Team developing proposal to better market Annual Conference.
An Annual Conference Marketing Ministry Team, accountable and reportable to the Annual Conference Program and Arrangements Committee, met Nov. 27-29 at New Windsor, Md. Directly related to the strategic plan for Conference staff and volunteers approved by Annual Conference 2005, the team is developing a proposal to better market and promote participation in the annual meeting that is "vital to our denomination," reported Annual Conference executive director Lerry Fogle.
Tracy Wiser of Mid-Atlantic District was selected as chair; Martha Roudebush, executive minister of Southeastern District, is recorder. Other members of the team include John Braun of Oregon and Washington District, Joanna Willoughby of Michigan District, a member of the Program and Arrangements Committee, and Fogle.
The Marketing Ministry Team will research participation of the denomination in Annual Conference including contact with all district executives, selected contact with congregations that were unable to have representation at Annual Conference 2005, contact with Congregational Life Team staff of the General Board, and contact with others in the denomination with marketing and promotion skills. With analysis of research results, a marketing proposal will be drafted, finalized, and presented next June to the Program and Arrangements Committee.
In addition, feedback about participation or non-participation of non-delegates at Annual Conference will be explored on a number of the denominational list serves. Anyone wishing to convey thoughts or suggestions about why members of the Church of the Brethren attend or do not attend Annual Conference may send e-mail to annualconference@brethren.org or write to the Annual Conference Office, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL, 60120.
For more about Annual Conference see www.brethren.org/ac.
Source: 12/14/2005 Newsline
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Wednesday, December 14, 2005
National Council of Churches assembly condemns torture, considers bio-ethics.
The National Council of Churches (NCC) General Assembly Nov. 8-10 issued a statement condemning torture, defended civil liberties, and began considering a paper on the ethics of bio-technologies, among other business. The assembly, which also is the representative body for Church World Service, is an annual gathering of 300 representatives of 35 communions and denominations representing 45 million US Christians.
Church of the Brethren representatives wereNelda Rhodes Clarke Nelda Rhoades Clark, Jennie Ramirez, Marianne Miller Speicher, David Whitten, and Stan Noffsinger, general secretary, and Merv Keeney, Global Mission Partnerships executive director, of the General Board. Two Brethren young adults--Christina McPherson and Margo Royer Miller--served as stewards, volunteering with others in behind-the-scenes work to make the assembly possible. Becky Ullom, director of Identity and Relations for the General Board, served as an observer.
"In the gathering of Christians from other communions, I feel a closeness to the spirit of Jesus as we worship together and address the common concerns we face as peoples of the world," said Speicher. "How wonderful it is to sit down with other Christians from very diverse backgrounds and share together," said Clarke.
Among common concerns was the US government's policy on torture of detainees. "Due to the timely nature of the matter, a call from the floor requested the assembly to respond to the use of torture," Whitten said. "This was in direct response to the bill that was to be presented to the House with an amendment relating to the unethical use of torture by the United States."
The assembly unanimously passed a "Statement on the Disavowel of Torture" commending the Senate's "anti-torture provisions" in the 2006 Defense Appropriations bill. "We find any and all use of torture unacceptable and contrary to US and international legal norms," said the NCC statement. "Torture, regardless of circumstance, humiliates and debases torturer and tortured alike. Torture turns its face against the biblical truth that all humans are created in the image of God (Gen. 1:26-27)."
Discussion of the statement on torture "was filled, at times, with tension due to the intensity of feelings on the subject," Whitten said. "However, the passing of the statement brought the unity of spirit in the recognition that all of humanity is sacred and created in the 'imago dei.'"
The assembly also pledged to be "ever-vigilant" in defending civil liberties. A resolution committed the NCC "to the monitoring of current and potential civil and religious liberties abuses" and pledged to educate member communions "on the importance of upholding civil and religious liberties, even and most critically in times of national distress."
A policy statement on human bio-technologies, "Fearfully and Wonderfully Made," received a first reading at the assembly. Delegates will take the policy to their communions for study and comment and will vote on it at the assembly in 2006.
The policy will be composed in three sections: "Our Theological Self-Understanding;" "The Church's Calling" in faith and science; and "Key Challenges for Church Engagement" including stem cell and embryonic stem cell research. It will include recommendations for the NCC, member communions, congregations, priests and pastors, seminaries and medical practitioners, health care professionals, and researchers. One recommendation is to form a federal commission for the regulation and discussion of emerging bio-technologies.
In other business, the assembly endorsed a Special Commission for the Just Rebuilding of the Gulf Coast; named as president Michael E. Livingston, executive director of the International Council of Community Churches, and president-elect Vicken Aykazian, bishop of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern) in Washington; and called on member communions to make this Christmas season a time of sacrificial giving. Delegates took action at the meeting, pledging more than $32,000 for Church World Service.
Noffsinger and Keeney were among 17 delegates invited to a meeting with the Venezuelan ambassador to the US during the assembly. The meeting was prompted by Christian broadcaster Pat Robertson's call for the assassination of President Hugo Chavez of Venezuela; the NCC had sent a letter to Venezuela saying the remarks were not representative of US churches. Chavez reportedly requested the ambassador to go to the assembly for dialogue with US churches.
"It was encouraging to be part of a conversation that helped to heal the wounds that words create," said Noffsinger. The ambassador expressed how much it meant "for the people of Venezuela that not all Americans concur with Pat Robertson," Noffsinger said. "It gave them hope for the American people."
For more see www.ncccusa.org.
Source: 12/14/2005 Newsline
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The National Council of Churches (NCC) General Assembly Nov. 8-10 issued a statement condemning torture, defended civil liberties, and began considering a paper on the ethics of bio-technologies, among other business. The assembly, which also is the representative body for Church World Service, is an annual gathering of 300 representatives of 35 communions and denominations representing 45 million US Christians.
Church of the Brethren representatives were
"In the gathering of Christians from other communions, I feel a closeness to the spirit of Jesus as we worship together and address the common concerns we face as peoples of the world," said Speicher. "How wonderful it is to sit down with other Christians from very diverse backgrounds and share together," said Clarke.
Among common concerns was the US government's policy on torture of detainees. "Due to the timely nature of the matter, a call from the floor requested the assembly to respond to the use of torture," Whitten said. "This was in direct response to the bill that was to be presented to the House with an amendment relating to the unethical use of torture by the United States."
The assembly unanimously passed a "Statement on the Disavowel of Torture" commending the Senate's "anti-torture provisions" in the 2006 Defense Appropriations bill. "We find any and all use of torture unacceptable and contrary to US and international legal norms," said the NCC statement. "Torture, regardless of circumstance, humiliates and debases torturer and tortured alike. Torture turns its face against the biblical truth that all humans are created in the image of God (Gen. 1:26-27)."
Discussion of the statement on torture "was filled, at times, with tension due to the intensity of feelings on the subject," Whitten said. "However, the passing of the statement brought the unity of spirit in the recognition that all of humanity is sacred and created in the 'imago dei.'"
The assembly also pledged to be "ever-vigilant" in defending civil liberties. A resolution committed the NCC "to the monitoring of current and potential civil and religious liberties abuses" and pledged to educate member communions "on the importance of upholding civil and religious liberties, even and most critically in times of national distress."
A policy statement on human bio-technologies, "Fearfully and Wonderfully Made," received a first reading at the assembly. Delegates will take the policy to their communions for study and comment and will vote on it at the assembly in 2006.
The policy will be composed in three sections: "Our Theological Self-Understanding;" "The Church's Calling" in faith and science; and "Key Challenges for Church Engagement" including stem cell and embryonic stem cell research. It will include recommendations for the NCC, member communions, congregations, priests and pastors, seminaries and medical practitioners, health care professionals, and researchers. One recommendation is to form a federal commission for the regulation and discussion of emerging bio-technologies.
In other business, the assembly endorsed a Special Commission for the Just Rebuilding of the Gulf Coast; named as president Michael E. Livingston, executive director of the International Council of Community Churches, and president-elect Vicken Aykazian, bishop of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern) in Washington; and called on member communions to make this Christmas season a time of sacrificial giving. Delegates took action at the meeting, pledging more than $32,000 for Church World Service.
Noffsinger and Keeney were among 17 delegates invited to a meeting with the Venezuelan ambassador to the US during the assembly. The meeting was prompted by Christian broadcaster Pat Robertson's call for the assassination of President Hugo Chavez of Venezuela; the NCC had sent a letter to Venezuela saying the remarks were not representative of US churches. Chavez reportedly requested the ambassador to go to the assembly for dialogue with US churches.
"It was encouraging to be part of a conversation that helped to heal the wounds that words create," said Noffsinger. The ambassador expressed how much it meant "for the people of Venezuela that not all Americans concur with Pat Robertson," Noffsinger said. "It gave them hope for the American people."
For more see www.ncccusa.org.
Source: 12/14/2005 Newsline
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Brethren bits: NYC Speech Contest, Day of Caring, and more.
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- The deadline for the National Youth Conference (NYC) Speech Contest is quickly approaching. Every youth attending NYC next summer is invited to write a speech on the theme, "Come and See." The speech should be based on John 1:35-39. "In this passage, when John's disciples asked Jesus where he was staying, instead of just telling them, he invited them to `come and see,'" said a statement from the NYC coordinators. "Jesus is inviting these disciples to come and be with him, to truly see who he is. As we come together in Colorado, show us your understanding of faith in today's culture and world." The top two entries will be preached during one of the worship services at NYC. Entries should be 500-700 words and about 10 minutes long. Send both written and audio versions to the NYC Office, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120. The deadline is Jan. 1, 2006. For more information see www.brethren.org/genbd/yya/NYC2006/index.html.
- The Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md., was chosen to be part of T. Rowe Price's "Day of Caring" on Dec. 7. Ten employees were paired with ten Arc clients to volunteer in the SERRV pricing department and in the General Board's Service Ministries, packing material resources. The event was coordinated by Arc's assistant executive director Don Rowe, a member of Westminster (Md.) Church of the Brethren.
- Graydon Snyder, professor emeritus at Bethany Theological Seminary, and Carl D. Bowman, chair of the Department of Sociology at Bridgewater (Va.) College, are among the authors featured in a new book from Cascadia Publishing House and Herald Press, co-published in association with Eastern Mennonite University. "Viewing New Creations with Anabaptist Eyes" is edited by Roman J. Miller, Beryl H. Brubaker, and James C. Peterson. Among the many other authors are Stanley M. Hauerwas. The book investigates the promise and perils of genetic biotechnology, ethical problems that emerge, and ethical reasoning to meet the challenges. Order for $23.95 plus shipping and handling from Brethren Press; call 800-441-3712.
- Jonathan L. Reed, professor of Religion at the University of La Verne (Calif.), appeared on ABC television's "Good Morning America" on Dec. 7 to discuss his involvement in the National Geographic Channel's "Science of the Bible" series. The series, which uses archaeology to illuminate the world of Jesus and the first Christians, appears Wednesdays at 7 and 10 p.m. Pacific time. See http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/channel/programs/science-of-the-bible.html. For more about the university, which is related to the Church of the Brethren, see www.ulv.edu.
- The Greater Gift/SERRV store at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md., is holding a holiday overstock sale through Dec. 18. All first-quality gifts, baskets, jewelry, and clothing will be 60 percent off and more. The sale also will offer overstock items from the fall catalogue.
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Brethren join rally protesting School of Americas.
By Todd Flory
Despite brisk fall weather, around 60 Church of the Brethren members and friends joined a record crowd Nov. 19-20 in Fort Benning, Ga., to protest the US Army's School of Americas (SOA) or Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation. Some 19,000 people rallied along the street in front of the military facility that, since its foundation in Panama in 1946, has produced many human rights violators in Latin American countries.
The SOA, which moved to Fort Benning in 1984, is funded by US taxpayer money and trains soldiers and military personnel from Latin American countries in subjects such as counter-insurgency, military intelligence, and counter-narcotics operations. Documentation has revealed numerous atrocities such as torture, kidnapping, and killings involving known SOA graduates.
Brethren college students attended the rally including 12 from Juniata College in Huntingdon, Pa. Many of the students were involved with the college's peace organization, Pax-O ("pax" is the Latin word for peace), and had been studying anti-torture.
Emily Eller, a senior at Juniata, said that by working with anti-torture issues, it made sense to participate in the SOA protest. Students were also able to get numerous people at the protest to write 400 anti-torture bill letters. While marching in front of the facility's fences, Eller witnessed the electronic message display explaining why people were prohibited from climbing the fence onto the military's property while simultaneously hearing the names of victims who have died at the hands of SOA graduates. "It was really surreal," she said. "Today was really, really powerful."
A group of 30 students from Manchester College in North Manchester, Ind., also attended, led by Ken Brown, peace studies and philosophy professor. Brown believes it is important for students to participate in social justice activities and to experience learning outside the classroom. "Enjoyment is at the heart of education. We don't want to postpone involvement," he said, noting this was the 10th straight year students from Manchester have come to the protest. The record number of people in attendance this year is due in part to other world events, he said. "I think it's due to national dissatisfaction of the war and government moving in the wrong direction."
Saturday, Nov. 19, served as a day of information exchange and product sales. The Brethren Witness/Washington Office joined rows of organizations handing out information and selling t-shirts, bumper stickers, and fair-trade coffee and chocolate. On stage, speakers such as an Argentinian torture survivor and an organizer with United Students Against Sweatshops told their stories. Through the weekend, nonviolence trainings, teach-ins, and workshops were held.
"While speakers and musicians are on stage, those of us behind are busy preparing the next person to go on. But this year I had a chance to hear some of the speakers," said Tracy Stoddart, resident director at McPherson (Kan.) College. In 1999, Stoddart worked at SOA Watch through Brethren Volunteer Service, and has since come back every year to work on the stage and logistics team. "I heard brave young women talk about their personal, horrific experiences being tortured and kidnapped; another young woman from the Colombian Peace Community of San Jose de Apartado spoke when only two days before troops, led by an SOA graduate, attacked her community and killed one of their leaders; and a new grandma with her two surviving daughters remembering her family members that were kidnapped and disappeared."
The Brethren Witness/Washington Office hosted a Brethren gathering including Brethren college students as well as other Brethren who made the trip to Fort Benning. The gathering provided an opportunity to share about issues with which the office is involved, and a setting for dialogue regarding national and world political issues and actions. "That was the best Brethren gathering we've had," Brown said. "It was very inspirational to remind us all what it's like to be Brethren."
A memorial service and funeral procession took place on Sunday, with many of the 19,000 people carrying banners and posters while listening to a reading of the names of victims of SOA graduates. Later, along the fence marking the border of the school, people gathered to fasten pictures and signs and to sing and pray. Forty-one people were arrested for crossing the fence.
Stoddart said, "Amidst all the fear, sadness, and hurt, an amazing spirit of forgiveness, hope, and energy flowed through the throngs of people gathered in Georgia. And that is what keeps me coming back."
--Todd Flory is a legislative associate and Brethren Volunteer Service worker at the Brethren Witness/Washington Office of the Church of the Brethren General Board.
Source: 12/14/2005 Newsline
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By Todd Flory
Despite brisk fall weather, around 60 Church of the Brethren members and friends joined a record crowd Nov. 19-20 in Fort Benning, Ga., to protest the US Army's School of Americas (SOA) or Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation. Some 19,000 people rallied along the street in front of the military facility that, since its foundation in Panama in 1946, has produced many human rights violators in Latin American countries.
The SOA, which moved to Fort Benning in 1984, is funded by US taxpayer money and trains soldiers and military personnel from Latin American countries in subjects such as counter-insurgency, military intelligence, and counter-narcotics operations. Documentation has revealed numerous atrocities such as torture, kidnapping, and killings involving known SOA graduates.
Brethren college students attended the rally including 12 from Juniata College in Huntingdon, Pa. Many of the students were involved with the college's peace organization, Pax-O ("pax" is the Latin word for peace), and had been studying anti-torture.
Emily Eller, a senior at Juniata, said that by working with anti-torture issues, it made sense to participate in the SOA protest. Students were also able to get numerous people at the protest to write 400 anti-torture bill letters. While marching in front of the facility's fences, Eller witnessed the electronic message display explaining why people were prohibited from climbing the fence onto the military's property while simultaneously hearing the names of victims who have died at the hands of SOA graduates. "It was really surreal," she said. "Today was really, really powerful."
A group of 30 students from Manchester College in North Manchester, Ind., also attended, led by Ken Brown, peace studies and philosophy professor. Brown believes it is important for students to participate in social justice activities and to experience learning outside the classroom. "Enjoyment is at the heart of education. We don't want to postpone involvement," he said, noting this was the 10th straight year students from Manchester have come to the protest. The record number of people in attendance this year is due in part to other world events, he said. "I think it's due to national dissatisfaction of the war and government moving in the wrong direction."
