Newsline: October 11, 2013

NEWS

• Registration fees for Annual Conference 2014 include new family friendly discount.
• Enroll in dental, vision, and other insurance products in November through BBT.
• ‘Pioneering’ is the subject of a three-webinar series.
• Haitch to present Professorial Lecture at Bethany Seminary.
• Entries sought for Bethany Peace Essay Contest.
• Lerch concludes her work with TRIM and the Brethren Academy.
• McElwee returns to Manchester University to guide fundraising.
• Humanitarian curbs on deadly weapons boost new UN treaty, sharpen old debates.

BRETHREN BITS

• Personnel and job opening, deadline for NYC youth worker, ENGAGE at Bethany, WCC virtual conference for “youth,” church anniversaries, Juniata’s celebration of new president Troha, lots of college and university news, more.

Registration fees for Annual Conference 2014 include new family friendly discount.

“Given this is budget preparation time for many congregations, we’ve had calls and e-mails asking about the registration fees for Annual Conference next year,” said a note from the Conference Office, which highlights a new “family friendly” change made by the Program and Arrangements Committee.

In brief, delegate and non-delegate fees will remain the same for the third consecutive year, but new this year is no registration fee for children and youth, high-school age and younger, to attend Annual Conference. Previously, free registration only applied to participants age 12 and younger. Separate fees for age group activities will still apply.

Early delegate registration at the rate of $285 begins Jan. 2, 2014, and continues through Feb. 25, after which the delegate registration fee goes up to $310.

Early registration for non-delegates begins Feb. 26. Cost is $105 for adults who register for the full Conference, with a daily fee of $35 available, and discounts for young adults post high school through age 21 and active Brethren Volunteer Service workers. After June 3, non-delegate registration is only available onsite for an increased fee.

Full details and the complete fee schedule is online at www.brethren.org/ac/fees.html. The 2014 Annual Conference takes place in Columbus, Ohio, from July 2-6.

Source: 10/11/2013 Newsline

Enroll in dental, vision, and other insurance products in November through BBT.

By Brian Solem

Employees of Church of the Brethren-affiliated organizations who work 20 hours or more may enroll in certain insurance plans through Brethren Benefit Trust (BBT). Open enrollment for Dental, Vision, Supplemental Life (for current Basic Life members who are eligible to add up to $10,000 of additional coverage), and Short-Term Disability insurance through Brethren Insurance Services happens Nov. 1-30.

Download this year’s open enrollment kit at brethrenbenefittrust.org/open-enrollment after Oct. 28. Open enrollment kits will only be available electronically.

Contact insurance@cobbt.org by e-mail to register for Brethren Insurance Services’ open enrollment alerts, which will be sent once or twice per month through November.

Basic life and long-term disability insurance will not be offered as part of this year’s open enrollment, but employees of Church of the Brethren-affiliated organizations may enroll in one or both of these products. Contact Brethren Insurance Services for more information.

For questions about open enrollment or Brethren Insurance Services, contact Connie Sandman, member services representative, at 800-746-1505 ext. 366.

--Brian Solem is manager of publications for Brethren Benefit Trust.

Source: 10/11/2013 Newsline

‘Pioneering’ is the subject of a three-webinar series.

Congregational Life Ministries is offering three new webinars on the topic of church pioneering. The webcast presenters are leaders from the Anabaptist Network in the United Kingdom, an organization that models dynamic ministry strategies and creative processes for new church development. The three webinars are hosted by the Church of the Brethren and organized together with Urban Expression, Bristol Baptist, and BMS World Mission.

The webinars are free. Ministers who attend the live events may earn 0.15 continuing education units for each webinar. Participants can register to attend the live events or to receive a link to a recording of the webcasts.

 “Pioneers--Embracing the Unknown” is the title of a webinar on Oct. 24 led by Juliet Kilpin. “It takes a skillful initiator to replicate a model of church or mission from one context into another,” said a description of the event, “but it takes a creative, courageous, risk-taking pioneer to imagine something that has not yet been and form it into being. In the rapidly changing context of western societies, how can we identify, equip and deploy pioneers who will not just replicate, but will prophetically lead us into the unknown, exploring fresh ways of being missional communities? And why is it important that we do this?”

“Joining Jesus Outside the Camp: Pioneering God--Pioneering People of God” is the title of a webinar on Nov. 14 with Steve Finamore. “The biblical narrative centers on people and places who were found at the margins,” said the description. “It tells the story of God’s adventure in those margins. It summons God’s people to join Messiah Jesus outside the camp. The Bible promotes an understanding of God as one who forsakes the center in order to catalyze life in unexpected places and in new patterns; patterns which are both valuable in their own right and which also point beyond themselves to the fullness of God’s impending reign.”

“Pioneering in a Global Context” is the topic of a webinar on Dec. 11 led by David Kerrigan. “Throughout the centuries pioneers have taken the gospel of Jesus Christ into new places and different cultures,” said a description. “Some of these are well known and their stories have been forgotten. What can we learn from these pioneers and from those who are pioneering in different global contexts today?”

Webinars will take place at 2-4 p.m. (Eastern time) for participants in the United States, or 7:30-9 p.m. for participations in the UK. Register for the webinars at www.brethren.org/webcasts . Donations are accepted to help support the webinars.

For more information contact Stan Dueck, the Church of the Brethren’s director of Transforming Practices, at sdueck@brethren.org or 800-323-8039 ext. 343.

Source: 10/11/2013 Newsline

Haitch to present Professorial Lecture at Bethany Seminary.

By Jenny Williams

On Saturday, Oct. 26, Russell Haitch will present a professorial lecture at Bethany Theological Seminary in Richmond, Ind., commemorating his promotion to full professor of practical theology. Free and open to the public, the lecture will begin at 7:15 p m  (Eastern time) and will be webcast.

The lecture will focus on finding identity through God-given intimacy, particularly addressing rising individualism and redeeming individualism among young people. To know ourselves as people who are known by God--to have intimacy with Christ--intensifies both our unity and our particularity.

Haitch began his tenure at Bethany in 2002 and also is director of the seminary’s Institute for Ministry with Youth and Young Adults. Ordained in the United Methodist Church, he has served congregations as pastor and youth pastor.

To view the webcast, go to www.bethanyseminary.edu/webcasts.

-- Jenny Williams is director of Communications and Alumni/ae Relations for Bethany Seminary.

Source: 10/11/2013 Newsline

Entries sought for Bethany Peace Essay Contest.

By Jenny Williams

Bethany Theological Seminary is encouraging seminary and graduate school, college, and high school students to think creatively about peacemaking and to share those thoughts for the greater good. The Bethany Peace Essay Contest is being reinstated this coming January as part of the peace studies program at the seminary.

The contest, open to all full-time students in the categories above, invites reflections on how personal and local peacemaking efforts can address universal concerns. Participants may choose to explore this theme in one of the following areas, relating to personal experience: art, music, or poetry; the just peace movement; protest or change movements; social media, or interfaith efforts. Prizes of $2,000, $1,000, and $500 will be awarded for the top three essays.

