Bethany Seminary calls new professors, interim academic dean.
Bethany Theological Seminary in Richmond, Ind., has called H. Kendall Rogers as professor of historical studies, beginning in the 2008-09 academic year. Rogers has served as a professor in the Religion and Philosophy Department at Manchester College in North Manchester, Ind., for 30 years. He is a Manchester College graduate and holds degrees from Oxford University in England and from Harvard University. Rogers also served as resident director for Brethren Colleges Abroad in Germany and China, as Fulbright Program Adviser for Manchester, and as coordinator for the Ministry Training Institute of Manchester College and the Church of the Brethren in Indiana. His publications and presentations include "The Church of the Brethren and Liberation Theology," "The War in Iraq: Theological Reflections," and "Engaging Students of Church History through Interviews of Retired Church Leaders."
Malinda Berry will join the Bethany faculty in the 2009-10 academic year as an instructor in theological studies and director of the master of arts program. Berry is a doctoral candidate at Union Theological Seminary in New York, and is currently visiting scholar in religion and women's studies at Goshen (Ind.) College. She is a graduate of Goshen and holds a master's degree in peace studies from Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary in Elkhart, Ind. She also served as interim minister at Manhattan (N.Y.) Mennonite Fellowship, and as associate director of Mennonite Voluntary Service. Her publications and presentations include "Women and Missio Dei," "A Theology of Wonder," and "Reading with Daughters of Sarah and Hagar: Authority, Scripture, and the Christian Life."
Richard B. Gardner will serve as interim academic dean during the 2008- 09 school year. Gardner is emeritus professor of New Testament studies and served as Bethany Seminary's academic dean from 1992-2003. He is a graduate of Juniata College in Huntingdon, Pa., and holds degrees from Bethany and the University of Wrzburg in Germany. Gardner also served as parish ministries staff for the Church of the Brethren General Board. His publications and presentations include "Matthew" in the Believers Church Bible Commentary Series, "Vocation and Story: Biblical Reflections on Vocation," and "No Creed But the New Testament."
Source: 5/07/2008 Newsline Extra
Wednesday, May 07, 2008
Annie Clark resigns from On Earth Peace.
On Earth Peace has announced the resignation of Annie Clark, coordinator of the Ministry of Reconciliation (MoR), effective July 30. Clark has led the reconciliation program for four years, since April 2004, and plans to return to fulltime classroom teaching in August.
Clark has served previously as a consultant with Goshen (Ind.) College, and has worked as an educator in the public schools and as mediation services coordinator with Education for Conflict Resolution, a mediation center in northern Indiana. She developed and administered a truancy mediation program and a peer mediation program in public schools, and has been a practitioner and mediation case manager.
She is a graduate of Indiana University at South Bend, and a member of Manchester Church of the Brethren in North Manchester, Ind.
Source: 5/07/2008 Newsline Extra
On Earth Peace has announced the resignation of Annie Clark, coordinator of the Ministry of Reconciliation (MoR), effective July 30. Clark has led the reconciliation program for four years, since April 2004, and plans to return to fulltime classroom teaching in August.
Clark has served previously as a consultant with Goshen (Ind.) College, and has worked as an educator in the public schools and as mediation services coordinator with Education for Conflict Resolution, a mediation center in northern Indiana. She developed and administered a truancy mediation program and a peer mediation program in public schools, and has been a practitioner and mediation case manager.
She is a graduate of Indiana University at South Bend, and a member of Manchester Church of the Brethren in North Manchester, Ind.
Source: 5/07/2008 Newsline Extra
Andrew Murray retires as director of Baker Institute.
Andrew Murray is retiring as director of the Elizabeth Evans Baker Institute for Peace and Conflict Studies at Juniata College in Huntingdon, Pa. He also serves at Juniata as Elizabeth Evans Baker Professor of peace and conflict studies.
Murray came to Juniata in 1971 as a faculty member in the religion department and campus minister after serving Church of the Brethren pastorates in Virginia and Oregon. He was named college chaplain in 1986, a post he held until 1991.
He has been a leader in the international development of the field of peace studies. He founded the Juniata Institute for Peace and Conflict Studies in 1985, and has directed Juniata's peace and conflict studies program since 1977. He has led the Baker Institute, named for the John C. and Elizabeth Evans Baker family in 1986, since its beginning. Murray has consulted on curriculum and administrative issues in peace studies at more than 20 colleges and universities across the country. In 1988, he helped found the Peace Studies Association, and has been elected twice as chair of its board of directors.
In 1990, he was appointed to the United Nations/International Association of University Presidents Commission on Arms Control Education. As a member of the Commission, he began the International Seminar on Arms Control and Disarmament, sponsored jointly by Juniata College and the UN Center for Disarmament Affairs. The seminar attracted more than 50 professors from universities in Mexico, Central America, western and southern Africa, the Middle East and south Asia to Juniata's campus for arms control and disarmament curriculum training. He also served as a special consultant for a UN peace-building initiative in West Africa and worked with the government of Mali to develop a moratorium on small arms manufacture, import and export, and a national policy on civilian/military relations.
He holds degrees from Bridgewater (Va.) College and Bethany Theological Seminary. Juniata has honored him with the 1991 Beachley Award for Distinguished Academic Service. He also received honorary degrees from Manchester College and Bridgewater. Along with his wife, Terry, Murray also has maintained a music career and is well known in the Church of the Brethren for their albums including "Summertime Children" and "Goodbye, Still Night." The couple have performed more than 300 concerts in 20 states and Canada.
Source: 5/07/2008 Newsline Extra
Andrew Murray is retiring as director of the Elizabeth Evans Baker Institute for Peace and Conflict Studies at Juniata College in Huntingdon, Pa. He also serves at Juniata as Elizabeth Evans Baker Professor of peace and conflict studies.
Murray came to Juniata in 1971 as a faculty member in the religion department and campus minister after serving Church of the Brethren pastorates in Virginia and Oregon. He was named college chaplain in 1986, a post he held until 1991.
He has been a leader in the international development of the field of peace studies. He founded the Juniata Institute for Peace and Conflict Studies in 1985, and has directed Juniata's peace and conflict studies program since 1977. He has led the Baker Institute, named for the John C. and Elizabeth Evans Baker family in 1986, since its beginning. Murray has consulted on curriculum and administrative issues in peace studies at more than 20 colleges and universities across the country. In 1988, he helped found the Peace Studies Association, and has been elected twice as chair of its board of directors.
In 1990, he was appointed to the United Nations/International Association of University Presidents Commission on Arms Control Education. As a member of the Commission, he began the International Seminar on Arms Control and Disarmament, sponsored jointly by Juniata College and the UN Center for Disarmament Affairs. The seminar attracted more than 50 professors from universities in Mexico, Central America, western and southern Africa, the Middle East and south Asia to Juniata's campus for arms control and disarmament curriculum training. He also served as a special consultant for a UN peace-building initiative in West Africa and worked with the government of Mali to develop a moratorium on small arms manufacture, import and export, and a national policy on civilian/military relations.
He holds degrees from Bridgewater (Va.) College and Bethany Theological Seminary. Juniata has honored him with the 1991 Beachley Award for Distinguished Academic Service. He also received honorary degrees from Manchester College and Bridgewater. Along with his wife, Terry, Murray also has maintained a music career and is well known in the Church of the Brethren for their albums including "Summertime Children" and "Goodbye, Still Night." The couple have performed more than 300 concerts in 20 states and Canada.
Source: 5/07/2008 Newsline Extra
Ed Woolf begins in new staff position with the General Board.
Ed Woolf has moved into a staff position with the Church of the Brethren General Board as manager of Office and Gift Operations in the office of the treasurer and the department of Centralized Resources. He works at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill.
Woolf has worked for the General Board for 10 years, as a gift management/centralized resources assistant since May 1998. Previously he served as an intern in the General Board's Human Resources Office.
Source: 5/07/2008 Newsline Extra
Ed Woolf has moved into a staff position with the Church of the Brethren General Board as manager of Office and Gift Operations in the office of the treasurer and the department of Centralized Resources. He works at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill.
Woolf has worked for the General Board for 10 years, as a gift management/centralized resources assistant since May 1998. Previously he served as an intern in the General Board's Human Resources Office.
Source: 5/07/2008 Newsline Extra
BBT announces staff changes in finance, information services.
Laura Nedli, director of finance and information services for the Brethren Benefit Trust (BBT), has resigned her position as of July 31. She has ceased active duties at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill., as of April 30.
Bob Mosley has been named director of financial operations for BBT, effective May 1. He was hired by BBT as staff accountant on Sept. 14, 1998, and was promoted to senior accountant on July 2, 2000. In October 2005, he was named manager of accounting and in his roles he has provided excellent service in financial operations.
Nevin Dulabaum will become director of information services while continuing to direct the communications department of BBT. This additional responsibility became effective May 1. Dulabaum's new title is director of communications and information services.
Source: 5/07/2008 Newsline Extra
Laura Nedli, director of finance and information services for the Brethren Benefit Trust (BBT), has resigned her position as of July 31. She has ceased active duties at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill., as of April 30.
Bob Mosley has been named director of financial operations for BBT, effective May 1. He was hired by BBT as staff accountant on Sept. 14, 1998, and was promoted to senior accountant on July 2, 2000. In October 2005, he was named manager of accounting and in his roles he has provided excellent service in financial operations.
Nevin Dulabaum will become director of information services while continuing to direct the communications department of BBT. This additional responsibility became effective May 1. Dulabaum's new title is director of communications and information services.
Source: 5/07/2008 Newsline Extra
Patrice Nightingale begins as manager of publications for BBT.
Patrice Nightingale has been hired to fill the Brethren Benefit Trust (BBT) manager of publications position. In this role, she will serve as senior writer and copy editor and will provide oversight of BBT publications including newsletters, press releases, the website, and other special projects. She began work for BBT on May 5.
Nightingale has worked in the publications field in various capacities since 1973. Most recently, she worked for Examiner Publications in Bartlet, Ill., where she was a production manager for eight weekly newspapers.
She is a graduate of Manchester College in North Manchester, Ind., with a degree in psychology and sociology. She is a member of Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren in Elgin, Ill.
Source: 5/07/2008 Newsline Extra
Patrice Nightingale has been hired to fill the Brethren Benefit Trust (BBT) manager of publications position. In this role, she will serve as senior writer and copy editor and will provide oversight of BBT publications including newsletters, press releases, the website, and other special projects. She began work for BBT on May 5.
Nightingale has worked in the publications field in various capacities since 1973. Most recently, she worked for Examiner Publications in Bartlet, Ill., where she was a production manager for eight weekly newspapers.
She is a graduate of Manchester College in North Manchester, Ind., with a degree in psychology and sociology. She is a member of Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren in Elgin, Ill.
Source: 5/07/2008 Newsline Extra
More personnel notices, job openings.
- Cindy Smith, building services coordinator/trainer at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill., has ended her employment with the General Board effective April 24. She served in this capacity for almost 10 years, having begun work for the General Board in August 1998. Her responsibilities included serving as an assistant to the Buildings and Grounds Office in Elgin, orienting new employees to the building and telephone system, and helping out with logistics and hospitality for meetings held at the Elgin facility, among other duties.
- Kirk Carpenter will begin May 12 as customer service inventory specialist for Brethren Press, working at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill. He recently completed a bachelor of arts degree in biblical and theological Studies from North Park University in Chicago. During his time at North Park, he has been involved in a variety of campus ministries. His five years of work experience include involvement with customer service and inventory efficiencies. Other experiences include two summer mission tours in Japan, advocacy and fundraising work for International Justice Mission, and extensive travel abroad. He is originally from Kent, Wash.
- Brethren Benefit Trust is thanking editorial assistant Jamie Denlinger for her term of service with BBT. She has assisted the communications department staff during an internship, followed by a temporary assignment as editorial assistant. She concluded her role with BBT on May 4.
- The Church of the Brethren's Pacific Southwest District seeks a district executive minister. The position is fulltime and available immediately. The district is geographically, ethnically, and theologically diverse, with 28 congregations in California and Arizona as well as five church starts, three of which are Spanish speaking, and one fellowship. The district office is in La Verne, Calif. The district staff includes an intercultural director, intergenerational director, a director for the district's Center for Brethren Studies, an administrative assistant, a secretary, and a financial and property manager. Responsibilities include serving as executive of the district, strengthening a diverse, collaborative team environment; collaborating with the district board in shaping the vision for the district, and articulating and promoting that vision; strengthening relationships with pastors and congregations; facilitating pastoral placement; administering the work of the District Board. Qualifications include being passionate about the potential of the Church of the Brethren and open to the leading of the Holy Spirit; pastoral and prophetic gifts; deep faith and prayer life; spiritual maturity and Christian integrity; being a student of the scriptures with a good grasp of theology and Brethren history; staff and team management skills; flexibility in working with staff, volunteer, pastoral, and lay leadership; experience in dealing with the dynamics of growth and change; being a good communicator with the ability to listen and build relationships across cultural, theological, and geographical diversity; buen comunicador y con habilidad para escuchar y crear puentes en medio de la diversidad cultural, teol?gica y geogr fica. A master's degree is preferred, with English/Spanish bilingual abilities advantageous. If relocation is required, the District Board is willing to negotiate moving or housing costs. Send a letter of interest and resume via e-mail to DistrictMinistries_gb@brethren.org. Applicants are requested to contact three or four people to provide a letter of reference. Upon receipt of a resume, a Candidate Profile must be completed and returned before the application is complete. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
- On Earth Peace seeks a Program Coordinator to oversee its Ministry of Reconciliation program. Responsibilities include planning and coordinating educational events and programs, coordinating reconciliation services, providing educational resources, developing leaders for reconciling ministries, and other responsibilities. Requires commitment to Christian peacemaking, experience with coordinating service or educational programs, strong communication skills and organizational ability, and self-motivation. More information, including complete position description and announcement, is available at www.OnEarthPeace.org under the "Opportunities" tab, or from Darlene Johnson, office manager, at djohnson_oepa@brethren.org or 410-635- 8704. To apply, send letter and resume with 3-4 references to Bob Gross, executive director, at bgross@igc.org. Applications will be reviewed beginning June 25, continuing until position is filled. Position available July 21
300th Anniversary update: Churches celebrate Tercentennial with Love Feast.
"Do this in remembrance of me." Robert Sell used these words to remind a group of Brethren celebrating the Tercentennial of the denomination that their Love Feast "is one of the most important acts identified with the Church of the Brethren."
Sell, this year's moderator of Middle Pennsylvania District, was welcoming members of Area 3 congregations, which constitutes those within and around Bedford County. The event was held on Sunday, April 20, at 6 p.m., at the Barn at Friendship Village in Bedford.
After the manner of the Old Brethren, four Brethren were seated at the front to share their understanding of scripture. Instead of choosing four elders, the planners chose four of the younger leaders of the churches.
The service opened with Morgan Knepp's explanation of the preparation for Love Feast. Noting that things have changed over the years, she said, "Sometimes it's hard to find an evening free to spend with the family. Imagine how hard it would be to find time for the Annual Deacon Visit." Knepp, from the Everett congregation, described the practice of the 19th century, when teams of deacons would meet with every member prior to the Love Feast to see if they were still in accord with Brethren doctrine, and if there was harmony among all members. If there was not, they would attempt to achieve reconciliation. If there was no reconciliation, those individuals were excluded.
"Nowadays," Knepp said, "everyone is welcome. Differences are set aside. We are all sinners." Adding that whereas in previous times, Love Feast was a three-day event, now it takes place within a few hours, she said, "Times have changed, for better or for worse, but that is what we have now."
