NEWS

• Brethren Benefit Trust Board adopts five-year strategic plan.
  
• CPT comments on `patterns of abuse' in Iraq.
  
• Emergency Disaster Fund sends aid to Haiti.
  
• Cross Cultural Consultation held in Puerto Rico.
  
• Brethren attend conference on Christian philanthropy.
  
• Brethren bits: Former missionary remembered, BBT job opening, and more.

PERSONNEL

• Middle Pennsylvania District minister Randall Yoder to retire.
  
• Jacqueline Hartley joins ABC staff.

UPCOMING EVENTS

• Brethren Witness/Washington Office sponsors Million Mom March, CO day.

ANNUAL CONFERENCE PREVIEW

• Submissions invited for Annual Conference display of Living Peace Church Art.

Brethren Benefit Trust Board adopts five-year strategic plan.

With eyes firmly fixed on the future, the Brethren Benefit Trust (BBT) Board of Directors has affirmed its blueprint for operations over the next five years, according to a release from the agency. Meeting April 17-18 at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill., the board approved a strategic plan that includes initiatives pertaining to the Brethren Pension Plan, Brethren Medical Plan, Church of the Brethren Credit Union, and Brethren Foundation, as well as overall marketing efforts.

"After 18 months of study, research, and discussion that led to the creation of this plan, we believe these strategic issues will guide a majority of BBT's work for the years to come," said Wil Nolen, BBT president. "We're excited about what the future holds for BBT."

The strategic plan focus on the Pension Plan calls for the board's Investment Committee and staff to improve the method of funding retirement benefits to reduce the possibility of future unfunded liabilities. The board began addressing this issue one year ago when it approved the creation of "A" accounts for contributions before July 1, 2003, and "B" accounts for contributions on or after that date.

The major strategic initiative for the Brethren Medical Plan is a continuing effort to locate and implement reasonable coverage for members at affordable premiums. Inflationary trends and unfavorable claims experience make it a major challenge to provide a good benefit plan at a reasonable cost.

On April 1 BBT fulfilled a strategic plan goal of sponsoring a denominational credit union by assuming all administrative functions of the Church of the Brethren Credit Union (CoBCU), which until mid-February was the Brethren Employees' Credit Union. Staff members reported that they have begun a review of operating policies and procedures and are exploring the development of new products and services. Dennis Kingery, director of Credit Union Operations, supervised relocation of the credit union offices to BBT and the launching of a new "look" complete with new logo, brochure, forms, and website. The board also affirmed the creation of a Credit Union Service Organization (CUSO) as another strategic priority. A CUSO typically offers an expanded range of financial services to members of a credit union, although it is a separate organization.

Under the umbrella of the Brethren Foundation, the board included a strategic priority to support church agencies and related organizations in the development of their own deferred giving programs. This will support primarily those agencies with insufficient staff to implement such a program on their own. The Brethren Foundation will prepare educational articles, provide descriptive materials, consult with potential donors, and administer gifts that come to client organizations.

The final component of the strategic plan contemplates the development of a consistent marketing identity for the wide range of ministries provided by BBT.

In other business, BBT's long-term care insurance has been the topic of several employee educational seminars. Following numerous inquiries for specific information, about 20 individuals have policies either in force or under way. The board also received reports on preparations for the 2004 Annual Conference, the work of the InterAgency Forum, issues before the executives of denominational agencies, the content of the denomination's ecclesiology consultation, and matters that have come before the Church Benefits Association.

In the last in his series of visits to board meetings of the five Annual Conference agencies, Conference moderator Chris Bowman opened the meeting with a meditation and prayer. Board members expressed appreciation for Bowman's presence.

Future BBT board meetings are scheduled for July 6 in Charleston, W.Va., and Nov. 19-20 in Northern Indiana District.

Source: Newsline 5/7/2004
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CPT comments on 'patterns of abuse' in Iraq.

With horrific images of abused Iraqi prisoners in the media this week, Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT) urged attention to the patterns of abuse in Iraq and the question, "How did this happen?" CPT is a ministry initiated by Mennonites, Brethren, and Friends, and has an "Adopt a Detainee Program" to support Iraqi detainees.

The organization has been documenting abuses within the detention system in Iraq for nearly a year, a CPT release said. "The problem is very broad," wrote Sheila Provencher in the release. "These photos, tragically, were not a surprise to me." Provencher has been a member of the CPT team in Iraq, where her work focused on detainees. The team left Iraq in April on the advice of Iraqi colleagues of risks to international workers. CPT has had a team in Iraq almost continuously since Oct. 2002.

"We have communicated grave concerns about the detention system in several meetings with US military and Coalition Provisional Authority officials in Iraq, and with representatives in Congress," said Provencher. "Many Iraqis who tell us stories of degrading abuse also comment on the 'noble soldiers' who protested such abuse and treated them with respect. However, the sheer number of allegations of mistreatment, many of which I have heard personally, suggests that the problem is not just a matter of a few 'bad people,'" she wrote. She acknowledged that there are Iraqis guilty of violent acts, but added that "the methods used to capture, imprison, and interrogate such Iraqis are so violent that the Coalition only creates more resisters."

