- Robert Raker, Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS) worker and mission staff with the General Board's Global Mission Partnerships, completes two years of service in the Dominican Republic this month. He is a member of Greencastle (Pa.) Church of the Brethren and has been teaching English as a second language in the DR.
- Several programs of the Church of the Brethren General Board are welcoming new fulltime volunteers through BVS. Todd Flory began Sept. 11 as assistant to the director of BVS; he is a member of McPherson (Kan.) Church of the Brethren and recently completed a year of volunteer service at the Brethren Witness/Washington Office. Hannah Kliewer begins Sept. 18 as orientation assistant for BVS; she has completed a year of service at the Center on Conscience and War in Washington, D.C. Trevor Myers began with Brethren Disaster Response on Aug. 18; he is a member of Oakland Church of the Brethren in Bradford, Ohio, and will be assigned to a repair and rebuilding site in Pensacola, Fla. Emily O'Donnell has begun at the Brethren Witness/Washington Office as a legislative associate; she is a member of Green Tree Church of the Brethren in Oaks, Pa. Amy Rhodes has begun with the Youth and Young Adult Ministry Office as an assistant workcamp coordinator; she is from Roanoke, Va. Monica Rice began Sept. 11 as recruiter for BVS; she is a member of Springfield Church of the Brethren in Akron, Ohio, and recently completed a year with the Youth and Young Adult Office. In addition, Sue Snyder began Sept. 11 as a part-time program volunteer with BVS; she is a former General Board staff member who has served seven years in BVS at St. Mary's Westside Food Bank in Surprise, Ariz.
- The National Council of Churches is publicizing two job openings: an associate general secretary for Administration and Finance; and a communication officer for its Washington Office. The associate general secretary provides executive leadership as the Chief Financial Officer for financial and business management; qualifications include, among many others, 10 years of experience as a financial administrator in a nonprofit agency, comprehensive understanding of administrative and financial operations, and experience in a denominational office or local or regional council of churches; location in New York. The communications position is in the joint Washington office of the NCC and Church World Service, and requires a generalist in the fields of journalism and public relations to provide general communication support to the NCC office in Washington and, as assigned, to other NCC departments and the Washington offices of member communions; qualifications include a college degree in journalism, public relations, marketing, or communication-related field with seminary training a plus, five years of experience in the field of media relations, journalism, radio or television broadcast production, or related field. Position descriptions and full details for applicants are at www.ncccusa.org/jobs/jobshome.html.
- An executive director for the Indianapolis Peace House is sought to lead the consortial "study away" program operated by Manchester, Earlham, and Goshen Colleges in Indiana, beginning no later than Nov. 15. Peace House students engage in cooperative living, academic coursework, and internships in urban organizations, with a focus on peacemaking and social justice. This is the fourth year of a five-year program funded by the Lilly Endowment. The executive director is responsible for overseeing the house and developing a comprehensive plan for moving it towardsustainable independence after grant support ends in June 2008. Qualifications include commitment to peace and justice coupled with relevant knowledge and experience; history of success in strategic and consultative leadership and effective administration; background and skills in recruitment, advancement, marketing, public relations; entrepreneurial acumen and organizational abilities for program assessment; record of effective interaction with young adults; human relations skills; successful record of budget and facilities management; communication skills; self-motivation and goal orientation. An appreciation of the historic peace churches and of developmental theory as related to college students enhances candidate strength. Working understanding of nonprofit sector internships, college and university academic systems, and college study-away programs is desired. Experience in teaching and curriculum development is a plus. Respect for personal and institutional diversities is expected. A collaborative problem-solver is needed for this position. A doctorate or master's degree in a related field is preferred. Review of applications begins Sept. 15. Send applications to Dr. Nelson E. Bingham, Special Assistant to the President, Drawer #55, Earlham College, Richmond, IN 47374-4095. Equal Opportunity Employer. For more information go to www.plowsharesproject.org/php/peacehouse/index.ph.
- BVS holds its fall orientation unit from Sept. 24-Oct. 13 at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md. This will be the 272nd unit for BVS, and will be made up of 19 volunteers from across the US and Germany. A majority are members of the Church of the Brethren. A potluck with the unit is open to all those who are interested on Sept. 30, at 6:30 p.m. at Union Bridge (Md.) Church of the Brethren. For more information call 800-323-8039 ext. 423.
- The Ministry of Reconciliation (MOR) of On Earth Peace, and Mid Atlantic District are co-sponsoring a training for Shalom Team members featuring design of reconciliation processes and group facilitation. This training will introduce Shalom Team members to congregational conflict intervention and provide solid tools for consultation. All eastern districts are invited to participate. The event takes place Nov. 17-18 in New Windsor, Md. Leadership is provided by Bob Gross, co-director of On Earth Peace. Cost is $50 for each Shalom Team member or $100 for an entire team. Continuing education credit is available through the Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership. Registration deadline is Oct. 20. To register or for more information, contact Annie Clark, MOR coordinator, at annieclark@mchsi.com.
- Several district conferences are held this weekend: Northern Indiana meets at Camp Alexander Mack; South/Central Indiana at Salamonie Church of the Brethren in Warren, Ind.; Missouri-Arkansas at Camp Windermere in Roach, Mo.; Southern Pennsylvania at New Fairview Church of the Brethren in York, Pa.; and West Marva at Moorefield (W.Va.) Church of the Brethren.
- The annual Brethren Disaster Relief Auction in Lebanon, Pa., marks its 30th anniversary this year. Events are held at the Lebanon County Fairgrounds Sept. 22-24. The auction sponsored jointly by Atlantic Northeast District and Southern Pennsylvania District is the largest of the Brethren disaster auctions. Duane Ness chairs the board of directors. A portion of the funds raised benefits the Emergency Disaster Fund of the Church of the Brethren General Board. This year, attendees will be challenged to the goal of assembling 30,000 Gift of the Heart Health Kits. Events begin 9 a.m. Friday, Sept. 22, with baked goods stands and a farmer's market--with lots of other food available throughout the weekend. Auctions include a heifer auction, a livestock auction, a pole barn auction, a quilt auction, and general auctions. Gift of the Heart kit building begins at 8 a.m. Saturday. A hymn sing and orchestra closes the weekend at 5:30 p.m. Sunday. For a detailed schedule go to www.brethrenauction.org.
- "Springs of Living Water!" a church renewal breakfast, will be held at Lancaster (Pa.) Church of the Brethren on Saturday, Sept. 30, from 8-11:45 a.m. The event will include leadership training for church renewal, biblical inspiration, and testimonies of churches in renewal. "In 'Springs of Living Water!' a church enters a spiritual journey and is trained in servant leadership to be a healthy church with an urgent, Christ-centered mission," explained leader David Young. Child care will be provided. RSVP by Sept. 23 to davidyoung@churchrenewalservant.org or 717-738-1887. For more information go to www.churchrenewalservant.org.
- Peggy Gish, a Church of the Brethren member who has been working in Iraq with Christian Peacemaker Teams, will speak at Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren in Elgin, Ill., on Sept. 16, at 7:30 p.m. Childcare will be provided; the children will make peace pinwheels to place on the church lawn as a witness on the International Day of Prayer for Peace Sept. 21.
- Camp Harmony in Hooversville, Pa., is holding its 24th Annual Brethren Heritage Festival on Sept. 16, from 10 a.m.-5p.m. The event is co-sponsored by Western Pennsylvania District. Meals, booths, entertainment, Lizzie's Attic and Jacob's Shed sales of collectibles and antiques, a quilt auction and basket auction, pastor's bake off, pie eating contest, farmer's market, and children's activities will be offered. For more go to www.campharmony.org/brethren_heritage/index.html.
- Bridgewater (Va.) College's Constitution Day celebration features a presentation by Donald B. Kraybill, nationally recognized expert on Anabaptist groups, on "Cultural Clash: Amish Conflicts with the State," at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 18 in Cole Hall. Paul Grout, moderator of the 2001 Church of the Brethren Annual Conference, will speak for the college's Fall Spiritual Focus on Sept. 26. During the 9:30 a.m. convocation, Grout will speak on "Jesus as Warrior," and at 7:30 p.m. his topic will be "Jesus as Mystic Monk." For more go to www.bridgewater.edu.
- Ending hunger is the topic of a National Council of Churches (NCC) television documentary, "Hunger No More: Faces Behind the Facts." The one-hour special was made available to NBC television network affiliates beginning Sept. 10. The documentary approaches hunger from the perspective of faith, declaring that it is more than a social issue. Howard Royer, manager of the Global Food Crisis Fund for the Church of the Brethren General Board, noted that the program may be a good resource for World Food Day on Oct. 16. A study guide is available at www.councilofchurches.org/hunger.
- Church leaders from Sudan have issued a statement listing current priorities for their country, including the merger of the two councils of churches--the Sudan Council of Churches in the north and the New Sudan Council of Churches in the south. The Church of the Brethren has worked with both councils. The statement affirmed the peace agreement reached between the government of Sudan and southern rebel groups in Jan. 2005, and the Darfur peace process under the African Union, but also noted isolation of churches in the implementation of the peace agreement, expressed concern about escalation of fighting in Darfur and eastern Sudan and the internally displaced refugees, and called for acceptance of a United Nations peacekeeping force in Darfur. "We the Sudanese Heads of Churches commit our churches to fully support the unity of the people of Sudan and to walk together as one ecumenical family. We urge our partners/donors and the rest of the global ecumenical family to continue accompanying us in the task of rebuilding Sudan," the statement said. The church leaders made the statement during a meeting in Kenya Aug. 17-19 under the auspices of the All Africa Conference of Churches and the World Council of Churches.
Wednesday, September 13, 2006
Brethren bits: Personnel, jobs, Caring Ministries Assembly, and more.
Del Keeney resigns from General Board's Congregational Life Ministries.
Del Keeney, executive director of Congregational Life Ministries for the Church of the Brethren General Board, has announced his resignation effective Dec. 31. He has accepted a call to pastor Mechanicsburg (Pa.) Church of the Brethren, where he will begin on Jan. 1, 2007.
Keeney began working with the board in Jan. 2004. Through the Congregational Life Ministries position, he served on the board's Leadership Team and served the denomination in the care and support of its congregations. During his time with the board, he worked both from the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill., and from his home in Pennsylvania.
With more than 20 years of pastoral ministry experience, Keeney has served in both longterm ministries and in intentional interim positions. His return to this work continues his commitment to the health and vitality of Brethren congregations. He also has been a trainer in The Creative Church Leader Program and holds a variety of certifications pertaining to the development of church leadership. He has taught and co-taught academy-level classes for Bethany Theological Seminary and the Susquehanna Valley Ministry Center, and holds degrees from the seminary and from Manchester College in North Manchester, Ind.
Source: 9/13/2006 Newsline
Del Keeney, executive director of Congregational Life Ministries for the Church of the Brethren General Board, has announced his resignation effective Dec. 31. He has accepted a call to pastor Mechanicsburg (Pa.) Church of the Brethren, where he will begin on Jan. 1, 2007.
Keeney began working with the board in Jan. 2004. Through the Congregational Life Ministries position, he served on the board's Leadership Team and served the denomination in the care and support of its congregations. During his time with the board, he worked both from the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill., and from his home in Pennsylvania.
With more than 20 years of pastoral ministry experience, Keeney has served in both longterm ministries and in intentional interim positions. His return to this work continues his commitment to the health and vitality of Brethren congregations. He also has been a trainer in The Creative Church Leader Program and holds a variety of certifications pertaining to the development of church leadership. He has taught and co-taught academy-level classes for Bethany Theological Seminary and the Susquehanna Valley Ministry Center, and holds degrees from the seminary and from Manchester College in North Manchester, Ind.
Source: 9/13/2006 Newsline
Jay Wittmeyer to join Brethren Benefit Trust as publications manager.
Jay Wittmeyer begins Oct. 30 as manager of publications for Brethren Benefit Trust. In this role, he will have daily oversight of BBT's printed materials such as newsletters, press releases, and website; will serve on the Communications Team helping to create new marketing materials and plan communications initiatives; and will be one of BBT's senior writers and editors.
Since 2004, Wittmeyer has served as assistant director of Lombard (Ill.) Mennonite Peace Center. From 1996-99, he worked for Mennonite Central Committee in Bangladesh as a community development officer. From 2000-04, he again served the MCC in Nepal as project director of a community health project, and as organization development facilitator at a hospital. He also has taught adult education and English as a second language.
Wittmeyer holds a bachelor's degree in English education and master's degrees in teaching English as a second language and conflict transformation. He currently is enrolled in the Church of the Brethren's Training in Ministry program. He and his family live in Elgin and are members of Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren.
Source: 9/13/2006 Newsline
Jay Wittmeyer begins Oct. 30 as manager of publications for Brethren Benefit Trust. In this role, he will have daily oversight of BBT's printed materials such as newsletters, press releases, and website; will serve on the Communications Team helping to create new marketing materials and plan communications initiatives; and will be one of BBT's senior writers and editors.
Since 2004, Wittmeyer has served as assistant director of Lombard (Ill.) Mennonite Peace Center. From 1996-99, he worked for Mennonite Central Committee in Bangladesh as a community development officer. From 2000-04, he again served the MCC in Nepal as project director of a community health project, and as organization development facilitator at a hospital. He also has taught adult education and English as a second language.
Wittmeyer holds a bachelor's degree in English education and master's degrees in teaching English as a second language and conflict transformation. He currently is enrolled in the Church of the Brethren's Training in Ministry program. He and his family live in Elgin and are members of Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren.
Source: 9/13/2006 Newsline
World Mission Offering invites, 'Come walk with us.'
The 2006 World Mission Offering emphasis for the Church of the Brethren General Board invites congregations and church members to "Come walk with us in mission." The offering is designed to foster and deepen ties between Brethren mission workers and congregations. The suggested date for World Mission Sunday is Oct. 8, but materials are not tied to the date.
"Our gifts to mission work are an amazing way for us to 'walk the talk,'" said Carol Bowman, the board's stewardship development counselor. "This is the full circle of faithfulness: discipleship, stewardship, and evangelism."
Free resources include a new world map showing Brethren global connections, a bulletin insert, offering envelope, and worship resources in English and Spanish. To access resources, including background slides to use in a power point or other media presentation, go to www.brethren.org/genbd/funding/opportun/WorldMission.htm. For more information and additional resources about Church of the Brethren missions, call 800-323-8039 ext. 227.
Source: 9/13/2006 Newsline
The 2006 World Mission Offering emphasis for the Church of the Brethren General Board invites congregations and church members to "Come walk with us in mission." The offering is designed to foster and deepen ties between Brethren mission workers and congregations. The suggested date for World Mission Sunday is Oct. 8, but materials are not tied to the date.
"Our gifts to mission work are an amazing way for us to 'walk the talk,'" said Carol Bowman, the board's stewardship development counselor. "This is the full circle of faithfulness: discipleship, stewardship, and evangelism."
Free resources include a new world map showing Brethren global connections, a bulletin insert, offering envelope, and worship resources in English and Spanish. To access resources, including background slides to use in a power point or other media presentation, go to www.brethren.org/genbd/funding/opportun/WorldMission.htm. For more information and additional resources about Church of the Brethren missions, call 800-323-8039 ext. 227.
Source: 9/13/2006 Newsline
Registration begins for 2007 Cross Cultural Consultation.
Registration has opened for the Church of the Brethren's next Cross Cultural Consultation and Celebration, to be held April 19-22, 2007, at the New Windsor (Md.) Conference Center. Registrations are due Dec. 1. Registration materials are available in English and Spanish at www.brethren.org, click on key word "Cross Cultural Ministries."
"Because this event will be held at a conference center for the first time, there will be some differences from previous years, including our housing and meal arrangements," reported Duane Grady, staff for the event and a Congregational Life Team member for the Church of the Brethren General Board.
