- Brethren Disaster Ministries receives $50,000 grant to continue Katrina rebuilding.
- Ministry Summer Service participants complete internship program.
- Mission trip to the Dominican Republic builds faith, relationships.
- Brethren bits: Correction, personnel, jobs, YAC, and more.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
NEWS
Brethren Disaster Ministries receives $50,000 grant to continue Katrina rebuilding.
Brethren Disaster Ministries has received an additional allocation from the Church of the Brethren's Emergency Disaster Fund to continue rebuilding following Hurricane Katrina. The grant will support the program’s rebuilding site in Chalmette, in the St. Bernard Parish of Louisiana.
The program has announced that it expects to continue working in St. Bernard parish for several more years. The grant will go toward the repair and rebuilding of homes, travel expenses, leadership training, tools and equipment, and food and housing for volunteers.
Prior grants to support this Brethren Disaster Ministries site total $120,000. Brethren Disaster Ministries established a project in Chalmette in February 2007. To date, more than 600 volunteers have given over 4,500 work days and assisted over 50 families in returning to their homes.
Chalmette was one of the most devastated areas when Hurricane Katrina slammed into the northern Gulf Coast. Homes there were flooded with six to 20 feet of water for more than two weeks. More than 200 parish residents lost their lives and 100 percent of the homes were officially "uninhabitable." Current estimates indicate that if one house were built per day in the parish, it would take nearly 74 years to rebuild, Brethren Disaster Ministries reported.
In other disaster relief news, pastor Chuck Berdel of Christ Our Shepherd Church of the Brethren in South/Central Indiana District has been heavily involved in the group coordinating longterm recovery efforts for flood survivors in Johnson County, Ind. He reported to Brethren Disaster Ministries that the Construction Committee is quickly moving forward with planning while homes are still drying out. He was to attend a "Recovery Tools and Training" workshop sponsored by Church World Service on July 31. "I am very humbled and wish to represent Christ Our Shepherd and our denomination well as we heal here from all the devastation," he said.
Source: 8/13/2008 Newsline
Brethren Disaster Ministries has received an additional allocation from the Church of the Brethren's Emergency Disaster Fund to continue rebuilding following Hurricane Katrina. The grant will support the program’s rebuilding site in Chalmette, in the St. Bernard Parish of Louisiana.
The program has announced that it expects to continue working in St. Bernard parish for several more years. The grant will go toward the repair and rebuilding of homes, travel expenses, leadership training, tools and equipment, and food and housing for volunteers.
Prior grants to support this Brethren Disaster Ministries site total $120,000. Brethren Disaster Ministries established a project in Chalmette in February 2007. To date, more than 600 volunteers have given over 4,500 work days and assisted over 50 families in returning to their homes.
Chalmette was one of the most devastated areas when Hurricane Katrina slammed into the northern Gulf Coast. Homes there were flooded with six to 20 feet of water for more than two weeks. More than 200 parish residents lost their lives and 100 percent of the homes were officially "uninhabitable." Current estimates indicate that if one house were built per day in the parish, it would take nearly 74 years to rebuild, Brethren Disaster Ministries reported.
In other disaster relief news, pastor Chuck Berdel of Christ Our Shepherd Church of the Brethren in South/Central Indiana District has been heavily involved in the group coordinating longterm recovery efforts for flood survivors in Johnson County, Ind. He reported to Brethren Disaster Ministries that the Construction Committee is quickly moving forward with planning while homes are still drying out. He was to attend a "Recovery Tools and Training" workshop sponsored by Church World Service on July 31. "I am very humbled and wish to represent Christ Our Shepherd and our denomination well as we heal here from all the devastation," he said.
Source: 8/13/2008 Newsline
Ministry Summer Service participants complete internship program.
Eight young adults are completing internships with the Church of the Brethren’s Ministry Summer Service program, which is sponsored by the Office of Ministry and by the Youth and Young Adult Ministry Office.
College students who are completing internships include Sarah Dotter of Atlantic Northeast District, Meredith Barton of Middle Pennsylvania District, Dylan Haro of Pacific Southwest District, Andy Duffey and Gabe Dodd of Mid-Atlantic District, John Michael Pickens of Southern Pennsylvania District, Melisa Grandison of Western Plains District, and Samantha Carwile of South/Central Indiana District.
The eight interns began their summer experience with an orientation May 30-June 4 at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill. Throughout the orientation they participated in Bible studies and sessions on topics such as leadership, the call to ministry, spiritual disciplines, Brethren heritage, and personality and work styles. The adults who served as mentors for these young adults joined the orientation for the last two and a half days.
Following the orientation, four students went to Church of the Brethren congregations to serve as assistant summer pastors. The students served at San Diego (Calif.) Church of the Brethren, Palmyra (Pa.) Church of the Brethren, Happy Corner Church of the Brethren in Clayton, Ohio, and Easton (Md.) Church of the Brethren. Four other interns served as the denomination’s Youth Peace Travel Team, visiting Church of the Brethren camps to talk about Jesus’ teaching of peace.
Congregations interested in having a Ministry Summer Service intern next summer are invited to contact Chris Douglas, director of the Youth and Young Adult Ministry Office, at cdouglas_gb@brethren.org.
Source: 8/13/2008 Newsline
Eight young adults are completing internships with the Church of the Brethren’s Ministry Summer Service program, which is sponsored by the Office of Ministry and by the Youth and Young Adult Ministry Office.
College students who are completing internships include Sarah Dotter of Atlantic Northeast District, Meredith Barton of Middle Pennsylvania District, Dylan Haro of Pacific Southwest District, Andy Duffey and Gabe Dodd of Mid-Atlantic District, John Michael Pickens of Southern Pennsylvania District, Melisa Grandison of Western Plains District, and Samantha Carwile of South/Central Indiana District.
The eight interns began their summer experience with an orientation May 30-June 4 at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill. Throughout the orientation they participated in Bible studies and sessions on topics such as leadership, the call to ministry, spiritual disciplines, Brethren heritage, and personality and work styles. The adults who served as mentors for these young adults joined the orientation for the last two and a half days.
Following the orientation, four students went to Church of the Brethren congregations to serve as assistant summer pastors. The students served at San Diego (Calif.) Church of the Brethren, Palmyra (Pa.) Church of the Brethren, Happy Corner Church of the Brethren in Clayton, Ohio, and Easton (Md.) Church of the Brethren. Four other interns served as the denomination’s Youth Peace Travel Team, visiting Church of the Brethren camps to talk about Jesus’ teaching of peace.
Congregations interested in having a Ministry Summer Service intern next summer are invited to contact Chris Douglas, director of the Youth and Young Adult Ministry Office, at cdouglas_gb@brethren.org.
Source: 8/13/2008 Newsline
Mission trip to the Dominican Republic builds faith, relationships.
Building relationships, heavenly singing, smiling children, and overdosing on chicken are a few of the memories that the 15 volunteers from Chiques Church of the Brethren in Manheim, Pa., will cherish from their June 21-28 mission trip to the Dominican Republic.
Led by Carolyn Fitzkee and Sally White, the group went to build relationships with members of the Church of the Brethren in the DR as they worked together to provide leadership in three Bible schools. In addition, the group worshiped in three congregations--Boca Chica, Carmona, and La Vid Verdadera (The True Vine)--singing in each service. Chiques minister Norm Yeater was called upon to preach at Carmona. He also led devotions and convened debriefing sessions daily.
Additional participants in the trip were Tina and Jennifer Brandt, Kristen and Stephanie Bruckhart, Michelle Ebersole, Carrie Fitzkee, Annie Hickernell, Kent Peters, Travis Pierce, Janice and Diana Shenk, and Rachel Yeater. Church of the Brethren mission coordinators Irvin and Nancy Heishman and daughter, Jenny, hosted the group and accompanied them throughout the week.
On the first Sunday morning in the DR, the group worshiped with the Boca Chica congregation and saw first-hand the new concrete church building that is being constructed there. "Worship was an unbelievable experience," said Fitzkee. "I felt surrounded by God’s love."
The group then co-led a two-day Bible school at Carmona, with members of the San Luis congregation. Fellowship with the San Luis Brethren was another highlight. A simple rural church in a batey northeast of Santo Domingo, Carmona serves mostly Haitian immigrants, who experience poverty and discrimination in the DR. "It was hard to see their poverty, but challenging to see their faith," said Fitzkee.
The Bible school attracted about 100 children. The San Luis Brethren provided Bible teaching, while the Chiques group led crafts and games and put on a puppet show. Extensive advance preparation before the trip helped things go smoothly. The group had met monthly to learn what to expect and prepare for the activities they would lead.
The puppet show was accompanied by a recorded Spanish soundtrack with voices and recording done by members of the Maranatha Multicultural Fellowship in Lancaster, Pa. Crafts included sheep puppets to go with the puppet show on the parable of the lost sheep, braiding bailer twine jump ropes, and coloring. Crayons were a novelty for many of the children, and were left behind for future use. The Brethren World Mission Fund gave a grant of more than $400 to purchase craft and game supplies for the trip.
