- Correction: The report "Outdoor Ministries Association holds annual meeting" in the Newsline of Jan. 29 gave an incorrect location for Camp Myrtlewood. The camp is in Myrtle Point, Ore.
- Millard Fuller, 74, who founded Habitat for Humanity International along with his wife, Linda, died on Feb. 3 after a brief illness. At the time of his death he headed the Fuller Center for Housing in Americus, Ga. "A giant among men has left us.... At last, Millard can rest, although that was about the last thing he ever wished to do," said a remembrance in the Americus "Times-Recorder." The Habitat ministry of building houses for those in need, using volunteer labor and community-based affiliates, was founded in 1976. More than 300,000 homes were built during Fuller’s 29 years with the organization. He left Habitat in 2005 in a dispute with its board over allegations of inappropriate behavior. He and his wife went on to found the Fuller Center for Housing to continue the work of eliminating poverty housing. An obituary on the Habitat website at www.habitat.org credits Fuller as "the visionary whose ideas and tireless work created Habitat for Humanity." The idea for Habitat for Humanity was born at Koinonia Farm, a Christian community founded in 1942 in rural southwest Georgia. Fuller came to the farm as a young entrepreneur and attorney who by age 29 had earned his first million dollars, but who decided to begin anew after experiencing health and marriage difficulties. The Fullers "sold all that they owned, gave the money to the poor and in their searching, landed at Koinonia where they began soaking up the teachings of farmer, theologian, and community founder Clarence Jordan," the obituary said. "In time, Jordan and Fuller launched a program of ‘partnership housing,’ building simple houses in partnership with rural neighbors who were too poor to qualify for conventional home loans. The first house was dedicated in 1969." Fuller received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor, and the Martin Luther King Jr. Humanitarian Award, among numerous honors. Church of the Brethren connections with Fuller’s work have been numerous over the decades, including congregational involvements with Habitat affiliates in various communities, building Habitat homes at National Youth Conference, cooperative work between Brethren Disaster Ministries and Habitat, and placement of Brethren Volunteer Service workers with Habitat projects. Fuller was buried at Koinonia Farm on Feb. 4. A celebration of his life and work will be held at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta on March 14, beginning at 2 p.m. Also, a Legacy Blitz Build will be held in August in Fuller’s hometown of Lanett, Ala., and at other Fuller Center covenant partners in the US and overseas.
- Paul Derstine has announced his retirement as president and CEO of IMA World Health (formerly Interchurch Medical Assistance), a nonprofit organization headquartered at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md. Derstine is a member of Westminster (Md.) Church of the Brethren. He has led in transforming IMA "from a church supply agency, to a world class and respected medical partner in service so that many more might enjoy good health," said Church of the Brethren general secretary Stan Noffsinger as he expressed gratitude for Derstine’s work. Derstine served with IMA for 17 years. During his tenure, he shaped IMA World Health from a service organization with a staff of four focused mainly on distributing donations, to a membership organization with a staff of 75 working in five countries to strengthen health systems and eliminate tropical disease. He led the staff in developing new programs and services, including initiatives such as the IMA Medicine Box Program. IMA also has become a lead partner in health systems in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Sudan, managing grants awarded in excess of $80 million. In 2008, a "Forbes Magazine" report on "America’s 200 Largest Charities" identified IMA as one of the 20 most skilled and well managed among that group. During a year of transition, Derstine will continue to serve as president. The IMA board has appointed a Transition Committee to work with a consulting firm to name a successor in late 2009. Donald Parker, IMA board chair, is leading the Transition Committee. Interested candidates should contact TransitionGuides at IMA@TransitionGuides.com or 301-439-6635.
- On Jan. 16, Steve Terrill began an internship in Human Resources Management at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill. The internship is part of his bachelor’s degree program at Judson University. He comes from a background as distribution coach/inventory analyst at ITW Brands in Hanover Park, Ill.
- The New Windsor Conference Center is expressing gratitude for the work of new and returning volunteer hosts: Larry and Alice Petry of Lakemore, Ohio, serving as first-time hosts in Zigler Hall for the months of January and February; and Dick and Erma Foust of New Lebanon, Ohio, returning as volunteer hosts in the Old Main building through March.
- Abdiel Cruz has been named the Church of the Brethren’s representative to the Puerto Rico Council of Churches, in an announcement from Atlantic Southeast District. For the past few years, Hector Perez Borges has been the Brethren delegate and has served as the secretary for the PR Council of Churches. "Our appreciation to Hector for his valuable contributions, and we wish Abdiel great success," said the district announcement.
- Camp Pine Lake, an outdoor ministry center in Northern Plains District, has named the late Gary Nicholson of Iowa River Church of the Brethren as Volunteer of the Year for 2008, in an announcement in the district newsletter. Nicholson passed away from a lingering illness in Feb. 2008. "Over the past 30 years Gary served numerous six-year terms on the board," said the announcement. "He was an individual of few words with great practical ideas.... He had a real love and compassion for children. They were his top priority. Gary lived his faith."
- The Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership based in Richmond, Ind., seeks a fulltime administrative secretary, working 30 hours per week, to begin on or before April 1. The position provides secretarial and administrative support to the salaried staff of the Brethren Academy and the programs and projects of the academy and its students, and works collegially with the staff and faculty of Bethany Theological Seminary. Qualifications include a wide range of computer skills, verbal and written skills, basic accounting, ability to set priorities and follow through on tasks with minimal supervision, ability to multi-task, organizational skills, office skills, and experience with office equipment. Applications and a more complete job description are available from the Executive Assistant to the President of Bethany Seminary at snydesu@bethanyseminary.edu or 765-983-1803. Applications will be accepted until Feb. 27, or until the position is filled.
- A suggested change in worship language has come from the Church of the Brethren’s Disabilities Ministry Group. The group has expressed concern about the use of the phrase, "Stand if you are able," in worship services, recognizing that some elderly and disabled people are not able to stand. In consultation with other denominations, the group recommends a new phrase: "Rise in body or in spirit" or a version of this phrase. This new language helps congregations focus on the lifting up of spirits as the primary task of worship, and the ability to stand as secondary, said an announcement.
- "Church World Service Kits are in great demand!" says Loretta Wolf, director of the Material Resources program at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md. The program warehouses, processes, and distributes relief supplies on behalf of a number of ecumenical partners. Low inventory levels of Church World Service (CWS) Kits has prompted an appeal for Hygiene Kits, Baby Kits, School Kits, and Emergency Clean-up Buckets. "By assembling and donating CWS Kits, you are saying ‘We Care!’ to people in need around the world," Wolf said. Go to www.churchworldservice.org/kits for instructions to assemble, pack, and ship kits, or call 800-297-1516. Kits may be sent to Church World Service, Brethren Service Center Annex, 601 Main St., P.O. Box 188, New Windsor, MD 21776.
- In an update on the work of Material Resources, staff have been loading containers destined for Central America, Asia, and Africa, among them two shipments for Kenya and two trailer loads of equipment for Zambia on behalf of John Hopkins PIEGO, and Lutheran World Relief School Kits and Health Kits for a children’s training in Guatemala. Church World Service shipments responded to disaster and community needs in Deming, N.M.; Marion, Iowa; and Biloxi, Miss. CWS also responded to a request from Aniak, Alaska, for School Kits for a school that experienced a total loss due to fire.
- Frederick (Md.) Church of the Brethren was commended as "a fine example of what a church is doing right," in a recent article in the "Business Gazette" of Gaithersburg, Md. The report titled "Non-traditional churches flourish in Frederick County," reviewed the history of growth in Frederick Church of the Brethren, which is the largest Brethren congregation in the US, as well as several other growing congregations from other traditions.
- First Church of the Brethren in Miami, Fla., held its third annual Brethren Press booth at the Miami International Book Fair, on Nov. 14-16, 2008.
- For the past two years, churches in Northern Plains District have been praying for one another on a weekly basis using a prayer calendar provided through the district office. The calendar indicates the church to pray for each week. Notes of support from one church to another also are encouraged. In addition, the district is making available a mileage chart of the distances between each congregation, prepared by Diane Mason of Fairview Church of the Brethren. For more information contact Nancy Davis at npofficesecretary@earthlink.net or 515-964-4851.
- Atlantic Southeast District has identified a district theme for the year 2009: "Holiness," with an emphasis on "calling God’s people to be holy--in ethics, in lifestyle, in worldview, and more," according to the district newsletter. The district has asked pastors to preach on the theme during January and February, using texts from the Sermon on the Mount and other New Testament sources. The district also has identified themes for upcoming years: "Health" focusing on healthy churches and healthy Christians and expanding youth ministry and worship in 2010; and "Aliveness" focusing on church growth and mission in 2011.
- Great Harvest Church Planting, a program of Illinois and Wisconsin District, has requested prayer for two families doing church planting: the Sarpiya family that arrived in Rockford, Ill., on Jan. 31, and Herman and Betty Ware working at a Chicago Westside Plant. "We invite you to continue to keep the Sarpiyas in your prayers as they begin their life and ministry in Rockford," the announcement said. For the Wares, "Pray for focus and direction as they seek to meet the needs of individuals in the Douglas Park community."
- A building important in the history of Fahrney-Keedy Home and Village, a Church of the Brethren retirement community in Boonsboro, Md., has been moved to a new site. The small building in which Dr. Peter Fahrney had his office during the late 1800s is now part of the new Washington County Rural Heritage Museum. Two trucks carried the building and its roof to their new home one night in mid-December, according to a release from Fahrney-Keedy. Dr. Fahrney donated the site of his summer home, called San Mar, to the Church of the Brethren in 1905 in honor of his grandfather for use as a "Home for the Aged." The office building had been a museum since then, sitting in front of Fahrney-Keedy’s main building.
- Juniata College in Huntingdon, Pa., will put on a unique theater production on Feb. 19-21 and 23-26. "Return," the story of a man returning home to claim an inheritance of the family farm, will premiere at the Halbritter Center for the Performing Arts at Juniata. "Return" is a new piece conceived by the Gravity Project, Juniata's professional theater ensemble, in collaboration with the college theater department. The piece will be staged using a multimedia approach with a mix of video imagery, shadow puppets, and a soundscape of recorded music and ambient sound. Andrew Belser, associate professor of theater, wrote the play and co-directs the production with Stephanie Skura. Tickets are $3 for students and $7 for adults. Call 814-641-3771.
- New Lenten Calendars have been announced by the Global Women’s Project, a Brethren-related program that supports self-help projects that are led by, empower, and benefit women and their communities. The Lenten Calendars were developed by Steering Committee members Carrie Eikler and Anna Lisa Gross to help church members reflect on abundant resources and what may be given up for the sake of others during Lent. The calendars include scripture, information about women around the world, and Global Women’s Project partner projects (contact info@globalwomensproject.org to obtain a calendar or bulk copies for families and congregations, the calendars also may be received electronically). Global Women’s Project also will offer online resources for International Women’s Month in March, including worship and event materials for congregations or women’s groups (go to www.globalwomensproject.org).
- The Decade to Overcome Violence of the World Council of Churches, has launched its 2009 focus on the Caribbean region. The theme is "One Love: Building a Peaceful Caribbean." The program will strengthen and support churches and movements working for peace in the Caribbean, and deepen understanding of the violence involved in issues such as migration, human trafficking, food security, HIV/AIDS, and drug abuse.
- The Elgin (Ill.) City Prayer Breakfast gave its Martin Luther King Jr. Humanitarian Award to Bettina Perillo, a member of Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren. Perillo was honored for her commitment to peacemaking, which has included civil disobedience protesting the Iraq War, and leadership in an alternative recruitment program in the Elgin high schools that helps students make informed decisions about the military and promotes alternatives. Perillo also is a member of Fox Valley Citizens for Peace and Justice.
- Miller Davis has been honored with the 2008 Dan West Fellow Award by the Heifer Foundation. He is chair of Heifer Foundation’s Board of Trustees and a member of Westminster (Md.) Church of the Brethren. "Davis, whose board term ends this year, leaves behind a legacy of unparalleled service to the boards of both Heifer Foundation and Heifer International, including chairing both boards during times of tremendous growth," said an announcement from the foundation. Foundation president Janet Ginn praised Davis for his servant leadership: "Miller is one of those individuals that exemplify the tireless commitment to the mission of ending hunger and poverty." The award is named after Heifer International founder Dan West. Each year, the foundation’s trustees emeriti choose one outstanding leader to be recognized as a Dan West Fellow. Davis, who knew Dan West personally, said he was "speechless" when he was informed he was this year’s recipient. Davis had the opportunity to work with West while in Brethren Volunteer Service from 1965-67. "To know and experience Dan and then serve on the boards of organizations he founded has been a wonderful experience," he said.
- Kaplan Publishing has issued a call for stories from disaster healthcare workers. The company publishes educational and consumer books by and for healthcare workers. It is accepting stories for a new anthology, "To The Rescue: Stories from Healthcare Workers at the Scene of Disaster." The book will collect stories by healthcare workers from a variety of specialties who have gone to the scenes of disasters, whether in their hometowns or across the world. All stories must be true and previously unpublished. Submit in Microsoft Word, 12-point Times New Roman, double-spaced with a title and word count of 1,000-2,500, include author's name, address, phone number, and e-mail address. Payment for stories is $100 if published, along with two complimentary copies of the book. The deadline is Feb. 21. Send submissions to KaplanStories@live.com (cite the story title in the subject line) or Kaplan’s To The Rescue, P.O. Box 51, Wever, IA 52658 (include a self-addressed, postage-paid envelope).
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Brethren Bits: Correction, remembrance, personnel, and much more.
Marvin Greener to direct Buildings and Grounds at General Offices.
Marvin Greener began Feb. 2 as director of Buildings and Grounds at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill. He brings more than 25 years of experience in the field of facilities and facility management, managing multiple facilities, and complex remodeling and construction projects to the position.
Greener most recently was district manager for B&B Maintenance in Lake Zurich, Ill. He also has been general services manager for Hewlett-Packard Co./Agilent Technologies, and regional operations manager with Johnson Controls. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Industry and Technology from Northern Illinois University, with an Industrial Supervision major. He lives in South Elgin, Ill.
Source: 02/11/2009 Newsline
Marvin Greener began Feb. 2 as director of Buildings and Grounds at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill. He brings more than 25 years of experience in the field of facilities and facility management, managing multiple facilities, and complex remodeling and construction projects to the position.
Greener most recently was district manager for B&B Maintenance in Lake Zurich, Ill. He also has been general services manager for Hewlett-Packard Co./Agilent Technologies, and regional operations manager with Johnson Controls. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Industry and Technology from Northern Illinois University, with an Industrial Supervision major. He lives in South Elgin, Ill.
Source: 02/11/2009 Newsline
On Earth Peace announces staffing shifts.
On Earth Peace has announced changes of roles for two staff: Matt Guynn and Gimbiya Kettering.
In Nov. 2008, Kettering became coordinator of Communications at On Earth Peace with responsibility for communications to those who seek information and inspiration about how to follow Jesus in the ways of peace, and coordination of outreach with the Brethren and other constituents through a website, e-mail newsletters, and printed materials. She has been employed by On Earth Peace since 2007.
Effective Jan. 1, Guynn began in a new role as program director for On Earth Peace, overseeing program activities, supervising program staff, and providing leadership for program coherence and direction. He also continues as coordinator of the peace witness program. He has been employed by On Earth Peace since Jan. 2002.
Source: 02/11/2009 Newsline
On Earth Peace has announced changes of roles for two staff: Matt Guynn and Gimbiya Kettering.
In Nov. 2008, Kettering became coordinator of Communications at On Earth Peace with responsibility for communications to those who seek information and inspiration about how to follow Jesus in the ways of peace, and coordination of outreach with the Brethren and other constituents through a website, e-mail newsletters, and printed materials. She has been employed by On Earth Peace since 2007.
Effective Jan. 1, Guynn began in a new role as program director for On Earth Peace, overseeing program activities, supervising program staff, and providing leadership for program coherence and direction. He also continues as coordinator of the peace witness program. He has been employed by On Earth Peace since Jan. 2002.
Source: 02/11/2009 Newsline
Annual Conference Information Packet available online, registration begins Feb. 21.
The Information Packet for the 2009 Annual Conference of the Church of the Brethren is now available online. The packet offers essential information about the Conference to take place in San Diego, Calif., on June 26-30, including registration fees, travel and housing information, age group events, special presentations, and more.
The packet is available at www.brethren.org/ac (go to http://www.cobannualconference.org/sandiego/223rd_Annual_Conference.pdf to download the packet in pdf format). Those who are unable to access the Internet may obtain an Information Packet on CD for $3 or a paper copy for $5 from the Annual Conference Office. Send requests to dweaver_ac@brethren.org or call 800-688-5186.
