Wednesday, February 11, 2009

NEWSPERSONNELANNUAL CONFERENCE 2009UPCOMING EVENTSCHILDREN'S DISASTER SERVICES MINISTRY
Church of the Brethren faces challenging financial situation.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Source: 02/11/2009 Newsline
Matching grant program for domestic hunger raises $117,000.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Source: 02/11/2009 Newsline
Haiti hurricane response is underway.

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

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

Aspects of the multi-faceted response include:
  • Micro-loans in the amount of $200 for purchasing livestock or starting a small business. Disbursement of funds is targeted to begin in the next month.

  • Home repair and rebuilding beginning in the Mirebalais area north of Port au Prince. Materials will be purchased starting in mid-February. Twenty homes have been selected for repair in the village of Fon Cheval, in a model plan that will serve as a guide for projects in other villages. Brethren Disaster Ministries hopes to create opportunities for volunteer groups from the US to take part.

  • School-based feeding programs in the Gonaives area. The process of sending meals to schools is underway. Klebert Exceus, a Haitian consultant, is working with Brethren Disaster Ministries on this effort. He has shared that "Christians in these areas are praying that God will bless and support these projects."

  • Medical material aid following assessments of a Haitian hospital and clinic. A shipment of medical supplies from IMA World Health is anticipated in late winter.

  • Capacity building and leadership support, with $3,000 being provided to two Haitian Brethren church leaders who are assisting with the response.

  • Canned meat provided by Mid-Atlantic District and Southern Pennsylvania District. The canning project will be completed in April.
Leaders of the project include Jeff Boshart, a former mission worker in Haiti who has been named Haiti Disaster Response coordinator; Klebert Exceus, who is serving as a Haitian consultant; and Roy Winter, executive director of Brethren Disaster Ministries. Ludovic St. Fleur, pastor of Eglise des Freres Haitiens in Miami, is the Haiti Mission coordinator, working with the Church of the Brethren’s Haiti Advisory Committee. There are now five active Church of the Brethren congregations in Haiti, and 10 more preaching points.

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

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

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

Source: 02/11/2009 Newsline
Christian leaders target poverty.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

-- Wendy McFadden is executive director of Brethren Press.

Source: 02/11/2009 Newsline
Brethren Bits: Correction, remembrance, personnel, and much more.
  • Correction: The report "Outdoor Ministries Association holds annual meeting" in the Newsline of Jan. 29 gave an incorrect location for Camp Myrtlewood. The camp is in Myrtle Point, Ore.

  • Millard Fuller, 74, who founded Habitat for Humanity International along with his wife, Linda, died on Feb. 3 after a brief illness. At the time of his death he headed the Fuller Center for Housing in Americus, Ga. "A giant among men has left us.... At last, Millard can rest, although that was about the last thing he ever wished to do," said a remembrance in the Americus "Times-Recorder." The Habitat ministry of building houses for those in need, using volunteer labor and community-based affiliates, was founded in 1976. More than 300,000 homes were built during Fuller’s 29 years with the organization. He left Habitat in 2005 in a dispute with its board over allegations of inappropriate behavior. He and his wife went on to found the Fuller Center for Housing to continue the work of eliminating poverty housing. An obituary on the Habitat website at www.habitat.org credits Fuller as "the visionary whose ideas and tireless work created Habitat for Humanity." The idea for Habitat for Humanity was born at Koinonia Farm, a Christian community founded in 1942 in rural southwest Georgia. Fuller came to the farm as a young entrepreneur and attorney who by age 29 had earned his first million dollars, but who decided to begin anew after experiencing health and marriage difficulties. The Fullers "sold all that they owned, gave the money to the poor and in their searching, landed at Koinonia where they began soaking up the teachings of farmer, theologian, and community founder Clarence Jordan," the obituary said. "In time, Jordan and Fuller launched a program of ‘partnership housing,’ building simple houses in partnership with rural neighbors who were too poor to qualify for conventional home loans. The first house was dedicated in 1969." Fuller received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor, and the Martin Luther King Jr. Humanitarian Award, among numerous honors. Church of the Brethren connections with Fuller’s work have been numerous over the decades, including congregational involvements with Habitat affiliates in various communities, building Habitat homes at National Youth Conference, cooperative work between Brethren Disaster Ministries and Habitat, and placement of Brethren Volunteer Service workers with Habitat projects. Fuller was buried at Koinonia Farm on Feb. 4. A celebration of his life and work will be held at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta on March 14, beginning at 2 p.m. Also, a Legacy Blitz Build will be held in August in Fuller’s hometown of Lanett, Ala., and at other Fuller Center covenant partners in the US and overseas.

