New church leaders are chosen by election at Annual Conference.
The 2005 Annual Conference election results are listed below, by position, followed by those appointments affirmed or approved to the boards of Annual Conference agencies.
MODERATOR-ELECT: Belita D. (Brewington) Mitchell
ANNUAL CONFERENCE COUNCIL: James F. Myer
PROGRAM AND ARRANGEMENTS COMMITTEE: Kristi A. Kellerman
PASTORAL COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS ADVISORY COMMITTEE: David Shoup
REVIEW AND EVALUATION COMMITTEE: Michaela Camps, Rebecca Baile Crouse, Craig L. Gandy, Paul Hoffman, James Edward Martinez
ASSOCIATION OF BRETHREN CAREGIVERS (ABC): Brian S. Black, Heather L. Neff
BETHANY THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY TRUSTEE--MINISTRY: John David Bowman;
LAITY: Ted Flory
BRETHREN BENEFIT TRUST (BBT): Carol Ann Jackson Greenwood
ON EARTH PEACE: Sarah Quinter Malone
COMMITTEE ON INTERCHURCH RELATIONS: Ilexene Alphonse
Appointments affirmed or approved include: Allegra Hess, John Katonah, and Dan McRoberts to the ABC board; Elaine L. Gibbel and J. Paul Wampler to the Bethany board; Gail Morgan Habecker to the BBT board; Ken Edwards and Debbie Roberts to the On Earth Peace board; and district nominees Bruce Holderreed (Idaho) and Ramona Pence (Shenandoah), and at-large nominees Marian Thornton and Kate Spire to the General Board.
Source: 7/07/2005 Newsline
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Thursday, July 07, 2005
Standing Committee approves Annual Conference strategic plan.
The Standing Committee of representatives from the 23 districts of the Church of the Brethren held three days of meetings prior to Annual Conference in Peoria, Ill. The committee met June 29-July 2. Conference moderator Jim Hardenbrook chaired the meeting.
A new "Strategic Plan to Guide the Staff and Volunteers of the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference" was adopted by Standing Committee. The plan was brought by the Annual Conference Council. The plan's mission and vision statements, list of core values, and objectives were shared with the Conference delegates. The plan also includes a ministry analysis of the Conference, strategic actions to achieve objectives, an implementation and evaluation plan. The entire strategic plan will be made available on the Annual Conference website, reported executive director Lerry Fogle. The plan is considered a working document, said Hardenbrook, and further suggestions for the plan from Standing Committee and others will continue to be received and considered by the council.
New members were elected to subcommittees of Standing Committee. New members Don Fitzkee, M. Anne Whited, Larry Dentler, and Glenn Bollinger joined continuing members Bruce Hostetler, Kathryn Ludwick, Ron McAdams, and Sue Ellen Wheatley on the Nominating Committee. The appeals committee for 2005-06 will be David Stauffer, Emily Mumma, and Kreston Lipscomb, with Charles Simmons and J. Michael Varner as alternates.
A consultation with the Annual Conference agencies was held with executives and board chairs of the Association of Brethren Caregivers, Bethany Theological Seminary, Brethren Benefit Trust, the General Board, and On Earth Peace. A representative of the Council of District Executives also gave a short presentation. Agency representatives answered three questions: "How has your agency been able to fulfill these calls?" (referring to the Annual Conference theme, "Fixing our eyes on Jesus," and the Church of the Brethren tagline, "Continuing the work of Jesus..."), "What has caused you to go hmmm...?" and "What have you been able to celebrate?" The representatives also answered Standing Committee members' questions in small groups.
In an "envisioning time" a subcommittee led small group discussions of two questions: "What is the best way to develop and call leadership in the church?" and "How to answer the call to be in loving relationship and respectful dialogue especially when we disagree?" These are the two questions that "rose to the top" at envisioning sessions led by Standing Committee members at district conferences over the past year, said Nathan Polzin, a member of the envisioning committee. The small groups used a model process for doing envisioning, briefly listing statements in favor and statements against, then brainstorming options for answering the questions. The options lists were brought back to the large group and will be passed on to the envisioning subcommittee for next year's meeting. Concerns raised during the discussion will also be communicated to those planning the TOGETHER: Conversations on Being the Church, Hardenbrook said.
Standing Committee received reports from districts; from the international Church of the Brethren given by Merv Keeney, executive director of Global Mission Partnerships for the General Board; from the Anniversary Committee planning the 300th anniversary celebration for the Church of the Brethren in 2008; from those working on TOGETHER: Conversations on Being the Church; and from the Annual Conference Council during which appreciation was given to Earl Ziegler and Chris Bowman who are ending their terms of service on the council. The Nominating Committee gave a preliminary report on a process for making online nominations for denominational positions. The process is to be up and running later this summer, and will include automatic e-mailing of nomination forms to the Annual Conference office, and automatic notification of nominees by e-mail.
The committee also fulfilled one of its main functions, to make recommendation to the Annual Conference delegate body on each item of new business.
Source: 7/07/2005 Newsline
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The Standing Committee of representatives from the 23 districts of the Church of the Brethren held three days of meetings prior to Annual Conference in Peoria, Ill. The committee met June 29-July 2. Conference moderator Jim Hardenbrook chaired the meeting.
A new "Strategic Plan to Guide the Staff and Volunteers of the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference" was adopted by Standing Committee. The plan was brought by the Annual Conference Council. The plan's mission and vision statements, list of core values, and objectives were shared with the Conference delegates. The plan also includes a ministry analysis of the Conference, strategic actions to achieve objectives, an implementation and evaluation plan. The entire strategic plan will be made available on the Annual Conference website, reported executive director Lerry Fogle. The plan is considered a working document, said Hardenbrook, and further suggestions for the plan from Standing Committee and others will continue to be received and considered by the council.
New members were elected to subcommittees of Standing Committee. New members Don Fitzkee, M. Anne Whited, Larry Dentler, and Glenn Bollinger joined continuing members Bruce Hostetler, Kathryn Ludwick, Ron McAdams, and Sue Ellen Wheatley on the Nominating Committee. The appeals committee for 2005-06 will be David Stauffer, Emily Mumma, and Kreston Lipscomb, with Charles Simmons and J. Michael Varner as alternates.
A consultation with the Annual Conference agencies was held with executives and board chairs of the Association of Brethren Caregivers, Bethany Theological Seminary, Brethren Benefit Trust, the General Board, and On Earth Peace. A representative of the Council of District Executives also gave a short presentation. Agency representatives answered three questions: "How has your agency been able to fulfill these calls?" (referring to the Annual Conference theme, "Fixing our eyes on Jesus," and the Church of the Brethren tagline, "Continuing the work of Jesus..."), "What has caused you to go hmmm...?" and "What have you been able to celebrate?" The representatives also answered Standing Committee members' questions in small groups.
In an "envisioning time" a subcommittee led small group discussions of two questions: "What is the best way to develop and call leadership in the church?" and "How to answer the call to be in loving relationship and respectful dialogue especially when we disagree?" These are the two questions that "rose to the top" at envisioning sessions led by Standing Committee members at district conferences over the past year, said Nathan Polzin, a member of the envisioning committee. The small groups used a model process for doing envisioning, briefly listing statements in favor and statements against, then brainstorming options for answering the questions. The options lists were brought back to the large group and will be passed on to the envisioning subcommittee for next year's meeting. Concerns raised during the discussion will also be communicated to those planning the TOGETHER: Conversations on Being the Church, Hardenbrook said.
Standing Committee received reports from districts; from the international Church of the Brethren given by Merv Keeney, executive director of Global Mission Partnerships for the General Board; from the Anniversary Committee planning the 300th anniversary celebration for the Church of the Brethren in 2008; from those working on TOGETHER: Conversations on Being the Church; and from the Annual Conference Council during which appreciation was given to Earl Ziegler and Chris Bowman who are ending their terms of service on the council. The Nominating Committee gave a preliminary report on a process for making online nominations for denominational positions. The process is to be up and running later this summer, and will include automatic e-mailing of nomination forms to the Annual Conference office, and automatic notification of nominees by e-mail.
The committee also fulfilled one of its main functions, to make recommendation to the Annual Conference delegate body on each item of new business.
Source: 7/07/2005 Newsline
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General Board sets 2006 budget parameter, issues resolutions on Sudan and World Friendship Center in Hiroshima
Finances were at the top of the General Board agenda in its pre-Conference meeting in Peoria, Ill., on July 2. A 2006 budget parameter of $5,618,000 was set, following financial reports and projections. The board also received reports, passed a resolution on the 40th anniversary of the World Friendship Center in Hiroshima, Japan, and added a member to the staff Leadership Team.
In its reorganization meeting on July 4, the General Board passed a resolution on Sudan to the Annual Conference officers, for consideration by the 2005 Annual Conference, and named a new chair and executive committee members.
The financial report included information on long-range financial planning. Projections for 2006 are for a balanced budget of $5,618,000. In later years, however, projections are for expense over income based on a variety of factors including uncertainties in market fluctuations and medical insurance. The board also was presented with a first read-through of revisions of financial policy.
The board approved a new member of the staff Leadership Team: executive director of the Ministry Office. This moves the Ministry Office, along with district ministry and the General Board's portion of the Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership, from the Congregational Life Ministries to report directly to the general secretary. Mary Jo Flory Steury, director of Ministry, will begin as executive director of Ministry effective July 17.
The 40th anniversary of the World Friendship Center was celebrated with a resolution commending the center "for its tireless efforts to work for peace, share stories about the personal suffering caused by nuclear weapons, and build friendships across borders." The resolution recalled the Center's partnership with Brethren Volunteer Service through volunteers who have served as hosts. "We honor the past and express hope for the future by reaffirming, with you, our commitment to creating a world free from both nuclear weapons and war," the resolution said.
The report of general secretary Stan Noffsinger highlighted ecumenical documents he has signed recently on behalf of the board and the church, especially an open letter on Iraq addressed to the American people from the National Council of Churches (NCC) governing board. Noffsinger was part of a "committee of reference" that worked on "A Call to Speak Out." The letter's release was timed to coincide with the fourth of July weekend, and was to be published in several major newspapers across the country. The NCC invites all concerned Christians and citizens to sign the letter via a website. As of June 30, about 630 religious leaders and more than 15,000 other people have endorsed the letter, the NCC said, adding that "religious leaders and persons of faith continue to e-mail their affirmations at a rate of several hundred a day."
Noffsinger called the letter "a pretty strong statement" against the war in Iraq. The document reads in part: "...We believe in the transcendent sovereignty and love of God for creation, and that the responsibility of human beings is thus to pursue justice and peace for all. We also believe that, as the biblical prophets of old, who in faithfulness to God spoke out to a people and a nation they loved, in humility before God we too are to speak to a land and people we love.... On the day we celebrate our freedom, we acknowledge that the freedom promised in the toppling of a dictator has been replaced by the humiliation of occupation and the violence of a civil war. The sacrifice of brave men and women has been used to serve policies that have diminished our nation's prestige and our capacity to be agents of justice in the world." See http://ga3.org/campaign/endorsement for more information.
In discussion of the letter, board members affirmed Brethren participation but expressed concern about its lack of scripture references for the peace witness, and suggested that an accompanying cover page list biblical background and Brethren background when this and other such documents are shared with staff and congregations.
Noffsinger also reported that he and Kathy Reid, executive director of the Association of Brethren Caregivers, plan to work together on the idea of creating a study committee on the issue of stem cell research.
The report on a recent trip to Sudan by Annual Conference moderator Jim Hardenbrook and Brethren Witness/Washington Office director Phil Jones prompted the board to write a resolution reaffirming the Church of the Brethren commitment to work in Sudan. On July 4, the board passed a resolution on Sudan to the Annual Conference officers for consideration by the 2005 Annual Conference. The short document "recognizes that God calls the Church of the Brethren to continue to minister to the people of Sudan," and recommits the church to peace-building efforts and continuation of Brethren work in southern Sudan.
Other reports were received on the Mission Alive '05 conference, the new Growing Faithful Disciples resource, and from mission staff Irv and Nancy Heishman, working in the Dominican Republic, and Greg and Karin Davidson Laszakovitz, working in Brazil. Stewardship of Property Committee chair Dale Roth gave an update of the group's work and current listening sessions. A report on staff work related to conscientious objection and preparations for the eventuality of a military draft was given by Jones and Brethren Volunteer Service director Dan McFadden, who are working with staff of On Earth Peace and ecumenical partners to create resources for conscientious objection and to plan for alternative service opportunities.
Noffsinger told the board of a new way Annual Conference agencies will report to district conferences, beginning this year. The five agencies will share a 15-20 minute time slot in most districts, beginning with a five-minute video on the vision and mission of the agencies, followed by a presentation by two of the agencies. Over a three-year period every agency will have the opportunity to report to all 23 district conferences.
Staff citations were given for Julie Hostetter and Jeff and Peggy Boshart. Citations also recognized outgoing General Board members Carol Kussart, J.D. Glick, Doug Price, and Donna Shumate, who has served as chair. Outgoing members were given plaques representing a donation of over $1,000 to the Emerging Global Mission Fund in their honor by continuing board members. The gift is seen as a model for others to recognize service with donations to the fund's New Birth New Life campaign.
In the board's reorganization, Glenn Mitchell was selected as chair. Others named to the Executive Committee are Jeff Neuman-Lee, vice chair, along with Jaime Diaz, Vickie Samland, David Sollenberger, and Angie Lehman Yoder.
Greetings were brought by Anastacia Bueno Beltre from the Church of the Brethren in the Dominican Republic, and by Toma Ragnjiya of the Ekklesiyar Yan'uwa a Nigeria (EYN--the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria), who is studying in the US. He affirmed the board's concern for Sudan and for peace in Iraq, expressing the EYN's concern for peace in the north of Nigeria.
The board closed its pre-Conference meeting with a dedication of the General Board exhibit.
Source: 7/07/2005 Newsline
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Finances were at the top of the General Board agenda in its pre-Conference meeting in Peoria, Ill., on July 2. A 2006 budget parameter of $5,618,000 was set, following financial reports and projections. The board also received reports, passed a resolution on the 40th anniversary of the World Friendship Center in Hiroshima, Japan, and added a member to the staff Leadership Team.
In its reorganization meeting on July 4, the General Board passed a resolution on Sudan to the Annual Conference officers, for consideration by the 2005 Annual Conference, and named a new chair and executive committee members.
The financial report included information on long-range financial planning. Projections for 2006 are for a balanced budget of $5,618,000. In later years, however, projections are for expense over income based on a variety of factors including uncertainties in market fluctuations and medical insurance. The board also was presented with a first read-through of revisions of financial policy.
