- Veteran Brethren missionary Olive Wise, 86, has died. She was a member of First Church of the Brethren in Johnson City, Tenn., and a resident of John M. Reed Home. A native of Rockford, Ill., and a former nurse and midwife, Wise served from 1948-59 as a missionary of the Church of the Brethren in Bulsar, India. The funeral was held Oct. 2 at First Church of the Brethren in Johnson City. Graveside services took place Oct. 3.
- In an issue of the "BRF Witness" from earlier this year, the Brethren Revival Fellowship expressed sympathy and prayers following the death of Murray P. Lehman, one of the five original members of the BRF Committee. He passed away on Feb. 12, 2006, at age 91. He was a fruit farmer and non-salaried minister and former moderator of New Fairview Church of the Brethren and Belvidere Church of the Brethren in York, Pa. He also helped begin the Lehman Center of York, a temporary shelter for women and children in distress. Lehman helped to launch the BRF along with Linford Rotenberger, W. Hartman Rice, Ralph Jones, and John Geary.
- Jeannette W. Patterson, who served for 38 years as staff in the Virlina District Resource Center and at Camp Bethel, retired on Aug. 10 as director of support services for the district. She will be honored with a reception at Williamson Road Church of the Brethren in Roanoke, Va., on Sunday, Nov. 5, from 3-5 p.m. Highlights of the reception will be a program at 4 p.m., presentation of a gift and a plaque by Cathy S. Huffman, chair of the District Board, and remarks by L. Clyde Carter, David K. Shumate, and Owen G. Stultz.
- Carla Gillespie has begun a short-term assignment with the General Board, on a contractual basis, to support preparations for the denomination's Cross-Cultural Consultation and Celebration next year. The event will be held April 19-22 at the New Windsor (Md.) Conference Center. Gillespie's responsibilities will include giving oversight to a Youth Overnight retreat in conjunction with the consultation, to be held April 20 at Union Bridge Church of the Brethren, and coordinating the worship services for the consultation. She will work with Duane Grady of the General Board's Congregational Life Team staff. Gillespie is a student at Bethany Theological Seminary and a member of Eastwood Church of the Brethren in Akron, Ohio.
- The Global Mission Partnerships of the Church of the Brethren General Board seeks two couples or families as the lead team to begin the new ministry in Sudan, seeking to rebuild and heal the communities after decades of war. The effort will include the formation of churches. A complimentary team that includes people bringing one or more of the following skill sets will be preferred: peace and conflict transformation, health care, church planting and Christian education, community development preferably with experience in the "two-thirds world," dealing with trauma, and literacy and adult education. Candidates should bring relevant education and experience in their areas of specialty, previous experience in international cross-cultural settings, be well grounded in Church of the Brethren identity and practice, and have a team orientation. Secondary skills in repair and maintenance of computers, buildings, or vehicles will be useful. Team members will participate in raising their own support under General Board oversight. Applications are due Nov. 25. The proposed timetable is for interviews and decisions to be made before the end of the year, with placement possibly by the end of the first quarter of 2007. Request applications from Karin Krog, Office of Human Resources, by telephone at 800-323-8039 ext. 258.
- The Brethren Historical Library and Archives (BHLA) has an opening for an archival intern beginning July 1, 2007. This is a one-year internship located at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill. The program is designed for young people to develop interest in vocations related to archives, libraries, and/or Brethren history. This program provides the intern with work assignments at BHLA and opportunities to develop professional contacts. Housing, a monthly stipend of $877, and health and life insurance are provided. A graduate student is preferred, or an undergraduate with at least two years of college. Other requirements include willingness to work with detail, accurate word processing skills, and the ability to lift 30-pound boxes. To apply, submit a resume, letter of application, college transcript (can be an unofficial copy), and three reference letters to the Office of Human Resources, Church of the Brethren General Board, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120-1696. For additional information about the program, contact Ken Shaffer at kshaffer_gb@brethren.org or 800-323-8039 ext. 294.
- Nov. 5 is Junior High Youth Sunday in the Church of the Brethren. The theme is "Transformed" based on the story of Jacob and Esau from Genesis 25-27. Resources available at www.brethren.org/genbd/yya/YouthSundayJ.htm include an introduction, a Bible study by Robert Neff, worship ideas from the new Sunday school curriculum "Gather 'Round," and an outline for a junior high retreat.
- Only a few days remain to purchase the commemorative calendar for the 300th Brethren Anniversary at "early bird" rates. The price increases by one dollar on Nov. 2. The calendar will be a unique keepsake as well as useful for teaching about Brethren history and tradition. It will include 18 contemporary feature photos of historical sites and items, 20 inset photos, 6 pages of information about Brethren history, and sidebars entitled "This Month in History." Order forms may be downloaded from www.brethrenanniversary.org.
- The Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS) slide show presented at National Youth Conference this summer is now available for download at www.brethren.org/genbd/bvs/Slideshow.html. The show is in PowerPoint format, and for copyright reasons does not including the music used with it at NYC, "What are you waiting for?" by Natalie Grant-Awaken. The slide show is suitable for use by congregations and others interested in BVS.
- Elk Run Church of the Brethren in Churchville, Va., celebrated its 125th anniversary on Oct. 22. Member Doris E. Smith has written a history of the church, and was one of the members interviewed for an article in the "News Leader" newspaper.
- Chiques Church of the Brethren in Manheim, Pa., recognized J. Becker Ginder for 50 years of ministry on Oct. 22. He was called to the ministry in 1956 on a team of nonsalaried, bi-vocational ministers, ordained in 1957, and served as moderator from 1974-85.
- Ridgeway Community Church of the Brethren in Harrisburg, Pa., is being presented with the "Outstanding Program Partner of the Year Award" from the National Multiple Sclerosis Society's Central Pennsylvania Chapter. The church for the past 10 years has supplied space to the Multiple Sclerosis Society for various events, including the currently held weekly Tai Chi classes. The award presentation will take place on Nov. 8 at the Hershey Lodge and Convention Center, with a reception at 5 p.m., and the awards presentation and other agenda at 6 p.m.
- The COBYS Family Services Bike and Hike on Sept. 10 at Lititz (Pa.) Church of the Brethren included a 55-mile motorcycle ride, 25-mile and 10-mile bicycle rides, and a 3-mile walk. The event raised pledges and donations exceeding the $60,000 goal. Some 520 people participated including 316 motorcyclists, 75 bicyclists, and 131 walkers. Two church youth groups raised $1,250 or more, from Little Swatara Church of the Brethren in Bethel, and Chiques Church of the Brethren in Manheim. Proceeds benefited COBYS Family Services, a Church of the Brethren-related agency offering adoption and foster care services, counseling, family life education, and a teen mother and child group home.
- The Brethren Disaster Relief Auction sponsored by Atlantic Northeast and Southern Pennsylvania Districts has given a grant related to the shooting of Amish school children. "Our hearts and prayers go out to the victims, families, and the community of those affected by the tragedy at the Amish School house," said a release from the auction. The event's Executive Board and many committee members work closely with many of the affected Amish families to help make the auction a success, the release said. The auction and the United Relief Fund unanimously approved the grant, committing to providing substantial support for the rebuilding of lives affected by the shooting, specifically the rebuilding of an Amish school, ongoing medical expenses, and continuing care of all those affected. For more information contact Treasurer, Brethren Disaster Relief Auction, Inc., 164 Vinegar Ferry Rd., Marietta, PA 17547.
- District conferences are in full swing in the Church of the Brethren. Over the past couple of weeks four districts have held their annual meetings including Atlantic Northeast on Oct. 13-14 (see story above); Oregon and Washington on Oct. 13-15 at Peace Church of the Brethren in Portland, Ore.; Idaho on Oct. 20-21 at Mountain View Church of the Brethren in Boise; and Middle Pennsylvania on Oct. 20-21 at Roaring Spring (Pa.) Church of the Brethren. Four more districts plan upcoming conferences including Pacific Southwest on Oct. 27-29 at Papago Buttes Church of the Brethren in Scottsdale, Ariz.; Western Pennsylvania on Oct. 28 at Indiana University of Pennsylvania; Illinois and Wisconsin on Nov. 3-5 at York Center Church of the Brethren in Lombard, Ill.; and Shenandoah on Nov. 3-4 at Bridgewater (Va.) Church of the Brethren. Western Plains District is holding its 2nd Annual Gathering focused on congregational renewal on Oct. 27-29 in Salina, Kan., on the theme "Come and See the Transforming Work of Jesus."
- The University of La Verne held homecoming on Oct. 13-15, including class reunions for the decades ending in 6, an all-alumni dinner and dance, sports events, a music and theater department festival, and a worship service at La Verne (Calif.) Church of the Brethren, among many other activities. For more about the university go to www.ulv.edu.
- Bridgewater (Va.) College is hosting a "Gay Marriage Debate" on Nov. 2, at 7:30 p.m. in Cole Hall, sponsored by the Anna B. Mow Lecture Series. Cheryl Jacques, six-term Massachusetts State Senator and president of the Human Rights Campaign, will debate John H. Rogers, the House Majority Leader for the Massachusetts House of Representatives. For more about the college go to www.bridgewater.edu.
- Manchester College professor James R.C. Adams unveiled new artwork in the Physicians Atrium of the college's Science Center on Oct. 26. For the past 18 months, he has been working on paintings to celebrate the $17 million Science Center, dedicated Sept. 16, 2005. Each of the three interrelated paintings depicts a natural science, underlined in a symbolic color--blue for physics, green for biology, and magenta for chemistry. Mathematics unites the triptych with formulas, words, symbols and equations. Adams was recognized by Congress as the 2002 US Professor of the Year, a release said. For more about the college go to www.manchester.edu.
- Interchurch Medical Assistance (IMA), whose offices are hosted by the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md., has been awarded $40 million for a health care project in the Democratic of Congo (DRC). An estimated eight million adults and children in the DRC will have access to improved health care through Project AXxes, a three-year program designed to deliver basic health care services and rebuild the health system. IMA has been named as the lead agency for the project, which will be managed and implemented in collaboration with the DRC Ministry of Health, the Protestant Church of Congo, World Vision International, Catholic Relief Services, and Merlin, and funded by US AID. The Church of the Brethren is one of the network of faith communities affiliated with IMA. For more information go to www.interchurch.org.
- Voices for an Open Spirit (VOS) plans its Fall 2006 Gathering for Nov. 10-12 at Camp Alexander Mack in Milford, Ind. "Spiritual Vitality: Sharing, Sampling, and Savoring" is the theme for a conference exploring a variety of spiritual styles, based on Jesus' promise, "Whoever comes to me will never be hungry" (John 6:35). The imagery of a pie will inform the gathering, said the brochure for the event. "During the weekend we will sample, savor, and share pieces of pie (both spiritual and physical)." Leaders are Tracy Knechel, pastor at Mack Memorial Church of the Brethren in Dayton, Ohio; Tim Button-Harrison, who has completed 10 years as pastor at Ivester Church of the Brethren in Grundy Center, Iowa; and Anita Smith Buckwalter, pastor of First Church of the Brethren in Lansing, Mich. Cost is $135. Registration is available at www.voicesforanopenspirit.org. VOS is a network "giving voice to a progressive spirit in the Church of the Brethren."
- Fall events at CrossRoads Brethren and Mennonite Heritage Center in Harrisonburg, Va., include an installation of federal and state plaques granting historic register status for the Breneman-Turner Mill at 2:30 p.m. on Nov. 12; and an annual tour of historic homes on Nov. 18, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., including four homes and Beaver Creek Church of the Brethren.
- The General Assembly of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the USA (NCC) and Church World Service (CWS) holds its annual meeting in Orlando, Fla., Nov. 7-9, on the theme, "For the Healing of the Nations." Brethren delegates will join others from 35 Christian communions for worship, Bible study, fellowship, and to consider business. The NCC's Governing Board is referring resolutions on current events, including the war in Iraq, human cloning, and global warming, to the assembly for action. The subjects of other resolutions reviewed by the Governing Board include Wal-Mart, Christian Zionism, and the 400th anniversary next year of the founding of Jamestown, Va. More information is at www.ncccusa.org/generalassembly/highlights2006.html.
- Every Church A Peace Church, begun six years ago by an ecumenical group including Church of the Brethren representatives, has received a grant of $500,000 from the Shumaker Family Foundation of Kansas. The foundation cited the organization's interests in spirituality and social justice, and its innovative approach, as factors in awarding the grant. "The donors apparently share our belief that the church could turn the world toward peace if every church lived and taught as Jesus lived and taught," said coordinator John Stoner. Every Church a Peace Church has hired Michael Hardin, director of the School of Peace Theology and member of the Colloquium on Violence and Religion, as education coordinator; and Lorri Hardin as executive administrator. A search for a new national director is underway. Stoner will continue with the organization in a writing and speaking role. Every Church a Peace Church also plans a series of eight conferences in major cities to create a network engaged in just peacemaking, and plans a National Registry of Peace Churches. For more information visit www.ecapc.org.
Wednesday, October 25, 2006
Brethren bits: Remembrances, personnel, job openings, and more.
Jeff Lennard hired as Brethren Press director of marketing and sales.
Brethren Press has announced the appointment of Jeff Lennard to the position of director of marketing and sales. Brethren Press is a ministry of the Church of the Brethren General Board. Lennard's first day in the job will be Monday, Nov. 13.
Lennard has spent the last eight years as manager of the North Park University/Covenant Bookstore in Chicago, Ill. Prior to that he owned two bookstores in Omaha, Neb.
His experience includes inventory management, store administration, team supervision, customer service, sales and advertising, merchandising, profit-and-loss management, contract negotiation, and market research and development. Lennard lives in Chicago with his family, and is active in the Evangelical Covenant Church.
Source: 10/25/2006 Newsline
Brethren Press has announced the appointment of Jeff Lennard to the position of director of marketing and sales. Brethren Press is a ministry of the Church of the Brethren General Board. Lennard's first day in the job will be Monday, Nov. 13.
Lennard has spent the last eight years as manager of the North Park University/Covenant Bookstore in Chicago, Ill. Prior to that he owned two bookstores in Omaha, Neb.
His experience includes inventory management, store administration, team supervision, customer service, sales and advertising, merchandising, profit-and-loss management, contract negotiation, and market research and development. Lennard lives in Chicago with his family, and is active in the Evangelical Covenant Church.
Source: 10/25/2006 Newsline
First-ever National Junior High Conference planned for next June.
A first-ever National Junior High Conference is being planned for sixth, seventh, and eighth graders in the Church of the Brethren. The event will be held the weekend of June 15-17, 2007, at Elizabethtown (Pa.) College.
On the theme, "The Amazing Race: Continuing the Work of Jesus" (Luke 9:2-3), the event is designed to give a taste of a mini-National Youth Conference experience. It will include high-energy worship, active learning workshops, music, games, fun, and fellowship. Featured presenters are the Mennonite comedy duo Ted and Lee, musician Ken Medema, and speaker Tony Campolo.
The conference is sponsored by the Youth and Young Adult Ministries of the Church of the Brethren General Board. Cost will be $99 per person, registration begins online on Feb. 1 at www.brethren.org/genbd/yya/NatJrHighConf.htm. After April 15, the cost will go up to $125. Churches are required to send adult advisors with their youth. For more information contact Chris Douglas at 800-323-8039 ext. 297.
Source: 10/25/2006 Newsline
A first-ever National Junior High Conference is being planned for sixth, seventh, and eighth graders in the Church of the Brethren. The event will be held the weekend of June 15-17, 2007, at Elizabethtown (Pa.) College.
On the theme, "The Amazing Race: Continuing the Work of Jesus" (Luke 9:2-3), the event is designed to give a taste of a mini-National Youth Conference experience. It will include high-energy worship, active learning workshops, music, games, fun, and fellowship. Featured presenters are the Mennonite comedy duo Ted and Lee, musician Ken Medema, and speaker Tony Campolo.
The conference is sponsored by the Youth and Young Adult Ministries of the Church of the Brethren General Board. Cost will be $99 per person, registration begins online on Feb. 1 at www.brethren.org/genbd/yya/NatJrHighConf.htm. After April 15, the cost will go up to $125. Churches are required to send adult advisors with their youth. For more information contact Chris Douglas at 800-323-8039 ext. 297.
Source: 10/25/2006 Newsline
New video reviews work of Brethren Service after WWII.