Saturday, Nov. 19, served as a day of information exchange and product sales. The Brethren Witness/Washington Office joined rows of organizations handing out information and selling t-shirts, bumper stickers, and fair-trade coffee and chocolate. On stage, speakers such as an Argentinian torture survivor and an organizer with United Students Against Sweatshops told their stories. Through the weekend, nonviolence trainings, teach-ins, and workshops were held.
"While speakers and musicians are on stage, those of us behind are busy preparing the next person to go on. But this year I had a chance to hear some of the speakers," said Tracy Stoddart, resident director at McPherson (Kan.) College. In 1999, Stoddart worked at SOA Watch through Brethren Volunteer Service, and has since come back every year to work on the stage and logistics team. "I heard brave young women talk about their personal, horrific experiences being tortured and kidnapped; another young woman from the Colombian Peace Community of San Jose de Apartado spoke when only two days before troops, led by an SOA graduate, attacked her community and killed one of their leaders; and a new grandma with her two surviving daughters remembering her family members that were kidnapped and disappeared."
The Brethren Witness/Washington Office hosted a Brethren gathering including Brethren college students as well as other Brethren who made the trip to Fort Benning. The gathering provided an opportunity to share about issues with which the office is involved, and a setting for dialogue regarding national and world political issues and actions. "That was the best Brethren gathering we've had," Brown said. "It was very inspirational to remind us all what it's like to be Brethren."
A memorial service and funeral procession took place on Sunday, with many of the 19,000 people carrying banners and posters while listening to a reading of the names of victims of SOA graduates. Later, along the fence marking the border of the school, people gathered to fasten pictures and signs and to sing and pray. Forty-one people were arrested for crossing the fence.
Stoddart said, "Amidst all the fear, sadness, and hurt, an amazing spirit of forgiveness, hope, and energy flowed through the throngs of people gathered in Georgia. And that is what keeps me coming back."
--Todd Flory is a legislative associate and Brethren Volunteer Service worker at the Brethren Witness/Washington Office of the Church of the Brethren General Board.
Source: 12/14/2005 Newsline
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A Citronelle pilgrimage.
By Susan Mull
Citronelle, Ala., does not sound like the destination of one embarking on a spiritual journey. What would Citronelle have in common with Jerusalem, the holiest city in the world to millions of people?
To show people compassion and to accept the challenges of disaster response was the reason we were heading to Citronelle. Would I need more than my new tool belt and the right work clothes? What about my "Gospel armor"? Would people see Jesus in me? How would I "wear" my Christianity? Would the compassion I could feel inside be acted out? Would I even make a difference?
While rereading "Meeting God In The Ruins," I realized God would let me know what I needed to do in Citronelle. There is a prayer in that booklet that reads, "You have come to me, O God. You are sending me to meet you in a new place. May my words, actions, and thoughts honor you as I approach the Holy Ground. Amen."
There was so much about humanitarianism and justice to ponder as my husband and I prepared for the trip. Rosa Parks had just died in October and we wanted to stop in Montgomery, Ala., because there is a museum and library there honoring her work, as well as the Southern Poverty Law Center and a huge Civil Rights Memorial. We read these words of Martin Luther King Jr. etched in stone on the outside of the Law Center building: "...Until justice rolls down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream...." We were on our way to do justice work.
Each day at the Brethren Disaster Response site in Citronelle, it was more and more clear that God was working in each of the people who formed our volunteer team. I began to think back to my earlier question, "Would I make a difference?" By acting out my faith, my experience in Citronelle made me different. There is in me a new heart, a renewed spirit, and a renewed zeal for justice work.
What did Citronelle have in common with Jerusalem? Because I said yes to God's call, God was there to meet me and guide me, and there I was on holy ground.
--Susan Mull and her husband, Earl, travel and do disaster response work together. They served as volunteers with Brethren Disaster Response in Citronelle in early November doing clean up and rebuilding following Hurricane Katrina.
Source: 12/14/2005 Newsline
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By Susan Mull
Citronelle, Ala., does not sound like the destination of one embarking on a spiritual journey. What would Citronelle have in common with Jerusalem, the holiest city in the world to millions of people?
To show people compassion and to accept the challenges of disaster response was the reason we were heading to Citronelle. Would I need more than my new tool belt and the right work clothes? What about my "Gospel armor"? Would people see Jesus in me? How would I "wear" my Christianity? Would the compassion I could feel inside be acted out? Would I even make a difference?
While rereading "Meeting God In The Ruins," I realized God would let me know what I needed to do in Citronelle. There is a prayer in that booklet that reads, "You have come to me, O God. You are sending me to meet you in a new place. May my words, actions, and thoughts honor you as I approach the Holy Ground. Amen."
There was so much about humanitarianism and justice to ponder as my husband and I prepared for the trip. Rosa Parks had just died in October and we wanted to stop in Montgomery, Ala., because there is a museum and library there honoring her work, as well as the Southern Poverty Law Center and a huge Civil Rights Memorial. We read these words of Martin Luther King Jr. etched in stone on the outside of the Law Center building: "...Until justice rolls down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream...." We were on our way to do justice work.
Each day at the Brethren Disaster Response site in Citronelle, it was more and more clear that God was working in each of the people who formed our volunteer team. I began to think back to my earlier question, "Would I make a difference?" By acting out my faith, my experience in Citronelle made me different. There is in me a new heart, a renewed spirit, and a renewed zeal for justice work.
What did Citronelle have in common with Jerusalem? Because I said yes to God's call, God was there to meet me and guide me, and there I was on holy ground.
--Susan Mull and her husband, Earl, travel and do disaster response work together. They served as volunteers with Brethren Disaster Response in Citronelle in early November doing clean up and rebuilding following Hurricane Katrina.
Source: 12/14/2005 Newsline
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Credits
Newsline is produced by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of news services for the Church of the Brethren General Board, on every other Wednesday with other editions as needed. Kathleen Campanella, Nevin Dulabaum, Matt Guynn, Stan Noffsinger, Becky Ullom, and Walt Wiltschek contributed to this report.
Newsline is produced by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of news services for the Church of the Brethren General Board, on every other Wednesday with other editions as needed. Kathleen Campanella, Nevin Dulabaum, Matt Guynn, Stan Noffsinger, Becky Ullom, and Walt Wiltschek contributed to this report.
Tuesday, December 06, 2005
Brethren call for release of kidnaped peacemakers.
Statements calling for the release of the four volunteers from Christian Peacemaker Teams who were abducted in Iraq on Nov. 26 have been issued by On Earth Peace and a group of Church of the Brethren leaders. Christian Peacemaker Teams also is calling on supporters around the world to sign an online petition for the captives' release and to hold prayer vigils on their behalf.
The four men--Tom Fox, Norman Kember, James Loney, and Harmeet Singh Sooden--are being held by a previously unknown group called Swords of Righteousness Brigade, which has threatened to kill the hostages unless all prisoners in US and Iraqi detention centers are released by Dec. 8.
In another development, according to Texans for Peace an interview with a daughter of one of the hostages may air on Nightline tonight on ABC-TV. Check your ABC affiliate for an interview with the daughter of Tom Fox. Also today, an appeal from the CPT team in Baghdad was broadcast on Al-Jazeerah television (see below).
On Dec. 2 Christian Peacemaker Teams sent out a release calling for the organization of vigils for the four men in light of the threat to their lives. "We ask communities of faith around the world to intensify prayers for the transformation of the hearts of those who are holding our friends," the release said. "We also ask that congregations pray for all people currently missing in Iraq, for prisoners in Iraqi jails, and for the prisoners' families."
"We call upon all concerned Christians to pray for the release of these men, and for their safe return to their families, " said Bob Gross, co-director of On Earth Peace, in a statement released Dec. 3.
"We join with Christian Peacemaker Teams in calling for an end to the occupation of Iraq and the violence carried out against its people," Gross saild. He added that "we know the work of CPT and we know that these men are not spies nor are they involved in religious missionary work. They are working on behalf of the Iraqi people, especially those suffering from the occupation of their country." (See www.brethren.org/genbd/newsline/index.htm for the full statement.)
"We are deeply saddened and brought to a place of clear conviction by the Nov. 26 kidnaping of four Christian Peacemaker Team members in Iraq," said the statement from the three Brethren leaders--Ronald Beachley, moderator of the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference; Stan Noffsinger, general secretary of the Church of the Brethren General Board; and Phil Jones, director of the Brethren Witness/Washington Office.
"It is imperative that we continue to lift in prayer our concern toward the active violence that remains a part of the foreign policy of our nation, and our support for the faithful witness of those who seek to serve all humankind in nonviolent and peaceful ways," the statement continued. "We lift in prayer today those who are captured in the cycle of violence that war brings whether they be innocent civilians in the fields of war, the human tools of war as soldiers, relief and humanitarian workers, or non-governmental contractors and support persons. We pray for the immediate families of those affected by deep pain and grief of war...."
The statement went on, "Even as we express concern for our own Christian peace workers, we acknowledge that over 225 persons have been kidnaped during this time of war in Iraq, thousands have died on both sides of the fields of battle, civilian and military. Our prayers are for all persons affected by the violence of this war." (See www.brethren.org/genbd/newsline/index.htm for the full statement.)
Three Muslim detainees in Toronto, Canada, have called for the hostages' release, in a statement released by CPT today. The three men--Mahmoud Jaballah, Mohammad Mahjoub, and Hassan Almrei--said they have been detained without charge for up for five and a half years under security certificates by the government of Canada, which alleges that they are linked to terrorist organizations. They identified Loney as "one of thousands of people who have been fighting to right this wrong," and said, "This is the same James Loney who has reached out to the families of the Abu Ghraib prisoners. It pains our heart to know that a person of this calibre is being held captive. We care about his freedom more than we do our own."
According to CPT, others calling for the release of the men include leading Palestinians such as Ikram al-Sabri, the head Mufti of Palestine; Wasif Abu-Yousef, a representative of the National and Islamic Forces in Palestine; and the National and Islamic Forces in Hebron, which held a press conference on Nov. 30 and issued a statement expressing "sorrow at the (disappearance) of four of the peace advocates from the CPT in Iraq." Palestinians from At-Tuwani, where Christian Peacemaker Teams has accompanied villagers for two years, held a demonstration on Dec. 2 calling for release of the hostages. Banners at the demonstration read, "CPTers sacrifice their blood to help us and to help the world know about our struggles. The people, women, and children of At-Tuwani ask for the captors to let the CPT free."
Among other groups calling for the captives' release was the World Council of Churches, which said that the hostages' "prolonged captivity is not in anyone's interest and is likely to further embitter and polarize Iraqi society, causing anger and frustration" and reiterated its assessment of the war on Iraq as being "immoral, illegal, and ill-advised." The National Council of Churches called on members to take time in their Sunday worship services to offer special prayers for the peacemakers, and invited other religious communities meeting to "remember our brothers."
Church of the Brethren congregations holding prayer vigils for the four CPT volunteers include First Church of the Brethren in Chicago, Ill., which held a vigil on Friday, Dec. 2; and Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren in Elgin, Ill., which plans a candlelight prayer vigil for 7:30-8 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 7.
To register a vigil so that other may join from your community, go to http://peace.mennolink.org/prayervigils.html. For a list of planned vigils see http://peace.mennolink.org/vigillist.html.
Those wishing to register support for the captured peacemakers are invited by Christian Peacemaker Teams to sign an online petition. Go to http://freethecpt.org for a petition in English or to http://electroniciraq.net/news/2210.shtml for a petition in Arabic.
For a bulletin insert on the situation of the kidnaped peacemakers go to http://peace.mennolink.org/resources/cptmissing.pdf.
For more information about Christian Peacemaker Teams go to www.cpt.org.
Source: 12/06/2005 Newsline
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Statements calling for the release of the four volunteers from Christian Peacemaker Teams who were abducted in Iraq on Nov. 26 have been issued by On Earth Peace and a group of Church of the Brethren leaders. Christian Peacemaker Teams also is calling on supporters around the world to sign an online petition for the captives' release and to hold prayer vigils on their behalf.
The four men--Tom Fox, Norman Kember, James Loney, and Harmeet Singh Sooden--are being held by a previously unknown group called Swords of Righteousness Brigade, which has threatened to kill the hostages unless all prisoners in US and Iraqi detention centers are released by Dec. 8.
In another development, according to Texans for Peace an interview with a daughter of one of the hostages may air on Nightline tonight on ABC-TV. Check your ABC affiliate for an interview with the daughter of Tom Fox. Also today, an appeal from the CPT team in Baghdad was broadcast on Al-Jazeerah television (see below).
On Dec. 2 Christian Peacemaker Teams sent out a release calling for the organization of vigils for the four men in light of the threat to their lives. "We ask communities of faith around the world to intensify prayers for the transformation of the hearts of those who are holding our friends," the release said. "We also ask that congregations pray for all people currently missing in Iraq, for prisoners in Iraqi jails, and for the prisoners' families."
"We call upon all concerned Christians to pray for the release of these men, and for their safe return to their families, " said Bob Gross, co-director of On Earth Peace, in a statement released Dec. 3.
"We join with Christian Peacemaker Teams in calling for an end to the occupation of Iraq and the violence carried out against its people," Gross saild. He added that "we know the work of CPT and we know that these men are not spies nor are they involved in religious missionary work. They are working on behalf of the Iraqi people, especially those suffering from the occupation of their country." (See www.brethren.org/genbd/newsline/index.htm for the full statement.)
"We are deeply saddened and brought to a place of clear conviction by the Nov. 26 kidnaping of four Christian Peacemaker Team members in Iraq," said the statement from the three Brethren leaders--Ronald Beachley, moderator of the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference; Stan Noffsinger, general secretary of the Church of the Brethren General Board; and Phil Jones, director of the Brethren Witness/Washington Office.
"It is imperative that we continue to lift in prayer our concern toward the active violence that remains a part of the foreign policy of our nation, and our support for the faithful witness of those who seek to serve all humankind in nonviolent and peaceful ways," the statement continued. "We lift in prayer today those who are captured in the cycle of violence that war brings whether they be innocent civilians in the fields of war, the human tools of war as soldiers, relief and humanitarian workers, or non-governmental contractors and support persons. We pray for the immediate families of those affected by deep pain and grief of war...."
The statement went on, "Even as we express concern for our own Christian peace workers, we acknowledge that over 225 persons have been kidnaped during this time of war in Iraq, thousands have died on both sides of the fields of battle, civilian and military. Our prayers are for all persons affected by the violence of this war." (See www.brethren.org/genbd/newsline/index.htm for the full statement.)
Three Muslim detainees in Toronto, Canada, have called for the hostages' release, in a statement released by CPT today. The three men--Mahmoud Jaballah, Mohammad Mahjoub, and Hassan Almrei--said they have been detained without charge for up for five and a half years under security certificates by the government of Canada, which alleges that they are linked to terrorist organizations. They identified Loney as "one of thousands of people who have been fighting to right this wrong," and said, "This is the same James Loney who has reached out to the families of the Abu Ghraib prisoners. It pains our heart to know that a person of this calibre is being held captive. We care about his freedom more than we do our own."
According to CPT, others calling for the release of the men include leading Palestinians such as Ikram al-Sabri, the head Mufti of Palestine; Wasif Abu-Yousef, a representative of the National and Islamic Forces in Palestine; and the National and Islamic Forces in Hebron, which held a press conference on Nov. 30 and issued a statement expressing "sorrow at the (disappearance) of four of the peace advocates from the CPT in Iraq." Palestinians from At-Tuwani, where Christian Peacemaker Teams has accompanied villagers for two years, held a demonstration on Dec. 2 calling for release of the hostages. Banners at the demonstration read, "CPTers sacrifice their blood to help us and to help the world know about our struggles. The people, women, and children of At-Tuwani ask for the captors to let the CPT free."
Among other groups calling for the captives' release was the World Council of Churches, which said that the hostages' "prolonged captivity is not in anyone's interest and is likely to further embitter and polarize Iraqi society, causing anger and frustration" and reiterated its assessment of the war on Iraq as being "immoral, illegal, and ill-advised." The National Council of Churches called on members to take time in their Sunday worship services to offer special prayers for the peacemakers, and invited other religious communities meeting to "remember our brothers."
Church of the Brethren congregations holding prayer vigils for the four CPT volunteers include First Church of the Brethren in Chicago, Ill., which held a vigil on Friday, Dec. 2; and Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren in Elgin, Ill., which plans a candlelight prayer vigil for 7:30-8 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 7.
