Brethren bits: Personnel, job openings, and much more.

• Marisel Olivencia has been engaged on a contract basis by the Congregational Life Ministries of the General Board to assist with preparations for the 2006 Cross-Cultural Consultation and Celebration in Lancaster, Pa., May 4-7. She will provide services on the board's behalf from Jan. 23-May 8. Her responsibilities will include reaching out to Spanish-speaking congregations, coordinating a youth event and day care for the celebration, and helping to coordinate information. Olivencia serves as part-time Hispanic pastor at First Church of the Brethren in Harrisburg, Pa. For more information about the Cross-Cultural Consultation and Celebration see www.brethren.org/genbd/clm/clt/CrossCultural.html.
  
  
• MAX (Mutual Aid eXchange) has named Carl Litwiller of Lancaster, Pa., as executive vice president of MAX Mutual Aid Ministries, and Scott Forland as executive vice president of Insurance Operations. Forland, who has been instrumental in merging 10 former mutual aid organizations into MAX, will oversee and manage insurance operations throughout the US and Canada. For more information about MAX see www.mutualaidexchange.com.
  
  
• The Church of the Brethren General Board seeks a fulltime director of Human Resources, located in Elgin, Ill. Responsibilities include developing, implementing, and managing human resources procedures and systems; promoting and maintaining employee relationships and development; maintaining accurate position descriptions and compensation system; assuring compliance with policies and employment law; facilitating periodic training events; directing the hiring process. Qualifications include a minimum of five years in a generalist position in human resources; communication skills; experience with computer systems including HRIS, word processing, and spreadsheets; progressive management and supervisory skills. Education and experience requirements include a bachelor's degree in a relevant field, with SHRM certification beneficial. A position description and application form are available on request. Application deadline is March 10. Qualified candidates are invited to complete the General Board application form, submit a résumé and letter of application, and request three references to send letters of recommendation to the Office of Human Resources, Church of the Brethren General Board, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120-1694; 800-323-8039 ext. 258; mgarrison_gb@brethren.org. Job openings in Church of the Brethren-related organizations are regularly posted at www.brethren.org/mrkclass.html.
  
  
• The General Board seeks an associate director of Emergency Response to fill a fulltime position located at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md. Responsibilities include engaging church constituents in the activities of the program; maintaining ecumenical relationships; providing financial management in coordination with the director; giving oversight to maintenance, property, and equipment; providing supervision and training for staff and volunteers of Brethren Disaster Response and Disaster Child Care. Qualifications include experience in managing staff and volunteers; knowledge of house construction, repairs, and building codes; communication skills, with background in adult education, workshops, or other training experience; ability to travel extensively in the US. A bachelor's degree is preferred. A position description and application form are available on request. Application deadline is Feb. 28. Qualified candidates are invited to complete the General Board application form, submit a resume and letter of application, and request three references to send letters of recommendation to the Office of Human Resources, Church of the Brethren General Board, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120-1694; 800-323-8039 ext. 258; mgarrison_gb@brethren.org.
  
  
• The Annual Conference Office seeks a fulltime, salaried Annual Conference assistant. Start date is June 5. Location will be in New Windsor, Md. Position functions include administration of the daily operation of the Annual Conference office; office communications; supervision of part-time employees; work with convention centers and the Program and Arrangements Committee; establishment of offices at Annual Conference sites; creation, coordination, editing, and shipping of a variety of materials; coordination of responsibilities for meal events and insight sessions at Conferences. Skills and knowledge required include administrative and office management background; effective and pleasant communication style; software proficiency with Windows-based applications, Word, Excel, Quark; customer service skills; ability to travel to other states. A minimum of five years of progressive office responsibilities is required, as well as working with and training volunteers or other groups. A minimum of some college education, plus extensive experience, is required; a college graduate is preferred. Submit a cover letter, resume, application form, and three letters of reference by March 31 to the following address. Forms and information also are available from the Office of Human Resources, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120-1694; 800-323-8039 ext. 258; mgarrison_gb@brethren.org.
  
  
• The Annual Conference Office seeks a registration coordinator to fill a temporary, fulltime position from March 1 through May 31. Position functions include tasks related to the registration process of Annual Conference, registration reports, processing payments, serving as the initial contact person for registration, and other clerical functions as necessary. Skills and knowledge required include strong word processing skills, effective and pleasant communication style, experience with software applications such as Word and Excel, and demonstrated quality customer service skills. Two to three years of experience in a general office setting is required, including experience in a variety of work situations with direct contact with customers. Education required is a minimum of high school graduation. Application deadline is Jan. 19. Send cover letter and resume to Office of Human Resources, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120-1694; 800-323-8039 ext. 259; mgarrison_gb@brethren.org.
  
  
• The Nominating Committee of the Annual Conference Standing Committee met recently in Elgin, Ill., to structure the 2006 ballot for Annual Conference. Chair Bruce Hostetler of South/Central Indiana District extended appreciation to everyone in the denomination who allowed their names to be placed in nomination, and to the many people who submitted nominations. Other members of the committee are Kathryn Ludwick of West Marva District, Ron McAdams of Southern Ohio District, Sue Ellen Wheatley of Mid-Atlantic District, Don Fitzkee of Atlantic Northeast District, Mary Anne Whited of Middle Pennsylvania District, Larry Dentler of Southern Pennsylvania District, and Glenn Bollinger of Shenandoah District. The 2006 ballot will be announced in early March. For more information about the election process, contact Annual Conference executive director Lerry Fogle or Conference secretary Fred Swartz at the Annual Conference Office, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120; 800-323-8039.
  
  
• Districts are sending representatives to a launch event for Gather 'Round: Hearing and Sharing God's Good News, Feb. 10-12 in Pittsburgh, Pa. The new Sunday school curriculum comes from Brethren Press and the Mennonite Publishing Network. Church of the Brethren districts are sending representatives to be trained in use of the curriculum in church school classes for all ages. Free samples sessions for different age groups are at www.gatherround.org, as well as more information about the curriculum including documents that show its theological and educational foundations. The curriculum is available in February for use beginning this fall. Sample kits will be available for $79.95 plus shipping and handling beginning in February, call Brethren Press at 800-441-3712.
  
  
• The spring issue of "A Guide for Biblical Studies" has been released by Brethren Press. The theme for the Bible study series for March, April, and May is "Living in and as God's Creation" focusing on passages from the Psalms, Job, Mark, Ecclesiastes, John, and Proverbs. The writer for the spring quarter is William Abshire, a professor and chair of the Department of Philosophy and Religion at Bridgewater (Va.) College. Frank Ramirez, pastor of Everett (Pa.) Church of the Brethren, writes the "Out of Context" column. Order from Brethren Press for $2.90 each, $5.15 for large print, plus shipping and handling; call 800-441-3712.
  
  
• A free five-minute DVD presenting a music-video style glimpse of the overall work of the Church of the Brethren General Board is available from Brethren videographer David Sollenberger. The video is suitable for use as an inspirational component during a morning worship service, or to share with a church board, ministry coordinating team, Sunday school class, or small group. "Bound Together" was used at Annual Conference 2005. Copies will be mailed free of charge. Please e-mail a request to LSVideo@Comcast.net or call 717-867-4187 or write to 1804 Horseshoe Pike, Annville, PA 17003.
  
  
• Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS) announces its 2006 winter orientation, Jan. 29-Feb. 17, at Camp Ithiel in Gotha, Fla. This will be the 268th BVS training unit, and will be made up of seven volunteers from across the US and Germany including several Church of the Brethren members. A weekend immersion with the Haitian Brethren community in Miami is planned, and while in the city the volunteers also will work at food banks and Habitat for Humanity. The group also will work at Camp Ithiel for a day. A BVS potluck is open to all those who are interested on Feb. 13 at 6:30 p.m. at Camp Ithiel. "Please feel free to come and welcome the new BVS volunteers and share your own experiences," invited Becky Snavely, of the BVS office."As always your prayer support is welcome and needed. Please pray for the unit, and the people they will touch during their year of service." For more information contact the BVS office at 800-323-8039 ext. 423.
  
  
• US Surgeon General Richard H. Carmona visited Frederick (Md.) Church of the Brethren on Jan. 9 while touring a clinic that is hosted by the congregation. The Mission of Mercy's Mobile Medical Clinic provides free medical, dental, and prescription coverage to thousands of Frederick County residents each year, according to an article about the event in the "Frederick News-Post." Frederick pastor Paul Mundey reported that the congregation has provided space for "a mobile medical clinic for the working poor" for some time. Carmona told the paper that what inspired him most was that "the only clearance to come here is a need. There's no paperwork, there's no qualification, and what's dispensed here is not as much care as it is love and dignity for a fellow human being." To find the newspaper article online go to http://www.gazette.net/stories/010906/frednew153957_31912.shtml.
  
  
• Trees for Life's president, Balbir Mathur, will be featured in a radio interview Thursday, Jan. 19, that can be heard also on the Internet. The interview will be on WBEZ 91.5 FM Chicago Public Radio at 12 noon to 1 p.m. central time. Trees for Life is a nonprofit people-to-people movement that helps plant fruit trees in developing countries, based in Wichita, Kan. It was begun in 1984 with connections to the Church of the Brethren. It also is a Brethren Volunteer Service project site. To hear the broadcast live online go to www.chicagopublicradio.org, under "Listen Now" click the link for Live Webcast in RealAudio. The interview also will be available in the archives at www.chicagopublicradio.org/audio_library/wv_rajan06.asp. (To listen to the interview online, Real Player must be installed on the computer, see www.real.com.) For more information see www.treesforlife.org, or contact Trees for Life, 3006 W. St. Louis, Wichita, KS 67203; 316-945-6929; info@treesforlife.org.
  
