Personnel, curriculum writers, Ministry Summer Service, and much more.

• Juniata College president Thomas R. Kepple Jr. has agreed to extend his current employment contract through May 2013. Juniata is a Church of the Brethren-related school in Huntingdon, Pa. Kepple was scheduled to retire in May 2011. In addition, the contracts of Kepple's senior management team--James Lakso, provost, and John Hille, executive vice president of enrollment and retention--also have been extended. Kepple arrived at Juniata from the University of the South in Sewanee, Tenn., where he was vice president for business and community from 1989-98. Previously, at Rhodes College in Memphis, Tenn., he served as director of administrative services 1975-81, dean of administrative services 1981-86, and provost 1986-89. He holds a bachelor's degree in business and economics from Westminster College, and a master's degree in business administration and a doctorate in education from Syracuse University.
  
  
• The Gather 'Round curriculum seeks freelance curriculum writers to write for the 2011-12 year. Gather 'Round is a project of Brethren Press and Mennonite Publishing Network. Writers are needed for Preschool (ages 3-4), Primary (K-grade 2), Middler (grades 3-5), Junior Youth (grades 6-8), and Youth (grades 9-12). All writers will attend an orientation conference in April 2010 and begin writing thereafter, with deadlines staggered quarter by quarter. Writers prepare weekly materials for teacher's guides, student books, and resource packs. Compensation varies according to the age group and the number of weeks (12-14) in a given quarter. For more information and to apply, visit the "Contact us" page at www.gatherround.org. Deadline for applications is Nov. 30.
  
  
• Applications for the 2010 Ministry Summer Service program are due Feb. 1. Ministry Summer Service is a leadership development program for college students in the Church of the Brethren. Students accepted into the program will spend 10 weeks of the summer working in the church, either in a local congregation, a district office, a camp, or a denominational program. "Through MSS, God is calling congregations to reach out in the ministry of teaching and receiving. God is calling young adults to explore the possibility of church work as their vocation," said an announcement. Students will receive a $2,500 tuition grant, food and housing for 10 weeks, $100 per month spending money, transportation from orientation to their placement, and transportation from their placement to home. Churches who host a student are expected to provide an atmosphere for learning, reflection, and development of leadership skills; a setting for a student to engage in ministry and service for a 10-week period; a stipend of $100 a month, plus room and board, transportation on the job, and travel of the intern from orientation to the placement site; a structure for planning, developing, and implementing ministry projects in a variety of areas; and financial resources and time for the pastor or a mentor to attend two days of orientation. Students and congregations must apply by Feb. 1, 2010. Go to www.brethren.org/mss for the application form and more information.
  
  
• "The brochure for the 2010 workcamps has arrived!" says an announcement from the Youth and Young Adult Office of the Church of the Brethren. "In a National Youth Conference year, most workcamps offered are for junior high youth but there are still options for senior high youth, including an intergenerational workcamp co-led by On Earth Peace and the 'We Are Able' workcamp co-sponsored by Caring Ministries." In addition, a young adult workcamp in Haiti is scheduled for the end of May. Registration opens Jan. 25 at 7 p.m. central time. For more information or to request a brochure, go to www.brethren.org/workcamps or contact cobworkcamps@brethren.org or 800-323-8039 ext. 286.
  
  
• On Earth Peace continues to receive applications for its annual Middle East Delegation, which will travel to Israel and Palestine on Jan. 5-18, 2010. The delegation is co-sponsored by Christian Peacemaker Teams. "Are you ready for the trip of a lifetime?" asks an announcement. "This is not a typical guided tour of the Holy Land. It is a journey in faith and forgiveness. Meet the ordinary Israelis and Palestinians who are seeking to come together for peace." For more information go to www.onearthpeace.org/programs/special/middle-east-peacemaking/delegations.html or contact delegation leader and On Earth Peace executive director Bob Gross at bgross@onearthpeace.org or 260-982-7751.
  
  
• On Earth Peace is inviting young adult artists and graphic artists affiliated with the Church of the Brethren to submit a design for the an annual report poster. Each year, On Earth Peace designs a poster, with the annual report appearing on the back. "However, it is the poster on the front side that (people) tend to look forward to the most!" said the announcement. "Some posters remain relevant and popular for years, encouraging peace." The theme for the 2010-11 poster is taken from Jeremiah 29: 4-7 and 10-11, with a focus on verse 11: "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope." Submissions must be high-resolution electronic submissions only; able to be reproduced on a 22 inch by 17 inch poster; with the scriptural theme (Jer. 29:11) written out. Submissions with the additional verses also are welcomed. Submissions should include the artist's contact information (telephone and e-mail). An award/honorarium of $300 is given to the artist of the poster selected. Eligibility: artists age 18-35 years, affiliated with the Church of the Brethren (through a congregation, church-related college, or family connection). Deadline for submissions is Dec. 31. Send submissions and questions to Gimbiya Kettering Lim, On Earth Peace communications coordinator, at gkettering@onearthpeace.org or 202-289-6341. For more information go to www.onearthpeace.org/opportunities/PosterContest.html.
  
  
• Church of the Brethren general secretary Stan Noffsinger was one of more than 40 American faith leaders to sign a letter calling for Congress to do everything in its power to close the Guantanamo Bay detention facility. The letter sponsored by the National Religious Campaign Against Torture (NRCAT) states in part, "Guantanamo is the symbol of our country's violation of our deepest values. Regardless of how it is operated now compared to how it was operated in earlier years, it stands, in the minds of hundreds of millions of people in our nation and around the globe, as a place where America broke faith with itself and used torture as an interrogation technique."
  
  
• NRCAT is offering two resources for congregations and clergy this winter: "Advent 2009: Resources for Christian Clergy" gives worship resources for clergy to address the issue of torture during this Advent season, a free download is at www.nrcat.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=382&Itemid=288. A "300 in 30" campaign aims to recruit 300 congregations in at least 30 states to view and study a 20-minute video about torture, titled "Ending US-Sponsored Torture Forever," between now and April 1, 2010. The video can be viewed online, ordered for $5 in DVD format, or downloaded as an .m4v file. Discussion guides, online help for facilitators of congregational discussions of torture, and other resources are provided as part of the campaign. Go to www.nrcat.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=384&Itemid=289.
  
  
• New from Brethren Press is the Winter quarter's "A Guide for Biblical Studies," the Brethren Bible study curriculum for adults. "Christ, the Fulfillment" is written by Chris Bowman, pastor of Oakton Church of the Brethren in Vienna, Va. The study focuses on Jesus' coming as the Messiah, and how he fulfills Old Testament prophecies. The study includes a daily scripture and a weekly lesson for the quarter, and questions for individual preparation and classroom use. Order from Brethren Press for $4 per copy, or $6.95 for large print, plus shipping and handling. Call 800-441-3712.
  
  
• "Footprints" (formerly the Eastern Regional Youth Conference) will be held Nov. 20-22 in Chambersburg, Pa. David Radcliff, director of the New Community Project, will be the keynote speaker. "This year it has a brand new look and a new name," said an announcement of the event. "The title comes from the idea that each of us is on a journey. Our footprints are taking us in new and exciting directions as each of us strives, in our own way, to follow in the footsteps of Christ." The event will include workshops and a service project. Cost is $125 for youth and advisors. Contact Karen Duhai at 814-643-0601 or kduhai@hotmail.com.
  
