L. Gregory Jones to speak for Ministers’ Association event.

The Church of the Brethren Ministers’ Association Pre-Conference Continuing Education Event in Charlotte, N.C., on June 28-29 will feature L. Gregory Jones, a widely recognized scholar and church leader on such topics as forgiveness and reconciliation, Christian vocation, leadership, and strengthening the church and its ministry.

Jones is senior strategist for Leadership Education at Duke Divinity and professor of theology in the Divinity School of Duke University. He is author or editor of 13 books, including the acclaimed “Embodying Forgiveness,” and most recently co-authored “Forgiving As We’ve Been Forgiven” and “Resurrecting Excellence: Shaping Faithful Christian Ministry.”

Moderator-elect Nancy Sollenberger Heishman comments that “Embodying Forgiveness” and “Forgiving as We Have Been Forgiven” (written with Célestin Musekura) “speak passionately and compelling to the urgency of taking forgiveness seriously. Rich in both theory and story, they have challenged me to explore more deeply my understanding and daily practice of forgiveness.  I look forward to hearing Gregory Jones at Annual Conference 2013!”

Jones will lead three sessions at this year’s pre-conference event beginning Friday, June 28, at 6 p.m., and continuing Saturday, June 29, at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. Here is a brief sketch of each session:

Session 1: “The End Is Our Beginning: Numbers” focuses on the importance of vision being shaped by our witness to the Reign of God. When we lose sight of “the end,” we get trapped in bureaucracies, long to return to Egypt, and lose sight of the transforming power of God’s forgiveness.

Session 2: “The Character of Leadership: Philippians” focuses on the kind of people Christians are called to become, namely people for whom Christ’s forgiveness calls us to excellence. A holistic perspective that includes patterns of thinking, feeling, perceiving, and living in the light of Christ will enable us to become people of practical wisdom.

Session 3: “Traditioned Innovation: Acts” draws attention to the ways in which we are called, in the light of Christ, to have a mindset that holds together tradition and innovation. If we have only the former, we lose sight of the Holy Spirit’s work in making all things new; if we have only the latter, we engage in change for change’s sake and act arrogantly rather than in response to God’s forgiving and redeeming work.

Cost to attend is $85 (if registering online in advance) or $125 (at the door, check or cash only). Discounts are available for couples and current seminary or academy students. Childcare is available. Seating is limited to the first 250 who register. Register by the June 15 deadline at www.brethren.org/ministryoffice.  A video clip from Greg Jones about this event can be found at www.brethren.org/ministryoffice/sustaining.html.

-- Dave Kerkove is chair of the Church of the Brethren Ministers’ Association.

Source: 5/30/2013 Newsline

BVS announces its Partners in Service Award for 2013.

Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS) is presenting its 2013 Partners in Service Award to its network of healing communities during the 2013 Annual Conference. The award typically recognizes an individual, project, or congregation that has demonstrated exceptional commitment in partnering with BVS to share God’s love through acts of service.

BVS currently has project partnerships with three healing communities: CooperRiis in Mill Spring, North Carolina; Gould Farm in Monterey, Massachusetts; and Hopewell in Mesopotamia, Ohio. These organizations are recovery-based, therapeutic communities for adults living with mental illness or emotional distress. They provide compassionate, respectful environments and aid the residents in moving toward more independent living situations through participation in meaningful work, recreation, and community life.

Gould Farm, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2013, stands as the longest-running BVS project site, with more than 100 volunteers serving there since the 1960s.

Virgil Stucker, executive director of CooperRiis, will accept the award on behalf of the three communities at the BVS Luncheon on July 1, during at the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference in Charlotte, N.C.

-- Kendra Johnson serves as a Brethren Volunteer Service worker in the BVS office.

Source: 5/30/2013 Newsline

La Verne sanctuary choir tour culminates in Annual Conference concert.

The La Verne (Calif.) Church of the Brethren Sanctuary Choir will embark on a “Crossin’ America Tour” this summer, performing in churches in Pennsylvania and Virginia, culminating with a concert the opening evening of Annual Conference in Charlotte, N.C.

Director Niké St. Clair will lead the singers through a collection of sacred choral compositions and arrangements by Shawn Kirchner, the church’s instrumental music coordinator and the Swan Family Composer in Residence for the Los Angeles Master Chorale.

“Morning Has Broken,” “O What a Beautiful City,” three Shaker songs, and many other church favorites are to be performed, including the centerpiece of the concert, “Heavenly Home: Three American Songs” (including “Unclouded Day,” “Angel Band,” and “Hallelujah”). The program also includes other spirituals and sacred songs for the church year. Along with director St. Clair, soloists include Heidi Brightbill, Ryan Harrison, and Deb Waas. Instrumentalists Karen Cahill and Audrey Lamprey will accompany on flute and horn, respectively.

Twelve days after a Send-Off Concert in their home sanctuary on June 9, the group of 56 choir members and companions will fly to Pennsylvania to begin the tour.

Five performances will be given in nine days:

• on the morning of June 23 the choir sings for worship at Central Baptist Church, Wayne, Pa.
• at 7 p.m. on June 23, the choir gives a concert at Lancaster (Pa.) Church of the Brethren
• at 7:30 p.m. June 25 the choir gives a concert at Elizabethtown (Pa.) Church of the Brethren
• at 7:30 p.m. June 27 the choir gives a concert at Bridgewater (Va.) Church of the Brethren
• at 7:30 p.m. July 29 the choir sings during opening worship for the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference in Charlotte, N.C., followed by a concert at 9 p.m.

For more about the schedule of Annual Conference or to register, go to www.brethren.org/ac.

Source: 5/30/2013 Newsline

Annual Conference bits and pieces: June 29-July 3 in Charlotte, N.C.

• A Church of the Brethren Reception will be held in the Annual Conference exhibit hall in the Charlotte Convention Center on Sunday evening, June 30, following the Concert of Prayer. “You are invited to a reception sponsored by the Church of the Brethren Mission and Ministry Board and the General Secretary in the Exhibit Hall on Sunday evening 8:45-10 p.m.” said an announcement. “Come enjoy complimentary ice cream novelties and popcorn while you visit the various exhibit booths and engage with those staffing the exhibits.”

• The Brethren Benefit Trust (BBT) Fitness Challenge at the 2013 Annual Conference will be a 3,000 Miles for Peace fundraising event benefiting On Earth Peace, says an announcement from BBT. The annual 5K run/walk will be held on Sunday, June 30, starting at 7 a.m. at Freedom Park, approximately three miles from the Charlotte Convention Center. Participants provide their own transportation to and from the event. Directions will be available from the BBT booth in the exhibit hall, or go to www.brethrenbenefittrust.org/2013-fitness-challenge for links to driving directions. The 3,000 Miles for Peace nation-wide fundraiser supports youth peace education, conflict resolution, living peace churches, and nonviolent social change efforts of On Earth Peace, in honor of the late Paul Ziegler. Participants should first register for the BBT Fitness Challenge using the link at www.brethrenbenefittrust.org/2013-fitness-challenge ; then click on the “Fundraise” button at the same website to set up a personal fundraising page. The registration fee is $20 for individuals until May 31 ($25 after May 31) or $60 for families of four or more. Mail registration forms and payment to BBT by May 31 for the early-bird race fee. Go to www.brethrenbenefittrust.org/2013-fitness-challenge .

• Advanced Deacon Workshops are offered pre-Annual Conference in Charlotte, N.C., on Saturday, June 29, for deacons and other caregivers to attend in person or via webcast. The morning session “Listen and Play: Ministry with Children in Times of Stress” is from 9 a.m.-12 noon (eastern) with leaders from Children’s Disaster Services and the Deacon Ministry. The afternoon session “Conflict Transformation” from 1:30-4:30 p.m. (eastern) is based on training provided to the Annual Conference Ministers of Reconciliation Team, and is designed for those who already have a good understanding of conflict transformation, prior training, or experience. To attend in person go to www.brethren.org/ac/documents/2013-deacon-workshops.pdf to register online and pay by credit card, or download the registration form and mail it with a check . Cost is $15 for one workshop; $25 to attend both workshops. Continuing education units are available through the Brethren Academy for those who attend in person and those who view the live webcast. Registration is not required to view webcasts and there is no fee, but viewing live sessions is limited to the first 95 participants and a donation to cover costs is appreciated. Continuing education units are not offered for viewing recorded sessions. The deadline to register is June 21. Go to www.brethren.org/ac/documents/2013-deacon-workshops.pdf .