The board approved a new member of the staff Leadership Team: executive director of the Ministry Office. This moves the Ministry Office, along with district ministry and the General Board's portion of the Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership, from the Congregational Life Ministries to report directly to the general secretary. Mary Jo Flory Steury, director of Ministry, will begin as executive director of Ministry effective July 17.
The 40th anniversary of the World Friendship Center was celebrated with a resolution commending the center "for its tireless efforts to work for peace, share stories about the personal suffering caused by nuclear weapons, and build friendships across borders." The resolution recalled the Center's partnership with Brethren Volunteer Service through volunteers who have served as hosts. "We honor the past and express hope for the future by reaffirming, with you, our commitment to creating a world free from both nuclear weapons and war," the resolution said.
The report of general secretary Stan Noffsinger highlighted ecumenical documents he has signed recently on behalf of the board and the church, especially an open letter on Iraq addressed to the American people from the National Council of Churches (NCC) governing board. Noffsinger was part of a "committee of reference" that worked on "A Call to Speak Out." The letter's release was timed to coincide with the fourth of July weekend, and was to be published in several major newspapers across the country. The NCC invites all concerned Christians and citizens to sign the letter via a website. As of June 30, about 630 religious leaders and more than 15,000 other people have endorsed the letter, the NCC said, adding that "religious leaders and persons of faith continue to e-mail their affirmations at a rate of several hundred a day."
Noffsinger called the letter "a pretty strong statement" against the war in Iraq. The document reads in part: "...We believe in the transcendent sovereignty and love of God for creation, and that the responsibility of human beings is thus to pursue justice and peace for all. We also believe that, as the biblical prophets of old, who in faithfulness to God spoke out to a people and a nation they loved, in humility before God we too are to speak to a land and people we love.... On the day we celebrate our freedom, we acknowledge that the freedom promised in the toppling of a dictator has been replaced by the humiliation of occupation and the violence of a civil war. The sacrifice of brave men and women has been used to serve policies that have diminished our nation's prestige and our capacity to be agents of justice in the world." See http://ga3.org/campaign/endorsement for more information.
In discussion of the letter, board members affirmed Brethren participation but expressed concern about its lack of scripture references for the peace witness, and suggested that an accompanying cover page list biblical background and Brethren background when this and other such documents are shared with staff and congregations.
Noffsinger also reported that he and Kathy Reid, executive director of the Association of Brethren Caregivers, plan to work together on the idea of creating a study committee on the issue of stem cell research.
The report on a recent trip to Sudan by Annual Conference moderator Jim Hardenbrook and Brethren Witness/Washington Office director Phil Jones prompted the board to write a resolution reaffirming the Church of the Brethren commitment to work in Sudan. On July 4, the board passed a resolution on Sudan to the Annual Conference officers for consideration by the 2005 Annual Conference. The short document "recognizes that God calls the Church of the Brethren to continue to minister to the people of Sudan," and recommits the church to peace-building efforts and continuation of Brethren work in southern Sudan.
Other reports were received on the Mission Alive '05 conference, the new Growing Faithful Disciples resource, and from mission staff Irv and Nancy Heishman, working in the Dominican Republic, and Greg and Karin Davidson Laszakovitz, working in Brazil. Stewardship of Property Committee chair Dale Roth gave an update of the group's work and current listening sessions. A report on staff work related to conscientious objection and preparations for the eventuality of a military draft was given by Jones and Brethren Volunteer Service director Dan McFadden, who are working with staff of On Earth Peace and ecumenical partners to create resources for conscientious objection and to plan for alternative service opportunities.
Noffsinger told the board of a new way Annual Conference agencies will report to district conferences, beginning this year. The five agencies will share a 15-20 minute time slot in most districts, beginning with a five-minute video on the vision and mission of the agencies, followed by a presentation by two of the agencies. Over a three-year period every agency will have the opportunity to report to all 23 district conferences.
Staff citations were given for Julie Hostetter and Jeff and Peggy Boshart. Citations also recognized outgoing General Board members Carol Kussart, J.D. Glick, Doug Price, and Donna Shumate, who has served as chair. Outgoing members were given plaques representing a donation of over $1,000 to the Emerging Global Mission Fund in their honor by continuing board members. The gift is seen as a model for others to recognize service with donations to the fund's New Birth New Life campaign.
In the board's reorganization, Glenn Mitchell was selected as chair. Others named to the Executive Committee are Jeff Neuman-Lee, vice chair, along with Jaime Diaz, Vickie Samland, David Sollenberger, and Angie Lehman Yoder.
Greetings were brought by Anastacia Bueno Beltre from the Church of the Brethren in the Dominican Republic, and by Toma Ragnjiya of the Ekklesiyar Yan'uwa a Nigeria (EYN--the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria), who is studying in the US. He affirmed the board's concern for Sudan and for peace in Iraq, expressing the EYN's concern for peace in the north of Nigeria.
The board closed its pre-Conference meeting with a dedication of the General Board exhibit.
Source: 7/07/2005 Newsline
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Volunteers raise funds for Brethren hunger response.
One of the untold tales of hunger response is the creative way volunteers give time and talent to support global food security development, reports Howard Royer, manager of the General Board's Global Food Crisis Fund.
In Harrisonburg, Va., the newly opened Tried and True thrift shop raises money through the resale of used clothing, dividing its "first fruits" proceeds between the Global Food Crisis Fund and Mennonite Central Committee. An initial check for $1,000 was received this spring from Ken and Deb Layman, managers of the joint Brethren and Mennonite venture.
Folksinger and storyteller Joseph Helfrich of Bradford, Ohio, released a CD titled "Make a Difference" as a benefit to the fund. The 19 songs by Helfrich and other musicians were recorded at the 2001 Song and Story Fest at Shepherd's Spring in Maryland. Since its release two years ago, Brethren Press has reported quarterly sales of from $100 to $200. In addition, Helfrich this spring sent a check for $1,000 from his own sales of the album. (Order from Brethren Press, call 800-441-3712.)
This June the volunteer servers at St. Martin's Table, a bookstore and restaurant in Minneapolis, Minn., passed their tips on to the Global Food Crisis Fund. An outreach ministry of the Community of St. Martin, the enterprise provides "food for thought" by selling books that promote inclusiveness, nonviolence, justice, and care for creation. The ministry also serves vegetarian meals and locally grown organic foods as a celebration of God's gifts, and hosts conversation and evening programs on peacemaking, justice issues, the arts, and community building. Mysti Roberts Murphy, a 1995-98 Brethren Volunteer Service worker, is the volunteer coordinator. Tips average about $2,000 a month.
A portion of the money raised at the Quilt Auction held each year at Annual Conference also is contributed to the Global Food Crisis Fund. The auction is sponsored by the Association for the Arts in the Church of the Brethren and supported by the many people who send blocks from congregations across the country, and those who gather to help quilt the squares together during the Conference. This year the auction raised a total of $21,450.
A youth "walking workcamp" that walked some 100 miles to Peoria to attend Annual Conference also raised funds for the Global Food Crisis Fund and the General Board's Emergency Disaster Fund. The group received sponsorships of over $4,000.
Source: 7/07/2005 Newsline
top
One of the untold tales of hunger response is the creative way volunteers give time and talent to support global food security development, reports Howard Royer, manager of the General Board's Global Food Crisis Fund.
In Harrisonburg, Va., the newly opened Tried and True thrift shop raises money through the resale of used clothing, dividing its "first fruits" proceeds between the Global Food Crisis Fund and Mennonite Central Committee. An initial check for $1,000 was received this spring from Ken and Deb Layman, managers of the joint Brethren and Mennonite venture.
Folksinger and storyteller Joseph Helfrich of Bradford, Ohio, released a CD titled "Make a Difference" as a benefit to the fund. The 19 songs by Helfrich and other musicians were recorded at the 2001 Song and Story Fest at Shepherd's Spring in Maryland. Since its release two years ago, Brethren Press has reported quarterly sales of from $100 to $200. In addition, Helfrich this spring sent a check for $1,000 from his own sales of the album. (Order from Brethren Press, call 800-441-3712.)
This June the volunteer servers at St. Martin's Table, a bookstore and restaurant in Minneapolis, Minn., passed their tips on to the Global Food Crisis Fund. An outreach ministry of the Community of St. Martin, the enterprise provides "food for thought" by selling books that promote inclusiveness, nonviolence, justice, and care for creation. The ministry also serves vegetarian meals and locally grown organic foods as a celebration of God's gifts, and hosts conversation and evening programs on peacemaking, justice issues, the arts, and community building. Mysti Roberts Murphy, a 1995-98 Brethren Volunteer Service worker, is the volunteer coordinator. Tips average about $2,000 a month.
A portion of the money raised at the Quilt Auction held each year at Annual Conference also is contributed to the Global Food Crisis Fund. The auction is sponsored by the Association for the Arts in the Church of the Brethren and supported by the many people who send blocks from congregations across the country, and those who gather to help quilt the squares together during the Conference. This year the auction raised a total of $21,450.
A youth "walking workcamp" that walked some 100 miles to Peoria to attend Annual Conference also raised funds for the Global Food Crisis Fund and the General Board's Emergency Disaster Fund. The group received sponsorships of over $4,000.
Source: 7/07/2005 Newsline
top
Young Adult Conference explores the art of provocation.
More than 130 young adults explored the art of provocation at this year's Church of the Brethren Young Adult Conference. The gathering May 27-29 at Camp Woodland Altars near Peebles, Ohio, had as its theme, "Provoking Love and Good Deeds," based on Hebrews 10:24.
Worship formed the heart of the conference, with three speakers and a service of drama and multimedia examining aspects of the theme. Young adult Jim Stokes-Buckles of Putney, Vt., in the opening service noted Jesus Christ as a model of provocation. "He provoked people by loving those he wasn't supposed to love," Stokes-Buckles said. He challenged young adults to take the lead "at this critical junction of history."
Cliff Kindy, a member of Christian Peacemaker Teams, emphasized the need for people to stand up to "empires" that sacrifice the rest of the world for their purposes. "The Church of the Brethren has a different vision of the world that doesn't depend on diminishing or destroying other people," Kindy said. "It's a noble vision."
Jeff McAvoy and Carrie Fry-Miller performed a drama, interspersed with video clips, and Margo Miller-Royer closed the weekend with a series of reflections on relationships. That final service included a time of feetwashing.
Shawn Kirchner and Joseph Helfrich served as music leaders for the weekend; General Board staff members Becky Ullom and Walt Wiltschek were worship coordinators. The annual event is planned by the General Board's Youth and Young Adult Ministries office and its Young Adult Steering Committee.
Other features of the conference included "padare" workshops on a variety of topics, sharing time in small groups, a campfire, open mike coffeehouses, and an upbeat "joyful noise" singing session. An auction raised more than $200 for the General Board's Global Food Crisis Fund.
Source: 7/07/2005 Newsline
top
More than 130 young adults explored the art of provocation at this year's Church of the Brethren Young Adult Conference. The gathering May 27-29 at Camp Woodland Altars near Peebles, Ohio, had as its theme, "Provoking Love and Good Deeds," based on Hebrews 10:24.
Worship formed the heart of the conference, with three speakers and a service of drama and multimedia examining aspects of the theme. Young adult Jim Stokes-Buckles of Putney, Vt., in the opening service noted Jesus Christ as a model of provocation. "He provoked people by loving those he wasn't supposed to love," Stokes-Buckles said. He challenged young adults to take the lead "at this critical junction of history."
Cliff Kindy, a member of Christian Peacemaker Teams, emphasized the need for people to stand up to "empires" that sacrifice the rest of the world for their purposes. "The Church of the Brethren has a different vision of the world that doesn't depend on diminishing or destroying other people," Kindy said. "It's a noble vision."
Jeff McAvoy and Carrie Fry-Miller performed a drama, interspersed with video clips, and Margo Miller-Royer closed the weekend with a series of reflections on relationships. That final service included a time of feetwashing.
Shawn Kirchner and Joseph Helfrich served as music leaders for the weekend; General Board staff members Becky Ullom and Walt Wiltschek were worship coordinators. The annual event is planned by the General Board's Youth and Young Adult Ministries office and its Young Adult Steering Committee.
Other features of the conference included "padare" workshops on a variety of topics, sharing time in small groups, a campfire, open mike coffeehouses, and an upbeat "joyful noise" singing session. An auction raised more than $200 for the General Board's Global Food Crisis Fund.
Source: 7/07/2005 Newsline
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Brethren bit: Job opening.
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- The New Church Development Board of the Illinois and Wisconsin District seeks an "apostle" to help start new churches. The successful candidate will be knowledgeable and supportive of denominational polity and skillful at adapting procedures to meet the needs of the church planting movement in the district, and will have interest in working with a diverse population and immigrant groups that may worship in languages other than English. Responsibilities include training board members and training and coaching church planters and core team members of new church projects, and providing a ministry of presence to church planters and new church projects, as well as fundraising. Preferred qualifications include a master of divinity in church planting. Send a letter of interest and resume to Dennis E. Metzger, Chair, New Church Development Board, 1453 E. Walnut St., Chatham, IL 62629; d-v.metzger@att.net or sharing@NCDB.org. Applicants are requested to contact three people to provide a letter of reference. Upon receipt of a resume candidates will be sent a set of additional questions that must be completed and returned before the application process is considered complete. Application closes on Sept. 1.
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Credits
Newsline is produced by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of news services for the Church of the Brethren General Board, on every other Wednesday with other editions as needed. Newsline stories may be reprinted if Newsline is cited as the source. The Annual Conference news team contributed to this report: Kathleen Campanella, Hannah Edwards, Kendra Flory, Karen Garrett, Amy Heckert, Jill Kline, Sarah Kovacs, Frank Ramirez, Jesse Reid, Regina Roberts, Frances Townsend, Becky Ullom, and Sarah Leatherman Young. Others contributors are Mary Dulabaum, Nevin Dulabaum, Eddie Edmonds, Wendy McFadden, Howard Royer, and Walt Wiltschek.
Newsline is produced by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of news services for the Church of the Brethren General Board, on every other Wednesday with other editions as needed. Newsline stories may be reprinted if Newsline is cited as the source. The Annual Conference news team contributed to this report: Kathleen Campanella, Hannah Edwards, Kendra Flory, Karen Garrett, Amy Heckert, Jill Kline, Sarah Kovacs, Frank Ramirez, Jesse Reid, Regina Roberts, Frances Townsend, Becky Ullom, and Sarah Leatherman Young. Others contributors are Mary Dulabaum, Nevin Dulabaum, Eddie Edmonds, Wendy McFadden, Howard Royer, and Walt Wiltschek.
