- Brethren Disaster Ministries opens new Hurricane Katrina site.
- Church of the Brethren is lead sponsor of farm program in Nicaragua.
- Seminar considers what it means to be a ‘real Samaritan.’
- Submissions sought for deacon resource book.
- Brethren bits: Corrections, personnel, jobs, and much more.
Wednesday, April 09, 2008
NEWS
Brethren Disaster Ministries opens new Hurricane Katrina site.
Brethren Disaster Ministries has opened a new Hurricane Katrina rebuilding site in East New Orleans (Arabi), La. An allocation of $25,000 from the Church of the Brethren’s Emergency Disaster Fund (EDF) helps fund the new project site, where volunteers will rebuild homes damaged or destroyed by Katrina.
The rebuilding site in Pearl River, La., will be moved to Arabi on the weekend of April 11-13. "The reason for this making this move is that there is little work left at the Pearl River site," explained Brethren Disaster Ministries coordinator Jane Yount. "Volunteers have been traveling across Lake Pontchartrain down to East Orleans daily. It will be much more convenient and better stewardship for both the project directors and the volunteers to be housed closer to where they are working."
The new project site has been dubbed "NOLA East." Volunteer groups and project directors who had been scheduled to work at Pearl River will go instead to project headquarters in Arabi, and will continue to work on cases provided by the Southeast Louisiana Recovery Network. The work will be mainly in the Orleans and St. Bernard Parishes.
Both the NOLA East project and the current rebuilding project in Chalmette, La., will use volunteer housing based in Arabi. Meals will be prepared in the Carolyn Park Presbyterian Church kitchen for both project sites, and housing arrangements may require that district volunteer groups may be split and housed with volunteers working at the other project site, some in travel trailers and some in a bunk trailer.
"We now have two housing locations and capacity for 30 volunteers!" Yount said. The site "has been blessed with a 48-foot trailer that was transformed into three sleeping rooms by hardworking Shenandoah District volunteers." The trailer worth about $5,000 was donated by IDM trucking and had previously been used to haul soft drink products. A new housing option for volunteers at both sites--the Madery house--may be completed by May.
The Brethren Disaster Ministries rebuilding site in Rushford, Minn., is now a longterm rebuilding project working with the local recovery organization, Lutheran Social Services/Lutheran Disaster Response. The project is scheduled to rebuild eight homes, and hopes to have at least one or two foundations completed by the first of May. The local recovery organization has hired a construction coordinator to help with the project. There are repair jobs to be done as well. "Project directors are needed!" said Yount.
For more information about volunteering at NOLA East, Chalmette, or Rushford, contact Brethren Disaster Ministries at 800-451-4407 or contact a district disaster coordinator.
Source: 4/9/2008 Newsline
Brethren Disaster Ministries has opened a new Hurricane Katrina rebuilding site in East New Orleans (Arabi), La. An allocation of $25,000 from the Church of the Brethren’s Emergency Disaster Fund (EDF) helps fund the new project site, where volunteers will rebuild homes damaged or destroyed by Katrina.
The rebuilding site in Pearl River, La., will be moved to Arabi on the weekend of April 11-13. "The reason for this making this move is that there is little work left at the Pearl River site," explained Brethren Disaster Ministries coordinator Jane Yount. "Volunteers have been traveling across Lake Pontchartrain down to East Orleans daily. It will be much more convenient and better stewardship for both the project directors and the volunteers to be housed closer to where they are working."
The new project site has been dubbed "NOLA East." Volunteer groups and project directors who had been scheduled to work at Pearl River will go instead to project headquarters in Arabi, and will continue to work on cases provided by the Southeast Louisiana Recovery Network. The work will be mainly in the Orleans and St. Bernard Parishes.
Both the NOLA East project and the current rebuilding project in Chalmette, La., will use volunteer housing based in Arabi. Meals will be prepared in the Carolyn Park Presbyterian Church kitchen for both project sites, and housing arrangements may require that district volunteer groups may be split and housed with volunteers working at the other project site, some in travel trailers and some in a bunk trailer.
"We now have two housing locations and capacity for 30 volunteers!" Yount said. The site "has been blessed with a 48-foot trailer that was transformed into three sleeping rooms by hardworking Shenandoah District volunteers." The trailer worth about $5,000 was donated by IDM trucking and had previously been used to haul soft drink products. A new housing option for volunteers at both sites--the Madery house--may be completed by May.
The Brethren Disaster Ministries rebuilding site in Rushford, Minn., is now a longterm rebuilding project working with the local recovery organization, Lutheran Social Services/Lutheran Disaster Response. The project is scheduled to rebuild eight homes, and hopes to have at least one or two foundations completed by the first of May. The local recovery organization has hired a construction coordinator to help with the project. There are repair jobs to be done as well. "Project directors are needed!" said Yount.
For more information about volunteering at NOLA East, Chalmette, or Rushford, contact Brethren Disaster Ministries at 800-451-4407 or contact a district disaster coordinator.
Source: 4/9/2008 Newsline
Church of the Brethren is lead sponsor of farm program in Nicaragua.
The Church of the Brethren is to be the lead sponsor of the Rio Coco farm program in Nicaragua, through the Global Food Crisis Fund and its partnership with the Foods Resource Bank and Church World Service (CWS).
The denomination has had involvement in Nicaragua off and on over the last couple of decades. This newest project will allow the Brethren to work in concert with its partners in a new area and among the poorest of the poor.
The project will establish the Rio Coco Demonstration Farms in an area of Nicaragua that borders Honduras, with the help of a Global Food Crisis Fund grant of $35,000 for the first year of the program. The funding will come from the Global Food Crisis Fund ’s growing project accounts in the Foods Resource Bank.
The eight demonstration farms will heighten the food security and health of the populace, which is largely Meskito. Funding for one demonstration farm has been arranged by the Christian Reformed World Relief Committee; the Church of the Brethren will be the lead sponsor for three other demonstration centers.
Each of the demonstration farms will enlist 10 participating groups from surrounding communities. From each group, six workers will train at the demonstration centers, then return to their home communities to teach what they have learned to others. The demonstration center programs will deal with the production of grain, vegetables, trees, livestock, and vermiculture. Eventually, stores are to be opened at each center, operated by women from the participating communities.
Partnering with the Foods Resource Bank is Accion Medica Cristiana (AMC), which already has a central pharmacy in Waspan, the main municipality, and a hundred small "box" pharmacies in outlying villages. AMC has been aligned with Foods Resource Bank in the Farmer to Farmer program in Nicaragua.
--Howard Royer is manager of the Global Food Crisis Fund.
Source: 4/9/2008 Newsline
The Church of the Brethren is to be the lead sponsor of the Rio Coco farm program in Nicaragua, through the Global Food Crisis Fund and its partnership with the Foods Resource Bank and Church World Service (CWS).
The denomination has had involvement in Nicaragua off and on over the last couple of decades. This newest project will allow the Brethren to work in concert with its partners in a new area and among the poorest of the poor.
The project will establish the Rio Coco Demonstration Farms in an area of Nicaragua that borders Honduras, with the help of a Global Food Crisis Fund grant of $35,000 for the first year of the program. The funding will come from the Global Food Crisis Fund ’s growing project accounts in the Foods Resource Bank.
The eight demonstration farms will heighten the food security and health of the populace, which is largely Meskito. Funding for one demonstration farm has been arranged by the Christian Reformed World Relief Committee; the Church of the Brethren will be the lead sponsor for three other demonstration centers.
Each of the demonstration farms will enlist 10 participating groups from surrounding communities. From each group, six workers will train at the demonstration centers, then return to their home communities to teach what they have learned to others. The demonstration center programs will deal with the production of grain, vegetables, trees, livestock, and vermiculture. Eventually, stores are to be opened at each center, operated by women from the participating communities.
Partnering with the Foods Resource Bank is Accion Medica Cristiana (AMC), which already has a central pharmacy in Waspan, the main municipality, and a hundred small "box" pharmacies in outlying villages. AMC has been aligned with Foods Resource Bank in the Farmer to Farmer program in Nicaragua.
--Howard Royer is manager of the Global Food Crisis Fund.
Source: 4/9/2008 Newsline
Seminar considers what it means to be a ‘real Samaritan.’
Framed by the scripture story of the good Samaritan, Church of the Brethren youth from across the nation explored the issue of genocide this week, at the Christian Citizenship Seminar. The youth were confronted with questions of a Christian and peace church response to the violent tragedies of Rwanda, the Holocaust, or the deliberate removal of indigenous people from their lands and their homes.
Seventy-four youth and advisors took part in this annual seminar sponsored by the General Board’s Youth and Young Adult Ministries and the Brethren Witness/Washington Office. Over three days spent in New York, followed by three days in Washington, D.C., the youth were given presentations and engaged in dialogue around the genocides that have occurred in the world’s history, and how people of faith have been involved or have responded. Terms such as "Never Again" and "Responsibility to Protect" were critiqued and examined in relation to how the United Nations or the global community has actually responded.
