Church of the Brethren Mission and Ministry Board holds first meeting.

The Mission and Ministry Board of the Church of the Brethren held its first meeting on Oct. 18-21 at the denomination's General Offices in Elgin, Ill. The Mission and Ministry Board is the board of the new Church of the Brethren, Inc., and is chaired by Edwin H. Edmonds, pastor of Moler Avenue Church of the Brethren in Martinsburg, W.Va.

Board members come from the former General Board, the former Association of Brethren Caregivers board, and the former Annual Conference Council. Ex-officio members represent Annual Conference, Bethany Theological Seminary, Brethren Benefit Trust, On Earth Peace, and the Council of District Executives.

On the agenda were financial reports and a budget for the new organization, a resolution on the "Responsibility to Protect," reports from several church programs including the Sudan Initiative, and consideration of the need for new strategic planning documents for the new organization, among other business.

The board approved the use of consensus decision making for the meetings, and sat in small groups at round tables instead of at one large board table. At times during the discussions, members engaged in "table talk" in the small groups and reported results to the whole group before moving to decision making.

The meeting began with a day of professional development for board members. The group reviewed the vision, mission, and core values statements of the prior organizations, as well as the roles of board and staff, the ministries that the board oversees including ministries of the former General Board and Association of Brethren Caregivers, stewardship responsibilities of board members, and the consensus process.

Worship began and ended the business meetings. Using a theme from Romans 12:2, "Be transformed by the renewing of your minds," board members and staff leaders expressed hopes for the new organization of the Church of the Brethren, and anticipated exciting and challenging work ahead.

In his opening sermon, chair Eddie Edmonds called for truthfulness and gentleness as the board worked together in a new structure and with a new consensus process. "Christians have to commit to a search for the truth in a spirit of gentleness. We may not all come out in the same place, but we can all be in the same mind in the Lord," he said.

Budget and finances

The board approved by consensus a 2009 total operating budget for all Church of the Brethren ministries of $10,236,210 income, $10,391,760 expense, and an expected $155,550 deficit for next year.

The board's actions included a revision of the 2009 budget parameter for the Core Ministries Fund, adding the sum of $289,000 for the Caring Ministries budget to the General Board's previous budget planning. For the Church of the Brethren's core ministries, a budget parameter of $6,036,000 income and $6,176,000 expense was approved, representing an expected deficit of $140,000.

The action on the budget also represented approval of budgets for the Church of the Brethren's self-funded ministries including Brethren Disaster Ministries, Brethren Press, Global Food Crisis, Material Resources, "Messenger" magazine, and the New Windsor Conference Center.

In financial reports, the board reviewed the 2008 budgets of the General Board and the Association of Brethren Caregivers for the period through August 31. Current income and expense statements for Annual Conference were not yet available. Final year-end reports for 2008 will come to the board at its next meeting in March 2009.

After reviewing a chart showing the 10-year history of net assets for each of the funds, the board expressed concern about an increasing negative net asset for Brethren Press over the past few years and asked the general secretary to bring an action plan to its March meeting. Brethren Press is one of the board's self-funding units.

Funding director Ken Neher reported that giving to the Church of the Brethren remains strong despite the global economic crisis. Treasurer Judy Keyser reviewed concerns regarding the economy, including a volatile investment environment and spiraling increases in costs of energy, travel, food, and other expenses. Finance staff reported that they expect a drop in earnings from investments, but that the board has in place a practice of averaging income from investments over a five-year period to help protect against disastrous losses.

Keyser identified an overarching longterm financial issue for the board, that the Church of the Brethren's income is not matching its current ministry needs.

An offering was received for a capital campaign to upgrade facilities at the General Offices and the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md. The contributions for the capital campaign totaled $2,083.

Resolution: Responsibility to Protect

There was strong affirmation by the Mission and Ministry Board for a resolution on "The Responsibility to Protect," presented by Phil Jones, director of the Brethren Witness/Washington Office, and Larry Ulrich, a member of York Center Church of the Brethren in Lombard, Ill., who has been involved with an "R2P" coalition connected with the Council of Religious Leaders in Chicago.

The United Nations adopted "The Responsibility to Protect" in 2005, to address the problem of a country where the government persecutes or eliminates its own people, such as in the case of genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing, and crimes against humanity. Using all of its diplomatic, economic, and political resources, the UN can under this doctrine use military force as a last resort to halt atrocities.

"We do differ with the UN document on the Responsibility to Protect," said Jones. "We support it fully, except for the use of military force." The resolution was brought as a Church of the Brethren response to the action of the UN and to the global increase of catastrophic atrocities. The resolution also responds to a call from the National Council of Churches Governing Board in 2007, when that body adopted a resolution on the Responsibility to Protect and called for support from member communions.

In discussion of the resolution, board members affirmed it but also identified some concerns about the document. A small task team was asked to bring a revision that more clearly identified alternatives that the Church of the Brethren may suggest for nonviolent prevention of and response to atrocities.

The modified resolution was adopted by consensus. Go to www.brethren.org/genbd/GBResolutions/2008ResponsibilityToProtect.pdf to find the resolution online.

Sudan Initiative

A report on the Sudan Initiative was given by director Brad Bohrer, who had just returned from a visit to southern Sudan. He presented plans to place Church of the Brethren staff with RECONCILE, an organization that does community building and peacemaking work in southern Sudan and was begun under the auspices of the New Sudan Council of Churches. Referring to placements of Brethren mission staff with the New Sudan Council of Churches in years past, Bohrer said, "There is a strong sense that we are coming back to walk alongside" the council again.

Board members responded with numerous concerns about the Sudan Initiative, and some shared critical responses to the initiative from members of their districts. Concerns focused on the perception that the initiative has lost the elements of evangelism and church planting, as well as concerns about funding and donations to the initiative. The board acted by consensus to direct the general secretary to create a communication piece to bring clarity about the Sudan Initiative for the denomination.

Strategic planning

The group discussed strategic planning for the new organization of the Church of the Brethren, including vision, mission, and core values statements. Questions posed for the discussion included whether there is validity in the strategic planning and vision, mission, and core values documents of the prior organizations of the General Board and the Association of Brethren Caregivers, and whether staff should continue to use these documents as guiding principles for their work. After a time of "table talk" in small groups, ideas about how to move forward on strategic planning documents for the new organization were reported. The board will continue the discussion at later meetings.

Other business

The board affirmed the appointments of Stan Noffsinger as general secretary and Judy Keyser as treasurer of the Church of the Brethren.

Another item addressed property considerations in Elgin, Ill. The Stewardship of Property report accepted by the General Board in March 2006 was reviewed, with attention to a recommendation to develop surplus acreage at the General Offices. Noffsinger asked the board to discuss and give guidance on the general question of selling or leasing 13 acres of land located behind the office buildings. He and the treasurer presented information about an opportunity to develop the land presented by Mercy Housing Lakefront, a nonprofit that develops and operates affordable, program-enriched housing for families, seniors, and people with special needs who lack the economic resources to access quality, safe housing opportunities. No action was taken, and the board asked for more information to be brought to its next meeting.

The board received a variety of reports, including a report on the summer's workcamp program; hurricane response by Brethren Disaster Ministries and Children's Disaster Services; the 300th Anniversary gathering in Schwarzenau, Germany; the general secretary's involvement in a meeting with the President of Iran; and work by staff on the issue of human trafficking.

The board also had an opportunity to sign a letter of support to the Synod of the Church of North India (CNI) and the Bishop of Gujarat State. The Church of North India and its members have been seriously affected by violence directed at Christians. The violence began in late August in the State of Orissa, where three of CNI's dioceses are located, but has begun to spread to some other areas. The board heard that it has not yet affected the area where most India Brethren live.

Source: 10/23/2008 Newsline Extra

Donna Hillcoat begins as director of Deacon Ministry.

Donna Hillcoat has accepted a part-time position as director of Deacon Ministry in the Caring Ministries of the Church of the Brethren, effective Oct. 20.

Hillcoat has been involved in the ministries of the former Association of Brethren Caregivers as a member of the Family Life Ministry Group, and has assisted with several Caring Ministries projects including the interim Child Abuse Prevention report and publications such as a book by Fred Swartz, "Essential Servants: Reflections on the Caring Ministries of Deacons," a Wellness Study Guide, and Health Promotion Sunday materials.

Her professional and volunteer experiences have included counseling services for older adults and their caregivers, developing and leading training programs and workshops, coaching people in transition, facilitating caregiver and grief support groups, and volunteering with PADS (a program of churches offering temporary shelter for the homeless in the area of Elgin, Ill.) and a community food pantry.

She is business partner and coach for Between Us: Personal Coaching for Women, and previously was managing partner and director of Resources for Change Management Associates, Inc. Her first professional position was as assistant director of Admissions for Juniata College in Huntingdon, Pa. She holds a master's degree in Community Counseling from Argosy University and a master's degree in Library Science from the University of Michigan.

Source: 10/23/2008 Newsline Extra

Steve Bob called as director of the Church of the Brethren Credit Union.

Steve Bob, who currently is serving as executive director of the Fox Valley Micro Loan Fund, has accepted the position of director of the Church of the Brethren Credit Union, beginning Nov. 3. In this role, he will serve on the Brethren Benefit Trust's senior management team.

Bob's responsibilities will include oversight of the credit union's daily operations and development of several new services, including online banking and bill pay.

Since February 2007, he has been responsible for directing the Fox Valley Micro Loan Fund in providing microloans of up to $50,000 to businesses that are unable to access traditional sources of loans. From 2001-07, he served as director of World Relief's Micro Enterprise program in Nashville, Tenn. In that role he was responsible for a loan fund that made 70 loans worth $650,000; he also supervised an Individual Development Account program that served 400 clients with a net community impact of $6 million in assets purchased. From 1996-2001, he was finance manager for The Enterprise Center in Philadelphia.

Bob is a graduate of North Park University, Chicago, Ill. He holds a master's of Business Administration in economic development from Eastern University, St. Davids, Pa. He was born and raised in Quito, Ecuador, to missionary parents, and is a member of the Evangelical Covenant Church of Elgin.

Source: 10/23/2008 Newsline Extra

Patrice Nightingale begins as director of communications for BBT.

