- Church of the Brethren redesigns Congregational Life Ministries, closes Washington Office.
- Mission and Ministry Board announces results of its reorganization.
- Brethren bits: Corrections, remembrance, personnel, more.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Church of the Brethren redesigns Congregational Life Ministries, closes Washington Office.
The Church of the Brethren is redesigning its Congregational Life Ministries and has eliminated the Congregational Life Team, effective April 6. The denomination also closed its Washington Office, as of March 19. The actions are part of a plan created by executive staff to respond to financial challenges facing the denomination and the decision of the Mission and Ministry Board to reduce the operating budget for core ministries by $505,000 this year.
The decisions eliminate positions of Congregational Life Team members, effective April 6, and the position of director of the Brethren Witness/Washington Office, effective March 19 (see personnel announcements below).
"As I informed staff before the Spring board meeting, the level of financial losses that we are looking at necessitate a cut in staff," said general secretary Stan Noffsinger. "It is a heavy burden to reduce staff at this time. It has been our desire all along to not end any positions, but the scope of this is greater than our ability to merely reduce operational expenses. There is not one ministry area in the church that is going unscathed in this process. It is a situation affecting the whole church"
At the Spring meeting, the expectation for income to support the core ministries of the church this year was revised downward by almost $1 million. The board was informed of a loss of about $7 million in net assets in 2008, caused by the market downturn, as well as a 10 percent decrease in total giving to the denomination compared to 2007.
"The board took its responsibility seriously, and at each decision moment were cognizant of the impact for employees as well as members of the church who have passion for ministry areas that will be affected," Noffsinger said.
All employees were part of a staff meeting and conference call prior to the Spring board meeting, at which the general secretary announced that staff reductions would be made following the decision of the board, if the budget reduction was approved. After the board meeting, at another all-employee meeting and conference call, he reviewed the board’s decisions and announced that staff reductions would come over the next two weeks.
"We are doing what we can to help out employees who lose their positions," Noffsinger said, "including a three-month severance package and an outplacement service that walks with people until they get new employment."
Congregational Life Ministries:
The plan for Congregational Life Ministries outlines a new staff configuration with four director-level positions to be based at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill. The four positions are Intercultural Ministries, Transforming Practices, Spiritual Life and Discipleship, and Youth and Young Adult Ministries.
Jonathan Shively, executive director of Congregational Life Ministries, acknowledged how difficult the decision has been to eliminate the Congregational Life Team, a program of the church in place since the beginning of 1998. "This is tough for the church, and we know it," he said.
The redesign is intended to maintain vital ministries while still making staff reductions necessary to meet the reduction in budget, Shively said. "Our relationship and service to congregations is not going to go away," he said. "It’s going to look different, and feel different, but we still have a commitment to congregations."
The Congregational Life Team has worked for more than a decade to provide a bridge between the denomination and congregations across the US and Puerto Rico. The team has supported local church pastors and leaders as well as district staff and leaders; has helped congregations through coaching, consulting, and strategic visioning; and has resourced the church in a variety of areas including evangelism, church organization, Christian education, and intercultural ministry. Team members also have represented the Church of the Brethren through a variety of ecumenical assignments.
The original vision was for a Congregational Life Team of between 15 and 17 staff members, working in five geographic areas across the country. The current redesign of the program has become necessary "not because the CLT model was not working, but with the necessity to do ministry with less staff," Shively said.
The two new director-level positions will emphasize building capacity for leadership in local congregations and districts. Staff will shift from point-of-service ministries in geographic areas to ministries that build up congregational leadership and develop networks to exchange services and resources throughout the denomination.
"The denomination’s role shifts from trying to address the wide range of specific, individualized needs to building intentional resource networks and increasing the capacity of disciples at all layers of the church’s life to lead one another effectively and faithfully," Shively said.
The new director-level position for Transforming Practices will focus on helping leaders influence change, expand mission, cultivate evangelism, and assist the church through the process of transformation. A director of Spiritual Life and Discipleship will promote discipleship, resource spiritual formation, and facilitate understanding of congregational ethics guidelines.
In addition, former Congregational Life Team member Ruben Deoleo will continue on staff as director of Intercultural Ministries responsible for equipping the denomination toward its intercultural vision and commitments. Chris Douglas continues as director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries, which provides leadership in understanding youth and young adult culture, trains the church for ministry with young people, and provides programmatic opportunities for youth and young adults.
For more information about the redesign of Congregational Life Ministries, contact executive director Jonathan Shively at jshively_gb@brethren.org or 800-323-8039.
Washington Office:
Following the closing of the Washington Office, Jay Wittmeyer, executive director of Global Mission Partnerships, will be structuring a listening process to gather broad denominational feedback for reshaping the way the church carries out the work of witness, peacebuilding, and justice.
As the listening process takes shape, executive staff emphasized that the Church of the Brethren will continue its longstanding relationships with partners in peacemaking, continues to have representatives on the boards of ecumenical institutions to speak out and support the denomination’s witness for peace and justice, will continue giving grants to peace partners such as Churches for Middle East Peace, continues the practice of the general secretary signing on to advocacy statements from the National Council of Churches and other ecumenical bodies, continues advocacy for healthcare reform through the Caring Ministries and the Fellowship of Brethren Homes, and will continue providing opportunities and events such as the Christian Citizenship Seminar.
Some of the work responsibilities of the Washington Office will be centered at the General Offices, including resources to be made available through the Global Missions Partnerships office, online resources to support efforts for peace witness, continuing Faith Expeditions, opportunities for political advocacy, and the work of the church to support conscientious objection.
The conscientious objection work is extremely important to the Church of the Brethren, Wittmeyer said, and will be done through the office of Global Mission Partnerships at the church’s General Offices. At that location, individual conscientious objector files may be kept safe in the vault in the Brethren Historical Library and Archives.
Services or functions previously handled by the Washington Office should be channeled through the Global Mission Partnerships office; call 800-323-8039. The upcoming Christian Citizenship Seminar that has been co-sponsored by the Brethren Witness/Washington Office and the Youth and Young Adult Ministry will be led by Chris Douglas, director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry.
Source: 3/25/2009 Newsline
The Church of the Brethren is redesigning its Congregational Life Ministries and has eliminated the Congregational Life Team, effective April 6. The denomination also closed its Washington Office, as of March 19. The actions are part of a plan created by executive staff to respond to financial challenges facing the denomination and the decision of the Mission and Ministry Board to reduce the operating budget for core ministries by $505,000 this year.
The decisions eliminate positions of Congregational Life Team members, effective April 6, and the position of director of the Brethren Witness/Washington Office, effective March 19 (see personnel announcements below).
"As I informed staff before the Spring board meeting, the level of financial losses that we are looking at necessitate a cut in staff," said general secretary Stan Noffsinger. "It is a heavy burden to reduce staff at this time. It has been our desire all along to not end any positions, but the scope of this is greater than our ability to merely reduce operational expenses. There is not one ministry area in the church that is going unscathed in this process. It is a situation affecting the whole church"
At the Spring meeting, the expectation for income to support the core ministries of the church this year was revised downward by almost $1 million. The board was informed of a loss of about $7 million in net assets in 2008, caused by the market downturn, as well as a 10 percent decrease in total giving to the denomination compared to 2007.
"The board took its responsibility seriously, and at each decision moment were cognizant of the impact for employees as well as members of the church who have passion for ministry areas that will be affected," Noffsinger said.
All employees were part of a staff meeting and conference call prior to the Spring board meeting, at which the general secretary announced that staff reductions would be made following the decision of the board, if the budget reduction was approved. After the board meeting, at another all-employee meeting and conference call, he reviewed the board’s decisions and announced that staff reductions would come over the next two weeks.
"We are doing what we can to help out employees who lose their positions," Noffsinger said, "including a three-month severance package and an outplacement service that walks with people until they get new employment."
Congregational Life Ministries:
The plan for Congregational Life Ministries outlines a new staff configuration with four director-level positions to be based at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill. The four positions are Intercultural Ministries, Transforming Practices, Spiritual Life and Discipleship, and Youth and Young Adult Ministries.
Jonathan Shively, executive director of Congregational Life Ministries, acknowledged how difficult the decision has been to eliminate the Congregational Life Team, a program of the church in place since the beginning of 1998. "This is tough for the church, and we know it," he said.
The redesign is intended to maintain vital ministries while still making staff reductions necessary to meet the reduction in budget, Shively said. "Our relationship and service to congregations is not going to go away," he said. "It’s going to look different, and feel different, but we still have a commitment to congregations."
The Congregational Life Team has worked for more than a decade to provide a bridge between the denomination and congregations across the US and Puerto Rico. The team has supported local church pastors and leaders as well as district staff and leaders; has helped congregations through coaching, consulting, and strategic visioning; and has resourced the church in a variety of areas including evangelism, church organization, Christian education, and intercultural ministry. Team members also have represented the Church of the Brethren through a variety of ecumenical assignments.
The original vision was for a Congregational Life Team of between 15 and 17 staff members, working in five geographic areas across the country. The current redesign of the program has become necessary "not because the CLT model was not working, but with the necessity to do ministry with less staff," Shively said.
The two new director-level positions will emphasize building capacity for leadership in local congregations and districts. Staff will shift from point-of-service ministries in geographic areas to ministries that build up congregational leadership and develop networks to exchange services and resources throughout the denomination.
"The denomination’s role shifts from trying to address the wide range of specific, individualized needs to building intentional resource networks and increasing the capacity of disciples at all layers of the church’s life to lead one another effectively and faithfully," Shively said.
The new director-level position for Transforming Practices will focus on helping leaders influence change, expand mission, cultivate evangelism, and assist the church through the process of transformation. A director of Spiritual Life and Discipleship will promote discipleship, resource spiritual formation, and facilitate understanding of congregational ethics guidelines.
In addition, former Congregational Life Team member Ruben Deoleo will continue on staff as director of Intercultural Ministries responsible for equipping the denomination toward its intercultural vision and commitments. Chris Douglas continues as director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries, which provides leadership in understanding youth and young adult culture, trains the church for ministry with young people, and provides programmatic opportunities for youth and young adults.
For more information about the redesign of Congregational Life Ministries, contact executive director Jonathan Shively at jshively_gb@brethren.org or 800-323-8039.
Washington Office:
Following the closing of the Washington Office, Jay Wittmeyer, executive director of Global Mission Partnerships, will be structuring a listening process to gather broad denominational feedback for reshaping the way the church carries out the work of witness, peacebuilding, and justice.
As the listening process takes shape, executive staff emphasized that the Church of the Brethren will continue its longstanding relationships with partners in peacemaking, continues to have representatives on the boards of ecumenical institutions to speak out and support the denomination’s witness for peace and justice, will continue giving grants to peace partners such as Churches for Middle East Peace, continues the practice of the general secretary signing on to advocacy statements from the National Council of Churches and other ecumenical bodies, continues advocacy for healthcare reform through the Caring Ministries and the Fellowship of Brethren Homes, and will continue providing opportunities and events such as the Christian Citizenship Seminar.
Some of the work responsibilities of the Washington Office will be centered at the General Offices, including resources to be made available through the Global Missions Partnerships office, online resources to support efforts for peace witness, continuing Faith Expeditions, opportunities for political advocacy, and the work of the church to support conscientious objection.
The conscientious objection work is extremely important to the Church of the Brethren, Wittmeyer said, and will be done through the office of Global Mission Partnerships at the church’s General Offices. At that location, individual conscientious objector files may be kept safe in the vault in the Brethren Historical Library and Archives.
Services or functions previously handled by the Washington Office should be channeled through the Global Mission Partnerships office; call 800-323-8039. The upcoming Christian Citizenship Seminar that has been co-sponsored by the Brethren Witness/Washington Office and the Youth and Young Adult Ministry will be led by Chris Douglas, director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry.
Source: 3/25/2009 Newsline
Mission and Ministry Board announces results of its reorganization.
The Church of the Brethren’s Mission and Ministry Board has announced the results of its action to immediately reorganize to comply with the number of members approved by Annual Conference when the Association of Brethren Caregivers and General Board merged. The action was taken at the board’s Spring meeting.
Before the economic downturn, the board planned to gradually reduce its number of members by attrition, with each member of the prior two boards invited to fill out their full terms. The immediacy of the decision was intended to help reduce expenses following a decision to reduce the operating budget for the church’s core ministries this year by $505,000.
The decision immediately reduces the number of board members from 29 to 19. Chair Eddie Edmonds has announced that the board will stand at 19 members for 2009, and will be at the approved level of 17 members following this year’s Annual Conference.
"This action represents a significant savings to the core ministries budget," said Edmonds, who also serves as pastor of Moler Avenue Church of the Brethren in Martinsburg, W.Va. "My deep appreciation and thanks to those who have now completed their service to the Mission and Ministry Board. Proper and appropriate recognition of the service of those who completed their terms of service as a result of this action will occur by the best means available."
Following are those who continue on the Mission and Ministry Board for 2009 (dates are the last year of their terms on the board): Eddie Edmonds, chair (2009), Dale Minnich, chair-elect (2011), Vernne Greiner (2010), Ken Wenger (2009), Terry Lewis (2012), Frances Townsend (2012), Dan McRoberts (2010), Willie Hisey Pierson (2013), Andy Hamilton (2013), Tammy Kiser (2011), Ben Barlow (2013), David Bollinger (2011), Hector Perez-Borges (2011), Wallace Cole (2013), Barbra Davis (2011), Chris Whitacre (2010), Colleen Michael (2011), Bruce Holderreed (2010), and John Katonah (2010).
Source: 3/25/2009 Newsline
The Church of the Brethren’s Mission and Ministry Board has announced the results of its action to immediately reorganize to comply with the number of members approved by Annual Conference when the Association of Brethren Caregivers and General Board merged. The action was taken at the board’s Spring meeting.
Before the economic downturn, the board planned to gradually reduce its number of members by attrition, with each member of the prior two boards invited to fill out their full terms. The immediacy of the decision was intended to help reduce expenses following a decision to reduce the operating budget for the church’s core ministries this year by $505,000.
The decision immediately reduces the number of board members from 29 to 19. Chair Eddie Edmonds has announced that the board will stand at 19 members for 2009, and will be at the approved level of 17 members following this year’s Annual Conference.
"This action represents a significant savings to the core ministries budget," said Edmonds, who also serves as pastor of Moler Avenue Church of the Brethren in Martinsburg, W.Va. "My deep appreciation and thanks to those who have now completed their service to the Mission and Ministry Board. Proper and appropriate recognition of the service of those who completed their terms of service as a result of this action will occur by the best means available."
Following are those who continue on the Mission and Ministry Board for 2009 (dates are the last year of their terms on the board): Eddie Edmonds, chair (2009), Dale Minnich, chair-elect (2011), Vernne Greiner (2010), Ken Wenger (2009), Terry Lewis (2012), Frances Townsend (2012), Dan McRoberts (2010), Willie Hisey Pierson (2013), Andy Hamilton (2013), Tammy Kiser (2011), Ben Barlow (2013), David Bollinger (2011), Hector Perez-Borges (2011), Wallace Cole (2013), Barbra Davis (2011), Chris Whitacre (2010), Colleen Michael (2011), Bruce Holderreed (2010), and John Katonah (2010).
Source: 3/25/2009 Newsline
Brethren bits: Corrections, remembrance, personnel, more.
