- BBT makes new requirement in effort to save Brethren Medical Plan.
- Welcome Home Project for soldiers begun by church agencies.
- Emergency Disaster Fund gives more than $50,000 in grants.
- First group of pastors completes Advance Foundations program.
- Brethren join annual rally against the School of the Americas.
- Middle Pennsylvania District meets on theme, 'An Obedient Life.'
- Brethren bits: Correction, job openings, and more.
Friday, December 03, 2004
NEWS
BBT makes new requirement in effort to save Brethren Medical Plan.
A financial crisis in the Brethren Medical Plan has prompted Brethren Benefit Trust (BBT) to initiate a new requirement for the denomination's 23 districts. The Brethren Medical Plan is a denominational health insurance plan for pastors and employees of congregations, districts, and Annual Conference agencies. The plan was put into place more than 50 years ago and is administered by BBT.
BBT has instituted a requirement that each district must have at least 75 percent of its congregations committed to participating in the plan by Aug. 31, 2006. The requirement makes church employees in each district eligible as a group. A district that does not meet the requirement, and its pastors and church employees, will not be eligible for the plan after Dec. 31, 2006. The requirement will not be applied to retirees, congregations whose employees work less than 20 hours per week, or congregations whose employees are insured through spouses' employer group plans. By committing to working toward the requirement, all of the districts ensured that their congregations received a reduction of the increase in the 2005 rates for the plan, which BBT recently reported to plan members through its "Insurance Update" newsletter. The new requirement was communicated to the districts by BBT in late August.
The new requirement, the result of a decision made by the BBT board in July, was at the top of the Board's agenda again in November. Board members engaged in an extended conversation about the Brethren Medical Plan with about 30 pastors and church board chairs from Northern Indiana and South/Central Indiana Districts at Nov. 19-20 meetings in Middlebury, Ind. Two members of the Pastoral Compensation and Benefits Advisory Committee also were present.
The Brethren Medical Plan is in a "death spiral" created by greater numbers of high-risk participants, BBT president Wil Nolen said in October when he updated the General Board about the status of the plan. Pastors and other church employees have not been signing on in great enough numbers to maintain a good spread of risk, he said. A high number of pastors in the plan are considered high risk and "aren't insurable anywhere else," Nolen added.
In addition to the continuing loss of participants, claims have exceeded premiums in 2003 and 2004. As a result, cost of premiums has risen. With more claims than premiums, in 2003 and 2004 BBT spent $1.3 million from its insurance reserves to subsidize the plan. Seeking a solution to the crisis, BBT also found out that no commercial insurance carriers will fully insure the plan because of its aging membership and poor claims history.
Six years ago BBT ended its longterm practice of self-insuring the plan, deeming it not fiscally responsible to retain all liability for claims, the BBT newsletter report said. BBT then offered coverage through for-profit medical insurance companies MAMSI and Blue Cross/Blue Shield. Two years ago BBT moved back to a self-funded model through the Congregational Employee Plan administered by Mennonite Mutual Aid.
BBT hopes that the new requirement for districts will revitalize the Brethren Medical Plan, as pastors and church employees and their families return to the plan and help stabilize risk, the BBT newsletter said. Mennonite Church USA stabilized its denominational medical plan through a similar 75-percent participation requirement for districts, BBT reported. Benefits of the Brethren Medical Plan emphasized by BBT hinge on key components of mutuality and "guaranteed issue": employees of Church of the Brethren congregations, districts, and agencies, and their spouses and children, are automatically eligible for coverage without having to pass risk assessment or screening for pre-existing medical conditions.
"My hope is that no districts and no pastors are cut off," Nolen told the General Board, emphasizing that he was confident that districts will be able to meet the requirement even as he faced sharp questions about the move. He expressed understanding for small congregations that feel unable to pay for health insurance for pastors, as well as pastors in districts that are not well represented and therefore in danger of losing insurance. Defending the requirement as "not an unrealistic objective," he reported that three districts already have met it and several others are close. "This is the church plan," Nolen said. "Each district has to own it as its plan. All the entities of the church have to own it to make it successful."
More information about BBT and the Brethren Medical Plan is available at www.brethren.org, click on Brethren Benefit Trust.
Source: 12/03/2004 Newsline
A financial crisis in the Brethren Medical Plan has prompted Brethren Benefit Trust (BBT) to initiate a new requirement for the denomination's 23 districts. The Brethren Medical Plan is a denominational health insurance plan for pastors and employees of congregations, districts, and Annual Conference agencies. The plan was put into place more than 50 years ago and is administered by BBT.
BBT has instituted a requirement that each district must have at least 75 percent of its congregations committed to participating in the plan by Aug. 31, 2006. The requirement makes church employees in each district eligible as a group. A district that does not meet the requirement, and its pastors and church employees, will not be eligible for the plan after Dec. 31, 2006. The requirement will not be applied to retirees, congregations whose employees work less than 20 hours per week, or congregations whose employees are insured through spouses' employer group plans. By committing to working toward the requirement, all of the districts ensured that their congregations received a reduction of the increase in the 2005 rates for the plan, which BBT recently reported to plan members through its "Insurance Update" newsletter. The new requirement was communicated to the districts by BBT in late August.
The new requirement, the result of a decision made by the BBT board in July, was at the top of the Board's agenda again in November. Board members engaged in an extended conversation about the Brethren Medical Plan with about 30 pastors and church board chairs from Northern Indiana and South/Central Indiana Districts at Nov. 19-20 meetings in Middlebury, Ind. Two members of the Pastoral Compensation and Benefits Advisory Committee also were present.
The Brethren Medical Plan is in a "death spiral" created by greater numbers of high-risk participants, BBT president Wil Nolen said in October when he updated the General Board about the status of the plan. Pastors and other church employees have not been signing on in great enough numbers to maintain a good spread of risk, he said. A high number of pastors in the plan are considered high risk and "aren't insurable anywhere else," Nolen added.