Patrice Nightingale has begun as director of communications for Brethren Benefit Trust (BBT), as of Oct. 20. In this role, she will provide oversight of communications, marketing, promotional, and operational initiatives that undergird BBT's ministries. She will work at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill.

This is a promotion for Nightingale, who was originally hired by BBT on May 5 of this year as manager of publications, and on Sept. 15 was named interim director of communications. She has worked in the publications field in various capacities since 1973. She is a graduate of Manchester College in North Manchester, Ind., and holds a bachelor's degree in Psychology and Sociology. She is a member of Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren in Elgin.

Source: 10/23/2008 Newsline Extra

Credits

Newsline is produced by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of news services for the Church of the Brethren, cobnews@brethren.org or 800-323-8039 ext. 260. Carol Bowman, John Braun, Kathleen Campanella, Ruben D. Deoleo, Jan Eller, Ed Groff, Jeri S. Kornegay, Karin Krog, Patrice Nightingale, Marcia Shetler, and John Wall contributed to this report.

NEWS

• Committee places increased emphasis on interfaith relations.
  
• Reconciliation meetings are held in the Dominican Republic.
  
• Brethren Disaster Relief Auction raises $425,000.
  
• Brethren bits: Remembrance, personnel, giving to the denomination, more.

PERSONNEL

• Wagner resigns as director of New Windsor Conference Center.
  
• Wine to be executive director in denominational office of Operations.
  
• Chudy is promoted to manager of Insurance Operations at BBT.

FEATURES

• Brethren in greater Philadelphia area celebrate a rich heritage.
  
• BBT issues letter regarding international financial crisis.

Committee places increased emphasis on interfaith relations.

The Church of the Brethren’s Committee on Interchurch Relations (CIR) met in Elgin, Ill., on Sept. 4-6. Increased emphasis on interfaith understanding and relations was a frequent topic of discussion throughout the meetings.

In addition to a list of ongoing priorities, three areas were lifted up as current CIR priorities. One of these is to encourage the Church of the Brethren to think about and act on Christ’s call for in a time when people of various world religions are increasingly in contact and experiencing conflict or opportunities for friendship and community. Other priorities are to promote and celebrate participation in the Decade to Overcome Violence through 2011, and to confer with the Church of the Brethren delegates to the National Council of Churches (NCC) and World Council of Churches (WCC) for mutual support and to help promote implementation of larger church initiatives as appropriate in congregations.

The committee reviewed its new roles in the new denominational structure that began Sept. 1. Stan Noffsinger, general secretary of Church of the Brethren, shared that the CIR functions as a vision casting body for his ecumenical responsibilities. The CIR’s mission statement was reviewed and affirmed as follows: "The CIR will help the Church of the Brethren pursue, promote, and celebrate respectful conversations, loving relationships, and shared ministries with other communities of faith to create an ever-widening circle of the Gospel of Peace."

Other items of business included reviewing the committee’s practice of sending Church of the Brethren representatives to the annual meetings of the six other Brethren bodies who share common roots, and fostering new and existing relationships with other denominations who have expressed interest. The group also reviewed 2008 Annual Conference activities and planning for the 2009 Annual Conference.

Ex-officio member Jerry Cain, president of Judson University in Elgin, hosted the committee for dinner, where conversation continued on ways to promote involvement of the Church of the Brethren with the American Baptist Churches USA. Dialogue between the two denominations to "discuss matters of mutual information and understanding" dates back to a Church of the Brethren General Council request in 1960.

Noffsinger reported on his past and upcoming ecumenical activities, which include the work of Christian Churches Together, the NCC, the WCC, and a 2009 conference of the Historic Peace Churches. He shared how the efforts of the Historic Peace Churches in the US have made a positive influence throughout the world in helping others to solidify their identity as peace churches.

Members of the committee are Melissa Bennett of Northern Indiana District, Jim Eikenberry of Pacific Southwest District, Rene Quintanilla of Pacific Southwest District, Paul Roth of Shenandoah District, Carolyn Schrock (chair) of Missouri and Arkansas District, and Melissa Troyer of Northern Indiana District. Visit www.brethren.org/genbd/CIR/index.htm for more information.

--Melissa Troyer is a member of the Committee on Interchurch Relations from Middlebury, Ind.

Source: 10/8/2008 Newsline

Reconciliation meetings are held in the Dominican Republic.

A delegation of Church of the Brethren ministers has traveled from the United States to the Dominican Republic to help with reconciliation meetings. The delegation went to the DR as representatives of the American church, for the purpose of assisting efforts of reconciliation within the Dominican Brethren church, according to a report from Church of the Brethren mission staff Irv and Nancy Heishman. The meetings took place Sept. 19-23.

Delegation members were Earl Ziegler of the Brethren World Mission committee, an ordained minister and a former Annual Conference moderator; Daniel D’Oleo, pastor of Maranatha Church of the Brethren in Lancaster, Pa.; and Guillermo Encarnación, former director of Theological Education and a longtime leader in the life of the Dominican Church of the Brethren.

The Church of the Brethren in the DR has been through a leadership crisis in the last couple of years, according to reports from mission staff. "Accomplishments of the delegation’s visit included progress toward better communication within the DR church and greater understanding on the part of the delegation of the challenges faced by the new leadership," said the Heishmans.

"Prayers are welcomed for the ongoing efforts," the Heishmans added. As the Church of the Brethren mission coordinators in the DR, their responsibilities include assisting Dominican Brethren leaders in their work.

Source: 10/8/2008 Newsline

Brethren Disaster Relief Auction raises $425,000.

The annual Brethren Disaster Relief Auction in Lebanon, Pa., ended Saturday evening with more than $425,000 added to coffers to aid victims of natural and man-made disasters in the US and abroad, according to a release from Duane Ness, chairman, and Jay M. Witman, co-founder of the Executive Board of the auction. The auction is a joint effort of the Church of the Brethren’s Atlantic Northeast District and Southern Pennsylvania District.

The 32nd annual Brethren Disaster Relief Auction was held at the Lebanon Expo and Fairgrounds on Friday and Saturday. One of the nation’s largest relief auctions, it is run entirely by volunteers and attracts approximately 7,000 people.

A lamb named "Midnight" was donated by students of New Covenant Christian School in Lebanon, who pooled their money to buy the animal. It brought $1,075.

The Woodland Butterfly quilt donated by Nancy Erwin and Joanne Hess and quilted by the Atlantic Northeast District women sold for $8,000 and was gifted back to the auction. It sold for a second time for $2,000. A Golden Needles quilt was sold three times netting $2,950. Quilts brought a total of $43,755.

An original painting "Grace and Forgiveness" by Elsie Beiler commemorating the West Nickel Mines Amish school tragedy of two years ago brought $8,300. Olen Landes also donated a child’s youth spring wooden wagon which brought $7,500.

Among the other items that were sold were 60 head of heifers, which brought $102,667. Donated theme baskets brought a total of $13,750. A 1999 Buick brought $3,000, and a maple tree sold for $1,300. Baked goods, cakes, and pies brought $17,000, and the Farmers Market items brought $15,000. Food sales totaled $36,000. The general auction brought $32,474.

In addition, a check for $12,900 was presented at the auction from the Mechanics Grove Golf Tournament.

During the event, 12,000 individual kits were assembled consisting of school supplies to be distributed to school children throughout the world.

A follow up event, an afternoon of favorite hymns, will be held at the Sight & Sound Millennium Theatre in Strasburg, Pa., on Sunday, Oct. 19, at 2:45 p.m. The hymn sing will provide additional funds for Brethren disaster relief.

--This report comes from a Brethren Disaster Relief Auction press release. Go to www.brethrenauction.org for more information.

Source: 10/8/2008 Newsline

Brethren bits: Remembrance, personnel, giving to the denomination, more.

• John Troutman Fike, 95, passed away on Sept. 23 in Sebring, Fla. Over a long career he had held several positions of leadership in Church of the Brethren institutions, including as treasurer and then as vice president of Financial Affairs at Juniata College in Huntingdon, Pa., beginning in 1952 through 1972. From 1973-78 he was business manager for the Florida Brethren Homes, a retirement center now known as the Palms of Sebring. He and his wife, June, were Brethren Volunteer Service mission workers in Nigeria from 1979-81. Other denominational service included a period as superintendent of Buildings and Grounds at Bridgewater (Va.) College 1949-52, and numerous volunteer positions including terms on the Church of the Brethren General Board and on the Standing Committee of Annual Conference, president of the board of the Palms, and treasurer for Atlantic Southeast District. He also managed family businesses including Tire Retreading Co. in Somerset, Pa., and a computerized accounting service for small businesses in Lakeland, Fla. While in Huntingdon, he served on the Borough Council, the board of directors of the Union National Bank, and as director of the first board of Huntingdon Business and Industry Council. He was born in Somerset, Pa., on April 26, 1913. He earned a degree in business administration from Juniata College. In 1937 he married June Elizabeth Hoover in Waynesboro, Pa. He and his wife both held private pilot licenses and enjoyed flying. They were active members of Sebring Church of the Brethren. June Fike preceded her husband in death on March 9 of this year. He is survived by his son John Greyson Fike and daughter Nancy F. Knepper, three grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren. A memorial service was held Sept. 26 at Sebring Church of the Brethren, and another is planned for Oct. 31 at Waynesboro (Pa.) Church of the Brethren. Memorial contributions are being received by the Palms Foundation and Sebring Church of the Brethren.
  
  
• Emma Moses has completed her service at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md., effective Sept. 23. She has worked in Food Services at the center for almost 30 years, beginning in the fall of 1978. Her work has included service throughout the kitchen, in the dish room, in food preparation and banquet services, and most recently as a kitchen aide.
  
  
• Debbie Mullins, administrative secretary for the Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership, has submitted her resignation. The Brethren Academy is a joint program of the Church of the Brethren and Bethany Theological Seminary. Mullins has worked at the Bethany Seminary campus in Richmond, Ind., for six years. Her last day on campus will be Oct. 10. A reception in her honor will take place on Oct. 9, at 3 p.m. in the President’s Conference Room.
  
  
• Kathy Maxwell, assistant to the director of operations of Brethren Benefit Trust (BBT), has submitted her letter of resignation. She began work for BBT on April 1 this year. Maxwell has taken a position with Provena St. Joseph Hospital in Elgin, Ill.
  
