NEWS

• Delegation celebrates church anniversary, Brethren connections in Angola.
  
• BBT reports progress in changing pension assumption rate.
  
• Project leaders are trained for disaster response.
  
• Archives deemed ‘treasure’ in book on conscientious objection.

PERSONNEL

• Bohrer ends service as director of Sudan mission initiative.
  
• Farmer is called as director of computing for Bethany Seminary.
  
• Cyndi Fecher joins Gather ’Round staff as managing editor.

UPCOMING EVENTS

• Brethren Volunteer Service summer orientation begins.
  
• Conference calls prepare for International Day of Prayer for Peace.

BRETHREN BITS

• Remembrances, personnel, health care statement, and more.

Delegation celebrates church anniversary, Brethren connections in Angola.

A Brethren delegation to Angola has helped celebrate church connections built through disaster relief efforts there, attending the 125th anniversary celebration of the Evangelical Congregational Church in Angola. Roy Winter, executive director of Brethren Disaster Ministries, and Dale Minnich, chair of the Church of the Brethren Mission and Ministry Board, traveled to Angola on May 19-28.

Reporting on the experience, both men highlighted longterm connections that Brethren Disaster Ministries has built with the Bie Province, or district, of the Evangelical Congregational Church in Angola through relief efforts following the civil war that ended in 2002, and the unique relationships that Brethren enjoy in the central African country. "It was a great trip, and we were warmly received," Minnich said in a telephone interview following his return. "They value the Church of the Brethren relationship, even though it is fairly recent."

Since 2001, the Church of the Brethren has supported 10 relief projects in Angola with grants chiefly from the Emergency Disaster Fund, but also from the Global Food Crisis Fund, Minnich said. The Bie Province has been a partner in disaster relief work for several years, and representatives of Bie Province attended the Brethren 300th Anniversary Conference held in Virginia last July.

Another partner has been SHAREcircle, a nonprofit development organization based in Evanston, Ill., and led by Angolans now living in the United States. Over the years, Brethren Disaster Ministries has taken an active role in helping SHAREcircle gain support for its work, Winter said. On the trip to Angola, the Brethren accompanied a number of SHAREcircle representatives. According to Minnich, SHAREcircle’s executive director Guerra Freitas attends Reba Place Church in Evanston--a congregation that for many years was connected with the Church of the Brethren as well as the Mennonite Church.

While in Angola, Winter and Minnich were recognized at a Jubilee celebration of the 125th anniversary of the Evangelical Congregational Church in Angola. The celebration that took place over several days was attended by upward of 22,000 people, according to a count by church leaders. The executive director of the Angolan Council of Christian Churches brought the sermon for the main worship service.

The event also included a presentation by Minnich, who was asked to review Brethren mission work--past, present, and future--and new ways of working in mission that the Brethren are creating, for example in Haiti. "They were really interested in the global mission relationships," Minnich said. For his part, he commented that he had "no idea what the size of the crowd was going to be.... The fields and forest around were full of people."

Winter was impressed by an "amazing offering celebration" during the five-hour worship service. "People bringing forward what they had to offer God--fish, goats, furnishings for a new school, grains, beans, and much more. The whole time everyone was celebrating and dancing."

The anniversary celebration was held at the Camundongo Mission, 12 miles outside the town of Kuito in central Angola, where Winter observed evidence of the church’s success in rebuilding following the war. "In the two years since my last visit, a church has been built to replace one destroyed in the war. Two new schools, a health clinic, and housing for teachers have all been completed through a partnership with the government," he reported.

SHARECircle is now focusing on an ambitious project to build a university in the central highlands of Angola. Winter and Minnich visited the proposed site, four square kilometers of land provided by the Angolan government some distance outside of Kuito. There is no other higher education possibility in the area, said Minnich, who described the university as "a really important development step for the highlands of Angola.... It’s a great vision."

While Brethren Disaster Ministries is not directly involved in the university, Church of the Brethren organizations and individuals interested in the project are encouraged to contact Roy Winter at rwinter@brethren.org.

Source: 7/16/2009 Newsline

BBT reports progress in changing pension assumption rate.

Brethren Benefit Trust (BBT) has reported on its work to lower the annuity assumption rate for the Church of the Brethren Pension Plan, in a letter from BBT president Nevin Dulabaum sent in mid-June to all annuitants. The Pension Plan has provided retirement benefits to ministers and lay employees of the Church of the Brethren and its agencies since 1943.

The decision to lower the rate came in late April, in response to losses incurred because of the economic recession. The BBT Board approved the change of all past and future annuity assumption rates to 5 percent, a significant decrease from rates that have been in the range of 6 to 8 percent in recent years.

As of Dec. 31, 2008, the Retirement Benefits Fund held by BBT had enough assets to meet only 68 percent of its current obligations. The decision to reduce the assumption rate has been made in an effort to return the Retirement Benefits Fund to fully funded status. Returning the fund to fully funded status "is our first priority," BBT has stated on its website.

Monthly pension payments at the new rate will begin Sept. 1. An estimated 1,450 people will be affected. The group includes retired pastors, former district and denominational staff, and others who are receiving annuities.

"Based on our preliminary calculations, the reduction (in monthly payments) will be in the 15 to 20 percent range for most annuitants, but there are a number of variables that could have your individual rate falling above or below that range," Dulabaum wrote.

The organization has worked diligently to make this conversion accurately, the president reported. However, converting the rate for members who retired several decades ago, when calculations were made by an earlier computer system or by hand, has required much more work and a longer process than expected, he said.

BBT has employed three temporary staff to serve as a data compilation team. The team has had to pull paper files and worksheets dating back decades, and then input that information into a new computer database. The team also is researching and cross referencing other records and information to ensure that the figures used are accurate.

Hewitt Associates, a national employee benefits consultant, has been retained to compute the new monthly payments based on the 5 percent annuity assumption rate. Once that work is complete, BBT will send letters informing every annuitant of the amount of his or her new monthly benefit.

Retirees who experience great financial hardship because of the reduction will be able to apply for a new grant program. BBT has appropriated non-Pension Plan assets from its operating reserves to provide special assistance, up to the amount of the benefit reduction. The BBT Board will review and evaluate the grant program each year.

"We know that this process is difficult and that this change is a disappointment to you and to all of our Brethren Pension Plan annuitants," Dulabaum wrote in his letter. "We have also received support for making an extremely tough decision. Our first responsibility is to ensure that the Plan can cover its payments for decades to come."

