- Lee Eshleman, a member of the Mennonite comedy duo Ted & Lee, took his own life on May 17, after succumbing to a long battle with depression. Eshleman will be remembered for his comedic and insightful performances with Ted Swartz, as they acted out biblical stories for the current day. Ted & Lee were major presenters at the Church of the Brethren’s last three National Youth Conferences, in 1998, 2002, and 2006. They also performed at two National Older Adult Conferences, and were booked to lead worship at the denomination’s first National Junior High Conference next month. "At the 2006 National Youth Conference, Ted & Lee closed a worship service with feetwashing, in the most powerful interpretation of what Jesus did for his disciples that I have seen. I remember thinking at the time, they have made sense of the feetwashing service for a whole new generation of Brethren," said Chris Douglas, director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries for the Church of the Brethren General Board. "We join with Lee’s family and loved ones, and with Ted and the Mennonite community, in grieving his death." Eshleman was an active member of Community Mennonite Church in Harrisonburg, Va. He leaves behind his wife, Reagan, and their three children. A memorial service was held May 21 at Eastern Mennonite University in Harrisonburg. Memorial contributions are made to Our Community Place, a Harrisonburg community center. An online page of condolence and remembrance is offered by Eastern Mennonite University, where Lee Eshleman was an alumni. Go to www.emu.edu/response/lee.
- Pacific Southwest District has welcomed new office secretary Brenda Perez. She comes to the district with skills in computer work, volunteer organizations, disaster response, and health instruction work with the American Red Cross, and is at ease in both English and Spanish.
- The Susquehanna Valley Ministry Center, which is affiliated with Bethany Theological Seminary, has announced the call of Lisa Krieg as volunteer coordinator of the Hispanic Academy. She will provide coordination of the Hispanic Academy in class schedules and teacher appointments, and will serve as a link between the center’s office in administration and communication with Hispanic students.
- "Messenger" magazine is welcoming Nick Kauffman as a Ministry Summer Service intern beginning May 29. He is a member of Goshen (Ind.) City Church of the Brethren and just finished his sophomore year at Manchester College, majoring in peace studies.
- Bob Edgar, outgoing general secretary of the National Council of Churches (NCC), has been picked to lead the national advocacy group Common Cause. Edgar announced last October he would not seek a third four-year term as general secretary of the NCC. Edgar is a former congressman who represented eastern Pennsylvania from 1975-87, and had served as president for 10 years of Claremont (Calif.) School of Theology when he came to the NCC in 2000.
- Daniel Aukerman will leave Interchurch Medical Association (IMA) World Health on June 1, completing nearly three years of service to the organization, to pursue new career options. The Church of the Brethren is a member denomination of IMA, and Aukerman worked out of the IMA headquarters located at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md. He has served as vice president for Program Development and Technical Support.
- On Earth Peace seeks part-time communications staff as part of its communications team. Responsibilities include writing, editing, publicity, and news services, using both print and electronic media. Candidates must be self-motivated, well-organized. and flexible. The position requires commitment to Christian peacemaking and understanding of the Church of the Brethren. Start date is Sept. 1. Location is negotiable--the On Earth Peace office is located at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md. Applications will be reviewed beginning June 20, and will continue to be accepted and considered until the position is filled. Send a resume, two writing samples, a letter of interest, and contact information for three to four references. For more information or to apply, contact Bob Gross, director of On Earth Peace, at bgross@igc.org or 260-982-7751. The position announcement is online at www.brethren.org/oepa/CommunicationsPositionAnnouncement.html.
- The report of Annual Conference’s Program Feasibility Committee will soon be made available at the Annual Conference website. The report focuses on the impact and cost of recommendations made by the 2006 Doing Church Business report, and will be posted on the Doing Church Business study committee homepage at www.brethren.org/ac on Friday, May 25.
- Annual Conference moderator Belita Mitchell will be featured in the June edition of "Brethren Voices," a program for Brethren congregations to show on local community cable television. The program is offered by an initiative of Peace Church of the Brethren in Portland, Ore., and producer Ed Groff. The half-hour episode titled, "Meet the Moderator," will be viewed in 10 different communities around the country, Groff reported. The moderator shares some of her life history, thoughts and goals of her term as moderator for the church, experiences of her recent trip to Nigeria, and her feelings about the current status of the Church of the Brethren. Other upcoming programs in the series are "A Community Gathers for Peace," slated for July, and "It Began with One Person" about Heifer International, for August. For those not currently involved in the community television project, DVD copies of the program are available for $8. Send orders to Peace Church of the Brethren, 12727 S.E. Market St., Portland, OR 97233. Contact Ed Groff at groffprod1@msn.com.
- The 2007 Young Adult Conference will be held over Memorial Day weekend, May 26-28, at Camp Harmony near Johnstown, Pa. The theme is "Doers of the Word," James 1:22-25. Cost is $100, or $110 after May 25. For information go to www.brethren.org/genbd/yya/yac.htm.
- Roy Winter, director of Brethren Disaster Ministries for the Church of the Brethren General Board, has been elected to the board of directors of the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster. He also is scheduled to join a trip to Angola with a Bie University Project Delegation on June 2-12. Winter will be the only Brethren member of the delegation to Angola, an African nation that has been ravaged by a 27-year civil war. He takes part in the trip to monitor some of the projects Brethren have supported through grants from the Emergency Disaster Fund, in collaboration with SHAREcircle. In its itinerary the delegation hopes to visit a variety of projects and meet with the general secretary of the Evangelical Congregational Church in Angola, staff of Chevron’s Community Grants, the Ministry of Education, the governor of Bie Province, and the US ambassador.
- Little Swatara Church of the Brethren in Bethel, Pa., is celebrating its 250th anniversary on June 16-17 with tours of four old meetinghouses used in rotation before the church was built, a German worship service, dinner theater, other weekend events, and publication of its first history book. The 480-page hardcover book will feature the history of the congregation, photos, biographical sketches of ministers, articles about ministries, a membership list dating back to the mid-1800s, and tombstone inscriptions of cemeteries associated with the church. Order for $30 plus postage of $8. Send a check payable to Little Swatara Church of the Brethren to Sandra Kauffman, 7326 Bernville Rd., Bernville, PA 19506.
- Shenandoah District held its 15th annual Disaster Response Auction at the Rockingham County Fairgrounds. Since 1993, the auction has raised more than $2 million for the church’s disaster ministries, with sales of furniture, toys, quilts, gift baskets, livestock, and food, among other items. In a May 19 update, the district announced that 2007 proceeds have been estimated at $205,000. The district reported that, "At Friday evening’s oyster/ham dinner, 77 gallons of oysters were eaten by 1,465 hungry people. Over 700 folks came for Saturday breakfast consuming 248 pancake platters and 470 omelets. Children and adults put together 400 school kits and 100 health kits for Church World Service." Congratulations went to Harrisonburg (Va.) First Church of the Brethren for its purchase of the Unity Quilt for $2,000.
- The Hillman Foundation of Pittsburgh, Pa., has approved a $500,000 grant to Juniata College to establish an endowed scholarship to honor Ronald W. Wertz, the foundation's longtime president, and his wife, Ann. The college is located in Huntingdon, Pa. Both Ronald and Ann Wertz graduated from Juniata in 1959. The Ronald W. and Ann L. Wertz Endowment will provide a full-tuition scholarship for four years for a highly academically qualified student. Ron Wertz, a native of Lewistown, Pa., started his career in higher education at Juniata in 1959 as assistant director of admissions, and then was promoted to director of admissions. In 1963 he moved to Franklin and Marshall College in Lancaster, Pa., where he served as director of financial aid and later as director of development. In 1969 he joined the Hillman Foundation as its first executive director. In 1990, he was named president and trustee. He has been an active volunteer for Juniata, having served on the board of trustees from 1987-93 and on the President's Development Council. In 1994, he received the Harold B. Brumbaugh Alumni Service Award. Ann Werz, the former Ann Larkin, has served as class fund agent for the college's annual fund.
- Six Bridgewater (Va.) College alumni were honored at the Alumni Weekend celebration on April 20-21. Among them were Church of the Brethren members Joseph M. Mason, a retired minister and former district executive who graduated from Bridgewater in 1945; and Franklin E. Huffman, a 1955 graduate and expert and author on southeast Asian languages who has served in the US diplomatic service and for the Department of State, and who has taught at Yale University and Cornell University. For more about the college go to www.bridgewater.edu.
- Nontombi Naomi Tutu was the 2007 Fasnacht Lecturer at the University of La Verne, Calif., on March 21-22. The daughter of South African Archbishop Desmond Tutu, and founder of the Tutu Foundation and its chair from 1985-90, she is associate director of the Office of International Relations and Programs at Tennessee State University. She also is co-author of "The Words of Desmond Tutu," and is collaborating on a new book, "I Don't Think of You as Black: Honest Conversations on Race and Racism." She spoke on the topic, "By Our Fruits We are Known: Religion and Activism," for the Fasnacht lecture, and gave the keynote address at an annual Engendering Diversity and Community Conference. The lecture series is made possible by the Fasnacht Chair of Religion Endowment Fund, in honor of former ULV president Harold Fasnacht. For more go to www.ulv.edu.
- Brethren Colleges Abroad (BCA) has gone "carbon neutral," according to an announcement at the program’s website www.bcanet.org. Beginning this spring, BCA will make contributions to the Solar Electric Light Fund (SELF) to off-set the carbon released into the atmosphere by the flights students take to study abroad. Carbon offsets are projects that reduce or prevent the accumulation of global warming gases in the atmosphere to make up for the gases that have inadvertently been put there, either by increasing the availability of renewable energy, supporting energy-efficiency improvements by industry, or capturing and sequestering emissions. BCA's contributions to SELF's projects in providing rural villages in developing countries with solar power do not technically offset the carbon pollution released into the atmosphere by air travel in ways that other projects do, the announcement said. However, it helps to extend the benefits of electricity, in a climate-neutral way, to some of the two billion people in the world who lack it. For more about BCA go to www.bcanet.org. The program’s central offices are located at Elizabethtown (Pa.) College.
- Manchester College professor Ken Rogers will offer free walking tours of religious sites in Marburg an der Lahn (near Schwarzenau), Germany, to Brethren groups in the summer of 2007 and again in the summer of 2008, to help celebrate the 300th anniversary of the Brethren. Each tour will last about three hours and visit Marburg sites such as the Elizabeth Church, the Old University, the medieval town, the city church, and the castle. The tours will be educational, with Rogers drawing on years of study and teaching of church history and theology. Those taking the tours will need to pay nominal admission fees at the Elizabeth Church and the castle. They will be asked to consider a voluntary contribution to the Project for German-American Understanding sponsored by the theology department of Marburg University. For further information please write to HKRogers@Manchester.edu.
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Brethren bits: Remembrance, personnel, job opening, and more.
Brethren participate in planning ‘The Gathering’ hunger conference.
Church of the Brethren leaders and General Board staff are taking part in preparations for a biennial hunger training event and rally in Washington, D.C., on June 9-12. "The Gathering" will be held on the theme, "Sowing Seeds: Growing a Movement." Bread for the World is coordinating planning for the event, which is supported by a wide range of hunger agencies.
A broad spectrum of religious groups will convene in the nation’s capital for training, information sharing, worship, and advocacy. Particular focus will be on reform of the Farm Bill currently before Congress, a legislative measure whose nutrition programs and trade policies affect the poor and hungry at home and abroad.
The event is receiving financial support from the Global Food Crisis Fund. A $5,000 grant has been given toward expenses of the conference.
Global Food Crisis Fund manager Howard Royer is among those working with Bread for the World staff in helping plan the conference, and is one of the group of Interfaith Anti-Hunger Coordinators. The Brethren Witness/Washington Office also is encouraging participation in the event. Belita Mitchell, Annual Conference moderator, and Stan Noffsinger, general secretary of the General Board, are slated to head the Brethren delegation.
Pastor Jeff Carter of Manassas (Va.) Church of the Brethren is representing the denomination on the Worship Planning Committee, and has been invited to help plan worship services and may be involved in plenary sessions as well as the interfaith convocation at the National Cathedral on Monday evening, June 11. Emily O'Donnell, legislative associate and Brethren Volunteer Service worker in the Brethren Witness/Washington Office, has been named to the Program/Mobilization Committee and is involved in promoting the event among Brethren young adults and the Washington area congregations.
"We rejoice in the direct ways the Church of the Brethren is engaged in hunger awareness and advocacy on the national scene," Royer said. "From its beginning the Global Food Crisis Fund has regarded hunger education and advocacy as integral to its work, along with fundraising and grantmaking on behalf of impoverished peoples."
The goal of the Gathering "is to formulate concrete steps to strengthen efforts to end hunger and poverty, in synch with the Millennium Development Goals," Royer said. "Participants are to emerge from the Gathering renewed, energized, equipped, and empowered."
In related Action Alerts, the Brethren Witness/Washington Office is calling for support of a letter regarding the Farm Bill to be sent to members of Congress; and support for the Feed America's Families Act (HR 2129) that it said would “build momentum for 2007 Farm Bill investments that strengthen the Food Stamp and emergency feeding programs.” The letter on the Farm Bill highlights its reauthorization as “a significant opportunity to improve farmworker safety and health, particularly as to toxic pesticides” (for a copy contact the Brethren Witness/Washington Office at 800-785-3246 or washington_office_gb@brethren.org). “Time is of the essence” the alerts said, with Congressional action on the Farm Bill already beginning. At least one House Agriculture Subcommittee takes up its portion of the bill before the Memorial Day recess. Full House and Senate Agriculture Committee mark-ups are slated for June.
For more information about the Gathering, “Sowing Seeds: Growing a Movement” and to register to attend, go to www.bread.org/about-us/national-gathering.
Source: 5/23/2007 Newsline
Church of the Brethren leaders and General Board staff are taking part in preparations for a biennial hunger training event and rally in Washington, D.C., on June 9-12. "The Gathering" will be held on the theme, "Sowing Seeds: Growing a Movement." Bread for the World is coordinating planning for the event, which is supported by a wide range of hunger agencies.
A broad spectrum of religious groups will convene in the nation’s capital for training, information sharing, worship, and advocacy. Particular focus will be on reform of the Farm Bill currently before Congress, a legislative measure whose nutrition programs and trade policies affect the poor and hungry at home and abroad.
The event is receiving financial support from the Global Food Crisis Fund. A $5,000 grant has been given toward expenses of the conference.
Global Food Crisis Fund manager Howard Royer is among those working with Bread for the World staff in helping plan the conference, and is one of the group of Interfaith Anti-Hunger Coordinators. The Brethren Witness/Washington Office also is encouraging participation in the event. Belita Mitchell, Annual Conference moderator, and Stan Noffsinger, general secretary of the General Board, are slated to head the Brethren delegation.
Pastor Jeff Carter of Manassas (Va.) Church of the Brethren is representing the denomination on the Worship Planning Committee, and has been invited to help plan worship services and may be involved in plenary sessions as well as the interfaith convocation at the National Cathedral on Monday evening, June 11. Emily O'Donnell, legislative associate and Brethren Volunteer Service worker in the Brethren Witness/Washington Office, has been named to the Program/Mobilization Committee and is involved in promoting the event among Brethren young adults and the Washington area congregations.
"We rejoice in the direct ways the Church of the Brethren is engaged in hunger awareness and advocacy on the national scene," Royer said. "From its beginning the Global Food Crisis Fund has regarded hunger education and advocacy as integral to its work, along with fundraising and grantmaking on behalf of impoverished peoples."
The goal of the Gathering "is to formulate concrete steps to strengthen efforts to end hunger and poverty, in synch with the Millennium Development Goals," Royer said. "Participants are to emerge from the Gathering renewed, energized, equipped, and empowered."
