- Five Brethren participate in National Council of Churches assembly.
- National Council celebrates success on labor issue.
- District hosts conflict transformation workshop, OEP anniversary celebration.
- Two Brethren Volunteer Service units complete orientation.
- Brethren Historical Committee encourages preservation of records.
- Faith Expedition to Guatemala celebrates Brethren stove project.
- Southern Pennsylvania District conference 'attracts Ivan.'
- Idaho District conference called to 'Be My Witnesses.'
- Shenandoah District conference meets for 37th year.
- Brethren bits: Correction, job openings, and more.
Friday, November 19, 2004
NEWS
Five Brethren participate in National Council of Churches assembly.
At the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA (NCC) General Assembly meeting in St. Louis, Mo., Nov. 9-11, the Church of the Brethren was represented by delegatesNelda Rhodes Clarke Nelda Rhoades Clark, Jennie Ramirez, and Marianne Miller Speicher, who began a four-year term of service with this meeting; and by Stan Noffsinger, general secretary of the General Board, and Becky Ullom, the board's director of Identity and Relations. The theme, "Weave Anew: Unity, Peace and Justice, Hope" based on Eph.4:15-16 encouraged the 36 member communions to reclaim their collective Christian voice on a national level.
The assembly unanimously adopted a comprehensive policy statement on children. "The Church and Children: Visions and Goals for the 21st Century" represents a holistic view of childhood and the diversity of children's gifts and needs, Ullom reported. The delegates reaffirmed the NCC Executive Board's call for urgent intervention to stop the killing in Darfur, Sudan, and received a new study guide and gave feedback for development of a new policy on human biotechnologies.
The assembly addressed the national elections with an "Action on Dialogue Among US Christians on Christian Values" and a related "Open Letter." In the action, written "in the wake of divisive national elections in which matters of faith played a highly visible role, and during which the discussion of moral values resulted in the widely held perception of opposing Christian camps in the United States," the assembly asked for "a process that attempts to engage the spectrum of Christian churches in our communities in dialogues about Christian values."
The meeting also marked the death of Yasir Arafat with prayers "for his people, colleagues, and families" and a call "for restraint on the part of all parties and respect for the dignity of all peoples and sacred places."
Prior to the assembly, roughly 30 young adults gathered to discuss the role of young adults in the NCC and issues facing young adults as individuals and as a demographic. "It was a blessing to meet young adults from other denominations who are also committed to making Christ's yearnings for humanity a reality," said Ullom. "I felt affirmed of my own Church of the Brethren faith tradition in comparison to other traditions, and also as a part of the larger Christian tradition."
For more information about the NCC including resources, policy documents, and pictures, visit www.ncccusa.org.
Source: 11/19/2004 Newsline
At the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA (NCC) General Assembly meeting in St. Louis, Mo., Nov. 9-11, the Church of the Brethren was represented by delegates
The assembly unanimously adopted a comprehensive policy statement on children. "The Church and Children: Visions and Goals for the 21st Century" represents a holistic view of childhood and the diversity of children's gifts and needs, Ullom reported. The delegates reaffirmed the NCC Executive Board's call for urgent intervention to stop the killing in Darfur, Sudan, and received a new study guide and gave feedback for development of a new policy on human biotechnologies.
The assembly addressed the national elections with an "Action on Dialogue Among US Christians on Christian Values" and a related "Open Letter." In the action, written "in the wake of divisive national elections in which matters of faith played a highly visible role, and during which the discussion of moral values resulted in the widely held perception of opposing Christian camps in the United States," the assembly asked for "a process that attempts to engage the spectrum of Christian churches in our communities in dialogues about Christian values."
The meeting also marked the death of Yasir Arafat with prayers "for his people, colleagues, and families" and a call "for restraint on the part of all parties and respect for the dignity of all peoples and sacred places."
Prior to the assembly, roughly 30 young adults gathered to discuss the role of young adults in the NCC and issues facing young adults as individuals and as a demographic. "It was a blessing to meet young adults from other denominations who are also committed to making Christ's yearnings for humanity a reality," said Ullom. "I felt affirmed of my own Church of the Brethren faith tradition in comparison to other traditions, and also as a part of the larger Christian tradition."
For more information about the NCC including resources, policy documents, and pictures, visit www.ncccusa.org.
Source: 11/19/2004 Newsline
National Council celebrates success on labor issue.
Two former opponents in a years-long workers' rights struggle were co-recipients of a Peace and Justice Award of Excellence from the National Council of Churches (NCC) General Assembly. The event marked a significant success for all involved, reported Stan Noffsinger, general secretary of the General Board.
Baldemar Velasquez, of the Farm Labor Organizing Committee (FLOC), and William Bryan, CEO of the Mt. Olive (N.C.) Pickle Company, were awarded for a labor agreement ending a five-and-a-half-year consumer boycott of the company. Mt. Olive Pickle Company is the second largest independent pickle producer in the US. The agreement, made with the North Carolina Growers Association, allows 8,000 guest workers from Mexico to gain a contract and union representation, increases what the company pays for cucumbers, offers a financial incentive for growers to provide workers compensation, and provides better pay, grievance procedures, and bereavement leave to farm workers, among other measures. The "H2A Program" guest workers are the first such workers in the US to gain these goals, the NCC said. For the past four years the NCC has supported those working on the negotiations; the NCC General Assembly endorsed the boycott last year.
Noffsinger credited the continued support of the NCC and its concern for farm workers, along with the efforts of Velasquez and Bryan, for bringing "out the best." Bryan, who has worked collegially with Brethren disaster relief in North Carolina, "worked to radically change the environment for the least of these," Noffsinger said. The NCC made it clear that "it's not just a matter of the good guys and the bad guys," he said, "but it's a matter of bringing people together in peace. And it was done."
"I rejoice," said retired pastor Gene Bucher, who last year finished a four-year term as a Church of the Brethren delegate to the NCC. "It is a great victory." Concerns that prompted him to vote for the boycott included "workers who hadn't gotten raises for a long time, that workers could earn a living wage," he said. He heard the initial presentation of the boycott by a Presbyterian group. "I thought they went about it in a careful and compassionate way."