David Fraccarro, director of Young Adults for the World Council of Churches, USA, led the group in evaluating how their own social structures and peer group choices may implicate them in "leaving out others." George Brent, a Holocaust survivor, recounted the formational story of his life, and that of his family, as they were put on trains and arbitrarily chosen for the death chambers of Germany. He gave the group hope in his story of survival and renewal in the midst of such tragedy. Jim Lehman drew the group in with the story of struggle and challenge between the "peace loving" Brethren in middle Pennsylvania in the 18th century, and the Native Americans of that region. Through viewing the film "Hotel Rwanda," youth were reminded that genocide is not a historically distant event for their generation.
The focus of the seminar, however, was the ongoing genocide in Darfur, Sudan. Sharon Silber and Phil Anderson, both active with the organization Save Darfur, provided history, detail, and political understandings that surround the estimated 400,000 deaths in Darfur. More than two million people have been displaced from Darfur, as well. Native Sudanese youth Wilfred and Serena Lohitai participated in the seminar themselves, and brought a very real expression of the Sudanese suffering. Serena Lohitai shared about the importance of family and community to the people of Sudan. "All relatives are as parents, or sisters and brothers to one another," she said. Such an understanding makes clear the absolute devastation as members of the community are murdered, raped, or displaced.
Tim McElwee, Plowshares Professor of Peace Studies at Manchester College, engaged the students in exploring the 1996 Annual Conference statement, "Nonviolence and Humanitarian Intervention." He drew attention to the Peaceable Community section of the paper that reads in part, "The church is empowered to make visible the ways of Jesus...therefore the church shall...advocate for the things that make for peace...lay low the dividing walls of hostility...train and upon invitation deploy Christian conciliation and peacemaking teams and nonviolent monitors in zones of violence and physical abuse." Youth challenged and embraced differing sections of this document. Some found their only voice to be that of nonviolence, others found hope in limited United Nations "peacekeeping forces" that may be allowed to intervene militarily as a means of last resort.
Following training for direct lobbying on pending legislation regarding Sudan, the youth visited with their senators and representatives. Points of advocacy included providing adequate funding in the 2008 Supplemental Funding Bill that would ensure funds for a UNAMID "peacekeeping mission" in Darfur, disaster and famine response, adequate diplomatic efforts, and support of a US Special Envoy. The senators and representatives also were encouraged to support HR 1011 or SR 470 that provide for a comprehensive strategy for addressing relationships between Chad, the Central African Republic, and Darfur, Sudan. Several of the groups of youth also chose to call for US pressure on China, related to the upcoming Olympics in that country.
The seminar also included times of worship and praise, small group reflection, and free-time activities in both cities. Rich Troyer, youth minister from Middlebury (Ind.) Church of the Brethren, reflected that the seminar, "teaches young people to get out of their comfort zones. It teaches them what it means to love their neighbors. It teaches them about issues they may not know anything about and helps them to see how the call of Jesus intersects the issue and encourages them to ‘not pass by on the other side.’ It is more than social action, it is faith in action."
For more information about the Christian Citizenship Seminar contact the Youth and Young Adult Ministries or the Brethren Witness/Washington Office. Better yet, ask one of the 74 who attended.
--Phil Jones is the director of the Brethren Witness/Washington Office for the Church of the Brethren General Board.
Source: 4/9/2008 Newsline
Framed by the scripture story of the good Samaritan, Church of the Brethren youth from across the nation explored the issue of genocide this week, at the Christian Citizenship Seminar. The youth were confronted with questions of a Christian and peace church response to the violent tragedies of Rwanda, the Holocaust, or the deliberate removal of indigenous people from their lands and their homes.
Seventy-four youth and advisors took part in this annual seminar sponsored by the General Board’s Youth and Young Adult Ministries and the Brethren Witness/Washington Office. Over three days spent in New York, followed by three days in Washington, D.C., the youth were given presentations and engaged in dialogue around the genocides that have occurred in the world’s history, and how people of faith have been involved or have responded. Terms such as "Never Again" and "Responsibility to Protect" were critiqued and examined in relation to how the United Nations or the global community has actually responded.
David Fraccarro, director of Young Adults for the World Council of Churches, USA, led the group in evaluating how their own social structures and peer group choices may implicate them in "leaving out others." George Brent, a Holocaust survivor, recounted the formational story of his life, and that of his family, as they were put on trains and arbitrarily chosen for the death chambers of Germany. He gave the group hope in his story of survival and renewal in the midst of such tragedy. Jim Lehman drew the group in with the story of struggle and challenge between the "peace loving" Brethren in middle Pennsylvania in the 18th century, and the Native Americans of that region. Through viewing the film "Hotel Rwanda," youth were reminded that genocide is not a historically distant event for their generation.
The focus of the seminar, however, was the ongoing genocide in Darfur, Sudan. Sharon Silber and Phil Anderson, both active with the organization Save Darfur, provided history, detail, and political understandings that surround the estimated 400,000 deaths in Darfur. More than two million people have been displaced from Darfur, as well. Native Sudanese youth Wilfred and Serena Lohitai participated in the seminar themselves, and brought a very real expression of the Sudanese suffering. Serena Lohitai shared about the importance of family and community to the people of Sudan. "All relatives are as parents, or sisters and brothers to one another," she said. Such an understanding makes clear the absolute devastation as members of the community are murdered, raped, or displaced.
Tim McElwee, Plowshares Professor of Peace Studies at Manchester College, engaged the students in exploring the 1996 Annual Conference statement, "Nonviolence and Humanitarian Intervention." He drew attention to the Peaceable Community section of the paper that reads in part, "The church is empowered to make visible the ways of Jesus...therefore the church shall...advocate for the things that make for peace...lay low the dividing walls of hostility...train and upon invitation deploy Christian conciliation and peacemaking teams and nonviolent monitors in zones of violence and physical abuse." Youth challenged and embraced differing sections of this document. Some found their only voice to be that of nonviolence, others found hope in limited United Nations "peacekeeping forces" that may be allowed to intervene militarily as a means of last resort.
Following training for direct lobbying on pending legislation regarding Sudan, the youth visited with their senators and representatives. Points of advocacy included providing adequate funding in the 2008 Supplemental Funding Bill that would ensure funds for a UNAMID "peacekeeping mission" in Darfur, disaster and famine response, adequate diplomatic efforts, and support of a US Special Envoy. The senators and representatives also were encouraged to support HR 1011 or SR 470 that provide for a comprehensive strategy for addressing relationships between Chad, the Central African Republic, and Darfur, Sudan. Several of the groups of youth also chose to call for US pressure on China, related to the upcoming Olympics in that country.
The seminar also included times of worship and praise, small group reflection, and free-time activities in both cities. Rich Troyer, youth minister from Middlebury (Ind.) Church of the Brethren, reflected that the seminar, "teaches young people to get out of their comfort zones. It teaches them what it means to love their neighbors. It teaches them about issues they may not know anything about and helps them to see how the call of Jesus intersects the issue and encourages them to ‘not pass by on the other side.’ It is more than social action, it is faith in action."
For more information about the Christian Citizenship Seminar contact the Youth and Young Adult Ministries or the Brethren Witness/Washington Office. Better yet, ask one of the 74 who attended.
--Phil Jones is the director of the Brethren Witness/Washington Office for the Church of the Brethren General Board.
Source: 4/9/2008 Newsline
Submissions sought for deacon resource book.
The Association of Brethren Caregivers is seeking submissions of worship and meditation resources for use in a new deacon resource book. Brethren are invited to submit original prayers to be considered for inclusion in this new resource, along with suggestions of hymns and scriptures for the deacon ministry.
"The role of deacon in the church has taken on new meaning in the last decade," said the invitation. "In 1998, the ‘Deacon Manual for Caring Ministries’ was published and deacons were trained across the denomination... Now deacons are asking for more resources to help them carry out their role."
The denomination's Caring Ministries has been commissioned to develop the anthology of prayers for many situations in which deacons are called to minister, such as celebrations and special life events (anniversaries, reunions, etc.); times of crisis of body, mind, or spirit (illness, surgery, domestic violence, a death, etc.); and transitions along the journey of life (divorce, a birth, etc.). David Doudt will be project manager. The anthology is scheduled to be available at Annual Conference 2009.
Entries should be submitted by May 30. Send submissions to Caring Ministries of the Church of the Brethren, Attn: David Doudt, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120; or e-mail ddoudt_abc@brethren.org.
Source: 4/9/2008 Newsline
The Association of Brethren Caregivers is seeking submissions of worship and meditation resources for use in a new deacon resource book. Brethren are invited to submit original prayers to be considered for inclusion in this new resource, along with suggestions of hymns and scriptures for the deacon ministry.
"The role of deacon in the church has taken on new meaning in the last decade," said the invitation. "In 1998, the ‘Deacon Manual for Caring Ministries’ was published and deacons were trained across the denomination... Now deacons are asking for more resources to help them carry out their role."
The denomination's Caring Ministries has been commissioned to develop the anthology of prayers for many situations in which deacons are called to minister, such as celebrations and special life events (anniversaries, reunions, etc.); times of crisis of body, mind, or spirit (illness, surgery, domestic violence, a death, etc.); and transitions along the journey of life (divorce, a birth, etc.). David Doudt will be project manager. The anthology is scheduled to be available at Annual Conference 2009.
Entries should be submitted by May 30. Send submissions to Caring Ministries of the Church of the Brethren, Attn: David Doudt, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120; or e-mail ddoudt_abc@brethren.org.
