New 'Shine' curriculum is underway for fall 2014.

Development of a new Sunday school curriculum called Shine is underway by Brethren Press and MennoMedia. This month writers are beginning to prepare the first quarter of Shine: Living in God’s Light, which will be available for use in fall 2014.

“We are pleased to offer our congregations a user-friendly, enriching curriculum that grows out of our distinct beliefs as Brethren and Mennonites,” said Wendy McFadden, publisher of Brethren Press.

The two publishing houses are long-time collaborators on Sunday school curriculum and began more than 18 months ago to prepare a successor to the current curriculum, Gather ’Round: Hearing and Sharing God’s Good News. Gather ’Round was designed to run for eight years, with summer 2014 as its final quarter.

“We’re very excited about Shine’s emphasis on God’s light shining through us,” said Rose Stutzman, project director for Shine. “As you read the Bible, you notice that the theme of light is pervasive. God’s light shines through the darkness for God’s people, both then and now.”

Shine’s foundational scriptures include Isaiah 9:2 and Matthew 5:14-16. “Jesus told us, ‘You are the light of the world,’” said Rebecca Seiling, project developer. “Shine’s materials take this seriously. They serve to inspire children and their families to be that light in the world around them.”

Designed for children age three through grade eight, Shine will incorporate the latest understandings of the ways children learn. The material is based on a three-year overview of the Bible, with a separate Bible outline for early childhood (ages three to five). Sessions include an emphasis on teaching prayer and other spiritual practices, and also will highlight peace themes.

Primary and middler children will read from a hardcover Bible storybook for use at church and at home. Junior youth will read the stories directly from the Bible. A flexible multi-age resource will serve congregations with a small number of children of different ages.

Like Gather ’Round, Shine will continue to be Bible story based; lift up Christian discipleship, peace, simplicity, service, and community; use “wondering” questions and activities to help children reflect on the Bible stories and connect the Bible to their lives in age-appropriate ways; and provide a wide variety of engaging activities for children to explore the Bible story.

Shine is co-published by Brethren Press and MennoMedia, the publishing houses of the Church of the Brethren, Mennonite Church Canada, and Mennonite Church USA.

Congregations are encouraged to continue using Gather 'Round through summer 2014, in order to have a seamless transition to the new curriculum when it becomes available in fall 2014. Gather 'Round may be ordered from Brethren Press at 800-441-3712.

(This report includes information from a release by Melodie M. Davis of MennoMedia.)

Source: 4/5/2013 Newsline

Fellowship of Brethren Homes members awarded 2013 Continuing Education Grants.

Eight members of the Fellowship of Brethren Homes have been awarded Continuing Education Grants for 2013. The $1,000 grants are funded by the denomination’s Health Education and Research Fund, which supports nursing in the Church of the Brethren, and are administered by Congregational Life Ministries.

The grants are to be used for professional development workshops focused on clinical concerns and/or supervisory skills, leadership for in-house training for nursing assistants, or the purchase of reusable resources for in-service training for nursing staff and/or nursing assistants. To qualify, a retirement community must be a dues-paying member in good standing of the Fellowship of Brethren Homes. Invitations to submit proposals are extended to half of the FBH membership each year; each community is invited every other year.

The following retirement facilities applied for and received grants for 2013:

The Cedars (McPherson, Kan.) will enhance their respiratory care program through a grant that provides training for a staff member who will, in turn, train approximately 30 members of the nursing staff to perform respiratory therapy procedures on residents.

Fahrney-Keedy Home and Village (Boonsboro, Md.) received funds for nursing staff to receive advanced training in infection control in long-term care facilities.

Teepa Snow, an expert in dementia care, will facilitate a two-day seminar for nursing staff and other staff involved with the care of people with Alzheimer’s Disease and dementia for the Good Shepherd Home (Fostoria, Ohio).

The grant to Hillcrest Retirement Community (La Verne, Calif.) will provide two workshops presented by Action Pact, a leader in culture change education: The New Face of Leadership in the Household Model and Creating a Climate for Vibrant Living.

The purchase of a multi-media projector and related equipment for large group presentations will enable the Palms of Sebring (Fla.) to improve capability to effectively educate and train nursing staff to enhance the care and lives of residents.

Online inservice training offered by Care2Learn will be provided to nursing home administrators, nurses, and certified nursing assistants at Pinecrest Community (Mount Morris, Ill.) through the grant. Pinecrest’s initial foray into flexible, cost-effective online learning was funded by a 2011 Continuing Education Grant.

Spurgeon Manor (Dallas Center, Iowa) will now be able to re-train staff to use their electronic medical record system to its maximum potential. This includes medication and treatment administration records, charting, assessments, MDS and care plans, reports, and admission information.

Timbercrest Senior Living Community (North Manchester, Ind.) received a grant to purchase continuing education videos by ElderCare Communications, which address a variety of patient care topics. Nursing staff will view the videos independently, the topics of which will be reviewed and discussed during staff meetings to support learning.

As a ministry to those who are aging and their families, the 22 retirement communities related to the Church of the Brethren are committed to providing high quality, loving care for older adults. This group, known as the Fellowship of Brethren Homes, works together on common challenges such as uncompensated care, long-term care needs, and nurturing relationships with congregations and districts. See www.brethren.org/homes.

-- Kim Ebersole and Randi Rowan of the Congregational Life Ministries contributed this article.

Source: 4/5/2013 Newsline

Same love, new look: Three new special offerings for the Church of the Brethren.

The Church of the Brethren is now giving congregations the opportunity to participate in a series of three new special offerings in addition to the One Great Hour of Sharing offering. They are the Pentecost Offering, the Mission Offering, and the Advent Offering. Although each one has a different theme and individual look, they all share one unified goal: to support the life-changing ministries of the Church of the Brethren. Read more at www.brethren.org/offerings.

Gifts to any of these special offerings support the work of Congregational Life Ministries, Global Mission and Service, the Office of Ministry, the General Secretary’s office, our communications and web services, the Brethren Historical Library and Archives, Brethren Volunteer Service, workcamps, Youth and Young Adult Ministries, and so much more. Special offerings are a unique and important way that Brethren congregations can join together to continue the work of Jesus through their denominational ministries.

Pentecost Sunday is May 19, the suggested date for the Pentecost Offering. The scripture theme is Acts 2:38-39, and this offering will emphasize congregational vitality and church planting. Offering materials will arrive at all churches on standing order by April 19. Corresponding worship resources are available now at www.brethren.org/pentecost.

Sept. 22 is the suggested date for the Mission Offering, which will focus on service and international mission. And Dec. 8 is the suggested date for the Advent Offering, which will focus on how we can boldly speak the good news with our Brethren voice for the glory of God and our neighbors’ good.

If you have questions about any Church of the Brethren special offerings, call Mandy Garcia at 847-429-4361 or e-mail mgarcia@brethren.org. To order offering materials e-mail mdeball@brethren.org. To support the ongoing work of Church of the Brethren ministries now, visit www.brethren.org/give.

-- Mandy Garcia is associate director of donor communications for the Church of the Brethren.

Source: 4/5/2013 Newsline

Big-name speakers to headline Annual Conference in Charlotte.

A riddle from Jon Kobel in the Conference Office: Stanley Hauerwas, Philip Yancey, Mark Yaconelli, John McCullough, Sharon Watkins, Ruthann Knechel Johansen, Devorah Lieberman, James Troha, Michael Schneider, Darla K. Deardorff. What do these nationally recognized theologians, authors, educators, and religious leaders all have in common?

Answer: All are speaking at the 2013 Annual Conference of the Church of the Brethren, June 29-July 3 in Charlotte, N.C.

• Stanley Hauerwas, a leading Christian theologian and ethicist and Gilbert T. Rowe Professor of Theological Ethics at Duke Divinity School, jointly appointed at Duke University School of Law, will speak for the Brethren Press and Messenger Dinner on Sunday, June 30. The dinner starts at 5 p.m. Tickets cost $25. Hauerwas was named “America’s Best Theologian” by “Time” in 2001, and also is known for his outspoken advocacy of pacifism and nonviolence. His books include “A Community of Character,” listed by “Christianity Today” as one of the 100 most important books on religion in the 20th century.

• Philip Yancey and Mark Yaconelli are both preaching for the Day of Spiritual Renewal on Sunday, June 30. Yancey is a popular Christian writer and author of “What’s So Amazing About Grace?” and “The Jesus I Never Knew.” Yaconelli is a writer, speaker, spiritual director, and co-founder and program director for the Center for Engaged Compassion at Claremont (Calif.) School of Theology. Yancey will preach on the theme of grace for the morning worship service that begins at 9 a.m. Yaconelli will preach on the theme of prayer for an afternoon worship service that begins at 2 p.m. Yaconelli also will have an evening conversation with the young adults on Saturday, June 29, starting at 9 p.m.

• John McCullough, president and CEO of Church World Service (CWS), is addressing the Global Ministries Dinner on Monday, July 1, starting at 5 p.m. McCullough will speak about the long-standing partnership between the Church of the Brethren and CWS, and the ways that they work together toward common purposes. Tickets are $25.

