Determined action keeps Japanese volunteer in US.
On Super Bowl Sunday morning Dan McFadden, director of Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS), got a call from immigration at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport. Shoko Murakami, the BVS volunteer featured on the cover of the January/February issue of the Church of the Brethren magazine "Messenger," was being refused re-entry following a two-week visit home to Japan. She would be deported by the next available flight.
Immigration claimed that Murakami's $70 monthly stipend was income not allowed by her visa, although it was the type of visa that other BVS volunteers use every year. McFadden called Brethren House in Washington, D.C., where Murakami lived with ten other volunteers, to let them know she would not be arriving. Amy Adkins, Sarah Farahat, and others would not take no for an answer, and began making phone calls. They called Phil Jones, Brethren Witness/Washington Office director, who called Stan Noffsinger, Church of the Brethren general secretary, who called Bob Edgar, general secretary of the National Council of Churches.
Jones called David Price, congressman from North Carolina; Edgar contacted Rush Holt, congressman from New Jersey; and phone calls were made to the immigration office. Farahat also found numbers for the Japanese embassy and the Department of Homeland Security in Texas. Farahat got through to Murakami, and learned she was being held in a small cell without pencils or paper, and was not allowed to make calls.
That night, Murakami's case was re-examined and she was given a temporary two-week stay, during which Annual Conference moderator-elect Jim Hardenbrook and his congressman from Idaho, Butch Otter, got involved as well. By 2 a.m., an exhausted Murakami arrived at Reagan Airport to be greeted by Jones and BVS friends.
As Murakami went to her next meeting with immigration, McFadden hoped she would be allowed to stay five months to finish her BVS term. At the meeting Murakami learned that the immigration officer had visited the BVS website, and was impressed. While he didn't mention the phone calls, he acknowledged that immigration had acted in error. Instead of giving her the five months, he gave her a full year.
Expressing thanks to all who intervened on Murakami's behalf, McFadden said, "I was humbled by the strength of our volunteers and by the quick action of church leaders and political representatives. I was humbled by their support of Shoko, of BVS, of the work of the church."
It took Murakami about a month to settle back in to the US, she said. "Now I see this experience as positive," she said. "It could have happened to anybody. I was a fortunate one even if I were deported. I had a place to return to in my home country. Some people don't."
Murakami learned about BVS through the World Friendship Center (WFC) in Hiroshima, to which BVS has provided volunteer hosts for decades. She first traveled to the US in 1997 with hibakusha, survivors of the Hiroshima atomic bomb. "I joined BVS to be part of my predecessors' dream of peace," said Murakami, who is working at the Center for Economic Justice. "I am so grateful that I can complete my volunteer service. I realize that it is the time we need to keep building the bridges of international understanding and friendship, so we don't repeat the mistake again that we learned from history."
Source: Newsline 4/16/2004 top
Friday, April 16, 2004
Credits
Newsline is produced by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of news services for the Church of the Brethren General Board, on the first, third, and fifth Friday of each month, with other editions as needed. Newsline stories may be reprinted provided that Newsline is cited as the source. Walt Wiltschek, Mary Dulabaum, Jeri S. Kornegay, Marcia Shelter, and Fred Swartz contributed to this report.
Newsline is a free service sent only to those requesting a subscription. To receive it by e-mail, or to unsubscribe, write cobnews@aol.com or call 800-323-8039, ext. 260. Newsline is available at www.brethren.org and is archived with an index at www.wfn.org. Also see Photo Journal at www.brethren.org/pjournal/index.htm for photo coverage of events.
Newsline is produced by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of news services for the Church of the Brethren General Board, on the first, third, and fifth Friday of each month, with other editions as needed. Newsline stories may be reprinted provided that Newsline is cited as the source. Walt Wiltschek, Mary Dulabaum, Jeri S. Kornegay, Marcia Shelter, and Fred Swartz contributed to this report.
Newsline is a free service sent only to those requesting a subscription. To receive it by e-mail, or to unsubscribe, write cobnews@aol.com or call 800-323-8039, ext. 260. Newsline is available at www.brethren.org and is archived with an index at www.wfn.org. Also see Photo Journal at www.brethren.org/pjournal/index.htm for photo coverage of events.
Friday, April 02, 2004
NEWS
COMING EVENTS
- Mission worker develops first-of-a-kind university course on disabilities in Vietnam.
- "Widening the Circle" gathering deepens spiritual roots for living in a diverse world.
- Christian Citizenship Seminar focuses on tension between Israel and Palestine.
- ABC Board reviews strategic plan, discusses realities of providing quality ministry.
- Forum considers relationship of Brethren retirement centers to the districts.
- More than 500 attend 13th Dominican Conferencia.
- Brethren bits: Church of the Brethren Credit Union, Brethren Press, and more.
COMING EVENTS
- Song and Story Fest will examine conflict and conscience near Antietam battlefield.
- Church of the Brethren takes lead in planning Africa conference for peace churches.
Mission worker develops first-of-a-kind university course on disabilities in Vietnam.
When mission worker Grace Mishler, Goshen, Ind., a social worker by training, developed a course in the social work department at National Vietnam University in Ho Chi Minh City, she expected it to be a quiet ministry of presence. But she began opening doors in a far-reaching way for those with disabilities to take a greater role in Vietnamese society.
Mishler began teaching English to social work staff at the university in 2000. Soon her knowledge about working with the disabled and the fact that many persons in Vietnam are disabled from the war, most often from land mines, sharpened her focus. She was invited to develop a course, "Social Awareness of People with Disabilities."
In late February, General Board Global Mission Partnerships staff Merv Keeney and Janis Pyle visited Mishler and saw the ripple effects of a placement jointly sponsored by the General Board and Eastern Mennonite Missions. Mishler's course "is the first time [this has been] done in Vietnam," said the dean of social work at the university, Tran Thi Kim Xuyen. "More than 500 third-year students have had the opportunity to practice their social work skills through working directly with people with disabilities. Besides, the course enhances public awareness of people with disabilities and their needs." Through the course, students gain first-hand experience in what it is actually like to have one of four impairments: hearing, sight, mobility, and intellectual disabilities.
"Grace's ministry empowers those with physical challenges, which has a healing impact on society," Keeney said. "Disabled herself, Grace has been surprisingly successful both interpersonally, by forming networks and encouraging local efforts, and professionally, by developing a comprehensive social work curriculum. Perhaps, in a small way, this project also promotes healing between our nations and peoples."
Source: Newsline 4/02/2004 top
When mission worker Grace Mishler, Goshen, Ind., a social worker by training, developed a course in the social work department at National Vietnam University in Ho Chi Minh City, she expected it to be a quiet ministry of presence. But she began opening doors in a far-reaching way for those with disabilities to take a greater role in Vietnamese society.
Mishler began teaching English to social work staff at the university in 2000. Soon her knowledge about working with the disabled and the fact that many persons in Vietnam are disabled from the war, most often from land mines, sharpened her focus. She was invited to develop a course, "Social Awareness of People with Disabilities."
In late February, General Board Global Mission Partnerships staff Merv Keeney and Janis Pyle visited Mishler and saw the ripple effects of a placement jointly sponsored by the General Board and Eastern Mennonite Missions. Mishler's course "is the first time [this has been] done in Vietnam," said the dean of social work at the university, Tran Thi Kim Xuyen. "More than 500 third-year students have had the opportunity to practice their social work skills through working directly with people with disabilities. Besides, the course enhances public awareness of people with disabilities and their needs." Through the course, students gain first-hand experience in what it is actually like to have one of four impairments: hearing, sight, mobility, and intellectual disabilities.
"Grace's ministry empowers those with physical challenges, which has a healing impact on society," Keeney said. "Disabled herself, Grace has been surprisingly successful both interpersonally, by forming networks and encouraging local efforts, and professionally, by developing a comprehensive social work curriculum. Perhaps, in a small way, this project also promotes healing between our nations and peoples."
Source: Newsline 4/02/2004 top
"Widening the Circle" gathering deepens spiritual roots for living in a diverse world.
"When we talk about diversity, we're not talking about some utopian goal but a reality that is already among us. Many of us don't yet navigate the crossing of boundaries very well! This difficult journey is the heart of following Jesus." With these words, Bible study leader Ched Myers captured the essence of "Widening the Circle: Peacemaking in the Midst of Diversity," which took place March 11-14 in La Verne, Calif.
Over 120 Brethren and friends from various faith traditions, including students from eight universities and seminaries, attended the third annual Organizing for Peace gathering. The event, co-sponsored by the University of La Verne (ULV), the La Verne Church of the Brethren, and On Earth Peace, a peace education organization in the Church of the Brethren, was intended to deepen the spiritual roots of faith-based peacemakers working in a world diverse in race, class, and religion.
Speakers included Lourdes Arguelles, professor of education at Claremont (Calif.) Graduate University; Daniel Loera, director of Multicultural Affairs at ULV; and Muslim imam Ali Siddiqui. James Lawson, an associate of Martin Luther King, Jr., spoke about the connection between peace and justice, asserting that peace churches have failed to grapple with the deep spiritual evil of the $800 billion war industry and have failed to engage the politics of Jesus and the Kingdom of God. Sunday morning worship featured Claremont School of Theology professor Elizabeth Conde-Frazier on the transforming power of Jesus to create shalom.
Jubilee Troupe, an Anabaptist-based interactive arts ensemble, made its debut at the conference. The troupe contributed sacred drama and dance, often poignantly reflecting the feelings and dreams expressed by conference participants. "This was a peaceful, spiritual, and blessed event," said participant Amy Adkins, of the Brethren Witness/Washington Office.
Source: Newsline 4/02/2004 top
"When we talk about diversity, we're not talking about some utopian goal but a reality that is already among us. Many of us don't yet navigate the crossing of boundaries very well! This difficult journey is the heart of following Jesus." With these words, Bible study leader Ched Myers captured the essence of "Widening the Circle: Peacemaking in the Midst of Diversity," which took place March 11-14 in La Verne, Calif.
Over 120 Brethren and friends from various faith traditions, including students from eight universities and seminaries, attended the third annual Organizing for Peace gathering. The event, co-sponsored by the University of La Verne (ULV), the La Verne Church of the Brethren, and On Earth Peace, a peace education organization in the Church of the Brethren, was intended to deepen the spiritual roots of faith-based peacemakers working in a world diverse in race, class, and religion.
Speakers included Lourdes Arguelles, professor of education at Claremont (Calif.) Graduate University; Daniel Loera, director of Multicultural Affairs at ULV; and Muslim imam Ali Siddiqui. James Lawson, an associate of Martin Luther King, Jr., spoke about the connection between peace and justice, asserting that peace churches have failed to grapple with the deep spiritual evil of the $800 billion war industry and have failed to engage the politics of Jesus and the Kingdom of God. Sunday morning worship featured Claremont School of Theology professor Elizabeth Conde-Frazier on the transforming power of Jesus to create shalom.
Jubilee Troupe, an Anabaptist-based interactive arts ensemble, made its debut at the conference. The troupe contributed sacred drama and dance, often poignantly reflecting the feelings and dreams expressed by conference participants. "This was a peaceful, spiritual, and blessed event," said participant Amy Adkins, of the Brethren Witness/Washington Office.
Source: Newsline 4/02/2004 top
Christian Citizenship Seminar focuses on tension between Israel and Palestine.
Tensions between Israel and Palestine formed the central focus as nearly 100 youth and advisors met for this year's Christian Citizenship Seminar March 20-25 in New York and Washington, D.C.
Participants came from California, the Midwest, and several East Coast states for the event, sponsored by the General Board's Youth/Young Adult Ministries office and the Brethren Witness/Washington Office. The seminar examines a different theme of current global or domestic significance each year. News of the assassination of a Hamas leader in Israel came during the week this year, adding a note of immediate relevance to the conversations. Most speakers approached the issue from the Palestinian perspective, recounting the difficulties and oppression this group has suffered in a struggle over land that has significance to several major religions.
Rick Polhamus, a Brethren member of Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT) who has spent several extended stays in the West Bank, shared about CPT's work, his own experiences of being tear-gassed and breaking up situations of conflict, and the need to find the people behind the stories. "It's when we get back to being human that we can transform things," he said. Catholic aid worker Joseph Donnelly, a drama/music team from New York, and Brian Avery of International Solidarity Movement also described their experiences working among the Palestinian people, sometimes with strong emotion. Much attention was given to the "separation barrier" being built as a security measure and boundary through the disputed territory; simulated security "checkpoints" even greeted participants as they came to one session.
Other speakers included National Council of Churches general secretary Bob Edgar, who talked about the political process in general as well as the NCC's work on the Israel-Palestine issue including his own recent trip to the region. He described the situation as one of rage on one side and fear on the other. Jim Wetekan, media director for Churches for Middle East Peace, framed the discussion in terms of political advocacy; Washington-area Rabbi Bruce Aft helped to express some of the Jewish/Israeli perspective in the situation; and Imam J. Abdul-Malik gave an outline of Islamic beliefs and practice.
"I found (the seminar) as a whole really valuable, because it allows us to discuss world events and the Middle East," participant Nick Kauffman of Goshen, Ind., said. "We never discuss things like this at school. This gives us a chance to all get together and talk about it."
The week also featured worship in New York churches, a tour of the United Nations, small-group discussions, a political comedy performance by Dave Lippman, visits with congressional representatives, and free time for exploring the two cities.
Source: Newsline 4/02/2004 top
Tensions between Israel and Palestine formed the central focus as nearly 100 youth and advisors met for this year's Christian Citizenship Seminar March 20-25 in New York and Washington, D.C.
Participants came from California, the Midwest, and several East Coast states for the event, sponsored by the General Board's Youth/Young Adult Ministries office and the Brethren Witness/Washington Office. The seminar examines a different theme of current global or domestic significance each year. News of the assassination of a Hamas leader in Israel came during the week this year, adding a note of immediate relevance to the conversations. Most speakers approached the issue from the Palestinian perspective, recounting the difficulties and oppression this group has suffered in a struggle over land that has significance to several major religions.
Rick Polhamus, a Brethren member of Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT) who has spent several extended stays in the West Bank, shared about CPT's work, his own experiences of being tear-gassed and breaking up situations of conflict, and the need to find the people behind the stories. "It's when we get back to being human that we can transform things," he said. Catholic aid worker Joseph Donnelly, a drama/music team from New York, and Brian Avery of International Solidarity Movement also described their experiences working among the Palestinian people, sometimes with strong emotion. Much attention was given to the "separation barrier" being built as a security measure and boundary through the disputed territory; simulated security "checkpoints" even greeted participants as they came to one session.
