NEWS

• Preachers are named for the 2010 Annual Conference.
  
• Hispanic Ministries executives of several denominations gather in Chicago.
  
• Brethren Volunteer Service unit begins work.
  
• Church receives large offering at Rally Day event on mission.

UPCOMING EVENTS

• Webinar with Charles Arn to focus on ‘Making Evangelism Effective.’
  
• Jonathan Reed to speak at Progressive Brethren Gathering.
  
• Resources help prepare for National Youth Conference.

FEATURES

• Reflections on World Communion Sunday in Nigeria.
  
• How do I see God in my work?

BRETHREN BITS

• Corrections, Advent prayer, jobs, and more.

SPECIAL REPORT

• BBT protests Wells Fargo effort to contact Pension Plan members, churches.

Preachers are named for the 2010 Annual Conference.

Preachers have been named for the worship services at the 2010 Annual Conference of the Church of the Brethren, to be held in Pittsburgh, Pa., on July 3-7, 2010.

Preaching for the opening worship service of the Conference, on Saturday evening July 3, will be Shawn Flory Replogle, Annual Conference moderator and pastor of McPherson (Kan.) Church of the Brethren. Marlys Hershberger, pastor of Hollidaysburg (Pa.) Church of the Brethren, will bring the message on Sunday morning. Speaking Monday evening will be Earle W. Fike Jr., former Conference moderator and retired pastor, seminary teacher, and General Board executive from Bridgewater, Va. Nancy Fitzgerald, pastor of Arlington (Va.) Church of the Brethren, speaks Tuesday evening. Jonathan Shively, executive director of Congregational Life Ministries, will bring the closing message on Wednesday morning, July 7.

In other news from Annual Conference, nominations of candidates for open positions on the 2010 ballot are requested.

Nominations are sought for the following offices: moderator-elect (one person, three-year term); Program and Arrangements Committee (one person, three-year term); Mission and Ministry Board (three persons, five-year term); On Earth Peace Board (one person, five-year term); Brethren Benefit Trust Board (one person, four-year term); Bethany Seminary Board of Trustees, laity (one person, five-year term); Bethany Seminary Board of Trustees, clergy (one person, five-year term); Committee on Interchurch Relations (one person, three-year term); Pastoral Compensation and Benefits Advisory Committee, laity (one person, five-year term); World Council of Churches Representative (one person, to be appointed by Standing Committee); Denominational Visioning Committee (four people, to be appointed by Standing Committee).

Four qualified candidates are needed for each open position. The deadline for nominations is Dec. 1.

Members of the church may nominate persons online at www.cobannualconference.org (click on "Election Forms" then "2010 Nomination Form"). Nominees should be contacted and give permission before forms are filled out. Each nominee will be e-mailed a link to the "2010 Nominee Information" form to complete online.

The Annual Conference office also has paper nomination forms available in English and Spanish. Contact the Annual Conference office at 800-323-8039 ext. 229.

Source: 11/4/2009 Newsline

Hispanic Ministries executives of several denominations gather in Chicago.

On Sept. 22-23 the first Hispanic Ministries Executive meeting was celebrated. It brought together several Hispanic leaders of different denominations who are responsible for the national strategies for Hispanic ministries in their respective churches. The executives held the meeting to reach out and develop their Hispanic ministries. They expressed that "it was a historic moment as they sat together to develop a collaborative work."

The Hispanic leaders represented about seven different denominations and churches at the two-day meeting, where they determined their purpose together to network, inform, train, collaborate, educate, and volunteer. They did not discuss differences in their theologies, but also agreed to have an annual meeting.

The meeting for the Hispanic executives was held in the facilities of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) in Chicago, Ill. During their time together, the executives shared about how they are working with Hispanic groups in the US, the numbers of churches and the structures with which they work, Hispanic educational materials that are available, and their experiences on different issues affecting their ministries such as immigration, church planting, and Latin youth in the US. Those three topics will be discussed more at future meetings.