"Food and Clothing, Cattle and Love: Brethren Service in Europe after World War II," a new documentary reviewing the work of Brethren Service in Europe following the devastation of World War II, is now available as a video. The resource sponsored by On Earth Peace was produced by David Sollenberger, with support from a number of individual contributors and from the Church of the Brethren General Board.
The video tells the story of the church at its best, said a release from On Earth Peace. "In an outpouring of service backed financially by sacrificial giving, the Church of the Brethren came to the aid of neighbors in need," the release said. "Following Jesus' example, Brethren Service crossed political boundaries to extend a helping hand."
"They opened up their hearts, and tried to build bridges, and the bridge was Christ's love," said Wilbur Mullen, who was active in the post-war relief work.
The video offers photos and film footage from the time period, as well as interviews with those who served. To suit a variety of audiences and uses, the story is told in three different styles and formats including a 27-minute version giving a comprehensive look at the work in Europe in the late 1940s and early 1950s; a brief documentary of 12 minutes designed for shorter formats and sparking discussion; a 3-minute music video especially for younger audiences; and 29 minutes of historical photos, information, and personal reflections prepared by Mullen.
Order from On Earth Peace at 410-635-8704 or www.brethren.org/oepa/resources/everyone/bscvideo.html. Cost is $10 for DVD format, $12 for VHS format, plus $3 for shipping.
Source: 10/25/2006 Newsline
"Food and Clothing, Cattle and Love: Brethren Service in Europe after World War II," a new documentary reviewing the work of Brethren Service in Europe following the devastation of World War II, is now available as a video. The resource sponsored by On Earth Peace was produced by David Sollenberger, with support from a number of individual contributors and from the Church of the Brethren General Board.
The video tells the story of the church at its best, said a release from On Earth Peace. "In an outpouring of service backed financially by sacrificial giving, the Church of the Brethren came to the aid of neighbors in need," the release said. "Following Jesus' example, Brethren Service crossed political boundaries to extend a helping hand."
"They opened up their hearts, and tried to build bridges, and the bridge was Christ's love," said Wilbur Mullen, who was active in the post-war relief work.
The video offers photos and film footage from the time period, as well as interviews with those who served. To suit a variety of audiences and uses, the story is told in three different styles and formats including a 27-minute version giving a comprehensive look at the work in Europe in the late 1940s and early 1950s; a brief documentary of 12 minutes designed for shorter formats and sparking discussion; a 3-minute music video especially for younger audiences; and 29 minutes of historical photos, information, and personal reflections prepared by Mullen.
Order from On Earth Peace at 410-635-8704 or www.brethren.org/oepa/resources/everyone/bscvideo.html. Cost is $10 for DVD format, $12 for VHS format, plus $3 for shipping.
Source: 10/25/2006 Newsline
Credits
Newsline is produced by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of news services for the Church of the Brethren General Board. Contact the editor at cobnews@brethren.org or 800-323-8039 ext. 260. J. Allen Brubaker, Mary Dulabaum, Doris Frysinger, Vickie Johnson, Del Keeney, Hannah Kliewer, Jeri S. Kornegay, Karin Krog, Howard Royer, and Gail Erisman Valeta contributed to this report.
Newsline is produced by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of news services for the Church of the Brethren General Board. Contact the editor at cobnews@brethren.org or 800-323-8039 ext. 260. J. Allen Brubaker, Mary Dulabaum, Doris Frysinger, Vickie Johnson, Del Keeney, Hannah Kliewer, Jeri S. Kornegay, Karin Krog, Howard Royer, and Gail Erisman Valeta contributed to this report.
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
NEWS
- Leaders for the 2007 Annual Conference are announced.
Brethren professor presents to World Council of Churches conference.
On Earth Peace commemorates day for peace, holds Together conversations.
Disaster grants go to Mississippi rebuilding, Church World Service.
Disaster response in Virginia and beyond.
Fahrney-Keedy launches autograph quilt fundraiser.
Brethren bits: Mission Alive conference, college events, and more.
- Norman and Carol Spicher Waggy to develop health ministry for Dominican church.
Two editors join staff of Gather 'Round curriculum.
- National Older Adult Conference to be held in 2008 and 2009.
Outdoor Ministries Association holds a national conference.
Leaders for the 2007 Annual Conference are announced.
The Program and Arrangements Commitee for the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference has completed its recruiting of leadership for the Conference in Cleveland, Ohio, June 30-July 4, 2007. Preachers, worship leaders, music coordinator, choir director, organist, pianist, and children's choir director have been announced.
Preachers are Jeff Carter, pastor of Manassas (Va.) Church of the Brethren, on Saturday evening June 30; Belita Mitchell, Annual Conference moderator and pastor of First Church of the Brethren in Harrisburg, Pa., on Sunday morning July 1; Duane Grady, a member of the Church of the Brethren General Board's Congregational Life Team, on Monday evening July 2; Tim Harvey, pastor of Central Church of the Brethren in Roanoke, Va., on Tuesday evening July 3; and Ataloa Woodin, pastor of Community Brethren Church, a Church of the Brethren congregation in Fresno, Calif., on Wednesday morning July 4.
Worship leaders are Chrissy Sollenberger of Annville, Pa., who was a youth speaker at National Youth Conference this summer; James Beckwith, Annual Conference moderator-elect and pastor of Annville (Pa.) Church of the Brethren; Brandon Grady, a Bethany Seminary student from Richmond, Ind.; Bev and Eric Anspaugh, pastor of Florin Church of the Brethren in Mount Joy, Pa.; and Erin Matteson, co-pastor of Modesto (Calif.) Church of the Brethren.
Coordinating worship will be Program and Arrangements Committee member Joanna Willoughby of Wyoming, Mich. Joseph Helfrich, a Church of the Brethren musician from Bradford, Ohio, will coordinate the music. Rebecca Rhodes of Roanoke, Va., will serve as choir director; and Raymonde Rougier of Dayton, Ohio, will direct the children's choir. This year's organist is Chris Brewer of Bradford, Ohio, and on the piano/keyboard will be Bob Iseminger of Roanoke, Va.
For more about the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference go to www.brethren.org/ac.
Source: 10/11/2006 Newsline
The Program and Arrangements Commitee for the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference has completed its recruiting of leadership for the Conference in Cleveland, Ohio, June 30-July 4, 2007. Preachers, worship leaders, music coordinator, choir director, organist, pianist, and children's choir director have been announced.
Preachers are Jeff Carter, pastor of Manassas (Va.) Church of the Brethren, on Saturday evening June 30; Belita Mitchell, Annual Conference moderator and pastor of First Church of the Brethren in Harrisburg, Pa., on Sunday morning July 1; Duane Grady, a member of the Church of the Brethren General Board's Congregational Life Team, on Monday evening July 2; Tim Harvey, pastor of Central Church of the Brethren in Roanoke, Va., on Tuesday evening July 3; and Ataloa Woodin, pastor of Community Brethren Church, a Church of the Brethren congregation in Fresno, Calif., on Wednesday morning July 4.
Worship leaders are Chrissy Sollenberger of Annville, Pa., who was a youth speaker at National Youth Conference this summer; James Beckwith, Annual Conference moderator-elect and pastor of Annville (Pa.) Church of the Brethren; Brandon Grady, a Bethany Seminary student from Richmond, Ind.; Bev and Eric Anspaugh, pastor of Florin Church of the Brethren in Mount Joy, Pa.; and Erin Matteson, co-pastor of Modesto (Calif.) Church of the Brethren.
Coordinating worship will be Program and Arrangements Committee member Joanna Willoughby of Wyoming, Mich. Joseph Helfrich, a Church of the Brethren musician from Bradford, Ohio, will coordinate the music. Rebecca Rhodes of Roanoke, Va., will serve as choir director; and Raymonde Rougier of Dayton, Ohio, will direct the children's choir. This year's organist is Chris Brewer of Bradford, Ohio, and on the piano/keyboard will be Bob Iseminger of Roanoke, Va.
For more about the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference go to www.brethren.org/ac.
Source: 10/11/2006 Newsline
Brethren professor presents to World Council of Churches conference.
Pamela Brubaker, a Church of the Brethren member and professor of religion at California Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks, Calif., was a featured speaker for consultations of the World Council of Churches (WCC) held in conjunction with the first meeting of the WCC's new Central Committee. She spoke for a consultation Sept. 5-6 commemorating the 40th anniversary of a landmark 1966 World Conference on Church and Society, where she gave a paper entitled, "The Approach of the Geneva 1966 Conference to Development." She also participated in a workshop Sept. 7-9 on the theme, "Acting Together for Transformation."
At the 1966 conference, the ecumenical community made a major commitment to the moral imperative of development, Brubaker said in a telephone interview following the consultations. For example, the 1966 conference was the first WCC event where half of the delegates were from the "global south." The 1966 event focused on the social and technical revolutions of the time, anticipating later debates on disarmament, racism, and a New International Economic Order.
Because of her work in the 1980s for a doctoral dissertation on economic development, entitled "Women Don't Count: The Challenge of Women's Poverty to Christian Ethics," Brubaker was asked to offer an interpretation and critique of the presentation of development made in 1966. In her dissertation she had looked at development from the point of view of impoverishment, and the differences between women's and men's poverty.
In her review of the 1966 conference, Brubaker noted that few women participated, and there was little recognition of the problems related to economic development such as pollution and poverty. She also perceived a tension between those who thought a social welfare society was a good model for development--who tended to be from the global north, she said--and others questioning if it would be a good model for their societies. Those who questioned the model pointed out that there were still poor people in the north, and concluded that the model does not work, she said. Brubaker added that this debate was still a source of tension at the WCC's most recent assembly this February in Brazil.
At the workshop, participants focused on an "AGAPE" process affirmed at the 2006 WCC assembly. Brubaker explained that AGAPE has emerged from the WCC's commitment to examine economic globalization and how it affects the lives of people in the global south in particular, a discussion that has taken place up to now through regional conferences in various areas of the world.
The regional conferences expressed concerns about economic globalization, "concern both that more people were said to be suffering from globalization as well as the earth was suffering," Brubaker said. The regional conferences sent letters to the people and churches of their regions, asking them also to take responsibility for and help address the problems related to economic globalization. This process came to be called AGAPE, an acronym for "Alternative Globalization Addressing People and Earth."
"What's important about (AGAPE) is it wasn't a few staff people" at the WCC who were working on the process, but was carried out by the people of the world, Brubaker said. The workshop she attended included about 30 people from a variety of countries and faith traditions and ages, who together sought the next steps forward in the AGAPE process. The workshop helped the WCC "identify key points in terms of going forward," she said, and also helped the organization "look at ways to make member churches be more aware of the AGAPE process." For example, Brubaker sees a connection between the WCC's AGAPE process and the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference paper this year supporting the UN's Millennium Development Goals.
It was "good to take that look back and reaffirm the commitment to addressing economic justice issues" first taken in 1966, Brubaker said. However, she celebrated the WCC's new commitments as well, "to things like care for the earth," she said. The consultations also raised good questions, such as, are there benefits to globalization or only negative impacts?
"There needs to be more work done" on issues related to globalization, she said. "Currently there is sharp criticism of current models of globalization," pointing to a need to offer alternatives, she said. And alternatives are possible, she asserted. "You don't have to have a blueprint of all the details, but we have pieces of it," she said, giving the examples of fair trade and micro development. "Be imaginative in thinking of other development alternatives," she urged.
Brubaker's work with the WCC in recent years has encompassed several other small consultations, including participation in encounters with the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF), where she took part as author of a book published in 2001, "Globalization at What Price? Economic Change and Daily Life." She also is co-editor of a book published in July, "Justice in a Global Economy: Strategies for Home, Community, and World" (Westminster John Knox Press/Geneva Press, 2006), edited with Rebecca Todd Peters and Laura A. Stivers.
Brubaker will teach a three-weekend course on "Ethics and Globalization" at Bethany Theological Seminary in Richmond, Ind., in the spring. The course will be held Feb. 16-17, March 16-17, and April 20-21, 2007. Contact the seminary at 800-287-8822.
For more information about the World Council of Churches, go to www.oikoumene.org.
Source: 10/11/2006 Newsline
Pamela Brubaker, a Church of the Brethren member and professor of religion at California Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks, Calif., was a featured speaker for consultations of the World Council of Churches (WCC) held in conjunction with the first meeting of the WCC's new Central Committee. She spoke for a consultation Sept. 5-6 commemorating the 40th anniversary of a landmark 1966 World Conference on Church and Society, where she gave a paper entitled, "The Approach of the Geneva 1966 Conference to Development." She also participated in a workshop Sept. 7-9 on the theme, "Acting Together for Transformation."
At the 1966 conference, the ecumenical community made a major commitment to the moral imperative of development, Brubaker said in a telephone interview following the consultations. For example, the 1966 conference was the first WCC event where half of the delegates were from the "global south." The 1966 event focused on the social and technical revolutions of the time, anticipating later debates on disarmament, racism, and a New International Economic Order.
Because of her work in the 1980s for a doctoral dissertation on economic development, entitled "Women Don't Count: The Challenge of Women's Poverty to Christian Ethics," Brubaker was asked to offer an interpretation and critique of the presentation of development made in 1966. In her dissertation she had looked at development from the point of view of impoverishment, and the differences between women's and men's poverty.
In her review of the 1966 conference, Brubaker noted that few women participated, and there was little recognition of the problems related to economic development such as pollution and poverty. She also perceived a tension between those who thought a social welfare society was a good model for development--who tended to be from the global north, she said--and others questioning if it would be a good model for their societies. Those who questioned the model pointed out that there were still poor people in the north, and concluded that the model does not work, she said. Brubaker added that this debate was still a source of tension at the WCC's most recent assembly this February in Brazil.
At the workshop, participants focused on an "AGAPE" process affirmed at the 2006 WCC assembly. Brubaker explained that AGAPE has emerged from the WCC's commitment to examine economic globalization and how it affects the lives of people in the global south in particular, a discussion that has taken place up to now through regional conferences in various areas of the world.
The regional conferences expressed concerns about economic globalization, "concern both that more people were said to be suffering from globalization as well as the earth was suffering," Brubaker said. The regional conferences sent letters to the people and churches of their regions, asking them also to take responsibility for and help address the problems related to economic globalization. This process came to be called AGAPE, an acronym for "Alternative Globalization Addressing People and Earth."
"What's important about (AGAPE) is it wasn't a few staff people" at the WCC who were working on the process, but was carried out by the people of the world, Brubaker said. The workshop she attended included about 30 people from a variety of countries and faith traditions and ages, who together sought the next steps forward in the AGAPE process. The workshop helped the WCC "identify key points in terms of going forward," she said, and also helped the organization "look at ways to make member churches be more aware of the AGAPE process." For example, Brubaker sees a connection between the WCC's AGAPE process and the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference paper this year supporting the UN's Millennium Development Goals.
It was "good to take that look back and reaffirm the commitment to addressing economic justice issues" first taken in 1966, Brubaker said. However, she celebrated the WCC's new commitments as well, "to things like care for the earth," she said. The consultations also raised good questions, such as, are there benefits to globalization or only negative impacts?
"There needs to be more work done" on issues related to globalization, she said. "Currently there is sharp criticism of current models of globalization," pointing to a need to offer alternatives, she said. And alternatives are possible, she asserted. "You don't have to have a blueprint of all the details, but we have pieces of it," she said, giving the examples of fair trade and micro development. "Be imaginative in thinking of other development alternatives," she urged.
Brubaker's work with the WCC in recent years has encompassed several other small consultations, including participation in encounters with the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF), where she took part as author of a book published in 2001, "Globalization at What Price? Economic Change and Daily Life." She also is co-editor of a book published in July, "Justice in a Global Economy: Strategies for Home, Community, and World" (Westminster John Knox Press/Geneva Press, 2006), edited with Rebecca Todd Peters and Laura A. Stivers.
Brubaker will teach a three-weekend course on "Ethics and Globalization" at Bethany Theological Seminary in Richmond, Ind., in the spring. The course will be held Feb. 16-17, March 16-17, and April 20-21, 2007. Contact the seminary at 800-287-8822.
For more information about the World Council of Churches, go to www.oikoumene.org.
Source: 10/11/2006 Newsline
On Earth Peace commemorates day for peace, holds Together conversations.
The On Earth Peace Board of Directors and staff met September 21-23, 2006, at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md. The devotional theme used scriptures that focused on "Transformational Change." The board, led by chair Bev Weaver, continued its use of the formal consensus process for discussion and decision-making.
