Tax credit for health care expenses can help a church save.

Are medical premiums hurting your church budget? Your church may be eligible for a significant tax credit on health insurance premiums it paid for full-time or part-time employees in 2011.

In conjunction with health care legislation known as the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, the Internal Revenue Service now offers up to a 25 percent credit for small tax-exempt employers who paid at least half of their employees’ insurance premiums in 2011. Even if taxes have already been filed for fiscal year 2011, a church may file an amended return to receive this credit.

“It took a little bit of work to figure it out, but to get a reinvestment in our ministry was well worth it,” said Russ Matteson, pastor of Modesto (Calif.) Church of the Brethren. He and his church’s stewardship chairwoman pursued the credit last year after reading an announcement from Brethren Benefit Trust (BBT) that was published in Newsline.

That “little bit of work” paid off for the church--Modesto received a refund of around $2,700, according to Matteson.

Does this sound like something your church or organization should pursue? Learn more about how you can claim this credit by reading a letter and summary of information provided by BBT and the IRS at www.brethrenbenefittrust.org/sites/default/files/pdfs/Insurance%20pdfs/tax-credit-web.pdf .

-- Brian Solem is publications coordinator for Brethren Benefit Trust.

Source:2/22/2012 Newsline

Brethren couple to teach another semester at university in N. Korea.

Photo courtesy of Robert and Linda Shank

Robert and Linda Shank celebrate a birthday with help from their students at the Pyongyang University of Science and Technology (PUST) in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. The couple have been working in North Korea with sponsorship from the Global Mission and Service program of the Church of the Brethren.

Robert and Linda Shank are preparing to return for another semester teaching at Pyongyang University of Science and Technology (PUST) in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. The couple have been working in North Korea with sponsorship from the Global Mission and Service program of the Church of the Brethren.

This past semester at PUST has been a good one for the Shanks, who express gratitude for the unique opportunity. The North Koreans “are excellent hosts,” said Linda, in an interview held when the couple stopped by the church’s General Offices in Elgin, Ill., last month. They were in the US for a Christmas leave.

Robert Shank, who is dean of the School of Agriculture and Life Sciences at PUST, has taught three courses: a biotechnology course for graduate students, a plant breeding course for graduate students, and a botany course for undergraduates. Linda Shank is an adjunct English teacher, assisting students with research projects and providing an English clinic for graduate students as well as “listening sessions” to help students learn verbal English in order to pass the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language). Classes at PUST are taught in English and students enter the English department when they first enroll, and then move on to classes in their major areas.

The Shanks list a number of accomplishments of their work at PUST: a marked increase in the level of trust they experience, increasing development of good relationships with the school administration, all reflected in Robert’s promotion to dean of his department and the extra levels of responsibility that carries. One particular accomplishment has been providing 400 microscope slides of plants and other organisms for PUST, provided with help from McPherson (Kan.) College.

A highlight of the past semester has been the students with whom the Shanks work. Smiles brightened their faces as the couple spoke of the joys of teaching a group of outstanding young men. For example, the eight graduate students the Shanks have related to since they started at the university, three now doing graduate study in plant breeding and five in genetic engineering. In another example, the botany student who kept saying, “I want to know exactly,” pushing Robert to expand his own knowledge of the subject and to invite more input from the class. And then there are the students who routinely illustrate their lab exercises with elaborate artistic drawings, where students in other countries would be content with providing a rough sketch.

A special memory from the Fall are the birthday parties students threw for Robert and Linda--on very slim student budgets, even somehow finding a bouquet of fresh flowers in mid-November. Birthdays are celebrated “with gusto” in North Korea, the Shanks said. They explained, “Here’s how you have a birthday party with no money”: for one party, the students put up pictures of flowers downloaded from the Internet, and used cut-outs from shiny red foil wrapping for the decorations.

Find out more about Robert and Linda Shank’s work at PUST at www.brethren.org/partners/northkorea.

Source:2/22/2012 Newsline

Church representative attends World Interfaith Harmony week at UN.

Church of the Brethren representative to the United Nations, Doris Abdullah, recently attended the World Interfaith Harmony Week 2012 at the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Following is her report from the event:

“The Committee of Religious NGOs (non-governmental organizations) at the United Nations did a wonderful job bringing together representations from the world’s five mainstream religious communities (Jewish, Christian, Islamic, plus Hindu and Buddhist) in addition to many of the smaller religious bodies (Shinto, Baha'i, Sikh, Native, and Traditional) around the theme ‘Common Ground for the Common Good.’

“The program highlighted the common ground spoken of by Nassir Abdulaziz Al-Nasser, president of the General Assembly, in the keynote address, and by William F Vendley, Secretary General of Religions for Peace. The world religions share common ground, with four shared values elaborated on by the speakers: their desires for mediation and peaceful settlements of disputes, United Nations reforms, improvements in disaster prevention and response, and sustainable development.

“While many of the things that were said could be quoted, one stood out for me above all the others: ‘To be religious is to be interreligious.’ I cannot be religious by myself or just in my tradition alone. We share this planet with all its people and life forms. We are not alone, nor loners with our God. There is one religious quote that is found in most world religions, traditions, and beliefs: the Golden Rule that we in our Christian tradition find in Matthew 7:12 and Luke 6:31, ‘Do to others as you would have them do to you.’

“Yuka Saionji from the Byakko Shinko Kai and the Goi Peace Foundation spoke of many prayers that came to Japan from around the globe after the March 11, 2011, earthquake and tsunami, and her own personal belief in the power of prayer. Prayer is our hope for a better tomorrow, and we must continue in faith to pray for compassion and love so that we may overcome the evils of our world with good. Together we can do this.”

-- In addition to serving as the UN representative for the Church of the Brethren, Doris Abdullah also is chair of the Human Rights Sub-Committee for the Elimination of Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia, and Related Intolerance.

Source:2/22/2012 Newsline

Paynes called to lead Southeastern District.

Russell and Deborah Payne have accepted the call to serve Southeastern District as co-district executives beginning June 1. They will make their home and establish the new Southeastern District Office in Sulphur Springs, Tenn.

Russell Payne is an ordained minister in the Church of the Brethren with 30 years of experience as pastor of Coulson Church of the Brethren in Hillsville, Va. (1982-86 and 1994 to the present). He also has served as associate pastor and pastor of congregations in Tennessee and Indiana. He is a 1980 graduate of Steed College with a degree in business, a 1984 graduate of Graham Bible College, and has completed the three-year reading course of the Christian Growth Institute in Virlina District.

Deborah Payne has many years of experience in office and organizational management, most recently as executive director of Hope House of the Good Shepherd Inc. in Galax, Va. Previously she was business manager for Joy Ranch Inc. in Woodlawn, Va., and worked in the Parent Involvement/Teacher Resource Center of Carroll County Public Schools in Hillsville. She is a 1999 graduate of Wytheville Community College with a degree in education, and a 2003 graduate of Bluefield College with a degree in organizational management and development.

The Paynes’ volunteer leadership in the denomination has included Russell’s service as moderator of Virlina District, as a speaker for the Southeastern District Conference, and as a revival speaker in a number of locations. Deborah has served on the District Board and Witness Commission in Virlina District, and has been a young adult retreat leader, camp counselor, youth advisor, and has provided pulpit supply. She is a lay speaker in Virlina District, having completed the three-year reading course.

Source:2/22/2012 Newsline

Youth Peace Travel Team is named for 2012.

The 2012 Youth Peace Travel Team has been named. As they spend time with junior and senior high youth this summer at camps across the Church of the Brethren, the team will teach about peace, justice, and reconciliation, all core values throughout the Church of the Brethren’s more than 300-year history.

The Youth Peace Travel Team is sponsored by the Church of the Brethren’s Youth and Young Adult Ministry, Advocacy and Peace Witness Office, Brethren Volunteer Service, On Earth Peace, and the Outdoor Ministries Association.

Members of the 2012 team are Katie Furrow of Boones Mill, Va., whose home congregation is Monte Vista Church of the Brethren in Callaway, Va.; Hunter Keith of Kokomo, Ind., and Mexico (Ind.) Church of the Brethren; Kyle Riege of Wakarusa, Ind., and Camp Creek Church of the Brethren in Etna Green, Ind.; and Molly Walmer of Myerstown, Pa., and Meyerstown Church of the Brethren.

Throughout the summer, follow the ministry of the 2012 Youth Peace Travel Team by visiting www.brethren.org/youthpeacetravelteam.

Source:2/22/2012 Newsline

Leadership summit is planned for late March.

At the invitation of the General Secretary, 25 to 30 Church of the Brethren members will convene on March 28-30 for a leadership summit in northern Virginia. Participants hold both formal and informal leadership positions within the Church of the Brethren. The purpose of the summit is to prayerfully examine the dynamics of leadership needed in the church today.

“Given the current state of the church,” said general secretary Stan Noffsinger, “now is an important time to gather together a group of leaders from across the Church of the Brethren, in order to consider how the church may move forward from this place and time.”