Meals will be served by the conference center; cost per meal will range from $7 to $11. Options for housing include lodging on campus for a fee ranging from $43.50 to $65.50 per person per night. In addition, there will be an option of staying in homes, with hosts asked to provide breakfast and transportation each day to the conference center.
Other changes based on evaluations from the 2006 consultation include more time for small group discussion and Bible studies. Said Grady, "We are also excited that the On Earth Peace Board will be meeting in New Windsor during our gathering and they will be joining us for parts of our event."
Source: 9/13/2006 Newsline
Registration has opened for the Church of the Brethren's next Cross Cultural Consultation and Celebration, to be held April 19-22, 2007, at the New Windsor (Md.) Conference Center. Registrations are due Dec. 1. Registration materials are available in English and Spanish at www.brethren.org, click on key word "Cross Cultural Ministries."
"Because this event will be held at a conference center for the first time, there will be some differences from previous years, including our housing and meal arrangements," reported Duane Grady, staff for the event and a Congregational Life Team member for the Church of the Brethren General Board.
Meals will be served by the conference center; cost per meal will range from $7 to $11. Options for housing include lodging on campus for a fee ranging from $43.50 to $65.50 per person per night. In addition, there will be an option of staying in homes, with hosts asked to provide breakfast and transportation each day to the conference center.
Other changes based on evaluations from the 2006 consultation include more time for small group discussion and Bible studies. Said Grady, "We are also excited that the On Earth Peace Board will be meeting in New Windsor during our gathering and they will be joining us for parts of our event."
Source: 9/13/2006 Newsline
Remember the peacemakers.
By David Whitten
I was feeling rather full after leaving Rev. Anthony Ndumsai's home in Jos, Nigeria. I had been invited to a meal with the family of seven. Ndumsai has not received a salary in four months. That didn't stop him from inviting me as their guest for supper. From the looks of things in the pot, I knew they went to the market to purchase meat and spaghetti to prepare as fine a meal as was possible under the circumstances. Nigerians are a gracious people. It is humbling to be on the receiving end of such hospitality.
During our meal together, he told me a story that I want to share with you.
Just days before our own tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001, interreligious violence erupted in this otherwise peaceful city. More than 2,000 people were bludgeoned, hacked, and burned to death. Tensions ran high between Christians and Muslims.
After the initial eruption of violence, there came a quiet that lay over the city. A Muslim man and his two sons had been holed up in their home, fearful to venture out. They ran out of food. The father told his two sons, ages 13 and 11, to go to their farm and bring back some corn to eat.
The farm lay adjacent to the Theological College of Northern Nigeria (TCNN). While the boys were out on their farm, they were spotted by a Christian driving by. The man drove to TCNN and told the Christian theological students that these two boys were spies sent out to find a way to attack the students.
Many of the students armed with machetes and sticks rushed out and threw the two small boys to the ground, stripped them of their clothes, and began to beat them. The man who had the car left, returning with a can of gasoline and matches. He encouraged the students to burn these children to ashes in retaliation for the many Christians who had lost their lives at the hands of Muslims.
Several students who were members of Ekklesiyar Yan'uwa Nigeria (EYN the Church of Brethren in Nigeria), including Ndumsai, ran out to see the horror unfolding. They stood between the other Christian students and the two small Muslim boys. The Brethren students refused to let the others act out their plan for vengeance.
After much heated debate, the flames of retaliation cooled and soon only the EYN students remained with the two Muslim boys. The boys filled their sacks with corn and returned home to where their anxious father waited.
Ndumsai did not tell me this story out of pride for a deed well done. He told me the story because of the epiphany he experienced during the incident. He became convinced of the power of nonviolence, confirming for him that the teachings of Jesus about peace were meant to be practiced. He turned to embrace the faith and practices of the Church of the Brethren on pacifism.
Rev. Ndumsai is currently in seminary, finishing his master's degree. His thesis is on the theology of pacifism as interpreted by the Church of the Brethren.
After returning home from the Ndumsai home, I had a lot to digest. There are many stories of Muslims saving Christians, and Christians saving Muslims, during the crisis in Jos on Sept. 7, 2001. It is time to hear at least one of these stories.
--David Whitten is Nigeria mission coordinator for the Church of the Brethren General Board.
Source: 9/13/2006 Newsline
By David Whitten
I was feeling rather full after leaving Rev. Anthony Ndumsai's home in Jos, Nigeria. I had been invited to a meal with the family of seven. Ndumsai has not received a salary in four months. That didn't stop him from inviting me as their guest for supper. From the looks of things in the pot, I knew they went to the market to purchase meat and spaghetti to prepare as fine a meal as was possible under the circumstances. Nigerians are a gracious people. It is humbling to be on the receiving end of such hospitality.
During our meal together, he told me a story that I want to share with you.
Just days before our own tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001, interreligious violence erupted in this otherwise peaceful city. More than 2,000 people were bludgeoned, hacked, and burned to death. Tensions ran high between Christians and Muslims.
After the initial eruption of violence, there came a quiet that lay over the city. A Muslim man and his two sons had been holed up in their home, fearful to venture out. They ran out of food. The father told his two sons, ages 13 and 11, to go to their farm and bring back some corn to eat.
The farm lay adjacent to the Theological College of Northern Nigeria (TCNN). While the boys were out on their farm, they were spotted by a Christian driving by. The man drove to TCNN and told the Christian theological students that these two boys were spies sent out to find a way to attack the students.
Many of the students armed with machetes and sticks rushed out and threw the two small boys to the ground, stripped them of their clothes, and began to beat them. The man who had the car left, returning with a can of gasoline and matches. He encouraged the students to burn these children to ashes in retaliation for the many Christians who had lost their lives at the hands of Muslims.
Several students who were members of Ekklesiyar Yan'uwa Nigeria (EYN the Church of Brethren in Nigeria), including Ndumsai, ran out to see the horror unfolding. They stood between the other Christian students and the two small Muslim boys. The Brethren students refused to let the others act out their plan for vengeance.
After much heated debate, the flames of retaliation cooled and soon only the EYN students remained with the two Muslim boys. The boys filled their sacks with corn and returned home to where their anxious father waited.
Ndumsai did not tell me this story out of pride for a deed well done. He told me the story because of the epiphany he experienced during the incident. He became convinced of the power of nonviolence, confirming for him that the teachings of Jesus about peace were meant to be practiced. He turned to embrace the faith and practices of the Church of the Brethren on pacifism.
Rev. Ndumsai is currently in seminary, finishing his master's degree. His thesis is on the theology of pacifism as interpreted by the Church of the Brethren.
After returning home from the Ndumsai home, I had a lot to digest. There are many stories of Muslims saving Christians, and Christians saving Muslims, during the crisis in Jos on Sept. 7, 2001. It is time to hear at least one of these stories.
--David Whitten is Nigeria mission coordinator for the Church of the Brethren General Board.
Source: 9/13/2006 Newsline
Credits
Newsline is produced by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of news services for the Church of the Brethren General Board. Contact the editor at cobnews@brethren.org or 800-323-8039 ext. 260. Nevin Dulabaum, Karin Krog, Janis Pyle, Becky Snavely, Fred Swartz, Marie Willoughby, and Jane Yount contributed to this report.
Newsline is produced by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of news services for the Church of the Brethren General Board. Contact the editor at cobnews@brethren.org or 800-323-8039 ext. 260. Nevin Dulabaum, Karin Krog, Janis Pyle, Becky Snavely, Fred Swartz, Marie Willoughby, and Jane Yount contributed to this report.
Monday, September 11, 2006
Use this anniversary as an opportunity for unity and hope, says Brethren Witness/Washington Office.
The Brethren Witness/Washington Office has extended an invitation to commemorate the fifth anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks in New York and Washington by remembering 100 years of Gandhian nonviolence. Coincidentally, today also is the 100th anniversary of the start of Mahatma Gandhi's nonviolent work.
The office called on Brethren to take the opportunity to celebrate "interfaith unity and hope on a day often recognized for revenge and despair," in a recent Action Alert.
Brethren Witness/Washington Office director Phil Jones is taking part today in a 9/11/06 Unity Walk in New York City sponsored by Religions for Peace-USA, an interfaith nonprofit organization that works to foster religious communities working together to build a society of peace and justice. The walk is co-sponsored by 911 Unity Walk, a grassroots interfaith movement that creates ways for people of all faiths or of no faith tradition to walk together in a transformative remembrance of 9/11.
The Church of the Brethren is an active member of Religions for Peace-USA; Jones recently returned from an international conference in Japan held by the parent organization, the VIIIth Assembly of Religions for Peace, held in Kyoto on Aug. 26-29.
The New York City Unity Walk is set to convene at 5 p.m. this evening beginning at the Union Square Park Gandhi Memorial. Participants will walk three miles to the World Trade Center site, stopping for music and prayer at diverse houses of worship along the way--among others the Eldridge Street Project, a historic Jewish temple; Mahayanna Buddhist Temple; Nur Ashki Jerrahi Sufi Order, a mosque; and a closing ceremony at St. Peter's Roman Catholic Church.
From the World Trade Center site, participants are encouraged to join the New York Buddhist Church on Pier 40 for a 9/11 Memorial Floating Lantern Ceremony in the Hudson River, scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m.
Scheduled speakers and performers include Salman Ahmad, a Pakistani rock musician and UN Goodwill Ambassador; Rabbi Yitz Greenberg, president of the Jewish Life Network; Imam Mahdi Bray, executive director of the Muslim American Society Freedom Foundation; Preeta Bansal, commissioner of the US Commission on International Religious Freedom; Chloe Breyer, board member of Episcopalians for Global Reconciliation; and Bud Heckman, executive director of Religions for Peace-USA.
"If you are not able to participate in New York you are encouraged to plan or participate in local events that prayerfully remember the violence of 9/11 and our response as global citizens of peace. Please contact our office with reports of such events," said the alert from the Brethren Witness/Washington Office.
For more about the unity walk in New York go to www.911unitywalk.org. For more about the Brethren Witness/Washington Office, a ministry of the Church of the Brethren General Board, go to www.brethren.org/genbd/WitnessWashOffice.html.
Source: 9/11/2006 Newsline
The Brethren Witness/Washington Office has extended an invitation to commemorate the fifth anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks in New York and Washington by remembering 100 years of Gandhian nonviolence. Coincidentally, today also is the 100th anniversary of the start of Mahatma Gandhi's nonviolent work.
The office called on Brethren to take the opportunity to celebrate "interfaith unity and hope on a day often recognized for revenge and despair," in a recent Action Alert.
Brethren Witness/Washington Office director Phil Jones is taking part today in a 9/11/06 Unity Walk in New York City sponsored by Religions for Peace-USA, an interfaith nonprofit organization that works to foster religious communities working together to build a society of peace and justice. The walk is co-sponsored by 911 Unity Walk, a grassroots interfaith movement that creates ways for people of all faiths or of no faith tradition to walk together in a transformative remembrance of 9/11.
The Church of the Brethren is an active member of Religions for Peace-USA; Jones recently returned from an international conference in Japan held by the parent organization, the VIIIth Assembly of Religions for Peace, held in Kyoto on Aug. 26-29.
The New York City Unity Walk is set to convene at 5 p.m. this evening beginning at the Union Square Park Gandhi Memorial. Participants will walk three miles to the World Trade Center site, stopping for music and prayer at diverse houses of worship along the way--among others the Eldridge Street Project, a historic Jewish temple; Mahayanna Buddhist Temple; Nur Ashki Jerrahi Sufi Order, a mosque; and a closing ceremony at St. Peter's Roman Catholic Church.
From the World Trade Center site, participants are encouraged to join the New York Buddhist Church on Pier 40 for a 9/11 Memorial Floating Lantern Ceremony in the Hudson River, scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m.
Scheduled speakers and performers include Salman Ahmad, a Pakistani rock musician and UN Goodwill Ambassador; Rabbi Yitz Greenberg, president of the Jewish Life Network; Imam Mahdi Bray, executive director of the Muslim American Society Freedom Foundation; Preeta Bansal, commissioner of the US Commission on International Religious Freedom; Chloe Breyer, board member of Episcopalians for Global Reconciliation; and Bud Heckman, executive director of Religions for Peace-USA.
"If you are not able to participate in New York you are encouraged to plan or participate in local events that prayerfully remember the violence of 9/11 and our response as global citizens of peace. Please contact our office with reports of such events," said the alert from the Brethren Witness/Washington Office.
For more about the unity walk in New York go to www.911unitywalk.org. For more about the Brethren Witness/Washington Office, a ministry of the Church of the Brethren General Board, go to www.brethren.org/genbd/WitnessWashOffice.html.
Source: 9/11/2006 Newsline
Brethren bits.
- Pastor Bob Johnson of Blue Ridge Chapel Church of the Brethren in
Waynesboro, Va., spoke to the "News Leader" newspaper in Staunton, Va., about his experience as one of the chaplains at Ground Zero in New York. Go to http://www.newsleader.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060908/LIFESTYLE20/609080317/1064/LIFESTYLE to find an article titled, "Emotion of 9/11 lingers with chaplain"; go to http://www.newsleader.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060910/NEWS01/609100340/1002 for a follow-up piece, "In tragedy, the human spirit prevails."
Brethren resources offer a 'Way of Peace' on 9/11 anniversaries.
Sept. 11 worship resources for Brethren congregations are available at the "Way of Peace" website at www.brethren.org/genbd/BP/WayOfPeace/resources.htm Although the resources were collected and posted for previous year's 9/11 remembrances, they are still fresh and helpful for Brethren who are seeking to remember and keep in prayer the Sept. 11 events.
Among the worship resources available at the website are prayer services, services of remembrance, prayers, litanies, children's stories, and suggested hymns.
The website also offers "Messenger" magazine articles from Oct. and Nov. 2001, peace resources including sermons and ecumenical statements, and a resource giving advice to parents to help children cope with the news of terrorism and war that prevade the media.
Source: 9/11/2006 Newsline
Sept. 11 worship resources for Brethren congregations are available at the "Way of Peace" website at www.brethren.org/genbd/BP/WayOfPeace/resources.htm Although the resources were collected and posted for previous year's 9/11 remembrances, they are still fresh and helpful for Brethren who are seeking to remember and keep in prayer the Sept. 11 events.
Among the worship resources available at the website are prayer services, services of remembrance, prayers, litanies, children's stories, and suggested hymns.
The website also offers "Messenger" magazine articles from Oct. and Nov. 2001, peace resources including sermons and ecumenical statements, and a resource giving advice to parents to help children cope with the news of terrorism and war that prevade the media.
Source: 9/11/2006 Newsline
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
NEWS
- ‘Proclaim the Power of God’ is theme for Annual Conference 2007.
- El Tema de la Conferencia Anual de 2007 es ‘Proclamar el Poder de Dios.’
- Brethren Service Center committee holds first meeting.
- Shipments of relief materials continue one year after Katrina.
- ‘Being the Body of Christ’ is theme for Northern Ohio conference.
- Brethren bits: Remembrance, personnel, job openings, and more.
- Connie Burkholder resigns from Northern Plains District.
- Jim Chinworth resigns as campus pastor at Manchester College.
- Stephen Mason will direct the Brethren Foundation.
‘Proclaim the Power of God’ is theme for Annual Conference 2007.
“Proclaim the Power of God” (Psalm 68:34-35) is the theme for the 221st Annual Conference of the Church of the Brethren, to be held in Cleveland, Ohio, on June 30-July 4, 2007. The theme and accompanying scripture was announced by the Program and Arrangements Committee after its mid-August meeting at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill.
“As we continue our Together: Conversations on Being the Church, I challenge you to join me as we ‘Proclaim the Power of God,’” said 2007 moderator Belita D. Mitchell in her statement on the theme. Mitchell is pastor of First Church of the Brethren in Harrisburg, Pa. “I believe now is the time for us to become more ethnically diverse, more spiritually alive, and more united to continue the work of Jesus across the United States and around the world. Let us prepare to come together in Cleveland celebrating the Power of God in our midst.”
