Intercultural consultation celebrates unity through the cross of peace
"I hope we are all looking forward to being in a sacred space...and just love each other," said Rubén Deoleo, director of Intercultural Ministries, as he welcomed participants to the Church of the Brethren's 13th Intercultural Consultation and Celebration.
It was a fitting opening to a meeting on the theme "United by the Cross of Peace" (Ephesians 2:14-22). Approximately 100 Brethren from across the US and Puerto Rico gathered April 28-30 in Mills River, N.C., hosted by His Way Church of the Brethren/Iglesia Jesucristo El Camino and Southeastern District.
On Earth Peace (OEP) offered a day and a half on peacemaking. Matt Guynn, OEP coordinator of peace witness, led several sessions with help from a team including Samuel Sarpiya, church planter in Rockford, Ill., and a nonviolence organizer for OEP; David Jehnsen, nonviolence educator from the area of Columbus, Ohio; Carol Rose, co-director for operations for Christian Peacemaker Teams; Bob Hunter of Intervarsity Christian Fellowship in Richmond, Ind.; and Kay Guyer, Manchester College student and a member of the 2011 Youth Peace Travel Team. An afternoon on mentoring and coaching in churches was given by Stan Dueck, the denomination’s director of Transforming Practices.
Each day included an evening worship service, moments for prayer, music from many different traditions, and warm fellowship during break times and meals provided by the host church and district volunteers. Concurrent Spanish-English interpretation was provided.
Throughout the weekend, speakers linked peacemaking to central themes of Christianity, in particular the love that Jesus expressed for the whole world, symbolized by the cross. General secretary Stan Noffsinger greeted the gathering, for example, with his conviction from scripture that "there are no ifs, ands, or maybes: love our neighbors as ourselves." His Way associate pastor Carol Yeazell, while listing areas of the world represented, said, "Christ’s body is all over the world. He came for each and every one of us."
Guynn characterized the OEP-led sessions as being about the "holistic peace of Christ" that "ripples out to issues in the community...issues where we challenge the situations in the world where there’s injustice and violence."
Participants shared in Bible study of the Sermon on the Mount and Acts focusing on concepts of peace, and learned about nonviolence theory including the six basic principles of Kingian nonviolence and the three levels of violence posited by Dom Helder Camara. The meeting also identified barriers to peace or "bricks in the wall of hostility," and talked about how Christ’s peace might break in. In small groups, participants shared about situations of violence and oppression, practiced listening to each other, and prayed for healing.
Each section of the OEP presentation invited responses from the group. Many focused on immigration issues, and in discussion the group identified many different types of violence suffered by immigrants: economic exploitation, targeting by gangs as well as law enforcement, anti-immigrant laws, ICE raids, deaths while crossing the border, family separations, discrimination, drug violence, immigrant children’s loss of cultural and family connections.
"How is God leading you in the midst of this? How might the love of Christ be available?" Guynn asked at one point during a session in which people listed "faces of violence" in their own communities. Some minutes later, a woman from Caimito, P.R., responded: "In the name of God, the reign of violence needs to be expelled out of human life."
Preaching for worship also addressed the theme of unity through the cross of peace. Jehnsen spoke for the opening service, saying, "We cannot participate in the violation of God’s creation." He traced the development of nonviolence theory coming out of the New Testament, the historic peace churches, and the work of Martin Luther King Jr.
Jesus came to shine "the light of love, the light of mercy, the light of truth," preached Hunter on Friday evening. "The vocation of the Christian is to shine the light" in times of darkness, he said, telling stories of nonviolent action that has shined light on situations of violence and oppression. "The gospel of peace is a revolution, and it is a place of reconciliation."
Friday’s service also included presentation of the Revelation 7:9 Diversity Award to Sonja Griffith, executive minister for Western Plains District and one of those who helped found the Intercultural Consultation. She was host pastor of the first consultation, held in 1999.
Three people spoke for the closing service celebrating ethnic diversity: Gladys Encarnación of Long Green Valley Church of the Brethren, Glen Arm, Md., who gave the message in Spanish; Timothy L. Monn, pastor of Midland (Va.) Church of the Brethren; and Founa Augustin, of the Haitian Brethren community in Miami, Fla.
Augustin and Monn, by coincidence, both rephrased the theme scripture in their own ways. "To follow the cross in unity with mutual agreement, for the sake of the love of Jesus," stated Augustin. Monn displayed his version on an overhead screen, beginning with verse 11: "Therefore, remember that you who are... Black... Hispanic... Anglo... Haitian... Korean... Native American... Pennsylvania Dutch.... You who were once separated from each other have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace, he has made the many groups one.... making you all Brothers and Sisters--in Christ. You are BRETHREN!!!!"
The Intercultural Advisory Committee that organizes the consultation includes Founa Augustin, Barbara Daté, Rubén Deoleo (staff), Thomas Dowdy, Robert Jackson, Nadine Monn, Marisel Olivencia, Gilbert Romero, and Dennis Webb. Webcasts were offered on the Bethany Seminary website by a team including Enten and Mary Eller, David Sollenberger, and Larry Glick.
View recordings at www.bethanyseminary.edu/webcasts/intercultural2011. A photo album is at www.brethren.org/site/PhotoAlbumUser?AlbumID=14833&view=UserAlbum.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Consulta Intercultural celebra la unidad a través de la Cruz de la Paz
"Yo espero que todos estemos anticipando estar en un espacio sagrado… y que todos nos amemos," dijo Rubén Deoleo, director de Ministerios Interculturales, cuando daba la bienvenida a los participantes de la 13va Consulta y Celebración Intercultural.
Fue una apertura apropiada para la reunión del tema: "Unidos por la Cruz de la Paz" (Efesios 2:14-22). Aproximadamente 100 hermanos Brethren de los EE UU y Puerto Rico se reunieron del 28 al 30 de abril, en Mills River, Carolina del Norte, auspiciados por la Iglesia de los Hermanos/Iglesia Jesucristo el Camino y el Distrito Southeastern.
La agencia Paz en la Tierra: "On Earth Peace" (OEP) ofreció un taller de día y medio sobre asuntos de paz. Matt Guynn, coordinador de testimonios de Paz de OEP, dirigió varias sesiones con la ayuda del equipo incluyendo Samuel Sarpiya, un sembrador de iglesias de Rockford, Illinois, y un organizador pacífico de OEP; David Jehnsen, educador de no-violencia del área de Columbus, Ohio; Carol Rose, codirectora de operaciones de los equipos cristianos hacedores de paz "Christian Peacemaker Teams"; Bob Hunter de "Intervarsity Christian Fellowship" en Richmond, Indiana; y Kay Guyer, estudiante de Manchester College y miembro actual del equipo viajero de paz "2011 Youth Peace Travel Team." Una tarde de capacitación, guía y asesoramiento en las iglesias fue presentado por Stan Dueck, director de transformación de prácticas de la denominación "Director of Transforming Practices."
Cada día incluyó un servicio de culto por la noche, momentos de oración y recogimiento, música de diferentes tradiciones y una amena confraternidad durante los espacios de descanso y comidas fue proporcionado por la iglesia anfitriona y los voluntarios del distrito.
Durante todo el fin de semana, los presentadores conectaron el hacer la paz con los temas centrales del Cristianismo, en particular el amor que Jesús expresó para todo el mundo y que simbolizó con la cruz. Por ejemplo el Secretario General, Stan Noffsinger al dar la bienvenida al grupo expresó su convicción de la escritura "no hay peros, y’s o quizás: amar al prójimo como a nosotros mismos." Carol Yeazell, pastora asociada de la iglesia Jesucristo el Camino, mientras enumeraba las áreas representadas en la reunión, dijo: "El cuerpo de Cristo está en todo el mundo. El vino por todos y cada uno de nosotros."
Guynn caracterizó las sesiones dirigidas por OEP como "la Paz integral de Cristo," cuyas ondas alcanzan a la comunidad… cuestiones en las que desafiamos las situaciones en el mundo donde hay injusticia y violencia."
Los participantes compartieron, en el estudio de la Biblia, el Sermón de la Montaña y Actos enfocando en los conceptos de paz y aprendiendo acerca de la teoría de no-violencia incluyendo los seis puntos básicos principales de Kingian y los tres niveles de violencia planteados por Dom Helder Camara. La asamblea también identificó las barreras que se interponen a la paz "ladrillos en el muro de hostilidad" y habló acerca de cómo la paz de Cristo puede traspasar esa pared. En grupos pequeños, los participantes compartieron situaciones de violencia y opresión, practicaron el escuchar unos a otros, y oraron por la sanidad.
Cada sección de la presentación de OEP invitó a las respuestas del grupo. Muchos enfocaron en los asuntos de inmigración y, en la discusión, el grupo identificó los diferentes tipos de violencia que sufren los inmigrantes: explotación económica, ser el blanco de las pandillas y de las autoridades policiales, leyes anti-inmigrantes, redadas, muertes al cruzar la frontera, separación de la familia, discriminación, violencia de drogas, niños inmigrantes que pierden la cultura y la conexión con la familia.
"¿Cómo te está guiando Dios en el medio de esto? ¿Cómo el amor de Cristo está disponible?" preguntó Guynn durante una de las sesiones en la que se hacía una lista de "las caras de la violencia" en sus propias comunidades. Unos minutos después, una mujer de Caimito, Puerto Rico, respondió: "En el nombre de Dios, el reino de violencia necesita ser expulsado de la vida humana."
La predicación del culto también abordó el tema de la unidad a través de la cruz de la paz. Jehnsen habló en el servicio de apertura diciendo, "Nosotros no podemos participar en la violación de la creación de Dios." El encontró que el desarrollo de la teoría de no-violencia viene del Nuevo Testamento, las iglesias históricas de paz y el trabajo de Martin Luther King Jr.
Jesús vino para brillar "la luz del amor, la luz de la misericordia, la luz de la verdad," predicó Hunter el viernes por la noche. "La vocación del cristiano es brillar la luz" en las horas de obscuridad, dijo, contando historias de acción no-violenta que ha dado luz en situaciones de opresión y violencia. "El evangelio de paz es una revolución, y es un lugar de reconciliación."
El servicio del viernes, también incluyó la presentación de Revelación 7:9, se otorgó el premio "Diversity Award" a Sonja Griffith, Ejecutiva del Distrito Western Plains por ser una de las personas que ayudó en la formación de la Consulta Multicultural. Ella patrocinó la primera consulta en el año 1999.
Tres personas predicaron en el servicio de clausura, celebrando la diversidad étnica: Gladys Encarnación de Long Green Valley Church of the Brethren, Glen Arm, Maryland; Timothy L. Monn, pastor de Midland (Virginia) Church of the Brethren; y Founa Augustin de la comunidad Haitiana de Miami, Florida.
Augustin y Monn, coincidencialmente, expresaron el tema de la escritura de su propia manera. "Seguir la cruz en unidad, con consentimiento mutuo, por el amor de Jesús," dijo Augustin. Monn mostró su versión en la pantalla, empezando con el verso 11: "Por lo tanto, recuerden que ustedes que son… Negros…Hispanos… Anglos… Haitianos… Coreanos… Nativos Americanos… o Daneses de Pennsylvania… Vosotros, que una vez fuisteis separados unos de otros habéis sido acercados y unidos por la sangre de Cristo. Porque El mismo es nuestra paz y ha hecho de los muchos grupos uno… haciéndonos a todos Hermanos y Hermanas en Cristo. ¡Tú eres HERMANO/HERMANA BRETHREN!!!"
El comité "Intercultural Advisory Committee" que organiza la consulta incluye los siguientes miembros: Founa Augustin, Bárbara Daté, Rubén Deoleo (staff), Thomas Dowdy, Robert Jackson, Nadine Monn, Marisel Olivencia, Gilbert Romero, y Dennis Webb. Puede encontrar las grabaciones en la página web de Bethany Seminary, hechas por el equipo de Enten y Mary Eller, David Sollenberger y Larry Glick. Para ver entre a este sitio: www.bethanyseminary.edu/webcasts/intercultural2011. Fotos: www.brethren.org/site/PhotoAlbumUser?AlbumID=14833&view=UserAlbum.
(Translation by Mariana Barriga.)
"Yo espero que todos estemos anticipando estar en un espacio sagrado… y que todos nos amemos," dijo Rubén Deoleo, director de Ministerios Interculturales, cuando daba la bienvenida a los participantes de la 13va Consulta y Celebración Intercultural.
Fue una apertura apropiada para la reunión del tema: "Unidos por la Cruz de la Paz" (Efesios 2:14-22). Aproximadamente 100 hermanos Brethren de los EE UU y Puerto Rico se reunieron del 28 al 30 de abril, en Mills River, Carolina del Norte, auspiciados por la Iglesia de los Hermanos/Iglesia Jesucristo el Camino y el Distrito Southeastern.
La agencia Paz en la Tierra: "On Earth Peace" (OEP) ofreció un taller de día y medio sobre asuntos de paz. Matt Guynn, coordinador de testimonios de Paz de OEP, dirigió varias sesiones con la ayuda del equipo incluyendo Samuel Sarpiya, un sembrador de iglesias de Rockford, Illinois, y un organizador pacífico de OEP; David Jehnsen, educador de no-violencia del área de Columbus, Ohio; Carol Rose, codirectora de operaciones de los equipos cristianos hacedores de paz "Christian Peacemaker Teams"; Bob Hunter de "Intervarsity Christian Fellowship" en Richmond, Indiana; y Kay Guyer, estudiante de Manchester College y miembro actual del equipo viajero de paz "2011 Youth Peace Travel Team." Una tarde de capacitación, guía y asesoramiento en las iglesias fue presentado por Stan Dueck, director de transformación de prácticas de la denominación "Director of Transforming Practices."
Cada día incluyó un servicio de culto por la noche, momentos de oración y recogimiento, música de diferentes tradiciones y una amena confraternidad durante los espacios de descanso y comidas fue proporcionado por la iglesia anfitriona y los voluntarios del distrito.
Durante todo el fin de semana, los presentadores conectaron el hacer la paz con los temas centrales del Cristianismo, en particular el amor que Jesús expresó para todo el mundo y que simbolizó con la cruz. Por ejemplo el Secretario General, Stan Noffsinger al dar la bienvenida al grupo expresó su convicción de la escritura "no hay peros, y’s o quizás: amar al prójimo como a nosotros mismos." Carol Yeazell, pastora asociada de la iglesia Jesucristo el Camino, mientras enumeraba las áreas representadas en la reunión, dijo: "El cuerpo de Cristo está en todo el mundo. El vino por todos y cada uno de nosotros."
Guynn caracterizó las sesiones dirigidas por OEP como "la Paz integral de Cristo," cuyas ondas alcanzan a la comunidad… cuestiones en las que desafiamos las situaciones en el mundo donde hay injusticia y violencia."
Los participantes compartieron, en el estudio de la Biblia, el Sermón de la Montaña y Actos enfocando en los conceptos de paz y aprendiendo acerca de la teoría de no-violencia incluyendo los seis puntos básicos principales de Kingian y los tres niveles de violencia planteados por Dom Helder Camara. La asamblea también identificó las barreras que se interponen a la paz "ladrillos en el muro de hostilidad" y habló acerca de cómo la paz de Cristo puede traspasar esa pared. En grupos pequeños, los participantes compartieron situaciones de violencia y opresión, practicaron el escuchar unos a otros, y oraron por la sanidad.
