NEWS

• Annual Conference ballot for 2009 is announced.
  
• Matching grant program provides $206,000 to local food banks.
  
• Brethren funds give grants for disaster, hunger response in US and Africa.
  
• Church of the Brethren faith expedition visits Chiapas, Mexico.
  
• BVS seeks partner churches to provide community living opportunities.
  
• Brethren bits: Correction, remembrance, Annual Conference, more.

UPCOMING EVENTS

• National Older Adult Conference to meet on ‘Legacies of Wisdom.’

RESOURCES

• Brethren Press sells three curricula for summer, VBS.

FEATURE

• Brethren leaders release statement on New York Post cartoon.

PERSONNEL ANNOUNCEMENTS

• Michael Schneider named as new president of McPherson College.
  
• Nancy Knepper ends her term as coordinator of District Ministry.
  
• Janis Pyle ends her term as coordinator of Mission Connections.
  
• Brethren bits: More personnel announcements.

Annual Conference ballot for 2009 is announced.

The ballot has been announced for the 2009 Church of the Brethren Annual Conference, to be held June 26-30 in San Diego, Calif. The Nominating Committee of Standing Committee--a committee of the representatives of Church of the Brethren districts--developed a slate of candidates, and Standing Committee then voted to create the ballot that will be presented. Nominees are listed by position:

Annual Conference Moderator-Elect: Robert Earl Alley of Harrisonburg, Va.; Rhonda Pittman Gingrich of Minneapolis, Minn.

Annual Conference Program and Arrangements Committee: Connie R. Burkholder of Great Bend, Kan.; Victoria Jean (Sayers) Smith of Elizabethtown, Pa.

Pastoral Compensation and Benefits Advisory Committee: Emma Jean Franklin Woodard of Roanoke, Va.; Tim Button-Harrison of Ames, Iowa.

Committee on Interchurch Relations: Jim Hardenbrook of Edinburg, Va.; Carolyn Schrock of Mountain Grove, Mo.

Bethany Theological Seminary Trustee, representing the Church of the Brethren colleges: Katy Gray Brown of North Manchester, Ind.; David Witkovsky of Huntingdon, Pa.

Brethren Benefit Trust Board: Carol Hess of Lancaster, Pa.; John Waggoner of Herndon, Va.

On Earth Peace Board: Robert C. Johansen of Granger, Ind.; David R. Miller of Dayton, Va.

Source: 2/25/2009 Newsline

Matching grant program provides $206,000 to local food banks.

The Church of the Brethren’s "Domestic Hunger Matching Grant" program has now provided a total of $206,000 to food banks and local hunger relief organizations across the country. That total includes amounts raised by the 217 congregations that have taken part so far, and matching grants given by two Church of the Brethren funds--the Global Food Crisis Fund (GFCF) and the Emergency Disaster Fund (EDF)--in partnership with the denomination’s Stewardship department.

Earlier this month the two funds requested second allocations for the program after the original grant amount had been completely disbursed. As of Feb 23, the $87,500 designated by the funds was fully expended. The amount raised by the 217 congregations averaged $545; the matching grants averaged $403. Together, congregational gifts and matching grants have provided $206,000 to local hunger relief.

Currently, at least 16 more congregations are awaiting matching grants. "Because of two donor gifts of $20,000 each, designated for US families entrenched in poverty or hungry, we hope to be able to fulfill the remaining grant requests," said Ken Neher, director of the Stewardship department.

"Thanks are beginning to roll in from food banks," reported Howard Royer, manager of the Global Food Crisis Fund, "Johnstown, Pa.; Tonasket, Wash.; Hopewell, Pa.; Polo, Ill.; Lancaster, Pa.; Rocky Mount, Va.; Petersburg, Va.; and Baltimore, Md. thus far."

The cutoff date for the program is March 15. Go to www.brethren.org/site/DocServer/Domestic_Hunger_cong_ap_January_2009.pdf?docID=1001 for more information.

Source: 2/25/2009 Newsline

Brethren funds give grants for disaster, hunger response in US and Africa.

Grants have gone out from two Church of the Brethren funds--the Emergency Disaster Fund (EDF) and the Global Food Crisis Fund (GFCF)--to respond to disaster and hunger domestically within the US as well as in Kenya, Liberia, and Darfur, Sudan.

International grants include: $40,000 from the EDF to support a Church World Service (CWS) appeal for continuing humanitarian needs in the Darfur region of Sudan; $30,000 from the EDF for a CWS appeal following a declaration of famine from the government of Kenya, where an estimated 10 million people are affected; and a GFCF grant of $5,000 to assist Church Aid Inc., in a program of seed distribution and skill training in Liberia.

Domestic grants include: $35,000 from the EDF for an ongoing Brethren Disaster Ministries project in Johnson County, Ind., following heavy rains and flooding last year; an EDF allocation of $10,000 for the Brethren Disaster Ministries program in Rushford, Minn., repairing and rebuilding homes of flood survivors; an EDF allocation of $5,000 supporting a CWS appeal after a destructive spring storm season across the US in 2008; and a grant of $5,000 from the EDF to assist people who are ineligible for federal funding following major flooding in Hawaii, aiding work by the Hawaii State VOAD (Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster).

Source: 2/25/2009 Newsline

Church of the Brethren faith expedition visits Chiapas, Mexico.

Church of the Brethren members returned in early February from a 10-day Faith Expedition to the region of Chiapas, Mexico, sponsored by the Brethren Witness/Washington Office in partnership with Equal Exchange and Witness for Peace.

The delegation spent several days in the town of San Cristobal exploring the history of Mexico and the effects of the North American Free Trade Agreement on this southern neighbor of the United States. In addition, issues of militarism and immigration were addressed in regards to policy decisions made by both Mexico and the United States.

The group met with organizations representing governmental and nongovernmental structures in regards to development and humanitarian support of the Mexican people. Concerned emphasis was given to the indigenous communities who remain persecuted and impoverished, most often due to governmental suppression. A sobering highlight of the trip was a visit to the nonviolent community of Acteal, that only 11 years earlier had been tragically attacked by paramilitary, leaving 45 dead.

This expedition also provided an opportunity for delegates to visit an indigenous community that produces coffee sold through a regional cooperative. The cooperative markets the coffee as organic, fair-trade coffee to Equal Exchange, as well as other fair-trade companies in the US and Europe. Members of the group were able to see the entire production cycle of the coffee that ends up in their cups each morning. The average producer of this coffee works in difficult conditions to earn less than $3 per day.

The 18 delegates completed their trip with a day of developing strategies that will enable them to clearly articulate their experiences, work toward strengthening free-trade policies, develop fair trade partnerships, and directly advocate on behalf of the people of Mexico.

For more information on this, or other Faith Expeditions, contact the Brethren Witness/Washington Office at washington_office_gb@brethren.org or 800-785-3246.

-- Phil Jones is director of the Brethren Witness/Washington Office.

Source: 2/25/2009 Newsline

BVS seeks partner churches to provide community living opportunities.

In a new endeavor for Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS), the organization will be working to develop community living opportunities for its volunteers, in partnership with interested congregations.

BVS will be seeking Church of the Brethren congregations that can host a community house to accommodate groups of four to six volunteers who will work at project sites in the area. Volunteers will commit to being active in the life of the congregation. Housing could be in an unused parsonage or other suitable housing arrangement.

The new emphasis is part of an ongoing partnership that BVS has established with the Volunteers Exploring Vocation program through the Fund for Theological Education (FTE) and a grant from the Lilly Foundation. Through the new emphasis on community living within the context of a local church community, BVS is seeking to broaden the vocations program it is already doing through FTE. The vocations program invites volunteers to explore their call to ministry.

BVS has named a volunteer staff member to lead the emphasis. Dana Cassell began Feb. 1 as volunteer staff for Vocation and Community Living. She will work with Jim Lehman of Elgin, Ill., who is the facilitator of the vocations program for BVS. She is a member of First Church of the Brethren in Roanoke, Va., and a graduate of the College of William and Mary. She holds a master of divinity degree from Candler School of Theology and recently completed 15 months as a BVS volunteer in the Church of the Brethren’s Ministry Office.

Congregations interested in hosting a Brethren Volunteer Service community site may contact Dana Cassell at dcassell_gb@brethren.org or 800-323-8039, ext 317.

-- Dan McFadden is the director of Brethren Volunteer Service.

Source: 2/25/2009 Newsline

Brethren bits: Correction, remembrance, Annual Conference, more.

• Correction: The location given for Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary in the Newsline Extra of Feb. 11 was incorrect. AMBS is located in Elkhart, Ind.
  