He also noted that "the 5 percent rate to which we are moving is still on the high end of annuity assumption rates being offered today. While this news provides little consolation, it does help to put into context just how severe of a loss in equities we have gone through over the past 20 months.... This current downturn continues to present problems to all pension plans nationwide, whether church-based or secular."

For more information go to www.brethrenbenefittrust.org where BBT is offering an online link with answers to the most frequently asked questions about changes in the Pension Plan.

Source: 7/16/2009 Newsline

Project leaders are trained for disaster response.

"I always knew there was a lot that went on behind the scenes but I had no idea..." stated one participant during a Brethren Disaster Ministries’ project leadership training held May 26-June 4.

The 10-day training event brought 16 individuals from across the country to the Brethren Disaster Ministries project in Louisiana, focusing on servant leadership, teamwork, and communication. The event also included workshops on safety, volunteer management, household management, cooking, construction management, record keeping, and much more.

Interspersed between workshops, participants were given hands-on opportunities to participate in construction activities as they learned new skills and honed skills in areas such as drywall, window and door installation, flooring, trim carpentry, etc. During a day-long workshop presented by On Earth Peace, participants learned about different personality types and how they affect teamwork, communication, and interpersonal relationships.

Labeled a success by both participants and trainers, a similar model for workshops is expected to be used in future trainings. "Brethren Disaster Ministries project leaders are the backbone of the domestic rebuild program and vital to this ministry. While we are excited about the newly trained leaders and the possibilities that lie ahead, we have seen an increase in weekly volunteerism and recognize the need to train more leaders to meet that demand," said Zach Wolgemuth, associate director.

Brethren Disaster Ministries expects to offer another project leader training in the near future; interested individuals are invited to contact 800-451-4407.

-- Zach Wolgemuth is associate director of Brethren Disaster Ministries.

Source: 7/16/2009 Newsline

Archives deemed a ‘treasure’ in book on conscientious objection.

The Brethren Historical Library and Archives has been called a "national treasure" by Steven J. Taylor, author of the new book "Acts of Conscience: World War II, Mental Institutions, and Religious Objectors" (Syracuse University Press, 2009). The archives are located at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill.

In the book’s acknowledgments, Taylor praises the Brethren Historical Library and Archives along with the Mennonite Church Archives in Goshen, Ind., and the Swarthmore (Pa.) College Peace Collection. The author did extensive research at each location, and says, "There are endless books to be written based on the rich historical documents maintained at these archives."

Taylor’s book documents how a group of young conscientious objectors who worked in mental hospitals as part of their Civilian Public Service (CPS) during World War II, attempted to reform the mental health system after the war. They made public the abuse and poor services endured by patients, and led a reform movement to improve conditions in mental institutions.

CPS was created and funded by Brethren, Mennonites, and Quakers as an alternative to military service during World War II. With the approval of the US government, young men who expressed conscientious objection to the war were assigned to work of national importance, such as fighting forest fires, serving as guinea pigs in scientific experiments, and working as attendants in mental hospitals.

"Acts of Conscience" is available from Brethren Press for $45 plus shipping and handling, call 800-441-3712.

-- Ken Shaffer is the archivist at the Brethren Historical Library and Archives.

Source: 7/16/2009 Newsline

Bohrer ends service as director of Sudan mission initiative.

The position of director of the Church of the Brethren’s Sudan mission initiative is being eliminated, as part of a re-evaluation of the needs of Global Mission Partnerships. Bradley Bohrer leaves the position on July 31, after which he will receive a three-month severance package.

The Sudan mission was initiated by the former Church of the Brethren General Board in Oct. 2005. It will continue as a program of the church’s Global Mission Partnerships, under the leadership of executive director Jay Wittmeyer. "We are committed to the mission in Sudan, although we are eliminating the director position. We continue to maintain a position vacancy for mission workers in Sudan," Wittmeyer said.

All designated gifts to the Sudan mission continue to be held in a special fund to support future in-country work by Brethren mission staff.

Bohrer has directed the Sudan initiative since Sept. 11, 2006. During his tenure, the Church of the Brethren has explored the feasibility and foundational understandings for a mission in Sudan; explored locations for mission workers and possible partnerships with other churches and nonprofit organizations in southern Sudan, with the help of a volunteer assessment team that included Enten Eller and the late Phil and Louise Rieman; and established a working relationship with RECONCILE, a peace and justice ministry in southern Sudan related to the Sudan Council of Churches. A short-term Brethren mission worker was placed in Sudan to work with RECONCILE, under Bohrer’s leadership.

In previous work for the church, Bohrer pastored Brook Park (Ohio) Community Church of the Brethren for over 22 years. In 1995-97 he taught at Kulp Bible College in Nigeria. He also has worked in Northern Ohio District as director of Pastoral Continuing Education. He holds degrees from Manchester College, Bethany Seminary, and Ashland Seminary.

Source: 7/16/2009 Newsline

Farmer is called as director of computing for Bethany Seminary.

Edward R. Farmer has been called as director of seminary computing for Bethany Theological Seminary and Earlham School of Religion in Richmond, Ind., beginning Aug. 1. The director provisions, manages, and secures technology resources for the seminaries; advises them on the use and development of information technology; and coordinates resources between the seminaries.

Farmer has extensive experience in computer systems management and netware integration and administration. He has been a systems engineer for Dayton Cincinnati Technology Services since 2004 and tech coordinator for Precious Blood Elementary School in Trotwood, Ohio, since 2007. He holds degrees from Albion (Mich.) College and the University of Texas at Dallas, and also has been an adjunct instructor for use of computer software at Indiana Vocational Technical College.

Source: 7/16/2009 Newsline

Cyndi Fecher joins Gather ’Round staff as managing editor.

Cyndi Fecher has been named managing editor of the Gather ’Round curriculum project of Brethren Press and the Mennonite Publishing Network, as of Aug. 3. She will work out of the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill.

Fecher was Gather ’Round project assistant from 2006-07, and more recently has been doing writing, editing, layout, and proofreading as publications coordinator for Brethren Benefit Trust since Jan. 2. Of additional benefit is her teaching experience in South Korea, where she taught English as a second language to students age four through adult. She also brings technical expertise in website management and publishing software.

Source: 7/16/2009 Newsline

Brethren Volunteer Service summer orientation begins.

The 2009 Summer Orientation unit of Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS) will be held July 19-Aug. 7 in Harrisonburg, Va. This will be the 284th orientation unit for BVS and will consist of 18 volunteers from across the US, Germany, and the Netherlands.