According to Mary Jo Flory-Steury, associate general secretary, the summit has been convened neither to set policies nor to make any decisions. Rather, said Jayne Seminare Docherty, one of the facilitators for the event, “We are seeking to create a kind of ‘learning laboratory’ where leaders will engage in conversations about how they can more effectively assist the whole church engage Christ’s call to live according to kingdom values while engaging in deliberation and decision making about difficult issues.”

A professor of leadership and public policy at the Center for Justice and Peacebuilding at Eastern Mennonite University in Harrisonburg, Va., Docherty recently returned to the US from four years in Myanmar (Burma), where she worked to develop inclusive peace processes and culturally appropriate negotiation practices. Co-facilitator Roger Foster, a graduate of the Center for Justice and Peacebuilding, also spent the last six months in Myanmar with Docherty, working with religious and civil society organizations who were focusing on strategic leadership development.

Source:2/22/2012 Newsline

May is Older Adult Month on theme, ‘Aging with Passion and Purpose.’

This May, the Church of the Brethren’s Older Adult Ministry invites congregations to celebrate God’s gift of aging and the contributions of older adults to our lives and faith communities.

“Aging with Passion and Purpose”--the theme for 2012’s observance--calls people of all ages to grow in wisdom and revelation, so that we may know the hope to which we have been called (Ephesians 1:17-18).

Worship resources and suggestions for honoring older adults are available online at www.brethren.org/olderadultmonth or by contacting Kim Ebersole, director of Family Life and Older Adult Ministry, at kebersole@brethren.org or 800-323-8039.

Source:2/22/2012 Newsline

Stewardship is a team effort: A reflection on fundraising results for 2011.

Photo by Church of the Brethren

Mandy Garcia, coordinator of donor invitation, says a big "Thank you" for all the support for the Church of the Brethren denominational ministries.

In 2011, a new way of thinking about donor communication has taken place in the Church of the Brethren. Fundraising has taken on the flavor of a team effort, with staff from across many ministry areas starting to take responsibility for articulating the value of Church of the Brethren ministries--and their cost.

For example, letters that were sent to donors almost every month last year had lots of variety of color, photos, and voices, because they were written by different authors. Jonathan Shively’s letter about Congregational Life Ministries (which he serves as executive director) generated a great response, as did general secretary Stan Noffsinger’s mid-year letter about Haiti. These personal, specifically Brethren letters have proven successful, unique voices asking Brethren to support this church they love.

New in 2011, a quarterly newsletter called  “Simply Put” took the place of the former “Another Way of Living” and many people have specifically subscribed to it. “Simply Put” now has its own mailing list.

“eBrethren,” an e-mail newsletter focused on stewardship, prompts appreciative e-mails from readers after nearly every issue. In 2011, various “eBrethren” pieces were featured in everything from district newsletters, to blogs, to Bible studies, and even sermons. It is encouraging that people seem to not only find it worth reading, but worth sharing.

One special story about “eBrethren” is that the last issue prepared in 2011 mentioned Nancy Miner, who works in the General Secretary’s Office, in connection with the nursing scholarship program. Her college roommate read the story and was inspired to e-mail the offices to reconnect with Nancy after several years! People-connecting is one of those things that happen frequently as we do the work of stewardship, and “eBrethren” helps to make the world seem a little smaller for many readers.

The bottom line for the denomination’s stewardship efforts in 2011 is that we saved more than $100,000 in printing and mailing costs by creating direct mail “in-house.” Over all, individuals donated $2,149,783. A large chunk of that giving came in the form of a very generous bequest to the Emergency Disaster Fund for the work of Brethren Disaster Ministries.

It seems that church members are starting to get more excited about supporting the church’s Core Ministries, and that they understand better what such ministries do--older adult and youth/young adult programing, international partnerships, Deacon Ministry, workcamps, communications, intercultural ministries, Brethren Volunteer Service, basic costs of the mission program, efforts to resource church planters, and so much more.

-- Mandy Garcia is coordinator of Donor Invitation for the Church of the Brethren.

Source:2/22/2012 Newsline

Brethren bits: Remembrance, personnel, jobs, Annual Conference, district news, much more.

Greg Davidson Laszakovits has written the spring “A Guide for Biblical Studies,” a Bible study and small group curriculum from Brethren Press. Frank Ramirez continues as writer of the “Out of Context” feature. The theme for the spring quarter is “God’s Creative Word.” The lessons for the weeks of March 4-May 27 focus on a variety of topics and biblical texts ranging from “Wisdom’s Part in Creation” (Proverbs 8) to “The Word Became Flesh” (John 1) to “The Way, the Truth, and the Life” (John 14). Order for $4.25 (or $7.35 large print) from www.brethrenpress.com or call 800-441-3712.

• Remembrance: Esther Craig, 95, passed away Feb. 12 in South Bend, Ind. She retired in 1981 from Brethren Press, after working for 25 years for the Church of the Brethren. She also was an early Brethren Volunteer Service worker, volunteering at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md., after World War II, and was a longtime supporter of Heifer Project and later Heifer International. Her father, George, was instrumental in the beginning of Heifer. She was featured in the Feb. 1995 "Messenger" for having a personal goal to contribute the cost of one heifer a year ever since the start of the project. "Many years her donation did not reach that goal," the magazine reported. "She joyfully remembers 1957, when she first achieved it. There is rich reward, she explains, in pondering how many offspring may have been passed along since that first heifer she bought 37 years ago." Craig was born Dec. 14, 1916, in Plymouth, Ind., to George and Ada (Berkeypile) Craig. She was a member of Crest Manor Church of the Brethren in South Bend, where funeral services were held on Feb. 16. Memorial contributions are received to Crest Manor Church of the Brethren, Heifer International, or the Center for Hospice Care in Mishawaka, Ind. Online condolences may be shared at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.

• After serving both the Brethren Pension Plan and the Church of the Brethren Credit Union, Jill Olson has resigned from her position as a member services representative at Brethren Benefit Trust (BBT). Her final day of employment will be March 9. She was originally hired to work as the loan officer for the credit union in November 2008. When the denominational credit union merged with Corporate America Family Credit Union in June 2011, she joined the Pension Plan department as a customer service representative and to work on special projects.

• Brethren Press and MennoMedia seek a project manager to develop new Sunday school curriculum for children and youth. This begins a process for a new joint curriculum to launch in 2014, the successor to and building on the current Gather ’Round curriculum which continues through the next two years. Responsibilities include project oversight, staff recruitment, and supervision. Must have experience or education in theology, Christian education, or publishing. This is a full-time, salaried position for the length of the project, projected to be three to five years. Preference will be given to candidates who can work out of a MennoMedia or Mennonite Church office. Applications will be reviewed beginning March 1. Submit applications to searchcommittee@mennomedia.org.

• The Brethren Historical Library and Archives (BHLA) at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill., has an opening for an archival intern. The purpose of the Archival Internship Program is to develop interest in vocations related to archives, libraries, and Brethren history. The program will provide work assignments in the BHLA and opportunities to develop professional contacts. Work will include processing archival materials, writing descriptive inventories, preparing books for cataloging, responding to reference requests, and assisting researchers. Professional contacts may include archival and library conferences and workshops, visits to libraries and archives in Chicago area, and participation in a Brethren Historical Committee meeting. BHLA is an official repository for Church of the Brethren publications and records. The collection consists of over 10,000 volumes, over 3,500 linear feet of manuscripts and records, over 40,000 photographs, plus videos, films, DVDs, and recordings. Term of service is one year, beginning in July. Compensation includes housing, stipend of $540 every two weeks, and health insurance. A graduate student is preferred, or an undergraduate with at least two years of college. Requirements include interest in history or library and archival work, willingness to work with detail, accurate word processing, ability to lift 30-pound boxes. Request an application packet from the Office of Human Resources, Church of the Brethren, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120; dbrehm@brethren.org . Submissions must be completed by April 1. For more about the position contact the BHLA at 800-323-8039 ext. 294 or tbarkley@brethren.org.

• Conference Office director Chris Douglas has sent a letter to district leaders asking for help to encourage Brethren to reserve rooms set aside in the Annual Conference hotel block in St. Louis. Because contracts for Conference locations are made five years in advance, she explained to district leaders, the Conference is contracted to fill more than 970 hotel rooms on each “peak” nights of the event and pays for those rooms whether they are booked by Conference-goers or not. “Paying for hotel rooms that no Brethren stay in could cost us thousands and thousands of dollars,” she warned. “Ultimately, it will result in us having to have a two-tiered registration price: $105 (non-delegate) if you stay in the conference housing block or much higher if you choose to book outside of that block, risking that we will have to pay for unused rooms.” A second reason for booking at the Conference hotels is that those hotels pay the convention center for a portion of the meeting space rental based on the number of hotel nights used, which decreases direct charges for the convention center. “If you could please get the word out in your district and encourage people to book at one of the three conference hotels (Renaissance Grand, Holiday Inn, and Hyatt), I would be grateful,” Douglas said. In an update on hotel prices, the room rate at the Hyatt Hotel has dropped from $125 to $115. For more information or questions about Conference hotels and lodging, contact Douglas at cdouglas@brethren.org.