  
• Kenneth E. McDowell, 93, of Hanover, Pa., died on Feb. 13. He was a former executive of the World Ministries Commission of the Church of the Brethren General Board, a former mission worker in India, and also had been an interim general secretary for the Church of the Brethren, among other denominational appointments. McDowell retired in 1980 after having given 27 years of service to the church. He began working for the General Board in 1953 when he served four years as secretary, treasurer, and field secretary of the India mission. On his return from India he worked for nine years as assistant treasurer in the Finance Commission of the General Board. In 1966 he was appointed director of material aid services in the Brethren Service Commission, with responsibility for a network of Church World Service (CWS) collection and processing centers operated by the Church of the Brethren on behalf of CWS, as well as oversight of SERRV and processing and shipping of supplies for Interchurch Medical Assistance. After a reorganization of the board’s programs in 1968, community development consultant and director of disaster response were added to his job responsibilities. From Oct. 1977 through Dec. 1979 he headed the General Board’s World Ministries Commission, then worked as a consultant on special projects. In retirement, he served as interim executive for World Ministries from the end of 1984 through the first months of 1985, and as interim general secretary for some months in 1986. During his tenure with the General Board, he highlighted ecumenical work with organizations such as CWS and the National Council of Churches, and is credited with continuing development of the Brethren Service Center. He also helped develop the Lafiya rural health program in Nigeria and the Church of the Brethren Disaster Network. Born on June 21, 1915, in Johnstown, Pa., he was the son of Harry R. Sr. and Mary Jane Howard McDowell. He was married to Edythe Elizabeth Bowman McDowell, his wife of 67 years, on Aug. 14, 1941. He held degrees from Juniata College in Huntingdon, Pa., and Bethany Theological Seminary. He was an ordained minister and early in his career pastored Blue Ridge (Va.) Church of the Brethren. While attending seminary, he served as business manager of CROP, Chicago. Previous employment included accounting for Rice and Rice, CPAs, in Altoona, Pa., and a term as office manager for Insurance Premium Finance Co. in Huntingdon, Pa. He is survived by his wife, Edythe, daughter Susan E. Leader, sons and daughters-in-law Robert Neil and Ruth McDowell, David Bowman and Linda McDowell, Kenneth Michael and Suzanne Matchett McDowell, six grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorial gifts are received to Church World Service and Heifer International. Online condolences may be made to the family at http://www.hartzlerfuneralhome.com/.
  
  
• Delegates to the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference in San Diego on June 26-30 are requested to download the Information Packet giving details about the event from the Annual Conference website. "In an effort to save time and money this year, we are offering the Information Packet online at http://www.cobannualconference.org/sandiego/infopacket.html," said an announcement from the Annual Conference Office. The same Information Packet on CD was sent to each Church of the Brethren congregation in mid-February and should be available to delegates as well. "In the event that you do not have Internet access, or have trouble accessing the links, please contact our office and we will send you the packet," said the announcement. Contact Dana Weaver at dweaver_ac@brethren.org or 800-688-5186.
  
  
• Lerry Fogle, conference executive director for the Church of the Brethren, has been nominated to serve on the Religious Conference Management Association (RCMA) board of Directors for a two-year term. He has been a member of the organization for seven years. RCMA, a multifaith, nonprofit, international association composed exclusively of religious meeting professionals, was established in 1972 and represents over 1,000 diverse religious organizations. The Church of the Brethren was one of the early members. Fogle is based at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md., and is a member of Frederick (Md.) Church of the Brethren.
  
  
• Some guidelines for participation in the 2010 National Youth Conference (NYC) have been released by the Church of the Brethren’s Youth and Young Adult Ministry. The guidelines are intended to help churches and youth groups prepare for the conference that will take place on July 17-22, 2010, at Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colo. The guidelines are: all youth who have completed ninth grade through one year of college (at the time of NYC) are eligible to attend, and participants and churches that wish to request an exception to these age guidelines are asked to consult with the NYC staff; all youth must be accompanied by an adult advisor; congregations must send at least one advisor for every seven youth; churches that are sending female youth are requested to send a female advisor, churches that are sending male youth are requested to send a male advisor; all adult advisors must be a minimum of 22 years of age; children of participants, advisors, and staff are not permitted at NYC. Contact 2010nyc@brethren.org for more information or questions about NYC 2010.
  
  
• The Critical Response Childcare team has completed its response to the crash of Continental Connection Flight 3407 in which 50 people were killed near Buffalo, N.Y. The Critical Response Childcare Team is a part of the Children’s Disaster Services (CDS) ministry of the Church of the Brethren. The team closed out its work on Feb. 21. It included eight trained CDS volunteers. Seven of the eight live locally in the Buffalo area, including team leaders Barb and Don Weaver. "All gave up personal commitments to work with children" of families affected by the disaster, reported CDS director Judy Bezon. The work of the Weavers included developing a relationship with the local Red Cross, which facilitated communication, Bezon added. The childcare was provided in a hotel suite close to where the families of crash victims gathered. "Some days there were children throughout the day, others days there were up to 16 children all at once for over three hours," Bezon said. The Critical Response Childcare Team also stayed on to care for children during memorial services and calling hours, as requested by the parents.
  
  
• Recent work of the Church of the Brethren’s Material Resources program has included a shipment of relief supplies to Iraqi refugees, and supplies bound for Zimbabwe. The program processes, warehouses, and ships relief supplies on behalf of a number of ecumenical partners, working out of the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md. The shipment of relief supplies for Iraqi refugees living in Syria was made on behalf of Church World Service and International Orthodox Christian Charities, and included one 40-foot container of hygiene kits and toothpaste. Ten pallets of health and medical supplies, blankets, and children's items were shipped to Zimbabwe on behalf of Global Assistance.
  
  
• Registration is now open for Regional Deacon Trainings sponsored by the Caring Ministries of the Church of the Brethren. Two events are offered this spring for deacons and other congregational caregivers. The first will be held at Pinecrest Community in Mt. Morris, Ill., on May 2, followed by a similar session at the Lebanon Valley Brethren Home in Palmyra, Pa., on May 16. The trainings will include workshops and other presentations on topics of deacon spirituality, the art of listening, offering support in times of grief and loss, and what it means to be called as a deacon. Go to www.brethren.org/deacontraining for online registration or download a paper registration form from the website. For more information contact Donna Hillcoat, Director of Deacon Ministry, at dhillcoat_abc@brethren.org or 800-323-8039.
  
  
• Youth Roundtable, one of the Church of the Brethren’s regional youth conferences, will be held at Bridgewater (Va.) College on March 20-22. Cost is $40. Cindy Laprade Lattimer will be the guest speaker, with entertainment by Mutual Kumquat. The theme will be "You Are a Knight in the Kingdom of God!" from Ephesians 6:10-11. E-mail interyouthcab@yahoo.com for details.
  
  
• The New Windsor Conference Center has entered into a partnership with The Arc of Carroll County, Md., for a work force training program providing education, training, and work experience to individuals with developmental disabilities. The conference center is located at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md. The goal of the new program is to provide participants with skills and training enabling them to obtain paid employment. The program began on Feb. 2, with classroom training conducted in the Blue Ridge Building by Arc staff, and hands-on training provided by the housekeeping staff at the New Windsor Conference Center.
  
  
• Nokesville (Va.) Church of the Brethren has hosted its 51st Community Sewing Day, according to a report on InsideNoVa.com. "For the past 51 years, Community Sewing Day at the Nokesville Church of the Brethren has been a place to meet new friends and spend time together while doing a project to help others," the northern Virginia news site reported. This year’s Community Sewing Day brought together about 30 women from various churches and civic groups to make lap robes for wheelchair patients.
  
  
• Walnut Church of the Brethren has been sponsoring the Argos (Ind.) Swap Shop for two years, in a unique venture that helps clothe the needy, according to a report by WNDU-TV of South Bend. "People can bring in their donations and swap them for other items in the store," the report said. "The store also believes that if you can't donate, don't worry. They want to help out those in need during tough times."
  
  
• A "Letters From Dad" program at Donnels Creek Church of the Brethren in Springfield, Ohio, hopes to help men express their love, and make it more likely for wives and children to know what is on the minds and hearts of husbands and fathers, according to an article in the Springfield "News-Sun." The program is part of the church’s 200th anniversary celebration.
  
  
• Pastor Robert Dunlap of Winter Park (Fla.) Church of the Brethren will be part of a crusade March 3-6 at Angola Prison, the largest prison farm in the country, located in Louisiana. The crusade will help train 157 inmate preachers to be pastors and ministers to over 5,000 inmates, according to the Atlantic Southeast District newsletter. "Please keep this ministry in your prayers," the district asked.
  
  
• The Puerto Rico Region of Atlantic Southeast District held a pastor’s and leader’s retreat on Nov. 21, 2008, with 30 people present. Ana Mildred Diaz spoke on "Pastors and the Burnout Syndrome" and Luis Filipa spoke on the theme, "Abundant Life." The Church of the Brethren’s Congregational Life Ministries donated $1,700 to the event, and the district’s Middlekauf Bequest Funds gave $750, according to the district newsletter.
  
  
• The Palms Estates of Highlands County in Lorida, Fla., and the Palms of Sebring, Fla.--two Church of the Brethren retirement communities in Atlantic Southeast District--are celebrating their 50th anniversary. The effort was started as the Lorida Retirement Homes in 1958, created by the congregations of Lorida, Sunnyland, and Sebring. The district (then the District of Florida, Georgia, and Puerto Rico) in 1959 took action to support the effort. The Sebring property was purchased in 1961. Lester Kesselring, Palms historian, is providing articles about the history of the communities in the district newsletter.
  
  
• McPherson (Kan.) College has been honored by the Corporation for National and Community Service with a place on the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll. "McPherson College is pleased to be recognized for the service rendered by students, with the support of many faculty and staff, during the past year," said president Ron Hovis. "Service opportunities are integrated into our curriculum and co-curricular activities. We believe that service is an important part of developing whole persons." During the 2007-08 academic year, McPherson students gave 7,490 hours of service in the local community, according to a release from the college. Launched in 2006, the Community Service Honor Roll is the highest federal recognition a school can achieve for its commitment to service-learning and civic engagement.
  
  
• The National Council of Churches Eco-Justice Program has begun offering weekly e-mail messages for the season of Lent, according to an announcement from assistant director Jordan Blevins, who is a member of the Church of the Brethren. "This year, we invite you to include as part of your Lenten practices to consider your impact upon God's Creation--and what steps you can take in your own life to bring yourself back into relationship with it," Blevins said. Each Sunday, the program will send an e-mail message to subscribers including the lectionary text, a reflection, study questions, and suggestions for daily actions. Go to www.nccecojustice.org//lent.html or contact info@nccecojustice.org for more information.