An invitation to other denominational Hispanic leaders who were not present or who were unable to attend will be send for a future gathering.

Those present included Hector Carrasquillo of the ELCA, Canon Anthony Guillen from the Episcopal Church, Hector Rodriguez and Marissa Galvan-Valle from the Presbyterian Church USA, Francisco Canas from the United Methodist Church, Roberto Hodgson from Church of the Nazarene, Steve Strand and Edgar A Chacon from the Wesleyan Church, Jorge Cuevas from the Christian and Missionary Alliance, and Ruben D. Deoleo from the Church of the Brethren.

The group plans to meet next at the Episcopal Cathedral in Los Angeles, Calif., on Oct. 3-5, 2010.

-- Ruben Deoleo is director of Intercultural Ministries for the Church of the Brethren.

Source: 11/4/2009 Newsline

Brethren Volunteer Service unit begins work.

Volunteers who participated in the most recent orientation of Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS) have begun work at their projects. The orientation was the 286th unit of BVS. Following are the volunteers, their home towns or congregations, and project assignments:

Katie Baker of Piney Creek Church of the Brethren in Taneytown, Md., to Talbert House in Cincinnati, Ohio; Jesse Bradford of Olympia, Lacey (Wash.) Community Church of the Brethren, to International Community School, Decatur, Ga.; August and Jutta von Dahl of Bell, Germany, to the Meeting Ground in Elkton, Md.; Laura Dell of Holmesville (Neb.) Church of the Brethren, and Anne Wessell of Spring Creek Church of the Brethren in Hershey, Pa., to Cincinnati (Ohio) Church of the Brethren; Marcus Dombois of Kassel, Germany, to San Antonio (Texas) Catholic Worker House; Lea Ernst of Wuppertal, Germany, to Bridgeway in Lakewood, Colo.; Mathias Firus of Ramstein, Germany, and Chris Kollhed of Worspwede, Germany, to Project PLASE in Baltimore, Md.; Dominik Geus of Leverkusen, Germany, and Marcel Irintchev of Bonn, Germany, to the Brethren Nutrition Program in Washington, D.C.; David Jamison of Roanoke (Va.) Central Church of the Brethren, to Hadley Day Care, Hutchinson, Kan.; Sebastian Peters of Andernach, Germany, to the Religious Coalition for Emergency Human Need in Frederick, Md.; Jill Piebiak of Valleyview, Canada, to the World Student Christian Federation in Budapest, Hungary; Linda Propst of Staunton (Va.) Church of the Brethren, to Cross Keys Village in New Oxford, Pa.; Dassie Puderbaugh of Topeka (Rochester Community) Church of the Brethren in Topeka, Kan., to the Family Abuse Center in Waco, Texas; Steve Schellenberg of Terre Haute, Ind., to Brethren Disaster Ministries at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md.; and Cheryl Stafford of Oakland Church of the Brethren in Bradford, Ohio, to Kilcranny House in Coleraine, Northern Ireland.

Source: 11/4/2009 Newsline

Church receives large offering at Rally Day event on mission.

Chambersburg (Pa.) Church of the Brethren collected a $110,000 plus offering on Sunday, Oct. 18, at a Rally Day event focused on mission. Nancy and Irvin Heishman, co-coordinators of the Church of the Brethren mission in the Dominican Republic, were the keynote speakers.

The Heishmans led a Sunday school discussion on calling to ministry and mission, and gave a children's story on the conditions needed to grow the fruit of the Spirit in one’s life. A basket of fruits that can be grown in the DR but not in the US served as an illustration, and a papaya was cut open for children to sample. Irvin Heishman gave the morning sermon based on selections from Jeremiah. At a potluck meal following worship, the couple showed a slide presentation about the mission work in the Dominican Republic.

"It was a privilege and joy to be part of such a significant day in the life of this congregation," Irvin Heishman said.