  
• Bethel Ministries, a nonprofit faith-based program connected with Mountain View Church of the Brethren in Boise, Idaho, helps men leaving incarceration change their lives to become law-abiding, productive members of society. The ministry is holding its 2009 Graduation and Resident Testimonials Banquet on Nov. 21 at 6 p.m. at the church. "You are invited to join us for a wonderful evening of celebration and praise!" said the announcement. "A unique opportunity to hear what God has accomplished through Jesus Christ, not only for the graduating Bethel residents but also our community." The guest speaker is Michael Johnson, a deputy warden at Idaho Maximum Security Institution. Contact graduation@bethelministries.net or 208-345-5988.
  
  
• Sunnyslope Brethren/United Church of Christ in Wenatchee, Wash., held its first "Harvest Celebration" on Oct. 11, celebrating a year of sponsoring a growing project with the Foods Resource Bank. The Church of the Brethren participates with the Foods Resource Bank through the Global Food Crisis Fund. The Sunnyslope growing project supports the Totonicapan Program in Guatemala.
  
  
• The John Kline Homestead Preservation Trust has received statements of support from the Broadway (Va.) Town Council and the Shenandoah District Board. Paul Roth, a leader in the effort and pastor of the nearby Linville Creek Church of the Brethren, reported that the district board expressed "unanimous affirmation of support" for raising funds to purchase the homestead. "We hold in the highest esteem your efforts to preserve what may be the most important historical preservation project ever undertaken on behalf of the Brethren," the statement said. "Elder John Kline certainly stood for and lived the very principles that we still hold in highest regard. For that reason alone this undertaking is one that will, Lord willing, provide education to the young and old of our denomination and valley for many years to come." The John Kline Homestead Preservation Trust has been created in hopes of preserving the home of Elder John Kline, a Civil War-era Brethren leader and peace martyr. At the end of October, the trust received a check for $3,250 from the Margaret Grattan Weaver Foundation in Harrisonburg, Va., which supports preservation of the religious heritage of the Shenandoah Valley. Brethren across Shenandoah District are raising funds for the John Kline Homestead at a Spaghetti Supper Extravaganza on Dec. 11 at Briery Branch Church of the Brethren in Dayton, Va. "Momentum is building!" Roth said "We have raised over 50 percent of the money for our goal of $425,000. Gifts and pledges thus far total over $215,000."
  
  
• Shenandoah District senior high youth will participate in a "30-Hour Famine" at Dayton (Va) Church of the Brethren on Nov. 20-21. The event raises awareness of hunger and poverty.
  
  
• Members of Lower Deer Creek Church of the Brethren in Camden, Ind., have been having fun with a food collection project called "Raise the Turkey, Hide the Pastor." The church is collecting food for the Carroll County Food Pantry, and stacking it in front of the pulpit with the goal of eventually hiding pastor Guy Studebaker.
  
  
• South Waterloo (Iowa) Church of the Brethren has a new website: www.southwaterloochurch.org.
  
  
• WFMY News 2 in North Carolina reports that a rural area of about 2,300 acres in southwest Forsyth County with ties to Fraternity Church of the Brethren and Hope Moravian Church is "one step closer to becoming a national historic rural district." The station reports that the North Carolina National Register Advisory Committee agreed on Oct. 8 to put the historic rural district application for the Hope-Fraternity area on the North Carolina Study List, a step toward National Register recognition. See the story at www.digtriad.com/news/local/article.aspx?storyid=132775&catid=57.
  
  
• Virlina District in October delivered about 650 pounds of Gift of the Heart Kits for disaster relief to the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md. The district collects clean-up buckets, hygiene kits, school kits, or other kits donated by congregations at its District Resource Center.
  
  
• The 25th annual Brethren Heritage Day held at Camp Bethel near Fincastle, Va., netted $30,769.91 in support of ministries of the camp and Virlina District.
  
  
• Brethren Village, a Church of the Brethren retirement community in Lancaster, Pa., has opened its new Courtyards and Welcome Center, according to the "Lancaster Intelligencer Journal." The new facilities include 120 private rooms in a home-like environment. A dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony on Nov. 8 featured Atlantic Northeast District executive minister Craig Smith as the keynote speaker.
  
  
• Brethren Village has announced the appointment of board members F. Barry Shaw of Elizabethtown, Pa., who was appointed chair of the Board of Directors; along with Douglas F. Deihm and Alan R. Over, both from Lancaster, Pa.
  
  
• Manchester College in North Manchester, Ind., and Parkview Health Systems have announced a collaboration on the college's new School of Pharmacy campus in central Fort Wayne, Ind. In 2012, the college will assume the Fort Wayne Cardiology building on Parkview Health's Randallia campus, according to a release from the college. The release added that Manchester will now focus on hiring a dean for the new campus, carrying out the extensive pre-accreditation process for a School of Pharmacy, and raising $10 million in start-up costs. Manchester expects to enroll 265 students into the School of Pharmacy, with 30 faculty and 10 staff members.
  
  
• In more new from Manchester, the leader of the college's environmental studies, Jerry Sweeten, will be honored in Washington, D.C., as the 2009 Indiana Professor of the Year on Nov. 19. Sweeten and his family attend North Manchester (Ind.) Church of the Brethren. He is among 38 state winners being honored, along with the 2009 US Professor of the Year. The award is given by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching and the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education. Sweeten is the second member of the Manchester College faculty to receive the award; art professor emeritus James R.C. Adams was the 2002 US Professor of the Year.
  
  
• Nathan H. Miller, an attorney and businessman from Harrisonburg, Va., has been named chair of the Bridgewater (Va.) College Board of Trustees. Miller also is a former representative to the Virginia House of Delegates from 1972-75, and a former state senator from 1976-83. He replaces outgoing chairman James L. Keeler of Moneta, Va.
  
  
• Bridgewater College has announced two major construction projects, one of which will improve two existing student residence halls and another which will provide new village-style student housing. The first phase of both projects will get under way in Feb.-March 2010 and be completed by August, in time for the 2010-11 academic year.
  
  
• The November edition of "Brethren Voices," the monthly community television program offered by Portland (Ore.) Peace Church of the Brethren, utilized seven photographic sources for the half-hour show about the International Day of Prayer for Peace. Photos and video segments were submitted by congregations from as far away as Philadelphia to San Diego. "This seemed to exemplify the opportunities that exist for this Brethren community television program," said producer Ed Groff in an invitation for other Brethren congregations to submit photos or video. "Brethren Voices is requesting video footage or photographs and stories about your experiences as a volunteer with Brethren Disaster Ministries or your congregation's involvement with Heifer International," Groff wrote. The December show will feature the work of Brethren Disaster Ministries, along with an interview with director Roy Winter. The January program will take a look at the Heifer International Global Village at Camp Shepherd Springs in Maryland. Another program in the works will feature interviews at the World Friendship Center in Hiroshima, Japan, where the directors serve through Brethren Volunteer Service. For more information contact Ed Groff at groffprod1@msn.com.
  
  
• Record numbers of Americans are going hungry, according to new data released by the US Department of Agriculture this week. More than one in seven, or 14.6 percent of American households, suffered from food insecurity in 2008. The 3.5 percentage point increase from 2007 is the largest one-year increase since the USDA first began publishing data. However, Bread for the World president David Beckmann commented in a release that the new data "is not surprising," as he commented on skyrocketing unemployment and the millions of Americans who have lost their jobs. "What should really shock us is that almost one in four children in our country lives on the brink of hunger," Beckmann said. According to the USDA report, in 2008, 16.7 million children, or 22.5 percent, were "food insecure"--4.2 million more than the year before. "We must make serious progress against child hunger when Congress renews child nutrition programs next year," Beckmann said. "To end hunger, our leaders need to strengthen nutrition programs and provide steady jobs that allow parents to escape the cycle of poverty and feed their families for years to come."
  