Brady Plummer from the Bedford congregation introduced footwashing by reading a portion of John 13. "The symbols of the church are not clearly recognized. This act is overlooked or disregarded. It's important. It has always been known in our church." The Brethren instituted footwashing, he said, because in their reading of the Bible, "they connected the dots.... We look to footwashing to point to the purpose of the life of Jesus, a call to be servant. It is as important today as it was 2,000 years ago."
Staci Manges of Snake Spring Valley Church of the Brethren introduced the Fellowship Meal. She reminded worshipers that the purpose of food is both to nurture and nourish. The early Christians "shared more than just food. They shared all things in common." The Fellowship Meal, she said, is not just a reenactment of the past, but points towards the table of the Lamb as it will be experienced in heaven, its "perfect fulfillment. Even strangers will be welcome at that great banquet."
Jerome Bollman, from the Cherry Lane congregation, closed the service by speaking about the bread and cup. "It is the high point," he said, pointing to "the sacrifice that atoned for our sins. Brethren believe that Christ is present in the church body. The bread and cup as practiced in the Church of the Brethren is not a sacrament, but an ordinance or commandment," and points to the fact that "God is with us in all of life."
Bollman chronicled one of the great changes in the way communion is practiced among the Brethren, the 1910 decision that allowed women to break bread among themselves as did the men, without a church elder to break the bread for them. This break through was the result of a nearly half-century struggle by Julia Gilbert. He also spoke about the shift in the 19th century from wine to grape juice.
The three-part Love Feast, which included footwashing, the Fellowship Meal, along with the bread and cup, was organized by Eleanor Fix, pastor of Cherry Lane Church of the Brethren; Marilyn Lerch, pastor of Bedford Church of the Brethren; Janet Sell, pastor of Snake Spring Valley Church of the Brethren; and Beverly Swindell, assistant pastor of Everett Church of the Brethren.
The Fellowship Meal consisted of beef and broth poured over bread in special 300th Anniversary mugs, which were kept by worshipers.
The Barn at Friendship Village was made available to the Area 3 churches by Ken and Darla Rhodes. Leah Pepple led the singing, which was a cappella after the manner of the Old Brethren. Women and men sat at different sides of the aisle. A pounding rain only seemed to enhance the service.
--Frank Ramirez is pastor of Everett (Pa.) Church of the Brethren. This article was originally written as a press release for local media in the Everett area.
Source: 5/07/2008 Newsline Extra
"Do this in remembrance of me." Robert Sell used these words to remind a group of Brethren celebrating the Tercentennial of the denomination that their Love Feast "is one of the most important acts identified with the Church of the Brethren."
Sell, this year's moderator of Middle Pennsylvania District, was welcoming members of Area 3 congregations, which constitutes those within and around Bedford County. The event was held on Sunday, April 20, at 6 p.m., at the Barn at Friendship Village in Bedford.
After the manner of the Old Brethren, four Brethren were seated at the front to share their understanding of scripture. Instead of choosing four elders, the planners chose four of the younger leaders of the churches.
The service opened with Morgan Knepp's explanation of the preparation for Love Feast. Noting that things have changed over the years, she said, "Sometimes it's hard to find an evening free to spend with the family. Imagine how hard it would be to find time for the Annual Deacon Visit." Knepp, from the Everett congregation, described the practice of the 19th century, when teams of deacons would meet with every member prior to the Love Feast to see if they were still in accord with Brethren doctrine, and if there was harmony among all members. If there was not, they would attempt to achieve reconciliation. If there was no reconciliation, those individuals were excluded.
"Nowadays," Knepp said, "everyone is welcome. Differences are set aside. We are all sinners." Adding that whereas in previous times, Love Feast was a three-day event, now it takes place within a few hours, she said, "Times have changed, for better or for worse, but that is what we have now."
Brady Plummer from the Bedford congregation introduced footwashing by reading a portion of John 13. "The symbols of the church are not clearly recognized. This act is overlooked or disregarded. It's important. It has always been known in our church." The Brethren instituted footwashing, he said, because in their reading of the Bible, "they connected the dots.... We look to footwashing to point to the purpose of the life of Jesus, a call to be servant. It is as important today as it was 2,000 years ago."
Staci Manges of Snake Spring Valley Church of the Brethren introduced the Fellowship Meal. She reminded worshipers that the purpose of food is both to nurture and nourish. The early Christians "shared more than just food. They shared all things in common." The Fellowship Meal, she said, is not just a reenactment of the past, but points towards the table of the Lamb as it will be experienced in heaven, its "perfect fulfillment. Even strangers will be welcome at that great banquet."
Jerome Bollman, from the Cherry Lane congregation, closed the service by speaking about the bread and cup. "It is the high point," he said, pointing to "the sacrifice that atoned for our sins. Brethren believe that Christ is present in the church body. The bread and cup as practiced in the Church of the Brethren is not a sacrament, but an ordinance or commandment," and points to the fact that "God is with us in all of life."
Bollman chronicled one of the great changes in the way communion is practiced among the Brethren, the 1910 decision that allowed women to break bread among themselves as did the men, without a church elder to break the bread for them. This break through was the result of a nearly half-century struggle by Julia Gilbert. He also spoke about the shift in the 19th century from wine to grape juice.
The three-part Love Feast, which included footwashing, the Fellowship Meal, along with the bread and cup, was organized by Eleanor Fix, pastor of Cherry Lane Church of the Brethren; Marilyn Lerch, pastor of Bedford Church of the Brethren; Janet Sell, pastor of Snake Spring Valley Church of the Brethren; and Beverly Swindell, assistant pastor of Everett Church of the Brethren.
The Fellowship Meal consisted of beef and broth poured over bread in special 300th Anniversary mugs, which were kept by worshipers.
The Barn at Friendship Village was made available to the Area 3 churches by Ken and Darla Rhodes. Leah Pepple led the singing, which was a cappella after the manner of the Old Brethren. Women and men sat at different sides of the aisle. A pounding rain only seemed to enhance the service.
--Frank Ramirez is pastor of Everett (Pa.) Church of the Brethren. This article was originally written as a press release for local media in the Everett area.
Source: 5/07/2008 Newsline Extra
300th Anniversary update: Surrendered, transformed, empowered...to serve.
The 300th Anniversary Committee is sponsoring two unique opportunities to reach out to the community in Richmond, Va., during the 2008 Annual Conference July 12-16.
"Our roots may be sectarian, but we have always reached out to others, showing them Christ' s love through word and deed. In Richmond we plan to carry on this strong tradition," said a statement from the committee. "In honor of our anniversary and 'for the glory of God and our neighbor's good,' we want to shower the community of Richmond with acts of service that they might 'know we are Christians by our love.'"
A Service Blitz is planned for July 12 and 14 (for nondelegates only on July 14). There will be various shifts available each day: mornings from 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., afternoons from 12:30-4:30 p.m., and all day from 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. These times include transportation time to work projects. The blitz is in cooperation with an umbrella organization in Richmond called Together We Stand, in order to line up a wide range of service opportunities. The committee hopes thousands of Brethren will participate.
Advance registration is required so that adequate plans can be made. A nominal registration fee--$12 for a half day and $20 for a full day--will cover the cost of transportation and materials including drinking water. Lunch is also included in the fee for persons registering for an all-day shift. Those registering for a half day shift may purchase a box lunch in advance for an additional $8.50.
A Food Drive is also planned to benefit the Central Virginia Food Bank. Food banks experience a drastic increase in demand each summer. Founded in 1980, the Central Virginia Food Bank distributes almost 49,000 pounds of food each day to the most vulnerable people--children in need, the elderly, working poor families, disabled individuals, and others in crisis--through more than 500 organizations and agencies feeding the hungry in five cities and 31 counties in the region, representing 12.6 million pounds of food a year.
Conferencegoers are encouraged to bring a donation of healthy, nonperishable food with them to Richmond. Particular needs include canned fish and meats, peanut butter, canned fruits and vegetables, hot and cold cereals, pasta, and rice. Donations will be collected in the registration lobby at the Convention Center. The committee's goal is to collect three tons (6,000 pounds) of food to celebrate the three centuries of the Brethren movement. Congregations may wish to hold a food drive in advance of Annual Conference and send large donations with their delegates.
More information and a registration form for the Service Blitz are at www.brethren.org/ac in the Annual Conference Information Packet. A relevant query coming to the 2008 Annual Conference, about the Conference witnessing to its host city each year through efforts to care, give, nurture, and transform lives in the name of Jesus Christ, can also be found at the website.
--Rhonda Pittman Gingrich is a member of the 300th Anniversary Committee.
Source: 5/07/2008 Newsline Extra
The 300th Anniversary Committee is sponsoring two unique opportunities to reach out to the community in Richmond, Va., during the 2008 Annual Conference July 12-16.
"Our roots may be sectarian, but we have always reached out to others, showing them Christ' s love through word and deed. In Richmond we plan to carry on this strong tradition," said a statement from the committee. "In honor of our anniversary and 'for the glory of God and our neighbor's good,' we want to shower the community of Richmond with acts of service that they might 'know we are Christians by our love.'"
A Service Blitz is planned for July 12 and 14 (for nondelegates only on July 14). There will be various shifts available each day: mornings from 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., afternoons from 12:30-4:30 p.m., and all day from 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. These times include transportation time to work projects. The blitz is in cooperation with an umbrella organization in Richmond called Together We Stand, in order to line up a wide range of service opportunities. The committee hopes thousands of Brethren will participate.
Advance registration is required so that adequate plans can be made. A nominal registration fee--$12 for a half day and $20 for a full day--will cover the cost of transportation and materials including drinking water. Lunch is also included in the fee for persons registering for an all-day shift. Those registering for a half day shift may purchase a box lunch in advance for an additional $8.50.
A Food Drive is also planned to benefit the Central Virginia Food Bank. Food banks experience a drastic increase in demand each summer. Founded in 1980, the Central Virginia Food Bank distributes almost 49,000 pounds of food each day to the most vulnerable people--children in need, the elderly, working poor families, disabled individuals, and others in crisis--through more than 500 organizations and agencies feeding the hungry in five cities and 31 counties in the region, representing 12.6 million pounds of food a year.
Conferencegoers are encouraged to bring a donation of healthy, nonperishable food with them to Richmond. Particular needs include canned fish and meats, peanut butter, canned fruits and vegetables, hot and cold cereals, pasta, and rice. Donations will be collected in the registration lobby at the Convention Center. The committee's goal is to collect three tons (6,000 pounds) of food to celebrate the three centuries of the Brethren movement. Congregations may wish to hold a food drive in advance of Annual Conference and send large donations with their delegates.
More information and a registration form for the Service Blitz are at www.brethren.org/ac in the Annual Conference Information Packet. A relevant query coming to the 2008 Annual Conference, about the Conference witnessing to its host city each year through efforts to care, give, nurture, and transform lives in the name of Jesus Christ, can also be found at the website.
--Rhonda Pittman Gingrich is a member of the 300th Anniversary Committee.
Source: 5/07/2008 Newsline Extra
300th Anniversary update: Bits and pieces.
- There is a new e-mail contact address for the 300th Anniversary Peace Fest in Marburg, Germany, in early August: myrnajef@heartofiowa.net.
- A third set of Tercentennial Minutes, covering June, July, and August 2008, is available from the Tercentennial Committee of Everett (Pa.) Church of the Brethren. The Tercentennial Minutes are available free to all congregations and may be read aloud in worship, posted on websites, or included in bulletins or newsletters. They are written by Frank Ramirez. In addition, a play written by Ramirez and requested by the Everett youth for use on youth Sunday, "Never Too Young," about Julia Gilbert's teen years, also is available. E-mail Connie Steele, administrative assistant at Everett Church of the Brethren, at ecob@yellowbananas.com.
- The John Kline Homestead Trust has received approval from the IRS as a nonprofit organization, reported Paul W. Roth, president of the John Kline Homestead Board of Directors, in a recent update. "This allows us to make application for several large grants to support the purchase and development of the John Kline Homestead." Roth said that total gifts received by the trust are over $92,500, and in addition pledges for $12,500 bring the total for the project to over $105,000. Nine congregations have given $57,935 of the total. The trust is preparing to receive nearly 30 youth and advisors for a Church of the Brethren senior high workcamp at the John Kline Homestead on June 16-22. The workcampers will stay in the 1822 John Kline house while they paint, clear debris from the fields, prune and remove shrubbery, replace rail fence, plant herbs, and clean antiques. The John Kline Homestead Trust will have more information available at a heritage exhibit at Annual Conference in Richmond, Va., this July. Linville Creek Church of the Brethren will host tours of the John Kline homestead for those attending Annual Conference; call 540-896-5001 to plan a tour. Individuals and congregations may make contributions to the preservation effort through the John Kline Homestead, P.O. Box 274, Broadway, VA 22815.
- The 13 congregations of the Church of the Brethren in Floyd County, Va., are planning a 300th Anniversary Celebration sponsored by Red Oak Grove Church of the Brethren. The event will be held June 14, starting at 10 a.m. at Beaver Creek Church of the Brethren's new social hall. Virlina District executive minister David Shumate will be the guest speaker. Others will share local Brethren history. Music will include the Archie Naff Family, the Floyd County Ministers Choir, and a congregational hymn sing. Participants are invited to bring food for a potluck meal. For more information contact 540-745-2401 or hdquesen@swva.net.
- The Historical Committee of Atlantic Northeast District is working on a Historical Marker project, and recently announced that the financial goal has been met. The group has submitted applications to the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission for two markers, one denoting the Germantown Meetinghouse in Philadelphia, and one for the Christopher Saur printing establishment. "We hope to...celebrate our 300th anniversary with some enduring markers which will inform many about our Brethren heritage," the committee said.
- Bridgewater (Va.) College observed the 300th Anniversary the first week of April, with a panel discussion to share the values of Brethren heritage and how they relate to contemporary society, and a special commemorative worship service featuring the college's chorale group.
Mohler Lecture considers 'War, God, and Inevitability.'
The 33rd annual Mohler Lecture of McPherson (Kan.) College featured Andrew Murray, professor of peace and conflict studies at Juniata College in Huntingdon, Pa., where he also founded and directs the Baker Institute for Peace and Conflict Studies. The lecture this year was held as a celebration of the 300th Anniversary of the Church of the Brethren.
Most Brethren know Andrew Murray far better as "Andy," since he and his wife, Terry, have given over 300 concerts and produced seven albums of their own songs of peacemaking and of Brethren faith. He readily admits that he has probably awakened more people to the issues of peace and conflict resolution through his "silly songs" than he has through "erudite" lectures. Nevertheless, he concluded a weekend of sharing his music with attendees at the annual Regional Youth Conference by pursuing the question of "War, God, and Inevitability" in an erudite manner in the Mohler Lecture series.
Murray proposed that the next big task for peace making is a theological one. Pessimism about peacemaking is widespread. This despairing view sees the possibility of an enduring peace for humankind as doomed to failure, either because there is something in our biological makeup or in our divinely created design which drives us to war making and violence, at least until God chooses to redeem reality.
Some 30 years ago, the Seville Statement, issued by 20 scientists from around the world, maintained that there is no scientific basis for the conclusion that war and violence is intrinsic to human nature. In other words, the inevitability of war cannot be demonstrated scientifically. That leaves only a theological basis for pessimism: hence, the "next big task."
Briefly, Murray's argument was this: Augustine and Luther have bequeathed to the theological world of thought the division of the world into two cities (Augustine) or two kingdoms (Luther). The one is the world of the unredeemed, the other the world of the redeemed. Anabaptists pretty much accepted this division. They differed from, say, Lutherans, as to whether Christians (the redeemed) could participate in the world. In the kingdom of the world, the "sword" of worldly armies could have the divinely ordained role of protecting the good and destroying the evil.
Consequently, much discussion over the years has centered on the notion of a "just" war, which would permit the righteous to participate in wielding the sword with divine authority.