Source: 4/9/2008 Newsline
Brethren bits: Corrections, personnel, jobs, and much more.
- Corrections: The full name and title of Ruthann Knechel Johansen as president of Bethany Theological Seminary was inadvertently left out of the announcement of webcasts from Bethany’s Inaugural Forum in the March 26 Newsline; the editor regrets this omission. Also, the start date of Eric Miller's employment with Brethren Press was incorrect; it was Sept. 6, 2005.
- The New Windsor Conference Center is thanking Lavonne Grubb and Myrna McLaughlin for serving as volunteer hosts for the month of March, and has welcomed Clarice Ott and Gloria Hall-Schimmel as hosts for April. Ed and Betty Runion are returning to serve as hosts for April, May, and June. The conference center is on the campus of the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md.
- Bethany Theological Seminary’s Institutional Advancement Department on the campus in Richmond, Ind., seeks an administrative assistant. The department seeks a person who likes working with people, likes working with a computer, and likes being around a vibrant educational environment of a spiritual character. The position serves as the primary receptionist at Bethany’s front desk, maintains donor records systems, processes gifts, and supports advancement staff in correspondence, scheduling, and publications. Critical required skills include the abilities to multitask, meet the public in person and on the telephone, maintain confidentiality, and work with computerized record-keeping and communication systems. Knowledge and appreciation of the breadth of Church of the Brethren membership is desired. The starting date is negotiable, sometime this summer. The application review will begin May 5 and continue until the position is filled. To apply or seek additional information, contact Lowell Flory, Executive Director of Institutional Advancement, Bethany Theological Seminary, 615 National Rd. W., Richmond, IN 47374; florylo@bethanyseminary.edu; 800-287-8822.
- Brethren Press seeks a customer service inventory specialist to fill a fulltime position at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill. Responsibilities include providing professional customer service functions by telephone, fax, mail, and Internet, and maintaining a thorough knowledge of products offered through Brethren Press; specializing in providing resource information to congregations and individuals; accurate and timely maintenance of inventory levels; providing marketing support services; participating in year-end inventory; and assisting with coordinating and developing standardized procedures and maintaining written documentation. Qualifications include ability to become familiar with Church of the Brethren organization and beliefs and to operate out of the vision of the General Board; ability to relate with integrity and respect within and beyond the organization; strong interpersonal skills; understanding of accounting theory and practice; good listening and telephone skills and competence in oral and written communication; proficiency in typing and data entry; ability to work well in a team, juggling several tasks simultaneously; knowledge of Christian education and resourcing of congregations. Education and experience requirements include experience in customer service, computer literacy, experience with inventory management and reporting. Christian education experience is desirable. High school diploma is required, with some college education preferred. A position description and application form are available on request. Applications will be considered until the position is filled. To apply, complete the General Board application form, submit a resume and letter of application, and request three references to send letters of recommendation to the Office of Human Resources, Church of the Brethren General Board, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120-1694; 800-323-8039 ext. 258; kkrog_gb@brethren.org.
- The Material Resources program of the Church of the Brethren General Board seeks an office assistant to fill a fulltime, hourly position at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md. The assistant will work closely with the office manager to ensure timely and accurate collection of information, and the transfer of information to various reports, people, and tracking systems related to shipping matters. This is a clerical position with responsibility for correspondence, telephone inquiries, stencils, shipping instructions, loading sheets, activity reports, invoices, and billing records. This position also handles all interaction by telephone with pier contacts, meetings with transportation related salespersons, and ensures that volunteer work groups are recognized and thanked. The position requires a high degree of accuracy, organizational skills, ability to provide excellent customer service, ability to multitask, meet deadlines, and work with minimal supervision. The candidate must demonstrate competence with Word, Excel, Quickbooks, and Access. Patience and perseverance are essential to coping with the many tasks and interactions. High school graduation or equivalent is required, with some college education preferred. The application period closes April 21. Contact Joan McGrath, Office of Human Resources, Brethren Service Center, P.O. Box 188, New Windsor, MD 21776; jmcgrath_gb@brethren.org; 410-635-8780.
- The Material Resources program also seeks a baler to fill a fulltime, hourly position at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md. The baler will operate a baling machine and a strapping machine, and must be attentive and compliant with safety restrictions in using the equipment. The position is responsible for preparing quilts, blankets, etc. for storage; baling; filling tables; removing cardboard crates; recording data; maintaining the work area; and keeping a cordial work climate with employees and volunteers. Candidates must be able to lift and move up to 130 pounds, be on their feet all day long, and be willing to assist in other positions as needed. High school graduation or equivalent experience is required. The application period closes April 21. Contact Joan McGrath, Office of Human Resources, Brethren Service Center, P.O. Box 188, New Windsor, MD 21776; jmcgrath_gb@brethren.org; 410-635-8780.
- The Annual Conference Office seeks a webmaster to make regular changes to its website. This is an excellent opportunity for a student or recent graduate who wants to gain more experience and build up a portfolio. Experienced webmasters are welcome as well. The time commitment is approximately two to four hours per month with responsibilities for updating the Annual Conference website at www.brethren.org/ac. Contact Lerry Fogle, Annual Conference Executive Director, at 800-688-5186.
- Additional housing has been announced for the 2008 Annual Conference in Richmond, Va. Due to high demand for housing, additional rooms at an overflow hotel--the Sheraton Richmond West--will soon be available from the Housing Bureau in Richmond. To make reservations online, go to www.brethren.org/ac/richmond/housing.html. Reservations also can be made by faxing or mailing housing reservation forms from the Annual Conference Information Packet to the Church of the Brethren Housing Bureau, c/o Richmond Metropolitan Convention and Visitors Bureau, 401 N. 3rd St., Richmond, VA 23219. Register for the Conference by going to www.brethren.org/ac/richmond/registration.html.
- Michael Hostetter will represent the Church of the Brethren at an ecumenical prayer service with Pope Benedict XVI during the Pope’s first official visit to the United States. The Pope is to be in the country from April 15-20. Hostetter chairs the Church of the Brethren’s Committee on Interchurch Relations, and pastors Salem Church of the Brethren in Englewood, Ohio. He will participate in the prayer service and reception with the Pope and leaders from the National Council of Churches (NCC) and other Christian denominations on the evening of April 18 at St. Joseph’s Church in New York. This will be Pope Benedict's first apostolic visit to the US since he was elected the 265th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church in 2005.
- Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS) is announcing an Older Adult Orientation on April 21-May 2 at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md. This will be the 279th orientation unit for BVS and will include six individuals and couples. The volunteers will spend two weeks exploring project possibilities and topics of community building, faith sharing, diversity training, and more. They also will work at SERRV International and at the Washington (D.C.) Soup Kitchen. Guest staff and speakers will include Larry and Alice Petry, Jim Lehman, Bev and Joel Eikenberry, Phil Jones, and Grace LeFever. For more information contact the BVS office at 800-323-8039.
- The Brethren Witness/Washington Office was one of 16 national religious organizations that filed formal comments opposing a plan by the federal government to update the US nuclear arsenal. The proposal would cost $150 billion and is called the Nuclear Weapons Complex Transformation project. It would streamline the nation's current atomic arsenal of some 10,000 warheads and build new nuclear weapons at various sites. "Today we have a historic opportunity to begin the journey out from under the shadow of nuclear weapons," stated the comments submitted to the Department of Energy by a coalition of Catholic, Jewish, Muslim, and Protestant groups. "We hope and pray that all Americans will take advantage of this moment and join us as we work toward the total elimination of these weapons of mass destruction."
- The Church of the Brethren in the Dominican Republic held its annual assembly Feb. 28-March 2. The event drew 86 delegates among some 200 people in attendance at a church camp in Bani. Twenty churches were represented. Worship was held on the theme "Total Integrity," with preaching by moderator Jose Juan Mendez, pastor of Fondo Negro Church; Tim Harvey, chair of the Church of the Brethren General Board; and Miguel Nunez, a well-known Baptist pastor from Santo Domingo. Much of the business and all sermons were translated from Spanish to Creole, reflecting the diversity of both Dominican and Haitian-immigrant members. Business items included reports from pastors and national leaders as well as Irvin and Nancy Heishman, General Board mission coordinators for the DR, and Beth Gunzel, General Board staff for a church microcredit project. The present Dominican Board leadership, called to serve in the recent Sept. 2007 Assembly, was re-affirmed for another year. Pastor Felix Arias Mateo from the Maranatha congregation was chosen as moderator-elect. "We sensed a positive spirit and a desire among the Dominican Brethren that the Spirit would bring wisdom and understanding out of difficulties of the past year, when the Dominican church has been struggling with a crisis related to leadership," reported the Heishmans.
- The Illinois and Wisconsin District Office is moving from Lombard, Ill., to Canton, Ill. The new address for the office is 269 E. Chestnut St., Canton, IL 61520; 309-649-6008. The district also has hired a new administrative assistant, Emily Cleer, who begins the week of April 14.