  
• SERRV is announcing new markdowns of more than 150 items from its Fall/Winter Catalog, "just in time for holiday shopping!" The announcement assured shoppers that "while you are getting a great deal, as always, our artisans have been paid fairly and in full." SERRV is a nonprofit fair trade organization with the mission "to eradicate poverty wherever it resides by providing opportunity and support to artisans and farmers worldwide," and began as a Brethren program. For more go to www.serrv.org.
  
  
• Tana Durnbaugh of Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren in Elgin, Ill., is the 2009 recipient of the Elgin-South Elgin Church Women United Human Rights Award. Her peace and justice ministry includes activities with Fox Valley Citizens for Peace and Justice and Christian Peacemaker Teams.
  
  
• Paula Worley of Wichita, Kan., received the Young Alumni Award from McPherson (Kan.) College on Oct. 2 during Honors Convocation at homecoming. She is a family physician at GraceMed Health Clinic.
  
  
• Virginia Meadows, director of programs at the Second Mile in State College, Pa., received the 2009 Church College Young Alumni Leadership Award from Juniata College at an Oct. 16 ceremony at the Middle Pennsylvania District Conference. She received the award for her work at Camp Blue Diamond in Petersburg, Pa., where she worked as program director from 2004-07.
  
  
• New at www.brethren.org/ccs is a video about the 2009 Christian Citizenship Seminar. The event was held this spring in New York City and Washington, D.C., for high school age youth to engage the issue of modern-day slavery.
  
  

Source: 11/18/2009 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. Charles Culbertson, Jeanne Davies, Ed Groff, Shawnda Hines, Jeri S. Kornegay, Nancy Miner, Al Murrey, Anna Speicher, Becky Ullom, and John Wall contributed to this report.

NEWS

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

UPCOMING EVENTS

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

FEATURES

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

BRETHREN BITS

• Corrections, Advent prayer, jobs, and more.

SPECIAL REPORT

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

Preachers are named for the 2010 Annual Conference.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Source: 11/4/2009 Newsline

Hispanic Ministries executives of several denominations gather in Chicago.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Source: 11/4/2009 Newsline

Brethren Volunteer Service unit begins work.

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

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

Source: 11/4/2009 Newsline

Church receives large offering at Rally Day event on mission.

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

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

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

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

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

Source: 11/4/2009 Newsline

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

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

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

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

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

Source: 11/4/2009 Newsline

Jonathan Reed to speak at Progressive Brethren Gathering.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Source: 11/4/2009 Newsline

Resources help prepare for National Youth Conference.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Source: 11/4/2009 Newsline

Reflections on World Communion Sunday in Nigeria.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Source: 11/4/2009 Newsline

How do I see God in my work?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Source: 11/4/2009 Newsline

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

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

Source: 11/4/2009 Newsline

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Source: 11/5/2009 Newsline Special Report

Credits

Newsline is produced by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of news services for the Church of the Brethren, cobnews@brethren.org or 800-323-8039 ext. 260. Carol Bowman, Chris Douglas, Stan Dueck, Enten Eller, Joe Detrick, Nan Erbaugh, Don Fitzkee, Ed Groff, Irvin Heishman, Karin L. Krog, Phyllis Leininger, Dan McFadden, Patrice Nightingale, and Ken Kline Smeltzer contributed to this report.

NEWS

• Annual Conference looks for stories about people taking Jesus seriously.
  
• Grants go to Indonesia, American Samoa, Philippines, and Niger.
  
• Cincinnati church starts first BVS volunteer community house.
  
• Manchester College to launch school for pharmacists in Fort Wayne.
  
• Veritas new church plant is launched in Atlantic Northeast.
  
• Mid-Atlantic District holds its 43rd District Conference.

PERSONNEL

• April Vanlonden to direct Academic Services for Bethany Seminary.

FEATURE

• Youth Peace Travel Team: A dream of peace.

BRETHREN BITS

• Correction, remembrance, personnel, jobs, and more.

NEWSLINE SPECIAL REPORT

NEWS

• Mission and Ministry Board adopts budget, begins strategic financial planning.

BRETHREN BITS

• Seminary courses, anniversaries, and other upcoming events.

Annual Conference looks for stories about people taking Jesus seriously.

Stories related to the theme of the 2010 Annual Conference of the Church of the Brethren, "Taking Jesus Seriously" (John 14:15), are sought for presentations during the conference next year on July 3-7 in Pittsburgh, Pa.

A letter from moderator Shawn Flory Replogle to district and congregational leaders in the Church of the Brethren has requested the submission of stories about people who have taken Jesus seriously, "as a way of challenging and inspiring us to consider the theme.

The Annual Conference Program and Arrangements Committee is looking for stories that may represent a moment of selfless action or a lifetime’s commitment to a cause of the Gospel, and that may be about one person, a congregation, a district, an agency, or an organization. "We are interested in stories that span the diversity of our denomination: theologically, geographically, generationally, and more," Replogle wrote. "The aim is to include those stories of faith and testimony throughout our time together in Pittsburgh, celebrating God’s good work among us."

At the moment, the Program and Arrangements Committee is interested in receiving a brief synopsis of stories and contact information for follow-up. Send submissions by Nov. 9 to the Annual Conference Office, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120 or cdouglas@brethren.org.

The moderator also issued a general invitation to attend the 224th recorded Annual Conference, and to hold the conference in prayer. "This is the only gathering within the Church of the Brethren where everyone is invited to the table, regardless of age, theology, and geography," he wrote. "This is the place that members of the Church of the Brethren come to be the body of Christ, to be a part of a community of faith that is more powerful than we could be on our own. That body will not be the same without you.

"Please hold the ‘big meeting’ in your prayers," he added. He requested prayer for the workers and staff of the convention center and hotels and restaurants in Pittsburgh, the delegates to the Conference, the Annual Conference officers, and the volunteers and other attendees. For more information visit www.cobannualconference.org.

Source: 10/22/2009 Newsline

Grants go to Indonesia, American Samoa, Philippines, and Niger.

Church of the Brethren funds have given grants totaling $109,000 for disaster relief in Indonesia following the Sept. 30 earthquake, relief efforts following flooding in the Philippines, relief efforts and exploration of a Brethren rebuilding project following the massive tsunami in American Samoa, and a "Water for Life" program in Niger.

The Emergency Disaster Fund (EDF) has given $69,000 to support work on the island of Sumatra following the 7.6 magnitude earthquake that struck Sept. 30. The grant supports efforts by the Church World Service (CWS) Emergency Response Program. Shortly after the quake, CWS began distributing tarpaulins and blankets to affected communities. In addition, water distribution is under way and work has begun on sanitation facilities.

The Brethren grant also supports the distribution of food aid to children under age five, tools for rehabilitation, reconstruction of houses, and psychosocial first-aid for affected populations--particularly women and children. As part of the long-term response, livelihood recovery assistance will be provided and training will help communities in disaster risk reduction.