Non-delegate registration for the Conference will be available online beginning Feb. 21, at the Conference website. Cost for an adult to pre-register for the full event is $75, or $100 onsite. Discounted fees are available for those attending single days or the weekend, ages 12-21, and current Brethren Volunteer Service workers. Children under 12 register for free. Conference registration can be completed online or by filling out the non-delegate registration form in the Information Packet.
Housing reservations also may be made starting Feb. 21, using the online housing system at www.brethren.org/ac or by submitting the housing request form in the Information Packet. Two hotels are offered for Conference housing this year, the Town and Country Hotel, where the Conference will be held, and the Doubletree Hotel Mission Valley.
Feb. 21 also marks the date when the registration fee for delegates from congregations and districts will increase to $245, from $200. Delegates are requested to submit their registrations and fees before that date.
For more information contact the Annual Conference Office at dweaver_ac@brethren.org or 800-688-5186.
Source: 2/12/2009 Newsline Extra
The Information Packet for the 2009 Annual Conference of the Church of the Brethren is now available online. The packet offers essential information about the Conference to take place in San Diego, Calif., on June 26-30, including registration fees, travel and housing information, age group events, special presentations, and more.
The packet is available at www.brethren.org/ac (go to http://www.cobannualconference.org/sandiego/223rd_Annual_Conference.pdf to download the packet in pdf format). Those who are unable to access the Internet may obtain an Information Packet on CD for $3 or a paper copy for $5 from the Annual Conference Office. Send requests to dweaver_ac@brethren.org or call 800-688-5186.
Non-delegate registration for the Conference will be available online beginning Feb. 21, at the Conference website. Cost for an adult to pre-register for the full event is $75, or $100 onsite. Discounted fees are available for those attending single days or the weekend, ages 12-21, and current Brethren Volunteer Service workers. Children under 12 register for free. Conference registration can be completed online or by filling out the non-delegate registration form in the Information Packet.
Housing reservations also may be made starting Feb. 21, using the online housing system at www.brethren.org/ac or by submitting the housing request form in the Information Packet. Two hotels are offered for Conference housing this year, the Town and Country Hotel, where the Conference will be held, and the Doubletree Hotel Mission Valley.
Feb. 21 also marks the date when the registration fee for delegates from congregations and districts will increase to $245, from $200. Delegates are requested to submit their registrations and fees before that date.
For more information contact the Annual Conference Office at dweaver_ac@brethren.org or 800-688-5186.
Source: 2/12/2009 Newsline Extra
Public policy leader on hunger to speak at Annual Conference.
H. Eric Schockman, president of MAZON, a Jewish Response to Hunger, will speak on "Repairing the World: Creating Just and Compassionate Communities" at the Global Ministries Dinner at the 2009 Annual Conference.
Established in 1985 in Los Angeles, MAZON is a national nonprofit organization that allocates donations from the Jewish community to alleviate hunger among people of all faiths and backgrounds. The event is scheduled for 5 p.m. on June 29. The dinner will include elements of the Passover Seder, which begins with the declaration, "Let all who are hungry enter and eat."
Earlier that day, at 12:30 p.m., Schockman will lead a Global Food Crisis Fund insight session looking at how scriptural teachings on hunger apply to today’s world. "Dr. Schockman is well positioned to help us explore the intersection of faith and hunger issues," said Howard Royer, manager of the Global Food Crisis Fund. "A former Peace Corps worker in Sierra Leone and political science professor at the University of Southern California, Eric is a widely recognized expert on agricultural policy and sustainable development."
The Church of the Brethren and MAZON work together through the Interfaith Hunger Coordinators Forum. The Global Ministries Dinner is sponsored by the Church of the Brethren’s Global Mission Partnerships.
-- Janis Pyle is mission connections coordinator for the Church of the Brethren.
Source: 2/12/2009 Newsline Extra
H. Eric Schockman, president of MAZON, a Jewish Response to Hunger, will speak on "Repairing the World: Creating Just and Compassionate Communities" at the Global Ministries Dinner at the 2009 Annual Conference.Established in 1985 in Los Angeles, MAZON is a national nonprofit organization that allocates donations from the Jewish community to alleviate hunger among people of all faiths and backgrounds. The event is scheduled for 5 p.m. on June 29. The dinner will include elements of the Passover Seder, which begins with the declaration, "Let all who are hungry enter and eat."
Earlier that day, at 12:30 p.m., Schockman will lead a Global Food Crisis Fund insight session looking at how scriptural teachings on hunger apply to today’s world. "Dr. Schockman is well positioned to help us explore the intersection of faith and hunger issues," said Howard Royer, manager of the Global Food Crisis Fund. "A former Peace Corps worker in Sierra Leone and political science professor at the University of Southern California, Eric is a widely recognized expert on agricultural policy and sustainable development."
The Church of the Brethren and MAZON work together through the Interfaith Hunger Coordinators Forum. The Global Ministries Dinner is sponsored by the Church of the Brethren’s Global Mission Partnerships.
-- Janis Pyle is mission connections coordinator for the Church of the Brethren.
Source: 2/12/2009 Newsline Extra
Song and Story Fest to be held at Camp Peaceful Pines.
"Sierra Song and Story Fest, Round Again: Even the Stars Are Singing!" will be held July 3-9 at Camp Peaceful Pines in Dardanelle, Calif., in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The fest is an intergenerational camp co-sponsored by On Earth Peace and coordinated by Ken Kline Smeltzer, designed to be an event held prior to or after the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference.
Presenters will address the theme of "the heavens are telling the glory of God" and "the stars are singing their praise of life and all creation!" in the spirit of Psalm 19:1-3. The line-up of folk musicians, story tellers, and workshop leaders includes Bob Gross, Kathy Guisewite, Rocci Hildum, Jonathan Hunter, Jim Lehman, Gayle Hunter Sheller, Mike Titus, Ryan Harrison, Bill Jolliff, Steve Kinzie, Shawn Kirchner, Peg Lehman, Jan and John Long, Mike Stern, Mary Titus, and Mutual Kumquat. Events will be offered for adults, children, and youth.
A brochure giving information about the schedule, fees, and housing, and online registration are available at the On Earth Peace website, go to www.onearthpeace.org for more. For additional information or questions contact Ken Kline Smeltzer at bksmeltz@comcast.net or 814-466-6491.
Source: 2/12/2009 Newsline Extra
"Sierra Song and Story Fest, Round Again: Even the Stars Are Singing!" will be held July 3-9 at Camp Peaceful Pines in Dardanelle, Calif., in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The fest is an intergenerational camp co-sponsored by On Earth Peace and coordinated by Ken Kline Smeltzer, designed to be an event held prior to or after the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference.
Presenters will address the theme of "the heavens are telling the glory of God" and "the stars are singing their praise of life and all creation!" in the spirit of Psalm 19:1-3. The line-up of folk musicians, story tellers, and workshop leaders includes Bob Gross, Kathy Guisewite, Rocci Hildum, Jonathan Hunter, Jim Lehman, Gayle Hunter Sheller, Mike Titus, Ryan Harrison, Bill Jolliff, Steve Kinzie, Shawn Kirchner, Peg Lehman, Jan and John Long, Mike Stern, Mary Titus, and Mutual Kumquat. Events will be offered for adults, children, and youth.
A brochure giving information about the schedule, fees, and housing, and online registration are available at the On Earth Peace website, go to www.onearthpeace.org for more. For additional information or questions contact Ken Kline Smeltzer at bksmeltz@comcast.net or 814-466-6491.
Source: 2/12/2009 Newsline Extra
Cook-Huffman to lead Ministers’ Association event.
"Paradoxes of Congregational Conflict: Pastoral Leadership in Interpersonal Peacemaking" is the title of this year’s pre-Conference continuing education event sponsored by the Church of the Brethren Ministers’ Association. The event takes place June 25-26 in San Diego, Calif.
Celia Cook-Huffman, assistant professor of Peace Studies at Juniata College in Huntingdon, Pa., and associate director of the college’s Baker Institute for Peace and Conflict Studies, will lead the event. She holds degrees from Manchester College, the University of Notre Dame where she earned a master’s degree in Peace Studies, and Syracuse University where she earned a doctorate degree. She also has specialized training and education in conflict resolution, nonviolence, gender studies, and mediation.
Cost is $60 for an individual ($90 at the door), or $90 for a couple ($120 at the door). First-time attenders register for $30, and current seminary or academy students register for $20. Onsite child supervision will be available, and a picnic will be held, for an extra fee. Continuing education units will be available.
Register online at www.brethren.org/sustaining or contact Tim Sollenberger Morphew, P.O. Box 52, New Paris, IN 46553. Registrations are due by June 10.
Source: 2/12/2009 Newsline Extra
"Paradoxes of Congregational Conflict: Pastoral Leadership in Interpersonal Peacemaking" is the title of this year’s pre-Conference continuing education event sponsored by the Church of the Brethren Ministers’ Association. The event takes place June 25-26 in San Diego, Calif.
Celia Cook-Huffman, assistant professor of Peace Studies at Juniata College in Huntingdon, Pa., and associate director of the college’s Baker Institute for Peace and Conflict Studies, will lead the event. She holds degrees from Manchester College, the University of Notre Dame where she earned a master’s degree in Peace Studies, and Syracuse University where she earned a doctorate degree. She also has specialized training and education in conflict resolution, nonviolence, gender studies, and mediation.
Cost is $60 for an individual ($90 at the door), or $90 for a couple ($120 at the door). First-time attenders register for $30, and current seminary or academy students register for $20. Onsite child supervision will be available, and a picnic will be held, for an extra fee. Continuing education units will be available.
Register online at www.brethren.org/sustaining or contact Tim Sollenberger Morphew, P.O. Box 52, New Paris, IN 46553. Registrations are due by June 10.
Source: 2/12/2009 Newsline Extra
Annual Conference bits and pieces.
- The Annual Conference Office, presently operating at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md., will relocate to the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill., during the week of Sept. 21-25. The new address will be Church of the Brethren Annual Conference Office, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL, 60120. Complete contact information will be available in the 2009 Yearbook. Contact Lerry Fogle, Annual Conference Director, at 800-688-5186.
- Phyllis Tickle, the former and founding religion department editor of "Publishers Weekly" and a leading voice on the significant changes occurring in culture and religion, will be the speaker for the "Messenger" dinner at the 2009 Annual Conference. The dinner is scheduled for Saturday evening, June 27. Tickle recently wrote the book, "The Great Emergence" discussing a shift to a new era for faith and the larger society. Go to www.phyllistickle.com/aboutauthor.html for more information.
Skilled workers to construct 2009 Nigeria workcamp projects.
A special call for people with carpentry and construction skills to participate in the 2009 Nigeria Workcamp on Feb. 8-March 8 has been answered. A group of eight people from the United States, including a general contractor and residential builder, has joined Nigerian Christians and workers from Mission 21 at the annual event at the headquarters of Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria (EYN--the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria).
The workcamp will construct a teacher’s house for EYN’s Comprehensive Secondary School and complete construction of an HIV/AIDS office building that was started in 2008.
Participants from the US include Roger Bruce of Dutchtown Brethren Church in Warsaw Ind., who is a general contractor; Stephen Donaldson of Mexico Church of the Brethren in Peru, Ind., who brings construction experience; Sharon Flaten of Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren in Elgin, Ill., a Brethren Volunteer service worker at the Church of the Brethren General Offices; Jim and Alice Graybill of Venice (Fla.) Community Church of the Brethren--he is a retired cabinet maker and carpenter who also has Brethren Disaster Service experience; and Timothy Joseph of Onekama (Mich.) Church of the Brethren, a residential builder.
A former Nigeria missionary and his wife also are among the participants: Ralph Royer, who worked in Nigeria from 1953-55 and 1957-75, and Barbara McFadden of Eel River Community Church of the Brethren in Silver Lake, Ind.
"I look forward to introducing Barbara to some of my life-long friends and co-workers in Nigeria," said Royer. "Each time I have returned for visits, I am impressed with the new church buildings, but I am especially moved by the enthusiasm with which people share the goodness of salvation through Jesus Christ through EYN."
-- Janis Pyle is mission connections coordinator for the Church of the Brethren.
Source: 2/12/2009 Newsline Extra
A special call for people with carpentry and construction skills to participate in the 2009 Nigeria Workcamp on Feb. 8-March 8 has been answered. A group of eight people from the United States, including a general contractor and residential builder, has joined Nigerian Christians and workers from Mission 21 at the annual event at the headquarters of Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria (EYN--the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria).
The workcamp will construct a teacher’s house for EYN’s Comprehensive Secondary School and complete construction of an HIV/AIDS office building that was started in 2008.
Participants from the US include Roger Bruce of Dutchtown Brethren Church in Warsaw Ind., who is a general contractor; Stephen Donaldson of Mexico Church of the Brethren in Peru, Ind., who brings construction experience; Sharon Flaten of Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren in Elgin, Ill., a Brethren Volunteer service worker at the Church of the Brethren General Offices; Jim and Alice Graybill of Venice (Fla.) Community Church of the Brethren--he is a retired cabinet maker and carpenter who also has Brethren Disaster Service experience; and Timothy Joseph of Onekama (Mich.) Church of the Brethren, a residential builder.
A former Nigeria missionary and his wife also are among the participants: Ralph Royer, who worked in Nigeria from 1953-55 and 1957-75, and Barbara McFadden of Eel River Community Church of the Brethren in Silver Lake, Ind.
"I look forward to introducing Barbara to some of my life-long friends and co-workers in Nigeria," said Royer. "Each time I have returned for visits, I am impressed with the new church buildings, but I am especially moved by the enthusiasm with which people share the goodness of salvation through Jesus Christ through EYN."
-- Janis Pyle is mission connections coordinator for the Church of the Brethren.
Source: 2/12/2009 Newsline Extra
Bethany Seminary offers Spring Chapel Preaching Series.
Senior seminary students, area pastors and activists, and other guests will offer a diversity of theological thought at this Spring’s chapel services at Bethany Theological Seminary in Richmond, Ind. Bethany holds chapel services on Wednesdays, and joins with Earlham School of Religion for joint chapel services on Fridays.
Melanie May, John Price Crozer Professor of Theology and Dean of the Faculty at Colgate Rochester Divinity School in New York, will be at Bethany Seminary on Feb. 11-13 to participate in worship and the Bethany and ESR Thursday Peace Forum, and speak in selected classes. She will present research from her recent book, "Jerusalem Testament: Heads of Churches in Palestine Speak, 1988-2008." May is a former adjunct faculty member at Bethany.
Carol Wise, executive director of the Brethren Mennonite Council for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Interests (BMC) and an ordained minister in the Church of the Brethren, will give the message at the Friday Joint Chapel on Feb. 20. She lives in Minneapolis, Minn., and is a member of the Common Spirit house church.
David Shumate, moderator of the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference, will speak for worship on March 4. His theme will be this year’s Conference theme, "The old has gone! The new has come! All this is from God!" Shumate is district executive minister for the Church of the Brethren’s Virlina District and a Bethany graduate.
Three ministers from White Oak Church of the Brethren in Manheim, Pa.--Ron Copenhaver, Jim Myer, and Dave Wenger--will lead worship on March 25. The White Oak congregation, which has than 600 members, calls ministers from within its membership and practices bi-vocational, unsalaried ministry. Myer is a former moderator of Annual Conference.
Bob Hunter, a local activist and Church of the Brethren member, will bring the message at a Joint Chapel on April 3. He serves in Richmond as the Diversity and Justice Specialist for InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, an evangelical campus mission serving more than 32,000 students and faculty on more than 550 college and university campuses nationwide.
Other speakers will include Bethany students presenting their senior sermons--Chuck Bell of New Castle, Ind., Holly Hathaway of Connorsville, Ind., Travis Poling of Richmond, Ind., and Dava Hensley of Roanoke, Va.; Tracy Knechel Sturgis, pastor of Mack Memorial Church of the Brethren in Dayton, Ohio.
Wednesday and Friday chapel times are 11:20 a.m. Visit www.bethanyseminary.edu/springchapelschedule for a complete list of spring semester chapel services.
-- Marcia Shetler is director of public relations for Bethany Theological Seminary.
Source: 2/12/2009 Newsline Extra
Senior seminary students, area pastors and activists, and other guests will offer a diversity of theological thought at this Spring’s chapel services at Bethany Theological Seminary in Richmond, Ind. Bethany holds chapel services on Wednesdays, and joins with Earlham School of Religion for joint chapel services on Fridays.
Melanie May, John Price Crozer Professor of Theology and Dean of the Faculty at Colgate Rochester Divinity School in New York, will be at Bethany Seminary on Feb. 11-13 to participate in worship and the Bethany and ESR Thursday Peace Forum, and speak in selected classes. She will present research from her recent book, "Jerusalem Testament: Heads of Churches in Palestine Speak, 1988-2008." May is a former adjunct faculty member at Bethany.