  
• The Valley Brethren-Mennonite Heritage Center in Harrisonburg, Va., and the Valley Research Associates announce publication of Volume III of "Unionists and the Civil War Experience in the Shenandoah Valley" by Bittinger, Rodes, and Wenger. This third in a projected seven-volume history of the Civil War in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia focuses on Rockingham County families in and around the towns of Bridgewater and Dayton and westward to the mountains. The series has been noted for adding new information about the effects of Gen. Sheridan's campaign of burning and destruction carried out in Oct. 1864, said a release from the center. The volumes also add new information about the Underground Railroad created in the Shenandoah Valley, naming different escape routes across the western mountains and giving the names of pilots, guides, numerous "safe houses," their locations, organizers of the routes, and volume of traffic. A total of 126 local families are included in the three volumes published to date. Each volume retails for $49.95 plus tax ($44.95 for each additional book) plus shipping. Order from Valley Research Associates, P.O. Box 526, Dayton, VA 22821; VRAssociates526@aol.com.
  
  
• Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT) held a "Follow the Light" Epiphany fast in front of the White House on Jan. 6-8. The group had sent a letter to the Bush administration requesting a meeting with the president and his staff to share stories and words of wisdom about the US presence in Iraq, reported Todd Flory of the Brethren Witness/Washington Office. "The fast is kind of a spiritual under-girding for that request," said Church of the Brethren and CPT member Cliff Kindy. "It's to recognize the ways in which we're all held captive by the war, whether we're CPTers held captive by the Swords of Righteousness or soldiers held captive or Iraqis or even a president held captive by the idea of war and missing the realities of it." Throughout the three days of fasting, many people stopped to chat with the CPT members while others gave their support or disapproval as they passed, Flory reported. "The people who stop have been positive," said CPT member Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove. "The people who aren't so positive keep walking by." President Bush did not grant CPT's request for a visit.
  
  
• By visiting www.wcc-assembly.info, you can be part of the 9th Assembly of the World Council of Churches (WCC) in Porto Alegre, Brazil, on Feb. 14-23. The site also can be accessed via www.brethren.org/genbd/GeneralSecretary/index.htm. The assembly, which is held every eight years, will bring thousands of Christians from around the world together for ecumenical encounter, prayer, celebration, and deliberation. The website offers an overview of what will happen at the assembly including the theme, "God, in your grace, transform the world"; issues and concerns to be discussed; prayers and Bible studies; news and photos; stories of transformation from churches; and the program and preparation documents. During the assembly the site will provide news coverage as it happens, video summaries, live webcasts of plenaries, and an e-news service. Brethren who will attend the assembly include the Church of the Brethren delegate Jeffrey W. Carter, pastor of Manassas (Va.) Church of the Brethren; Annual Conference moderator Ronald Beachley and his wife, Linda; Stan Noffsinger, general secretary of the General Board; Merv Keeney, executive director of Global Mission Partnerships for the General Board; Dale Brown, professor emeritus at Bethany Theological Seminary, attending as an observer; and Walt Wiltschek, editor of "Messenger" magazine, who will work with the WCC communications team.

Source: 1/18/2006 Newsline
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Garrison retires as General Board's director of Human Resources.

Mary Lou Garrison, director of Human Resources for the Church of the Brethren General Board, has announced her retirement effective July 28. She began in the position located in Elgin, Ill., on Oct. 15, 2001.

A Manchester College graduate, Garrison has served in Church of the Brethren organizations since 1982. Prior to her work with the General Board, she was employed by Pinecrest Community, a Brethren retirement and longterm care community in Mount Morris, Ill., as director of Human Resources since 1988. She began at Pinecrest as a geriatric social worker and then transitioned to director of Programming, while developing the first Alzheimer unit at the facility. Garrison achieved lifetime certification as a Senior Professional in Human Resources in 1994.

In retirement, Garrison will join her husband, Ed, as he retires from a career in education this June. Both plan to explore opportunities that will utilize their non-professional skills and interests, including spending more time with their grandsons in Peace Valley, Mo.

Source: 1/18/2006 Newsline
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Daniel begins as administrative executive for Idaho District.

Sue Daniel began Jan. 1 as half-time administrative executive of the Idaho District of the Church of the Brethren.

Daniel is a graduate of the University of La Verne, a Church of the Brethren related college in La Verne, Calif., and recently retired as off-campus center director of Eastern Oregon University. She has been actively involved in the Church of the Brethren, having served as district moderator and in other district and congregational positions.

Daniel will work from an office in her home; contact her at 1816 First Avenue S., Payette, ID 83661; 208-642-1577; srdd24@netzero.net.

Source: 1/18/2006 Newsline
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Berster named president of Peter Becker Community.

Carol A. Berster of Hollidaysburg, Pa., has been named president of Peter Becker Community in Harleysville, Pa. She will begin Feb. 20. The Church of the Brethren retirement community has been served by an interim president since Oct. 2005, when Rod Mason resigned after serving as CEO for 19 years.

Berster most recently served as a regional CEO for PHI, Inc., a Presbyterian system with 19 senior communities in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Maryland. She has been in the senior services field since 1976. According to Peter Becker board president Don Price, "Berster was selected for her passion to serve the senior adult community as well as for her strengths in finance and business."

This year, Peter Becker Community is celebrating 35 years of service to senior adults through easy living cottages and apartments, an assisted living unit, and a healthcare center. For more information about the community go to www.peterbeckercommunity.com.

Source: 1/18/2006 Newsline
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University of La Verne group spends Thanksgiving in the Gulf.
by Debbie Roberts and Steve Kinzie

Six University of La Verne (ULV) students and four university staff members traveled to the Lake Charles area of Louisiana over the Thanksgiving break to help clean up debris and destruction left in the wake of Hurricane Rita. ULV is a Church of the Brethren school in La Verne, Calif.

Although it had been more than six weeks since the hurricane hit, communities were still struggling to recover from extensive damage. Much of the destruction inland resulted from uprooted trees falling into houses and buildings. In Cameron Parish, a tremendous storm surge did enormous damage to lakefront homes, killed animals, and pushed furniture, house siding, appliances, and large boats hundreds of feet onto the land.

We worked at a number of different sites. The first day we spent raking debris and recycling boards from a jumbled dock. After sharing in a wonderful Thanksgiving meal hosted by Lake Charles Community Church of the Brethren, on Friday we spent the morning cleaning up dozens of fallen trees in the acre behind an inland home. That afternoon we cleared debris from around the much damaged home of an elderly woman resident in Lake Charles. The last day, we cleared a massive tangle of fallen trees at the small home of a disabled couple. Their poverty and need was tremendous, and we were very touched by their suffering and graciousness.

This mixture of suffering and graciousness, in fact, met us at every turn. Even when people had very little to share they were generous with their food, smiles, and thanks. All of us returned sobered by the reality of the continuing hardships faced by the wonderful people we were blessed to meet and work with for even so short a time.

Many thanks to La Verne Church of the Brethren, ULV, and the wider La Verne community for their financial support in helping to make this experience possible.

--Debbie Roberts serves as campus minister and director of Peace Studies at the University of La Verne. Her husband, Steve Kinzie, is assistant director of the university's Learning Enhancement Center and an adjunct professor.

Source: 1/18/2006 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. J. Allen Brubaker, Todd Flory, Mary Lou Garrison, Del Keeney, Nancy Knepper, Jon Kobel, Howard Royer, Becky Snavely, Fred Swartz, and Jane Yount contributed to this report.

NEWS

• Committee holds first meeting on new mission in Haiti.
  
• Manchester College researchers report decline in violence but 'alarming' trends for most vulnerable in nation.
  
• On tsunami anniversary, Church World Service sees signs of recovery at 'people level.'
  
• Brethren bits: Job openings, Martin Luther King Day events, and more.

UPCOMING EVENTS

• Group plans workcamp trip to Nigeria.
  
• Deacon ministry training events, nursing scholarships are announced.
  
• Registration closes soon for Cross-Cultural Celebration.

RESOURCES

• Samples of Gather 'Round curriculum are posted online.
  
• The Hymnal Supplement series is now complete.

Committee holds first meeting on new mission in Haiti.

The Haiti Advisory Committee for the Church of the Brethren mission in Haiti held its first meeting on Dec. 17, 2005, at L'Eglise des Freres Haitiens (Haitian Church of the Brethren) in Miami, Fla. While seeking to clarify its role in the new mission effort, the group received a report of a fledgling Church of the Brethren congregation in Haiti.

Those present included Ludovic St. Fleur, pastor of L'Eglise des Freres Haitiens, Volcy Beauplan, Jonathan Cadette, Marc Labranche, Jean Nixon Aubel, Wayne Sutton, Merle Crouse, Renel Exceus, Jeff Boshart, and Merv Keeney, executive director of Global Mission Partnerships for the Church of the Brethren General Board. Boshart provided this report of the meeting.

The committee sought to define its role and clarify how it may support the mission effort. It also began to think about ways to report about the mission, and to connect the effort more widely. The advisory committee model is an effort to support St. Fleur and Haitian leadership who have been assigned the responsibility for guiding the new mission effort under the General Board's international mission structure, the Global Mission Partnerships office.

The Haiti mission was approved by the General Board in Oct. 2004 as a "Haitian-led" endeavor, a new model for the church according to Keeney. The proposal came to the General Board from the Mission and Ministries Planning Council following lengthy exploration with Brethren districts, congregations, and individuals already at work in Haiti.

