FEATURE
Wednesday, June 08, 2005
NEWS
'Hunger No More' brings more than 1,500 to Washington National Cathedral.
Denomination is lead sponsor for Guatemalan food security program.
Older adult unit completes Brethren Volunteer Service orientation.
Brethren Witness/Washington Office director joins in meeting with Palestinian president.
Fellowship of Brethren Homes meets for annual forum.
Cross-cultural music tour receives warm welcome.
Harrisburg First works with other churches against drug, gang violence.
Children's book about Anna Mow wins award of excellence.
Brethren bits: Corrections, remembrance, personnel, and more.
FEATURE
World mission conference discusses healing and reconciliation.
FEATURE
'Hunger No More' brings more than 1,500 to Washington National Cathedral.
Some 1,500 people filled the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., on June 6, on the eve of National Hunger Awareness Day. "It was an historic event gathering people of many traditions and faiths together with the unifying desire to overcome hunger in our lifetime," said Stan Noffinger, general secretary of the General Board, following the worship convocation titled "Hunger No More." The event surpassed all expectations of the planners, he said.
With sponsorship from the Alliance to End Hunger, Bread for the World, America's Second Harvest, the National Food Bank, Call to Renewal, and the Interfaith Anti-Hunger Coordinators, the convocation brought more than 40 religious leaders of various faith traditions together in a moving service of worship, Noffsinger said. The Church of the Brethren General Board, and the Brethren Witness/Washington Office, were endorsers of the event. At least six Brethren were in attendance, including Noffsinger and co-executive director of On Earth Peace Barbara Sayler.
"Participants set aside the differences that tend to divide the faith traditions to address the increasing incidence of hunger in the US," Noffsinger said. Different faith traditions shared leadership of the worship. The keynote speaker was Anglican archbishop Njongonkulu W.H. Ndungane of Cape Town, South Africa, whose life story includes imprisonment as a political prisoner under apartheid law. "I know hunger firsthand," he said, reminding worshipers that in the US, the richest country in the world, hunger is increasing. He called on people of faith to speak loudly and clearly to end hunger, with the goal of food for everyone being a human right. "The promise of heaven is no more hunger," he said. "But...the plight of the hungry must not be left for heaven."
In the last four years, decades of progress in shrinking the numbers of the hungry in the US have been reversed, Noffsinger said. Bread for the World said in its annual hunger report for 2004 that 853 million people worldwide are hungry, he reported. Of that number, 36 million in the US are "food insecure," meaning that they do not always know if they will have access to safe and nutritious food at their next meal, he said.
Just prior to the convocation, faith leaders met in an "upper room" of the cathedral--stories above the streets of Washington--to discuss the issues. A new coalition was formed, Noffsinger said, to bring the plight of the hungry into the awareness of each denomination and faith group represented. The group signed a common letter to the President of the United States, which was delivered by a small delegation which met with White House staff on June 7. The letter encouraged the President to provide strong leadership in "protecting the national nutrition programs from funding cuts and damaging structural changes. We also ask you to use this year's G8 Summit to increase development assistance and debt relief and to forge trade policies that will help to reduce hunger, poverty, and disease in Africa and other poor parts of the world." Participants at the convocation gathered for training June 7 to prepare for a major lobbying effort on hunger issues later that day.
Paul Wolfowitz, the new president of the World Bank, unexpectedly joined the convocation worship service, Noffsinger said, adding that Wolfowitz received "a warm welcome" from the religious leaders and convocation attendees.
For more information and links to the webcast of the convocation, see www.bread.org/nationalgathering/2005/convocation.htm.
Source: 06/08/2005 Newsline
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Some 1,500 people filled the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., on June 6, on the eve of National Hunger Awareness Day. "It was an historic event gathering people of many traditions and faiths together with the unifying desire to overcome hunger in our lifetime," said Stan Noffinger, general secretary of the General Board, following the worship convocation titled "Hunger No More." The event surpassed all expectations of the planners, he said.
With sponsorship from the Alliance to End Hunger, Bread for the World, America's Second Harvest, the National Food Bank, Call to Renewal, and the Interfaith Anti-Hunger Coordinators, the convocation brought more than 40 religious leaders of various faith traditions together in a moving service of worship, Noffsinger said. The Church of the Brethren General Board, and the Brethren Witness/Washington Office, were endorsers of the event. At least six Brethren were in attendance, including Noffsinger and co-executive director of On Earth Peace Barbara Sayler.
"Participants set aside the differences that tend to divide the faith traditions to address the increasing incidence of hunger in the US," Noffsinger said. Different faith traditions shared leadership of the worship. The keynote speaker was Anglican archbishop Njongonkulu W.H. Ndungane of Cape Town, South Africa, whose life story includes imprisonment as a political prisoner under apartheid law. "I know hunger firsthand," he said, reminding worshipers that in the US, the richest country in the world, hunger is increasing. He called on people of faith to speak loudly and clearly to end hunger, with the goal of food for everyone being a human right. "The promise of heaven is no more hunger," he said. "But...the plight of the hungry must not be left for heaven."
In the last four years, decades of progress in shrinking the numbers of the hungry in the US have been reversed, Noffsinger said. Bread for the World said in its annual hunger report for 2004 that 853 million people worldwide are hungry, he reported. Of that number, 36 million in the US are "food insecure," meaning that they do not always know if they will have access to safe and nutritious food at their next meal, he said.
Just prior to the convocation, faith leaders met in an "upper room" of the cathedral--stories above the streets of Washington--to discuss the issues. A new coalition was formed, Noffsinger said, to bring the plight of the hungry into the awareness of each denomination and faith group represented. The group signed a common letter to the President of the United States, which was delivered by a small delegation which met with White House staff on June 7. The letter encouraged the President to provide strong leadership in "protecting the national nutrition programs from funding cuts and damaging structural changes. We also ask you to use this year's G8 Summit to increase development assistance and debt relief and to forge trade policies that will help to reduce hunger, poverty, and disease in Africa and other poor parts of the world." Participants at the convocation gathered for training June 7 to prepare for a major lobbying effort on hunger issues later that day.
Paul Wolfowitz, the new president of the World Bank, unexpectedly joined the convocation worship service, Noffsinger said, adding that Wolfowitz received "a warm welcome" from the religious leaders and convocation attendees.
For more information and links to the webcast of the convocation, see www.bread.org/nationalgathering/2005/convocation.htm.
Source: 06/08/2005 Newsline
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Denomination is lead sponsor for Guatemalan food security program.
Guatemala is the setting of a new interchurch project in which the Church of the Brethren is the lead sponsor. Located in Totonicapan in western Guatemala, the three-year project is aimed at developing food security for 570 Mayan families in 20 rural communities.
Components of the project include diversifying food production, introducing greenhouse and patio garden techniques, training in soil and water management, protecting watersheds and the environment, developing local markets, and strengthening indigenous women's organizations. "Given the small parcels of land and lack of alternatives for compensated work, the Totonicapan project strives not only to introduce sustainable agricultural practices but to strengthen the voice of local peasant groups," said Howard Royer, manager of the General Board's Global Food Crisis Fund.
A coalition formed by Foods Resource Bank and Church World Service has enlisted several Guatemalan partner agencies, principally the Conference of Evangelical Churches of Guatemala and the National Coordination of Widows of Guatemala. The latter is a grassroots movement of indigenous women widowed during the country's internal armed conflict.
Funding for the first-year grant of $103,500 includes $10,000 from the Brethren account in the Foods Resource Bank, from the proceeds of growing projects. Other partners are Christian Reformed World Relief Committee, Evangelical Covenant Church World Relief, Lutheran World Relief, Mennonite Central Committee, United Church of Christ Wider Church Ministries, United Methodist Committee on Relief, and the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). The $51,800 contributed by the churches is matched by a grant from US AID.
The work in Totonicapan is the first Foods Resource Bank program for which the Church of the Brethren is a lead sponsor. Through the Global Food Crisis Fund, the General Board became an implementing member of the Foods Resource Bank in 2004. The board has placed volunteers and advocated for peace and human rights in Guatemala for three decades. For information about the Global Food Crisis Fund see www.brethren.org/genbd/global_mission/gfcf.htm.
Source: 06/08/2005 Newsline
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Guatemala is the setting of a new interchurch project in which the Church of the Brethren is the lead sponsor. Located in Totonicapan in western Guatemala, the three-year project is aimed at developing food security for 570 Mayan families in 20 rural communities.
Components of the project include diversifying food production, introducing greenhouse and patio garden techniques, training in soil and water management, protecting watersheds and the environment, developing local markets, and strengthening indigenous women's organizations. "Given the small parcels of land and lack of alternatives for compensated work, the Totonicapan project strives not only to introduce sustainable agricultural practices but to strengthen the voice of local peasant groups," said Howard Royer, manager of the General Board's Global Food Crisis Fund.
A coalition formed by Foods Resource Bank and Church World Service has enlisted several Guatemalan partner agencies, principally the Conference of Evangelical Churches of Guatemala and the National Coordination of Widows of Guatemala. The latter is a grassroots movement of indigenous women widowed during the country's internal armed conflict.
Funding for the first-year grant of $103,500 includes $10,000 from the Brethren account in the Foods Resource Bank, from the proceeds of growing projects. Other partners are Christian Reformed World Relief Committee, Evangelical Covenant Church World Relief, Lutheran World Relief, Mennonite Central Committee, United Church of Christ Wider Church Ministries, United Methodist Committee on Relief, and the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). The $51,800 contributed by the churches is matched by a grant from US AID.
