily Laprade, currently one of the assistant coordinators for the Church of the Brethren's workcamp program, from Antioch Church of the Brethren in Rocky Mount, Va.; and Matt Witkovsky, a graduate of Juniata College in Huntingdon, Pa., from Stone Church of the Brethren in Huntingdon.
The NYC coordinators will serve as fulltime volunteers through Brethren Volunteer Service. They will spend 15 months working in the Youth and Young Adult Ministry Office in Elgin, Ill., beginning in May 2009. The work will entail planning for the gathering of thousands of Brethren youth at Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colo., on July 17-22.
Source: 12/17/2008 Newsline
A cool, soaking rain: A reflection from Jos, Nigeria.
The following reflection was sent by Church of the Brethren mission coordinator for Nigeria, David Whitten, who lives in the central Nigerian city of Jos. The city suffered an outbreak of sectarian violence and rioting on the weekend of Nov. 28-30, in which hundreds of people were killed and many homes, businesses, churches, and mosques were burned. Jos is the site of congregations and administrative buildings of Ekklesiyar Yan'uwa a Nigeria (EYN--the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria).
The following reflection was sent by Church of the Brethren mission coordinator for Nigeria, David Whitten, who lives in the central Nigerian city of Jos. The city suffered an outbreak of sectarian violence and rioting on the weekend of Nov. 28-30, in which hundreds of people were killed and many homes, businesses, churches, and mosques were burned. Jos is the site of congregations and administrative buildings of Ekklesiyar Yan'uwa a Nigeria (EYN--the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria).
Sunday, Dec. 7, 2008Source: 12/17/2008 Newsline
We were out of town when the crisis happened in Jos. We live and work in Jos, the capital of Plateau State in central Nigeria. We returned one week later.
It was strange indeed--that the day we arrived in Jos it rained. I immediately thought of God. It doesn't rain in Jos in December! It hadn't rained in Jos since the rainy season ended in the middle of October. But it rained anyway, a cool, soaking rain.
That was Friday, one week to the day that the crisis began. The city is different now. You can feel it. Less traffic, less noise, less people walking up and down. The people you see are quiet too. Nothing has been done about the burned out churches, mosques, homes, and cars. Black skeletons of a disastrous event.
On that particular Friday everyone was running for safety. Our compound, Boulder Hill, was safe. Our gardener came with his son that night seeking protection. He is a Muslim. His neighborhood was in a trouble spot. Along with his son, he had a Christian friend with him. My neighbor and colleague Pastor Anthony Ndamsai took them in against the wishes of some of his family and others in the compound. There is a general mistrust between Muslims and Christians, even with people you work with daily. Pastor Anthony said the night passed peacefully at our compound, though little sleep was had.
Today is Sunday a week later. We went to church today. The church was packed. During announcements, the secretary gave the statistics of the previous week when there was still killing going on. There were 140 worshipers present then. Today's service included the annual Thanksgiving Celebration. We danced down the aisles to the rhythm of the music, singing songs of gratitude. Prayers of thanksgiving were given, ranging from gratitude for restored health to escaping from the torches' fire.
Thanks was given for the rain. People were, like me, surprised it rained. The worshiper who stood and gave the congregational prayer wondered why God had allowed it to rain on Jos. Maybe, he said, it was to wash the sins away off the pavement.
Credits
Newsline is produced by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of news services for the Church of the Brethren, cobnews@brethren.org or 800-323-8039 ext. 260. Chris Douglas, Nancy Knepper, Jon Kobel, Karin L. Krog, Terri Meushaw, Janis Pyle, David Shumate, Jane Yount contributed to this report.
Newsline is produced by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of news services for the Church of the Brethren, cobnews@brethren.org or 800-323-8039 ext. 260. Chris Douglas, Nancy Knepper, Jon Kobel, Karin L. Krog, Terri Meushaw, Janis Pyle, David Shumate, Jane Yount contributed to this report.
Friday, December 05, 2008
NEWSLINE UPDATE
Nigerian Brethren Send Update on Violence in Central Nigeria
An update on the violence that has occurred in the city of Jos in central Nigeria has been received from Ekklesiyar Yan'uwa a Nigeria (EYN--the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria). The Nigerian Brethren have requested prayer following an outbreak of sectarian violence over the past weekend, sparked by a disputed political election in Jos. Hundreds of people have been killed, and many buildings have been burned down or destroyed including churches, mosques, homes, and businesses.
The detailed report sent by Markus Gamache, the EYN manager in Jos, was received today by e-mail. Gamache has made personal visits to EYN congregations and properties in the area over the past few days to check on their wellbeing, and also collected eye-witness verbal reports, gleaned information from media accounts and accounts by security agents.
EYN churches and properties in the Jos area have not been affected during the crisis, Gamache's report indicated. He listed about a dozen specific EYN members who were injured or lost property or businesses, but reported no Brethren pastors or members killed. Among the EYN injured were at least two children.