In 2000 the NCC assembly voted support for FLOC after hearing of difficult, unhealthy, and dangerous conditions for migrant farm laborers. FLOC began the Mt. Olive boycott in 1999 after investigating farm worker conditions in North Carolina since in the early 1990s. In Nov. 2003 the assembly endorsed the boycott, along with a consumer boycott of Taco Bell that still continues--the first boycotts it had endorsed for 15 years since a boycott of Roy Dutch/Shell connected with apartheid South Africa. The NCC reported that the Taco Bell boycott was called in 2001 by the Coalition of Immokalee (Fla.) Workers following the company's refusal to address worker exploitation by its tomato suppliers. For more information about the Taco Bell boycott see www.pcusa.org/boycott.
The NCC regards boycotts as a measure of last resort. Bucher remembered delegates expressing concern for those in business and other workers who would be affected by the boycotts, and for owners of Taco Bell franchises. Delegates talked about going to speak personally and explain the issues with local franchises, he said.
"The most important thing the NCC is doing is continuing to be a voice for Christians concerned about justice in the world," said Frances Townsend, who served as a delegate alongside Bucher. Beside support for farm workers, she named support of public education and actions regarding welfare as examples "of where the NCC is in the 'healing society' versus 'avoiding society' debate," she said. "It's all part of a big discussion about engagement with the world, bringing Christ's healing to the world, because we can't just heal it ourselves." David Miller, pastor of West Richmond (Va.) Church of the Brethren, and Valentina Satvedi, pastor of South Bay Community Church of the Brethren in Redondo Beach, Calif., also served as Church of the Brethren delegates to the NCC for the years 2000-03.
Source: 11/19/2004 Newsline
Two former opponents in a years-long workers' rights struggle were co-recipients of a Peace and Justice Award of Excellence from the National Council of Churches (NCC) General Assembly. The event marked a significant success for all involved, reported Stan Noffsinger, general secretary of the General Board.
Baldemar Velasquez, of the Farm Labor Organizing Committee (FLOC), and William Bryan, CEO of the Mt. Olive (N.C.) Pickle Company, were awarded for a labor agreement ending a five-and-a-half-year consumer boycott of the company. Mt. Olive Pickle Company is the second largest independent pickle producer in the US. The agreement, made with the North Carolina Growers Association, allows 8,000 guest workers from Mexico to gain a contract and union representation, increases what the company pays for cucumbers, offers a financial incentive for growers to provide workers compensation, and provides better pay, grievance procedures, and bereavement leave to farm workers, among other measures. The "H2A Program" guest workers are the first such workers in the US to gain these goals, the NCC said. For the past four years the NCC has supported those working on the negotiations; the NCC General Assembly endorsed the boycott last year.
Noffsinger credited the continued support of the NCC and its concern for farm workers, along with the efforts of Velasquez and Bryan, for bringing "out the best." Bryan, who has worked collegially with Brethren disaster relief in North Carolina, "worked to radically change the environment for the least of these," Noffsinger said. The NCC made it clear that "it's not just a matter of the good guys and the bad guys," he said, "but it's a matter of bringing people together in peace. And it was done."
"I rejoice," said retired pastor Gene Bucher, who last year finished a four-year term as a Church of the Brethren delegate to the NCC. "It is a great victory." Concerns that prompted him to vote for the boycott included "workers who hadn't gotten raises for a long time, that workers could earn a living wage," he said. He heard the initial presentation of the boycott by a Presbyterian group. "I thought they went about it in a careful and compassionate way."
In 2000 the NCC assembly voted support for FLOC after hearing of difficult, unhealthy, and dangerous conditions for migrant farm laborers. FLOC began the Mt. Olive boycott in 1999 after investigating farm worker conditions in North Carolina since in the early 1990s. In Nov. 2003 the assembly endorsed the boycott, along with a consumer boycott of Taco Bell that still continues--the first boycotts it had endorsed for 15 years since a boycott of Roy Dutch/Shell connected with apartheid South Africa. The NCC reported that the Taco Bell boycott was called in 2001 by the Coalition of Immokalee (Fla.) Workers following the company's refusal to address worker exploitation by its tomato suppliers. For more information about the Taco Bell boycott see www.pcusa.org/boycott.
The NCC regards boycotts as a measure of last resort. Bucher remembered delegates expressing concern for those in business and other workers who would be affected by the boycotts, and for owners of Taco Bell franchises. Delegates talked about going to speak personally and explain the issues with local franchises, he said.
"The most important thing the NCC is doing is continuing to be a voice for Christians concerned about justice in the world," said Frances Townsend, who served as a delegate alongside Bucher. Beside support for farm workers, she named support of public education and actions regarding welfare as examples "of where the NCC is in the 'healing society' versus 'avoiding society' debate," she said. "It's all part of a big discussion about engagement with the world, bringing Christ's healing to the world, because we can't just heal it ourselves." David Miller, pastor of West Richmond (Va.) Church of the Brethren, and Valentina Satvedi, pastor of South Bay Community Church of the Brethren in Redondo Beach, Calif., also served as Church of the Brethren delegates to the NCC for the years 2000-03.
Source: 11/19/2004 Newsline
District hosts conflict transformation workshop, OEP anniversary celebration.
The third of four regional celebrations honoring 30 years of On Earth Peace took place Nov. 12-14 in Western Plains District. The event drew participants from across the district and an audience of several hundred to a JOYA (Journey of Young Adults) concert in McPherson, Kan. Over 40 pastors, deacons, and other congregational leaders met at McPherson Church of the Brethren for a conflict transformation workshop.
"One of the reasons this training was so successful is that this district really yearns for opportunities to come together and exchange ideas," said Leslie Frye, co-facilitator of the workshop. "So whenever something like this is offered, people will travel long distances to take part." Frye, a licensed minister and certified mediator from McPherson, teamed together with Vickie Samland, ordained minister and teacher at the Conflict Center in Edgewater, Colo., and Bob Gross, co-director of On Earth Peace and a mediator and workshop leader from North Manchester, Ind., to lead the event.
