Personnel, job openings, YAC, and much more.

• Philip J. Medon has been selected as founding dean for Manchester College’s new School of Pharmacy. He most recently was founding dean of the School of Pharmacy of Southern Illinois University. With graduate degrees from Purdue University, he also has held faculty and administrative positions at University of Louisiana at Monroe, University of Illinois-Chicago, and University of New Mexico. He will join Manchester on July 1 as vice president and dean of the School of Pharmacy, and as a professor of pharmacy and toxicology. The School of Pharmacy is the college’s first doctoral program and will be located in Fort Wayne, Ind. For more visit pharmacy.manchester.edu.
  
  
• Nancy Buffenmyer has resigned as editorial and marketing assistant for the Gather ’Round curriculum jointly produced by Brethren Press and the Mennonite Publishing Network, as of May 21. She has worked for Gather ’Round since Jan. 2008.
  
  
• The Church of the Brethren seeks a director for the Brethren Historical Library and Archives (BHLA) at the denomination’s General Offices in Elgin, Ill. Start date is Nov. 1. Responsibilities include to promote the history and heritage of the Church of the Brethren by administering the BHLA and facilitating research and the study of Brethren history, provide reference services, assure the cataloging of books and processing of archival records, formulate policies, budget, develop the collection, recruit and train interns and volunteers. Requirements include a master’s degree in library science or archival studies and extensive knowledge of Church of the Brethren history and beliefs with a graduate degree in history or theology and/or certification by the Academy of Certified Archivists preferred; ability to articulate and operate out of the vision of the Church of the Brethren; grounding in library and archival disciplines; customer service skills; research and problem-solving skills; proficiency in Microsoft software and experience with OCLC products; three-to-five years of experience working in a library or archives. An application, resume, and three reference letters are due no later than June 25 to Karin Krog, Director of Human Resources, Church of the Brethren, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60123; kkrog@brethren.org; 847-742-5100 ext. 258.
  
  
• Brethren Benefit Trust seeks an accounting manager to fill a fulltime position at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill. Function is to maintain an accurate daily valuation process and provide support to the CFO, with primary responsibility to direct the workload of daily valuation of pension and foundation investment funds. Additional responsibilities are to confirm trading activity of mutual fund shares for pension and foundation investment choices; provide backup for payroll, accounts payable and receivable; conduct internal audits and testing for accuracy and compliance within each program offered by BBT; assist in developing a business continuity plan; and other duties as assigned. BBT seeks candidates with undergraduate degrees in accounting, business, or a related field, and a CPA is preferred. Other requirements include strong verbal and written communications skills and proficiency in Microsoft Office; knowledge of accounting systems and business planning desired; current and active membership in the Church of the Brethren preferred; current and active membership in a faith community required. Salary and benefits are competitive with Church Benefits Association agencies of comparable size and scope of services. A full benefits package is included. BBT hopes to begin interviewing by June 15. Apply by submitting a letter of interest, resume, three references (one supervisor or professor/teacher, one colleague, one friend), and salary-range expectation to Donna March at 1505 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120, or dmarch_bbt@brethren.org. For questions or clarification about the position, call 847-622-3371.
  
  
• The Church of the Brethren seeks an editorial assistant for the Gather ’Round Curriculum Project of Brethren Press and the Mennonite Publishing Network. The individual will fill a 30-40 hour per week position at the General Offices in Elgin, Ill., available May 24. The editorial assistant supports the editorial and marketing arms of the curriculum project, working closely with the managing editor and project director; coordinates contracts and payments for illustrators, designers, writers, and photographers; researches and requests permissions for use of copyrighted material; copy edits and proofreads material; serves as a liaison to denominational customer service staff and the public; produces spreadsheets and other reports; assembles a monthly e-newsletter; coordinates logistics for writers conferences and other meetings; and performs general office duties. The editorial assistant also maintains and updates the Gather ’Round website and troubleshoots web download orders. For a full position description request the application packet from the Office of Human Resources, Church of the Brethren, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120-1694; 800-323-8039 ext. 258; kkrog@brethren.org.
  
  
• Zach Wolgemuth, associate director of Brethren Disaster Ministries, was among those invited to speak at a "Champions of Hope" volunteer dinner on April 22 held by the Lakeshore Area Regional Recovery of Indiana (LARRI). Brethren Disaster Ministries received an award in recognition of its ongoing partnership and assistance following flooding in northwest Indiana. There were about 270 people at the event, including donors, sponsors, volunteers, and partner groups including the Christian Reformed World Relief Committee, the United Methodist Church of Tennessee, and the Governor’s Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives. In his remarks, Wolgemuth credited LARRI staff and the disaster volunteers. "It goes without saying that the efforts of all the volunteers, donors, partners, and sponsors are changing lives here in this great community.... There is light where there was darkness, hope where there was hopelessness."
  