Tuesday, June 28, 2005
Newsline Special Report: Annual Conference Preview
PLEASE NOTE: This is a preview of only a few of the many special events planned for Annual Conference 2005 in Peoria, Ill., July 2-6. More information about Conference events, schedule, theme, scriptures, and logo is available at www.brethren.org/ac/. Reports and photographs from each day of the Conference will be posted on the Annual Conference web pages at www.brethren.org, beginning with pre-Conference events on Friday, July 1. The next regularly scheduled issue of Newsline on July 6 will include an overview report from the Conference.
Resolution on the Brethren Medical Plan may come to delegates.
Dominican Brethren leader to preach for Tuesday's worship.
Brethren organizations celebrate milestones.
Church of the Brethren Credit Union holds first annual meeting.
Nominations for the 2005 Ecumenical Citations are announced.
Brethren Press bookstore will feature new Brethren books.
Conference events offer continuing education credit.
Agencies sponsor joint events and exhibit space.
Brethren Witness/Washington Office offers coffee, recycling.
Conference bits: Walks, bike rides, and other opportunities.
Resolution on the Brethren Medical Plan may come to delegates.
The Brethren Benefit Trust (BBT) is bringing a resolution on the Brethren Medical Plan to the Standing Committee this year, and the resolution may come to the Conference's delegate body as well. The plan is for Church of the Brethren pastors and church employees, district employees, and employees of Annual Conference agencies, and affiliated agencies and institutions, and their families.
The resolution gives biblical and historical background, lists the current status of medical insurance in the denomination, and asks the Conference to appoint a study committee to "evaluate the Brethren Medical Plan, and assess the continuing need for and feasibility of a denominational medical insurance plan for employees of congregations, districts, and church-related agencies." In addition the resolution calls on every eligible congregation, district, and church-related agency to participate in the plan from 2006 through at least the conclusion of the study.
Events related to the Brethren Medical Plan include presentation of the resolution to Standing Committee at 3 p.m. on Friday, July 1; a listening session open to all Conference-goers at 9 p.m. on Saturday, July 2; an insight session for pastors only at 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, July 3; and an insight session open to all Conference-goers at 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 5, titled "Should My Congregation Participate in the Brethren Medical Plan?"
For informational resources on the Brethren Medical Plan including a video addressing questions about the plan, a power point presentation on the history of the plan, information about Health Savings Accounts, and information about all of the Brethren Insurance Plans, contact BBT at 800-746-1505. For the most recent reporting on the plan see "Brethren Benefit Trust Board Approves Health Savings Accounts" from the Newsline of May 11 and "New Resources Created in Effort to Save Brethren Medical Plan" from the Newsline of March 30.
Source: 6/28/2005 Newsline
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Dominican Brethren leader to preach for Tuesday's worship.
Anastacia Bueno Beltre, a pastor and past moderator of the Church of the Brethren in the Dominican Republic, will give the message for the worship service beginning at 7:10 p.m. on Tuesday, July 5.
Beltre will give the message in Spanish with English translation. She travels from the Dominican Republic to attend the Conference--last year she was unable to come to Annual Conference because she was denied a visa to enter the country.
Jim Hardenbrook, Annual Conference moderator, will speak for the opening service of the Conference at 7:15 p.m. on Saturday, July 2. His theme will be "I Love to Tell the Story" and he will use the theme scripture, Hebrews 12:1-4.
Also preaching for worship are Galen Hackman, senior pastor of Ephrata (Pa.) Church of the Brethren, speaking on "By Faith...Experiencing the Smile of God" for Sunday morning worship beginning at 10:20 a.m. July 3; Sandy Bosserman, executive minister of Missouri and Arkansas District, speaking on "Duties, Devils, and Distractions," at 7:20 p.m. on Monday, July 4; and Chris Douglas, director of the General Board's Youth and Young Adult Ministries, speaking for the service beginning at 10:15 a.m. Wednesday, July 6, on the theme "Abundant Life, Discipleship, Don't Lose Heart."
Source: 6/28/2005 Newsline
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Brethren organizations celebrate milestones.
Bethany Theological Seminary celebrates its centennial at the Conference this year, the Mutual Aid Association celebrates 120 years, and the Brethren Journal Association celebrates 50 years.
The 100th anniversary of the seminary will be celebrated with the debut of a centennial hymn sung by a choir of Bethany alumni, a large historical display at the Bethany exhibit, a centennial presentation during a business session, two new books related to the seminary and a display of books authored by Bethany faculty and alumni at the Brethren Press bookstore (see story below), a Bethany quilt, and a luncheon on the theme "Bethany as It Really Was: A Playful Behind-the-Scenes Look at Seminary Life" on Tuesday, July 5. The alumni choir is scheduled to perform the centennial hymn and anthem "Pilgrimage of Faith" by Steve Engle and Frank Ramirez at an Early Evening Concert at 5:30 p.m. and in worship at 7:15 p.m. on Saturday, July 2.
Conference-goers also are invited to a Centennial Open House at the seminary's main campus in Richmond, Ind., on their way to and from Annual Conference. Stop in between 9 a.m.-5 p.m. eastern standard time on Friday, July 1, or on Thursday, July 7. The open houses will offer tours of the Bethany Center and refreshments. For more information call 800-287-8822.
The 50th anniversary of the scholarly journal "Brethren Life and Thought" will be celebrated at the annual luncheon of the Brethren Journal Association on July 4. A musical revue by Steve Engle and Frank Ramirez, "Brethren, Lively and Thoughtful," will be presented by the "Not Ready for the Tercentennial Players." An insight session at 9 p.m. on July 4 will feature a panel discussion on "Brethren Living and Thinking." Later in 2005 a special issue of the journal will include articles selected from issues of the past 50 years. Edward K. Ziegler served as the journal's first editor, and Warren S. Kissenger, Christina Bucher, and David Eller also have served as editors of "Brethren Life and Thought." For more information contact the Brethren Journal Association, Managing Editor Carol Gardner, c/o Bethany Theological Seminary, 615 National Rd. W., Richmond IN 47374; 765-983-1815; gardnca@bethanyseminary.edu; www.bethanyseminary.edu/?page=blt.
The Mutual Aid Association (MAA) invites Conference-goers to a "members meeting/birthday party" to celebrate its anniversary at 4:30-5:30 p.m. on Monday, July 4. "Come and enjoy refreshments and special gifts as our thank you for 120 years!" reads the invitation that went out to those registered for the Conference. Both MAA members and interested Brethren are welcome. For more information see www.maabrethren.com.
Source: 6/28/2005 Newsline
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Church of the Brethren Credit Union holds first annual meeting.
The Church of the Brethren Credit Union, which became available to all members of the denomination in 2004, is holding its first annual members' meeting and dinner on Saturday, July 2. The event is open to credit union members as well as Conference-goers who are not members.
The speaker for the event is Eric Kabler, a financial consultant for Kabler/Thomas Financial Group and a member of the Brethren Benefit Trust board. He also is a member of Westmont Church of the Brethren in Johnstown, Pa. Kabler will speak on "10 Personal Finance Tips for Brethren," giving tips for being good personal stewards of God's blessings and personal financial stewardship from a biblical perspective.
The annual meeting will hear annual reports from the credit union board and staff and will elect board members. For more information call the credit union at 888-832-8313.
Source: 6/28/2005 Newsline
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Nominations for the 2005 Ecumenical Citations are announced.
Nominees for the 2005 Ecumenical Citations have been announced by the Committee on Interchurch Relations. The citations will be awarded at the Ecumenical Luncheon on Tuesday, July 5. Four youth and young adults are nominated for peacemaking efforts. "Each in their own way have demonstrated a dedication to work at overcoming violence, and can serve as a model for others in creative challenges to the many forms of violence in our world," the committee said.
Matt Boyer of La Verne (Calif.) Church of the Brethren, is nominated for his passion for social justice issues and Fair Trade. He refused to participate in a school fundraiser of chocolate that had been produced unjustly, did extensive research and advocacy of the Fair Trade movement, and led his church youth group in becoming a retailer of Fair Trade chocolates and coffee.
Colleen Hamilton of Hope Church of the Brethren in Freeport, Mich., is nominated for multiple efforts for the environment and global concerns, including helping to begin a recycling program at her high school, bringing focus to the use and waste of styrofoam in the school cafeteria, working and worshiping ecumenically with another congregation in the area, and participating in a high school arts troupe "HEARTS: Helping Educate Abstinence, Responsible Teens." She also was nominated for a citation from the Isaac Walton League for her efforts.
Marisa de Oliveira of Campo Limpo Preaching Point in Campo Limpo, Brazil, is nominated for her deep sense of justice and her call to share God's love with others through her work for hunger and women's and children's issues. She volunteers at a local soup kitchen, has begun a children's church and after-school tutoring program, and has developed and runs children's and women's programs in a poor and dangerous neighborhood of her city. The committee reported that de Oliveira moved to the neighborhood in order to establish rapport with the inhabitants. She teaches jewelry and craft-making to help generate income and self-esteem for neighborhood women, and plans a micro-finance project to help women buy materials and market their goods.
Anna Christine Simons of Prince of Peace Church of the Brethren in South Bend, Ind., is nominated for community involvements including working at a school for disadvantaged children, volunteering with the Youth Services Bureau of South Bend, participating yearly in her community's youth conference on diversity, taking part in anti-racism efforts through community programs, and volunteering at a local food bank, soup kitchen, and rescue mission. She received the 2004 Peacemaker Award from the Clay City High School.
For more information contact the Committee on Interchurch Relations, c/o the Office of the General Secretary, Church of the Brethren General Board, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120; 800-323-8039.
Source: 6/28/2005 Newsline
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Brethren Press bookstore will feature new Brethren books.
The Brethren Press bookstore at Annual Conference will sell four new publications from the press, and publications related to Bethany Theological Seminary's centennial, among many other books, music, CDs and videos, children's resources, Annual Conference theme items, and other resources. Several authors will sign their books.
"Another Way of Believing: A Brethren Theology" by Dale W. Brown ($18.95) heads the offerings of new Brethren books. Brown is a professor emeritus of Bethany Theological Seminary and a noted Anabaptist church historian and theologian. The book provides a thought-provoking study of the ways Brethren "do theology" by their everyday living. Brown will sign his new book and his classic "Biblical Pacifism" at 12:45-1:45 p.m. on Monday, July 4. He will be the main speaker at the Brethren Press Breakfast the same day.
"Kum Ba Yah: The Story of Brethren Camping" by Linda Logan ($9.95) tells the vision, the history, and the ministries of Brethren camping since outdoor ministries began some 80 years ago. The Outdoor Ministries Association collaborated in providing this history.
Two new Covenant Bible Studies will be available: "Romans: Church at the Crossroads" by Virginia Wiles ($6.59) and "Side by Side: Interpreting Dual Stories in the Bible" by Frank Ramirez ($6.95). (A third new edition in the Covenant series is scheduled to come out this fall: "Voices in the Book of Job" by Robert W. Neff.) Ramirez will sign the Covenant study and his 2004 book "The Meanest Man in Patrick County" at 5:30-6:30 p.m. on Sunday, July 3.
The four publications related to Bethany Seminary are "The Bethany Seminary Centennial History" ($19.95), "Hope Deferred: Heart-Healing Reflections on Reproductive Loss" by Bethany professor Dena Pence Frantz ($18), "The Something Else Lady" by Earle Fike Jr. about the life of Anna Mow ($12.95), and "Bethany Daze" anecdotes of life at the seminary by Fred Swartz ($7.95). Frantz, Fike, and Swartz will sign their books at 5:30-6:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 5.
Other book signings will be held by:
Tom Mullen, religion professor emeritus at Earlham School of Religion and the speaker at the Association of Brethren Caregivers dinner on Saturday, July 2, will sign his books including "Laughing Out Loud and Other Religious Experiences" ($10) and "Where Two or Three Are Gathered Someone Spills the Milk" ($10) at 12:45-1:45 p.m. on Sunday, July 3.
Brian McClaren, speaker at the Congregational Life Ministries dinner and other events (see story below), will sign his books including "A New Kind of Christian" ($21.95) and "Generous Orthodoxy" ($19.99) at 1:30-2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 5.
The new Brethren Press books may be ordered by calling 800-441-3712 at any time. Other publishers' books to be sold at the Conference bookstore will be available for order from Brethren Press until the end of July, or while supplies last. A shipping and handling fee will be added to each order.
Source: 6/28/2005 Newsline
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Conference events offer continuing education credit.
Pastors and others have several opportunities to earn continuing education units (CEUs) in Peoria.
The Ministers' Association is offering .8 CEUs for its pre-Conference event "Sustaining the Life and Ministry of God's Servants" with leadership by Wendy Miller, director of the Summer Institute for Spiritual Formation and assistant professor of Spiritual Formation at Eastern Mennonite University. The ministers will meet Friday afternoon and evening, July 1, and Saturday morning, July 2. Childcare is available. Cost is $75 at the door, plus extra fees for childcare.
The General Board's Congregational Life Ministries is offering a series of seven sessions under the theme "Calling Disciples in a Changing World." The Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership will give .1 CEU for each session, cost is $10. Three of the events on Tuesday, July 5, feature Brian McLaren, senior pastor of Cedar Ridge Community Church in Spencerville, Md., and author of books on understanding and reaching out to postmodern people: an insight session on "Evangelism Through Community Building" at 12:30 p.m., the Congregational Life Ministries dinner on "Cultural Changes that Inform Our Evangelism Efforts" at 5 p.m., and an insight session on "Missional Christianity for the 21st Century" at 9 p.m.
The four other events in the series are an insight session on "Engaging Our Community with Jesus" with speaker Jeff Glass of the Congregational Life Teams staff at 12:30 p.m. Sunday, July 3; "Evangelism in a Muslim Context: The Nigerian Experience" with Toma Ragnjiya, former president of Ekklesiyar Yan'uwa a Nigeria (EYN--the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria), and Merv Keeney, the General Board’s executive director of Global Mission Partnerships, at 9 p.m. on July 3; "Your Connection with Evangelism Connections" with Kathryn Arrington-Love, associate director for Evangelism of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, and Douglas Wilson, associate for Presbyterian Evangelism for the Presbyterian Church USA, at 9 p.m. Monday, July 4; and an insight session on "Another Way of Living: Financial Stewardship as Ministry" with Dick Towner of the "Good $ense" ministry, at 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 5. For more information contact Stan Dueck at 717-335-3226 or sdueck_gb@brethren.org; or Steve Gregory at 509-662-3211 or sgregory_gb@brethren.org.
Source: 6/28/2005 Newsline
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Agencies sponsor joint events and exhibit space.
For the first time, the Association of Brethren Caregivers (ABC) and On Earth Peace are sharing a large exhibit area at Annual Conference. The two agencies and Brethren Benefit Trust (BBT) also are joining in sponsoring several insight sessions.