• Sharon Watkins, general minister and president of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), is the featured speaker at the Ecumenical Luncheon at noon on Monday, July 1. She will share reflections on Christian unity as a gift and a goal for the church of Jesus Christ. Tickets cost $17.

• Ruthann Knechel Johansen, who concludes her term of service as president of Bethany Theological Seminary this summer, will speak for at least two special events: the Clergywomen’s Breakfast on Sunday, June 30, starting at 7 a.m. (cost is $16); and the Bethany Seminary and Brethren Academy Luncheon on Tuesday, July 2, at noon (cost is $14). Johansen’s address for the Clergywomen’s Breakfast is on “Finding Your Voice: Turning Crumbs into Bread” with scripture texts from Matthew 15 and Mark 7. The seminary and academy luncheon will focus on the transition in leadership at the seminary. Bethany is holding a reception for Johansen on Monday, July 1, from 4:45-6:45 pm.

• Devorah Lieberman, president of the University of La Verne (ULV), Calif., will speak on “The La Verne Experience” at the ULV Alumni Luncheon on Sunday, June 30, beginning at 12 noon. Tickets cost $17.

• James Troha, president of Juniata College in Huntingdon, Pa., will share his vision for the future of the college at the Juniata College Alumni Luncheon on June 30 at noon. Tickets cost $17.

• Michael Schneider, president of McPherson (Kan.) College, will be at a “McPherson College Alumni and Friends Reception” on Sunday, June 30, at noon.

• Darla K. Deardorff, executive director of the Association of International Education Administrators at Duke University and a recognized expert on intercultural competency, will speak for the Brethren Journal Association Luncheon on Monday, July 1, at noon. The title of her presentation is “Beyond Barriers: Following Christ’s Teachings.” Tickets are $17. She also will lead an evening insight session on Monday, July 1, at 9 p.m., with the title “Unity within Diversity-Diversity within Unity: Implications for Brethren Today” hosted by the Brethren Journal Association.

Also on the extensive list of presenters for the Conference: popular Brethren singing group Mutual Kumquat will perform for youth events and help lead a Gather ’Round curriculum insight session on Monday, July 1; and Brethren musicians David and Virginia Meadows, featured at the National Youth Conference in 2010, will lead an evening of music for the youth.

For more details about Annual Conference 2013 and to register, go to www.brethren.org/ac.

Source: 4/5/2013 Newsline

Children's Aid Society celebrates 100 years with author of 'The Shack.'

The Children's Aid Society of Southern Pennsylvania District is marking April as Child Abuse Prevention Month and also its 100th birthday. The society was started on April 9, 1913.

To mark the occasion, the Children's Aid Society is holding a benefit event titled "An Evening with Author Wm. Paul Young" on April 12 at 7:30 p.m. in the Brubaker Auditorium of Messiah College in Mechanicsburg, Pa.

Advance tickets are $25 for adults, or $10 for students. Tickets may be purchased at the door for $30. Limited availability tickets to attend a pre-lecture reception with the author cost $500.

Paul Young, author of "The Shack" and "Cross Roads," was abused physically, sexually, and emotionally as a child, notes an announcement. "His books embody the great loss he experienced and his roads to healing." Valerie Pritchett of Harrisburg's ABC 27 News "Live at Five" will join Young on stage as interviewer.

Supporters of the event include the ARK Foundation, the Wolf Organization, York Jaycees, Sunnyside Antiques, Final Focus Productions, John's Pizza Shop, Highmark Blue Shield, Douglas Miller Construction, York Traditions Bank, Anderson Family Chiropractic, and Farnham Insurance.

For more information go to www.cassd.org or call 717-624-4461. A brochure about the event is online at www.cassd.org/CASBrochure.pdf . Order tickets from www.itickets.com/events/297322/Mechanicsburg_PA/Paul_Young,_Author_of_The_Shack.html.

Source: 4/5/2013 Newsline

Brethren Journal Association announces new editor.

Photo by Church of the Brethren

Denise Kettering-Lane

The Advisory Board of the Brethren Journal Association, in partnership with Bethany Theological Seminary, announces that Denise Kettering-Lane has been named the new editor for "Brethren Life and Thought."

Kettering-Lane has been assistant professor of Brethren Studies at Bethany Theological Seminary in Richmond, Ind., since 2010. As editor, her focus will be to compile and edit articles for the print journal. In addition to handling both solicited and unsolicited submissions, she will oversee the peer review process.

Kettering-Lane’s experience in both Brethren circles and wider Anabaptist and Pietist circles will provide potential for increasing the number of new persons as authors in future issues. She will begin her work in conjunction with guest editor Andy Hamilton on volume 59.1, spring 2014, now in the early stages of preparation.

In more new about "Brethren Life and Thought," volume 58.1, spring 2013, will feature papers from “The Life and Influence of Alexander Mack Jr.,” a conference sponsored by the Young Center in Elizabethtown, Pa., in June 2012. James Miller is guest editor for this issue, which is scheduled to be printed in late April.

Walt Wiltschek is serving as guest editor for volume 58.2, fall 2013, which is currently being edited.

The advisory board thanks the members and subscribers who have remained supportive in recent years during an irregular production schedule. The board is pleased to confirm that with the help of past editor Julie Garber, publication is now on schedule and is expected to remain so.

-- Jenny Williams directs Communications and Alumni/ae Relations for Bethany Seminary.

Source: 4/5/2013 Newsline

Global data upend usual picture of Christianity trends.

Despite a century-long decline, religious affiliation has shown a marked resurgence globally since 1970. Both Christianity and Islam make up growing segments of the world’s population. Africa and China have witnessed the most marked religious change.

These are among the findings discussed by religious demographer Dr Todd M. Johnson in an overview of religious identity and trends in world Christianity since 1910, presented at the Ecumenical Centre, Geneva, on 13 March.

Hosted by the World Council of Churches (WCC) program on Ecumenical Theological Education, Johnson’s lecture preceded his participation in a WCC sponsored conference about the pedagogical uses of work from research centers on global Christianity.

Johnson is associate professor of Global Christianity and director of the Center for the Study of Global Christianity (CSGC) at Gordon-Conwell Seminary, Massachusetts. He is co-author of several important resources in the emerging field of religious demography, including “The World’s Religions in Figures” (2013) and “Atlas of Global Christianity” (2009).

Resurgence of several religious traditions has caused “a new wave of interest” among scholars in a variety of fields, Johnson noted, and the CSGC work is being widely cited. The CSGC holds 1 million documents and draws on censuses, polls, interviews, and religious organizations for its data on religious affiliation and trends.

The CSGC’s data stretches from 1910 to 2010 and fully confirm the large-scale southward shift in Christianity’s center of gravity. Yet the global character of the data also yields some striking trends.

It shows that in global numbers, religious affiliation is growing, with 12 percent claiming no affiliation in 2010, versus 20 percent in 1970. Presently Christians of all sorts comprise 33 percent of the world’s population, while Muslims comprise 22 percent (up from 12.6 in 1910).

Christians in the Global North comprised 80 percent of all Christians in 1910, but today make up less than 40 percent. The collapse of Chinese folk religion during the post 1949 period (from 22 to 6 percent of China’s population) has been matched by the recent resurgence of religion there, significantly driving global statistics.

The data also illustrate that animist and indigenous religious traditions remain vibrant but have dramatically declined among both African and Asian populations. Africa has witnessed strong growth in Christian affiliation during the last 100 years, from 9 to 47.9 percent claiming Christian affiliation.

Migration has become a large factor in religious demographics, dramatically altering the religious make-up of some nations. The CSGC’s research shows that statistics on Evangelical and Pentecostal groups are difficult to compile, since the charismatic trend goes beyond denominational affiliations.

Fastest growth over the century was seen in the category of agnostics and atheists, though both categories have been shrinking since 2000. For the first time, the rise in Christian affiliation in the Global South is outpacing its decline in the North, fueling net growth of Christianity globally.

If present trends continued, by 2050, 36 percent of the world’s population would identify themselves as Christian, and by 2100 two-thirds of the world’s population would be either Christian or Muslim, stated Johnson in his presentation.

He argued that while the discipline of religious demography is emergent, its initial findings about the changing landscape of global religious life pose deep questions about enculturation, theological formulation, and church organization.

-- This is taken from a World Council of Churches release. The WCC promotes Christian unity in faith, witness, and service for a just and peaceful world. An ecumenical fellowship of churches founded in 1948, today it brings together 349 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 560 million Christians in over 110 countries, and works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Church. The Church of the Brethren is a member communion.

Source: 4/5/2013 Newsline

Brethren bits.

• The agreement between the Church of the Brethren and the National Council of Churches (NCC) to jointly support a staff position in the area of peacemaking, based in Washington, D.C., ended last month. The person holding that position, Nathan Hosler, is continuing as a Church of the Brethren staff member and coordinator of the newly renamed Office of Public Witness (formerly Peace Witness Ministries). Contact information for the office remain the same, except for a new telephone number: 202-481-6933.

• In more personnel news, Marcus Harden has been named the new program director/youth coordinator for Atlantic Southeast District.

