Plan of merger for agencies is approved, forbearance paper adopted.
Annual Conference moderator James Beckwith led the business sessions. The delegate body dealt with several major items.
Resolutions approving plan of merger of church agencies:
Annual Conference unanimously adopted resolutions approving the plan and agreement of merger of the Association of Brethren Caregivers (ABC) and the General Board into a single corporation. The new organization will include the functions of the Annual Conference Council. The action changes the name of the new organization to Church of the Brethren, Inc.
The resolutions were presented by the Implementation Committee elected in 2007 to create a plan for the merger, after Conference adopted the recommendation of the Review and Evaluation Committee to unite the agencies into a new incorporated legal entity. The resolutions also have been approved by the ABC board, the Fellowship of Brethren Homes (the legal members of ABC), and by the General Board.
In adopting the resolutions, the Conference also approved articles of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws. In a separate action the body approved the report of the Implementation Committee. Delegates were invited to take concerns and suggestions for improvements of the bylaws to the Annual Conference officers or to the general secretary, as bylaws will be reviewed again as the plan is put into place.
Moderator James Beckwith explained that the action that was called for was "a legal process to complete what we started last year when we said we wanted these bodies to merge." The action combines the two boards into one new board called the Mission and Ministry Board. It creates a new Leadership Team for the denomination, which will include the Annual Conference Officers and the general secretary. All ministries of the two boards will continue in the new organization.
The action does not affect the organization of Annual Conference or Standing Committee. Annual Conference continues to be the highest and final legislative authority of the denomination.
Resolution Urging Forbearance:
The Resolution Urging Forbearance brought by ABC, the General Board, and On Earth Peace, was adopted with one amendment. It reviews Brethren tradition and related scripture, and resolves to commit to practices of forbearance amid differences.
The text of the short resolution begins, "We find ourselves in a world where people are driven apart by deep differences. These divisions seep into the church, pitting us against one another in action and language. Yet God has entrusted us with a ministry of reconciliation."
Citing 2 Corinthians 5:17-19 and Matthew 5:17, and giving a brief review of scriptural references to forbearance--Ephesians 4:2 and 6:9, Colossians 3:13, and 2 Corinthians 12:6--the paper also quotes from Annual Conference statements.
The resolution received a lot of discussion in the business sessions. Concerns came particularly from districts recently involved in conflict, with questions about whether the paper changes polity and would bypass district decisions. Others said it could be abused, and might keep Brethren from holding one another accountable.
ABC executive director Kathy Reid responded, "It does not change polity. This is a call to remember our heritage as brothers and sisters in Christ and hold each other in love."
The amendment that passed was brought by a delegate from her congregation's peace education committee. First it added the words, "We respect those who do not agree and continue in fellowship with them." Then it added another clause to an existing sentence: "We preach and teach peace without separating ourselves from those who choose military service or otherwise question the official position of the denomination."
The resolution was adopted on a show of hands, although with significant opposition.
Update to Ethics in Ministerial Relations:
An update to the Ethics in Ministerial Relations paper was adopted with several amendments. Mary Jo Flory-Steury, executive director of Ministry, explained that the update comes out of 12 years of experience of using the 1996 paper in the denomination.
Main amendments concerned pastors ministering to former congregations, and required congregations to study the denomination's paper on congregational ethics while working on the hiring of pastoral leadership and during extended pastorates. Other amendments strengthened the paper's call for ministerial leaders to live by high standards, and added a reference to the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Several speakers pointed out places where they thought the wording did not go far enough in naming specific types of misbehavior and abuse. Those concerns did not result in any amendments to the paper.
An amendment was proposed because of concern that pastors could be abused by malicious anonymous complaints. The paper allows persons to anonymously complain and initiate a grievance process. However, Flory-Steury pointed out that if the complaint is taken through the full process outlined in the paper, the name of the accuser would become known to investigators, although kept confidential. The amendment was voted down.
Another proposed amendment that did not pass concerned use of pornography. Flory-Steury suggested that the issue was covered under general statements regarding integrity of the ministerial life, exercising a lifestyle consistent with the teachings of Jesus. The amendment was voted down, but the moderator quickly stated that this was not to imply approval of pornography.
Resolution on Slavery in 21st Century:
A Resolution on Slavery in the 21st Century was adopted, including an amendment made by Standing Committee that added a phrase "to change our personal lifestyle habits that support it (slavery)." A Study and Action Guide on Modern-Day Slavery that provides resources to accompany the resolution is available at www.brethren.org.
Resolution on Ministers' Medical Insurance Crisis:
A Resolution on Ministers' Medical Insurance Crisis was adopted. It reaffirms the value of congregations providing health insurance for pastors and their families, calls on the General Board to work at the issue in several ways, and encourages Brethren Benefit Trust to extend aid through assistance funds. It follows up on action of the 2007 Annual Conference to end the Brethren Medical Plan for pastors. Director of Ministry Mary Jo Flory-Steury spoke of hearing of churches that erroneously interpreted last year's decision to mean that they no longer had responsibility for providing medical insurance for their pastors.
In other business, the concern of the Query: Conference Witness to Host City was adopted and referred to the Program and Arrangements Committee to coordinate with the host district; a revision to the Annual Conference paper on Unfunded Mandates also passed; a 4.2 percent annual adjustment to the cash salary table for pastors for 2009 was approved; ABC gave an interim report on its response to the 2007 query on child abuse prevention; and numerous reports were received.
In the report from the Program and Arrangements Committee, Annual Conference executive director Lerry Fogle reported that the financial situation of Annual Conference is much better than a year ago, and that the sum of $40,000 is being returned to the Conference by the 300th Anniversary Committee, which did not need the full funding it had received. "We expect to end the year 2008 well into a surplus," Fogle said.
Five new fellowships and two new congregations were welcomed: Church in Drive Fellowship in Saginaw, Mich.; Faith in Action Fellowship in Delta, Ohio; Lakeside Fellowship in Smith Mountain Lake, Va.; Una Nueva Vida en Cristo Fellowship in Virlina District; Flowing Faith Fellowship in Stokesdale, N.C.; Puerta Del Cielo Church of the Brethren in Atlantic Northeast District; and His Way Church of the Brethren/Iglesia de los Hermanos El Cristo Camino in Southeastern District.
Because of time constraints, the moderator announced that the report from the delegates to the National Council of Churches will be distributed in another way, and that the Living Peace Church stories may be made available via the website.
Source: 7/16/2008
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Conference elects Shawn Flory Replogle as moderator-elect.
Delegates to the 222nd Annual Conference called Shawn Flory Replogle of Western Plains District to moderate the 2010 Annual Conference in Pittsburgh, Pa., July 3-7. Replogle is pastor of McPherson (Kan.) Church of the Brethren.
Serving as moderator next year in San Diego, Calif., will be David Shumate, executive minister of Virlina District.
Other election results:
Delegates to the 222nd Annual Conference called Shawn Flory Replogle of Western Plains District to moderate the 2010 Annual Conference in Pittsburgh, Pa., July 3-7. Replogle is pastor of McPherson (Kan.) Church of the Brethren.
Serving as moderator next year in San Diego, Calif., will be David Shumate, executive minister of Virlina District.
Other election results:
- Program and Arrangements Committee: Diane (Newcomer) Mason
- Pastoral Compensation and Benefits Advisory Committee: Linda Sanders
- Process Committee: Ronald Beachley, Phyllis Davis, and Don Fitzkee
- Committee on Interchurch Relations: Paul W. Roth
- Association of Brethren Caregivers (ABC) Board: Tammy Kiser and Chris Whitacre
- Bethany Theological Seminary Trustees: Nathan D. Polzin and Raymond M. Donadio Jr.
- Brethren Benefit Trust Board: Jack H. Grim
- On Earth Peace Board: Jordan Blevins
- Brethren Benefit Trust Board: Carol A. Davis, Craig Smith, and Ann Quay Davis
- ABC Board: John Wenger, John C. Grindler Katonah, and Daniel J. McRoberts
- Bethany Theological Seminary Trustees: Francis S. Beam and Philip C. Stone Jr.
- General Board at large: Ben Barlow
- General Board district nominees: Willie Hisey Pierson, Illinois and Wisconsin District; Andrew Hamilton, Northern Ohio District; Wallace Glenn Cole, Southeastern District
- On Earth Peace: Benjamin Leiter and Joel Gibble
Boards reorganize in light of plan of merger.
