- Brethren Benefit Trust issues a report on its investment losses.
- Matching grant program for hunger relief gets off to a good start.
- Leadership Team works toward revisions of church documents.
- Outdoor Ministries Association holds annual meeting in Northwest.
- Brethren bits: Remembrance, personnel, jobs, Sudan prayer, more.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
NEWS
Brethren Benefit Trust issues a report on its investment losses.
Brethren Benefit Trust (BBT) has issued a report on its investments, following the sharp market decline and national financial crisis. The report was written by Nevin Dulabaum, president of BBT, and is taken from the BBT newsletter "Benefit News":
"A 50 percent decline in one year--that was the dubious milestone reached by the S&P 500 in November during the time that the Brethren Benefit Trust Board was convened for its fall meetings. This decline was the sharpest by the equity markets since the 1930s. What is worse, there were few safe investment havens in 2008--all market sectors experienced declines, which means all investors in the equity markets experienced negative returns, including BBT.
"Through November, BBT’s assets under management, which include funds of Brethren Pension Plan and Brethren Foundation, had declined $119 million for the year to $320 million. However, they rebounded slightly in December as the markets showed a sign of recovery--the S&P 500 increased by about 10 percent for the month.
"Nevertheless, what does the aggregate decline in investments mean for BBT’s members and client organizations?
"It depends. For people who have more than one investment cycle left (generally 10 years) before they retire or for organizations making longterm investments, the downturn should have little impact, if history is any guide. The markets typically rebound over time, as equities began to do in December. In the meantime, investments made while the markets are lower will increase greatly as the markets climb upward, which will benefit portfolios invested in equities longterm.
"For people approaching retirement or for organizations wanting to access their funds in the near future, conservative asset allocation is the key--a less risky fund choice should be selected to ensure that there is no erosion of principle.
"For people who have retired through the Brethren Pension Plan, BBT has given them an annuity that will pay them for life. BBT’s mandate is to ensure that the Retirement Benefits Fund, from which the annuities are paid, remains able to fulfill its obligations for decades to come. Each year in January, BBT engages Hewitt Associates to perform an actuarial assessment that gives us a snapshot of the fund’s longterm viability. This year’s study will be more comprehensive than normal, given the severity of the markets’ sharp declines in 2008. The results of the study are expected to be ready for review by the BBT board and staff in February.
"In the meantime, the BBT board did take action in November to help BBT have one investment option that is expected to show a positive return over any rolling three-month period--its Short-Term Fund. The board hired a new fund manager, Sterling Capital Management of Charlotte, N.C., that specializes in investing in shorter duration notes, allowing the firm to be more agile in its investment selection and thus reduce the likelihood of negative returns.
"At its Nov. 20, 2008, meeting in Elgin, Ill., the BBT board’s Investment Committee reviewed the performances of its eight national investment managers, seeking to ensure that all managers were producing results that exceed their respective benchmarks and were positioned in the top quartile of their peers. By frequently reviewing the investment managers and ensuring that they are diversified among many investment sectors, BBT board members and staff seek to ensure that investments under management can weather most financial downturns with little adverse impact relative to their respective benchmarks.
"Whatever your investment situation, the best way to deal with your financial investments is to meet with a financial planner, develop a plan, and stick with it. That course of action will minimize the impact of a financial storm as was experienced in 2008."
Source: 1/29/2009 Newsline
Brethren Benefit Trust (BBT) has issued a report on its investments, following the sharp market decline and national financial crisis. The report was written by Nevin Dulabaum, president of BBT, and is taken from the BBT newsletter "Benefit News":
"A 50 percent decline in one year--that was the dubious milestone reached by the S&P 500 in November during the time that the Brethren Benefit Trust Board was convened for its fall meetings. This decline was the sharpest by the equity markets since the 1930s. What is worse, there were few safe investment havens in 2008--all market sectors experienced declines, which means all investors in the equity markets experienced negative returns, including BBT.
"Through November, BBT’s assets under management, which include funds of Brethren Pension Plan and Brethren Foundation, had declined $119 million for the year to $320 million. However, they rebounded slightly in December as the markets showed a sign of recovery--the S&P 500 increased by about 10 percent for the month.
"Nevertheless, what does the aggregate decline in investments mean for BBT’s members and client organizations?
"It depends. For people who have more than one investment cycle left (generally 10 years) before they retire or for organizations making longterm investments, the downturn should have little impact, if history is any guide. The markets typically rebound over time, as equities began to do in December. In the meantime, investments made while the markets are lower will increase greatly as the markets climb upward, which will benefit portfolios invested in equities longterm.
"For people approaching retirement or for organizations wanting to access their funds in the near future, conservative asset allocation is the key--a less risky fund choice should be selected to ensure that there is no erosion of principle.
"For people who have retired through the Brethren Pension Plan, BBT has given them an annuity that will pay them for life. BBT’s mandate is to ensure that the Retirement Benefits Fund, from which the annuities are paid, remains able to fulfill its obligations for decades to come. Each year in January, BBT engages Hewitt Associates to perform an actuarial assessment that gives us a snapshot of the fund’s longterm viability. This year’s study will be more comprehensive than normal, given the severity of the markets’ sharp declines in 2008. The results of the study are expected to be ready for review by the BBT board and staff in February.
"In the meantime, the BBT board did take action in November to help BBT have one investment option that is expected to show a positive return over any rolling three-month period--its Short-Term Fund. The board hired a new fund manager, Sterling Capital Management of Charlotte, N.C., that specializes in investing in shorter duration notes, allowing the firm to be more agile in its investment selection and thus reduce the likelihood of negative returns.
"At its Nov. 20, 2008, meeting in Elgin, Ill., the BBT board’s Investment Committee reviewed the performances of its eight national investment managers, seeking to ensure that all managers were producing results that exceed their respective benchmarks and were positioned in the top quartile of their peers. By frequently reviewing the investment managers and ensuring that they are diversified among many investment sectors, BBT board members and staff seek to ensure that investments under management can weather most financial downturns with little adverse impact relative to their respective benchmarks.
"Whatever your investment situation, the best way to deal with your financial investments is to meet with a financial planner, develop a plan, and stick with it. That course of action will minimize the impact of a financial storm as was experienced in 2008."
Source: 1/29/2009 Newsline
Matching grant program for hunger relief gets off to a good start.
Church of the Brethren staff report that the new "Domestic Hunger Matching Grant" program encouraging Church of the Brethren congregations to support local hunger programs has gotten off to a good start.
As of the end of January, 42 congregations in 16 states have issued grants to local hunger programs, reported Howard Royer, manager of the fund. "The amount of matching funds from the denomination averages $437," he reported. "Of the $50,000 committed to this effort by the Emergency Disaster Fund and Global Food Crisis Fund, $19,000 has been expended."
The Church of the Brethren’s Global Food Crisis Fund and Emergency Disaster Fund, in partnership with the Stewardship department, announced the program at the end of 2008 to encourage congregations to make a special effort this winter to respond to the needs of local food pantries and soup kitchens. Congregations will be matched dollar for dollar--up to $500--for a gift to one local food bank or soup kitchen.
The first congregational application came from Whitestone Church of the Brethren in Tonasket, Wash. With the matching grant program, the congregation's check for $600 written to the Tonasket Food Bank has become $1,100. Whitestone has a membership of 26, according to the "2008 Church of the Brethren Yearbook."
To qualify, a congregation must raise new funds for the food crisis, fill out and return an application form by March 15, 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. Grants will be issued until the $50,000 set aside for the program by the two funds is exhausted.
"In projecting responses, we thought 100 congregations might be a reasonable target. With another month to go, the participation is likely to exceed that number considerably," Royer said.
Go to www.brethren.org/site/DocServer/Domestic_Hunger_cong_ap_January_2009.pdf?docID=1001 for the application form for the matching grant program. For more information contact Justin Barrett in the Global Mission Partnerships office at 800-323-8039 ext. 230.
Source: 1/29/2009 Newsline
Church of the Brethren staff report that the new "Domestic Hunger Matching Grant" program encouraging Church of the Brethren congregations to support local hunger programs has gotten off to a good start.
As of the end of January, 42 congregations in 16 states have issued grants to local hunger programs, reported Howard Royer, manager of the fund. "The amount of matching funds from the denomination averages $437," he reported. "Of the $50,000 committed to this effort by the Emergency Disaster Fund and Global Food Crisis Fund, $19,000 has been expended."
The Church of the Brethren’s Global Food Crisis Fund and Emergency Disaster Fund, in partnership with the Stewardship department, announced the program at the end of 2008 to encourage congregations to make a special effort this winter to respond to the needs of local food pantries and soup kitchens. Congregations will be matched dollar for dollar--up to $500--for a gift to one local food bank or soup kitchen.
The first congregational application came from Whitestone Church of the Brethren in Tonasket, Wash. With the matching grant program, the congregation's check for $600 written to the Tonasket Food Bank has become $1,100. Whitestone has a membership of 26, according to the "2008 Church of the Brethren Yearbook."
To qualify, a congregation must raise new funds for the food crisis, fill out and return an application form by March 15, 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. Grants will be issued until the $50,000 set aside for the program by the two funds is exhausted.
"In projecting responses, we thought 100 congregations might be a reasonable target. With another month to go, the participation is likely to exceed that number considerably," Royer said.
Go to www.brethren.org/site/DocServer/Domestic_Hunger_cong_ap_January_2009.pdf?docID=1001 for the application form for the matching grant program. For more information contact Justin Barrett in the Global Mission Partnerships office at 800-323-8039 ext. 230.
Source: 1/29/2009 Newsline
Leadership Team works toward revisions of church documents.
The Church of the Brethren Leadership Team met at Circle of Peace Church of the Brethren in Arizona on Dec. 17-18, 2008, with all four members present: Annual Conference moderator David Shumate, moderator-elect Shawn Flory Replogle, secretary Fred Swartz, and general secretary Stan Noffsinger.
The Leadership Team is working with diligence toward a revision of the bylaws of Church of the Brethren, Inc., as indicated to the delegates of the 2008 Annual Conference. At last year’s Conference a preliminary set of bylaws was approved in order for the new denominational structure to be initiated. It is expected that the Mission and Ministry Board will review the revised bylaws in March at a meeting in New Windsor, Md.
The team also is working at revisions to the Church of the Brethren’s Manual of Organization and Polity. A number of changes are necessary to incorporate various actions of the 2008 Annual Conference. As soon as the polity is updated, it will be posted at www.brethren.org on the denominational web site.
In other business, the Leadership Team set Sept. 1 as the starting date of the new Annual Conference executive director, but with the expectation that the new director will be hired in time to attend Annual Conference in San Diego in late June. Applications for the position will be accepted after Jan. 15. The new director will work with retiring Annual Conference executive Lerry Fogle, for orientation.
The Annual Conference offices will be relocated from the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md., to the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill., on Sept. 21.
Other items on the agenda included approval of a survey compiled by the Program and Arrangements Committee to acquire information from the denomination regarding participation in Annual Conferences. Distribution of the survey is expected to cover a wide spectrum of the church. The Leadership Team also plans to propose to the 2009 Standing Committee a denominational committee that will set goals for the denomination’s mission. The team in addition has begun planning for developing a Moderator’s Manual, as recommended by the Doing Church Business study paper of 2007.
--Fred Swartz serves as the Annual Conference secretary.
Source: 1/29/2009 Newsline
The Church of the Brethren Leadership Team met at Circle of Peace Church of the Brethren in Arizona on Dec. 17-18, 2008, with all four members present: Annual Conference moderator David Shumate, moderator-elect Shawn Flory Replogle, secretary Fred Swartz, and general secretary Stan Noffsinger.
The Leadership Team is working with diligence toward a revision of the bylaws of Church of the Brethren, Inc., as indicated to the delegates of the 2008 Annual Conference. At last year’s Conference a preliminary set of bylaws was approved in order for the new denominational structure to be initiated. It is expected that the Mission and Ministry Board will review the revised bylaws in March at a meeting in New Windsor, Md.
The team also is working at revisions to the Church of the Brethren’s Manual of Organization and Polity. A number of changes are necessary to incorporate various actions of the 2008 Annual Conference. As soon as the polity is updated, it will be posted at www.brethren.org on the denominational web site.
In other business, the Leadership Team set Sept. 1 as the starting date of the new Annual Conference executive director, but with the expectation that the new director will be hired in time to attend Annual Conference in San Diego in late June. Applications for the position will be accepted after Jan. 15. The new director will work with retiring Annual Conference executive Lerry Fogle, for orientation.
The Annual Conference offices will be relocated from the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md., to the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill., on Sept. 21.
Other items on the agenda included approval of a survey compiled by the Program and Arrangements Committee to acquire information from the denomination regarding participation in Annual Conferences. Distribution of the survey is expected to cover a wide spectrum of the church. The Leadership Team also plans to propose to the 2009 Standing Committee a denominational committee that will set goals for the denomination’s mission. The team in addition has begun planning for developing a Moderator’s Manual, as recommended by the Doing Church Business study paper of 2007.
--Fred Swartz serves as the Annual Conference secretary.
Source: 1/29/2009 Newsline
Outdoor Ministries Association holds annual meeting in Northwest.
Directors, managers, and other staff of the Church of the Brethren’s camps headed to the great Northwest this fall for their annual gathering. Camp Myrtlewood in Myrtle Creek, Ore., hosted the Outdoor Ministries Association (OMA) group for four-plus days of professional growth, business, hiking, sightseeing, networking, and fellowship. About 40 people attended.
Glenn Mitchell, a Brethren spiritual director from Spring Mills, Pa., provided leadership for sessions throughout the Nov. 16-20 event, focusing on Celtic Christianity and its relevance to church camping ministry. The sessions included devotional and reflection times using traditional Celtic prayers.
Each of the camps that were represented gave an update on recent activities and projects, with particular focus on the eco-stewardship activities occurring at the host camp. Natasha Stern, program coordinator at Camp Swatara in Bethel, Pa., was called as the new chair of the OMA Steering Committee, which next meets March 3-5 at Brethren Woods in Keezletown, Va.
OMA’s next major gathering will be in November, when it offers the OMA National Conference to the wider church Nov. 13-15 at Woodland Altars in Peebles, Ohio. The 2009 OMA directors, managers, and staff retreat will follow the conference.
--Walt Wiltschek is editor of the Church of the Brethren’s "Messenger" magazine.
Source: 1/29/2009 Newsline
Directors, managers, and other staff of the Church of the Brethren’s camps headed to the great Northwest this fall for their annual gathering. Camp Myrtlewood in Myrtle Creek, Ore., hosted the Outdoor Ministries Association (OMA) group for four-plus days of professional growth, business, hiking, sightseeing, networking, and fellowship. About 40 people attended.
Glenn Mitchell, a Brethren spiritual director from Spring Mills, Pa., provided leadership for sessions throughout the Nov. 16-20 event, focusing on Celtic Christianity and its relevance to church camping ministry. The sessions included devotional and reflection times using traditional Celtic prayers.
Each of the camps that were represented gave an update on recent activities and projects, with particular focus on the eco-stewardship activities occurring at the host camp. Natasha Stern, program coordinator at Camp Swatara in Bethel, Pa., was called as the new chair of the OMA Steering Committee, which next meets March 3-5 at Brethren Woods in Keezletown, Va.
OMA’s next major gathering will be in November, when it offers the OMA National Conference to the wider church Nov. 13-15 at Woodland Altars in Peebles, Ohio. The 2009 OMA directors, managers, and staff retreat will follow the conference.
--Walt Wiltschek is editor of the Church of the Brethren’s "Messenger" magazine.