Anabaptists in general accepted the two kingdoms but maintained that the redeemed could not wield the sword, could not participate in war. Brethren mostly took the same position, though Murray thinks the Brethren have felt the tension between optimism and pessimism. On the one hand he has been accused of heresy because peace studies are involved with what only God in Christ can do. That sounds like pessimism to Andy. On the other hand, Brethren have had an almost genetic need to do something to make the world a better place. And that sounds like optimism.
Augustine, Murray maintains, linked the inevitability of war to original sin. Therefore, until God redeems all of reality, there will be wars and rumors of war--classic pessimism. If this theological pessimism is to be broken, then the link between sin and war must be challenged.
Does sin inevitably lead to war? Murray suggested, tongue in cheek, that Kansas and Nebraska seem to live together in an enduring peace, even though he has heard that there is sin in Omaha as there is in Wichita. Mindful of his audience, he did allow that sin surely diminishes as one approaches McPherson! Ergo, peace is possible even in the presence of sinfulness. At any rate, he considers the nature of human sin insufficient to prove the inevitability of war. If that be true, then there is neither scientific nor theological support for the inevitability of war. In other words, peace is a realistic possibility, even in a sinful world.
Murray hopes for an assembly of the theologians of all world religions to confront the theological task of separating the inevitability of war from the reality of evil and issue a statement similar to the Seville statement. Once such a statement is made, war and its violence could be neither biologically motivated nor "holy" or "just." Such a conference is made more urgent by the emergence of a toxic mix of fanatical fundamentalism and chauvinistic nationalism. A statement from a mix of the world's theologians might force these fundamentalist groups to reveal their chauvinism, Murray suggests.
In any case we should be free to dismiss pessimism and enthusiastically pursue the ways that make for peace.
--Cindy Dell Kinnamon is promotions coordinator for McPherson College.
Source: 5/07/2008 Newsline Extra
The 33rd annual Mohler Lecture of McPherson (Kan.) College featured Andrew Murray, professor of peace and conflict studies at Juniata College in Huntingdon, Pa., where he also founded and directs the Baker Institute for Peace and Conflict Studies. The lecture this year was held as a celebration of the 300th Anniversary of the Church of the Brethren.
Most Brethren know Andrew Murray far better as "Andy," since he and his wife, Terry, have given over 300 concerts and produced seven albums of their own songs of peacemaking and of Brethren faith. He readily admits that he has probably awakened more people to the issues of peace and conflict resolution through his "silly songs" than he has through "erudite" lectures. Nevertheless, he concluded a weekend of sharing his music with attendees at the annual Regional Youth Conference by pursuing the question of "War, God, and Inevitability" in an erudite manner in the Mohler Lecture series.
Murray proposed that the next big task for peace making is a theological one. Pessimism about peacemaking is widespread. This despairing view sees the possibility of an enduring peace for humankind as doomed to failure, either because there is something in our biological makeup or in our divinely created design which drives us to war making and violence, at least until God chooses to redeem reality.
Some 30 years ago, the Seville Statement, issued by 20 scientists from around the world, maintained that there is no scientific basis for the conclusion that war and violence is intrinsic to human nature. In other words, the inevitability of war cannot be demonstrated scientifically. That leaves only a theological basis for pessimism: hence, the "next big task."
Briefly, Murray's argument was this: Augustine and Luther have bequeathed to the theological world of thought the division of the world into two cities (Augustine) or two kingdoms (Luther). The one is the world of the unredeemed, the other the world of the redeemed. Anabaptists pretty much accepted this division. They differed from, say, Lutherans, as to whether Christians (the redeemed) could participate in the world. In the kingdom of the world, the "sword" of worldly armies could have the divinely ordained role of protecting the good and destroying the evil.
Consequently, much discussion over the years has centered on the notion of a "just" war, which would permit the righteous to participate in wielding the sword with divine authority.
Anabaptists in general accepted the two kingdoms but maintained that the redeemed could not wield the sword, could not participate in war. Brethren mostly took the same position, though Murray thinks the Brethren have felt the tension between optimism and pessimism. On the one hand he has been accused of heresy because peace studies are involved with what only God in Christ can do. That sounds like pessimism to Andy. On the other hand, Brethren have had an almost genetic need to do something to make the world a better place. And that sounds like optimism.
Augustine, Murray maintains, linked the inevitability of war to original sin. Therefore, until God redeems all of reality, there will be wars and rumors of war--classic pessimism. If this theological pessimism is to be broken, then the link between sin and war must be challenged.
Does sin inevitably lead to war? Murray suggested, tongue in cheek, that Kansas and Nebraska seem to live together in an enduring peace, even though he has heard that there is sin in Omaha as there is in Wichita. Mindful of his audience, he did allow that sin surely diminishes as one approaches McPherson! Ergo, peace is possible even in the presence of sinfulness. At any rate, he considers the nature of human sin insufficient to prove the inevitability of war. If that be true, then there is neither scientific nor theological support for the inevitability of war. In other words, peace is a realistic possibility, even in a sinful world.
Murray hopes for an assembly of the theologians of all world religions to confront the theological task of separating the inevitability of war from the reality of evil and issue a statement similar to the Seville statement. Once such a statement is made, war and its violence could be neither biologically motivated nor "holy" or "just." Such a conference is made more urgent by the emergence of a toxic mix of fanatical fundamentalism and chauvinistic nationalism. A statement from a mix of the world's theologians might force these fundamentalist groups to reveal their chauvinism, Murray suggests.
In any case we should be free to dismiss pessimism and enthusiastically pursue the ways that make for peace.
--Cindy Dell Kinnamon is promotions coordinator for McPherson College.
Source: 5/07/2008 Newsline Extra
Credits
Newsline is produced by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of news services for the Church of the Brethren General Board, cobnews@brethren.org or 800-323-8039 ext. 260. Charles Bentley, Bob Gross, Mary K. Heatwole, Bekah Houff, Jon Kobel, Karin Krog, Donna March, Orlando Redekopp, Howard Royer, Marcia Shetler, John Wall, Roy Winter, contributed to this report.
Newsline is produced by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of news services for the Church of the Brethren General Board, cobnews@brethren.org or 800-323-8039 ext. 260. Charles Bentley, Bob Gross, Mary K. Heatwole, Bekah Houff, Jon Kobel, Karin Krog, Donna March, Orlando Redekopp, Howard Royer, Marcia Shetler, John Wall, Roy Winter, contributed to this report.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
NEWS
- Church of the Brethren is represented in prayer service with the Pope.
- ABC Board approves merger documents.
- Bethany Seminary trustees consider ‘core testimonies’ of Brethren.
- Growing Project in Maryland engages six Brethren churches.
- Womaen's Caucus leads discussion of future church at Bethany.
- Brethren representative helps plan UN remembrance of slave trade.
- Brethren bits: Remembrance, personnel, jobs, and much more.
Church of the Brethren is represented in prayer service with the Pope.
The Church of the Brethren was represented at an ecumenical prayer service with Pope Benedict XVI during the Pope's first official visit to the United States. Michael Hostetter, pastor of Salem Church of the Brethren in Englewood, Ohio, represented the denomination as chair of the Church of the Brethren's Committee on Interchurch Relations.
The Pope was in the United States from April 15-20 for his first apostolic visit to the US since he was elected the 265th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church in 2005. The prayer service and reception with leaders from the National Council of Churches, Christian Churches Together, and other Christian denominations took place the evening of April 18 at St. Joseph's Church in New York.
The service was held in a modest setting at a small historically German-Catholic parish, Hostetter said, making a connection with the Pope's German nationality. Guests were required to arrive two hours early to go through security screening, which gave the church leaders a chance to mingle and listen to some "marvelous music," Hostetter commented. Choirs from various parishes sang, as well as soloists, among them some of New York's opera singers.
The service began after the Pope arrived, with the Pope seated on a large chair in the center front of the chancel, the US Catholics bishops seated to one side, and the ecumenical guests making up the congregation. The short 40-minute service included prayers, the reading of scripture, a choral piece, and an address from the Pope. It concluded with personal introductions of several guests who were selected to greet the Pope personally, followed by a benediction.
The Pope's address "emphasized the importance of correct doctrine and prayer and Christ's own prayer and commitment to unity," Hostetter reported. "There was nothing shocking or surprising. He showed an openness that his reputation belies. He talked about the quest for unity as a commission from Christ. That unity, he would say, is grounded both in prayer but also in doctrine.
"He's not backing away from the historical views of the Roman Catholic Church," Hostetter added. But the Pope did emphasize that Christians need some substantive conversation about doctrine. "Of course, that's the sticky point," Hostetter said. "He was not overly confrontive, but clear, calling on Christians to hold fast to the faith that we have."
The Pope's comments about the nature of the church may connect with Brethren, Hostetter said. He spoke of the church as not just a biblical reality and a present reality, but also a teaching community that goes back in time. This understanding of the church is "a notion that makes sense to Brethren, although we'd be looking back at different communities" as the teaching church of the past, Hostetter said.
Hostetter affirmed that it was important for a Brethren representative to attend the event. "Our continuing participation ecumenically is very important. We have participated through the National Council of Churches and the World Council of Churches but neither of those has included Catholics. Now we're involved with Christian Churches Together and that has a vital participation by Roman Catholics."
As he travels to various ecumenical events on behalf of the denomination, Hostetter said he finds connections and a sense of unity with other Christians that the Brethren may not even know we have. He calls it, "a subterranean unity that exists often beyond our field of view. It's just important to remain in conversation as we move into the future."
For the text of the Pope's address to the ecumenical prayer service, and other addresses during the US visit, go to www.uspapalvisit.org.
Source: 4/23/2008 Newsline
The Church of the Brethren was represented at an ecumenical prayer service with Pope Benedict XVI during the Pope's first official visit to the United States. Michael Hostetter, pastor of Salem Church of the Brethren in Englewood, Ohio, represented the denomination as chair of the Church of the Brethren's Committee on Interchurch Relations.
The Pope was in the United States from April 15-20 for his first apostolic visit to the US since he was elected the 265th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church in 2005. The prayer service and reception with leaders from the National Council of Churches, Christian Churches Together, and other Christian denominations took place the evening of April 18 at St. Joseph's Church in New York.
The service was held in a modest setting at a small historically German-Catholic parish, Hostetter said, making a connection with the Pope's German nationality. Guests were required to arrive two hours early to go through security screening, which gave the church leaders a chance to mingle and listen to some "marvelous music," Hostetter commented. Choirs from various parishes sang, as well as soloists, among them some of New York's opera singers.
The service began after the Pope arrived, with the Pope seated on a large chair in the center front of the chancel, the US Catholics bishops seated to one side, and the ecumenical guests making up the congregation. The short 40-minute service included prayers, the reading of scripture, a choral piece, and an address from the Pope. It concluded with personal introductions of several guests who were selected to greet the Pope personally, followed by a benediction.
The Pope's address "emphasized the importance of correct doctrine and prayer and Christ's own prayer and commitment to unity," Hostetter reported. "There was nothing shocking or surprising. He showed an openness that his reputation belies. He talked about the quest for unity as a commission from Christ. That unity, he would say, is grounded both in prayer but also in doctrine.
"He's not backing away from the historical views of the Roman Catholic Church," Hostetter added. But the Pope did emphasize that Christians need some substantive conversation about doctrine. "Of course, that's the sticky point," Hostetter said. "He was not overly confrontive, but clear, calling on Christians to hold fast to the faith that we have."
The Pope's comments about the nature of the church may connect with Brethren, Hostetter said. He spoke of the church as not just a biblical reality and a present reality, but also a teaching community that goes back in time. This understanding of the church is "a notion that makes sense to Brethren, although we'd be looking back at different communities" as the teaching church of the past, Hostetter said.
Hostetter affirmed that it was important for a Brethren representative to attend the event. "Our continuing participation ecumenically is very important. We have participated through the National Council of Churches and the World Council of Churches but neither of those has included Catholics. Now we're involved with Christian Churches Together and that has a vital participation by Roman Catholics."
As he travels to various ecumenical events on behalf of the denomination, Hostetter said he finds connections and a sense of unity with other Christians that the Brethren may not even know we have. He calls it, "a subterranean unity that exists often beyond our field of view. It's just important to remain in conversation as we move into the future."
For the text of the Pope's address to the ecumenical prayer service, and other addresses during the US visit, go to www.uspapalvisit.org.
Source: 4/23/2008 Newsline
ABC Board approves merger documents.
The Board of Directors of the Association of Brethren Caregivers (ABC) met in a conference call on April 13. The board reviewed the merger agreement and unanimously approved the resolution merging the Church of the Brethren General Board and the board of ABC into the Church of the Brethren Mission and Ministry Board. This action was in response to the decisions of the 2007 Annual Conference.
During the meeting, members of the board voiced regret that ABC will lose its uniqueness and independence, however all agreed that the grieving would be short lived. The board is committed to support of the organization of the Church of the Brethren, Inc. and its ministries, which will now include the caring ministries of ABC. The board believes this action will provide for a Christ-led, simplified structure that best serves the entire denomination.
ABC is excited about the possibilities this new structure provides and looks forward to the challenges and blessings of the Caring Ministries of the Church of the Brethren.
--Eddie H. Edmonds is the current chair of the board of the Association of Brethren Caregivers.
Source: 4/23/2008 Newsline
The Board of Directors of the Association of Brethren Caregivers (ABC) met in a conference call on April 13. The board reviewed the merger agreement and unanimously approved the resolution merging the Church of the Brethren General Board and the board of ABC into the Church of the Brethren Mission and Ministry Board. This action was in response to the decisions of the 2007 Annual Conference.
During the meeting, members of the board voiced regret that ABC will lose its uniqueness and independence, however all agreed that the grieving would be short lived. The board is committed to support of the organization of the Church of the Brethren, Inc. and its ministries, which will now include the caring ministries of ABC. The board believes this action will provide for a Christ-led, simplified structure that best serves the entire denomination.
ABC is excited about the possibilities this new structure provides and looks forward to the challenges and blessings of the Caring Ministries of the Church of the Brethren.
--Eddie H. Edmonds is the current chair of the board of the Association of Brethren Caregivers.
Source: 4/23/2008 Newsline
Bethany Seminary trustees consider ‘core testimonies’ of Brethren.
The Bethany Theological Seminary Board of Trustees gathered at the Richmond, Ind., campus for a semi-annual meeting on March 28-30. The meeting included spirited discussion and deliberation about many significant items related to the seminary’s mission and program, including discussion of the "core testimonies" of the Church of the Brethren.
Faculty and administration joined the board for an evening meal followed by a time of creative visioning about the seminary’s mission. Board chair Ted Flory described the conversation as a discussion about, "How we might refocus that mission around Church of the Brethren core testimonies in order to meet the needs of the denomination and wider church, and the world, for the 21st century." President Ruthann Johansen added, "What the Church of the Brethren core testimonies have to offer to the world as well as to the church in this time is an important element of our discernment." No decisions were made other than a consensus to continue the conversations and build on the creative energies that were ignited during the meeting.
The board approved 16 candidates for graduation on May 3, pending successful completion of their studies. The board also received a report from academic dean Stephen Breck Reid that 51 percent of seminary students in the US are women, and during the 2007-08 academic year, 57 percent of Bethany students are women. A new course titled "Women in Ministry" will added to the curriculum in the 2008-09 academic year, taught by Tara Hornbacker, associate professor of Ministry Formation.
Academic year budgets for 2008-09 were approved for Bethany operations, the Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership, and the Brethren Journal Association. The Bethany operations budget is $2,406,280, an approximate $186,500 increase.
The Academic Affairs committee reported that several documents are in progress to address recommendations of the Association of Theological Schools (ATS) and the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools (HLC), related to the seminary’s 2006 re-accreditation. An initial assessment plan will be submitted to ATS in April, a recruitment plan to HLC by Oct. 1, and a comprehensive assessment plan for review by the HLC by 2010-11.