St. Fleur shared that a "mother congregation" has been formed in Haiti's capital of Port au Prince. Over 100 people are attending worship, and leadership development is under way. The church building is located on land leased from the Haitian government, near one of the most dangerous parts of the city. As there is tremendous uncertainty regarding the stability of the government, a new location for worship is being investigated. St. Fleur said the greatest needs of the new congregation at this time are for much prayer, more Brethren printed materials to be translated into Haitian Creole, and the necessity of locating a new place of worship.

Jonathan Cadette of First Church of the Brethren in Miami, Fla., who worked as a lawyer in Haiti before coming to the US, said that to be recognized as a denomination in Haiti the Church of the Brethren will have to meet certain criteria including establishment of a headquarters, formation of at least five congregations, and initiation of a social outreach, for example in education, health, agriculture, etc. Work will be done toward meeting the requirements, but the committee felt that practically speaking they do not have any immediate impact on the fledgling congregation.

Former General Board mission staff Merle Crouse, of New Covenant Church of the Brethren in Gotha, Fla., recounted previous Brethren involvement in Haiti and expressed his hope that some connections will be made with remnants of that earlier work. Committee members will follow up on various contacts both in the US and in Haiti.

The general feeling of the meeting was one of optimism and a desire to see the work in Haiti grow and flourish. "We need to keep God in first place, use our knees, leave room for our faith to act, and remember that the future does not belong to us," said Cadette. June 3 was selected for the committee's next meeting.

Source: 01/04/2006 Newsline
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Manchester College researchers report decline in violence but 'alarming' trends for most vulnerable in nation.

While violence statistically is on the decline in the US, the nation is setting an alarming trend in how it treats the most vulnerable--the hungry, homeless, and uninsured families. That's the report from researchers at Manchester College in their latest National Index of Violence and Harm, according to a press release from the college located in North Manchester, Ind. Manchester is a Church of the Brethren liberal arts college.

Even before the Gulf Coast devastation of Hurricane Katrina, emergency food requests had increased 14.4 percent in just one year--from 2003 to 2004--with 38.2 million people or 13.2 percent of the population living in households experiencing "food insecurity," according to the study.

Several other statistically significant trends emerged in the study of US Census data by three faculty members and a student at Manchester. The team examined 1995-2004 poverty and income levels for several groups in the US population. In 2004, more than 81 percent of US major cities turned people away from overwhelmed shelters, while families with children comprised 35-40 percent of the US homeless population. In that same year, 45.8 million people were without health insurance.

Nevertheless, the latest National Index of Harm and Violence shows positive trends in 14 of the 19 variables measured over the nine-year study period. The index is divided into two broad categories of violence/harm. The Personal Index includes, for example, homicide, suicide, and drug deaths. The Societal Index includes, for example, police abuse, corporate pollution, and child abuse. It also includes harm resulting from the structuring of society, such as poverty and discrimination.

Street crime declined sharply, the index shows, helping to fuel an overall 14 percent drop in the Personal Index since 1995. The Societal Index also dropped, although it did include an increase in the government category (correctional system and law enforcement).

"As opposed to the more familiar and dramatic personal harm, such as homicide, societal harm is just as destructive and is far more pervasive in our society," noted sociology and social work professor Bradley L. Yoder, one of the researchers. "Many more people are adversely affected by structural and institutional forces."

The clearest example of worsening societal harm is social negligence, which continues to climb. Although the high school dropout rate fell significantly in 2002 to 3.4 percent, after hovering near 4.5 percent for six years, in 2003 it bounced up to 3.8 percent.

Other social negligence indicators continued to rise in 2003, some dramatically: lack of health insurance--from 15.2 to 15.6 percent of the population, with 45 million uninsured in 2003; hunger--more than 12.5 million households experienced food insecurity up from 12.1 million in 2002, according to the US Department of Agriculture; homelessness--in 2003 an average increase of 7 percent in requests for emergency housing across major metropolitan areas.

The Manchester College research team is led by psychology professor Neil J. Wollman, and also includes James Brumbaugh-Smith, associate professor of mathematics and computer science, and sophomore Jonathan Largent of Muncie, Ind. The faculty members have been compiling the Index since 1995.

The Manchester College research is unique in considering the homelessness and dropout rates together, said Wollman, senior fellow of the Manchester College Peace Studies Institute and professor of psychology. "By examining them together, we can see whether our society responds adequately to the needs of its citizens, particularly those who are most vulnerable," he said. "Given the basic nature of these long unfulfilled needs--and the fact that all other industrialized countries do provide in these areas--we may need to look more closely at ourselves and our self-image of being a compassionate people."

For example, non-whites were still 2.7 times more likely to be in poverty in 2003. And, while the gap in poverty disparity declined strongly for gender, race, and age, class differences continued to climb. The disparity for 2003 was the greatest on record.

To learn more about the National Index of Harm and Violence and to contact the researchers, visit www.manchester.edu/links/violenceindex. The independent, liberal arts Manchester College is home to the nation's first undergraduate peace studies program and the Graduation Pledge Alliance. To learn more about Manchester visit www.manchester.edu.

Source: 01/04/2006 Newsline
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On tsunami anniversary, Church World Service sees signs of recovery at 'people level.'

Dec. 26, 2005, marked the first anniversary of the tsunami that claimed some 275,000 lives in south Asia. Church World Service (CWS) said the tsunami generated the single largest organizational mobilization in response to a natural disaster in the agency's 60-year history.

As of late December, CWS said in a press release that progress is visibly spreading in affected areas despite continuing challenges. Hundreds of thousands of people, however, are still homeless and living in tents, improvised emergency shelters, and transitional living centers.

CWS has raised $11,436,822 in cash and $6,612,010 in material goods for tsunami relief, the release said. Most of that aid has been directed to Indonesia but also was distributed in Sri Lanka, India, Somalia, and Thailand. CWS Emergency Response Program director Donna Derr said the cash expenditures and material donations have included food aid, emergency shelter, medical assistance, clean water and sanitation facilities reconstruction, psycho-social programs for children, health and nutritional support, reconstruction of homes, and livelihoods recovery programs.

The release cited examples of progress, such as the village of Meue in Aceh Province, Indonesia, where the tsunami destroyed the fishing fleet, most houses, and nearly all livestock. Sounds of renewed enterprise and life are filling the air again in Meue, the release said. In partnership with villagers, CWS teams have drawn from nearby communities and local contractors to help rebuild the village. CWS began a livelihoods recovery project in Meue soon after the tsunami, but further assessments also revealed a continued and urgent need for shelter. CWS Indonesia director Maurice Bloem said the agency has since provided shelter assistance to the village.

"In terms of where affected areas of Indonesia were on the day after the tsunami and where they are now, progress has been such that survivors now have access to basic health, nutrition, education, water services, sanitation facilities, and temporary shelter, as well as increasing access to permanent housing and recovery of livelihoods," said John L. McCullough, CWS executive director.

"Church World Service and our partners in Aceh have been focusing on people first, and on community needs. We've made great strides in either restoring or building new water and sanitation facilities throughout the region," said Bloem. The greatest challenges, however, "are still to provide permanent shelters and better living conditions for people made homeless by the tsunami, and to assist affected communities in recovering their livelihoods," he said.

The reconstruction process will take years, according to Bloem, "because of poor infrastructure, even pre-tsunami, and supply bottlenecks for everything from building materials to skilled labor. Fishing boats cannot be replaced overnight and re-building livelihoods takes longterm commitment," he said. "Especially in Nias, all this is happening against a backdrop of extreme poverty and decades of government neglect, while in Aceh a civil war has just ended after three decades."

Among continuing challenges CWS cited persisting needs for building materials, educational resources for children, and health and medical resources. "This is why Church World Service is continuing to raise funds," Bloem said. "Longterm recovery means just that, and proper financial and programmatic support will be the 'make or break' of this region's future." The agency plans to continue its public fundraising appeal for another 14 months and anticipates continuing recovery programs in Indonesia for some years to come.

Many of the agency's beneficiaries are children, the release said. In Aceh Province, nine-year-old Kursiah lost her father in the tsunami and nearly lost her mother, who was swept away by the water but survived. Now living in Cot Kilat Barracks, maintained by the Indonesian government, Kursiah participates in CWS-run activities for children called Fun and Educational Activities in Tents (FEAT). Kursiah says the games and activities keep her busy so that she doesn't become sad thinking about her father.

For more details see www.churchworldservice.org. The Church of the Brethren contributes to the work of Church World Service through grants from the Emergency Disaster Fund of the General Board. For more about the fund and the General Board's Emergency Response/Service Ministries see www.brethren.org/genbd/ersm.

Source: 01/04/2006 Newsline
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Brethren bits: Job openings, Martin Luther King Day events, and more.

• Bethany Theological Seminary announces a faculty opening for director of Distributed Education and Electronic Communications, to administer the distributed education track of the M.Div. program. The fulltime position is based in Richmond, Ind., beginning July 1. Responsibilities include providing support to teaching faculty as they design and teach distributed education courses; serving as liaison with distributed education students and the Susquehanna Valley Ministry Center in Pennsylvania; teaching up to one course annually; assisting the Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership in designing online education; maintaining a website and working with staff in providing electronic communications; working on joint computing resources with Earlham School of Religion. Qualifications include a theological degree at the master's level, earned doctorate in education, theology, or appropriate field preferred; successful completion of a professional development program in distance education or equivalent experience; skills in computer technology, programming, web design, and dynamic website management; familiarity with adult education and teaching experience in religion or theology; administration skills; membership and leadership in a Christian community of faith; ability to work with people of diverse faith experiences; commitment to the mission and values of the seminary to prepare people for ministry in the Church of the Brethren and wider Christian community. Submit letter of application and curriculum vitae, and request three references to submit letters of recommendation by Feb. 1 to: Academic Dean, Bethany Theological Seminary, 615 National Rd. W., Richmond, IN 47374-4019.
  