Other speakers included National Council of Churches general secretary Bob Edgar, who talked about the political process in general as well as the NCC's work on the Israel-Palestine issue including his own recent trip to the region. He described the situation as one of rage on one side and fear on the other. Jim Wetekan, media director for Churches for Middle East Peace, framed the discussion in terms of political advocacy; Washington-area Rabbi Bruce Aft helped to express some of the Jewish/Israeli perspective in the situation; and Imam J. Abdul-Malik gave an outline of Islamic beliefs and practice.
"I found (the seminar) as a whole really valuable, because it allows us to discuss world events and the Middle East," participant Nick Kauffman of Goshen, Ind., said. "We never discuss things like this at school. This gives us a chance to all get together and talk about it."
The week also featured worship in New York churches, a tour of the United Nations, small-group discussions, a political comedy performance by Dave Lippman, visits with congressional representatives, and free time for exploring the two cities.
Source: Newsline 4/02/2004 top
ABC Board reviews strategic plan, discusses realities of providing quality ministry.
The organization's strategic plan and realities of providing quality ministry were talking points at the Association of Brethren Caregivers (ABC) Board meetings Mar. 19-21 in Elgin, Ill.
Kathy Reid, ABC's new executive director, led the board through a ministry evaluation process that staff completed during a spring retreat. The process evaluated ABC's programs and provided a forum to suggest future directions for the agency. Following board discussion and response to staff suggestions, Reid said the staff will take the board's feedback and return with three to six imperatives for ABC's programming at the fall board meeting.
Two study papers from the Fellowship of Brethren Homes exploring the issue of uncompensated care were presented by ABC staff member Ralph McFadden. For most Brethren-affiliated retirement centers, the issue affects their ability to provide care to residents who no longer have the financial resources—including private insurance, Medicaid, and Medicare—to pay for their own care. A 2003 survey by 18 Brethren homes revealed that the combined financial loss of uncompensated care amounted to $14,393,615. The board suggested that the fellowship work with districts and congregations on the Christian ethics surrounding the ministry provided by the homes, and the need for better financial planning for older adult years.
This was the first board meeting for Reid and new board members John Katonah, of Evanston, Ill.; David Fouts, Mayesville, W.Va.; and Vernne Greiner, Mechanicsburg, Pa. Another first was the attendance of Chris Bowman, Annual Conference moderator. "It is significant that ABC Board members were able to discuss the state of the denomination with the Annual Conference Moderator. The ABC board believes that collaboration within the church and its agencies will benefit us all," Reid said. Collaboration also occurred during a report on the Ecclesiology Consultation by Wendy McFadden, publisher for Brethren Press.
In other business, the board approved individuals and organizations to receive awards at ABC's Annual Recognition Dinner at the 2004 Annual Conference; learned about ABC staff leading workshops on deacon and older adult ministries this spring in Atlantic Northeast, Michigan, Southern Ohio, and Western Plains Districts; heard staff reports on activities for chaplains, disabilities, Brethren-affiliated homes, and the creation of a series of workshops about coping with fear; received a report from the Finance Committee and created a Sustainability Committee to craft and implement a funds development strategy. The committee will be chaired by Wally Landes, board chair elect.
The board also received a report about Health Promotion Sunday materials on "Healthy Faith Communities," available at www.brethren.org/abc. The annual emphasis is May 16. This is the first year that resources were made available solely on ABC's website.
Source: Newsline 4/02/2004 top
The organization's strategic plan and realities of providing quality ministry were talking points at the Association of Brethren Caregivers (ABC) Board meetings Mar. 19-21 in Elgin, Ill.
Kathy Reid, ABC's new executive director, led the board through a ministry evaluation process that staff completed during a spring retreat. The process evaluated ABC's programs and provided a forum to suggest future directions for the agency. Following board discussion and response to staff suggestions, Reid said the staff will take the board's feedback and return with three to six imperatives for ABC's programming at the fall board meeting.
Two study papers from the Fellowship of Brethren Homes exploring the issue of uncompensated care were presented by ABC staff member Ralph McFadden. For most Brethren-affiliated retirement centers, the issue affects their ability to provide care to residents who no longer have the financial resources—including private insurance, Medicaid, and Medicare—to pay for their own care. A 2003 survey by 18 Brethren homes revealed that the combined financial loss of uncompensated care amounted to $14,393,615. The board suggested that the fellowship work with districts and congregations on the Christian ethics surrounding the ministry provided by the homes, and the need for better financial planning for older adult years.
This was the first board meeting for Reid and new board members John Katonah, of Evanston, Ill.; David Fouts, Mayesville, W.Va.; and Vernne Greiner, Mechanicsburg, Pa. Another first was the attendance of Chris Bowman, Annual Conference moderator. "It is significant that ABC Board members were able to discuss the state of the denomination with the Annual Conference Moderator. The ABC board believes that collaboration within the church and its agencies will benefit us all," Reid said. Collaboration also occurred during a report on the Ecclesiology Consultation by Wendy McFadden, publisher for Brethren Press.
In other business, the board approved individuals and organizations to receive awards at ABC's Annual Recognition Dinner at the 2004 Annual Conference; learned about ABC staff leading workshops on deacon and older adult ministries this spring in Atlantic Northeast, Michigan, Southern Ohio, and Western Plains Districts; heard staff reports on activities for chaplains, disabilities, Brethren-affiliated homes, and the creation of a series of workshops about coping with fear; received a report from the Finance Committee and created a Sustainability Committee to craft and implement a funds development strategy. The committee will be chaired by Wally Landes, board chair elect.
The board also received a report about Health Promotion Sunday materials on "Healthy Faith Communities," available at www.brethren.org/abc. The annual emphasis is May 16. This is the first year that resources were made available solely on ABC's website.
Source: Newsline 4/02/2004 top
Forum considers relationship of Brethren retirement centers to the districts.
More than 50 participants from 13 facilities attended the seventh annual Forum for CEOs, administrators, senior management, board members, and residents of Church of the Brethren retirement centers. The forum is sponsored annually by the Fellowship of Brethren Homes, a ministry of the Association of Brethren Caregivers.
The Brethren Retirement Community, Greenville, Ohio, hosted the event March 4-6. District executive ministers were invited to the meeting to consider the ongoing relationships of the homes and districts. Seventeen of the 23 districts have historic and current relationships with Brethren retirement centers.
Other highlights included a recognition and awards dinner, presentations, workshops, a tour of the host facilities, and significant times of fellowship. Recognitions were given to three CEOs who have retired or are no longer with the homes: LeRoy Weddle from The Cedars, McPherson, Kan., who retired at the end of 2003; Vernon Showalter of Pinecrest Community, Mount Morris, Ill., who will retire this spring; and Cathy Snell, of the Lebanon Valley Brethren Home, Palmyra, Pa., who died in 2003. Eleven staff, volunteers, board members, and facilities were given "outstanding" awards.
Nine sponsors provided exhibits, workshops, and financial support. Participants also heard from Brethren Benefit Trust, Bethany Theological Seminary, and The Peace Church Purchasing Group, a collaborative agency of the Friends, Mennonites, and Church of the Brethren. The next Forum is tentatively scheduled for March 17-19, 2005, at Timbercrest Senior Living Community, North Manchester, Ind.
Source: Newsline 4/02/2004 top
More than 50 participants from 13 facilities attended the seventh annual Forum for CEOs, administrators, senior management, board members, and residents of Church of the Brethren retirement centers. The forum is sponsored annually by the Fellowship of Brethren Homes, a ministry of the Association of Brethren Caregivers.
The Brethren Retirement Community, Greenville, Ohio, hosted the event March 4-6. District executive ministers were invited to the meeting to consider the ongoing relationships of the homes and districts. Seventeen of the 23 districts have historic and current relationships with Brethren retirement centers.
Other highlights included a recognition and awards dinner, presentations, workshops, a tour of the host facilities, and significant times of fellowship. Recognitions were given to three CEOs who have retired or are no longer with the homes: LeRoy Weddle from The Cedars, McPherson, Kan., who retired at the end of 2003; Vernon Showalter of Pinecrest Community, Mount Morris, Ill., who will retire this spring; and Cathy Snell, of the Lebanon Valley Brethren Home, Palmyra, Pa., who died in 2003. Eleven staff, volunteers, board members, and facilities were given "outstanding" awards.
Nine sponsors provided exhibits, workshops, and financial support. Participants also heard from Brethren Benefit Trust, Bethany Theological Seminary, and The Peace Church Purchasing Group, a collaborative agency of the Friends, Mennonites, and Church of the Brethren. The next Forum is tentatively scheduled for March 17-19, 2005, at Timbercrest Senior Living Community, North Manchester, Ind.
Source: Newsline 4/02/2004 top
More than 500 attend 13th Dominican Conferencia.
Record attendance was a highlight of the 13th Annual Conferencia of Iglesia de Los Hermanos (Church of the Brethren in the Dominican Republic) Feb. 19-22 in Santo Domingo. Twenty of the church's 24 congregations or preaching points sent delegates, and more than 500 people attended. The theme, "Renewed in the Same Spirit," came from Romans 12:2.
Moderator Wilson Nova welcomed visitors from congregations in Puerto Rico and guest preachers Ruben DeOleo and Guillermo Encarnacion from Atlantic Northeast District. Encarnacion, director of theological education in the DR, said,"Although it has been a difficult year overall for Haitians, the church is one place where Haitians and Dominicans can dwell together in unity." He pointed out that the new moderator, Anastasia Buena, and Ernesto Mereciel, moderator elect and pastor of the Mendoza congregation (the largest in the conference), are both of Haitian descent. Nova, pastor of the Bonao church plant, was elected as the new president of the board.
In business items, delegates approved a redesigned medical ministry that envisions doctors traveling from a central location to hold holistic faith-centered medical and health education clinics organized by churches; approved guidelines for congregations considering building projects; and approved a budget including an increase to help churches with pastors' salaries.
Source: Newsline 4/02/2004 top
Record attendance was a highlight of the 13th Annual Conferencia of Iglesia de Los Hermanos (Church of the Brethren in the Dominican Republic) Feb. 19-22 in Santo Domingo. Twenty of the church's 24 congregations or preaching points sent delegates, and more than 500 people attended. The theme, "Renewed in the Same Spirit," came from Romans 12:2.
Moderator Wilson Nova welcomed visitors from congregations in Puerto Rico and guest preachers Ruben DeOleo and Guillermo Encarnacion from Atlantic Northeast District. Encarnacion, director of theological education in the DR, said,"Although it has been a difficult year overall for Haitians, the church is one place where Haitians and Dominicans can dwell together in unity." He pointed out that the new moderator, Anastasia Buena, and Ernesto Mereciel, moderator elect and pastor of the Mendoza congregation (the largest in the conference), are both of Haitian descent. Nova, pastor of the Bonao church plant, was elected as the new president of the board.
In business items, delegates approved a redesigned medical ministry that envisions doctors traveling from a central location to hold holistic faith-centered medical and health education clinics organized by churches; approved guidelines for congregations considering building projects; and approved a budget including an increase to help churches with pastors' salaries.
Source: Newsline 4/02/2004 top
Brethren bits: Church of the Brethren Credit Union, Brethren Press, and more.
- The Board of Directors of the new Church of the Brethren Credit Union expressed thanks this week to the people who for the past several years have staffed the credit union's predecessor organization, Brethren Employees' Credit Union (BECU). Dennis Fisher, BECU president and CEO, concluded his service March 31, and Stacie Wirtz and Jane Potoczny concluded their service today, April 2. As of April 1, the credit union offices were moved to a new location within the Brethren Benefit Trust offices in Elgin, Ill. The credit union will hold an open house at 10 a.m. April 5. Contact the credit union at its new website, www.cobcu.org, where membership applications and loan applications may be made online.
- Alana Geuder will begin April 5 as the General Board's Customer Service Resource Specialist for Brethren Press, a position located at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill. Through her background in retail management, Geuder has experience in customer service, order-processing, inventory management, and daily operations.
- The Association of Brethren Caregivers (ABC) seeks a full-time administrative assistant to serve as assistant to the executive director and other staff. The position also carries responsibilities for administering ABC's loans and scholarship program, maintaining all financial services, and acting as registrar for all ABC-sponsored conferences. Applicants may contact Mary Lou Garrison at (847) 742-5100 or e-mail mgarrison_gb@brethren.org.
- Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT) has named Doug Pritchard and Carol Rose as co-directors, to begin Sept. 1. Gene Stoltzfus has served as director for the past 16 years. Rose, of Wichita, Kan., will become Operations Co-Director and Pritchard, of Toronto, Canada, will be Program Co-Director. Rose recently completed six years of pastoral leadership in the Mennonite Church of the Servant in Wichita, and previously worked for 13 years with Mennonite Central Committee in Honduras, Thailand, the Philippines, and Lancaster, Pa. Pritchard, a member of Toronto United Mennonite Church, is coordinator of CPT Canada, a position he has held since the inception of the program in 1997. CPT is an ecumenical program initiated by Brethren and Mennonite Congregations and Friends Meetings.
- "Many thanks to those who have already used the system and gained the benefits!" wrote Lerry Fogle, Annual Conference executive director, in a statement expressing appreciation to those who are pre-registering for the 2004 Conference. Registration using www.brethren.org/ac facilitates the work of his office and will make registration for next year's Conference even easier, he said. Information collected this year will be retained to expedite future registrations and send customized Conference invitations. Benefits of pre-registering online before May 15 include a discount of $10 per registration for each attendee or family member, and no waiting in line on arrival in Charleston. Name tags and Conference booklets will be mailed in advance to those who pre-register. In addition, those who pre-register have two payment options, via credit card while online or by sending a check after registering.
- Volunteer translators are needed for the English-Spanish translation services at the 2004 Annual Conference. Nadine L. Monn will be coordinating the translation effort. Monn is working on written translation of business items and any sermons that are available in advance of the Conference. Volunteers are needed for on-site translation of business sessions, worship services, and any insight sessions or meal events, as a service to Hispanic attendees. Contact Monn at 301-759-4710 or e-mail nadine_monn@yahoo.com.