In addition to the continuing loss of participants, claims have exceeded premiums in 2003 and 2004. As a result, cost of premiums has risen. With more claims than premiums, in 2003 and 2004 BBT spent $1.3 million from its insurance reserves to subsidize the plan. Seeking a solution to the crisis, BBT also found out that no commercial insurance carriers will fully insure the plan because of its aging membership and poor claims history.
Six years ago BBT ended its longterm practice of self-insuring the plan, deeming it not fiscally responsible to retain all liability for claims, the BBT newsletter report said. BBT then offered coverage through for-profit medical insurance companies MAMSI and Blue Cross/Blue Shield. Two years ago BBT moved back to a self-funded model through the Congregational Employee Plan administered by Mennonite Mutual Aid.
BBT hopes that the new requirement for districts will revitalize the Brethren Medical Plan, as pastors and church employees and their families return to the plan and help stabilize risk, the BBT newsletter said. Mennonite Church USA stabilized its denominational medical plan through a similar 75-percent participation requirement for districts, BBT reported. Benefits of the Brethren Medical Plan emphasized by BBT hinge on key components of mutuality and "guaranteed issue": employees of Church of the Brethren congregations, districts, and agencies, and their spouses and children, are automatically eligible for coverage without having to pass risk assessment or screening for pre-existing medical conditions.
"My hope is that no districts and no pastors are cut off," Nolen told the General Board, emphasizing that he was confident that districts will be able to meet the requirement even as he faced sharp questions about the move. He expressed understanding for small congregations that feel unable to pay for health insurance for pastors, as well as pastors in districts that are not well represented and therefore in danger of losing insurance. Defending the requirement as "not an unrealistic objective," he reported that three districts already have met it and several others are close. "This is the church plan," Nolen said. "Each district has to own it as its plan. All the entities of the church have to own it to make it successful."
More information about BBT and the Brethren Medical Plan is available at www.brethren.org, click on Brethren Benefit Trust.
Source: 12/03/2004 Newsline
Welcome Home Project for soldiers begun by church agencies.
A Welcome Home Project for soldiers is being coordinated by On Earth Peace and the Association of Brethren Caregivers (ABC). The Welcome Home Project began when it was recognized that military personnel returning home from combat zones "should experience a loving, compassionate response from the church to help them re-acclimate and heal from their experiences," reported Mary Dulabaum, communication director for ABC. As part of the project an insight session for "Receiving People Returning from Military Service" will be held at the 2005 Annual Conference in Peoria, Ill.
Family members of the military also need care and support, Dulabaum said. "Participants of the Welcome Home Project believe that as a peace church, the Church of the Brethren is called to respond with care, compassion, and service to their neighbors who are experiencing hardship, fear, and possibly grief while their loved ones are gone."
The Welcome Home Project is seeking stories from people or church communities providing support to military personnel returning from combat zones, and to their families. Stories can be e-mailed to Darlene Johnson at On Earth Peace, djohnson_oepa@brethren.org.
Source: 12/03/2004 Newsline
A Welcome Home Project for soldiers is being coordinated by On Earth Peace and the Association of Brethren Caregivers (ABC). The Welcome Home Project began when it was recognized that military personnel returning home from combat zones "should experience a loving, compassionate response from the church to help them re-acclimate and heal from their experiences," reported Mary Dulabaum, communication director for ABC. As part of the project an insight session for "Receiving People Returning from Military Service" will be held at the 2005 Annual Conference in Peoria, Ill.
Family members of the military also need care and support, Dulabaum said. "Participants of the Welcome Home Project believe that as a peace church, the Church of the Brethren is called to respond with care, compassion, and service to their neighbors who are experiencing hardship, fear, and possibly grief while their loved ones are gone."
The Welcome Home Project is seeking stories from people or church communities providing support to military personnel returning from combat zones, and to their families. Stories can be e-mailed to Darlene Johnson at On Earth Peace, djohnson_oepa@brethren.org.
Source: 12/03/2004 Newsline
Emergency Disaster Fund gives more than $50,000 in grants.
The General Board's Emergency Disaster Fund has given a total of $56,535.11 for work in Florida, Virginia, West Virginia, and the African country of Angola.
A grant of $20,000 was given for SHARECircle's work with displaced people and returning refugees in Angola. The funds will provide seeds, hand tools, and education for planting and growing food.
Another $20,000 helps continue work on the Hurricane Isabel Longterm Recovery Project of the General Board's Emergency Response ministry. The money will go to an ongoing repair and building project in Poquoson, Va., which was begun in February.
An allocation of $15,000 went for continued support of Emergency Response work following hurricanes in Florida. The funds will help begin a longterm rebuilding process in Orlando, and eventually in Charlotte County.
A grant of $1,535.11 finalized flood recovery work in Greenbrier County, W.Va. Work on the project ended in August. The money pays for outstanding expenses that exceeded the original grant.
Source: 12/03/2004 Newsline
The General Board's Emergency Disaster Fund has given a total of $56,535.11 for work in Florida, Virginia, West Virginia, and the African country of Angola.
A grant of $20,000 was given for SHARECircle's work with displaced people and returning refugees in Angola. The funds will provide seeds, hand tools, and education for planting and growing food.
Another $20,000 helps continue work on the Hurricane Isabel Longterm Recovery Project of the General Board's Emergency Response ministry. The money will go to an ongoing repair and building project in Poquoson, Va., which was begun in February.
An allocation of $15,000 went for continued support of Emergency Response work following hurricanes in Florida. The funds will help begin a longterm rebuilding process in Orlando, and eventually in Charlotte County.
A grant of $1,535.11 finalized flood recovery work in Greenbrier County, W.Va. Work on the project ended in August. The money pays for outstanding expenses that exceeded the original grant.
Source: 12/03/2004 Newsline
First group of pastors completes Advance Foundations program.
On Nov. 12, eight Church of the Brethren pastors became the first group to complete the Advanced Foundations of Church Leadership program of the Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership. The program is one of two continuing education programs for pastors supported by the academy's Sustaining Pastoral Excellence initiative.
