- Association of Brethren Caregivers re-envisions ministries.
- Plans for Conversations on Being the Church continue.
- Writers meet for Gather 'Round curriculum conference.
- Atlantic Northeast District focuses on PLAN to bear fruit.
- Atlantic Southeast holds conference despite hurricanes.
- Southern Ohio celebrates 150th annual district conference.
- Brethren bits: Job opening, call for dramas, and more.
Friday, October 29, 2004
NEWS
Association of Brethren Caregivers re-envisions ministries.
The Association of Brethren Caregivers (ABC) board approved a re-envisioning of ministries at Sept. 24-26 meetings in Elgin, Ill. The board agreed with staff recommendations to change ABC's focus, from nine distinct ministries to five ministry imperatives: Whole-Person Health Ministry, Disabilities Ministry, Older Adult Ministry, Mental Health/Illness Ministry, and Uncompensated Care.
"We're changing the paradigm around the way ABC has provided ministry to the denomination," said Kathy Reid, executive director. "Under this structure of imperatives, ABC can focus its attention on five specific areas, allowing more flexibility to respond to new concerns and inviting opportunities for collaboration." By focusing on five ministries, staff hope to engage in fact finding, create measurable outcomes, and evaluate programs after a two- or three-year period, reported communication director Mary Dulabaum. Outcomes could include creating workshops for congregational meetings, providing sessions at district and denominational conferences, offering resources through the Internet, and advocating on special issues.
Reid explained implications the re-envisioning has for ABC's services: resources for the Denominational Deacon Ministry will be provided by each new imperative, providing crossover between the imperatives and people providing caregiving in congregations; each imperative has a component devoted to family life concerns; the Voice Ministry will continue with several ministry components but will devote attention to the Mental Health/Illness Ministry; the Whole-Person Health Ministry, a re-naming of the Lafiya program, will shift from a congregational approach to a focus on individual awareness of health and wholeness. Ongoing programs such as National Older Adult Conference and the Caring Ministries Assembly will continue and be opportunities for education and advocacy for new imperatives.
One new imperative is the issue of Uncompensated Care. Emerging from the Fellowship of Brethren Homes, this imperative will raise awareness of problems Brethren homes experience by providing $14 million of uncompensated care annually to residents no longer able to pay for care. The Brethren Chaplains Network has been realigned to the General Board's Ministry Office to better serve the denomination's chaplains. ABC will continue to provide training events for chaplains at denominational conferences.
In other work, the board created a study committee to evaluate how ABC and its ministries fit into the structure of the denomination. This committee will report its findings at the Fall 2005 board meeting. ABC will then be prepared to share its viewpoint with the Annual Conference Review and Evaluation Committee, to evaluate Brethren structure and programs in 2006.
In other business, the board approved a break-even budget for 2005 after struggling with how to balance the budget in a year when conference income comes from the Caring Ministries Assembly, which does not generate significant revenue. Bylaw changes were made to allow the chair of the Fellowship of Brethren Homes, a ministry of ABC, to serve as an ex officio board member with voting ability. The board recognized the contributions and services of Connie Burk Davis, whose term expires Jan. 1; elected Allegra Hess of West Chicago, Ill., and John Katonah of Evanston, Ill., to second terms on the board; and elected Daniel McRoberts of Caledonia, Mich., to a first term.
Source: 10/29/2004 Newsline
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The Association of Brethren Caregivers (ABC) board approved a re-envisioning of ministries at Sept. 24-26 meetings in Elgin, Ill. The board agreed with staff recommendations to change ABC's focus, from nine distinct ministries to five ministry imperatives: Whole-Person Health Ministry, Disabilities Ministry, Older Adult Ministry, Mental Health/Illness Ministry, and Uncompensated Care.
"We're changing the paradigm around the way ABC has provided ministry to the denomination," said Kathy Reid, executive director. "Under this structure of imperatives, ABC can focus its attention on five specific areas, allowing more flexibility to respond to new concerns and inviting opportunities for collaboration." By focusing on five ministries, staff hope to engage in fact finding, create measurable outcomes, and evaluate programs after a two- or three-year period, reported communication director Mary Dulabaum. Outcomes could include creating workshops for congregational meetings, providing sessions at district and denominational conferences, offering resources through the Internet, and advocating on special issues.
Reid explained implications the re-envisioning has for ABC's services: resources for the Denominational Deacon Ministry will be provided by each new imperative, providing crossover between the imperatives and people providing caregiving in congregations; each imperative has a component devoted to family life concerns; the Voice Ministry will continue with several ministry components but will devote attention to the Mental Health/Illness Ministry; the Whole-Person Health Ministry, a re-naming of the Lafiya program, will shift from a congregational approach to a focus on individual awareness of health and wholeness. Ongoing programs such as National Older Adult Conference and the Caring Ministries Assembly will continue and be opportunities for education and advocacy for new imperatives.
One new imperative is the issue of Uncompensated Care. Emerging from the Fellowship of Brethren Homes, this imperative will raise awareness of problems Brethren homes experience by providing $14 million of uncompensated care annually to residents no longer able to pay for care. The Brethren Chaplains Network has been realigned to the General Board's Ministry Office to better serve the denomination's chaplains. ABC will continue to provide training events for chaplains at denominational conferences.
In other work, the board created a study committee to evaluate how ABC and its ministries fit into the structure of the denomination. This committee will report its findings at the Fall 2005 board meeting. ABC will then be prepared to share its viewpoint with the Annual Conference Review and Evaluation Committee, to evaluate Brethren structure and programs in 2006.