Provencher suggested that factors contributing to the abuse include ideology that separates the world into "good guys" and "bad guys," military hierarchy, and the dehumanization of young US soldiers by their training, combat stress, and neglect. "To feel a constant threat to one's life, coupled with the psychological stress of being separated from home and family, is devastating," she said. She added that routine military orders might be considered abusive, such as the systematic arrests of all male members of a household or community in midnight raids that terrify families "and sometimes end in the injury or death of women and children."

"Once the men are in detention, families find it extremely difficult to secure information about them, and do not know if they are alive or dead," she said. "Many women and children who rely on the male breadwinner become homeless while he languishes in jail."

CPT's Adopt a Detainee Program is coordinated by Rick Polhamus, a member of Pleasant Hill (Ohio) Church of the Brethren. Several Church of the Brethren groups and congregations are taking part, he reported, along with people from other denominations and different interfaith and ecumenical groups. The response has spanned the globe, all the way from Nigeria to Alaska, he said. For more information contact CPT at 773-277-0253 or www.cpt.org, or call Polhamus at 937-313-4458 or e-mail jrp@cpt.org.

Source: Newsline 5/7/2004
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Emergency Disaster Fund sends aid to Haiti.

An allocation of $10,000 has been made from the General Board's Emergency Disaster Fund in support of an expanded Church World Service (CWS) appeal for materials and aid for Haiti, following the violent overthrow of the government in March. Despite the presence of an international military force, political violence continues to disrupt everyday life in Haiti, according to the grant request.

The funds will help provide a variety of aid and services including first aid, legal assistance, food security, health assistance, agricultural recovery, income-generating activities, psycho-social assistance, and conflict resolution in nine Haitian provinces. An initial grant of $5,000, made in March, supported an emergency air shipment of food and medicine.

This week, staff of the board's Service Ministries program at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md., packed and shipped a CWS container shipment for Haiti valued at $151,003. The shipment included 25,000 pounds of canned meat, 25 Interchurch Medical Assistance Medicine Boxes, 185 cartons of school supplies, and 700 cartons of Mennonite Central Committee refugee buckets. This week's shipment follows on the heels of the March shipment that was channeled through the Dominican Republic to assist Haitian refugees along the Haitian-Dominican border.

Source: Newsline 5/7/2004
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Cross Cultural Consultation held in Puerto Rico.

With tears streaming down his face, Brother Joseph Craddock, a minister of Germantown (Pa.) Church of the Brethren, spoke for many when he joyfully proclaimed, "This has been the best experience of my life." Forty-seven pastors and leaders from the mainland joined with sisters and brothers of Puerto Rico at the Cross Cultural Consultation hosted by the Castaner church, April 29-May 3.

Spirit-filled worship occurred several times a day and the Castaner church building was filled to overflowing each evening. Sermons, testimonies, music, and prayers were offered to God in French, Creole, Spanish, and English, held together by the power of the Holy Spirit. Harriet Finney, past Annual Conference moderator, reminded the gathering that the church has not yet arrived in becoming the multi-cultural church of the New Testament, but is on its way and closer to this goal than when it first began. Ruben Deoleo, of Lancaster, Pa., and Miguel Alicia, of Rio Prieto, P.R., also preached. Worship was led by Gilbert Romero of Bella Vista, Calif. Belita Mitchell, of Harrisburg, Pa., retold the Cross Cultural Ministries Team story. Greetings from the General Board were shared by Frank Ramirez, of Everett, Pa.

The worship experience was enriched by the leadership of Puerto Rican Church of the Brethren congregations including Las Casa del Amigo Fellowship of Santana, Arecibo, where Loren and Lily Crespo are pastors; Yahuecas, where Norma Medina Rivera is pastor; Juan and Isabel Figueroa, pastors of Camito Christian Center; the young adults of Vega Baja, where Hector Perez is pastor; and the youth of Castaner, where General Board member Jaime Diaz is pastor.

Educational opportunities included hearing the story of the Brethren in Puerto Rico and a tour of the Castaner hospital led by Elsa Groff; an introduction to the work of the Anti-Racism Training Team led by James Washington, of Whitehouse, Texas, and Sharon Reich, of New Hope, Va.; and a workshop on new ways of dealing with conflict led by Mark Chidley of Cape Coral, Fla.

Castaner church provided hospitality including meals and housing. A work project left behind a new driveway for the church, which was financially assisted by three Indiana congregations: Bremen, Pleasant Dale, and Anderson.

The Cross Cultural Ministries Team is supported by the General Board and receives staff assistance from Congregational Life Team members Duane Grady and Carol Yeazell. A 2005 event is planned for April 21-24 at Bethany Theological Seminary in Richmond, Ind. For more information contact Grady at 800-505-1596 or e-mail dgrady_gb@brethren.org.

Source: Newsline 5/7/2004
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Brethren attend conference on Christian philanthropy.

"Gateway to Giving" was the theme of the 26th North American Conference on Christian Philanthropy (NACCP) this past week, held by the Ecumenical Stewardship Center (ESC) literally under the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Mo. The General Board is an important partner and contributor to the training and stewardship resource production efforts of the ESC, said Ken Neher, the board's director for Funding and Donor Development, in his report on the conference.