A natural fit within the teaching and learning in peace studies at Bethany, the essay contest is underwritten by the Jennie Calhoun Baker Endowment, funded by John C. Baker in honor of his mother. Described as a “Church of the Brethren woman ahead of her time,” Jennie was known for actively pursuing peacemaking by meeting the needs of others, providing community leadership, and upholding the value of creative and independent thinking in education. John Baker saw her vision and modeling of contemporary peacemaking reflected in Bethany’s collaborative leadership among the three Historic Peace Churches and thus selected the seminary to administer the endowment’s programs.

John Baker, a philanthropist for peace with a distinguished career in higher education, and his wife had also helped establish the peace studies program at Bethany with an earlier endowment gift. “John and Elizabeth Baker were deeply committed to building cultures of peace,” says Scott Holland, professor of theology and culture and director of peace studies and cross-cultural studies at Bethany. “This peace essay contest is intended to encourage thoughtful writing on peace in essays that are informed by the rich traditions of God's shalom and Christ's peace yet articulated in voices that are public, ecumenical, and interfaith. There is also the hope that this contest will lead to international networking and partnerships in pursuit of peace.”

Holland is administrator of the Baker endowment programs and is working with a new Peace Essay Contest Committee to re-envision the contest after a hiatus of several years. Committee members are from the Historic Peace Churches: Kirsten Beachy, assistant professor of visual and communication arts at Eastern Mennonite University (Mennonite); Nathan Hosler, Office of Public Witness for the Church of the Brethren; Abbey Pratt-Harrington, 2013 alumna of Earlham School of Religion (Friends); Anne-Marie Roderick, student at Union Theological Seminary (Brethren); and Lonnie Valentine, professor of peace and justice studies at Earlham School of Religion (Friends).

Bekah Houff, coordinator of outreach programs at Bethany, chairs the committee and is assisting with the administration of the contest. “The committee has been fabulous to work with and represents a variety of talents and experiences. Their input and planning have been crucial to the process. We hope to have some good ecumenical involvement in the contest while mostly focusing on the peace churches in our publicity. In the future we hope to expand to different forms of media for entries, such as video and art.”

Holland also notes that the endowment can be used to underwrite peace sermon contests, which have been held previously and likely will be again.

Judges of the essays include Holland and Valentine; Randy Miller, editor of the Church of the Brethren magazine “Messenger”; and Anna Groff, associate editor of “The Mennonite.” Essays can be submitted between Jan. 1-Jan. 27, 2014, and results will be announced by the end of February 2014. Plans are being made to publish the winning essays in some of the journals and magazines of the Church of the Brethren, Friends, and Mennonite faith communities.

For guidelines, terms, and submission procedures, go to www.bethanyseminary.edu/peace-essay . Contact Bekah Houff at houffre@bethanyseminary.edu or 765-983-1809 for additional information.

-- Jenny Williams is director of Communications and Alumni/ae Relations for Bethany Seminary.

Source: 10/11/2013 Newsline

Lerch concludes her work with TRIM and the Brethren Academy.

Marilyn Lerch, coordinator of the Training In Ministry (TRIM) program of the Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership, will conclude her half-time position on Dec. 31 as a result of staff reconfiguration at the academy. She will continue as half-time pastor of Bedford (Pa.) Church of the Brethren.

During her 13 years as TRIM coordinator, Lerch worked with more than 170 TRIM students and coordinated 20 orientations for almost 200 TRIM and EFSM (Education for a Shared Ministry) students. She worked with district TRIM coordinators in most of the 23 districts in the Church of the Brethren. Her master’s degree in education from Virginia Tech, a master of divinity from Bethany Theological Seminary, and teaching and pastoral experiences provided skills needed to implement major changes in the TRIM program.

The Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership is a ministry training partnership of the Church of the Brethren and Bethany Theological Seminary. TRIM courses serve ministry training students and provide a continuing education option for pastors. Based on the Bethany campus in Richmond, Ind., the Brethren Academy’s onsite and online learning have made Brethren training available for students from coast to coast.

Source: 10/11/2013 Newsline

McElwee returns to Manchester University to guide fundraising.

By Jeri S. Kornegay

A 1978 Manchester peace studies and religion alumnus with broad and deep experience in the university’s mission soon will become vice president for university advancement. Timothy McElwee will re-join the President’s Cabinet on Nov. 11, Manchester University president Jo Young Switzer announced.

“In Tim McElwee, we have a proven team leader to help us raise the remaining $12 million of our $100 million Students First! campaign,” said president Switzer. “He knows us very well and has many strong relationships with our alumni and donors."

McElwee leaves a similar post with Albright College in Pennsylvania, where his team has raised $10 million each of his three years as vice president of advancement.

During McElwee’s earlier tenure as vice president for advancement at Manchester, he led what then was the most expansive comprehensive campaign in Manchester history to a $71 million conclusion a year ahead of schedule and 37 percent over the original goal. He worked closely with generous donors who contributed, on average, $500,000 per month. The campaign brought nearly 5,000 new donors to Manchester.

“I welcome this opportunity to return to my alma mater with great enthusiasm,” said McElwee. “In close collaboration with the president, the trustees, other senior officers and the advancement team, I hope to expand upon the tremendous accomplishments already achieved in the Student’s First! campaign.”

McElwee left the vice president’s post in 2003 to pursue a dream to teach and lead Manchester’s Peace Studies Institute. Realizing his gift in fundraising for causes that mirror Manchester and Church of the Brethren values, he then joined fundraising for Heifer International, an organization founded by Manchester graduate Dan West.

In addition to his Manchester bachelor’s degree, he earned a master of divinity from Bethany Theological Seminary, and a master’s degree and Ph.D. in political science from Purdue University.

Manchester conducted a national search for a new vice president to replace Michael Eastman, who took a similar position with Eastern Kentucky University in late summer. Melanie Harmon, executive director of development, is interim vice president for university advancement.

-- Jeri S. Kornegay is staff for Manchester University Media Relations.

Source: 10/11/2013 Newsline

Humanitarian curbs on deadly weapons boost new UN treaty, sharpen old debates.

By the World Council of Churches news service

World leaders at the United Nations (UN) at the end of September backed two steps in relation to the Arms Trade Treaty, promoted by churches, to make people safer through new laws to control deadly weapons.

The biggest event came as the United States, the world largest exporter of arms, signed the new Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) during a high-level phase of the UN General Assembly, Sept. 24-26. Twenty-six other countries signed as well. Churches had lobbied seven of the new signatories, including Zambia, the USA, South Africa, Sierra Leone, the Philippines, and Ghana.

A UN majority of 112 world governments has now signed the Arms Trade Treaty in just four months.

The World Council of Churches and member churches have campaigned for the ATT for the past three years to block sales of arms which risk being used to commit atrocities and violations of human rights and humanitarian law. The next step is for 50 states to ratify the treaty and bring it into effect.

Humanitarian concerns were also prominent at a special high-level UN meeting. This gathering, devoted to nuclear disarmament, met on Sept. 26. Scores of countries, including all the nations of Africa and southeast Asia, focused on the humanitarian consequences of nuclear weapons. Government and civil society speakers called for an outright ban on nuclear weapons, criticizing the current inertia in disarmament led by nuclear-armed states and echoing a core position in ecumenical advocacy.