- Corrections: The Newsline story on leadership at the 2009 Annual Conference included several errors. Erin Matteson's first name was not spelled correctly. Scott Duffey’s hometown is Staunton, Va. Noel Naff is pastor of Mount Hermon Church of the Brethren in Bassett, Va.
- A. Blair Helman, 88, president of Manchester College for 30 years from 1956-86, and moderator of the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference in 1975-76, died on March 22 at Timbercrest Retirement Community in North Manchester, Ind. "President Helman’s leadership reflected his keen intellect, deep faith, and enduring love for Manchester College," said Manchester College president Jo Young Switzer. "The entire Manchester College community continues to walk in his footsteps: his commitments to faith, learning, and service; a broad world view; financial integrity; and educational strength." Helman was acknowledged as a national and state leader in higher education and in the Church of the Brethren, which he served as an ordained minister since 1942. In addition to his service as Annual Conference moderator, he also served the church as chair of the Committee on Higher Education, as chair of the McPherson (Kan.) College Board of Trustees, as chair of district boards and as a district moderator, three terms on Standing Committee, as chair of the Executive Committee of the former Western Region, and as a member of the Annual Conference Review and Evaluation Committee in the 1980s. He also served on the Policy Board of the Department of Higher Education of the National Council of Churches, from 1960-71, and on the board of the Indiana Council of Churches. His leadership in state and national education included service on the Commission on Arms Control Education for the UN, leadership in the establishment of the Associated Colleges of Indiana and the Independent Colleges of Indiana, a term as chair of the Council of Protestant Colleges and Universities, and as president of the Indiana Conference of Higher Education. He attended Bethany Bible Training School and McPherson College, where he met his wife, Patricia Kennedy Helman. He earned a master’s degree and doctorate from the University of Kansas. He was born Dec. 25, 1920, to Henry and Luie (Pritt) Helman. He grew up in and was ordained by Rummel (Pa.) Church of the Brethren. After high school, he worked in a coal mine to help support his family and his college plans. He pastored three Church of the Brethren congregations in Kansas, and also taught at Ottawa University, Friends University, and the University of Kansas, before going to Manchester. Patricia Kennedy Helman died in October 2005, after 58 years of marriage. He is survived by his daughters Bunny Hill of Wichita, Kan., and Patty Magaro of Columbus, Ind.; and five grandchildren. Memorials may be made to the Manchester College Presidential Leadership Awards/A. Blair and Patricia K. Helman Honor Scholarships and to the A. Blair and Patricia Kennedy Helman Charitable Endowment in care of the Community Foundation of Wabash County. A memorial service will be held at Manchester College’s Cordier Auditorium at 1:30 p.m. on March 27, with a reception following.
- The Church of the Brethren has announced the elimination of the position of volunteer service ministries secretary, as of March 24. Kim Bickler’s service in the position ended the same day. The elimination of this position is happening because of the economic recession and the budget reduction put in place by the Mission and Ministry Board at its Spring meeting. Each person whose position is eliminated because of the budget reduction is receiving a three-month severance package of regular salary and benefits and outplacement services. Bickler was hired as secretary for Brethren Volunteer Service recruitment and orientation in May 1991. In 1992, her title changed to secretary of BVS recruitment, and more recently to volunteer service ministries secretary. During her tenure with BVS she served "at the hub" of the organization, and enjoyed getting to know as many as possible of the hundreds of volunteers who have served through BVS in the past 17 years. She is married to Steven Bickler, who works for Brethren Press, and is a member of Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren in Elgin, Ill.
- Middle Pennsylvania District has called Karen Duhai as part-time Youth Ministry Coordinator. She is a member of Bedford (Pa.) Church of the Brethren. She recently completed a year of Brethren Volunteer Service in N. Ireland, where she worked in a community relations program and with youth and young adults in the pursuit of a better and more peaceful future for the city of Derry/Londonderry. Most recently she has been a substitute teacher. She graduated from Elizabethtown (Pa.) College in 2007 with a bachelor’s degree in English and Religion. While in college she served as the chaplain’s assistant. She also served one summer with the Youth Peace Travel Team, and another summer with Ministry Summer Service at Manassas (Va.) Church of the Brethren.
- Zach Erbaugh, director of seminary computing for Bethany Theological Seminary and Earlham School of Religion in Richmond, Ind., has submitted his resignation effective April 17. He has accepted a position with a national software services company providing medical records tracking to hospitals and pharmacies. He began his service with Bethany and ESR in Oct. 2000.
- Bethany Theological Seminary and Earlham School of Religion seek applicants for the joint position of director of Seminary Computing at their campus in Richmond, Ind. Bethany Seminary is the graduate school of theology of the Church of the Brethren. Earlham School of Religion is a graduate theological school in the Quaker tradition. The director of Seminary Computing serves on the administrative faculty of both seminaries, and reports to the Academic Dean at Bethany. The director provisions, manages, and secures technology resources for the two seminaries; advises the seminaries on the use and development of information technology; and coordinates resources between the seminaries. In carrying out these responsibilities, the director consults and collaborates with various faculty and staff colleagues; prepares and manages shared and separate institutional budgets; supervises a technical staff consisting of a fulltime employee and multiple student workers; and convenes the Seminary Computing Roundtable. Qualifications include at least a bachelor’s degree in computer science and/or information technology, a minimum of two years of experience related to the responsibilities of the position, understanding of an educational environment preferably including familiarity with the nature of seminary education, a commitment to the vision and mission of the two seminaries in partnership and individually, a combination of superior technological skills and skills in interpersonal communication, ability to quickly evaluate problems and work toward solutions to maximize institutional efficiency, ability to work with deadlines and under pressure. The position begins on July 1, or earlier depending on the availability of the candidate. Review of applications will begin April 1 and will continue until the position is filled. To apply, submit a letter of application, accompanied by a resume and references, to deansoffice@bethanyseminary.edu, or via mail to Office of the Academic Dean, Bethany Theological Seminary, 615 National Road West, Richmond, IN 47374.
- Kathy Reid, executive director of the Church of the Brethren’s Caring Ministries, participated in a conference call briefing on the "Serve America Act" with US President Obama's Domestic Policy Council. Others on the conference call included representatives of many denominational health and human service providers, such as Catholic Charities and Lutheran Services of America. "As you know, national service is a priority of President Obama," Reid reported. "The ‘Serve America Act’ has strong bipartisan support with a goal of tripling the number of current volunteers with the hope of having more than 250,000 core members." Reid said that the legislation is expected to increase the leveraging of private sector dollars within current programs (Senior Corp, VISTA-AmeriCorp, and NCCC) with an increase in federal dollars for these programs and expanded possibilities for service. Key elements of the legislation are major outreach to the faith-based community, a streamlined application process, new fixed-price grants, strong emphasis on volunteer generation, and focus on capacity building within faith-based health and human service organizations. The bill is expected to be passed by Congress this week.
- The Church of the Brethren’s Material Resources currently is loading two 40-foot containers of quilts and school kits destined for two locations in Ukraine. The program based at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md., processes, warehouses, and ships relief materials on behalf of a number of ecumenical partner agencies. The second container will be loaded Thursday while International Relief and Development representatives from Armenia, Ukraine, and the Republic of Georgia are visiting the Brethren Service Center. This coordinated visit was arranged so that representatives could see the preparation process and container loading in the US, and the unloading in the Ukraine, reported Material Resources director Loretta Wolf. In addition, working on behalf of Church World Service, the Material Resources staff have shipped 200 clean-up kits, blankets, school, and hygiene kits to Monmouth, Ill., in response to spring storms, and 50 blankets were sent to Victoria, Texas, for the homeless and economically disadvantaged.
Bethany Theological Seminary names new academic dean.
Steven Schweitzer has been named associate professor and academic dean at Bethany Theological Seminary in Richmond, Ind., beginning July 1. He has been assistant professor of Old Testament at Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary in Elkhart, Ind.
Schweitzer is a member of Prince of Peace Church of the Brethren in South Bend, Ind. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Christian studies summa cum laude from North Central University in Minneapolis, Minn.; a master of arts in theology with a concentration in Hebrew Bible and a minor in patristics from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minn.; and a doctoral degree in theology from the University of Notre Dame.
His publishing record includes in 2007, the book "Reading Utopia in Chronicles" published by T & T Clark International, and "Utopian Visions in the Ancient and Biblical Worlds" under contract with Fortress Press. He also has published journal articles, invited essays, and book reviews. He previously taught at North Central University and the University of Notre Dame.
Source: 3/25/2009 Newsline
Steven Schweitzer has been named associate professor and academic dean at Bethany Theological Seminary in Richmond, Ind., beginning July 1. He has been assistant professor of Old Testament at Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary in Elkhart, Ind.
Schweitzer is a member of Prince of Peace Church of the Brethren in South Bend, Ind. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Christian studies summa cum laude from North Central University in Minneapolis, Minn.; a master of arts in theology with a concentration in Hebrew Bible and a minor in patristics from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minn.; and a doctoral degree in theology from the University of Notre Dame.
His publishing record includes in 2007, the book "Reading Utopia in Chronicles" published by T & T Clark International, and "Utopian Visions in the Ancient and Biblical Worlds" under contract with Fortress Press. He also has published journal articles, invited essays, and book reviews. He previously taught at North Central University and the University of Notre Dame.
Source: 3/25/2009 Newsline
Seven staff end their work on the Congregational Life Team.
The Congregational Life Team is being eliminated from the program of the Church of the Brethren, and the following staff are ending their service on the team, effective April 6. Elimination of the positions of Congregational Life Team members is happening because of the economic recession and the budget reduction put in place by the Mission and Ministry Board. Each person whose position is eliminated because of the budget reduction is receiving a three-month severance package of regular salary and benefits and outplacement services.
Stanley Dueck has been serving as a member of the team since June 14, 1999, when he was hired as Congregational Life Team staff for Area 1. He is an ordained minister in the Church of the Brethren. During his tenure with the team, Dueck has worked tirelessly as a strategic consultant for congregations, assisting them with vision and mission, reorganization, leadership development, and cultivating a healthy congregational environment. A strength of his work has been the ability to help congregations understand what is happening in the North American context through an evangelical Anabaptist perspective, and then to utilize that knowledge to connect to and express their faith history, journey, and mission. He also has served as a consultant for districts, camps, and not-for-profit entities related to the Church of the Brethren.
Jeff Glass began serving in a half-time position as Congregational Life Team coordinator for Area 5 on Jan. 1, 1998. He has been a part of the dispersed Congregational Life Team staff since its inception more than 10 years ago. He is an ordained minister in the Church of the Brethren. Glass’s work on the team has included an emphasis on the complex cultural shifts of today, and efforts to find ways to embody the good news of Jesus Christ in culturally relevant ways. He has helped to encourage and support the emergent church movement among the Brethren, with media ministry and digital communication as special interests. He has helped develop videos and digital presentations, has helped congregations build an Internet presence, and encouraged the church to make better use of technology. During his time on the team, he has worked to develop expertise in the Gallup Strengths rubric, and to further develop his skills for identifying and nurturing gifts through a doctor of ministry program.
Duane Grady has been a part of the dispersed Congregational Life Team staff since its inception. He began as half-time Congregational Life Team coordinator for Area 2 on Jan. 1, 1998, and later also took on the position of coordinator for Area 4. For some years, he concurrently served part-time in pastoral ministry in Indiana with his wife, Bev. He is an ordained minister in the Church of the Brethren. During his tenure with the team, Grady helped lead and shape the church’s cross cultural ministries emphasis, and coordinated the annual Cross Cultural Consultation and Celebration for several years, as well as several cross-cultural music tours by Brethren groups. He has incorporated into his work a commitment to expand the diversity of the church and has modeled in his personal and professional relationships a vision of the multicultural reality of God’s world. He also has filled an informal role as "team provocateur," asking tough questions and not settling for simple answers. He has applied a servant’s heart, missional passion, and immersion in scripture to the work of helping churches explore new ways of being in Christ, and has worked tirelessly to nurture healthy relationships between church leaders and congregations.
Steven W. Gregory began work part-time as Congregational Life Team staff for Area 5 on Jan. 1, 2000, at the same time serving part-time as district executive for Oregon and Washington District. He is an ordained minister in the Church of the Brethren. During his tenure, Gregory has worked at building relationships and developing leadership in Area 5. His personable nature, spiritual rootedness, and thoughtful engagement have defined his ministry. He has worked collaboratively with districts and staff colleagues to plan and promote learning events such as a recent racism awareness tour by the musical group "Best Friends." He has displayed skill in relating to people and congregations across the theological spectrum. Also, he has a strong interest in church planting, and has spent his sabbatical visiting new church plants in the Church of the Brethren, gathering their stories, and drawing wisdom from their experiences.
Janice Glass King has been a part of the dispersed Congregational Life Team staff since its inception. She began as part-time Congregational Life Team coordinator for Area 1 on Dec. 1, 1997. On Jan. 1, 1998, the position was increased to fulltime. She is an ordained minister in the Church of the Brethren. During her tenure, King worked to support congregations and districts in the areas of Christian nurture, Christian education, women’s ministry, youth ministry, congregational consulting and resourcing, and leadership development. She served as liaison to the Association of the Arts in the Church of the Brethren, coordinated and oversaw completion of the Growing Faithful Disciples project, and served on the Advisory Board for "Giving Magazine" through the Ecumenical Stewardship Center. For a period of time, she also was part-time chaplain at the Village at Morrison’s Cove in Martinsburg, Pa., providing an opportunity to use her studies in gerontology. During her time with the team, she completed a Spiritual Formation program through Oasis Ministries and incorporated her learnings into her work. She has worked out of a deep spiritual center, applying artistic and organizational skills to all aspects of her ministry.
Carol E.O. Mason began as Congregational Life Team coordinator for Area 3 on Dec. 5, 2005. Prior to her service with the team, she also had served the Church of the Brethren as a mission worker in Nigeria. She is an ordained minister in the Church of the Brethren. During her tenure with the team, Mason has applied her creativity, adaptability, and passion for the church and its mission to help congregations improve their Christian education programs, strengthen their evangelism and outreach, practice creative worship, and build healthy systems through Natural Church Development. She has served on a group working with the Gather ’Round curriculum and on the editorial group for "Seed Packet," the Church of the Brethren’s Christian education newsletter. She has been a frequent presenter at Annual Conference and other conferences. Her recognition of the relational culture of the Brethren has served her well in forming working relationships with congregations, districts, and her Church of the Brethren colleagues.
Carol L. Yeazell has been a part of the dispersed Congregational Life Team staff since its inception. Her service with the team started on Jan. 15, 1998, when she began a dual position as part-time Congregational Life Team staff for Area 3 and part-time district executive for Atlantic Southeast District. For seven months in 2005 she served as coordinator for Area 3, and from Jan. 2007-July 2008 was interim director of the Congregational Life Team. She is an ordained minister in the Church of the Brethren. Yeazell’s commitment to prayer and healing, coupled with her organizational and leadership skills, have contributed to working with congregations in transition. During her tenure, she has cultivated the cross-cultural ministry of the denomination, using her bilingual skills in Spanish and English. She has served as liaison to the Hispanic communities in the US and Puerto Rico, where she also has worked with theological education, and has a passion for ministry in the Haitian community. Her passion for church planting has included a successful effort to help plant an intercultural church in Hendersonville, N.C., supporting this initiative along with her husband, Gene. The couple also operate a retreat/Sabbath house for those who need refreshment in body, mind, and spirit.