Twenty Church of the Brethren pastors, stewardship advocates, representatives of care facilities, and General Board staff were among the 250 people at the event. Southern Ohio District was well represented because of an anonymous donor with a passion for stewardship, who paid registration fees with the request that attendees who feel they have received from the event pay for another person to attend with them at the next event in two years. That generosity is making it possible for Southern Ohio to build a solid core of motivated and trained stewardship mentors and advocates, Neher said.

Keynote presentations were by Martin Marty, professor emeritus at the University of Chicago Divinity School and author of over 50 books on topical issues of Christianity. Daily worship was led by Anthony Bailey, senior minister of Parkdale United Church in Canada. In one evening session, attendees were treated to the poignant humor of Mennonite comedians Ted and Lee. Among other pieces, the duo performed "Don't Sit on Your Stuff," a stewardship story co-sponsored by General Board stewardship staff and videotaped and distributed to many Brethren congregations over a year ago as part of a stewardship resource packet.

Two full days of breakout sessions were presented in three tracks for congregational leaders, development leaders, and a general track. Seminars ranged from "The ABCs of Giving," to "Kids and Money," to "Financial Planning for Ministers." Teaching and discussions ranged from the very basics of motivations for giving, to cutting-edge understandings of Christian stewardship in a material-oriented culture.

In his workshop "Speaking of Money," ESC director Ed Taylor asked, "Why are you afraid to give as much as you'd like to give?" and then challenged the church with the question, "How can the church address the worry that delays or lowers our giving and the joy that would follow?" That question is "something for us all to ponder!" said Neher, who invited Brethren to plan to attend the next NACCP in 2006.

Source: Newsline 5/7/2004
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Brethren bits: Former missionary remembered, BBT job opening, and more.

• Shirley Fike, a nurse and former missionary for the Church of the Brethren, died May 2 in Winona Lake, Ind., at the age of 71. With her husband, Don, she served with the General Board in Equador 1957-59; as a house parent in Elgin, Ill., in 1959; and in Puerto Rico at the church and hospital in Castaner, 1960-74. She also taught and lectured about nutrition and spiritual growth as they relate to wholeness, and was a graduate of McPherson (Kan.) College. After pastorates in Indiana, Ohio, and Maryland, the Fikes lived in Warm Springs, Va., for the past several years. A memorial service will be held May 8 at Zion Chapel in Goshen, Ind.
  
  
• The Brethren Benefit Trust (BBT) Communications and Information Services Department seeks to fill the newly defined salaried staff position of Office, Production, and Information Services coordinator. The coordinator will provide leadership in the production of news and informational, promotional, and operational resources including desktop publishing, website updating, and work with print vendors. The job also entails office coordination, assistance with business services, tech support, and basic hardware and software functions. For a position description call Susan Brandenbusch, 800-746-1505 or e-mail sbrandenbusch_bbt@brethren.org. Candidates should send a resume, along with three references, to Brandenbusch by noon May 17.
  
  
• On behalf of the Church of the Brethren, the Association of Brethren Caregivers (ABC) has signed on to the Cover the Uninsured Campaign, which focuses attention on the plight of nearly 44 million uninsured Americans. Cover the Uninsured is a national campaign that has organized a range of events to educate the public about the social injustice and compounding problems that the lack of health insurance brings to all Americans. ABC has posted "A Call to Care for People Without Insurance" on its website at www.brethren.org/abc/ and encourages congregations to participate in awareness-raising and educational events planned for their areas during Cover the Uninsured Week May 10-16. To find out more, visit www.CoverTheUninsured.com.
  
  
• Scott Holland, assistant professor of Peace Studies and Cross Cultural Studies at the Church of the Brethren's Bethany Theological Seminary, is scheduled to speak at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., on May 20, along with Ann Riggs, National Council of Churches' associate general secretary for Faith and Order. The two are members of an organizing committee for the "Watu Kwa Amani" conference in August in Kenya, the next in a series of Historic Peace Church conferences engaging with the World Council of Churches' Decade to Overcome Violence, and co-editors of a recently published book of papers from the first such conference, held in Bienenberg, Switzerland, in 2001. The third co-editor is Fernando Enns, a German Mennonite theologian. The book, "Seeking Cultures of Peace: A Peace Church Conversation," can be ordered from Cascadia Publishing at 215-723-9125 or www.cascadiapublishinghouse.com.
  
  
• A new version of an old resource, the "Messenger" study guide, is available at www.brethren.org. The study guide provides food for thought, questions for discussion, and activities to help individuals, classes, and small groups use the denominational magazine "Messenger" as a focus for study and reflection. The first study guide to be posted is for the May issue of the magazine, and future study guides will be posted in time for the arrival in the mail of each month's new issue. The guide is offered in a pdf format. "Messenger" readers are encouraged to print study guides as needed for individual or group use.
  
  
• Dates for the next National Youth Conference have been announced by the General Board's Youth and Young Adult Office. NYC will be held July 22-27, 2006, at Colorado State University in Ft. Collins, Colo., beginning Saturday evening with dinner at 5 p.m. through closing worship Thursday morning ending at 11:30 a.m. Registration will begin at 10:00 a.m. Saturday.
  