Daily scriptures and expressions of the theme also have been announced (see below). The logo for the Conference has not been designed yet, and will be released after the committee meets again in November.
The moderator’s full theme statement follows:
“Throughout my years of service to Christ and the church in our beloved denomination, I have been acutely aware of the tremendous blessing God has poured out upon us. We have been endowed with many spiritual gifts. We have been inspired to ministries that have been embraced by the ecumenical community. With an evangelistic zeal, we have established missions around the world, seeing the fruits of our labor in India, China, Nigeria, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, and now Haiti and Brazil. Our newly launched initiative in Sudan is still greater evidence of our desire to follow Christ and comply with the Great Commission and the Great Commandment.
“In spite of this entire remarkable mission legacy, we see many congregations in our own country that continue to decline in vitality, flounder in vision, and who face difficulty in becoming ethnically and culturally diverse. I have heard the voices of many who are asking the questions, ‘How do we respond to the stumbling blocks that stunt our spiritual and numerical growth?’ ‘How do we overcome eroding energy and decreasing hope?’ ‘When will we unite with Christ to tear down strongholds and become like the church John saw in Revelation 7:9?’
“These questions and others have guided me through the scriptures and remained a focal part of my meditations on naming a theme for our 221st Annual Conference convening in Cleveland, Ohio, June 30-July 4, 2007. As we continue our Together: Conversations on Being the Church, I challenge you to join me as we ‘Proclaim the Power of God’ (Psalm 68:34-35).
“I envision exploring and living out this theme not only by our deeds but also by our words. Let us be bold in our proclamation of God’s power that enables us to tear down barriers which separate us and build bridges that connect us in stronger ecumenical partnerships. Proclaim God’s power to guide us in effective evangelistic outreach, to equip us for intercultural inclusion, to lead us in developing cross congregational relationships and to instill within us a life of fervent prayer.
“I believe now is the time for us to become more ethnically diverse, more spiritually alive, and more united to continue the work of Jesus across the United States and around the world. Let us prepare to come together in Cleveland celebrating the power of God in our midst. Start by praying for a mighty movement of the Holy Spirit to illumine our hearts and minds to the need for changes that will bind us together, strengthen our resolve to work for those changes, and inspire us to be open for God to do a new thing among the Brethren.”
Daily scriptures and expressions of the theme:
June 30: “Ecumenical partnerships and cross congregational relationships are ways that we can ‘Proclaim the Power of God.’ We gain benefit through connecting with brothers and sisters across denominational and congregational lines, demonstrating for the world what the fullness of God looks like” (Ephesians 3:13-16 and 4:3-6; 2 Corinthians 13:11).
July 1: “Prayer is a means to release the power of God and should be the hallmark of every believer, the foundation of every worshiping community, and the force behind every ministry endeavor. The focus would be on the importance of prayer” (Matthew 7:7; John 16:23-24; Acts 16:25-26).
July 2: “Intercultural inclusion is an expression of the power of God as we work together toward racial reconciliation and unity with diversity. We cannot adequately reflect the kingdom of God as exclusive conclaves of homogenous groups” (Acts Chapter 2, 8:25, and 15:8; Galatians 3:26-28; Revelation 7:9).
July 3: “Effective evangelistic outreach is an outgrowth of the power of God. Sharing the good news is not optional for disciples of Christ. We are commissioned to speak with boldness the confession of our faith and the availability of salvation for all who will believe” (Matthew 28:15; Acts 10:34-38; John 1:12 and 4:28-29; Romans 10:13-15).
July 4: “We serve an awesome God whose power and strength are available to us for every good work and for every need in kingdom building. Let us ‘Proclaim the Power of God’ in our speech and in our service. Let us return to our ‘first love,’ keeping Christ central to everything we say and do” (Acts 4:33; Psalm 107:1-3 and 8-9; John 4:39-42).
Source: 8/31/2006 Newsline
top
“Proclaim the Power of God” (Psalm 68:34-35) is the theme for the 221st Annual Conference of the Church of the Brethren, to be held in Cleveland, Ohio, on June 30-July 4, 2007. The theme and accompanying scripture was announced by the Program and Arrangements Committee after its mid-August meeting at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill.
“As we continue our Together: Conversations on Being the Church, I challenge you to join me as we ‘Proclaim the Power of God,’” said 2007 moderator Belita D. Mitchell in her statement on the theme. Mitchell is pastor of First Church of the Brethren in Harrisburg, Pa. “I believe now is the time for us to become more ethnically diverse, more spiritually alive, and more united to continue the work of Jesus across the United States and around the world. Let us prepare to come together in Cleveland celebrating the Power of God in our midst.”
Daily scriptures and expressions of the theme also have been announced (see below). The logo for the Conference has not been designed yet, and will be released after the committee meets again in November.
The moderator’s full theme statement follows:
“Throughout my years of service to Christ and the church in our beloved denomination, I have been acutely aware of the tremendous blessing God has poured out upon us. We have been endowed with many spiritual gifts. We have been inspired to ministries that have been embraced by the ecumenical community. With an evangelistic zeal, we have established missions around the world, seeing the fruits of our labor in India, China, Nigeria, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, and now Haiti and Brazil. Our newly launched initiative in Sudan is still greater evidence of our desire to follow Christ and comply with the Great Commission and the Great Commandment.
“In spite of this entire remarkable mission legacy, we see many congregations in our own country that continue to decline in vitality, flounder in vision, and who face difficulty in becoming ethnically and culturally diverse. I have heard the voices of many who are asking the questions, ‘How do we respond to the stumbling blocks that stunt our spiritual and numerical growth?’ ‘How do we overcome eroding energy and decreasing hope?’ ‘When will we unite with Christ to tear down strongholds and become like the church John saw in Revelation 7:9?’
“These questions and others have guided me through the scriptures and remained a focal part of my meditations on naming a theme for our 221st Annual Conference convening in Cleveland, Ohio, June 30-July 4, 2007. As we continue our Together: Conversations on Being the Church, I challenge you to join me as we ‘Proclaim the Power of God’ (Psalm 68:34-35).
“I envision exploring and living out this theme not only by our deeds but also by our words. Let us be bold in our proclamation of God’s power that enables us to tear down barriers which separate us and build bridges that connect us in stronger ecumenical partnerships. Proclaim God’s power to guide us in effective evangelistic outreach, to equip us for intercultural inclusion, to lead us in developing cross congregational relationships and to instill within us a life of fervent prayer.
“I believe now is the time for us to become more ethnically diverse, more spiritually alive, and more united to continue the work of Jesus across the United States and around the world. Let us prepare to come together in Cleveland celebrating the power of God in our midst. Start by praying for a mighty movement of the Holy Spirit to illumine our hearts and minds to the need for changes that will bind us together, strengthen our resolve to work for those changes, and inspire us to be open for God to do a new thing among the Brethren.”
Daily scriptures and expressions of the theme:
June 30: “Ecumenical partnerships and cross congregational relationships are ways that we can ‘Proclaim the Power of God.’ We gain benefit through connecting with brothers and sisters across denominational and congregational lines, demonstrating for the world what the fullness of God looks like” (Ephesians 3:13-16 and 4:3-6; 2 Corinthians 13:11).
July 1: “Prayer is a means to release the power of God and should be the hallmark of every believer, the foundation of every worshiping community, and the force behind every ministry endeavor. The focus would be on the importance of prayer” (Matthew 7:7; John 16:23-24; Acts 16:25-26).
July 2: “Intercultural inclusion is an expression of the power of God as we work together toward racial reconciliation and unity with diversity. We cannot adequately reflect the kingdom of God as exclusive conclaves of homogenous groups” (Acts Chapter 2, 8:25, and 15:8; Galatians 3:26-28; Revelation 7:9).
July 3: “Effective evangelistic outreach is an outgrowth of the power of God. Sharing the good news is not optional for disciples of Christ. We are commissioned to speak with boldness the confession of our faith and the availability of salvation for all who will believe” (Matthew 28:15; Acts 10:34-38; John 1:12 and 4:28-29; Romans 10:13-15).
July 4: “We serve an awesome God whose power and strength are available to us for every good work and for every need in kingdom building. Let us ‘Proclaim the Power of God’ in our speech and in our service. Let us return to our ‘first love,’ keeping Christ central to everything we say and do” (Acts 4:33; Psalm 107:1-3 and 8-9; John 4:39-42).
Source: 8/31/2006 Newsline
top
El Tema de la Conferencia Anual de 2007 es ‘Proclamar el Poder de Dios.’
El tema de la 221ava Conferencia Anual de la Iglesia de los Hermanos es "Proclamar el Poder de Dios" (Salmos 68:34-35). La conferencia se llevará a cabo en Cleveland, Ohio, del 30 de junio al 4 de julio. El tema y sus respectivas Escrituras fueron anunciados por el Comité de Programa y Arreglos después de su junta a mediados de agosto en las oficinas de la Iglesia de los Hermanos, en Elgin, IL.
Belita D. Mitchell, moderadora para 2007 anunció el tema de la Conferencia Annual y nos recordó de "Al continuar Juntos: Conversaciones sobre cómo somos la iglesia les estoy retando a todos que nos unamos a "Proclamar el Poder de Dios." Mitchell es pastora de la Primera Iglesia de los Hermanos en Harrisburg, PA. "Yo creo que ahora es el tiempo cuando debemos ser mas étnicamente diversos y estar más vivos y unidos espiritualmente mientras continuamos el trabajo de Jesús en todos los Estados Unidos y en todo el mundo. Preparémonos para reunirnos en Cleveland a celebrar el Poder de Dios Entre Nosotros."
También fueron anunciadas las Escrituras y expresiones diarias del tema (vea abajo). El logo de la conferencia todavÃa no ha sido diseñado, pero será revelado en noviembre, después de la junta del comité.
Declaración del tema que hizo la moderadora:
"A través de mis años de servicio a Cristo y a la iglesia en nuestra amada denominación, he estado muy al tanto de las grandÃsimas bendiciones que Dios nos ha dado. Nos ha dotado con muchos regalos espirituales. Hemos sido inspirados a ministerios que han sido recibidos con brazos abiertos por la comunidad ecuménica. Con entusiasmo evangelista hemos establecido misiones en todo el mundo y hemos visto los frutos de nuestra labor en India, China, Nigeria, Puerto Rico, la República Dominicana, y ahora en Haità y Brasil. La nueva iniciativa en Sudán es todavÃa la más grande evidencia de nuestro deseo de seguir a Cristo y cumplir con la Gran Comisión y el Gran Mandamiento.”
"A pesar de nuestro impresionante legado de misión, observamos que muchas congregaciones en nuestro paÃs continúan declinando en vitalidad, cuya visión no es clara, y tienen problemas cambiando a ser más diversas hablando cultural y étnicamente. He escuchado las voces de muchos que nos preguntan ‘Qué hacemos con los problemas que nos están previniendo crecer espiritualmente y en membrecia?’ ‘Cómo podemos sobreponernos a la energÃa negativa y falta de esperanza?’ ‘Cuándo nos reuniremos con Cristo para derrumbar las fortalezas y convertirnos como la iglesia que Juan vio en Apocalipsis 7:9?”
"Estas y otras preguntas me han guiado a través de las Escrituras, y me han recordado el enfoque de mis meditaciones tratando de encontrar el tema de nuestra 221ava Conferencia Anual, que se llevará a cabo en Cleveland, Ohio, del 30 de junio al 4 julio de 2007. Al continuar Juntos: Conversaciones sobre cómo somos la iglesia, les reto a que se me unan a ‘Proclamar el Poder de Dios’ (Salmos 68:34-35).”
"Tengo la visión de explorar y vivir este tema no solamente con nuestras acciones sino también con nuestras palabras. Seamos audaces en nuestra proclamación del poder de Dios que nos permite destruir las barreras que nos separan. En su lugar construyamos puentes que nos conecten fuertemente a nuestros socios ecuménicos. Proclamemos el poder de Dios para que nos guÃe en un alcance evangélico efectivo, para que nos equipe para una inclusión entre culturas, para que nos guÃe al desarrollar relaciones con congregaciones de otras culturas, y que infunda en nosotros una vida ferviente de oración.”
"Yo creo que ahora es el tiempo cuando debemos ser étnicamente diversos, más vivos espiritualmente y más unidos para continuar el trabajo de Jesús en todos los Estados Unidos y en todo el mundo. Preparémonos para reunirnos en Cleveland y celebrar el Poder de Dios entre nosotros. Comiencen a orar para que el EspÃritu Santo ilumine nuestras mentes y corazones para que comprendamos la necesidad de estos cambios que nos unirán, nos fortalecerán en nuestra determinación de hacer estos cambios, y nos inspirarán a tener una mente abierta para que Dios haga cosas nuevas entre los Hermanos. ”
Escrituras diarias y expresiones del tema:
Junio 30: "Los socios ecuménicos y las relaciones entre congregaciones son maneras de ‘Proclamar el Poder de Dios.’ Nos beneficia estar conectados con hermanos y hermanas de otras denominaciones y congregaciones, demostrándole al mundo como se verá la plenitud de Dios.” (Efesios 3:13-16 y 4:3-6; 2 Corintios 13:11)
Julio 1: "La oración es una manera de desatar el poder de Dios y deberÃa ser la marca de todo creyente, los cimientos de toda comunidad que venera, y la fuerza detrás de toda empresa hacia el ministerio. El enfoque debe ser la importancia de la oración." (Mateo 7:7; Juan 16-23-24; Hechos 16:25-26)
Julio 2: "La inclusión entre culturas es una expresión del poder de Dios al trabajar juntos hacia una reconciliación racial y unidad entre grupos diversos. No podemos adecuadamente reflejar el reino de Dios como conclaves exclusivos y grupos homogéneos.” (Hechos 2, 8:25, y 15:8; Gálatas 3:26-28; Apocalipsis 7:9)
Julio 3: "Un alcance evangelÃstico efectivo es una consecuencia del poder de Dios. El compartir las buenas nuevas no es una disciplina opcional para los discÃpulos de Cristo. Nosotros tenemos la responsabilidad de proclamar audazmente la confesión de nuestra fe y la salvación que está al alcance de todos aquellos que creen." (Mateo 28:15; Hechos 10:34-38; Juan 1:12 y 4:28-29; Romanos 10:13-15)
Julio 4: "Nosotros servimos a un Dios maravilloso, cuyo poder y fuerza está a nuestro alcance para cada trabajo y cada necesidad al construir el reino. "Proclamemos el Poder de Dios" en nuestro hablar y en nuestro servicio. Regresemos a nuestro ‘primer amor,’ teniendo a Cristo en el centro de todo lo que decimos y hacemos." (Hechos 4:33; Salmos 107:1-3 y 8-9; Juan 4:39-42)
Para más información de la Conferencia Anual vaya a www.brethren.org/ac.
Source: 8/31/2006 Newsline
top
El tema de la 221ava Conferencia Anual de la Iglesia de los Hermanos es "Proclamar el Poder de Dios" (Salmos 68:34-35). La conferencia se llevará a cabo en Cleveland, Ohio, del 30 de junio al 4 de julio. El tema y sus respectivas Escrituras fueron anunciados por el Comité de Programa y Arreglos después de su junta a mediados de agosto en las oficinas de la Iglesia de los Hermanos, en Elgin, IL.
Belita D. Mitchell, moderadora para 2007 anunció el tema de la Conferencia Annual y nos recordó de "Al continuar Juntos: Conversaciones sobre cómo somos la iglesia les estoy retando a todos que nos unamos a "Proclamar el Poder de Dios." Mitchell es pastora de la Primera Iglesia de los Hermanos en Harrisburg, PA. "Yo creo que ahora es el tiempo cuando debemos ser mas étnicamente diversos y estar más vivos y unidos espiritualmente mientras continuamos el trabajo de Jesús en todos los Estados Unidos y en todo el mundo. Preparémonos para reunirnos en Cleveland a celebrar el Poder de Dios Entre Nosotros."