  
• Stan Dueck, the denomination’s director for Transforming Practices, has been involved in several meetings in Virlina District and Roanoke, Va. On April 30, he met with pastors of urban congregations in a meeting arranged by Tim Harvey, pastor of Central Church of the Brethren. The pastors recently had participated in a pulpit exchange among their respective congregations. Conversation centered on stories of transformation in which churches and pastors see God working in the community, and time was devoted to exploring ways the churches may work together to make effective use of their ministries and resources. Dueck also gave a workshop for a district leadership training event at Copper Hill Church of the Brethren on May 1. "Why We Do What We Do" discussed dynamics of cultural shifts and the role that church systems have in shaping values, relationships, worship, leadership, evangelism, and conflict in communities of faith. On Sunday, May 2, he participated in the 85th anniversary of Central Church, and then worshiped at Renacer, a Hispanic church start pastored by Daniel and Oris D’Oleo.
  
  
• The Older Adult Ministry Cabinet is meeting at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill., on May 20-22 for an annual planning retreat. The cabinet assists Kim Ebersole, director of Family and Older Adult Ministries, to develop resources and programing. Members attending the retreat are Bill Cave (Pennsylvania), Anne Palmer (California), Heddie Sumner (Michigan), and LeRoy Weddle (Kansas). Other cabinet members are Deanna Brown and Kim Witkovsky, who are unable to attend.
  
  
• On Earth Peace is offering Peace Retreats for congregations, districts, and camps. Contact peace-ed@onearthpeace.org for more information and to request contact from an On Earth Peace staff member who will help tailor a retreat to the congregational, district, or camp setting. Groups that host retreats are required to provide food, housing, and a stipend for the leadership. In return, On Earth Peace will provide retreat facilitators and an organized schedule of activities and lessons. For more go to www.onearthpeace.org/programs/peace-ed/peace-retreats/index.html.
  
  
• A John’s Way Ministry was started by Clover Creek Church of the Brethren in Fredericksburg, Pa., a year ago in honor of John Scott Baird, a member of the church who was born with a rare genetic abnormality that confined him to a wheelchair. He passed away on May 5, 2004, at age 19. The ministry accepts donations of used medical equipment and supplies in good working condition and freely gives them to anyone in need of them. "The equipment is cleaned, checked over, and placed in storage ready for the next request," said an article in the Middle Pennsylvania District newsletter.
  
  
• York (Pa.) First Church of the Brethren will receive a special presentation from Church World Service (CWS) on June 13, according to the church newsletter. Regional director Patrick Walker will present a framed photo recognizing donations of over $100,000 to Church World Service, with which the church joins the CWS "millennium club."
  
  
• Shenandoah District Disaster Ministries Auction estimates proceeds of $190,000 from the event at the Rockingham County (Va.) Fairgrounds. "God certainly blessed us with wonderful weather, faithful, hardworking volunteers, and a great crowd of folks, some of whom traveled from as far away as Pennsylvania and Ohio," said the report from associate district executive Joan L. Daggett. Numbers from the weekend include 1,299 tickets sold for an oyster/ham dinner, and 171 pancakes and 335 omelets eaten at a Saturday morning breakfast.
  
  
• As of last report, $103,000 is needed by the end of 2010 to reach a goal of $425,000 to purchase the John Kline Homestead house and land in Broadway, Va. A note from the Virlina District Board in the district newsletter encouraged congregations to help provide these funds. The property is the historic home of Elder John Kline, a Civil War-era Brethren leader and martyr for peace. The Town Council of Broadway has requested that the John Kline Homestead be included in area tours commemorating 150 years since the Civil War (2011-2015). Contact the John Kline Homestead Preservation Fund, P.O. Box 274, Broadway, VA 22815.
  
  
• Pacific Southwest District’s newsletter has reported on a two-year ministry enrichment project, "Building Side-Doors." The project began last month with four orientation seminars. A total of 89 people attended from the 14 churches who voted to participate. Participants received instruction and "a wealth of ‘building tools’ as they anticipated the construction of their side-doors (new outreach ministry initiatives)," the newsletter said. Translation of materials has begun for the Spanish-speaking churches involved. "Glendora Church got a jump start on one new side-door--a community garden," the newsletter said. "According to Rev. Mike Martin, there have already been inquiries from people in the community on how they can get involved."
  
  
• World Hunger Auction events in Virlina District began April 18 and will culminate Aug. 14 with an auction at Antioch Church of the Brethren in Rocky Mount, Va. Nine churches in the district are participating in the effort, which includes events such as a Hunger Walk held April 18; the Spring Jamboree on May 2 at Smith Mountain Lake Community Church; a Hunger Bike Ride on May 22 at Antioch Church; an Organ Concert featuring Jonathan Emmons on Aug. 1 at Antioch Church; and a World Hunger Golf Tournament on July 10. For more information contact sandylyn@b2xonline.com or 540-483-2534.
  