Source: 1/29/2009 Newsline
Brethren bits: Remembrance, personnel, jobs, Sudan prayer, more.
- Paul Hoover Bowman, 94, of Lakeview Village in Lenexa, Kan., died on Dec. 5. He and his wife, Evelyn, were volunteer coordinators for Older Adult Programming under the Church of the Brethren Health and Welfare Association from 1985-91. Bowman was born on June 20, 1914, in Philadelphia, the son of Dr. Paul Haynes and Flora Hoover Bowman. He spent most of his childhood in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, growing up on a Brethren college campus as the son of a college president and minister. Following the Spanish Civil War he accepted a two-year tour of duty in Spain providing clothing and food relief to refugees. During World War II he served as a conscientious objector, and then served the Brethren Service Committee in various capacities both in the US and abroad. He and his wife, Evelyn Stouffer, married in 1942 and together were involved in projects in Ecuador, Bolivia, Puerto Rico, Brazil, and Bangladesh. He held degrees from Bridgewater (Va.) College, Crozer Seminary, and the University of Pennsylvania. In 1948 he completed studies at the University of Chicago for a doctorate in clinical psychology. He retired in 1981 as executive director of the Institute for Community Studies, a social research arm of the University of Missouri at Kansas City. He was preceded in death by two of his children--a son, Douglas, and a daughter, Debora. He is survived by his wife; his son Rick Bowman and wife Judi of Tucson, Ariz.; and daughter Marilyn Pompey and husband James of Kansas City, Mo.; and two grandchildren. A memorial service was held on Dec. 10 at Colonial United Church of Christ, where he was a longtime member. Memorial gifts are received for Heifer International.
- On Feb. 2, Amanda (Mandy) Garcia will begin in the position of administrative office assistant for Brethren Benefit Trust at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill. Her duties will include providing administrative support to the president, the director of Information Technology, and the director of Office Operations. She graduated from Judson University in Elgin, Ill., in 2007 with a bachelor’s degree in communications and media. Before joining BBT, Garcia worked as a supervisor at Starbucks, and also has served as creative arts coordinator at Christ Community Church in St. Charles, Ill.
- Bibek Sahu, who is working as a Church of the Brethren short-term mission worker in southern Sudan, has extended his time in Sudan to four months, through April. The extension came at the request of RECONCILE, the partner organization for the Sudan mission. Sahu has been working as a computer consultant for RECONCILE.
- The Church of the Brethren seeks an executive director of the Conference Office, to fill a fulltime staff position located at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill. The starting date is Aug. 31, with training at the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference from June 21-July 1, as contract employee is required. Responsibilities include planning and facilitating activities required for the Annual Conference and other denominational events; providing multiple functions for business sessions, worship services, meal events, age activities, and other break-out events for up to 4,000 people; providing administrative support to officers of Annual Conference and program committees; recruiting numerous volunteers and promoting events; investigating sites for future conferences and negotiating contracts. Qualifications include a bachelor’s degree in conference management, business administration, or a related field; knowledge and support of Church of the Brethren vision, mission, and core values, with membership in the Church of the Brethren preferred; a minimum of five years of experience in management and event planning; interpersonal skills; financial management and accounting knowledge; experience with computer systems, including systems development; long-range planning skills; verbal and written communication skills. Applications will be received beginning March 15 through April 15. Interviews will take place at the church’s General Offices in Elgin, Ill., in May. Apply by requesting the application form, submitting a résumé and a letter of application, and requesting three references to send letters of recommendation to 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 Church of the Brethren’s Michigan District seeks an interim district executive to fill a half-time position, available Feb. 15. Michigan District is in a time of transition, prompted partly by the retirement in Feb. 2009 of the current district executive. Michigan District serves 19 congregations and fellowships. The District Board and District Conference have named a committee to review and evaluate the district mission and structure and bring recommendations to the 2010 District Conference for ratification. An interim district executive is sought to serve until this process is complete. An interim district executive is expected to be maintenance oriented rather than visionary. Focus of the assignment will include normal administrative tasks of the district, pastoral placement when needed, maintaining connections with the District Board and District Conference Program and Arrangements Committee, guiding and encouraging district and local church leaders, willingness and ability to execute ethics process if the need arises. Qualifications include a vibrant Christian faith; membership and active participation in the Church of the Brethren; commitment to Church of the Brethren values, polity, traditions; administrative skills; ability to relate to and work with theologically diverse people and congregations; communications skills; high comfort level and capability with with computer e-mail, word processing, etc.; positive pastoral experience in the Church of the Brethren. A master of divinity degree is preferred. 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. Upon receipt of a resume, a candidate will be sent a Candidate Profile which must be completed and returned before the application is considered complete. The application deadline is Feb. 7.
- The Church of the Brethren seeks an individual or couple skilled in peace and reconciliation work and/or mediation to serve a three-year placement in Yei, southern Sudan, as soon as possible. The placement will be with RECONCILE, a peace and reconciliation partnering organization with the Church of the Brethren. The position includes working within the program of RECONCILE, helping to further work that is presently being done as well as helping to develop new programing and possible new locations for expansion of the program. RECONCILE is presently mandated to do conflict resolution between groups in southern Sudan following 21 years of civil war; trauma transformation in an area where everyone has been touched by the war and emotional and relational brokenness; good governance by giving workshops in communities to help the populace understand what it means to be responsible citizens in light of upcoming elections, and workshops with politicians on how to effectively serve the people. Candidates should bring education and experience in the area of peace and reconciliation and/or mediation, experience in international cross-cultural settings, be well-grounded in Church of the Brethren identity and practice, and have a team orientation. Pastoral training would be acceptable, but ordination is not necessary. The position needs someone with the maturity that comes from both life and professional experiences, and openness to living in a cultural milieu that includes people from many countries and different expressions of Christianity. Candidates are expected to help interpret to the church their work with RECONCILE. Contact Karin Krog, Office of Human Resources, at kkrog_gb@brethren.org or 800-323-8039.
- Camp Pine Lake in Eldora, Iowa, in Northern Plains District, has announced the resignations of Larry and Joyce Dreesman and Rachel Bakker as camp manager and kitchen staff. "Our words cannot express adequately our sincere thanks for the labor of love which these followers of Christ have provided to our property, programs, and campers for the past 17 years," said an announcement in the district newsletter. The camp has formed a search committee to begin the task of hiring a new manager. The manager is responsible for scheduling camps throughout the year and also will do maintenance, acquire and supervise kitchen help, maintain grounds, and do general management. A job description is available on request. The position is fulltime May to September. During the off season it is part time with minimal responsibilities. Salary is paid over a 12-month period, in the low $20,000 range. The package includes a two-bedroom house, utilities, camp vehicle, FICA, and employee insurance. Send applications and resumes to Cletus S. Miller at milhersh@iowatelecom.net or 912 E 8th St , Tama IA 52339.
- Church of the Brethren general secretary Stan Noffsinger is one of the co-signers of a letter from ecumenical leaders to President Barack Obama. The letter was sent by the US Conference of the World Council of Churches on Jan. 20, Inauguration Day. Representatives of WCC member churches in the US declared that they wanted to "roll up (their) sleeves and partner with (President Obama) to help bring about the changes that are so desperately needed for the United States and the world to more closely reflect God's vision for humankind and all of creation." Go to http://www.oikoumene.org/en/resources/documents/other-ecumenical-bodies/20-01-09-wcc-us-conference-letter-to-president-obama.html for the text of the letter.
- Children’s Disaster Services prepared its Critical Response Childcare team for deployment following the landing of an airliner in the Hudson River two weeks ago, and a team prepared to respond to emergencies at the Presidential Inauguration last week--but neither was called to service. In the case of the airliner, "everyone survived the ‘double bird hit’ engine failure, thanks to the expertise of the pilot," said Children’s Disaster Services director Judy Bezon. She reported that the Critical Response Childcare team--experienced volunteers with additional training that prepares them for an aviation incident or mass casualty--is on call each month, ready to travel within four hours of deployment by the American Red Cross. Since 1997, the Critical Response Childcare team has responded to the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, and seven aviation incidents, Bezon said. Children's Disaster Services received the request for volunteers to stand by during the inauguration from the American Red Cross of the National Capital Area. The team was prepared to work with children in a family reunification center or a center set up for some other unexpected event that involved children or their families. "A total of 16 people volunteered," Bezon said. "Fortunately, the Inauguration went along without any major mishap and CDS services were not needed."
- Children’s Disaster Services has announced Level 1 Workshops for volunteers who will provide services for children and families in disaster situations in the United States. Workshops will be held on the following dates: March 28-29 at La Verne (Calif.) Church of the Brethren (contact Kathy Benson at 909-593-4868); May 1-2 at LeeTown United Methodist Church in Kearneysville, W.Va. (contact Carol Strickler at 304-229-2625 or Joanna Marceron at 304-725-8308); and May 29-30 at First United Methodist Church in Victor, N.Y. (contact Dot Norsen at 585-924-7516). The workshops are open to anyone over 18 years of age. Cost to attend is $45 or $55 for registrations postmarked less than three weeks prior to the workshop. Go to www.childrensdisasterservices.org or contact cds_gb@brethren.org or 800-451-4407 ext. 5.
- The Church of the Brethren’s Material Resources program is communicating a request from Lutheran World Relief for quilts and kits to meet rising demands around the world. The Material Resources program at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md., processes, warehouses, and ships relief supplies on behalf of partner organizations including Lutheran world Relief. "As humanitarian crises increase in intensity, Lutheran World Relief has received many new requests for quilts and layettes, as well as health, school, and sewing kits. Currently, LWR's supply will not meet these demands," said the request. In 2008, more than 1,455 tons of quilts, kits, layettes, and soap were shipped to more than 740,000 people in 27 countries including Niger, India, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Thailand. Visit http://lwr.org/parish/index.asp for instructions for making the quilts and kits.
- Prayer concerns have been received from RECONCILE, a partner organization to the Church of the Brethren’s Sudan mission. "They have asked us to keep them in prayer," reported Brad Bohrer, Sudan mission director. "Following a December offensive against the Lord’s Resistance Army there has been a huge upsurge in violence on the Congo-Sudan border 28 miles to the west," Bohrer reported. "Please pray that the children who have been abducted would be returned, for the women who have been raped, for those who have lost loved ones, and those living in fear. Pray for RECONCILE staff member Martin Dasikoko as he works in this area equipping Key Mobilizers to minister to the victims." RECONCILE also requested prayer for the opening of its Peace Institute on Feb. 2. The institute will offer courses in Community Based Trauma Healing and Peace Studies and Conflict Transformation.
- On Dec. 10, 2008, the US Congress passed "The William Wilberforce Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2008." The Brethren Witness/Washington Office has been active in pressing for the signing of this re-authorization act since Annual Conference endorsed a resolution calling for the abolition of modern-day slavery, reported director Phil Jones. "In meetings with co-sponsors of this bill Senators Durbin, Brownback, and Specter, all heavily Brethren-populated areas, (our staff) shared the concern of Brethren congregations across America," Jones said. The signing of the act will be one of the items celebrated at the Christian Citizenship Seminar on April 25-30, which will explore the issue of modern-day slavery. Go to www.brethren.org/site/PageServer?pagename=grow_youth_ministry_christian_citizenship for more information.
- Springfield (Ore.) Church of the Brethren and its Brethren Housing program will be working in partnership with the ShelterCare program to construct an apartment complex for adults with psychiatric disabilities. ShelterCare was selected to receive a HUD (US Department of Housing and Urban Development) to construct affordable housing units for the very low-income elderly or people with disabilities. The $1,977,500 grant will help construct the apartment complex on land adjacent to the current Brethren Housing program. ShelterCare will provide support services to residents to help keep them living as independently as possible, and will collaborate with the Springfield Church on the development of the site, according to a release. Construction on the Afiya Apartments building is scheduled to begin in spring 2010.
- Jan. 1 marked the beginning of York (Pa.) First Church of the Brethren’s 125th anniversary celebration. People are invited to share memories of the congregation, or a vision for its future. Contact the church at 717-755-0307.
- New Carlisle (Ohio) Church of the Brethren is hosting a concert by The Brethren Brass on Feb. 21, at 7 p.m. "Music for a Midwinter's Eve" will provide an evening of music and fun for the whole family. Go to www.brethrenbrass.com or contact the church at 937-845-1428.
- Jay Shell, president and CEO of Fahrney-Keedy Home and Village, a Church of the Brethren retiement community near Boonsboro, Md., has accepted an appointment as a member of the LifeSpan Products and Services Board of Directors. He also will serve as a member of the LifeSpan Policy Committee, which focuses on advocacy needs of seniors. LifeSpan is the largest senior care provider association in the Mid-Atlantic region, representing more than 300 organizations in Maryland and the District of Columbia.
- Seven Brethren were among 13 participants on a Jan. 8-26 Learning Tour to Sudan, sponsored by the New Community Project. The delegation visited women's groups, school children, reforestation projects, and church partners in the communities of Nimule and Narus. The group was hosted by the Girl Child Education and Development Association in Nimule and the Sudan Council of Churches in Narus. New Community Project also announced that it will be forwarding some $50,000 in assistance in 2009 for programs related to girls' education, women's development, reforestation efforts, and tree nursery projects in elementary schools in Sudan, and the program will send up to six solidarity workers to live and work in communities in Sudan this summer. For more information, visit www.newcommunityproject.org or contact director David Radcliff at ncp@newcommunityproject.org or 888-800-2985.
On Earth Peace offers ‘Community Change for Congregations.’
"You Can’t Stop the River: Community Change for Congregations" is being offered on April 2-5 in Kansas City, Kan., by On Earth Peace and hosted by First Central Church of the Brethren, in conjunction with the Kansas City Metropolitan Parish Council, Church of the Brethren. The theme scripture comes from Rev. 22, "Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life...."
The event is billed for congregations concerned about community issues such as gun violence, domestic violence, racism, or loss of employment. The meeting will offer help to build skills and confidence for community leadership, explore the history of community change initiatives and nonviolence struggles, and prepare plans for what happens next in the community.
Only three to seven congregations will be identified as participants, and each congregation will be invited to send a team of three people. On Earth Peace is making the event available for a $50 materials fee plus a participant offering. Housing and food will be provided by the host church, through space on the church’s carpeted floor and home stays with church members. For $40 per night participants can reserve a bed at a nearby Christian retreat center. Participants are responsible for their own travel costs.
Congregations may apply by writing a one-page letter telling the congregation’s story, describing the team the congregation will send the event, and sharing why the congregation wants to take part. Each team is to ask its church leadership for a letter of blessing, to show support from the congregation for the knowledge and skills the team will bring home from the training.
The application deadline is Feb. 16. Apply by e-mailing application letters to mguynn@onearthpeace.org or call 503-775-1636.
Source: 1/29/2009 Newsline
"You Can’t Stop the River: Community Change for Congregations" is being offered on April 2-5 in Kansas City, Kan., by On Earth Peace and hosted by First Central Church of the Brethren, in conjunction with the Kansas City Metropolitan Parish Council, Church of the Brethren. The theme scripture comes from Rev. 22, "Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life...."
The event is billed for congregations concerned about community issues such as gun violence, domestic violence, racism, or loss of employment. The meeting will offer help to build skills and confidence for community leadership, explore the history of community change initiatives and nonviolence struggles, and prepare plans for what happens next in the community.
Only three to seven congregations will be identified as participants, and each congregation will be invited to send a team of three people. On Earth Peace is making the event available for a $50 materials fee plus a participant offering. Housing and food will be provided by the host church, through space on the church’s carpeted floor and home stays with church members. For $40 per night participants can reserve a bed at a nearby Christian retreat center. Participants are responsible for their own travel costs.