The eight pastors--Dan Poole of Covington (Ohio) Church of the Brethren; David W. Miller of West Richmond (Va.) Church of the Brethren; Kelly Burk of Richmond (Ind.) Church of the Brethren; Jerry Lee Miller of Spring Run Church of the Brethren in McVeytown, Pa.; James Davis of North Winona Church of the Brethren in Warsaw, Ind.; Kenneth Gresh of Salem Church of the Brethren in Englewood, Ohio; Lisa Lynn Hazen of Beavercreek (Ohio) Church of the Brethren; and Thomas Hanks of Bethlehem Church of the Brethren in Boones Mill, Va.--were recognized by family, friends, congregational leaders, faculty of Bethany Theological Seminary, and academy staff at a banquet in Hagerstown, Ind.
The Advanced Foundations program is designed to deepen the leadership capacity of pastors by addressing personal qualities and enhancing ministry skills, academy staff reported. Eight four-day retreats over two years offer safe environments for pastors to nurture spiritual, physical, emotional, intellectual, and relational foundations for ministry and further equip pastors to shape congregations of vision, passion, and mission. The program is led by a variety of instructors including Jonathan Shively, director of the academy, and Lowell Flory, executive director of Institutional Advancement for Bethany.
The academy is a ministry training partnership of Bethany and the General Board. Sustaining Pastoral Excellence initiatives are supported by a grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. The next group of Advanced Foundations pastors will begin work in January 2005.
Source: 12/03/2004 Newsline
On Nov. 12, eight Church of the Brethren pastors became the first group to complete the Advanced Foundations of Church Leadership program of the Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership. The program is one of two continuing education programs for pastors supported by the academy's Sustaining Pastoral Excellence initiative.
The eight pastors--Dan Poole of Covington (Ohio) Church of the Brethren; David W. Miller of West Richmond (Va.) Church of the Brethren; Kelly Burk of Richmond (Ind.) Church of the Brethren; Jerry Lee Miller of Spring Run Church of the Brethren in McVeytown, Pa.; James Davis of North Winona Church of the Brethren in Warsaw, Ind.; Kenneth Gresh of Salem Church of the Brethren in Englewood, Ohio; Lisa Lynn Hazen of Beavercreek (Ohio) Church of the Brethren; and Thomas Hanks of Bethlehem Church of the Brethren in Boones Mill, Va.--were recognized by family, friends, congregational leaders, faculty of Bethany Theological Seminary, and academy staff at a banquet in Hagerstown, Ind.
The Advanced Foundations program is designed to deepen the leadership capacity of pastors by addressing personal qualities and enhancing ministry skills, academy staff reported. Eight four-day retreats over two years offer safe environments for pastors to nurture spiritual, physical, emotional, intellectual, and relational foundations for ministry and further equip pastors to shape congregations of vision, passion, and mission. The program is led by a variety of instructors including Jonathan Shively, director of the academy, and Lowell Flory, executive director of Institutional Advancement for Bethany.
The academy is a ministry training partnership of Bethany and the General Board. Sustaining Pastoral Excellence initiatives are supported by a grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. The next group of Advanced Foundations pastors will begin work in January 2005.
Source: 12/03/2004 Newsline
Brethren join annual rally against the School of the Americas.
Over 200 Church of the Brethren individuals from across the US gathered in Columbus, Ga., Nov. 20-21 to join more than 15,000 people at an annual rally against the Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation--formerly the US Army School of the Americas. The school trains international military personnel, many of whom have committed documented atrocities against their own people. "Brethren came as individuals, college peace studies groups, as families, and as congregations, giving witness to their heritage and their faith," reported Amy Adkins of the General Board's Brethren Witness/Washington Office.
The Brethren Witness/Washington Office is only one of many groups that encourage their membership to seek political pressure to eliminate funding of the program. Phil Jones, Brethren Witness/Washington Office director "sees this event as an opportunity to give public witness to the statements and beliefs of Brethren in regards to the training of persons for violent military or guerrilla operations," Adkins reported. "Just last month a delegation of Brethren traveled to Guatemala and saw first hand the destruction and violence that was brought upon citizens of Guatemala by the hands of individuals trained at this school," Jones said. "One immediate step at ending this violence is the closing of this school that trains individuals to kill others."
With On Earth Peace, the office co-sponsored a Brethren Gathering at the rally where over 300 people met for fellowship, pizza, and music by the Brethren band Mutual Kumquat. The Brethren contingent also sponsored a booth, held a short worship service led by Matt Guynn from On Earth Peace, and joined a procession of mourning in symbolic remembrance of those whose lives have been lost at the hands of military personnel trained by the school.
Witnesses against the school began in 1990 following the killing of six Jesuit priests, their co-worker, and her teenage daughter in El Salvador. A US Congressional Task Force reported that those responsible for the killings were trained at the school. In 1997 a General Board resolution called for the closing of the school.
Source: 12/03/2004 Newsline
Over 200 Church of the Brethren individuals from across the US gathered in Columbus, Ga., Nov. 20-21 to join more than 15,000 people at an annual rally against the Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation--formerly the US Army School of the Americas. The school trains international military personnel, many of whom have committed documented atrocities against their own people. "Brethren came as individuals, college peace studies groups, as families, and as congregations, giving witness to their heritage and their faith," reported Amy Adkins of the General Board's Brethren Witness/Washington Office.
The Brethren Witness/Washington Office is only one of many groups that encourage their membership to seek political pressure to eliminate funding of the program. Phil Jones, Brethren Witness/Washington Office director "sees this event as an opportunity to give public witness to the statements and beliefs of Brethren in regards to the training of persons for violent military or guerrilla operations," Adkins reported. "Just last month a delegation of Brethren traveled to Guatemala and saw first hand the destruction and violence that was brought upon citizens of Guatemala by the hands of individuals trained at this school," Jones said. "One immediate step at ending this violence is the closing of this school that trains individuals to kill others."
With On Earth Peace, the office co-sponsored a Brethren Gathering at the rally where over 300 people met for fellowship, pizza, and music by the Brethren band Mutual Kumquat. The Brethren contingent also sponsored a booth, held a short worship service led by Matt Guynn from On Earth Peace, and joined a procession of mourning in symbolic remembrance of those whose lives have been lost at the hands of military personnel trained by the school.