• In more news from Annual Conference, moderator Tim Harvey is providing a number of short video clips between now and the 2012 Conference called “Moments with the Moderator.” They will be available at www.brethren.org/ac and via the Annual Conference Facebook page. A first clip is online at www.cobannualconference.org/StLouis/ModeratorMoments.html.

• The Church of the Brethren has joined with 60-plus groups to submit a “Friend of the Court” or amicus brief to the Supreme Court. The national, state, and local organizations filing the brief support Medicaid expansions in the Affordable Care Act, arguing that the expansions more completely address the original intent of Medicaid to fulfill the moral imperative to assist those who are poor and sick. The brief has been submitted by Faithful Reform in Health Care and the Washington Interreligious Staff Community (WISC) Health Care Working Group, which said in a release, “It is the calling of government to bring justice and protection to the poor and the sick, a goal that is consistent with the US Constitution. For this reason, amici have long supported Medicaid, our nation’s program for health care for the poor. The brief argues that the Affordable Care Act does not force states to continue to participate in Medicaid. Rather, states must continue to participate in Medicaid, and indeed expand their programs, because it is the right and moral thing to do.” To view the brief and the list of signers go to www.faithfulreform.org.

• Action Alerts from the denomination’s Advocacy and Peace Witness Office are asking Brethren to support calls for an end to American involvement in Afghanistan, and warns church members of increasing international tensions with Iran. “On Feb. 1, Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta announced for the first time that the US will end combat operations in Afghanistan as early as the middle of 2013,” said one alert. “A bipartisan group of members of Congress is currently circulating a letter to the President expressing their strong support for this accelerated timeline for ending the war in Afghanistan.... The President needs to know that Americans support ending combat operations in Afghanistan as quickly as possible.” With regard to Iran, an alert said, “It is time to be proactive, and act to prevent the next (war). The standoff with Iran over its nuclear program is highly volatile. Urge the Obama administration to commit to active diplomacy, giving inspections and targeted sanctions time to work in Iran, and telling Israel not to make a pre-emptive attack on Iran.” To take action on these issues, go to the full text of the alerts online. Find the alert on “Ending Combat in Afghanistan” at http://cob.convio.net/site/MessageViewer?em_id=15621.0&dlv_id=17621 . The alert about Iran is at http://cob.convio.net/site/MessageViewer?em_id=15681.0&dlv_id=17801.

• Congregational Life Ministries has received a good response to the Stuart Murray/Juliet Gilpin workshop and webinar March 10, reports Stan Dueck, director of Transforming Practices. Due to requests new ticket options have been added. Those who cannot attend the workshop or webinar may register for the recorded session. Tickets may be purchased online and an e-mail link will be sent after March 10. To purchase a ticket for the recorded session or for more information go to www.brethren.org/webcasts/changing-world-future.html . Also, group prices are now available.  For group registration contact Randi Rowan at rrowan@brethren.org or 800-323-8039 ext. 208, or Stan Dueck at sdueck@brethren.org or 717-335-3226.

• The Susquehanna Valley Ministry Center is hosting an educational fundraising event at the Dunker Meeting House on the Antietam National Battlefield on April 28. The event begins at 11 a.m. at Manor Church of the Brethren with Jeff Bach, director of the Young Center for Anabaptist and Pietist Studies at Elizabethtown (Pa.) College, and John Frye, an interpretive guide for the National Park Service. A lunch and program will be held at the Manor Church prior to traveling to the battlefield, where a time of worship will be held in the Mumma Meetinghouse (Dunker Church). Cost including lunch is $30. Continuing education credit is available for an additional $10. The deadline for registration is April 16. Early registration is encouraged as the event is limited to 75 participants. Contact SVMC at 717-361-1450 or svmc@etown.edu.

Mission worker Carol Smith is providing online posts from her work with Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria (EYN--the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria). Her current report includes news of a Church Leadership/Pastor's Conference at the EYN Conference Center, as well as a ZME women's conference, a new church started at the EYN Headquarters, and a new banner hanging in front of the Kulp Bible College chapel with the theme for 2012: “You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had” (Phillipians 2:5). Go to www.brethren.org/partners/nigeria/updates/smith/news-about-eyn.html.

• The newest “Hidden Gem” from the Brethren Historical Library and Archives (BHLA) is a biography and set of photographs of Ted Studebaker, a Brethren martyr for peace during the Vietnam War (go to www.brethren.org/bhla/hiddengems.html ). His story also is featured on a new section of the Civilian Public Service website focused on the work of conscientious objectors in Vietnam, at http://civilianpublicservice.org/storycontinues/vietnam . “It seems important to revisit the service of a man whose philosophy seems more relevant than ever in our conflict-ridden world,” writes archival intern Virginia Harness.

• Roxbury Church of the Brethren in Johnstown, Pa., is celebrating its 120th anniversary.

• The New Beginnings Fellowship in Batavia, Ill., is no longer meeting, according to the Illinois and Wisconsin District newsletter. The district Leadership Team has decided to sell the property. A closing service at the New Beginnings meetinghouse will be held March 3 at 2 p.m.

• Blue Ridge Chapel Church of the Brethren near Waynesboro, Va., dedicated an addition to its church facility on Feb. 5. It addition includes a fellowship hall that seats around 300, a new kitchen, new offices, bathroom facilities, storage, and an elevator for handicapped access.

• Lancaster (Pa.) Church of the Brethren is hosting “Stories of Conscience and Taxes in a Culture of War” at 3 p.m. on March 11. Speakers include Kelly Denton-Borhaug, a Lutheran minister and professor of religious studies at Moravian College in Bethlehem, Pa., and author of “US War--Culture, Sacrifice, and Salvation”; Pat Hostetter Martin, a chaplain, hospice volunteer, and war tax resister from Harrisonburg, Va.; Jack Payden-Travers, executive director of the National Campaign for a Peace Tax Fund; and Shane Claiborne of the Simple Way in Philadelphia and a speaker at the Church of the Brethren’s National Youth Conference in 2010. Sponsored by Every Church a Peace Church and 1040 for Peace, the program will address the challenges of praying for peace while paying for war. For more information contact H.A. Penner at 717-859-3529, or Berry Friesen at 717-471-9691.

• Audio recordings of a forum hosted by San Diego (Calif.) Church of the Brethren with former Marine sergeant Corey Gray are now available online, in an announcement from Pacific Southwest District. Gray is speaker for an On Earth Peace insight session at the 2012 Annual Conference, on July 10 at 9 .m. The forum in San Diego was held Oct. 30 on the topic, “From Marine Sgt. to Pacifist!” In December Gray was granted conscientious objector status. Audio of his presentation is in two parts at www.4shared.com/music/xva65r6q/11_4_11_6_07_PM.html and www.4shared.com/music/ohh8RoAD/11_4_11_11_55_PM.html.

• Shenandoah District holds its 10th Annual Disaster Ministries Auction Kick-Off Dinner at Bridgewater (Va.) College on March 10. The event at the Kline Campus Center Dining Hall starts at 5:30 p.m. with a display of auction items. Tickets are $22. Contact Brenda Fawley 540-833-2479, Karen Fleishman 540-828-2044, or Betty Morris 434-985-7571.

• The Shenandoah District Church Development and Evangelism Team sponsors "Cultivating for a Great Harvest" on March 10 from 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. at Pleasant Valley Church of the Brethren. Leaders are Fred Bernhard, staff member at Bethany Theological Seminary and Christian Community who has written extensively on hospitality and faith-sharing; and Steve Clapp and Melissa Lopze of Christian Community. Cost is $25 or $20 per person for a church group of five or more. Pastors may earn .35 continuing education units for an additional fee of $10. Lunch is included with registration. Register online at www.shencob.org.

• Atlantic Southeast District holds its Venture Fun(d) Day at Camp Ithiel in Gotha, Fla., on March 10, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. The event is an annual Church Development Council “fund giving” day to support church planting, church revitalization, and new ministry programs and church planter development in Florida, Georgia, and Puerto Rico, according to an announcement. Highlights includes an auction of home-made pies, sales of food and crafts, church booths, games, and fellowship. Music is by Saltwater Soul from Jacksonville Church of the Brethren.

• Paul Brockman, a senior music major at Bridgewater (Va.) College, will present “A Service of Choral Evensong” at 4:20 p.m. on Feb. 26 at Bridgewater Church of the Brethren, according to a release from the college. The event is Brockman’s honors project and will feature hymns, prayers, readings, the “Magnificat” (Song of Mary), and the “Nunc dimittis” (Song of Simeon). He has composed much of the music for the service and will conduct the choir, which includes Bridgewater students, faculty, and alumni. Larry Taylor, associate professor of music, will serve as organ accompanist. Robert Miller, Bridgewater College chaplain, will serve as cantor.

