- Bethany Seminary celebrates 102nd commencement.
- Brethren focus work north of Greensburg, following tornado.
- Forum discusses future of Annual Conference, other challenges for the denomination.
- Westminster Church, Buckhalter will receive Ecumenical Citations.
- Older adult unit begins work through Brethren Volunteer Service.
- Brethren bits: Remembrance, personnel, job opening, and more.
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
NEWS
Bethany Seminary celebrates 102nd commencement.
On May 5, Bethany Theological Seminary in Richmond, Ind., celebrated its 102nd commencement. Two observances marked the occasion. A ceremony for conferring degrees took place in Bethany’s Nicarry Chapel. A public worship celebration was held at Richmond Church of the Brethren.President Eugene F. Roop spoke at the conferring of degrees ceremony. His address titled "Blessing" was based on Genesis 12:1-3 and two Gospel passages. He exhorted the graduates, "You go into ministry as an envoy and agent of God’s blessing." President Roop, who will retire on June 30, was thanked for his 15 years of service as part of the commencement celebrations.
Dena Pence, director of the Wabash Center for Teaching and Learning in Theology and Religion, was the speaker for the afternoon worship service. In her message, "What Do You See?" Pence referenced the response of Marilyn Lerch to the Virginia Tech shootings. Lerch serves as pastor of Good Shepherd Church of the Brethren in Blacksburg, Va., and one of the campus ministers at Virginia Tech. "Carry that image with you," Pence said, "a person looking at the community in which they dwell, in all its goodness and all its brokenness, and then knowing, with real clarity, what they can do to be a part of it."The seminary also recognized significant faculty accomplishments of the past year. Russell Haitch, associate professor of Christian Education, was granted tenure and also received the Rohrer Book Award for his book "From Exorcism to Ecstasy: Eight Views of Baptism." Scott Holland, associate professor of Theology and Culture, also received the award for his two books, "How Do Our Stories Save Us?" and "Seeking Peace in Africa."
Nineteen students received degrees or certificates, the largest class since 1998:
Master of Divinity, Peace Studies Emphasis: Carrie Eikler, Manchester Church of the Brethren, N. Manchester, Ind.Master of Divinity: Michael Benner, Free Spring Church of the Brethren, Mifflintown, Pa.; Jerramy Bowen, W. Milton (Ohio) Church of the Brethren; Torin Eikler, North Manchester Church of the Brethren; Tasha Hornbacker, Pleasant Hill (Ohio) Church of the Brethren; Daniel House, Glade Valley Church of the Brethren, Walkersville, Md.; Rebecca House, Union Bridge (Md.) Church of the Brethren; Jennifer Sanders Kreighbaum, Bear Creek Church of the Brethren, Accident, Md.; Brian Mackie, New Life Christian Fellowship, Mount Pleasant, Mich.; Barbara Menke, Oakland Church of the Brethren, Bradford, Ohio; Kelly Meyerhoeffer, Pleasant Valley Church of the Brethren, Weyers Cave, Va.; Nathan Polzin, New Life Christian Fellowship; Thomas Richard, Fairview Church of the Brethren, Cordova, Md.; Donald Williams, Stone Church of the Brethren, Buena Vista, Va.; Christopher Zepp, Bridgewater (Va.) Church of the Brethren.Master of Arts in Theology: Rachel Peterson, New Carlisle (Ohio) Church of the Brethren; Carrie Smith, Beavercreek (Ohio) Church of the Brethren.Certificate of Achievement in Theological Studies: James Sampson, Eagle Creek Church of the Brethren, Forest, Ohio; Ronda Scammahorn, Oakland Church of the Brethren.Christopher Zepp received distinction for his academic work in biblical studies. Carrie Eikler, Torin Eikler, Barbara Menke, and Kelly Meyerhoeffer received distinction for their work in ministry studies.
--Marcia Shetler is director of Public Relations for Bethany Theological Seminary.
Source: 5/23/2007 Newsline
On May 5, Bethany Theological Seminary in Richmond, Ind., celebrated its 102nd commencement. Two observances marked the occasion. A ceremony for conferring degrees took place in Bethany’s Nicarry Chapel. A public worship celebration was held at Richmond Church of the Brethren.President Eugene F. Roop spoke at the conferring of degrees ceremony. His address titled "Blessing" was based on Genesis 12:1-3 and two Gospel passages. He exhorted the graduates, "You go into ministry as an envoy and agent of God’s blessing." President Roop, who will retire on June 30, was thanked for his 15 years of service as part of the commencement celebrations.
Dena Pence, director of the Wabash Center for Teaching and Learning in Theology and Religion, was the speaker for the afternoon worship service. In her message, "What Do You See?" Pence referenced the response of Marilyn Lerch to the Virginia Tech shootings. Lerch serves as pastor of Good Shepherd Church of the Brethren in Blacksburg, Va., and one of the campus ministers at Virginia Tech. "Carry that image with you," Pence said, "a person looking at the community in which they dwell, in all its goodness and all its brokenness, and then knowing, with real clarity, what they can do to be a part of it."The seminary also recognized significant faculty accomplishments of the past year. Russell Haitch, associate professor of Christian Education, was granted tenure and also received the Rohrer Book Award for his book "From Exorcism to Ecstasy: Eight Views of Baptism." Scott Holland, associate professor of Theology and Culture, also received the award for his two books, "How Do Our Stories Save Us?" and "Seeking Peace in Africa."
Nineteen students received degrees or certificates, the largest class since 1998:
Master of Divinity, Peace Studies Emphasis: Carrie Eikler, Manchester Church of the Brethren, N. Manchester, Ind.Master of Divinity: Michael Benner, Free Spring Church of the Brethren, Mifflintown, Pa.; Jerramy Bowen, W. Milton (Ohio) Church of the Brethren; Torin Eikler, North Manchester Church of the Brethren; Tasha Hornbacker, Pleasant Hill (Ohio) Church of the Brethren; Daniel House, Glade Valley Church of the Brethren, Walkersville, Md.; Rebecca House, Union Bridge (Md.) Church of the Brethren; Jennifer Sanders Kreighbaum, Bear Creek Church of the Brethren, Accident, Md.; Brian Mackie, New Life Christian Fellowship, Mount Pleasant, Mich.; Barbara Menke, Oakland Church of the Brethren, Bradford, Ohio; Kelly Meyerhoeffer, Pleasant Valley Church of the Brethren, Weyers Cave, Va.; Nathan Polzin, New Life Christian Fellowship; Thomas Richard, Fairview Church of the Brethren, Cordova, Md.; Donald Williams, Stone Church of the Brethren, Buena Vista, Va.; Christopher Zepp, Bridgewater (Va.) Church of the Brethren.Master of Arts in Theology: Rachel Peterson, New Carlisle (Ohio) Church of the Brethren; Carrie Smith, Beavercreek (Ohio) Church of the Brethren.Certificate of Achievement in Theological Studies: James Sampson, Eagle Creek Church of the Brethren, Forest, Ohio; Ronda Scammahorn, Oakland Church of the Brethren.Christopher Zepp received distinction for his academic work in biblical studies. Carrie Eikler, Torin Eikler, Barbara Menke, and Kelly Meyerhoeffer received distinction for their work in ministry studies.
--Marcia Shetler is director of Public Relations for Bethany Theological Seminary.
Source: 5/23/2007 Newsline
Brethren focus work north of Greensburg, following tornado.
In Greensburg, Kan., a tornado completely leveled 90 percent of town on May 4, during a night in which at least six tornados were in the area, and more the next night. "While Greensburg is the focus of the national media, the destruction reaches northeast into the heart of Kansas farmland," reported Roy Winter, director of Brethren Disaster Ministries (formerly called the Emergency Response program) for the Church of the Brethren General Board.
Roy Winter visited the area last week to help assess the need for a Brethren response. "In Stafford County, the Eden Valley Church of the Brethren sits untouched, but at least five Brethren families experienced damage to their homes, garages, or barns," he said.
Eden Valley pastor Tim Morris has been providing pastoral support to some families who survived the disaster, such as a family whose farm north of Greensburg lost all nine buildings. The loss included the house and some live stock. "Even the floor of the house was ripped away," Roy Winter said.
Pastor Morris is helping coordinate relief efforts in this rural area, with support from Western Plains District. Bill Winter is acting district disaster coordinator for Western Plains, and is taking part in the meetings of agencies involved in the relief effort.
The district is planning to focus response in the area north of Greensburg. "Right now Greensburg is very much in the news eye, and they’re getting a lot of help," said Bill Winter. "So what we’ve decided to do is focus on the area north of Greensburg where the tornados went after hitting the town." Last week he and a small group of Brethren went out to help clean up felled trees and remove debris in the area north of Greensburg.
A "walk the fields" event is scheduled for Sunday, May 27, by the district. Western Plains has issued a general call for volunteers to help farmers pick up debris from fields on that afternoon. The call went out to the Brethren congregations located in the western part of Kansas. Volunteers will meet at Eden Valley Church of the Brethren at 2 p.m., and the church will provide a light meal. "Anyone from child up to older adult who can bend over and pick up stuff is welcome!" Bill Winter said.
"The process is ongoing," he added. Future work may include rebuilding of homes and garages and other buildings damaged by the storms, he said.
Children’s Disaster Services (formerly Disaster Child Care) also has responded quickly to the Greensburg tornado by sending seven volunteers to help care for children of affected families. Volunteers worked in the Red Cross services center in Haviland, just west of Greensburg, through May 16. The program is currently working to create a longterm child care presence in Greensburg for families as they do clean up and rebuilding.
In other disaster response news, the Brethren Disaster Ministries rebuilding project in Lucedale, Miss., is scheduled to close at the end of June, and the McComb, Miss., project will close Aug. 4. Both projects were in response to Hurricane Katrina. Projects in Pearl River and Chalmette, La., will remain active.
Source: 5/23/2007 Newsline
In Greensburg, Kan., a tornado completely leveled 90 percent of town on May 4, during a night in which at least six tornados were in the area, and more the next night. "While Greensburg is the focus of the national media, the destruction reaches northeast into the heart of Kansas farmland," reported Roy Winter, director of Brethren Disaster Ministries (formerly called the Emergency Response program) for the Church of the Brethren General Board.
Roy Winter visited the area last week to help assess the need for a Brethren response. "In Stafford County, the Eden Valley Church of the Brethren sits untouched, but at least five Brethren families experienced damage to their homes, garages, or barns," he said.
Eden Valley pastor Tim Morris has been providing pastoral support to some families who survived the disaster, such as a family whose farm north of Greensburg lost all nine buildings. The loss included the house and some live stock. "Even the floor of the house was ripped away," Roy Winter said.
Pastor Morris is helping coordinate relief efforts in this rural area, with support from Western Plains District. Bill Winter is acting district disaster coordinator for Western Plains, and is taking part in the meetings of agencies involved in the relief effort.
The district is planning to focus response in the area north of Greensburg. "Right now Greensburg is very much in the news eye, and they’re getting a lot of help," said Bill Winter. "So what we’ve decided to do is focus on the area north of Greensburg where the tornados went after hitting the town." Last week he and a small group of Brethren went out to help clean up felled trees and remove debris in the area north of Greensburg.
A "walk the fields" event is scheduled for Sunday, May 27, by the district. Western Plains has issued a general call for volunteers to help farmers pick up debris from fields on that afternoon. The call went out to the Brethren congregations located in the western part of Kansas. Volunteers will meet at Eden Valley Church of the Brethren at 2 p.m., and the church will provide a light meal. "Anyone from child up to older adult who can bend over and pick up stuff is welcome!" Bill Winter said.