  
• Camp Bethel, the outdoor ministry of Virlina District located in Fincastle, Va., is accepting applications for a fulltime assistant director and a fulltime food services director. Go to www.campbethelvirginia.org/jobs.htm for application forms, position descriptions, and more information about each position.
  
  
• How do I write my check to denominational ministries? Funding staff report this is a question they are hearing as a result of the Annual Conference action combining the General Board, the Association of Brethren Caregivers (ABC), and some Annual Conference administration into a new organization named "Church of the Brethren." "This action did not eliminate or end any ministries. All the work continues just as before," said Ken Neher, director of stewardship and donor development for the Church of the Brethren. The preferred method of support from congregations is still the check, but made out to Church of the Brethren and mailed to 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120, or by electronic deposit. Individuals can give by check or credit card, or go to www.brethren.org for online giving. A note in the memo line of a check will direct the donation to Core Ministries (which now supports the work of the Caring Ministries, formerly ABC, as well as ministries of the former General Board), the Emergency Disaster Fund, the Global Food Crisis Fund, or the Emerging Global Mission Fund. Donations received unmarked will be directed to the Core Ministries fund that supports a variety of basic denominational ministries including Congregational Life, Youth and Young Adult Ministry, Caring Ministries, Stewardship and Donor Development, the Ministry Office, Global Mission Partnerships, Brethren Witness/Washington Office, Brethren Volunteer Service, Communications, Brethren Historical Library and Archives, the Finance Office, and Information Services. "The core ministries are the heart of Church of the Brethren service and outreach, and the firm base that gives support and security to vital work of our community expression of God's love," Neher said. "Please continue to give of your time and treasure as we seek to be the hands and feet of Christ in the world." For more information call 800-323-8039 ext. 271.
  
  
• Church of the Brethren mission staff are alerting church members to what may be a scam e-mail purporting to be from Musa Mambula, a leader in Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria (EYN--the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria). Anyone who receives such an e-mail is requested not to respond to it. Global Mission Partnerships staff are attempting to verify the e-mail and will respond accordingly. For more information contact R. Jan Thompson at rjthompson_gb@brethren.org or 800-323-8039.
  
  
• Bethany Theological Seminary in Richmond, Ind., has announced Nov. 7 as its Fall Campus Visit Day for prospective students and their families. Prospective students will spend the day with students and faculty, worship with the Bethany community, tour campus, and observe classes. Visit www.bethanyseminary.edu/visit to register or contact Marcia Shetler, director of Public Relations, at 765-983-1823.
  
  
• The US Congress has renewed an IRA gift opportunity, according to an announcement from Brethren Benefit Trust (BBT). For those who qualify, a popular charitable gift alternative that was available in 2006 and 2007 but allowed to expire, has been extended for 2008 and 2009. Embedded in the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 was reauthorization of the charitable IRA rollover. Traditional IRA or Roth IRA owners age 70 1/2 and older are permitted to make distributions to qualified organizations of up to $100,000 per year. No charitable deductions are allowed, but gift amounts will not be included in the donors' incomes. Contact IRA trustees or custodians to make a 2008 gift from an IRA. Transfers for 2008 must be completed by Dec. 31. Distribution checks should be issued in the name of a qualified charity, not to the account owner, with notification to the charity. For more information go to www.bbtfoundation.org and click on the link "Charitable IRA Rollover Resources." Questions may be directed to Steve Mason, Director of the Brethren Foundation, at SMason_bbt@brethren.org or 888-311-6530.
  
  
• A joint Fall Harvest event is planned for Oct. 12, from 1-4 p.m., by the Harvest of Hope committee of Hammond Avenue Brethren Church in Waterloo, Iowa; South Waterloo Church of the Brethren; First United Methodist Church of Cedar Falls, Iowa; Immanuel Presbyterian Church in Waterloo; and Zion Lutheran and St. Timothy Lutheran Churches. The event celebrates this year’s harvest from the congregations’ growing project for the Foods Resource Bank. The project is growing some 17 acres of corn and 17 acres of soybeans on five different farms, with an additional farm raising market beef. The crop will be harvested and sold, and proceeds given to the Foods Resource Bank to help an international area in need. Over the past three years, this growing project has donated $52,920 to the Foods Resource Bank. Coordinated by Marlin Hershey, Harvest of Hope is one of 24 growing projects supported by Church of the Brethren congregations this season.
  
  
• Upcoming district conferences include the Atlantic Northeast District Conference on Oct. 10-11 with guest speakers including 2008 Annual Conference moderator James Beckwith; and Atlantic Southeast District Conference on Oct. 10-11 at Camp Ithiel in Gotha, Fla., led by moderator Wayne Sutton.
  
  
• Northern Ohio District is holding a Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS) 60th Anniversary Celebration on Nov. 1 at County Line Church of the Brethren in Harrod, Ohio. The event begins with an Opening Celebration at 2 p.m. led by Leslie Lake, followed at 2:30 p.m. by a "Mingle and Share" time for former volunteers to bring pictures and stories of their time in BVS. A dinner follows at 5:30 p.m., cost is $5. The evening closes with a 7 p.m. Worship Celebration Concert. The celebration is not limited to BVS volunteers and former volunteers, and family and friends are invited. RSVP to Billi Janet Burkey by Oct. 24 at billijanet@aol.com or 330-418-1148 or send a response by mail to 7980 Hebron Ave. NE, Louisville, OH 44641.
  
  
• Bridgewater (Va.) College's campaign to raise $40 million for academic and capital improvements has to date raised $31.7 million, 79.3 percent of the goal, according to a release from the college. "Every Student, One Commitment Campaign for Bridgewater College" launched a year ago, seeks to raise money to support endowed scholarships, academic enhancement, facilities improvements, laboratories, equipment and information technology, and the Bridgewater Fund. "It's important for donors to the campaign to know that Bridgewater College students are the ultimate beneficiaries," said president Phillip C. Stone.
  
  
• Two Church of the Brethren members are among six new members of the Juniata College board of trustees. Christy Dowdy, co-pastor of Stone Church of the Brethren in Huntingdon, Pa., is a new church trustee on the board. David Beachley is an active member of Hagerstown (Md.) Church of the Brethren and is president of Beachley Furniture Company Inc. The other new trustees are Eugene Baten, associate professor in the Department of Management and Organizations at Central Connecticut State University in New Britain, Conn.; Fred Mason, director of product source planning for Caterpillar Inc. and managing director for Caterpillar in Luxembourg; James Pirrello, CEO and president of Vision Homes USA of Fort Myers, Fla., and chief financial officer of Michael Sivage Homes and Communities operating in Texas and New Mexico; and Frank L. Pote III, a foreign language program manager for the Federal Bureau of Investigation, who is serving as an alumni trustee.
  
  
• Two anti-nuclear events are being held at Manchester College in North Manchester, Ind., in October: a survivor of the Hiroshima atomic bomb will speak and the Hiroshima-Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Exhibition will open for a month-long display. On Oct. 10, Sachiko Masuoka of Chicago will tell of wandering the streets of Hiroshima, searching for family following the Aug. 6, 1945, bombing. The public is invited to Masuoka's talk, from noon to 2 p.m. in the Lahman Room in the College Union. The Hiroshima-Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Exhibition will be open Oct. 27-Dec. 1 in Link Gallery of Wine Recital Hall. Visitors will fold origami cranes for display at Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. The speakers and exhibit come to Manchester College through the efforts of senior peace studies major Mary Cox of Kokomo, Ind.
  
  
• The Village at Morrison’s Cove, a Church of the Brethren retirement center, holds its Good Samaritan Dinner on Oct. 18 at 5:30 p.m. at the Casino in Altoona, Pa. This year marks the 29th anniversary of the founding of the event. The program will be a musical written by Frank Ramirez and Steve Engle, "The Three Visions of Israel Poulson, Sr.," celebrating the 300th Anniversary of the Church of the Brethren by recalling events from a pastor’s life in Amwell, N.J., in the 19th century. The dinner raises funds for residents who have outlived their resources. Tickets are $100 donation, call 814-793-5207.
  
  
• The Brethren Revival Fellowship (BRF) has announced new and returning members of the BRF Committee, in its recent newsletter. The appointments were made at the BRF General Meeting during the Brethren Alive gathering at Elizabethtown (Pa.) College in July. Wilmer R. Horst of Falling Spring, Hades Church of the Brethren near Shady Grove, Pa., was confirmed as a new committee member. John A. Shelly Jr. of Shanks Church of the Brethren in Greencastle, Pa., and Craig Alan Myers of Blue River Church of the Brethren in Columbia City, Ind., were affirmed to continue on the committee. Other committee members are Carl L. Brubaker, J. Eric Brubaker, Kenneth G. Leininger, Mervin C. Groff, Walter K. Heisey, Jordan P. Keller, Paul E. Schildt, and David. R. Wenger. BRF staff persons are Harold S. Martin and James F. Myer.
  
  
• The World Council of Churches (WCC) Executive Committee met in Germany on Sept. 23-26. The committee extended the contract of WCC general secretary Samuel Kobia, through the time when a new general secretary takes office, according to a press release. A new general secretary is to be elected in Sept. 2009 at Central Committee meetings. In other business, the committee reviewed programs and budget, and approved various public statements and reports. A statement on religious violence and intolerance in India expressed concern about violence and religious intolerance particularly in the State of Orissa. Christians, who are a minority in Orissa, have experienced a series of attacks in the form of looting and destruction of churches and church-run institutions. Reports are that 50,000 Christians have been displaced, some taking refuge in forests and living in relief camps. The statement urged the government of India to meet its constitutional obligations and said the violence is "an assault on the Constitution of India." It also urged the government to "take steps to prevent violence, and harassments against the Christian minorities in Orissa and other parts of the country."

Source: 10/8/2008 Newsline

Wagner resigns as director of New Windsor Conference Center.

Shelly Wagner has tendered her resignation as director of the New Windsor Conference Center and director of Marketing at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md. Her resignation is effective Oct. 10.

Wagner has worked less than a year in the position, since March 24, 2008. At the time, the conference center director was a new fulltime staff position at the Brethren Service Center. Wagner came to the conference center from a background in domestic and international marketing in the for-profit arena. She is a member of Welty Church of the Brethren in Smithsburg, Md., and lives in Waynesboro, Pa.

Source: 10/8/2008 Newsline

Wine to be executive director in denominational office of Operations.