• The John Kline Homestead invites Sunday school classes to hold a Sunday morning session at the historic home of the Civil War-era Brethren leader in Broadway, Va. Teacher and light refreshments are provided. Morning worship afterward with nearby Linville Creek Church of the Brethren is optional. The homestead can accommodate a class size of 40 people maximum. Contact Steve Longenecker at 540-828-5321 or slongene@bridgewater.edu.

Photo courtesy of Fahrney-Keedy

Evan Bowers and David Goldsborough, both LPNs, at left and right, were among those receiving Service Excellence Awards at the Fahrney-Keedy Home and Village Employee Recognition Dinner. Here they are congratulated by director of nursing Kelly Keyfauver and assistant director of nursing Julia McGlaughlin, left and right middle.

• Fahrney-Keedy Home and Village, a Church of the Brethren retirement community in Boonsboro, Md., has recognized a number of employees for service excellence and years worked. Six received Service Excellence Awards, and 16 were honored for their years worked, at an employee recognition dinner. The six awarded for their service were Rayanna Staley, laundry; Janet Cole, RN, assisted living; David Banzhoff, dining services; Ginny Lapole, housekeeping; and David Goldsborough, LPN, and Evan Bowers, LPN, both nursing. Employees were recognized whose length of time at Fahrney-Keedy is in multiples of five years: at five years were Andrea Betts, GNA, Deb Manahan, RN, and Nicole Moore, GNA, all nursing; Heather Cleveland, CNA/Med Tech, assisted living; Mike Leiter, vice president of Marketing and Community Development; Kathy Neville, assistant director of Activities; Doug Ridenour, director of Maintenance; Bonnie Shirk, accounting; and Fran Wilson, central supply. At 10 years were Angie Keebaugh, LPN, Naomi Keeney, GNA, Stephanie Teets, CMA/GNA/unit clerk, all nursing; Julia McGlaughlin, RN, assistant director of Nursing; Renia Talbert, laundry; and Paula Webb, GNA, assisted living coordinator. At 20 years was Joyce Grove, GNA, assisted living.

• Manchester College’s Doctor of Pharmacy program has been granted pre-candidate status by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education. A release reported that the college has received authorization to begin enrolling students in its new School of Pharmacy in Fort Wayne, Ind. Said Dave McFadden, interim dean and executive vice president, “This is a critical achievement for the School of Pharmacy because it validates the strength of our leadership team and it enables us to enroll our first class of 70 students.” The decision demonstrates that the School of Pharmacy is on track to achieve full accreditation in May 2016, upon graduating its first class of students. The school has received more than 300 applications and expects to receive more before the March 1 application deadline. For more visit www.manchester.edu/pharmacy.

• Elizabethtown (Pa.) College welcomes Muhammad Yunus, Nobel Laureate, at 8 p.m. on April 4 as keynote speaker for the 2012 Ware Lecture on Peacemaking. Yunus originated the concept of Grameen Bank--banking without collateral--for the poor in Bangladesh. In 2006, Yunus and the bank were jointly awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. The lecture titled "Creating Hope and Success: Peace and Development through Entrepreneurship and Social Activism" is free and open to the public. Reserve tickets by calling 717-361-4757.

• The death penalty will be a topic of debate at Bridgewater (Va.) College when an opponent and proponent meet in Cole Hall on Feb. 29. According to a release from the school, death penalty opponent Bud Welch, whose daughter was killed in the Oklahoma City bombing, and Jeff Jacoby, long-time proponent of the death penalty, will debate at 7:30 p.m. sponsored by the Anna B. Mow Endowed Lecture Series. Welch is president of the board of Murder Victims Families for Human Rights, serves on the board of the National Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty, and has received “abolitionist of the year” awards. Jacoby is a columnist for the “Boston Globe.”

• In more news from Bridgewater, the college celebrates Black History Month by hosting an area observance of the 23rd National African-American Read-In on Feb. 25, from 2-4 p.m. in the Boitnott Room. The event is free and open to the public.

• The World Council of Churches (WCC) Executive Committee has sent a pastoral message to churches in Syria expressing hope for an end to violence there and a national dialogue to emerge from the conflict, based on peace with justice, recognition of human rights and human dignity, and the need to live together in mutual respect. The message supports a joint letter from the three heads of churches in Syria that was sent to congregations in December condemning the use of any type of violence while encouraging members "not to fear and not to lose hope." WCC member churches are asked to engage in actions of solidarity during this difficult time in Syria.

Source:2/22/2012 Newsline

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 Newsline include Jordan Blevins, Charles Culbertson, Chris Douglas, Kim Ebersole, Mary Jo Flory-Steury, Mary Kay Heatwole, Michael Leiter, Amy J. Mountain, Stan Noffsinger, Harold A. Penner, Howard Royer, Glen Sargent, Amy Trowbridge, Becky Ullom, and editor Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of News Services for the Church of the Brethren.

Newsline: February 8, 2012

ANNUAL CONFERENCE PREVIEW

• Annual Conference registration and housing open online Feb. 22.
• Vision Statement coming to Annual Conference is available online.
• Deacon Ministry offers pre-Conference workshops.
• New schedule announced for ministers event led by Brueggemann.
• Ministry Office sponsors series of sessions on women in leadership.
• Annual Conference bits and pieces.

PERSONNEL

• Hosler to serve as advocacy officer in joint appointment with NCC.
• Cross Keys Village president/CEO announces retirement.

UPCOMING EVENTS

• April is Child Abuse Prevention Month.
• Children’s Disaster Services schedules Spring training workshops.
• ‘Naked Anabaptist’ author Murray featured in upcoming webinar.
• One Great Hour of Sharing offering scheduled for March 18.

RESOURCES FOR LENT

• Lenten devotional and blog challenge believers to engage the world.

BRETHREN BITS

• Correction, remembrance, personnel, jobs, WCC stewards, more.

Annual Conference registration and housing open online Feb. 22.

In an announcement from the Conference Office, on Feb. 22 general registration and housing reservations open online for the 2012 Annual Conference of the Church of the Brethren, to be held on July 7-11 in St. Louis, Mo. The registration site for the Conference is www.brethren.org/ac.

Feb. 22 also is the last day for congregations to register delegates at the $285 early registration fee, also at www.brethren.org/ac (click on “Delegate Registration”). From Feb. 23-June 11 the delegate registration fee increases to $310. After June 11, delegate registration is only available onsite in St. Louis, for a fee of $360.

Beginning at 12 noon (central time) on Feb. 22 nondelegate registration opens at the same web address. This includes family registrations, housing reservations, sign up for age-group activities, sales of meal tickets, purchase of Conference booklets and choir anthem packets, and more.

General registration fees for nondelegates start at $105 for adults who attend the full Conference, $30 for children and youth (ages 12-21) for the full Conference, $35 adult daily rate, $10 children and youth daily rate, with children under 12 registering for free. Active Brethren Volunteer Service workers pay a $30 registration fee.

After June 11, all online registration for the Conference closes and increased onsite registration fees will apply. See www.brethren.org/ac for the complete Information Packet that includes a full fee schedule, hotel reservation information and lodging costs, and much more information in downloadable format.

Source:2/8/2012 Newsline

Vision Statement coming to Annual Conference is available online.

The Vision Statement for the Church of the Brethren, slated for consideration at the 2012 Annual Conference in July, is now available for inspection and review on the Conference website. That was one of the actions taken by a committee charged with interpreting and presenting the statement to the Conference delegates.

The Vision Statement already has been accepted by the Standing Committee of district delegates, which will recommend it for adoption at the gathering in St. Louis, Mo., to take place July 7-11.

The Vision Interpretation and Presentation (VIP) Committee plans to offer additional resources to encourage congregations and members to interact with the Vision Statement prior to its formal adoption. One of the unique features of this statement is the inclusion of a four-session study guide that congregations, small groups, and individuals can use to consider what it means to live out the meaning of the Vision Statement. In addition, there a short DVD posted on the Conference website that presents the statement visually. The VIP Committee hopes to provide a variety of other resources in the near future.

Anyone interested in submitting worship resources or sermon notes associated with the Vision Statement are encouraged to do so, by sending them to the Conference Office at annualconference@brethren.org.

The vision statement, including the study guide, can be accessed and downloaded at the  Conference website www.brethren.org/ac or by going directly to www.cobannualconference.org/StLouis/Vision_document_for_SC_11-05-31_final.pdf.

VIP Committee members include Bekah Houff and David Sollenberger, from the original Vision Committee, along with Ron Nicodemus and James Sampson, appointees from Standing Committee.

- David Sollenberger is a member of the Vision Interpretation and Presentation Committee.

Source:2/8/2012 Newsline

Deacon Ministry offers pre-Conference workshops.

Photo by Regina Holmes

Deacon Ministry director Donna Kline leads a training workshop prior to the 2011 Annual Conference. This year the Deacon Ministry is offering a morning and an afternoon training workshop for deacons on the opening day of the 2012 Conference.

Two deacon training workshops will be held in St. Louis on Saturday, July 7, prior to the start of the 2012 Annual Conference. The workshops are sponsored by the Church of the Brethren Deacon Ministry, a part of Congregational Life Ministries. Both workshops will be held in the America’s Center convention center, Room 122.