The crisis took place primarily in the commercial center of Jos, particularly the Jos-North Local Government Area, the report said. Gamache characterized the conflict as one between "settlers" who have come into the central part of Nigeria from the north of the country and who are mainly Muslim, and indigenous people of the area who are predominantly Christian. "This struggle for political, social, cultural, and religious control has been on since the Colonial Era, which often results to several ethno-religious crises, the last one being Sept. 9, 2001," Gamache wrote. In 2001 some 1,000 people were killed in rioting in Jos.
The election for the chairmanship and councillorship of the Jos-North Local Government took place peacefully on Nov. 27, but violence began the next day before the outcome of the election was announced, when the settler community--mainly Hausa and Muslim--began to suspect that their candidate was not going to win, the report said. Attacks on Christians and churches began, and then Christians responded by attacking Muslims, the report said.
Gamache sent a list of churches and mosques that were burned down, and pastors who were killed. He wrote that "because of the nature of the crisis, settlement pattern, and the security situation in Jos, these information may not be very precise."
At least four pastors were killed, according to the report: a Baptist pastor, two pastors of the Church of Christ in Nigeria (COCIN), and a pastor of the Evangelical Church of West Africa (ECWA). At least 10 churches were burned down or destroyed from a number of different Protestant and evangelical traditions, and including a Roman Catholic church. Muslim properties that were burned down or destroyed included mosques and schools, and the headquarters of one Islamic organization. At least eight mosques and at least three Muslim schools were burned or destroyed. Christian-owned and Muslim-owned homes, shops, and business ventures were burned, destroyed, and looted in a number of neighborhoods.
Staff of the Church of the Brethren's Global Mission Partnerships continue to monitor the situation. They are working with Brethren Disaster Ministries to consider how the church in the US may best respond and offer assistance to those affected by the violence.
Source: 12/5/2008 Newsline Update
Nigerian Brethren Send Update on Violence in Central Nigeria
An update on the violence that has occurred in the city of Jos in central Nigeria has been received from Ekklesiyar Yan'uwa a Nigeria (EYN--the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria). The Nigerian Brethren have requested prayer following an outbreak of sectarian violence over the past weekend, sparked by a disputed political election in Jos. Hundreds of people have been killed, and many buildings have been burned down or destroyed including churches, mosques, homes, and businesses.
The detailed report sent by Markus Gamache, the EYN manager in Jos, was received today by e-mail. Gamache has made personal visits to EYN congregations and properties in the area over the past few days to check on their wellbeing, and also collected eye-witness verbal reports, gleaned information from media accounts and accounts by security agents.
EYN churches and properties in the Jos area have not been affected during the crisis, Gamache's report indicated. He listed about a dozen specific EYN members who were injured or lost property or businesses, but reported no Brethren pastors or members killed. Among the EYN injured were at least two children.
The crisis took place primarily in the commercial center of Jos, particularly the Jos-North Local Government Area, the report said. Gamache characterized the conflict as one between "settlers" who have come into the central part of Nigeria from the north of the country and who are mainly Muslim, and indigenous people of the area who are predominantly Christian. "This struggle for political, social, cultural, and religious control has been on since the Colonial Era, which often results to several ethno-religious crises, the last one being Sept. 9, 2001," Gamache wrote. In 2001 some 1,000 people were killed in rioting in Jos.
The election for the chairmanship and councillorship of the Jos-North Local Government took place peacefully on Nov. 27, but violence began the next day before the outcome of the election was announced, when the settler community--mainly Hausa and Muslim--began to suspect that their candidate was not going to win, the report said. Attacks on Christians and churches began, and then Christians responded by attacking Muslims, the report said.
Gamache sent a list of churches and mosques that were burned down, and pastors who were killed. He wrote that "because of the nature of the crisis, settlement pattern, and the security situation in Jos, these information may not be very precise."
At least four pastors were killed, according to the report: a Baptist pastor, two pastors of the Church of Christ in Nigeria (COCIN), and a pastor of the Evangelical Church of West Africa (ECWA). At least 10 churches were burned down or destroyed from a number of different Protestant and evangelical traditions, and including a Roman Catholic church. Muslim properties that were burned down or destroyed included mosques and schools, and the headquarters of one Islamic organization. At least eight mosques and at least three Muslim schools were burned or destroyed. Christian-owned and Muslim-owned homes, shops, and business ventures were burned, destroyed, and looted in a number of neighborhoods.
Staff of the Church of the Brethren's Global Mission Partnerships continue to monitor the situation. They are working with Brethren Disaster Ministries to consider how the church in the US may best respond and offer assistance to those affected by the violence.
Source: 12/5/2008 Newsline Update
Wednesday, December 03, 2008
NEWS
- Bethany Theological Seminary Board of Trustees holds fall meeting.
- Brethren participate in NCC assembly, anniversary celebration.
- Deadline extended for nominations for denominational offices.
- Brethren Volunteer Service unit members begin assignments.
- Brethren bits: Personnel, NYC 2010, immigration statement, and more.
Bethany Theological Seminary Board of Trustees holds fall meeting.
The Bethany Theological Seminary Board of Trustees gathered for its annual fall meeting Oct. 24-27. The business meeting was preceded by a two-day retreat for board members and seminary faculty at Hueston Woods State Park in nearby Oxford, Ohio. The Bethany Seminary campus is located in Richmond, Ind.