The exhibit is planned to provide the latest information on the Church of the Brethren's caring ministries and peace activism. One feature offered at the exhibit are massages--stop by early to sign up for one of the limited number of these brief, seated massage sessions.
ABC and BBT are jointly sponsoring an insight session on "Caring for One's Self" at 12:30 p.m. on Monday, July 4. ABC and On Earth Peace are sponsoring insight sessions on "Listening Skills for Deacons" at 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, July 3; and "Helping Soldiers Heal from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder" at 9 p.m. on Sunday, July 3, for congregations and others experiencing the return of soldiers who have been in active military conflict. "As a living peace church seeking to accompany all people traumatized by war, congregations can help these individuals re-integrate and begin to heal," said a flier from ABC.
ABC, BBT, and On Earth Peace each are offering several other insight sessions and holding meal events. ABC is sponsoring a variety of mutual help groups as well. BBT is sponsoring its annual Fitness Challenge 5K walk and run. For more information see the links to these organizations at www.brethren.org.
Source: 6/28/2005 Newsline
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Brethren Witness/Washington Office offers coffee, recycling.
The General Board's Brethren Witness/Washington Office booth will be an interactive environmental experience where Conference-goers will be able to sample fair-trade coffee and drop off recycling.
Stop by the booth to drop off a variety of small electrical appliances for recycling, such as cell phones, batteries, electrical adaptors, battery chargers, or other electrical items that are disposable or no longer usable. Or sample Equal Exchange Coffee, a fair-trade product that is part of the office's Church of the Brethren Coffee Project. The coffee will be served at an insight session at 7:30 a.m. Monday, July 4, where participants will discuss how the church is helping to shape public policy over cups of Equal Exchange Coffee.
Other special events sponsored by the Brethren Witness/Washington Office include a prayer vigil for peace calling attention to places of violence including Sudan, Iraq, and the Middle East, at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 5, outside the Fulton Street exit of the civic center; and the Un-Luncheon at 12 noon on July 5, with Bill Galvin of the Center on Conscience and War (CCW). The Un-Luncheon is sponsored with Brethren Volunteer Service; participants are invited to give the amount they would have spent on lunch to the CCW.
For more information contact the Brethren Witness/Washington Office at 800-785-3246 or e-mail washington_office_gb@brethren.org.
Source: 6/28/2005 Newsline
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Conference bits: Walks, bike rides, and other opportunities.
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Newsline is produced by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of news services for the Church of the Brethren General Board, on every other Wednesday with other editions as needed. Newsline stories may be reprinted if Newsline is cited as the source. Carol Gardner, Phil Jones, Jon Kobel, and Jewel McNary contributed to this report.
PLEASE NOTE: This is a preview of only a few of the many special events planned for Annual Conference 2005 in Peoria, Ill., July 2-6. More information about Conference events, schedule, theme, scriptures, and logo is available at www.brethren.org/ac/. Reports and photographs from each day of the Conference will be posted on the Annual Conference web pages at www.brethren.org, beginning with pre-Conference events on Friday, July 1. The next regularly scheduled issue of Newsline on July 6 will include an overview report from the Conference.
Resolution on the Brethren Medical Plan may come to delegates.
The Brethren Benefit Trust (BBT) is bringing a resolution on the Brethren Medical Plan to the Standing Committee this year, and the resolution may come to the Conference's delegate body as well. The plan is for Church of the Brethren pastors and church employees, district employees, and employees of Annual Conference agencies, and affiliated agencies and institutions, and their families.
The resolution gives biblical and historical background, lists the current status of medical insurance in the denomination, and asks the Conference to appoint a study committee to "evaluate the Brethren Medical Plan, and assess the continuing need for and feasibility of a denominational medical insurance plan for employees of congregations, districts, and church-related agencies." In addition the resolution calls on every eligible congregation, district, and church-related agency to participate in the plan from 2006 through at least the conclusion of the study.
Events related to the Brethren Medical Plan include presentation of the resolution to Standing Committee at 3 p.m. on Friday, July 1; a listening session open to all Conference-goers at 9 p.m. on Saturday, July 2; an insight session for pastors only at 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, July 3; and an insight session open to all Conference-goers at 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 5, titled "Should My Congregation Participate in the Brethren Medical Plan?"
For informational resources on the Brethren Medical Plan including a video addressing questions about the plan, a power point presentation on the history of the plan, information about Health Savings Accounts, and information about all of the Brethren Insurance Plans, contact BBT at 800-746-1505. For the most recent reporting on the plan see "Brethren Benefit Trust Board Approves Health Savings Accounts" from the Newsline of May 11 and "New Resources Created in Effort to Save Brethren Medical Plan" from the Newsline of March 30.
Source: 6/28/2005 Newsline
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Dominican Brethren leader to preach for Tuesday's worship.
Anastacia Bueno Beltre, a pastor and past moderator of the Church of the Brethren in the Dominican Republic, will give the message for the worship service beginning at 7:10 p.m. on Tuesday, July 5.
Beltre will give the message in Spanish with English translation. She travels from the Dominican Republic to attend the Conference--last year she was unable to come to Annual Conference because she was denied a visa to enter the country.
Jim Hardenbrook, Annual Conference moderator, will speak for the opening service of the Conference at 7:15 p.m. on Saturday, July 2. His theme will be "I Love to Tell the Story" and he will use the theme scripture, Hebrews 12:1-4.
Also preaching for worship are Galen Hackman, senior pastor of Ephrata (Pa.) Church of the Brethren, speaking on "By Faith...Experiencing the Smile of God" for Sunday morning worship beginning at 10:20 a.m. July 3; Sandy Bosserman, executive minister of Missouri and Arkansas District, speaking on "Duties, Devils, and Distractions," at 7:20 p.m. on Monday, July 4; and Chris Douglas, director of the General Board's Youth and Young Adult Ministries, speaking for the service beginning at 10:15 a.m. Wednesday, July 6, on the theme "Abundant Life, Discipleship, Don't Lose Heart."
Source: 6/28/2005 Newsline
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Brethren organizations celebrate milestones.
Bethany Theological Seminary celebrates its centennial at the Conference this year, the Mutual Aid Association celebrates 120 years, and the Brethren Journal Association celebrates 50 years.
The 100th anniversary of the seminary will be celebrated with the debut of a centennial hymn sung by a choir of Bethany alumni, a large historical display at the Bethany exhibit, a centennial presentation during a business session, two new books related to the seminary and a display of books authored by Bethany faculty and alumni at the Brethren Press bookstore (see story below), a Bethany quilt, and a luncheon on the theme "Bethany as It Really Was: A Playful Behind-the-Scenes Look at Seminary Life" on Tuesday, July 5. The alumni choir is scheduled to perform the centennial hymn and anthem "Pilgrimage of Faith" by Steve Engle and Frank Ramirez at an Early Evening Concert at 5:30 p.m. and in worship at 7:15 p.m. on Saturday, July 2.
Conference-goers also are invited to a Centennial Open House at the seminary's main campus in Richmond, Ind., on their way to and from Annual Conference. Stop in between 9 a.m.-5 p.m. eastern standard time on Friday, July 1, or on Thursday, July 7. The open houses will offer tours of the Bethany Center and refreshments. For more information call 800-287-8822.
The 50th anniversary of the scholarly journal "Brethren Life and Thought" will be celebrated at the annual luncheon of the Brethren Journal Association on July 4. A musical revue by Steve Engle and Frank Ramirez, "Brethren, Lively and Thoughtful," will be presented by the "Not Ready for the Tercentennial Players." An insight session at 9 p.m. on July 4 will feature a panel discussion on "Brethren Living and Thinking." Later in 2005 a special issue of the journal will include articles selected from issues of the past 50 years. Edward K. Ziegler served as the journal's first editor, and Warren S. Kissenger, Christina Bucher, and David Eller also have served as editors of "Brethren Life and Thought." For more information contact the Brethren Journal Association, Managing Editor Carol Gardner, c/o Bethany Theological Seminary, 615 National Rd. W., Richmond IN 47374; 765-983-1815; gardnca@bethanyseminary.edu; www.bethanyseminary.edu/?page=blt.
The Mutual Aid Association (MAA) invites Conference-goers to a "members meeting/birthday party" to celebrate its anniversary at 4:30-5:30 p.m. on Monday, July 4. "Come and enjoy refreshments and special gifts as our thank you for 120 years!" reads the invitation that went out to those registered for the Conference. Both MAA members and interested Brethren are welcome. For more information see www.maabrethren.com.
Source: 6/28/2005 Newsline
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Church of the Brethren Credit Union holds first annual meeting.
The Church of the Brethren Credit Union, which became available to all members of the denomination in 2004, is holding its first annual members' meeting and dinner on Saturday, July 2. The event is open to credit union members as well as Conference-goers who are not members.
The speaker for the event is Eric Kabler, a financial consultant for Kabler/Thomas Financial Group and a member of the Brethren Benefit Trust board. He also is a member of Westmont Church of the Brethren in Johnstown, Pa. Kabler will speak on "10 Personal Finance Tips for Brethren," giving tips for being good personal stewards of God's blessings and personal financial stewardship from a biblical perspective.
The annual meeting will hear annual reports from the credit union board and staff and will elect board members. For more information call the credit union at 888-832-8313.
Source: 6/28/2005 Newsline
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Nominations for the 2005 Ecumenical Citations are announced.
Nominees for the 2005 Ecumenical Citations have been announced by the Committee on Interchurch Relations. The citations will be awarded at the Ecumenical Luncheon on Tuesday, July 5. Four youth and young adults are nominated for peacemaking efforts. "Each in their own way have demonstrated a dedication to work at overcoming violence, and can serve as a model for others in creative challenges to the many forms of violence in our world," the committee said.
Matt Boyer of La Verne (Calif.) Church of the Brethren, is nominated for his passion for social justice issues and Fair Trade. He refused to participate in a school fundraiser of chocolate that had been produced unjustly, did extensive research and advocacy of the Fair Trade movement, and led his church youth group in becoming a retailer of Fair Trade chocolates and coffee.
Colleen Hamilton of Hope Church of the Brethren in Freeport, Mich., is nominated for multiple efforts for the environment and global concerns, including helping to begin a recycling program at her high school, bringing focus to the use and waste of styrofoam in the school cafeteria, working and worshiping ecumenically with another congregation in the area, and participating in a high school arts troupe "HEARTS: Helping Educate Abstinence, Responsible Teens." She also was nominated for a citation from the Isaac Walton League for her efforts.
Marisa de Oliveira of Campo Limpo Preaching Point in Campo Limpo, Brazil, is nominated for her deep sense of justice and her call to share God's love with others through her work for hunger and women's and children's issues. She volunteers at a local soup kitchen, has begun a children's church and after-school tutoring program, and has developed and runs children's and women's programs in a poor and dangerous neighborhood of her city. The committee reported that de Oliveira moved to the neighborhood in order to establish rapport with the inhabitants. She teaches jewelry and craft-making to help generate income and self-esteem for neighborhood women, and plans a micro-finance project to help women buy materials and market their goods.
Anna Christine Simons of Prince of Peace Church of the Brethren in South Bend, Ind., is nominated for community involvements including working at a school for disadvantaged children, volunteering with the Youth Services Bureau of South Bend, participating yearly in her community's youth conference on diversity, taking part in anti-racism efforts through community programs, and volunteering at a local food bank, soup kitchen, and rescue mission. She received the 2004 Peacemaker Award from the Clay City High School.
For more information contact the Committee on Interchurch Relations, c/o the Office of the General Secretary, Church of the Brethren General Board, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120; 800-323-8039.
Source: 6/28/2005 Newsline
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Brethren Press bookstore will feature new Brethren books.
The Brethren Press bookstore at Annual Conference will sell four new publications from the press, and publications related to Bethany Theological Seminary's centennial, among many other books, music, CDs and videos, children's resources, Annual Conference theme items, and other resources. Several authors will sign their books.
"Another Way of Believing: A Brethren Theology" by Dale W. Brown ($18.95) heads the offerings of new Brethren books. Brown is a professor emeritus of Bethany Theological Seminary and a noted Anabaptist church historian and theologian. The book provides a thought-provoking study of the ways Brethren "do theology" by their everyday living. Brown will sign his new book and his classic "Biblical Pacifism" at 12:45-1:45 p.m. on Monday, July 4. He will be the main speaker at the Brethren Press Breakfast the same day.
"Kum Ba Yah: The Story of Brethren Camping" by Linda Logan ($9.95) tells the vision, the history, and the ministries of Brethren camping since outdoor ministries began some 80 years ago. The Outdoor Ministries Association collaborated in providing this history.
Two new Covenant Bible Studies will be available: "Romans: Church at the Crossroads" by Virginia Wiles ($6.59) and "Side by Side: Interpreting Dual Stories in the Bible" by Frank Ramirez ($6.95). (A third new edition in the Covenant series is scheduled to come out this fall: "Voices in the Book of Job" by Robert W. Neff.) Ramirez will sign the Covenant study and his 2004 book "The Meanest Man in Patrick County" at 5:30-6:30 p.m. on Sunday, July 3.
The four publications related to Bethany Seminary are "The Bethany Seminary Centennial History" ($19.95), "Hope Deferred: Heart-Healing Reflections on Reproductive Loss" by Bethany professor Dena Pence Frantz ($18), "The Something Else Lady" by Earle Fike Jr. about the life of Anna Mow ($12.95), and "Bethany Daze" anecdotes of life at the seminary by Fred Swartz ($7.95). Frantz, Fike, and Swartz will sign their books at 5:30-6:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 5.
Other book signings will be held by:
Tom Mullen, religion professor emeritus at Earlham School of Religion and the speaker at the Association of Brethren Caregivers dinner on Saturday, July 2, will sign his books including "Laughing Out Loud and Other Religious Experiences" ($10) and "Where Two or Three Are Gathered Someone Spills the Milk" ($10) at 12:45-1:45 p.m. on Sunday, July 3.
Brian McClaren, speaker at the Congregational Life Ministries dinner and other events (see story below), will sign his books including "A New Kind of Christian" ($21.95) and "Generous Orthodoxy" ($19.99) at 1:30-2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 5.
The new Brethren Press books may be ordered by calling 800-441-3712 at any time. Other publishers' books to be sold at the Conference bookstore will be available for order from Brethren Press until the end of July, or while supplies last. A shipping and handling fee will be added to each order.
Source: 6/28/2005 Newsline
top
Conference events offer continuing education credit.
Pastors and others have several opportunities to earn continuing education units (CEUs) in Peoria.
The Ministers' Association is offering .8 CEUs for its pre-Conference event "Sustaining the Life and Ministry of God's Servants" with leadership by Wendy Miller, director of the Summer Institute for Spiritual Formation and assistant professor of Spiritual Formation at Eastern Mennonite University. The ministers will meet Friday afternoon and evening, July 1, and Saturday morning, July 2. Childcare is available. Cost is $75 at the door, plus extra fees for childcare.