An EDF allocation of $10,000 for American Samoa follows the massive tsunami wave that struck in late September. The funds will provide small grants to support local relief efforts and initial grants to start a long-term recovery process. The money also will support an assessment trip to explore creation of a Brethren Disaster Ministries reconstruction project on the island.

An EDF grant of $20,000 is helping CWS and Action by Churches Together (ACT) provide assistance in the Philippines following flooding from tropical storm Ketsana, which unleashed continuous heavy rains for almost eight hours on Sept. 26. The storm mainly hit the island of Luzon. Extensive flooding affected more than three million people and caused at least 293 deaths. The grant will assist in providing emergency food and household supplies for 98,000 of the most vulnerable flood survivors.

The Global Food Crisis Fund has allocated $10,000 for the "Water for Life" program in Niger. The money will be used by the NGO Nagarta to assist in the construction of 20 wells in the villages of Dan Kalm and Dan Chamoua. Two of the wells will be used to supply potable water for drinking, while the rest will be used for watering gardens and livestock. Villagers will be trained to manage and maintain the wells and existing water spots.

In related news, Brethren Disaster Ministries holds its second Haiti Hurricane Response Workcamp on Oct. 24-Nov. 1. Executive director Roy Winter will join 10 volunteers and field staff for the workcamp. The group will work and worship with Haitian Brethren and will rebuild homes in the coastal city of Gonaives. Disaster News Network recently featured a story about the Brethren project in Haiti, go to www.disasternews.net/news/article.php?articleid=3977.

For more information and to make online donations to the Emergency Disaster Fund go to www.brethren.org/site/PageServer?pagename=give_emergency_disaster_fund. For more information and to make online donations to the Global Food Crisis Fund go to www.brethren.org/site/PageServer?pagename=go_give_food_crisis.

Source: 10/22/2009 Newsline

Cincinnati church starts first BVS volunteer community house.

Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS) and Cincinnati (Ohio) Church of the Brethren have partnered to open the first BVS House as part of an initiative to develop community living opportunities for volunteers.

The initiative, which was announced last year, envisions a number of volunteer community houses supported by BVS and local congregations, each housing four-to-six volunteers serving in full-time BVS projects and committed to intentional practices of life together.

The BVS House opened in early October in Cincinnati and has welcomed four fulltime BVS volunteers: Katie Baker of Taneytown, Md.; Ben Bear of Nokesville, Va.; Laura Dell of Holmesville, Neb.; and Anne Wessell of Hershey, Pa. All are Church of the Brethren members.

On Sunday, Oct. 11, the congregation held a dedication service for the volunteers. The Cincinnati church has rented a house for the volunteer community and provides spiritual support including weekly meetings of congregation members and volunteers. For their part, the volunteers have committed to worship with the congregation, take part in the program of the church in the local community, and provide 40 hours a week of work for a local project.

Ben Walters is one of the co-pastors of the Cincinnati congregation, along with co-pastor Roger Cruser, and has provided much of the impetus for the church’s involvement, according to BVS director Dan McFadden. Having served as a BVS volunteer at the Washington Office in the 1990s, Walters was one of the first to express interest in the BVS House initiative, and has worked with BVS staff since then to make it a reality. He even personally visited the most recent BVS orientation to recruit prospective volunteers and "talk up" the project.

The Cincinnati church is in the Walnut Hills neighborhood of the city, which borders upscale areas as well as rough neighborhoods, McFadden said. In a recent communication with BVS, Walters wrote that the congregation is "building a new model of church in Cincinnati, where most of our work is outside our walls."

Two of the four volunteers at the BVS House in Cincinnati will work with the congregation’s program for children and other programs in the community surrounding the church. The others will serve at Interfaith Hospitality Network, an ecumenical agency partnering with local congregations to provide housing for homeless families, and Talbert House, a large agency providing a community-wide network of social services.

The new community emphasis in BVS is part of a partnership with Volunteers Exploring Vocation through the Fund for Theological Education (FTE) and a grant from the Lilly Foundation. Dana Cassell is helping to guide the initiative as the BVS volunteer staff for Vocation and Community Living.

"I am excited that this is a reality, that a BVS House exists," she told the Church of the Brethren’s Mission and Ministry Board during a recent report. "This is a partnership of something new--which actually is really old, the concept of intentional Christian community--with something established." For more information contact dcassell@brethren.org.

Source: 10/22/2009 Newsline

Manchester College to launch school for pharmacists in Fort Wayne.

Manchester College will begin the accreditation process for a School of Pharmacy in Fort Wayne, Ind., with unanimous approval given by its Board of Trustees. Manchester College is a Church of the Brethren-related school in North Manchester, Ind.

The college plans to enroll its first students in the four-year Doctor of Pharmacy program in the fall of 2012. This is the 121-year-old baccalaureate college’s first venture into a doctoral program and into a satellite campus. It will be the only Doctor of Pharmacy program in northern Indiana.

"Graduate education for pharmacists is a natural fit with Manchester College," said president Jo Young Switzer. Manchester has a strong reputation in the sciences, particularly for preparing students for medical and graduate school. The college also emphasizes service learning.

Fort Wayne is a natural fit for the new venture. In addition to numerous medical facilities and opportunities for pharmacy practicum experiences, Fort Wayne offers many amenities attractive to the school’s 250 students, 40 faculty and staff members, and their families.

"The decision by Manchester College to start a PharmD program in Fort Wayne is a wonderful investment of financial and intellectual capital in our city," said mayor Tom Henry. "As the health care sector continues to grow in Fort Wayne and northeast Indiana, Manchester College’s expansion of professional programs is going to be key in creating the highly skilled, highly educated workforce employers demand."

The average starting salary for pharmacists exceeds $100,000 and demand in the highly competitive profession is expected to grow more than 20 percent in the coming decade, said Switzer. The college’s research indicates many pharmacy graduates--who come from throughout the nation--remain in the communities where they study. Said Switzer, "During our exploration, many told us that this project aligns well with other initiatives undertaken in northeast Indiana to strengthen the economy here."

Admission to Manchester’s new school will require two years of pre-pharmacy coursework. The college will add that program to its undergraduate curriculum in North Manchester and its students will compete with pre-pharmacy students from other colleges and universities for seats in the School of Pharmacy.

The college has not finalized its plans for a Fort Wayne site for the new school, which will require at least 35,000 square feet for classrooms, offices, and laboratories. The pharmacy school will be a part of Manchester College and governed by the college’s Board of Trustees.

The search for a founding dean and building of a leadership team will begin immediately. That team will begin preparing the school’s application for accreditation.

-- Jeri S. Kornegay is director of Media and Public Relations for Manchester College.

Source: 10/22/2009 Newsline

Veritas new church plant is launched in Atlantic Northeast.

Veritas, a "church plant to reach a new generation" in the Lancaster, Pa., area, was launched in Atlantic Northeast District with a worship gathering on Sunday, Sept. 13. Veritas is led by church planters Ryan and Kim Braught, with a team of core leaders. Don Mitchell serves as district director of church development.

"This is a great day" said district executive Craig Smith to the group of 56 worshipers.

Veritas’ worship gathering is on Sundays at 10:45 a.m., using the facility of English Presbyterian Church in Marietta, Pa. Every six or eight weeks the worship gathering will include participation in a service event.

The name "Veritas" is Latin for "truth, real, authentic, or genuine." The Veritas new church plant is dedicated to being an authentic community, where people are committed to each other and can genuinely seek how God wants followers of Jesus to live in this modern life.