- A planned tour of the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md., on the morning of Saturday March 20 expanded into an all-day experience for the Maryland Boy's Choir when their bus broke down. Volunteer hosts at the Conference Center made sure the visitors--50 boys and 16 chaperones--had a good experience, according to Kathleen Campanella, BSC's manager of communications. To fill the time, a generous chaperone provided each member of the group with $20 to spend in SERRV's International Gift Shop. "The chaperone really took 'Shopping is Mission' seriously," Campanella reported. "We also provided a place for the group to eat their bag lunches, basketballs to burn off some energy, and a place to rehearse for their next performance."
- As of March 31, 212 people have registered to participate in National Young Adult Conference. The Young Adult Steering Committee encourages young adults aged 18-35 to register soon, because registration will close April 15. To register online, go to www.nyac2004.org and click on the registration link. All forms and the entire registration fee of $225 are due in the NYAC Office by April 15. For questions or more information, please visit the website or contact Becky Ullom at 800-323-8039, ext. 286.
- The Susquehanna Valley Satellite of Bethany Theological Seminary sponsored a Continuing Education event for pastors on March 13. "Restoring the Soul of Ministry: Weaving Spiritual Practices in Solitude and Community" was led by Kent Ira Groff, founding mentor of Oasis Ministries. The retreat-seminar was conducted through video teleconferencing between Juniata College and Elizabethtown College. Thirty-six pastors participated.
- As a fund-raiser for Church of the Brethren disaster response, a small group at University Park Church of the Brethren in Hyattsville, Md., is selling prints of a photograph of Scharzenau, Germany, and the Eder River. Church member Warren Kissinger took the photograph during the denomination's 250th anniversary celebration at the site of the founding of the Brethren movement. Copies of the photograph hang in the University Park church, the Mid-Atlantic District office, and the Young Center at Elizabethtown (Pa.) College. Another will be auctioned at the Mid-Atlantic District Relief Auction this spring. Cost for 11-by-14-inch unframed prints is $20. Contact University Park Church of the Brethren, 4413 Tuckerman St., Hyattsville, MD 20782.
- Cincinnati (Ohio) Church of the Brethren is holding a mosque tour May 1. The one-and-a-half-hour tour, which can accommodate up to 150 people, will begin at 1 p.m. at the Islamic Center, 8092 Plantation Dr., West Chester, OH 45069. The tour will address Islamic beliefs, the art and architecture of the mosque, and major issues in the community. A $2 per person donation is suggested. Women are asked to dress appropriately in pants or long skirts and wear head coverings. For more information contact Wendy Smith at 513-947-0539 or e-mail kurtandwendy@fuse.net.
- The Level 1 Disaster Child Care (DCC) Training Workshop scheduled for March 26-27 at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Frederick, Md., has been rescheduled to Sept. 17-18 at Frederick Church of the Brethren. Space is still available for additional participants in the Level 1 DCC Training Workshop at the Tearcoat Church of the Brethren in Augusta, W.Va., April 16-17. The trainings are for volunteers interested in ministering with children following a disaster. DCC is a ministry of the General Board. For more information contact Helen Stonesifer, DCC coordinator, at 800-451-4407 or e-mail hstonesifer_gb@brethren.org.
- The Middle Pennsylvania District Church of the Brethren Resource Network Catalog is now available online. The network, which is primarily for use within the district, provides materials and information for ministry including print and video resources located at the District Center for Congregational Ministry as well as some helpful Web resources and a listing of individuals with special ministry focus areas who are willing to assist others. Log on to the website at either www.midpacob.org or public.juniata.edu/midpa. For more information call the District Center at 814-643-0601 or e-mail dness_ds@brethren.org.
- "Evangelism and the Progressive Church" is the theme for the Western Regional Event sponsored by Voices for an Open Spirit (VOS), 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on May 8 at Modesto (Calif.) Church of the Brethren. Jim Burklo, pastor of the Sausalito Presbyterian Church and author of "Open Christianity: Home by Another Way" will be the presenter. Cost for the day is $25. For more information visit www.voicesforanopenspirit.org where VOS is described as "a network of people who want to give voice to a progressive spirit in the Church of the Brethren."
- "Brethren Alive 2004," a conference sponsored by the Brethren Revival Fellowship July 23-25 at Elizabethtown College, will focus on the theme, "The Christian Family--Under the Design of God." Speakers are Garnet Myers, minister at Upton/Trinity Church of the Brethren, Greencastle, Pa.; Kenneth Nell, minister at Pleasant Hill Church of the Brethren, Spring Grove, Pa.; Mervin Keller, minister at Lewiston (Maine) Church of the Brethren; and Craig Smith, district executive minister of Atlantic Northeast District. The purpose of the meeting is to gather evangelical Brethren "to celebrate our life in Christ and encourage one another to spiritual growth and faithfulness." Cost is $50. Contact Brethren Alive 2004, 155 Denver Rd., Denver, PA 17517.
- An "early bird" registration discount is available through April 15 for the North American Stewardship Conference on the theme, "The Joy of Stewardship: A Guide to Generous Giving" June 23-26 in Toronto, Canada. The conference is for congregational stewardship leaders to receive inspiration, practical help, and creative insights. For more information see www.stewardshipresources.org.
- April 2 is the deadline to receive a special event room rate for the North American Conference on Christian Philanthropy, to be held April 28-30 in St. Louis, Mo. The conference provides resources, ideas, and connections with others committed to faithful and creative stewardship ministries. For more information go to www.stewardshipresources.org.
Glenn and Linda Timmons to coordinate pastoral excellence initiative.
Linda and Glenn Timmons have been appointed coordinators for the Sustaining Pastoral Excellence initiative of the Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership, a ministry training partnership of the General Board and Bethany Theological Seminary. As coordinators they will provide leadership for the Vital Pastor Program and the Advanced Foundations of Church Leadership program, made possible by a grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. They will begin in late April at the academy offices in Richmond, Ind.
Glenn Timmons served the General Board as executive director of Congregational Life Ministries and executive of Parish Ministries from 1992 until his retirement in 2003. He also has pastored four Church of the Brethren congregations. Linda Timmons has served the Association of Brethren Caregivers as administrative assistant since 1997, and previously served as coordinator of recruitment for Brethren Volunteer Service, managed a SERRV gift shop, and has been a lay minister of Christian Education at Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren, Elgin, Ill.
To learn more about the Vital Pastor and Advanced Foundations programs, visit www.bethanyseminary.edu/pastoralexcellencemain.htm. To learn more about the Lilly Endowment initiative, visit www.pastoralexcellence.org.
Source: Newsline 4/02/2004 top
Linda and Glenn Timmons have been appointed coordinators for the Sustaining Pastoral Excellence initiative of the Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership, a ministry training partnership of the General Board and Bethany Theological Seminary. As coordinators they will provide leadership for the Vital Pastor Program and the Advanced Foundations of Church Leadership program, made possible by a grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. They will begin in late April at the academy offices in Richmond, Ind.
Glenn Timmons served the General Board as executive director of Congregational Life Ministries and executive of Parish Ministries from 1992 until his retirement in 2003. He also has pastored four Church of the Brethren congregations. Linda Timmons has served the Association of Brethren Caregivers as administrative assistant since 1997, and previously served as coordinator of recruitment for Brethren Volunteer Service, managed a SERRV gift shop, and has been a lay minister of Christian Education at Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren, Elgin, Ill.
To learn more about the Vital Pastor and Advanced Foundations programs, visit www.bethanyseminary.edu/pastoralexcellencemain.htm. To learn more about the Lilly Endowment initiative, visit www.pastoralexcellence.org.
Source: Newsline 4/02/2004 top
Song and Story Fest will examine conflict and conscience near Antietam battlefield.
This year's pre-Annual Conference "Song and Story Fest" family camp will be held on the banks of the Potomac near the Antietam Civil War battlefield. The theme will be "Gathered at the Cross-Roads of Conflict and Conscience." On Earth Peace is a co-sponsor.
The June 27-July 2 event will be hosted by Shepherd's Spring, an outdoor ministry center of Mid-Atlantic District. Participants will spend most of a day at Antietam and gather in its old Dunker meeting house to tell stories, sing, and pray.
The family camp is for all ages and includes intergenerational gatherings and worship; workshops for adults, children, and youth; family time and recreation; story swaps; music making; campfires; and a concert or folk dance. Among many others giving leadership is Bethany Theological Seminary professor Dena Pence Frantz, who will offer a Brethren Academy course on "Faith and Art" for which students can receive credit. For more information e-mail Ken Kline Smeltzer at bksmeltz@adelphia.net or register online at www.brethren.org/oepa/SongandStoryFest2004.html.
Source: Newsline 4/02/2004 top
This year's pre-Annual Conference "Song and Story Fest" family camp will be held on the banks of the Potomac near the Antietam Civil War battlefield. The theme will be "Gathered at the Cross-Roads of Conflict and Conscience." On Earth Peace is a co-sponsor.
The June 27-July 2 event will be hosted by Shepherd's Spring, an outdoor ministry center of Mid-Atlantic District. Participants will spend most of a day at Antietam and gather in its old Dunker meeting house to tell stories, sing, and pray.
The family camp is for all ages and includes intergenerational gatherings and worship; workshops for adults, children, and youth; family time and recreation; story swaps; music making; campfires; and a concert or folk dance. Among many others giving leadership is Bethany Theological Seminary professor Dena Pence Frantz, who will offer a Brethren Academy course on "Faith and Art" for which students can receive credit. For more information e-mail Ken Kline Smeltzer at bksmeltz@adelphia.net or register online at www.brethren.org/oepa/SongandStoryFest2004.html.
Source: Newsline 4/02/2004 top
Church of the Brethren takes lead in planning Africa conference for peace churches.
The Historic Peace Churches are planning a conference in Nairobi, Kenya, Aug. 8-14 at the invitation of the World Council of Churches' Decade to Overcome Violence. The conference, called "Watu Kwa Amani" or "people of peace" in Swahili, will focus on the question, "What does it mean to be a peace church in Africa?" through the telling of stories of experiences of violence and the response of the church.
The Church of the Brethren has been asked to take leadership for the conference and Bethany Theological Seminary is hosting the planning process. Don Miller, Bethany's emeritus professor of Christian Education and Ethics, convenes the planning committee and Scott Holland, associate professor of Peace Studies and Cross-Cultural Studies, also is in the group along with representatives of the Mennonites, the Friends, the National Council of Churches, and the World Council of Churches.
Participation will be by invitation only and will include primarily African members of the Historic Peace Churches. Miller said the committee anticipates attendance by men and women representing Ekklesiyar Yanuwa a Nigeria (EYN—the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria); Friends from Rwanda, Kenya, and possibly South Africa; and Mennonites from Ethiopia and the Congo. "It's really a remarkable event," Miller said. The first Historic Peace Churches conference was held in Bienenberg, Switzerland, in 2001 at the initiative of the Mennonites. For more information visit www.peacetheology.org.
Source: Newsline 4/02/2004 top
The Historic Peace Churches are planning a conference in Nairobi, Kenya, Aug. 8-14 at the invitation of the World Council of Churches' Decade to Overcome Violence. The conference, called "Watu Kwa Amani" or "people of peace" in Swahili, will focus on the question, "What does it mean to be a peace church in Africa?" through the telling of stories of experiences of violence and the response of the church.
The Church of the Brethren has been asked to take leadership for the conference and Bethany Theological Seminary is hosting the planning process. Don Miller, Bethany's emeritus professor of Christian Education and Ethics, convenes the planning committee and Scott Holland, associate professor of Peace Studies and Cross-Cultural Studies, also is in the group along with representatives of the Mennonites, the Friends, the National Council of Churches, and the World Council of Churches.
Participation will be by invitation only and will include primarily African members of the Historic Peace Churches. Miller said the committee anticipates attendance by men and women representing Ekklesiyar Yanuwa a Nigeria (EYN—the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria); Friends from Rwanda, Kenya, and possibly South Africa; and Mennonites from Ethiopia and the Congo. "It's really a remarkable event," Miller said. The first Historic Peace Churches conference was held in Bienenberg, Switzerland, in 2001 at the initiative of the Mennonites. For more information visit www.peacetheology.org.
Source: Newsline 4/02/2004 top
Holy Humor Sunday brightens worship at Goshen City Church of the Brethren.
Humor in worship "can create some excitement if you can emphasize that Christ is risen," said Yvonne Riege, pastor of Goshen (Ind.) City Church of the Brethren. The church is one of many Christian congregations that are extending the celebration of Easter through "Holy Humor" or "Bright Sunday" services, according to the Fellowship of Merry Christians.
In 1988 the fellowship began encouraging churches to revive an old Christian custom of using humor, parties, and picnics to celebrate Jesus' resurrection on the Monday or Sunday after Easter. According to the fellowship, the practice dates from theologians such as Augustine, Gregory of Nyssa, and John Chrysostom who mused that God played a joke on the devil by raising Jesus from the dead, and that Easter was God's supreme joke played on death.
At Goshen City, Holy Humor Sunday is "a day when you're just not sure what to expect," Riege said. The first year the church observed the day, the worship leader was "a local comedian," said Riege, and the service "was hilarious." Another year, a hymn was accompanied by boomwhackers, brightly colored plastic tubes that make different musical tones when "whacked." Riege began one service by placing a sleeping bag on the front pew. "If you must sleep in on Sunday, sleep in here," she said, and was delighted when someone from the congregation stepped forward to take her up on the invitation.
The church will celebrate its fourth annual Holy Humor Sunday April 18. The congregation was hesitant when Riege started the observance, but now "they kind of look forward to it," she said. Although she has no statistics to back up her feeling, she senses that attendance on what is usually a low Sunday has not dipped as low in the past few years, and "the mood is a whole lot better." This year, the many humorous touches will include jokes, ushers' "hushers" badges, an invitation for the congregation to wear brightly colored clothing, and playful music by the Praise Team.
Riege contributed Holy Humor Sunday resources to the October 2000 "In Our Midst" packet of worship resources for Church of the Brethren congregations. For information about the Fellowship of Merry Christians, see the website www.joyfulnoiseletter.com.
Source: Newsline 4/02/2004 top
Humor in worship "can create some excitement if you can emphasize that Christ is risen," said Yvonne Riege, pastor of Goshen (Ind.) City Church of the Brethren. The church is one of many Christian congregations that are extending the celebration of Easter through "Holy Humor" or "Bright Sunday" services, according to the Fellowship of Merry Christians.