The General Board met on July 14 to reorganize following adoption of the merger documents transforming the General Board and the Association of Brethren Caregivers into the Church of the Brethren, Inc. The new entity takes effect on Sept. 1.
Until that date the following executive committees remain in effect:
Source: 7/16/2008
The General Board met on July 14 to reorganize following adoption of the merger documents transforming the General Board and the Association of Brethren Caregivers into the Church of the Brethren, Inc. The new entity takes effect on Sept. 1.
Until that date the following executive committees remain in effect:
- The General Board executive committee through Aug. 31 will include chair Dale Minnich, vice-chair Ken Wenger, Susan Fitze, Kate Spire, and Mike Benner.
- The ABC executive committee through Aug. 31 will include chair Eddie Edmonds, chair-elect Vernne Greiner, Dan McRoberts, John Katonah, and Chris Whitacre.
Source: 7/16/2008
Standing Committee adopts statement of confession, commitment.
Standing Committee adopted "A Statement of Confession and Commitment" with the
recommendation that it be adopted as a statement of the 2009 Annual Conference. Standing Committee is made up of the district delegates to Annual Conference holding meetings prior to the Conference, and adds sessions during the Conference as needed.
The action was taken at an early morning session of Standing Committee on Monday, July 14. The statement will come to the 2009 Annual Conference for consideration.
The statement was presented by a committee chosen by Standing Committee to formulate an appropriate response, after receiving a request for counsel from the Annual Conference Program and Arrangements Committee. The request for counsel came because the Conference exhibit hall has become a "battleground" between those who are for and against the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community, according to Program and Arrangements.
The request prompted a discussion in Standing Committee of whether the denomination should revisit the 1983 Annual Conference statement "Human Sexuality from a Christian Perspective," and the committee also held a couple of closed sessions on the matter.
The one-page statement opens with the sentences, "The issue of homosexuality continues to bring tension and division within our Body. We are not of one mind on this matter. We believe it is time to name that brokenness." The statement goes on, in part, to confess brokenness, affirm the 1983 Annual Conference statement on Human Sexuality as containing "an honest tension," and state that the tension "provides a healthy, if uncomfortable, growing edge that turns us toward one another and toward Christ rather than away from each other." It also states that "the 1983 paper remains our official position," commits to continue to wrestle with tensions in that document, calls for the avoidance of unkindness toward those who differ, and commits "to continue to seek the mind of Christ together."
The "Statement of Confession and Commitment" was adopted by Standing Committee without opposition or abstention. Discussion focused on how to present the statement to the 2009 Conference and how to distribute it.
Source: 7/16/2008
Standing Committee adopted "A Statement of Confession and Commitment" with the
recommendation that it be adopted as a statement of the 2009 Annual Conference. Standing Committee is made up of the district delegates to Annual Conference holding meetings prior to the Conference, and adds sessions during the Conference as needed.
The action was taken at an early morning session of Standing Committee on Monday, July 14. The statement will come to the 2009 Annual Conference for consideration.
The statement was presented by a committee chosen by Standing Committee to formulate an appropriate response, after receiving a request for counsel from the Annual Conference Program and Arrangements Committee. The request for counsel came because the Conference exhibit hall has become a "battleground" between those who are for and against the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community, according to Program and Arrangements.
The request prompted a discussion in Standing Committee of whether the denomination should revisit the 1983 Annual Conference statement "Human Sexuality from a Christian Perspective," and the committee also held a couple of closed sessions on the matter.
The one-page statement opens with the sentences, "The issue of homosexuality continues to bring tension and division within our Body. We are not of one mind on this matter. We believe it is time to name that brokenness." The statement goes on, in part, to confess brokenness, affirm the 1983 Annual Conference statement on Human Sexuality as containing "an honest tension," and state that the tension "provides a healthy, if uncomfortable, growing edge that turns us toward one another and toward Christ rather than away from each other." It also states that "the 1983 paper remains our official position," commits to continue to wrestle with tensions in that document, calls for the avoidance of unkindness toward those who differ, and commits "to continue to seek the mind of Christ together."
The "Statement of Confession and Commitment" was adopted by Standing Committee without opposition or abstention. Discussion focused on how to present the statement to the 2009 Conference and how to distribute it.
Source: 7/16/2008
General Board affirms transition plans, sets 2009 budget parameters.
The General Board in its pre-Conference meeting in Richmond, Va., on July 12 affirmed plans for transition to a new organization pending the action of Annual Conference on the resolutions of merger with the Association of Brethren Caregivers (ABC). The board also approved budget parameters for 2009, among other business.
The General Board spent time reviewing the plans for the new organizational structure with ABC and incorporating the functions of the Annual Conference Council, and took action to affirm the transition plans. General secretary Stan Noffsinger announced that the board and ABC were both doing contingency planning in case the resolutions putting the new organization in place were not approved by the delegate body.
The board set budget parameters for its Core Ministries in 2009: projected income of $5,747,000, projected expense of $5,887,000, and a net expense of $140,000. Finance staff emphasized that these parameters represent the spending of accumulated net assets and one-time use of designated funds in order to avoid a much larger net expense for the year.
The financial planning team faced a difficult situation, said treasurer Judy Keyser, having to choose between the option of reducing program and staff, or the use of Core Ministries net assets and designated funds to reduce the deficit. If such measures were not used in 2009, the deficit would come to $381,000, Keyser reported.
Board chair Tim Harvey commented that the General Board is facing difficulties brought on by the economic situation in the country, including rising food and fuel costs, unmanageable travel budgets, health insurance costs, and the declining value of the dollar.
"Is ministry still worth paying for?" asked board member Terrell Lewis, in a statement of encouragement to the church to value its ministries. "I am frightened by this economy. It is scary news. But we have been called to do God's work."
In other business, the board received several reports including the recent work of Brethren Disaster Ministries, the upcoming National Young Adult Conference, and mission reports from the Dominican Republic, Nigeria, and the Sudan Initiative.
The board also welcomed international guests, recognized the service of staff, and board members who are finishing their terms with this meeting: chair Tim Harvey, Russ Betz, Jay Carter, Vicky Samland, and ex officio member Stephen Breck Reid, who has served as Bethany Seminary dean.
Source: 7/16/2008
The General Board in its pre-Conference meeting in Richmond, Va., on July 12 affirmed plans for transition to a new organization pending the action of Annual Conference on the resolutions of merger with the Association of Brethren Caregivers (ABC). The board also approved budget parameters for 2009, among other business.
The General Board spent time reviewing the plans for the new organizational structure with ABC and incorporating the functions of the Annual Conference Council, and took action to affirm the transition plans. General secretary Stan Noffsinger announced that the board and ABC were both doing contingency planning in case the resolutions putting the new organization in place were not approved by the delegate body.
The board set budget parameters for its Core Ministries in 2009: projected income of $5,747,000, projected expense of $5,887,000, and a net expense of $140,000. Finance staff emphasized that these parameters represent the spending of accumulated net assets and one-time use of designated funds in order to avoid a much larger net expense for the year.
The financial planning team faced a difficult situation, said treasurer Judy Keyser, having to choose between the option of reducing program and staff, or the use of Core Ministries net assets and designated funds to reduce the deficit. If such measures were not used in 2009, the deficit would come to $381,000, Keyser reported.
Board chair Tim Harvey commented that the General Board is facing difficulties brought on by the economic situation in the country, including rising food and fuel costs, unmanageable travel budgets, health insurance costs, and the declining value of the dollar.
"Is ministry still worth paying for?" asked board member Terrell Lewis, in a statement of encouragement to the church to value its ministries. "I am frightened by this economy. It is scary news. But we have been called to do God's work."
In other business, the board received several reports including the recent work of Brethren Disaster Ministries, the upcoming National Young Adult Conference, and mission reports from the Dominican Republic, Nigeria, and the Sudan Initiative.
The board also welcomed international guests, recognized the service of staff, and board members who are finishing their terms with this meeting: chair Tim Harvey, Russ Betz, Jay Carter, Vicky Samland, and ex officio member Stephen Breck Reid, who has served as Bethany Seminary dean.
Source: 7/16/2008
International Brethren attend Annual Conference.
A number of Brethren from other countries attended the 300th Anniversary Conference in Richmond.
Official guests of the Church of the Brethren General Board from sister denominations included Cristian Aquino Encarnacion, a pastor from the Dominican Republic; Filibus Gwama, president of Ekklesiyar Yan'uwa a Nigeria (EYN-- the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria), and Jinatu Wamdeo, EYN general secretary; and Ludovic St. Fleur, coordinator of the mission in Haiti, and pastor of Eglise des Freres Haitiens in Miami and the Orlando (Fla.) Haitian Fellowship.