“Nasty Fights: Reconciliation and Forgiveness” from 9-11 a.m. addresses the Brethren peace position as it may apply to difficult issues within our own congregations. Participants will learn how to analyze and reconcile differences on multiple levels within a congregation, so that churches may remain models of peace.

“Helping the Hurting: Offering Support in Times of Loss” from 1:30-3:30 p.m. will offer guidance for deacons as they help people through the death of a loved one, a debilitating accident, a job lay-off, or other difficult life challenges. Participants will listen and learn from a variety of experiences to be better able to help when someone’s world has collapsed.

Deacons are invited to attend one or both training workshops. Cost is $15 for one workshop, $25 to attend both. Information and registration are at www.brethren.org/deacons/training.html or www.cobannualconference.org/StLouis/DeaconWorkshopsACflyer.pdf.

Source:2/8/2012 Newsline

New schedule announced for ministers event led by Brueggemann.

The Ministers’ Association has issued a new schedule for its pre-Conference two-day learning event featuring Walter Brueggemann, July 6-7 in St. Louis. Brueggemann, a renowned Old Testament scholar and author of over 50 books, will address the topic “Truth Speaks to Power” and the question, “How can the witness of the gospel be uttered and enacted in the midst of a public domain that now features immense concentrations of money, power, and control?”

The event will be held in three sessions, each exploring a biblical narrative and model for our witness today. The first session at 6-8:35 p.m. on Friday, July 6, will discuss "Food Fight I--The Narrative of Greed." The second session at 9-11:35 a.m. on Saturday, July 7, will continue the theme with "Food Fight II--The Narrative of Gratitude." The third session at 1-3:35 p.m. on July 7 will conclude with "The Psalms--Script for a Counter-Culture." Each session includes brief times for worship and singing, association business, and breaks. Continuing education units are available for ordained clergy.

Cost is $75 per person for advance registration, increasing to $100 at the door. Couples may attend for $120 ($150 at the door). Current seminary students or students in the Education for Shared Ministry (EFSM) or Training in Ministry (TRIM) programs may register for $50. Onsite supervised play for children is available for $5 per child per session ($25 maximum per family). An extra fee of $10 is charged for those wanting continuing education credit. Registrations are due June 1.

The Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership is offering a Directed Independent Study Unit in conjunction with the Ministers’ Association event. This unit will be planned and led by TRIM coordinator Marilyn Lerch and will include pre-Conference reading, a one-hour session before and after the Ministers’ Association event, attendance at both the Ministers’ Association event and the Saturday evening worship service on July 7 for which Brueggemann will preach. A follow-up project also will be expected. There will be no tuition fee for this unit. If interested, contact Lerch at lerchma@bethanyseminary.edu or 814-623-6095.

To register for the Ministers’ Association event go to www.brethren.org/sustaining or find a flier at www.cobannualconference.org/StLouis/MinistersAssociationFlyerRegistrationForm.pdf (please note that session topics have changed). For more information contact Chris Zepp at 540-828-3711 or czepp@bwcob.org.

Source:2/8/2012 Newsline

Ministry Office sponsors series of sessions on women in leadership.

The Church of the Brethren’s Ministry Office, in cooperation with the Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership and Bethany Theological Seminary, has put together a series of sessions on women in leadership for the 2012 Annual Conference.

On the theme, “Women in Leadership: Four Biblical Stories,” the series features the leadership of Lisa M. Wolfe, associate professor in the Endowed Chair of Hebrew Bible at Oklahoma City University, who also teaches for Saint Paul School of Theology. She holds a doctorate from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary and Northwestern University, and a master of divinity from United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio, and is ordained in the United Church of Christ. Published works include a recent book from Cascade Press, “Ruth, Esther, Song of Songs, and Judith,” and a related “Living the Questions” Bible study DVD. Her article in the United Church of Christ's “Still Speaking” magazine, "On Being an Irritant," received a 2010 Associated Church Press Award of Excellence for Theological Reflection.

The series includes the Clergywomen’s Breakfast on July 8, on the theme, “Beyond Bitterness: Naomi’s Story”; a noontime insight session on July 8 titled "Finagling Justice: Tamar’s Story”; an evening insight session on July 8 titled “By the Hand of a Woman: Judith’s Story"; and a noontime insight session on July 9 titled “Forgotten Minister: Phoebe’s Story.”

In addition, plans are being made for Wolfe’s books to be on sale at the Brethren Press Bookstore during the Conference, and for a book signing. Find the flier for the series at www.cobannualconference.org/StLouis/InsightSessionWomenInMinistry.pdf.

Source:2/8/2012 Newsline

Annual Conference bits and pieces.

Photo by Regina Holmes

Kim Ebersole (second from left) was one of the Congregational Life Ministries staff facilitating round table discussions at the first Ministry Fair, held at the 2011 Annual Conference. The fair is being offered again for participants at the 2012 Conference.

• A Congregational Life Ministry Fair is offered for the second year in a row as a special opportunity for Conference-goers, 4:30-6:30 p.m. on July 10. A “round robin” format will offer roundtable discussions with staff on topics such as children’s ministry, stewardship, deacons, and more. Also sponsored by Congregational Life Ministries are receptions for new fellowships and congregations (afternoon of July 8) and for intercultural networking and mentoring (afternoon of July 7), as well as numerous insight sessions, mutual help groups, and networking opportunities for church planters and emerging churches. The flier of Congregational Life Ministries events is at www.cobannualconference.org/StLouis/EventsCongregationalLife.pdf .

• Conference-goers are invited to tour Bethany Theological Seminary in Richmond, Ind., on their way to or from St. Louis. “Going I-70 west to St. Louis? We’d be glad to have you stop for a visit at Bethany!” said an invitation. Pre-Conference tours will be offered July 5-7. After Conference tours begin July 11 at 12 noon, and continue on July 12. Please call ahead to let the seminary know how many are in your group and an estimated time of arrival. Contact Monica Rice at 800-287-8822 or ricemo@bethanyseminary.edu . For more information find a flier at www.cobannualconference.org/StLouis/BethanyTour.pdf .

• Heading up Bethany Seminary’s list of insight sessions and meal events is a midday session on July 8 billed as an “intellectual travelogue.” Faculty and students will share insights from a cross-cultural seminar to visit Christians in Germany, planned for this May. Also on the schedule with seminary sponsorship are the “Brethren Life and Thought” luncheon featuring Washington University professor Hillel Kieval speaking on “The Challenges and Risks of Integration” from the experience of American Jews, and the Bethany Luncheon featuring a panel of seminary graduates discussing the role and responsibility of Bethany alumni. Luncheon tickets are $17. The flier of Bethany events is at www.cobannualconference.org/StLouis/InsightSessionBethany.pdf .

• Seminary president Ruthann Knechel Johansen is the featured speaker for the Womaen’s Caucus Luncheon on July 9. Her address, “The Love Poem,” will respond to the question, “How do we shape the gift of our own lives as works of art that make it possible to live in solidarity with others and in reconciliation and forgiveness when faced with offenses?”  Luncheon tickets are $17. A flier for the Womaen’s Caucus Luncheon is at www.cobannualconference.org/StLouis/WomaensCaucusLuncheon.pdf .

• “New Fire: Youth and Young Adults and the Ecumenical Movement” is the presentation by Jennifer Leath for the Ecumenical Luncheon on July 10. Leath is an ordained minister and itinerant elder in the First Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church, and a doctoral candidate at Yale University in African-American studies and religious studies with an emphasis in religious ethics. She serves as co-moderator of the Joint Consultative Group between the World Council of Churches and the Pentecostal churches, and is a member of the WCC youth commission. Tickets are $17. See www.cobannualconference.org/StLouis/EcumenicalLuncheon.pdf .

• “Last year the Spiritual Directors Network hosted a Labyrinth at Annual Conference with some success,” reports Joshua Brockway, director of Spiritual Life and Discipleship. “Several persons asked over the course of the year if that labyrinth was available for use around the denomination. I am happy to share that Congregational Life has purchased that labyrinth! We will again bring it to Annual Conference along with a beautiful interpretive card.” For more information about the spiritual practice of walking a labyrinth, or for more about the Spiritual Directors Network, contact Brockway at jbrockway@brethren.org or 800-323-8039 ext. 227.

• On Earth Peace is sponsoring a Peace Vigil and Drum Circle to close out the young adult experience of the Conference. The event is to “bring God’s Shalom and Christ’s peace in a quiet, peaceful, spiritual event in downtown St. Louis.” Young adults are invited to bring their voices, prayers, stringed instruments, and drums when they gather at 10 p.m. on July 10.