LeAnn Wine has been appointed executive director of Systems and Services for the Church of the Brethren, as of Oct. 1. This is a new position in the office of the associate general secretary of Operations.

The position will oversee three departments: Finance, Information Services, and Buildings and Grounds at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill. Wine also will continue to be assistant treasurer for the Church of the Brethren.

Wine began working for the Church of the Brethren General Board as director of Financial Operations and assistant treasurer in March 2004. She earned her bachelor of arts degree in accounting, finance, and management from McPherson (Kan.) College, and attends Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren in Elgin.

Source: 10/8/2008 Newsline

Chudy is promoted to manager of Insurance Operations at BBT.

Tammy Chudy has been promoted to a salaried position as manager of Insurance Operations for Brethren Benefit Trust (BBT), effective Oct. 13. Chudy has worked for BBT for some seven years in the areas of finance and insurance.

Chudy first worked with BBT in the Finance Department from November 1990 to May 1995, at which time she left to raise her two children. Wanting to get back into the work force on a part-time basis, she was rehired by BBT in August 2006 as a member services representative for insurance.

With staffing changes that have transpired in BBT’s insurance department over the past two years, Chudy has become more involved with vendor negotiations, reviewing and implementing insurance summary plan descriptions, and other duties that are in line with a managerial role.

Source: 10/8/2008 Newsline

Brethren in greater Philadelphia area celebrate a rich heritage.

It was beautiful. The room was set with round tables covered with white cloth and decorated with simple but elegant centerpieces of wheat--all in a wide open space that felt like the great outdoors. All the chairs were in place around the tables, waiting for the disciples of Jesus to come together from the Greater Philadelphia-Delaware Valley congregations of the Church of the Brethren’s Atlantic Northeast District, to celebrate our heritage and look beyond the horizon of today.

Celebration it was! On Aug. 24, 156 people from the oldest congregation in the area to the newest Hispanic congregation came to celebrate the 300th Anniversary of the Church of the Brethren. The theme was, "From a Rich Heritage Moving Forward." The crowd was colorful--Korean, Black, White, Hispanic, all ages including children and youth, as well as those who were using walking assists or a wheel chair.

Hymns and praise songs were sung, the Holy Scriptures were read, stories and commentaries were given, all contributing to the high moment of worship. The worshipers engaged in the four sections of the love feast: self-examination, washing each other’s feet, enjoying a simple delicious lunch, and then receiving the broken bread and the cup of the New Testament.

Unlike most other love feast services, however, this celebration included changes in the middle of the organized worship, choirs, praise bands, a cappella singing by the congregation, and songs shown on an overhead projection screen as well as the hymn book. The twelfth panel of the Murals painted by Medford D. Neher also was seen on the screen.

Organized by the pastors, the event was held in the large community room of Peter Becker Community, a Church of the Brethren retirement community in Harleysville, Pa.

Will it happen again? Only God knows!

--Levi J. Ziegler is interim pastor at Drexel Hill (Pa.) Church of the Brethren.

Source: 10/8/2008 Newsline

BBT issues letter regarding international financial crisis.

The following letter from Brethren Benefit Trust (BBT) president Nevin Dulabaum was issued last Friday, Oct. 3, regarding the agency’s response to the international financial crisis. BBT is a Church of the Brethren agency providing insurance and pension benefits for pastors and employees of congregations, districts, and church agencies; ministries that undergird the financial health and wellbeing of individuals and organizations; and investment and information technology services for the wider church:

"As investors in the United States, and now the world, wait to learn what is next in the rapidly changing financial markets, Brethren Benefit Trust joins its clients and members with concern over what this all means in the short-, mid-, and longterm for investments that are under BBT’s management.

"Obviously, BBT’s stock and bond investments will follow the trend of the markets. Our mandate to our eight national investment managers is to outperform their respective indices, which are used as benchmarks to gauge how successfully they invest our funds. However, our managers cannot buck strong trends--no one can. This means that if one or more investment markets are in full-scale decline, such as equities at this time, BBT investments most likely will not decline as much as its benchmark, the S&P 500, but investments will decline nonetheless.

"It is all part of the ebb and flow of the investment marketplace, but just because this is part of the business cycle does not mean it is easy to watch. Exacerbating the situation is the fact that the scope and impact of the current financial crisis is being likened to that of Wall Street ’s crash of 1929. Over the past two weeks, a number of financial service companies have been bought out or shut down so quickly that it is difficult to keep up-to-date on whether one has investments in any of these firms.

"We are in unprecedented times; however, that does not mean that we are not prepared for times such as these.

"The BBT investment policies, which cover investments in the Brethren Pension Plan and Brethren Foundation and have been fine-tuned for two decades, emphasize investing in strong companies, not chasing "hot" stocks or bonds. Companies are looked at for their stability, longterm potential, and fiscal wellbeing.

"BBT’s investment guidelines call for funds under its management to be invested in a broad spectrum of sectors. With financials being one of a number of investment sectors, and with guidelines also limiting how much exposure BBT’s asset managers are allowed to purchase in any one firm, the BBT financial system is designed to absorb declines in individual companies and individual sectors. This system is also the reason why BBT’s investments were not adversely impacted in the recent past by other headline-grabbing implosions, such as with WorldCom and Enron.

"BBT’s investment strategy also calls for diversification through multiple managers. BBT currently contracts with four equity managers, two bond managers, one short-term manager, and a community development manager to guide the investing of its funds. Each of the equities and bond managers is given a unique investment style to follow, so that none of the managers is investing in the same manner. Managers are then reviewed quarterly to ensure that they are following investment guidelines and are equaling or outperforming their respective benchmarks.

"And who is managing these managers? On a daily basis, it is BBT’s staff that gives guidance to the investment managers. Mid- and longterm issues receive input and direction from BBT’s investment committee, which currently is composed of an investment officer who works for an $8 billion trust, a professional bond manager, the owner of a financial planning firm, and an attorney. BBT also contracts with a firm that specializes in providing investment oversight to companies like BBT to add additional expertise to our decision making.

"Indeed, these are unprecedented times. What is certain, however, is that the investment strategy crafted by BBT is designed to weather crises such as this one. Which brings me to the final point: For those who are not investment professionals, the best investing advice is to develop a strategy with a financial planner, and then stick with it. Market timing--that is, the jumping in or out of investments because a perceived increase or loss is about to take place--usually is not a sound move. For example, on Monday, Sept. 29, all signs pointed early in the day that Congress would approve a $700 billion bailout plan for the troubled financial industry. The equities markets seemed poised to rise under news of that planned stabilization. However, when the plan unexpectedly fell apart, the Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped a whopping 777 points--the index’s largest one-day drop ever.

"BBT recommends that all of its Pension Plan members and Brethren Foundation clients develop a longterm investment strategy based on their respective needs, and then stick to their plans. It is the best strategy for these uncertain times."

Source: 10/8/2008 Newsline

Credits

Newsline is produced by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of news services for the Church of the Brethren, cobnews@brethren.org or 800-323-8039 ext. 260. Mary K. Heatwole, Jeri S. Kornegay, Karin Krog, Julie Hostetter, Donna March, Patrice Nightingale, and John Wall contributed to this report.

BVS TRAINEE UNDER POLICE INVESTIGATION

A trainee in the current Brethren Volunteer Service orientation unit has been involved in a situation that is under investigation by the Baltimore City police department. The trainee checked in to a hospital on Saturday and was discovered to have given birth recently. After the woman told police the baby was stillborn, they found the body in a trash bin outside the church where the unit was staying.

Police are investigating the death of the baby. The outcome of the police investigation is not yet known.

BVS leaders did not know the trainee was pregnant, nor did they know she gave birth.

"This is a tragedy," said Stan Noffsinger, general secretary of the Church of the Brethren. The denomination's executive staff have been involved in offering support and caring for the members of the orientation unit and the BVS staff. Direct care and support also have been offered to the family of the individual involved.

The incident took place at St. John's United Methodist Church in Baltimore, where the unit was staying at the time. St. John's pastor Drew Phoenix offered support to the orientation unit immediately. The church has hosted BVS units previously in order to give trainees experience with inner-city life and an opportunity to do volunteer work with organizations such as soup kitchens and homeless shelters.

Church of the Brethren staff expressed gratitude to the St. John's pastor and congregation for their support during a very difficult time.

The Church of the Brethren is continuing to request prayer support from church members across the denomination. Noffsinger emphasized the role of the church community in times of tragedy and loss. "As a church community, we need to stand by the young woman, her family, and the volunteers who are completing their orientation," he said. "We have a group of volunteers who are getting ready to go out on their assignments. They are getting tremendous support from staff and counselors as they prepare to go out and serve others around the world." A professional counselor is meeting with the unit this week.

Brethren Volunteer Service is a ministry of the Church of the Brethren, and this year has been observing its 60th anniversary (www.brethrenvolunteerservice.org).

Source: 10/7/2008 Newsline Update

BRETHREN VOLUNTEER SERVICE ASKS FOR PRAYER FOR TRAINEE, ORIENTATION UNIT

Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS) leaders have asked for prayer following a devastating situation involving a trainee in its current orientation unit. Members of the orientation unit have been in training in Maryland, preparing for terms of service as fulltime volunteers.

One of the trainees in the unit has been involved in a tragic medical situation that is requiring an investigation by the Baltimore City police department. The outcome of that investigation is not yet known.

Church of the Brethren denominational staff have been offering support and caring for the trainee and family. Support is being offered also to the other members of the orientation unit and to the BVS orientation staff.

Prayer support is requested from the denomination during this difficult time for the BVS staff and volunteers.

Brethren Volunteer Service is a ministry of the Church of the Brethren, and this year is celebrating its 60th anniversary (www.brethrenvolunteerservice.org).

Source: 10/6/2008 Newsline Extra

More Datails: Baltimore Sun

Newsline Special

BRETHREN TAKE PART IN PEACEMAKING DIALOGUE WITH PRESIDENT AHMADINEJAD OF IRAN

Two Church of the Brethren leaders were among some 300 international religious and political figures, including Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, at a dialogue in New York yesterday evening, Sept. 25. The meeting was held to discuss the role of religion in responding to global challenges and building peace and understanding between societies.