To register a vigil so that other may join from your community, go to http://peace.mennolink.org/prayervigils.html. For a list of planned vigils see http://peace.mennolink.org/vigillist.html.
Those wishing to register support for the captured peacemakers are invited by Christian Peacemaker Teams to sign an online petition. Go to http://freethecpt.org for a petition in English or to http://electroniciraq.net/news/2210.shtml for a petition in Arabic.
For a bulletin insert on the situation of the kidnaped peacemakers go to http://peace.mennolink.org/resources/cptmissing.pdf.
For more information about Christian Peacemaker Teams go to www.cpt.org.
Source: 12/06/2005 Newsline
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Association of Brethren Caregivers calls for defeat of 2006 Federal Budget.
The Association of Brethren Caregivers (ABC) has issued a statement saying that it "stands alongside other religious leaders calling for the defeat of the 2006 Federal Budget." The association's concerns include that proposed budget cuts are attempting to balance the federal deficit at the expense of the poor.
ABC is inviting Brethren to join in a national "altar call" to prayer and worship on the budget issue on Dec. 14.
House and Senate versions of the budget differ and will be reconciled in committee. The budgets presently "call for cuts of $49.9 billion and $35 billion, respectively, in social programs that fund health care, food stamps, foster care for neglected children, Temporary Assistance to Needy Families, enforcement of child support orders and student loans," ABC said. It added that according to a Nov. 9 Action Alert from the Brethren Witness/Washington Office of the Church of the Brethren General Board, "lawmakers intend to follow these program cuts with another tax cut of $70 billion that will primarily benefit the top 3 percent of taxpayers."
ABC is supporting a Dec. 6 letter signed by five Christian denominations calling for the budget "to reflect the nation's commitment to care for the poor and those in need, especially in light of the devastation and brokenness caused by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita"; and is supporting similar calls from the Brethren Witness/Washington Office.
The full statement follows:
"The Association of Brethren Caregivers stands alongside other religious leaders calling for the defeat of the 2006 Federal Budget as it is currently proposed. Being led by scripture that 'the Lord maintains the cause of the needy, and executes justice for the poor' (Psalm 140:12), ABC is concerned about the proposed budget, which cuts deeply into programs for the poor while offering tax breaks for the wealthy. ABC supports a December 6 letter signed by five denominations calling for the federal budget to reflect the nation's commitment to care for the poor and those in need, especially in light of the devastation and brokenness caused by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
"Legislators are working to reconcile the House and Senate versions of the proposed 2006 federal budget that call for cuts of $49.9 billion and $35 billion, respectively, in social programs that fund health care, food stamps, foster care for neglected children, Temporary Assistance to Needy Families, enforcement of child support orders and student loans. According to a Nov. 9 action alert from the Church of the Brethren General Board's Washington office, lawmakers intend to follow these program cuts with another tax cut of $70 billion that will primarily benefit the top 3 percent of taxpayers. As the Church of the Brethren agency that advocates for caring ministries, especially for the marginalized in society, ABC views the proposed budget cuts as attempts to balance the federal deficit at the expense of the poor.
"ABC echos the request of the Church of the Brethren Washington Office and asks for Brethren to prayerfully consider the issues around the proposed federal budget for 2006 and voice their opinions to their legislators. ABC also asks Brethren to pray for and take part in prayer vigils planned for Dec. 14 at the U.S. Capitol, Washington, D.C., and around the country.
"Jim Wallis, editor of 'Sojourners' magazine is holding an 'altar call" from 8 a.m.to noon on Dec. 14, at the US Capitol, Washington, DC. Participants will pray for and ask legislators to reject the budget. Because the event may result in arrests for those who are willing, participants must attend a training session at the Lutheran Church of the Reformation at 8 a.m., Dec. 14. Prayer vigils are also being organized across the country. For information about Sojourners' altar call and vigils, visit www.sojo.net.
"The National Council of Churches USA also will bring together heads of communions to pray about the Fiscal Budget, Dec. 14 in the US Capitol's rotunda for the 'National Day of Silence.'
"The most recent US Census Bureau report on poverty presented hard numbers: 36 million Americans living below the poverty line. In light of this reality, ABC joins in asking these questions posed by religious leaders in their Dec. 6 letter to legislators and all people of faith:
"--How can Congress compromise on food stamps when the Congressional Budget Office estimates that 222,000 people, primarily low-income working families with children, and 70,000 legal immigrants, would lose food stamps if conferees follow the House budget?
"--How can Congress compromise between the $1 billion for heating subsidies for low-income people included in the House bill but not in the Senate, while knowing that heating bills are expected to rise 50 percent?
"--How can Congress compromise on Medicaid provisions that will force low-income patients to forego needed health care or medications, and relieve states of providing low-income children just above the poverty line with comprehensive preventive care and treatment?
"--How does Congress compromise when the House proposal includes deep cuts to child support enforcement that will likely push children deeper into poverty when, already, nearly one in five children in this nation live below the poverty line?
"The Washington Office's alert encourages Brethren to consider the 2000 Annual Conference Statement on Caring For the Poor, which encourages congregations to use 'their experience in ministry with the poor to inform themselves of the legislative and political issues having impact on the poor and speak to those issues with their legislators at local, state, and national levels. The biblical witness and our own experiences as a community of faith suggest that there is a corporate or societal responsibility to deal with the problems of the poor, such as the Year of Jubilee. This extends beyond personal, hands-on responses and includes advocacy on behalf of the poor.'
"Over the last several weeks, religious leaders across the nation have voiced their concerns over the proposed budget cuts.
"'This is not the time for the budget reconciliation process to create greater hardships for those who are already experiencing greater suffering. To do so is not only unjust, it is a sin,' stated an Oct. 19 letter signed by 17 denominational members of the National Council of Churches USA. The letter voiced opposition to the House's proposed $50 billion in budget cuts.
"'Let's be clear. It is a moral disgrace to take food from the mouths of hungry children to increase the luxuries of those feasting at a table overflowing with plenty,' wrote Wallis in the Nov. 30 issue of Sojomail, an electronic newsletter of 'Sojourners' magazine.
"For more scripture references to consider and copies of the letters and documents mentioned here, visit ABC's website at www.brethren-caregivers.org."
Source: 12/06/2005 Newsline
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The Association of Brethren Caregivers (ABC) has issued a statement saying that it "stands alongside other religious leaders calling for the defeat of the 2006 Federal Budget." The association's concerns include that proposed budget cuts are attempting to balance the federal deficit at the expense of the poor.
ABC is inviting Brethren to join in a national "altar call" to prayer and worship on the budget issue on Dec. 14.
House and Senate versions of the budget differ and will be reconciled in committee. The budgets presently "call for cuts of $49.9 billion and $35 billion, respectively, in social programs that fund health care, food stamps, foster care for neglected children, Temporary Assistance to Needy Families, enforcement of child support orders and student loans," ABC said. It added that according to a Nov. 9 Action Alert from the Brethren Witness/Washington Office of the Church of the Brethren General Board, "lawmakers intend to follow these program cuts with another tax cut of $70 billion that will primarily benefit the top 3 percent of taxpayers."
ABC is supporting a Dec. 6 letter signed by five Christian denominations calling for the budget "to reflect the nation's commitment to care for the poor and those in need, especially in light of the devastation and brokenness caused by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita"; and is supporting similar calls from the Brethren Witness/Washington Office.
The full statement follows:
"The Association of Brethren Caregivers stands alongside other religious leaders calling for the defeat of the 2006 Federal Budget as it is currently proposed. Being led by scripture that 'the Lord maintains the cause of the needy, and executes justice for the poor' (Psalm 140:12), ABC is concerned about the proposed budget, which cuts deeply into programs for the poor while offering tax breaks for the wealthy. ABC supports a December 6 letter signed by five denominations calling for the federal budget to reflect the nation's commitment to care for the poor and those in need, especially in light of the devastation and brokenness caused by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
"Legislators are working to reconcile the House and Senate versions of the proposed 2006 federal budget that call for cuts of $49.9 billion and $35 billion, respectively, in social programs that fund health care, food stamps, foster care for neglected children, Temporary Assistance to Needy Families, enforcement of child support orders and student loans. According to a Nov. 9 action alert from the Church of the Brethren General Board's Washington office, lawmakers intend to follow these program cuts with another tax cut of $70 billion that will primarily benefit the top 3 percent of taxpayers. As the Church of the Brethren agency that advocates for caring ministries, especially for the marginalized in society, ABC views the proposed budget cuts as attempts to balance the federal deficit at the expense of the poor.
"ABC echos the request of the Church of the Brethren Washington Office and asks for Brethren to prayerfully consider the issues around the proposed federal budget for 2006 and voice their opinions to their legislators. ABC also asks Brethren to pray for and take part in prayer vigils planned for Dec. 14 at the U.S. Capitol, Washington, D.C., and around the country.
"Jim Wallis, editor of 'Sojourners' magazine is holding an 'altar call" from 8 a.m.to noon on Dec. 14, at the US Capitol, Washington, DC. Participants will pray for and ask legislators to reject the budget. Because the event may result in arrests for those who are willing, participants must attend a training session at the Lutheran Church of the Reformation at 8 a.m., Dec. 14. Prayer vigils are also being organized across the country. For information about Sojourners' altar call and vigils, visit www.sojo.net.
"The National Council of Churches USA also will bring together heads of communions to pray about the Fiscal Budget, Dec. 14 in the US Capitol's rotunda for the 'National Day of Silence.'
"The most recent US Census Bureau report on poverty presented hard numbers: 36 million Americans living below the poverty line. In light of this reality, ABC joins in asking these questions posed by religious leaders in their Dec. 6 letter to legislators and all people of faith:
"--How can Congress compromise on food stamps when the Congressional Budget Office estimates that 222,000 people, primarily low-income working families with children, and 70,000 legal immigrants, would lose food stamps if conferees follow the House budget?
"--How can Congress compromise between the $1 billion for heating subsidies for low-income people included in the House bill but not in the Senate, while knowing that heating bills are expected to rise 50 percent?
"--How can Congress compromise on Medicaid provisions that will force low-income patients to forego needed health care or medications, and relieve states of providing low-income children just above the poverty line with comprehensive preventive care and treatment?
"--How does Congress compromise when the House proposal includes deep cuts to child support enforcement that will likely push children deeper into poverty when, already, nearly one in five children in this nation live below the poverty line?
"The Washington Office's alert encourages Brethren to consider the 2000 Annual Conference Statement on Caring For the Poor, which encourages congregations to use 'their experience in ministry with the poor to inform themselves of the legislative and political issues having impact on the poor and speak to those issues with their legislators at local, state, and national levels. The biblical witness and our own experiences as a community of faith suggest that there is a corporate or societal responsibility to deal with the problems of the poor, such as the Year of Jubilee. This extends beyond personal, hands-on responses and includes advocacy on behalf of the poor.'
"Over the last several weeks, religious leaders across the nation have voiced their concerns over the proposed budget cuts.
"'This is not the time for the budget reconciliation process to create greater hardships for those who are already experiencing greater suffering. To do so is not only unjust, it is a sin,' stated an Oct. 19 letter signed by 17 denominational members of the National Council of Churches USA. The letter voiced opposition to the House's proposed $50 billion in budget cuts.
"'Let's be clear. It is a moral disgrace to take food from the mouths of hungry children to increase the luxuries of those feasting at a table overflowing with plenty,' wrote Wallis in the Nov. 30 issue of Sojomail, an electronic newsletter of 'Sojourners' magazine.
"For more scripture references to consider and copies of the letters and documents mentioned here, visit ABC's website at www.brethren-caregivers.org."
Source: 12/06/2005 Newsline
top
Appeal from the Christian Peacemaker Team in Baghdad, Iraq.
"We are very concerned about our friends. We would very much like to know that they are in good condition.
"It is our most sincere wish that you will immediately release them unharmed.
"While we believe the action of kidnapping is wrong, we do not condemn you as people. We recognize the humanity in each person, and respect it very much. This includes you, our colleagues, and all people.
"We believe there needs to be a force that counters all the resentment, the fear, the intimidation felt by the Iraqi people. We are trying to be that force: to speak for justice, to advocate for the human rights of Iraqis, to look at an Iraqi face and say: my brother, my sister,
"Perhaps you are men who only want to raise the issue of illegal detention. We don't know what you may have endured.
"As you can see by the statements of support from our friends in Iraq and all over the world, we work for those who are oppressed.
"We also condemn our own governments for their actions in Iraq.
"Please, we appeal to your humanity to show mercy on our brothers and let them come back safely to us to continue our work.
"May God spare our friends, and all the people of Iraq any further suffering."
Source: 12/06/2005 Newsline
top
"We are very concerned about our friends. We would very much like to know that they are in good condition.
"It is our most sincere wish that you will immediately release them unharmed.
"While we believe the action of kidnapping is wrong, we do not condemn you as people. We recognize the humanity in each person, and respect it very much. This includes you, our colleagues, and all people.
"We believe there needs to be a force that counters all the resentment, the fear, the intimidation felt by the Iraqi people. We are trying to be that force: to speak for justice, to advocate for the human rights of Iraqis, to look at an Iraqi face and say: my brother, my sister,
"Perhaps you are men who only want to raise the issue of illegal detention. We don't know what you may have endured.
"As you can see by the statements of support from our friends in Iraq and all over the world, we work for those who are oppressed.
"We also condemn our own governments for their actions in Iraq.
"Please, we appeal to your humanity to show mercy on our brothers and let them come back safely to us to continue our work.
"May God spare our friends, and all the people of Iraq any further suffering."
Source: 12/06/2005 Newsline
top
Wednesday, November 30, 2005
NEWS
- Christian Peacemaker Teams volunteers abducted in Iraq.
- Emergency Disaster Fund gives $25,000 for relief in Africa.
- Middle Pennsylvania District Conference focuses on unity in Christ.
- Western Pennsylvania District holds its 139th conference.
- Virlina District Conference meets on theme, 'You Matter to God.'
- Brethren bits: Year-end donations, Annual Conference, job openings, and more.
Christian Peacemaker Teams volunteers abducted in Iraq.
On Nov. 26, four people from Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT) were kidnaped after leaving a meeting in Baghdad. The four men--two CPT members and two from a CPT visiting delegation--are Tom Fox, age 54, from Clearbrook, Va.; Norman Kember, 74, from London, England; James Loney, 41, from Toronto, Canada; and Harmeet Singh Sooden, 32, a Canadian studying in New Zealand.
The CPT group was meeting in Baghdad with representatives of Iraqi nongovernmental organizations and other institutions, according to press releases from CPT. The abduction occurred as a CPT vehicle was stopped by two vehicles. Three men with pistols ordered the Iraqi driver and translator out of the vehicle, then drove off with the CPT members and the vehicle. The two Iraqis were released. The CPT vehicle was dumped soon after in a nearby neighborhood.
CPT has its roots in the historic peace churches--Mennonite, Brethren, and Quaker--and is an ecumenical violence-reduction program that places teams of trained peacemakers in areas of lethal conflict. It has been present in Iraq since Oct. 2002, providing humanitarian aid in the form of training and human rights documentation. "As part of the international peace movement, we opposed the invasion and occupation of Iraq, and have been providing first-hand independent reports from the region," CPT said. The CPT Iraq team has hosted a total of 120 people on 16 delegations over the last three years.
Loney is the program coordinator for CPT Canada and was leading the November delegation. He has been a member of CPT since Aug. 2000. On previous visits to Iraq, his work focused on taking testimonies from families of detainees for CPT reports on detainee abuse, and making recommendations for securing basic legal rights. In a personal statement to CPT, Loney had written, "I believe that our actions as a people of peace must be an expression of hope for everyone. My hope in practicing nonviolence is that I can be a conduit for the transformative power of God's love acting upon me as much as I hope it will act upon others around me."
Fox is a father of two children and for the past two years has worked with CPT in partnership with Iraqi human rights organizations. "He has been faithful in the observance of Quaker practice for 22 years," CPT said. "While in Iraq, he sought a more complete understanding of Islamic cultural richness. He is committed to telling the truth to US citizens about the horrors of war and its effects on ordinary Iraqi civilians and families as a result of US policies and practices." (See Fox's reflection in feature below.)
Kember and his wife of 45 years have two married daughters and a three-year old grandson. "He has been a pacifist all his life beginning with his work in a hospital instead of National Service at age 18," CPT said. "Before his retirement he was a professor teaching medical students at St. Bartholemew's Hospital in London. He is well-known as a peace activist."