Cada sección de la presentación de OEP invitó a las respuestas del grupo. Muchos enfocaron en los asuntos de inmigración y, en la discusión, el grupo identificó los diferentes tipos de violencia que sufren los inmigrantes: explotación económica, ser el blanco de las pandillas y de las autoridades policiales, leyes anti-inmigrantes, redadas, muertes al cruzar la frontera, separación de la familia, discriminación, violencia de drogas, niños inmigrantes que pierden la cultura y la conexión con la familia.
"¿Cómo te está guiando Dios en el medio de esto? ¿Cómo el amor de Cristo está disponible?" preguntó Guynn durante una de las sesiones en la que se hacía una lista de "las caras de la violencia" en sus propias comunidades. Unos minutos después, una mujer de Caimito, Puerto Rico, respondió: "En el nombre de Dios, el reino de violencia necesita ser expulsado de la vida humana."
La predicación del culto también abordó el tema de la unidad a través de la cruz de la paz. Jehnsen habló en el servicio de apertura diciendo, "Nosotros no podemos participar en la violación de la creación de Dios." El encontró que el desarrollo de la teoría de no-violencia viene del Nuevo Testamento, las iglesias históricas de paz y el trabajo de Martin Luther King Jr.
Jesús vino para brillar "la luz del amor, la luz de la misericordia, la luz de la verdad," predicó Hunter el viernes por la noche. "La vocación del cristiano es brillar la luz" en las horas de obscuridad, dijo, contando historias de acción no-violenta que ha dado luz en situaciones de opresión y violencia. "El evangelio de paz es una revolución, y es un lugar de reconciliación."
El servicio del viernes, también incluyó la presentación de Revelación 7:9, se otorgó el premio "Diversity Award" a Sonja Griffith, Ejecutiva del Distrito Western Plains por ser una de las personas que ayudó en la formación de la Consulta Multicultural. Ella patrocinó la primera consulta en el año 1999.
Tres personas predicaron en el servicio de clausura, celebrando la diversidad étnica: Gladys Encarnación de Long Green Valley Church of the Brethren, Glen Arm, Maryland; Timothy L. Monn, pastor de Midland (Virginia) Church of the Brethren; y Founa Augustin de la comunidad Haitiana de Miami, Florida.
Augustin y Monn, coincidencialmente, expresaron el tema de la escritura de su propia manera. "Seguir la cruz en unidad, con consentimiento mutuo, por el amor de Jesús," dijo Augustin. Monn mostró su versión en la pantalla, empezando con el verso 11: "Por lo tanto, recuerden que ustedes que son… Negros…Hispanos… Anglos… Haitianos… Coreanos… Nativos Americanos… o Daneses de Pennsylvania… Vosotros, que una vez fuisteis separados unos de otros habéis sido acercados y unidos por la sangre de Cristo. Porque El mismo es nuestra paz y ha hecho de los muchos grupos uno… haciéndonos a todos Hermanos y Hermanas en Cristo. ¡Tú eres HERMANO/HERMANA BRETHREN!!!"
El comité "Intercultural Advisory Committee" que organiza la consulta incluye los siguientes miembros: Founa Augustin, Bárbara Daté, Rubén Deoleo (staff), Thomas Dowdy, Robert Jackson, Nadine Monn, Marisel Olivencia, Gilbert Romero, y Dennis Webb. Puede encontrar las grabaciones en la página web de Bethany Seminary, hechas por el equipo de Enten y Mary Eller, David Sollenberger y Larry Glick. Para ver entre a este sitio: www.bethanyseminary.edu/webcasts/intercultural2011. Fotos: www.brethren.org/site/PhotoAlbumUser?AlbumID=14833&view=UserAlbum.
(Translation by Mariana Barriga.)
Brethren Disaster Ministries issues update on tornado, flood response.
BDM staff continue to monitor the tornadoes that plowed through Raleigh, N.C., and 18 counties on April 16. On May 6, BDM associate director Zach Wolgemuth attended the North Carolina VOAD (Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster) meeting in Greenville. BDM will stay involved in long-term recovery planning in that state, and at some point will decide on an area in which to set up a rebuilding project.
Brethren volunteers from Virlina and Shenandoah Districts have begun work on minor repairs such as roofing, windows, and siding in response to the Pulaski County, Va., tornadoes that struck on April 8. "As the community establishes a long term recovery group, we may be asked to help with major repairs and rebuilding work," Yount reported.
Tennessee flooding:
In Tennessee, this is the second May in a row for severe flooding. Today, the Mississippi River flooding crested around Memphis. However, the Brethren Disaster Ministries rebuilding project site in Tennessee is in the Nashville area, which is not threatened by the current Mississippi Valley flooding.
"As the floodwater moves downriver, the levees protecting the communities around New Orleans are in danger of being breached. BDM is now in its last few weeks of Katrina recovery work" in the New Orleans area, reported Yount this afternoon. "We’re certainly praying that these communities don’t get inundated again."
A year ago, three days of heavy rain in May 2010 dropped up to 20 inches of water on Tennessee, causing severe flooding from Nashville to Memphis and completely submerging many homes. A BDM rebuilding project based in Ashland City, northwest of Nashville, was started on January 30. A second project is set to open in just a few weeks, on June 1, in the Brentwood area just south of Nashville.
"Plans are well underway to host volunteer groups by the first full week in June at this new site," Yount reported. Volunteer groups will be housed at Harvest Fields Baptist Church on Sams Creek Road in the town of Pegram, Tenn. Site leaders for the month of June will be Steve Keim and Ken and LouElla Imhoff.
The long-running Hurricane Katrina rebuilding project in Chalmette, La., will be completed by mid-June. BDM has moved its base from a volunteer house to Camp Hope in the community of Arabi. Plans are for the former volunteer house to be brought back to family living status.
How to help:
"As always, the prayers of the Christian community for the victims and the responders are needed, welcome, and appreciated," Yount said.
"It is most helpful to make financial contributions that can be used where they are most needed," she said. She emphasized that donations of clothing or other unrequested material goods are not helpful, and that unaffiliated volunteers are not encouraged in tornado zones due to safety issues.
Donations to the work of Brethren Disaster Ministries and Children’s Disaster Services can be sent to the Emergency Disaster Fund, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120 or go to www.brethren.org/site/PageServer?pagename=give_emergency_disaster_fund.
Church World Service (CWS) is appealing for Emergency Clean-Up Buckets to assist both flooded and tornado-stricken homeowners. Instructions are at www.churchworldservice.org/kits_emergency. The buckets are warehoused and distributed by the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md.
BDM staff continue to monitor the tornadoes that plowed through Raleigh, N.C., and 18 counties on April 16. On May 6, BDM associate director Zach Wolgemuth attended the North Carolina VOAD (Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster) meeting in Greenville. BDM will stay involved in long-term recovery planning in that state, and at some point will decide on an area in which to set up a rebuilding project.
Brethren volunteers from Virlina and Shenandoah Districts have begun work on minor repairs such as roofing, windows, and siding in response to the Pulaski County, Va., tornadoes that struck on April 8. "As the community establishes a long term recovery group, we may be asked to help with major repairs and rebuilding work," Yount reported.
Tennessee flooding:
In Tennessee, this is the second May in a row for severe flooding. Today, the Mississippi River flooding crested around Memphis. However, the Brethren Disaster Ministries rebuilding project site in Tennessee is in the Nashville area, which is not threatened by the current Mississippi Valley flooding.
"As the floodwater moves downriver, the levees protecting the communities around New Orleans are in danger of being breached. BDM is now in its last few weeks of Katrina recovery work" in the New Orleans area, reported Yount this afternoon. "We’re certainly praying that these communities don’t get inundated again."
A year ago, three days of heavy rain in May 2010 dropped up to 20 inches of water on Tennessee, causing severe flooding from Nashville to Memphis and completely submerging many homes. A BDM rebuilding project based in Ashland City, northwest of Nashville, was started on January 30. A second project is set to open in just a few weeks, on June 1, in the Brentwood area just south of Nashville.
"Plans are well underway to host volunteer groups by the first full week in June at this new site," Yount reported. Volunteer groups will be housed at Harvest Fields Baptist Church on Sams Creek Road in the town of Pegram, Tenn. Site leaders for the month of June will be Steve Keim and Ken and LouElla Imhoff.
The long-running Hurricane Katrina rebuilding project in Chalmette, La., will be completed by mid-June. BDM has moved its base from a volunteer house to Camp Hope in the community of Arabi. Plans are for the former volunteer house to be brought back to family living status.
How to help:
"As always, the prayers of the Christian community for the victims and the responders are needed, welcome, and appreciated," Yount said.
"It is most helpful to make financial contributions that can be used where they are most needed," she said. She emphasized that donations of clothing or other unrequested material goods are not helpful, and that unaffiliated volunteers are not encouraged in tornado zones due to safety issues.
Donations to the work of Brethren Disaster Ministries and Children’s Disaster Services can be sent to the Emergency Disaster Fund, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120 or go to www.brethren.org/site/PageServer?pagename=give_emergency_disaster_fund.
Church World Service (CWS) is appealing for Emergency Clean-Up Buckets to assist both flooded and tornado-stricken homeowners. Instructions are at www.churchworldservice.org/kits_emergency. The buckets are warehoused and distributed by the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md.
CDS cares for children in Alabama, receives requests from Mississippi and Tennessee
Just as Children’s Disaster Services (CDS) is finishing a response to a devastating tornado in Tuscaloosa, Ala., new requests for services keep arriving, reports LethaJoy Martin of the CDS office.
CDS has been responding at the Belk Center Park Recreation Building shelter in Tuscaloosa, Ala. Six CDS volunteers initially arrived on April 29, and eight volunteers have served at the shelter so far. As of today, the CDS volunteers have cared for 126 child contacts.
"They did a fantastic job of getting on the child's level, listening to them, hearing how their homes were destroyed, how they had to go into a closet and were afraid," Martin wrote in an e-mail update this afternoon. "CDS volunteers are a calming presence in the midst of chaos for these children. One little boy had a very difficult time settling down, but when one of our male volunteers arrived, this little boy went right to him and calmed down. He felt safe."
The additional requests for Children's Disaster Services volunteers span a number of states affected by the recent tornado outbreak or the Mississippi River flooding, or both--from Missouri and Illinois to Tennessee and Mississippi.
In Cleveland, Tenn., which is recovering from the devastating effects of a tornado, a partner agency has requested CDS to care for children of parents coming in to a large distribution center where they can pick up necessities and items to start rebuilding their lives. "This is a different type of request for CDS and we are sending leadership to further evaluate the situation," Martin wrote.
At the request of the American Red Cross and in response to flooding in Mississippi, the program has volunteers standing by to staff CDS centers in three very large shelters in the state. The CDS teams are ready to serve when the shelters are operational.
"Children's Disaster Volunteers are wonderful!" Martin commented. "When the call goes out, they respond." For more about Children’s Disaster Services, go to www.brethren.org/cds.
Just as Children’s Disaster Services (CDS) is finishing a response to a devastating tornado in Tuscaloosa, Ala., new requests for services keep arriving, reports LethaJoy Martin of the CDS office.
CDS has been responding at the Belk Center Park Recreation Building shelter in Tuscaloosa, Ala. Six CDS volunteers initially arrived on April 29, and eight volunteers have served at the shelter so far. As of today, the CDS volunteers have cared for 126 child contacts.
"They did a fantastic job of getting on the child's level, listening to them, hearing how their homes were destroyed, how they had to go into a closet and were afraid," Martin wrote in an e-mail update this afternoon. "CDS volunteers are a calming presence in the midst of chaos for these children. One little boy had a very difficult time settling down, but when one of our male volunteers arrived, this little boy went right to him and calmed down. He felt safe."
The additional requests for Children's Disaster Services volunteers span a number of states affected by the recent tornado outbreak or the Mississippi River flooding, or both--from Missouri and Illinois to Tennessee and Mississippi.
In Cleveland, Tenn., which is recovering from the devastating effects of a tornado, a partner agency has requested CDS to care for children of parents coming in to a large distribution center where they can pick up necessities and items to start rebuilding their lives. "This is a different type of request for CDS and we are sending leadership to further evaluate the situation," Martin wrote.
At the request of the American Red Cross and in response to flooding in Mississippi, the program has volunteers standing by to staff CDS centers in three very large shelters in the state. The CDS teams are ready to serve when the shelters are operational.
"Children's Disaster Volunteers are wonderful!" Martin commented. "When the call goes out, they respond." For more about Children’s Disaster Services, go to www.brethren.org/cds.
Credits
Newsline is edited by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of News Services for the Church of the Brethren. Contact the editor at cobnews@brethren.org. Contributors to this issue of the Church of the Brethren Newsline include Mariana Barriga, LethaJoy Martin, Roy Winter, Jane Yount, and news director and editor Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford.
Newsline is edited by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of News Services for the Church of the Brethren. Contact the editor at cobnews@brethren.org. Contributors to this issue of the Church of the Brethren Newsline include Mariana Barriga, LethaJoy Martin, Roy Winter, Jane Yount, and news director and editor Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford.
Thursday, May 05, 2011
NEWS
- Christian Citizenship Seminar connects food and faith.
- Dominican church holds 20th annual assembly.
- Church program in DR experiences financial, administrative problems.
- Brethren students and chaplains meet from East and Midwest colleges.
- Mission staff report on Nigeria’s post-election violence.
- Bethany Seminary to celebrate 106th commencement.
- Older Adult Month is observed in May.
- 70th anniversary of Civilian Public Service is to be celebrated.
Christian Citizenship Seminar connects food and faith.
What does food have to do with faith? How does "our daily bread" become "The Bread of Life?" At Christian Citizenship Seminar 2011, 55 high school youth and adults considered these questions in depth, using scriptures from the Old and New Testaments as guides.
Beginning on March 26 in New York City, participants heard the testimony of two Brethren young adult seminarians, Angela and Nathan Inglis of Brooklyn (N.Y.) Church of the Brethren, who have made radical personal food choices based on their faith. Participants also learned about international hunger relief projects of Church World Service (CWS) from Ann Walle, director of Innovation and Strategic Affairs. Nelly Gyebi, an exchange student from Ghana currently studying in Moundridge, Kan., shared personal experiences of carrying water and of gender discrimination. Prior to touring the United Nations, participants studied the hunger related portions of the Millennium Development Goals through the leadership of Phil Jones, director of refugee resettlement of the CWS affiliate office in State College, Pa.
In Washington, Brethren farmer and sustainable living advocate Tom Benevento challenged the group on a number of issues related to typical US consumption patterns. A highlight of the week was a meeting with Max Finberg, director of the Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships at the Department of Agriculture.
Christian Citizenship Seminar participants typically compose the largest group of Brethren who lobby Congress through personal visits on a single day in any given year. On March 30, the tradition continued as youth and advisors visited their congressional representatives after receiving training from Wendy Matheny, a Brethren young adult who works in Washington as leadership coordinator for the American Association of University Women.
"When you go to Capitol Hill, you realize that the people there are actually people and it’s not just this big government machine. They listen to you--for the most part," reflected CCS participant Kinsey Miller, Black Rock Church of the Brethren, Glenville, Pa.
"I came to CCS because it combines my two favorite things--the Church of the Brethren and politics!" reported CCS participant Evan Leiter-Mason of Glade Valley Church of the Brethren, Walkersville, Md.