• A Bible Visits Exhibit will be featured in the Annual Conference exhibit hall in Charlotte. A note in the Virlina District newsletter reports that the exhibit highlighting the Bible will offer children, youth, and adults the opportunity to share their love for God’s Word by submitting poems, choruses, or hymns they have created about the Bible. These will be put on display at the Bible Visits Exhibit, “which will share how and why the Bible came to us and how it is being shared around the world today,” the newsletter said. All items to be put on display must be submitted by June l to Bible Visits, c/o Al Huston, 6210 Townsend Lane, Waxhaw, NC 28173.

• The Global Women’s Project is celebrating 35 years at this Annual Conference. It has been 35 years since Ruthann Knechel Johansen, now president of Bethany Seminary, delivered the speech, “Giving Birth to a New World,” which gave impetus to the Global Women's Project. The speech was delivered at a July 1978 women’s event at Manchester College. Johansen “reminded us that ‘neither a great social program nor a sophisticated theology are prerequisites to live in harmony with life. We need only the simple stuff of life--a commitment to the essential goodness by transcending the old order and creating new relationships and structures that nurture justice,’” remembers Pearl Miller of the Global Women’s Project steering committee, in a recent newsletter. “She challenged the gathered women ‘to refuse to purchase luxury (non-essential) items, or to tax our luxuries and redirect the luxury monies toward meeting the needs of people who are victims of our consumption.’ I felt the current of excitement that pulsed around Cordier Auditorium as women nodded and clapped and cried ‘Yes, here is something we can do.’” Conferencegoers are invited to celebrate the anniversary by stopping by the Global Women’s Project booth in the exhibit hall for “Tea Time” on Tuesday afternoon, July 2. Also, those who were at the 1978 North Manchester Women’s Gathering are invited to share memories at http://globalwomensproject.wordpress.com .

• The Open Table Cooperative is starting off at the Annual Conference in Charlotte with “a truly Open Table Reception/Supper, inviting any and all to ‘come…eat…without money and without price’ (Isaiah 55:1),” said an announcement. “We’ll offer a variety of finger foods and share them along with a stimulating panel discussion on Saturday evening before the opening worship.” The reception is scheduled for 5 p.m. on June 29 in the Charlotte Convention Center, no ticket is required.

• Service projects and other witnesses to the host city during the 2013 Annual Conference include two special opportunities for junior and senior high youth, and young adults and single adults. On Monday and Tuesday, July 1 and 2, the young adult and single adult groups will serve meals at the Charlotte Rescue Mission from 10:30 a.m. to 12 noon. On Monday, July 1, the junior high and senior high will help with the Trout Unlimited River Clean Up, accompanied by David Radcliff of the New Community Project. For more about these and other activities during the Conference, visit www.brethren.org/ac .

• The Fellowship of Brethren Genealogists will hold its Annual All-Member Business Meeting at 12 noon on Monday, July 1, during the Annual Conference in Charlotte, N.C. The agenda will include a presentation by Tom Crago on the fellowship’s past and future, and recognition of several early Brethren families by the newly established First Brethren Families Project, as well as election of officers and other business. Crago’s address and the First Brethren Families Project awards ceremony will be open to all interested in attending. The business portion of the meeting is for members only. Conferencegoers are invited to visit the Fellowship of Brethren Genealogists display booth in the exhibit hall, where volunteers will be on hand to answer questions about fellowship activities including the First Brethren Families Project. The meeting room location will be announced at the display booth.

• The Annual Conference Blood Drive is held at the Westin Hotel this year. Those interested in donating blood should go to the Westin Hotel across from the Charlotte Convention Center on Monday, July 1, from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. or on Tuesday, July 2, from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

• Laura Stark, a professor at Vanderbilt University, is researching the partnership between the US National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Historic Peace Churches (Church of the Brethren, Mennonites, and Quakers) during the 1950s, ’60s, and ’70s. During those decades, medical research in the US increased substantially and required many healthy volunteer participants for medical work and testing, so the NIH set up a number of programs with colleges and denominational groups to recruit volunteers. Beginning in 1954, Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS) and several Brethren colleges partnered with NIH to send young people to the NIH Clinical Center in Bethesda, Md., to serve as subjects of clinical trials and to work as research assistants for these trials. Stark hopes to attend Annual Conference and would like to talk with Brethren who participated in NIH programs while in BVS or in college, in order to discuss the experiences of the “normal control” research subjects. If you are interested in learning more about Professor Stark’s research or if you can donate an oral history interview about your personal experience, contact laura.stark@vanderbilt.edu or 860-759-3406.

Source: 5/30/2013 Newsline

Creation theme is the focus of Gather ’Round’s summer quarter.

Creation is the theme of the summer 2013 quarter of the Gather ’Round curriculum. The biblical texts are drawn from passages in Genesis, Psalms, Ruth, and Matthew. Together they depict a God who is intensely involved with creation, finds goodness in it, and nurtures, blesses, and sustains it. The texts also are a reminder that the goal of God’s redemptive work is to return people–and the world–to what they were created to be in the first place.

Gather ’Round is a Bible-based curriculum committed to nurturing children, youth, and their families in becoming followers of Jesus: people who know and love God, interpret God's word, belong to God's gathered community, and share God's good news.

Gather ’Round: Hearing and Sharing God’s Good News is co-published by Brethren Press, publishing house of the Church of Brethren, and MennoMedia, publishing ministry of Mennonite Church USA and Mennonite Church Canada.

Materials for Gather ’Round’s summer quarter can be purchased by calling 1-800-441-3712 or by visiting www.gatherround.org.

-- Anna Speicher is the project director and senior editor for Gather ’Round.

Source: 5/30/2013 Newsline

‘Brethren Life and Thought’ announces special issue on Alexander Mack Jr.

The Brethren Journal Association announces publication of “The Life and Influence of Alexander Mack Jr.: Pietist and Anabaptist Intersections in Pennsylvania” featuring most of the papers presented at the Young Center Conference on Alexander Mack Jr. in 2012. In related news, Bethany Seminary trustees approved revised Articles of Organization for the Brethren Journal Association. On July 1, during the association’s lunch and annual meeting at Annual Conference in Charlotte, N.C., members will have opportunity to discuss the articles and add their affirmation. Read the revised articles in advance at www.bethanyseminary.edu/blt.

Special edition comes out next week

This special 170-page expanded edition of “Brethren Life and Thought” is Vol. 58, No. 1, Spring 2013. Even though Alexander (Sander) Mack Jr. wrote many letters and poems, very little has been written about him or about what we can learn from his writing. Sander Mack was the son of Alexander Mack, founder of the Brethren movement, and a leader of the Brethren in the American colonies in the mid-1700s.

“Brethren Life and Thought” Vol. 58, No. 1 should be in the mail to members and subscribers the week of June 2. Single copies will be available to purchase from the Brethren Life and Thought office at Bethany Seminary in Richmond, Ind., or from Brethren Press, the Young Center at Elizabethtown (Pa.) College, and the Brethren Heritage Center in Brookville, Ohio.

To subscribe to the journal go to www.bethanyseminary.edu/blt.

-- Karen Garrett is managing editor of "Brethren Life and Thought."

Source: 5/30/2013 Newsline

Brethren bits.

• Remembrance: James "Jim" E. Renz, 94, died May 19 at Pinecrest retirement community in Mt. Morris, Ill. He was a former director of social welfare for the Church of the Brethren, and founder of the Renz Addiction Counseling Center in Elgin, Ill., which now serves thousands of people through treatment and prevention programs. The “Daily Herald” newspaper notes that when Renz started the center 52 years ago it was a one-man operation in a small office on the second floor of a downtown building. It was Renz’ hard work and dedication as a Church of the Brethren pastor with a lifelong commitment to service, that propelled the center to become one of the largest nonprofits that serve northern Kane and western Cook Counties of Illinois, said the newspaper. Renz was a pastor in Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois before he moved to Elgin to serve on the denominational staff in 1952. Read the full article at www.dailyherald.com/article/20130529/news/705299653 . A memorial service will be held at Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren in Elgin on Sunday afternoon, June 2.

• Remembrance: D. Eugene Lichty, 92, died May 20 at McPherson (Kan.) Hospital. He was a former director of development for McPherson College, and served as a board member of On Earth Peace. He was born April 14, 1921, in Waterloo, Iowa, son of Ray W. and Elizabeth McRoberts Lichty. He married Eloise Marie McKnight on Aug. 20, 1944, in Quinter, Kan. He was a graduate of McPherson College and Bethany Theological Seminary in Chicago, and was a Church of the Brethren pastor. He is survived by his wife; daughters Jean (Francis) Hendricks of Abilene, Kan., and Marilyn (Rob) Rosenow of Tigard, Ore.; sons Dan (Lynne) of McPherson, Kent (Lori) of Lee’s Summit, Mo., and Lyle (Ilona) of Mount Vernon; grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A memorial service was held at McPherson Church of the Brethren. Memorial gifts are received to McPherson Church of the Brethren or to On Earth Peace.