"The process is ongoing," he added. Future work may include rebuilding of homes and garages and other buildings damaged by the storms, he said.
Children’s Disaster Services (formerly Disaster Child Care) also has responded quickly to the Greensburg tornado by sending seven volunteers to help care for children of affected families. Volunteers worked in the Red Cross services center in Haviland, just west of Greensburg, through May 16. The program is currently working to create a longterm child care presence in Greensburg for families as they do clean up and rebuilding.
In other disaster response news, the Brethren Disaster Ministries rebuilding project in Lucedale, Miss., is scheduled to close at the end of June, and the McComb, Miss., project will close Aug. 4. Both projects were in response to Hurricane Katrina. Projects in Pearl River and Chalmette, La., will remain active.
Source: 5/23/2007 Newsline
Forum discusses future of Annual Conference, other challenges for the denomination.
The Inter-Agency Forum of the Church of the Brethren marked its 10th anniversary as the group met April 26-27 in Elgin, Ill. The forum was created by the Standing Committee of Annual Conference in 1998, and meets annually to serve as a coordinating group for the life and activities of the Church of the Brethren by providing links among agencies.
All 16 members were present for the meeting including Ron Beachley, chair and past moderator of Annual Conference; the Conference officers including moderator Belita Mitchell, moderator-elect Jim Beckwith, and secretary Fred Swartz; Lerry Fogle, executive director of the Conference; Sandy Bosserman of the Council of District Executives; and the executives and board chairs of each of the Annual Conference agencies--Kathy Reid and Wally Landes for the Association of Brethren Caregivers, Gene Roop and Anne Murray Reid for Bethany Theological Seminary, Wil Nolen and Harry Rhodes for the Brethren Benefit Trust, Stan Noffsinger and Jeff Neuman-Lee for the General Board, and Bob Gross and Bev Weaver for On Earth Peace.
On the agenda for this meeting were discussions relating to the effectiveness and future of Annual Conference, the mentoring of potential denominational leadership, implications of several reports coming to Annual Conference, outreach challenges for the denomination in relation to the 300th anniversary year, and the call for the church to be more inclusive.
Fogle reported a steady decline in Annual Conference attendance over the past several years. In response, the forum gave overall support for the Conference but agreed that there needs to be some new ways of doing Conference, such as enhanced worship, more involvement of youth, more insight-type sessions, and consideration of various options for altering the annual status of the meeting, for example, alternating years of a full Conference with years of a delegate-only Conference.
The idea of a program of mentors for young adults and others interested in serving in denominational leadership was initially suggested to the General Board by a Bethany Seminary student. One of the concerns that prompted this idea was the need to have more minority persons in leadership. Forum members affirmed their willingness to provide such mentoring and to be alert to opportunities to do so, and said that mentoring also needs to be encouraged at the local and district levels where it may be easier to accomplish than at the denominational level.
The forum looked at several recommendations coming to Annual Conference from the Review and Evaluation Committee, including a reuniting of the program agencies and the Annual Conference Council under one board of directors for the denomination. There was a common concern that Conference delegates need to have more information on the work of the agencies before making their decision, and that there be no compromise of the agencies’ integrity with their constituents. Agencies are in conversation with the Review and Evaluation Committee to provide this material.
Issues relating to the inclusiveness of the denomination, especially acceptance of gay and lesbian members, also commanded a lengthy discussion. It was observed that the emotions and fears currently accompanying opposing viewpoints on the issue are a hindrance to a constructive, face-to-face denominational discussion, and that the Church of the Brethren communion, which values its biblical heritage, needs to find ways to study the scriptures together, accepting the Annual Conference recognition that not all agree in the interpretation of scriptures. Forum members also observed that the church’s strength and unity often has been enhanced and expressed by coming together in concrete acts of mission and service.
The forum also expressed support for a General Board initiative, sparked by a suggestion from the Missouri/Arkansas District, that calls the Church of the Brethren to consider new mission goals to mark the 300th anniversary; and received a presentation from Carl Desportes Bowman, project director, and professor of Sociology at Bridgewater (Va.) College, who reported results of the "Brethren Member Profile 2006."
The forum’s next meeting is scheduled for April 23-24, 2008, in Elgin, Ill.
--Fred Swartz is the secretary of Annual Conference and recorder for the Inter-Agency Forum.
Source: 5/23/2007 Newsline
The Inter-Agency Forum of the Church of the Brethren marked its 10th anniversary as the group met April 26-27 in Elgin, Ill. The forum was created by the Standing Committee of Annual Conference in 1998, and meets annually to serve as a coordinating group for the life and activities of the Church of the Brethren by providing links among agencies.
All 16 members were present for the meeting including Ron Beachley, chair and past moderator of Annual Conference; the Conference officers including moderator Belita Mitchell, moderator-elect Jim Beckwith, and secretary Fred Swartz; Lerry Fogle, executive director of the Conference; Sandy Bosserman of the Council of District Executives; and the executives and board chairs of each of the Annual Conference agencies--Kathy Reid and Wally Landes for the Association of Brethren Caregivers, Gene Roop and Anne Murray Reid for Bethany Theological Seminary, Wil Nolen and Harry Rhodes for the Brethren Benefit Trust, Stan Noffsinger and Jeff Neuman-Lee for the General Board, and Bob Gross and Bev Weaver for On Earth Peace.
On the agenda for this meeting were discussions relating to the effectiveness and future of Annual Conference, the mentoring of potential denominational leadership, implications of several reports coming to Annual Conference, outreach challenges for the denomination in relation to the 300th anniversary year, and the call for the church to be more inclusive.
Fogle reported a steady decline in Annual Conference attendance over the past several years. In response, the forum gave overall support for the Conference but agreed that there needs to be some new ways of doing Conference, such as enhanced worship, more involvement of youth, more insight-type sessions, and consideration of various options for altering the annual status of the meeting, for example, alternating years of a full Conference with years of a delegate-only Conference.
The idea of a program of mentors for young adults and others interested in serving in denominational leadership was initially suggested to the General Board by a Bethany Seminary student. One of the concerns that prompted this idea was the need to have more minority persons in leadership. Forum members affirmed their willingness to provide such mentoring and to be alert to opportunities to do so, and said that mentoring also needs to be encouraged at the local and district levels where it may be easier to accomplish than at the denominational level.
The forum looked at several recommendations coming to Annual Conference from the Review and Evaluation Committee, including a reuniting of the program agencies and the Annual Conference Council under one board of directors for the denomination. There was a common concern that Conference delegates need to have more information on the work of the agencies before making their decision, and that there be no compromise of the agencies’ integrity with their constituents. Agencies are in conversation with the Review and Evaluation Committee to provide this material.
Issues relating to the inclusiveness of the denomination, especially acceptance of gay and lesbian members, also commanded a lengthy discussion. It was observed that the emotions and fears currently accompanying opposing viewpoints on the issue are a hindrance to a constructive, face-to-face denominational discussion, and that the Church of the Brethren communion, which values its biblical heritage, needs to find ways to study the scriptures together, accepting the Annual Conference recognition that not all agree in the interpretation of scriptures. Forum members also observed that the church’s strength and unity often has been enhanced and expressed by coming together in concrete acts of mission and service.
The forum also expressed support for a General Board initiative, sparked by a suggestion from the Missouri/Arkansas District, that calls the Church of the Brethren to consider new mission goals to mark the 300th anniversary; and received a presentation from Carl Desportes Bowman, project director, and professor of Sociology at Bridgewater (Va.) College, who reported results of the "Brethren Member Profile 2006."
The forum’s next meeting is scheduled for April 23-24, 2008, in Elgin, Ill.
--Fred Swartz is the secretary of Annual Conference and recorder for the Inter-Agency Forum.
Source: 5/23/2007 Newsline
Westminster Church, Buckhalter will receive Ecumenical Citations.
The Committee on Interchurch Relations has announced the 2007 recipients of its annual Ecumenical Citation. The committee carries a mandate from both the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference and the General Board, and met by telephone conference call on April 3.
Anna K. Buckhalter has received the individual citation, for her work over many years showing compassion toward people regardless of faith tradition. Westminister (Md.) Church of the Brethren has received the congregational citation, for its expression of Christian compassion toward a Muslim fellowship.
The citations will be presented at the Ecumenical Luncheon at the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference in Cleveland, Ohio, on Tuesday, July 3. At the luncheon the committee will highlight the recipients' creative, exemplary responses to Christ's call to show love for all people. The featured talk at the Ecumenical Luncheon is titled, "Living Among People of Other Faiths," and will be presented by Paul Numrich, a Church of the Brethren minister and educator.
The committee reviewed an excellent set of nominees for the annual citation. This year the citation was given for individuals and congregations to share their experiences in ecumenical interfaith peacebuilding. At a time when tensions have risen between different religious traditions around the world, the committee has been seeking out those who are bridging the gap between different groups, aiming to be the embodiment of Christ amid hatred and misunderstanding.
The committee has finalized plans for an insight session at Annual Conference, on Tuesday evening July 3. The session will feature a conversation between a Brethren evangelical Christian, Jim Eikenberry, and a Muslim teaching colleague, Amir Assadi-Rad. Both are instructors at San Joaquin Delta College in California. They will discuss how people of different faiths may relate constructively with one another while deepening their faith.
In other business, the committee laid plans (without incurring any budgetary expenditure) for sending greetings and, in most cases, a representative of the Church of the Brethren to these other Brethren denominations: Old Brethren, Old German Baptist Brethren, Dunkard Brethren, Conservative Grace Brethren, Fellowship of Grace Brethren, and the Brethren Church. The group also discussed the decision by the General Board to approve the committee's recommendation that the Church of the Brethren join Christian Churches Together in the USA. In general secretary Stan Noffsinger's report to the committee, he described extensive activity in peace education and advocacy including the planning for a conference of the historic peace churches, to be held in Asia.
Committee members are chair Michael Hostetter, Ilexene Alphonse, Jim Eikenberry, Robert Johansen, Stanley Noffsinger, Robert Rene Quintanilla, Carolyn Schrock, and Jon Kobel (staff).
--Robert C. Johansen is a member of the Committee on Interchurch Relations, senior fellow at the Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies, and professor of Political Science at the University of Notre Dame.
Source: 5/23/2007 Newsline
The Committee on Interchurch Relations has announced the 2007 recipients of its annual Ecumenical Citation. The committee carries a mandate from both the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference and the General Board, and met by telephone conference call on April 3.
Anna K. Buckhalter has received the individual citation, for her work over many years showing compassion toward people regardless of faith tradition. Westminister (Md.) Church of the Brethren has received the congregational citation, for its expression of Christian compassion toward a Muslim fellowship.
The citations will be presented at the Ecumenical Luncheon at the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference in Cleveland, Ohio, on Tuesday, July 3. At the luncheon the committee will highlight the recipients' creative, exemplary responses to Christ's call to show love for all people. The featured talk at the Ecumenical Luncheon is titled, "Living Among People of Other Faiths," and will be presented by Paul Numrich, a Church of the Brethren minister and educator.
The committee reviewed an excellent set of nominees for the annual citation. This year the citation was given for individuals and congregations to share their experiences in ecumenical interfaith peacebuilding. At a time when tensions have risen between different religious traditions around the world, the committee has been seeking out those who are bridging the gap between different groups, aiming to be the embodiment of Christ amid hatred and misunderstanding.
The committee has finalized plans for an insight session at Annual Conference, on Tuesday evening July 3. The session will feature a conversation between a Brethren evangelical Christian, Jim Eikenberry, and a Muslim teaching colleague, Amir Assadi-Rad. Both are instructors at San Joaquin Delta College in California. They will discuss how people of different faiths may relate constructively with one another while deepening their faith.