  • Paul Derstine has announced his retirement as president and CEO of IMA World Health (formerly Interchurch Medical Assistance), a nonprofit organization headquartered at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md. Derstine is a member of Westminster (Md.) Church of the Brethren. He has led in transforming IMA "from a church supply agency, to a world class and respected medical partner in service so that many more might enjoy good health," said Church of the Brethren general secretary Stan Noffsinger as he expressed gratitude for Derstine’s work. Derstine served with IMA for 17 years. During his tenure, he shaped IMA World Health from a service organization with a staff of four focused mainly on distributing donations, to a membership organization with a staff of 75 working in five countries to strengthen health systems and eliminate tropical disease. He led the staff in developing new programs and services, including initiatives such as the IMA Medicine Box Program. IMA also has become a lead partner in health systems in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Sudan, managing grants awarded in excess of $80 million. In 2008, a "Forbes Magazine" report on "America’s 200 Largest Charities" identified IMA as one of the 20 most skilled and well managed among that group. During a year of transition, Derstine will continue to serve as president. The IMA board has appointed a Transition Committee to work with a consulting firm to name a successor in late 2009. Donald Parker, IMA board chair, is leading the Transition Committee. Interested candidates should contact TransitionGuides at IMA@TransitionGuides.com or 301-439-6635.

  • On Jan. 16, Steve Terrill began an internship in Human Resources Management at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill. The internship is part of his bachelor’s degree program at Judson University. He comes from a background as distribution coach/inventory analyst at ITW Brands in Hanover Park, Ill.

  • The New Windsor Conference Center is expressing gratitude for the work of new and returning volunteer hosts: Larry and Alice Petry of Lakemore, Ohio, serving as first-time hosts in Zigler Hall for the months of January and February; and Dick and Erma Foust of New Lebanon, Ohio, returning as volunteer hosts in the Old Main building through March.

  • Abdiel Cruz has been named the Church of the Brethren’s representative to the Puerto Rico Council of Churches, in an announcement from Atlantic Southeast District. For the past few years, Hector Perez Borges has been the Brethren delegate and has served as the secretary for the PR Council of Churches. "Our appreciation to Hector for his valuable contributions, and we wish Abdiel great success," said the district announcement.

  • Camp Pine Lake, an outdoor ministry center in Northern Plains District, has named the late Gary Nicholson of Iowa River Church of the Brethren as Volunteer of the Year for 2008, in an announcement in the district newsletter. Nicholson passed away from a lingering illness in Feb. 2008. "Over the past 30 years Gary served numerous six-year terms on the board," said the announcement. "He was an individual of few words with great practical ideas.... He had a real love and compassion for children. They were his top priority. Gary lived his faith."

  • The Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership based in Richmond, Ind., seeks a fulltime administrative secretary, working 30 hours per week, to begin on or before April 1. The position provides secretarial and administrative support to the salaried staff of the Brethren Academy and the programs and projects of the academy and its students, and works collegially with the staff and faculty of Bethany Theological Seminary. Qualifications include a wide range of computer skills, verbal and written skills, basic accounting, ability to set priorities and follow through on tasks with minimal supervision, ability to multi-task, organizational skills, office skills, and experience with office equipment. Applications and a more complete job description are available from the Executive Assistant to the President of Bethany Seminary at snydesu@bethanyseminary.edu or 765-983-1803. Applications will be accepted until Feb. 27, or until the position is filled.

  • A suggested change in worship language has come from the Church of the Brethren’s Disabilities Ministry Group. The group has expressed concern about the use of the phrase, "Stand if you are able," in worship services, recognizing that some elderly and disabled people are not able to stand. In consultation with other denominations, the group recommends a new phrase: "Rise in body or in spirit" or a version of this phrase. This new language helps congregations focus on the lifting up of spirits as the primary task of worship, and the ability to stand as secondary, said an announcement.