The Chiques volunteers also helped lead Bible schools for two new church plants in Santo Domingo. One afternoon they led activities for about 50 children on a rented balcony, with members of the Bethel congregation. On the next afternoon, they worked with three busloads of kids (about 130) in an area park, where the La Vid Verdadera congregation held its Vacation Bible School.
"For a lot of our people," said Fitzkee, "the relationships with the children at the Bible schools will be forever in their minds."
Along the way, group members experienced some extreme heat and humidity, rough bus rides, a sea urchin sting, occasional unsettled stomachs, cold showers, and some encounters with "wildlife" in hotel rooms. But these indignities were a small price to pay for an enriching, faith-building experience.
While they came home with fond memories and new friendships, the group left behind items to assist the Dominican churches in their ministry, including puppets and the puppet show soundtrack, a parachute, Frisbees, crayons, and a gift for each of the hosting congregations including a tarp, and Spanish version DVDs of the "Journey in Jesus Way" curriculum. The group also brought along and handed out 433 stuffed sheep that had been donated in memory of a Chiques youth who died in November 2007 in a motorcycle accident.
--Donald Fitzkee is an ordained minister and member of Chiques Church of the Brethren.
Source: 8/13/2008 Newsline
Building relationships, heavenly singing, smiling children, and overdosing on chicken are a few of the memories that the 15 volunteers from Chiques Church of the Brethren in Manheim, Pa., will cherish from their June 21-28 mission trip to the Dominican Republic.
Led by Carolyn Fitzkee and Sally White, the group went to build relationships with members of the Church of the Brethren in the DR as they worked together to provide leadership in three Bible schools. In addition, the group worshiped in three congregations--Boca Chica, Carmona, and La Vid Verdadera (The True Vine)--singing in each service. Chiques minister Norm Yeater was called upon to preach at Carmona. He also led devotions and convened debriefing sessions daily.
Additional participants in the trip were Tina and Jennifer Brandt, Kristen and Stephanie Bruckhart, Michelle Ebersole, Carrie Fitzkee, Annie Hickernell, Kent Peters, Travis Pierce, Janice and Diana Shenk, and Rachel Yeater. Church of the Brethren mission coordinators Irvin and Nancy Heishman and daughter, Jenny, hosted the group and accompanied them throughout the week.
On the first Sunday morning in the DR, the group worshiped with the Boca Chica congregation and saw first-hand the new concrete church building that is being constructed there. "Worship was an unbelievable experience," said Fitzkee. "I felt surrounded by God’s love."
The group then co-led a two-day Bible school at Carmona, with members of the San Luis congregation. Fellowship with the San Luis Brethren was another highlight. A simple rural church in a batey northeast of Santo Domingo, Carmona serves mostly Haitian immigrants, who experience poverty and discrimination in the DR. "It was hard to see their poverty, but challenging to see their faith," said Fitzkee.
The Bible school attracted about 100 children. The San Luis Brethren provided Bible teaching, while the Chiques group led crafts and games and put on a puppet show. Extensive advance preparation before the trip helped things go smoothly. The group had met monthly to learn what to expect and prepare for the activities they would lead.
The puppet show was accompanied by a recorded Spanish soundtrack with voices and recording done by members of the Maranatha Multicultural Fellowship in Lancaster, Pa. Crafts included sheep puppets to go with the puppet show on the parable of the lost sheep, braiding bailer twine jump ropes, and coloring. Crayons were a novelty for many of the children, and were left behind for future use. The Brethren World Mission Fund gave a grant of more than $400 to purchase craft and game supplies for the trip.
The Chiques volunteers also helped lead Bible schools for two new church plants in Santo Domingo. One afternoon they led activities for about 50 children on a rented balcony, with members of the Bethel congregation. On the next afternoon, they worked with three busloads of kids (about 130) in an area park, where the La Vid Verdadera congregation held its Vacation Bible School.
"For a lot of our people," said Fitzkee, "the relationships with the children at the Bible schools will be forever in their minds."
Along the way, group members experienced some extreme heat and humidity, rough bus rides, a sea urchin sting, occasional unsettled stomachs, cold showers, and some encounters with "wildlife" in hotel rooms. But these indignities were a small price to pay for an enriching, faith-building experience.
While they came home with fond memories and new friendships, the group left behind items to assist the Dominican churches in their ministry, including puppets and the puppet show soundtrack, a parachute, Frisbees, crayons, and a gift for each of the hosting congregations including a tarp, and Spanish version DVDs of the "Journey in Jesus Way" curriculum. The group also brought along and handed out 433 stuffed sheep that had been donated in memory of a Chiques youth who died in November 2007 in a motorcycle accident.
--Donald Fitzkee is an ordained minister and member of Chiques Church of the Brethren.
Source: 8/13/2008 Newsline
Brethren bits: Correction, personnel, jobs, YAC, and more.
- Correction: The church affiliation for the two youth who were baptized in the Eder River in Schwarzenau, Germany, during the international celebration of the 300th Anniversary of the Brethren movement was incorrectly reported in Newsline. Lauren Knepp and John Michael Knepp are members of Curryville (Pa.) Church of the Brethren.
- A donor and accounts receivable specialist is sought to fill a fulltime position at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill. Interviews will begin Aug. 18. Responsibilities include receiving and processing donations, accounts receivable and miscellaneous cash processing including reporting, coordinating an NGS accounts receivable system in Elgin, maintaining a thorough knowledge of all donor system financial reports and their impact on each other, donation information management, coordination of a mortgage system which includes gift related and church mortgage loans, creation and uploading of miscellaneous journals throughout the month. Qualifications include excellent typing and data entry skills, accuracy and efficiency in use of a 10-key calculator, attention to detail, ability to be a team worker, mature judgment and character, ability to maintain confidentiality, with proficiency in spreadsheet applications and word processing skills and accounting knowledge helpful. Required education and experience includes a high school diploma, with some accounting background helpful, and an associate degree in accounting, finance, or business preferred; at least two years of experience in a related field; experience working with money, and some computer experience required. Qualified candidates are invited to complete an application form, submit a resume and a 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; or contact kkrog_gb@brethren.org or 800-323-8039 ext. 258.
- Dates and location for the 2009 Young Adult Conference have been announced: May 29-31, at Camp Swatara in Bethel, Pa. This conference is for young adults ages 18-35, sponsored by the Church of the Brethren's Youth and Young Adult Ministry.
- The denomination's National Youth Cabinet met at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill., Aug. 1-3. The group of five youth includes Seth Keller, Joel Rhodes, Elizabeth Willis, Turner Ritchie, and Tricia Ziegler. The cabinet worked on selecting the National Youth Theme for 2009 and on plans for next year’s National Youth Sunday, along with worship materials to be sent to youth groups across the denomination.
- The Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md., recently witnessed results of the church’s work for peace in the world. Forty years ago US forces were fighting in Vietnam. This year, in late July, the New Windsor Conference Center hosted a youth retreat for 100 members of the Capital Vietnamese Christian Fellowship based in Maryland. The program for the youth included volunteer opportunities at SERRV International and a chance to learn more about the organizations at the Brethren Service Center. "For those of us old enough to remember the Vietnam War, what a joy it is to see this generation of Vietnamese youth in New Windsor working side by side with Brethren and other denominations making a difference in the world," commented public relations director Kathleen Campanella.
- An article titled "Caring for Children in the Aftermath of Disaster" in the online professional journal "Children, Youth, and Environments" reviews the work of the Church of the Brethren Children’s Disaster Services program. The article was co-authored by Judy Gump, a Church of the Brethren member from northern Colorado and a professor of Early Childhood Education at AIMS Community College in Greeley, Colo., along with Lori Peek of the Department of Sociology at Colorado State University, and Jeannette Sutton of the Natural Hazards Center at the University of Colorado, Boulder. Gump has worked with Children’s Disaster Services since 1984 as a childcare giver, project manager, trainer, and regional coordinator, and is on the Critical Response Child Care Team. Go to www.colorado.edu/journals/cye/18_1/18_1_16_CaringForChildren.pdf to read the article.
- Dottie Steele, Marlys Hershberger, and Mark Liller led a traditional Brethren love feast as part of the "2008 Matter of Faith Summer Series" offered by the Interfaith Committee of the Ecumenical Conference of Greater Altoona, Pa. The three are all ordained in the Church of the Brethren, and Steele has been a member of the Interfaith Committee since 2002. The theme of this year's summer season, "How We Worship," provided an opportunity to share a unique Brethren worship service with the community, as well as some of the history of the Brethren in this 300th Anniversary year. The service was hosted by Hollidaysburg (Pa.) Church of the Brethren on July 17.
- The "Wall Street Journal" recently published an article about a summer program that meets at York Center Church of the Brethren in Lombard, Ill. "Summer camp at the York Community Resource Center in suburban Chicago offers all the usual activities: arts and crafts, sports, computer games, new adventures in reading," the article begins. "But the prime attraction for Elizabeth Castro, who drops off her two children every morning, is the activity that begins at noon: lunch." The July 8 article by Roger Thurow and Anna Prior highlighted the food crisis for many American families, and the way that day camps and summer camp programs help keep children fed. Go to the church’s website at www.yccob.org to find a link to the article. The York Center church also is holding a benefit concert and ice cream social on Aug. 16 to benefit disaster flood relief.