The workshop included exercises in understanding conflict dynamics, active listening, and other tools for transforming conflict and handling power in church leadership positions. Small group sessions gave pastors, deacons, and meeting facilitators a chance to exchange their thoughts and experiences in dealing with conflict in their respective roles.
An afternoon session for meeting facilitators drew the largest group. Congregational lay leaders were given resources and tips for planning an agenda, effective use of consensus and other group decision making models, and how to react to passive and aggressive behaviors in a group setting.
The JOYA quartet of LuAnne Harley, Shawn Kirchner, Brian Kruschwitz, and Barb Sayler traveled through the district during the weekend, performing at Church of the Brethren congregations in Kansas City, Kan., and McPherson, and leading Sunday morning worship in Wichita, Kan. JOYA first formed in 1994 while the participants were in Brethren Volunteer Service, and has gathered again ten years later to help celebrate the ministry of On Earth Peace. "The rich harmonies, which bring the message of peace through the universal language of music, invoke a spirit of prayer, build bridges with other cultures, and pass on the stories of freedom, hope, and love," said Sayler, who is a co-director of On Earth Peace. JOYA is preparing to record a CD which will be available by June 2005.
The final regional weekend commemorating the anniversary of On Earth Peace will take place March 4-6, 2005, in Pacific Southwest District at Modesto (Calif.) Church of the Brethren and LaVerne (Calif.) Church of the Brethren. For more, visit www.brethren.org/oepa/30thAnniversary.html or call On Earth Peace
at 410-635-8704.
Source: 11/19/2004 Newsline
The third of four regional celebrations honoring 30 years of On Earth Peace took place Nov. 12-14 in Western Plains District. The event drew participants from across the district and an audience of several hundred to a JOYA (Journey of Young Adults) concert in McPherson, Kan. Over 40 pastors, deacons, and other congregational leaders met at McPherson Church of the Brethren for a conflict transformation workshop.
"One of the reasons this training was so successful is that this district really yearns for opportunities to come together and exchange ideas," said Leslie Frye, co-facilitator of the workshop. "So whenever something like this is offered, people will travel long distances to take part." Frye, a licensed minister and certified mediator from McPherson, teamed together with Vickie Samland, ordained minister and teacher at the Conflict Center in Edgewater, Colo., and Bob Gross, co-director of On Earth Peace and a mediator and workshop leader from North Manchester, Ind., to lead the event.
The workshop included exercises in understanding conflict dynamics, active listening, and other tools for transforming conflict and handling power in church leadership positions. Small group sessions gave pastors, deacons, and meeting facilitators a chance to exchange their thoughts and experiences in dealing with conflict in their respective roles.
An afternoon session for meeting facilitators drew the largest group. Congregational lay leaders were given resources and tips for planning an agenda, effective use of consensus and other group decision making models, and how to react to passive and aggressive behaviors in a group setting.
The JOYA quartet of LuAnne Harley, Shawn Kirchner, Brian Kruschwitz, and Barb Sayler traveled through the district during the weekend, performing at Church of the Brethren congregations in Kansas City, Kan., and McPherson, and leading Sunday morning worship in Wichita, Kan. JOYA first formed in 1994 while the participants were in Brethren Volunteer Service, and has gathered again ten years later to help celebrate the ministry of On Earth Peace. "The rich harmonies, which bring the message of peace through the universal language of music, invoke a spirit of prayer, build bridges with other cultures, and pass on the stories of freedom, hope, and love," said Sayler, who is a co-director of On Earth Peace. JOYA is preparing to record a CD which will be available by June 2005.
The final regional weekend commemorating the anniversary of On Earth Peace will take place March 4-6, 2005, in Pacific Southwest District at Modesto (Calif.) Church of the Brethren and LaVerne (Calif.) Church of the Brethren. For more, visit www.brethren.org/oepa/30thAnniversary.html or call On Earth Peace
at 410-635-8704.
Source: 11/19/2004 Newsline
Two Brethren Volunteer Service units complete orientation.
Brethren Volunteer Service Units 261 and 262 have completed orientation, with 30 volunteers beginning new projects across the US, Europe, Latin America, and Africa.
Brethren Revival Fellowship BVS Unit 261 completed orientation Sept. 1. Volunteers, their home churches or home towns and placements are: Amanda Akers of Welsh Run Church of the Brethren in St. Thomas, Pa., and Marian and Kevin Auker and their children Lynette, Holly, and Tyler of Blue Ball Church of the Brethren in Gap, Pa., to Good Shepherd Food Bank in Auburn, Maine; Jennifer Kennedy, Upton Church of the Brethren in Mercersburg, Pa., to Maine Area Home School in Lewiston, Maine; Rob Raker, Greencastle (Pa.) Church of the Brethren, to Brethren Mission House in Miami, Fla.