"Above all, we seek to pattern our daily living after the life of Jesus: a life of humble service and unconditional love," said a statement from Veritas. "As part of a larger body of believers--the church, the body of Christ--we go into the entire world today with a mission of witness, service, and reconciliation."

The vision includes people gathering in homes in the greater Lancaster area on a weekly basis to pray together, share together, be in relationship with each other, and value open and honest dialogue centered on the scriptures. The Braughts envision people developing deep friendships that draw them together throughout the entire week. "We see people hanging out with each other, and spending time together, and forming witness and service projects that bring blessing to the community," they said.

Veritas is guided by the following three core values: A Safe Spiritual Search: to be a community where people experience genuine love and care. A Missional Kingdom Life: to be a community where people are blessing others in practical ways. An Authentic Worship Expression: to be a community where people create relevant worship experiences. For more information see www.veritaspa.org.

-- Stan Dueck is director of Transforming Practices for the Church of the Brethren.

Source: 10/22/2009 Newsline

Mid-Atlantic District holds its 43rd District Conference.

"Behold! I am doing a new thing...I will make a way in the wilderness...and rivers in the desert" (Isaiah 43:19) was the theme of the 43rd Mid-Atlantic District Conference. The conference began with 34 ministers convening in the beautiful chapel of the newly renovated St. Mark’s United Methodist Church to explore the basics of "Transformational Leadership," with Paul Mundey and Doug Sider. All were challenged to become self-aware and be the leaders God has called each to be. The workshop leaders were honest and led the group through how to become transformed, effective leaders in churches.

As the conference transitioned from the workshop to opening worship on Friday evening, participants enjoyed a meal with one another at Easton Church of the Brethren, and connected with other pastors and spouses in the district. A meal also was held at St. Mark’s, where connections were made and relationships renewed.

Linda Lambert gave a passionate message Friday evening, and Paul Mundey shared an energizing sermon on Saturday morning. Jonathan Shively, executive director of the Church of the Brethren’s Congregational Life Ministries, brought greetings and a vision for new church development. Stan Dueck, the church’s director of Transforming Practices, led a conversation on "Being the Church." Many conference attendees and delegates took the opportunity to share their thoughts during the time allowed for the conversation.

Business was light, the budget was presented by the district’s Leadership Team with few questions asked, and the microphones were quieter than usual. The body voted to approve the budget and affirmed the slate of leadership. Newly-elected and re-elected officers include Leadership Team members Dale Posthumus, Dianne Nelson, Ted Hallock, Brenda Hall, Martina Lane, and Karen Winter; Program and Arrangements Committee member Rusty Curling; Standing Committee member Howard Miller; Camp Mardela board member Jody Gunn; and Leadership Calling Team member Joe Ikenberry.

Participants at the district conference brought bags of nonperishable food items as a service project that was developed to reach out to the host community. A local Easton outreach, the Neighborhood Service Center, was the recipient of more than 330 boxes, jars, and cans of food.

The conference finished on a positive note with laying on of hands for new district moderator Cinda Showalter of Westminster Church of the Brethren, and moderator-elect Jim Lohr of Easton Church of the Brethren.

-- This report is taken from an article by Jody Gunn in the Mid-Atlantic District newsletter.

Source: 10/22/2009 Newsline

April Vanlonden to direct Academic Services for Bethany Seminary.

April Vanlonden has been called as director of Academic Services in a joint position for Bethany Theological Seminary and Earlham School of Religion (ESR) in Richmond, Ind. The director functions as the registrar for both schools in liaison with Earlham College, and facilitates the cooperative academic operation of the two seminaries.

Vanlonden is a recorded Quaker minister in the Western Yearly Meeting and pastors Fountain City (Ind.) Friends Meeting. She also is a mental health consultant for the Indiana Bar Association’s Committee on Civil Rights of Children, Indiana Screening, Assessment, and Treatment Pilot Project. She holds degrees from Indiana University and ESR.

Source: 10/22/2009 Newsline

Youth Peace Travel Team: A dream of peace.

Applications are being accepted for next summer’s Youth Peace Travel Team, a group of young adults age 19 to 22 who share Jesus' message of peace with other young people at church camps and other venues. The team is sponsored by the Church of the Brethren’s Youth and Young Adult Ministry, Brethren Volunteer Service, On Earth Peace, and the Outdoor Ministries Association. They receive food, lodging, and travel expenses for the summer, and a college tuition grant. Applications are due Jan. 19, 2010. Go to www.brethren.org/YouthPeaceTravelTeam or contact Becky Ullom at 800-323-8039 ext. 297.

The following is excerpted from a reflection by Jessica Flory-Steury, a member of the 2009 Youth Peace Travel Team along with Bethany Funkhouser, Chelsea Goss, and Marianne Houff:

"Before my experience on the Youth Peace Travel Team, I dreamed of peace on earth. I wondered what it would be like if all wars ended, world hunger was defeated, and love reigned over all. I always knew it was possible. I just didn’t know how....

"One of our junior high campers had a very interesting story. He had come to camp by invitation of a friend. He had not been to church more than a few times in his life. He didn’t know anything about the church, or much about Jesus Christ. He had come from a broken home and had witnessed things that no one should ever have to see in their lifetime.... He often teased other campers and in the past had been known to be involved in violence. In spite of that, he could be a kind and passionate individual. I was so glad he was there and I was glad to be there to witness his transformation.

"Throughout the beginning of the week, he got in trouble for goofing off. I discovered from conversation with him that he often had no idea what the leaders were talking about during Bible studies, leaving him frustrated and pushed even farther when he was reprimanded for not paying attention.

"From observing the campers that week, the team decided that these kids needed to hear more of the basics. They had more experiences of violence and hate in their lives than we could imagine. We told them that Jesus loved them--completely, uniquely, and intimately. We told them that we are called to love one another. In the session, we had them think of ways to break down walls of hate. At the end, we had them write their own ‘peace raps.’

"The passion and creativity that poured out of those kids was amazing. It was inspiring to observe that even though they had all experienced so much hate and violence in their schools and homes, they still had hope.

"The previously mentioned camper grew from an instigator to a leader...the one who was encouraging his teammates, presenting ideas, and motivating everyone to keep going. After we left that week, I wanted to go with that boy, to help him maintain his eagerness to learn and make peace and to remind him that he was loved. My hope is that we instilled something in him that doesn’t go away.... I pray that boy continues on his journey of peace with God....

" World peace will not be solved by one person in a day. We need each other and all the love that we possess to fulfill the message that Jesus had for us."

Source: 10/22/2009 Newsline

Brethren Bits: Correction, remembrance, personnel, jobs, and more.

• Correction: The recent Pastoral Letter on the Economy was identified incorrectly in Newsline. It was from executives of the Annual Conference-related agencies, not the Inter-Agency Forum.
  
