Virlina District Conference celebrates the Name of Jesus.
The 39th Virlina District Conference was held in Roanoke, Va., on Nov. 13-14. "At the Name of Jesus Every Knee Should Bend!" (Philippians 2:5-11) was the theme. Total registration was 529 people. This included 253 delegates and 276 non-delegates from 78 congregations. Patrick C. Starkey, pastor of Roanoke Ninth Street Church of the Brethren, served as moderator.
Speakers for worship services were Daniel D'Oleo, Donald Gearheart, Hannah Oakes, Dava C. Hensley, and Stafford C. Frederick. An all-conference choir was led by Laura Heptinstall.
Ninety-nine people attended a Ministers and Spouses Banquet held on Friday evening at Peters Creek Church of the Brethren. David K. Shumate, district executive, was the featured speaker.
Business included the granting of a request from Danville (Va.) First Church of the Brethren to change its name to Schoolfield Church of the Brethren, and the approval of a District Board Budget of $289,389.97 for 2010. Delegates also heard that the Camp Bethel budget for 2010 will be $612,210.
Nineteen individuals were called to positions of leadership. Roy A. McVey was called as moderator-elect. Cathy S. Huffman was named the district delegate to the Standing Committee of Annual Conference. Anna W. Hale and Linda B. Vaught were called to the District Conference Program and Arrangements Committee. Patricia A. Edwards, Harriet F. Rader, and Michael J. Huffaker were named to the Nominating and Personnel Committee. Stephanie L. Naff and Julie A. Sink were called to the Outdoor Ministries Committee.
Called to the District Board were Myrna M. Ferguson, R. Keith Beckner, Roy U. Turpin, Mary Ann Mellen, Lula Belle Wood, Michelle Wirt Eaton, Royce L. Saunders, Paul F. Stutzman, and Michael W. Wray. Lynn N. Myers will serve as chair of the District Board for 2009-10.
The conference consecrated Daniel D'Oleo as pastor/developer of the Roanoke, Renacer Project, beginning Jan. 1. Jimmy Robinson and James C. McKinnell were honored for 50 years of ministerial service. The graduation of John G. Edwards from the Training in Ministry (TRIM) process was celebrated.
The conference received offerings of $4,424.25, including $1,647.00 for National Youth Conference, $2,017.25 for the expenses of the District Conference, and $760 for Hispanic Ministries.
The 40th Virlina District Conference will be held Nov. 12-13, 2010. Sharon S. Wood will serve as the 2010 District Conference Moderator.
-- David Shumate is district executive minister of Virlina District.
Source: 12/30/2009 Newsline Extra
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
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. Matt Guynn, Cori Hahn, Marlin Heckman, Donna Kline, Donna March, Howard Royer, Jeanne Smith, John Wall, John Ward contributed to this report.
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. Matt Guynn, Cori Hahn, Marlin Heckman, Donna Kline, Donna March, Howard Royer, Jeanne Smith, John Wall, John Ward contributed to this report.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
NEWS
- Immigration issues are affecting some Brethren congregations.
- Grants support ecumenical build in Iowa, assistance to Cambodia, India, Haiti.
- Kulp Bible College holds 46th graduation ceremony.
- Dominican theology students receive introduction to pastoral care.
Immigration issues are affecting some Brethren congregations.
Immigration issues are affecting several Church of the Brethren congregations and members, according to Ruben Deoleo, director of Intercultural Ministries. "This is a situation that our church is living right now, right here, with people that are members of the church," he reported.
Legal proceedings such as deportations have been carried out against some Brethren members in specific congregations over the past several months. Deoleo estimates that around five congregations are being affected across the denomination. He is not naming the congregations and affected members because it may make the legal situation more difficult for them, he said.
In one recent case, a woman who is a leader in a Church of the Brethren congregation in North Carolina, in Southeastern District, was detained in October and has now been deported to Honduras. The stated cause for her deportation is that "she did not follow on some documentation that she said was never received at their residence," Deoleo said. "Her husband and children also are active in the church, he is responsible for the church's program and media and his older son is the keyboard player."
"Some of this situation is also happening at the other side of the country, in California," Deoleo said. In June, a Pacific Southwest District pastor informed Deoleo that several people from the congregation had been detained and were in the process of being deported. The pastor also shared "that some people of her congregation want to come to the Conference (in San Diego in June), but their fear to travel two hours, and the possibility that the police stop them and ask for documents, blocked the desire to be at Annual Conference," Deoleo said.
Brethren who live in rural areas where there is a lot of agricultural work are those experiencing the most immigration issues, Deoleo said. He mentioned California, North Carolina, and Virlina District as the areas where Brethren are most affected.
This fall, Deoleo was part of an ecumenical meeting of denominational staff for Hispanic ministries, where immigration was one of the topics. The group represented several Christian denominations and had a chance to "openly share how they have been affected by the deportation process," he said.
"I’m looking forward to the day when the Church of the Brethren unites in support of the congregations" that are being affected by immigration issues, Deoleo said, adding encouragement for a new church statement on the issue. "There are lots of people working on those issues right now."
An Annual Conference statement made in 1982 is the current Church of the Brethren statement on immigration. Titled, "Statement Addressing the Concern of Undocumented Persons and Refugees in the United States," it is online at www.cobannualconference.org/ac_statements/82Refugees.htm.
Among Christian denominations and organizations that recently have made statements on immigration are the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, which on Nov. 14 issued a new social policy resolution, "Toward Compassionate, Just, and Wise Immigration Reform" (www.ELCA.org/socialissues). The National Association of Evangelicals also recently made a resolution in support of immigration reform and compassion for immigrant families (www.nae.net/resolutions/347-immigration-2009). Church World Service this week issued a statement welcoming the introduction of a new comprehensive immigration reform bill in the House of Representatives, titled "Comprehensive Immigration Reform for America’s Security and Prosperity Act of 2009."
Source: 12/17/2009 Newsline
Immigration issues are affecting several Church of the Brethren congregations and members, according to Ruben Deoleo, director of Intercultural Ministries. "This is a situation that our church is living right now, right here, with people that are members of the church," he reported.
Legal proceedings such as deportations have been carried out against some Brethren members in specific congregations over the past several months. Deoleo estimates that around five congregations are being affected across the denomination. He is not naming the congregations and affected members because it may make the legal situation more difficult for them, he said.
In one recent case, a woman who is a leader in a Church of the Brethren congregation in North Carolina, in Southeastern District, was detained in October and has now been deported to Honduras. The stated cause for her deportation is that "she did not follow on some documentation that she said was never received at their residence," Deoleo said. "Her husband and children also are active in the church, he is responsible for the church's program and media and his older son is the keyboard player."
"Some of this situation is also happening at the other side of the country, in California," Deoleo said. In June, a Pacific Southwest District pastor informed Deoleo that several people from the congregation had been detained and were in the process of being deported. The pastor also shared "that some people of her congregation want to come to the Conference (in San Diego in June), but their fear to travel two hours, and the possibility that the police stop them and ask for documents, blocked the desire to be at Annual Conference," Deoleo said.
Brethren who live in rural areas where there is a lot of agricultural work are those experiencing the most immigration issues, Deoleo said. He mentioned California, North Carolina, and Virlina District as the areas where Brethren are most affected.
This fall, Deoleo was part of an ecumenical meeting of denominational staff for Hispanic ministries, where immigration was one of the topics. The group represented several Christian denominations and had a chance to "openly share how they have been affected by the deportation process," he said.
"I’m looking forward to the day when the Church of the Brethren unites in support of the congregations" that are being affected by immigration issues, Deoleo said, adding encouragement for a new church statement on the issue. "There are lots of people working on those issues right now."
An Annual Conference statement made in 1982 is the current Church of the Brethren statement on immigration. Titled, "Statement Addressing the Concern of Undocumented Persons and Refugees in the United States," it is online at www.cobannualconference.org/ac_statements/82Refugees.htm.
Among Christian denominations and organizations that recently have made statements on immigration are the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, which on Nov. 14 issued a new social policy resolution, "Toward Compassionate, Just, and Wise Immigration Reform" (www.ELCA.org/socialissues). The National Association of Evangelicals also recently made a resolution in support of immigration reform and compassion for immigrant families (www.nae.net/resolutions/347-immigration-2009). Church World Service this week issued a statement welcoming the introduction of a new comprehensive immigration reform bill in the House of Representatives, titled "Comprehensive Immigration Reform for America’s Security and Prosperity Act of 2009."
Source: 12/17/2009 Newsline
Grants support ecumenical build in Iowa, assistance to Cambodia, India, Haiti.
Recent grants from two Church of the Brethren funds--the Emergency Disaster Fund (EDF) and the Global Food Crisis Fund (GFCF)--total $40,200. The grants support an ecumenical rebuilding project in Iowa, reconstruction and food relief in Cambodia, work at the Rural Service Center in India, and a children’s program in Haiti.
An EDF grant of $25,000 will support a rebuilding project in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, more than a year after the severe flooding that affected the state in June 2008. Brethren Disaster Ministries is joining with Church World Service and other denominations in an ecumenical rebuilding effort in which it will take a lead role by committing additional staff and volunteer time. The grant will purchase building materials, tools, and supplies, and undergird volunteer support, travel expenses for additional project leadership, and equipment.
Northern Plains District reports that the project is scheduled for April 12-May 21, and will involve working through two local programs: the Linn Area Long Term Recovery Coalition and Block by Block. Several people from the district participated in a planning meeting on Nov. 16-17 in Cedar Rapids, including Dick and Karen Williams, district disaster response coordinators; Jim Goodrich, pastor of Cedar Rapids Brethren/Baptist Church; and Tim Button-Harrison, district executive. Also present was Zach Wolgamuth, associate director of Brethren Disaster Ministries.
A GFCF grant of $7,500 has been given to Church World Service (CWS) for reconstruction in Cambodia following a typhoon in September. CWS Cambodia responded with a three-phased program of immediate food and relief assistance, intermediate recovery measures, and longer term reconstruction for 41 villages. The Brethren grant will be designated for agriculture and development, and is in addition to a $15,000 grant from the EDF made in October.
A GFCF grant of $5,000 will assist the Rural Service Center at Ankleshwar, India, which has connections with the Church of the Brethren. The center assists villagers in utilizing government agricultural extension programs, working among Hindus, Muslims, and Christians alike. The grant will undergird programs of land leveling, biogas development, and agricultural capacity-building.
A GFCF grant of $2,700 has gone to a children’s educational agriculture program in Haiti, "Coordination des Enfants pour le Progrès Agricole et Educationnel de Bombardopolis." The program provides children the opportunity of working in school vegetable gardens in return for having their school fees paid in part or in full. The funds will be used for the purchase of vegetable seeds, plastic sacks for tree seedling propagation, and watering cans. The program covers school fees for participating families.
Source: 12/17/2009 Newsline
Recent grants from two Church of the Brethren funds--the Emergency Disaster Fund (EDF) and the Global Food Crisis Fund (GFCF)--total $40,200. The grants support an ecumenical rebuilding project in Iowa, reconstruction and food relief in Cambodia, work at the Rural Service Center in India, and a children’s program in Haiti.
An EDF grant of $25,000 will support a rebuilding project in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, more than a year after the severe flooding that affected the state in June 2008. Brethren Disaster Ministries is joining with Church World Service and other denominations in an ecumenical rebuilding effort in which it will take a lead role by committing additional staff and volunteer time. The grant will purchase building materials, tools, and supplies, and undergird volunteer support, travel expenses for additional project leadership, and equipment.
Northern Plains District reports that the project is scheduled for April 12-May 21, and will involve working through two local programs: the Linn Area Long Term Recovery Coalition and Block by Block. Several people from the district participated in a planning meeting on Nov. 16-17 in Cedar Rapids, including Dick and Karen Williams, district disaster response coordinators; Jim Goodrich, pastor of Cedar Rapids Brethren/Baptist Church; and Tim Button-Harrison, district executive. Also present was Zach Wolgamuth, associate director of Brethren Disaster Ministries.
A GFCF grant of $7,500 has been given to Church World Service (CWS) for reconstruction in Cambodia following a typhoon in September. CWS Cambodia responded with a three-phased program of immediate food and relief assistance, intermediate recovery measures, and longer term reconstruction for 41 villages. The Brethren grant will be designated for agriculture and development, and is in addition to a $15,000 grant from the EDF made in October.
A GFCF grant of $5,000 will assist the Rural Service Center at Ankleshwar, India, which has connections with the Church of the Brethren. The center assists villagers in utilizing government agricultural extension programs, working among Hindus, Muslims, and Christians alike. The grant will undergird programs of land leveling, biogas development, and agricultural capacity-building.
A GFCF grant of $2,700 has gone to a children’s educational agriculture program in Haiti, "Coordination des Enfants pour le Progrès Agricole et Educationnel de Bombardopolis." The program provides children the opportunity of working in school vegetable gardens in return for having their school fees paid in part or in full. The funds will be used for the purchase of vegetable seeds, plastic sacks for tree seedling propagation, and watering cans. The program covers school fees for participating families.
Source: 12/17/2009 Newsline
Kulp Bible College holds 46th graduation ceremony.
Kulp Bible College (KBC) held its 46th graduation ceremony on Dec. 4. KBC is a ministry of Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria (EYN--the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria). Fifty-five students graduated from several programs offered by KBC. Guests from the village of Kwarhi--where the campus is located--and areas further abroad in Nigeria were present to witness the granting of diplomas and certificates.
The school is the source of ministry training for pastors and church workers within EYN. Graduating students from diploma and certificate programs will be placed in ministries--in roles such as pastor, evangelist, and Bible school teacher--by EYN National Headquarters.
For the Diploma in Christian Ministry (a four-year program), 19 diplomas were awarded to 16 men and three women. Nine full-time students (eight men and one woman) and five part-time students received the Certificate in Christian Ministry.
The Women’s School granted 17 certificates to full-time students and five to part-time students. The Women’s School is an educational program to further the knowledge of women whose husbands are studying at KBC. Studies include both practical (such as basic health concepts) and biblical/theological content.
In his speech as principal of the college, Toma H. Ragnjiya congratulated the students and spoke about some of the improvements and challenges facing KBC in the future. The improvements include the implementation of a new curriculum, the Diploma in Theology, which will be granted in affiliation with the University of Jos. This affiliation program is near completion but was delayed due to a strike by national university workers. Twenty-two candidates were accepted to begin this new three-year program in February. Classes for new and continuing students will begin Feb. 1, 2010.
-- Nathan and Jennifer Hosler are Church of the Brethren mission workers serving at Kulp Bible College. In addition to this report, they requested prayer for graduating KBC students and families as they are placed in ministries; for continuing students to receive needed rest over the holiday break; for Principal Toma H. Ragnjiya and the KBC staff; and for the development of Peace and Reconciliation classes, as next semester will have its first full implementation of the new program.