The retreat was a continuing step in the process of clarifying, renewing, and revising Bethany's mission and educational objectives. Bethany received a grant from the Wabash Center for Teaching and Learning in Theology and Religion to engage the services of Faith Kirkham Hawkins as facilitator. In addition, the board approved funds to bring two representatives from Crane MetaMarketing to be listening presences at the retreat and provide feedback.
In business sessions, the board approved an 8.5 percent tuition increase for the 2009-10 academic year, to $385 per credit hour. The board also approved an audit report from Batelle and Batelle for the 2007-08 fiscal year. Bethany received an "unqualified opinion" audit, which is the best designation possible. The Institutional Advancement Committee shared goals and year-to-date progress for gifts to Bethany's annual fund from various constituency groups.
The board's Academic Affairs Committee reported their delight that the faculty is fully staffed. Follow-up reports related to Bethany's 2006 re-accreditation requested by the Association of Theological Schools (ATS) and the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools have been submitted.
The Student and Business Services Committee shared highlights of the Bethany graduating senior questionnaire completed for ATS. Students graduating in 2008 cited accessibility of faculty, upkeep of campus, and class size as their top areas of satisfaction with seminary services and academic resources. Eighty percent of Master of Divinity graduates indicated they planned to pursue fulltime parish ministry. All graduates indicated that their debt load did not increase during their seminary studies.
The Student and Business Services Committee also reported that students entering Bethany's Connections program this fall expressed appreciation for the revised format. New Connections students participate in a weekend retreat instead of a two-week intensive, and attend orientation with residential students.
As part of the Executive Committee report, Bethany Seminary president Ruthann Knechel Johansen shared that the second Presidential Forum, titled "Weaving Wisdom's Tent: The Arts of Peace," is scheduled for March 29-30, 2009.
During the meeting, the board accepted the resignation of secretary Frances Beam. Lisa Hazen was elected as the new secretary.
--Marcia Shetler is director of public relations for Bethany Theological Seminary.
Source: 12/3/2008 Newsline
The Bethany Theological Seminary Board of Trustees gathered for its annual fall meeting Oct. 24-27. The business meeting was preceded by a two-day retreat for board members and seminary faculty at Hueston Woods State Park in nearby Oxford, Ohio. The Bethany Seminary campus is located in Richmond, Ind.
The retreat was a continuing step in the process of clarifying, renewing, and revising Bethany's mission and educational objectives. Bethany received a grant from the Wabash Center for Teaching and Learning in Theology and Religion to engage the services of Faith Kirkham Hawkins as facilitator. In addition, the board approved funds to bring two representatives from Crane MetaMarketing to be listening presences at the retreat and provide feedback.
In business sessions, the board approved an 8.5 percent tuition increase for the 2009-10 academic year, to $385 per credit hour. The board also approved an audit report from Batelle and Batelle for the 2007-08 fiscal year. Bethany received an "unqualified opinion" audit, which is the best designation possible. The Institutional Advancement Committee shared goals and year-to-date progress for gifts to Bethany's annual fund from various constituency groups.
The board's Academic Affairs Committee reported their delight that the faculty is fully staffed. Follow-up reports related to Bethany's 2006 re-accreditation requested by the Association of Theological Schools (ATS) and the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools have been submitted.
The Student and Business Services Committee shared highlights of the Bethany graduating senior questionnaire completed for ATS. Students graduating in 2008 cited accessibility of faculty, upkeep of campus, and class size as their top areas of satisfaction with seminary services and academic resources. Eighty percent of Master of Divinity graduates indicated they planned to pursue fulltime parish ministry. All graduates indicated that their debt load did not increase during their seminary studies.
The Student and Business Services Committee also reported that students entering Bethany's Connections program this fall expressed appreciation for the revised format. New Connections students participate in a weekend retreat instead of a two-week intensive, and attend orientation with residential students.
As part of the Executive Committee report, Bethany Seminary president Ruthann Knechel Johansen shared that the second Presidential Forum, titled "Weaving Wisdom's Tent: The Arts of Peace," is scheduled for March 29-30, 2009.
During the meeting, the board accepted the resignation of secretary Frances Beam. Lisa Hazen was elected as the new secretary.
--Marcia Shetler is director of public relations for Bethany Theological Seminary.
Source: 12/3/2008 Newsline
Brethren participate in NCC assembly, anniversary celebration.
Eight members of the Church of the Brethren participated in the annual General Assembly of the National Council of Churches (NCC) and Church World Service (CWS) in Denver, Colo., on Nov. 11-13, at which the council celebrated its 100th anniversary. The NCC traces its origins to the founding of the Federal Council of Churches in Dec. 1908.