BVS Unit 262 completed orientation Oct. 15. Volunteers, their home churches or home towns and placements are: Rebecca Allen, Seattle, Wash., to CPR Sierra in Guatemala; Kandice Arwood, Ottawa, Ill., to GETO in Bosnia-Herzegovina; Christoph Baecker and Krista Kunkel-Baecker, Paderborn, Germany, to Hopewell Inn in Mesopotamia, Ohio; Missy Clements, Codorus Church of the Brethren in Loganville, Pa., to L'Arche Kilkenny in Ireland; Anji Couillard, White Bear Lake, Minn., to Trees for Life in Wichita, Kan.; Kevin Dibert, Chambersburg (Pa.) Church of the Brethren, and Sandee and Larry Kitzel, Monitor Church of the Brethren, Conway, Kan., to Brethren Disaster Response in New Windsor, Md.; Tara Failey, West Worthington, Ohio, to Pesticide Action Network in San Francisco, Calif.; Carolyn Gong, University Baptist and Brethren Church in State College, Pa., to Bridgeway in Lakewood, Colo.; Steph Hartley, Lewistown (Pa.) Church of the Brethren, to Ekklesiyar Yan'uwa a Nigeria (EYN the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria) Secondary School; Jenny Hartwell, Deltona, Fla., to Brethren Woods in Keezletown, Va.; Carmen Kingsley, Elkhart, Ind., to Emmaus Community in France; Andy Miracle, Bridgewater (Va.) Church of the Brethren, to the General Board's Brethren Witness/Washington Office in Washington D.C.; Melissa Neher, Santa Cruz, Calif., and Daniel Otten, Freising, Germany, to Camp Courageous in Monticello, Iowa; Oliver Peter, Hamburg, Germany, to CentrePeace in Bellefonte, Pa.; Philipp Pfefferle, Bad Krozingen, Germany, and Stephanie Speicher, Richmond, Ind., to Su Casa Catholic Worker House in Chicago, Ill.; Becky Snavely, Mountville, Pa., to Casa de Ezperanza de los Ninos in Houston, Texas; Michael Stover, Dayton, Va., to the Washington (D.C.) City Nutrition Program; Nicole Suiters, New Enterprise (Pa.) Church of the Brethren, to Friendship Day Care in Hutchinson, Kan.; Emily Wampler, Bridgewater (Va.) Church of the Brethren, to CooperRiis in Mill Spring, N.C.; Dana Young, Grace Church in Akron, Ohio, to L'Arche Dublin in Ireland.
Source: 11/19/2004 Newsline
Brethren Volunteer Service Units 261 and 262 have completed orientation, with 30 volunteers beginning new projects across the US, Europe, Latin America, and Africa.
Brethren Revival Fellowship BVS Unit 261 completed orientation Sept. 1. Volunteers, their home churches or home towns and placements are: Amanda Akers of Welsh Run Church of the Brethren in St. Thomas, Pa., and Marian and Kevin Auker and their children Lynette, Holly, and Tyler of Blue Ball Church of the Brethren in Gap, Pa., to Good Shepherd Food Bank in Auburn, Maine; Jennifer Kennedy, Upton Church of the Brethren in Mercersburg, Pa., to Maine Area Home School in Lewiston, Maine; Rob Raker, Greencastle (Pa.) Church of the Brethren, to Brethren Mission House in Miami, Fla.
BVS Unit 262 completed orientation Oct. 15. Volunteers, their home churches or home towns and placements are: Rebecca Allen, Seattle, Wash., to CPR Sierra in Guatemala; Kandice Arwood, Ottawa, Ill., to GETO in Bosnia-Herzegovina; Christoph Baecker and Krista Kunkel-Baecker, Paderborn, Germany, to Hopewell Inn in Mesopotamia, Ohio; Missy Clements, Codorus Church of the Brethren in Loganville, Pa., to L'Arche Kilkenny in Ireland; Anji Couillard, White Bear Lake, Minn., to Trees for Life in Wichita, Kan.; Kevin Dibert, Chambersburg (Pa.) Church of the Brethren, and Sandee and Larry Kitzel, Monitor Church of the Brethren, Conway, Kan., to Brethren Disaster Response in New Windsor, Md.; Tara Failey, West Worthington, Ohio, to Pesticide Action Network in San Francisco, Calif.; Carolyn Gong, University Baptist and Brethren Church in State College, Pa., to Bridgeway in Lakewood, Colo.; Steph Hartley, Lewistown (Pa.) Church of the Brethren, to Ekklesiyar Yan'uwa a Nigeria (EYN the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria) Secondary School; Jenny Hartwell, Deltona, Fla., to Brethren Woods in Keezletown, Va.; Carmen Kingsley, Elkhart, Ind., to Emmaus Community in France; Andy Miracle, Bridgewater (Va.) Church of the Brethren, to the General Board's Brethren Witness/Washington Office in Washington D.C.; Melissa Neher, Santa Cruz, Calif., and Daniel Otten, Freising, Germany, to Camp Courageous in Monticello, Iowa; Oliver Peter, Hamburg, Germany, to CentrePeace in Bellefonte, Pa.; Philipp Pfefferle, Bad Krozingen, Germany, and Stephanie Speicher, Richmond, Ind., to Su Casa Catholic Worker House in Chicago, Ill.; Becky Snavely, Mountville, Pa., to Casa de Ezperanza de los Ninos in Houston, Texas; Michael Stover, Dayton, Va., to the Washington (D.C.) City Nutrition Program; Nicole Suiters, New Enterprise (Pa.) Church of the Brethren, to Friendship Day Care in Hutchinson, Kan.; Emily Wampler, Bridgewater (Va.) Church of the Brethren, to CooperRiis in Mill Spring, N.C.; Dana Young, Grace Church in Akron, Ohio, to L'Arche Dublin in Ireland.
Source: 11/19/2004 Newsline
Brethren Historical Committee encourages preservation of records.
The Brethren Historical Committee met in Elgin, Ill., Nov. 5-6. The role of the committee is to encourage Brethren historical research and publication, promote the preservation of Brethren historical records, and approve general policies for the General Board's Brethren Historical Library and Archives (BHLA).
Topics on the agenda included the microfilming of Brethren periodicals from the 1800s, the preservation of 16-millimeter films produced by Brethren agencies in the 1900s, the preservation of congregational records, repositories for congregational and district records, an index to Annual Conference minutes, and plans for an insight session at the 2005 Annual Conference. "The committee is especially concerned about where and how congregational and district records are being preserved and made available to researchers," reported BHLA director Ken Shaffer. "If the records of a disorganized congregation are not preserved, there is no documentation that the congregation ever existed."
Members are chair William Kostlevy, Jane Davis, Marlin Heckman, and Kenneth Kreider. Also meeting with the committee were Shaffer; Judy Keyser, the board's executive director of Centralized Resources; and Mary Beliveau, volunteer archival assistant. The committee planned its next meeting for Nov. 4-5, 2005, in McPherson, Kan. For more information contact Shaffer at 800-323-8039 ext. 294 or e-mail kshaffer_gb@brethren.org.