This unit is sponsored by the Little Hill Community Urban Farm and the New Community Project, and will focus on sustainable living and localization. Volunteers will learn about global and local issues of social justice, care for creation, poverty, and peacemaking. Highlights will include hiking a mountain, biking to the grocery store, a weekend immersion in Washington, D.C., and spending a final week at Brethren Woods Camp and Retreat Center in Keezletown, Va.

A BVS potluck on Aug. 3 at 6 p.m. at Brethren Woods Camp is open to all who are interested in helping welcome the new BVS volunteers. For more information contact BVS office staff volunteer Beth Merrill at bmerrill@brethren.org.

Source: 7/16/2009 Newsline

Conference calls prepare International Day of Prayer for Peace.

On Earth Peace is calling on churches and organizations to join its annual campaign to participate in the International Day of Prayer for Peace (IDOPP) on Sept. 21. The commemoration is an initiative of the World Council of Churches. This year, a special emphasis of the campaign is how the recession is affecting local communities.

Conference call training sessions for congregations and individuals interested in carrying out "Listening Initiatives" in their local communities as part the campaign are offered on July 20 and 28 at 12-2 p.m. Eastern time. The sessions will be facilitated by David Jehnsen, chair of the board of Every Church a Peace Church, and founder of the Institute for Human Rights and Responsibilities. Jehnsen will be basing the training on a process of community organizing originally used by Martin Luther King Jr. during the Civil Rights movement.

In addition to Listening Initiatives, churches and other groups may participate in the campaign through an observance or a vigil, depending on each group's interest and experience with peace and social justice issues. So far, about 60 congregations and groups have registered. Visit www.onearthpeace.org/drupal. To participate in a call, contact idopp@onearthpeace.org.

Source: 7/16/2009 Newsline

Brethren bits

• In remembrance:
  
  
  • Jeannette W. Patterson, 67, died on July 2. She was a key employee of the Church of the Brethren’s Virlina District and its predecessors for 38 years, from 1968-2006. She is survived by her husband, Wessley, her son, Keith, and grandson, Dusty. Funeral services were held on July 6 in Roanoke, Va.
    
    
  • Tom Mullen passed away June 19. He had taught at Earlham School of Religion in Richmond, Ind., and his courses were attended by students at Bethany Theological Seminary following its move to Richmond. Mullen is known to Brethren as a popular humorist who has spoken at National Older Adult Conferences and Caring Ministries Assemblies. He was the author of a number of books including "Laughing Out Loud and Other Religious Experiences." He is survived by his wife, Nancy Faus-Mullen, who is a former professor at Bethany Seminary.
    
    
  • Sheri Layman Fecher, 53, passed away July 11 at her home in Elgin, Ill., after a long battle with cancer. She was employed by the Church of the Brethren General Board in 1996 and 1997 as Yearbook assistant. She is survived by her husband of 31 years, Donald Fecher, a former director of the Fellowship of Brethren Homes; daughter Cyndi Fecher, publications coordinator for Brethren Benefit Trust; and son Leland Fecher and fiancee Alison Mulert. She was a dedicated teacher who taught at Larkin and South Elgin High Schools for 12 years, and was active at Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren in Elgin. A memorial service will be held July 25, at 10 a.m., at Highland Avenue Church. A memorial scholarship fund has been created at South Elgin High School.
  
  
• Personnel notes:
  
  
  • Stephen E. Abe concluded his service as district executive of West Marva District on June 30, rather than Sept. 30 as previously announced. The district's new e-mail address is wmarva@brethren.org.
    
    
  • Justin Barrett has resigned as program assistant for the Church of the Brethren’s Global Mission Partnerships, effective July 30. He began in the position on Sept. 24, 2007. Previously, he served as office coordinator for Student Services at North Park Theological Seminary in the Chicago area. He is a graduate of Western Michigan University and North Park Theological Seminary, with a master’s degree in Christian Ministry. He will be relocating to Massachusetts.
    
    
  • Cristian Villegas has begun as a baler in Material Resources at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md. He graduated last year from Francis Scott High School, and last fall worked with the boxcar crew in Material Resources.
  
  
• A health care statement from religous leaders has been signed by Church of the Brethren general secretary Stan Noffsinger. The statement declares that current economic conditions have made health care reform an urgent priority. The declaration was drafted with the assistance of the National Council of Churches Health Task Force. "No longer can we afford to squander the hopes and dreams of the American people through a much-too-costly system that contributes to economic despair," the statement said in part. "Families and individuals must be able to rely on affordable care in times of illness or accident and preventative care to safeguard health and well-being. Go to www.ncccusa.org/news/090707healthcarestatement.html for the full statement.
  
  
• Brethren Volunter Service (BVS) is moving forward with an initiative to develop community living opportunities for volunteers. Supported by BVS and local congregations, each volunteer community will house four-to-six volunteers serving in full-time BVS projects and committed to intentional practices of life together. The first BVS house, sponsored by Cincinnati (Ohio) Church of the Brethren, is expected to begin hosting volunteers as early as August. The new community emphasis is part of a partnership with Volunteers Exploring Vocation through the fund for Theological Education and a grant from the Lilly Foundation. Congregations and volunteers interested in the new community houses may contact Dana Cassell, volunteer staff for Vocation and Community Living, at dcassell@brethren.org.
  
  
• Children’s Disaster Services (CDS) is offering four more Level 1 Workshops before the end of the year. Workshops train volunteers to minister with children and families following disasters. Workshops will be offered on Aug. 10-11 at the Native American Ministry United Methodist Church in Milwaukee, Wis., with Lorna Jost as local coordinator (contact 605-692-3390); Sept. 25-26 at Virden (Ill.) Church of the Brethren with Charlot Cole as coordinator (217-370-5382); Oct. 9-10 at McPherson (Kan.) Church of the Brethren with Elva Jean Naylor as coordinator (620-241-3123); and Nov. 6-7 at Wesley Freedom United Methodist Church in Sykesville, Md., with Mary K. Bunting as coordinator (410-552-1142). For more about registration and cost go to www.childrensdisasterservices.org or call 800-451-4407, ext. 5.
  
  
• Brethren mission coordinators for the Dominican Republic, Irvin and Nancy Heishman, have been visiting congregations on the West Coast since Annual Conference ended. They have given presentations at a number of congregations in Oregon and Washington District, and traveled to Nampa (Idaho) Church of the Brethren. Nancy Heishman was one of the preachers for worship at the Conference that ended in San Diego on June 30.
  