The offering for the day was designated to help the congregation pay off a building debt. Their goal was to raise $80,000. The surprisingly strong $110,000 (estimated) offering was matched dollar for dollar up to $100,000 by an individual donor. This gave the congregation a total benefit of about $210,000 toward its $240,000 debt.

"We had planned our Oct. 18 event for a year in advance," commented pastor Harold Yeager. "Irvin and Nancy Heishman blessed our congregation with their ministry, and God blessed abundantly with the offering. We give God every praise for being part of that special day."

Source: 11/4/2009 Newsline

Webinar with Charles Arn to focus on ‘Making Evangelism Effective.’

A webcast seminar on the topic, "Making Evangelism Effective: Why New People Connect and Stay in Church" is offered through a partnership of the Transforming Practices office of the Church of the Brethren’s Congregational Life Ministries, and Bethany Seminary’s Electronic Communications. The speaker is Charles "Chip" Arn, president of the Church Growth Institute.

The webcast will be offered on Nov. 17 at 12:30-1:30 p.m. Pacific time (3:30-4:30 p.m. eastern), with a repeat broadcast on Nov. 19, at 5:30-6:30 p.m. Pacific time (8:30-9:30 p.m. eastern).

The event will provide information gleaned from research of new people who join a church and stay in the congregation, insights for leaders who want to invest their church’s outreach energy in the right place, and specific guidelines that are critical for church outreach to be effective.

No pre-registration is required, and there is no fee to participate. Those who view the webcast live may receive 0.1 continuing education credit. Go to www.bethanyseminary.edu/webcasts to connect with the webcast.

Source: 11/4/2009 Newsline

Jonathan Reed to speak at Progressive Brethren Gathering.

A change of program has been announced for "Ready at the Thresholds: Progressive Brethren Gather," on Nov. 13-15 hosted by Elizabethtown (Pa.) Church of the Brethren. Jonathan Reed, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and professor of Religion at the University of La Verne, Calif., has been announced as the featured presenter. Due to serious health concerns, Gordon Kaufman was forced to cancel his planned presentation.

In cooperation with Bethany Seminary’s Electronic Communications, most sessions will be webcast live with recordings available later (go to www.bethanyseminary.edu/webcast/summit2009).

This is the second Progressive Brethren Gathering, billed for "persons who see themselves as progressive and currently, or formerly, participating in the Church of the Brethren." It is sponsored by Womaen’s Caucus, Voices for an Open Spirit, and the Brethren Mennonite Council for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Interests (BMC).

Reed is an authority on first-century Palestine archaeology and has been involved in several major digs in the Middle East. His books include "The HarperCollins Visual Guide to the New Testament: What Archaeology Reveals About the First Christians," "Archaeology and the Galilean Jesus," and two books co-authored with John Dominic Crossan, "In Search of Paul: How Jesus’ Apostle Opposed Rome’s Empire with God’s Kingdom" and "Excavating Jesus: Beneath the Stones, Behind the Texts." He has been featured on the History Channel, "Good Morning America," and the National Geographic series "Science of the Bible." He and his family are members of La Verne Church of the Brethren.

Reed will give presentations on "Paul and Imperialism" and "Paul, Domination, and Sexuality" on Saturday afternoon, Nov. 14.

The weekend also will include opening worship on the theme, "Gathering at the Thresholds"; a variety of workshops; a banquet at Elizabethtown College on Saturday evening; Bible study led by Christina Bucher, dean of faculty and professor of Religion at Elizabethtown College; and a concluding service with the Elizabethtown Church, with BMC executive director Carol Wise bringing the message. Registration is $100 ($50 for students and $30 for children). Registration includes meals but not housing. Go to www.etowncob.org.

Source: 11/4/2009 Newsline

Resources help prepare for National Youth Conference.