Considering the theme, it was fitting that the gathered community shared communion during worship on the final evening. "CCS is about identifying and reinforcing connections between the faith we speak and the lives we live. This year, I wanted participants to tackle a topic that is both universal and also very personal. Food is one of the most basic elements of life, and we have complicated relationships with it. I hope participants discovered a new appreciation for the complex justice issues surrounding food and for the questions those issues ask us as faith-filled people," said Becky Ullom, director of youth and young adult ministry for the Church of the Brethren.
Ullom, who provided this report, coordinated the event with Jordan Blevins, advocacy officer, and Mandy Garcia, coordinator of donor invitation. Christian Citizenship Seminar is sponsored by the Church of the Brethren, and takes place each spring.
What does food have to do with faith? How does "our daily bread" become "The Bread of Life?" At Christian Citizenship Seminar 2011, 55 high school youth and adults considered these questions in depth, using scriptures from the Old and New Testaments as guides.Beginning on March 26 in New York City, participants heard the testimony of two Brethren young adult seminarians, Angela and Nathan Inglis of Brooklyn (N.Y.) Church of the Brethren, who have made radical personal food choices based on their faith. Participants also learned about international hunger relief projects of Church World Service (CWS) from Ann Walle, director of Innovation and Strategic Affairs. Nelly Gyebi, an exchange student from Ghana currently studying in Moundridge, Kan., shared personal experiences of carrying water and of gender discrimination. Prior to touring the United Nations, participants studied the hunger related portions of the Millennium Development Goals through the leadership of Phil Jones, director of refugee resettlement of the CWS affiliate office in State College, Pa.
In Washington, Brethren farmer and sustainable living advocate Tom Benevento challenged the group on a number of issues related to typical US consumption patterns. A highlight of the week was a meeting with Max Finberg, director of the Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships at the Department of Agriculture.
Christian Citizenship Seminar participants typically compose the largest group of Brethren who lobby Congress through personal visits on a single day in any given year. On March 30, the tradition continued as youth and advisors visited their congressional representatives after receiving training from Wendy Matheny, a Brethren young adult who works in Washington as leadership coordinator for the American Association of University Women.
"When you go to Capitol Hill, you realize that the people there are actually people and it’s not just this big government machine. They listen to you--for the most part," reflected CCS participant Kinsey Miller, Black Rock Church of the Brethren, Glenville, Pa.
"I came to CCS because it combines my two favorite things--the Church of the Brethren and politics!" reported CCS participant Evan Leiter-Mason of Glade Valley Church of the Brethren, Walkersville, Md.
Considering the theme, it was fitting that the gathered community shared communion during worship on the final evening. "CCS is about identifying and reinforcing connections between the faith we speak and the lives we live. This year, I wanted participants to tackle a topic that is both universal and also very personal. Food is one of the most basic elements of life, and we have complicated relationships with it. I hope participants discovered a new appreciation for the complex justice issues surrounding food and for the questions those issues ask us as faith-filled people," said Becky Ullom, director of youth and young adult ministry for the Church of the Brethren.
Ullom, who provided this report, coordinated the event with Jordan Blevins, advocacy officer, and Mandy Garcia, coordinator of donor invitation. Christian Citizenship Seminar is sponsored by the Church of the Brethren, and takes place each spring.
Dominican church holds 20th annual assembly.
The 20th annual assamblea of Iglesia de los Hermanos (Church of the Brethren in the Dominican Republic) opened at Camp Bethel near San Juan, D.R., on Feb. 17 and concluded Feb. 20. Pastor Onelis Rivas presided as moderator. About 150 persons including 70 delegates from 28 congregations met together in business sessions and in Bible study and worship.
Earl K. Ziegler of Lancaster, Pa., was the main speaker for the conference theme on "Receiving the Promise" based on Luke 24:49. Jay Wittmeyer, executive director of the Church of the Brethren Global Mission Partnerships, was the official representative from the US church. Marcos Inhauser, a leader the Church of the Brethren in Brazil, also participated in the assembly.
Each session began with spirited singing supported by loud music involving drums, guitars, and vocalists. The singing was a way of gathering the people who came from all areas of the camp to attend the assembly, in an open air structure with a tin roof. Evening services continued to 10:30 p.m., with one night’s service ending at 11 p.m.
The three basic concerns of the conference were the need for a stronger youth program, lack of finances, and leadership issues. Called to serve as the 2012 moderator-elect is pastor Isaias Santo Teña of the San Luis Church, with pastor Mardouche Catalice of the Boca Chica church serving as moderator for the next year.
Attendance was less this year due to the geographical location of the conference and the threat of deportation for undocumented Haitian Brethren who have come to the DR to work in sugar cane fields and farm fields and in construction. The Haitians are invited to come to the DR and work but are not given any permanent status. The tension around this issue is greater since the Haitian earthquake in 2010. About one-third of the congregations of Iglesia de los Hermanos are Haitian.
The Holy Spirit was alive and well in the assembly and the singing was a foretaste of heavenly music. Pray for Iglesia de los Hermanos en la Republica Dominicana.
-- Earl K. Ziegler provided this report.
The 20th annual assamblea of Iglesia de los Hermanos (Church of the Brethren in the Dominican Republic) opened at Camp Bethel near San Juan, D.R., on Feb. 17 and concluded Feb. 20. Pastor Onelis Rivas presided as moderator. About 150 persons including 70 delegates from 28 congregations met together in business sessions and in Bible study and worship.
Earl K. Ziegler of Lancaster, Pa., was the main speaker for the conference theme on "Receiving the Promise" based on Luke 24:49. Jay Wittmeyer, executive director of the Church of the Brethren Global Mission Partnerships, was the official representative from the US church. Marcos Inhauser, a leader the Church of the Brethren in Brazil, also participated in the assembly.
Each session began with spirited singing supported by loud music involving drums, guitars, and vocalists. The singing was a way of gathering the people who came from all areas of the camp to attend the assembly, in an open air structure with a tin roof. Evening services continued to 10:30 p.m., with one night’s service ending at 11 p.m.
The three basic concerns of the conference were the need for a stronger youth program, lack of finances, and leadership issues. Called to serve as the 2012 moderator-elect is pastor Isaias Santo Teña of the San Luis Church, with pastor Mardouche Catalice of the Boca Chica church serving as moderator for the next year.
Attendance was less this year due to the geographical location of the conference and the threat of deportation for undocumented Haitian Brethren who have come to the DR to work in sugar cane fields and farm fields and in construction. The Haitians are invited to come to the DR and work but are not given any permanent status. The tension around this issue is greater since the Haitian earthquake in 2010. About one-third of the congregations of Iglesia de los Hermanos are Haitian.
The Holy Spirit was alive and well in the assembly and the singing was a foretaste of heavenly music. Pray for Iglesia de los Hermanos en la Republica Dominicana.
-- Earl K. Ziegler provided this report.
Church program in DR experiences financial, administrative problems.
The Church of the Brethren mission in the Dominican Republic and Iglesia de los Hermanos (the Church of the Brethren in the DR) have been facing financial and administrative problems in recent years. The program in the DR did not receive a clean audit report in its most recent annual financial audit, reported Global Mission Partnerships executive director Jay Wittmeyer.
"We’ve been working toward a clean audit and have been getting closer to that goal," Wittmeyer said.
One of the main problems has been the intermingling of the microfinance community development funds with church funds, he reported. A large amount of money is outstanding in uncollected or unrecoverable loans given as microloans. Another problem has been undocumented expenses. Also donations from US congregations have gone directly to Dominican congregations without an accounting through the national church, and the practice has led to conflict.
The remaining amount in the community development fund, about $84,000, has been returned to the US, Wittmeyer said. The amount of outstanding, uncollected, or unrecoverable loans comes to more than $52,000, according to the audit. From 2001 to 2009 the fund received grants from the Global Food Crisis Fund totaling $515,870. The grants from the GFCF also provided support for salaries and program expenses of staff managing the microloan program as well as the loans.
Global Mission Partnerships has been making efforts to improve administration of the program in the DR, sending former Nigeria mission workers Tom and Janet Crago to work with the financial system for several months. The couple helped arrive at a recommendation that the community development program be registered outside the Church of the Brethren.
Irvin and Nancy Sollenberger Heishman, who finished up as mission coordinators at the end of 2010 after close to 8 years in the DR, worked hard to facilitate a clean audit and establish accountability structures, Wittmeyer said. They also encouraged stewardship and encouraged the DR church to overcome issues of dependency on the US church. In addition, Brazil mission coordinator Marcos Inhauser has been helping engage in the conversations with the DR church, in particular on spiritual growth.
"We’ve been working to get the microloan program registered" as a separate nonprofit in the DR, Wittmeyer said. "We don’t have that program running yet but we’re working on it."
At the root of the problems is that "Global Mission Partnerships tried to set up institutions that were beyond the capacity of the local church to administer," Wittmeyer explained. "In fact, they were institutions that were beyond the Global Mission Partnerships’ capacity to administer."
Iglesia de los Hermanos has begun to recognize and deal with issues of administration and accountability, he said, chief among them financial accounting practices and conflicts of interest caused when leadership functions such as that of moderator or pastor have been combined with functions ordinarily associated with a church staff or treasurer. The church also has been dealing with power struggles among leadership.
At this year’s asamblea, an audit report was presented that Iglesia de los Hermanos also must begin making annual audited financial reports to the DR government. The church was registered in 2003 but has yet to make a report. Most of those in attendance at the asamblea had not been aware of problems with administration of the church or that its registration might be in jeopardy, Wittmeyer said.
"At the asamblea I saw signs of strength and growth in the church in the DR," he said. "There were a number of contributions from congregations to the national church body, and questions about how to set that amount. It was a good conversation and showed people taking ownership." Another strength of the church is its strong support for Haitian immigrants and evidence of Haitian-Dominican equality within the church.
Global Mission Partnerships plans to move away from a long-standing practice of directly paying the salaries of Dominican pastors. The shift is necessary to help the church in the DR become self sufficient, Wittmeyer said, as he acknowledged that many US Brethren who have lived or worked in the DR will have continuing legitimate concern for the people’s needs.
"The Church of the Brethren wants to help support the ministries that address poverty and provide for needs like clean water, schools, help with immigration issues, theological education, etc. But this needs to be done in ways that are both accountable and build the capacity of the church."
For questions about the mission in the Dominican Republic contact Jay Wittmeyer, executive director of Global Mission Partnerships, 800-323-8039 or jwittmeyer@brethren.org.
The Church of the Brethren mission in the Dominican Republic and Iglesia de los Hermanos (the Church of the Brethren in the DR) have been facing financial and administrative problems in recent years. The program in the DR did not receive a clean audit report in its most recent annual financial audit, reported Global Mission Partnerships executive director Jay Wittmeyer.
"We’ve been working toward a clean audit and have been getting closer to that goal," Wittmeyer said.
One of the main problems has been the intermingling of the microfinance community development funds with church funds, he reported. A large amount of money is outstanding in uncollected or unrecoverable loans given as microloans. Another problem has been undocumented expenses. Also donations from US congregations have gone directly to Dominican congregations without an accounting through the national church, and the practice has led to conflict.
The remaining amount in the community development fund, about $84,000, has been returned to the US, Wittmeyer said. The amount of outstanding, uncollected, or unrecoverable loans comes to more than $52,000, according to the audit. From 2001 to 2009 the fund received grants from the Global Food Crisis Fund totaling $515,870. The grants from the GFCF also provided support for salaries and program expenses of staff managing the microloan program as well as the loans.
Global Mission Partnerships has been making efforts to improve administration of the program in the DR, sending former Nigeria mission workers Tom and Janet Crago to work with the financial system for several months. The couple helped arrive at a recommendation that the community development program be registered outside the Church of the Brethren.
Irvin and Nancy Sollenberger Heishman, who finished up as mission coordinators at the end of 2010 after close to 8 years in the DR, worked hard to facilitate a clean audit and establish accountability structures, Wittmeyer said. They also encouraged stewardship and encouraged the DR church to overcome issues of dependency on the US church. In addition, Brazil mission coordinator Marcos Inhauser has been helping engage in the conversations with the DR church, in particular on spiritual growth.
"We’ve been working to get the microloan program registered" as a separate nonprofit in the DR, Wittmeyer said. "We don’t have that program running yet but we’re working on it."
At the root of the problems is that "Global Mission Partnerships tried to set up institutions that were beyond the capacity of the local church to administer," Wittmeyer explained. "In fact, they were institutions that were beyond the Global Mission Partnerships’ capacity to administer."
Iglesia de los Hermanos has begun to recognize and deal with issues of administration and accountability, he said, chief among them financial accounting practices and conflicts of interest caused when leadership functions such as that of moderator or pastor have been combined with functions ordinarily associated with a church staff or treasurer. The church also has been dealing with power struggles among leadership.
At this year’s asamblea, an audit report was presented that Iglesia de los Hermanos also must begin making annual audited financial reports to the DR government. The church was registered in 2003 but has yet to make a report. Most of those in attendance at the asamblea had not been aware of problems with administration of the church or that its registration might be in jeopardy, Wittmeyer said.
"At the asamblea I saw signs of strength and growth in the church in the DR," he said. "There were a number of contributions from congregations to the national church body, and questions about how to set that amount. It was a good conversation and showed people taking ownership." Another strength of the church is its strong support for Haitian immigrants and evidence of Haitian-Dominican equality within the church.
Global Mission Partnerships plans to move away from a long-standing practice of directly paying the salaries of Dominican pastors. The shift is necessary to help the church in the DR become self sufficient, Wittmeyer said, as he acknowledged that many US Brethren who have lived or worked in the DR will have continuing legitimate concern for the people’s needs.
"The Church of the Brethren wants to help support the ministries that address poverty and provide for needs like clean water, schools, help with immigration issues, theological education, etc. But this needs to be done in ways that are both accountable and build the capacity of the church."
For questions about the mission in the Dominican Republic contact Jay Wittmeyer, executive director of Global Mission Partnerships, 800-323-8039 or jwittmeyer@brethren.org.
Brethren students and chaplains meet from East and Midwest colleges.
What does it mean to be Brethren today? About 20 Brethren students and the campus chaplains from Bridgewater (Va.) College, Juniata College in Huntingdon, Pa., and Manchester College in North Manchester, Ind., explored that question as they met April 1-3 at Grand Vue State Park in Moundsville, W.Va.
The idea of a joint retreat for Church of the Brethren colleges in the East and Midwest grew out of student brainstorming and gradually materialized over the past year. The West Virginia spot, just south of Wheeling, was chosen as a central point for the colleges attending.
Students led informal discussions on topics including peace, justice, simplicity, sustainability, and community during the weekend. Each of the three college groups also planned and led a worship service. Free time offered opportunities for hiking, disc golf, games, and further conversation. Juniata chaplain Dave Witkovsky contributed his culinary abilities in the kitchen for on-site meals.
The retreat ended with a mountaintop closing circle and hopes of doing another such gathering in the future. The schools are among six colleges/universities affiliated with the Church of the Brethren, stretching from eastern Pennsylvania to California. According to "Church of the Brethren Yearbook" statistics, they enroll a combined total of more than 300 Brethren students.
-- Walt Wiltschek is campus pastor at Manchester College.