Witnesses against the school began in 1990 following the killing of six Jesuit priests, their co-worker, and her teenage daughter in El Salvador. A US Congressional Task Force reported that those responsible for the killings were trained at the school. In 1997 a General Board resolution called for the closing of the school.
Source: 12/03/2004 Newsline
Middle Pennsylvania District meets on theme, 'An Obedient Life.'
The Middle Pennsylvania District Conference was held Oct. 22-23 at Dunnings Creek Church of the Brethren in New Paris, Pa., with Sarah Malone as moderator. Fifty churches were represented with 168 delegates and 79 non-delegates.
Malone spoke on the theme, "An Obedient Life...of Transforming Love," and the Dunnings Creek choir presented a medley of several musical numbers at the opening worship. Rodney Ritchey created the logo for the worship center. Saturday's worship was led by the District Youth Ministry Team and included a consecration of new team members. A Pennies for Congregational Ministries offering totaled $6,357.09 and $1,445 was collected for Ministry Education.
In business sessions, delegates approved a revised constitution that reflected changes in the district structure. Break-out sessions featured the Living Peace Church with On Earth Peace, and the District Gifts Assessment Team. A slate for district leadership was affirmed, including Barbara Rowe as moderator-designate. She will assist moderator Linda Banaszak at the Oct. 7-8, 2005, district conference at Stone Church of the Brethren in Huntingdon, Pa. James Ake was affirmed for another year as treasurer. District minister Randy Yoder, who is retiring at the end of the year, was honored for his nearly 20 years of service to the district.
Many conference-goers took advantage of the opportunity to visit the Mock Church located "just down the road." The small, one-room log building was the original meeting place for the Dunnings Creek congregation. Clair Mock, 99 years old and a member of the congregation, was recognized for building handmade models of the Old Mock Church, one of which is located in the District Center in Huntingdon and one at the General Offices in Elgin, Ill.
Source: 12/03/2004 Newsline
The Middle Pennsylvania District Conference was held Oct. 22-23 at Dunnings Creek Church of the Brethren in New Paris, Pa., with Sarah Malone as moderator. Fifty churches were represented with 168 delegates and 79 non-delegates.
Malone spoke on the theme, "An Obedient Life...of Transforming Love," and the Dunnings Creek choir presented a medley of several musical numbers at the opening worship. Rodney Ritchey created the logo for the worship center. Saturday's worship was led by the District Youth Ministry Team and included a consecration of new team members. A Pennies for Congregational Ministries offering totaled $6,357.09 and $1,445 was collected for Ministry Education.
In business sessions, delegates approved a revised constitution that reflected changes in the district structure. Break-out sessions featured the Living Peace Church with On Earth Peace, and the District Gifts Assessment Team. A slate for district leadership was affirmed, including Barbara Rowe as moderator-designate. She will assist moderator Linda Banaszak at the Oct. 7-8, 2005, district conference at Stone Church of the Brethren in Huntingdon, Pa. James Ake was affirmed for another year as treasurer. District minister Randy Yoder, who is retiring at the end of the year, was honored for his nearly 20 years of service to the district.
Many conference-goers took advantage of the opportunity to visit the Mock Church located "just down the road." The small, one-room log building was the original meeting place for the Dunnings Creek congregation. Clair Mock, 99 years old and a member of the congregation, was recognized for building handmade models of the Old Mock Church, one of which is located in the District Center in Huntingdon and one at the General Offices in Elgin, Ill.
Source: 12/03/2004 Newsline
Brethren bits: Correction, job openings, and more.
- In a correction to "Two Brethren Volunteer Service units complete orientation" in the Nov. 19 Newsline, Rob Raker is serving at the Brethren Mission House in the Dominican Republic.
- Publishers of the forthcoming "Gather 'Round" Sunday school curriculum seek a fulltime managing editor, and a half-time associate editor to fill a contract position. The managing editor will manage the receipt, scheduling, and production of curriculum materials; edit and proofread copy; and assist the project director with overall development and administration. Applicants should have excellent editorial and communication skills, high ability to manage detail, and be well grounded in Mennonite or Church of the Brethren beliefs and practices. Location: Elgin, Ill., preferred. Start date is end of Feb. 2005 or sooner. The associate editor will oversee writing and design of student resources. Applicants should have excellent writing and editorial skills, communicate well, and be well-grounded in Mennonite or Church of the Brethren beliefs and practices. Location: open. Start date is end of Feb. 2005 or sooner. Denominational balance on project staff will be a significant factor in selection. Contact Anna Speicher, project director, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120; 800-323-8039 ext. 209; or e-mail gatherround@brethren.org. Deadline for inquiries is Jan. 15, 2005.
- The General Board seeks an intern for the Brethren Historical Library and Archives (BHLA) in Elgin, Ill., to serve a one-year term with preferred start date of July 2005. The Archival Internship Program develops interest in vocations related to archives, libraries, and Brethren history. The intern will process archival materials, write descriptive inventories, prepare books for cataloging, respond to reference requests, and assist researchers. Compensation includes housing, stipend, and health and life insurance. A graduate student is preferred, or an undergraduate with at least two years of college. Willingness to work with detail, accurate word processing, and ability to lift 30-pound boxes are required. Send applications with resume, college transcript, and three letters of reference by Feb. 28, 2005, to Director of Human Resources, Church of the Brethren General Board, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120. For more information call 800-323-8039 ext. 294 or e-mail kshaffer_gb@brethren.org.
- Year-end donations to the Association of Brethren Caregivers, Bethany Theological Seminary, the General Board, and On Earth Peace must be dated and postmarked by Dec. 31 in order to be counted as a 2004 charitable gift for tax purposes.