• On April 9 the Church of the Brethren and over 40 other religious organizations are joining forces again for a day of advocacy on gun violence, announces the denomination's Office of Public Witness (formerly Peace Witness Ministries) based in Washington, D.C. The event follows up on the Faiths Calling event on Feb. 4 that generated 10,000 calls to Congress, said an Action Alert. The Office of Public Witness is encouraging Brethren to join in the effort to contact senators. "The success of the first event spurred the Religious Action Center for Reform Judaism to organize another call during a week that important gun violence measures will be debated in the Senate," said the Action Alert. "The Church of the Brethren has always mourned the abundance of violence in our world, and has consistently worked for peace and called on its members to be powerful witnesses to this tragedy." The Action Alert cited Annual Conference statements as well as a recent Mission and Ministry Board "Resolution in Support of the National Council of Churches of Christ, USA: Ending Gun Violence." It also acknowledged differences in perspective among the members of the church. "We ask you to express whichever policies that you are comfortable supporting," the Action Alert said. It listed the different types of legislation that Congress is considering including requiring universal background checks for all gun purchases, banning semi-automatic assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, making gun trafficking a federal crime, enhancing school and campus safety, and improving access to mental health services. Find the full Action Alert online at http://cob.convio.net/site/MessageViewer?em_id=21801.0&dlv_id=27121 .

• Individuals, families, and congregations are invited to celebrate God’s good gift of aging during Older Adult Month this May. The theme for this year’s observance is “Vessels of Love” based on the great commandment to love God and love our neighbors as ourselves (Matthew 22:37-39). Meditations, worship resources, suggestions for recognition of older adults, and an intergenerational activity are available online at www.brethren.org/OlderAdultMonth or by calling Kim Ebersole, director of Family Life and Older Adult Ministries, at 800-323-8039 ext. 305.

• Stover Memorial Church of the Brethren in Des Moines, Iowa, has announced its 37th Annual Music Festival. "We invite any and all congregations to join us April 28 at 4 p.m. for special music, congregational singing, and fellowship. After our music fest in the sanctuary, we will retire to the fellowship hall for light refreshments and fellowship," said the announcement. For more information contact 515-240-0060 or bwlewczak@netins.net . 

• Walnut Grove Church of the Brethren in West Marva District will host a benefit hymn sing for its pastor, Donnie Knotts, to assist with his medical expenses. The district newsletter reported that Knotts recently underwent his third liver transplant. The sing is on April 13 beginning at 7 p.m., featuring the Potomac Valley Men’s Choir and the Calvary Singers.

• Beacon Heights Church of the Brethren in Fort Wayne, Ind., has announced that it will host the 2013 Progressive Brethren Gathering on Nov. 15-17. The announcement noted that this sixth annual event is expected to “draw progressive minded persons from Church of the Brethren congregations from across the United States for a time of mutual support, conversation, learning, worship, and activism.” The theme will be "Holy Longing: This Is My Body." Sharon Groves, religion outreach coordinator of the Human Rights Campaign, will be the featured speaker. The gathering is sponsored by the Open Table Cooperative, the Brethren and Mennonite Council for LGBT Interests, Womaen's Caucus, and On Earth Peace.

• West Marva District is calling a special District Conference on April 20 at 10:30 a.m. at Moorefield Church of the Brethren to consider an expenditure for maintenance and improvements to the District Office and residence, and to introduce a proposed plan of reorganization to replace the district's present Constitution and By Laws, in advance of the regularly scheduled District Conference in September. The special District Conference was announced in the West Marva newsletter for April.

• The new District Resource Center for Virlina District will be dedicated with a special service at 4 p.m. on Sunday, May 5. The new center is located at 3402 Plantation Road, N.E., in Roanoke, Va. The dedication service will begin at Williamson Road Church of the Brethren at 3110 Pioneer Road, N.W., in Roanoke, and conclude at the new location. Fred M. Bernhard, a past moderator of Annual Conference and a long-term pastor, will deliver the address. Stanley J. Noffsinger, general secretary of the Church of the Brethren, will deliver greetings from the denomination.

• The next date for assembly of Emergency Clean-Up Buckets in Southern Ohio District is April 16 at Eaton (Ohio) Church of the Brethren. The district's Disaster Ministry is sponsoring the event.

• McPherson (Kan.) College president Michael Schneider was named the Diversity Research Center’s Spring 2013 Visiting Scholar at Rutgers University in New Jersey. A release from the college reported that he gave a keynote address on leadership and its role in diversity on March 5, and visited the business school at Rutgers on March 6. Sharon Lydon, associate dean of the Rutgers Business School, interviewed Schneider in an “Inside the Actor’s Studio” style format. “We were delighted that President Michael Schneider, who has a reputation as an innovative and visionary leader in higher education, accepted the invitation to serve as Visiting Scholar for the Diversity Research Center at Rutgers University,” said Mark D. Winston, assistant chancellor and director of the John Cotton Dana Library at Rutgers. The visiting scholar program at Rutgers was founded in 2010 to bring top scholars, public figures, and experts on diversity issues to the university.

• Noted Quaker author Philip Gulley will speak on “The Evolution of Faith” at 7 p.m. April 11 for the spring Religious Life Convocation at Manchester University in North Manchester, Ind.

• Juniata College from April 7-12 will host a Genocide Awareness and Action Week on its campus in Huntingdon, Pa. Most events are free and open to the public. Here are a few highlights of the week's activities: A 7 p.m. showing on April 8 of the documentary "Tak for Alt," hosted by Holocaust survivor Judith Meisel in Neff Lecture Hall. "The film follows Meisel as she retraces her steps back to eastern Europe through the Kovno ghetto, to the concentration camp where she was transferred and to Denmark, where she escaped and recovered from her harrowing ordeal," said the release. On April 9 at 7 p.m., Holocaust scholar and expert on the psychological causes and effects of war and political violence Robert Jay Lifton will speak in Neff Lecture Hall. Lifton is the recipient of a Nobel lectureship and received the Holocaust Memorial Award and the Gandhi Peace Prize. Sasha Lezhnev, senior policy analyst for Enough: The Project to End Genocide and Crimes Against Humanity, will speak at 7 p.m. on April 11 about conflict minerals and the role they play in the ongoing civil war in the Democratic Republic of Congo. On April 12 at noon, Celia Cook-Huffman, professor of conflict resolution, will host a lunch discussion on “Post-Genocide Reconciliation” in Rockwell Seminar Room in the von Liebig center for Science.

• The Juniata College Concert Choir will give a concert featuring a mix of secular, sacred, and international choral classics at 1 p.m., Saturday, April 6, in Rosenberger Auditorium in the Halbritter Center for the Performing Arts. The concert is free and open to the public. The 50-person choir tours every spring semester, focusing its program on historical sacred music, according to a release. The choir is conducted by Russell Shelley, Elma Stine Heckler Professor of Music, and during spring break made a multi-concert international trip to Guatemala.

• The Bridgewater (Va.) College Concert Choir and Chorale is presenting several concerts as part of a spring tour. On Saturday, April 13, at 8 p.m. the chorale joins the Richmond Symphony Orchestra and choirs from around Virginia in a concert celebrating the 150th Anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation at CenterStage in Richmond, Va. The choir and chorale will together present a program at 3 p.m. on Sunday, April 14, at Central Church of the Brethren in Roanoke, Va., in a concert that is open to the public at no charge. The Concert Choir and Chorale are conducted by John McCarty, assistant professor and director of choral music.

• Also coming up at Bridgewater College, Suraya Sadeed, founder of Help the Afghan Children, will speak about her experiences confronting the Taliban and drug lords and delivering aid to thousands of children at 7:30 p.m., April 16, in the Carter Center for Worship and Music. Born and raised in Kabul, Sadeed immigrated to the US in 1982 following the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, and became a successful business woman. In 1993, at the height of the Afghan civil war,  a release reported, she returned to Afghanistan and was shocked by the horrific conditions of children and the destruction of her homeland. That year she founded the nonprofit Help the Afghan Children, and since then has helped provide humanitarian aid, medical care, education, and hope to an estimated 1.7 million Afghan children and their families. Following the overthrow of the Taliban in late 2001, she was selected as an educational commission adviser for the Transitional Government of Afghanistan and delegate to the Grand Assembly of Afghanistan. The program is sponsored by the Kline-Bowman Endowment for Creative Peacebuilding and is free and open to the public.

• Manchester University has received its first LEED Gold certification for the design and construction of its Fort Wayne (Ind.) campus College of Pharmacy structure, said a release. The first students in the professional Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) program began classes last August at the new campus at Dupont and Diebold roads in Fort Wayne. “This is our first LEED certified building at Manchester and we are very pleased. We were aiming at Silver and struck Gold,” said CFO Jack Gochenaur. LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is an internationally recognized green building program for the entire lifecycle of a building, with measurable design, construction, operation and maintenance solutions. Buildings that the US Green Building Council certifies as "LEED" curb operating costs, conserve energy and water, reduce landfill waste and harmful greenhouse gas emissions, and provide a healthy working environment. The Fort Wayne campus and College of Pharmacy structure were designed with energy-saving low-flow valves and faucets and high-performance insulation. Almost 32 percent of the construction used recycled materials and 35 percent of the purchased energy is renewable, or “green.” The project diverted 75 percent of its construction waste from landfills. Almost half the Fort Wayne campus is vegetated, true green space. Even the storm water is captured and recirculated for cooling the two-story structure and watering the lawns, plants and trees. The design-builder was Michael Kinder and Sons Inc., working with Design Collaborative, both of Fort Wayne. For more visit www.manchester.edu/pharmacy .