What does it mean to be Brethren today? About 20 Brethren students and the campus chaplains from Bridgewater (Va.) College, Juniata College in Huntingdon, Pa., and Manchester College in North Manchester, Ind., explored that question as they met April 1-3 at Grand Vue State Park in Moundsville, W.Va.
The idea of a joint retreat for Church of the Brethren colleges in the East and Midwest grew out of student brainstorming and gradually materialized over the past year. The West Virginia spot, just south of Wheeling, was chosen as a central point for the colleges attending.
Students led informal discussions on topics including peace, justice, simplicity, sustainability, and community during the weekend. Each of the three college groups also planned and led a worship service. Free time offered opportunities for hiking, disc golf, games, and further conversation. Juniata chaplain Dave Witkovsky contributed his culinary abilities in the kitchen for on-site meals.
The retreat ended with a mountaintop closing circle and hopes of doing another such gathering in the future. The schools are among six colleges/universities affiliated with the Church of the Brethren, stretching from eastern Pennsylvania to California. According to "Church of the Brethren Yearbook" statistics, they enroll a combined total of more than 300 Brethren students.
-- Walt Wiltschek is campus pastor at Manchester College.
Mission staff report on Nigeria’s post-election violence.
In their April newsletter, Church of the Brethren mission staff Nathan and Jennifer Hosler report on post-election violence in Nigeria. The Hoslers are serving in peace and reconciliation positions with Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria (EYN--the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria), teaching at Kulp Bible College (KBC) in northeastern Nigeria near the city of Mubi.
"Nigerian presidential elections occurred on Saturday (April 16) and there has been violence Sunday and Monday," the Hoslers wrote. "Supporters of one party are angry that their candidate did not win. Rioting has occurred in Mubi (30 minutes drive south) and Michika (40 minutes drive north), along with other main cities in northern Nigeria. This is the first time Adamawa State (the state we live in) has experienced violence like this. Stores and cars have been burnt. People were shot. Churches in Mubi including a main EYN church were targeted but the army was able to intervene before the attack occurred."
The Hoslers share a prayer request "for safety and a restoration of calm and order. Pray for peace of mind for us and our families in North America. Please pray for wisdom and accuracy in information."
The Hoslers have recently begun work with a KBC Peace Club, which successfully completed its first outreach program outside of the college. In March the club traveled to EYN Gi’ima--a large church in Mubi--to present a program on youth and young adults and peace. "Youths, aimless and without jobs to occupy their time, are often and easily persuaded to take up arms as thugs for politicians or others who wish to cause havoc. The program included two dramas and two speakers. The message, given to the 750 people in attendance, was simple but relevant: youth should avoid being used by politicians for violence and instead work for peace."
The couple also have been working on a peacebuilding partnership with the Women’s Fellowship of EYN, known as ZME, one of the strongest groups within EYN. "One of the requests from the ZME Director is for the EYN Peace Program to teach peacebuilding topics during the annual national women’s training seminars," the Hoslers wrote. "Women from every church district gather together and learn topics that range from health and sanitation, skills acquisition (jewelry making, batik, etc.), and biblical and theological topics. The women attendees then return to their districts as resource persons to teach others what they learned...a very effective way of spreading awareness and skills for peacebuilding."
Find more reports from the Hoslers at www.brethren.org/site/PageServer?pagename=go_places_serve_nigeria_HoslerUpdates.
In their April newsletter, Church of the Brethren mission staff Nathan and Jennifer Hosler report on post-election violence in Nigeria. The Hoslers are serving in peace and reconciliation positions with Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria (EYN--the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria), teaching at Kulp Bible College (KBC) in northeastern Nigeria near the city of Mubi.
"Nigerian presidential elections occurred on Saturday (April 16) and there has been violence Sunday and Monday," the Hoslers wrote. "Supporters of one party are angry that their candidate did not win. Rioting has occurred in Mubi (30 minutes drive south) and Michika (40 minutes drive north), along with other main cities in northern Nigeria. This is the first time Adamawa State (the state we live in) has experienced violence like this. Stores and cars have been burnt. People were shot. Churches in Mubi including a main EYN church were targeted but the army was able to intervene before the attack occurred."
The Hoslers share a prayer request "for safety and a restoration of calm and order. Pray for peace of mind for us and our families in North America. Please pray for wisdom and accuracy in information."
The Hoslers have recently begun work with a KBC Peace Club, which successfully completed its first outreach program outside of the college. In March the club traveled to EYN Gi’ima--a large church in Mubi--to present a program on youth and young adults and peace. "Youths, aimless and without jobs to occupy their time, are often and easily persuaded to take up arms as thugs for politicians or others who wish to cause havoc. The program included two dramas and two speakers. The message, given to the 750 people in attendance, was simple but relevant: youth should avoid being used by politicians for violence and instead work for peace."
The couple also have been working on a peacebuilding partnership with the Women’s Fellowship of EYN, known as ZME, one of the strongest groups within EYN. "One of the requests from the ZME Director is for the EYN Peace Program to teach peacebuilding topics during the annual national women’s training seminars," the Hoslers wrote. "Women from every church district gather together and learn topics that range from health and sanitation, skills acquisition (jewelry making, batik, etc.), and biblical and theological topics. The women attendees then return to their districts as resource persons to teach others what they learned...a very effective way of spreading awareness and skills for peacebuilding."
Find more reports from the Hoslers at www.brethren.org/site/PageServer?pagename=go_places_serve_nigeria_HoslerUpdates.
Bethany Seminary to celebrate 106th commencement.
On May 7, Bethany Theological Seminary will celebrate its 106th commencement, at the seminary campus in Richmond, Ind. Two observances will mark the occasion. A ceremony for conferring degrees will take place in Nicarry Chapel at 10 a.m. Admittance to this ceremony is by ticket only. A worship service, open to the public, will be held in Nicarry Chapel at 2:30 p.m.
Commencement speaker and former "Messenger" editor Fletcher Farrar will give an address titled "Nicodemus at Dawn," based on Isaiah 59:9-19 and John 3:1-10, at the academic ceremony. Three members of the graduating class will speak at the afternoon service: Anna Lisa Gross, Kimberly Koczan Flory, and Larry Taylor.
Ten students will receive master of divinity degrees, eight will receive master of arts, and two will receive a certificate of achievement in theological studies.
Those who will receive a master of divinity are Craig L. Gandy of Peru, Ind.; Anna Lisa Gross, Richmond, Ind.; Rebecca M. Harding, Fort Wayne, Ind.; Kimberly C. Koczan Flory, Fort Wayne, Ind.; Benjamin R.G. Polzin, Richmond, Ind.; Daniel L. Rudy, Richmond, Ind.; Lee D. Saylor, James Creek, Pa.; Christine Ann Sheller, Des Moines, Iowa; Justin Trent Smith, New Lebanon, Ohio; and Lawrence Russell Taylor, Cincinnati, Ohio.
Those who will receive a master of arts degree are Jabani Adzibiya, Adamawa State, Nigeria; Matthew Boersma, Greensburg, Ind.; Laurie J. Diaz, Chambersburg, Pa.; Christopher D. Fretz, Richmond, Ind.; Lindsey Kate Frye, Richmond, Ind.; Travis Edward Turner Poling, Richmond, Ind.; Monica Rice, Richmond, Ind.; Karen Roberts, Richmond, Ind.
Those who will receive a certificate of achievement in theological studies are Gieta M. Gresh, Denton, Md., and Renee Jeane Vrtiska, Gibsonia, Pa.
-- Jenny Williams is Advancement Office coordinator at Bethany Seminary.
On May 7, Bethany Theological Seminary will celebrate its 106th commencement, at the seminary campus in Richmond, Ind. Two observances will mark the occasion. A ceremony for conferring degrees will take place in Nicarry Chapel at 10 a.m. Admittance to this ceremony is by ticket only. A worship service, open to the public, will be held in Nicarry Chapel at 2:30 p.m.
Commencement speaker and former "Messenger" editor Fletcher Farrar will give an address titled "Nicodemus at Dawn," based on Isaiah 59:9-19 and John 3:1-10, at the academic ceremony. Three members of the graduating class will speak at the afternoon service: Anna Lisa Gross, Kimberly Koczan Flory, and Larry Taylor.
Ten students will receive master of divinity degrees, eight will receive master of arts, and two will receive a certificate of achievement in theological studies.
Those who will receive a master of divinity are Craig L. Gandy of Peru, Ind.; Anna Lisa Gross, Richmond, Ind.; Rebecca M. Harding, Fort Wayne, Ind.; Kimberly C. Koczan Flory, Fort Wayne, Ind.; Benjamin R.G. Polzin, Richmond, Ind.; Daniel L. Rudy, Richmond, Ind.; Lee D. Saylor, James Creek, Pa.; Christine Ann Sheller, Des Moines, Iowa; Justin Trent Smith, New Lebanon, Ohio; and Lawrence Russell Taylor, Cincinnati, Ohio.
Those who will receive a master of arts degree are Jabani Adzibiya, Adamawa State, Nigeria; Matthew Boersma, Greensburg, Ind.; Laurie J. Diaz, Chambersburg, Pa.; Christopher D. Fretz, Richmond, Ind.; Lindsey Kate Frye, Richmond, Ind.; Travis Edward Turner Poling, Richmond, Ind.; Monica Rice, Richmond, Ind.; Karen Roberts, Richmond, Ind.
Those who will receive a certificate of achievement in theological studies are Gieta M. Gresh, Denton, Md., and Renee Jeane Vrtiska, Gibsonia, Pa.
-- Jenny Williams is Advancement Office coordinator at Bethany Seminary.
Older Adult Month is observed in May.
The theme for the 2011 Older Adult Month is "Grounded and Growing" based on Psalm 92 and Colossians 1:9b-12. Each May, the Church of the Brethren observes Older Adult Month, a time to celebrate and give thanks for God’s good gift of aging.
"As people of faith, Brethren are grounded in our faith in many ways: through God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit, and through our families, friends, and our faith communities," said an invitation from the Older Adult Ministry. "This grounding serves as both a firm foundation and as fertile soil for continued understanding, growth, and revelation throughout our faith journey. No matter our age, we are called by God to continue to grow, to show new life, and to flourish.
Materials have been created for individual and communal meditation and worship during May and throughout the year. The resources that are available include five different meditations, a variety of worship resources, and a plan for an entire worship service based on the theme. Visit www.brethren.org/olderadultmonth to download resources or contact Kim Ebersole, director of family life and older adult ministries, at 800-323-8039 ext. 302 or kebersole@brethren.org.
The theme for the 2011 Older Adult Month is "Grounded and Growing" based on Psalm 92 and Colossians 1:9b-12. Each May, the Church of the Brethren observes Older Adult Month, a time to celebrate and give thanks for God’s good gift of aging."As people of faith, Brethren are grounded in our faith in many ways: through God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit, and through our families, friends, and our faith communities," said an invitation from the Older Adult Ministry. "This grounding serves as both a firm foundation and as fertile soil for continued understanding, growth, and revelation throughout our faith journey. No matter our age, we are called by God to continue to grow, to show new life, and to flourish.
Materials have been created for individual and communal meditation and worship during May and throughout the year. The resources that are available include five different meditations, a variety of worship resources, and a plan for an entire worship service based on the theme. Visit www.brethren.org/olderadultmonth to download resources or contact Kim Ebersole, director of family life and older adult ministries, at 800-323-8039 ext. 302 or kebersole@brethren.org.
70th anniversary of Civilian Public Service is to be celebrated.
May 15 is the 70th anniversary of the first Civilian Public Service (CPS) camp opening in Patapsco, Md. A special celebration is being planned and is open to the public. Sponsors are the Church of the Brethren, the Mennonite Central Committee US, the Center on Conscience and War, the American Friends Service Committee, and the Kansas Committee for a CPS Memorial.
The event will include a picnic lunch, the launch of a new CPS website featuring a database of all CPS workers and camps, brief remarks by sponsoring agencies, CPS alumni and historians, and a visit to the Patapsco CPS Camp site in Patapsco Valley State Park. The picnic will begin at 1 p.m. at Relay Town Hall, 1710 Arlington Ave., Relay, Md.
The CPS Memorial Website Project team of archivists includes Terrell Barkley, director of the Brethren Historical Library and Archives; the late Ken Shaffer, former director of the BHLA; Wendy Chmielewski, George Cooley Curator of the Swarthmore College Peace Collection; Rich Preheim, director of the Mennonite Church USA Historical Committee; John Thiesen of the Mennonite Historical Library and Archives; Anne Yoder, archivist for the Swarthmore College Peace Collection; and from Lewis & Clark College, Paul Merchant and Doug Erickson. Others doing content review include J. Kenneth Kreider, professor emeritus, History, at Elizabethtown College. Jonathan Keeney, a Brethren member from Elgin, Ill., was hired by the project to scan images for all the CPS units/camps from the CPS photo collection in the BHLA.
Those interested in attending the celebration are requested to RSVP by May 11 to Titus Peachey at tmp@mcc.org or 717-859-1151. For detailed directions, see www.artandeffects.com/special_projects/winter_gathering_directions.pdf.
May 15 is the 70th anniversary of the first Civilian Public Service (CPS) camp opening in Patapsco, Md. A special celebration is being planned and is open to the public. Sponsors are the Church of the Brethren, the Mennonite Central Committee US, the Center on Conscience and War, the American Friends Service Committee, and the Kansas Committee for a CPS Memorial.
The event will include a picnic lunch, the launch of a new CPS website featuring a database of all CPS workers and camps, brief remarks by sponsoring agencies, CPS alumni and historians, and a visit to the Patapsco CPS Camp site in Patapsco Valley State Park. The picnic will begin at 1 p.m. at Relay Town Hall, 1710 Arlington Ave., Relay, Md.
The CPS Memorial Website Project team of archivists includes Terrell Barkley, director of the Brethren Historical Library and Archives; the late Ken Shaffer, former director of the BHLA; Wendy Chmielewski, George Cooley Curator of the Swarthmore College Peace Collection; Rich Preheim, director of the Mennonite Church USA Historical Committee; John Thiesen of the Mennonite Historical Library and Archives; Anne Yoder, archivist for the Swarthmore College Peace Collection; and from Lewis & Clark College, Paul Merchant and Doug Erickson. Others doing content review include J. Kenneth Kreider, professor emeritus, History, at Elizabethtown College. Jonathan Keeney, a Brethren member from Elgin, Ill., was hired by the project to scan images for all the CPS units/camps from the CPS photo collection in the BHLA.
Those interested in attending the celebration are requested to RSVP by May 11 to Titus Peachey at tmp@mcc.org or 717-859-1151. For detailed directions, see www.artandeffects.com/special_projects/winter_gathering_directions.pdf.
A prayer response to the killing of Osama bin Laden.
The following prayer is offered by Joshua Brockway, Church of the Brethren director of Spiritual Life and Discipleship:
God of the empty tomb, whose life and resurrection we celebrate in this season of Easter, we are confronted by so much death--from the demise of thousands of nameless individuals to celebrations over the killing of notorious criminals--while knowing in our hearts that the death of one of your children is never a cause to rejoice.
As we gather proclaiming the truth of Easter, hear our wondering thoughts of the future, and our visions of your peace, so that our lives may reflect your way of life within a world falling into terror and death.
For it is in the confession of fears and hopes, anxiety and relief that the world knows us to be fully human and fully alive in you. Multiply our witness through our praise and service so that our prayers for "your Kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven" might become manifest in our midst.