Congregations may apply by writing a one-page letter telling the congregation’s story, describing the team the congregation will send the event, and sharing why the congregation wants to take part. Each team is to ask its church leadership for a letter of blessing, to show support from the congregation for the knowledge and skills the team will bring home from the training.
The application deadline is Feb. 16. Apply by e-mailing application letters to mguynn@onearthpeace.org or call 503-775-1636.
Source: 1/29/2009 Newsline
A reflection from the Congo: Standing on the wall as it crumbles.
Cliff Kindy is working in the Democratic Republic of the Congo with Christian Peacemaker Teams. His blog for Jan. 23, the day after the arrest of Laurent Nkunda, who led the rebel group National Congress for the Defence of the People (CNDP), reflects on positive changes in the country. Members of the CNDP and previous armed groups led by Nkunda are accused of war crimes and human rights abuses by the UN and human rights organizations. Allegations include the recruitment and use of children as soldiers, unlawful killings, and systematic rape. Following are excerpts from Kindy’s blog (go to www.cpt.org/blogs/cliff-kindy for more):
"It feels as though we are standing on the Berlin Wall as it crumbles beneath our feet. Nkunda’s CNDP rebel group had been pushing through the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) military lines this fall...as they were ready to sweep into Goma. They had support from Rwanda with US backing.
"DRC civil society has been building a new foundation patiently and at great risk for years. Last December the Group of Experts in its report to the UN Security Council accused...CNDP of dire human rights violations with support of Rwanda and the DRC military. Sweden and Belgium stopped aid to Rwanda and the US pulled back from Nkunda support, though aid to Rwanda still flowed from US, according to a US spokesperson in Goma....
"Nkunda conceded (news of his arrest today) and two days ago Christian Peacemaker Teams passed through Rutshuru region as DRC military by the hundreds moved north and CNDP troops filed south peacefully. This was no longer rebel-held territory.
"As we drove through, and out of Rutshuru, there were cheering crowds. Local people had already returned to abandoned fields. Homes that had been neglected were being remudded and rethatched. In the midst of the changes, more than among civil society partners, CPT saw the optimism.
"But it is the hard work of (nonprofit groups such as) Pax Christi, Synergie de Femmes, CREDDHO, and Ebenezer Peace Center that built this changed spirit. As the Berlin Wall, the Apartheid Wall, and the Cold War walls fell, the underlying spirit needed to be replaced, and that is what civil society has been occupied with.
"The focus is change, from what I can get for myself, to what I can do for others. If that new spirit takes control in people’s lives, then there will be a new thing that can be a model for the world. Congo can lead the way."
Source: 1/29/2009 Newsline
Cliff Kindy is working in the Democratic Republic of the Congo with Christian Peacemaker Teams. His blog for Jan. 23, the day after the arrest of Laurent Nkunda, who led the rebel group National Congress for the Defence of the People (CNDP), reflects on positive changes in the country. Members of the CNDP and previous armed groups led by Nkunda are accused of war crimes and human rights abuses by the UN and human rights organizations. Allegations include the recruitment and use of children as soldiers, unlawful killings, and systematic rape. Following are excerpts from Kindy’s blog (go to www.cpt.org/blogs/cliff-kindy for more):
"It feels as though we are standing on the Berlin Wall as it crumbles beneath our feet. Nkunda’s CNDP rebel group had been pushing through the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) military lines this fall...as they were ready to sweep into Goma. They had support from Rwanda with US backing.
"DRC civil society has been building a new foundation patiently and at great risk for years. Last December the Group of Experts in its report to the UN Security Council accused...CNDP of dire human rights violations with support of Rwanda and the DRC military. Sweden and Belgium stopped aid to Rwanda and the US pulled back from Nkunda support, though aid to Rwanda still flowed from US, according to a US spokesperson in Goma....
"Nkunda conceded (news of his arrest today) and two days ago Christian Peacemaker Teams passed through Rutshuru region as DRC military by the hundreds moved north and CNDP troops filed south peacefully. This was no longer rebel-held territory.
"As we drove through, and out of Rutshuru, there were cheering crowds. Local people had already returned to abandoned fields. Homes that had been neglected were being remudded and rethatched. In the midst of the changes, more than among civil society partners, CPT saw the optimism.
"But it is the hard work of (nonprofit groups such as) Pax Christi, Synergie de Femmes, CREDDHO, and Ebenezer Peace Center that built this changed spirit. As the Berlin Wall, the Apartheid Wall, and the Cold War walls fell, the underlying spirit needed to be replaced, and that is what civil society has been occupied with.
"The focus is change, from what I can get for myself, to what I can do for others. If that new spirit takes control in people’s lives, then there will be a new thing that can be a model for the world. Congo can lead the way."
Source: 1/29/2009 Newsline
Heeding God’s Call brings peace churches together for common effort.
"Heeding God’s Call: A Gathering on Peace" sponsored by the three Historic Peace Churches--Church of the Brethren, Quakers, and Mennonites--in Philadelphia on Jan. 13-17 has brought together people of faith for a common peacemaking effort. The gathering saw the launch of a new faith-based initiative against gun violence in America’s cities (see stories below), and produced a joint "epistle" as well as more than 20 focus statements for future cooperation.
The event was held alongside a series held by the peace churches on different continents, this time in the United States. Previous peace church gatherings have been held in Europe, Africa, and Asia. In 2010 a meeting of the peace churches in the Americas will be held. The peace churches also will be represented at a World Council of Churches meeting signaling the close of the Decade to Overcome Violence, in Jamaica in 2011.
"The significance of the event has been for the American peace churches to participate in the global effort to hold consultations on issues of peacemaking in the 21st century," said Stan Noffsinger, general secretary of the Church of the Brethren. "During this time when the US has been seen as such an aggressor by the rest of the world, it was most important for us to bring the Historic Peace Churches together with others who believe there is another way of living."
Set in the historic district of Philadelphia, Heeding God’s Call gathered within blocks of Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, and other famous sites from the revolutionary period of American history.
The gathering met at Arch Street Meeting House, a historic Quaker meeting house, for daily worship and plenaries. The group included delegations from the peace churches along with invited participants from other Christian traditions and church-related nonprofits, as well as observers from the Jewish and Muslim faiths. It was reported that a total of 23 faith traditions were represented among the 380 participants.
On the "facing bench" in the Quaker style of worship were leaders from the three convening groups: Thomas Swain, presiding clerk of the Philadelphia Yearly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends; Susan Mark Landis, peace advocate for the Mennonite Church USA; and Noffsinger as general secretary of the Church of the Brethren.
Other meetings brought participants to Philadelphia’s Constitution Center and Visitors’ Center. On one evening, a "World Café"--rounds of small group discussions to develop focus areas for the gathering--was held on the upper floor of the Constitution Center while cool jazz was played by the Anderson Cooper Project, and desserts were served.
Many different speakers and preachers led in addressing the theme, "Strengthening our witness and work for peace in the world by inspiring hope, raising voices, taking action." At the opening plenary, speakers included National Council of Churches (NCC) general secretary Michael Kinnamon, who brought greetings from the wider ecumenical movement, and James A. Forbes Jr., senior minister emeritus of Riverside Church in New York who gave the opening address.
Vincent Harding, chair of the "Veterans of Hope Project: A Center for the Study of Religion and Democratic Renewal" at Iliff School of Theology and a noted Civil Rights activist and author, gave daily reflections. Plenary speakers included Ched Myers, a biblical scholar and director of Bartimaeus Cooperative Ministries, who offered a biblical analysis of Jesus Christ as a nonviolent activist; and Alexie Torres Fleming, founder of Youth Ministries for Peace and Justice in the South Bronx, N.Y., who told her story of becoming involved in neighborhood organizing against drug-related violence.
Preachers included Colin Saxton, superintendent of the Northwest Yearly Meeting of Friends Church, based in Newberg, Ore.; Matthew V. Johnson Sr., national executive director of Every Church a Peace Church and pastor of the Church of the Good Shepherd in Atlanta, Ga.; Gayle Harris, suffragan bishop of the Episcopal Church Diocese of Massachusetts; and Donna Jones, who works with inner-city youth at Cookman United Methodist Church in Philadelphia.
A panel on the "Faith Basis of Our Peace Testimonies" featured speakers from the three Historic Peace Churches. Brethren speakers were Belita Mitchell, a past moderator of Annual Conference and pastor of First Church of the Brethren in Harrisburg, Pa.; Mimi Copp, a Church of the Brethren member living in an intentional Christian community in Philadelphia; and Jordan Blevins, assistant director of the Eco-Justice Program of the NCC. A second panel discussion on "Speaking Truth to Power" was given by church and nonprofit staff who work in Washington, D.C., including Phil Jones, director of the Brethren Witness/Washington Office.
In addition to worship and plenary sessions, participants met in small groups for discussion, ate meals together, and were invited to support and take part in daily witnesses against gun violence.
The gathering closed Jan. 17 with a day of worship, education, and action in sanctuaries and meeting houses across the city, focused on the gun violence that has been causing hundreds of deaths a year in Philadelphia. Participants traveled to one of nine host faith communities--seven churches, a synagogue, and a student center--where morning programs were planned and led by several congregations jointly in each sanctuary. A total of 40 partner faith communities from Philadelphia took part, including Christian, Muslim, and Jewish congregations.
That afternoon, an interfaith service was held at Holy Ghost Church, prior to a march to Colosimo’s Gun Center. Organizers said the day’s events were planned "to confront the avoidable tragedy of gun violence in our communities," and that the store was identified as a focus for the campaign as "a leading supplier of crime guns." The march included hundreds of people according to the Brethren Witness/Washington Office, and marked the end of the gathering.
An "epistle" or letter written from the gathering issued an invitation to "all people everywhere" to heed the call to peacemaking. The epistle committee included James Beckwith, pastor of Annville (Pa.) Church of the Brethren and a former moderator of Annual Conference. "We believe this is indeed a time when peace can happen," the letter said in part. "Awaken with us to this new opportunity to act as the united Body of Christ, along with friends of peace everywhere, in a world desperately in need of justice and peace." (Go to www.peacegathering2009.org/Epistle-New-Beginning for the full text.)
Also created were more than 20 focus statements identifying priorities for ongoing work. Topics ranged from becoming a Living Peace Church, to building community that supports radical Christian living, to recognizing and overcoming racism, to working on disagreements about human sexuality. Some focus groups highlighted current political situations including the violence in Gaza, the US wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, immigration concerns, and the issue of torture.
Church of the Brethren representatives who helped plan and organize the gathering included Stan Noffsinger, Church of the Brethren general secretary, and Bob Gross, executive director of On Earth Peace, who served on the advisory committee. The steering committee included Phil Jones, director of the Brethren Witness/Washington Office, and On Earth Peace board members Don Mitchell and Jordan Blevins.
"We are not alone," Noffsinger said, reflecting after the meeting on what the peace churches have learned from the gathering. "We may approach the ways to make peace through different expressions...but we are not alone. We shouldn’t hesitate to seek peace and pursue it."
A photo journal of Heeding God’s Call will soon be available at www.brethren.org (click on "News" to find the link for photo journals). Go to www.peacegathering2009.org for audio recordings of the major presentations. For more information contact Phil Jones, director of the Brethren Witness/Washington Office, at pjones_gb@brethren.org.
Source: 1/28/2009 Newsline Special
"Heeding God’s Call: A Gathering on Peace" sponsored by the three Historic Peace Churches--Church of the Brethren, Quakers, and Mennonites--in Philadelphia on Jan. 13-17 has brought together people of faith for a common peacemaking effort. The gathering saw the launch of a new faith-based initiative against gun violence in America’s cities (see stories below), and produced a joint "epistle" as well as more than 20 focus statements for future cooperation.The event was held alongside a series held by the peace churches on different continents, this time in the United States. Previous peace church gatherings have been held in Europe, Africa, and Asia. In 2010 a meeting of the peace churches in the Americas will be held. The peace churches also will be represented at a World Council of Churches meeting signaling the close of the Decade to Overcome Violence, in Jamaica in 2011.
"The significance of the event has been for the American peace churches to participate in the global effort to hold consultations on issues of peacemaking in the 21st century," said Stan Noffsinger, general secretary of the Church of the Brethren. "During this time when the US has been seen as such an aggressor by the rest of the world, it was most important for us to bring the Historic Peace Churches together with others who believe there is another way of living."
Set in the historic district of Philadelphia, Heeding God’s Call gathered within blocks of Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, and other famous sites from the revolutionary period of American history.
The gathering met at Arch Street Meeting House, a historic Quaker meeting house, for daily worship and plenaries. The group included delegations from the peace churches along with invited participants from other Christian traditions and church-related nonprofits, as well as observers from the Jewish and Muslim faiths. It was reported that a total of 23 faith traditions were represented among the 380 participants.
On the "facing bench" in the Quaker style of worship were leaders from the three convening groups: Thomas Swain, presiding clerk of the Philadelphia Yearly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends; Susan Mark Landis, peace advocate for the Mennonite Church USA; and Noffsinger as general secretary of the Church of the Brethren.
Other meetings brought participants to Philadelphia’s Constitution Center and Visitors’ Center. On one evening, a "World Café"--rounds of small group discussions to develop focus areas for the gathering--was held on the upper floor of the Constitution Center while cool jazz was played by the Anderson Cooper Project, and desserts were served.
Many different speakers and preachers led in addressing the theme, "Strengthening our witness and work for peace in the world by inspiring hope, raising voices, taking action." At the opening plenary, speakers included National Council of Churches (NCC) general secretary Michael Kinnamon, who brought greetings from the wider ecumenical movement, and James A. Forbes Jr., senior minister emeritus of Riverside Church in New York who gave the opening address.
Vincent Harding, chair of the "Veterans of Hope Project: A Center for the Study of Religion and Democratic Renewal" at Iliff School of Theology and a noted Civil Rights activist and author, gave daily reflections. Plenary speakers included Ched Myers, a biblical scholar and director of Bartimaeus Cooperative Ministries, who offered a biblical analysis of Jesus Christ as a nonviolent activist; and Alexie Torres Fleming, founder of Youth Ministries for Peace and Justice in the South Bronx, N.Y., who told her story of becoming involved in neighborhood organizing against drug-related violence.
Preachers included Colin Saxton, superintendent of the Northwest Yearly Meeting of Friends Church, based in Newberg, Ore.; Matthew V. Johnson Sr., national executive director of Every Church a Peace Church and pastor of the Church of the Good Shepherd in Atlanta, Ga.; Gayle Harris, suffragan bishop of the Episcopal Church Diocese of Massachusetts; and Donna Jones, who works with inner-city youth at Cookman United Methodist Church in Philadelphia.
A panel on the "Faith Basis of Our Peace Testimonies" featured speakers from the three Historic Peace Churches. Brethren speakers were Belita Mitchell, a past moderator of Annual Conference and pastor of First Church of the Brethren in Harrisburg, Pa.; Mimi Copp, a Church of the Brethren member living in an intentional Christian community in Philadelphia; and Jordan Blevins, assistant director of the Eco-Justice Program of the NCC. A second panel discussion on "Speaking Truth to Power" was given by church and nonprofit staff who work in Washington, D.C., including Phil Jones, director of the Brethren Witness/Washington Office.
In addition to worship and plenary sessions, participants met in small groups for discussion, ate meals together, and were invited to support and take part in daily witnesses against gun violence.