  • "Church World Service Kits are in great demand!" says Loretta Wolf, director of the Material Resources program at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md. The program warehouses, processes, and distributes relief supplies on behalf of a number of ecumenical partners. Low inventory levels of Church World Service (CWS) Kits has prompted an appeal for Hygiene Kits, Baby Kits, School Kits, and Emergency Clean-up Buckets. "By assembling and donating CWS Kits, you are saying ‘We Care!’ to people in need around the world," Wolf said. Go to www.churchworldservice.org/kits for instructions to assemble, pack, and ship kits, or call 800-297-1516. Kits may be sent to Church World Service, Brethren Service Center Annex, 601 Main St., P.O. Box 188, New Windsor, MD 21776.

  • In an update on the work of Material Resources, staff have been loading containers destined for Central America, Asia, and Africa, among them two shipments for Kenya and two trailer loads of equipment for Zambia on behalf of John Hopkins PIEGO, and Lutheran World Relief School Kits and Health Kits for a children’s training in Guatemala. Church World Service shipments responded to disaster and community needs in Deming, N.M.; Marion, Iowa; and Biloxi, Miss. CWS also responded to a request from Aniak, Alaska, for School Kits for a school that experienced a total loss due to fire.

  • Frederick (Md.) Church of the Brethren was commended as "a fine example of what a church is doing right," in a recent article in the "Business Gazette" of Gaithersburg, Md. The report titled "Non-traditional churches flourish in Frederick County," reviewed the history of growth in Frederick Church of the Brethren, which is the largest Brethren congregation in the US, as well as several other growing congregations from other traditions.

  • First Church of the Brethren in Miami, Fla., held its third annual Brethren Press booth at the Miami International Book Fair, on Nov. 14-16, 2008.

  • For the past two years, churches in Northern Plains District have been praying for one another on a weekly basis using a prayer calendar provided through the district office. The calendar indicates the church to pray for each week. Notes of support from one church to another also are encouraged. In addition, the district is making available a mileage chart of the distances between each congregation, prepared by Diane Mason of Fairview Church of the Brethren. For more information contact Nancy Davis at npofficesecretary@earthlink.net or 515-964-4851.

  • Atlantic Southeast District has identified a district theme for the year 2009: "Holiness," with an emphasis on "calling God’s people to be holy--in ethics, in lifestyle, in worldview, and more," according to the district newsletter. The district has asked pastors to preach on the theme during January and February, using texts from the Sermon on the Mount and other New Testament sources. The district also has identified themes for upcoming years: "Health" focusing on healthy churches and healthy Christians and expanding youth ministry and worship in 2010; and "Aliveness" focusing on church growth and mission in 2011.

  • Great Harvest Church Planting, a program of Illinois and Wisconsin District, has requested prayer for two families doing church planting: the Sarpiya family that arrived in Rockford, Ill., on Jan. 31, and Herman and Betty Ware working at a Chicago Westside Plant. "We invite you to continue to keep the Sarpiyas in your prayers as they begin their life and ministry in Rockford," the announcement said. For the Wares, "Pray for focus and direction as they seek to meet the needs of individuals in the Douglas Park community."

  • A building important in the history of Fahrney-Keedy Home and Village, a Church of the Brethren retirement community in Boonsboro, Md., has been moved to a new site. The small building in which Dr. Peter Fahrney had his office during the late 1800s is now part of the new Washington County Rural Heritage Museum. Two trucks carried the building and its roof to their new home one night in mid-December, according to a release from Fahrney-Keedy. Dr. Fahrney donated the site of his summer home, called San Mar, to the Church of the Brethren in 1905 in honor of his grandfather for use as a "Home for the Aged." The office building had been a museum since then, sitting in front of Fahrney-Keedy’s main building.

  • Juniata College in Huntingdon, Pa., will put on a unique theater production on Feb. 19-21 and 23-26. "Return," the story of a man returning home to claim an inheritance of the family farm, will premiere at the Halbritter Center for the Performing Arts at Juniata. "Return" is a new piece conceived by the Gravity Project, Juniata's professional theater ensemble, in collaboration with the college theater department. The piece will be staged using a multimedia approach with a mix of video imagery, shadow puppets, and a soundscape of recorded music and ambient sound. Andrew Belser, associate professor of theater, wrote the play and co-directs the production with Stephanie Skura. Tickets are $3 for students and $7 for adults. Call 814-641-3771.