In the name of the one who died and yet rose again, Jesus the Christ, we pray. AMEN
The following prayer is offered by Joshua Brockway, Church of the Brethren director of Spiritual Life and Discipleship:
God of the empty tomb, whose life and resurrection we celebrate in this season of Easter, we are confronted by so much death--from the demise of thousands of nameless individuals to celebrations over the killing of notorious criminals--while knowing in our hearts that the death of one of your children is never a cause to rejoice.
As we gather proclaiming the truth of Easter, hear our wondering thoughts of the future, and our visions of your peace, so that our lives may reflect your way of life within a world falling into terror and death.
For it is in the confession of fears and hopes, anxiety and relief that the world knows us to be fully human and fully alive in you. Multiply our witness through our praise and service so that our prayers for "your Kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven" might become manifest in our midst.
In the name of the one who died and yet rose again, Jesus the Christ, we pray. AMEN
NCC: Death of bin Laden must be a turning point for peace.
The death of Osama bin Laden does not "eradicate the scourge of terrorism," but it should stimulate the churches to commit themselves "to moving forward together as witnesses for God's love and peace," said a statement released Tuesday on behalf of the National Council of Churches (NCC) member communions. Church of the Brethren general secretary Stan Noffsinger is one of the church leaders who have signed the statement.
Following is the NCC statement in full:
The death of Osama bin Laden is a significant moment in the turbulent history of the past decade. It does not eradicate the scourge of terrorism nor does it bring closure to the grieving and pain the world has endured since the terror attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, for which he was the primary architect. The National Council of Churches deplores and condemns the extremism he personified, the twisted illusions that wrought years of violence and evil in the world.
Now the member communions of the National Council of Churches pray for God's help as we commit ourselves to moving forward together as witnesses for God's love and peace. In Nov. 2001, as the world reeled from the terror attacks, the General Assembly of the National Council of Churches and Church World Service challenged their communions to take the lead:
"It is time (we said then) for us as an ecumenical community to make a renewed commitment to a ministry of peace with justice, and to make real in these days the call of Jesus, ‘Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you’ (Matthew 5:44). In his Beatitudes, Jesus calls us,
his followers, to be merciful if we are to receive mercy; he reminds us that the peacemakers are blessed and will be called children of God. And, he proclaims us ‘the light of the world’; our good works should be a beacon to others so they may give glory to God (Matthew 5:14-16).
"We lift up ‘Pillars of Peace for the 21st Century,’ a 1999 Policy Statement of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A. We reaffirm and highlight the statement's call to build a culture of peace with justice characterized by these convictions:
-- Find the NCC statement and list of signers at www.ncccusa.org/news/110503binladen.html. For an action alert from the Peace Witness Ministries of the Church of the Brethren go to http://cob.convio.net/site/MessageViewer?em_id=11361.0&dlv_id=13641. To join in discussion with Peace Witness Ministry staff and other Brethren about what the church should say about the war in Afghanistan and the war on terror, go to http://blog.brethren.org.
The death of Osama bin Laden does not "eradicate the scourge of terrorism," but it should stimulate the churches to commit themselves "to moving forward together as witnesses for God's love and peace," said a statement released Tuesday on behalf of the National Council of Churches (NCC) member communions. Church of the Brethren general secretary Stan Noffsinger is one of the church leaders who have signed the statement.
Following is the NCC statement in full:
The death of Osama bin Laden is a significant moment in the turbulent history of the past decade. It does not eradicate the scourge of terrorism nor does it bring closure to the grieving and pain the world has endured since the terror attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, for which he was the primary architect. The National Council of Churches deplores and condemns the extremism he personified, the twisted illusions that wrought years of violence and evil in the world.
Now the member communions of the National Council of Churches pray for God's help as we commit ourselves to moving forward together as witnesses for God's love and peace. In Nov. 2001, as the world reeled from the terror attacks, the General Assembly of the National Council of Churches and Church World Service challenged their communions to take the lead:
"It is time (we said then) for us as an ecumenical community to make a renewed commitment to a ministry of peace with justice, and to make real in these days the call of Jesus, ‘Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you’ (Matthew 5:44). In his Beatitudes, Jesus calls us,
his followers, to be merciful if we are to receive mercy; he reminds us that the peacemakers are blessed and will be called children of God. And, he proclaims us ‘the light of the world’; our good works should be a beacon to others so they may give glory to God (Matthew 5:14-16).
"We lift up ‘Pillars of Peace for the 21st Century,’ a 1999 Policy Statement of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A. We reaffirm and highlight the statement's call to build a culture of peace with justice characterized by these convictions:
- The transcending sovereignty and love of God for all creation and the expression of that love in the incarnation of Jesus Christ, whose mission was to reveal understanding about that divine presence, to proclaim a message of salvation and to bring justice and peace;
- The unity of creation and the equality of all races and peoples;
- The dignity and worth of each person as a child of God; and
- The church, the body of believers, whose global mission of witness, peacemaking, and reconciliation testifies to God's action in history."
-- Find the NCC statement and list of signers at www.ncccusa.org/news/110503binladen.html. For an action alert from the Peace Witness Ministries of the Church of the Brethren go to http://cob.convio.net/site/MessageViewer?em_id=11361.0&dlv_id=13641. To join in discussion with Peace Witness Ministry staff and other Brethren about what the church should say about the war in Afghanistan and the war on terror, go to http://blog.brethren.org.
Brethren bits: Remembrance, personnel, jobs, call for photos, more.
- Remembrance: C. Wayne Zunkel, author of the popular Brethren Press book, "To Follow in Jesus’ Steps," passed away on April 21 at Brethren Village, Lancaster, Pa., after residing there six years. Born on March 4, 1931, in Lima, Ohio, he was the son of the late Charles and Cleda Zunkel. He was the husband of Linda Zunkel of Elizabethtown, Pa., and former husband of Grace (Schrock) Morentz. He held degrees from Manchester College, Bethany Theological Seminary, and Fuller Theological Seminary. He was an ordained minister in the Church of the Brethren, serving pastorates in Pennsylvania and California. He was a published author of seven books relating to church growth and ministry. His final book, "To Follow in Jesus' Steps," has been published in five languages: English, Spanish, Creole, Korean, Hausa. In volunteer positions in the church, he was a delegate to the National Council of Churches 1963-68, chairing the Brethren delegation 1966-68; served on the denomination’s Parish Ministries Commission 1968-71, and in 1974; and on the General Board in the early 1970s. He was founder and editor of the Brethren Peace Fellowship newsletter 1967-97. He is survived by his wife, Linda; children Lynn Shire, Debra (Roy) Peters, Jan Zoya, Dave Zunkel, and Jonathan Zunkel; and three grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. on May 7 at Elizabethtown (Pa.) Church of the Brethren. Memorial contributions are received to the C. Wayne Zunkel Memorial Fund for the translation of Brethren materials, care of the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill.
- The Valley Brethren-Mennonite Heritage Center ( www.vbmhc.org ) in Harrisonburg, Va., invites applications for the position of full-time executive director. The successful candidate will have expertise in fundraising, marketing, administration, public relations, volunteer coordination, and interpreting the vision of the center to the church and community. The director should be committed to the heritage that Brethren and Mennonites share, especially in the Shenandoah Valley. Salary and benefits as determined by the Board of Directors. Send letter of application, resume, and three recommendations to Beryl H. Brubaker, Chair, Search Committee, 965 Broadview Dr., Harrisonburg, VA, 22802 ( brubakeb@emu.edu ). Position open until filled.
- The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights has announced a Fellowship Program for People of African Descent, from Oct. 10-Nov. 4, 2011. The program is recommended to Brethren by the denomination’s UN representative, Doris Abdullah. The program will provide the opportunity to deepen understanding of the UN human rights system, with a focus on issues of particular relevance to people of African descent. The candidate must be an African descendant, have a minimum of four years of experience dealing with Afro-descendant or minority issues, be fluent in English, and have a letter of support from an Afro-descendant organization or community. All documents submitted must be in English. The selected candidate is entitled to a stipend to cover accommodation, basic living expenses in Geneva, Switzerland, basic health insurance, as well as a return economy class plane ticket. Submit applications by e-mail to africandescent@ohchr.org or by fax to 004122-928 9050 with a cover letter clearly indicating "Application to the 2011 Fellowship Programme for People of African Descent" with the following documents: application form; curriculum vitae; letter of motivation (max. 1 page) in which the candidate explains his/her motivation for applying, what he/she hopes to achieve through this fellowship, and how he/she will use what they learn to promote the interests and rights of Afro-descendents; and aA letter of support from an organization/entity the candidate is affiliated with. Download the application form at www.ohchr.org/africandescent2011. The deadline is May 31.
- Photographs of Brethren "extending the table" are sought for a presentation during the closing worship service of the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference. The service is July 6 in Grand Rapids, Mich., on the theme, "Jesus Extends the Table to Us." Photographs will be displayed on large screens during an act of commissioning for the congregation. The worship planning team seeks help from Brethren photographers in acquiring photos of ways in which congregations extend hospitality and welcome others, because Jesus welcomed us. Images may be from celebrations of Love Feast, but also may show ways congregations greet people as they arrive for worship, reach out into the community, and engage in service ministries. Photographers are requested to contribute only their own original works, and to have the permission of people pictured in any photos submitted. Send photographs as jpg attachments to an e-mail to Rhonda Pittman Gingrich at rpgingrich@yahoo.com, along with credit information and written permission for their use by the Annual Conference.
- General secretary Stan Noffsinger is among 50 Christian leaders signing a joint statement on the federal budget--called "the strongest and most unified Christian voice in the budget debate," in a release from the National Council of Churches. The document attempts to "form a Circle of Protection around programs that meet the essential needs of hungry and poor people at home and abroad." It outlines eight principles for ethical decision-making to be considered in a moral budget including protecting and improving "poverty-focused development and humanitarian assistance to promote a better, safer world" and ensuring that budget discussions "review and consider tax revenues, military spending, and entitlements in the search for ways to share sacrifice and cut deficits." It also calls for creating jobs. Go to www.circleofprotection.us.
- Over 30 congregations answered a call from the Workcamp Office and blessed youth workcamp participants with nearly 2,000 small gifts as a token of their support. "That’s enough for each workcamper to receive at least one small gift and a bookmark," reports coordinator Jeanne Davies. "We are grateful for this tangible demonstration to our youth of the Body of Christ!" Summer workcamps begin in early June.
- The final Spring deacon workshops are this month. Southern and Western Pennsylvania Districts are hosting deacon workshops in mid-May: on May 14 at Sugar Valley Church of the Brethren in Loganton, Pa.; on the afternoon of May 15 at County Line Church of the Brethren in Champion, Pa. Both sessions will include the workshop, "What are Deacons Supposed to Do, Anyway?" "Deacons and Pastors: The Pastoral Care Team" will be the second workshop offered at Sugar Valley. For more information and to register, visit www.brethren.org/deacontraining. The deadline is May 9. Go to the website also for details about the pre-Annual Conference deacon workshops on July 2 in Grand Rapids, Mich.
- The Church of the Brethren "Messenger" magazine won an Award of Excellence from Associated Church Press (ACP) for Ken Gibble's poem "Entry Room." The poem appeared in the Dec. 2010 issue. The Award of Excellence is the equivalent of a first-place award from ACP.
- The Church of the Brethren representative to the United Nations, Doris Abdullah, attended the UN Commission on the Status of Women earlier this year. In a follow up report, she notes helpful new websites for information on women’s issues: www.ngocsw.org and www.unwomen.org. In a new appointment at the UN, Michelle Bachelet, a medical doctor and former President of Chile, has been named Under-Secretary General of the UN and director of UN Women. This appointment "gives women a seat at the table of world government policy and decision making for the first time in history," Abdullah said.
- A university student Social Media Club has posted a YouTube video about Grace Mishler’s disabilities ministry in Vietnam. Mishler teaches in the Department of Social Work at National Vietnam University of Social Sciences and Humanities, supported in part by the Church of the Brethren Global Mission Partnerships.
- May's edition of "Brethren Voices" community television program from Portland (Ore.) Peace Church of the Brethren, honors the Haitian Church of the Brethren. Host Brent Carlson joined a Brethren Disaster Ministries workcamp in Haiti building homes with Haitian Brethren for families who suffered from the earthquake. Carlson filmed building efforts and interviewed recipients of homes. For its April edition, "Brethren Voices" featured "The Peace Church Journey to Becoming a Welcoming Congregation," the story of the Portland church. June will feature an interview with Annual Conference moderator Robert Alley. Contact Groffprod1@msn.com. A donation of $8 is requested.
- Two district disaster auctions in May benefit Brethren Disaster Ministries. The 31st Annual Mid-Atlantic District Disaster Response Auction will be May 7 at the Carroll County Agricultural Center, Shipley Arena in Westminster, Md. The 19th Annual Disaster Ministries Auction is scheduled for May 20-21 at Rockingham County Fairgrounds in Harrisonburg, Va.
- All is well at Pleasant Hill Village, a Brethren retirement center in Girard Ill., after a tornado struck the area April 19. "Our neighbors did not fair so well as the path of the twister ran across the field just north of the facility," said a note from chaplain Terry Link. "The outbuildings and home of some elderly neighbors were hard hit. We have given them shelter here at the home as clean up and repairs are underway. The home itself was passed over on Passover Tuesday and thankfully there were no reports of deaths from the storm. Praise God."
- In another tornado update, Heifer Ranch in Perrysville, Ark., sustained damage in the strong storms that moved through the state. Several buildings including the horse, dairy, and lambing barns were destroyed, as well as a pump house and yurts in the Global Village section. Several roofs were damaged as well. "All Heifer Ranch employees, residents, volunteers are safe," said an e-mail forwarded by Brethren member and Heifer supporter Florence Crago. Photos are on the Today’s THV Channel 11 website www.todaysthv.com/news/article/154980/2/Heifer-Ranch-sustains-extensive-storm-damage.
- Fahrney-Keedy Home and Village, a Church of the Brethren retirement community near Boonsboro, Md., hosts a Spring Open House on May 14 from 1-4 p.m. Guests will receive tours, meet the staff, and have the opportunity to take a horse-drawn carriage ride. To RSVP or for more information call 301-671-5015 or 301-671-5016 or visit www.fkhv.org.
- A "Homeless Horizons Bike Tour" began May 1 as Brethren Housing Association director of development Christopher Fitz spends a week touring Dauphin, Lebanon, Lancaster, York, Adams, and Cumberland Counties of Pennsylvania via bicycle highlighting the plight of the homeless. The association is a Brethren program based in Harrisburg, Pa. The tour kicked off with a block party, where the Ray Diener House was dedicated. The house is named for a long-time supporter of the association, who was murdered in 2007. "The legacy of compassion and redemption that he embodied...will live on in this former crack house, soon to be a home for two more homeless families," said a release. Contact 717-233-6016 or cfitz@bha-pa.org.
- The University of La Verne, Calif., is celebrating outgoing president Steve Morgan with an "Ann and Steve Morgan Out the Door BBQ and Dance" on May 14 at 4 p.m. Register at http://outthedoor.eventbrite.com.
- David Goodman Jr., CEO of D.C. Goodman and Sons and a trustee on the Juniata College board, will receive an honorary degree during the college’s 133rd commencement ceremony May 14. The commencement address will be given by Maryanne Wolf, professor of child development and director of the Center for Reading and Language Research at Tufts University. Beulah Baugher, former director of housekeeping at Juniata, received an honorary doctor of humane letters at a special dinner April 30.