The General Board's Congregational Life Ministries is offering a series of seven sessions under the theme "Calling Disciples in a Changing World." The Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership will give .1 CEU for each session, cost is $10. Three of the events on Tuesday, July 5, feature Brian McLaren, senior pastor of Cedar Ridge Community Church in Spencerville, Md., and author of books on understanding and reaching out to postmodern people: an insight session on "Evangelism Through Community Building" at 12:30 p.m., the Congregational Life Ministries dinner on "Cultural Changes that Inform Our Evangelism Efforts" at 5 p.m., and an insight session on "Missional Christianity for the 21st Century" at 9 p.m.
The four other events in the series are an insight session on "Engaging Our Community with Jesus" with speaker Jeff Glass of the Congregational Life Teams staff at 12:30 p.m. Sunday, July 3; "Evangelism in a Muslim Context: The Nigerian Experience" with Toma Ragnjiya, former president of Ekklesiyar Yan'uwa a Nigeria (EYN--the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria), and Merv Keeney, the General Board’s executive director of Global Mission Partnerships, at 9 p.m. on July 3; "Your Connection with Evangelism Connections" with Kathryn Arrington-Love, associate director for Evangelism of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, and Douglas Wilson, associate for Presbyterian Evangelism for the Presbyterian Church USA, at 9 p.m. Monday, July 4; and an insight session on "Another Way of Living: Financial Stewardship as Ministry" with Dick Towner of the "Good $ense" ministry, at 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 5. For more information contact Stan Dueck at 717-335-3226 or sdueck_gb@brethren.org; or Steve Gregory at 509-662-3211 or sgregory_gb@brethren.org.
Source: 6/28/2005 Newsline
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Agencies sponsor joint events and exhibit space.
For the first time, the Association of Brethren Caregivers (ABC) and On Earth Peace are sharing a large exhibit area at Annual Conference. The two agencies and Brethren Benefit Trust (BBT) also are joining in sponsoring several insight sessions.
The exhibit is planned to provide the latest information on the Church of the Brethren's caring ministries and peace activism. One feature offered at the exhibit are massages--stop by early to sign up for one of the limited number of these brief, seated massage sessions.
ABC and BBT are jointly sponsoring an insight session on "Caring for One's Self" at 12:30 p.m. on Monday, July 4. ABC and On Earth Peace are sponsoring insight sessions on "Listening Skills for Deacons" at 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, July 3; and "Helping Soldiers Heal from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder" at 9 p.m. on Sunday, July 3, for congregations and others experiencing the return of soldiers who have been in active military conflict. "As a living peace church seeking to accompany all people traumatized by war, congregations can help these individuals re-integrate and begin to heal," said a flier from ABC.
ABC, BBT, and On Earth Peace each are offering several other insight sessions and holding meal events. ABC is sponsoring a variety of mutual help groups as well. BBT is sponsoring its annual Fitness Challenge 5K walk and run. For more information see the links to these organizations at www.brethren.org.
Source: 6/28/2005 Newsline
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Brethren Witness/Washington Office offers coffee, recycling.
The General Board's Brethren Witness/Washington Office booth will be an interactive environmental experience where Conference-goers will be able to sample fair-trade coffee and drop off recycling.
Stop by the booth to drop off a variety of small electrical appliances for recycling, such as cell phones, batteries, electrical adaptors, battery chargers, or other electrical items that are disposable or no longer usable. Or sample Equal Exchange Coffee, a fair-trade product that is part of the office's Church of the Brethren Coffee Project. The coffee will be served at an insight session at 7:30 a.m. Monday, July 4, where participants will discuss how the church is helping to shape public policy over cups of Equal Exchange Coffee.
Other special events sponsored by the Brethren Witness/Washington Office include a prayer vigil for peace calling attention to places of violence including Sudan, Iraq, and the Middle East, at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 5, outside the Fulton Street exit of the civic center; and the Un-Luncheon at 12 noon on July 5, with Bill Galvin of the Center on Conscience and War (CCW). The Un-Luncheon is sponsored with Brethren Volunteer Service; participants are invited to give the amount they would have spent on lunch to the CCW.
For more information contact the Brethren Witness/Washington Office at 800-785-3246 or e-mail washington_office_gb@brethren.org.
Source: 6/28/2005 Newsline
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Conference bits: Walks, bike rides, and other opportunities.
- A youth workcamp plans to accompany Don Vermilyea to Annual Conference on foot, arriving in Peoria on Saturday, July 2. Vermilyea is a Brethren Volunteer Service worker on a "Walk Across America," with the goal of walking to each Church of the Brethren congregation. The workcamp is sponsored by the General Board's Youth and Young Adult Ministries. A group of 12 youth and four adult advisors are walking with Vermilyea for a week, from June 26-July 2. The trip will take them to Camp Emmanuel in Astoria, Ill., and Canton (Ill.) Church of the Brethren along the way. Plans are for the group to be hosted as well by First Christian Church in Beardstown, First United Methodist Church in Havana, and Glasford United Methodist Church. The youth are raising money for the General Board's Global Food Crisis Fund and Emergency Disaster Fund. For more information about the Walk Across America see www.brethren.org/genbd/witness/Walk.html.
- Another member of the church who is planning a walk in Peoria is Richard Propes, a child rights activist and a member of Northview Church of the Brethren in Indianapolis. Propes, who was born with spina bifida, has traveled over 3,000 miles by wheelchair raising education, awareness, and funds on behalf of children and children's organizations, according to a release he sent to news outlets about the event. His "Tenderness Tour" also raises awareness of child abuse. Propes is planning a one-mile walk starting at 3 p.m. on Saturday, July 2, at Peoria's City Hall, and invites all who are interested to join him. As is his custom in each city that he visits, he will "wheel" the mile in honor of children who have died as a result of violence in the area. For more information see www.tendernesstour.com. Propes' story will be part of the "Alive '05" multimedia report on the ministries of the church on Sunday afternoon July 3.
- David Radcliff, of the New Community Project, plans to bicycle from Elgin, Ill., to Annual Conference on July 2 to call attention to environmental issues, alternatives to car travel, congressional debate on an energy bill, and proposals to drill in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. The ride is estimated at 150 miles. Radcliff has asked supporters to "sponsor" his ride, not with monetary gifts but by committing to take action related to energy conservation. For more information see www.newcommunityproject.org. In an unrelated event, a small group of staff of Annual Conference agencies plans to bicyle to Peoria from the Elgin area on June 29-30.
- The Brethren Revival Fellowship (BRF) is holding its annual "Prayer and Fasting Session" at Conference, on Sunday July 3 at 12 noon to 1:30 p.m. Other BRF events include a luncheon and a 9 p.m. insight session on Monday, July 4, and a dinner on Tuesday, July 5.
- Voices for an Open Spirit (VOS) is sponsoring a Hospitality Center at the Prairie Building across the street from the Peoria Civic Center, where visitors will find fresh bread and apple butter and a play center for children. A birthday party for VOS' third anniversary will be held on Tuesday, July 5, at 10 p.m. This year VOS will have a booth in the exhibit hall for the first time.
- The Brethren World Mission Breakfast at 7 a.m. on Tuesday, July 5, will focus on church planting in Brazil with speakers Greg and Karin Davidson Laszakovits, national representatives for the General Board in Brazil.
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Newsline is produced by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of news services for the Church of the Brethren General Board, on every other Wednesday with other editions as needed. Newsline stories may be reprinted if Newsline is cited as the source. Carol Gardner, Phil Jones, Jon Kobel, and Jewel McNary contributed to this report.
Friday, June 24, 2005
Newsline Special Report: Sudan
Sudan trip raises questions, brings unexpected hope.
Jim Hardenbrook, Annual Conference moderator, and Phil Jones, director of the Brethren Witness/Washington Office of the General Board, were part of a small interfaith delegation that met with Sudan's President El-Bashir and many other officials and organizations during a visit to Sudan June 6-15. The group spent time in the capital city of Khartoum and in North Darfur State, and visited a refugee camp in Darfur.
The trip was made to support the peace process between the northern government and rebels in the south of Sudan--the Comprehensive Peace Agreement scheduled to take effect July 9--and to offer support and encouragement to the people of Darfur. Atrocities such as killings, rapes, the burning of homes and villages, and the destruction of crops in Darfur, are blamed on militias supported by the government and in some cases are blamed on rebels, according the "Christian Science Monitor" in a recent report. The Monitor said that at as of June 10 at least 180,000 people have died in the violence in Darfur, and nearly two million are homeless.
The delegation was sponsored by the National Black Leadership Roundtable and the Muslim American Society Freedom Foundation. Hardenbrook and Jones were Christian representatives on the delegation, which also included Muslim and Jewish members and was led by Roundtable president the Hon. Walter E. Fauntroy.
In addition to the president, the delegation met with officials of the government in Khartoum and state officials in Darfur; nongovernmental organizations based in Khartoum; officials of the African Union, an organization of African nations with "peacekeeping" troops in Darfur; officials of the United Nations, which is responsible for several refugee camps in Darfur and is enforcing the north-south peace agreement; representatives of the Sudanese People's Liberation Movement (SPLM) from southern Sudan; and representatives of groups in Darfur considered outside the government. In most official meetings the group was accompanied by two representatives of the Sudan government. "It would be fair to characterize the trip as flavored by the government of Sudan perspective," said Hardenbrook.
The visit to the El Fashir refugee camp in Darfur was "a very short and in some ways very unsatisfactory visit," Hardenbrook said. Some 70,000 people live in the camp. "This might be the government's show camp," Hardenbrook said, although the group visited the camp without government accompaniment. Hardenbrook said there was a sense of peace and security and the delegation saw that wells, schools, and food were available but there was no electricity.
"It was exciting to greet a friend from the New Sudan Council of Churches in our meeting with the SPLM," said Jones. Awut Deng Acuil, who spoke at the 2001 Annual Conference, is now a member of the SPLM leadership team with special focus on women and children. "She reminded me of the close and important ties that the Church of the Brethren has with the south of Sudan," Jones said. "It seems most critical that the Church of the Brethren continue this strong relationship and give special focus and direction in support for the rebuilding of this great but war-torn nation."
The trip was preceded by a briefing with Charles Snyder, US State Department undersecretary of state for Sudan. "One of the things that Snyder said that was reiterated by others is that we're looking at spiritual and moral issues, not at political and humanitarian issues" in Sudan, Hardenbrook said. "Sharing wealth and power is a moral and spiritual issue." The comment was confirmed by a member of the SPLM, who told the delegation that in the peace agreement, "all we have is ink on the paper." As an interfaith group, "we could speak to those moral and spiritual issues," Hardenbrook said. Because of its interfaith make up, "this may be the most important delegation from the US ever sent to Sudan," Snyder told the group.
"I'd love to go back in a month with my list of questions," Hardenbrook said, "and to be more forceful in saying God's not happy with how his children are being treated" in Darfur. The trip raised more questions than it brought answers for Hardenbrook, who said he also has been disconcerted by the fact that he came away hopeful.
The sense of hope came despite finding that the situation in Darfur "is awful, it really is," Hardenbrook said. "It is bad, people are dying.... But it might not be genocide. Underline the word `might,'" he added. "The UN is not using that term." The delegation's conversations led him to a new understanding of the roots of the conflict, in longterm ethnic and lifestyle tensions in the region.
"Having made this important trip I am less comfortable using these terms today," said Jones referring to "genocide" and "racism." He has heard these terms used to characterize the violence in Darfur in numerous visits to the US State Department and congressional offices over two years of advocacy for US policies ensuring the end of the violence, he said. "Clearly the Sudan government has been heavily involved in the violence of war these past many months in the west, and many years in the south. Just as clear, though, is that movement has been made in recent months to pull back from this. International awareness and pressure have been key in this transition."
The peace agreement with the south "has also moved the current government to a different place," Jones said. "President El-Bashir indicated the wear that war bears on a nation and its people in his comment that, `Peace with secession is better than unity with war.'" Jones said that the peace agreement gives the south the right of secession at the end of six years, if so determined by the people of the south. "Part of our reason for going on this trip was to clearly speak to those involved on both sides of the violence that a window of opportunity is here. Do not let it pass," Jones said.
Whether the violence in Darfur is genocide is among many open questions, Hardenbrook said. "I think the first thing that I would like to do is repent of my willingness to believe the absolute worst of Sudan," he said, citing many ways in which the situation is very complicated. Policies of the government "have been the cause of the conflicts in the west and the south," he said, but the delegation learned that many southerners move to Khartoum because "it's better to live in a refugee camp near Khartoum than to live in the south in the conditions created" by the government and rebels. The group also heard that life in refugee camps in Darfur is better than ordinary life for many people in Darfur who are not directly affected by the violence.
Another open question for Hardenbrook is whether a western style of justice is appropriate for Sudan, "because there is an African style of justice." The International Criminal Court, which this month launched an investigation into possible war crimes in Darfur, "may not be the answer here," he said. The delegation met with a group of four chiefs from Darfur who have been brought together through a Sudanese process of reconciliation. "I don't understand (the process) very well," Hardenbrook said, but it "could be very effective," he added.
The meeting with President El-Bashir was a surprise for Jones, who last fall was arrested in front of the Sudan embassy in Washington, D.C., during a rally calling attention to the violence in Darfur. "I never envisioned that I would be given complete access to the president of Sudan in his Khartoum office," Jones said. "The message was the same there as here, the Church of the Brethren holds dear the sacred life of all people and implores nations and their leaders to seek peaceful means to the many things that divide us. The injustices of violence that lead to death and destruction must end."
The delegation made a practice of asking to pray together at the end of each meeting, Hardenbrook said. President El-Bashir accepted the group's offer and they joined hands as Fauntroy prayed. "That was very powerful," Hardenbrook said.
The delegation plans to hold a press conference at 1:30 p.m. eastern time on Monday, June 27, at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. The press conference may be televised nationally by C-SPAN. A full report of the delegation's trip is available; e-mail Phil Jones at pjones_gb@brethren.org or call the Brethren Witness/Washington Office at 800-785-3246.
Source: 6/24/2005 Newsline
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Sudan trip raises questions, brings unexpected hope.
Jim Hardenbrook, Annual Conference moderator, and Phil Jones, director of the Brethren Witness/Washington Office of the General Board, were part of a small interfaith delegation that met with Sudan's President El-Bashir and many other officials and organizations during a visit to Sudan June 6-15. The group spent time in the capital city of Khartoum and in North Darfur State, and visited a refugee camp in Darfur.