  
• Dates also have been set for the 2005 Christian Citizenship Seminar, April 23-28 in New York and Washington, D.C. The focus will be on conscientious objection to war.
  
  
• Candidates for Disaster Project Director Training are sought by the General Board's Emergency Response program. The next training will be held in New Windsor, Md., Nov. 7-9. Requirements for volunteer disaster project directors include skills in leadership and organization and a heart for Christian service. Construction or handyman skills are preferred. Couples whose skills complement each other are welcome. Call Jane Yount at 800-451-4407 or 410-635-8730.
  
  
• The New Windsor (Md.) Conference Center seeks service-oriented volunteers interested in being host or hostess. Volunteers receive their own apartment, free meals, and a small stipend. Volunteer hosts typically have been retired couples, widows, and widowers, but other mature adults are welcome. Contact Elaine Hyde at 410-635-8700 or toll free 800-766-1553.
  
  
• More than 130 middle school students, teachers, and chaperones spent April 23 on the campus of the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md., for a learning and volunteer experience. Lisa Blevins, a member of the Westminster (Md.) Church of the Brethren and a teacher at East Middle School in Westminster, coordinated the visit. Staff and volunteers from Emergency Response/Service Ministries, On Earth Peace, SERRV International, Interchurch Medical Assistance, and the Conference Center worked together to plan activities, present information and help with crowd control.
  
  
• "When Saints Become Sad," a workshop on depression sponsored by Western Plains District, will be held May 8 at Topeka (Kan.) Church of the Brethren and June 5 at Prince of Peace Church of the Brethren in Littleton, Colo. For more information contact the district office at 620-241-4240 or e-mail WesternPlains@brethren.org.
  
  
• In response to the 2003 Annual Conference call to be a living peace church, Virlina District Peace Affairs Committee is hosting a 2nd Annual Virlina District Peace Seminar 9 a.m. to 12 noon May 8 at Central Church of the Brethren in Roanoke, Va. Presentations will be made by On Earth Peace, the Brethren Witness/Washington Office, and Christian Peacemaker Teams.
  
  
• The Village at Morrisons Cove, a Church of the Brethren retirement center in Martinsburg, Pa., seeks volunteers for a new lay shepherding program in the home's long-term care facility. Chaplain Millie Baker adds, "We are currently seeking training resources and possible information from other programs. Any assistance will be greatly appreciated." Contact Baker at 814-793-2104 or e-mail dccob@nb.net.
  
  
• Good Shepherd Home, a Church of the Brethren retirement center in Fostoria, Ohio, is celebrating its 100th year in 2004—all year. The "Big Bash" anniversary celebration is June 25, but Good Shepherd is holding celebrations every month to let the community know of its history and vision. The home also is selling 100th anniversary shirts. For more information contact executive director Chris Widman at 419-435-1801 or log on to www.goodshepherdhome.com.
  
  
• Paul Mundey, pastor of Frederick (Md.) Church of the Brethren, will deliver the message at Bridgewater (Va.) College's baccalaureate May 16. Mundey is father of graduating senior, Peter. Myles Brand, president of the National Collegiate Athletic Association, will deliver the commencement address. In other news from the college, Judy Mills Reimer, past general secretary of the Church of the Brethren, was elected to the Board of Trustees. Brethren also were among six honored at an Alumni Weekend April 16-17: Betty Blough Martin, a leading Bridgewater citizen and member of Bridgewater Church of the Brethren; and Stuart R. Suter, a chemist, attorney, and consultant in the field of patent matters and technology transfer in the chemical and pharmaceutical areas and a member of Ambler (Pa.) Church of the Brethren. Others honored were Ralph S. Wolfe, a researcher in the field of microbiology; Matthew Burton Garber, a university professor and physical therapist in the Army; Sarah Smith Greenleaf, a researcher on the pollination services of native bees; and Beverly Wampler Lineweaver, a volunteer in the General Board's Disaster Child Care program.
  
  
• "Raise Your Voice," a retreat and training event for young adults May 28-31 at Camp Emmaus in Mount Morris, Ill., is sponsored by the New Community Project and the Ecumenical Eco-Justice Network. The retreat will equip young adults to raise concerns of justice and caring for the earth, and is open to Church of the Brethren young adults out of high school up to their mid-twenties. Cost is $150 with scholarship assistance available. To register, e-mail Karen Hodges at hodgesk@etown.edu. For more information contact David Radcliff at 888-800-2985 or e-mail dradcliff@newcommunityproject.org.

Source: Newsline 5/7/2004
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Middle Pennsylvania District minister Randall Yoder to retire.

Randall Yoder, district minister for Middle Pennsylvania, has announced his retirement effective Dec. 31.

In almost 20 years as district minister, Yoder has helped strengthen the district's ministry and place in the denomination, and helped develop sensitivity to congregations as the reason for being for the district. He also helped develop the district office into a "state of the art" resource and ministry center for Middle Pennsylvania.