• Also sponsored by On Earth Peace are a number of insight sessions including “The Vision of On Earth Peace: A Conversation with the New Executive Director” (to be named prior to Conference); “The Science of Sexuality” led by McPherson (Kan.) College natural science professor and church deacon Jonathan Frye; “Welcome Matters: Understanding and Managing Social Change” led by Carol Wise of the Brethren and Mennonite Council for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Interests; and “From Marine Sergeant to Conscientious Objector” featuring CO and former Marine Corey Gray, among others. The Step Up! program for youth and young adults is the focus of the On Earth Peace Breakfast on July 10. Breakfast tickets cost $16. Find the On Earth Peace event flier at www.cobannualconference.org/StLouis/EventsOnEarthPeace.pdf .

• Join Brethren Press for a 20th anniversary hymn sing celebrating 20 years of “Hymnal: A Worship Book.” Nancy Faus-Mullen, who was a leader in the Hymnal Project and one of the creative musicians who helped put the Hymnal together, will be a special guest at the hymn sing scheduled to start at 9 p.m. on July 10.

• The Brethren Press Messenger Dinner on July 8 will feature Guy E. Wampler speaking on “What Holds Brethren Together?” A former Annual Conference moderator, he also chaired the Annual Conference study committee on human sexuality in 1983. Dinner tickets cost $25. Other Brethren Press insight sessions address “Fresh Talk for Sunday Morning” led by Gather ’Round project director and editor Anna Speicher; “Facebook Horror Stories: Do’s and Don’ts of Social Media” led by Brethren Press publisher Wendy McFadden and news director Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford; and “Calling All Children’s Sunday School Teachers” offering success stories, tips, questions, and concerns about Sunday school. More information is at www.cobannualconference.org/StLouis/InsightSessionBrethrenPress.pdf .

• The Brethren Benefit Trust (BBT) Fitness Challenge begins at 7 a.m. on July 8. The 3.5 mile walk/run will be held at Forest Park, six miles from the America’s Center convention center (participants arrange their own transportation to the park). Cost is $20 per person (going up to $25 after May 25), or $60 for a family of four or more. Registration will be available with general Conference registration at www.brethren.org/ac beginning Feb. 22. For details see www.cobannualconference.org/StLouis/BBTfitnessChallenge.pdf .

• Also sponsored by BBT are a number of insight sessions including “Long-Term Care Insurance: It’s Not Just for Your Parents,” “Living and Leaving Your Legacy,” and “Stocks and Bonds and Money Markets, Oh My!” The full listing is at www.cobannualconference.org/StLouis/InsightSessionBBT.pdf .

• A new meal event on the Conference schedule is the CODE Celebrating Excellence Dinner on July 9. The event is sponsored by the Council of District Executives. Tickets are $25.

• Each Church of the Brethren congregation is invited to create a quilt block for the Conference. The blocks should be postmarked by May 15 and will be assembled into quilt tops in advance of the Conference and quilted onsite in St. Louis. The quilt auction begins after the close of business on July 10, with proceeds benefiting projects to alleviate hunger. Detailed instructions for making quilt blocks are at www.cobannualconference.org/StLouis/AACBQuilting.pdf .

• The young adults and singles/night owls join together for a night-time, by flashlight experience of the City Museum of St. Louis on July 7. This “Night at the Museum” is offered at a greatly reduced entrance fee of only $6 per person. “Housed in the 600,000 square foot former Shoe Company, the museum is an eclectic mixture of playground, funhouse, surrealistic pavilion, and architectural marvel,” says the flier. See the Information Packet at www.brethren.org/ac .

• The junior high youth will have a unique opportunity to spend the morning of July 10 at St. Louis’ Old Courthouse learning about the Dred Scott case and 19th century slavery, and considering the issues of modern-day slavery and human trafficking. Daily rate for July 10 is $35. Cost to attend junior high activities for the entire Conference is $85, which includes a visit to the Gateway Arch, a Mississippi River cruise, and the St. Louis Zoo, among other events. Other groups planning to visit St. Louis’ Gateway Arch include the middlers (grades 3-5) and senior high. See the Information Packet at www.brethren.org/ac for more age group activities and fees.

Source:2/8/2012 Newsline

Hosler to serve as advocacy officer in joint appointment with NCC.

Nathan Hosler has accepted a position as advocacy officer with the Church of the Brethren, effective March 1. Located in Washington, D.C., this is a shared position with the National Council of Churches (NCC). The advocacy officer provides approximately equal hours of service to the Church of the Brethren and the NCC, with seasonal variations due to events and emphases of each organization.

Hosler’s responsibilities will include nurturing the Church of the Brethren witness to society and government from a uniquely Anabaptist-Pietist Brethren perspective, with a peace church emphasis on peace and justice. He also will represent NCC member churches in advocacy for peace and will provide leadership in educational initiatives with NCC member churches and the wider society.

Most recently, he and his wife Jennifer have served at Kulp Bible College in northern Nigeria teaching courses on theology and the practice of peace and reconciliation. He also assisted in implementation of the Peace Program of Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria (EYN--the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria). Previously he served a ministry internship and held various leadership roles with Chiques Church of the Brethren in Manheim, Pa. He holds a master’s degree in International Relations from Salve Regina University in Newport, R.I., and a bachelor’s in Biblical Language from Moody Bible Institute. He has done various training courses in peacebuilding, trauma awareness, and restorative justice.

Source:2/8/2012 Newsline

Cross Keys Village president/CEO announces retirement.

Vernon L. King, president/CEO of Cross Keys Village-The Brethren Home Community since 2003, has announced his plans to retire effective June 30, according to a release from the community. Cross Keys Village-The Brethren Home Community is a Church of the Brethren related retirement community in New Oxford, Pa. King informed the Cross Keys Board of Directors of his plans at its January meeting, and following the board’s acceptance of his letter, residents/villagers and community team members were informed.

“My thanks to Vernon for his almost nine years as president/CEO of dedicated Christian service to the residents and staff of Cross Keys Village,” said Board of Directors chair Brett A. Hoffacker. “Our organization has been blessed by his work to have a superior living experience for our residents, a fulfilling workplace for our staff and volunteers, a successful ministry in our district (Southern Pennsylvania District of the Church of the Brethren) and to be a good neighbor to our communities and churches in Adams and York counties. He has achieved all of these with distinction.”

During his nine years at Cross Keys, King led the community through major culture changes, including adoption of a broad-reaching wellness program for all who live, work, or volunteer on the campus, and a shift to person-centered, decentralized care in nursing. The overall administration was restructured last summer, and throughout his tenure, King worked to achieve more of a sense of team member ownership of the community and its mission.

On the bricks-and-mortar side, nursing, personal care, and residential living areas received major renovations or additions. The Harvey S. Kline Wellness Center and Harmony Ridge West Apartments, completed in 2009, were the major campus building additions. The “West Campus,” 100 acres of land acquired in the 1990s, was readied for development, and the first “Country Homes” were added there in 2005.

Throughout the period, Cross Keys maintained its position as one of the region’s most financially strong and secure continuing care retirement communities. It holds an “A-” credit rating from Standard and Poors, a distinction shared by only a handful of retirement communities in Pennsylvania.

“It has been an honor to lead the team serving residents, villagers, volunteers, Southern Pennsylvania District churches, and others who are part of this community,” King said. “I’ve also enjoyed returning to the area where my ancestors settled 250 years ago and reconnecting with my roots. Cross Keys has a great mission, and I hope I have helped us remain faithful to it.”

The Board of Directors has established a search committee to begin the process of selecting a new president/CEO and is contracting with a consultant to assist in that process. Cross Keys Village-The Brethren Home Community is one of the 10 largest stand-alone, nonprofit retirement communities in the country. Founded in 1908 on a farm in Huntsdale, near Carlisle, the community moved to Cross Keys in 1952 and has grown from a 44-resident “old folks home” on 19 acres to a 250-acre community with more than 900 individuals and couples in residence, served by 725 team members.

Source:2/8/2012 Newsline

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month.

The statistics are shocking: in the US, a report of child abuse is made every 10 seconds. The Department of Health and Human Services says 3.3 million child abuse reports and allegations were made involving an estimated 6 million children in 2009 alone. Christianity proclaims justice and hope for all who are victimized; the church is called to protect God’s children and restore hope to those who are abused.

There are many ways the church can respond to varied adverse conditions of children, not the least of which is when children are victims of abuse. Congregations are encouraged to observe Child Abuse Prevention Month during the month of April. A list of 10 things you can do to help prevent child abuse is online at www.brethren.org/childprotection/month.html , along with worship resources and suggestions for how to make your congregation a safe place for people to share life’s difficult situations.

Child Abuse Prevention Month is also a good time for congregations to develop a child protection policy or review and update their existing one. To help your congregation learn more about child abuse and create a policy to protect children in your care, information and sample policies are available at www.brethren.org/childprotection/resources.html . Contact kebersole@brethren.org or 800-323-8039 ext. 302 for more information or assistance with creating a child protection policy.

-- Kim Ebersole is director of Family Life and Older Adult Ministries.

Source:2/8/2012 Newsline

Children’s Disaster Services schedules Spring training workshops.

Several volunteer workshops are sponsored this March and April by Children’s Disaster Service (CDS), a ministry of the Church of the Brethren that cares for children and families following disasters through the work of trained and certified volunteers.