- Scott Major, pastor of Pottstown (Pa.) First Church of the Brethren, was the prime attraction at a "dunk the pastor" booth at the town’s "Night Out" event Aug. 5. Other activities included music, crafts and food, games, a magician, child identification kits, and a Relay for Life, according to a report in the "Pottstown Mercury." The event is held to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness in the community and to strengthen neighborhood spirit and partnership with the police.
- "Reading Biblical Books in Context: A Study of the Festal Scrolls" is a continuing education event of the Susquehanna Valley Ministry Center to be taught by Robert Neff on Sept. 9. The class will be held from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at Juniata College in Huntingdon, Pa. The course will explore ways to read a particular writing based on the context in which it is found. Cost is $50 and includes light refreshments and lunch. An additional $10 documentation fee is required to receive continuing education units. The registration deadline is Sept. 1. Contact www.etown.edu/svmc or call 717-361-1450.
- Juniata College's "2008 General Election" course is offering eight students the opportunity to attend the 2008 national party conventions, according to a release from the college in Huntingdon, Pa. Six students plus Dennis Plane, assistant professor of politics, will travel to Denver to attend the Democratic National Convention from Aug. 25-28, followed the next week by two student attendees at the Republican National Convention in St. Paul, Minn. The trips are organized in part by the Washington Center in Washington, D.C. "Instead of learning about campaigns from a text book, we are going to look at a campaign as it naturally unfolds," said Plane. He will assign students who did not travel to the conventions to watch them on television. "The media looks at politics differently than voters and the students who watch the conventions will have a different perspective than the students who were in attendance," he explained. Plane is expanding on a formula he first developed as a visiting assistant professor at Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C., when he accompanied students to the 2004 Democratic National Convention.
- The August edition of "Brethren Voices" celebrates three years of community television programming by Portland (Ore.) Peace Church of the Brethren with a trip to the Amazonian Rainforest of Ecuador. The show highlights the work of New Community Project, a Church of the Brethren related nonprofit, which has been providing learning tours to the Ecuadorian Amazon Rainforest for four years. The learning tours take people to the Cuyabeno Ecological Reserve at the headwaters of the Amazon River, hosted by SELVA, a nongovernmental international organization that since 1997 has been actively engaged in supporting the indigenous communities of the rainforest. In support of SELVA, the New Community Project has agreed to purchase and preserve a 137-acre parcel of rainforest adjacent to the Cuyabeno Ecological Reserve. Go to www.newcommunityproject.org for information about the project. In September, "Brethren Voices" will celebrate 60 years of Brethren Volunteer Service. As told by Jim Lehman, the program features the story of Brethren youth who made the proposal of BVS to the 1948 Annual Conference, and a group interview with four of the first BVSers: Alma and Irvan Long, Julia Larade, and Vernon Merkey. For copies of these programs contact producer Ed Groff, Portland Peace Church of the Brethren, at Groffprod1@msn.com.
- Leaders in the National Council of Churches in the USA (NCC) and the Orthodox Peace Fellowship have issued statements on the Russia-Georgia conflict, according to a release from the NCC. "Russia's attack on Georgia is a disheartening reminder that the 21st century remains a primitive age of fanatical nationalism and military bullying," said NCC general secretary Michael Kinnamon. "The military intervention in Georgia, like all actions born of hatred or callous self-interest, is an act of madness, a senseless rejection of God's love and salvation." Leaders of the Orthodox Peace Fellowship issued a letter stating, "What a sin and a scandal it is to see these armies shedding each other's blood. That such an event can happen is a poignant reminder of how often, among Orthodox Christians no less than others, national identity easily takes priority over our common identity as children of the One God." Go to www.ncccusa.org/news/080813MKpeacestatement.html for Kinnamon's statement and a link to the Orthodox Peace Fellowship letter.
- Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT) has announced a delegation to the Kurdish north of Iraq on Jan. 8-22, 2009. "The Kurds of northern Iraq faced discrimination, terror, and death under the regime of Saddam Hussein. As the security situation deteriorated in southern and central Iraq after the U.S.-led invasion in 2003, thousands of displaced persons fled to the Kurdish Regional Government (KRG)-controlled area in the north. Recently, northern border villages have suffered military attacks by Turkey and Iran," CPT explained. CPT has had a presence in Iraq since Oct. 2002, first in Baghdad and since Nov. 2006 in the Kurdish north. The fundraising expectation for participants is $3,500. Contact CPT, PO Box 6508, Chicago, IL 60680; delegations@cpt.org or 773-277-0253; or see www.cpt.org. Applications must be received by Nov. 10.
- Dawn Ottoni Wilhelm has written a new commentary on "Preaching the Gospel of Mark: Proclaiming the Power of God," published by Westminster John Knox Press. Wilhelm is a member of the faculty of the Church of the Brethren’s Bethany Theological Seminary, where she is associate professor of preaching and worship. In this 300-page paperback volume, she combines biblical scholarship with a close reading of the text to meet the needs of preachers. Swift and purposeful, the Gospel of Mark proclaims God’s reign and urges the participation of all God’s people in the witness of the good news that God has transformed human reality through Jesus Christ. Wilhelm’s new commentary is intended to help that message come alive while providing pertinent suggestions about how preachers can proclaim the message to today’s churchgoers. Order "Preaching the Gospel of Mark" through Brethren Press for $24.95 plus shipping and handling, call 800-441-3712.
- Seven-year-old Natalia Contreras found herself in the media spotlight when she asked a question of Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama at a town hall meeting in Elkhart, Ind. The second-grader is the granddaughter of pastor Frank Ramirez of Everett (Pa.) Church of the Brethren, and was accompanied to the meeting by her grandmother, Jenny Ramirez. Contreras stood on a chair to ask the question, "Why did you run for president?" Her question and Obama’s answer were covered by the "South Bend Tribune" and Fox News Channel 28 in South Bend. Go to www.sbtjobmatch.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080807/NEWS07/808070350/1130/Sports01 for the newspaper report. Go to www.fox28.com/global/video/flash/popupplayer.asp?ClipID1=2774284&h1
=Elkhart%20Town%20Hall%20meeting%20-%20Part%207&vt1=v&at1=News&d1=257567
&LaunchPageAdTag=Homepage&activePane=info&rnd=51483016 for the video clip.
David Whitten resigns as mission coordinator for Nigeria.
David Whitten has resigned as the Church of the Brethren's mission coordinator in Nigeria. He has served for two-and-a-half years in the position, as staff of the denomination's Global Mission Partnerships program. He and his wife, Judith, plan to leave Nigeria at the end of the year to explore other ministry opportunities.
Whitten began in the position in the summer of 2006. His main responsibilities have been to lead the Church of the Brethren team in Nigeria and to relate to leadership of Ekklesiyar Yan'uwa a Nigeria (EYN--the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria). In other work in Nigeria, Whitten served from 1991-94 as a rural development consultant for the Church of the Brethren.
He was previously employed by Gould Farm in Monterey, Mass., as manager from 1986-91. The facility is a residential psycho-social therapeutic facility for adults with mental illness, and is a Brethren Volunteer Service project site. Whitten is ordained in the Church of the Brethren and has served as a pastor. He holds a master of divinity degree from Eastern Mennonite Seminary.
Source: 8/13/2008 Newsline
David Whitten has resigned as the Church of the Brethren's mission coordinator in Nigeria. He has served for two-and-a-half years in the position, as staff of the denomination's Global Mission Partnerships program. He and his wife, Judith, plan to leave Nigeria at the end of the year to explore other ministry opportunities.
Whitten began in the position in the summer of 2006. His main responsibilities have been to lead the Church of the Brethren team in Nigeria and to relate to leadership of Ekklesiyar Yan'uwa a Nigeria (EYN--the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria). In other work in Nigeria, Whitten served from 1991-94 as a rural development consultant for the Church of the Brethren.
He was previously employed by Gould Farm in Monterey, Mass., as manager from 1986-91. The facility is a residential psycho-social therapeutic facility for adults with mental illness, and is a Brethren Volunteer Service project site. Whitten is ordained in the Church of the Brethren and has served as a pastor. He holds a master of divinity degree from Eastern Mennonite Seminary.
Source: 8/13/2008 Newsline
Tim Button-Harrison called as district executive for N. Plains.
Tim Button-Harrison has been called as district executive minister of the Church of the Brethren's Northern Plains District, on a half-time basis. He has been serving as interim district executive since Nov. 2006.
Button-Harrison attended Manchester College in North Manchester, Ind., majoring in peace studies and religion, and also holds a degree in religion from the University of Iowa. He graduated from Bethany Seminary in 1990.
He has served as a pastor for district congregations in Iowa. He also brings broad district experience to the position, including service as a District Board member, district moderator, district coordinator for Training in Ministry, and Standing Committee member. He was installed as Northern Plains District executive minister in a service during the recent District Conference.
Source: 8/13/2008 Newsline
Tim Button-Harrison has been called as district executive minister of the Church of the Brethren's Northern Plains District, on a half-time basis. He has been serving as interim district executive since Nov. 2006.
Button-Harrison attended Manchester College in North Manchester, Ind., majoring in peace studies and religion, and also holds a degree in religion from the University of Iowa. He graduated from Bethany Seminary in 1990.