  
• Manchester College this fall resumes hosting a regional youth conference for Church of the Brethren youth in the Midwest. The conference, titled "Powerhouse 2010," will be held on Nov. 13-14 on the college campus in North Manchester, Ind., for youth in grades 9-12 and advisors. Presenters will include National Youth Conference speakers Angie Lahman Yoder and Dave Sollenberger on the theme "Hidden Treasure" (Proverbs 2:1-5). The weekend will include worship, Bible study, games, recreation, music, and more. Further details, including registration information, will be available early this fall.
  
  
• The Brethren Bible Institute offered by the Brethren Revival Fellowship (BRF) will be held on July 19-23 at Elizabethtown (Pa.) College. For registration and class information contact BBI, 155 Denver Rd, Denver, PA 17517.
  
  
• Four Juniata College faculty were honored May 4 with teaching and service awards during a Spring Awards Convocation. Honorees included Church of the Brethren member Celia Cook-Huffman, who holds the W. Clay and Kathryn Burkholder Professorship in Conflict Resolution and is associate director of the Baker Institute for Peace and Conflict Studies. Also honored were Michael Boyle, who holds the William J. von Liebig Chair in Biomedical Sciences; Kathleen Biddle, assistant professor of education; and Philip Dunwoody, associate professor of psychology. Cook-Huffman was honored with the 21st annual Beachley Award for Distinguished Academic Service.
  
  
• The Henry Luce Foundation has awarded $120,000 to the "Journal of Religion, Conflict, and Peace," an online publication of the Plowshares peace studies cooperative of the three Historic Peace Church colleges in Indiana: Manchester, Earlham, and Goshen. The publication is the only research journal focused on ways religion can cause or exacerbate war and how religion can foster peace despite religiously-influenced conflict around the globe. It is edited by Joseph Liechty, professor of peace, justice, and conflict studies at Goshen College, and was created with support from a grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. The journal is at www.religionconflictpeace.org.
  
  
• The World Council of Churches (WCC) is part of a consultation to promote "justice tourism" in Israel and Palestine. The week of May 29-June 4 has been designated World Week for Peace in Palestine Israel. "There is an emerging concern that Christian tourists have an ethical obligation to engage with the people living there, to become witnesses to their struggle for freedom, human dignity, equality, justice, and peace," said a release. The consultation May 18-21 is to consolidate a "theology of pilgrimage for Palestine-Israel" and produce a study guide for Christian tourists. The meeting is organized by the Alternative Tourism Group, the Ecumenical Coalition on Tourism, Kairos Palestine, and the Palestine-Israel Ecumenical Forum--an initiative of the WCC. For more go to www.oikoumene.org/en/programmes/public-witness-addressing-power-affirming-peace/churches-in-the-middle-east/pief/pief-home.html.
  
  
• Christian leaders in Iraq have called for end to violence in a May 6 statement released through the World Council of Churches. The statement by the Council of the Christian Church Leaders of Iraq came after a May 2 attack in the northern city of Mosul, where buses carrying Christian university students were bombed. One person was killed and 188 injured. Since then more attacks have taken place throughout Iraq, although not all were against Christians, the WCC release said. "The wave of violence comes after contentious national elections and at a time when the country is struggling to form a new government," the release said. The church council was includes patriarchs, archbishops, bishops, and heads of churches from the 14 Christian communities in Iraq. Find the statement at www.oikoumene.org/en/resources/
  documents/other-ecumenical-bodies/statement-by-the-council-of-the-heads-of-the-christian-churches-of-iraq.html.
  
  
• There are only two weeks left to register online for Annual Conference on July 3-7 in Pittsburgh, Pa. June 7 is the last day for the advance, non-delegate registration fee of $95. After that date, participants must register on site in Pittsburgh, where the registration fee will be $120 for the full Conference. The June 7 deadline also applies to age-group registrations and purchasing meal tickets and Conference booklets. Go to www.brethren.org/ac and click the "Housing and Registration" link. For questions, contact the Conference Office at 800-323-8039 or annualconference@brethren.org.
  
  
• Tweets are being shared by participants at the Church Planting Conference that began today at Bethany Theological Seminary in Richmond, Ind. Follow the Twitter stream at http://twitter.com/search?q=%23cobplant2010. So far, participants have shared comments ranging from "Belita speaking Pour out Holy Spirit!" to "Recognizing new church plants at plenary session of the conference. Wow! great things happening in the CoB!! Praise God." The conference continues through May 22 on the theme, "Plant Generously, Reap Bountifully" (1 Corinthians 3:6).
  
  
• Young Adult Conference meets May 29-31 at Camp Blue Diamond near Petersburg, Pa. The theme for this gathering of Church of the Brethren young adults is "Community" based on Romans 12:4-8. Information and registration are online at www.brethren.org/site/PageServer?pagename=grow_young_adult_ministry_YAC.

Source: 5/20/2010 Newsline