Carol Wise, executive director of the Brethren Mennonite Council for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Interests (BMC) and an ordained minister in the Church of the Brethren, will give the message at the Friday Joint Chapel on Feb. 20. She lives in Minneapolis, Minn., and is a member of the Common Spirit house church.
David Shumate, moderator of the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference, will speak for worship on March 4. His theme will be this year’s Conference theme, "The old has gone! The new has come! All this is from God!" Shumate is district executive minister for the Church of the Brethren’s Virlina District and a Bethany graduate.
Three ministers from White Oak Church of the Brethren in Manheim, Pa.--Ron Copenhaver, Jim Myer, and Dave Wenger--will lead worship on March 25. The White Oak congregation, which has than 600 members, calls ministers from within its membership and practices bi-vocational, unsalaried ministry. Myer is a former moderator of Annual Conference.
Bob Hunter, a local activist and Church of the Brethren member, will bring the message at a Joint Chapel on April 3. He serves in Richmond as the Diversity and Justice Specialist for InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, an evangelical campus mission serving more than 32,000 students and faculty on more than 550 college and university campuses nationwide.
Other speakers will include Bethany students presenting their senior sermons--Chuck Bell of New Castle, Ind., Holly Hathaway of Connorsville, Ind., Travis Poling of Richmond, Ind., and Dava Hensley of Roanoke, Va.; Tracy Knechel Sturgis, pastor of Mack Memorial Church of the Brethren in Dayton, Ohio.
Wednesday and Friday chapel times are 11:20 a.m. Visit www.bethanyseminary.edu/springchapelschedule for a complete list of spring semester chapel services.
-- Marcia Shetler is director of public relations for Bethany Theological Seminary.
Source: 2/12/2009 Newsline Extra
Bethany Seminary holds Presidential Forum in March.
Bethany Theological Seminary will host a Presidential Forum titled "Weaving Wisdom's Tent: The Arts of Peace" on March 29-30 at the seminary campus in Richmond, Ind. The forum will focus on spirituality, art, and peacemaking, and will include plenary sessions, workshops, small group reflection, presentation of student papers, and a concert by the Manchester College A Capella Choir.
Plenary presenters will be author and poet Marge Piercy, conflict resolution scholar and practitioner John Paul Lederach, and artist Douglas Kinsey. In a session on "Examining Peace and the Lack of It Through Poetry," Piercy will read poems that deal with peace and war, personal attitudes, and spiritual disciplines. She is the author of 17 novels and is a teacher, lecturer, and performer. In a plenary on "The Poetics of Building Peace," Lederach will present ideas on the art, soul, and poetics of peace building. He is professor of International Peacebuilding with the Joan B. Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies at the University of Notre Dame. Kinsey will lead an exploration of the representation of justice in the visual arts in a session on "Art About Justice." He is professor emeritus at the University of Notre Dame in the department of Art and Art History.
The Manchester College A Capella Choir will perform Sunday evening. Manchester College was the first school in the US to offer a degree in Peace Studies, and much of the repertoire performed by the choir will carry this theme. Debra Lynn, associate professor of Music, is the director. James Hersch will be the featured guest artist.
A variety of workshops will address subjects such as "Peace in Our Fragmented Lives and Culture: Approaching the Bible and its Interpretation as a Source of Shalom" led by Dawn Ottoni Wilhelm, Bethany’s associate professor of Preaching and Worship, and Steven Schweitzer, associate professor of Old Testament at Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary in Goshen, Ind.; and "Doing Conflict Well: Reflection, Practice, Art," led by Celia Cook-Huffman, director of the Baker Peace Conflict Transformation Center at Juniata College in Huntingdon, Pa., and Bob Gross, executive director of On Earth Peace.
The forum is made possible through gifts to special funds and endowments, including the John C. and Elizabeth E. Baker Peace Endowment, the Nancy Rosenberger Faus Music Education and Performance Endowment, the Founders Lecture Endowment, the Ora Huston Peace Lecture Endowment, and the Stephen I. Katonah Endowment for Faith and the Arts.
The event is limited to 150 participants. The registration fee is $70, or $30 for students. After March 1 the fee will increase to $80, or $40 for students. A continuing education credit of .7 is available. Participants make their own lodging arrangements. Go to www.bethanyseminary.edu/forum2009 for online registration.
-- Marcia Shetler is director of public relations for Bethany Theological Seminary.
Source: 2/12/2009 Newsline Extra
Bethany Theological Seminary will host a Presidential Forum titled "Weaving Wisdom's Tent: The Arts of Peace" on March 29-30 at the seminary campus in Richmond, Ind. The forum will focus on spirituality, art, and peacemaking, and will include plenary sessions, workshops, small group reflection, presentation of student papers, and a concert by the Manchester College A Capella Choir.Plenary presenters will be author and poet Marge Piercy, conflict resolution scholar and practitioner John Paul Lederach, and artist Douglas Kinsey. In a session on "Examining Peace and the Lack of It Through Poetry," Piercy will read poems that deal with peace and war, personal attitudes, and spiritual disciplines. She is the author of 17 novels and is a teacher, lecturer, and performer. In a plenary on "The Poetics of Building Peace," Lederach will present ideas on the art, soul, and poetics of peace building. He is professor of International Peacebuilding with the Joan B. Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies at the University of Notre Dame. Kinsey will lead an exploration of the representation of justice in the visual arts in a session on "Art About Justice." He is professor emeritus at the University of Notre Dame in the department of Art and Art History.
The Manchester College A Capella Choir will perform Sunday evening. Manchester College was the first school in the US to offer a degree in Peace Studies, and much of the repertoire performed by the choir will carry this theme. Debra Lynn, associate professor of Music, is the director. James Hersch will be the featured guest artist.
A variety of workshops will address subjects such as "Peace in Our Fragmented Lives and Culture: Approaching the Bible and its Interpretation as a Source of Shalom" led by Dawn Ottoni Wilhelm, Bethany’s associate professor of Preaching and Worship, and Steven Schweitzer, associate professor of Old Testament at Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary in Goshen, Ind.; and "Doing Conflict Well: Reflection, Practice, Art," led by Celia Cook-Huffman, director of the Baker Peace Conflict Transformation Center at Juniata College in Huntingdon, Pa., and Bob Gross, executive director of On Earth Peace.
The forum is made possible through gifts to special funds and endowments, including the John C. and Elizabeth E. Baker Peace Endowment, the Nancy Rosenberger Faus Music Education and Performance Endowment, the Founders Lecture Endowment, the Ora Huston Peace Lecture Endowment, and the Stephen I. Katonah Endowment for Faith and the Arts.
The event is limited to 150 participants. The registration fee is $70, or $30 for students. After March 1 the fee will increase to $80, or $40 for students. A continuing education credit of .7 is available. Participants make their own lodging arrangements. Go to www.bethanyseminary.edu/forum2009 for online registration.
-- Marcia Shetler is director of public relations for Bethany Theological Seminary.
Source: 2/12/2009 Newsline Extra
Brethren Disaster Ministries takes part in ecumenical ‘blitz build.’
Brethren Disaster Ministries is taking part in an ecumenical "blitz build" in New Orleans on April 20-May 16. The project is in partnership with Church World Service (CWS) and nine other denominations, to build and repair a minimum of 12 homes destroyed by Hurricane Katrina in the Little Woods neighborhood of New Orleans.
A grant of $25,000 from the Church of the Brethren’s Emergency Disaster Fund has been given to the project. The money will help purchase building materials, tools, and supplies, and will help provide volunteer housing, meals, and additional travel expenses.
In addition, Brethren Disaster Ministries staff reported that the program has taken a lead in the project by helping to lay the groundwork for the event. "Brethren Disaster Ministries has taken one of the lead roles by committing additional staff and volunteer time to prepare homes prior to the blitz and taking on additional responsibilities and management during the blitz," reported associate director Zach Wolgemuth in the grant request for the project.
More than three years after Hurricane Katrina hit the northern Gulf Coast on Aug. 29, 2005, "public awareness has diminished leaving thousands of residents frustrated and unable to return to their homes as countless agencies have terminated their recovery efforts," said the grant request.
"Yet amidst this humbling reality, the work of the faith community’s response in the greater New Orleans area demonstrates the effectiveness of even small efforts as single homes are repaired, prompting others to do the same," the request continued. "That is why Brethren Disaster Ministries has joined with CWS and nine of its member denominations and partners in rebuilding a single neighborhood: Little Woods, in eastern New Orleans."
Little Woods was selected because of its diversity, lack of prior attention, the size of its homes (1,200-1,400 square feet), its ability to host volunteer teams, and the potential for the ecumenical community to make a large impact. Throughout this effort, each denominational partner has been asked to contribute financially to the project and provide at least 15 volunteers a week. Volunteer teams will work weekly from April 20 through May 16 in order to repair a minimum of 12 homes in the community.
In other news from Brethren Disaster Ministries, two other rebuilding projects continue, in Johnson County, Ind., following flooding last spring, and in Chalmette, La., continuing recovery from Hurricane Katrina. A project in Rushford, Minn., is about to be closed. "The final house is almost complete!" reported Jane Yount, Brethren Disaster Ministries coordinator.
Source: 2/12/2009 Newsline Extra
Brethren Disaster Ministries is taking part in an ecumenical "blitz build" in New Orleans on April 20-May 16. The project is in partnership with Church World Service (CWS) and nine other denominations, to build and repair a minimum of 12 homes destroyed by Hurricane Katrina in the Little Woods neighborhood of New Orleans.
A grant of $25,000 from the Church of the Brethren’s Emergency Disaster Fund has been given to the project. The money will help purchase building materials, tools, and supplies, and will help provide volunteer housing, meals, and additional travel expenses.
In addition, Brethren Disaster Ministries staff reported that the program has taken a lead in the project by helping to lay the groundwork for the event. "Brethren Disaster Ministries has taken one of the lead roles by committing additional staff and volunteer time to prepare homes prior to the blitz and taking on additional responsibilities and management during the blitz," reported associate director Zach Wolgemuth in the grant request for the project.
More than three years after Hurricane Katrina hit the northern Gulf Coast on Aug. 29, 2005, "public awareness has diminished leaving thousands of residents frustrated and unable to return to their homes as countless agencies have terminated their recovery efforts," said the grant request.
"Yet amidst this humbling reality, the work of the faith community’s response in the greater New Orleans area demonstrates the effectiveness of even small efforts as single homes are repaired, prompting others to do the same," the request continued. "That is why Brethren Disaster Ministries has joined with CWS and nine of its member denominations and partners in rebuilding a single neighborhood: Little Woods, in eastern New Orleans."
Little Woods was selected because of its diversity, lack of prior attention, the size of its homes (1,200-1,400 square feet), its ability to host volunteer teams, and the potential for the ecumenical community to make a large impact. Throughout this effort, each denominational partner has been asked to contribute financially to the project and provide at least 15 volunteers a week. Volunteer teams will work weekly from April 20 through May 16 in order to repair a minimum of 12 homes in the community.
In other news from Brethren Disaster Ministries, two other rebuilding projects continue, in Johnson County, Ind., following flooding last spring, and in Chalmette, La., continuing recovery from Hurricane Katrina. A project in Rushford, Minn., is about to be closed. "The final house is almost complete!" reported Jane Yount, Brethren Disaster Ministries coordinator.
Source: 2/12/2009 Newsline Extra
Dominican Brethren to hold annual assembly.
La Iglesia de los Hermanos en la Republica Dominicana (Church of the Brethren in the Dominican Republic) will hold its 18th annual Assembly in Santo Domingo on Feb. 20-22. Moderator José Juan Méndez, pastor of the Fondo Negro congregation, will lead the Assembly assisted by moderator-elect Felix Antonio Arias Mateo, pastor of the Maranatha congregation in San Juan de la Maguana.
The Dominican Brethren anticipate welcoming representatives from the Church of the Brethren congregations in Haiti as well as two delegates representing the Puerto Rican Brethren. Jay Wittmeyer, newly appointed executive director for Global Mission Partnerships, also will attend.
Two new church fellowships are scheduled to be received into the Assembly this year, both located in Santo Domingo.
The weekend will include morning Bible studies led by Nancy Heishman, director of the Theological Program in the DR, who will be assisted by several theological students. Preaching and worship alternating between the Spanish and Creole languages and styles will be a highlight of this diverse, vibrant church gathering.
-- Nancy Heishman is director of the Church of the Brethren’s Theological Program in the DR.
Source: 2/12/2009 Newsline Extra
La Iglesia de los Hermanos en la Republica Dominicana (Church of the Brethren in the Dominican Republic) will hold its 18th annual Assembly in Santo Domingo on Feb. 20-22. Moderator José Juan Méndez, pastor of the Fondo Negro congregation, will lead the Assembly assisted by moderator-elect Felix Antonio Arias Mateo, pastor of the Maranatha congregation in San Juan de la Maguana.
The Dominican Brethren anticipate welcoming representatives from the Church of the Brethren congregations in Haiti as well as two delegates representing the Puerto Rican Brethren. Jay Wittmeyer, newly appointed executive director for Global Mission Partnerships, also will attend.
Two new church fellowships are scheduled to be received into the Assembly this year, both located in Santo Domingo.
The weekend will include morning Bible studies led by Nancy Heishman, director of the Theological Program in the DR, who will be assisted by several theological students. Preaching and worship alternating between the Spanish and Creole languages and styles will be a highlight of this diverse, vibrant church gathering.
-- Nancy Heishman is director of the Church of the Brethren’s Theological Program in the DR.
Source: 2/12/2009 Newsline Extra
Young Adult Conference to be held over Memorial Day weekend.
The annual Church of the Brethren Young Adult Conference will be held on May 23-25 at Camp Swatara in Bethel, Pa., on the theme, "The Journey of Discipleship" (1 Peter 3:8-15). The event is sponsored by the denomination’s Youth and Young Adult Ministry for young adults ages 18-35.
The conference will revolve around questions of discipleship, such as, "What does it mean in today’s culture to be a disciple of Jesus? What does it mean in terms of our daily decisions and lifestyle?" Activities will include worship with sermons by Greg Laszakovits, Dana Cassell, and Katie O’Donnell, as well as workshops, music, campfires, a coffeehouse, and recreation.
Cost is $90 prior to April 15, $100 from April 16-22, and $110 on May 23. Those registering before April 15 may request that a letter be sent to their congregations asking for a $50 scholarship. Online registration is now available at www.brethren.org/yac09 or contact Bekah Houff in the Youth and Young Adult Ministry Office at rhouff_gb@brethren.org or 800-323-8039 ext. 281.
Source: 2/12/2009 Newsline Extra
The annual Church of the Brethren Young Adult Conference will be held on May 23-25 at Camp Swatara in Bethel, Pa., on the theme, "The Journey of Discipleship" (1 Peter 3:8-15). The event is sponsored by the denomination’s Youth and Young Adult Ministry for young adults ages 18-35.
The conference will revolve around questions of discipleship, such as, "What does it mean in today’s culture to be a disciple of Jesus? What does it mean in terms of our daily decisions and lifestyle?" Activities will include worship with sermons by Greg Laszakovits, Dana Cassell, and Katie O’Donnell, as well as workshops, music, campfires, a coffeehouse, and recreation.
Cost is $90 prior to April 15, $100 from April 16-22, and $110 on May 23. Those registering before April 15 may request that a letter be sent to their congregations asking for a $50 scholarship. Online registration is now available at www.brethren.org/yac09 or contact Bekah Houff in the Youth and Young Adult Ministry Office at rhouff_gb@brethren.org or 800-323-8039 ext. 281.
Source: 2/12/2009 Newsline Extra
‘We Are Able’ workcamp seeks participants.
The Church of the Brethren is offering a workcamp for intellectually disabled youth and young adults (ages 16-23) and volunteer service partners of the same age, from July 6-10 in New Windsor, Md. The "We Are Able" workcamp will enable intellectually disabled youth and young adults to serve as volunteers in a supportive environment designed to overcome their challenges and honor their gifts.
The workcamp will be coordinated by Jeanne Davies, coordinator of the Workcamp Ministry, and directed by Julie Foster, a postsecondary transition educator and coordinator for the Harrisonburg (Va.) City Public Schools in the Shenandoah Valley Regional Special Education Program. Foster works with intellectually disabled young adults in a post secondary education program emphasizing employment readiness and community living skills.
To apply as a youth or young adult service partner, or as a participant with I.D., go to the registration page at www.brethrenworkcamps.org and download the informational letter and application. Return the application to the Workcamp Office, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120.
-- Jeanne Davies coordinates the Church of the Brethren’s Workcamp ministry.
Source: 2/12/2009 Newsline Extra
The Church of the Brethren is offering a workcamp for intellectually disabled youth and young adults (ages 16-23) and volunteer service partners of the same age, from July 6-10 in New Windsor, Md. The "We Are Able" workcamp will enable intellectually disabled youth and young adults to serve as volunteers in a supportive environment designed to overcome their challenges and honor their gifts.