The work in Totonicapan is the first Foods Resource Bank program for which the Church of the Brethren is a lead sponsor. Through the Global Food Crisis Fund, the General Board became an implementing member of the Foods Resource Bank in 2004. The board has placed volunteers and advocated for peace and human rights in Guatemala for three decades. For information about the Global Food Crisis Fund see www.brethren.org/genbd/global_mission/gfcf.htm.
Source: 06/08/2005 Newsline
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Older adult unit completes Brethren Volunteer Service orientation.
Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS) Unit 264, an older adult unit, completed orientation April 17-29 in New Windsor, Md.
Unit members and their placements are: Kay Billhimer of Monitor Community Church of the Brethren in Conway, Kan., volunteering at Hopewell Inn in Mesopotamia, Ohio; Pauline and Don Hess of Mountain View, McGaheysville (Va.) Fellowship Church of the Brethren, volunteering at the World Friendship Center in Hiroshima, Japan; Linda and Steve Hollinger of Manassas (Va.) Church of the Brethren, volunteering at the General Board's New Windsor (Md.) Conference Center; Sharon Poff from Lewisburg, Pa., volunteering at the Community Mediation Center in Harrisonburg, Va.; and Sue Wilkinson from Dallas, Texas, volunteering at Su Casa Catholic Worker in Chicago, Ill.
Source: 06/08/2005 Newsline
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Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS) Unit 264, an older adult unit, completed orientation April 17-29 in New Windsor, Md.
Unit members and their placements are: Kay Billhimer of Monitor Community Church of the Brethren in Conway, Kan., volunteering at Hopewell Inn in Mesopotamia, Ohio; Pauline and Don Hess of Mountain View, McGaheysville (Va.) Fellowship Church of the Brethren, volunteering at the World Friendship Center in Hiroshima, Japan; Linda and Steve Hollinger of Manassas (Va.) Church of the Brethren, volunteering at the General Board's New Windsor (Md.) Conference Center; Sharon Poff from Lewisburg, Pa., volunteering at the Community Mediation Center in Harrisonburg, Va.; and Sue Wilkinson from Dallas, Texas, volunteering at Su Casa Catholic Worker in Chicago, Ill.
Source: 06/08/2005 Newsline
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Brethren Witness/Washington Office director joins in meeting with Palestinian president.
Phil Jones, director of the General Board's Brethren Witness/Washington Office, joined other church leaders in meeting with the president of the Palestinian Authority Mahmoud Abbas on May 26 in Washington, D.C. The meeting with Abbas followed meetings that been held with a variety of Jewish and Muslim leaders earlier in the day, and meetings with President Bush that afternoon.
Opening remarks at the meeting were given by a variety of Christian leaders including Bob Edgar, general secretary of the National Council of Churches, and Corinne Whitlatch, executive director of Churches for Middle East Peace. Whitlatch facilitated the meeting. Other church leaders represented Anglican, Episcopal, Catholic, Lutheran, Mennonite, Methodist, Orthodox, and Presbyterian denominations and faith groups.
As a follow up to his meeting with President Bush, a written document was presented to President Abbas by the group, to underscore the following position: "We stand with you as you encourage President Bush to advocate for both Palestinians and Israelis and to take actions that support his expressed commitment to the establishment of a Palestinian state that is viable, contiguous, sovereign, independent, and at peace with its neighbor Israel."
"With this in mind," the letter continued, "we support Palestinian leadership in calling for an end to suicide bombings against Israeli citizens, and we applaud Israeli disengagement from Gaza, as first steps toward such a resolution."
Source: 06/08/2005 Newsline
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Phil Jones, director of the General Board's Brethren Witness/Washington Office, joined other church leaders in meeting with the president of the Palestinian Authority Mahmoud Abbas on May 26 in Washington, D.C. The meeting with Abbas followed meetings that been held with a variety of Jewish and Muslim leaders earlier in the day, and meetings with President Bush that afternoon.
Opening remarks at the meeting were given by a variety of Christian leaders including Bob Edgar, general secretary of the National Council of Churches, and Corinne Whitlatch, executive director of Churches for Middle East Peace. Whitlatch facilitated the meeting. Other church leaders represented Anglican, Episcopal, Catholic, Lutheran, Mennonite, Methodist, Orthodox, and Presbyterian denominations and faith groups.
As a follow up to his meeting with President Bush, a written document was presented to President Abbas by the group, to underscore the following position: "We stand with you as you encourage President Bush to advocate for both Palestinians and Israelis and to take actions that support his expressed commitment to the establishment of a Palestinian state that is viable, contiguous, sovereign, independent, and at peace with its neighbor Israel."
"With this in mind," the letter continued, "we support Palestinian leadership in calling for an end to suicide bombings against Israeli citizens, and we applaud Israeli disengagement from Gaza, as first steps toward such a resolution."
Source: 06/08/2005 Newsline
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Fellowship of Brethren Homes meets for annual forum.
Representatives from 11 Church of the Brethren retirement centers attended the Fellowship of Brethren Homes Annual Forum, a meeting for CEOs and administrative staff to exchange ideas and discuss the challenges of operating a nonprofit continuing care retirement community. The Fellowship of Brethren Homes is a ministry of the Association of Brethren Caregivers.
In the forum's opening keynote address, Parker Marden, retiring president of Manchester College, spoke about the quality of care provided by Brethren homes. He commented that potential collaboration between the colleges and homes could exist through curricular programs at the schools to train and staff the homes.
Rick Stiffney, CEO of Mennonite Health Services, led a series of discussions ranging from church and board relations, to charitable mission, to attracting and maintaining quality employees. "If you can come up with one or two ‘take aways' from these sessions, then it will have been a successful endeavor," said Stiffney. Several of the CEOs later commented that they had indeed gotten a few "take aways" and plan to implement them in their own organizations.
Don Fecher, director of the Fellowship of Brethren Homes, spoke about the "Brethren connection" and the future of the fellowship. "The quality of care provided by Church of the Brethren Homes far exceeds the standards that are required by law," he noted. "The type of care provided in a Brethren home is living the words, 'What would Jesus do?'"
The meeting was held at Timbercrest Church of the Brethren Home in North Manchester, Ind. Tours of the host facility were an important part of the forum, commented Fecher. He also noted that the gathering's relaxed atmosphere helped attendees to exchange ideas and learn from one another.
For more information about the ministries of the Association of Brethren Caregivers see www.brethren.org/abc/.
Source: 06/08/2005 Newsline
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Representatives from 11 Church of the Brethren retirement centers attended the Fellowship of Brethren Homes Annual Forum, a meeting for CEOs and administrative staff to exchange ideas and discuss the challenges of operating a nonprofit continuing care retirement community. The Fellowship of Brethren Homes is a ministry of the Association of Brethren Caregivers.
In the forum's opening keynote address, Parker Marden, retiring president of Manchester College, spoke about the quality of care provided by Brethren homes. He commented that potential collaboration between the colleges and homes could exist through curricular programs at the schools to train and staff the homes.
Rick Stiffney, CEO of Mennonite Health Services, led a series of discussions ranging from church and board relations, to charitable mission, to attracting and maintaining quality employees. "If you can come up with one or two ‘take aways' from these sessions, then it will have been a successful endeavor," said Stiffney. Several of the CEOs later commented that they had indeed gotten a few "take aways" and plan to implement them in their own organizations.
Don Fecher, director of the Fellowship of Brethren Homes, spoke about the "Brethren connection" and the future of the fellowship. "The quality of care provided by Church of the Brethren Homes far exceeds the standards that are required by law," he noted. "The type of care provided in a Brethren home is living the words, 'What would Jesus do?'"
The meeting was held at Timbercrest Church of the Brethren Home in North Manchester, Ind. Tours of the host facility were an important part of the forum, commented Fecher. He also noted that the gathering's relaxed atmosphere helped attendees to exchange ideas and learn from one another.
For more information about the ministries of the Association of Brethren Caregivers see www.brethren.org/abc/.
Source: 06/08/2005 Newsline
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Cross-cultural music tour receives warm welcome.
Eight concerts, a Sunday morning special music appearance, and the gift of music for residents and day guests at the Roanoke (Va.) Rescue Mission filled the schedule for a cross-cultural Brethren music group May 14-21. The group visited churches in Virginia, North Carolina, and Tennessee. Scott Duffey, Gilbert Romero, and James Washington Sr.--all Brethren pastors--and Carol Yeazell, Congregational Life Team staff for the General Board, took part in the tour.
The tour began in Roanoke at Oak Grove Church of the Brethren where Asha Solanky, chair of the Annual Conference Intercultural Study Committee, gave a presentation on the current status of the work being done by the committee. Everyone was encouraged to take and complete a questionnaire that the committee hopes will assist in carrying out its assignment.
Sunday morning the group provided special music at Summerdean Church of the Brethren in Roanoke. That afternoon a concert was held at Bethlehem Church of the Brethren in Boones Mill, Va., and later that day the group was at Topeco Church of the Brethren in Floyd, Va.