He has served as a pastor for district congregations in Iowa. He also brings broad district experience to the position, including service as a District Board member, district moderator, district coordinator for Training in Ministry, and Standing Committee member. He was installed as Northern Plains District executive minister in a service during the recent District Conference.
Source: 8/13/2008 Newsline
Leslie Frye is new coordinator for Ministry of Reconciliation.
On Earth Peace has announced the appointment of Leslie Frye as program coordinator for the Ministry of Reconciliation. Frye currently is a member of a non-salaried pastoral team at Monitor Community Church of the Brethren in rural McPherson, Kan.
Frye graduated from Bethany Theological Seminary in 2004 with a Peace Studies emphasis, and was ordained to ministry in the Church of the Brethren in 2005. She is active in the Church of the Brethren's Western Plains District, where she is serving as district moderator and as a member of the Area Ministry Team. She is a Kansas State Supreme Court-approved mediator, and has worked with the Kansas Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution as a trainer and a volunteer mediator.
Frye will work from her home in McPherson, and can be reached by e-mail at leslie.oep@earthlink.net or by telephone at 620-755-3940.
Source: 8/13/2008 Newsline
On Earth Peace has announced the appointment of Leslie Frye as program coordinator for the Ministry of Reconciliation. Frye currently is a member of a non-salaried pastoral team at Monitor Community Church of the Brethren in rural McPherson, Kan.
Frye graduated from Bethany Theological Seminary in 2004 with a Peace Studies emphasis, and was ordained to ministry in the Church of the Brethren in 2005. She is active in the Church of the Brethren's Western Plains District, where she is serving as district moderator and as a member of the Area Ministry Team. She is a Kansas State Supreme Court-approved mediator, and has worked with the Kansas Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution as a trainer and a volunteer mediator.
Frye will work from her home in McPherson, and can be reached by e-mail at leslie.oep@earthlink.net or by telephone at 620-755-3940.
Source: 8/13/2008 Newsline
Nancy Miner to be manager in office of associate general secretary.
Nancy Miner will move into a staff position at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill., as manager of Office Operations in the office of one of the two new associate general secretaries.
Miner will serve as manager in the Office of the Associate General Secretary of Ministry and Program/Executive Director of the Caring Ministries, beginning Sept. 1. She has worked for the Association of Brethren Caregivers as administrative assistant since May 2004. Previously she served in a number of positions with Brethren Benefit Trust, first as claims processing assistant, then as customer service representative, and finally in the communications department.
Miner and her family live in Elgin and are members of Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren.
Source: 8/13/2008 Newsline
Nancy Miner will move into a staff position at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill., as manager of Office Operations in the office of one of the two new associate general secretaries.
Miner will serve as manager in the Office of the Associate General Secretary of Ministry and Program/Executive Director of the Caring Ministries, beginning Sept. 1. She has worked for the Association of Brethren Caregivers as administrative assistant since May 2004. Previously she served in a number of positions with Brethren Benefit Trust, first as claims processing assistant, then as customer service representative, and finally in the communications department.
Miner and her family live in Elgin and are members of Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren.
Source: 8/13/2008 Newsline
On Earth Peace promotes International Day of Prayer for Peace.
On Earth Peace is inviting Church of the Brethren congregations and members to observe the International Day of Prayer for Peace on Sept. 21. So far, the organization reports that more than 90 congregations and Brethren organizations have committed to holding prayer vigils on or around that date. The number includes communities across the US and in two other countries, reports coordinator Michael Colvin.
"The goal of the campaign is to help congregations be able to respond to local violence issues in their communities with positive action," Colvin said. "Participating congregations are being encouraged to build new and deeper relationships with people in their communities while gathering information about what violence is affecting them."
The On Earth Peace website for the International Day of Prayer for Peace is greatly improved over last year, Colvin reported. Many new resources are being offered this year, including a three-minute video prepared by pastor Larry O'Neill of Skippack Church of the Brethren in Collegeville, Pa., and a news clip about the 2007 International Day of Prayer for Peace event planned by Harrisburg (Pa.) First Church of the Brethren. A Community Violence Survey is available, and participating groups may register at the site as well. Go to http://onearthpeace.org/prayforpeace/index.html to access the website.
For more information contact Michael Colvin, On Earth Peace International Day of Prayer for Peace Coordinator, at mcolvin.oep@gmail.com or 626-921-4712 or see his blogspot at http://mocolvin.blogspot.com.
Source: 8/13/2008 Newsline
On Earth Peace is inviting Church of the Brethren congregations and members to observe the International Day of Prayer for Peace on Sept. 21. So far, the organization reports that more than 90 congregations and Brethren organizations have committed to holding prayer vigils on or around that date. The number includes communities across the US and in two other countries, reports coordinator Michael Colvin.
"The goal of the campaign is to help congregations be able to respond to local violence issues in their communities with positive action," Colvin said. "Participating congregations are being encouraged to build new and deeper relationships with people in their communities while gathering information about what violence is affecting them."
The On Earth Peace website for the International Day of Prayer for Peace is greatly improved over last year, Colvin reported. Many new resources are being offered this year, including a three-minute video prepared by pastor Larry O'Neill of Skippack Church of the Brethren in Collegeville, Pa., and a news clip about the 2007 International Day of Prayer for Peace event planned by Harrisburg (Pa.) First Church of the Brethren. A Community Violence Survey is available, and participating groups may register at the site as well. Go to http://onearthpeace.org/prayforpeace/index.html to access the website.
For more information contact Michael Colvin, On Earth Peace International Day of Prayer for Peace Coordinator, at mcolvin.oep@gmail.com or 626-921-4712 or see his blogspot at http://mocolvin.blogspot.com.
Source: 8/13/2008 Newsline
Christian Citizenship Seminar will focus on modern-day slavery.
On April 25-30, 2009, high school age youth and advisors in the Church of the Brethren will gather in New York City and Washington, D.C., for the 2009 Christian Citizenship Seminar. The focus for the seminar will be modern-day slavery. The event is sponsored by the Church of the Brethren's Youth and Young Adult Ministry and the Brethren Witness/Washington Office.
"Most of us think of slavery as an institution that does not exist anymore, but many experts estimate that there are approximately 27 million human beings who are currently being held in slavery around the world," said an announcement of the event. "What would Jesus do? What does God call us to do in light of these persons forced to perform domestic and agricultural work as well as to become prostitutes or soldiers against their will? We will examine the current status of slavery today and what our Christian faith invites us to do for ‘the least of these.’"
Brochures are now available from the Church of the Brethren's Youth and Young Adult Ministry Office, call 800-323-8039.
Source: 8/13/2008 Newsline
On April 25-30, 2009, high school age youth and advisors in the Church of the Brethren will gather in New York City and Washington, D.C., for the 2009 Christian Citizenship Seminar. The focus for the seminar will be modern-day slavery. The event is sponsored by the Church of the Brethren's Youth and Young Adult Ministry and the Brethren Witness/Washington Office.
"Most of us think of slavery as an institution that does not exist anymore, but many experts estimate that there are approximately 27 million human beings who are currently being held in slavery around the world," said an announcement of the event. "What would Jesus do? What does God call us to do in light of these persons forced to perform domestic and agricultural work as well as to become prostitutes or soldiers against their will? We will examine the current status of slavery today and what our Christian faith invites us to do for ‘the least of these.’"
Brochures are now available from the Church of the Brethren's Youth and Young Adult Ministry Office, call 800-323-8039.
Source: 8/13/2008 Newsline
Ministry of Reconciliation announces its Fall workshop schedule.
The Ministry of Reconciliation of On Earth Peace is announcing three regional workshops to take place this fall.
"Exploring Consensus Decision-making" will take place at Richmond (Ind.) Church of the Brethren on Oct. 4, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. The workshop will explore the underlying principles of decision by consensus, the process itself, and participate in a mock meeting where a decision is made using consensus. Cost to participants is $60 per person or $100 for groups of three or more. Leadership is provided by Charletta Erb of Chicago, Ill., and Wanda Joseph of Brethren, Mich.
"Keeping a Cool Head in a Hot Meeting" will be presented at Camp Mack in Milford, Ind.. on Nov. 13-14 by Celia Cook-Huffman, Professor of Peace and Conflict Studies at Juniata College. Participants will learn the best way to structure meetings with an eye to efficiency, openness, and clarity, and will learn basic guidelines to use when anxiety levels are high, and how to lead difficult discussions. Cost is $155 for overnight lodgers and $120 for commuters.
"Keeping a Christian Attitude, Skills for Holding Difficult Conversations" will be held at Frederick (Md.) Church of the Brethren from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. on Nov. 15. The workshop is co-sponsored by the Service and Outreach Ministry Team of Mid-Atlantic District. Participants will learn to prepare well for difficult conversations, create the space for honest sharing when emotions run high, and utilize conversation to build trust and understanding. Cost to participants is $20.
For more information, click on "Upcoming Events" at www.onearthpeace.org or contact Leslie Frye, Ministry of Reconciliation coordinator, at 410-635-8704.
Source: 8/13/2008 Newsline
The Ministry of Reconciliation of On Earth Peace is announcing three regional workshops to take place this fall.