The workcamp will be coordinated by Jeanne Davies, coordinator of the Workcamp Ministry, and directed by Julie Foster, a postsecondary transition educator and coordinator for the Harrisonburg (Va.) City Public Schools in the Shenandoah Valley Regional Special Education Program. Foster works with intellectually disabled young adults in a post secondary education program emphasizing employment readiness and community living skills.
To apply as a youth or young adult service partner, or as a participant with I.D., go to the registration page at www.brethrenworkcamps.org and download the informational letter and application. Return the application to the Workcamp Office, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120.
-- Jeanne Davies coordinates the Church of the Brethren’s Workcamp ministry.
Source: 2/12/2009 Newsline Extra
Armenia-Georgia study tour sponsored by the Brethren and Heifer.
A study tour to Armenia and Georgia jointly sponsored by the Church of the Brethren and Heifer International takes place Sept. 17-Oct. 1. Tour hosts are Jan West Schrock, a senior advisor for Heifer International and a former director of Brethren Volunteer Service, and Kathleen Campanella, director of Partner and Public Relations at the Brethren Service Center.
"Our trip is an exciting opportunity to experience Heifer’s approach to development," Schrock said. "We’ll explore and learn the diverse history and traditions of both Georgia and Armenia, visit the genocide museum in Armenia, learn about and worship in an Orthodox Armenian church, and witness the outreach work of the Church of the Brethren in the past and currently."
The tour will begin Sept. 17 with arrival at Tbilisi International Airport in Georgia, continuing with several days in Georgia visiting Heifer projects in the Caucasus mountain region of Kazbegi and the Black Sea area. The tour will then spend several days in Armenia, beginning Sept. 22, visiting a cross-border cooperation project, a "Peace to Our Homes" project, family farms, and a village rehabilitation project, among others. The tour will include cultural sites such as the Noravanq Monastery in Armenia. Departure on Oct. 1 will be from Armenia.
A number of Heifer staff from Armenia and Georgia will join the tour including Anahit Ghazanchyan, Heifer Armenia Country Director; and George Murvanidze, Heifer Georgia Country Director.
The Heifer program in the South Caucasus region began in 1999. Since then, it has been implementing over 34 projects assisting more than 5,000 families in Armenia, Georgia, and Azerbaijan to build their own family farms. The organization places various types of animals such as cows, goats, sheep, beehives, rabbits, chickens, fish, turkeys, buffalos, and bull calves, along with Californian worms, potato seeds, alfalfa seeds, wheat seeds, and fruit tree seedlings.
Heifer Armenia’s statement of purpose includes improvement of the socio-economic situation of vulnerable groups through development of rural communities, finding solutions for economic and ecological problems, spiritual renewal, and strengthening peace in the region. Priority issues are rural development, regional cooperation, community empowerment, knowledge management, youth development, financial viability, partnership, and networking. The program employs 12 full time and 10 project staff in Armenia, and has 149 community leaders and 1,200 youth leaders involved. In ongoing Georgian projects, Heifer partners with three national organizations and five community representatives in the "Peace to Our Homes" regional cooperation project.
The deadline to apply for the study tour is May 15. Cost is $3,500 per person for double occupancy, single occupancy is on request with additional charges. A deposit of $1,000 is due with the application, and is refundable up to 60 days before departure. Participants may request continuing education units.
A 40-page booklet in pdf format is available with the itinerary, a review of the work of Heifer in the Caucasus region, background on Armenia and Georgia, biographies of staff, and more. For trip information contact Jan Schrock at Jan.Schrock@Heifer.org or 207-878-6846.
Source: 2/12/2009 Newsline Extra
A study tour to Armenia and Georgia jointly sponsored by the Church of the Brethren and Heifer International takes place Sept. 17-Oct. 1. Tour hosts are Jan West Schrock, a senior advisor for Heifer International and a former director of Brethren Volunteer Service, and Kathleen Campanella, director of Partner and Public Relations at the Brethren Service Center.
"Our trip is an exciting opportunity to experience Heifer’s approach to development," Schrock said. "We’ll explore and learn the diverse history and traditions of both Georgia and Armenia, visit the genocide museum in Armenia, learn about and worship in an Orthodox Armenian church, and witness the outreach work of the Church of the Brethren in the past and currently."
The tour will begin Sept. 17 with arrival at Tbilisi International Airport in Georgia, continuing with several days in Georgia visiting Heifer projects in the Caucasus mountain region of Kazbegi and the Black Sea area. The tour will then spend several days in Armenia, beginning Sept. 22, visiting a cross-border cooperation project, a "Peace to Our Homes" project, family farms, and a village rehabilitation project, among others. The tour will include cultural sites such as the Noravanq Monastery in Armenia. Departure on Oct. 1 will be from Armenia.
A number of Heifer staff from Armenia and Georgia will join the tour including Anahit Ghazanchyan, Heifer Armenia Country Director; and George Murvanidze, Heifer Georgia Country Director.
The Heifer program in the South Caucasus region began in 1999. Since then, it has been implementing over 34 projects assisting more than 5,000 families in Armenia, Georgia, and Azerbaijan to build their own family farms. The organization places various types of animals such as cows, goats, sheep, beehives, rabbits, chickens, fish, turkeys, buffalos, and bull calves, along with Californian worms, potato seeds, alfalfa seeds, wheat seeds, and fruit tree seedlings.
Heifer Armenia’s statement of purpose includes improvement of the socio-economic situation of vulnerable groups through development of rural communities, finding solutions for economic and ecological problems, spiritual renewal, and strengthening peace in the region. Priority issues are rural development, regional cooperation, community empowerment, knowledge management, youth development, financial viability, partnership, and networking. The program employs 12 full time and 10 project staff in Armenia, and has 149 community leaders and 1,200 youth leaders involved. In ongoing Georgian projects, Heifer partners with three national organizations and five community representatives in the "Peace to Our Homes" regional cooperation project.
The deadline to apply for the study tour is May 15. Cost is $3,500 per person for double occupancy, single occupancy is on request with additional charges. A deposit of $1,000 is due with the application, and is refundable up to 60 days before departure. Participants may request continuing education units.
A 40-page booklet in pdf format is available with the itinerary, a review of the work of Heifer in the Caucasus region, background on Armenia and Georgia, biographies of staff, and more. For trip information contact Jan Schrock at Jan.Schrock@Heifer.org or 207-878-6846.
Source: 2/12/2009 Newsline Extra
Other upcoming events.
- A retreat for Church of the Brethren women entitled "Treasure in Earthen Vessels: A Women’s Celebration of Body, Mind, and Spirit" will be held May 1-3 at Leaven Retreat Center in Lyons, Mich. The weekend is sponsored by the Church of the Brethren’s Wellness Ministry, designed for women who seek to develop balance, a sense of wellbeing, and fullness of spirit. This small-group experience will be led by Deanna Brown and Anita Smith Buckwalter. The registration deadline is March 30. For a brochure, more information, or to register, contact Mary Lou Garrison, director of the Wellness Ministry, at mgarrison_abc@brethren.org or 800-323-8039.
- A workshop and worship event, "Reach Out and Welcome In," is sponsored by the Church of the Brethren’s Congregational Life Ministry on April 25 from 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. at Olympia, Lacey (Wash.) Community Church of the Brethren. Cost is $25 per person or $100 for church groups. Leaders are Rose Madrid-Swetman, church planter and district superintendent in a Seattle-area Vineyard Fellowship; Howard Ullery, pastor at Olympia Lacey, who will lead a workshop on visual arts in worship; Steven Gregory, executive minister for Oregon-Washington District and Congregational Life Team staff member, who will share about effective evangelism "Brethren style"; and Jeff Glass and Carol Mason, also from the Congregational Life Team staff. For more information contact Jeff Glass at 888-826-4951 or Betty Radke at 509-662-3681.
- Bethany Theological Seminary is setting March 6 as a Campus Visit Day. Prospective students are invited to tour the campus in Richmond, Ind., meet Bethany president Ruthann Knechel Johansen, chat and dine with faculty and students, and attend a class. Go to www.bethanyseminary.edu/visit to register.
- Registration for National Junior High Conference began Jan. 15 and already 466 people are registered. The conference is at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Va., on June 19-21. Registration is limited to 1,300 people. Early registrants will receive air-conditioned housing. Go to www.brethren.org/jrhiconf to register. Request brochures from Rebekah Houff in the Youth and Young Adult Ministry Office at rhouff_gb@brethren.org or 800-323-8039 ext. 281.
- National Youth Sunday is scheduled for May 3. Congregations are encouraged to celebrate youth by inviting high schoolers to participate in leading worship on that Sunday. The theme is "Standing on Holy Ground" (Exodus 3:5). Go to http://www.brethren.org/site/PageServer?pagename=grow_youth_ministry_resources for worship resources including a challenge letter, Bible studies, a prayer calendar, children’s stories, scripture jams, a bulletin insert, and a skit.
- The Annual Forum of the Fellowship of Brethren Homes takes place Feb. 26-27 at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill. The forum gathers leaders from the Brethren retirement communities along with staff of Caring Ministries and Brethren Benefit Trust. The event includes a tour of Pinecrest Community in Mount Morris, Ill. For more information contact Kathy Reid at kreid_abc@brethren.org or 800-323-8039.
Critical Response Childcare Team Aids Families at Plane Crash Site
The Critical Response Childcare Team is responding to the crash of Continental Connection Flight 3407 in which 50 people were killed late last evening close to Buffalo, N.Y. The Critical Response Childcare Team is a part of the Children’s Disaster Services ministry of the Church of the Brethren.
Judy Bezon, director of Children’s Disaster Services, will be part of the team in Buffalo, along with Don and Barb Weaver, who are serving as team leaders, and two other trained volunteers. The team is offering services at a hotel where families of the crash victims are gathering.
"The presence of a compassionate care giver, along with carefully selected play activities, has a significant impact on the recovery of a child who has experienced the trauma of such a loss," Bezon said.
Children's Disaster Services was invited by the American Red Cross to be a part of their Critical Response Team in 1997. The Critical Response Childcare Team is a group of experienced Children's Disaster Services volunteers who have received additional training that prepares them to work with children after an aviation incident or other mass casualty event.
A six-member team is on call each month, ready to travel within four hours of deployment by the American Red Cross. When the volunteers arrive, they work in a Family Assistance Center, where those impacted by the incident participate in briefings and receive support from the Red Cross.
Since 1997, the Critical Response Childcare Team has responded to the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, and seven aviation incidents. Last month, the team was contacted by the American Red Cross to be ready to respond to the water landing of the airliner in the Hudson River. Fortunately, that was not necessary, as everyone survived the "double bird hit" engine failure.
Visit the Children's Disater Services website for more information or call the Children’s Disaster Services Office in New Windsor, Md., at 800-451-4407.
Source: 2/13/2009 Newsline Special
The Critical Response Childcare Team is responding to the crash of Continental Connection Flight 3407 in which 50 people were killed late last evening close to Buffalo, N.Y. The Critical Response Childcare Team is a part of the Children’s Disaster Services ministry of the Church of the Brethren.
Judy Bezon, director of Children’s Disaster Services, will be part of the team in Buffalo, along with Don and Barb Weaver, who are serving as team leaders, and two other trained volunteers. The team is offering services at a hotel where families of the crash victims are gathering.
"The presence of a compassionate care giver, along with carefully selected play activities, has a significant impact on the recovery of a child who has experienced the trauma of such a loss," Bezon said.
Children's Disaster Services was invited by the American Red Cross to be a part of their Critical Response Team in 1997. The Critical Response Childcare Team is a group of experienced Children's Disaster Services volunteers who have received additional training that prepares them to work with children after an aviation incident or other mass casualty event.
A six-member team is on call each month, ready to travel within four hours of deployment by the American Red Cross. When the volunteers arrive, they work in a Family Assistance Center, where those impacted by the incident participate in briefings and receive support from the Red Cross.
Since 1997, the Critical Response Childcare Team has responded to the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, and seven aviation incidents. Last month, the team was contacted by the American Red Cross to be ready to respond to the water landing of the airliner in the Hudson River. Fortunately, that was not necessary, as everyone survived the "double bird hit" engine failure.
Visit the Children's Disater Services website for more information or call the Children’s Disaster Services Office in New Windsor, Md., at 800-451-4407.
Source: 2/13/2009 Newsline Special
Credits
Newsline is produced by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of news services for the Church of the Brethren, cobnews@brethren.org or 800-323-8039 ext. 260. Justin Barrett, Judy Bezon, Jan Eller, Lerry Fogle, Mary Lou Garrison, Jeremy Glover, Anna Lisa Gross, Matt Guynn, Bekah Houff, Elizabeth Keller, Jon Kobel, Karin L. Krog, Pat Marsh, Howard Royer, Glen Sargent, Marcia Shetler, Ken Kline Smeltzer, John Wall, Dana Weaver, Walt Wiltschek, LeAnn Wine, Roy Winter, Loretta Wolf, and Jane Yount contributed to this report.
Newsline is produced by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of news services for the Church of the Brethren, cobnews@brethren.org or 800-323-8039 ext. 260. Justin Barrett, Judy Bezon, Jan Eller, Lerry Fogle, Mary Lou Garrison, Jeremy Glover, Anna Lisa Gross, Matt Guynn, Bekah Houff, Elizabeth Keller, Jon Kobel, Karin L. Krog, Pat Marsh, Howard Royer, Glen Sargent, Marcia Shetler, Ken Kline Smeltzer, John Wall, Dana Weaver, Walt Wiltschek, LeAnn Wine, Roy Winter, Loretta Wolf, and Jane Yount contributed to this report.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
NEWS
- Brethren Benefit Trust issues a report on its investment losses.
- Matching grant program for hunger relief gets off to a good start.
- Leadership Team works toward revisions of church documents.
- Outdoor Ministries Association holds annual meeting in Northwest.
- Brethren bits: Remembrance, personnel, jobs, Sudan prayer, more.
Brethren Benefit Trust issues a report on its investment losses.
Brethren Benefit Trust (BBT) has issued a report on its investments, following the sharp market decline and national financial crisis. The report was written by Nevin Dulabaum, president of BBT, and is taken from the BBT newsletter "Benefit News":
"A 50 percent decline in one year--that was the dubious milestone reached by the S&P 500 in November during the time that the Brethren Benefit Trust Board was convened for its fall meetings. This decline was the sharpest by the equity markets since the 1930s. What is worse, there were few safe investment havens in 2008--all market sectors experienced declines, which means all investors in the equity markets experienced negative returns, including BBT.
"Through November, BBT’s assets under management, which include funds of Brethren Pension Plan and Brethren Foundation, had declined $119 million for the year to $320 million. However, they rebounded slightly in December as the markets showed a sign of recovery--the S&P 500 increased by about 10 percent for the month.
"Nevertheless, what does the aggregate decline in investments mean for BBT’s members and client organizations?
"It depends. For people who have more than one investment cycle left (generally 10 years) before they retire or for organizations making longterm investments, the downturn should have little impact, if history is any guide. The markets typically rebound over time, as equities began to do in December. In the meantime, investments made while the markets are lower will increase greatly as the markets climb upward, which will benefit portfolios invested in equities longterm.
"For people approaching retirement or for organizations wanting to access their funds in the near future, conservative asset allocation is the key--a less risky fund choice should be selected to ensure that there is no erosion of principle.
"For people who have retired through the Brethren Pension Plan, BBT has given them an annuity that will pay them for life. BBT’s mandate is to ensure that the Retirement Benefits Fund, from which the annuities are paid, remains able to fulfill its obligations for decades to come. Each year in January, BBT engages Hewitt Associates to perform an actuarial assessment that gives us a snapshot of the fund’s longterm viability. This year’s study will be more comprehensive than normal, given the severity of the markets’ sharp declines in 2008. The results of the study are expected to be ready for review by the BBT board and staff in February.
"In the meantime, the BBT board did take action in November to help BBT have one investment option that is expected to show a positive return over any rolling three-month period--its Short-Term Fund. The board hired a new fund manager, Sterling Capital Management of Charlotte, N.C., that specializes in investing in shorter duration notes, allowing the firm to be more agile in its investment selection and thus reduce the likelihood of negative returns.
"At its Nov. 20, 2008, meeting in Elgin, Ill., the BBT board’s Investment Committee reviewed the performances of its eight national investment managers, seeking to ensure that all managers were producing results that exceed their respective benchmarks and were positioned in the top quartile of their peers. By frequently reviewing the investment managers and ensuring that they are diversified among many investment sectors, BBT board members and staff seek to ensure that investments under management can weather most financial downturns with little adverse impact relative to their respective benchmarks.
