Mosley retires as director of Financial Operations for BBT.
Bob Mosley has announced his retirement as director of Financial Operations for Brethren Benefit Trust (BBT), effective Oct. 23. He has served in the position for one year but has worked for BBT for almost 11 years, filling various positions in the Finance Department.
Mosley was hired by BBT as a staff accountant on Sept. 14, 1998, and then was promoted to senior accountant on July 2, 2000. In October 2005, he was named manager of Accounting, and then was promoted to director of Financial Operations on May 1, 2008.
In all of his BBT roles, Mosley has provided excellent service in financial operations, said an announcement from BBT. "BBT especially appreciates his leadership during the transitional period of the Finance staff last year," the statement said.
Source: 4/22/2009 Newsline
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Answered prayer in Los Ranchos, Honduras.
The following reflection from pastor Ellis Boughton of Yellow Creek Church of the Brethren in Pearl City, Ill., is excerpted from his report on a short-term mission workcamp in 2008 led by Bill Hare, manager of Camp Emmaus in Illinois and Wisconsin District. Hare regularly leads the annual workcamp experience:
"Our mission was to build 14 houses, working with masons who spoke Spanish and no English. This was not the first year that the village of Los Ranchos had construction crews on site to help raise its standard of living. In past years, a water supply storage tank and delivery pipes had been installed, water storage containers were provided, and latrines were constructed.
"During our mission trip, construction teams were formed to work at each site. Everything was run in a very organized and democratic manner. Nothing happened without a vote taken. The owner of each house was required to have enough sand, rock, and gravel ready before construction was allowed to start. Each house was allotted a certain amount of cement and steel, and those materials were moved to the site only just before construction began to prevent theft. Materials were inventoried with precise detail. Even our tools were counted and stored so that they would not disappear.
"One afternoon, three homeowners started to load cement and steel onto the truck without getting approval from the man in charge of materials. The homeowners had loaded nearly 90 bags of cement at over 100 pounds each, when the man in charge stopped them. I had just come over to get a drink of water when an argument started in Spanish. I sat on the ground with my back to the disagreement and prayed.
"The dispute got louder. It became apparent that the homeowner--who was mentally challenged--did not understand that he could not take materials for his house without permission. Soon the men started to unload the cement bags from the truck. Our Honduran construction leader joined in the argument, and it intensified. Even the children began to taunt the mentally challenged homeowner.
"Finally the men began to reload the truck. They had handled the 100-pound bags three times by then, and I thought the argument was over. I turned around to see the homeowner standing by himself, with his fists clenched at his sides. I could see how all alone he was, so I walked over and hugged him.
"It was like hugging a steel column, he was so rigid with anger. I held him for what seemed like forever. After a time, he started to soften and I could feel the anger slowly ebb away. Finally he hugged me back, and smiled and kissed my cheek. He now had someone standing with him and he did not feel alone.
"Ernie, the Honduran construction leader, told me later that what I did was extremely dangerous. The homeowner had threatened bodily harm by way of a machete. Ernie added, however, that what I had done probably saved the project from falling into chaos, as fragile as it was at that stage. I told Ernie that the Holy Spirit indicated to me that the homeowner needed a friend to stand with him. It was answered prayer on the spot.
"And for the rest of the story, that same homeowner was given special help from the rest of the villagers to get rock, sand, and gravel to build his house. When it was finished, he danced inside and exclaimed, ‘I have a house and now I can get married!’"
Source: 4/22/2009 Newsline
The following reflection from pastor Ellis Boughton of Yellow Creek Church of the Brethren in Pearl City, Ill., is excerpted from his report on a short-term mission workcamp in 2008 led by Bill Hare, manager of Camp Emmaus in Illinois and Wisconsin District. Hare regularly leads the annual workcamp experience:
"Our mission was to build 14 houses, working with masons who spoke Spanish and no English. This was not the first year that the village of Los Ranchos had construction crews on site to help raise its standard of living. In past years, a water supply storage tank and delivery pipes had been installed, water storage containers were provided, and latrines were constructed.
"During our mission trip, construction teams were formed to work at each site. Everything was run in a very organized and democratic manner. Nothing happened without a vote taken. The owner of each house was required to have enough sand, rock, and gravel ready before construction was allowed to start. Each house was allotted a certain amount of cement and steel, and those materials were moved to the site only just before construction began to prevent theft. Materials were inventoried with precise detail. Even our tools were counted and stored so that they would not disappear.
"One afternoon, three homeowners started to load cement and steel onto the truck without getting approval from the man in charge of materials. The homeowners had loaded nearly 90 bags of cement at over 100 pounds each, when the man in charge stopped them. I had just come over to get a drink of water when an argument started in Spanish. I sat on the ground with my back to the disagreement and prayed.
"The dispute got louder. It became apparent that the homeowner--who was mentally challenged--did not understand that he could not take materials for his house without permission. Soon the men started to unload the cement bags from the truck. Our Honduran construction leader joined in the argument, and it intensified. Even the children began to taunt the mentally challenged homeowner.