“Weapons that have been outlawed increasingly become seen as illegitimate,” a representative of the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons told the meeting. Several states pointed to the widespread condemnation of the use of chemical weapons in Syria, which are banned on humanitarian grounds, and noted that nuclear weapons are widely condemned but not banned.

A map showing states that have signed and ratified Arms Trade Treaty is online at http://armstreaty.org/issue/tracking-the-universalisation-of-the-att.

The website of the ecumenical campaign on the Arms Trade Treaty is found at http://armstreatynow.org.

The Church of the Brethren is one of the founding denominations of the World Council of Churches, which promotes Christian unity in faith, witness, and service for a just and peaceful world. An ecumenical fellowship of churches founded in 1948, by the end of 2012 the WCC had 345 member churches representing more than 500 million Christians from Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican, and other traditions in over 110 countries. The WCC works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Church. The WCC general secretary is Olav Fykse Tveit, from the [Lutheran] Church of Norway.

Source: 10/11/2013 Newsline

Brethren bits.

• Tammy Chudy has been promoted to assistant director of Employee Benefits at Brethren Benefit Trust (BBT). She has a combined tenure with BBT of more than 11 years, having worked with accounts payable in her earlier tenure. Since August 2006, she worked with insurance services in various roles. “Her commitment and leadership to BBT are reflected in this promotion,” said an announcement. In Chudy’s new role she will continue to provide oversight for insurance services operations, will permanently assume the role of oversight for pension operations, will assist the director of employee benefits as needed, and will continue to have three member service representatives reporting to her. For more information about the services provided by BBT go to www.brethrenbenefittrust.org . 

• Roseanne Segovia finishes her assignment as editorial assistant of the Gather ’Round curriculum project today, Oct. 11. Her position is coming to a close as planned, as the production side of the project winds down. She began her employment with Gather ’Round, a joint Christian education curriculum of Brethren Press and MennoMedia, on May 18, 2011. Segovia’s responsibilities have included website maintenance, proofreading, copyright permissions, customer service, and newsletter production, with extra emphasis recently on copy editing and coordination of illustrations. She also has provided general office support for the Gather ’Round team, through tasks such as writing minutes, coordinating meetings, and producing reports.
  
  Gather ’Round concludes next summer, and congregations will transition to the new Shine curriculum in the fall, which also is a joint project of Brethren Press and MennoMedia. Segovia will begin a new position as managing editor of “West Suburban Living” magazine.

• The Church of the Brethren seeks a temporary full-time box car helper to work in the Material Resources department at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md. This position is responsible for loading and unloading boxes from train cars and trailers, with some warehouse duties included. The preferred candidate will have experience assisting with loading and unloading train cars and trailers, must be able to lift a limit of 50 pounds, must work well with a team, and be reliable and flexible. Applications will be received and reviewed until the position is filled. Request the application packet and complete job description by contacting the Office of Human Resources, Church of the Brethren, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120; 800-323-8039 ext. 367; humanresources@brethren.org . The Church of the Brethren is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

• Nov. 2 is the deadline for youth worker applications for National Youth Conference, scheduled for July 19-24, 2014, at Colorado State University in Fort Collins. Youth workers, who serve on a volunteer basis, should be available on the CSU campus beginning Friday, July 18, the day prior to NYC, through Thursday evening, July 24. More information can be found at www.brethren.org/nyc .

• Nov. 1 is the date of the next campus visit day at Bethany Theological Seminary in Richmond, Ind. “Have you been considering visiting Bethany? Do you know someone who might like to experience what Bethany has to offer? ENGAGE is a day of options designed for you to explore the Bethany experience with other people interested in theological education,” said an announcement. The day will offer prospective seminary students the opportunity to worship together with the Bethany Seminary community and partner seminary Earlham School of Religion (ESR), hear a student panel, experience a class session, lunch with faculty, discuss financial aid and the admissions process, and take a campus tour. Register at www.bethanyseminary.edu/visit/engage or contact director of admissions Tracy Primozich at 765-983-1832 or primotr@bethanyseminary.edu .

• Brethren young adults are invited to participate in the World Council of Churches Virtual Conference for Youth tomorrow, Saturday, Oct. 12. “What are you doing on Saturday? Would you like to hear thoughts from some amazing folks, including Archbishop Desmond Tutu, for free? The WCC Youth Virtual Conference on October 12 promises to be a direct encounter among young Christians living in many different countries. The conference will center on the following topics: eco-justice, migration, and peace-building.” said the invitation from Becky Ullom Naugle, director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry for the Church of the Brethren. She noted that in ecumenical circles, "youth" often means age 45 and under. Go to http://ecumenicalyouth.org .

• Two ecumenical programs formerly housed in the National Council of Churches (NCC) have gone independent in recent weeks. After 30 years, the Eco-Justice Program has spun off to form its own organization Creation Justice Ministries, according to an announcement. “Though we now have a new name, we remain dedicated to the same goal of protecting God’s earth and God’s people,” it said. “With continued support from our member denominations and communions, we will continue to provide education and public witness through our annual Earth Day resources, webinars, and other Creation care activities for congregations.” The new web address for the program is www.creationjustice.org or contact info@creationjustice.org . Also newly independent is the Poverty Initiative launched by the NCC in 2009, now known as the Ecumenical Poverty Initiative. “As the council goes through organizational transitions and moves away from programmatic activities, this vibrant ecumenical ministry will be continuing its important work from its new home: the Disciples Center for Public Witness,” said an announcement. “The initiative will remain ecumenical in focus and scope, continuing to work with current partners from NCC communions and reaching out to new partners, including our friends and allies in the Roman Catholic community.” Providing leadership as active advisors will be former Poverty Initiative directors Michael Livingston and Shantha Alonso Ready, and the former director of the NCC's Washington Office, Cassandra Carmichael. Find out more at www.faithendpoverty.org .

• White Rock Church of the Brethren in Carthage, Va., holds a 125th anniversary celebration and annual homecoming on Sunday, Oct. 13. Morning worship will begin at 10:30 a.m. with pastor Michael Pugh speaking. Special music will be provided by Angie West and the church choir. A potluck meal begins at 11:30 with the church providing meat, drinks, and tableware. The afternoon service begins at 1:30 p.m. and will include special singing by the Pleasant Valley Church Choir, Angie West, and the White Rock Choir, and speakers David Shumate and Emma Jean Woodard from the Virlina District. The day will close with a reception at 3 p.m.

• Eel River Community Church of the Brethren in Silver Lake, Ind., recently celebrated its 175th anniversary. The South Central Indiana District newsletter marked the occasion with photos from the celebration, including a picture of Lewis Bolinger standing beside an original, restored 1868 eastern covered wagon, and Jerry Bolinger demonstrating how logs were hewn to build the traditional log cabins that dotted the landscape of the area when the Eel River Church was built.

• Antioch Church of the Brethren in Woodstock, Va., will dedicate its new sanctuary and renovated construction while also celebrating its 145th anniversary with a homecoming at 10 a.m. on Sunday, Oct. 13. “All are invited to attend this special celebration and meal following at noon,” said the Shenandoah District newsletter.