Resources to help youth groups and their congregations prepare for National Youth Conference (NYC) 2010 are being offered at the event’s website, www.brethren.org/nyc . The conference is for senior high youth and adult advisors. It will be held on July 17-22, 2010, at Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colo. Registration opens on Jan. 5, 2010, at 8 p.m. central time.

To help prepare congregations and youth spiritually, the NYC office has put together a number of resources that are available online: a short promotional video, printable flyers, and monthly newsletters posted in pdf format. Fundraising ideas are provided as well, with each newsletter featuring an "NYC Fundraiser of the Month."

A monthly Bible study written by Church of the Brethren members also will be posted. So far, Bible studies are available through April. "Feel free to use these in your youth groups. They are a great way to get familiar with the theme from 2 Corinthians 4:6-10, 16-18, and to prepare spiritually for NYC," said a recent letter to congregations and pastors.

In addition, the coordinators are promoting NYC at popular social networking sites including Facebook, MySpace, and Twitter, and are providing a blog. Links are at www.brethren.org/nyc.

In other news, speakers for the NYC worship services have been announced: Shane Claiborne of Philadelphia, a leader in the new monastic movement; Jarrod McKenna, a leader in the emerging church movement in Australia; Brethren Revival Fellowship leader James Myer of Manheim, Pa.; Annual Conference moderator Shawn Flory Replogle; Bridgewater (Va.) College academic dean Carol Scheppard; Brethren videographer David Sollenberger; Ted & Company, a Mennonite comedy team from Harrisonburg, Va.; Naperville (Ill.) Church of the Brethren pastor Dennis Webb; Angie Lahman Yoder of the ministry team at Circle of Peace Church of the Brethren in Peoria, Ariz.; and the winners of the NYC youth speech contest.

-- Audrey Hollenberg and Emily LaPrade are the coordinators for NYC 2010.

Source: 11/4/2009 Newsline

Reflections on World Communion Sunday in Nigeria.

On Oct. 4--World Communion Sunday--Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria (EYN) celebrated communion. Communion followed a similar pattern to that of the Church of the Brethren in the US. The date and form of communion, or "love feast," was closely connected to our home congregation Chiques Church of the Brethren in Pennsylvania. As we participated in the service, we thought of our friends and family gathering around the tables commemorating the life and sacrifice of Jesus.

At Chiques, we gather around tables on Saturday evening for the common meal, unleavened bread, wine (which is grape juice), footwashing, and a cappella singing. On Sunday after the morning service, we gather again for an informal fellowship meal.

In Kwarhi--at the Kulp Bible College chapel--the scene was dramatically different but strangely familiar. Rather than Saturday evening we gathered on Sunday morning. After the regular service, we began the communion and love feast portion which also was held in the pews of the church sanctuary.

We began with the footwashing. To do this we filed out of the church in groups of about 20 people, men out one door and women out another. We then broke up into pairs and washed each other’s feet. After this was completed we shared a fellowship meal. The meal took place in the pews. People passed what they brought and moved about the room tasting the various dishes. At the conclusion of the meal, which lasted only a short time, everyone returned to their seats for the remainder of the service. The bread was small cubes of white bread and the wine was, because of the absence of grapes in Nigeria, a strawberry juice blend.

This was a dramatically different but strangely familiar experience. As we participated in the celebration, we were drawn to think of the truly international nature of the Church. While we knew what was happening at one congregation in Pennsylvania, we could only imagine what was taking place on this World Communion Sunday in many other parts of the world.

Jesus said to "do this in remembrance of me." We can now not only do this in remembrance of him, but we can remember our brothers and sisters around the world who also gather to celebrate the feast.

-- Nathan and Jennifer Hosler are Church of the Brethren mission staff in Nigeria.

Source: 11/4/2009 Newsline

How do I see God in my work?

The following reflection is by Scott Douglas, director of the Pension Plan and Employee Financial Services for Brethren Benefit Trust (BBT). It first appeared in "Simply News," a staff newsletter of Church of the Brethren agencies, as part of a series in which church staff answer the question, how do I see God in my work?