• The 2013 John Kline Lecture has been scheduled for 3 p.m. Sunday, April 28, at the John Kline Homestead in Broadway, Va., according to an announcement in the Shenandoah District newsletter. The lecture on "Gettysburg Brethren on the Battlefield" will be given by Steve Longenecker, professor of history at Bridgewater (Va.) College, drawing from his book "Gettysburg Religion" to be published later this year by Fordham University Press. Reservations are appreciated. Call 540-896-5001.

• With the positive reception to its first class, the Springs of Living Water Academy for Church Renewal has announced two fall classes for pastors using telephone conference calling. A release announced that the “Foundations for Church Renewal” course will be offered one day a week over the two-hour lunch period from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on five Wednesdays starting Sept. 11 through Dec. 4. Participants will use David Young’s third book "Springs of Living Water, Christ-centered Church Renewal" with foreword by Richard Foster. A level two course titled “Servant Leadership and Application to Church Renewal” will begin the second week of September with five sessions that run until early December. Participants in the level two course will use the book "Servant Leadership for Church Renewal, Shepherds by the Living Springs," along with other resources. Both classes will have the opportunity to participate in spiritual disciplines folders as a group, which has added to the richness of the academy through discussion of focused topics. To complete the course, participants write a seminal paper with application in their local church. Continuing education units are available. For course descriptions, general brochure about the Springs of Living Water Academy, and registration forms, e-mail David Young at davidyoung@churchrenewalservant.org .

• This year's Earth Day Sunday resource from the National Council of Churches (NCC) Eco-Justice Programs is titled "Sunday Morning Sustainability." The resource highlights ways that individuals and congregations can transform their regular Sunday morning activities in order to better care for God's creation and God's people, said an NCC announcement. Download the resource from http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/1845/signup_page/earth-day-2013 . For a printed copy of "Sunday Morning Sustainability" e-mail a request to elspeth@nccecojustice.org making sure to include a mailing address and the number of copies needed.

• A unique global online directory of more than 7,000 theological education institutions has been launched, according to the World Council of Churches (WCC). The directory is intended "to promote mutual sharing and dialogue between establishments in different parts of the world." The Global Directory of Theological Education Institutions is located within the Global Digital Library on Theology and Ecumenism (GlobeTheoLib), a joint project of the WCC and Globethics.net, a foundation promoting dialogue on ethical issues. The Center for the Study of Global Christianity (CSGC) in Boston, Mass., is one of the partners that developed the directory, together with the WCC’s ecumenical theological education program, the Institute for Cross-Cultural Theological Education of McCormick Theological Seminary, and Globethics.net. "The directory is interdenominational and inclusive in its widest sense," said the release, "including all types of Christian institutions of theological education and ministerial formation: church based theological seminaries, Bible schools, university departments of theology, faculties of religious studies and mission training institutes. Institutions listed in the directory can register to update their details. Institutions not listed can apply for inclusion." Users can search directory entries by denomination or affiliation, types of institution, language of instruction, city and country, world region and degrees offered. Records include information about faculty and students, contact details and the accreditation for degrees offered. Register for GlobeTheoLib at www.globethics.net/gtl .

• Pope Francis’ decision to wash the feet of two women during a Maundy Thursday Mass at a Rome youth prison has been criticized by Catholic traditionalists "who say that the rite is a re-enactment of Jesus washing the feet of the 12 apostles before his death, and thus should be limited only to men," according to a report by Religion News Service (RNS). Traditionally, popes have washed the feet of 12 priests during a Mass in Rome’s St. John Lateran Basilica, the report noted. "But including women in the rite is a widespread practice in the United States and elsewhere," the report added. "As archbishop of Buenos Aires, then-Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio regularly included women in the rite." Vatican spokesman Federico Lombardi said the pope’s decision was “absolutely licit” and took into account “the real situation, the community where one celebrates.... This community understands simple and essential things; they were not liturgy scholars,” Lombardi said. “Washing feet was important to present the Lord’s spirit of service and love.” Read the full report posted by the Presbyterian News Service at www.pcusa.org/news/2013/4/3/vatican-defends-pope-francis-washing-womens-feet .0

• Chet Thomas, executive director of Proyecto Aldea Global (PAG) in Honduras, has made an appeal for donations of two hay binder units in fairly good condition to help power a ferry boat. The ferry functions near a large hydroelectric dam called El Cajon, or “the box,” in an area where several PAG programs work. Two decades ago an access road between two rivers was cut off by the dam, greatly increasing the length and hardship of the trip between peoples’ homes and markets in northern Honduras. The connection of this area to the north is very important economically and politically, but the dam is too wide and deep to support a bridge. Volunteers built the first ferry in 2000, “Miss Pamela,” using out-of-date steel propane tanks, steel girders, etc. In order to move the 40- to 60-foot boat, a power unit was installed using motorized hay binders. The system has worked for 12 years, moving people, vehicles, heavy equipment, and cattle across a three-mile stretch of water 11 hours a day, 7 days a week--but the original hay binder units are now in need of replacement. Once donated, PAG staff will prepare units for shipment to Honduras. Contact Chet Thomas at chet@paghonduras.org or 305-433-2947.

Source: 4/5/2013 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 Chris Douglas, Theresa Eshbach, Mary Kay Heatwole, Jon Kobel, Jeri S. Kornegay, John Wall, and editor Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of News Services for the Church of the Brethren.

Newsline: March 21, 2013

NEWS

• New Brethren Academy program receives funding from Wieand trust.
• Estate gift funds new educational opportunities at Bethany Seminary.
• More Brethren agencies express support for resolution on drones.
• On Earth Peace board and staff participate in anti-racism training.
• Brethren Disaster Ministries names advisory group, seeks input to survey.
• BVS Unit 300 completes orientation.
• ‘Something must change’: Harrisburg, Pa., pastor reports on efforts against gun violence.

UPCOMING EVENTS

• Bus trips from several states will help participants get to NOAC.

FEATURE

• Prayers for peacemakers: Ten year anniversary of war in Iraq.

BRETHREN BITS

• Remembering James Forbus and Herbert Michael, a music video from Bittersweet, Child Abuse Prevention Month, workcamp in South Sudan, fracking, and more.

New Brethren Academy program receives funding from Wieand trust.

Photo by Walt Wiltschek

A gift from the David J. and Mary Elizabeth Wieand Trust is helping to start a new “Sustaining Ministerial Excellence: Advanced Seminar” at the Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership.

“It is a real joy to bring to you something that will undergird the life-long training of our ministers,” said associate general secretary Mary Jo Flory-Steury as she requested board approval for use of $150,000 from the total gift received by the Church of the Brethren. The gift is restricted to specific purposes, including to provide books and other educational resources to ministers, support self-help programs, and for Christian work in inner city Chicago.

The Wieand family has provided decades of leadership in ministerial education in the Church of the Brethren, beginning with Albert Cassel (A.C.) Wieand who was a co-founder of Bethany Theological Seminary. He and E.B. Hoff founded the seminary in Chicago in 1905, originally called Bethany Biblical Seminary. David J. Wieand taught at Bethany when the seminary was located in the Chicago area, and headed up an Advanced Pastor’s Seminar that was a continuing education program for Bethany master of divinity graduates after three years in ministry. He also was instrumental in the doctor of ministry program. Also honored by this gift is Katherine Broadwater Wieand, wife of A.C. Wieand.

The new program at the Brethren Academy follows up on the Sustaining Pastoral Excellence (SPE) program, which will be completed by June 30. SPE was funded through a grant from Lilly Endowment Inc.

Sustaining Ministerial Excellence: Advanced Seminar will be a continuing education program for ordained ministers who pastor a church, do chaplaincy, or serve in another ministry setting. It will broaden opportunities for continuing education for all Church of the Brethren ministers, as its predecessor focused solely on pastors. It is intended to build on the success of SPE, using surveys and reports of the effectiveness and impact of SPE on those who participated.

The new program aims at ministers who have completed 3-5 years of ministry, but will be open to ministers in other phases of their careers. It is expected to launch in January 2014, and to have a program life of five to ten years. Julie M. Hostetter, executive director of the Brethren Academy, will serve as program coordinator.

Bethany Theological Seminary, which also received a gift from the trust, has approved use of a matching $150,000 to support the Sustaining Ministerial Excellence Advanced Seminar.

Source: 3/21/2013 Newsline

Estate gift funds new educational opportunities at Bethany Seminary.

Courtesy of Bethany Theological Seminary

Bethany Theological Seminary announces that two new educational initiatives will be supported by a major gift from the estate of Mary Elizabeth Wertz Wieand. This gift comes through the David J. and Mary Elizabeth Wieand Trust, established by members of a family whose roots go back to the very founding of the seminary.