También fueron anunciadas las Escrituras y expresiones diarias del tema (vea abajo). El logo de la conferencia todavÃa no ha sido diseñado, pero será revelado en noviembre, después de la junta del comité.
Declaración del tema que hizo la moderadora:
"A través de mis años de servicio a Cristo y a la iglesia en nuestra amada denominación, he estado muy al tanto de las grandÃsimas bendiciones que Dios nos ha dado. Nos ha dotado con muchos regalos espirituales. Hemos sido inspirados a ministerios que han sido recibidos con brazos abiertos por la comunidad ecuménica. Con entusiasmo evangelista hemos establecido misiones en todo el mundo y hemos visto los frutos de nuestra labor en India, China, Nigeria, Puerto Rico, la República Dominicana, y ahora en Haità y Brasil. La nueva iniciativa en Sudán es todavÃa la más grande evidencia de nuestro deseo de seguir a Cristo y cumplir con la Gran Comisión y el Gran Mandamiento.”
"A pesar de nuestro impresionante legado de misión, observamos que muchas congregaciones en nuestro paÃs continúan declinando en vitalidad, cuya visión no es clara, y tienen problemas cambiando a ser más diversas hablando cultural y étnicamente. He escuchado las voces de muchos que nos preguntan ‘Qué hacemos con los problemas que nos están previniendo crecer espiritualmente y en membrecia?’ ‘Cómo podemos sobreponernos a la energÃa negativa y falta de esperanza?’ ‘Cuándo nos reuniremos con Cristo para derrumbar las fortalezas y convertirnos como la iglesia que Juan vio en Apocalipsis 7:9?”
"Estas y otras preguntas me han guiado a través de las Escrituras, y me han recordado el enfoque de mis meditaciones tratando de encontrar el tema de nuestra 221ava Conferencia Anual, que se llevará a cabo en Cleveland, Ohio, del 30 de junio al 4 julio de 2007. Al continuar Juntos: Conversaciones sobre cómo somos la iglesia, les reto a que se me unan a ‘Proclamar el Poder de Dios’ (Salmos 68:34-35).”
"Tengo la visión de explorar y vivir este tema no solamente con nuestras acciones sino también con nuestras palabras. Seamos audaces en nuestra proclamación del poder de Dios que nos permite destruir las barreras que nos separan. En su lugar construyamos puentes que nos conecten fuertemente a nuestros socios ecuménicos. Proclamemos el poder de Dios para que nos guÃe en un alcance evangélico efectivo, para que nos equipe para una inclusión entre culturas, para que nos guÃe al desarrollar relaciones con congregaciones de otras culturas, y que infunda en nosotros una vida ferviente de oración.”
"Yo creo que ahora es el tiempo cuando debemos ser étnicamente diversos, más vivos espiritualmente y más unidos para continuar el trabajo de Jesús en todos los Estados Unidos y en todo el mundo. Preparémonos para reunirnos en Cleveland y celebrar el Poder de Dios entre nosotros. Comiencen a orar para que el EspÃritu Santo ilumine nuestras mentes y corazones para que comprendamos la necesidad de estos cambios que nos unirán, nos fortalecerán en nuestra determinación de hacer estos cambios, y nos inspirarán a tener una mente abierta para que Dios haga cosas nuevas entre los Hermanos. ”
Escrituras diarias y expresiones del tema:
Junio 30: "Los socios ecuménicos y las relaciones entre congregaciones son maneras de ‘Proclamar el Poder de Dios.’ Nos beneficia estar conectados con hermanos y hermanas de otras denominaciones y congregaciones, demostrándole al mundo como se verá la plenitud de Dios.” (Efesios 3:13-16 y 4:3-6; 2 Corintios 13:11)
Julio 1: "La oración es una manera de desatar el poder de Dios y deberÃa ser la marca de todo creyente, los cimientos de toda comunidad que venera, y la fuerza detrás de toda empresa hacia el ministerio. El enfoque debe ser la importancia de la oración." (Mateo 7:7; Juan 16-23-24; Hechos 16:25-26)
Julio 2: "La inclusión entre culturas es una expresión del poder de Dios al trabajar juntos hacia una reconciliación racial y unidad entre grupos diversos. No podemos adecuadamente reflejar el reino de Dios como conclaves exclusivos y grupos homogéneos.” (Hechos 2, 8:25, y 15:8; Gálatas 3:26-28; Apocalipsis 7:9)
Julio 3: "Un alcance evangelÃstico efectivo es una consecuencia del poder de Dios. El compartir las buenas nuevas no es una disciplina opcional para los discÃpulos de Cristo. Nosotros tenemos la responsabilidad de proclamar audazmente la confesión de nuestra fe y la salvación que está al alcance de todos aquellos que creen." (Mateo 28:15; Hechos 10:34-38; Juan 1:12 y 4:28-29; Romanos 10:13-15)
Julio 4: "Nosotros servimos a un Dios maravilloso, cuyo poder y fuerza está a nuestro alcance para cada trabajo y cada necesidad al construir el reino. "Proclamemos el Poder de Dios" en nuestro hablar y en nuestro servicio. Regresemos a nuestro ‘primer amor,’ teniendo a Cristo en el centro de todo lo que decimos y hacemos." (Hechos 4:33; Salmos 107:1-3 y 8-9; Juan 4:39-42)
Para más información de la Conferencia Anual vaya a www.brethren.org/ac.
Source: 8/31/2006 Newsline
top
Brethren Service Center committee holds first meeting.
The Brethren Service Center Ministry Options Exploration Committee held its initial meeting in New Windsor, Md., Aug. 22-24. The group is a committee of the Church of the Brethren General Board, and was formed following the action of the board in March as it dealt with stewardship of property issues related to use of its main properties in New Windsor and Elgin, Ill.
The committee’s charge is “to explore ministry options for ministries related to properties associated with the Brethren Service Center.” The group has been asked to recommend an answer to the question, “What will be the best use of the New Windsor property to support, grow, and extend the ministry of the General Board on behalf of the Church of the Brethren?” said chair Dale Minnich in his report from the meeting.
As background for its work, the committee reviewed the history of the Brethren Service Center since the property was purchased by the denomination in 1944, reviewed the recent history of the stewardship property study and subsequent General Board action, toured the facility, and visited with staff. The group discussed reports of the four areas of General Board ministry located at the Brethren Service Center: Service Ministries, Emergency Response, the New Windsor Conference Center, and New Windsor Buildings and Grounds.
The committee also met with two working groups of staff and community members launched by the center’s executive director Roy Winter, in order to generate thinking for the process of the committee’s study.
A number of assignments were made both to committee members and to staff, Minnich reported. The assignments will help the committee “flesh out possibilities to strengthen the Brethren Service Center’s ministries,” his report said. The group will receive reports of the assignments at its next meeting on Nov. 10-12.
Members of the committee are Jim Stokes-Buckles of New York, N.Y.; Kim Stuckey Hissong of Westminster, Md.; David R. Miller of Dayton, Va.; Fran Nyce of Westminster, Md.; Janet Ober of Upland, Calif.; Dale Roth of State College, Pa.; Jack Tevis of Westminster, Md.; and Dale Minnich, General Board representative, of Moundridge, Kan. General Board staff who met with the committee throughout its first meeting were general secretary Stan Noffsinger, service center executive director Roy Winter, and director of financial operations LeAnn Wine.
Source: 8/31/2006 Newsline
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The Brethren Service Center Ministry Options Exploration Committee held its initial meeting in New Windsor, Md., Aug. 22-24. The group is a committee of the Church of the Brethren General Board, and was formed following the action of the board in March as it dealt with stewardship of property issues related to use of its main properties in New Windsor and Elgin, Ill.
The committee’s charge is “to explore ministry options for ministries related to properties associated with the Brethren Service Center.” The group has been asked to recommend an answer to the question, “What will be the best use of the New Windsor property to support, grow, and extend the ministry of the General Board on behalf of the Church of the Brethren?” said chair Dale Minnich in his report from the meeting.
As background for its work, the committee reviewed the history of the Brethren Service Center since the property was purchased by the denomination in 1944, reviewed the recent history of the stewardship property study and subsequent General Board action, toured the facility, and visited with staff. The group discussed reports of the four areas of General Board ministry located at the Brethren Service Center: Service Ministries, Emergency Response, the New Windsor Conference Center, and New Windsor Buildings and Grounds.
The committee also met with two working groups of staff and community members launched by the center’s executive director Roy Winter, in order to generate thinking for the process of the committee’s study.
A number of assignments were made both to committee members and to staff, Minnich reported. The assignments will help the committee “flesh out possibilities to strengthen the Brethren Service Center’s ministries,” his report said. The group will receive reports of the assignments at its next meeting on Nov. 10-12.
Members of the committee are Jim Stokes-Buckles of New York, N.Y.; Kim Stuckey Hissong of Westminster, Md.; David R. Miller of Dayton, Va.; Fran Nyce of Westminster, Md.; Janet Ober of Upland, Calif.; Dale Roth of State College, Pa.; Jack Tevis of Westminster, Md.; and Dale Minnich, General Board representative, of Moundridge, Kan. General Board staff who met with the committee throughout its first meeting were general secretary Stan Noffsinger, service center executive director Roy Winter, and director of financial operations LeAnn Wine.
Source: 8/31/2006 Newsline
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Shipments of relief materials continue one year after Katrina.
On the anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, shipments of relief materials responding to the Gulf coast hurricanes is continuing by the Service Ministries program of the Church of the Brethren General Board. The program based at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md., prepares and ships relief supplies following disasters around the world.
This month’s shipments included hurricane response supplies for Louisiana, Texas, Alabama, and Mississippi, sent on behalf of Church World Service (CWS). A shipment on Aug. 7 sent 716 cartons of Gift of the Heart Baby Kits, School Kits, Health Kits, blankets, and cleanup buckets.
Service Ministries staff this month also facilitated shipments to Lebanon through CWS, including a 40-foot container with 59 bales of blankets, 232 cartons of Gift of the Heart Health Kits, and seven pallets of five-gallon water jugs shipped to Beirut on Aug. 18; and at the end of the month a shipment of 40 medicine boxes. Today a shipment of 525 cartons of Gift of the Heart Health and School Kits are being picked up to ship via Mercy Flights to Jordan for Lebanon relief.
August has been a busy month for the program, which has moved tons of supplies, reported director Loretta Wolf. Staff have pulled and loaded 13 40-foot containers weighing 474,374 pounds, Wolf said. “Each pound is lifted and packed into the containers in the form of bales or cartons, the beginning of a labor-intensive process to move the requested supplies to the areas in need,” she said.
In addition to shipments to the Gulf and Lebanon, “currently three 40-foot containers of quilts for India are being loaded...110,800 pounds of quilts,” said Wolf. “We will be working on eight containers for Sierra Leone during the next two weeks.” Other shipments include more than 10,000 pounds of medicine and supplies to Azerbaijan on behalf of the United Methodist Committee on Relief, via Interchurch Medical Assistance (IMA); 10 bales of CWS blankets and seven cartons of Gift of the Heart Health Kits to Tulsa, Okla., for homeless and disadvantaged families; and container shipments of quilts, clothing, soap, and kits to Lutheran World Relief programs in Niger, Malawi, and Tanzania.
For more about the disaster relief ministries of the General Board, go to www.brethren.org/genbd/ersm/index.htm.
Source: 8/31/2006 Newsline
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On the anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, shipments of relief materials responding to the Gulf coast hurricanes is continuing by the Service Ministries program of the Church of the Brethren General Board. The program based at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md., prepares and ships relief supplies following disasters around the world.
This month’s shipments included hurricane response supplies for Louisiana, Texas, Alabama, and Mississippi, sent on behalf of Church World Service (CWS). A shipment on Aug. 7 sent 716 cartons of Gift of the Heart Baby Kits, School Kits, Health Kits, blankets, and cleanup buckets.
Service Ministries staff this month also facilitated shipments to Lebanon through CWS, including a 40-foot container with 59 bales of blankets, 232 cartons of Gift of the Heart Health Kits, and seven pallets of five-gallon water jugs shipped to Beirut on Aug. 18; and at the end of the month a shipment of 40 medicine boxes. Today a shipment of 525 cartons of Gift of the Heart Health and School Kits are being picked up to ship via Mercy Flights to Jordan for Lebanon relief.
August has been a busy month for the program, which has moved tons of supplies, reported director Loretta Wolf. Staff have pulled and loaded 13 40-foot containers weighing 474,374 pounds, Wolf said. “Each pound is lifted and packed into the containers in the form of bales or cartons, the beginning of a labor-intensive process to move the requested supplies to the areas in need,” she said.
In addition to shipments to the Gulf and Lebanon, “currently three 40-foot containers of quilts for India are being loaded...110,800 pounds of quilts,” said Wolf. “We will be working on eight containers for Sierra Leone during the next two weeks.” Other shipments include more than 10,000 pounds of medicine and supplies to Azerbaijan on behalf of the United Methodist Committee on Relief, via Interchurch Medical Assistance (IMA); 10 bales of CWS blankets and seven cartons of Gift of the Heart Health Kits to Tulsa, Okla., for homeless and disadvantaged families; and container shipments of quilts, clothing, soap, and kits to Lutheran World Relief programs in Niger, Malawi, and Tanzania.
For more about the disaster relief ministries of the General Board, go to www.brethren.org/genbd/ersm/index.htm.
Source: 8/31/2006 Newsline
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‘Being the Body of Christ’ is theme for Northern Ohio conference.
The theme for the 142nd Northern Ohio District Conference on July 28-30 was, “Being the Body of Christ.” Delegates and other district members gathered at Ashland University for worship, business, fellowship, and information sharing. Moderator Andy Hamilton, pastor of Center Church of the Brethren in Louisville, Ohio, presided over business. Registration totaled 347.
Hamilton spoke for worship Sunday morning on the conference theme. Other preachers were Patrick Bailey, pastor at North Bend Church of the Brethren in Danville, Ohio, who challenged attendees to reaffirm the basics of their Christian faith as they minister in the Body of Christ; and Paul Bartholomew, pastor of Mohican Church of the Brethren in West Salem, Ohio, whose message “Head Games” focused on Christ as the head of the body. Worship services also included praise teams from the Mohican church and from County Line Church of the Brethren in Harrod, Ohio. Offerings received in worship totaled $2,687.08.
A Junior Performing Arts musical, “We Are United,” was based on the theme, “One Body, Many Parts,” from 1 Corinthians 12:12-27. A Senior Performing Arts musical, “Apex of Love,” was presented Sunday morning.
In business, delegates approved the disorganization of First Church of the Brethren in Canton, Ohio. Altar items from the Canton church were used for the conference worship center. Other business included approval of the 2007 district budget; approval to form a committee to oversee employment of a fundraising firm to assist with raising approximately $1.2 million for construction of a lodge at Inspiration Hills Camp and Retreat Center in Burbank, Ohio; affirmation of Manchester College trustees; and election of district leadership. Doug Price, associate pastor at Dupont (Ohio) Church of the Brethren, was selected moderator-elect. Larry Bradley, pastor at Reading Church of the Brethren in Homeworth, Ohio, will serve as moderator for 2007.
In other events, youth and advisors who had just returned from National Youth Conference treated the delegates to songs and a slide show of activities at the conference. The Ministry Commission recognized special anniversaries of 21 ordained ministers, ranging from one year of ministry to 63. Conference attendees also had opportunity to say farewell to Kyle McCord, a Brethren Volunteer Service worker who has spent the past year working on a district project on evangelism.
A silent auction raised $2,195.85 for the Peace Endowment Fund, which provides funding for the district’s peace and conciliation staff person. Linda Fry has accepted the call to this position beginning Sept. 1.