"Whatever your investment situation, the best way to deal with your financial investments is to meet with a financial planner, develop a plan, and stick with it. That course of action will minimize the impact of a financial storm as was experienced in 2008."
Source: 1/29/2009 Newsline
Brethren Benefit Trust (BBT) has issued a report on its investments, following the sharp market decline and national financial crisis. The report was written by Nevin Dulabaum, president of BBT, and is taken from the BBT newsletter "Benefit News":
"A 50 percent decline in one year--that was the dubious milestone reached by the S&P 500 in November during the time that the Brethren Benefit Trust Board was convened for its fall meetings. This decline was the sharpest by the equity markets since the 1930s. What is worse, there were few safe investment havens in 2008--all market sectors experienced declines, which means all investors in the equity markets experienced negative returns, including BBT.
"Through November, BBT’s assets under management, which include funds of Brethren Pension Plan and Brethren Foundation, had declined $119 million for the year to $320 million. However, they rebounded slightly in December as the markets showed a sign of recovery--the S&P 500 increased by about 10 percent for the month.
"Nevertheless, what does the aggregate decline in investments mean for BBT’s members and client organizations?
"It depends. For people who have more than one investment cycle left (generally 10 years) before they retire or for organizations making longterm investments, the downturn should have little impact, if history is any guide. The markets typically rebound over time, as equities began to do in December. In the meantime, investments made while the markets are lower will increase greatly as the markets climb upward, which will benefit portfolios invested in equities longterm.
"For people approaching retirement or for organizations wanting to access their funds in the near future, conservative asset allocation is the key--a less risky fund choice should be selected to ensure that there is no erosion of principle.
"For people who have retired through the Brethren Pension Plan, BBT has given them an annuity that will pay them for life. BBT’s mandate is to ensure that the Retirement Benefits Fund, from which the annuities are paid, remains able to fulfill its obligations for decades to come. Each year in January, BBT engages Hewitt Associates to perform an actuarial assessment that gives us a snapshot of the fund’s longterm viability. This year’s study will be more comprehensive than normal, given the severity of the markets’ sharp declines in 2008. The results of the study are expected to be ready for review by the BBT board and staff in February.
"In the meantime, the BBT board did take action in November to help BBT have one investment option that is expected to show a positive return over any rolling three-month period--its Short-Term Fund. The board hired a new fund manager, Sterling Capital Management of Charlotte, N.C., that specializes in investing in shorter duration notes, allowing the firm to be more agile in its investment selection and thus reduce the likelihood of negative returns.
"At its Nov. 20, 2008, meeting in Elgin, Ill., the BBT board’s Investment Committee reviewed the performances of its eight national investment managers, seeking to ensure that all managers were producing results that exceed their respective benchmarks and were positioned in the top quartile of their peers. By frequently reviewing the investment managers and ensuring that they are diversified among many investment sectors, BBT board members and staff seek to ensure that investments under management can weather most financial downturns with little adverse impact relative to their respective benchmarks.
"Whatever your investment situation, the best way to deal with your financial investments is to meet with a financial planner, develop a plan, and stick with it. That course of action will minimize the impact of a financial storm as was experienced in 2008."
Source: 1/29/2009 Newsline
Matching grant program for hunger relief gets off to a good start.
Church of the Brethren staff report that the new "Domestic Hunger Matching Grant" program encouraging Church of the Brethren congregations to support local hunger programs has gotten off to a good start.
As of the end of January, 42 congregations in 16 states have issued grants to local hunger programs, reported Howard Royer, manager of the fund. "The amount of matching funds from the denomination averages $437," he reported. "Of the $50,000 committed to this effort by the Emergency Disaster Fund and Global Food Crisis Fund, $19,000 has been expended."
The Church of the Brethren’s Global Food Crisis Fund and Emergency Disaster Fund, in partnership with the Stewardship department, announced the program at the end of 2008 to encourage congregations to make a special effort this winter to respond to the needs of local food pantries and soup kitchens. Congregations will be matched dollar for dollar--up to $500--for a gift to one local food bank or soup kitchen.
The first congregational application came from Whitestone Church of the Brethren in Tonasket, Wash. With the matching grant program, the congregation's check for $600 written to the Tonasket Food Bank has become $1,100. Whitestone has a membership of 26, according to the "2008 Church of the Brethren Yearbook."
To qualify, a congregation must raise new funds for the food crisis, fill out and return an application form by March 15, and enclose a copy of the check it writes to the food bank or soup kitchen. Matching checks will be issued in the charity’s name and mailed to the requesting congregation for forwarding to the local organization. Grants will be issued until the $50,000 set aside for the program by the two funds is exhausted.
"In projecting responses, we thought 100 congregations might be a reasonable target. With another month to go, the participation is likely to exceed that number considerably," Royer said.
Go to www.brethren.org/site/DocServer/Domestic_Hunger_cong_ap_January_2009.pdf?docID=1001 for the application form for the matching grant program. For more information contact Justin Barrett in the Global Mission Partnerships office at 800-323-8039 ext. 230.
Source: 1/29/2009 Newsline
Church of the Brethren staff report that the new "Domestic Hunger Matching Grant" program encouraging Church of the Brethren congregations to support local hunger programs has gotten off to a good start.
As of the end of January, 42 congregations in 16 states have issued grants to local hunger programs, reported Howard Royer, manager of the fund. "The amount of matching funds from the denomination averages $437," he reported. "Of the $50,000 committed to this effort by the Emergency Disaster Fund and Global Food Crisis Fund, $19,000 has been expended."
The Church of the Brethren’s Global Food Crisis Fund and Emergency Disaster Fund, in partnership with the Stewardship department, announced the program at the end of 2008 to encourage congregations to make a special effort this winter to respond to the needs of local food pantries and soup kitchens. Congregations will be matched dollar for dollar--up to $500--for a gift to one local food bank or soup kitchen.
The first congregational application came from Whitestone Church of the Brethren in Tonasket, Wash. With the matching grant program, the congregation's check for $600 written to the Tonasket Food Bank has become $1,100. Whitestone has a membership of 26, according to the "2008 Church of the Brethren Yearbook."
To qualify, a congregation must raise new funds for the food crisis, fill out and return an application form by March 15, and enclose a copy of the check it writes to the food bank or soup kitchen. Matching checks will be issued in the charity’s name and mailed to the requesting congregation for forwarding to the local organization. Grants will be issued until the $50,000 set aside for the program by the two funds is exhausted.
"In projecting responses, we thought 100 congregations might be a reasonable target. With another month to go, the participation is likely to exceed that number considerably," Royer said.
Go to www.brethren.org/site/DocServer/Domestic_Hunger_cong_ap_January_2009.pdf?docID=1001 for the application form for the matching grant program. For more information contact Justin Barrett in the Global Mission Partnerships office at 800-323-8039 ext. 230.
Source: 1/29/2009 Newsline
Leadership Team works toward revisions of church documents.
The Church of the Brethren Leadership Team met at Circle of Peace Church of the Brethren in Arizona on Dec. 17-18, 2008, with all four members present: Annual Conference moderator David Shumate, moderator-elect Shawn Flory Replogle, secretary Fred Swartz, and general secretary Stan Noffsinger.
The Leadership Team is working with diligence toward a revision of the bylaws of Church of the Brethren, Inc., as indicated to the delegates of the 2008 Annual Conference. At last year’s Conference a preliminary set of bylaws was approved in order for the new denominational structure to be initiated. It is expected that the Mission and Ministry Board will review the revised bylaws in March at a meeting in New Windsor, Md.
The team also is working at revisions to the Church of the Brethren’s Manual of Organization and Polity. A number of changes are necessary to incorporate various actions of the 2008 Annual Conference. As soon as the polity is updated, it will be posted at www.brethren.org on the denominational web site.
In other business, the Leadership Team set Sept. 1 as the starting date of the new Annual Conference executive director, but with the expectation that the new director will be hired in time to attend Annual Conference in San Diego in late June. Applications for the position will be accepted after Jan. 15. The new director will work with retiring Annual Conference executive Lerry Fogle, for orientation.
The Annual Conference offices will be relocated from the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md., to the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill., on Sept. 21.
Other items on the agenda included approval of a survey compiled by the Program and Arrangements Committee to acquire information from the denomination regarding participation in Annual Conferences. Distribution of the survey is expected to cover a wide spectrum of the church. The Leadership Team also plans to propose to the 2009 Standing Committee a denominational committee that will set goals for the denomination’s mission. The team in addition has begun planning for developing a Moderator’s Manual, as recommended by the Doing Church Business study paper of 2007.
--Fred Swartz serves as the Annual Conference secretary.
Source: 1/29/2009 Newsline
The Church of the Brethren Leadership Team met at Circle of Peace Church of the Brethren in Arizona on Dec. 17-18, 2008, with all four members present: Annual Conference moderator David Shumate, moderator-elect Shawn Flory Replogle, secretary Fred Swartz, and general secretary Stan Noffsinger.
The Leadership Team is working with diligence toward a revision of the bylaws of Church of the Brethren, Inc., as indicated to the delegates of the 2008 Annual Conference. At last year’s Conference a preliminary set of bylaws was approved in order for the new denominational structure to be initiated. It is expected that the Mission and Ministry Board will review the revised bylaws in March at a meeting in New Windsor, Md.
The team also is working at revisions to the Church of the Brethren’s Manual of Organization and Polity. A number of changes are necessary to incorporate various actions of the 2008 Annual Conference. As soon as the polity is updated, it will be posted at www.brethren.org on the denominational web site.
In other business, the Leadership Team set Sept. 1 as the starting date of the new Annual Conference executive director, but with the expectation that the new director will be hired in time to attend Annual Conference in San Diego in late June. Applications for the position will be accepted after Jan. 15. The new director will work with retiring Annual Conference executive Lerry Fogle, for orientation.
The Annual Conference offices will be relocated from the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md., to the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill., on Sept. 21.
Other items on the agenda included approval of a survey compiled by the Program and Arrangements Committee to acquire information from the denomination regarding participation in Annual Conferences. Distribution of the survey is expected to cover a wide spectrum of the church. The Leadership Team also plans to propose to the 2009 Standing Committee a denominational committee that will set goals for the denomination’s mission. The team in addition has begun planning for developing a Moderator’s Manual, as recommended by the Doing Church Business study paper of 2007.
--Fred Swartz serves as the Annual Conference secretary.
Source: 1/29/2009 Newsline
Outdoor Ministries Association holds annual meeting in Northwest.
Directors, managers, and other staff of the Church of the Brethren’s camps headed to the great Northwest this fall for their annual gathering. Camp Myrtlewood in Myrtle Creek, Ore., hosted the Outdoor Ministries Association (OMA) group for four-plus days of professional growth, business, hiking, sightseeing, networking, and fellowship. About 40 people attended.
Glenn Mitchell, a Brethren spiritual director from Spring Mills, Pa., provided leadership for sessions throughout the Nov. 16-20 event, focusing on Celtic Christianity and its relevance to church camping ministry. The sessions included devotional and reflection times using traditional Celtic prayers.
Each of the camps that were represented gave an update on recent activities and projects, with particular focus on the eco-stewardship activities occurring at the host camp. Natasha Stern, program coordinator at Camp Swatara in Bethel, Pa., was called as the new chair of the OMA Steering Committee, which next meets March 3-5 at Brethren Woods in Keezletown, Va.
OMA’s next major gathering will be in November, when it offers the OMA National Conference to the wider church Nov. 13-15 at Woodland Altars in Peebles, Ohio. The 2009 OMA directors, managers, and staff retreat will follow the conference.
--Walt Wiltschek is editor of the Church of the Brethren’s "Messenger" magazine.
Source: 1/29/2009 Newsline
Directors, managers, and other staff of the Church of the Brethren’s camps headed to the great Northwest this fall for their annual gathering. Camp Myrtlewood in Myrtle Creek, Ore., hosted the Outdoor Ministries Association (OMA) group for four-plus days of professional growth, business, hiking, sightseeing, networking, and fellowship. About 40 people attended.
Glenn Mitchell, a Brethren spiritual director from Spring Mills, Pa., provided leadership for sessions throughout the Nov. 16-20 event, focusing on Celtic Christianity and its relevance to church camping ministry. The sessions included devotional and reflection times using traditional Celtic prayers.
Each of the camps that were represented gave an update on recent activities and projects, with particular focus on the eco-stewardship activities occurring at the host camp. Natasha Stern, program coordinator at Camp Swatara in Bethel, Pa., was called as the new chair of the OMA Steering Committee, which next meets March 3-5 at Brethren Woods in Keezletown, Va.
OMA’s next major gathering will be in November, when it offers the OMA National Conference to the wider church Nov. 13-15 at Woodland Altars in Peebles, Ohio. The 2009 OMA directors, managers, and staff retreat will follow the conference.
--Walt Wiltschek is editor of the Church of the Brethren’s "Messenger" magazine.
Source: 1/29/2009 Newsline
Brethren bits: Remembrance, personnel, jobs, Sudan prayer, more.
- Paul Hoover Bowman, 94, of Lakeview Village in Lenexa, Kan., died on Dec. 5. He and his wife, Evelyn, were volunteer coordinators for Older Adult Programming under the Church of the Brethren Health and Welfare Association from 1985-91. Bowman was born on June 20, 1914, in Philadelphia, the son of Dr. Paul Haynes and Flora Hoover Bowman. He spent most of his childhood in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, growing up on a Brethren college campus as the son of a college president and minister. Following the Spanish Civil War he accepted a two-year tour of duty in Spain providing clothing and food relief to refugees. During World War II he served as a conscientious objector, and then served the Brethren Service Committee in various capacities both in the US and abroad. He and his wife, Evelyn Stouffer, married in 1942 and together were involved in projects in Ecuador, Bolivia, Puerto Rico, Brazil, and Bangladesh. He held degrees from Bridgewater (Va.) College, Crozer Seminary, and the University of Pennsylvania. In 1948 he completed studies at the University of Chicago for a doctorate in clinical psychology. He retired in 1981 as executive director of the Institute for Community Studies, a social research arm of the University of Missouri at Kansas City. He was preceded in death by two of his children--a son, Douglas, and a daughter, Debora. He is survived by his wife; his son Rick Bowman and wife Judi of Tucson, Ariz.; and daughter Marilyn Pompey and husband James of Kansas City, Mo.; and two grandchildren. A memorial service was held on Dec. 10 at Colonial United Church of Christ, where he was a longtime member. Memorial gifts are received for Heifer International.
- On Feb. 2, Amanda (Mandy) Garcia will begin in the position of administrative office assistant for Brethren Benefit Trust at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill. Her duties will include providing administrative support to the president, the director of Information Technology, and the director of Office Operations. She graduated from Judson University in Elgin, Ill., in 2007 with a bachelor’s degree in communications and media. Before joining BBT, Garcia worked as a supervisor at Starbucks, and also has served as creative arts coordinator at Christ Community Church in St. Charles, Ill.
- Bibek Sahu, who is working as a Church of the Brethren short-term mission worker in southern Sudan, has extended his time in Sudan to four months, through April. The extension came at the request of RECONCILE, the partner organization for the Sudan mission. Sahu has been working as a computer consultant for RECONCILE.
- The Church of the Brethren seeks an executive director of the Conference Office, to fill a fulltime staff position located at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill. The starting date is Aug. 31, with training at the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference from June 21-July 1, as contract employee is required. Responsibilities include planning and facilitating activities required for the Annual Conference and other denominational events; providing multiple functions for business sessions, worship services, meal events, age activities, and other break-out events for up to 4,000 people; providing administrative support to officers of Annual Conference and program committees; recruiting numerous volunteers and promoting events; investigating sites for future conferences and negotiating contracts. Qualifications include a bachelor’s degree in conference management, business administration, or a related field; knowledge and support of Church of the Brethren vision, mission, and core values, with membership in the Church of the Brethren preferred; a minimum of five years of experience in management and event planning; interpersonal skills; financial management and accounting knowledge; experience with computer systems, including systems development; long-range planning skills; verbal and written communication skills. Applications will be received beginning March 15 through April 15. Interviews will take place at the church’s General Offices in Elgin, Ill., in May. Apply by requesting the application form, submitting a résumé and a letter of application, and requesting three references to send letters of recommendation to the Office of Human Resources, Church of the Brethren, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120-1694; kkrog_gb@brethren.org or 800-323-8039 ext. 258.