Source: 2/25/2009 Newsline

National Older Adult Conference to meet on ‘Legacies of Wisdom.’

"Legacies of Wisdom: Weaving Old and New" is the theme of the 10th National Older Adult Conference (NOAC), to be held Sept. 7-11 at Lake Junaluska Conference and Retreat Center in North Carolina. Sponsored by the Caring Ministries of the Church of the Brethren, this tenth NOAC will celebrate the legacy born out of the wisdom, foresight, and creativity of the planners of the first NOAC, held in 1992.

Adults age 50 and older are invited to attend. Speakers, preachers, workshops, and entertainers will explore the legacies of the faith that we yearn to pass on to future generations, reclaiming the treasures of the past while creating new possibilities of hope for families, the church, and the world. There also will be opportunities for Bible study, recreation, creative expression, fellowship, and service.

A "Hike for Haiti" around Lake Junaluska will raise funds to assist with leadership development in Haiti, and school and hygiene kits will be assembled to give impoverished children and struggling families needed resources for learning, health, and wellness.

Preachers include Christopher Bowman, pastor of Oakton (Va.) Church of the Brethren; Cynthia Hale, senior pastor of Ray of Hope Christian Church in Decatur, Ga.; and Dennis Webb, pastor of Naperville (Ill.) Church of the Brethren. Other main speakers are Rachael Freed, founder of Life-Legacies, who will speak about "Harvesting the Wisdom of Your Life: Creating your own Spiritual-Ethical Will"; David Waas presenting a keynote address on the theme, "And the Earth Moved"; and Judson University professor Michael McKeever speaking on "Wisdom on the Road" exploring the journey motif in the Gospel of Luke. Throughout the week, Robert Neff will lead the morning Bible study. Entertainment includes concerts by acclaimed Quaker singer/songwriter Carrie Newcomer and Brethren musicians Andy and Terry Murray.

Members of the 2009 NOAC planning committee are Deanna Brown, Barb and Lester Kesselring, Joyce Nolen, and Glenn and Linda Timmons. Kim Ebersole is the coordinator.

Registration brochures will be mailed to past NOAC attendees, congregations, districts, and retirement communities in early March. Information about NOAC is available at www.brethren.org/NOAC or by calling the Caring Ministries office at 800-323-8039. Online registration is available for credit card users.

-- Kim Ebersole is director of Family and Older Adult Ministries for the Church of the Brethren.

Source: 2/25/2009 Newsline

Brethren Press sells three curricula for summer, Vacation Bible School.

Brethren Press is offering three curricula for summer Christian education programs and Vacation Bible School (VBS) this year. To order the items listed below, call Brethren Press at 800-441-3712. Shipping and handling charges will be added to the listed price.

"Catch the Spirit! Join God’s Work in the World" is a VBS curriculum based on stories from Acts. The VBS program will bring children face to face with the power of the Holy Spirit, as they learn how to get involved, speak up, and join God's work around the world. Fun worship, interactive dramas, lively songs, an emphasis on active Bible learning, and 10 easy-to-plan activity centers are designed to inspire children ages 4 through grade 8 to live together as Jesus' followers, and to share the good news of Jesus with others. The complete box contains everything needed for planning and preparation as a 5-day or 12-week program, including two copies of all leaders’ guides, and one copy of every classroom, promotional, and student resource. All items are also priced separately. Churches may buy the complete box for $129.99.

"Discovery Canyon: Explore the Wonders of the Word!" is a VBS curriculum published by Augsburg Fortress based on Bible stories from Exodus, 1 Samuel, Matthew, and Luke, on the themes of "Rejoice, Pray, Ask, Tell, and Seek." Each day children will explore the Word, make Bible connections, and collect critter friends. Order the starter kit for $69.99, additional items may be ordered separately.

"Breakthrough" is the Outdoor Ministry Resource for 2009, from New Earth Christian Resources for the Outdoors. It offers six easy-to-use Daily Discovery sections for each age group, for use by camps and other organizations. Scriptures come from the ministry of Jesus and the stories of the people he met, from Mark and Luke. Contact Brethren Press for price information.

Source: 2/25/2009 Newsline

Brethren leaders release statement on New York Post cartoon.

A statement responding to a cartoon published by the New York Post on Feb. 18 has been issued by three key Church of the Brethren leaders: Annual Conference moderator David Shumate, Mission and Ministry Board chair Edwin H. Edmonds, and Church of the Brethren general secretary Stanley J. Noffsinger. The statement follows in full:

"A statement from Church of the Brethren leadership responding to a cartoon published by the New York Post on Feb. 18, 2009:

"The Church of the Brethren leadership expresses grave concern about a cartoon published by the New York Post on Feb. 18, portraying the image of a dead chimpanzee, shot by police, alongside a reference to the federal government’s economic stimulus bill.

"Our concerns center on the cartoon’s use of old racist symbolism equating those of African descent with monkeys, and the way it connects that racist symbolism to President Obama, our nation’s first African-American president.

"We are concerned about the effect of this cartoon personally for people of African descent, and its effect on our society as a whole during a time in which many hope that America is moving beyond its racist past. Our deepest concern, however, is that the cartoon might be interpreted to encourage violence against President Obama and other African-American people.

"Rupert Murdoch, chairman and CEO of News Corporation, which owns the New York Post, has apologized personally for the publication of the cartoon and we are grateful for that. However, the apology does not detract from our concerns about the destructive effects of the cartoon.

"We call on members of the Church of the Brethren to hold President Obama and his family and the whole African-American community in prayer, and we call our church to a new awareness of how frightening expressions of violent racism are for people in minority groups in our country. We are painfully aware of an increase in hate crime, and of the various threats that have been made against President Obama since he was elected.

"We suggest that members of our church and people of good faith across the United States seek positive responses to the harm that may have been done by the cartoon. If we act together with faith, we may seize this difficult experience in our life as a nation and convert it into an opportunity to do outreach and relationship building with people of every ethnicity, and make it into an opening to talk with the children in our families and Sunday school classrooms about how God loves all people equally.

"The scriptures continue to encourage us as we walk together toward the Kingdom of God, where we will be among ‘a great multitude...from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb’ (Revelation 7:9).

"In the name of Christ, our hope and our peace."

Source: 2/25/2009 Newsline

Michael Schneider named as new president of McPherson College.

Michael Schneider has been chosen by the McPherson (Kan.) College Board of Trustees as the 14th president of the college. He currently is vice president of Advancement and Admissions for McPherson.

Craig Little, chair of the board of McPherson College, expressed appreciation to the search committee, consultant Tom Scheye, the campus community, alumni, and members of the Church of the Brethren for their efforts on behalf of the selection process. "Nearly 50 applications were sorted down to four finalists and making the final decision was not an easy one. I have great belief in the collective wisdom of the trustees and the search committee and think we made a great choice."

Schneider holds a master of business administration from the University of Denver and a bachelor of science in communication from McPherson. He has worked for the college for the past seven years, starting as director of career services, then vice president of advancement, and adding the vice president of admissions role in 2007. In his current role, he is responsible for student enrollment, fundraising and annual giving, alumni relations, marketing, and career services. Through his leadership, the 2008 incoming class exceeded 500--the highest number in 30 years. In addition, the "myMC" campaign, which was completed in July 2008, raised $9 million--more than a million dollars over the original goal. The total number of donors to the college has increased by 20 percent during Schneider’s time with McPherson.

Schneider also serves as board member and general partner in two outside companies: KESK, Inc., a small company that invests in start-up businesses in the energy sector; and Sunflower Wind, LLC., a privately-held wind turbine manufacturing company. He is an active member of the McPherson Community Education Foundation Board of Directors and is heavily involved in leadership committees at First United Methodist Church of McPherson.

-- Jana Wingert is director of Marketing and Communications at McPherson College.

Source: 2/26/2009 Newsline Extra

Nancy Knepper ends her term as coordinator of District Ministry.

Nancy F. Knepper, coordinator of District Ministry for the Church of the Brethren’s Ministry Office, has completed her term of service with the denomination. The position of coordinator of District Ministry has been eliminated as part of a re-evaluation of the needs of the Ministry Office.

She has served as coordinator of District Ministry since Oct. 1997. She started working for the Church of the Brethren General Board in Feb. 1989 as director of Outdoor Ministries in a half-time position through 1997. She also served briefly as interim coordinator of the General Board’s ministry team. Previously she was administrator and manager of Camp Ithiel in Gotha, Fla., and administered Atlantic Southeast District’s outdoor ministries program. She is a graduate of Juniata College in Huntingdon, Pa., and holds a master’s degree from Shippensburg (Pa.) State College. She is an ordained minister in the Church of the Brethren.

Any services or functions previously handled by Knepper should be channeled through Mary Jo Flory-Steury, executive director of the Ministry Office.

Source: 2/26/2009 Newsline Extra

Janis Pyle ends her term as coordinator of Mission Connections.

Janis Pyle, coordinator of Mission Connections for Global Mission Partnerships, has completed her term of service with the Church of the Brethren. The coordinator position has been eliminated as part of a re-evaluation of the needs of Global Mission Partnerships.