The assembly was held on the theme, "Jesus said...Whoever is not against you is for you" (Luke 9:50). Participants included delegates and visitors from the 35 member communions of the NCC and CWS. The elected Brethren delegates to the assembly are Elizabeth Bidgood-Enders, J.D. Glick, and Illana Naylor. Additional delegates included Ken Rieman and Becky Ullom, who serves on the denominational staff as director of Identity and Relations. Stan Noffsinger, Church of the Brethren general secretary, also attended as a member of the NCC executive board. Bekah Houff, a Brethren Volunteer Service worker in the church's Youth and Young Adult Office, was one of the young adult stewards. Jordan Blevins is a Brethren member on the staff of the NCC.
"This assembly had some of the best attendance of member communions in recent years," commented Noffsinger. "The spirit was encouraging and signaled a desire by participants to fully engage in the intentional community of communions the assembly represents. It celebrated at every possible point our common connection with God through Jesus Christ."
The General Assembly celebrated the past 100 years of Christian ecumenism and expressed "a renewed hope that the future of this communion of communions is bright," according to a release from the NCC. In business sessions, the delegates passed resolutions on immigration reform, the United Nations Human Rights Covenants, and calling for an end to the persecution of Christians in India. They called on the executive committees of the NCC and CWS to speak out on the current worldwide financial crisis.
The assembly noted the numerous messages of good will that member communions have received from international colleagues on recent events in the US. The delegate body also affirmed the young adult New Fire event that took place just prior to the assembly. The NCC Governing Board was asked to consider the creation of a young adult ministries position on the NCC staff. The board also received a proposal by the Racial Ethnic Caucus to devise a vehicle for working more closely with international ecumenical bodies.
Worship services were held in the Baptist and Orthodox traditions. An opening address was brought by Gary Dorrien, Reinhold Niebuhr Professor of Social Ethics at Union Theological Seminary in New York, who spoke about "Remembering 100 years and anticipating the future." Otis Moss III, pastor of Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago, gave a sermon on race in America. He succeeded Jeremiah Wright as pastor of the church, and alluded to the controversy over Wright's relationship with President-Elect Barack Obama, according to the NCC release.
"What is unique about this moment is the reaction around the world," Moss said in his sermon. But he was disturbed when "pundits said now all of this racism is over," he said. "Every station we turned to said as a result of a person kissed by nature's sun in the Oval Office, racism is over. We are in a post wilderness moment--but we have yet to move into the promised land.... You have to make sure that those who don't have the same economic or education level are able to cross over into the promised land. Success is not defined individually, it is defined collectively."
The assembly concluded with a celebration of 100 years since the founding of the Federal Council of Churches. "For 100 years, we have gathered--or have been gathered--by God's grace," said general secretary Michael Kinnamon in his report to the delegates, "not to celebrate our achievements but to give thanks for what God has done, is doing, and will do to tear down the dividing walls of hostility that separate even the followers of Christ."
(Sections of this report are taken from National Council of Churches press releases.)
Source: 12/3/2008 Newsline
Eight members of the Church of the Brethren participated in the annual General Assembly of the National Council of Churches (NCC) and Church World Service (CWS) in Denver, Colo., on Nov. 11-13, at which the council celebrated its 100th anniversary. The NCC traces its origins to the founding of the Federal Council of Churches in Dec. 1908.
The assembly was held on the theme, "Jesus said...Whoever is not against you is for you" (Luke 9:50). Participants included delegates and visitors from the 35 member communions of the NCC and CWS. The elected Brethren delegates to the assembly are Elizabeth Bidgood-Enders, J.D. Glick, and Illana Naylor. Additional delegates included Ken Rieman and Becky Ullom, who serves on the denominational staff as director of Identity and Relations. Stan Noffsinger, Church of the Brethren general secretary, also attended as a member of the NCC executive board. Bekah Houff, a Brethren Volunteer Service worker in the church's Youth and Young Adult Office, was one of the young adult stewards. Jordan Blevins is a Brethren member on the staff of the NCC.
"This assembly had some of the best attendance of member communions in recent years," commented Noffsinger. "The spirit was encouraging and signaled a desire by participants to fully engage in the intentional community of communions the assembly represents. It celebrated at every possible point our common connection with God through Jesus Christ."
The General Assembly celebrated the past 100 years of Christian ecumenism and expressed "a renewed hope that the future of this communion of communions is bright," according to a release from the NCC. In business sessions, the delegates passed resolutions on immigration reform, the United Nations Human Rights Covenants, and calling for an end to the persecution of Christians in India. They called on the executive committees of the NCC and CWS to speak out on the current worldwide financial crisis.
The assembly noted the numerous messages of good will that member communions have received from international colleagues on recent events in the US. The delegate body also affirmed the young adult New Fire event that took place just prior to the assembly. The NCC Governing Board was asked to consider the creation of a young adult ministries position on the NCC staff. The board also received a proposal by the Racial Ethnic Caucus to devise a vehicle for working more closely with international ecumenical bodies.
Worship services were held in the Baptist and Orthodox traditions. An opening address was brought by Gary Dorrien, Reinhold Niebuhr Professor of Social Ethics at Union Theological Seminary in New York, who spoke about "Remembering 100 years and anticipating the future." Otis Moss III, pastor of Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago, gave a sermon on race in America. He succeeded Jeremiah Wright as pastor of the church, and alluded to the controversy over Wright's relationship with President-Elect Barack Obama, according to the NCC release.