In other business, the board approved a break-even budget for 2005 after struggling with how to balance the budget in a year when conference income comes from the Caring Ministries Assembly, which does not generate significant revenue. Bylaw changes were made to allow the chair of the Fellowship of Brethren Homes, a ministry of ABC, to serve as an ex officio board member with voting ability. The board recognized the contributions and services of Connie Burk Davis, whose term expires Jan. 1; elected Allegra Hess of West Chicago, Ill., and John Katonah of Evanston, Ill., to second terms on the board; and elected Daniel McRoberts of Caledonia, Mich., to a first term.
Source: 10/29/2004 Newsline
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Plans for 'Conversations on Being the Church' continue.
A group making plans for a denomination-wide conversation on the state of the church has announced a new name for the effort and a timeline of events. The group of representatives of Annual Conference, the districts, and Conference agencies met Sept. 29-30 at Bethany Theological Seminary in Richmond, Ind. "TOGETHER: Conversations on Being the Church" is the new name for the effort previously referred to as an "ecclesiology consultation."
At the meeting, the group "put more thought into the basics. We got some good work done," reported Brethren Press publisher Wendy McFadden. Agenda items included the new name, a logo, budget, a timeline of events, a study guide, and continuing discussion of questions raised at previous meetings.
Graphic designer Debbie Noffsinger is being commissioned to create a logo using church images that are "undisputed," said McFadden, "images that all can rally around." Images that may be used include the cross, the bread and cup, and the basin and towel.
A timeline for the conversations, which will take place in 2006-07, will begin with a Launch Event Feb. 24-26, 2006, in New Windsor, Md. The launch will train some 125 representatives of districts and Conference agencies to lead conversations in their own areas, districts, and congregations following Annual Conference that year, said Julie Hostetter of the General Board's Congregational Life Teams and chair of the launch subcommittee. "A key component is the study guide," she said. The "TOGETHER" guide will be used in the conversations at all levels: Annual Conference, district conferences, area events, and congregations. The group discussed possible writers and McFadden was given responsibility to continue planning the guide.
Following the launch, conversations will continue at Annual Conference 2006 in 30-minute time slots during each business session, and at some insight sessions. District conferences in 2006 will be invited to have "TOGETHER" conversations. Throughout the latter half of 2006 and the first half of 2007, those trained at the launch will lead conversations. Area events will be coordinated by Ron and Harriett Finney. "TOGETHER" will culminate at Annual Conference 2007.
Other key issues are still in the planning stage, McFadden said, such as how to secure financing and how to include all segments of the denomination. The group continued discussing "Who is listening?"--a question raised at its last meeting in May. A subcommittee was appointed to work on "listening teams" for the process.
Representing the districts were chair Mark Flory Steury of Southern Ohio, Don Booz of Mid-Atlantic, and David Shumate of Virlina. Representing Annual Conference was secretary Fred Swartz. Representing the agencies were, from the Association of Brethren Caregivers, executive director Kathy Reid; from Bethany, professor Jeff Bach and dean Steve Reid; from Brethren Benefit Trust, president Wil Nolen; from the General Board, Ministry director Mary Jo Flory Steury, Hostetter, Congregational Life Ministries executive Del Keeney, McFadden; from On Earth Peace, peace witness coordinator Matt Guynn; and Bethany Academy director Jonathan Shively. Ron and Harriett Finney attended as coordinators of the regional events. The group will meet again Jan. 20-21 at Bethany.
Source: 10/29/2004 Newsline
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A group making plans for a denomination-wide conversation on the state of the church has announced a new name for the effort and a timeline of events. The group of representatives of Annual Conference, the districts, and Conference agencies met Sept. 29-30 at Bethany Theological Seminary in Richmond, Ind. "TOGETHER: Conversations on Being the Church" is the new name for the effort previously referred to as an "ecclesiology consultation."
At the meeting, the group "put more thought into the basics. We got some good work done," reported Brethren Press publisher Wendy McFadden. Agenda items included the new name, a logo, budget, a timeline of events, a study guide, and continuing discussion of questions raised at previous meetings.
Graphic designer Debbie Noffsinger is being commissioned to create a logo using church images that are "undisputed," said McFadden, "images that all can rally around." Images that may be used include the cross, the bread and cup, and the basin and towel.
A timeline for the conversations, which will take place in 2006-07, will begin with a Launch Event Feb. 24-26, 2006, in New Windsor, Md. The launch will train some 125 representatives of districts and Conference agencies to lead conversations in their own areas, districts, and congregations following Annual Conference that year, said Julie Hostetter of the General Board's Congregational Life Teams and chair of the launch subcommittee. "A key component is the study guide," she said. The "TOGETHER" guide will be used in the conversations at all levels: Annual Conference, district conferences, area events, and congregations. The group discussed possible writers and McFadden was given responsibility to continue planning the guide.
Following the launch, conversations will continue at Annual Conference 2006 in 30-minute time slots during each business session, and at some insight sessions. District conferences in 2006 will be invited to have "TOGETHER" conversations. Throughout the latter half of 2006 and the first half of 2007, those trained at the launch will lead conversations. Area events will be coordinated by Ron and Harriett Finney. "TOGETHER" will culminate at Annual Conference 2007.
Other key issues are still in the planning stage, McFadden said, such as how to secure financing and how to include all segments of the denomination. The group continued discussing "Who is listening?"--a question raised at its last meeting in May. A subcommittee was appointed to work on "listening teams" for the process.