Source: 12/17/2009 Newsline
Kulp Bible College (KBC) held its 46th graduation ceremony on Dec. 4. KBC is a ministry of Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria (EYN--the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria). Fifty-five students graduated from several programs offered by KBC. Guests from the village of Kwarhi--where the campus is located--and areas further abroad in Nigeria were present to witness the granting of diplomas and certificates.
The school is the source of ministry training for pastors and church workers within EYN. Graduating students from diploma and certificate programs will be placed in ministries--in roles such as pastor, evangelist, and Bible school teacher--by EYN National Headquarters.
For the Diploma in Christian Ministry (a four-year program), 19 diplomas were awarded to 16 men and three women. Nine full-time students (eight men and one woman) and five part-time students received the Certificate in Christian Ministry.
The Women’s School granted 17 certificates to full-time students and five to part-time students. The Women’s School is an educational program to further the knowledge of women whose husbands are studying at KBC. Studies include both practical (such as basic health concepts) and biblical/theological content.
In his speech as principal of the college, Toma H. Ragnjiya congratulated the students and spoke about some of the improvements and challenges facing KBC in the future. The improvements include the implementation of a new curriculum, the Diploma in Theology, which will be granted in affiliation with the University of Jos. This affiliation program is near completion but was delayed due to a strike by national university workers. Twenty-two candidates were accepted to begin this new three-year program in February. Classes for new and continuing students will begin Feb. 1, 2010.
-- Nathan and Jennifer Hosler are Church of the Brethren mission workers serving at Kulp Bible College. In addition to this report, they requested prayer for graduating KBC students and families as they are placed in ministries; for continuing students to receive needed rest over the holiday break; for Principal Toma H. Ragnjiya and the KBC staff; and for the development of Peace and Reconciliation classes, as next semester will have its first full implementation of the new program.
Source: 12/17/2009 Newsline
Dominican theology students receive introduction to pastoral care.
Thirty Brethren students in the Theological Program of the Dominican Republic participated in a weekend intensive conference titled, "Program of Preparation for Counselors," held in mid-November. Directed by a Dominican Mennonite family therapist, the conference featured dramas, role plays, small group activities, and lectures.
Students were guided in reflecting on their own families of origin, common types of Dominican families, the profile of a Christian counselor, family life cycles, and how to deal with conflictive relationships caused by infidelity and domestic violence.
Following the conference, one student commented, "I don’t have words to express all the blessings that I received during the conference. I long to receive more preparation so that I can help meet the needs of couples in my congregation."
Twelve students anticipate completing their studies at the Jan. 23, 2010, graduation to be held at San Luis "Prince of Peace" Church of the Brethren.
-- Nancy Sollenberger Heishman directs the church’s Theological Program in the DR.
Source: 12/17/2009 Newsline
Thirty Brethren students in the Theological Program of the Dominican Republic participated in a weekend intensive conference titled, "Program of Preparation for Counselors," held in mid-November. Directed by a Dominican Mennonite family therapist, the conference featured dramas, role plays, small group activities, and lectures.
Students were guided in reflecting on their own families of origin, common types of Dominican families, the profile of a Christian counselor, family life cycles, and how to deal with conflictive relationships caused by infidelity and domestic violence.
Following the conference, one student commented, "I don’t have words to express all the blessings that I received during the conference. I long to receive more preparation so that I can help meet the needs of couples in my congregation."
Twelve students anticipate completing their studies at the Jan. 23, 2010, graduation to be held at San Luis "Prince of Peace" Church of the Brethren.
-- Nancy Sollenberger Heishman directs the church’s Theological Program in the DR.
Source: 12/17/2009 Newsline
Wiltschek resigns from ‘Messenger’ to lead campus ministry at Manchester.
Walt Wiltschek has resigned as editor of the denomination’s "Messenger" magazine, effective Feb. 1, in order to accept a call as campus pastor at Manchester College in North Manchester, Ind.
He has served as staff of the Church of the Brethren for more than 10 years. He began work with the former General Board in Aug. 1999 as interim editor for Newsline and the "Messenger" news section. He began as full-time director of News Services in Jan. 2000. He also briefly covered the Identity and Relations position for part of 2003. He began as editor of "Messenger" in Jan. 2004.
In previous positions, he was an associate pastor of Westminster (Md.) Church of the Brethren and program director for Camp Eder in Fairfield, Pa. He has volunteered regularly at several Brethren camps each summer. He also has been a sports writer and editor for the "York (Pa.) Daily Record," and has done freelance work for several other newspapers.
Wiltschek is an ordained minister and a member of York Center Church of the Brethren in Lombard, Ill. He holds a bachelor’s degree in secondary education and mathematics from York (Pa.) College, a certificate in biblical studies from Eastern Mennonite University, a master of arts in religion from Lancaster (Pa.) Theological Seminary, and a master of arts in communication studies/journalism from Northern Illinois University.
He is "well-regarded for his inter-faith mentoring of youth and young adults," said a release from Manchester College, where he will begin Feb. 2 as part of the Student Development team. He will lead a religious life program that serves students from more than 30 denominations, on a campus that reflects a diversity of faith including non-Christian faiths as well as many not affiliated with a specific denomination.
Source: 12/17/2009 Newsline
Walt Wiltschek has resigned as editor of the denomination’s "Messenger" magazine, effective Feb. 1, in order to accept a call as campus pastor at Manchester College in North Manchester, Ind.
He has served as staff of the Church of the Brethren for more than 10 years. He began work with the former General Board in Aug. 1999 as interim editor for Newsline and the "Messenger" news section. He began as full-time director of News Services in Jan. 2000. He also briefly covered the Identity and Relations position for part of 2003. He began as editor of "Messenger" in Jan. 2004.
In previous positions, he was an associate pastor of Westminster (Md.) Church of the Brethren and program director for Camp Eder in Fairfield, Pa. He has volunteered regularly at several Brethren camps each summer. He also has been a sports writer and editor for the "York (Pa.) Daily Record," and has done freelance work for several other newspapers.
Wiltschek is an ordained minister and a member of York Center Church of the Brethren in Lombard, Ill. He holds a bachelor’s degree in secondary education and mathematics from York (Pa.) College, a certificate in biblical studies from Eastern Mennonite University, a master of arts in religion from Lancaster (Pa.) Theological Seminary, and a master of arts in communication studies/journalism from Northern Illinois University.
He is "well-regarded for his inter-faith mentoring of youth and young adults," said a release from Manchester College, where he will begin Feb. 2 as part of the Student Development team. He will lead a religious life program that serves students from more than 30 denominations, on a campus that reflects a diversity of faith including non-Christian faiths as well as many not affiliated with a specific denomination.
Source: 12/17/2009 Newsline
NYC registration opens Jan. 5, ethnic minority scholarships are offered.
National Youth Conference (NYC) registration will be open in less than a month. NYC registration will open online at www.brethren.org at 8 p.m. (central time) on Tuesday, Jan. 5. The online registration will be available through April 5.
"Before registering, however, there is some information that each participant should know," said an announcement from coordinators Audrey Hollenberg and Emily LaPrade. Each participant will need to create his or her own log-in at www.brethren.org in order to register. It will take longer to register youth groups than in past years because each person will have to log in and out of the system. Also, each participant will need his or her church code at the time of registration (go to www.brethren.org/churchcode to find a congregation’s code number).
The cost to register opens at $425. The cost will increase to $450 after Feb. 15. A deposit of $200 per person is due within two weeks of registration. Credit card payments are another new feature of the 2010 registration. Registration includes all programming, lodging, and meals during the conference, but does not include transportation to and from the conference.
NYC also will offer ethnic minority scholarships. "Raising enough money to attend National Youth Conference is a big obstacle for many youth," said the coordinators. "However, due to generous contributions to a scholarship program created to aid ethnic minority and international youth in attending NYC, the size of this obstacle has been greatly reduced. We are committed to promoting diversity and to making it possible for as many Brethren youth as are interested in NYC to attend." The scholarships will be need-based and offered on a case-by-case basis. To apply, youth or advisors should contact Audrey Hollenberg at ahollenberg@brethren.org or 800-323-8039 ext. 281 before Feb. 1, giving an assessment of the need for ethnic minority scholarship assistance within your church.
Preview the registration page and what information is needed to register at www.brethren.org/nycreg. Contact 2010nyc@brethren.org or 800-323-8039 ext. 246 with questions about NYC registration.
Source: 12/17/2009 Newsline
National Youth Conference (NYC) registration will be open in less than a month. NYC registration will open online at www.brethren.org at 8 p.m. (central time) on Tuesday, Jan. 5. The online registration will be available through April 5.
"Before registering, however, there is some information that each participant should know," said an announcement from coordinators Audrey Hollenberg and Emily LaPrade. Each participant will need to create his or her own log-in at www.brethren.org in order to register. It will take longer to register youth groups than in past years because each person will have to log in and out of the system. Also, each participant will need his or her church code at the time of registration (go to www.brethren.org/churchcode to find a congregation’s code number).The cost to register opens at $425. The cost will increase to $450 after Feb. 15. A deposit of $200 per person is due within two weeks of registration. Credit card payments are another new feature of the 2010 registration. Registration includes all programming, lodging, and meals during the conference, but does not include transportation to and from the conference.
NYC also will offer ethnic minority scholarships. "Raising enough money to attend National Youth Conference is a big obstacle for many youth," said the coordinators. "However, due to generous contributions to a scholarship program created to aid ethnic minority and international youth in attending NYC, the size of this obstacle has been greatly reduced. We are committed to promoting diversity and to making it possible for as many Brethren youth as are interested in NYC to attend." The scholarships will be need-based and offered on a case-by-case basis. To apply, youth or advisors should contact Audrey Hollenberg at ahollenberg@brethren.org or 800-323-8039 ext. 281 before Feb. 1, giving an assessment of the need for ethnic minority scholarship assistance within your church.
Preview the registration page and what information is needed to register at www.brethren.org/nycreg. Contact 2010nyc@brethren.org or 800-323-8039 ext. 246 with questions about NYC registration.
Source: 12/17/2009 Newsline
Author of ‘Grace Goes to Prison’ plans speaking tour.
Melanie G. Snyder, author of the new Brethren Press book "Grace Goes to Prison: An Inspiring Story of Hope and Humanity," is planning a cross-country speaking tour to foster understanding of restorative justice and promote awareness of current issues in the American criminal justice system. She is a member of Elizabethtown (Pa.) Church of the Brethren.
"Melanie will share inspiring true stories from her book about Marie Hamilton’s 30 years of prison volunteer work, facilitate community dialogue about related criminal justice issues, and provide information on promising approaches such as restorative justice and alternatives to incarceration--approaches which are now receiving renewed attention as state budgets are strapped and legislators seek better ways to address crime and reduce recidivism," said a release.
Snyder will tour from mid-February to late April, visiting a number of cities including places such as Charlottesville, Va.; Richmond, Ind.; Elgin, Ill.; McPherson, Kan.; and Phoenix, Ariz. She is seeking speaking engagements with churches and other faith groups, colleges and universities, retirement communities, civic groups, peace and justice organizations, prison ministry groups, independent bookstores, public libraries, and book discussion groups.
To schedule a speaking engagement contact Melanie@MelanieGSnyder.com or 717-572-2110. A schedule for the tour will be available at melaniegsnyder.com/books . The book may be purchased from Brethren Press for $18.95 plus shipping and handling, call 800-441-3712.
Source: 12/17/2009 Newsline
Melanie G. Snyder, author of the new Brethren Press book "Grace Goes to Prison: An Inspiring Story of Hope and Humanity," is planning a cross-country speaking tour to foster understanding of restorative justice and promote awareness of current issues in the American criminal justice system. She is a member of Elizabethtown (Pa.) Church of the Brethren."Melanie will share inspiring true stories from her book about Marie Hamilton’s 30 years of prison volunteer work, facilitate community dialogue about related criminal justice issues, and provide information on promising approaches such as restorative justice and alternatives to incarceration--approaches which are now receiving renewed attention as state budgets are strapped and legislators seek better ways to address crime and reduce recidivism," said a release.
Snyder will tour from mid-February to late April, visiting a number of cities including places such as Charlottesville, Va.; Richmond, Ind.; Elgin, Ill.; McPherson, Kan.; and Phoenix, Ariz. She is seeking speaking engagements with churches and other faith groups, colleges and universities, retirement communities, civic groups, peace and justice organizations, prison ministry groups, independent bookstores, public libraries, and book discussion groups.
To schedule a speaking engagement contact Melanie@MelanieGSnyder.com or 717-572-2110. A schedule for the tour will be available at melaniegsnyder.com/books . The book may be purchased from Brethren Press for $18.95 plus shipping and handling, call 800-441-3712.
Source: 12/17/2009 Newsline
Quilts bring to life memories of women’s work in China.
"Archival research and collective memories from close at hand and afar are bringing an intriguing story to life--a kind of SERRV project a decade or two ahead of SERRV, a hunger action program 50 years ahead of the Global Food Crisis Fund," reports Howard Royer.
Earlier this fall Royer--who manages the Church of the Brethren’s Global Food Crisis Fund--was loaned two unique quilt pieces by Marjorie Morse Kauffman of Lancaster, Pa.: a bed quilt and a quilted runner. The quilts were made of white cloth, appliqued with blue fabric in a floral pattern.
All that Kauffman knew about them were that the tops had been sewn together and appliqued by women in China as part of the former Brethren mission program there, prior to World War II. The quilt tops were then made available to churches in the US. Kauffman had found the two quilt tops in a trunk of things owned by her grandmother, and had the pieces quilted in Elgin, Ill.
Royer asked Ken Shaffer, director of the Brethren Historical Library and Archives, and his assistant Denise Kettering to find out more about the origin of the quilts.
"Denise and I have spent a couple blocks of time this week looking for documentation of teaching embroidery/sewing/etc. in China," Shaffer reported back by e-mail. "We found this sentence in a June 1931 report written by Emma Horning: ‘Sis. Bright continues to conduct the beautiful sewing of women of Ping Ting, the returns of which support a number of budgets on the field.’ Also we found a photo labeled ‘Mrs. Bright and Chinese helper planning needle work.’"
The same picture appeared in an old issue of the denominational magazine, accompanying a story titled "The Hungry Are Fed" by Minnie Bright. Mentioned in the story was a "Woman's Industrial." A sentence read, "From among the 60 women who are at present doing needlework to support themselves, about 25 have been brought to new life through this means."
Shaffer continued: "In an issue of ‘The Star of Cathay’ (no date but about 1934 or 1935) we found this statement: ‘The industrial needlework in Ping Ting is making it possible for more then [sic] 60 women to provide food for more than 200 mouths. All these women are given class work in reading, hygiene, maternity welfare, and Gospel teaching.’"
Royer found out more after sharing the story of the quilts with Joe Wampler of Santa Cruz, Calif., who grew up in China, the son of missionaries Ernest and Elizabeth Wampler. He pursued the topic with heirs of former China missionaries and reported that embroidery work "was encouraged by many missionary denominations as a way for widows to earn a living in feudal China. In the old days, if a woman’s husband died the widow was practically without resources. So the mission women would set up a cottage industry for these women and then promote their handcrafts in the big cities and also in America.