The gathering closed Jan. 17 with a day of worship, education, and action in sanctuaries and meeting houses across the city, focused on the gun violence that has been causing hundreds of deaths a year in Philadelphia. Participants traveled to one of nine host faith communities--seven churches, a synagogue, and a student center--where morning programs were planned and led by several congregations jointly in each sanctuary. A total of 40 partner faith communities from Philadelphia took part, including Christian, Muslim, and Jewish congregations.
That afternoon, an interfaith service was held at Holy Ghost Church, prior to a march to Colosimo’s Gun Center. Organizers said the day’s events were planned "to confront the avoidable tragedy of gun violence in our communities," and that the store was identified as a focus for the campaign as "a leading supplier of crime guns." The march included hundreds of people according to the Brethren Witness/Washington Office, and marked the end of the gathering.
An "epistle" or letter written from the gathering issued an invitation to "all people everywhere" to heed the call to peacemaking. The epistle committee included James Beckwith, pastor of Annville (Pa.) Church of the Brethren and a former moderator of Annual Conference. "We believe this is indeed a time when peace can happen," the letter said in part. "Awaken with us to this new opportunity to act as the united Body of Christ, along with friends of peace everywhere, in a world desperately in need of justice and peace." (Go to www.peacegathering2009.org/Epistle-New-Beginning for the full text.)
Also created were more than 20 focus statements identifying priorities for ongoing work. Topics ranged from becoming a Living Peace Church, to building community that supports radical Christian living, to recognizing and overcoming racism, to working on disagreements about human sexuality. Some focus groups highlighted current political situations including the violence in Gaza, the US wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, immigration concerns, and the issue of torture.
Church of the Brethren representatives who helped plan and organize the gathering included Stan Noffsinger, Church of the Brethren general secretary, and Bob Gross, executive director of On Earth Peace, who served on the advisory committee. The steering committee included Phil Jones, director of the Brethren Witness/Washington Office, and On Earth Peace board members Don Mitchell and Jordan Blevins.
"We are not alone," Noffsinger said, reflecting after the meeting on what the peace churches have learned from the gathering. "We may approach the ways to make peace through different expressions...but we are not alone. We shouldn’t hesitate to seek peace and pursue it."
A photo journal of Heeding God’s Call will soon be available at www.brethren.org (click on "News" to find the link for photo journals). Go to www.peacegathering2009.org for audio recordings of the major presentations. For more information contact Phil Jones, director of the Brethren Witness/Washington Office, at pjones_gb@brethren.org.
Source: 1/28/2009 Newsline Special
New faith-based initiative on gun violence is launched.
Throughout the week of Heeding God’s Call, daily witnesses against gun violence were held at Colosimo’s Gun Center in Philadelphia. The witness included nonviolent protest, civil disobedience, and the arrests of 12 people over a series of afternoons.
The gathering closed on Jan. 17 with a day of events focused on gun violence, billed as the beginning of a new faith-based initiative against gun violence in America’s cities starting with Philadelphia. Events included an interfaith service followed by a march and rally at Colosimo’s Gun Center.
"We believe that God is calling us to send a dramatic signal on behalf of the young people that suffer most from this epidemic of violence," said Andy Peifer, chair of the Public Witness Planning Group. In an e-mail explaining the new initiative he wrote, "Many have lost hope in us, lost hope that we have the will or the vision to DO SOMETHING about this.... God is calling us to something larger than we thought!"
"We all know too many people are dying," said Bryan Miller, executive director of Ceasefire New Jersey, at the interfaith service.
According to a report by the Associated Press (dated mid-2008) in Philadelphia 343 people were killed by guns in 2006, and 330 were killed by guns in 2007. The numbers had begun to slow in 2008, the AP report said.
Miller explained that guns from Pennsylvania also are making their way into neighboring states, and that guns bought in Philadelphia are often the ones that are killing people in New Jersey.
Colosimo’s is "one of the worst gun shops in the US," Miller added. He outlined the new initiative’s emphasis on requesting gun shops like Colosimo’s to sign a voluntary 10-point code of conduct titled "Responsible Firearms Retailer Partnership," that was developed by the group "Mayors Against Illegal Guns." The group includes Philadelphia mayor Michael Nutter.
Walmart is the largest retailer of guns to sign the code. "If Walmart can do it, any gun shop in Pennsylvania and any state can do it," Miller said. "Colosimo’s is just a starting point." He encouraged people in attendance from other places around the country to go to their local gun shops to ask them to adopt the same code of conduct.
Preparation for the new initiative against gun violence took many months, according to Phil Jones, director of the Brethren Witness/Washington Office, who was one of the 12 arrested for civil disobedience at the gun store. Preparation included personal conversations with the owner of Colosimo’s Gun Center and conversations with Philadelphia police, Jones said. Organizers also recruited 40 faith communities in Philadelphia to support the campaign, including Muslim, Jewish, and Christian congregations.
Organizers hope that a code of conduct for gun stores will reduce the flow of weapons to the streets by reducing "straw purchases" or wholesale legal purchase of guns by people who then resell them to traffickers of illegal guns. Organizers also hope the campaign will spread to other cities across the country.
During the week’s witnesses at Colosimo’s Gun Center, groups of people held signs and banners, engaged passersby in conversation, and encouraged motorists to honk in support. The arrests for civil disobedience took place on Jan. 14 and 16. Jones and Church of the Brethren member Mimi Copp were in the first group of five people arrested on Jan. 14 for not leaving the store after the owner refused again to sign the code of conduct. Two more groups were arrested on Jan. 16, a group of three men who sat in the front entrance of the store, and another group of four men who sat on the sidewalk in front of the police who were guarding the door.
"When the gun shop owner repeatedly refused to sign the Code of Conduct, our group chose to occupy the store until he agreed to sign," Jones said (see his reflection below). "We were subsequently arrested with varying charges. A court date has been set for March 4."
Prayer and scripture were part of each day’s witness. The 12 people who carried out civil disobedience prepared with prayer, and received extensive support including help with bail money and rides back to the Heeding God’s Call gathering from jail--some in the middle of the night. They each spent between 12 and 24 hours in police custody, Jones said.
An incident during the second round of civil disobedience brought into sharp focus the tragic personal effects of the gun violence in Philadelphia. A local resident who had stopped by to ask about the witness arrived just as the group of three men knelt in the doorway of the store. As she watched, a police captain arrived and gave the men a series of verbal warnings that they would be arrested if they did not move.
In what became a quiet chorus to the police warnings, the woman began to recite numbers: "Five people die a week," she said. As the police captain repeatedly warned about the severity of the laws on blocking a fire exit, she repeated: "Five people die a week.... Five people are shot a week.... Three hundred people are shot a year...."
While the police waited for a van to arrive so that they could make the arrests, the woman explained her personal tragedy: She knew someone who died after he was shot 11 times. He was a young man, a friend, she said.
(Go to www.cst-phl.com for a report from the "Catholic Standard and Times," a newspaper of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Philadelphia, that includes more information about the initiative and communications between religious leaders and Colosimo’s Gun Center.)
-- Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford is director of News Services for the Church of the Brethren.
Source: 1/28/2009 Newsline Special
Throughout the week of Heeding God’s Call, daily witnesses against gun violence were held at Colosimo’s Gun Center in Philadelphia. The witness included nonviolent protest, civil disobedience, and the arrests of 12 people over a series of afternoons.
The gathering closed on Jan. 17 with a day of events focused on gun violence, billed as the beginning of a new faith-based initiative against gun violence in America’s cities starting with Philadelphia. Events included an interfaith service followed by a march and rally at Colosimo’s Gun Center.
"We believe that God is calling us to send a dramatic signal on behalf of the young people that suffer most from this epidemic of violence," said Andy Peifer, chair of the Public Witness Planning Group. In an e-mail explaining the new initiative he wrote, "Many have lost hope in us, lost hope that we have the will or the vision to DO SOMETHING about this.... God is calling us to something larger than we thought!"
"We all know too many people are dying," said Bryan Miller, executive director of Ceasefire New Jersey, at the interfaith service.
According to a report by the Associated Press (dated mid-2008) in Philadelphia 343 people were killed by guns in 2006, and 330 were killed by guns in 2007. The numbers had begun to slow in 2008, the AP report said.
Miller explained that guns from Pennsylvania also are making their way into neighboring states, and that guns bought in Philadelphia are often the ones that are killing people in New Jersey.
Colosimo’s is "one of the worst gun shops in the US," Miller added. He outlined the new initiative’s emphasis on requesting gun shops like Colosimo’s to sign a voluntary 10-point code of conduct titled "Responsible Firearms Retailer Partnership," that was developed by the group "Mayors Against Illegal Guns." The group includes Philadelphia mayor Michael Nutter.
Walmart is the largest retailer of guns to sign the code. "If Walmart can do it, any gun shop in Pennsylvania and any state can do it," Miller said. "Colosimo’s is just a starting point." He encouraged people in attendance from other places around the country to go to their local gun shops to ask them to adopt the same code of conduct.
Preparation for the new initiative against gun violence took many months, according to Phil Jones, director of the Brethren Witness/Washington Office, who was one of the 12 arrested for civil disobedience at the gun store. Preparation included personal conversations with the owner of Colosimo’s Gun Center and conversations with Philadelphia police, Jones said. Organizers also recruited 40 faith communities in Philadelphia to support the campaign, including Muslim, Jewish, and Christian congregations.
Organizers hope that a code of conduct for gun stores will reduce the flow of weapons to the streets by reducing "straw purchases" or wholesale legal purchase of guns by people who then resell them to traffickers of illegal guns. Organizers also hope the campaign will spread to other cities across the country.
During the week’s witnesses at Colosimo’s Gun Center, groups of people held signs and banners, engaged passersby in conversation, and encouraged motorists to honk in support. The arrests for civil disobedience took place on Jan. 14 and 16. Jones and Church of the Brethren member Mimi Copp were in the first group of five people arrested on Jan. 14 for not leaving the store after the owner refused again to sign the code of conduct. Two more groups were arrested on Jan. 16, a group of three men who sat in the front entrance of the store, and another group of four men who sat on the sidewalk in front of the police who were guarding the door.
"When the gun shop owner repeatedly refused to sign the Code of Conduct, our group chose to occupy the store until he agreed to sign," Jones said (see his reflection below). "We were subsequently arrested with varying charges. A court date has been set for March 4."
Prayer and scripture were part of each day’s witness. The 12 people who carried out civil disobedience prepared with prayer, and received extensive support including help with bail money and rides back to the Heeding God’s Call gathering from jail--some in the middle of the night. They each spent between 12 and 24 hours in police custody, Jones said.
An incident during the second round of civil disobedience brought into sharp focus the tragic personal effects of the gun violence in Philadelphia. A local resident who had stopped by to ask about the witness arrived just as the group of three men knelt in the doorway of the store. As she watched, a police captain arrived and gave the men a series of verbal warnings that they would be arrested if they did not move.
In what became a quiet chorus to the police warnings, the woman began to recite numbers: "Five people die a week," she said. As the police captain repeatedly warned about the severity of the laws on blocking a fire exit, she repeated: "Five people die a week.... Five people are shot a week.... Three hundred people are shot a year...."
While the police waited for a van to arrive so that they could make the arrests, the woman explained her personal tragedy: She knew someone who died after he was shot 11 times. He was a young man, a friend, she said.
(Go to www.cst-phl.com for a report from the "Catholic Standard and Times," a newspaper of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Philadelphia, that includes more information about the initiative and communications between religious leaders and Colosimo’s Gun Center.)
-- Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford is director of News Services for the Church of the Brethren.
Source: 1/28/2009 Newsline Special
A reflection on the spiritual discipline of bringing violence to light.
As five men and women bound by handcuffs lined up along a cold concrete wall, one of them turned to the others and asked, "Help me discern the spiritual disciplines of what we are doing?"
For months plans had been taking shape for an action of nonviolent witness to bring to light the depraved violence of weapons that are used to end lives. No matter the cause or reason--intentionally, accidently, or even without malice or with deviant anger--gun violence explodes on a daily basis in Philadelphia and other locations around our nation.
Statistics confirm the tears and outcries of mothers who lose sons and daughters, and communities who lose security and confidence in living. In 2005, the most recent year for which data is available, 55 percent of the gun-related deaths in the US were suicides. There was nothing special about 2005, as suicides have been the number-one gun death for 20 of the past 25 years. Forty percent of gun-related deaths were murders, 3 percent were accidents, and 2 percent were legal killings, including when police shot criminals and those of undetermined intent.
Guns are violent weapons and their use must be addressed. Individuals, the community, state, and church must be active partners in this venture.
On Jan. 14, five participants in the Philadelphia peace gathering, "Heeding God’s Call," chose to take a stand against gun violence using civil disobedience. Later in the week, another seven people participated in this witness calling attention to the need for those who sell such weapons to be diligent in attempting to keep the weapons off the streets.
For the 12 people who were arrested, and the many more people who supported them, this act of civil disobedience was a statement to the city of Philadelphia and the state of Pennsylvania: more stringent laws and collaborative attempts to reduce the availability of hand guns and automatic weapons must be a priority issue.
Mimi Copp, a Church of the Brethren member living in Philadelphia, and I were among the 12 who were arrested. We were among the first five people who carried out civil disobedience at a Philadelphia gun shop that is well known for selling weapons that end up being used for violence.
Our group had spent several weeks trying to negotiate with the shop owner to agree to a code of conduct for gun shops. The code endeavors to provide those who sell weapons with a solid basis for keeping handguns out of the hands of people who might use them violently. When the gun shop owner repeatedly refused to sign the code of conduct, our group chose to occupy the store until he agreed to sign. We were subsequently arrested with varying charges, including defiant trespass, disorderly conduct, and conspiracy. A court date has been set for March 4.
In the end, after 12 to 24 hours in a Philadelphia jail, each participant agreed that prayer, meditation, and a true sense of call to end the violence on our streets were the spiritual disciplines that directed our actions and supported our witness.
-- Phil Jones is director of the Brethren Witness/Washington Office.
Source: 1/28/2009 Newsline Special
As five men and women bound by handcuffs lined up along a cold concrete wall, one of them turned to the others and asked, "Help me discern the spiritual disciplines of what we are doing?"
For months plans had been taking shape for an action of nonviolent witness to bring to light the depraved violence of weapons that are used to end lives. No matter the cause or reason--intentionally, accidently, or even without malice or with deviant anger--gun violence explodes on a daily basis in Philadelphia and other locations around our nation.
Statistics confirm the tears and outcries of mothers who lose sons and daughters, and communities who lose security and confidence in living. In 2005, the most recent year for which data is available, 55 percent of the gun-related deaths in the US were suicides. There was nothing special about 2005, as suicides have been the number-one gun death for 20 of the past 25 years. Forty percent of gun-related deaths were murders, 3 percent were accidents, and 2 percent were legal killings, including when police shot criminals and those of undetermined intent.
Guns are violent weapons and their use must be addressed. Individuals, the community, state, and church must be active partners in this venture.
On Jan. 14, five participants in the Philadelphia peace gathering, "Heeding God’s Call," chose to take a stand against gun violence using civil disobedience. Later in the week, another seven people participated in this witness calling attention to the need for those who sell such weapons to be diligent in attempting to keep the weapons off the streets.
For the 12 people who were arrested, and the many more people who supported them, this act of civil disobedience was a statement to the city of Philadelphia and the state of Pennsylvania: more stringent laws and collaborative attempts to reduce the availability of hand guns and automatic weapons must be a priority issue.
Mimi Copp, a Church of the Brethren member living in Philadelphia, and I were among the 12 who were arrested. We were among the first five people who carried out civil disobedience at a Philadelphia gun shop that is well known for selling weapons that end up being used for violence.