Pyle has served as coordinator of Mission Connections since Nov. 2001. During her tenure she helped strengthen the connections of church members with the denomination’s global mission efforts; produced communications on behalf of the mission program; gave presentations for congregations and other groups; and helped organize missions events at Annual Conference. In previous employment she was a writer/editor for newspapers, corporations, and nonprofits. Her volunteer work has included service on the Northern Plains District planning committee and community projects related to homelessness and immigration issues. She holds a degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia and has studied at the graduate level at Iowa State University.

Any services or functions previously handled by Pyle should be channeled through Jay Wittmeyer, executive director of Global Mission Partnerships.

Source: 2/26/2009 Newsline Extra

Brethren bits: More personnel announcements.

• Lois Grove has been named district minister of Leadership Development for Northern Plains District. The new position was created by the district board with "awareness of the need for a dedicated effort to identify, call out, train, and nurture leadership in our district," from an announcement in the district newsletter. Responsibilities will include communicating with individuals and churches for the purpose of identifying gifts of leadership and offering opportunities for training, identifying needs and opportunities for professional growth for ministers, and ongoing development of ministers’ spiritual awareness and growth.
  
  
• Elizabeth Mullich began Feb. 16 as secretary for Brethren Disaster Ministries, at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md. She most recently has been the primary caregiver for her mother. Previously she was an executive secretary at Fairhaven in Sykesville, Md. She also has worked for the Columbus (Ind.) Philharmonic Orchestra in several administrative roles.
  
  
• Sharon Norris began Feb. 23 as office assistant for the Church of the Brethren’s Material Resources program located at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md. She most recently worked for a small beverage distributor in an administrative role. She also has worked for Random House in customer service.
  
  
• John and Mary Mueller have been named to a new role as project consultants for Brethren Disaster Ministries, on a contract basis. They formerly worked as regional project directors. Their new position was created to assist Brethren Disaster Ministries in achieving a number of goals identified through a recent survey, including teaching construction skills to volunteers, increasing the number of homes rebuilt, and maintaining leadership teams. The Muellers will support the work of Brethren Disaster Ministries project leaders and volunteers by providing construction expertise, project estimation, consultation, spiritual support, household and transitional management, and teaching construction skills.
  
  
• The 2009 Youth Peace Travel Team has been announced: Chelsea Goss of Mechanicsville, Va.; Jessica Flory-Steury of Kettering, Ohio; Marianne Houff of Bethel, Pa.; and Bethany Funkhouser of Strasburg, Va. The team will represent the Church of the Brethren as it travels to camps across the denomination throughout the summer. The Youth Peace Travel Team is sponsored by the Church of the Brethren’s Outdoor Ministries, Youth and Young Adult Ministry, Brethren Volunteer Service, On Earth Peace, and Brethren Witness/Washington Office. The program is designed to share with Brethren youth the message of peace and justice that has been a core faith tradition of the church throughout its 300-year history. The team also will attend and lead sessions at the National Junior High Conference, Annual Conference, and a workcamp at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md.
  
  
• Matt Witkovsky has begun a Brethren Volunteer Service assignment at the Brethren Witness/Washington Office. He is a graduate of Elizabethtown (Pa.) College and was a member of the Church of the Brethren’s Youth Peace Travel Team in 2006. His work will focus on issues of eco-justice, the Middle East, and the death penalty, and he will assist with the Christian Citizenship Seminar.
  
  
• Several Fahrney-Keedy Home and Village employees received awards at this year’s Staff Recognition Dinner. Fahrney-Keedy Home and Village is a Church of the Brethren retirement community near Boonsboro, Md. Receiving Service Excellence awards were Karen Gish, assistant director of the Dietary Department, who is in her 36th year at Fahrney-Keedy; and Gail Hammond, who works in the Housekeeping Department and who is in her second year at the community. Besides these honors, many on the staff received recognition for years of service including Barbara Weber, Social Services director, and Janet Filler, Nursing Department, for 40 years; Ginger Lowery, Environmental Services, for 35 years; Martha Wolfe, Human Resources, for 20 years; Donna Clark and Kathy Cosens, both of Nursing, for 15 years; Deborah Martz, Environmental Services, and Mary Moore, Nursing, for 10 years; Kelly Keyfauver, Rose Wenger, Pamela Burger, Carrie Davis, Ronda McGilton, and Carla Spataro, all in Nursing, for 5 years; and Marvin Ickes, Dietary, for 5 years.
  
  
• The World Council of Churches (WCC) seeks young adult stewards for an upcoming Central Committee meeting in Geneva, Switzerland, on Aug. 19-Sept. 4. English-speaking young adults aged 18-30 from WCC member churches are eligible to apply. The Church of the Brethren is a member church of the WCC. The Stewards Program includes a week-long Ecumenical Learning Program prior to the meeting, assisting with staffing during the meeting, and an ecumenical project to be done when the stewards return home. The WCC will be responsible for lodging and meal expenses during the time of the program. Travel costs to and from Geneva are paid by the stewards or their church. The deadline for applications is March 31. Go to http://www.oikoumene.org/fileadmin/files/wcc-main/documents/p1/info_stewards_2009.pdf to download a brochure about the program. Go to http://www.oikoumene.org/fileadmin/files/wcc-main/documents/p1/applic_form_stewards_2009.pdf to download an application form.

Source: 2/26/2009 Newsline Extra

Credits

Newsline is produced by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of news services for the Church of the Brethren, cobnews@brethren.org or 800-323-8039 ext. 260. Judy Bezon, Kathleen Campanella, Lerry Fogle, Donna Hillcoat, Tom Hurst, Phil Jones, Jon Kobel, Karin L. Krog, Emily Laprade, Glen Sargent, Dana Weaver, Jana Wingert, and Loretta Wolf contributed to this report.

NEWS

• Church of the Brethren faces challenging financial situation.
  
• Matching grant program for domestic hunger raises $117,000.
  
• Haiti hurricane response is underway.
  
• Christian leaders target poverty.
  
• Brethren Bits: Correction, remembrance, personnel, and much more.

PERSONNEL

• Marvin Greener to direct Buildings and Grounds at General Offices.
  
• On Earth Peace announces staffing shifts.

ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2009

• Annual Conference Information Packet available online, registration begins Feb. 21.
  
• Public policy leader on hunger to speak at Annual Conference.
  
• Song and Story Fest to be held at Camp Peaceful Pines.
  
• Cook-Huffman to lead Ministers’ Association event.
  
• Annual Conference bits and pieces.

UPCOMING EVENTS

• Skilled workers to construct 2009 Nigeria workcamp projects.
  
• Bethany Seminary offers Spring Chapel Preaching Series.
  
• Bethany holds Presidential Forum in March.
  
• Brethren Disaster Ministries takes part in ecumenical ‘blitz build.’
  
• Dominican Brethren to hold annual assembly.
  
• Young Adult Conference to be held over Memorial Day weekend.
  
• ‘We Are Able’ workcamp seeks participants.
  
• Armenia-Georgia study tour sponsored by the Brethren and Heifer.
  
• Other upcoming events.

CHILDREN'S DISASTER SERVICES MINISTRY

• Critical Response Childcare Team Aids Families at Plane Crash Site

Church of the Brethren faces challenging financial situation.

The Church of the Brethren is facing a challenging financial situation at the start of 2009, according to the church’s finance staff. The denomination has recorded a total net loss of $638,770 for the year 2008 (in pre-audit figures).

A cluster of factors have brought about the situation, including loss of investment value, higher costs for fuel and utilities that have increased travel budgets and mission expenses, the exchange rate for the US dollar, and a decrease in donations from individuals and congregations.

The loss in value of the denomination’s investments is one contributing factor. As of the close of 2008, the Church of the Brethren had unrealized market losses of about 35 percent of the value of its total investments, coming to a little more than $4,863,900 (in pre-audit figures). This loss of investment value will continue to affect the church’s budget in coming years, staff reported.

However, a financial strategy to level the amount of investment income the denomination actually takes in each year has helped protect the church from what might have been a more severe loss of income in 2008. The denomination currently takes the average of the past five years of investment balances in any given year.

Expenses budgeted for 2008 have proved to be realistic, but a budgeting practice for anticipating giving may have been overly optimistic. For several years, a practice for calculating what to expect in annual giving from congregations has linked expectations to a high water mark set some years ago.

Although giving from congregations and individuals has declined, the decline has not been as sharp as it might have been given the gloomy state of the economy. The rate of giving may show a continuing commitment to denominational work, even as members and congregations face their own financial difficulties. The total in giving from congregations and individuals came to $3,611,460 in 2008, representing a decrease in giving of $150,560 or only 4 percent of the actual donations received in the previous year (in pre-audit figures).

Factors posing financial challenges also include the sharp rise in gas and fuel costs experienced last year, which in turn affected the costs of utilities as well as food, travel, and other expenses. The low value of the US dollar has made international mission work more expensive, in countries where costs of goods and services have increased for mission staff and sister churches.

In another financial note, the New Windsor (Md.) Conference Center at the Brethren Service Center experienced a loss of $201,040 in 2008 (in pre-audit figures). The loss came from the conference center’s self-funded budget and did not affect the core ministries of the denomination. The loss is attributed to many groups canceling bookings as the national economy fell.

The denomination’s loss for 2008 has been able to be absorbed by net assets that had been built up over the last five years. General secretary Stan Noffsinger has called on staff to seek new ways to cut expenses and to trim spending from their programs in 2009. "We want the best thinking that you all can give to face this situation," he told staff at a recent meeting. Plans for capital improvements at the denomination’s main facilities in Elgin, Ill., and New Windsor, Md., are being revisited as well, among other measures.