In other business, the committee laid plans (without incurring any budgetary expenditure) for sending greetings and, in most cases, a representative of the Church of the Brethren to these other Brethren denominations: Old Brethren, Old German Baptist Brethren, Dunkard Brethren, Conservative Grace Brethren, Fellowship of Grace Brethren, and the Brethren Church. The group also discussed the decision by the General Board to approve the committee's recommendation that the Church of the Brethren join Christian Churches Together in the USA. In general secretary Stan Noffsinger's report to the committee, he described extensive activity in peace education and advocacy including the planning for a conference of the historic peace churches, to be held in Asia.
Committee members are chair Michael Hostetter, Ilexene Alphonse, Jim Eikenberry, Robert Johansen, Stanley Noffsinger, Robert Rene Quintanilla, Carolyn Schrock, and Jon Kobel (staff).
--Robert C. Johansen is a member of the Committee on Interchurch Relations, senior fellow at the Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies, and professor of Political Science at the University of Notre Dame.
Source: 5/23/2007 Newsline
Older adult unit begins work through Brethren Volunteer Service.
The New Windsor (Md.) Conference Center hosted the nine members of Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS) Older Adult Unit 274 for an orientation from April 23-May 4.
During the orientation, volunteers had several days to serve the community including a workday at the Brethren Service Center working at A Greater Gift/SERRV, and an opportunity to work with the Brethren Nutrition Program in Washington, D.C.
The volunteers, their home congregations or home towns, and placements (if known at this time) are: Marilou Booth of Pasadena (Calif.) Church of the Brethren; MaryAnn Davis of Live Oak (Calif.) Church of the Brethren; David and Maria Huber of Yellow Creek (Ind.) Church of the Brethren will work at the New Windsor (Md.) Conference Center; Barbara and Ron Siney of West Charleston (Ohio) Church of the Brethren will be placed at Alderson (W.Va.) Hospitality House; Kent and Sarah Switzer of Cedar Lake (Ind.) Church of the Brethren will go to the World Friendship Center in Hiroshima, Japan; Steve VanZandt of Washington, D.C., will be placed with Cooperiis in Mill Spring, N.C.
For more information about BVS call the office at 800-323-8039 or visit www.brethrenvolunteerservice.org.
Source: 5/23/2007 Newsline
The New Windsor (Md.) Conference Center hosted the nine members of Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS) Older Adult Unit 274 for an orientation from April 23-May 4.
During the orientation, volunteers had several days to serve the community including a workday at the Brethren Service Center working at A Greater Gift/SERRV, and an opportunity to work with the Brethren Nutrition Program in Washington, D.C.The volunteers, their home congregations or home towns, and placements (if known at this time) are: Marilou Booth of Pasadena (Calif.) Church of the Brethren; MaryAnn Davis of Live Oak (Calif.) Church of the Brethren; David and Maria Huber of Yellow Creek (Ind.) Church of the Brethren will work at the New Windsor (Md.) Conference Center; Barbara and Ron Siney of West Charleston (Ohio) Church of the Brethren will be placed at Alderson (W.Va.) Hospitality House; Kent and Sarah Switzer of Cedar Lake (Ind.) Church of the Brethren will go to the World Friendship Center in Hiroshima, Japan; Steve VanZandt of Washington, D.C., will be placed with Cooperiis in Mill Spring, N.C.
For more information about BVS call the office at 800-323-8039 or visit www.brethrenvolunteerservice.org.
Source: 5/23/2007 Newsline
Brethren bits: Remembrance, personnel, job opening, and more.
- Lee Eshleman, a member of the Mennonite comedy duo Ted & Lee, took his own life on May 17, after succumbing to a long battle with depression. Eshleman will be remembered for his comedic and insightful performances with Ted Swartz, as they acted out biblical stories for the current day. Ted & Lee were major presenters at the Church of the Brethren’s last three National Youth Conferences, in 1998, 2002, and 2006. They also performed at two National Older Adult Conferences, and were booked to lead worship at the denomination’s first National Junior High Conference next month. "At the 2006 National Youth Conference, Ted & Lee closed a worship service with feetwashing, in the most powerful interpretation of what Jesus did for his disciples that I have seen. I remember thinking at the time, they have made sense of the feetwashing service for a whole new generation of Brethren," said Chris Douglas, director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries for the Church of the Brethren General Board. "We join with Lee’s family and loved ones, and with Ted and the Mennonite community, in grieving his death." Eshleman was an active member of Community Mennonite Church in Harrisonburg, Va. He leaves behind his wife, Reagan, and their three children. A memorial service was held May 21 at Eastern Mennonite University in Harrisonburg. Memorial contributions are made to Our Community Place, a Harrisonburg community center. An online page of condolence and remembrance is offered by Eastern Mennonite University, where Lee Eshleman was an alumni. Go to www.emu.edu/response/lee.
- Pacific Southwest District has welcomed new office secretary Brenda Perez. She comes to the district with skills in computer work, volunteer organizations, disaster response, and health instruction work with the American Red Cross, and is at ease in both English and Spanish.
- The Susquehanna Valley Ministry Center, which is affiliated with Bethany Theological Seminary, has announced the call of Lisa Krieg as volunteer coordinator of the Hispanic Academy. She will provide coordination of the Hispanic Academy in class schedules and teacher appointments, and will serve as a link between the center’s office in administration and communication with Hispanic students.
- "Messenger" magazine is welcoming Nick Kauffman as a Ministry Summer Service intern beginning May 29. He is a member of Goshen (Ind.) City Church of the Brethren and just finished his sophomore year at Manchester College, majoring in peace studies.
- Bob Edgar, outgoing general secretary of the National Council of Churches (NCC), has been picked to lead the national advocacy group Common Cause. Edgar announced last October he would not seek a third four-year term as general secretary of the NCC. Edgar is a former congressman who represented eastern Pennsylvania from 1975-87, and had served as president for 10 years of Claremont (Calif.) School of Theology when he came to the NCC in 2000.
- Daniel Aukerman will leave Interchurch Medical Association (IMA) World Health on June 1, completing nearly three years of service to the organization, to pursue new career options. The Church of the Brethren is a member denomination of IMA, and Aukerman worked out of the IMA headquarters located at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md. He has served as vice president for Program Development and Technical Support.
- On Earth Peace seeks part-time communications staff as part of its communications team. Responsibilities include writing, editing, publicity, and news services, using both print and electronic media. Candidates must be self-motivated, well-organized. and flexible. The position requires commitment to Christian peacemaking and understanding of the Church of the Brethren. Start date is Sept. 1. Location is negotiable--the On Earth Peace office is located at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md. Applications will be reviewed beginning June 20, and will continue to be accepted and considered until the position is filled. Send a resume, two writing samples, a letter of interest, and contact information for three to four references. For more information or to apply, contact Bob Gross, director of On Earth Peace, at bgross@igc.org or 260-982-7751. The position announcement is online at www.brethren.org/oepa/CommunicationsPositionAnnouncement.html.
- The report of Annual Conference’s Program Feasibility Committee will soon be made available at the Annual Conference website. The report focuses on the impact and cost of recommendations made by the 2006 Doing Church Business report, and will be posted on the Doing Church Business study committee homepage at www.brethren.org/ac on Friday, May 25.
- Annual Conference moderator Belita Mitchell will be featured in the June edition of "Brethren Voices," a program for Brethren congregations to show on local community cable television. The program is offered by an initiative of Peace Church of the Brethren in Portland, Ore., and producer Ed Groff. The half-hour episode titled, "Meet the Moderator," will be viewed in 10 different communities around the country, Groff reported. The moderator shares some of her life history, thoughts and goals of her term as moderator for the church, experiences of her recent trip to Nigeria, and her feelings about the current status of the Church of the Brethren. Other upcoming programs in the series are "A Community Gathers for Peace," slated for July, and "It Began with One Person" about Heifer International, for August. For those not currently involved in the community television project, DVD copies of the program are available for $8. Send orders to Peace Church of the Brethren, 12727 S.E. Market St., Portland, OR 97233. Contact Ed Groff at groffprod1@msn.com.
- The 2007 Young Adult Conference will be held over Memorial Day weekend, May 26-28, at Camp Harmony near Johnstown, Pa. The theme is "Doers of the Word," James 1:22-25. Cost is $100, or $110 after May 25. For information go to www.brethren.org/genbd/yya/yac.htm.
- Roy Winter, director of Brethren Disaster Ministries for the Church of the Brethren General Board, has been elected to the board of directors of the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster. He also is scheduled to join a trip to Angola with a Bie University Project Delegation on June 2-12. Winter will be the only Brethren member of the delegation to Angola, an African nation that has been ravaged by a 27-year civil war. He takes part in the trip to monitor some of the projects Brethren have supported through grants from the Emergency Disaster Fund, in collaboration with SHAREcircle. In its itinerary the delegation hopes to visit a variety of projects and meet with the general secretary of the Evangelical Congregational Church in Angola, staff of Chevron’s Community Grants, the Ministry of Education, the governor of Bie Province, and the US ambassador.
- Little Swatara Church of the Brethren in Bethel, Pa., is celebrating its 250th anniversary on June 16-17 with tours of four old meetinghouses used in rotation before the church was built, a German worship service, dinner theater, other weekend events, and publication of its first history book. The 480-page hardcover book will feature the history of the congregation, photos, biographical sketches of ministers, articles about ministries, a membership list dating back to the mid-1800s, and tombstone inscriptions of cemeteries associated with the church. Order for $30 plus postage of $8. Send a check payable to Little Swatara Church of the Brethren to Sandra Kauffman, 7326 Bernville Rd., Bernville, PA 19506.
- Shenandoah District held its 15th annual Disaster Response Auction at the Rockingham County Fairgrounds. Since 1993, the auction has raised more than $2 million for the church’s disaster ministries, with sales of furniture, toys, quilts, gift baskets, livestock, and food, among other items. In a May 19 update, the district announced that 2007 proceeds have been estimated at $205,000. The district reported that, "At Friday evening’s oyster/ham dinner, 77 gallons of oysters were eaten by 1,465 hungry people. Over 700 folks came for Saturday breakfast consuming 248 pancake platters and 470 omelets. Children and adults put together 400 school kits and 100 health kits for Church World Service." Congratulations went to Harrisonburg (Va.) First Church of the Brethren for its purchase of the Unity Quilt for $2,000.
- The Hillman Foundation of Pittsburgh, Pa., has approved a $500,000 grant to Juniata College to establish an endowed scholarship to honor Ronald W. Wertz, the foundation's longtime president, and his wife, Ann. The college is located in Huntingdon, Pa. Both Ronald and Ann Wertz graduated from Juniata in 1959. The Ronald W. and Ann L. Wertz Endowment will provide a full-tuition scholarship for four years for a highly academically qualified student. Ron Wertz, a native of Lewistown, Pa., started his career in higher education at Juniata in 1959 as assistant director of admissions, and then was promoted to director of admissions. In 1963 he moved to Franklin and Marshall College in Lancaster, Pa., where he served as director of financial aid and later as director of development. In 1969 he joined the Hillman Foundation as its first executive director. In 1990, he was named president and trustee. He has been an active volunteer for Juniata, having served on the board of trustees from 1987-93 and on the President's Development Council. In 1994, he received the Harold B. Brumbaugh Alumni Service Award. Ann Werz, the former Ann Larkin, has served as class fund agent for the college's annual fund.
- Six Bridgewater (Va.) College alumni were honored at the Alumni Weekend celebration on April 20-21. Among them were Church of the Brethren members Joseph M. Mason, a retired minister and former district executive who graduated from Bridgewater in 1945; and Franklin E. Huffman, a 1955 graduate and expert and author on southeast Asian languages who has served in the US diplomatic service and for the Department of State, and who has taught at Yale University and Cornell University. For more about the college go to www.bridgewater.edu.