Sooden is an electrical engineer studying for a masters degree in English literature in Auckland University in New Zealand, to prepare for a teaching career. "His family describes him as peaceful and fun-loving and he is known to be passionate about the plight of the underprivileged around the globe," CPT said. "He works tirelessly in his spare time to educate and help others."
CPT said that its policy is to pay no ransoms, and it rejects military or violent approaches to hostage situations. In a "Statement of Conviction," longterm CPT team members in Iraq stated that they "are aware of the many risks both Iraqis and internationals currently face," and affirmed that the risks did not outweigh their purpose in remaining. They expressed the hope that "in loving both friends and enemies and by intervening nonviolently to aid those who are systematically oppressed, we can contribute in some small way to transforming this volatile situation."
CPT did not publicize the abduction until after images of the CPT team members appeared on Al Jazeera television. "We were disturbed by seeing the video and believe that repeated showing of it will endanger the lives of our friends," CPT said in a release today. "We are deeply disturbed by their abduction. We pray that those who hold them will be merciful and that they will be released soon."
"Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT) has worked for the rights of Iraqi prisoners who have been illegally detained and abused by the US government," the release continued. "We were the first people to publicly denounce the torture of Iraqi people at the hands of US forces, long before the western media admitted what was happening at Abu Ghraib. We are some of the few internationals left in Iraq who are telling the truth about what is happening to the Iraqi people."
"We mourn today that members of CPT have been kidnaped and suffer at the hands of their captors," said a statement from Phil Jones, director of the Brethren Witness/Washington Office.
Jones continued with a call for Brethren to be in prayer. "As we pray for the safe release of these four Christian peace workers we also pray for the victims and families of the over 225 kidnapings and thousands of casualties of this war to date. We pray for the immediate families of those affected by deep pain and grief of war. We call upon the administration of this nation to consider its complicity and to refocus, redefine, and reshape its foreign policy. We pray that a true advent of peace might be revealed."
Since its inception in 1984 the Church of the Brethren has been a supporter of Christian Peacemaker Teams and its call to devote the same discipline and self-sacrifice to nonviolent peacemaking that armies devote to war, Jones said. For more information see www.cpt.org.
Source: 11/30/2005 Newsline
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On Nov. 26, four people from Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT) were kidnaped after leaving a meeting in Baghdad. The four men--two CPT members and two from a CPT visiting delegation--are Tom Fox, age 54, from Clearbrook, Va.; Norman Kember, 74, from London, England; James Loney, 41, from Toronto, Canada; and Harmeet Singh Sooden, 32, a Canadian studying in New Zealand.
The CPT group was meeting in Baghdad with representatives of Iraqi nongovernmental organizations and other institutions, according to press releases from CPT. The abduction occurred as a CPT vehicle was stopped by two vehicles. Three men with pistols ordered the Iraqi driver and translator out of the vehicle, then drove off with the CPT members and the vehicle. The two Iraqis were released. The CPT vehicle was dumped soon after in a nearby neighborhood.
CPT has its roots in the historic peace churches--Mennonite, Brethren, and Quaker--and is an ecumenical violence-reduction program that places teams of trained peacemakers in areas of lethal conflict. It has been present in Iraq since Oct. 2002, providing humanitarian aid in the form of training and human rights documentation. "As part of the international peace movement, we opposed the invasion and occupation of Iraq, and have been providing first-hand independent reports from the region," CPT said. The CPT Iraq team has hosted a total of 120 people on 16 delegations over the last three years.
Loney is the program coordinator for CPT Canada and was leading the November delegation. He has been a member of CPT since Aug. 2000. On previous visits to Iraq, his work focused on taking testimonies from families of detainees for CPT reports on detainee abuse, and making recommendations for securing basic legal rights. In a personal statement to CPT, Loney had written, "I believe that our actions as a people of peace must be an expression of hope for everyone. My hope in practicing nonviolence is that I can be a conduit for the transformative power of God's love acting upon me as much as I hope it will act upon others around me."
Fox is a father of two children and for the past two years has worked with CPT in partnership with Iraqi human rights organizations. "He has been faithful in the observance of Quaker practice for 22 years," CPT said. "While in Iraq, he sought a more complete understanding of Islamic cultural richness. He is committed to telling the truth to US citizens about the horrors of war and its effects on ordinary Iraqi civilians and families as a result of US policies and practices." (See Fox's reflection in feature below.)
Kember and his wife of 45 years have two married daughters and a three-year old grandson. "He has been a pacifist all his life beginning with his work in a hospital instead of National Service at age 18," CPT said. "Before his retirement he was a professor teaching medical students at St. Bartholemew's Hospital in London. He is well-known as a peace activist."
Sooden is an electrical engineer studying for a masters degree in English literature in Auckland University in New Zealand, to prepare for a teaching career. "His family describes him as peaceful and fun-loving and he is known to be passionate about the plight of the underprivileged around the globe," CPT said. "He works tirelessly in his spare time to educate and help others."
CPT said that its policy is to pay no ransoms, and it rejects military or violent approaches to hostage situations. In a "Statement of Conviction," longterm CPT team members in Iraq stated that they "are aware of the many risks both Iraqis and internationals currently face," and affirmed that the risks did not outweigh their purpose in remaining. They expressed the hope that "in loving both friends and enemies and by intervening nonviolently to aid those who are systematically oppressed, we can contribute in some small way to transforming this volatile situation."
CPT did not publicize the abduction until after images of the CPT team members appeared on Al Jazeera television. "We were disturbed by seeing the video and believe that repeated showing of it will endanger the lives of our friends," CPT said in a release today. "We are deeply disturbed by their abduction. We pray that those who hold them will be merciful and that they will be released soon."
"Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT) has worked for the rights of Iraqi prisoners who have been illegally detained and abused by the US government," the release continued. "We were the first people to publicly denounce the torture of Iraqi people at the hands of US forces, long before the western media admitted what was happening at Abu Ghraib. We are some of the few internationals left in Iraq who are telling the truth about what is happening to the Iraqi people."
"We mourn today that members of CPT have been kidnaped and suffer at the hands of their captors," said a statement from Phil Jones, director of the Brethren Witness/Washington Office.
Jones continued with a call for Brethren to be in prayer. "As we pray for the safe release of these four Christian peace workers we also pray for the victims and families of the over 225 kidnapings and thousands of casualties of this war to date. We pray for the immediate families of those affected by deep pain and grief of war. We call upon the administration of this nation to consider its complicity and to refocus, redefine, and reshape its foreign policy. We pray that a true advent of peace might be revealed."
Since its inception in 1984 the Church of the Brethren has been a supporter of Christian Peacemaker Teams and its call to devote the same discipline and self-sacrifice to nonviolent peacemaking that armies devote to war, Jones said. For more information see www.cpt.org.
Source: 11/30/2005 Newsline
top
Emergency Disaster Fund gives $25,000 for relief in Africa.
Two grants totaling $25,000 have been given for disaster relief in Africa, from the General Board's Emergency Disaster Fund.
An allocation of $15,000 supports a Church World Service appeal for continuing relief and rehabilitation for the people of Angola. The funds will help provide seeds and agricultural tools, and help build schools and health clinics, improve sanitation, and provide clean water sources.
A grant of $10,000 supports a Church World Service appeal for drought assistance and pending famine in the West African nation of Burkina Faso. The funds will be used to provide millet, children's feeding formula, and re-hydration tables for nearly 63,000 people.
Source: 11/30/2005 Newsline
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Two grants totaling $25,000 have been given for disaster relief in Africa, from the General Board's Emergency Disaster Fund.
An allocation of $15,000 supports a Church World Service appeal for continuing relief and rehabilitation for the people of Angola. The funds will help provide seeds and agricultural tools, and help build schools and health clinics, improve sanitation, and provide clean water sources.
A grant of $10,000 supports a Church World Service appeal for drought assistance and pending famine in the West African nation of Burkina Faso. The funds will be used to provide millet, children's feeding formula, and re-hydration tables for nearly 63,000 people.
Source: 11/30/2005 Newsline
top
Middle Pennsylvania District Conference focuses on unity in Christ.
The Middle Pennsylvania District Conference was held Oct. 7-8 at Stone Church of the Brethren in Huntingdon, Pa. Linda Banaszak of Clover Creek Church of the Brethren in Fredericksburg, Pa., served as moderator. Rodney Ritchey of Yellow Creek Church of the Brethren in Hopewell, Pa., designed and constructed the logo for the worship center using the theme, "Celebrating Our Unity in Christ." Fifty churches were represented with 167 delegates and 79 non-delegates.
Opening worship featured a district-wide choir conducted by Sarah Steele of Martinsburg (Pa.) Memorial Church of the Brethren, and the installation service for district minister David Steele, who began his work on March 1. He delivered the evening message, "A Fork in the Road." Connie Maclay, pastor at Beech Run Church of the Brethren in Mapleton Depot, Pa., delivered the Saturday morning message. Following lunch, the Youth Ministry Team led worship and members were consecrated.
An offering of "Pennies for Congregational Ministries" totaled $5,834.50, while $1,310.88 was collected for ministry education. Many laundry baskets filled with personal items were donated to benefit Huntingdon House, a facility for abused women and children. Break-out sessions included "Ask the District Minister," led by David Steele, and "Who's Calling?" with Christy Dowdy as leader.
In business sessions, James Ake of Stone Church of the Brethren was affirmed for another year as treasurer and a slate for district leadership was affirmed including Wayne Brockway, pastor of New Enterprise (Pa.) Church of the Brethren, as moderator-designate. He will assist moderator Barbara Rowe at the Oct. 20-21, 2006, district conference at Roaring Spring (Pa.) First Church of the Brethren.
Resources from the conference include a photo of the ministers present at the Friday evening banquet, which will be available on-line in the near future; and a Power Point presentation of church ministries shared Friday evening, created by Amy Crouse of Beech Run Church of the Brethren. For more about these resources contact the District Center at 814-643-0601.
Source: 11/30/2005 Newsline
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The Middle Pennsylvania District Conference was held Oct. 7-8 at Stone Church of the Brethren in Huntingdon, Pa. Linda Banaszak of Clover Creek Church of the Brethren in Fredericksburg, Pa., served as moderator. Rodney Ritchey of Yellow Creek Church of the Brethren in Hopewell, Pa., designed and constructed the logo for the worship center using the theme, "Celebrating Our Unity in Christ." Fifty churches were represented with 167 delegates and 79 non-delegates.
Opening worship featured a district-wide choir conducted by Sarah Steele of Martinsburg (Pa.) Memorial Church of the Brethren, and the installation service for district minister David Steele, who began his work on March 1. He delivered the evening message, "A Fork in the Road." Connie Maclay, pastor at Beech Run Church of the Brethren in Mapleton Depot, Pa., delivered the Saturday morning message. Following lunch, the Youth Ministry Team led worship and members were consecrated.
An offering of "Pennies for Congregational Ministries" totaled $5,834.50, while $1,310.88 was collected for ministry education. Many laundry baskets filled with personal items were donated to benefit Huntingdon House, a facility for abused women and children. Break-out sessions included "Ask the District Minister," led by David Steele, and "Who's Calling?" with Christy Dowdy as leader.
In business sessions, James Ake of Stone Church of the Brethren was affirmed for another year as treasurer and a slate for district leadership was affirmed including Wayne Brockway, pastor of New Enterprise (Pa.) Church of the Brethren, as moderator-designate. He will assist moderator Barbara Rowe at the Oct. 20-21, 2006, district conference at Roaring Spring (Pa.) First Church of the Brethren.
Resources from the conference include a photo of the ministers present at the Friday evening banquet, which will be available on-line in the near future; and a Power Point presentation of church ministries shared Friday evening, created by Amy Crouse of Beech Run Church of the Brethren. For more about these resources contact the District Center at 814-643-0601.
Source: 11/30/2005 Newsline
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Western Pennsylvania District holds its 139th conference.
Western Pennsylvania District held its 139th annual District Conference at the Frank J. Pasquerilla Conference Center in Johnstown, Pa., on Oct. 22. Moderator Christopher A. Forry of Somerset, Pa., challenged the approximately 260 participants--including 185 delegates representing 53 congregations--with the theme, "Proclaim, Sharing, Teaching--God's Love For All." The district comprises 69 churches and one fellowship with a membership of over 10,000.
Worship, music, and historical sketches were interspersed throughout the business of the day. In business sessions, a budget of $186,787 was adopted for 2006. A highlight of the conference was recognition of a new congregation, Journey's Way Ministries of Glencoe, Pa. Congregations and individuals also brought enough Gift of the Heart Kits to send five pallets to Church World Service for disaster response.
Insight sessions were held on subjects including an overview of the work of the District Mission Program that includes the Christian Community Center in San Juan, P.R., and the Emanuel Children's Home in San Pedro Sula, Honduras; a presentation about the work of the Gifts Discernment Team; and a presentation from the General Board's Emergency Response/Service Ministries.
Leadership called during the conference included nine called to the district board: Kendal W. Elmore, Roger C. Knepper, Abby Mader, Eric R. Ritenour, Robert L. Rummel, Jeffrey S. Keyser, John W. Stoner Jr., Homer A. Foster, and Clarice J. Ott. Donna L. Kodis was named to the Church of the Brethren Home Board. Owen W. Hunt was called to the District Charitable Trust Board. Called to the board of Camp Harmony were James Cameron, Marietta Prebehalla, and David Tipton. Roger L. Forry was named to the denomination's Standing Committee. Darlene Rankin will serve on the district conference's program and arrangements committee.
Phillip A. King of Johnstown, Pa., was installed as moderator of the district for next year. Reba B. Johnson of Indiana, Pa., was named moderator-designate.
Source: 11/30/2005 Newsline
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Western Pennsylvania District held its 139th annual District Conference at the Frank J. Pasquerilla Conference Center in Johnstown, Pa., on Oct. 22. Moderator Christopher A. Forry of Somerset, Pa., challenged the approximately 260 participants--including 185 delegates representing 53 congregations--with the theme, "Proclaim, Sharing, Teaching--God's Love For All." The district comprises 69 churches and one fellowship with a membership of over 10,000.
Worship, music, and historical sketches were interspersed throughout the business of the day. In business sessions, a budget of $186,787 was adopted for 2006. A highlight of the conference was recognition of a new congregation, Journey's Way Ministries of Glencoe, Pa. Congregations and individuals also brought enough Gift of the Heart Kits to send five pallets to Church World Service for disaster response.
Insight sessions were held on subjects including an overview of the work of the District Mission Program that includes the Christian Community Center in San Juan, P.R., and the Emanuel Children's Home in San Pedro Sula, Honduras; a presentation about the work of the Gifts Discernment Team; and a presentation from the General Board's Emergency Response/Service Ministries.
Leadership called during the conference included nine called to the district board: Kendal W. Elmore, Roger C. Knepper, Abby Mader, Eric R. Ritenour, Robert L. Rummel, Jeffrey S. Keyser, John W. Stoner Jr., Homer A. Foster, and Clarice J. Ott. Donna L. Kodis was named to the Church of the Brethren Home Board. Owen W. Hunt was called to the District Charitable Trust Board. Called to the board of Camp Harmony were James Cameron, Marietta Prebehalla, and David Tipton. Roger L. Forry was named to the denomination's Standing Committee. Darlene Rankin will serve on the district conference's program and arrangements committee.
Phillip A. King of Johnstown, Pa., was installed as moderator of the district for next year. Reba B. Johnson of Indiana, Pa., was named moderator-designate.
Source: 11/30/2005 Newsline
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Virlina District Conference meets on theme, 'You Matter to God.'
The United Methodist Temple in Beckley, W.Va., was the setting for the 34th Virlina District Conference on Nov. 11-12. "You Matter to God" (Romans 12:4-5) was the theme. Total registration was 447 people including 217 delegates and 230 non-delegates. The worship, fellowship, and discernment of the district was led by moderator Russell R. Payne Jr., pastor of Coulson Church of the Brethren near Hillsville, Va.
The last district-wide conference held in West Virginia was in March 1940 at the Pleasant View Church. The Virlina District encompasses 92 congregations and 11,128 members within Virginia, West Virginia, and North Carolina.
Ronald D. Beachley, moderator of the 2006 Annual Conference, was keynote speaker for the opening worship service. Greetings and welcoming remarks were brought by Dan Johnson, pastor of the United Methodist Temple. Keynote speaker for Saturday evening worship was Earl F. Stovall, pastor of Hopewell (Va.) Church of the Brethren. Worship services were highlighted by a choir led by Harvey Leddy of Christiansburg (Va.) Church of the Brethren. Offerings of $3,581.60 were received for the expenses of the District Conference.