The board heard a report on preservation of three book collections owned by the seminary: the Abraham Cassel Collection, the Huston Bible Collection, and the John Eberly Hymnal Collection. The project is funded by a grant from the Arthur Vining Davis Foundation. The collections include the theological library of 19th century Brethren leader Abraham Cassel, as well as many rare volumes on radical Pietism and early sectarian works. Custom-made protective covers are being created for each book, and the collections are stored in the climate-controlled archival section of Earlham College’s Lilly Library. Titles will be included in the Internet search engine WorldCat and on a web page maintained by the Brethren Journal Association.
In other reports, the board heard an update on the Sustaining Pastoral Excellence programs of the Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership, which are funded by Lilly Endowment, Inc. Financial support from the endowment ends in 2009, and plans are being developed to obtain continuing funds. Steve Clapp of Christian Community is working with the academy to survey pastors about the impact of the Sustaining Pastoral Excellence programs. The board also discussed the partnership with Susquehanna Valley Ministry Center. SVMC executive director Donna Rhodes shared a history of the center. Discussion focused on procedural and programmatic issues and ways to clarify and strengthen the partnership.
The board approved the promotion of Daniel W. Ulrich to professor of New Testament Studies, and learned of three teaching and administrative appointments (see personnel notices in the April 9 Newsline). The service of Christine Larson, Delora Roop, and Jonathan Shively was recognized. Larson leaves as reference librarian for Earlham College, Earlham School of Religion, and Bethany at the end of this academic year. Roop retires this summer as receptionist and coordinator of the Office of Institutional Advancement, after 25 years of service. Shively leaves July 1 as director of the Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership to begin as executive director of the denomination’s Congregational Life Ministries.
The board retained its current officers for 2008-09: Ted Flory of Bridgewater, Va., as chair; Ray Donadio of Greenville, Ohio, as vice chair; Frances Beam of Concord, N.C., as secretary; Carol Scheppard of Mount Crawford, Va., as chair of the Academic Affairs Committee; Elaine Gibbel of Lititz, Pa., as chair of the Institutional Advancement Committee; and Jim Dodson of Lexington, Ky., as chair of the Student and Business Affairs Committee.
--Marcia Shetler is director of Public Relations for Bethany Theological Seminary.
Source: 4/23/2008 Newsline
The Bethany Theological Seminary Board of Trustees gathered at the Richmond, Ind., campus for a semi-annual meeting on March 28-30. The meeting included spirited discussion and deliberation about many significant items related to the seminary’s mission and program, including discussion of the "core testimonies" of the Church of the Brethren.
Faculty and administration joined the board for an evening meal followed by a time of creative visioning about the seminary’s mission. Board chair Ted Flory described the conversation as a discussion about, "How we might refocus that mission around Church of the Brethren core testimonies in order to meet the needs of the denomination and wider church, and the world, for the 21st century." President Ruthann Johansen added, "What the Church of the Brethren core testimonies have to offer to the world as well as to the church in this time is an important element of our discernment." No decisions were made other than a consensus to continue the conversations and build on the creative energies that were ignited during the meeting.
The board approved 16 candidates for graduation on May 3, pending successful completion of their studies. The board also received a report from academic dean Stephen Breck Reid that 51 percent of seminary students in the US are women, and during the 2007-08 academic year, 57 percent of Bethany students are women. A new course titled "Women in Ministry" will added to the curriculum in the 2008-09 academic year, taught by Tara Hornbacker, associate professor of Ministry Formation.
Academic year budgets for 2008-09 were approved for Bethany operations, the Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership, and the Brethren Journal Association. The Bethany operations budget is $2,406,280, an approximate $186,500 increase.
The Academic Affairs committee reported that several documents are in progress to address recommendations of the Association of Theological Schools (ATS) and the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools (HLC), related to the seminary’s 2006 re-accreditation. An initial assessment plan will be submitted to ATS in April, a recruitment plan to HLC by Oct. 1, and a comprehensive assessment plan for review by the HLC by 2010-11.
The board heard a report on preservation of three book collections owned by the seminary: the Abraham Cassel Collection, the Huston Bible Collection, and the John Eberly Hymnal Collection. The project is funded by a grant from the Arthur Vining Davis Foundation. The collections include the theological library of 19th century Brethren leader Abraham Cassel, as well as many rare volumes on radical Pietism and early sectarian works. Custom-made protective covers are being created for each book, and the collections are stored in the climate-controlled archival section of Earlham College’s Lilly Library. Titles will be included in the Internet search engine WorldCat and on a web page maintained by the Brethren Journal Association.
In other reports, the board heard an update on the Sustaining Pastoral Excellence programs of the Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership, which are funded by Lilly Endowment, Inc. Financial support from the endowment ends in 2009, and plans are being developed to obtain continuing funds. Steve Clapp of Christian Community is working with the academy to survey pastors about the impact of the Sustaining Pastoral Excellence programs. The board also discussed the partnership with Susquehanna Valley Ministry Center. SVMC executive director Donna Rhodes shared a history of the center. Discussion focused on procedural and programmatic issues and ways to clarify and strengthen the partnership.
The board approved the promotion of Daniel W. Ulrich to professor of New Testament Studies, and learned of three teaching and administrative appointments (see personnel notices in the April 9 Newsline). The service of Christine Larson, Delora Roop, and Jonathan Shively was recognized. Larson leaves as reference librarian for Earlham College, Earlham School of Religion, and Bethany at the end of this academic year. Roop retires this summer as receptionist and coordinator of the Office of Institutional Advancement, after 25 years of service. Shively leaves July 1 as director of the Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership to begin as executive director of the denomination’s Congregational Life Ministries.
The board retained its current officers for 2008-09: Ted Flory of Bridgewater, Va., as chair; Ray Donadio of Greenville, Ohio, as vice chair; Frances Beam of Concord, N.C., as secretary; Carol Scheppard of Mount Crawford, Va., as chair of the Academic Affairs Committee; Elaine Gibbel of Lititz, Pa., as chair of the Institutional Advancement Committee; and Jim Dodson of Lexington, Ky., as chair of the Student and Business Affairs Committee.
--Marcia Shetler is director of Public Relations for Bethany Theological Seminary.
Source: 4/23/2008 Newsline
Growing Project in Maryland engages six Brethren churches.
The kick-off of the 2008 Grossnickle, Md., growing project took place on April 13. This year's growing project is engaging six Church of the Brethren congregations in the Mid-Atlantic District--the Beaver Creek, Grossnickle, Hagerstown, Harmony, Myersville, and Welty churches--and possibly a United Church of Christ congregation. Growing projects raise food to benefit hunger efforts through the Foods Resource Bank and the Church of the Brethren’s Global Food Crisis Fund.
"We had a wonderful kick-off yesterday for this year's growing project," reported Patty Hurwitz of Grossnickle Church of the Brethren, who is a committee member for the growing project. "We sold 17 acres at $250 an acre plus a $1,000 donation from a family, all after church on Sunday!"
The Grossnickle growing project this season will benefit the Micro Devru program in the DR Congo. Its first-year overseas program focused on anti-hunger efforts in Kenya, and the second year the project focused on Zambia.
Each year, the Grossnickle growing project has held planting and harvest celebrations featuring food, dress, music, and stories from the recipient country. The kick-off event included a children's story about crops being improved by the Micro Devru project. "We planted seed peanuts, and talked about how that handful of peanuts might feed one person one meal, but the seeds would create food for many people," said Hurwitz. "I showed them a cassava root and they tasted cassava bread. We had a palm tree and talked about palm oil production. We had black-eyed peas, which are a cousin to cow-peas." Another committee member shared a report about the success of the Kenya Bamba project in 2006.
Other efforts that may be added to the initiative in Grossnickle include ideas for a pen-pal program for children to correspond with Congolese children or school groups, and ways youth and farmers can connect. "Real personal connections add so much to our work," Hurwitz said.
Sponsors of the project have invited Betty Rogers, who is assessing the Foods Resource Bank for the Hilton Humanitarian Award, to come to a planting celebration in May. The Foods Resource Bank is among a dozen or so organizations being screened for the 2008 award, which carries a prize of $1.5 million.
Several Brethren members have participated in meetings in which Rogers talked with Foods Resource Bank officials and growing project supporters--including Tim Ritchey Martin, Robert Delauter, and Patty Hurwitz of the Grossnickle project, along with Jim and Karen Schmidt from a growing project involving Polo (Ill.) Church of the Brethren, and Global Food Crisis Fund manager Howard Royer and his wife, Gene.
Source: 4/23/2008 Newsline
The kick-off of the 2008 Grossnickle, Md., growing project took place on April 13. This year's growing project is engaging six Church of the Brethren congregations in the Mid-Atlantic District--the Beaver Creek, Grossnickle, Hagerstown, Harmony, Myersville, and Welty churches--and possibly a United Church of Christ congregation. Growing projects raise food to benefit hunger efforts through the Foods Resource Bank and the Church of the Brethren’s Global Food Crisis Fund.
"We had a wonderful kick-off yesterday for this year's growing project," reported Patty Hurwitz of Grossnickle Church of the Brethren, who is a committee member for the growing project. "We sold 17 acres at $250 an acre plus a $1,000 donation from a family, all after church on Sunday!"
The Grossnickle growing project this season will benefit the Micro Devru program in the DR Congo. Its first-year overseas program focused on anti-hunger efforts in Kenya, and the second year the project focused on Zambia.
Each year, the Grossnickle growing project has held planting and harvest celebrations featuring food, dress, music, and stories from the recipient country. The kick-off event included a children's story about crops being improved by the Micro Devru project. "We planted seed peanuts, and talked about how that handful of peanuts might feed one person one meal, but the seeds would create food for many people," said Hurwitz. "I showed them a cassava root and they tasted cassava bread. We had a palm tree and talked about palm oil production. We had black-eyed peas, which are a cousin to cow-peas." Another committee member shared a report about the success of the Kenya Bamba project in 2006.
Other efforts that may be added to the initiative in Grossnickle include ideas for a pen-pal program for children to correspond with Congolese children or school groups, and ways youth and farmers can connect. "Real personal connections add so much to our work," Hurwitz said.
Sponsors of the project have invited Betty Rogers, who is assessing the Foods Resource Bank for the Hilton Humanitarian Award, to come to a planting celebration in May. The Foods Resource Bank is among a dozen or so organizations being screened for the 2008 award, which carries a prize of $1.5 million.
Several Brethren members have participated in meetings in which Rogers talked with Foods Resource Bank officials and growing project supporters--including Tim Ritchey Martin, Robert Delauter, and Patty Hurwitz of the Grossnickle project, along with Jim and Karen Schmidt from a growing project involving Polo (Ill.) Church of the Brethren, and Global Food Crisis Fund manager Howard Royer and his wife, Gene.
Source: 4/23/2008 Newsline
Womaen's Caucus leads discussion of future church at Bethany.
As a part of the Womaen's Caucus Steering Committee meetings held recently in Richmond, Ind., a potluck supper and gathering was held with over 25 people attending in the lounge at Bethany Theological Seminary. Those attending discussed the future church and their dreams for the church, as well as other timely topics.
Richmond Church of the Brethren offered its facilities for the three days of caucus meetings. Members of the Steering Committee discussed the upcoming Annual Conference and planned the design of their booth in the exhibit hall. Womaen's Caucus also will sponsor a luncheon on Tuesday, July 16, with speaker Doris Abdullah of Brooklyn, N.Y. Tickets are available through the Annual Conference office.
Much discussion surrounded the new website www.womaenscaucus.org that has been designed and administrated by new member Sharon Neerhoof May. The group planned resources that will be added to the site in the near future, including inclusive language worship resources as well as items for female youth.
Womaen's Caucus members participated in Sunday morning worship at the Richmond Church with Anna Lisa Gross as worship leader, Peg Yoder presenting a children's story, Deb Peterson speaking on how she came to be a part of the caucus, and Carla Kilgore speaking on the work of the caucus. Both Peterson, who is editor of the group's newsletter "Femailings," and Kilgore, the convener, are ending their four-year terms. Gross will be the new editor of the newsletter, and Audrey DeCoursey will serve as convener. Other members who attended are Jan Eller, administrator, Jill Kline, and Neerhoof May.
--Deb Peterson has served as editor of "Femailings" for the Womaen's Caucus.
Source: 4/23/2008 Newsline
As a part of the Womaen's Caucus Steering Committee meetings held recently in Richmond, Ind., a potluck supper and gathering was held with over 25 people attending in the lounge at Bethany Theological Seminary. Those attending discussed the future church and their dreams for the church, as well as other timely topics.
Richmond Church of the Brethren offered its facilities for the three days of caucus meetings. Members of the Steering Committee discussed the upcoming Annual Conference and planned the design of their booth in the exhibit hall. Womaen's Caucus also will sponsor a luncheon on Tuesday, July 16, with speaker Doris Abdullah of Brooklyn, N.Y. Tickets are available through the Annual Conference office.
Much discussion surrounded the new website www.womaenscaucus.org that has been designed and administrated by new member Sharon Neerhoof May. The group planned resources that will be added to the site in the near future, including inclusive language worship resources as well as items for female youth.
Womaen's Caucus members participated in Sunday morning worship at the Richmond Church with Anna Lisa Gross as worship leader, Peg Yoder presenting a children's story, Deb Peterson speaking on how she came to be a part of the caucus, and Carla Kilgore speaking on the work of the caucus. Both Peterson, who is editor of the group's newsletter "Femailings," and Kilgore, the convener, are ending their four-year terms. Gross will be the new editor of the newsletter, and Audrey DeCoursey will serve as convener. Other members who attended are Jan Eller, administrator, Jill Kline, and Neerhoof May.
--Deb Peterson has served as editor of "Femailings" for the Womaen's Caucus.
Source: 4/23/2008 Newsline
Brethren representative helps plan UN remembrance of slave trade.
The Church of the Brethren was represented at United Nations events on March 27 marking the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination and the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade. Doris Abdullah of First Church of the Brethren in Brooklyn, N.Y., and a board member of On Earth Peace, attended as the denomination’s credentialed representative with the UN and as a member of the NGO Subcommittee for the Elimination of Racism.
The subcommittee planned the events and recommended the speakers for morning and afternoon briefings. "Both programs went extremely well," Abdullah said.
A briefing on "Lest We Forget: Breaking the Silence on the Transatlantic Slave Trade," drew an overflow crowd and included the viewing of a documentary by Sheila Walkers, "The Slave Route: A Global Vision." Abdullah recommends the film for education in the church and community; it is a part of the UNESCO Slave Route Project, and will be available to the public.
Speakers at a session on the prevention of genocide included among others Yvette Rugasaguhunga, a survivor the Rwandan Tutsi genocide; Mark Weitzman, associate director of education for the Simon Wiesenthal Center; and Rodney Leon, designer of the African Burial Ground Memorial in Wall Street.
The African Burial Ground Memorial is the grave site of 20,000 slaves discovered in 1991 at a construction site in lower Manhattan, Abdullah said. The architect’s design process for the memorial included education and an urban presence, along with "cultural, symbolic, spiritual, international, and interactive participation," she said. "To me it means that we truly ‘walk on holy grounds.’ These Africans were brutally taken from their homes, chained in a boat for months, enslaved for a lifetime, and entombed in concrete for centuries, with the moneyed class walking over their bones. One story of one people, but what a story."
Concerns raised by the briefings included hate games and violent games played on the Internet, the need for prevention of genocide and mass killings, and psychological recovery and reconciliation following genocide.