• Northern Plains District is hosting a “Circuit Ride Through Iowa” by Dennis Webb, pastor of Naperville (Ill.) Church of the Brethren. The district “is delighted to host the dynamic speaker Dennis Webb for four stops on his ‘circuit ride’ through southern Iowa,” said the district newsletter. “His trip is inspired by the circuit riding preachers of 150 years ago.” Webb will make the following stops: Sunday, Oct. 13, he will preach at English River Church of the Brethren on the topic, "The Business of Jesus Putting up with Us Is Serious Business"; on Oct. 14, he will speak at Ottumwa Church of the Brethren on "Maserati Reality: Where Do You Park?"; on Oct. 15 his sermon at Fairview Church of the Brethren is titled "God Still Uses Folks with Flaws"; and on Oct. 16 Prairie City Church of the Brethren will host Webb for a service focused on "When We Slip." All meetings start with carry-in dinner at 6 p.m., with worship and the message to follow at 7 p.m.

• The Brethren Home Community Auxiliary at Cross Keys Village-the Brethren Home Community in New Oxford, Pa., is sponsoring an Apple Butter Festival complete with a car show and bake sale on Saturday, Oct. 12, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. The day of family fun includes apple boiling, entertainment, food, hayrides, a car show, displays of antique engines, and pull tractors. “There is something for all,” said an announcement.

• Southern Ohio District is offering a Deacon Training led by Donna Kline, director of the Church of the Brethren Deacon Ministry. The training is at Happy Corner Church of the Brethren on Sunday, Oct. 13, after a carry in meal following worship. The meal starts at 12:30 p.m. There is no fee to attend, although a free will offering will be received. Contact 937-439-9717 for more information and to make reservations.

• The World Hunger Auction planning committee in Virlina District has announced the funding to be distributed from 2013 events: Heifer Project (Guatemala) $27,375; Heifer Project (N.C. and Tenn.) $5,475; Roanoke Area Ministries $13,687; Church of the Brethren Global Food Crisis Fund $5,475; Heavenly Manna $2,737. “Having completed 30 years of work, the total gifts generated by the auction and its related activities now exceed $1,150,000,” reported the Virlina District newsletter. “Praise be to God for the blessings that flow to His people.”

• “Ministering to Spiritual Hunger” is the theme of a retreat on Oct. 19, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., at Camp Bethel, led by pastor Paul Roth of Linville Church of the Brethren in Broadway, Va. The event is sponsored by Virlina District’s Spiritual Retreat Development Committee. Roth is certified to provide spiritual direction and will lead a retreat that promises to be biblically based and spiritually enlightening with opportunities for individual and group reflection. Cost is $20.

• Two “Equipping the Saints 2013" workshops are scheduled in West Marva District, both hosted by Oak Park Church of the Brethren on Oct. 19 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. In session one, Amy Williams of Bunker Hill (W.Va.) Elementary School Library, will lead “Teaching Children (and Adults)… Is it a JOB or a JOY?” In the concurrent session two, district executive minister Kendal Elmore will moderate a forum led by three pastors who have experienced the dynamic impact of the Holy Spirit working in various settings and circumstances to bring health and vitality to congregations. Continuing education units are available for credentialed ministers. For more information call the district office at 301-334-9270.

• At its 2013 district conference, West Marva District recognized the Hanging Rock Project as a Church of the Brethren fellowship. Also approved, among other business, was a new Plan of Organization for the district including a constitution and by-laws. The district recognized Brenda Harvey for 20 years of service as administrative assistant in the district office. The following were recognized for significant years of service as ordained ministers: 45 years: Don Matthews; 25 years: Randall Ours, John Walker; 15 years: Burl Charlton, Danny Combs, Elmer Cosner, Steve Sauder, Otis Weatherholt; 10 years: Robert Hughes, Carroll Junkins, Lynn Ryder; 5 years: Diane May.

• South Central Indiana District included a brief report from its recent district conference in its district newsletter, and a “thank you” to all who helped out. The “few fun facts” reported included statistics: about 40 people walked at least 17 miles for peace; 32 participated in the continuing education opportunity; and baskets from 21 churches netted $1,197 for ministry training. “In this season of gathering in and collecting the harvest, I am deeply grateful to the folks of this district and the ways we seek to follow Jesus peacefully, simply, together,” wrote district executive minister Beth Sollenberger.

• Southern Ohio District holds its 159th District Conference this weekend, Oct. 11-12, at Trotwood (Ohio) Church of the Brethren led by moderator Julie Hostetter. "For All of You Are One in Christ Jesus" (Galatians 3:23-28) is the theme. On the schedule are a pre-conference meeting for pastors and office assistants, and a Saturday youth event. District executive minister David Shetler has issued a special call for prayer for this conference, writing in an e-mail sent Oct. 10, “It is my prayer than we indeed will be one in Jesus as we come together and as we scatter back across the district. We are facing several difficult and potentially divisive issues with the District Conference. As your District Executive Minister, I am asking that all of us coming to this gathering will come with a sensitivity to the leading of God’s Spirit and with a genuine and deep love for one another.” His e-mail highlighted a question being brought by the Eaton congregation concerning a district response to “actions by various denominational agencies, departments, committees, and educational institutions of the Church of the Brethren that are in conflict with the 1983 Annual Conference paper on Human Sexuality”; and proposals from the Brookville congregation having to do with the district’s outdoor ministries program and Camp Woodland Altars. More information is at the district website www.sodcob.org .

• The Atlantic Southeast District Conference is Oct. 11-12 at Camp Ithiel, Gotha, Fla. It will be the 89th conference held by Atlantic Southeast District. Included in the agenda is a continuing education opportunity for ministers, a Seminar of Church Finances and Investments. Youth activities also are offered concurrently with the conference.

• Mid-Atlantic District holds its 47th District Conference Oct. 11-12 at Frederick (Md.) Church of the Brethren on the themes, “One in the Spirit” (John 17:20-23) and “Filled with Laughter and Joy” (Psalms 126:1-3). On the evening of Oct. 12, the National Christian Choir gives a concert in the Frederick sanctuary starting at 7 p.m. (doors open at 6 p.m.). A freewill offering will support the choir. For more go to the Mid-Atlantic District website at www.maddcob.com .

• The New Community Project has received a request from its partner in Nimule, South Sudan, to raise $10,000 to build a first-ever girls' boarding school in the community. Project director David Radcliff reported that according to Agnes Amileto of the Girlchild Education and Development Association, the school will bring several important benefits, will allow young women to remain at school rather than return to their homes each evening where often there is no time for school work, will keep boys and girls separate during school hours, and will make school more feasible for girls coming from a distance and for girls with disabilities. The New Community Project is calling the initiative “If We Built It...” and is taking responsibility for raising funds for construction of facilities which will include dormitories and classrooms; the community and government will provide teachers and administration. Individuals are invited to join a Feb. 4-17, 2014, Learning Tour to South Sudan to see the completed school, said the release. Learn more at www.newcommunityproject.org .