"Finally the men began to reload the truck. They had handled the 100-pound bags three times by then, and I thought the argument was over. I turned around to see the homeowner standing by himself, with his fists clenched at his sides. I could see how all alone he was, so I walked over and hugged him.
"It was like hugging a steel column, he was so rigid with anger. I held him for what seemed like forever. After a time, he started to soften and I could feel the anger slowly ebb away. Finally he hugged me back, and smiled and kissed my cheek. He now had someone standing with him and he did not feel alone.
"Ernie, the Honduran construction leader, told me later that what I did was extremely dangerous. The homeowner had threatened bodily harm by way of a machete. Ernie added, however, that what I had done probably saved the project from falling into chaos, as fragile as it was at that stage. I told Ernie that the Holy Spirit indicated to me that the homeowner needed a friend to stand with him. It was answered prayer on the spot.
"And for the rest of the story, that same homeowner was given special help from the rest of the villagers to get rock, sand, and gravel to build his house. When it was finished, he danced inside and exclaimed, ‘I have a house and now I can get married!’"
Source: 4/22/2009 Newsline
Environmental resources recommended by Brethren, ecumenical groups.
On the occasion of Earth Day, a number of environmental resources are recommended by Brethren organizations and ecumenical groups in which the church participates:
The Green Bible: "The Green Bible" in the NRSV version is a new specialty Bible published by Harper Collins with the Eco-Justice Program of the National Council of Churches, the Sierra Club, and the Humane Society. Passages that speak to God’s care for creation are in green, and a study guide is included by contributors such as Brian McLaren and Desmond Tutu, among others. The Bible is printed on recycled paper using a soy-based ink. Order through Brethren Press for $29.95 plus shipping and handling, call 800-441-3712.
Mindful Living Resources: From the National Council of Churches Eco-Justice Program, these are recommended for Christians to learn about environmental health and ways to protect God's creation and vulnerable populations. The program is offering "Mindful Living: Human Health, Pollution, and Toxics" offering a faith and justice exploration of health risks caused by toxic chemicals. The "Mindful Living Gathering Guide" provides a straightforward, step by step process for publicizing and facilitating an adult Christian education session on the issues. The program also suggests that congregations offer a Mindful Living Gathering for the community and then get back in touch with the program to "tell us what you learned, changes that you made, and how your faith sustains you in caring for Creation on Earth Day and every day." Go to www.nccecojustice.org.
Resource for Endangered Species Day: A resource on biodiversity titled "Tending the Garden," Also from the NCC Eco-Justice Program, is offered for those wanting to observe May 15 as Endangered Species Day. The resource is designed to help congregations remember those beings of God's Creation at risk for extinction. Go to www.nccecojustice.org.
"Green" Certification Program for Religious Institutions: The NCC Eco-Justice Program is publicizing a GreenFaith Certification Program offered by GreenFaith, an interfaith environmental coalition. The program is for houses of worship, designed to help churches earn recognition as environmental leaders by carrying out a number of environmental activities over a two year period. "From eco-themed worship services and religious education to "green" facility management and environmental justice advocacy, GreenFaith provides a variety of resources and opportunities for religious-environmental action," the announcement said. Information and application materials can be found at www.greenfaith.org. The first application deadline for the program is May 1.
Postcard Campaign on Global Summit: Church World Service (CWS) is giving people an opportunity to take immediate action to fight climate change by participating in a national postcard "Countdown to Copenhagen" advocacy campaign aimed at the Obama administration and members of Congress. The campaign urges people to send President Barack Obama and lawmakers in Washington the following message: Attend the upcoming global summit on climate change; agree to cut carbon emissions that cause climate change; and provide fair and just funding to help poor countries deal with global warming. The agreement to be worked out at the Dec. 2009 meeting of world leaders in Copenhagen, Denmark, would replace the Kyoto Protocol, an international agreement on climate change that expires in 2012. The campaign is part of CWS' broader "Enough for All" initiative and also outlines lifestyle changes individuals can personally commit to in order to lower their own carbon footprints. The Church of the Brethren is one of numerous Christian denominations to endorse the campaign. Go to www.churchworldservice.org for more information.
One Day Resource from the New Community Project: The New Community Project, a Church of the Brethren related nonprofit, is offering "ONE DAY" statistics in honor of Earth Day. The statistics give "a picture of one day in the life of our consumer society and of the planet as a whole, followed by ideas for making the world a better place for all living things," said director David Radcliff:
On the occasion of Earth Day, a number of environmental resources are recommended by Brethren organizations and ecumenical groups in which the church participates:
The Green Bible: "The Green Bible" in the NRSV version is a new specialty Bible published by Harper Collins with the Eco-Justice Program of the National Council of Churches, the Sierra Club, and the Humane Society. Passages that speak to God’s care for creation are in green, and a study guide is included by contributors such as Brian McLaren and Desmond Tutu, among others. The Bible is printed on recycled paper using a soy-based ink. Order through Brethren Press for $29.95 plus shipping and handling, call 800-441-3712.