Source: 4/23/2008 Newsline
The Church of the Brethren was represented at United Nations events on March 27 marking the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination and the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade. Doris Abdullah of First Church of the Brethren in Brooklyn, N.Y., and a board member of On Earth Peace, attended as the denomination’s credentialed representative with the UN and as a member of the NGO Subcommittee for the Elimination of Racism.
The subcommittee planned the events and recommended the speakers for morning and afternoon briefings. "Both programs went extremely well," Abdullah said.
A briefing on "Lest We Forget: Breaking the Silence on the Transatlantic Slave Trade," drew an overflow crowd and included the viewing of a documentary by Sheila Walkers, "The Slave Route: A Global Vision." Abdullah recommends the film for education in the church and community; it is a part of the UNESCO Slave Route Project, and will be available to the public.
Speakers at a session on the prevention of genocide included among others Yvette Rugasaguhunga, a survivor the Rwandan Tutsi genocide; Mark Weitzman, associate director of education for the Simon Wiesenthal Center; and Rodney Leon, designer of the African Burial Ground Memorial in Wall Street.
The African Burial Ground Memorial is the grave site of 20,000 slaves discovered in 1991 at a construction site in lower Manhattan, Abdullah said. The architect’s design process for the memorial included education and an urban presence, along with "cultural, symbolic, spiritual, international, and interactive participation," she said. "To me it means that we truly ‘walk on holy grounds.’ These Africans were brutally taken from their homes, chained in a boat for months, enslaved for a lifetime, and entombed in concrete for centuries, with the moneyed class walking over their bones. One story of one people, but what a story."
Concerns raised by the briefings included hate games and violent games played on the Internet, the need for prevention of genocide and mass killings, and psychological recovery and reconciliation following genocide.
Source: 4/23/2008 Newsline
Brethren bits: Remembrance, personnel, jobs, and much more.
- J. Earl Hostetter, 90, passed away April 18. He twice served as interim district executive minister for Northern Indiana District, in 1986 and again in 1994 when he worked in a half-time position as interim executive for pastoral care with duties including pastoral placement and care for pastors and their families. In other service to the denomination, he was a volunteer staff member for the Church of the Brethren General Board in the early 1990s, when he filled a position as evangelism volunteer staff working for the Evangelism Office. Beginning Sept. 1, 1991, he was appointed special ministries associate for the Evangelism Office and worked with emerging programs and Annual Conference events. He pastored New Paris (Ind.) Church of the Brethren from 1973 until his retirement in 1984, and served previous pastorates at Eel River in South Central Indiana District, at Oakland in Southern Ohio District, and at Everett in Middle Pennsylvania District. He also was an interim pastor for several Northern Indiana congregations. He is survived by his wife, Pearl, and their family. A memorial service will be held on April 26 at 11 a.m. at New Paris Church of the Brethren.
- Tom Birdzell, a Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS) worker with the information services department at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill., since Aug. 2007, has taken a new assignment through BVS. He will begin at Meeting Ground in Elkton, Md., in May.
- Three coordinators have been named for the 2009 youth and young adult workcamps, a program of the Youth and Young Adult Ministry of the Church of the Brethren General Board. Emily Laprade of Antioch Church of the Brethren in Rocky Mount, Va., and Meghan Horne of Mill Creek Church of the Brethren in Tryon, N.C., have been named as coordinators serving through Brethren Volunteer Service. Bekah Houff of Palmyra (Pa.) Church of the Brethren, who is coordinator for this year's National Young Adult Conference, will stay on as a part-time workcamp coordinator and program intern and also will coordinate the 2009 National Junior High Conference.
- An extended application date has been announced by the search committee of Brethren Benefit Trust (BBT), which is seeking applicants for the position of president. The application date has been extended to May 16. BBT’s offices are located at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill. The primary services of BBT are the administration of the Pension Plan and the Brethren Foundation. The president serves as chief executive officer for BBT, including all its corporate entities (Brethren Benefit Trust, Brethren Benefit Trust, Inc., and Brethren Foundation, Inc.). The president will oversee the administration and operations of BBT by leading, administering, managing, and inspiring the staff, modeling servant leadership. The president will guide BBT in its service to the Church of the Brethren by developing and maintaining mutually beneficial relationships with individuals and organizations which are affiliated with or share the values of the Church of the Brethren. The full position description can be found at www.brethrenbenefittrust.org. Church of the Brethren membership is preferred. The president will be expected to live in the Elgin area. Applicants are requested to send a current resume, cover letter, and three references via e-mail to Ralph McFadden, Search Committee Consultant, Hikermac@sbcglobal.net. Hard copies, if necessary, may be sent to 352 Shiloh Ct., Elgin, IL 60120. The Search Committee also is inviting nominations. Send the names of people who should be called to consider the position to any member of the Search Committee or to Ralph McFadden. The Search Committee is composed of Eunice Culp, chair; Harry Rhodes, BBT Board chair; Janice Bratton, BBT Board vice chair; Donna Forbes Steiner, BBT Board member; and Fred Bernhard, former longterm BBT Board member.
- The Global Mission Partnerships of the Church of the Brethren General Board seeks a couple or family as part of a lead team to begin a new ministry in Sudan, seeking to rebuild and heal communities after decades of war. As a holistic effort, it will include the formation of churches. A complementary team that includes people bringing one or more of the following skills is preferable: peace and conflict transformation, healthcare, church planting and Christian education, community development preferably with experience in emerging nations, dealing with trauma, and literacy and adult education. Candidates should bring education and experience in their area of specialty, experience in international cross-cultural settings, a team orientation, and grounding in Church of the Brethren identity and practice. Secondary skills in repair and maintenance of computers, household maintenance, or vehicle mechanics is useful. Candidates need to exhibit the following strengths: willingness to work in a strongly different cultural environment; patience in working with people and relationship building; openness to being changed and transformed in the process of doing the work; ability to live in settings that are at times hard to predict and control. Team members participate in raising their own support under General Board oversight. The application deadline for this position has been extended, with interviews and placement occurring during 2008. Request an application form from Karin Krog, Office of Human Resources, at 800-323-8039 ext. 258 or kkrog_gb@brethren.org.
- Global Mission Partnerships also seeks a teacher of Bible and theology at Kulp Bible College in Nigeria. Primary teaching assignments may include Brethren history and beliefs, Christian doctrine, faith and practice, New Testament. Teaching is at an academic level comparable to a US junior college, students are experienced church leaders. Courses are taught in English. Tasks include teaching and lecturing, developing and administering tests for student assessment, assisting in curriculum development, participating in school administration and supervision, accepting periodic leadership roles in the wider church. A master’s degree in theology, commitment to Christian beliefs and lifestyle, ability to work under Nigerian leadership, and ability to live and work in Africa are required. The preferred candidate will bring experience in teaching Bible, theology, or Christian education; willingness to learn conversational Hausa language; and experience in another culture. Because Kulp Bible College is the primary training ground for leadership in Ekklesiyar Yan'uwa a Nigeria (EYN--the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria), membership in the Church of the Brethren is preferred and knowledge of its polity and practice is expected. The college is operated by EYN and is located near the city of Mubi in northeast Nigeria. Compensation includes salary, housing, vehicle, and a basic medical insurance plan. A two-year commitment is expected. Candidates open to considering additional terms are preferred. The position is available in mid-2008. Complete the General Board application form, submit a resume and letter of application, and request three references to send letters of recommendation to the Office of Human Resources, Church of the Brethren General Board, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120-1694; 800-323-8039 ext. 258; kkrog_gb@brethren.org.
- Applications are available for those wishing to apply for a Brethren Volunteer Service position as 2010 National Youth Conference coordinator. The position begins in May 2009. Contact Chris Douglas, director of the Church of the Brethren’s Youth and Young Adult Ministry, at cdouglas_gb@brethren.org or 800-323-8039. Applications are due by Oct. 20.
- The On Earth Peace Board of Directors is inviting volunteers to share their time, energy, and skills with the organization. "We are now listing volunteer opportunities on our website and recognizing those who provide support as Peace Partners," said an announcement. The organization’s Peace Witness Action List specifically seeks a volunteer editor to gather news stories and write reflections on Christian peacemaking, distribute items to a list serv, and maintain a listserv and blog (contact Matt Guynn, coordinator of Peace Witness, at mattguynn@earthlink.net).
- The Annual Conference Office has announced a correction to the Annual Conference airline discount code. The group meeting discount code for airline travel to the Conference in Richmond, Va., was listed incorrectly in the Information Packet. The meeting discount code that should be supplied to United Airlines is 577RP. Those who are flying to the Conference and have not yet made reservations are invited to consider booking with United, the official airline of Annual Conference 2008, by calling 800-521-4041. The code has been changed and is shown correctly on the Annual Conference website, on the Information Packet pages.
- Bethany Theological Seminary will observe a "Sabbatical Day" on May 8. All employees will participate and the offices in Richmond, Ind., will be closed. The sabbatical day was approved by the Bethany Board of Trustees. "Bethany’s 2007-08 academic year has been overly filled with institutional transitions, faculty searches, core testimonies discussions, the Inaugural Forum, plus all the regular tasks associated with an educational institution," said president Ruthann Knechel Johansen. "This sabbatical day is intended to open space for rest, prayer or meditation, examination of conscience, and reflection on personal and institutional values and priorities."
- The Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill., hosts the Cross Cultural Consultation and Celebration on April 25-26. About 130 people are to attend, along with denominational staff and members of three Chicago area churches hosting evening meals and worship services: Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren in Elgin on April 24; First Church of the Brethren in Chicago on April 25, and Naperville Church of the Brethren on April 26. Worship services begin at 7 p.m. and are open to the public. The theme is "Separated No More" from Revelation 7:9.
- Health Promotion Sunday is May 18, sponsored by the Association of Brethren Caregivers. The theme is "Being Family: Growing in God’s Love" with the scriptures Ephesians 3:17b-19 and 1 John 4:7a. Resources to help congregations explore how families and faith communities can grow in God’s love are available at www.brethren-caregivers.org or call the ABC office at 800-323-8039. Resources include prayers and other worship resources, sample sermons, children’s stories, family activities, and bulletin inserts. ABC also invites congregations to celebrate May as Older Adult Month, with the theme "Aging with Grace" and scripture verses from Ephesians 5. See the website for related worship resources offered by the Older Adult Ministry.
- Children’s Disaster Services is offering Level 1 Training Workshops in Bethlehem, Pa., on April 25-26; and at the Tacoma (Wash.) Nature Center on June 20-21. The registration fee of $45 includes curriculum, meals, and lodging (the fee is $55 if participants register less than three weeks ahead). The workshop is for those who have an interest in volunteering for Children’s Disaster Services to support the needs of children after a disaster. Visit www.childrensdisasterservices.org for registration information or contact 800-451-4407 #5.
- On Earth Peace is calling for Living Peace Church Stories to share at the 2008 Annual Conference. "We look for stories of how individuals and congregations are living out the calling to be living peace churches," said an announcement. "These stories will be reported from the Conference floor microphones after On Earth Peace gives its agency report." Contact Annie Clark, coordinator of the Ministry of Reconciliation, at annie.clark@verizon.net.
- Williamson Road Church of the Brethren in Roanoke, Va., kicks off its 60th anniversary celebration with a Paul Todd Concert on May 3 at 7 p.m. Todd is a Christian artist performing a variety of musical styles while playing six keyboards simultaneously (www.paultodd.com).
- Elizabethtown (Pa.) Church of the Brethren held a "Ray Diener Memorial Benefit Concert" at Elizabethtown College’s Leffler Chapel in March. Diener was a member of the church who had worked to provide clean water to villages in Honduras, before he was killed on his own doorstep in a random act of violence last year. The concert featured the bands Along for the Ride, which grew out of jam sessions at the Elizabethtown church, according to the Atlantic Northeast District newsletter, and Bottom of the Bucket, whose members met while working at Gould Farm in Massachusetts, a Brethren Volunteer Service project.
- The 28th Annual Disaster Response Auction of Mid-Atlantic District will be held May 3, starting at 9 a.m., at the Carroll County Agricultural Center in Westminster, Md.
- A seminar titled "They Like Jesus, but Not the Church" is planned by Pacific Southwest District on May 3 at Pomona (Calif.) Fellowship Church of the Brethren. The seminar will be led by Dan Kimball, author of several books about the emerging church and emerging worship. He has been the high school pastor at Santa Cruz Bible Church, helped start a Sunday night "Graceland" worship service and ministry, and helped launched the Vintage Faith Church. Currently he is an adjunct faculty mentor at George Fox Evangelical Seminary. Cost is $25 or $15 for those under age 25. For more go to www.pswdcob.org/springevent.
- Fahrney-Keedy Home and Village, a Brethren retirement community near Boonsboro, Md., has received a $1,000 donation from the Nora Roberts Foundation for its Benevolent Fund assisting residents who run out of money to pay for care. The Nora Roberts Foundation is a means by which the best-selling Boonsboro author assists humanitarian and other nonprofit organizations.
- A special event at McPherson (Kan.) College benefits the Pat Noyes Scholarship Fund. Noyes was a member of the McPherson basketball program for two years before becoming involved with the Oklahoma State University basketball program. Along with nine others affiliated with OSU basketball, he was killed in a plane crash near Byers, Colo., in Jan. 2001. The 5th annual Pat Noyes Golf Experience and sports memorabilia auction will be held May 3 (see www.mcpherson.edu/noyes for a list of auction items). During the past five years over $30,000 has been raised for the fund, and the college has awarded two scholarships in his name.
- The May edition of "Brethren Voices," a 30-minute program made for Church of the Brethren congregations to offer on public access cable television, is on the topic, "Five Years of War in Iraq...The Occupation Continues." For three years, Brethren Voices has interviewed participants of peace rallies to allow them the opportunity to express their feelings about the war, said a release. The Iraq Body Count Exhibit also is featured. Brethren Voices is a ministry of Peace Church of the Brethren in Portland, Ore. Contact producer Ed Groff at groffprod1@msn.com.
- A group from Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT) has returned to the northern Kurdish area of Iraq. The Iraq team includes Church of the Brethren member Peggy Gish along with Anita David, Michele Naar-Obed, and Chihchun Yuan. In a letter to supporters, the team announced that CPT plans to resume delegations to Iraq, which have been suspended since Nov. 2005. The letter also requested prayer: "This is a time of a different kind of risk-taking for us. Please continue to hold us, this land, and its people in your thoughts and prayers." For more go to www.cpt.org.
Mission Alive 2008 celebrates past and present mission work.
The Mission Alive conference April 4-6 in Bridgewater, Va., was a celebration of past and present mission work in the Church of the Brethren. More than 125 people attended. (Go to www.brethren.org/pjournal/2008/MissionAlive for a photo journal from the conference.)
Sponsored by the Church of the Brethren General Board with support from the Brethren Revival Fellowship and Brethren World Missions, the conference was hosted by Bridgewater Church of the Brethren. The planning team included former executive director of Global Mission Partnerships Mervin Keeney and a steering committee of Linetta S.A. Ballew, program director of Camp Brethren Woods; Carl Brubaker, associate pastor of Midway Church of the Brethren in Lebanon, Pa.; Carol Spicher Waggy, former mission staff and member of Rock Run Church of the Brethren in Goshen, Ind.; and Larry Dentler, pastor of Bermudian Church of the Brethren in East Berlin, Pa.
The conference was an inspiring mix of thought-provoking presentations and relevant workshops, all held together by times of worship. The conference moved through a series of themes: the biblical calls to mission, celebrating a fruitful past, looking at leadership for transformation, cultivating faithful congregations, the challenges facing the church in mission, and cultivating a faithful future. The five times of worship were created and coordinated by Tara Hornbacker, associate professor of Ministry Formation at Bethany Theological Seminary, and Paul Roth, pastor of Linville Creek Church of the Brethren in Broadway, Va.The conference opened with worship, and moved directly into an exploration of the biblical basis for mission. Stephen Breck Reid, academic dean of Bethany Seminary, moderated presentations by Eugene Roop, former seminary president and Old Testament professor, and Dorothy Jean Weaver, a New Testament scholar from Eastern Mennonite University.