  
• Pleasant Valley Church of the Brethren in York, N.D., has decided to close. A celebration of the church and a final worship service is scheduled for Aug. 30, according to the Northern Plains District newsletter. The district is calling for letters of support to Pleasant Valley Church, care of pastor Steve Cameron, cameron@stellarnet.com.
  
  
• A Bible study group at Brethren Village, a Church of the Brethren retirement community in Lancaster, Pa., has now been in existence for more than 45 years, according to a note from Charles Bieber who serves as teacher. The group recently motored to Carlisle, Pa., to visit the Church of the Brethren there and encourage newly installed pastors Marla and James Abe.
  
  
• Champaign (Ill.) Church of the Brethren has announced a priority of working with the local police department, following a reassessment of its ministry, in an announcement in the Illinois and Wisconsin District newsletter. "Late last summer the congregation started praying for the officers of the police department every Sunday," the report said. "The officers and the Chief were stunned that someone would pray for them, then they were thankful, then they each and all asked us to continue." The church regards prayer as a first step, with a next step to encourage police to interact with children in the neighborhood in a non-threatening manner, and ultimately to become more responsive to neighborhood needs. "The church is trying to position itself to be the center, or hub, of the neighborhood activities, in essence to be the agent of change."
  
  
• A team of volunteer builders from Carpenters for Christ on June 2 kicked off construction to rebuild Erwin (Tenn.) Church of the Brethren, which was destroyed by fire last summer. A Tennessee news website has posted a video clip and photos, go to www.tricities.com/tri/news/local/article/volunteers_help_rebuild_an_erwin_church/24910/
  
  
• A new district website is under construction in Northern Plains District, thanks to the efforts of Ida Van Weston and Kathy Mack, according to the district newsletter. Go to www.northernplainsdistrict.com.
  
  
• The 2009 district conference season begins with two conferences on July 31-Aug. 2: Northern Plains District meets at Pine Lake Christian Camp in Eldora, Iowa, on the theme, "Faith, Hope, and Love: The Greatest of These Is Love" (1 Cor. 13:13) with Alice Draper as moderator; Western Plains meets at McPherson (Kan.) Church of the Brethren on the theme, "Become New!" with Leslie Frye as moderator.
  
  
• A program at Fahrney-Keedy Home and Village may lead to a long-term partnership with Washington County Hospital Wound Center, according to a release from the Brethren retirement community near Boonsboro, Md. Debra Manahan, certified wound-care specialist, is a member of a team of healthcare professionals dedicated to wound care and wound healing who once a week meets at Fahrney-Keedy to make "wound rounds" among residents. "Our long-term goal is to become the facility of choice to facilitate optimal care for those who suffer with wounds or other skin issues," Manahan said. The team also includes three Washington County Hospital physicians, staff from Flagship Rehabilitation, and other Fahrney-Keedy staff.
  
  
• Ellen K. Layman has received the 2009 Merlin and Dorothy Faw Garber Award for Christian Service from Bridgewater (Va.) College. Layman is a 1965 graduate who has worked at the college in many capacities: as part-time instructor in journalism from 1979-82, director of public information 1991-95, associate director of development 1995-2000, director of media and church relations 2000-01, director of alumni and church relations 2001-07, and director of special projects since 2007. Layman also has had a career in journalism and politics. She is a member of Dayton (Va.) Church of the Brethren.
  
  
• Harmony Cafe opened June 1 as the second open-to-the-public restaurant at Cross Keys Village-The Brethren Home Community in New Oxford, Pa. The cafe in the Harmony Ridge Community Center is part of a recent expansion that includes the 56-unit Harmony Ridge West Apartments and the Harvey S. Kline Wellness Center. The new facilities were dedicated in a ceremony on May 29 with Nevin Dulabaum, president of Brethren Benefit Trust (BBT), as guest speaker. Harvey S. Kline was an original trustee of BBT.
  
  
• The Brethren Revival Fellowship has announced registration for this summer’s Brethren Bible Institute to begin July 19. The institute will be held July 20-24 at Elizabethtown (Pa.) College. This year, some classes will be designed with extra study and assignments suitable for licensed ministers. Contact Brethren Bible Institute, 155 Denver Rd., Denver, PA 17517.
  
  
• The John Kline Homestead has a new brochure, and has started a newsletter. In addition, the Board of Directors has begun a formal capital fund campaign to raise at least $425,000 by the end of 2009, in an effort to preserve the homestead of John Kline, a Brethren elder and martyr during the Civil War era. The homestead project is contacting several congregations in Shenandoah District with encouragement to raise $10,000 each to support the preservation of the historic homestead in Broadway, Va., near Linville Creek Church of the Brethren. Contact Linville Creek pastor Paul Roth at proth@bridgewater.edu.
  
  
• Nine Brethren departed July 14 for a New Community Project Learning Tour to El Salvador. The New Community Project is a Brethren-related nonprofit organization. In El Salvador, the group will be hosted by Emmanuel Baptist Church and will receive briefings on the current political, social, and economic situation in the country; will visit the site of Oscar Romero's martyrdom; and will live and work in a community assisting in housing construction. The delegation is led by New Community Project director David Radcliff and Jim Dodd of Midland, Va. In other news from the project, a grant of $6,000 has been given for a women's gardening project, tailoring training, and reforestation programs in Nimule, Sudan. This follows grants of $30,000 given earlier this year for these projects and for girls' education in Sudan. For more visit www.newcommunityproject.org.
  
  
• Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT) is holding its tenth Christian Peacemaker Congress on Sept. 17-20 in Denver, Colo., on the theme, "Restoring Balance: Peace Through Right Relationships." The congress will be hosted by the Student Action Committee at Iliff School of Theology. Presenters include George Tinker, Baldridge Professor of American Indian Culture and Practice at Iliff; Elizabeth Garcia, a CPT worker and immigration activist; and Harley Eagle, coordinator of Indigenous Work for Mennonite Central Committee. Go to www.cpt.org/participate/congressX
  
  
• A CPT reservist has been charged with littering for leaving water bottles for migrants near the US-Mexico border. On June 1, John Heid and two other people placed three-dozen gallons of water on a migrant trail in Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge near Tucson, Ariz., according to a release from CPT. The three were confronted by a US Border Patrol agent "armed with an M-16 assault rifle," and by a Fish and Wildlife officer, and escorted out of the area. "The date (June 1) marked the beginning of the most lethal month of the year in the Tucson Sector of the US-Mexico borderlands," CPT said. "One hundred degree days become the deadly norm. This year, migrants crossing this desert are dying at a record rate; 89 bodies have been recovered."
  