The Brethren leaders who attended were Stan Noffsinger, general secretary of the Church of the Brethren, and Phil Jones, director of the Brethren Witness/Washington Office. The Church of the Brethren was requested to accompany Mennonite leaders and staff of Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) to the meeting, as one of the three Historic Peace Churches.

The gathering was one of an ongoing series of meetings that come at the initiative of Mennonite Central Committee (MCC). At a meeting with President Ahmadinejad a year ago on Sept. 26, 2007, three Brethren were among some 140 Christian leaders: Annual Conference moderator James Beckwith, Church of the Brethren representative to the UN Doris Abdullah, and Jones. Previous gatherings occurred when a small group of religious leaders met with President Ahmadinejad during a previous visit to the US, and when a delegation of US religious leaders traveled to Iran in Feb. 2007.

The theme of yesterday’s dialogue was "Has not one God created us? The significance of religious contributions to peace." A series of panelists shared Jewish, Muslim, and Christian perspectives on addressing poverty, injustice, environmental degradation, and war. Speakers included President Ahmadinejad, Kjell Bondevik, former prime minister of Norway, and Miguel d’Escoto Brockmann, president of the United Nations General Assembly.

The dialogue, which followed a meal, was sponsored by MCC, American Friends Service Committee, the Quaker United Nations Office, Religions for Peace, and the World Council of Churches-United Nations Liaison Office, in consultation with the Permanent Mission of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the UN.

Arli Klassen, executive director of MCC, gave welcoming remarks on behalf of the sponsoring organizations. She lit an oil lamp as a symbol of faith and invited participants to reflect on peacemaking from their own faith perspectives. "As a Christian, I believe that we are following Jesus Christ's example and his teaching as we eat together and hold this dialogue despite our many differences," Klassen said.

Klassen noted several areas of high tension in relations between Iran, the US, and other nations. Addressing President Ahmadinejad, Klassen raised concerns about his statements on the Holocaust and Israel, Iran's nuclear program, and religious freedom in Iran. "We ask you to find a way within your own country to allow for religious diversity, and to allow people to make their own choices as to which religion they will follow," Klassen said.

Rabbi Lynn Gottlieb, a leader in the Jewish Renewal movement, spoke about Jewish traditions of peacemaking and nonviolence, and drew upon her work for reconciliation between Muslims and Jews and Palestinians and Israelis. She also spoke about the significance of mourning the deaths of all victims of war, including the millions of people killed in the Holocaust, World War II, and wars in Iran and Iraq. "Because of the Holocaust, I learned from the rabbis who ordained and guide me, to be active in preventing further suffering of all human beings as a primary religious call to action," Gottlieb said.

Nihad Awad, executive director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, spoke about Islamic principles for alleviating poverty, caring for the environment, and working for peace and justice. He encouraged his interreligious audience to cooperate more closely toward these goals. "Has not God created us?" Awad said. "Yes--and he wants us to work together."

Although Klassen, Bondevik, and others raised concerns about religious freedoms and human rights in Iran, President Ahmadinejad did not address these issues directly. He spoke at length about theological issues, such as monotheism, justice, and commonalities among religions. "All divine prophets have spoken of one truth," the president said. "The religion of Islam is the same as that offered by Moses."

President Ahmadinejad spoke in broad terms about "challenges facing the human community," including poverty, declining morality, and a lack of religion in public life. He decried the humanitarian costs of wars in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Lebanon, and spoke extensively about the hardships suffered by Palestinians. He criticized nations such as the United States for maintaining nuclear weapons and did not deviate from his previous statements that Iran's nuclear program is for peaceful purposes.

"We were guests of the Mennonites," Noffsinger emphasized in a telephone interview today, following a debriefing meeting for the Mennonite delegation. "It was delightful to sit with about 20 people of member churches of the MCC and their staff." At this morning’s debriefing, Noffsinger reported that the group wanted to hear Brethren responses to the event. It is that same sense of collaboration that Mennonites are using in their ongoing attempts at dialogue with the people of Iran, he added. "It’s good and it’s healthy," Noffsinger said.

A couple hundred protesters demonstrated across the street during the meeting with Ahmadinejad, Noffsinger said. The protesters, he felt, were identifying the peace churches as "irrelevant to American culture. That’s been abrasive and difficult to hear," he said.

During the meeting with Ahmadinejad, the American religious leaders spoke "about nuclear armaments and the Holocaust," Noffsinger said. These concerns "were all raised and clearly articulated multiple times. It was very open speech."

Other denominations that are members of the World Council of Churches have received criticism of the WCC sponsorship of the meeting, Noffsinger said, and he himself has received questions about why the Brethren participated. Those questions "missed the point," he said. "The dialogue is what really matters."

To the question, are you going? Noffsinger said he has responded, "Of course we’re going to be there."

"To be at that table, this is what it means to be a peace church," he said. "We’re always called by Jesus’ command to love neighbors as ourselves. The church also has position papers on nuclear weapons, war, international relationships. We have a statement on peacemaking, and we will take every avenue of nonviolent resolution. These are reasons we go to the table, that’s why we risk it. Our faith compels us."

The Church of the Brethren has consistently engaged in conversation and relationship building with peoples identified as political enemies, in obedience to the command of Jesus to "love your enemies" (Mt. 5:44, Lk. 6:27). For example, during the Cold War the Church of the Brethren hosted delegations of Russian representatives from the Russian Orthodox Church, at a time when those visits also were met by hostile groups of protesters.

"There are going to be other places around the world where we are going to be called to be in the middle of it, and that’s where we ought to be" as Brethren, Noffsinger said. "It’s where we’ve always been."

"It was with a delicate balance of faith and trust that I attended," Jones said today as he reported on the meeting. He noted that this is the fourth attempt at open and honest conversation with President Ahmadinejad. "Have I seen great progress in our understanding?" he asked. "Certainly not, it takes time to develop that safe place where real dialogue can occur. But truths have been told and lies have been challenged."

"We must meet and greet and love all of our sisters and brothers, not just those we are comfortable with," Jones said. "Many within our tradition, Christian and Brethren, have challenged this attempt at loving dialogue. We do not always choose our enemies, we do not always choose those we love. In faith and trust we simply live the greatest commandment of all, to the best of our ability."

For more information, contact the Brethren Witness/Washington Office at pjones_gb@brethren.org or 800-785-3246.

(Sections of this report came from a Mennonite Central Committee press release.)

Newsline Extra

DISASTER RESPONSE UPDATE

• Disaster grants aid the Caribbean, Children’s Disaster Service continues work in Texas.

UPCOMING EVENTS

• Faith Expedition to study indigenous coffee region of Mexico.
  
• On Earth Peace offers Israel/Palestine delegation trip.
  
• Sudan Initiative director to meet with RECONCILE leaders.

Disaster grants aid the Caribbean, Children’s Disaster Service continues work in Texas.

In a continuing response to the recent hurricanes that hit the Caribbean and the US Gulf coast, the Church of the Brethren’s Emergency Disaster Fund has issued several grants to support relief work, and 26 volunteers from the denomination’s Children’s Disaster Services agency are caring for children in shelters in Texas this week.

The Emergency Disaster Fund has given a grant of $5,000 for Brethren work in Haiti, which has been hit by four tropical storms and hurricanes in the last two months. In the recent Hurricane Ike, more than 300 people died in Haiti, many thousands of homes were destroyed, and millions of Haitians are now in dire need of food. Reports from the Church of the Brethren Haiti Advisory Committee indicate that at least 35 Haitian Brethren have lost their homes.

The grant will support a collaborative effort between Brethren Disaster Ministries and the Church of the Brethren’s Global Mission Partnerships, and will include travel for an assessment team, a Haiti response coordinator, and the assessment and development of a Brethren response in Haiti. Future grants are anticipated once a plan is developed.

A separate grant of $10,000 supports the work of Church World Service (CWS) in the Caribbean, including a rapid response effort that is already underway, well as the shipping of material aid from the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md. The Material Resources program’s most recent shipments in response to Hurricane Gustav and Hurricane Ike have included a truckload of blankets, baby kits, and hygiene kits shipped to Haiti, and a truckload of school kits and hygiene kits shipped to Baton Rouge, La.

Another allocation of $9,000 from the fund has gone to aid displaced people following the armed conflict between Georgia and the Russian Federation, to support the aid efforts of CWS partners the Russian Orthodox Church and Tbilisi Youth House Foundation.

Children’s Disaster Services this week has 26 volunteers in the Houston area, serving children displaced by Hurricane Ike. These teams are to be replaced with new teams of childcare volunteers over the weekend, reported Judy Bezon, director of Children’s Disaster Services. The current teams have worked in four shelters, one of which is a "mega center" where two childcare centers are open. Bezon reported that as other shelters close, and as evacuees learn their homes are uninhabitable, they will go to the mega shelter--which "will be going for quite a while," she said.

"CDS volunteers certainly are generous with their time," Bezon added, in a note expressing admiration for volunteers who spend long demanding hours each day caring for children in stressful circumstances. "I have 13 ready to travel to Houston over the weekend, and more who can go just a bit later. All of this after utilizing 29 volunteers for Hurricane Gustav! Altogether there are 28 more people who are willing to put everything aside to go help children who have been impacted by a storm."

Source: 9/25/2008 Newsline Extra

Faith Expedition to study indigenous coffee region of Mexico.

A Faith Expedition to Mexico has been announced by the Brethren Witness/Washington Office, to visit an indigenous coffee cooperative and learn first-hand about organic coffee farming and the hardships faced by small-scale farmers. This Faith Expedition is in partnership with Equal Exchange, and Witness for Peace. The trip will take place Jan. 24-Feb. 3, 2009.

The group will stay in the homes of coffee farmers in the area of Chiapas, and will learn about the economic, political, and historical context of Mexico and the state of Chiapas. Topics will include the 1994 uprising in Chiapas, low-intensity conflict, and human rights abuses against indigenous people.

Participants will learn how to "connect the dots" between global economic forces and local social hardships, for example, how the global price of coffee affects the livelihoods of poor farming communities around the world. Other features of the trip will include a visit to an indigenous women's artisan cooperative, and the opportunity to learn about the role that faith and Liberation Theology has played in the lives of people in rural Chiapas.

For more information about cost and how to apply, contact the Brethren Witness/Washington Office at 337 North Carolina Ave. SE, Washington, DC 20003; pjones_gb@brethren.org or 800-785-3246. The deadline for applications is Nov. 1, when an application form with nonrefundable deposit of $150 is required.