• Juniata College has announced events for president Jim Troha's Inauguration Week. James A. Troha will be formally inaugurated as the 12th president of Juniata College in Huntingdon, Pa., in an "investiture ceremony" at 4 p.m. Oct. 18 in Rosenberger Auditorium in the Halbritter Center for the Performing Arts. The 900-seat auditorium is expected to be filled to capacity, with plans for overflow seating, said a release from the college. Attending the ceremony will be a mix of Juniata students, faculty, administrators, alumni, and delegates from the Church of the Brethren and representatives from almost 100 colleges and universities. "The singular thing that drew me to Juniata during my interview and periodic visits was the college's sense of community,” says Troha. "We wanted to honor Juniata's traditions by emphasizing events and activities that would bring the college, our alumni, and Huntingdon together as a community." Following the inauguration, there will be a reception on the campus quad and a 7 p.m. invitation-only inaugural gala in the Intramural Gym in Kennedy Sports and Recreation Center. Celebrations continue through Homecoming Weekend, Oct. 24-26, including a 5K, German Club Octoberfest, a production of the musical "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels,” a community-focused lunch hosted by Troha and his wife Jennifer, a presentation by "eco-entrepreneur" Majora Carter on "Home(town) Security," a concert to benefit Alex's Lemonade Stand, an Alumni Advocates Panel, Homecoming football, and a concert by the Asphalt Orchestra.  In addition, members of the Juniata community will be asked to give an hour or more of community service culminating in National Make-A-Difference Day on Oct. 26.

• In more news from Juniata College, the school’s Department of World Languages has received a $65,000 grant from the US Department of Education's Fulbright-Hays Group Projects Abroad program. The grant will fund a multiweek trip to Morocco next summer for intensive language instruction and cultural educational opportunities in history, diversity, and contemporary issues, said a release. "The grant will provide an exciting opportunity to foster collaboration between Juniata College, international alumni, and regional educators to develop curricular resources for understanding the complex cultural crossroads that inform one of the most dynamic countries of the Arab world," says Michael Henderson, associate professor of French and one of the co-authors of the grant. In partnership with the Ibn Ghazi Arabic Institute, in Fez, Morocco, Juniata will send 10 local educators to Morocco to develop new curriculum for K-12 and baccalaureate education in order understand the background information of Morocco and to integrate the cultural history of North Africa into social science and humanities courses in central Pennsylvania K-12 schools. Juniata will send four professors, and local school districts will send four high school teachers and a curriculum coordinator. The Ibn Ghazi Arabic Institute offers summer language and culture courses to students and professionals from all over the world. The institute's director, Fouad Touzani, is a 2006 graduate of Juniata College.

• McPherson (Kan.) College Young Alumni Award recipients this year include Jenny Williams, director of communications and alumni/ae relations at Bethany Theological Seminary. The annual award honors McPherson College alumni who have graduated within approximately the last 30 years. The recipients for 2013 also include Ryan Wenzel of Melrose, Mass., co-founder of CovalX, a company that develops and produces a detector system for machines called “mass spectrometers”; and Dallas Blacklock of Houston, Texas, director of high school relations at the University of Houston, where he’s a liaison for the football program to area high school teams for recruiting, and also associate pastor at Mt. Carmel Baptist Church. The three were honored on Oct. 4 at a ceremony during McPherson College’s Homecoming Weekend.

• In more news from McPherson College, enrollment has been holding steady at 40-year highs for the last four years, according to the official fall enrollment numbers compiled Sept. 20. A release said that in total, 656 students are enrolled at McPherson College for fall 2013. A boost to enrollment has come from the new master of education degree. After accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission in spring 2013, the number of students in graduate-level classes at McPherson increased by 58 percent. A large incoming class also helped keep enrollment consistently high, the release said, this year bringing 261 incoming freshmen and transfer students. “The automotive restoration program had its best year ever for incoming students as they opened more spots in the department for interested students. The program’s 60 incoming freshman and transfer students this year more than doubles last year’s incoming enrollment.”

• Bridgwater (Va.) College is hosting an annual CROP dinner this fall to raise money to overcome hunger locally and globally, in conjunction with the annual area CROP Walk. The dinner is from 4:45-7 p.m. on Oct. 24; the walk begins at 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 27, at the Bridgewater Municipal Building.

• Also at Bridgewater College, the school has earned a Bronze rating from the Association for the Advancement of  Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE). A release notes the rating was given for completing a rigorous 20-month, in-depth study of several areas in sustainability: education, research, operation, planning, administration, engagement and innovation. The study was conducted through the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment, and Rating System (STARS), a framework for colleges and universities to measure sustainability performance. Bridgewater is one of only eight colleges and universities in Virginia to have completed STARS reporting, the release said. "Bridgewater College takes seriously its responsibilities to the environment, society and future generations," said president David W. Bushman. "The college has gained valuable insight from STARS and its report and will use this experience to expand sustainability programs and advance environmental stewardship in the future." To learn more about Bridgewater’s sustainability efforts, visit www.bridgewater.edu/about-us/center-for-sustainability .

• Bridgewater College is hosting "Why a Peace Church?" on Nov. 23, an event sponsored by Shenandoah District Pastors for Peace. The speaker will be Jeff Bach of Elizabethtown College’s Young Center for Anabaptist and Pietist Studies. The event is billed as “a biblical, theological, and historical conversation on why Christ's people should stay in the peace business.” It will be held 9 a.m.-3:15 p.m. in the Boitnott Room in Moomaw Hall. Cost is $25 for ministers earning continuing education units, $20 for other interested adults, $10 for students. Registration is due by Nov. 15. Find a registration flier at http://library.constantcontact.com/download/get/file/1110837621104-160/2013WhyAPeaceChurch.pdf .

• The Elizabethtown (Pa.) College Alumni Peace Fellowship is giving students the opportunity to enter the 2013 Paul M. Grubb Jr. Student Peace Award competition. This competition allows students to submit a proposal for a research project focused on spreading peace and justice in a local or international community, a release said. Student projects will take place between October 2013 and October 2014, and the winning proposal will be given $1,000 to make the project a reality. Past project winner David Bresnahan won the award in 2008, spending six weeks in Guatemala focusing on the mistreatment of the indigenous Mayan people. Nikki Koyste was the recipient of the award in 2011. Her project proposal sent her to Vietnam, where she volunteered in an orphanage.

• In more news from Elizabethtown College, rising juniors and seniors interested in spending next summer interning abroad with an intergovernmental or nongovernmental organization may be eligible to receive financial support said a release. Oya Ozkanca, associate professor of political science, is chair of a new program sponsored by the college’s Center for Global Understanding and Peacemaking and made possible by an international studies and foreign language grant from the US Department of Education. The IGO/NGO Summer Internship Financial Support Program will provide three students with round-trip airfare and an hourly wage for an otherwise unpaid internship. The fund will cover internships lasting about six to 10 weeks. In addition to being a rising junior or senior, to apply students must already have secured a position for the summer. An IGO/NGO conference featured a career and internship fair as an opportunity to find organizations for internships.