  
• Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP) has sent an update on a letter on Holy Land Peace sent by Christian leaders to President Obama on June 4. Church of the Brethren general secretary Stan Noffsinger was one of those who signed. Jeffrey Feltman, acting assistant Secretary of State for Near East Affairs, has responded with a letter expressing appreciation for the Christian leaders' "work to advance our collective goal of realizing a comprehensive Middle East peace," and laying out the obligations that the US administration has placed on all parties including Israel, the Palestinians, and the Arab states. CMEP continues to gather signatures for the Holy Land Peace letter, go to www.cmep.org/boldaction.
  
  
• An ElderQuest walking retreat for older men is led by Brethren minister Roger Golden on Sept. 20-25 in Abingdon, Va. "The Virginia Creeper Trail, a 34 mile rails-to-trails project, will provide four days of walking, reflection, and life planning," he reported. The group will walk 34 miles to Whitetop Mountain, Va., and return. Pre-retreat training is required. Deadline for registration is Aug. 1. Go to www.elderquest.info

Source: 7/16/2009 Newsline

Credits

Newsline is produced by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of news services for the Church of the Brethren, cobnews@brethren.org or 800-323-8039 ext. 260. Frank Buhrman, Mary K. Heatwole, Karin L. Krog, Patrice Nightingale, David Radcliff, Paul Roth, Glen Sargent, Marcia Shetler, Anna Speicher, Jay Wittmeyer contributed to this report.

NEWS

• Brethren meet for 223rd Annual Conference in San Diego, set in motion denomination-wide conversation on sexuality.
  
• Annual Conference chooses Robert E. Alley as moderator-elect.
  
• Standing Committee creates new denominational Vision Committee.
  
• Mission and Ministry Board sets budget parameter for 2010.
  
• Board receives report on situation of Haitians in the Dominican Republic.
  
• National Council of Churches leader proclaims importance of working for peace.
  
• Annual Conference bits and pieces.
  
• Brethren bits: job openings, more.

Brethren meet for 223rd Annual Conference, begin denomination-wide conversation on sexuality.

A total of 2,077 people met for the 2009 Annual Conference in San Diego, Calif., on June 26-30, including 670 delegates from congregations and districts, and 1,407 nondelegates. The Conference was led by moderator David Shumate and was held at the Town and Country Resort and Convention Center.

Decisions made by the delegate body set in motion at least two years of intentional denomination-wide conversation on two documents related to human sexuality. In addition, the Conference approved a revision of the church's paper providing a process for conversation about strongly controversial issues, acted on a query regarding secret oath-bound societies, and received a number of reports. The body also elected new church leadership (see story below).

Denomination-wide conversation on sexuality

Annual Conference acted on two business items related to issues of human sexuality, after spending most of the afternoons of June 27 and 28 discussing the items "A Statement of Confession and Commitment" and "Query: Language on Same-Sex Covenantal Relationships."

The action has set in motion at least two years of intentional denomination-wide conversation on the two documents. The delegates voted to accept both as "special response" items to be dealt with using the newly revised process for strongly controversial issues. In doing so, the Conference turned down a recommendation from the Standing Committee of district delegates to postpone the query until a later time.

Standing Committee also has named a Special Response Resource Committee that is called for in the process for strongly controversial issues. The committee will develop resources on the issues, in order to aid the church in the conversation process.

Named to the committee are Karen Long Garrett, a recent Bethany Seminary graduate and manager editor for Brethren Life and Thought; James Myer, a minister at White Oak Church of the Brethren in Manheim, Pa., and a leader in the Brethren Revival Fellowship; Marie Rhoades, a staff member of On Earth Peace; John E. Wenger, a Church of the Brethren member and psychologist from Anderson, Ind.; and Carol Wise, executive director of the Brethren and Mennonite Council for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Interests.

"A Statement of Confession and Commitment" came from last year's Standing Committee, addressing the issue of homosexuality as one that "continues to bring tension and division within our Body," confessing that, "we are not of one mind on this matter," and declaring that the church's 1983 paper Human Sexuality from a Christian Perspective "remains our official position." The statement acknowledges tension between different parts of the 1983 paper, confesses "meanness and fighting" over the issue, and calls the church to stop unchristian behavior.

"Query: Language on Same-Sex Covenantal Relationships" from Beacon Heights Church of the Brethren in Fort Wayne, Ind., and Northern Indiana District asks "whether it is the will of the church that this language on same-sex covenantal relationships will continue to guide our journey together" referring to a sentence in the 1983 paper that same-sex covenantal relationships are "not acceptable."

Standing Committee representatives Larry Dentler and Janice Kulp Long presented the committee's recommendations. Long also is on the pastoral team at Beacon Heights Church of the Brethren, which sent the query.

"We are a diverse group, just as the delegates of our congregations are diverse," said Dentler, who reported that last year after Standing Committee adopted its statement he felt "amazed that we could be unanimous...because there were persons of all theological perspectives." After further discussion this year, he realized that "some of us were seeing things in different ways." Some on Standing Committee see the statement as saying that the 1983 paper is one "we need to stick to," he explained, while others see the 1983 paper as simply "what we have," and that the 1983 paper really opens up more opportunity for discussion.

"Others' perspectives help me understand myself and our (church) body better," said Long. "Our denomination can only find a way through present brokenness as we seek God's light together." She also clarified that the Beacon Heights Church intends with the query simply to ask, "What words regarding covenantal relationships could God lead us to today?"

Debate on the two items was lengthy and marked by lines at the microphones, with many people wanting to speak. A group of young adults read a statement calling for support and inclusion of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people. Other expressions ranged from affirmation for an intentional denomination-wide conversation, to commitment to biblical authority and the Bible's teachings on homosexuality, to weariness with the amount of time and energy already spent on the issue. Some expressed a desire to immediately reopen the 1983 statement. Several speakers said that it will be impossible for the whole church to come to agreement.

"There comes a time when you have to agree to lay things to rest," said Myer, who was a member of the committee that brought the 1983 paper. He spoke from the floor in support of the recommendation for denominational conversation, but "with some reluctance" he said, because the church already has worked on these issues for some 30 years. His support came out of observing the Standing Committee process in creating its statement, he said, "that it was possible in this day and time to come up with something that received unanimous approval."