Source: 9/25/2008 Newsline Extra

On Earth Peace offers Israel/Palestine delegation trip.

A trip to Israel/Palestine on the theme, "Plant Peace," is being offered by On Earth Peace on Jan. 6-19, 2009. The experience will be led by Rick Polhamus, a former fulltime volunteer with Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT) in Hebron.

The delegation will meet with Israeli and Palestinian peace and human rights workers, will join the CPT teams in Hebron and the Palestinian village of At-Tuwani in a limited amount of accompaniment and documentation, and will join in a public witness. "This is an opportunity to get an on-the-ground perspective on the conflict in the Middle East, how it impacts communities, and how some communities are making a stand for peace," said the announcement.

Participants will be expected to prepare for the trip by becoming familiar with current conditions in the Middle East, and upon return communicate about the experience with local congregations, groups, and the media. The $2,100 cost includes international airfare, in-country travel, simple accommodations, two meals per day, honoraria, and delegation fees.

For more information, contact On Earth Peace at 410-635-8704, or Rick Polhamus at jrp@goinx.com or 937-313-4458.

Source: 9/25/2008 Newsline Extra

Sudan Initiative director to meet with RECONCILE leaders.

Mission staff of the Church of the Brethren are planning a meeting with RECONCILE, a peace and reconciliation organization in southern Sudan, to continue building relationships as together we consider places of partnership. Brad Bohrer, director of the Sudan Initiative, will travel to southern Sudan from Sept. 29-Oct. 11, during which time he will meet with RECONCILE leaders and also provide leadership for two events sponsored by the organization.

"The Sudan Initiative recently has gone through a clarifying time," Bohrer said. "With staff changes came a period of stepping back from the direction we were going, a time of reevaluation and discernment. The vision and call continues for us to go to Sudan, but we are going with a clearer, deeper call from Sudanese leaders to partner with them in the rebuilding of the country after the civil war."

RECONCILE was formed in 2003 out of the work of the New Sudan Council of Churches (NSCC), Bohrer reported. The Church of the Brethren has been involved with the NSCC since its inception, and has in the past provided staff as well as financial and other support. Merlyn Kettering, a Church of the Brethren member who served for a time as a church consultant for economic and social development in Sudan, wrote most of the organizing documents for the creation of RECONCILE and also trained its early leadership.

RECONCILE is currently involved in workshops for church and community leaders to foster peace on a local level, as well as training for reconciliation, participation in local and national government through elections, and empowering the population to be in healthy communities, Bohrer reported.

"My trip will be to deepen our partnership with RECONCILE and define some long- and short-term positions that we will try to fill to strengthen their program and create sustained presence in Sudan," Bohrer said. During his trip, Bohrer also will provide a leadership training event for the RECONCILE staff, and give a workshop for church and community leaders on the importance of participating in elections.

"I'm excited that we can walk along with RECONCILE in this way," Bohrer said. He added that conversations are in progress with other Sudanese organizations and churches to explore further partnering relationships that the Church of the Brethren can establish.

Source: 9/25/2008 Newsline Extra

Credits

Newsline is produced by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of news services for the Church of the Brethren, cobnews@brethren.org or 800-323-8039 ext. 260. Judy Bezon, Phil Jones, Jon Kobel, Gimbiya Kettering, Roy Winter contributed to this report.

NEWS

• Brethren Benefit Trust issues statement on financial crisis, investments.
  
• National Older Adult Conference brings hundreds to Lake Junaluska.
  
• Summer workcamp program involves nearly 700 participants.
  
• Curriculum survey responses urged.
  
• Brethren bits: Correction, personnel, position openings, and more.

PERSONNEL

• Nightingale, Thompson begin new positions at BBT.

Brethren Benefit Trust issues statement on financial crisis, investments.

Brethren Benefit Trust (BBT) has issued a statement in response to the current turmoil in the financial markets. BBT is the financial services ministry of the Church of the Brethren. Its ministries include the Brethren Pension Plan, and BBT also houses the Brethren Foundation that provides investment management services to churches, agencies, and others.

BBT reported that it contacted each of its investment managers early last week regarding their Brethren Pension Plan and Brethren Foundation holdings. Of BBT’s two bond managers, Income Research and Management had 0.9 percent of its portfolio in Lehman Brothers, 1.2 percent in AIG, and 0.4 percent in Merrill Lynch. Agincourt Capital Management had 0.6 percent of its portfolio in Lehman Brothers, 0.46 percent in Merrill Lynch, and no holdings in AIG. None of BBT’s four equities managers nor its short-term fund manager had investments in Lehman Brothers, AIG, or Merrill Lynch.

"Although many questions remain unanswered with regard to the government’s proposed bailout and the impact it will have if approved, many factors are expected to influence investment performance over the entire year--issues like Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac having been nationalized, and the number of banks that have been taken over by the FDIC," the statement said in part.

"There is still a significant volume of over-leveraged entities with toxic assets in the markets," the statement continued. "It is likely that the cycle is not finished, but it is necessary to clean up the excesses--a positive step in a rational restructuring of markets and asset prices. The critical question, however, is to what extent the declines in financial assets will have direct impact on the real economy. This transmission risk is material, and we expect at least some negative implications for Gross Domestic Product growth as it is unlikely that a material improvement in the economy will be seen without a healthier financial sector."

In the meantime, BBT is continuing to work closely with its investment managers, and is reassuring Brethren that those managers remain diligent in their efforts to make prudent decisions with the assets they manage on behalf of Brethren Pension Plan members and Brethren Foundation clients.

About the financial situation of the Church of the Brethren Credit Union, BBT said that "ideally, nearly all of the money that Church of the Brethren Credit Union manages is invested in the form of auto and personal loans to members. In times when the Credit Union has excess liquidity, funds are invested in Certificates of Deposit. These investments are always less than $100,000 per financial institution, which means funds are always fully insured by the National Credit Union Association. Thus, the Church of the Brethren Credit Union is not directly impacted by the national financial crisis."

The full statement will be available at www.brethrenbenefittrust.org. To discuss BBT’s investments further call 800-746-1505, ext. 385 for Pension Plan members, or call ext. 369 for Foundation clients. "We welcome your call," BBT staff said.

Source: 9/24/2008 Newsline

National Older Adult Conference brings hundreds to Lake Junaluska.

Warmth and friendliness were hallmarks of the National Older Adult Conference (NOAC) Sept. 1-5 at Lake Junaluska, N.C. More than 898 from across the Church of the Brethren gathered by the calm waters of the lake to hear engaging keynote speakers, attend workshops, eat gallons of ice cream, and catch up with one another since the last NOAC in 2006.

Sandy Bosserman, a former district executive minister, preached at the opening worship service and invited the conference to "Come to the Troubled Waters." She began with pleasant images of water, such as wonderful beaches with lazy waves and gentle breezes, but then recalled times in her life when water played a more troubling role. She called Brethren to the troubled waters that brought healing to the cripple man in John 5:1-7. "‘Come to the Troubled Waters’ is a loaded invitation," she said. "We Brethren certainly know about troubled water and the dangers of wading into it."

Stephen Breck Reid, former dean and professor of Old Testament Studies at Bethany Theological Seminary, led a series of three Bible studies. Picking up on the conference theme, "Come to the Water," he opened the series by stating, "In that story the angel of the Lord troubled the waters, but for the next three days I’m going to reacquaint you with people who themselves troubled the waters. Come to the waters is not just about a sentimental warm fuzzy time, but it is an invitation to come to the troubled waters that God has presented to us."

Tuesday morning keynote speaker Donald Kraybill described the tragic day of the shooting of Amish children at Nickle Mines in Pennsylvania. Silence fell upon Stuart Auditorium as Kraybill, senior fellow at the Young Center at Elizabethtown (Pa.) College, recounted the events. The message was sobering but of greater importance: the Amish response of faith, grace, and forgiveness. "My question to us this morning is simply this: If these had been our children, our sisters, if these had been our granddaughters or nieces, how would we have responded?" Kraybill asked. "What would we have done?" Kraybill is one of the authors of the book, "Amish Grace: How Forgiveness Transcended Tragedy," written jointly with Steven M. Nolt and David L. Weaver-Zercher. Copies are available from Brethren Press.

Other highlights of the conference included inspiring messages from keynote presenters Jane Thibault, a clinical gerontologist and clinical professor at the University of Louisville; Valerie Bridgeman Davis, associate professor of Hebrew, homiletics, and worship at Memphis Theological Seminary; and Scott Sheperd, who used a humorous, nontraditional approach to focusing on stress. Rounding out the week was Frank Ramirez, pastor of Everett (Pa.) Church of the Brethren and author of several books, including "The Meanest Man in Patrick County" and "Brethren Brush with Greatness."

Nancy Faus-Mullen, professor emerita of Bethany Theological Seminary where she taught for 25 years, led the conference in a celebration of 300 years of Brethren hymnody. The gathering sang hymns and songs from the 18th century to the present time. The evening featured several hymn writers leading their own hymns, and included a hymn led by Wil Nolen, retiring president of BBT and former song leader at NOAC. Conference entertainment also included the group Trifolkal, which with songs and stories led conference goers laughing, crying, and tapping their feet along a journey of healing.

David Sollenberger and the NOAC News Team provided twice daily doses of humor, announcements, news, and other material. The antics of the news team were anxiously anticipated, as attendees waited to see the latest creative installment. A DVD of the week’s episodes of NOAC News is available from Brethren Press.

Several groups celebrated anniversaries. Brethren Volunteer Service celebrated its 60th anniversary, NOAC observed the 50th anniversary of the ordination of women in the Church of the Brethren, and those who were at National Youth Conference (NYC) in 1958 held a 50th reunion. The 1958 NYC was the second in Church of the Brethren history, and also was held at Lake Junaluska. Group pictures were taken of each special celebration and are available for purchase, contact pastoreddie@verizon.net if interested.

Over 200 walkers in the Well Walk, and even more NOAC participants who gave donations, pushed toward two goals--two miles around Lake Junaluska and $5,000 to provide a sustainable water system at the Comprehensive Secondary School of Ekklesiyar Yan'uwa a Nigeria (EYN) at church headquarters in Kwarhi, Nigeria. The noncompetitive walk offered the rewards of witnessing a glorious sunrise over the lake, and stretching bodies, minds, and spirits. At last count, $4,710 has been received and donations are still coming in. Some congregations have made this a special project to undertake, and one family has indicated that the well project will be the beneficiary of its annual joint Christmas gift. Additional contributions may be made to Church of the Brethren Well Project, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120.