A collection for Gift of the Heart kits for disaster relief received $2,741. All who gathered at the conference were invited to bring kits, and the Mission and Social Action Commission provided a truck with the challenge to “fill it up!” The final collection included 1,098 Gift of the Heart Health Kits, 403 School Kits, 27 Baby Kits, and 1 clean up bucket. A prayer of dedication for the kits was held during business. On Monday morning after the conference, district disaster coordinator Mort Curie drove the truck to the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md., to deliver the kits.
Source: 8/31/2006 Newsline
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The theme for the 142nd Northern Ohio District Conference on July 28-30 was, “Being the Body of Christ.” Delegates and other district members gathered at Ashland University for worship, business, fellowship, and information sharing. Moderator Andy Hamilton, pastor of Center Church of the Brethren in Louisville, Ohio, presided over business. Registration totaled 347.
Hamilton spoke for worship Sunday morning on the conference theme. Other preachers were Patrick Bailey, pastor at North Bend Church of the Brethren in Danville, Ohio, who challenged attendees to reaffirm the basics of their Christian faith as they minister in the Body of Christ; and Paul Bartholomew, pastor of Mohican Church of the Brethren in West Salem, Ohio, whose message “Head Games” focused on Christ as the head of the body. Worship services also included praise teams from the Mohican church and from County Line Church of the Brethren in Harrod, Ohio. Offerings received in worship totaled $2,687.08.
A Junior Performing Arts musical, “We Are United,” was based on the theme, “One Body, Many Parts,” from 1 Corinthians 12:12-27. A Senior Performing Arts musical, “Apex of Love,” was presented Sunday morning.
In business, delegates approved the disorganization of First Church of the Brethren in Canton, Ohio. Altar items from the Canton church were used for the conference worship center. Other business included approval of the 2007 district budget; approval to form a committee to oversee employment of a fundraising firm to assist with raising approximately $1.2 million for construction of a lodge at Inspiration Hills Camp and Retreat Center in Burbank, Ohio; affirmation of Manchester College trustees; and election of district leadership. Doug Price, associate pastor at Dupont (Ohio) Church of the Brethren, was selected moderator-elect. Larry Bradley, pastor at Reading Church of the Brethren in Homeworth, Ohio, will serve as moderator for 2007.
In other events, youth and advisors who had just returned from National Youth Conference treated the delegates to songs and a slide show of activities at the conference. The Ministry Commission recognized special anniversaries of 21 ordained ministers, ranging from one year of ministry to 63. Conference attendees also had opportunity to say farewell to Kyle McCord, a Brethren Volunteer Service worker who has spent the past year working on a district project on evangelism.
A silent auction raised $2,195.85 for the Peace Endowment Fund, which provides funding for the district’s peace and conciliation staff person. Linda Fry has accepted the call to this position beginning Sept. 1.
A collection for Gift of the Heart kits for disaster relief received $2,741. All who gathered at the conference were invited to bring kits, and the Mission and Social Action Commission provided a truck with the challenge to “fill it up!” The final collection included 1,098 Gift of the Heart Health Kits, 403 School Kits, 27 Baby Kits, and 1 clean up bucket. A prayer of dedication for the kits was held during business. On Monday morning after the conference, district disaster coordinator Mort Curie drove the truck to the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md., to deliver the kits.
Source: 8/31/2006 Newsline
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Brethren bits: Remembrance, personnel, job openings, and more.
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- Galen S. Young Sr., 94, a major contributor to the Young Center for Anabaptist and Pietist Studies at Elizabethown (Pa.) College, died on July 8 at his home in Fort Myers, Fla. The center was named in his honor in 1989. "The Young Center exists today largely because of the vision and generosity of Galen S. and Jessie B. Young," said a statement in the fall issue of the “Young Center News.” An obituary in the “Philadelphia Inquirer” described Young as “a hero” for the osteopathic profession. He was a chancellor of Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, where he served as a surgeon for 45 years, and was a past president of the American Osteopathic Association. According to the Inquirer, a conversation between Young and then-presidential candidate Dwight Eisenhower was what prompted Eisenhower to include funds for osteopathic medical schools in his first national budget. Young was a 1934 graduate of Elizabethtown and received an honorary doctorate of science degree from the college in 1951. He served as an Elizabethtown trustee for more than 30 years, joining the board in 1973 and achieving emeritus status in 2004. He received the college’s Outstanding Alumni Award and Educate for Service Award and was a charter member of the President’s Club. In other church involvements, he helped found Brethren congregations in Philadelphia and Paoli, was a founder and moderator of Drexel Hill (Pa.) Church of the Brethren, and was a moderator of North Atlantic District Conference. For the past 10 years he lived in Fort Myers and Ocean City, N.J. He is survived by his daughter Sandra and sons Galen and Jeffrey, five grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. A life celebration was held at Arlington Cemetery Chapel in Drexel Hill on July 14.
- Three Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS) workers have begun terms of service for the Church of the Brethren General Board in Elgin, Ill. Rachel McFadden and Travis Beam have begun one-year terms as workcamp assistant coordinators in Youth and Young Adult Ministries. McFadden is from North Manchester, Ind. Beam is from Concord, N.C. Tim Stauffer will work for the board’s information services department. Stauffer is from Polo, Ill.
- Manchester College in North Manchester, Ind., is accepting applications for the position of campus pastor, to plan and coordinate religious services and oversee religious life programming. Additional responsibilities include serving on the counseling staff and maintaining relationships with the Church of the Brethren and ecumenical agencies. A minimum of a Master of Divinity or equivalent master’s degree and ordination in the Church of the Brethren is required. The college offers a competitive pay and benefits package including health insurance, retirement, and tuition. Submit a cover letter, resume, and employment application (see www.manchester.edu/OHR/applicationprocess.htm) to Human Resources, Attn: CP/B, Manchester College, 604 E. College Ave., North Manchester, IN 46962. Applications will be reviewed beginning immediately and continue until the position is filled.
- The Brethren Home Community of New Oxford, Pa., seeks a fulltime chaplain for its Cross Keys Village. Primary responsibilities include visitation (scheduled and during crisis), leading devotions and Bible study, on-call coverage, leading worship, and some preaching. Qualified candidates should be licensed into Christian ministry and moving to ordination with good standing in their denomination. Clinical Pastoral Education experience is highly desired. The Brethren Home Community is looking for a caring and motivated person to join its Pastoral Care and Brethren Home team. Interested candidates should contact Merv Wunderlich, Director of Pastoral Care, by e-mail at m.wunderlich@brethrenhome.org. The position will be open until Sept. 30.
- Older adults from Church of the Brethren congregations across the country will converge on Lake Junaluska Assembly in North Carolina next week for National Older Adult Conference. The conference Sept. 4-8 is sponsored by the Association of Brethren Caregivers to offer inspiration, renewal, and community for adults age 50 and older. More than 1,100 participants are expected to meet on the theme, “Walk in the Light” (Matthew 5:14).
- The Ministry of Reconciliation (MOR) of On Earth Peace is offering “Advanced Reconciliation Skills: A Systems Approach to Conflict and Self Understanding,” a fall practitioner workshop, on Nov. 15-17 at Camp Mack in Milford, Ind. Participants will learn a biblical approach to consulting and healing broken communities, the dynamics of emotional fields, brain function and co-causal understandings of human interaction, and skills for self-understanding and differentiation in healing ministries. Leadership is provided by Jim Kinsey, a member of the General Board’s Congregational Life Teams and a certified trainer, consultant, and practitioner of the Bowen, Friedman, Steinke Systems Process. Cost of $120 covers tuition, materials, meals, and two nights lodging. Commuters pay $84 for tuition, materials, three meals, and day-use fees. The workshop begins at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday and concludes at 4 p.m. Friday. Time for worship and fellowship is included. One continuing education unit is available to Church of the Brethren ministers through the Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership. Registration deadline is Oct. 15. To register or for more information, contact Annie Clark, MOR coordinator, at annieclark@mchsi.com.
- A fire destroyed much of the parsonage of Denton (Md.) Church of the Brethren on Sunday, Aug. 20. “The fire started in the kitchen area and spread throughout the house with the major damage to the downstairs area,” reported Mid-Atlantic District executive minister Don Booz, who added that church members are surrounding pastor Alan Kieffaber and his wife, Marilyn, “with care, love, and support.” The district is receiving contributions to a replacement fund for the family.
- Three Church of the Brethren colleges--Elizabethtown (Pa.) College, Juniata College in Huntingdon, Pa., and Manchester College in North Manchester, Ind.--made the “best schools” listings for 2007 from “US News & World Report.” The magazine publishes an annual study of colleges and universities in the US. Juniata was ranked 95th in the listing of “top schools” among liberal arts colleges. In listings for comprehensive colleges in the north, Elizabethtown was ranked second for “best value” and third of the “top schools.” In listings for comprehensive colleges in the midwest, Manchester was ranked third for “best value” and 20th of the “top schools.” A release from Manchester said the magazine uses 15 indicators of academic excellence and bases 25 percent of its ranking on the opinions of presidents, provosts, and deans of peer institutions. “We're thrilled to be near the top of the Best Value list year after year,” said David F. McFadden, executive vice president of Manchester, which has made the rankings for 12 consecutive years. The listings are available at www.usnews.com.
- A Church of the Brethren advocate to halt capital punishment, SueZann Bosler, will speak on Sept. 6 at McPherson (Kan.) College in conjunction with the Kansas premiere of “Frozen,” the first play of the college’s new theater season. The play about a serial pedophile, and the human capacity for forgiveness, is described as “powerful and disturbing...about forgiving the unforgivable,” in a release from the college. Bosler has spoken against the death penalty following the 1986 murder of her father, Billy Bosler, when he was pastor of First Miami Church of the Brethren in Florida. “Frozen” by playwright Bryony Lavery will be performed Sept. 7-9 as a senior project. The play premiered in England in 1998 and was a Tony Award Nominee for Best Play in 2004. “Frozen” is not the usual offering from McPherson theater department, the college said, and is not recommended for children; some viewers may be disturbed by content and language. For more go to www.mcpherson.edu/news/index.asp?action=fullnews&id=860.
- Camp Bethel in Fincastle, Va., is offering free bluegrass concerts by Brethren musicians over Labor Day weekend. “The Comptons” will play on Sept 1, 8-9 p.m. “Wow! What talent in the Church of the Brethren!” commented the camp newsletter. “Makeshift” plays on Sept. 2, from 8-9 p.m., described as “an exciting, young, upcoming band” ranging in age from 14-17. “Enjoy hearing Makeshift live before they hit the big time, (or at least before they all turn 18!),” said the newsletter. “The Whispering Pines” performs on Sept. 3, 8-9 p.m., featuring Matt Spence and family, based at Masons Cove Church of the Brethren in Salem, Va. See the entire Labor Day Family Weekend schedule of activities and meals at www.campbethelvirginia.org/labor_day.htm.
A “Brethren tree” is one of several trees nominated for inclusion in the book, “Remarkable Trees of Virginia,” according to the “Daily News-Record” of Harrisonburg. “Ruth Fifer of Bridgewater nominated the black oak on the lawn of Summit Church of the Brethren” in Bridgewater, Va., the paper said in an article that includes a stanza of Fifer’s poem written in honor of the tree. The poem and a picture of the tree may be found at the Remarkable Trees website www.cnr.vt.edu/4h/remarkabletree/.
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Connie Burkholder resigns from Northern Plains District.
Connie R. Burkholder has resigned as executive minister of Northern Plains District, effective Nov. 15. She has served in the position for 10 years. Burkholder also has pastored churches in Kansas and Ohio.
Highlights of her work with the district include establishment of three new church projects, numerous people who received training for new church planting, development of an e-mail connection among far-flung churches and members, and a focus on inviting members to deepen their spiritual lives.
Her denominational responsibilities have included service on the Council of District Executives and volunteer positions on the boards of Western Plains District and Northern Ohio District; a term as a Brethren representatives to the National Council of Churches 1997-2000; and service as pianist for Annual Conference this July. She also is a member of the Ministry Advisory Council.
Ecumenical involvements have included terms on the boards of Ecumenical Ministries of Iowa, Minnesota Council of Churches, and North Dakota Council of Churches, among several others. For several years she wrote religious perspective articles for the “Kansas City Kansan”; and is the author of “Exodus,” a Covenant Bible Study to be published by Brethren Press this fall.
A graduate of Bethany Theological Seminary and Lebanon Valley College in Pennsylvania, Burkholder holds certification in spiritual direction from Creighton University in Nebraska. Her future plans include pastoral ministry and pursuing a call to the ministry of spiritual direction.
Source: 8/31/2006 Newsline
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Connie R. Burkholder has resigned as executive minister of Northern Plains District, effective Nov. 15. She has served in the position for 10 years. Burkholder also has pastored churches in Kansas and Ohio.
Highlights of her work with the district include establishment of three new church projects, numerous people who received training for new church planting, development of an e-mail connection among far-flung churches and members, and a focus on inviting members to deepen their spiritual lives.
Her denominational responsibilities have included service on the Council of District Executives and volunteer positions on the boards of Western Plains District and Northern Ohio District; a term as a Brethren representatives to the National Council of Churches 1997-2000; and service as pianist for Annual Conference this July. She also is a member of the Ministry Advisory Council.
Ecumenical involvements have included terms on the boards of Ecumenical Ministries of Iowa, Minnesota Council of Churches, and North Dakota Council of Churches, among several others. For several years she wrote religious perspective articles for the “Kansas City Kansan”; and is the author of “Exodus,” a Covenant Bible Study to be published by Brethren Press this fall.
A graduate of Bethany Theological Seminary and Lebanon Valley College in Pennsylvania, Burkholder holds certification in spiritual direction from Creighton University in Nebraska. Her future plans include pastoral ministry and pursuing a call to the ministry of spiritual direction.
Source: 8/31/2006 Newsline
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Jim Chinworth resigns as campus pastor at Manchester College.
Campus pastor Jim Chinworth, who has led Manchester College's spiritual life program for eight years, will join Manchester Church of the Brethren as associate pastor for youth ministry and congregational life in January. Manchester College in North Manchester, Ind., is a Church of the Brethren school.
Chinworth has served a campus community of almost 30 denominations and faiths including Roman Catholic, mainline Protestant, Jewish, and Muslim. The campus religious life program that he has led includes weekly chapel services, retreats and Bible study, and other spiritual development and enrichment. He has served on the college’s counseling team, and provided personal and pre-marital counseling.
His prayers have opened campus ceremonies and celebrations, and he has led development of the annual community Martin Luther King Jr. service, student involvement in spirituality groups, and Holocaust remembrance programs. Chinworth also has worked to dissipate liberal-conservative tension on campus, according to a release from the college, and was influential in creating a new format for acclimating first-year students to academic life.
Chinworth holds a master of divinity degree from Lancaster (Pa.) Theological Seminary.
Source: 8/31/2006 Newsline
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Campus pastor Jim Chinworth, who has led Manchester College's spiritual life program for eight years, will join Manchester Church of the Brethren as associate pastor for youth ministry and congregational life in January. Manchester College in North Manchester, Ind., is a Church of the Brethren school.
Chinworth has served a campus community of almost 30 denominations and faiths including Roman Catholic, mainline Protestant, Jewish, and Muslim. The campus religious life program that he has led includes weekly chapel services, retreats and Bible study, and other spiritual development and enrichment. He has served on the college’s counseling team, and provided personal and pre-marital counseling.
His prayers have opened campus ceremonies and celebrations, and he has led development of the annual community Martin Luther King Jr. service, student involvement in spirituality groups, and Holocaust remembrance programs. Chinworth also has worked to dissipate liberal-conservative tension on campus, according to a release from the college, and was influential in creating a new format for acclimating first-year students to academic life.
Chinworth holds a master of divinity degree from Lancaster (Pa.) Theological Seminary.