"The greatest challenge of the past nine months has been the process of reducing the benefits of over 1,450 Pension Plan annuitants. This reality was made more difficult by the fact that I personally know many of the folks whose benefits would be reduced.

"Since the plan to reduce benefits was announced in May, we have received many phone calls, e-mails, letters, and direct contacts. The thoughts and feelings expressed have included confusion, anger, and fear--all perfectly understandable. How does an individual on a fixed income handle a significant cut to income?

"What has impressed me most is that with few exceptions, the people contacting us with their questions and concerns have all comported themselves with grace and dignity. I come away from each encounter with a strong sense of the Holy Spirit’s presence. There is no personalizing--making me or anyone else the villain, nor is there self-pity. In fact, with amazing frequency I hear expressions of gratitude and blessing.

"By this I don't mean to suggest that anyone is happy about losing income. This is an awful reality that will impact each annuitant in a variety of ways, and we all wish that this reduction was not necessary.

"Rather, there is a matter-of-fact acceptance of the circumstance and an affirmation that in spite of the difficulties represented in this reduction, God is present and accompanying us through these challenging times."

Source: 11/4/2009 Newsline

Brethren bits: Corrections, Advent prayer, jobs, and more.

• Correction: Nadine Monn’s name was omitted from the Intercultural Advisory Committee in the Newsline report from the Mission and Ministry Board meeting.
  
  
• A correction has been made to the Prayer of Dedication for the Advent Offering scheduled for Sunday, Dec. 6. ( www.brethren.org/site/PageServer?pagename=give_AdventOffering ). Following is the corrected prayer, in English and Spanish:
  
  Prayer of dedication: O God, Giver of Life and Light, Creator of all that is and will be, One with Jesus the Christ, and Author of Hope: Our words of gratefulness are inadequate to say thank you for coming into our midst through the Holy Child.Thank you for sending us Jesus, who came to teach, to heal, to set us free from all that captures us, and to love us and all of your children unconditionally. Accept these gifts and speed them on their way to make possible ministries that continue the work and example of Jesus. We pray this for Jesus’ sake and the sake of the world. Amen.
  
  Oración dedicatoria: O, Dios, Dador de Vida y Luz, Creador de todo lo que existe y existirá, en unión con Jesús el Cristo y Autor de la Esperanza, nuestras palabras de agradecimiento son insuficientes ara darte gracias por hacerte presente entre nosotros a través del Santo Niño. Te damos gracias por enviarnos a Jesús, quien vino para enseñarnos, sanarnos y librarnos de todo aquello que nos hace esclavos, y para amarnos incondicionalmente a todos y cada uno de nosotros, tus hijos. Acepta estas ofrendas y apresúralas para hacer realidad ministerios que prosigan con la labor y el ejemplo de Jesús. Te lo pedimos por Jesús y por el bien del mundo. Amén.por el bien del mundo. Amén.
  
  
• Cheryl Stafford began an interim assignment as a staff volunteer with Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS) on Nov. 2. She is a member of Oakland Church of the Brethren in Gettysburg, Ohio, and is a first-time BVS volunteer in her retirement years. Since 1997 she was on the staff of Indiana University East in Richmond, Ind., where she held many positions including most recently Interim Dean of Students. She plans to go to Northern Ireland to work at Kilcranny House, a peace and reconcilation center and farm.
  
  
• The New Windsor (Md.) Conference Center is thanking volunteer hosts Mike and Barbara Hodson who returned home to Troy, Ohio, on Oct. 31. They served as hosts for Windsor Hall in October. Eileen Campbell of Ambler, Pa., has begun as hostess of the Old Main building.
  