  • New Lenten Calendars have been announced by the Global Women’s Project, a Brethren-related program that supports self-help projects that are led by, empower, and benefit women and their communities. The Lenten Calendars were developed by Steering Committee members Carrie Eikler and Anna Lisa Gross to help church members reflect on abundant resources and what may be given up for the sake of others during Lent. The calendars include scripture, information about women around the world, and Global Women’s Project partner projects (contact info@globalwomensproject.org to obtain a calendar or bulk copies for families and congregations, the calendars also may be received electronically). Global Women’s Project also will offer online resources for International Women’s Month in March, including worship and event materials for congregations or women’s groups (go to www.globalwomensproject.org).

  • The Decade to Overcome Violence of the World Council of Churches, has launched its 2009 focus on the Caribbean region. The theme is "One Love: Building a Peaceful Caribbean." The program will strengthen and support churches and movements working for peace in the Caribbean, and deepen understanding of the violence involved in issues such as migration, human trafficking, food security, HIV/AIDS, and drug abuse.

  • The Elgin (Ill.) City Prayer Breakfast gave its Martin Luther King Jr. Humanitarian Award to Bettina Perillo, a member of Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren. Perillo was honored for her commitment to peacemaking, which has included civil disobedience protesting the Iraq War, and leadership in an alternative recruitment program in the Elgin high schools that helps students make informed decisions about the military and promotes alternatives. Perillo also is a member of Fox Valley Citizens for Peace and Justice.

  • Miller Davis has been honored with the 2008 Dan West Fellow Award by the Heifer Foundation. He is chair of Heifer Foundation’s Board of Trustees and a member of Westminster (Md.) Church of the Brethren. "Davis, whose board term ends this year, leaves behind a legacy of unparalleled service to the boards of both Heifer Foundation and Heifer International, including chairing both boards during times of tremendous growth," said an announcement from the foundation. Foundation president Janet Ginn praised Davis for his servant leadership: "Miller is one of those individuals that exemplify the tireless commitment to the mission of ending hunger and poverty." The award is named after Heifer International founder Dan West. Each year, the foundation’s trustees emeriti choose one outstanding leader to be recognized as a Dan West Fellow. Davis, who knew Dan West personally, said he was "speechless" when he was informed he was this year’s recipient. Davis had the opportunity to work with West while in Brethren Volunteer Service from 1965-67. "To know and experience Dan and then serve on the boards of organizations he founded has been a wonderful experience," he said.

  • Kaplan Publishing has issued a call for stories from disaster healthcare workers. The company publishes educational and consumer books by and for healthcare workers. It is accepting stories for a new anthology, "To The Rescue: Stories from Healthcare Workers at the Scene of Disaster." The book will collect stories by healthcare workers from a variety of specialties who have gone to the scenes of disasters, whether in their hometowns or across the world. All stories must be true and previously unpublished. Submit in Microsoft Word, 12-point Times New Roman, double-spaced with a title and word count of 1,000-2,500, include author's name, address, phone number, and e-mail address. Payment for stories is $100 if published, along with two complimentary copies of the book. The deadline is Feb. 21. Send submissions to KaplanStories@live.com (cite the story title in the subject line) or Kaplan’s To The Rescue, P.O. Box 51, Wever, IA 52658 (include a self-addressed, postage-paid envelope).
Source: 02/11/2009 Newsline
Marvin Greener to direct Buildings and Grounds at General Offices.

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

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

Source: 02/11/2009 Newsline
On Earth Peace announces staffing shifts.

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

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

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

Source: 02/11/2009 Newsline
Annual Conference Information Packet available online, registration begins Feb. 21.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Source: 2/12/2009 Newsline Extra
Public policy leader on hunger to speak at Annual Conference.

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

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

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

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

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

Source: 2/12/2009 Newsline Extra
Song and Story Fest to be held at Camp Peaceful Pines.

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

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

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

Source: 2/12/2009 Newsline Extra
Cook-Huffman to lead Ministers’ Association event.