Our group had spent several weeks trying to negotiate with the shop owner to agree to a code of conduct for gun shops. The code endeavors to provide those who sell weapons with a solid basis for keeping handguns out of the hands of people who might use them violently. When the gun shop owner repeatedly refused to sign the code of conduct, our group chose to occupy the store until he agreed to sign. We were subsequently arrested with varying charges, including defiant trespass, disorderly conduct, and conspiracy. A court date has been set for March 4.
In the end, after 12 to 24 hours in a Philadelphia jail, each participant agreed that prayer, meditation, and a true sense of call to end the violence on our streets were the spiritual disciplines that directed our actions and supported our witness.
-- Phil Jones is director of the Brethren Witness/Washington Office.
Source: 1/28/2009 Newsline Special
NCC leader tells peace church gathering, ‘Peace is the message of the church.’
National Council of Churches (NCC) general secretary Michael Kinnamon brought greetings Jan. 13 to the opening session of "Heeding God’s Call." The Philadelphia Yearly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends and the Church of the Brethren, both member communions of the NCC, joined with the Mennonite Church USA to bring together an ecumenical group with peacemaking as its aim. In his remarks, Kinnamon said peacemaking is the role not only of historic peace churches, but of the church ecumenical:
"Grace and peace to you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. And greetings from the 35 member communions of the National Council of Churches. With violence the order of the day in such places as Gaza, Afghanistan, Congo, Somalia, Darfur, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, it is imperative that the followers of Christ proclaim a different vision of life in human community-- which is why I am so grateful to Thomas and the other organizers of this historic conference. May God grant that our time together be a visible and vital witness to God’s gift of Shalom.
"In this brief welcome, I want to emphasize one point: the ecumenical movement, of which the NCC is an instrument, is most essentially a movement of peace. Part of the point is sociological: Christian divisions (which ecumenism seeks to overcome) often exacerbate political conflicts and hinder effective peacemaking. War is too massive an evil to be responded to denominationally.
"The real point, however, is more theological. God’s gift of reconciliation is for the world; but the church is entrusted with this message of reconciliation--and the church delivers the message not just by what it says or, even, by what it does, but by what it is, by the way we live with one another. The church’s calling is to be a demonstration project of God’s gift of peace, and the fact that Christians are so obviously fragmented and co-opted by the powers of the world is what drives the ecumenical movement.
"Ecumenical conferences have declared all of this unambiguously for the past 100 years, perhaps never more so than at the first Assembly of the World Council of Churches in 1948. ‘War,’ said the delegates, ‘is contrary to the will of God.’ This has been repeated at various ecumenical conferences and I am going to repeat it here: War is contrary to the will of God. It is true that many Christians still see war as a last resort. But there is now broad agreement that war is ‘inherently evil’ (WCC)--which means that Christians should never identify human violence with God’s purposes. Contrary to political leaders and old Hollywood movies, it is never redemptive.
"You see why it is so important to remember this at the beginning of our conference. Radical peacemaking is usually associated with one segment of the Christian community: the Historic Peace Churches. ‘Another peace protest? It must be the Quakers and Mennonites and Brethren.’ What I am stressing, however, is that radical, costly, insistent peacemaking is not simply your witness. Peace is the message of the church ecumenical!
"This is not to be taken for granted. In the history of the church, those who emphasized peacemaking have often feared that unity would weaken the prophetic edge of their proclamation, while those who have emphasized unity have often feared that peacemaking would prove divisive. That’s why the historic peace churches have, at times, been sectarian, while churches more inclined to collaboration have generally left matters of war and peace to the individual conscience.
"But the modern ecumenical movement has rejected this dichotomy--and I hope we will as well. We are Christians: recipients of the gift of peace. We are Christians: called to be ambassadors of reconciliation by the way we live with one another. May it be so, even here, even now."
-- This report was taken from a press release from the National Council of Churches USA.
Source: 1/28/2009 Newsline Special
National Council of Churches (NCC) general secretary Michael Kinnamon brought greetings Jan. 13 to the opening session of "Heeding God’s Call." The Philadelphia Yearly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends and the Church of the Brethren, both member communions of the NCC, joined with the Mennonite Church USA to bring together an ecumenical group with peacemaking as its aim. In his remarks, Kinnamon said peacemaking is the role not only of historic peace churches, but of the church ecumenical:"Grace and peace to you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. And greetings from the 35 member communions of the National Council of Churches. With violence the order of the day in such places as Gaza, Afghanistan, Congo, Somalia, Darfur, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, it is imperative that the followers of Christ proclaim a different vision of life in human community-- which is why I am so grateful to Thomas and the other organizers of this historic conference. May God grant that our time together be a visible and vital witness to God’s gift of Shalom.
"In this brief welcome, I want to emphasize one point: the ecumenical movement, of which the NCC is an instrument, is most essentially a movement of peace. Part of the point is sociological: Christian divisions (which ecumenism seeks to overcome) often exacerbate political conflicts and hinder effective peacemaking. War is too massive an evil to be responded to denominationally.
"The real point, however, is more theological. God’s gift of reconciliation is for the world; but the church is entrusted with this message of reconciliation--and the church delivers the message not just by what it says or, even, by what it does, but by what it is, by the way we live with one another. The church’s calling is to be a demonstration project of God’s gift of peace, and the fact that Christians are so obviously fragmented and co-opted by the powers of the world is what drives the ecumenical movement.
"Ecumenical conferences have declared all of this unambiguously for the past 100 years, perhaps never more so than at the first Assembly of the World Council of Churches in 1948. ‘War,’ said the delegates, ‘is contrary to the will of God.’ This has been repeated at various ecumenical conferences and I am going to repeat it here: War is contrary to the will of God. It is true that many Christians still see war as a last resort. But there is now broad agreement that war is ‘inherently evil’ (WCC)--which means that Christians should never identify human violence with God’s purposes. Contrary to political leaders and old Hollywood movies, it is never redemptive.
"You see why it is so important to remember this at the beginning of our conference. Radical peacemaking is usually associated with one segment of the Christian community: the Historic Peace Churches. ‘Another peace protest? It must be the Quakers and Mennonites and Brethren.’ What I am stressing, however, is that radical, costly, insistent peacemaking is not simply your witness. Peace is the message of the church ecumenical!
"This is not to be taken for granted. In the history of the church, those who emphasized peacemaking have often feared that unity would weaken the prophetic edge of their proclamation, while those who have emphasized unity have often feared that peacemaking would prove divisive. That’s why the historic peace churches have, at times, been sectarian, while churches more inclined to collaboration have generally left matters of war and peace to the individual conscience.
"But the modern ecumenical movement has rejected this dichotomy--and I hope we will as well. We are Christians: recipients of the gift of peace. We are Christians: called to be ambassadors of reconciliation by the way we live with one another. May it be so, even here, even now."
-- This report was taken from a press release from the National Council of Churches USA.
Source: 1/28/2009 Newsline Special
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. Brad Bohrer, Matt Guynn, Nancy Knepper, Karin L. Krog, LethaJoy Martin, Robert Miller, Patrice Nightingale, David Radcliff, Howard Royer, Glen Sargent, and Loretta Wolf 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. Brad Bohrer, Matt Guynn, Nancy Knepper, Karin L. Krog, LethaJoy Martin, Robert Miller, Patrice Nightingale, David Radcliff, Howard Royer, Glen Sargent, and Loretta Wolf contributed to this report.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
NEWS
- Gather 'Round looks at the future.
- New Church Development Advisory Committee meets, visions.
- McPherson County congregations support Growing Project.
- Camp Mack helps feed the hungry locally, and in Guatemala.
- Brethren bits: Correction, job openings, inauguration, and more.
Gather 'Round looks at the future.
As the Gather ’Round curriculum moves into its third year of use (and fifth year of writing), staff and denominational representatives have met to evaluate the materials and make plans for the future. The meeting brought together Gather ’Round staff, other publishing house staff assigned to the project, and representatives from each of the publishing denominations. Gather ’Round is jointly produced by Brethren Press and the Mennonite Publishing Network.
A key resource for a Nov. 2008 Gather ’Round "summit" was data collected through a major curriculum survey conducted in Mennonite and Church of the Brethren congregations across North America (see story below).
"We dealt practically with challenging issues such as declining denominational identification and tightening budgets by coming up with improvements in our products and creatively developing new ways to reach congregations and members," said project director Anna Speicher.
Participants affirmed the importance of faith formation and Christian education in the life of the church, and grappled with the difficulty today in training and equipping teachers. Teachers tend to serve for shorter periods of time and are less available for training events. Though the curriculum from the outset was developed with a special emphasis on "embedding" teacher training into the teacher’s guides, the group recognized a need to build even more teaching assistance into the curriculum.
The group discussed refinements in the teacher’s guides that are already in the works. Sessions are being redesigned to streamline the flow and make it easier to follow. Editors are also giving extra attention to age-appropriateness, particularly at the Preschool level. More teacher assistance is being provided in the quarterly "Roundabout" newsletter, an expanded "Roundabout Online" e-newsletter, and recent upgrades to the Gather ’Round website.
In a wide-ranging conversation about Christian education in a postmodern era, participants reflected on the trend toward small group gatherings outside the traditional Sunday school setting, including homes, workplaces, restaurants, and malls. The team brainstormed ways the curriculum can be adapted for midweek use, church retreats, and other alternate settings.
The team was heartened by survey data that showed a high percentage of congregations using denominational curricula. When choosing resources, congregations reported placing a higher priority on theological orientation and denominational values than on price. Among both Mennonite and Brethren congregations, Gather ’Round was the dominant choice for children’s Sunday school programs. Distant second and third choices were David C. Cook and Group.
However, a significant number of congregations had few or no children. These demographics are a challenge. The Gather ’Round project is small compared with other available Sunday school materials. Most small denominations have found it impossible to continue this sort of publishing. Not lost on the meeting were the realities of the current economic climate for church budgets.
Remaining committed to the importance of educational materials with Mennonite and Brethren values, the group spent time analyzing ways to ensure that each component is financially viable--particularly the signature Talkabout and "Connect" resource for parents and caregivers. A number of congregations are already using "Connect" as a general adult Bible study, and Gather ’Round is planning to broaden the writing so that it can be used easily by all adults. There will still be content aimed at parents and caregivers.
The group also explored ways to keep broadening the base for Gather ’Round. This unique curriculum already appeals to other denominations, and orders on the website have increased significantly. Users come from a wide range of other denominations, including congregations from several cooperative users--the United Church of Christ, United Church of Canada, Moravian Church, and Mennonite Brethren.
The following results are reported from a recent curriculum survey of Church of the Brethren congregations, carried out by Brethren Press. The response rate: was 23 percent, with 230 out of 1,006 congregations responding. All districts were represented:
What is the approximate age of those attending your congregation? 0-12: 13 percent, 13-18: 9 percent, 19-24: 7 percent, 25-39: 13 percent, 40-55: 21 percent, over 55: 37 percent.
How important do you consider Sunday school to be to the spiritual formation of your congregation? 90 percent described it as "crucial" and "very important."
What best describes your Sunday school attendance? Growing: 16 percent, staying the same: 62 percent, declining: 22 percent.
Do you have a children’s Sunday school program? Yes: 81 percent.
What curriculum are you using for children’s Sunday school? Gather ’Round: 59 percent, David C. Cook: 16 percent, Group: 13 percent, Gospel Light: 11 percent, write our own: 9 percent.
What are the most important factors in choosing a Sunday school curriculum? 1. Upholds Brethren values, 2. Theological orientation, 3. Easy to teach, 4. Educationally solid, 5. Developed by Brethren Press. 6. Price. (Users of David C. Cook materials ranked theological orientation highest, and users of Group materials ranked "easy to teach" the highest. For Gather 'Round users, "educationally solid" ranked second.)
Within the past year, have you used a curriculum developed by Brethren Press? Yes: 67 percent.
--Wendy McFadden is executive director of Brethren Press.
Source: 1/14/2009 Newsline
As the Gather ’Round curriculum moves into its third year of use (and fifth year of writing), staff and denominational representatives have met to evaluate the materials and make plans for the future. The meeting brought together Gather ’Round staff, other publishing house staff assigned to the project, and representatives from each of the publishing denominations. Gather ’Round is jointly produced by Brethren Press and the Mennonite Publishing Network.
A key resource for a Nov. 2008 Gather ’Round "summit" was data collected through a major curriculum survey conducted in Mennonite and Church of the Brethren congregations across North America (see story below).
"We dealt practically with challenging issues such as declining denominational identification and tightening budgets by coming up with improvements in our products and creatively developing new ways to reach congregations and members," said project director Anna Speicher.
Participants affirmed the importance of faith formation and Christian education in the life of the church, and grappled with the difficulty today in training and equipping teachers. Teachers tend to serve for shorter periods of time and are less available for training events. Though the curriculum from the outset was developed with a special emphasis on "embedding" teacher training into the teacher’s guides, the group recognized a need to build even more teaching assistance into the curriculum.
The group discussed refinements in the teacher’s guides that are already in the works. Sessions are being redesigned to streamline the flow and make it easier to follow. Editors are also giving extra attention to age-appropriateness, particularly at the Preschool level. More teacher assistance is being provided in the quarterly "Roundabout" newsletter, an expanded "Roundabout Online" e-newsletter, and recent upgrades to the Gather ’Round website.
In a wide-ranging conversation about Christian education in a postmodern era, participants reflected on the trend toward small group gatherings outside the traditional Sunday school setting, including homes, workplaces, restaurants, and malls. The team brainstormed ways the curriculum can be adapted for midweek use, church retreats, and other alternate settings.
The team was heartened by survey data that showed a high percentage of congregations using denominational curricula. When choosing resources, congregations reported placing a higher priority on theological orientation and denominational values than on price. Among both Mennonite and Brethren congregations, Gather ’Round was the dominant choice for children’s Sunday school programs. Distant second and third choices were David C. Cook and Group.
However, a significant number of congregations had few or no children. These demographics are a challenge. The Gather ’Round project is small compared with other available Sunday school materials. Most small denominations have found it impossible to continue this sort of publishing. Not lost on the meeting were the realities of the current economic climate for church budgets.
Remaining committed to the importance of educational materials with Mennonite and Brethren values, the group spent time analyzing ways to ensure that each component is financially viable--particularly the signature Talkabout and "Connect" resource for parents and caregivers. A number of congregations are already using "Connect" as a general adult Bible study, and Gather ’Round is planning to broaden the writing so that it can be used easily by all adults. There will still be content aimed at parents and caregivers.
The group also explored ways to keep broadening the base for Gather ’Round. This unique curriculum already appeals to other denominations, and orders on the website have increased significantly. Users come from a wide range of other denominations, including congregations from several cooperative users--the United Church of Christ, United Church of Canada, Moravian Church, and Mennonite Brethren.
The following results are reported from a recent curriculum survey of Church of the Brethren congregations, carried out by Brethren Press. The response rate: was 23 percent, with 230 out of 1,006 congregations responding. All districts were represented:
What is the approximate age of those attending your congregation? 0-12: 13 percent, 13-18: 9 percent, 19-24: 7 percent, 25-39: 13 percent, 40-55: 21 percent, over 55: 37 percent.
How important do you consider Sunday school to be to the spiritual formation of your congregation? 90 percent described it as "crucial" and "very important."
What best describes your Sunday school attendance? Growing: 16 percent, staying the same: 62 percent, declining: 22 percent.
Do you have a children’s Sunday school program? Yes: 81 percent.
What curriculum are you using for children’s Sunday school? Gather ’Round: 59 percent, David C. Cook: 16 percent, Group: 13 percent, Gospel Light: 11 percent, write our own: 9 percent.