Roop highlighted the call of God in the Old Testament, noting that while such a call was rarely safe or comfortable, nevertheless blessing is to be found there. He also highlighted the Psalms as prayers that address the entire range of human experience, and urged attendees to realize that people in mission are a people in prayer. The call to share the Good News, making disciples of all nations, was clearly named as a dominant theme in the New Testament by Weaver, who described God as a sending God and the author of mission. Galen Hackman, former missionary and pastor of Ephrata (Pa.) Church of the Brethren, then shared a "report card" of how well Brethren have responded to these calls to mission.The celebration of a fruitful past included presentations by Ted & Trent; Rebecca Baile Crouse, former mission coordinator in the Dominican Republic and pastoral team member at Warrensburg (Mo.) Church of the Brethren; and a delightful multimedia review of mission work by David Sollenberger and A. Mack (played by Larry Glick). Representatives from the Brethren Church and Dunkard Brethren Church also shared some of their mission story. Paul E.R. Mundey, senior pastor at Frederick (Md.) Church of the Brethren, led a session about leadership for the missional church, and three reports came from people living out that vision in their local settings.
A discussion of challenges facing the church was led by Annual Conference moderator Jim Beckwith and Noffsinger. Along with the challenges, some encouraging news was shared, such as how current missions at home and abroad are making and deepening disciples, and how Church of the Brethren outreach to North Korea has resulted in an invitation for Brethren to participate in a new university there.
The event also recognized turning points for the denomination’s mission program. A special session was inserted into the conference schedule following the announcement of mission staff resignations. The session offered a time to meet with general secretary Stan Noffsinger and the Leadership Team of the General Board.
The conference concluded by looking to the future. A powerful presentation by Mano Rumalshah, bishop of the Diocese of Peshawar in the Church of Pakistan, explored the repressive situation of the Christian church in that primarily Muslim country. A video, "Burden of Faith and Pakistan Relief," showed the dire situation for many Christians, who are the lowest ranking people of the land and are often jobless. People in Pakistan still grieve the relatively recent killing of 17 Christians at St. Dominic’s Church. Rumalshah spoke of his deep appreciation of God who suffers with the people. There is a great deal of pressure to become Muslim, he said, and Christians are constantly being asked to convert.
Samuel Dali, a guest from Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria (EYN--the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria) said he identified with the Pakistani challenge of living with extremist Muslims. He shared about the destructions of EYN churches in the northern Nigeria city of Kano, during Muslim-Christian violence. The question for the conference was clear: What are we doing to show our solidarity with the Christians who suffer? It was suggested that they need more than our sympathy: when one suffers, we all suffer, and we must act together.
Mission Alive 2008 concluded with worship, led by Robert Alley, pastor of the Bridgewater congregation, who preached on the theme, "For All the World."Those who attended the conference felt the strong call to move forward with mission. A quote from Emil Brunner, and a response stated by one speaker, summarized that feeling: "The church is meant for mission as fire is meant for burning." Forgive us for taking too long to decide how to stack the wood.--Enten Eller is director of Distributed Education and Electronic Communication for Bethany Theological Seminary, and also served on the assessment team for the Sudan mission initiative. Mary Eller and Louise Rieman contributed to this report.
Source: 4/24/2008 Newsline Extra
The Mission Alive conference April 4-6 in Bridgewater, Va., was a celebration of past and present mission work in the Church of the Brethren. More than 125 people attended. (Go to www.brethren.org/pjournal/2008/MissionAlive for a photo journal from the conference.)
Sponsored by the Church of the Brethren General Board with support from the Brethren Revival Fellowship and Brethren World Missions, the conference was hosted by Bridgewater Church of the Brethren. The planning team included former executive director of Global Mission Partnerships Mervin Keeney and a steering committee of Linetta S.A. Ballew, program director of Camp Brethren Woods; Carl Brubaker, associate pastor of Midway Church of the Brethren in Lebanon, Pa.; Carol Spicher Waggy, former mission staff and member of Rock Run Church of the Brethren in Goshen, Ind.; and Larry Dentler, pastor of Bermudian Church of the Brethren in East Berlin, Pa.
The conference was an inspiring mix of thought-provoking presentations and relevant workshops, all held together by times of worship. The conference moved through a series of themes: the biblical calls to mission, celebrating a fruitful past, looking at leadership for transformation, cultivating faithful congregations, the challenges facing the church in mission, and cultivating a faithful future. The five times of worship were created and coordinated by Tara Hornbacker, associate professor of Ministry Formation at Bethany Theological Seminary, and Paul Roth, pastor of Linville Creek Church of the Brethren in Broadway, Va.The conference opened with worship, and moved directly into an exploration of the biblical basis for mission. Stephen Breck Reid, academic dean of Bethany Seminary, moderated presentations by Eugene Roop, former seminary president and Old Testament professor, and Dorothy Jean Weaver, a New Testament scholar from Eastern Mennonite University.
Roop highlighted the call of God in the Old Testament, noting that while such a call was rarely safe or comfortable, nevertheless blessing is to be found there. He also highlighted the Psalms as prayers that address the entire range of human experience, and urged attendees to realize that people in mission are a people in prayer. The call to share the Good News, making disciples of all nations, was clearly named as a dominant theme in the New Testament by Weaver, who described God as a sending God and the author of mission. Galen Hackman, former missionary and pastor of Ephrata (Pa.) Church of the Brethren, then shared a "report card" of how well Brethren have responded to these calls to mission.The celebration of a fruitful past included presentations by Ted & Trent; Rebecca Baile Crouse, former mission coordinator in the Dominican Republic and pastoral team member at Warrensburg (Mo.) Church of the Brethren; and a delightful multimedia review of mission work by David Sollenberger and A. Mack (played by Larry Glick). Representatives from the Brethren Church and Dunkard Brethren Church also shared some of their mission story. Paul E.R. Mundey, senior pastor at Frederick (Md.) Church of the Brethren, led a session about leadership for the missional church, and three reports came from people living out that vision in their local settings.
A discussion of challenges facing the church was led by Annual Conference moderator Jim Beckwith and Noffsinger. Along with the challenges, some encouraging news was shared, such as how current missions at home and abroad are making and deepening disciples, and how Church of the Brethren outreach to North Korea has resulted in an invitation for Brethren to participate in a new university there.
The event also recognized turning points for the denomination’s mission program. A special session was inserted into the conference schedule following the announcement of mission staff resignations. The session offered a time to meet with general secretary Stan Noffsinger and the Leadership Team of the General Board.
The conference concluded by looking to the future. A powerful presentation by Mano Rumalshah, bishop of the Diocese of Peshawar in the Church of Pakistan, explored the repressive situation of the Christian church in that primarily Muslim country. A video, "Burden of Faith and Pakistan Relief," showed the dire situation for many Christians, who are the lowest ranking people of the land and are often jobless. People in Pakistan still grieve the relatively recent killing of 17 Christians at St. Dominic’s Church. Rumalshah spoke of his deep appreciation of God who suffers with the people. There is a great deal of pressure to become Muslim, he said, and Christians are constantly being asked to convert.
Samuel Dali, a guest from Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria (EYN--the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria) said he identified with the Pakistani challenge of living with extremist Muslims. He shared about the destructions of EYN churches in the northern Nigeria city of Kano, during Muslim-Christian violence. The question for the conference was clear: What are we doing to show our solidarity with the Christians who suffer? It was suggested that they need more than our sympathy: when one suffers, we all suffer, and we must act together.
Mission Alive 2008 concluded with worship, led by Robert Alley, pastor of the Bridgewater congregation, who preached on the theme, "For All the World."Those who attended the conference felt the strong call to move forward with mission. A quote from Emil Brunner, and a response stated by one speaker, summarized that feeling: "The church is meant for mission as fire is meant for burning." Forgive us for taking too long to decide how to stack the wood.--Enten Eller is director of Distributed Education and Electronic Communication for Bethany Theological Seminary, and also served on the assessment team for the Sudan mission initiative. Mary Eller and Louise Rieman contributed to this report.
Source: 4/24/2008 Newsline Extra
Meetings are held on Haiti mission.
Future planning is well underway for the Church of the Brethren mission in Haiti, which has grown to three churches and six preaching points, with an estimated attendance of 500-600 people. The Haiti Mission Advisory Committee met for six hours at l’Eglise des Freres (Church of the Brethren) in Miami, Fla., on April 12 to develop broad-based, long-range recommendations for ongoing ministry. In a follow-up teleconference meeting April 21, committee members worked with General Board staff to begin implementing the new plans.
The context for the intense visioning is the Haiti mission reaching the five-year mark. Merle Crouse, chair of the meeting, said, "We are seeing amazing progress in reaching new people and developing leadership. We believe that the mission in Haiti has a great start. The next five-year phase is beginning, and will require a lot of wisdom, discipline and strategic resourcing to move the new Haitian church forward in a healthy way."
The advisory committee includes Ludovic St. Fleur, pastor, and Mary Ridores of l’Eglise des Freres; Jeff Boshart, former Dominican Republic economic development staff; Jonathan Cadette and Wayne Sutton of First Church of the Brethren in Miami; Merle Crouse, former mission worker and retired General Board staff member; and R. Jan Thompson, the General Board’s interim executive director of Global Mission Partnerships.
Recommendations from the April 12 meeting addressed both the immediate food crisis in Haiti and the need for a long-range agriculture program. The committee continues to see the need to purchase land; ownership of property and the establishment of social service programs are necessary for a denomination to be granted full legal status by the Haitian government. Other agenda items involved recommending to the General Board the licensing to ministry of nine congregational leaders. The group also requested financial assistance for a Leadership Training Seminar in Haiti for 2008, after a successful event last year.
In the April 21 conference call, committee members met with general secretary Stan Noffsinger and Thompson to begin implementing the recommendations. Progress was made on the following issues:
The current food crisis in Haiti. Ecumenical partners will be contacted for shared responses to the crisis, if possible through Haitian Church of the Brethren congregations. People in Haiti are dying of hunger, St. Fleur said. "As a church, we are interested not only in eternal life for our people, but also how they are living right now," he told the committee.
2008 Leadership Training Seminar. Financial undergirding will be provided by the General Board for a second Leadership Training Seminar to be held in August in Haiti. After an initial successful event last year, with 61 participants and 42 completing the course, even more registrants are expected this year. The planners will invite resource people from other denominational overseas programs to be part of the team of instructors.
Licensing of congregational leaders. General Board staff will determine processes and procedures to interview candidates for licensing to ministry at the Leadership Training Seminar, anticipating that they will be presented for approval to the new Church of the Brethren Mission and Ministry Board in October.
Purchase of property. St. Fleur was charged with the task of further fact-finding on a property in the capital city of Port au Prince.
The next meeting of the Haiti Mission Advisory Committee is planned for Nov. 22.
--Janis Pyle is coordinator for mission connections for Global Mission Partnerships.
Source: 4/24/2008 Newsline Extra
Future planning is well underway for the Church of the Brethren mission in Haiti, which has grown to three churches and six preaching points, with an estimated attendance of 500-600 people. The Haiti Mission Advisory Committee met for six hours at l’Eglise des Freres (Church of the Brethren) in Miami, Fla., on April 12 to develop broad-based, long-range recommendations for ongoing ministry. In a follow-up teleconference meeting April 21, committee members worked with General Board staff to begin implementing the new plans.
The context for the intense visioning is the Haiti mission reaching the five-year mark. Merle Crouse, chair of the meeting, said, "We are seeing amazing progress in reaching new people and developing leadership. We believe that the mission in Haiti has a great start. The next five-year phase is beginning, and will require a lot of wisdom, discipline and strategic resourcing to move the new Haitian church forward in a healthy way."
The advisory committee includes Ludovic St. Fleur, pastor, and Mary Ridores of l’Eglise des Freres; Jeff Boshart, former Dominican Republic economic development staff; Jonathan Cadette and Wayne Sutton of First Church of the Brethren in Miami; Merle Crouse, former mission worker and retired General Board staff member; and R. Jan Thompson, the General Board’s interim executive director of Global Mission Partnerships.
Recommendations from the April 12 meeting addressed both the immediate food crisis in Haiti and the need for a long-range agriculture program. The committee continues to see the need to purchase land; ownership of property and the establishment of social service programs are necessary for a denomination to be granted full legal status by the Haitian government. Other agenda items involved recommending to the General Board the licensing to ministry of nine congregational leaders. The group also requested financial assistance for a Leadership Training Seminar in Haiti for 2008, after a successful event last year.
In the April 21 conference call, committee members met with general secretary Stan Noffsinger and Thompson to begin implementing the recommendations. Progress was made on the following issues:
The current food crisis in Haiti. Ecumenical partners will be contacted for shared responses to the crisis, if possible through Haitian Church of the Brethren congregations. People in Haiti are dying of hunger, St. Fleur said. "As a church, we are interested not only in eternal life for our people, but also how they are living right now," he told the committee.
2008 Leadership Training Seminar. Financial undergirding will be provided by the General Board for a second Leadership Training Seminar to be held in August in Haiti. After an initial successful event last year, with 61 participants and 42 completing the course, even more registrants are expected this year. The planners will invite resource people from other denominational overseas programs to be part of the team of instructors.
Licensing of congregational leaders. General Board staff will determine processes and procedures to interview candidates for licensing to ministry at the Leadership Training Seminar, anticipating that they will be presented for approval to the new Church of the Brethren Mission and Ministry Board in October.
Purchase of property. St. Fleur was charged with the task of further fact-finding on a property in the capital city of Port au Prince.
The next meeting of the Haiti Mission Advisory Committee is planned for Nov. 22.
--Janis Pyle is coordinator for mission connections for Global Mission Partnerships.
Source: 4/24/2008 Newsline Extra
General secretary calls new advisory group for mission program.
A new advisory group has been called to help guide the denomination's mission program. Stan Noffsinger, general secretary of the Church of the Brethren General Board, has announced the appointment of the group, which will hold a first meeting on May 2 by conference call.
Those named to the mission advisory group are Bob Kettering, senior pastor of Lititz (Pa.) Church of the Brethren; Dale Minnich, a member of the General Board and former staff member; James F. Myer, vice chairman of the Brethren Revival Fellowship; Louise Baldwin Rieman, co-pastor of Northview Church of the Brethren in Indianapolis, and a member of the assessment team for the Sudan mission initiative; Carol Spicher Waggy, who has been a mission worker in Nigeria and the Dominican Republic; Earl K. Ziegler, a retired minister and a past moderator of Annual Conference; and Mary Jo Flory-Steury, executive director of Ministry for the General Board. R. Jan Thompson will be involved in the first meeting of the group, as interim executive director of the board’s Global Mission Partnerships.
Source: 4/24/2008 Newsline Extra
A new advisory group has been called to help guide the denomination's mission program. Stan Noffsinger, general secretary of the Church of the Brethren General Board, has announced the appointment of the group, which will hold a first meeting on May 2 by conference call.
Those named to the mission advisory group are Bob Kettering, senior pastor of Lititz (Pa.) Church of the Brethren; Dale Minnich, a member of the General Board and former staff member; James F. Myer, vice chairman of the Brethren Revival Fellowship; Louise Baldwin Rieman, co-pastor of Northview Church of the Brethren in Indianapolis, and a member of the assessment team for the Sudan mission initiative; Carol Spicher Waggy, who has been a mission worker in Nigeria and the Dominican Republic; Earl K. Ziegler, a retired minister and a past moderator of Annual Conference; and Mary Jo Flory-Steury, executive director of Ministry for the General Board. R. Jan Thompson will be involved in the first meeting of the group, as interim executive director of the board’s Global Mission Partnerships.