"What is unique about this moment is the reaction around the world," Moss said in his sermon. But he was disturbed when "pundits said now all of this racism is over," he said. "Every station we turned to said as a result of a person kissed by nature's sun in the Oval Office, racism is over. We are in a post wilderness moment--but we have yet to move into the promised land.... You have to make sure that those who don't have the same economic or education level are able to cross over into the promised land. Success is not defined individually, it is defined collectively."
The assembly concluded with a celebration of 100 years since the founding of the Federal Council of Churches. "For 100 years, we have gathered--or have been gathered--by God's grace," said general secretary Michael Kinnamon in his report to the delegates, "not to celebrate our achievements but to give thanks for what God has done, is doing, and will do to tear down the dividing walls of hostility that separate even the followers of Christ."
(Sections of this report are taken from National Council of Churches press releases.)
Source: 12/3/2008 Newsline
Deadline extended for nominations for denominational offices.
The deadline for nominations for offices to be filled by election at the 2009 Church of the Brethren Annual Conference has been extended to Dec. 15. The Annual Conference will take place in San Diego on June 26-30, 2009. The announcement of the extension of the deadline for nominations came from the Nominating Committee of the Standing Committee of district delegates.
All interested individuals, congregations, groups, or district boards in the Church of the Brethren are invited to give prayerful consideration to people who would be good candidates for these important positions: Annual Conference moderator-elect (three-year term); Annual Conference Program and Arrangements Committee (three-year term); On Earth Peace Board (five-year term); Brethren Benefit Trust Board (four-year term); Bethany Seminary Board of Trustees representing the colleges (five-year term); Committee on Interchurch Relations (three-year term); Pastoral Compensation and Benefits Advisory Committee representing the district executives (five-year term).
Go to the Annual Conference website at www.brethren.org/ac to submit nominations online. For nominations made online, the committee also must receive permission and additional biographical information from the person who is to be considered. The online nomination tool contains statements that, when agreed to, provide permission and authorization of the nomination. Those making nominations must have the consent of the person who is being nominated, and nominations should include a current e-mail address for the nominee.
To submit a nomination, go to www.brethren.org/ac and click on "Online Forms." Select "Nomination Form" and fill out the information requested. When the form is complete, press the "Submit" button and the information will be transmitted to the Annual Conference Office and copied to the nominee. The nominee also will receive an information form to complete and e-mail to the Annual Conference Office.
For more information or questions contact Annual Conference executive director Lerry Fogle at 800-688-5186; Nominating Committee chair Glenn Bollinger at 540-828-7402; or Annual Conference Secretary Fred Swartz at 540-828-4871.
Source: 12/3/2008 Newsline
The deadline for nominations for offices to be filled by election at the 2009 Church of the Brethren Annual Conference has been extended to Dec. 15. The Annual Conference will take place in San Diego on June 26-30, 2009. The announcement of the extension of the deadline for nominations came from the Nominating Committee of the Standing Committee of district delegates.
All interested individuals, congregations, groups, or district boards in the Church of the Brethren are invited to give prayerful consideration to people who would be good candidates for these important positions: Annual Conference moderator-elect (three-year term); Annual Conference Program and Arrangements Committee (three-year term); On Earth Peace Board (five-year term); Brethren Benefit Trust Board (four-year term); Bethany Seminary Board of Trustees representing the colleges (five-year term); Committee on Interchurch Relations (three-year term); Pastoral Compensation and Benefits Advisory Committee representing the district executives (five-year term).
Go to the Annual Conference website at www.brethren.org/ac to submit nominations online. For nominations made online, the committee also must receive permission and additional biographical information from the person who is to be considered. The online nomination tool contains statements that, when agreed to, provide permission and authorization of the nomination. Those making nominations must have the consent of the person who is being nominated, and nominations should include a current e-mail address for the nominee.
To submit a nomination, go to www.brethren.org/ac and click on "Online Forms." Select "Nomination Form" and fill out the information requested. When the form is complete, press the "Submit" button and the information will be transmitted to the Annual Conference Office and copied to the nominee. The nominee also will receive an information form to complete and e-mail to the Annual Conference Office.
For more information or questions contact Annual Conference executive director Lerry Fogle at 800-688-5186; Nominating Committee chair Glenn Bollinger at 540-828-7402; or Annual Conference Secretary Fred Swartz at 540-828-4871.
Source: 12/3/2008 Newsline
Brethren Volunteer Service unit members begin assignments.
Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS) Unit 282 held orientation at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md., from Sept. 21-Oct. 10. The first weekend was spent with over 300 participants of the BVS 60th Anniversary Celebration, concluding in a consecration of the volunteers for their time of service.