- A member of the Church of the Brethren was one of two top presenters in the annual Student Research Symposium at Manchester College in N. Manchester, Ind., on April 4, according to a release from the college. Sarah Hall of First Church of the Brethren in Roaring Spring, Pa., presented research exploring the possibility of Germany prosecuting a former US Secretary of Defense for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity during the war in Iraq. Georgi Chunev of Bulgaria, who spent a summer scrutinizing infrared data delivered by NASA's $733 million orbiting Spitzer Space Telescope, also was a top presenter. The two each received $150 and the Jo Young Switzer Award for Excellence, named after Manchester’s president. For more go to www.manchester.edu.
- For Earth Day this year--scheduled for April 22--the National Council of Churches (NCC) has released a new study and action resource recognizing the interconnectedness of poverty and climate change. "By focusing on the interconnectedness between climate and poverty we hope to empower congregations to take action to address climate," said Cassandra Carmichael, director of the NCC Eco-Justice Programs. For a copy of the new resource, visit www.nccecojustice.org or contact the Eco-Justice Program office at info@nccecojustice.org or 202-481-6943.
- The World Council of Churches (WCC) Central Committee celebrated the organization’s 60th anniversary at meetings Feb. 13-20 in Geneva, Switzerland. Among the many business items, the committee chose Kingston, Jamaica, as the venue for the 2011 International Ecumenical Peace Convocation, which will culminate the WCC's Decade to Overcome Violence 2001-2010. The gathering will be held on the theme, "Glory to God and Peace on Earth." For full reports from the meetings, go to www.oikoumene.org. Messenger editor Walt Wiltschek, who is staff of the Church of the Brethren General Board, served on the ecumenical news team for the meetings.
- Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT) has requested prayer for a team returning to northern Iraq after a short break. "The situation there is tense with continuing attacks by Turkey and the upcoming referendum on the status of the contested city of Kirkuk," said the prayer request.
Thompson to be interim executive of Global Mission Partnerships.
R. Jan Thompson has been appointed interim executive director of Global Mission Partnerships for the Church of the Brethren General Board, as of April 1. He is an ordained minister, a former General Board member, and a former mission worker for the church. Thompson will work out of the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill.
As mission staff in Sudan, he and his wife, Roma Jo Thompson, worked on a Theological Education by Extension (TEE) program and with the Sudan Council of Churches. He was called to head the Church of the Brethren's Disaster Response Program for a term of service beginning in 1978. He also has filled several volunteer positions in the church, most recently as moderator of Pacific Southwest District in 2005, and was part of a Faith Expedition to Sudan in 2002.
Source: 4/9/2008 Newsline
R. Jan Thompson has been appointed interim executive director of Global Mission Partnerships for the Church of the Brethren General Board, as of April 1. He is an ordained minister, a former General Board member, and a former mission worker for the church. Thompson will work out of the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill.
As mission staff in Sudan, he and his wife, Roma Jo Thompson, worked on a Theological Education by Extension (TEE) program and with the Sudan Council of Churches. He was called to head the Church of the Brethren's Disaster Response Program for a term of service beginning in 1978. He also has filled several volunteer positions in the church, most recently as moderator of Pacific Southwest District in 2005, and was part of a Faith Expedition to Sudan in 2002.
Source: 4/9/2008 Newsline
Bethany announces teaching, administrative appointments.
Bethany Theological Seminary has announced two teaching appointments for the 2008-09 academic year, and an administrative appointment.Bethany Seminary has called Joshua Brockway, a graduate of Manchester College (2001), Bethany Theological Seminary (M.A. 2004), and Candler School of Theology (M.Div. 2007) to a one-year half-time position in Brethren Studies during the 2008-09 school year. He has served the Church of the Brethren as a resource person for the recent Ministerial Leadership Consultation in May 2007. He will teach on the seminary’s campus in Richmond, Ind., and online courses. Brockway currently is a doctoral student in church history at Catholic University of America.
Thomas N. Finger has been called as Scholar-in-Residence for the 2008-09 school year. The position is offered to a person who has made significant contributions to academic study and to the church through scholarship and teaching. Finger earned his Ph.D. in Philosophy of Religion and Systematic Theology from Claremont Graduate School. In addition to numerous articles, his recent book "A Contemporary Anabaptist Theology" published by InterVarsity Press has received critical attention and acclaim. During his career he has taught at Eastern Mennonite University and Seminary, Northern Baptist Theological Seminary, Garrett-Evangelical Seminary, and Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary. He currently is teaching at Meserete Kritos College in Ethiopia. At Bethany, he will teach four courses in the area of theological studies, and will reside in Richmond.
Scott Holland, Bethany’s associate professor of Theology and Culture and director of Peace Studies and Cross-Cultural Studies, has been named acting director of the Master of Arts program for the 2008-09 year. Holland will be the instructor for the M.A. Research Seminar, the M.A. Thesis Seminar, and thesis completion courses. He will continue as director of Peace Studies and Cross Cultural Studies, and also will direct the Peace Studies Forum and teach several courses as well as lead a travel seminar to Nigeria in partnership with the Church of the Brethren General Board.
Source: 4/9/2008 Newsline
Bethany Theological Seminary has announced two teaching appointments for the 2008-09 academic year, and an administrative appointment.Bethany Seminary has called Joshua Brockway, a graduate of Manchester College (2001), Bethany Theological Seminary (M.A. 2004), and Candler School of Theology (M.Div. 2007) to a one-year half-time position in Brethren Studies during the 2008-09 school year. He has served the Church of the Brethren as a resource person for the recent Ministerial Leadership Consultation in May 2007. He will teach on the seminary’s campus in Richmond, Ind., and online courses. Brockway currently is a doctoral student in church history at Catholic University of America.
Thomas N. Finger has been called as Scholar-in-Residence for the 2008-09 school year. The position is offered to a person who has made significant contributions to academic study and to the church through scholarship and teaching. Finger earned his Ph.D. in Philosophy of Religion and Systematic Theology from Claremont Graduate School. In addition to numerous articles, his recent book "A Contemporary Anabaptist Theology" published by InterVarsity Press has received critical attention and acclaim. During his career he has taught at Eastern Mennonite University and Seminary, Northern Baptist Theological Seminary, Garrett-Evangelical Seminary, and Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary. He currently is teaching at Meserete Kritos College in Ethiopia. At Bethany, he will teach four courses in the area of theological studies, and will reside in Richmond.
Scott Holland, Bethany’s associate professor of Theology and Culture and director of Peace Studies and Cross-Cultural Studies, has been named acting director of the Master of Arts program for the 2008-09 year. Holland will be the instructor for the M.A. Research Seminar, the M.A. Thesis Seminar, and thesis completion courses. He will continue as director of Peace Studies and Cross Cultural Studies, and also will direct the Peace Studies Forum and teach several courses as well as lead a travel seminar to Nigeria in partnership with the Church of the Brethren General Board.
Source: 4/9/2008 Newsline
Youth Peace Travel Team 2008 is announced.
Samantha Carwile, Gabriel Dodd, Melisa Grandison, and John-Michael Pickens will make up this year's Church of the Brethren Youth Peace Travel Team. The group will give peace programs at a variety of camps and conferences this summer.
Carwile is a student at Manchester College in North Manchester, Ind., majoring in peace studies and sociology, and is a member of Anderson (Ind.) Church of the Brethren. Dodd is a student at Bridgewater (Va.) College majoring in communications and peace studies, and is a member of Bethany Church of the Brethren in Farmington, Del. Grandison is a student at McPherson (Kan.) College studying elementary education and Spanish, and is a member of Quinter (Kan.) Church of the Brethren. Pickens is a student at Messiah College in Grantham, Pa., currently studying in Thailand, and is a member of Mechanicsburg (Pa.) Church of the Brethren.
This summer the team will travel to camps around the denomination, as well as to Annual Conference in Richmond, Va., and National Young Adult Conference in Estes Park, Colo. The Youth Peace Travel Team is an annual program sponsored by the Outdoor Ministries Association, On Earth Peace, and the Church of the Brethren General Board.
Source: 4/9/2008 Newsline
Samantha Carwile, Gabriel Dodd, Melisa Grandison, and John-Michael Pickens will make up this year's Church of the Brethren Youth Peace Travel Team. The group will give peace programs at a variety of camps and conferences this summer.
Carwile is a student at Manchester College in North Manchester, Ind., majoring in peace studies and sociology, and is a member of Anderson (Ind.) Church of the Brethren. Dodd is a student at Bridgewater (Va.) College majoring in communications and peace studies, and is a member of Bethany Church of the Brethren in Farmington, Del. Grandison is a student at McPherson (Kan.) College studying elementary education and Spanish, and is a member of Quinter (Kan.) Church of the Brethren. Pickens is a student at Messiah College in Grantham, Pa., currently studying in Thailand, and is a member of Mechanicsburg (Pa.) Church of the Brethren.
This summer the team will travel to camps around the denomination, as well as to Annual Conference in Richmond, Va., and National Young Adult Conference in Estes Park, Colo. The Youth Peace Travel Team is an annual program sponsored by the Outdoor Ministries Association, On Earth Peace, and the Church of the Brethren General Board.
Source: 4/9/2008 Newsline
Young preaches nonviolence at Bridgewater College.
The Brethren ideal of nonviolence has worked for decades to change the world, according to a civil rights activist and former United Nations ambassador. Some may view nonviolence as "old-fashioned or out-of-date," Andrew Young told those gathered Monday night, March 31, at Bridgewater (Va.) College. "But your responsibility is to think that through and upgrade it," he said.