  
• The National Campaign for a Peace Tax Fund continues its search for a candidate for executive director. To apply, send a resume by Jan. 17 to NCPTF, 2121 Decatur Pl. NW, Washington, DC 20008; searchcommittee@peacetaxfund.org. For a job description, visit www.peacetaxfund.org/news/2005-09-14edjob.htm. Tim Godshall has been appointed interim executive director until June 30, taking over the duties of longtime executive director Marian Franz, who has served in the position for the past 23 years. Godshall has been director of Outreach and Development for the campaign.
  
  
• The 2005-07 edition of Bridgewater (Va.) College's Speakers Bureau, listing more than 85 presentations by 25 faculty and staff members, is now available. Program topics range from "BambaZonke"--a variety show of African stories--to creating effective websites for churches and other organizations. Speakers are available with expertise on playing the game of chess, hydroponics, and the art of storytelling. Topics also include learning disabilities and differences, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and teaching memory strategies to children to help them learn. Experts also are available to help high school students prepare for college, understand the college admissions process, and learn what it is like to be a college student. Request a copy of the Speakers Bureau from the Media Relations Office at 540-828-5486 or e-mail mheatwol@bridgewater.edu.
  
  
• Bridgewater College also has announced upcoming events. On Feb. 2 at 7:30 p.m. in Cole Hall, the Anna B. Mow Endowed Lecture will sponsor "A Debate on Assisted Suicide" with Lawrence D. Egbert of Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and Felicia Cohn of the University of California, Irvine, College of Medicine. The Vienna Choir Boys will perform sacred and secular works as part of a tour of North America on Feb. 6 at 8 p.m. at the Carter Center; tickets are $13 for adults and $10 for seniors, non-Bridgewater students, and children. Alexander Kobrin, the 2005 gold medalist of the Van Cliburn Piano Competition, will perform as part of his 2005-06 concert tour on Feb. 21 at 8 p.m. at the Carter Center; tickets are $13 for adults and $10 for seniors, non-Bridgewater students, and children.
  
  
• The National Council of Churches (NCC) is inviting faith and community groups to honor the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. by joining in advocacy for a living wage on the weekend of his birthday, Jan. 14-16. "Let Justice Roll Living Wage Days" will include worship services, rallies, and other events to inspire congregations and community organizations to support raising the minimum wage at federal and state levels, the NCC said in a release. "There is nothing but a lack of social vision to prevent us from paying an adequate wage to every American (worker) whether he is a hospital worker, laundry worker, maid, or day laborer," King wrote more than 35 years ago in his book, "Where Do We Go From Here: Chaos or Community." Recent data compiled by the Let Justice Roll Living Wage Campaign show that since the last increase in the minimum wage in 1997, the value has eroded by more than 15 percent, the NCC said. To have the purchasing power it had in 1968, the year that King was assassinated, the minimum wage would have to be $9.09 an hour today, not $5.15. More information is at www.letjusticeroll.org.
  
  
• "Where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them" from Matthew 18:20 is the theme for the 2006 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, Jan. 18-25. The observance is sponsored jointly by the World Council of Churches and the Roman Catholic Church. The theme this year was chosen by an ecumenical group in Ireland, which "wished to draw attention to Jesus as the source of our unity" and to underline "the simplicity of two or three coming together in Christian mutual love as a vital means of building up relations between divided peoples and communities." Resources include an ecumenical worship service that churches may adapt for their own contexts, biblical reflections, prayers, and an overview of the ecumenical situation in the particular country that prepared the material. Go to http://wcc-coe.org/wcc/what/faith/wop2006contents.html.
  
  
• A Place Apart, an initiative to establish a Brethren spiritual retreat center, will hold trainings during the spring of 2006 at three locations: Camp Swatara in Bethel, Pa., on April 6-9; Camp Shepherd's Spring in Sharpsburg, Md., on April 27-30; and Camp Alexander Mack in Milford, Ind., on May 4-7. "Participants will learn how to be more aware of God's presence in all of creation, how to develop strategies for living within a daily rhythm of worship, and how following Jesus means training ourselves to be mystics, monks, and warriors," said Jim Stokes-Buckles in a notice of the events. Cost is $189 including meals and activities. Paul Grout, a former moderator of the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference, is director of A Place Apart, which is described as "a place where all kinds of people can come for a time to break with the frenzied pace and empty value systems of the world." For registration forms and more information contact A Place Apart, P.O. Box 307, Putney VT 05346; 802-387-4517; apart@sover.net.
  
  
• The New Community Project, a Brethren-related nonprofit organization, has announced its schedule of Learning Tours for the coming year. The trips are open to all ages, with some scholarship aid for youth and young adults. Learning Tours are designed to increase understanding, deepen faith, build relationships, and show solidarity with God's people and God's creation. Upcoming trips include: El Salvador/Guatemala, Mar. 1-11, cost $600; Guatemala, May 18-30, $500; "Cancer Alley" Louisiana, May 28-31, $350; Honduras, June 19-29, $625; Denali/Kenai Fjords National Parks, Alaska, Aug. 12-21, $500; Arctic Village, Alaska, Aug. 22-30, $800; Nepal, Oct. 16-27, $700; Sudan, Jan. 8-24, $1,300. Costs do not include airfare. Visit www.newcommunityproject.org for more information, or contact New Community Project director David Radcliff at 718 Wilder St., Elgin, IL 60123; 888-800-2985; dradcliff@newcommunityproject.org.
  
  
• Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT) has begun a "Shine the Light" campaign on torture, hostage-taking, and abuse of detainees. CPT is still awaiting word on four volunteers who were taken hostage in Iraq on Nov. 26. Beginning Jan. 15--the birthday of Martin Luther King Jr.--through Jan. 29, CPT will hold daily processions in Washington, D.C., at institutions that bear responsibility for war-making and ending with prayer in front of the White House. Candle-carrying participants will walk in silence guided by a torchbearer shining light on a hooded detainee representing people held captive by war and occupation. CPT invites supporters to join the witness in Washington or to organize processions in their own communities. "Communities may wish to `Shine the Light' throughout the Lenten season or the period leading up to Mar. 19-20--the third anniversary of the (Iraq) war," CPT said. The campaign will be preceded by a "Follow the Light" Epiphany fast in front of the White House, Jan. 6-8. Go to www.cpt.org/iraq/shinethelight.php for resources or to register events. For more information contact Cliff Kindy at 312-933-0546 or light@cpt.org. Kindy is a Church of the Brethren member who has worked with CPT in Iraq. Originally a violence-reduction initiative of the historic peace churches (Mennonite, Church of the Brethren and Quaker), CPT enjoys support and membership from a wide range of Christian denominations.

Source: 01/04/2006 Newsline
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Group plans workcamp trip to Nigeria.

David Whitten, pastor of Moscow Church of the Brethren in Mount Solon, Va., views his upcoming trip to coordinate the 2006 Nigeria workcamp as a kind of homecoming. The Jan. 16-Feb. 12 workcamp, sponsored by the Global Mission Partnerships of the Church of the Brethren General Board, will be his fourth stay in Nigeria.

Whitten worked as mission staff for the Church of the Brethren's rural development program in Nigeria from 1991-94. "I look forward to reuniting with a lot of friends from the past," he said.

This year's workcamp will have three continents represented, he said. Six American participants will join others from Europe and about two dozen Nigerians to continue construction on the Comprehensive Secondary School at the headquarters of Ekklesiyar Yan'uwa a Nigeria (EYN--the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria). The headquarters are located near the city of Mubi in northeastern Nigeria.

Participants from the US include Kyle and Kathleen Brinkmeier of Yellow Creek Church of the Brethren, Pearl City, Ill.; Rebecca Keister of Buffalo Valley Church of the Brethren, Mifflinburg, Pa.; David Whitten and Wesley Grove of Moscow Church of the Brethren; and Joseph Wampler of Santa Cruz, Calif., whose parents were Church of the Brethren missionaries in China.

Source: 01/04/2006 Newsline
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Deacon ministry training events, nursing scholarships are announced.

The Association of Brethren Caregivers will hold three deacon ministry training events this spring in Pennsylvania, Indiana, and Florida. Each event will follow the theme, "Healing Balm." Members of the Deacon Ministry Cabinet are helping to plan the one-day training opportunities.

The association also is seeking candidates for its 2006 Nursing Scholarships.

The training events will be held from 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. on April 8 at The Palms of Sebring, a Church of the Brethren retirement center in Sebring, Fla.; on April 22 at Timbercrest Senior Living in North Manchester, Ind.; and on May 20 at the Brethren Home Community in New Oxford, Pa.

Each event will feature Bible study, keynote presentations, workshops, and worship. Workshops will address issues such as deacon roles and functions, care circles, love feast, resolving conflict, advance directives, and being a healing presence. Cost is $15 per person. Registration materials are available at www.brethren-caregivers.org.

In 2005, the Association of Brethren Caregivers awarded $22,000 in nursing scholarships. Candidates are now sought for the 2006 program. Candidates must be members of the Church of the Brethren and accepted into an LPN, RN, or nursing graduate program. More information is at www.brethren-caregivers.org. Applications submitted by April 1 will be considered for the academic year beginning Fall 2006.

Source: 01/04/2006 Newsline
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Registration closes soon for Cross-Cultural Celebration.

Registrations are due Jan. 15 for the annual Cross-Cultural Consultation and Celebration sponsored by the Church of the Brethren Cross Cultural Ministries Team and the Congregational Life Teams of the General Board. The event will be held May 4-7 in Lancaster, Pa., on the theme, "Built Together, the Household of God" from Ephesians 2:17-22.