“This generous gift came right at a time when we were evaluating how we would put some new curricular plans into effect,” said Ruthann Knechel Johansen, president. “We have been working with the family for some time on how we can most effectively utilize this resource in ways that honor the lifelong commitments of the Wieand family. It will be the pivotal financial element we needed to implement two new programs.”

One hundred fifty thousand dollars from the gift will function as endowment support for a new continuing education program entitled Sustaining Ministerial Excellence: Advanced Seminar. Offered through the Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership, the program will provide educational opportunities for ordained Church of the Brethren ministers who are serving in a variety of ministry settings. The Church of the Brethren Mission and Ministry Board is contributing an equal amount to the project from its own Wieand estate gift. Bethany Seminary partners with the Church of the Brethren in offering ministry training programs through the Brethren Academy.

David J. Wieand, husband of Mary Elizabeth and long time faculty member at Bethany, helped establish an Advanced Pastors Seminar in the 1960s. More recently, the Sustaining Pastoral Excellence program offered opportunities for personal and professional growth to Brethren pastors and church leaders. The new seminar initiative will incorporate features from both programs, according to Julie M. Hostetter, executive director of the Brethren Academy. Jonathan Wieand, son of David and Mary Elizabeth, agrees that the allocation of Wieand estate resources to this venture is especially appropriate. “I am certain that it would meet with my parents’ approval if they were here to review it.”

The balance of the Wieand gift, in excess of a half million dollars, will be reserved for long-term support of an emerging program in reconciliation studies at Bethany. This new niche in the curriculum will address such topics as the theology and the theory of conflict transformation. It will also include practical study of interpersonal, organizational, and public conflict as well as applications in the congregational setting. Bethany is actively working toward placement of new faculty in this area of study.

David and Mary Elizabeth Wieand, both Bethany graduates, partnered in many educational ventures during their years together. He served in a variety of professorial and administrative roles at Bethany from 1939 to 1980, and she was a school teacher and accomplished musician, performing publicly well into her 90s. Mary Elizabeth survived David by more than 20 years, and this joint testamentary gift came to Bethany upon her death. At David and Mary Elizabeth’s request, the gift also honors Katherine Broadwater Wieand, mother of David and spouse of Bethany co-founder A.C. Wieand.

-- Jenny Williams is director of Communications and Alumni/ae Relations for Bethany Theological Seminary in Richmond, Ind.

Source: 3/21/2013 Newsline

More Brethren agencies express support for resolution on drones.

Brethren Benefit Trust and On Earth Peace, which are both Annual Conference agencies, have affirmed the Church of the Brethren Mission and Ministry Board’s “Resolution against Drone Warfare.” The resolution was adopted at the board’s spring meeting and will be on the Annual Conference agenda in early July. Find the Newsline report and full text of the resolution at www.brethren.org/news/2013/brethren-board-issues-resolution-against-drones.html.  

On Earth Peace affirms ‘Resolution against Drone Warfare’

Photo by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford

Bill Scheurer of On Earth Peace (standing) talks with a small group of board members during the discussion of the Mission and Ministry Board's Resolution against Drone Warfare.

At its recent board meeting in New Windsor, Md., On Earth Peace affirmed the Church of the Brethren Mission and Ministry Board “Resolution against Drone Warfare,” which stated that the use of these remote weapons “to distance the act of killing from the site of violence” is in direct conflict with the peace witness of Jesus.

As an agency of the Church of the Brethren, On Earth Peace is committed to make all its resources available to help the church engage this serious issue. In particular, the On Earth Peace Ministry of Reconciliation is ready to help people from all different points of view seek the will of the Spirit together when this resolution is considered at the upcoming Church of the Brethren Annual Conference in Charlotte, N.C., this July.

“Leslie Frye and the Ministry of Reconciliation team understand this may be a challenging conversation among people who bring strongly held views on this question,” says On Earth Peace executive director Bill Scheurer. “Even though On Earth Peace as an organization supports this Mission and Ministry Board resolution, our Ministers of Reconciliation are fully trained and capable to help create safe spaces for people of all viewpoints, concerns, and opinions to share and explore their differences respectfully.”

The Nonviolent Social Change ministry of On Earth Peace also is ready to help any congregations or groups wanting to organize around this issue. Likewise, the Youth and Young Adult ministry is available to any congregation or others requesting special events around this new and developing form of war.

“Our agency has a lot to offer the church as it faces these kinds of new challenges,” says Madalyn Metzger, On Earth Peace board chair. “We want people to be aware of all we can do to help.”

Rooted in Christian faith, On Earth Peace cultivates individuals and communities who advance justice and build a peaceful world.

Photo by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford

Nevin Dulabaum, president of Brethren Benefit Trust (BBT), addresses the Mission and Ministry Board during its spring meeting.

Brethren Benefit Trust expresses support for resolution

As an investment manager for each of the four national Church of the Brethren agencies, as well as for many other Brethren institutions, districts, and congregations, Brethren Benefit Trust has long witnessed the Brethren peace stance through the screening out of defense contractors and weapons manufacturers from Brethren Pension Plan and Brethren Foundation investment portfolios.

BBT’s investment guidelines prohibit investments in the top 25 publicly traded defense contractors or of publicly traded companies that generate 10 percent or more of their revenues from defense or weapons contracts or sales. As a result, BBT does not invest in Northrop Grumman, Boeing, or Lockheed Martin--three companies that are engaged in the manufacturing of drones for warfare.

“BBT supports the Church of the Brethren Mission and Ministry Board’s resolution on drone warfare, and we encourage institutional and individual investors to refrain from investing in companies that are on BBT’s top 25 and 10 percent defense contractor and weapons manufacturer lists,” said Nevin Dulabaum, BBT president. “Moreover, the lists are a good starting point for socially responsible investing discussion.

“Typically there are one or more companies included on the lists that seem misplaced, such as FedEx, which is found on our current Top 25 list. ‘What does this company do to make one of the defense lists?’ ‘What does it mean for us to personally or organizationally patronize this company?’ These are but two questions that help begin dialogue for individuals and organizations as they consider what it means to invest, or to not invest, using their values.”

BBT’s updated lists for 2013 are expected to be released after they are approved by the BBT Board in late April.

-- This report includes information from On Earth Peace provided by executive director Bill Scheurer, and information from Brethren Benefit Trust provided by president Nevin Dulabaum.

Source: 3/21/2013 Newsline

On Earth Peace board and staff participate in anti-racism training.

Photo by courtesy of On Earth Peace

The On Earth Peace board of directors held its spring 2013 meeting in New Windsor, Md.

During their spring 2013 meeting, the On Earth Peace board of directors and staff participated in an anti-racism training--the agency’s next step in a commitment to address issues of racism within and outside of the organization.

The training was conducted by Crossroads Antiracism Organization and Training, a nonprofit organization providing organizing, training, and consulting to institutions striving to dismantle racism. The purpose of this initial training was to educate the On Earth Peace board and staff about how racism, power, and privilege has become ingrained within our society and our institutional structures--including the church.

On Earth Peace will now begin analyzing and auditing internal policies and procedures that maintain white power and privilege, and begin creating a strategy to dismantle oppressive systems inside the organization.

The On Earth Peace board also affirmed the Church of the Brethren Mission and Ministry Board’s resolution on drone warfare. Other key items of business included revisions to the agency’s staff policy manual and an update on the 3,000 Miles for Peace campaign. In addition, the board approved the appointment of David Braune (Westminster, Md.) as the organization’s new treasurer.

During the meeting, the board welcomed new board members Melisa Grandison (Wichita, Kan.) and Jordan Bles (Lexington, Ky.). The group also recognized outgoing treasurer Ed Leiter (New Windsor, Md.) for his service to the organization.

As an agency of the Church of the Brethren, On Earth Peace answers Jesus Christ’s call for peace and justice through its ministries; builds thriving families, congregations, and communities; and provides the skills, support, and spiritual foundation to face violence with active nonviolence. On Earth Peace conducts discussion and decision-making by consensus.

-- Madalyn Metzger is chair of the board of directors of On Earth Peace.

Source: 3/21/2013 Newsline

Brethren Disaster Ministries names advisory group, seeks input to survey.

More than 700 people already have responded to a new online survey about the work of Brethren Disaster Ministries. “We want your feedback!” said an announcement of the survey from Brethren Disaster Ministries and Children’s Disaster Services. Take the survey at www.brethren.org/BDMsurvey.

Volunteers, supporters, and church members are invited to help guide the future direction of these ministries. “Your feedback will help us to determine areas of focus and growth among the different disaster related ministries,” said the announcement. The brief survey includes 11 questions, and responses are confidential. Results will be reviewed by staff and the Brethren Disaster Ministries advisory group.

Brethren Disaster Ministries has named a new advisory group, which began its term of service in January. Members of the group are Joe Detrick of Seven Valleys, Pa.; Kathleen M. Fry-Miller of North Manchester, Ind.; Dale Roth of State College, Pa.; R. Jan Thompson of Bridgewater, Va.; and Larry Wittig also of Bridgewater.