• A group of nine Manchester University graduates are planning to join Brethren Volunteer Service this year, to take part in either the summer or fall units: Carson McFadden, Traci Doi, Whitnee Kibler Hidalgo, Stephanie Barras, Dylan Ford, Craig Morphew, Turner Ritchie, Andrew Kurtz, and Jess Rinehart.

• Jennifer Quijano, coordinator of SeBAH-CoB, reports that Spanish-speaking ministry students in Atlantic Northeast and Pacific Southwest Districts have completed the third course in the program, “Anabaptist History and Theology.” SeBAH-CoB (Seminario Biblico Anabautista Hispano) is a Brethren Academy partnership with the Mennonite Education Agency to provide a Spanish language ministry training program for the Church of the Brethren. The denomination-wide certificate-level program parallels the Academy Certified Training System programs available to English-speaking students. “This course took a deeper look at Anabaptist roots, role models, rituals, and theology. The students are now anticipating the fourth course in the program, ‘Theology of Pastoral Ministry,’ which will begin in early May,” Quijano reported in an academy newsletter. A SeBAH cohort from Atlantic Southeast District also is hard at work completing their first course, “Understanding the Bible,” and are beginning in-depth studies of Jonah and Ruth. “It is a joy to work with all the students around the denomination,” Quijano wrote. “With continuing prayers and support, we look forward to the ministries our sisters and brothers are preparing for.” Atlantic Northeast has 13 students in SeBAH-CoB, Pacific Southwest has six, and two Puerto Rican students in Atlantic Southeast are participating.

• An orientation on Aug. 1-4 will welcome new Training in Ministry (TRIM) and Education for Shared Ministry (EFSM) students to the Brethren Academy for Ministry Training on the campus of Bethany Seminary in Richmond, Ind. “If you know someone who is considering TRIM or EFSM, please be in touch with the Brethren Academy office for information,” said an announcement. Registration deadline is June 15. A ministry training partnership of the Church of the Brethren and Bethany Seminary, the Brethren Academy may be contacted at academy@brethren.org or go to www.bethanyseminary.edu/academy .

• Ministry Summer Service participants begin orientation Friday at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill. The group will be hosted by the Ministry Office and Youth and Young Adult Ministry. Interns include Todd Eastis, Heather Gentry, Lucas Kauffman, Andrea Keller, Amanda McLearn-Montz, and Peyton Miller. Mentors include Gieta Gresh, Cindy Laprade Lattimer, Carol Lindquist, Dennis Lohr, David Miller, and Marie Benner Rhoades. Leading the orientation are associate general secretary Mary Jo Flory-Steury and Youth and Young Adult director Becky Ullom Naugle, along with Dana Cassell, Jim Chinworth, Mark Flory-Steury, Tracy Primozich, and Christy Waltersdorff. Said Naugle, “Remember us in your prayers as we prepare these young adults to spend a summer discerning their call to ministry!”

• Young adults are invited to apply to serve on the denomination’s Young Adult Steering Committee. “Are you interested in helping to shape the programs and ministries available to young adults in the Church of the Brethren? Do you know another young adult who would be interested?” said an invitation from Becky Ullom Naugle, director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry. Applications are due June 30. Download the application from www.brethren.org/yya/resources.html .

• This year's Song and Story Fest, an annual family camp co-sponsored by On Earth Peace, will be July 21-27 at Camp Myrtlewood in Bridge, Ore. The theme is "Between Sky and Sea" (Isaiah 55). The intergenerational gathering will feature Brethren musicians and storytellers. For more information, visit www.onearthpeace.org/faith-legacy/song-story-fest .

• The latest “Brethren in the News” page with links to news items from around the country about Church of the Brethren members, congregations, and activities is posted at www.brethren.org/news/2013/brethren-in-the-news.html.

• Manchester Church of the Brethren in N. Manchester, Ind., will explore the challenges faced by Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria (EYN--the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria) at a Coffee House at 6:30 p.m. on June 9. The church also announced a June 16 special offering for EYN.

• Black Rock Church of the Brethren in Glenville, Pa., continued its 275th anniversary celebration with a May 4 Spring Fair. Said a report from the church: “The event was blessed with a beautiful clear day and culminated in a release of 75 butterflies to honor and remember loved ones.” Contact 717-637-6170 or blackrockcob@comcast.net or go to www.blackrockchurch.org .

• Another Voice at Bridgewater (Va.) Church of the Brethren is holding four weeks of "Dialogue on Gun Violence" including a special panel discussion at 6 p.m. June 2. The panel includes Rockingham County Commonwealth's Attorney Marsha Garst, Circuit Court Judge James Lane, Lolly Miller whose daughter was injured in the Virginia Tech shooting, and Bridgewater Police Chief Joe Simmons.

• Shenandoah District has issued preliminary results of its 21st Annual Disaster Ministries Auction. Net proceeds are estimated at $180,000. Some 1,060 people were served an oyster-ham dinner, 270 people enjoyed made-to-order omelets and 157 opted for pancakes at the breakfast, and a lunch served 146 in addition to a la carte food items that were available. The event supported Brethren Disaster Ministries.

• Shenandoah District also thanks kit-makers who brought Church World Service disaster relief kits to a Kit Depot at the district office. The depot collected CWS kits, clean-up buckets, and quilts to be processed and warehoused at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md. “The grand totals are gratifying,” the newsletter said: 75 baby kits, 1,303 hygiene kits, 576 school kits, 54 emergency clean-up buckets and, from Lutheran World Relief, 392 quilts.

• Virlina District has begun an Oklahoma Tornado Fund to aid those affected by the powerful tornados that hit the state in mid-May, including the devastated town of Moore. The fund will support a response by Brethren Disaster Ministries. “We will undoubtedly be sending disaster teams from Virlina for the follow up rebuilding,” said the district newsletter.

• “Peace Gives Life!!!” (Proverbs 14:30) is the theme for the Western Plains District peace retreat for youth and young adults on Aug. 9-11 at Camp Mt. Hermon, Tonganoxie, Kan. It will be facilitated by On Earth Peace. Cost per person is $65. Download the Camp Mt. Hermon registration form and health form from www.campmthermon.org and send along with a copy of health insurance card and payment by July 26 to Joanna Smith, 18190 W. 1300 Rd., Welda, KS 66091; 785-448-4436; cafemojo@hotmail.com .

• The Brethren Home Community in Windber, Pa., received a Lee Initiatives grant in a ceremony at the Johnstown Holiday Inn on April 30. The retirement community was awarded $8,442 for adjustable electric beds in the nursing wing. Social Services Director Emily Reckner was responsible for authoring the grant, and Jerry Baxter awarded the check to Home Administrator Edie Scaletta at the ceremony. The community also received $3,000 in donations for laptops for charting throughout the facility, through a “Getting Connected” computer campaign. Contact Donna Locher, Finance Director, 277 Hoffman Ave., Windber, PA 15963.

• A nonprofit organization created by a Manchester University business class has raised $15,356 and visibility about the growing number of homeless children, according to a release. The class company, H2.0 Drinkware, sold 1,121 water bottles to benefit Project Night Night, a national nonprofit that annually provides 25,000 night-time care packages for homeless children. Four area shelters for the homeless selected by the class will receive the care packages: Huntington House, Vincent Village, the Rescue Mission, and Interfaith Hospitality Network in Fort Wayne.

• A World Council of Churches conference calls for prayer and action to support Christian presence in the Middle East. The conference May 21-25 in Lebanon included more than 100 church leaders and representatives of ecumenical organizations. The statement called churches to “continue to be being involved in the building of democratic civil societies, based on the rule of law, social justice, and respect for human rights, including religious freedom.... This is another time for such action, for a new vision of Christian cooperation in the region, for recommitment to Christian Muslim engagement, for engagement with Jewish partners also working for peace and justice, expressing our Christian vocations by working together to express mutual support and solidarity.” See www.oikoumene.org/en/resources/documents/wcc-programmes/public-witness-addressing-power-affirming-peace/middle-east-peace/statement-on-christian-presence-and-witness-in-the-middle-east .