"In the Church of the Brethren mission the center for embroidery was in Ping Ting and was run by Minnie Bright," Wampler continued. "Homer and Minnie Bright were in China from Sept. 1911 until Feb. 1938.... Marie Oberholtzer remembers it as a major cottage industry run by Minnie in the 1930s. She said that the Chinese women usually embroidered onto linen and made table cloths, bed covers, etc."
The quilt pieces have been displayed at the Church of the Brethren General Offices and at Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren in Elgin, Ill. The church’s Global Mission Partnerships hopes to display the quilt pieces at the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference in Pittsburgh next July.
An online photo album offers several pictures of the quilts, go to www.brethren.org/site/PhotoAlbumUser?view=UserAlbum&AlbumID=9907. Those with more information about the women’s handcraft ministries that were part of the Church of the Brethren’s China mission are invited to contact Royer at hroyer@brethren.org or Shaffer at kshaffer@brethren.org.
Source: 12/17/2009 Newsline
"Archival research and collective memories from close at hand and afar are bringing an intriguing story to life--a kind of SERRV project a decade or two ahead of SERRV, a hunger action program 50 years ahead of the Global Food Crisis Fund," reports Howard Royer.
Earlier this fall Royer--who manages the Church of the Brethren’s Global Food Crisis Fund--was loaned two unique quilt pieces by Marjorie Morse Kauffman of Lancaster, Pa.: a bed quilt and a quilted runner. The quilts were made of white cloth, appliqued with blue fabric in a floral pattern.
All that Kauffman knew about them were that the tops had been sewn together and appliqued by women in China as part of the former Brethren mission program there, prior to World War II. The quilt tops were then made available to churches in the US. Kauffman had found the two quilt tops in a trunk of things owned by her grandmother, and had the pieces quilted in Elgin, Ill.
Royer asked Ken Shaffer, director of the Brethren Historical Library and Archives, and his assistant Denise Kettering to find out more about the origin of the quilts.
"Denise and I have spent a couple blocks of time this week looking for documentation of teaching embroidery/sewing/etc. in China," Shaffer reported back by e-mail. "We found this sentence in a June 1931 report written by Emma Horning: ‘Sis. Bright continues to conduct the beautiful sewing of women of Ping Ting, the returns of which support a number of budgets on the field.’ Also we found a photo labeled ‘Mrs. Bright and Chinese helper planning needle work.’"
The same picture appeared in an old issue of the denominational magazine, accompanying a story titled "The Hungry Are Fed" by Minnie Bright. Mentioned in the story was a "Woman's Industrial." A sentence read, "From among the 60 women who are at present doing needlework to support themselves, about 25 have been brought to new life through this means."
Shaffer continued: "In an issue of ‘The Star of Cathay’ (no date but about 1934 or 1935) we found this statement: ‘The industrial needlework in Ping Ting is making it possible for more then [sic] 60 women to provide food for more than 200 mouths. All these women are given class work in reading, hygiene, maternity welfare, and Gospel teaching.’"
Royer found out more after sharing the story of the quilts with Joe Wampler of Santa Cruz, Calif., who grew up in China, the son of missionaries Ernest and Elizabeth Wampler. He pursued the topic with heirs of former China missionaries and reported that embroidery work "was encouraged by many missionary denominations as a way for widows to earn a living in feudal China. In the old days, if a woman’s husband died the widow was practically without resources. So the mission women would set up a cottage industry for these women and then promote their handcrafts in the big cities and also in America.
"In the Church of the Brethren mission the center for embroidery was in Ping Ting and was run by Minnie Bright," Wampler continued. "Homer and Minnie Bright were in China from Sept. 1911 until Feb. 1938.... Marie Oberholtzer remembers it as a major cottage industry run by Minnie in the 1930s. She said that the Chinese women usually embroidered onto linen and made table cloths, bed covers, etc."
The quilt pieces have been displayed at the Church of the Brethren General Offices and at Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren in Elgin, Ill. The church’s Global Mission Partnerships hopes to display the quilt pieces at the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference in Pittsburgh next July.
An online photo album offers several pictures of the quilts, go to www.brethren.org/site/PhotoAlbumUser?view=UserAlbum&AlbumID=9907. Those with more information about the women’s handcraft ministries that were part of the Church of the Brethren’s China mission are invited to contact Royer at hroyer@brethren.org or Shaffer at kshaffer@brethren.org.
Source: 12/17/2009 Newsline
Personnel, new BVS project site, Haiti workcamp, and more.
- The New Windsor (Md.) Conference Center is welcoming Sarah Robrecht as a first-time volunteer host. She is on furlough from missionary work with Wycliffe Bible Translators, based in Orlando, Fla., and will volunteer in Windsor Hall from January through May.
- Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS) is seeking a volunteer to serve with a new project partner in Prijedor, Bosnia-Herzegovina. Bread for Life is a Christian humanitarian association founded by Protestant churches in Serbia, with an office in northwest Bosnia-Herzegovina since 1996. It is developing programs to promote income-generation, long-term employment, and self-sustainability such as a trial project of interest-free loans and other support to dairy farmers, and low-cost English and computer courses at an education center. BVS is seeking a volunteer co-worker/assistant for the income-generation projects. Duties will include assisting the director and program manager with writing and implementing income-generating projects, assistance with fundraising for new projects, contact with donor organizations, and assistance with creation or development of capacities of the organization. Requirements include preferred experience in the non-governmental sector in a developing country or eastern Europe, ability to adjust to new environments and cultures, expertise in the field of economics or agriculture, willingness to learn the local language. For more information about the project go to www.breadoflifesite.com. To express interest in this BVS opening, contact the BVS Office at 800-323-8039.
- The Material Resources distribution center at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md., is getting low on all types of relief kits, and invites donations (for instructions about how to assemble kits, visit www.churchworldservice.org/kits). In other news from Material Resources, staff are shipping 250 lightweight and 270 wool blankets and 540 hygiene kits to the Disabled Veteran Foundation. Homeless persons in Topeka, Kan., are receiving 50 lightweight and 90 wool blankets through Doorstep Inc., donated by Church World Service. CWS also has donated 100 lightweight blankets to be shipped to Pottstown, Pa., for the Homeless Shelter Cooperative. Two 40-foot containers have been loaded with Lutheran World Relief quilts, school kits, layettes, and health kits and shipped to the Philippines. Two containers of CWS school kits and IMA World Health Medicine Boxes have been loaded for Pakistan. One 40-foot container of Lutheran World Relief quilts, sewing kits, and school kits has been sent to Armenia.
- The Haiti workcamp sponsored by Youth and Young Adult Ministries has changed its date to June 1-8 to avoid a conflict with the Young Adult Conference next year. "Now young adults can attend both events!" said a note from the workcamp office. For more information, contact cobworkcamps@brethren.org or 800-323-8039 ext. 286.
- "Creation Care: Stewards of the Earth" is a weekend event co-sponsored by the Church of the Brethren, Laurelville Mennonite Church Center, and Mennonite Mutual Aid. The event takes place Feb. 12-14, 2010, in Mt. Pleasant, Pa., with the goal of "equipping leaders to guide the church to care for Creation." Worship services and presentations will be led by David Radcliff, director of the New Community Project, and Luke Gascho, executive director of the Merry Lea Environmental Learning Center of Goshen College. A number of workshops are offered with leaders including Carol Bowman, coordinator of the Church of the Brethren’s Stewardship Formation and Education. Registration includes lodging and meals, materials, and continuing education units, and ranges from $154 to $295 depending on the choice of cottage or guesthouse and number of roommates. Student scholarships and a reduced commuter fee are available. Register by Dec. 31 for a reduction of $10 in the final price. A registration brochure can be downloaded from www.brethren.org/site/DocServer/CreationCareEventFlyerRegistrationForm.pdf?docID=5801 or contact program@laurelville.org.
- In an update on the Brethren rebuilding project in Haiti, coordinator Jeff Boshart has reported that six more homes are nearly complete, bringing the total to 78. The goal for the project is to completely rebuild 100 homes. In addition, "there are two well projects in the works," Boshart added. One will serve a worksite with 22 homes, and the other will serve a Haitian Church of the Brethren church building and its immediate neighborhood. The Church of the Brethren’s Emergency Disaster Fund is accepting gifts for these two well projects. A third Brethren Disaster Ministries workcamp in Haiti in the last week of January has already been filled with applicants.
- Children’s Disaster Services is offering a Volunteer Workshop at La Verne (Calif.) Church of the Brethren on Feb. 27-28. Children’s Disaster Services volunteers set up and operate child care centers in disaster locations. The workshop will train volunteers to understand and respond to children who have experienced a disaster, learn how child-led play and various art mediums can start the healing process, experience a simulated shelter, sleep on cots and eat simple meals. Once the training is completed, participants have the opportunity to become certified Children’s Disaster Services volunteers by providing two personal references and a criminal and sexual offender background check. The workshop is open to anyone over 18 years old. Registration costs $45 ($55 after Feb. 6). Contact coordinator Kathy Benson at 909-593-4868 or the Children’s Disaster Services office at 800-451-4407 ext. 5 or cds@brethren.org.
- SERRV has announced a special offer "to make your holidays sweeter!" A free Divine Milk Chocolate bar will accompany orders of $50 or more. "And if you order at least $75 we'll also send you a Divine fruit and nut dark chocolate bar," said the announcement. Orders of $75 or more that are made by noon (Eastern time) on Dec. 18 receive free ground shipping. SERRV, which was started by the Church of the Brethren, is a nonprofit organization providing opportunity and support to artisans and farmers worldwide. Its Divine Chocolate is produced by cocoa farmers in Ghana, and supports, among other things, school for children, access to basic medical care, clean water wells, and income projects for women. Place orders at www.serrv.org or visit the SERRV Store at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md.
- "Pastors at the Community Church of the Brethren are praying for whoever vandalized their place of worship," according to the "Times-News" of Twin Falls, Idaho. The church pastored by Mark and Kathryn Bausman was vandalized last weekend. Cost of the damage came to about $9,600, including destruction of an electric organ, the newspaper said. Intruders also defaced children’s books, sprayed a fire extinguisher around the building, and did other acts of vandalism. The church continues plans to offer three live Nativity shows with free hot cocoa this Saturday evening.
- Fellowship in Christ Church of the Brethren in Fremont, Calif., has announced a "Celebration of Ministry at Our Closing" in the Pacific Southwest District newsletter. The closing celebration of the congregation takes place at 2 p.m. on Jan. 30.
- York (Pa.) First Church of the Brethren is one of several congregations contributing to chaplain Dan Lehigh’s annual Christmas cookie ministry to truckers. The congregation’s Tuesday Morning Women's Bible Study packed 245 bags of cookies for the Truck Stop Chaplaincy Ministry in Carlisle, Pa. Last year, the ministry gave 12,300 bags of cookies to truckers. This year’s goal is 13,000 bags.
- Belita Mitchell, pastor of First Church of the Brethren in Harrisburg, Pa., and a former Annual Conference moderator, is one of the religious leaders speaking out in response to the Dec. 6 shooting of a police officer by a gunman on parole for weapons violations. The incident took place in Penn Hills, near Pittsburgh. Mitchell contributed to a statement from the Heeding God’s Call campaign to prevent gun violence, joining Isaac Miller, rector of the Church of the Advocate (Episcopal) in North Philadelphia, and Rabbi Carl Choper, chair of the Interfaith Alliance of Pennsylvania. She said, in part: "We do not know exactly where the Penn Hills shooter got his guns, and may never know, but we can say with confidence that he did not walk into a gun shop, pass a background check, and proceed with a legal gun purchase. It’s infinitely more likely he obtained his guns through an illegal street purchase, from a gun trafficker.... So, while others may focus on a parole system that failed to adequately keep the gunman from committing criminally violent acts, Heeding God’s Call decries the illegal gun trade and gun dealers who look the other way and allow straw buyers to make bulk purchases at their stores."
- West Branch Church of the Brethren in Polo, Ill., was one of the destinations for an annual "Christmas in the Country House Walk" on Dec. 5. Proceeds went to the American Cancer Society. West Branch, organized in 1846, was the first Church of the Brethren in Ogle County, Ill. The stone church building was completed in 1862.
- Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren in Elgin, Ill., will host a "Community Forum on Immigration" with guest speaker Rachel Heuman on Jan. 2 at 9 a.m. The event is sponsored by the Fox Valley Citizens for Peace and Justice. Heuman has founded an Immigrant Advocacy Project and helped promote a city resolution in favor of immigration reform in her hometown of Evanston, Ill.
- Panther Creek Church of the Brethren in Adel, Iowa, has challenged churches in Northern Plains District to fill "quarter tubes" so that the district may purchase a Heifer International "ark." In November, the district board sent its first $5,000 to Heifer in honor of the two Panther Creek women, Lois Banwart and Marilyn Hoy, who helped initiate the project.
- "Who are your Brethren heroes?" asks Camp Bethel, the Virlina District camp near Fincastle, Va. The camp is seeking stories of Brethren heroes to flesh out its 2010 summer camp curriculum titled, "Be a Hero: Living Like Jesus." During each camp day this summer, campers will study the story of a biblical hero and a Brethren hero. An online response form is available at www.campbethelvirginia.org/Because_Heroes.pdf.
- The McPherson (Kan.) College football team won nine games this year "for the first time in its history," reports director of campus ministry Tom Hurst. The college team also was invited to its first football playoff game ever, he added. "The team ended the year with a 9-2 record."
- The Global Women's Project has received a gift from Northview Church of the Brethren in Indianapolis, in memory of late co-pastors Phil and Louise Rieman. The gift will purchase machines for a sewing cooperative in southern Sudan, said an announcement. Photos of the Narus Women's Sewing Cooperative can be viewed at www.globalwomensproject.org.
- "We have only one world, this world, if we destroy it, we have nothing else," said Archbishop Desmond Tutu at an ecumenical event for climate justice in Copenhagen on Dec. 13. His remarks were reported in a press release from the World Council of Churches (WCC). The ecumenical community is suggesting an agreement that would entail developed nations committing to reduce their carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by 40 percent by 2020 and by 80 percent by 2050 (as compared to 1990 levels), and to contribute funding to assist developing nations to reduce emissions. Tutu also delivered a clock representing over half a million signatures for climate justice to Yvo de Boer, executive secretary of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. A recording of speeches by Tutu and de Boer is at http://bit.ly/DesmondTutuAndYvoDeBoerCOP15.
- Palestinian Christians from a variety of churches have issued a prayerful call for an end to the occupation of Palestine by Israel. The call, issued at a Dec. 11 meeting in Bethlehem, is being referred to as "The Kairos Palestine Document," according to a release from the WCC. It echoes a similar summons issued by South African churches in the mid-1980s at the height of apartheid. The document is addressed to Christians around the world and decries "the emptiness of the promises and pronouncements about peace in the region," highlights current problems such as the separation wall erected on Palestinian territory and the blockade of Gaza, declares the occupation of Palestinian land a sin against God and humanity, and mentions signs of hope such as "numerous meetings for inter-religious dialogue." It concludes, "We believe that God's goodness will finally triumph over the evil of hate and of death that still persist in our land."