The group will serve in an advisory capacity to Brethren Disaster Ministries staff led by Roy Winter, associate executive director of Global Mission and Service and Brethren Disaster Ministries, and Zach Wolgemuth, associate director of Brethren Disaster Ministries.

For more about the work of Brethren Disaster Ministries go to www.brethren.org/bdm.

Source: 3/21/2013 Newsline

BVS Unit 300 completes orientation.

Photo by BVS

Brethren Volunteer Service Unit 300: front row from left: Megan Haggerty, Ann Ziegler, Xinia Tobias; back from left: Mason Byers, Simeon Schwab, Sam Glover, Stan White, Richard Tobias.

The 300th unit of Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS) completed winter orientation from Jan. 27-Feb. 15 in Gotha, Fla. The new volunteers, their home towns or home congregations, and project placements are listed below.

Mason Byers of Lancaster (Pa.) Church of the Brethren will serve with Skyridge Church of the Brethren in Kalamazoo, Mich., and Camp Brethren Heights in Rodney, Mich.

Sam Glover of Mountain View Fellowship Church of the Brethren in McGaheysville, Va., and Simeon Schwab of Boennigheim, Germany, are volunteering with Abode Services in Fremont, Calif.

Megan Haggerty of Golden, Colo., is serving with the L’Arche Community in Chicago, Ill.

Richard Tobias and Xinia Tobias of Eastwood Church of the Brethren in Akron, Ohio, will be going to Hiroshima, Japan, to serve at the World Friendship Center.

Stan White of Freeport (Ill.) Church of the Brethren is serving at Talbert House in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Ann Ziegler of Elizabethtown (Pa.) Church of the Brethren, has gone to Emanuel Children's Home in San Pedro Sula, Honduras.

For more information about Brethren Volunteer Service go to www.brethren.org/bvs.

Source: 3/21/2013 Newsline

‘Something must change’: Harrisburg, Pa., pastor reports on efforts against gun violence.

Photo by Walt Wiltschek

Belita Mitchell pastors First Church of the Brethren in Harrisburg, Pa., and is a leader in the Harrisburg Chapter of Heeding God's Call.

The Harrisburg (Pa.) Chapter of Heeding God’s Call continues to operate on the premise that “Something Must Change.” Heeding God’s Call is a faith-based movement to prevent gun violence. The organization got its start at a meeting of the Historic Peace Churches in Philadelphia, Pa.

The first Harrisburg Chapter retreat was held on Feb. 11, to review and explore ways to more effectively accomplish our goals in the prevention of illegal handgun violence. We were fortunate to have executive director Bryan Miller present in addition to newly appointed board chair Katie Day, and administrator Susan Windle.

We engaged in a lively discussion about the degree to which we wish to engage in the political aspects of prevention. There was an expressed desire to consider strengthening our connections with organizations such as Mayors Against Illegal Guns and Cease Fire PA while at the same time maintaining our unique faith perspective.

The conversation focused on the difference between “alignment” and “endorsement.” We agreed we wish to advocate in ways that do not give us the appearance of being partisan. The chapter will send recommendations to the National Board requesting the board consider some of these issues and adopt a strategy that can be supported and adapted by all chapters.

The two-pronged focus of Public Witness Prayer Vigils at the sites of murders involving guns  and the Gun Shop Campaign to persuade gun sellers to agree to the Code of Conduct will be expanded. We will develop activities designed to share more broadly the impact of illegal guns in our communities. Methods of accomplishing this goal are still under consideration.

On a sad and tragic note, through March 9, there have been four homicides in Harrisburg involving the use of a gun. We continue to show support to the families and the communities where these senseless acts of violence occur. Through our presence at these Prayer Vigils, we hope to reinforce our resolve to stand together and affirm that “Something Must Change.”

-- Belita D. Mitchell pastors First Church of the Brethren in Harrisburg, Pa., and is a former Annual Conference moderator. She serves as chair of the Heeding God’s Call Coordinating Committee, Harrisburg Chapter. This report first appeared in the March newsletter from Heeding God’s Call, find it in full at http://us4.campaign-archive2.com/?u=78ec0d0fe719817883b01c35b&id=99ffafbed9&e=325f3dd055 .

Source: 3/21/2013 Newsline

Bus trips from several states will help participants get to NOAC.

People in several states will have the opportunity to ride a bus to National Older Adult Conference (NOAC) this year. Round-trip bus transportation to NOAC from Pennsylvania, Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio, as well as Western Plains District, has been confirmed. See contact information below.

In other NOAC news, lodging reservations open April 1 at Lake Junaluska Conference and Retreat Center, the site for the September event. NOAC is a conference for those 50 and older, planned for Sept. 2-6 at Lake Junaluska (N.C.) Conference and Retreat Center. The theme is “Healing Springs Forth” from Isaiah 58:14, “Then you will be refreshed in the Lord.”

Reservations for hotels and lodges at Lake Junaluska will be accepted by mail or fax beginning April 1. People who require rooms in Terrace Hotel or Lambuth Inn due to physical limitations or age (75-plus) should mail or fax their reservations between April 1 through 15 to increase the likelihood of obtaining their first or second choice. After April 15, lodging will be assigned by the order in which the requests are received. After April 22, the conference center will accept phone reservations at 800-222-4930 ext. 1. Information about lodging options is at www.brethren.org/noac/lodging-info.html or call the NOAC office at 800-323-8039 ext. 305.

Bus transportation to NOAC is available for people from or living near the following areas:

• Atlantic Northeast District, leaving from Hershey, Pa. Contact Bill Puffenberger at 717-367-7021 or wvpuff@comcast.net .

• Atlantic Northeast District, leaving from Brethren Village in Lancaster, Pa. Contact Bob and Mary Anne Breneman at 717-725-3197 or mabobren@comcast.net .

• Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio. Don and Patti Weirich are coordinating a bus trip to NOAC that will start in Mt. Morris, Ill., with stops along the way in Indiana and Ohio. Contact them at 574-825-9185 or theweirichs@frontier.com .

• Western Plains District. Contact David Fruth at 620-245-0674 or davebonnie@cox.net or Ed and June Switzer at 620-504-6141 or ejswitzer@cox.net .

More information about NOAC, including registration materials, can be found at www.brethren.org/NOAC . Registrations are accepted online and by mail.

-- Kim Ebersole is NOAC coordinator and director of Family Life and Older Adult Ministry for the Church of the Brethren.

Source: 3/21/2013 Newsline

Prayers for peacemakers: Ten year anniversary of war in Iraq.

Photo by CPT

Peggy Gish serving with Christian Peacemaker Teams

Prayers for Peacemakers, March 20

“Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, ‘Teacher, order your disciples to stop.’ He answered, ‘I tell you, if these were silent, the stones would shout out’” (Luke 19:39-40).

Lord, renew among your war-weary people the gifts of lamentation in the face of wrong, sharing in suffering, partnering with all who stand in and for peace and good, and offering oneself to protect from harm anyone branded as “enemy.”

A release from CPT on the tenth anniversary of the Iraq War:
‘Ten years of lamentation, partnering, and action.’

Ten years after the US invasion of Iraq, Christian Peacemaker Teams, together with uncounted Iraqi families, laments the carnage that continues to echo from that moment.

Reports sent before, during, and after the invasion brought rare, non-embedded perspectives that helped earn CPT a reputation for reliable, independent reporting, broad partnering, and bold action.

Here are some views of CPT's peacemaking work at the time of the invasion: War report from team in Baghdad, the first report from the Iraq team after the invasion began, March 20: www.cpt.org/cptnet/2003/03/20/iraq-war-report-team-baghdad . The CPT team in Baghdad in March 2003 included Church of the Brethren members Cliff Kindy of Indiana and Peggy Gish of Ohio, working alongside Lisa Martens of Manitoba, Canada; Scott Kerr of Illinois; Betty Scholten of Maryland; Shane Claiborne of Pennsylvania; Martin Edwards of California; and Charlie Litke also from California. Find a list of all releases from the March 2003 team at www.cpt.org/taxonomy/term/4?page=91 .

Here are a few selections (dates are all 2003):

Final thoughts. March 19, 7 p.m.: “I mourn for all the people who will soon die. But I delight in the beauty of everything around me, and bask in the fellowship of my precious friends here--both the Iraqis and internationals....”

A letter to the churches in Canada and the United States from the CPT in Baghdad, March 15: “From prayer and fasting find the strength to stop paying for war. From joy in discipleship, hold fast to the evangelistic boldness to invite soldiers and corporate technocrats to abandon their posts…. Live in Easter hope.”

Photo by CPT

Cliff Kindy (second from right) serving with Christian Peacemaker Teams

Spiritual sacrifices and the Iraq war, March 21, from CPT’s Aboriginal Justice Team: “The idea for the CPT shelter was born out of concern over the escalating threat of war in Iraq, over the conspicuous connections between that war and oil, and over the team's reliance on oil to heat the trailer that housed them.”

Canadian CPTer denied entry to USA, questioned by the FBI, March 14: “...Immigration officers claimed that the CPT newsletters, printed in Chicago..., were ‘anti-American.’”