Source: 5/30/2013 Newsline

Credits

Newsline is produced by the news services of the Church of the Brethren. Contact the editor at cobnews@brethren.org. Contributors to this issue of Newsline include Chris Douglas, Mary Jo Flory-Steury, Leslie Frye, Julie Hostetter, Philip E. Jenks, Donna Kline, Jon Kobel, Jeri S. Kornegay, Dan McFadden, Becky Ullom Naugle, Debbie Noffsinger, Janet Ober, Bonita Rogers, Roy Winter, Zach Wolgemuth, Jane Yount, and editor Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of News Services for the Church of the Brethren.

Children’s Disaster Services readies team to go to Oklahoma

Photo by FEMA/Tony Robinson

Tornado destruction in Moore, Okla.

Children’s Disaster Services readies team to go to Oklahoma; Brethren urged to support the work of child care volunteers through donations to the EDF

Children's Disaster Services (CDS), a department within Brethren Disaster Ministries, is preparing to send members of its Critical Response Team to care for children and families affected by the powerful tornado that struck Moore, Okla., yesterday afternoon causing 24 confirmed deaths including at least 7 elementary school children.

The American Red Cross has confirmed the need for CDS volunteers to care for children in their Family Assistance Centers. CDS is mobilizing two teams to be at work in Oklahoma by tomorrow, including four Critical Response Childcare volunteers, several regional caregivers, and a project manager. The Critical Response Team has additional training to help children and families cope with extreme trauma and loss of loved ones.

Established in 1980, Children’s Disaster Services works cooperatively with FEMA and the American Red Cross to provide care for children and families following disasters, through the work of trained and certified volunteers who set up child care centers in shelters and disaster assistance centers. Specially trained to respond to traumatized children, the volunteers provide a calm, safe, and reassuring presence in the midst of the chaos created by disasters.

Donations to the Emergency Disaster Fund (EDF) of the Church of the Brethren will support the response by Children’s Disaster Services. Go to www.brethren.org/edf or send a check to the Emergency Disaster Fund, Church of the Brethren General Offices, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120.

Ecumenical relief effort begins through CWS

Church World Service (CWS) has announced that it will respond to the extensive damage caused by the tornadoes in the Oklahoma City and Moore, Okla. area, including provision of emergency supplies as needed. Brethren Disaster Ministries is one of the agencies that participates in and supports the ecumenical disaster relief work of CWS.

More will be known in coming days about the details of the CWS response. “We have worked extensively in communities struck by tornadoes in the region," said Donna Derr, the agency's chief of emergencies. "Our job is to provide immediate assistance with CWS Kits, and focus on helping the most vulnerable, who typically have the hardest time recovering in the long term."

Information about how to assemble a CWS Kit is at www.cwsglobal.org/kits . These kits provide immediate relief supplies to people affected by disasters, and are warehoused and shipped from the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md.

How to help

Donate online at www.brethren.org/edf or send a check to the Emergency Disaster Fund, Church of the Brethren General Offices, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120. Donations to the Emergency Disaster Fund (EDF) will help support the response by Children’s Disaster Services and by CWS.

Brethren Disaster Ministries reminds church members of the importance of donating responsibly. Cash donations are best. The Oklahoma VOAD (Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster) is asking Americans to “do the following things to make our collaborative effort as effective as possible for our neighbors in need: At this time, please ask your organizations to make financial donations only until other types of donations are requested.  We all KNOW not heeding this request can lead to the second disaster after the disaster. Please instruct all volunteers associated with your organization … to NOT self-deploy. Best practices include a collaborative response, so people are directed WHEN NEEDED and WHERE NEEDED so their help and skills are most needed and will be most effective.”

Go to www.nvoad.org/donateresponsibly for more information about responsible and helpful donations following disasters . Another National VOAD website directly relates to the tornadoes: www.nvoad.org/tornadoes.

Source: 5/21/2013 Newsline Special

Newsline: May 17, 2013

NEWS

• Bethany Seminary trustees hold spring meeting.
• Seventy-year-old Brethren Pension Plan transforms in 2013.
• BDM directs grants to support rebuilding in New York, send canned chicken to the Caribbean.
• Dinner celebrates completion of Prattsville, N.Y., rebuilding project.
• Material Resources ships 27,000 pounds of clean-up supplies to Illinois, CWS appeals for help to restock.
• Delegation visits emerging church in Spain.
• Campaign brings healing and engagement to Paul Ziegler’s home congregation.
• Fort Wayne mayor speaks out on guns at Beacon Heights Church.

RESOURCES

• Tools for Vital Ministry Journey include new Bible study resources.

FEATURES

• Hearing reveals human and moral costs of drone warfare.
• EYN’s ‘New Light’ interviews mission worker Carol Smith.

BRETHREN BITS

• Correction, remembering Marion Showalter, job openings for Shine project editor and mission office manager, Fahrney-Keedy seeks administrator, Open Roof Award nominations, commencement ceremonies, more.

Bethany Seminary trustees hold spring meeting.

Courtesy of Bethany Theological Seminary

The Bethany Theological Seminary Board of Trustees held its spring meeting on the Bethany campus in Richmond, Ind., on March 21-23. In addition to hearing reports on department activities and new initiatives, the trustees addressed a number of action items. A highlight of the weekend was a retirement dinner for Ruthann Knechel Johansen, whose presidency of Bethany concludes on June 30.

"One of the most important tasks for a board during a transition time in the life of an institution is to preserve the fertility of the educational soil by attending to fundamental faith and institutional values that make thoughtful continuity possible,” said Johansen in her opening remarks. “You will do that by keeping the institutional mission and vision clearly in mind and being guided by the strategic plan."

Trustee officers for the 2013-14 year were approved as follows: Lynn Myers, chair; David Witkovsky, vice-chair; Marty Farahat, secretary; Jonathan Frye, chair of the Academic Affairs Committee; John Miller, chair of the Institutional Advancement Committee; and Greg Geisert, chair of the Student and Business Affairs Committee and the Audit Committee. Nate Polzin will serve as the board representative to the Council of District Executives as he begins his second five-year term on the board. Appreciation was expressed to Phil Stone Jr. as he concludes his 10-year tenure on the board, having served as chair of the Student and Business Committee and of the Investment Committee for the past two years.

A major board action was the approval of a pilot project entitled Seminary Associates. Developed to address a named priority in Bethany’s strategic plan as well as a goal of the Reimagining Ministries campaign, this project is intended to further extend Bethany’s presence and resources to those at a distance. In this first phase, Bethany will initiate conversations with people connected with selected Brethren colleges, exploring ways to strengthen Bethany’s relationship with the colleges and their extended regional communities.

Following up on an initiative from the October 2012 board meeting, trustees received a report from the Task Force on the Institute for Ministry with Youth and Young Adults. They approved recommendations to continue the position of coordinator of outreach programs and to form a Review and Vision Committee, which will complete a review of the Exploring Your Call program and develop a vision for the institute.

Trustees also approved new demographic benchmarks as part of Bethany’s revised institutional-student profile. Projected for 2013-2016, these measurable goals are based on the diverse demographics and the academic, curricular, and vocational profiles of the current student body. They include increased enrollment; desired percentages of ecumenical, male, female, and international students; a stronger focus on recruiting recent college graduates; and more intentional preparation for bi-vocational ministry.

Led by Tara Hornbacker, professor of Ministry Formation, a faculty task team shared its progress in the first phase of Bethany’s Ministry Formation assessment and refinement project. The project is funded by a $20,000 grant from the Wabash Center for Teaching and Learning in Theology and Religion.* The team is conducting church visits over a year’s time to learn about varieties in ministry, changes in congregational life and ministry, and what is needed for excellence in ministry. They have been met with appreciation for their initiative and have engaged in sincere, constructive dialogue. The information will help Bethany structure its ministry training for the realities of current congregational life.

Academic Affairs

Dean Steven Schweitzer gave a thorough overview of Bethany’s new curriculum, calling it a “long process but a worthwhile process. Our faculty and curriculum will be in a better place.” To be implemented in fall 2013, the new structure was developed over an 18-month period by the teaching faculty and has a flexibility that will appeal to prospective students. Master of divinity students will be able to select a ministry studies focus area, and all students will have the opportunity to combine their elective courses for a named emphasis. Master of arts students now have a first-year formation course, and new requirements in history, intercultural, and intergenerational studies were added.

The board approved the promotion of Russell Haitch to professor of Christian education and director of the Institute for Ministry with Youth and Young Adults.

Thirteen seniors were approved for graduation upon their completion of all courses.