- Nontombi Naomi Tutu was the 2007 Fasnacht Lecturer at the University of La Verne, Calif., on March 21-22. The daughter of South African Archbishop Desmond Tutu, and founder of the Tutu Foundation and its chair from 1985-90, she is associate director of the Office of International Relations and Programs at Tennessee State University. She also is co-author of "The Words of Desmond Tutu," and is collaborating on a new book, "I Don't Think of You as Black: Honest Conversations on Race and Racism." She spoke on the topic, "By Our Fruits We are Known: Religion and Activism," for the Fasnacht lecture, and gave the keynote address at an annual Engendering Diversity and Community Conference. The lecture series is made possible by the Fasnacht Chair of Religion Endowment Fund, in honor of former ULV president Harold Fasnacht. For more go to www.ulv.edu.
- Brethren Colleges Abroad (BCA) has gone "carbon neutral," according to an announcement at the program’s website www.bcanet.org. Beginning this spring, BCA will make contributions to the Solar Electric Light Fund (SELF) to off-set the carbon released into the atmosphere by the flights students take to study abroad. Carbon offsets are projects that reduce or prevent the accumulation of global warming gases in the atmosphere to make up for the gases that have inadvertently been put there, either by increasing the availability of renewable energy, supporting energy-efficiency improvements by industry, or capturing and sequestering emissions. BCA's contributions to SELF's projects in providing rural villages in developing countries with solar power do not technically offset the carbon pollution released into the atmosphere by air travel in ways that other projects do, the announcement said. However, it helps to extend the benefits of electricity, in a climate-neutral way, to some of the two billion people in the world who lack it. For more about BCA go to www.bcanet.org. The program’s central offices are located at Elizabethtown (Pa.) College.
- Manchester College professor Ken Rogers will offer free walking tours of religious sites in Marburg an der Lahn (near Schwarzenau), Germany, to Brethren groups in the summer of 2007 and again in the summer of 2008, to help celebrate the 300th anniversary of the Brethren. Each tour will last about three hours and visit Marburg sites such as the Elizabeth Church, the Old University, the medieval town, the city church, and the castle. The tours will be educational, with Rogers drawing on years of study and teaching of church history and theology. Those taking the tours will need to pay nominal admission fees at the Elizabeth Church and the castle. They will be asked to consider a voluntary contribution to the Project for German-American Understanding sponsored by the theology department of Marburg University. For further information please write to HKRogers@Manchester.edu.
Brethren participate in planning ‘The Gathering’ hunger conference.
Church of the Brethren leaders and General Board staff are taking part in preparations for a biennial hunger training event and rally in Washington, D.C., on June 9-12. "The Gathering" will be held on the theme, "Sowing Seeds: Growing a Movement." Bread for the World is coordinating planning for the event, which is supported by a wide range of hunger agencies.
A broad spectrum of religious groups will convene in the nation’s capital for training, information sharing, worship, and advocacy. Particular focus will be on reform of the Farm Bill currently before Congress, a legislative measure whose nutrition programs and trade policies affect the poor and hungry at home and abroad.
The event is receiving financial support from the Global Food Crisis Fund. A $5,000 grant has been given toward expenses of the conference.
Global Food Crisis Fund manager Howard Royer is among those working with Bread for the World staff in helping plan the conference, and is one of the group of Interfaith Anti-Hunger Coordinators. The Brethren Witness/Washington Office also is encouraging participation in the event. Belita Mitchell, Annual Conference moderator, and Stan Noffsinger, general secretary of the General Board, are slated to head the Brethren delegation.
Pastor Jeff Carter of Manassas (Va.) Church of the Brethren is representing the denomination on the Worship Planning Committee, and has been invited to help plan worship services and may be involved in plenary sessions as well as the interfaith convocation at the National Cathedral on Monday evening, June 11. Emily O'Donnell, legislative associate and Brethren Volunteer Service worker in the Brethren Witness/Washington Office, has been named to the Program/Mobilization Committee and is involved in promoting the event among Brethren young adults and the Washington area congregations.
"We rejoice in the direct ways the Church of the Brethren is engaged in hunger awareness and advocacy on the national scene," Royer said. "From its beginning the Global Food Crisis Fund has regarded hunger education and advocacy as integral to its work, along with fundraising and grantmaking on behalf of impoverished peoples."
The goal of the Gathering "is to formulate concrete steps to strengthen efforts to end hunger and poverty, in synch with the Millennium Development Goals," Royer said. "Participants are to emerge from the Gathering renewed, energized, equipped, and empowered."
In related Action Alerts, the Brethren Witness/Washington Office is calling for support of a letter regarding the Farm Bill to be sent to members of Congress; and support for the Feed America's Families Act (HR 2129) that it said would “build momentum for 2007 Farm Bill investments that strengthen the Food Stamp and emergency feeding programs.” The letter on the Farm Bill highlights its reauthorization as “a significant opportunity to improve farmworker safety and health, particularly as to toxic pesticides” (for a copy contact the Brethren Witness/Washington Office at 800-785-3246 or washington_office_gb@brethren.org). “Time is of the essence” the alerts said, with Congressional action on the Farm Bill already beginning. At least one House Agriculture Subcommittee takes up its portion of the bill before the Memorial Day recess. Full House and Senate Agriculture Committee mark-ups are slated for June.
For more information about the Gathering, “Sowing Seeds: Growing a Movement” and to register to attend, go to www.bread.org/about-us/national-gathering.
Source: 5/23/2007 Newsline
Church of the Brethren leaders and General Board staff are taking part in preparations for a biennial hunger training event and rally in Washington, D.C., on June 9-12. "The Gathering" will be held on the theme, "Sowing Seeds: Growing a Movement." Bread for the World is coordinating planning for the event, which is supported by a wide range of hunger agencies.
A broad spectrum of religious groups will convene in the nation’s capital for training, information sharing, worship, and advocacy. Particular focus will be on reform of the Farm Bill currently before Congress, a legislative measure whose nutrition programs and trade policies affect the poor and hungry at home and abroad.
The event is receiving financial support from the Global Food Crisis Fund. A $5,000 grant has been given toward expenses of the conference.
Global Food Crisis Fund manager Howard Royer is among those working with Bread for the World staff in helping plan the conference, and is one of the group of Interfaith Anti-Hunger Coordinators. The Brethren Witness/Washington Office also is encouraging participation in the event. Belita Mitchell, Annual Conference moderator, and Stan Noffsinger, general secretary of the General Board, are slated to head the Brethren delegation.
Pastor Jeff Carter of Manassas (Va.) Church of the Brethren is representing the denomination on the Worship Planning Committee, and has been invited to help plan worship services and may be involved in plenary sessions as well as the interfaith convocation at the National Cathedral on Monday evening, June 11. Emily O'Donnell, legislative associate and Brethren Volunteer Service worker in the Brethren Witness/Washington Office, has been named to the Program/Mobilization Committee and is involved in promoting the event among Brethren young adults and the Washington area congregations.
"We rejoice in the direct ways the Church of the Brethren is engaged in hunger awareness and advocacy on the national scene," Royer said. "From its beginning the Global Food Crisis Fund has regarded hunger education and advocacy as integral to its work, along with fundraising and grantmaking on behalf of impoverished peoples."
The goal of the Gathering "is to formulate concrete steps to strengthen efforts to end hunger and poverty, in synch with the Millennium Development Goals," Royer said. "Participants are to emerge from the Gathering renewed, energized, equipped, and empowered."
In related Action Alerts, the Brethren Witness/Washington Office is calling for support of a letter regarding the Farm Bill to be sent to members of Congress; and support for the Feed America's Families Act (HR 2129) that it said would “build momentum for 2007 Farm Bill investments that strengthen the Food Stamp and emergency feeding programs.” The letter on the Farm Bill highlights its reauthorization as “a significant opportunity to improve farmworker safety and health, particularly as to toxic pesticides” (for a copy contact the Brethren Witness/Washington Office at 800-785-3246 or washington_office_gb@brethren.org). “Time is of the essence” the alerts said, with Congressional action on the Farm Bill already beginning. At least one House Agriculture Subcommittee takes up its portion of the bill before the Memorial Day recess. Full House and Senate Agriculture Committee mark-ups are slated for June.
For more information about the Gathering, “Sowing Seeds: Growing a Movement” and to register to attend, go to www.bread.org/about-us/national-gathering.
Source: 5/23/2007 Newsline
CONSULTATION OFFERS VENUE FOR NEW THINKING ABOUT MINISTERIAL LEADERSHIP
A Consultation on Ministerial Leadership on May 7-10 in Elgin, Ill., brought together some 90 people from across the country to think together about issues and questions related to ministry in the Church of the Brethren. Participants included pastors, lay leaders, district and denominational staff, and Annual Conference officers. The four major areas of discussion were "calling, training, credentialing, and sustaining" ministerial leaders.
The meeting was sponsored by the General Board’s Office of Ministry, in consultation with the Ministry Advisory Council and the Council of District Executives. Participants attended by invitation, and funding for the meeting came through designated reserves of the General Board, accumulated over about six years.
Organizers designed the consultation as preparation for an upcoming revision of the 1999 "Ministerial Leadership Paper" of the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference. The consultation became a kind of "think tank" for those responsible to rewrite the paper. A revised ministerial leadership document may be ready to present for the 2009 Annual Conference.
The meeting included worship, and brief presentations from denominational staff and faculty of Bethany Theological Seminary. But the heart of the event was the discussion that took place in small groups. The gathering was invited to "conversation about what questions God wants us to be asking for this age and season of life in the church. How do we grow, sustain, value our ministerial leadership?" said Mary Jo Flory-Steury, executive director of Ministry for the General Board and one of the main organizers of the consultation.
Some of the discussions began as Bible studies, using texts such as Matthew 28:16-20 and John 15. Other discussions were introduced as theological reflections, with questions about personal experiences of ministry, signs of the Holy Spirit’s presence, and the naming of tensions in ministry--which ranged from the practical, "when the pastor is perceived as an employee and the church as an employer," to the abstract, for example between worldly success and faithfulness.
"World Cafe" conversations--short, intense bursts of discussion on the four major topics of calling, training, credentialing, and sustaining--took up most of one day, with participants moving from table to table for 15 minutes at a time as new topics were posed and new questions asked. Scripture passages included Luke 1:39-41, 1 Kings 3:9-12, and John 13:3-5, among others. That afternoon, working groups continued to focus on the four major topics, and presented their conclusions in an evening session.
Throughout the consultation, discussions were recorded in a variety of ways, including on large sheets of newsprint posted on the walls of the meeting room, or laid out on the tables for writing notes and comments.
Through this active discussion process, participants came up with many ideas for changes in the way the church calls, trains, credentials, supports, and grows ministerial leadership. Just a few of the ideas were: using "discernment" rather than "search" language in pastoral placement, active mentoring for ministers, requiring ministers to have intercultural competence and attentiveness to spirituality, retraining pastors every five or ten years to meet changing societal needs, focusing on bivocational ministry, credentialing churches as well as pastors, including a new level of credentialing "below" licensing or ordination, using deacons to help call out leaders with discernment, creating a system of training that is local or regional, partnering across denominational lines to create support networks for pastors, improving models of self-care for ministers and congregations, creating a database to help churches find ministerial resources, coaching for committees that interview prospective pastors, and a calling process that includes young, old, male, female, and all races.