In order to insure that no more than two major Church of the Brethren conferences are held in any one year, the next NOAC will be in 2009. Thereafter the conference will return to its every-two-years schedule. Lake Junaluska will once again be the site for NOAC on Sept. 7-11, 2009, on the theme, "Legacies of Wisdom: Weaving Old and New." Registration brochures will be mailed in March 2009.

--Eddie Edmonds is pastor of Moler Avenue Church of the Brethren in Martinsburg, W.Va., and served as director of communications at NOAC. Information contained in this article appeared on the daily web pages at www.brethren.org/abc/noac/NOAC2008/Monday.html and in the "NOAC Notes" daily news sheet. Alice Edmonds, Frank Ramirez, and Mary Lou Garrison contributed to this report.

Source: 9/24/2008 Newsline

Summer workcamp program involves nearly 700 participants.

Nearly 700 junior- and senior-high youth and adult advisors were part of the 2008 Church of the Brethren workcamps this summer. Participants worshiped, served, and experienced new cultures as part of the workcamp experience.

In all, 28 workcamps were offered by the Church of the Brethren’s Youth and Young Adult Ministries, in 12 states and four countries. Participants traveled as far west as Idaho and as far south as Mexico and the Caribbean. The theme for the summer’s workcamps was "...Strengthen My Hands," based on Nehemiah 6:9.

A wide variety of experiences were available to workcamp participants. Youth in the Pine Ridge workcamp learned about Native American culture through participating in an "inipi" or sweat-lodge, a beading lesson, and a trip to the site of the Wounded Knee Massacre. Work projects included home repairs around the reservation, as well as improvements to a school.

Workcampers explored urban issues of poverty and homelessness in Roanoke, Va.; Baltimore, Md.; Indianapolis, Ind.; Chicago, Ill.; and Ashland, Ohio. Workcamps in Neon, Ken., and Keyser, W.Va., were provided with a perspective on rural life. Those who went to St. Croix in the US Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, and Reynosa, Mexico, received a chance for cross-cultural interactions.

Dates and locations for the 2009 workcamps will be available this fall. Go to www.brethren.org/genbd/yya/workcamps for more information. Brochures about the 2009 program also will be mailed to each Church of the Brethren congregation.

--Meghan Horne is an assistant coordinator for the Church of the Brethren workcamp program in 2009, serving through Brethren Volunteer Service.

Source: 9/24/2008 Newsline

Curriculum survey responses urged.

An important curriculum survey was mailed last week to all Church of the Brethren congregations. The survey from Brethren Press seeks information that will help the publishing house better understand the needs and interests of congregations in the area of Christian education.

A parallel survey also has been distributed within Mennonite congregations in the US and Canada. The results of both surveys will be studied at an upcoming meeting of the staff of the Gather 'Round curriculum project.

Congregations are encouraged to submit their responses on the online version of the survey, since that will simplify tabulation, but returning the print version is also fine. Go to www.brethren.org/curriculumsurvey to find the survey.

The survey should be completed by only one person per congregation, the one most knowledgeable about curriculum use. Respondents are asked to return the survey quickly, preferably within two weeks, so that there is time to organize the information before the curriculum planning meeting.

"This is the first time we’ve conducted a survey like this," said publisher Wendy McFadden. "The information will be an immense help as we plan educational resources for the future. We’re really grateful to everyone who takes the time to help us gather this input."

Source: 9/24/2008 Newsline

Brethren bits: Correction, personnel, position openings, and more.

• Correction: The subject of Michael Hodson’s writing project for the Brethren Encyclopedia Inc. (see Newsline Extra of Sept. 12) is Brethren, universal restoration, and universalism, over the time period of the 18th and 19th centuries.
  
  
• Nancy Watts of Elgin, Ill., began Sept. 16 as donations and accounts receivable specialist for the Church of the Brethren, working at the denomination’s General Offices. She most recently has been assistant to the controller for Butera Finer Foods Corporate offices. Prior to that she held accounting positions with Mueller and Co., LLP, and Elgin Sweeper Co.
  
  
• Debbie Brehm of Huntley, Ill., began an internship in Human Resources Management at the Church of the Brethren General Offices on Sept. 17. The internship is part of her bachelor degree program at Judson University. Brehm comes from a background as faculty member and board member with Heritage Homeschool Workshops.
  
  
• The New Windsor (Md.) Conference Center is recognizing the service of several volunteer hosts. Ron and Jean Strine of Hershey, Pa., departed on Sept. 1 after volunteering at SERRV/A Greater Gift during July, and serving as first-time volunteer hosts in the Old Main building in August. Art and Lois Hermanson returned to Iowa on Sept. 2 after having served as volunteer hosts in Zigler Hall for six months. Sally Allstott of Pennsylvania has been a first-time volunteer host in Zigler Hall for the month of September. Red and Emily (Larson) Brandon have served as host and hostess of Old Main for September. Olive Provost has served as volunteer host in Windsor Hall for the past six months.
  
  
• McPherson (Kan.) College invites nominations and applications for a president to succeed Ronald D. Hovis, who will retire in June 2009. McPherson is a small college with 500 fulltime students, focusing on career-oriented liberal arts. It is located in McPherson, Kan., about an hour north of Wichita, the largest city in the state. The college was founded in 1887 by the Church of the Brethren and remains committed to the values of the church: peace and justice, ethical behavior, and putting faith into action. McPherson’s mission is to develop whole persons through scholarship, participation, and service. The next president should be someone who is prepared to serve as both a chief executive and an academic leader; believes in the college’s mission as a church-related baccalaureate college; models the values of the Church of the Brethren; demonstrates a record of achievement in leading and managing organizations, and in dealing with complex financial challenges; can help frame a compelling vision of McPherson’s potential that will energize the campus, community, and other stakeholders to lend their support; possesses an advanced degree and an understanding of the distinctive culture of higher education. Nominations, inquiries, and expressions of interest, which will be held in the strictest confidence, should be submitted as a Microsoft Word attachment to Richard Doll, Chair of the Search Committee for the President, at wagonerd@mcpherson.edu. Go to www.mcpherson.edu for a more detailed leadership statement. Review of candidates will begin Nov. 1.
  
  
• Manchester College in North Manchester, Ind., seeks an assistant professor of religion to fill the vacancy left by Dr. Kendall Rogers, who is now teaching at Bethany Theological Seminary. This is a tenure-track position, to begin in fall 2009. Responsibilities include teaching eight courses per year (3-1-4), undergraduate, including multiple sections of an introductory course in Christian theology. Departmental needs include the history of Christianity, world religions, feminist/womanist theology, and the philosophy of religion. The college will consider ABD; a Ph.D. is preferred. Excellence in teaching is required. Candidates should be familiar and comfortable with the traditions of the Church of the Brethren. Salary is dependent on qualifications and experience. A complete benefit package includes paid sick time, health insurance, retirement plan, tuition, and the opportunity to serve in a dynamic, educational environment committed to faith, service and learning. Manchester College is an independent, residential liberal arts and sciences college related to the Church of the Brethren, located 45 minutes west of Fort Wayne, Ind. It offers more than 55 areas of study to about 1,036 students from 24 states and 23 countries, and has 72 faculty members. Manchester has a distinctive commitment to developing respect for ethnic, cultural, and religious pluralism and an international consciousness. Apply by sending a cover letter, curriculum vitae, evidence of teaching experience and ability, and teaching philosophy to Religion Search Committee, Office of Academic Affairs, Manchester College, 604 E. College Ave., North Manchester, IN 46962; or e-mail ksmeyer@manchester.edu. Go to www.manchester.edu/OHR/facultypositions.htm#apr for the complete posting and the option of making an application online.
  
  
• The Gather 'Round curriculum project is expanding its pool of writers and is accepting applications from experienced writers. Those interested in the next round of writing should inquire by Oct. 31. Applications also will be accepted on a rolling basis for future quarters. Prospective writers must have the ability to write clearly and in the established style of the curriculum. Active membership in a Brethren or Mennonite congregation is preferred, as is teaching experience. Send a letter of interest, including information about writing and teaching experience, to Gather 'Round, gatherround@brethren.org or 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120. Questions may be directed to Anna Speicher, project director and senior editor. Gather 'Round: Hearing and Sharing God's Good News is a project of Brethren Press, publisher for the Church of the Brethren, and Mennonite Publishing Network, the publishing agency of Mennonite Church USA and Mennonite Church Canada. The materials are published for the Church of the Brethren, Mennonite Church Canada, and Mennonite Church USA, and are also used by congregations in at least half a dozen other denominations.
  
  
• Church of the Brethren general secretary Stan Noffsinger has endorsed two national interfaith statements recently, a response to Hurricanes Gustav, Rita, and Katrina put together by community and faith groups along the Gulf coast as part of a Gulf Coast Civic Works Campaign; and a letter addressing the issue of torture that calls on Congress to provide the International Committee of the Red Cross with access to all US-held detainees. The "Gulf Coast Civic Works Interfaith Statement: Supporting Human Rights in Gulf Coast Recovery Is a Moral Priority," urges more than a charitable response to the hurricanes including a bi-partisan federal solution addressing longterm needs for rebuilding community infrastructure, restoring the environment, and creating jobs for local and displaced residents. The letter addressing the issue of torture asked for legislation that requires the Central Intelligence Agency to notify the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) of all US-held detainees and to allow the ICRC access to them. "The United States has long opposed holding detainees incommunicado and supported ICRC access, because incommunicado detention is most often used as the means to engage in unlawful and inhumane treatment." the letter said.
  
  
• Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS) is celebrating its 60th Anniversary this Friday through Sunday at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md. The event will feature displays and information in Windsor Auditorium, insight sessions with featured speakers, a Saturday evening banquet at the New Windsor Fire Hall, and more. The New Windsor Conference Center expects up to 300 visitors on the campus, including more than 90 overnight guests.
  
  
• The 130 participants at National Young Adult Conference in mid-August gave generously to the Church of the Brethren’s Global Food Crisis Fund. In successive offerings, donations were received of $850 to the farm rehabilitation program in North Korea that is supported by the fund, and $965 for its work with trees, stoves, and cisterns in Guatemala.
  