A native of New Orleans, Young, now 76, earned a degree in divinity from Hartford Theological Seminary and became the pastor of Bethany Congregational Church in Thomasville, Ga. In 1961, Young left his church to work with the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, a civil rights organization led by Martin Luther King Jr. Young worked closely with King, and was with King when he was killed in Memphis on April 4, 1968.
But, Young said, his first encounter with nonviolence came when someone at a Brethren camp handed him a book about Mohandas Gandhi, the Indian political and spiritual leader famous for his dogma of nonviolent resistance.
Just traveling can help change a person's relationship with the world, something extremely helpful in an increasingly connected world, Young said. In 1979, President Jimmy Carter named Young the United States' ambassador to the U.N., a post he held for two years. "If you travel the world, you see how other people are quite like us," he said. "If we don't learn to live as brothers and sisters, we will perish as fools."
Young also addressed the economy. Traveling to Africa would also help buoy that continent's economy, and with that, help the rest of the world, Young explained. "Africa is the missing link in the global economy," Young said, adding that the continent is full of untapped resources. A "philosophy of development" will help bring private companies--the ones with the wealth and technology--into investing in poorer areas, Young said.
That's what he accomplished as mayor of Atlanta, Young said, citing the 1 million jobs he brought during his tenure from 1981-89. He also helped bring the Centennial Olympics to the city in 1996.
"He is an articulate, passionate spokesman for liberty and human rights," said Bridgewater College president Phil Stone. "And he continues that with focusing on economic development in Africa."
"He is a very admirable man," said Chris Houck, 20, a student from Carlisle, Pa. "I learned a lot more than I expected. He's got a lot of wisdom."
--Kate Prahlad writes for the "Daily News Record" of Harrisonburg, Va., where this article first appeared on April 1. The article is reprinted here with permission.
Source: 4/9/2008 Newsline
The Brethren ideal of nonviolence has worked for decades to change the world, according to a civil rights activist and former United Nations ambassador. Some may view nonviolence as "old-fashioned or out-of-date," Andrew Young told those gathered Monday night, March 31, at Bridgewater (Va.) College. "But your responsibility is to think that through and upgrade it," he said.
A native of New Orleans, Young, now 76, earned a degree in divinity from Hartford Theological Seminary and became the pastor of Bethany Congregational Church in Thomasville, Ga. In 1961, Young left his church to work with the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, a civil rights organization led by Martin Luther King Jr. Young worked closely with King, and was with King when he was killed in Memphis on April 4, 1968.
But, Young said, his first encounter with nonviolence came when someone at a Brethren camp handed him a book about Mohandas Gandhi, the Indian political and spiritual leader famous for his dogma of nonviolent resistance.
Just traveling can help change a person's relationship with the world, something extremely helpful in an increasingly connected world, Young said. In 1979, President Jimmy Carter named Young the United States' ambassador to the U.N., a post he held for two years. "If you travel the world, you see how other people are quite like us," he said. "If we don't learn to live as brothers and sisters, we will perish as fools."
Young also addressed the economy. Traveling to Africa would also help buoy that continent's economy, and with that, help the rest of the world, Young explained. "Africa is the missing link in the global economy," Young said, adding that the continent is full of untapped resources. A "philosophy of development" will help bring private companies--the ones with the wealth and technology--into investing in poorer areas, Young said.
That's what he accomplished as mayor of Atlanta, Young said, citing the 1 million jobs he brought during his tenure from 1981-89. He also helped bring the Centennial Olympics to the city in 1996.
"He is an articulate, passionate spokesman for liberty and human rights," said Bridgewater College president Phil Stone. "And he continues that with focusing on economic development in Africa."
"He is a very admirable man," said Chris Houck, 20, a student from Carlisle, Pa. "I learned a lot more than I expected. He's got a lot of wisdom."
--Kate Prahlad writes for the "Daily News Record" of Harrisonburg, Va., where this article first appeared on April 1. The article is reprinted here with permission.
Source: 4/9/2008 Newsline
Credits
Newsline is produced by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of news services for the Church of the Brethren General Board, cobnews@brethren.org or 800-323-8039 ext. 260. Lerry Fogle, Cori Hahn, Nancy F. Knepper, Jon Kobel, Jeri S. Kornegay, Karin Krog, Joan McGrath, Marcia Shetler, Callie Surber, Walt Wiltschek, and Jane Yount contributed to this report.
Newsline is produced by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of news services for the Church of the Brethren General Board, cobnews@brethren.org or 800-323-8039 ext. 260. Lerry Fogle, Cori Hahn, Nancy F. Knepper, Jon Kobel, Jeri S. Kornegay, Karin Krog, Joan McGrath, Marcia Shetler, Callie Surber, Walt Wiltschek, and Jane Yount contributed to this report.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
NEWS
- Bethany Seminary Inaugural Forum to offer live webcasts.
- Annual Conference Council discusses budget deficit, merger.
- New orientation increases accessibility for Bethany Connections.
- Grants go to Darfur and Mozambique, clean-up buckets needed.
- Brethren bits: Corrections, remembrances, personnel, jobs, more.
- Keeney resigns as executive director of Global Mission Partnerships.
- Wagner begins as director of the New Windsor Conference Center.
- Campanella takes on new role at Brethren Service Center.
- McCabe retires as chief executive officer of The Cedars.
- Bridgewater College welcomes Andrew Young to 300th Anniversary events.
- Anniversary Writing Contest for Youth is announced.
Bethany Seminary Inaugural Forum to offer live webcasts.
The Church of the Brethren Webcast Series will present live video webcasts from Bethany Theological Seminary's Inaugural Forum, "Hearing Scriptures of Peace," on March 30-31.
Presentations to be webcast include a plenary with Dr. Scott Appleby on “The Incarnation of Reconciliation: Interpreting Scripture Through the Person of Jesus,” March 30 at 1:30-2:30 p.m. (eastern time); presentations by Bethany students, March 30, 4:15-5:15 p.m.; evening worship on March 30, 7:30-9 p.m., with Bethany president Ruthann Knechel Johansen speaking on "Asking for Wonder”; a plenary with Rabbi Rachel Gartner on “Vechol Netivoteha Shalom: All the Paths of Torah are Peace,” March 31, 8:30-9:30 a.m.; and a plenary with Dr. Rashied Omar on “Islam Beyond Tolerance: The Qur’anic Concept of Ta’ruf/Embrace,” March 31, 1:15-2:15 p.m.
To view the webcasts go to www.cobwebcast.bethanyseminary.edu. For questions contact Enten@bethanyseminary.edu or 800-287-8822 ext. 1831.
Source: 3/26/2008 Newsline
The Church of the Brethren Webcast Series will present live video webcasts from Bethany Theological Seminary's Inaugural Forum, "Hearing Scriptures of Peace," on March 30-31.
Presentations to be webcast include a plenary with Dr. Scott Appleby on “The Incarnation of Reconciliation: Interpreting Scripture Through the Person of Jesus,” March 30 at 1:30-2:30 p.m. (eastern time); presentations by Bethany students, March 30, 4:15-5:15 p.m.; evening worship on March 30, 7:30-9 p.m., with Bethany president Ruthann Knechel Johansen speaking on "Asking for Wonder”; a plenary with Rabbi Rachel Gartner on “Vechol Netivoteha Shalom: All the Paths of Torah are Peace,” March 31, 8:30-9:30 a.m.; and a plenary with Dr. Rashied Omar on “Islam Beyond Tolerance: The Qur’anic Concept of Ta’ruf/Embrace,” March 31, 1:15-2:15 p.m.
To view the webcasts go to www.cobwebcast.bethanyseminary.edu. For questions contact Enten@bethanyseminary.edu or 800-287-8822 ext. 1831.
Source: 3/26/2008 Newsline
Annual Conference Council discusses budget deficit, merger.
In a meeting on March 10-11 at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill., the Annual Conference Council received an update on funding for the Annual Conference. The group also addressed issues related to the merger of the Association of Brethren Caregivers and the General Board, among other business.
The Annual Conference Fund ended 2007 with a deficit of $46,376, a figure $45,000 better than was projected when the year began. The deficit represents losses Annual Conference has experienced over the past five Conferences. The deficit for the year 2007 alone was $15,501, some $45,000 better than budgeted. Income for the 2007 Conference--including registrations, district contributions, etc.--exceeded budget expectations by $57,000, but facility expenses in Cleveland were $24,000 more than budgeted. The unexpected costs were due primarily to excessive labor charges at the Cleveland Convention Center.
The Annual Conference Council, which has fiscal responsibility for Conference among its functions, anticipates that the 2008 Annual Conference in Richmond, Va., will help resolve the financial problem. Already, registrations and lodging reservations are showing encouraging increases. If the Conference hotels are filled, costs of the convention facilities will be minimal.
In other business the council:
Source: 3/26/2008 Newsline
In a meeting on March 10-11 at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill., the Annual Conference Council received an update on funding for the Annual Conference. The group also addressed issues related to the merger of the Association of Brethren Caregivers and the General Board, among other business.