New business included approval of an amendment to the Virlina District Constitution and Bylaws concerning a reduction in the number of area divisions in the district. A resolution expressing concern over the use of mercury-based compounds as preservatives in commonly used childhood and other vaccines was returned to the District Board. A District Board budget of $285,150.12 was approved for 2006. Delegates also heard that the Camp Bethel budget for 2006 will be $473,940. A resolution was approved naming Owen G. Stultz, Virlina District executive from 1969-92, as the District Executive Emeritus. Delegates also received a variety of reports.
The conference learned that 22 congregations and fellowships have been involved in the pastoral placement process during the year ending Sept. 30. New pastors were named and those present were introduced.
Business also included the calling of 20 leaders including W. Gregory Broyles of Roanoke, Oak Grove Church of the Brethren as moderator-elect. Others called to leadership are Frances S. Beam to a second term on the Standing Committee of Annual Conference; John W. "Jack" Lowe Jr. to the district Program and Arrangements Committee; Sandy Wade, Evelyn Janney, Karen Cassell, Roy L. Forbes, and Carol Hinton to the Nominating and Personnel Committee; Jerry W. Naff, William M. Pugh, Arlen Doss, Doris H. Jones, Sam Reid, David W. Miller, Kathy Otey, J. Hebron Quesenberry, Tony Robertson, and Ronald Sink to the District Board; and Marilyn Lerch and R. Wayne Pennington to the Outdoor Ministries Committee.
The District Board reported that Cathy S. Huffman will serve as chairperson for 2005-06. Other members of the Executive Committee are Jerry Wayne Naff as vice-chairperson, Thomas S. Powers as Commission on Ministry chairperson, Gary Basham as Commission of Stewards chairperson, Jim Worline as Commission on Nurture chairperson, Jeffery A. Wray as Commission on Witness chairperson, E. Patrick Starkey as Outdoor Ministries Committee chairperson, and Horace D. Light Jr. as Church Extension Committee chairperson.
George Mendenhall and V. Enos Griffith were honored for 50 years of ministerial service. Approximately 70 people attended a Ministers and Spouses Banquet.
The 35th Virlina District Conference will be held in Franklin County, Va., on Nov. 10-11, 2006. Shirley B. Jamison, a member of Monte Vista Church of the Brethren in Callaway, Va., and a practicing attorney in Boones Mill, Va., will serve as moderator.
Source: 11/30/2005 Newsline
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The United Methodist Temple in Beckley, W.Va., was the setting for the 34th Virlina District Conference on Nov. 11-12. "You Matter to God" (Romans 12:4-5) was the theme. Total registration was 447 people including 217 delegates and 230 non-delegates. The worship, fellowship, and discernment of the district was led by moderator Russell R. Payne Jr., pastor of Coulson Church of the Brethren near Hillsville, Va.
The last district-wide conference held in West Virginia was in March 1940 at the Pleasant View Church. The Virlina District encompasses 92 congregations and 11,128 members within Virginia, West Virginia, and North Carolina.
Ronald D. Beachley, moderator of the 2006 Annual Conference, was keynote speaker for the opening worship service. Greetings and welcoming remarks were brought by Dan Johnson, pastor of the United Methodist Temple. Keynote speaker for Saturday evening worship was Earl F. Stovall, pastor of Hopewell (Va.) Church of the Brethren. Worship services were highlighted by a choir led by Harvey Leddy of Christiansburg (Va.) Church of the Brethren. Offerings of $3,581.60 were received for the expenses of the District Conference.
New business included approval of an amendment to the Virlina District Constitution and Bylaws concerning a reduction in the number of area divisions in the district. A resolution expressing concern over the use of mercury-based compounds as preservatives in commonly used childhood and other vaccines was returned to the District Board. A District Board budget of $285,150.12 was approved for 2006. Delegates also heard that the Camp Bethel budget for 2006 will be $473,940. A resolution was approved naming Owen G. Stultz, Virlina District executive from 1969-92, as the District Executive Emeritus. Delegates also received a variety of reports.
The conference learned that 22 congregations and fellowships have been involved in the pastoral placement process during the year ending Sept. 30. New pastors were named and those present were introduced.
Business also included the calling of 20 leaders including W. Gregory Broyles of Roanoke, Oak Grove Church of the Brethren as moderator-elect. Others called to leadership are Frances S. Beam to a second term on the Standing Committee of Annual Conference; John W. "Jack" Lowe Jr. to the district Program and Arrangements Committee; Sandy Wade, Evelyn Janney, Karen Cassell, Roy L. Forbes, and Carol Hinton to the Nominating and Personnel Committee; Jerry W. Naff, William M. Pugh, Arlen Doss, Doris H. Jones, Sam Reid, David W. Miller, Kathy Otey, J. Hebron Quesenberry, Tony Robertson, and Ronald Sink to the District Board; and Marilyn Lerch and R. Wayne Pennington to the Outdoor Ministries Committee.
The District Board reported that Cathy S. Huffman will serve as chairperson for 2005-06. Other members of the Executive Committee are Jerry Wayne Naff as vice-chairperson, Thomas S. Powers as Commission on Ministry chairperson, Gary Basham as Commission of Stewards chairperson, Jim Worline as Commission on Nurture chairperson, Jeffery A. Wray as Commission on Witness chairperson, E. Patrick Starkey as Outdoor Ministries Committee chairperson, and Horace D. Light Jr. as Church Extension Committee chairperson.
George Mendenhall and V. Enos Griffith were honored for 50 years of ministerial service. Approximately 70 people attended a Ministers and Spouses Banquet.
The 35th Virlina District Conference will be held in Franklin County, Va., on Nov. 10-11, 2006. Shirley B. Jamison, a member of Monte Vista Church of the Brethren in Callaway, Va., and a practicing attorney in Boones Mill, Va., will serve as moderator.
Source: 11/30/2005 Newsline
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Brethren bits: Year-end donations, Annual Conference, job openings, and more.
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- Year-end donations to the Association of Brethren Caregivers, Bethany Theological Seminary, the General Board, and On Earth Peace must be dated and postmarked by Dec. 31 in order to be counted as a 2005 charitable gift for tax purposes.
- Those making nominations for Annual Conference elective offices in 2006, using the new on-line nomination form at the Annual Conference website, are requested to have the permission of the person being nominated before the form is filled out and submitted. As the Dec. 1 deadline approaches, nominations are encouraged from all over denomination. "Thank you for participating in the selection of denominational leadership," said Annual Conference executive director Lerry Fogle.
- The Association of Brethren Caregivers seeks a director of Wellness Ministries to fill a fulltime position. Location is negotiable, with a minimum of half-time in the ABC office in Elgin, Ill. Starting date is Feb. 1, 2006. Responsibilities include promotion of wellness and the goals of the Wellness Ministry within the Church of the Brethren, working particularly with those enrolled in the Brethren Medical Plan; research and development of risk assessment programs in coordination with Brethren Benefit Trust staff; coordination, development, and assessment of educational programs that challenge church members to adopt healthy living behaviors. Qualifications include a minimum of a bachelor's degree with background in education or health/medicine/nutrition; basic knowledge of and commitment to wellness issues such as nutrition, physical, spiritual, and emotional health; modeling a positive, healthy lifestyle; oral and written communication and interpersonal skills; previous experience in a nonprofit environment. Applications will be received beginning immediately, with a deadline of Jan. 4, 2006. A position description and application form are available on request. Qualified candidates are invited to submit a resume, cover letter of application, and to request three individuals to send letters of recommendation to Mary Lou Garrison, Director of Human Resources, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120; mgarrison_gb@brethren.org.
- The Brethren Home Community of New Oxford, Pa., seeks a health care chaplain/congregational pastor. The community is a licensed Continuing Care Retirement Community located on a 200-plus acre campus serving approximately 900 residents and villagers. The position serves residents and the Church of the Brethren members on campus who attend The Faith Community of the Brethren Home Community. This fulltime position is currently open and will require four days a week. Responsibilities include clinical duties of visitation, devotions, and counseling; and congregational duties of preaching and worship leading. Candidates must be licensed or ordained and in good standing with the Southern Pennsylvania District of the Church of the Brethren. Chaplaincy experience is helpful and CPE is preferred. Send resumes to Merv Wunderlich, Director of the Pastoral Care Department and pastor of the congregation, 2990 Carlisle Pike, P.O. Box 128, New Oxford, PA 17350-0128.
- Don Vermilyea, a Brethren Volunteer Service worker on a Walk Across America, is currently in Chattahoochee, Fla. He has counted 17,253 miles to date since he began the walk in Arizona in Jan. 2002. Today is day 1,398 on the walk, with 643 nights homeless and 755 nights cared for by humanity, Vermilyea reported. He has picked up $1,470.58 along the road, and received $4,916.74 unsolicited from motorists to benefit the Global Food Crisis Fund and other charities. His next visit to a Church of the Brethren is tentatively scheduled for Dec. 18, at Good Samaritan Church of the Brethren in Brandon, Fla. For more see www.brethren.org/genbd/witness/Walk.html.
- Westminster (Md.) Church of the Brethren has established a Peace Studies Scholarship Program with the first grant going to Jordan Blevins, a 2004 graduate of Bridgewater (Va.) College. He is working on master's degrees in Theological Studies from Wesley Theological Seminary and in International Peace and Conflict Resolution from American University.
- Hanoverdale Church of the Brethren in Hummelstown, Pa., holds its Celebrate Christmas 2005 event on Dec. 3 with a live nativity, Teen Challenge Poinsettia Sale, Children's Gift Store of gifts all under $5 benefitting Heifer International, and a Christmas in Reverse Pageant. See www.hanoverdalechurch.com.
- Fundraising efforts for the University of La Verne (Calif.) Campus Center Project have reached $16,555,941. President Steve Morgan made this announcement during a Board of Trustees meeting, igniting a spontaneous celebration that momentarily interrupted the day's busy agenda. "This is a landmark event in the 114-year history of the University of La Verne," Morgan said. On Oct. 25 the university's private fundraising effort surpassed $16 million, a goal established in Feb. 2004 when trustee Michael Abraham issued a conditional pledge of $4 million toward the Campus Center Building. Conditions set by Abraham called for the members of the board to match his $4 million pledge and for the university to raise an additional $8 million, with the combined total due by the November meeting. In recognition the building will be named the Sara and Michael Abraham Campus Center. Trustee and former board chair Jim Long and his wife, Marie, made the contribution that pushed the total past the $16 million challenge mark. "It was both a pleasure and an honor," Jim Long said.
- Pinecrest Community in Mount Morris, Ill., a Church of the Brethren retirement center, is holding its second annual Community Open House on Dec. 10 from 2-4 p.m. Visitors will be able to have a picture taken with Santa, take home a free Pinecrest keepsake, and enjoy refreshments.
- Harold S. Martin and Craig Alan Myers, leaders in the Brethren Revival Fellowship, are among 29 leaders of "renewal movements" in mainline denominations who have signed an open letter from the Association for Church Renewal. The letter warns US Christians against "third way" proposals regarding sexuality. According to the association, the letter decries "a new strategy to win the church's affirmation of homosexual acts" through procedural devices. The letter was issued following an October meeting of the group and cites strategies proposed or adopted in denominations such as the Episcopal Church and the American Baptist Churches, among others. For the text of the letter and list of signatories, visit www.ird-renew.org/acr.
- Church World Service (CWS) has announced the election of Donna Derr to the position of director of the Emergency Response Program. Derr recently served as interim director of the program and earlier was associate director for International Emergency Response Programs. Prior to working for CWS, she spent 16 years with the Church of the Brethren as a program assistant and then as director of the General Board's Disaster and Refugee Programs. She will continue to work out of the CWS Washington, D.C., office.
- The National Council of Churches has issued an alert to support the Coalition of Immokalee Workers farmworker organization in a continuing struggle for fair wages and working conditions. For months, the coalition and allies across the country have called on McDonald's to follow Taco Bell's lead and work to establish fair wages and working conditions for farmworkers who pick its tomatoes. McDonald's has refused to do so, according to the NCC. In March an agreement between Yum Brands (Taco Bell's parent company) and the coalition set several precedents for social responsibility in the fast-food industry including paying a penny more per pound for the tomatoes it buys from Florida growers. This would nearly double workers' sub-poverty wages if extended throughout the industry, the NCC said. The NCC also commended McDonald's announcement that it will offer only fair-trade coffee in more than 650 restaurants from New York to Maine. The NCC called on Christians to pray for the restaurant chain to work with those harvesting its tomatoes and to send e-mails directly to McDonald's at www.bluelatinos.org/fairfood.htm. "God who labors and rests, we give thanks for and remember all those who labor to bring food to our tables," said a prayer from the NCC.
- When Bible scholars and students converged on the American Academy of Religion and Society of Biblical Literature Convention in Philadelphia, Nov. 19-22, they found the New Revised Standard Version (copyright National Council of Churches), in a popular selling product for handhelds, Olive Tree Bible Software. According to a release from Religion News Service, attendees were be able to purchase the NRSV for the Palm and Pocket PC. Plans are in the works to introduce this translation in other formats as well, the release said. Olive Tree Bible Software provides Bible versions and study tools for Palm OS, Pocket PC, Smartphone and Symbian cell phones, and BlackBerry devices. For more see www.olivetree.com.
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Death Row Support Project provides ministry to prisoners.
The following is taken from the "Peace Witness Action List" of On Earth Peace (e-mail mattguynn@earthlink.net or see www.brethren.org/oepa):
The Death Row Support Project (DRSP) was conceived by Church of the Brethren members Bob and Rachel Gross in 1978. The combination of Bob's prison experience and Rachel's enjoyment of letter-writing, along with their concern about the reinstatement of the death penalty, provided the necessary ingredients for beginning this ministry. Also critical was the support of the Washington office of the Church of the Brethren, and now the Brethren Witness Office.
In 1978, there were 400 people under sentence of death in the US. Now there are over 3,800. Needless to say, the little card file that was used at the beginning of the project has long since been outgrown. Initially, the project was publicized within the Church of the Brethren. But, as is the case with many Brethren efforts, DRSP has become an ecumenical effort, with the largest number of participants coming from the Roman Catholic and Seventh Day Adventist Churches.
Rachel receives mail daily from prisoners who would like have a "pen pal." At about the same rate, requests from the "outside" world come from people interested in reaching out to those on death row. DRSP has provided an excellent way for those on death row to know that they are not forgotten, and for those outside to learn about the real people and stories behind the issue of the death penalty.
Writing to a person on death row is not something that should be entered into lightly. Currently, the average stay of someone on death row is ten years. Writing to that person is a longterm commitment. One of Rachel's disappointments as coordinator of DRSP is that many people write a letter or two to the person in prison, and then decide they're really not interested after all. She encourages those that are interested to prayerfully consider before requesting the name of a pen pal. Rachel can also put someone in touch with others who have been writing, in order to gain a better understanding of what is involved.
Within the Church of the Brethren, some individuals have chosen to be involved with DRSP as a Sunday school class, or as a youth group. This has worked very well, as the group members can provide support for each other in writing, and also are able to reach out to the person on death row in a fuller way. At one time, students from Manchester College traveled to the Indiana State Prison bi-monthly in order to visit several men on death row.
For more information contact Death Row Support Project, P.O. Box 600, Liberty Mills, IN 46946; 260-982-7480.
Source: 11/30/2005 Newsline
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The following is taken from the "Peace Witness Action List" of On Earth Peace (e-mail mattguynn@earthlink.net or see www.brethren.org/oepa):
The Death Row Support Project (DRSP) was conceived by Church of the Brethren members Bob and Rachel Gross in 1978. The combination of Bob's prison experience and Rachel's enjoyment of letter-writing, along with their concern about the reinstatement of the death penalty, provided the necessary ingredients for beginning this ministry. Also critical was the support of the Washington office of the Church of the Brethren, and now the Brethren Witness Office.
In 1978, there were 400 people under sentence of death in the US. Now there are over 3,800. Needless to say, the little card file that was used at the beginning of the project has long since been outgrown. Initially, the project was publicized within the Church of the Brethren. But, as is the case with many Brethren efforts, DRSP has become an ecumenical effort, with the largest number of participants coming from the Roman Catholic and Seventh Day Adventist Churches.
Rachel receives mail daily from prisoners who would like have a "pen pal." At about the same rate, requests from the "outside" world come from people interested in reaching out to those on death row. DRSP has provided an excellent way for those on death row to know that they are not forgotten, and for those outside to learn about the real people and stories behind the issue of the death penalty.