There were also many opportunities for participants to speak up on issues, and a variety of concerns were expressed. One thread of conversation focused on the tension between ministering for the church, as opposed to ministering in the world. Some expressed an urgent need to become missional. "If Jesus is not Lord, we can go no further," said one person who urged ministers to "get out of the four walls" of the church and extend ministry to the community. Ministers are "appointed to go and bear fruit. It’s an assignment," added another.
Other threads of conversation focused on relationships in ministry. Success in ministry is "defined as relationship," one person said. A table group asked, "What if we treated each other in the congregation as if everyone was a minister? How would this affect the calling process?" Another small group asked, "What if we moved away from a focus on agreement on issues, to a focus on a vision of being radical disciples?"
Some identified the financial and physical health of the minister and of the congregation as key factors in the quality of ministry. "The impact of financial health is something that needs great attentiveness," said one participant. "We want for the congregation a sense of wholeness and sustainability. It’s not the minister and the congregation, it’s a whole," said another.
"You’ve made it clear that Christ is central to ministerial leadership," said Dan Ulrich, Bethany’s associate professor of New Testament, as he summed up discussion. "We are called also to combine authority and humility," following Christ’s example, he said.
In the Church of the Brethren, "ministry is not just for the set-apart," observed Jonathan Shively, director of the Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership, during the theological reflection. Much discussion at the meeting related to the Brethren concept of the "priesthood of all believers." Shively observed that the group struggled to describe the relationship between the ministry of all, and that of set-apart leaders.
"We are confident that God is doing something with us in the Church of the Brethren right now," Shively added. "But we have a lot of change and growth to undergo together."
A closing session gave participants a chance to reflect and pray about issues raised during the week. Some took the opportunity to share personal commitments they made because of their participation in the consultation.
"My commitment to you is to take this enormous amount of material, record amount of newsprint, and compile it," said Flory-Steury. The consultation, she said, "will make a difference."
A photo journal from the event will be available soon at www.brethren.org.
Source: 5/23/2007 Newsline
A Consultation on Ministerial Leadership on May 7-10 in Elgin, Ill., brought together some 90 people from across the country to think together about issues and questions related to ministry in the Church of the Brethren. Participants included pastors, lay leaders, district and denominational staff, and Annual Conference officers. The four major areas of discussion were "calling, training, credentialing, and sustaining" ministerial leaders.
The meeting was sponsored by the General Board’s Office of Ministry, in consultation with the Ministry Advisory Council and the Council of District Executives. Participants attended by invitation, and funding for the meeting came through designated reserves of the General Board, accumulated over about six years.
Organizers designed the consultation as preparation for an upcoming revision of the 1999 "Ministerial Leadership Paper" of the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference. The consultation became a kind of "think tank" for those responsible to rewrite the paper. A revised ministerial leadership document may be ready to present for the 2009 Annual Conference.
The meeting included worship, and brief presentations from denominational staff and faculty of Bethany Theological Seminary. But the heart of the event was the discussion that took place in small groups. The gathering was invited to "conversation about what questions God wants us to be asking for this age and season of life in the church. How do we grow, sustain, value our ministerial leadership?" said Mary Jo Flory-Steury, executive director of Ministry for the General Board and one of the main organizers of the consultation.
Some of the discussions began as Bible studies, using texts such as Matthew 28:16-20 and John 15. Other discussions were introduced as theological reflections, with questions about personal experiences of ministry, signs of the Holy Spirit’s presence, and the naming of tensions in ministry--which ranged from the practical, "when the pastor is perceived as an employee and the church as an employer," to the abstract, for example between worldly success and faithfulness.
"World Cafe" conversations--short, intense bursts of discussion on the four major topics of calling, training, credentialing, and sustaining--took up most of one day, with participants moving from table to table for 15 minutes at a time as new topics were posed and new questions asked. Scripture passages included Luke 1:39-41, 1 Kings 3:9-12, and John 13:3-5, among others. That afternoon, working groups continued to focus on the four major topics, and presented their conclusions in an evening session.
Throughout the consultation, discussions were recorded in a variety of ways, including on large sheets of newsprint posted on the walls of the meeting room, or laid out on the tables for writing notes and comments.
Through this active discussion process, participants came up with many ideas for changes in the way the church calls, trains, credentials, supports, and grows ministerial leadership. Just a few of the ideas were: using "discernment" rather than "search" language in pastoral placement, active mentoring for ministers, requiring ministers to have intercultural competence and attentiveness to spirituality, retraining pastors every five or ten years to meet changing societal needs, focusing on bivocational ministry, credentialing churches as well as pastors, including a new level of credentialing "below" licensing or ordination, using deacons to help call out leaders with discernment, creating a system of training that is local or regional, partnering across denominational lines to create support networks for pastors, improving models of self-care for ministers and congregations, creating a database to help churches find ministerial resources, coaching for committees that interview prospective pastors, and a calling process that includes young, old, male, female, and all races.
There were also many opportunities for participants to speak up on issues, and a variety of concerns were expressed. One thread of conversation focused on the tension between ministering for the church, as opposed to ministering in the world. Some expressed an urgent need to become missional. "If Jesus is not Lord, we can go no further," said one person who urged ministers to "get out of the four walls" of the church and extend ministry to the community. Ministers are "appointed to go and bear fruit. It’s an assignment," added another.
Other threads of conversation focused on relationships in ministry. Success in ministry is "defined as relationship," one person said. A table group asked, "What if we treated each other in the congregation as if everyone was a minister? How would this affect the calling process?" Another small group asked, "What if we moved away from a focus on agreement on issues, to a focus on a vision of being radical disciples?"
Some identified the financial and physical health of the minister and of the congregation as key factors in the quality of ministry. "The impact of financial health is something that needs great attentiveness," said one participant. "We want for the congregation a sense of wholeness and sustainability. It’s not the minister and the congregation, it’s a whole," said another.
"You’ve made it clear that Christ is central to ministerial leadership," said Dan Ulrich, Bethany’s associate professor of New Testament, as he summed up discussion. "We are called also to combine authority and humility," following Christ’s example, he said.
In the Church of the Brethren, "ministry is not just for the set-apart," observed Jonathan Shively, director of the Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership, during the theological reflection. Much discussion at the meeting related to the Brethren concept of the "priesthood of all believers." Shively observed that the group struggled to describe the relationship between the ministry of all, and that of set-apart leaders.
"We are confident that God is doing something with us in the Church of the Brethren right now," Shively added. "But we have a lot of change and growth to undergo together."
A closing session gave participants a chance to reflect and pray about issues raised during the week. Some took the opportunity to share personal commitments they made because of their participation in the consultation.
"My commitment to you is to take this enormous amount of material, record amount of newsprint, and compile it," said Flory-Steury. The consultation, she said, "will make a difference."
A photo journal from the event will be available soon at www.brethren.org.
Source: 5/23/2007 Newsline
Credits
Newsline is produced by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of news services for the Church of the Brethren General Board, cobnews@brethren.org or 800-323-8039 ext. 260. Lerry Fogle, Ed Groff, Bob Gross, Mary Kay Heatwole, Hannah Kliewer, Ken Rogers, Howard Royer, John Wall, 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, cobnews@brethren.org or 800-323-8039 ext. 260. Lerry Fogle, Ed Groff, Bob Gross, Mary Kay Heatwole, Hannah Kliewer, Ken Rogers, Howard Royer, John Wall, and Jane Yount contributed to this report.
Wednesday, May 09, 2007
NEWS
- Church's disaster response programs are renamed.
- Children’s Disaster Services responds to Greensburg tornado.
- Nine denominations meet to discuss evangelism.
- Church of the Brethren in Nigeria holds 60th Majalisa.
- Brethren bits: Remembrance, personnel, job openings, and more.
- On Earth Peace reassigns co-director responsibilities.
- Cindy Bravos to serve as BBT congregational contact coordinator.
Church's disaster response programs are renamed.
New names have been chosen for three disaster response programs of the Church of the Brethren General Board: Emergency Response, Disaster Child Care, and Service Ministries.
"Brethren Disaster Ministries" is the new name for the Emergency Response program that encompasses the Brethren Disaster Response rebuilding ministry. Disaster Child Care is being renamed "Children’s Disaster Services." Service Ministries is returning to a former name, "Material Resources."
For some time, staff of the General Board have been discussing changing the names of the programs for several reasons. The names have not readily identify the programs as Brethren, and have not accurately identified what the programs do, staff said. The new names more adequately reflect the identity and mission of the church’s disaster response work.
The name of Disaster Child Care, for example, seemed "to carry the connotation of a babysitting service rather than helping children cope following disasters," said a memo that has been distributed to announce the name change to child care volunteers. The new name, "Children’s Disaster Services," encompasses the program’s expanding services.
New logos have also been created for the programs, and will be displayed at Annual Conference.
Source: 5/09/2007 Newsline
New names have been chosen for three disaster response programs of the Church of the Brethren General Board: Emergency Response, Disaster Child Care, and Service Ministries.
"Brethren Disaster Ministries" is the new name for the Emergency Response program that encompasses the Brethren Disaster Response rebuilding ministry. Disaster Child Care is being renamed "Children’s Disaster Services." Service Ministries is returning to a former name, "Material Resources."
For some time, staff of the General Board have been discussing changing the names of the programs for several reasons. The names have not readily identify the programs as Brethren, and have not accurately identified what the programs do, staff said. The new names more adequately reflect the identity and mission of the church’s disaster response work.
The name of Disaster Child Care, for example, seemed "to carry the connotation of a babysitting service rather than helping children cope following disasters," said a memo that has been distributed to announce the name change to child care volunteers. The new name, "Children’s Disaster Services," encompasses the program’s expanding services.
New logos have also been created for the programs, and will be displayed at Annual Conference.
Source: 5/09/2007 Newsline
Children’s Disaster Services responds to Greensburg tornado.
Children's Disaster Services (formerly Disaster Child Care) is sending a team of volunteers to respond to needs of young children affected by the tornado in Greensburg, Kan. The storm demolished 95 percent of the town on the evening of May 4. The seven volunteers are scheduled to arrive on May 10. Roy Winter, director of Brethren Disaster Ministries (formerly Emergency Response), also will make a visit to the area to assess needs and offer support.
This is the first storm to be classified a category F-5, the highest on a scale of intensity, since 1999, according to a report from Children’s Disaster Services. The tornado completely wiped structures off of their foundations, leaving an unrecognizable pile of rubble. It claimed nine lives and was part of an outbreak of tornados that plowed through the state and caused at least two other deaths.
Brethren who wish to help with the response are invited to contribute to the General Board’s Emergency Disaster Fund, and not to send unsolicited material donations. "There simply is no place to store unsolicited donated goods," said Jane Yount of the Brethren Disaster Ministries staff. "The most effective way to respond is to give a financial contribution to programs that are providing necessary goods and services. This ensures that the survivors will receive what they actually need."
"As always, please keep the survivors and their families lifted up in prayer," Yount said.
Children’s Disaster Services also is responding to needs in New Jersey following flooding in mid-April. The American Red Cross requested Children’s Disaster Services for a shelter at Raritan Valley Community College in North Branch. From April 23-28, four volunteers cared for some 80 children in that location. On April 29, a second wave of 14 caregivers left for another two weeks of service, with some continuing to work at the community college and others providing care at a shelter at Bound Brook Presbyterian Church.
Donations to support Children's Disaster Services and Brethren Disaster Ministries can be made payable to the Emergency Disaster Fund and mailed to 1451 Dundee Avenue, Elgin, IL 60120. For more information, go to www.brethren.org/genbd/ersm/DisasterResponse.htm.