"Exploring Consensus Decision-making" will take place at Richmond (Ind.) Church of the Brethren on Oct. 4, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. The workshop will explore the underlying principles of decision by consensus, the process itself, and participate in a mock meeting where a decision is made using consensus. Cost to participants is $60 per person or $100 for groups of three or more. Leadership is provided by Charletta Erb of Chicago, Ill., and Wanda Joseph of Brethren, Mich.
"Keeping a Cool Head in a Hot Meeting" will be presented at Camp Mack in Milford, Ind.. on Nov. 13-14 by Celia Cook-Huffman, Professor of Peace and Conflict Studies at Juniata College. Participants will learn the best way to structure meetings with an eye to efficiency, openness, and clarity, and will learn basic guidelines to use when anxiety levels are high, and how to lead difficult discussions. Cost is $155 for overnight lodgers and $120 for commuters.
"Keeping a Christian Attitude, Skills for Holding Difficult Conversations" will be held at Frederick (Md.) Church of the Brethren from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. on Nov. 15. The workshop is co-sponsored by the Service and Outreach Ministry Team of Mid-Atlantic District. Participants will learn to prepare well for difficult conversations, create the space for honest sharing when emotions run high, and utilize conversation to build trust and understanding. Cost to participants is $20.
For more information, click on "Upcoming Events" at www.onearthpeace.org or contact Leslie Frye, Ministry of Reconciliation coordinator, at 410-635-8704.
Source: 8/13/2008 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. Annie Clark, Chris Douglas, Ed Groff, Bob Gross, Jon Kobel, Karin Krog, Frank Ramirez, John Wall, Christy Waltersdorff, 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. Annie Clark, Chris Douglas, Ed Groff, Bob Gross, Jon Kobel, Karin Krog, Frank Ramirez, John Wall, Christy Waltersdorff, and Jane Yount contributed to this report.
Sunday, August 03, 2008
BRETHREN FROM AROUND THE WORLD CELEBRATE THEIR ROOTS IN SCHWARZENAU
Close to 1,000 people gathered in Schwarzenau, Germany, on Aug. 3 for the second day of international celebrations of the 300th Anniversary of the Brethren movement. The observance has been held in the village on the banks of the Eder River, where the first group of eight Brethren, led by Alexander Mack Sr., were baptized in 1708.
Schwarzenau, “that small town at the edge of the wood...has attained a reputation” for tolerance and the free exercise of religion, said the keynote speaker for the day in his address at an afternoon Anniversary Program in Schwarzenau’s Riding Hall.
Keynote speaker Marcus Meier is a research fellow at the Institute for European History in Mainz, and a German academic authority on the early history of the Brethren. His presentation went on to outline in great detail the influence of Pietism and Anabaptism on the early Brethren.
The village of Schwarzenau is firmly anchored in the memory of Brethren around the world, Meier said. The baptisms in Schwarzenau are “the primal seal for the today many-branched Brethren movement.... Here a group of eight people first counted the cost,” he said, quoting a phrase from a hymn by Alexander Mack.
A unique Sunday morning service celebrating the 300th Anniversary began the day. Preaching for worship were Fredric G. Miller Jr., pastor of Mount Olive Brethren Church in Pineville, Va., and James Beckwith, the 2008 moderator of the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference and pastor of Annville (Pa.) Church of the Brethren.
Prayers, litanies, and scriptures were read by representatives of five of the six major Brethren bodies: the Church of the Brethren, the Brethren Church, the Old German Baptist Brethren Church, the Dunkard Brethren Church, and the Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches (the representative from the sixth major body, the Conservative Grace Brethren Churches International, was unable to be present).
The McPherson (Kan.) College Choir sang two anthems. The first was one of the pieces of music commissioned by the Church of the Brethren’s 300th Anniversary Committee: “Speak, O Lord,” by Keith Getty and Stuart Townsend, arranged by John Ferguson (see www.churchofthebrethrenanniversary.org/pdfs/song_anthem_order.pdf for more information).
Speaking on Matthew 3:13-17, Miller gave a message titled, “The Beautiful Rewards of Immersion.” He spoke of the first Brethren baptisms as “the echo of the splash of Jesus being dunked in the water of the Jordan.”
Dropping a 300-year-old German coin, made in 1708, into a small glass bowl set on the podium, he asked the congregation to listen for the echoes of its fall. “Hear the echo of a church that was formed here 300 years ago. I believe God is well pleased when he sees the results of the work of the Brethren,” he said. “We are 300 years young and still feel the passion for mission.”
He complimented the Church of the Brethren for its work in founding Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria (the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria), which has grown to be the largest Brethren denomination in the world. He also lifted up the success of the Brethren Church, which has only some 120 congregations in the United States, he said, but has planted 2,000 churches around the world.
Miller encouraged Brethren today to have “hearts immersed in love, and hands immersed in service,” and emphasized that the story of Jesus Christ is only discovered through immersion in the word of God. He added that the Brethren heritage also calls for an immersion in prayer. “There will be no Brethren church without fervent prayer,” he said.
He closed with a call for Brethren to continue to listen for and hear the echoes of their heritage. “The next time you swing a hammer or attend an anointing service, I pray that you might hear an echo of the early church and the early Brethren,” Miller said. “And the next time you attend a baptism...hear the Father say, This is my church which I love, with the Brethren I am well pleased.”
Beckwith preached a sermon titled, “Shaped by the Love Feast,” on the text John 13:1-17 and 34-35. The Schwarzenau Brethren “washed one another’s feet simply because Jesus said so,” Beckwith said, as he began his comments about the lasting influence of the Love Feast on Brethren practice and community. The witness of the Love Feast has been “that Brethren take Jesus seriously and seek to follow him closely.”
The Love Feast “makes us appreciate the gritty needs of the world,” with its requirement for self examination, and the act of footwashing that makes so many people uncomfortable. “It still expresses faithfully the love and care of belonging in God’s family,” he said.
Beckwith characterized the Brethren practice of Love Feast as not just a personal or congregational preparation for partaking in the service of Communion, but as a way for the church to prepare to engage in service to the world as an act of communion with God. “Three hundred years of Love Feasts have shaped us to express mutual care and understanding,” he said. “The Love Feast has been the spiritual antidote to the violence of the world.”
“It is serious business to declare a loving fellowship, to declare ourselves Brethren,” Beckwith said. “It is a foretaste of the coming Kingdom of God.”
The afternoon’s program acknowledged the debt that the Brethren owe to Schwarzenau, its people, and its leaders over the centuries. Greetings were brought by many dignitaries including Bernhart, Prince of Sayn-Wittgenstein-Hohenstein, who is considered the patron of the celebration. Prince Bernhart offered the use of his grounds and facilities for the Anniversary meeting area, including his residence, the Manor House in Schwarzenau.
On behalf of the Encyclopedia Board, Dale Stoffer thanked the Prince for continuing the hospitality shown by his forebear, Count Henrich Albrecht, who offered the first eight Brethren refuge in Schwarzenau.
The mayor of the town of Bad Berleburg and the village mayor of Schwarzenau also brought greetings, as did ecumenical guests representing districts of the Protestant Church, and Oliver Lehnsdorf, pastor of the church in Schwarzenau--the Protestant St. Luke Parish in the valleys of the Eder and the Elshoff.
Stan Noffsinger, general secretary of the Church of the Brethren, introduced the five leaders of Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria (the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria) who were present; and Dave Guiles, executive director of the Grace Brethren International Missions, introduced more than 20 delegates from several different countries who were gathering in Schwarzenau to begin a six-day planning meeting for future mission endeavors. Organizers reported that as many as 18 nations were represented at the celebration today.
The Encyclopedia Board gave a number of gifts of appreciation to the community of Schwarzenau, and also received a number of gifts from the village and the visiting dignitaries. The board also gave gifts specifically to the Schwarzenau Celebration Committee, and the Heimatverein Schwarzenau, a heritage association that is responsible for and maintains the Alexander Mack Museum. Among the gifts, a stack of newly published books about the Brethren were presented for the museum’s collection, including a number from Brethren Press, and a peace pole was presented to the community.
“The people of Schwarzenau have been tireless” in their preparations for the Anniversary, said Dale Ulrich, a member of the board of the Brethren Encyclopedia, Inc., which planned and organized the international celebration along with a Schwarzenau Celebration Committee of local residents. Ulrich has served as primary coordinator for the logistics of the event.
The village of Schwarzenau has a population of only 800 people, Ulrich said, and at least 260 of them helped with the difficult task of converting the Riding Hall temporarily from a horseback riding arena into a meeting place with seating for 1,000 people. The conversion included the laying of a wood plank floor, and installation of a stage, sound system, and lighting equipment. Schwarzenau’s volunteer fire department stood by throughout the weekend, and helped control bus and car traffic. A local catering company served the meals in a large tent between the Riding Hall and the river.
Villagers also offered an outdoor cafe selling cold drinks and homemade baked goods, made warm waffles for the Brethren on Sunday morning, and sold commemorative bottles of Eder River water, that came complete with certificates of authenticity.