Just prior to the beginning of the board meetings, board, staff, and others from the Brethren Service Center community gathered to commemorate the United Nations' and World Council of Churches' International Day of Prayer for Peace. For this commemoration, hundreds of handmade pinwheels for peace were placed around the Brethren Service Center.
Throughout the meeting, the board and staff joined together for four sessions of Together: Conversations on Being the Church, facilitated by Joe Detrick, executive minister of Southern Pennsylvania District.
In other highlights of the meeting, the board and staff considered a proposal and began discernment work on issues of sexual orientation and inclusion in the church. A small group of board and staff members was created to coordinate planning for future discernment.
Committee reports included the Finance Committee's presentation of the current financial report and proposed fiscal year 2007 budget. For fiscal year 2006, which ended Sept. 30, it appears income will be sufficient to cover expense, with income somewhat below budget and expenses considerably below budget. The board approved a balanced budget of $515,000 for fiscal year 2007.
In addition, the Advancement Committee presented ideas to increase approaches to congregations and how board members can hold a house party as a way to connect people to the ministries of On Earth Peace. The Personnel Committee reported on revisions in the personnel policy manual and other matters. The Executive Committee reported on subgroups created to provide support and supervision for the On Earth Peace co-directors, the appointment of Bev Weaver as the On Earth Peace representative to the Annual Conference Program Feasibility Committee, and the dates the board will meet in 2008: April 17-19 and Sept. 25-27.
Staff reports highlighted the first of the Shalom Series practical peacemaking booklets, "Shalom--Christ's Way of Peace," which will be out this fall; the Brethren Service Committee video "Food and Clothing, Cattle and Love: Brethren Service in Europe After World War II," which debuted at National Older Adult Conference; the launch of On Earth Peace's newly designed website; On Earth Peace's presence and activities at Annual Conference, National Youth Conference, and National Older Adult Conference.
Upcoming events include the Counter Recruitment Conference Nov. 3-5, sponsored by Mennonite Central Committee, where On Earth Peace staff member Matt Guynn will be a featured speaker; a January 10-22 delegation to Palestine and Israel co-sponsored by On Earth Peace and Christian Peacemaker Teams led by Rick Polhamus; an Advanced Reconciliation Skills workshop at Camp Mack, Nov. 15-17, focused on building healthy congregations and led by General Board staff member Jim Kinsey; and an inter-generational weekend planned for January with the Manchester Church of the Brethren, North Manchester, Ind., including sessions with adults as well as youth.
Reports were received from board members who serve in liaison relationships and roles in other organizations, including Christian Peacemaker Teams, the Human Rights Council of the United Nations, and the New Community Project. Members of the Doing Church Business Committee gave a report from Annual Conference and the next steps in the consideration of the paper brought by this committee.
The board called the following people to leadership: chair Bev Weaver, vice chair Dena Lee (also serving as pastor to the board), secretary Lauree Hersch Meyer, treasurer Doris Abdullah, and additional executive committee members Dena Gilbert and Robbie Miller.
For more about On Earth Peace go to www.brethren.org/oepa.
Source: 10/11/2006 Newsline
The On Earth Peace Board of Directors and staff met September 21-23, 2006, at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md. The devotional theme used scriptures that focused on "Transformational Change." The board, led by chair Bev Weaver, continued its use of the formal consensus process for discussion and decision-making.
Just prior to the beginning of the board meetings, board, staff, and others from the Brethren Service Center community gathered to commemorate the United Nations' and World Council of Churches' International Day of Prayer for Peace. For this commemoration, hundreds of handmade pinwheels for peace were placed around the Brethren Service Center.
Throughout the meeting, the board and staff joined together for four sessions of Together: Conversations on Being the Church, facilitated by Joe Detrick, executive minister of Southern Pennsylvania District.
In other highlights of the meeting, the board and staff considered a proposal and began discernment work on issues of sexual orientation and inclusion in the church. A small group of board and staff members was created to coordinate planning for future discernment.
Committee reports included the Finance Committee's presentation of the current financial report and proposed fiscal year 2007 budget. For fiscal year 2006, which ended Sept. 30, it appears income will be sufficient to cover expense, with income somewhat below budget and expenses considerably below budget. The board approved a balanced budget of $515,000 for fiscal year 2007.
In addition, the Advancement Committee presented ideas to increase approaches to congregations and how board members can hold a house party as a way to connect people to the ministries of On Earth Peace. The Personnel Committee reported on revisions in the personnel policy manual and other matters. The Executive Committee reported on subgroups created to provide support and supervision for the On Earth Peace co-directors, the appointment of Bev Weaver as the On Earth Peace representative to the Annual Conference Program Feasibility Committee, and the dates the board will meet in 2008: April 17-19 and Sept. 25-27.
Staff reports highlighted the first of the Shalom Series practical peacemaking booklets, "Shalom--Christ's Way of Peace," which will be out this fall; the Brethren Service Committee video "Food and Clothing, Cattle and Love: Brethren Service in Europe After World War II," which debuted at National Older Adult Conference; the launch of On Earth Peace's newly designed website; On Earth Peace's presence and activities at Annual Conference, National Youth Conference, and National Older Adult Conference.
Upcoming events include the Counter Recruitment Conference Nov. 3-5, sponsored by Mennonite Central Committee, where On Earth Peace staff member Matt Guynn will be a featured speaker; a January 10-22 delegation to Palestine and Israel co-sponsored by On Earth Peace and Christian Peacemaker Teams led by Rick Polhamus; an Advanced Reconciliation Skills workshop at Camp Mack, Nov. 15-17, focused on building healthy congregations and led by General Board staff member Jim Kinsey; and an inter-generational weekend planned for January with the Manchester Church of the Brethren, North Manchester, Ind., including sessions with adults as well as youth.
Reports were received from board members who serve in liaison relationships and roles in other organizations, including Christian Peacemaker Teams, the Human Rights Council of the United Nations, and the New Community Project. Members of the Doing Church Business Committee gave a report from Annual Conference and the next steps in the consideration of the paper brought by this committee.
The board called the following people to leadership: chair Bev Weaver, vice chair Dena Lee (also serving as pastor to the board), secretary Lauree Hersch Meyer, treasurer Doris Abdullah, and additional executive committee members Dena Gilbert and Robbie Miller.
For more about On Earth Peace go to www.brethren.org/oepa.
Source: 10/11/2006 Newsline
Disaster grants go to Mississippi rebuilding, Church World Service.
Grants from the Emergency Disaster Fund of the Church of the Brethren General Board have provided $25,000 to a rebuilding site in Mississippi, and $44,000 to the work of Church World Service (CWS).
The Church of the Brethren rebuilding site in Lucedale, Miss., opened in mid-January and has served about 70 families affected by last year's hurricanes. Brethren Disaster Response is working in Lucedale with Disaster Recovery Services of George County, Miss. The allocation of $25,000 is continuing financial support of the project.
The grant to CWS supports its Disaster Response and Recovery Liaison program. The program provides professional Christian staff that help communities recovering from disaster by supporting longterm physical, psychological, and spiritual recovery, and acquiring sustainable forms of preparedness.
Source: 10/11/2006 Newsline
Grants from the Emergency Disaster Fund of the Church of the Brethren General Board have provided $25,000 to a rebuilding site in Mississippi, and $44,000 to the work of Church World Service (CWS).
The Church of the Brethren rebuilding site in Lucedale, Miss., opened in mid-January and has served about 70 families affected by last year's hurricanes. Brethren Disaster Response is working in Lucedale with Disaster Recovery Services of George County, Miss. The allocation of $25,000 is continuing financial support of the project.
The grant to CWS supports its Disaster Response and Recovery Liaison program. The program provides professional Christian staff that help communities recovering from disaster by supporting longterm physical, psychological, and spiritual recovery, and acquiring sustainable forms of preparedness.
Source: 10/11/2006 Newsline
Disaster response in Virginia and beyond.
Down in the Gulf, there are roofs on houses that didn't have one and siding on exteriors that had been pierced by flying two-by-fours. There's new flooring in kitchens and caulking around windows. There are homes with new cabinets and people who have been given new hope--all because Wayne Garst sent out some letters and the 92 Church of the Brethren congregations that comprise Virlina District in Virginia, West Virginia, and North Carolina responded.
Disaster relief doesn't just happen. It's a finely tuned orchestra of organizers like Garst and the Virlina District Office where Emma Jean Woodard provides staff leadership for disaster response. They are joined by project managers who serve for one month and volunteers who work for a week on a "recovery project" to help disaster victims who have no access to insurance. "I've given dozens of presentations over the 10 years I've been doing this," Garst says, "but it's not been difficult to recruit volunteers lately. Every time I go out, there's more interest."
After getting a call from Woodard, Garst has little problem filling up those weekly time slots she forwards from Roanoke. "All it takes is one member from a recovery group who comes back to the congregation on fire," he says. "That's enough."
Garst knows that his counterparts at other denominations in Virginia have made similar preparations. The Virginia Baptist Disaster Relief Services, for example, is ready to deliver meals, clean water, and emergency power. The Lutheran Disaster Response has scores of volunteers trained to help with clean up and rebuilding. The Methodists have a national and international hotline that can rally volunteers in an e-mail instant.
These and a host of others share membership in the Virginia Council of Churches (VCC). Although the VCC's member denominations have separate organizations, they are working together through a group called Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster, or VOAD. It's a national group that also has chapters at the state and regional levels, and helps a wide range of groups organize their efforts. Members include church and non-church organizations, such as the American Red Cross and various state and local emergency relief groups. Besides creating a network among volunteer groups, VOAD also establishes the link to state and federal emergency offices. The Virginia VOAD has about 60 member groups.
VOAD is "the organization that really facilitates our collaboration," says Jan Tobias, disaster response coordinator for Lutheran Family Services of Virginia. Through regular meetings the dozens of volunteer groups talk about what resources they can provide and make connections with each other. "It's an important linking organization," Tobias says. "You've got to have relationships established before a disaster comes."
(Excerpted from an article provided by the Virginia Council of Churches. David W. Miller of West Richmond Church of the Brethren is chair of the council's communications committee.)
Source: 10/11/2006 Newsline
Down in the Gulf, there are roofs on houses that didn't have one and siding on exteriors that had been pierced by flying two-by-fours. There's new flooring in kitchens and caulking around windows. There are homes with new cabinets and people who have been given new hope--all because Wayne Garst sent out some letters and the 92 Church of the Brethren congregations that comprise Virlina District in Virginia, West Virginia, and North Carolina responded.
Disaster relief doesn't just happen. It's a finely tuned orchestra of organizers like Garst and the Virlina District Office where Emma Jean Woodard provides staff leadership for disaster response. They are joined by project managers who serve for one month and volunteers who work for a week on a "recovery project" to help disaster victims who have no access to insurance. "I've given dozens of presentations over the 10 years I've been doing this," Garst says, "but it's not been difficult to recruit volunteers lately. Every time I go out, there's more interest."
After getting a call from Woodard, Garst has little problem filling up those weekly time slots she forwards from Roanoke. "All it takes is one member from a recovery group who comes back to the congregation on fire," he says. "That's enough."
Garst knows that his counterparts at other denominations in Virginia have made similar preparations. The Virginia Baptist Disaster Relief Services, for example, is ready to deliver meals, clean water, and emergency power. The Lutheran Disaster Response has scores of volunteers trained to help with clean up and rebuilding. The Methodists have a national and international hotline that can rally volunteers in an e-mail instant.
These and a host of others share membership in the Virginia Council of Churches (VCC). Although the VCC's member denominations have separate organizations, they are working together through a group called Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster, or VOAD. It's a national group that also has chapters at the state and regional levels, and helps a wide range of groups organize their efforts. Members include church and non-church organizations, such as the American Red Cross and various state and local emergency relief groups. Besides creating a network among volunteer groups, VOAD also establishes the link to state and federal emergency offices. The Virginia VOAD has about 60 member groups.
VOAD is "the organization that really facilitates our collaboration," says Jan Tobias, disaster response coordinator for Lutheran Family Services of Virginia. Through regular meetings the dozens of volunteer groups talk about what resources they can provide and make connections with each other. "It's an important linking organization," Tobias says. "You've got to have relationships established before a disaster comes."
(Excerpted from an article provided by the Virginia Council of Churches. David W. Miller of West Richmond Church of the Brethren is chair of the council's communications committee.)
Source: 10/11/2006 Newsline
Fahrney-Keedy launches autograph quilt fundraiser.
Fahrney-Keedy Memorial Home, Inc., a Church of the Brethren retirement center in Boonsboro, Md., created an Autograph Quilt Committee in early June of this year, which has been requesting autographs from celebrities for a quilt to be auctioned as a fundraiser for the home.
The committee coordinated by Betsy Miller, who joined the Fahrney-Keedy staff in April, sent letters to over 300 celebrities enclosing a fabric square with every letter, requesting that they autograph the fabric. The first celebrity to respond was Jerry Lewis, and many more soon followed. One autograph recently received was from Elizabeth Taylor. Others that have responded include John Travolta, Charlton Heston, Lauren Bacall, Regis Philbin, Betty White, and Nascar's Jimmy Johnson and Carl Edwards. To date, a total of 60 autographs have been received.
The project brings enjoyment to the residents, their families, staff, and visitors, according to a release from the home: "Everyone looks forward to seeing 'who we get today' and reminiscing about the movies and shows their favorite stars appeared in. Each autograph received is proudly displayed on the main office window with a picture of the celebrity."
The committee will begin to construct a quilt top this month. They hope to receive offers from volunteers willing and able to assist in the quilting process (contact Betsy Miller at 301-671-5016 or bmiller@fkmh.org). Once completed, the quilt will be listed on a national auction website. All proceeds will be donated to the benevolent and operating funds of Fahrney-Keedy Home and Village.
Source: 10/11/2006 Newsline
Fahrney-Keedy Memorial Home, Inc., a Church of the Brethren retirement center in Boonsboro, Md., created an Autograph Quilt Committee in early June of this year, which has been requesting autographs from celebrities for a quilt to be auctioned as a fundraiser for the home.
The committee coordinated by Betsy Miller, who joined the Fahrney-Keedy staff in April, sent letters to over 300 celebrities enclosing a fabric square with every letter, requesting that they autograph the fabric. The first celebrity to respond was Jerry Lewis, and many more soon followed. One autograph recently received was from Elizabeth Taylor. Others that have responded include John Travolta, Charlton Heston, Lauren Bacall, Regis Philbin, Betty White, and Nascar's Jimmy Johnson and Carl Edwards. To date, a total of 60 autographs have been received.
The project brings enjoyment to the residents, their families, staff, and visitors, according to a release from the home: "Everyone looks forward to seeing 'who we get today' and reminiscing about the movies and shows their favorite stars appeared in. Each autograph received is proudly displayed on the main office window with a picture of the celebrity."
The committee will begin to construct a quilt top this month. They hope to receive offers from volunteers willing and able to assist in the quilting process (contact Betsy Miller at 301-671-5016 or bmiller@fkmh.org). Once completed, the quilt will be listed on a national auction website. All proceeds will be donated to the benevolent and operating funds of Fahrney-Keedy Home and Village.
Source: 10/11/2006 Newsline
Brethren bits: Mission Alive, citizenship seminar, and more.
- The General Board has decided to cancel the Mission Alive 2007 conference scheduled for April 2007. Staff made the decision after key sponsoring partners withdrew their support over disagreement with staff decisions and process. Mission executive Mervin Keeney expressed his disappointment at the turn of events. "The first mission conference had been a unifying and energizing event that had been meaningful in the life of the church, and a series of such conferences was proposed to continue to build momentum and common ground," he said. "The General Board seeks to serve and hold together all the parts of the church," Keeney said. "This has been a difficult decision, but is made in the best interest of the church." Conversations around future mission conferences are anticipated.
- The 2007 Christian Citizenship Seminar on the theme, "The State of Our Health," will be held March 24-29, 2007, in New York City and Washington, D.C. The event for high school age youth is sponsored by the Youth and Young Adult Ministry and the Brethren Witness/Washington Office of the Church of the Brethren General Board. Participants will learn about the HIV/AIDS explosion in Africa and the impact of poverty on health worldwide, and have the opportunity to discuss the advantages, challenges, and privilges of health care programs. Online registration begins Jan. 1, 2007, with participation reserved for the first 100 youth who register. Contact the Brethren Witness/Washington Office at 800-785-3246, or the Youth and Young Adult office at 800-323-8039 for more information.