“Caught,” March 19, CPT delegation member John Barber records his interaction with an Iraqi hotel clerk: “My family is here in Baghdad. My father, my brothers. Do you know I go home each night and I just sit. I only think of one thing: ‘What am I to do? War is coming, What am I to do?’... I look deeply into his eyes. Days, months, years, in this trap. ‘Why this war?’ he asks. I cannot answer. I want to console him, but I cannot. I want to hold him like my child, and tell him it will be all right, but it will not be all right. ‘Thank you and your friends for being here, you have good hearts,’ he says. He puts his hand over his heart--a common gesture here in Iraq. It is a reminder for me. For a moment we stand across from each other, holding our hearts, holding our anguish. We both begin to cry.”

-- This feature is taken from Christian Peacemaker Teams releases. CPT, originally begun by the Historic Peace Churches including the Church of the Brethren, has the mission of building partnerships to transform violence and oppression, and the vision of a world of communities that together embrace the diversity of the human family and live justly and peaceably with all creation. CPT has had a presence in Iraq since Oct. 2002, six months before the beginning of the US led invasion. A CPT team continues to serve in Iraqi Kurdistan. For more information go to www.cpt.org . Read the full release from CPT at www.cpt.org/cptnet/2013/03/19/iraq-ten-years-lamentation-partnering-and-action . Find Prayers for Peacemakers at www.cpt.org/cptnet/2013/03/20/prayers-peacemakers-march-20-2013 .

Source: 3/21/2013 Newsline

Brethren bits.

• James Edward Forbus, interim director of SERRV in the late 1980s, died March 7 at Frederick (Md.) Memorial Hospital. SERRV, a nonprofit organization with a mission to eradicate poverty by providing opportunity and support to artisans and farmers worldwide, began as a Church of the Brethren program. Forbus was born in Maverick, Texas, on June 15, 1932, to J. Douglass and Ruth M. Forbus. He married Elin B. Forbus on Aug. 22, 1953. He graduated from Baker School of Music at the University of Texas at Austin, where he was a trombonist with the Austin Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Ezra Rachlin, and also did graduate study in public administration at the University of Southern California. His professional career included directing band for the Lubbock (Texas) Public Schools, and 30 years with the Social Security Administration and Internal Revenue Service in Texas, Louisiana, New York, and Maryland. He retired as IRS Deputy Associate Commissioner for Operations in Maryland in 1986. His service as interim director of the SERRV program based at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md., followed his retirement. He is survived by his wife of almost 60 years, Elin Broyles Forbus, and son David Edward Forbus of Kerrville, Texas. He was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Deborah Lee Forbus. A memorial service will be held at Brook Hill United Methodist Church in Frederick on March 16 at 4 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials are received to a charity of choice or to Brook Hill UMC music ministry. The full obituary from “The Frederick News-Post” is at www.legacy.com/obituaries/fredericknewspost/obituary.aspx?n=james-edward-forbus&pid=163543375&eid=sp_shareobit#fb .

• Northern Plains District has shared a remembrance of Herbert Michael, 96, who died on March 15. He served the Church of the Brethren as a mission worker in Nigeria from 1948-61, alongside his wife Marianne. His work in Nigeria included setting up generators to provide electricity for a mission hospital, wiring a mission station for electricity, operating the maintenance shop for mission vehicles, and setting up a two-way radio communication system. He also is remembered for planting trees for fruit and shade, and building a merry-go-round for village children out of used car parts. He was born Aug. 28, 1916, the son of a Church of the Brethren minister, and had a life-long commitment to peace. He attended McPherson (Kan.) College, Kansas State University, and Bethany Bible School. As a pacifist he served in Civilian Public Service (CPS) camp at Cascade Locks, Ore., during World War II, fighting forest fires. His witness for peace included joining in the protests at Fort Benning against the School of the Americas, and traveling with a contingent to Nicaragua to protect coffee pickers there. His extensive files on peace issues were donated to PEACE Iowa. In 1944 he married Marianne Krueger of Panora (Iowa) Church of the Brethren where he remained a member. Many Brethren were touched by the hospitality of the Michaels, who gathered a monthly Brethren Fellowship in their Iowa City home. A memorial service was held March 19 at Sharon Center United Methodist Church in rural Kalona, Iowa. The family has asked that memorial gifts go to On Earth Peace. A link to Herbert Michael’s full obituary is at http://lensingfuneral.myfuneralwebsite.com/?action=1&value=12&menuitem=1668&obituaries_action=2&obituaryid=139894 .

• The World Council of Churches (WCC) has noted the ecumenical presence at the papal installation of Pope Francis, the new pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church, who was installed on March 19 at the Vatican in Rome. The general secretary of the WCC, Olav Fykse Tveit, attended the mass along with other prominent religious and political leaders from around the world.
  
  Ecumenical leaders who were present included Bartholomew I, the first Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople to attend a papal installation since the schism of 1054, the release said. Tveit attended “in order to give a significant expression of the WCC’s collaboration with the Roman Catholic Church, as well as our mutual commitment to church unity and the ecumenical movement,” the WCC said. “In close collaboration with Pope Francis, we look forward to building on this positive relationship with the Catholic Church that has been nurtured so carefully in the past,” Tveit said in his letter to the new pope. He also called on Christians to “use this opportunity to pray for and with Pope Francis to reconfirm that we need one another, to address the challenges of the world in our time.”

• Karen McKeever began March 15 as a temporary part-time assistant for National Older Adult Conference (NOAC), working with Kim Ebersole who is coordinator of NOAC and director of Family Life and Older Adult Ministry. She holds a bachelor’s degree in linguistics from Cal. State Fresno and a master’s degree in writing from De Paul University in Chicago. While assisting with NOAC preparations she will continue in her current position as assistant access services supervisor in the library at Judson University. She is a member of Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren in Elgin, Ill.

• April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. “Children are a gift from God and have been entrusted to us for nurture and care,” says Kim Ebersole, director of the denomination’s Family Life ministry. “Our congregations can play an important role in educating people about child abuse and ways to prevent and respond to abuse if it does occur.” Ebersole encourages congregations to devote some time in April, which is Child Abuse Prevention Month, to learning more about this serious problem. Resources are available at www.brethren.org/childprotection/month . Congregations also are encouraged to consider adopting a child protection policy if they have not already done so. Visit www.brethren.org/childprotection for information and sample policies.

• “Praise God!” says an announcement from the Global Mission and Service office. “On Feb. 6, L'Eglise des Freres Haitiens (the Church of the Brethren in Haiti) became a legally recognized entity.” With this legal status, the church in Haiti can function as a denomination, mission staff report, and it can now ordain ministers and perform official ceremonies. This new legal status has broad implications for the Haiti Medical Project as well.

• Global Mission and Service will host a workcamp in South Sudan on April 19-28. Work will include digging foundations and clearing brush in preparation for the building of a Brethren Ministry Center. Another possible project will be construction work at a school in Lohila village. Cost of the workcamp is $2,500 per person, which includes roundtrip airfare, visa fees, overseas travel insurance, and all in-country expenses (lodging, food, and transportation). Visit www.brethren.org/partners/workcamp for more information.

Photo by Black Rock Church of the Brethren

Earl K. Ziegler preaches for the 275th anniversary of Black Rock Church of the Brethren

• In an ongoing celebration of its 275 years in ministry, Black Rock Church of the Brethren in Glenville, Pa., welcomed back its first paid minister--Earl K. Ziegler–as guest preacher on the first Sunday in March. Black Rock was established in 1738, and only hired its first full time pastor in 1960 after 222 years of plural nonsalaried ministry, said an announcement from current pastor David W. Miller. Following worship, church members joined in a carry-in meal and the sharing of stories, memories, and photos from the congregation’s long history. Upcoming activities include a Spring Fair on May 4, a summer focus on service to the community launched with a Vacation Bible School on the theme of peace, and a Fall Festival and Homecoming Weekend.

• “Leaders Shape the Future” is the title of a training event for deacons and other church leaders who provide care in congregations, hosted by First Church of the Brethren in Roaring Spring, Pa. Leading the workshop will be Stan Dueck, the Church of the Brethren’s director for Transforming Practices. The event takes place Saturday, April 20, from 9 a.m. to 12 noon, with a continental breakfast served beginning at 8:30 a.m. Cost is $10. The registration deadline is April 15. Contact First Church of the Brethren, 901 Bloomfield St., Roaring Spring, PA 16673; 814-224-4113; churchoffice@rsfirstchurch.org .

• Hempfield (Pa.) Church of the Brethren is hosting a Church Leadership Conference on the topic “A Desert Spirituality: Learning from the Desert Fathers and Mothers” on April 10, 8:15 a.m.-4 p.m. Leadership is provided by Chris Hall, a chancellor of Eastern University and dean of Palmer Theological Seminary, who also leads Renovare Retreats and is the author of a number of books. Cost is $40, plus $10 for continuing education units. For more information contact David Young at davidyoung@churchrenewalservant.org or 717-615-4515.