Members of the unit, their home congregations or hometowns, and placements follow:
Fredericka Banks of Denver, Colo., and Rebecca Wood of Keene, N.H., to CooperRiis in Mill Spring, N.C.; Jennifer Carter of Sacramento, Calif., to Women in Black, Belgrade, Serbia; Matthias Duebner of Shersheim, Germany, to Tri City Homeless Coalition in Fremont, Calif.; Timothy Hartwell of Orlando, Fla., to Brethren Woods in Keezletown, Va.; Meghan Horne of Mill Creek Church of the Brethren in Boones Mill, N.C., and Emily LaPrade of Antioch Church of the Brethren in Rocky Mount, Va., to the Church of the Brethren's Youth and Young Adult Ministry in Elgin, Ill.; Jillian Hutton of Hazleton, Pa., to Trees for Life in Wichita, Kan.; Donald Knieriem Jr. of Wilmington (Del.) Church of the Brethren, to Brethren Disaster Ministries, New Windsor, Md.; Matthew Maclay of Spring Run Church of the Brethren in McVeytown, Pa., to L'Arche in Dublin, Ireland; Stephan Meissner of Bonn, Germany, and Jonathan Wooten of Trier, Germany, to the Brethren Nutrition Program in Washington D.C.; David Muench of Wannweil, Germany, to Samaritan House in Atlanta, Ga.; Molly Reichelderfer of Madison, Wis., to San Antonio (Texas) Catholic Worker; Anika Roth of Des Moines, Iowa, to the Capital Area Food Bank in Washington D.C.; Niko Zdravkovic of Hannover, Germany, to Camp Myrtlewood in Myrtle Point, Ore.; Ine Zuurmond of Bolsward, Holland, to Bridgeway in Lakewood, Colo.
For more information about BVS visit www.brethrenvolunteerservice.org or contact the office at 800-323-8039.
Source: 12/3/2008 Newsline
Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS) Unit 282 held orientation at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md., from Sept. 21-Oct. 10. The first weekend was spent with over 300 participants of the BVS 60th Anniversary Celebration, concluding in a consecration of the volunteers for their time of service.
Members of the unit, their home congregations or hometowns, and placements follow:
Fredericka Banks of Denver, Colo., and Rebecca Wood of Keene, N.H., to CooperRiis in Mill Spring, N.C.; Jennifer Carter of Sacramento, Calif., to Women in Black, Belgrade, Serbia; Matthias Duebner of Shersheim, Germany, to Tri City Homeless Coalition in Fremont, Calif.; Timothy Hartwell of Orlando, Fla., to Brethren Woods in Keezletown, Va.; Meghan Horne of Mill Creek Church of the Brethren in Boones Mill, N.C., and Emily LaPrade of Antioch Church of the Brethren in Rocky Mount, Va., to the Church of the Brethren's Youth and Young Adult Ministry in Elgin, Ill.; Jillian Hutton of Hazleton, Pa., to Trees for Life in Wichita, Kan.; Donald Knieriem Jr. of Wilmington (Del.) Church of the Brethren, to Brethren Disaster Ministries, New Windsor, Md.; Matthew Maclay of Spring Run Church of the Brethren in McVeytown, Pa., to L'Arche in Dublin, Ireland; Stephan Meissner of Bonn, Germany, and Jonathan Wooten of Trier, Germany, to the Brethren Nutrition Program in Washington D.C.; David Muench of Wannweil, Germany, to Samaritan House in Atlanta, Ga.; Molly Reichelderfer of Madison, Wis., to San Antonio (Texas) Catholic Worker; Anika Roth of Des Moines, Iowa, to the Capital Area Food Bank in Washington D.C.; Niko Zdravkovic of Hannover, Germany, to Camp Myrtlewood in Myrtle Point, Ore.; Ine Zuurmond of Bolsward, Holland, to Bridgeway in Lakewood, Colo.
For more information about BVS visit www.brethrenvolunteerservice.org or contact the office at 800-323-8039.
Source: 12/3/2008 Newsline
Brethren bits: Personnel, NYC 2010, immigration statement, and more.
- The University of La Verne has named Ibrahim Helou as dean of its College of Business and Public Management. Helou succeeds Gordon Badovick, who retired at the conclusion of the 2007-08 academic year. Helou first joined the La Verne faculty in 1993, having previously taught at Arizona State University and the College of William and Mary in Virginia. During his time at La Verne, he has served as a professor of finance, chair of the college's graduate business programs, and for the past five years as associate dean of the College of Business and Public Management. He holds a Ph.D. in finance from Arizona State University, a Master of Business Administration from Loma Linda University, and a Bachelor of Arts from Lebanese University. Helou migrated from Lebanon in 1985 to pursue his educational and professional goals.
- Dates have been announced for the Church of the Brethren's National Youth Conference (NYC) in 2010: July 17-22. The conference is sponsored by the Youth and Young Adult Ministry Office. It will take place at Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colo., beginning with dinner on Saturday, July 17, and concluding Thursday morning, July 22, at 11:30 a.m.