Writing to a person on death row is not something that should be entered into lightly. Currently, the average stay of someone on death row is ten years. Writing to that person is a longterm commitment. One of Rachel's disappointments as coordinator of DRSP is that many people write a letter or two to the person in prison, and then decide they're really not interested after all. She encourages those that are interested to prayerfully consider before requesting the name of a pen pal. Rachel can also put someone in touch with others who have been writing, in order to gain a better understanding of what is involved.
Within the Church of the Brethren, some individuals have chosen to be involved with DRSP as a Sunday school class, or as a youth group. This has worked very well, as the group members can provide support for each other in writing, and also are able to reach out to the person on death row in a fuller way. At one time, students from Manchester College traveled to the Indiana State Prison bi-monthly in order to visit several men on death row.
For more information contact Death Row Support Project, P.O. Box 600, Liberty Mills, IN 46946; 260-982-7480.
Source: 11/30/2005 Newsline
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Tom Fox's reflection, 'Fight or flight?'
Christian Peacemaker Team member Tom Fox, currently being held captive in Iraq, wrote the following reflection in Oct. 2004.
"'If an attacker inspires anger or fear in my heart, it means that I have not purged myself of violence. To realize nonviolence means to feel within you its strength--soul force--to know God. A person who has known God will be incapable of harboring anger or fear within him, no matter how overpowering the cause for that anger or fear may be.' (Gandhi speaking to Badshah Kahn's Khudai Khidmatgar officers, from "A Man to Match His Mountains" by Eknath Easwaran, 1985).
"When I allow myself to become angry, I disconnect from God and connect with the evil force that empowers fighting. When I allow myself to become fearful, I disconnect from God and connect with the evil force that encourages flight.
"The French theologian Rene Girard has a very powerful vision of Satan that speaks to me: 'Satan sustains himself as a parasite on what God creates by imitating God in a manner that is jealous, grotesque, perverse, and as contrary as possible to the loving and obedient imitation of Jesus' ("I See Satan Falling like Lightning," 2001).
"If I am not to fight or flee in the face of armed aggression, be it the overt aggression of the army or the subversive aggression of the terrorist, then what am I to do? 'Stand firm against evil' (Matthew 5:39, translated by Walter Wink) seems to be the guidance of Jesus and Gandhi in order to stay connected with God.
"Here in Iraq I struggle with that second form of aggression. I have visual references and written models of CPTers standing firm against the overt aggression of an army, be it regular or paramilitary. But how do you stand firm against a car-bomber or a kidnapper? Clearly the soldier disconnected from God needs to have me fight. Just as clearly the terrorist disconnected from God needs to have me flee. Both are willing to kill me using different means to achieve he same end--that end being to increase the parasitic power of Satan within God's good creation.
"It seems easier somehow to confront anger within my heart than it is to confront fear. But if Jesus and Gandhi are right then I am not to give in to either. I am to stand firm against the kidnapper as I am to stand firm against the soldier. Does that mean I walk into a raging battle to confront the soldiers? Does that mean I walk the streets of Baghdad with a sign saying 'American for the Taking?' No to both counts. But if Jesus and Gandhi are right, then I am asked to risk my life, and if I lose it to be as forgiving as they were when murdered by the forces of Satan.
"Standing firm is a struggle, but I'm willing to keep working at it."
Source: 11/30/2005 Newsline
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Christian Peacemaker Team member Tom Fox, currently being held captive in Iraq, wrote the following reflection in Oct. 2004.
"'If an attacker inspires anger or fear in my heart, it means that I have not purged myself of violence. To realize nonviolence means to feel within you its strength--soul force--to know God. A person who has known God will be incapable of harboring anger or fear within him, no matter how overpowering the cause for that anger or fear may be.' (Gandhi speaking to Badshah Kahn's Khudai Khidmatgar officers, from "A Man to Match His Mountains" by Eknath Easwaran, 1985).
"When I allow myself to become angry, I disconnect from God and connect with the evil force that empowers fighting. When I allow myself to become fearful, I disconnect from God and connect with the evil force that encourages flight.
"The French theologian Rene Girard has a very powerful vision of Satan that speaks to me: 'Satan sustains himself as a parasite on what God creates by imitating God in a manner that is jealous, grotesque, perverse, and as contrary as possible to the loving and obedient imitation of Jesus' ("I See Satan Falling like Lightning," 2001).
"If I am not to fight or flee in the face of armed aggression, be it the overt aggression of the army or the subversive aggression of the terrorist, then what am I to do? 'Stand firm against evil' (Matthew 5:39, translated by Walter Wink) seems to be the guidance of Jesus and Gandhi in order to stay connected with God.
"Here in Iraq I struggle with that second form of aggression. I have visual references and written models of CPTers standing firm against the overt aggression of an army, be it regular or paramilitary. But how do you stand firm against a car-bomber or a kidnapper? Clearly the soldier disconnected from God needs to have me fight. Just as clearly the terrorist disconnected from God needs to have me flee. Both are willing to kill me using different means to achieve he same end--that end being to increase the parasitic power of Satan within God's good creation.
"It seems easier somehow to confront anger within my heart than it is to confront fear. But if Jesus and Gandhi are right then I am not to give in to either. I am to stand firm against the kidnapper as I am to stand firm against the soldier. Does that mean I walk into a raging battle to confront the soldiers? Does that mean I walk the streets of Baghdad with a sign saying 'American for the Taking?' No to both counts. But if Jesus and Gandhi are right, then I am asked to risk my life, and if I lose it to be as forgiving as they were when murdered by the forces of Satan.
"Standing firm is a struggle, but I'm willing to keep working at it."
Source: 11/30/2005 Newsline
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Credits
Newsline is produced by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of news services for the Church of the Brethren General Board, on every other Wednesday with other editions as needed. Mary Dulabaum, Lerry Fogle, Amy Heckert, Mary Lou Garrison, Rachel Gross, Matt Guynn, Jon Kobel, and Suzanne Moss contributed to this report.
Newsline is produced by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of news services for the Church of the Brethren General Board, on every other Wednesday with other editions as needed. Mary Dulabaum, Lerry Fogle, Amy Heckert, Mary Lou Garrison, Rachel Gross, Matt Guynn, Jon Kobel, and Suzanne Moss contributed to this report.
Friday, November 18, 2005
NEWS
TODAY'S NEWSLINE APPEARS EARLY because of the Thanksgiving holiday next week. The following Newsline is planned for Dec. 1 or 2.
NOTE TO READERS: The Newsline on-line page will feature stories from Brethren Disaster Response on the Gulf coast over the upcoming holiday week. Find the series at www.brethren.org/genbd/newsline/index.htm. For photos of the Brethren Disaster Response work in Louisiana and Alabama go to www.brethren.org/pjournal/.
- Speakers for National Youth Conference 2006 are announced.
- Review and Evaluation Study Committee begins work.
- Fund sends aid to survivors of earthquake and other disasters.
- Tour group worships across boundaries.
- Brethren Witness/Washington Office calls for signatures of death penalty letter.
- Brethren Volunteer Service/Brethren Revival Fellowship unit begins service.
- Brethren Historical Committee meets at McPherson College.
- Pacific Southwest District passes divestment resolution.
- Brethren bits: Correction, remembrances, personnel, and more.
- New workcamp announced for summer 2006.
- Conference call offered on Medicare Prescription Drug program.
- Documentary on mental illness is recommended to Brethren.
- Give a gift that grows through the Emerging Global Mission Fund.
- Welcome Home Project offers e-mail list.
TODAY'S NEWSLINE APPEARS EARLY because of the Thanksgiving holiday next week. The following Newsline is planned for Dec. 1 or 2.
NOTE TO READERS: The Newsline on-line page will feature stories from Brethren Disaster Response on the Gulf coast over the upcoming holiday week. Find the series at www.brethren.org/genbd/newsline/index.htm. For photos of the Brethren Disaster Response work in Louisiana and Alabama go to www.brethren.org/pjournal/.
Speakers for National Youth Conference 2006 are announced.
The line-up of speakers for National Youth Conference 2006, to be held in Fort Collins, Colo., July 22-27, will feature nationally known Christian activist and Sojourners community leader Jim Wallis, among a number of Church of the Brethren leaders, a comedy duo, a recipient of aid from Heifer International, and a leader against child slavery.
Wallis will speak on Sunday evening, July 23. The Mennonite comedy team Ted & Lee will perform on Sunday morning July 23. Craig Kielburger, who at the age of 12 helped organize the "Free the Children" network aimed at eradicating child slavery, will speak Monday evening July 24. Beatrice Biira, heroine of the children's story "Beatrice's Goat" and a Heifer International recipient from Uganda, will speak on Tuesday evening July 25.
Church of the Brethren speakers include Jeff Carter, a pastor at Manassas (Va.) Church of the Brethren, on Saturday evening July 22; peace studies leader and Juniata College professor emeritus Andy Murray on Wednesday morning July 26; Bethany Theological Seminary professor Dawn Ottoni Wilhelm on Wednesday evening July 26; and David Radcliff, director of the New Community Project, on Thursday morning July 27.
On Monday morning July 24 the speakers will be the winners of a Youth Speech Contest. In addition, a Church of the Brethren Connections Service will highlight the work of the church around the world. The service will use multi-media to both inform and inspire youth by allowing them to see, hear, and feel what the church does both nationally and internationally, said a release from the NYC coordinators. "The hope for this service is that it will encourage the youth to make the work of the church a permanent part of their lives." Coordinators for the event are Cindy Laprade, Beth Rhodes, and Emily Tyler.
Follow up at the NYC website, www.nyc2006.org, which soon will offer more information about each of the speakers.
Source: 11/18/2005 Newsline
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The line-up of speakers for National Youth Conference 2006, to be held in Fort Collins, Colo., July 22-27, will feature nationally known Christian activist and Sojourners community leader Jim Wallis, among a number of Church of the Brethren leaders, a comedy duo, a recipient of aid from Heifer International, and a leader against child slavery.
Wallis will speak on Sunday evening, July 23. The Mennonite comedy team Ted & Lee will perform on Sunday morning July 23. Craig Kielburger, who at the age of 12 helped organize the "Free the Children" network aimed at eradicating child slavery, will speak Monday evening July 24. Beatrice Biira, heroine of the children's story "Beatrice's Goat" and a Heifer International recipient from Uganda, will speak on Tuesday evening July 25.
Church of the Brethren speakers include Jeff Carter, a pastor at Manassas (Va.) Church of the Brethren, on Saturday evening July 22; peace studies leader and Juniata College professor emeritus Andy Murray on Wednesday morning July 26; Bethany Theological Seminary professor Dawn Ottoni Wilhelm on Wednesday evening July 26; and David Radcliff, director of the New Community Project, on Thursday morning July 27.
On Monday morning July 24 the speakers will be the winners of a Youth Speech Contest. In addition, a Church of the Brethren Connections Service will highlight the work of the church around the world. The service will use multi-media to both inform and inspire youth by allowing them to see, hear, and feel what the church does both nationally and internationally, said a release from the NYC coordinators. "The hope for this service is that it will encourage the youth to make the work of the church a permanent part of their lives." Coordinators for the event are Cindy Laprade, Beth Rhodes, and Emily Tyler.
Follow up at the NYC website, www.nyc2006.org, which soon will offer more information about each of the speakers.
Source: 11/18/2005 Newsline
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Review and Evaluation Study Committee begins work.
The Review and Evaluation study committee, elected at Annual Conference in Peoria this summer, held its initial meeting Nov. 11-12 in Elgin, Ill. Paul Hoffman of Western Plains District was selected as chair; Michaela Camps of Atlantic Southeast District was selected as recorder. Other members of the committee are Rebecca Baile Crouse of Missouri/Arkansas District, Craig Gandy of Middle Pennsylvania District, and James Martinez of Pacific Southwest District.
In addition to organizing, the committee explored reasons for the study, what research needs to be done, and what dialogue is needed with the denomination. Annual Conference executive director Lerry Fogle reported that the committee will study existing structure and programs, looking at the goals and purpose of each Annual Conference agency and how they relate to each other and the mission of the Church of the Brethren, being mindful of the spirituality, balance, and effectiveness of the denomination.
A general timeline was established and committee member assignments were made as well. Vehicles for communicating with the Review and Evaluation Committee include interviews with denominational leaders, online surveys, questionnaires for all congregations and church member distributed through the Source packet, and listening sessions at Annual Conference 2006. Comments, affirmations, and suggestions for the committee may be sent to annualconference@brethren.org.
Source: 11/18/2005 Newsline
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The Review and Evaluation study committee, elected at Annual Conference in Peoria this summer, held its initial meeting Nov. 11-12 in Elgin, Ill. Paul Hoffman of Western Plains District was selected as chair; Michaela Camps of Atlantic Southeast District was selected as recorder. Other members of the committee are Rebecca Baile Crouse of Missouri/Arkansas District, Craig Gandy of Middle Pennsylvania District, and James Martinez of Pacific Southwest District.
In addition to organizing, the committee explored reasons for the study, what research needs to be done, and what dialogue is needed with the denomination. Annual Conference executive director Lerry Fogle reported that the committee will study existing structure and programs, looking at the goals and purpose of each Annual Conference agency and how they relate to each other and the mission of the Church of the Brethren, being mindful of the spirituality, balance, and effectiveness of the denomination.
A general timeline was established and committee member assignments were made as well. Vehicles for communicating with the Review and Evaluation Committee include interviews with denominational leaders, online surveys, questionnaires for all congregations and church member distributed through the Source packet, and listening sessions at Annual Conference 2006. Comments, affirmations, and suggestions for the committee may be sent to annualconference@brethren.org.
Source: 11/18/2005 Newsline
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Fund sends aid to survivors of earthquake and other disasters.
The 51st disbursement of the year has been made from the Emergency Disaster Fund of the Church of the Brethren General Board: a grant of $150,000 to aid survivors of the massive earthquake in southern Asia and Pakistan. Other grants also have been announced for a flood recovery project in Ohio, recovery efforts following Hurricane Wilma in Florida, and work following the recent series of tornados.
Gifts and donations to the Emergency Disaster Fund this year have now exceeded two-and-three-quarter million dollars, totaling $2,766,034 as of Nov. 16.
The grant for earthquake continues Church of the Brethren support of the Church World Service (CWS) response and will help with emergency needs of food and shelter along with preparation for longterm work of reconstruction, sanitation, and psycho-social support.
An allocation of $20,000 continues support of a Brethren Disaster Response project in Belmont County, Ohio. The area has been struck repeatedly by severe flooding, destroying many homes and heavily damaging others.
A grant of $5,000 responds to a CWS appeal in the aftermath of Hurricane Wilma in southern Florida. The funds will support shipment of Gifts of the Heart kits and blankets, and the development of longterm recovery committees.
An allocation of $3,000 responds to a CWS appeal following tornados that caused massive destruction in Kentucky, Tennessee, Indiana, and Iowa. The funds will provide support for shipment of relief supplies and help establish longterm recovery work.
Source: 11/18/2005 Newsline
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The 51st disbursement of the year has been made from the Emergency Disaster Fund of the Church of the Brethren General Board: a grant of $150,000 to aid survivors of the massive earthquake in southern Asia and Pakistan. Other grants also have been announced for a flood recovery project in Ohio, recovery efforts following Hurricane Wilma in Florida, and work following the recent series of tornados.
Gifts and donations to the Emergency Disaster Fund this year have now exceeded two-and-three-quarter million dollars, totaling $2,766,034 as of Nov. 16.
The grant for earthquake continues Church of the Brethren support of the Church World Service (CWS) response and will help with emergency needs of food and shelter along with preparation for longterm work of reconstruction, sanitation, and psycho-social support.
An allocation of $20,000 continues support of a Brethren Disaster Response project in Belmont County, Ohio. The area has been struck repeatedly by severe flooding, destroying many homes and heavily damaging others.
A grant of $5,000 responds to a CWS appeal in the aftermath of Hurricane Wilma in southern Florida. The funds will support shipment of Gifts of the Heart kits and blankets, and the development of longterm recovery committees.
An allocation of $3,000 responds to a CWS appeal following tornados that caused massive destruction in Kentucky, Tennessee, Indiana, and Iowa. The funds will provide support for shipment of relief supplies and help establish longterm recovery work.
Source: 11/18/2005 Newsline
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Tour group worships across boundaries.
A Cross-Cultural Music Tour visited congregations and other Church of the Brethren facilities in Kansas and Missouri from Oct. 30-Nov. 3.
The tour produced many highlights but none as descriptive as a scene from the Nursing Care Center at The Cedars in McPherson, Kan., according to Duane Grady, tour organizer. "As Marilyn Montauban, Gilbert Romero, and Don Mitchell sang in the hallways, doors opened and people were drawn towards the familiar sound of hymns they knew by heart," Grady said. "Smiles came to faces and tears to eyes as we worshiped together and crossed boundaries of language, race, experience, and age."