In related Action Alerts, the Brethren Witness/Washington Office is calling for support of a letter regarding the Farm Bill to be sent to members of Congress; and support for the Feed America's Families Act (HR 2129) that it said would “build momentum for 2007 Farm Bill investments that strengthen the Food Stamp and emergency feeding programs.” The letter on the Farm Bill highlights its reauthorization as “a significant opportunity to improve farmworker safety and health, particularly as to toxic pesticides” (for a copy contact the Brethren Witness/Washington Office at 800-785-3246 or washington_office_gb@brethren.org). “Time is of the essence” the alerts said, with Congressional action on the Farm Bill already beginning. At least one House Agriculture Subcommittee takes up its portion of the bill before the Memorial Day recess. Full House and Senate Agriculture Committee mark-ups are slated for June.
For more information about the Gathering, “Sowing Seeds: Growing a Movement” and to register to attend, go to www.bread.org/about-us/national-gathering.
Source: 5/23/2007 Newsline
CONSULTATION OFFERS VENUE FOR NEW THINKING ABOUT MINISTERIAL LEADERSHIP
A Consultation on Ministerial Leadership on May 7-10 in Elgin, Ill., brought together some 90 people from across the country to think together about issues and questions related to ministry in the Church of the Brethren. Participants included pastors, lay leaders, district and denominational staff, and Annual Conference officers. The four major areas of discussion were "calling, training, credentialing, and sustaining" ministerial leaders.
The meeting was sponsored by the General Board’s Office of Ministry, in consultation with the Ministry Advisory Council and the Council of District Executives. Participants attended by invitation, and funding for the meeting came through designated reserves of the General Board, accumulated over about six years.
Organizers designed the consultation as preparation for an upcoming revision of the 1999 "Ministerial Leadership Paper" of the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference. The consultation became a kind of "think tank" for those responsible to rewrite the paper. A revised ministerial leadership document may be ready to present for the 2009 Annual Conference.
The meeting included worship, and brief presentations from denominational staff and faculty of Bethany Theological Seminary. But the heart of the event was the discussion that took place in small groups. The gathering was invited to "conversation about what questions God wants us to be asking for this age and season of life in the church. How do we grow, sustain, value our ministerial leadership?" said Mary Jo Flory-Steury, executive director of Ministry for the General Board and one of the main organizers of the consultation.
Some of the discussions began as Bible studies, using texts such as Matthew 28:16-20 and John 15. Other discussions were introduced as theological reflections, with questions about personal experiences of ministry, signs of the Holy Spirit’s presence, and the naming of tensions in ministry--which ranged from the practical, "when the pastor is perceived as an employee and the church as an employer," to the abstract, for example between worldly success and faithfulness.
"World Cafe" conversations--short, intense bursts of discussion on the four major topics of calling, training, credentialing, and sustaining--took up most of one day, with participants moving from table to table for 15 minutes at a time as new topics were posed and new questions asked. Scripture passages included Luke 1:39-41, 1 Kings 3:9-12, and John 13:3-5, among others. That afternoon, working groups continued to focus on the four major topics, and presented their conclusions in an evening session.
Throughout the consultation, discussions were recorded in a variety of ways, including on large sheets of newsprint posted on the walls of the meeting room, or laid out on the tables for writing notes and comments.
Through this active discussion process, participants came up with many ideas for changes in the way the church calls, trains, credentials, supports, and grows ministerial leadership. Just a few of the ideas were: using "discernment" rather than "search" language in pastoral placement, active mentoring for ministers, requiring ministers to have intercultural competence and attentiveness to spirituality, retraining pastors every five or ten years to meet changing societal needs, focusing on bivocational ministry, credentialing churches as well as pastors, including a new level of credentialing "below" licensing or ordination, using deacons to help call out leaders with discernment, creating a system of training that is local or regional, partnering across denominational lines to create support networks for pastors, improving models of self-care for ministers and congregations, creating a database to help churches find ministerial resources, coaching for committees that interview prospective pastors, and a calling process that includes young, old, male, female, and all races.
There were also many opportunities for participants to speak up on issues, and a variety of concerns were expressed. One thread of conversation focused on the tension between ministering for the church, as opposed to ministering in the world. Some expressed an urgent need to become missional. "If Jesus is not Lord, we can go no further," said one person who urged ministers to "get out of the four walls" of the church and extend ministry to the community. Ministers are "appointed to go and bear fruit. It’s an assignment," added another.
Other threads of conversation focused on relationships in ministry. Success in ministry is "defined as relationship," one person said. A table group asked, "What if we treated each other in the congregation as if everyone was a minister? How would this affect the calling process?" Another small group asked, "What if we moved away from a focus on agreement on issues, to a focus on a vision of being radical disciples?"
Some identified the financial and physical health of the minister and of the congregation as key factors in the quality of ministry. "The impact of financial health is something that needs great attentiveness," said one participant. "We want for the congregation a sense of wholeness and sustainability. It’s not the minister and the congregation, it’s a whole," said another.
"You’ve made it clear that Christ is central to ministerial leadership," said Dan Ulrich, Bethany’s associate professor of New Testament, as he summed up discussion. "We are called also to combine authority and humility," following Christ’s example, he said.
In the Church of the Brethren, "ministry is not just for the set-apart," observed Jonathan Shively, director of the Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership, during the theological reflection. Much discussion at the meeting related to the Brethren concept of the "priesthood of all believers." Shively observed that the group struggled to describe the relationship between the ministry of all, and that of set-apart leaders.
"We are confident that God is doing something with us in the Church of the Brethren right now," Shively added. "But we have a lot of change and growth to undergo together."
A closing session gave participants a chance to reflect and pray about issues raised during the week. Some took the opportunity to share personal commitments they made because of their participation in the consultation.
"My commitment to you is to take this enormous amount of material, record amount of newsprint, and compile it," said Flory-Steury. The consultation, she said, "will make a difference."
A photo journal from the event will be available soon at www.brethren.org.
Source: 5/23/2007 Newsline
A Consultation on Ministerial Leadership on May 7-10 in Elgin, Ill., brought together some 90 people from across the country to think together about issues and questions related to ministry in the Church of the Brethren. Participants included pastors, lay leaders, district and denominational staff, and Annual Conference officers. The four major areas of discussion were "calling, training, credentialing, and sustaining" ministerial leaders.
The meeting was sponsored by the General Board’s Office of Ministry, in consultation with the Ministry Advisory Council and the Council of District Executives. Participants attended by invitation, and funding for the meeting came through designated reserves of the General Board, accumulated over about six years.
Organizers designed the consultation as preparation for an upcoming revision of the 1999 "Ministerial Leadership Paper" of the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference. The consultation became a kind of "think tank" for those responsible to rewrite the paper. A revised ministerial leadership document may be ready to present for the 2009 Annual Conference.
The meeting included worship, and brief presentations from denominational staff and faculty of Bethany Theological Seminary. But the heart of the event was the discussion that took place in small groups. The gathering was invited to "conversation about what questions God wants us to be asking for this age and season of life in the church. How do we grow, sustain, value our ministerial leadership?" said Mary Jo Flory-Steury, executive director of Ministry for the General Board and one of the main organizers of the consultation.
Some of the discussions began as Bible studies, using texts such as Matthew 28:16-20 and John 15. Other discussions were introduced as theological reflections, with questions about personal experiences of ministry, signs of the Holy Spirit’s presence, and the naming of tensions in ministry--which ranged from the practical, "when the pastor is perceived as an employee and the church as an employer," to the abstract, for example between worldly success and faithfulness.
"World Cafe" conversations--short, intense bursts of discussion on the four major topics of calling, training, credentialing, and sustaining--took up most of one day, with participants moving from table to table for 15 minutes at a time as new topics were posed and new questions asked. Scripture passages included Luke 1:39-41, 1 Kings 3:9-12, and John 13:3-5, among others. That afternoon, working groups continued to focus on the four major topics, and presented their conclusions in an evening session.
Throughout the consultation, discussions were recorded in a variety of ways, including on large sheets of newsprint posted on the walls of the meeting room, or laid out on the tables for writing notes and comments.
Through this active discussion process, participants came up with many ideas for changes in the way the church calls, trains, credentials, supports, and grows ministerial leadership. Just a few of the ideas were: using "discernment" rather than "search" language in pastoral placement, active mentoring for ministers, requiring ministers to have intercultural competence and attentiveness to spirituality, retraining pastors every five or ten years to meet changing societal needs, focusing on bivocational ministry, credentialing churches as well as pastors, including a new level of credentialing "below" licensing or ordination, using deacons to help call out leaders with discernment, creating a system of training that is local or regional, partnering across denominational lines to create support networks for pastors, improving models of self-care for ministers and congregations, creating a database to help churches find ministerial resources, coaching for committees that interview prospective pastors, and a calling process that includes young, old, male, female, and all races.
There were also many opportunities for participants to speak up on issues, and a variety of concerns were expressed. One thread of conversation focused on the tension between ministering for the church, as opposed to ministering in the world. Some expressed an urgent need to become missional. "If Jesus is not Lord, we can go no further," said one person who urged ministers to "get out of the four walls" of the church and extend ministry to the community. Ministers are "appointed to go and bear fruit. It’s an assignment," added another.
Other threads of conversation focused on relationships in ministry. Success in ministry is "defined as relationship," one person said. A table group asked, "What if we treated each other in the congregation as if everyone was a minister? How would this affect the calling process?" Another small group asked, "What if we moved away from a focus on agreement on issues, to a focus on a vision of being radical disciples?"
Some identified the financial and physical health of the minister and of the congregation as key factors in the quality of ministry. "The impact of financial health is something that needs great attentiveness," said one participant. "We want for the congregation a sense of wholeness and sustainability. It’s not the minister and the congregation, it’s a whole," said another.
"You’ve made it clear that Christ is central to ministerial leadership," said Dan Ulrich, Bethany’s associate professor of New Testament, as he summed up discussion. "We are called also to combine authority and humility," following Christ’s example, he said.
In the Church of the Brethren, "ministry is not just for the set-apart," observed Jonathan Shively, director of the Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership, during the theological reflection. Much discussion at the meeting related to the Brethren concept of the "priesthood of all believers." Shively observed that the group struggled to describe the relationship between the ministry of all, and that of set-apart leaders.
"We are confident that God is doing something with us in the Church of the Brethren right now," Shively added. "But we have a lot of change and growth to undergo together."
A closing session gave participants a chance to reflect and pray about issues raised during the week. Some took the opportunity to share personal commitments they made because of their participation in the consultation.
"My commitment to you is to take this enormous amount of material, record amount of newsprint, and compile it," said Flory-Steury. The consultation, she said, "will make a difference."
A photo journal from the event will be available soon at www.brethren.org.
Source: 5/23/2007 Newsline
Credits
Newsline is produced by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of news services for the Church of the Brethren General Board, cobnews@brethren.org or 800-323-8039 ext. 260. Lerry Fogle, Ed Groff, Bob Gross, Mary Kay Heatwole, Hannah Kliewer, Ken Rogers, Howard Royer, John Wall, and Jane Yount contributed to this report.
Newsline is produced by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of news services for the Church of the Brethren General Board, cobnews@brethren.org or 800-323-8039 ext. 260. Lerry Fogle, Ed Groff, Bob Gross, Mary Kay Heatwole, Hannah Kliewer, Ken Rogers, Howard Royer, John Wall, and Jane Yount contributed to this report.
Wednesday, May 09, 2007
NEWS
- Church's disaster response programs are renamed.
- Children’s Disaster Services responds to Greensburg tornado.
- Nine denominations meet to discuss evangelism.
- Church of the Brethren in Nigeria holds 60th Majalisa.
- Brethren bits: Remembrance, personnel, job openings, and more.
- On Earth Peace reassigns co-director responsibilities.
- Cindy Bravos to serve as BBT congregational contact coordinator.
Church's disaster response programs are renamed.
New names have been chosen for three disaster response programs of the Church of the Brethren General Board: Emergency Response, Disaster Child Care, and Service Ministries.
"Brethren Disaster Ministries" is the new name for the Emergency Response program that encompasses the Brethren Disaster Response rebuilding ministry. Disaster Child Care is being renamed "Children’s Disaster Services." Service Ministries is returning to a former name, "Material Resources."
For some time, staff of the General Board have been discussing changing the names of the programs for several reasons. The names have not readily identify the programs as Brethren, and have not accurately identified what the programs do, staff said. The new names more adequately reflect the identity and mission of the church’s disaster response work.
The name of Disaster Child Care, for example, seemed "to carry the connotation of a babysitting service rather than helping children cope following disasters," said a memo that has been distributed to announce the name change to child care volunteers. The new name, "Children’s Disaster Services," encompasses the program’s expanding services.
New logos have also been created for the programs, and will be displayed at Annual Conference.
Source: 5/09/2007 Newsline
New names have been chosen for three disaster response programs of the Church of the Brethren General Board: Emergency Response, Disaster Child Care, and Service Ministries.
"Brethren Disaster Ministries" is the new name for the Emergency Response program that encompasses the Brethren Disaster Response rebuilding ministry. Disaster Child Care is being renamed "Children’s Disaster Services." Service Ministries is returning to a former name, "Material Resources."
For some time, staff of the General Board have been discussing changing the names of the programs for several reasons. The names have not readily identify the programs as Brethren, and have not accurately identified what the programs do, staff said. The new names more adequately reflect the identity and mission of the church’s disaster response work.
The name of Disaster Child Care, for example, seemed "to carry the connotation of a babysitting service rather than helping children cope following disasters," said a memo that has been distributed to announce the name change to child care volunteers. The new name, "Children’s Disaster Services," encompasses the program’s expanding services.
New logos have also been created for the programs, and will be displayed at Annual Conference.
Source: 5/09/2007 Newsline
Children’s Disaster Services responds to Greensburg tornado.
Children's Disaster Services (formerly Disaster Child Care) is sending a team of volunteers to respond to needs of young children affected by the tornado in Greensburg, Kan. The storm demolished 95 percent of the town on the evening of May 4. The seven volunteers are scheduled to arrive on May 10. Roy Winter, director of Brethren Disaster Ministries (formerly Emergency Response), also will make a visit to the area to assess needs and offer support.
This is the first storm to be classified a category F-5, the highest on a scale of intensity, since 1999, according to a report from Children’s Disaster Services. The tornado completely wiped structures off of their foundations, leaving an unrecognizable pile of rubble. It claimed nine lives and was part of an outbreak of tornados that plowed through the state and caused at least two other deaths.
Brethren who wish to help with the response are invited to contribute to the General Board’s Emergency Disaster Fund, and not to send unsolicited material donations. "There simply is no place to store unsolicited donated goods," said Jane Yount of the Brethren Disaster Ministries staff. "The most effective way to respond is to give a financial contribution to programs that are providing necessary goods and services. This ensures that the survivors will receive what they actually need."
"As always, please keep the survivors and their families lifted up in prayer," Yount said.
Children’s Disaster Services also is responding to needs in New Jersey following flooding in mid-April. The American Red Cross requested Children’s Disaster Services for a shelter at Raritan Valley Community College in North Branch. From April 23-28, four volunteers cared for some 80 children in that location. On April 29, a second wave of 14 caregivers left for another two weeks of service, with some continuing to work at the community college and others providing care at a shelter at Bound Brook Presbyterian Church.
Donations to support Children's Disaster Services and Brethren Disaster Ministries can be made payable to the Emergency Disaster Fund and mailed to 1451 Dundee Avenue, Elgin, IL 60120. For more information, go to www.brethren.org/genbd/ersm/DisasterResponse.htm.