In 1988 the fellowship began encouraging churches to revive an old Christian custom of using humor, parties, and picnics to celebrate Jesus' resurrection on the Monday or Sunday after Easter. According to the fellowship, the practice dates from theologians such as Augustine, Gregory of Nyssa, and John Chrysostom who mused that God played a joke on the devil by raising Jesus from the dead, and that Easter was God's supreme joke played on death.
At Goshen City, Holy Humor Sunday is "a day when you're just not sure what to expect," Riege said. The first year the church observed the day, the worship leader was "a local comedian," said Riege, and the service "was hilarious." Another year, a hymn was accompanied by boomwhackers, brightly colored plastic tubes that make different musical tones when "whacked." Riege began one service by placing a sleeping bag on the front pew. "If you must sleep in on Sunday, sleep in here," she said, and was delighted when someone from the congregation stepped forward to take her up on the invitation.
The church will celebrate its fourth annual Holy Humor Sunday April 18. The congregation was hesitant when Riege started the observance, but now "they kind of look forward to it," she said. Although she has no statistics to back up her feeling, she senses that attendance on what is usually a low Sunday has not dipped as low in the past few years, and "the mood is a whole lot better." This year, the many humorous touches will include jokes, ushers' "hushers" badges, an invitation for the congregation to wear brightly colored clothing, and playful music by the Praise Team.
Riege contributed Holy Humor Sunday resources to the October 2000 "In Our Midst" packet of worship resources for Church of the Brethren congregations. For information about the Fellowship of Merry Christians, see the website www.joyfulnoiseletter.com.
Source: Newsline 4/02/2004 top
CREDITS
Newsline is produced by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of news services for the Church of the Brethren General Board, on the first, third, and fifth Friday of each month, with other editions as needed. Newsline stories may be reprinted provided that Newsline is cited as the source. Mary Dulabaum, Ralph McFadden, Janis Pyle, Jonathan Shively, Kim Stuckey, and Walt Wiltschek contributed to this report.
Newsline is a free service sent only to those requesting a subscription. To receive it by e-mail, or to unsubscribe, write cobnews@aol.com or call 800-323-8039, ext. 260. Newsline is available at www.brethren.org and is archived with an index at www.wfn.org. Also see Photo Journal at www.brethren.org/pjournal/index.htm for photo coverage of events.
Source: Newsline 4/02/2004 top
Newsline is produced by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of news services for the Church of the Brethren General Board, on the first, third, and fifth Friday of each month, with other editions as needed. Newsline stories may be reprinted provided that Newsline is cited as the source. Mary Dulabaum, Ralph McFadden, Janis Pyle, Jonathan Shively, Kim Stuckey, and Walt Wiltschek contributed to this report.
Newsline is a free service sent only to those requesting a subscription. To receive it by e-mail, or to unsubscribe, write cobnews@aol.com or call 800-323-8039, ext. 260. Newsline is available at www.brethren.org and is archived with an index at www.wfn.org. Also see Photo Journal at www.brethren.org/pjournal/index.htm for photo coverage of events.
Source: Newsline 4/02/2004 top
Friday, March 19, 2004
NEWS
PERSONNEL
COMING EVENTS
RESOURCES
- General Board gives God praise for its ministries, begins consideration of facilities use.
- Brethren Benefit Trust investment funds meet or beat most industry benchmarks.
- Annual Conference moderator, denominational staff visit India churches.
- Committee plans for the 300th anniversary of the Brethren movement, chooses logo.
- InterAgency Forum receives Brethren agency reports, discusses Annual Conference.
- Church of the Brethren hosts national committee for Decade to Overcome Violence.
- Nigerian Brethren mourn the death of long-time church leader Nvwa Balami.
- Brethren bits: Annual Conference registration, Brazil mission staff, and more.
PERSONNEL
- Annie Clark will join On Earth Peace as coordinator of Conflict Transformation.
- Nadine Pence Frantz is appointed full professor of theological studies at Bethany.
COMING EVENTS
RESOURCES
General Board gives God praise for its ministries, begins consideration of facilities use.
"A new song," a theme taken from Psalm 89, framed General Board meetings in Elgin, Ill., Mar. 12-15. Stories of work done in the name of Jesus Christ and on behalf of the Church of the Brethren set the tone as the Board gave God praise for its ministries. The Board also began a process to consider the stewardship of its properties.
At several times over the course of the meeting, stories told in reports, devotions, and worship were met with an appreciative silence. "It's not often that words fail me, but this is one of those times," said Donna Shumate, chair, after viewing slide presentations of the rebuilding of a school in Iraq and relief efforts following an earthquake in Iran, both funded by the Emergency Disaster Fund. Later, an offering taken during worship received $437 for the work in Iran.
Of the more than 20 reports received, highlights included stories from staff visits to North Korea, Vietnam, and Brazil; views of the work supported by the Global Food Crisis Fund; the general secretary's participation in "Christian Churches Together in the US" with Church of the Brethren participation under study by the Committee on Interchurch Relations; a presentation by guests Paul Grout and Jim Buckles giving a vision for a new expression of church called "A Place Apart"; and budget and funding reports. Treasurer Judy Keyser reported that a planning team is working earlier than usual on a budget projection for 2005, as well as on measures to counteract possible budget deficits.
The extensive reporting--planned with the intent to build community and gain a wider consideration of the Board's work, according to general secretary Stan Noffsinger--led to questions from Board members about how to be more directly involved in Board ministries. A few expressed frustration at having a "passive role." Others talked about the challenge of communicating the stories. Board member Angie Lahman Yoder commented on the "privilege to be able to hear of so many wonderful things going on," and her desire to share that with others.
The Board approved the formation of an ad hoc committee to study stewardship of its properties, responding to "voices from the pews," said Shumate. The ad hoc group will be appointed by the executive committee and reportable to the Board, with the scope of its task and a timeline yet to be determined. The process will be open and include all of those potentially affected, such as employees and agencies that are tenants of the Board, said Noffsinger.
The Board learned that Heifer International (formerly Heifer Project International) is reducing the size of its board of directors but has assigned the Church of the Brethren a permanent seat as its founding denomination, in a report from current Brethren representative Kathleen Campanella.
Two capital funding requests related to the Brethren Service Center (BSC) were approved: up to $220,000 to improve existing warehouse space for lease by SERRV, which will repay the costs over the next five years; and a grant of $50,000 to the New Windsor Fire and Hose Capital Campaign to help build a new fire house for the town. Doubling the fire department's original request for $25,000 "is a good statement to make to that community," said Roy Winter, BSC executive director.
The meeting concluded with an eight-hour Seminar on Trauma Awareness and Recovery, a program of Church World Service and the Institute for Justice and Peacebuilding based at Eastern Mennonite University in Harrisonburg, Va.
Source: Newsline 3/19/2004 top
"A new song," a theme taken from Psalm 89, framed General Board meetings in Elgin, Ill., Mar. 12-15. Stories of work done in the name of Jesus Christ and on behalf of the Church of the Brethren set the tone as the Board gave God praise for its ministries. The Board also began a process to consider the stewardship of its properties.
At several times over the course of the meeting, stories told in reports, devotions, and worship were met with an appreciative silence. "It's not often that words fail me, but this is one of those times," said Donna Shumate, chair, after viewing slide presentations of the rebuilding of a school in Iraq and relief efforts following an earthquake in Iran, both funded by the Emergency Disaster Fund. Later, an offering taken during worship received $437 for the work in Iran.
Of the more than 20 reports received, highlights included stories from staff visits to North Korea, Vietnam, and Brazil; views of the work supported by the Global Food Crisis Fund; the general secretary's participation in "Christian Churches Together in the US" with Church of the Brethren participation under study by the Committee on Interchurch Relations; a presentation by guests Paul Grout and Jim Buckles giving a vision for a new expression of church called "A Place Apart"; and budget and funding reports. Treasurer Judy Keyser reported that a planning team is working earlier than usual on a budget projection for 2005, as well as on measures to counteract possible budget deficits.
The extensive reporting--planned with the intent to build community and gain a wider consideration of the Board's work, according to general secretary Stan Noffsinger--led to questions from Board members about how to be more directly involved in Board ministries. A few expressed frustration at having a "passive role." Others talked about the challenge of communicating the stories. Board member Angie Lahman Yoder commented on the "privilege to be able to hear of so many wonderful things going on," and her desire to share that with others.
The Board approved the formation of an ad hoc committee to study stewardship of its properties, responding to "voices from the pews," said Shumate. The ad hoc group will be appointed by the executive committee and reportable to the Board, with the scope of its task and a timeline yet to be determined. The process will be open and include all of those potentially affected, such as employees and agencies that are tenants of the Board, said Noffsinger.
The Board learned that Heifer International (formerly Heifer Project International) is reducing the size of its board of directors but has assigned the Church of the Brethren a permanent seat as its founding denomination, in a report from current Brethren representative Kathleen Campanella.
Two capital funding requests related to the Brethren Service Center (BSC) were approved: up to $220,000 to improve existing warehouse space for lease by SERRV, which will repay the costs over the next five years; and a grant of $50,000 to the New Windsor Fire and Hose Capital Campaign to help build a new fire house for the town. Doubling the fire department's original request for $25,000 "is a good statement to make to that community," said Roy Winter, BSC executive director.
The meeting concluded with an eight-hour Seminar on Trauma Awareness and Recovery, a program of Church World Service and the Institute for Justice and Peacebuilding based at Eastern Mennonite University in Harrisonburg, Va.
Source: Newsline 3/19/2004 top
Brethren Benefit Trust investment funds meet or beat most industry enchmarks.
Brethren Benefit Trust's socially responsible Pension and Brethren Foundation nvestment funds continued to meet or beat most industry benchmarks in 2003, according to release from the agency. BBT's investment success has not been short-lived. An analysis f returns over the past five years shows that BBT funds consistently meet or exceed industry benchmarks.
"BBT's favorable long-term investing performance is continuing proof that screening out firms that don't conform to Brethren values as part of BBT's Socially Responsible Investing philosophy does not adversely affect investment performance," said Wil Nolen, BBT president. "This proves that we can witness to our beliefs by not investing in firms that promote defense, gaming, alcohol, tobacco, or engage in human rights violations, without sacrificing earnings."
For example, the Brethren Pension Plan's Balanced Fund (60 percent common stock, 40 percent bonds) gained 20.3 percent for the year while the Brethren Foundation's Balanced Fund gained 20.8, producing annualized returns of 2.4 and 3 percent over five years. A blend of the Standard and Poor's 500 Index and the Lehman Brothers Government/Credit Index was up 19.1 percent and 2.3 percent for the same time periods.
BBT manages more than $350 million of pension, insurance, asset management, and deferred gift monies for Church of the Brethren members and agencies. Descriptions of BBT's investment funds are at www.brethrenbenefittrust.org. For more information call Loyce Swartz Borgmann at 800-746-1505.
Source: Newsline 3/19/2004 top
Brethren Benefit Trust's socially responsible Pension and Brethren Foundation nvestment funds continued to meet or beat most industry benchmarks in 2003, according to release from the agency. BBT's investment success has not been short-lived. An analysis f returns over the past five years shows that BBT funds consistently meet or exceed industry benchmarks.
"BBT's favorable long-term investing performance is continuing proof that screening out firms that don't conform to Brethren values as part of BBT's Socially Responsible Investing philosophy does not adversely affect investment performance," said Wil Nolen, BBT president. "This proves that we can witness to our beliefs by not investing in firms that promote defense, gaming, alcohol, tobacco, or engage in human rights violations, without sacrificing earnings."
For example, the Brethren Pension Plan's Balanced Fund (60 percent common stock, 40 percent bonds) gained 20.3 percent for the year while the Brethren Foundation's Balanced Fund gained 20.8, producing annualized returns of 2.4 and 3 percent over five years. A blend of the Standard and Poor's 500 Index and the Lehman Brothers Government/Credit Index was up 19.1 percent and 2.3 percent for the same time periods.
BBT manages more than $350 million of pension, insurance, asset management, and deferred gift monies for Church of the Brethren members and agencies. Descriptions of BBT's investment funds are at www.brethrenbenefittrust.org. For more information call Loyce Swartz Borgmann at 800-746-1505.
Source: Newsline 3/19/2004 top
Annual Conference moderator, denominational staff visit India churches.
Christopher Bowman, Annual Conference moderator, joined Merv Keeney, executive director of the General Board's Global Mission Partnerships, and Bob Gross, India mediation consultant and co-executive director of On Earth Peace, on a trip to India Feb. 26-Mar. 5. It was the first such visit since an action of the 2003 Annual Conference affirmed the rebuilding of relationship with the India Brethren, formerly called the "separated Brethren," alongside relationship with the Church of North India (CNI). The visit was planned to discuss implications of the Conference action and to explore next steps in partnership with each church.
The delegation's conversations with CNI were characterized as "strained" by Keeney. Reflecting on the conversation, he reported, "The Conference action upholds the relationship with CNI in a `both-and' rather than `either-or' approach. CNI finds it difficult to accept the Conference decision as consistent with their view of partnership. Re-forming this partnership will take time."
After leaving CNI, the group traveled to southern Gujarat state to meet with the India Brethren. Here the planned agenda was overtaken by joyful exuberance as congregations at Taropa, Dolara, Champavadi, Sadanvan, and Valsad celebrated and welcomed the group. India Brethren leadership had timed the groundbreaking for a new Brethren High School building at Valsad to coincide with the visit. The new building will replace a crumbling edifice built in the early missionary days. While the India Brethren also sponsor other schools, this long-discussed project is the largest building effort they have ever undertaken.
"The presence of Moderator Christopher Bowman was greatly valued by both churches," Keeney said. "In the India context, a visit from the highest officer of the US church had great meaning and importance, and it honored them. Many voiced surprise that such a young man would be called to this office." Among the India Brethren, Bowman was invited to preach at the Love Feast service at Champavadi, and shared a message centered on reconciliation.
Source: Newsline 3/19/2004 top
Christopher Bowman, Annual Conference moderator, joined Merv Keeney, executive director of the General Board's Global Mission Partnerships, and Bob Gross, India mediation consultant and co-executive director of On Earth Peace, on a trip to India Feb. 26-Mar. 5. It was the first such visit since an action of the 2003 Annual Conference affirmed the rebuilding of relationship with the India Brethren, formerly called the "separated Brethren," alongside relationship with the Church of North India (CNI). The visit was planned to discuss implications of the Conference action and to explore next steps in partnership with each church.