On May 17 the group toured the Roanoke Rescue Mission and then performed during an extended lunch hour with various seatings of guests. "This was seen as a stewardship of time gift, as it was an offering for others not directly connected to the Church of the Brethren," said Yeazell. That evening a concert was held at Pleasant Valley Church of the Brethren in Weyers Cave, Va. The following day the group traveled to Hendersonville, N.C., to sing at a new church plant, HIS Way/Jesucristo El Camino.
Other churches that welcomed the tour were Friendship Church in North Wilkesboro, N.C., Spindale (N.C.) Church of the Brethren, and Trinity Church of the Brethren in Blountville, Tenn., where the final concert of the tour was held.
"The two comments that the group heard after each worship time were, 'We wish more people had come,' and, 'When are you coming back?'" Yeazell said. The concerts were arranged and sponsored by Congregational Life Team staff to help congregations gain a broader understanding of what it means to be a cross-cultural church. Musicians offered their talent as a free gift, with only their expenses covered by the board, Yeazell said. For more about cross-cultural ministry in the Church of the Brethren, see photographs and coverage of the recent Cross-Cultural Consultation and Celebration at www.brethren.org/pjournal/2005/CrossCultural.html.
Source: 06/08/2005 Newsline
top
Eight concerts, a Sunday morning special music appearance, and the gift of music for residents and day guests at the Roanoke (Va.) Rescue Mission filled the schedule for a cross-cultural Brethren music group May 14-21. The group visited churches in Virginia, North Carolina, and Tennessee. Scott Duffey, Gilbert Romero, and James Washington Sr.--all Brethren pastors--and Carol Yeazell, Congregational Life Team staff for the General Board, took part in the tour.
The tour began in Roanoke at Oak Grove Church of the Brethren where Asha Solanky, chair of the Annual Conference Intercultural Study Committee, gave a presentation on the current status of the work being done by the committee. Everyone was encouraged to take and complete a questionnaire that the committee hopes will assist in carrying out its assignment.
Sunday morning the group provided special music at Summerdean Church of the Brethren in Roanoke. That afternoon a concert was held at Bethlehem Church of the Brethren in Boones Mill, Va., and later that day the group was at Topeco Church of the Brethren in Floyd, Va.
On May 17 the group toured the Roanoke Rescue Mission and then performed during an extended lunch hour with various seatings of guests. "This was seen as a stewardship of time gift, as it was an offering for others not directly connected to the Church of the Brethren," said Yeazell. That evening a concert was held at Pleasant Valley Church of the Brethren in Weyers Cave, Va. The following day the group traveled to Hendersonville, N.C., to sing at a new church plant, HIS Way/Jesucristo El Camino.
Other churches that welcomed the tour were Friendship Church in North Wilkesboro, N.C., Spindale (N.C.) Church of the Brethren, and Trinity Church of the Brethren in Blountville, Tenn., where the final concert of the tour was held.
"The two comments that the group heard after each worship time were, 'We wish more people had come,' and, 'When are you coming back?'" Yeazell said. The concerts were arranged and sponsored by Congregational Life Team staff to help congregations gain a broader understanding of what it means to be a cross-cultural church. Musicians offered their talent as a free gift, with only their expenses covered by the board, Yeazell said. For more about cross-cultural ministry in the Church of the Brethren, see photographs and coverage of the recent Cross-Cultural Consultation and Celebration at www.brethren.org/pjournal/2005/CrossCultural.html.
Source: 06/08/2005 Newsline
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Harrisburg First works with other churches against drug, gang violence.
Pastors at First Church of the Brethren in Harrisburg, Pa., recently received "a touching letter" from a young man who used to attend the Hispanic congregation at the church, located in the South Allison Hill neighborhood. The letter was written from prison. Repentant for his involvement in gangs and drugs after he read news reports of prayer vigils for peace by pastors of the South Allison Hill churches, the young man expressed gratitude for efforts of those taking a stand. The vigils were begun after shooting deaths on a nearby street corner.
Knowing that people are praying for peace in the neighborhood where his infant daughter lives with her grandmother touched the writer's life to the point that he wants to become a counselor for those still involved in gangs, said Belita Mitchell, First church pastor.
That change in one young man is emblematic of the kind of transformation she is seeing in the neighborhood because of the combined prayers for peace, she said. "It's just another way in which the vigils have touched the community."
The area has seen an increase in police activity and at least three drug busts since the vigils began five months ago. "The Patriot News" reported that the busts broke the grip of the gang that reportedly has had control of South Allison Hill since the mid- to late-1990s. Members of the gang that were involved in the drug busts were as young as 10 or 11, the newspaper said.
In addition, police officers have asked if they can surveil an alley adjacent to the church, where drug deals have been frequent, said Mitchell. She said she is receiving the news of more police activity "as an answer to prayer, giving God praise and glory."
Because of the changes that are beginning to be seen in the neighborhood, the weekly prayer vigils are being held monthly at different church locations in the community. The first monthly vigil was hosted May 3 by First Harrisburg in its parking lot. The second was held June 7 at the Peace Garden at the Capitol City Church. "Moving to different locations in the community is increasing the awareness among residents and widening the circle of influence," Mitchell said. "I anticipate continued strong support and increased evidence of God's faithfulness."
The neighborhood churches also plan ecumenical outdoor rallies for the summer that will combine evangelism with the continued work for peace on the streets, and neighborhood prayer walking by church leaders. Mitchell said the events will "let the community know...we are praying on their behalf."
Source: 06/08/2005 Newsline
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Pastors at First Church of the Brethren in Harrisburg, Pa., recently received "a touching letter" from a young man who used to attend the Hispanic congregation at the church, located in the South Allison Hill neighborhood. The letter was written from prison. Repentant for his involvement in gangs and drugs after he read news reports of prayer vigils for peace by pastors of the South Allison Hill churches, the young man expressed gratitude for efforts of those taking a stand. The vigils were begun after shooting deaths on a nearby street corner.
Knowing that people are praying for peace in the neighborhood where his infant daughter lives with her grandmother touched the writer's life to the point that he wants to become a counselor for those still involved in gangs, said Belita Mitchell, First church pastor.
That change in one young man is emblematic of the kind of transformation she is seeing in the neighborhood because of the combined prayers for peace, she said. "It's just another way in which the vigils have touched the community."
The area has seen an increase in police activity and at least three drug busts since the vigils began five months ago. "The Patriot News" reported that the busts broke the grip of the gang that reportedly has had control of South Allison Hill since the mid- to late-1990s. Members of the gang that were involved in the drug busts were as young as 10 or 11, the newspaper said.
In addition, police officers have asked if they can surveil an alley adjacent to the church, where drug deals have been frequent, said Mitchell. She said she is receiving the news of more police activity "as an answer to prayer, giving God praise and glory."
Because of the changes that are beginning to be seen in the neighborhood, the weekly prayer vigils are being held monthly at different church locations in the community. The first monthly vigil was hosted May 3 by First Harrisburg in its parking lot. The second was held June 7 at the Peace Garden at the Capitol City Church. "Moving to different locations in the community is increasing the awareness among residents and widening the circle of influence," Mitchell said. "I anticipate continued strong support and increased evidence of God's faithfulness."
The neighborhood churches also plan ecumenical outdoor rallies for the summer that will combine evangelism with the continued work for peace on the streets, and neighborhood prayer walking by church leaders. Mitchell said the events will "let the community know...we are praying on their behalf."
Source: 06/08/2005 Newsline
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Children's book about Anna Mow wins award of excellence.
"The Something Else Lady," a children's book about Anna Mow, has received Best in Print Award of Excellence from the Printing Industries of Virginia. The book was written by Earle Fike Jr. of Bridgewater, Va., and illustrated by Yolanda Wegner, Mow's great-granddaughter. It was published as part of Bethany Theological Seminary's centennial celebration.
Mow was a professor at Bethany, a missionary to India, and a well-known pastor, author, and speaker in the Church of the Brethren. Harriet Beahm Kaylor, Mow's niece, comments, "The infectious laugh of Anna Beahm Mow as well as her generous and spiritual outlook on life are told perfectly in 'The Something Else Lady.'"
The book includes a CD with the song "Sister Anna, Beauty Queen," written for Mow by Andy and Terry Murray. The book/CD combo is available from Brethren Press for $12.95 plus shipping and handling. Call 800-441-3712.
Source: 06/08/2005 Newsline
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"The Something Else Lady," a children's book about Anna Mow, has received Best in Print Award of Excellence from the Printing Industries of Virginia. The book was written by Earle Fike Jr. of Bridgewater, Va., and illustrated by Yolanda Wegner, Mow's great-granddaughter. It was published as part of Bethany Theological Seminary's centennial celebration.
Mow was a professor at Bethany, a missionary to India, and a well-known pastor, author, and speaker in the Church of the Brethren. Harriet Beahm Kaylor, Mow's niece, comments, "The infectious laugh of Anna Beahm Mow as well as her generous and spiritual outlook on life are told perfectly in 'The Something Else Lady.'"
The book includes a CD with the song "Sister Anna, Beauty Queen," written for Mow by Andy and Terry Murray. The book/CD combo is available from Brethren Press for $12.95 plus shipping and handling. Call 800-441-3712.
Source: 06/08/2005 Newsline
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Brethren bits: Corrections, remembrance, personnel, and more.
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- Corrections to the Newsline of May 25: In "Emergency Response director sees tsunami response in India," Church World Service has helped build a temporary facility for water treatment in Meulaboh, Indonesia. In "Committee seeks information on barriers to intercultural ministries," the committee's recorder Nadine L. Monn was not identified in full. In the May 11 issue, "ABC announces Caregiver Awards," the Woodbury Church of the Brethren is located in Woodbury, Pa.