Several mission coordinators and mission staff of the Church of the Brethren attended as well: David Whitten, mission coordinator for Nigeria, and his wife, Judith Whitten; Irvin and Nancy Heishman, mission coordinators for the Dominican Republic; Marcos and Suely Inhauser, mission coordinators for Brazil, and their children and grandfather.
Also at the Conference was a group of EYN members representing the Brethren Evangelism Support Trust (BEST), an organization of Nigerian business leaders who work to impact communities for Christ through their local churches. The group's visit to the United States and the Conference is sponsored by Atlantic Northeast District, and Virlina District churches also will help host them during their time in Virginia. Paul Steiner, Monroe Good, and Earl Ziegler are helping coordinate the group during their time in the US.
The BEST group included 32 Nigerians. They were guests of the Brethren World Missions breakfast on July 15, where the speaker was David Garnuwa, BEST president.
Source: 7/16/2008
A number of Brethren from other countries attended the 300th Anniversary Conference in Richmond.
Official guests of the Church of the Brethren General Board from sister denominations included Cristian Aquino Encarnacion, a pastor from the Dominican Republic; Filibus Gwama, president of Ekklesiyar Yan'uwa a Nigeria (EYN-- the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria), and Jinatu Wamdeo, EYN general secretary; and Ludovic St. Fleur, coordinator of the mission in Haiti, and pastor of Eglise des Freres Haitiens in Miami and the Orlando (Fla.) Haitian Fellowship.
Several mission coordinators and mission staff of the Church of the Brethren attended as well: David Whitten, mission coordinator for Nigeria, and his wife, Judith Whitten; Irvin and Nancy Heishman, mission coordinators for the Dominican Republic; Marcos and Suely Inhauser, mission coordinators for Brazil, and their children and grandfather.
Also at the Conference was a group of EYN members representing the Brethren Evangelism Support Trust (BEST), an organization of Nigerian business leaders who work to impact communities for Christ through their local churches. The group's visit to the United States and the Conference is sponsored by Atlantic Northeast District, and Virlina District churches also will help host them during their time in Virginia. Paul Steiner, Monroe Good, and Earl Ziegler are helping coordinate the group during their time in the US.
The BEST group included 32 Nigerians. They were guests of the Brethren World Missions breakfast on July 15, where the speaker was David Garnuwa, BEST president.
Source: 7/16/2008
Brethren bits: Job openings, youth peace team, district news, more.
- The Church of the Brethren General Board seeks an executive director for the Global Mission Partnerships program. The executive director provides servant leadership to the Global Mission Partnerships ministries of the Church of the Brethren, including casting a vision for mission as well as development, implementation and coordination of global ministries. Preferred qualifications for this position include: significant understanding of mission theology and practice, with knowledge of relief, development, and church planting operations in an international context; mission or humanitarian service-related management experience; knowledge of cross-cultural adjustment, dependency issues, ecumenical cooperation, and interfaith challenges gained from working internationally; multi-year living experience outside the United States; multiple language proficiencies preferred (notably Hausa, Spanish, Portuguese, Arabic, Creole, or French); demonstrated experience in conflict and crisis management; overall management experience with significant supervisory skills and budget development and oversight; demonstrated project management experience; expertise in group dynamics, processes, and networking with diverse groups of people; strong administrative and management skills to direct multiple program locations; seminary degree and/or master's degree in a relevant international field; well-grounded in the Church of the Brethren heritage, theology, and polity; able to articulate and support the core values of the Church of the Brethren and to operate out of the vision of the General Board; able to articulate a personal, Christian faith. The General Board is an equal-opportunity employer and welcomes applications from persons who can enhance the diversity of the community. Review of applications will begin July 21. The board will seek to make an appointment on or before Sept. 1. Interested persons should request an application packet from: Office of Human Resources, Church of the Brethren General Board, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120-1694. Electronic submissions of materials are preferred at kkrog_gb@brethren.org.
- The Board of Directors for Career and Personal Counseling Service, a Charlotte, N.C., based MDC accredited ministry center, is seeking an interim director. The board is seeking the services of someone with the credentials and experience needed to complete vocational assessments with candidates for ministry and other clergy and to oversee staff. MDC accreditation standards require a minimum of a Master's degree in some field of counseling, MSW, MFT, pastoral counseling with AAPC Fellow or Diplomate standing, psychology. Per MDC accreditation standards, "The Director shall have some practical experience in the church adequate to understand the theological and ecclesiastical concerns of center clients." Training and credentialing needed to interpret the MMPI-2 is preferable but not mandatory. This will be a 9-12 month assignment. Inquiries should be made to harry_greyard@ecunet.org.
- Brethren Volunteer Service announces the start of summer orientation July 27-Aug. 15 in Wenatchee, Wash. This unit will be the 280th for BVS and will consist of 19 volunteers. They will spend three weeks exploring project possibilities and topics of community building, peace and social justice, faith sharing, diversity training, and more. They will also have the opportunity for several work days in the local community and in Seattle. There will be a BVS Potluck dinner on Aug. 2 in Wenatchee at 6 p.m. for all those interested in fellowshiping with the volunteers. For more information contact the BVS office at 800-323-8939.
- The 2008 Youth Peace Travel Team completed orientation at the General Offices of the Church of the Brethren in Elgin, Ill., on June 6. The members of the team are Samantha Carwile, Gabe Dodd, Melisa Gaddison, and John-Michael Pickens. The group will spend the entire summer (through Aug. 15) sharing the message of peace and justice to camps and congregations from California to Florida. They will spend time at eight different camps and participate in Annual Conference, as well as the National Young Adult Conference in Colorado. The team is jointly sponsored by the Youth and Young Adult Office, Brethren Witness/Washington Office, On Earth Peace, and Outdoor Ministries Association.
- Virlina District has designated Aug. 10 as a special offering Sunday for congregations to defray the costs of rebuilding Erwin (Tenn.) Church of the Brethren. The Erwin church in Southeastern District was destroyed in a fire after lightning hit the steeple on June 9.
- The Northern Plains District Conference will take place at Hammond Avenue Brethren Church in Waterloo, Iowa, on July 25-26.
- The Western Plains District Conference will be held in McPherson, Kan., on Aug. 1-3.
Elizabeth Keller named director of admissions at Bethany Seminary.
Elizabeth J. Keller of Richmond, Ind. has been named director of admissions for Bethany Theological Seminary beginning July 1. She has served as interim director of admissions since August 2007.
Keller is a 2008 graduate of Bethany and a 1997 graduate of Manchester College in North Manchester, Ind. During her time as a Bethany student, she was chapel coordinator and a member of the presidential search committee, student pastor of Northview Church of the Brethren in Indianapolis, and summer intern with the seminary's Institutional Advancement office. Previously she was director of recruitment and training for Heritage College in Denver, Colo., admissions counselor at Colorado State University, and senior admissions counselor at Manchester College.
Source: 7/16/2008
Elizabeth J. Keller of Richmond, Ind. has been named director of admissions for Bethany Theological Seminary beginning July 1. She has served as interim director of admissions since August 2007.
Keller is a 2008 graduate of Bethany and a 1997 graduate of Manchester College in North Manchester, Ind. During her time as a Bethany student, she was chapel coordinator and a member of the presidential search committee, student pastor of Northview Church of the Brethren in Indianapolis, and summer intern with the seminary's Institutional Advancement office. Previously she was director of recruitment and training for Heritage College in Denver, Colo., admissions counselor at Colorado State University, and senior admissions counselor at Manchester College.
Source: 7/16/2008
Credits
Newsline is produced by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of news services for the Church of the Brethren General Board, cobnews@brethren.org or 800-323-8039 ext. 260. Frances Townsend and Frank Ramirez contributed to the reporting from Annual Conference.
Newsline is produced by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of news services for the Church of the Brethren General Board, cobnews@brethren.org or 800-323-8039 ext. 260. Frances Townsend and Frank Ramirez contributed to the reporting from Annual Conference.
Wednesday, July 02, 2008
NEWS
- Brethren runner among 2008 Olympians.
- Pennsylvania church takes lead in program with New Orleans churches.
- Children’s Disaster Services winds down response to flooding.
- Pacific Southwest engages in aggressive grant program for growth.
- Jr. BUGS help kids go green at Manassas Church of the Brethren.