- The Church of the Brethren’s Michigan District seeks an interim district executive to fill a half-time position, available Feb. 15. Michigan District is in a time of transition, prompted partly by the retirement in Feb. 2009 of the current district executive. Michigan District serves 19 congregations and fellowships. The District Board and District Conference have named a committee to review and evaluate the district mission and structure and bring recommendations to the 2010 District Conference for ratification. An interim district executive is sought to serve until this process is complete. An interim district executive is expected to be maintenance oriented rather than visionary. Focus of the assignment will include normal administrative tasks of the district, pastoral placement when needed, maintaining connections with the District Board and District Conference Program and Arrangements Committee, guiding and encouraging district and local church leaders, willingness and ability to execute ethics process if the need arises. Qualifications include a vibrant Christian faith; membership and active participation in the Church of the Brethren; commitment to Church of the Brethren values, polity, traditions; administrative skills; ability to relate to and work with theologically diverse people and congregations; communications skills; high comfort level and capability with with computer e-mail, word processing, etc.; positive pastoral experience in the Church of the Brethren. A master of divinity degree is preferred. Apply by sending a letter of interest and resume via e-mail to DistrictMinistries_gb@brethren.org. Applicants are requested to contact three or four people to provide a letter of reference. Upon receipt of a resume, a candidate will be sent a Candidate Profile which must be completed and returned before the application is considered complete. The application deadline is Feb. 7.
- The Church of the Brethren seeks an individual or couple skilled in peace and reconciliation work and/or mediation to serve a three-year placement in Yei, southern Sudan, as soon as possible. The placement will be with RECONCILE, a peace and reconciliation partnering organization with the Church of the Brethren. The position includes working within the program of RECONCILE, helping to further work that is presently being done as well as helping to develop new programing and possible new locations for expansion of the program. RECONCILE is presently mandated to do conflict resolution between groups in southern Sudan following 21 years of civil war; trauma transformation in an area where everyone has been touched by the war and emotional and relational brokenness; good governance by giving workshops in communities to help the populace understand what it means to be responsible citizens in light of upcoming elections, and workshops with politicians on how to effectively serve the people. Candidates should bring education and experience in the area of peace and reconciliation and/or mediation, experience in international cross-cultural settings, be well-grounded in Church of the Brethren identity and practice, and have a team orientation. Pastoral training would be acceptable, but ordination is not necessary. The position needs someone with the maturity that comes from both life and professional experiences, and openness to living in a cultural milieu that includes people from many countries and different expressions of Christianity. Candidates are expected to help interpret to the church their work with RECONCILE. Contact Karin Krog, Office of Human Resources, at kkrog_gb@brethren.org or 800-323-8039.
- Camp Pine Lake in Eldora, Iowa, in Northern Plains District, has announced the resignations of Larry and Joyce Dreesman and Rachel Bakker as camp manager and kitchen staff. "Our words cannot express adequately our sincere thanks for the labor of love which these followers of Christ have provided to our property, programs, and campers for the past 17 years," said an announcement in the district newsletter. The camp has formed a search committee to begin the task of hiring a new manager. The manager is responsible for scheduling camps throughout the year and also will do maintenance, acquire and supervise kitchen help, maintain grounds, and do general management. A job description is available on request. The position is fulltime May to September. During the off season it is part time with minimal responsibilities. Salary is paid over a 12-month period, in the low $20,000 range. The package includes a two-bedroom house, utilities, camp vehicle, FICA, and employee insurance. Send applications and resumes to Cletus S. Miller at milhersh@iowatelecom.net or 912 E 8th St , Tama IA 52339.
- Church of the Brethren general secretary Stan Noffsinger is one of the co-signers of a letter from ecumenical leaders to President Barack Obama. The letter was sent by the US Conference of the World Council of Churches on Jan. 20, Inauguration Day. Representatives of WCC member churches in the US declared that they wanted to "roll up (their) sleeves and partner with (President Obama) to help bring about the changes that are so desperately needed for the United States and the world to more closely reflect God's vision for humankind and all of creation." Go to http://www.oikoumene.org/en/resources/documents/other-ecumenical-bodies/20-01-09-wcc-us-conference-letter-to-president-obama.html for the text of the letter.
- Children’s Disaster Services prepared its Critical Response Childcare team for deployment following the landing of an airliner in the Hudson River two weeks ago, and a team prepared to respond to emergencies at the Presidential Inauguration last week--but neither was called to service. In the case of the airliner, "everyone survived the ‘double bird hit’ engine failure, thanks to the expertise of the pilot," said Children’s Disaster Services director Judy Bezon. She reported that the Critical Response Childcare team--experienced volunteers with additional training that prepares them for an aviation incident or mass casualty--is on call each month, ready to travel within four hours of deployment by the American Red Cross. Since 1997, the Critical Response Childcare team has responded to the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, and seven aviation incidents, Bezon said. Children's Disaster Services received the request for volunteers to stand by during the inauguration from the American Red Cross of the National Capital Area. The team was prepared to work with children in a family reunification center or a center set up for some other unexpected event that involved children or their families. "A total of 16 people volunteered," Bezon said. "Fortunately, the Inauguration went along without any major mishap and CDS services were not needed."
- Children’s Disaster Services has announced Level 1 Workshops for volunteers who will provide services for children and families in disaster situations in the United States. Workshops will be held on the following dates: March 28-29 at La Verne (Calif.) Church of the Brethren (contact Kathy Benson at 909-593-4868); May 1-2 at LeeTown United Methodist Church in Kearneysville, W.Va. (contact Carol Strickler at 304-229-2625 or Joanna Marceron at 304-725-8308); and May 29-30 at First United Methodist Church in Victor, N.Y. (contact Dot Norsen at 585-924-7516). The workshops are open to anyone over 18 years of age. Cost to attend is $45 or $55 for registrations postmarked less than three weeks prior to the workshop. Go to www.childrensdisasterservices.org or contact cds_gb@brethren.org or 800-451-4407 ext. 5.
- The Church of the Brethren’s Material Resources program is communicating a request from Lutheran World Relief for quilts and kits to meet rising demands around the world. The Material Resources program at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md., processes, warehouses, and ships relief supplies on behalf of partner organizations including Lutheran world Relief. "As humanitarian crises increase in intensity, Lutheran World Relief has received many new requests for quilts and layettes, as well as health, school, and sewing kits. Currently, LWR's supply will not meet these demands," said the request. In 2008, more than 1,455 tons of quilts, kits, layettes, and soap were shipped to more than 740,000 people in 27 countries including Niger, India, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Thailand. Visit http://lwr.org/parish/index.asp for instructions for making the quilts and kits.
- Prayer concerns have been received from RECONCILE, a partner organization to the Church of the Brethren’s Sudan mission. "They have asked us to keep them in prayer," reported Brad Bohrer, Sudan mission director. "Following a December offensive against the Lord’s Resistance Army there has been a huge upsurge in violence on the Congo-Sudan border 28 miles to the west," Bohrer reported. "Please pray that the children who have been abducted would be returned, for the women who have been raped, for those who have lost loved ones, and those living in fear. Pray for RECONCILE staff member Martin Dasikoko as he works in this area equipping Key Mobilizers to minister to the victims." RECONCILE also requested prayer for the opening of its Peace Institute on Feb. 2. The institute will offer courses in Community Based Trauma Healing and Peace Studies and Conflict Transformation.
- On Dec. 10, 2008, the US Congress passed "The William Wilberforce Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2008." The Brethren Witness/Washington Office has been active in pressing for the signing of this re-authorization act since Annual Conference endorsed a resolution calling for the abolition of modern-day slavery, reported director Phil Jones. "In meetings with co-sponsors of this bill Senators Durbin, Brownback, and Specter, all heavily Brethren-populated areas, (our staff) shared the concern of Brethren congregations across America," Jones said. The signing of the act will be one of the items celebrated at the Christian Citizenship Seminar on April 25-30, which will explore the issue of modern-day slavery. Go to www.brethren.org/site/PageServer?pagename=grow_youth_ministry_christian_citizenship for more information.
- Springfield (Ore.) Church of the Brethren and its Brethren Housing program will be working in partnership with the ShelterCare program to construct an apartment complex for adults with psychiatric disabilities. ShelterCare was selected to receive a HUD (US Department of Housing and Urban Development) to construct affordable housing units for the very low-income elderly or people with disabilities. The $1,977,500 grant will help construct the apartment complex on land adjacent to the current Brethren Housing program. ShelterCare will provide support services to residents to help keep them living as independently as possible, and will collaborate with the Springfield Church on the development of the site, according to a release. Construction on the Afiya Apartments building is scheduled to begin in spring 2010.
- Jan. 1 marked the beginning of York (Pa.) First Church of the Brethren’s 125th anniversary celebration. People are invited to share memories of the congregation, or a vision for its future. Contact the church at 717-755-0307.
- New Carlisle (Ohio) Church of the Brethren is hosting a concert by The Brethren Brass on Feb. 21, at 7 p.m. "Music for a Midwinter's Eve" will provide an evening of music and fun for the whole family. Go to www.brethrenbrass.com or contact the church at 937-845-1428.
- Jay Shell, president and CEO of Fahrney-Keedy Home and Village, a Church of the Brethren retiement community near Boonsboro, Md., has accepted an appointment as a member of the LifeSpan Products and Services Board of Directors. He also will serve as a member of the LifeSpan Policy Committee, which focuses on advocacy needs of seniors. LifeSpan is the largest senior care provider association in the Mid-Atlantic region, representing more than 300 organizations in Maryland and the District of Columbia.
- Seven Brethren were among 13 participants on a Jan. 8-26 Learning Tour to Sudan, sponsored by the New Community Project. The delegation visited women's groups, school children, reforestation projects, and church partners in the communities of Nimule and Narus. The group was hosted by the Girl Child Education and Development Association in Nimule and the Sudan Council of Churches in Narus. New Community Project also announced that it will be forwarding some $50,000 in assistance in 2009 for programs related to girls' education, women's development, reforestation efforts, and tree nursery projects in elementary schools in Sudan, and the program will send up to six solidarity workers to live and work in communities in Sudan this summer. For more information, visit www.newcommunityproject.org or contact director David Radcliff at ncp@newcommunityproject.org or 888-800-2985.
On Earth Peace offers ‘Community Change for Congregations.’
"You Can’t Stop the River: Community Change for Congregations" is being offered on April 2-5 in Kansas City, Kan., by On Earth Peace and hosted by First Central Church of the Brethren, in conjunction with the Kansas City Metropolitan Parish Council, Church of the Brethren. The theme scripture comes from Rev. 22, "Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life...."
The event is billed for congregations concerned about community issues such as gun violence, domestic violence, racism, or loss of employment. The meeting will offer help to build skills and confidence for community leadership, explore the history of community change initiatives and nonviolence struggles, and prepare plans for what happens next in the community.
Only three to seven congregations will be identified as participants, and each congregation will be invited to send a team of three people. On Earth Peace is making the event available for a $50 materials fee plus a participant offering. Housing and food will be provided by the host church, through space on the church’s carpeted floor and home stays with church members. For $40 per night participants can reserve a bed at a nearby Christian retreat center. Participants are responsible for their own travel costs.
Congregations may apply by writing a one-page letter telling the congregation’s story, describing the team the congregation will send the event, and sharing why the congregation wants to take part. Each team is to ask its church leadership for a letter of blessing, to show support from the congregation for the knowledge and skills the team will bring home from the training.
The application deadline is Feb. 16. Apply by e-mailing application letters to mguynn@onearthpeace.org or call 503-775-1636.
Source: 1/29/2009 Newsline
"You Can’t Stop the River: Community Change for Congregations" is being offered on April 2-5 in Kansas City, Kan., by On Earth Peace and hosted by First Central Church of the Brethren, in conjunction with the Kansas City Metropolitan Parish Council, Church of the Brethren. The theme scripture comes from Rev. 22, "Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life...."
The event is billed for congregations concerned about community issues such as gun violence, domestic violence, racism, or loss of employment. The meeting will offer help to build skills and confidence for community leadership, explore the history of community change initiatives and nonviolence struggles, and prepare plans for what happens next in the community.
Only three to seven congregations will be identified as participants, and each congregation will be invited to send a team of three people. On Earth Peace is making the event available for a $50 materials fee plus a participant offering. Housing and food will be provided by the host church, through space on the church’s carpeted floor and home stays with church members. For $40 per night participants can reserve a bed at a nearby Christian retreat center. Participants are responsible for their own travel costs.
Congregations may apply by writing a one-page letter telling the congregation’s story, describing the team the congregation will send the event, and sharing why the congregation wants to take part. Each team is to ask its church leadership for a letter of blessing, to show support from the congregation for the knowledge and skills the team will bring home from the training.
The application deadline is Feb. 16. Apply by e-mailing application letters to mguynn@onearthpeace.org or call 503-775-1636.
Source: 1/29/2009 Newsline
A reflection from the Congo: Standing on the wall as it crumbles.
Cliff Kindy is working in the Democratic Republic of the Congo with Christian Peacemaker Teams. His blog for Jan. 23, the day after the arrest of Laurent Nkunda, who led the rebel group National Congress for the Defence of the People (CNDP), reflects on positive changes in the country. Members of the CNDP and previous armed groups led by Nkunda are accused of war crimes and human rights abuses by the UN and human rights organizations. Allegations include the recruitment and use of children as soldiers, unlawful killings, and systematic rape. Following are excerpts from Kindy’s blog (go to www.cpt.org/blogs/cliff-kindy for more):
"It feels as though we are standing on the Berlin Wall as it crumbles beneath our feet. Nkunda’s CNDP rebel group had been pushing through the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) military lines this fall...as they were ready to sweep into Goma. They had support from Rwanda with US backing.
"DRC civil society has been building a new foundation patiently and at great risk for years. Last December the Group of Experts in its report to the UN Security Council accused...CNDP of dire human rights violations with support of Rwanda and the DRC military. Sweden and Belgium stopped aid to Rwanda and the US pulled back from Nkunda support, though aid to Rwanda still flowed from US, according to a US spokesperson in Goma....
"Nkunda conceded (news of his arrest today) and two days ago Christian Peacemaker Teams passed through Rutshuru region as DRC military by the hundreds moved north and CNDP troops filed south peacefully. This was no longer rebel-held territory.
"As we drove through, and out of Rutshuru, there were cheering crowds. Local people had already returned to abandoned fields. Homes that had been neglected were being remudded and rethatched. In the midst of the changes, more than among civil society partners, CPT saw the optimism.
"But it is the hard work of (nonprofit groups such as) Pax Christi, Synergie de Femmes, CREDDHO, and Ebenezer Peace Center that built this changed spirit. As the Berlin Wall, the Apartheid Wall, and the Cold War walls fell, the underlying spirit needed to be replaced, and that is what civil society has been occupied with.
"The focus is change, from what I can get for myself, to what I can do for others. If that new spirit takes control in people’s lives, then there will be a new thing that can be a model for the world. Congo can lead the way."
Source: 1/29/2009 Newsline
Cliff Kindy is working in the Democratic Republic of the Congo with Christian Peacemaker Teams. His blog for Jan. 23, the day after the arrest of Laurent Nkunda, who led the rebel group National Congress for the Defence of the People (CNDP), reflects on positive changes in the country. Members of the CNDP and previous armed groups led by Nkunda are accused of war crimes and human rights abuses by the UN and human rights organizations. Allegations include the recruitment and use of children as soldiers, unlawful killings, and systematic rape. Following are excerpts from Kindy’s blog (go to www.cpt.org/blogs/cliff-kindy for more):
"It feels as though we are standing on the Berlin Wall as it crumbles beneath our feet. Nkunda’s CNDP rebel group had been pushing through the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) military lines this fall...as they were ready to sweep into Goma. They had support from Rwanda with US backing.
"DRC civil society has been building a new foundation patiently and at great risk for years. Last December the Group of Experts in its report to the UN Security Council accused...CNDP of dire human rights violations with support of Rwanda and the DRC military. Sweden and Belgium stopped aid to Rwanda and the US pulled back from Nkunda support, though aid to Rwanda still flowed from US, according to a US spokesperson in Goma....
"Nkunda conceded (news of his arrest today) and two days ago Christian Peacemaker Teams passed through Rutshuru region as DRC military by the hundreds moved north and CNDP troops filed south peacefully. This was no longer rebel-held territory.
"As we drove through, and out of Rutshuru, there were cheering crowds. Local people had already returned to abandoned fields. Homes that had been neglected were being remudded and rethatched. In the midst of the changes, more than among civil society partners, CPT saw the optimism.
"But it is the hard work of (nonprofit groups such as) Pax Christi, Synergie de Femmes, CREDDHO, and Ebenezer Peace Center that built this changed spirit. As the Berlin Wall, the Apartheid Wall, and the Cold War walls fell, the underlying spirit needed to be replaced, and that is what civil society has been occupied with.
"The focus is change, from what I can get for myself, to what I can do for others. If that new spirit takes control in people’s lives, then there will be a new thing that can be a model for the world. Congo can lead the way."
Source: 1/29/2009 Newsline
Heeding God’s Call brings peace churches together for common effort.
"Heeding God’s Call: A Gathering on Peace" sponsored by the three Historic Peace Churches--Church of the Brethren, Quakers, and Mennonites--in Philadelphia on Jan. 13-17 has brought together people of faith for a common peacemaking effort. The gathering saw the launch of a new faith-based initiative against gun violence in America’s cities (see stories below), and produced a joint "epistle" as well as more than 20 focus statements for future cooperation.