The Schwarzenau Celebration Committee was co-coordinated by Bernd Julius and Otto Marburger, and also included members Bodo Huster, Peter Kanstein, and Karin Zacharais. Johannes Haese served as liaison between the Schwarzenau Celebration Committee and the board of the Brethren Encyclopedia.
The Brethren Encyclopedia board is made up of members representing the six major Brethren bodies. Its president is Robert Lehigh; vice president Dale Stoffer coordinated the afternoon Anniversary Program; secretary Dale Ulrich served as a main coordinator for the Schwarzenau events; Terry White is treasurer; and Michael M. Miller and Jeff Bach are members of the board. Consultants to the board for the Schwarzenau events were Ken Kreider and Ted Rondeau.
A short gathering for worship at the river closed the day’s events. People gathered on both sides of the Eder River and on the bridge over the river, to participate in the short time of hymns and prayers led by a group of Old German Baptist Brethren. A brief meditation was brought by Michael Miller, a member of the Encyclopedia Board representing the Old German Baptist Brethren.
“So we come to the banks of this quiet river to say goodbye,” Miller said. The earth has listened to so much pain and suffering, he commented, but the earth also has heard the 24 splashes as the first eight Brethren were lifted from the waters of baptism. He closed with a blessing for the place, the people of Schwarzenau, and their children and descendants. Coming close to tears, he said, “May God bless you here in Schwarzenau.”
To the Brethren, Miller offered this blessing: “May we go with the same joy, peace, and hope that those eight people had 300 years ago.... Our prayer is that 300 years from now, we will all stand together again in the Kingdom of God.”
Worship ended with the singing of the Doxology, the Lord’s Prayer, and a hymn.
After the dismissal, many people still stood for some time along the banks of the river and on the bridge, in what became a moment of appreciation for the solemnity of the occasion. Some took the opportunity to dip their feet or hands in the river.
A comment made by Meier during the afternoon program was affirmed: For the Brethren, “the act of baptism...laid the cornerstone.”
Source: 08/03/2008 Newsline Special from Schwarzenau, Germany
Close to 1,000 people gathered in Schwarzenau, Germany, on Aug. 3 for the second day of international celebrations of the 300th Anniversary of the Brethren movement. The observance has been held in the village on the banks of the Eder River, where the first group of eight Brethren, led by Alexander Mack Sr., were baptized in 1708.
Schwarzenau, “that small town at the edge of the wood...has attained a reputation” for tolerance and the free exercise of religion, said the keynote speaker for the day in his address at an afternoon Anniversary Program in Schwarzenau’s Riding Hall.
Keynote speaker Marcus Meier is a research fellow at the Institute for European History in Mainz, and a German academic authority on the early history of the Brethren. His presentation went on to outline in great detail the influence of Pietism and Anabaptism on the early Brethren.
The village of Schwarzenau is firmly anchored in the memory of Brethren around the world, Meier said. The baptisms in Schwarzenau are “the primal seal for the today many-branched Brethren movement.... Here a group of eight people first counted the cost,” he said, quoting a phrase from a hymn by Alexander Mack.
A unique Sunday morning service celebrating the 300th Anniversary began the day. Preaching for worship were Fredric G. Miller Jr., pastor of Mount Olive Brethren Church in Pineville, Va., and James Beckwith, the 2008 moderator of the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference and pastor of Annville (Pa.) Church of the Brethren.
Prayers, litanies, and scriptures were read by representatives of five of the six major Brethren bodies: the Church of the Brethren, the Brethren Church, the Old German Baptist Brethren Church, the Dunkard Brethren Church, and the Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches (the representative from the sixth major body, the Conservative Grace Brethren Churches International, was unable to be present).
The McPherson (Kan.) College Choir sang two anthems. The first was one of the pieces of music commissioned by the Church of the Brethren’s 300th Anniversary Committee: “Speak, O Lord,” by Keith Getty and Stuart Townsend, arranged by John Ferguson (see www.churchofthebrethrenanniversary.org/pdfs/song_anthem_order.pdf for more information).
Speaking on Matthew 3:13-17, Miller gave a message titled, “The Beautiful Rewards of Immersion.” He spoke of the first Brethren baptisms as “the echo of the splash of Jesus being dunked in the water of the Jordan.”
Dropping a 300-year-old German coin, made in 1708, into a small glass bowl set on the podium, he asked the congregation to listen for the echoes of its fall. “Hear the echo of a church that was formed here 300 years ago. I believe God is well pleased when he sees the results of the work of the Brethren,” he said. “We are 300 years young and still feel the passion for mission.”
He complimented the Church of the Brethren for its work in founding Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria (the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria), which has grown to be the largest Brethren denomination in the world. He also lifted up the success of the Brethren Church, which has only some 120 congregations in the United States, he said, but has planted 2,000 churches around the world.
Miller encouraged Brethren today to have “hearts immersed in love, and hands immersed in service,” and emphasized that the story of Jesus Christ is only discovered through immersion in the word of God. He added that the Brethren heritage also calls for an immersion in prayer. “There will be no Brethren church without fervent prayer,” he said.
He closed with a call for Brethren to continue to listen for and hear the echoes of their heritage. “The next time you swing a hammer or attend an anointing service, I pray that you might hear an echo of the early church and the early Brethren,” Miller said. “And the next time you attend a baptism...hear the Father say, This is my church which I love, with the Brethren I am well pleased.”
Beckwith preached a sermon titled, “Shaped by the Love Feast,” on the text John 13:1-17 and 34-35. The Schwarzenau Brethren “washed one another’s feet simply because Jesus said so,” Beckwith said, as he began his comments about the lasting influence of the Love Feast on Brethren practice and community. The witness of the Love Feast has been “that Brethren take Jesus seriously and seek to follow him closely.”
The Love Feast “makes us appreciate the gritty needs of the world,” with its requirement for self examination, and the act of footwashing that makes so many people uncomfortable. “It still expresses faithfully the love and care of belonging in God’s family,” he said.
Beckwith characterized the Brethren practice of Love Feast as not just a personal or congregational preparation for partaking in the service of Communion, but as a way for the church to prepare to engage in service to the world as an act of communion with God. “Three hundred years of Love Feasts have shaped us to express mutual care and understanding,” he said. “The Love Feast has been the spiritual antidote to the violence of the world.”
“It is serious business to declare a loving fellowship, to declare ourselves Brethren,” Beckwith said. “It is a foretaste of the coming Kingdom of God.”
The afternoon’s program acknowledged the debt that the Brethren owe to Schwarzenau, its people, and its leaders over the centuries. Greetings were brought by many dignitaries including Bernhart, Prince of Sayn-Wittgenstein-Hohenstein, who is considered the patron of the celebration. Prince Bernhart offered the use of his grounds and facilities for the Anniversary meeting area, including his residence, the Manor House in Schwarzenau.
On behalf of the Encyclopedia Board, Dale Stoffer thanked the Prince for continuing the hospitality shown by his forebear, Count Henrich Albrecht, who offered the first eight Brethren refuge in Schwarzenau.
The mayor of the town of Bad Berleburg and the village mayor of Schwarzenau also brought greetings, as did ecumenical guests representing districts of the Protestant Church, and Oliver Lehnsdorf, pastor of the church in Schwarzenau--the Protestant St. Luke Parish in the valleys of the Eder and the Elshoff.
Stan Noffsinger, general secretary of the Church of the Brethren, introduced the five leaders of Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria (the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria) who were present; and Dave Guiles, executive director of the Grace Brethren International Missions, introduced more than 20 delegates from several different countries who were gathering in Schwarzenau to begin a six-day planning meeting for future mission endeavors. Organizers reported that as many as 18 nations were represented at the celebration today.
The Encyclopedia Board gave a number of gifts of appreciation to the community of Schwarzenau, and also received a number of gifts from the village and the visiting dignitaries. The board also gave gifts specifically to the Schwarzenau Celebration Committee, and the Heimatverein Schwarzenau, a heritage association that is responsible for and maintains the Alexander Mack Museum. Among the gifts, a stack of newly published books about the Brethren were presented for the museum’s collection, including a number from Brethren Press, and a peace pole was presented to the community.
“The people of Schwarzenau have been tireless” in their preparations for the Anniversary, said Dale Ulrich, a member of the board of the Brethren Encyclopedia, Inc., which planned and organized the international celebration along with a Schwarzenau Celebration Committee of local residents. Ulrich has served as primary coordinator for the logistics of the event.
The village of Schwarzenau has a population of only 800 people, Ulrich said, and at least 260 of them helped with the difficult task of converting the Riding Hall temporarily from a horseback riding arena into a meeting place with seating for 1,000 people. The conversion included the laying of a wood plank floor, and installation of a stage, sound system, and lighting equipment. Schwarzenau’s volunteer fire department stood by throughout the weekend, and helped control bus and car traffic. A local catering company served the meals in a large tent between the Riding Hall and the river.
Villagers also offered an outdoor cafe selling cold drinks and homemade baked goods, made warm waffles for the Brethren on Sunday morning, and sold commemorative bottles of Eder River water, that came complete with certificates of authenticity.