Updates on the new faculty searches included a projected announcement for the Brethren studies position in the next few weeks. Candidates for the reconciliation studies position will be on campus in late April. Schweitzer commended the board for approving these positions, which will strengthen the academic programs and the faculty.

The Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership report included a potential new cohort in the Spanish language ministry training program (SeBAH-COB) and plans for the new Sustaining Ministerial Excellence program, to succeed Sustaining Pastoral Excellence. Donna Rhodes, executive director of the Susquehanna Valley Ministry Center on the campus of Elizabethtown (Pa.) College, reported on course and program offerings. The board also heard that the Brethren Journal Association has updated its articles of organization regarding hiring and employee review and will be reviewing its partnership with the seminary this year.

Institutional Advancement

The Reimagining Ministries campaign has reached nearly 80 percent of its $5.9 million goal with 15 months remaining in the public phase. While successful and educational, campaign meetings are drawing fewer new people and increases in giving than was hoped. Fiscal 2012-13 giving to date is lower than in 2011-12, but close to that of the three previous years.

Lowell Flory, executive director of Institutional Advancement, noted characteristics of younger generations’ approach to philanthropy, particularly their support of specific causes and more indifference to general institutional support. The packaging and delivery of Bethany’s message to new generations of constituents needs to reflect changing values and forms of communication. The Advancement Office is also working on publicity materials for a speakers bureau, publicizing lecture and workshop topics that faculty are able to present.

Student and Business Services

The Compensation Committee, named at the previous board meeting, recommended updated policies for compensating Bethany employees, which were approved. Comparative data was gathered from peer institutions for these proposed benefits and teaching faculty salary ranges. Determining compensation for administrative faculty is more challenging as position titles and responsibilities vary widely among schools. This research will continue, allowing for flexibility in meeting Bethany’s particular staffing needs and values.

The board passed the proposed 2013-14 budget of $2,638,640. This represents a 10.8 percent increase and slightly higher endowment draw than in 2012-13 due to new positions and program expansion. The administration also proposed a series of benchmarks to be met over the next three years if the new expenditures are to be maintained.

The SBS Committee also reported progress on plans to use the Mullen House property adjacent to the Bethany campus. Offices for the Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership will be moved to the first floor of the house, while the second floor will remain as an apartment. Relocation of offices within the Bethany Center also will take place.

Recognition celebration

On March 22, more than 120 faculty, staff, students, colleagues, and friends gathered for “A Community Called to Shalom,” honoring Ruthann Knechel Johansen with festive fellowship, laughter, and memories. Tributes to her personal and presidential contributions were given by Ted Flory, former Bethany board chair; Stan Noffsinger, general secretary of the Church of the Brethren; and Jay Marshall, dean of Earlham School of Religion. Poetry, musical selections, readings, and a video titled “Images of the Journey” filled the evening. In closing, Lynn Myers announced that the board had named Johansen president emerita upon her retirement. In addition, he revealed to Johansen that the new, fully funded Ruthann Knechel Johansen Endowment for Theology in Literature, recognizing her personal and professional passion, would cultivate the relationship of literature and theology within the Bethany community for years to come.

*The Wabash Center is located on the campus of Wabash College in Crawfordsville, Ind. Its programs are funded by Lilly Endowment Inc.

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

Source: 5/17/2013 Newsline

Seventy-year-old Brethren Pension Plan transforms in 2013.

Photo by Brethren Benefit Trust

Brethren Benefit Trust president Nevin Dulabaum shakes hands with Marie Flory, a Brethren Pension Plan retiree, at a workshop he led for Bridgewater (Va.) Retirement Community in January.

An enhanced web portal, daily valuation of investments, and a variety of retirement readiness calculators are just a few elements of the Church of the Brethren Pension Plan’s dramatic upgrade, scheduled to be available to members in mid-2013.

“We think it is critical to provide our members with additional retirement planning tools, which will augment our strong lineup of investment funds, so that each member can establish informed retirement goals and easily chart their progress toward those goals,” said Nevin Dulabaum, Brethren Benefit Trust (BBT) president. “Though much of the new functionality will be web- and phone-based, Brethren Pension Plan members will continue to receive support from an enhanced customer service team, which will quickly and effectively respond to the needs of our members.”

These enhancements will be made available to members through a partnership with an outside vendor, which will handle all record-keeping processes for Brethren Pension Plan beginning on June 1. During the transition, all benefit payments will continue to be sent to annuitants, and all active members’ accounts will continue to be invested.

The Brethren Pension Plan sent a Transition Bulletin to all members in April explaining important dates related to the transition. Questions related to this upgrade can be directed to Scott Douglas, Employee Benefits director, at 800-746-1505 or sdouglas@cobbt.org.

New Brethren Pension Plan features:

• A revamped website portal that streamlines account management and asset allocation processes.

• Daily account valuation that reflects day-to-day investment changes to account balances. This will allow people to make mid-month changes to their asset allocations, although we will take steps if necessary to discourage people from becoming day traders with their Pension assets.

• A 24/7 phone system that lets participants manage their accounts at any time.

• Online tools to help plan for retirement--including a redesigned annuity projection calculator.

• An online file manager that allows the storing, saving, and printing of statements.

A payment for life or until the money runs out?

What is the primary difference between the Brethren Pension Plan and a 401(k) retirement plan that many employers offer today? Just what the headline says--the Brethren Pension Plan will make annuity payments for your life, and perhaps for the life of your spouse, depending on which annuity type you select. A 401(k) plan, on the other hand, provides income for as long as your funds last. Once your 401(k) account is depleted, it’s gone for good.

This is an important distinction to understand when trying to compare retirement programs in an apples-to-apples manner. Other issues that also need to be compared carefully are fees, investment choices, portability, customer service, and whether your plan invests your assets in accordance with your values.

Over the past four years, BBT has made a number of improvements to the Brethren Pension Plan to ensure that it will provide competitive service and will be able to fulfill its obligations for years to come.

BBT has increased customer service representatives, added a number of new investment options, increased communications to members (and Plan sponsors) to help improve their knowledge regarding retirement planning and financial decision making, and staff has increased visits with Plan members, whether it be at the workplace or at denominational events where Brethren Pension Plan members are in attendance.

BBT has analyzed the mortality basis used to calculate life expectancy, to make sure calculations reflect the living experience of members. We have refined the investment allocation of the fund from which our annuities are paid--the Retirement Benefits Fund--to maximize gains and to minimize risks. And we have worked diligently to grow Plan participation. Even so, the experience of members with the Brethren Pension Plan is about to change in a profound manner. By July 1, the Brethren Pension Plan is expected to offer members some new and outstanding functionality that will enhance the retirement planning experience.

New website and telephone interfaces will provide new tools for conducting routine business, like changing asset allocations for existing and future contributions and earnings, changing beneficiaries, etc. A gap analysis of a member’s account will be available to indicate what steps a member needs to take now to help ensure they have the income they are looking for in retirement. BBT also has the longer-term goal of providing asset allocation guidance so that members can have assistance in the fund selection process.

This month, BBT staff are visiting several Brethren Pension Plan sponsor organizations for employee and employer training, to help ensure they are prepared to utilize the new functions when they go online. Pastors and other church staff members will be offered training sessions via webinar and at the Annual Conference in Charlotte, N.C.

This new functionality will come through a new partnership between the Brethren Pension Plan and Great-West, the plan’s new record keeper. Through this new alliance, Brethren Pension Plan will be able to offer its members robust retirement readiness tools backed by efficient and effective customer service.  All of this and an annuity for life--that’s the Brethren Pension Plan, which was created 70 years ago to serve you. We hope our Plan members enjoy, but most importantly, utilize this new functionality.

-- Nevin Dulabaum is president of Brethren Benefit Trust.

Source: 5/17/2013 Newsline

BDM directs grants to support rebuilding in New York, send canned chicken to the Caribbean.

Photo by M. Wilson

Brethren Disaster Ministries works on a house in Prattsville, N.Y.

Brethren Disaster Ministries staff are directing grant money to support a continuing home rebuilding effort in New York State following flooding caused by Hurricane Irene in 2011, and a church effort to distribute canned chicken in Haiti and the Dominican Republic.

A $40,000 grant from the Emergency Disaster Fund (EDF) continues funding for the Brethren Disaster Ministries home repair and rebuilding project in New York State, originally started in the small town of Prattsville in July 2012, and now extended to the nearby community of Schoharie. These Catskill towns are located in some of the lowest income regions of New York, and an area where creeks rose over 15 feet in less than 12 hours devastating the lives of residents. Many of those affected were uninsured or elderly.