The trip was made to support the peace process between the northern government and rebels in the south of Sudan--the Comprehensive Peace Agreement scheduled to take effect July 9--and to offer support and encouragement to the people of Darfur. Atrocities such as killings, rapes, the burning of homes and villages, and the destruction of crops in Darfur, are blamed on militias supported by the government and in some cases are blamed on rebels, according the "Christian Science Monitor" in a recent report. The Monitor said that at as of June 10 at least 180,000 people have died in the violence in Darfur, and nearly two million are homeless.
The delegation was sponsored by the National Black Leadership Roundtable and the Muslim American Society Freedom Foundation. Hardenbrook and Jones were Christian representatives on the delegation, which also included Muslim and Jewish members and was led by Roundtable president the Hon. Walter E. Fauntroy.
In addition to the president, the delegation met with officials of the government in Khartoum and state officials in Darfur; nongovernmental organizations based in Khartoum; officials of the African Union, an organization of African nations with "peacekeeping" troops in Darfur; officials of the United Nations, which is responsible for several refugee camps in Darfur and is enforcing the north-south peace agreement; representatives of the Sudanese People's Liberation Movement (SPLM) from southern Sudan; and representatives of groups in Darfur considered outside the government. In most official meetings the group was accompanied by two representatives of the Sudan government. "It would be fair to characterize the trip as flavored by the government of Sudan perspective," said Hardenbrook.
The visit to the El Fashir refugee camp in Darfur was "a very short and in some ways very unsatisfactory visit," Hardenbrook said. Some 70,000 people live in the camp. "This might be the government's show camp," Hardenbrook said, although the group visited the camp without government accompaniment. Hardenbrook said there was a sense of peace and security and the delegation saw that wells, schools, and food were available but there was no electricity.
"It was exciting to greet a friend from the New Sudan Council of Churches in our meeting with the SPLM," said Jones. Awut Deng Acuil, who spoke at the 2001 Annual Conference, is now a member of the SPLM leadership team with special focus on women and children. "She reminded me of the close and important ties that the Church of the Brethren has with the south of Sudan," Jones said. "It seems most critical that the Church of the Brethren continue this strong relationship and give special focus and direction in support for the rebuilding of this great but war-torn nation."
The trip was preceded by a briefing with Charles Snyder, US State Department undersecretary of state for Sudan. "One of the things that Snyder said that was reiterated by others is that we're looking at spiritual and moral issues, not at political and humanitarian issues" in Sudan, Hardenbrook said. "Sharing wealth and power is a moral and spiritual issue." The comment was confirmed by a member of the SPLM, who told the delegation that in the peace agreement, "all we have is ink on the paper." As an interfaith group, "we could speak to those moral and spiritual issues," Hardenbrook said. Because of its interfaith make up, "this may be the most important delegation from the US ever sent to Sudan," Snyder told the group.
"I'd love to go back in a month with my list of questions," Hardenbrook said, "and to be more forceful in saying God's not happy with how his children are being treated" in Darfur. The trip raised more questions than it brought answers for Hardenbrook, who said he also has been disconcerted by the fact that he came away hopeful.
The sense of hope came despite finding that the situation in Darfur "is awful, it really is," Hardenbrook said. "It is bad, people are dying.... But it might not be genocide. Underline the word `might,'" he added. "The UN is not using that term." The delegation's conversations led him to a new understanding of the roots of the conflict, in longterm ethnic and lifestyle tensions in the region.
"Having made this important trip I am less comfortable using these terms today," said Jones referring to "genocide" and "racism." He has heard these terms used to characterize the violence in Darfur in numerous visits to the US State Department and congressional offices over two years of advocacy for US policies ensuring the end of the violence, he said. "Clearly the Sudan government has been heavily involved in the violence of war these past many months in the west, and many years in the south. Just as clear, though, is that movement has been made in recent months to pull back from this. International awareness and pressure have been key in this transition."
The peace agreement with the south "has also moved the current government to a different place," Jones said. "President El-Bashir indicated the wear that war bears on a nation and its people in his comment that, `Peace with secession is better than unity with war.'" Jones said that the peace agreement gives the south the right of secession at the end of six years, if so determined by the people of the south. "Part of our reason for going on this trip was to clearly speak to those involved on both sides of the violence that a window of opportunity is here. Do not let it pass," Jones said.
Whether the violence in Darfur is genocide is among many open questions, Hardenbrook said. "I think the first thing that I would like to do is repent of my willingness to believe the absolute worst of Sudan," he said, citing many ways in which the situation is very complicated. Policies of the government "have been the cause of the conflicts in the west and the south," he said, but the delegation learned that many southerners move to Khartoum because "it's better to live in a refugee camp near Khartoum than to live in the south in the conditions created" by the government and rebels. The group also heard that life in refugee camps in Darfur is better than ordinary life for many people in Darfur who are not directly affected by the violence.
Another open question for Hardenbrook is whether a western style of justice is appropriate for Sudan, "because there is an African style of justice." The International Criminal Court, which this month launched an investigation into possible war crimes in Darfur, "may not be the answer here," he said. The delegation met with a group of four chiefs from Darfur who have been brought together through a Sudanese process of reconciliation. "I don't understand (the process) very well," Hardenbrook said, but it "could be very effective," he added.
The meeting with President El-Bashir was a surprise for Jones, who last fall was arrested in front of the Sudan embassy in Washington, D.C., during a rally calling attention to the violence in Darfur. "I never envisioned that I would be given complete access to the president of Sudan in his Khartoum office," Jones said. "The message was the same there as here, the Church of the Brethren holds dear the sacred life of all people and implores nations and their leaders to seek peaceful means to the many things that divide us. The injustices of violence that lead to death and destruction must end."
The delegation made a practice of asking to pray together at the end of each meeting, Hardenbrook said. President El-Bashir accepted the group's offer and they joined hands as Fauntroy prayed. "That was very powerful," Hardenbrook said.
The delegation plans to hold a press conference at 1:30 p.m. eastern time on Monday, June 27, at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. The press conference may be televised nationally by C-SPAN. A full report of the delegation's trip is available; e-mail Phil Jones at pjones_gb@brethren.org or call the Brethren Witness/Washington Office at 800-785-3246.
Source: 6/24/2005 Newsline
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Wednesday, June 22, 2005
Association of Brethren Caregivers awards nursing scholarships.
The Association of Brethren Caregivers will award $22,000 in scholarships this year to 15 Church of the Brethren members enrolled in nursing programs.
Scholarship recipients pursuing LPN designations are Theresa De Mastus, Cedar Grove Church of the Brethren, Ruckersville, Va.; Josh Schnepp, Beaverton (Mich.) Church of the Brethren; and Rachel Roop, Schuylkill Big Dam Church of the Brethren, Pine Grove, Pa.
Scholarship winners seeking an associate's degree are Alicia Barb, Linville Creek Church of the Brethren, Broadway, Va.; Amanda Blackwell, Spindale (N.C.) Church of the Brethren; Betsy Ducote, Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren, Elgin, Ill.; Tim Durnbaugh, Highland Avenue; Amy Greene, Melvin Hill Church of the Brethren, Columbus, N.C.; Melissa Hickman, Painesville (Ohio) Church of the Brethren; and Phyllis Hurley, Huntsdale Church of the Brethren, Carlisle, Pa.
Award winners earning bachelor's degrees are Shenifa Baldwin, Pipe Creek Church of the Brethren, Union Bridge, Md.; Kara Fadley, Mountain Grove Church of the Brethren, Fulks Run, Va.; and Marita Imhoff, Mohican Church of the Brethren, West Salem, Ohio.
Scholarships also will be awarded to Tamela Kiser of Briery Branch Church of the Brethren, Dayton, Va., and Melissa Rudd, Indiana (Pa.) Church of the Brethren, as they seek master's degrees.
The program was revised in 2004 to provide only scholarships, which are awarded once a year for disbursement in the fall. To apply for 2006 scholarships, nominees must be members of the Church of the Brethren and apply by April 1. See www.brethren-caregivers.org.
Source: 6/22/2005 Newsline
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The Association of Brethren Caregivers will award $22,000 in scholarships this year to 15 Church of the Brethren members enrolled in nursing programs.
Scholarship recipients pursuing LPN designations are Theresa De Mastus, Cedar Grove Church of the Brethren, Ruckersville, Va.; Josh Schnepp, Beaverton (Mich.) Church of the Brethren; and Rachel Roop, Schuylkill Big Dam Church of the Brethren, Pine Grove, Pa.
Scholarship winners seeking an associate's degree are Alicia Barb, Linville Creek Church of the Brethren, Broadway, Va.; Amanda Blackwell, Spindale (N.C.) Church of the Brethren; Betsy Ducote, Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren, Elgin, Ill.; Tim Durnbaugh, Highland Avenue; Amy Greene, Melvin Hill Church of the Brethren, Columbus, N.C.; Melissa Hickman, Painesville (Ohio) Church of the Brethren; and Phyllis Hurley, Huntsdale Church of the Brethren, Carlisle, Pa.
Award winners earning bachelor's degrees are Shenifa Baldwin, Pipe Creek Church of the Brethren, Union Bridge, Md.; Kara Fadley, Mountain Grove Church of the Brethren, Fulks Run, Va.; and Marita Imhoff, Mohican Church of the Brethren, West Salem, Ohio.
Scholarships also will be awarded to Tamela Kiser of Briery Branch Church of the Brethren, Dayton, Va., and Melissa Rudd, Indiana (Pa.) Church of the Brethren, as they seek master's degrees.
The program was revised in 2004 to provide only scholarships, which are awarded once a year for disbursement in the fall. To apply for 2006 scholarships, nominees must be members of the Church of the Brethren and apply by April 1. See www.brethren-caregivers.org.
Source: 6/22/2005 Newsline
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Disaster relief continues work, fund issues grants.
Recent grants from the Emergency Disaster Fund (EDF) of the General Board totaled $155,000 for disaster relief and rebuilding work in Indonesia, Sudan, Florida, and Nebraska.
A grant of $75,000 supports Church World Service (CWS) work in the wake of a devastating earthquake on the island of Nias in Indonesia on March 28. Nearly 700 people were killed and 75,000 displaced. The funds will help provide food, water, shelter, sanitation, and medical supplies. This is a separate appeal from those for the tsunami disaster of last December, but the work is being coordinated with all the emergency response activities in Indonesia following the tsunami.
An allocation of $50,000 has gone to CWS's appeal for those affected by violence in the Darfur region of Sudan. More than two million people have fled their homes to escape looting, house burning, crop destruction, and killings, reports staff of the General Board's Emergency Response and Service Ministries. The funds will assist in providing food, medicine, water, sanitation, agricultural help, and counseling to 500,000 people in refugee camps. In the past 18 months a total of $181,500 has been given from the EDF for relief work in Darfur and in southern Sudan, reports Emergency Response director Roy Winter.
A grant of $25,000 supports a continuing hurricane recovery project in Florida, being carried out by Brethren Disaster Response. The project, which is expected to last three to five years, is currently doing rebuilding and repair work in Pensacola and neighboring Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties. It is considered a longterm project because of the magnitude of the hurricanes that hit the state in 2004, said Jane Yount, coordinator of Disaster Response. She added that Escambia County is the poorest in Florida and the 17th poorest in the nation.
The amount of $15,000 continues support of a Disaster Response tornado recovery project in Hallam, Neb. The project is scheduled to close Aug. 6. "We'll need adequate numbers of volunteers to finish four homes that are in various stages of completion," reported Yount.
For the next two months, Disaster Response will be running three rebuilding projects simultaneously, those in Nebraska and Florida and a newly opened project in Ohio. "Our challenge is to secure volunteer teams and project leadership through the summer and beyond," Yount said. "Persons skilled in drywall finishing and finish carpentry will be helpful." The project in Belmont County, Ohio, opened this month, doing repair and rebuilding following three severe floods between Sept. 2004 and Jan. 2005.
The Disaster Response program also is looking for volunteers to join a Tool Coordinator Team to standardize tools in tool trailers used at disaster sites, and to test and replace tools as necessary. The work will be done at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md.
To volunteer at a disaster site or on the Tool Coordinator Team contact your district disaster coordinator or the Disaster Response program at 800-451-4407.
Source: 6/22/2005 Newsline
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Recent grants from the Emergency Disaster Fund (EDF) of the General Board totaled $155,000 for disaster relief and rebuilding work in Indonesia, Sudan, Florida, and Nebraska.
A grant of $75,000 supports Church World Service (CWS) work in the wake of a devastating earthquake on the island of Nias in Indonesia on March 28. Nearly 700 people were killed and 75,000 displaced. The funds will help provide food, water, shelter, sanitation, and medical supplies. This is a separate appeal from those for the tsunami disaster of last December, but the work is being coordinated with all the emergency response activities in Indonesia following the tsunami.
An allocation of $50,000 has gone to CWS's appeal for those affected by violence in the Darfur region of Sudan. More than two million people have fled their homes to escape looting, house burning, crop destruction, and killings, reports staff of the General Board's Emergency Response and Service Ministries. The funds will assist in providing food, medicine, water, sanitation, agricultural help, and counseling to 500,000 people in refugee camps. In the past 18 months a total of $181,500 has been given from the EDF for relief work in Darfur and in southern Sudan, reports Emergency Response director Roy Winter.
A grant of $25,000 supports a continuing hurricane recovery project in Florida, being carried out by Brethren Disaster Response. The project, which is expected to last three to five years, is currently doing rebuilding and repair work in Pensacola and neighboring Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties. It is considered a longterm project because of the magnitude of the hurricanes that hit the state in 2004, said Jane Yount, coordinator of Disaster Response. She added that Escambia County is the poorest in Florida and the 17th poorest in the nation.
The amount of $15,000 continues support of a Disaster Response tornado recovery project in Hallam, Neb. The project is scheduled to close Aug. 6. "We'll need adequate numbers of volunteers to finish four homes that are in various stages of completion," reported Yount.
For the next two months, Disaster Response will be running three rebuilding projects simultaneously, those in Nebraska and Florida and a newly opened project in Ohio. "Our challenge is to secure volunteer teams and project leadership through the summer and beyond," Yount said. "Persons skilled in drywall finishing and finish carpentry will be helpful." The project in Belmont County, Ohio, opened this month, doing repair and rebuilding following three severe floods between Sept. 2004 and Jan. 2005.
The Disaster Response program also is looking for volunteers to join a Tool Coordinator Team to standardize tools in tool trailers used at disaster sites, and to test and replace tools as necessary. The work will be done at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md.
To volunteer at a disaster site or on the Tool Coordinator Team contact your district disaster coordinator or the Disaster Response program at 800-451-4407.
Source: 6/22/2005 Newsline
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Brethren spiritual directors hold fourth annual retreat.