Plans for the consultation include daily worship in a variety of traditions, Bible study, discussion groups, and prayer circles, with the Friday evening service May 5 featuring bread and cup communion. Sessions are planned on anti-racism, the Annual Conference Intercultural Study Committee, and Disaster Child Care. A new option this year is a work project on Saturday afternoon May 6. Also on Saturday, area youth are invited to participate in special events including a session for conversation between youth and consultation participants on their vision and plans for the future.

There is no registration fee for the event. Free-will offerings will be taken to help cover some expenses. The General Board will provide travel assistance for one to two people per congregation. Lodging is available with host families or participants may make other arrangements at their own expense. Registration information is available in English and Spanish. To register go to www.brethren.org and follow keyword links to "Cross Cultural Ministries." For more information call Duane Grady at 800-505-1596.

Source: 01/04/2006 Newsline
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Samples of Gather 'Round curriculum are posted online.

Free sample sessions of teacher and student materials from Gather 'Round: Hearing and Sharing God's Good News are now posted at www.gatherround.org. Gather 'Round is a curriculum for children, youth, and parents in the Church of the Brethren, Mennonite Church Canada, and Mennonite Church USA.

The website also includes a price list, Bible outlines, and other basic information. Customers without internet access may call 800-245-7894 for assistance. Sample kits will be available for purchase in February, and congregational use will begin in the fall.

In addition to quarterly teacher and student books, Gather 'Round will offer quarterly classroom packs that include such items as teaching pictures and posters. One resource, for example, is a memory verse poster with photographs of children depicting American Sign Language words to represent the memory text, Deuteronomy 6:4-9.

A key emphasis is strengthening the connection between home and church. One way Gather 'Round works at this is through the quarterly "Talkabout," an item to use at the family dinner table. Talkabout will help families extend the Sunday school experience through short scripture readings, prayers, and ideas for service and learning.

A major training event will be held Feb. 10-12, 2006, at Gilmary Retreat Center near Pittsburgh, Pa. Each Church of the Brethren district and Mennonite area conference has been invited to send representatives. Those trained in February will facilitate training in their own regions.

Gather 'Round offers materials for seven levels: "Preschool," ages 3-4 with tips for 2s; "Primary," grades K-2; "Middler," grades 3-5; "Junior Youth," grades 6-8; "Youth," grades 9-12; "Multiage," grades K-6 with tips for older students; "Parent/Caregiver," designed for adult classes or individual study.

Gather 'Round is a joint project of Brethren Press and Mennonite Publishing Network. It follows Jubilee: God's Good News, used in Mennonite and Brethren congregations since 1994.

Source: 01/04/2006 Newsline
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The Hymnal Supplement series is now complete.

Brethren Press has shipped Supplement 10, "Confessing/Reconciling," the final in the Hymnal Supplement Series. Publication of the series began in 2001. Previous instalments provided hymns for seasons of the church year as well as focuses on "Praising, Adoring," "Gathering, Sending," "Rituals and Ordinances," "Witnessing: Peace and Justice," along with other worship topics.

Members of the committee that guided development of the resource are Nancy Faus (chair), Lee-Lani Wright, Jonathan Shively, Michelle Grimm, and Brethren Press publisher Wendy McFadden.

At Annual Conference 2006, attendees will have an opportunity to "Sing Through the Hymnal Supplement" at an insight session this coming July.

Order Supplement 10 from Brethren Press for $1.50 each plus shipping and handling; order the complete "Hymnal Supplement," which comes unassembled with a navy blue binder that matches "Hymnal: A Worship Book," for $13.95 plus shipping and handling. Call 800-441-3712.

Source: 01/04/2006 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. Jeff Boshart, Mary Kay Heatwole, Jeri S. Kornegay, Wendy McFadden, Janis Pyle, David Radcliff, and Jim Stokes-Buckles contributed to this report.

NEWS

• Clergywomen 'nourish the soul' at retreat.
  
• Church of the Brethren in Brazil holds fifth conference.
  
• Chicago-area pastors issue peace statement for Advent.
  
• Pizza, conscientious objection bring youth together in Denver.
  
• Brethren bits: Remembrance, internship, EDF grant, and more.

PERSONNEL

• Rose Ingold resigns as Annual Conference assistant.

UPCOMING EVENTS

• Plans for National Older Adult Conference 2006 are announced.
  
• Young Adult Conference planned for May 2006.

RESOURCES

• Christmas Eve Service music is available on CD.

FEATURE

• Anabaptist leaders meet to discuss alternative service.

Clergywomen 'nourish the soul' at retreat.

More than 60 Church of the Brethren clergywomen gathered in south-central Wisconsin Nov. 14-17 for a retreat on the theme, "Nourishing the Soul." The event was sponsored by the Ministry Office of the Church of the Brethren General Board and attracted licensed and ordained ministers from across the US. The group included women of all ages, students at Bethany Theological Seminary, active pastors, denominational and district staff, retirees--and a baby. Liz Bidgood-Enders, a member of the planning committee, brought her infant daughter along. The planning committee also included Kelly Burk, Mary Jo Flory-Steury, Kristin Haberzetle, Nancy Knepper, Linda Lewis, Cara McCallister, and Myrna Long Wheeler.

Leadership was provided by Jan Richardson, with a focus on scriptural depictions of spiritual nourishment. Richardson is a United Methodist artist, poet, and ordained minister and visiting artist at First United Methodist Church of Winter Park, Fla. Her several books include "Sacred Journeys" and "Night Visions."

"For most of us, if not all of us, it's no easy task just to get here," Richardson told the group. For busy clergywomen–many of whom are mothers, wives, daughters, or work second jobs in addition to serving the church--she focused on images of hunger and sustenance. "Sometimes it's a challenge to let ourselves seek comfort," she said, to nods of agreement from many. "Open your mouth wide and I will fill it," Richardson quoted from Psalm 81:10, emphasizing that the retreat was an opportunity to be fed spiritually as well as emotionally and physically with good food, fellowship, and time for rest and relaxation.

"Sustenance comes in a variety of ways," including in the form of "Christ the Word," Richardson said. "Each of us is given a word (that) may shift and change over time as we come to a deeper understanding of our calling." Using words and images from her work, illuminations from medieval manuscripts, and writings of women mystics, she examined ways that women search for sustenance from God. In times of creative meditation using decorative papers--Richardson is known for paper collages--she invited the women to be open to the Holy Spirit and to where the textures, colors, and designs of the papers led them. "God may have a challenge in store for you these days...to go in some direction that you hadn't counted on going," she said.

The retreat also included workshops and informal times of sharing. A chocolate fountain--filled with 16 pounds of melted chocolate to be dipped up by an array of fruit, nuts, and cakes--brought "oohs" and "aahs" from those who gathered for the first evening's "snack and chat."

At a camp fire, held indoors because of the first snowfall of the season, several women shared their stories of calling to ministry. In another time of sharing, participants talked about what the retreat meant to them. "For me it has been eye-opening and empowering," said a young seminary student. Another student said she was stimulated by "the heartfelt passion for ministry and for God." "We didn't know how hungry we were because we haven't been putting out the feast," said one pastor. She looked forward to returning to her congregation, saying, "now I want to go put out the feast."

Love feast the final morning began with a time of confession before breakfast. A brunch filled in as the fellowship meal. "When we walked from our worship space over to breakfast, we did that in silence," said Mary Jo Flory-Steury, executive director of the Ministry Office. "However, we did not eat in silence! We enjoyed good fellowship," she added. For communion, the women were invited to dip bread into honey. Scriptures referring to honey as a symbol of the nourishment God offers were read throughout the retreat: "...The ordinances of the Lord are true and righteous altogether....sweeter also than honey..." (Psalm 19:9b-10).

Source: 12/21/2005 Newsline
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Church of the Brethren in Brazil holds fifth conference.

Igreja da Irmandade (Church of the Brethren in Brazil) celebrated its fifth Annual Conference Nov. 25-27, focusing on "Evangelism, from the Anabaptist and Pietist Traditions: Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow." Around 50 people participated, with representation from every congregation and fellowship, reported Greg and Karin Davidson Laszakovits, Brazil representatives for the Church of the Brethren General Board.

Leadership for sessions came from those inside and outside Igreja da Irmandade. The keynote speaker was Peter Gunther Siemens, a Mennonite pastor and scholar from the city of Curitiba. Siemens's sessions tracked the history of Christianity and Anabaptism, focusing on how the church came to adopt various beliefs and practices as it read the Bible and interacted with the realities of the day. He focused on the Anabaptist belief that it is Jesus who changes our lives, not the church. "Jesus is real, the manifestation of God," he said. "Often the church gets mixed up and becomes religion and religiosity. Jesus is something different than religion. Something more--much more."

"Worship and prayer framed each day, with the pastors of the church providing leadership for both," said the report on the conference. Each morning began with prayer--communal, small group, and individual--followed by a meditation. Each evening the assembly worshiped together. The inaugural worship sermon was preached by Greg Davidson Laszakovits, who focused on letting evangelistic light shine in all that Christians do through love, service, and faithfulness. Saturday evening's worship brought by a team from the Rio Verde congregation focused on praising God. In the closing worship, national director of the Brazilian church, Marcos Inhauser, sent conference-goers forth with a call to spread the good news that they have received, and to do so remembering the church's call to be "a different kind of church, making a difference."

Other sessions were given by church members, and treated Christian education and living as healthy families. Following a model that sought participation by all, each session and worship was followed by the opportunity for conference-goers to share reflections and interact with the presenters. "Many shared how they might have been touched, new concepts that were presented in the session, and the exchange of ideas," said the Laszakovitses.