Source: 5/09/2007 Newsline
Children's Disaster Services (formerly Disaster Child Care) is sending a team of volunteers to respond to needs of young children affected by the tornado in Greensburg, Kan. The storm demolished 95 percent of the town on the evening of May 4. The seven volunteers are scheduled to arrive on May 10. Roy Winter, director of Brethren Disaster Ministries (formerly Emergency Response), also will make a visit to the area to assess needs and offer support.
This is the first storm to be classified a category F-5, the highest on a scale of intensity, since 1999, according to a report from Children’s Disaster Services. The tornado completely wiped structures off of their foundations, leaving an unrecognizable pile of rubble. It claimed nine lives and was part of an outbreak of tornados that plowed through the state and caused at least two other deaths.
Brethren who wish to help with the response are invited to contribute to the General Board’s Emergency Disaster Fund, and not to send unsolicited material donations. "There simply is no place to store unsolicited donated goods," said Jane Yount of the Brethren Disaster Ministries staff. "The most effective way to respond is to give a financial contribution to programs that are providing necessary goods and services. This ensures that the survivors will receive what they actually need."
"As always, please keep the survivors and their families lifted up in prayer," Yount said.
Children’s Disaster Services also is responding to needs in New Jersey following flooding in mid-April. The American Red Cross requested Children’s Disaster Services for a shelter at Raritan Valley Community College in North Branch. From April 23-28, four volunteers cared for some 80 children in that location. On April 29, a second wave of 14 caregivers left for another two weeks of service, with some continuing to work at the community college and others providing care at a shelter at Bound Brook Presbyterian Church.
Donations to support Children's Disaster Services and Brethren Disaster Ministries can be made payable to the Emergency Disaster Fund and mailed to 1451 Dundee Avenue, Elgin, IL 60120. For more information, go to www.brethren.org/genbd/ersm/DisasterResponse.htm.
Source: 5/09/2007 Newsline
Nine denominations meet to discuss evangelism.
Evangelism Connections met in Nashville, Tenn., on March 26-27 to discuss how different denominations can work ecumenically on evangelism, share resources, inform each other about what they are doing, and to dream about joint future projects.
Jeff Glass, a member of the General Board’s Congregational Life Teams staff, represented the Church of the Brethren. Other participants came from a variety of denominations including African Methodist Episcopal Zion, American Baptists, Disciples of Christ, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Reformed Church in America, United Church of Christ, United Church of Canada, and United Methodist Church.
Currently, the group supports a website found at www.evangelismconnections.org. The site offers an Evangelism Toolkit, articles, links to each denomination’s evangelism resources, and other resources.
The Evangelism Connections group is planning an evangelism conference for 2008 to focus on questions related to facilitating change in congregations made up mostly of elderly members, and how to help those congregations appeal to other generations. More information about the conference will be available following the group’s September planning meeting.
Also, the group is planning to produce a book in 2008 that will focus on motivations for congregations to do evangelism, changes that need to occur within congregations, and evangelism ministry connections or bridges between congregations and their communities. Each denomination will have a chapter in the book to highlight ways that they do evangelism well.
Glass will be hosting the next Evangelism Connections meeting in San Diego in September. For more information contact him at 888-826-4951.
Source: 5/09/2007 Newsline
Evangelism Connections met in Nashville, Tenn., on March 26-27 to discuss how different denominations can work ecumenically on evangelism, share resources, inform each other about what they are doing, and to dream about joint future projects.
Jeff Glass, a member of the General Board’s Congregational Life Teams staff, represented the Church of the Brethren. Other participants came from a variety of denominations including African Methodist Episcopal Zion, American Baptists, Disciples of Christ, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Reformed Church in America, United Church of Christ, United Church of Canada, and United Methodist Church.
Currently, the group supports a website found at www.evangelismconnections.org. The site offers an Evangelism Toolkit, articles, links to each denomination’s evangelism resources, and other resources.
The Evangelism Connections group is planning an evangelism conference for 2008 to focus on questions related to facilitating change in congregations made up mostly of elderly members, and how to help those congregations appeal to other generations. More information about the conference will be available following the group’s September planning meeting.
Also, the group is planning to produce a book in 2008 that will focus on motivations for congregations to do evangelism, changes that need to occur within congregations, and evangelism ministry connections or bridges between congregations and their communities. Each denomination will have a chapter in the book to highlight ways that they do evangelism well.
Glass will be hosting the next Evangelism Connections meeting in San Diego in September. For more information contact him at 888-826-4951.
Source: 5/09/2007 Newsline
Church of the Brethren in Nigeria holds 60th Majalisa.
Under a canvas canopy in the partially constructed EYN Conference Center, in temperatures in excess of 110 degrees fahrenheit, with church business conducted in the Hausa language, Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria (EYN--the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria) held its 60th Majalisa or annual conference. The event took place March 27-30.
Along with the usual reports from programs and committees, the highlight of the conference was the election of church officers. Up for election this year were the offices of president, general secretary, administrative secretary, director of finance, director of education, and director of the Integrated Community Based Development Program (ICBDP). Other than the office of the president, the other offices are applied for and then selected by the National Executive Committee and approved by the Majalisa.
The conference gathered expecting the office of the vice-president to be up for election, but a clause in the by-laws of the constitution states that a person assuming a vacated office has a right to a full four-year term. The current term of vice-president Abraham Wuta Tizhe, who filled the vacated office of Toma Ragnjiya, expires in November 2007.
Filibus Gwama enters his second term as president of EYN. Jinatu Libira will come in as general secretary. The other offices remain the same except for the office of the director of education, with the Majalisa approving Patrick Bugu as its director.
Church of the Brethren mission staff Paul Liepelt, Brandy Fix, Amy Waldron, and David Whitten served as the electoral committee, along with the EYN legal advisors, barristers Sunama and Silas, and the EYN spiritual advisor Blama Hena.
--David A. Whitten is the Church of the Brethren mission coordinator for Nigeria.
Source: 5/09/2007 Newsline
Under a canvas canopy in the partially constructed EYN Conference Center, in temperatures in excess of 110 degrees fahrenheit, with church business conducted in the Hausa language, Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria (EYN--the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria) held its 60th Majalisa or annual conference. The event took place March 27-30.
Along with the usual reports from programs and committees, the highlight of the conference was the election of church officers. Up for election this year were the offices of president, general secretary, administrative secretary, director of finance, director of education, and director of the Integrated Community Based Development Program (ICBDP). Other than the office of the president, the other offices are applied for and then selected by the National Executive Committee and approved by the Majalisa.
The conference gathered expecting the office of the vice-president to be up for election, but a clause in the by-laws of the constitution states that a person assuming a vacated office has a right to a full four-year term. The current term of vice-president Abraham Wuta Tizhe, who filled the vacated office of Toma Ragnjiya, expires in November 2007.
Filibus Gwama enters his second term as president of EYN. Jinatu Libira will come in as general secretary. The other offices remain the same except for the office of the director of education, with the Majalisa approving Patrick Bugu as its director.
Church of the Brethren mission staff Paul Liepelt, Brandy Fix, Amy Waldron, and David Whitten served as the electoral committee, along with the EYN legal advisors, barristers Sunama and Silas, and the EYN spiritual advisor Blama Hena.
--David A. Whitten is the Church of the Brethren mission coordinator for Nigeria.
Source: 5/09/2007 Newsline
Brethren bits: Remembrance, personnel, job openings, and more.
- Herbert Dale Zeiler Sr. passed away at his home in Loveland, Colo., on April 18. He served as executive minister for Southern Plains District in 1987-88, where he also managed the district’s Camp Spring Lake. An ordained minister for more than 50 years, he served pastorates in Missouri, Iowa, Oklahoma, and Colorado, and was a charter member of Northern Colorado Church of the Brethren in Windsor, Colo. Zeiler was born in Osceola, Mo., where he grew up and graduated from high school. He married his high school sweetheart, Helen Eunice Simmons, in 1950. The couple then moved to Kansas where Zeiler graduated from McPherson (Kan.) College. He later attended Bethany Theological Seminary in Chicago, and was ordained by Middle Missouri District. His career spanned several professions in addition to ministry, including mechanics, maintenance, technical work, and counseling. He retired from Hewlett-Packard in 1986. He is survived by his wife, Helen Eunice; their children, Dale Zeiler and Kathy Brungardt; three grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by daughter Cheryl K. Watson. Memorial services were held at the Northern Colorado church on April 28, and at Osceola (Mo.) Church of the Brethren on May 5. Memorial gifts may be made to Northern Colorado Church of the Brethren.
- The Church of the Brethren General Board has welcomed new staff members Aaron and Becky Johnston, a husband and wife team from Salisbury, Md., who are serving with Global Mission Partnerships through Brethren Volunteer Service. They began an assignment as human rights observers at Union Victoria CPR, Guatemala, on April 1.
- Rebekah Houff, a 2006 graduate of Bridgewater (Va.) College and member of Palmyra (Pa.) Church of the Brethren, has been called as coordinator of the 2008 National Young Adult Conference. She will begin this Brethren Volunteer Service position on May 21, and continue through August 2008. The conference will take place Aug. 11-15, 2008, at the YMCA of the Rockies in Estes Park, Colo., and is open to all young adults ages 18-35.
- The Church of the Brethren General Board is seeking an associate director of Children’s Disaster Services (formerly Disaster Child Care). This newly created, fulltime salaried position provides oversight and administration of Children's Disaster Services for the Church of the Brethren General Board. Located in New Windsor, Md., this individual will be responsible for ensuring program growth, while expanding Church of the Brethren, ecumenical, and secular relationships that enhance responding to children affected by disaster. This position works closely with the director of Brethren Disaster Ministries on program development, volunteer deployment, and training. Required experience includes disaster response; making effective presentations or adult education; management of staff or volunteers; working directly with at-risk children (i.e. teaching, counseling, providing programs). A related undergraduate degree is required, advanced degree preferred. Some travel is required. Application deadline is July 15. Candidates should send a cover letter and resume to: Office of Human Resources, Brethren Service Center, 500 Main St., P.O. Box 188, New Windsor, MD 21776; fax 410-635-8789; jmcgrath_gb@brethren.org.
- The Church of the Brethren General Board is seeking a teacher of Bible and theology for Kulp Bible College in Nigeria, as a part of the denominational mission effort led by Global Mission Partnerships. Candidates should bring a seminary degree and the ability to articulate Brethren beliefs and practices. This is a salaried position for a two-year term, open to renewal. An August start date is preferred. The deadline for applications is June 15. Further information is at www.brethren.org/genbd/GeneralSecretary/Elgin.htm#ToB or call Karin Krog at 800-323-8039 ext. 258.
- Annual Conference this year will include two new options for worship and music, responding to calls for more worship opportunities and for more ethnic diversity. On Sunday and Monday nights, July 1 and 2, from 9-10:30 p.m., there will be Extended Worship and Music in the main auditorium. On July 1 the host will be Gilbert Romero, pastor of Bella Vista Church of the Brethren in Los Angeles, and the focus will be Mexican, Puerto Rican, Dominican, and contemporary Christian music, utilizing the services of the "Bittersweet Gospel Band." On July 2 the host will be Thomas Dowdy, pastor of Imperial Heights Church of the Brethren in Los Angeles, and the focus will be on African-American music, utilizing the services of "Best Friends," as well as African and Haitian music. "There is a hope to stretch the offerings even broader, but it depends on who attends Conference," reported coordinator Scott Duffey. "Everyone is welcome to gather and praise God together!" Church musicians who will be attending and who can contribute to this musical diversity are asked to be in touch with Duffey at scottduffey@westminstercob.org or 410-848-8090.
- The 27th annual Mid-Atlantic Disaster Response Auction sponsored by Mid-Atlantic District was held at the Carroll County (Md.) Agricultural Center and Arena on April 28, a cooperative venture joining more than 60 Church of the Brethren congregations from five states and Washington, D.C., according to a report in the Frederick (Md.) "News Post." Three separate auctions featured antiques, handmade quilts, collectibles, and many more items, with more than 1,000 items up for bid. The proceeds support disaster relief work of the church. Last year, the district raised some $73,000, and has raised more than $1 million over the past 26 years. It is one of three major fundraisers for the denomination’s Emergency Disaster Fund.
- Mid-Atlantic District is holding a men's retreat on the theme, "Sharing the Living Water," from John 4:5-14. The event will take place June 15-16 at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md. Organizers hope that it will offer an opportunity for men "to come together and honestly get to know one another without the facades that we have built up," and will be a place to get in touch with God, refresh spirits, and pave the way for future men’s events in the district. Guest speaker is Bill Caputo, the district disaster coordinator. The schedule also includes worship, small groups, guided meditation, and free time. Closing worship will include a service of anointing. The retreat is sponsored by the Spirituality and Congregational Life Team of the district. Cost is $70 per person including overnight stay, or $47 for commuters. For further information, contact Andrew Sampson at 410-284-7081 or dundalkcob@hotmail.com.
- The McPherson (Kan.) College campus responded to the tragic shootings at Virginia Tech by holding a special chapel service and by sending a letter of condolence from the campus community signed by college president Ron Hovis, and Tom Hurst, director of campus ministries. The college also sent a scroll with comments by dozens of McPherson students. A thorough review of campus safety issues was undertaken as well, and encouragement was given for the rapid completion of a Campus-Wide Crisis Plan that is currently underway, Hurst reported.
- Manchester College’s 53-member A Cappella Choir will sing in Martinsburg, Pa., en route to an encore performance in Carnegie Hall. On May 22 the choir will perform at Memorial Church of the Brethren in Martinsburg. The choir will then perform at Carnegie Hall on May 23. The performance will be directed Debra Lynn, director of choral music at the college. The program will include two compositions of Manchester College faculty: "Prayer for Peace" by Debora DeWitt, chair of the music department, and "Earth and All Stars" by Lynn.
- McDonalds USA and the Coalition of Immokalee Workers (CIW), an organization of agricultural workers, has come to an agreement similar to one made two years ago with Yum Brands, owners of Taco Bell. Both agreements call for an increase of pay of one penny per pound of picked tomatoes. The Yum Brands-CIW agreement was the first of its kind between a retail food company and a group representing the men and women who pick the food sold in retail restaurants, according to the National Council of Churches. Representatives of the Immokalee workers visited a meeting of the Church of the Brethren General Board in Oct. last year, where they received the blessing of a laying on of hands. The representatives were visiting faith organizations and other groups in the Chicago area to call attention to the wages paid by McDonald's to farmworkers for its vegetables.
- SERRV/A Greater Gift will hold its Annual International Fair Trade Festival on Saturday, May 19, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md. A Greater Gift organizes the event as part of World Fair Trade Day to show how buying fair trade foods and crafts contributes to peace building and justice. Entertainment will include Amerabic Magic, a Middle Eastern dance group; the Rock Candy Cloggers performing Appalachian clogging; Westminster Drum and Dance; and Nada Brahma world music, among others. For the children, storytellers will be in the children’s area, along with alpacas, and face painting, and a kite presentation will take place at New Windsor Middle School. Contact Missy Marlin, festival coordinator, at 410-635-8711.
- The New Community Project, a Brethren-related nonprofit organization, reports recent program developments: A Partner Community program is linking US congregations with communities in a half dozen countries, for increasing understanding, mutual sharing, and seeking solidarity. A young adult resource has been created to invite this age group to "get organized" around issues of poverty, care for creation, and standing by the marginalized (go to http://newcommunityproject.org/ya.shtml). "Anna and the General," the story of Anna Mow's encounter with General Lewis Hershey, is one of several new dramatic readings offered at http://newcommunityproject.org/creativearts.shtml. A Nepal Learning Tour has been set for Jan. 2008, to focus on women's issues along with poverty, Hindu culture, civil conflict, and the ecological wonders and challenges of this Himalayan country. Director David Radcliff recently represented the organization at the launching of the Religious Environmental Leaders Group, an interreligious association working at collaboration and mutual support related to care for creation. The gathering was held in Manhasset, N.Y.