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

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

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

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

Source: 2/12/2009 Newsline Extra
Annual Conference bits and pieces.
  • The Annual Conference Office, presently operating at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md., will relocate to the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill., during the week of Sept. 21-25. The new address will be Church of the Brethren Annual Conference Office, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL, 60120. Complete contact information will be available in the 2009 Yearbook. Contact Lerry Fogle, Annual Conference Director, at 800-688-5186.

  • Phyllis Tickle, the former and founding religion department editor of "Publishers Weekly" and a leading voice on the significant changes occurring in culture and religion, will be the speaker for the "Messenger" dinner at the 2009 Annual Conference. The dinner is scheduled for Saturday evening, June 27. Tickle recently wrote the book, "The Great Emergence" discussing a shift to a new era for faith and the larger society. Go to www.phyllistickle.com/aboutauthor.html for more information.
Source: 2/12/2009 Newsline Extra
Skilled workers to construct 2009 Nigeria workcamp projects.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Source: 2/12/2009 Newsline Extra
Bethany Seminary offers Spring Chapel Preaching Series.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Source: 2/12/2009 Newsline Extra
Bethany Seminary holds Presidential Forum in March.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Source: 2/12/2009 Newsline Extra
Brethren Disaster Ministries takes part in ecumenical ‘blitz build.’

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Source: 2/12/2009 Newsline Extra
Dominican Brethren to hold annual assembly.

La Iglesia de los Hermanos en la Republica Dominicana (Church of the Brethren in the Dominican Republic) will hold its 18th annual Assembly in Santo Domingo on Feb. 20-22. Moderator JosƩ Juan MƩndez, pastor of the Fondo Negro congregation, will lead the Assembly assisted by moderator-elect Felix Antonio Arias Mateo, pastor of the Maranatha congregation in San Juan de la Maguana.

The Dominican Brethren anticipate welcoming representatives from the Church of the Brethren congregations in Haiti as well as two delegates representing the Puerto Rican Brethren. Jay Wittmeyer, newly appointed executive director for Global Mission Partnerships, also will attend.

Two new church fellowships are scheduled to be received into the Assembly this year, both located in Santo Domingo.

The weekend will include morning Bible studies led by Nancy Heishman, director of the Theological Program in the DR, who will be assisted by several theological students. Preaching and worship alternating between the Spanish and Creole languages and styles will be a highlight of this diverse, vibrant church gathering.

-- Nancy Heishman is director of the Church of the Brethren’s Theological Program in the DR.

Source: 2/12/2009 Newsline Extra
Young Adult Conference to be held over Memorial Day weekend.

The annual Church of the Brethren Young Adult Conference will be held on May 23-25 at Camp Swatara in Bethel, Pa., on the theme, "The Journey of Discipleship" (1 Peter 3:8-15). The event is sponsored by the denomination’s Youth and Young Adult Ministry for young adults ages 18-35.

The conference will revolve around questions of discipleship, such as, "What does it mean in today’s culture to be a disciple of Jesus? What does it mean in terms of our daily decisions and lifestyle?" Activities will include worship with sermons by Greg Laszakovits, Dana Cassell, and Katie O’Donnell, as well as workshops, music, campfires, a coffeehouse, and recreation.

Cost is $90 prior to April 15, $100 from April 16-22, and $110 on May 23. Those registering before April 15 may request that a letter be sent to their congregations asking for a $50 scholarship. Online registration is now available at www.brethren.org/yac09 or contact Bekah Houff in the Youth and Young Adult Ministry Office at rhouff_gb@brethren.org or 800-323-8039 ext. 281.

Source: 2/12/2009 Newsline Extra
‘We Are Able’ workcamp seeks participants.

The Church of the Brethren is offering a workcamp for intellectually disabled youth and young adults (ages 16-23) and volunteer service partners of the same age, from July 6-10 in New Windsor, Md. The "We Are Able" workcamp will enable intellectually disabled youth and young adults to serve as volunteers in a supportive environment designed to overcome their challenges and honor their gifts.

The workcamp will be coordinated by Jeanne Davies, coordinator of the Workcamp Ministry, and directed by Julie Foster, a postsecondary transition educator and coordinator for the Harrisonburg (Va.) City Public Schools in the Shenandoah Valley Regional Special Education Program. Foster works with intellectually disabled young adults in a post secondary education program emphasizing employment readiness and community living skills.