- Illinois and Wisconsin District is inviting volunteers to help prepare a new building to house the Chicago offices of Christian Peacemaker Teams. "Is there a group from your church who will donate time?" asked an announcement. The move-in date was scheduled for December, but work will continue into January. Contact 708-445-1998 or 630-606-5670.
- A 3rd Annual Bethlehem Prayer Service has been announced by Churches for Middle East Peace, of which the Church of the Brethren is a member. The event takes place on Dec. 19 as a joint simulcast with the people of Bethlehem and the Bethlehem Chapel of the Washington (D.C.) National Cathedral. The gathering begins at 9:30 a.m. and the service begins at 10 a.m. (Eastern time). Prayers, readings, and hymns will alternate between Washington, D.C., and Palestine. Watch the service live at www.nationalcathedral.org.
- The Brethren Revival Fellowship has published a commentary on Genesis by Harold S. Martin. The book is part of the "Brethren Old Testament Commentary" series, which has the stated aim of giving a readable explanation of the Old Testament text with loyalty to Anabaptist and Pietist values. Suggested donation is $20 for the 304-page volume. Send requests and donations to Brethren Revival Fellowship, P.O. Box 543, Ephrata, PA 17522-0543; or go to www.brfwitness.org/?page_id=268&category=3&product_id=23.
- A book by Jeffrey Kovac, "Refusing War, Affirming Peace: A History of Civilian Public Service Camp No. 21 at Cascade Locks" tops the list of titles for holiday shoppers recommended by "The Oregonian" newspaper. The book tells the story of the Cascade Locks camp for conscientious objectors during World War II, which was sponsored by the Church of the Brethren. Kovac’s father-in-law, Charles Davis, was assigned to the Cascade Locks camp and assisted his research. For "The Oregonian" recommendation, go to www.oregonlive.com/books/index.ssf/2009/12/new_pacific_northwest_titles_f.html.
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. Jeanne Davies, James Deaton, Kristin Flory, Audrey Hollenberg, Jeri S. Kornegay, Emily LaPrade, LethaJoy Martin, Wendy McFadden, Nancy Miner, John Wall, Loretta Wolf, and Jane Yount contributed to this report.
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. Jeanne Davies, James Deaton, Kristin Flory, Audrey Hollenberg, Jeri S. Kornegay, Emily LaPrade, LethaJoy Martin, Wendy McFadden, Nancy Miner, John Wall, Loretta Wolf, and Jane Yount contributed to this report.
Thursday, December 03, 2009
NEWS
- National Council of Churches issues messages supporting nuclear disarmament, health care reform.
- New Fire young adult movement dreams, takes action.
- Bethany Seminary announces new pastoral presence programs.
- Board approves new mission and vision statements for seminary.
- Grants give $105,000 for hurricane recovery in Haiti, Louisiana.
- Committee increases emphasis on ecumenism at the local level.
National Council of Churches issues messages supporting nuclear disarmament, health care reform.
The annual General Assembly of the National Council of Churches (NCC) and Church World Service (CWS) was held in Minneapolis on Nov. 10-12. "Rejoice Always, Pray Without Ceasing, Give Thanks in All Circumstances" (1 Thess. 5:16-18) was the theme.
Major agenda items included a resolution calling for nuclear disarmament, and a related message urging international reductions in military spending be used to reduce child mortality and poverty. Also high on the agenda was a message on the urgency of health care reform.
Brethren representatives included elected delegates Elizabeth Bidgood Enders, J.D. Glick, Illana Naylor, and Ken Miller Rieman, with Mary Jo Flory-Steury, executive director of the Ministry Office, participating as church staff. Three Church of the Brethren young adults also participated and attended the pre-assembly "New Fire" event (see story below): Jordan Blevins, assistant director of the NCC’s Eco-Justice Program; Bekah Houff, who was a head steward for the assembly; and Marcus Harden, who served as a steward.
The assembly resolution titled, "Nuclear Disarmament: The Time Is Now," calls for a goal of "the total disarmament of nuclear weapons." The following resolution section concludes the document:
"THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the member communions of the NCC and CWS, speaking together through their respective governing boards, hereby reaffirm the goal of the total disarmament of nuclear weapons and commit themselves: 1. To ask for commitments toward this end from national, state, and local governmental and ecumenical representatives and agencies. 2. To engage in international anti-violence advocacy efforts including the programs and events of the World Council of Churches such as the Decade to Overcome Violence. 3. To encourage appropriate working groups/committees to designate nuclear disarmament as a central theme for the 2011 Ecumenical Advocacy Days. 4. To develop measurable outcomes that inform faith-based educational materials. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the President and the General Secretary of the NCC and the Chairperson and Executive Director/CEO of the CWS communicate this commitment to the President of the United States and congressional leaders. AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the President and the General Secretary of the NCC and the Chairperson and Executive Director/CEO of the CWS report regularly to the General Assembly regarding their actions toward the end of nuclear disarmament." (For the full text go to www.ncccusa.org/ga2009/ga2009nuclearresolution.pdf.)
In a related action, the assembly sent a message to the US Congress and member communions urging support of the Global Security Priorities bill and commending the legislation's sponsors. The bill, House Resolution 278, calls for deep reductions in US and Russian nuclear arsenals, saving at least $13 billion annually. The money saved would be used to reduce child mortality and eradicate extreme poverty and hunger.
"There wasn’t a lot of discussion" of the resolution on nuclear disarmament, reported Bidgood Enders. "There seemed to be a tone among the body of general agreement. For the Church of the Brethren, of course we will be supportive," she added.
A message on the urgency of health care reform was approved as a joint action of the NCC and CWS. Precedent for the statement came from a health care policy originally adopted in 1971 and reaffirmed in 1989, said Bidgood Enders. The new document includes current statistics on the numbers of Americans without insurance and those underserved by health care, she said.
The assembly also gave a lot of attention to immigration reform and gun violence, according to Bidgood Enders, who remarked that "those were probably the items that got most discussion." In support of the CWS Immigration and Refugee Program, the assembly adopted a message urging proper treatment of immigrants and heard a presentation on immigration reform including the status of bills in Congress. Information was shared about a Holiday Postcard Campaign by the Interfaith Immigration Coalition to send messages to Congress calling for humane treatment of immigrants and concern for "families that are being torn apart," Bidgood Enders said (see www.interfaithimmigration.org).
On the issue of fire arms, a panel presentation about gun violence included some sharing from the work of the Heeding God’s Call movement in Philadelphia. Heeding God’s Call is an initiative against gun violence begun at a gathering of the Historic Peace Churches in January. "Everyone in the room received a Heeding God’s Call pin," along with statistics on deaths by gun violence, reported Bidgood Enders.
In other actions, the assembly voted the Apostolic Catholic Church into membership, affirmed a statement by the West Virginia Council of Churches condemning the removal of mountain tops as a mining practice, issued a message on the tragedy at Fort Hood, installed Peg Chemberlin as NCC president and Kathryn Lohre as president-elect, issued a message of appreciation for the recent visit of Orthodox leader Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, and gave ecumenical awards.
The NCC’s Women’s Ministries announced the launch of a "Circles of Names" Campaign to celebrate the historic contributions of women leaders in member churches and out of concern about cutbacks in gender justice and women's ministries among denominations. Donors will help support ongoing and future ecumenical work by honoring women who have made a difference in the church and in individual lives.
The next General Assembly on Nov. 9-11, 2010, in New Orleans will mark 100 years since the birth of the modern ecumenical movement. The theme will be, "Witnesses of These Things: Ecumenical Engagement in a New Era."
(Sections of this report are excerpted from NCC press releases.)
Source: 12/3/2009 Newsline
The annual General Assembly of the National Council of Churches (NCC) and Church World Service (CWS) was held in Minneapolis on Nov. 10-12. "Rejoice Always, Pray Without Ceasing, Give Thanks in All Circumstances" (1 Thess. 5:16-18) was the theme.
Major agenda items included a resolution calling for nuclear disarmament, and a related message urging international reductions in military spending be used to reduce child mortality and poverty. Also high on the agenda was a message on the urgency of health care reform.
Brethren representatives included elected delegates Elizabeth Bidgood Enders, J.D. Glick, Illana Naylor, and Ken Miller Rieman, with Mary Jo Flory-Steury, executive director of the Ministry Office, participating as church staff. Three Church of the Brethren young adults also participated and attended the pre-assembly "New Fire" event (see story below): Jordan Blevins, assistant director of the NCC’s Eco-Justice Program; Bekah Houff, who was a head steward for the assembly; and Marcus Harden, who served as a steward.
The assembly resolution titled, "Nuclear Disarmament: The Time Is Now," calls for a goal of "the total disarmament of nuclear weapons." The following resolution section concludes the document:
"THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the member communions of the NCC and CWS, speaking together through their respective governing boards, hereby reaffirm the goal of the total disarmament of nuclear weapons and commit themselves: 1. To ask for commitments toward this end from national, state, and local governmental and ecumenical representatives and agencies. 2. To engage in international anti-violence advocacy efforts including the programs and events of the World Council of Churches such as the Decade to Overcome Violence. 3. To encourage appropriate working groups/committees to designate nuclear disarmament as a central theme for the 2011 Ecumenical Advocacy Days. 4. To develop measurable outcomes that inform faith-based educational materials. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the President and the General Secretary of the NCC and the Chairperson and Executive Director/CEO of the CWS communicate this commitment to the President of the United States and congressional leaders. AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the President and the General Secretary of the NCC and the Chairperson and Executive Director/CEO of the CWS report regularly to the General Assembly regarding their actions toward the end of nuclear disarmament." (For the full text go to www.ncccusa.org/ga2009/ga2009nuclearresolution.pdf.)
In a related action, the assembly sent a message to the US Congress and member communions urging support of the Global Security Priorities bill and commending the legislation's sponsors. The bill, House Resolution 278, calls for deep reductions in US and Russian nuclear arsenals, saving at least $13 billion annually. The money saved would be used to reduce child mortality and eradicate extreme poverty and hunger.
"There wasn’t a lot of discussion" of the resolution on nuclear disarmament, reported Bidgood Enders. "There seemed to be a tone among the body of general agreement. For the Church of the Brethren, of course we will be supportive," she added.
A message on the urgency of health care reform was approved as a joint action of the NCC and CWS. Precedent for the statement came from a health care policy originally adopted in 1971 and reaffirmed in 1989, said Bidgood Enders. The new document includes current statistics on the numbers of Americans without insurance and those underserved by health care, she said.
The assembly also gave a lot of attention to immigration reform and gun violence, according to Bidgood Enders, who remarked that "those were probably the items that got most discussion." In support of the CWS Immigration and Refugee Program, the assembly adopted a message urging proper treatment of immigrants and heard a presentation on immigration reform including the status of bills in Congress. Information was shared about a Holiday Postcard Campaign by the Interfaith Immigration Coalition to send messages to Congress calling for humane treatment of immigrants and concern for "families that are being torn apart," Bidgood Enders said (see www.interfaithimmigration.org).
On the issue of fire arms, a panel presentation about gun violence included some sharing from the work of the Heeding God’s Call movement in Philadelphia. Heeding God’s Call is an initiative against gun violence begun at a gathering of the Historic Peace Churches in January. "Everyone in the room received a Heeding God’s Call pin," along with statistics on deaths by gun violence, reported Bidgood Enders.
In other actions, the assembly voted the Apostolic Catholic Church into membership, affirmed a statement by the West Virginia Council of Churches condemning the removal of mountain tops as a mining practice, issued a message on the tragedy at Fort Hood, installed Peg Chemberlin as NCC president and Kathryn Lohre as president-elect, issued a message of appreciation for the recent visit of Orthodox leader Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, and gave ecumenical awards.
The NCC’s Women’s Ministries announced the launch of a "Circles of Names" Campaign to celebrate the historic contributions of women leaders in member churches and out of concern about cutbacks in gender justice and women's ministries among denominations. Donors will help support ongoing and future ecumenical work by honoring women who have made a difference in the church and in individual lives.
The next General Assembly on Nov. 9-11, 2010, in New Orleans will mark 100 years since the birth of the modern ecumenical movement. The theme will be, "Witnesses of These Things: Ecumenical Engagement in a New Era."
(Sections of this report are excerpted from NCC press releases.)
Source: 12/3/2009 Newsline
New Fire young adult movement dreams, takes action.
With a prayer of thanksgiving and guidance, the participants of New Fire 2009 left Minneapolis having dreamt dreams and implemented action plans for a vision of a revitalized young adult ecumenical movement.
The prayer asked for "the work of the Spirit in expanding our communications...the gift of prudence as we lay organizational foundations...the gift of discernment as we pilot our New Fire seed grant project...a Spirit-filled outpouring of glad and generous hearts as we expand our circle of New Fire."
A vision statement declaring, "New Fire is movement-building work to call the Church to re-imagine its mission to live out the God-given mandates of love, justice, unity, and peace on a global, regional, and local level," was given backing with the launching of an "Ecumenists of All Ages" fundraising initiative. All of the young adults present made their commitment to the movement by donating at least the amount of money equivalent to their age. A collection of more than $650 laid the foundation of their work together.
A set of goals also was adopted, including goals to form a New Fire Task Force, expand diversity and representation, finalize a concept paper and grant proposal, fund a New Fire event next year, start a seed grant pilot program and leadership training to empower local ecumenical possibilities among young adults, involve at least 100 people under age 35 and 100 over age 35 in the Ecumenists of All Ages Campaign, and develop a logo, tagline, and promotional materials.
All of this was the result of a weekend full of worship, conversation, relationship building, and issue education. The event concluded as participants gave concrete ways to take their experience with them--committing to financial support, spreading the word, and taking ecumenical action at home. Prayer partners were picked to help sustain one another in the journey.
-- Jordan Blevins is assistant director of the NCC Eco-Justice Program.
Source: 12/3/2009 Newsline
With a prayer of thanksgiving and guidance, the participants of New Fire 2009 left Minneapolis having dreamt dreams and implemented action plans for a vision of a revitalized young adult ecumenical movement.
The prayer asked for "the work of the Spirit in expanding our communications...the gift of prudence as we lay organizational foundations...the gift of discernment as we pilot our New Fire seed grant project...a Spirit-filled outpouring of glad and generous hearts as we expand our circle of New Fire."
A vision statement declaring, "New Fire is movement-building work to call the Church to re-imagine its mission to live out the God-given mandates of love, justice, unity, and peace on a global, regional, and local level," was given backing with the launching of an "Ecumenists of All Ages" fundraising initiative. All of the young adults present made their commitment to the movement by donating at least the amount of money equivalent to their age. A collection of more than $650 laid the foundation of their work together.