- Brethren bits: Correction, remembrance, personnel, job, GFCF grant, more.
Brethren runner among 2008 Olympians.
Most Brethren don't take the verse "Run in such a way as to get the prize" (1 Cor. 9:24b) quite as literally as Woodbury (Pa.) Church of the Brethren member Brian Sell.
Brian qualified for the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, China, with a third-place finish in the US marathon trials last November, and he will represent the United States at the Games in August. He had led the 2004 qualifying race before fading the last few miles, so going this time fulfills a dream.
"After that I realized I could do it," says Sell, who turned 30 in April. "I really made it a goal to make it in 2008."
He started running as a way to stay in shape for football, but soon running became the focus. His college career began at Messiah College in Grantham, Pa., before he transferred to Saint Francis University in Loretto, where he received a partial scholarship. Now, Sell appears on the cover of Saint Francis’ magazine, part of his newfound celebrity status.
"We’re getting a lot of attention we never got before," says Brian’s mother, Lois Sell, who lives in Woodbury. "A lot of people come up and congratulate us. We’re really happy for Brian."
She said the Woodbury congregation-which includes many other Sell family members, and where Brian’s great-grandfather preached-has been praying regularly for Brian. And about 100 church members and friends traveled to New York for the November race. "They announced that (Brian) had the biggest cheering section there," she says. "We were most appreciative of that."
Brian currently lives with his wife, Sarah (from Lititz (Pa.) Church of the Brethren), and baby daughter in the Detroit area, where he runs with the Hansons-Brooks Distance Project. When he’s finished running, though, likely in the next year or two, he plans to move back to Woodbury and the church that has cheered him on in his latest endeavors.
"My Sunday school teachers and everyone have written me letters," Brian says. "It’s a big source of support."
His parents and wife and daughter will all make the trip to Beijing in August to do some more cheering. The marathon takes place on Aug. 24, the last day of the Games.
--Walt Wiltschek is editor of the Church of the Brethren "Messenger" magazine. This piece will appear in the July/August issue.
Source: 7/2/2008 Newsline
Most Brethren don't take the verse "Run in such a way as to get the prize" (1 Cor. 9:24b) quite as literally as Woodbury (Pa.) Church of the Brethren member Brian Sell.
Brian qualified for the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, China, with a third-place finish in the US marathon trials last November, and he will represent the United States at the Games in August. He had led the 2004 qualifying race before fading the last few miles, so going this time fulfills a dream.
"After that I realized I could do it," says Sell, who turned 30 in April. "I really made it a goal to make it in 2008."
He started running as a way to stay in shape for football, but soon running became the focus. His college career began at Messiah College in Grantham, Pa., before he transferred to Saint Francis University in Loretto, where he received a partial scholarship. Now, Sell appears on the cover of Saint Francis’ magazine, part of his newfound celebrity status.
"We’re getting a lot of attention we never got before," says Brian’s mother, Lois Sell, who lives in Woodbury. "A lot of people come up and congratulate us. We’re really happy for Brian."
She said the Woodbury congregation-which includes many other Sell family members, and where Brian’s great-grandfather preached-has been praying regularly for Brian. And about 100 church members and friends traveled to New York for the November race. "They announced that (Brian) had the biggest cheering section there," she says. "We were most appreciative of that."
Brian currently lives with his wife, Sarah (from Lititz (Pa.) Church of the Brethren), and baby daughter in the Detroit area, where he runs with the Hansons-Brooks Distance Project. When he’s finished running, though, likely in the next year or two, he plans to move back to Woodbury and the church that has cheered him on in his latest endeavors.
"My Sunday school teachers and everyone have written me letters," Brian says. "It’s a big source of support."
His parents and wife and daughter will all make the trip to Beijing in August to do some more cheering. The marathon takes place on Aug. 24, the last day of the Games.
--Walt Wiltschek is editor of the Church of the Brethren "Messenger" magazine. This piece will appear in the July/August issue.
Source: 7/2/2008 Newsline
Pennsylvania church takes lead in program with New Orleans churches.
Several Church of the Brethren congregations are exploring taking part in Churches Supporting Churches, the ecumenical effort to partner with congregations in areas affected by Hurricane Katrina. University Baptist and Brethren Church in State College, Pa., has made the commitment to participate and has been partnered with St. John’s Baptist Church in New Orleans.
The Church of the Brethren is one of six denominations and three ecumenical organizations that have joined together in the National Council of Churches working group. Brethren Disaster Ministries and the Brethren Witness/Washington Office are representing the denomination. David Jehnsen, a Church of the Brethren member from Columbus, Ohio, serves as vice-chair to the working group and was instrumental in its formation.
Members of the University Baptist and Brethren youth group recently visited and worshiped with the St. John’s church prior to their participation in a denominational work camp. Brittany Hamilton, one member of the youth group, commenting on the spirit of the worship, said, "They were really praising Jesus." The youth group and the congregation anticipate hosting members of St. John’s Baptist Church as they make a visit to State College in late fall.
Altoona (Pa.) 28th Street Church of the Brethren hosted an informational program on Churches Supporting Churches for Altoona area churches on June 22, and has expressed interest in developing a partner relationship with one of the 32 New Orleans congregations identified by the Churches Supporting Churches National Working Group. In addition, a leader in the Church of God, from Martinsburg, Pa., attended the gathering and is organizing partner possibilities in that area.
At the Altoona gathering, Phil Jones, director of the Brethren Witness/Washington Office and a Church of the Brethren representative to the working group, presented details of the program and gave an update on the New Orleans area almost three years following Katrina.
"Hope is still alive," he said. "Even as you walk through the completely devastated area of the Lower Ninth Ward, where almost no rebuilding has occurred, even here you find hope. Hope is found in a small, modest, brightly painted home that has been rebuilt within site of the levee that broke and poured the mighty Mississippi into their homes." He said an elderly woman at the home proclaimed that it is "a beacon...an invitation" for the community to return. Many of the partner churches of Churches Supporting Churches are located in this community and desperately want to return, Jones said.
Jones has traveled numerous times to New Orleans since Katrina, in order to attend meetings related to Churches Supporting Churches. Zach Wolgemuth, associate director of Brethren Disaster Ministries, has helped provide some resources for longterm recovery and rebuilding efforts, and has helped explore the possibility of responding to rebuilding needs in church neighborhoods.
Nearly three years after Hurricane Katrina pummeled the Gulf Coast in Aug. 2005, many churches, particularly in the hardest hit areas of New Orleans, are still struggling to carry out their ministries. Pastors are attempting to function with depleted resources, while the social problems in poverty-stricken communities have mounted.
The goal of Churches Supporting Churches is to help 36 congregations in 12 predominantly African-American neighborhoods that have been destroyed by the hurricane. The mission is to "restart, reopen, and repair or rebuild the churches in order for them to be agents for community development and to recreate their community." Church of the Brethren congregations are being encouraged to become "Katrina Church Partners" by adopting churches that have been affected, and making a commitment to support their efforts of rebuilding and renewing their community for a three-year period.
For more information about Churches Supporting Churches, contact the Brethren Witness/Washington Office, 337 N. Carolina Ave., SE, Washington, DC 20003; pjones_gb@brethren.org; 800-785-3246. Further information and application profiles will be available at Annual Conference.
Source: 7/2/2008 Newsline
Several Church of the Brethren congregations are exploring taking part in Churches Supporting Churches, the ecumenical effort to partner with congregations in areas affected by Hurricane Katrina. University Baptist and Brethren Church in State College, Pa., has made the commitment to participate and has been partnered with St. John’s Baptist Church in New Orleans.
The Church of the Brethren is one of six denominations and three ecumenical organizations that have joined together in the National Council of Churches working group. Brethren Disaster Ministries and the Brethren Witness/Washington Office are representing the denomination. David Jehnsen, a Church of the Brethren member from Columbus, Ohio, serves as vice-chair to the working group and was instrumental in its formation.
Members of the University Baptist and Brethren youth group recently visited and worshiped with the St. John’s church prior to their participation in a denominational work camp. Brittany Hamilton, one member of the youth group, commenting on the spirit of the worship, said, "They were really praising Jesus." The youth group and the congregation anticipate hosting members of St. John’s Baptist Church as they make a visit to State College in late fall.
Altoona (Pa.) 28th Street Church of the Brethren hosted an informational program on Churches Supporting Churches for Altoona area churches on June 22, and has expressed interest in developing a partner relationship with one of the 32 New Orleans congregations identified by the Churches Supporting Churches National Working Group. In addition, a leader in the Church of God, from Martinsburg, Pa., attended the gathering and is organizing partner possibilities in that area.