The delegation's conversations with CNI were characterized as "strained" by Keeney. Reflecting on the conversation, he reported, "The Conference action upholds the relationship with CNI in a `both-and' rather than `either-or' approach. CNI finds it difficult to accept the Conference decision as consistent with their view of partnership. Re-forming this partnership will take time."
After leaving CNI, the group traveled to southern Gujarat state to meet with the India Brethren. Here the planned agenda was overtaken by joyful exuberance as congregations at Taropa, Dolara, Champavadi, Sadanvan, and Valsad celebrated and welcomed the group. India Brethren leadership had timed the groundbreaking for a new Brethren High School building at Valsad to coincide with the visit. The new building will replace a crumbling edifice built in the early missionary days. While the India Brethren also sponsor other schools, this long-discussed project is the largest building effort they have ever undertaken.
"The presence of Moderator Christopher Bowman was greatly valued by both churches," Keeney said. "In the India context, a visit from the highest officer of the US church had great meaning and importance, and it honored them. Many voiced surprise that such a young man would be called to this office." Among the India Brethren, Bowman was invited to preach at the Love Feast service at Champavadi, and shared a message centered on reconciliation.
Source: Newsline 3/19/2004 top
Committee plans for the 300th anniversary of the Brethren movement, chooses logo.
Source: Newsline 3/19/2004 top
| Meeting in Elgin, Ill., Feb. 29-Mar. 2, the Annual Conference Anniversary Committee continued to plan for the 300th Anniversary of the Church of the Brethren, to be celebrated in 2008. A highlight of the meeting was the selection of a logo to illustrate the anniversary theme, "Surrendered to God, Transformed in Christ, Empowered by the Spirit." The logo, designed by Becky Goldstein of Boise, Idaho, will be unveiled at Annual Conference this summer.
In other business, the committee continued collaboration with Brethren Press about anniversary publications; met with Chris Douglas, the General Board's director of youth and young adult ministry, to discuss ways in which youth might be engaged in celebrating the anniversary; and began designing an anniversary website. Brethren Benefit Trust is offering technical assistance and funding the development of the site. A call was issued earlier this year for musical submissions (hymns, anthems, folk songs, children's songs, etc.) based on the anniversary theme. The deadline for submissions is June 30, 2005. Calls for other types of resources will be forthcoming. The committee's next meeting is scheduled for October in Ashland, Ohio, with the Tercentennial Committee of the Brethren Church to further define cooperative efforts, including some joint events at the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference in 2008. Members of the committee are Jeff Bach, Don Durnbaugh, Dean Garrett, Leslie Lake, Rhonda Pittman Gingrich, and Lorele Yager, with Lerry Fogle, Annual Conference executive director, serving ex-officio. |  |
Source: Newsline 3/19/2004 top
InterAgency Forum receives Brethren agency reports, discusses Annual Conference.
The InterAgency Forum (IAF) of the Church of the Brethren met Feb. 5-6 in Daytona Beach, Fla. Annual Conference, the Association of Brethren Caregivers, Bethany Theological Seminary, Brethren Benefit Trust, the Council of District Executives, the General Board, and On Earth Peace were represented. Harriet Finney, immediate past Annual Conference moderator, served as chair.
The agenda afforded time for receiving reports from each agency regarding program and financial status. Especially noted were the words of the purpose of the IAF--"to promote congeniality and mutuality among participating Annual Conference agencies"--taken from the 2001 Review and Evaluation Committee that established the annual consultation.
Also on the agenda was a report of a meeting of agency executives held in Nov. 2003, where the executives discussed several ways that the agencies can combine efforts in areas of communication, reporting, exhibits, and support of each other's functions. In addition, the consultation received a report on the progress of updating the Church of the Brethren polity manual, which will include statements of organization for each agency.
In relation to Annual Conference, a debriefing from the 2003 Conference produced suggestions for improvements in exhibit services, consultation with Standing Committee, and agency reports. In 2004 the former "live report" and the agencies' oral reports will be combined. The group recognized the Ecclesiology Consultation spearheaded by the Council of District Executives, and the Standing Committee's Implementation Committee that will work at using consultation time with agencies to start envisioning for the denomination. The IAF also approved a plan for introducing agency appointees to Conference for approval, including a photograph and biographical material.
At the meeting, there was a sense that the denominational program is much more defined and that there is more respect and cooperation within its components, according to a report from Fred Swartz, Annual Conference secretary.
Source: Newsline 3/19/2004 top
The InterAgency Forum (IAF) of the Church of the Brethren met Feb. 5-6 in Daytona Beach, Fla. Annual Conference, the Association of Brethren Caregivers, Bethany Theological Seminary, Brethren Benefit Trust, the Council of District Executives, the General Board, and On Earth Peace were represented. Harriet Finney, immediate past Annual Conference moderator, served as chair.
The agenda afforded time for receiving reports from each agency regarding program and financial status. Especially noted were the words of the purpose of the IAF--"to promote congeniality and mutuality among participating Annual Conference agencies"--taken from the 2001 Review and Evaluation Committee that established the annual consultation.
Also on the agenda was a report of a meeting of agency executives held in Nov. 2003, where the executives discussed several ways that the agencies can combine efforts in areas of communication, reporting, exhibits, and support of each other's functions. In addition, the consultation received a report on the progress of updating the Church of the Brethren polity manual, which will include statements of organization for each agency.
In relation to Annual Conference, a debriefing from the 2003 Conference produced suggestions for improvements in exhibit services, consultation with Standing Committee, and agency reports. In 2004 the former "live report" and the agencies' oral reports will be combined. The group recognized the Ecclesiology Consultation spearheaded by the Council of District Executives, and the Standing Committee's Implementation Committee that will work at using consultation time with agencies to start envisioning for the denomination. The IAF also approved a plan for introducing agency appointees to Conference for approval, including a photograph and biographical material.
At the meeting, there was a sense that the denominational program is much more defined and that there is more respect and cooperation within its components, according to a report from Fred Swartz, Annual Conference secretary.
Source: Newsline 3/19/2004 top
Church of the Brethren hosts national committee for Decade to Overcome Violence.
Representatives from the General Board and On Earth Peace attended a national US Decade to Overcome Violence (DOV) committee meeting in Washington, D.C., Mar. 4. The event was hosted by the Washington (D.C.) City Church of the Brethren and the General Board's Brethren Witness/Washington Office.
The gathering included representatives of Church World Service, the Society of Friends, the Evangelical Lutheran Church USA, the Antiochian Orthodox Church, and the United Churches of Christ. The Church of the Brethren presence included Rachel Peterson, Church of the Brethren DOV coordinator and a Brethren Volunteer Service worker at On Earth Peace; Jeff Carter, pastor of Manassas (Va.) Church of the Brethren; and Bryan Hissong, of the Brethren Witness/Washington Office.
Agenda items covered discussion of this year's DOV focus country, namely the US; new DOV promotional materials; a calendar for upcoming DOV events; Mel Gibson's film, "The Passion of the Christ"; proposals for new initiatives, including DOV peacemaking awards, a 2004 Advent celebration, and a National Day of Prayer; and a Washington-based action group concerning issues of peace and justice.
The meeting was one of the last duties for Peterson as Brethren DOV coordinator, as her BVS term came to a close Mar. 14. Filling her role temporarily will be Brethren Witness/Washington Office legislative associate Bryan Hissong, who will be interim DOV coordinator for the next several months until the position is filled on a permanent basis. Questions, thoughts, and concerns about DOV can be directed to Hissong at bhissong_gb@brethren.org.
Source: Newsline 3/19/2004 top
Representatives from the General Board and On Earth Peace attended a national US Decade to Overcome Violence (DOV) committee meeting in Washington, D.C., Mar. 4. The event was hosted by the Washington (D.C.) City Church of the Brethren and the General Board's Brethren Witness/Washington Office.
The gathering included representatives of Church World Service, the Society of Friends, the Evangelical Lutheran Church USA, the Antiochian Orthodox Church, and the United Churches of Christ. The Church of the Brethren presence included Rachel Peterson, Church of the Brethren DOV coordinator and a Brethren Volunteer Service worker at On Earth Peace; Jeff Carter, pastor of Manassas (Va.) Church of the Brethren; and Bryan Hissong, of the Brethren Witness/Washington Office.
Agenda items covered discussion of this year's DOV focus country, namely the US; new DOV promotional materials; a calendar for upcoming DOV events; Mel Gibson's film, "The Passion of the Christ"; proposals for new initiatives, including DOV peacemaking awards, a 2004 Advent celebration, and a National Day of Prayer; and a Washington-based action group concerning issues of peace and justice.
The meeting was one of the last duties for Peterson as Brethren DOV coordinator, as her BVS term came to a close Mar. 14. Filling her role temporarily will be Brethren Witness/Washington Office legislative associate Bryan Hissong, who will be interim DOV coordinator for the next several months until the position is filled on a permanent basis. Questions, thoughts, and concerns about DOV can be directed to Hissong at bhissong_gb@brethren.org.
Source: Newsline 3/19/2004 top
Nigerian Brethren mourn the death of long-time church leader Nvwa Balami.
Nvwa Balami, a key leader in Ekklesiyar Yanuwa a Nigeria (EYN--the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria), died Mar. 12 at Maiduguri, Nigeria. He was known to many in the US church, having studied at Bethany Theological Seminary and spoken at the 1983 Annual Conference in Baltimore, Md.
Balami taught at Waka Secondary School, served on EYN's executive committee and as principal for Kulp Bible College, and pastored the new urban congregation at Lagos, as well as a number of other congregations. His latest assignment had been teaching at the Madu Bible School at Marama.
"We join the Nigeria church in mourning this loss, and give thanks to God for Nvwa's faithful presence among us," said Merv Keeney, executive director of the General Board's Global Mission Partnerships.
Source: Newsline 3/19/2004 top
Nvwa Balami, a key leader in Ekklesiyar Yanuwa a Nigeria (EYN--the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria), died Mar. 12 at Maiduguri, Nigeria. He was known to many in the US church, having studied at Bethany Theological Seminary and spoken at the 1983 Annual Conference in Baltimore, Md.
Balami taught at Waka Secondary School, served on EYN's executive committee and as principal for Kulp Bible College, and pastored the new urban congregation at Lagos, as well as a number of other congregations. His latest assignment had been teaching at the Madu Bible School at Marama.
"We join the Nigeria church in mourning this loss, and give thanks to God for Nvwa's faithful presence among us," said Merv Keeney, executive director of the General Board's Global Mission Partnerships.
Source: Newsline 3/19/2004 top
Brethren bits: Annual Conference registration, Brazil mission staff, and more.
- On Mar. 17 advance registration opened for non-delegates planning to attend AnnualConference in Charleston, W.Va., July 3-7. For the first time registration is online at www.brethren.org/ac/. The site features check or credit card payment options for registration, meal events, booklets, and age-group programs. The Conference information packet also is available online as well as a link to housing registrations at Conference hotels, which are being made through the Charleston Convention and Visitors Bureau. The information packet is being sent on CD to each Church of the Brethren congregation through the Source mailing. Printed registration forms and information packets may be requested from the Conference office, 800-323-8039 or e-mail annualconference@brethren.org.
- New General Board mission staff Greg and Karin Davidson Laszakovits, and infant daughter Ellen, left Mar. 8 for Brazil. They will work alongside Marcos Inhauser, national director of the Church of the Brethren mission there, his wife Suely Inhauser, and the leadership of the Brazilian church. The family's arrival overlapped with the presence of Board staff Carol Bowman and Beth Sollenberger Morphew, who were in Brazil to lead stewardship training for the church.
- Marlin L. Heckman has been appointed to a three-year term on the Brethren Historical Committee by the General Board's executive committee. Heckman is retired from service as librarian and professor at the University of La Verne (Calif.), and also has served as library director at Bethany Theological Seminary.
- An action alert issued by the Brethren Witness/Washington Office invites Pennsylvania Brethren to oppose state legislation linking Selective Service registration to drivers' licenses, and to inform state representatives of the Church of the Brethren's historic peace stance. "Registering for the Selective Service is the way in which each person is accounted for in case of a draft," the alert noted. "For those whose conscience forbids them from taking a life in war, not registering for Selective Service or writing 'conscientious objector' on their Selective Service card is a way of showing their faith in Christ's teachings of peace. However, if a person is automatically registered for Selective Service upon receiving a driver's license... that person is left without the aforementioned means of protest." The US Congress is considering legislation that could re-enact the draft in the near future, according to the alert. For more information contact the Brethren Witness/Washington Office, 800-785-3246; e-mail washington_office_gb@brethren.org.
- The Elizabethtown (Pa.) Church of the Brethren hosted a Level I Disaster Child Care (DCC) Training Workshop Mar. 5-6. Nineteen participants attended, some traveling from as far away as Virginia. Leadership was provided by Jean Myers, of Sinking Spring, Pa.; Donna Uhlig, of New Enterprise, Pa.; and Helen Stonesifer, of the DCC program. The purpose of the 27-hour training was to prepare individuals to provide specialized care to young children affected by disaster. The training is part of a certification process that also includes personal references and a criminal background check.
- Four volunteers have been trained as a resource for a two-year "Growing Faithful Disciples" emphasis in Middle Pennsylvania District. The Gifts Assessment Team of Jerriann Heiser Wenger, Harold Bowser, Chris Knepp, and Duane Rhodes will assist congregations in examining gifts discernment as a process of identifying personal spiritual gifts, and putting into motion a gifts assessment plan. Jan Glass King, coordinator for Congregational Life Team Area 1, provided training to the team which will, in turn, respond to invitations from congregations and church leaders interested in pursuing gifts assessment.
- "Enriching Worship Music" will be held by the Church of the Brethren's Shenandoah District and the General Board's Congregational Life Team (CLT) Area 3, Apr. 16-18. Guest leader is Shawn Kirchner, minister of music at La Verne Church of the Brethren and music coordinator at last year's Annual Conference. The event includes a two-session "Theory and Practice" workshop for church musicians and worship services followed by question and answer sessions at First Church of the Brethren, Harrisonburg, Va.; Bridgewater (Va.) Church of the Brethren, Sunrise Fellowship meeting at Eastern Mennonite High School, and Front Royal (Va.) Church of the Brethren. Continuing education units are available. For information call CLT coordinator Julie Hostetter at 800-244-5896.