- Roy D. Unruh, of South Waterloo (Iowa) Church of the Brethren and a former member of the Church of the Brethren General Board, has been named by the Awards Committee of the Bethel College Alumni Association as winner of the 2007 Distinguished Achievement Award. He is a 1957 graduate, and has served as a science and mathematics educator at the secondary and university levels. He taught science and mathematics at Pretty Prairie and McPherson (Kan.) High Schools from 1957-67. While at the University of Northern Iowa, 1967-2001, he taught physics and was involved in science education. Over the years he was awarded more than 20 grants from the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the US Department of Education for improving science instruction at the elementary and secondary school levels. Unruh will receive the Bethel award on May 19 at an annual alumni banquet. Bethel College is affiliated with Mennonite Church USA.
On Earth Peace reassigns co-director responsibilities.
On Earth Peace has announced a staff change related to the responsibilities of co-directors Barb Sayler and Bob Gross. The agency’s Executive Committee approved a request from Sayler for reassignment of job responsibilities, dropping her role as co-director and reducing her work to half-time. She will continue as coordinator of Communications. Gross will move from a shared co-director’s role to that of a solo director. This change was effective May 1.
"On Earth Peace is blessed by the many talents that Barb Sayler brings to this peacemaking ministry," said board chair Bev Weaver. "We appreciate Barb’s desire to balance her various roles including being a mother as she makes this adjustment from fulltime to part-time."
Sayler has moved with her family to the Bay area in northern California, where her husband, Mark, has accepted the call to be CEO of Seva in Berkeley. She can be reached at her home office: 5192 Carriage Dr., El Sobrante, CA 94803; 510-275-9960; bsayler_oepa@brethren.org.
Source: 5/09/2007 Newsline
On Earth Peace has announced a staff change related to the responsibilities of co-directors Barb Sayler and Bob Gross. The agency’s Executive Committee approved a request from Sayler for reassignment of job responsibilities, dropping her role as co-director and reducing her work to half-time. She will continue as coordinator of Communications. Gross will move from a shared co-director’s role to that of a solo director. This change was effective May 1.
"On Earth Peace is blessed by the many talents that Barb Sayler brings to this peacemaking ministry," said board chair Bev Weaver. "We appreciate Barb’s desire to balance her various roles including being a mother as she makes this adjustment from fulltime to part-time."
Sayler has moved with her family to the Bay area in northern California, where her husband, Mark, has accepted the call to be CEO of Seva in Berkeley. She can be reached at her home office: 5192 Carriage Dr., El Sobrante, CA 94803; 510-275-9960; bsayler_oepa@brethren.org.
Source: 5/09/2007 Newsline
Cindy Bravos to serve as BBT congregational contact coordinator.
Brethren Benefit Trust (BBT) has hired Cindy Bravos of St. Charles, Ill., to serve as Congregational Contact Network coordinator beginning May 14. She will work to foster stronger relationships among BBT and the denomination’s congregations, will assist in development and maintenance of BBT’s denominational database, and as a Communications Team member, also will help shape and create BBT’s interpretive resources.
She joins BBT with extensive marketing and promotion experience. She is owner of Bravo! Media, a digital studio that specializes in commercial voiceover and narrative services. Bravos served as narrator of "Without Fear or Hesitation," a Brethren heritage CD-ROM produced in 2001. She also is host of "Community Connection," a 30-minute bimonthly program aired on Comcast cable television networks throughout northern Illinois, and for 11 years served as media director for the St. Charles Chamber of Commerce.
Bravos has a broadcast journalism degree from Northern Illinois University. She and her family are members of Saint Sophia Greek Orthodox Church in Elgin, Ill.
Source: 5/09/2007 Newsline
Brethren Benefit Trust (BBT) has hired Cindy Bravos of St. Charles, Ill., to serve as Congregational Contact Network coordinator beginning May 14. She will work to foster stronger relationships among BBT and the denomination’s congregations, will assist in development and maintenance of BBT’s denominational database, and as a Communications Team member, also will help shape and create BBT’s interpretive resources.
She joins BBT with extensive marketing and promotion experience. She is owner of Bravo! Media, a digital studio that specializes in commercial voiceover and narrative services. Bravos served as narrator of "Without Fear or Hesitation," a Brethren heritage CD-ROM produced in 2001. She also is host of "Community Connection," a 30-minute bimonthly program aired on Comcast cable television networks throughout northern Illinois, and for 11 years served as media director for the St. Charles Chamber of Commerce.
Bravos has a broadcast journalism degree from Northern Illinois University. She and her family are members of Saint Sophia Greek Orthodox Church in Elgin, Ill.
Source: 5/09/2007 Newsline
Churches encouraged to respond to ‘Mother's Day Call to Action.’
The Association of Brethren Caregivers (ABC) is encouraging Church of the Brethren congregations and members to support a "Mother’s Day Call to Action" of the Children’s Defense Fund by contacting their congressional representatives the week of May 6-12 and asking them to reauthorize the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP).
In 1997, Congress created SCHIP to provide insurance for children whose parents work but cannot afford health insurance of their own. SCHIP comes before Congress again this year to be reauthorized to continue. The Children’s Defense Fund is initiating this call to action to encourage elected officials to provide comprehensive health and mental health coverage to every child in America.
"Children are dying in America because they lack health coverage and adequate access to doctors and dentists," states a bulletin insert from the Children’s Defense Fund. The insert includes the stories of three children who died in 2007 due to lack of adequate health care. The bulletin also notes that of the 9 million children without health insurance, 90 percent are living in working households, and the majority are in two-parent families. (Download the bulletin insert from the ABC website at www.brethren.org/abc/advocacy/kids%20family.html.)
In April, both ABC and the Church of the Brethren General Board signed up to support the All Healthy Children Act with the Children’s Defense Fund.
"Many families in the US today are struggling to provide their children with adequate health care," said Kim Ebersole, director of Family and Older Adult Ministry for ABC. "This Mother’s Day, when we traditionally honor our mothers, we have the opportunity to ‘do for the least of these’ (Matthew 25:40). Let us put our faith into action by contacting our senators and representatives and urging them to reauthorize SCHIP. The gift of healthy children, and healthy families, would be a present mothers (and fathers) would cherish."
Contact senators and representative by calling 888-226-0627, visiting www.childrensdefense.org/MothersDayCall, or e-mailing www.childrensdefense.org/MothersDayEmail. The Children’s Defense Fund 39-page "Toolkit for Faith Communities" is downloadable from www.childrensdefense.org/site/PageServer?pagename=healthy_child_takeaction#toolkit. Additional resources are at ABC’s website under its advocacy materials for "Cover the Uninsured."
Source: 5/09/2007 Newsline
The Association of Brethren Caregivers (ABC) is encouraging Church of the Brethren congregations and members to support a "Mother’s Day Call to Action" of the Children’s Defense Fund by contacting their congressional representatives the week of May 6-12 and asking them to reauthorize the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP).
In 1997, Congress created SCHIP to provide insurance for children whose parents work but cannot afford health insurance of their own. SCHIP comes before Congress again this year to be reauthorized to continue. The Children’s Defense Fund is initiating this call to action to encourage elected officials to provide comprehensive health and mental health coverage to every child in America.
"Children are dying in America because they lack health coverage and adequate access to doctors and dentists," states a bulletin insert from the Children’s Defense Fund. The insert includes the stories of three children who died in 2007 due to lack of adequate health care. The bulletin also notes that of the 9 million children without health insurance, 90 percent are living in working households, and the majority are in two-parent families. (Download the bulletin insert from the ABC website at www.brethren.org/abc/advocacy/kids%20family.html.)
In April, both ABC and the Church of the Brethren General Board signed up to support the All Healthy Children Act with the Children’s Defense Fund.
"Many families in the US today are struggling to provide their children with adequate health care," said Kim Ebersole, director of Family and Older Adult Ministry for ABC. "This Mother’s Day, when we traditionally honor our mothers, we have the opportunity to ‘do for the least of these’ (Matthew 25:40). Let us put our faith into action by contacting our senators and representatives and urging them to reauthorize SCHIP. The gift of healthy children, and healthy families, would be a present mothers (and fathers) would cherish."
Contact senators and representative by calling 888-226-0627, visiting www.childrensdefense.org/MothersDayCall, or e-mailing www.childrensdefense.org/MothersDayEmail. The Children’s Defense Fund 39-page "Toolkit for Faith Communities" is downloadable from www.childrensdefense.org/site/PageServer?pagename=healthy_child_takeaction#toolkit. Additional resources are at ABC’s website under its advocacy materials for "Cover the Uninsured."
Source: 5/09/2007 Newsline
Peacemakers work against depleted uranium weapons.
On Saturday, May 19, Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT) is sponsoring a conference at East Tennessee State University in Johnson City, Tenn., on issues related to the use of depleted uranium (DU) weapons. The conference titled, "DU--from Appalachia to Afghanistan to Iraq" is part of a CPT campaign including Church of the Brethren members, that has begun work to end the use of depleted uranium weapons.
Originally a violence-reduction initiative of the historic peace churches (Church of the Brethren, Mennonite, and Quaker), CPT now enjoys support and membership from a wide range of Christian denominations.
In two related events, CPT is sponsoring a "DU delegation" May 18-27 that will attend the conference and visit sites related to the production of depleted uranium weapons. A tent camp also will be set up from May 18-27, as a witness across the road from a DU weapons factory, the Aerojet Ordnance plant in Jonesborough, Tenn. CPT said the factory is "one of the primary manufacturers of depleted uranium penetrator cores for the 120 mm Abrams tank shells."
Those organizing the campaign include Cliff Kindy, a Church of the Brethren member and longtime CPT worker. He reported that as of May 4 the delegation numbered 16 people, and will be hosted by Jackson Park Church of the Brethren in Jonesborough.
The DU campaign expresses concern that depleted uranium is causing serious birth defects and cancer in civilian and military populations in the war zones of Iraq and Afghanistan, and is affecting families of military here in the US as well as plant workers and surrounding communities. Campaigners emphasize that the United Nations has condemned depleted uranium weapons, and the European Union has banned the use of depleted uranium munitions.
In September 2006, a small group from the "Stop DU Campaign" held a six-day swing through seven states including stops at Beaver Run Church of the Brethren near Burlington, W.Va., and the Jackson Park Church. In November, a 10-day CPT delegation held prayer vigils and meetings with community groups and churches in the areas of the Aerojet Ordnance plant, and the Alliant Tech plant in Rocket Center, W.Va.
The May 19 conference will take place from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. in Room 102 of Rogers Stout Hall at East Tennessee State University. Presenters are Doug Rokke, a Pentagon expert on depleted uranium; Cathy Garger, who has written about depleted uranium munitions; and Mohammad Daud Miraki, author of "Afghanistan After Democracy." Sales of Miraki's book support the medical care of DU victims in Afghanistan. Participants also will meet in small groups to grapple with next steps in the nonviolent campaign to stop the production of DU weapons.
CPT is encouraging attendance at the conference and in the delegation, in particular welcoming "the participation of military personnel, especially those who have been in Iraq and Afghanistan, to help delegates strategize next steps."
Cost for the conference is $7 to cover the expense of registration and lunch; mail to First Tennessee Progressives, Anthony Pittman, Secretary, 712 Wilson Ave., Johnson City, TN 37604. To join the delegation, go to cpt.org and check links to delegations and registrations. To participate in the tent camp, contact Pittman at apittman2002@yahoo.com. For more information about the campaign against depleted uranium weapons, visit www.stop-du.org or contact Cliff Kindy at kindy@cpt.org.
Source: 5/09/2007 Newsline
On Saturday, May 19, Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT) is sponsoring a conference at East Tennessee State University in Johnson City, Tenn., on issues related to the use of depleted uranium (DU) weapons. The conference titled, "DU--from Appalachia to Afghanistan to Iraq" is part of a CPT campaign including Church of the Brethren members, that has begun work to end the use of depleted uranium weapons.
Originally a violence-reduction initiative of the historic peace churches (Church of the Brethren, Mennonite, and Quaker), CPT now enjoys support and membership from a wide range of Christian denominations.
In two related events, CPT is sponsoring a "DU delegation" May 18-27 that will attend the conference and visit sites related to the production of depleted uranium weapons. A tent camp also will be set up from May 18-27, as a witness across the road from a DU weapons factory, the Aerojet Ordnance plant in Jonesborough, Tenn. CPT said the factory is "one of the primary manufacturers of depleted uranium penetrator cores for the 120 mm Abrams tank shells."
Those organizing the campaign include Cliff Kindy, a Church of the Brethren member and longtime CPT worker. He reported that as of May 4 the delegation numbered 16 people, and will be hosted by Jackson Park Church of the Brethren in Jonesborough.
The DU campaign expresses concern that depleted uranium is causing serious birth defects and cancer in civilian and military populations in the war zones of Iraq and Afghanistan, and is affecting families of military here in the US as well as plant workers and surrounding communities. Campaigners emphasize that the United Nations has condemned depleted uranium weapons, and the European Union has banned the use of depleted uranium munitions.
In September 2006, a small group from the "Stop DU Campaign" held a six-day swing through seven states including stops at Beaver Run Church of the Brethren near Burlington, W.Va., and the Jackson Park Church. In November, a 10-day CPT delegation held prayer vigils and meetings with community groups and churches in the areas of the Aerojet Ordnance plant, and the Alliant Tech plant in Rocket Center, W.Va.
The May 19 conference will take place from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. in Room 102 of Rogers Stout Hall at East Tennessee State University. Presenters are Doug Rokke, a Pentagon expert on depleted uranium; Cathy Garger, who has written about depleted uranium munitions; and Mohammad Daud Miraki, author of "Afghanistan After Democracy." Sales of Miraki's book support the medical care of DU victims in Afghanistan. Participants also will meet in small groups to grapple with next steps in the nonviolent campaign to stop the production of DU weapons.
CPT is encouraging attendance at the conference and in the delegation, in particular welcoming "the participation of military personnel, especially those who have been in Iraq and Afghanistan, to help delegates strategize next steps."
Cost for the conference is $7 to cover the expense of registration and lunch; mail to First Tennessee Progressives, Anthony Pittman, Secretary, 712 Wilson Ave., Johnson City, TN 37604. To join the delegation, go to cpt.org and check links to delegations and registrations. To participate in the tent camp, contact Pittman at apittman2002@yahoo.com. For more information about the campaign against depleted uranium weapons, visit www.stop-du.org or contact Cliff Kindy at kindy@cpt.org.
Source: 5/09/2007 Newsline
300th anniversary update: Youth receive training to tell the Brethren story.
How do you inject new life and energy into telling a 300-year-old-story? How do you put a forward-looking emphasis on the study of Brethren history and heritage? Why not invite youth to tell the story? That’s what the 300th Anniversary Committee decided to do, in partnership with the Youth and Young Adult Ministry office of the Church of the Brethren General Board.
Each district was asked to nominate two youth to come to the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill., for an intensive weekend of Youth Heritage Teams training. Twenty-one of the 23 districts accepted that invitation, and on April 13-15 that original vision of the anniversary organizers became reality.
"We thought, wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could have a group of youth steeped in Brethren history and able to go out and share their passion?" said anniversary committee member Rhonda Pittman Gingrich, addressing the 42 youth before leading get-acquainted activities. Chris Douglas, director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries, noted that the event was the fruit of two-and-a-half years of planning.