Source: 11/19/2004 Newsline
The Brethren Historical Committee met in Elgin, Ill., Nov. 5-6. The role of the committee is to encourage Brethren historical research and publication, promote the preservation of Brethren historical records, and approve general policies for the General Board's Brethren Historical Library and Archives (BHLA).
Topics on the agenda included the microfilming of Brethren periodicals from the 1800s, the preservation of 16-millimeter films produced by Brethren agencies in the 1900s, the preservation of congregational records, repositories for congregational and district records, an index to Annual Conference minutes, and plans for an insight session at the 2005 Annual Conference. "The committee is especially concerned about where and how congregational and district records are being preserved and made available to researchers," reported BHLA director Ken Shaffer. "If the records of a disorganized congregation are not preserved, there is no documentation that the congregation ever existed."
Members are chair William Kostlevy, Jane Davis, Marlin Heckman, and Kenneth Kreider. Also meeting with the committee were Shaffer; Judy Keyser, the board's executive director of Centralized Resources; and Mary Beliveau, volunteer archival assistant. The committee planned its next meeting for Nov. 4-5, 2005, in McPherson, Kan. For more information contact Shaffer at 800-323-8039 ext. 294 or e-mail kshaffer_gb@brethren.org.
Source: 11/19/2004 Newsline
Faith Expedition to Guatemala celebrates Brethren stove project.
Margot and Tom Benevento, General Board program volunteer for Latin America and the Caribbean, led a Faith Expedition to Guatemala Oct. 28-Nov. 5, sponsored by the Brethren Witness/Washington Office and Global Mission Partnerships. The delegation of 14 spent time in the community of Union Victoria and the community development projects of San Lucas Toliman, exploring the culture, history, and development of indigenous people of the communities while considering issues of peace, justice, and human rights.
A highlight of the trip was a festival and inauguration celebrating a Church of the Brethren-sponsored stove project. "Tom Benevento was recognized for his efforts of over ten years in developing a fuel-efficient stove that is now used throughout the Union Victoria Community and is growing in its use throughout Guatemala," reported Brethren Witness/Washington Office director Phil Jones. "The unique baffling system of this stove reduces wood consumption by more than 75 percent and provides a healthier, safer environment for the family in its use."
The group also participated in celebrations of All Saints Day and the Day of the Dead, long-standing and important holidays of the Guatemalan people, Jones said. "An interesting side to the trip was the unfolding of the American presidential election as seen through the eyes of this Central American country," he added. The Brethren Witness/Washington Office sponsors Faith Expeditions on a regular basis. For more information call 800-785-3246.
Source: 11/19/2004 Newsline
Margot and Tom Benevento, General Board program volunteer for Latin America and the Caribbean, led a Faith Expedition to Guatemala Oct. 28-Nov. 5, sponsored by the Brethren Witness/Washington Office and Global Mission Partnerships. The delegation of 14 spent time in the community of Union Victoria and the community development projects of San Lucas Toliman, exploring the culture, history, and development of indigenous people of the communities while considering issues of peace, justice, and human rights.
A highlight of the trip was a festival and inauguration celebrating a Church of the Brethren-sponsored stove project. "Tom Benevento was recognized for his efforts of over ten years in developing a fuel-efficient stove that is now used throughout the Union Victoria Community and is growing in its use throughout Guatemala," reported Brethren Witness/Washington Office director Phil Jones. "The unique baffling system of this stove reduces wood consumption by more than 75 percent and provides a healthier, safer environment for the family in its use."
The group also participated in celebrations of All Saints Day and the Day of the Dead, long-standing and important holidays of the Guatemalan people, Jones said. "An interesting side to the trip was the unfolding of the American presidential election as seen through the eyes of this Central American country," he added. The Brethren Witness/Washington Office sponsors Faith Expeditions on a regular basis. For more information call 800-785-3246.
Source: 11/19/2004 Newsline
Southern Pennsylvania District conference 'attracts Ivan.'
"For the second year in a row, district conference attendees were faced with a tropical storm," reported Georgia Markey, associate executive for Southern Pennsylvania District. "This year, tropical storm Ivan found its way into central Pennsylvania causing some persons to experience travel concerns, flooded basements, detours, or having to cancel their attendance at conference. For those persons, the 2004 district conference theme, 'It is well...' may not have been accurate," she commented.
Out of a possible 157 delegates from congregations, 133 attended the conference Sept. 17-18 at Elizabethtown (Pa.) College. Up to 124 non-delegates attended. A pre-conference workshop drew 53 people in addition to staff and presenters. The conference featured worship, business sessions, and six insight sessions. The opening worship service featured Bob DeSalvio preaching on "Where Is the Peace?" and his personal story of ministering to a mobster. Nineteen district ministers were re-licensed during the service.
"Business began with a joyous note as conference delegates received into fellowship two delegates from the Trinity Church of the Brethren," Markey reported. The congregation is a "daughter church" of Upton Church of the Brethren outside of Greencastle, Pa. Reports were received from district and denominational agencies and congregations responded to the conference theme. Three ministers were recognized for 50 years of service: Paul Ritchey, David Wilson, and J. Donald Plank. Delegates examined revised by-laws "that have been several years in the reworking," Markey said. "After much discussion, delegates accepted the revised by-laws, only after voting to return the suggested 'slate' process back to a ballot process."
Delegates affirmed the conference ballot calling Paul Holtry as moderator elect; Julian Dunnick, Kenneth Stewart, Galen Heckman, George Martin, Kenneth E. Boyer, Frank Leaman, and John F. Hess to the district board; Larry Dentler to Standing Committee; Bonnie Colantoni-Owens, Clarence Stouffer, Carole Crusey, and Arthur Lewellen to the Nominating and Personnel Committee; Ruth Cook and Wanda Smith to the Program and Arrangements Committee; Mel Fleming, Abe Fisher, Eric Longwell, and Mary Jo Stevenson to the Camp Eder board; Harold Yeager and William Hartman Jr. to the Elizabethtown College board; David E. Miller and Victor S. Norris to the Children's Aid Society board; and Richard Godfrey, Gary Meyers, and David Wampler to the Brethren Home Foundation board. The district board called John Hess as chair and Wilmer Horst as vice chair.