- Paul Fike Stutzman of Germantown Brick Church of the Brethren and a member of the Virlina District Board, is the author of "Recovering the Love Feast: Broadening our Eucharistic Celebrations" (Wipf and Stock). The book will be a resource for an insight session on the Love Feast at Annual Conference in Grand Rapids, Mich., at 9 p.m. on July 5.
Credits
Newsline is edited by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of News Services for the Church of the Brethren. Contact the editor at cobnews@brethren.org. Contributors to this issue of the Church of the Brethren Newsline include Doris Abdullah, Terry Barkley, Jordan Blevins, Carol Bowman, J. Allen Brubaker, Chris Douglas, Kim Ebersole, Ed Groff, Philip E. Jenks, Donna Kline, Grace Mishler, Barb Myers, Howard Royer, Glen Sargent, John Wall, Jay A. Wittmeyer.
Newsline is edited by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of News Services for the Church of the Brethren. Contact the editor at cobnews@brethren.org. Contributors to this issue of the Church of the Brethren Newsline include Doris Abdullah, Terry Barkley, Jordan Blevins, Carol Bowman, J. Allen Brubaker, Chris Douglas, Kim Ebersole, Ed Groff, Philip E. Jenks, Donna Kline, Grace Mishler, Barb Myers, Howard Royer, Glen Sargent, John Wall, Jay A. Wittmeyer.
Friday, April 29, 2011
Brethren Disaster Ministries reports on severe tornado outbreak, Children’s Disaster Services begins response in Tuscaloosa
The severe tornado outbreak stretching across the South is being called the worst in four decades. There were 210 deaths in Alabama alone, and the death toll in all the impacted states is rising as search and rescue teams comb the impacted areas. The death toll today stands at 308 in 7 states. Power outages are affecting 1.5 million people, making communications difficult.
During this emergency phase, it is too soon for Brethren Disaster Ministries to send in volunteers for repair or rebuilding work. Communities will first need to assess the damage and determine the unmet needs.
Children’s Disaster Services (CDS) is responding to a shelter at the Belk Center Park Recreation Building in Tuscaloosa, Ala. As of this morning there are over 600 residents at the shelter, with probably at least 100 children. Six CDS volunteers are arriving today with more volunteers on standby ready to go as needed. CDS also is monitoring the Missouri tornado and flood situation and has offered services in the Poplar Bluffs area.
Brethren Disaster Ministries staff are monitoring the situation following the tornadoes that plowed through North Carolina on April 16. We plan to have a representative at a meeting of the North Carolica VOAD (Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster) late next week to discuss long-term recovery, including repair and rebuilding work for storm survivors. Staff are also monitoring the other storm and flood ravaged areas across the Midwest and South.
In addition, Brethren Disaster Ministries has been collaborating with Virlina District and Shenandoah District as they get set up to do minor repairs after the Pulaski County, Va., tornadoes that struck on April 8. Volunteers from these districts will begin doing this work next week. As the community establishes a long term recovery group, we may be asked to help with major repairs and rebuilding work.
There was a small tornado that touched down in Lebanon County, Pa. Atlantic Northeast District disaster coordinator Bob Eisemann has contacted Palmyra and Annville Churches of the Brethren to see if they have volunteers to help with cleanup, or anyone affected in the congregations.
Naturally, good-hearted people want to know what they can do. It is stressed that unaffiliated volunteers are not encouraged right now, due to safety issues and damaged infrastructure. It is most helpful to make financial contributions that can be used where they are most needed. Clothing is not being requested. Please do not send clothing or any other material donations that are not specifically requested.
Church World Service (CWS) is appealing for Emergency Clean-Up Buckets to assist flooded homeowners with cleaning and sanitizing their homes. Instructions for assembling the buckets can be found at www.churchworldservice.org/kits_emergency.
The work of Brethren Disaster Ministries may be supported with gifts to the Church of the Brethren’s Emergency Disaster Fund, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120 or give online at https://secure2.convio.net/cob/site/Donation2?df_id=1360&1360.donation=form1&JServSessionIdr004=6zmc4i3vz1.app243b.
As always, the prayers of the Christian community for the victims and the responders are needed, welcome, and appreciated.
-- Jane Yount is coordinator for Brethren Disaster Ministries.
The severe tornado outbreak stretching across the South is being called the worst in four decades. There were 210 deaths in Alabama alone, and the death toll in all the impacted states is rising as search and rescue teams comb the impacted areas. The death toll today stands at 308 in 7 states. Power outages are affecting 1.5 million people, making communications difficult.
During this emergency phase, it is too soon for Brethren Disaster Ministries to send in volunteers for repair or rebuilding work. Communities will first need to assess the damage and determine the unmet needs.
Children’s Disaster Services (CDS) is responding to a shelter at the Belk Center Park Recreation Building in Tuscaloosa, Ala. As of this morning there are over 600 residents at the shelter, with probably at least 100 children. Six CDS volunteers are arriving today with more volunteers on standby ready to go as needed. CDS also is monitoring the Missouri tornado and flood situation and has offered services in the Poplar Bluffs area.
Brethren Disaster Ministries staff are monitoring the situation following the tornadoes that plowed through North Carolina on April 16. We plan to have a representative at a meeting of the North Carolica VOAD (Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster) late next week to discuss long-term recovery, including repair and rebuilding work for storm survivors. Staff are also monitoring the other storm and flood ravaged areas across the Midwest and South.
In addition, Brethren Disaster Ministries has been collaborating with Virlina District and Shenandoah District as they get set up to do minor repairs after the Pulaski County, Va., tornadoes that struck on April 8. Volunteers from these districts will begin doing this work next week. As the community establishes a long term recovery group, we may be asked to help with major repairs and rebuilding work.
There was a small tornado that touched down in Lebanon County, Pa. Atlantic Northeast District disaster coordinator Bob Eisemann has contacted Palmyra and Annville Churches of the Brethren to see if they have volunteers to help with cleanup, or anyone affected in the congregations.
Naturally, good-hearted people want to know what they can do. It is stressed that unaffiliated volunteers are not encouraged right now, due to safety issues and damaged infrastructure. It is most helpful to make financial contributions that can be used where they are most needed. Clothing is not being requested. Please do not send clothing or any other material donations that are not specifically requested.
Church World Service (CWS) is appealing for Emergency Clean-Up Buckets to assist flooded homeowners with cleaning and sanitizing their homes. Instructions for assembling the buckets can be found at www.churchworldservice.org/kits_emergency.
The work of Brethren Disaster Ministries may be supported with gifts to the Church of the Brethren’s Emergency Disaster Fund, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120 or give online at https://secure2.convio.net/cob/site/Donation2?df_id=1360&1360.donation=form1&JServSessionIdr004=6zmc4i3vz1.app243b.
As always, the prayers of the Christian community for the victims and the responders are needed, welcome, and appreciated.
-- Jane Yount is coordinator for Brethren Disaster Ministries.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
NEWS
- Brethren Disaster Ministries responds to tornado damage.
- A Report on Bethany Seminary's Board of Trustees meeting.
- Church of the Brethren in Nigeria holds 64th Annual meeting.
- Forum of the FBH meets in Ohio.
- Vietnamese and American friends come together in Ho Chi Minh City.
- A prayer is offered for all tornado survivors.
- Congregational Life Ministry Fair to be held at Annual Conference.
- Early registration for Annual Conference Children's Activities ends on June 6.
- Children's Disaster Services to hold workshop in Hawaii.
Brethren Disaster Ministries responds to tornado damage.
Twin tornadoes tore through Pulaski County, Virginia, on April 8, 2011 destroying approximately 69 residences, causing major damage to 183 homes and minor damage to another 171, primarily in the county seat town of Pulaski.
A crew of 10 Brethren volunteers from Virlina District worked with chainsaws on Tuesday, April 12, cutting up fallen trees and clearing debris. The crew was organized by Jim Kropff, disaster coordinator for the district.
Kropff has been in contact with the Southwest Virginia VOAD (Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster) and offered the services of Brethren Disaster Ministries. Any future need for volunteers for cleanup or rebuilding will be made known as the response and recovery progresses. No members of the Pulaski First Church of the Brethren were harmed.
A deadly tornado outbreak on Saturday, April 16, wreaked havoc in seven states and claimed more than 40 lives. North Carolina was the most heavily impacted, with 62 tornadoes destroying 500 homes and damaging more than 1,000 across 15 counties. The American Red Cross reports that some of the hardest hit areas of the Tar Heel state are still inaccessible, and officials say that many more than 1,000 families will be homeless.
Brethren Disaster Ministries continues to monitor reports and potential needs, maintaining close contact with impacted Church of the Brethren districts. The Virlina District, encompassing parts of Virginia and North Carolina, has borne the majority of the serious damage from storms two weekends in a row. Damaging tornadoes this weekend also struck Oklahoma, Arkansas, Alabama, Mississippi, Virginia, and Maryland.
-Jane Yount, coordinator for BDM and Glenn Kinsel, administrative volunteer
Twin tornadoes tore through Pulaski County, Virginia, on April 8, 2011 destroying approximately 69 residences, causing major damage to 183 homes and minor damage to another 171, primarily in the county seat town of Pulaski.A crew of 10 Brethren volunteers from Virlina District worked with chainsaws on Tuesday, April 12, cutting up fallen trees and clearing debris. The crew was organized by Jim Kropff, disaster coordinator for the district.
Kropff has been in contact with the Southwest Virginia VOAD (Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster) and offered the services of Brethren Disaster Ministries. Any future need for volunteers for cleanup or rebuilding will be made known as the response and recovery progresses. No members of the Pulaski First Church of the Brethren were harmed.
A deadly tornado outbreak on Saturday, April 16, wreaked havoc in seven states and claimed more than 40 lives. North Carolina was the most heavily impacted, with 62 tornadoes destroying 500 homes and damaging more than 1,000 across 15 counties. The American Red Cross reports that some of the hardest hit areas of the Tar Heel state are still inaccessible, and officials say that many more than 1,000 families will be homeless.
Brethren Disaster Ministries continues to monitor reports and potential needs, maintaining close contact with impacted Church of the Brethren districts. The Virlina District, encompassing parts of Virginia and North Carolina, has borne the majority of the serious damage from storms two weekends in a row. Damaging tornadoes this weekend also struck Oklahoma, Arkansas, Alabama, Mississippi, Virginia, and Maryland.
-Jane Yount, coordinator for BDM and Glenn Kinsel, administrative volunteer
A Report on Bethany Seminary's Board of Trustees meeting.
Bethany Seminary's Board of Trustees held their semi-annual meeting March 25-27, 2011, at the Richmond, Ind., campus. Reports from all areas of the Seminary were received, and several action items were heard and passed, including
Bethany Seminary's Board of Trustees held their semi-annual meeting March 25-27, 2011, at the Richmond, Ind., campus. Reports from all areas of the Seminary were received, and several action items were heard and passed, including
- Personal reflections from board members Rhonda Pittman Gingrich and Lynn Myers on Bethany's role as an academic institution and its relationship to the Church of the Brethren
- Granted tenure to Steven Schweitzer, Academic Dean, and promoted Dawn Ottoni-Wilhelm to the rank of professor
- Approved new and continuing leadership for the board: Carol Scheppard, chair; Lynn Myers, vice chair; Marty Farahat, secretary; Lisa Hazen, chair, Academic Affairs Committee; Elaine Gibbel, chair, Institutional Advancement Committee; and Rex Miller, chair, Student and Business Affairs Committee
- Received and accepted the resignation of trustee Raymond Donadio and appointed Katherine J. Melhorn to complete his term
- Recognized Michele Firebaugh, chair, Investment Committee, with ten years as a board trustee, and Jim Dodson, chair, Student and Business Affairs Committee, with thirteen years as a board trustee, as they conclude their terms
- Recognized Marcia Shetler, as she leaves fifteen years of service as director of communications and public relations
- Received a report from the Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership on the launch of Seminario Biblico Anabautista Hispano (SeBAH-CoB) in partnership with the Mennonite Education Agency
- Approved the proposed budget for 2011-2012, several board policies, Presidential Forum funding, authorization regarding financial accounts, and consultation for the Advancement Department
- Approved, pending completion of requirements, the 2011 graduating class of twenty, the largest class since Bethany's relocation to Richmond in 1994
Church of the Brethren in Nigeria holds 64th annual meeting
The 64th annual General Church Council (GCC) meeting of Ekklesiyar Yan'uwa a Nigeria (EYN) was held April 12-15, 2011, with the theme of "UNITY." Elections, reports, presentations, and deliberations were on the agenda.
This is the highest decision-making body of the church, and the meeting was expected to have over 1000 participants, comprising all active and retired ministers, one delegate from each of the existing 49 District Church Councils, church group leaders, all Directors, Heads of Programs and Institution, and observers.
The guest preacher of the GCC meeting was Mrs. Suzan Mark, Principal of John Guli Bible School, Michika and Director of EYN National Women Fellowship. Jay Wittmeyer, executive director of Global Mission Partnerships, was a special guest at the event.
-Zakariya Musa, EYN Headquarters, Kwarhi.
The 64th annual General Church Council (GCC) meeting of Ekklesiyar Yan'uwa a Nigeria (EYN) was held April 12-15, 2011, with the theme of "UNITY." Elections, reports, presentations, and deliberations were on the agenda.
This is the highest decision-making body of the church, and the meeting was expected to have over 1000 participants, comprising all active and retired ministers, one delegate from each of the existing 49 District Church Councils, church group leaders, all Directors, Heads of Programs and Institution, and observers.
The guest preacher of the GCC meeting was Mrs. Suzan Mark, Principal of John Guli Bible School, Michika and Director of EYN National Women Fellowship. Jay Wittmeyer, executive director of Global Mission Partnerships, was a special guest at the event.
-Zakariya Musa, EYN Headquarters, Kwarhi.
Forum of the FBH meets in Ohio
The 2011 Forum of the Fellowship of Brethren Homes (FBH) enjoyed the warm hospitality of the Good Shepherd Home, Fostoria, Ohio, for its annual meeting April 5-7. Representatives from FBH retirement communities, the Church of the Brethren, and the Church of the Brethren Benefit (BBT) Trust gathered to hear presentations by several experts in the field of long-term care and to share updates and best practices from their respective organizations.
Robert E. Alley, the first Annual Conference moderator to attend a FBH Forum, spoke to participants about the long relationship enjoyed by the Church of the Brethren and Brethren retirement communities. Alley highlighted the importance of this ministry through the years to older adults, and shared personal recollections about the beginning of the Bridgewater Retirement Community and his connections with its residents during his ministry career. A tour of the Good Shepherd Home (GSH) campus included their health care, dementia, assisted living, and independent levels of care. Good Shepherd's "Departing with Dignity" service, celebrating the lives of residents at the time of their death, was described by executive director Chris Widman and local funeral director Terrence Hoening. Upon a resident's death, family members, staff, and residents accompany the body, covered by a specially embroidered cloth, to the main entrance of the home where a short service honoring the deceased is held. Two family members whose loved ones were remembered in this manner shared how meaningful the service was for them, and expressed appreciation that their relatives left Good Shepherd through the front entrance, the same one they entered when they moved into the home. Contact Jim Sampson, chaplain, at JSampson@goodshepherdhome.com for more information about this service.