The grant provides the opportunity for volunteers to assist in the repair and rebuilding of homes for qualified individuals and families, underwriting operational expenses related to volunteer support including housing, food, travel expenses incurred on site, volunteer training, tools, and equipment. To date over 350 volunteers have provided over 2,500 days of labor to rebuild 15 homes for flood survivors. Previous allocations made to this project total $60,000.

An EDF grant of $13,000 is making it possible to “preposition” a supply of canned chicken in Haiti and the DR, for use in the event of disasters. The grant covers the cost of shipping canned chicken donated by the Church of the Brethren’s Southern Pennsylvania and Mid-Atlantic Districts, customs fees, and in-country distribution costs.

Haiti and the DR are vulnerable to a variety of natural disasters, especially hurricanes and flooding. Last fall, for example, Hurricane Sandy brought heavy rain and winds that caused flooding and damaged homes in both countries, leaving many homeless and without stored food in communities with Church of the Brethren members. The grant provides for the prepositioning of 37,500 pounds of canned chicken, with the Haitian Church of the Brethren’s ministry center receiving 7,200 28-ounce cans and 10,800 cans designated for the DR, to be divided between the Dominican Church of the Brethren and the Social Service of Dominican Churches, a partner organization.

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

Source: 5/17/2013 Newsline

Dinner celebrates completion of Prattsville, N.Y., rebuilding project.

On May 1, more than 75 people gathered at Prattsville Community Church in the New York Catskills to celebrate all the work Brethren Disaster Ministries volunteers have done. Delicious dinner and desserts were provided by the church and community for volunteers and homeowners.

Homeowners told their stories as they looked at pictures and remembered the destruction caused by Hurricane Irene in August 2011. “This seemed hopeless,” one homeowner said as many others nodded in agreement, “but the volunteers made it happen, and without that beginning none of us would be here today.”

Volunteers laughed and cried as they reminisced about all the work they had done and the people they had met in the 12 months Brethren Disaster Ministries had served there.

After dinner, pastor Charlie Gockel, Brethren Disaster Ministries associate director Zach Wolgemuth, and long-term Disaster Project Leader Tim Sheaffer shared their thoughts about the work that Brethren Disaster Ministries and other volunteer groups had done.

“If it wasn’t for the Brethren, we would have been done,” Gockel remarked. “We could have never made it this far without them.”

When the floor was opened, homeowners began to share their thoughts and memories. Homeowners teared up as they thanked all the volunteers for their service. “You helped us with our homes, but you also helped us to laugh throughout the whole process, which was a great thing,” commented one homeowner.

The service concluded with Pastor Gockel saying a prayer of blessing over the volunteers, who will continue their service up river in nearby Schoharie, N.Y. He also offered up a prayer of blessing for all of the families who will continue to rebuild their lives. Afterward, hugs were shared and stories were told, but no goodbyes were uttered. After 12 months in such a special community, no one was ready to leave.

The community of Prattsville has blessed the lives of the volunteers who served there. And Brethren Disaster Ministries blessed a lot of people in the community of Prattsville. Over 12 months, more than 400 volunteers served 15 families in the town, giving over 2,650 total workdays.

-- Hallie Pilcher is a Brethren Volunteer Service worker for Brethren Disaster Ministries.

Source: 5/17/2013 Newsline

Material Resources ships 27,000 pounds of clean-up supplies to Illinois, CWS appeals for help to restock.

Photo by Terry Goodger

Material Resources staff prepare to ships pallets of CWS Emergency Cleanup Buckets to Peoria, Ill., in April 2013. Some 27,000 pounds of the cleaning supplies were shipped to Illinois to help homeowners clean up following spring floods and storms.

In response to storms and the flooding that has plagued the state of Illinois this spring, the Church of the Brethren’s Material Resources program has begun shipping clean-up supplies on behalf of Church World Service (CWS), an ecumenical partner.

Material Resources, based at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md., works on behalf of ecumenical partners and other humanitarian organizations to receive, process, warehouse, and ship disaster relief materials both within the United States and internationally. Loretta Wolf directs the program.

In late April, the Material Resources staff shipped 500 CWS clean-up buckets to DuPage County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management in Wheaton--the equivalent of 14 pallets of buckets or 8,089 pounds of supplies.

Another shipment of 1,008 CWS clean-up buckets--28 pallets weighing 19,190 pounds--was made to the American Red Cross bulk distribution site in Peoria.

Heavy precipitation from early 2013 storms and floods in Illinois has resulted in widespread and severe flooding. The state has declared 48 counties as disaster areas. Flooding has occurred on numerous rivers and their tributaries, including the Mississippi, Illinois, Green, Spoon, Rock, DuPage, and Sangamon Rivers.

An appeal for help

Church World Service has issued an urgent appeal for people to help replenish its supply of clean-up buckets. “The CWS Emergency Cleanup Buckets are giving hope and help to survivors,” said a release. “With needs assessment ongoing, CWS expects to respond to additional requests from Illinois and other states for buckets. When we do, we hope to be able to respond without delay.”

Church World Service, a global humanitarian agency, emphasizes the importance of faith community involvement in long-term recovery from disaster and enlists congregations in supplying Emergency Cleanup Buckets, blankets, and other CWS kits for shipment to disaster survivors every year.

For instructions to assemble a CWS Emergency Cleanup Bucket go to www.cwsglobal.org/get-involved/kits/emergency-clean-up-buckets.html.

Source: 5/17/2013 Newsline

Delegation visits emerging church in Spain.

A delegation of six traveled to Spain April 1-10, representing groups who are providing financial and logistical support to the emerging church in Spain. Members of this group were: Marla Bieber Abe, co-pastor of Carlisle (Pa.) Church of the Brethren representing Brethren World Mission; Norm Yeater and Carolyn Fitzkee of Chiques Church of the Brethren in Manheim, Pa.; Daniel and Oris D’Oleo of Renacer, a Hispanic church plant in Roanoke, Va.; and Fausto Carrasco of Nuevo Amanacer Church of the Brethren in Bethlehem, Pa.

Photo by Carolyn Fitzkee

Members of a delegation of Brethren visiting Spain found the emerging church to be alive and well: from left, Rafael Terrero, pastor of La Luz en las Naciones, one of the new Brethren congregations in Spain, poses with Fausto Carrasco, pastor of Nuevo Amanacer Church of the Brethren in Bethlehem, Pa., and his sister Miriam, and at far right Santos Terrero, a licensed minister from the Church of the Brethren in the Dominican Republic.

The delegation’s purpose was to meet with several groups who are interested in becoming Brethren, to participate in and give leadership to a workshop for church leaders, and to be part of the celebration of the graduation of eight church leaders who completed a training course over the last several years.

About 70 people gathered in the city of Gijon on April 6 for a day of training and spirit-filled worship. Daniel D’Oleo taught on evangelism and worked with the youth, Marla Bieber Abe taught the scriptural basis for pacifism, and Norm Yeater taught about the ordinances of love feast and baptism. Carolyn Fitzkee and Oris D’Oleo led activities for 10 elementary-age children.

The closing graduation celebration was held the next day during the worship service. Graduates received certificates signed by Jay Wittmeyer, executive director of Global Mission and Service for the Church of the Brethren, and a gift bag with books for further study. A powerful time of prayer concluded this service.

The US delegation, led by Fausto Carrasco, met with leaders and church projects in Madrid, Leon, Oviedo, Aviles, and Gijon. The mother church, in the northern coastal town of Gijon, called La Luz en Las Naciones (A Light to the Nations) is led by the pastoral team of Santos and Rafael Terrero. They are from the Dominican Republic, where Santos had been licensed as a minister in the Church of the Brethren.

The group in Oviedo has the strongest and most committed ties to the Brethren and is led by pastor Jairo Sandoval, an ordained minister from Colombia. Both groups reach out to new immigrants with a food bank and social services, such as housing and employment assistance. They are committed to reaching out to the lost and hurting in Spain, often characterized as a “post-Christian” nation, where the established churches are in decline.

Personal reflections on the trip to Spain

On my recent trip to visit Spanish Brethren at the beginning of April at the encouragement of the Global Mission and Service office and my congregation, I observed the celebration of eight church leaders graduating from a biblical training course that had been held over the last several years. A few students gave testimony of how the studying drew them closer to God and gave them a greater understanding of the Bible and the church. Each graduate received a certificate and a gift of more books to continue their spiritual growth. It was a powerful experience to be part of prayer for these gifted leaders.