A set of goals also was adopted, including goals to form a New Fire Task Force, expand diversity and representation, finalize a concept paper and grant proposal, fund a New Fire event next year, start a seed grant pilot program and leadership training to empower local ecumenical possibilities among young adults, involve at least 100 people under age 35 and 100 over age 35 in the Ecumenists of All Ages Campaign, and develop a logo, tagline, and promotional materials.
All of this was the result of a weekend full of worship, conversation, relationship building, and issue education. The event concluded as participants gave concrete ways to take their experience with them--committing to financial support, spreading the word, and taking ecumenical action at home. Prayer partners were picked to help sustain one another in the journey.
-- Jordan Blevins is assistant director of the NCC Eco-Justice Program.
Source: 12/3/2009 Newsline
Bethany Seminary announces new pastoral presence programs.
Bethany Theological Seminary in Richmond, Ind., has announced two new programs to encourage continuing education for pastors. The "Pastoral Presence Programs" provide the opportunity for Church of the Brethren pastors to avail themselves of Bethany facilities and participate in seminary life.
The purpose of these programs is to encourage direct conversations between Brethren pastors and the seminary. Pastors can make important contributions to the life and educational context at Bethany, and Bethany can provide a space for pastors for continuing education and retreat.
A Pastor-in-Residence track and a Pastoral Sabbatical track will be offered. Both will provide a setting for focused, purposeful study through meeting with professors and students, attending classes, pursuing research and writing projects, and participating in chapel services, forums, lectures, and other campus events. The Pastor-in-Residence will be expected to spend significant time interacting with students and attending classes and program opportunities. Those in the Pastoral Sabbatical track may choose more time for personal reflection, research, and writing.
Participants will complete a formal application, including an 800-1,000 word description of the intended research project, activities, and purpose of the time spent in the program; reside at Brethren House (the seminary’s guest house) for at least two weeks; preach or make a presentation at a chapel service or forum; and complete an evaluation of the program. For more details and an online application go to www.bethanyseminary.edu/bethany-announces-new-pastoral-presence-programs.
-- Marcia Shetler is director of Public Relations for Bethany Theological Seminary.
Source: 12/3/2009 Newsline
Bethany Theological Seminary in Richmond, Ind., has announced two new programs to encourage continuing education for pastors. The "Pastoral Presence Programs" provide the opportunity for Church of the Brethren pastors to avail themselves of Bethany facilities and participate in seminary life.
The purpose of these programs is to encourage direct conversations between Brethren pastors and the seminary. Pastors can make important contributions to the life and educational context at Bethany, and Bethany can provide a space for pastors for continuing education and retreat.
A Pastor-in-Residence track and a Pastoral Sabbatical track will be offered. Both will provide a setting for focused, purposeful study through meeting with professors and students, attending classes, pursuing research and writing projects, and participating in chapel services, forums, lectures, and other campus events. The Pastor-in-Residence will be expected to spend significant time interacting with students and attending classes and program opportunities. Those in the Pastoral Sabbatical track may choose more time for personal reflection, research, and writing.
Participants will complete a formal application, including an 800-1,000 word description of the intended research project, activities, and purpose of the time spent in the program; reside at Brethren House (the seminary’s guest house) for at least two weeks; preach or make a presentation at a chapel service or forum; and complete an evaluation of the program. For more details and an online application go to www.bethanyseminary.edu/bethany-announces-new-pastoral-presence-programs.
-- Marcia Shetler is director of Public Relations for Bethany Theological Seminary.
Source: 12/3/2009 Newsline
Board approves new mission and vision statements for seminary.
The Bethany Theological Seminary Board of Trustees gathered at the Richmond, Ind., campus on Oct. 30-Nov. 1. Continuing work from its Spring meeting, the board spent considerable time discussing a proposed new mission and vision statement for the seminary and refining specific goals and action plans for a strategic direction paper.
The new mission and vision statements were approved and can be viewed at www.bethanyseminary.edu/about/mission. Objectives in the strategic direction paper were compiled into a three-year completion plan and assigned to groups or individuals. The board also approved funding for a marketing study and communications audit.
The Academic Affairs Committee reported that a comprehensive curriculum review is in progress, with a simultaneous examination of the master of divinity and master of arts curricula. "As we consider how curriculum will support Bethany's new mission and vision, we want to emphasize the importance of the seminary both for training congregational leaders and for Brethren scholarship," said president Ruthann Knechel Johansen.
The board approved proceeding with the development of an MA Connections program proposal, a distributed education track for the master of arts degree. The proposal will be presented to the Association of Theological Schools, an accrediting agency, for approval. Academic dean Steven Schweitzer and Malinda Berry, instructor in theological studies and director of the MA program, are developing the proposal. The number of students in the MDiv Connections program continues to grow with 32 students currently enrolled.
The Academic Affairs Committee heard that faculty have approved several standards and resources for writing, to improve the quality of student writing and scholarship. The committee also heard a report from Donna Rhodes, executive director of the Susquehanna Valley Ministry Center that enrollment there has been more successful for classes offered at a nongraduate level than at the graduate level. SVMC and seminary staff continue to explore ways to strengthen the relationship and synergy of their work together.
The Institutional Advancement Committee reported that annual giving in fiscal year 2008-09 was less than the previous year. Although gifts from congregations have been declining slowly for more than a decade, there was a greater drop in gifts from individuals in the past fiscal year. The total also was affected by the receipt of fewer estate gifts than usual. The committee presented several reports that examined giving from specific constituencies in greater depth, including congregations and alumni/ae. The board approved a recommendation to conduct a feasibility study for a new financial campaign. The staff has developed a plan for making donor contacts utilizing four institutional advancement staff: Lowell Flory, Marcia Shetler, Fred Bernhard, and Dan Poole.
The board approved recommendations from the Student and Business Affairs Committee related to tuition and financial aid. Tuition for the 2010-11 academic year will be $1,260 for a three credit hour class. A new financial aid plan will be implemented in 2010-11 with a primary goal of meeting student financial needs and addressing seminary priorities relating to the makeup of the student body, financial goals, and support from congregations and districts.
In the new financial aid plan, registration and technology fees will be eliminated. All students will pay a flat amount that will vary each year, based on the annual income needed to keep the financial aid program viable. As in previous years, students' congregations and districts will be invited to make a gift to Bethany in support of financial aid. The plan will offer generous scholarships for students with high academic standing and those who plan to pursue a vocation that serves the church.
The committee shared encouraging admissions and student development reports: 26 new degree-seeking students and two new occasional students began taking classes this fall, a 12-year record high. Reasons cited by new students for choosing Bethany include the quality of faculty, academic reputation, and financial aid.
A celebration marked completion of the restoration of the seminary's special collections project. The special collections contain portions of the libraries of three donors: the William Eberly Hymnal Collection, the Ora Huston English Bible Collection, and more than 4,000 titles from the Abraham Cassel Collection. A grant of nearly $150,000 from the Arthur Vining Davis Foundations provided for restoration of most of the very valuable volumes and the enclosure of each item in acid-free clamshell or hinge boxes. Murray Wagner, emeritus professor of historical studies, directed the project. The project team has posted more than 300 digital images of title pages and other illustrations at www.bethanyseminary.edu/specialcollections.
The meeting was preceded by installation of new academic dean Steven Schweitzer. The board also welcomed new member David Witkovsky of Huntingdon, Pa., representing the Church of the Brethren colleges. Other returning members elected or affirmed by the 2009 Annual Conference included Rhonda Pittman Gingrich representing alumni/ae; Jerry Davis of La Verne, Calif.; and John D. Miller Jr. of York, Pa.
-- Marcia Shetler is director of Public Relations for Bethany Theological Seminary.
Source: 12/3/2009 Newsline
The Bethany Theological Seminary Board of Trustees gathered at the Richmond, Ind., campus on Oct. 30-Nov. 1. Continuing work from its Spring meeting, the board spent considerable time discussing a proposed new mission and vision statement for the seminary and refining specific goals and action plans for a strategic direction paper.
The new mission and vision statements were approved and can be viewed at www.bethanyseminary.edu/about/mission. Objectives in the strategic direction paper were compiled into a three-year completion plan and assigned to groups or individuals. The board also approved funding for a marketing study and communications audit.
The Academic Affairs Committee reported that a comprehensive curriculum review is in progress, with a simultaneous examination of the master of divinity and master of arts curricula. "As we consider how curriculum will support Bethany's new mission and vision, we want to emphasize the importance of the seminary both for training congregational leaders and for Brethren scholarship," said president Ruthann Knechel Johansen.
The board approved proceeding with the development of an MA Connections program proposal, a distributed education track for the master of arts degree. The proposal will be presented to the Association of Theological Schools, an accrediting agency, for approval. Academic dean Steven Schweitzer and Malinda Berry, instructor in theological studies and director of the MA program, are developing the proposal. The number of students in the MDiv Connections program continues to grow with 32 students currently enrolled.
The Academic Affairs Committee heard that faculty have approved several standards and resources for writing, to improve the quality of student writing and scholarship. The committee also heard a report from Donna Rhodes, executive director of the Susquehanna Valley Ministry Center that enrollment there has been more successful for classes offered at a nongraduate level than at the graduate level. SVMC and seminary staff continue to explore ways to strengthen the relationship and synergy of their work together.
The Institutional Advancement Committee reported that annual giving in fiscal year 2008-09 was less than the previous year. Although gifts from congregations have been declining slowly for more than a decade, there was a greater drop in gifts from individuals in the past fiscal year. The total also was affected by the receipt of fewer estate gifts than usual. The committee presented several reports that examined giving from specific constituencies in greater depth, including congregations and alumni/ae. The board approved a recommendation to conduct a feasibility study for a new financial campaign. The staff has developed a plan for making donor contacts utilizing four institutional advancement staff: Lowell Flory, Marcia Shetler, Fred Bernhard, and Dan Poole.
The board approved recommendations from the Student and Business Affairs Committee related to tuition and financial aid. Tuition for the 2010-11 academic year will be $1,260 for a three credit hour class. A new financial aid plan will be implemented in 2010-11 with a primary goal of meeting student financial needs and addressing seminary priorities relating to the makeup of the student body, financial goals, and support from congregations and districts.
In the new financial aid plan, registration and technology fees will be eliminated. All students will pay a flat amount that will vary each year, based on the annual income needed to keep the financial aid program viable. As in previous years, students' congregations and districts will be invited to make a gift to Bethany in support of financial aid. The plan will offer generous scholarships for students with high academic standing and those who plan to pursue a vocation that serves the church.
The committee shared encouraging admissions and student development reports: 26 new degree-seeking students and two new occasional students began taking classes this fall, a 12-year record high. Reasons cited by new students for choosing Bethany include the quality of faculty, academic reputation, and financial aid.
A celebration marked completion of the restoration of the seminary's special collections project. The special collections contain portions of the libraries of three donors: the William Eberly Hymnal Collection, the Ora Huston English Bible Collection, and more than 4,000 titles from the Abraham Cassel Collection. A grant of nearly $150,000 from the Arthur Vining Davis Foundations provided for restoration of most of the very valuable volumes and the enclosure of each item in acid-free clamshell or hinge boxes. Murray Wagner, emeritus professor of historical studies, directed the project. The project team has posted more than 300 digital images of title pages and other illustrations at www.bethanyseminary.edu/specialcollections.
The meeting was preceded by installation of new academic dean Steven Schweitzer. The board also welcomed new member David Witkovsky of Huntingdon, Pa., representing the Church of the Brethren colleges. Other returning members elected or affirmed by the 2009 Annual Conference included Rhonda Pittman Gingrich representing alumni/ae; Jerry Davis of La Verne, Calif.; and John D. Miller Jr. of York, Pa.
-- Marcia Shetler is director of Public Relations for Bethany Theological Seminary.
Source: 12/3/2009 Newsline
Grants give $105,000 for hurricane recovery in Haiti, Louisiana.
Grants from the Church of the Brethren’s Emergency Disaster Fund have given $105,000 for rebuilding and recovery following hurricane damage in Haiti and Louisiana.
An allocation of $75,000 supports a Church of the Brethren program in Haiti. The grant will support the building of eight new homes and a simple road to the Gonaives area, provide a drinking water well, support a third Brethren workcamp in Jan. 2010, and support continued oversight and management of the program including travel expenses. Previous grants to this project have totaled $370,000.
An allocation of $30,000 continues funding for Brethren Disaster Ministries’ Hurricane Katrina rebuilding site 4 in Chalmette, La. The grant supports the repair and rebuilding of homes, and volunteer support including travel expenses, leadership training, tools, equipment, food, and housing.
Source: 12/3/2009 Newsline
Grants from the Church of the Brethren’s Emergency Disaster Fund have given $105,000 for rebuilding and recovery following hurricane damage in Haiti and Louisiana.
An allocation of $75,000 supports a Church of the Brethren program in Haiti. The grant will support the building of eight new homes and a simple road to the Gonaives area, provide a drinking water well, support a third Brethren workcamp in Jan. 2010, and support continued oversight and management of the program including travel expenses. Previous grants to this project have totaled $370,000.
An allocation of $30,000 continues funding for Brethren Disaster Ministries’ Hurricane Katrina rebuilding site 4 in Chalmette, La. The grant supports the repair and rebuilding of homes, and volunteer support including travel expenses, leadership training, tools, equipment, food, and housing.
Source: 12/3/2009 Newsline
Committee increases emphasis on ecumenism at the local level.
The Church of the Brethren’s Committee on Interchurch Relations (CIR) met in Elgin, Ill., on Sept. 24-26. The fall meeting is the annual launch to the CIR’s realm of responsibilities. The committee also participates in three conference calls throughout the year, and has responsibilities at Annual Conference including written and oral presentations to the delegate body.
In light of new denominational structure and the changing face of ecumenism, the group reviewed the continuing viability and purpose of CIR. The committee agreed that it is time to re-cast the vision of CIR by shifting energy to giving voice to ecumenical efforts at the congregational level. This includes calling out congregational stories of interfaith dialogue and activities, validating risks and commitments of congregations, encouraging congregations to be more outwardly focused, and working with the Office of Ministry and Congregational Life Ministries to provide resources for ecumenical activities.
From the list of CIR priorities for the upcoming year, three areas were highlighted: to anticipate engagement in conversations with Evangelishe Kirche von Westphalia in Germany regarding the apology given to Brethren bodies at the anniversary event in 2008; to examine and identify the ongoing relationship of CIR activities with the membership of the church; and to celebrate local ecumenical relationships already formed and flourishing, while inspiring the development of additional opportunities.
The committee also received a report from Church of the Brethren general secretary Stan Noffsinger, who is serving the final months of his second year as vice-president of the executive committee of the National Council of Churches; and a report on the history of the Baptist movement--recognizing the 400th anniversary of the earliest Baptist churches--given by ex-officio member Jerry Cain, president of Judson University in Elgin.
Members of the committee are Melissa Bennett, Jim Eikenberry, Jim Hardenbrook, Steve Reid, Paul Roth, and Melissa Troyer. Roth and Eikenberry were named as co-chairs.
-- Melissa Troyer is a CIR member from Middlebury, Ind.