Source: 5/09/2007 Newsline
Children's Disaster Services (formerly Disaster Child Care) is sending a team of volunteers to respond to needs of young children affected by the tornado in Greensburg, Kan. The storm demolished 95 percent of the town on the evening of May 4. The seven volunteers are scheduled to arrive on May 10. Roy Winter, director of Brethren Disaster Ministries (formerly Emergency Response), also will make a visit to the area to assess needs and offer support.
This is the first storm to be classified a category F-5, the highest on a scale of intensity, since 1999, according to a report from Children’s Disaster Services. The tornado completely wiped structures off of their foundations, leaving an unrecognizable pile of rubble. It claimed nine lives and was part of an outbreak of tornados that plowed through the state and caused at least two other deaths.
Brethren who wish to help with the response are invited to contribute to the General Board’s Emergency Disaster Fund, and not to send unsolicited material donations. "There simply is no place to store unsolicited donated goods," said Jane Yount of the Brethren Disaster Ministries staff. "The most effective way to respond is to give a financial contribution to programs that are providing necessary goods and services. This ensures that the survivors will receive what they actually need."
"As always, please keep the survivors and their families lifted up in prayer," Yount said.
Children’s Disaster Services also is responding to needs in New Jersey following flooding in mid-April. The American Red Cross requested Children’s Disaster Services for a shelter at Raritan Valley Community College in North Branch. From April 23-28, four volunteers cared for some 80 children in that location. On April 29, a second wave of 14 caregivers left for another two weeks of service, with some continuing to work at the community college and others providing care at a shelter at Bound Brook Presbyterian Church.
Donations to support Children's Disaster Services and Brethren Disaster Ministries can be made payable to the Emergency Disaster Fund and mailed to 1451 Dundee Avenue, Elgin, IL 60120. For more information, go to www.brethren.org/genbd/ersm/DisasterResponse.htm.
Source: 5/09/2007 Newsline
Nine denominations meet to discuss evangelism.
Evangelism Connections met in Nashville, Tenn., on March 26-27 to discuss how different denominations can work ecumenically on evangelism, share resources, inform each other about what they are doing, and to dream about joint future projects.
Jeff Glass, a member of the General Board’s Congregational Life Teams staff, represented the Church of the Brethren. Other participants came from a variety of denominations including African Methodist Episcopal Zion, American Baptists, Disciples of Christ, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Reformed Church in America, United Church of Christ, United Church of Canada, and United Methodist Church.
Currently, the group supports a website found at www.evangelismconnections.org. The site offers an Evangelism Toolkit, articles, links to each denomination’s evangelism resources, and other resources.
The Evangelism Connections group is planning an evangelism conference for 2008 to focus on questions related to facilitating change in congregations made up mostly of elderly members, and how to help those congregations appeal to other generations. More information about the conference will be available following the group’s September planning meeting.
Also, the group is planning to produce a book in 2008 that will focus on motivations for congregations to do evangelism, changes that need to occur within congregations, and evangelism ministry connections or bridges between congregations and their communities. Each denomination will have a chapter in the book to highlight ways that they do evangelism well.
Glass will be hosting the next Evangelism Connections meeting in San Diego in September. For more information contact him at 888-826-4951.
Source: 5/09/2007 Newsline
Evangelism Connections met in Nashville, Tenn., on March 26-27 to discuss how different denominations can work ecumenically on evangelism, share resources, inform each other about what they are doing, and to dream about joint future projects.
Jeff Glass, a member of the General Board’s Congregational Life Teams staff, represented the Church of the Brethren. Other participants came from a variety of denominations including African Methodist Episcopal Zion, American Baptists, Disciples of Christ, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Reformed Church in America, United Church of Christ, United Church of Canada, and United Methodist Church.
Currently, the group supports a website found at www.evangelismconnections.org. The site offers an Evangelism Toolkit, articles, links to each denomination’s evangelism resources, and other resources.
The Evangelism Connections group is planning an evangelism conference for 2008 to focus on questions related to facilitating change in congregations made up mostly of elderly members, and how to help those congregations appeal to other generations. More information about the conference will be available following the group’s September planning meeting.
Also, the group is planning to produce a book in 2008 that will focus on motivations for congregations to do evangelism, changes that need to occur within congregations, and evangelism ministry connections or bridges between congregations and their communities. Each denomination will have a chapter in the book to highlight ways that they do evangelism well.
Glass will be hosting the next Evangelism Connections meeting in San Diego in September. For more information contact him at 888-826-4951.
Source: 5/09/2007 Newsline
Church of the Brethren in Nigeria holds 60th Majalisa.
Under a canvas canopy in the partially constructed EYN Conference Center, in temperatures in excess of 110 degrees fahrenheit, with church business conducted in the Hausa language, Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria (EYN--the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria) held its 60th Majalisa or annual conference. The event took place March 27-30.
Along with the usual reports from programs and committees, the highlight of the conference was the election of church officers. Up for election this year were the offices of president, general secretary, administrative secretary, director of finance, director of education, and director of the Integrated Community Based Development Program (ICBDP). Other than the office of the president, the other offices are applied for and then selected by the National Executive Committee and approved by the Majalisa.
The conference gathered expecting the office of the vice-president to be up for election, but a clause in the by-laws of the constitution states that a person assuming a vacated office has a right to a full four-year term. The current term of vice-president Abraham Wuta Tizhe, who filled the vacated office of Toma Ragnjiya, expires in November 2007.
Filibus Gwama enters his second term as president of EYN. Jinatu Libira will come in as general secretary. The other offices remain the same except for the office of the director of education, with the Majalisa approving Patrick Bugu as its director.
Church of the Brethren mission staff Paul Liepelt, Brandy Fix, Amy Waldron, and David Whitten served as the electoral committee, along with the EYN legal advisors, barristers Sunama and Silas, and the EYN spiritual advisor Blama Hena.
--David A. Whitten is the Church of the Brethren mission coordinator for Nigeria.
Source: 5/09/2007 Newsline
Under a canvas canopy in the partially constructed EYN Conference Center, in temperatures in excess of 110 degrees fahrenheit, with church business conducted in the Hausa language, Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria (EYN--the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria) held its 60th Majalisa or annual conference. The event took place March 27-30.
Along with the usual reports from programs and committees, the highlight of the conference was the election of church officers. Up for election this year were the offices of president, general secretary, administrative secretary, director of finance, director of education, and director of the Integrated Community Based Development Program (ICBDP). Other than the office of the president, the other offices are applied for and then selected by the National Executive Committee and approved by the Majalisa.
The conference gathered expecting the office of the vice-president to be up for election, but a clause in the by-laws of the constitution states that a person assuming a vacated office has a right to a full four-year term. The current term of vice-president Abraham Wuta Tizhe, who filled the vacated office of Toma Ragnjiya, expires in November 2007.
Filibus Gwama enters his second term as president of EYN. Jinatu Libira will come in as general secretary. The other offices remain the same except for the office of the director of education, with the Majalisa approving Patrick Bugu as its director.
Church of the Brethren mission staff Paul Liepelt, Brandy Fix, Amy Waldron, and David Whitten served as the electoral committee, along with the EYN legal advisors, barristers Sunama and Silas, and the EYN spiritual advisor Blama Hena.
--David A. Whitten is the Church of the Brethren mission coordinator for Nigeria.
Source: 5/09/2007 Newsline
Brethren bits: Remembrance, personnel, job openings, and more.
- Herbert Dale Zeiler Sr. passed away at his home in Loveland, Colo., on April 18. He served as executive minister for Southern Plains District in 1987-88, where he also managed the district’s Camp Spring Lake. An ordained minister for more than 50 years, he served pastorates in Missouri, Iowa, Oklahoma, and Colorado, and was a charter member of Northern Colorado Church of the Brethren in Windsor, Colo. Zeiler was born in Osceola, Mo., where he grew up and graduated from high school. He married his high school sweetheart, Helen Eunice Simmons, in 1950. The couple then moved to Kansas where Zeiler graduated from McPherson (Kan.) College. He later attended Bethany Theological Seminary in Chicago, and was ordained by Middle Missouri District. His career spanned several professions in addition to ministry, including mechanics, maintenance, technical work, and counseling. He retired from Hewlett-Packard in 1986. He is survived by his wife, Helen Eunice; their children, Dale Zeiler and Kathy Brungardt; three grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by daughter Cheryl K. Watson. Memorial services were held at the Northern Colorado church on April 28, and at Osceola (Mo.) Church of the Brethren on May 5. Memorial gifts may be made to Northern Colorado Church of the Brethren.
- The Church of the Brethren General Board has welcomed new staff members Aaron and Becky Johnston, a husband and wife team from Salisbury, Md., who are serving with Global Mission Partnerships through Brethren Volunteer Service. They began an assignment as human rights observers at Union Victoria CPR, Guatemala, on April 1.
- Rebekah Houff, a 2006 graduate of Bridgewater (Va.) College and member of Palmyra (Pa.) Church of the Brethren, has been called as coordinator of the 2008 National Young Adult Conference. She will begin this Brethren Volunteer Service position on May 21, and continue through August 2008. The conference will take place Aug. 11-15, 2008, at the YMCA of the Rockies in Estes Park, Colo., and is open to all young adults ages 18-35.
- The Church of the Brethren General Board is seeking an associate director of Children’s Disaster Services (formerly Disaster Child Care). This newly created, fulltime salaried position provides oversight and administration of Children's Disaster Services for the Church of the Brethren General Board. Located in New Windsor, Md., this individual will be responsible for ensuring program growth, while expanding Church of the Brethren, ecumenical, and secular relationships that enhance responding to children affected by disaster. This position works closely with the director of Brethren Disaster Ministries on program development, volunteer deployment, and training. Required experience includes disaster response; making effective presentations or adult education; management of staff or volunteers; working directly with at-risk children (i.e. teaching, counseling, providing programs). A related undergraduate degree is required, advanced degree preferred. Some travel is required. Application deadline is July 15. Candidates should send a cover letter and resume to: Office of Human Resources, Brethren Service Center, 500 Main St., P.O. Box 188, New Windsor, MD 21776; fax 410-635-8789; jmcgrath_gb@brethren.org.
- The Church of the Brethren General Board is seeking a teacher of Bible and theology for Kulp Bible College in Nigeria, as a part of the denominational mission effort led by Global Mission Partnerships. Candidates should bring a seminary degree and the ability to articulate Brethren beliefs and practices. This is a salaried position for a two-year term, open to renewal. An August start date is preferred. The deadline for applications is June 15. Further information is at www.brethren.org/genbd/GeneralSecretary/Elgin.htm#ToB or call Karin Krog at 800-323-8039 ext. 258.
- Annual Conference this year will include two new options for worship and music, responding to calls for more worship opportunities and for more ethnic diversity. On Sunday and Monday nights, July 1 and 2, from 9-10:30 p.m., there will be Extended Worship and Music in the main auditorium. On July 1 the host will be Gilbert Romero, pastor of Bella Vista Church of the Brethren in Los Angeles, and the focus will be Mexican, Puerto Rican, Dominican, and contemporary Christian music, utilizing the services of the "Bittersweet Gospel Band." On July 2 the host will be Thomas Dowdy, pastor of Imperial Heights Church of the Brethren in Los Angeles, and the focus will be on African-American music, utilizing the services of "Best Friends," as well as African and Haitian music. "There is a hope to stretch the offerings even broader, but it depends on who attends Conference," reported coordinator Scott Duffey. "Everyone is welcome to gather and praise God together!" Church musicians who will be attending and who can contribute to this musical diversity are asked to be in touch with Duffey at scottduffey@westminstercob.org or 410-848-8090.