- The Brethren Witness/Washington Office will have a presence at the School of Americas Watch event at Fort Benning, Ga., Nov. 17-19. The Brethren Witness/Washington Office is a ministry of the Church of the Brethren General Board. The office plans to offer an information table on Saturday and Sunday, and from 7-9:30 p.m. on Saturday evening will host a Brethren gathering followed by a concert with Mutual Kumquat. The gathering and concert will be held at the Presidential Room at the Howard Johnson hotel. For more information contact the office at 800-785-3246. For detailed information about the witness see www.soaw.org.
- Jeffrey Kovac, professor of chemistry and director of undergraduate studies at the University of Tennessee, will speak on "Confrontation at the Locks: A National Protest of the Japanese Evacuation" at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 12 in Cole Hall at Bridgewater (Va.) College. Kovac's address will focus on the experience of a college student of Japanese descent, George Kiyoshi Yamada, who was a conscientious objector and went to Civilian Public Service (CPS) camp at Cascade Locks, Ore., during World War II. Sponsored by the W. Harold Row Lecture Series, the address is open to the public at no charge. For more about Bridgewater College, go to www.bridgewater.edu.
- The 60-voice McPherson (Kan.) College Choir will open its 2006-07 season with a Homecoming Concert on Oct. 15, at 2 p.m. at McPherson Church of the Brethren. The choir is conducted by Steven Gustafson, who holds the Dotzour Chair in Music and is in his 27th year on the college faculty. The choir is in its 74th year. The concert is free, and the public is invited to attend. A free-will offering will help underwrite expenses of the choral program. For more about McPherson College go to www.mcpherson.edu.
- The Steering Committee of Womaen's Caucus will meet in Oak Park and Lombard, Ill., in October. The group has extended an invitation to Church of the Brethren members to meet with them on Saturday evening, Oct. 21, at 6 p.m. at York Center Church of the Brethren in Lombard, to share about the work of Womaen's Caucus and women's issues in the church. Lasagna and salads will be provided; participants are asked to bring a side dish or dessert. Please reply to Audrey de Coursey at agd@riseup.net.
- Atlantic Southeast District holds its district conference on Oct. 13-14 at Iglesia de los Hermanos in Yahuecas, Adjuntas, P.R. The theme is, "Living Stones Building a Spiritual Church/Piedras Vivas Edificando una Iglesia Espiritual" (1 Peter 2:5/1 Pedro 2:5).
- Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT) has announced a Depleted Uranium Delegation to take place Nov. 24-Dec. 3, part of a campaign to halt production of depleted uranium munitions. Such weapons have factored into the 89 percent of US military personnel from the first Gulf War who are receiving disability payments, and may be currently used by coalition forces in Iraq, CPT said. The delegation will start in Jonesborough, Tenn., and travel to Rocket Center, W.Va., locations of the two main depleted uranium weapons production facilities in the US. Participants arrange their own transportation to Knoxville, Tenn., and raise $400 for on-ground expenses. For more information see www.cpt.org, click on "Delegations." Originally a violence-reduction initiative of the historic peace churches (Church of the Brethren, Mennonite, and Quaker), CPT now enjoys support and membership from a wide range of Christian denominations.
- The New Community Project, a Brethren related nonprofit, has announced its line-up of Learning Tours for 2007. The trips aim for personal and spiritual growth, gaining a better understanding of the world, and building relationships with worldwide neighbors and God's creation. The trips are open to all ages. Tours are planned to Sudan on Jan. 5-23, Guatemala on March 5-14; Ecuador Amazon on May 15-26; Honduras on July 10-20; Denali/Kenai Fjords National Parks in Alaska on Aug. 10-19; Arctic Village, Alaska, on Aug. 19-28. Dates are pending for a tour to Nepal. For details about plans for learning tour activities, leadership for each tour, and costs, visit www.newcommunityproject.org or contact David Radcliff at 888-800-2985 or dradcliff@newcommunityproject.org.
- Church of the Brethren child rights activist Richard Propes has begun a hunger strike in response to the school shootings in Colorado and Pennsylvania. Recognized for his wheelchair Tenderness Tour devoted to ending child abuse and domestic violence, he began a hunger strike at midnight on Oct. 5 with the vision of calling 10,000 people to join him in a renewed commitment to children. The Tenderness Tour is accepting pledges to work to end violence in the lives of children in the community. All 10,000 people who write will be listed on a special "10,000 Voices" page on the website www.tendernesstour.com. Send an e-mail to Richard@tendernesstour.com and include name, last initial, age, and location; or send a postcard or letter to Tenderness Tour, P.O. Box 20367, Indianapolis, IN 46220, including name, last initial, age, and location. Propes plans to extend his hunger strike until 10,000 separate e-mails, letters, or postcards are received. Keep track of the status of the effort at www.myspace.com/tendernesstour.
Norman and Carol Spicher Waggy to develop health ministry for Dominican church.
Dr. Norman and Carol Spicher Waggy have accepted a position with the Global Mission Partnerships of the Church of the Brethren General Board, to develop a new health ministry with the church in the Dominican Republic. They will begin in January 2007.
A team that brings both health care and pastoral training, the Waggys have previously served with the Rural Health Program of Ekklesiyar Yan'uwa in Nigeria (EYN--the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria), a community-based health program that may also be appropriate for the Dominican context. The Dominican church is seeking to find ways to serve the regions of the country where it is active and where many communities have little access to any health care.
During an initial four-month assessment period, the Waggys will explore needs and options and discuss possibilities among the DR church. As agreement emerges to move forward, they will then guide and implement this new ministry. Financial support for this new mission venture is invited; designate for "DR-Waggy support" and send to the Church of the Brethren General Board, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120.
Source: 10/11/2006 Newsline
Dr. Norman and Carol Spicher Waggy have accepted a position with the Global Mission Partnerships of the Church of the Brethren General Board, to develop a new health ministry with the church in the Dominican Republic. They will begin in January 2007.
A team that brings both health care and pastoral training, the Waggys have previously served with the Rural Health Program of Ekklesiyar Yan'uwa in Nigeria (EYN--the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria), a community-based health program that may also be appropriate for the Dominican context. The Dominican church is seeking to find ways to serve the regions of the country where it is active and where many communities have little access to any health care.
During an initial four-month assessment period, the Waggys will explore needs and options and discuss possibilities among the DR church. As agreement emerges to move forward, they will then guide and implement this new ministry. Financial support for this new mission venture is invited; designate for "DR-Waggy support" and send to the Church of the Brethren General Board, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120.
Source: 10/11/2006 Newsline
Two editors join staff of Gather 'Round curriculum.
Rose Stutzman and Nancy Ryan, both Mennonites from Goshen, Ind., are joining the staff of the Gather 'Round curriculum project, published jointly by Brethren Press and Mennonite Publishing Network.
Stutzman began Oct. 3 as associate editor, working three-quarter time. She returned to the US in June after three years in Kenya as a first grade teacher at Rosslyn Academy. She brings a wide variety of editing experiences to the position and will work primarily on editing the Junior Youth, Youth, and Parent/Caregiver units. She will work from her home in Goshen.
Ryan will be responsible primarily for editing the Preschool unit of Gather 'Round, working one-quarter time. She will begin on Oct. 13. Ryan also will work from home. She worked previously as an associate professor at Goshen College, teaching primarily in the Education Department. She has written and edited a number of publications for Mennonite Publishing House, the predecessor of Mennonite Publishing Network.
Source: 10/11/2006 Newsline
Rose Stutzman and Nancy Ryan, both Mennonites from Goshen, Ind., are joining the staff of the Gather 'Round curriculum project, published jointly by Brethren Press and Mennonite Publishing Network.
Stutzman began Oct. 3 as associate editor, working three-quarter time. She returned to the US in June after three years in Kenya as a first grade teacher at Rosslyn Academy. She brings a wide variety of editing experiences to the position and will work primarily on editing the Junior Youth, Youth, and Parent/Caregiver units. She will work from her home in Goshen.
Ryan will be responsible primarily for editing the Preschool unit of Gather 'Round, working one-quarter time. She will begin on Oct. 13. Ryan also will work from home. She worked previously as an associate professor at Goshen College, teaching primarily in the Education Department. She has written and edited a number of publications for Mennonite Publishing House, the predecessor of Mennonite Publishing Network.
Source: 10/11/2006 Newsline
National Older Adult Conference to be held in 2008 and 2009.
At its fall meeting, the Association of Brethren Caregivers (ABC) Board decided to hold the next National Older Adult Conference (NOAC) in 2008 and again in 2009 so that the biennial conference would not occur in the same year as future National Youth Conferences.
"Staff, volunteers and resources were very strained to prepare for and work at three major denominational conferences--Annual Conference, National Youth Conference, and NOAC--all held within a three-month period," said Kathy Reid, ABC's executive director. "By moving NOAC to odd-numbered years, the ABC Board is demonstrating good stewardship of staff, volunteers, and resources. As the agency representing the caring ministries of the church, we're also trying to encourage the wellness of the many people who work in various ways at all three events."
The ABC Board determined that holding the conferences back to back would successfully move into a new conference schedule while still honoring plans made to hold the next NOAC in 2008. The next NOAC will be held Sept. 1-5, 2008, followed by another on Sept. 7-11, 2009. After 2009, the conference will return to a two-year cycle. NOAC will continue to be held at Lake Junaluska (N.C.) Assembly.
Source: 10/11/2006 Newsline
At its fall meeting, the Association of Brethren Caregivers (ABC) Board decided to hold the next National Older Adult Conference (NOAC) in 2008 and again in 2009 so that the biennial conference would not occur in the same year as future National Youth Conferences.
"Staff, volunteers and resources were very strained to prepare for and work at three major denominational conferences--Annual Conference, National Youth Conference, and NOAC--all held within a three-month period," said Kathy Reid, ABC's executive director. "By moving NOAC to odd-numbered years, the ABC Board is demonstrating good stewardship of staff, volunteers, and resources. As the agency representing the caring ministries of the church, we're also trying to encourage the wellness of the many people who work in various ways at all three events."
The ABC Board determined that holding the conferences back to back would successfully move into a new conference schedule while still honoring plans made to hold the next NOAC in 2008. The next NOAC will be held Sept. 1-5, 2008, followed by another on Sept. 7-11, 2009. After 2009, the conference will return to a two-year cycle. NOAC will continue to be held at Lake Junaluska (N.C.) Assembly.
Source: 10/11/2006 Newsline
Outdoor Ministries Association holds a national conference.
The Outdoor Ministries Association of the Church of the Brethren (OMA) is planning its national conference on Nov. 17-19 at Camp Bethel in Fincastle, Va. "Fill Their Cups: Fostering Leadership" is the theme for the event held every three years for church leaders, educators, youth and children's ministry leaders, camp staff and leaders, camp boards, district outdoor ministries committees and commissions, and interested people of all denominations.
"Leadership development is hugely important for building tomorrow's church," said the brochure for the conference. "As church leaders and camp leaders we frequently encounter members, guests, students, seasonal staff, and summer campers who are on the brink of becoming great leaders; their cup is almost full. When we take opportunity to add a little more--to give them the nudge they need--their potential comes spilling out and their spiritual gifts come into fruition."
Leaders for the conference include keynote speaker Eugene Roop, president of Bethany Theological Seminary; roundtable leaders Chris Douglas, director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry for the Church of the Brethren General Board, and Jerri Heiser-Wenger and Rex Miller, co-director of Camp Blue Diamond and director of Camp Alexander Mack, respectively; and session leaders Janis Pyle, coordinator for Mission Connections for the General Board, and Paul Grout, former Annual Conference moderator and co-founder of A Place Apart.
Registration costs include meals: $80 per person for those lodging at Camp Bethel, $60 per person without lodging, and $40 per person for Saturday only. Discounts are available for children and seniors. Linens and transport to and from Roanoke Regional Airport are available for a fee. For more information and registration go to www.campbethelvirginia.org/OMA.htm#conf. Contact camp.bethel@juno.com for printed, post-mailed copies of information and registration form.
Source: 10/11/2006 Newsline
The Outdoor Ministries Association of the Church of the Brethren (OMA) is planning its national conference on Nov. 17-19 at Camp Bethel in Fincastle, Va. "Fill Their Cups: Fostering Leadership" is the theme for the event held every three years for church leaders, educators, youth and children's ministry leaders, camp staff and leaders, camp boards, district outdoor ministries committees and commissions, and interested people of all denominations.
"Leadership development is hugely important for building tomorrow's church," said the brochure for the conference. "As church leaders and camp leaders we frequently encounter members, guests, students, seasonal staff, and summer campers who are on the brink of becoming great leaders; their cup is almost full. When we take opportunity to add a little more--to give them the nudge they need--their potential comes spilling out and their spiritual gifts come into fruition."
Leaders for the conference include keynote speaker Eugene Roop, president of Bethany Theological Seminary; roundtable leaders Chris Douglas, director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry for the Church of the Brethren General Board, and Jerri Heiser-Wenger and Rex Miller, co-director of Camp Blue Diamond and director of Camp Alexander Mack, respectively; and session leaders Janis Pyle, coordinator for Mission Connections for the General Board, and Paul Grout, former Annual Conference moderator and co-founder of A Place Apart.
Registration costs include meals: $80 per person for those lodging at Camp Bethel, $60 per person without lodging, and $40 per person for Saturday only. Discounts are available for children and seniors. Linens and transport to and from Roanoke Regional Airport are available for a fee. For more information and registration go to www.campbethelvirginia.org/OMA.htm#conf. Contact camp.bethel@juno.com for printed, post-mailed copies of information and registration form.
Source: 10/11/2006 Newsline
Newsline Special Report
FORGIVING IS WOVEN INTO LIFE OF AMISH
By Donald B. Kraybill
The blood was hardly dry on the bare, board floor of the West Nickel Mines School when Amish parents sent words of forgiveness to the family of the killer who had executed their children.
Forgiveness? So quickly, and for such a heinous crime? Out of the hundreds of media queries I've received in the last week, the forgiveness question rose to the top. Why and how could they do such a thing so quickly? Was it a genuine gesture or just an Amish gimmick?
The world was outraged by the senseless assault on 10 Amish girls in the one-room West Nickel Mines School. Why would a killer turn his gun on the most innocent of the innocent? Questions first focused on the killer's motivations: Why did he unleash his anger on the Amish? Then questions shifted to the Amish: How would they cope with such an unprecedented tragedy?
In many ways, the Amish are better equipped to process grief than are many other Americans. First, their faith sees even tragic events under the canopy of divine providence, having a higher purpose or meaning hidden from human sight at first glance. The Amish don't argue with God. They have an enormous capacity to absorb adversity--a willingness to yield to divine providence in the face of hostility. Such religious resolve enables them to move forward without the endless paralysis of analysis that asks why, letting the analysis rest in the hands of God.
Second, their historic habits of mutual aid--such as barn-raising--arise from their understanding that Christian teaching compels them to care for one another in time of disaster. This is why they reject commercial insurance and government-funded Social Security, believing that the Bible teaches them to care for one another. In moments of disaster, the resources of this socio-spiritual capital spring into action. Meals are brought to grieving families. Neighbors milk cows and perform other daily chores. Hundreds of friends and neighbors visit the home of the bereaved to share quiet words and simply the gift of presence. After the burial, adult women who have lost a close family member will wear black dresses in public for as long as a year to signal their mourning and welcome visits of support.
In all these ways, Amish faith and culture provide profound resources for processing the sting of death. Make no mistake: Death is painful. Many tears are shed. The pain is sharp, searing the hearts of Amish mothers and fathers as it would those of any other parents.
But why forgiveness? Surely some anger--at least some grudges--are justifiable in the face of such a slaughter.
But a frequent phrase in Amish life is "forgive and forget." That's the recipe for responding to Amish members who transgress Amish rules if they confess their failures. Amish forgiveness also reaches to outsiders, even to killers of their children.
Amish roots stretch back to the Anabaptist movement at the time of the Protestant Reformation in 16th-century Europe. Hundreds of Anabaptists were burned at the stake, decapitated, and tortured because they contended that individuals should have the freedom to make voluntary decisions about religion. This insistence that the church, not the state, had the authority to decide matters such as the age of baptism laid the foundation for our modern notions of religious liberty and the separation of church and state.
Anabaptist martyrs emphasized yielding one's life completely to God. Songs by imprisoned Anabaptists, recorded in the "Ausbund," the Amish hymn book, are regularly used in Amish church services today. The 1,200-page "Martyrs Mirror," first printed in 1660, which tells the martyr stories, is found in many Amish houses and is cited by preachers in their sermons. The martyr voice still rings loudly in Amish ears with the message of forgiveness of those who tortured them and burned their bodies at the stake.