At the Altoona gathering, Phil Jones, director of the Brethren Witness/Washington Office and a Church of the Brethren representative to the working group, presented details of the program and gave an update on the New Orleans area almost three years following Katrina.
"Hope is still alive," he said. "Even as you walk through the completely devastated area of the Lower Ninth Ward, where almost no rebuilding has occurred, even here you find hope. Hope is found in a small, modest, brightly painted home that has been rebuilt within site of the levee that broke and poured the mighty Mississippi into their homes." He said an elderly woman at the home proclaimed that it is "a beacon...an invitation" for the community to return. Many of the partner churches of Churches Supporting Churches are located in this community and desperately want to return, Jones said.
Jones has traveled numerous times to New Orleans since Katrina, in order to attend meetings related to Churches Supporting Churches. Zach Wolgemuth, associate director of Brethren Disaster Ministries, has helped provide some resources for longterm recovery and rebuilding efforts, and has helped explore the possibility of responding to rebuilding needs in church neighborhoods.
Nearly three years after Hurricane Katrina pummeled the Gulf Coast in Aug. 2005, many churches, particularly in the hardest hit areas of New Orleans, are still struggling to carry out their ministries. Pastors are attempting to function with depleted resources, while the social problems in poverty-stricken communities have mounted.
The goal of Churches Supporting Churches is to help 36 congregations in 12 predominantly African-American neighborhoods that have been destroyed by the hurricane. The mission is to "restart, reopen, and repair or rebuild the churches in order for them to be agents for community development and to recreate their community." Church of the Brethren congregations are being encouraged to become "Katrina Church Partners" by adopting churches that have been affected, and making a commitment to support their efforts of rebuilding and renewing their community for a three-year period.
For more information about Churches Supporting Churches, contact the Brethren Witness/Washington Office, 337 N. Carolina Ave., SE, Washington, DC 20003; pjones_gb@brethren.org; 800-785-3246. Further information and application profiles will be available at Annual Conference.
Source: 7/2/2008 Newsline
Children's Disaster Services winds down response to flooding.
Children's Disaster Service is winding down its response to the flooding in Iowa and Indiana. "We have one center left open in Iowa (there were five), the one in Indiana closed on Saturday," reported associate director Judy Bezon. "We determine the date of closing after numbers of children show a steady decline."
The program has had five teams of childcare volunteers caring for children of families affected by flooding in Iowa and Indiana. The teams representing a total of 29 volunteers have worked in seven different locations. Children’s Disaster Services has cared for approximately 550 children in the response to the midwest flooding.
"There were over 40 additional volunteers ready to go had the need lasted longer," Bezon said, giving credit to the volunteers who were willing to "put their lives on hold and serve those in need."
The program also has monitored the need for Children's Disaster Services centers in the response to the wildfires in California. Bezon reported that there have been only three shelters open in California, with 19, 8, and no clients respectively, with no need for Children’s Disaster Services.
Source: 7/2/2008 Newsline
Children's Disaster Service is winding down its response to the flooding in Iowa and Indiana. "We have one center left open in Iowa (there were five), the one in Indiana closed on Saturday," reported associate director Judy Bezon. "We determine the date of closing after numbers of children show a steady decline."
The program has had five teams of childcare volunteers caring for children of families affected by flooding in Iowa and Indiana. The teams representing a total of 29 volunteers have worked in seven different locations. Children’s Disaster Services has cared for approximately 550 children in the response to the midwest flooding.
"There were over 40 additional volunteers ready to go had the need lasted longer," Bezon said, giving credit to the volunteers who were willing to "put their lives on hold and serve those in need."
The program also has monitored the need for Children's Disaster Services centers in the response to the wildfires in California. Bezon reported that there have been only three shelters open in California, with 19, 8, and no clients respectively, with no need for Children’s Disaster Services.
Source: 7/2/2008 Newsline
Pacific Southwest engages in aggressive grant program for growth.
The Church of the Brethren's Pacific Southwest District has begun a program of "Grants for Growth." The district board, chaired by Bill Johnson, completed its first review of grants in Nov. 2007.
Recent sales of district property have added new resources to increase grant amounts and loans to local congregations. Over the last two years 2006-07, the district invested approximately $1.25 million dollars into ministry grants. "In 2008 we are committed to do that in one year alone," reported Johnson.
The district board's report on the grant program noted that the process actually has been in effect for many years, beginning with very small pastoral support and church development grants. Expansion began in 2001, and now grants are being given in a wide variety of categories.
The categories of grants include a Companion Grant to support an additional staff person in a congregation to "staff for growth"; an Exceptional Needs Grant to assist congregations with issues that could severely impair or threaten vital ministries; loans for building programs, repairs, and capital improvements; matching grants that may be used by congregations for any reason "consistent with the spirit of the Church of the Brethren"; a Partnership Grant for new cooperative ministries between congregations and Brethren-affiliated agencies in the area, such as camps, retirement communities, and the University of La Verne; a Transformation Grant to provide assistance to congregations that have discerned a need to change, redirect, or create new ministries; and a wide-open category of "other grants." The district also helps nonprofits across the country apply for the "Margaret Carl Trust--Bible/Tract Grant" to help distribute Bibles, Testaments, Gospels, and tracts teaching temperance ideals.
The new district board structure uses task groups to work on funding, training existing church leaders, and training and credentialing leaders for new church growth. "Because of the aggressive growth of the new church plants and the aggressive application of the companion grant (second minister) we have created a new but good problem," the board said.
During the January district board retreat an organizational specialist with the Alban Institute facilitated a district board "brain storming" session on the new shape of the district's work.
The district has published a booklet to describe the grant program and its requirements, and has posted information on its website, to encourage congregations to be creative and forward looking in their ministries.
"While some of our congregations will need assistance in repairing infrastructure, the hope of district leadership is that congregations will begin to focus on their community's needs and emphasize the need to develop relationships with persons beyond their walls," the board report said. "Jesus did not just preach within the confines of the temple, or give discourse only within the synagogues, but walked and lived among the people. Though it is important to meet the needs of the congregation in terms of pastoral care, we also need to be missional, sharing Christ through word and deed."
In its first review of the grant program, the district board concluded that "while progress was pretty good at most locations, it was not positive at some locations.... We are looking for growth in each location. Our desire is to move funds where positive results are being found, and to question the use of grant dollars where results in growth are stagnant or negative."
Go to www.pswdcob.org/grants for more information.
Source: 7/2/2008 Newsline
The Church of the Brethren's Pacific Southwest District has begun a program of "Grants for Growth." The district board, chaired by Bill Johnson, completed its first review of grants in Nov. 2007.
Recent sales of district property have added new resources to increase grant amounts and loans to local congregations. Over the last two years 2006-07, the district invested approximately $1.25 million dollars into ministry grants. "In 2008 we are committed to do that in one year alone," reported Johnson.
The district board's report on the grant program noted that the process actually has been in effect for many years, beginning with very small pastoral support and church development grants. Expansion began in 2001, and now grants are being given in a wide variety of categories.
The categories of grants include a Companion Grant to support an additional staff person in a congregation to "staff for growth"; an Exceptional Needs Grant to assist congregations with issues that could severely impair or threaten vital ministries; loans for building programs, repairs, and capital improvements; matching grants that may be used by congregations for any reason "consistent with the spirit of the Church of the Brethren"; a Partnership Grant for new cooperative ministries between congregations and Brethren-affiliated agencies in the area, such as camps, retirement communities, and the University of La Verne; a Transformation Grant to provide assistance to congregations that have discerned a need to change, redirect, or create new ministries; and a wide-open category of "other grants." The district also helps nonprofits across the country apply for the "Margaret Carl Trust--Bible/Tract Grant" to help distribute Bibles, Testaments, Gospels, and tracts teaching temperance ideals.
The new district board structure uses task groups to work on funding, training existing church leaders, and training and credentialing leaders for new church growth. "Because of the aggressive growth of the new church plants and the aggressive application of the companion grant (second minister) we have created a new but good problem," the board said.
During the January district board retreat an organizational specialist with the Alban Institute facilitated a district board "brain storming" session on the new shape of the district's work.
The district has published a booklet to describe the grant program and its requirements, and has posted information on its website, to encourage congregations to be creative and forward looking in their ministries.