- Stan Noffsinger, general secretary of the Church of the Brethren, recently added his signature to two interfaith and ecumenical letters to national leaders: "Ecumenical Christian Letter to Next President: Make Israeli-Palestinian Peace an Immediate Priority," a letter initiated by the Churches for Middle East Peace encouraging President-Elect Obama to work to bring peace to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict during the first year of the new administration; and "Interfaith Platform on Humane Immigration Reform," a document encouraged by the Church World Service (CWS) Immigration and Refugee staff, to be sent to the new US administration and Congress. The letter calling for immigration reform identified immigration as a matter of human rights, and stated that "our diverse faith traditions teach us to welcome our brothers and sisters with love and compassion--regardless of their place of birth." It called on the new administration and Congress to uphold family unity as a priority of all immigration policies, to create a process for undocumented immigrants to earn their legal status and eventual citizenship, to protect workers and provide efficient channels of entry for new migrant workers, to facilitate immigrant integration and naturalization, to restore due process protections and reform detention policies, and to align the enforcement of immigration laws with humanitarian values.
- The 2009 Christian Citizenship Seminar on April 25-30 will focus on the topic of modern-day slavery. The event for 100 high school age youth and advisors is sponsored by the Brethren Witness/Washington Office and the Youth and Young Adult Office of the Church of the Brethren. All high school youth and adult advisors are eligible to attend. Churches sending more than four youth are required to send at least one adult. Registration is limited to the first 100 youth and advisors who apply. The seminar will begin in New York City and end in Washington, D.C. The registration fee of $350 includes lodging for five nights, dinner on the opening evening, and transportation from New York to Washington. At www.brethren.org go to keyword "Youth/Young Adults" and click on "Christian Citizenship Seminar" for more information and to register. Registration ends Feb. 28, 2009, or as soon as 100 registrations are received.
- An evaluation of the ministry of the Rural Service Center in Ankleshwar, India, is being carried out. The center is one of the organizations that emerged from Brethren mission work in India. "For 55 years the Rural Service Center at Ankleshwar has championed development, health, and conservation in the villages of Gujarat State. It has done pioneer work in land leveling, water management, and biogas production," reported the newsletter of the Global Food Crisis Fund. For the last dozen years, the fund has provided the center its prime support from the Church of the Brethren. The evaluation will be carried out by an independent team of development specialists, with a full report anticipated in early 2009. The evaluation was requested by the Global Mission Partnerships of the Church of the Brethren, and the Global Food Crisis Fund's grant review panel.
- A Marketplace Sale will be held at the SERRV store at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md., on Dec. 6-15. Overstock items will be available for sale at greatly reduced prices. All staff, volunteers, and guests visiting the Brethren Service Center are invited to attend the preview of the Marketplace Sale on Friday, Dec. 5, at 3-5:30 p.m. Santa will be visiting the SERRV store on Sunday, Dec. 7, from 2-4 p.m. SERRV is a nonprofit organization dedicated to eradicating poverty through the sale of craft and food items from artisans and farmers around the world. It was begun as a Church of the Brethren program, and was one of the first alternative trade organizations in the world. Go to www.serrv.org for more information.
- Columbia-Lakewood Community Church in Seattle, Wash., is celebrating a double anniversary: the 15th anniversary of the forming of the church by combining Columbia United Church of Christ and Lakewood Community Church of the Brethren; and the 12th anniversary
of the calling of pastor Jeff Barker. The church observed the two anniversaries on Sunday, Oct. 26, with a special worship service followed by a "decadent dessert bar," according to an announcement in the Oregon and Washington District newsletter. - Elmer Q. Gleim of York, Pa., has been celebrated as "a Brethren Treasure" in an article in the Southern Pennsylvania District newsletter. "This minister, theologian, teacher, scholar, genealogist, and nonageian (91) continues writing prolifically six to eight hours per day, penning articles for the Southern Pennsylvania District as well as authoring numerous Brethren books and articles, although he has long passed the age when most retire," the newsletter said. Gleim graduated from Crozer Theological Seminary, and later obtained a masters degree in education from the University of Pittsburgh. He was ordained at age 18, and spent 73 years in the ministry. His written work includes more than 17 books and innumerable articles. He also was noted for almost 25 years of Literary Roundtable studies at The Brethren Home in New Oxford, Pa.
- Atlantic Southeast District has announced recipients of the Robert and Myrna Gemmer Peacemaking Award, which is given annually at the district conference by the Action for Peace Team. This year's recipients are the members of the Sutton family of Miami, Fla.--Wayne, Karen, Sarah, Maggie, and Levi. "Beginning with Wayne's decision during the Vietnam War to do alternative service as a conscientious objector to military service, each member of the family has pursued peacemaking as a part of his or her Christian lifestyle," the citation read. "Their various individual activities have included editing peace curriculum, performing in a school peace musical, relating to prisoners in a death row support project, and serving on the Action for Peace Team. As a family, they have sought to respond to God's love by living in multicultural neighborhoods, by being part of a multicultural church, and by practicing hospitality to people of many cultures." In previous years, the Gemmer Peacemaking Award has been given to John Forbes and Elsa Groff (2006), and SueZann Bosler and Myrna Gemmer (2007).
- The University of La Verne, Calif., has received a $3.58 million Title V Grant from the US Department of Education in recognition of continued efforts to actively support and educate students from underserved populations. The two-year, renewable cooperative federal grant allows the university to partner with Citrus College, a community college in nearby Glendora, to help students prepare for university education in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, or "STEM," reported a release from the university. This marks the third such cooperative Title V Grant that ULV has received in the past four years, joining previously awarded grants involving the university's College of Business and Public Management, and College of Education and Organizational Management.