Forum participants also toured HUD Section 202 apartments on the GSH campus and heard a presentation by consultant David Brainin, who described the application process to build and run HUD supportive housing for the elderly. Other presentations related to long-term care included Steve Wermuth, COO, Ohio Department of Health, who addressed national health care reform and older adults; Steve Stanisa, CPA, President, Howard Wershbale and Company, who presented strategies to respond to health care reform; and Karla Dreisbach, Senior Director of Compliance, Friends Services for the Aging, who reviewed the latest compliance regulations. Brethren Benefit Trust sponsored a presentation by Lou Burgess from Front Line Advantage about the importance of quality customer service.
Participants in the 2011 Forum included Chris Widman, Good Shepherd Home, Fostoria, Ohio; John Warner, Brethren Retirement Community, Greenville, Ohio; Carma Wall, The Cedars, McPherson, Kans.; and Vernon King, Cross Keys Village - The Brethren Home Community, New Oxford, Pa. Also, Mike Leiter, Fahrney-Keedy Home and Village, Boonsboro, Md.; Jeff Shireman, Lebanon Valley Brethren Home, Palmyra, Pa.; Ferol Labash, Pinecrest Community, Mt. Morris, Ill.; David Lawrenz, Timbercrest Senior Living Community, North Manchester, Ind.; and Shari McCabe, executive director, Fellowship of Brethren Homes. Additional participants were Nevin Dulabaum and Loyce Borgmann representing Church of the Brethren Benefit Trust; Robert Alley, Jonathan Shively, and Kim Ebersole representing the Church of the Brethren; and Wally Landes, chair of the former Association of Brethren Caregivers board, who led devotions for the group. Good Shepherd staff also contributed to the meeting, from the dining services staff to inspirational music provided by Kevin Gordon and Liz Darnell.
The date and location for the 2012 Forum will be announced at a future date. The Fellowship of Brethren Homes is comprised of 22 retirement communities related to the Church of the Brethren. Members of FBH are committed to providing high quality, loving care for older adults and work together on common challenges such as long-term care needs, uncompensated care, and nurturing relationships with congregations and districts.
-Kim Ebersole, Director of Family Life and Older Adult Ministries and Loyce Borgmann, Client Relations Manager, BBT
The 2011 Forum of the Fellowship of Brethren Homes (FBH) enjoyed the warm hospitality of the Good Shepherd Home, Fostoria, Ohio, for its annual meeting April 5-7. Representatives from FBH retirement communities, the Church of the Brethren, and the Church of the Brethren Benefit (BBT) Trust gathered to hear presentations by several experts in the field of long-term care and to share updates and best practices from their respective organizations.
Robert E. Alley, the first Annual Conference moderator to attend a FBH Forum, spoke to participants about the long relationship enjoyed by the Church of the Brethren and Brethren retirement communities. Alley highlighted the importance of this ministry through the years to older adults, and shared personal recollections about the beginning of the Bridgewater Retirement Community and his connections with its residents during his ministry career. A tour of the Good Shepherd Home (GSH) campus included their health care, dementia, assisted living, and independent levels of care. Good Shepherd's "Departing with Dignity" service, celebrating the lives of residents at the time of their death, was described by executive director Chris Widman and local funeral director Terrence Hoening. Upon a resident's death, family members, staff, and residents accompany the body, covered by a specially embroidered cloth, to the main entrance of the home where a short service honoring the deceased is held. Two family members whose loved ones were remembered in this manner shared how meaningful the service was for them, and expressed appreciation that their relatives left Good Shepherd through the front entrance, the same one they entered when they moved into the home. Contact Jim Sampson, chaplain, at JSampson@goodshepherdhome.com for more information about this service.
Forum participants also toured HUD Section 202 apartments on the GSH campus and heard a presentation by consultant David Brainin, who described the application process to build and run HUD supportive housing for the elderly. Other presentations related to long-term care included Steve Wermuth, COO, Ohio Department of Health, who addressed national health care reform and older adults; Steve Stanisa, CPA, President, Howard Wershbale and Company, who presented strategies to respond to health care reform; and Karla Dreisbach, Senior Director of Compliance, Friends Services for the Aging, who reviewed the latest compliance regulations. Brethren Benefit Trust sponsored a presentation by Lou Burgess from Front Line Advantage about the importance of quality customer service.
Participants in the 2011 Forum included Chris Widman, Good Shepherd Home, Fostoria, Ohio; John Warner, Brethren Retirement Community, Greenville, Ohio; Carma Wall, The Cedars, McPherson, Kans.; and Vernon King, Cross Keys Village - The Brethren Home Community, New Oxford, Pa. Also, Mike Leiter, Fahrney-Keedy Home and Village, Boonsboro, Md.; Jeff Shireman, Lebanon Valley Brethren Home, Palmyra, Pa.; Ferol Labash, Pinecrest Community, Mt. Morris, Ill.; David Lawrenz, Timbercrest Senior Living Community, North Manchester, Ind.; and Shari McCabe, executive director, Fellowship of Brethren Homes. Additional participants were Nevin Dulabaum and Loyce Borgmann representing Church of the Brethren Benefit Trust; Robert Alley, Jonathan Shively, and Kim Ebersole representing the Church of the Brethren; and Wally Landes, chair of the former Association of Brethren Caregivers board, who led devotions for the group. Good Shepherd staff also contributed to the meeting, from the dining services staff to inspirational music provided by Kevin Gordon and Liz Darnell.
The date and location for the 2012 Forum will be announced at a future date. The Fellowship of Brethren Homes is comprised of 22 retirement communities related to the Church of the Brethren. Members of FBH are committed to providing high quality, loving care for older adults and work together on common challenges such as long-term care needs, uncompensated care, and nurturing relationships with congregations and districts.
-Kim Ebersole, Director of Family Life and Older Adult Ministries and Loyce Borgmann, Client Relations Manager, BBT
Vietnamese and American friends come together in Ho Chi Minh City.
The following refection by David Morrissey was provided by Grace Mishler, program volunteer working on behalf of Global Mission Partnerships in Vietnam.
In March, I had the honor to be invited to visit Vietnam with a diverse group of Americans brought together by Common Cause, the Ford Foundation, and the Aspen Institute. This small delegation spent five days looking at the legacy of the Vietnam War: Agent Orange and its effect on the environment and people. For me, this was an important opportunity to lend a disability rights perspective to these explorations. This was also an exciting opportunity for me to return to Vietnam. In 2006, while in graduate school, I spent the summer living in Ho Chi Minh City working with grassroots disability advocates and conducting a survey of the experiences and outlook among the Vietnamese disabled.
This was my first chance to return to Vietnam since publishing a paper of my research findings, "Voices of Persons with Disabilities in Vietnam," and I hoped that this short visit would be a chance to see my old contacts and supporters and share with them the product of our work together. With the help of friends Grace Mishler and Tran Ba Thien, a lunch was arranged for my first day in the country. I was honored that many old friends and colleagues there came together on a Sunday afternoon.
It was like a reunion, but not only for me to see these friends after five years, but for many of these activists to see each other too. Living in one of the world's largest cities, its motorbike fast pace, where my friends are working hard to advance the status of people with disabilities in Vietnamese society, it can be difficult to connect. In a garden beside the river Saigon, we took the time and did just that, embracing and catching up on our families and work. We went around and everyone shared their current efforts in organizing disability empowerment projects, and later I read them small portions from my paper, the "voices" of their brothers and sisters. The discussion then turned to planning, for these local activists to discuss future meetings, collaborations, and how to build solidarity among Vietnamese with disabilities. I am thrilled that this lunch became the opportunity for new energy and collaboration in the movement.
- David Morrissey is the executive director of the United States International Council on Disabilities (USICD) in Washington, D.C.
The following refection by David Morrissey was provided by Grace Mishler, program volunteer working on behalf of Global Mission Partnerships in Vietnam.
In March, I had the honor to be invited to visit Vietnam with a diverse group of Americans brought together by Common Cause, the Ford Foundation, and the Aspen Institute. This small delegation spent five days looking at the legacy of the Vietnam War: Agent Orange and its effect on the environment and people. For me, this was an important opportunity to lend a disability rights perspective to these explorations. This was also an exciting opportunity for me to return to Vietnam. In 2006, while in graduate school, I spent the summer living in Ho Chi Minh City working with grassroots disability advocates and conducting a survey of the experiences and outlook among the Vietnamese disabled.
This was my first chance to return to Vietnam since publishing a paper of my research findings, "Voices of Persons with Disabilities in Vietnam," and I hoped that this short visit would be a chance to see my old contacts and supporters and share with them the product of our work together. With the help of friends Grace Mishler and Tran Ba Thien, a lunch was arranged for my first day in the country. I was honored that many old friends and colleagues there came together on a Sunday afternoon.
It was like a reunion, but not only for me to see these friends after five years, but for many of these activists to see each other too. Living in one of the world's largest cities, its motorbike fast pace, where my friends are working hard to advance the status of people with disabilities in Vietnamese society, it can be difficult to connect. In a garden beside the river Saigon, we took the time and did just that, embracing and catching up on our families and work. We went around and everyone shared their current efforts in organizing disability empowerment projects, and later I read them small portions from my paper, the "voices" of their brothers and sisters. The discussion then turned to planning, for these local activists to discuss future meetings, collaborations, and how to build solidarity among Vietnamese with disabilities. I am thrilled that this lunch became the opportunity for new energy and collaboration in the movement.
- David Morrissey is the executive director of the United States International Council on Disabilities (USICD) in Washington, D.C.
A Prayer is offered for all tornado survivors.
This prayer was written by Glenn Kinsel, a long time volunteer for Brethren Disaster Ministries, in response to the devastation created by the recent tornados.
"Dear God and Father of all, help us to fully understand that the struggles of one person become the pain of all, especially for those of us who follow Jesus Christ. Please, God, work in us and through us so that we indeed sense the pain and suffering of all those caught in storms and struggles of this time in our nation and on this planet. In it all, help us to feel pain even as it exists in those whom we know only as storm survivors. May the peace and care of Jesus Christ be felt and shared in the minds and hearts of our great human family everywhere. In the name of the living Christ whom we worship this Easter Season, Amen."
This prayer was written by Glenn Kinsel, a long time volunteer for Brethren Disaster Ministries, in response to the devastation created by the recent tornados.
"Dear God and Father of all, help us to fully understand that the struggles of one person become the pain of all, especially for those of us who follow Jesus Christ. Please, God, work in us and through us so that we indeed sense the pain and suffering of all those caught in storms and struggles of this time in our nation and on this planet. In it all, help us to feel pain even as it exists in those whom we know only as storm survivors. May the peace and care of Jesus Christ be felt and shared in the minds and hearts of our great human family everywhere. In the name of the living Christ whom we worship this Easter Season, Amen."
Congregational Life Ministry Fair to be held at Annual Conference.
Some of the events at the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference, Grand Rapids, Mich. July 2-6 are changing and questions have been raised. "What happened to the Congregational Life dinner?" "Is there no Deacon Luncheon this year?" The new Congregational Life Ministry Fair will debut on Monday, July 4. It's designed to expand both of these events. As a 'fair,' this new event will provide the opportunity for participants to move from table to table to talk with others involved or interested in the same ministry areas you are, whether that be deacons, evangelism, children's ministry, older adults, board chair, or many others - a total of fifteen in all. Since most people wear multiple hats in their congregations, we thought it important to allow time for conversation with people in more than one ministry area. Register for the Fair under 'Meal Tickets' as a part of the Annual Conference registration.
-Donna Kline, Director, Deacon Ministries
Some of the events at the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference, Grand Rapids, Mich. July 2-6 are changing and questions have been raised. "What happened to the Congregational Life dinner?" "Is there no Deacon Luncheon this year?" The new Congregational Life Ministry Fair will debut on Monday, July 4. It's designed to expand both of these events. As a 'fair,' this new event will provide the opportunity for participants to move from table to table to talk with others involved or interested in the same ministry areas you are, whether that be deacons, evangelism, children's ministry, older adults, board chair, or many others - a total of fifteen in all. Since most people wear multiple hats in their congregations, we thought it important to allow time for conversation with people in more than one ministry area. Register for the Fair under 'Meal Tickets' as a part of the Annual Conference registration.
-Donna Kline, Director, Deacon Ministries
Early registration for Annual Conference Children's Activities ends on June 6.
Annual Conference experiences always have been fulfilling and exciting for youth and children, and this year is no exception. The Grand Rapids, Michigan, activities include the Public Museum, a West Michigan Food Bank service project, a Ken Medema concert, the Michigan Adventure amusement/waterpark, presenters, crafts, music, and recreation.
All children and youth must be registered for Annual Conference, and early registration (before June 6) for Age Group Activities helps the coordinators plan for the number of participants and is less expensive than registering onsite in Grand Rapids. The advance registration fee is $30 for ages 12-21 (not included in the Annual Conference Registration Fee). Children under 12 are free but do need to be registered to receive a nametag.
Completed Medical Record and Permission Form, appropriate for the age group, are required, to be mailed to Annual Conference, 1451 Dundee Avenue, Elgin, IL, 60120.
Online registration and forms are at www.brethren.org/ac
Annual Conference experiences always have been fulfilling and exciting for youth and children, and this year is no exception. The Grand Rapids, Michigan, activities include the Public Museum, a West Michigan Food Bank service project, a Ken Medema concert, the Michigan Adventure amusement/waterpark, presenters, crafts, music, and recreation.
All children and youth must be registered for Annual Conference, and early registration (before June 6) for Age Group Activities helps the coordinators plan for the number of participants and is less expensive than registering onsite in Grand Rapids. The advance registration fee is $30 for ages 12-21 (not included in the Annual Conference Registration Fee). Children under 12 are free but do need to be registered to receive a nametag.
Completed Medical Record and Permission Form, appropriate for the age group, are required, to be mailed to Annual Conference, 1451 Dundee Avenue, Elgin, IL, 60120.
Online registration and forms are at www.brethren.org/ac
Children's Disaster Services to hold workshops in Hawaii
Children's Disaster Services is partnering with Hawaii State Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster (HS VOAD) to provide free workshops to train volunteers to meet the unique needs of children following a disaster. The 30-hour workshops are being held on all major islands. Participants arrive at 5:00 p.m. on day one, sleep overnight in the facility, and leave the second day at about 7:00 p.m. All meals and supplies are provided. Workshops will be held at the following locations:
Oahu, April 25-26, Camp Homelani, Waialua
Kauai, April 28-29, Breath of Life Church, Lihue
Hilo, May 1-2, Location to be announced
Kona, May 4-5, Location to be announced
Maui, May 6-7, Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Kahului
For more information or to register for these workshops contact: Diane L. Reece at (808) 681-1410, Fax: (808) 440-4710, Email: dreece@cfs-hawaii.org
Children's Disaster Services is a Church of the Brethren ministry working cooperatively with FEMA and the American Red Cross to provide care for children and families following disasters. The program has been meeting the needs of children since 1980. A national network of trained and screened volunteers is maintained, ready to respond whenever a disaster strikes.