Yoder previously served as pastor of three Church of the Brethren congregations in Indiana--Clear Creek, Roann, and Kokomo. He is a graduate of Manchester College and Bethany Theological Seminary.

In his retirement, Yoder is interested in serving as a trainer and coach for congregational revitalization and redevelopment, and plans to spend more time with his family and with his congregation, Stone Church of the Brethren in Huntingdon, Pa.

Source: Newsline 5/7/2004
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Jacqueline Hartley joins ABC staff.

Jacqueline Hartley began work as coordinator for the Church and Persons with Disabilities Network, a ministry of the Association of Brethren Caregivers (ABC), on April 27. ABC provides publications and educational and faith opportunities that encourage the church to do caring ministries as the work of Jesus Christ.

"By devoting Jacki exclusively to the Church and Persons with Disabilities Network, we're making sure that this important ministry receives the attention and support that we haven't had the staff time to give it in recent years," said Kathy Reid, ABC executive director. Hartley is working on a part-time, contract basis from her home and the ABC office, and can be reached at 847-742-5100 or jhartley_abc@brethren.org.

Hartley has served previously as a workcamp coordinator for the Youth and Young Adult Office of the General Board when she was in Brethren Volunteer Service 1999-2001, and for On Earth Peace as part of the 1997 Youth Peace Travel Team and the 1996 Conflict Resolution Team. She is a member of Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren, Elgin, Ill.

Source: Newsline 5/7/2004
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Brethren Witness/Washington Office sponsors Million Mom March, CO day.

Two May events in Washington, D.C., are being sponsored by the General Board's Brethren Witness/Washington Office: the Million Mom March on May 9, and International Conscientious Objector Day May 15.

The office is urging Brethren to join the "Mother's Day March to Halt the Assault" for gun control laws. "People die every day from handguns. Show your convictions of nonviolence, peace, and justice by taking a stand and lending support to those who have lost loved ones needlessly," said an action alert from the office.

The event will begin with an interfaith prayer service at 10 a.m. on the west lawn of the US Capitol building and is expected to continue to mid-afternoon with speeches and a march down Constitution Avenue. Presenters sharing stories of how violence and the gun lobby have influenced their lives and families will include Jesse Jackson Sr., Senators Dianne Feinstein and Barbara Boxer, Rep. Carolyn McCarthy, Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton, and authors Marianne Williamson and Richard North Patterson. The event, organized by the Brady Campaign to Stop Gun Violence, is wheelchair accessible and interpreters will be on hand for the hearing impaired.

On May 15, International Conscientious Objector Day, the office is hosting seminars and workshops about conscientious objection, anti-militarism, counter recruitment, and war tax resistance from noon to 5 p.m. The event will be held at the Brethren Witness/Washington Office, 337 North Carolina Ave., SE, Washington, DC 20003.

On May 14, the office is co-sponsoring the Center for Conscientious and War Lobby Days along with Mennonite, Quaker, United Methodist, Unitarian, Catholic, and Presbyterian organizations as well as the National Campaign for a Peace Tax Fund and Veterans for Peace. The lobbying day will focus on educating Congress about conscientious objection and how a military draft is not a viable option. "During this time when the United States military is stretched thin across the globe in various military campaigns, there are talks about the administration considering a draft. Now is the time to make our voices heard, to let Congress know that we do not want a draft," the action alert said.

For more information call the Brethren Witness/Washington Office at 800-785-3246 or e-mail washington_office_gb@brethren.org.

Source: Newsline 5/7/2004
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Submissions invited for Annual Conference display of Living Peace Church Art.

In May and June, Newsline will offer short previews of unique events or features of the 2004 Annual Conference of the Church of the Brethren, to be held July 3-7 in Charleston, W.Va.

"Join the call for a living peace church. Contribute your art and stories!" invite On Earth Peace and the General Board's Brethren Witness/Washington Office, following the "Call for a Living Peace Church" issued by the 2003 Annual Conference.

Peace art projects by adults and children may be sent in for a display at the Charleston (W.Va.) Civic Center during the 2004 Annual Conference. Send art submissions by June 1, identified with name and address of the artist, to the Brethren Witness/Washington Office, 337 N. Carolina Ave., SE, Washington, DC 20003. Submissions cannot be returned by mail and must be picked up at the end of Conference.

Personal and congregational stories about peacemaking also are sought. There will be brief moments to share the stories during business sessions, times of worship, an insight session on "How to Be a Living Peace Church" 9 p.m. July 6, and in On Earth Peace and Brethren Witness/Washington Office displays. Send stories with contact information by June 1 to On Earth Peace, P.O. Box 188, New Windsor, MD 21776 or e-mail Oepa_oepa@brethren.org.

Source: Newsline 5/7/2004
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Credits

Newsline is produced by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of news services for the Church of the Brethren General Board, on the first, third, and fifth Friday of each month, with other editions as needed. Newsline stories may be reprinted provided that Newsline is cited as the source. Mary Dulabaum, Duane Grady, Ken Neher, and Will Thomas contributed to this report

Newsline is a free service sent only to those requesting a subscription. To receive it by e-mail, or to unsubscribe, write cobnews@aol.com or call 800-323-8039, ext. 260. Newsline is available at www.brethren.org and is archived with an index at www.wfn.org. Also see Photo Journal at www.brethren.org/pjournal/index.htm for photo coverage of events. For additional news and features, subscribe to the Church of the Brethren magazine "Messenger." Call 800-323-8039.