To apply as a youth or young adult service partner, or as a participant with I.D., go to the registration page at www.brethrenworkcamps.org and download the informational letter and application. Return the application to the Workcamp Office, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120.

-- Jeanne Davies coordinates the Church of the Brethren’s Workcamp ministry.

Source: 2/12/2009 Newsline Extra
Armenia-Georgia study tour sponsored by the Brethren and Heifer.

A study tour to Armenia and Georgia jointly sponsored by the Church of the Brethren and Heifer International takes place Sept. 17-Oct. 1. Tour hosts are Jan West Schrock, a senior advisor for Heifer International and a former director of Brethren Volunteer Service, and Kathleen Campanella, director of Partner and Public Relations at the Brethren Service Center.

"Our trip is an exciting opportunity to experience Heifer’s approach to development," Schrock said. "We’ll explore and learn the diverse history and traditions of both Georgia and Armenia, visit the genocide museum in Armenia, learn about and worship in an Orthodox Armenian church, and witness the outreach work of the Church of the Brethren in the past and currently."

The tour will begin Sept. 17 with arrival at Tbilisi International Airport in Georgia, continuing with several days in Georgia visiting Heifer projects in the Caucasus mountain region of Kazbegi and the Black Sea area. The tour will then spend several days in Armenia, beginning Sept. 22, visiting a cross-border cooperation project, a "Peace to Our Homes" project, family farms, and a village rehabilitation project, among others. The tour will include cultural sites such as the Noravanq Monastery in Armenia. Departure on Oct. 1 will be from Armenia.

A number of Heifer staff from Armenia and Georgia will join the tour including Anahit Ghazanchyan, Heifer Armenia Country Director; and George Murvanidze, Heifer Georgia Country Director.

The Heifer program in the South Caucasus region began in 1999. Since then, it has been implementing over 34 projects assisting more than 5,000 families in Armenia, Georgia, and Azerbaijan to build their own family farms. The organization places various types of animals such as cows, goats, sheep, beehives, rabbits, chickens, fish, turkeys, buffalos, and bull calves, along with Californian worms, potato seeds, alfalfa seeds, wheat seeds, and fruit tree seedlings.

Heifer Armenia’s statement of purpose includes improvement of the socio-economic situation of vulnerable groups through development of rural communities, finding solutions for economic and ecological problems, spiritual renewal, and strengthening peace in the region. Priority issues are rural development, regional cooperation, community empowerment, knowledge management, youth development, financial viability, partnership, and networking. The program employs 12 full time and 10 project staff in Armenia, and has 149 community leaders and 1,200 youth leaders involved. In ongoing Georgian projects, Heifer partners with three national organizations and five community representatives in the "Peace to Our Homes" regional cooperation project.

The deadline to apply for the study tour is May 15. Cost is $3,500 per person for double occupancy, single occupancy is on request with additional charges. A deposit of $1,000 is due with the application, and is refundable up to 60 days before departure. Participants may request continuing education units.

A 40-page booklet in pdf format is available with the itinerary, a review of the work of Heifer in the Caucasus region, background on Armenia and Georgia, biographies of staff, and more. For trip information contact Jan Schrock at Jan.Schrock@Heifer.org or 207-878-6846.

Source: 2/12/2009 Newsline Extra
Other upcoming events.
  • A retreat for Church of the Brethren women entitled "Treasure in Earthen Vessels: A Women’s Celebration of Body, Mind, and Spirit" will be held May 1-3 at Leaven Retreat Center in Lyons, Mich. The weekend is sponsored by the Church of the Brethren’s Wellness Ministry, designed for women who seek to develop balance, a sense of wellbeing, and fullness of spirit. This small-group experience will be led by Deanna Brown and Anita Smith Buckwalter. The registration deadline is March 30. For a brochure, more information, or to register, contact Mary Lou Garrison, director of the Wellness Ministry, at mgarrison_abc@brethren.org or 800-323-8039.