The martyr testimony springs from the example of Jesus, the cornerstone of Amish faith. As do other Anabaptists, the Amish take the life and teachings of Jesus seriously. Without formal creeds, their simple (but not simplistic) faith accents living in the way of Jesus rather than comprehending the complexities of religious doctrine. Their model is the suffering Jesus who carried his cross without complaint. And who, hanging on the cross, extended forgiveness to his tormentors: "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." Beyond his example, the Amish try to practice Jesus' admonitions to turn the other cheek, to love one's enemies, to forgive 70 times seven times, and to leave vengeance to the Lord. Retaliation and revenge are not part of their vocabulary.
As pragmatic as they are about other things, the Amish do not ask if forgiveness works; they simply seek to practice it as the Jesus way of responding to adversaries, even enemies. Rest assured, grudges are not always easily tossed aside in Amish life. Sometimes forgiveness is harder to dispense to fellow church members, whom Amish people know too well, than to unknown strangers.
Forgiveness is woven into the fabric of Amish faith. And that is why words of forgiveness were sent to the killer's family before the blood had dried on the schoolhouse floor. It was just the natural thing to do, the Amish way of doing things. Such courage to forgive has jolted the watching world as much as the killing itself. The transforming power of forgiveness may be the one redeeming thing that flows from the blood shed in Nickel Mines this week.
--Donald B. Kraybill, senior fellow at the Young Center for Anabaptist and Pietist Studies and distinguished professor at Elizabethtown (Pa.) College, has written numerous books on Amish life including "The Riddle of Amish Culture." Among his hundreds of media contact since the shooting, Kraybill has spoken with NBC Dateline and was on National Public Radio's "Talk of the Nation" on the topic of forgiveness. This article originally appeared on Oct. 8 in the "Philadelphia Inquirer" and the "Harrisburg Patriot-News."
Source: 10/12/2006 Newsline
FORGIVING IS WOVEN INTO LIFE OF AMISH
By Donald B. Kraybill
The blood was hardly dry on the bare, board floor of the West Nickel Mines School when Amish parents sent words of forgiveness to the family of the killer who had executed their children.
Forgiveness? So quickly, and for such a heinous crime? Out of the hundreds of media queries I've received in the last week, the forgiveness question rose to the top. Why and how could they do such a thing so quickly? Was it a genuine gesture or just an Amish gimmick?
The world was outraged by the senseless assault on 10 Amish girls in the one-room West Nickel Mines School. Why would a killer turn his gun on the most innocent of the innocent? Questions first focused on the killer's motivations: Why did he unleash his anger on the Amish? Then questions shifted to the Amish: How would they cope with such an unprecedented tragedy?
In many ways, the Amish are better equipped to process grief than are many other Americans. First, their faith sees even tragic events under the canopy of divine providence, having a higher purpose or meaning hidden from human sight at first glance. The Amish don't argue with God. They have an enormous capacity to absorb adversity--a willingness to yield to divine providence in the face of hostility. Such religious resolve enables them to move forward without the endless paralysis of analysis that asks why, letting the analysis rest in the hands of God.
Second, their historic habits of mutual aid--such as barn-raising--arise from their understanding that Christian teaching compels them to care for one another in time of disaster. This is why they reject commercial insurance and government-funded Social Security, believing that the Bible teaches them to care for one another. In moments of disaster, the resources of this socio-spiritual capital spring into action. Meals are brought to grieving families. Neighbors milk cows and perform other daily chores. Hundreds of friends and neighbors visit the home of the bereaved to share quiet words and simply the gift of presence. After the burial, adult women who have lost a close family member will wear black dresses in public for as long as a year to signal their mourning and welcome visits of support.
In all these ways, Amish faith and culture provide profound resources for processing the sting of death. Make no mistake: Death is painful. Many tears are shed. The pain is sharp, searing the hearts of Amish mothers and fathers as it would those of any other parents.
But why forgiveness? Surely some anger--at least some grudges--are justifiable in the face of such a slaughter.
But a frequent phrase in Amish life is "forgive and forget." That's the recipe for responding to Amish members who transgress Amish rules if they confess their failures. Amish forgiveness also reaches to outsiders, even to killers of their children.
Amish roots stretch back to the Anabaptist movement at the time of the Protestant Reformation in 16th-century Europe. Hundreds of Anabaptists were burned at the stake, decapitated, and tortured because they contended that individuals should have the freedom to make voluntary decisions about religion. This insistence that the church, not the state, had the authority to decide matters such as the age of baptism laid the foundation for our modern notions of religious liberty and the separation of church and state.
Anabaptist martyrs emphasized yielding one's life completely to God. Songs by imprisoned Anabaptists, recorded in the "Ausbund," the Amish hymn book, are regularly used in Amish church services today. The 1,200-page "Martyrs Mirror," first printed in 1660, which tells the martyr stories, is found in many Amish houses and is cited by preachers in their sermons. The martyr voice still rings loudly in Amish ears with the message of forgiveness of those who tortured them and burned their bodies at the stake.
The martyr testimony springs from the example of Jesus, the cornerstone of Amish faith. As do other Anabaptists, the Amish take the life and teachings of Jesus seriously. Without formal creeds, their simple (but not simplistic) faith accents living in the way of Jesus rather than comprehending the complexities of religious doctrine. Their model is the suffering Jesus who carried his cross without complaint. And who, hanging on the cross, extended forgiveness to his tormentors: "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." Beyond his example, the Amish try to practice Jesus' admonitions to turn the other cheek, to love one's enemies, to forgive 70 times seven times, and to leave vengeance to the Lord. Retaliation and revenge are not part of their vocabulary.
As pragmatic as they are about other things, the Amish do not ask if forgiveness works; they simply seek to practice it as the Jesus way of responding to adversaries, even enemies. Rest assured, grudges are not always easily tossed aside in Amish life. Sometimes forgiveness is harder to dispense to fellow church members, whom Amish people know too well, than to unknown strangers.
Forgiveness is woven into the fabric of Amish faith. And that is why words of forgiveness were sent to the killer's family before the blood had dried on the schoolhouse floor. It was just the natural thing to do, the Amish way of doing things. Such courage to forgive has jolted the watching world as much as the killing itself. The transforming power of forgiveness may be the one redeeming thing that flows from the blood shed in Nickel Mines this week.
--Donald B. Kraybill, senior fellow at the Young Center for Anabaptist and Pietist Studies and distinguished professor at Elizabethtown (Pa.) College, has written numerous books on Amish life including "The Riddle of Amish Culture." Among his hundreds of media contact since the shooting, Kraybill has spoken with NBC Dateline and was on National Public Radio's "Talk of the Nation" on the topic of forgiveness. This article originally appeared on Oct. 8 in the "Philadelphia Inquirer" and the "Harrisburg Patriot-News."
Source: 10/12/2006 Newsline
Credits
Newsline is produced by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of news services for the Church of the Brethren General Board. Contact the editor at cobnews@brethren.org or 800-323-8039 ext. 260. Mary Dulabaum, Jan Eller, Lerry W. Fogle, Bob Gross, Mary Kay Heatwole, Merv Keeney, Jon Kobel, Karin Krog, Michael B. Leiter, Barry LeNoir, and Anna Speicher contributed to this report.
Newsline is produced by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of news services for the Church of the Brethren General Board. Contact the editor at cobnews@brethren.org or 800-323-8039 ext. 260. Mary Dulabaum, Jan Eller, Lerry W. Fogle, Bob Gross, Mary Kay Heatwole, Merv Keeney, Jon Kobel, Karin Krog, Michael B. Leiter, Barry LeNoir, and Anna Speicher contributed to this report.
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
NEWS
- God's spirit moves at National Older Adult Conference.
- On Earth Peace board member works with UN subcommittee on racism.
- Board of Brethren Colleges Abroad meets at Bethany Seminary.
- Brethren Peace Fellowship holds annual retreat.
- Brethren bits: Personnel, Annual Conference, and much more.
God's spirit moves at National Older Adult Conference.
Something miraculous happened when nearly 1,100 adults over a "certain age" came together to sing, learn, worship, listen, and laugh with one another. This year's National Older Adult Conference (NOAC), held Sept. 4-8 and sponsored by the Association of Brethren Caregivers, proved once again to be a time where those present experienced God's spirit on the move.
God's living spirit was present during keynote events at NOAC as stories gave testimony to lives dedicated to living out Jesus' teachings. Kathy Reid preached about her grandmother's strong desire to be a part of her faith community, a desire so strong that she rose very early each day to memorize hundreds of hymns so that when the disease attacking her vision left her blind she would still be able to sing with the faithful. David Augsburger gave new insights about the differences between reconciliation and forgiveness. Later that same day, his older brother, Myron, called older adults to remember when they were called to be leaders in the church, inspiring them now to mentor new leaders for the next generation. Many hearts were moved when musicians Shawn Kirchner and Ryan Harrison performed songs from across the decades and when comedians Ted and Lee brought humor and poignant insights from scripture and well-loved Bible stories.
God's gentle, loving spirit flowed freely during the spaces in between a busy week of presentations, interest groups, crafts, tournaments, and entertainment. All could feel the energy and peace that came from the gathered community singing four-part harmony to "Move in Our Midst," "Will You Let Me Be Your Servant," and "Praise God from Whom." Equally moving was the profound silence at the close of night-time worships as five candles were carried off the darkened stage, down each aisle and out into the world.
A spirit of laughter and fun was brought by video announcements that included the character of Alexander Mack (a.k.a. "A-Mack"), who was disappointed at being passed over as the oldest attendee at NOAC*an honor that went to 98-year-old Claire Throne from Brook Park Church of the Brethren, Cleveland, Ohio. Certainly, God's spirit of service was present in the $3,000 raised for the REGNUH Fitness Walk/Run around the lake one hazy morning. A work project held during the week resulted in 565 school kits, 336 health kits, and nearly $1,700 in donations.
The miraculous truth -- that when two or more are gathered in Jesus' name, the spirit moves -- was true once again among the older adults from across the denomination who took part in the eighth National Older Adult Conference.
Something miraculous happened when nearly 1,100 adults over a "certain age" came together to sing, learn, worship, listen, and laugh with one another. This year's National Older Adult Conference (NOAC), held Sept. 4-8 and sponsored by the Association of Brethren Caregivers, proved once again to be a time where those present experienced God's spirit on the move.
God's living spirit was present during keynote events at NOAC as stories gave testimony to lives dedicated to living out Jesus' teachings. Kathy Reid preached about her grandmother's strong desire to be a part of her faith community, a desire so strong that she rose very early each day to memorize hundreds of hymns so that when the disease attacking her vision left her blind she would still be able to sing with the faithful. David Augsburger gave new insights about the differences between reconciliation and forgiveness. Later that same day, his older brother, Myron, called older adults to remember when they were called to be leaders in the church, inspiring them now to mentor new leaders for the next generation. Many hearts were moved when musicians Shawn Kirchner and Ryan Harrison performed songs from across the decades and when comedians Ted and Lee brought humor and poignant insights from scripture and well-loved Bible stories.
God's gentle, loving spirit flowed freely during the spaces in between a busy week of presentations, interest groups, crafts, tournaments, and entertainment. All could feel the energy and peace that came from the gathered community singing four-part harmony to "Move in Our Midst," "Will You Let Me Be Your Servant," and "Praise God from Whom." Equally moving was the profound silence at the close of night-time worships as five candles were carried off the darkened stage, down each aisle and out into the world.
A spirit of laughter and fun was brought by video announcements that included the character of Alexander Mack (a.k.a. "A-Mack"), who was disappointed at being passed over as the oldest attendee at NOAC*an honor that went to 98-year-old Claire Throne from Brook Park Church of the Brethren, Cleveland, Ohio. Certainly, God's spirit of service was present in the $3,000 raised for the REGNUH Fitness Walk/Run around the lake one hazy morning. A work project held during the week resulted in 565 school kits, 336 health kits, and nearly $1,700 in donations.
The miraculous truth -- that when two or more are gathered in Jesus' name, the spirit moves -- was true once again among the older adults from across the denomination who took part in the eighth National Older Adult Conference.
On Earth Peace board member works with UN subcommittee on racism.
When Doris Abdullah pondered how her involvement as a board member of On Earth Peace connects with her membership on a United Nations subcommittee working against racism, two scripture texts came to her: Revelation 22:2c, "...And the leaves of the tree (of life) are for the healing of the nations"; and James 3:18. She likes a Catholic Bible version of James 3:18, "The harvest of justice is sown in peace for those who cultivate peace."
Abdullah is a member of the UN Subcommittee for the Elimination of Racism of the International NGOs (non-governmental organizations) Committee on Human Rights. She also serves as a credentialed representative of the Church of the Brethren with the UN. The Church of the Brethren has a long-standing history as a certified NGO with one of the UN directorates, according to Stan Noffsinger, general secretary of the General Board. For many years, former General Board staff member Shantilal Bhagat served as a Church of the Brethren representative to the UN, as well.
The sub-committee, which meets once a month, has "a great commission," Abdullah said: the charge to eliminate racism, "which the UN considers a scourge on human history." As a member of the subcommittee, she also had the opportunity to attend the 59th Annual Department of Public Information/NGO Conference on "Unfinished Business: Effective Partnerships for Human Security and Sustainable Development." The Sept. 6-8 gathering featured presentations on effective partnerships to achieve the Millennium Development Goals of the UN. Abdullah's subcommittee offered a workshop titled, "Racism and Discrimination as a Cause of Poverty and Hunger."
Still awed by the level of work she has become involved in, Abdullah thought, "Pinch me!" when she was seated only five rows from UN secretary general Kofi Annan at the conference. The address Annan gave impressed her as well. "He said that we are the boots on the ground that push things forward," referring to NGOs like the Church of the Brethren and On Earth Peace, she said. For Abdullah, the work of these organizations are "like the leaves of the tree in Revelation."
Ecumenical and international perspectives come naturally to Abdullah, and are major reasons for her involvement with the UN. "I suppose God prepares you for the things you do in life, although you don't realize it," she said. Her personal journey of respect for people of other backgrounds began early, with her wedding to her Muslim husband, held at Convent Avenue Baptist Church in New York, with a Jewish friend as an attendant. In her professional career of 30 years, she was employed in the New York area by an international company based in Europe.
Then, five years ago on Sept. 11, 2001, "when those buildings came down," her world changed, she said. At about the same time she retired and had new time and energy to work on the healing of a world she characterizes as deeply flawed by the linked ills of racism and poverty.
Abdullah joined the On Earth Peace board in 2002; she joined the UN subcommittee just this April. The goals of On Earth Peace are the same as the goals of her work at the UN, "because as long as there is racism, we cannot have peace," Abdullah said. She pointed to the Church of the Brethren's recognition of racism as an enduring structural factor related to poverty, in the 2000 Annual Conference statement, "Caring for the Poor." The UN recognizes the link between racism and poverty in its Millennium Development Goals, which Annual Conference has endorsed.
Abdullah's concern for the connection between racism and poverty shows in her volunteer work at a shelter for young women. In the three years she has worked there, she said, she has seen only three white women stay at the shelter; all the others have been Hispanic and African-American. The women are there because of dysfunctional family backgrounds, dismal experiences in the school system, lack of basic education, and lack of skills, Abdullah said. Many are pregnant and homeless at age 17 or younger.
"Why does this happen to these girls?" she asked. "We expect them to make choices. But there are no choices." The women are victims of institutional racism, she said. At the UN, Abdullah heard reports of the progress of African women, aided by programs teaching life skills, agriculture, and small enterprise. In contrast, she said, "my young ladies have no skills. They are fourth-world women living in the first world."
Praising the Church of the Brethren as a peace church, Abdullah also called Brethren to recognize the long way we have to go to eliminate racism. Referring to the "Caring for the Poor" statement, she called for fulfillment, for example, of the recommendation to make anti-racism training available in the denomination and a standard part of orientation for new employees.
The church "still is overwhelmingly white in its structure," she said. Society in the US is based on white privilege, the idea that "white makes you right," and the church has picked that up, she said. The rich color present among Brethren in places such as the Northeast, Chicago area, and sister churches in Nigeria and the Dominican Republic still remains to be seen in the denomination as a whole. "Our church drifts along with a white European structure at the top."