The Schwarzenau Celebration Committee was co-coordinated by Bernd Julius and Otto Marburger, and also included members Bodo Huster, Peter Kanstein, and Karin Zacharais. Johannes Haese served as liaison between the Schwarzenau Celebration Committee and the board of the Brethren Encyclopedia.
The Brethren Encyclopedia board is made up of members representing the six major Brethren bodies. Its president is Robert Lehigh; vice president Dale Stoffer coordinated the afternoon Anniversary Program; secretary Dale Ulrich served as a main coordinator for the Schwarzenau events; Terry White is treasurer; and Michael M. Miller and Jeff Bach are members of the board. Consultants to the board for the Schwarzenau events were Ken Kreider and Ted Rondeau.
A short gathering for worship at the river closed the day’s events. People gathered on both sides of the Eder River and on the bridge over the river, to participate in the short time of hymns and prayers led by a group of Old German Baptist Brethren. A brief meditation was brought by Michael Miller, a member of the Encyclopedia Board representing the Old German Baptist Brethren.
“So we come to the banks of this quiet river to say goodbye,” Miller said. The earth has listened to so much pain and suffering, he commented, but the earth also has heard the 24 splashes as the first eight Brethren were lifted from the waters of baptism. He closed with a blessing for the place, the people of Schwarzenau, and their children and descendants. Coming close to tears, he said, “May God bless you here in Schwarzenau.”
To the Brethren, Miller offered this blessing: “May we go with the same joy, peace, and hope that those eight people had 300 years ago.... Our prayer is that 300 years from now, we will all stand together again in the Kingdom of God.”
Worship ended with the singing of the Doxology, the Lord’s Prayer, and a hymn.
After the dismissal, many people still stood for some time along the banks of the river and on the bridge, in what became a moment of appreciation for the solemnity of the occasion. Some took the opportunity to dip their feet or hands in the river.
A comment made by Meier during the afternoon program was affirmed: For the Brethren, “the act of baptism...laid the cornerstone.”
Source: 08/03/2008 Newsline Special from Schwarzenau, Germany
CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN YOUTH ARE BAPTIZED IN THE EDER
Two Church of the Brethren youth were baptized in the Eder River in Schwarzenau in the late afternoon, following the closing worship service of the 300th Anniversary weekend. Lauren Knepp and John Michael Knepp--who are sister and brother--were part of a tour group from the United States led by Dana Statler of Lancaster, Pa., and were traveling with their family.
Through their baptisms, the two have become members of a Church of the Brethren congregation in Everett, Pa.
“They wanted to be baptized,” Statler said, adding that their families gave agreement to the ceremony prior to the trip. Statler, who is associate pastor of Brethren Village in Lititz, Pa., decided to perform the service after receiving permission from the pastor of the Everett church, and after contacting the planning committees for the Schwarzenau events.
Otto Marburger, a co-coordinator of the Schwarzenau Celebration Committee, lent his pasture along the river as the place for the baptism. Marburger even got up early this morning to mow and trim a tree in order to prepare the site.
“From my perspective as a pastor, to baptize someone in the Eder River is an honor,” Statler said.
He added, however, “The important thing is the decision, not the place. It’s not just a show in Schwarzenau, it’s a decision.”
Following the baptism of the two youth, two more men entered the water to experience re-baptism in the waters of the Eder. Standing knee deep in the water for prayer, each man then baptized the other.
An invitation to the baptisms had been issued during the afternoon Anniversary Program, and they were witnessed by a small crowd gathered on each side of the river, many with cameras in hand. As the baptismal candidates rose from the river water, after prayer, the Brethren responded with applause.
Source: 08/03/2008 Newsline Special from Schwarzenau, Germany
Two Church of the Brethren youth were baptized in the Eder River in Schwarzenau in the late afternoon, following the closing worship service of the 300th Anniversary weekend. Lauren Knepp and John Michael Knepp--who are sister and brother--were part of a tour group from the United States led by Dana Statler of Lancaster, Pa., and were traveling with their family.
Through their baptisms, the two have become members of a Church of the Brethren congregation in Everett, Pa.
“They wanted to be baptized,” Statler said, adding that their families gave agreement to the ceremony prior to the trip. Statler, who is associate pastor of Brethren Village in Lititz, Pa., decided to perform the service after receiving permission from the pastor of the Everett church, and after contacting the planning committees for the Schwarzenau events.
Otto Marburger, a co-coordinator of the Schwarzenau Celebration Committee, lent his pasture along the river as the place for the baptism. Marburger even got up early this morning to mow and trim a tree in order to prepare the site.
“From my perspective as a pastor, to baptize someone in the Eder River is an honor,” Statler said.
He added, however, “The important thing is the decision, not the place. It’s not just a show in Schwarzenau, it’s a decision.”
Following the baptism of the two youth, two more men entered the water to experience re-baptism in the waters of the Eder. Standing knee deep in the water for prayer, each man then baptized the other.
An invitation to the baptisms had been issued during the afternoon Anniversary Program, and they were witnessed by a small crowd gathered on each side of the river, many with cameras in hand. As the baptismal candidates rose from the river water, after prayer, the Brethren responded with applause.
Source: 08/03/2008 Newsline Special from Schwarzenau, Germany
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.
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.
Saturday, August 02, 2008
CELEBRATION OF THE 300th ANNIVERSARY OF THE BRETHREN BEGINS IN GERMANY
“Welcome home. Welcome to Schwarzenau!”
The words were spoken by Bodo Huster, mayor of Schwarzenau village and a council member for the larger region, welcoming more than 600 guests to the place where the Brethren movement was founded 300 years ago.
Huster made the remarks at the unveiling of a plaque commemorating the friendship between the Brethren and the community of Schwarzenau. “We are proud of the fact that this small community is the parent of your large community,” he said. “This plaque is a wonderful sign of friendship. It’s very durable, but I think the friendship of the Brethren and Schwarzenau will be of longer term.”
The unveiling of the plaque was a highlight of the first day of the international celebration of the 300th Anniversary of the Brethren movement and the 2008 Brethren World Assembly. The first group of eight Brethren were baptized in the Eder River in Schwarzenau, in 1708.
Aug. 2 was the first day of a two-day celebration planned and sponsored by the board of the Brethren Encyclopedia, Inc., along with the Heritage Club of Schwarzenau and a Schwarzenau Committee. Dale Stoffer of the Brethren Church is serving as chair for the coordinating groups from the board of the Brethren Encyclopedia, with Dale Ulrich as main coordinator for the logistics of events in Schwarzenau. Also on the board are Robert Lehigh, Terry White, Michael Miller, Fred Benedict, and Ronald Lutz.
Those visiting Schwarzenau today represented most of the Brethren denominations descended from the first eight who were baptized. Numerous tour buses--as many as 14, according to the organizers--arrived loaded with tour groups mostly from the United States. A group of five leaders representing Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria (the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria) are attending. Also participating are residents of Schwarzenau and a number of people from other parts of Germany.
Events began with opportunities to look around the village and visit the places of special interest for Brethren, including the Alexander Mack Museum featuring displays and historic items related to the first eight Brethren as well as their faith descendants. The small three-room museum is in the Huttental (valley of the huts) area on a hillside above Schwarzenau. The Huttental is the area where the first Brethren lived, when they were welcomed as refugees in the early 1700s by Count Henrich Albrecht, the ruler of the area.
The huts were over time built up into houses, and one of those houses now serves as the Alexander Mack Museum. The museum was opened in 1992, with support from the late Donald Durnbaugh. It is managed by the Heimatverein Schwarzenau, a local community club, and continues to receive financial support from Brethren, according to the Encyclopedia Board.
Outside the museum during the day today, “A. Mack” played by Larry Glick, a Church of the Brethren member from Virginia, introduced tour groups to the life of Alexander Mack Sr. and the story of the first Brethren baptisms.
Visitors could also see the former Alexander Mack Schule (school), which was built by the Church of the Brethren in support of the community of Schwarzenau and as a memorial to Alexander Mack Sr. It opened in 1956, but because of a school consolidation the building is no longer in use.
A small open-air Historical Craftsman Market on the grounds of Schwarzenau’s Manor House gave displays about how the area’s unique slate roof and wall tiles are made, offered demonstrations of woodworking and how to make yarn from wool. A bake sale offered home-made goodies and cold drinks.
Pictorial lectures on the early Brethren were given by Nevin Dulabaum, who has been recently named as the incoming president of Brethren Benefit Trust. A hymn sing titled “Singing for Understanding Between the Nations” led by Karl-Heinz Wenzel took place at the Manor House. Meals were served under a large tent behind the Riding Hall.
The plaque unveiling took place in the late afternoon. It commemorates the hospitality and tolerance that Schwarzenau and its leaders have shown to the Brethren over the centuries, from the time when the first Brethren found shelter there after suffering persecution elsewhere in Germany, to the present day when the faith descendants of those first Brethren continue to be welcomed.
The ceremony began with the singing of “Blessed Be the Tie that Binds.” In comments translated in German and English, members of the Brethren Encyclopedia Board and the two local planning committees spoke of the friendship between the people of Schwarzenau and the Brethren.
The plaque is set in a wall below the Manor House, along the banks of the Eder.