Ruben Deoleo’s half-time service as a Congregational Life Team member ends April 6, but he continues on the Church of the Brethren staff in a newly expanded fulltime position as director of Intercultural Ministry in the Congregational Life Ministries area. He began serving as Congregational Life Team staff for Area 2 and for Intercultural Ministries on Nov. 12, 2007.
Source: 3/25/2009 Newsline
The Congregational Life Team is being eliminated from the program of the Church of the Brethren, and the following staff are ending their service on the team, effective April 6. Elimination of the positions of Congregational Life Team members is happening because of the economic recession and the budget reduction put in place by the Mission and Ministry Board. Each person whose position is eliminated because of the budget reduction is receiving a three-month severance package of regular salary and benefits and outplacement services.
Stanley Dueck has been serving as a member of the team since June 14, 1999, when he was hired as Congregational Life Team staff for Area 1. He is an ordained minister in the Church of the Brethren. During his tenure with the team, Dueck has worked tirelessly as a strategic consultant for congregations, assisting them with vision and mission, reorganization, leadership development, and cultivating a healthy congregational environment. A strength of his work has been the ability to help congregations understand what is happening in the North American context through an evangelical Anabaptist perspective, and then to utilize that knowledge to connect to and express their faith history, journey, and mission. He also has served as a consultant for districts, camps, and not-for-profit entities related to the Church of the Brethren.
Jeff Glass began serving in a half-time position as Congregational Life Team coordinator for Area 5 on Jan. 1, 1998. He has been a part of the dispersed Congregational Life Team staff since its inception more than 10 years ago. He is an ordained minister in the Church of the Brethren. Glass’s work on the team has included an emphasis on the complex cultural shifts of today, and efforts to find ways to embody the good news of Jesus Christ in culturally relevant ways. He has helped to encourage and support the emergent church movement among the Brethren, with media ministry and digital communication as special interests. He has helped develop videos and digital presentations, has helped congregations build an Internet presence, and encouraged the church to make better use of technology. During his time on the team, he has worked to develop expertise in the Gallup Strengths rubric, and to further develop his skills for identifying and nurturing gifts through a doctor of ministry program.
Duane Grady has been a part of the dispersed Congregational Life Team staff since its inception. He began as half-time Congregational Life Team coordinator for Area 2 on Jan. 1, 1998, and later also took on the position of coordinator for Area 4. For some years, he concurrently served part-time in pastoral ministry in Indiana with his wife, Bev. He is an ordained minister in the Church of the Brethren. During his tenure with the team, Grady helped lead and shape the church’s cross cultural ministries emphasis, and coordinated the annual Cross Cultural Consultation and Celebration for several years, as well as several cross-cultural music tours by Brethren groups. He has incorporated into his work a commitment to expand the diversity of the church and has modeled in his personal and professional relationships a vision of the multicultural reality of God’s world. He also has filled an informal role as "team provocateur," asking tough questions and not settling for simple answers. He has applied a servant’s heart, missional passion, and immersion in scripture to the work of helping churches explore new ways of being in Christ, and has worked tirelessly to nurture healthy relationships between church leaders and congregations.
Steven W. Gregory began work part-time as Congregational Life Team staff for Area 5 on Jan. 1, 2000, at the same time serving part-time as district executive for Oregon and Washington District. He is an ordained minister in the Church of the Brethren. During his tenure, Gregory has worked at building relationships and developing leadership in Area 5. His personable nature, spiritual rootedness, and thoughtful engagement have defined his ministry. He has worked collaboratively with districts and staff colleagues to plan and promote learning events such as a recent racism awareness tour by the musical group "Best Friends." He has displayed skill in relating to people and congregations across the theological spectrum. Also, he has a strong interest in church planting, and has spent his sabbatical visiting new church plants in the Church of the Brethren, gathering their stories, and drawing wisdom from their experiences.
Janice Glass King has been a part of the dispersed Congregational Life Team staff since its inception. She began as part-time Congregational Life Team coordinator for Area 1 on Dec. 1, 1997. On Jan. 1, 1998, the position was increased to fulltime. She is an ordained minister in the Church of the Brethren. During her tenure, King worked to support congregations and districts in the areas of Christian nurture, Christian education, women’s ministry, youth ministry, congregational consulting and resourcing, and leadership development. She served as liaison to the Association of the Arts in the Church of the Brethren, coordinated and oversaw completion of the Growing Faithful Disciples project, and served on the Advisory Board for "Giving Magazine" through the Ecumenical Stewardship Center. For a period of time, she also was part-time chaplain at the Village at Morrison’s Cove in Martinsburg, Pa., providing an opportunity to use her studies in gerontology. During her time with the team, she completed a Spiritual Formation program through Oasis Ministries and incorporated her learnings into her work. She has worked out of a deep spiritual center, applying artistic and organizational skills to all aspects of her ministry.
Carol E.O. Mason began as Congregational Life Team coordinator for Area 3 on Dec. 5, 2005. Prior to her service with the team, she also had served the Church of the Brethren as a mission worker in Nigeria. She is an ordained minister in the Church of the Brethren. During her tenure with the team, Mason has applied her creativity, adaptability, and passion for the church and its mission to help congregations improve their Christian education programs, strengthen their evangelism and outreach, practice creative worship, and build healthy systems through Natural Church Development. She has served on a group working with the Gather ’Round curriculum and on the editorial group for "Seed Packet," the Church of the Brethren’s Christian education newsletter. She has been a frequent presenter at Annual Conference and other conferences. Her recognition of the relational culture of the Brethren has served her well in forming working relationships with congregations, districts, and her Church of the Brethren colleagues.
Carol L. Yeazell has been a part of the dispersed Congregational Life Team staff since its inception. Her service with the team started on Jan. 15, 1998, when she began a dual position as part-time Congregational Life Team staff for Area 3 and part-time district executive for Atlantic Southeast District. For seven months in 2005 she served as coordinator for Area 3, and from Jan. 2007-July 2008 was interim director of the Congregational Life Team. She is an ordained minister in the Church of the Brethren. Yeazell’s commitment to prayer and healing, coupled with her organizational and leadership skills, have contributed to working with congregations in transition. During her tenure, she has cultivated the cross-cultural ministry of the denomination, using her bilingual skills in Spanish and English. She has served as liaison to the Hispanic communities in the US and Puerto Rico, where she also has worked with theological education, and has a passion for ministry in the Haitian community. Her passion for church planting has included a successful effort to help plant an intercultural church in Hendersonville, N.C., supporting this initiative along with her husband, Gene. The couple also operate a retreat/Sabbath house for those who need refreshment in body, mind, and spirit.
Ruben Deoleo’s half-time service as a Congregational Life Team member ends April 6, but he continues on the Church of the Brethren staff in a newly expanded fulltime position as director of Intercultural Ministry in the Congregational Life Ministries area. He began serving as Congregational Life Team staff for Area 2 and for Intercultural Ministries on Nov. 12, 2007.
Source: 3/25/2009 Newsline
Jones ends service as director of Brethren Witness/Washington Office.
The position of director of the Brethren Witness/Washington Office has been eliminated and the Washington Office has been closed as of March 19. The elimination of this position is happening because of the economic recession and the budget reduction put in place by the Mission and Ministry Board. Each person whose position is eliminated because of the budget reduction is receiving a three-month severance package of regular salary and benefits and outplacement services.
Phil Jones’ service as director of the Brethren Witness/Washington Office ended March 19. He has been director of the office since July 21, 2003. His work at the Brethren Witness/Washington Office built on his involvement in grassroots efforts for peace and justice, including work against the death penalty and opposition to the war in Iraq. During his tenure, the office has done advocacy work based on statements of Annual Conference, and helped organize many different events such as the Christian Citizenship Seminar and annual gatherings of Brethren at the School of the Americas Watch vigils. By working through national organizations, congregations, districts, and Annual Conference, Jones has worked to raise the awareness of many people. He also offered leadership at National Youth Conference, Young Adult Conferences, and other youth gatherings as he has met with and challenged young people to examine their faith and live out the teachings of the church.
Source: 3/25/2009 Newsline
The position of director of the Brethren Witness/Washington Office has been eliminated and the Washington Office has been closed as of March 19. The elimination of this position is happening because of the economic recession and the budget reduction put in place by the Mission and Ministry Board. Each person whose position is eliminated because of the budget reduction is receiving a three-month severance package of regular salary and benefits and outplacement services.
Phil Jones’ service as director of the Brethren Witness/Washington Office ended March 19. He has been director of the office since July 21, 2003. His work at the Brethren Witness/Washington Office built on his involvement in grassroots efforts for peace and justice, including work against the death penalty and opposition to the war in Iraq. During his tenure, the office has done advocacy work based on statements of Annual Conference, and helped organize many different events such as the Christian Citizenship Seminar and annual gatherings of Brethren at the School of the Americas Watch vigils. By working through national organizations, congregations, districts, and Annual Conference, Jones has worked to raise the awareness of many people. He also offered leadership at National Youth Conference, Young Adult Conferences, and other youth gatherings as he has met with and challenged young people to examine their faith and live out the teachings of the church.
Source: 3/25/2009 Newsline
Garrison to end her work with Wellness Ministry in May.
The position of director of the Wellness Ministry of the Church of the Brethren is being eliminated as of May 30. The elimination of this position is happening because of the economic recession and the budget reduction put in place by the Mission and Ministry Board at its Spring meeting. Each person whose position is eliminated because of the budget reduction is receiving a three-month severance package of regular salary and benefits and outplacement services.
Mary Lou Garrison’s service as director of the Wellness Ministry ends May 30. She has worked part-time as director of the ministry since Aug. 1, 2006. The position was started as a collaboration between the former Association of Brethren Caregivers and General Board, and Brethren Benefit Trust. Prior to her appointment to the Wellness Ministry, Garrison had worked as director of Human Resources for the General Board. During her tenure with the Wellness Ministry, she worked to promote wellness for church members and the goals of the ministry in congregations, districts, and agencies throughout the denomination, with special attention to those enrolled in the Brethren Medical Plan. She developed, coordinated, and managed a resource bureau of people from across the church with expertise in health education. In addition, she coordinated and helped write a weekly list serve publication offering ideas for healthy living and healthy eating, led women’s wellness retreats, and led wellness events at Annual Conference.
Source: 3/25/2009 Newsline
The position of director of the Wellness Ministry of the Church of the Brethren is being eliminated as of May 30. The elimination of this position is happening because of the economic recession and the budget reduction put in place by the Mission and Ministry Board at its Spring meeting. Each person whose position is eliminated because of the budget reduction is receiving a three-month severance package of regular salary and benefits and outplacement services.
Mary Lou Garrison’s service as director of the Wellness Ministry ends May 30. She has worked part-time as director of the ministry since Aug. 1, 2006. The position was started as a collaboration between the former Association of Brethren Caregivers and General Board, and Brethren Benefit Trust. Prior to her appointment to the Wellness Ministry, Garrison had worked as director of Human Resources for the General Board. During her tenure with the Wellness Ministry, she worked to promote wellness for church members and the goals of the ministry in congregations, districts, and agencies throughout the denomination, with special attention to those enrolled in the Brethren Medical Plan. She developed, coordinated, and managed a resource bureau of people from across the church with expertise in health education. In addition, she coordinated and helped write a weekly list serve publication offering ideas for healthy living and healthy eating, led women’s wellness retreats, and led wellness events at Annual Conference.
Source: 3/25/2009 Newsline
April is Child Abuse Awareness Month.
"Child abuse prevention is good for the church as well as the children," states the Church of the Brethren’s "Child Abuse Prevention Handbook," published in 1991. During the month of April and throughout the year, the Family Life Ministry of the Church of the Brethren encourages all individuals and congregations to play a role in making communities a better place for children and families.
Congregations can help reduce the risk of child abuse by adopting child protection policies and ensuring that parents and caregivers have the knowledge, skills, and resources they need to care for their children, according to an announcement from Kim Ebersole, director of Family Life. Materials to raise awareness about child abuse and child protection issues, as well as links to other resources, are available at www.brethren.org/childprotection or by calling the Caring Ministries office at 800-323-8039.
"We also encourage you to attend ‘Keeping Our Children Safe--Child Abuse Prevention,’ an insight session at Annual Conference, on June 29, at 9 p.m.," Ebersole said. The Annual Conference takes place in San Diego on June 26-30.
Source: 3/25/2009 Newsline Extra
"Child abuse prevention is good for the church as well as the children," states the Church of the Brethren’s "Child Abuse Prevention Handbook," published in 1991. During the month of April and throughout the year, the Family Life Ministry of the Church of the Brethren encourages all individuals and congregations to play a role in making communities a better place for children and families.
Congregations can help reduce the risk of child abuse by adopting child protection policies and ensuring that parents and caregivers have the knowledge, skills, and resources they need to care for their children, according to an announcement from Kim Ebersole, director of Family Life. Materials to raise awareness about child abuse and child protection issues, as well as links to other resources, are available at www.brethren.org/childprotection or by calling the Caring Ministries office at 800-323-8039.
"We also encourage you to attend ‘Keeping Our Children Safe--Child Abuse Prevention,’ an insight session at Annual Conference, on June 29, at 9 p.m.," Ebersole said. The Annual Conference takes place in San Diego on June 26-30.
Source: 3/25/2009 Newsline Extra
Bethany Seminary offers webcast, ‘A Jewish Tentmaker Preaches Peace.’
Bethany Theological Seminary in Richmond, Ind., is offering an Internet webcast on March 28 of a presentation by New Testament professor Dan Ulrich titled "A Jewish Tentmaker Preaches Peace"
The event is being held in recognition of Ulrich’s recent promotion to professor of New Testament Studies at the seminary. In his presentation, Ulrich will explore key passages from the book of Romans. Enten Eller, the seminary’s director of Electronic Communication, said he hopes to invite "everyone from Sunday school classes to leaders in the Church of the Brethren to consider participating."
The presentation will be given on Saturday, March 28, at 7:30 p.m. (eastern time) at Bethany’s Nicarry Chapel. The public is invited to attend the event, or to participate by viewing the live Internet webcast.
Go to http://esr-bts.na3.acrobat.com/bethanymeeting to log in to the webcast. At the log-in page, select "Enter as a guest" and enter name and location, including city and state. Then click "Enter room" and the webcast should display in the computer’s browser window. Participants may log in anytime before the presentation starts. For technical assistance, contact Eller at Enten@bethanyseminary.edu or 765-983-1831.
Source: 3/25/2009 Newsline Extra
Bethany Theological Seminary in Richmond, Ind., is offering an Internet webcast on March 28 of a presentation by New Testament professor Dan Ulrich titled "A Jewish Tentmaker Preaches Peace"
The event is being held in recognition of Ulrich’s recent promotion to professor of New Testament Studies at the seminary. In his presentation, Ulrich will explore key passages from the book of Romans. Enten Eller, the seminary’s director of Electronic Communication, said he hopes to invite "everyone from Sunday school classes to leaders in the Church of the Brethren to consider participating."
The presentation will be given on Saturday, March 28, at 7:30 p.m. (eastern time) at Bethany’s Nicarry Chapel. The public is invited to attend the event, or to participate by viewing the live Internet webcast.