• The University of La Verne is the second institution of higher education in California to join the Billion Dollar Green Challenge, through which it will establish a fund to facilitate “green” energy-saving measures on campus said a release from ULV. The university joins the California Institute of Technology as the only California schools so far to sign on with the program launched by the Sustainable Endowments Institute based in Cambridge, Mass. The institute is encouraging colleges, universities, and other nonprofit institutions to invest a combined total of $1 billion in self-managed funds to finance energy efficiency improvements. Thirty-nine other schools nationwide are also making such a commitment to sustainability the release said. Each institution committed to the challenge must establish a fund, separate from other capital projects, which will be used only to fund green initiatives on its campus. The University of La Verne is to build a fund of $400,000 during the next six years. “A significant element of the University of La Verne’s mission is to affirm a values system that supports the health of the planet and all inhabitants,” said president Devorah Lieberman. “We are consistently seeking to promote sustainability and to emphasize its importance to our students, faculty, and staff.”

Source: 10/11/2013 Newsline

Credits

Newsline is produced by the news services of the Church of the Brethren. Contact the editor at cobnews@brethren.org. Contributors to this issue of Newsline include Deborah Brehm, Stan Dueck, Jon Kobel, Donna March, Wendy McFadden, Nicole Pressel, David Radcliff, Donna Talarico, John Wall, and editor Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of News Services for the Church of the Brethren.

Newsline: October 4, 2013

NEWS

• Children have disaster consequences too: CDS serves in Colorado following floods.
• Nigerian Brethren die in more violent attacks on communities, churches.
• Webinar series to give information about Brethren ministries for young people.
• New resources include calendar to learn Philippians, Domestic Violence Awareness, Children’s Sabbaths, more.
• Curriculum helps youth develop beliefs on peace, conscientious objection.
• Workcamps schedule is announced for 2014.
• US church leaders renew emphasis on immigration.
• Bethany’s ‘Explore Your Call’ 2014 to be held in Colorado prior to NYC.

BRETHREN BITS

• Remembering Duane Ramsey, BDM honors Helen Kinsel, job openings at the WCC and Camp Swatara, difficult court decision for Haitians in the DR, and much more.

Children have disaster consequences too: CDS serves in Colorado following floods.

Photo by Patty Henry

Rice play with children affected by flooding helps in the recovery in Colorado. Shown here, CDS volunteer Phyllis Hochstetler serves children and families in a MARC in the area of Longmont north of Denver.

By Dick McGee

The following report on the work of Children’s Disaster Services (CDS) in Longmont, Colo., following the extreme flooding in the state, was provided by the American Red Cross. A team of CDS volunteers has been serving at the Multi-Agency Resource Center (MARC) in Longmont. The team will finish up tomorrow and travel home on Sunday, reports Roy Winter, associate executive director of Brethren Disaster Ministries.

Disaster relief services are not just for grown-ups. The American Red Cross is continually aware that one of its biggest challenges is providing services for the most fragile and dependent members of an impacted community. That means looking out for the children, and the senior citizens, who may be least able to care for themselves.

A large number of children, from toddlers to teens, are among the several thousand persons who are still receiving assistance from the Red Cross, FEMA, and many other community agencies nearly three weeks after the Colorado floods. Children suffer the loss of their safety, and their possessions just like their parents do. The consequences of a disaster are made all the more serious, and potentially destructive, for children who cannot verbalize their inner-most thoughts and feelings the way adults do. The effect on a child’s developing personality often goes unnoticed by parents, who are trying to cope with their loss by becoming totally submerged in the clean-up effort, and in the burden of applying for FEMA and other available assistance. When children need special attention, they often regress to unacceptable behaviors like stubborn defiance or temper tantrums, which may earn them punishment or scolding, instead of love and understanding.

Aware of this critical situation, the Red Cross has contracted with the Church of the Brethren Children’s Disaster Services, headquartered in New Windsor, Md., to support the needs of youngsters in disaster impacted areas. A team of six specially trained and certified Children’s Disaster Service workers was deployed to set up a therapeutic play room at the Disaster Assistance Center at the Twin Peaks Mall in Longmont. “We will stay here as long as we are needed,” promised Patty Henry, the team leader. “As long as there is one child who benefits from spending time in our play room, there is work for us to do,” she added.

Their concept of therapeutic child play has some unique features. For example, the children are not allowed to bring their own toys to the play room. Instead, these workers depend totally on creative play that allows the kids to put their own personal spin on the disaster. Coloring books are not allowed, because only original, creative drawings enable to child to put themselves and their own, unique emotions on the paper.

Patty, who has spent 23 years as a teacher in early childhood education, explained one example of what a child encounters in the playroom. A favorite toy is a puzzle in which large wooden pieces can be inserted on a backboard to recreate a familiar scene. The puzzle is introduced to a child as a pile of pieces, broken and strewn around the table like the chaotic debris they witnessed at home as the waters receded. As they work with the pieces, learning the details of each, and fitting them all back together properly to reconstruct what was damaged, children experience some control over their environment. “After rebuilding that puzzle two or three times, a child becomes visibly more relaxed and cheerful,” Patty observed.

It doesn’t take an expert to recognize that these children are being enabled to cleanse their young psyches of memories, feelings, and fears that could become emotional toxins in their still developing personalities and grow into more serious mental problems down the road.

“Children come and play with us while their parents are making the rounds to apply for the services they need here at the DAC. When you help a child, you help the entire family. Mothers are able to leave their children in our care, while they handle things that require their full attention. We are a respite service as well as a play therapy service,” Patty explained.

The American Red Cross has developed an elaborate organization to provide for the physical needs of anyone seriously impacted by a disaster, and the partnership with Children’s Disaster Services enables the Red Cross to provide that necessary attention to the emotional needs of “the least of these among us.”  

For more information about Children’s Disaster Services go to www.brethren.org/cds.

Source: 10/4/2013 Newsline

Nigerian Brethren die in more violent attacks on communities, churches.

Leaders of Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria (EYN--the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria) have reported recent violent attacks that have taken lives of church members and destroyed many homes and some churches in northeastern Nigeria. The Global Mission and Service office requests prayer for people who have lost loved ones, those who have lost their homes and churches, and for EYN and its leaders.

Jay Wittmeyer, executive director of Global Mission and Service, is sending a grant of $10,000 to the EYN fund that aids church members affected by the ongoing violence, and is requesting donations to the EYN Compassion Fund at https://secure2.convio.net/cob/site/Donation2?3620.donation=form1&df_id=3620 . “Remember the need in Nigeria,” he said.

Attacks on Nigerian Brethren have occurred during a violent struggle between extremist Islamist sect Boko Haram, which began terrorist operations in northern Nigeria around 2009, and a crackdown by the Nigerian government and army, which also has been accused of civil rights abuses. For years prior to Boko Haram, northern Nigeria had episodes of civil conflict and rioting that destroyed mosques and churches and killed many including pastors in several major cities.

Attack on the community of Gavva West

Seven people were killed and 75 houses were burned on Sept. 27 in an attack on Gavva West, a community near the border with Cameroon. EYN reported this was the tenth attack on Gavva West. Wittmeyer noted that this also is the home area of EYN’s past president Filibus Gwama.

The detailed report from EYN was based on the reports of five people who fled. Included in the list of the dead were two children age 6 and 8 who died in one of the houses that were burned, and one baby who died “on the run.”