After meeting with a variety of church projects in the towns of Madrid, Leon, Oviedo, Aviles, and Gijon, I became convinced that the church is alive and well. Under the capable leadership of Santos and Rafael Terrero, the mother church, La Luz en Las Naciones, is committed to reaching out to the lost and hurting in the community and cultivating relationships with groups interested in becoming Brethren. We can join with them in this God-ordained vision by casting our vote to include these groups officially as part of the Church of the Brethren this summer at Annual Conference.

I was so challenged by the Spanish Brethren determination to carry out the mission of bringing more to Christ in a post-Christian nation--where many do not have time for God--while also providing immigrants with both practical assistance to help them adjust to a new country in a difficult economy and a place to worship and grow in their faith. I was inspired by their warm fellowship and hospitality and will not soon forget their kindness.

-- Carolyn Fitzkee is a Global Mission Advocate for Atlantic Northeast District.

Source: 5/17/2013 Newsline

Campaign brings healing and engagement to Paul Ziegler’s home congregation.

Photo by courtesy of Elizabethtown Church of the Brethren

Elizabethtown (Pa.) Church of the Brethren held a celebration in honor of what would have been Paul Ziegler's 20th birthday on May 5. Family and friends of the late McPherson College student joined in a long weekend of events in and around Elizabethtown as part of the 3,000 Miles for Peace campaign of On Earth Peace in Ziegler's honor.

On Saturday, May 4, nearly 150 people gathered at Colebrook, Pa., along the Lebanon Valley Rail Trail to bike, walk, and ride horseback as a part of the 3,000 Miles for Peace campaign of On Earth Peace. A report from the agency noted that the trail ride kicked off a long weekend of events in and around Elizabethtown, Pa., in honor of the late Paul Ziegler who would have celebrated his 20th birthday on Sunday, May 5.

“In a world where we are constantly bombarded by the bad news of guns, drones, bombs, wars, and domestic violence we just lived the good news of faith and peace,” commented Elizabethtown pastor Greg Davidson Laszakovits by e-mail after the weekend.

“Inspired by Paul’s vision, refusing to feel powerless against an often violent world, we saw that we can and do make a difference; one step, one pedal revolution, one person at a time.”

Laszakovits also provided updated numbers for the campaign, which as of May 9 had raised more than $17,000, and logged 1,508 miles toward the 3,000 mile goal.

Among the crowd were many friends and family of Ziegler, who had been a member at Elizabethtown Church of the Brethren. Included were his parents Deb and Dale Ziegler. Grandfather Woodrow Ziegler and his wife Doris, who are members of Harrisburg (Pa.) First Church of the Brethren, were there. Aunt Karen Hodges ran registration, and brought in staff and faculty from Elizabethtown College. Uncle Don Ziegler welcomed everyone to the trail ride including On Earth Peace’s Bob Gross, who had just concluded a 650-mile walk from Indiana.

“We had a perfect day,” said Don Ziegler in the On Earth Peace report.

The trail ride was followed by a birthday celebration at Elizabethtown Church of the Brethren on May 5. Music, stories about the campaign, singing, discussions around peace, and birthday cake were enjoyed by all who attended. The congregation raised $6,524 in Ziegler’s honor.

The weekend was a demonstration of church and community coming together, reported Lizz Schallert, development assistant at On Earth Peace. “So many volunteers of Elizabethtown Church of the Brethren and members of Paul’s family worked to make the weekend a success; a time of support for the Ziegler family, and tangibly forwarding the programs Paul cared about.”

Find a video slide show of Bob Gross’ walk, courtesy of videographer David Sollenberger, at http://youtu.be/Qb7jxIUy54o .

In more 3,000 Miles for Peace news

On May 18 the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill., will be the starting point for cyclists embarking on a 150-mile, two-day round trip tour to Camp Emmaus in Mount Morris, Ill. These “Road to Emmaus Pedalers for Peace” are honoring the vision of fallen cyclist Paul Ziegler, and raising money for the On Earth Peace campaign, said a note from Jeff Lennard, director of marketing and sales for Brethren Press. Along with Lennard, cyclists John Carroll, Nevin Dulabaum, Jacki Hartley, Ron Nightingale, Mark Royer, and Ruthie Wimmer are part of the group. Find the Road to Emmaus Pedalers for Peace team website at www.razoo.com/team/Road-To-Emmaus-Pedalers-For-Peace.

Source: 5/17/2013 Newsline

Fort Wayne mayor speaks out on guns at Beacon Heights Church.

Fort Wayne mayor Tom Henry recently spoke to an adult education class at Beacon Heights Church of the Brethren in Fort Wayne, Ind. The class, led by Nancy Eikenberry and Kyla Zehr, has been studying the book “America and Its Guns, a Theological Exposé” by James E. Atwood.

Photo by courtesy of Nancy Eikenberry

Fort Wayne (Ind.) mayor Tom Henry with members of a class on gun violence at Beacon Heights Church of the Brethren. Henry is one of the mayors of American cities working against gun violence through the organization "Mayors Against Illegal Guns."

Henry was there as a representative of "Mayors Against Illegal Guns," a coalition of over 900 mayors in the US who are demanding an end to gun violence. Henry was the first mayor in Indiana to join the coalition. The  group works together to find innovative new ways to advance the following principles:

• Punish--to the maximum extent of the law--criminals who possess, use, and traffic in illegal guns.

• Target and hold accountable irresponsible gun dealers who break the law by knowingly selling guns to straw purchasers.

• Oppose all federal efforts to restrict cities' right to access, use, and share trace data that is so essential to effective enforcement, or to interfere with the ability of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms to combat illegal gun trafficking.

• Keep lethal, military-style weapons and high capacity ammunition magazines off our streets.

• Work to develop and use technologies that aid in the detection and tracing of illegal guns.

• Support all local state and federal legislation that targets illegal guns; coordinate legislative, enforcement, and litigation strategies; and share information and best practices.

• Invite other cities to join in this new national effort.

Mayor Henry indicated that there are 300 million registered guns in this country, and estimated that there are probably another 100 million that we do not know about. He was disappointed that Congress did not pass the recent Manchin-Toomey bill that would expand background checks to include sales of all guns. He feels this was the result of the NRA being a very powerful lobby, which contributes huge amounts of money to politicians’ campaigns.

He also spoke briefly about the recent rash of gun violence in Fort Wayne. He indicated that there are five major gangs here, with a total of about 250 members, mostly men. They are between the ages of 17 and 24, and  are usually armed with a 9 m.m. handgun, which is easy to conceal and is very powerful. With a population of 250,000, the gangs represent  about .1 of 1 percent of the population of Fort Wayne. They are mainly located in the east-central and southeast-central regions of the city. Most shootings are due to gang retaliation, the high street value of drugs, and some drug trafficking by the affluent population in the city.

When asked what individuals can do to advocate for stricter gun laws, he said that the best thing to do is to pressure lawmakers by telephone, e-mail, letters, and social media such as Facebook and Twitter.

The event concluded with a brief question and answer session. Beacon Heights members expressed their appreciation for the mayor's time and effort by presenting him with a copy of the book that the class has been studying.

-- Nancy Eikenberry attends Beacon Heights Church of the Brethren and with Kyla Zehr has been leading the church’s adult education class on gun violence.

Source: 5/17/2013 Newsline

Tools for Vital Ministry Journey include new Bible study resources.

Photo by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford

Vital Ministry Journey Bible study booklets

Congregational Life Ministries is making available a set of three Bible study tools for congregations and districts embarking on the Vital Ministry Journey.

The Bible studies have been published as paperback booklets:

• Study, Sharing, and Prayer: A Bible Study for Congregations on a Vital Ministry Journey

• Worship: Responding to God’s Love

• Vital Passions, Holy Practices: Exploring Spiritual Gifts.

Although these Bible studies are designed as part of the Vital Ministry Journey, they can be used as stand-alone resources--in particular the spiritual gifts material. A congregation does not need to be part of the journey initiative to use the resources.

Each study book includes focus scripture texts, guidelines and questions for conversation, space for personal journaling, and guidance for congregational leaders and group facilitators.

Ideally, a congregation takes part in the Vital Ministry Journey as part of a district process, with accompaniment and coaching from Congregational Life Ministries staff. A few congregations already have begun the journey on their own, after consulting with Congregational Life Ministries staff who provide counsel and resources.

Staff are training people in each district to walk with the congregations. District leadership identifies people from the district to serve as coaches. These "called out" individuals (not all have to be pastors) receive training on the Vital Ministry Journey process. The district coaches work with churches that become involved with the process after a district decides to become a sponsor for the journey. The very flexible process may be adapted by each district and congregation for its particular context.