- Three Brethren Volunteer Service workers are serving as assistant disaster project directors with the General Board's Emergency Response/Service Ministries. Larry and Sandee Kitzel of Monitor Church of the Brethren, Conway, Kan., have been assigned to the Poquoson, Va., hurricane recovery project. Kevin Dibert of Chambersburg (Pa.) Church of the Brethren, is serving at the Hallam, Neb., tornado recovery project. The assistants help disaster project directors with volunteer management, daily devotions, construction work flow, meal preparation, as well as other tasks.
- Registration for the 2005 youth and young adult workcamps sponsored by the General Board took off in the first half-hour after it opened online, at midnight on Nov. 30, reported coordinators Cindy Laprade and Beth Rhodes. In the first 30 minutes of registration 118 people signed up, and by the next morning at 8 a.m. a total of 203 people had registered. "We were quite overwhelmed," Laprade said. Already four of the workcamps are completely full. For more information on the workcamps see www.brethren.org, click on "General Board," go to keyword "Youth/young adults."
- Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS) is having a potluck supper Saturday Jan. 29, 2005, at 6:30 p.m. for former BVS workers, Civilian Public Service (CPS) workers, and anyone who has a special connection to BVS or CPS. The potluck will be at Camp Ithiel in Gotha, Fla. "We see this potluck as a wonderful opportunity for the volunteers in training from Unit 263 to be able to connect with people that have done similar service. We hope to see you there," said Sam Bowman of the BVS office. Bring a covered dish to share, or any other type of food.
- "Manna in the Wilderness: Coming to God in Daily Life" will be held at Camp Ithiel in Gotha, Fla., Feb. 24-27, 2005. The retreat for pastors, lay leaders, TRIM students, and others seeking to enrich their spiritual lives and discern God's will, is sponsored by New Covenant Church of the Brethren, the Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership, and the camp. Glenn Mitchell and Jonathan Shively are the leaders. The registration fee of $88 includes all sessions and meals. Lodging at the camp costs $12 a night and motel accommodations are also available. Registration and a $25 deposit are due by Jan. 24. TRIM students who attend will receive credit. For a brochure call 407-892-6678 or e-mail crousejm@mpinet.net.
- Pasadena (Calif.) Church of the Brethren hosted a "Dry Bones Consortium" Oct. 31. The meeting of pastors, academics, students, and others from California and Arizona was organized to further, deepen, and extend the Anabaptist legacy, reported pastor Tom Leard Longenecker, of Glendale (Calif.) Church of the Brethren. Attendees from faith backgrounds including Church of the Brethren, Mennonite, and Seventh Day Adventist explored "the directions modern Western philosophy has pushed how we think about Christian faith," and "the overwhelming influence technology and consumerism have on the life of the American church today," Longenecker said. Presenters were Gloria Newton, artist-in-residence with the Center for Anabaptist Leadership and a member of the Jubilee Troupe; Nancey Murphy, professor of Christian philosophy at Fuller Theological Seminary; and Shane Hipps, author of "Media Mayhem and the Church: Helping Emerging Communities Navigate the Technological Storm," to be published by Zondervan in 2006.
- The annual Church of the Brethren Outdoor Ministries Association gathering of camp directors, managers, and others involved with camp ministry took place Nov. 14-18 at Camp Bethel near Fincastle, Va. More than 30 people representing 9 of the denomination's 31 camps and outdoor ministry centers attended. David Radcliff of New Community Project was keynote speaker for the event, on the theme "Intentional Practices, Intentional Ministries." Several other workshops and discussion sessions were also offered, along with recreational outings to sites in the area.
- Manchester College, a Church of the Brethren school in North Manchester, Ind., is among the "Best Midwestern Colleges," says the "Princeton Review." Rankings released by the review put the college in the company of 170 colleges and universities recognized as outstanding in the region, the college reported in a press release. The review ranks colleges and universities nationwide and offers school selection advice on its website, along with comments from students and college officials. Learn more about the rankings at www.princetonreview.com. For more information about the college visit www.manchester.edu.
- Jo Young Switzer, who was selected in August as the new president of Manchester College, has taken the position earlier than expected. She began in her new role Dec. 1, succeeding Parker G. Marden in the position. The Board of Trustees held a reception to welcome Switzer, who is a 1969 graduate of the college. Celebrations of Marden's leadership are planned for the remainder of the school year. Switzer's inauguration will take place next fall.
- A panel of Bridgewater (Va.) College graduates shared their experiences of segregation during a program commemorating the 50th anniversary of Brown vs. Board of Education, the landmark case that desegregated America's public schools, on Nov. 30. The panelists were Donald Banks, director of Counseling and Assessment Services at the University of Massachusetts; Pasco Bowman II, a judge for the 8th US Circuit Court of Appeals and a member of the college's Board of Trustees; Karen Weaver Scott, a retired high school English and French teacher; and Carlyle Whitelow, assistant professor of physical education emeritus at Bridgewater and a professor at the college for 28 years. Banks, Scott, and Whitelow were among the first African American students who attended the college. See www.bridgewater.edu for more information about the college.
- A children's candlelight vigil and procession preceded a talk by Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT) member Peggy Gish in London, England, on Nov. 18, according to a release from CPT. Gish, a member of the Church of the Brethren who has spent much of the last two years with CPT in Iraq, is on a speaking tour. A British group, Children Against the War, processed to Downing Street to remember the suffering of Iraqi children before Gish spoke at London's Friends House. "In Iraq this summer, it was obvious to our team that not only had the violence increased, but that the US had maintained its control over Iraqi society and Iraq's government," Gish said. "What has been happening in Fallujah is tragic: excessive violence, collective punishment, and killing of many innocent people, to try to flush out a few." Gish's book, "Iraq: A Journey of Hope and Peace," has recently been published by Herald Press. Her speaking tour is continuing in the US. This week she spoke at Stover Memorial Church of the Brethren in Des Moines, Iowa, and she is scheduled to speak at Bridgewater (Va.) College on Dec. 9 at 7:30 p.m.