Revision of paper to deal with strongly controversial issues

By an overwhelming vote, the Conference affirmed the motion of Standing Committee to adopt the revision of the paper, "A Structural Framework for Dealing with Strongly Controversial Issues." The document represents an update of a paper of the same name passed in 1988, but never utilized. The revision passed with one amendment to shorten to one minute the time speakers would have during floor discussion of topics using this process, instead of 1 1/2 minutes, to give more people a chance to speak and be heard.

The 1988 paper called for a committee to provide resources on an issue and facilitate denomination-wide conversation, but did not specify doing anything with the information gathered. This revision outlines a fuller process of conversation that may take two to three years, giving Standing Committee the responsibility of holding hearings across the denomination, and bringing the issue back to Annual Conference.

Moderator David Shumate commented that having a good process for controversial issues would provide a "surge protector" effect for the church, and added that the church needs special time to work with issues that "try us as a body."

Membership in secret oath-bound societies

The Conference respectfully returned the "Query: Secret Oath-Bound Societies" and reaffirmed the statement on membership in secret societies passed by the 1954 Annual Conference--with an amendment asking the Conference officers to appoint a three-member group to develop resources to educate and inform the church on this topic.

The officers named a three-person Resource Team to develop resources to educate and inform the church on the topic of secret oath-bound societies. Named to the team are former general secretary Judy Mills Reimer; Bethany Theological Seminary professor of New Testament studies Dan Ulrich; and Harold Martin, a leader in the Brethren Revival Fellowship.

Other business

Revised corporate by-laws for the Church of the Brethren were submitted for information, with the expectation that they will be brought for action at next year's Annual Conference. A revision of the by-laws is being submitted following the major reorganization of the Church of the Brethren, Inc., last year as the former Association of Brethren Caregivers and Annual Conference Council were combined with the then General Board under one corporate umbrella. The by-laws passed in 2008, which are now in force, included a lot of items from the church's polity manual and are very lengthy. The corporate attorney advised that a way be found to simplify them, reported general secretary Stan Noffsinger. Noffsinger invited additional comments and suggestions on the by-laws proposal to be sent to the Church of the Brethren's Leadership Team.

A report on child protection activity was given by Kim Ebersole, director of Family Life and Older Adult Ministries. The report affirmed the continuing relevance of the 1986 report of the Conditions of Childhood Task Force, and added three new recommendations for the denomination. The report was called for by a 2007 query, following which a survey process was conducted with congregations, districts, church programs, and agencies such as church camps, and the Caring Ministries staff also conducted a number of other activities to educate the church and to call for more attention to the protection of children across the denomination.

Three recommendations were given, that every Church of the Brethren congregation, district, agency, ministry area, program, and camp adopt and implement a child protection/child abuse prevention policy appropriate for its ministry setting; the Church of the Brethren maintain resources to assist congregations, districts, agencies, ministry areas, programs, and camps in developing child protection/child abuse prevention policies; and the church continue to help strengthen families and ensure that parents and caregivers have the knowledge, skill, support, and resources to care for their children.

The delegates approved a zero percent cost of living increase for the annual adjustment in the recommended ministerial cash salary table, at the recommendation of the Pastoral Compensation and Benefits Advisory Committee. The committee explained that usually the cost of living increase is based on the percentage of increase in the Consumer Price Index, however with the economic situation the Index fell this year rather than increased and the group did not want to recommend a decrease in the salaries of pastors.

Other reports received by the Conference included agency reports from the Church of the

Brethren, Bethany Theological Seminary, Brethren Benefit Trust, and On Earth Peace; Living Peace Church sharing from the microphones; a report from the Program and Arrangements Committee; and others.

The closing Conference business session also included appreciation for retiring Annual Conference executive director Lerry Fogle, and the consecration of Shawn Flory Replogle as moderator and Robert E. Alley as moderator-elect for 2010.

(Frances Townsend, pastor of Onekama (Mich.) Church of the Brethren, contributed to the reporting from the Annual Conference business sessions.)

Source: 7/1/2009 Newsline

Annual Conference chooses Robert E. Alley as moderator-elect.

The 2009 Annual Conference has called Robert Earl Alley of Harrisonburg, Va., as moderator-elect for 2010 and moderator for 2011. Alley is pastor of Bridgewater (Va.) Church of the Brethren. He will serve next year assisting the 2010 Annual Conference moderator Shawn Flory Replogle, pastor of McPherson (Kan.) Church of the Brethren.

Other election results:

• Program and Arrangements Committee:
  Victoria Jean (Sayers) Smith of Elizabethtown, Pa.
  
  
• Pastoral Compensation and Benefits Advisory Committee:
  Tim Button-Harrison of Ames, Iowa
  
  
• Committee on Interchurch Relations:
  Jim Hardenbrook of Edinburg, Va.
  
  
• Bethany Theological Seminary Trustee representing the colleges:
  David Witkovsky of Huntingdon, Pa.
  
  
• Brethren Benefit Trust Board:
  Carol Hess of Lancaster, Pa.
  
  
• On Earth Peace Board: David R. Miller of Dayton, Va.

The following appointments have been confirmed:

• Bethany Theological Seminary Board of Trustees:
  Jerry Davis of La Verne, Calif., and John D. Miller of York, Pa. Also confirmed as a representative of the alumni association was Rhonda Pittman Gingrich of Minneapolis, Minn.
  
  
• Brethren Benefit Trust Board:
  Carol Ann Greenwood of Walkersville, Md., and Donna Forbes Steiner of Landisville, Pa.
  
  
• On Earth Peace Board:
  James S. Replogle of Bridgewater, Va., and Robbie Miller of Bridgewater, Va.

Source: 7/1/2009 Newsline

Standing Committee creates new denominational Vision Committee.

The Standing Committee of district delegates approved the formation of a new committee for the denomination, which will have the task of discerning a long-range vision for the Church of the Brethren for each upcoming decade.

The committee was recommended by the Church of the Brethren's Leadership Team, which includes the Annual Conference officers and the general secretary, and the Inter-Agency Forum.

In its decision, Standing Committee directed that the Vision Committee be implemented quickly enough to create a vision for the coming decade 2011-2020. It also amended the paper outlining a charter for the new committee to include the charge to be "immersed in prayer, seeking God's purpose for our denomination."

The Vision Committee will be appointed in the fifth year of the previous decade, to create a vision for the next decade, and to report to Annual Conference in the eighth year of the previous decade. The eight-member committee will include a member from the Church of the Brethren staff or Mission and Ministry Board, a representative of each Annual Conference agency (Bethany Theological Seminary, Brethren Benefit Trust, and On Earth Peace), and four members appointed by Standing Committee from the membership of the denomination.