How can the church eliminate racism? Abdullah suggested some possibilities. One is the successful model used by Nelson Mandela to address the pain of apartheid in South Africa, where he worked on reconciliation first, before he started to seek justice, she said.
A story from the life of her "favorite white European," Mother Theresa, illustrates another measure to eliminate racism from the church. When Mother Theresa went to India, she discarded the traditional habit of a nun and created a habit more suited to Indian culture, Abdullah said. "Why? Because she never assumed that white means right." When churches begin asking what people of other cultures need, and allowing them to decide that for themselves, "of course you can succeed," she said, "if you throw off the nun's habit."
Her final suggestion may be startling to some: use shame. "Start by shaming people," Abdullah said. For example, the horrific events in New Orleans during and after Hurricane Katrina, revealing the persistence of poverty and racism, are shameful, she said. "You have to address it."
For more about the work of On Earth Peace, go to www.brethren.org/oepa.
When Doris Abdullah pondered how her involvement as a board member of On Earth Peace connects with her membership on a United Nations subcommittee working against racism, two scripture texts came to her: Revelation 22:2c, "...And the leaves of the tree (of life) are for the healing of the nations"; and James 3:18. She likes a Catholic Bible version of James 3:18, "The harvest of justice is sown in peace for those who cultivate peace."
Abdullah is a member of the UN Subcommittee for the Elimination of Racism of the International NGOs (non-governmental organizations) Committee on Human Rights. She also serves as a credentialed representative of the Church of the Brethren with the UN. The Church of the Brethren has a long-standing history as a certified NGO with one of the UN directorates, according to Stan Noffsinger, general secretary of the General Board. For many years, former General Board staff member Shantilal Bhagat served as a Church of the Brethren representative to the UN, as well.
The sub-committee, which meets once a month, has "a great commission," Abdullah said: the charge to eliminate racism, "which the UN considers a scourge on human history." As a member of the subcommittee, she also had the opportunity to attend the 59th Annual Department of Public Information/NGO Conference on "Unfinished Business: Effective Partnerships for Human Security and Sustainable Development." The Sept. 6-8 gathering featured presentations on effective partnerships to achieve the Millennium Development Goals of the UN. Abdullah's subcommittee offered a workshop titled, "Racism and Discrimination as a Cause of Poverty and Hunger."
Still awed by the level of work she has become involved in, Abdullah thought, "Pinch me!" when she was seated only five rows from UN secretary general Kofi Annan at the conference. The address Annan gave impressed her as well. "He said that we are the boots on the ground that push things forward," referring to NGOs like the Church of the Brethren and On Earth Peace, she said. For Abdullah, the work of these organizations are "like the leaves of the tree in Revelation."
Ecumenical and international perspectives come naturally to Abdullah, and are major reasons for her involvement with the UN. "I suppose God prepares you for the things you do in life, although you don't realize it," she said. Her personal journey of respect for people of other backgrounds began early, with her wedding to her Muslim husband, held at Convent Avenue Baptist Church in New York, with a Jewish friend as an attendant. In her professional career of 30 years, she was employed in the New York area by an international company based in Europe.
Then, five years ago on Sept. 11, 2001, "when those buildings came down," her world changed, she said. At about the same time she retired and had new time and energy to work on the healing of a world she characterizes as deeply flawed by the linked ills of racism and poverty.
Abdullah joined the On Earth Peace board in 2002; she joined the UN subcommittee just this April. The goals of On Earth Peace are the same as the goals of her work at the UN, "because as long as there is racism, we cannot have peace," Abdullah said. She pointed to the Church of the Brethren's recognition of racism as an enduring structural factor related to poverty, in the 2000 Annual Conference statement, "Caring for the Poor." The UN recognizes the link between racism and poverty in its Millennium Development Goals, which Annual Conference has endorsed.
Abdullah's concern for the connection between racism and poverty shows in her volunteer work at a shelter for young women. In the three years she has worked there, she said, she has seen only three white women stay at the shelter; all the others have been Hispanic and African-American. The women are there because of dysfunctional family backgrounds, dismal experiences in the school system, lack of basic education, and lack of skills, Abdullah said. Many are pregnant and homeless at age 17 or younger.
"Why does this happen to these girls?" she asked. "We expect them to make choices. But there are no choices." The women are victims of institutional racism, she said. At the UN, Abdullah heard reports of the progress of African women, aided by programs teaching life skills, agriculture, and small enterprise. In contrast, she said, "my young ladies have no skills. They are fourth-world women living in the first world."
Praising the Church of the Brethren as a peace church, Abdullah also called Brethren to recognize the long way we have to go to eliminate racism. Referring to the "Caring for the Poor" statement, she called for fulfillment, for example, of the recommendation to make anti-racism training available in the denomination and a standard part of orientation for new employees.
The church "still is overwhelmingly white in its structure," she said. Society in the US is based on white privilege, the idea that "white makes you right," and the church has picked that up, she said. The rich color present among Brethren in places such as the Northeast, Chicago area, and sister churches in Nigeria and the Dominican Republic still remains to be seen in the denomination as a whole. "Our church drifts along with a white European structure at the top."
How can the church eliminate racism? Abdullah suggested some possibilities. One is the successful model used by Nelson Mandela to address the pain of apartheid in South Africa, where he worked on reconciliation first, before he started to seek justice, she said.
A story from the life of her "favorite white European," Mother Theresa, illustrates another measure to eliminate racism from the church. When Mother Theresa went to India, she discarded the traditional habit of a nun and created a habit more suited to Indian culture, Abdullah said. "Why? Because she never assumed that white means right." When churches begin asking what people of other cultures need, and allowing them to decide that for themselves, "of course you can succeed," she said, "if you throw off the nun's habit."
Her final suggestion may be startling to some: use shame. "Start by shaming people," Abdullah said. For example, the horrific events in New Orleans during and after Hurricane Katrina, revealing the persistence of poverty and racism, are shameful, she said. "You have to address it."
For more about the work of On Earth Peace, go to www.brethren.org/oepa.
Board of Brethren Colleges Abroad meets at Bethany Seminary.
The presidents of the Church of the Brethren-related colleges and Bethany Theological Seminary met in August with representatives of Brethren Colleges Abroad (BCA) at Bethany's Richmond, Ind., campus. The college and seminary presidents serve as the BCA Board of Directors.
The group included Mell Bolen, who became president of BCA on July 1, and Henry Brubaker, chief financial officer. Bolen is the former director of the Office of International Programs at Brown University. This was the first meeting of the group since she was named president.
The agenda centered on future initiatives for BCA. A new core course for all students who participate in BCA will discuss social justice in a global context and include cross-cultural theory. "It will not be simply another international relations course," said Bolen, "but will combine the best of BCA's history and core vision with educational practice and theory." Another goal is to create new education sites in the developing world, where students will experience a nuanced view of the complexity of global issues.
Bolen believes that cross-cultural experiences are increasingly important for quality higher education. "This generation lives life in a global context," she explained. Students "will not be able to effectively address the critical issues that they face, such as the environment, immigration, and ethnic identity, unless they can discuss them in an informed way. BCA is one of the best programs because of its long history, and commitment to promote international understanding and academic excellence in a coordinated and conscious way."
BCA works with more than 100 colleges and universities, but Church of the Brethren distinctions such as peace and social justice guide day-to-day operations. "These core values lend themselves to BCA's mission," said Bolen, "and provide the foundation for the faculty as they serve a broad range of students."
A third initiative under discussion is the development of short-term or intensive educational experiences. Bethany president Eugene Roop noted that this option could lead to increased involvement of Bethany students in the BCA program. "Bethany students need to engage in a cross-cultural course that features both study and direct engagement," he said. "BCA can provide many more of such contexts than Bethany could provide alone."
For more about Brethren Colleges Abroad go to www.bcanet.org. For more about the Brethren colleges and seminary go to www.brethren.org/links/relcol.htm.
The presidents of the Church of the Brethren-related colleges and Bethany Theological Seminary met in August with representatives of Brethren Colleges Abroad (BCA) at Bethany's Richmond, Ind., campus. The college and seminary presidents serve as the BCA Board of Directors.
The group included Mell Bolen, who became president of BCA on July 1, and Henry Brubaker, chief financial officer. Bolen is the former director of the Office of International Programs at Brown University. This was the first meeting of the group since she was named president.
The agenda centered on future initiatives for BCA. A new core course for all students who participate in BCA will discuss social justice in a global context and include cross-cultural theory. "It will not be simply another international relations course," said Bolen, "but will combine the best of BCA's history and core vision with educational practice and theory." Another goal is to create new education sites in the developing world, where students will experience a nuanced view of the complexity of global issues.
Bolen believes that cross-cultural experiences are increasingly important for quality higher education. "This generation lives life in a global context," she explained. Students "will not be able to effectively address the critical issues that they face, such as the environment, immigration, and ethnic identity, unless they can discuss them in an informed way. BCA is one of the best programs because of its long history, and commitment to promote international understanding and academic excellence in a coordinated and conscious way."
BCA works with more than 100 colleges and universities, but Church of the Brethren distinctions such as peace and social justice guide day-to-day operations. "These core values lend themselves to BCA's mission," said Bolen, "and provide the foundation for the faculty as they serve a broad range of students."
A third initiative under discussion is the development of short-term or intensive educational experiences. Bethany president Eugene Roop noted that this option could lead to increased involvement of Bethany students in the BCA program. "Bethany students need to engage in a cross-cultural course that features both study and direct engagement," he said. "BCA can provide many more of such contexts than Bethany could provide alone."
For more about Brethren Colleges Abroad go to www.bcanet.org. For more about the Brethren colleges and seminary go to www.brethren.org/links/relcol.htm.
Brethren Peace Fellowship holds annual retreat.
On Saturday, Aug. 26, more than 65 adults and children gathered at the Miller homestead, situated on a beautiful lake in Spring Grove, Pa., for the yearly Peace Retreat of the Brethren Peace Fellowship. The retreat was sponsored by the Mid-Atlantic District Peace and Justice Committee and the Mid-Atlantic Brethren Peace Fellowship.
As the committee met to plan the event, one of the themes that needed attention was equipping peace advocates to share their vision and concerns in the local congregation, according to a report from Mike Leiter of the Peace and Justice Committee. Cynthia Mason, former chaplain for Hood College, served as the day's facilitator and worked with the committee to plan the content. Joe and Nonie Detrick led group singing with guitar and violin. The day was anchored with worship, singing, and meditation.
"Speaking Peace with Young People" was the focus of the first session, led by Bill Galvin of the Center on Conscience and War (formerly the National Interreligious Service Board for Conscientious Objectors). Galvin provided current information about Selective Service and registration for the draft, shared tactics used by military recruiters to entice young people to join the military, and updated participants about what is happening to conscientious objectors in the military who are involved with the war in Iraq.
Mason led afternoon discussions on "Empowered by Christ: Finding Our Voice," and "Speaking Peace with Congregations." Participants broke into small groups to compare varying renditions and interpretations of the "Peaceable Kingdom," the famous artwork by Edward R. Hicks. The paintings inspired stories and conversation of how peacemaking takes place in congregations.
The gathering closed after the evening meal. Attendees dispersed to their homes in West Virginia, Virginia, Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Washington, D.C., with renewed enthusiasm and interest in furthering the gospel of Christian peacemaking. Next year the Southern Pennsylvania Brethren Peace Fellowship group will coordinate the event.
On Saturday, Aug. 26, more than 65 adults and children gathered at the Miller homestead, situated on a beautiful lake in Spring Grove, Pa., for the yearly Peace Retreat of the Brethren Peace Fellowship. The retreat was sponsored by the Mid-Atlantic District Peace and Justice Committee and the Mid-Atlantic Brethren Peace Fellowship.
As the committee met to plan the event, one of the themes that needed attention was equipping peace advocates to share their vision and concerns in the local congregation, according to a report from Mike Leiter of the Peace and Justice Committee. Cynthia Mason, former chaplain for Hood College, served as the day's facilitator and worked with the committee to plan the content. Joe and Nonie Detrick led group singing with guitar and violin. The day was anchored with worship, singing, and meditation.
"Speaking Peace with Young People" was the focus of the first session, led by Bill Galvin of the Center on Conscience and War (formerly the National Interreligious Service Board for Conscientious Objectors). Galvin provided current information about Selective Service and registration for the draft, shared tactics used by military recruiters to entice young people to join the military, and updated participants about what is happening to conscientious objectors in the military who are involved with the war in Iraq.
Mason led afternoon discussions on "Empowered by Christ: Finding Our Voice," and "Speaking Peace with Congregations." Participants broke into small groups to compare varying renditions and interpretations of the "Peaceable Kingdom," the famous artwork by Edward R. Hicks. The paintings inspired stories and conversation of how peacemaking takes place in congregations.
The gathering closed after the evening meal. Attendees dispersed to their homes in West Virginia, Virginia, Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Washington, D.C., with renewed enthusiasm and interest in furthering the gospel of Christian peacemaking. Next year the Southern Pennsylvania Brethren Peace Fellowship group will coordinate the event.
Brethren bits: Personnel, Annual Conference, and much more.
- Cyndi Fecher started Sept. 22 as Gather 'Round project assistant, in a three-quarter-time position located in Elgin, Ill. "Gather 'Round: Hearing and Sharing God's Good News" is the new Sunday school curriculum published jointly by Brethren Press and Mennonite Publishing Network. Fecher worked for the last year as a paralegal for Visser and Associates, PLLC, a law firm in Grand Rapids, Mich., and interned with Brethren Press in the summer of 2003.
- Terry Riley has accepted the position of office coordinator for the Service Ministries program of the Church of the Brethren General Board, located at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md. Riley had been employed as a finance representative at Kelly and Associates Insurance Group. Riley began in the fulltime position on Sept. 14.
- Hannah Kliewer, a Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS) worker from Powell, Wyo., has joined the BVS office in Elgin, Ill., as assistant to the orientation director.
- The Annual Conference Office will have an open house on Sunday, Oct. 29, from 2-4 p.m., at their new location in New Windsor, Md. All are invited to see the new office, talk to the staff, and have some refreshments. Conference executive director Lerry Fogle and Conference assistant Dana Weaver will host the event. The office is located on the lower level of the Blue Ridge Building, 500 Main Street, New Windsor, Md., 21776-0720. Further information or directions can be obtained by calling 800-688-5186.
- Annual Conference moderator Belita D. Mitchell has written to Church of the Brethren congregations expressing "deep appreciation to the delegates and other persons in attendance at the 220th Recorded Annual Conference, held July 2-5," and highlighting the offerings amounting to $47,440 as "a wonderful expression of support for the value of Annual Conference to the life and work of our denomination." The letter called on congregations to send delegates to the 2007 Annual Conference in Cleveland, Ohio, on July 30-July 4, and to encourage other members to attend as well. The letter is being sent to congregations in the monthly "Source" packet.
- Church of the Brethren representatives are traveling to Sudan during the last week of September and early October to renew connections with the New Sudan Council of Churches and other organizations. The group will engage in reflection about possibilities for the Church of the Brethren mission in Sudan. The Brethren representatives are Merv Keeney, executive director of the General Board's Global Mission Partnerships; Bradley Bohrer, who began Sept. 11 as director of the Sudan mission initiative; and former Brethren mission worker Louise Rieman. "This new effort is requiring shaping new systems and models, a process that we want to do in conversation with long-time Sudan church partners," said Bohrer in an announcement of the trip on the initiative's web page. The conversations will be critical to define next steps for the Sudan mission, he added. After the group's return, staff anticipate announcing first openings for mission workers, with the hope of having new staff at work in Sudan by the end of the first quarter of 2007. By the end of the second quarter of 2007, the Sudan initiative may have identified the region in which work will be centered, the announcement said. "Part of the timing of placement will depend on how quickly we can raise support" for mission workers, Bohrer said. "We will be soliciting churches to 'adopt' part or all of the support for these families through a new program, asking for not only financial support, but also prayer support or even relational support. . . . Raise the Sudan initiative in your churches as a prayer concern and celebration," he requested. For resources about the Sudan mission contact Janis Pyle, coordinator for mission connections, at 800-323-8039 ext. 227 or jpyle_gb@brethren.org.
- The Association of Brethren Caregivers has rescheduled next year's Caring Ministries Assembly. The assembly is now planned for Sept. 6-8, 2007, at Lititz (Pa.) Church of the Brethren, on the theme, "Being Family: Reality and Renewal."