Source: 4/24/2008 Newsline Extra
Reid resigns as academic dean at Bethany Theological Seminary.
Stephen Breck Reid, academic dean at Bethany Theological Seminary, has accepted a position as professor of Hebrew Bible at George W. Truett Theological Seminary in Waco, Texas, beginning Aug. 1. He has served in his current position at Bethany Seminary since 2003.
As academic dean, Reid led the work of the seminary’s teaching faculty and the administration of the Brethren Journal Association. He gave oversight to partnerships with the Susquehanna Valley Ministry Center and the Church of the Brethren General Board to offer graduate and undergraduate ministry training opportunities through offsite courses and the Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership.
He also facilitated much of the process of a 10-year accreditation review with the Association of Theological Schools and the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools, completed in 2006.
Reid graduated from Bethany in 1976 and earned a Ph.D. from Emory University in Atlanta, Ga., in 1981. He was professor of Old Testament Studies at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary prior to joining the Bethany faculty. He also served as an adjunct professor at Bethany for many years, and was a member of the Board of Trustees from 1990-98.
"It is with deep regret that I accept the resignation of Stephen Breck Reid," said Bethany president Ruthann Knechel Johansen. "As academic dean, Steve has served the Bethany faculty, the students, and the denomination eminently through his passion for preaching and teaching, particularly the Hebrew language and Hebrew Bible, his devotion to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and his commitment to the Church of the Brethren. To the faculty he has been both a fine mentor for creative teaching and a strong supporter of faculty members' scholarly research and publication. He has been a prophetic voice in the denomination."
Source: 4/24/2008 Newsline Extra
Stephen Breck Reid, academic dean at Bethany Theological Seminary, has accepted a position as professor of Hebrew Bible at George W. Truett Theological Seminary in Waco, Texas, beginning Aug. 1. He has served in his current position at Bethany Seminary since 2003.
As academic dean, Reid led the work of the seminary’s teaching faculty and the administration of the Brethren Journal Association. He gave oversight to partnerships with the Susquehanna Valley Ministry Center and the Church of the Brethren General Board to offer graduate and undergraduate ministry training opportunities through offsite courses and the Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership.
He also facilitated much of the process of a 10-year accreditation review with the Association of Theological Schools and the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools, completed in 2006.
Reid graduated from Bethany in 1976 and earned a Ph.D. from Emory University in Atlanta, Ga., in 1981. He was professor of Old Testament Studies at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary prior to joining the Bethany faculty. He also served as an adjunct professor at Bethany for many years, and was a member of the Board of Trustees from 1990-98.
"It is with deep regret that I accept the resignation of Stephen Breck Reid," said Bethany president Ruthann Knechel Johansen. "As academic dean, Steve has served the Bethany faculty, the students, and the denomination eminently through his passion for preaching and teaching, particularly the Hebrew language and Hebrew Bible, his devotion to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and his commitment to the Church of the Brethren. To the faculty he has been both a fine mentor for creative teaching and a strong supporter of faculty members' scholarly research and publication. He has been a prophetic voice in the denomination."
Source: 4/24/2008 Newsline Extra
Mutual Aid Association leadership to change hands.
President Jean L. Hendricks has announced that she will retire from the Mutual Aid Association (MAA). She has served as president of the church-related insurance company, headquartered in Abilene, Kan., since 2001.
The Mutual Aid Board of Directors has chosen Eric K. Lamer, president of MarketAide Services, Inc., to succeed Hendricks. Lamer will resign his position with the marketing communications firm based in Salina, Kan., to assume the presidency of MAA on May 1.
Hendricks joined MAA in 1995 as a board member and became board chair in 2000. During her tenure, she guided MAA through a time of transition, helped stabilize many company guidelines, and maintained the organization’s role in the Church of the Brethren. Hendricks holds degrees from McPherson (Kan.) College, Bethany Theological Seminary, and the University of Kansas. She has held professional roles as a teacher, pastor, lay ministry administrator, and church relations director. In retirement, she looks forward to pursuing music and other personal interests, and spending time with grandchildren.
Lamer started at MarketAide in 1986 as a production and traffic manager, and subsequently served as an account executive and account supervisor, vice president of advertising, and chief operating officer. He became president in 1999 when MarketAide's founder and first president retired. During his years at MarketAide, he served as the primary account executive for the largest accounts. He was directly involved in creating marketing plans and advertising and direct marketing campaigns, as well as company management and new business development. In addition, he supervised production of corporate videos, radio and television advertising, lead tracking and prospecting programs, trade show exhibits, and other services.
Previously, he was a product communications manager for Premier Pneumatics, Inc. in Salina, and was director of public relations for Kansas Technical Institute, now Kansas State University-Salina. He is a native of Salina, and graduated in 1979 from the William Allen White School of Journalism at the University of Kansas. He has served as a member of Salina's Convention and Tourism Committee, YMCA Membership and Marketing Committee, and Public Relations/Special Events Committee of the Salina United Way, and is a past president of the Salina Community Theatre Board of Directors. He is an active member of Salina's Trinity Lutheran Church, where he currently serves as assistant executive director.
Source: 4/24/2008 Newsline Extra
President Jean L. Hendricks has announced that she will retire from the Mutual Aid Association (MAA). She has served as president of the church-related insurance company, headquartered in Abilene, Kan., since 2001.
The Mutual Aid Board of Directors has chosen Eric K. Lamer, president of MarketAide Services, Inc., to succeed Hendricks. Lamer will resign his position with the marketing communications firm based in Salina, Kan., to assume the presidency of MAA on May 1.
Hendricks joined MAA in 1995 as a board member and became board chair in 2000. During her tenure, she guided MAA through a time of transition, helped stabilize many company guidelines, and maintained the organization’s role in the Church of the Brethren. Hendricks holds degrees from McPherson (Kan.) College, Bethany Theological Seminary, and the University of Kansas. She has held professional roles as a teacher, pastor, lay ministry administrator, and church relations director. In retirement, she looks forward to pursuing music and other personal interests, and spending time with grandchildren.
Lamer started at MarketAide in 1986 as a production and traffic manager, and subsequently served as an account executive and account supervisor, vice president of advertising, and chief operating officer. He became president in 1999 when MarketAide's founder and first president retired. During his years at MarketAide, he served as the primary account executive for the largest accounts. He was directly involved in creating marketing plans and advertising and direct marketing campaigns, as well as company management and new business development. In addition, he supervised production of corporate videos, radio and television advertising, lead tracking and prospecting programs, trade show exhibits, and other services.
Previously, he was a product communications manager for Premier Pneumatics, Inc. in Salina, and was director of public relations for Kansas Technical Institute, now Kansas State University-Salina. He is a native of Salina, and graduated in 1979 from the William Allen White School of Journalism at the University of Kansas. He has served as a member of Salina's Convention and Tourism Committee, YMCA Membership and Marketing Committee, and Public Relations/Special Events Committee of the Salina United Way, and is a past president of the Salina Community Theatre Board of Directors. He is an active member of Salina's Trinity Lutheran Church, where he currently serves as assistant executive director.
Source: 4/24/2008 Newsline Extra
Shari McCabe to work with Fellowship of Brethren Homes.
The Fellowship of Brethren Homes has announced an affiliation with Shari McCabe, retiring CEO of The Cedars of McPherson, Kan. She has been active in the longterm care industry for more than 30 years, including years as an education coordinator, industry publisher, health care administrator, and chief executive officer.
McCabe joins Don Fecher, director of the Fellowship of Brethren Homes, whose work will continue with a focus on the financial and insurance aspects of the work of the fellowship. McCabe’s work will include visiting the fellowship’s 20-plus facilities, organizing the annual Forum meetings, and keeping the lines of communication strong among leaders of the organizations. She anticipates establishing a presence in the various activities of the wider church as well as representing the fellowship at already established meetings and functions, such as the Peace Church Risk Retention Insurance Group, alliance meetings with other denominations, and Brethren gatherings. She can be contacted at pmccabe3@cox.net or 620-669-0840.
Source: 4/24/2008 Newsline Extra
The Fellowship of Brethren Homes has announced an affiliation with Shari McCabe, retiring CEO of The Cedars of McPherson, Kan. She has been active in the longterm care industry for more than 30 years, including years as an education coordinator, industry publisher, health care administrator, and chief executive officer.
McCabe joins Don Fecher, director of the Fellowship of Brethren Homes, whose work will continue with a focus on the financial and insurance aspects of the work of the fellowship. McCabe’s work will include visiting the fellowship’s 20-plus facilities, organizing the annual Forum meetings, and keeping the lines of communication strong among leaders of the organizations. She anticipates establishing a presence in the various activities of the wider church as well as representing the fellowship at already established meetings and functions, such as the Peace Church Risk Retention Insurance Group, alliance meetings with other denominations, and Brethren gatherings. She can be contacted at pmccabe3@cox.net or 620-669-0840.
Source: 4/24/2008 Newsline Extra
Credits
Newsline is produced by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of news services for the Church of the Brethren General Board, cobnews@brethren.org or 800-323-8039 ext. 260. Lerry Fogle, Matt Guynn, Rachel Kauffman, Gimbiya Kettering, Cindy Dell Kinnamon, Karin Krog, Michael Leiter, LethaJoy Martin, Nancy Miner, Howard Royer, 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, cobnews@brethren.org or 800-323-8039 ext. 260. Lerry Fogle, Matt Guynn, Rachel Kauffman, Gimbiya Kettering, Cindy Dell Kinnamon, Karin Krog, Michael Leiter, LethaJoy Martin, Nancy Miner, Howard Royer, Marcia Shetler, and Walt Wiltschek contributed to this report.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Brethren are at work with unique recycling company.
Two Church of the Brethren members have joined the team of TerraCycle, Inc., a company based in Trenton, N.J., that focuses on environmental action through recycling. Kelsey Swanson and Michael Waas Smith have recently joined the TerraCycle staff.
Waas Smith is director of TerraCycle's new "Cookie Wrapper Brigade." He recommends the organization's five Brigade programs as fundraising opportunities for Church of the Brethren groups, particularly youth groups that may be looking for new ways to raise money for National Youth Conference.
The Brigade programs offer opportunities for schools and community groups--including churches--to join nationwide recycling fundraisers, working with the manufacturers of a variety of products. Groups collect previously non-recyclable or hard-to-recycle items in return for cash, while teaching about the environment. Anyone can sign up for the free programs and start earning donations for a local nonprofit. Participants receive free shipping collection bags or boxes.
Five recycling efforts are taking place: groups are being challenged to collect used soda bottles, yogurt containers, energy bar wrappers, used drink pouches, and cookie wrappers. In the "Drink Pouch Brigade," nonprofit groups will earn 2 cents per used drink pouch they collect. In the "Yogurt Brigade," groups earn 2 cents for every 6-ounce yogurt container, and 5 cents for every 32-ounce yogurt container they return (all yogurt containers must be cleaned). The "Bottle Brigade" pays 5 cents for every 20-ounce soda bottle. The "Wrapper Brigade" pays 2 cents for every energy bar or granola bar wrapper. The brand new "Cookie Wrapper Brigade" was just launched last week, Waas Smith said.
TerraCycle explains the need for such recycling programs: "Fruit drink pouches are a staple in American school cafeterias. According to the Container Recycling Institute, over 5 billion drink pouches are produced every year. Because the material used to makes these pouches is non-recyclable, virtually every single one is sent to a landfill. Similarly, more then 10 billion yogurt containers are consumed a year in America. In the case of Stonyfield Farm, its yogurt cups are made from Polypropylene Plastic #5. A study by the Center for Sustainable Systems determined #5 was the most environmentally preferred choice of plastic available for Stonyfield Farm yogurt because it allows the cups to use a minimal amount of plastic. However, since many recycling centers are not equipped to handle #5 cups, Stonyfield Farm teamed up with TerraCycle to save these from the landfills."
TerraCycle has more than 400 Yogurt Brigade locations and 700 locations involved in the Drink Pouch Brigade, and its Bottle Brigade recycling program broke 4,000 locations in 2007.
Recycled drink pouches will be made into handbags, tote bags, backpacks, and pencil cases for children and adults. Once returned to TerraCycle, yogurt containers are hand painted by inner-city artists and shipped to nurseries to replace non-recyclable plastic planting pots used by nurseries and retailers. The pots, called YoPlanter! are a way to lessen the more than 10 million plastic pots that are discarded each year.
Soda bottles are used to package TerraCycle's Organic Worm Poop fertilizers. TerraCycle feeds food and paper waste to millions of worms to create an organic fertilizer, which is packaged in reused soda bottles. "It was the world 's first product that is made from and packaged in waste!" said the release from TerraCycle. The Bottle Brigade has helped TerraCycle reuse over 2 million soda bottles in the last three years.
For more information about Brigade programs, visit www.terracycle.net/brigades.
Source: 4/22/2008 Earth Day Newsline
Two Church of the Brethren members have joined the team of TerraCycle, Inc., a company based in Trenton, N.J., that focuses on environmental action through recycling. Kelsey Swanson and Michael Waas Smith have recently joined the TerraCycle staff.
Waas Smith is director of TerraCycle's new "Cookie Wrapper Brigade." He recommends the organization's five Brigade programs as fundraising opportunities for Church of the Brethren groups, particularly youth groups that may be looking for new ways to raise money for National Youth Conference.
The Brigade programs offer opportunities for schools and community groups--including churches--to join nationwide recycling fundraisers, working with the manufacturers of a variety of products. Groups collect previously non-recyclable or hard-to-recycle items in return for cash, while teaching about the environment. Anyone can sign up for the free programs and start earning donations for a local nonprofit. Participants receive free shipping collection bags or boxes.
Five recycling efforts are taking place: groups are being challenged to collect used soda bottles, yogurt containers, energy bar wrappers, used drink pouches, and cookie wrappers. In the "Drink Pouch Brigade," nonprofit groups will earn 2 cents per used drink pouch they collect. In the "Yogurt Brigade," groups earn 2 cents for every 6-ounce yogurt container, and 5 cents for every 32-ounce yogurt container they return (all yogurt containers must be cleaned). The "Bottle Brigade" pays 5 cents for every 20-ounce soda bottle. The "Wrapper Brigade" pays 2 cents for every energy bar or granola bar wrapper. The brand new "Cookie Wrapper Brigade" was just launched last week, Waas Smith said.
TerraCycle explains the need for such recycling programs: "Fruit drink pouches are a staple in American school cafeterias. According to the Container Recycling Institute, over 5 billion drink pouches are produced every year. Because the material used to makes these pouches is non-recyclable, virtually every single one is sent to a landfill. Similarly, more then 10 billion yogurt containers are consumed a year in America. In the case of Stonyfield Farm, its yogurt cups are made from Polypropylene Plastic #5. A study by the Center for Sustainable Systems determined #5 was the most environmentally preferred choice of plastic available for Stonyfield Farm yogurt because it allows the cups to use a minimal amount of plastic. However, since many recycling centers are not equipped to handle #5 cups, Stonyfield Farm teamed up with TerraCycle to save these from the landfills."
TerraCycle has more than 400 Yogurt Brigade locations and 700 locations involved in the Drink Pouch Brigade, and its Bottle Brigade recycling program broke 4,000 locations in 2007.
Recycled drink pouches will be made into handbags, tote bags, backpacks, and pencil cases for children and adults. Once returned to TerraCycle, yogurt containers are hand painted by inner-city artists and shipped to nurseries to replace non-recyclable plastic planting pots used by nurseries and retailers. The pots, called YoPlanter! are a way to lessen the more than 10 million plastic pots that are discarded each year.