Moderator Shumate commented about the new committee, "I see it as a matter of leadership...for the time and place that we're in."

Source: 7/1/2009 Newsline

Mission and Ministry Board sets budget parameter for 2010.

The Mission and Ministry Board of the Church of the Brethren addressed a full agenda at a pre-Conference meeting June 26, led by chair Eddie Edmonds. The group set a budget parameter for Core Ministries for 2010, received a report on a survey studying the feasibility of a capital campaign, established a committee to write a resolution on the issue of torture, received a report on the situation of Haitians in the Dominican Republic, named a new chair and chair-elect and a new executive committee, among other business.

The board also celebrated a Brethren delegation that went to Angola recently (story to come).

Budget Parameter for Core Ministries in 2010

The board adopted a balanced budget with a parameter of $4,962,000 for the church's Core Ministries in 2010, with the understanding that if staff cannot meet the parameter a deficit budget may be presented to the board at its October meeting. The decision requires another reduction of $381,000 in expenses, over the present year's budget. The board will make a final decision on the 2010 budget in October.

Treasurer Judy Keyser reported on financial challenges facing the denominational ministries, as well as some points of improvement. Giving from congregations currently is ahead of budget for 2009 (which was revised downward at the March meeting of the board), investment income has improved since the first of the year, and "we are financially viable at this point," Keyser said.

However, "we are still living in a volatile economy," she warned, sharing concerns about maintaining adequate net assets to support operations, the anticipation of large deficits this year in the budgets of several self-funded ministries including Annual Conference and the New Windsor Conference Center, and how to sustain the church's Core Ministries when that fund has had a loss of over $1 million in two years.

Discussion of the budget centered on a phrase in Keyser's report, indicating that the recommendation for 2010 would mean "the loss of some major ministries." General secretary Stan Noffsinger explained that a plan is not yet in place for the required reduction in expenses for next year, but he anticipates a number of measures including reviewing staff positions that come open before filling them, reviewing the cost of the church's properties and programs, and no increase in employee salaries or benefits in 2010. "We will provide as much information before the October meeting as we have available," he assured the board.

Report on Survey for Capital Campaign

Stewardship and Donor Development director Ken Neher presented the results of a survey by fundraising consulting firm RSI, on the feasibility of a new capital campaign to support denominational ministries. The survey found both "unprecedented" high levels of support for denominational ministry, he reported, as well as lack of confidence from potential donors in the capacity of the church to raise a large amount of money, and skepticism from some over the purpose of the campaign.

RSI recommended a number of next steps, Neher said, including to postpone implementation of the proposed campaign, engage in board development, revise the "case statement" for support to give more details, and when ready to adopt a multifaceted campaign and to retain fundraising counsel to start the campaign.

The board adopted an Executive Committee recommendation to receive the report and request staff to give clarification of the need and rationale for the campaign.

Study Committee on Torture

The board formed a committee to write a resolution on the issue of torture, working with the general secretary. Noffsinger reported encouragement from ecumenical colleagues to address the issue, saying that the Church of the Brethren currently does not have a statement on torture. The four-person committee will include board members Andy Hamilton, John Katonah, and Tammy Kiser, and a staff member to be named by the general secretary.

New Executive Committee Is Named

The board selected a new Executive Committee: Dale Minnich, who will serve as chair through 2011; Ben Barlow, who will serve as chair-elect through 2011, and then as chair through 2013; and at-large members Vernne Greiner and Andy Hamilton. The Executive Committee also includes ex officio members general secretary Stan Noffsinger and 2010 Annual Conference moderator Shawn Flory Replogle.

Other Business

The board named Jonathan Shively, executive director of Congregational Life Ministries, to the denomination's new Vision Committee.

Special recognition was given to outgoing members of the board, including outgoing chair Eddie Edmonds and Ken Wenger, who is completing service on the Executive Committee with this meeting. Also recognized was Kathy Reid, who has resigned as associate general secretary and executive director of Caring Ministries. A special citation was shared for the staff members whose positions were ended following the economic downturn and the reductions in the Church of the Brethren's 2009 budget.

Board member Ben Barlow reported on a youth/young adult meeting of EYN in Nigeria, which he attended with a small delegation of young adults from the Church of the Brethren in the US. It was the 17th such conference for EYN, he reported, and included 2,200 youth/young adults. The theme was, "Launch Out into the Deep," from a passage in Luke. He experienced "a powerful spirit" in EYN, he said, also listing a number of challenges facing the Nigerian Brethren including a difference between urban and rural churches, differences between the older and younger generations in leadership, and the question of the ordination of women--at a time when some women already are engaged in church ministry.

The Executive Committee announced that it is starting a process for a performance review for general secretary Stan Noffsinger, whose present contract ends in June 2011. The performance review will culminate at the October meeting of the board.

Source: 7/1/2009 Newsline

Board receives report on situation of Haitians in the Dominican Republic.

As one of two reports centering on the Dominican Republic, Doris Abdullah, the Church of the Brethren's representative to the UN, reported to the Mission and Ministry Board on the issue of civil rights and blocks to citizenship for people of Haitian descent living in or born in the DR.

Her report followed on that of DR mission co-coordinators Irvin and Nancy Heishman, who reported that Iglesia de los Hermanos (the Dominican Church of the Brethren) has begun a process of advocacy with the DR government on behalf of Haitian members and others in the Haitian community in the country.

The board of the church in the DR has decided to send an attorney to a government hearing on proposed changes to the laws of the country, to encourage changes and improvements in how Haitians are treated. About half of the Brethren in the Dominican church are of Haitian descent, and will potentially be affected, Irvin Heishman reported.

Abdullah reported on findings from a UN special rapporteur and other experts, which set the situation in the context of UN statements against racism and prejudice based on ethnicity. The situation of Haitians in the DR, which Abdullah likened to modern-day slavery, guarantees cheap labor to the country she said. Many people of Haitian descent in the DR live in very dire conditions. They are denied citizenship and civil rights, may be subject to deportation or other mistreatment, and many lack access to education and other services that are enjoyed by Dominicans.

Hundreds of thousands of people of Haitian descent--many of whom are children who were born in the DR, and may be second or third generation descendants of their families' original immigrant into the country--live in shanty towns originally built for sugar cane cutters, and work in "shocking" conditions, Abdullah said. Some 250,000 of these "stateless people" are children, and have limited access to schools or education, according to the UN study of the issue.