The Church of the Brethren Spiritual Director's Network held its fourth annual retreat May 16-18 at Shepherd's Spring, the outdoor ministry center of Mid-Atlantic District. Carolynne Ervin, who teaches spiritual direction at Chestnut Hill College in Philadelphia, provided leadership on the topic, "Working with People's Faith Experiences in Spiritual Direction."
Through a series of presentations and personal exercises, Ervin led the group in understanding "how a contemplative heart notices, evokes, discerns, and responds to religious experience." The 22 participants, all trained as spiritual directors, were encouraged "to attune themselves to God and those who come to them for direction. Directees are sharing the music of their lives. Help them be open to these religious experiences. Help them find God in all things," Ervin said.
A highlight of the retreat was a 20-hour Sabbath time of shared silence. Believing that God works in both words and silence, participants were led to creative expression and a simple noticing of the Spirit's leading. A time of group spiritual direction helped each to find words to express God's interaction in his or her life through prayer.
A new brochure on spiritual direction was introduced by the Advisory Committee. "About Spiritual Direction" has been developed to introduce Church of the Brethren members to this ancient prayer tradition. Written by Glenn Mitchell and Kathy Geisewite, the brochure answers such questions as: What is spiritual direction? Who seeks it? Who gives spiritual direction? How can I find a spiritual director? Copies are available from Chris Douglas of the General Board staff; e-mail cdouglas_gb@brethren.org or call 800-323-8039 ext. 297. Members of the Spiritual Director's Network are available to offer spiritual direction to clergy and laity in the Church of the Brethren.
Source: 6/22/2005 Newsline
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The Church of the Brethren Spiritual Director's Network held its fourth annual retreat May 16-18 at Shepherd's Spring, the outdoor ministry center of Mid-Atlantic District. Carolynne Ervin, who teaches spiritual direction at Chestnut Hill College in Philadelphia, provided leadership on the topic, "Working with People's Faith Experiences in Spiritual Direction."
Through a series of presentations and personal exercises, Ervin led the group in understanding "how a contemplative heart notices, evokes, discerns, and responds to religious experience." The 22 participants, all trained as spiritual directors, were encouraged "to attune themselves to God and those who come to them for direction. Directees are sharing the music of their lives. Help them be open to these religious experiences. Help them find God in all things," Ervin said.
A highlight of the retreat was a 20-hour Sabbath time of shared silence. Believing that God works in both words and silence, participants were led to creative expression and a simple noticing of the Spirit's leading. A time of group spiritual direction helped each to find words to express God's interaction in his or her life through prayer.
A new brochure on spiritual direction was introduced by the Advisory Committee. "About Spiritual Direction" has been developed to introduce Church of the Brethren members to this ancient prayer tradition. Written by Glenn Mitchell and Kathy Geisewite, the brochure answers such questions as: What is spiritual direction? Who seeks it? Who gives spiritual direction? How can I find a spiritual director? Copies are available from Chris Douglas of the General Board staff; e-mail cdouglas_gb@brethren.org or call 800-323-8039 ext. 297. Members of the Spiritual Director's Network are available to offer spiritual direction to clergy and laity in the Church of the Brethren.
Source: 6/22/2005 Newsline
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Brethren bits: Personnel, job openings, and more.
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- Beth Burnette will serve as promotions specialist for the General Board's "Messenger" magazine, beginning about Oct. 1. This is a part-time, temporary position funded for two years through special gifts to the "Messenger" anniversary fund. Burnette will work primarily from her home in St. Charles, Ill. A member of York Center Church of the Brethren in Lombard, Ill., Burnette is retiring as administrative assistant for Illinois and Wisconsin District and as York Center's Christian education director. She has experience in nonprofit and for-profit marketing and developing print materials for advertising in the Chicago area and in Maryland.
- The Indianapolis Peace House seeks an associate director for the undergraduate study-away program, recruitment of students, finding and overseeing internship placements, and coordinating activities. The Peace House is a residential experience for students and includes coursework, internship, communal living, and participation in neighborhood activities. Indianapolis Peace House (www.indypeacehouse.org), a component of the Plowshares project (www.plowsharesproject.org), is a Lilly Endowment-funded collaborative of Manchester, Earlham, and Goshen colleges. Required qualifications include a bachelor's degree; organizational skills; record of experience in mediation, conflict resolution, or peace studies; experience with student recruitment; interpersonal and communication skills; willingness to travel. Desired qualifications include a master's degree in an appropriate field; experience with program administration in a college or university; ability to teach; familiarity with Indianapolis and its not-for-profits. Salary is commensurate with experience. The position is open immediately but should be filled no later than Aug. 1. Candidates should send a resume, with at least three references, to Erwin Boschmann, CEO, c/o DeeDee House, Indianapolis Peace House, 1201 N. Central Ave., Box 3, Indianapolis, IN 46202-2696; dhouse@indypeacehouse.org; 317-631-7322; fax 317-631-5969.
- The Ecumenical Stewardship Center in Indianapolis seeks an executive director to supervise staff; provide oversight for corporate management, fiscal solvency, and member relations; cultivate and maintain relationships with member denominations, associate partners, and other faith-based stewardship organizations; and provide management, direction, promotion, and support for new and existing events, programs, and resources. A passion for Christian stewardship and commitment to the mission of the center is essential. Demonstrated skill in administration, organizational and financial management, written and verbal communication, and program development is required. Experience in ecumenical settings, contexts of diversity, and denominational ministry is expected. Academic training in theology or social sciences is preferred. A competitive salary and benefits are available. Send cover letter and resume by Aug. 15 to ESC Search Committee, 1100 W. 42nd St., Indianapolis, IN 46208. Visit www.stewardshipresources.org for more information.
- The National Council of Churches (NCC) seeks young adult volunteers for its Stewards Program. Stewards will serve during the General Assembly of the NCC and Church World Service in Baltimore, Md., Nov. 8-10. This is the third year for the program, which gathers a small group of Christian young adults from across the country to assist in the work of the assembly and to observe ecumenism "up close" as some 250 delegates from 36 Protestant, Anglican, and Orthodox denominations gather for worship, business, and fellowship. Stewards assist with hospitality, registration, audio-visual technology, and other tasks. The experience includes a young adult spiritual development event. Stewards must be between the ages of 18 and 30 and have the recommendation of their denomination. Contact Chris Douglas at the General Board's Youth and Young Adult Ministries, cdouglas_gb@brethren.org or call 800-323-8039 ext. 297.
- Youth pastors are invited to meet at Annual Conference in Peoria, Ill. Those who are serving as paid youth pastors in the Church of the Brethren are invited to a gathering of youth ministry professionals sponsored by the General Board's Youth and Young Adult Ministry Office on Monday, July 4, 1-2 p.m. in Room 201 of the Peoria Civic Center. This will be a time for networking, sharing, and learning to know others in the field of fulltime youth ministry.
- The Central Maryland Chapter of the American Red Cross is closing its Carroll County, Howard County, and Harford County offices as part of a restructuring plan to centralize services at the chapter office in Baltimore. The Carroll County office at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md., will close July 1. Linda Vanderhoff, district director, extended her thanks for the generous support given to the Red Cross by Brethren Service Center agencies and staff.
- Brethren Benefit Trust and the General Board are now providing wireless internet access at the General Offices in Elgin, Ill. This is a new service provided in cooperation between the agencies.
- Dates and sites have been announced for the next two Cross-Cultural Consultations and Celebrations: May 4-7, 2006, in Lancaster, Pa.; and April 19-22, 2007, in New Windsor, Md. Plans are for the consultation to be held on the west coast in 2008. For more information contact Duane Grady at 800-505-1596 or e-mail
dgrady_gb@brethren.org. - Brethren Volunteer Service is having a potluck on July 30 at 6:30 p.m. at Union Bridge (Md.) Church of the Brethren. Any former Brethren Volunteer Service workers and Civilian Public Service (CPS) workers are invited, and anyone who has a connection to either program. "We see this potluck as a wonderful opportunity for the `volunteers in training' from BVS Unit 265 to be able to connect with people that have done similar service," said Sam Bowman of the BVS office. "We hope to see you there." Bring a covered dish to share, or any other type of food for the potluck. There will be a short informal time of introduction and sharing.
- Peoria (Ill.) Church of the Brethren is holding a Biker Weekend June 25-26, with the local chapter of the Christian Motorcyclist Association (CMA). The chapter has met monthly in the church fellowship hall for the past two years, reports the congregation's newsletter. Weekend events will include motorcycle games in the parking lot, a barbecue, rides, a concert by the southern gospel group "The Chasteens," Sunday morning worship with testimonies from the biker community, and a traditional CMA blessing of the bikes during the Sunday school hour. "The main objective of this event is to reach out to and witness to the biker community in a way and in a setting that they find comfortable and welcoming," the newsletter said. "The CMA is doing much of the heavy lifting for this event and we are grateful to them for their heartfelt desire to reach out in the name of Christ."
- Imperial Heights Community Church of the Brethren in Los Angeles, Calif., is starting a community orchestra. "We have acquired an instructor who has caught the vision and has the passion of working with individuals who have the desire to play a musical instrument," reported pastor Thomas Dowdy in an open invitation to Pacific Southwest District saying, "I believe you will be blessed in what God is doing in this multicultural community.... We have extended this wonderful opportunity to the community free of charge, asking anyone who wants to play a musical instrument with or without experience to come join this orchestra." The church is offering classes for the orchestra and the opportunity for individual instruction. The debut performance will be Sunday, Aug. 21, during the weekend of the Pacific Southwest District board meeting at Imperial Heights. For more information call 323-754-3998.
- Pastor Ruth A. Yoder and Union Center Church of the Brethren in Nappanee were among those receiving grants from the 2005 Clergy Renewal Program for Indiana Congregations, funded by Lilly Endowment Inc. The grants were awarded to 36 ministers statewide, to allow them to take an extended time away from the daily demands of church leadership to spend time studying, reflecting, reconnecting with their families, traveling, and writing.
- Painesville (Ohio) Church of the Brethren is celebrating its 50th anniversary with a worship service held 50 years to the day from its first worship service on June 26, 1955. Worship will be held at 10:30 a.m. this June 26, followed by a luncheon. The celebration will include opening a time capsule buried in 1985, on the 30th anniversary. RSVP for the luncheon at 440-352-3974.
- The Church of the Brethren was represented at the 10th annual Religion Fair in Harrisburg, Pa., in May. The Brethren joined others including Catholics, Quakers, Mormons, Muslims, Buddhists, Bahai, Jews, and Unitarian-Universalists at the fair, according to "The Patriot-News." The event was sponsored by the Interreligious Forum of Greater Harrisburg.
- The Brethren Home Community of Southern Pennsylvania District will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2008. Founded in 1908, the home was located in Cumberland County on Pine Road near Huntsdale, Pa., until a fire destroyed the home on Jan. 27, 1951. A new home was established with the purchase of the Cross Keys Hotel one mile east of New Oxford, Pa. The home is now a continuing care retirement community with over 900 residents in independent living, assisted living, and a health care center. A Centennial Committee has been organized to plan for special events, publish a book, and prepare a display of significant events. Centennial events will begin at the Festival of Lights in Dec. 2007 and continue through the anniversary year. More information can be found at www.brethrenhome.org.
- Unity in Community, an organization founded with help from Manassas (Va.) Church of the Brethren, celebrated its 10th anniversary on May 14, according to the "Potomac News." The Manassas church hosted the interfaith supper celebration titled "Taste of Unity." Unity in Community serves Prince William County and the cities of Manassas and Manassas Park, working on problems of intolerance and racism and supporting diversity. The first Unity in Community meeting of local clergy was held in 1995 at the invitation of Illana Naylor and the Manassas church. Accomplishments include "hate-free" and "bigot-free" zones, education on hate crimes, work with schools and youth, and action countering leafletting by the KKK.
- Waynesboro (Pa.) Church of the Brethren hosted the 54th annual Clothesline Art Exhibit of the Waynesboro Studio Club on the second weekend in June. The event showed the work of local artists and students from Waynesboro Area Senior High School. The church hosts monthly meetings of the club.
- The 16th annual World Hunger Bike Ride in Virlina District took place June 18 starting at Antioch Church of the Brethren in Rocky Mount, Va. The event offered a choice of rides of 10 miles, 25 miles, and 50 miles.
- The Sonfest festival of contemporary Christian music in Smithsburg, Md., on June 11 featured recordings of songs by the late Dean Mouk, pastor of Welty Church of the Brethren in Smithsburg until his death nearly a year ago. The annual festival is sponsored by Trinity Lutheran Church. Mouk was a fixture from the first Sonfest eight years ago, reported the "Herald-Mail."
- Samuel Dante Dali, a leader in Ekklesiyar Yan'uwa a Nigeria (EYN--the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria), has been awarded a Ph.D. at the University of Birmingham, England, in the area of church history. His dissertation is titled, "The Contemporary Search for Visible-Practical Unity in the Fellowship of the Churches of Christ in Nigeria: In the Light of the Ecumenical Policies and Work of the Sudan United Mission (1904-1960)." Dali returns this month to his teaching position at the Theological College of Northern Nigeria. His study was sponsored through the Global Mission Partnerships office of the General Board as a part of longterm leadership development in EYN.
- The National Council of Churches is holding a "Money for Mission: Greening Initiatives That Make Cents" workshop on June 29, 8:30-11:30 a.m., at the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America headquarters in Chicago. The workshop is intended for faith leaders--including camp and conference center staff, clergy, lay leaders of congregations, and denominational staff--to learn how to "green" religious congregations and institutions. Organizers hope to empower and enable participants to incorporate environmentally sustainable practices and increase environmental stewardship while reducing financial burdens. Registration of $10 includes breakfast. To register e-mail cassandra@toad.net or visit www.nccecojustice.org.
- The Valley Brethren-Mennonite Heritage Center in Harrisonburg, Va., will host a "Tears and Ashes" bus tour in the Dayton (Va.) area on July 16, beginning and ending at Garbers Church of the Brethren. Norman Wenger and David Rodes, researchers and compilers of "Unionists and the Civil War Experience in the Shenandoah Valley," will lead the tour. Sites will include Meigs Lane, Silver Lake Mill, "Doc" Gabe and Margaret Swank Heatwole's house that hid Unionists fleeing the war, and Pleasant View Old Order Mennonite Church. The $50 fee includes a Mennonite-German meal at Bank Mennonite Church. Checks written to CrossRoads (or VBMHC) and received by July 8 will reserve a seat. Send to P.O. Box 1563, Harrisonburg, VA 22803. The center also is holding Sunday evening vesper services in July and August at the CrossRoads Ampitheater. Area Brethren leaders will take part in many of the services, which will conclude Aug. 28 with a service led by Mountain View Church of the Brethren. For more information see www.vbmhc.org.
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Susanna Farahat joins the staff of On Earth Peace.