Representing the districts were chair Mark Flory Steury of Southern Ohio, Don Booz of Mid-Atlantic, and David Shumate of Virlina. Representing Annual Conference was secretary Fred Swartz. Representing the agencies were, from the Association of Brethren Caregivers, executive director Kathy Reid; from Bethany, professor Jeff Bach and dean Steve Reid; from Brethren Benefit Trust, president Wil Nolen; from the General Board, Ministry director Mary Jo Flory Steury, Hostetter, Congregational Life Ministries executive Del Keeney, McFadden; from On Earth Peace, peace witness coordinator Matt Guynn; and Bethany Academy director Jonathan Shively. Ron and Harriett Finney attended as coordinators of the regional events. The group will meet again Jan. 20-21 at Bethany.
Source: 10/29/2004 Newsline
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Writers meet for Gather 'Round curriculum conference.
Writers, editors, and resource people from the Church of the Brethren, Mennonite Church USA, and Mennonite Church Canada met Sept. 19-23 at a Writer's Conference for the new Sunday school curriculum project Gather 'Round: Hearing and Sharing God's Good News. For five days at Camp Alexander Mack near Milford, Ind., the group embodied the title for the curriculum, "gathering 'round" to worship with the Bible texts, pray, look for God's good news for each age level, and plan lesson outlines.
"It is a wonderful, scary feeling to be at the beginning of a new venture in children's curriculum," said Eleanor Snyder, director of Faith and Life Resources, Mennonite Publishing Network. "What I saw at the conference were writers deeply committed to children's faith formation and finding creative ways to hear and share God's story."
Frank Ramirez, pastor of Everett (Pa.) Church of the Brethren, is writing the parent/caregivers unit. He compared the collaborative aspect of writing curriculum to theater. "In theater, you have a writer, director, designers, builders, actors, and an audience, and you realize that no play is the creation of any one person, but of many as the word becomes flesh. Now with God's word we're counting on the Word becoming flesh through the efforts of writers, editors, designers, marketers, teachers, and students."
Other writers at the conference were Brethren member Susan Fuentes, who is writing Early Childhood for ages 2-4; Rebecca Seiling, of the Mennonite Church Canada, writing the fall quarter of Primary for ages K-grade 2; Brethren member Dianna Ullery, writing Middler for grades 3-5; Carol Duerksen, of the Mennonite Church USA, writing Junior Youth for grades 6-8; and Sarah Pinnell, of the Mennonite Church Canada, writing the Multiage component for grades K-8 and intergenerational use.
For Anna Speicher, project director, the conference was another significant step in the curriculum development--steps that have included establishing curriculum philosophy and guidelines, initial Bible outlining, advisory group meetings, adoption of a name and logo, and recruitment of consultants and writers. Gather 'Round is slated to begin in the Fall of 2006, with the first quarter available for congregations to preview early in 2006.
Source: 10/29/2004 Newsline
top
Writers, editors, and resource people from the Church of the Brethren, Mennonite Church USA, and Mennonite Church Canada met Sept. 19-23 at a Writer's Conference for the new Sunday school curriculum project Gather 'Round: Hearing and Sharing God's Good News. For five days at Camp Alexander Mack near Milford, Ind., the group embodied the title for the curriculum, "gathering 'round" to worship with the Bible texts, pray, look for God's good news for each age level, and plan lesson outlines.
"It is a wonderful, scary feeling to be at the beginning of a new venture in children's curriculum," said Eleanor Snyder, director of Faith and Life Resources, Mennonite Publishing Network. "What I saw at the conference were writers deeply committed to children's faith formation and finding creative ways to hear and share God's story."
Frank Ramirez, pastor of Everett (Pa.) Church of the Brethren, is writing the parent/caregivers unit. He compared the collaborative aspect of writing curriculum to theater. "In theater, you have a writer, director, designers, builders, actors, and an audience, and you realize that no play is the creation of any one person, but of many as the word becomes flesh. Now with God's word we're counting on the Word becoming flesh through the efforts of writers, editors, designers, marketers, teachers, and students."
Other writers at the conference were Brethren member Susan Fuentes, who is writing Early Childhood for ages 2-4; Rebecca Seiling, of the Mennonite Church Canada, writing the fall quarter of Primary for ages K-grade 2; Brethren member Dianna Ullery, writing Middler for grades 3-5; Carol Duerksen, of the Mennonite Church USA, writing Junior Youth for grades 6-8; and Sarah Pinnell, of the Mennonite Church Canada, writing the Multiage component for grades K-8 and intergenerational use.
For Anna Speicher, project director, the conference was another significant step in the curriculum development--steps that have included establishing curriculum philosophy and guidelines, initial Bible outlining, advisory group meetings, adoption of a name and logo, and recruitment of consultants and writers. Gather 'Round is slated to begin in the Fall of 2006, with the first quarter available for congregations to preview early in 2006.
Source: 10/29/2004 Newsline
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Atlantic Northeast District focuses on 'PLAN' to bear fruit.
Atlantic Northeast District held its 2004 conference Oct. 8-9 at Elizabethtown (Pa.) College with the theme "PLAN to bear much fruit...PLAN to be a disciple," from John 15:7-8. Herbert High, of Elizabethtown (Pa.) Church of the Brethren, served as moderator and led delegates through conference business including approval of a slate of nominees, a 2005 budget of $709,835, and a variety of reports.
Speakers included Stan Noffsinger, general secretary of the General Board, who was the keynote speaker for the Friday evening worship service. The Spring Creek Praise Team opened the service with inspirational singing. James Hardenbrook, Annual Conference moderator, brought greetings to the gathering and eight Nigerian brothers and sisters were welcomed and shared musical selections. On Saturday the youth of the district led worship.