- Mary Dadisman, a former mission nurse and teacher for the General Board, died June 5 at Brethren Hillcrest Homes in La Verne, Calif. She was 92. She received nursing training at Bethany Brethren Hospital in Chicago; was a graduate of Juniata College in Huntingdon, Pa.; and studied midwifery at the Frontier Nursing School in Kentucky. A May 2004 "Messenger" story about her reported that she was inspired to serve in Africa by her good friend Grayce Brumbaugh, a fellow nurse. Dadisman was a nurse with the Brethren mission in Nigeria 1941-79, although one of her first jobs was to establish a school for mission children--Hillcrest School in Jos--now a joint venture with several Christian mission groups. In 1947 she became nursing superintendent at Garkida General Hospital. Over the years she also taught village health workers in the Lafiya program, directed a scholarship program for medical workers, was an acting principal at Waka Schools, was active in women's work, and did relief work during the Biafra civil war. She also delivered many of the babies born to Brethren missionaries during her tenure. "To a host of Nigerians, she is the beloved 'Sister,' the traditional British term for the head nurse of a hospital. To her fellow American missionaries, she is known affectionately as 'Mary D,'" wrote Raymond R. Stayer in the "Juniata College Bulletin" in 1974. Following retirement, Dadisman continued to promote the church's mission efforts and served on the board of quality assurance for Woods Hospital at Brethren Hillcrest Homes. A memorial service is tentatively planned to take place at Brethren Hillcrest Homes on July 9.
- The board of directors of the Brethren Retirement Community in Greenville, Ohio, announces the appointment of Tim Hissong as president and chief executive officer. Hissong brings a strong financial background and expertise in management to the position, having served for the past 13 years as vice president of Finance and treasurer of the Brethren Retirement Community. He holds an MBA in management from Wright State University and is a registered housing professional, as well as a licensed nursing home administrator. He is chair of the board of the Southern Ohio District of the Church of the Brethren and also sits on the boards of A Learning Place; Happy Corner Church of the Brethren in Clayton, Ohio; Woodland Altars, the camp of Southern Ohio District; and the Business Technologies Division of Sinclair Community College, where he is an adjunct instructor.
- Camp Swatara is accepting applications and resumes for the position of program coordinator. The camp is located in Bethel, Pa. A job description may be requested by contacting the camp office at 717-933-8510. Questions about the position should be addressed to camp administrator Marlin Houff. The deadline for applications is July 15; the camp hopes to fill the position by Sept. 1. The position has been vacated by Michele Gibbel, who served for 12 summers on the camp staff, the last five as fulltime program coordinator. She has resigned the position to return to graduate school. For more information about the camp, see www.campswatara.org.
- The Annual Conference Anniversary Committee has extended the deadline to Aug. 31 for composers to submit hymns, anthems, folk songs, praise songs, children's songs, or other musical compositions that interpret the 2008 tricentennial theme, "Surrendered to God, Transformed in Christ, Empowered by the Spirit." The committee also seeks submissions of drama and worship resources related to the theme, both with a deadline of Dec. 31. All submissions become the property of the Anniversary Committee for use in tricentennial activities. The name, address, and phone number of the writer or composer should not appear on submissions but should be included on a separate page. Music, drama, and worship resources should be sent to the Annual Conference Office, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120.
- The Stewardship of Property Committee met last week in listening sessions with General Board employees and Annual Conference agencies and ecumenical partners (the Mid-Atlantic District Office, the Association of Brethren Caregivers, Brethren Benefit Trust, On Earth Peace, Interchurch Medical Assistance, and A Greater Gift/SERRV) that are located on or participate in programs located at the board's properties in New Windsor, Md., and Elgin, Ill. "The interviews were productive, meaningful, and most helpful to the task the committee has to accomplish," said Stan Noffsinger, general secretary of the General Board. The committee will seek additional responses during interviews of General Board deployed staff on Friday evening July 1, before Annual Conference begins in Peoria, Ill., as well as through an insight session planned for Sunday evening July 3 at 9 p.m. at the Conference. In addition to these face-to-face sessions, a questionnaire will be included in delegate packets at Annual Conference, and can be found at the General Board display at the Conference for any attendee to participate in the process. The questionnaire also will be available online at www.brethren.org following Annual Conference. The next meeting of the Stewardship of Property Committee will be Sept. 8-9 at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor. Evaluation of the gathered data and preparation for the committee's time with the General Board in October will be on the agenda.
- Interchurch Medical Assistance (IMA) and the General Board's Emergency Response/Service Ministries hosted a visit by Sushant Agrawal, executive director of Church's Auxiliary for Social Action in India. The May 18 visit was coordinated by Lutheran World Relief and provided an opportunity to tour the distribution center at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md., and meet with Emergency Response director Roy Winter and IMA vice president for International Program Development Daniel Aukerman. Much of the church-sponsored material resources shipped to India for tsunami relief was packed by Service Ministries staff at the center.
- Forty-five Christian educators from across the denomination's Area 1 in the northeast, attended a seminar May 21 at Carlisle (Pa.) Church of the Brethren to examine a teaching and learning approach based on hospitality at the table. The event was a collaborative effort of the General Board's Congregational Life Team for Area 1, Atlantic Northeast District, Mid-Atlantic District, Middle Pennsylvania District, Southern Pennsylvania District, and the Susquehanna Valley Ministry Center of Bethany Theological Seminary. Cheryl Magrini, minister of Christian education at First United Methodist Church at the Chicago (Ill.) Temple, led participants through a teaching process based on the biblical story of the five loaves and two fish. Magrini teaches that fellowship at the table and "meal stories" have special significance in her teaching and learning approach with children in the Christian setting. A copy of the outline of the event is available from Jan Glass King, coordinator for Area 1; e-mail jking_gb@brethren.org. Find more specific information on the hospitable teaching and learning approach in the fall 2005 issue of "The Seed Packet" Christian education newsletter published by Brethren Press. The newsletter will be sent in the Source packet to all Church of the Brethren congregations, and may be ordered from Brethren Press at 800-441-3712.
- Brethren Volunteer Service is having a potluck supper on Saturday, July 30, at 6:30 p.m. at Union Bridge (Md.) Church of the Brethren. BVS invites any former Brethren Volunteer Service workers and Civilian Public Service workers, and anyone who has a connection to either program. "We see this potluck as a wonderful opportunity for the 'volunteers in training' from BVS Unit 265 to be able to connect with people that have done similar service," said Sam Bowman of the BVS office. "We hope to see you there." Bring a covered dish to share, or other food for the potluck. There will be a short informal time of introduction and sharing.
- On Earth Peace is holding a conference call on counter-recruitment strategies for this fall, to take place at 6-7:30 p.m. Eastern time tomorrow June 9. Participants will hear from each other about plans for next steps in countering military recruitment, and brainstorm about how to move forward. The call will feature Chuck Fager of Quaker House in Fayetteville, N.C., as a resource person. For more information call Matt Guynn at 765-962-6234 or e-mail mattguynn@earthlink.net.
- Naperville (Ill.) Church of the Brethren is marking its 150th anniversary on the fourth of July weekend. The church invites those going to and from Annual Conference to stop in to help celebrate, beginning on Friday evening July 1 through Sunday morning July 3. For more information call the church at 630-355-7171.
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World mission conference discusses healing and reconciliation.
By Carol Spicher Waggy
"Come, Holy Spirit, heal and reconcile." This prayer of invitation was the theme for the World Council of Churches (WCC) Conference on World Mission and Evangelism held near Athens, Greece, in May. As the Church of the Brethren representative, I was excited to participate in this international gathering of Christians to discuss mission in relation to healing and reconciliation, and to worship with ecumenical brothers and sisters.
The conference was hosted by the Orthodox Church of Greece, and the influence of orthodoxy was evidenced in the many flowing black robes, the liturgy and songs, and, sadly, the inability for participants to share together in the bread and cup. In addition to the WCC member church representatives, there were invited delegates from Pentecostal churches and from the Roman Catholic Church.
I delighted in the rainbow of human diversity--skin color, languages, cultures. Every day was scheduled full of worship, plenary sessions, workshops, and "home group" meetings. I led my home group in the morning lectio divina exercise. The scripture was read slowly three different times by different people, and followed each time by silence. After the first reading we shared words or phrases from the text that stood out for us. After the second reading we shared how the text related to us personally. Following the third reading, we shared a prayer or reflection.
My home group included a Romanian Orthodox priest, a theologian from Norway, a Swedish theological professor, a retired nurse from the Lesotho Evangelical Church, a Greek Orthodox layman, a Syrian Orthodox female physician from India, a Disciples of Christ seminary dean from St. Louis, and a Romanian orthodox seminary student. The relationships in this group became very important to each of us. One shared, "I thought I would become homesick, but I did not because I came back to my home group every evening."
Unlike previous conferences on world mission and evangelism, this conference did not spend much of its time hammering out the wording of an official statement. We did try to agree on a message to the churches, but there was insufficient time to come to consensus on exact wording so the message was sent to a WCC commission for final wording on behalf of the delegates. Delegates were each able to make their suggestions in writing to the commission.