"While some of our congregations will need assistance in repairing infrastructure, the hope of district leadership is that congregations will begin to focus on their community's needs and emphasize the need to develop relationships with persons beyond their walls," the board report said. "Jesus did not just preach within the confines of the temple, or give discourse only within the synagogues, but walked and lived among the people. Though it is important to meet the needs of the congregation in terms of pastoral care, we also need to be missional, sharing Christ through word and deed."
In its first review of the grant program, the district board concluded that "while progress was pretty good at most locations, it was not positive at some locations.... We are looking for growth in each location. Our desire is to move funds where positive results are being found, and to question the use of grant dollars where results in growth are stagnant or negative."
Go to www.pswdcob.org/grants for more information.
Source: 7/2/2008 Newsline
Jr. BUGS help kids go green at Manassas Church of the Brethren.
BUGS are everywhere at Manassas (Va.) Church of the Brethren. But the church isn't infested with insects; rather it is growing an intergenerational green church program called BUGS, which stands for Better Understanding of Green Stewardship.
Manassas Church of the Brethren is one of the winners of the Great Green Congregations contest sponsored by the Eco-Justice Program of the National Council of Churches. In May, the call went out for stories to be submitted of what local congregations were doing across the country to protect God's Creation. Winners have been announced in eight categories.
The Manassas church won in the Children's Ministry category. The program’s goal is to find practical solutions to green issues in the church, including recycling, composting, gardening, and energy conservation. Krista Kimble, an adult BUGS member, decided to start a program for elementary-age children called Jr. BUGS. The group meets weekly to learn about the roles kids can play in caring for creation.
"Always, our weekly lessons are connected to scripture, such as the creation story, various psalms, or a parable," said Kimble. Members earn badges for participating in various activities. The "Wanda Worm" badge rewarded kids who learned the recipe for compost and searched through some of the church’s compost for critters that help break down the waste. The "Lucy Ladybug" badge recognized the Jr. BUGS who helped plant seeds indoors and who will plant and care for seedlings in the church garden over the summer. As produce grows in the garden, the children will share it with local food pantries as well as older people in the church who are no longer able to care for a garden.
Members recite the Jr. BUGS pledge at each meeting: "As a Jr. BUGS member, I pledge to: Learn more about the earth that God created; explore ways that I can be a better steward of the environment; help to make the world a better place; and teach others to do the same." In the summertime, the group plans field trips for litter cleanup and site visits to places like the local recycling facility.
Others winning congregations are Madison (Wis.) Christian Community in the Food and Faith category; St. Marks Presbyterian Church in Newport Beach, Calif., recognized as the Audubon Society's 'Greenest in the Nation' in the Green Building category; First Grace United Methodist Church in New Orleans in the Energy Conservation category; Kern Road Mennonite Church in South Bend, Ind., in the Alternative Transportation category; All People's Church in Milwaukee, Wis., in the Environmental Justice category; Wesley United Methodist Church in Yakima, Wash., in the Recycling category; and Maryland Presbyterian Church in Baltimore in the Comprehensive Program category.
The winner of each category received a $500 grant to continue the work. To view a collection of the stories submitted, visit www.nccecojustice.org.
--Jordan Blevins, a Church of the Brethren member, is assistant director of the NCC Eco-Justice Program and contributed to this report. The report also includes information from an NCC press release by Philip E. Jenks.
Source: 7/2/2008 Newsline
BUGS are everywhere at Manassas (Va.) Church of the Brethren. But the church isn't infested with insects; rather it is growing an intergenerational green church program called BUGS, which stands for Better Understanding of Green Stewardship.
Manassas Church of the Brethren is one of the winners of the Great Green Congregations contest sponsored by the Eco-Justice Program of the National Council of Churches. In May, the call went out for stories to be submitted of what local congregations were doing across the country to protect God's Creation. Winners have been announced in eight categories.
The Manassas church won in the Children's Ministry category. The program’s goal is to find practical solutions to green issues in the church, including recycling, composting, gardening, and energy conservation. Krista Kimble, an adult BUGS member, decided to start a program for elementary-age children called Jr. BUGS. The group meets weekly to learn about the roles kids can play in caring for creation.
"Always, our weekly lessons are connected to scripture, such as the creation story, various psalms, or a parable," said Kimble. Members earn badges for participating in various activities. The "Wanda Worm" badge rewarded kids who learned the recipe for compost and searched through some of the church’s compost for critters that help break down the waste. The "Lucy Ladybug" badge recognized the Jr. BUGS who helped plant seeds indoors and who will plant and care for seedlings in the church garden over the summer. As produce grows in the garden, the children will share it with local food pantries as well as older people in the church who are no longer able to care for a garden.
Members recite the Jr. BUGS pledge at each meeting: "As a Jr. BUGS member, I pledge to: Learn more about the earth that God created; explore ways that I can be a better steward of the environment; help to make the world a better place; and teach others to do the same." In the summertime, the group plans field trips for litter cleanup and site visits to places like the local recycling facility.
Others winning congregations are Madison (Wis.) Christian Community in the Food and Faith category; St. Marks Presbyterian Church in Newport Beach, Calif., recognized as the Audubon Society's 'Greenest in the Nation' in the Green Building category; First Grace United Methodist Church in New Orleans in the Energy Conservation category; Kern Road Mennonite Church in South Bend, Ind., in the Alternative Transportation category; All People's Church in Milwaukee, Wis., in the Environmental Justice category; Wesley United Methodist Church in Yakima, Wash., in the Recycling category; and Maryland Presbyterian Church in Baltimore in the Comprehensive Program category.
The winner of each category received a $500 grant to continue the work. To view a collection of the stories submitted, visit www.nccecojustice.org.
--Jordan Blevins, a Church of the Brethren member, is assistant director of the NCC Eco-Justice Program and contributed to this report. The report also includes information from an NCC press release by Philip E. Jenks.
Source: 7/2/2008 Newsline
Brethren bits: Correction, remembrance, personnel, job, GFCF grant, more.
- Correction: The correct date for the group photo of Brethren Pension Plan members and spouses who are in Schwarzenau, Germany, for the 300th Anniversary celebration, is Saturday, Aug. 2, at 5 p.m.
- Lillian Dako, funding system specialist for the Centralized Resources department of the Church of the Brethren General Board, passed away unexpectedly at her home during the early morning hours of June 30. The General Board has requested prayer for her daughter, Susan, and her brother, Bob. Dako had worked at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill., for almost 14 years, having begun work for the General Board on Aug. 8, 1994. She filled a position with the finance and funding areas, and her work included processing donations and accounts receivable, as well as work with fundraising efforts. A high point of her work took place in early 2005, when she processed a record amount of giving to the Emergency Disaster Fund, representing the generous response of Brethren to the tsunami in southeast Asia--close to 10 times the amount given in the same period in the previous year. Interviewed for a Newsline article in Feb. 2005, Dako called the response "astounding," and noted with excitement that each day that January she received about the number of gifts that usually arrive in a month. Dako is survived by her brother, Bob, and her daughter, Susan. The community at the General Offices gathered for a time of prayer and scripture in her memory on the afternoon of her death. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 5, at 2-4 p.m. at Geils Funeral Home in Wood Dale, Ill.
- Katie O'Donnell of Royersford, Pa., has completed her term of service as a community outreach worker in Campo Limpo, Brazil, with the Global Mission Partnerships of the Church of the Brethren General Board. She was serving through Brethren Volunteer Service. O'Donnell plans to begin a master's degree program in English as a second language and linguistics at the University of Arizona in the fall.
- Ryan Richards of Coupeville, Wash., has completed his term of service at Miguel Angel Asturias Academy, Quetzaltenango, Guatemala, where he was working through Brethren Volunteer Service. His work was funded by the Global Mission Partnerships of the Church of the Brethren General Board. He will begin a master's degree program in public administration at New York University in the fall.
- Camp Bethel is accepting resumes for the fulltime, year-round position of food services director. The position is available immediately. It is a salaried position for a dependable, caring worker with good interpersonal and leadership skills. Culinary experience or training is required, and staff management experience is preferred. The starting benefits package includes a salary of $28,050, family medical insurance, a pension plan, a travel allowance, and professional growth funds. An application form, a position description, and more information is available at www.campbethelvirginia.org/jobs.htm or send a letter of interest and an updated resume to Barry LeNoir at camp.bethel@juno.com. Camp Bethel is an outdoor ministries center of the Church of the Brethren’s Virlina District, located near Fincastle, Va.