Four congregations shared "Vision Stories": Big Swatara, Hanoverdale Church of the Brethren in Hummelstown, Pa.; Lititz (Pa.) Church of the Brethren; Mount Zion Road Church of the Brethren in Lebanon, Pa.; and First Church of the Brethren in Reading, Pa. Four new fellowships were welcomed and recognized: New Beginnings, meeting in Brickerville, Pa., and led by Michael Wise of Chiques Church of the Brethren in Manheim, Pa.; New Creation, worshiping in Reading, Pa., under the direction of David Weiss; Lirio de los Valles, a Hispanic fellowship meeting in Lebanon, Pa., and pastored by Eduardo Rivera; and Maranatha Multicultural, which worships at Lancaster (Pa.) Church of the Brethren with leadership by Guillermo Encarnacion and Monroe Good.
An offering of $2,432.50 will benefit the following ministries: ten percent to go to Ekklesiyar Yan'uwa a Nigeria (EYN--the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria), ten percent to Seeds of Faith, thirty percent to the Mission Church Support Fund, and fifty percent to Foundational Ministries.
Wayne L. Miller and Guy E. Wampler were recognized as 50-year ordained ministers. Wendi Butterfoss, of Florin Church of the Brethren in Mount Joy, Pa., was called as moderator-elect; Donald Fitzkee and John A. Harpold were called to Standing Committee. Larry O'Neill, of Skippack Church of the Brethren, Collegeville, Pa., was installed as moderator for the 2005 conference which will be held Oct. 7-8 at Elizabethtown College.
Source: 10/29/2004 Newsline
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Atlantic Northeast District held its 2004 conference Oct. 8-9 at Elizabethtown (Pa.) College with the theme "PLAN to bear much fruit...PLAN to be a disciple," from John 15:7-8. Herbert High, of Elizabethtown (Pa.) Church of the Brethren, served as moderator and led delegates through conference business including approval of a slate of nominees, a 2005 budget of $709,835, and a variety of reports.
Speakers included Stan Noffsinger, general secretary of the General Board, who was the keynote speaker for the Friday evening worship service. The Spring Creek Praise Team opened the service with inspirational singing. James Hardenbrook, Annual Conference moderator, brought greetings to the gathering and eight Nigerian brothers and sisters were welcomed and shared musical selections. On Saturday the youth of the district led worship.
Four congregations shared "Vision Stories": Big Swatara, Hanoverdale Church of the Brethren in Hummelstown, Pa.; Lititz (Pa.) Church of the Brethren; Mount Zion Road Church of the Brethren in Lebanon, Pa.; and First Church of the Brethren in Reading, Pa. Four new fellowships were welcomed and recognized: New Beginnings, meeting in Brickerville, Pa., and led by Michael Wise of Chiques Church of the Brethren in Manheim, Pa.; New Creation, worshiping in Reading, Pa., under the direction of David Weiss; Lirio de los Valles, a Hispanic fellowship meeting in Lebanon, Pa., and pastored by Eduardo Rivera; and Maranatha Multicultural, which worships at Lancaster (Pa.) Church of the Brethren with leadership by Guillermo Encarnacion and Monroe Good.
An offering of $2,432.50 will benefit the following ministries: ten percent to go to Ekklesiyar Yan'uwa a Nigeria (EYN--the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria), ten percent to Seeds of Faith, thirty percent to the Mission Church Support Fund, and fifty percent to Foundational Ministries.
Wayne L. Miller and Guy E. Wampler were recognized as 50-year ordained ministers. Wendi Butterfoss, of Florin Church of the Brethren in Mount Joy, Pa., was called as moderator-elect; Donald Fitzkee and John A. Harpold were called to Standing Committee. Larry O'Neill, of Skippack Church of the Brethren, Collegeville, Pa., was installed as moderator for the 2005 conference which will be held Oct. 7-8 at Elizabethtown College.
Source: 10/29/2004 Newsline
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Atlantic Southeast holds conference despite hurricanes.
Despite massive hurricane damage to the state of Florida over the last six weeks, Atlantic Southeast District held its 80th district conference Oct. 8-9. "Nothing could daunt the good spirits of participants," reported Nancy Cruz, district ministry staff for the General Board, and a member of the district. The multi-cultural membership of the district was celebrated as many attended from the district's Haitian and Puerto Rican churches.
The conference was held at Sebring (Fla.) Church of the Brethren, with the theme, "Strangers No More." The location of the conference was changed twice before actually taking place in Sebring, due to construction issues at the Sebring church and loss of utilities at Lorida (Fla.) Church of the Brethren because of the storms.
The conference moderator was Berwyn Oltman, former district executive and pastor in the district. The speaker for a seminar and the opening worship service was Jeff Wright, executive director of the Center for Anabaptist Leadership in Pasadena, Calif., and executive minister of the Pacific Southwest Conference of the Mennonite Church.
Business was highlighted by the acceptance of "La Casa del Amigo" as a new church fellowship in Arecibo, P.R. Hector Perez was elected as moderator-elect and John Mueller was re-elected as chair of the District Board through 2007.
A special feature of the conference was a Pie Auction that raised over $1,400 to benefit the work of the Church Development Council. Several pies brought over $200 each, and a hat and t-shirt worn for disaster clean-up by the district executive's husband, Robert Beach, brought $140.