What are the most important factors in choosing a Sunday school curriculum? 1. Upholds Brethren values, 2. Theological orientation, 3. Easy to teach, 4. Educationally solid, 5. Developed by Brethren Press. 6. Price. (Users of David C. Cook materials ranked theological orientation highest, and users of Group materials ranked "easy to teach" the highest. For Gather 'Round users, "educationally solid" ranked second.)
Within the past year, have you used a curriculum developed by Brethren Press? Yes: 67 percent.
--Wendy McFadden is executive director of Brethren Press.
Source: 1/14/2009 Newsline
New Church Development Advisory Committee meets, visions.
In Dec. 2008, the Church of the Brethren’s New Church Development Committee enjoyed the warm hospitality of Papago Buttes Church of the Brethren in Scottsdale, Ariz., as the group met for prayer, visioning, dreaming, and planning for church planting in the United States.
The meeting explored ways to foster a movement of church planting across the Church of the Brethren; to build supportive relationships with districts; to improve communication among those involved in church planting; and to build systems for planter assessment, coaching, training, and resource development.
The committee considered a five-year plan for increasing new projects, fellowships, and churches, and dates for the next national new church development conference were established for May 20-22, 2010.
For more information about new church development in the Church of the Brethren or to find out how you can participate in this growing movement, contact Congregational Life Ministries at jshively_gb@brethren.org or 800-323-8039 ext. 282.
--Jonathan Shively is executive director of Congregational Life Ministries.
Source: 1/14/2009 Newsline
In Dec. 2008, the Church of the Brethren’s New Church Development Committee enjoyed the warm hospitality of Papago Buttes Church of the Brethren in Scottsdale, Ariz., as the group met for prayer, visioning, dreaming, and planning for church planting in the United States.
The meeting explored ways to foster a movement of church planting across the Church of the Brethren; to build supportive relationships with districts; to improve communication among those involved in church planting; and to build systems for planter assessment, coaching, training, and resource development.
The committee considered a five-year plan for increasing new projects, fellowships, and churches, and dates for the next national new church development conference were established for May 20-22, 2010.
For more information about new church development in the Church of the Brethren or to find out how you can participate in this growing movement, contact Congregational Life Ministries at jshively_gb@brethren.org or 800-323-8039 ext. 282.
--Jonathan Shively is executive director of Congregational Life Ministries.
Source: 1/14/2009 Newsline
McPherson County congregations support Growing Project.
Three Church of the Brethren congregations along with a Presbyterian Church have sponsored a Foods Resource Bank Project in McPherson (Kan.) County for the past two years.
The Foods Resource Bank (FRB) was developed as a Christian response to world hunger. The organization promotes food-growing projects in the US, with the produce sold and the money used to provide seed, fertilizer, tools, water, and instruction in food production systems in developing countries that do not have adequate food supplies. The Church of the Brethren participates through the Global Food Crisis Fund, and is one of 16 mainline Christian denominations that are involved.
The Presbyterian Church of Hutchinson, and the Church of the Brethren congregations in Hutchinson, at Monitor, and in McPherson have sponsored a Growing Project for the past two years. In 2007, Jay and Amy Warner along with Mary Ellen Howell near Monitor sponsored a wheat project, and in 2008, Ellis and Rita Yoder of the Monitor church provided a field for a grain sorghum project. The Yoders will continue the project in 2009 and 2010 with fields of soybeans and wheat.
In 2007, $4,305.66 (matched by US AID for a total of $8,611.32) was provided for programs in Guatemala. In 2008, $9,773.59 (which may be matched by US AID) was made available for use in Chota, Peru. The 2009 project will support food productions systems in Malawi-Nkhoma.
The four churches involved provide financial support for local production expenses. The produce is sold, and the money used in overseas programs. Grants for production expenses have been obtained over the past two years from Monsanto, the Global Food Crisis Fund, and Stine Seed Company.
--John Ward is co-chair of the local Foods Resource Bank Board in McPherson County, Kan.
Source: 1/14/2009 Newsline
Three Church of the Brethren congregations along with a Presbyterian Church have sponsored a Foods Resource Bank Project in McPherson (Kan.) County for the past two years.
The Foods Resource Bank (FRB) was developed as a Christian response to world hunger. The organization promotes food-growing projects in the US, with the produce sold and the money used to provide seed, fertilizer, tools, water, and instruction in food production systems in developing countries that do not have adequate food supplies. The Church of the Brethren participates through the Global Food Crisis Fund, and is one of 16 mainline Christian denominations that are involved.
The Presbyterian Church of Hutchinson, and the Church of the Brethren congregations in Hutchinson, at Monitor, and in McPherson have sponsored a Growing Project for the past two years. In 2007, Jay and Amy Warner along with Mary Ellen Howell near Monitor sponsored a wheat project, and in 2008, Ellis and Rita Yoder of the Monitor church provided a field for a grain sorghum project. The Yoders will continue the project in 2009 and 2010 with fields of soybeans and wheat.
In 2007, $4,305.66 (matched by US AID for a total of $8,611.32) was provided for programs in Guatemala. In 2008, $9,773.59 (which may be matched by US AID) was made available for use in Chota, Peru. The 2009 project will support food productions systems in Malawi-Nkhoma.
The four churches involved provide financial support for local production expenses. The produce is sold, and the money used in overseas programs. Grants for production expenses have been obtained over the past two years from Monsanto, the Global Food Crisis Fund, and Stine Seed Company.
--John Ward is co-chair of the local Foods Resource Bank Board in McPherson County, Kan.
Source: 1/14/2009 Newsline
Camp Mack helps feed the hungry locally, and in Guatemala.
Rex Miller, executive director of Camp Mack in Milford, Ind., has made a number of visits recently to the Milford Food Bank. During the fall, Camp Mack, recognizing great need in the local area, invited its Waubee Lake Association neighbors to join the camp staff in a food drive to support needs at the local bank. Lake area residents multiplied the amount of food that Camp Mack staff could give.
Camp Mack is also concerned about being a good global neighbor. With the financial and farming support of members of Goshen United Church of Christ, Bethany Church of the Brethren, Nelson Beer, and Max and Gary Tom, the Camp Mack 25-acre field has been farmed in 2006, 2007, and 2008. Proceeds from the sales of crops have gone to the Foods Resource Bank.
The corn and beans sold during these three years netted over $20,000 for a food security project benefiting Mayan families in 20 rural communities in Totonicapan, in the western part of Guatemala. Monies raised have helped Totonicapan organizations work with families to build wells, purchase hand pumps, learn to grow vegetable gardens, build cisterns and drip irrigation systems, build greenhouses and patio or yard gardens, work at reforestation, and receive training in marketing their agricultural surpluses at the municipal level.
The Foods Resource Bank report notes: "The families participating in the project in Totonicapan...are extremely grateful for the technical assistance and training received during the period, as well as the words of encouragement and gesture of friendship that they received."
--Phyllis Leininger is office manager for Camp Mack.
Source: 1/14/2009 Newsline
Rex Miller, executive director of Camp Mack in Milford, Ind., has made a number of visits recently to the Milford Food Bank. During the fall, Camp Mack, recognizing great need in the local area, invited its Waubee Lake Association neighbors to join the camp staff in a food drive to support needs at the local bank. Lake area residents multiplied the amount of food that Camp Mack staff could give.
Camp Mack is also concerned about being a good global neighbor. With the financial and farming support of members of Goshen United Church of Christ, Bethany Church of the Brethren, Nelson Beer, and Max and Gary Tom, the Camp Mack 25-acre field has been farmed in 2006, 2007, and 2008. Proceeds from the sales of crops have gone to the Foods Resource Bank.
The corn and beans sold during these three years netted over $20,000 for a food security project benefiting Mayan families in 20 rural communities in Totonicapan, in the western part of Guatemala. Monies raised have helped Totonicapan organizations work with families to build wells, purchase hand pumps, learn to grow vegetable gardens, build cisterns and drip irrigation systems, build greenhouses and patio or yard gardens, work at reforestation, and receive training in marketing their agricultural surpluses at the municipal level.
The Foods Resource Bank report notes: "The families participating in the project in Totonicapan...are extremely grateful for the technical assistance and training received during the period, as well as the words of encouragement and gesture of friendship that they received."
--Phyllis Leininger is office manager for Camp Mack.
Source: 1/14/2009 Newsline
Brethren bits: Correction, personnel, job openings, and more.
- Correction: The Dec. 17 Newsline gave incorrect information about one of the coordinators for National Youth Conference 2010. Matt Witkovsky is a graduate of Elizabethtown (Pa.) College.
- The Church of the Brethren seeks a director for the New Windsor Conference Center at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md. This position leads the ministry of hospitality for meetings, retreats, and volunteer groups at the New Windsor Conference Center. The conference center provides hospitality to a number of service-oriented international agencies located on the campus and visiting retreat or conference groups. The director is responsible for all aspects of providing excellent customer service including dining services, conference coordination, housekeeping, and volunteer management. The director leads the development and implementation of a strategic marketing plan for the conference center, with the primary goal to increase the total number of bookings and meals served. A successful applicant will have the ability to relate with integrity and respect, have at least two years of experience developing and implementing a successful marketing plan and at least two years of staff supervision/leadership experience. Strong general management skills, knowledge and experience in budget development and management are part of these expectations. Hospitality experience and volunteer coordination experience are elements which are preferred. A bachelor's degree is required, preferably in management or marketing. EOE/ADA. Please send resumes with a cover letter to Joan McGrath, Human Resources Coordinator, at jmcgrath_gb@brethren.org or Brethren Service Center, 500 Main St., P.O. Box 188, New Windsor MD 21776. Applications are due no later than Jan. 26.
- Brethren Benefit Trust seeks an administrative office assistant to fill a fulltime hourly position at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill. Starting date is as soon as possible. Responsibilities include assisting the director of Office Operations and the director of Information Technology, typing letters and other general documents, assisting with travel arrangements and performing other clerical duties for the President and administrative office, coordinating special events, creating and maintaining a database of human resource records, functioning as the operations go-to person for a new phone system and a new CRM system and an e-mail system, maintaining a central key system, maintaining vacation records as well as a filing system (electronic and paper) for board documents and contracts, maintaining BBT subscriptions, assisting with current and historical record retention, assisting with mailings, supporting the creation and implementation of Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery plans, administering backup tape rotation. Qualifications include ability to keep confidentiality; proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite software, especially Word, Excel, and Outlook; grammar and writing skills; organizational skills; ability to multitask; a positive, committed, and collaborative working style; and practicing membership in a faith community. Education experience required includes at least five years of secretarial or general office duties or a bachelor’s degree. Submit a resume, letter of interest, and three references to Donna March, Director of Office Operations, Brethren Benefit Trust, 1505 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120; dmarch_bbt@brethren.org or 800-746-1505, ext. 371.
- The Brethren Witness/Washington Office has invited members of the Church of the Brethren who will be attending the inauguration of the 44th President of the United States to stop by the office at Washington City Church of the Brethren. The Brethren Witness/Washington Office and the church will be open Jan. 20 to provide hospitality. All are invited to drop in for restroom facilities, rest, and nourishment. A light lunch will be provided and visitors will have an opportunity to learn more about the ministry of the Brethren Witness/Washington Office.
- Brethren also are invited to Washington, D.C., by the Brethren Witness/Washington Office to participate on Jan. 19 in a national celebration of the life and ministry of Martin Luther King, Jr. The event will be at All Souls Unitarian Church. Speakers will include James Forbes, Vincent Harding, Joan Brown Campbell, Michael Kinnamon, and others. The service begins at 4:30 p.m. Visit www.olivebranchinterfaith.org/story/program-and-speakers for details. Contact the Brethren Witness/Washington Office, 337 N. Carolina Ave., SE, Washington, DC 20003; 202-546-3202 or 800-785-3246; washington_office_gb@brethren.org.
- The Church of the Brethren Workcamp Program has had an enthusiastic response to the first week of registration for this summer’s workcamps. "Many of the workcamps are closed but there are still many great workcamp opportunities," said director Jeanne Davies. Workcamp locations that are still open include the John Kline Homestead (June 15-19); Innisfree (June 21-25); the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill. (July 5-9); Ashland, Ohio (July 6-10, July 12-16); the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md. (July 13-17); Richmond, Va. (July 22-26); Idaho (June 14-21); Camp Myrtlewood, Ore. (July 12-18); Chicago and Lombard, Ill. (July 20-26); Keyser, W.Va. (July 26-Aug 1); Los Angeles (July 27-Aug 2); Germantown, Pa. (July 27-Aug 2); the Dominican Republic (Aug 1-9); N. Fort Myers, Fla. (Aug 3-9); Tijuana, Mexico (Aug 3-9). There are still openings available for the "We Are Able" workcamp for intellectually disabled and service partner participants (July 6-10); and "Passing on the Peace Witness," an intergenerational workcamp for adults and youth (Aug 2-7), both at the Brethren Service Center. Go to www.brethrenworkcamps.org to register or contact cobworkcamps_gb@brethren.org or 800-323-8039.
- The Church of the Brethren’s Youth and Young Adult Ministries has announced a change in the website link for National Junior High Conference registration. Go to www.brethren.org/jrhiconf to register, starting Jan. 15 at 8 p.m. central time. For more information contact Bekah Houff at 800-323-8039, ext. 281.
- The Church of the Brethren’s Wellness Ministry has issued an invitation to subscribe to "Lighten UP, Brethren!" list serve. "If you have determined that some lifestyle behavior changes are among your top priorities, join the group of Church of the Brethren members who have registered for weekly e-mails written by a variety of Brethren professionals, with tips, recipes, and thought-provoking ideas for healthy minds and souls--all with a faith-based perspective," said director Mary Lou Garrison. She also alerted current subscribers that during the change to the new www.brethren.org website, some members may not be receiving the e-mails. Contact Garrison at mgarrison_abc@brethren.org to subscribe or if you have missed e-mails.
- Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS) has announced the start of the 2009 Winter orientation unit to be held Jan. 25-Feb. 13 at Camp Ithiel in Gotha, Fla. This orientation will be the 283rd unit of BVS and will consist of 13 volunteers from across the US and Germany. Several Church of the Brethren members will attend, and the remaining volunteers come from varied faith backgrounds. A highlight of the three-week orientation will be a weekend immersion in Miami. In both the Miami and the Orlando areas, the group will have the opportunity to work at food banks, nature preserves, and other nonprofits. The group also will experience a "Toxic Tour" of the devastation of agricultural chemicals on land and farmworkers. A BVS potluck is open to all those who are interested on Monday, Feb. 9, at 6 p.m. at Camp Ithiel. "Please feel free to come and welcome the new BVS volunteers and to share your own experiences," said an invitation. For more information contact the BVS office at 800-323-8039, ext. 423.
- Two programs about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the popular Union Baptist Church Mass Choir will highlight Manchester College’s annual Service of Remembrance and Celebration. Keynote speaker is Quinton Dixie, co-author of "This Far by Faith: Stories from the African American Religious Experience." The public is invited to the Jan. 16, speech and music at 7 p.m. in Wine Recital Hall. On Jan. 19, the public also is invited to a dramatic reading of "The Meeting," an imagined encounter between King and Malcolm X. The reading begins at 7 p.m. in the campus Petersime Chapel.