This year is the halfway point of the Decade to Overcome Violence (DOV), and the youth delegates assisted with a short drama to introduce the DOV report. DOV is a commitment, a choice, and an invitation to all Christian churches to refuse violence as a way of life. We were encouraged to go beyond naming, analyzing, and unintentional promotion of violence, to overcoming it. The unhelpful confusion of violence and conflict, often by the media, was noted. As one who works in conflict resolution I had to agree. Whereas violence in all its forms is not good, conflict is a given and can be used profitably to move a group or relationship forward.
I am grateful to the Church of the Brethren for offering me this experience. I return with a renewed vision for the ecumenical church and for the need for healing, reconciliation, and peacemaking to be part of our work of carrying out God's mission in the world.
--Carol Spicher Waggy is an ordained minister in the Church of the Brethren, and served on the steering committee for the Church of the Brethren mission conference, Mission Alive 2005.
Source: 06/08/2005 Newsline
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By Carol Spicher Waggy
"Come, Holy Spirit, heal and reconcile." This prayer of invitation was the theme for the World Council of Churches (WCC) Conference on World Mission and Evangelism held near Athens, Greece, in May. As the Church of the Brethren representative, I was excited to participate in this international gathering of Christians to discuss mission in relation to healing and reconciliation, and to worship with ecumenical brothers and sisters.
The conference was hosted by the Orthodox Church of Greece, and the influence of orthodoxy was evidenced in the many flowing black robes, the liturgy and songs, and, sadly, the inability for participants to share together in the bread and cup. In addition to the WCC member church representatives, there were invited delegates from Pentecostal churches and from the Roman Catholic Church.
I delighted in the rainbow of human diversity--skin color, languages, cultures. Every day was scheduled full of worship, plenary sessions, workshops, and "home group" meetings. I led my home group in the morning lectio divina exercise. The scripture was read slowly three different times by different people, and followed each time by silence. After the first reading we shared words or phrases from the text that stood out for us. After the second reading we shared how the text related to us personally. Following the third reading, we shared a prayer or reflection.
My home group included a Romanian Orthodox priest, a theologian from Norway, a Swedish theological professor, a retired nurse from the Lesotho Evangelical Church, a Greek Orthodox layman, a Syrian Orthodox female physician from India, a Disciples of Christ seminary dean from St. Louis, and a Romanian orthodox seminary student. The relationships in this group became very important to each of us. One shared, "I thought I would become homesick, but I did not because I came back to my home group every evening."
Unlike previous conferences on world mission and evangelism, this conference did not spend much of its time hammering out the wording of an official statement. We did try to agree on a message to the churches, but there was insufficient time to come to consensus on exact wording so the message was sent to a WCC commission for final wording on behalf of the delegates. Delegates were each able to make their suggestions in writing to the commission.
This year is the halfway point of the Decade to Overcome Violence (DOV), and the youth delegates assisted with a short drama to introduce the DOV report. DOV is a commitment, a choice, and an invitation to all Christian churches to refuse violence as a way of life. We were encouraged to go beyond naming, analyzing, and unintentional promotion of violence, to overcoming it. The unhelpful confusion of violence and conflict, often by the media, was noted. As one who works in conflict resolution I had to agree. Whereas violence in all its forms is not good, conflict is a given and can be used profitably to move a group or relationship forward.
I am grateful to the Church of the Brethren for offering me this experience. I return with a renewed vision for the ecumenical church and for the need for healing, reconciliation, and peacemaking to be part of our work of carrying out God's mission in the world.
--Carol Spicher Waggy is an ordained minister in the Church of the Brethren, and served on the steering committee for the Church of the Brethren mission conference, Mission Alive 2005.
Source: 06/08/2005 Newsline
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Credits
Newsline is produced by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of news services for the Church of the Brethren General Board, on every other Wednesday with other editions as needed. Newsline stories may be reprinted provided that Newsline is cited as the source. Sam Bowman, Kathleen Campanella, Mary Dulabaum, Phil Jones, Stan Noffsinger, Ed Poling, Sue Sawyer, Marcia Shetler, and Carol Yeazell contributed to this report.
Newsline is produced by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of news services for the Church of the Brethren General Board, on every other Wednesday with other editions as needed. Newsline stories may be reprinted provided that Newsline is cited as the source. Sam Bowman, Kathleen Campanella, Mary Dulabaum, Phil Jones, Stan Noffsinger, Ed Poling, Sue Sawyer, Marcia Shetler, and Carol Yeazell contributed to this report.
Thursday, June 02, 2005
Newsline Special Report
Church of the Brethren Leaders To Take Part In Delegation To Sudan
A small interfaith delegation of spiritual leaders from the United States will visit the Darfur region of Sudan, where many thousands of black Sudanese have been killed or forced into refugee camps by what many are calling a genocide. The delegation is being sponsored by leaders of the National Black Leadership Roundtable and the Muslim American Society Freedom Foundation.
Two Church of the Brethren leaders have been invited to join the delegation: Jim Hardenbrook, Moderator of the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference; and Phil Jones, Director of the Brethren Witness/Washington Office of the Church of the Brethren General Board. The delegation also includes Jewish, Muslim, and Roman Catholic participants, and will be led by the Hon. Walter E. Fauntroy, President of the National Black Leadership Roundtable.
The trip is planned for June 6-15. In addition to Darfur, the delegation also will visit officials of the Sudan government in Khartoum, and attend the first few days of an African Union peace meeting on Sudan, to be held in Lagos, Nigeria.
Hardenbrook, who is pastor of Nampa (Idaho) Church of the Brethren, said he hopes the trip will allow him to "be a real advocate for the people of Darfur." Facing people who are responsible for the deaths of thousands is going to a spiritual battle for him, he shared. "We need boldness in speaking to power, but also ears ready to listen. We need to learn, and learn a lot, I hope," he said. Hardenbrook visited southern Sudan in 2002 on a Faith Expedition trip sponsored by the Church of the Brethren General Board. His congregation financially supports a school in southern Sudan.
Jones has been an advocate and activist for the people of Sudan over recent years. He traveled to southern Sudan in the fall of 2003 and has hosted leaders from the south for numerous State Department, governmental, and nongovernmental meetings. In the summer of 2004, Jones participated in an organized four-month campaign designed to bring attention to the genocide in Darfur. This action included nonviolent witness and his arrest in July 2004.
"In a small way, we hope this interfaith delegation will offer support and encouragement to the suffering people of Darfur, allowing them to see that there are those who recognize the evils of this genocide," Jones said. "In embracing their pain and hearing their stories, we hope to renew our strength and deepen our passion to be a stronger voice here in the US."
Goals for the June delegation include supporting an opportunity for an African solution to the crisis in Sudan and addressing the genocidal campaign that continues to be waged in Darfur, according to the National Black Leadership Roundtable. The delegation also will support the peace accord signed between leaders of the Sudan Peoples' Liberation Army of southern Sudan, and the Khartoum government of the north of Sudan. In addition, the trip is made to support Nigerian president Olusegun Obasanjo, chairman of the African Union, who is holding a peace meeting with all of the warring parties in Sudan. The three-week long meeting in Lagos is called "unprecedented" by the National Black Leadership Roundtable, and will include those working out the north-south Sudan accord as well as the warring parties in Darfur.
"Leaders on both sides believe that the presence...of an interfaith delegation of respected spiritual leaders such as we are putting together will be very helpful to the deliberations," said Fauntroy in his invitation to delegation members.
In Darfur, the delegation will be hosted by a Muslim nongovernmental agency, Islamic Relief USA, which is administering two refugee camps in Darfur for the United Nations.
On Friday, June 3, before leaving for Sudan, delegation members including Hardenbrook and Jones plan to meet in New York with members of the Darfur Justice Movement and United Nations officials. Other members of the delegation plan a brief meeting with the US Department of State and members of Secretary Condoleezza Rice's staff.
Source: 06/02/2005 Newsline
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Credits
Newsline is produced by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of news services for the Church of the Brethren General Board, on every other Wednesday with other editions as needed. Newsline stories may be reprinted provided that Newsline is cited as the source.
Church of the Brethren Leaders To Take Part In Delegation To Sudan
A small interfaith delegation of spiritual leaders from the United States will visit the Darfur region of Sudan, where many thousands of black Sudanese have been killed or forced into refugee camps by what many are calling a genocide. The delegation is being sponsored by leaders of the National Black Leadership Roundtable and the Muslim American Society Freedom Foundation.
Two Church of the Brethren leaders have been invited to join the delegation: Jim Hardenbrook, Moderator of the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference; and Phil Jones, Director of the Brethren Witness/Washington Office of the Church of the Brethren General Board. The delegation also includes Jewish, Muslim, and Roman Catholic participants, and will be led by the Hon. Walter E. Fauntroy, President of the National Black Leadership Roundtable.
The trip is planned for June 6-15. In addition to Darfur, the delegation also will visit officials of the Sudan government in Khartoum, and attend the first few days of an African Union peace meeting on Sudan, to be held in Lagos, Nigeria.
Hardenbrook, who is pastor of Nampa (Idaho) Church of the Brethren, said he hopes the trip will allow him to "be a real advocate for the people of Darfur." Facing people who are responsible for the deaths of thousands is going to a spiritual battle for him, he shared. "We need boldness in speaking to power, but also ears ready to listen. We need to learn, and learn a lot, I hope," he said. Hardenbrook visited southern Sudan in 2002 on a Faith Expedition trip sponsored by the Church of the Brethren General Board. His congregation financially supports a school in southern Sudan.