- The Juniata College Orchestra will perform Ludwig van Beethoven's "Symphony No. 5" as part of its fall concert at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 4. The concert will be conducted by James Latten, associate professor of music. The orchestra also will play "Concerto for Clarinet, Movement 1" by Wolfgang Mozart, with solo clarinetist Steven Schmitt, a sophomore from New Providence, Pa., and co-winner of the 2008-09 Juniata Concerto Competition. The concert will take place on the college campus in Huntingdon, Pa., in Rosenberger Auditorium. Tickets are $5 for adults and free for children under age 18.
- Paul Grout, a former Annual Conference moderator, is the leader for the 2009 Men's Retreat at Woodland Altars, a Church of the Brethren outdoor ministry center near Peebles, Ohio. The theme of the retreat is "Warrior, Mystic, Monk: Taking hold of the life that is really life; Body, Spirit, and Mind." The event is scheduled for Feb. 20-22. Go to www.outdoorministries.org.
- At a Volunteer Appreciation Banquet hosted by Happy Corner Church of the Brethren, Woodland Altars recognized 12 people for the amount of time they have volunteered for
outdoor ministries. Sherry Liles, Lisa Osswald, Dan Poole, Matt Shetler, Tracy Sturgis, and
Keith Weimer were recognized for 500 hours of volunteer time. Dean Dohner, Tonnya Helfrich, and Ryan Stackhouse were honored for 1,000 hours of volunteer time. Bob Bitner was recognized for volunteering 1,500 hours, and Shelley Flenner for over 2,500 hours. The winner of the evening with more than 4,500 hours was Raymonde Rougier. - Church of the Brethren member Cliff Kindy is taking part in a new Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT) project in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Kindy previously worked with CPT in Iraq. He was part of a four-member CPT team who left for the Congo in early December at the invitation of a Martin Luther King Group there. This three-month project follows three previous short-term CPT delegations to the region in 2005-07. The CPT team plans to work in an area where thousands of Rwandans fled in the aftermath of the Tutsi genocide. In other news from CPT, a team has returned to the Kurdish area of northern Iraq and has begun documenting the situation of families who have fled their villages because of aerial bombardment and shelling by Turkish planes and Iranian missiles. CPT is an initiative of the Historic Peace Churches (Church of the Brethren, Mennonites, and Quakers).
- The Church of North India (CNI), which has been a partner of the Church of the Brethren in mission efforts in India, has issued a statement condemning the terrorist attacks in Mumbai (Bombay). The statement from general secretary Enos Das Pradhan said in part, "The Church of North India strongly condemns the shootouts and appeals to the churches and religious communities to pray for peace and reconciliation. The CNI also appeals to the civil society to start a drive against fanaticism that is mutilating the secular fabric of India. We express solidarity with those killed and taken hostage by the terrorists, particularly our friends from other countries." The attacks struck in Mumbai, the commercial capital of India, in the early hours of Nov. 27. At least 115 people were killed and hundreds injured, according to the CNI statement.
- The World Council of Churches (WCC) has called for prayers for Bethlehem during this Advent and Christmas. People from around the world are invited to e-mail Advent and Christmas wishes and prayers for justice and peace to Bethlehem, in collaboration with the WCC and its Palestine Israel Ecumenical Forum. Wishes and prayers will be printed and handed out as personal messages, educational materials, and in the context of interfaith prayers in places of worship and in the newly established peace house of the Arab Educational Institute opposite the Israeli "separation wall" in Bethlehem. E-mail Christmas messages and prayers for peace before Dec. 25 to the Arab Educational Institute at aei@p-ol.com. Go to www.aeicenter.org and www.paxchristi.net to read the messages.
- The Association of Professional Chaplains has announced new leaders. The association is a national organization of professional pastoral care providers, including Church of the Brethren chaplains. Susan K. Wintz has been named president; she is a staff chaplain at St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center in Phoenix, Ariz., endorsed by the Presbyterian Church (USA). David C. Johnson is president-elect; he is director of pastoral care and education at Cabell Huntington Hospital in Huntington, W.Va., endorsed by the United Methodist Church. James Gibbons has been appointed transitional executive director; he retired from Advocate Health Care in 2002 as vice president for mission and spiritual care.
- Brethren Revival Fellowship (BRF) has announced a new book by Harold S. Martin, titled "Marriage, Family, and the Christian Home." The announcement said, "Drawing on his years of experience as a husband, father, grandfather, church elder, evangelist, and teacher, Bro. Harold Martin provides useful, practical material for those considering marriage and for those who are married. Helpful pointers, direct guidance, and biblical teaching permeate this book." The BRF is offering the book for $10 plus shipping fee of $2 per book for quantities up to four books; free shipping is offered on orders of five books or more. Go to www.brfwitness.org/books/index.php?act=viewProd&productId=22 to order online, or send a request and check to Brethren Revival Fellowship, P.O. Box 543, Ephrata, PA 17522-0543.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)