- As part of its Martin Luther King Jr. commemorative week, Juniata College in Huntingdon, Pa., is presenting "The Right to Dream" telling the story of the struggle for civil rights through the experience of a young, African-American woman in 1960s Mississippi, on Jan. 19 at 7 p.m. in Alumni Hall. In addition, Juniata will host a panel discussion of the role of religious organizations in civil rights issues at 4 p.m. on Jan. 22, in Rosenberger Auditorium. The panelists are Phil Jones, director of the Brethren Witness/Washington Office; Imam Yahya Hendi, Muslim chaplain at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., and founder of Clergy Beyond Borders; Michael Penn, professor of psychology at Franklin and Marshall College; and Rabbi Serena Fujita, Jewish chaplain at Bucknell University.
- Responding to the Gaza humanitarian crisis, Church World Service (CWS) has reported that three trucks laden with emergency food and medical supplies were unloaded at the Gaza border earlier this week for transport to the Al-Ahli Hospital un by the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem. The shipment included nearly $68,000 in medical supplies, 12,000 cartons of high protein biscuits for children, 20,300 liters of fortified milk, blankets, and quilts. The hospital continues to receive and care for up to 40 patients each day who are injured, wounded, or burned, the CWS release said. Also, on Jan. 10, Israeli missiles struck and leveled the CWS- and ACT-assisted Shaja-ih clinic in Gaza City. "The poorest have lost their only health care," said a spokesperson. Minutes before the strike, Israeli forces fired a warning missile next to the site, so the building was evacuated and no one was injured. The Middle East Church Council ran the clinic, which had concentrated its service on pregnant women and children.
Registration opens for Cross Cultural Consultation and Celebration.
Registration has opened for the Church of the Brethren’s Cross Cultural Consultation and Celebration, to be held April 23-26 in Miami, Fla. The event is an annual celebration of intercultural ministry in the denomination. This year it is hosted by the Church of the Brethren congregations in Miami.
Registrations will be accepted at www.brethren.org on the Church of the Brethren website. The registration deadline is March 13, with a fee of $25 per person to defray expenses. A free will offering will be collected during each worship service to offset expenses incurred for meals, travel, and miscellaneous expenses. Limited monetary assistance is available.
Plans for the event includes meals provided by local Church of the Brethren congregations, with vegetarian available upon request. Housing will be in hotels and with host families, participants are responsible for making their own hotel reservations and payment. A block of rooms has been reserved at the Motel Blu in Miami, and will available until March 15, at a cost of $69 per night plus tax, ask for the Cross Cultural Event rate (call 305-757-8451).
Only private homes will be arranged by the Congregational Life Ministries office. Private homes are available for 20 individuals based on a first come first serve basis. The host will provide breakfast and travel to and from the events. Requests for a private home must be in writing or e-mail to rdeoleo_gb@brethren.org or Rubén Deoleo, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120.
Participants are expected to make their own travel arrangements and cover their own travel expenses. However, limited monetary assistance is available. A free shuttle to and from the Fort Lauderdale Airport will be available, but free shuttle service will not be available from the Miami Airport.
Continuing Education Units are available. Participants will receive two units for the event. Those who view the event online may receive .6 CEU for viewing three worship services and completion of written assignments. Further information will be e-mailed upon receipt of a $10 registration fee.
For more information about the event, housing, assistance for participants, or continuing education credits, contact Rubén Deoleo at rdeoleo_gb@brethren.org or 317-209-9519.
Source: 1/14/2009 Newsline
Registration has opened for the Church of the Brethren’s Cross Cultural Consultation and Celebration, to be held April 23-26 in Miami, Fla. The event is an annual celebration of intercultural ministry in the denomination. This year it is hosted by the Church of the Brethren congregations in Miami.
Registrations will be accepted at www.brethren.org on the Church of the Brethren website. The registration deadline is March 13, with a fee of $25 per person to defray expenses. A free will offering will be collected during each worship service to offset expenses incurred for meals, travel, and miscellaneous expenses. Limited monetary assistance is available.
Plans for the event includes meals provided by local Church of the Brethren congregations, with vegetarian available upon request. Housing will be in hotels and with host families, participants are responsible for making their own hotel reservations and payment. A block of rooms has been reserved at the Motel Blu in Miami, and will available until March 15, at a cost of $69 per night plus tax, ask for the Cross Cultural Event rate (call 305-757-8451).
Only private homes will be arranged by the Congregational Life Ministries office. Private homes are available for 20 individuals based on a first come first serve basis. The host will provide breakfast and travel to and from the events. Requests for a private home must be in writing or e-mail to rdeoleo_gb@brethren.org or Rubén Deoleo, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120.
Participants are expected to make their own travel arrangements and cover their own travel expenses. However, limited monetary assistance is available. A free shuttle to and from the Fort Lauderdale Airport will be available, but free shuttle service will not be available from the Miami Airport.
Continuing Education Units are available. Participants will receive two units for the event. Those who view the event online may receive .6 CEU for viewing three worship services and completion of written assignments. Further information will be e-mailed upon receipt of a $10 registration fee.
For more information about the event, housing, assistance for participants, or continuing education credits, contact Rubén Deoleo at rdeoleo_gb@brethren.org or 317-209-9519.
Source: 1/14/2009 Newsline
Información Consulta y Celebración Multiétnica (EspaZol).
Consulta y Celebración Multiétnica, Abril 23-26, 2009, Miami, Florida. La Consulta y Celebración Multiétnica será hospedada por las congregaciones de las Iglesias de los Hermanos en Miami, Florida. El registro va a ser disponible pronto. ¡Registro a www.brethren.org terminaran el 13 de marzo del 2009!
Registro: Es de $25 por persona para sufragar los gastos. Su registro es valida con su pago. Limitada asistencia monetaria esta disponible. Para más información contactar a Rubén Deoleo al rdeoleo_gb@brethren.org o llamar 317-209-9519.
Ofrenda de Adoración: Ofrendas voluntaria serán colectadas durante cada servicio de adoración para absorber los gastos incurridos en las comidas, viajes y gastos misceláneos.
Comidas: Todas las comidas serán proveídas por las iglesias local de las congregaciones de los Hermanos. Comidas vegetarianas estarán disponibles si son requeridas.
Hospedaje: Usted es responsable de hacer sus reservaciónes y pagos de Hotel. Un paquete de habitaciónes han sido reservadas en el Motel Blu, 7700 Biscayne Blvd., Miami, Florida, y estarán disponibles hasta marzo 15. Después de esa fecha los cuartos y precios no son garantizados.
Solamente Hogares privados serán coordinados por la Oficina del Ministerio de Vida de la Congregación. Tendremos disponibles para 20 personas hogares privados. Serán asignados a los primeros lo que soliciten. El hospedador proveerá de desayuno y transportación al y desde la iglesia. La solicitud de hogares deben ser hechas por escrito o correo electrónico. La dirección de contacto es: rdeoleo_gb@brethren.org or Rubén Deoleo, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120.
Transportación del aeropuerto: Transportación a ningún costo desde, y al Aeropuerto Fort Lauderdale estará disponible. Haga sus arreglos de viaje en concordancia a esta transportación gratis. Esta transportación gratuita no estará disponible desde el Aeropuerto de Miami. Asistencia para el Viaje: Nosotros esperamos que las iglesias e individuos cubran sus propios arreglos de viaje y cubran sus gastos. De toda manera, limitada asistencia monetaria esta disponible. Para más información, contactar a Rubén Deoleo al rdeoleo_gb@brethren.org o llamar 317-209-9519.
CEU crédito de educación continuada serán disponible por dos medios. (El registro va a ser disponible pronto.) Asistencia: Usted recibirá dos CEU por participar en el evento. Un certificado estar disponible al momento de completar el evento. Crédito Online: Usted puede recibir .6 CEU por observar los tres servicios y completar su asignación escrita. Futura información le será electrónicamente enviada a usted después de su pago de $10 por concepto de registracion.
Preguntas? Rubén Deoleo, rdeoleo_gb@brethren.org o 317-209-9519.
Source: 1/14/2009 Newsline
Consulta y Celebración Multiétnica, Abril 23-26, 2009, Miami, Florida. La Consulta y Celebración Multiétnica será hospedada por las congregaciones de las Iglesias de los Hermanos en Miami, Florida. El registro va a ser disponible pronto. ¡Registro a www.brethren.org terminaran el 13 de marzo del 2009!
Registro: Es de $25 por persona para sufragar los gastos. Su registro es valida con su pago. Limitada asistencia monetaria esta disponible. Para más información contactar a Rubén Deoleo al rdeoleo_gb@brethren.org o llamar 317-209-9519.
Ofrenda de Adoración: Ofrendas voluntaria serán colectadas durante cada servicio de adoración para absorber los gastos incurridos en las comidas, viajes y gastos misceláneos.
Comidas: Todas las comidas serán proveídas por las iglesias local de las congregaciones de los Hermanos. Comidas vegetarianas estarán disponibles si son requeridas.
Hospedaje: Usted es responsable de hacer sus reservaciónes y pagos de Hotel. Un paquete de habitaciónes han sido reservadas en el Motel Blu, 7700 Biscayne Blvd., Miami, Florida, y estarán disponibles hasta marzo 15. Después de esa fecha los cuartos y precios no son garantizados.
Solamente Hogares privados serán coordinados por la Oficina del Ministerio de Vida de la Congregación. Tendremos disponibles para 20 personas hogares privados. Serán asignados a los primeros lo que soliciten. El hospedador proveerá de desayuno y transportación al y desde la iglesia. La solicitud de hogares deben ser hechas por escrito o correo electrónico. La dirección de contacto es: rdeoleo_gb@brethren.org or Rubén Deoleo, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120.
Transportación del aeropuerto: Transportación a ningún costo desde, y al Aeropuerto Fort Lauderdale estará disponible. Haga sus arreglos de viaje en concordancia a esta transportación gratis. Esta transportación gratuita no estará disponible desde el Aeropuerto de Miami. Asistencia para el Viaje: Nosotros esperamos que las iglesias e individuos cubran sus propios arreglos de viaje y cubran sus gastos. De toda manera, limitada asistencia monetaria esta disponible. Para más información, contactar a Rubén Deoleo al rdeoleo_gb@brethren.org o llamar 317-209-9519.
CEU crédito de educación continuada serán disponible por dos medios. (El registro va a ser disponible pronto.) Asistencia: Usted recibirá dos CEU por participar en el evento. Un certificado estar disponible al momento de completar el evento. Crédito Online: Usted puede recibir .6 CEU por observar los tres servicios y completar su asignación escrita. Futura información le será electrónicamente enviada a usted después de su pago de $10 por concepto de registracion.
Preguntas? Rubén Deoleo, rdeoleo_gb@brethren.org o 317-209-9519.
Source: 1/14/2009 Newsline
Theme for National Youth Conference 2010 is announced.
The Church of the Brethren's Youth and Young Adult Ministry has announced the theme for the next National Youth Conference (NYC): "More Than Meets the Eye." The conference is scheduled for July 17-22, 2010, at Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colo.
The theme was chosen by the National Youth Cabinet, taken from 2 Corinthians 4:6-10 and 16-18. "It reminds us that God does great things through each person," said Chris Douglas, director of the Youth and Young Adult Ministry. "Even though we may seem like simple jars of clay, with God’s light we are more than meets the eye."
The National Youth Cabinet held its first meeting on Jan. 2-5. Members are Sam Cupp of Mount Sidney, Va.; Jamie Frye of McPherson, Kan.; Tyler Goss of Mechanicsville, Va.; Kay Guyer of Woodbury, Pa.; Kelsey Murray of Lancaster, Pa.; and Ryan Roebuck of Middlebury, Ind. Christy Waltersdorff of Lombard, Ill., and Walt Wiltschek of St. Charles, Ill., are the adult advisors. Three young adults will serve as coordinators: Audrey Hollenberg of Westminster, Md.; Emily LaPrade of Rocky Mount, Va.; and Matt Witkovsky of Huntingdon, Pa.
Source: 1/14/2009 Newsline
The Church of the Brethren's Youth and Young Adult Ministry has announced the theme for the next National Youth Conference (NYC): "More Than Meets the Eye." The conference is scheduled for July 17-22, 2010, at Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colo.
The theme was chosen by the National Youth Cabinet, taken from 2 Corinthians 4:6-10 and 16-18. "It reminds us that God does great things through each person," said Chris Douglas, director of the Youth and Young Adult Ministry. "Even though we may seem like simple jars of clay, with God’s light we are more than meets the eye."
The National Youth Cabinet held its first meeting on Jan. 2-5. Members are Sam Cupp of Mount Sidney, Va.; Jamie Frye of McPherson, Kan.; Tyler Goss of Mechanicsville, Va.; Kay Guyer of Woodbury, Pa.; Kelsey Murray of Lancaster, Pa.; and Ryan Roebuck of Middlebury, Ind. Christy Waltersdorff of Lombard, Ill., and Walt Wiltschek of St. Charles, Ill., are the adult advisors. Three young adults will serve as coordinators: Audrey Hollenberg of Westminster, Md.; Emily LaPrade of Rocky Mount, Va.; and Matt Witkovsky of Huntingdon, Pa.
Source: 1/14/2009 Newsline
Cyndi Fecher begins as publications coordinator for BBT.
Brethren Benefit Trust has welcomed Cyndi Fecher as publications coordinator. She began her duties on Jan. 2. She will provide oversight for all of BBT’s publications, the BBT website, and other special projects.
Fecher received a bachelor’s degree in English Literature from Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Mich., where she wrote news stories and performed various other duties such as copy editing for "Chimes," the Calvin College newspaper. She also has taught English as a second language in Korea and worked with Brethren Press on the Gather 'Round curriculum. She is a member of Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren in Elgin, Ill.
Source: 1/14/2009 Newsline
Brethren Benefit Trust has welcomed Cyndi Fecher as publications coordinator. She began her duties on Jan. 2. She will provide oversight for all of BBT’s publications, the BBT website, and other special projects.
Fecher received a bachelor’s degree in English Literature from Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Mich., where she wrote news stories and performed various other duties such as copy editing for "Chimes," the Calvin College newspaper. She also has taught English as a second language in Korea and worked with Brethren Press on the Gather 'Round curriculum. She is a member of Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren in Elgin, Ill.
Source: 1/14/2009 Newsline
Child protection resource is made available through districts.
A resource for churches on child protection has been made available to the Church of the Brethren districts by the denomination’s Caring Ministries. In its interim report on child abuse prevention, made at the 2008 Church of the Brethren Annual Conference, the program had pledged to identify resources to assist churches to develop and implement child protection policies.
"As a faith community, we have a moral obligation to assure that our children are safe and that the adults supervising them at church activities are properly screened and trained for working with children and youth," said Kim Ebersole, the Church of the Brethren's director of Family Life and Older Adult Ministries.
"Safe Sanctuaries: Reducing the Risk of Abuse in the Church for Children and Youth" by Joy Thornburg Melton has been presented to all 23 district offices. The Spanish-language version, "Santuarios Seguros: Prevención del Abuso Infantil y Juvenil en la Iglesia," has been presented to three districts with Spanish-speaking congregations.
"Safe Sanctuaries" offers information about the scope of the problem of abuse as well as procedures for recruiting, screening, and hiring workers and volunteers. It also gives guidelines for safe ministry with children, youth, and vulnerable adults. Policy implementation strategies, a model for training workers, and sample forms are included.
District offices are encouraged to publicize the books and make them available to congregations. The Caring Ministries office is available to assist with child protection policy development and has made sample policies and other resources available at www.brethren.org. For more information contact Ebersole at kebersole_abc@brethren.org or 800-323-8039 ext. 302.
Source: 1/14/2009 Newsline
A resource for churches on child protection has been made available to the Church of the Brethren districts by the denomination’s Caring Ministries. In its interim report on child abuse prevention, made at the 2008 Church of the Brethren Annual Conference, the program had pledged to identify resources to assist churches to develop and implement child protection policies.