- Registrations are being accepted for Bethany Theological Seminary's six-week workshop, "Introduction to On-Line Teaching." The workshop, to be held completely online Oct. 23 to Dec. 8, will equip participants with the awareness and skills needed to successfully facilitate online learning as a course instructor. For more information, see www.bts.earlham.edu/~enten/IntroOnlineTeaching.htm or contact Enten Eller, Bethany Theological Seminary's director of Distributed Education, via e-mail at Enten@BethanySeminary.edu, or by phone at 765-983-1831 (800-287-8822 x1831).
- Lutheran World Relief has announced a change to its Material Resources Program that will affect the work of the Service Ministries program of the Church of the Brethren General Board. For more than 60 years, Lutheran World Relief has shared handmade quilts, kits, soap, and clothing with people in need around the world. As of Dec. 31, the program will no longer collect clothing of any kind for distribution. All other projects*including the collection of quilts, kits, and soap*will continue. The Service Ministries program at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md., first began packing and shipping for Lutheran World Relief in 1951 and will continue processing and shipping quilts, soap, school kits, health kits, baby kits, sewing kits, and cotton prewashed fabric in three- to four-yard pieces. Service Ministries staff will work closely with Lutheran World Relief as the clothing portion of the program is phased out.
- The Church of the Brethren's Intercultural Study Committee has launched a Spanish version of its web log, "COB Intercultural en Espanol." Spanish-speaking sisters and brothers can learn more about the current work of the committee and contribute to the topic's discussion by visiting http://cobintercultural.blogspot.com. A new, short survey has been posted on the English and Spanish web logs. The English version is available at http://interculturalcob.blogspot.com.
- El Comité de Estudio Intercultural de la Iglesia de los Hermanos anuncia el lanzamiento de la versión de su web log en espa?ol, titulada "COB Intercultural en Espanol." Hermanas y hermanos hispanoparlantes pueden aprender más sobre el trabajo actual del comité y contribuir a la discusión de este tema al visitar http://cobintercultural.blogspot.com. Una nueva encuesta corta se a?adió a los dos web logs. La versión en inglés se encuentra en http://interculturalcob.blogspot.com.
- A Disaster Child Care (DCC) Level I Training Workshop is scheduled at La Verne (Calif.) Church of the Brethren Nov. 18-19. Download a brochure and registration form from www.disasterchildcare.org, or call the DCC office at 800-451-4407 ext. 5 to request copies. DCC volunteers who received their original training more than 10 years ago are also encouraged to participate in a Level 1 workshop to brush up on their skills. "Having experienced childcare volunteers in the workshop enhances the experience for new people," said DCC coordinator Helen Stonesifer. DCC volunteers may attend for a reduced fee of $25, as members of the volunteer network. For further information or to reserve a place in the training, contact on-site coordinator Kathy Benson at 909-593-4868 or 814-467-7381, or contact the DCC office at 800-451-4407 ext. 5 or e-mail hstonesifer_gb@brethren.org.
- New Vision Church of the Brethren, a new church development project in Virlina District, has closed. Twenty-eight people from the community and district gathered on Sunday, Sept. 17, for a final worship service of the congregation in Calabash, N.C. The effort began with worship services on April 14, 2002, and was formerly located in nearby Sunset Beach. The Coastal Carolina Steering Committee, which is responsible for Church of the Brethren mission work in the eastern Carolinas, will meet soon to review other opportunities in the area east of I-95 between Wilmington, N.C., and Surfside Beach, S.C., according to the district newsletter.
- Camp Bethel near Fincastle, Va., is hosting the national conference of the Church of the Brethren's Outdoor Ministries Association (OMA) on Nov. 17-19. The conference will likely draw about 50 people, according to the camp newsletter. The theme is, "Fill Their Cups: Fostering Leadership." The conference is "for everyone," the announcement said, including church leaders, educators, youth and children's ministry leaders, camp staff, camp boards, Outdoor Ministries Committees or district commissions, and members and leaders from all denominations. More information is available at www.campbethelvirginia.org/OMA.htm.
- Midland Christian Academy, a school related to Midland (Va.) Church of the Brethren, is being recognized by the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society for raising the most funds for "Pennies for Patients" out of participating schools in Virginia, according to the "Fauquier Times-Democrat" newspaper. A recognition ceremony took place Sept. 20 at the church.
- Lewiston (Maine) Church of the Brethren celebrated 25 years on Aug. 26-27. The congregation was begun 25 years ago by six families from Pennsylvania, who moved to Maine to be part of the new church plant, according to the "Sun-Journal" newspaper.
- Oct. 7 is Camp Bethel's Heritage Day celebration, a fundraiser for the ministries of the camp. Breakfast begins at 7:30 a.m. followed by booths and displays opening at 9 a.m. The day features hot foods, baked goods, barbecue, crafts, quilts, wreaths, activities, candies, fresh vegetables, baskets, ornaments, soups, woodcraft, open-kettle apple butter, flowers, pies, tie-dye t-shirts, holiday decorations, Camp Bethel clothing and hats, and much more. Troutville Church of the Brethren's praise band, "Joyful Noiz," will perform. Go to www.campbethelvirginia.org/hday.htm.
- On Oct. 13, McPherson (Kan.) College will honor three graduates as recipients of the Young Alumni Award for 2006. Honorees include Roy Winter, Vic Ullom, and Dennis Kingery. The awards will be presented during Honors Convocation at 1:30 p.m. in Brown Auditorium. Winter graduated from McPherson in 1986 with a degree in psychology, and now serves as executive director of the Brethren Service Center and Emergency Response for the Church of the Brethren General Board. Ullom received his bachelor's degree from McPherson in 1990, followed by a master's degree in '93 from the University of Kansas and a second master's degree in International Studies and a law degree from the University of Denver; since 2002 he has worked for the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. Kingery graduated from McPherson in 1996 with a degree in accounting and business finance; since 2004 he has directed the Church of the Brethren Credit Union for Brethren Benefit Trust.
- On Sept. 30, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., CrossRoads Valley Brethren-Mennonite Heritage Center in Harrisonburg, Va., is sponsoring its annual Harvest Day. Activities include music, storytelling, horse-drawn carriage rides, painting pumpkins and gourds, making and tossing darts made from corn cobs, grinding corn and feeding it to chickens, petting barnyard babies, boiling molasses from sorghum cane syrup, pressing cider from apples, sawing logs with a crosscut saw, thread being spun from flax and wool, bed covers being quilted and woven, and nails and clothes hooks crafted by blacksmiths. Homemade food and drink will be available. Entrance fee is $8 per car. For more go to www.vbmhc.org.
- Bridgewater (Va.) Church of the Brethren will host a presentation by John Ruth*historian, storyteller, writer, and filmmaker from Pennsylvania*on the "Migration of Mennonites and Brethren from Pennsylvania to Virginia" on Oct. 15, at 7:30 p.m. The public is invited. Donations will support CrossRoads Valley Brethren-Mennonite Heritage Center.
- "NeXt Generation Stewardship," the 2006 Leadership Seminar sponsored by the Ecumenical Stewardship Center, will be held Nov. 27-30 in Saint Petersburg Beach, Fla. The Church of the Brethren is a member of the center. Speakers include Brian McLaren, author of "The Church on the Other Side: Doing Ministry in the Postmodern Matrix"; Diana Butler Bass, author of the upcoming book, "Christianity for the Rest of Us: How the Neighborhood Church Is Transforming the Faith"; and Christian musician Ken Medema, who will serve as worship leader. Early bird registration is $375, due by Oct. 4. First-time attendee and group rates offer further discounts. Registration does not include hotel costs. For more information and to register go to www.stewardshipresources.org.
- National Council of Churches (NCC) general secretary Robert Edgar has written a new book titled "Middle Church," about "reclaiming the moral values of the faithful majority from the religious right." The book was published by Simon and Schuster on Sept. 5. In a release from the NCC, a review said the book challenges people of "middle America" to speak up about their faith. As the media seeks out the most extreme religious spokespersons, many of them on the far political right, the views of ordinary people of faith are often drowned out, Edgar writes. Along with biblical reflection, the book is also part biography. Read more at www.middlechurch.net.
- The "season" for CROP walks is beginning, according to Church World Service (CWS). The humanitarian agency has announced the start of its 2006 season of community fundraising events that bring together people of all faiths in an effort to combat hunger. In 2005, more than 2,000 communities across the country*including many Church of the Brethren congregations*participated in 1,708 CROP walks. Over the past 20 years, CROP walkers have raised more than $270 million to fight hunger. Twenty-five percent of the money stays in the local communities to help stock food pantries for emergency assistance to local families; the balance helps CWS efforts to eradicate hunger and poverty around the world. Information about local CROP Hunger Walks is at www.churchworldservice.org/CROP or call 888-CWS-CROP.
- The School of the Americas (SOA) Watch has announced that this year's witness will be held Nov. 17-19 in Columbus, Ga., at the gates of Fort Benning. On Earth Peace is inviting Brethren to take part. Visit www.soaw.org for more information. The witness is focused on closing the school that has trained military personnel from other countries, many of whom have been connected with human rights abuses in Latin America.
Robert Johansen will speak at Bethany's Huston Lectures.
Bethany Theological Seminary's Huston Peace Lecture Series will take place Oct. 19-20. Robert Johansen, senior fellow and professor of political science at the University of Notre Dame, will be the guest lecturer.
On Thursday at 7 p.m., Johansen will speak on "The Politics of Love, War, and Peace: Understanding Moral Responsibility." The title of the Friday lecture, at 11:20 a.m., is "The Promise of the Rule of Law in Global Society: Accepting International Moral Responsibility."
Both lectures are free and open to the public and will take place at Bethany's Nicarry Chapel in Richmond, Ind. A reception will follow the Thursday evening lecture.
Johansen has been a senior fellow at the Joan B. Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies at the University of Notre Dame since 1986, and is the founding editor-in-chief of "World Policy Journal." He specializes in issues of international ethics and global governance, the United Nations and the maintenance of peace and security, and peace and world order studies. He is conducting research on enhancing UN peacekeeping and enforcement through an institutional grant from the US Institute of Peace, and on the role of nongovernmental organizations in promoting compliance with international humanitarian law and establishment of a permanent International Criminal Court under a grant from the Aspen Institute.
The Huston Peace Lectures are sponsored by the Ora I. Huston Memorial Peace Lectureship Endowment, established to engage the seminary community with current issues relating to peace and justice. The endowment honors Ora I. Huston, for many years the Church of the Brethren peace counselor. For more about the seminary go to www.bethanyseminary.edu.
Bethany Theological Seminary's Huston Peace Lecture Series will take place Oct. 19-20. Robert Johansen, senior fellow and professor of political science at the University of Notre Dame, will be the guest lecturer.
On Thursday at 7 p.m., Johansen will speak on "The Politics of Love, War, and Peace: Understanding Moral Responsibility." The title of the Friday lecture, at 11:20 a.m., is "The Promise of the Rule of Law in Global Society: Accepting International Moral Responsibility."
Both lectures are free and open to the public and will take place at Bethany's Nicarry Chapel in Richmond, Ind. A reception will follow the Thursday evening lecture.
Johansen has been a senior fellow at the Joan B. Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies at the University of Notre Dame since 1986, and is the founding editor-in-chief of "World Policy Journal." He specializes in issues of international ethics and global governance, the United Nations and the maintenance of peace and security, and peace and world order studies. He is conducting research on enhancing UN peacekeeping and enforcement through an institutional grant from the US Institute of Peace, and on the role of nongovernmental organizations in promoting compliance with international humanitarian law and establishment of a permanent International Criminal Court under a grant from the Aspen Institute.
The Huston Peace Lectures are sponsored by the Ora I. Huston Memorial Peace Lectureship Endowment, established to engage the seminary community with current issues relating to peace and justice. The endowment honors Ora I. Huston, for many years the Church of the Brethren peace counselor. For more about the seminary go to www.bethanyseminary.edu.
Credits
Newsline is produced by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of news services for the Church of the Brethren General Board. Contact the editor at cobnews@brethren.org or 800-323-8039 ext. 260. Walt Wiltschek (guest editor), Bradley Bohrer, J. Allen Brubaker, Mary Dulabaum, Janice England, Karin Krog, Mike Leiter, Marcia Shetler, Anna M. Speicher, Helen Stonesifer, and Loretta Wolf contributed to this report.
Newsline is produced by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of news services for the Church of the Brethren General Board. Contact the editor at cobnews@brethren.org or 800-323-8039 ext. 260. Walt Wiltschek (guest editor), Bradley Bohrer, J. Allen Brubaker, Mary Dulabaum, Janice England, Karin Krog, Mike Leiter, Marcia Shetler, Anna M. Speicher, Helen Stonesifer, and Loretta Wolf contributed to this report.
Wednesday, September 13, 2006
NEWS
- Council reviews 2006 Annual Conference, elects Beachley as chair.
- Disaster staff reflect on Hurricane Katrina, one year later.
- Brethren Volunteer Service unit begins service.
- Michigan District Conference focuses on new mission opportunities.
- Brethren bits: Personnel, jobs, Caring Ministries Assembly, and more.
- Del Keeney resigns from General Board's Congregational Life Ministries.
- Jay Wittmeyer to join Brethren Benefit Trust as publications manager.
- World Mission Offering invites, 'Come walk with us.'
- Registration begins for 2007 Cross Cultural Consultation.
Council reviews 2006 Annual Conference, elects Beachley as chair.
The Annual Conference Council elected Ron Beachley, immediate past moderator of Annual Conference, to chair the council for the 2006-07 year. Beachley presided over the council's meeting Aug. 16-17 at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill., according to a report from Conference secretary Fred Swartz.
A major portion of meeting time was spent reviewing business actions of the 2006 Annual Conference held in Des Moines, Iowa, in July, and identifying agencies or people for follow up of decisions. The council also heard a report from the Conference secretary on a communication requesting the five Annual Conference agencies to name representatives to the Program Feasibility Study Committee--the group that will study the "Doing Church Business" recommendations to the 2006 Conference.
In other business, the council studied a report from the Annual Conference marketing ministry team advising the group to look at systemic issues that affect Conference attendance including diminishing and aging membership; increase in bi-vocational congregational leadership; growing numbers of pastors with little interest in keeping congregations connected with the denomination; and threatening divisions in the denomination.
In a related matter, the council addressed its Conference-assigned responsibility to collaborate in envisioning for the denomination with the Standing Committee of district delegates. Council members identified several "broad strokes of vision" for the church including developing missions and mission leaders, including overseas mission, congregational renewal, and new church development; calling vital and loyal Brethren leadership; calling and growing disciples; and nurturing vital worship. These ideas have been conveyed to the envisioning subcommittee of Standing Committee, with the intention that both the subcommittee and the council will work at developing strategies, Swartz reported.
The council expressed appreciation to executive director Lerry Fogle and the Annual Conference Office assistants for the achievement of many goals in the Conference's strategic plan. The group reviewed the mission, vision, and core values of the Conference and reaffirmed their validity.
Funding streams for Annual Conference demanded considerable discussion time for the council, as registrations for the 2006 Conference fell considerably below the projected mark, Swartz said. There were more than 100 fewer delegates in 2006 than were hoped for, he said. One of the principal means of support for Annual Conference comes from delegate registration fees. Appreciation was expressed for Conference offerings that amounted to $47,440 this year.
The council received a report on the move of the Annual Conference Office to the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md., which was completed on schedule Aug. 28.
The council will meet next on Nov. 28-29 at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md.
Source: 9/13/2006 Newsline
The Annual Conference Council elected Ron Beachley, immediate past moderator of Annual Conference, to chair the council for the 2006-07 year. Beachley presided over the council's meeting Aug. 16-17 at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill., according to a report from Conference secretary Fred Swartz.
A major portion of meeting time was spent reviewing business actions of the 2006 Annual Conference held in Des Moines, Iowa, in July, and identifying agencies or people for follow up of decisions. The council also heard a report from the Conference secretary on a communication requesting the five Annual Conference agencies to name representatives to the Program Feasibility Study Committee--the group that will study the "Doing Church Business" recommendations to the 2006 Conference.
In other business, the council studied a report from the Annual Conference marketing ministry team advising the group to look at systemic issues that affect Conference attendance including diminishing and aging membership; increase in bi-vocational congregational leadership; growing numbers of pastors with little interest in keeping congregations connected with the denomination; and threatening divisions in the denomination.