Go to http://esr-bts.na3.acrobat.com/bethanymeeting to log in to the webcast. At the log-in page, select "Enter as a guest" and enter name and location, including city and state. Then click "Enter room" and the webcast should display in the computer’s browser window. Participants may log in anytime before the presentation starts. For technical assistance, contact Eller at Enten@bethanyseminary.edu or 765-983-1831.
Source: 3/25/2009 Newsline Extra
Dedication of Christopher Saur I historical marker planned for April.
On Sunday, April 19, at 3 p.m. an official Pennsylvania Historical Marker will be dedicated in Philadelphia at the site of the shop of colonial printer Christopher Saur I. The marker has been made possible by the combined efforts of the Historical Committee of the Church of the Brethren's Atlantic Northeast District, and the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission.
The main ceremony will be held directly across the street from the site of the print shop, in Trinity Lutheran Church at 5300 Germantown Ave., site of the home of Christopher Saur II.
Although the program has not been finalized, the following commitments have been made: Stephen L Longenecker, chair of the history department at Bridgewater (Va.) College and author of "The Christopher Sauers," will deliver the main address. On display will be a copy of an early Saur Bible. Other presentations will be made by a representative of the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission; John D. Hostetter, pastor of Lampeter (Pa.) Church of the Brethren and moderator of Atlantic Northeast District; Craig H. Smith, district executive of Atlantic Northeast District; Ron Lutz, moderator of Germantown Church of the Brethren; and David E. Fuchs, chair of the district's Historical Committee.
This is the second such marker to be made possible by the joint efforts of the district's Historical Committee and the state commission, the first having been placed at Germantown Church of the Brethren on Sept. 21, 2008.
Source: 3/25/2009 Newsline Extra
On Sunday, April 19, at 3 p.m. an official Pennsylvania Historical Marker will be dedicated in Philadelphia at the site of the shop of colonial printer Christopher Saur I. The marker has been made possible by the combined efforts of the Historical Committee of the Church of the Brethren's Atlantic Northeast District, and the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission.
The main ceremony will be held directly across the street from the site of the print shop, in Trinity Lutheran Church at 5300 Germantown Ave., site of the home of Christopher Saur II.
Although the program has not been finalized, the following commitments have been made: Stephen L Longenecker, chair of the history department at Bridgewater (Va.) College and author of "The Christopher Sauers," will deliver the main address. On display will be a copy of an early Saur Bible. Other presentations will be made by a representative of the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission; John D. Hostetter, pastor of Lampeter (Pa.) Church of the Brethren and moderator of Atlantic Northeast District; Craig H. Smith, district executive of Atlantic Northeast District; Ron Lutz, moderator of Germantown Church of the Brethren; and David E. Fuchs, chair of the district's Historical Committee.
This is the second such marker to be made possible by the joint efforts of the district's Historical Committee and the state commission, the first having been placed at Germantown Church of the Brethren on Sept. 21, 2008.
Source: 3/25/2009 Newsline Extra
More events: Good Friday Witness, Kline Homestead benefit, more.
- A Good Friday Witness on April 10 is continuing the faith-based initiative against gun violence that was launched at the Heeding God’s Call gathering in Philadelphia in January. The gathering was sponsored by the Church of the Brethren, the Philadelphia Yearly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends, and Mennonite Church USA. A letter from four Christian leaders in the Philadelphia area announced the Good Friday Witness: Bishop Kermit Newkirk of Harold O Davis Memorial Baptist Church in Logan, Rev. Mary Laney of St Christopher’s Episcopal Church in Gladwyne, Rev. David Tatgenhorst of St. Luke United Methodist Church in Bryn Mawr, and Rev. Isaac Miller of the Church of the Advocate in North Philadelphia. "This event bears witness not only to the horror of 2,000 years ago, but to the continuing outrage of violence that took 400 lives in Philadelphia in 2007, and, though there were fewer killings by gunfire last year, the number remains appalling," the letter said. The witness will be held at Colosimo’s Gun Center, which the invitation said has been identified by the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence "as among the top 10 sellers of weapons involved in crimes in the country," The witness begins at 4 p.m. on April 10, at 9th and Spring Garden in Philadelphia.
- Copper Hill (Va.) Church of the Brethren is hosting a performance on April 4 to raise funds for preservation of the John Kline Homestead. The performance by Phyllis Stump will tell about the life of southwest Virginia midwife Orlene Puckett, a local legend of the Blue Ridge Parkway. For more information contact inkymartin@msn.com or 540-772-7736.
- The Brethren Retirement Community Auxiliary in Greenville, Ohio, is holding a 50th Anniversary Open House on April 2, from 1-3 p.m. The event includes a time of reminiscing at 3 p.m. Contact Janet Ashworth at janet.ashworth@bhrc.org or 937-547-7682.
- Bridgewater (Va.) College will celebrate the 129th anniversary of its founding on April 7, presenting several awards during the 11 a.m. convocation in the Carter Center for Worship and Music. Two faculty members will be recognized for excellence in teaching: Verne E. Leininger, associate professor of mathematics and a member of Linville Creek Church of the Brethren in Broadway, Va., will receive the Ben and Janice Wade Outstanding Teaching Award; and Philip T. Spickler, associate professor of physics and a member of Harrisonburg (Va.) First Church of the Brethren, will receive the Martha B. Thornton Faculty Recognition Award. Two seniors, Nicole M. Engel of Manassas, Va., and Rea T. Williams III of Bumpass, Va., will receive Outstanding Leadership Awards.
- Juniata College in Huntingdon, Pa., is hosting the Pennsylvania National Association for Multicultural Education conference on April 3-4. "This is a unique opportunity to have some of the most prominent experts in multicultural education right here in our own backyard," said Rosalie Rodriguez, special assistant to the president for diversity and inclusion, in a press release. The theme is "Sustaining Justice," with the goal of creating a learning environment of acceptance, understanding, and community building. The conference will feature lectures, workshops, and discussion panels led by diversity experts from across the US. Teachers can earn Act 48 credits for attending. For more information, go to http://www.juniata.edu/services/diversity/MainEvents.html or contact Rodriguez at 814-641-3125.
- The University of La Verne (Calif.) Coalition for Diversity and the African American Student Alliance are sponsoring a weekly colloquium series on Thursdays from 12-1:30 p.m., with four sessions focusing on different topics and themes. Upcoming sessions are held on March 26, on "White Privilege," facilitated by Matt Witt, associate professor of Public Administration; April 2, on "Redefining Diversity," facilitated by Cleveland Hayes, assistant professor of Education; and May 7, on "Cultural Identity Development: Melting Pot vs. Salad Bowl," facilitated by Chris Liang, assistant professor of Psychology, and Leticia Arellano, associate professor of Psychology.
- A panel presentation on the "Global Movement Against Racism" is co-sponsored by the Sub-Committee for the Elimination of Racism of the NGO Committee on Human Rights. Doris Abdullah represents the Church of the Brethren on the subcommittee. The event takes place March 26 at 2-5 p.m. at the ECOSOC Chamber at United Nations Headquarters in New York. Panelists are Ambassador Morten Wetland of Norway; Jessica Neuwirth, director of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in New York; Ejim Dike of the Human Rights Project, Urban Justice Center; Angela C. Wu, International Law Director at the Becket Fund; Roberto Mucaro Borrero of the Museum of Natural History and the NGO Committee on the UN International Decade of the World’s Indigenous Peoples. The event is in commemoration of the International Day for the Elimination of Racism.
- Joseph Kip Kosek, assistant professor at George Washington University and a member of Oakton Church of the Brethren, will present a lecture on the impact of radical Christian pacifists on American democratic theory and practice at the Library of Congress on March 25 at 4 p.m. He is the author of "Acts of Conscience: Christian Nonviolence and Modern American Democracy" and a former fellow of the Library’s John W. Kluge Center. Go to http://www.loc.gov/today/pr/2009/09-047.html for more information.
- Ray Warner's 100th birthday celebration will be held on April 5 at First Church of the Brethren in Eden, N.C., from 2-4 p.m. He served for many years as deacon chair at the church.
Credits
Newsline is produced by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of news services for the Church of the Brethren, cobnews@brethren.org or 800-323-8039 ext. 260. Chris Bowman, Kim Ebersole, Enten Eller, Mary K. Heatwole, Jeri S. Kornegay, Karin Krog, Glenn Riegel, Jobie E Riley, Marcia Shetler, Kristine Shunk, John Wall, Julia Wheeler, 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. Chris Bowman, Kim Ebersole, Enten Eller, Mary K. Heatwole, Jeri S. Kornegay, Karin Krog, Glenn Riegel, Jobie E Riley, Marcia Shetler, Kristine Shunk, John Wall, Julia Wheeler, and Loretta Wolf contributed to this report.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Church of the Brethren closes its Washington Office, announced listening process to reshape work of witness, peacebuilding
The Church of the Brethren has closed its Washington Office, as of March 19. The decision is part of an overall plan created by executive staff to respond to financial challenges facing the denomination and the decision of the Mission and Ministry Board to reduce the operating budget for core ministries by $505,000 this year.
The decision eliminates the position of director of the Brethren Witness/Washington Office. Phil Jones has held that position since July 2003 (see staff announcement below).
Jay Wittmeyer, executive director of Global Mission Partnerships, will be structuring a listening process to gather broad denominational feedback for reshaping the way the church carries out the work of witness, peacebuilding, and justice.
Services or functions previously handled by the Washington Office should be channeled through the Global Mission Partnerships office; call 800-323-8039.
The upcoming Christian Citizenship Seminar that has been co-sponsored by the Brethren Witness/Washington Office and the Youth and Young Adult Ministry will be led by Chris Douglas, director of the Youth and Young Adult Ministry.
Staff announcement
The position of director of the Brethren Witness/Washington Office has been eliminated and the Church of the Brethren's Washington Office has been closed as of March 19. The elimination of this position is happening because of the economic recession and the budget reduction put in place by the Mission and Ministry Board at its recent meeting.
Phil Jones' service as director of the Brethren Witness/Washington Office ended March 19. Each person whose position is eliminated because of the budget reduction is receiving a three-month severance package of regular salary and benefits and outplacement services.
Jones has been director of the office since July 21, 2003. His work at the Brethren Witness/Washington Office built on his involvement in grassroots efforts for peace and justice, including work against the death penalty and opposition to the war in Iraq.
During his tenure, the office has done advocacy work based on statements of Annual Conference, and has helped organize many different events such as the Christian Citizenship Seminar and annual gatherings of Brethren at the School of the Americas (SOA) Watch vigils. By working through national organizations, congregations, districts, and Annual Conference, Jones has worked to raise the awareness of many people. He also has offered leadership at National Youth Conference, Young Adult Conferences, and other youth gatherings as he has met with and challenged youth to examine their faith and live out the teachings of the church.
Credits
The Church of the Brethren Newsline is produced by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of news services for the Church of the Brethren. Newsline stories may be reprinted if Newsline is cited as the source. Contact cobnews@brethren.org to receive Newsline by e-mail or to submit news to the editor at cobnews@brethren.org.
The Church of the Brethren has closed its Washington Office, as of March 19. The decision is part of an overall plan created by executive staff to respond to financial challenges facing the denomination and the decision of the Mission and Ministry Board to reduce the operating budget for core ministries by $505,000 this year.
The decision eliminates the position of director of the Brethren Witness/Washington Office. Phil Jones has held that position since July 2003 (see staff announcement below).
Jay Wittmeyer, executive director of Global Mission Partnerships, will be structuring a listening process to gather broad denominational feedback for reshaping the way the church carries out the work of witness, peacebuilding, and justice.
Services or functions previously handled by the Washington Office should be channeled through the Global Mission Partnerships office; call 800-323-8039.
The upcoming Christian Citizenship Seminar that has been co-sponsored by the Brethren Witness/Washington Office and the Youth and Young Adult Ministry will be led by Chris Douglas, director of the Youth and Young Adult Ministry.
Staff announcement
The position of director of the Brethren Witness/Washington Office has been eliminated and the Church of the Brethren's Washington Office has been closed as of March 19. The elimination of this position is happening because of the economic recession and the budget reduction put in place by the Mission and Ministry Board at its recent meeting.
Phil Jones' service as director of the Brethren Witness/Washington Office ended March 19. Each person whose position is eliminated because of the budget reduction is receiving a three-month severance package of regular salary and benefits and outplacement services.
Jones has been director of the office since July 21, 2003. His work at the Brethren Witness/Washington Office built on his involvement in grassroots efforts for peace and justice, including work against the death penalty and opposition to the war in Iraq.
During his tenure, the office has done advocacy work based on statements of Annual Conference, and has helped organize many different events such as the Christian Citizenship Seminar and annual gatherings of Brethren at the School of the Americas (SOA) Watch vigils. By working through national organizations, congregations, districts, and Annual Conference, Jones has worked to raise the awareness of many people. He also has offered leadership at National Youth Conference, Young Adult Conferences, and other youth gatherings as he has met with and challenged youth to examine their faith and live out the teachings of the church.
Credits
The Church of the Brethren Newsline is produced by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of news services for the Church of the Brethren. Newsline stories may be reprinted if Newsline is cited as the source. Contact cobnews@brethren.org to receive Newsline by e-mail or to submit news to the editor at cobnews@brethren.org.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Newsline Special: Report from Mission and Ministry Board meeting
MISSION AND MINISTRY BOARD REVISES BUDGET FOR 2009, ANNOUNCES IMMEDIATE REORGANIZATION OF THE BOARD
Financial concerns topped the agenda at the March 14-16 meeting of the Church of the Brethren's Mission and Ministry Board. The denominational board met at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md., using Romans 12:2 as a scripture theme. The board is chaired by Eddie Edmonds, pastor of Moler Avenue Church of the Brethren in Martinsburg, W.Va.
In its major item of business, the board adopted a staff recommendation to revise the budget parameter for Church of the Brethren core ministries in 2009.
Revision of 2009 budget parameter
The board revised this year’s expectations for income to the Core Ministries Fund downward by close to $1 million. The revision was made in light of a loss of about $7 million in net assets in 2008, caused by the market downturn, as well as a 10 percent decrease in total giving to the denomination compared to 2007.
The new budget parameter represents an expected $5,174,000 in income, reduced from $6,036,000. Total expenses for core ministries in the revised budget come to $5,671,000. With these revisions, the board approved a reduction of $505,000 in the operating budget for core ministries, use of $497,000 in net assets, and use of $166,000 in designated funds to cover the deficit that is expected this year.
The budget decision affects the core ministries of the denomination, but does not affect the self-funded ministries. A detailed plan for making the 2009 budget reduction of $505,000 was presented in sessions that included only board and executive staff.
Treasurer Judy Keyser told the board that finance staff anticipates the need for an additional budget reduction of close to $300,000 in 2010, and that there is an assumption of no salary and wage increases next year as well.
The board spent time reviewing the cash flow situation of the church, and how long day-to-day operations can be maintained without having to dip into investments or endowments. LeAnn Wine, executive director of Systems and Services, presented analysis indicating the church holds unrestricted cash assets sufficient to cover average monthly cash flow for several years.
"We have sufficient cash reserves. Our net assets are still strong," Keyser told the Executive Committee. The Church of the Brethren currently has a net asset value of around $23 million, down from the net asset value of some $30 million at the close of 2007.