The event was held alongside a series held by the peace churches on different continents, this time in the United States. Previous peace church gatherings have been held in Europe, Africa, and Asia. In 2010 a meeting of the peace churches in the Americas will be held. The peace churches also will be represented at a World Council of Churches meeting signaling the close of the Decade to Overcome Violence, in Jamaica in 2011.
"The significance of the event has been for the American peace churches to participate in the global effort to hold consultations on issues of peacemaking in the 21st century," said Stan Noffsinger, general secretary of the Church of the Brethren. "During this time when the US has been seen as such an aggressor by the rest of the world, it was most important for us to bring the Historic Peace Churches together with others who believe there is another way of living."
Set in the historic district of Philadelphia, Heeding God’s Call gathered within blocks of Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, and other famous sites from the revolutionary period of American history.
The gathering met at Arch Street Meeting House, a historic Quaker meeting house, for daily worship and plenaries. The group included delegations from the peace churches along with invited participants from other Christian traditions and church-related nonprofits, as well as observers from the Jewish and Muslim faiths. It was reported that a total of 23 faith traditions were represented among the 380 participants.
On the "facing bench" in the Quaker style of worship were leaders from the three convening groups: Thomas Swain, presiding clerk of the Philadelphia Yearly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends; Susan Mark Landis, peace advocate for the Mennonite Church USA; and Noffsinger as general secretary of the Church of the Brethren.
Other meetings brought participants to Philadelphia’s Constitution Center and Visitors’ Center. On one evening, a "World Café"--rounds of small group discussions to develop focus areas for the gathering--was held on the upper floor of the Constitution Center while cool jazz was played by the Anderson Cooper Project, and desserts were served.
Many different speakers and preachers led in addressing the theme, "Strengthening our witness and work for peace in the world by inspiring hope, raising voices, taking action." At the opening plenary, speakers included National Council of Churches (NCC) general secretary Michael Kinnamon, who brought greetings from the wider ecumenical movement, and James A. Forbes Jr., senior minister emeritus of Riverside Church in New York who gave the opening address.
Vincent Harding, chair of the "Veterans of Hope Project: A Center for the Study of Religion and Democratic Renewal" at Iliff School of Theology and a noted Civil Rights activist and author, gave daily reflections. Plenary speakers included Ched Myers, a biblical scholar and director of Bartimaeus Cooperative Ministries, who offered a biblical analysis of Jesus Christ as a nonviolent activist; and Alexie Torres Fleming, founder of Youth Ministries for Peace and Justice in the South Bronx, N.Y., who told her story of becoming involved in neighborhood organizing against drug-related violence.
Preachers included Colin Saxton, superintendent of the Northwest Yearly Meeting of Friends Church, based in Newberg, Ore.; Matthew V. Johnson Sr., national executive director of Every Church a Peace Church and pastor of the Church of the Good Shepherd in Atlanta, Ga.; Gayle Harris, suffragan bishop of the Episcopal Church Diocese of Massachusetts; and Donna Jones, who works with inner-city youth at Cookman United Methodist Church in Philadelphia.
A panel on the "Faith Basis of Our Peace Testimonies" featured speakers from the three Historic Peace Churches. Brethren speakers were Belita Mitchell, a past moderator of Annual Conference and pastor of First Church of the Brethren in Harrisburg, Pa.; Mimi Copp, a Church of the Brethren member living in an intentional Christian community in Philadelphia; and Jordan Blevins, assistant director of the Eco-Justice Program of the NCC. A second panel discussion on "Speaking Truth to Power" was given by church and nonprofit staff who work in Washington, D.C., including Phil Jones, director of the Brethren Witness/Washington Office.
In addition to worship and plenary sessions, participants met in small groups for discussion, ate meals together, and were invited to support and take part in daily witnesses against gun violence.
The gathering closed Jan. 17 with a day of worship, education, and action in sanctuaries and meeting houses across the city, focused on the gun violence that has been causing hundreds of deaths a year in Philadelphia. Participants traveled to one of nine host faith communities--seven churches, a synagogue, and a student center--where morning programs were planned and led by several congregations jointly in each sanctuary. A total of 40 partner faith communities from Philadelphia took part, including Christian, Muslim, and Jewish congregations.
That afternoon, an interfaith service was held at Holy Ghost Church, prior to a march to Colosimo’s Gun Center. Organizers said the day’s events were planned "to confront the avoidable tragedy of gun violence in our communities," and that the store was identified as a focus for the campaign as "a leading supplier of crime guns." The march included hundreds of people according to the Brethren Witness/Washington Office, and marked the end of the gathering.
An "epistle" or letter written from the gathering issued an invitation to "all people everywhere" to heed the call to peacemaking. The epistle committee included James Beckwith, pastor of Annville (Pa.) Church of the Brethren and a former moderator of Annual Conference. "We believe this is indeed a time when peace can happen," the letter said in part. "Awaken with us to this new opportunity to act as the united Body of Christ, along with friends of peace everywhere, in a world desperately in need of justice and peace." (Go to www.peacegathering2009.org/Epistle-New-Beginning for the full text.)
Also created were more than 20 focus statements identifying priorities for ongoing work. Topics ranged from becoming a Living Peace Church, to building community that supports radical Christian living, to recognizing and overcoming racism, to working on disagreements about human sexuality. Some focus groups highlighted current political situations including the violence in Gaza, the US wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, immigration concerns, and the issue of torture.
Church of the Brethren representatives who helped plan and organize the gathering included Stan Noffsinger, Church of the Brethren general secretary, and Bob Gross, executive director of On Earth Peace, who served on the advisory committee. The steering committee included Phil Jones, director of the Brethren Witness/Washington Office, and On Earth Peace board members Don Mitchell and Jordan Blevins.
"We are not alone," Noffsinger said, reflecting after the meeting on what the peace churches have learned from the gathering. "We may approach the ways to make peace through different expressions...but we are not alone. We shouldn’t hesitate to seek peace and pursue it."
A photo journal of Heeding God’s Call will soon be available at www.brethren.org (click on "News" to find the link for photo journals). Go to www.peacegathering2009.org for audio recordings of the major presentations. For more information contact Phil Jones, director of the Brethren Witness/Washington Office, at pjones_gb@brethren.org.
Source: 1/28/2009 Newsline Special
"Heeding God’s Call: A Gathering on Peace" sponsored by the three Historic Peace Churches--Church of the Brethren, Quakers, and Mennonites--in Philadelphia on Jan. 13-17 has brought together people of faith for a common peacemaking effort. The gathering saw the launch of a new faith-based initiative against gun violence in America’s cities (see stories below), and produced a joint "epistle" as well as more than 20 focus statements for future cooperation.The event was held alongside a series held by the peace churches on different continents, this time in the United States. Previous peace church gatherings have been held in Europe, Africa, and Asia. In 2010 a meeting of the peace churches in the Americas will be held. The peace churches also will be represented at a World Council of Churches meeting signaling the close of the Decade to Overcome Violence, in Jamaica in 2011.
"The significance of the event has been for the American peace churches to participate in the global effort to hold consultations on issues of peacemaking in the 21st century," said Stan Noffsinger, general secretary of the Church of the Brethren. "During this time when the US has been seen as such an aggressor by the rest of the world, it was most important for us to bring the Historic Peace Churches together with others who believe there is another way of living."
Set in the historic district of Philadelphia, Heeding God’s Call gathered within blocks of Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, and other famous sites from the revolutionary period of American history.
The gathering met at Arch Street Meeting House, a historic Quaker meeting house, for daily worship and plenaries. The group included delegations from the peace churches along with invited participants from other Christian traditions and church-related nonprofits, as well as observers from the Jewish and Muslim faiths. It was reported that a total of 23 faith traditions were represented among the 380 participants.
On the "facing bench" in the Quaker style of worship were leaders from the three convening groups: Thomas Swain, presiding clerk of the Philadelphia Yearly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends; Susan Mark Landis, peace advocate for the Mennonite Church USA; and Noffsinger as general secretary of the Church of the Brethren.
Other meetings brought participants to Philadelphia’s Constitution Center and Visitors’ Center. On one evening, a "World Café"--rounds of small group discussions to develop focus areas for the gathering--was held on the upper floor of the Constitution Center while cool jazz was played by the Anderson Cooper Project, and desserts were served.
Many different speakers and preachers led in addressing the theme, "Strengthening our witness and work for peace in the world by inspiring hope, raising voices, taking action." At the opening plenary, speakers included National Council of Churches (NCC) general secretary Michael Kinnamon, who brought greetings from the wider ecumenical movement, and James A. Forbes Jr., senior minister emeritus of Riverside Church in New York who gave the opening address.
Vincent Harding, chair of the "Veterans of Hope Project: A Center for the Study of Religion and Democratic Renewal" at Iliff School of Theology and a noted Civil Rights activist and author, gave daily reflections. Plenary speakers included Ched Myers, a biblical scholar and director of Bartimaeus Cooperative Ministries, who offered a biblical analysis of Jesus Christ as a nonviolent activist; and Alexie Torres Fleming, founder of Youth Ministries for Peace and Justice in the South Bronx, N.Y., who told her story of becoming involved in neighborhood organizing against drug-related violence.
Preachers included Colin Saxton, superintendent of the Northwest Yearly Meeting of Friends Church, based in Newberg, Ore.; Matthew V. Johnson Sr., national executive director of Every Church a Peace Church and pastor of the Church of the Good Shepherd in Atlanta, Ga.; Gayle Harris, suffragan bishop of the Episcopal Church Diocese of Massachusetts; and Donna Jones, who works with inner-city youth at Cookman United Methodist Church in Philadelphia.
A panel on the "Faith Basis of Our Peace Testimonies" featured speakers from the three Historic Peace Churches. Brethren speakers were Belita Mitchell, a past moderator of Annual Conference and pastor of First Church of the Brethren in Harrisburg, Pa.; Mimi Copp, a Church of the Brethren member living in an intentional Christian community in Philadelphia; and Jordan Blevins, assistant director of the Eco-Justice Program of the NCC. A second panel discussion on "Speaking Truth to Power" was given by church and nonprofit staff who work in Washington, D.C., including Phil Jones, director of the Brethren Witness/Washington Office.
In addition to worship and plenary sessions, participants met in small groups for discussion, ate meals together, and were invited to support and take part in daily witnesses against gun violence.
The gathering closed Jan. 17 with a day of worship, education, and action in sanctuaries and meeting houses across the city, focused on the gun violence that has been causing hundreds of deaths a year in Philadelphia. Participants traveled to one of nine host faith communities--seven churches, a synagogue, and a student center--where morning programs were planned and led by several congregations jointly in each sanctuary. A total of 40 partner faith communities from Philadelphia took part, including Christian, Muslim, and Jewish congregations.
That afternoon, an interfaith service was held at Holy Ghost Church, prior to a march to Colosimo’s Gun Center. Organizers said the day’s events were planned "to confront the avoidable tragedy of gun violence in our communities," and that the store was identified as a focus for the campaign as "a leading supplier of crime guns." The march included hundreds of people according to the Brethren Witness/Washington Office, and marked the end of the gathering.
An "epistle" or letter written from the gathering issued an invitation to "all people everywhere" to heed the call to peacemaking. The epistle committee included James Beckwith, pastor of Annville (Pa.) Church of the Brethren and a former moderator of Annual Conference. "We believe this is indeed a time when peace can happen," the letter said in part. "Awaken with us to this new opportunity to act as the united Body of Christ, along with friends of peace everywhere, in a world desperately in need of justice and peace." (Go to www.peacegathering2009.org/Epistle-New-Beginning for the full text.)
Also created were more than 20 focus statements identifying priorities for ongoing work. Topics ranged from becoming a Living Peace Church, to building community that supports radical Christian living, to recognizing and overcoming racism, to working on disagreements about human sexuality. Some focus groups highlighted current political situations including the violence in Gaza, the US wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, immigration concerns, and the issue of torture.
Church of the Brethren representatives who helped plan and organize the gathering included Stan Noffsinger, Church of the Brethren general secretary, and Bob Gross, executive director of On Earth Peace, who served on the advisory committee. The steering committee included Phil Jones, director of the Brethren Witness/Washington Office, and On Earth Peace board members Don Mitchell and Jordan Blevins.
"We are not alone," Noffsinger said, reflecting after the meeting on what the peace churches have learned from the gathering. "We may approach the ways to make peace through different expressions...but we are not alone. We shouldn’t hesitate to seek peace and pursue it."
A photo journal of Heeding God’s Call will soon be available at www.brethren.org (click on "News" to find the link for photo journals). Go to www.peacegathering2009.org for audio recordings of the major presentations. For more information contact Phil Jones, director of the Brethren Witness/Washington Office, at pjones_gb@brethren.org.
Source: 1/28/2009 Newsline Special
New faith-based initiative on gun violence is launched.
Throughout the week of Heeding God’s Call, daily witnesses against gun violence were held at Colosimo’s Gun Center in Philadelphia. The witness included nonviolent protest, civil disobedience, and the arrests of 12 people over a series of afternoons.
The gathering closed on Jan. 17 with a day of events focused on gun violence, billed as the beginning of a new faith-based initiative against gun violence in America’s cities starting with Philadelphia. Events included an interfaith service followed by a march and rally at Colosimo’s Gun Center.
"We believe that God is calling us to send a dramatic signal on behalf of the young people that suffer most from this epidemic of violence," said Andy Peifer, chair of the Public Witness Planning Group. In an e-mail explaining the new initiative he wrote, "Many have lost hope in us, lost hope that we have the will or the vision to DO SOMETHING about this.... God is calling us to something larger than we thought!"
"We all know too many people are dying," said Bryan Miller, executive director of Ceasefire New Jersey, at the interfaith service.
According to a report by the Associated Press (dated mid-2008) in Philadelphia 343 people were killed by guns in 2006, and 330 were killed by guns in 2007. The numbers had begun to slow in 2008, the AP report said.
Miller explained that guns from Pennsylvania also are making their way into neighboring states, and that guns bought in Philadelphia are often the ones that are killing people in New Jersey.
Colosimo’s is "one of the worst gun shops in the US," Miller added. He outlined the new initiative’s emphasis on requesting gun shops like Colosimo’s to sign a voluntary 10-point code of conduct titled "Responsible Firearms Retailer Partnership," that was developed by the group "Mayors Against Illegal Guns." The group includes Philadelphia mayor Michael Nutter.
Walmart is the largest retailer of guns to sign the code. "If Walmart can do it, any gun shop in Pennsylvania and any state can do it," Miller said. "Colosimo’s is just a starting point." He encouraged people in attendance from other places around the country to go to their local gun shops to ask them to adopt the same code of conduct.
Preparation for the new initiative against gun violence took many months, according to Phil Jones, director of the Brethren Witness/Washington Office, who was one of the 12 arrested for civil disobedience at the gun store. Preparation included personal conversations with the owner of Colosimo’s Gun Center and conversations with Philadelphia police, Jones said. Organizers also recruited 40 faith communities in Philadelphia to support the campaign, including Muslim, Jewish, and Christian congregations.
Organizers hope that a code of conduct for gun stores will reduce the flow of weapons to the streets by reducing "straw purchases" or wholesale legal purchase of guns by people who then resell them to traffickers of illegal guns. Organizers also hope the campaign will spread to other cities across the country.
During the week’s witnesses at Colosimo’s Gun Center, groups of people held signs and banners, engaged passersby in conversation, and encouraged motorists to honk in support. The arrests for civil disobedience took place on Jan. 14 and 16. Jones and Church of the Brethren member Mimi Copp were in the first group of five people arrested on Jan. 14 for not leaving the store after the owner refused again to sign the code of conduct. Two more groups were arrested on Jan. 16, a group of three men who sat in the front entrance of the store, and another group of four men who sat on the sidewalk in front of the police who were guarding the door.
"When the gun shop owner repeatedly refused to sign the Code of Conduct, our group chose to occupy the store until he agreed to sign," Jones said (see his reflection below). "We were subsequently arrested with varying charges. A court date has been set for March 4."
Prayer and scripture were part of each day’s witness. The 12 people who carried out civil disobedience prepared with prayer, and received extensive support including help with bail money and rides back to the Heeding God’s Call gathering from jail--some in the middle of the night. They each spent between 12 and 24 hours in police custody, Jones said.
An incident during the second round of civil disobedience brought into sharp focus the tragic personal effects of the gun violence in Philadelphia. A local resident who had stopped by to ask about the witness arrived just as the group of three men knelt in the doorway of the store. As she watched, a police captain arrived and gave the men a series of verbal warnings that they would be arrested if they did not move.