The energetic group that came together was a microcosm of the church, representing a great deal of diversity in geographic areas, gender, and ethnic backgrounds. They came together quickly, however, and a rich spirit filled the weekend. Highlights of the training included presentations on Brethren history and theology by author Jim Lehman and Bethany Theological Seminary faculty member Jeff Bach; music leadership by anniversary committee member Leslie Lake; workshops on drama, storytelling, music, and public presentation; and several periods of worship, including feetwashing.
Each youth also composed a one-minute speech that he or she delivered in front of a video camera. Small groups then reviewed the videos, offering ideas and suggestions to each other with abundant affirmation of each youth’s particular gifts.
Youth will be employing their learnings as they return to their respective districts. The two-person teams will do Brethren heritage presentations at congregations and other district events as they are invited in the coming year.
"We prepare now to send each of you out as new seeds," Lake told the group. "Tell the church of today who we were, who we are, and who we yet will be."
--Walt Wiltschek is editor of the Church of the Brethren’s "Messenger" magazine.
Source: 5/09/2007 Newsline
How do you inject new life and energy into telling a 300-year-old-story? How do you put a forward-looking emphasis on the study of Brethren history and heritage? Why not invite youth to tell the story? That’s what the 300th Anniversary Committee decided to do, in partnership with the Youth and Young Adult Ministry office of the Church of the Brethren General Board.
Each district was asked to nominate two youth to come to the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill., for an intensive weekend of Youth Heritage Teams training. Twenty-one of the 23 districts accepted that invitation, and on April 13-15 that original vision of the anniversary organizers became reality.
"We thought, wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could have a group of youth steeped in Brethren history and able to go out and share their passion?" said anniversary committee member Rhonda Pittman Gingrich, addressing the 42 youth before leading get-acquainted activities. Chris Douglas, director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries, noted that the event was the fruit of two-and-a-half years of planning.
The energetic group that came together was a microcosm of the church, representing a great deal of diversity in geographic areas, gender, and ethnic backgrounds. They came together quickly, however, and a rich spirit filled the weekend. Highlights of the training included presentations on Brethren history and theology by author Jim Lehman and Bethany Theological Seminary faculty member Jeff Bach; music leadership by anniversary committee member Leslie Lake; workshops on drama, storytelling, music, and public presentation; and several periods of worship, including feetwashing.
Each youth also composed a one-minute speech that he or she delivered in front of a video camera. Small groups then reviewed the videos, offering ideas and suggestions to each other with abundant affirmation of each youth’s particular gifts.
Youth will be employing their learnings as they return to their respective districts. The two-person teams will do Brethren heritage presentations at congregations and other district events as they are invited in the coming year.
"We prepare now to send each of you out as new seeds," Lake told the group. "Tell the church of today who we were, who we are, and who we yet will be."
--Walt Wiltschek is editor of the Church of the Brethren’s "Messenger" magazine.
Source: 5/09/2007 Newsline
Credits
Newsline is produced by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of news services for the Church of the Brethren General Board, cobnews@brethren.org or 800-323-8039 ext. 260. Chris Douglas, Lois Duble, Mary Dulabaum, Nevin Dulabaum, Jeff Glass, Tom Hurst, Karin Krog, Joan McGrath, Janis Pyle, Barb Sayler, and Jane Yount contributed to this report.
Newsline is produced by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of news services for the Church of the Brethren General Board, cobnews@brethren.org or 800-323-8039 ext. 260. Chris Douglas, Lois Duble, Mary Dulabaum, Nevin Dulabaum, Jeff Glass, Tom Hurst, Karin Krog, Joan McGrath, Janis Pyle, Barb Sayler, and Jane Yount contributed to this report.
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
NEWS
- Cross-Cultural Celebration meets on the theme of peace.
- Consultation receives report from Intercultural Study Committee.
- Christian Citizenship Seminar explores ‘The State of Our Health.’
- Brethren give $50,000 to agriculture in N. Korea, among recent grants.
- Disaster Child Care continues work in New Orleans.
- Brethren bits: Corrections, remembrances, personnel, and much more.
Cross-Cultural Celebration meets on the theme of peace.
“Paz (peace). Croyez (believe). Joy....” The theme banner in five languages at the Cross-Cultural Consultation and Celebration also featured the words for “It is good” in Japanese, and “The good path” in Cree. The banner made by Dena Lee, a physician from Ohio and member of the On Earth Peace board, followed the scriptural theme from John 14:27, “Peace I leave with you....”
The gathering April 19-22 at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md., attracted some 100 Brethren of a wide variety of backgrounds from across the US and Puerto Rico, to share daily worship, Bible study, fellowship, and opportunities for conversation about cross-cultural issues. Main sessions were offered with Spanish translation.
Daily Bible study sessions were offered for small groups, some in multiple languages. The scriptures and questions for study focused on peace, but participants also had an opportunity to share personally from their lives and experiences, and to develop new relationships with brothers and sisters in Christ. Youth had an opportunity to make new friends at an overnight retreat hosted by Union Bridge (Md.) Church of the Brethren. The conference also included a report from the Intercultural Study Committee (see story below).
Worship and music in many languages and styles formed the heart of the celebration. Members of the Bittersweet music ministry led by Gilbert Romero, pastor of Bella Vista Church of the Brethren in Los Angeles, were joined by many other musicians and singers as the Spirit led. Opportunities were given for participants to bring testimonies, prayers, songs, and dance. Don Mitchell of Harrisburg (Pa.) First Church of the Brethren led congregational singing. Youth helped lead the Saturday morning worship, when the music included some favorites from National Youth Conference.
Preachers included Stephen Breck Reid, academic dean of Bethany Theological Seminary, who spoke about the meaning of Christian baptism. “What does it mean to be a people in water that might carry you away?” he asked. Reid called the church to participate in the baptism of Jesus Christ in order to claim a new identity, and to transform the world into the Kingdom “that is beyond racial and class distinctions.”
“There is no peace in the world without Christ,” said Gaston Pierre Louis in the Friday evening sermon. Louis serves as a pastor at Eglise des Freres Haitiens, a Haitian Church of the Brethren in Miami, Fla. His message was given in French Creole, and translated by Founa Augustin, a member of his congregation. “If we don’t have peace together, how can we share it with the world?” he asked. “Let’s walk in peace with Christ. Let’s live in peace together...even with those that hate us. Christ will say, come here my children, this is my Kingdom.”
Among other speakers, the gathering also heard from Annual Conference moderator Belita Mitchell, who sang “What a mighty God we serve” as she walked to the podium; from Carol Mason, coordinator of Congregational Life Teams, Area 3, who spoke for closing worship; and from On Earth Peace board member Doris Abdullah of Brooklyn, N.Y., who gave a prayerful meditation on the stations of the cross. She asked for remembrance of suffering people around the world, just as Christians remember the suffering Christ. “We remember the dark CIA prisons... we remember the two million in the camps (in Darfur, Sudan)... we remember those crossing the borders,” she prayed. “We remember how you loved us to your death. Help us peacemakers to change the world.”
A presentation by Mennonite guests Conrad Moore and Titus Peachey received a standing ovation. The two men told their personal stories: one was a conscientious objector during the Vietnam War, the other a Vietnam veteran who has become an advocate for peacemaking. They challenged the church to provide opportunities for employment and service to members of all ethnic and minority backgrounds. “The issue is access to opportunities,” Moore said. Inviting youth in the congregation to rise and be seen, he said, “Stand up young woman. Stand up young man. We need to make sure he has an opportunity to go to the mission field.”
The board of On Earth Peace held its spring meetings concurrently with the consultation, and joined in worship and Bible studies. A presentation about On Earth Peace prompted questions about the agency’s work against military recruitment, what resources are available for those faced with gang recruitment, violence against immigrants, and whether peace resources are available in Spanish. Several invitations were extended for On Earth Peace staff to visit in congregations.
Closing worship featured the newly formed Best Friends group, dedicated to sharing music from the African-American tradition. Founder James Washington Sr., an ordained Church of the Brethren minister from Whitehouse, Texas, introduced a set of songs that ranged from a soulful a cappella “Precious Lord,” to upbeat praise. The set included two of five original compositions that the group has in its repertoire. Best Friends performed a short tour of congregations earlier this year. It will be featured at Annual Conference in July.
The Cross Cultural Ministries Team Steering Committee that plans the annual celebration includes Barbara Date, Thomas Dowdy, Renel Exceus, Sonja Griffith, Robert Jackson, Marisel Olivencia, Gilbert Romero, and Dennis Webb, with Duane Grady as staff support from the General Board’s Congregational Life Teams. Carla Gillespie, a student at Bethany Theological Seminary, assisted with coordination of the event.
Find a photo journal of the event at www.brethren.org, click on “Photo Journals.” The dates of next year’s Cross Cultural Consultation and Celebration are April 24-27, 2008, in Elgin, Ill.
Source: 4/25/2006 Newsline
“Paz (peace). Croyez (believe). Joy....” The theme banner in five languages at the Cross-Cultural Consultation and Celebration also featured the words for “It is good” in Japanese, and “The good path” in Cree. The banner made by Dena Lee, a physician from Ohio and member of the On Earth Peace board, followed the scriptural theme from John 14:27, “Peace I leave with you....”
The gathering April 19-22 at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md., attracted some 100 Brethren of a wide variety of backgrounds from across the US and Puerto Rico, to share daily worship, Bible study, fellowship, and opportunities for conversation about cross-cultural issues. Main sessions were offered with Spanish translation.
Daily Bible study sessions were offered for small groups, some in multiple languages. The scriptures and questions for study focused on peace, but participants also had an opportunity to share personally from their lives and experiences, and to develop new relationships with brothers and sisters in Christ. Youth had an opportunity to make new friends at an overnight retreat hosted by Union Bridge (Md.) Church of the Brethren. The conference also included a report from the Intercultural Study Committee (see story below).
Worship and music in many languages and styles formed the heart of the celebration. Members of the Bittersweet music ministry led by Gilbert Romero, pastor of Bella Vista Church of the Brethren in Los Angeles, were joined by many other musicians and singers as the Spirit led. Opportunities were given for participants to bring testimonies, prayers, songs, and dance. Don Mitchell of Harrisburg (Pa.) First Church of the Brethren led congregational singing. Youth helped lead the Saturday morning worship, when the music included some favorites from National Youth Conference.
Preachers included Stephen Breck Reid, academic dean of Bethany Theological Seminary, who spoke about the meaning of Christian baptism. “What does it mean to be a people in water that might carry you away?” he asked. Reid called the church to participate in the baptism of Jesus Christ in order to claim a new identity, and to transform the world into the Kingdom “that is beyond racial and class distinctions.”
“There is no peace in the world without Christ,” said Gaston Pierre Louis in the Friday evening sermon. Louis serves as a pastor at Eglise des Freres Haitiens, a Haitian Church of the Brethren in Miami, Fla. His message was given in French Creole, and translated by Founa Augustin, a member of his congregation. “If we don’t have peace together, how can we share it with the world?” he asked. “Let’s walk in peace with Christ. Let’s live in peace together...even with those that hate us. Christ will say, come here my children, this is my Kingdom.”
Among other speakers, the gathering also heard from Annual Conference moderator Belita Mitchell, who sang “What a mighty God we serve” as she walked to the podium; from Carol Mason, coordinator of Congregational Life Teams, Area 3, who spoke for closing worship; and from On Earth Peace board member Doris Abdullah of Brooklyn, N.Y., who gave a prayerful meditation on the stations of the cross. She asked for remembrance of suffering people around the world, just as Christians remember the suffering Christ. “We remember the dark CIA prisons... we remember the two million in the camps (in Darfur, Sudan)... we remember those crossing the borders,” she prayed. “We remember how you loved us to your death. Help us peacemakers to change the world.”
A presentation by Mennonite guests Conrad Moore and Titus Peachey received a standing ovation. The two men told their personal stories: one was a conscientious objector during the Vietnam War, the other a Vietnam veteran who has become an advocate for peacemaking. They challenged the church to provide opportunities for employment and service to members of all ethnic and minority backgrounds. “The issue is access to opportunities,” Moore said. Inviting youth in the congregation to rise and be seen, he said, “Stand up young woman. Stand up young man. We need to make sure he has an opportunity to go to the mission field.”
The board of On Earth Peace held its spring meetings concurrently with the consultation, and joined in worship and Bible studies. A presentation about On Earth Peace prompted questions about the agency’s work against military recruitment, what resources are available for those faced with gang recruitment, violence against immigrants, and whether peace resources are available in Spanish. Several invitations were extended for On Earth Peace staff to visit in congregations.
Closing worship featured the newly formed Best Friends group, dedicated to sharing music from the African-American tradition. Founder James Washington Sr., an ordained Church of the Brethren minister from Whitehouse, Texas, introduced a set of songs that ranged from a soulful a cappella “Precious Lord,” to upbeat praise. The set included two of five original compositions that the group has in its repertoire. Best Friends performed a short tour of congregations earlier this year. It will be featured at Annual Conference in July.
The Cross Cultural Ministries Team Steering Committee that plans the annual celebration includes Barbara Date, Thomas Dowdy, Renel Exceus, Sonja Griffith, Robert Jackson, Marisel Olivencia, Gilbert Romero, and Dennis Webb, with Duane Grady as staff support from the General Board’s Congregational Life Teams. Carla Gillespie, a student at Bethany Theological Seminary, assisted with coordination of the event.
Find a photo journal of the event at www.brethren.org, click on “Photo Journals.” The dates of next year’s Cross Cultural Consultation and Celebration are April 24-27, 2008, in Elgin, Ill.
Source: 4/25/2006 Newsline
Consultation receives report from Intercultural Study Committee.
Revelation 7:9 is “a revelation of the true intended nature of God’s church in the here and now,” not just a description of God’s church at the end of time, said chair Asha Solanky as the Intercultural Study Committee presented its work to the Cross-Cultural Consultation and Celebration. The committee’s report will be a major item of business when the 2007 Annual Conference meets in Cleveland on June 30-July 4.
Committee members reviewed their recommendations for the denomination, and explained their study of the situation of the church, outlined the findings of their work, and talked about how they came to agreement on recommendations. They highlighted as a major recommendation the suggestion that the Church of the Brethren adopt Revelation 7:9 as the denominational vision for the remainder of the 21st century.
When the floor was opened for questions, participants asked about the feasibility of cross-cultural requirements for church committees, the advice to congregations to become acquainted with their communities, the nature of mentoring that the church may offer to new leaders from ethnic and minority backgrounds, the need for a directory of church leaders with experience working interculturally, recognition of different cultures among Anglos, and the requirements for a new Congregational Life Teams position that is being advocated by the committee.
Solanky’s response to several questions was to reiterate that although the recommendations may seem difficult, they are necessary to accomplish the goal of becoming an intercultural church. “If we’re serious about this, we have to start somewhere. Yes, it will be hard,” she said.
“It’s not like our church can’t do it,” added committee member Nadine Monn. “We can do it. We are able.”
Asked if the committee considered homosexuality as a culture to be included in the concerns of its report, committee members said that this had not been addressed. They cited the two queries that led to the formation of the study, which dealt with the inclusion of racial and ethnic groups, as setting the parameters for the study.
The committee received expressions of encouragement and support, as it brings the report to Annual Conference. “We need to pray about this (report), that something is going to happen,” said Gene Yeazell of Arden, N.C.
“I know how difficult it has been for you to work on this,” said Ruben DeOleo of Maranatha Multicultural Fellowship in Lancaster, Pa. “What they (the committee) have been doing is for us,” DeOleo then said to the gathering. “We need to go to Cleveland to Annual Conference to support what they’re going to say there. That’s our report to the church. What they’ve been finding is our life in the Church of the Brethren.”