Keyser emphasized as another piece of "better news" that the Church of the Brethren does not have outside debt obligations. The year 2008 "could have been worse," she said. "There were net assets available. Secondly, designated funds were available. Thirdly, there was a policy change that buffered against substantial losses," she added, referring to a policy on how the church records market fluctuations.
In comments outside of the meetings, general secretary Stan Noffsinger said that the comprehensive plan to make the budget reduction of $505,000 for 2009 will be carried out and announced over the next several weeks. The plan will eliminate a number of employee positions, and also make substantial changes in how certain departments will do their work, he said.
The financial situation "has forced the church to re-envision its ministries," explained Noffsinger, emphasizing that leadership is attempting to use this difficult period to position the denomination to emerge from the economic downturn in good shape and with ministries appropriate to the current climate.
Board reorganization
The board made a decision to immediately reorganize itself to comply with the decision of Annual Conference when the merger of the Association of Brethren Caregivers with the General Board was initially approved: 15 members plus a chair and chair-elect.
Before the economic downturn, the board had planned to gradually reduce its number of members by attrition, with each member of the prior boards invited to fill out their full terms. The immediacy of the decision was intended to help reduce the expenses of the board before Annual Conference this year. Details of the board’s reorganization are to be made public in a later announcement.
Other business
In other actions, the board accepted the 2009 Annual Conference budget, approved the 2008 Annual Report of Church of the Brethren Ministries, and approved spending up to $378,000 from a Land, Buildings, and Equipment Fund to pay for necessary upgrades to safety features and equipment in the kitchen at the New Windsor Conference Center.
The board also affirmed work by staff with regard to the Domestic Hunger Matching Grants program. Staff were empowered to find funding to match grants for the remaining 136 congregations that applied for the program after the money allocated from the Global Food Crisis Fund and the Emergency Disaster Fund was fully expended.
In addition, the board recognized the work of Wil Nolen, who recently retired as president of Brethren Benefit Trust; held a first read-through of revised by-laws for the denomination; did brainstorming for new core values and vision statements; reviewed a timeline for an update of the Ministerial Leadership Paper; and heard a preliminary proposal for a new Children’s Ministry within the Caring Ministries.
Leaders of two organizations headquartered at the Brethren Service Center--IMA World Health and SERRV--addressed the board and gave an update about their organizations. Paul Derstine spoke as president and CEO of IMA World Health; Bob Chase spoke as president and CEO of SERRV.
Reports were received about a master plan for the Brethren Service Center and the General Offices, a new denomination-wide fundraising campaign that is in the planning stages, the church’s Global Mission Partnerships, the work of Children’s Disaster Services, the Brethren Disaster Ministries work in Haiti with the Brethren mission there, the Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership, new church development in the US, and several recent conferences.
During some of the reports, board members were invited to engage in "table talk," giving an opportunity for in-depth small group discussion of specific questions related to the ministries of the church.
The Executive Committee approved an expenditure of $47,000 from the Bequest Quasi Endowment Fund for a test study of the new fundraising campaign, with consultants RSI of Dallas, Texas. The appointment of Denise D. Kettering to the Brethren Historical Committee was affirmed by the Executive Committee.
The board meeting also included meals and times of fellowship, a tour of the Brethren Service Center campus, daily devotions, and a Sunday morning worship service.
Comments throughout the meetings returned to the fact that the difficulties facing the Church of the Brethren--in terms of finances and the accompanying necessity for reductions in staffing and program changes--have been forced by outside events.
"We don’t always find the olive branch," said board chair Eddie Edmonds during his opening comments to the Executive Committee. He likened the board to Noah’s dove sent out to find the green branch as a signal that flood waters were receding, but without avail at first. However, the dove each time was able to return to loving shelter in the ark, he said.
Edmonds called on the group to remember the presence of God and the love of the church, even when business is heavy and decisions are not clear. "We don’t always find the prize," he said. But he added, "We will continue to always welcome each other in the church."
The meetings closed with prayer, led by board member Chris Whitacre. The board prayed for those affected by the results of decisions made at the meeting, and for decision-makers to feel confident. "God... you have been with us in the deliberations of this process," Whitacre prayed, "every step of the way."
A photo album from the board meeting will be available later this week at www.brethren.org.
MISSION AND MINISTRY BOARD REVISES BUDGET FOR 2009, ANNOUNCES IMMEDIATE REORGANIZATION OF THE BOARD
Financial concerns topped the agenda at the March 14-16 meeting of the Church of the Brethren's Mission and Ministry Board. The denominational board met at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md., using Romans 12:2 as a scripture theme. The board is chaired by Eddie Edmonds, pastor of Moler Avenue Church of the Brethren in Martinsburg, W.Va.
In its major item of business, the board adopted a staff recommendation to revise the budget parameter for Church of the Brethren core ministries in 2009.
Revision of 2009 budget parameter
The board revised this year’s expectations for income to the Core Ministries Fund downward by close to $1 million. The revision was made in light of a loss of about $7 million in net assets in 2008, caused by the market downturn, as well as a 10 percent decrease in total giving to the denomination compared to 2007.
The new budget parameter represents an expected $5,174,000 in income, reduced from $6,036,000. Total expenses for core ministries in the revised budget come to $5,671,000. With these revisions, the board approved a reduction of $505,000 in the operating budget for core ministries, use of $497,000 in net assets, and use of $166,000 in designated funds to cover the deficit that is expected this year.
The budget decision affects the core ministries of the denomination, but does not affect the self-funded ministries. A detailed plan for making the 2009 budget reduction of $505,000 was presented in sessions that included only board and executive staff.
Treasurer Judy Keyser told the board that finance staff anticipates the need for an additional budget reduction of close to $300,000 in 2010, and that there is an assumption of no salary and wage increases next year as well.
The board spent time reviewing the cash flow situation of the church, and how long day-to-day operations can be maintained without having to dip into investments or endowments. LeAnn Wine, executive director of Systems and Services, presented analysis indicating the church holds unrestricted cash assets sufficient to cover average monthly cash flow for several years.
"We have sufficient cash reserves. Our net assets are still strong," Keyser told the Executive Committee. The Church of the Brethren currently has a net asset value of around $23 million, down from the net asset value of some $30 million at the close of 2007.
Keyser emphasized as another piece of "better news" that the Church of the Brethren does not have outside debt obligations. The year 2008 "could have been worse," she said. "There were net assets available. Secondly, designated funds were available. Thirdly, there was a policy change that buffered against substantial losses," she added, referring to a policy on how the church records market fluctuations.
In comments outside of the meetings, general secretary Stan Noffsinger said that the comprehensive plan to make the budget reduction of $505,000 for 2009 will be carried out and announced over the next several weeks. The plan will eliminate a number of employee positions, and also make substantial changes in how certain departments will do their work, he said.
The financial situation "has forced the church to re-envision its ministries," explained Noffsinger, emphasizing that leadership is attempting to use this difficult period to position the denomination to emerge from the economic downturn in good shape and with ministries appropriate to the current climate.
Board reorganization
The board made a decision to immediately reorganize itself to comply with the decision of Annual Conference when the merger of the Association of Brethren Caregivers with the General Board was initially approved: 15 members plus a chair and chair-elect.
Before the economic downturn, the board had planned to gradually reduce its number of members by attrition, with each member of the prior boards invited to fill out their full terms. The immediacy of the decision was intended to help reduce the expenses of the board before Annual Conference this year. Details of the board’s reorganization are to be made public in a later announcement.
Other business
In other actions, the board accepted the 2009 Annual Conference budget, approved the 2008 Annual Report of Church of the Brethren Ministries, and approved spending up to $378,000 from a Land, Buildings, and Equipment Fund to pay for necessary upgrades to safety features and equipment in the kitchen at the New Windsor Conference Center.
The board also affirmed work by staff with regard to the Domestic Hunger Matching Grants program. Staff were empowered to find funding to match grants for the remaining 136 congregations that applied for the program after the money allocated from the Global Food Crisis Fund and the Emergency Disaster Fund was fully expended.
In addition, the board recognized the work of Wil Nolen, who recently retired as president of Brethren Benefit Trust; held a first read-through of revised by-laws for the denomination; did brainstorming for new core values and vision statements; reviewed a timeline for an update of the Ministerial Leadership Paper; and heard a preliminary proposal for a new Children’s Ministry within the Caring Ministries.
Leaders of two organizations headquartered at the Brethren Service Center--IMA World Health and SERRV--addressed the board and gave an update about their organizations. Paul Derstine spoke as president and CEO of IMA World Health; Bob Chase spoke as president and CEO of SERRV.
Reports were received about a master plan for the Brethren Service Center and the General Offices, a new denomination-wide fundraising campaign that is in the planning stages, the church’s Global Mission Partnerships, the work of Children’s Disaster Services, the Brethren Disaster Ministries work in Haiti with the Brethren mission there, the Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership, new church development in the US, and several recent conferences.
During some of the reports, board members were invited to engage in "table talk," giving an opportunity for in-depth small group discussion of specific questions related to the ministries of the church.
The Executive Committee approved an expenditure of $47,000 from the Bequest Quasi Endowment Fund for a test study of the new fundraising campaign, with consultants RSI of Dallas, Texas. The appointment of Denise D. Kettering to the Brethren Historical Committee was affirmed by the Executive Committee.
The board meeting also included meals and times of fellowship, a tour of the Brethren Service Center campus, daily devotions, and a Sunday morning worship service.
Comments throughout the meetings returned to the fact that the difficulties facing the Church of the Brethren--in terms of finances and the accompanying necessity for reductions in staffing and program changes--have been forced by outside events.
"We don’t always find the olive branch," said board chair Eddie Edmonds during his opening comments to the Executive Committee. He likened the board to Noah’s dove sent out to find the green branch as a signal that flood waters were receding, but without avail at first. However, the dove each time was able to return to loving shelter in the ark, he said.
Edmonds called on the group to remember the presence of God and the love of the church, even when business is heavy and decisions are not clear. "We don’t always find the prize," he said. But he added, "We will continue to always welcome each other in the church."
The meetings closed with prayer, led by board member Chris Whitacre. The board prayed for those affected by the results of decisions made at the meeting, and for decision-makers to feel confident. "God... you have been with us in the deliberations of this process," Whitacre prayed, "every step of the way."
A photo album from the board meeting will be available later this week at www.brethren.org.
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.
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.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
NEWS
- Annual Conference preachers and other leaders are announced.
- Brethren Volunteer Service Unit 283 begins work.
- Indiana districts receive Lilly Endowment grant to aid pastors.
- Brethren bits: Remembrance, personnel, Brethren books, and more.
Annual Conference preachers and other leaders are announced.
Preachers and other leaders for the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference to be held June 26-30 in San Diego, Calif., have been announced by the Annual Conference Office. Coordinating the worship services will be Scott Duffey of Westminster, Md. Preachers will address the Conference theme for 2009, "The old has gone! The new has come! All this is from God!" (2 Corinthians 5:16-21).
Annual Conference moderator David K. Shumate, who is district executive minister for Virlina District, will preach for the opening worship service on the evening of Friday, June 26. Moderator-elect Shawn Flory Replogle, pastor of McPherson (Kan.) Church of the Brethren, will be worship leader for the Friday evening service.
For the Saturday evening worship service, the preacher will be Richard F. Shreckhise, of the pastoral team at Lancaster (Pa.) Church of the Brethren. The worship leader will be Susan R. Daniel, administrative executive of Idaho District.
Eric H. F. Law will bring the Sunday morning message for the Conference. He is an ordained Episcopal priest and consultant in the area of multicultural ministry, and author of a number of books including "The Wolf Shall Dwell with the Lamb: A Spirituality for Leadership in a Multicultural Community" and "Finding Intimacy in a World of Fear" among others. Leading worship Sunday morning will be Jonathan Shively, executive director of the Church of the Brethren’s Congregational Life Ministries.
Preaching on Monday evening will be Nancy Heishman, co-coordinator of the Church of the Brethren mission in the Dominican Republic along with her husband, Irvin Heishman. Leading worship will be Joseph V. Vecchio of the Pacific Southwest District office staff.
The closing worship service for the Conference, on Tuesday morning, June 30, will receive the message from Jaime Diaz, pastor of Castañer Iglesia de los Hermanos (Castañer Church of the Brethren) in Puerto Rico. The worship leader will be Valentina Satvedi, an ordained minister in the Church of the Brethren and director of the Anti-Racism Program of Mennonite Central Committee US.
Music for the Annual Conference worship services will be coordinated by Eric Matteson, co-pastor of Modesto (Calif.) Church of the Brethren. Music leaders will include Conference Choir director Stephen Reddy, also of Modesto; Children’s Choir director Linda Williams of San Diego; organist Anna Grady of Goshen, Ind.; and at the piano/keyboard Dan Masterson of Lindsborg, Kan.
Bible study leaders include Julie Hostetter, director of the Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership, who will serve as leader of evening Bible study sessions; Nick Corrall, pastor of Iglesia de Cristo Genesis, a Church of the Brethren congregation in Los Angeles, who will coordinate Hispanic Bible studies; Gene Hagenberger, pastor of Easton (Md.) Church of the Brethren, and Noel Naff, pastor of Mount Hermon Church of the Brethren in Bassett, Va., who will lead morning Bible study sessions; and Estella Horning, an ordained Church of the Brethren minister and retired seminary teacher from Goshen, Ind., who will lead the theological studies.
Go to www.cobannualconference.org for more information about the Annual Conference and to register online.
Source: 3/11/2009 Newsline
Preachers and other leaders for the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference to be held June 26-30 in San Diego, Calif., have been announced by the Annual Conference Office. Coordinating the worship services will be Scott Duffey of Westminster, Md. Preachers will address the Conference theme for 2009, "The old has gone! The new has come! All this is from God!" (2 Corinthians 5:16-21).
Annual Conference moderator David K. Shumate, who is district executive minister for Virlina District, will preach for the opening worship service on the evening of Friday, June 26. Moderator-elect Shawn Flory Replogle, pastor of McPherson (Kan.) Church of the Brethren, will be worship leader for the Friday evening service.
For the Saturday evening worship service, the preacher will be Richard F. Shreckhise, of the pastoral team at Lancaster (Pa.) Church of the Brethren. The worship leader will be Susan R. Daniel, administrative executive of Idaho District.
Eric H. F. Law will bring the Sunday morning message for the Conference. He is an ordained Episcopal priest and consultant in the area of multicultural ministry, and author of a number of books including "The Wolf Shall Dwell with the Lamb: A Spirituality for Leadership in a Multicultural Community" and "Finding Intimacy in a World of Fear" among others. Leading worship Sunday morning will be Jonathan Shively, executive director of the Church of the Brethren’s Congregational Life Ministries.
Preaching on Monday evening will be Nancy Heishman, co-coordinator of the Church of the Brethren mission in the Dominican Republic along with her husband, Irvin Heishman. Leading worship will be Joseph V. Vecchio of the Pacific Southwest District office staff.
The closing worship service for the Conference, on Tuesday morning, June 30, will receive the message from Jaime Diaz, pastor of Castañer Iglesia de los Hermanos (Castañer Church of the Brethren) in Puerto Rico. The worship leader will be Valentina Satvedi, an ordained minister in the Church of the Brethren and director of the Anti-Racism Program of Mennonite Central Committee US.