The owners of the burned houses were all named in the EYN report, as were all the adults who were killed. In addition, a shop was looted, a car and several motorcycles were burned, and other motorcycles were stolen by the attackers.

The EYN report said most people “fled to nearby villages and unknown hideouts. One of the refugees told us they are in desperate need of food.”

Another attack affects Brethren in Barawa

The EYN report listed another attack in Barawa, in the eastern part of Gwoza, Borno State. One church member was killed, two EYN churches and a preaching point were burned, and 19 houses were burned including a pastor’s. The attack also affected other churches. In total, the report said, “about 8,000 people fled Barawa area where 9 churches [and] 400 houses burnt.”

For more about the church’s ministry in Nigeria go to www.brethren.org/partners/nigeria . For an overview of the effects of terrorist violence on EYN as of February 2013, go to www.brethren.org/news/2013/trying-moment-in-nigeria.html . To contribute to the EYN Compassion Fund go to https://secure2.convio.net/cob/site/Donation2?3620.donation=form1&df_id=3620.

Source: 10/4/2013 Newsline

Webinar series to give information about Brethren ministries for young people.

New “non-event” resources from the Youth and Young Adult Ministry this year are a series of webinars by denominational staff whose ministries relate to youth and young adults. These staff have teamed up to provide informational and educational webinars geared toward those who work with Church of the Brethren youth and young adults as advisors, pastors, or parents.

“We hope you will join us!” said Becky Ullom Naugle, director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry.

The first webinar will be this Tuesday, Oct. 9, at 7 p.m. central time (8 p.m. eastern), and will be an introduction to the ministries related to young people from the Church of the Brethren, Bethany Theological Seminary, and On Earth Peace.

To join the webinar on Oct. 9 go to https://cc.callinfo.com/r/1aa02k0lic44s&eom . After joining the video portion, participants will need to join the audio portion by dialing 877-204-3718 (toll free) or 303-223-9908. The access code is 8946766.

Four additional webinars on youth ministry also are planned:

• Nov. 5, 7 p.m. central time, “Short-Term Mission Trips,” led by Emily Tyler of the Workcamp Ministry staff
• Jan. 21, 2014, 7 p.m. central time, “Call and Gifts Discernment,” led by Bekah Houff of the Bethany Seminary staff
• March 4, 2014, 7 p.m. central time, “Intergenerational Relationships,” led by Becky Ullom Naugle, director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry
• May 6, 2014, 7 p.m. central time, “Bullying,” led by Marie Benner-Rhoades of On Earth Peace

For questions call Becky Ullom Naugle at 847-429-4385.

Source: 10/4/2013 Newsline

New resources include calendar to learn Philippians, Domestic Violence Awareness, Children’s Sabbaths, more.

The month of October offers congregations the opportunity to participate in two national observances promoting the welfare of families and children: Domestic Violence Awareness Month and Children’s Sabbaths Celebration. A calendar for learning the book of Philippians by heart also begins in October, offered by the Annual Conference moderator as a focus for Bible study in preparation for the 2014 annual meeting.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Throughout October, congregations are encouraged to raise awareness about the serious problem of domestic violence. Activities can be as simple as including a bulletin insert one Sunday, creating a bulletin board with facts about domestic violence, publicizing the National Domestic Violence Hotline 800-799-SAFE (7233) and 800-787-3224 (TDD), or remembering in prayer people who have been affected by domestic violence. Congregations may decide to ask a local domestic violence shelter to provide a program or help in a worship service or sermon focus on the topic. Whatever a congregation can do will raise awareness about domestic violence and may help someone in need. Materials include FaithTrust Institute’s bulletin insert and resource sheet, “Responding to Domestic Violence: What the Religious Community Can Do,” at www.brethren.org/family/domestic-violence.html. Additional information about domestic violence is available from the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence at www.ncadv.org or 303-839-1852.

National Observance of Children’s Sabbaths Celebration

“Beating Swords into Plowshares: Ending the Violence of Guns and Child Poverty” is the theme for the National Observance of Children’s Sabbaths Celebration on Oct. 18-20. The third weekend of October is designated as a time for religious congregations of all faiths to unite in shared concern for children and common commitment to improving their lives and working for justice on their behalf. The Children’s Defense Fund sponsors this annual observation, guided by a multi-faith advisory committee. This year focuses on gun violence and the negative effects of poverty on children. Congregations are called to lift up and commit to realizing a vision in which all children and families know peace, security, and well-being. A Children’s Sabbath weekend typically has four elements: worship and prayer, educational programs, compassionate service, and follow-up actions to improve the lives of children. Find a link to a comprehensive manual to help a congregation observe Children’s Sabbaths on the Church of the Brethren Family Life Ministry page, www.brethren.org/family. The Family Life Ministry is a part of Congregational Life Ministries, and is staffed by Kim Ebersole.

A resource for learning Philippians by heart

Moderator Nancy Sollenberger Heishman is encouraging Brethren to read and study the New Testament letter of Philippians in preparation for the 2014 Annual Conference on a theme inspired by Philippians, “Live as Courageous Disciples.” She has provided a calendar for learning the book by heart, starting the week of Oct. 6 through June 29, 2014, the week prior to the 2014 Conference. “I invite us all to focus on just a few verses of Philippians each week, ‘treasuring God’s word in our hearts’ (Psalm 119:11a),” Heishman wrote in an introduction to the calendar. “Whether you actually memorize the entire book or selected passages or simply spend time each day in prayer and contemplation, it is my earnest desire that through these scriptures Jesus might call us all to boldly ‘Live as Courageous Disciples.’” Find the calendar online at www.brethren.org/ac/documents/philippians-memorization-guide.pdf.

More new resources available from Brethren.org

• The October Messenger study guide at www.brethren.org/messenger/studyguides.html is a resource for using the Church of the Brethren “Messenger” magazine for small group study and Sunday school classes.
• The Global Food Crisis Fund (GFCF) fall newsletter at www.brethren.org/gfcf/stories offers news and stories from this Brethren program working on food security and hunger.
• The October Missions prayer guide at www.brethren.org/partners/index.html#prayerguide gives a mission-focused prayer suggestion for each day of the month.
• A study guide from Christian Churches Together (CCT) at www.brethren.org/gensec is designed for small groups and Sunday school classes to study the response of church leaders 50 years after Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. wrote his “Letter from Birmingham Jail.”
• The Winter issue of “Seed Packet” at www.brethren.org/discipleship/seed-packet-2013-4.pdf  is a newsletter for faith formation from Brethren Press giving information about the church’s latest Christian education and Bible study resources.
• October and November issues of “Tapestry,” a denominational newsletter provided for congregations and districts to share with their members, are posted at www.brethren.org/publications/tapestry.html.

Source: 10/4/2013 Newsline

Curriculum helps youth develop beliefs on peace, conscientious objection.

Call of Conscience, a Church of the Brethren web-based curriculum, is available to download from www.brethren.org/CO. Written by Julie Garber, this resource is designed to help youth develop their beliefs about peace and conscientious objection to war. The curriculum focuses on developing a personal peace position based on biblical teaching and the traditions of the church.