  
• COBYS Family Services in Lancaster, Pa., has an opening for the position of executive director, with an application deadline of Dec. 3. Among qualifications in the position announcement are: a strong Christian faith with an appreciation of Church of the Brethren heritage and practices; a master’s degree (preferred); thorough knowledge of business and fiscal management and senior level experience; awareness of current trends in the social services field; effective oral and written communication skills; executive, leadership, and supervisory skills; ability to network with other social service agencies and faith-based ministries; and an integrated faith commitment, both personally and professionally. Serving on the Search Committee are COBYS Board members Deb Krantz, chair, a certified school nurse in the Hempfield School District and a member of Mechanic Grove Church of the Brethren in Quarryville, Pa.; Pamela Bedell, a teacher assistant and member of Indian Creek Church of the Brethren in Harleysville, Pa.; Cindy Bradley, a pre-school director and member of Lebanon (Pa.) Church of the Brethren; Nancy Fittery, pastor of Swatara Hill Church of the Brethren in Middletown, Pa., and a certified spiritual director; and Arthur Kreider, a superintendent with builder Paul Risk Associates and a member of Lampeter (Pa.) Church of the Brethren. Also on the committee are Jim Beckwith, pastor of Annville (Pa.) Church of the Brethren and a former Annual Conference moderator; and Paul W. Brubaker, retired executive vice president of the ENB Financial Corp. and an ordained minister at Middle Creek Church of the Brethren in Lititz, Pa. COBYS Board president Whit Buckwalter, a corporate relationship manager with Fulton Bank, is an ex-officio member of the committee. COBYS Family Services is a Christian family service agency affiliated with the Atlantic Northeast District of the Church of the Brethren. Motivated by Christian faith, COBYS educates, supports, and empowers children and adults to reach their full potential. COBYS carries out this mission through adoption and foster care services, counseling, family life education, and a home for teen mothers. Based in Lancaster County, COBYS serves children and families in south central Pennsylvania. The complete position announcement is available at www.cobys.org/employment. For more information, contact Search Committee chair Deb Krantz at dkrantz11@gmail.com.
  
  
• Camp Alexander Mack in Milford, Ind., is immediately seeking a Food Service manager-cook, to fill a year-round management position. Applications are due by Dec. 1. The position is to be filled by Dec. 28. The primary responsibilities are to prepare good quality food for groups according to schedules and menus with personnel who assist being properly instructed and supervised; maintain a clean, well organized kitchen and food storage room including food ordering, stock rotation, inventories, and record keeping; supervise the serving of food in an attractive and appealing manner and clean-up including proper storage of food and sanitation; provide for scheduling, supervision, instruction, and training of Food Service personnel; work with user groups to provide menus that meet the dietary needs of participants; serve on the Management Team; participate in professional growth events yearly. Compensation includes a competitive salary, health insurance, life and LTD insurance, conference and continuing education allowance, travel expenses, some meals, onsite residence available, two-week paid vacation, personal days off. Qualifications include a bachelor’s degree or comparable education or experience; a minimum of three years of food preparation in a camp setting, other food preparation field, or comparable experience; participation in a Christian church or fellowship; age 21 or older. To apply send a cover letter of intent, employment application (available at www.campmack.org), and resume (if available) to Rex Miller, Executive Director at Camp Mack, to rex@campmack.org or to this address by Dec. 1: Camp Mack, P.O. Box 158, Milford, IN 46542.
  
  
• Prayer concerns from Nathan and Jennifer Hosler, Church of the Brethren mission workers in Nigeria, were sent along with their recent report on peace and reconciliation work with Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria (the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria). "We greatly appreciate any opportunities you have to lift up us and the Nigerian church in prayer," they wrote. They asked for prayer for their own health and safety during travel; for vision and planning for the EYN Peace Program; and for peace in Nigeria. "Please pray for healthy relationships to be built between Muslims and Christians, for trust to be restored in communities where it has been broken," they asked. "Pray for healing of trauma and against further outbreaks of violence. Please pray for good leaders, people of justice and integrity. Nigerians suffer a lot from corruption occurring at national, state, and local levels. A few are very rich and many are very poor."
  