Committee members are chair Asha Solanky, recorder Nadine L. Monn, Darla Kay Bowman Deardorff, Thomas Dowdy, Neemita Pandya, Gilbert Romero, and ex-officio member Glenn Hatfield of the American Baptist Churches USA. Find the full report and recommendations at www.brethren.org/ac.
Source: 4/25/2006 Newsline
Revelation 7:9 is “a revelation of the true intended nature of God’s church in the here and now,” not just a description of God’s church at the end of time, said chair Asha Solanky as the Intercultural Study Committee presented its work to the Cross-Cultural Consultation and Celebration. The committee’s report will be a major item of business when the 2007 Annual Conference meets in Cleveland on June 30-July 4.
Committee members reviewed their recommendations for the denomination, and explained their study of the situation of the church, outlined the findings of their work, and talked about how they came to agreement on recommendations. They highlighted as a major recommendation the suggestion that the Church of the Brethren adopt Revelation 7:9 as the denominational vision for the remainder of the 21st century.
When the floor was opened for questions, participants asked about the feasibility of cross-cultural requirements for church committees, the advice to congregations to become acquainted with their communities, the nature of mentoring that the church may offer to new leaders from ethnic and minority backgrounds, the need for a directory of church leaders with experience working interculturally, recognition of different cultures among Anglos, and the requirements for a new Congregational Life Teams position that is being advocated by the committee.
Solanky’s response to several questions was to reiterate that although the recommendations may seem difficult, they are necessary to accomplish the goal of becoming an intercultural church. “If we’re serious about this, we have to start somewhere. Yes, it will be hard,” she said.
“It’s not like our church can’t do it,” added committee member Nadine Monn. “We can do it. We are able.”
Asked if the committee considered homosexuality as a culture to be included in the concerns of its report, committee members said that this had not been addressed. They cited the two queries that led to the formation of the study, which dealt with the inclusion of racial and ethnic groups, as setting the parameters for the study.
The committee received expressions of encouragement and support, as it brings the report to Annual Conference. “We need to pray about this (report), that something is going to happen,” said Gene Yeazell of Arden, N.C.
“I know how difficult it has been for you to work on this,” said Ruben DeOleo of Maranatha Multicultural Fellowship in Lancaster, Pa. “What they (the committee) have been doing is for us,” DeOleo then said to the gathering. “We need to go to Cleveland to Annual Conference to support what they’re going to say there. That’s our report to the church. What they’ve been finding is our life in the Church of the Brethren.”
Committee members are chair Asha Solanky, recorder Nadine L. Monn, Darla Kay Bowman Deardorff, Thomas Dowdy, Neemita Pandya, Gilbert Romero, and ex-officio member Glenn Hatfield of the American Baptist Churches USA. Find the full report and recommendations at www.brethren.org/ac.
Source: 4/25/2006 Newsline
Christian Citizenship Seminar explores ‘The State of Our Health.’
Seventy-two senior high youth and advisors explored questions related to "The State of Our Health" in the US and abroad at this year’s Church of the Brethren Christian Citizenship Seminar (CCS). The event began March 24 in New York and concluded five days later in Washington, D.C., with an assortment of presentations, small-group discussions, a United Nations tour, worship, and sightseeing in between.
Many speakers focused on the merits of a “single-payer” health care system, which would eliminate the insurance companies as an intermediary in the process. Instead, standard rates would be negotiated by the government in each region, similar to what is done in Canada and in many nations in Europe and elsewhere. While funded publicly, care would still be delivered privately.
Each worker would pay a small percentage from his or her paycheck to fund the system, providing resources for those who cannot afford health care on their own. Recent government estimates put the number of Americans without health insurance at about 46 million. Many companies are also being squeezed by the cost of health care coverage.
“The present system is sick and just doesn’t get the job done,” said Bill Davidson, a Church of the Brethren cardiologist from Lebanon, Pa. “Health care is the next big social battle that’s going to take place, and you as young people have a front-row seat.” Davidson noted that the World Health Organization currently ranks the US number 37 in overall health care worldwide.
Marilyn Clement, national coordinator of Healthcare-NOW, focused on House Resolution 676, which proposes a US National Health Insurance Act, guaranteeing universal access to high-quality and cost-effective health care. Clement’s organization is leading a petition drive for the bill to be passed. “Getting there is going to be hard,” said Clement, who noted that health care costs could top 20 percent of the gross national product (GNP) by 2020 under the current system. “It’s not going to be easy.”
Palmyra (Pa.) Church of the Brethren pastor Wally Landes observed in an opening session that Brethren have often not chosen the easy road in a quest for mutuality. “Issues of health and wholeness are in our bones as Brethren,” Landes told the group. “I think God’s will is for wholeness, and sometimes stuff gets in the way.” He emphasized that health is a theological and spiritual issue, that Brethren “have always taken health and healing seriously,” and the ability of Brethren to do big things despite their relatively small size. Often, he added, some have made sacrifices to bring about justice for the larger community.
One day of the seminar focused on the more specific health issue of AIDS, which is still running rampant, especially in Africa. Church World Service (CWS) policy analyst Kathleen McNeely outlined the work being done through the CWS Africa Initiative, tackling issues of water, hunger, and poverty in addition to HIV/AIDS, while Brooklyn (N.Y.) Church of the Brethren pastor Phill Carlos Archbold related his personal story of caring for AIDS patients, using photos to show the devastation the disease brings.
Youth later in the week lobbied their representatives in Washington on the Senate and House bills they had learned about, following a session on advocacy by Greg Howe, who grew up in York (Pa.) First Church of the Brethren. Howe, now a senior policy manager on health care reform issues under Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell, described his call to advocacy work and offered pointers. He said that while many states are working at the issue, “we need a federal solution.”
Christian Citizenship Seminar is sponsored annually except in National Youth Conference years by the General Board’s Youth and Young Adult Ministries and Brethren Witness/Washington Office. Details are at www.brethren.org/genbd/yya/CCS.htm.
--Walt Wiltschek is editor of the Church of the Brethren “Messenger” magazine.
Source: 4/25/2006 Newsline
Seventy-two senior high youth and advisors explored questions related to "The State of Our Health" in the US and abroad at this year’s Church of the Brethren Christian Citizenship Seminar (CCS). The event began March 24 in New York and concluded five days later in Washington, D.C., with an assortment of presentations, small-group discussions, a United Nations tour, worship, and sightseeing in between.
Many speakers focused on the merits of a “single-payer” health care system, which would eliminate the insurance companies as an intermediary in the process. Instead, standard rates would be negotiated by the government in each region, similar to what is done in Canada and in many nations in Europe and elsewhere. While funded publicly, care would still be delivered privately.
Each worker would pay a small percentage from his or her paycheck to fund the system, providing resources for those who cannot afford health care on their own. Recent government estimates put the number of Americans without health insurance at about 46 million. Many companies are also being squeezed by the cost of health care coverage.
“The present system is sick and just doesn’t get the job done,” said Bill Davidson, a Church of the Brethren cardiologist from Lebanon, Pa. “Health care is the next big social battle that’s going to take place, and you as young people have a front-row seat.” Davidson noted that the World Health Organization currently ranks the US number 37 in overall health care worldwide.
Marilyn Clement, national coordinator of Healthcare-NOW, focused on House Resolution 676, which proposes a US National Health Insurance Act, guaranteeing universal access to high-quality and cost-effective health care. Clement’s organization is leading a petition drive for the bill to be passed. “Getting there is going to be hard,” said Clement, who noted that health care costs could top 20 percent of the gross national product (GNP) by 2020 under the current system. “It’s not going to be easy.”
Palmyra (Pa.) Church of the Brethren pastor Wally Landes observed in an opening session that Brethren have often not chosen the easy road in a quest for mutuality. “Issues of health and wholeness are in our bones as Brethren,” Landes told the group. “I think God’s will is for wholeness, and sometimes stuff gets in the way.” He emphasized that health is a theological and spiritual issue, that Brethren “have always taken health and healing seriously,” and the ability of Brethren to do big things despite their relatively small size. Often, he added, some have made sacrifices to bring about justice for the larger community.
One day of the seminar focused on the more specific health issue of AIDS, which is still running rampant, especially in Africa. Church World Service (CWS) policy analyst Kathleen McNeely outlined the work being done through the CWS Africa Initiative, tackling issues of water, hunger, and poverty in addition to HIV/AIDS, while Brooklyn (N.Y.) Church of the Brethren pastor Phill Carlos Archbold related his personal story of caring for AIDS patients, using photos to show the devastation the disease brings.
Youth later in the week lobbied their representatives in Washington on the Senate and House bills they had learned about, following a session on advocacy by Greg Howe, who grew up in York (Pa.) First Church of the Brethren. Howe, now a senior policy manager on health care reform issues under Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell, described his call to advocacy work and offered pointers. He said that while many states are working at the issue, “we need a federal solution.”
Christian Citizenship Seminar is sponsored annually except in National Youth Conference years by the General Board’s Youth and Young Adult Ministries and Brethren Witness/Washington Office. Details are at www.brethren.org/genbd/yya/CCS.htm.
--Walt Wiltschek is editor of the Church of the Brethren “Messenger” magazine.
Source: 4/25/2006 Newsline
Brethren give $50,000 to agriculture in N. Korea, among recent grants.
Six recent grants from the Global Food Crisis Fund (GFCF) and the Emergency Disaster Fund (EDF) of the Church of the Brethren General Board total $90,500--among them $50,000 to support agriculture in North Korea, which continues to experience periodic famine.
The GFCF allocation of $50,000 for the Sustainable Agriculture and Community Development Program in North Korea represents the fourth year of supporting Agglobe International with the endeavor. Funds will help purchase seed, plastic sheeting, and fertilizer for farms in the program.
The alleviation of periodic famine in North Korea remains a compelling factor, said the grant request. “The Church of the Brethren’s reaching out to North Koreans goes beyond the matter of food security,” said GFCF manager Howard Royer. “It is a testament to risk-taking, bridge-building, and reconciliation in witness to the compassion and love of Jesus Christ for all peoples, and especially for the impoverished and estranged.”
In other grants from the EDF, $24,000 responds to a Church World Service (CWS) appeal to provide aid to Indonesia following flooding; $5,000 responds to a CWS appeal following severe storms and tornados in Alabama, Georgia, Missouri, and Arkansas in March; $4,000 responds to the United Farm Worker Foundation following a freeze that destroyed citrus crops and has affected some 28,000 farm workers; and $2,500 responds to a CWS appeal to support thousands who have been displaced by fighting in southern Colombia. The GFCF also has given $5,000 to help rebuild Liberia’s food capacity, in a grant requested by CWS and Church Aid, Inc.
Source: 4/25/2006 Newsline
Six recent grants from the Global Food Crisis Fund (GFCF) and the Emergency Disaster Fund (EDF) of the Church of the Brethren General Board total $90,500--among them $50,000 to support agriculture in North Korea, which continues to experience periodic famine.
The GFCF allocation of $50,000 for the Sustainable Agriculture and Community Development Program in North Korea represents the fourth year of supporting Agglobe International with the endeavor. Funds will help purchase seed, plastic sheeting, and fertilizer for farms in the program.
The alleviation of periodic famine in North Korea remains a compelling factor, said the grant request. “The Church of the Brethren’s reaching out to North Koreans goes beyond the matter of food security,” said GFCF manager Howard Royer. “It is a testament to risk-taking, bridge-building, and reconciliation in witness to the compassion and love of Jesus Christ for all peoples, and especially for the impoverished and estranged.”
In other grants from the EDF, $24,000 responds to a Church World Service (CWS) appeal to provide aid to Indonesia following flooding; $5,000 responds to a CWS appeal following severe storms and tornados in Alabama, Georgia, Missouri, and Arkansas in March; $4,000 responds to the United Farm Worker Foundation following a freeze that destroyed citrus crops and has affected some 28,000 farm workers; and $2,500 responds to a CWS appeal to support thousands who have been displaced by fighting in southern Colombia. The GFCF also has given $5,000 to help rebuild Liberia’s food capacity, in a grant requested by CWS and Church Aid, Inc.
Source: 4/25/2006 Newsline
Disaster Child Care continues work in New Orleans.
Disaster Child Care volunteers continue to serve in New Orleans as part of the FEMA Louisiana Welcome Home Center, established to help returning families in their recovery. As of April 9, 27 child care volunteers had interacted with 595 children since opening of the project on Jan. 3.
Barbara Weaver, previous Disaster Project Manager in New Orleans, included this story in her report from the project: “One morning a mom brought her young boy to be with us. He was so excited to stay and play. When she returned, he didn't want to leave. So she sat down and chatted with us for a while. She had been evacuated up ‘North’ and finally was coming back home. When we gave her the photo of her child and her, with big tears coming down her cheeks she said, ‘I don't have any pictures of my boy and me since the flood came. Thank you so much.’”
Disaster Child Care also is providing support for children at two special events: On April 11, a child care center at the Soldiers and Sailors National Military Museum in Pittsburgh, Pa., provided support to veterans' young children during a "Returning Veterans Training Workshop" sponsored by Alleghany County; on May 30 volunteers also will care for children during a “Resiliency Event” in Lancaster, Pa., providing support to emergency responders and their families following the Nickel Mines Amish school shootings. Mental health professionals think children of responders may have been affected by their parent’s response to the incident, reported Disaster Child Care coordinator Helen Stonesifer.
Eight experienced Disaster Child Care volunteers have received specialized training to prepared them to work with grieving and traumatized children following an aviation incident or mass casualty event. The DCC Critical Response Childcare Orientation and ARC Critical Response Team Training took place in Las Vegas on March 26-30. Volunteers who received the training were John and Sue Huffaker, Treva Markey, Dorothy Norsen, Derrick Skinner, Kathleen Steffy, John Surr, and Samantha Wilson.
Source: 4/25/2006 Newsline
Disaster Child Care volunteers continue to serve in New Orleans as part of the FEMA Louisiana Welcome Home Center, established to help returning families in their recovery. As of April 9, 27 child care volunteers had interacted with 595 children since opening of the project on Jan. 3.
Barbara Weaver, previous Disaster Project Manager in New Orleans, included this story in her report from the project: “One morning a mom brought her young boy to be with us. He was so excited to stay and play. When she returned, he didn't want to leave. So she sat down and chatted with us for a while. She had been evacuated up ‘North’ and finally was coming back home. When we gave her the photo of her child and her, with big tears coming down her cheeks she said, ‘I don't have any pictures of my boy and me since the flood came. Thank you so much.’”
Disaster Child Care also is providing support for children at two special events: On April 11, a child care center at the Soldiers and Sailors National Military Museum in Pittsburgh, Pa., provided support to veterans' young children during a "Returning Veterans Training Workshop" sponsored by Alleghany County; on May 30 volunteers also will care for children during a “Resiliency Event” in Lancaster, Pa., providing support to emergency responders and their families following the Nickel Mines Amish school shootings. Mental health professionals think children of responders may have been affected by their parent’s response to the incident, reported Disaster Child Care coordinator Helen Stonesifer.
Eight experienced Disaster Child Care volunteers have received specialized training to prepared them to work with grieving and traumatized children following an aviation incident or mass casualty event. The DCC Critical Response Childcare Orientation and ARC Critical Response Team Training took place in Las Vegas on March 26-30. Volunteers who received the training were John and Sue Huffaker, Treva Markey, Dorothy Norsen, Derrick Skinner, Kathleen Steffy, John Surr, and Samantha Wilson.
Source: 4/25/2006 Newsline
Brethren bits: Corrections, remembrances, personnel, and more.