The Annual Conference Fund ended 2007 with a deficit of $46,376, a figure $45,000 better than was projected when the year began. The deficit represents losses Annual Conference has experienced over the past five Conferences. The deficit for the year 2007 alone was $15,501, some $45,000 better than budgeted. Income for the 2007 Conference--including registrations, district contributions, etc.--exceeded budget expectations by $57,000, but facility expenses in Cleveland were $24,000 more than budgeted. The unexpected costs were due primarily to excessive labor charges at the Cleveland Convention Center.
The Annual Conference Council, which has fiscal responsibility for Conference among its functions, anticipates that the 2008 Annual Conference in Richmond, Va., will help resolve the financial problem. Already, registrations and lodging reservations are showing encouraging increases. If the Conference hotels are filled, costs of the convention facilities will be minimal.
In other business the council:
- Put finishing touches on its report to the Standing Committee of district delegates about a revision of the process for dealing with “special response queries.” The council was asked by Annual Conference to revise the existing 1988 paper in response to a recommendation from the Denominational Name Committee in 2004. If approved, Standing Committee will send the paper to the 2009 Conference for approval.
- Reviewed proposed bylaws for the new denominational structure merging the General Board and the Association of Brethren Caregivers, and decided that the entire document should be considered polity. The group noted that extensive changes will be required to the Manual of Organization and Polity, which has just recently been revised and reissued. It was reported there have been more orders than expected for paper copies of the recently revised manual.
- Compiled a list of agenda items for the April meeting of the Inter-Agency Forum, an annual meeting of executives and board chairs of the Annual Conference agencies, Annual Conference officers, and a representative of the Council of District Executives.
- Accepted an invitation from the General Board’s general secretary to have a joint meeting of the council and the proposed new denominational Leadership Team in August, to follow up on 2008 Annual Conference decisions and facilitate transition of responsibilities from the council to the Leadership Team.
Source: 3/26/2008 Newsline
New orientation increases accessibility for Bethany Connections.
A new orientation structure has been approved for Connections, Bethany Theological Seminary’s distance education program for the master of divinity degree. The move will greatly reduce the initial time commitment at the campus in Richmond, Ind., for students pursuing graduate studies from a distance. An intensive weekend retreat, followed by Bethany’s two-day orientation, will replace the two-week August class that previously served as entry into the program.
The new weekend retreat will serve as the first class session of the hybrid weekend intensive course “Exegeting the Call and Culture of Ministry.” This year, the retreat will take place Aug. 22-24, followed by new student orientation on Aug. 25-26. The second weekend session of the course will be held Dec. 5-6.
The change also eliminates the previously required two-week August intensive, opening up an additional elective class option in the academic programs of those participating in Connections. “This is an exciting opportunity for new students,” said Enten Eller, director of Distributed Education. “Not only does the shift from requiring two full weeks down to a retreat weekend and orientation make participation significantly easier, it sends the clear signal that Bethany is serious about reaching out to distance students. Additionally, this step will help unite our student body, as now both distance and local students will share in the same orientation.”
Connections students complete the master of divinity degree without relocating to Bethany’s Richmond campus through a mix of online courses, hybrid online and weekend courses, or on-campus intensives that meet for either several weekends or a two-week block. Currently 25 students from eight states are enrolled in Connections.
The application deadline for Bethany’s fall 2008-09 semester is July 31. Visit www.bethanyseminary.edu for more information about Bethany and the Connections program, or contact Enten Eller at enten@bethanyseminary.edu or 800-287-8822 ext. 1831, or interim director of Admissions Elizabeth Keller at kelleel@bethanyseminary.edu or 800-287-8822 ext. 1832.
--Marcia Shetler is director of Public Relations for Bethany Theological Seminary.
Source: 3/26/2008 Newsline
A new orientation structure has been approved for Connections, Bethany Theological Seminary’s distance education program for the master of divinity degree. The move will greatly reduce the initial time commitment at the campus in Richmond, Ind., for students pursuing graduate studies from a distance. An intensive weekend retreat, followed by Bethany’s two-day orientation, will replace the two-week August class that previously served as entry into the program.
The new weekend retreat will serve as the first class session of the hybrid weekend intensive course “Exegeting the Call and Culture of Ministry.” This year, the retreat will take place Aug. 22-24, followed by new student orientation on Aug. 25-26. The second weekend session of the course will be held Dec. 5-6.
The change also eliminates the previously required two-week August intensive, opening up an additional elective class option in the academic programs of those participating in Connections. “This is an exciting opportunity for new students,” said Enten Eller, director of Distributed Education. “Not only does the shift from requiring two full weeks down to a retreat weekend and orientation make participation significantly easier, it sends the clear signal that Bethany is serious about reaching out to distance students. Additionally, this step will help unite our student body, as now both distance and local students will share in the same orientation.”
Connections students complete the master of divinity degree without relocating to Bethany’s Richmond campus through a mix of online courses, hybrid online and weekend courses, or on-campus intensives that meet for either several weekends or a two-week block. Currently 25 students from eight states are enrolled in Connections.
The application deadline for Bethany’s fall 2008-09 semester is July 31. Visit www.bethanyseminary.edu for more information about Bethany and the Connections program, or contact Enten Eller at enten@bethanyseminary.edu or 800-287-8822 ext. 1831, or interim director of Admissions Elizabeth Keller at kelleel@bethanyseminary.edu or 800-287-8822 ext. 1832.
--Marcia Shetler is director of Public Relations for Bethany Theological Seminary.
Source: 3/26/2008 Newsline
Grants go to Darfur and Mozambique, clean-up buckets needed.
The Emergency Disaster Fund (EDF) of the Church of the Brethren has issued large grants to humanitarian work in Darfur, Sudan, and to Mozambique following flooding. In other disaster related news, Brethren Disaster Ministries has issued an urgent call for donations of clean-up buckets following flooding in the Midwest.
An allocation of $50,000 has been given from the EDF to support a Church World Service (CWS) appeal for Darfur, for broad aid and relief efforts in the form of medical care, nutrition, shelters, schools, and water supplies. A grant of $40,000 supports a CWS response in Mozambique, where flooding displaced tens of thousands of people, and will help provide clean water, sanitation, shelter materials, seeds, and agricultural tools. The EDF also has given $4,000 to assist displaced people in Afghanistan through CWS.
The appeal for Emergency Clean-Up Buckets was made on behalf of CWS. The buckets are needed for those affected by flooding across the central US. Flooding in Arkansas prompted a request from the Arkansas Presbytery for 96 CWS Emergency Clean-up Buckets, which the Church of the Brethren has fulfilled at a value of $4,320. Information about how to assemble and donate buckets is at www.churchworldservice.org/kits/cleanup-kits.html.
Source: 3/26/2008 Newsline
The Emergency Disaster Fund (EDF) of the Church of the Brethren has issued large grants to humanitarian work in Darfur, Sudan, and to Mozambique following flooding. In other disaster related news, Brethren Disaster Ministries has issued an urgent call for donations of clean-up buckets following flooding in the Midwest.
An allocation of $50,000 has been given from the EDF to support a Church World Service (CWS) appeal for Darfur, for broad aid and relief efforts in the form of medical care, nutrition, shelters, schools, and water supplies. A grant of $40,000 supports a CWS response in Mozambique, where flooding displaced tens of thousands of people, and will help provide clean water, sanitation, shelter materials, seeds, and agricultural tools. The EDF also has given $4,000 to assist displaced people in Afghanistan through CWS.
The appeal for Emergency Clean-Up Buckets was made on behalf of CWS. The buckets are needed for those affected by flooding across the central US. Flooding in Arkansas prompted a request from the Arkansas Presbytery for 96 CWS Emergency Clean-up Buckets, which the Church of the Brethren has fulfilled at a value of $4,320. Information about how to assemble and donate buckets is at www.churchworldservice.org/kits/cleanup-kits.html.
Source: 3/26/2008 Newsline
Brethren bits: Corrections, remembrances, personnel, jobs, more.
- Corrections: The Newsline of March 12 omitted “Messenger” magazine from the financial report of the Church of the Brethren General Board for 2007. “Messenger” is a self-funded budget, and ended the year with a net income of $20,080 and gross sales of just over $255,000, in pre-audit figures. The financial report also should have noted that the total expended from the Emergency Disaster Fund includes support for the program of Brethren Disaster Ministries and Children’s Disaster Services as well as grants, and the total expended from the Global Food Crisis Fund includes support for the Global Food Crisis program. The total offering received from board members and staff toward a new capital campaign was $2,284.