Jones has been an advocate and activist for the people of Sudan over recent years. He traveled to southern Sudan in the fall of 2003 and has hosted leaders from the south for numerous State Department, governmental, and nongovernmental meetings. In the summer of 2004, Jones participated in an organized four-month campaign designed to bring attention to the genocide in Darfur. This action included nonviolent witness and his arrest in July 2004.
"In a small way, we hope this interfaith delegation will offer support and encouragement to the suffering people of Darfur, allowing them to see that there are those who recognize the evils of this genocide," Jones said. "In embracing their pain and hearing their stories, we hope to renew our strength and deepen our passion to be a stronger voice here in the US."
Goals for the June delegation include supporting an opportunity for an African solution to the crisis in Sudan and addressing the genocidal campaign that continues to be waged in Darfur, according to the National Black Leadership Roundtable. The delegation also will support the peace accord signed between leaders of the Sudan Peoples' Liberation Army of southern Sudan, and the Khartoum government of the north of Sudan. In addition, the trip is made to support Nigerian president Olusegun Obasanjo, chairman of the African Union, who is holding a peace meeting with all of the warring parties in Sudan. The three-week long meeting in Lagos is called "unprecedented" by the National Black Leadership Roundtable, and will include those working out the north-south Sudan accord as well as the warring parties in Darfur.
"Leaders on both sides believe that the presence...of an interfaith delegation of respected spiritual leaders such as we are putting together will be very helpful to the deliberations," said Fauntroy in his invitation to delegation members.
In Darfur, the delegation will be hosted by a Muslim nongovernmental agency, Islamic Relief USA, which is administering two refugee camps in Darfur for the United Nations.
On Friday, June 3, before leaving for Sudan, delegation members including Hardenbrook and Jones plan to meet in New York with members of the Darfur Justice Movement and United Nations officials. Other members of the delegation plan a brief meeting with the US Department of State and members of Secretary Condoleezza Rice's staff.
Source: 06/02/2005 Newsline
top
Credits
Newsline is produced by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of news services for the Church of the Brethren General Board, on every other Wednesday with other editions as needed. Newsline stories may be reprinted provided that Newsline is cited as the source.
Wednesday, May 25, 2005
NEWS
- Emergency Response director sees tsunami response in Indonesia.
- Plane intercepted over Washington was piloted by Brethren.
- Bethany Theological Seminary celebrates 100th commencement.
- Theological students graduate in Dominican Republic.
- Committee seeks information on barriers to intercultural ministries.
- Emergency Disaster Fund gives $20,000 in two grants.
- Disaster Child Care trains project managers, critical response volunteers.
- Brethren bits: Personnel, action alert, and more.
Emergency Response director sees tsunami response in Indonesia.
Areas of Indonesia affected by the tsunami are "very much still a mess," said Roy Winter, the General Board's director of Emergency Response. "This is going to be a five-to-six-year response." In mid-April Winter was one of seven representatives of US denominations in a Church World Service delegation to two major tsunami response areas: Banda Aceh and Meulaboh.
The Church of the Brethren is supporting CWS's tsunami relief effort. To date, the General Board's Emergency Disaster Fund has given $320,000 to CWS for tsunami relief in Indonesia, India, and Sri Lanka.
Winter and the men in the delegation visited Meulaboh, south of Banda Aceh along the coast of Sumatra. Some 13,000 people died or disappeared in the 314 villages in the area, Winter said. Before the tsunami, the area was closed to tourists or foreign visitors because of the civil war, but now foreigners are allowed to visit. Winter was impressed by the work of local officials, especially a Muslim sub-district head who obviously had the wellbeing of his people at heart. Most of Indonesia is Muslim, Winter explained.
The official showed the delegation the need to rebuild boats for fishermen, who are among the poorer members of the community, before rebuilding homes for the relatively wealthy landowners. He was very respectful of the CWS response to the disaster, Winter said. "He was also supportive and cooperative of using good disaster response and development principles."
The official took the delegation to view the mosque where he and other worshipers were caught by the tsunami when it hit. The building filled completely and many in the congregation survived by holding on to ceiling fans for an hour before the water subsided. Then the bodies of those who did not survive were carried into the mosque--only to be swept away again by a second wave. That personal story--and the high-water marks on the walls--brought home the extent of the destruction, Winter said. "We were on holy ground," he said.
In Meulaboh, Winter saw people living in tents beside their destroyed houses--for some the only way to claim their land after government records were lost in the disaster. Indonesia has declared a "green zone" from the coast to 500 meters inland, in which rebuilding will not be allowed, Winter reported. The government is to buy property in other locations for those who lived in the green zone. "This means whole communities are waiting for the government to relocate them, when the government does not have the funds to buy the land," he said. Tents provided by CWS and others are considered temporary, but Winter fears many will live in them for a long time. Rebuilding of homes has already begun in areas that have received a lot of international attention, he said, therefore CWS plans to begin its rebuilding program in "forgotten villages" where other agencies are not at work.
CWS has helped rebuild a water treatment plant in Meulaboh, where clean water has been a major issue. The plant serves 300 households and some 5,000 refugees in tent cities. CWS also is cleaning wells contaminated by the tsunami, digging new wells, and providing latrines and communal bathrooms. "While I was there I heard nothing about disease outbreaks," Winter said, citing this as a major achievement of the emphasis on clean water and good sanitation. The CWS response in Indonesia also has included material aid distribution and medical teams carrying Interchurch Medical Assistance (IMA) Clinic Boxes to remote villages to do medical care and to offer counseling services.
CWS had 100 staff--mostly Indonesians--working in Indonesia before the tsunami hit. Since that time, some have been reassigned to tsunami response, and some new staff have been hired to respond to the need, Winter said. Other CWS staff continue ongoing development programs throughout the rest of the country. "I cannot say how impressed I am with what they do," Winter said. Many are taking months away from their families to do the work, he added.
Winter encourages Brethren to send letters or cards of appreciation to the CWS staff in Indonesia. Send cards and letters to: CWS Staff--Indonesia, Emergency Response, Brethren Service Center, P.O. Box 188, New Windsor, MD 21776-0188.
Source: 05/25/2005 Newsline
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Areas of Indonesia affected by the tsunami are "very much still a mess," said Roy Winter, the General Board's director of Emergency Response. "This is going to be a five-to-six-year response." In mid-April Winter was one of seven representatives of US denominations in a Church World Service delegation to two major tsunami response areas: Banda Aceh and Meulaboh.
The Church of the Brethren is supporting CWS's tsunami relief effort. To date, the General Board's Emergency Disaster Fund has given $320,000 to CWS for tsunami relief in Indonesia, India, and Sri Lanka.
Winter and the men in the delegation visited Meulaboh, south of Banda Aceh along the coast of Sumatra. Some 13,000 people died or disappeared in the 314 villages in the area, Winter said. Before the tsunami, the area was closed to tourists or foreign visitors because of the civil war, but now foreigners are allowed to visit. Winter was impressed by the work of local officials, especially a Muslim sub-district head who obviously had the wellbeing of his people at heart. Most of Indonesia is Muslim, Winter explained.
The official showed the delegation the need to rebuild boats for fishermen, who are among the poorer members of the community, before rebuilding homes for the relatively wealthy landowners. He was very respectful of the CWS response to the disaster, Winter said. "He was also supportive and cooperative of using good disaster response and development principles."
The official took the delegation to view the mosque where he and other worshipers were caught by the tsunami when it hit. The building filled completely and many in the congregation survived by holding on to ceiling fans for an hour before the water subsided. Then the bodies of those who did not survive were carried into the mosque--only to be swept away again by a second wave. That personal story--and the high-water marks on the walls--brought home the extent of the destruction, Winter said. "We were on holy ground," he said.
In Meulaboh, Winter saw people living in tents beside their destroyed houses--for some the only way to claim their land after government records were lost in the disaster. Indonesia has declared a "green zone" from the coast to 500 meters inland, in which rebuilding will not be allowed, Winter reported. The government is to buy property in other locations for those who lived in the green zone. "This means whole communities are waiting for the government to relocate them, when the government does not have the funds to buy the land," he said. Tents provided by CWS and others are considered temporary, but Winter fears many will live in them for a long time. Rebuilding of homes has already begun in areas that have received a lot of international attention, he said, therefore CWS plans to begin its rebuilding program in "forgotten villages" where other agencies are not at work.
CWS has helped rebuild a water treatment plant in Meulaboh, where clean water has been a major issue. The plant serves 300 households and some 5,000 refugees in tent cities. CWS also is cleaning wells contaminated by the tsunami, digging new wells, and providing latrines and communal bathrooms. "While I was there I heard nothing about disease outbreaks," Winter said, citing this as a major achievement of the emphasis on clean water and good sanitation. The CWS response in Indonesia also has included material aid distribution and medical teams carrying Interchurch Medical Assistance (IMA) Clinic Boxes to remote villages to do medical care and to offer counseling services.
CWS had 100 staff--mostly Indonesians--working in Indonesia before the tsunami hit. Since that time, some have been reassigned to tsunami response, and some new staff have been hired to respond to the need, Winter said. Other CWS staff continue ongoing development programs throughout the rest of the country. "I cannot say how impressed I am with what they do," Winter said. Many are taking months away from their families to do the work, he added.