Source: 12/3/2009 Newsline
The Church of the Brethren’s Committee on Interchurch Relations (CIR) met in Elgin, Ill., on Sept. 24-26. The fall meeting is the annual launch to the CIR’s realm of responsibilities. The committee also participates in three conference calls throughout the year, and has responsibilities at Annual Conference including written and oral presentations to the delegate body.
In light of new denominational structure and the changing face of ecumenism, the group reviewed the continuing viability and purpose of CIR. The committee agreed that it is time to re-cast the vision of CIR by shifting energy to giving voice to ecumenical efforts at the congregational level. This includes calling out congregational stories of interfaith dialogue and activities, validating risks and commitments of congregations, encouraging congregations to be more outwardly focused, and working with the Office of Ministry and Congregational Life Ministries to provide resources for ecumenical activities.
From the list of CIR priorities for the upcoming year, three areas were highlighted: to anticipate engagement in conversations with Evangelishe Kirche von Westphalia in Germany regarding the apology given to Brethren bodies at the anniversary event in 2008; to examine and identify the ongoing relationship of CIR activities with the membership of the church; and to celebrate local ecumenical relationships already formed and flourishing, while inspiring the development of additional opportunities.
The committee also received a report from Church of the Brethren general secretary Stan Noffsinger, who is serving the final months of his second year as vice-president of the executive committee of the National Council of Churches; and a report on the history of the Baptist movement--recognizing the 400th anniversary of the earliest Baptist churches--given by ex-officio member Jerry Cain, president of Judson University in Elgin.
Members of the committee are Melissa Bennett, Jim Eikenberry, Jim Hardenbrook, Steve Reid, Paul Roth, and Melissa Troyer. Roth and Eikenberry were named as co-chairs.
-- Melissa Troyer is a CIR member from Middlebury, Ind.
Source: 12/3/2009 Newsline
Schild to direct financial operations at Brethren Benefit Trust.
Sandy Schild has accepted the position of Director of Financial Operations for Brethren Benefit Trust (BBT). She will begin her duties on Dec. 14. She lives in Barrington, Ill., and is an active member of Barrington United Methodist Church.
Most recently Schild has served as controller for her husband’s company, Schild Consulting Inc. Previously she was a management company controller and directed a department that provided accounting, reporting, and cash management services for 15 foreign and domestic companies supporting multiple hedge funds. In addition, she has worked in tax planning, both domestic and international.
She is a licensed Certified Public Accountant in Illinois and holds several degrees including a master of science in taxation from DePaul University in Chicago, a master of business administration in accounting and a bachelor of business administration from the University of Wisconsin, Madison. She currently is involved in post-graduate study in environmental sustainability through the Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago.
Source: 12/3/2009 Newsline
Sandy Schild has accepted the position of Director of Financial Operations for Brethren Benefit Trust (BBT). She will begin her duties on Dec. 14. She lives in Barrington, Ill., and is an active member of Barrington United Methodist Church.
Most recently Schild has served as controller for her husband’s company, Schild Consulting Inc. Previously she was a management company controller and directed a department that provided accounting, reporting, and cash management services for 15 foreign and domestic companies supporting multiple hedge funds. In addition, she has worked in tax planning, both domestic and international.
She is a licensed Certified Public Accountant in Illinois and holds several degrees including a master of science in taxation from DePaul University in Chicago, a master of business administration in accounting and a bachelor of business administration from the University of Wisconsin, Madison. She currently is involved in post-graduate study in environmental sustainability through the Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago.
Source: 12/3/2009 Newsline
Correction, personnel, job openings, end-of-year giving, more
- Correction: An incorrect post office box number was given for the John Kline Homestead Preservation Trust in a recent issue of Messenger magazine. The correct address is John Kline Homestead Preservation Trust, Linville Creek Church of the Brethren, P.O. Box 274, Broadway, Va 22815.
- The Brethren Encyclopedia, Inc., has announced that James C. Gibbel has accepted the responsibility of assistant treasurer, filling a position formerly held by Ronald G. Lutz. Lutz had served as a volunteer for 32 years, as the primary contact person for the Brethren Encyclopedia receiving book orders and payments, managing financial matters, and reporting to the board. Gibbel is a member of the Church of the Brethren and president of Gibbel Insurance Agency in Lititz, Pa. In other volunteer leadership positions in the church he has served on the board of Brethren Benefit Trust, has been a district delegate to the Standing Committee of Annual Conference, and was chair of the Brethren Peace Fellowship Coordinating Committee. Also joining the board of the Brethren Encyclopedia, Inc. is Isaac (Ike) V. Graham, pastor of Orrville (Ohio) Grace Brethren Church and a member of Conservative Grace Brethren Churches International.
- The New Windsor (Md.) Conference Center is thanking Alene Campbell for her service as volunteer hostess in the Old Main building for the month of November.
- Brethren Benefit Trust (BBT) seeks a manager of Pension Operations to fill a full-time salaried position based at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill. Functions include to manage the daily operations of the Pension Plan and assist the director of the Pension Plan and Employee Financial Services with plan administration. The scope of duties includes managing the daily operations of the Pension Plan, assisting and coordinating activity with staff associated with the pension department as needed, developing proficiency with pension software, overseeing and maintaining integrity and functioning of electronic and hardcopy records, providing direct customer service, reviewing and maintaining administrative policies and practices that support regulatory compliance. The Pension manager travels to the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference, BBT Board meetings, and other denominational events as assigned. BBT is seeking a candidate with excellent communication skills who has an undergraduate degree in human resources or business. The ideal candidate will have experience and expertise in compensation and employee benefits management, with human resources and employee benefits certifications/designations a plus. Active membership in the Church of the Brethren is preferred, active membership in a faith community is required. Salary and benefits are competitive with Church Benefits Association agencies of comparable size and scope of services. A full benefits package is included. Send a letter of interest, resume, three references (one or two supervisors and one or two colleagues), and salary-range expectation to Donna March, 1505 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120 or dmarch_bbt@brethren.org. For questions about the position, call 847-622-3371. For more information about BBT visit www.brethrenbenefittrust.org. Interviewing will begin by Dec. 17, and the position should be filled on or after Jan. 2, 2010.
- Brethren Benefit Trust (BBT) is seeking a manager of sales for health and welfare benefits. This is a full-time salaried position in Insurance Services. The primary responsibility is to sell insurance plans and services to agencies and groups of the Church of the Brethren and to similar organizations. The scope of duties includes working with staff to develop a progressive strategic plan for the sales of all insurance products. Critical to the role is developing and maintaining relationships with those whom BBT exists to serve, which includes providing insurance consultations to both employers and employees. Sensitive to these consultations, the manager will collaborate with staff for the creation of resources and implementation of procedures to support BBT’s insurance ministry. The manager is expected to spend significant time traveling. BBT is seeking a candidate with an undergraduate degree in business, economics, or a related field of study. At least five years working in the health and welfare benefits insurance industry is expected. Willingness to develop an understanding of church insurance plans is important. The successful candidate will be a licensed Life and Health Insurance Agent or willing to become licensed. Current and active membership in the Church of the Brethren is preferred; current and active membership in a faith community is required. Salary and benefits are competitive with Church Benefits Association agencies of comparable size and scope of services. A full benefits package is included. The position will be filled as soon as possible. Send a cover letter, resume, three references (one supervisor, and two colleagues or work associates), and salary expectation to Donna March, 1505 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120 or dmarch_bbt@brethren.org. For questions about the position, call 847-622-3371. For more information about BBT visit www.brethrenbenefittrust.org.
- 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 extended to Dec. 18.
- The Church of the Brethren’s finance staff are reminding donors to postmark 2009 gifts to the church by Dec. 31. Donations must be dated and postmarked by Dec. 31 in order for the donor to receive 2009 charitable gift tax credit.
- On Earth Peace staff member Marie Rhoades is one of the panelists at a fall program of the United Nations Sub-Committee for the Elimination of Racism of the NGO Committee on Human Rights. Rhoades is program coordinator for Peace Education for On Earth Peace. Joining her on the panel will be Sasha Simpson, a graduate of the Agape Satyagraha program of On Earth Peace and First Church of the Brethren in Harrisburg, Pa. "On Earth Peace is a participant because the sub-committee found their Agape Satyagraha (program) to fit this year's theme on ‘making a difference,’ " reported Doris Abdullah, the Church of the Brethren’s UN representative and a member of the sub-committee. The panel presentation is open to the public. It will take place Dec. 3, at 1-3:30 p.m. in the Boss Room at the UN Church Center in New York City.
- The reverse offering from National Junior High Conference has now topped $7,000, reports Becky Ullom, director of the Church of the Brethren’s Youth and Young Adult Ministry. Each participant in the conference received $10, made possible through a $4,000 grant from the church’s Core Ministries Fund and the office of Stewardship and Donor Development, and were invited to take the money home and increase the investment.
- Nathan and Jennifer Hosler, mission workers with Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria (EYN--the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria) have shared the following prayer requests: prayer for trauma healing for those in Maiduguri and Jos who have experienced violence, loss of life, and property; and prayer for a movement for peace. "The main training school in EYN is implementing a Peace and Reconciliation curriculum in its two programs--Diploma in Theology and Diploma in Christian Ministry--in order to train future leaders with a foundation of peace," the Hoslers report. "Please pray that the curriculum being prepared would be insightful and would equip students to be peacemakers in their contexts. Please pray for young leaders who are concerned with peace." The couple added a request for prayer for strength as they are separated from family this holiday season, and for their own health and safe travel to various events in the next few weeks--including invitations to visit the home villages of students at Kulp Bible College.
- The SERRV Store at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md., is holding a "75 Percent Off Sale" on Dec. 2-6. SERRV is a nonprofit fair-trade organization started by the Church of the Brethren, working to eradicate poverty by buying and selling crafts and food produced by low-income artisans and farmers around the world ( www.serrv.org).
- Stone Church of the Brethren in Huntingdon, Pa., celebrates its 100th Anniversary on Dec. 12-13.
- The Brethren Revival Fellowship (BRF) is celebrating its 50th year. "Brethren Revival Fellowship began in 1959 as a loyal concern movement within the Church of the Brethren," report Harold S. Martin and Craig Alan Myers in an article in the "BRF Witness" newsletter. "We have been calling the church to stand firmly for the veracity of the Bible, urging Brethren not to discard her historic doctrines, and pressing for an ‘as it reads’ understanding of New Testament truth." The article goes on to review the beginnings of the movement following the 1959 Annual Conference at Ocean Grove, N.J., the specific concerns of the BRF, current activities such as publishing of the Brethren New Testament Commentary series, the service of the BRF Committee, and more. Go to www.brfwitness.org or contact BRF, P.O. Box 543, Ephrata, PA 17522.
- The first annual Brethren Colleges Abroad (BCA) International Student Conference on Divided Societies and Victimhood took place in Northern Ireland on Nov. 12-14, according to a release from Bridgewater (Va.) College. The conference was co-sponsored by AEGEE-The European Students’ Forum, the Foundation for International Education in London, the University of San Diego, and the University of Ulster. BCA organized the conference as part of its efforts to provide international education and study abroad with a focus on peace, justice and global citizenship. Founded in 1962 as a consortium of seven institutions of higher education with historic ties to the Church of the Brethren, BCA now operates academic study centers around the world for students from hundreds of US institutions of higher education.
- The Manchester College Spartans tied for second in the Heartland conference, "our highest football conference ranking since 1968!" according to an e-mail note from college president Jo Young Switzer. Senior Chris Cecil was chosen as the conference Most Valuable Special Teams Player, in Manchester’s first-ever Most Valuable Player in football. In other news from the college in North Manchester, Ind., the public is invited to a Dec. 10 celebration of Jerry Sweeten, who has received a national honor as 2009 Indiana Professor of the Year. A program and reception will begin at 5 p.m. in Flory Auditorium.
- "The Art of the Book," a CBS Religion Special about art and the Bible, will be broadcast on Dec. 6 (check local listings for station and time). The special is produced with the cooperation of the National Council of Churches, the US Conference of Catholic Bishops, the Islamic Society of North America, the Union for Reform Judaism, and the New York Board of Rabbis. Featured experts are Bill Voelkle, curator of the Department of Medieval and Renaissance Manuscripts at the Morgan Library and Museum in New York, who reviews the 1,400 illuminated manuscripts collected by the financier Pierpont Morgan; and David Kraemer, a librarian and professor of Talmud and Rabbinics at Jewish Theological Seminary. The program also visits the new Museum of Biblical Art.
- "A Place for All: Faith and Community for People with Disabilities" is an interfaith documentary airing on ABC-TV affiliates nationwide beginning Dec. 6. It is presented by the Interfaith Broadcasting Commission, a coalition of Jewish, Muslim, Protestant, Orthodox, and Catholic faith groups, as part of ABC’s Vision and Values series. "The issue addressed by the program is critical, as it is estimated that one out of five Americans has a disability," said National Council of Churches general secretary Michael Kinnamon, who appears in the documentary. The film features Rabbi Darby Leigh of Congregation Bnai Keshet in New Jersey and one of the handful of deaf rabbis in the world; members of a Lutheran program for "Definitely Abled Youth"; pastor Beth Lockard of Christ the King Deaf Church; and Brandon Kaplan, a boy with limited sight and speech who recently had the privilege of becoming a Bar Mitzvah.
- The New Community Project has launched an e-mail campaign to President Obama in preparation for the United Nations Climate Change Conference on Dec. 7-18 in Copenhagen, Denmark. "We are asking folks to make their own commitments to turn down the heat...as a way of supporting a strong US position to reduce greenhouse gases (and) to show that US consumers need to take responsibility for our role in global warming," said a note from director David Radcliff. Participants pledge to take personal action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, such as hanging clothes to dry, or turning down the thermostat this winter. Go to www.newcommunityproject.org/letter_to_president.shtml.
- The logo for the 2010 Annual Conference of the Church of the Brethren was released this week by the Conference Office. Designed by Debbie Noffsinger, the logo illustrates the 2010 theme from John 14:15. The Conference takes place July 3-7 in Pittsburgh, Pa. A theme statement from moderator Shawn Flory Replogle is available online, go to www.cobannualconference.org/pittsburgh/theme.html.
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, Melissa Dixon, Kim Ebersole, Mary Kay Heatwole, Kabi Jorgensen, Jeri S. Kornegay, Donna March, Nancy Miner, Brian Solem, Becky Ullom, LeAnn Wine contributed to this report.
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, Melissa Dixon, Kim Ebersole, Mary Kay Heatwole, Kabi Jorgensen, Jeri S. Kornegay, Donna March, Nancy Miner, Brian Solem, Becky Ullom, LeAnn Wine contributed to this report.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
NEWS
- Haiti workcamp continues rebuilding, funding needed for 'Brethren phase.'
- Mission executive visits churches and Rural Service Center in India.
- 'Martyr's Mirror' provides agenda for Brethren Historical Committee.
- New REGNUH collection will benefit small-holder farm families.
- Emergency Disaster Fund grants go to Pakistan and Sudan.
- Apple pickers flee, fearing Turkish bombing in Iraq.