- Jubilee Troupe, an Anabaptist-based improvisational performance group sponsored by On Earth Peace, is offering a Jubilee Retreat Weekend Jan. 7-9, 2005, in New Windsor, Md. Participants will explore spiritual enrichment, community renewal, and peacemaking action through interactive drama, movement, and other creative arts. The retreat is part of a larger training of the troupe to lead performances, workshops, and worship services at churches, colleges, and church events across the country in 2005. Cost is $35-60 including simple accommodations and meals. For more information or to register, see www.jubileetroupe.org.
David Steele to lead Middle Pennsylvania District.
David A. Steele has accepted the call to become executive minister of Middle Pennsylvania District, effective March 1, 2005.
Steele has served as co-pastor of Memorial Church of the Brethren in Martinsburg, Pa., since 1996. Previously he served Bakersfield (Calif.) Church of the Brethren. He also has been active in youth ministry at both the district and denominational levels. Steele is a graduate of McPherson (Kan.) College and has a Master of Divinity degree from Bethany Theological Seminary.
Source: 12/03/2004 Newsline
David A. Steele has accepted the call to become executive minister of Middle Pennsylvania District, effective March 1, 2005.
Steele has served as co-pastor of Memorial Church of the Brethren in Martinsburg, Pa., since 1996. Previously he served Bakersfield (Calif.) Church of the Brethren. He also has been active in youth ministry at both the district and denominational levels. Steele is a graduate of McPherson (Kan.) College and has a Master of Divinity degree from Bethany Theological Seminary.
Source: 12/03/2004 Newsline
'Hiroshima is an old story.'
By Bev Eikenberry
"Hiroshima is an old story," I said to my husband as we contemplated our answer to a call to serve as directors of the World Friendship Center. "The world's eyes are on places like Israel and Iraq. No one cares about Hiroshima any more."
We came to Hiroshima in spite of our question about its relevance. We came because we wanted to support the center's mission of peace. What we discovered about Hiroshima, however, surprised us. Aug. 6, 2005, will mark 60 years since the atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima. In those 60 years Hiroshima has remembered the devastation and has cared for those who suffered because of it. Out of this remembering, the people of Hiroshima live committed to peace and reconciliation. For 60 years Hiroshima has been talking, living, working...making peace.
Hiroshima is a relevant place because of a decision made only a year after experiencing total devastation. Hiroshima decided to rebuild as an international city of peace. Making that statement alone is commendable, but the city actually lives out its goal. Examples are countless. Before a performance of the Messiah last December, the principal of a school encouraged everyone in the audience to do what they personally could to make peace. A high school music teacher organizes small public performances in the Peace Memorial Park, where peace songs are performed, poetry is read, and a microphone is passed for individuals to express thoughts and opinions. The major newspaper supported sending five delegations around the world to engage people in discussions about making peace. The mayor is organizing a conference of mayors from around the world to meet in New York in May 2005, when the non-proliferation treaty is revisited. Others are interpreting for British prisoners of war from World War II, who are returning to their places of internment through a program called "Agape." In one village, the Japanese raised a monument in their honor, and some of the POWs have experienced a healing peace for the first time in their lives.
Survivors of the atomic bomb tell their stories of growing beyond bitterness and hatred to reconciliation and a goal of "No more Hiroshimas!" Those who are able to tell their stories do so because of a passionate desire for others never to experience what they did. They have traveled a journey deep within themselves that leads to the understanding that the real wrong is not atomic weapons, nor any particular nation or people. The real wrong is war itself.
We feel humbled at the sight of an entire city seriously working at peace and reconciliation. Hiroshima is a voice of reason and compassion crying in the wilderness of a world at war. The voice is soothing and full of hope. Hiroshima, we have discovered, is not an old story. Hiroshima is the story we wish will be our future.
On Aug. 7, 1965, 20 years after the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the World Friendship Center was started by Barbara Reynolds, an American Quaker whose compassion for those suffering from radiation spilled over into a passionate desire to help all of us avoid a similar tragedy. Brethren Volunteer Service trains and supports the volunteer directors, usually a married couple, who live at the center and provide hospitality for nearly 125 guests a month, teach English classes, and visit a nursing home for survivors of the atomic bomb. The directors also direct the daily operations of the center with the help of a bilingual staff person. Joel and Beverly Eikenberry, Church of the Brethren members from North Manchester, Ind., currently are serving as directors of the center through BVS. In May, Don and Pauline Hess from Virginia will begin a two-year term as directors.
The American Committee for the World Friendship Center seeks volunteers to serve at the center--contact Larry and Alice Petry at 330-733-2879 or e-mail petryvilla@aol.com. The American Committee also hosts Peace Ambassadors--or PAX teams--who visit Japan and the US to spread the message of peace. Contact Mary Ann Albert at 574-834-3406 or e-mail cwamaa@maplenet.net.
--Brethren Volunteer Service worker Bev Eikenberry and her husband Joel serve as directors of the World Friendship Center in Hiroshima, Japan.
Source: 12/03/2004 Newsline
By Bev Eikenberry
"Hiroshima is an old story," I said to my husband as we contemplated our answer to a call to serve as directors of the World Friendship Center. "The world's eyes are on places like Israel and Iraq. No one cares about Hiroshima any more."
We came to Hiroshima in spite of our question about its relevance. We came because we wanted to support the center's mission of peace. What we discovered about Hiroshima, however, surprised us. Aug. 6, 2005, will mark 60 years since the atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima. In those 60 years Hiroshima has remembered the devastation and has cared for those who suffered because of it. Out of this remembering, the people of Hiroshima live committed to peace and reconciliation. For 60 years Hiroshima has been talking, living, working...making peace.
Hiroshima is a relevant place because of a decision made only a year after experiencing total devastation. Hiroshima decided to rebuild as an international city of peace. Making that statement alone is commendable, but the city actually lives out its goal. Examples are countless. Before a performance of the Messiah last December, the principal of a school encouraged everyone in the audience to do what they personally could to make peace. A high school music teacher organizes small public performances in the Peace Memorial Park, where peace songs are performed, poetry is read, and a microphone is passed for individuals to express thoughts and opinions. The major newspaper supported sending five delegations around the world to engage people in discussions about making peace. The mayor is organizing a conference of mayors from around the world to meet in New York in May 2005, when the non-proliferation treaty is revisited. Others are interpreting for British prisoners of war from World War II, who are returning to their places of internment through a program called "Agape." In one village, the Japanese raised a monument in their honor, and some of the POWs have experienced a healing peace for the first time in their lives.