NEWS
Gather 'Round chosen as name for new curriculum.
OEP board discusses sowing seeds and reaping fruits of peace.
Global Food Crisis Fund supports projects of Heifer International.
Emergency Response program plans new west coast and West Virginia projects.
Youth meet at Bridgewater Roundtable and Manchester RYC.
Workshop teaches skills for conflict transformation.
Renewal event stirs up hope for the church.
The church remembers district leader Helen Constable.
"Messenger" awarded for conference coverage, design.
Brethren bits: National Youth Sunday, Nigeria delegation, and more.

PERSONNEL
Genelle Wine will serve as BVS coordinator of orientation.

Gather 'Round chosen as name for new curriculum.

Gather 'Round: Hearing and Sharing God's Good News, was chosen as the name for a new Brethren and Mennonite Sunday school curriculum by an advisory group that met April 14-17 in Elgin, Ill. The group discussed goals for the curriculum as well as theological and educational foundations, a theme scripture, Bible outlines, print pieces, printing technology, electronic media, and marketing.

The name implies "wholeness and heart," said Gwen Gustafson-Zook, a representative of Mennonite Church USA. The group envisioned the name as a call to Christians to gather around the Word, around the table of the Lord, at church and at home, and around the world in service and evangelism. The name also calls up images of Jesus gathering children to him.

The curriculum is a cooperative venture of the Church of the Brethren, Mennonite Church Canada, and Mennonite Church USA through Brethren Press and Mennonite Publishing Network (MPN). Plans call for Gather 'Round to be available in the fall 2006 as a successor to the highly successful curriculum Jubilee: God's Good News. The last quarter of Jubilee will be available in the summer 2006.

Anna Speicher, project director, emphasized that Gather 'Round will not simply be a reworking of Jubilee but will build on Jubilee's strong points. Foundational to both curricula is "respect for children as people already in relationship with God," Speicher said. The new curriculum will build on Jubilee's strengths of familiarizing children with basic Bible stories and making Sunday school a "time for learning the habits of worship, including ritual, silence, and prayer," she added.

New elements will include strengthening the partnership between church and home, embedding more teacher training in lesson plans, and increasing the serviceability of the curriculum. Also new is the way in which Bible texts are used, with the age groups all studying the same scriptures each week. This creates the opportunity for a significant new feature of Gather 'Round: a class for parents and others who care for children. The class, which may be offered for Sunday school, Bible study, or as a support group, will provide tips for talking about faith and scripture with children and opportunities for parents to grow spiritually. To her knowledge no other publisher is producing such a complete resource for parents, Speicher said.

Adults who care for children are one of six age groups to be served by the curriculum. The others are early childhood, primary, middler, junior high, and a multi-age group that could include children of all ages and adults. Multi-age lessons "will help small congregations who don't have capacity for different age groupings" as well as respond to increasing interest in intergenerational learning opportunities, Speicher said.

Another feature of the new curriculum will be its sensitivity to busy volunteer teachers who often do not have time to attend trainings or go to outside sources for lesson preparation. Lesson plans will include teacher training such as tips for dealing with age-specific issues.

Speicher is recruiting Brethren and Mennonite scholars to write biblical backgrounds for the lessons. She reports that Old Testament scholar and former Church of the Brethren general secretary Robert W. Neff has agreed to write the Bible backgrounds for the first quarter on the book of Genesis. "We will also be asking our lesson writers to emphasize Brethren and Mennonite values of peace and justice, discipleship, community, and simple living," she said, adding that the publishers expect to be able to sell the curriculum to other like-minded churches with similar values. To make the curriculum more responsive to user feedback and changing needs, lesson plans will be written new every year rather in a three-year cycle that is repeated.

The 15-member advisory group included Wendy McFadden and Jewel McNary of Brethren Press; Julie Hostetter and Del Keeney of the General Board's Congregational Life Ministries, Association of Brethren Caregivers executive director Kathy Reid, and Pam Reist, pastor of Christian nurture at Lititz Church of the Brethren, Mount Joy, Pa. For more information contact Anna Speicher at 800-323-8039 or e-mail aspeicher_gb@brethren.org.

Source: Newsline 4/30/2004 top

OEP board discusses sowing seeds and reaping fruits of peace.

The On Earth Peace (OEP) Board of Directors and staff met April 16-17 at New Windsor, Md. With the theme "Sown, Grown, and Living," the group took time to reflect on how they, as individuals and as an organization, sow the seeds of peace while reaping the fruits of reconciliation. The board, led by chair Bev Weaver, continued use of the formal consensus process for discussion and decision-making.

Plans for OEP's 30th anniversary celebration were outlined, including four regional weekend events that will include two concerts and a full-day workshop each weekend. Board and staff also assessed response to the Annual Conference call to be a living peace church.