Music for the Annual Conference worship services will be coordinated by Eric Matteson, co-pastor of Modesto (Calif.) Church of the Brethren. Music leaders will include Conference Choir director Stephen Reddy, also of Modesto; Children’s Choir director Linda Williams of San Diego; organist Anna Grady of Goshen, Ind.; and at the piano/keyboard Dan Masterson of Lindsborg, Kan.
Bible study leaders include Julie Hostetter, director of the Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership, who will serve as leader of evening Bible study sessions; Nick Corrall, pastor of Iglesia de Cristo Genesis, a Church of the Brethren congregation in Los Angeles, who will coordinate Hispanic Bible studies; Gene Hagenberger, pastor of Easton (Md.) Church of the Brethren, and Noel Naff, pastor of Mount Hermon Church of the Brethren in Bassett, Va., who will lead morning Bible study sessions; and Estella Horning, an ordained Church of the Brethren minister and retired seminary teacher from Goshen, Ind., who will lead the theological studies.
Go to www.cobannualconference.org for more information about the Annual Conference and to register online.
Source: 3/11/2009 Newsline
Brethren Volunteer Service Unit 283 begins work.
Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS) volunteers from Unit 283 have begun work at projects in the US and Northern Ireland. The unit trained at Camp Ithiel in Gotha, Fla., from Jan. 25-Feb. 13. While in Florida the volunteers had several days to serve the community including workdays with local agencies in Orlando and Miami. The group also explored many issues of faith, community, peace, and social justice throughout the three-week training.
The volunteers’ home congregations or hometowns and placements follow: Dan Finkbiner of Little Swatara Church of the Brethren in Bethel, Pa., is serving at Hopewell Inn in Mesopotamia, Ohio; Emily Fuentes of Erie, Colo., is serving at the Palms of Sebring, Fla.; Max Fuerstenberg of Gerlingen, Germany, and Philipp Siedler of Rottweil, Germany, are serving at San Antonio (Texas) Catholic Worker House; Aaron Hostetler of Bremen, Ind., is serving at Abode Services in Fremont, Calif.; Sarah Hurst of Dillsburg, Pa., and Heather Thompson of Billing, Mont., is serving at Quaker Cottage in Belfast, N. Ireland; Chelsea Spade of Grossnickle Church of the Brethren in Myersville, Md., is serving at Casa de Esperanza de los Niños in Houston, Tex.; Patrick Spahn of Neustadt, Germany, is serving at the Center on Conscience and War in Washington, D.C.; Matthew Witkovsky of Stone Church of the Brethren in Huntington, Pa., is serving at the Brethren Witness/Washington Office; Lauren Young of Harrisonburg (Pa.) First Church of the Brethren is serving at Abode Services in Fremont, Calif.
For more information visit www.brethrenvolunteerservice.org or call 800-323-8039.
Source: 3/11/2009 Newsline
Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS) volunteers from Unit 283 have begun work at projects in the US and Northern Ireland. The unit trained at Camp Ithiel in Gotha, Fla., from Jan. 25-Feb. 13. While in Florida the volunteers had several days to serve the community including workdays with local agencies in Orlando and Miami. The group also explored many issues of faith, community, peace, and social justice throughout the three-week training.
The volunteers’ home congregations or hometowns and placements follow: Dan Finkbiner of Little Swatara Church of the Brethren in Bethel, Pa., is serving at Hopewell Inn in Mesopotamia, Ohio; Emily Fuentes of Erie, Colo., is serving at the Palms of Sebring, Fla.; Max Fuerstenberg of Gerlingen, Germany, and Philipp Siedler of Rottweil, Germany, are serving at San Antonio (Texas) Catholic Worker House; Aaron Hostetler of Bremen, Ind., is serving at Abode Services in Fremont, Calif.; Sarah Hurst of Dillsburg, Pa., and Heather Thompson of Billing, Mont., is serving at Quaker Cottage in Belfast, N. Ireland; Chelsea Spade of Grossnickle Church of the Brethren in Myersville, Md., is serving at Casa de Esperanza de los Niños in Houston, Tex.; Patrick Spahn of Neustadt, Germany, is serving at the Center on Conscience and War in Washington, D.C.; Matthew Witkovsky of Stone Church of the Brethren in Huntington, Pa., is serving at the Brethren Witness/Washington Office; Lauren Young of Harrisonburg (Pa.) First Church of the Brethren is serving at Abode Services in Fremont, Calif.
For more information visit www.brethrenvolunteerservice.org or call 800-323-8039.
Source: 3/11/2009 Newsline
Indiana districts receive Lilly Endowment grant to aid pastors.
The Church of the Brethren’s Northern Indiana District and South Central Indiana District have jointly received a grant of $335,000 from the Lilly Endowment’s new Initiative to Address Economic Challenges Facing Indiana Pastors. The two districts are among 16 regional bodies from a variety of Christian denominations to receive awards that total more than $11 million.
In Dec. 2007, the endowment awarded planning grants to Protestant regional judicatories in Indiana to study financial challenges faced by their pastors and ways to address them, according to a press release from the endowment. The groups conducted extensive surveys and engaged in in-depth interviews with pastors and congregational leaders about their current economic situations.
The groups then submitted proposals for new programs designed to address the most challenging economic issues their pastors face. In late 2008, the endowment gave grants to those groups that submitted compelling program plans. The amounts of the grants were based on the number of congregations served.
"The planning process during the past year identified a number of economic challenges impacting our pastors," said Northern Indiana District executive Herman Kauffman. "These were very similar to those impacting pastors of other denominations in Indiana. The financial concern listed most often as a serious stressor was the cost of health care. Second was inadequate retirement funds. Third was salary and benefits. Financial management was also a significant issue."
Kauffman reported that providing education to clergy and congregations related to specific ways to help alleviate stress on pastors and to improve congregational life will be a key component of the districts’ program. The two districts are considering such things as financial management seminars for clergy, stewardship education and financial management at the congregational level, and perhaps individual counseling with clergy where needed.
The two district boards have appointed a Ministerial Excellence Board consisting of six people--two appointed by each district board plus the two district executives--to oversee the hiring of a quarter-time director and to give oversight to the program and the grant funds. The Ministerial Excellence Board also will work at recruiting consultants in the areas of insurance, financial planning, fundraising, and legal matters.
"In addition to the grant received from Lilly Endowment, the Ministerial Excellence Board will work at generating matching funds to allow the program to grow and continue beyond the initial four-year period," Kauffman added. He said the districts anticipate that grants will be provided in areas that would include health care costs, retirement funds, educational debt, and higher education costs for children of clergy, with encouragement to congregations to match these grants.
"Even before the recent economic turmoil...we noticed and were increasingly troubled by ways that financial hardships facing some pastors can weigh them down and create barriers that make it very difficult for them to lead their congregations effectively," said Craig Dykstra, senior vice president for religion at the Lilly Endowment, in the press release.
The Indiana pastors included in the study admitted that personal financial pressures make it hard for them to contribute much financially to their own churches, the release reported, adding that as a result pastors are reluctant to talk openly about financial matters, to take active roles in managing congregational finances, or to encourage members to give to church ministries. "Church leaders also noted that these personal financial pressures are a major motivating factor for clergy leaving the ministry," the release said.
Source: 3/11/2009 Newsline
The Church of the Brethren’s Northern Indiana District and South Central Indiana District have jointly received a grant of $335,000 from the Lilly Endowment’s new Initiative to Address Economic Challenges Facing Indiana Pastors. The two districts are among 16 regional bodies from a variety of Christian denominations to receive awards that total more than $11 million.
In Dec. 2007, the endowment awarded planning grants to Protestant regional judicatories in Indiana to study financial challenges faced by their pastors and ways to address them, according to a press release from the endowment. The groups conducted extensive surveys and engaged in in-depth interviews with pastors and congregational leaders about their current economic situations.
The groups then submitted proposals for new programs designed to address the most challenging economic issues their pastors face. In late 2008, the endowment gave grants to those groups that submitted compelling program plans. The amounts of the grants were based on the number of congregations served.
"The planning process during the past year identified a number of economic challenges impacting our pastors," said Northern Indiana District executive Herman Kauffman. "These were very similar to those impacting pastors of other denominations in Indiana. The financial concern listed most often as a serious stressor was the cost of health care. Second was inadequate retirement funds. Third was salary and benefits. Financial management was also a significant issue."
Kauffman reported that providing education to clergy and congregations related to specific ways to help alleviate stress on pastors and to improve congregational life will be a key component of the districts’ program. The two districts are considering such things as financial management seminars for clergy, stewardship education and financial management at the congregational level, and perhaps individual counseling with clergy where needed.
The two district boards have appointed a Ministerial Excellence Board consisting of six people--two appointed by each district board plus the two district executives--to oversee the hiring of a quarter-time director and to give oversight to the program and the grant funds. The Ministerial Excellence Board also will work at recruiting consultants in the areas of insurance, financial planning, fundraising, and legal matters.
"In addition to the grant received from Lilly Endowment, the Ministerial Excellence Board will work at generating matching funds to allow the program to grow and continue beyond the initial four-year period," Kauffman added. He said the districts anticipate that grants will be provided in areas that would include health care costs, retirement funds, educational debt, and higher education costs for children of clergy, with encouragement to congregations to match these grants.
"Even before the recent economic turmoil...we noticed and were increasingly troubled by ways that financial hardships facing some pastors can weigh them down and create barriers that make it very difficult for them to lead their congregations effectively," said Craig Dykstra, senior vice president for religion at the Lilly Endowment, in the press release.
The Indiana pastors included in the study admitted that personal financial pressures make it hard for them to contribute much financially to their own churches, the release reported, adding that as a result pastors are reluctant to talk openly about financial matters, to take active roles in managing congregational finances, or to encourage members to give to church ministries. "Church leaders also noted that these personal financial pressures are a major motivating factor for clergy leaving the ministry," the release said.
Source: 3/11/2009 Newsline
Brethren bits: Remembrance, personnel, Brethren books, and more.
- Connie S. Andes, 66, a former executive staff member for the Church of the Brethren, died on March 2 at the Kansas City (Mo.) Hospice House. She served the Church of the Brethren General Board from July 1984 through August 1988 as an associate general secretary and executive of the General Services Commission, with responsibility for a number of key church programs including Brethren Press and communications, stewardship education and enlistment, data processing, and the Brethren Historical Library and Archives. During her tenure with the denomination, she was a member of the National Council of Churches (NCC) Governing Board, served on the Church Leaders Panel charged with integrating Church World Service into the NCC structure, and was a member-at-large of the NCC Executive Committee. Before joining the General Board staff, she was director of admissions, alumni director, and associate director of development at McPherson (Kan.) College, beginning in 1979. Her volunteer work for the church included service on the Annual Conference Worship Committee, the Womaen’s Caucus Steering Committee, the Western Plains Women’s Task Force, and the planning and program committee of Illinois and Wisconsin District, as well as involvement with the Global Women’s Project and writing for "Messenger" and the "Brethren Encyclopedia." She also worked in higher education, and taught high school English for two years. She was born on Nov. 1, 1942, on a farm near Mound City, Mo., to Leroy and Doris (Mann) Andes. She held a bachelor’s degree from McPherson College, a master’s degree in history from Wichita State University, and a doctoral degree from the University of Texas at Austin. She was married to Leroy C. Weddle from 1963-1982. She is survived by her daughter Dana Andes and son Tedd Weddle and wife Melanie Larsen. The family held a private gathering at the family farm for the scattering of the ashes. Condolences may be shared with the family care of Dana Andes, 1631 Emerson #323, Denver, CO 80218.
- Matt and Betsy Kuecker begin April 1 as managers of Camp Pine Lake in Eldora, Iowa, an outdoor ministry center of Northern Plains District. The Kueckers are graduates of Central College in Pella, Iowa. Betsy Kuecker holds a degree in communication studies and has worked as a Special Events director in Colorado Springs, as coordinator of Admissions at Central College, and as marketing project coordinator for a company in Omaha, Neb. Matt Kuecker holds a degree in economics and has been employed as property claims field adjuster with American Family Insurance. He also has experience in house construction. They are members of Prairie City (Iowa) Church of the Brethren.
- Shelly Wagner is returning to the position of director of the New Windsor Conference Center, located at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md. She also will serve as director of Marketing. She returns to the position on March 19, after spending six months providing leadership development for regional sales staff. She brings 12 years of experience in domestic and international marketing in the for-profit arena, having worked previously for a commercial tires and accessory parts company called I.M.I. She is a member of the Church of the Brethren and will be commuting from Waynesboro, Pa.
- Wolfgang Spreen, program assistant for Buildings and Grounds at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md., has completed his service with the Church of the Brethren as of March 9. The position has been eliminated as part of a re-evaluation of the needs of the center. Spreen began employment at the Brethren Service Center on July 14, 2003, as program assistant for the executive director, and providing assistance to the general secretary. Later he became the program assistant for the Buildings and Grounds department. His many and varied tasks have included mail sorting and delivery, providing tours for guests, telephone reception, and supporting information services on the center campus. Any services or functions previously handled by Spreen should be channeled through Ed Palsgrove, director of Buildings and Grounds for the Brethren Service Center.
- Joan McGrath, human resources coordinator at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md., completes her service with the Church of the Brethren on March 26. She has served in the position for two years, since March 6, 2007. Previously she was the owner of Footsteps to Health in Westminster, Md., and also has worked as human resources administrator for ROI Technologies in Baltimore and as manager of Corporate Services for an organization in Bethesda. She is a University of Maryland graduate with a bachelor of science degree in Technology and Management. Any services or functions previously handled by McGrath should be channeled through Karin Krog, director of Human Resources for the Church of the Brethren.
- Amy Adkins, program assistant at the Brethren Witness/Washington Office, will complete her service with the Church of the Brethren when her current service agreement ends. Her last day in the office will be March 14. She has served in the temporary, part-time position since Sept. 15, 2008. Previously, she worked in the Brethren Witness/Washington Office for three separate periods of time: as program assistant from July-Dec. 2005, and May-Nov. 2006; and as a Brethren Volunteer Service worker and legislative associate from Aug. 2003-Feb. 2005. She is from Middlebury, Ind., and is a graduate of Manchester College.
- Carol Wise, executive director of the Brethren Mennonite Council for GLBT Interests (BMC) has announced a 10-week sabbatical beginning March 15. She has served as executive for BMC for over five years. Her sabbatical plans include study and reading on the development and growth of social movements, work on worship resources for welcoming communities, and relaxing. During her sabbatical Ralph McFadden, vice-president of the BMC board, will fill in for her and spend time at the BMC office in Minneapolis, Minn., for several days every other week from March 16-May 31. He also will be available for consultation, speaking engagements, or conversation. Contact Ralph McFadden at rmcfadden@bmclgbt.org or at the BMC office at 612-343-2060 or at home at 847-622-1677.
- Brethren Press publisher Wendy McFadden has announced that the annual Church of the Brethren Lenten devotional book has sold out this year. The last copy went 10 days before Ash Wednesday, after the press sold 1,452 more than last year for a total of 5,579 copies. The strong sales are attributable to a significant gift for marketing the series, given by an individual donor who was impressed with the devotional series and wanted to expand its usage. "As part of this new push, we have begun a program to take standing orders for future seasons," McFadden said. Already, Brethren Press has received more than 2,400 orders for next Advent devotional. To be placed on the standing order list to receive the annual Advent and Lenten devotionals, call Brethren Press at 800-441-3712.