Survivors of the atomic bomb tell their stories of growing beyond bitterness and hatred to reconciliation and a goal of "No more Hiroshimas!" Those who are able to tell their stories do so because of a passionate desire for others never to experience what they did. They have traveled a journey deep within themselves that leads to the understanding that the real wrong is not atomic weapons, nor any particular nation or people. The real wrong is war itself.
We feel humbled at the sight of an entire city seriously working at peace and reconciliation. Hiroshima is a voice of reason and compassion crying in the wilderness of a world at war. The voice is soothing and full of hope. Hiroshima, we have discovered, is not an old story. Hiroshima is the story we wish will be our future.
On Aug. 7, 1965, 20 years after the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the World Friendship Center was started by Barbara Reynolds, an American Quaker whose compassion for those suffering from radiation spilled over into a passionate desire to help all of us avoid a similar tragedy. Brethren Volunteer Service trains and supports the volunteer directors, usually a married couple, who live at the center and provide hospitality for nearly 125 guests a month, teach English classes, and visit a nursing home for survivors of the atomic bomb. The directors also direct the daily operations of the center with the help of a bilingual staff person. Joel and Beverly Eikenberry, Church of the Brethren members from North Manchester, Ind., currently are serving as directors of the center through BVS. In May, Don and Pauline Hess from Virginia will begin a two-year term as directors.
The American Committee for the World Friendship Center seeks volunteers to serve at the center--contact Larry and Alice Petry at 330-733-2879 or e-mail petryvilla@aol.com. The American Committee also hosts Peace Ambassadors--or PAX teams--who visit Japan and the US to spread the message of peace. Contact Mary Ann Albert at 574-834-3406 or e-mail cwamaa@maplenet.net.
--Brethren Volunteer Service worker Bev Eikenberry and her husband Joel serve as directors of the World Friendship Center in Hiroshima, Japan.
Source: 12/03/2004 Newsline
Special Report
Church of the Brethren creates Christmas Eve service for CBS.
On the evening of Nov. 23, Nicarry Chapel at Bethany Theological Seminary was lit up within and without for the taping of the Church of the Brethren Christmas Eve service, to be aired by CBS. Through the stop-and-go action of three days of rehearsals and four hours of taping, a Brethren worship service was created to glorify God and extend an invitation to millions of viewers.
"It feels like this is a gift that the church has been given," said preacher Chris Bowman, pastor of Oakton Church of the Brethren in Vienna, Va. "It's in turn a gift that we can give back to other people." Admitting to some nervousness before the taping, Bowman said wryly, "I'm a good Brethren preacher, so I second-guess my sermon all the time. My goals in writing it were first just to tell the story again, second to bring a bit of a challenge to folks to respond with their lives, and third to try to be authentically Brethren."
The seminary campus in Richmond, Ind., was taken over by the event for several days. The film crew from Lyon Video and the crew from SaboStudios, the lighting firm, numbered close to 30. They surrounded the school with trucks full of equipment and monitors, parked a generator on the front walkway, placed lights on the chapel roof to illuminate its high windows, and snaked cables through the hallways. Evergreens were propped outside the chapel windows and votive candles festooned areas of the lawn visible from inside. Musicians and choirs held hours of rehearsals. A planning committee of Bethany staff had help from area congregations, seminary students, and volunteers to provide onsite coordination, hospitality, and food for the 200-some people who took part.
Only participants, crew, and a by-invitation audience were in the chapel for the taping. Families and friends of the participants watched a live feed in the school's gathering room. Inside the chapel, Bowman preached about living out Christmas; 51 students from Juniata College, in Huntingdon, Pa., blended their voices with an 11-member children's choir from the Manchester, Eel River Community, Columbia City, and Beacon Heights congregations in Indiana; soloists and instrumentalists gathered new energy for the "real thing"; readers took advantage of coaching by Bethany professor Dawn Ottoni Wilhelm--who wrote most of the spoken worship resources--to share the gospel message. A candlelighting ended the service, as it does at many Brethren congregations on Christmas Eve, and then came something most Brethren do not experience: "Go Tell It on the Mountain" to the rhythm of congas and steel drum.
Playing the steel drums was Glenn McClure, who composed a piece sung by the Juniata choir, "Santo," the first movement of "St. Francis in the Americas: A Caribbean Mass." The composer from Geneseo, N.Y., is not Brethren but offered to play for the taping after music coordinator Shawn Kirchner asked permission to rewrite the piece for a smaller drum section. "Santo" has been performed at Carnegie Hall and the Lincoln Center.
The taping represented a lot of work by many people, as organizers had only two months to pull the service together. Brethren Press publisher Wendy McFadden served as executive producer. For the technical side of creating a network-quality program, she worked with producers from the Presbyterian Church (USA), which created last year's Christmas Eve service for CBS.
The content of the service was planned by McFadden, Kirchner, Bowman, Wilhelm, and Stan Noffsinger, general secretary, and Del Keeney, Congregational Life Ministries executive, of the General Board. Many other individuals worked on tasks such as decor, communications, copyright permissions, translation, and logistics.
The Bethany committee working on onsite arrangements "considered ourselves the support crew," said Bethany treasurer Brenda Reish. She sat in on the technical rehearsal the evening before the taping, along with parents of the children's choir and many who helped with coordination for the service. It brought "chills...and tears," she said. "It was a really emotional experience."
Those involved with the service could not find enough superlatives to express their feelings. "We're giddy," said Jodi Schwartz, whose children Erin and Ben were in the children's choir. "I think it's a marvelous opportunity," said Russ Shelley, director of the Juniata choir. "It was a celebration," said Michael Hodson, a reader for the service. "I'll remember it for a very long time," said Thomas Dowdy, who played the saxophone.