The United Nations has sent a document giving 25 recommendations to the DR government concerning those of Haitian descent living in the country, including recommendations on migration laws, treatment of children, concern for birth certificates for those born in the DR, access to education, and other concerns, Abdullah reported.

"What is our (the church's) role in combating racism in the DR?" she asked. Quoting from Isaiah 43:18, "Watch for the new thing I am going to do," she encouraged the church to pray for those who are carrying out the injustice, as well as for those who are mistreated.

Nancy Heishman also asked for prayer for the Dominican Church of the Brethren, which she said had sent the Heishmans to the United States with an assurance of their prayer and support for the US church.

In other notes from the Heishmans' report, the church in the DR currently has approximately 40 students in a theological education program, more than half of whom are of Haitian descent. The program has sponsored the translation into the Spanish and Haitian Creole languages of a text by Galen Hackman first written for EYN in Nigeria, "Introduction to the Church of the Brethren." Theological students in the DR have the assignment to teach from the book in their congregations this summer, she reported. The Heishmans report that the book is available to Spanish and Creole speaking Brethren in Haiti, Puerto Rico, and the United States as well.

Source: 7/1/2009 Newsline

National Council of Churches leader proclaims importance of working for peace.

Michael Kinnamon, general secretary of the National Council of Churches of Christ (NCC), was the featured speaker at the annual Ecumenical Luncheon hosted by the Church of the Brethren's Committee of Interchurch Relations (CIR).

The CIR also hosted church leaders from Roman Catholic, Episcopal, Christian Methodist Episcopal, Armenian Church of North America, and Presbyterian groups in the San Diego area.

"The ecumenical movement is essentially a movement for peace," Kinnamon asserted in his address. He referenced the country of Sri Lanka, which has been suffering from civil war for over two decades. Six percent of the Sri Lankan population is Christian, comprising many different faith traditions. When asked why the Christian communities in Sri Lanka did not reach out to both sides of the civil war to aid in reconciliation, as they had inroads with both sides involved, a Christian leader told Kinnamon that they weren't able even to work across the divides among Christians in the country.

"Division costs lives," said Kinnamon. He quoted Mennonite scholar John Howard Yoder in saying, "Where the church is divided, the gospel is not true in that place."

"The church has been entrusted with the mission of reconciliation," said Kinnamon, "and peace is too large an issue to deal with in denominational isolation." He shared that the ecumenical movement from its very beginning was a movement for peace, shaped by efforts for churches to come together during World War II and the Cold War.

"In the last 60 years, Christians have made great strides together," stressed Kinnamon, claiming that there are three major peace statements made in the past 60 years by ecumenical bodies such as the NCC and World Council of Churches: war is contrary to the will of God; there are some forms of violence in which Christians may not participate; and that peace is inseparable from justice. In this light, he proclaimed the importance of working proactively for peace.

Kinnamon said that while "radical peacemaking is usually established by the historic peace churches," he asserted that perhaps we should "give away our title of Historic Peace Church in order to bring others into the realm and responsibility of peacemaking." He referenced Ephesians, saying, "Unity is a gift of God.... If we would be what we are, one body of Christ, it would be our greatest witness to peace."

-- Melissa Troyer is a member of Middlebury (Ind.) Church of the Brethren and serves on the Committee on Interchurch Relations.

Source: 7/1/2009 Newsline

Annual Conference bits and pieces.

• Attendance at the 2009 Annual Conference included a total of 2,077 people registered: 670 delegates from congregations and districts, and 1,407 nondelegates.
  
  
• The Conference Quilt Auction sponsored by the Association for the Arts in the Church of the Brethren (AACB) raised $6,275 for hunger relief.
  
  
• The Blood Drive sponsored by the Brethren Disaster Ministries succeeded in surpassing its daily goal of 50 units. The drive was conducted by the American Red Cross and took place on two days over the weekend, with 121 units collected (out of 141 people who presented).
  
  
• The annual BBT 5K Fitness Challenge was held on Sunday morning, June 28. The route took the 120 runners and walkers in a circuit around the Town and Country resort property. Results of the event: top male runner Jerry Crouse (18:34), top female runner Kelsi Beam (21:33), top male walker Don Shankster (30:10), top female walker Karen Crim (39.45).
  
  
• Annual Conference executive director Lerry Fogle, who is retiring following this Conference, was recognized at a reception on Sunday afternoon, June 28. He began his work with the 2003 Conference held in Boise, Idaho. Retirement plans include family time, golf, and travel--and a 2010 trip to the Oberammergau Passion Play in Germany, which is presented every 10 years.
  
  
• The Caring Ministries of the Church of the Brethren presented Caregiving Awards at a dinner on Saturday, June 27. The awards honor people and congregations for extraordinary service to others. This year's recipients included two couples, Dale and Beverly Minnich and Larry and Alice Petry. Paul Hoyt, Charles (Chuck) Cable, and Vernne Greiner also were honored.
  
  
• Goshen (Ind.) City Church of the Brethren received the annual "Open Roof Award" to a Brethren congregation or organization for improved accessibility and participation by persons with disabilities.
  
  
• Beacon Heights Church of the Brethren in Fort Wayne, Ind., was honored by the Committee on Interchurch Relations for the congregation's relationship with Afghan families in Fort Wayne area, and its support of Afghan exchange students.
  
  
• Kay Guyer was the winner of the Annual Conference Theme Video Contest, with her winning creation titled, "Brethren We Have Met to Jump" (go to http://www.brethren.org/site/R?i=KIew7rUTnhYR-WuwZ5ceLQ. to view the video online). Guyer is a recent high school graduate who will attend Manchester College in the fall, and a member of the National Youth Cabinet. Some of her "Brethren jumping" photos also are featured in the Annual Conference photo album "Lighter Side of Conference". The contest was sponsored by Congregational Life Ministries program.
  
  
• The Womaen's Caucus offered free rainbow scarves to Annual Conference participants who wanted to express welcome to those of diverse sexual orientations. Many different volunteers knitted and crocheted the scarves from colorful yarn, along with hats, bracelets, bow ties, and other creations. Supporters were asked to wear the scarves throughout the Annual Conference.
  
  
• A two-page print Wrap-Up of the 2009 Annual Conference is available to download from www.brethren.org (link to come). The Wrap-Up video in DVD format, produced by David Sollenberger and sold through Brethren Press, is available for $29.95. The video offers a 25-minute look at the events of the Conference, plus bonus material. The Conference sermons in DVD format also are available, for $24.95. Order the DVDs from Brethren Press at 800-441-3712, a shipping and handling charge will be added.

Source: 7/1/2009 Newsline