Winter encourages Brethren to send letters or cards of appreciation to the CWS staff in Indonesia. Send cards and letters to: CWS Staff--Indonesia, Emergency Response, Brethren Service Center, P.O. Box 188, New Windsor, MD 21776-0188.
Source: 05/25/2005 Newsline
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Plane intercepted over Washington was piloted by Brethren.
The pilots whose small plane entered restricted air space over Washington, D.C., on May 11 causing the evacuation of the White House, the Capitol, and the Supreme Court, are Brethren. Pilot Hayden "Jim" Sheaffer of Lititz (Pa.) Church of the Brethren, and student pilot Troy Martin of Ephrata (Pa.) Church of the Brethren, were on their way to an air show.
"Both Troy and Jim sought the church for support" following the incident, said pastor Bob Kettering of the Lititz congregation. "They are salt of the earth people. I feel very badly about it." He said the men received "gracious and kind" treatment by the authorities, including the FBI and Secret Service, after their plane was escorted away from Washington, D.C., by F-16 fighter jets.
In worship the next Sunday, pastor Galen Hackman at Ephrata asked his congregation to be in prayer for the pilots and their families. He also requested church members not to ask Martin about the event, explaining that the men were not yet at liberty to talk publicly for legal reasons. The pastors reported that the press "camped out" at the men's homes, and even contacted the church for comment.
Since then, Sheaffer has appeared on the "Today" show on NBC with his lawyer on May 23. "I thought we were going to get shot out of the sky," he said.
Source: 05/25/2005 Newsline
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The pilots whose small plane entered restricted air space over Washington, D.C., on May 11 causing the evacuation of the White House, the Capitol, and the Supreme Court, are Brethren. Pilot Hayden "Jim" Sheaffer of Lititz (Pa.) Church of the Brethren, and student pilot Troy Martin of Ephrata (Pa.) Church of the Brethren, were on their way to an air show.
"Both Troy and Jim sought the church for support" following the incident, said pastor Bob Kettering of the Lititz congregation. "They are salt of the earth people. I feel very badly about it." He said the men received "gracious and kind" treatment by the authorities, including the FBI and Secret Service, after their plane was escorted away from Washington, D.C., by F-16 fighter jets.
In worship the next Sunday, pastor Galen Hackman at Ephrata asked his congregation to be in prayer for the pilots and their families. He also requested church members not to ask Martin about the event, explaining that the men were not yet at liberty to talk publicly for legal reasons. The pastors reported that the press "camped out" at the men's homes, and even contacted the church for comment.
Since then, Sheaffer has appeared on the "Today" show on NBC with his lawyer on May 23. "I thought we were going to get shot out of the sky," he said.
Source: 05/25/2005 Newsline
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Bethany Theological Seminary celebrates 100th commencement.
Bethany Theological Seminary celebrated its 100th commencement on May 7 in Richmond, Ind. A ceremony for conferring degrees was held at Bethany's Nicarry Chapel and a worship celebration at Richmond Church of the Brethren.
President Eugene Roop welcomed graduates, family, and friends to the noteworthy commencement. "Please know that as you carry Bethany with you, you have affected Bethany whether that influence be obvious or subtle," he told the graduates. "You join a century-long company of students who have shaped as well as been shaped by Bethany."
Fumitaka Matsuoka spoke at the degrees ceremony, encouraging graduates to ask the question, "How do I live out God's vision?" Matsuoka is professor of Theology and executive director of the Institute for Leadership Development and Study of Pacific and Asian North American Religion at Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley, Calif, and a 1969 Bethany graduate. He served as academic dean at Bethany from 1987-92. His address, "An Unmasking Experience," was based on Isaiah 6:1-9.
During the ceremony, faculty accomplishments of the past year were noted including the Rohrer Book Award received by Dawn Ottoni Wilhelm for "Believing in Preaching: What Listeners Hear in Sermons" (Chalice Press), which she co-authored; and a Doctor of Ministry degree from Fuller Theological Seminary to be received by Jonathan Shively on June 11. His dissertation is titled, "Anabaptist and Pietist Foundations for Urban Multicultural Leadership."
Tara Hornbacker gave the message, "Against the Flow," for the worship celebration. She asked graduates to take a fresh look at Romans 12:9-21. "We have at times in our history focused on truncated versions of the Gospel--stopped at the ‘be not conformed' part--without the rest of the story," she said. "The scripture reminds us that transformation has its origin and its goal in God."
Ten students received Master of Divinity degrees: Ann M. Bach of Richmond, Ind.; Kay E. Gaier of North Manchester, Ind.; Evan Benjamin Garber of Weyers Cave, Va.; Tracy Ann Knechel of Dayton, Ohio; Connie M. Maclay of Mapleton Depot, Pa.; Todd Reish of Richmond, Ind.; James Kent Risser of Lewiston, Minn.; Pearl Rebecca Rohrer of Richmond, Ind.; John Sgro of Decatur, Ind.; and James Zerfing of Lancaster, Pa. Risser is Bethany's first graduate to receive both of the seminary's degree emphases of Peace Studies and Ministry with Youth and Young Adults. Maclay was awarded distinction in Biblical Studies. Knechel and Gaier were awarded distinction in Ministry Studies.
Two students received Master of Arts in Theology degrees: Deborah E. Romary of Fort Wayne, Ind.; and Lutricia L. Zerfing of New Paris, Ohio. Jon Keller of Greenville, Ohio, received a Certificate of Achievement in Theological Studies.
Source: 05/25/2005 Newsline
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Bethany Theological Seminary celebrated its 100th commencement on May 7 in Richmond, Ind. A ceremony for conferring degrees was held at Bethany's Nicarry Chapel and a worship celebration at Richmond Church of the Brethren.
President Eugene Roop welcomed graduates, family, and friends to the noteworthy commencement. "Please know that as you carry Bethany with you, you have affected Bethany whether that influence be obvious or subtle," he told the graduates. "You join a century-long company of students who have shaped as well as been shaped by Bethany."
Fumitaka Matsuoka spoke at the degrees ceremony, encouraging graduates to ask the question, "How do I live out God's vision?" Matsuoka is professor of Theology and executive director of the Institute for Leadership Development and Study of Pacific and Asian North American Religion at Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley, Calif, and a 1969 Bethany graduate. He served as academic dean at Bethany from 1987-92. His address, "An Unmasking Experience," was based on Isaiah 6:1-9.
During the ceremony, faculty accomplishments of the past year were noted including the Rohrer Book Award received by Dawn Ottoni Wilhelm for "Believing in Preaching: What Listeners Hear in Sermons" (Chalice Press), which she co-authored; and a Doctor of Ministry degree from Fuller Theological Seminary to be received by Jonathan Shively on June 11. His dissertation is titled, "Anabaptist and Pietist Foundations for Urban Multicultural Leadership."
Tara Hornbacker gave the message, "Against the Flow," for the worship celebration. She asked graduates to take a fresh look at Romans 12:9-21. "We have at times in our history focused on truncated versions of the Gospel--stopped at the ‘be not conformed' part--without the rest of the story," she said. "The scripture reminds us that transformation has its origin and its goal in God."
Ten students received Master of Divinity degrees: Ann M. Bach of Richmond, Ind.; Kay E. Gaier of North Manchester, Ind.; Evan Benjamin Garber of Weyers Cave, Va.; Tracy Ann Knechel of Dayton, Ohio; Connie M. Maclay of Mapleton Depot, Pa.; Todd Reish of Richmond, Ind.; James Kent Risser of Lewiston, Minn.; Pearl Rebecca Rohrer of Richmond, Ind.; John Sgro of Decatur, Ind.; and James Zerfing of Lancaster, Pa. Risser is Bethany's first graduate to receive both of the seminary's degree emphases of Peace Studies and Ministry with Youth and Young Adults. Maclay was awarded distinction in Biblical Studies. Knechel and Gaier were awarded distinction in Ministry Studies.
Two students received Master of Arts in Theology degrees: Deborah E. Romary of Fort Wayne, Ind.; and Lutricia L. Zerfing of New Paris, Ohio. Jon Keller of Greenville, Ohio, received a Certificate of Achievement in Theological Studies.
Source: 05/25/2005 Newsline
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Theological students graduate in Dominican Republic.
(Note: The editor apologizes for the tardiness of this report.)
On Nov. 24, 2004, the Church of the Brethren in the Dominican Republic celebrated a second graduating class of students in its Theological Program. The Los Toros church hosted the ceremony.
"This class was a special one," reported Guillermo Encarnacion, director of the program. The 22 students who graduated were Cristian Aquino, Felix Antonio Arias, Gloria Elena Beltre, Mariano Cespedes, Maria Altagracia Cespedes, Wander Antonio Cespedes, Bienvenida Cuevas, Odalis Encarnacion, Benito Encarnacion, Miladys Figuereo, Mary Luz Mejia, Josefa Marmolejos, Wilson Nova, Martha Esther Ogando, Maria Mercedes Perez, Alba Nurys Perez, Angel L. Ramirez, Alba I. Rodriguez, David Antonio Reyes, Leonida Vicente Reyes, Ariel de Jesus Rosario, and Viriato Feliz Rubio.