A Church of the Brethren pastor, Dan Lehigh, was introduced as the Carlisle Trucker Traveler Ministry Chaplain. Discussion of the ministry included gratitude for the opportunity to "have one of our own ministers serving in this capacity" and concern about lack of financial support, Markey said. Southern Pennsylvnia District is a partner in the funding of this ministry. "However, only half of the needed resources is being received, thus not allowing the Pennsylvania Council of Churches and the Truckstop Committee to offer the position as fulltime," Markey said. Two plank-bottom chairs were auctioned for $325 to benefit the ministry.
Source: 11/19/2004 Newsline
"For the second year in a row, district conference attendees were faced with a tropical storm," reported Georgia Markey, associate executive for Southern Pennsylvania District. "This year, tropical storm Ivan found its way into central Pennsylvania causing some persons to experience travel concerns, flooded basements, detours, or having to cancel their attendance at conference. For those persons, the 2004 district conference theme, 'It is well...' may not have been accurate," she commented.
Out of a possible 157 delegates from congregations, 133 attended the conference Sept. 17-18 at Elizabethtown (Pa.) College. Up to 124 non-delegates attended. A pre-conference workshop drew 53 people in addition to staff and presenters. The conference featured worship, business sessions, and six insight sessions. The opening worship service featured Bob DeSalvio preaching on "Where Is the Peace?" and his personal story of ministering to a mobster. Nineteen district ministers were re-licensed during the service.
"Business began with a joyous note as conference delegates received into fellowship two delegates from the Trinity Church of the Brethren," Markey reported. The congregation is a "daughter church" of Upton Church of the Brethren outside of Greencastle, Pa. Reports were received from district and denominational agencies and congregations responded to the conference theme. Three ministers were recognized for 50 years of service: Paul Ritchey, David Wilson, and J. Donald Plank. Delegates examined revised by-laws "that have been several years in the reworking," Markey said. "After much discussion, delegates accepted the revised by-laws, only after voting to return the suggested 'slate' process back to a ballot process."
Delegates affirmed the conference ballot calling Paul Holtry as moderator elect; Julian Dunnick, Kenneth Stewart, Galen Heckman, George Martin, Kenneth E. Boyer, Frank Leaman, and John F. Hess to the district board; Larry Dentler to Standing Committee; Bonnie Colantoni-Owens, Clarence Stouffer, Carole Crusey, and Arthur Lewellen to the Nominating and Personnel Committee; Ruth Cook and Wanda Smith to the Program and Arrangements Committee; Mel Fleming, Abe Fisher, Eric Longwell, and Mary Jo Stevenson to the Camp Eder board; Harold Yeager and William Hartman Jr. to the Elizabethtown College board; David E. Miller and Victor S. Norris to the Children's Aid Society board; and Richard Godfrey, Gary Meyers, and David Wampler to the Brethren Home Foundation board. The district board called John Hess as chair and Wilmer Horst as vice chair.
A Church of the Brethren pastor, Dan Lehigh, was introduced as the Carlisle Trucker Traveler Ministry Chaplain. Discussion of the ministry included gratitude for the opportunity to "have one of our own ministers serving in this capacity" and concern about lack of financial support, Markey said. Southern Pennsylvnia District is a partner in the funding of this ministry. "However, only half of the needed resources is being received, thus not allowing the Pennsylvania Council of Churches and the Truckstop Committee to offer the position as fulltime," Markey said. Two plank-bottom chairs were auctioned for $325 to benefit the ministry.
Source: 11/19/2004 Newsline
Idaho District conference called to 'Be My Witnesses.'
"You shall be my witnesses..." (Acts:1:8) served as the theme for Idaho District conference Oct. 22-23 at Community Church of the Brethren, Twin Falls, Idaho. Ed Kerschensteiner served as moderator. More than 100 attended, including 25 delegates representing five of the six congregations in the district. A strong contingent of children and youth attended the worship events and held their own activities during the business sessions.
"A highlight of the conference was meeting at the Twin Falls Community Church of the Brethren," reported general secretary Stan Noffsinger, who preached for the conference. "This congregation has been in a process of revitalization. Several attendees noted that not many years ago there was talk of closing the church. During the past six months, ten persons have joined the church, six by baptism, and at the conclusion of the conference a new pastoral team of Mark and Kathryn Bausman was installed. The Twin Falls story will be one to watch."
A progress report from the Constitution Study Task Team was presented and delegates supported continued work on the plan. The committee proposed a board structure of 12 members, six congregational representatives, and six pastors. "Our revising the constitution will not have any major benefit unless we as members of the Church of the Brethren revise our commitment and dedication to the work of Jesus," the committee reported. "It is time for us to define who we are and commit to work together toward a shared mission and purposeful, attainable objectives."
Standing Committee member Mary Ann Sedlacek led a conversation on what district members need, hope, and desire from and for the church. Camp Wilbur Stover, in New Meadows, Idaho, reported a productive year with many improvements, good attendance, and good use of facilities. A district budget of $8,675 was approved for 2005.
The next Idaho District conference will be Labor Day weekend, Sept. 2-3, 2005, at Camp Wilbur Stover. Steven McPherson will serve as moderator, and Sidney King as moderator-elect.
Source: 11/19/2004 Newsline
"You shall be my witnesses..." (Acts:1:8) served as the theme for Idaho District conference Oct. 22-23 at Community Church of the Brethren, Twin Falls, Idaho. Ed Kerschensteiner served as moderator. More than 100 attended, including 25 delegates representing five of the six congregations in the district. A strong contingent of children and youth attended the worship events and held their own activities during the business sessions.
"A highlight of the conference was meeting at the Twin Falls Community Church of the Brethren," reported general secretary Stan Noffsinger, who preached for the conference. "This congregation has been in a process of revitalization. Several attendees noted that not many years ago there was talk of closing the church. During the past six months, ten persons have joined the church, six by baptism, and at the conclusion of the conference a new pastoral team of Mark and Kathryn Bausman was installed. The Twin Falls story will be one to watch."