Since 1980, CDS has met the needs of children by setting up child care centers in shelters and disaster assistance centers across the nation. Specially trained to respond to traumatized children, CDS volunteers provide a calm, safe, and reassuring presence in the midst of the chaos created by natural or human-caused disasters.

The volunteer workshops offer training in care for children who have experienced disasters. Hosted by local congregations, the workshops also offer participants a taste of living conditions in disaster-affected areas as they sleep overnight in church facilities. Once participants complete a workshop and undergo a rigorous screening process, they may apply for certification to serve with CDS as a volunteer. Although many volunteers are motivated by faith, CDS training is open to anyone over 18 years old.

Cost is $45 for early registration (three weeks prior to start date). The fee includes meals, curriculum, and one overnight. Cost for registrations mailed less than three weeks in advance is $55. The retraining fee is $25.

Workshops are limited to 25 participants. CDS encourages early registration, as registration numbers are used to assess whether to go ahead with workshops when there may be low attendance. A Volunteer Workshop Registration Form in pdf format is available at www.brethren.org/cds.

Following are dates, locations, and local contacts for the Spring workshops:

• March 9-10, Thoburn United Methodist Church, St. Clairsville, Ohio (contact Linda Hudson, 740-695-4258). 
• March 9-10, Dallas Center (Iowa) Church of the Brethren (contact Carol Hill, 515-677-2389 or 515-240-6908).
• March 16-17, Snellville (Ga.) United Methodist Church (contact Mike Yoder, 404-597-2137, or Carrie Yoder, 770-634-3627). 
• March 16-17, New Carlisle (Ohio) Church of the Brethren, (contact Rita Lane, 937-845-2066 or 937-657-7325). 
• March 16-17, South Haven, Minn. This is a special workshop in conjunction with a United Methodist Volunteers in Mission Disaster Response Academy (March 14-17) at the Koinoina Retreat Center. Fees are as follows: Disaster Response Academy and CDS workshop $170-$200; CDS workshop only (five meals plus lodging Thursday and Friday) $95 if registering by Feb. 8 or $105 after that date; CDS workshop only (four meals plus lodging Friday night only) $55 if registering by Feb. 8 or $65 after that date. Contact coordinator Lorna Jost, 605-692-3390 or 605-695-0782. 
• March 23-24, Cerro Gordo (Ill.) Church of the Brethren (contact Rosie Brandenburg, 217-763-6039). 
• March 24-25, La Verne (Calif.) Church of the Brethren (contact Kathy Benson, 909-593-4868 or  909-837-7103). 
• April 13-14, Elizabethtown (Pa.) Church of the Brethren (contact Lavonne Grubb, 717 367-7224 or 717 368-3141). 
• April 27-28, Center Church of the Brethren, Louisville, Ohio (contact Sandra Humphrey, 330-603-9073 or leave a message at 330 875-2064).

For more information about Children’s Disaster Services go to www.brethren.org/cds or call the CDS office at 410-635-8735 or 800-451-4407 option 5. To be notified of upcoming workshops, send an e-mail with your name, address, and e-mail address to CDS@brethren.org.

Source:2/8/2012 Newsline

‘Naked Anabaptist’ author Murray featured in upcoming webinar.

A one-day workshop and webinar titled “Changing World, Future Church, Ancient Paths” will be led by Stuart Murray Williams and Juliet Kilpin on March 10, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. (Pacific), or 12-6 p.m. (central). The event will address the question, “What does it mean to follow Jesus in a changing culture, in which the Christian story is no longer familiar and the church is on the margins?” according to an announcement from Congregational Life Ministries staff Stan Dueck.

The event is jointly sponsored by the Church of the Brethren’s Congregational Life Ministries and Urban Expression North America, in collaboration with the Church of the Brethren’s Pacific Southwest District, the Pacific Conference Brethren in Christ Board of Evangelism and Church Planting, and the Pacific Southwest Mennonite Conference USA.

Explaining that “post-Christendom is well advanced in most western societies and this is the emerging reality in the US too,” Dueck outlined several other questions that the event will cover: What role does church planting play as we search for relevant ways of being church in this emerging culture? What can the Anabaptist tradition offer--a tradition with centuries of experience on the margins in which many are finding inspiration and fresh perspectives?

Stuart Murray Williams is author of the popular book “The Naked Anabaptist: The Bare Essentials of Radical Faith.” For more than 10 years he was an urban church planter in East London. He served as Oasis Director of Church Planting and Evangelism at Spurgeon’s College, London, and currently is an associate lecturer at the college. He holds a doctorate in Anabaptist hermeneutics and is chair of the Anabaptist Network. Juliet Kilpin is coordinator of the church planting agency Urban Expression UK. The presenters will lead three sessions with discussion: Session 1: The challenges and opportunities of post-Christendom; Session 2: Anabaptism: A movement whose time has come? Session 3: Church planting: A vital response to post-Christendom.

The Saturday, March 10, event will be hosted by Madison Street Church in Riverside, Calif. Cost is $40 for onsite attendance, which includes lunch and continuing education credit; $35 for webinar attendance, including continuing education credit. Webcast attendees will complete a few questions to confirm their attendance and receive credit. The link to attend online will be sent by e-mail to those who register. The 0.5 continuing education credits are provided through the Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership and Bethany Theological Seminary.

There are two registration options, by mail or online. Send registration forms by mail, enclosing payment by check or credit card information, to Congregational Life Ministries, Church of the Brethren, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120. To register and pay fees online go to www.brethren.org/webcasts. The deadline to register is March 7.

For more information contact Stan Dueck, director of Transforming Practices, at 717-335-3226 or sdueck@brethren.org. For registration information contact Randi Rowan, program assistant for Congregational Life Ministries, at 800-323-8039 ext. 208 or rrowan@brethren.org.

Source:2/8/2012 Newsline

One Great Hour of Sharing offering scheduled for March 18.

“And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that by always having enough of everything, you may share abundantly in every good work” (2 Corinthians 9:8). 
 
The theme for the 2012 One Great Hour of Sharing offering continues to be “Sharing Brings Joy,” with a focus this year on sharing joy with others.

The suggested offering date is Sunday, March 18. Envelopes, bulletin inserts, and a poster will be arriving in church mailboxes next week. In lieu of a printed leader’s guide this year, all such materials are available online at www.brethren.org/oghs . The online materials include four different orders of service, sermon starters, a children’s sermon, youth activities, inspirational quotes, and other resources for creating a dynamic worship service.

For questions or to order a printed copy of the offering materials, contact offerings@brethren.org or 847-742-5100 ext. 305.

Source:2/8/2012 Newsline

Lenten devotional and blog challenge believers to engage the world.

In “A Community of Love,” the Lenten devotional from Brethren Press, author Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford encourages readers to engage in personal introspection that leads to participation in the community of faith.

Congregational Life Ministries of the Church of the Brethren is hosting a blog as one way to invite readers into this larger community of faith. The site will offer simple prayers and questions growing out of the Lenten devotional, and readers will be invited to respond with comments, observations, and questions.

Now in its 10th year, the Brethren Press devotional can--for the first time--be purchased in electronic format at www.brethrenpress.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=8496E . A limited number of large print copies are still available at www.brethrenpress.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=8496 . Find the companion blog at http://blog.brethren.org .

More resources for Lent and Easter:

• Joshua Brockway, director of Spiritual Life and Discipleship, invites Brethren to join him in praying through all 150 Psalms during Lent. A calendar for praying the Psalms is available at www.brethren.org/spirituallife/prayer.html along with other prayer calendars. The practice of praying the scriptures is a long tradition in both Judaism and Christianity. For more information about praying the scriptures see a short description provided at http://blog.brethren.org .

• The Global Women’s Project is offering a free Lenten Calendar as a daily spiritual tool to guide Brethren through the season. E-mail info@globalwomensproject.org to receive a copy of the calendar or to register for a daily Lenten calendar e-mail.

• The Lenten/Easter spiritual disciplines folder from the Springs of Living Water initiative for church renewal is titled, “The Call to Discipleship, The Invitation to Victory.” The folder, along with Bible study questions written by Vince Cable, pastor of Uniontown Church of the Brethren near Pittsburgh, Pa., can be found at www.churchrenewalservant.org. The folder follows the lectionary readings and topics used for the Brethren Press bulletin series for Lent and Easter. An explanation of the theme and an insert helps members learn how to use the folders as well as discern their next steps in spiritual growth. Contact davidyoung@churchrenewalservant.org .

Source:2/8/2012 Newsline

Brethren bits: Correction, remembrance, personnel, jobs, WCC stewards, more.

The “Brethren Voices” community television show produced by Peace Church of the Brethren in Portland, Ore., in January featured Annual Conference moderator Tim Harvey and in February features Laura Sewell, who served in India as a Brethren mission worker from 1948-84. The January edition interviewed Harvey, pastor of Central Church of the Brethren in Roanoke, Va., who shared his hope for the denomination after spending time meeting with many Brethren congregations around the country. He also discussed his youth growing up in Bethel Church of the Brethren, and the support from his home congregation that led him into the ministry. For copies of the January or February programs or to subscribe to “Brethren Voices,” contact groffprod1@msn.com.