Source: 10/29/2004 Newsline
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Despite massive hurricane damage to the state of Florida over the last six weeks, Atlantic Southeast District held its 80th district conference Oct. 8-9. "Nothing could daunt the good spirits of participants," reported Nancy Cruz, district ministry staff for the General Board, and a member of the district. The multi-cultural membership of the district was celebrated as many attended from the district's Haitian and Puerto Rican churches.
The conference was held at Sebring (Fla.) Church of the Brethren, with the theme, "Strangers No More." The location of the conference was changed twice before actually taking place in Sebring, due to construction issues at the Sebring church and loss of utilities at Lorida (Fla.) Church of the Brethren because of the storms.
The conference moderator was Berwyn Oltman, former district executive and pastor in the district. The speaker for a seminar and the opening worship service was Jeff Wright, executive director of the Center for Anabaptist Leadership in Pasadena, Calif., and executive minister of the Pacific Southwest Conference of the Mennonite Church.
Business was highlighted by the acceptance of "La Casa del Amigo" as a new church fellowship in Arecibo, P.R. Hector Perez was elected as moderator-elect and John Mueller was re-elected as chair of the District Board through 2007.
A special feature of the conference was a Pie Auction that raised over $1,400 to benefit the work of the Church Development Council. Several pies brought over $200 each, and a hat and t-shirt worn for disaster clean-up by the district executive's husband, Robert Beach, brought $140.
Source: 10/29/2004 Newsline
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Southern Ohio celebrates 150th annual district conference.
On Oct. 8-9, about 225 Brethren from the 52 congregations of Southern Ohio District met at Salem Church of the Brethren in Englewood for the 150th annual district conference. Moderator Sheila Shumaker, pastor of the Troy congregation, led the meeting.
The theme, "Celebrating Diversity," was introduced in an exciting and powerful worship experience, reported Mary Sue Rosenberger, chaplain at the Brethren Retirement Community in Greenville. The diversity of music included congregational hymns, praise choruses, handbells, a choir anthem with visual accompaniment, African instruments, and a small group of district instrumentalists known as the "Whotkee R. We Yin?" Remnant Band.
Worshipers celebrated the colorful diversity of the rainbow as a paraphrase of scriptures was read affirming the variety of spiritual gifts. "The congregation responded by waving ribbons of rainbow colors, re-creating the beauty of the rainbow's blended brilliance," she reported. "The scripture, Luke 4:18-19, was read in eight different languages, giving worshipers a new appreciation both of the diversity and the unity we have in Christ Jesus. Rev. Dr. Daryl Ward, senior pastor of the Omega Baptist Church of Dayton, shared God's word in such a timely and inspired way that an occasional heartfelt Brethren 'Amen' could be heard!"
In business, 150 delegates focused on reports rather than diversity. Representatives of mission partners shared images of how the Brethren of Southern Ohio share the knowledge and love of Christ in and beyond the district. A detailed report was given by the district board preparing the delegates to consider--and adopt--a budget of $136,575 for 2005. Pastors new to the district were introduced and 18 ministers were recognized for their years of service. An offering of over $1,000 was taken to aid Atlantic Southeast District's disaster relief efforts.
As a centerpiece of the celebration of diversity, a large cooking pot labeled "Brethren Diversity Soup" graced a communion table throughout the day of business. Between reports and items of business, representatives of six congregations shared stories of how their churches celebrate diversity. Tales were told of children leading worship, the installation of an elevator, ecumenical service ministries, expanded use of technology in worship, ministry to women in a county jail, and a spiritual gifts assessment. Each storyteller contributed an ingredient to the symbolic soup. "As adjournment time approached, the soup 'miraculously' became real and each person was able to enjoy the delicious flavor of diversity," Rosenberger reported.
Leaders called to serve the district are Dave Shetler, moderator; Dan Poole, moderator-elect; Sharon Fellers, clerk; and Dave Shoup, treasurer. Mark Gardner, Gene Karn, Anke Pietsch, Ty Pyles, and Kathy Reynolds will join the board. Charles Cupp was called to Standing Committee and Fred Bernhard and Robert Smart as trustees for the Brethren Retirement Community. Southern Ohio's next annual gathering will be at Oakland Church of the Brethren Oct. 7-8, 2005.
Source: 10/29/2004 Newsline
top
On Oct. 8-9, about 225 Brethren from the 52 congregations of Southern Ohio District met at Salem Church of the Brethren in Englewood for the 150th annual district conference. Moderator Sheila Shumaker, pastor of the Troy congregation, led the meeting.
The theme, "Celebrating Diversity," was introduced in an exciting and powerful worship experience, reported Mary Sue Rosenberger, chaplain at the Brethren Retirement Community in Greenville. The diversity of music included congregational hymns, praise choruses, handbells, a choir anthem with visual accompaniment, African instruments, and a small group of district instrumentalists known as the "Whotkee R. We Yin?" Remnant Band.
Worshipers celebrated the colorful diversity of the rainbow as a paraphrase of scriptures was read affirming the variety of spiritual gifts. "The congregation responded by waving ribbons of rainbow colors, re-creating the beauty of the rainbow's blended brilliance," she reported. "The scripture, Luke 4:18-19, was read in eight different languages, giving worshipers a new appreciation both of the diversity and the unity we have in Christ Jesus. Rev. Dr. Daryl Ward, senior pastor of the Omega Baptist Church of Dayton, shared God's word in such a timely and inspired way that an occasional heartfelt Brethren 'Amen' could be heard!"