Held near the city of Campinas, and geographically close to the majority of the congregations, the setting of the conference at a camp facilitated community building, they added. In addition to eating and residing as a community, activities were held almost non-stop to provide forums for the sharing of thoughts and ideas and having fun together.

Source: 12/21/2005 Newsline
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Chicago-area pastors issue peace statement for Advent.

A group of Church of the Brethren ministers in the Chicago area made a "Statement on Peace" at an annual Advent service for Chicago-area congregations on Dec. 11. The statement was based on the Living Peace Church initiative of On Earth Peace, said Orlando Redekopp, pastor of First Church of the Brethren in Chicago.

The statement called the Chicago area congregations and members to "clearly and publicly announce that all human beings are created in God's image" and made statements against war, torture, prisoner abuse, and "state-sponsored lies and deception."

Among those who signed the statement were Jim Yaussy Albright, executive minister of Illinois and Wisconsin District; Jeanne Davies, associate pastor, and Joel Kline, pastor, of Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren in Elgin, Ill.; Christy Waltersdorff, pastor of York Center Church of the Brethren in Lombard, Ill.; and Redekopp.

The full statement may be found at http://www.brethren.org/genbd/newsline/2005/dec1905.htm.

Source: 12/21/2005 Newsline
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Pizza, conscientious objection bring youth together in Denver.

On Dec. 2-3, a group of 25 students and eight sponsors gathered in Denver, Colo., to discuss peacemaking and conscientious objection to military service. Male and female youth from Church of the Brethren and Mennonite congregations in Denver, Colorado Springs, Arvada, Lakewood, Fort Collins, and Littleton gathered for an event called "Pizza and Justice: Considering Conscientious Objection."

Peacemakers packets were available for youth to consider filling out to document their beliefs. Erin Durban of the American Friends Service Committee described current requirements for military registration, prompting questions and discussion about the potential for a military draft. The draft was simulated by a lottery system: those whose birthdays were randomly assigned lower numbers were given clean-up chores.

The 1987 movie "Good Morning, Vietnam" stimulated discussion about comparisons between Vietnam and Iraq, press coverage and censorship, trust and betrayal, and being insulated from the atrocity of war. Participants discussed risk taking, reflecting on risks that those in the military take and the risks taken by the four members of Christian Peacemaker Teams who had been kidnaped in Iraq one week earlier.

Participants focused on positive and creative peacemaking, brainstorming a "Shalom Whirlybird" of ways to foster right relationships with God, self, others, and the environment. A peace quiz challenged participants to identify key events and statements about peace and justice. Small groups studied and analyzed passages of scripture comparing Jesus' teachings with cultural norms today. Each group then gave a presentation on what peacemaking might look like in their everyday journey, based on their passage. One concluded that it was "interesting to see other views and other youth be passionate about these issues."

The event closed with worship and silent reflection. Youth will now decide how to document their beliefs. While many participants said that the event answered many questions, there were still more questions, and a lot of interest in following up with another event.

Many of the participants attend historic peace churches in Colorado, some of which were begun when persons doing alternative service in Colorado decided to stay in the state. Mennonite Urban Ministries, a Denver faith-based organization, sponsored the event. For more information, contact Gail Erisman Valeta at 303-892-6416.

Source: 12/21/2005 Newsline
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Brethren bits: Remembrance, internship, EDF grant, and more.

• Diane Harden-Jones, a member of the board of the Association of Brethren Caregivers (ABC), died Dec. 16 after a long battle with cancer. A member of First Church of the Brethren in Miami, Fla., Harden-Jones had served on the ABC Board since 2002. She "became the inspiration for ABC's work on wellness," said executive director Kathy Reid. "Diane was so able to articulate her faith and her sense of wellness, even in the midst of her struggle." Her story of wellness in crisis was shared at the 2005 Annual Conference in Peoria, Ill., as part of the ABC report. "We were so pleased that Diane was able to attend Annual Conference and stand on the stage with the board last summer when we showed the entire church our wellness video," Reid said. Miami pastor Ray Hileman wrote in a message to ABC that "she has been, as one member has put it, the `heart and soul' of our church and had a lot to do with its transition from a more traditional congregation into the multi-cultural, vibrant church that I now have the privilege of pastoring." Most recently Harden-Jones worked as an emergency room nurse at a Miami hospital. She was part of a medical emergency relief team that flew to Haiti in 2004 following Hurricane Jeanne. She wrote about that experience in the Fall 2004 issue of ABC's quarterly "Caregiving." A memorial service was held at Eglise des Freres Haitiens (the Miami Haitian Church of the Brethren) on Dec. 19. Harden-Jones is survived by her husband, Rex Jones, and four children, Michaela, Michael, Matthew, and Marcus.
  
  
• The Association of Brethren Caregivers is publicizing a 2006 Summer Information Technology Internship in Washington, D.C., for college students with disabilities. The internship is administered by American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) and sponsored by Microsoft Corporation. Undergraduate students interested in pursuing careers in information technology are encouraged to apply. Accepted candidates will work in various agencies in the executive branch of the federal government. Round trip air travel and housing will be provided to interns, and each student will receive a stipend. Applications are now available from www.AAPD.com. Apply by Jan. 13, 2006. Send questions to AAPDmsintern@aol.com.
  
  
• A grant of $25,000 from the Emergency Disaster Fund has been given to support a Church World Service appeal for continuing relief and rebuilding efforts in Iraq. The fund is a ministry of the Church of the Brethren General Board. The money will help provide emergency food to refugees in Jordan, water and sanitation projects in Iraq, building and support of schools and orphanages, and increase the capacity of local Iraqi agencies to provide aid.
  
  
• Phil Jones, director of the Brethren Witness/Washington Office, was among religious leaders gathered in Washington, D.C., Dec. 14 to declare the fiscal year 2006 Federal Budget a "moral disgrace," according to a release from the National Council of Churches (NCC). Among those who gathered on Capitol Hill were Bob Edgar, general secretary of the NCC; John H. Thomas, general minister and president of the United Church of Christ; and Wesley Granberg-Michaelson, general secretary of the United Church of Christ. The demonstration was organized by Call to Renewal, and ended with more than 110 people being arrested when they knelt in prayer in the Cannon House Office Building. The group criticized the proposed budget for cutting more than $50 billion in social programs that help the poor while giving tax cuts to the wealthiest Americans. Religious leaders have been protesting the budget since it was first introduced by President Bush in January. The Association of Brethren Caregivers also issued a statement calling for defeat of the budget, and invited Brethren to join in the Dec. 14 national "altar call" to prayer and worship on the budget.
  
  
• The refugee office of the Virginia Council of Churches (VCC), which has been based at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md., is relocating to Hagerstown (Md.) Church of the Brethren. Over the last two years, the majority of refugee placements have been to the Hagerstown area. The relocation is an effort to better support these clients, according to Roy Winter, executive director of the Brethren Service Center. Akok Deng, VCC staff and center resident, indicated the office hopes to move in January 2006.
  
  
• On Earth Peace is co-sponsoring a delegation to Israel/Palestine with Christian Peacemaker Teams on Jan. 12-24, 2006. Among the 16 participants will be 12 Church of the Brethren members led by Bob Gross, co-executive director of On Earth Peace. Gross asked Brethren to "pray for the delegation and everyone there in Israel/Palestine who is suffering violence." Brethren in the group include Joyce Cassel of First Church of the Brethren in Chicago, Ill.; Tana Durnbaugh of Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren in Elgin, Ill.; Susanna Farahat of the On Earth Peace staff; Lauree Hersch Meyer of Manassas (Va.) Church of the Brethren; Richard Klinedinst of Pine Creek Church of the Brethren in North Liberty, Ind.; Daniel Rudy of Glade Valley Church of the Brethren in Walkersville, Md.; Judith Nicole Small of Eel River Community Church of the Brethren in Silver Lake, Ind.; Paul Sparks of La Verne (Calif.) Church of the Brethren; David Waas of Manchester Church of the Brethren in North Manchester, Ind.; and R. Michael Weaver of Lampeter (Pa.) Church of the Brethren. On Earth Peace has created a web page about the delegation which will feature a blog to be posted by the delegation while in the Middle East (www.brethren.org/oepa/MiddleEastDelegation2006.html).
  
  
• A "Twelve Days of Christmas" according to the Red Cross is recommended by Jane Yount, coordinator of the Brethren Disaster Response program. Subtitled, "Preparing Families for Disaster" the take-off on a favorite Christmas carol gives valuable advice to families to prepare for or prevent disaster situations. See www.tallytown.com/redcross/tdoc.html.
  
  
• Two National Council of Churches (NCC) Christmas Specials will "sparkle" on Christmas Eve on CBS and ABC, according to a release from the NCC. On CBS the special will feature outgoing NCC president Thomas L. Hoyt, Jr., Christian Methodist Episcopal Bishop of Louisiana and Mississippi. On ABC "Joy to the World" will offer a mix of music and praise produced by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. The CBS special will be based on the theme, "No Room in the Inn," honoring the birth of Jesus by awarding gifts to 100 survivors of the 2005 hurricanes. The Christian Methodist Episcopal Church has provided strong pastoral support for people affected by hurricanes Katrina and Rita in Hoyt's district. Both specials are scheduled to run at 11:30 p.m. Dec. 24, but air times vary from station to station.

Source: 12/21/2005 Newsline
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Rose Ingold resigns as Annual Conference assistant.

The Annual Conference Office has announced the resignation of Conference assistant Rose Ingold, effective Aug. 25, 2006. Ingold has served in the Annual Conference Office since 2001.

At the 2006 Annual Conference at Des Moines, Iowa, next summer she will complete work on her sixth Annual Conference. She will be on site in Des Moines and will train her replacement during a period of overlap over the summer.