  
• Four Mile Church of the Brethren in Liberty, Ind., celebrated its 200th anniversary on Oct. 24-25. It is the oldest Brethren church in Indiana.
  
  
• Funds totaling $50,000 have been distributed from proceeds of the World Hunger Auction at Antioch Church of the Brethren in Rocky Mount, Va. According to a report in the Virlina District newsletter, Heifer International will receive $25,000 for programs outside the US. "This year the committee was given the opportunity to participate in a matching grant through Heifer resulting in this contribution being matched by funds from other sources," the newsletter said. "The specific project is responding to the 2008 earthquake in the northwestern Sichuan province in China." Other funds went to Heifer’s domestic programs, Roanoke Area Ministries, the Church of the Brethren’s Global Food Crisis Fund, and the Heavenly Manna Food Bank.
  
  
• Northern Colorado Church of the Brethren in Windsor, Colo., has changed its name to Peace Community Church of the Brethren.
  
  
• Upcoming district conferences include the Shenandoah District Conference on Nov. 6-7 at Bridgewater (Va.) Church of the Brethren, led by moderator Matthew Fike. The Illinois and Wisconsin District Conference on Nov. 6-8 will be at Naperville (Ill.) Church of the Brethren, led by moderator Gil Crosby. The Virlina District Conference is scheduled for Nov. 13-14 in Roanoke, Va., on the theme, "At the Name of Jesus, Every Knee Should Bend" (Philippians 2:1-11), led by moderator Patrick Starkey.
  
  
• A surprise gift has bequested more than $700,000 to Manchester College, according to a release. The bequest came from the estates of retired school teachers Florence E. Sanders and Lucile V. Sanders and their sister Ethel Sanders. Half the bequest will be applied to visionary initiatives in academics, renovations, and other student-focused opportunities that otherwise would be beyond the college’s budgetary reach.
  
  
• "Unleashing the Longevity Revolution" is the title of a seminar led by William Cave on Nov. 13 from 9 a.m.- 12 noon at the Village at Morrisons Cove, a Church of the Brethren retirement community in Martinsburg, Pa. The seminar will review the radical demographic changes in contemporary society that call for significant change in how a congregation plans for and carries out older adult ministry. Cave is a member of the Older Adult Ministry Cabinet of the Church of the Brethren’s Caring Ministries and a faculty fellow with the Geriatric Education Center of Pennsylvania and an adjunct instructor for the Susquehanna Valley Ministry Center. This event is sponsored by SVMC, the Village at Morrisons Cove, and Middle Pennsylvania District. There is a $10 charge to receive continuing education credit. Lunch will be provided. Registration deadline is Nov. 9. Contact Amy at 717-361-1450 or svmc@etown.edu.
  
  
• The "Brethren Voices" community television show produced by Ed Groff and Portland (Ore.) Peace Church of the Brethren is featuring the International Day of Prayer for Peace in November. The On Earth Peace campaign to promote the International Day of Prayer for Peace saw 130 congregations and other interested organizations participate in at least 33 states and three different countries, according to Groff. "Brethren Voices" interviews co-coordinator Michael Colvin and features photos and videos of observances held in Rockford, Ill.; Pleasant Chapel, Ind.; Philadelphia, Pa.; Portland, Ore.; and a prayer and listening walk held in Vega Baja, P.R. Contact Ed Groff at groffprod1@msn.com.
  
  
• A letter encouraging an international trend toward nuclear disarmament was issued on Oct. 28 by the general secretaries of four major ecumenical bodies: the World Council of Churches, Conference of European Churches, National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA, and Canadian Council of Churches. "The present opportunity must be transformed into conclusive actions," the letter said in part. "We appeal to all nuclear-weapon states and states with nuclear weapons on their soil to contribute to progress under the new political dynamic." The letter was sent to President Barack Obama, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, and leaders of NATO and the European Union. Find the full letter at www.oikoumene.org/?id=7281.
  