In business, 150 delegates focused on reports rather than diversity. Representatives of mission partners shared images of how the Brethren of Southern Ohio share the knowledge and love of Christ in and beyond the district. A detailed report was given by the district board preparing the delegates to consider--and adopt--a budget of $136,575 for 2005. Pastors new to the district were introduced and 18 ministers were recognized for their years of service. An offering of over $1,000 was taken to aid Atlantic Southeast District's disaster relief efforts.
As a centerpiece of the celebration of diversity, a large cooking pot labeled "Brethren Diversity Soup" graced a communion table throughout the day of business. Between reports and items of business, representatives of six congregations shared stories of how their churches celebrate diversity. Tales were told of children leading worship, the installation of an elevator, ecumenical service ministries, expanded use of technology in worship, ministry to women in a county jail, and a spiritual gifts assessment. Each storyteller contributed an ingredient to the symbolic soup. "As adjournment time approached, the soup 'miraculously' became real and each person was able to enjoy the delicious flavor of diversity," Rosenberger reported.
Leaders called to serve the district are Dave Shetler, moderator; Dan Poole, moderator-elect; Sharon Fellers, clerk; and Dave Shoup, treasurer. Mark Gardner, Gene Karn, Anke Pietsch, Ty Pyles, and Kathy Reynolds will join the board. Charles Cupp was called to Standing Committee and Fred Bernhard and Robert Smart as trustees for the Brethren Retirement Community. Southern Ohio's next annual gathering will be at Oakland Church of the Brethren Oct. 7-8, 2005.
Source: 10/29/2004 Newsline
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Brethren bits: Job opening, call for dramas, and more.
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- Manchester College, North Manchester, Ind., has opened its search for a vice president and dean for academic affairs. In addition to leadership of 70 fulltime faculty members in instructional divisions, the athletics program, and campus library, the vice president will have a key role in executing a new five-year strategic plan. Curriculum, academic programs, assessment, instructional technology, and faculty development and recruitment are key roles. The closing date for applications is Nov. 30. Candidates should send a letter of application, curriculum vitae, and three professional performance references to Manchester College, Attn: Kimberly A. Votaw, Vice President for Human Resources, 604 E. College Ave., North Manchester, IN 46962.
- The Annual Conference 300th Anniversary Committee has issued a call for submissions of dramatic pieces representing the theme for the 2008 celebration, "Surrendered to God, Transformed in Christ, Empowered by the Spirit." Submissions can be full-length dramas, skits, monologues, or vignettes for adults, youth, or children. Submissions may be used in congregations and districts leading up to the anniversary year, and at Annual Conference in 2008. For an interpretation of the theme, contact the Annual Conference office at 800-323-8039. Deadline for submissions is Dec. 31, 2005. Name, address, and phone number of the author should be included on a separate page from the submission. All dramas submitted will become the property of the Anniversary Committee and will not be returned. Mail submissions to Annual Conference Office, Attn: Anniversary Drama, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120.
- The Intercultural Study Committee (formerly called the Multi-Ethnic/Cross-Cultural Study Committee) elected at Annual Conference this summer held its initial meeting Oct. 17-18 in Elgin, Ill. Asha Solanky was selected as chair; Nadine Monn was selected as recorder. Other members are Darla Kay Bowman Deardorff, Ruben DeOleo, Neemita Pandya, Gilbert Romero, and Thomas Dowdy. An ex-officio member from the American Baptist Churches, USA, will soon be appointed. In addition to organizing, the committee explored reasons for the study, what research needs to be done, and what dialogue is needed with the denomination. A general timeline was established and committee member assignments were made.
- Nine pastors from Indiana and Northern Illinois recently gathered with Brethren Press staff to select scripture texts for the covers of the 2006 Living Word Bulletin series. The texts based on the Revised Common Lectionary, will be paired with photos by Brethren photographers from around the denomination as well as stock photography provided by Anchor Wallace Publishers. Each quarter, a cross-section of Brethren pastors and laypeople write reflections and worship resources to appear on the backs of the bulletins. Bulletins created and written "by Brethren for Brethren" reach 56,000 people in Church of the Brethren congregations every week, reported Brethren Press managing editor Nancy Klemm. This year's Advent and Christmas bulletins were designed especially for the Church of the Brethren by Gwen Stamm, a Mennonite artist and calligrapher from Scottdale, Pa., who was commissioned by Anchor Wallace at the request of Brethren Press. To place a standing order for bulletin covers call Brethren Press at 800-441-3712.
- "Disaster response, caring for children, environmental preservation, confronting racial barriers, experiencing new cultures, exploring urban poverty and rural development issues--all of these opportunities and more are available to youth and young adults through the 2005 National Workcamps," said coordinators Cindy Laprade, Beth Rhodes, and Steve Van Houten in a note inviting youth and young adults to participate in workcamps next summer. The theme will be "Rivers of Life" based on John 7:38. Workcampers will be invited to "step into the flow of other people's lives and experiences, and to affect change in the people and places that have been washed away by the currents of our society," the coordinators said. Brochures are available from district offices, congregations, or the General Board's Youth and Young Adult Ministry Office at 800-323-8039. A website also provides information and registration materials, see www.brethren.org/genbd/yya/workcamps. Registration begins Dec. 1. Contact the coordinators at 800-323-8039 or by e-mail at cobyouth_gb@brethren.org.