A progress report from the Constitution Study Task Team was presented and delegates supported continued work on the plan. The committee proposed a board structure of 12 members, six congregational representatives, and six pastors. "Our revising the constitution will not have any major benefit unless we as members of the Church of the Brethren revise our commitment and dedication to the work of Jesus," the committee reported. "It is time for us to define who we are and commit to work together toward a shared mission and purposeful, attainable objectives."
Standing Committee member Mary Ann Sedlacek led a conversation on what district members need, hope, and desire from and for the church. Camp Wilbur Stover, in New Meadows, Idaho, reported a productive year with many improvements, good attendance, and good use of facilities. A district budget of $8,675 was approved for 2005.
The next Idaho District conference will be Labor Day weekend, Sept. 2-3, 2005, at Camp Wilbur Stover. Steven McPherson will serve as moderator, and Sidney King as moderator-elect.
Source: 11/19/2004 Newsline
Shenandoah District conference meets for 37th year.
The 37th yearly conference of Shenandoah District was held at Bridgewater (Va.) Church of the Brethren Nov. 5-6 on the theme, "A Caring Community," from Matthew 25:31-46. Moderator John Garber led the business session. Clerk Charlotte Campbell reported that the high point of attendance was 337 including 141 delegates, 15 alternate delegates, 58 pastors, 37 church board chairs, and 57 nondelegates. Delegates represented 84 of the district's 103 congregations and fellowships.
The conference opened with a worship service led by Garber and preacher Chris Bowman, pastor of Oakton Church of the Brethren in Vienna, Va. Special music was provided by a combined choir of churches in the Waynesboro, Va., area, directed by Tonya Garman. An offering of $1,204 was received, to be divided between the 2005-06 Discipleship Emphasis and Spiritual Retreats for Youth and Adults.
In business, delegates approved congregational status for Mountain View (McGaheyesville, Va.) Fellowship and for Knight's Chapel Fellowship, Barboursville, Va., and a name change from Trout Run Church of the Brethren to Sugar Grove Church of the Brethren, Wardensville, W.Va. Bruce Barlow, District Board Chair, introduced the 2005 district budget of $377,000, which was approved along with income and expense parameters requiring a five percent increase in congregational giving, representing a 1.4 percent increase over 2004. Delegates also approved the district board report and financial reviews showing a wide range of activities by various groups related to the board, and received a report on how undesignated gifts would be applied in 2005. Thirty minutes were used by the Standing Committee delegates, David Rittenhouse and Charles Simmons, as an "open mike" time to hear about what persons yearn for in the Church of the Brethren.
In other business, delegates recognized changes in church and district personnel: eight pastors beginning in new parishes; ministers recognized for "Milestones in Ministry"; and district staff and volunteers completing service including Bob McFadden who served six years as TRIM coordinator, Lisa Cook who served seven years as administrative and financial secretary, and Frances Adams who served 17 years as treasurer. New district staff and volunteers were introduced: administrative assistant Sandy Kinsey, treasurer Elby Wilson, and financial secretary and clerical assistant Pat Judd.
The election of officers for 2005 also was held. Paul Roth was elected as moderator elect. Glenn Bollinger was elected to the Standing Committee of Annual Conference. Paul Davis, Fred Bowman, Nancy Lantz, Charles Comer, Howard Lutz, Randy Cosner, Katie Jarvis Dovel, and Paul White were elected to the district board. Becky Glick was elected to the Program and Arrangements Committee and Debbie Bollinger and David Grimes to the Nominating and Personnel Committee. Ramona Pence was elected to the General Board.
Other events during the conference included 11 insight sessions, lunch meetings with representatives of denominational agencies, and a pre-conference Ministers' and Spouses' Dinner with 116 attending, where Stan Noffsinger, general secretary of the General Board, gave the meditation.
As business concluded, moderator Garber presented the gavel with words of challenge and encouragement to Pete Leddy, Jr., who dismissed the conference with a benediction and a challenge for the work ahead. The 2005 Shenandoah District conference will be held Nov. 4-5 at the Bridgewater church.
Source: 11/19/2004 Newsline
The 37th yearly conference of Shenandoah District was held at Bridgewater (Va.) Church of the Brethren Nov. 5-6 on the theme, "A Caring Community," from Matthew 25:31-46. Moderator John Garber led the business session. Clerk Charlotte Campbell reported that the high point of attendance was 337 including 141 delegates, 15 alternate delegates, 58 pastors, 37 church board chairs, and 57 nondelegates. Delegates represented 84 of the district's 103 congregations and fellowships.
The conference opened with a worship service led by Garber and preacher Chris Bowman, pastor of Oakton Church of the Brethren in Vienna, Va. Special music was provided by a combined choir of churches in the Waynesboro, Va., area, directed by Tonya Garman. An offering of $1,204 was received, to be divided between the 2005-06 Discipleship Emphasis and Spiritual Retreats for Youth and Adults.
In business, delegates approved congregational status for Mountain View (McGaheyesville, Va.) Fellowship and for Knight's Chapel Fellowship, Barboursville, Va., and a name change from Trout Run Church of the Brethren to Sugar Grove Church of the Brethren, Wardensville, W.Va. Bruce Barlow, District Board Chair, introduced the 2005 district budget of $377,000, which was approved along with income and expense parameters requiring a five percent increase in congregational giving, representing a 1.4 percent increase over 2004. Delegates also approved the district board report and financial reviews showing a wide range of activities by various groups related to the board, and received a report on how undesignated gifts would be applied in 2005. Thirty minutes were used by the Standing Committee delegates, David Rittenhouse and Charles Simmons, as an "open mike" time to hear about what persons yearn for in the Church of the Brethren.
In other business, delegates recognized changes in church and district personnel: eight pastors beginning in new parishes; ministers recognized for "Milestones in Ministry"; and district staff and volunteers completing service including Bob McFadden who served six years as TRIM coordinator, Lisa Cook who served seven years as administrative and financial secretary, and Frances Adams who served 17 years as treasurer. New district staff and volunteers were introduced: administrative assistant Sandy Kinsey, treasurer Elby Wilson, and financial secretary and clerical assistant Pat Judd.