Haiti workcamp continues rebuilding; funding needed for 'Brethren phase.'
A second disaster relief workcamp visited Haiti on Oct. 24-Nov. 1, part of a joint effort of Brethren Disaster Ministries and the Church of the Brethren Haiti Mission to rebuild homes following four hurricanes and tropical storms that hit Haiti last year.
Participants included Haile Bedada, Fausto Carrasco, Ramphy Carrasco, Cliff Kindy, Mary Mason, Earl Mull, Gary Novak, Sally Rich, Jan Small, and David Young. Leadership included Jeff Boshart, Haiti Disaster Response coordinator; Ludovic St. Fleur, Haiti mission coordinator and pastor of Eglise des Freres Haitiens in Miami, Fla.; Roy Winter, executive director of Brethren Disaster Ministries; and Klebert Exceus, a consultant for the work in Haiti. The group was joined for much of its trip by leaders from the Church of the Brethren in Haiti.
A highlight was the opportunity to attend the dedication and opening worship service of a new church building in Fond Cheval. The church has been built by the local community as a gesture of gratitude to the Brethren for rebuilding homes in the area. Many people gathered for the dedication, including Brethren from congregations in Port au Prince, the newly formed Haiti Church of the Brethren Leadership Team, and members of Exceus's church. "It was standing room only," Winter said. A special donation to the church's Global Mission Partnerships program helped cover church construction expenses that local Haitians did not donate.
"From there we hiked into the mountains and visited the work in the Mont Boulage area. We saw good work there," Winter said. However, the workcamp spent the bulk of its time--most of a week--rebuilding homes in the city of Gonaives. The group accomplished work on latrines for 18 families, painted 20 houses, and wired 20 houses for electricity.
It was "hot work" Winter said, the heat forcing some participants to stop work by noon. Some workcampers also spent time with the children who would gather at the construction sites. "Many children helped or tried to help with the painting," Winter said. "During breaks workcampers would spend time offering love and comfort. Sometimes they would spell names and talk about the alphabet...just being present with the children."
Boshart reported that "the Haitian supervisor in charge of the project was very satisfied and pleased with the work of the workcampers. During a short worship service on Mont Boulage, where Brethren Disaster Ministries has already completed the rebuilding of 21 homes, mission coordinator Pastor Ludovic St. Fleur recalled a Haitian proverb which says, 'If someone sweats for you, you change a shirt for him.' I believe our workcampers felt this hospitality as we were well cared for by the local church members wherever we went."
The group closed its trip to Haiti with a visit to a Brethren congregation in Cap-Haitien. "For some workcampers, visiting the churches was the most important to them," Winter said. He noted that the Church of the Brethren in Haiti has many preaching points that even St. Fleur has not had a chance to visit. "I am somewhat in awe of the church plant there, how much has been accomplished, and how it's growing," Winter said.
A principle function of the rebuilding project is to support the church in Haiti, to "help create synergy for them," he added. "I believe many of the workcampers were surprised by the difficulty of the situation, especially in Gonaives--water on and off, electricity off part of most nights, no fan, unusual food for some. The hardship became in time a way of being in solidarity with the Haitians, many living in even more difficult situations."
Brethren Disaster Ministries has now completed 72 homes in Haiti, toward a goal of 100. "We need to do 28 more houses," said Boshart, "By my count, at $4,000 per house and $500 per latrine, we're talking $126,000 to do all 28."
"It is significant to mention that we've tried very hard not to show favoritism towards Brethren families who were victims of the hurricanes," Boshart added. "In Gonaives, of the first 30 homes, none of them were Brethren. We now wish to make the next phase our 'Brethren phase,' which would mean building six homes for those Brethren families. This 'Brethren phase' would be $27,000."
"We still need to raise significant funds to accomplish the goal," Winter confirmed. He also hopes that the undesignated reserve funds already expended on the project through grants from the Emergency Disaster Fund can be replenished, anticipating increased giving as the project comes close to reaching its goal. "We have expensed $370,000 from the Emergency Disaster Fund for the work so far. So far we have only received $72,500 (as of the end of September) in donations designated for Haiti--the rest came from undesignated gifts."
From now on, Brethren Disaster Ministries will not be using any more undesignated reserve funds in Haiti, Winter announced. "At this point we will build as we receive designated gifts," he said.
A third Haiti workcamp is planned for January 2010. To express interest, contact rwinter@brethren.org or 800-451-4407 ext. 8.
For more about the Emergency Disaster Fund or to donate to the Haiti project online go to www.brethren.org/site/PageServer?pagename=give_emergency_disaster_fund.
For a photo album from the workcamp held in Haiti in October, go to www.brethren.org/site/PhotoAlbumUser?AlbumID=9703&view=UserAlbum.
Source: 11/18/2009 Newsline
A second disaster relief workcamp visited Haiti on Oct. 24-Nov. 1, part of a joint effort of Brethren Disaster Ministries and the Church of the Brethren Haiti Mission to rebuild homes following four hurricanes and tropical storms that hit Haiti last year.
Participants included Haile Bedada, Fausto Carrasco, Ramphy Carrasco, Cliff Kindy, Mary Mason, Earl Mull, Gary Novak, Sally Rich, Jan Small, and David Young. Leadership included Jeff Boshart, Haiti Disaster Response coordinator; Ludovic St. Fleur, Haiti mission coordinator and pastor of Eglise des Freres Haitiens in Miami, Fla.; Roy Winter, executive director of Brethren Disaster Ministries; and Klebert Exceus, a consultant for the work in Haiti. The group was joined for much of its trip by leaders from the Church of the Brethren in Haiti.
A highlight was the opportunity to attend the dedication and opening worship service of a new church building in Fond Cheval. The church has been built by the local community as a gesture of gratitude to the Brethren for rebuilding homes in the area. Many people gathered for the dedication, including Brethren from congregations in Port au Prince, the newly formed Haiti Church of the Brethren Leadership Team, and members of Exceus's church. "It was standing room only," Winter said. A special donation to the church's Global Mission Partnerships program helped cover church construction expenses that local Haitians did not donate.
"From there we hiked into the mountains and visited the work in the Mont Boulage area. We saw good work there," Winter said. However, the workcamp spent the bulk of its time--most of a week--rebuilding homes in the city of Gonaives. The group accomplished work on latrines for 18 families, painted 20 houses, and wired 20 houses for electricity.
It was "hot work" Winter said, the heat forcing some participants to stop work by noon. Some workcampers also spent time with the children who would gather at the construction sites. "Many children helped or tried to help with the painting," Winter said. "During breaks workcampers would spend time offering love and comfort. Sometimes they would spell names and talk about the alphabet...just being present with the children."
Boshart reported that "the Haitian supervisor in charge of the project was very satisfied and pleased with the work of the workcampers. During a short worship service on Mont Boulage, where Brethren Disaster Ministries has already completed the rebuilding of 21 homes, mission coordinator Pastor Ludovic St. Fleur recalled a Haitian proverb which says, 'If someone sweats for you, you change a shirt for him.' I believe our workcampers felt this hospitality as we were well cared for by the local church members wherever we went."
The group closed its trip to Haiti with a visit to a Brethren congregation in Cap-Haitien. "For some workcampers, visiting the churches was the most important to them," Winter said. He noted that the Church of the Brethren in Haiti has many preaching points that even St. Fleur has not had a chance to visit. "I am somewhat in awe of the church plant there, how much has been accomplished, and how it's growing," Winter said.
A principle function of the rebuilding project is to support the church in Haiti, to "help create synergy for them," he added. "I believe many of the workcampers were surprised by the difficulty of the situation, especially in Gonaives--water on and off, electricity off part of most nights, no fan, unusual food for some. The hardship became in time a way of being in solidarity with the Haitians, many living in even more difficult situations."
Brethren Disaster Ministries has now completed 72 homes in Haiti, toward a goal of 100. "We need to do 28 more houses," said Boshart, "By my count, at $4,000 per house and $500 per latrine, we're talking $126,000 to do all 28."
"It is significant to mention that we've tried very hard not to show favoritism towards Brethren families who were victims of the hurricanes," Boshart added. "In Gonaives, of the first 30 homes, none of them were Brethren. We now wish to make the next phase our 'Brethren phase,' which would mean building six homes for those Brethren families. This 'Brethren phase' would be $27,000."
"We still need to raise significant funds to accomplish the goal," Winter confirmed. He also hopes that the undesignated reserve funds already expended on the project through grants from the Emergency Disaster Fund can be replenished, anticipating increased giving as the project comes close to reaching its goal. "We have expensed $370,000 from the Emergency Disaster Fund for the work so far. So far we have only received $72,500 (as of the end of September) in donations designated for Haiti--the rest came from undesignated gifts."
From now on, Brethren Disaster Ministries will not be using any more undesignated reserve funds in Haiti, Winter announced. "At this point we will build as we receive designated gifts," he said.
A third Haiti workcamp is planned for January 2010. To express interest, contact rwinter@brethren.org or 800-451-4407 ext. 8.
For more about the Emergency Disaster Fund or to donate to the Haiti project online go to www.brethren.org/site/PageServer?pagename=give_emergency_disaster_fund.
For a photo album from the workcamp held in Haiti in October, go to www.brethren.org/site/PhotoAlbumUser?AlbumID=9703&view=UserAlbum.
Source: 11/18/2009 Newsline
Mission executive visits churches and Rural Service Center in India.
During a trip to India in October, Global Mission Partnerships executive director Jay Wittmeyer visited congregations of both the Church of North India (CNI) and the Church of the Brethren in India. He also visited the Rural Service Center in Ankleshwar, following up on a recent review and evaluation of that program.
Wittmeyer was in India from Oct. 15-25, starting with time in New Delhi, then traveling to visit with and preach at historically Brethren congregations of CNI in the Gujarat area. He also met with the directors and board of the Rural Service Center, visited with congregations and leaders of the Church of the Brethren India, and attended a meeting of the "CBGB Trust" (standing for the Church of the Brethren General Board).
CNI is beginning a year-long celebration of its 40th anniversary year this fall, having been formed in November 1970 by several mission groups including the Church of the Brethren. Among other CNI services and events, Wittmeyer was welcomed to a special gathering of historically Brethren congregations of CNI in Ankleshwar. The gathering featured two worship services and was attended by hundreds of people, including Bishop Vinod Malavia, CNI bishop of the Gujarat diocese, and most of the CNI pastors in the area. The CNI celebration was extravagantly welcoming, Wittmeyer reported. Piles of flower garlands were presented to mark the occasion.
At the Rural Service Center, Wittmeyer met with directors Idrak and Rachel Din and attended the annual meeting of the Board of Directors. He visited several family farms with which the center has worked, as a follow up to a review and evaluation of the center that was made possible through the Global Food Crisis Fund.
Wittmeyer reported that the Rural Service Center is doing basic agricultural education, support, and capacity building for the rural community. The center bridges "between the local farmer and the local government," he said, "motivating people to access government facilities."
Services provided by the center include land leveling, information about improved varieties of crops and farming techniques such as "intercropping," and information about government agricultural extension programs. The center also works at connecting poorer farm families with the more well-to-do, who may demonstrate newer or more expensive technologies. An essential focus is to establish trust and communications with the farming community, and offer new ideas. "If you take poor rural farmers, they don't have the margin of land to take a risk to try out new crops and techniques," Wittmeyer explained.
The Dins also "work with Muslims and Christians and Hindus," he added. "Whenever you have an interfaith group going together to look at a farm plot, that's interesting."
In the Ahmadabad area, Wittmeyer visited the CNI Gujarat Biblical Seminary.
He also visited with trustees and members of the CBGB Trust. The relationship of CNI and the Church of the Brethren India is "sensitive" because of a legal dispute over former mission properties, he explained. "We (in the Church of the Brethren in the US) recognize both. We have relationship to both entities," he said, referring to the two church bodies that have emerged from the former Brethren mission in India.
Wittmeyer said he spent time encouraging the two church bodies to have consideration for their future relationship, to think beyond the dispute over property, and to share a concern to respect all of the people who are affected by the issue.
Source: 11/18/2009 Newsline
During a trip to India in October, Global Mission Partnerships executive director Jay Wittmeyer visited congregations of both the Church of North India (CNI) and the Church of the Brethren in India. He also visited the Rural Service Center in Ankleshwar, following up on a recent review and evaluation of that program.
Wittmeyer was in India from Oct. 15-25, starting with time in New Delhi, then traveling to visit with and preach at historically Brethren congregations of CNI in the Gujarat area. He also met with the directors and board of the Rural Service Center, visited with congregations and leaders of the Church of the Brethren India, and attended a meeting of the "CBGB Trust" (standing for the Church of the Brethren General Board).
CNI is beginning a year-long celebration of its 40th anniversary year this fall, having been formed in November 1970 by several mission groups including the Church of the Brethren. Among other CNI services and events, Wittmeyer was welcomed to a special gathering of historically Brethren congregations of CNI in Ankleshwar. The gathering featured two worship services and was attended by hundreds of people, including Bishop Vinod Malavia, CNI bishop of the Gujarat diocese, and most of the CNI pastors in the area. The CNI celebration was extravagantly welcoming, Wittmeyer reported. Piles of flower garlands were presented to mark the occasion.
At the Rural Service Center, Wittmeyer met with directors Idrak and Rachel Din and attended the annual meeting of the Board of Directors. He visited several family farms with which the center has worked, as a follow up to a review and evaluation of the center that was made possible through the Global Food Crisis Fund.
Wittmeyer reported that the Rural Service Center is doing basic agricultural education, support, and capacity building for the rural community. The center bridges "between the local farmer and the local government," he said, "motivating people to access government facilities."
Services provided by the center include land leveling, information about improved varieties of crops and farming techniques such as "intercropping," and information about government agricultural extension programs. The center also works at connecting poorer farm families with the more well-to-do, who may demonstrate newer or more expensive technologies. An essential focus is to establish trust and communications with the farming community, and offer new ideas. "If you take poor rural farmers, they don't have the margin of land to take a risk to try out new crops and techniques," Wittmeyer explained.
The Dins also "work with Muslims and Christians and Hindus," he added. "Whenever you have an interfaith group going together to look at a farm plot, that's interesting."
In the Ahmadabad area, Wittmeyer visited the CNI Gujarat Biblical Seminary.
He also visited with trustees and members of the CBGB Trust. The relationship of CNI and the Church of the Brethren India is "sensitive" because of a legal dispute over former mission properties, he explained. "We (in the Church of the Brethren in the US) recognize both. We have relationship to both entities," he said, referring to the two church bodies that have emerged from the former Brethren mission in India.
Wittmeyer said he spent time encouraging the two church bodies to have consideration for their future relationship, to think beyond the dispute over property, and to share a concern to respect all of the people who are affected by the issue.
Source: 11/18/2009 Newsline
'Martyr's Mirror' provides agenda for Brethren Historical Committee.
The Brethren Historical Committee met at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill., on Nov. 6-7. The committee advises the Brethren Historical Library and Archives (BHLA), promotes the preservation of Brethren historical records, and encourages Brethren historical research.