- A hardbound book of the minutes of the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference, for the years 2005-08, is now available through Brethren Press. The book includes minutes from the Conferences held in Peoria, Ill., in 2005; Des Moines, Iowa, in 2006; Cleveland, Ohio, in 2007; and Richmond, Va., in 2008. Recent previous hardbound editions have contained five years of minutes. This new volume, containing only four years, is approximately the same size as the 2000-04 volume. Go to www.brethrenpress.com or call 800-441-3712. Brethren Press also has hardbound volumes--individually and as a set--of Annual Conference minutes dating all the way back to 1945, with the exception of 1965-69.
- Children’s Disaster Services is offering a Level I Workshop at Beacon Heights Church of the Brethren in Fort Wayne, Ind., on April 3-4. The ministry also seeks sponsors for more training workshops for volunteers, especially in disaster-prone regions along the Gulf and West Coast. Children’s Disaster Services is a ministry of the Church of the Brethren. Volunteers are trained to provide a calm, safe, and reassuring present in the midst of the chaos that follows disasters by setting up and operating child care centers in disaster locations. The workshop trains participants to understand and respond to children who have experienced a disaster, helping them recognize and understand fear and other emotions children experience and how child-led play and various art mediums can start the healing process. Participants will sleep on cots and eat simple meals to experience similar living conditions to those typically provided for survivors of disasters. A $45 registration fee is required. Once training is completed, participants may become certified Children’s Disaster Services volunteers by providing two personal references and a criminal and sexual offender background check. To attend the workshop in Fort Wayne, contact local coordinator Donna Belknap at 260-483-7244. To host a Level I Workshop, contact Children’s Disaster Services at 800-451-4407, ext. 5.
- Sixteen prospective students attended a recent Campus Visit Day at Bethany Theological Seminary in Richmond, Ind. Driving and flying from Pennsylvania, Florida, Kentucky, Illinois, and Indiana, they attended classes and worship, ate with faculty and students, toured the campus, and enjoyed live music by Bethany student Seth Hendricks. According to a release from the seminary, more than 20 students are beginning classes this spring, a larger group than last year's spring start. For more information contact Elizabeth Keller, director of Admissions, at kelleel@bethanyseminary.edu.
- A Junior High Workcamp at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md., will be held on July 13-17. The center houses Brethren Disaster Ministries, SERVV, and other programs that have a world-wide impact, assisting and empowering those in need. "Come serve at New Windsor and make a difference," said an invitation from the Church of the Brethren’s Workcamp Ministry. "Have fun with other Brethren junior high youth, and find your place in the larger fabric of God’s creation." Go to www.brethrenworkcamps.org to register online, or call 800-323-8039 for more information.
- Northern Plains District and Illinois and Wisconsin District have combined efforts to provide a "Matthew 18 Training for Trainers Workshop" at First Church of the Brethren in Peoria, Ill., on March 20-21. Rick Polhamus of the Ministry of Reconciliation (MoR) of On Earth Peace will lead the workshop. MoR is providing the training free of charge. Contact Kevin Kessler, Illinois and Wisconsin district executive minister, at kevink.iwdcob@sbcglobal.net or 309-649-6008.
- The Middle Pennsylvania District Shalom Team and the Church of the Brethren’s Congregational Life Team are sponsoring a "Creating Healthy Congregations" workshop on March 20-21 at Stone Church of the Brethren in Huntingdon, Pa. Leadership is provided by Carl Bowman, Church of the Brethren sociologist, who will report the findings of the largest ever survey of Church of the Brethren members. Stan Dueck, Congregational Life Team staff, will speak on "Who We Are and How We Do Things." Five different workshop also will be available to attendees. To download a brochure visit www.midpacob.org or call 814-643-0601.
- Manchester College in North Manchester, Ind., has announced a record-setting $11.67 million in four-year academic scholarships, fueled by a record number of academically strong applicants. The scholarships range from $64,000 to $50,000, awarded to 202 high school students, according to a release. In addition, last fall the college enrolled its largest class in more than 25 years. Visit www.manchester.edu for more about Manchester College.
- The Bridgewater (Va.) College Concert Choir will present three concerts in Virlina District this spring: March 20 at 7 p.m. at Williamson Road Church of the Brethren in Roanoke, Va.; March 22 at 10:30 a.m. at Cloverdale (Va.) Church of the Brethren; and April 19 at 11 a.m. at West Richmond (Va.) Church of the Brethren. The Concert Choir includes 46 singers from all classes and specializes in masterworks for chorus. A free-will offering will be received at each concert to support the choir.
- Fahrney-Keedy Home and Village again has received high scores in the annual Maryland Nursing Facility Family Survey, according to a release from the retirement community near Boonsboro, Md. The survey contained 25 questions about five areas of a resident’s life and care: staff and administration, care provided to residents, food and meals, autonomy and resident rights, and physical aspects of the nursing home. Eighty-six surveys were issued to families or primary caregivers of Fahrney-Keedy residents. By the end of January 2009, respondents familiar with Fahrney-Keedy had returned 68 surveys for a response rate of 80 percent. Fahrney-Keedy’s scores were equal to or higher than the highest average score among all groupings in the survey. Two questions were included regarding the total experience and level of care provided by each nursing home. On a 1-to-10 scale, with 10 the best possible rating, respondents gave Fahrney-Keedy a 9.4 compared to an 8.2 rating statewide. "We are extremely pleased with the results," said Bob Lytle, administrator at Fahrney-Keedy.
- Peter Becker Community in Harleysville, Pa., is holding its 26th Annual Flower Show on the theme, "Oceans of Blooms," on March 12-14. Residents, volunteers, and staff of the retirement community share their talents, work, and enthusiasm at the annual show. Supporting the event are local businesses as display partners, donors, and sponsors. This year offers a collection of seaside scenes including a tall ship emerging from the fog, an animated lighthouse, an eco-friendly coral reef, a secret beach getaway, a sandcastle competition, and a Victorian cottage. This year's winners will be chosen by a People's Choice Competition. Also offered are a spring plant sale, thrift shop, bake sale, and other events. The show is open on March 12 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. for Senior Appreciation Day; on March 13 from 9 a.m.-7 p.m.; and on March 14 from 9 a.m.-4 p..m. The suggested donation is $5 per person, free for children. Visit www.peterbeckercommunity.com for more information or call 215-256-9501.
- Camp Ithiel Venture Fun(d) Day is March 14. Proceeds from the event at the camp in Gotha, Fla., go to the Church Development Council of Atlantic Southeast District. The day will feature a Silent Auction of items offered by congregations, a Pie Auction, a food booth, games and contests including a "Pastors Crawl," and a fishing tournament for children. A praise band from the churches in Puerto Rico will play, as well as the praise team from Clay County Church of the Brethren. This year, the event is being opened to surrounding community as "an opportunity to demonstrate our faith and love to what we hope will be many more people," said an announcement in the district newsletter.
- Citing the economic recession, the Juniata College board of trustees has reduced its scheduled increase for tuition, room and board, and fees to just 3.9 percent, the lowest increase in nine years. The Brethren-related college is located in Huntingdon, Pa. Juniata also has initiated four new programs designed to lessen the economic impact of the recession for students: increased work-study opportunities by creating 30 new campus employment positions and more funds for higher wages in the Juniata Associates program; set-aside funding to adjust financial aid awards if a family's primary wage earner loses a job or the family experiences a catastrophic financial change; an increase of about 8 percent in the financial aid budget; and trustee approval for the use of up to $2 million of endowment principal for short-term, low-interest loans to families of students whose current loans are no longer available due to changes in real estate values or related issues. The college also started new food plans designed to lower costs to students.
- Emmert Bittinger gave a lecture Feb. 26 at the Young Center at Elizabethtown (Pa.) College titled "Crisis of Conscience: The Shenandoah Anabaptists During the Civil War," linking the Civil War to the experiences of Anabaptists during that time in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. Bittinger also donated his collection of rare books to the Young Center for Anabaptist and Pietist Studies. He is a retired professor of sociology at Bridgewater (Va.) College and an ordained minister in the Church of the Brethren. His recent publications include "Unionists and the Civil War Experience in the Shenandoah Valley," published by the Valley Brethren-Mennonite Heritage Center and the Valley Research Associates.
- McPherson (Kan.) College hosted a 3rd annual Math Competition Day on Feb. 18 for 400 visiting students from 16 Kansas high schools. Participating 9th through 12th graders competed in an individual test and team competition. Each school also created a unique mathematical team name. All participants received a t-shirt designed with the slogan "keeping it real…no imaginary numbers." Visit www.mcpherson.edu for more.
- The Association of Anabaptist Risk Management (AARM) is changing its name to "Resource Partners-Risk Management Solutions." The organization offers risk management products and services that promote human and financial stewardship with peace church organizations. The Peace Church Risk Retention Group serving longterm care providers associated with the Church of the Brethren, Mennonite, and Quaker denominations is one of six programs of Resource Partners. Other programs include a Peace Church Property and Auto Program for health and human service organizations; Administration for the Mutual Aid Sharing Plan, a self-insured health benefits program for mission and service agencies; corporate headquarters services for the Friends Mutual Health Group; and a Resource Partners Insurance Broker for nonprofit Anabaptist and Quaker organizations.
- The Springs of Living Water initiative led by Church of the Brethren minister David Young, is one of the sponsors of the 2009 Renovare International Conference on the theme, "The Jesus Way: Recovering the Lost Content of Discipleship," June 21-24 in San Antonio, Texas. Main presenters include Eugene Peterson, Max Lucado, Emilie Griffin, Richard J. Foster, and a number of other well-known speakers. The early registration deadline and fee of $129 has been extended to April 1. Visit www.renovare.org/journey_events_2009ic.htm or contact davidyoung@churchrenewalservant.org.
- Sylvia Utz celebrated her 110th birthday on March 9 at the Brethren Retirement Community in Greenville, Ohio, according to a report in the "Dayton Daily News." She told the newspaper that her earliest memory is of her church, Pitsburg Church of the Brethren in Arcanum, Ohio, picnicking on the grounds of the Brethren Retirement Community when she was only 6 or 7 years old. The newspaper report said that only 1 in 5 million people lives to age 110. Go to http://www.daytondailynews.com/n/content/oh/story/news/local/2009/03/09/ddn030909centenarianinside.html for the full article.
Polzin serves as interim district executive for Michigan District.
The board of Michigan District has announced that Nathan (Nate) Polzin has been called to serve as interim district executive. The half-time position began March 7. Polzin has been called to serve as interim until 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. The district office will be relocating to the Saginaw-Bay City area.
Polzin is a church planter, and start-up and continuing half-time pastor of The Church in Drive in Saginaw, Mich. He has served on the ministry commission of the District Board and as Michigan District’s Annual Conference standing committee delegate. He currently serves on the board of trustees of Bethany Theological Seminary representing the clergy. He is a graduate of Central Michigan University with a bachelor of science degree in Political Science, and of Bethany Theological Seminary with a master of divinity degree.
Source: 3/11/2009 Newsline
The board of Michigan District has announced that Nathan (Nate) Polzin has been called to serve as interim district executive. The half-time position began March 7. Polzin has been called to serve as interim until 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. The district office will be relocating to the Saginaw-Bay City area.
Polzin is a church planter, and start-up and continuing half-time pastor of The Church in Drive in Saginaw, Mich. He has served on the ministry commission of the District Board and as Michigan District’s Annual Conference standing committee delegate. He currently serves on the board of trustees of Bethany Theological Seminary representing the clergy. He is a graduate of Central Michigan University with a bachelor of science degree in Political Science, and of Bethany Theological Seminary with a master of divinity degree.
Source: 3/11/2009 Newsline
On Earth Peace co-sponsors Intergenerational Workcamp.
On Earth Peace is co-sponsoring an Intergenerational Workcamp in partnership with the Church of the Brethren’s Workcamp Ministry. The Intergenerational Workcamp will take place Aug. 2-9 at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md.
"This workcamp is a time for different generations to gather together and share their perspective--all while working side-by-side in faith," said an announcement. "Participants of all ages will come together to serve, share, and learn how we continue the peace witness of the church, as members of a global community." The workcamp will be held at the Brethren Service Center, where participants will work in service projects that have local, national, and global impacts, including SERRV and the Church of the Brethren’s distribution center for material relief following disasters.
Cost is $285. Go to www.brethren.org/site/PageServer?pagename=grow_youth_ministry_workcamps_registration for online registration. Financial assistance is available through On Earth Peace, contact mrhoades@onearthpeace.org or 717-867-1902. Contact Bekah Houff, assistant workcamp coordinator for the Church of the Brethren, at rhouff_gb@brethren.org or 800-323-8039.
Source: 3/11/2009 Newsline
On Earth Peace is co-sponsoring an Intergenerational Workcamp in partnership with the Church of the Brethren’s Workcamp Ministry. The Intergenerational Workcamp will take place Aug. 2-9 at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md.
"This workcamp is a time for different generations to gather together and share their perspective--all while working side-by-side in faith," said an announcement. "Participants of all ages will come together to serve, share, and learn how we continue the peace witness of the church, as members of a global community." The workcamp will be held at the Brethren Service Center, where participants will work in service projects that have local, national, and global impacts, including SERRV and the Church of the Brethren’s distribution center for material relief following disasters.
Cost is $285. Go to www.brethren.org/site/PageServer?pagename=grow_youth_ministry_workcamps_registration for online registration. Financial assistance is available through On Earth Peace, contact mrhoades@onearthpeace.org or 717-867-1902. Contact Bekah Houff, assistant workcamp coordinator for the Church of the Brethren, at rhouff_gb@brethren.org or 800-323-8039.
Source: 3/11/2009 Newsline
'Brethren Life & Thought' offers new study resource.
The current issue of "Brethren Life & Thought" (Summer 2008, Vol. 53, No. 3) should have arrived in subscriber mailboxes recently. With this issue, the journal is introducing a new study resource. "Brethren Life & Thought" is a quarterly journal published in the interest of the Church of the Brethren by the Brethren Journal Association.
Study questions for each article in the current issue are available on the "Brethren Life & Thought" website, go to www.bethanyseminary.edu/blt. The current issue features two articles interpreting the theological concept of atonement, one by Thomas Finger, visiting professor of theology at Bethany Theological Seminary, the second by Kate Eisenbise, graduate student at Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley, Calif. Finger’s article, "Atonement, Ethics, Society, and Violence" defines atonement as "at-one-ment" or reconciliation with God. Eisenbise offers a friendly critique of Mennonite scholar J. Denny Weaver’s "narrative Christus Victor" model of atonement. Both provide for thoughtful discussion at this time of Lent.
The Brethren Journal Association and "Brethren Life & Thought" remain committed to providing an open forum for ideas and discussion related to the faith, history, and practices of the Church of the Brethren. For information about subscriptions or how to purchase single issues, go to www.bethanyseminary.edu/blt or contact blt@bethanyseminary.edu.
-- Karen Garrett is a student at Bethany Theological Seminary.
Source: 3/11/2009 Newsline
The current issue of "Brethren Life & Thought" (Summer 2008, Vol. 53, No. 3) should have arrived in subscriber mailboxes recently. With this issue, the journal is introducing a new study resource. "Brethren Life & Thought" is a quarterly journal published in the interest of the Church of the Brethren by the Brethren Journal Association.