The staff described OEP programs and projects with special emphasis given to the Organizing for Peace event in La Verne, Calif., in March; OEP's participation in the ongoing ecclesiology consultation planned by the Council of District Executives and others; an 18-month conflict transformation leadership program for a group of managers at the Brethren Retirement Community in Greenville, Ohio, that is a prototype for future trainings; and the announcement of the 2004 Youth Peace Travel Team.

Committees of the board also reported. The personnel committee is working on a three-year evaluation of executive directors and the organization, in which the first year evaluation is by board and staff members, the second year by directors and staff of other Annual Conference agencies, and the third year by a wide spectrum of people and groups throughout the denomination. The committee currently is creating an evaluation tool for the third year. The nominating committee presented the resignation of Charles Kwon from the board and appointed Verdena Lee of Kent, Ohio, to complete his term. The executive committee reviewed organizational costs for board meetings with a comparison to other Church of the Brethren agencies, and determined that OEP is comparable to or somewhat under the level of expense of other agencies. The committee also explored how to build stronger connections with Latino/a communities in the Church of the Brethren. Advancement committee chair Ken Frantz led the board in "Equipping the Development Tool Box," to create a list of talking points that help people understand the mission and work of OEP.

A working group brought a draft of position descriptions for the board as a whole and for board members. The board worked in small groups to consider the position descriptions and identify competencies needed for effective board work. The working group will continue to develop descriptions to bring back to the board at its fall meeting. The board also worked on information that would be helpful to orient new board members.

David Jehnsen, liaison to Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT), reported on new developments in CPT work and organization; projects continuing in Iraq, Palestine, Columbia, and Canada; and the calling of new co-directors, Carol Rose and Doug Pritchard.

Source: Newsline 4/30/2004 top

Global Food Crisis Fund supports projects of Heifer International.

In recognition of the 60th anniversary of Heifer International (HI--formerly Heifer Project International) and the role that the Church of the Brethren played in its formation and continues today, the General Board's Global Food Crisis Fund (GFCF) has allocated $60,000 to HI-supported projects in Armenia, Zimbabwe, and Albania. The grants engage the fund in three new countries, according to GFCF manager Howard Royer, and bring the total of grant monies issued in the first four months of 2004 to a quarter of a million dollars.

In Albania, $30,000 will support a "guns for cows" program providing a pregnant cow for every two or three guns surrendered. The program is a pilot effort begun by the United Nations Disarming Program after 1997, when Albanians took more than 500,000 weapons from military depots during a time of national upheaval.

A grant of $20,000 will help improve nutrition and income of people affected by the AIDS pandemic. HI partners with four community-based groups to distribute heifers, bulls, goats, chickens, and rabbits in a densely populated farming area where the number of AIDS cases is the highest in the nation. The funds also will help provide training in livestock handling, financial management, and child care.

A grant of $10,000 has been approved for the Aigabetz "Sunrise" Project for teenage and adult orphans in Armenia. With a sizeable orphan population that lacks a social net, Armenia is experiencing a rising tide of crime and prostitution among its youth, according to GFCF's grant recommendation. The Aigabetz program aids recipients' constructive release from the trauma of childhood in an orphanage and helps their self-sufficiency by forming extended communes in which residents receive basic resources to enable them to become entrepreneurs. Each teenage orphan or orphan couple is equipped with a small tract of irrigable land, modest living space, livestock, vocational training, and seed money.

The grant for Armenia was approved shortly after the 89th anniversary of the 1915 Armenia genocide on April 18. The first international relief effort by the Church of the Brethren was for Armenia, in 1918-1921 when Brethren contributed about $267,000 according to the "Brethren Encyclopedia." Royer noted that some historians regard the Armenia relief offering as the beginning of Brethren Service.

Source: Newsline 4/30/2004 top

Emergency Response program plans new west coast and West Virginia projects.

Three new disaster relief projects are planned in the west coast states of California and Washington and in West Virginia by the General Board's Emergency Response program. An ongoing project in Poquoson, Va., continues as well.

In the town of Julian, Calif., Church of the Brethren volunteers will join in a fire clean-up project organized by Mennonite Disaster Service, beginning the week of Aug. 1. The clean up follows deadly wildfires that swept through southern California last October claiming 22 lives and destroying 3,631 homes. Volunteers will clear the land of burned trees, and cut, stack, and chip wood. Pacific Southwest District has committed to supply volunteers to work with the project, and volunteers from other districts are invited to participate. Contact Milton Ewert, Pacific Southwest District disaster coordinator, at 209-523-9490 or e-mail mjemod@juno.com.

In Skagit County, Wash., a flood recovery project will rebuild homes for ten low-income families. Heavy storms last October brought floods that affected dozens of homes in the county. The Church of the Brethren has been invited to participate in the project managed by the Christian Reformed World Relief Committee. Brethren from any district are welcome and encouraged to volunteer. Contact Nancy Wilkinson, Oregon-Washington District disaster coordinator, at 360-848-1827.

The Emergency Response program is gearing up for a flood recovery project in Greenbrier County, W.Va., following severe storms last November that caused flash floods and mudslides across the state. Details for the new project are not yet in place, but staff hope to get it started by late June. To volunteer or schedule a group of volunteers to work for a week in the summer, call Emergency Response staff Jane Yount at 800-451-4407 or e-mail jyount_gb@brethren.org.