Ingold began working for the Church of the Brethren about 10 years ago. In addition to the Annual Conference Office, she also has worked for the Training in Ministry program and the Human Resources Office and Ministry Office of the General Board.

"It is with regret that we receive Rose's resignation; she has served the denomination in an outstanding manner," said Conference executive director Lerry Fogle.

Source: 12/21/2005 Newsline
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Plans for National Older Adult Conference 2006 are announced.

The next National Older Adult Conference (NOAC) will be held Sept. 4-8, 2006, at Lake Junaluska (N.C.) Assembly. Sponsored by the Older Adult Ministry of the Association of Brethren Caregivers (ABC), the conference will provide more than 1,100 adults age 50 and older with a time to be nurtured, inspired, and connected in community.

The theme--"Walking in the Light"--"encourages people of faith to respond to the insecurities of the world and our own physical realities with the assurance of God's love and to be beacons of God's light," said a release from ABC. "The theme seeks to remind and inspire older adults that they can and do make a powerful and positive difference when they walk daily in the conviction that God's light in the world is what will make for true and meaningful security in the world."

Keynote presenters will include Roland Martinson, professor of Children Youth and Family Ministry and past professor of pastoral theology and ministry at Luther Seminary of St. Paul, Minn.; Ken Haugk, founder and executive director of Stephen Ministries of St. Louis, Mo., and author of "Journeying through Grief" and "Don't Sing Songs to a Heavy Heart: How to Relate to Those Who Are Suffering"; Myron Augsburger, retired pastor and instructor for Eastern Mennonite Seminary of Harrisonburg, Va., who also has served as president of Eastern Mennonite University and Seminary and as moderator of the General Assembly of the Mennonite Church USA; Richard Gentzler, director of the Center on Aging and Older Adult Ministires for the General Board of Discipleship of the United Methodist Church.

Church of the Brethren members will bring worship messages. Sandy Bosserman, district executive for Missouri/Arkansas District, will preach at the opening worship celebration. During the closing worship celebration, Mary Cline Detrick, pastor of Daleville (Va.) Church of the Brethren, will address the conference.

Bible study each morning will be led by Dena Pence Frantz, professor of Theological Studies at Bethany Theological Seminary. Evening entertainment will feature Shawn Kirchner and Ryan Harrison, who have been performing as a vocal/piano duo since 2000 and performed together at the Church of the Brethren Christmas Eve Service on CBS-TV last year; and Christian comedians Ted and Lee (Ted Swartz and Lee Eshleman), who have provided their unique understandings of the scriptures at many Brethren events including the 2000 NOAC, National Youth Conference, and Annual Conference.

Registration materials will be mailed to district offices, pastors, and past attendees in February. For more information or to add your name to the mailing list, contact ABC at 800-323-8039 or abc@brethren.org.

Source: 12/21/2005 Newsline
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Young Adult Conference planned for May 2006.

Young Adult Conference 2006 will be held May 26-28 at Camp Swatara in Bethel, Pa. The event is sponsored by the Youth and Young Adult Ministries of the Church of the Brethren General Board, for young adults ages 18-35.

Speakers for the conference include Paul Grout, a former moderator of Annual Conference; Marlys Hershberger, pastor of Hollidaysburg (Pa.) Church of the Brethren; Hannah Serfling, who has been a member of the National Youth Cabinet and one of the two youth speech contest winners at National Youth Conference 2002; and Craig Smith, executive minister of Atlantic Northeast District.

Registration for the conference is now open online at www.brethren.org/genbd/yya/yac.htm. Cost is $80 prior to May 1, $100 from May 1-25, and $110 after May 26. At participants' request, the organizers will send a letter to home congregations asking them to provide a $50 scholarship.

Source: 12/21/2005 Newsline
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Christmas Eve Service music is available on CD.

A music CD of last year's Church of the Brethren Christmas Eve service broadcast on CBS-TV is now available from Brethren Press. DVD and video versions of the service are also available, as well as a video dubbed in Spanish.

The music for the service was coordinated by Shawn Kirchner, minister of music at the La Verne (Calif.) Church of the Brethren. The CD also features soloists Ryan Harrison and Kim Simmons, the Juniata College Concert Choir, a children's ensemble from congregations in Indiana, and instrumentalists from across the Church of the Brethren. It was taped at Nicarry Chapel at Bethany Theological Seminary.

The 11 tracks include "O Come, O Come Emmanuel" with a handbells solo; Kirchner's arrangements of "Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming" and "Away in a Manger"; "Santo" from "St. Francis in the Americas: A Caribbean Mass," sung by the Juniata choir with composer Glenn McClure on the steel drums; and other traditional and contemporary Christmas music.

Order the music CD for $14.95 plus shipping and handling; call 800-441-3712.

Source: 12/21/2005 Newsline
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Anabaptist leaders meet to discuss alternative service.

By Todd Flory

The Council of Moderators and General Secretaries (COMS) of Anabaptist denominations held an annual meeting at Washington (D.C.) City Church of the Brethren Dec. 1-3. Hosted by the Brethren Witness/Washington Office and the Washington Office of Mennonite Central Committee US (MCC), the group represented the Church of the Brethren, the Mennonite Church USA, the Brethren in Christ Church, the Conservative Mennonite Conference, and the Mennonite Brethren USA.

Washington was selected as the site for the meeting to facilitate and continue discussions with members of Congress and the Selective Service. The meeting follows a consultation on alternative service sponsored by COMS in March.

A portion of the meeting focused on the issues of alternative service and the potential of a military draft. In other meetings, the group met with leaders of the Faith-Based Initiative for the White House, the National Association of Evangelicals, the National Campaign for a Peace Tax Fund, and staff of Rep. Charles Rangel (D-NY), who proposed a draft bill in Jan. 2003 that was almost unanimously defeated. Emile Milne, Rangel's foreign policy legislative director, said he had heard many groups talk about the draft but the Church of the Brethren and COMS were the only religious groups to come to the representative's office in person to talk about it.

Richard Flahavan and Cassandra Costley from the Selective Service System spoke regarding the potential of a military draft. "When you read the signs, you can see there's really no secret plan to fire up the draft," Flahavan said. "You can all be confident it's not going to happen." Costley said that she has had numerous meetings with various peace churches to work out guidelines for alternative service if a draft is implemented. "We welcome any assistance from religious organizations in finding suitable employment for these conscientious objectors," she said.

Not everyone was as certain that a draft will not occur. "We have all the elements of a perfect storm, and all we need is a butterfly flutter," said J.E. McNeil, executive director of the Center on Conscience and War. McNeil said she believes that President Bush might implement a draft if he thought it would pass through Congress. "'We have no choice,' that's the phrase he's going to have to use to sell it." Theo Sitther, lobbyist for CCW, added, "No one in the administration is talking about a draft, but people in the Pentagon are."

COMS discussed a contingency plan for a military draft, led by MCC staff Rolando Santiago and Titus Peachey. A report of issues, questions, and recommendations was presented, developed by Del Hershberger, director of Christian Service for Mennonite Mission Network; Dan McFadden, director of Brethren Volunteer Service; and Peachey, director of Peace Education for MCC. Issues included alternative service placements, support for registrants, staying in relationship with soldiers, relationship to government and Selective Service, and collaboration with other historic peace churches and the CCW. Each representative at the COMS meeting will discuss the plan with his denomination and report in the spring.

COMS also met with Richard Cizik, vice-president for Governmental Affairs for the National Association of Evangelicals (NAE), which has been working on issues such as the conflict in Darfur, prison rape, and global warming. He reviewed an NAE booklet discussing principles for Christian political engagement: protecting religious freedom and liberty of conscience, nurturing family life and protecting children, protecting the sanctity of human life and safeguarding its nature, seeking justice and compassion for the poor and vulnerable, protecting human rights, seeking peace and working to restrain violence, and protecting God's creation.

Marian Franz, executive director for the National Campaign for a Peace Tax Fund, spoke about her work lobbying on the peace tax issue. The Peace Tax Fund bill, which has been compiled in the House of Representatives, has around 40 members signed on. The proposed bill would allow people who do not want any of their tax money to go to military spending, to have it placed in a fund for other purposes. Support has come from some unlikely organizations and seems to be on the upswing, Franz said.

Jim Towey, director of the Faith-Based Initiative for the White House, explained the plan that is designed, in part, to help faith-based organizations attain federal grant money for programs. He spoke candidly about government bureaucracy. "Regardless of whether you're a faith-based group or not, government can be a pain in the neck," he said. "We just look at whether the grant program works, not what religion it is."

The meeting in Towey's office ended with prayer, as did the meeting in Rangel's office. Many in the COMS group later reported that prayer in the presence of political officials and their staff was very meaningful, as it brought to a new light the cooperation between individuals and government who work together for change on many of the world's social justice concerns.

Participants included Annual Conference moderator Ronald Beachley; Chuck Buller, executive director of the Mennonite-Brethren Church; J. Daryl Byler, director of the MCC Washington Office; Warren Hoffman, moderator of the Brethren in Christ Church; Phil Jones, director of Brethren Witness/Washington Office; Titus Peachey, director of Peace Education for MCC US; Rolando L. Santiago, director of MCC US; Jim Schrag, executive director of the Mennonite Church USA; Ben Shirk, moderator of the Conservative Mennonite Conference; Steve Swartz, general secretary of the Conservative Mennonite Conference; and Roy Williams, moderator of the Mennonite Church USA. Hoffman was selected as moderator of COMS for 2006.

--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: 12/21/2005 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. Barry Bartel, Mary Dulabaum, Lerry Fogle, Mary Lou Garrison, Jon Kobel, Greg and Karin Davidson Laszakovits, Wendy McFadden, Nancy Miner, Emily Tyler, Roy Winter, and Jane Yount contributed to this report.