  
• The Foods Resource Bank has received a $100,000 grant from the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, an honor that positions it to be automatically considered for the $1.5 million Hilton Humanitarian Award in 2009. The Church of the Brethren’s Global Food Crisis Fund has been a partner with the Foods Resource Bank since 2004, and encourages Church of the Brethren congregations to sponsor growing projects to benefit the work of the Foods Resource Bank. "Brethren from growing projects in Maryland and Illinois were active in supporting the FRB nomination," reported Howard Royer, manager of the Global Food Crisis Fund. Among new growing projects this year sponsored by Brethren in cooperation with the Foods Resource Bank is the 10-acre corn crop of Greenmount Church of the Brethren near Harrisonburg, Va. This is the Foods Resource Bank’s first growing project in the state, according to Royer. Other new growing projects reported by Brethren this season involve individual farm families from the Chiques, Conewago, and Hanover churches in Pennsylvania, and the partnership of First Central and Washington Creek churches in Kansas. Produce ranges from a sweet potato patch to 10 acres of soybeans.
  
  
• On Sept. 18 the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill., hosted a visit by leaders of the National Council of Churches. The group met with the executive directors of the main areas of the Church of the Brethren’s work. All employees were invited to a worship service with the delegation, held in the General Offices chapel.
  
  
• On Earth Peace has announced the latest book in its Shalom Series. "Where Two or Three Are Gathered: Interpersonal Peacemaking" by Annie Clark is written "for those who recognize that significant differences exist among members of the church, yet value our unity as the Body of Christ, and are willing to work for it," the announcement said. "In these pages you will find stories of those who have stretched out their hands to clasp the hands of others with very different beliefs. Here are practical ideas for communicating positively with people you may not understand, including resources for engaging in difficult discussions, and advice for dealing with conflict." Order for $2 plus shipping and handling (less for multiple copies) from 410-635-8704.
  
  
• The Ecumenical Stewardship Center's Leadership Seminar this year is on the theme of ecological sustainability, titled "It's Easy Being Green." The setting is Marco Island, Fla., in a hotel that has been rebuilt as a "green" building. On the agenda are opportunities for several eco-tours. Presenters include Church of the Brethren member David Radcliff, director of the New Community Project; C. Jeff Woods, associate general secretary for the American Baptist Churches, USA; Stan McKay, a minister in the United Church of Canada who has served as national coordinator of Native Ministry for the United Church; Mark Vincent from Design for Ministry; Bryan Moyer Suderman, a musician whose most recent album and songbook is titled "My Money Talks: Songs For Worship"; and Fletcher Harper, an Episcopal priest and executive director of GreenFaith. Registration discounts include a group discount per denomination, a discount for early-bird registrations before Oct. 21, and a discount for first-timers. Be in touch with Carol Bowman, Church of the Brethren coordinator for stewardship formation and education, by Oct. 13 to help her coordinate Brethren registrations and take advantage of the discounts. Contact Bowman at cbowman_gb@brethren.org or 509-663-2833. Go to www.stewardshipresources.org for more information.
  
  
• Awards given at the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference in mid-July included the 2008 Camp Volunteer Award from the Outdoor Ministries Association, given to Norris and Gerry Martin of Masons Cove Church of the Brethren in Salem, Va.; and the Womaen's Caucus "Friend of Caucus Award," given to Charles (Chuck) Boyer of La Verne, Calif. Boyer is a retired Church of the Brethren pastor, a past Annual Conference moderator, and a former staff member of the Church of the Brethren General Board.
  
  
• Pipe Creek Church of the Brethren in Union Bridge, Md., is celebrating a 250th anniversary. It is planning a special worship service on Sept. 28 at 10 a.m.
  
  
• Sugar Creek West Church of the Brethren in Lima, Ohio, is celebrating 175 years on Sunday, Sept. 28. Worship begins at 10:30 a.m., followed by a luncheon, and a celebration service at 3 p.m. with burial of time capsule and balloon release.
  
  
• Lewiston (Minn.) Church of the Brethren celebrated its 150th anniversary on Sept. 13-14.
  
  
• Williamson Road Church of the Brethren in Roanoke, Va., holds its 60th Anniversary Celebration on Oct. 11-12. David Radcliff, director of the New Community Project, will be the speaker on Saturday evening at 7 p.m. and Sunday morning at the 11 a.m. worship service.
  
  
• Lancaster (Pa.) Church of the Brethren and Maranatha Multi-Cultural Fellowship held a first annual Multi-Cultural Festival on July 26.
  
  
• Best Friends performed at Wenatchee (Wash.) Brethren Baptist Church United on Sept. 12, as part of a Northwest Tour that also included churches in Idaho. The group was formed in 2006 by James Washington, an ordained minister in the Church of the Brethren, to share African-American cultural traditions through music and help break down racial divisions.
  
  
• A workshop for those concerned to help high school students make informed decisions about the military is at Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren in Elgin, Ill., on Saturday, Oct. 4, at 12 noon. Lunch will be provided. The event is co-sponsored by the church, the American Friends Service Committee and Fox Valley Citizens for Peace and Justice. For more call 312-427-2533.
  
  
• Virlina District has been holding a special offering to help defray the costs of rebuilding Erwin (Tenn.) Church of the Brethren. The Erwin Church building was destroyed in a fire after lightning hit the steeple on June 9. The offering has received $19,891.30 from 58 congregations.
  
  
• Several districts are holding conferences in the next two weeks: Middle Pennsylvania District holds a combined District Conference and Heritage Fair weekend on Sept. 26-28 at Camp Blue Diamond. Oregon and Washington District holds its conference at Olympic View Community Church of the Brethren in Seattle, Wash., on Sept. 26-28. Idaho and Western Montana District holds its conference on Oct. 3-4 at Fruitland (Idaho) Church of the Brethren on "Seek ye first the Kingdom of God" (Mt. 6:33a). A special gathering of Northern Plains District will be held at Camp Pine Lake on Oct. 4 as a follow up to a "Sending of the Seventy" project. The focus is "How do we be Missional?" Jonathan Shively and Duane Grady from the Church of the Brethren's Congregational Life Ministries will provide leadership, along with district leaders.
  
  
• The 32th Annual Brethren Disaster Relief Auction sponsored by Atlantic Northeast and Southern Pennsylvania Districts will be held Sept. 26-27 at the Lebanon (Pa.) Area Fairgrounds.
  
  
• Juniata College in Huntingdon, Pa., has received a $6.1 million bequest in the will of Larry S. Johnson of Somerset, Pa. The bequest is the largest single estate gift ever received by Juniata, according to the college. The bequest endows the Lawrence S. Johnson '61 Scholarship giving a full tuition, room-and-board scholarship to a graduate of Somerset Area High School; gives $1.5 million to the University of Rochester (N.Y.) School of Medicine and Dentistry to endow a four-year, full tuition scholarship for a graduate of Juniata; distributes more than $2 million to the Homer C. and Ethel F. Will Endowed Freshman Biology Scholarship offering financial aid packages for science students at Juniata; and gives about $400,000 to the general operating fund at the college. Juniata College president Thomas R. Kepple and board chair David Andrews will present a memorial plaque to Mark Gross, principal of Somerset Area High School, on Sept. 29.
  
  
• Manchester College in North Manchester, Ind., has registered its largest class in 25 years, according to a release. The class includes 390 new students. The increase was the result of a recruiting push and new marketing and admission strategies that produced a 46 percent increase in applications and 32 percent increase in campus visits.
  
  
• Fahrney-Keedy Home and Village, a Church of the Brethren retirement community in Boonsboro, Md., was a partner recently in a transaction involving hospital beds, according to a release from the home. Washington County Hospital in Hagerstown and IMA World Health also participated, and Fahrney-Keedy residents and people in the country of Rwanda will benefit from the deal. The hospital had electric beds it no longer needed after purchasing many new ones. Fahrney-Keedy bought 51 of those beds from the hospital for a greatly reduced price. In return, the community donated 26 manual-crank beds to IMA World Health, which has its main office at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md.
  
  
• The October edition of "Brethren Voices," a community television program of Peace Church of the Brethren in Portland, Ore., is titled "Bob Gross-A Man of Peace," and tells the life story of the executive director of On Earth Peace. The show includes the story of how Gross as a conscientious objector returned his draft card during the Vietnam War, and spent 18 months in federal prison. The November edition is titled "Re-Thinking, About Other Life Forms" featuring singer and songwriter Mike Stern. The programs are designed for Church of the Brethren congregations to air on community cable television in their communities. Contact producer Ed Groff at groffprod1@msn.com or 360-256-8550. Copies of the programs are available for a contribution of $8.
  
  
• Joel Kline, pastor of Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren in Elgin, Ill., is one of the honorees at an 18th Annual Awards Breakfast given by the Community Crisis Center in Elgin. The theme for the event, scheduled for Oct. 3 at 7:30 a.m. at the Elgin Country Club, is "Partners for Peace." October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Tickets are $20, for reservations call 847-697-2380 by Oct. 1.

Source: 9/24/2008 Newsline

Nightingale, Thompson begin new positions at BBT.

Patrice Nightingale and Eric Thompson have begun in new positions at Brethren Benefit Trust (BBT). Nightingale assumed the responsibilities of BBT’s interim director of communications on Sept. 15, while applications are being accepted to fill the position permanently. Thompson on Sept. 15 was promoted from network administrator to the newly created position of director of operations for information technology.

Nightingale came to BBT in May as manager of publications, serving as a senior writer and copy editor for publications, and will continue in that capacity during the interim. She has worked in the publications field for over 35 years in various capacities, is a graduate of Manchester College, and a member of Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren in Elgin, Ill.

Thompson began working for BBT on Jan. 2, 2001, as the information services/eMountain support technician. He became network administrator in 2003, and has played a key role in moving BBT’s technology forward. He is a member of Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren.

Source: 9/24/2008 Newsline

Credits

Newsline is produced by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of news services for the Church of the Brethren, cobnews@brethren.org or 800-323-8039 ext. 260. Kathleen Campanella, Jeri S. Kornegay, Karin Krog, Wendy McFadden, Patrice Nightingale, Howard Royer, John Wall contributed to this report.