In a related matter, the council addressed its Conference-assigned responsibility to collaborate in envisioning for the denomination with the Standing Committee of district delegates. Council members identified several "broad strokes of vision" for the church including developing missions and mission leaders, including overseas mission, congregational renewal, and new church development; calling vital and loyal Brethren leadership; calling and growing disciples; and nurturing vital worship. These ideas have been conveyed to the envisioning subcommittee of Standing Committee, with the intention that both the subcommittee and the council will work at developing strategies, Swartz reported.
The council expressed appreciation to executive director Lerry Fogle and the Annual Conference Office assistants for the achievement of many goals in the Conference's strategic plan. The group reviewed the mission, vision, and core values of the Conference and reaffirmed their validity.
Funding streams for Annual Conference demanded considerable discussion time for the council, as registrations for the 2006 Conference fell considerably below the projected mark, Swartz said. There were more than 100 fewer delegates in 2006 than were hoped for, he said. One of the principal means of support for Annual Conference comes from delegate registration fees. Appreciation was expressed for Conference offerings that amounted to $47,440 this year.
The council received a report on the move of the Annual Conference Office to the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md., which was completed on schedule Aug. 28.
The council will meet next on Nov. 28-29 at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md.
Source: 9/13/2006 Newsline
Disaster staff reflect on Hurricane Katrina, one year later.
Church of the Brethren Disaster Response continues to rebuild and repair homes on the Gulf coast following the destruction caused by Hurricane Katrina a year ago. Aug. 29 marked the first anniversary of Katrina's heartrending devastation.
Although the storm made landfall in southeastern Louisiana, heavy damage can be found within a 100-mile radius of the storm's center in Mississippi and Alabama, as well as in Louisiana, reports Brethren Disaster Response, a program of the Church of the Brethren General Board. "The official death toll attributed to Katrina has climbed to 1,836, making Katrina the deadliest hurricane since 1928," said Jane Yount, Brethren Disaster Response coordinator, in a Sept. 1 update. "Katrina is also by far the costliest hurricane in US history, with $75 billion in damages. An estimated 350,000 homes were destroyed and many thousands more damaged."
"With the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina behind us, we are thankful for all the volunteers who have followed Jesus' call to be His hands and His feet," said Zach Wolgemuth, associate director of Emergency Response. "As we head into the second year since one of our nation's worst natural disasters, communities and longterm recovery organizations are organizing and beginning the process of rebuilding. The demand for the services provided by Church of the Brethren Disaster Response is great," he added.
Brethren Disaster Response is in the process of opening a new project site in Louisiana, and likely will open another site on the Gulf coast this winter, staff report. This is in addition to the current project site in Mississippi and one in Pensacola, Fla., following Hurricane Ivan in 2004 and Hurricane Dennis in 2005.
The new site in St. Tammany Parish, La., is scheduled to open Oct. 15. St. Tammany Parish is northeast of New Orleans on the shore of Lake Pontchartrain. "As a result of the rainfall and storm surge, the level of Lake Pontchartrain rose and caused significant flooding along its northeastern shore, affecting the town of Slidell and surrounding communities," Yount reported. Brethren Disaster Response has been in conversation with the longterm recovery committee in St. Tammany Parish--Northshore Recovery, Inc.--and the group is eager for assistance, Yount said. Work will include all types of major repairs to homes that have incurred flood and wind damage, along with some debris clean up and demolition.
Preparations are underway for two Brethren Disaster Response trainings for volunteer leadership this fall. Twenty-five people have responded to the invitation to attend hands-on, two-week trainings at Pensacola on Oct. 1-14 and at Lucedale on Oct. 22-Nov. 4. Participants will learn all aspects of managing a disaster response project including construction, safety, volunteer management, hospitality, and cooking; trainees will be prepared to take the roles of disaster project director, disaster project assistant, or household manager. For more information go to www.brethren.org/genbd/ersm.
Source: 9/13/2006 Newsline
Church of the Brethren Disaster Response continues to rebuild and repair homes on the Gulf coast following the destruction caused by Hurricane Katrina a year ago. Aug. 29 marked the first anniversary of Katrina's heartrending devastation.
Although the storm made landfall in southeastern Louisiana, heavy damage can be found within a 100-mile radius of the storm's center in Mississippi and Alabama, as well as in Louisiana, reports Brethren Disaster Response, a program of the Church of the Brethren General Board. "The official death toll attributed to Katrina has climbed to 1,836, making Katrina the deadliest hurricane since 1928," said Jane Yount, Brethren Disaster Response coordinator, in a Sept. 1 update. "Katrina is also by far the costliest hurricane in US history, with $75 billion in damages. An estimated 350,000 homes were destroyed and many thousands more damaged."
"With the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina behind us, we are thankful for all the volunteers who have followed Jesus' call to be His hands and His feet," said Zach Wolgemuth, associate director of Emergency Response. "As we head into the second year since one of our nation's worst natural disasters, communities and longterm recovery organizations are organizing and beginning the process of rebuilding. The demand for the services provided by Church of the Brethren Disaster Response is great," he added.
Brethren Disaster Response is in the process of opening a new project site in Louisiana, and likely will open another site on the Gulf coast this winter, staff report. This is in addition to the current project site in Mississippi and one in Pensacola, Fla., following Hurricane Ivan in 2004 and Hurricane Dennis in 2005.
The new site in St. Tammany Parish, La., is scheduled to open Oct. 15. St. Tammany Parish is northeast of New Orleans on the shore of Lake Pontchartrain. "As a result of the rainfall and storm surge, the level of Lake Pontchartrain rose and caused significant flooding along its northeastern shore, affecting the town of Slidell and surrounding communities," Yount reported. Brethren Disaster Response has been in conversation with the longterm recovery committee in St. Tammany Parish--Northshore Recovery, Inc.--and the group is eager for assistance, Yount said. Work will include all types of major repairs to homes that have incurred flood and wind damage, along with some debris clean up and demolition.
Preparations are underway for two Brethren Disaster Response trainings for volunteer leadership this fall. Twenty-five people have responded to the invitation to attend hands-on, two-week trainings at Pensacola on Oct. 1-14 and at Lucedale on Oct. 22-Nov. 4. Participants will learn all aspects of managing a disaster response project including construction, safety, volunteer management, hospitality, and cooking; trainees will be prepared to take the roles of disaster project director, disaster project assistant, or household manager. For more information go to www.brethren.org/genbd/ersm.
Source: 9/13/2006 Newsline
Brethren Volunteer Service unit begins service.
The 21 members of Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS) Unit 270 have begun their terms of service. The Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md., hosted the orientation unit from July 30-Aug. 18. The volunteers, home congregations or hometowns, and placements follow:
Phil Bohannon of Lampeter (Pa.) Church of the Brethren to Camp Alexander Mack in Milford, Ind. Nathan Fishman of New Brunswick, N.J., to Jubilee USA Network in Washington, D.C. Reike Flesch of Recklinghause, Germany, to Step 2 in Reno, Nev. Paula Hoffert of Lewiston (Minn.) Church of the Brethren to Boys Hope Girls Hope in Lenexa, Kan. Hanae Ikehata of Alzey, Germany, to Su Casa Catholic Worker House in Chicago, Ill. Anand Lehmann of Eppelheim, Germany, to Tri-City Homeless Coalition in Fremont, Calif. Lawreen McBride of Washington, D.C., not currently taking an assignment. Meredith Morckel of Springfield Church of the Brethren in Akron, Ohio, to Tri-City Homeless Coalition. Stan Morris of Sacramento, Calif., to AHEAD Energy Project in Rochester, N.Y. Will Morris of Charlottesville (Va.) Church of the Brethren to the Brethren Nutrition Program in Washington, D.C. Trevor Myers of Oakland Church of the Brethren in Bradford, Ohio, to Emergency Response/Service Ministries of the Church of the Brethren General Board. Emily O'Donnell of Green Tree Church of the Brethren in Oaks, Pa., to the Brethren Witness/Washington Office in Washington, D.C. Katie O'Donnell, also of Green Tree, to the Church of the Brethren in Brazil. Joe Parkinson of Collinsville, Ill., to San Antonio (Texas) Catholic Worker House. Benedikt Reinke of Ahnatal, Germany, to Lancaster (Pa.) Area Habitat for Humanity. Britta Schwab of Faith Community of the Brethren Home Church of the Brethren in New Oxford, Pa., to Gould Farm in Monterey, Mass. Tim Stauffer of Polo (Ill.) Church of the Brethren to Information Services of the General Board in Elgin, Ill. Barbara Tello of Minneapolis, Minn., to Chiapas Peace House in Chiapas, Mexico. Amy Waldron of Bloomington, Ind., exploring an assignment in Nigeria with Global Mission Partnerships of the Church of the Brethren General Board, to an interim assignment at Camp Courageous in Monticello, Iowa. Rachael Weber of Mountain View Church of the Brethren in McGaheysville, Va., to the World Student Christian Federation in Budapest, Hungary. Leah Yingling of Clover Creek Church of the Brethren in Fredericksburg, Pa., to Emanuel Children's Home in San Pedro Sula, Honduras.
For more information about BVS call the office at 800-323-8039, or visit www.brethrenvolunteerservice.org.
Source: 9/13/2006 Newsline
The 21 members of Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS) Unit 270 have begun their terms of service. The Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md., hosted the orientation unit from July 30-Aug. 18. The volunteers, home congregations or hometowns, and placements follow:
Phil Bohannon of Lampeter (Pa.) Church of the Brethren to Camp Alexander Mack in Milford, Ind. Nathan Fishman of New Brunswick, N.J., to Jubilee USA Network in Washington, D.C. Reike Flesch of Recklinghause, Germany, to Step 2 in Reno, Nev. Paula Hoffert of Lewiston (Minn.) Church of the Brethren to Boys Hope Girls Hope in Lenexa, Kan. Hanae Ikehata of Alzey, Germany, to Su Casa Catholic Worker House in Chicago, Ill. Anand Lehmann of Eppelheim, Germany, to Tri-City Homeless Coalition in Fremont, Calif. Lawreen McBride of Washington, D.C., not currently taking an assignment. Meredith Morckel of Springfield Church of the Brethren in Akron, Ohio, to Tri-City Homeless Coalition. Stan Morris of Sacramento, Calif., to AHEAD Energy Project in Rochester, N.Y. Will Morris of Charlottesville (Va.) Church of the Brethren to the Brethren Nutrition Program in Washington, D.C. Trevor Myers of Oakland Church of the Brethren in Bradford, Ohio, to Emergency Response/Service Ministries of the Church of the Brethren General Board. Emily O'Donnell of Green Tree Church of the Brethren in Oaks, Pa., to the Brethren Witness/Washington Office in Washington, D.C. Katie O'Donnell, also of Green Tree, to the Church of the Brethren in Brazil. Joe Parkinson of Collinsville, Ill., to San Antonio (Texas) Catholic Worker House. Benedikt Reinke of Ahnatal, Germany, to Lancaster (Pa.) Area Habitat for Humanity. Britta Schwab of Faith Community of the Brethren Home Church of the Brethren in New Oxford, Pa., to Gould Farm in Monterey, Mass. Tim Stauffer of Polo (Ill.) Church of the Brethren to Information Services of the General Board in Elgin, Ill. Barbara Tello of Minneapolis, Minn., to Chiapas Peace House in Chiapas, Mexico. Amy Waldron of Bloomington, Ind., exploring an assignment in Nigeria with Global Mission Partnerships of the Church of the Brethren General Board, to an interim assignment at Camp Courageous in Monticello, Iowa. Rachael Weber of Mountain View Church of the Brethren in McGaheysville, Va., to the World Student Christian Federation in Budapest, Hungary. Leah Yingling of Clover Creek Church of the Brethren in Fredericksburg, Pa., to Emanuel Children's Home in San Pedro Sula, Honduras.
For more information about BVS call the office at 800-323-8039, or visit www.brethrenvolunteerservice.org.
Source: 9/13/2006 Newsline
Michigan District Conference focuses on new mission opportunities.
Michigan District Conference on Aug. 10-13 was led by moderator Mary Gault on the theme, "Where There Is Love" (Romans 13:8-10). About 220 people registered for all or part of the conference in Hastings, Mich., reported district executive minister Marie Willoughby. In business sessions, some 70 delegates attended representing all 20 congregations in the district.
The conference opened with love feast, and Stephen Breck Reid, academic dean of Bethany Theological Seminary, was the speaker for worship throughout the rest of the weekend. The youth used the experience of National Youth Conference to lead an evening worship. The conference also included a concert by "Middletree," a group from New Life Christian Fellowship Church of the Brethren in Mount Pleasant, Mich.
Excitement centered on two new mission opportunities, Willoughby reported. "In January 2007 the New Life Christian Fellowship is opening a new church plant in the Saginaw Valley area, and invited everyone to become prayer partners in this vision and venture," she said. The district board gave New Life permission to contact district congregations for further support.
In a second venture at the urging of the Commission of Stewards, "a plan is beginning to see how the district can arrange for the New Harvest Christian Center, a Church of God in Christ, to more reasonably purchase the former Battle Creek building in which they are currently worshiping," Willoughby said. New Harvest pastor Ivan Lee made a personal visit to the conference, which discussed considering it a "mission" to find ways to assist the young congregation. No action was taken on the matter by the conference. New Harvest Christian Center has an average attendance of over 100, growing from just a handful a few months ago; 60 percent of attendees are children.
Delegates also approved a 2007 district budget of $89,750 and a camp budget of $71,650. A query on "Preventing Child Abuse and Neglect" was approved and will be passed on to Standing Committee, a committee of district delegates to the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference.
Insight sessions included one concerning the query, one led by the district's Multicultural Task Force, and an experience of the denominational study process "Together: Conversations on Being the Church."
Debbie Eisenbise, pastor at Skyridge Church of the Brethren in Kalamazoo, Mich., was chosen as moderator-elect. Lee Hannahs of Beaverton, Mich., was installed as moderator for 2007. Five new members were elected to the District Board including Mary Gault as chair. Frances Townsend, pastor of Onekama (Mich.) Church of the Brethren, was chosen as district representative to the General Board for 2007-2012.
Guests included Annual Conference moderator Belita Mitchell and her husband, Don Mitchell, who directed an impromptu choir during the Saturday evening Hymn Sing.
Source: 9/13/2006 Newsline
Michigan District Conference on Aug. 10-13 was led by moderator Mary Gault on the theme, "Where There Is Love" (Romans 13:8-10). About 220 people registered for all or part of the conference in Hastings, Mich., reported district executive minister Marie Willoughby. In business sessions, some 70 delegates attended representing all 20 congregations in the district.
The conference opened with love feast, and Stephen Breck Reid, academic dean of Bethany Theological Seminary, was the speaker for worship throughout the rest of the weekend. The youth used the experience of National Youth Conference to lead an evening worship. The conference also included a concert by "Middletree," a group from New Life Christian Fellowship Church of the Brethren in Mount Pleasant, Mich.
Excitement centered on two new mission opportunities, Willoughby reported. "In January 2007 the New Life Christian Fellowship is opening a new church plant in the Saginaw Valley area, and invited everyone to become prayer partners in this vision and venture," she said. The district board gave New Life permission to contact district congregations for further support.
In a second venture at the urging of the Commission of Stewards, "a plan is beginning to see how the district can arrange for the New Harvest Christian Center, a Church of God in Christ, to more reasonably purchase the former Battle Creek building in which they are currently worshiping," Willoughby said. New Harvest pastor Ivan Lee made a personal visit to the conference, which discussed considering it a "mission" to find ways to assist the young congregation. No action was taken on the matter by the conference. New Harvest Christian Center has an average attendance of over 100, growing from just a handful a few months ago; 60 percent of attendees are children.
Delegates also approved a 2007 district budget of $89,750 and a camp budget of $71,650. A query on "Preventing Child Abuse and Neglect" was approved and will be passed on to Standing Committee, a committee of district delegates to the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference.
Insight sessions included one concerning the query, one led by the district's Multicultural Task Force, and an experience of the denominational study process "Together: Conversations on Being the Church."
Debbie Eisenbise, pastor at Skyridge Church of the Brethren in Kalamazoo, Mich., was chosen as moderator-elect. Lee Hannahs of Beaverton, Mich., was installed as moderator for 2007. Five new members were elected to the District Board including Mary Gault as chair. Frances Townsend, pastor of Onekama (Mich.) Church of the Brethren, was chosen as district representative to the General Board for 2007-2012.
Guests included Annual Conference moderator Belita Mitchell and her husband, Don Mitchell, who directed an impromptu choir during the Saturday evening Hymn Sing.
Source: 9/13/2006 Newsline
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