The day closed with an evening concert in the Riding Hall, temporarily converted from a horse-riding arena to a meeting hall for the weekend’s festivities. Four choirs performed: the McPherson (Kan.) College Choir, the Frauenchor (women’s choir) Schwarzenau, the Gemischte Chor (mixed men’s and women’s voices) Schwarzenau, and Cantamus, an ensemble from the nearby town of Bad Berleberg.
The McPherson choir’s first song expressed a sentiment many Brethren in the audience might have named as their own: “Therefore shall ye drink with joy from the wells of salvation.”
The appreciative audience gave the choir a standing ovation, and then stood again to applaud when all four choirs joined together for the final song of the night.
The events in Schwarzenau will continue on Sunday, Aug. 3, with morning worship, an afternoon program, and a concluding gathering at the river.
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.
Source: Newsline Special From Schwarzenau, Germany
“Welcome home. Welcome to Schwarzenau!”
The words were spoken by Bodo Huster, mayor of Schwarzenau village and a council member for the larger region, welcoming more than 600 guests to the place where the Brethren movement was founded 300 years ago.
Huster made the remarks at the unveiling of a plaque commemorating the friendship between the Brethren and the community of Schwarzenau. “We are proud of the fact that this small community is the parent of your large community,” he said. “This plaque is a wonderful sign of friendship. It’s very durable, but I think the friendship of the Brethren and Schwarzenau will be of longer term.”
The unveiling of the plaque was a highlight of the first day of the international celebration of the 300th Anniversary of the Brethren movement and the 2008 Brethren World Assembly. The first group of eight Brethren were baptized in the Eder River in Schwarzenau, in 1708.
Aug. 2 was the first day of a two-day celebration planned and sponsored by the board of the Brethren Encyclopedia, Inc., along with the Heritage Club of Schwarzenau and a Schwarzenau Committee. Dale Stoffer of the Brethren Church is serving as chair for the coordinating groups from the board of the Brethren Encyclopedia, with Dale Ulrich as main coordinator for the logistics of events in Schwarzenau. Also on the board are Robert Lehigh, Terry White, Michael Miller, Fred Benedict, and Ronald Lutz.
Those visiting Schwarzenau today represented most of the Brethren denominations descended from the first eight who were baptized. Numerous tour buses--as many as 14, according to the organizers--arrived loaded with tour groups mostly from the United States. A group of five leaders representing Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria (the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria) are attending. Also participating are residents of Schwarzenau and a number of people from other parts of Germany.
Events began with opportunities to look around the village and visit the places of special interest for Brethren, including the Alexander Mack Museum featuring displays and historic items related to the first eight Brethren as well as their faith descendants. The small three-room museum is in the Huttental (valley of the huts) area on a hillside above Schwarzenau. The Huttental is the area where the first Brethren lived, when they were welcomed as refugees in the early 1700s by Count Henrich Albrecht, the ruler of the area.
The huts were over time built up into houses, and one of those houses now serves as the Alexander Mack Museum. The museum was opened in 1992, with support from the late Donald Durnbaugh. It is managed by the Heimatverein Schwarzenau, a local community club, and continues to receive financial support from Brethren, according to the Encyclopedia Board.
Outside the museum during the day today, “A. Mack” played by Larry Glick, a Church of the Brethren member from Virginia, introduced tour groups to the life of Alexander Mack Sr. and the story of the first Brethren baptisms.
Visitors could also see the former Alexander Mack Schule (school), which was built by the Church of the Brethren in support of the community of Schwarzenau and as a memorial to Alexander Mack Sr. It opened in 1956, but because of a school consolidation the building is no longer in use.
A small open-air Historical Craftsman Market on the grounds of Schwarzenau’s Manor House gave displays about how the area’s unique slate roof and wall tiles are made, offered demonstrations of woodworking and how to make yarn from wool. A bake sale offered home-made goodies and cold drinks.
Pictorial lectures on the early Brethren were given by Nevin Dulabaum, who has been recently named as the incoming president of Brethren Benefit Trust. A hymn sing titled “Singing for Understanding Between the Nations” led by Karl-Heinz Wenzel took place at the Manor House. Meals were served under a large tent behind the Riding Hall.
The plaque unveiling took place in the late afternoon. It commemorates the hospitality and tolerance that Schwarzenau and its leaders have shown to the Brethren over the centuries, from the time when the first Brethren found shelter there after suffering persecution elsewhere in Germany, to the present day when the faith descendants of those first Brethren continue to be welcomed.
The ceremony began with the singing of “Blessed Be the Tie that Binds.” In comments translated in German and English, members of the Brethren Encyclopedia Board and the two local planning committees spoke of the friendship between the people of Schwarzenau and the Brethren.
The plaque is set in a wall below the Manor House, along the banks of the Eder.
The day closed with an evening concert in the Riding Hall, temporarily converted from a horse-riding arena to a meeting hall for the weekend’s festivities. Four choirs performed: the McPherson (Kan.) College Choir, the Frauenchor (women’s choir) Schwarzenau, the Gemischte Chor (mixed men’s and women’s voices) Schwarzenau, and Cantamus, an ensemble from the nearby town of Bad Berleberg.
The McPherson choir’s first song expressed a sentiment many Brethren in the audience might have named as their own: “Therefore shall ye drink with joy from the wells of salvation.”
The appreciative audience gave the choir a standing ovation, and then stood again to applaud when all four choirs joined together for the final song of the night.
The events in Schwarzenau will continue on Sunday, Aug. 3, with morning worship, an afternoon program, and a concluding gathering at the river.
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.
Source: Newsline Special From Schwarzenau, Germany
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
NEWS
- 300th Anniversary celebration takes place this week in Germany.
- Wal-Mart grants for $100,000 go to two Brethren colleges.
- Brethren bits: Corrections, remembrance, job openings, and more.
300th Anniversary celebration takes place this week in Germany.
Hundreds of Brethren from around the world and representing Brethren bodies in 18 nations are expected to gather at the site of the first Brethren baptisms in Schwarzenau, Germany, on Aug. 2-3. A weekend of special events is planned as the 2008 Brethren World Assembly and the international 300th Anniversary Celebration of the Brethren movement, sponsored by the board of Brethren Encyclopedia, Inc.
Sunday Aug. 3 also is the day set aside for a denomination-wide celebration of the 300th Anniversary in the Church of the Brethren. Congregations across the country are invited to hold a special time of remembrance and celebration during worship this Sunday.
The schedule for events in Schwarzenau includes:
For more information about the Aug. 2-3 events in Schwarzenau, contact US coordinator Dale V. Ulrich at daulrich@comcast.net or 540-828-6548. For more information about the Peace Fest in Marburg, contact Myrna Frantz at myrnajef@heartofiowa.net or 641-475-3463.
Source: 7/30/2008 Newsline
Hundreds of Brethren from around the world and representing Brethren bodies in 18 nations are expected to gather at the site of the first Brethren baptisms in Schwarzenau, Germany, on Aug. 2-3. A weekend of special events is planned as the 2008 Brethren World Assembly and the international 300th Anniversary Celebration of the Brethren movement, sponsored by the board of Brethren Encyclopedia, Inc.
Sunday Aug. 3 also is the day set aside for a denomination-wide celebration of the 300th Anniversary in the Church of the Brethren. Congregations across the country are invited to hold a special time of remembrance and celebration during worship this Sunday.
The schedule for events in Schwarzenau includes:
- On Saturday, Aug. 2, opportunities for visits to the Alexander Mack Museum and the former Alexander Mack Schule (school) in Schwarzenau, and other places of interest; a Historical Craftsman Market offering an introduction to life at the time of the Schwarzenau Brethren in the early 1700s; pictorial lectures on the early Brethren offered by Brethren Benefit Trust staff Nevin Dulabaum at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.; a hymn sing titled "Singing for Understanding Between the Nations" led by Karl-Heinz Wenzel at 3:30 p.m.; the unveiling of a plaque at the Eder River at 4:45 p.m.; a photo of participants in the Brethren Pension Plan at the river at 5:10 p.m. (approximately); and an evening concert by the McPherson (Kan.) College Choir, the Mannerchor Eintracht of Schwarzenau, the Frauenchor of Schwarzenau, and the Kammerchor Cantamus of Bad Berleberg at 7 p.m. Lunch and dinner will be served outdoors under a large tent, for a fee, with registration 8 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Gasthof Feige on Alexander Mack Strasse.
- On Sunday, Aug. 3, worship at 10 a.m. in the Riding Hall with preachers Fredric G. Miller Jr. of Mount Olive (Va.) Brethren Church, and James Beckwith, 2008 moderator of the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference; lunch served outdoors under the tent, for a fee; the Anniversary Program 2 p.m. in Riding Hall with keynote speaker Marcus Meier, a German academic authority on the early history of the Brethren and other Anabaptists and Pietists, and author of a new book to be published this year titled "The Origin of the Schwarzenau Brethren"; and a concluding gathering at the river at 4:30 p.m.
For more information about the Aug. 2-3 events in Schwarzenau, contact US coordinator Dale V. Ulrich at daulrich@comcast.net or 540-828-6548. For more information about the Peace Fest in Marburg, contact Myrna Frantz at myrnajef@heartofiowa.net or 641-475-3463.
Source: 7/30/2008 Newsline
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)