  
• Remembrance: Joseph M. Long, 80, of Harrisburg, Pa., passed away on Oct. 14. He served as the Church of the Brethren’s denominational director for Youth Work from September 1959 through August 1964. He also was the first executive secretary of a tri-district Pennsylvania area of the Church of the Brethren encompassing the districts of Eastern Pennsylvania, North Atlantic, and Southern Pennsylvania, beginning in September 1964. He then served as the first executive secretary of Atlantic Northeast District at its formation by the former Eastern Pennsylvania and North Atlantic Districts in the fall of 1970. He continued in that office through his retirement. In other church work, he was one of Heifer Project’s "seagoing cowboys" in 1946, delivering animals to Poland, served two pastorates, and was a trustee and assistant manager at Camp Swatara and a trustee and director of development for Camp Eder. Born on Oct. 29, 1928, in Lebanon, Pa., he was the son of the late Henry F. and Frances (Horst) Long. He attended Hershey (Pa.) Junior College and earned degrees from Elizabethtown (Pa.) College and Bethany Theological Seminary. In Harrisburg, he was executive assistant to the Chairman of the Board of Probation and Parole for 20 years and volunteered for Contact Harrisburg for 35 years. Surviving are his wife, Shirley; son Timothy J. Long and wife Lorrie; daughter Patti Schylaski and husband Kurt; stepdaughters Leslie Hess and husband Brian, and Kelly Ross and husband Michael; 10 grandchildren and step grandchildren; and one great grandchild. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Oct. 30 at Ridgeway Community Church of the Brethren in Harrisburg, Pa., preceded by visitation from 1 p.m. Interment will be at the convenience of the family in Spring Creek Cemetery in Hershey. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are being received to Hospice of Central Pennsylvania, 1320 Linglestown Road, Harrisburg, PA 17110. Condolences may be shared at www.busefuneralhome.com.
  
  
• Kendra Flory has been called to serve as half-time administrative assistant for the Western Plains District office beginning Nov. 30. She is a member of McPherson (Kan.) Church of the Brethren, a graduate of Bridgewater (Va.) College, and a 2009 graduate of Bethany Theological Seminary. The Western Plains District office is located on the campus of McPherson College.
  
  
• Brethren Disaster Ministries is welcoming new Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS) worker Steve Schellenberg. He is a recent graduate of Manchester College in North Manchester, Ind., and has volunteered with Brethren Disaster Ministries in the past. He will join the leadership team at the Hurricane Katrina recovery project in Chalmette, La.
  
  
• On Earth Peace has welcomed new BVS worker John-Michael Pickens. He is working with staff member Marie Rhoades to lead youth and young adult retreats in the Peace Education program. In 2008, he was a member of the denomination’s Youth Peace Travel Team. Contact him for more information about youth retreats at jmpickens@onearthpeace.org or 717-233-3786.
  
  
• West Marva District seeks a district executive minister to fill a part-time position, available immediately. The theologically diverse district includes 62 congregations and two fellowships in Maryland and West Virginia, in the Appalachian Mountains. Its congregations are mostly rural, with several in urban areas. The preferred candidate will be someone who understands the history, values, and workings of the Church of the Brethren and will lead the district in focusing on its mission of nurturing the faith of its members and extending the witness of the Gospel to the people, problems, and needs of the world. The district office is located in Oakland, Md. Responsibilities include serving as executive officer of the District Board, giving general oversight to the planning and implementation of ministries, providing linkages with denominational agencies and ministries, assisting congregations and pastors with placement, building and strengthening relationships with congregations and pastors, articulating and promoting the vision and mission of the district, serving as an advocate for policies and directives of Annual Conference in conversation with the district, facilitating the calling and training of people to set-apart ministry and lay leadership, promoting unity in the district. Qualifications include clear commitment to Jesus Christ demonstrated by a deep faith and vibrant spiritual life; commitment to the New Testament and its values; commitment to Church of the Brethren faith and heritage; a minimum of 10 years of pastoral experience; communication, mediation, and conflict resolution skills; administrative, management, and budget skills; respect for theological diversity; flexibility in working with staff, volunteer, pastoral, and lay leadership; with a master of divinity or equivalent theological degree preferred. Apply by sending a letter of interest and a resume via e-mail to OfficeofMinistry@brethren.org. Applicants are requested to contact three or four people to provide a letter of reference. A candidate profile must be completed as well. Application deadline is Dec. 2.
  
  
• The Special Response Resource Committee created by the 2009 Annual Conference met for the first time on Oct. 12-13. This committee was asked to develop a study guide and resource list for congregations, districts, and the denomination to discuss two documents that came to the 2009 Conference: "Statement of Confession and Commitment" and the query on "Language on Same-Sex Covenantal Relationships." In an announcement from the Annual Conference Office, the committee has begun its work, which the Conference requested be available no later than April 1, 2010. Members are John Wenger, chair; Karen Garrett, recorder; James Myer; Marie Rhoades; Carol Wise; and Standing Committee liaison Jeff Carter. The committee will post occasional updates at www.cobannualconference.org/special_response_resource.html.
  
  
• Church of the Brethren general secretary Stan Noffsinger has signed on to a letter from interfaith leaders to President Obama urging that poverty, climate, and coast restoration projects become priorities in the recovery of the Gulf Coast following Hurricane Katrina. More than 50 Christian, Jewish, and Muslim leaders signed the letter, which was organized by Louisiana-based interfaith groups related to the Gulf Coast Civic Works Campaign. The letter read in part, "Four years after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita struck and the levees were breached, the slow pace of recovery, persistent poverty, climate change, and coastal land loss have created a moral crisis across the region that demands a powerful response from people of faith and our elected officials." For the full text go to gccwc.wordpress.com.
  
  
• Recent shipments of disaster relief materials by the Material Resources program at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md., included ten 40-foot containers of Lutheran World Relief kits, quilts, and soap. "This was quite intense as all ten containers needed to be delivered back to the Baltimore pier in less than eight days," reported director Loretta Wolf. Other recent shipments have been made on behalf of Church World Service (CWS) and World Missions Outreach to send blankets, school and hygiene kits, and other materials to Nicaragua; more than 32,000 pounds of baby kits, school kits, and hygiene kits to the Dominican Republic; one 40-foot high cube container to the Congo for IMA World Health; and domestic shipments for CWS were made to Mississippi, New York, Colorado, Minnesota, and Georgia.
  
  
• Selma (Va.) Church of the Brethren observed its 95th anniversary on Oct. 18.
  
  
• West Charleston Church of the Brethren broke ground on Oct. 18 for a new facility in Tipp City, Ohio.
  
  
• Shenandoah District is requesting prayer following the death of District Youth Council member Angela Kania, daughter of Phillip Kania and Cathy (Cupp) VanLear, from injuries received in a car accident. She was a member of Lebanon Church of the Brethren in Mount Sidney, Va., and a student at Fort Defiance High School. Condolences may be sent to the family through the guest book at www.coffmanfuneralhome.net.
  
  
• Rebecca Miller Zeek, pastor of 28th Street Church of the Brethren in Altoona, Pa., has been named to the Juniata College Board of Trustees as a church trustee.
  
  
• Flora Williams, an ordained minister in the Church of the Brethren from Lafayette, Ind., has written a manual titled "The Shepherd’s Guide Through the Valley of Debt and Financial Change" that combines financial management, counseling, and spiritual guidance for those doing pastoral counseling and family care. The book "is based on my teaching and research at Purdue University for 32 years, directing a financial clinic for 25 years, study at Bethany Theological Seminary, my ministering to families, and results of a survey funded by Eli Lilly for ministry excellence," she reported. "You can use this book to share the good news that God cares about our personal finances." Williams directed the financial advising clinic at Purdue, which was awarded "Outstanding Financial Counseling Center" in the US in 2001, and has written materials for the National Foundation for Consumer Credit to certify counselors. She also is past president and distinguished fellow of the Association for Financial Counseling and Planning Education. Contact 765-474-4232 or florawill@aol.com for more information.
  