- The Practitioner Network of the Ministry of Reconciliation will hold an informal conference Apr. 23-24 at the New Windsor (Md.) Conference Center. The network is made up of interpersonal mediators, group facilitators, and teachers of these skills. The conference will begin 7 p.m. Friday evening and continue Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The agenda is flexible, allowing participants a full introduction to the network, assistance with completing the network application, recognition interviews with Area Recognition Teams, or even peer review sessions with experienced practitioners. On Earth Peace is sponsoring the event at no cost to participants once they arrive. To register contact Darlene Johnson, On Earth Peace, P.O. Box 188, New Windsor, MD 21776; 410-635-8704; fax 410-635-8707; e-mail djohnson_oepa@brethren.org.
- "Conflict Transformation for Congregational Leaders," a workshop co-sponsored by On Earth Peace and Southern Pennsylvania and Mid-Atlantic districts, will be held Apr. 23 at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md. The event is for congregational leaders to learn conflict dynamics and transformation in a conflict setting, centered speaking and listening, to be a "non-anxious presence," and to handle power in leadership roles. The workshop will include separate sessions for pastors, deacons, and others who facilitate church meetings. Cost is $40 or $100 for three people from same congregation. Continuing education units are available. For more information contact Bob Gross, 260-982-7751, e-mail bgross_oepa@brethren.org. Register by Apr. 16 with Darlene Johnson, 410-635-8704, e-mail djohnson_oepa@brethren.org.
- Cliff Kindy, a member of the Church of the Brethren who is working with Christian Peacemaker Teams in Iraq, was interviewed on National Public Radio on Mar. 17. The interview about security concerns in Iraq was aired on the "Here and Now" program. To listen to the interview, access http://www.here-now.org/shows/2004/03/20040317.asp and scroll down to "Safety for Foreign Civilians in Iraq."
- Leaders of several church reform movements have signed a statement of support for legal measures regarding the definition of marriage in the US, including Craig Alan Myers, chair of the Brethren Revival Fellowship (BRF). The statement called for the adoption of the Federal Marriage Amendment to the US Constitution. "It is becoming increasingly clear that legal measures to protect the definition of marriage as the union of one man and one woman are necessary to preserve the place of marriage in our society," the statement said in part. It will be given to the President and leaders of Congress. For more information visit www.brfwitness.org or www.ird-renew.org.
- Steve Shenk has been appointed director of the Valley Brethren-Mennonite Heritage Center in Harrisonburg, Va., commonly known as CrossRoads. He will be the first full-time director for the center, effective June 1. Currently Shenk directs public relations for Bluffton (Ohio) College. In previous positions he served as director of communications at Eastern Mennonite University, managing editor of the Mennonite Church's magazine, and news and information manager for the Mennonite Board of Missions.
- The Church of the Brethren is mentioned often in a new book, "Faces from the Flood: Hurricane Floyd Remembered," by Richard H. Moore and Jay Barnes. "It has gotten a rave review by Dr. Steve Lyons, a familiar face from the Weather Channel," reported Jane Yount of the General Board's Emergency Response. Hurricane Floyd recovery was the longest running project for Emergency Response, at two years and eight months. More than 1,900 Brethren disaster response volunteers gave 93,488 work hours to the effort, and 47 Disaster Child Care volunteers responded. For more information about the book visit http://uncpress.unc.edu/books/T-7059.html.
- A consortium of five health care-related organizations, including Interchurch Medical Assistance (IMA), has been awarded $335 million over five years to provide anti-retroviral therapy to HIV/AIDS patients in Africa, the Caribbean, and Latin America. The award is part of the US administration's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, resulting from a $15 billion commitment. The consortium is led by Catholic Relief Services and includes the University of Maryland Institute of Human Virology, the Catholic Medical Mission Board, and the Futures Group. IMA warehouses medical supplies at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md.
- In its National Clergy Renewal Program, the Lilly Endowment seeks to strengthen Christian congregations by providing pastors an opportunity for a period of renewal and reflection, away from daily parish life. This year, as many as 120 grants of up to $45,000 each may be awarded to congregations providing a renewal program to their pastors. The renewal periods are not seen as vacations but as time for regaining enthusiasm and creativity for ministry. Up to $15,000 of the grant may be used for congregational expenses associated with the program. The deadline for proposals is June 25. For more information visit www.clergyrenewal.org.
Annie Clark will join On Earth Peace as coordinator of Conflict Transformation.
Annie Clark, a member of North Manchester Church of the Brethren, Manchester, Ind., will join the staff of On Earth Peace (OEPA) as coordinator of the Conflict Transformation program, beginning Apr. 5. The program is popularly known as the Ministry of Reconciliation.
Currently a consultant with Goshen (Ind.) College, Clark has worked as an educator in the public schools and as mediation services coordinator with Education for Conflict Resolution, a mediation center in northern Indiana. She has developed and administered a truancy mediation program and a peer mediation program in public schools, and has been a practitioner and mediation case manager. She is a graduate of Indiana University at South end.
Clark will work out of her home in North Manchester. Bob Gross, OEPA co-executive director, has worked with the Ministry of Reconciliation since 1991 and will continue to lead workshops and provide mediation services through the program.
Source: Newsline 3/19/2004 top
Annie Clark, a member of North Manchester Church of the Brethren, Manchester, Ind., will join the staff of On Earth Peace (OEPA) as coordinator of the Conflict Transformation program, beginning Apr. 5. The program is popularly known as the Ministry of Reconciliation.
Currently a consultant with Goshen (Ind.) College, Clark has worked as an educator in the public schools and as mediation services coordinator with Education for Conflict Resolution, a mediation center in northern Indiana. She has developed and administered a truancy mediation program and a peer mediation program in public schools, and has been a practitioner and mediation case manager. She is a graduate of Indiana University at South end.
Clark will work out of her home in North Manchester. Bob Gross, OEPA co-executive director, has worked with the Ministry of Reconciliation since 1991 and will continue to lead workshops and provide mediation services through the program.
Source: Newsline 3/19/2004 top
Nadine Pence Frantz is appointed full professor of theological studies at Bethany.
Nadine Pence Frantz will give a public lecture in celebration of her appointment as full professor of theological studies at Bethany Theological Seminary in Richmond, Ind. The lecture will take place 7:30 p.m. Mar. 26 on the topic "Figuring the Sacred in Art and Text."
Frantz joined the faculty of Bethany in 1992 after teaching at the Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary in Fresno, Calif. She is an ordained minister in the Church of the Brethren and has served as pastor of two congregations.
She holds a master of divinity degree from Bethany and a doctorate in theology from the University of Chicago, and has received awards and fellowships from the National Endowment for the Humanities, the American Academy of Religion, the Wabash Center for Teaching and Learning in Theology and Religion, and the Louisville Institute. She has been a Senior Fellow at the Institute for the Advanced Study of Religion at the University of Chicago. Frantz is editing a forthcoming book from Pilgrim Press entitled "Hope Deferred: Theological Reflections on Reproductive Loss."
Source: Newsline 3/19/2004 top
Nadine Pence Frantz will give a public lecture in celebration of her appointment as full professor of theological studies at Bethany Theological Seminary in Richmond, Ind. The lecture will take place 7:30 p.m. Mar. 26 on the topic "Figuring the Sacred in Art and Text."
Frantz joined the faculty of Bethany in 1992 after teaching at the Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary in Fresno, Calif. She is an ordained minister in the Church of the Brethren and has served as pastor of two congregations.
She holds a master of divinity degree from Bethany and a doctorate in theology from the University of Chicago, and has received awards and fellowships from the National Endowment for the Humanities, the American Academy of Religion, the Wabash Center for Teaching and Learning in Theology and Religion, and the Louisville Institute. She has been a Senior Fellow at the Institute for the Advanced Study of Religion at the University of Chicago. Frantz is editing a forthcoming book from Pilgrim Press entitled "Hope Deferred: Theological Reflections on Reproductive Loss."
Source: Newsline 3/19/2004 top
Association of Brethren Caregivers urges participation in efforts to cover the uninsured.
The Association of Brethren Caregivers is encouraging congregations to participate in Cover the Uninsured Week May 10-16, to raise awareness of the 43.6 million Americans without health insurance. As the agency representing the health ministries of the church, ABC is embracing this national program started in 2003 through funding by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.
This year the program features a "National Call to Care," in which health professionals donate a portion of their time during the week to care for those who are uninsured. Other events for Cover the Uninsured Week are being planned in several metropolitan areas. To find out about events and local coordinators, visit www.CoverTheUninsured-Week.org. The website allows individuals to sign up for e-mail updates and promotional materials.
Although Medicaid insures 14 million people in poverty, 10.5 million other people in poverty have no health insurance. In addition, 8.5 million or 11.6 percent of children under 18 are without health insurance.
Source: Newsline 3/19/2004 top
The Association of Brethren Caregivers is encouraging congregations to participate in Cover the Uninsured Week May 10-16, to raise awareness of the 43.6 million Americans without health insurance. As the agency representing the health ministries of the church, ABC is embracing this national program started in 2003 through funding by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.
This year the program features a "National Call to Care," in which health professionals donate a portion of their time during the week to care for those who are uninsured. Other events for Cover the Uninsured Week are being planned in several metropolitan areas. To find out about events and local coordinators, visit www.CoverTheUninsured-Week.org. The website allows individuals to sign up for e-mail updates and promotional materials.
Although Medicaid insures 14 million people in poverty, 10.5 million other people in poverty have no health insurance. In addition, 8.5 million or 11.6 percent of children under 18 are without health insurance.
Source: Newsline 3/19/2004 top
Health Promotion Sunday materials are available on the ABC website.
Congregations are invited to consider "Healthy Faith Communities" on Health Promotion Sunday May 16. The observance is sponsored by the Association of Brethren Caregivers (ABC).
More than 30 pages of related resources from Brethren writers are available at the ABC website, www.brethren.org/abc/. The material explores elements of community, discernment, leadership, healthy conflict, parish nursing, and worship and sermons. This year ABC is providing resources primarily through its website so that it can determine how many churches use the material. In the past, each congregation received a printed packet. Request printed packets at no charge by calling 800-323-8039.
Source: Newsline 3/19/2004 top
Congregations are invited to consider "Healthy Faith Communities" on Health Promotion Sunday May 16. The observance is sponsored by the Association of Brethren Caregivers (ABC).
More than 30 pages of related resources from Brethren writers are available at the ABC website, www.brethren.org/abc/. The material explores elements of community, discernment, leadership, healthy conflict, parish nursing, and worship and sermons. This year ABC is providing resources primarily through its website so that it can determine how many churches use the material. In the past, each congregation received a printed packet. Request printed packets at no charge by calling 800-323-8039.
Source: Newsline 3/19/2004 top
Credits
Newsline is produced by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of news services for the Church of the Brethren General Board, on the first, third, and fifth Friday of each month, with other editions as needed. Newsline stories may be reprinted provided that Newsline is cited as the source. Mary Dulabaum, Nevin Dulabaum, Bryan Hissong, Marcia Shetler, Helen Stonesifer, and Jane Yount contributed to this report.
Newsline is a free service sent only to those requesting a subscription. To receive it by e-mail, or to unsubscribe, write cobnews@aol.com or call 800-323-8039, ext. 260. Newsline is available at www.brethren.org and is archived with an index at www.wfn.org. Also see Photo Journal at www.brethren.org/pjournal/index.htm for photo coverage of events.
Source: Newsline 3/19/2004 top
Newsline is produced by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of news services for the Church of the Brethren General Board, on the first, third, and fifth Friday of each month, with other editions as needed. Newsline stories may be reprinted provided that Newsline is cited as the source. Mary Dulabaum, Nevin Dulabaum, Bryan Hissong, Marcia Shetler, Helen Stonesifer, and Jane Yount contributed to this report.
Newsline is a free service sent only to those requesting a subscription. To receive it by e-mail, or to unsubscribe, write cobnews@aol.com or call 800-323-8039, ext. 260. Newsline is available at www.brethren.org and is archived with an index at www.wfn.org. Also see Photo Journal at www.brethren.org/pjournal/index.htm for photo coverage of events.
Source: Newsline 3/19/2004 top
Friday, March 05, 2004
Haitian crisis raises concern among Brethren, prompts ecumenical relief efforts.
"Haiti is of great concern for many of us," said Stan Noffsinger, general secretary of the Church of the Brethren General Board, in reference to a political and humanitarian crisis in the Caribbean island nation. "We must be unceasing in our prayer that the killing and warfare cease so peace, God's peace, reigns on earth."
Haiti is in chaos following weeks of killings, the overtaking by rebel forces of a third of the country including the capital city Port-au-Prince, violence by pro-government forces, and the exit of President Jean-Bertrand Aristide to asylum in central Africa. The United Nations Security Council approved an international military force from the US, Canada, and France, in an effort to stabilize the country.
Noffsinger shared the denomination's concerns and prayers with Ludovic St. Fleur, pastor of Eglise des Freres Haitiens, a Church of the Brethren congregation in Miami, Fla., and overseer of the Orlando Haitian Fellowship. "The situation (in Haiti) is extremely difficult for everyone," said St. Fleur, who has family there. "The schools and businesses are all closed. People are staying off the streets as it is very dangerous." The St. Fleur family in Haiti, and those worshipping with them, are safe but they have asked the Church of the Brethren to be in prayer for their continued safety and for the killing and violence to end. St. Fleur said the conversation with Noffsinger would be "a source of great comfort and encouragement, to know sisters and brothers will be praying for the Haitian people."
Noffsinger encouraged awareness of churches that have Haitian members and that minister with communities of Haitian immigrants. Atlantic Southeast District, which includes two congregations with Haitian members, is "urging all of our people to keep the Haitians in prayer," said Martha Beach, district executive minister. Some Brethren congregations in the Dominican Republic, which shares a border with Haiti, are composed primarily of Haitian immigrants.
The General Board's Emergency Response/Service Ministries is actively preparing to respond to the crisis by supporting the efforts of Church World Service (CWS), said Roy Winter, director of Emergency Response. On Thursday, staff at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md., were busy packing 30 Interchurch Medical Assistance medicine boxes and eight Bristol-Myers Squibb disaster relief boxes scheduled for air shipment Mar. 8. These supplies, along with an air shipment of dehydrated food, will be received in the Dominican Republic and transported to Haiti.