- Harold Z. Bomberger, 89, died on March 17 at Lebanon Valley Brethren Home in Palmyra, Pa. He was an ordained Church of the Brethren minister and moderator of Annual Conference in 1971. He was a member of the Church of the Brethren General Board for a five-year term beginning in 1966. He also served in key denominational positions as executive minister of Atlantic Northeast District from 1971-83, and during the 1950s as executive secretary of the church’s Eastern Region. At one time he worked as an editorial associate for the "Gospel Messenger" magazine (now the "Messenger"). His volunteer work for the church included two terms on the Standing Committee of Annual Conference, service on the Committee on Interchurch Relations, presidency of the Kansas Council of Churches, membership on the Pennsylvania Council of Church’s Governing Board, charter membership of the Pennsylvania Conference on Interchurch Cooperation, service as president of the Alumni Association of Elizabethtown (Pa.) College, membership in the Central Pennsylvania Chapter of the Biblical Archeological Society, and service on the executive committee of Lebanon County (Pa.) Christian Ministries. In 1980, he was honored for his leadership as a member of the board of Mennonite Mental Health Services, and in 1993 was named “Peacemaker of the Year” by the Brethren Peace Fellowship of Atlantic Northeast District. Bethany Theological Seminary awarded him an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree in 1965. In 1967, he was an exchange preacher to the British isles, which included an invitation to attend Queen Elizabeth’s garden party at Buckingham Palace, and a later audience with Pope Paul V. Born in Lebanon County, Pa., he was the son of Howard B. and Venona Zug Bomberger. He was a graduate of Lebanon High School, Elizabethtown College, Bethany Seminary, and Lutheran Theological Seminary in Gettysburg, Pa. He began in ministry in 1939 at Annville (Pa.) Church of the Brethren. He also served pastorates in Allentown, Pa.; Westminster, Md.; and McPherson, Kan., and in retirement served as interim pastor to seven Pennsylvania congregations. Prior to his ministerial career, he worked in farming and radio and television engineering. Surviving is Betty, his wife of 64 years, their children Timothy, Lane, and Venona, and their families, including nine grandchildren and ten great grandchildren. A celebration of his life was held at Annville Church of the Brethren on March 24. Memorial contributions may be made to the Fund for Humanities, care of Annville Church of the Brethren, 495 E. Maple St., Annville, PA 17003.
- May H. Patalano, 52, secretary for Northern Ohio District, passed away at home on March 6. “She was at peace and we know she is now in the Lord’s house,” said a request for prayer from the district. Patalano was diagnosed with metastatic cancer of the pancreas on Jan. 20, and had been at home under hospice care. She served as secretary to the district executive since 1995. From 1993-95, she and her husband, Robert, were volunteer church and community workers in Big Creek, Ky., through Brethren Volunteer Service. She taught Bible at Westmoreland Christian High School in Greensburg, Pa., from 1992-93, and was previously a customer service manager for C-K Composites in Mt. Pleasant, Pa. She was born Oct. 23, 1955, in Seymour, Ind., to Durward and Idabelle Hays, and moved to Ashland, Ohio, in 1961 when her father became pastor of Ashland Dickey Church of the Brethren. She was a graduate of Ashland High School; Taylor University in Upland, Ind.; Greensburg (Pa.) Business School; and St. Vincent College in Latrobe, Pa. She married Robert Patalano in 1986. She was a member of the Ashland Dickey Church where she was a deacon and Sunday school teacher, active in music ministry, and a youth advisor from 1979-2005. She is survived by her husband and two stepchildren Andrea and Rob, who with his wife, Kay, are expecting the Patalanos’ first grandchild in May. A "Going Home" celebration was held at the Ashland Dickey Church on March 10. Memorials may be made to Hospice of North Central Ohio, 1050 Dauch Dr., Ashland, OH 44805; or to Ashland Dickey Church of the Brethren Memorial Fund, 1509 Twp. Road 655, Ashland, OH 44805. Condolences may be sent to www.dpkfh.com.
- Jane Bankert has announced her retirement as secretary for the Material Resources program of the Church of the Brethren General Board as of April 30, after 33 years of work at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md. She first began her work with Material Resources in 1973. With a short break for 22 months in 1976-78, she has continued working for the program up to the present time. She has witnessed the growth and change of the Material Resources department over the years, as she has helped facilitate shipments of relief materials around the world, and fulfilled wishes of the ecumenical programs that are the Material Resources clients. Her retirement plans include spending time boating with her husband, gardening, and playing golf.
- Eric Miller has submitted his resignation as customer service/inventory specialist for Brethren Press, located at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill., in order to accept a position with Tyndale House Publishers. His resignation is effective March 31, his last day in the office is March 26. He began with Brethren Press in August 2006, and over his year-and-a-half of customer service work brought a high level of dedication and professionalism to the position.
- Kathy Maxwell begins April 1 as assistant to the director of Office Operations at the Brethren Benefit Trust (BBT), located at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill. She will work in the administrative office of BBT. She is a resident of Elgin, and previously was a longterm employee of the Neighborhood Housing Services of Elgin.
- Brethren Benefit Trust (BBT) seeks a manager of publications to fill a fulltime salaried position based in Elgin, Ill. Responsibilities include oversight of BBT publications such as newsletters, press releases, website, and special projects; serving as a senior writer and copy editor; reporting on news and information related to BBT ministry areas of pension, insurance, Foundation, and credit union; some writing covering the wellness component of BBT’s mission, including financial wellness and wellness of body/spirit; reporting of socially responsible investing initiatives through management of $450 million in pension and Foundation monies; working with a production coordinator and contracted designers; assisting with marketing and promotional efforts; representing the department/agency at meetings and events; travel to the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference, BBT Board meetings, and other denominational events as assigned. BBT seeks a candidate with an undergraduate degree in communications, English, business, or a related field; and experience and expertise in writing, copyediting, and/or project management. Knowledge in personal investments is helpful, and an active member of the Church of the Brethren is preferred. Active membership in a faith community is required. Salary and benefits are competitive with Church Benefits Association agencies of comparable size and scope of services. A full benefits package is included. The application deadline is April 25. Send a letter of interest, resume, three references (one supervisor, one colleague, one friend), and salary-range expectation to Donna March, 1505 Dundee Ave., Elgin IL 60120; or dmarch_bbt@brethren.org. For questions about the position, call 847-622-3371. For more information about BBT visit www.brethrenbenefittrust.org.
- The Palms Estates, a Church of the Brethren 55-and-over independent living retirement community in central Florida, seeks executive staff. The community includes 71 homes and 40 RV sites. “This is an excellent employment opportunity for an experienced husband and wife team,” said an announcement of the position opening. Responsibilities include leadership and management of the total operation of the Palms Estates. Candidates should possess strong organizational, administrative, accounting, verbal and written communication, and interpersonal skills acquired through training and experience. Knowledge of budgets, financial statements, and computer technology related to all office functions also is required. Qualified applicants need the ability to manage multiple tasks involving residents’ needs and concerns, maintain harmonious relations with related organizations, insure compliance with governmental regulations, and manage a small citrus grove and maintenance staff. Onsite residence and office are provided in addition to salary and other benefits. Send a resume and three references by April 15 to The Palms Estates, P.O. Box 364, Lorida FL, 33857, Attn: Verna Forney; or via e-mail to thepalms@embarqmail.com. For more information about the community go to www.cob-net.org/home/palms-estates.
- The funding and stewardship office of the Church of the Brethren General Board is calling attention to the upcoming economic stimulus package for taxpayers. “The check is in the mail,” says a note from the funding office. “Your government says spend it, but your church says share it! Anything that is of value in life only multiplies when it is given. Thanks be to God!” For more information go to www.brethren.org/genbd/funding.
- Brethren Disaster Ministries staff will be at a national domestic disaster ministry forum titled “Economics and Justice in Disasters,” on March 29-April 1 in Nashville, Tenn. The conference will address how issues such as global warming, predatory lending, recovery privatization, battered local economies, and changing immigration laws worsen the effects of disasters and add to post-disaster burdens for the poor. The forum is presented by Church World Service (CWS). Church of the Brethren staff member Zachary Wolgemuth is on the planning committee. Participants are expected to include leaders from national faith groups and denominations with disaster ministries, as well as representatives of FEMA, the American Red Cross, and VOAD (Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters). A registration form and information may be downloaded from www.cwserp.org/reports.
- Brethren Volunteer Service worker Dana Cassell, serving in the Ministry Office of the Church of the Brethren General Board, plans to participate in a conference titled, "Breakthrough: The Women, Faith, and Development Summit to End Global Poverty" at the Washington National Cathedral on April 13-14. The event kicks off the Women, Faith, and Development Alliance, a partnership of faith, development, and women's organizations with the purpose of including support for women and girls in the poverty agendas of organizations and global leaders. Cassell became involved through the National Council of Churches. Organizers expect presidential candidates to attend the summit, which will be co-chaired by a group of world leaders including Archbishop Desmond Tutu of South Africa, former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Mary Robinson, and former US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright. For more information or to register to attend, go to www.wfd-alliance.org.
- The Paul Taylor Dance Company will perform a new dance, "De Suenos," as part of a performance at Juniata College in Huntingdon, Pa., on April 3 at 7:30 p.m. The dances "Cloven Kingdom" and "Antique Valentine" also will be performed in the event at Rosenberger Auditorium. The Paul Taylor Dance Company tour in Pennsylvania is part of "American Masterpieces: Three Centuries of Artistic Genius," an initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts with support from the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts (see www.ptdc.org). "De Suenos," which means "of dreams," is set to the music of Mexican composers and performed to the music of the Kronos Quartet. General admission is $20, or $12 for seniors over age 65 and children 18 and under. For tickets and information call 814-641-3608.