- The 27th annual Mid-Atlantic Disaster Response Auction sponsored by Mid-Atlantic District was held at the Carroll County (Md.) Agricultural Center and Arena on April 28, a cooperative venture joining more than 60 Church of the Brethren congregations from five states and Washington, D.C., according to a report in the Frederick (Md.) "News Post." Three separate auctions featured antiques, handmade quilts, collectibles, and many more items, with more than 1,000 items up for bid. The proceeds support disaster relief work of the church. Last year, the district raised some $73,000, and has raised more than $1 million over the past 26 years. It is one of three major fundraisers for the denomination’s Emergency Disaster Fund.
- Mid-Atlantic District is holding a men's retreat on the theme, "Sharing the Living Water," from John 4:5-14. The event will take place June 15-16 at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md. Organizers hope that it will offer an opportunity for men "to come together and honestly get to know one another without the facades that we have built up," and will be a place to get in touch with God, refresh spirits, and pave the way for future men’s events in the district. Guest speaker is Bill Caputo, the district disaster coordinator. The schedule also includes worship, small groups, guided meditation, and free time. Closing worship will include a service of anointing. The retreat is sponsored by the Spirituality and Congregational Life Team of the district. Cost is $70 per person including overnight stay, or $47 for commuters. For further information, contact Andrew Sampson at 410-284-7081 or dundalkcob@hotmail.com.
- The McPherson (Kan.) College campus responded to the tragic shootings at Virginia Tech by holding a special chapel service and by sending a letter of condolence from the campus community signed by college president Ron Hovis, and Tom Hurst, director of campus ministries. The college also sent a scroll with comments by dozens of McPherson students. A thorough review of campus safety issues was undertaken as well, and encouragement was given for the rapid completion of a Campus-Wide Crisis Plan that is currently underway, Hurst reported.
- Manchester College’s 53-member A Cappella Choir will sing in Martinsburg, Pa., en route to an encore performance in Carnegie Hall. On May 22 the choir will perform at Memorial Church of the Brethren in Martinsburg. The choir will then perform at Carnegie Hall on May 23. The performance will be directed Debra Lynn, director of choral music at the college. The program will include two compositions of Manchester College faculty: "Prayer for Peace" by Debora DeWitt, chair of the music department, and "Earth and All Stars" by Lynn.
- McDonalds USA and the Coalition of Immokalee Workers (CIW), an organization of agricultural workers, has come to an agreement similar to one made two years ago with Yum Brands, owners of Taco Bell. Both agreements call for an increase of pay of one penny per pound of picked tomatoes. The Yum Brands-CIW agreement was the first of its kind between a retail food company and a group representing the men and women who pick the food sold in retail restaurants, according to the National Council of Churches. Representatives of the Immokalee workers visited a meeting of the Church of the Brethren General Board in Oct. last year, where they received the blessing of a laying on of hands. The representatives were visiting faith organizations and other groups in the Chicago area to call attention to the wages paid by McDonald's to farmworkers for its vegetables.
- SERRV/A Greater Gift will hold its Annual International Fair Trade Festival on Saturday, May 19, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md. A Greater Gift organizes the event as part of World Fair Trade Day to show how buying fair trade foods and crafts contributes to peace building and justice. Entertainment will include Amerabic Magic, a Middle Eastern dance group; the Rock Candy Cloggers performing Appalachian clogging; Westminster Drum and Dance; and Nada Brahma world music, among others. For the children, storytellers will be in the children’s area, along with alpacas, and face painting, and a kite presentation will take place at New Windsor Middle School. Contact Missy Marlin, festival coordinator, at 410-635-8711.
- The New Community Project, a Brethren-related nonprofit organization, reports recent program developments: A Partner Community program is linking US congregations with communities in a half dozen countries, for increasing understanding, mutual sharing, and seeking solidarity. A young adult resource has been created to invite this age group to "get organized" around issues of poverty, care for creation, and standing by the marginalized (go to http://newcommunityproject.org/ya.shtml). "Anna and the General," the story of Anna Mow's encounter with General Lewis Hershey, is one of several new dramatic readings offered at http://newcommunityproject.org/creativearts.shtml. A Nepal Learning Tour has been set for Jan. 2008, to focus on women's issues along with poverty, Hindu culture, civil conflict, and the ecological wonders and challenges of this Himalayan country. Director David Radcliff recently represented the organization at the launching of the Religious Environmental Leaders Group, an interreligious association working at collaboration and mutual support related to care for creation. The gathering was held in Manhasset, N.Y.
- Roy D. Unruh, of South Waterloo (Iowa) Church of the Brethren and a former member of the Church of the Brethren General Board, has been named by the Awards Committee of the Bethel College Alumni Association as winner of the 2007 Distinguished Achievement Award. He is a 1957 graduate, and has served as a science and mathematics educator at the secondary and university levels. He taught science and mathematics at Pretty Prairie and McPherson (Kan.) High Schools from 1957-67. While at the University of Northern Iowa, 1967-2001, he taught physics and was involved in science education. Over the years he was awarded more than 20 grants from the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the US Department of Education for improving science instruction at the elementary and secondary school levels. Unruh will receive the Bethel award on May 19 at an annual alumni banquet. Bethel College is affiliated with Mennonite Church USA.
On Earth Peace reassigns co-director responsibilities.
On Earth Peace has announced a staff change related to the responsibilities of co-directors Barb Sayler and Bob Gross. The agency’s Executive Committee approved a request from Sayler for reassignment of job responsibilities, dropping her role as co-director and reducing her work to half-time. She will continue as coordinator of Communications. Gross will move from a shared co-director’s role to that of a solo director. This change was effective May 1.
"On Earth Peace is blessed by the many talents that Barb Sayler brings to this peacemaking ministry," said board chair Bev Weaver. "We appreciate Barb’s desire to balance her various roles including being a mother as she makes this adjustment from fulltime to part-time."
Sayler has moved with her family to the Bay area in northern California, where her husband, Mark, has accepted the call to be CEO of Seva in Berkeley. She can be reached at her home office: 5192 Carriage Dr., El Sobrante, CA 94803; 510-275-9960; bsayler_oepa@brethren.org.
Source: 5/09/2007 Newsline
On Earth Peace has announced a staff change related to the responsibilities of co-directors Barb Sayler and Bob Gross. The agency’s Executive Committee approved a request from Sayler for reassignment of job responsibilities, dropping her role as co-director and reducing her work to half-time. She will continue as coordinator of Communications. Gross will move from a shared co-director’s role to that of a solo director. This change was effective May 1.
"On Earth Peace is blessed by the many talents that Barb Sayler brings to this peacemaking ministry," said board chair Bev Weaver. "We appreciate Barb’s desire to balance her various roles including being a mother as she makes this adjustment from fulltime to part-time."
Sayler has moved with her family to the Bay area in northern California, where her husband, Mark, has accepted the call to be CEO of Seva in Berkeley. She can be reached at her home office: 5192 Carriage Dr., El Sobrante, CA 94803; 510-275-9960; bsayler_oepa@brethren.org.
Source: 5/09/2007 Newsline
Cindy Bravos to serve as BBT congregational contact coordinator.
Brethren Benefit Trust (BBT) has hired Cindy Bravos of St. Charles, Ill., to serve as Congregational Contact Network coordinator beginning May 14. She will work to foster stronger relationships among BBT and the denomination’s congregations, will assist in development and maintenance of BBT’s denominational database, and as a Communications Team member, also will help shape and create BBT’s interpretive resources.
She joins BBT with extensive marketing and promotion experience. She is owner of Bravo! Media, a digital studio that specializes in commercial voiceover and narrative services. Bravos served as narrator of "Without Fear or Hesitation," a Brethren heritage CD-ROM produced in 2001. She also is host of "Community Connection," a 30-minute bimonthly program aired on Comcast cable television networks throughout northern Illinois, and for 11 years served as media director for the St. Charles Chamber of Commerce.
Bravos has a broadcast journalism degree from Northern Illinois University. She and her family are members of Saint Sophia Greek Orthodox Church in Elgin, Ill.
Source: 5/09/2007 Newsline
Brethren Benefit Trust (BBT) has hired Cindy Bravos of St. Charles, Ill., to serve as Congregational Contact Network coordinator beginning May 14. She will work to foster stronger relationships among BBT and the denomination’s congregations, will assist in development and maintenance of BBT’s denominational database, and as a Communications Team member, also will help shape and create BBT’s interpretive resources.
She joins BBT with extensive marketing and promotion experience. She is owner of Bravo! Media, a digital studio that specializes in commercial voiceover and narrative services. Bravos served as narrator of "Without Fear or Hesitation," a Brethren heritage CD-ROM produced in 2001. She also is host of "Community Connection," a 30-minute bimonthly program aired on Comcast cable television networks throughout northern Illinois, and for 11 years served as media director for the St. Charles Chamber of Commerce.
Bravos has a broadcast journalism degree from Northern Illinois University. She and her family are members of Saint Sophia Greek Orthodox Church in Elgin, Ill.
Source: 5/09/2007 Newsline
Churches encouraged to respond to ‘Mother's Day Call to Action.’
The Association of Brethren Caregivers (ABC) is encouraging Church of the Brethren congregations and members to support a "Mother’s Day Call to Action" of the Children’s Defense Fund by contacting their congressional representatives the week of May 6-12 and asking them to reauthorize the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP).
In 1997, Congress created SCHIP to provide insurance for children whose parents work but cannot afford health insurance of their own. SCHIP comes before Congress again this year to be reauthorized to continue. The Children’s Defense Fund is initiating this call to action to encourage elected officials to provide comprehensive health and mental health coverage to every child in America.
"Children are dying in America because they lack health coverage and adequate access to doctors and dentists," states a bulletin insert from the Children’s Defense Fund. The insert includes the stories of three children who died in 2007 due to lack of adequate health care. The bulletin also notes that of the 9 million children without health insurance, 90 percent are living in working households, and the majority are in two-parent families. (Download the bulletin insert from the ABC website at www.brethren.org/abc/advocacy/kids%20family.html.)
In April, both ABC and the Church of the Brethren General Board signed up to support the All Healthy Children Act with the Children’s Defense Fund.
"Many families in the US today are struggling to provide their children with adequate health care," said Kim Ebersole, director of Family and Older Adult Ministry for ABC. "This Mother’s Day, when we traditionally honor our mothers, we have the opportunity to ‘do for the least of these’ (Matthew 25:40). Let us put our faith into action by contacting our senators and representatives and urging them to reauthorize SCHIP. The gift of healthy children, and healthy families, would be a present mothers (and fathers) would cherish."
Contact senators and representative by calling 888-226-0627, visiting www.childrensdefense.org/MothersDayCall, or e-mailing www.childrensdefense.org/MothersDayEmail. The Children’s Defense Fund 39-page "Toolkit for Faith Communities" is downloadable from www.childrensdefense.org/site/PageServer?pagename=healthy_child_takeaction#toolkit. Additional resources are at ABC’s website under its advocacy materials for "Cover the Uninsured."
Source: 5/09/2007 Newsline
The Association of Brethren Caregivers (ABC) is encouraging Church of the Brethren congregations and members to support a "Mother’s Day Call to Action" of the Children’s Defense Fund by contacting their congressional representatives the week of May 6-12 and asking them to reauthorize the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP).
In 1997, Congress created SCHIP to provide insurance for children whose parents work but cannot afford health insurance of their own. SCHIP comes before Congress again this year to be reauthorized to continue. The Children’s Defense Fund is initiating this call to action to encourage elected officials to provide comprehensive health and mental health coverage to every child in America.