Children's Disaster Services is partnering with Hawaii State Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster (HS VOAD) to provide free workshops to train volunteers to meet the unique needs of children following a disaster. The 30-hour workshops are being held on all major islands. Participants arrive at 5:00 p.m. on day one, sleep overnight in the facility, and leave the second day at about 7:00 p.m. All meals and supplies are provided. Workshops will be held at the following locations:
Oahu, April 25-26, Camp Homelani, Waialua
Kauai, April 28-29, Breath of Life Church, Lihue
Hilo, May 1-2, Location to be announced
Kona, May 4-5, Location to be announced
Maui, May 6-7, Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Kahului
For more information or to register for these workshops contact: Diane L. Reece at (808) 681-1410, Fax: (808) 440-4710, Email: dreece@cfs-hawaii.org
Children's Disaster Services is a Church of the Brethren ministry working cooperatively with FEMA and the American Red Cross to provide care for children and families following disasters. The program has been meeting the needs of children since 1980. A national network of trained and screened volunteers is maintained, ready to respond whenever a disaster strikes.
Study Papers for Christian Understanding
Five study papers on Christian understanding were written for and presented at the 2010 National Council of Churches (NCC) and Church World Service General Assembly. These papers served as the focus for discussions throughout the Assembly. Church of the Brethren General Secretary Stan Noffsinger describes the papers as "thought-inspiring and provocative resources, which should be made available for each member communion's leadership and congregations."
According to the National Council of Churches, the papers "draw on the common heritage which Christians and their churches share, the richness of which is found in scripture and tradition."
Study guides are being developed to accompany each of these papers. The first of these papers and its accompanying study guide, Christian Understanding of Unity in an Age of Radical Diversity, has been posted on the General Secretary's web page. Brethren pastor and former District Executive Minister Mark Flory-Steury wrote the study guide, and will also write three of the others. Leadership for a second study guide, on War in an Age of Terror[ism], was given by Jordan Blevins, Advocacy Officer and Ecumenical Peace Coordinator for the Church of the Brethren and the National Council of Churches.
Other titles to be made available in the coming months are:
Go to www.brethren.org/site/PageServer?pagename=NCC_StudyPapers to download copies of these documents.
Five study papers on Christian understanding were written for and presented at the 2010 National Council of Churches (NCC) and Church World Service General Assembly. These papers served as the focus for discussions throughout the Assembly. Church of the Brethren General Secretary Stan Noffsinger describes the papers as "thought-inspiring and provocative resources, which should be made available for each member communion's leadership and congregations."According to the National Council of Churches, the papers "draw on the common heritage which Christians and their churches share, the richness of which is found in scripture and tradition."
Study guides are being developed to accompany each of these papers. The first of these papers and its accompanying study guide, Christian Understanding of Unity in an Age of Radical Diversity, has been posted on the General Secretary's web page. Brethren pastor and former District Executive Minister Mark Flory-Steury wrote the study guide, and will also write three of the others. Leadership for a second study guide, on War in an Age of Terror[ism], was given by Jordan Blevins, Advocacy Officer and Ecumenical Peace Coordinator for the Church of the Brethren and the National Council of Churches.
Other titles to be made available in the coming months are:
- "Christian Understanding of Mission in an Age of Interfaith Relations"
- "Christian Understanding of Creation in an Age of Environmental Crisis"
- "Christian Understanding of the Economy in an Age of Growing Inequality"
Go to www.brethren.org/site/PageServer?pagename=NCC_StudyPapers to download copies of these documents.
Church of the Brethren provides resources to help end childhood obesity.
The Church of the Brethren is gearing up to end childhood obesity - in a very Brethren way, of course! As we participate in the national Let's Move! Initiative, our efforts will be organized around how we can face this challenge peacefully, simply, together. Each of the next three months you will find new ideas and resources posted at www.brethren.org/letsmove -- check out April's peacefully pages today, and share this information with everyone who cares about the health and future of our children. And be sure to use the link on the page to share your stories with us so we can celebrate our successes together!
-Donna Kline,Director, Deacon Ministries
The Church of the Brethren is gearing up to end childhood obesity - in a very Brethren way, of course! As we participate in the national Let's Move! Initiative, our efforts will be organized around how we can face this challenge peacefully, simply, together. Each of the next three months you will find new ideas and resources posted at www.brethren.org/letsmove -- check out April's peacefully pages today, and share this information with everyone who cares about the health and future of our children. And be sure to use the link on the page to share your stories with us so we can celebrate our successes together!-Donna Kline,Director, Deacon Ministries
Brethren bits corrections, job openings, upcoming events and more.
- Correction - An incomplete telephone number was included in last Newsline for Church World Service staff member Lesley Crosson. The correct number is 212-870-2676
- Jan Fischer Bachman, website producer for the Church of the Brethren, reports that a technical issue has been resolved that affected some individuals who tried to sign up for e-mail publications. "Our apologies if you wanted to receive messages and have not gotten them until now!" Please contact cobweb@brethren.org with questions or for more information.
- The Youth and Young Adult Office is delighted to announce the assistant coordinators for the 2012 workcamp ministry, Catherine Gong and Rachel Witkovsky. Assistant coordinators serve through BVS in the Elgin office from September-May, planning for summer workcamps. During the summer, they are on the road, leading workcamps for junior highs through young adults. Catherine is graduating from Pennsylvania State University this spring. Rachel is a graduate of Elizabethtown College. Both bring a passion for service and a desire to share this with the youth of our denomination.
- Lina Dagnew, editorial assistant for the Gather 'Round curriculum, has resigned her position effective May 20. She will return to her home in Ethiopia for the summer and come back to the United States in the fall to attend Harvard Law School. We will miss Lina very much but are proud of her accomplishments and wish her the very best in her future endeavors.
- The Gather 'Round is seeking an individual to fill a 40-hour-per-week position at their offices in Elgin, IL. Position is available May 16, 2011.
The editorial assistant supports the editorial and marketing arms of the curriculum project, working closely with the managing editor and project director. He or she proofreads; coordinates contracts and payments for illustrators, designers, writers, and photographers; researches and requests permissions for use of copyrighted material; serves as a liaison to denominational customer service staff and the public; produces spreadsheets and other reports; assembles a monthly e-newsletter; coordinates logistics for writers conferences and other meetings; and performs general office duties. The editorial assistant also maintains and updates the Gather Round website and troubleshoots web download orders.
For a full position description candidates are invited to request the application packet from:
Office of Human Resources
Church of the Brethren
1451 Dundee Avenue
Elgin, IL 60120-1694
Phone: 1-800-323-8039, ext 258
E-mail: kkrog@brethren.org - The Valley Brethren-Mennonite Heritage Center (www.vbmhc.org) invites applications for the position of full-time Executive Director. The successful candidate should have expertise in fundraising, marketing, administration, public relations, volunteer coordination, and interpreting the vision of the Center to the church and community. The Director should be committed to the heritage which Brethren and Mennonites share, especially in the Shenandoah Valley. Salary and benefits as determined by the Board of Directors. Send letter of application, resume, and three recommendations to Beryl H. Brubaker, Chair, Search Committee, 965 Broadview Drive, Harrisonburg, VA, 22802 (brubakeb@emu.edu). Position open until filled.
- Church World Service (CWS) is seeking applications for the position of Associate Director Pre-Arrival. This position, located in New York, NY, manages the pre-arrival component of refugee placement and resettlement for CWS. Required qualifications include a college degree in a related field and extensive experience in refugee processing and staff supervision.
Submit resumes by May 13, 2011, to Church World Service, Attn: Karen de Lopez, P.O. Box 968, Elkhart, IN 46515; or e-mail to cwshr@churchworldservice.org; or fax to (574) 266-0087.
For details on this and other employment opportunities with Church World Service, log on to www.churchworldservice.org/site/PageServer?pagename=employment_main#134. - A statement by the National Religious Campaign Against Torture (NRCAT) called "Protecting Everybody From Torture: Optional Protocol to the Convention Against Torture (OPCAT) " has been endorsed by Stan Noffsinger, general secretary of the Church of the Brethren. The Statement includes a list of the 51 senior religious leaders who have endorsed the statement. OPCAT is a U.N. Treaty that would help prevent torture around the world. Information on the work of NRCAT is available at www.tortureisamoralissue.org.
- Two grants were approved from the Emergency Disaster Fund. An additional allocation of $30,000 for continued work at the Ashland City, Tennessee, work project, established following devastating floods of May 2010. This EDF grant will support BDM's continuing work in Cheatham County and surrounding areas by providing the opportunity to assist in the repair and rebuilding of homes for qualified individuals and families. Funds will be used to underwrite operational expenses related to volunteer support, including housing, food, travel expenses incurred on site, as well as volunteer training, tools and equipment needed for rebuilding and repair. Previous allocations to this project total $25,000.
Additional funds were provided in the amount of $65,000 for the BDM program at Hurricane Katrina rebuilding site #4 in Chalmette, Louisiana. Since doubling volunteer capacity in the summer of 2008, BDM's monthly expenses have nearly doubled as well. This allocation will help carry the project from January 2011 through its projected closing in June 2011. The funds will continue to assist in the repair and rebuilding of homes, as well as provide volunteer support including travel expenses, leadership training, tools and equipment, and food and housing. Previous allocations to this project total $400,000. - Several Church of the Brethren District Disaster Auctions will be held in May to benefit Brethren Disaster Ministries. 31st Annual Mid-Atlantic District Disaster Response Auction will be held on May 7, 2011 at the Carroll County Agricultural Center, Shipley Arena in Westminster, Maryland. 19th Annual Disaster Ministries Auction is scheduled for May 20 & 21 at the Rockingham County Fairgrounds in Harrisonburg, Virginia.
- Fahrney-Keedy Home & Village, a five-star-rated Continuing Care Retirement Community on a 90-acre campus near Boonsboro, Md., will host a Spring Open House on Saturday, May 14, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Guests will receive tours of the village, meet the staff and have the opportunity to take a horse-drawn carriage ride through the community. Gourmet refreshments will be provided.
"We are very excited for our guests to see firsthand the lifestyle at Fahrney-Keedy," said Keith R. Bryan, President/CEO. "They will be very impressed at the full range of retirement opportunities, including single-family homes and apartments, assisted living studios and our highly acclaimed skilled nursing center."
To RSVP or to obtain additional information, call 301-671-5015 or 301-671-5016 or visit www.fkhv.org.
Located on Maryland Route 66, Fahrney-Keedy has nearly 180 full- and part-time employees. It serves a resident population of almost 200 women and men in independent living, assisted living and long- and short-term nursing care. Fahrney-Keedy is committed to enhancing the lives of seniors through caring quality service. - Jeff Carter, pastor of the Manassas (Va.) Church of the Brethren gave the opening invocation for the US Senate on Thursday, April 7, 2011. He was nominated by Senator Webb of Virginia and accepted as a guest chaplain by Rev. Dr. Black, Chaplain of the US Senate.
- McPherson College has announced a $1.2 million anonymous gift for their visionary new Transformative Entrepreneurship Minor, available for the first time this fall as an essential part of every field of study.
A top priority of the process will be to fund a new Director of Entrepreneurship, who will provide direction and guidance for liberal arts and entrepreneurship programming, creating new programs as well as leading those already in existence. Current programs include the Horizon Fund, providing micro-grants of up to $500 to any McPherson College student with an entrepreneurial idea, and the Global Enterprise Challenge, in which students develop sustainable ventures to help in Haiti. The grant also will support faculty training and curriculum development in entrepreneurship.
The purpose of this program is to allow all students the opportunity to study entrepreneurship within any major. Faculty of all academic areas has ownership in this cross-disciplinary minor. Students' required hours will be divided between core courses on entrepreneurship essentials and selected liberal arts courses.
McPherson College is a four-year private liberal arts college in central Kansas, associated with the Church of the Brethren, committed to the ideals of scholarship, participation, and service. -- Adam Pracht, Coordinator of development Communications, McPherson College prachta@mcpherson.edu, www.mcpherson.edu - 2011 Pennsylvania Science Olympiad Finals to be held on the campus of Juniata College, Friday, April 29, 2011, "The 20th anniversary of bringing Science Olympiad to Juniata has meant that we have been able to get the cream of the crop of talented science students from across Pennsylvania," says Ron Pauline, professor emeritus of education and Science Olympiad state tournament site director. "The visiting students can see our campus and consider going here to use our excellent science facilities. Juniata is honored to have hosted the state finals for such a long time and also serve as the site for the national finals in 2004." The students from 70 high schools and middle schools across Pennsylvania will compete across campus at sites such as the von Liebig Center for Science, Knox Stadium, the Kennedy Sports and Recreation Center, and the lawn behind Ellis Hall. The 2011 Science Olympiad begins at 8:30 a.m. and continues throughout the day, ending with an awards ceremony at approximately 4:15 p.m. in the sports center's main gym. More than 1,000 students will compete.
Science Olympiad is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the quality of science education, increasing student interest in science and recognizing outstanding achievements in science education. Contact: John Wall office: (814) 641-3132 e-mail: wallj@juniata.edu - Elizabethtown College Theatre presents staged readings of fresh, new, short plays at 8 p.m., Friday, April 29, and Saturday, April 30, in the College's Tempest Theatre. Tickets for the productions, which are open to the public, can be purchased for $4 through the Theatre Box Office by calling 717-361-1170 or sending a request via e-mail to boxoffice@etown.edu. The two nights include a total of 13 readings of plays written or directed by students in the College's Playwriting class. The plays also are directed by students from the College. Contact: Michael Swanson, coordinator of Theatre and Dance, at swansonm@etown.edu.
- An Easter Season Spiritual Disciplines folder which coordinates with Sunday worship scriptures of the Brethren bulletin series is being posted on the Springs of Living Water web site at www.churchrenewalservant.org under the Springs button. Entitled "Born Anew to a Living Hope" from I Peter 1:3, the folder has topics for Sunday morning worship and daily scripture readings that build to the next Sunday.
The insert is an invitation to go deeper in spiritual disciplines according to God's leading. Vince Cable, pastor of the Uniontown Church of the Brethren south of Pittsburgh, has written Bible study questions for individuals or small groups Bible study and they are also on the Springs website.
The Springs of Living Water Initiative in Church Renewal is in the midst of a study entitled "The Intentional Renewal Pastor." This is an endeavor to explore the challenges, needs and joys of pastors intentionally working on renewal in their congregations. In this study done as a project in the Greenleaf Academy of Servant Leadership, twenty-five pastors working in renewal are being interviewed using a questionnaire on these topics. For more information email David Young at davidyoung@churchrenewalservant.org.
Credits
Newsline is produced by the news services of the Church of the Brethren. Contact the editor at cobnews@brethren.org. Contributors to this issue of the Church of the Brethren Newsline include Stan Noffsinger, Sue Snyder, Jane Yount, Glenn Kinsel, Jan Fisher Bachman, Nancy Miner, Jeanne Davies, John Wall, Elizabeth Harvey, Adam Pracht, Michael Leiter, and David Young. Kathleen Campanella, director of partner and public relations at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md., is serving as guest editor.
Newsline is produced by the news services of the Church of the Brethren. Contact the editor at cobnews@brethren.org. Contributors to this issue of the Church of the Brethren Newsline include Stan Noffsinger, Sue Snyder, Jane Yount, Glenn Kinsel, Jan Fisher Bachman, Nancy Miner, Jeanne Davies, John Wall, Elizabeth Harvey, Adam Pracht, Michael Leiter, and David Young. Kathleen Campanella, director of partner and public relations at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md., is serving as guest editor.
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