On the agenda was a "Martyrs Mirror" Conference to be held at the Young Center for Anabaptist and Pietist Studies at Elizabethtown (Pa.) College on June 8-10, 2010. "The Martyrs Mirror" is a historic book recounting the stories of Anabaptist and Mennonite martyrs to religious persecution in Europe in previous centuries. Note was taken of the copies of the book that are in the BHLA collection, including a copy of the 1748-49 edition printed by the Ephrata Press.
In action items, the committee reviewed the fee schedule for BHLA and recommended that the fee for copies of obituaries be increased to $4, if staff need to search indexes to locate an obituary. The committee also decided to sponsor an insight session at the 2010 Annual Conference and appointed Denise Kettering to serve as presenter. Reports were received from Brethren Press, the Germantown Trust, the Brethren Digital Archives, and several individuals.
The committee is chaired by Ken Kreider and includes Marlin Heckman, secretary, Denise Kettering, and Steve Longenecker. Also meeting with the committee were Church of the Brethren treasurer Judy Keyser and Ken Shaffer, director of BHLA.
Kreider was thanked for his eight years of service on the committee. Since he is not eligible to serve another term, nominations were made to fill the position. The Executive Committee of the Church of the Brethren's Mission and Ministry Board will receive and act on the nomination.
-- Ken Shaffer is director of the Brethren Historical Library and Archives.
Source: 11/18/2009 Newsline
The Brethren Historical Committee met at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill., on Nov. 6-7. The committee advises the Brethren Historical Library and Archives (BHLA), promotes the preservation of Brethren historical records, and encourages Brethren historical research.
On the agenda was a "Martyrs Mirror" Conference to be held at the Young Center for Anabaptist and Pietist Studies at Elizabethtown (Pa.) College on June 8-10, 2010. "The Martyrs Mirror" is a historic book recounting the stories of Anabaptist and Mennonite martyrs to religious persecution in Europe in previous centuries. Note was taken of the copies of the book that are in the BHLA collection, including a copy of the 1748-49 edition printed by the Ephrata Press.
In action items, the committee reviewed the fee schedule for BHLA and recommended that the fee for copies of obituaries be increased to $4, if staff need to search indexes to locate an obituary. The committee also decided to sponsor an insight session at the 2010 Annual Conference and appointed Denise Kettering to serve as presenter. Reports were received from Brethren Press, the Germantown Trust, the Brethren Digital Archives, and several individuals.
The committee is chaired by Ken Kreider and includes Marlin Heckman, secretary, Denise Kettering, and Steve Longenecker. Also meeting with the committee were Church of the Brethren treasurer Judy Keyser and Ken Shaffer, director of BHLA.
Kreider was thanked for his eight years of service on the committee. Since he is not eligible to serve another term, nominations were made to fill the position. The Executive Committee of the Church of the Brethren's Mission and Ministry Board will receive and act on the nomination.
-- Ken Shaffer is director of the Brethren Historical Library and Archives.
Source: 11/18/2009 Newsline
New REGNUH collection will benefit small-holder farm families.
A new "REGNUH: Turning Hunger Around" collection has been announced by the Church of the Brethren's Global Food Crisis Fund, "for donors who wish to focus their response on tangible aspects of development."
The collection features five items that help the world's small-holder farm families achieve healthy and productive lives:
Descriptive information on each of the five projects is available. REGNUH notecards may be obtained to inform recipients of alternative gifts given in their name at holidays or on special occasions. Contact Global Food Crisis Fund, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120; hroyer@brethren.org or 800-323-8039 ext. 264.
Source: 11/18/2009 Newsline
A new "REGNUH: Turning Hunger Around" collection has been announced by the Church of the Brethren's Global Food Crisis Fund, "for donors who wish to focus their response on tangible aspects of development."
The collection features five items that help the world's small-holder farm families achieve healthy and productive lives:
- $15 purchases a jerry can (water jug) to carry and store water in Myanmar.
- $25 buys two dozen cashew saplings to replenish orchards in Honduras.
- $40 provides one bag of high quality seed to rice farmers in North Korea.
- $100 supports a microcredit loan for a small business in the Dominican Republic.
- $500 helps construct a deep and safe village well in water-stressed Niger.
Descriptive information on each of the five projects is available. REGNUH notecards may be obtained to inform recipients of alternative gifts given in their name at holidays or on special occasions. Contact Global Food Crisis Fund, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120; hroyer@brethren.org or 800-323-8039 ext. 264.
Source: 11/18/2009 Newsline
Emergency Disaster Fund grants go to Pakistan and Sudan.
Recent grants from the Church of the Brethren's Emergency Disaster Fund (EDF) have been given for humanitarian assistance in Pakistan, and health care in southern Sudan.
An allocation of $40,000 responds to a Church World Service (CWS) appeal for assistance in Pakistan. The grant will assist in providing the basic needs of displaced families, mobile health services, schools for children, vocational training for adults, and special programs for women.
A grant of $7,500 responds to an appeal from IMA World Health, following up on a previous allocation of $10,000 provided in Sept. 2007. IMA received initial funding from a special Multi-Donor Trust Fund (MDTF) to develop basic health services in the Jonglei and Upper Nile States of southern Sudan. Additional funding from MDTF has been withheld for unclear reasons, and this grant will continue to support IMA's work in Sudan while efforts are made to restore the MDTF funding.
In other disaster relief news, the church's Material Resources program at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md., has begun its busy fall season. The program processes, warehouses, and ships relief materials.
"Boxcars containing Lutheran World Relief quilts, kits and soap have started to arrive from Michigan and Wisconsin--six so far," said a recent report. "We also received a piggyback trailer from Spokane, Wash., and several large donations from Pennsylvania." Recent shipments made on behalf of CWS consisted of blankets, school, baby and hygiene kits to Biloxi, Miss., for the homeless; blankets to Marion, Iowa, in response to flooding; and blankets to Pennsylvania for disadvantaged workers. IMA World Health orders of medicine have been packed for Cuba, Honduras, Kenya, Haiti, Nicaragua, Korea, Cambodia, Togo, Bangladesh, Zambia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Source: 11/18/2009 Newsline
Recent grants from the Church of the Brethren's Emergency Disaster Fund (EDF) have been given for humanitarian assistance in Pakistan, and health care in southern Sudan.
An allocation of $40,000 responds to a Church World Service (CWS) appeal for assistance in Pakistan. The grant will assist in providing the basic needs of displaced families, mobile health services, schools for children, vocational training for adults, and special programs for women.
A grant of $7,500 responds to an appeal from IMA World Health, following up on a previous allocation of $10,000 provided in Sept. 2007. IMA received initial funding from a special Multi-Donor Trust Fund (MDTF) to develop basic health services in the Jonglei and Upper Nile States of southern Sudan. Additional funding from MDTF has been withheld for unclear reasons, and this grant will continue to support IMA's work in Sudan while efforts are made to restore the MDTF funding.
In other disaster relief news, the church's Material Resources program at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md., has begun its busy fall season. The program processes, warehouses, and ships relief materials.
"Boxcars containing Lutheran World Relief quilts, kits and soap have started to arrive from Michigan and Wisconsin--six so far," said a recent report. "We also received a piggyback trailer from Spokane, Wash., and several large donations from Pennsylvania." Recent shipments made on behalf of CWS consisted of blankets, school, baby and hygiene kits to Biloxi, Miss., for the homeless; blankets to Marion, Iowa, in response to flooding; and blankets to Pennsylvania for disadvantaged workers. IMA World Health orders of medicine have been packed for Cuba, Honduras, Kenya, Haiti, Nicaragua, Korea, Cambodia, Togo, Bangladesh, Zambia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Source: 11/18/2009 Newsline
Apple pickers flee, fearing Turkish bombing in Iraq.
Church of the Brethren member Peggy Gish has returned to her work in Iraq volunteering with Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT). She is part of a team currently supporting Kurdish villages in northern Iraq that have been threatened by bombings from neighboring Turkey. The following is a report on her work, dated Oct. 24:
"Large clusters of ripe apples weighed down branches as Kaka Najeeb, the leader of Merkajia, a Kurdish Iraqi village near the Turkish border, led members of the Iraq team from Christian Peacemaker Teams through his orchard. 'This is one of the best apple crops we've had,' he said. 'With our hired workers it would take us about a month to complete the harvest. Without help, most of the apples will rot.'
" 'Our workers heard that the Turkish Parliament extended for another year the permission for the Turkish military to continue military strikes against Kurdish rebels in the border mountains,' Najeeb continued. 'So when Turkish military planes flew low over the trees the past three days, the workers believed the planes had come to bomb. They all fled.'
"This is not the first time Merkajia, an Assyrian Christian village, has been attacked. During the Anfal of 1987-88, a genocidal campaign carried out by Saddam Hussein's regime, Merkajia and its surrounding villages were destroyed, and the people scattered to other parts of Iraq. Then after the Kurdish uprising in 1991, the 200 families returned and built a new village uphill from the remains of the old. During the 1990s, Turkish soldiers bombed the villages and kidnapped and tortured the residents. These attacks destroyed homes, farmland, livestock, crops, and displaced hundreds of families.
"In recent years, soldiers at the nearby Turkish base which lies inside Iraq about 12 kilometers from the border, have periodically launched rockets at Merkajia and other villages, usually during the spring or summer harvests. In order to go the nearest town, Kani Masi, residents must pass the Turkish base with its tanks and surveillance equipment. While the people in many of the other Christian and Muslim villages in that region have been afraid to return, a small number of men and a few women continue to stay in Merkajia.
"Turkey claims it is targeting Kurdish rebel fighters who have attacked Turkish soldiers, yet most of their strikes are in these civilian villages and not in the stronghold areas of the rebel group, giving the people reason to believe that one purpose of the attacks is to clear the border areas of residents and destabilize the region.
" 'We are a peaceful people and just want to remain in the village of our ancestors,' another resident told us. 'Turkey does this for military purposes. We are the victims of this war. The US government is supporting Turkey's actions. It doesn't care about the Kurdish people, just about their own purposes and profits. We love the American people, but not the American government and what it does.'
" 'Please raise our voices to the people of the world. Do what you can to stop this bombing,' Najeeb exclaimed. 'Our apples and crops would provide for all we need to be happy here, if we are allowed to live and work here in peace.'"
(Find out more about the work of CPT, originally begun as an initiative of the three Historic Peace Churches (Church of the Brethren, Mennonites, and Quakers) at www.cpt.org.)
Source: 11/18/2009 Newsline
Church of the Brethren member Peggy Gish has returned to her work in Iraq volunteering with Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT). She is part of a team currently supporting Kurdish villages in northern Iraq that have been threatened by bombings from neighboring Turkey. The following is a report on her work, dated Oct. 24:
"Large clusters of ripe apples weighed down branches as Kaka Najeeb, the leader of Merkajia, a Kurdish Iraqi village near the Turkish border, led members of the Iraq team from Christian Peacemaker Teams through his orchard. 'This is one of the best apple crops we've had,' he said. 'With our hired workers it would take us about a month to complete the harvest. Without help, most of the apples will rot.'
" 'Our workers heard that the Turkish Parliament extended for another year the permission for the Turkish military to continue military strikes against Kurdish rebels in the border mountains,' Najeeb continued. 'So when Turkish military planes flew low over the trees the past three days, the workers believed the planes had come to bomb. They all fled.'
"This is not the first time Merkajia, an Assyrian Christian village, has been attacked. During the Anfal of 1987-88, a genocidal campaign carried out by Saddam Hussein's regime, Merkajia and its surrounding villages were destroyed, and the people scattered to other parts of Iraq. Then after the Kurdish uprising in 1991, the 200 families returned and built a new village uphill from the remains of the old. During the 1990s, Turkish soldiers bombed the villages and kidnapped and tortured the residents. These attacks destroyed homes, farmland, livestock, crops, and displaced hundreds of families.
"In recent years, soldiers at the nearby Turkish base which lies inside Iraq about 12 kilometers from the border, have periodically launched rockets at Merkajia and other villages, usually during the spring or summer harvests. In order to go the nearest town, Kani Masi, residents must pass the Turkish base with its tanks and surveillance equipment. While the people in many of the other Christian and Muslim villages in that region have been afraid to return, a small number of men and a few women continue to stay in Merkajia.
"Turkey claims it is targeting Kurdish rebel fighters who have attacked Turkish soldiers, yet most of their strikes are in these civilian villages and not in the stronghold areas of the rebel group, giving the people reason to believe that one purpose of the attacks is to clear the border areas of residents and destabilize the region.
" 'We are a peaceful people and just want to remain in the village of our ancestors,' another resident told us. 'Turkey does this for military purposes. We are the victims of this war. The US government is supporting Turkey's actions. It doesn't care about the Kurdish people, just about their own purposes and profits. We love the American people, but not the American government and what it does.'
" 'Please raise our voices to the people of the world. Do what you can to stop this bombing,' Najeeb exclaimed. 'Our apples and crops would provide for all we need to be happy here, if we are allowed to live and work here in peace.'"
(Find out more about the work of CPT, originally begun as an initiative of the three Historic Peace Churches (Church of the Brethren, Mennonites, and Quakers) at www.cpt.org.)
Source: 11/18/2009 Newsline
Martin Marty to speak at Bethany Seminary's 2010 Presidential Forum.
The 2010 Presidential Forum at Bethany Theological Seminary will feature Martin E. Marty as speaker on the theme, "When Strangers Are Angels: The Spiritual and Social Movement of Brethren, Friends, and Mennonites in a New Century." The event is scheduled for April 9-10 at the Bethany campus in Richmond, Ind.
Marty is well known as a commentator on religion and culture. He is a columnist for "The Christian Century" magazine and edits "Context," a semi-monthly newsletter on religion and culture. He holds the position of distinguished service professor emeritus at the University of Chicago, and continues weekly contributions to "Sightings," an electronic editorial published by the Marty Center at the University of Chicago Divinity School.
The forum also will feature panelists from the three Historic Peace Churches (Church of the Brethren, Friends, and Mennonites). Online registration at www.bethanyseminary.edu will begin in January.
Source: 11/18/2009 Newsline
The 2010 Presidential Forum at Bethany Theological Seminary will feature Martin E. Marty as speaker on the theme, "When Strangers Are Angels: The Spiritual and Social Movement of Brethren, Friends, and Mennonites in a New Century." The event is scheduled for April 9-10 at the Bethany campus in Richmond, Ind.
Marty is well known as a commentator on religion and culture. He is a columnist for "The Christian Century" magazine and edits "Context," a semi-monthly newsletter on religion and culture. He holds the position of distinguished service professor emeritus at the University of Chicago, and continues weekly contributions to "Sightings," an electronic editorial published by the Marty Center at the University of Chicago Divinity School.
The forum also will feature panelists from the three Historic Peace Churches (Church of the Brethren, Friends, and Mennonites). Online registration at www.bethanyseminary.edu will begin in January.
Source: 11/18/2009 Newsline
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