Soda bottles are used to package TerraCycle's Organic Worm Poop fertilizers. TerraCycle feeds food and paper waste to millions of worms to create an organic fertilizer, which is packaged in reused soda bottles. "It was the world 's first product that is made from and packaged in waste!" said the release from TerraCycle. The Bottle Brigade has helped TerraCycle reuse over 2 million soda bottles in the last three years.
For more information about Brigade programs, visit www.terracycle.net/brigades.
Source: 4/22/2008 Earth Day Newsline
Juniata College to establish Chestnut species orchard.
A couple of decades after Henry Wadsworth Longfellow wrote of "a spreading chestnut tree" in his poem "The Village Blacksmith," many of the American chestnut trees across the country were dead or dying from a blight. Juniata College is playing a small part in trying to bring the species back by creating a chestnut "orchard" on campus. Juniata is a Church of the Brethren related college in Huntingdon, Pa.
While the college lacks a "village smithy" to place the chestnut trees near, it does have a grassy area behind Brumbaugh Academic Center. That is where Uma Ramakrishnan, assistant professor of environmental science, will oversee a 25,000 square foot plot (a bit more than half an acre) of 120 trees in a collaborative project between the college and the American Chestnut Foundation. Eventually the college will add 90 more trees.
"The orchard will be used for research on a variety of factors concerning the American chestnut, as well as other chestnut species," said Ramakrishnan. "We will have multiple species of chestnut in the orchard and hopefully this will become a spot where we can not only do research, but also bring in classes from secondary and elementary schools."
Ramakrishnan said the college will plant about 120 seeded plants on or around April 3. Juniata's facilities staff will plow up the area, creating an orchard space that will be about 20 feet from the tree line surrounding the meadow and distributed 15 to 20 feet apart. The orchard will be irregularly shaped and will be planted around the Paul Hickes Observatory.
This year, the college will plant four species: the pure American chestnut, the Chinese chestnut, a hybrid American chestnut (crossbred with a disease resistant Chinese chestnut), and the European chestnut. "We also would like to plant the Japanese chestnut and the Chinquapin, a native chestnut species, next year," Ramakrishnan said.
Once the trees are planted, Ramakrishnan and a team of Juniata environmental science students will monitor the stand of trees, pesticide and fungicide treatments, reproduction, nut production, and other factors.
Prior to 1900, the American chestnut was one of the dominant hardwood trees in American forests, used for furniture, lumber, and other products. The trees easily grew 100 to 150 feet high and could reach 10 feet in diameter. After the turn of the century, botanists noted that chestnuts were afflicted with chestnut blight, a disease caused by an Asian bark fungus. The disease was introduced through imported Chinese chestnuts, which were, and still are, resistant to the blight. Within a decade or two, billions of American chestnuts died off. It is estimated that 25 percent of the Appalachian forest had been comprised of chestnuts.
Ramakrishnan, is a wildlife biologist by training, and was originally approached by Rick Entriken, a local representative for the American Chestnut Foundation. Entriken donated seeds for the project and has acted as an advisor for chestnut growing. He also manages a chestnut orchard near Raystown Lake for the US Army Corps of Engineers.
The care and research of the orchard will begin in the hands of Ashley Musgrove, a senior student from Cumberland, Md. She will be researching and implementing methods to protect the young trees from deer, and working with a team of other students for management of the orchard.
--John Wall is director of media relations for Juniata College.
Source: 4/22/2008 Earth Day Newsline
A couple of decades after Henry Wadsworth Longfellow wrote of "a spreading chestnut tree" in his poem "The Village Blacksmith," many of the American chestnut trees across the country were dead or dying from a blight. Juniata College is playing a small part in trying to bring the species back by creating a chestnut "orchard" on campus. Juniata is a Church of the Brethren related college in Huntingdon, Pa.
While the college lacks a "village smithy" to place the chestnut trees near, it does have a grassy area behind Brumbaugh Academic Center. That is where Uma Ramakrishnan, assistant professor of environmental science, will oversee a 25,000 square foot plot (a bit more than half an acre) of 120 trees in a collaborative project between the college and the American Chestnut Foundation. Eventually the college will add 90 more trees.
"The orchard will be used for research on a variety of factors concerning the American chestnut, as well as other chestnut species," said Ramakrishnan. "We will have multiple species of chestnut in the orchard and hopefully this will become a spot where we can not only do research, but also bring in classes from secondary and elementary schools."
Ramakrishnan said the college will plant about 120 seeded plants on or around April 3. Juniata's facilities staff will plow up the area, creating an orchard space that will be about 20 feet from the tree line surrounding the meadow and distributed 15 to 20 feet apart. The orchard will be irregularly shaped and will be planted around the Paul Hickes Observatory.
This year, the college will plant four species: the pure American chestnut, the Chinese chestnut, a hybrid American chestnut (crossbred with a disease resistant Chinese chestnut), and the European chestnut. "We also would like to plant the Japanese chestnut and the Chinquapin, a native chestnut species, next year," Ramakrishnan said.
Once the trees are planted, Ramakrishnan and a team of Juniata environmental science students will monitor the stand of trees, pesticide and fungicide treatments, reproduction, nut production, and other factors.
Prior to 1900, the American chestnut was one of the dominant hardwood trees in American forests, used for furniture, lumber, and other products. The trees easily grew 100 to 150 feet high and could reach 10 feet in diameter. After the turn of the century, botanists noted that chestnuts were afflicted with chestnut blight, a disease caused by an Asian bark fungus. The disease was introduced through imported Chinese chestnuts, which were, and still are, resistant to the blight. Within a decade or two, billions of American chestnuts died off. It is estimated that 25 percent of the Appalachian forest had been comprised of chestnuts.
Ramakrishnan, is a wildlife biologist by training, and was originally approached by Rick Entriken, a local representative for the American Chestnut Foundation. Entriken donated seeds for the project and has acted as an advisor for chestnut growing. He also manages a chestnut orchard near Raystown Lake for the US Army Corps of Engineers.
The care and research of the orchard will begin in the hands of Ashley Musgrove, a senior student from Cumberland, Md. She will be researching and implementing methods to protect the young trees from deer, and working with a team of other students for management of the orchard.
--John Wall is director of media relations for Juniata College.
Source: 4/22/2008 Earth Day Newsline
Brethren bits: Pastors' canoe trip, Great Green Congregations.
- A "Spirituality Retreat for Pastors and Church Leaders" is being offered as part of the Camp Swatara Adult Ministries Program this year, according to an announcement from Atlantic Northeast District. Dennis and Marti Shaak, seasoned canoe trip leaders and guides, are offering an opportunity for pastors and others engaged in pastoral leadership to enter into a time of authentic spiritual retreat, combining times of guided reflection led by Oasis-certified spiritual director Vicki Kensinger, and canoe excursions or hikes in Algonquin Provincial Park. "Our aim is to revitalize both body and spirit and to allow for reconnection with the earth in one of the last remaining wilderness areas," the announcement said. Departure will be from Camp Swatara in Bethel, Pa., on Sept. 5 after an overnight stay at the camp, with return on Sept. 11. Cost, based on a maximum group size of nine people, will be around $600. No prior experience camping or canoeing is necessary, although there are requirements for gear and a passport, and participants should be in good physical condition. Registration and payment are due by June 2. Contact Camp Swatara for registration materials, call 717-933-8510.
- The National Council of Churches seeks stories from "Great Green Congregations." An announcement said, "Tell us what your church is doing for the earth, and the NCC will share your story to inspire others. We'll also select one congregation to receive a $500 prize to support its environmental work." The NCC is looking for congregations advocating for environmental justice at the local, state, and national levels; teaching about environmental justice and health in their churches and communities; hosting "Green Cleaning" fellowship activities; promoting wilderness protection through trips, education, and worship; supporting alternative transportation to worship; conserving energy and using green energy sources; reducing waste in all aspects of church life; and/or engaged in their own unique, location-specific eco-justice ministries. Go to www.nccecojustice.org/greencontest.html for submission guidelines. The deadline for sending congregational stories is April 30.
- At a workshop on simple living held at Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren in Elgin, Ill., the presenter showed a 20-minute video called "The Story of Stuff." This fast-paced, animated piece explains the processes and stories behind the stuff consumers buy and throw away. Find the video, and more, at www.storyofstuff.com.
Had I Looked Around the Corner: Thoughts on William Stafford
By Brian Nixon
"I stand and dream another world instead," wrote William Stafford in the year 1942. Stafford wrote this as a conscientious objector during World War II, stationed as a Civilian Public Servant in California.
As providence would have it, Stafford became Poetry Consultant of the Unites States Library of Congress in 1971 and Poet Laureate of Oregon in 1975.
Stafford is the author of over 60 books of poetry, verse, and stories. As a participant in the Church of the Brethren, William was a voice in the wilderness, seeking, as our quote above stated, "another world instead."
My first encounter with Mr. Stafford came at the 1991 Annual Conference of the Church of the Brethren, held in Portland, Ore. The theme that year was "Behold! The Wonder of God's Presence."
I drove up with a friend of mine, Isaac Docter, and camped out just north of the city. We drove into Portland daily to hear lectures on a variety of topics: peace, justice, Native American issues, and most importantly, how to follow Jesus. I still have vivid memories of my time listening to artists, storytellers, theologians, and musicians. However, in hindsight, it was at this conference that I had one of my greatest disappointments: not meeting William Stafford.
As an impressionable college student, I looked over the plethora of lectures, seeing one that read, "Poetry Reading: William Stafford." This sounded great to me, but I was unsure of exactly who Stafford was. As a member of the Church of the Brethren, I had heard of Mr. Stafford, but was not yet quite "into" him. I knew he published a book of poetry with Brethren Press called "A Scripture of Leaves," and was well loved among the Brethren folk.
But as I stood there and looked at the other conference offerings, I finally decided upon a folk group concert instead (you see, I was "into" music). Imagine that! I chose a now-forgotten folk group over William Stafford!
I went to the folk concert and listened. I sat there, unimpressed. Mainly because I knew I should be at the Stafford reading (something was nagging me that he was important). So, when the opportunity arose, I left the concert and ran over to the room where Stafford was reading. I looked in the door; the room was packed.
I decided to sit outside the room, listening to the final couple of poems. To this day, I don't remember which poems he finished his reading with. And even more disappointing, I didn't look into the room to see Mr. Stafford reading the poems.
Had I looked around the corner, I would have seen the poet that, over the next 15 years of my life, would bring me great pleasure and thought; someone I would turn to over and over again.
To make up for my mistake of not getting his book at the Brethren conference, I called Brethren Press (a couple years after) to see if they had his book, "A Scripture of Leaves." To my great surprise, they did. Even a greater surprise was that the book was one of the last signed copies. It now sits prominently on my shelf.
I now collect William Stafford books. And since that first great purchase, I have found many treasures. My favorite is a first edition signed copy of "Traveling Through the Dark" (a collectors dream, largely because it was the book he won the National Book Award in 1963).
Yet through all this collecting and book searching, I have found Stafford, through his poetry, to be a gentle reminder that there is another way of living. And as Christians, we do, indeed, look for "another world instead": the coming of God's kingdom, the establishment of His world, a dream that is really a reality yet unseen.
So until then, we abide, live, and work for building the Kingdom on earth as it is in heaven.
And somehow William Stafford knew this, for in his poem, Reading The Big Weather (found in "A Scripture of Leaves"), he summarized the tension of living for Kingdom and waiting for the Kingdom:
Source: 4/22/2008 Earth Day Newsline
By Brian Nixon
"I stand and dream another world instead," wrote William Stafford in the year 1942. Stafford wrote this as a conscientious objector during World War II, stationed as a Civilian Public Servant in California.
As providence would have it, Stafford became Poetry Consultant of the Unites States Library of Congress in 1971 and Poet Laureate of Oregon in 1975.
Stafford is the author of over 60 books of poetry, verse, and stories. As a participant in the Church of the Brethren, William was a voice in the wilderness, seeking, as our quote above stated, "another world instead."
My first encounter with Mr. Stafford came at the 1991 Annual Conference of the Church of the Brethren, held in Portland, Ore. The theme that year was "Behold! The Wonder of God's Presence."
I drove up with a friend of mine, Isaac Docter, and camped out just north of the city. We drove into Portland daily to hear lectures on a variety of topics: peace, justice, Native American issues, and most importantly, how to follow Jesus. I still have vivid memories of my time listening to artists, storytellers, theologians, and musicians. However, in hindsight, it was at this conference that I had one of my greatest disappointments: not meeting William Stafford.
As an impressionable college student, I looked over the plethora of lectures, seeing one that read, "Poetry Reading: William Stafford." This sounded great to me, but I was unsure of exactly who Stafford was. As a member of the Church of the Brethren, I had heard of Mr. Stafford, but was not yet quite "into" him. I knew he published a book of poetry with Brethren Press called "A Scripture of Leaves," and was well loved among the Brethren folk.
But as I stood there and looked at the other conference offerings, I finally decided upon a folk group concert instead (you see, I was "into" music). Imagine that! I chose a now-forgotten folk group over William Stafford!
I went to the folk concert and listened. I sat there, unimpressed. Mainly because I knew I should be at the Stafford reading (something was nagging me that he was important). So, when the opportunity arose, I left the concert and ran over to the room where Stafford was reading. I looked in the door; the room was packed.
I decided to sit outside the room, listening to the final couple of poems. To this day, I don't remember which poems he finished his reading with. And even more disappointing, I didn't look into the room to see Mr. Stafford reading the poems.
Had I looked around the corner, I would have seen the poet that, over the next 15 years of my life, would bring me great pleasure and thought; someone I would turn to over and over again.
To make up for my mistake of not getting his book at the Brethren conference, I called Brethren Press (a couple years after) to see if they had his book, "A Scripture of Leaves." To my great surprise, they did. Even a greater surprise was that the book was one of the last signed copies. It now sits prominently on my shelf.
I now collect William Stafford books. And since that first great purchase, I have found many treasures. My favorite is a first edition signed copy of "Traveling Through the Dark" (a collectors dream, largely because it was the book he won the National Book Award in 1963).
Yet through all this collecting and book searching, I have found Stafford, through his poetry, to be a gentle reminder that there is another way of living. And as Christians, we do, indeed, look for "another world instead": the coming of God's kingdom, the establishment of His world, a dream that is really a reality yet unseen.
So until then, we abide, live, and work for building the Kingdom on earth as it is in heaven.
And somehow William Stafford knew this, for in his poem, Reading The Big Weather (found in "A Scripture of Leaves"), he summarized the tension of living for Kingdom and waiting for the Kingdom:
Reading the Big Weather--Brian Nixon is a pastor, writer, musician, and family man from Costa Mesa, Calif. This article was first published by ASSIST News Service at www.assistnews.net. "Reading the Big Weather" is reprinted with permission from Brethren Press. Order "A Scripture of Leaves" from Brethren Press for $12.95 plus shipping and handling, call 800-441-3712. To learn more about William Stafford's early poems pick up the new release by Graywolf Press, "Another World Instead."
Mornings we see our breath. Weeds
sturdy for winter are waiting down
by the tracks. Birds, high and silent,
pass almost invisible over town.
Time, always almost ready
to happen, leans over our shoulders reading
the headlines for something not there. "Republicans
Control Congress"--the year spins on unheeding.
The moon drops back toward the sun, a sickle
gone faint in the dawn: there is a weather
of things that happen too faint for headlines,
but tremendous, like willows touching the river.
This earth we are riding keeps trying to tell us
something with its continuous scripture of leaves.
Source: 4/22/2008 Earth Day Newsline
Credits
Newsline is produced by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of news services for the Church of the Brethren General Board, cobnews@brethren.org or 800-323-8039 ext. 260. Wendy McFadden contributed to this report.
Newsline is produced by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of news services for the Church of the Brethren General Board, cobnews@brethren.org or 800-323-8039 ext. 260. Wendy McFadden contributed to this report.
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