  
• Michael Feldman’s comedy radio quiz show "Whad’ya Know" featured Heifer International on Oct. 10, according to Southern Pennsylvania District executive Joe Detrick, who listened in. Broadcasting from Little Rock, Ark., the show interviewed Ray White, Public Information Director for Heifer International. "He spoke of Dan West, seagoing cowboys, and the Church of the Brethren--an excellent interview," Detrick reported. The show archive is at www.notmuch.com.
  
  
• Ralph and Chris Dull of Lower Miami Church of the Brethren in Dayton, Ohio, and founders of the Dayton International Peace Museum, were featured in an Associated Press story about the museum’s appeal to President Obama to share his Nobel Peace Prize money. "Museum officials say they would use the prize money to expand their peacemaking and conflict-resolution programs in elementary schools and among first-time youthful offenders and at-risk youth," the report said. Find the story at www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hAQ8290Gook2qVASNiIal5vn0FgQD9BJ9N804.
  
  
• Ron Beachley, executive minister of Western Pennsylvania District, has announced the start of a "Sudan Prayer Adventure." The announcement appeared in the newsletter of the Brethren World Mission group. "During my personal prayer time a few months ago, I felt led to pray more intentionally for the work and ministry of the Church of the Brethren in Sudan," he wrote. Beachley will hold an initial meeting at Frederick (Md.) Church of the Brethren on Nov. 9 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. If interested in joining this effort, send a note to rbeachley@brethren.org.

Source: 11/4/2009 Newsline

BBT protests Wells Fargo effort to contact Pension Plan members, churches

It has been brought to the attention of staff at Brethren Benefit Trust (BBT) that some individual Pension Plan members, as well as churches in the denomination, are being contacted by representatives of Wells Fargo Advisors concerning pensions and retirement. The Wells Fargo Advisors representatives make reference to the BBT website and imply that there are serious issues with the Brethren Pension Plan and that members should be concerned about their investments.

BBT emphasizes that these Wells Fargo Advisors officers are in no way connected to the Brethren Benefit Trust, the Brethren Pension Plan, or the Church of the Brethren denomination. They do not have a thorough understanding of the Brethren Pension Plan, but are clearly trying to undermine the Brethren Pension Plan for their personal benefit.

The Brethren Pension Plan remains a reliable, safe investment for church workers, pastors, district staff, staff of denominational agencies, and employees of retirement communities who are looking for security in retirement. Investing of the funds under BBT’s management is performed by eight national managers who are reviewed quarterly, and the funds are well diversified in market sectors. Although the Pension Plan has recently experienced the first decrease in its annuity assumption rate in its history, it continues to rank highly when compared with similar pension plans.

In the spirit of Matthew 18, BBT is sending a letter to the two representatives who are generating the letters from Wells Fargo Advisors, asking them to cease their attacks on the BBT program and to offer an apology to those whom they have contacted. BBT hopes this will resolve the problem, but if not, will pursue other avenues to protect its members and the Brethren Pension Plan.

Since 1943, plan members have looked toward their retirement with a sense of security, trusting that the Brethren Pension Plan would be there for them for the remainder of their lives. BBT takes that responsibility very seriously and intends to live up to those expectations. For questions or concerns about the Brethren Pension Plan, contact Pension Plan director Scott Douglas at 800-746-1505.

-- Patrice Nightingale is director of communications for Brethren Benefit Trust.

Source: 11/5/2009 Newsline Special Report

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. Carol Bowman, Chris Douglas, Stan Dueck, Enten Eller, Joe Detrick, Nan Erbaugh, Don Fitzkee, Ed Groff, Irvin Heishman, Karin L. Krog, Phyllis Leininger, Dan McFadden, Patrice Nightingale, and Ken Kline Smeltzer contributed to this report.