NEWS

• Brethren Benefit Trust agrees to dialogue with Caterpillar.
  
• Brethren Benefit Trust board approves new wellness initiative.
  
• On Earth Peace thanks supporters of captured peacemakers.
  
• Historic Peace Churches plan Asia peace consultation.
  
• Team developing proposal to better market Annual Conference.
  
• National Council of Churches assembly condemns torture, considers bio-ethics.
  
• Brethren bits: NYC Speech Contest, Day of Caring, and more.

FEATURES

• Brethren join rally protesting School of Americas.
  
• A Citronelle pilgrimage.

Brethren Benefit Trust agrees to dialogue with Caterpillar.

Bulldozers are commonly seen as instruments of construction, used to raze old structures or sculpt land for development. But what if these machine are used for destruction, such as destroying houses, farms, ancient olive groves, roads, and water and sewer pipes that are currently in use?

According to Human rights watch, Israel has used Caterpillar's large D-9 bulldozers, which have been purchased through the US military and outfitted with tons of armored plating, to wreak havoc on Palestinian settlements by illegally destroying property and infrastructure.

As a Caterpillar shareholder, the Brethren Benefit Trust (BBT) Board of Directors in November decided to try to engage in dialogue with Caterpillar, asking the firm based in Peoria, Ill., to cease selling equipment that makes its way to Israel to be used for violent purposes against humanity. BBT manages more than $350 million of investments for its 4,000 Pension Plan members and 200 asset management clients, and uses shares that it owns on behalf of its members to promote Brethren values through shareholder activism initiatives.

The BBT board also endorsed inviting On Earth Peace to participate in the dialogue with Caterpillar. The board's deliberation of the issue came at the request of On Earth Peace. In an Oct. 14 letter to BBT, On Earth Peace asked BBT to divest of its Caterpillar holdings "to seek investment of these funds in companies whose business enriches the lives of Palestinians and Israelis."

After lengthy discussion by the BBT board, which met at the Brethren Home Community in New Oxford, Pa., the board decided to attempt dialogue with Caterpillar with the understanding that divestiture could come if the dialogue fails. Reasons for the decision included first, that BBT's socially responsible investing policy calls for BBT not to invest in companies that make more than 10 percent of their sales in alcohol, tobacco, defense, and gambling. Companies BBT invests in are checked against these benchmarks annually; in 2005 Caterpillar was not excluded on this basis. Second, BBT works at shareholder advocacy initiatives with companies that do not get screened out of BBT's investment portfolio but have at least one area where changes are advocated, based on Annual Conference statements. Third, BBT has engaged in dialogue with Caterpillar regarding the AIDS pandemic in Africa, and has found the company to be responsive to shareholder dialogue. Finally, Israel's use of the D-9s for destructive purposes goes against Caterpillar's worldwide code of conduct, which calls on its host countries to "honor their agreements, including those relating to rights and properties of citizens of other nations."

Pacific Southwest District has approved a resolution on "Divestment from Companies Selling Products Used as Weapons in Israel and Palestine," to be forwarded to Annual Conference. "This is a human rights issue that needs to be addressed," said Nolen, upon hearing of the district resolution. "BBT Board members and staff look forward to addressing this issue with On Earth Peace and the Annual Conference. Through our shareholder dialogue, we hope that the Church of the Brethren peace witness will help prompt Caterpillar to decide not to sell machines that are used against humanity."

For more about Brethren Benefit Trust see www.brethenbenefittrust.org.

Source: 12/14/2005 Newsline
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Brethren Benefit Trust board approves new wellness initiative.

In addition to business relating to investment with Caterpillar, the Brethren Benefit Trust (BBT) Board ratified its 2006 budget, approved a new wellness initiative, and proposed organizational changes among other business at its November meeting.

The board ratified a proposed 2006 expense budget of $3,041,460, including a new wellness initiative and an increased emphasis on promoting BBT's ministries throughout the denomination.

BBT's new wellness initiative calls for a new focus on improving or sustaining the physical and mental health of Brethren nationwide, including Brethren Medical Plan members. The ministry is expected to be a collaboration among BBT, the Association of Brethren Caregivers (ABC) and the General Board. It is to be implemented through the hiring of a staff member who will be lodged with ABC.

BBT's increased promotional emphasis includes approval of hiring up to one additional staff member. It calls for increased relationship building between BBT and the Church of the Brethren through activities that range from one-on-one interaction to participation at select denominational events.

Proposed changes to BBT's Articles of Organization were adopted. The BBT Board will select four members of its board rather than the current three, under the proposal. A related change will allow the board to appoint additional people to serve as board advisors in a non-voting capacity, further enabling the board to bring people to the discussion table to complement the skills of current voting members.

If the proposed changes are adopted by Annual Conference, beginning in 2007 the BBT Board will include four members nominated by BBT, four nominated by members of the Pension Plan, and four elected by Annual Conference.

The proposed changes give the BBT Board greater flexibility to seek out members with backgrounds and skills the board requires to give adequate oversight to the programs of the agency. Skill areas currently needed on the board include banking and credit union operations, human resources, information systems, insurance, and financial planning.

In a report on the Brethren Medical Plan, claims experience has been better than expected for the first nine months of 2005. Data through the end of September show claims paid at approximately 85 percent of premiums billed. Jeff Garber, director of Brethren Insurance Plans, cautioned the board that although this experience is positive it can change quickly.

At the time of the board meeting, preliminary enrollment figures for 2006 appeared to be slightly higher than for 2005 including about a dozen congregations new to the plan. However, by early December, about 753 primary insurees (not including dependents) have enrolled for 2006 compared with 819 in January 2005. This decline of 66 members includes 25 active employees and 41 retirees. Given Annual Conference delegates' call for congregations and church agencies to support the plan during a one-year period, Garber said the decline is a disappointment and reason for concern.

The Church Workers Assistance Plan continues to provide financial support to active and retired employees of the church. The board increased the Retired Church Workers Grants' maximum income guidelines for support in 2006 by 4.7 percent to $27,100 for couples and $20,400 for singles. This increase matches the rise in the Consumer Price Index for the 12 months through September. Five clergy members have received grants from the Active Church Worker Support ministry in 2005. Another 14 retirees have received grants from the Retiree Church Workers Insurance Premium ministry, with an average monthly grant of $205. A total of 40 retired employees have received support from the Retired Church Workers ministry. The average participant received a monthly grant of $319.

In other actions the board welcomed some 20 retirees, pastors, and church board chairs to a special session on BBT programs and services; adopted a resolution on the housing allowance for retired ministers; and awarded payments totaling $117,683 to participants in the Supplemental Income for Equitable Annuitants program.

For more information about BBT see www.brethrenbenefittrust.org.

Source: 12/14/2005 Newsline
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On Earth Peace thanks supporters of captured peacemakers.

On Earth Peace thanked its Peace Witness Action List yesterday "for your prayers and constant watchfulness" for the four Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT) members being held hostage in Iraq--Tom Fox, Norman Kember, James Loney, and Harmeet Singh Sooden.

No word has been received about the hostages since a deadline set by their captors passed on Dec. 10. A group called "Swords of Righteousness Brigade" kidnaped the men on Nov. 26. The brigade said the hostages would be killed Dec. 10 unless all prisoners of the US and the United Kingdom in Iraq are freed.

Today CPT issued a call for letters to the editor about human rights for Iraqis and the four peacemakers. "The media is eager to keep focusing on the 'human interest' story and are delving into the lives of the four CPTers," CPT said. "Our team in Iraq urges us to keep telling the `human rights' story--lifting up the suffering of Iraqis in detention and living under occupation." For more information go to www.cpt.org.

On Earth Peace also called attention to a report on www.aljazeera.net on Dec. 13 "about the inundation their office has received of appeals on the hostages' behalf." The article, "Calls grow to free Iraq hostages," reported on the peacemakers' many supporters and well-wishers around the globe including Muslim groups such as the Iraq Islamic Party and Palestinian leaders. See http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/80028675-F183-4F83-8C86-4C3F48DAB30C.htm.

For more about On Earth Peace go to www.brethren.org/oepa.

Source: 12/14/2005 Newsline
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Historic Peace Churches plan Asia peace consultation.

Fourteen members of the Historic Peace Churches (Church of the Brethren, Quakers, and Mennonites) met in Indonesia Dec. 5-9 to consider holding an Asian peace consultation in 2007. Participants in the meeting came from Indonesia, India, Japan, Australia, and the United States.

Following the launching of the Decade to Overcome Violence, a program of the World Council of Churches (WCC), an invitation came from the WCC Central Committee in 1999 for the peace churches to share their insights and experience with the wider Christian church as a component of the decade. An Asian conference would be the third such international Historic Peace Church conference responding to this invitation. In 2001, a consultation was held in Switzerland on "Peace in a Globalized World." A second meeting took place in Kenya in 2004 on "Making Peace Theology Relevant to the Conflicts in Africa." The Indonesian planning meeting considered a consultation for Asian churches, with a focus on peacemaking within interreligious communities.

A new ad-hoc committee was appointed to carry forward the idea of an Asian conference. The committee is considering hosting the consultation in December 2007. Information regarding this conference and the previous Historic Peace Church conferences may be found at www.peacetheology.org/.

Representing the Church of the Brethren were: Scott Holland, of Bethany Theological Seminary; Donald E. Miller, Asian consultation convener; Mervin Keeney, executive director of Global Mission Partnerships for the Church of the Brethren General Board; Stanley Noffsinger, general secretary of the Church of the Brethren General Board; and Darryl R. Sankey of the Church of the Brethren-India.

Source: 12/14/2005 Newsline
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