The curriculum of the Theological Program is designed for five years, with emphasis on Old and New Testaments, pastoral care and counseling, preaching the Gospel, church history, Anabaptist and Pietist roots, stewardship, church structure, liturgy and worship, ministry with women, and doctrine, rites, and practices of the Church of the Brethren.
"To implement this curriculum we have been blessed by the collaboration of many excellent teachers and professors in the Dominican Republic and from the United States," reported Encarnacion. He expressed thanks to Allen H. Hansell, former director of Ministry for the General Board; Miqueas Ramirez of the Mennonite Church; Carlos Garcia, professor of the Evangelical University; Bethany professor Daniel Ulrich; Daniel I. de Oleo; Ruben de Oleo; Rebecca and Jerry Crouse; Irvin and Nancy Heishman; Verel Montauban; Cristina Vda. Bobea; Carol and Roger Steffy; and Elias De'Oleo, who serves as the national tutor of the program. Forty-eight students continue in theological training at various stages in the program.
Source: 05/25/2005 Newsline
top
(Note: The editor apologizes for the tardiness of this report.)
On Nov. 24, 2004, the Church of the Brethren in the Dominican Republic celebrated a second graduating class of students in its Theological Program. The Los Toros church hosted the ceremony.
"This class was a special one," reported Guillermo Encarnacion, director of the program. The 22 students who graduated were Cristian Aquino, Felix Antonio Arias, Gloria Elena Beltre, Mariano Cespedes, Maria Altagracia Cespedes, Wander Antonio Cespedes, Bienvenida Cuevas, Odalis Encarnacion, Benito Encarnacion, Miladys Figuereo, Mary Luz Mejia, Josefa Marmolejos, Wilson Nova, Martha Esther Ogando, Maria Mercedes Perez, Alba Nurys Perez, Angel L. Ramirez, Alba I. Rodriguez, David Antonio Reyes, Leonida Vicente Reyes, Ariel de Jesus Rosario, and Viriato Feliz Rubio.
The curriculum of the Theological Program is designed for five years, with emphasis on Old and New Testaments, pastoral care and counseling, preaching the Gospel, church history, Anabaptist and Pietist roots, stewardship, church structure, liturgy and worship, ministry with women, and doctrine, rites, and practices of the Church of the Brethren.
"To implement this curriculum we have been blessed by the collaboration of many excellent teachers and professors in the Dominican Republic and from the United States," reported Encarnacion. He expressed thanks to Allen H. Hansell, former director of Ministry for the General Board; Miqueas Ramirez of the Mennonite Church; Carlos Garcia, professor of the Evangelical University; Bethany professor Daniel Ulrich; Daniel I. de Oleo; Ruben de Oleo; Rebecca and Jerry Crouse; Irvin and Nancy Heishman; Verel Montauban; Cristina Vda. Bobea; Carol and Roger Steffy; and Elias De'Oleo, who serves as the national tutor of the program. Forty-eight students continue in theological training at various stages in the program.
Source: 05/25/2005 Newsline
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Committee seeks information on barriers to intercultural ministries.
The Annual Conference Intercultural Study Committee has met twice this spring: in Richmond, Ind., April 21-24 during the Cross-Cultural Consultation and Celebration, and via conference call May 9.
The April meeting provided a time to learn about cross-cultural efforts being made on an independent basis throughout the denomination and to discuss barriers that prevent the Church of the Brethren from being more successful in achieving John's vision of the church found in Revelation 7:9. Discussion centered on recommendations in Annual Conference statements and their implementation, current and previous denominational staff and offices that supported ethnic and intercultural ministries, a review of conversations with denominational and district staff and church members, and a denominational resources list.
In a listening session with the Cross-Cultural Consultation, the committee received information on the barriers participants have found in moving forward with intercultural ministries. "The committee heard painful stories on the lack of action at all levels of the denomination, the continuing presence of prejudice and racism within the church, and poor perception and preparation for evangelism and church leadership," Monn reported. The committee also listened to discussion between participants in the consultation and Bethany Theological Seminary on multicultural preparation in seminary education, and spent time with members of the Cross-Cultural Steering Committee.
To continue gathering information from across the denomination on the barriers to an intercultural church and actions to overcome them, the committee has developed a questionnaire be sent to districts for dissemination to all congregations. Work is being done to translate the questionnaire into Spanish, Haitian, and Korean. The questionnaire will be posted at www.brethren.org/ac/multiethnic.htm. The website will feature updated contact information for committee members as well.
Committee members also will contact the following ethnic groups with no representation on the committee, in the course of faithfully completing the work charged to them by the 2004 Annual Conference: Korean, Native American, Haitian, and Arab.
In the conference call, the committee made plans for a listening session on Saturday, July 2, at the 2005 Annual Conference in Peoria, Ill. The committee will ask the Conference for an additional year to complete its work.
Committee members are Darla Kay Bowman Deardorff of Peace Covenant Fellowship in Durham, N.C.; Ruben DeOleo of Maranatha Multicultural Fellowship in Lancaster, Pa.; Thomas Dowdy of Imperial Heights Church of the Brethren in Los Angeles, Calif.; Nadine L. Monn of Germantown (Pa.) Church of the Brethren; Neemita Pandya of Naperville (Ill.) Church of the Brethren; Gilbert Romero of Bella Vista Church of the Brethren in Los Angeles, Calif.; chair Asha Solanky of West Richmond (Va.) Church of the Brethren; and Glenn Hatfield, ex officio representative from the American Baptist Churches USA. Hatfield pastored a New Jersey congregation with members from 23 nations, during the period when the congregation began an intentional effort to be more multicultural.
Source: 05/25/2005 Newsline
top
The Annual Conference Intercultural Study Committee has met twice this spring: in Richmond, Ind., April 21-24 during the Cross-Cultural Consultation and Celebration, and via conference call May 9.
The April meeting provided a time to learn about cross-cultural efforts being made on an independent basis throughout the denomination and to discuss barriers that prevent the Church of the Brethren from being more successful in achieving John's vision of the church found in Revelation 7:9. Discussion centered on recommendations in Annual Conference statements and their implementation, current and previous denominational staff and offices that supported ethnic and intercultural ministries, a review of conversations with denominational and district staff and church members, and a denominational resources list.
In a listening session with the Cross-Cultural Consultation, the committee received information on the barriers participants have found in moving forward with intercultural ministries. "The committee heard painful stories on the lack of action at all levels of the denomination, the continuing presence of prejudice and racism within the church, and poor perception and preparation for evangelism and church leadership," Monn reported. The committee also listened to discussion between participants in the consultation and Bethany Theological Seminary on multicultural preparation in seminary education, and spent time with members of the Cross-Cultural Steering Committee.
To continue gathering information from across the denomination on the barriers to an intercultural church and actions to overcome them, the committee has developed a questionnaire be sent to districts for dissemination to all congregations. Work is being done to translate the questionnaire into Spanish, Haitian, and Korean. The questionnaire will be posted at www.brethren.org/ac/multiethnic.htm. The website will feature updated contact information for committee members as well.
Committee members also will contact the following ethnic groups with no representation on the committee, in the course of faithfully completing the work charged to them by the 2004 Annual Conference: Korean, Native American, Haitian, and Arab.
In the conference call, the committee made plans for a listening session on Saturday, July 2, at the 2005 Annual Conference in Peoria, Ill. The committee will ask the Conference for an additional year to complete its work.
Committee members are Darla Kay Bowman Deardorff of Peace Covenant Fellowship in Durham, N.C.; Ruben DeOleo of Maranatha Multicultural Fellowship in Lancaster, Pa.; Thomas Dowdy of Imperial Heights Church of the Brethren in Los Angeles, Calif.; Nadine L. Monn of Germantown (Pa.) Church of the Brethren; Neemita Pandya of Naperville (Ill.) Church of the Brethren; Gilbert Romero of Bella Vista Church of the Brethren in Los Angeles, Calif.; chair Asha Solanky of West Richmond (Va.) Church of the Brethren; and Glenn Hatfield, ex officio representative from the American Baptist Churches USA. Hatfield pastored a New Jersey congregation with members from 23 nations, during the period when the congregation began an intentional effort to be more multicultural.
Source: 05/25/2005 Newsline
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Emergency Disaster Fund gives $20,000 in two grants.
The General Board's Emergency Disaster Fund (EDF) has given $20,000 for a flood recovery program in Ohio and work following spring storms in the Northeast and South.
A grant of $15,000 supports a new Church of the Brethren Disaster Response project in Belmont County, Ohio. The area has been struck repeatedly by severe flooding over the past year. Dozens of homes have been destroyed and 100 heavily damaged. The project begins in June.
A grant of $5,000 supports a Church World Service appeal for severe storm damage and flooding in several states in the Northeast and South. The funds will be used for material resource shipments, seed grants, and support of local longterm recovery efforts.
Source: 05/25/2005 Newsline
top
The General Board's Emergency Disaster Fund (EDF) has given $20,000 for a flood recovery program in Ohio and work following spring storms in the Northeast and South.
A grant of $15,000 supports a new Church of the Brethren Disaster Response project in Belmont County, Ohio. The area has been struck repeatedly by severe flooding over the past year. Dozens of homes have been destroyed and 100 heavily damaged. The project begins in June.
A grant of $5,000 supports a Church World Service appeal for severe storm damage and flooding in several states in the Northeast and South. The funds will be used for material resource shipments, seed grants, and support of local longterm recovery efforts.
Source: 05/25/2005 Newsline
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