"Our big concern now is that giving is behind already for 2009," said treasurer Judy Keyser. "It’s not just the 4 percent of last year. If the shortfall of giving continues at the current rate, it’s something like 13 percent. We’re carefully considering what the impact will be on both the 2009 budget and further years. Adjustments to the 2009 budget are expected at the March board meeting."

Executive staff will bring options for action to the Church of the Brethren’s Mission and Ministry Board at its next meeting on March 14-16, to be held at the Brethren Service Center.

Source: 02/11/2009 Newsline

Matching grant program for domestic hunger raises $117,000.

Two Church of the Brethren funds are requesting second allocations for the "Domestic Hunger Matching Grant" program following a report that the original grant amount of $50,000 has been completely disbursed--and applications from congregations are still coming in.

The money allocated for matching grants has been fully expended to the first 121 congregations that applied. These congregations themselves have contributed $67,000 to local food programs across the country. With the matching grants it means the denomination and the 121 churches have raised $117,000 for food assistance in local communities during the first five weeks of this year.

The "Domestic Hunger Matching Grant" program encourages Church of the Brethren congregations to make a special effort this winter to support the needs of food pantries and soup kitchens through matching grants of up to $500 for a gift to one local hunger program. It is sponsored jointly by the Global Food Crisis Fund and the Emergency Disaster Fund, in partnership with the denomination’s Stewardship department.

Staff originally projected a goal of involving 100 congregations. As of today, 121 congregations have taken part, and 22 more are on a waiting list for matching grants.

Additional allocations of $25,000 from the Global Food Crisis Fund and $12,500 from the Emergency Disaster Fund are being requested to continue the program as long as funds are available. If the new allocations are approved by the denomination’s Mission and Ministry Board, the two funds will give a total of $87,500 for matching grants with congregations.

To qualify, a congregation must raise new funds for the food crisis, fill out and return an application form, and enclose a copy of the check it writes to the food bank or soup kitchen. Matching checks will be issued in the charity’s name and mailed to the requesting congregation for forwarding to the local organization.

Go to www.brethren.org/site/DocServer/Domestic_Hunger_cong_ap_January_2009.pdf?docID=1001 for the application form. For more information contact Justin Barrett in the Global Mission Partnerships office at 800-323-8039 ext. 230.

Source: 02/11/2009 Newsline

Haiti hurricane response is underway.

A comprehensive Brethren response to the hurricanes that swept over Haiti last fall is underway. Through a grant of $100,000 from the Church of the Brethren’s Emergency Disaster Fund (EDF), Brethren Disaster Ministries is developing new initiatives that promise to help relieve suffering and improve the lives of many Haitians.

"Prior to the storms, Haiti already was the poorest nation in the Western Hemisphere. Since the hurricanes, 10 percent of the population in the impacted area has been forced to beg for a living," said Brethren Disaster Ministries coordinator Jane Yount in a report.

Aspects of the multi-faceted response include:

• Micro-loans in the amount of $200 for purchasing livestock or starting a small business. Disbursement of funds is targeted to begin in the next month.
  
  
• Home repair and rebuilding beginning in the Mirebalais area north of Port au Prince. Materials will be purchased starting in mid-February. Twenty homes have been selected for repair in the village of Fon Cheval, in a model plan that will serve as a guide for projects in other villages. Brethren Disaster Ministries hopes to create opportunities for volunteer groups from the US to take part.
  
  
• School-based feeding programs in the Gonaives area. The process of sending meals to schools is underway. Klebert Exceus, a Haitian consultant, is working with Brethren Disaster Ministries on this effort. He has shared that "Christians in these areas are praying that God will bless and support these projects."
  
  
• Medical material aid following assessments of a Haitian hospital and clinic. A shipment of medical supplies from IMA World Health is anticipated in late winter.
  
  
• Capacity building and leadership support, with $3,000 being provided to two Haitian Brethren church leaders who are assisting with the response.
  
  
• Canned meat provided by Mid-Atlantic District and Southern Pennsylvania District. The canning project will be completed in April.

Leaders of the project include Jeff Boshart, a former mission worker in Haiti who has been named Haiti Disaster Response coordinator; Klebert Exceus, who is serving as a Haitian consultant; and Roy Winter, executive director of Brethren Disaster Ministries. Ludovic St. Fleur, pastor of Eglise des Freres Haitiens in Miami, is the Haiti Mission coordinator, working with the Church of the Brethren’s Haiti Advisory Committee. There are now five active Church of the Brethren congregations in Haiti, and 10 more preaching points.

"Part of what we are doing in Haiti is to try and respond in a different way," Winter said. "Many organizations around the world have tried lots of approaches to help Haiti develop only to have progress nullified in a matter of years. So we are trying very hard to facilitate local leadership and encourage local churches working together."

Gonaíves is the most heavily devastated area in Haiti, with many of the damaged or destroyed homes in flood plains or mudslide areas, Winter reported. There is an active Brethren preaching point in the area. "We are partnering with and bringing local Brethren into a pastors group called Service Et De Liaison Des Eglises Evangeliques Gonaiviennes," Winter said. "The result is that in the short run working this way may slow some of the disaster response, but in the long run we are building capacity for Haitians to respond to their own needs."

To support the Haiti Hurricane Response, donations may be sent to the Emergency Disaster Fund, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120.

Source: 02/11/2009 Newsline

Christian leaders target poverty.

Calling poverty a "moral scandal," leaders from the full spectrum of Christian churches in the country met Jan. 13-16 in Baltimore to dig deeper into the issue and then take their message to Washington.

The participants in Christian Churches Together reaffirmed their conviction that service to the poor and work for justice are "at the center of Christian life and witness." They were building on a statement developed by consensus at a previous gathering, but recognized a new sense of urgency because of the economic collapse.

"In every way the context has changed since we last met," noted David Beckmann, president of Bread for the World, and one of several people who addressed the group. He reported that the number of poor people has increased alarmingly during the very years that the country was experiencing unprecedented economic growth, and that now many more people are at risk. Any stimulus package must target the poor, he said. "There is no better investment than the nutrition, health, and education of all our people."

Setting a course to end poverty "will be a powerful global witness to the power of Jesus Christ," said Beckmann. "In the midst of economic contraction, the biggest risk is spiritual contraction."

At a meeting with President Barack Obama’s transition team for domestic policy, CCT leaders expressed their support for his pledge to cut poverty. They urged that any stimulus package care not only for Main Street and Wall Street, but also for those who have no street address.

To achieve its goal of cutting poverty in half within 10 years, CCT is promoting four objectives: strengthening families, strengthening communities, "making work work," and improving education. These will require the joint efforts of churches, government, business, communities, and families, they said.

"There are four million more in poverty than eight years ago," observed Wesley Granberg-Michaelson, general secretary of the Reformed Church in America, at a press conference. "The churches have come together as never before. Poverty is a moral failure, a scandal--not just a political issue, but a moral and spiritual one.... We are compelled to work with each other, and with government, to see that it’s overcome."

"The whole gospel demands that we speak to the poor," said James Leggett, presiding bishop of the International Pentecostal Holiness Church. "We believe God is working in this moment of time."

CCT is the broadest Christian association in the country. Its participant church bodies are evangelical, Pentecostal, Orthodox, Roman Catholic, historic black, and Protestant. The organization also includes several national Christian organizations, among them Evangelicals for Social Action, Sojourners, Bread for the World, World Vision, and the American Bible Society.

The Church of the Brethren was represented at the meeting by Annual Conference moderator David Shumate and Brethren Press publisher Wendy McFadden, who serves on CCT’s steering committee.

At the CCT annual meeting, participants also spent three sessions discussing evangelism, which will be the focus of next year’s meeting in Seattle.

-- Wendy McFadden is executive director of Brethren Press.

Source: 02/11/2009 Newsline

Brethren Bits: Correction, remembrance, personnel, and much more.

• Correction: The report "Outdoor Ministries Association holds annual meeting" in the Newsline of Jan. 29 gave an incorrect location for Camp Myrtlewood. The camp is in Myrtle Point, Ore.
  
  
• Millard Fuller, 74, who founded Habitat for Humanity International along with his wife, Linda, died on Feb. 3 after a brief illness. At the time of his death he headed the Fuller Center for Housing in Americus, Ga. "A giant among men has left us.... At last, Millard can rest, although that was about the last thing he ever wished to do," said a remembrance in the Americus "Times-Recorder." The Habitat ministry of building houses for those in need, using volunteer labor and community-based affiliates, was founded in 1976. More than 300,000 homes were built during Fuller’s 29 years with the organization. He left Habitat in 2005 in a dispute with its board over allegations of inappropriate behavior. He and his wife went on to found the Fuller Center for Housing to continue the work of eliminating poverty housing. An obituary on the Habitat website at www.habitat.org credits Fuller as "the visionary whose ideas and tireless work created Habitat for Humanity." The idea for Habitat for Humanity was born at Koinonia Farm, a Christian community founded in 1942 in rural southwest Georgia. Fuller came to the farm as a young entrepreneur and attorney who by age 29 had earned his first million dollars, but who decided to begin anew after experiencing health and marriage difficulties. The Fullers "sold all that they owned, gave the money to the poor and in their searching, landed at Koinonia where they began soaking up the teachings of farmer, theologian, and community founder Clarence Jordan," the obituary said. "In time, Jordan and Fuller launched a program of ‘partnership housing,’ building simple houses in partnership with rural neighbors who were too poor to qualify for conventional home loans. The first house was dedicated in 1969." Fuller received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor, and the Martin Luther King Jr. Humanitarian Award, among numerous honors. Church of the Brethren connections with Fuller’s work have been numerous over the decades, including congregational involvements with Habitat affiliates in various communities, building Habitat homes at National Youth Conference, cooperative work between Brethren Disaster Ministries and Habitat, and placement of Brethren Volunteer Service workers with Habitat projects. Fuller was buried at Koinonia Farm on Feb. 4. A celebration of his life and work will be held at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta on March 14, beginning at 2 p.m. Also, a Legacy Blitz Build will be held in August in Fuller’s hometown of Lanett, Ala., and at other Fuller Center covenant partners in the US and overseas.
  