Source: 8/31/2006 Newsline
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Stephen Mason will direct the Brethren Foundation.
Brethren Benefit Trust (BBT) has announced the appointment of Stephen O. Mason as director of the Brethren Foundation, Inc. In addition to the foundation, Mason will assume the responsibilities of director of Investments for BBT.
Mason will work closely with Darryl Deardorff, BBT’s chief financial officer, to phase into the investment work over the next two to three years.
He brings extensive experience in institutional advancement focusing on gift development and administration. Most recently Mason has served as executive director of the Community Foundation of Wabash County, Ind. Previous work in the Church of the Brethren has included positions as executive director of the Association of Brethren Caregivers, vice president for Financial Services and director of Development at McPherson (Kan.) College, and vice president for College Advancement at Manchester College in North Manchester, Ind.
Mason will begin with BBT on or about Nov. 1, working out of the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill.
Source: 8/31/2006 Newsline
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Brethren Benefit Trust (BBT) has announced the appointment of Stephen O. Mason as director of the Brethren Foundation, Inc. In addition to the foundation, Mason will assume the responsibilities of director of Investments for BBT.
Mason will work closely with Darryl Deardorff, BBT’s chief financial officer, to phase into the investment work over the next two to three years.
He brings extensive experience in institutional advancement focusing on gift development and administration. Most recently Mason has served as executive director of the Community Foundation of Wabash County, Ind. Previous work in the Church of the Brethren has included positions as executive director of the Association of Brethren Caregivers, vice president for Financial Services and director of Development at McPherson (Kan.) College, and vice president for College Advancement at Manchester College in North Manchester, Ind.
Mason will begin with BBT on or about Nov. 1, working out of the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill.
Source: 8/31/2006 Newsline
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Brethren are invited to Counter-Recruitment Conference.
A Counter-Recruitment Conference sponsored by Mennonite Central Committee US (MCC US) will be held in San Antonio, Texas, on Nov. 3-5. On Earth Peace is planning a delegation from Church of the Brethren congregations, led by Matt Guynn, coordinator of Peace Witness.
"This is an open invitation event which a group of Mennonites who are mostly people of color have had the major hand in planning," reported Guynn. “The conference is going to be a special opportunity to worship, share, learn, and plan together as we prepare to respond actively to the impact of military recruitment on communities.”
The conference will bring together youth and adults from communities heavily targeted by military recruitment. It was inspired by the Anabaptist Consultation that took place at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill., in March 2005, which focused on the potential for military conscription.
"Given the strong military recruitment efforts in communities burdened by poverty and racism, a people-of-color caucus at the (March 2005) consultation issued a strong call for a conference focusing on military recruitment," said the announcement of the event from MCC US.
The event is planned for youth and young adults, youth sponsors, Sunday school teachers, pastors and youth pastors, district and conference youth ministers, peace committee members, school teachers, and guidance counselors. Organizers hope to equip congregations to help youth find meaningful nonmilitary opportunities for education, job training, employment, and leadership development; network and share resources and strategies for outreach in schools and other public settings; and ground the work of counter recruitment in commitment to Christ's way of peace and reconciliation through worship and biblical study.
Register and get more information at www.mcc.org/us/co/counter/conference. To attend as part of the Brethren delegation, contact Guynn at mattguynn@earthlink.net or 765-962-6234.
A truth-in-recruiting organizing and outreach packet is now available from On Earth Peace, including a 10-minute DVD to be used as a conversation starter related to questions of military recruitment. The packet will be useful for Sunday school classes and youth groups. For more information go to the On Earth Peace website www.brethren.org/oepa/CounterRecruitment.html.
Source: 8/31/2006 Newsline
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A Counter-Recruitment Conference sponsored by Mennonite Central Committee US (MCC US) will be held in San Antonio, Texas, on Nov. 3-5. On Earth Peace is planning a delegation from Church of the Brethren congregations, led by Matt Guynn, coordinator of Peace Witness.
"This is an open invitation event which a group of Mennonites who are mostly people of color have had the major hand in planning," reported Guynn. “The conference is going to be a special opportunity to worship, share, learn, and plan together as we prepare to respond actively to the impact of military recruitment on communities.”
The conference will bring together youth and adults from communities heavily targeted by military recruitment. It was inspired by the Anabaptist Consultation that took place at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill., in March 2005, which focused on the potential for military conscription.
"Given the strong military recruitment efforts in communities burdened by poverty and racism, a people-of-color caucus at the (March 2005) consultation issued a strong call for a conference focusing on military recruitment," said the announcement of the event from MCC US.
The event is planned for youth and young adults, youth sponsors, Sunday school teachers, pastors and youth pastors, district and conference youth ministers, peace committee members, school teachers, and guidance counselors. Organizers hope to equip congregations to help youth find meaningful nonmilitary opportunities for education, job training, employment, and leadership development; network and share resources and strategies for outreach in schools and other public settings; and ground the work of counter recruitment in commitment to Christ's way of peace and reconciliation through worship and biblical study.
Register and get more information at www.mcc.org/us/co/counter/conference. To attend as part of the Brethren delegation, contact Guynn at mattguynn@earthlink.net or 765-962-6234.
A truth-in-recruiting organizing and outreach packet is now available from On Earth Peace, including a 10-minute DVD to be used as a conversation starter related to questions of military recruitment. The packet will be useful for Sunday school classes and youth groups. For more information go to the On Earth Peace website www.brethren.org/oepa/CounterRecruitment.html.
Source: 8/31/2006 Newsline
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Credits
Newsline is produced by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of news services for the Church of the Brethren General Board. Contact the editor at cobnews@brethren.org or 800-323-8039 ext. 260. Annie Clark, Janice England, Lerry Fogle, Jeri S. Kornegay, Dale Minnich, Wilfred E. Nolen, and Loretta Wolf contributed to this report.
Newsline is produced by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of news services for the Church of the Brethren General Board. Contact the editor at cobnews@brethren.org or 800-323-8039 ext. 260. Annie Clark, Janice England, Lerry Fogle, Jeri S. Kornegay, Dale Minnich, Wilfred E. Nolen, and Loretta Wolf contributed to this report.
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
NEWS
- Denominational membership declines by largest amount in five years.
- Brethren cooperate in Peace Church Longterm Care Insurance.
- Caregiving award winners honored by Association of Brethren Caregivers.
- Grants go to Lebanon crisis, Katrina rebuilding, hunger in Guatemala.
- Western Plains District Conference sees signs of transformation.
- Southeastern District holds 38th annual district conference.
- Brethren bits: Personnel, Annual Conference office move, and more.
- New speaker announced for National Older Adult Conference.
- Bethany Seminary to host discernment retreat.
Denominational membership declines by largest amount in five years.
Church of the Brethren membership declined by the largest amount in five years in 2005, down 1,861 members or 1.42 percent. Total reported denominational membership fell under 130,000 for the first time since the 1920s. Denominational membership has been on a steady decline since the early 1960s, as it has been for most “mainline” denominations in the US.
Membership for the denomination in the US and Puerto Rico at the end of 2005 stood at 129,340 according to figures collected by the “Church of the Brethren Yearbook” published by Brethren Press. The figure does not include Church of the Brethren membership in other countries including Nigeria, Brazil, India, the Dominican Republic, and Haiti. The Nigerian church reported a membership of about 160,000 earlier this year.
Fifteen of the 23 US districts reported membership declines last year, one (Oregon/Washington) reported no change, and seven reported membership increases.
Atlantic Southeast District had the largest percentage increase, up 2.66 percent with a net gain of 52 members. Atlantic Northeast, already the largest district, grew larger with the largest numerical gain last year. It reported an increase of 101 members (.68 percent), for a total of 14,947.
The largest numerical and percentage decrease came from Pacific Southwest District, down 472 members or 16.38 percent. Missouri/Arkansas District dropped 12.79 percent, a loss of 82 members, moving it behind Idaho to become the denomination’s smallest district. Three other districts--South/Central Indiana, Michigan, and West Marva-had declines of 3.75 percent or more.
The number of full congregations fell by nine, but there were four new fellowships and four new projects welcomed during the year. Total reported average weekly worship attendance dropped by nearly 2,500 people from the year before, to 65,143. And the number of baptisms was at its lowest level in recent history, with just 1,660 reported. A total of 1,955 baptisms were reported in 2004 and 2,923 in 2003.
Updated “Yearbook” figures are based on data provided by congregations that turn in statistical reports. In 2005, 69 percent of the congregations reported, a fairly consistent response to previous years; 71 percent reported in 2004.
The “Yearbook” also lists contact information and statistics for congregations, districts, and agencies of the denomination, as well as related Brethren organizations. The 2006 edition is available from Brethren Press; to order call 800-441-3712.
Source: 8/16/2006 Newsline
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Church of the Brethren membership declined by the largest amount in five years in 2005, down 1,861 members or 1.42 percent. Total reported denominational membership fell under 130,000 for the first time since the 1920s. Denominational membership has been on a steady decline since the early 1960s, as it has been for most “mainline” denominations in the US.
Membership for the denomination in the US and Puerto Rico at the end of 2005 stood at 129,340 according to figures collected by the “Church of the Brethren Yearbook” published by Brethren Press. The figure does not include Church of the Brethren membership in other countries including Nigeria, Brazil, India, the Dominican Republic, and Haiti. The Nigerian church reported a membership of about 160,000 earlier this year.
Fifteen of the 23 US districts reported membership declines last year, one (Oregon/Washington) reported no change, and seven reported membership increases.
Atlantic Southeast District had the largest percentage increase, up 2.66 percent with a net gain of 52 members. Atlantic Northeast, already the largest district, grew larger with the largest numerical gain last year. It reported an increase of 101 members (.68 percent), for a total of 14,947.
The largest numerical and percentage decrease came from Pacific Southwest District, down 472 members or 16.38 percent. Missouri/Arkansas District dropped 12.79 percent, a loss of 82 members, moving it behind Idaho to become the denomination’s smallest district. Three other districts--South/Central Indiana, Michigan, and West Marva-had declines of 3.75 percent or more.
The number of full congregations fell by nine, but there were four new fellowships and four new projects welcomed during the year. Total reported average weekly worship attendance dropped by nearly 2,500 people from the year before, to 65,143. And the number of baptisms was at its lowest level in recent history, with just 1,660 reported. A total of 1,955 baptisms were reported in 2004 and 2,923 in 2003.
Updated “Yearbook” figures are based on data provided by congregations that turn in statistical reports. In 2005, 69 percent of the congregations reported, a fairly consistent response to previous years; 71 percent reported in 2004.
The “Yearbook” also lists contact information and statistics for congregations, districts, and agencies of the denomination, as well as related Brethren organizations. The 2006 edition is available from Brethren Press; to order call 800-441-3712.
Source: 8/16/2006 Newsline
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Brethren cooperate in Peace Church Longterm Care Insurance.
A new Peace Church Longterm Care Insurance program is now available through the Fellowship of Brethren Homes, an organization of Church of the Brethren retirement centers, and the Association of Brethren Caregivers (ABC). The new program addresses the problem of “uncompensated care” that is faced by the Brethren retirement facilities. For the last several years, more than $14 million annually has been spent by 18 of the 22 centers to care for older adults who no longer have the financial resources to pay for their own care.
“As our population and denomination continue to age, (the fastest-growing segment of the US population is the 80 and older group), the financial strain on our retirement facilities increases,” reported Don Fecher, director of the fellowship. It is unlikely that governmental funding for longterm care will increase, or that a legislative solution is even possible, Fecher said. “It is also unlikely that a Church of the Brethren facility will turn away a resident in need,” he added.
Through its ecumenical partnerships with the other historic peace churches--Mennonites and Friends--the fellowship is making it possible for anyone connected with the Church of the Brethren to take advantage of the Peace Church Longterm Care Insurance program. Anyone connected to the Church of the Brethren may participate along with their spouse, children ages 18 and older, parents, grandparents, siblings, in-laws, aunts, and uncles.
The program will pay benefits for longterm care services in a person’s home, assisted living facility, adult day care facility, or nursing home, and is available for Alzheimer’s/dementia coverage. The program is guaranteed renewable and offers tax quantified plans.
Currently, costs for assisted living facilities range from $900 to $3,000 per month depending on amenities provided and services required, according to ABC. Also, about 90 percent of the nation’s assisted living services are paid for with private funds, states the National Center for Assisted Living. The Health Insurance Association of America reports that the national average for a year in a nursing home is estimated to cost more than $46,000, and in some areas can easily cost twice that amount.
“The costs of longterm care may present the greatest threat to financial security during a person’s retirement years,” Fecher said. “Longterm care insurance is also appropriate for the working age person to protect against illnesses, disabilities, or injuries from automobile or sporting accidents. HMOs and traditional health insurance policies generally do not pay for long-term care services.”
To find out more about the program or to request cost estimates contact the administering organization, Senior Ministries Insurance Alliance of Harrisburg, Pa., at 800-382-1352.
Source: 8/16/2006 Newsline
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A new Peace Church Longterm Care Insurance program is now available through the Fellowship of Brethren Homes, an organization of Church of the Brethren retirement centers, and the Association of Brethren Caregivers (ABC). The new program addresses the problem of “uncompensated care” that is faced by the Brethren retirement facilities. For the last several years, more than $14 million annually has been spent by 18 of the 22 centers to care for older adults who no longer have the financial resources to pay for their own care.
“As our population and denomination continue to age, (the fastest-growing segment of the US population is the 80 and older group), the financial strain on our retirement facilities increases,” reported Don Fecher, director of the fellowship. It is unlikely that governmental funding for longterm care will increase, or that a legislative solution is even possible, Fecher said. “It is also unlikely that a Church of the Brethren facility will turn away a resident in need,” he added.
Through its ecumenical partnerships with the other historic peace churches--Mennonites and Friends--the fellowship is making it possible for anyone connected with the Church of the Brethren to take advantage of the Peace Church Longterm Care Insurance program. Anyone connected to the Church of the Brethren may participate along with their spouse, children ages 18 and older, parents, grandparents, siblings, in-laws, aunts, and uncles.
The program will pay benefits for longterm care services in a person’s home, assisted living facility, adult day care facility, or nursing home, and is available for Alzheimer’s/dementia coverage. The program is guaranteed renewable and offers tax quantified plans.
Currently, costs for assisted living facilities range from $900 to $3,000 per month depending on amenities provided and services required, according to ABC. Also, about 90 percent of the nation’s assisted living services are paid for with private funds, states the National Center for Assisted Living. The Health Insurance Association of America reports that the national average for a year in a nursing home is estimated to cost more than $46,000, and in some areas can easily cost twice that amount.
“The costs of longterm care may present the greatest threat to financial security during a person’s retirement years,” Fecher said. “Longterm care insurance is also appropriate for the working age person to protect against illnesses, disabilities, or injuries from automobile or sporting accidents. HMOs and traditional health insurance policies generally do not pay for long-term care services.”
To find out more about the program or to request cost estimates contact the administering organization, Senior Ministries Insurance Alliance of Harrisburg, Pa., at 800-382-1352.
Source: 8/16/2006 Newsline
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Caregiving award winners honored by Association of Brethren Caregivers.
The Association of Brethren Caregivers (ABC) recognized recipients of the agency’s annual caregiving awards during a reception July 3 at the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference in Des Moines, Iowa.
Retired pastor Chuck Boyer of La Verne, Calif., was recognized for a lifetime of caregiving. Throughout his ministry, he has advocated for peace and for those who were left at the margins in society and the church, ABC said. He has served the Church of the Brethren as director of Brethren Volunteer Service, peace consultant, pastor, and moderator of Annual Conference. During his time as peace consultant, Boyer focused on domestic peace concerns, action, and education. In 1988, he became senior pastor of La Verne Church of the Brethren, where he was active in housing and food projects, the formation of a new ministerium that supported women in ministerial roles, and compassionate caregiving for his congregation, especially those who felt excluded from the faith community.