Study questions for each article in the current issue are available on the "Brethren Life & Thought" website, go to www.bethanyseminary.edu/blt. The current issue features two articles interpreting the theological concept of atonement, one by Thomas Finger, visiting professor of theology at Bethany Theological Seminary, the second by Kate Eisenbise, graduate student at Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley, Calif. Finger’s article, "Atonement, Ethics, Society, and Violence" defines atonement as "at-one-ment" or reconciliation with God. Eisenbise offers a friendly critique of Mennonite scholar J. Denny Weaver’s "narrative Christus Victor" model of atonement. Both provide for thoughtful discussion at this time of Lent.
The Brethren Journal Association and "Brethren Life & Thought" remain committed to providing an open forum for ideas and discussion related to the faith, history, and practices of the Church of the Brethren. For information about subscriptions or how to purchase single issues, go to www.bethanyseminary.edu/blt or contact blt@bethanyseminary.edu.
-- Karen Garrett is a student at Bethany Theological Seminary.
Source: 3/11/2009 Newsline
Dominican Brethren celebrate 18th Annual Conference.
"Without faith, it is impossible to please God!" (Hebrews 11:6). With this challenging theme, moderator José Juan Méndez opened and guided the18th Annual Conference of the Church of the Brethren in the Dominican Republic. The conference was held at a Nazarene Church campground in Los Alcarrizos in Santo Domingo, Feb. 20-22.
Two new congregations were received into the denomination and prayer was held for five new preaching points. The 74 delegates also approved a new constitution for the church, elected leaders for the national board and other positions, approved the 2009 budget, and dealt with some challenging issues of discipline.
Jay Wittmeyer, executive director of Global Mission Partnerships for the Church of the Brethren, presented plaques to national leaders recognizing their excellent work during the past year and led the delegates in a closing service of bread and cup communion.
Pastor Jorge Rivera, associate district executive for Puerto Rico, in Atlantic Southeast District, presented a moving tribute following a time of silence in honor of the late Guillermo Encarnación for his many years of service in the DR, Puerto Rico, Texas, and Pennsylvania. Also representing the Puerto Rican Brethren was Severo Romero. The Church of the Brethren in Haiti was represented by pastor Ives Jean and Altenor Gesusand, a church deacon.
Nancy Heishman, director of the Church of the Brethren’s theological education program in the DR, led morning Bible studies on the theme of faith, utilizing the talent of some of her students as co-teachers.
Irvin Heishman, co-coordinator of the DR mission for the Church of the Brethren, commented, "It’s a joy to see the Dominican church emerging from several difficult years with such vitality and health."
To view a photo album from the Asamblea, go to http://www.brethren.org/site/PhotoAlbumUser?AlbumID=7127&view=UserAlbum
Source: 3/12/2009 Newsline Special
"Without faith, it is impossible to please God!" (Hebrews 11:6). With this challenging theme, moderator José Juan Méndez opened and guided the18th Annual Conference of the Church of the Brethren in the Dominican Republic. The conference was held at a Nazarene Church campground in Los Alcarrizos in Santo Domingo, Feb. 20-22.
Two new congregations were received into the denomination and prayer was held for five new preaching points. The 74 delegates also approved a new constitution for the church, elected leaders for the national board and other positions, approved the 2009 budget, and dealt with some challenging issues of discipline.
Jay Wittmeyer, executive director of Global Mission Partnerships for the Church of the Brethren, presented plaques to national leaders recognizing their excellent work during the past year and led the delegates in a closing service of bread and cup communion.
Pastor Jorge Rivera, associate district executive for Puerto Rico, in Atlantic Southeast District, presented a moving tribute following a time of silence in honor of the late Guillermo Encarnación for his many years of service in the DR, Puerto Rico, Texas, and Pennsylvania. Also representing the Puerto Rican Brethren was Severo Romero. The Church of the Brethren in Haiti was represented by pastor Ives Jean and Altenor Gesusand, a church deacon.
Nancy Heishman, director of the Church of the Brethren’s theological education program in the DR, led morning Bible studies on the theme of faith, utilizing the talent of some of her students as co-teachers.
Irvin Heishman, co-coordinator of the DR mission for the Church of the Brethren, commented, "It’s a joy to see the Dominican church emerging from several difficult years with such vitality and health."
To view a photo album from the Asamblea, go to http://www.brethren.org/site/PhotoAlbumUser?AlbumID=7127&view=UserAlbum
Source: 3/12/2009 Newsline Special
Arroyo Salado Church construction project begins in the DR.
For over a year, Arroyo Salado Church of the Brethren in the Dominican Republic has been holding worship services in the open air "ruins" of its old building. The government condemned and tore down half of the old church building to make way for improvements to the highway that runs in front of the building. The remains of the old building formed a rough "band shell" that the congregation has been using for outdoor worship in good weather.
Pastor Cristian Aquino Encarnacion expressed excitement that the construction of the new church and parsonage is now finally underway. The work is scheduled to be completed within 90 days. The project is being supervised by a local contractor with the work being carried out by laborers and a number of volunteers from the Arroyo Salado Church. Church members are cooking meals for the workers over an open fire at the work site. The construction cost of RD $2,000,000 pesos (about US $58,000) will be paid in full with funds given by the government to compensate the national church for the loss of its old building.
The national leadership of the Church of the Brethren in the DR now requires that title for land be obtained before construction is authorized. This explains why it took over a year to find land suitable for the reconstruction of the Arroyo Salado Church. In addition, there was a high demand for every available lot, because many other homes and businesses in Arroyo Salado were also forced to relocate due to the road project. However, once land was found, the process of obtaining clear title for it took several additional months to complete.
This emphasis on getting clear title to the land represents a change in policy for the Dominican Brethren. As a result, work teams from the Church of the Brethren in the United States wanting to come to the DR to help with building projects may find that projects need to be delayed until clear title to land is obtained. This is a much lengthier bureaucratic process than the relatively quick title transfer common in the US, however new Dominican laws have reduced the process of title transfer to two to three months if no complications are found.
The change in policy by the Dominican church has been made because the church has run into some difficulties with church buildings built on land without title. In the DR, it is possible to purchase land with a simple notarized hand-written sales contract. While these contracts are common and recognized as legal, the practice is nonetheless risky since former owners or their heirs may still have some legal claim to the property. In addition, these hand-written contracts are notoriously riddled with errors, adding to the legal vulnerability of the current owner.
-- Irvin Heishman is co-coordinator of the Church of the Brethren mission in the Dominican Republic.
Source: 3/12/2009 Newsline Special
For over a year, Arroyo Salado Church of the Brethren in the Dominican Republic has been holding worship services in the open air "ruins" of its old building. The government condemned and tore down half of the old church building to make way for improvements to the highway that runs in front of the building. The remains of the old building formed a rough "band shell" that the congregation has been using for outdoor worship in good weather.
Pastor Cristian Aquino Encarnacion expressed excitement that the construction of the new church and parsonage is now finally underway. The work is scheduled to be completed within 90 days. The project is being supervised by a local contractor with the work being carried out by laborers and a number of volunteers from the Arroyo Salado Church. Church members are cooking meals for the workers over an open fire at the work site. The construction cost of RD $2,000,000 pesos (about US $58,000) will be paid in full with funds given by the government to compensate the national church for the loss of its old building.
The national leadership of the Church of the Brethren in the DR now requires that title for land be obtained before construction is authorized. This explains why it took over a year to find land suitable for the reconstruction of the Arroyo Salado Church. In addition, there was a high demand for every available lot, because many other homes and businesses in Arroyo Salado were also forced to relocate due to the road project. However, once land was found, the process of obtaining clear title for it took several additional months to complete.
This emphasis on getting clear title to the land represents a change in policy for the Dominican Brethren. As a result, work teams from the Church of the Brethren in the United States wanting to come to the DR to help with building projects may find that projects need to be delayed until clear title to land is obtained. This is a much lengthier bureaucratic process than the relatively quick title transfer common in the US, however new Dominican laws have reduced the process of title transfer to two to three months if no complications are found.
The change in policy by the Dominican church has been made because the church has run into some difficulties with church buildings built on land without title. In the DR, it is possible to purchase land with a simple notarized hand-written sales contract. While these contracts are common and recognized as legal, the practice is nonetheless risky since former owners or their heirs may still have some legal claim to the property. In addition, these hand-written contracts are notoriously riddled with errors, adding to the legal vulnerability of the current owner.
-- Irvin Heishman is co-coordinator of the Church of the Brethren mission in the Dominican Republic.
Source: 3/12/2009 Newsline Special
Brethren disaster project in Haiti is close to completing five homes.
A series of reports from the new Church of the Brethren disaster relief project in Haiti are showing swift progress, with five homes already nearing completion. The project was initiated earlier this year by Brethren Disaster Ministries and the Church of the Brethren Haiti Mission following the destruction caused by last Fall’s hurricanes.
Jeff Boshart, who is serving as Haiti Disaster Response Mission Coordinator, has provided the progress reports. He is working in Haiti with Klebert Exceus of Orlando, Fla., who serves as Haitian consultant for the project. The project is funded by a grant of $100,000 from the Church of the Brethren’s Emergency Disaster Fund.
The five homes close to completion are in the Fond Cheval area, a mountainous region near the town of Mirebalais. The area was heavily affected by the storms, and also is served by one of the Church of the Brethren preaching points as well as a Brethren-related school.
The five homes are "nearly finished except for one final outer coating," Boshart said. Fifteen more homes are to be worked on in Fond Cheval. In addition, a "house-by-house selection process" is being carried out to identify families to be served in the Mont Boulage area, where Boshart and Exceus received a list of 34 families affected by storm damage, have made 28 home visits, and have selected 21 houses for work. The project is budgeting $2,000 for each house.
"The personal stories of these families are all too familiar in Haiti," Boshart reported. "A family of six children can only afford to send the first three to school. A widow who had one whole side of her home collapse has moved away and hopes to come back if her children will help her rebuild. Young couples with no education and several children who have little hope for ever moving beyond subsistence living.... In general these families have one or two beds, some sleeping mats, a few cups and bowls and silverware, three or four chairs, and a few bags of clothing."
The project is working close to a school started by a Brethren preaching point in Fond Cheval, Boshart reported. "School fees at the small school started by the Brethren preaching point are only about $13 for the year but there are still families that can't afford to send their kids," he said.
With the unemployment rate at around 60 percent, many Haitians are desperate for work. The families being served in Fond Cheval are taking part in the building work, Boshart said. Recipients of homes carry water from a distance to mix the cement, and also help transport sand and other building materials. Also, some laborers will be paid for their work.
When the home repairs get started in Mont Boulage, villagers who are not being served will be paid in food and cement to do the heavy work. They will be responsible for their own home improvements. As the hurricane response progresses, Brethren Disaster Ministries will endeavor to bring in small groups of US Brethren to work with local Haitians once volunteer housing, safety, and transportation are definite.
In another aspect of the project, Boshart has met with a doctor and pharmacist connected with IMA World Health to talk about cooperative work to provide medicines and support to a hospital and clinic near an area flooded in last year’s storms. Boshart and Exceus also met with Church of the Brethren members in Gonaives and others in need of rebuilt homes in that area, as well as with an ecumenical pastor’s group that may work with the Brethren through a micro-loan program. They visited people who are living in homemade tents in Gonaives following the storms and flooding.
The pastors in Gonaives "shared that things are slow to return to normal," Boshart reported. "Some people are starting to move back into their homes.... Typhoid and malaria continue to be present in high levels.... UN food and water deliveries have ended.... Those who haven't left the city to live with families or move back into flooded out homes are living under homemade tents made out of bed sheets and tarps and what pieces of plastic they can find. We went to visit these tents and it is really tragic."
"It will be quite a challenge," Boshart said of the Church of the Brethren project in Haiti, "but the Haitian people are no strangers to hard work and sacrifice and seem to be eager to get going."
Source: 3/12/2009 Newsline Special
A series of reports from the new Church of the Brethren disaster relief project in Haiti are showing swift progress, with five homes already nearing completion. The project was initiated earlier this year by Brethren Disaster Ministries and the Church of the Brethren Haiti Mission following the destruction caused by last Fall’s hurricanes.
Jeff Boshart, who is serving as Haiti Disaster Response Mission Coordinator, has provided the progress reports. He is working in Haiti with Klebert Exceus of Orlando, Fla., who serves as Haitian consultant for the project. The project is funded by a grant of $100,000 from the Church of the Brethren’s Emergency Disaster Fund.
The five homes close to completion are in the Fond Cheval area, a mountainous region near the town of Mirebalais. The area was heavily affected by the storms, and also is served by one of the Church of the Brethren preaching points as well as a Brethren-related school.
The five homes are "nearly finished except for one final outer coating," Boshart said. Fifteen more homes are to be worked on in Fond Cheval. In addition, a "house-by-house selection process" is being carried out to identify families to be served in the Mont Boulage area, where Boshart and Exceus received a list of 34 families affected by storm damage, have made 28 home visits, and have selected 21 houses for work. The project is budgeting $2,000 for each house.
"The personal stories of these families are all too familiar in Haiti," Boshart reported. "A family of six children can only afford to send the first three to school. A widow who had one whole side of her home collapse has moved away and hopes to come back if her children will help her rebuild. Young couples with no education and several children who have little hope for ever moving beyond subsistence living.... In general these families have one or two beds, some sleeping mats, a few cups and bowls and silverware, three or four chairs, and a few bags of clothing."
The project is working close to a school started by a Brethren preaching point in Fond Cheval, Boshart reported. "School fees at the small school started by the Brethren preaching point are only about $13 for the year but there are still families that can't afford to send their kids," he said.
With the unemployment rate at around 60 percent, many Haitians are desperate for work. The families being served in Fond Cheval are taking part in the building work, Boshart said. Recipients of homes carry water from a distance to mix the cement, and also help transport sand and other building materials. Also, some laborers will be paid for their work.
When the home repairs get started in Mont Boulage, villagers who are not being served will be paid in food and cement to do the heavy work. They will be responsible for their own home improvements. As the hurricane response progresses, Brethren Disaster Ministries will endeavor to bring in small groups of US Brethren to work with local Haitians once volunteer housing, safety, and transportation are definite.
In another aspect of the project, Boshart has met with a doctor and pharmacist connected with IMA World Health to talk about cooperative work to provide medicines and support to a hospital and clinic near an area flooded in last year’s storms. Boshart and Exceus also met with Church of the Brethren members in Gonaives and others in need of rebuilt homes in that area, as well as with an ecumenical pastor’s group that may work with the Brethren through a micro-loan program. They visited people who are living in homemade tents in Gonaives following the storms and flooding.
The pastors in Gonaives "shared that things are slow to return to normal," Boshart reported. "Some people are starting to move back into their homes.... Typhoid and malaria continue to be present in high levels.... UN food and water deliveries have ended.... Those who haven't left the city to live with families or move back into flooded out homes are living under homemade tents made out of bed sheets and tarps and what pieces of plastic they can find. We went to visit these tents and it is really tragic."
"It will be quite a challenge," Boshart said of the Church of the Brethren project in Haiti, "but the Haitian people are no strangers to hard work and sacrifice and seem to be eager to get going."
Source: 3/12/2009 Newsline Special
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)