- Brethren are invited to join the General Board's Brethren Witness/Washington Office at a rally to "Call for an Absolute End to the School of Americas" at Fort Benning, Ga., Nov. 19-21. The rally culminates a year-long effort by those witnessing against the documented atrocities of the military trained at the School of Western Hemispheric Institution for Security Cooperation--also called the School of the Americas. The office will sponsor a few events at the rally including an information table outside the gates Nov. 20-21 and a gathering for Brethren 5:30-6 p.m. Nov. 20 followed by a concert by the Brethren band Mutual Kumquat in the Howard Johnson Presidential Room, 1011 Veterans Pky., Columbus, Ga. For more information call 800-785-3246 or e-mail washington_office_gb@brethren.org. For a rally schedule see www.soaw.org.
- Walter Brueggemann will give the Bethany Theological Seminary Founders Lecture Series on Nov. 11-12 in Richmond, Ind. Brueggemann is professor emeritus of Old Testament at Columbia Theological Seminary, Decatur, Ga.; author of numerous books and articles; has served on the Editorial Council of the "Journal of Biblical Literature"; and has been president of the Society of Biblical Literature. "Nurtured in Thickness" is the theme for the three lectures scheduled for 2:30 p.m. Nov. 11 in an open class session at the Earlham College Loose Lecture Hall in the Bolling Center; 7:30 p.m. Nov. 11 at Bethany's Nicarry Chapel; and 11 a.m. Nov. 12 at Nicarry Chapel. The lecture series honors the founders of the seminary, A.C. Wieand and E.B. Hoff. All lectures are free and open to the public. For more information call 765-983-1823.
- The Association of Brethren Caregivers (ABC) is distributing donor pins to lift up National Donor Sabbath Nov. 14. According to the Department of Health and Human Services, more than 81,000 men, women, and children nationwide are waiting for organ transplants, an average of 66 people each day receive a transplant, and some 17 patients die each day while waiting for a transplant. Congregations are urged to honor the observance through worship, prayer, or by wearing donation pins. Resources are available at ABC's website at www.brethren.org/abc/. Congregations can receive up to 25 donor pins by contacting ABC at 800-323-8039.
- "HIV/AIDS--How Will You Respond?" is a new bulletin insert available for congregations to use with World AIDS Day Dec. 1 or the first Sunday in December. The insert describes the problem of HIV/AIDS in the US and overseas and suggests ways Brethren can respond. Created by the Association of Brethren Caregivers and the General Board's Global Mission Partnerships, the bulletin insert can be downloaded from www.brethren.org.
- The Chicago-based CBS show "Different Drummers" featured the General Board's youth and young adult workcamp program with coordinators Cindy Laprade and Beth Rhodes. Agata Zalewski, a youth workcamp participant from York Center Church of the Brethren, Lombard, Ill., was interviewed as were several other Brethren members in the audience including youth and advisors from Chicago-area congregations. The show aired Oct. 23 at 5 a.m.
- Pacific Southwest District holds its conference Oct. 29-31 at Pomona (Calif.) Fellowship, with David Hurlbut as moderator.
- The location of the Virlina District Conference Nov. 12-13 has been changed to Green Ridge Baptist Church, 5521 Green Ridge Rd., NW, Roanoke, Va. The Ministers and Spouses Dinner will be held at Summerdean Church of the Brethren as scheduled. Contact the district office at 540-362-1816 or e-mail virlina@aol.com.
- Heifer International received the 2004 Conrad N. Hilton Humanitarian Prize on Oct. 28. The $1 million award is the world's largest humanitarian award. "Heifer International's success proves that it's often simple ideas that are the best," said Steve Hilton. "Ideas on how to help the poor in our world come and go, but Heifer has produced a model that has endured for 60 years." The organization was begun as a Church of the Brethren program by Brethren leader Dan West, who had the original "simple idea." Today, Heifer works in 38 US states and 50 countries providing more than 30 types of animals. To learn more about Heifer's history and beginnings, order the DVD/video "Dan West Peacemaker" from Brethren Press, call 800-441-3712. A monologue telling Dan West's story is available at www.Brethren.org./genbd/BP/LivingWaters. For more information visit www.heifer.org and www.hiltonfoundation.org.
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BBT and MAA hire joint field representatives.
Brethren Benefit Trust (BBT) and the Mutual Aid Association (MAA) have announced the hiring of Peg Yoder and Randy Yoder of Huntingdon, Pa., to a joint position shared between the two organizations. Beginning Jan. 2, the Yoders will serve half-time as field representatives for BBT and one-fourth time in the same capacity for MAA. They will represent both organizations at congregational, district, and denominational events, working with current and potential members and clients.
Peg Yoder retired in June from teaching English at Juniata Valley High School. Randy Yoder, who will retire at the end of December, has served as executive of Middle Pennsylvania District for the past 20 years. They are members of Stone Church of the Brethren in Huntingdon. The Yoders will work out of their home with the e-mail address pryoder_bbt@brethren.org.
Source: 10/29/2004 Newsline
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Brethren Benefit Trust (BBT) and the Mutual Aid Association (MAA) have announced the hiring of Peg Yoder and Randy Yoder of Huntingdon, Pa., to a joint position shared between the two organizations. Beginning Jan. 2, the Yoders will serve half-time as field representatives for BBT and one-fourth time in the same capacity for MAA. They will represent both organizations at congregational, district, and denominational events, working with current and potential members and clients.
Peg Yoder retired in June from teaching English at Juniata Valley High School. Randy Yoder, who will retire at the end of December, has served as executive of Middle Pennsylvania District for the past 20 years. They are members of Stone Church of the Brethren in Huntingdon. The Yoders will work out of their home with the e-mail address pryoder_bbt@brethren.org.
Source: 10/29/2004 Newsline
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On Earth Peace works to become institutionally anti-racist.