As young men, and possibly women someday, reach the age of 18 they are required by law to register with the Selective Service System, a federal agency responsible for a military draft in the event the nation wants more soldiers than it can recruit as volunteers. If Congress decided to reinstate the draft, young people would have only a short time to gather evidence to convince Selective Service they are conscientious objectors and have a religious opposition to killing.

Call of Conscience helps youth prepare to “make a defense for the hope that is within them” (1 Peter 3:15). Four sessions designed to be led by an adult will help youth think through their beliefs as taught by the Church of the Brethren. Full session plans and downloadable resources are included:

• Session One: The difference between allegiance to God and allegiance to the state.
• Session Two: Biblical teaching on war and peace.
• Session Three: The Church of the Brethren historic and living peace position.
• Session Four: Making a case for conscientious objection.

In a culminating project, youth compile a file of evidence that they believe in the teachings of Jesus on peace, by keeping journals, collecting letters of reference, gathering lists of influential books, websites, news clippings, and films, and answering questions Selective Service will ask to determine the strength of their commitment to peace.

See www.brethren.org/CO.

Source: 10/4/2013 Newsline

Workcamps schedule is announced for 2014.

The schedule for the 2014 summer workcamps offered by the Church of the Brethren is now available online at www.brethren.org/workcamps/schedule. Workcamps will be offered for junior high youth, BRF senior high youth, young adults, and an intergenerational group. Because senior high youth will be attending National Youth Conference in July 2014, a full slate of workcamps for senior high youth will be offered again in 2015.

The following workcamps are planned for junior high youth who have completed grades 6-8. In order to register, the parents of junior high youth must complete a Parental Permission Form:

• Brooklyn, N.Y., June 18-22, cost is $275
• Camp Harmony, Pa., June 18-22, $275
• Harrisburg, Pa., June 25-29, $275
• Columbus, Ohio, July 6-10, $275
• South Bend, Ind., July 9-13, $275
• Crossnore, N.C., July 14-18, $275
• Roanoke, Va., July 30-Aug. 3, $275
• Seattle, Wash., Aug. 6-10, $300

One workcamp is offered for senior high youth (completed grade 9 through age 19) who identify with the views of the Brethren Revival Fellowship (BRF), in cooperation with Brethren Disaster Ministries at a location yet to be determined. Dates are June 22-28. Cost is $285.

The young adult workcamp for people between ages 18-35 will be held on the island of La Tortue, Haiti, June 9-16. Cost is $700.

The intergenerational workcamp for those who have completed grade 6 up to age 99-plus is scheduled at Idaho Mountain Camp on June 16-22. Cost is $375.

For more information go to www.brethren.org/workcamps.

Source: 10/4/2013 Newsline

US church leaders renew emphasis on immigration.

By Wendy McFadden

Christian leaders representing the breadth of Christian churches and denominations in the US have renewed their emphasis on the issue of immigration. Immigration was the main topic at the annual meeting of Christian Churches Together earlier this year, and the CCT steering committee has announced that the urgency of the matter--particularly in light of congressional delays on immigration reform--will keep it in front of the organization’s annual meeting through 2015.

The CCT steering committee repeated an urgent call for fundamental immigration reform that includes the following principles:

• An earned path to citizenship for the 11 million people in the United States without authorization.

• The priority of family reunification in any immigration reform.

• Protecting the integrity of the country’s borders and protecting due process for immigrants and their families.

• Improving refugee protection laws and asylum laws.

• Reviewing international economic policies to address the root causes of unauthorized immigration.

• Enforcement measures that are just and include due process protections for immigrants.

CCT, which regularly addresses major issues of common concern among its members, focused on immigration in 2013 and will examine the issue of mass incarceration at its annual meeting in early 2014. Other topics of study and action have been racism, poverty, and evangelism, with ongoing attention to the way the issues interrelate.

Because there is still a sense of urgency on immigration, the steering committee chose to dig deeper into the issue with a 2015 annual meeting theme of immigrant churches and the future of the American church. That meeting will focus on the impact of immigrants on the fabric and future of the church in the US.

Christian Churches Together is the broadest fellowship of Christians in the US, with members from Catholic, Evangelical/Pentecostal, Historic Black, Historic Protestant, and Orthodox traditions, or “families,” as well as several national organizations devoted to humanitarian aid, social justice, and other expressions of Christian service.

-- Wendy McFadden is publisher of Brethren Press. She is serving on the steering committee of Christian Churches Together and is president of CCT’s Historic Protestant “family” of churches.

Source: 10/4/2013 Newsline

Bethany’s ‘Explore Your Call’ 2014 to be held in Colorado prior to NYC.

By Jenny Willliams

Rising high school juniors and seniors are invited to Colorado State University next summer for Explore Your Call on July 15-19. Sponsored by the Institute for Ministry with Youth and Young Adults at Bethany Theological Seminary, this event is held the week prior to National Youth Conference (NYC), also at Colorado State. Interested youth will be able to attend both events, and will connect with their youth groups as they arrive for NYC.

Since Explore Your Call was reinstated three years ago, Bethany faculty, students, and alumni/ae have guided young participants in learning about the meaning of ministry and contemplating the experience of God’s call. Structured time in the classroom and on field experiences is balanced with worship, personal sharing, and recreation.

During the past three years, 17 youth have participated in Explore Your Call. Brittany Fourman from Prince of Peace Church of the Brethren in Dayton, Ohio, attended in June 2013, in addition to serving as a summer intern with her own congregation. Her words convey a deepening of her own spiritual life while calling others to find new depth as well:

“Explore Your Call is more than just a spiritual experience--it is a life changer. What you hear, the experiences you have, and the people you meet will remain with you long after leaving EYC. You not only get to know God more intimately but also quickly build relationships with the coordinators, the professors, and the rest of the youth in the group. This program is a place where young, strong-minded Christians can explore their lives with God and feel safe in asking tough questions.

“It’s quite difficult to put into words the impact EYC made on my life, but to sum it up, I feel more confident and knowledgeable in my faith and walk with Christ. I left EYC knowing that the call comes in many forms, many ways, and at any time. I don’t have to be a pastor to be called into ministry; the word of the Lord can shine through me in any vocation I may follow. Knowing that the path that’s given to me will be used by the Lord is a wonderful feeling.

“EYC challenges you. It’s a time when you are pushed to be uncomfortable and explore uncrossed territory. Come prepared to learn, to bask in the glory of God, and to experience community and fellowship. During EYC it’s important to embrace the diversity of the people you encounter and really learn to love all of God’s children. Try to retain as much information as possible--it’s not only fascinating; you’ll also find yourself including those concepts in your daily life. And expect to leave EYC more in love with God than you thought possible.”

Registration for Explore Your Call is now open at www.bethanyseminary.edu/eyc. More details about the 2014 program will be available in the coming months. Contact Bekah Houff, coordinator of outreach programs, for more information at houffre@bethanyseminary.edu or 765-983-1809.

-- Jenny Williams is director of communications and alumni/ae relations at Bethany Theological Seminary in Richmond, Ind. For more information about the seminary go to www.bethanyseminary.edu.

Source: 10/4/2013 Newsline