An outpouring of refugees was anticipated, but currently Haiti is relatively calm with the arrival of the international force. The calm has slowed the exodus, reported CWS staff Donna Derr, but continued calm may depend on how quickly rebels are disarmed and a new government established. CWS is making contingency plans with government and ecumenical partners to address humanitarian needs in Haiti, the US, the Dominican Republic, and other countries. In the Dominican Republic, services to refuge seekers could include temporary shelter, food, water, and health care. The CWS Immigration and Refugee Program also has identified services it can provide to Haitians interdicted at sea and taken to the US military's Guantanamo Bay facility in Cuba. In addition, CWS is advocating on behalf of refugees with the US government, foreign ambassadors to Haiti, and ecumenical partners in Haiti. The organization is urging the US to provide protection to those fleeing Haiti, and to grant temporary protective status to Haitians in the US who fear for their safety if deported.
Source: Newsline 3/05/2004
top
"Haiti is of great concern for many of us," said Stan Noffsinger, general secretary of the Church of the Brethren General Board, in reference to a political and humanitarian crisis in the Caribbean island nation. "We must be unceasing in our prayer that the killing and warfare cease so peace, God's peace, reigns on earth."
Haiti is in chaos following weeks of killings, the overtaking by rebel forces of a third of the country including the capital city Port-au-Prince, violence by pro-government forces, and the exit of President Jean-Bertrand Aristide to asylum in central Africa. The United Nations Security Council approved an international military force from the US, Canada, and France, in an effort to stabilize the country.
Noffsinger shared the denomination's concerns and prayers with Ludovic St. Fleur, pastor of Eglise des Freres Haitiens, a Church of the Brethren congregation in Miami, Fla., and overseer of the Orlando Haitian Fellowship. "The situation (in Haiti) is extremely difficult for everyone," said St. Fleur, who has family there. "The schools and businesses are all closed. People are staying off the streets as it is very dangerous." The St. Fleur family in Haiti, and those worshipping with them, are safe but they have asked the Church of the Brethren to be in prayer for their continued safety and for the killing and violence to end. St. Fleur said the conversation with Noffsinger would be "a source of great comfort and encouragement, to know sisters and brothers will be praying for the Haitian people."
Noffsinger encouraged awareness of churches that have Haitian members and that minister with communities of Haitian immigrants. Atlantic Southeast District, which includes two congregations with Haitian members, is "urging all of our people to keep the Haitians in prayer," said Martha Beach, district executive minister. Some Brethren congregations in the Dominican Republic, which shares a border with Haiti, are composed primarily of Haitian immigrants.
The General Board's Emergency Response/Service Ministries is actively preparing to respond to the crisis by supporting the efforts of Church World Service (CWS), said Roy Winter, director of Emergency Response. On Thursday, staff at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md., were busy packing 30 Interchurch Medical Assistance medicine boxes and eight Bristol-Myers Squibb disaster relief boxes scheduled for air shipment Mar. 8. These supplies, along with an air shipment of dehydrated food, will be received in the Dominican Republic and transported to Haiti.
An outpouring of refugees was anticipated, but currently Haiti is relatively calm with the arrival of the international force. The calm has slowed the exodus, reported CWS staff Donna Derr, but continued calm may depend on how quickly rebels are disarmed and a new government established. CWS is making contingency plans with government and ecumenical partners to address humanitarian needs in Haiti, the US, the Dominican Republic, and other countries. In the Dominican Republic, services to refuge seekers could include temporary shelter, food, water, and health care. The CWS Immigration and Refugee Program also has identified services it can provide to Haitians interdicted at sea and taken to the US military's Guantanamo Bay facility in Cuba. In addition, CWS is advocating on behalf of refugees with the US government, foreign ambassadors to Haiti, and ecumenical partners in Haiti. The organization is urging the US to provide protection to those fleeing Haiti, and to grant temporary protective status to Haitians in the US who fear for their safety if deported.
Source: Newsline 3/05/2004
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Church of the Brethren Credit Union is now open to all denominational members.
The Brethren Employees Credit Union took a historic step Feb. 23, as it changed its name and charter to make it possible for all Church of the Brethren members and their families to join. Now congregations can join as institutional members. The credit union also approved a new 12-member national board.
These were the final steps needed for Brethren Benefit Trust (BBT) to become the credit union's administrator and sponsoring agency. The new name, Church of the Brethren Credit Union, reflects the change in charter expanding membership eligibility. Previously, the credit union was open only to church members and their family members in Illinois and Wisconsin, Brethren pastors and their family members, and staff of denominational agencies and organizations and their family members.
"The approval of these changes voted on by the credit union's owners—its members—sets in place the foundation on which new services to more people within the Church of the Brethren can be built," said Wil Nolen, BBT president. A vote by the membership was the last step in a process that started two years ago when the credit union began exploring partnership with BBT. In addition to ratification by the membership and approval by both boards, the proposed changes also needed approval by the Illinois Department of Financial Institutions.
The changes are milestones in the history of the credit union, which traces its origins to both the Brethren Employee Credit Union (BECU) and the Brethren Parish Credit Union. BECU was organized and chartered as an Illinois corporation in 1938 by the employees of the Brethren Publishing House. The Brethren Parish Credit Union was organized in 1941 by the members of Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren in Elgin, Ill.
BBT will assume staffing and administrative functions for the credit union Apr. 1. Dennis Kingery will be director of Credit Union Operations. Other BBT staff will assist with customer service, financial operations, marketing, and promotions. Telephone and fax numbers for the credit union will remain the same. However, e-mail and website addresses will change to cobcu@brethren.org and www.cobcu.org respectively. The credit union will unveil its new website Apr. 1.
Source: Newsline 3/05/2004
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The Brethren Employees Credit Union took a historic step Feb. 23, as it changed its name and charter to make it possible for all Church of the Brethren members and their families to join. Now congregations can join as institutional members. The credit union also approved a new 12-member national board.
These were the final steps needed for Brethren Benefit Trust (BBT) to become the credit union's administrator and sponsoring agency. The new name, Church of the Brethren Credit Union, reflects the change in charter expanding membership eligibility. Previously, the credit union was open only to church members and their family members in Illinois and Wisconsin, Brethren pastors and their family members, and staff of denominational agencies and organizations and their family members.
"The approval of these changes voted on by the credit union's owners—its members—sets in place the foundation on which new services to more people within the Church of the Brethren can be built," said Wil Nolen, BBT president. A vote by the membership was the last step in a process that started two years ago when the credit union began exploring partnership with BBT. In addition to ratification by the membership and approval by both boards, the proposed changes also needed approval by the Illinois Department of Financial Institutions.
The changes are milestones in the history of the credit union, which traces its origins to both the Brethren Employee Credit Union (BECU) and the Brethren Parish Credit Union. BECU was organized and chartered as an Illinois corporation in 1938 by the employees of the Brethren Publishing House. The Brethren Parish Credit Union was organized in 1941 by the members of Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren in Elgin, Ill.
BBT will assume staffing and administrative functions for the credit union Apr. 1. Dennis Kingery will be director of Credit Union Operations. Other BBT staff will assist with customer service, financial operations, marketing, and promotions. Telephone and fax numbers for the credit union will remain the same. However, e-mail and website addresses will change to cobcu@brethren.org and www.cobcu.org respectively. The credit union will unveil its new website Apr. 1.
Source: Newsline 3/05/2004
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Annual Conference 2004 ballot is announced.
The ballot for the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference, July 3-7 in Charleston, W.Va., is headed by nominees Ronald D. Beachley and Myrna Long Wheeler, for the position of moderator-elect.
Beachley, of Maple Spring Church of the Brethren, Hollsopple, Pa., is district executive minister of Western Pennsylvania District. Myrna Long Wheeler, of Pomona (Calif.) Fellowship, serves as chaplain at Brethren Hillcrest Homes in La Verne, Calif.
On the ballot for Conference-related committees are Joan Lawrence Daggett, of Sangerville Church of the Brethren, Bridgewater, Va., and Martha Roudebush, Trinity Church of the Brethren, Blountville, Tenn., for the Annual Conference Council; June Ellen (Forsyth) Switzer, Community Church of the Brethren, Hutchinson, Kan., and Joanna Wave Willoughby, Hope Church of the Brethren, Freeport, Mich., for the Program and Arrangements Committee; Joe A. Detrick, Codorus Church of the Brethren, Loganville, Pa., and Herman Kauffman, Union Center Church of the Brethren, Nappanee, Ind., for the Pastoral Compensation and Benefits Advisory Committee; and James O. Eikenberry, Wilmington (Del.) Church of the Brethren, and Robert C. Johansen, Crest Manor Church of the Brethren, South Bend, Ind., for the Committee on Interchurch Relations.
Nominees to boards of Conference-related agencies include General Board at-large nominees Michael Benner, of the yoked Waterside and Koontz congregations in Pennsylvania, and J. Colleen Michael, Wenatchee (Wash.) Brethren-Baptist Church United.
John A. Braun, Olympic View Community Church of the Brethren, Seattle, Wash., and J. Kenneth Kreider, Elizabethtown (Pa.) Church of the Brethren, are nominated to the board of Brethren Benefit Trust; Diane Harden, Miami (Fla.) First Church of the Brethren, and Allegra Hess, York Center Church of the Brethren, Lombard, Ill., to the Association of Brethren Caregivers board; David B. Eller, Elizabethtown (Pa.) Church of the Brethren, and Jonathan Frye, Monitor Church of the Brethren, McPherson, Kan., for Bethany Theological Seminary trustee representing the colleges; and David Hendricks, Prince of Peace Church of the Brethren, South Bend, Ind., and Robbie Miller, Bridgewater (Va.) Church of the Brethren, to the On Earth Peace board.
Source: Newsline 3/05/2004
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The ballot for the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference, July 3-7 in Charleston, W.Va., is headed by nominees Ronald D. Beachley and Myrna Long Wheeler, for the position of moderator-elect.
Beachley, of Maple Spring Church of the Brethren, Hollsopple, Pa., is district executive minister of Western Pennsylvania District. Myrna Long Wheeler, of Pomona (Calif.) Fellowship, serves as chaplain at Brethren Hillcrest Homes in La Verne, Calif.
On the ballot for Conference-related committees are Joan Lawrence Daggett, of Sangerville Church of the Brethren, Bridgewater, Va., and Martha Roudebush, Trinity Church of the Brethren, Blountville, Tenn., for the Annual Conference Council; June Ellen (Forsyth) Switzer, Community Church of the Brethren, Hutchinson, Kan., and Joanna Wave Willoughby, Hope Church of the Brethren, Freeport, Mich., for the Program and Arrangements Committee; Joe A. Detrick, Codorus Church of the Brethren, Loganville, Pa., and Herman Kauffman, Union Center Church of the Brethren, Nappanee, Ind., for the Pastoral Compensation and Benefits Advisory Committee; and James O. Eikenberry, Wilmington (Del.) Church of the Brethren, and Robert C. Johansen, Crest Manor Church of the Brethren, South Bend, Ind., for the Committee on Interchurch Relations.
Nominees to boards of Conference-related agencies include General Board at-large nominees Michael Benner, of the yoked Waterside and Koontz congregations in Pennsylvania, and J. Colleen Michael, Wenatchee (Wash.) Brethren-Baptist Church United.
John A. Braun, Olympic View Community Church of the Brethren, Seattle, Wash., and J. Kenneth Kreider, Elizabethtown (Pa.) Church of the Brethren, are nominated to the board of Brethren Benefit Trust; Diane Harden, Miami (Fla.) First Church of the Brethren, and Allegra Hess, York Center Church of the Brethren, Lombard, Ill., to the Association of Brethren Caregivers board; David B. Eller, Elizabethtown (Pa.) Church of the Brethren, and Jonathan Frye, Monitor Church of the Brethren, McPherson, Kan., for Bethany Theological Seminary trustee representing the colleges; and David Hendricks, Prince of Peace Church of the Brethren, South Bend, Ind., and Robbie Miller, Bridgewater (Va.) Church of the Brethren, to the On Earth Peace board.
Source: Newsline 3/05/2004
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Relationship with the American Baptist Churches is rekindled.
When leaders from the American Baptist Churches (ABC) and the Church of the Brethren met to review a 30-year "associated relationship" between the two denominations, they found plenty of reasons to continue.
The denominations created the relationship in 1973, following conversations between Norman J. Baugher, general secretary of the General Board, and Edwin H. Tuller, his counterpart in the American Baptist Convention. As fruits of that endeavor, today seven congregations are dually affiliated. Each denomination also has sent an "observer/consultant" to the other's general board. Occasionally the Church of the Brethren's Committee on Interchurch Relations has met with the ABC Committee on Christian Unity.
As time has gone by, however, fewer people in each denomination remember that there is an associated relationship and how it began. Both groups began to sense that it was time to review the relationship and to ask whether it was being fulfilled in the best way possible.
Through a day-long meeting in Valley Forge, Pa., where the American Baptist Churches are headquartered, leaders from both churches met to become better acquainted with each other's ministries and to discuss ways to enhance the relationship. The American Baptists were represented by Roy Medley, general secretary, and the ABC executive leadership council. The Church of the Brethren was represented by Stan Noffsinger, general secretary of the General Board, and the General Board's leadership team.
In addition to sharing congregations, the denominations relate through ecumenical involvements in areas such as stewardship and publishing. Participants in the meeting identified additional areas where the churches could learn from each other, including disaster response, peace, new church development, and how to become more multi-cultural. The group recommended that the "observer/consultant" connection move out of the board setting and directly into the ecumenical committees, where it can be more fruitful. The group also plans to invite the counsel of dually affiliated congregations regarding the associated relationship. The two leadership teams will meet again in February 2005.
"I rejoice in this day," said Roy Medley, as he brought the meeting to a close. "I look forward to the way God will bless this relationship."
Source: Newsline 3/05/2004
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When leaders from the American Baptist Churches (ABC) and the Church of the Brethren met to review a 30-year "associated relationship" between the two denominations, they found plenty of reasons to continue.
The denominations created the relationship in 1973, following conversations between Norman J. Baugher, general secretary of the General Board, and Edwin H. Tuller, his counterpart in the American Baptist Convention. As fruits of that endeavor, today seven congregations are dually affiliated. Each denomination also has sent an "observer/consultant" to the other's general board. Occasionally the Church of the Brethren's Committee on Interchurch Relations has met with the ABC Committee on Christian Unity.
As time has gone by, however, fewer people in each denomination remember that there is an associated relationship and how it began. Both groups began to sense that it was time to review the relationship and to ask whether it was being fulfilled in the best way possible.