  
• Paul Derstine has announced his retirement as president and CEO of IMA World Health (formerly Interchurch Medical Assistance), a nonprofit organization headquartered at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md. Derstine is a member of Westminster (Md.) Church of the Brethren. He has led in transforming IMA "from a church supply agency, to a world class and respected medical partner in service so that many more might enjoy good health," said Church of the Brethren general secretary Stan Noffsinger as he expressed gratitude for Derstine’s work. Derstine served with IMA for 17 years. During his tenure, he shaped IMA World Health from a service organization with a staff of four focused mainly on distributing donations, to a membership organization with a staff of 75 working in five countries to strengthen health systems and eliminate tropical disease. He led the staff in developing new programs and services, including initiatives such as the IMA Medicine Box Program. IMA also has become a lead partner in health systems in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Sudan, managing grants awarded in excess of $80 million. In 2008, a "Forbes Magazine" report on "America’s 200 Largest Charities" identified IMA as one of the 20 most skilled and well managed among that group. During a year of transition, Derstine will continue to serve as president. The IMA board has appointed a Transition Committee to work with a consulting firm to name a successor in late 2009. Donald Parker, IMA board chair, is leading the Transition Committee. Interested candidates should contact TransitionGuides at IMA@TransitionGuides.com or 301-439-6635.
  
  
• On Jan. 16, Steve Terrill began an internship in Human Resources Management at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill. The internship is part of his bachelor’s degree program at Judson University. He comes from a background as distribution coach/inventory analyst at ITW Brands in Hanover Park, Ill.
  
  
• The New Windsor Conference Center is expressing gratitude for the work of new and returning volunteer hosts: Larry and Alice Petry of Lakemore, Ohio, serving as first-time hosts in Zigler Hall for the months of January and February; and Dick and Erma Foust of New Lebanon, Ohio, returning as volunteer hosts in the Old Main building through March.
  
  
• Abdiel Cruz has been named the Church of the Brethren’s representative to the Puerto Rico Council of Churches, in an announcement from Atlantic Southeast District. For the past few years, Hector Perez Borges has been the Brethren delegate and has served as the secretary for the PR Council of Churches. "Our appreciation to Hector for his valuable contributions, and we wish Abdiel great success," said the district announcement.
  
  
• Camp Pine Lake, an outdoor ministry center in Northern Plains District, has named the late Gary Nicholson of Iowa River Church of the Brethren as Volunteer of the Year for 2008, in an announcement in the district newsletter. Nicholson passed away from a lingering illness in Feb. 2008. "Over the past 30 years Gary served numerous six-year terms on the board," said the announcement. "He was an individual of few words with great practical ideas.... He had a real love and compassion for children. They were his top priority. Gary lived his faith."
  
  
• The Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership based in Richmond, Ind., seeks a fulltime administrative secretary, working 30 hours per week, to begin on or before April 1. The position provides secretarial and administrative support to the salaried staff of the Brethren Academy and the programs and projects of the academy and its students, and works collegially with the staff and faculty of Bethany Theological Seminary. Qualifications include a wide range of computer skills, verbal and written skills, basic accounting, ability to set priorities and follow through on tasks with minimal supervision, ability to multi-task, organizational skills, office skills, and experience with office equipment. Applications and a more complete job description are available from the Executive Assistant to the President of Bethany Seminary at snydesu@bethanyseminary.edu or 765-983-1803. Applications will be accepted until Feb. 27, or until the position is filled.
  
  
• A suggested change in worship language has come from the Church of the Brethren’s Disabilities Ministry Group. The group has expressed concern about the use of the phrase, "Stand if you are able," in worship services, recognizing that some elderly and disabled people are not able to stand. In consultation with other denominations, the group recommends a new phrase: "Rise in body or in spirit" or a version of this phrase. This new language helps congregations focus on the lifting up of spirits as the primary task of worship, and the ability to stand as secondary, said an announcement.
  
  
• "Church World Service Kits are in great demand!" says Loretta Wolf, director of the Material Resources program at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md. The program warehouses, processes, and distributes relief supplies on behalf of a number of ecumenical partners. Low inventory levels of Church World Service (CWS) Kits has prompted an appeal for Hygiene Kits, Baby Kits, School Kits, and Emergency Clean-up Buckets. "By assembling and donating CWS Kits, you are saying ‘We Care!’ to people in need around the world," Wolf said. Go to www.churchworldservice.org/kits for instructions to assemble, pack, and ship kits, or call 800-297-1516. Kits may be sent to Church World Service, Brethren Service Center Annex, 601 Main St., P.O. Box 188, New Windsor, MD 21776.
  
  
• In an update on the work of Material Resources, staff have been loading containers destined for Central America, Asia, and Africa, among them two shipments for Kenya and two trailer loads of equipment for Zambia on behalf of John Hopkins PIEGO, and Lutheran World Relief School Kits and Health Kits for a children’s training in Guatemala. Church World Service shipments responded to disaster and community needs in Deming, N.M.; Marion, Iowa; and Biloxi, Miss. CWS also responded to a request from Aniak, Alaska, for School Kits for a school that experienced a total loss due to fire.
  
  
• Frederick (Md.) Church of the Brethren was commended as "a fine example of what a church is doing right," in a recent article in the "Business Gazette" of Gaithersburg, Md. The report titled "Non-traditional churches flourish in Frederick County," reviewed the history of growth in Frederick Church of the Brethren, which is the largest Brethren congregation in the US, as well as several other growing congregations from other traditions.
  
  
• First Church of the Brethren in Miami, Fla., held its third annual Brethren Press booth at the Miami International Book Fair, on Nov. 14-16, 2008.
  
  
• For the past two years, churches in Northern Plains District have been praying for one another on a weekly basis using a prayer calendar provided through the district office. The calendar indicates the church to pray for each week. Notes of support from one church to another also are encouraged. In addition, the district is making available a mileage chart of the distances between each congregation, prepared by Diane Mason of Fairview Church of the Brethren. For more information contact Nancy Davis at npofficesecretary@earthlink.net or 515-964-4851.
  
  
• Atlantic Southeast District has identified a district theme for the year 2009: "Holiness," with an emphasis on "calling God’s people to be holy--in ethics, in lifestyle, in worldview, and more," according to the district newsletter. The district has asked pastors to preach on the theme during January and February, using texts from the Sermon on the Mount and other New Testament sources. The district also has identified themes for upcoming years: "Health" focusing on healthy churches and healthy Christians and expanding youth ministry and worship in 2010; and "Aliveness" focusing on church growth and mission in 2011.
  
  
• Great Harvest Church Planting, a program of Illinois and Wisconsin District, has requested prayer for two families doing church planting: the Sarpiya family that arrived in Rockford, Ill., on Jan. 31, and Herman and Betty Ware working at a Chicago Westside Plant. "We invite you to continue to keep the Sarpiyas in your prayers as they begin their life and ministry in Rockford," the announcement said. For the Wares, "Pray for focus and direction as they seek to meet the needs of individuals in the Douglas Park community."
  
  
• A building important in the history of Fahrney-Keedy Home and Village, a Church of the Brethren retirement community in Boonsboro, Md., has been moved to a new site. The small building in which Dr. Peter Fahrney had his office during the late 1800s is now part of the new Washington County Rural Heritage Museum. Two trucks carried the building and its roof to their new home one night in mid-December, according to a release from Fahrney-Keedy. Dr. Fahrney donated the site of his summer home, called San Mar, to the Church of the Brethren in 1905 in honor of his grandfather for use as a "Home for the Aged." The office building had been a museum since then, sitting in front of Fahrney-Keedy’s main building.
  
  
• Juniata College in Huntingdon, Pa., will put on a unique theater production on Feb. 19-21 and 23-26. "Return," the story of a man returning home to claim an inheritance of the family farm, will premiere at the Halbritter Center for the Performing Arts at Juniata. "Return" is a new piece conceived by the Gravity Project, Juniata's professional theater ensemble, in collaboration with the college theater department. The piece will be staged using a multimedia approach with a mix of video imagery, shadow puppets, and a soundscape of recorded music and ambient sound. Andrew Belser, associate professor of theater, wrote the play and co-directs the production with Stephanie Skura. Tickets are $3 for students and $7 for adults. Call 814-641-3771.
  
  
• New Lenten Calendars have been announced by the Global Women’s Project, a Brethren-related program that supports self-help projects that are led by, empower, and benefit women and their communities. The Lenten Calendars were developed by Steering Committee members Carrie Eikler and Anna Lisa Gross to help church members reflect on abundant resources and what may be given up for the sake of others during Lent. The calendars include scripture, information about women around the world, and Global Women’s Project partner projects (contact info@globalwomensproject.org to obtain a calendar or bulk copies for families and congregations, the calendars also may be received electronically). Global Women’s Project also will offer online resources for International Women’s Month in March, including worship and event materials for congregations or women’s groups (go to www.globalwomensproject.org).
  