• Correction: An article in the Jan. 25 Newsline about the Brethren Benefit Trust decision to sign on to a letter urging corporate action against human trafficking and slavery mistakenly referred to congressional bill HR 2759 as the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act. In fact, the bill that BBT and the Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility urge the House Financial Services Committee to address is called the Business Transparency on Trafficking and Slavery Act.

• Remembrance: Prayers are requested for the family of James C. (Jim) Carlisle, 88, who died Feb. 6. He was a longterm volunteer for the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md. His wife, Helen Carlisle, who survives him, is a former computer operations manager at the center. Carlisle was a member of Westminster (Md.) Church of the Brethren. His varied career began as a farmer and included work at the New Windsor Creamery, employment with Southern States Carroll Petroleum and S.L. Tevis and Son, Inc., and 18 years at the Carroll County Board of Education as a school bus driver. He served two terms on the New Windsor Town Council, 1977-85, and a term as mayor 1989-93. While mayor, he was instrumental in building New Windsor Middle School, and Carlisle Drive at Springdale Village was named in his honor. A memorial service will be held Feb. 9 at 2 p.m. at Westminster Church of the Brethren.

• Loyal Vanderveer is the new interim chaplain at Fahrney-Keedy Home and Village, president/CEO Keith Bryan has announced. Fahrney-Keedy Home and Village is a Church of the Brethren continuing care retirement community near Boonsboro, Md. Vanderveer is serving until a permanent replacement is found for Sharon Peters, who died unexpectedly in December. Vanderveer, a retired minister, is a member of the Fahrney-Keedy Board of Directors and of Hagerstown (Md.) Church of the Brethren. He has been a pastor at several Churches of the Brethren, most recently Manor Church in Boonsboro. He also was a chaplain for 20 years with Hospice of Washington County. Peters had been chaplain for Fahrney-Keedy since spring of 2008. She was ordained in the Presbyterian Church and had been chief executive of Pathway School for youths with emotional impairments, prior to her time at Fahrney-Keedy.

• On Earth Peace is seeking a full-time executive director. The executive director has the overall strategic and operational responsibility for On Earth Peace’s staff, programs, expansion, and execution of its mission. S/he will have a deep knowledge of the organization’s core programs, operations, and business plans. Interested applicants may check the On Earth Peace website for details of the mission and program: www.onearthpeace.org . The responsibilities and duties will include longterm strategic planning, rigorous program evaluation, and consistent quality of finance, administration, fundraising, and resource development, marketing, and communications. The executive director will engage and energize On Earth Peace staff, board members, volunteers, donors, and partnering organizations, and represent OEP to the larger church and ecumenical gatherings. S/he will develop and implement fundraising and revenue generating plans and goals, and establish and maintain relationships with top donors and volunteers. Qualifications and experience: A bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred; at least 10 years of experience in nonprofit senior management, including in the areas of human resources, marketing, public relations, and fundraising/resource development; solid business and financial experience, including the ability to set and achieve strategic objectives and manage a budget; strong marketing, public relations, and fundraising experience with the ability to engage a wide range of constituents; and knowledge of the Church of the Brethren denomination desired. Skills will include excellent oral and written communication and computer literacy. Deadline for applications is Feb. 29. Send a cover letter and resume to Ralph McFadden, Search Consultant, oepsearch@sbcglobal.net . Or contact McFadden at his home/office telephone 847-622-1677.

• Camp Peaceful Pines is seeking candidates for the position of camp superintendent. The camp is an independent charitable nonprofit corporation affiliated with Pacific Southwest District. It is located near Dardanelle, Calif., in the Stanislaus National Forest on Sonora Pass, and operates under a special use permit from the Stanislaus National Forestry. Camp Peaceful Pines has provided the setting for intentional, outdoor, temporary, Christian communities for over 50 years. Its rustic but comfortable style of camping has allowed campers of all ages to experience God's wonderful creation in the rugged Sierra Nevada mountains. Staff members are primarily experienced and dedicated volunteers who love people, creation, and God. The Board and Program Committee endeavor to recruit persons of mature Christian faith and leadership skills to direct each camp. The camp superintendent position supports daily operational needs from June 1-Sept. 1. Compensation is based on a daily rate established by the Camp Board and includes food and housing provided. The camp superintendent is responsible for day-to-day operation, camp maintenance, and the greeting and coordination of camps with the camp directors. The camp superintendent is a vital part of Camp Peaceful Pines, providing interaction with the various camps and visitors to camp. Submit an application with resume and three references by March 1. The search team will select viable candidates for interviews during March. Camp Peaceful Pines is an Affirmative Action facility: acceptance and participation apply without regard to race, color, creed, national origin, or disability. For consideration, send an application to the address below or submit electronically to garrypearson@sbcglobal.net or call 530-758-0474. Garry W. Pearson, Board Chair, 2932 Prado Lane, Davis, CA 95618.

• Young Christians are invited to apply to the World Council of Churches Stewards Program for a learning experience at the WCC Central Committee meeting, Aug. 23-Sept. 7 in Crete. Applicants must be age 18-30. During the meetings stewards will work in the areas of worship, conference room, documentation, press office, sound, and other administrative and support tasks. Before the meetings, stewards follow an ecumenical learning program which exposes them to key issues of the ecumenical movement. The last phase of the program focuses on designing projects that stewards will implement back home. Send in completed application forms to the WCC youth desk no later than March 15. Brethren who apply are requested to copy Becky Ullom, director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries, at bullom@brethren.org . More information is at www.oikoumene.org/index.php?RDCT=e9b4ef2f38d10aabdd7f .

• The Senior High Roundtable at Bridgewater (Va.) College is scheduled for March 16-18. The theme is "Following Christ: Step by Step...Remember, Rejoice, Repeat" (1 Peter 2:21). Guest speaker is Shawn Flory Replogle, former Annual Conference moderator and a speaker at National Youth Conference 2010. Register at www.bridgewater.edu/orgs/iyc .

• Bethel Church of the Brethren at Arriba, Colo., celebrated its 100th anniversary on Oct. 2, 2011, with 138 people in attendance. “That number gains perspective when you realize that our ‘chairs in the aisles’ packed sanctuary only holds 96 maximum!” said a note in the Western Plains District newsletter thanking those who attended.

• The Brethren Retirement Community in Greenville, Ohio, is asking for help as it prepares to celebrate 110 years of serving southern Ohio. The community is planning an anniversary celebration for April 20, and wants to collect stories and pictures from people whose lives have been touched by its ministry. Submissions are due by March 20. To share an experience go to http://media1.razorplanet.com/share/511272-2452/siteDocs/Request%20for%20Stories.pdf .

• "Juniata Voices," an anthology of lectures, articles, and presentations given by faculty and visiting speakers at Juniata College in Huntingdon, Pa., has posted its 2010-2011 edition online. The new "Juniata Voices" features lectures on the American chestnut tree by a Juniata environmental scientist, on Hollywood careers by a cinematographer, and on how a small country can affect the inner workings of the UN, on the financial health of colleges, and the danger of making snap assumptions. Find the anthology at www.juniata.edu/services/jcpress/voices .

• Christian musician Michael Card, known for hit songs such as “El Shaddai,” will lead Bridgewater (Va.) College’s Spring Spiritual Focus on Feb. 21-23. He will speak and sing at 9:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. Feb. 21 in the Carter Center for Worship and Music. On Feb. 23 he will give a presentation at 9:30 a.m. in the Stone Prayer Chapel. Events are free and open to the public.

• Candlelight Dinners will be offered at the John Kline Homestead in Broadway, Va., on Feb. 10 and 11 and again March 9 and 10. The event takes guests into a Shenandoah Valley home during an 1800s family-style dinner, as concerns are being raised about the Civil War as it intensifies on Virginia soil in 1862. Tickets are $40. Call 540-896-5001 for reservations.

• Ten Church of the Brethren members were part of a Jan. 5-18 Learning Tour to Nepal sponsored by the New Community Project. The delegation was hosted by Women Empowerment, a group supporting women's development and girls' education, according to a release. Participants were briefed by development and advocacy groups including Maiti Nepal, whose director was a CNN Hero of the Year 2010 for work to combat sex trafficking, and leaders at a Tibetan refugee camp. The group visited villages where NCP supports girls' education and women's development. They topped off the trip with a two-day trekking experience to a vantage point overlooking the 26,000 foot Annapurna II. For more visit www.newcommunityproject.org .

Source:2/8/2012 Newsline

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 Newsline include Deborah Brehm, Mary Jo Flory-Steury, Mandy Garcia, Ed Groff, Mary Kay Heatwole, Julie Hostetter, Jon Kobel, Michael Leiter, David Radcliff, John Wall, David Young, Chris Zepp, and editor Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of News Services for the Church of the Brethren.