"As people came near, many in wheel chairs, I was reminded of how villagers were drawn to Jesus in his travels from place to place," Grady said.
Similar experiences occurred as the team shared music and testimonies with Church of the Brethren congregations in McPherson; Kansas City, Kan.; Kansas City, Mo.; Cabool, Mo.; and Topeka, Kan. At each location on the tour, the vision of Ephesians 2:12-22 was read.
At Cabool, a special prayer of healing was offered for 40 young men from a juvenile detention center who responded to Romero's invitation. Romero invited the men "to allow Jesus to turn their hearts into open vessels of God's grace," Grady said. Romero, now pastor of Bella Vista Church of the Brethren in Los Angeles, Calif., is a former gang member who spent much of his youth in a similar facility.
In Iola, Kan., the group was reminded of the changing landscape in many rural communities when they stopped for lunch at a restaurant owned by a Mexican family who has lived in this community for nearly 37 years.
Don Mitchell, husband of Annual Conference moderator-elect Belita Mitchell and a music leader at Harrisburg (Pa.) First Church of the Brethren, brought greetings on her behalf and was asked to share with her many prayers of encouragement and support. Montauban lives in Brooklyn, N.Y., and is a member of First Haitian Church of the Brethren, where her father is pastor. The tour was planned and coordinated by Grady, a member of the Congregational Life Team staff for the General Board.
Source: 11/18/2005 Newsline
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A Cross-Cultural Music Tour visited congregations and other Church of the Brethren facilities in Kansas and Missouri from Oct. 30-Nov. 3.
The tour produced many highlights but none as descriptive as a scene from the Nursing Care Center at The Cedars in McPherson, Kan., according to Duane Grady, tour organizer. "As Marilyn Montauban, Gilbert Romero, and Don Mitchell sang in the hallways, doors opened and people were drawn towards the familiar sound of hymns they knew by heart," Grady said. "Smiles came to faces and tears to eyes as we worshiped together and crossed boundaries of language, race, experience, and age."
"As people came near, many in wheel chairs, I was reminded of how villagers were drawn to Jesus in his travels from place to place," Grady said.
Similar experiences occurred as the team shared music and testimonies with Church of the Brethren congregations in McPherson; Kansas City, Kan.; Kansas City, Mo.; Cabool, Mo.; and Topeka, Kan. At each location on the tour, the vision of Ephesians 2:12-22 was read.
At Cabool, a special prayer of healing was offered for 40 young men from a juvenile detention center who responded to Romero's invitation. Romero invited the men "to allow Jesus to turn their hearts into open vessels of God's grace," Grady said. Romero, now pastor of Bella Vista Church of the Brethren in Los Angeles, Calif., is a former gang member who spent much of his youth in a similar facility.
In Iola, Kan., the group was reminded of the changing landscape in many rural communities when they stopped for lunch at a restaurant owned by a Mexican family who has lived in this community for nearly 37 years.
Don Mitchell, husband of Annual Conference moderator-elect Belita Mitchell and a music leader at Harrisburg (Pa.) First Church of the Brethren, brought greetings on her behalf and was asked to share with her many prayers of encouragement and support. Montauban lives in Brooklyn, N.Y., and is a member of First Haitian Church of the Brethren, where her father is pastor. The tour was planned and coordinated by Grady, a member of the Congregational Life Team staff for the General Board.
Source: 11/18/2005 Newsline
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Brethren Witness/Washington Office calls for signatures of death penalty letter.
The Brethren Witness/Washington Office of the Church of the Brethren General Board is calling for church leaders to sign a letter regarding capital punishment.
"Open Letter from Faith Leaders Regarding the 1,000th Execution in the United States since the Reinstatement of Capital Punishment" says in part: "We, the undersigned faith leaders, reflecting the rich diversity of faith traditions and spiritual practices observed in the United States, stand together in expressing our deep concern that nearly 1,000 executions have occurred in this country since the reinstatement of capital punishment in 1976. We join with many Americans in questioning the need for the death penalty in our modern society and in challenging the effectiveness of this punishment, which has consistently been shown to be ineffective, unfair, and inaccurate," the letter continues. Contact the Brethren Witness/Washington Office for a copy of the letter, call 800-785-3246 or e-mail pjones_gb@brethren.org.
Phil Jones, director of the Brethren Witness/Washington Office, will join other faith leaders on Nov. 28 to hold a press conference on Capitol Hill announcing a "united voice of the religious community" on the death penalty. The Church of the Brethren most recently expressed a position on the death penalty in a 1987 Annual Conference statement. For the statement visit www.brethren.org/ac/ac_statements/87DeathPenalty.htm.
Sign on to the letter by Nov. 27 by sending an e-mail with full name, church title, name of faith community, and home town and state to Kristin Houle at khoule@aiusa.org. A copy of the signed letter may be faxed to 202-546-7142. Copy your intent to sign to the Brethren Witness/Washington Office at pjones_gb@brethren.org.
Source: 11/18/2005 Newsline
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The Brethren Witness/Washington Office of the Church of the Brethren General Board is calling for church leaders to sign a letter regarding capital punishment.
"Open Letter from Faith Leaders Regarding the 1,000th Execution in the United States since the Reinstatement of Capital Punishment" says in part: "We, the undersigned faith leaders, reflecting the rich diversity of faith traditions and spiritual practices observed in the United States, stand together in expressing our deep concern that nearly 1,000 executions have occurred in this country since the reinstatement of capital punishment in 1976. We join with many Americans in questioning the need for the death penalty in our modern society and in challenging the effectiveness of this punishment, which has consistently been shown to be ineffective, unfair, and inaccurate," the letter continues. Contact the Brethren Witness/Washington Office for a copy of the letter, call 800-785-3246 or e-mail pjones_gb@brethren.org.
Phil Jones, director of the Brethren Witness/Washington Office, will join other faith leaders on Nov. 28 to hold a press conference on Capitol Hill announcing a "united voice of the religious community" on the death penalty. The Church of the Brethren most recently expressed a position on the death penalty in a 1987 Annual Conference statement. For the statement visit www.brethren.org/ac/ac_statements/87DeathPenalty.htm.
Sign on to the letter by Nov. 27 by sending an e-mail with full name, church title, name of faith community, and home town and state to Kristin Houle at khoule@aiusa.org. A copy of the signed letter may be faxed to 202-546-7142. Copy your intent to sign to the Brethren Witness/Washington Office at pjones_gb@brethren.org.
Source: 11/18/2005 Newsline
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Brethren Volunteer Service/Brethren Revival Fellowship unit begins service.
The Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS) and Brethren Revival Fellowship (BRF) training Unit 266 has begun service. Volunteer placements and home congregations follow:
Serving at Good Shepherd Food Bank in Lewiston, Maine, are Ron and Laura Brinton and family members Anna, Ben, and Megan, of New Fairview Church of the Brethren in York, Pa.; Christopher Clayton, of New Paris (Ind.) Church of the Brethren; Tonia Little, of Blue Rock Independent Brethren Church; and Dwight Stauffer, of White Oak Church of the Brethren in Manheim, Pa.
Serving at the Maine Home School Project in Lewiston, Maine, is Sonya Little, of Upton Church of the Brethren in Greencastle, Pa.
Source: 11/18/2005 Newsline
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The Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS) and Brethren Revival Fellowship (BRF) training Unit 266 has begun service. Volunteer placements and home congregations follow:
Serving at Good Shepherd Food Bank in Lewiston, Maine, are Ron and Laura Brinton and family members Anna, Ben, and Megan, of New Fairview Church of the Brethren in York, Pa.; Christopher Clayton, of New Paris (Ind.) Church of the Brethren; Tonia Little, of Blue Rock Independent Brethren Church; and Dwight Stauffer, of White Oak Church of the Brethren in Manheim, Pa.
Serving at the Maine Home School Project in Lewiston, Maine, is Sonya Little, of Upton Church of the Brethren in Greencastle, Pa.
Source: 11/18/2005 Newsline
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Brethren Historical Committee meets at McPherson College.
The Brethren Historical Committee met Nov. 4-5 at the Miller Library on the McPherson (Kan.) College campus. On the agenda were items related to preservation of Brethren materials.
The committee discussed the microfilming of Brethren periodicals, the preservation of 16 millimeter films, and the creation of an archival policy for materials produced as part of the 300th anniversary of the Church of the Brethren in 2008.
In other business, plans were made for an insight session at the 2006 Annual Conference, the committee decided to increase the cost of obituaries copies, and decided to make a Russian icon available to the public in the archives at the General Offices. The icon was a gift to the Church of the Brethren from the Russian Orthodox Church in 1963. Reports were received from the Brethren Historical Library and Archives, Brethren Press, and the Germantown Trust.
Members of the committee are Bill Kostlevy (chair), Jane Davis (secretary), Marlin Heckman, and Ken Kreider. Ken Shaffer, director of the Brethren Historical Library and Archives, also met with the committee. Hospitality for the committee was arranged by Susan Taylor, college librarian, and by Elsie Holderread, co-executive minister for Western Plains District.
Source: 11/18/2005 Newsline
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The Brethren Historical Committee met Nov. 4-5 at the Miller Library on the McPherson (Kan.) College campus. On the agenda were items related to preservation of Brethren materials.
The committee discussed the microfilming of Brethren periodicals, the preservation of 16 millimeter films, and the creation of an archival policy for materials produced as part of the 300th anniversary of the Church of the Brethren in 2008.
In other business, plans were made for an insight session at the 2006 Annual Conference, the committee decided to increase the cost of obituaries copies, and decided to make a Russian icon available to the public in the archives at the General Offices. The icon was a gift to the Church of the Brethren from the Russian Orthodox Church in 1963. Reports were received from the Brethren Historical Library and Archives, Brethren Press, and the Germantown Trust.
Members of the committee are Bill Kostlevy (chair), Jane Davis (secretary), Marlin Heckman, and Ken Kreider. Ken Shaffer, director of the Brethren Historical Library and Archives, also met with the committee. Hospitality for the committee was arranged by Susan Taylor, college librarian, and by Elsie Holderread, co-executive minister for Western Plains District.
Source: 11/18/2005 Newsline
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Pacific Southwest District passes divestment resolution.
Micah 6:8, "What does the Lord require of you? Do justice, love tenderly, walk humbly with your God," guided business, worship, and fellowship at the 2005 conference of Pacific Southwest District on Oct. 7-9 in Modesto, Calif.
The conference passed a resolution on "Divestment from Companies Selling Products Used as Weapons in Israel and Palestine," according to a report by Janelle Flory. Other business included changes to the district by-laws regarding the Nominating Committee, unveiling of a new church grant process, a 2006 Budget with $400,000 earmarked to support new and growing ministries in congregations, elections, and reports.
The conference delegates passed the divestment resolution from the Fellowship in Christ, Fremont, Calif., on to the Annual Conference Standing Committee. The resolution calls for Brethren agencies to examine the divestment issue.
Four worship services shaped the spirit of the conference, Flory wrote. Moderator R. Jan Thompson, of Papago Buttes Church of the Brethren in Scottsdale, Ariz., opened with the question, Are we there yet? "I have the feeling that the people (of our district) are becoming excited about sharing the good news of the Gospel," he said. "That includes sharing justice in the local community as well as in the global community."
Moderator-elect Joe Schechter of La Verne (Calif.) Church of the Brethren, introduced the district theme for 2006, "Centered in Jesus," in a following service. The theme is from Acts 17:28, "In Him we live and move and have our being." Junior and senior high youth led a multi-media worship service incorporating elements of drama, dance, chanting, the song "Where is the Love?" from rap artists the Black-Eyed Peas, and a photo and video montage. In place of a sermon, speakers shared briefly about the ministries of their congregations. "It was an extremely moving service," said District Board chair Paul Lovelace, of Pomona (Calif.) Fellowship.
The meeting concluded Sunday morning with a message from Stephen Breck Reid, academic dean at Bethany Theological Seminary, on "Mission--Here--Now." He wove together scripture references from Jeremiah 29, the Great Commission, and the theme from Micah to emphasize the importance of establishing ministries that build the kingdom of God here and now. He also led a Friday workshop on "When Micah Meets Matthew." Worship experiences included the commissioning of Schechter and moderator-elect Mary Kay Ogden, also of La Verne.
Source: 11/18/2005 Newsline
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Micah 6:8, "What does the Lord require of you? Do justice, love tenderly, walk humbly with your God," guided business, worship, and fellowship at the 2005 conference of Pacific Southwest District on Oct. 7-9 in Modesto, Calif.
The conference passed a resolution on "Divestment from Companies Selling Products Used as Weapons in Israel and Palestine," according to a report by Janelle Flory. Other business included changes to the district by-laws regarding the Nominating Committee, unveiling of a new church grant process, a 2006 Budget with $400,000 earmarked to support new and growing ministries in congregations, elections, and reports.
The conference delegates passed the divestment resolution from the Fellowship in Christ, Fremont, Calif., on to the Annual Conference Standing Committee. The resolution calls for Brethren agencies to examine the divestment issue.
Four worship services shaped the spirit of the conference, Flory wrote. Moderator R. Jan Thompson, of Papago Buttes Church of the Brethren in Scottsdale, Ariz., opened with the question, Are we there yet? "I have the feeling that the people (of our district) are becoming excited about sharing the good news of the Gospel," he said. "That includes sharing justice in the local community as well as in the global community."
Moderator-elect Joe Schechter of La Verne (Calif.) Church of the Brethren, introduced the district theme for 2006, "Centered in Jesus," in a following service. The theme is from Acts 17:28, "In Him we live and move and have our being." Junior and senior high youth led a multi-media worship service incorporating elements of drama, dance, chanting, the song "Where is the Love?" from rap artists the Black-Eyed Peas, and a photo and video montage. In place of a sermon, speakers shared briefly about the ministries of their congregations. "It was an extremely moving service," said District Board chair Paul Lovelace, of Pomona (Calif.) Fellowship.
The meeting concluded Sunday morning with a message from Stephen Breck Reid, academic dean at Bethany Theological Seminary, on "Mission--Here--Now." He wove together scripture references from Jeremiah 29, the Great Commission, and the theme from Micah to emphasize the importance of establishing ministries that build the kingdom of God here and now. He also led a Friday workshop on "When Micah Meets Matthew." Worship experiences included the commissioning of Schechter and moderator-elect Mary Kay Ogden, also of La Verne.
Source: 11/18/2005 Newsline
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Brethren bits: Correction, remembrances, personnel, and more.
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- CORRECTION: In the Nov. 10 Newsline, the Association of Brethren Caregivers was inadvertently omitted from a list of church agencies that may benefit from new giving incentives included in the Katrina Emergency Relief Tax Act of 2005 (KETRA). Any qualified charity may receive gifts under the new law, including congregations. The act also includes a number of other charitable giving provisions such as tax benefits for businesses that donate food, books, and cash to disaster victims, and special tax accommodations for people who volunteer time and assistance to affected individuals. See a tax advisor to take advantage of benefits for which you may qualify.
- Glee E. Yoder, 89, of Willow Valley Lakes Manor in Willow Street, Pa., died Oct. 23 in Lancaster, Pa. Yoder served the Church of the Brethren as director of Christian Education for the Western Region in the 1950s and was administrative assistant for the Western Region in the 1960s. She served on the General Board 1977-1981. Yoder also wrote church school and Vacation Bible School curriculum for a variety of denominations from 1958-84, and wrote "Passing on the Gift," a biography of Heifer International founder and Brethren leader Dan West. She was married to R. Gordon Yoder for 66 years as of this August and lived most of her adult life in McPherson and Wichita, Kan. She was a graduate of McPherson College. Most recently she was a member of Lancaster Church of the Brethren. She is survived by her husband, a daughter, two grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and a sister. A memorial service was held Oct. 29. Her family requested that those wanting to contribute a memorial consider giving time to read a book to a child.
- Southern Pennsylvania District has appointed Lyn Becker as executive director of the Children's Aid Society. She assumed the role in August. She has 25 years of experience in business management in a variety of fields including healthcare, retail sales, and human services. She holds a bachelor's and master's degree in Business Administration from York College. She also completed CNA training through Harrisburg Area Community College at the Brethren Home and earned the Senior Professional in Human Resource Management designation. Becker has parented both foster and adopted children, with understanding of the many issues with which abandoned, neglected, and abused children must deal. She is a member of Lakeview Christian Fellowship Church of the Brethren in Adams County, Pa.