  
• The Decade to Overcome Violence of the World Council of Churches, has launched its 2009 focus on the Caribbean region. The theme is "One Love: Building a Peaceful Caribbean." The program will strengthen and support churches and movements working for peace in the Caribbean, and deepen understanding of the violence involved in issues such as migration, human trafficking, food security, HIV/AIDS, and drug abuse.
  
  
• The Elgin (Ill.) City Prayer Breakfast gave its Martin Luther King Jr. Humanitarian Award to Bettina Perillo, a member of Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren. Perillo was honored for her commitment to peacemaking, which has included civil disobedience protesting the Iraq War, and leadership in an alternative recruitment program in the Elgin high schools that helps students make informed decisions about the military and promotes alternatives. Perillo also is a member of Fox Valley Citizens for Peace and Justice.
  
  
• Miller Davis has been honored with the 2008 Dan West Fellow Award by the Heifer Foundation. He is chair of Heifer Foundation’s Board of Trustees and a member of Westminster (Md.) Church of the Brethren. "Davis, whose board term ends this year, leaves behind a legacy of unparalleled service to the boards of both Heifer Foundation and Heifer International, including chairing both boards during times of tremendous growth," said an announcement from the foundation. Foundation president Janet Ginn praised Davis for his servant leadership: "Miller is one of those individuals that exemplify the tireless commitment to the mission of ending hunger and poverty." The award is named after Heifer International founder Dan West. Each year, the foundation’s trustees emeriti choose one outstanding leader to be recognized as a Dan West Fellow. Davis, who knew Dan West personally, said he was "speechless" when he was informed he was this year’s recipient. Davis had the opportunity to work with West while in Brethren Volunteer Service from 1965-67. "To know and experience Dan and then serve on the boards of organizations he founded has been a wonderful experience," he said.
  
  
• Kaplan Publishing has issued a call for stories from disaster healthcare workers. The company publishes educational and consumer books by and for healthcare workers. It is accepting stories for a new anthology, "To The Rescue: Stories from Healthcare Workers at the Scene of Disaster." The book will collect stories by healthcare workers from a variety of specialties who have gone to the scenes of disasters, whether in their hometowns or across the world. All stories must be true and previously unpublished. Submit in Microsoft Word, 12-point Times New Roman, double-spaced with a title and word count of 1,000-2,500, include author's name, address, phone number, and e-mail address. Payment for stories is $100 if published, along with two complimentary copies of the book. The deadline is Feb. 21. Send submissions to KaplanStories@live.com (cite the story title in the subject line) or Kaplan’s To The Rescue, P.O. Box 51, Wever, IA 52658 (include a self-addressed, postage-paid envelope).

Source: 02/11/2009 Newsline

Marvin Greener to direct Buildings and Grounds at General Offices.

Marvin Greener began Feb. 2 as director of Buildings and Grounds at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill. He brings more than 25 years of experience in the field of facilities and facility management, managing multiple facilities, and complex remodeling and construction projects to the position.

Greener most recently was district manager for B&B Maintenance in Lake Zurich, Ill. He also has been general services manager for Hewlett-Packard Co./Agilent Technologies, and regional operations manager with Johnson Controls. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Industry and Technology from Northern Illinois University, with an Industrial Supervision major. He lives in South Elgin, Ill.

Source: 02/11/2009 Newsline

On Earth Peace announces staffing shifts.

On Earth Peace has announced changes of roles for two staff: Matt Guynn and Gimbiya Kettering.

In Nov. 2008, Kettering became coordinator of Communications at On Earth Peace with responsibility for communications to those who seek information and inspiration about how to follow Jesus in the ways of peace, and coordination of outreach with the Brethren and other constituents through a website, e-mail newsletters, and printed materials. She has been employed by On Earth Peace since 2007.

Effective Jan. 1, Guynn began in a new role as program director for On Earth Peace, overseeing program activities, supervising program staff, and providing leadership for program coherence and direction. He also continues as coordinator of the peace witness program. He has been employed by On Earth Peace since Jan. 2002.

Source: 02/11/2009 Newsline

Annual Conference Information Packet available online, registration begins Feb. 21.

The Information Packet for the 2009 Annual Conference of the Church of the Brethren is now available online. The packet offers essential information about the Conference to take place in San Diego, Calif., on June 26-30, including registration fees, travel and housing information, age group events, special presentations, and more.

The packet is available at www.brethren.org/ac (go to http://www.cobannualconference.org/sandiego/223rd_Annual_Conference.pdf to download the packet in pdf format). Those who are unable to access the Internet may obtain an Information Packet on CD for $3 or a paper copy for $5 from the Annual Conference Office. Send requests to dweaver_ac@brethren.org or call 800-688-5186.

Non-delegate registration for the Conference will be available online beginning Feb. 21, at the Conference website. Cost for an adult to pre-register for the full event is $75, or $100 onsite. Discounted fees are available for those attending single days or the weekend, ages 12-21, and current Brethren Volunteer Service workers. Children under 12 register for free. Conference registration can be completed online or by filling out the non-delegate registration form in the Information Packet.

Housing reservations also may be made starting Feb. 21, using the online housing system at www.brethren.org/ac or by submitting the housing request form in the Information Packet. Two hotels are offered for Conference housing this year, the Town and Country Hotel, where the Conference will be held, and the Doubletree Hotel Mission Valley.

Feb. 21 also marks the date when the registration fee for delegates from congregations and districts will increase to $245, from $200. Delegates are requested to submit their registrations and fees before that date.

For more information contact the Annual Conference Office at dweaver_ac@brethren.org or 800-688-5186.

Source: 2/12/2009 Newsline Extra

Public policy leader on hunger to speak at Annual Conference.

H. Eric Schockman, president of MAZON, a Jewish Response to Hunger, will speak on "Repairing the World: Creating Just and Compassionate Communities" at the Global Ministries Dinner at the 2009 Annual Conference.

Established in 1985 in Los Angeles, MAZON is a national nonprofit organization that allocates donations from the Jewish community to alleviate hunger among people of all faiths and backgrounds. The event is scheduled for 5 p.m. on June 29. The dinner will include elements of the Passover Seder, which begins with the declaration, "Let all who are hungry enter and eat."

Earlier that day, at 12:30 p.m., Schockman will lead a Global Food Crisis Fund insight session looking at how scriptural teachings on hunger apply to today’s world. "Dr. Schockman is well positioned to help us explore the intersection of faith and hunger issues," said Howard Royer, manager of the Global Food Crisis Fund. "A former Peace Corps worker in Sierra Leone and political science professor at the University of Southern California, Eric is a widely recognized expert on agricultural policy and sustainable development."

The Church of the Brethren and MAZON work together through the Interfaith Hunger Coordinators Forum. The Global Ministries Dinner is sponsored by the Church of the Brethren’s Global Mission Partnerships.

-- Janis Pyle is mission connections coordinator for the Church of the Brethren.

Source: 2/12/2009 Newsline Extra

Song and Story Fest to be held at Camp Peaceful Pines.

"Sierra Song and Story Fest, Round Again: Even the Stars Are Singing!" will be held July 3-9 at Camp Peaceful Pines in Dardanelle, Calif., in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The fest is an intergenerational camp co-sponsored by On Earth Peace and coordinated by Ken Kline Smeltzer, designed to be an event held prior to or after the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference.

Presenters will address the theme of "the heavens are telling the glory of God" and "the stars are singing their praise of life and all creation!" in the spirit of Psalm 19:1-3. The line-up of folk musicians, story tellers, and workshop leaders includes Bob Gross, Kathy Guisewite, Rocci Hildum, Jonathan Hunter, Jim Lehman, Gayle Hunter Sheller, Mike Titus, Ryan Harrison, Bill Jolliff, Steve Kinzie, Shawn Kirchner, Peg Lehman, Jan and John Long, Mike Stern, Mary Titus, and Mutual Kumquat. Events will be offered for adults, children, and youth.

A brochure giving information about the schedule, fees, and housing, and online registration are available at the On Earth Peace website, go to www.onearthpeace.org for more. For additional information or questions contact Ken Kline Smeltzer at bksmeltz@comcast.net or 814-466-6491.

Source: 2/12/2009 Newsline Extra

Cook-Huffman to lead Ministers’ Association event.

"Paradoxes of Congregational Conflict: Pastoral Leadership in Interpersonal Peacemaking" is the title of this year’s pre-Conference continuing education event sponsored by the Church of the Brethren Ministers’ Association. The event takes place June 25-26 in San Diego, Calif.

Celia Cook-Huffman, assistant professor of Peace Studies at Juniata College in Huntingdon, Pa., and associate director of the college’s Baker Institute for Peace and Conflict Studies, will lead the event. She holds degrees from Manchester College, the University of Notre Dame where she earned a master’s degree in Peace Studies, and Syracuse University where she earned a doctorate degree. She also has specialized training and education in conflict resolution, nonviolence, gender studies, and mediation.

Cost is $60 for an individual ($90 at the door), or $90 for a couple ($120 at the door). First-time attenders register for $30, and current seminary or academy students register for $20. Onsite child supervision will be available, and a picnic will be held, for an extra fee. Continuing education units will be available.

Register online at www.brethren.org/sustaining or contact Tim Sollenberger Morphew, P.O. Box 52, New Paris, IN 46553. Registrations are due by June 10.

Source: 2/12/2009 Newsline Extra

Annual Conference bits and pieces.

• The Annual Conference Office, presently operating at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md., will relocate to the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill., during the week of Sept. 21-25. The new address will be Church of the Brethren Annual Conference Office, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL, 60120. Complete contact information will be available in the 2009 Yearbook. Contact Lerry Fogle, Annual Conference Director, at 800-688-5186.
  