Rodney E. Mason of Chambersburg, Pa., was recognized for his service as former CEO of Peter Becker Community, a Church of the Brethren retirement community in Harleysville, Pa. During his tenure Mason fostered ministry for and with elders in many ways, collaborating with the Indian Valley YMCA to bring a satellite to Peter Becker Community, working with other area care centers to provide services to seniors in the Harleysville community, and helping establish the Peace Church Risk Retention Group, a collaboration between the Church of the Brethren, Mennonites, and Friends. Mason resigned from Peter Becker in 2005 to become CEO of Menno Haven Retirement Communities.
ABC honored Disaster Child Care, a program of the Church of the Brethren General Board, for providing more than 25 years of caregiving for children and families during more than 175 disasters. The program has trained more than 2,500 volunteers who donate their time and services. Disaster Child Care began in 1980 and later became an ecumenical endeavor. The program is well respected and relied on by partner agencies such as the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the American Red Cross, and Church World Service. In 1998, it was designated as the official child-care service to assist the American Red Cross following a domestic aviation disaster and formed a specially trained group of volunteers for its “Critical Response Childcare Team.”
Papago Buttes Church of the Brethren in Scottsdale, Ariz., received the “Open Roof” award for its work on accessibility for people with disabilities. People with disabilities participate fully in the worship, activities, and leadership of the church, even though the congregation does not have a formal disabilities program. Papago Buttes has reached out with services and programs to members of a neighboring group home. Love Feast at the congregation includes hand washing for those with mobility issues, along with the traditional foot washing. Adults and children with disabilities are mainstreamed into Sunday school classes, with special training available for teachers when needed. The congregation’s new building was designed to be completely handicapped accessible. Now the congregation is beginning a new construction project, a handicapped accessible baptistery.
For more information about the Association of Brethren Caregivers go to www.brethren.org/abc.
Source: 8/16/2006 Newsline
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The Association of Brethren Caregivers (ABC) recognized recipients of the agency’s annual caregiving awards during a reception July 3 at the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference in Des Moines, Iowa.
Retired pastor Chuck Boyer of La Verne, Calif., was recognized for a lifetime of caregiving. Throughout his ministry, he has advocated for peace and for those who were left at the margins in society and the church, ABC said. He has served the Church of the Brethren as director of Brethren Volunteer Service, peace consultant, pastor, and moderator of Annual Conference. During his time as peace consultant, Boyer focused on domestic peace concerns, action, and education. In 1988, he became senior pastor of La Verne Church of the Brethren, where he was active in housing and food projects, the formation of a new ministerium that supported women in ministerial roles, and compassionate caregiving for his congregation, especially those who felt excluded from the faith community.
Rodney E. Mason of Chambersburg, Pa., was recognized for his service as former CEO of Peter Becker Community, a Church of the Brethren retirement community in Harleysville, Pa. During his tenure Mason fostered ministry for and with elders in many ways, collaborating with the Indian Valley YMCA to bring a satellite to Peter Becker Community, working with other area care centers to provide services to seniors in the Harleysville community, and helping establish the Peace Church Risk Retention Group, a collaboration between the Church of the Brethren, Mennonites, and Friends. Mason resigned from Peter Becker in 2005 to become CEO of Menno Haven Retirement Communities.
ABC honored Disaster Child Care, a program of the Church of the Brethren General Board, for providing more than 25 years of caregiving for children and families during more than 175 disasters. The program has trained more than 2,500 volunteers who donate their time and services. Disaster Child Care began in 1980 and later became an ecumenical endeavor. The program is well respected and relied on by partner agencies such as the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the American Red Cross, and Church World Service. In 1998, it was designated as the official child-care service to assist the American Red Cross following a domestic aviation disaster and formed a specially trained group of volunteers for its “Critical Response Childcare Team.”
Papago Buttes Church of the Brethren in Scottsdale, Ariz., received the “Open Roof” award for its work on accessibility for people with disabilities. People with disabilities participate fully in the worship, activities, and leadership of the church, even though the congregation does not have a formal disabilities program. Papago Buttes has reached out with services and programs to members of a neighboring group home. Love Feast at the congregation includes hand washing for those with mobility issues, along with the traditional foot washing. Adults and children with disabilities are mainstreamed into Sunday school classes, with special training available for teachers when needed. The congregation’s new building was designed to be completely handicapped accessible. Now the congregation is beginning a new construction project, a handicapped accessible baptistery.
For more information about the Association of Brethren Caregivers go to www.brethren.org/abc.
Source: 8/16/2006 Newsline
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Grants go to Lebanon crisis, Katrina rebuilding, hunger in Guatemala.
Two funds of the Church of the Brethren General Board--the Emergency Disaster Fund (EDF), and the Global Food Crisis Fund--are giving a total of $68,555 in three grants for the humanitarian crisis in Lebanon, rebuilding following Hurricane Katrina, and a hunger relief program in Guatemala.
The EDF has given a grant of $25,000 to support a Church World Service appeal for the humanitarian crisis created by the Israeli/Hezbollah war in Lebanon. The funds will help provide emergency supplies of food, water, bedding, medicine, and sanitation.
The fund also is granting $25,000 for Brethren Disaster Response to open a new rebuilding site in an area affected by Hurricane Katrina. The money will pay for the travel expenses, leadership training, food, and housing of volunteers working on the project, as well as additional tools and equipment and some building supplies.
In Guatemala, the Global Food Crisis Fund has allocated a grant of $18,555 from the Church of the Brethren Foods Resource Bank account to continue support of a hunger relief project in the Totonicapan region. This is the second year of a three year project to help increase food diversification through community greenhouse and patio gardening. Additionally, the project promotes appropriate technology, community organization, and food security.
Source: 8/16/2006 Newsline
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Two funds of the Church of the Brethren General Board--the Emergency Disaster Fund (EDF), and the Global Food Crisis Fund--are giving a total of $68,555 in three grants for the humanitarian crisis in Lebanon, rebuilding following Hurricane Katrina, and a hunger relief program in Guatemala.
The EDF has given a grant of $25,000 to support a Church World Service appeal for the humanitarian crisis created by the Israeli/Hezbollah war in Lebanon. The funds will help provide emergency supplies of food, water, bedding, medicine, and sanitation.
The fund also is granting $25,000 for Brethren Disaster Response to open a new rebuilding site in an area affected by Hurricane Katrina. The money will pay for the travel expenses, leadership training, food, and housing of volunteers working on the project, as well as additional tools and equipment and some building supplies.
In Guatemala, the Global Food Crisis Fund has allocated a grant of $18,555 from the Church of the Brethren Foods Resource Bank account to continue support of a hunger relief project in the Totonicapan region. This is the second year of a three year project to help increase food diversification through community greenhouse and patio gardening. Additionally, the project promotes appropriate technology, community organization, and food security.
Source: 8/16/2006 Newsline
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Western Plains District Conference sees signs of transformation.
With a theme of “God’s Love Forever and Ever,” the Western Plains District Conference was convened by moderator LeRoy Weddle at McPherson (Kan.) Church of the Brethren and McPherson College. The conference had 272 registered attendees.
Jim Kinsey, Congregational Life Team staff of the General Board, was the theme speaker. Sandy Bosserman, executive minister for Missouri and Arkansas District, spoke at the minister and spouse dinner.
There was an emphasis on the congregational transformation movement that is permeating the district, reported district co-executive minister Elsie Holderread. Singing, worship, sharing of individual faith stories, and congregational stories of transformation were woven throughout the weekend. The presence of 30 youth, some coming directly from National Youth Conference in Fort Collins, Colo., was a positive influence. The renovation to the church added greatly to the quality and comfort of the conference, Holderread added.
In business sessions, the 73 delegates from 32 congregations passed a $194,000 district budget, approved a constitutional amendment, and elected eight new district board members and elected Sonja Griffith as moderator-elect.
A Projects Unlimited auction raised $4,416.25 to be divided between Heifer Project, Trees for Life, On Earth Peace, Disaster Child Care, Camp Colorado, Camp Mount Hermon, the Outdoor Ministries Association, the Western Plains District General Fund, McPherson College, the Lybrook Mission, and Darfur World Hunger. The district quilt sold for $1,000.
Next year’s district conference will be held at McPherson, Kan., July 27-29 with David Smalley as moderator.
Source: 8/16/2006 Newsline
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With a theme of “God’s Love Forever and Ever,” the Western Plains District Conference was convened by moderator LeRoy Weddle at McPherson (Kan.) Church of the Brethren and McPherson College. The conference had 272 registered attendees.
Jim Kinsey, Congregational Life Team staff of the General Board, was the theme speaker. Sandy Bosserman, executive minister for Missouri and Arkansas District, spoke at the minister and spouse dinner.
There was an emphasis on the congregational transformation movement that is permeating the district, reported district co-executive minister Elsie Holderread. Singing, worship, sharing of individual faith stories, and congregational stories of transformation were woven throughout the weekend. The presence of 30 youth, some coming directly from National Youth Conference in Fort Collins, Colo., was a positive influence. The renovation to the church added greatly to the quality and comfort of the conference, Holderread added.
In business sessions, the 73 delegates from 32 congregations passed a $194,000 district budget, approved a constitutional amendment, and elected eight new district board members and elected Sonja Griffith as moderator-elect.
A Projects Unlimited auction raised $4,416.25 to be divided between Heifer Project, Trees for Life, On Earth Peace, Disaster Child Care, Camp Colorado, Camp Mount Hermon, the Outdoor Ministries Association, the Western Plains District General Fund, McPherson College, the Lybrook Mission, and Darfur World Hunger. The district quilt sold for $1,000.
Next year’s district conference will be held at McPherson, Kan., July 27-29 with David Smalley as moderator.
Source: 8/16/2006 Newsline
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Southeastern District holds 38th annual district conference.
The 38th annual Southeastern District Conference on July 28-30 was led by moderator Jim Hoffman on the theme, “Together in God's Presence.” A total of 94 delegates represented 27 congregations, and a total of 167 people were in attendance. Prayer was given for the youth and leaders who were returning home from National Youth Conference in Colorado, said co-executive minister Martha Roudebush in her report from the meeting.
Keynote speaker pastor Gilbert Romero of Bella Vista Church of the Brethren in Los Angeles, presented challenging messages Friday evening and Sunday morning entitled "To His Presence We Will Go."
A 2007 district budget of $80,148 was passed including increasing the position of the co-executive ministers to three-quarter time. The delegate body approved and passed a new business item allowing His Way Fellowship to seek out and purchase a larger facility, and to sell the current property. They also approved and supported the new district ministry education program "School of Spiritual Leadership.”
In elections, Jeremy Dykes, youth pastor from Jackson Park Church of the Brethren in Jonesborough, Tenn., was called to be moderator-elect.
The district churches were thanked for giving $70,674 to the Disaster Katrina Fund. The conference received a that some of this fund is still being used to help with small town situations along the gulf coast in Alabama.
The Witness Commission also had challenged each church this past year to collect money for Heifer International. Several churches in the district participated, collecting a total of $25,506. The donations purchased several “arks” of animals, heifers, llamas, and many others. The district youth visited the Heifer Ranch in Arkansas on the way to National Youth Conference, and presented the check from the district.
A time was held during the business to have small group discussions as part of the denominational study process Together: Conversations on Being the Church. Discussion focused on the question, "What does it mean to be the church?" This was a very productive time of conversation, Roudebush reported. Saturday night’s insight session provided leadership training for individuals to lead their congregations in this conversation.
A quilt auction was held with proceeds going to the John M. Reed Home.
Roudebush said that the district faced a “unique situation” this year. “The parliamentarian was at National Youth Conference,” she said, “and the moderator-elect was also at NYC. Donna Shumate, who will be moderator in 2007, was in the hospital with a new baby boy.”
Source: 8/16/2006 Newsline
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The 38th annual Southeastern District Conference on July 28-30 was led by moderator Jim Hoffman on the theme, “Together in God's Presence.” A total of 94 delegates represented 27 congregations, and a total of 167 people were in attendance. Prayer was given for the youth and leaders who were returning home from National Youth Conference in Colorado, said co-executive minister Martha Roudebush in her report from the meeting.
Keynote speaker pastor Gilbert Romero of Bella Vista Church of the Brethren in Los Angeles, presented challenging messages Friday evening and Sunday morning entitled "To His Presence We Will Go."
A 2007 district budget of $80,148 was passed including increasing the position of the co-executive ministers to three-quarter time. The delegate body approved and passed a new business item allowing His Way Fellowship to seek out and purchase a larger facility, and to sell the current property. They also approved and supported the new district ministry education program "School of Spiritual Leadership.”
In elections, Jeremy Dykes, youth pastor from Jackson Park Church of the Brethren in Jonesborough, Tenn., was called to be moderator-elect.
The district churches were thanked for giving $70,674 to the Disaster Katrina Fund. The conference received a that some of this fund is still being used to help with small town situations along the gulf coast in Alabama.
The Witness Commission also had challenged each church this past year to collect money for Heifer International. Several churches in the district participated, collecting a total of $25,506. The donations purchased several “arks” of animals, heifers, llamas, and many others. The district youth visited the Heifer Ranch in Arkansas on the way to National Youth Conference, and presented the check from the district.
A time was held during the business to have small group discussions as part of the denominational study process Together: Conversations on Being the Church. Discussion focused on the question, "What does it mean to be the church?" This was a very productive time of conversation, Roudebush reported. Saturday night’s insight session provided leadership training for individuals to lead their congregations in this conversation.
A quilt auction was held with proceeds going to the John M. Reed Home.
Roudebush said that the district faced a “unique situation” this year. “The parliamentarian was at National Youth Conference,” she said, “and the moderator-elect was also at NYC. Donna Shumate, who will be moderator in 2007, was in the hospital with a new baby boy.”
Source: 8/16/2006 Newsline
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Brethren bits: Personnel, Annual Conference office move, and more.
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- Ralph McFadden will serve as coordinator for the second Mission Alive conference, planned for April 13-15, 2007, filling a temporary, part-time position in the Global Mission Partnerships of the General Board. McFadden will coordinate a working committee to plan and implement the conference. He will work from the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill., and from his home in Elgin. He has served in the Church of the Brethren as a pastor, district executive, and executive for Parish Ministries Commission of the General Board. Among his wide experience is coordinating the National Youth Conference in 1974. More recently he has been a part of the Association for Brethren Caregivers staff, and has served as chaplain for Hospice of Northeastern Illinois.
- As announced earlier this year, the Annual Conference Office relocates from the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill., to the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md., this month. The move takes place the week of Aug. 21-25. The office will open for business in New Windsor on Aug. 28. The new address of the Annual Conference Office is 500 Main Street, P.O. Box 720, New Windsor, MD, 21776-0720; 410-635-8740, 800-688-5186, fax 410-635-8742, executive director 410-635-8781. E-mail addresses remain unchanged for Fogle (lfogle_ac@brethren.org) and Conference assistant Dana Weaver (dweaver_ac@brethren.org).
- The annual Brethren Revival Fellowship orientation unit for Brethren Volunteer Service will be held at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md., from Aug. 20-30. A total of 11 staff and volunteers are expected.
- An Action Alert from the Brethren Witness/Washington Office of the General Board, dated Aug. 3, calls attention to the Global Warming Pollution Reduction Act of 2006 (S. 3698), introduced by Senator Jim Jeffords (I, VT). The legislation “is based on the increasing scientific evidence that global warming poses a significant threat to the public health and welfare of the US and to the global environment as a whole,” the alert stated. As well as giving details of the legislation, the alert quotes from the 1991 Annual Conference statement “Creation: Called to Care,” and urges Brethren to contact their senators in support of the act. “Your voice can make a difference,” the alert said. “As little as 10 calls or letters on an issue can be enough to convince an elected official to support or not support a piece of legislation. Let us take a serious stand on reducing global warming and caring for our environment.” For more information go to www.brethren.org/genbd/WitnessWashOffice.html or contact the office at 800-785-3246 or washington_office_gb@brethren.org.