In what became a quiet chorus to the police warnings, the woman began to recite numbers: "Five people die a week," she said. As the police captain repeatedly warned about the severity of the laws on blocking a fire exit, she repeated: "Five people die a week.... Five people are shot a week.... Three hundred people are shot a year...."
While the police waited for a van to arrive so that they could make the arrests, the woman explained her personal tragedy: She knew someone who died after he was shot 11 times. He was a young man, a friend, she said.
(Go to www.cst-phl.com for a report from the "Catholic Standard and Times," a newspaper of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Philadelphia, that includes more information about the initiative and communications between religious leaders and Colosimo’s Gun Center.)
-- Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford is director of News Services for the Church of the Brethren.
Source: 1/28/2009 Newsline Special
Throughout the week of Heeding God’s Call, daily witnesses against gun violence were held at Colosimo’s Gun Center in Philadelphia. The witness included nonviolent protest, civil disobedience, and the arrests of 12 people over a series of afternoons.
The gathering closed on Jan. 17 with a day of events focused on gun violence, billed as the beginning of a new faith-based initiative against gun violence in America’s cities starting with Philadelphia. Events included an interfaith service followed by a march and rally at Colosimo’s Gun Center.
"We believe that God is calling us to send a dramatic signal on behalf of the young people that suffer most from this epidemic of violence," said Andy Peifer, chair of the Public Witness Planning Group. In an e-mail explaining the new initiative he wrote, "Many have lost hope in us, lost hope that we have the will or the vision to DO SOMETHING about this.... God is calling us to something larger than we thought!"
"We all know too many people are dying," said Bryan Miller, executive director of Ceasefire New Jersey, at the interfaith service.
According to a report by the Associated Press (dated mid-2008) in Philadelphia 343 people were killed by guns in 2006, and 330 were killed by guns in 2007. The numbers had begun to slow in 2008, the AP report said.
Miller explained that guns from Pennsylvania also are making their way into neighboring states, and that guns bought in Philadelphia are often the ones that are killing people in New Jersey.
Colosimo’s is "one of the worst gun shops in the US," Miller added. He outlined the new initiative’s emphasis on requesting gun shops like Colosimo’s to sign a voluntary 10-point code of conduct titled "Responsible Firearms Retailer Partnership," that was developed by the group "Mayors Against Illegal Guns." The group includes Philadelphia mayor Michael Nutter.
Walmart is the largest retailer of guns to sign the code. "If Walmart can do it, any gun shop in Pennsylvania and any state can do it," Miller said. "Colosimo’s is just a starting point." He encouraged people in attendance from other places around the country to go to their local gun shops to ask them to adopt the same code of conduct.
Preparation for the new initiative against gun violence took many months, according to Phil Jones, director of the Brethren Witness/Washington Office, who was one of the 12 arrested for civil disobedience at the gun store. Preparation included personal conversations with the owner of Colosimo’s Gun Center and conversations with Philadelphia police, Jones said. Organizers also recruited 40 faith communities in Philadelphia to support the campaign, including Muslim, Jewish, and Christian congregations.
Organizers hope that a code of conduct for gun stores will reduce the flow of weapons to the streets by reducing "straw purchases" or wholesale legal purchase of guns by people who then resell them to traffickers of illegal guns. Organizers also hope the campaign will spread to other cities across the country.
During the week’s witnesses at Colosimo’s Gun Center, groups of people held signs and banners, engaged passersby in conversation, and encouraged motorists to honk in support. The arrests for civil disobedience took place on Jan. 14 and 16. Jones and Church of the Brethren member Mimi Copp were in the first group of five people arrested on Jan. 14 for not leaving the store after the owner refused again to sign the code of conduct. Two more groups were arrested on Jan. 16, a group of three men who sat in the front entrance of the store, and another group of four men who sat on the sidewalk in front of the police who were guarding the door.
"When the gun shop owner repeatedly refused to sign the Code of Conduct, our group chose to occupy the store until he agreed to sign," Jones said (see his reflection below). "We were subsequently arrested with varying charges. A court date has been set for March 4."
Prayer and scripture were part of each day’s witness. The 12 people who carried out civil disobedience prepared with prayer, and received extensive support including help with bail money and rides back to the Heeding God’s Call gathering from jail--some in the middle of the night. They each spent between 12 and 24 hours in police custody, Jones said.
An incident during the second round of civil disobedience brought into sharp focus the tragic personal effects of the gun violence in Philadelphia. A local resident who had stopped by to ask about the witness arrived just as the group of three men knelt in the doorway of the store. As she watched, a police captain arrived and gave the men a series of verbal warnings that they would be arrested if they did not move.
In what became a quiet chorus to the police warnings, the woman began to recite numbers: "Five people die a week," she said. As the police captain repeatedly warned about the severity of the laws on blocking a fire exit, she repeated: "Five people die a week.... Five people are shot a week.... Three hundred people are shot a year...."
While the police waited for a van to arrive so that they could make the arrests, the woman explained her personal tragedy: She knew someone who died after he was shot 11 times. He was a young man, a friend, she said.
(Go to www.cst-phl.com for a report from the "Catholic Standard and Times," a newspaper of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Philadelphia, that includes more information about the initiative and communications between religious leaders and Colosimo’s Gun Center.)
-- Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford is director of News Services for the Church of the Brethren.
Source: 1/28/2009 Newsline Special
A reflection on the spiritual discipline of bringing violence to light.
As five men and women bound by handcuffs lined up along a cold concrete wall, one of them turned to the others and asked, "Help me discern the spiritual disciplines of what we are doing?"
For months plans had been taking shape for an action of nonviolent witness to bring to light the depraved violence of weapons that are used to end lives. No matter the cause or reason--intentionally, accidently, or even without malice or with deviant anger--gun violence explodes on a daily basis in Philadelphia and other locations around our nation.
Statistics confirm the tears and outcries of mothers who lose sons and daughters, and communities who lose security and confidence in living. In 2005, the most recent year for which data is available, 55 percent of the gun-related deaths in the US were suicides. There was nothing special about 2005, as suicides have been the number-one gun death for 20 of the past 25 years. Forty percent of gun-related deaths were murders, 3 percent were accidents, and 2 percent were legal killings, including when police shot criminals and those of undetermined intent.
Guns are violent weapons and their use must be addressed. Individuals, the community, state, and church must be active partners in this venture.
On Jan. 14, five participants in the Philadelphia peace gathering, "Heeding God’s Call," chose to take a stand against gun violence using civil disobedience. Later in the week, another seven people participated in this witness calling attention to the need for those who sell such weapons to be diligent in attempting to keep the weapons off the streets.
For the 12 people who were arrested, and the many more people who supported them, this act of civil disobedience was a statement to the city of Philadelphia and the state of Pennsylvania: more stringent laws and collaborative attempts to reduce the availability of hand guns and automatic weapons must be a priority issue.
Mimi Copp, a Church of the Brethren member living in Philadelphia, and I were among the 12 who were arrested. We were among the first five people who carried out civil disobedience at a Philadelphia gun shop that is well known for selling weapons that end up being used for violence.
Our group had spent several weeks trying to negotiate with the shop owner to agree to a code of conduct for gun shops. The code endeavors to provide those who sell weapons with a solid basis for keeping handguns out of the hands of people who might use them violently. When the gun shop owner repeatedly refused to sign the code of conduct, our group chose to occupy the store until he agreed to sign. We were subsequently arrested with varying charges, including defiant trespass, disorderly conduct, and conspiracy. A court date has been set for March 4.
In the end, after 12 to 24 hours in a Philadelphia jail, each participant agreed that prayer, meditation, and a true sense of call to end the violence on our streets were the spiritual disciplines that directed our actions and supported our witness.
-- Phil Jones is director of the Brethren Witness/Washington Office.
Source: 1/28/2009 Newsline Special
As five men and women bound by handcuffs lined up along a cold concrete wall, one of them turned to the others and asked, "Help me discern the spiritual disciplines of what we are doing?"
For months plans had been taking shape for an action of nonviolent witness to bring to light the depraved violence of weapons that are used to end lives. No matter the cause or reason--intentionally, accidently, or even without malice or with deviant anger--gun violence explodes on a daily basis in Philadelphia and other locations around our nation.
Statistics confirm the tears and outcries of mothers who lose sons and daughters, and communities who lose security and confidence in living. In 2005, the most recent year for which data is available, 55 percent of the gun-related deaths in the US were suicides. There was nothing special about 2005, as suicides have been the number-one gun death for 20 of the past 25 years. Forty percent of gun-related deaths were murders, 3 percent were accidents, and 2 percent were legal killings, including when police shot criminals and those of undetermined intent.
Guns are violent weapons and their use must be addressed. Individuals, the community, state, and church must be active partners in this venture.
On Jan. 14, five participants in the Philadelphia peace gathering, "Heeding God’s Call," chose to take a stand against gun violence using civil disobedience. Later in the week, another seven people participated in this witness calling attention to the need for those who sell such weapons to be diligent in attempting to keep the weapons off the streets.
For the 12 people who were arrested, and the many more people who supported them, this act of civil disobedience was a statement to the city of Philadelphia and the state of Pennsylvania: more stringent laws and collaborative attempts to reduce the availability of hand guns and automatic weapons must be a priority issue.
Mimi Copp, a Church of the Brethren member living in Philadelphia, and I were among the 12 who were arrested. We were among the first five people who carried out civil disobedience at a Philadelphia gun shop that is well known for selling weapons that end up being used for violence.
Our group had spent several weeks trying to negotiate with the shop owner to agree to a code of conduct for gun shops. The code endeavors to provide those who sell weapons with a solid basis for keeping handguns out of the hands of people who might use them violently. When the gun shop owner repeatedly refused to sign the code of conduct, our group chose to occupy the store until he agreed to sign. We were subsequently arrested with varying charges, including defiant trespass, disorderly conduct, and conspiracy. A court date has been set for March 4.
In the end, after 12 to 24 hours in a Philadelphia jail, each participant agreed that prayer, meditation, and a true sense of call to end the violence on our streets were the spiritual disciplines that directed our actions and supported our witness.
-- Phil Jones is director of the Brethren Witness/Washington Office.
Source: 1/28/2009 Newsline Special
NCC leader tells peace church gathering, ‘Peace is the message of the church.’
National Council of Churches (NCC) general secretary Michael Kinnamon brought greetings Jan. 13 to the opening session of "Heeding God’s Call." The Philadelphia Yearly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends and the Church of the Brethren, both member communions of the NCC, joined with the Mennonite Church USA to bring together an ecumenical group with peacemaking as its aim. In his remarks, Kinnamon said peacemaking is the role not only of historic peace churches, but of the church ecumenical:
"Grace and peace to you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. And greetings from the 35 member communions of the National Council of Churches. With violence the order of the day in such places as Gaza, Afghanistan, Congo, Somalia, Darfur, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, it is imperative that the followers of Christ proclaim a different vision of life in human community-- which is why I am so grateful to Thomas and the other organizers of this historic conference. May God grant that our time together be a visible and vital witness to God’s gift of Shalom.
"In this brief welcome, I want to emphasize one point: the ecumenical movement, of which the NCC is an instrument, is most essentially a movement of peace. Part of the point is sociological: Christian divisions (which ecumenism seeks to overcome) often exacerbate political conflicts and hinder effective peacemaking. War is too massive an evil to be responded to denominationally.
"The real point, however, is more theological. God’s gift of reconciliation is for the world; but the church is entrusted with this message of reconciliation--and the church delivers the message not just by what it says or, even, by what it does, but by what it is, by the way we live with one another. The church’s calling is to be a demonstration project of God’s gift of peace, and the fact that Christians are so obviously fragmented and co-opted by the powers of the world is what drives the ecumenical movement.
"Ecumenical conferences have declared all of this unambiguously for the past 100 years, perhaps never more so than at the first Assembly of the World Council of Churches in 1948. ‘War,’ said the delegates, ‘is contrary to the will of God.’ This has been repeated at various ecumenical conferences and I am going to repeat it here: War is contrary to the will of God. It is true that many Christians still see war as a last resort. But there is now broad agreement that war is ‘inherently evil’ (WCC)--which means that Christians should never identify human violence with God’s purposes. Contrary to political leaders and old Hollywood movies, it is never redemptive.
"You see why it is so important to remember this at the beginning of our conference. Radical peacemaking is usually associated with one segment of the Christian community: the Historic Peace Churches. ‘Another peace protest? It must be the Quakers and Mennonites and Brethren.’ What I am stressing, however, is that radical, costly, insistent peacemaking is not simply your witness. Peace is the message of the church ecumenical!
"This is not to be taken for granted. In the history of the church, those who emphasized peacemaking have often feared that unity would weaken the prophetic edge of their proclamation, while those who have emphasized unity have often feared that peacemaking would prove divisive. That’s why the historic peace churches have, at times, been sectarian, while churches more inclined to collaboration have generally left matters of war and peace to the individual conscience.
"But the modern ecumenical movement has rejected this dichotomy--and I hope we will as well. We are Christians: recipients of the gift of peace. We are Christians: called to be ambassadors of reconciliation by the way we live with one another. May it be so, even here, even now."
-- This report was taken from a press release from the National Council of Churches USA.
Source: 1/28/2009 Newsline Special
National Council of Churches (NCC) general secretary Michael Kinnamon brought greetings Jan. 13 to the opening session of "Heeding God’s Call." The Philadelphia Yearly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends and the Church of the Brethren, both member communions of the NCC, joined with the Mennonite Church USA to bring together an ecumenical group with peacemaking as its aim. In his remarks, Kinnamon said peacemaking is the role not only of historic peace churches, but of the church ecumenical:"Grace and peace to you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. And greetings from the 35 member communions of the National Council of Churches. With violence the order of the day in such places as Gaza, Afghanistan, Congo, Somalia, Darfur, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, it is imperative that the followers of Christ proclaim a different vision of life in human community-- which is why I am so grateful to Thomas and the other organizers of this historic conference. May God grant that our time together be a visible and vital witness to God’s gift of Shalom.
"In this brief welcome, I want to emphasize one point: the ecumenical movement, of which the NCC is an instrument, is most essentially a movement of peace. Part of the point is sociological: Christian divisions (which ecumenism seeks to overcome) often exacerbate political conflicts and hinder effective peacemaking. War is too massive an evil to be responded to denominationally.
"The real point, however, is more theological. God’s gift of reconciliation is for the world; but the church is entrusted with this message of reconciliation--and the church delivers the message not just by what it says or, even, by what it does, but by what it is, by the way we live with one another. The church’s calling is to be a demonstration project of God’s gift of peace, and the fact that Christians are so obviously fragmented and co-opted by the powers of the world is what drives the ecumenical movement.
"Ecumenical conferences have declared all of this unambiguously for the past 100 years, perhaps never more so than at the first Assembly of the World Council of Churches in 1948. ‘War,’ said the delegates, ‘is contrary to the will of God.’ This has been repeated at various ecumenical conferences and I am going to repeat it here: War is contrary to the will of God. It is true that many Christians still see war as a last resort. But there is now broad agreement that war is ‘inherently evil’ (WCC)--which means that Christians should never identify human violence with God’s purposes. Contrary to political leaders and old Hollywood movies, it is never redemptive.
"You see why it is so important to remember this at the beginning of our conference. Radical peacemaking is usually associated with one segment of the Christian community: the Historic Peace Churches. ‘Another peace protest? It must be the Quakers and Mennonites and Brethren.’ What I am stressing, however, is that radical, costly, insistent peacemaking is not simply your witness. Peace is the message of the church ecumenical!
"This is not to be taken for granted. In the history of the church, those who emphasized peacemaking have often feared that unity would weaken the prophetic edge of their proclamation, while those who have emphasized unity have often feared that peacemaking would prove divisive. That’s why the historic peace churches have, at times, been sectarian, while churches more inclined to collaboration have generally left matters of war and peace to the individual conscience.
"But the modern ecumenical movement has rejected this dichotomy--and I hope we will as well. We are Christians: recipients of the gift of peace. We are Christians: called to be ambassadors of reconciliation by the way we live with one another. May it be so, even here, even now."
-- This report was taken from a press release from the National Council of Churches USA.
Source: 1/28/2009 Newsline Special
Credits
Newsline is produced by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of news services for the Church of the Brethren, cobnews@brethren.org or 800-323-8039 ext. 260. Brad Bohrer, Matt Guynn, Nancy Knepper, Karin L. Krog, LethaJoy Martin, Robert Miller, Patrice Nightingale, David Radcliff, Howard Royer, Glen Sargent, and Loretta Wolf contributed to this report.
Newsline is produced by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of news services for the Church of the Brethren, cobnews@brethren.org or 800-323-8039 ext. 260. Brad Bohrer, Matt Guynn, Nancy Knepper, Karin L. Krog, LethaJoy Martin, Robert Miller, Patrice Nightingale, David Radcliff, Howard Royer, Glen Sargent, and Loretta Wolf contributed to this report.
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