Source: Newsline 4/30/2004 top

Youth meet at Bridgewater Roundtable and Manchester RYC.

Church of the Brethren youth were at Bridgewater (Va.) and Manchester (Ind.) Colleges for regional youth conferences in March and April.

Nearly 265 youth and advisors gathered at Bridgewater March 26-28 for Roundtable, the annual Southeastern Regional Youth Conference. Roundtable 2004 was led by keynote speaker Jeff Carter, pastor of Manassas (Va.) Church of the Brethren, and entertainer and musician Joseph Helfrich. Participants explored the theme, "The Next Chapter...A Future with Hope."

Roundtable has undergone significant changes in recent years, reported Jonathan Emmons, 2003-04 president of the Interdistrict Youth Cabinet. For the second year, it included a Friday night concert and small groups, which provided opportunities for meeting new people and processing the keynote speaker's message. Roundtable 2004 marked the 60th occurrence of the event.

About 115 youth and advisors met at Manchester April 17-18. It marked the first year that the midwestern regional youth conference shifted from a Friday evening through Sunday format, to a 24-hour event beginning Saturday morning. Another new feature was a Saturday night "RYC Cafe" where youth shared a variety of talents in music, acting, and comedy.

Worship remained at the heart of the event with three celebrations focusing on the national youth theme, "Seeking, Thirsting, Longing." Christy Waltersdorff, pastor of York Center Church of the Brethren in Lombard, Ill., and Jeremy Ashworth, pastor of Lincolnshire Church of the Brethren in Fort Wayne, Ind., spoke at two of the services. The third service featured three youth--Nick Kauffman from Indiana, Jonathan Keeney from Illinois, and Colleen Hamilton from Michigan--sharing their reflections on the theme. Each service ended with a creative expression of commitment, inviting participants to scoop up sand, pour water, and light candles. The conference also included Manchester College Peace Week activities, ten workshops, and a gathering for high school seniors.

Source: Newsline 4/30/2004 top

Workshop teaches skills for conflict transformation.

Forty church leaders from seven districts gathered at the Brethren Service Center, New Windsor, Md., on April 23 to attend "Conflict Transformation for Congregational Leaders," a Ministry of Reconciliation workshop co-sponsored by Southern Pennsylvania and Mid-Atlantic Districts and On Earth Peace (OEP). The goal of the workshop was to broaden leaders' skills and knowledge in the area of reconciliation work.

"When pastors, deacons, and other congregational leaders handle conflict effectively, the whole congregation benefits," explained Annie Clark, OEP's coordinator for conflict transformation. Overall leadership was provided by Angela Lahman-Yoder of the Circle of Peace Church of the Brethren, Glendale, Ariz., along with Bob Gross and Matt Guynn of OEP. Participants spent the morning learning the dynamics of conflict, and transformation in conflict settings. In the afternoon, participants chose one of three tracks to sharpen their reconciliation skills in meeting facilitation, deacon ministry, or pastoral ministry. Participant Earl Fowler of the Drexel Hill (Pa.) Church of the Brethren found the day "enlightening." He stated, "It was interesting and informative to find people approaching conflict in a different manner."

As part of the celebration of the thirtieth anniversary of On Earth Peace, the workshop will be offered at four sites around the country in the next year: June 12 at Bethany Church of the Brethren, New Paris, Ind.; Aug. 14 at Bridgewater (Va.) Church of the Brethren; Nov. 13 at McPherson (Kan.) Church of the Brethren; and early 2005 in Pacific Southwest District.

Source: Newsline 4/30/2004 top

Renewal event stirs up hope for the church.

"Something exciting is stirring in Atlantic Northeast District," according to David Young, chair of the district's Spiritual Renewal Team that sponsored a "Ministry R&R" event for district leaders on April 27. Over 75 people attended the annual retreat, which also included ministers of Southern Pennsylvania District and was hosted by Elizabethtown (Pa.) College. At the end of a day of challenge to personal renewal and renewal of the church, participants "left feeling excited and hopeful for where God is stirring in the midst of our lives and our denomination," Young said.

"It was a day of optimism, hope, and encouragement for the pastors," said Church of the Brethren general secretary Stan Noffsinger, who was one of those who led the group through a reflective journey exploring "Vision, Identity, and Ministry," along with Annual Conference moderator-elect Jim Hardenbrook and Atlantic Northeast District executive Craig Smith.

In an opening meditation, Hardenbrook helped the group reflect on Mark 10, where Jesus asked the blind man, "What do you want me to do for you?" This became the centering question for the day. Speaking on identity, Hardenbrook also looked at what it means to be apprentices of Jesus Christ and to lead others into discipleship, and affirmed the attractiveness of Brethren identity. Exploring the topic of vision, Noffsinger challenged the group to keep its compass on the risen Christ and to live what that means in terms of the mission of the church. Smith spoke of the courage entailed in pastoral leadership. He encouraged risk-taking adventures, leading the church in the grand adventure of "living in the leap." The retreat closed with prayer groups and anointing.

Source: Newsline 4/30/2004 top