- Corrections to the Newsline Extra of April 11: The Annual Conference flier from the Association of Brethren Caregivers incorrectly listed the amount of continuing education credit available for a series of insight sessions: each session offers .1 credit, not .01 credit as incorrectly reported. Continuing education units offered for the series of sessions on “Evangelism and Church Renewal” cost only $10 for the series, not $10 for each session. Also, the correct online address for Brethren Benefit Trust insurance plan information is www.brethrenbenefittrust.com/Insurance%20Page/insurindex.html.
- Tim Hissong, president and chief executive officer of the Brethren Retirement Community of Greenville, Ohio, and an Association of Brethren Caregivers (ABC) board member, died on April 15 after battling cancer. Hissong joined the ABC board in January 2006 in his role as chair of the Fellowship of Brethren Homes. He had a long history with the Brethren Retirement Community, having served since 2005 as president and CEO, and previously for 13 years as vice president of operations and treasurer. A member and former board member of Happy Corner Church of the Brethren in Clayton, Ohio, Hissong also had a long history of serving in Southern Ohio District. He served as moderator, board member, and board chair for the district, and was on the board of Camp Woodland Altars. He also was a board member for the Association of Ohio Philanthropic Homes, Housing and Services for the Aging, and the Senior Resource Alliance; was involved with the Greenville Rotary, having served on its board and as president; and taught for many years as adjunct instructor for the Business Technologies Division of Sinclair Community College in Dayton, Ohio. He held an MBA in management from Wright State University. He is survived by his wife, Dawn, and son and daughter-in-law, Bryan and Kim Hissong. On the evening of April 23 an informal community gathering at Oakland Church of the Brethren in Bradford, Ohio, was held to remember Hissong. A private service for staff and residents of the Brethren Retirement Community was held April 20. Memorial contributions may be made to the Brethren Retirement Community Resident Aid Fund, 750 Chestnut St., Greenville, OH 45331.
- Leland B. Newcomer, former president of the University of La Verne, Calif., died on April 9 at age 86. He is credited with growing the student body of the school from less than 1,000 to 5,000 students, developing an adult education program, and adding satellite campuses, several on military bases in the US and Europe. Newcomer became president of then-named La Verne College in 1968, following the retirement of Harold Fasnacht. Under his leadership, the school’s curriculum was overhauled, students took a more active role in their own education, and were given the option to design their own majors and the choice of direct or independent study programs. His administration also created adult off-campus programs, which offered working adults classes at night and on weekends so they could get their degrees while working a traditional job during the day; initiated a weekend series of classes for teachers; began a child care center to serve student-parents as well as the university staff and community; and in 1974 built the student center nicknamed the “Super Tents,” which is still considered a landmark structure. Newcomer was born in La Verne in 1921, graduated from La Verne College in 1942, and earned a master's degree from Claremont Graduate University and a doctorate from the University of Southern California. His career included positions as superintendent of school districts in Nevada and California. He was married for many years to Barbara Newcomer, with whom he raised four children. She passed away in 2003. In 2005 he met Mae Henderson at Brethren Hillcrest Homes in La Verne, where they both lived; they were married in 2005. Newcomer is survived by his wife, Mae Henderson Newcomer, and four children, twelve grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren.
- The board of the Brethren Retirement Community in Greenville, Ohio, has appointed John L. Warner as acting president and CEO, following the death of president and chief executive officer Tim Hissong. Warner has held the position of Chief Financial Officer of the Brethren Retirement Community and will continue to carry those duties in the interim. The board will meet again in early May to consider next steps.
- The Youth and Young Adult Ministries of the Church of the Brethren General Board has named a new National Youth Cabinet, to help plan youth events for the year 2007-08. The six youth who have been named to the cabinet are Seth Keller of Dover, Pa.; Heather Popielarz of Prescott, Mich.; Joel Rhodes of Huntingdon, Pa.; Turner Ritchie of Richmond, Ind.; Elizabeth Willis of Tryon, N.C.; and Tricia Ziegler of Sebring, Fla. Adult advisors are Dena Gilbert of La Verne, Calif., youth ministries coordinator for Pacific Southwest District; and Chris Douglas of Elgin, Ill., the General Board’s director of Youth and Young Adults Ministries.
- Great Harvest Church Planting of Illinois and Wisconsin District seeks individuals who desire to fulfill the biblical mandate of the Great Commission by starting new, multiplying congregations of believers in the district. “Church planting is considered the most effective means of evangelism,” said the announcement from Lynda Lubbs-DeVore, apostle for the district’s New Church Development Board. “Great Harvest Church Planting is working hard to develop systems and strategies in order to equip church planters to launch healthy, missional churches in the district,” she said. Great Harvest Church Planting will offer help to church planters including help with assessment, training and coaching, and grant funds to get started. Contact DeVore at Lynda@ncdb.org or 630-675-9740.
- Brethren Hillcrest Homes, a CCRC retirement community in La Verne, Calif., seeks a director of nursing to provide planning, direction, and coordination of nursing services. The position is competitively salaried. Resumes will be received through June 15. Requirements include an RN degree with a current California license, five years of nursing experience with at least two years of supervisory experience. An MSD or certification as a geriatric nurse is preferred. Candidates should be computer literate. This is a confidential search, all inquiries will be treated with sensitivity. Send an e-mail cover letter and resume to Ralph McFadden at Hikermac@sbcglobal.net, 847-622-1677.
- Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT) seeks an Undoing Racism Coordinator to fill a two-thirds time opening giving leadership to internal efforts to undo systemic racism. CPT is engaged in a process of deepening organization-wide commitment and action to undo racism and is working towards becoming a more diverse community. Development of a system of accountability is part of the job description, as well as working closely with undoing racism consultants hired by CPT. Preferred location is at the CPT office in Chicago, Ill., or in Toronto, Canada, but other sites may be considered. Compensation is a subsistence stipend based on need. Members of aboriginal or racialized groups (a term suggested by the Ontario, Canada, Human Rights Commission Policy and Guidelines on Racism and Racial Discrimination) are encouraged to apply. Contact Carol Rose, CPT Co-Director, at guest.905387@MennoLink.org with expressions of interest and nominations by May 11.
- The Annual Conference Office reports that there are still plenty of hotel rooms in the Wyndham, Embassy Suites, Renaissance, and Holiday Inn Select hotels for the 2007 Annual Conference in Cleveland, Ohio, on June 30-July 4. Housing can be arranged at www.brethren.org/ac or by faxing or mailing a housing form from the Conference Information Packet. A free trolley system can be taken from most of the hotels to points close to the Cleveland Convention Center. For those flying to Cleveland, public transportation from Hopkins airport to downtown is very reasonable, the office reports: the Regional Transit Authority (RTA) has rail service from Hopkins to the Renaissance hotel close to the Convention Center for $1.75 one way.
- The Church of the Brethren “Messenger” magazine received three awards at this year's Associated Church Press (ACP) conference, held April 22-25 in Chicago: an Award of Merit (second place) for 1- or 2-color magazine design, and Honorable Mention (third place) for Bible resource and magazine editorial or opinion piece. The design award was for the Sept. 2006 issue. Judges praised the work of designer Paul Stocksdale, calling it, "Well organized, (with) good use of photos.... Good contrast in use of type and design elements.” It is the third straight year that “Messenger” placed in this category. The Bible resource award was given for the “Journey Through the Word” Bible study series; sample articles written by Robert Neff, Stephen Breck Reid, and Harold S. Martin were submitted for the competition. The magazine editorial writing award was presented for editor Walt Wiltschek’s Nov. 2006 editorial column, “Violent Tendencies.” Nearly 200 publications, websites, news services, and individuals in the US and Canada are ACP members, representing a combined circulation of several million.
- The Brethren Witness/Washington Office and the Global Food Crisis Fund ministries of the Church of the Brethren General Board are promoting a June 9-12 Bread for the World National Gathering in Washington, D.C. The gathering is intended “to sow the seeds of a movement to end hunger and poverty in our nation and around the world,” the Brethren Witness/Washington Office said. The event will be “full of opportunities to pray, speak, listen, debate, discuss, advocate, and lobby on issues of hunger and poverty.” The conference at American University will include training sessions and workshops, congressional visits, an interfaith convocation at the National Cathedral, and forums with presidential candidates. Several Brethren leaders are expected to attend including Annual Conference moderator Belita Mitchell, and Stan Noffsinger, general secretary of the General Board. Register at www.bread.org. For more information contact Howard Royer at the Global Food Crisis Fund, 800-323-8039 ext. 264, or Emily O’Donnell at the Brethren Witness/Washington Office, 800-785-3246.
- On Earth Peace has announced two conference calls in May for those working against military recruitment: on May 16, at 7-8:30 p.m. eastern time, and May 17, at 1-2:30 p.m. eastern. The phone calls are organized as part of the Encountering Recruitment Network. Facilitators are Matt Guynn, coordinator of Peace Witness for On Earth Peace, and Deb Oskin, peace minister at Living Peace Church of the Brethren in Columbus, Ohio. To participate, send an e-mail to mattguynn@earthlink.net or call 765-962-6234. For more go to www.brethren.org/oepa/programs/peace-witness/counter-recruitment/index.html.
- The 2007 Illinois/Wisconsin District Workday will be at Douglas Park Church of the Brethren in Chicago on April 28. The district holds the event for work and fellowship while providing support to a congregation. Douglas Park Church has a rich history serving inner-city Brethren in Chicago, in a diverse and vital neighborhood. The day begins with a 7:30 a.m. breakfast, and includes a picnic lunch in the park across the street. A worship service will close the day at 3:30 p.m. Work will include plastering, carpentry, plumbing, electrical work, painting, planting, and cleaning up the church property, which includes the office of Christian Peacemaker Teams.
- Pamela Reist, a Church of the Brethren minister from Mount Joy, Pa., has been named to the Juniata College board of trustees as church trustee for a two-year term. The college is located in Huntingdon, Pa. Reist is associate pastor at Lititz (Pa.) Church of the Brethren, where she served as pastor of Christian nurture from 2001-04 and as director of Christian nurture from 2000-01. She also has served on the board for Atlantic Northeast District of the Church of the Brethren since 2005. Her daughter, Dana, is a senior at Juniata.
- Early registration discounts are still available for "Deep and Wide: Expanding Hospitality in the Faithful Church," a New Life Ministries Leadership Training event on Tuesday, May 8, at Franconia Mennonite Church in Telford, Pa. Early registration deadline is April 30. Contact Kristen Leverton Helbert, director, 800-774-3360, www.NewLifeMinistries-NLM.org, or NLMServiceCenter@aol.com.
- The transatlantic slave trade was an "African holocaust" that should never be forgotten, said a coalition of global ecumenical church bodies working to commemorate the 200th anniversary of its abolition this year. On March 25, 1807, the British House of Commons passed the Abolition of the Slave Trade Act, although the trade continued for some time after. “Two hundred years after the abolition, the dungeons along the coast of Africa tell the story of human degradation and indignity," said delegates representing the World Council of Churches (WCC), the World Alliance of Reformed Churches, and the Council for World Mission, who met March 15-17. The legacy of the slave trade remains today in the racism, economic exploitation, and psychological damage done to millions of Africans and their descendants, and millions of the world's poor, the church groups said. "The global slave trade removed some of the most productive peoples in Africa, resulting in the African holocaust. Global trade now continues the degradation in the form of child labor, sex workers, human trafficking, incarceration of young people and institutional racism. The ecumenical community calls upon people and governments to rise up to their historical duty to recover and reclaim the divinity in all humanity so that economic and racial justice prevails," the church groups stated.
Linda McCauliff resigns as associate for W. Pennsylvania District.
Linda McCauliff has resigned as associate executive minister for Western Pennsylvania District of the Church of the Brethren, effective May 25. She has served in the position for 15 years. Prior to that, she worked as a district volunteer for Christian education for nine years.
Her work for the Church of the Brethren denomination also has included service for two years as a member of the Congregational Life Teams, Area One, of the General Board. Among the accomplishments in her work for the church was development of a Stewardship Box for the district and denomination, and leadership in a district transition to a Gifts Discernment Team calling process.
McCauliff holds a bachelor of science degree in Human Resources from Geneva College, and is a graduate of the Training in Ministry program of the Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership. She also has attended Shalem Institute for Spiritual Direction, and has led spiritual retreats. She begins a Clinical Pastoral Education position in chaplaincy at Hershey (Pa.) Medical Center on May 29.
Source: 4/25/2006 Newsline
Linda McCauliff has resigned as associate executive minister for Western Pennsylvania District of the Church of the Brethren, effective May 25. She has served in the position for 15 years. Prior to that, she worked as a district volunteer for Christian education for nine years.
Her work for the Church of the Brethren denomination also has included service for two years as a member of the Congregational Life Teams, Area One, of the General Board. Among the accomplishments in her work for the church was development of a Stewardship Box for the district and denomination, and leadership in a district transition to a Gifts Discernment Team calling process.
McCauliff holds a bachelor of science degree in Human Resources from Geneva College, and is a graduate of the Training in Ministry program of the Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership. She also has attended Shalem Institute for Spiritual Direction, and has led spiritual retreats. She begins a Clinical Pastoral Education position in chaplaincy at Hershey (Pa.) Medical Center on May 29.
Source: 4/25/2006 Newsline
Brethren pastor and congregation respond to needs at Virginia Tech.
"I've had an opportunity since the tragedy here to do what I feel Brethren do very well, which is to try to respond to needs as they come up," said Marilyn Lerch, pastor of Good Shepherd Church of the Brethren in Blacksburg, Va.
Following the shootings in which 33 students and faculty died on the university campus on April 16, Lerch has worked behind the scenes to convene the pastors in town, and has taken part in campus ministry. She herself is a graduate of the university, having earned a bachelors degree in nutrition and a masters in education at Virginia Tech.
She credits her relative freedom as a part-time pastor--she also works as coordinator of the Training in Ministry program of the Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership--with giving her flexibility in a time of crisis to seek out needs that are not being met by others. The Church of the Brethren "may not have the oomph that the Presbyterians have," she said, "or the numbers that the United Methodists have on a Sunday morning, but I've been amazed with all the ways that are there for us to minister."
Set in a very visible location, the Good Shepherd church has offered its sanctuary for those who need a place to pray. The sanctuary was open the evening after the shootings occurred. That evening a television crew from Roanoke, Va., came to the church to interview members who are Virginia Tech faculty, and to talk with Lerch. The pastor said she attempted to offer a balance to the reporting of the violent day.
Media contacts grew, as Lerch was then interviewed by National Public Radio, "The Washington Post," "The Roanoke Times," and others. A crew from NPR even attended and recorded the Sunday morning worship service at Good Shepherd on April 22. Lerch said she asked only that recorders be turned off for the time of sharing of joys and concerns.
"It is intimidating to me to be a spokesperson, but I also see it as an opportunity," she said. "At times like these, the church needs to speak out. Many large societal questions have been raised by the circumstances of the tragedy." While some have been criticized for politicizing the event, Lerch said she feels the "big" questions are being asked because they touch lives. "I believe the Church of the Brethren has something to add to the discussion, when the talk turns to issues like mental illness and gun control. It has been important to me, for instance, that 33 candles are lit as we remember those who have died, not 32," she said.
As one of the campus ministers, within a few hours of the shootings Lerch visited with the dean of students, out of whose office the campus ministry operates, and visited the local hospital where wounded had been taken, as well as The Inn at Virginia Tech where family members and friends of students gathered to await word."Then I called together the local pastors," she said, explaining that the Blacksburg ministers have not been meeting together regularly. When the pastors met on the morning following the shootings, "things just began to emerge that I could do," Lerch said.