On Earth Peace has announced that Susanna Farahat will join the staff in August as the new coordinator of Peacemaker Formation. She will oversee an extensive peace education program that serves all ages, with an emphasis on youth and young adults.
Farahat is a member of York Center Church of the Brethren in Lombard, Ill., and a recent graduate of Bryn Mawr College. She brings teaching experience and a strong sense of the educational process, along with a wide variety of community service experiences to the position. Farahat will be based at the New Windsor (Md.) office of On Earth Peace.
Kim Stuckey Hissong, the current coordinator of Peacemaker Formation, will begin graduate studies in social work this fall.
Source: 6/22/2005 Newsline
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On Earth Peace has announced that Susanna Farahat will join the staff in August as the new coordinator of Peacemaker Formation. She will oversee an extensive peace education program that serves all ages, with an emphasis on youth and young adults.
Farahat is a member of York Center Church of the Brethren in Lombard, Ill., and a recent graduate of Bryn Mawr College. She brings teaching experience and a strong sense of the educational process, along with a wide variety of community service experiences to the position. Farahat will be based at the New Windsor (Md.) office of On Earth Peace.
Kim Stuckey Hissong, the current coordinator of Peacemaker Formation, will begin graduate studies in social work this fall.
Source: 6/22/2005 Newsline
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Exploring Your Call event for youth will be held at Bethany Seminary.
Exploring Your Call, an event for high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors, will be held at Bethany Theological Seminary in Richmond, Ind., on Aug. 4-9. The event is an opportunity for youth to consider issues of faith and vocation.
Remaining funds from a $2 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc.'s Theological Vocational Exploration Program Initiative, received by Manchester College on behalf of eight Brethren institutions, allow Bethany to offer the event for an additional year. Activities include classes taught by seminary professors, shadowing area pastors, planning and leading worship services, participating in hands-on ministry and service activities, and group-building recreational activities. Russell Haitch, assistant professor of Christian Education and director of the Institute for Ministry with Youth and Young Adults, will oversee the event.
Participants' only cost is travel expense to and from Richmond. Registration is limited to 20 participants. Begin the sign-up and registration process via e-mail by sending the following information to EYC@bethanyseminary.edu: name, address, telephone and alternate telephone, e-mail address, birthdate and age, home congregation, pastor, church telephone, person to notify in case of emergency and that person's relationship to the youth and their telephone and address. For more information e-mail EYC@bethanyseminary.edu or call 800-287-8822 ext. 1821.
Source: 6/22/2005 Newsline
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Exploring Your Call, an event for high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors, will be held at Bethany Theological Seminary in Richmond, Ind., on Aug. 4-9. The event is an opportunity for youth to consider issues of faith and vocation.
Remaining funds from a $2 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc.'s Theological Vocational Exploration Program Initiative, received by Manchester College on behalf of eight Brethren institutions, allow Bethany to offer the event for an additional year. Activities include classes taught by seminary professors, shadowing area pastors, planning and leading worship services, participating in hands-on ministry and service activities, and group-building recreational activities. Russell Haitch, assistant professor of Christian Education and director of the Institute for Ministry with Youth and Young Adults, will oversee the event.
Participants' only cost is travel expense to and from Richmond. Registration is limited to 20 participants. Begin the sign-up and registration process via e-mail by sending the following information to EYC@bethanyseminary.edu: name, address, telephone and alternate telephone, e-mail address, birthdate and age, home congregation, pastor, church telephone, person to notify in case of emergency and that person's relationship to the youth and their telephone and address. For more information e-mail EYC@bethanyseminary.edu or call 800-287-8822 ext. 1821.
Source: 6/22/2005 Newsline
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Dunkertown Workshop tells Brethren stories.
A new project by two Middle Pennsylvania Brethren writers is designed to help preserve the Brethren story. Dunkertown Workshop is the brainchild of Steve Engle of Alexandria, and Frank Ramirez of Everett, who hope through recordings, theatrical productions, and writing to tell some lesser known Brethren stories and to revive stories that may have been forgotten.
The first Dunkertown collaborative Ramirez-Engle venture was the musical "Angels Everywhere" about Catharine Hummer, a Brethren teenager in 1762 who said she saw angels. With a cast from several Middle Pennsylvania District churches, the musical has been performed at six different venues in middle and eastern Pennsylvania, with more performances scheduled for the fall. A CD recording also is in production.
A four-disc audio recording of "The Meanest Man in Patrick County and Other Unlikely Brethren Heroes" by Frank Ramirez (Brethren Press, 2004) is the first Dunkertown CD to be released. Stories are read by the author with Jennie Ramirez, Steve Engle, and Joan Engle. The CD also features an original ballad, "The Meanest Man in Patrick County," penned by Engle and Ramirez and sung by Andy Murray. (Order the CD for $18 plus shipping and handling, or the book for $10.95 plus shipping and handling, from Brethren Press at 800-441-3712.)
Dunkertown Workshop has re-released "Ted Studebaker in Vietnam: Life Is Good, Yea!" on CD (available from Brethren Press for $15 plus shipping and handling). For decades, the album has been out of print. Studebaker was murdered by the Vietcong in 1971 while in alternative service. Gary and Sue Studebaker, with help from Engle, put together an album of cassette recordings Studebaker sent home. The album includes songs, audio letters, and an interview about his work. The CD also features "Brave Man From Ohio" by Andy and Terry Murray, and a national ABC News report aired at the time of Studebaker's memorial service.
A future Dunkertown project is the "Andy and Terry Murray Songbook." Engle plans to work with the Murrays in transcribing their music, most of which exists only as recordings or lyrics.
The website www.dunkertownworkshop.com offers other CDs by Engle, books by Ramirez, releases from the Murrays, the opportunity to hear songs, and purchasing information. Engle and Ramirez invite Brethren artists who have their own websites to join them in this collaboration, so that links can lead Brethren to their work.
Source: 6/22/2005 Newsline
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A new project by two Middle Pennsylvania Brethren writers is designed to help preserve the Brethren story. Dunkertown Workshop is the brainchild of Steve Engle of Alexandria, and Frank Ramirez of Everett, who hope through recordings, theatrical productions, and writing to tell some lesser known Brethren stories and to revive stories that may have been forgotten.
The first Dunkertown collaborative Ramirez-Engle venture was the musical "Angels Everywhere" about Catharine Hummer, a Brethren teenager in 1762 who said she saw angels. With a cast from several Middle Pennsylvania District churches, the musical has been performed at six different venues in middle and eastern Pennsylvania, with more performances scheduled for the fall. A CD recording also is in production.
A four-disc audio recording of "The Meanest Man in Patrick County and Other Unlikely Brethren Heroes" by Frank Ramirez (Brethren Press, 2004) is the first Dunkertown CD to be released. Stories are read by the author with Jennie Ramirez, Steve Engle, and Joan Engle. The CD also features an original ballad, "The Meanest Man in Patrick County," penned by Engle and Ramirez and sung by Andy Murray. (Order the CD for $18 plus shipping and handling, or the book for $10.95 plus shipping and handling, from Brethren Press at 800-441-3712.)
Dunkertown Workshop has re-released "Ted Studebaker in Vietnam: Life Is Good, Yea!" on CD (available from Brethren Press for $15 plus shipping and handling). For decades, the album has been out of print. Studebaker was murdered by the Vietcong in 1971 while in alternative service. Gary and Sue Studebaker, with help from Engle, put together an album of cassette recordings Studebaker sent home. The album includes songs, audio letters, and an interview about his work. The CD also features "Brave Man From Ohio" by Andy and Terry Murray, and a national ABC News report aired at the time of Studebaker's memorial service.
A future Dunkertown project is the "Andy and Terry Murray Songbook." Engle plans to work with the Murrays in transcribing their music, most of which exists only as recordings or lyrics.
The website www.dunkertownworkshop.com offers other CDs by Engle, books by Ramirez, releases from the Murrays, the opportunity to hear songs, and purchasing information. Engle and Ramirez invite Brethren artists who have their own websites to join them in this collaboration, so that links can lead Brethren to their work.
Source: 6/22/2005 Newsline
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Watching a new church plant do everything right.
By Nancy Sollenberger Heishman
A new preaching point in the Dominican Republic named Arco Iris, which means "rainbow," held its first regular Sunday evening worship service Easter night in the capital of Santo Domingo. From start to finish, it seemed as if they had carefully studied the finest church growth literature available in order to plan an event that would be welcoming and open to the Spirit, and that displayed the following qualities essential to offering a new worship service:
Excellent leadership. The leadership team consists of many gifted people. Daniel and Oris De'Oleo's outstanding gifts in motivation, preaching, teaching, and organization are filled with a dynamic enthusiasm that is contagious. Minerva Mateo's gifts of compassion, gentle love, a heart for neighborhood children, and fervent prayer are an encouragement to others. Clearly these are empowering leaders who model the way.
Quality musicians. The mother church, Peniel, and its pastor, Eduardo Montero, sent its entire worship team accompanied by the church's sound system, drum set, pulpit, plastic chairs, generator, fan, microphones, overhead projector, and song transparencies.
Success at getting the word out. About an hour and a half before the service, members of the mother church canvassed the neighborhood passing out fliers and inviting everyone within sight to the service, and sharing the love and blessing of Christ in their conversations.
Creative worship. A gifted and creative teenager shared a series of three dramas, accompanied by music and narrative, that illustrated the difference Jesus Christ makes in a person's life. During the singing that preceded them, musicians displayed the words of songs using transparencies so that new people could participate. The singing was invitational and focused on giving God glory, honor, and praise.
Quality preaching. Brother Daniel shared an inspiring message focusing on Jesus' promise in John 3. An invitation followed for persons to accept life in Christ and to leave behind a life of sin and brokenness.
Effective follow through. As the service was beginning, Sister Minerva moved through the crowd warmly greeting visitors and collecting information to make follow-up personal visits.
Care for the whole person. Not only was an invitation given for people to commit their lives to Christ, but genuine love and concern were shown through a willingness to pray for needs expressed. One visitor asked for prayer for her father who is ill. She was invited to come up front where prayer was promptly offered. Worship leader Selvia Gonzalez expressed the church's concern and commitment to pray for her father's physical and spiritual health, caring for both his body and soul.
A welcoming space. God has graciously provided a open and accessible space for this new preaching point, a community building strategically situated right in the middle of a community that only has two other churches. People are already familiar with the building and comfortable entering it. It is available free in exchange for cleaning up the trash around it, a blessing the community will quickly appreciate.
Modeling loving relationships. Greeters were positioned on the sidewalk in order to continually invite people in throughout the service. Others positioned themselves just inside the door to offer a warm welcome. Refreshments were offered after worship to give a thoughtful send off as people returned home.
Participating in this new effort was a tremendously inspiring experience. Please keep this new church plant in your prayers. Pray that God will bring much spiritual fruit as the leaders eagerly reach out to their neighborhood with the news that God's love is faithful, as the brilliant colors of the rainbow remind us.
--Nancy Sollenberger Heishman is one of the General Board's mission co-coordinator in the Dominican Republic.
Source: 6/22/2005 Newsline
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By Nancy Sollenberger Heishman
A new preaching point in the Dominican Republic named Arco Iris, which means "rainbow," held its first regular Sunday evening worship service Easter night in the capital of Santo Domingo. From start to finish, it seemed as if they had carefully studied the finest church growth literature available in order to plan an event that would be welcoming and open to the Spirit, and that displayed the following qualities essential to offering a new worship service:
Excellent leadership. The leadership team consists of many gifted people. Daniel and Oris De'Oleo's outstanding gifts in motivation, preaching, teaching, and organization are filled with a dynamic enthusiasm that is contagious. Minerva Mateo's gifts of compassion, gentle love, a heart for neighborhood children, and fervent prayer are an encouragement to others. Clearly these are empowering leaders who model the way.
Quality musicians. The mother church, Peniel, and its pastor, Eduardo Montero, sent its entire worship team accompanied by the church's sound system, drum set, pulpit, plastic chairs, generator, fan, microphones, overhead projector, and song transparencies.
Success at getting the word out. About an hour and a half before the service, members of the mother church canvassed the neighborhood passing out fliers and inviting everyone within sight to the service, and sharing the love and blessing of Christ in their conversations.
Creative worship. A gifted and creative teenager shared a series of three dramas, accompanied by music and narrative, that illustrated the difference Jesus Christ makes in a person's life. During the singing that preceded them, musicians displayed the words of songs using transparencies so that new people could participate. The singing was invitational and focused on giving God glory, honor, and praise.
Quality preaching. Brother Daniel shared an inspiring message focusing on Jesus' promise in John 3. An invitation followed for persons to accept life in Christ and to leave behind a life of sin and brokenness.
Effective follow through. As the service was beginning, Sister Minerva moved through the crowd warmly greeting visitors and collecting information to make follow-up personal visits.
Care for the whole person. Not only was an invitation given for people to commit their lives to Christ, but genuine love and concern were shown through a willingness to pray for needs expressed. One visitor asked for prayer for her father who is ill. She was invited to come up front where prayer was promptly offered. Worship leader Selvia Gonzalez expressed the church's concern and commitment to pray for her father's physical and spiritual health, caring for both his body and soul.
A welcoming space. God has graciously provided a open and accessible space for this new preaching point, a community building strategically situated right in the middle of a community that only has two other churches. People are already familiar with the building and comfortable entering it. It is available free in exchange for cleaning up the trash around it, a blessing the community will quickly appreciate.
Modeling loving relationships. Greeters were positioned on the sidewalk in order to continually invite people in throughout the service. Others positioned themselves just inside the door to offer a warm welcome. Refreshments were offered after worship to give a thoughtful send off as people returned home.
Participating in this new effort was a tremendously inspiring experience. Please keep this new church plant in your prayers. Pray that God will bring much spiritual fruit as the leaders eagerly reach out to their neighborhood with the news that God's love is faithful, as the brilliant colors of the rainbow remind us.
--Nancy Sollenberger Heishman is one of the General Board's mission co-coordinator in the Dominican Republic.
Source: 6/22/2005 Newsline
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Credits
Newsline is produced by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of news services for the Church of the Brethren General Board, on every other Wednesday with other editions as needed. Newsline stories may be reprinted if Newsline is cited as the source. Sam Bowman, Kathleen Campanella, Mary Dulabaum, Larry Gibble, Merv Keeney, Ed Poling, Frank Ramirez, and Marcia Shetler contributed to this report
Newsline is produced by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of news services for the Church of the Brethren General Board, on every other Wednesday with other editions as needed. Newsline stories may be reprinted if Newsline is cited as the source. Sam Bowman, Kathleen Campanella, Mary Dulabaum, Larry Gibble, Merv Keeney, Ed Poling, Frank Ramirez, and Marcia Shetler contributed to this report
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