  • A workshop and worship event, "Reach Out and Welcome In," is sponsored by the Church of the Brethren’s Congregational Life Ministry on April 25 from 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. at Olympia, Lacey (Wash.) Community Church of the Brethren. Cost is $25 per person or $100 for church groups. Leaders are Rose Madrid-Swetman, church planter and district superintendent in a Seattle-area Vineyard Fellowship; Howard Ullery, pastor at Olympia Lacey, who will lead a workshop on visual arts in worship; Steven Gregory, executive minister for Oregon-Washington District and Congregational Life Team staff member, who will share about effective evangelism "Brethren style"; and Jeff Glass and Carol Mason, also from the Congregational Life Team staff. For more information contact Jeff Glass at 888-826-4951 or Betty Radke at 509-662-3681.

  • Bethany Theological Seminary is setting March 6 as a Campus Visit Day. Prospective students are invited to tour the campus in Richmond, Ind., meet Bethany president Ruthann Knechel Johansen, chat and dine with faculty and students, and attend a class. Go to www.bethanyseminary.edu/visit to register.

  • Registration for National Junior High Conference began Jan. 15 and already 466 people are registered. The conference is at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Va., on June 19-21. Registration is limited to 1,300 people. Early registrants will receive air-conditioned housing. Go to www.brethren.org/jrhiconf to register. Request brochures from Rebekah Houff in the Youth and Young Adult Ministry Office at rhouff_gb@brethren.org or 800-323-8039 ext. 281.

  • National Youth Sunday is scheduled for May 3. Congregations are encouraged to celebrate youth by inviting high schoolers to participate in leading worship on that Sunday. The theme is "Standing on Holy Ground" (Exodus 3:5). Go to http://www.brethren.org/site/PageServer?pagename=grow_youth_ministry_resources for worship resources including a challenge letter, Bible studies, a prayer calendar, children’s stories, scripture jams, a bulletin insert, and a skit.

  • The Annual Forum of the Fellowship of Brethren Homes takes place Feb. 26-27 at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill. The forum gathers leaders from the Brethren retirement communities along with staff of Caring Ministries and Brethren Benefit Trust. The event includes a tour of Pinecrest Community in Mount Morris, Ill. For more information contact Kathy Reid at kreid_abc@brethren.org or 800-323-8039.
Source: 2/12/2009 Newsline Extra
Critical Response Childcare Team Aids Families at Plane Crash Site

The Critical Response Childcare Team is responding to the crash of Continental Connection Flight 3407 in which 50 people were killed late last evening close to Buffalo, N.Y. The Critical Response Childcare Team is a part of the Children’s Disaster Services ministry of the Church of the Brethren.

Judy Bezon, director of Children’s Disaster Services, will be part of the team in Buffalo, along with Don and Barb Weaver, who are serving as team leaders, and two other trained volunteers. The team is offering services at a hotel where families of the crash victims are gathering.

"The presence of a compassionate care giver, along with carefully selected play activities, has a significant impact on the recovery of a child who has experienced the trauma of such a loss," Bezon said.

Children's Disaster Services was invited by the American Red Cross to be a part of their Critical Response Team in 1997. The Critical Response Childcare Team is a group of experienced Children's Disaster Services volunteers who have received additional training that prepares them to work with children after an aviation incident or other mass casualty event.

A six-member team is on call each month, ready to travel within four hours of deployment by the American Red Cross. When the volunteers arrive, they work in a Family Assistance Center, where those impacted by the incident participate in briefings and receive support from the Red Cross.

Since 1997, the Critical Response Childcare Team has responded to the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, and seven aviation incidents. Last month, the team was contacted by the American Red Cross to be ready to respond to the water landing of the airliner in the Hudson River. Fortunately, that was not necessary, as everyone survived the "double bird hit" engine failure.

Visit the Children's Disater Services website for more information or call the Children’s Disaster Services Office in New Windsor, Md., at 800-451-4407.

Source: 2/13/2009 Newsline Special
Credits

Newsline is produced by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of news services for the Church of the Brethren, cobnews@brethren.org or 800-323-8039 ext. 260. Justin Barrett, Judy Bezon, Jan Eller, Lerry Fogle, Mary Lou Garrison, Jeremy Glover, Anna Lisa Gross, Matt Guynn, Bekah Houff, Elizabeth Keller, Jon Kobel, Karin L. Krog, Pat Marsh, Howard Royer, Glen Sargent, Marcia Shetler, Ken Kline Smeltzer, John Wall, Dana Weaver, Walt Wiltschek, LeAnn Wine, Roy Winter, Loretta Wolf, and Jane Yount contributed to this report.