  
• A plea agreement has been reached in criminal charges brought against a young woman for an incident that took place while she was in the Fall 2008 orientation unit of Brethren Volunteer Service. Charges of first-degree murder and child abuse resulting in death had been brought against Melanie Blevins, who during the orientation checked into a hospital and was discovered to have given birth. After she told police the baby was stillborn, they found the body of the child in a trash bin outside the building where the orientation unit was staying in Baltimore, Md. On Oct. 13, Blevins pled guilty to involuntary manslaughter and was given a 10-year suspended sentence, ordered to perform 900 hours of community service over the next three years, and to continue in psychiatric care.

Source: 10/22/2009 Newsline

Mission and Ministry Board adopts budget, begins strategic financial planning.

The Church of the Brethren’s Mission and Ministry Board met for its fall meeting on Oct. 15-19 at the church’s General Offices in Elgin, Ill. Chair Dale Minnich led the board in a consensus model of decision-making. "Hearers and Doers of the Word" provided the theme for the meeting, based on James 1:16-25.

The board adopted a budget for 2010 and called for development of a long-range strategic financial plan; adopted new vision, mission, and core values statements; adopted a revision of the corporate by-laws; and adopted a Resolution Against Torture. Other major work at the meeting included a job evaluation for general secretary Stan Noffsinger and the renewal of his five-year contract.

Budget:

The budget approved by the board anticipates an income of $9,488,760 and an expense of $9,807,100 for all Church of the Brethren ministries in 2010, representing a net expense of $318,340. Adoption of this overall budget included a Core Ministries budget of $4,962,000 of projected income, $5,342,930 of projected expense, and a net expense of $380,930.

Along with the 2010 budget the board also approved a statement calling on the general secretary "to initiate development of a long-range strategic plan...that matches income and expense for the core budget beginning in 2011, using consulting help as needed" and that "this plan be based on a series of income enhancement and cost reduction studies to explore new options." The plan is to be presented to the October 2010 meeting of the board for approval.

The Executive Committee was "of a mind that we resist more cuts at this time," Minnich told the board as he reflected on approving a deficit budget. The decision may represent postponement of further cuts in staff, salaries, and benefits, but it also may give time for the exploration of options "to be in a better place a year from now," he said. "Something needs to happen...that will address income and expense so we don’t just keep sliding down the slope."

"Every budget is a leap of faith," treasurer Judy Keyser told the board. "We put the amount out there as a challenge to fulfill these budgets." She characterized the approval of a deficit budget as "taking time to regroup" from the large losses of the last two years.

The board also received year-to-date budget information for 2009 and projections of cumulative losses in net assets over the next several years if general economic trends and giving to the church do not improve. In a separate session, the board discussed a number of questions related to longterm financial resourcing of denominational ministries, related to capital improvement needs at properties owned and operated by the church and other stewardship issues.

In a decision that Minnich reported as part of the renewal of contract for the General Secretary, the church’s funding department is to be reorganized under the direction of the General Secretary’s office, as part of the effort to develop new models.

Vision, Mission, and Core Values Statements:

The board engaged in several sessions of "table talk" in small groups as it gave input for new vision, mission, and core values statements. The new statements were written with leadership from a small group of board members and staff, as a follow-up to the combining of the former General Board with the former Association of Brethren Caregivers. Each of the previous bodies had its own separate sets of statements.

Heading the new document is the Vision Statement, "The Mission and Ministry Board envisions the Church of the Brethren wholly engaged in the reconciliation of all people to God and to each other."

A three-paragraph Mission Statement focuses on the calling of the board to extend the church’s witness around the world, caring for the whole fabric of the community of the Church of the Brethren, and supporting congregations "in their task to create joyful communities of faith that proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ, cultivate discipleship, respond to human need, and make peace."

Eight core values of the board are described with one short phrase each, including Christ-likeness, servant leadership, discernment, community, stewardship, simplicity, hospitality, and peacemaking. (Go to www.brethren.org/site/DocServer/MMB_Vision_Mission_Core_Values_2009.pdf for the Vision, Mission, and Core Values document.)

Resolution Against Torture:

A "Church of the Brethren Resolution Against Torture" was adopted after lengthy discussion and numerous revisions to a document originally presented by a small group of board members and staff. The resolution will be passed on to the 2010 Annual Conference for its consideration.

One question that motivated the small group presenting the resolution was, "Why didn’t we act sooner?" said board member Andy Hamilton as he presented the paper. He noted that it has been close to 10 years since questions about the use of torture have begun to rise in the United States.

The resolution includes four sections: an introduction from the Church of the Brethren’s experience of persecution and violence at times in its 300-year history, a biblical basis represented as "foundational for our conviction regarding the sanctity of life," a section headed "Torture Is a Violation of Word and Life" stating the church’s awareness of growing occurrences of torture throughout the world and attempts to legitimize it, and a section calling the church to confession and action in response. An additional page of references accompanies the resolution. (Go to www.brethren.org/site/DocServer/statement_against_torture_approved.pdf for the full resolution.)

Intercultural survey:

The Intercultural Advisory Committee met concurrently with the Mission and Ministry Board and presented a report from an intercultural survey of selected denominational leaders. A primary motivation for the study was the mandate of the 2007 Annual Conference statement "Separate No More" for intercultural ministry in the Church of the Brethren. Ruben Deoleo, director for Intercultural Ministries, led the advisory committee into the study and has provided the primary oversight for it.

This was the first time in several years that the committee had been able to meet with all members present. Current members of the committee are Founa Augustin, Barbara Daté, Thomas Dowdy, Robert Jackson, Marisel Olivencia, Gilbert Romero, Dennis Webb, with Deoleo as staff.

An overview of the survey results was given by Darin Short of In[ter]sights, which conducted the survey. In[ter]sights used an "Intercultural Development Inventory" to survey leadership competency for health intercultural engagement. The survey assumes that cultural differences always are present in an organization, and that there is gradual movement and growth toward an intercultural mindset among leadership, Short said. He showed a graph of the Brethren survey, on a continuum from denial of other cultures, through polarization or minimization of cultural differences, to acceptance, and finally to adaptation to other cultures.

The majority of Brethren individuals surveyed (64 percent) showed a primary orientation of minimization, with 24 percent displaying a "reverse polarization" toward cultural differences—indicating more regard for other cultures than one’s own, 6 percent at a level of acceptance of other cultures, and small numbers in other categories. The survey results will provide a framework for the church to move forward in its intercultural work, Deoleo said.

Jonathan Shively, executive director of Congregational Life Ministries, then presented several questions from the Intercultural Advisory Committee responding to the survey: how to invite the involvement and gifts of all people at Annual Conference, how to plant new congregations and strengthen existing congregations in ways that integrate diverse cultures, how to dedicate financial resources to facilitate growth in a culturally responsive manner, and how the board may help lead the church to carry out the intercultural vision.

Sustainable community development in North Korea:

A highlight of the reports received at the meeting was a presentation on work against hunger in North Korea, given by Pilju Kim Joo of Agglobe Services International, and Global Food Crisis Fund manager Howard Royer.

Through annual grants and other efforts, the church is supporting four farm cooperatives in North Korea, in partnership with Joo’s nonprofit agency. In addition, the church has been invited to help provide faculty to teach at the Pyongyang University of Science and Technology, which has just opened outside the North Korean capital city Pyongyang. The university is a unique venture made possible through cooperative work by faith-based groups with the countries of North and South Korea.