- The Steering Committee of the Womaen's Caucus of the Church of the Brethren is inviting attendance at an event on April 12 at 6-8 p.m. at Bethany Theological Seminary, “to hear about our current projects, to share your own experiences and insights, and to break bread with other local feminist men and women.” The event will take place in the Student Lounge of the seminary in Richmond, Ind., and will include a meal. The main course will be provided, with vegetarian options, and participants are invited to bring a salad or dessert. E-mail questions and RSVP to womaen@gmail.com. The Steering Committee includes Carla Kilgore, Jan Eller, Anna Lisa Gross, Sharon Nearhoof May, Deb Peterson, Peg Yoder, Jill Kline, and Audrey deCoursey.
- The April edition of "Brethren Voices," a community cable television program offered by Peace Church of the Brethren in Portland, Ore., features Brethren Volunteer Service. The show will celebrate BVS’s 60 years of service and the opportunities for over 6,000 volunteers to serve in the US and 30 countries around the world. The 30-minute show includes a video made by David Sollenberger. Individual copies are available for a contribution of $8 to Portland Peace Church of the Brethren, 12727 SE Market St., Portland, OR 97233. Contact producer Ed Groff at Groffprod1@msn.com or 360-256-8550.
- Special programs tomorrow, March 27, at the United Nations in New York commemorate the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (March 21) and the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade (March 25). Doris Abdullah represents the Church of the Brethren on the organizing group, the NGO Human Rights Subcommittee for the Elimination of Racism. A briefing on “Lest We Forget: Breaking the Silence on the Transatlantic Slave Trade” and a premiere of the documentary “The Slave Route: A Global Vision” will take place from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Dag Hammarskjöld Library Auditorium (the event may be webcast at www.un.org/dpi/ngosection). An afternoon program, “Eliminate Racism: Prevent Mass Atrocities,” will be held from 1:30-4:15 p.m. at The Church Center (1st Ave. and 44th St.) and is open to the public. A panel will include architect Rodney Leon, designer of the African Burial Ground National Monument; Yvette Rugasaguhunga, a survivor of the Rwandan genocide; Mark Weitzman of the Simon Weisenthal Center; and others.
Keeney resigns as executive director of Global Mission Partnerships.
Mervin B. Keeney has resigned as executive director of Global Mission Partnerships for the Church of the Brethren General Board, as of March 14. He has held the position since 1997, with responsibility for overseeing the denomination’s international mission programs, Brethren Volunteer Service, and the Brethren Witness/Washington Office.
During his tenure, the denomination has launched missions in Brazil and Haiti, and for the past few years General Board staff have been working on a new mission in Sudan. Keeney has served as a main contact with leaders of Brethren churches in Brazil, the Dominican Republic, India, and Nigeria, and fledgling congregations in Haiti.
He has traveled extensively and participated in key international delegations, including the visit of Annual Conference moderator Belita Mitchell to Nigeria in 2007 as the first African-American woman to head the US church; a trip to North Korea in 2003 as part of a delegation from the National Council of Churches (NCC) and Church World Service (CWS); and visits to India in 2000 and 2004 with Church of the Brethren leaders aiming to rebuild relationships after 30 years of separation between the Church of North India and India Brethren. In 1979 he met with Yasser Arafat as part of an NCC delegation to the Middle East. Most recently he was at the Historic Peace Churches international gathering in Indonesia. In the winter of 1998-99, he spent a sabbatical in Nigeria with his family, and was present for celebrations of the 75th anniversary of Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria (EYN--the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria).
Keeney has been a staff representative to the NCC and member of the CWS executive committee, a member of the General Board’s Mission and Ministries Planning Council, and on the board’s leadership team. He first began work for the board in 1978 as coordinator for BVS recruitment and interpretation, and then as a recruiter for mission staff through 1985. He held an assignment in Sudan 1985-87 as a medical administrator and consultant for the Sudan Council of Churches. From 1991-97 he worked for the General Board as Africa and Middle East representative.
He holds a graduate degree in public administration with a focus on international programs from the American University in Washington, D.C. He also has worked as a management analyst in the US General Accounting Office, and served as a Peace Corps volunteer in the Philippines.
General secretary Stan Noffsinger is assuming leadership and responsibility for the Global Mission Partnerships program during an interim time.
Source: 3/26/2008 Newsline
Mervin B. Keeney has resigned as executive director of Global Mission Partnerships for the Church of the Brethren General Board, as of March 14. He has held the position since 1997, with responsibility for overseeing the denomination’s international mission programs, Brethren Volunteer Service, and the Brethren Witness/Washington Office.
During his tenure, the denomination has launched missions in Brazil and Haiti, and for the past few years General Board staff have been working on a new mission in Sudan. Keeney has served as a main contact with leaders of Brethren churches in Brazil, the Dominican Republic, India, and Nigeria, and fledgling congregations in Haiti.
He has traveled extensively and participated in key international delegations, including the visit of Annual Conference moderator Belita Mitchell to Nigeria in 2007 as the first African-American woman to head the US church; a trip to North Korea in 2003 as part of a delegation from the National Council of Churches (NCC) and Church World Service (CWS); and visits to India in 2000 and 2004 with Church of the Brethren leaders aiming to rebuild relationships after 30 years of separation between the Church of North India and India Brethren. In 1979 he met with Yasser Arafat as part of an NCC delegation to the Middle East. Most recently he was at the Historic Peace Churches international gathering in Indonesia. In the winter of 1998-99, he spent a sabbatical in Nigeria with his family, and was present for celebrations of the 75th anniversary of Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria (EYN--the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria).
Keeney has been a staff representative to the NCC and member of the CWS executive committee, a member of the General Board’s Mission and Ministries Planning Council, and on the board’s leadership team. He first began work for the board in 1978 as coordinator for BVS recruitment and interpretation, and then as a recruiter for mission staff through 1985. He held an assignment in Sudan 1985-87 as a medical administrator and consultant for the Sudan Council of Churches. From 1991-97 he worked for the General Board as Africa and Middle East representative.
He holds a graduate degree in public administration with a focus on international programs from the American University in Washington, D.C. He also has worked as a management analyst in the US General Accounting Office, and served as a Peace Corps volunteer in the Philippines.
General secretary Stan Noffsinger is assuming leadership and responsibility for the Global Mission Partnerships program during an interim time.
Source: 3/26/2008 Newsline
Wagner begins as director of the New Windsor Conference Center.
Shelly Wagner has begun work as director of the New Windsor (Md.) Conference Center, as of March 24. This is a new salaried position with the Church of the Brethren General Board, located at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor.
Wagner comes to the position with 12 years of experience in domestic and international marketing in the for-profit arena, and brings skills in strategic planning, niche marketing, branding, and customer service. She previously worked for I.M.I, a commercial tires and accessory parts company.
She has been a member of Welty Church of the Brethren in Smithsburg, Md., since she was 14 years old, where she has served on the Music and Worship Commission and a pastoral search committee, has helped with Bible School, and sings in the choir. She lives in and will be commuting from Waynesboro, Pa.
Source: 3/26/2008 Newsline
Shelly Wagner has begun work as director of the New Windsor (Md.) Conference Center, as of March 24. This is a new salaried position with the Church of the Brethren General Board, located at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor.
Wagner comes to the position with 12 years of experience in domestic and international marketing in the for-profit arena, and brings skills in strategic planning, niche marketing, branding, and customer service. She previously worked for I.M.I, a commercial tires and accessory parts company.
She has been a member of Welty Church of the Brethren in Smithsburg, Md., since she was 14 years old, where she has served on the Music and Worship Commission and a pastoral search committee, has helped with Bible School, and sings in the choir. She lives in and will be commuting from Waynesboro, Pa.
Source: 3/26/2008 Newsline
Campanella takes on new role at Brethren Service Center.
With new leadership for the New Windsor (Md.) Conference Center, Kathleen Campanella is moving to a new role as director of Partner and Public Relations for the Brethren Service Center. Campanella has worked for the last several years as a part time director for the New Windsor Conference Center, and has led the conference center through a time of extensive staff turnover and change while still carrying responsibilities for public information.
Her new salaried staff role will expand her public information work to include developing new partnerships and new program initiatives at the Brethren Service Center. She will transition back into a primary role of interpreting the Brethren Service Center to ecumenical and other partner organizations, the Church of the Brethren, and the general public.
She also will have expanded responsibilities for developing interpretative exhibits for the Brethren Service Center campus, leading tours, developing new partnerships that enhance the mission of the center, providing coordination of communication with current center partners, developing workshops and presentations, and supporting news services for the Church of the Brethren.
Source: 3/26/2008 Newsline
With new leadership for the New Windsor (Md.) Conference Center, Kathleen Campanella is moving to a new role as director of Partner and Public Relations for the Brethren Service Center. Campanella has worked for the last several years as a part time director for the New Windsor Conference Center, and has led the conference center through a time of extensive staff turnover and change while still carrying responsibilities for public information.
Her new salaried staff role will expand her public information work to include developing new partnerships and new program initiatives at the Brethren Service Center. She will transition back into a primary role of interpreting the Brethren Service Center to ecumenical and other partner organizations, the Church of the Brethren, and the general public.
She also will have expanded responsibilities for developing interpretative exhibits for the Brethren Service Center campus, leading tours, developing new partnerships that enhance the mission of the center, providing coordination of communication with current center partners, developing workshops and presentations, and supporting news services for the Church of the Brethren.
Source: 3/26/2008 Newsline
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