By Kim Stuckey Hissong
At the Fall 2004 board meeting of On Earth Peace, board and staff participated in a training with the General Board's Anti-Racism Team (ART). The training was the next step in a larger effort of On Earth Peace to become an institutionally anti-racist organization. We have been working on this process for almost a year, and decided that it was a good time to get board and staff together for formal training, recognizing that this is just one more step in a longterm process.
Using small group discussion, video, and Bible study, ART members Barbara Cuffie, Torin Eikler, and Sharon Reich led participants on a journey of examining prejudice and stereotypes, exploring white privilege, and envisioning a new Kingdom. While time was spent dealing with institutional racism, many members gained personal insight as well. Board member Eugene Lichty, from McPherson, Kan., said, "Most Brethren have enjoyed few or no close friends of a different race. Being so isolated from those who are different means there are many subtleties of race, involving culture, customs, and conversation of which we are unaware. As a result, we often do and say things which can cause misunderstandings and offenses. Participating in this Anti-Racism Training helped me to avoid at least some of these pitfalls."
Institutional racism is different from personal attitudes and feelings. It goes to the very core of how organizations operate and may, in fact, be an unintentional product of how an organization functions. Board member Dena Lee, from Kent, Ohio, found lots of value in the training. "It seemed that many members of the board and staff became aware of ways in which we limit our resources by applying white privilege to everything from recommendations for employment of staff and nomination of board members to the focus of On Earth Peace programming on peace as opposed to peace and justice."
Spending five hours of a meeting on this topic was a bold move for the board. But as staff member Annie Clark explained, "It is valuable for the church...because we are called to love our neighbors. Loving our neighbors means truly seeing all as equals, seeing their joys as our joys, and doing our best to celebrate together. It also means seeing everyone's needs as our needs, and doing our best to work together for change." ART has been called by the denomination to help congregations and groups figure out how to do that better.
Co-executive director Bob Gross summed up the experience, "I'm very glad that as an organization On Earth Peace is waking up to how we are affected by institutional racism in the church and society. If the church is going to be what God calls it to be, it will need to escape the traps of privilege, power, and prejudice. That does not happen without effort and humility." As the Church of the Brethren seeks to become more multi-cultural and multi-ethnic, it will be training experiences like this one that will help to move along the process.
--On Earth Peace staff member Kim Stuckey Hissong is program coordinator of Peacemaker Formation.
Source: 10/29/2004 Newsline
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By Kim Stuckey Hissong
At the Fall 2004 board meeting of On Earth Peace, board and staff participated in a training with the General Board's Anti-Racism Team (ART). The training was the next step in a larger effort of On Earth Peace to become an institutionally anti-racist organization. We have been working on this process for almost a year, and decided that it was a good time to get board and staff together for formal training, recognizing that this is just one more step in a longterm process.
Using small group discussion, video, and Bible study, ART members Barbara Cuffie, Torin Eikler, and Sharon Reich led participants on a journey of examining prejudice and stereotypes, exploring white privilege, and envisioning a new Kingdom. While time was spent dealing with institutional racism, many members gained personal insight as well. Board member Eugene Lichty, from McPherson, Kan., said, "Most Brethren have enjoyed few or no close friends of a different race. Being so isolated from those who are different means there are many subtleties of race, involving culture, customs, and conversation of which we are unaware. As a result, we often do and say things which can cause misunderstandings and offenses. Participating in this Anti-Racism Training helped me to avoid at least some of these pitfalls."
Institutional racism is different from personal attitudes and feelings. It goes to the very core of how organizations operate and may, in fact, be an unintentional product of how an organization functions. Board member Dena Lee, from Kent, Ohio, found lots of value in the training. "It seemed that many members of the board and staff became aware of ways in which we limit our resources by applying white privilege to everything from recommendations for employment of staff and nomination of board members to the focus of On Earth Peace programming on peace as opposed to peace and justice."
Spending five hours of a meeting on this topic was a bold move for the board. But as staff member Annie Clark explained, "It is valuable for the church...because we are called to love our neighbors. Loving our neighbors means truly seeing all as equals, seeing their joys as our joys, and doing our best to celebrate together. It also means seeing everyone's needs as our needs, and doing our best to work together for change." ART has been called by the denomination to help congregations and groups figure out how to do that better.
Co-executive director Bob Gross summed up the experience, "I'm very glad that as an organization On Earth Peace is waking up to how we are affected by institutional racism in the church and society. If the church is going to be what God calls it to be, it will need to escape the traps of privilege, power, and prejudice. That does not happen without effort and humility." As the Church of the Brethren seeks to become more multi-cultural and multi-ethnic, it will be training experiences like this one that will help to move along the process.
--On Earth Peace staff member Kim Stuckey Hissong is program coordinator of Peacemaker Formation.
Source: 10/29/2004 Newsline
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Credits
Newsline is produced by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of news services for the Church of the Brethren General Board, on the first, third, and fifth Friday of each month, with other editions as needed. Newsline stories may be reprinted provided that Newsline is cited as the source. Nancy Cruz, Mary Dulabaum, Nevin Dulabaum, Lerry Fogle, Doris Frysinger, Jeri S. Kornegay, and Mary Sue Rosenberger contributed to this report.
Newsline is produced by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of news services for the Church of the Brethren General Board, on the first, third, and fifth Friday of each month, with other editions as needed. Newsline stories may be reprinted provided that Newsline is cited as the source. Nancy Cruz, Mary Dulabaum, Nevin Dulabaum, Lerry Fogle, Doris Frysinger, Jeri S. Kornegay, and Mary Sue Rosenberger contributed to this report.
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