Joo emphasized her endebtedness to the Church of the Brethren, which has been working with Agglobe Services International since 1997. Her wide-ranging slide presentation encompassed a variety of efforts taking place at the four farm cooperatives where some 15,000 people live, from the testing of new varieties of crops to providing basic farm equipment to the feeding of orphans—all under the heading "sustainable community development." At the conclusion of her presentation, the board rose in a standing ovation in appreciation for her work. (Go to www.brethren.org/site/PhotoAlbumUser?AlbumID=8999&view=UserAlbum for a photo album of the project in North Korea.)

In other business:

The board approved a revision of the Church of the Brethren corporate by-laws to bring to Annual Conference for approval next year. The revision was made necessary by the creation of the Church of the Brethren Inc. as a new entity merging the former General Board, the former Association of Brethren Caregivers, and functions of the former Annual Conference Council.

An update was given on trustee appointments in India. The Church of the Brethren continues to hold responsibility to appoint trustees for church properties that formerly belonged to the Brethren mission in India. On July 29, in a conference call, the board had received an update on legal developments in India, recalled commitments to continue in relationship with both the Church of North India and the India Brethren, and approved a resolution appointing Darryl Raphael Sankey of Valsad, India, to the trust. Noffsinger reported the action to the board because a small number of members were not able to be part of the conference call.

A Bible study led by Dana Cassell, a former intern in the Ministry Office, studied biblical images for the role of the minister. The Bible study was intended to help board members give feedback to a revision of a denominational document on ministerial leadership.

A time of blessing closed the meeting. Board members, staff, and guests were invited to express silent blessings for eyes, ears, hearts, and hands to hear and do the Word.

Go to www.brethren.org/site/PhotoAlbumUser?view=UserAlbum&AlbumID=9523 for an online photo album from the meeting.

Source: 10/22/2009 Newsline Special Report

Brethren Bits: Seminary courses, anniversaries, and other upcoming events.

• The Outdoor Ministries Association of the Church of the Brethren will hold its National Conference on Nov. 13-15 at Woodland Altars in Peebles, Ohio. The theme for the event is "Christ as Cornerstone." Richard Dawson, executive director at Camp Highroad in Virginia, will bring the keynote address. He has led a camp visioning team for the Southeast Jurisdiction of the United Methodist Church which produced "The Seven Foundation Documents of Christian Camping," and has established an EcoEternity Forest at Camp Highroad, becoming the first such forest in the US. The schedule also includes worship, a concert, an OMA Auction to benefit the work of the association, and "break out sessions" featuring a nature hike, challenge course, and arts and crafts projects. Cost is $100 or $75 for Saturday only, with a late fee of $25 applying after Oct. 25. For more information contact omcdirector@yahoo.com or 937-417-1184.
  
  
• A new deadline of Nov. 10 has been given to register for the annual Nigeria workcamp sponsored by the Church of the Brethren’s Global Mission Partnerships. The workcamp is scheduled for Jan. 9-30, 2010. Workcampers will worship, learn, create relationships, and work with Christians from Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria (EYN--the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria) and Mission 21. The group will work in Kwarhi, tour Kulp Bible College, Hillcrest, and other schools, and visit a game reserve in Yankari. Cost is $2,200 inclusive of a round-trip flight to Nigeria, meals, lodging, in-country transportation, and overseas travel insurance. Requirements include a passport (valid for at least six months after the workcamp) and appropriate vaccinations and medications. Participants must be 18 or older. Those 14-17 years of age may participate if accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who also is participating in the workcamp. Contact Global Mission Partnerships at 800-323-8039 or mission@brethren.org.
  
  
• Bethany Theological Seminary will offer two courses focusing on Brethren heritage in the Spring semester of 2010. Jeff Bach, director of the Young Center for Anabaptist and Pietist Studies and associate professor of religious studies at Elizabethtown (Pa.) College, will teach "Church of the Brethren History" at the Susquehanna Valley Ministry Center in Elizabethtown. Adjunct faculty member Denise Kettering will teach "Brethren Beliefs and Practices" as a weekend intensive at the seminary’s campus in Richmond, Ind. For more details see www.bethanyseminary.edu/educational-opportunities. Application deadline is the beginning of December. Contact Elizabeth Keller, director of admissions, at keleel@bethanyseminary.edu or 800-287-8822 ext. 1832.
  
  
• Celebrations of the 125th anniversary of First Church of the Brethren in York, Pa., continue on Oct. 25, "Heritage Sunday," with performance of an anthem specially written for the anniversary. The anthem, "Generations Now," is by Greg Bachman of Tallahassee, Fla., a former member of the church. On Sunday, Nov. 22, the church holds its 125th Anniversary Celebration Banquet at 12:15 p.m. with former pastor Curtis Dubble speaking.
  
  
• Common Spirit Church of the Brethren is celebrating its new fellowship status on Nov. 1, from 3-6 p.m. The celebration will be held at Open Circle Church of the Brethren in Burnsville, Minn., and will include entertainment provided by musicians from within Northern Plains District, a meal, and worship. Contact 612-724-0264 or commonspirit@gmail.com.
  
  
• Daleville (Va.) Church of the Brethren plans a "Marathon Bible Study" on Oct. 24 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. "The marathon will provide a quick study of the 66 books in the Bible in an instructive, but fun way," said the Virlina District newsletter. Contact 540-992-2042.
  
  
• Western Plains District is holding its "Gathering V" on Oct. 23-25 at the Webster Conference Center in Salina, Kan., on the theme, "Transformed by Jesus to Make Disciples." Plenary sessions and some other sessions at the gathering will be webcast in a joint effort of the denomination’s Congregational Life Ministries, Bethany Seminary, and the district. Plenary sessions will be led by Annual Conference moderator Shawn Flory Replogle and Congregational Life Ministries executive director Jonathan Shively. Continuing education units (CEUs) are available for those who view the events live--no recordings will qualify. The CEU fee is currently being waived for webcast events in October and November. To obtain credit, submit an online CEU request following a webcast to the Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership at www.bethanyseminary.edu/webcast/request-ceu. For the detailed schedule of webcasts go to www.bethanyseminary.edu/webcast/WPGathering2009.
  
  
• The inauguration of Michael P. Schneider as the 14th president of McPherson (Kan.) College will be held on Nov. 7 at 2 p.m. Go to www.mcpherson.edu/president for more details.
  
  
• An International Day of Climate Action is being organized with the help of a number of faith communities, focusing attention on new scientific data about the pace of climate change. The major day for activities is Oct. 24. In one example, the Episcopal Church will hold bell ringings and is sponsoring a postcard campaign to call for a fair climate treaty when world leaders gather in Copenhagen in December. More information about the effort is available at www.350.org, named for the 350 parts per million considered to be the safe upper limit for carbon dioxide in earth's atmosphere.
  
  
• Church World Service and a coalition of other faith groups are supporting this week’s 2009 Media Violence Fast. The focus is the impact of anti-immigrant hate speech in the media. The initiative signs up thousands of people from across the nation to consciously abstain from violence on television and radio, at least for one week. Join at www.MediaViolenceFast.org.

Source: 10/22/2009 Newsline Special Report

Credits

Newsline is produced by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of news services for the Church of the Brethren, cobnews@brethren.org or 800-323-8039 ext. 260. Nathan Buse, Chris Douglas, Mary Jo Flory-Steury, Karin Krog, Nancy Miner, Marcia Shetler, Callie Surber, John Wall, and Loretta Wolf contributed to this report.