- The Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill., hosted the Foods Resource Bank's annual meeting on Nov. 14. Events included a chapel service and lunch for 80 to 100 participants including leaders of growing projects, representatives of the 16 implementing member denominations and agencies, overseas partners, and Foods Resource Bank staff and volunteers. Organized six years ago as a Christian response to world hunger, the Foods Resource Bank enables some of the poorest communities in the world to develop sustainable food security, said Howard Royer, manager of the General Board's Global Food Crisis Fund.
- Grants of up to $500 are available for people of faith to host and engage in dialogue on foreign policy issues including the environment; poverty, hunger or health; war and conflict; or weapons of mass destruction and terrorism. The Brethren Witness/Washington Office is encouraging Brethren congregations to take advantage of this program of Religions for Peace, of which the Church of the Brethren is a member. Deadline for grant applications is mid-December. Visit www.thepeoplespeak.org for more information. Contact the Brethren Witness/Washington Office at 800-785-3246 for resource materials and help in the grant process.
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New workcamp announced for summer 2006.
Registration for the 2006 summer workcamp season will begin on Dec. 1 at 12 a.m. eastern time. Brochures listing the workcamp options and a listing on the website are available from the Youth and Young Adult Office of the church of the Brethren General Board. The office also has announced that it is jointly sponsoring with the Brethren Revival Fellowship (BRF) a new senior high BRF workcamp option in Puerto Rico for summer of 2006.
Dates for the BRF workcamp are June 17-27. Twenty senior high youth and advisors who identify themselves with the BRF are welcome to join a workcamp that will partner with Puerto Rican congregations in work projects and to build relationships between campers and members of Puerto Rican congregations. "This workcamp will emphasize conservative, evangelical ideals with BRF leadership directing the camp," said workcamp coordinator Monica Rice.
Rice added, "Make sure to get your workcamp registrations in as soon as possible to insure that you receive your first workcamp choice. Just remember that there are many exciting options including five junior high camps, one senior high camp, one young adult camp, and a brand-new junior high/intergenerational camp." Find more information and register at www.brethren.org/genbd/yya/workcamps/index.html, or e-mail mrice_gb@brethren.org or call 800-323-8039 ext. 281.
Source: 11/18/2005 Newsline
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Registration for the 2006 summer workcamp season will begin on Dec. 1 at 12 a.m. eastern time. Brochures listing the workcamp options and a listing on the website are available from the Youth and Young Adult Office of the church of the Brethren General Board. The office also has announced that it is jointly sponsoring with the Brethren Revival Fellowship (BRF) a new senior high BRF workcamp option in Puerto Rico for summer of 2006.
Dates for the BRF workcamp are June 17-27. Twenty senior high youth and advisors who identify themselves with the BRF are welcome to join a workcamp that will partner with Puerto Rican congregations in work projects and to build relationships between campers and members of Puerto Rican congregations. "This workcamp will emphasize conservative, evangelical ideals with BRF leadership directing the camp," said workcamp coordinator Monica Rice.
Rice added, "Make sure to get your workcamp registrations in as soon as possible to insure that you receive your first workcamp choice. Just remember that there are many exciting options including five junior high camps, one senior high camp, one young adult camp, and a brand-new junior high/intergenerational camp." Find more information and register at www.brethren.org/genbd/yya/workcamps/index.html, or e-mail mrice_gb@brethren.org or call 800-323-8039 ext. 281.
Source: 11/18/2005 Newsline
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Conference call offered on Medicare Prescription Drug program.
The Association of Brethren Caregivers is inviting anyone interested in helping older adults enroll in the new Medicare Prescription Drug program to participate in an educational conference call on Dec. 5 at 3 p.m. eastern time. The call will train volunteers in use of an online resource that the Coalition to Advance Prescription Drug Education (CARxE) is offering to the Church of the Brethren as a tool for enrolling older adults in the Medicare Plan D.
Older adults have until May 2006 to enroll in the Medicare Part D. The conference call will help make this process more understandable and help offer seniors the most economical fit for their prescription drug needs. The call is for people who are assisting older adults with enrollment in the Medicare Plan D, such as social workers or representatives of retirement communities, districts, and congregations. Participants will receive a demonstration of the website offering education and comparisons of various provisions of Part D. The online resource can be accessed from www.brethren-caregivers.org.
Space is limited and only the first 85 people to express interest can participate. To sign up for the call, provide complete contact information and church affiliation to Nancy Miner at 847-742-5100 ext. 300 or nminer_abc@brethren.org.
Source: 11/18/2005 Newsline
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The Association of Brethren Caregivers is inviting anyone interested in helping older adults enroll in the new Medicare Prescription Drug program to participate in an educational conference call on Dec. 5 at 3 p.m. eastern time. The call will train volunteers in use of an online resource that the Coalition to Advance Prescription Drug Education (CARxE) is offering to the Church of the Brethren as a tool for enrolling older adults in the Medicare Plan D.
Older adults have until May 2006 to enroll in the Medicare Part D. The conference call will help make this process more understandable and help offer seniors the most economical fit for their prescription drug needs. The call is for people who are assisting older adults with enrollment in the Medicare Plan D, such as social workers or representatives of retirement communities, districts, and congregations. Participants will receive a demonstration of the website offering education and comparisons of various provisions of Part D. The online resource can be accessed from www.brethren-caregivers.org.
Space is limited and only the first 85 people to express interest can participate. To sign up for the call, provide complete contact information and church affiliation to Nancy Miner at 847-742-5100 ext. 300 or nminer_abc@brethren.org.
Source: 11/18/2005 Newsline
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Documentary on mental illness is recommended to Brethren.
The Association of Brethren Caregivers encourages congregations to view a new documentary about mental illness that will begin airing Dec. 4 on ABC-TV. "Shadow Voices: Finding Hope in Mental Illness" focuses on people's experiences with stigma, recovery, rehabilitation, parity in insurance programs, and how faith communities can better respond to those with mental illness.
"The church has a vital role in showing families experiencing mental illness that they are not isolated," said Mary Dulabaum, staff for Voice: Mental Illness Ministry of the Association of Brethren Caregivers. "This film will educate viewers about issues around mental illness so the church can better respond, just as we respond to physical illness such as heart disease."
The film includes interviews of former first lady Rosalynn Carter, former surgeon general David Satcher, United Methodist minister Susan Gregg Schroeder, and advocates from Nation's Voice on Mental Illness, Hope Haven, FaithNet, and Cincinnati Mennonite Fellowship. To find out when the documentary will be aired in your area, visit www.ShadowVoices.com.
The documentary was produced by Mennonite Media in cooperation with the Interfaith Broadcasting Commission and the Communications Commission of the National Council of Churches. Copies are available after Dec. 15 from Mennonite Media, 800-999-3534. For information about the Association of Brethren Caregivers' ministry on mental illness, contact mdulabaum_abc@brethren.org or 800-323-8039.
Source: 11/18/2005 Newsline
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The Association of Brethren Caregivers encourages congregations to view a new documentary about mental illness that will begin airing Dec. 4 on ABC-TV. "Shadow Voices: Finding Hope in Mental Illness" focuses on people's experiences with stigma, recovery, rehabilitation, parity in insurance programs, and how faith communities can better respond to those with mental illness.
"The church has a vital role in showing families experiencing mental illness that they are not isolated," said Mary Dulabaum, staff for Voice: Mental Illness Ministry of the Association of Brethren Caregivers. "This film will educate viewers about issues around mental illness so the church can better respond, just as we respond to physical illness such as heart disease."
The film includes interviews of former first lady Rosalynn Carter, former surgeon general David Satcher, United Methodist minister Susan Gregg Schroeder, and advocates from Nation's Voice on Mental Illness, Hope Haven, FaithNet, and Cincinnati Mennonite Fellowship. To find out when the documentary will be aired in your area, visit www.ShadowVoices.com.
The documentary was produced by Mennonite Media in cooperation with the Interfaith Broadcasting Commission and the Communications Commission of the National Council of Churches. Copies are available after Dec. 15 from Mennonite Media, 800-999-3534. For information about the Association of Brethren Caregivers' ministry on mental illness, contact mdulabaum_abc@brethren.org or 800-323-8039.
Source: 11/18/2005 Newsline
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Give a gift that grows through the Emerging Global Mission Fund.
An alternative Christmas gift-giving opportunity has been developed for the Emerging Global Mission Fund of the General Board. When a contribution is made to the fund this holiday season, a "New Birth, New Life" ornament and Christmas card will be mailed to the recipient in the sender's name.
The fund, established in 2001, currently fosters new fellowships in Brazil and supports new church planting in the US. The latest Source packet included fliers about the opportunity and bulk copies have been mailed to congregations on the World Mission Offering standing list. For more information contact Janis Pyle at 800-323-8039 ext. 227 or jpyle_g@brethren.org.
Source: 11/18/2005 Newsline
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An alternative Christmas gift-giving opportunity has been developed for the Emerging Global Mission Fund of the General Board. When a contribution is made to the fund this holiday season, a "New Birth, New Life" ornament and Christmas card will be mailed to the recipient in the sender's name.
The fund, established in 2001, currently fosters new fellowships in Brazil and supports new church planting in the US. The latest Source packet included fliers about the opportunity and bulk copies have been mailed to congregations on the World Mission Offering standing list. For more information contact Janis Pyle at 800-323-8039 ext. 227 or jpyle_g@brethren.org.
Source: 11/18/2005 Newsline
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Welcome Home Project offers e-mail list.
On Earth Peace and the Association of Brethren Caregivers are collaborating on the Welcome Home Project: A Living Peace Church Response for Returning Military Personnel and Others. For nearly a year, a small committee has considered how the Church of the Brethren can respond to soldiers returning home from conflict zones and support their families.
Now an e-mail list has been created for the project. Congregations and individuals are invited to join. The list will provide family members of soldiers the opportunity to support one another as they share thoughts and feelings about their situations; and will provide Brethren with the opportunity to share ideas and network about congregational outreach and ministry ideas.
"As a Living Peace church, our denomination has much to offer people who may be hurting and need a safe place to share their feelings and receive support," said a release from the two agencies.
Subscribe by visiting
http://listserver.emountain.net/mailman/listinfo/welcomehomeproject. For more information about the project visit www.brethren.org/oepa/WelcomeHomeProject.html. Questions may be directed to Matt Guynn of On Earth Peace at 765-962-6234.
Source: 11/18/2005 Newsline
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On Earth Peace and the Association of Brethren Caregivers are collaborating on the Welcome Home Project: A Living Peace Church Response for Returning Military Personnel and Others. For nearly a year, a small committee has considered how the Church of the Brethren can respond to soldiers returning home from conflict zones and support their families.
Now an e-mail list has been created for the project. Congregations and individuals are invited to join. The list will provide family members of soldiers the opportunity to support one another as they share thoughts and feelings about their situations; and will provide Brethren with the opportunity to share ideas and network about congregational outreach and ministry ideas.
"As a Living Peace church, our denomination has much to offer people who may be hurting and need a safe place to share their feelings and receive support," said a release from the two agencies.
Subscribe by visiting
http://listserver.emountain.net/mailman/listinfo/welcomehomeproject. For more information about the project visit www.brethren.org/oepa/WelcomeHomeProject.html. Questions may be directed to Matt Guynn of On Earth Peace at 765-962-6234.
Source: 11/18/2005 Newsline
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'Camp Casey' makes a witness for peace in Fort Wayne.
By Tom Benevento
We had a steady stream of people coming to visit Camp Casey to think together how to end the war in Iraq. Each day brought 30 to 50 people from early morning to late at night. Many brought food, like homemade cookies or donuts. Others come to sit by the fire and feel the calmness of the camp.
I was amazed at the diversity of people who came. One late afternoon we had a university professor of peace studies, a grandmother from a poor neighborhood, a man who has been living on the streets, two middle school boys, and an army veteran--all sitting together at our camp fire discussing the war. As we talked my eyes rose to see the quarter moon that was lifting above the trees. Its light glistened down on 59 white crosses we set out in honor of the Indiana soldiers killed. Smoke from the fire made its way into the sky, screening the crosses as I listened to the many voices speak.
At that moment it struck me how the dead represented by the white crosses, and the thousands of Iraqis buried now, were being honored in our work together to end the war. It was an unplanned sacred ceremony.
--Tom Benevento, Latin America/Caribbean staff for the General Board's Global Mission Partnerships, and Cliff Kindy, longtime Brethren volunteer for Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT), helped organize "Camp Casey" in Fort Wayne, Ind., for two weeks in October. The camp called for the end of the war in Iraq. They invite others to join an "Iraq Public Witness Delegation" in northern Indiana Nov. 26-Dec. 10 to raise awareness about the situation in Iraq through a tent encampment and nonviolent action at sites such as munitions factories and military recruitment offices. Participants should be prepared to spend 14 days camping in arduous winter conditions or in simple accommodations. Participants will raise prayer support and $250 to cover costs, and arrange their own transportation to South Bend, Ind. Apply by Nov. 20; e-mail delegations@cpt.org or see www.cpt.org/.
Source: 11/18/2005 Newsline
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By Tom Benevento
We had a steady stream of people coming to visit Camp Casey to think together how to end the war in Iraq. Each day brought 30 to 50 people from early morning to late at night. Many brought food, like homemade cookies or donuts. Others come to sit by the fire and feel the calmness of the camp.
I was amazed at the diversity of people who came. One late afternoon we had a university professor of peace studies, a grandmother from a poor neighborhood, a man who has been living on the streets, two middle school boys, and an army veteran--all sitting together at our camp fire discussing the war. As we talked my eyes rose to see the quarter moon that was lifting above the trees. Its light glistened down on 59 white crosses we set out in honor of the Indiana soldiers killed. Smoke from the fire made its way into the sky, screening the crosses as I listened to the many voices speak.
At that moment it struck me how the dead represented by the white crosses, and the thousands of Iraqis buried now, were being honored in our work together to end the war. It was an unplanned sacred ceremony.
--Tom Benevento, Latin America/Caribbean staff for the General Board's Global Mission Partnerships, and Cliff Kindy, longtime Brethren volunteer for Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT), helped organize "Camp Casey" in Fort Wayne, Ind., for two weeks in October. The camp called for the end of the war in Iraq. They invite others to join an "Iraq Public Witness Delegation" in northern Indiana Nov. 26-Dec. 10 to raise awareness about the situation in Iraq through a tent encampment and nonviolent action at sites such as munitions factories and military recruitment offices. Participants should be prepared to spend 14 days camping in arduous winter conditions or in simple accommodations. Participants will raise prayer support and $250 to cover costs, and arrange their own transportation to South Bend, Ind. Apply by Nov. 20; e-mail delegations@cpt.org or see www.cpt.org/.
Source: 11/18/2005 Newsline
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Credits
Newsline is produced by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of news services for the Church of the Brethren General Board. Lyn Becker, Tom Benevento, Charles Bentley, Mary Dulabaum, Janelle Flory, Lerry Fogle, Duane Grady, Phil Jones, Jon Kobel, Janis Pyle, Monica Rice, Ken Shaffer, Emily Tyler, and Jane Yount contributed to this report.
Newsline is produced by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of news services for the Church of the Brethren General Board. Lyn Becker, Tom Benevento, Charles Bentley, Mary Dulabaum, Janelle Flory, Lerry Fogle, Duane Grady, Phil Jones, Jon Kobel, Janis Pyle, Monica Rice, Ken Shaffer, Emily Tyler, and Jane Yount contributed to this report.
Thursday, November 10, 2005
NEWS
NOTE: Readers are invited to log on to a new web page that will feature Church of the Brethren news stories on a regular basis. The page can be found at www.brethren.org, click on "News." Or go directly to www.brethren.org/genbd/newsline/.
- Peter Becker Community responds pro-actively to Legionnaires outbreak.
- Annual Conference unveils logo for 2006.
- Emergency Disaster Fund grants send $167,000 for disaster relief.
- New tax law for 2005 is an opportunity for generous givers.
- New endowment supports Church of the Brethren mission work.
- The Gathering brings a 'fresh breeze' to Western Plains District.
- South/Central Indiana District focuses on love through service.
- Brethren bits: Correction, remembrance, job opening, and more.
- Haruun Ruun appointed to Sudan government post.
- Carol Mason appointed coordinator of Congregational Life Team Area 3.
- Brethren invited to join in helping close the School of the Americas.
- Cross Cultural Celebration 2006 will be held in Lancaster, Pa.
NOTE: Readers are invited to log on to a new web page that will feature Church of the Brethren news stories on a regular basis. The page can be found at www.brethren.org, click on "News." Or go directly to www.brethren.org/genbd/newsline/.
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