She has spent hours at the campus chapel since the shootings, for example. "Constant streams of people come in needing quiet time," she said. One day she was able to provide a listening ear for the family of one of the professors who was killed. The chapel also has helped receive the flowers that have been poured out in gifts to the university. This week Lerch and the Good Shepherd pianist, who is a member of the university staff, are leading chapel services following requests for more worship experiences from some who attended the memorial events on the drill field. Because the school is a state institution and does not offer regular chapel services, Lerch coordinated the holding of special chapel services with the university staff.
Along with the overwhelming media coverage, other unexpected problems have faced the university and its campus ministers. "We've also been inundated with religious groups, some of which have been very aggressive," Lerch said. "That makes it more difficult to encourage students and even faculty to consider the resources of faith. You just look with sadness at what's going on in some cases in the name of faith, turning some people away from even thinking that God is a resource in this situation.
"The local ministers "realize that we're looking at longterm needs," she said. They also have been working in concert with the university, which she said "has been very thoughtful in its handling of the situation." Many clergy are contemplating what it means to have so much of the healing process being done online by students, she added. "Certainly the age of technology has deeply affected both the circumstances around this tragedy as well as the aftermath."Lerch expressed thanks to the denomination for its support. After experiencing "that kind of affirmation of prayer," she hopes that she will do better for others in such situations.
"There are a variety of groups that need prayer right now," she reported, "one of them being the Good Shepherd congregation. We at Good Shepherd are a small congregation, but it is staggering how this tragedy has affected our little group personally." She also asked for prayer specifically for faculty of the university, who this week are returning to teaching. "We've lived through a time here that none of us would ever hope to encounter," she said.
Source: 4/26/2006 Newsline Extra
"I've had an opportunity since the tragedy here to do what I feel Brethren do very well, which is to try to respond to needs as they come up," said Marilyn Lerch, pastor of Good Shepherd Church of the Brethren in Blacksburg, Va.
Following the shootings in which 33 students and faculty died on the university campus on April 16, Lerch has worked behind the scenes to convene the pastors in town, and has taken part in campus ministry. She herself is a graduate of the university, having earned a bachelors degree in nutrition and a masters in education at Virginia Tech.
She credits her relative freedom as a part-time pastor--she also works as coordinator of the Training in Ministry program of the Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership--with giving her flexibility in a time of crisis to seek out needs that are not being met by others. The Church of the Brethren "may not have the oomph that the Presbyterians have," she said, "or the numbers that the United Methodists have on a Sunday morning, but I've been amazed with all the ways that are there for us to minister."
Set in a very visible location, the Good Shepherd church has offered its sanctuary for those who need a place to pray. The sanctuary was open the evening after the shootings occurred. That evening a television crew from Roanoke, Va., came to the church to interview members who are Virginia Tech faculty, and to talk with Lerch. The pastor said she attempted to offer a balance to the reporting of the violent day.
Media contacts grew, as Lerch was then interviewed by National Public Radio, "The Washington Post," "The Roanoke Times," and others. A crew from NPR even attended and recorded the Sunday morning worship service at Good Shepherd on April 22. Lerch said she asked only that recorders be turned off for the time of sharing of joys and concerns.
"It is intimidating to me to be a spokesperson, but I also see it as an opportunity," she said. "At times like these, the church needs to speak out. Many large societal questions have been raised by the circumstances of the tragedy." While some have been criticized for politicizing the event, Lerch said she feels the "big" questions are being asked because they touch lives. "I believe the Church of the Brethren has something to add to the discussion, when the talk turns to issues like mental illness and gun control. It has been important to me, for instance, that 33 candles are lit as we remember those who have died, not 32," she said.
As one of the campus ministers, within a few hours of the shootings Lerch visited with the dean of students, out of whose office the campus ministry operates, and visited the local hospital where wounded had been taken, as well as The Inn at Virginia Tech where family members and friends of students gathered to await word."Then I called together the local pastors," she said, explaining that the Blacksburg ministers have not been meeting together regularly. When the pastors met on the morning following the shootings, "things just began to emerge that I could do," Lerch said.
She has spent hours at the campus chapel since the shootings, for example. "Constant streams of people come in needing quiet time," she said. One day she was able to provide a listening ear for the family of one of the professors who was killed. The chapel also has helped receive the flowers that have been poured out in gifts to the university. This week Lerch and the Good Shepherd pianist, who is a member of the university staff, are leading chapel services following requests for more worship experiences from some who attended the memorial events on the drill field. Because the school is a state institution and does not offer regular chapel services, Lerch coordinated the holding of special chapel services with the university staff.
Along with the overwhelming media coverage, other unexpected problems have faced the university and its campus ministers. "We've also been inundated with religious groups, some of which have been very aggressive," Lerch said. "That makes it more difficult to encourage students and even faculty to consider the resources of faith. You just look with sadness at what's going on in some cases in the name of faith, turning some people away from even thinking that God is a resource in this situation.
"The local ministers "realize that we're looking at longterm needs," she said. They also have been working in concert with the university, which she said "has been very thoughtful in its handling of the situation." Many clergy are contemplating what it means to have so much of the healing process being done online by students, she added. "Certainly the age of technology has deeply affected both the circumstances around this tragedy as well as the aftermath."Lerch expressed thanks to the denomination for its support. After experiencing "that kind of affirmation of prayer," she hopes that she will do better for others in such situations.
"There are a variety of groups that need prayer right now," she reported, "one of them being the Good Shepherd congregation. We at Good Shepherd are a small congregation, but it is staggering how this tragedy has affected our little group personally." She also asked for prayer specifically for faculty of the university, who this week are returning to teaching. "We've lived through a time here that none of us would ever hope to encounter," she said.
Source: 4/26/2006 Newsline Extra
Brethren organizations offer resources following Virginia shootings.
Church of the Brethren groups are providing resources reflecting on the Virginia Tech tragedy, at www.brethren.org as well as other websites. The online resources include links provided by the Association of Brethren Caregivers (ABC), Disaster Child Care, and Good Shepherd Church of the Brethren in Blacksburg, Va.
The website of Good Shepherd Church of the Brethren is offering reflections on the tragedy at Virginia Tech, go to www.goodshepherdblacksburg.org. These resources have been created and used by those connected with the Good Shepherd congregation, including pastor Marilyn Lerch.
ABC through its Voices: Ministry on Mental Illness, will host a series of webcasts reflecting on mental illness and the tragedy. The webcasts will be posted on the denomination's new webcast site the week of April 30, go to www.cobwebcast.bethanyseminary.edu.
ABC also is offering a collection of links to resources about mental illness and ways that congregations can respond with hope and love to those experiencing mental illness. Also offered are links to resources for coping with trauma, and resources for family life. Go to www.brethren.org/abc/advocacy/vt_response.html.
Disaster Child Care is offering a brochure called "Trauma, Helping Your Child Cope," that gives advice to parents, teachers, and others who care for children during times of trauma and disaster. The brochure is available at www.brethren.org/genbd/ersm/Trauma.htm or a supply can be ordered from the Disaster Child Care office, call 800-451-4407. A supply of the brochures has been sent to the district offices of Virlina District and Shenandoah District.
Source: 4/26/2006 Newsline Extra
Church of the Brethren groups are providing resources reflecting on the Virginia Tech tragedy, at www.brethren.org as well as other websites. The online resources include links provided by the Association of Brethren Caregivers (ABC), Disaster Child Care, and Good Shepherd Church of the Brethren in Blacksburg, Va.
The website of Good Shepherd Church of the Brethren is offering reflections on the tragedy at Virginia Tech, go to www.goodshepherdblacksburg.org. These resources have been created and used by those connected with the Good Shepherd congregation, including pastor Marilyn Lerch.
ABC through its Voices: Ministry on Mental Illness, will host a series of webcasts reflecting on mental illness and the tragedy. The webcasts will be posted on the denomination's new webcast site the week of April 30, go to www.cobwebcast.bethanyseminary.edu.
ABC also is offering a collection of links to resources about mental illness and ways that congregations can respond with hope and love to those experiencing mental illness. Also offered are links to resources for coping with trauma, and resources for family life. Go to www.brethren.org/abc/advocacy/vt_response.html.
Disaster Child Care is offering a brochure called "Trauma, Helping Your Child Cope," that gives advice to parents, teachers, and others who care for children during times of trauma and disaster. The brochure is available at www.brethren.org/genbd/ersm/Trauma.htm or a supply can be ordered from the Disaster Child Care office, call 800-451-4407. A supply of the brochures has been sent to the district offices of Virlina District and Shenandoah District.
Source: 4/26/2006 Newsline Extra
Brethren bits.
- Among those who have been in prayer following the shootings at Virginia Tech are congregations in Virlina District, which includes in its borders the area of Blacksburg, Va. Congregations holding special services or opening their sanctuaries for prayer have included Christiansburg (Va.) Church of the Brethren, Vinton (Va.) Church of the Brethren, and several congregations in Roanoke, Va., including First Church of the Brethren, Williamson Road Church of the Brethren, Oak Grove Church of the Brethren, and Central Church of the Brethren, which planned to conclude its service outside around a peace pole.
- At Juniata College, a Church of the Brethren school in Huntingdon, Pa., students and staff responded by holding a candlelight prayer vigil on campus in solidarity with their peers who were grieving at Virginia Tech. "We had over 100 people show up and had some very touching and personal sharing from two students, one from Blacksburg and another from northern Virginia who had several high school friends attending Virginia Tech," reported campus chaplain David Witkovsky. "I pray that it helped our students and that our prayers will touch those who are struggling to make sense of this tragedy."
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, Lerry Fogle, Nancy F. Knepper, Jon Kobel, Howard Royer, Helen Stonesifer, John Wall, Walt Wiltschek, and David Witkovsky 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, Lerry Fogle, Nancy F. Knepper, Jon Kobel, Howard Royer, Helen Stonesifer, John Wall, Walt Wiltschek, and David Witkovsky contributed to this report.
Monday, April 16, 2007
Newsline Special: Request for Prayer
PRAYER IS REQUESTED FOR VIRGINIA TECH UNIVERSITY AND SURROUNDING COMMUNITIES
Prayer is requested for the community of Virginia Tech University in Blacksburg, Va., and surrounding communities, following a shooting in which as many as 33 people have been killed and many more wounded.
Prayer has been requested by Good Shepherd Church of the Brethren in Blacksburg, where Marilyn Lerch serves as pastor; by Virlina District and by Shenandoah District; and by the Church of the Brethren General Board. The districts of Virlina, Shenandoah, and perhaps other districts, include several congregations with Brethren students at Virginia Tech.
News reports say this is the deadliest mass shooting in US history. As of late afternoon, the "Roanoke Times" of Roanoke, Va., at www.roanoke.com reported that at least 33 people had been killed. According to news reports, shootings began around 7 a.m. and took place at two sites on campus, in a dormitory and a classroom. The unidentified shooter is reported to be among the dead.
"Pour prayers in this direction," requested pastor Lerch. "Surround us with prayer."
"The prayers of the Virlina District are with the students, parents, faculty, staff, and all concerned," said an e-mail from district executive minister David Shumate.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with those of the Virginia Tech campus community in the aftermath of today's shootings," said an e-mail from Shenandoah District. "We know that many of our churches have students on the campus and pray for their safety and comfort in light of this tragedy."
General secretary Stan Noffsinger and staff of the Congregational Life Teams, Area 3, requested prayer for all affected by the shootings. Noffsinger called for prayer for families and friends of victims, the university and its staff and student body, for Brethren congregations that include university students or staff, for first responders among police and medical staff, for the faith community in Blacksburg, and for the family of the perpetrator. "They all need our prayers," he said. "There are the innocent and their families, there's also the family of the perpetrator with so much hostility focused toward them, and the law enforcement officers and others who are called. They all need to be embraced by an understanding that they do not walk alone."
Good Shepherd pastor Lerch, who also serves as one of the campus ministers, was on her way to the university when she was reached by telephone in mid-afternoon. She requested prayers for the university community, and prayers for the town of Blacksburg because of its close relationship with the university. "The town is stunned," she said. This is the second time that the campus has suffered from shootings this school year, she added. The fact that on the first day of classes a gunman was loose on campus, she said makes the situation today "especially difficult."
At this time, Lerch said that very few details are known. She reported that the Good Shepherd congregation includes employees and faculty of the university, and so far no one in the congregation has been directly affected by the shootings at this time. She said she has been able to be in touch with most of the university employees in the congregation.
Good Shepherd Church of the Brethren will hold a silent prayer vigil this evening from 5-7 p.m., when the church will be open as a sanctuary, Lerch said. The congregation will be waiting to see what is needed, beyond this time of prayer, she said.
Virlina District shared the address for a website created by the Virginia Interfaith Center for those wishing to share comments, prayers, and condolences: www.compassion24x7.org. The center will be sending a copy of all appropriate messages to the president of Virginia Tech.
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.
PRAYER IS REQUESTED FOR VIRGINIA TECH UNIVERSITY AND SURROUNDING COMMUNITIES
Prayer is requested for the community of Virginia Tech University in Blacksburg, Va., and surrounding communities, following a shooting in which as many as 33 people have been killed and many more wounded.
Prayer has been requested by Good Shepherd Church of the Brethren in Blacksburg, where Marilyn Lerch serves as pastor; by Virlina District and by Shenandoah District; and by the Church of the Brethren General Board. The districts of Virlina, Shenandoah, and perhaps other districts, include several congregations with Brethren students at Virginia Tech.
News reports say this is the deadliest mass shooting in US history. As of late afternoon, the "Roanoke Times" of Roanoke, Va., at www.roanoke.com reported that at least 33 people had been killed. According to news reports, shootings began around 7 a.m. and took place at two sites on campus, in a dormitory and a classroom. The unidentified shooter is reported to be among the dead.
"Pour prayers in this direction," requested pastor Lerch. "Surround us with prayer."
"The prayers of the Virlina District are with the students, parents, faculty, staff, and all concerned," said an e-mail from district executive minister David Shumate.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with those of the Virginia Tech campus community in the aftermath of today's shootings," said an e-mail from Shenandoah District. "We know that many of our churches have students on the campus and pray for their safety and comfort in light of this tragedy."
General secretary Stan Noffsinger and staff of the Congregational Life Teams, Area 3, requested prayer for all affected by the shootings. Noffsinger called for prayer for families and friends of victims, the university and its staff and student body, for Brethren congregations that include university students or staff, for first responders among police and medical staff, for the faith community in Blacksburg, and for the family of the perpetrator. "They all need our prayers," he said. "There are the innocent and their families, there's also the family of the perpetrator with so much hostility focused toward them, and the law enforcement officers and others who are called. They all need to be embraced by an understanding that they do not walk alone."
Good Shepherd pastor Lerch, who also serves as one of the campus ministers, was on her way to the university when she was reached by telephone in mid-afternoon. She requested prayers for the university community, and prayers for the town of Blacksburg because of its close relationship with the university. "The town is stunned," she said. This is the second time that the campus has suffered from shootings this school year, she added. The fact that on the first day of classes a gunman was loose on campus, she said makes the situation today "especially difficult."
At this time, Lerch said that very few details are known. She reported that the Good Shepherd congregation includes employees and faculty of the university, and so far no one in the congregation has been directly affected by the shootings at this time. She said she has been able to be in touch with most of the university employees in the congregation.
Good Shepherd Church of the Brethren will hold a silent prayer vigil this evening from 5-7 p.m., when the church will be open as a sanctuary, Lerch said. The congregation will be waiting to see what is needed, beyond this time of prayer, she said.
Virlina District shared the address for a website created by the Virginia Interfaith Center for those wishing to share comments, prayers, and condolences: www.compassion24x7.org. The center will be sending a copy of all appropriate messages to the president of Virginia Tech.
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.
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