"As a faith community, we have a moral obligation to assure that our children are safe and that the adults supervising them at church activities are properly screened and trained for working with children and youth," said Kim Ebersole, the Church of the Brethren's director of Family Life and Older Adult Ministries.
"Safe Sanctuaries: Reducing the Risk of Abuse in the Church for Children and Youth" by Joy Thornburg Melton has been presented to all 23 district offices. The Spanish-language version, "Santuarios Seguros: Prevención del Abuso Infantil y Juvenil en la Iglesia," has been presented to three districts with Spanish-speaking congregations.
"Safe Sanctuaries" offers information about the scope of the problem of abuse as well as procedures for recruiting, screening, and hiring workers and volunteers. It also gives guidelines for safe ministry with children, youth, and vulnerable adults. Policy implementation strategies, a model for training workers, and sample forms are included.
District offices are encouraged to publicize the books and make them available to congregations. The Caring Ministries office is available to assist with child protection policy development and has made sample policies and other resources available at www.brethren.org. For more information contact Ebersole at kebersole_abc@brethren.org or 800-323-8039 ext. 302.
Source: 1/14/2009 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. Lesley Crosson, Ruben Deoleo, Chris Douglas, Kim Ebersole, Mary Lou Garrison, Jeri S. Kornegay, Karin L. Krog, Patrice Nightingale, John Wall, Walt Wiltschek, Kim Witkovsky 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. Lesley Crosson, Ruben Deoleo, Chris Douglas, Kim Ebersole, Mary Lou Garrison, Jeri S. Kornegay, Karin L. Krog, Patrice Nightingale, John Wall, Walt Wiltschek, Kim Witkovsky contributed to this report.
Friday, January 09, 2009
Brethren call for cease fire in Gaza, help contribute aid.
The Church of the Brethren has joined in the worldwide calls for a cease-fire and peace between Israel and Gaza, which are being made by many Christian denominations and ecumenical organizations. Brethren Disaster Ministries has requested an $8,000 grant contributing to the work of CWS in Gaza, from the Church of the Brethren’s Emergency Disaster Fund. CWS has announced it is offering comprehensive humanitarian aid for Gaza (see story below).
Church of the Brethren general secretary Stan Noffsinger has helped initiate a request from the National Council of Churches (NCC) for an audience with Israel’s ambassador to the United States. Noffsinger said he also hopes for a similar meeting between leaders of the NCC and leadership of the Palestinians in Gaza. He said that the NCC leaders will urge both sides to a cease-fire and cessation of violence, if their request for the meetings are granted.
The Brethren Witness/Washington Office and On Earth Peace both have issued calls for a cease-fire in Gaza and are encouraging Brethren to help take action to urge governments and parties to the conflict to cease hostilities. The World Council of Churches (WCC) and Church World Service (CWS) also have been among those issuing statements on the Gaza crisis in recent days. The Church of the Brethren is a member denomination of all three ecumenical organizations--the NCC, WCC, and CWS.
In an e-mail message to supporters, On Earth Peace executive director Bob Gross called for action to help end the war in Gaza. "Please don’t stand by while the suffering continues in Gaza," he wrote. Gross listed a variety of action opportunities including learning more about the situation from suggested sources such as the Israeli Committee Against Home Demolitions and the Institute for Middle East Understanding, writing a letter to the editor, writing to representatives in the US Congress, making a donation to the work of On Earth Peace in the Middle East, and sending a personal message to people involved in the conflict to be carried by a delegation that is currently visiting in Israel and Palestine (see story below).
The On Earth Peace e-mail also included an analysis of the conflict by Manchester College professor emeritus David Waas. "The tragic conflict in Gaza is beyond understanding and every facet is open to interpretation and conflicting analysis," Waas wrote in part. "Only one thing is clear: the conflict is deadly and a tragedy for all peoples concerned--Palestinians, Israelis, Arabs, and the peoples of the world."
Go to www.onearthpeace.org to find the delegation's blog. Contact communications coordinator Gimbiya Kettering at gkettering@onearthpeace.org to request a full copy of the e-mail from Bob Gross on the Gaza crisis.
The Brethren Witness/Washington Office has urged Brethren to call the White House and their representatives in the US Congress to urge statements in support of a cease-fire. An "Action Alert" highlighted information from Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP), of which the Church of the Brethren is a member denomination and the Brethren Witness/Washington Office is a board member.
"The Church of the Brethren has consistently stated ‘that Middle East negotiations concerning the future of the West Bank and Gaza shall be based on UN Security Council resolutions which address the right of all states in the area to live in peace within secure and recognized borders’ (GB 1980)," said the alert. "This statement is consistent with our long-held heritage and belief in nonviolence and supports the CMEP declaration that ‘As American Christians, we deplore the tragic loss of life of civilians caught in the escalating violence in Gaza and southern Israel and care deeply about the welfare of both Israelis and Palestinians who are suffering and living in fear.’"
"Pray for peace in the Middle East," the Brethren Witness/Washington Office requested. For a copy of the Action Alert contact the Brethren Witness/Washington Office at washington_office_gb@brethren.org or 800-785-3246.
Source: 1/9/2009 Newsline Special
The Church of the Brethren has joined in the worldwide calls for a cease-fire and peace between Israel and Gaza, which are being made by many Christian denominations and ecumenical organizations. Brethren Disaster Ministries has requested an $8,000 grant contributing to the work of CWS in Gaza, from the Church of the Brethren’s Emergency Disaster Fund. CWS has announced it is offering comprehensive humanitarian aid for Gaza (see story below).
Church of the Brethren general secretary Stan Noffsinger has helped initiate a request from the National Council of Churches (NCC) for an audience with Israel’s ambassador to the United States. Noffsinger said he also hopes for a similar meeting between leaders of the NCC and leadership of the Palestinians in Gaza. He said that the NCC leaders will urge both sides to a cease-fire and cessation of violence, if their request for the meetings are granted.
The Brethren Witness/Washington Office and On Earth Peace both have issued calls for a cease-fire in Gaza and are encouraging Brethren to help take action to urge governments and parties to the conflict to cease hostilities. The World Council of Churches (WCC) and Church World Service (CWS) also have been among those issuing statements on the Gaza crisis in recent days. The Church of the Brethren is a member denomination of all three ecumenical organizations--the NCC, WCC, and CWS.
In an e-mail message to supporters, On Earth Peace executive director Bob Gross called for action to help end the war in Gaza. "Please don’t stand by while the suffering continues in Gaza," he wrote. Gross listed a variety of action opportunities including learning more about the situation from suggested sources such as the Israeli Committee Against Home Demolitions and the Institute for Middle East Understanding, writing a letter to the editor, writing to representatives in the US Congress, making a donation to the work of On Earth Peace in the Middle East, and sending a personal message to people involved in the conflict to be carried by a delegation that is currently visiting in Israel and Palestine (see story below).
The On Earth Peace e-mail also included an analysis of the conflict by Manchester College professor emeritus David Waas. "The tragic conflict in Gaza is beyond understanding and every facet is open to interpretation and conflicting analysis," Waas wrote in part. "Only one thing is clear: the conflict is deadly and a tragedy for all peoples concerned--Palestinians, Israelis, Arabs, and the peoples of the world."
Go to www.onearthpeace.org to find the delegation's blog. Contact communications coordinator Gimbiya Kettering at gkettering@onearthpeace.org to request a full copy of the e-mail from Bob Gross on the Gaza crisis.
The Brethren Witness/Washington Office has urged Brethren to call the White House and their representatives in the US Congress to urge statements in support of a cease-fire. An "Action Alert" highlighted information from Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP), of which the Church of the Brethren is a member denomination and the Brethren Witness/Washington Office is a board member.
"The Church of the Brethren has consistently stated ‘that Middle East negotiations concerning the future of the West Bank and Gaza shall be based on UN Security Council resolutions which address the right of all states in the area to live in peace within secure and recognized borders’ (GB 1980)," said the alert. "This statement is consistent with our long-held heritage and belief in nonviolence and supports the CMEP declaration that ‘As American Christians, we deplore the tragic loss of life of civilians caught in the escalating violence in Gaza and southern Israel and care deeply about the welfare of both Israelis and Palestinians who are suffering and living in fear.’"
"Pray for peace in the Middle East," the Brethren Witness/Washington Office requested. For a copy of the Action Alert contact the Brethren Witness/Washington Office at washington_office_gb@brethren.org or 800-785-3246.
Source: 1/9/2009 Newsline Special
On Earth Peace-sponsored delegation is in Israel and Palestine.
A delegation currently visiting Israel and Palestine is sponsored jointly by On Earth Peace and Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT). This is the fourth such delegation to the Middle East from On Earth Peace and CPT, with delegation trips scheduled in January for the past few years.
The 12-member delegation left for Israel and Palestine on Jan. 6, and plans to be there through Jan. 19. It is led by Rick Polhamus, a member of Pleasant Hill (Ohio) Church of the Brethren and a former member of the fulltime CPT team in Hebron. The group also includes Church of the Brethren members Jerry Bowen of Troy, Ohio, and Stacey Carmichael of South Bend, Ind.
Brethren in the United States have an opportunity to send personal messages to people involved in the Gaza conflict, to be delivered by the delegation. "You have an opportunity to send a personal message to decision makers in Israel and Gaza, which will be delivered (to the extent possible) by the delegation while they are in Israel and Palestine," said Bob Gross, executive director of On Earth Peace. "You can also send messages of hope and comfort to encourage those who are suffering." E-mail messages sent to onearthpeace2009@gmail.com will be delivered by the delegation.
The delegation also is posting a blog on their experiences. Go to www.onearthpeace.org for the blog. Contact communications coordinator Gimbiya Kettering at gkettering@onearthpeace.org to request a full copy of the e-mail from Bob Gross on the Gaza crisis.
Source: 1/9/2009 Newsline Special
A delegation currently visiting Israel and Palestine is sponsored jointly by On Earth Peace and Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT). This is the fourth such delegation to the Middle East from On Earth Peace and CPT, with delegation trips scheduled in January for the past few years.
The 12-member delegation left for Israel and Palestine on Jan. 6, and plans to be there through Jan. 19. It is led by Rick Polhamus, a member of Pleasant Hill (Ohio) Church of the Brethren and a former member of the fulltime CPT team in Hebron. The group also includes Church of the Brethren members Jerry Bowen of Troy, Ohio, and Stacey Carmichael of South Bend, Ind.
Brethren in the United States have an opportunity to send personal messages to people involved in the Gaza conflict, to be delivered by the delegation. "You have an opportunity to send a personal message to decision makers in Israel and Gaza, which will be delivered (to the extent possible) by the delegation while they are in Israel and Palestine," said Bob Gross, executive director of On Earth Peace. "You can also send messages of hope and comfort to encourage those who are suffering." E-mail messages sent to onearthpeace2009@gmail.com will be delivered by the delegation.
The delegation also is posting a blog on their experiences. Go to www.onearthpeace.org for the blog. Contact communications coordinator Gimbiya Kettering at gkettering@onearthpeace.org to request a full copy of the e-mail from Bob Gross on the Gaza crisis.
Source: 1/9/2009 Newsline Special
Brethren grant to contribute to Church World Service aid in Gaza.
Brethren Disaster Ministries has requested an $8,000 grant to contribute to the work of Church World Service (CWS) in Gaza, to come from the Church of the Brethren's Emergency Disaster Fund. "As the active armed conflict continues between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, CWS is working with a number of partners to position humanitarian relief supplies for Palestinian refugees," said Brethren Disaster Ministries executive director Roy Winter in the grant request.
"The humanitarian situation is currently dire with limited movement of refugees being allowed," the request continued. "This grant will support a broad ecumenical effort to provide emergency food, medicine, and blankets. An expanded appeal is expected when Gaza is safe for relief agencies."
Through the Action by Churches Together coalition, CWS has participated in sending trucks to Gaza loaded with medicine, blankets, food, and energy biscuits for children. CWS said the supplies, along with trauma therapists, will be able to enter Gaza as soon as the Israeli Army gives permission.
As of Wednesday evening, Jan. 7, reports indicated that Israel would halt its bombing for a few hours each day to allow delivery of humanitarian aid. However, news reports yesterday said that UN aid convoys and humanitarian efforts by the International Red Cross have been attacked, and at least two aid workers have been killed.
According to a release today from the World Council of Churches, "The International Committee of the Red Cross says the IDF (Israeli Defense Force) is failing to fulfill its obligation under international law to help wounded civilians in Gaza. A United Nations relief agency suspended aid operations in Gaza after some of their facilities were targeted and two of their local staff killed by the IDF. Church-related facilities are not spared, as three DanChurchAid-supported mobile clinics bombed by the IDF show," the WCC reported.
CWS partners additionally have reported a need for supplementary feeding for 80,000 preschool children, but only one in four children has received such supplements, CWS said. The ACT representative in Israel and Palestine, Liv Steinmoeggen, also said emergency supplies including medicine and blankets are needed at the Anglican Al Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza. The hospital's windows were blown out during the attacks and patients there now are exposed to cold weather.
Some two thirds of the people now suffering in Gaza are refugees, CWS said. The organization today sent a letter to the governments of Israel and Egypt, urging them to allow civilians who want to leave the bloodshed to do so safely, and underscoring refugees’ right to protection and the need to open borders.
Source: 1/9/2009 Newsline Special
Brethren Disaster Ministries has requested an $8,000 grant to contribute to the work of Church World Service (CWS) in Gaza, to come from the Church of the Brethren's Emergency Disaster Fund. "As the active armed conflict continues between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, CWS is working with a number of partners to position humanitarian relief supplies for Palestinian refugees," said Brethren Disaster Ministries executive director Roy Winter in the grant request.
"The humanitarian situation is currently dire with limited movement of refugees being allowed," the request continued. "This grant will support a broad ecumenical effort to provide emergency food, medicine, and blankets. An expanded appeal is expected when Gaza is safe for relief agencies."
Through the Action by Churches Together coalition, CWS has participated in sending trucks to Gaza loaded with medicine, blankets, food, and energy biscuits for children. CWS said the supplies, along with trauma therapists, will be able to enter Gaza as soon as the Israeli Army gives permission.
As of Wednesday evening, Jan. 7, reports indicated that Israel would halt its bombing for a few hours each day to allow delivery of humanitarian aid. However, news reports yesterday said that UN aid convoys and humanitarian efforts by the International Red Cross have been attacked, and at least two aid workers have been killed.
According to a release today from the World Council of Churches, "The International Committee of the Red Cross says the IDF (Israeli Defense Force) is failing to fulfill its obligation under international law to help wounded civilians in Gaza. A United Nations relief agency suspended aid operations in Gaza after some of their facilities were targeted and two of their local staff killed by the IDF. Church-related facilities are not spared, as three DanChurchAid-supported mobile clinics bombed by the IDF show," the WCC reported.
CWS partners additionally have reported a need for supplementary feeding for 80,000 preschool children, but only one in four children has received such supplements, CWS said. The ACT representative in Israel and Palestine, Liv Steinmoeggen, also said emergency supplies including medicine and blankets are needed at the Anglican Al Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza. The hospital's windows were blown out during the attacks and patients there now are exposed to cold weather.
Some two thirds of the people now suffering in Gaza are refugees, CWS said. The organization today sent a letter to the governments of Israel and Egypt, urging them to allow civilians who want to leave the bloodshed to do so safely, and underscoring refugees’ right to protection and the need to open borders.
Source: 1/9/2009 Newsline Special
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