  
• Phyllis Tickle, the former and founding religion department editor of "Publishers Weekly" and a leading voice on the significant changes occurring in culture and religion, will be the speaker for the "Messenger" dinner at the 2009 Annual Conference. The dinner is scheduled for Saturday evening, June 27. Tickle recently wrote the book, "The Great Emergence" discussing a shift to a new era for faith and the larger society. Go to www.phyllistickle.com/aboutauthor.html for more information.

Source: 2/12/2009 Newsline Extra

Skilled workers to construct 2009 Nigeria workcamp projects.

A special call for people with carpentry and construction skills to participate in the 2009 Nigeria Workcamp on Feb. 8-March 8 has been answered. A group of eight people from the United States, including a general contractor and residential builder, has joined Nigerian Christians and workers from Mission 21 at the annual event at the headquarters of Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria (EYN--the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria).

The workcamp will construct a teacher’s house for EYN’s Comprehensive Secondary School and complete construction of an HIV/AIDS office building that was started in 2008.

Participants from the US include Roger Bruce of Dutchtown Brethren Church in Warsaw Ind., who is a general contractor; Stephen Donaldson of Mexico Church of the Brethren in Peru, Ind., who brings construction experience; Sharon Flaten of Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren in Elgin, Ill., a Brethren Volunteer service worker at the Church of the Brethren General Offices; Jim and Alice Graybill of Venice (Fla.) Community Church of the Brethren--he is a retired cabinet maker and carpenter who also has Brethren Disaster Service experience; and Timothy Joseph of Onekama (Mich.) Church of the Brethren, a residential builder.

A former Nigeria missionary and his wife also are among the participants: Ralph Royer, who worked in Nigeria from 1953-55 and 1957-75, and Barbara McFadden of Eel River Community Church of the Brethren in Silver Lake, Ind.

"I look forward to introducing Barbara to some of my life-long friends and co-workers in Nigeria," said Royer. "Each time I have returned for visits, I am impressed with the new church buildings, but I am especially moved by the enthusiasm with which people share the goodness of salvation through Jesus Christ through EYN."

-- Janis Pyle is mission connections coordinator for the Church of the Brethren.

Source: 2/12/2009 Newsline Extra

Bethany Seminary offers Spring Chapel Preaching Series.

Senior seminary students, area pastors and activists, and other guests will offer a diversity of theological thought at this Spring’s chapel services at Bethany Theological Seminary in Richmond, Ind. Bethany holds chapel services on Wednesdays, and joins with Earlham School of Religion for joint chapel services on Fridays.

Melanie May, John Price Crozer Professor of Theology and Dean of the Faculty at Colgate Rochester Divinity School in New York, will be at Bethany Seminary on Feb. 11-13 to participate in worship and the Bethany and ESR Thursday Peace Forum, and speak in selected classes. She will present research from her recent book, "Jerusalem Testament: Heads of Churches in Palestine Speak, 1988-2008." May is a former adjunct faculty member at Bethany.

Carol Wise, executive director of the Brethren Mennonite Council for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Interests (BMC) and an ordained minister in the Church of the Brethren, will give the message at the Friday Joint Chapel on Feb. 20. She lives in Minneapolis, Minn., and is a member of the Common Spirit house church.

David Shumate, moderator of the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference, will speak for worship on March 4. His theme will be this year’s Conference theme, "The old has gone! The new has come! All this is from God!" Shumate is district executive minister for the Church of the Brethren’s Virlina District and a Bethany graduate.

Three ministers from White Oak Church of the Brethren in Manheim, Pa.--Ron Copenhaver, Jim Myer, and Dave Wenger--will lead worship on March 25. The White Oak congregation, which has than 600 members, calls ministers from within its membership and practices bi-vocational, unsalaried ministry. Myer is a former moderator of Annual Conference.

Bob Hunter, a local activist and Church of the Brethren member, will bring the message at a Joint Chapel on April 3. He serves in Richmond as the Diversity and Justice Specialist for InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, an evangelical campus mission serving more than 32,000 students and faculty on more than 550 college and university campuses nationwide.

Other speakers will include Bethany students presenting their senior sermons--Chuck Bell of New Castle, Ind., Holly Hathaway of Connorsville, Ind., Travis Poling of Richmond, Ind., and Dava Hensley of Roanoke, Va.; Tracy Knechel Sturgis, pastor of Mack Memorial Church of the Brethren in Dayton, Ohio.

Wednesday and Friday chapel times are 11:20 a.m. Visit www.bethanyseminary.edu/springchapelschedule for a complete list of spring semester chapel services.

-- Marcia Shetler is director of public relations for Bethany Theological Seminary.

Source: 2/12/2009 Newsline Extra

Bethany Seminary holds Presidential Forum in March.

Bethany Theological Seminary will host a Presidential Forum titled "Weaving Wisdom's Tent: The Arts of Peace" on March 29-30 at the seminary campus in Richmond, Ind. The forum will focus on spirituality, art, and peacemaking, and will include plenary sessions, workshops, small group reflection, presentation of student papers, and a concert by the Manchester College A Capella Choir.

Plenary presenters will be author and poet Marge Piercy, conflict resolution scholar and practitioner John Paul Lederach, and artist Douglas Kinsey. In a session on "Examining Peace and the Lack of It Through Poetry," Piercy will read poems that deal with peace and war, personal attitudes, and spiritual disciplines. She is the author of 17 novels and is a teacher, lecturer, and performer. In a plenary on "The Poetics of Building Peace," Lederach will present ideas on the art, soul, and poetics of peace building. He is professor of International Peacebuilding with the Joan B. Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies at the University of Notre Dame. Kinsey will lead an exploration of the representation of justice in the visual arts in a session on "Art About Justice." He is professor emeritus at the University of Notre Dame in the department of Art and Art History.

The Manchester College A Capella Choir will perform Sunday evening. Manchester College was the first school in the US to offer a degree in Peace Studies, and much of the repertoire performed by the choir will carry this theme. Debra Lynn, associate professor of Music, is the director. James Hersch will be the featured guest artist.

A variety of workshops will address subjects such as "Peace in Our Fragmented Lives and Culture: Approaching the Bible and its Interpretation as a Source of Shalom" led by Dawn Ottoni Wilhelm, Bethany’s associate professor of Preaching and Worship, and Steven Schweitzer, associate professor of Old Testament at Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary in Goshen, Ind.; and "Doing Conflict Well: Reflection, Practice, Art," led by Celia Cook-Huffman, director of the Baker Peace Conflict Transformation Center at Juniata College in Huntingdon, Pa., and Bob Gross, executive director of On Earth Peace.

The forum is made possible through gifts to special funds and endowments, including the John C. and Elizabeth E. Baker Peace Endowment, the Nancy Rosenberger Faus Music Education and Performance Endowment, the Founders Lecture Endowment, the Ora Huston Peace Lecture Endowment, and the Stephen I. Katonah Endowment for Faith and the Arts.

The event is limited to 150 participants. The registration fee is $70, or $30 for students. After March 1 the fee will increase to $80, or $40 for students. A continuing education credit of .7 is available. Participants make their own lodging arrangements. Go to www.bethanyseminary.edu/forum2009 for online registration.

-- Marcia Shetler is director of public relations for Bethany Theological Seminary.

Source: 2/12/2009 Newsline Extra

Brethren Disaster Ministries takes part in ecumenical ‘blitz build.’

Brethren Disaster Ministries is taking part in an ecumenical "blitz build" in New Orleans on April 20-May 16. The project is in partnership with Church World Service (CWS) and nine other denominations, to build and repair a minimum of 12 homes destroyed by Hurricane Katrina in the Little Woods neighborhood of New Orleans.

A grant of $25,000 from the Church of the Brethren’s Emergency Disaster Fund has been given to the project. The money will help purchase building materials, tools, and supplies, and will help provide volunteer housing, meals, and additional travel expenses.

In addition, Brethren Disaster Ministries staff reported that the program has taken a lead in the project by helping to lay the groundwork for the event. "Brethren Disaster Ministries has taken one of the lead roles by committing additional staff and volunteer time to prepare homes prior to the blitz and taking on additional responsibilities and management during the blitz," reported associate director Zach Wolgemuth in the grant request for the project.

More than three years after Hurricane Katrina hit the northern Gulf Coast on Aug. 29, 2005, "public awareness has diminished leaving thousands of residents frustrated and unable to return to their homes as countless agencies have terminated their recovery efforts," said the grant request.

"Yet amidst this humbling reality, the work of the faith community’s response in the greater New Orleans area demonstrates the effectiveness of even small efforts as single homes are repaired, prompting others to do the same," the request continued. "That is why Brethren Disaster Ministries has joined with CWS and nine of its member denominations and partners in rebuilding a single neighborhood: Little Woods, in eastern New Orleans."

Little Woods was selected because of its diversity, lack of prior attention, the size of its homes (1,200-1,400 square feet), its ability to host volunteer teams, and the potential for the ecumenical community to make a large impact. Throughout this effort, each denominational partner has been asked to contribute financially to the project and provide at least 15 volunteers a week. Volunteer teams will work weekly from April 20 through May 16 in order to repair a minimum of 12 homes in the community.

In other news from Brethren Disaster Ministries, two other rebuilding projects continue, in Johnson County, Ind., following flooding last spring, and in Chalmette, La., continuing recovery from Hurricane Katrina. A project in Rushford, Minn., is about to be closed. "The final house is almost complete!" reported Jane Yount, Brethren Disaster Ministries coordinator.

Source: 2/12/2009 Newsline Extra