The election of officers for 2005 also was held. Paul Roth was elected as moderator elect. Glenn Bollinger was elected to the Standing Committee of Annual Conference. Paul Davis, Fred Bowman, Nancy Lantz, Charles Comer, Howard Lutz, Randy Cosner, Katie Jarvis Dovel, and Paul White were elected to the district board. Becky Glick was elected to the Program and Arrangements Committee and Debbie Bollinger and David Grimes to the Nominating and Personnel Committee. Ramona Pence was elected to the General Board.
Other events during the conference included 11 insight sessions, lunch meetings with representatives of denominational agencies, and a pre-conference Ministers' and Spouses' Dinner with 116 attending, where Stan Noffsinger, general secretary of the General Board, gave the meditation.
As business concluded, moderator Garber presented the gavel with words of challenge and encouragement to Pete Leddy, Jr., who dismissed the conference with a benediction and a challenge for the work ahead. The 2005 Shenandoah District conference will be held Nov. 4-5 at the Bridgewater church.
Source: 11/19/2004 Newsline
Brethren bits: Correction, job openings, and more.
- In a correction to the Nov. 5 Newsline, the report "Mid-Atlantic District instructed in 'Christian Pestering'" was written by Joy Zepp, pastor of Manor Church of the Brethren, Boonsboro, Md.
- The Annual Conference Office in Elgin, Ill., seeks a fulltime registration coordinator for a temporary position March 1-June 10, 2005. The coordinator will be responsible for tasks related to the registration process for Annual Conference. Word processing and organizational skills, an effective and pleasant communication style, experience with software such as Word or Word Perfect and Excel, customer service skills, two to three years of administrative clerical experience, and a variety of work experiences with direct customer contact are desired. No benefits are included. For position description and application form contact Office of Human Resources, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120-1694; 800-323-8039 ext. 259; e-mail mgarrison_gb@brethren.org.
- The Brethren Home Community, a continuing care retirement community serving over 900 residents near Gettysburg, Pa., seeks a team-oriented chaplain to provide quality pastoral care and spiritual support to residents and families, and to act as liaison between the home and the residents' congregational pastor. Understanding and application of biblical and pastoral principles, concepts, and practices as acquired through college and seminary training or ministry training leading to ordination, along with one to three years of pastoral experience are required. Contact the Brethren Home Community, Attn: Christine Daoularis, Human Resources, 2990 Carlisle Pike, P.O. Box 128, New Oxford, PA 17350.
- Andy Miracle is the newest addition to the staff of the General Board's Brethren Witness/Washington Office, serving as a legislative associate through Brethren Volunteer Service. He is a member of Bridgewater (Va.) Church of the Brethren and attended Bridgewater College where he studied Philosophy and Religion, Communication Studies, and Political Science. His main assignments will be the development of environmental resources, advocacy work in relation to a National Peace Tax Fund, and any current or future conscription legislation.
- Brethren Press is taking orders for two resources related to the Church of the Brethren Christmas Eve worship service on CBS: a four-color card to be used as an evangelism tool, bulletin insert, or invitation to be mailed out by congregations; and a DVD/video of the service including a "behind-the-scenes" documentary by Brethren videographer David Sollenberger. A sample of the 5 + by 8 + inch card will be mailed to each congregation the first week of December. Quantities of the card can be ordered for only the price of shipping and handling, and will be shipped as of the beginning of December. The DVD (item #1122) costs $14.95 and the video (item #1123) costs $19.95 plus shipping and handling orders will be shipped beginning Dec. 27. Call Brethren Press at 800-441-3712.
- The Schowalter Foundation has given a $10,000 grant for the year 2005 to the new Sunday school curriculum project Gather 'Round: Hearing and Sharing God's Good News. The grant will be shared between the two sponsors, Brethren Press and Mennonite Publishing Network. "We have also been told that we may reapply next year for an additional grant for the year 2006," reported Gather 'Round project director Anna Speicher. "We are very grateful for this level of support from one of the key Mennonite funding organizations."
- In the General Board's Service Ministries program report for October, domestic shipments of material aid for Church World Service (CWS) from the Brethren Service Center warehouses in New Windsor, Md., were sent to Pennsylvania, Florida, Alabama, New York, Virginia, and West Virginia. International shipments were also made: a 20-foot container was sent to Cuba with baby blankets, 50 cartons of school kits, 100 cartons of CWS health kits, and 18 cartons of CWS sewing kits; 3 shipments went to Mexico with a total weight of 19,489 pounds including blankets, baby kits, school supplies, and health kits; 50 bales of blankets 25 CWS blankets in each bale--were trucked to New York, to be shipped by air to Peru; 6 cartons of school kits went to El Salvador; and 175 cartons of school kits and 75 cartons of health kits were shipped via ocean container to Montenegro.
- Camp Eder in Farifield, Pa., presents a Christmas Crafts Bazaar on Nov. 20, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. The bazaar will offer homemade crafts, baked goods, kid's activity area, entertainment, and a food court. For more information call 717-642-8256 or e-mail campeder@campeder.org.
- A World Council of Churches campaign, "On the wings of a dove," addressing violence against women and children, begins on the UN International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women Nov. 25 through International Human Rights Day Dec. 10. The theme expresses the hope that, with God's help, it may be possible to escape even hopeless situations "on the wings of a dove" (Ps. 55). It is part of the Decade to Overcome Violence. More information, resources, and activities are available at www.overcomingviolence.org.
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 eprinted provided that Newsline is cited as the source. Jane Bankert, Joan Daggett, Janelle Flory, Phil Jones, Jim Miller, Stan Noffsinger, Janis Pyle, Barb Sayler, Ken Shaffer, and Becky Ullom 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 eprinted provided that Newsline is cited as the source. Jane Bankert, Joan Daggett, Janelle Flory, Phil Jones, Jim Miller, Stan Noffsinger, Janis Pyle, Barb Sayler, Ken Shaffer, and Becky Ullom contributed to this report.
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