"Children are dying in America because they lack health coverage and adequate access to doctors and dentists," states a bulletin insert from the Children’s Defense Fund. The insert includes the stories of three children who died in 2007 due to lack of adequate health care. The bulletin also notes that of the 9 million children without health insurance, 90 percent are living in working households, and the majority are in two-parent families. (Download the bulletin insert from the ABC website at www.brethren.org/abc/advocacy/kids%20family.html.)
In April, both ABC and the Church of the Brethren General Board signed up to support the All Healthy Children Act with the Children’s Defense Fund.
"Many families in the US today are struggling to provide their children with adequate health care," said Kim Ebersole, director of Family and Older Adult Ministry for ABC. "This Mother’s Day, when we traditionally honor our mothers, we have the opportunity to ‘do for the least of these’ (Matthew 25:40). Let us put our faith into action by contacting our senators and representatives and urging them to reauthorize SCHIP. The gift of healthy children, and healthy families, would be a present mothers (and fathers) would cherish."
Contact senators and representative by calling 888-226-0627, visiting www.childrensdefense.org/MothersDayCall, or e-mailing www.childrensdefense.org/MothersDayEmail. The Children’s Defense Fund 39-page "Toolkit for Faith Communities" is downloadable from www.childrensdefense.org/site/PageServer?pagename=healthy_child_takeaction#toolkit. Additional resources are at ABC’s website under its advocacy materials for "Cover the Uninsured."
Source: 5/09/2007 Newsline
Peacemakers work against depleted uranium weapons.
On Saturday, May 19, Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT) is sponsoring a conference at East Tennessee State University in Johnson City, Tenn., on issues related to the use of depleted uranium (DU) weapons. The conference titled, "DU--from Appalachia to Afghanistan to Iraq" is part of a CPT campaign including Church of the Brethren members, that has begun work to end the use of depleted uranium weapons.
Originally a violence-reduction initiative of the historic peace churches (Church of the Brethren, Mennonite, and Quaker), CPT now enjoys support and membership from a wide range of Christian denominations.
In two related events, CPT is sponsoring a "DU delegation" May 18-27 that will attend the conference and visit sites related to the production of depleted uranium weapons. A tent camp also will be set up from May 18-27, as a witness across the road from a DU weapons factory, the Aerojet Ordnance plant in Jonesborough, Tenn. CPT said the factory is "one of the primary manufacturers of depleted uranium penetrator cores for the 120 mm Abrams tank shells."
Those organizing the campaign include Cliff Kindy, a Church of the Brethren member and longtime CPT worker. He reported that as of May 4 the delegation numbered 16 people, and will be hosted by Jackson Park Church of the Brethren in Jonesborough.
The DU campaign expresses concern that depleted uranium is causing serious birth defects and cancer in civilian and military populations in the war zones of Iraq and Afghanistan, and is affecting families of military here in the US as well as plant workers and surrounding communities. Campaigners emphasize that the United Nations has condemned depleted uranium weapons, and the European Union has banned the use of depleted uranium munitions.
In September 2006, a small group from the "Stop DU Campaign" held a six-day swing through seven states including stops at Beaver Run Church of the Brethren near Burlington, W.Va., and the Jackson Park Church. In November, a 10-day CPT delegation held prayer vigils and meetings with community groups and churches in the areas of the Aerojet Ordnance plant, and the Alliant Tech plant in Rocket Center, W.Va.
The May 19 conference will take place from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. in Room 102 of Rogers Stout Hall at East Tennessee State University. Presenters are Doug Rokke, a Pentagon expert on depleted uranium; Cathy Garger, who has written about depleted uranium munitions; and Mohammad Daud Miraki, author of "Afghanistan After Democracy." Sales of Miraki's book support the medical care of DU victims in Afghanistan. Participants also will meet in small groups to grapple with next steps in the nonviolent campaign to stop the production of DU weapons.
CPT is encouraging attendance at the conference and in the delegation, in particular welcoming "the participation of military personnel, especially those who have been in Iraq and Afghanistan, to help delegates strategize next steps."
Cost for the conference is $7 to cover the expense of registration and lunch; mail to First Tennessee Progressives, Anthony Pittman, Secretary, 712 Wilson Ave., Johnson City, TN 37604. To join the delegation, go to cpt.org and check links to delegations and registrations. To participate in the tent camp, contact Pittman at apittman2002@yahoo.com. For more information about the campaign against depleted uranium weapons, visit www.stop-du.org or contact Cliff Kindy at kindy@cpt.org.
Source: 5/09/2007 Newsline
On Saturday, May 19, Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT) is sponsoring a conference at East Tennessee State University in Johnson City, Tenn., on issues related to the use of depleted uranium (DU) weapons. The conference titled, "DU--from Appalachia to Afghanistan to Iraq" is part of a CPT campaign including Church of the Brethren members, that has begun work to end the use of depleted uranium weapons.
Originally a violence-reduction initiative of the historic peace churches (Church of the Brethren, Mennonite, and Quaker), CPT now enjoys support and membership from a wide range of Christian denominations.
In two related events, CPT is sponsoring a "DU delegation" May 18-27 that will attend the conference and visit sites related to the production of depleted uranium weapons. A tent camp also will be set up from May 18-27, as a witness across the road from a DU weapons factory, the Aerojet Ordnance plant in Jonesborough, Tenn. CPT said the factory is "one of the primary manufacturers of depleted uranium penetrator cores for the 120 mm Abrams tank shells."
Those organizing the campaign include Cliff Kindy, a Church of the Brethren member and longtime CPT worker. He reported that as of May 4 the delegation numbered 16 people, and will be hosted by Jackson Park Church of the Brethren in Jonesborough.
The DU campaign expresses concern that depleted uranium is causing serious birth defects and cancer in civilian and military populations in the war zones of Iraq and Afghanistan, and is affecting families of military here in the US as well as plant workers and surrounding communities. Campaigners emphasize that the United Nations has condemned depleted uranium weapons, and the European Union has banned the use of depleted uranium munitions.
In September 2006, a small group from the "Stop DU Campaign" held a six-day swing through seven states including stops at Beaver Run Church of the Brethren near Burlington, W.Va., and the Jackson Park Church. In November, a 10-day CPT delegation held prayer vigils and meetings with community groups and churches in the areas of the Aerojet Ordnance plant, and the Alliant Tech plant in Rocket Center, W.Va.
The May 19 conference will take place from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. in Room 102 of Rogers Stout Hall at East Tennessee State University. Presenters are Doug Rokke, a Pentagon expert on depleted uranium; Cathy Garger, who has written about depleted uranium munitions; and Mohammad Daud Miraki, author of "Afghanistan After Democracy." Sales of Miraki's book support the medical care of DU victims in Afghanistan. Participants also will meet in small groups to grapple with next steps in the nonviolent campaign to stop the production of DU weapons.
CPT is encouraging attendance at the conference and in the delegation, in particular welcoming "the participation of military personnel, especially those who have been in Iraq and Afghanistan, to help delegates strategize next steps."
Cost for the conference is $7 to cover the expense of registration and lunch; mail to First Tennessee Progressives, Anthony Pittman, Secretary, 712 Wilson Ave., Johnson City, TN 37604. To join the delegation, go to cpt.org and check links to delegations and registrations. To participate in the tent camp, contact Pittman at apittman2002@yahoo.com. For more information about the campaign against depleted uranium weapons, visit www.stop-du.org or contact Cliff Kindy at kindy@cpt.org.
Source: 5/09/2007 Newsline
300th anniversary update: Youth receive training to tell the Brethren story.
How do you inject new life and energy into telling a 300-year-old-story? How do you put a forward-looking emphasis on the study of Brethren history and heritage? Why not invite youth to tell the story? That’s what the 300th Anniversary Committee decided to do, in partnership with the Youth and Young Adult Ministry office of the Church of the Brethren General Board.
Each district was asked to nominate two youth to come to the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill., for an intensive weekend of Youth Heritage Teams training. Twenty-one of the 23 districts accepted that invitation, and on April 13-15 that original vision of the anniversary organizers became reality.
"We thought, wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could have a group of youth steeped in Brethren history and able to go out and share their passion?" said anniversary committee member Rhonda Pittman Gingrich, addressing the 42 youth before leading get-acquainted activities. Chris Douglas, director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries, noted that the event was the fruit of two-and-a-half years of planning.
The energetic group that came together was a microcosm of the church, representing a great deal of diversity in geographic areas, gender, and ethnic backgrounds. They came together quickly, however, and a rich spirit filled the weekend. Highlights of the training included presentations on Brethren history and theology by author Jim Lehman and Bethany Theological Seminary faculty member Jeff Bach; music leadership by anniversary committee member Leslie Lake; workshops on drama, storytelling, music, and public presentation; and several periods of worship, including feetwashing.
Each youth also composed a one-minute speech that he or she delivered in front of a video camera. Small groups then reviewed the videos, offering ideas and suggestions to each other with abundant affirmation of each youth’s particular gifts.
Youth will be employing their learnings as they return to their respective districts. The two-person teams will do Brethren heritage presentations at congregations and other district events as they are invited in the coming year.
"We prepare now to send each of you out as new seeds," Lake told the group. "Tell the church of today who we were, who we are, and who we yet will be."
--Walt Wiltschek is editor of the Church of the Brethren’s "Messenger" magazine.
Source: 5/09/2007 Newsline
How do you inject new life and energy into telling a 300-year-old-story? How do you put a forward-looking emphasis on the study of Brethren history and heritage? Why not invite youth to tell the story? That’s what the 300th Anniversary Committee decided to do, in partnership with the Youth and Young Adult Ministry office of the Church of the Brethren General Board.
Each district was asked to nominate two youth to come to the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill., for an intensive weekend of Youth Heritage Teams training. Twenty-one of the 23 districts accepted that invitation, and on April 13-15 that original vision of the anniversary organizers became reality.
"We thought, wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could have a group of youth steeped in Brethren history and able to go out and share their passion?" said anniversary committee member Rhonda Pittman Gingrich, addressing the 42 youth before leading get-acquainted activities. Chris Douglas, director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries, noted that the event was the fruit of two-and-a-half years of planning.
The energetic group that came together was a microcosm of the church, representing a great deal of diversity in geographic areas, gender, and ethnic backgrounds. They came together quickly, however, and a rich spirit filled the weekend. Highlights of the training included presentations on Brethren history and theology by author Jim Lehman and Bethany Theological Seminary faculty member Jeff Bach; music leadership by anniversary committee member Leslie Lake; workshops on drama, storytelling, music, and public presentation; and several periods of worship, including feetwashing.
Each youth also composed a one-minute speech that he or she delivered in front of a video camera. Small groups then reviewed the videos, offering ideas and suggestions to each other with abundant affirmation of each youth’s particular gifts.
Youth will be employing their learnings as they return to their respective districts. The two-person teams will do Brethren heritage presentations at congregations and other district events as they are invited in the coming year.
"We prepare now to send each of you out as new seeds," Lake told the group. "Tell the church of today who we were, who we are, and who we yet will be."
--Walt Wiltschek is editor of the Church of the Brethren’s "Messenger" magazine.
Source: 5/09/2007 Newsline
Credits
Newsline is produced by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of news services for the Church of the Brethren General Board, cobnews@brethren.org or 800-323-8039 ext. 260. Chris Douglas, Lois Duble, Mary Dulabaum, Nevin Dulabaum, Jeff Glass, Tom Hurst, Karin Krog, Joan McGrath, Janis Pyle, Barb Sayler, 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, cobnews@brethren.org or 800-323-8039 ext. 260. Chris Douglas, Lois Duble, Mary Dulabaum, Nevin Dulabaum, Jeff Glass, Tom Hurst, Karin Krog, Joan McGrath, Janis Pyle, Barb Sayler, and Jane Yount contributed to this report.
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