Through a day-long meeting in Valley Forge, Pa., where the American Baptist Churches are headquartered, leaders from both churches met to become better acquainted with each other's ministries and to discuss ways to enhance the relationship. The American Baptists were represented by Roy Medley, general secretary, and the ABC executive leadership council. The Church of the Brethren was represented by Stan Noffsinger, general secretary of the General Board, and the General Board's leadership team.
In addition to sharing congregations, the denominations relate through ecumenical involvements in areas such as stewardship and publishing. Participants in the meeting identified additional areas where the churches could learn from each other, including disaster response, peace, new church development, and how to become more multi-cultural. The group recommended that the "observer/consultant" connection move out of the board setting and directly into the ecumenical committees, where it can be more fruitful. The group also plans to invite the counsel of dually affiliated congregations regarding the associated relationship. The two leadership teams will meet again in February 2005.
"I rejoice in this day," said Roy Medley, as he brought the meeting to a close. "I look forward to the way God will bless this relationship."
Source: Newsline 3/05/2004
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Global Food Crisis Fund supports cow breeding, potable water, trees, and stoves.
More than $64,000 worth of grants from the Global Food Crisis Fund have been allocated for use in Eritrea and Guatemala.
A grant of $50,000 has been made to support a multi-million dollar, multi-faceted humanitarian appeal for the needs of repatriated Eritreans. Agricultural activity in the south of Eritrea, along the Ethiopian border, is hampered by drought and land mines. Cattle were looted or slaughtered during the border war, and families are left with no source of income. The grant will provide 100 breeding cows for 100 households predominantly headed by women. The funds are part of an ecumenical response led by the Lutheran World Federation and sent through Church World Service.
In the Ixtahuacan region of Guatemala, $11,000 will extend projects providing trees, cisterns, and stoves. A grant of $5,000 has been made for reforestation and fruit tree propagation; $5,000 to build water systems for ten families; and $1,000 to build 20 fuel-efficient wood stoves. The reforestation program is directed by Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS) worker Todd Bauer, and the cistern and stove project by Jorge Garcia. The work is supervised by Tom Benevento, General Board Global Mission Partnerships staff.
Another $3,040 supports projects in Union Victoria, Guatemala, a Mayan village of resettled refugees from the country's brutal 36-year civil war. Primarily used to help develop a potable water system, the money also will fund scholarships, a dental clinic, medical kits and training, and agriculture teaching. The projects were taken on through BVS workers Anthony Banout and Julie Kult.
Source: Newsline 3/05/2004
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More than $64,000 worth of grants from the Global Food Crisis Fund have been allocated for use in Eritrea and Guatemala.
A grant of $50,000 has been made to support a multi-million dollar, multi-faceted humanitarian appeal for the needs of repatriated Eritreans. Agricultural activity in the south of Eritrea, along the Ethiopian border, is hampered by drought and land mines. Cattle were looted or slaughtered during the border war, and families are left with no source of income. The grant will provide 100 breeding cows for 100 households predominantly headed by women. The funds are part of an ecumenical response led by the Lutheran World Federation and sent through Church World Service.
In the Ixtahuacan region of Guatemala, $11,000 will extend projects providing trees, cisterns, and stoves. A grant of $5,000 has been made for reforestation and fruit tree propagation; $5,000 to build water systems for ten families; and $1,000 to build 20 fuel-efficient wood stoves. The reforestation program is directed by Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS) worker Todd Bauer, and the cistern and stove project by Jorge Garcia. The work is supervised by Tom Benevento, General Board Global Mission Partnerships staff.
Another $3,040 supports projects in Union Victoria, Guatemala, a Mayan village of resettled refugees from the country's brutal 36-year civil war. Primarily used to help develop a potable water system, the money also will fund scholarships, a dental clinic, medical kits and training, and agriculture teaching. The projects were taken on through BVS workers Anthony Banout and Julie Kult.
Source: Newsline 3/05/2004
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Emergency Disaster Fund sends aid to Nicaraguan children.
The Church of the Brethren Emergency Disaster Fund has distributed funds to meet health concerns in Nicaragua.
A grant of $12,500 will support an Interchurch Medical Assistance (IMA) appeal to provide de-worming medication to more than one million children ages 6-12. The growth, nutrition, and school performance of these children is greatly harmed by chronic intestinal parasites. "We hope that this will also give an opportunity for people in the rural communities to have some hope and to keep going forward in difficult times," said Laura Parajon, a physician and director of Provadenic (Providing Vaccines to Rural Communities in Nicaragua), IMA's partner agency in the country.
Source: Newsline 3/05/2004
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The Church of the Brethren Emergency Disaster Fund has distributed funds to meet health concerns in Nicaragua.
A grant of $12,500 will support an Interchurch Medical Assistance (IMA) appeal to provide de-worming medication to more than one million children ages 6-12. The growth, nutrition, and school performance of these children is greatly harmed by chronic intestinal parasites. "We hope that this will also give an opportunity for people in the rural communities to have some hope and to keep going forward in difficult times," said Laura Parajon, a physician and director of Provadenic (Providing Vaccines to Rural Communities in Nicaragua), IMA's partner agency in the country.
Source: Newsline 3/05/2004
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Brethren Volunteer Service Unit 258 completes orientation, enters into service.
Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS) Unit 258 held its orientation Jan. 18-Feb. 6 at Camp Ithiel in Gotha, Fla., near Orlando. The orientation included a long-weekend visit to the Eglise des Freres Haitiens congregation in Miami and a potluck for people in the area connected to BVS and Civilian Public Service.
Volunteers, their home towns, and their project assignments are Olga Berscheminski, of Schifferstadt, Germany, assigned to Step 2, Reno, Nev.; Cherie George, Gainesville, Fla., to L'Arche Community, Ireland; Christoph Hillejan, Ochtrup, Germany, to MedShare International, Lithonia, Ga.; Christian Junker, Nauheim, Germany, to Trees for Life, Wichita, Kan.; Madaline Keros, Concord, N.H., to L'Arche Community, Ireland; Molly Knobbe, Cimarron, Kan., to Camp Bethel, Fincastle, Va.; Sarah Lockhart, Vacaville, Calif., to The Junction, Derry/Londonderry, N. Ireland; Jim Malin, Bridgeport, Conn., to Samaritan House, Atlanta, Ga.; Kylee North, Tacoma, Wash., to Quaker Cottage, Belfast, N. Ireland; Jonas Schonfelder, Berlin, Germany, to Cafe 458, Atlanta; Michelle Storey, Minneapolis, Minn., to ASONOG, Copan, Honduras; Anne Volk, Regenburg, Germany, to Casa de Esperanza de los Ninos, Houston, Texas; Michelle Williams, Bloomfield, Mich., to Center on Conscience and War, Washington, D.C.; and Georges Zemanek, Houston, to Brother David Darst Center, Chicago, Ill.
Source: Newsline 3/05/2004
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Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS) Unit 258 held its orientation Jan. 18-Feb. 6 at Camp Ithiel in Gotha, Fla., near Orlando. The orientation included a long-weekend visit to the Eglise des Freres Haitiens congregation in Miami and a potluck for people in the area connected to BVS and Civilian Public Service.
Volunteers, their home towns, and their project assignments are Olga Berscheminski, of Schifferstadt, Germany, assigned to Step 2, Reno, Nev.; Cherie George, Gainesville, Fla., to L'Arche Community, Ireland; Christoph Hillejan, Ochtrup, Germany, to MedShare International, Lithonia, Ga.; Christian Junker, Nauheim, Germany, to Trees for Life, Wichita, Kan.; Madaline Keros, Concord, N.H., to L'Arche Community, Ireland; Molly Knobbe, Cimarron, Kan., to Camp Bethel, Fincastle, Va.; Sarah Lockhart, Vacaville, Calif., to The Junction, Derry/Londonderry, N. Ireland; Jim Malin, Bridgeport, Conn., to Samaritan House, Atlanta, Ga.; Kylee North, Tacoma, Wash., to Quaker Cottage, Belfast, N. Ireland; Jonas Schonfelder, Berlin, Germany, to Cafe 458, Atlanta; Michelle Storey, Minneapolis, Minn., to ASONOG, Copan, Honduras; Anne Volk, Regenburg, Germany, to Casa de Esperanza de los Ninos, Houston, Texas; Michelle Williams, Bloomfield, Mich., to Center on Conscience and War, Washington, D.C.; and Georges Zemanek, Houston, to Brother David Darst Center, Chicago, Ill.
Source: Newsline 3/05/2004
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Brethren bits: Brethren Benefit Trust and General Board positions, and more.
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- Connie Sandman will be moving from the Communications and Information Services department of Brethren Benefit Trust to the newly established Church of the Brethren Credit Union, where she will be the member services representative. Sandman joined BBT in 1982 as a medical claims processor. In 1999, she moved to BBT's Information Services department as a customer service representative and computer technician, and in 2000 became administrative assistant to BBT's newly combined Communications and Information Services departments. She will become the primary contact for the credit union Apr. 1.
- The General Board is seeking a full-time customer service resource specialist, to begin Mar. 17. The position provides Brethren Press resource information to congregations and individuals, handles orders, and processes accounts receivable, monthly statements, and other reports. Candidates will have ability in customer service, word processing, basic accounting, and general office skills. Experience in a church or service organization and some college credit is preferred. For more information or to apply contact Mary Lou Garrison, director of human resources, e-mail mgarrison_gb@brethren.org, or call 847-742-5100. Application deadline is Mar. 10.
- The Annual Conference Office has a new website that is designed to be user friendly and informative. The site will provide access to all of the information found on the old site and, starting Mar. 17, will feature online registration and information for the 2004 Annual Conference in Charleston, W.Va. The new site can be accessed at www.brethren.org/ac/.
- A series of six Disaster Child Care Level 1 Volunteer Training Workshops begins today at the Elizabethtown (Pa.) Church of the Brethren. The Church of the Brethren program prepares volunteers to care for children affected by disasters. Trainings continue Mar. 26-27 at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Frederick, Md.; Apr. 16-17 at Tearcoat Church of the Brethren, Augusta, W.Va.; Apr. 24-25 at Beacon Heights Church of the Brethren, Fort Wayne, Ind.; Apr. 30-May 1 at Christ United Methodist Church, Amherst, N.Y.; and May 21-22 at Lanark (Ill.) Church of the Brethren.
- The registration deadline for the District Disaster Coordinators Seminar has been extended to Mar. 15. The event will be held Apr. 20-22 in New Windsor, Md. The General Board's Emergency Response office is encouraging all 23 districts to be represented. For more information call Jane Yount, 800-451-4407, ext. 4.
- The deadline is fast approaching for submissions of stories for the Committee on Interchurch Relations (CIR) ecumenical citations, to be given at Annual Conference 2004. In keeping with the goals of the Decade to Overcome Violence, CIR's focus is on youth and young adults involved in peacemaking. Stories about exemplary Brethren youth and young adults doing creative work or projects to help reduce and overcome violence are sought. Please send stories to the General Secretary's Office, Church of the Brethren General Board, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120, or e-mail generalboard@brethren.org. Stories need to be received by Mar. 15. More information can be found at www.brethren.org/genbd/CIR/CIRFlyer.html.
- "Christ Is Our Peace: Breaking Down Dividing Walls," an urban ministry event held Feb. 17 at Hollins Road Church of the Brethren, Roanoke, Va., was attended by 18 clergy from 12 congregations in Virlina District. The district's newly recognized Urban Ministry Committee hosted the event, with leadership by Bruce A. Yoder, director of Capital Campaign YMCA of Greater Richmond. Sessions focused on the biblical text and the "Big Six Model of Community" from Yoder's doctoral work, identifying possibilities for congregations to provide opportunities for belonging, intimacy, generativity, stability, influence, and exploration.
- Four volunteers have been trained as a resource for a two-year "Growing Faithful Disciples" emphasis in Middle Pennsylvania District. The Gifts Assessment Team of Jerriann Heiser Wenger, Harold Bowser, Chris Knepp, and Duane Rhodes will assist congregations in examining gifts discernment as a process of identifying personal spiritual gifts, and help congregations put into motion a gifts assessment plan. Jan Glass King, coordinator for Congregational Life Team Area 1, provided training to the team which will, in turn, respond to invitations from congregations and church leaders interested in pursuing gifts assessment.
- A 16-person delegation from six Church of the Brethren districts will join other international visitors to serve as monitors for the Mar. 21 presidential elections in El Salvador. The trip is organized by the New Community Project, a Brethren-related nonprofit organization. The election, in which a former rebel leader is on the ballot, may be critical to the country's continued emergence from decades-long civil conflict. The team will be hosted by long-time Brethren partner Emmanuel Baptist Church. A number of participants are from Manchester Church of the Brethren, North Manchester, Ind., which has had a sister-church relationship with Emmanuel Baptist.
- A conference titled "The Reformation and the Anabaptists—Steps to Reconciliation" will be held June 26 in Zurich, Switzerland. The conference will aim to "help heal wounds of the Reformation," according to Mennonite Weekly Review. Up to 100 North American Anabaptists are expected to be invited to attend.
- A consortium of five health care-related organizations, including Interchurch Medical Assistance (IMA), has been awarded $335 million over five years to provide anti-retroviral therapy to HIV/AIDS patients in Africa, the Caribbean, and Latin America. The award is part of the US administration's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, resulting from a $15 billion commitment to treat two million people with HIV/AIDS, prevent seven million new infections, and provide care and support for orphans and ten million people living with HIV/AIDS. The consortium is led by Catholic Relief Services and includes the University of Maryland Institute of Human Virology, the Catholic Medical Mission Board, and the Futures Group. IMA warehouses its medical supplies at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md.
- A gathering on global issues of peace and justice will take place in Arlington, Va., this weekend Mar. 5-8. "I Will Feed Them with Justice" (Ezek. 34:16) is the theme for the second annual Ecumenical Advocacy Days. Several hundred attendees are expected, representing a broad range of churches and faith-based coalitions worldwide. Heading the list of 35 noted speakers and presenters is Samuel Kobia, the new general secretary of the World Council of Churches and former head of the National Council of Churches of Kenya. The weekend will include six different focus tracks on Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, economic justice, and nuclear disarmament. Planners expect about 350 attendees to hold lobbying meetings on Capitol Hill. For a complete schedule of events and a list of speakers and topics, or to register online, go to www.advocacydays.org.
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