- The Global Food Crisis Fund has given a grant of $13,760 to the Foods Resource Bank. The grant represents the fund’s 2008 allocation for operational support of Foods Resource Bank. The Global Food Crisis Fund is a ministry of the Church of the Brethren General Board.
- On Earth Peace is inviting congregations to join the World Council of Churches' 2008 International Day of Prayer for Peace on Sunday, Sept. 21. "Will your church be praying for peace?" said the invitation. The announcement noted that hundreds of thousands of people from churches, synagogues, and mosques around the world are expected to join together in the annual International Day of Prayer for Peace. For those participating through On Earth Peace, there will be opportunities to connect with other congregations concerned about violence, access to On Earth Peace resources, and guidance on how to make praying and acting for God's peace an ongoing activity. Go to www.onearthpeace.org/prayforpeace for more information about the event and to register. On Earth Peace is an agency rooted in the Church of the Brethren, helping people faithfully discern "the things that make for peace" (Luke 19), see www.onearthpeace.org or call 410-635-8704.
- Work has begun to replace the air conditioning "chillers" at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill. The building’s two air conditioners are 50 years old, and were scheduled for replacement in 2009. However, last October one failed and is not worth repairing as it has outlived its useful life. In March, the General Board approved a new thermal ice storage system that chills water and make ice in large exterior storage tanks. The ice will be made in the tanks at night when energy costs and temperatures are lower. The building is then cooled by circulating water through the tanks that were frozen the previous night. The project also includes related asbestos abatement, and cross connection of chilled water pipes to allow the one functioning chiller to cool the entire building during the replacement process. The installation contract has been awarded to Mechanical, Inc. The entire project is expected to be completed by August 10.
- Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren in Elgin, Ill., was one of more than 275 congregations across the country that displayed anti-torture banners during June. According to the National Religious Campaign Against Torture, the congregations were of a wide variety of faiths. The anti-torture banners commemorated Torture Awareness Month, and read "Torture is a Moral Issue" or "Torture is Wrong." Go to www.tortureisamoralissue.org to learn more, or contact the National Religious Campaign Against Torture, 316 F St. NE, Suite 200, Washington, DC, 20002; 202-547-1920.
- La Porte (Ind.) Church of the Brethren has set a date for the workday to replace its fellowship hall ceiling. The workday will be held Sept. 8. Contact the church at 219-362-1733.
- Lititz (Pa.) Church of the Brethren is hosting a Mission Seminar sponsored by the Brethren World Missions group on July 23, from 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. The seminar will be led by members of Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria (EYN--the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria). The morning session will be on the topic, "The Muslim-Christian Conflict and the EYN Response," and the afternoon session will be on "Strategies for the Growing Church in Nigeria." Cost is $6 for lunch. Continuing education credit is available for a $10 fee. Call 717-626-2131 for reservations for the seminar, the deadline is July 14. An evening rally will follow at Hempfield Church of the Brethren, where about 30 members of EYN are expected to attend. Several will tell stories of life in Nigeria and the health of the church. African-style worship and music will be shared.
- Members of South Waterloo Church of the Brethren in Waterloo, Iowa, have been helping clean up following the flooding. "This last week we had an outpouring of volunteers from South Waterloo who assisted two church families with after-flood clean-up," reported church board chair Sandy Marsau in the Northern Plains District e-mail newsletter. Approximately 75 people from the church assisted at three different clean-up times to remove items from the two homes. One family was still unable to return to their home as it had sustained much damage and required inspection.
- Northern Plains District also reported that Sheldon (Iowa) Church of the Brethren has donated $2,500 for disaster response. Sandi Cox, treasurer of the Sheldon church, contacted the district to share that the congregation voted to send the money for district disaster relief efforts. In addition, donations to the District Disaster Fund have been coming in from individual members, the district said.
- Fahrney-Keedy Home and Village in Boonsboro, Md., is hosting its Fourth Annual Summer Festival on Aug. 2, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. The festival features free admission and family fun including a Landmark Search with a $250 cash prize, childrens’ crafts, games, a water park, a petting zoo, a Classic Car Cruise-In, arts and crafts vendors, "The Magic of Dean Burkett," and a bake sale. Go to www.fkmh.org or call 301-671-5000 or -5001 for more information.
- Church of the Brethren member Rachel W.N. Brown has authored a children’s Christmas book, "Small Camel Follows the Star." Illustrations are by Giuliano Ferri, an Italian artist. The hardback book is published by Albert Whitman and Company. The nativity story follows Wise Balthazar, Small Camel, and his mother as they follow the star across the desert to look for a baby king. Brown is a quilt artist who has for many years helped organize the Annual Conference quilt auction of the Association for the Arts in the Church of the Brethren. The story of Small Camel was born as she researched details for a special Christmas quilt. Order the book from Brethren Press for $16.95 plus shipping and handling.
Todd Bauer begins as Latin America/Caribbean specialist.
Todd Bauer began July 1 as Latin America and Caribbean specialist for the Church of the Brethren General Board. This is a part-time position with Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS) and Global Mission Partnerships. He will work with the BVS office in placing and supervising volunteers in the field, and will work in project oversight and development.
Bauer has most recently worked with Pastoral Social, the social ministry of the Guatemalan Catholic Church, in the department of Huehuetenango in northwest Guatemala bordering Chiapas, Mexico. Placed there as a volunteer after the 2001 winter unit of BVS, he has served in Guatemala for five years as a fulltime volunteer and then as a fulltime employee.
His work has included ecological balance and poverty reduction services. A reforestation and appropriate technology component of the program of Pastoral Social is supported by the Church of the Brethren’s Global Food Crisis Fund. His experience in Latin America also includes work with the Guatemalan Accompaniment Project.
He holds a degree in civil engineering from the University of Vermont, with additional training in appropriate technology and permaculture design.
Source: 7/2/2008 Newsline
Todd Bauer began July 1 as Latin America and Caribbean specialist for the Church of the Brethren General Board. This is a part-time position with Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS) and Global Mission Partnerships. He will work with the BVS office in placing and supervising volunteers in the field, and will work in project oversight and development.
Bauer has most recently worked with Pastoral Social, the social ministry of the Guatemalan Catholic Church, in the department of Huehuetenango in northwest Guatemala bordering Chiapas, Mexico. Placed there as a volunteer after the 2001 winter unit of BVS, he has served in Guatemala for five years as a fulltime volunteer and then as a fulltime employee.
His work has included ecological balance and poverty reduction services. A reforestation and appropriate technology component of the program of Pastoral Social is supported by the Church of the Brethren’s Global Food Crisis Fund. His experience in Latin America also includes work with the Guatemalan Accompaniment Project.
He holds a degree in civil engineering from the University of Vermont, with additional training in appropriate technology and permaculture design.
Source: 7/2/2008 Newsline
Dateline June 24, Chalmette, La.
Greetings from the hot, humid south. The Little Swatara Workgroup has made it through it's second, and so far hottest day of disaster relief at the Brethren Disaster Ministries rebuilding site in Chalmette, La.
This embedded photographer has been painting, trimming, sanding, and sweating with the rest of the crew. Other than a flat tire on route 59 in Mississippi, we have been unhindered by problems and spirits are high--although some youth may have been slower to wake up this a.m.
We have been working in conjuction with the Brethren Disaster Ministries’ St. Bernard project, and as a result have met folks from Sacramento, Calif., as well as volunteers from Americorp.
Having been in New Orleans last year, it's sad to see the effects of three years after Hurricane Katrina. Many houses have been demolished, indicating the low return rate. Daily we see the demolition teams moving through the neighborhoods as they demolish house after house. Equally impressive is the thoroughness of the removal. The concrete pad is left behind and in one day's time, it's hard to tell that a house was just removed.
Neighbors who return appear to have a bond that can only come from weathering through such a common disaster. Their spirit is undiminished, even if it has been tested. Spray-painted messages on make-shift signs and fences attest to the love of community and their neighbors.
As we traveled south down 59 (after the flat tire) we were witness to the visual spectacle of field after field, thousands upon thousands of FEMA trailers, parked in fairly even rows. Picture the largest camper dealership you can imagine and then multiply this view a hundred fold.
After a number of workgroup visits, we sadly also encountered a first, which pointedly expressed the worst of the disaster. The now infamous spray-painted house inspection cross that indicated date of inspection, who inspected, the number of bodies and pets found, has often been explained, but always illustrated with a sample that indicated no deaths. Today we witnessed one inspection cross that may have indicated a death.