• The Bittersweet Gospel Band has produced a music video to its song "Jesus in the Line," written by Scott Duffey and produced by David Sollenberger. The Bittersweet Gospel Band is composed of several Church of the Brethren pastors--Gilbert Romero, Scott Duffey, Leah Hileman, and Dan Shaffer--as well as Brethren members Trey Curry and Kevin Walsh. They were assisted in this endeavor by Roanoke (Va.) First Church of the Brethren and Roanoke Renacer Church of the Brethren while filming a great deal at the Roanoke Rescue Mission. The band currently is looking for a sponsor to cover the costs of production and distribution (by DVD). Said an announcement: “If a church agency, a congregation, or an individual is interested in more detail, including putting a ‘Brought to you by...’ message at the beginning of the video, please be in touch with Scott Duffey (duffeysb@yahoo.com) or David Sollenberger (LSVideo@comcast.net).” The band hopes to release the music video sometime around Annual Conference.

• For the 36th year the Church of the Brethren will can meat in Ephrata, Pa., for disaster relief. The canning begins April 1 and continues through April 4, with April 10 scheduled for labeling. need volunteers for labeling on Wednesday, April 10. Funds are needed to purchase and ship the meat, and congregations that would like to send volunteers should call the Southern Pennsylvania District office at 717-624-8626.

• FaithQuest, a spiritual retreat for youth in grades 10-12 who are interested in growing in their faith, takes place at Camp Bethel on April 5-7 led by Virlina youth and adults who will teach about discovering God, self, and our relationships with others. Also at Camp Bethel later in the month, the Virlina District Children’s Cabinet will sponsor a “Back in Time Activity Day” on April 27 in the Deer Field Center with activities beginning at 9 a.m. This is for children K-5th grade and families, with living history demonstrations, presentations, activities, music, crafts, games, and snacks.

• John Staubus of Harrisonburg (Va.) First Church of the Brethren is bringing the meditation for the Easter Sunrise Service at CrossRoads Valley Brethren-Mennonite Heritage Center, held on the hilltop at CrossRoads at 7 a.m. on Easter Sunday. The men's quartet from Harrisonburg First Church will provide special music. “Worship as the sun rises from behind Massanutten Peak,” said an invitation. For more information go to http://vbmhc.org .

• A John Kline Lecture originally scheduled for this Sunday at the John Kline Homestead in Broadway, Va., has been postponed until April 28.

• Juniata College in Huntingdon, Pa., has received a $445,039 grant from the National Science Foundation to fund a series of faculty development workshops to be held at Juniata College and other college and university campuses on genomics education over the next five years. A release from the college announced that the grant--which is one of about 20 awards spread across the US through the Research Coordination Networks: Undergraduate Biology Education program--will allow the Juniata-headquartered Genome Consortium for Active Teaching Using Next-Generation Sequencing Network (GCAT-SEEK) to recruit collaborative institutional partners from beyond the region. In its first year, the grant will fund a four-day seminar on Juniata’s campus, with subsequent locations for workshops the following years. The second-year workshop will be held at Lycoming College in Williamsport, Pa. In the third and fourth years, two workshops are scheduled each summer--one at Juniata and one at a minority-serving institution. Morgan State University in Baltimore, Md., hosts during year three and California State University at Los Angeles in year four. In the fifth year, only one workshop at Hampton University in Hampton, Va., is planned. “We’re creating educational laboratory modules that can be applied at liberal arts institutions across the United States,” says Vince Buonaccorsi, associate professor of biology at Juniata and lead principal investigator on the grant.

• McPherson (Kan.) College is marking its fifth year in a row on the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor roll, reports a release from the college. McPherson is one of only five institutions in Kansas to accomplish a similar streak. “The joy of giving of self was apparent on the McPherson College campus last school year,” said Tom Hurst, director of service. Established under the Corporation for National and Community Service in 2006, the honor roll recognizes those institutions that encourage and support community service. Learn more at www.mcpherson.edu/service .

• Elizabethtown (Pa.) College was named to the 2013 President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll with Distinction. This designation is the highest honor a college or university can receive for its commitment to volunteering, service-learning, and civic engagement said a release from the college which added that only four other Pennsylvania institutions of higher education earned the Honor Roll with Distinction award. “Elizabethtown College has a long history of service-learning and believes strongly in preparing our graduates to be active leaders and participants in an ever changing world,” said president Carl Strikwerda. "We're honored to receive this prestigious award again this year--and owe much of it to the students themselves. They're the energy driving our commitment and they're the ones who make it all happen."

• The Corporation for National and Community Service also has recognized Bridgewater (Va.) College. A release notes this is the second year that Bridgewater has been named to the Honor Roll. “Admission to the president’s honor roll pays high tribute to Bridgewater College and its ongoing commitment to community service,” said Roy Ferguson, interim president. Recent service-learning projects that have involved students, faculty, and staff include operating sports camps for children from impoverished backgrounds, volunteering at Special Olympics events, the “Read With an Eagle” program, food drives, trail maintenance for natural reserves, and Relay for Life fundraisers for the American Cancer Society.

• A public auction of classroom and faculty office furniture and electronics from the historic Administration Building of Manchester University in North Manchester, Ind., is set for Saturday, April 13. Bidding begins at 10 a.m. inside the building at 604 E. College Ave. “Lots and lots of memories will go on the auction block,” said a release from the university. “While we expect to have a fair amount of alumni and faculty bidders, the sale will attract antique collectors and church schools, too. Much of the old furniture is solid oak. Even the chalk boards will go!” More than 400 student desks, 75 computers and data projectors and screens are up for bidding. Also on the sale bill: pews from Petersime Chapel. The auctioneer is Larry J. Miller of North Manchester. Preview items at 7 a.m. on the sale day. Registration begins at 8 a.m. Terms are cash or checks with identification. For more information about the sale visit www.manchester.edu or contact Scott Eberly at 260-982-5321.

• Manchester University also seeks nominations for its 2013 Warren K. and Helen J. Garner Alumni Teacher of the Year award. The honor goes to a current teacher in preschool through 12, who has made significant contributions to education, provides exceptional service to the profession, is deeply concerned for the individual students, is able to inspire learning. To nominate a Manchester graduate find more information at www.manchester.edu/News/2013TeacherofYearNom.htm or contact the Department of Education at 260-982-5056. Deadline for nominations is March 29.

• Josh Fox, writer and director of "Gasland," a finalist for an Academy Award in Best Documentary, is keynote speaker on April 23, during Elizabethtown (Pa.) College's 6th annual Scholarship and Creative Arts Day. His visit culminates a year-long program of learning activities centered on natural gas production and resource extraction, reports a release from the college. At 3 p.m. Tuesday, April 23, in Leffler Chapel and Performance Center, Fox shares his thoughts on the processes of fracking and offers insights about how the process impacts individuals and society at large. The complete schedule of events for the day is at www.etown.edu/programs/scad and includes a screening of the film “Gasland” at 7:30 p.m. that evening.

• Chicago (Ill.) First Church of the Brethren board chair Duane Ediger has been taking up the issue of fracking in the state of Illinois. Ediger has been doing prominent advocacy for renewable energy at the Chicago City Council and in the state capital Springfield, where he has been among those seeking a moratorium on hydraulic fracturing or “fracking” in Illinois.

• Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT) invites applications to join Christian Peacemaker Corps. Applications are due by May 1. “Have you participated in a recent CPT delegation that whetted your appetite for embodied peace work, partnering with others working nonviolently for justice, and confronting the injustice that leads to war?” said the announcement. “Does CPT's style of peacemaking, confronting injustice, and undoing oppressions fit with yours? Is now the time to take the next step and join the Peacemaker Corps?” Those who apply before May 1 will take part in CPT's Peacemaker Training in Chicago, Ill., on July 19-Aug. 19. The organization seeks applicants available for stipend-eligible service, as well as reservists. Applicants must have participated in a short-term CPT delegation. For questions, e-mail Adriana Cabrera-Velásquez, personnel coordinator, at personnel@cpt.org . The application and more information is at www.cpt.org/participate/peacemaker/apply .

• Chet Thomas, executive director of Proyecto Aldea Global (PAG) in Honduras, has made an appeal for donations of two hay binder units in fairly good condition to help power a ferry boat. The ferry functions near a large hydroelectric dam called El Cajon, or “the box,” in an area where several PAG programs work. Two decades ago an access road between two rivers was cut off by the dam, greatly increasing the length and hardship of the trip between peoples’ homes and markets in northern Honduras. The connection of this area to the north is very important economically and politically, but the dam is too wide and deep to support a bridge. Volunteers built the first ferry in 2000, “Miss Pamela,” using out-of-date steel propane tanks, steel girders, etc. In order to move the 40- to 60-foot boat, a power unit was installed using motorized hay binders. The system has worked for 12 years, moving people, vehicles, heavy equipment, and cattle across a three-mile stretch of water 11 hours a day, 7 days a week--but the original hay binder units are now in need of replacement. Once donated, PAG staff will prepare units for shipment to Honduras. Contact Chet Thomas at chet@paghonduras.org or 305-433-2947.

Source: 3/21/2013 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 Tim Button-Harrison, Scott Duffey, Anna Emrick, Mary Kay Heatwole, Kendra Johnson, Genna Welsh Kasun, Jeri S. Kornegay, David W. Miller, Amy Mountain, Adam Pracht, and editor Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of News Services for the Church of the Brethren.