Sixty-day study on a church’s mission with God

The first resource recommended for the Vital Ministry Journey is "Study, Sharing, and Prayer." The resource is designed for use by the three-person triads out of which the rest of the Vital Ministry Journey emerges.

Congregations that use this 60-day study discuss Bible texts like 2 Corinthians 5:17-19 and John 15:12-17, which lead small groups into in-depth conversation about God’s mission in the world, how the church takes part in that mission as disciples of Jesus Christ, and what scripture invites the church to be and do. Sample questions include “What are the current signs of vitality and strength in your congregation on which you can build an effective future?” and “How is your congregation discerning, celebrating, and participating in God’s mission in new ways?”

'Worship: Responding to God’s Love'

The six-week Bible study on worship focuses on the themes of “Longing for God” (Psalm 63:1-8), “Great Is God’s Faithfulness” (Acts 16:23-25), “Celebrating the Life of God” (Luke 15:1-10), “God of Grace and God of Glory” (Psalms 8 and 100), “Worship That Is Life-Changing and World-Shaping” (Matthew 5:14-16), and “Turning Toward God” (Philippians 4:4-9).

Small study groups use a set of questions to center conversation on the personal and corporate meaning of worship. Sample questions include “What is the community’s worship like when we are more fully attentive to God?” and “In what ways does worship awaken you to the mysteries of everyday life, empowering you to reach out to bring wholeness to people and the earth?”

'Vital Passions, Holy Practices'

This four-week Bible study on spiritual gifts provides study materials for use by individuals and congregations wanting to live more fully out of their areas of calling and giftedness. It is meant to support churches in a process of personal and shared discovery, helping congregations identify the gifts and strengths of members and affirm those gifts within the life of the community.

After carrying out the study of spiritual gifts in triads, congregations that are in the Vital Ministry Journey will be encouraged to move from Bible study about spiritual gifts into a conversation about passions, strengths, skills, and motivations of church members, aided by a gifts inventory. These discoveries help churches make space for individuals to live out their passions and gifts within the context for shared ministry and mission.

More Vital Ministry Journey Bible studies are envisioned to help congregations focus on the call to serve, congregational care, and spiritual discipline. Materials will be available in Spanish as well as English. For more information or to express interest in these Bible study resources, contact the Congregational Life Ministries office at 800-323-8039 ext. 303 or 847-429-4303.

Source: 5/17/2013 Newsline

Hearing reveals human and moral costs of drone warfare.

On April 23, the US Senate held its first official hearing on drone warfare entitled “Drone Wars: The Constitutional and Counterterrorism Implications of Targeted Killing.” The United States has been using drones to conduct missile strikes in various places since 2002, but recently, more scrutiny has been given to the targeted killing program as President Obama has expanded its scope and has even used drones to target and kill three American citizens.

Photo by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford

Bryan Hanger is an advocacy assistant and Brethren Volunteer Service worker in the Church of the Brethren's Office of Public Witness

While the indiscriminate murder of three American citizens is a horrible violation of the civil liberties protected by our constitution, I believe it serves us much better to look at the effects and implications of this violence from a global and humanitarian perspective.

It became clear to me that this is the correct perspective to take when I sat in the back of a Senate hearing room listening to Senators question a six-person panel about the legal and constitutional justifications of targeted killing. Five of the six panelists were retired military generals, national security reporters, or law professors, but one panelist brought a starkly different perspective. This was a young man from Yemen named Farea Al-Muslimi, who had the courage to speak about what he, his village, and his country have experienced from this devastating violence.

Al-Muslimi was the last panelist to speak. It was surreal to listen to the other panelists and Senators speak abstractly of the advantages of using drones compared to other methods of delivering a missile strike while Al-Muslimi, who personally experienced the horrors of such strikes, was sitting right next to them. The hypothetical situations and legal arguments that were brought up by these experts, while they are important aspects of fully understanding this issue, rang hollow once Al-Muslimi was given the chance to speak.

He began by speaking of his life growing up in a rural Yemeni farming village known as Wessab, and how the United States changed his life when he received a foreign exchange scholarship from the State Department to leave Yemen and spend his senior year of high school in California. He described it as one of the best years of his life, and detailed how he experienced the best of American culture by being the manager of his high school’s basketball team, going trick-or-treating on Halloween, and living with an American family whose father was a member of the Air Force. Al-Muslimi described this man as a father figure who was hugely influential in his life, and remarked how “he came to the mosque with me and I went to church with him. He became my best friend in America.”

Al-Muslimi’s time in America changed his life so drastically that he went as far as to say, “I went to the US as an ambassador for Yemen. I came back to Yemen as an ambassador of the US.”

This story took a marked turn after he returned to Yemen and the drone strikes started to escalate. There were around 81 strikes across Yemen in 2012, and these have continued into 2013 ( www.yementimes.com/en/1672/news/2278/Families-of-victims-condemn-use-of-drones-human-rights-organizations-report-81-strikes-in-2012.htm ). The week before he testified at the hearing, a drone intended for a reported member of al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) named Hameed Al-Radmi, struck Al-Muslimi’s village. According to reports, Al-Radmi was killed in the strike, but so were at least four other people who could not be identified or determined to be a part of AQAP.

Al-Muslimi expressed his confusion as to why the United States chose to use a drone to deal with Al-Radmi saying, “Many people in Wessab know Al-Radmi and the Yemeni government could easily have found and arrested him. Al-Radmi was well known to government officials and even the local government could have captured him if the US had told them to do so.”

Al-Muslimi continued to describe, sometimes in gruesome detail, what it is like before, during, and after a drone strike. He spoke of his fear when he first heard the buzz of a drone overhead and had no idea what it was. He spoke of a mother who had to identify the bodies of her 4-year-old and 6-year-old children from a photo a rescuer had taken of the aftermath of a strike. Most disturbingly, he spoke of a strike in 2009 where 40 innocent civilians living in the village of Al-Majalah were killed. Among the 40 dead were 4 pregnant mothers. Al-Muslimi said that in the aftermath of this strike, “others tried to rescue the victims, but the bodies were so decimated that it was impossible to differentiate between those of children, women, and their animals. Some of these innocent people were buried in the same grave as animals.”

He explained how these destructive events have shifted public opinion in Yemen to the point that AQAP is gaining back influence it had lost because the US drone strikes have devastated so many Yemeni lives. He closed his testimony with a chilling illustration of just how much the drones have changed the way people think and act in everyday life: “The drone strikes are the face of America to many Yemenis…. In Yemen, mothers used to say, 'Go to sleep or I'll get your father.’ Now they say, ‘Go to sleep or I'll call the planes.’”

As he finished, Al-Muslimi received a well-deserved round of applause from the audience. Chairman Richard Durbin (D-IL) rapped his gavel to calm the applause and bring us back to order, but nothing else said during the rest of the hearing matched the heart-wrenching testimony of the only person in the room who had actually experienced the horror of what we were talking about. All of the constitutional and legal arguments that followed about “who we could kill” and “when it was legal to kill them” were grotesque in light of what Al-Muslimi had just witnessed to us.

The White House has been widely panned for this program and was criticized by the Senate Subcommittee for not sending a witness to the hearing, but the next day it was reported that Al-Muslimi was invited to visit the White House to talk with officials who work on policy in Yemen. A step in the right direction, but much work is still to be done.

We cannot allow the debate about drones to focus strictly on legal and constitutional implications. The human and moral costs of this violence must be lifted up. Al-Muslimi expressed his hope in this way: “I believe in America, and I deeply believe that when Americans truly know about how much pain and suffering US air strikes have caused, and how they are harming US efforts to win the hearts and minds of the Yemeni people, they will reject this devastating targeted killing program.”

NOTE: The Church of the Brethren Mission and Ministry Board "Resolution Against Drone Warfare" was submitted to the Senate subcommittee to be included in the formal testimony of the hearing. Read the resolution at www.brethren.org/about/policies/2013-resolution-against-drones.pdf . Watch a video of the Senate hearing at www.senate.gov/isvp/?comm=judiciary&type=live&filename=judiciary042313p. Read Farea Al-Muslimi’s written testimony at www.judiciary.senate.gov/pdf/04-23-13Al-MuslimiTestimony.pdf .

-- Bryan Hanger is an advocacy assistant in the Church of the Brethren's Office of Public Witness, and a Brethren Volunteer Service worker.

Source: 5/17/2013 Newsline