Amid the almost mythical retelling of the event, the modest but proud stories of helping to rebuild, the final tally and tragedy of Hurricane Katrina is too easily pushed to the recesses of the imagination and the back page of news and history.
The most often expressed wish from locals as they discuss their situation and the event that so changed their lives, is the desire that their plight not be forgotten. Their request is that others not forget.
We're not even halfway through this work week, and yet the opportunity to connect as a broader community is evident. The youth, advisors, coordinators, and a Brethren Volunteer Service worker continue to enjoy the closeness of shared effort, sweat, and community. And we are eating and sleeping very comfortably in a home that was repaired by Brethren volunteers.
God didn't will the destruction and tragedy. However, He has blessed the response in support, and the tested will of those in the flood. God's love is here...holy ground.
--Glenn Riegel sent this report from the Brethren Disaster Ministries rebuilding site in Chalmette, La., where he was working with a group from Little Swatara Church of the Brethren, Bethel, Pa.
Source: 7/2/2008 Newsline
Greetings from the hot, humid south. The Little Swatara Workgroup has made it through it's second, and so far hottest day of disaster relief at the Brethren Disaster Ministries rebuilding site in Chalmette, La.
This embedded photographer has been painting, trimming, sanding, and sweating with the rest of the crew. Other than a flat tire on route 59 in Mississippi, we have been unhindered by problems and spirits are high--although some youth may have been slower to wake up this a.m.
We have been working in conjuction with the Brethren Disaster Ministries’ St. Bernard project, and as a result have met folks from Sacramento, Calif., as well as volunteers from Americorp.
Having been in New Orleans last year, it's sad to see the effects of three years after Hurricane Katrina. Many houses have been demolished, indicating the low return rate. Daily we see the demolition teams moving through the neighborhoods as they demolish house after house. Equally impressive is the thoroughness of the removal. The concrete pad is left behind and in one day's time, it's hard to tell that a house was just removed.
Neighbors who return appear to have a bond that can only come from weathering through such a common disaster. Their spirit is undiminished, even if it has been tested. Spray-painted messages on make-shift signs and fences attest to the love of community and their neighbors.
As we traveled south down 59 (after the flat tire) we were witness to the visual spectacle of field after field, thousands upon thousands of FEMA trailers, parked in fairly even rows. Picture the largest camper dealership you can imagine and then multiply this view a hundred fold.
After a number of workgroup visits, we sadly also encountered a first, which pointedly expressed the worst of the disaster. The now infamous spray-painted house inspection cross that indicated date of inspection, who inspected, the number of bodies and pets found, has often been explained, but always illustrated with a sample that indicated no deaths. Today we witnessed one inspection cross that may have indicated a death.
Amid the almost mythical retelling of the event, the modest but proud stories of helping to rebuild, the final tally and tragedy of Hurricane Katrina is too easily pushed to the recesses of the imagination and the back page of news and history.
The most often expressed wish from locals as they discuss their situation and the event that so changed their lives, is the desire that their plight not be forgotten. Their request is that others not forget.
We're not even halfway through this work week, and yet the opportunity to connect as a broader community is evident. The youth, advisors, coordinators, and a Brethren Volunteer Service worker continue to enjoy the closeness of shared effort, sweat, and community. And we are eating and sleeping very comfortably in a home that was repaired by Brethren volunteers.
God didn't will the destruction and tragedy. However, He has blessed the response in support, and the tested will of those in the flood. God's love is here...holy ground.
--Glenn Riegel sent this report from the Brethren Disaster Ministries rebuilding site in Chalmette, La., where he was working with a group from Little Swatara Church of the Brethren, Bethel, Pa.
Source: 7/2/2008 Newsline
Peace witness is scheduled at Annual Conference in Richmond.
The Brethren Witness/Washington Office will lead a public rally for nonviolence at the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference in Richmond, Va., on the afternoon of July 15. In partnership with the Richmond Peace Education Center and other peace groups in the area, the Tuesday afternoon event will call for an end to the violence of current wars and focus on the need for direct conversation and mediation with Iran.
The event will begin with a march from the Greater Richmond Convention Center, stepping off at 4:45 p.m. Participants will begin with prayer, and then walk to the Richmond City Plaza where they will be greeted by speakers, music, prayer, and drama. Organizers are Phil Jones, director of the Brethren Witness/Washington Office, and Adria Scharf, director of the Richmond Peace Center. The event will close by 6 p.m.
Conference participants are encouraged to join in support of the Church of the Brethren’s 2004 and 2006 resolutions against the Iraq war, and to witness to 300 years of Brethren heritage as peacemakers. Organizers hope that Brethren can once again give faithful witness to being a peace church, and work in faithful partnership with area peacemakers toward a common goal.
In addition, plans are being made to exhibit the "Eyes Wide Open" display as part of the peace witness. The display was featured at Annual Conference in Charleston, W.Va., some years ago, and included a symbolic display of the boots representing the American soldiers who had been killed in the Iraq war. Since then the number of casualties in Iraq has grown to over 4,000, and the display can no longer be shown in its entirety. Individual states have developed their own displays. It is planned for the Virginia display to be at Annual Conference in Richmond as a visual memorial to the more than 100 Virginian men and women who have been killed in Iraq, as well as the thousands of Iraqi and ally casualties.
More information will be available at the Brethren Witness/Washington Office booth at the Exhibit Hall at Annual Conference in Richmond.
--Phil Jones is director of the Brethren Witness/Washington Office.
Source: 7/3/2008 Newsline Extra
The Brethren Witness/Washington Office will lead a public rally for nonviolence at the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference in Richmond, Va., on the afternoon of July 15. In partnership with the Richmond Peace Education Center and other peace groups in the area, the Tuesday afternoon event will call for an end to the violence of current wars and focus on the need for direct conversation and mediation with Iran.
The event will begin with a march from the Greater Richmond Convention Center, stepping off at 4:45 p.m. Participants will begin with prayer, and then walk to the Richmond City Plaza where they will be greeted by speakers, music, prayer, and drama. Organizers are Phil Jones, director of the Brethren Witness/Washington Office, and Adria Scharf, director of the Richmond Peace Center. The event will close by 6 p.m.
Conference participants are encouraged to join in support of the Church of the Brethren’s 2004 and 2006 resolutions against the Iraq war, and to witness to 300 years of Brethren heritage as peacemakers. Organizers hope that Brethren can once again give faithful witness to being a peace church, and work in faithful partnership with area peacemakers toward a common goal.
In addition, plans are being made to exhibit the "Eyes Wide Open" display as part of the peace witness. The display was featured at Annual Conference in Charleston, W.Va., some years ago, and included a symbolic display of the boots representing the American soldiers who had been killed in the Iraq war. Since then the number of casualties in Iraq has grown to over 4,000, and the display can no longer be shown in its entirety. Individual states have developed their own displays. It is planned for the Virginia display to be at Annual Conference in Richmond as a visual memorial to the more than 100 Virginian men and women who have been killed in Iraq, as well as the thousands of Iraqi and ally casualties.
More information will be available at the Brethren Witness/Washington Office booth at the Exhibit Hall at Annual Conference in Richmond.
--Phil Jones is director of the Brethren Witness/Washington Office.
Source: 7/3/2008 Newsline Extra
Annual Conference bits: mission breakfast, bookstore items.
- The Brethren World Missions breakfast at the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference in Richmond, Va., on July 15 will feature a leader from Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria (EYN--the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria). Breakfast speaker David Garnuwa is president of BEST (Brethren Evangelism Support Trust), an organization of Nigerian business leaders who work to impact communities for Christ through their local churches. About 25 members of EYN are expected to attend the breakfast, according to an announcement from Brethren World Missions.
- The Brethren Press bookstore at Annual Conference will offer a variety of items commemorating the 300th Anniversary of the Brethren movement. Items displaying the 300th Anniversary logo include 13-ounce glass mugs ($10.95), polo shirts ($39.95 most sizes or $42.95 XXL), keychains ($5), and souvenir pins ($3.50). Some items are more whimsical: two styles of t-shirts will be available, one with the message "MACK IS BACK" illustrated with a Warhol-like graphic of the Brethren founder, and another with the message "Mack ’08 -- 1708-2008" ($16 for most sizes, $18 for XXL). Small drawstring sport packs also feature the "MACK IS BACK" image ($10). When ordering these through the Brethren Press order line 800-441-3712, a shipping and handling charge will be added to the listed price.
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