Audience members agreed. "I thought it was a wonderful blend of traditional and modern. I enjoyed it immensely," said Donna Hollenberg of Richmond Church of the Brethren. Asked if she would watch it again on Christmas Eve, she did not pause: "Oh yes!"
In many areas of the country, the service will air at 11:35 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. In other areas the service may air at a different time--check with CBS affiliates for local air time. For more information see www.brethren.org or www.enterchristmas.org.
Brethren Press is taking orders for two resources related to the service: 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 card has been mailed to each congregation, quantities can be ordered for the cost of shipping and handling. 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. A version will be dubbed in Spanish and Spanish translation of the service will be posted on the website. Call Brethren Press at 800-441-3712.
Source: Newsline Special Report 12/03/2004
Church of the Brethren creates Christmas Eve service for CBS.
On the evening of Nov. 23, Nicarry Chapel at Bethany Theological Seminary was lit up within and without for the taping of the Church of the Brethren Christmas Eve service, to be aired by CBS. Through the stop-and-go action of three days of rehearsals and four hours of taping, a Brethren worship service was created to glorify God and extend an invitation to millions of viewers.
"It feels like this is a gift that the church has been given," said preacher Chris Bowman, pastor of Oakton Church of the Brethren in Vienna, Va. "It's in turn a gift that we can give back to other people." Admitting to some nervousness before the taping, Bowman said wryly, "I'm a good Brethren preacher, so I second-guess my sermon all the time. My goals in writing it were first just to tell the story again, second to bring a bit of a challenge to folks to respond with their lives, and third to try to be authentically Brethren."
The seminary campus in Richmond, Ind., was taken over by the event for several days. The film crew from Lyon Video and the crew from SaboStudios, the lighting firm, numbered close to 30. They surrounded the school with trucks full of equipment and monitors, parked a generator on the front walkway, placed lights on the chapel roof to illuminate its high windows, and snaked cables through the hallways. Evergreens were propped outside the chapel windows and votive candles festooned areas of the lawn visible from inside. Musicians and choirs held hours of rehearsals. A planning committee of Bethany staff had help from area congregations, seminary students, and volunteers to provide onsite coordination, hospitality, and food for the 200-some people who took part.
Only participants, crew, and a by-invitation audience were in the chapel for the taping. Families and friends of the participants watched a live feed in the school's gathering room. Inside the chapel, Bowman preached about living out Christmas; 51 students from Juniata College, in Huntingdon, Pa., blended their voices with an 11-member children's choir from the Manchester, Eel River Community, Columbia City, and Beacon Heights congregations in Indiana; soloists and instrumentalists gathered new energy for the "real thing"; readers took advantage of coaching by Bethany professor Dawn Ottoni Wilhelm--who wrote most of the spoken worship resources--to share the gospel message. A candlelighting ended the service, as it does at many Brethren congregations on Christmas Eve, and then came something most Brethren do not experience: "Go Tell It on the Mountain" to the rhythm of congas and steel drum.
Playing the steel drums was Glenn McClure, who composed a piece sung by the Juniata choir, "Santo," the first movement of "St. Francis in the Americas: A Caribbean Mass." The composer from Geneseo, N.Y., is not Brethren but offered to play for the taping after music coordinator Shawn Kirchner asked permission to rewrite the piece for a smaller drum section. "Santo" has been performed at Carnegie Hall and the Lincoln Center.
The taping represented a lot of work by many people, as organizers had only two months to pull the service together. Brethren Press publisher Wendy McFadden served as executive producer. For the technical side of creating a network-quality program, she worked with producers from the Presbyterian Church (USA), which created last year's Christmas Eve service for CBS.
The content of the service was planned by McFadden, Kirchner, Bowman, Wilhelm, and Stan Noffsinger, general secretary, and Del Keeney, Congregational Life Ministries executive, of the General Board. Many other individuals worked on tasks such as decor, communications, copyright permissions, translation, and logistics.
The Bethany committee working on onsite arrangements "considered ourselves the support crew," said Bethany treasurer Brenda Reish. She sat in on the technical rehearsal the evening before the taping, along with parents of the children's choir and many who helped with coordination for the service. It brought "chills...and tears," she said. "It was a really emotional experience."
Those involved with the service could not find enough superlatives to express their feelings. "We're giddy," said Jodi Schwartz, whose children Erin and Ben were in the children's choir. "I think it's a marvelous opportunity," said Russ Shelley, director of the Juniata choir. "It was a celebration," said Michael Hodson, a reader for the service. "I'll remember it for a very long time," said Thomas Dowdy, who played the saxophone.
Audience members agreed. "I thought it was a wonderful blend of traditional and modern. I enjoyed it immensely," said Donna Hollenberg of Richmond Church of the Brethren. Asked if she would watch it again on Christmas Eve, she did not pause: "Oh yes!"
In many areas of the country, the service will air at 11:35 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. In other areas the service may air at a different time--check with CBS affiliates for local air time. For more information see www.brethren.org or www.enterchristmas.org.
Brethren Press is taking orders for two resources related to the service: 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 card has been mailed to each congregation, quantities can be ordered for the cost of shipping and handling. 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. A version will be dubbed in Spanish and Spanish translation of the service will be posted on the website. Call Brethren Press at 800-441-3712.
Source: Newsline Special Report 12/03/2004
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. Amy Adkins, Karen Doss Bowman, Sam Bowman, Nancy F. Cruz, Nevin Dulabaum, Jeri S. Kornegay, Tom Leard Longenecker, June Peters, Jonathan Shively, Anna Speicher, Glenn Timmons, Walt Wiltschek, and Jane Yount contributed to this report.
Newsline is produced by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of news services for the Church of the Brethren General Board, 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. Amy Adkins, Karen Doss Bowman, Sam Bowman, Nancy F. Cruz, Nevin Dulabaum, Jeri S. Kornegay, Tom Leard Longenecker, June Peters, Jonathan Shively, Anna Speicher, Glenn Timmons, Walt Wiltschek, and Jane Yount contributed to this report.
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