- Virlina District is holding a teacher’s workshop for Christian educators on the theme, “Called, Equipped, Sent Forth” on Sept. 16 from 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at Germantown Brick Church of the Brethren in Rocky Mount, Va. The scriptural texts will be Deuteronomy 6:4-9 and Ephesians 4:11-12. The workshop will include worship, teacher training, inspiration, and a commissioning of teachers. Workshops will include training for the new curriculum “Gather ’Round: Hearing and Sharing God’s Good News” from Brethren Press and Mennonite Publishing Network; a workshop on serving those with disabilities; and a workshop on ministering to difficult behaviors. Cost is $15 for an individual or $25 for a group from a congregation. Carol Mason, staff for the General Board’s Congregational Life Teams and a retired school teacher and ordained minister with a master's degree in curriculum development, will provide leadership. For more information contact Virlina District at 540-362-1816.
- Bridgewater (Va.) College “enjoyed unparalleled fundraising success in fiscal year 2005-06,” according to a release from the school. Gifts and pledges totaled $8,074,548, the release said, with highlights of the year including several gifts in the range of a half million dollars, and additions to the college endowment of $4.2 million. In other news from the college, nine new fulltime faculty arrive in mid-August to join the departments of communication studies, education, health and exercise science, history, music, and philosophy.
- Manchester College in North Manchester, Ind., is changing its accounting offerings to reflect changing needs in the larger accounting environment, announced a letter from president Jo Young Switzer. “After 15 years with a good master of accountancy program that has dwindled in number of graduates, we will offer, instead, a program that allows students to complete their 150 hours required by the accounting industry in four-and-a-half years,” the letter said. “Accounting firms nationwide are clear that they prefer to hire new accountants who already have met the 150-hour requirement and are ready to sit for the CPA exam. Firms are telling us the master's degree does not carry weight in their hiring decisions.” The new accounting program will begin this fall. For more about the college go to www.manchester.edu.
Sculptor Jeff Adams has been commissioned to create a bronze sculpture to depict the spirit of compassion given to seniors at Pinecrest Community in Mount Morris, Ill. A “maquette” or model of the sculpture titled "The Good Samaritan" was unveiled at a fundraiser in July. The sculpture is to be displayed at the entrance of the Grove, a new 20-acre active adult community now under construction as part of Pinecrest.- Fahrney Keedy Home and Village holds its Second Annual Heritage Day on Aug. 19, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Events includes live entertainment, a chicken barbecue, bake sale, yard sale, food vendors, craft vendors, trade vendors, and displays of quilts and celebrity autographs. Fahrney Keedy Home and Village is located at 8507 Mapleville Rd., Boonsboro, Md.
- Camp Eder in Fairfield, Pa., is hosting a “Moving Stories, Healing Stories” retreat on Sept. 22-24, with sponsorship from the Jubilee Troupe. The troupe is an endeavor of Brethren and others joining creative arts, social change, and spiritual renewal, sponsored by On Earth Peace, the New Community Project, and the Brethren Peace Fellowship. Keynote presenter is Julie Portman, an Obie Award winning performer and founder of Ki Theater in Washington, Va. The retreat is an opportunity to explore spiritual enrichment and community renewal processes through forms of interactive drama, movement, and other creative arts. Activities include working with storytelling tools and exploring personal stories; forums for sharing skills, ideas, media, and findings; "getting into our bodies" with quietness and play; personal and group devotional time; sharing meals and supportive fellowship. InterPlay instructor Judith Reichsman from Marlboro, Vt., also will lead a workshop to provide improvisational tools to further explore personal stories. Find out more and register online at http://jubileetroupe.org/events/2006-retreat.htm.
- Members of Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT) in northern Indiana have begun a nonviolent campaign to stop the production of depleted uranium weaponry. Leaders include Church of the Brethren members Cliff Kindy and Tom Benevento, who is Latin America/Caribbean program volunteer for the Global Mission Partnerships of the General Board. CPT was originally an initiative of the historic peace churches (Church of the Brethren, Mennonites, and Quakers) but now enjoys support and membership from a wide range of Christian denominations. The campaign focuses on depleted uranium production sites, such as the ones in Rocket Center, W.Va., and Jonesborough, Tenn., both operated or contracted by Alliant Technologies, said a release from the campaign. The focus is to only stop the production of depleted uranium, not to shut down the plants, the release said. Those participating in the campaign spend an hour in silence and fasting every Friday noon, and are encouraged to examine their lifestyles to ask how one lives a life that does not need to be defended by war. Plans have included monitoring trucks in and out of plants, holding prayer vigils for the victims of depleted uranium weapons, and scheduling public forums on the effects of depleted uranium weapons. For more go to the campaign’s website www.stop-du.org.
- A National Council of Churches (NCC) expert on international affairs and peace is scheduled to be on Fox News tonight, Aug. 16. Antonios Kireopoulos, the NCC's associate general secretary for International Affairs and Peace, is to be interviewed by Bill O'Reilly on “The O'Reilly Factor.” The program airs on the Fox News cable channel at 8 p.m. and 11 p.m. eastern. Kireopoulos will discuss solutions to the war in Lebanon and Israel, and the root causes of terrorism. He has visited the region many times and has worked on issues of peace for several years. For more information about the programs of the NCC go to www.councilofchurches.org.
- A Greater Gift (SERRV) offers a “Summer Overstock Sale” on Aug. 23-26 at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md. The sale will include 60 percent off first quality items. A Greater Gift sells fair trade handcrafts and foods from around the world through partnerships with small-scale artisan and farmer groups. The organization was started by the Church of the Brethren. For more information go to www.agreatergift.org.
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New speaker announced for National Older Adult Conference.
David Augsburger will give the keynote plenary session on Wednesday morning of the National Older Adult Conference (NOAC), an event sponsored by the Association of Brethren Caregivers (ABC). Ken Haughk, founder of Stephen Ministries, was slated to speak but cancelled because of caregiving responsibilities. NOAC takes place Sept. 4-8 at Lake Junaluska Assembly in North Carolina.
Augsburger is professor of pastoral counseling at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, Calif. An ordained minister in the Mennonite Church, he has written 20 books on pastoral counseling, marriage, conflict, and human relations. His most recent books are “Pastoral Counseling Across Cultures” and “Conflict Mediation Across Cultures.” He also has taught at seminaries in Chicago, Indiana, and Pennsylvania, and has been a radio spokesperson for the Mennonite churches.
Augsburger's presentation, "Forgiving: Thou Shalt Not Nail Others to Their Past," will be followed that evening with a worship service in which his brother, Myron Augsburger, is the featured preacher.
Older adults who are 50 and over can still register for the conference at www.brethren-caregivers.org or by calling ABC at 800-323-8039.
Source: 8/16/2006 Newsline
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David Augsburger will give the keynote plenary session on Wednesday morning of the National Older Adult Conference (NOAC), an event sponsored by the Association of Brethren Caregivers (ABC). Ken Haughk, founder of Stephen Ministries, was slated to speak but cancelled because of caregiving responsibilities. NOAC takes place Sept. 4-8 at Lake Junaluska Assembly in North Carolina.
Augsburger is professor of pastoral counseling at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, Calif. An ordained minister in the Mennonite Church, he has written 20 books on pastoral counseling, marriage, conflict, and human relations. His most recent books are “Pastoral Counseling Across Cultures” and “Conflict Mediation Across Cultures.” He also has taught at seminaries in Chicago, Indiana, and Pennsylvania, and has been a radio spokesperson for the Mennonite churches.
Augsburger's presentation, "Forgiving: Thou Shalt Not Nail Others to Their Past," will be followed that evening with a worship service in which his brother, Myron Augsburger, is the featured preacher.
Older adults who are 50 and over can still register for the conference at www.brethren-caregivers.org or by calling ABC at 800-323-8039.
Source: 8/16/2006 Newsline
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Bethany Seminary to host discernment retreat.
Bethany Theological Seminary in Richmond, Ind., will host a discernment retreat titled “Open Hearts--Open Minds” on Sept. 22-24. Participants will discover and work with their calls to ministry through prayer, worship, group sessions, and personal time for reflection.
Tara Hornbacker, assistant professor of Ministry Formation, is the retreat leader. An inspirational speaker, humorist, and ministry consultant, Hornbacker is an ordained minister in the Church of the Brethren. As a faculty member, she gives overall direction to the seminary's program of preparing people for the ministry through experiential education, spiritual formation, and theological reflection on the practice of ministry.
Opportunities for individual spiritual direction also will be available, facilitated by Lisa Lundeen Nagel, a 2006 graduate of Earlham School of Religion.
"Open Hearts--Open Minds is a retreat grounded in scripture, worship, and an openness to the presence of God," said Amy Gall Ritchie, director of student development at Bethany. "It brings learning and doing together, as people delve into the issues that God is presenting to them."
Registration cost is $25. Information about lodging and other information will be sent to participants registered by Sept. 1. To register or for more information contact Ritchie at 765-983-1806 or ritcham@bethanyseminary.edu.
Source: 8/16/2006 Newsline
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Bethany Theological Seminary in Richmond, Ind., will host a discernment retreat titled “Open Hearts--Open Minds” on Sept. 22-24. Participants will discover and work with their calls to ministry through prayer, worship, group sessions, and personal time for reflection.
Tara Hornbacker, assistant professor of Ministry Formation, is the retreat leader. An inspirational speaker, humorist, and ministry consultant, Hornbacker is an ordained minister in the Church of the Brethren. As a faculty member, she gives overall direction to the seminary's program of preparing people for the ministry through experiential education, spiritual formation, and theological reflection on the practice of ministry.
Opportunities for individual spiritual direction also will be available, facilitated by Lisa Lundeen Nagel, a 2006 graduate of Earlham School of Religion.
"Open Hearts--Open Minds is a retreat grounded in scripture, worship, and an openness to the presence of God," said Amy Gall Ritchie, director of student development at Bethany. "It brings learning and doing together, as people delve into the issues that God is presenting to them."
Registration cost is $25. Information about lodging and other information will be sent to participants registered by Sept. 1. To register or for more information contact Ritchie at 765-983-1806 or ritcham@bethanyseminary.edu.
Source: 8/16/2006 Newsline
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Finding the roots of hope in Iraq.
Church of the Brethren member Peggy Gish has returned to Iraq with Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT). Originally a violence-reduction initiative of the historic peace churches (Church of the Brethren, Mennonite, and Quaker), CPT now enjoys support and membership from a wide range of Christian denominations. Gish has spent much of the last several years in Iraq, first working there before the war began. Formerly the CPT Iraq team was based in Baghdad, but currently is working in another area of the country. Here Gish reflects on the seeming hopelessness of the war, and our source of hope in God.
"A call came last week from an Iraqi human rights worker and friend of the (CPT) team. The previous night, someone attempted to shoot him near his home in southern Iraq. He does not know what group may be behind this attack and the threats on his life he has received in the past months.
"A former team translator told us that militia and criminal gangs control many neighborhoods in Baghdad. In his neighborhood, daily gun battles on the street break out. In another Baghdad neighborhood, the husband of another team friend--also a human rights activist--was killed.
"'I couldn't believe it at first,' another human rights worker in Najaf told us after recently returning from several months in the US. 'The situation in Iraq is much worse than I ever imagined. I can no longer say this isn't civil war.'
"Some Iraqis are fleeing their homes, but most cannot leave. They feel helpless to do anything to change the escalating violence and chaos. Just two weeks ago the team's landlord and his wife told us that even though most of Baghdad was dangerous, the neighborhood we had been living in was safe. Since then, they have called us to say the situation there has become worse. Fewer people are out on the streets doing business or shopping. They have left and now agree with other Iraqi friends and colleagues who have advised our team not to return to Baghdad.
"These Iraqis are like our family. We feel a deep love and grieve for them. Not being able to accompany them or to do more to help them is painful. During our morning prayers, we mentioned them by name. We read about and spoke of hope, but we felt this hope was something out of reach, something that instead of buoying us up, was flying in our faces. A team mate named what we were all feeling, 'Right now it's hard to have hope for the future of Iraq.'
"But, I thought, the prophet Isaiah addressed this struggle when he spoke of God bringing forth springs of water in the thirsty ground of the desert (Isaiah 35:6-7) and of God being with us as we pass through the rivers and through fire (Isaiah 43:2.) Just like water in dry lands, hope is a precious commodity in war-torn places.
"If we base our hope mainly on our ability to stop this horrible violence, we are lost. Only when our faith is rooted in God's ability to work in impossible situations can we rise above despair and allow hope to strengthen us and lead us to action. That is the hope I pray for and want to walk in."
Source: 8/16/2006 Newsline
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Church of the Brethren member Peggy Gish has returned to Iraq with Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT). Originally a violence-reduction initiative of the historic peace churches (Church of the Brethren, Mennonite, and Quaker), CPT now enjoys support and membership from a wide range of Christian denominations. Gish has spent much of the last several years in Iraq, first working there before the war began. Formerly the CPT Iraq team was based in Baghdad, but currently is working in another area of the country. Here Gish reflects on the seeming hopelessness of the war, and our source of hope in God.
"A call came last week from an Iraqi human rights worker and friend of the (CPT) team. The previous night, someone attempted to shoot him near his home in southern Iraq. He does not know what group may be behind this attack and the threats on his life he has received in the past months.
"A former team translator told us that militia and criminal gangs control many neighborhoods in Baghdad. In his neighborhood, daily gun battles on the street break out. In another Baghdad neighborhood, the husband of another team friend--also a human rights activist--was killed.
"'I couldn't believe it at first,' another human rights worker in Najaf told us after recently returning from several months in the US. 'The situation in Iraq is much worse than I ever imagined. I can no longer say this isn't civil war.'
"Some Iraqis are fleeing their homes, but most cannot leave. They feel helpless to do anything to change the escalating violence and chaos. Just two weeks ago the team's landlord and his wife told us that even though most of Baghdad was dangerous, the neighborhood we had been living in was safe. Since then, they have called us to say the situation there has become worse. Fewer people are out on the streets doing business or shopping. They have left and now agree with other Iraqi friends and colleagues who have advised our team not to return to Baghdad.
"These Iraqis are like our family. We feel a deep love and grieve for them. Not being able to accompany them or to do more to help them is painful. During our morning prayers, we mentioned them by name. We read about and spoke of hope, but we felt this hope was something out of reach, something that instead of buoying us up, was flying in our faces. A team mate named what we were all feeling, 'Right now it's hard to have hope for the future of Iraq.'
"But, I thought, the prophet Isaiah addressed this struggle when he spoke of God bringing forth springs of water in the thirsty ground of the desert (Isaiah 35:6-7) and of God being with us as we pass through the rivers and through fire (Isaiah 43:2.) Just like water in dry lands, hope is a precious commodity in war-torn places.
"If we base our hope mainly on our ability to stop this horrible violence, we are lost. Only when our faith is rooted in God's ability to work in impossible situations can we rise above despair and allow hope to strengthen us and lead us to action. That is the hope I pray for and want to walk in."
Source: 8/16/2006 Newsline
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Credits
Newsline is produced by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of news services for the Church of the Brethren General Board. Contact the editor at cobnews@brethren.org or 800-323-8039 ext. 260. Chrystal Bostian, Mary Dulabaum, Mary Kay Heatwole, Elsie Holderread, Jon Kobel, Martha June Roudebush, Marcia Shetler, and Walt Wiltschek contributed to this report.
Newsline is produced by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of news services for the Church of the Brethren General Board. Contact the editor at cobnews@brethren.org or 800-323-8039 ext. 260. Chrystal Bostian, Mary Dulabaum, Mary Kay Heatwole, Elsie Holderread, Jon Kobel, Martha June Roudebush, Marcia Shetler, and Walt Wiltschek contributed to this report.
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