Mindful Living Resources: From the National Council of Churches Eco-Justice Program, these are recommended for Christians to learn about environmental health and ways to protect God's creation and vulnerable populations. The program is offering "Mindful Living: Human Health, Pollution, and Toxics" offering a faith and justice exploration of health risks caused by toxic chemicals. The "Mindful Living Gathering Guide" provides a straightforward, step by step process for publicizing and facilitating an adult Christian education session on the issues. The program also suggests that congregations offer a Mindful Living Gathering for the community and then get back in touch with the program to "tell us what you learned, changes that you made, and how your faith sustains you in caring for Creation on Earth Day and every day." Go to www.nccecojustice.org.
Resource for Endangered Species Day: A resource on biodiversity titled "Tending the Garden," Also from the NCC Eco-Justice Program, is offered for those wanting to observe May 15 as Endangered Species Day. The resource is designed to help congregations remember those beings of God's Creation at risk for extinction. Go to www.nccecojustice.org.
"Green" Certification Program for Religious Institutions: The NCC Eco-Justice Program is publicizing a GreenFaith Certification Program offered by GreenFaith, an interfaith environmental coalition. The program is for houses of worship, designed to help churches earn recognition as environmental leaders by carrying out a number of environmental activities over a two year period. "From eco-themed worship services and religious education to "green" facility management and environmental justice advocacy, GreenFaith provides a variety of resources and opportunities for religious-environmental action," the announcement said. Information and application materials can be found at www.greenfaith.org. The first application deadline for the program is May 1.
Postcard Campaign on Global Summit: Church World Service (CWS) is giving people an opportunity to take immediate action to fight climate change by participating in a national postcard "Countdown to Copenhagen" advocacy campaign aimed at the Obama administration and members of Congress. The campaign urges people to send President Barack Obama and lawmakers in Washington the following message: Attend the upcoming global summit on climate change; agree to cut carbon emissions that cause climate change; and provide fair and just funding to help poor countries deal with global warming. The agreement to be worked out at the Dec. 2009 meeting of world leaders in Copenhagen, Denmark, would replace the Kyoto Protocol, an international agreement on climate change that expires in 2012. The campaign is part of CWS' broader "Enough for All" initiative and also outlines lifestyle changes individuals can personally commit to in order to lower their own carbon footprints. The Church of the Brethren is one of numerous Christian denominations to endorse the campaign. Go to www.churchworldservice.org for more information.
One Day Resource from the New Community Project: The New Community Project, a Church of the Brethren related nonprofit, is offering "ONE DAY" statistics in honor of Earth Day. The statistics give "a picture of one day in the life of our consumer society and of the planet as a whole, followed by ideas for making the world a better place for all living things," said director David Radcliff:
- "Earth Day impacts USA: 40 million water bottles and 150 million aluminum cans tossed, along with 1.8 billion pounds of other household trash; 9 billion miles driven (as much as the rest of the world combined) creating 9 billion pounds of CO2; 10 million hours in the shower emitting 150 million pounds of of CO2 (and that's just the teenagers!); 18,000 tons of beef consumed, requiring around 180,000 tons of grain and 37 billion gallons of water to produce; 400,000 cell phones tossed; 17 million tons of CO2 put into the atmosphere (from all activities); 375 million pounds of food spoiled/thrown away; 10 million pounds toxic chemicals released into the ecosystem; 200 people die from causes related to air pollution.
- "Earth Day planetary impacts: 50-150 species of plants or animals go extinct; 86,000 acres of rainforest are cut down; 100,000 acres of semi-arid land lost to desertification; 70 million tons of CO2 enter the atmosphere from human activities; the world's glaciers thin an average of 1/10th of an inch as a result of global warming; 500 people die as a result of global warming impacts (increased infectious disease, hunger, floods, and heat waves); 14,000 children die, at least in part due to an unhealthy environment.
- "Earth Day ‘Go’ actions for a healthier planet: go local, support local producers; go bicycle, make car driving the luxury it is; go lower on the food chain, a typical fast food burger meal requires 1,400 gallons of water and produces a pound of trash; go higher, let elected officials know you are for preserving nature, taxing harmful behavior, and not paying corporations to trash the planet (governments give $900 billion in tax breaks every year to corporations, often in support of actions that harm the planet); go public, get over your embarrassment at loving the planet (fish recyclables out of the trash or scavenge uneaten food off your friend's plateit won't save the world, but it will make a statement!); go Amazon, get involved in saving one of the most important parts of God's creation, the Amazon Rainforest. For more information go to www.newcommunityproject.org or contact New Community Project director David Radcliff at 888-800-2985.
Brethren bits for Earth Day.
- Camp Myrtlewood near Myrtle Point, Ore., has announced a new ecostewardship project. The camp is related to the Church of the Brethren’s Oregon and Washington Disrict. "We are going to buy 34 acres of land which borders the upstream boundary of the camp," wrote managers John and Margaret Jones in the district newsletter. "The new land acquisition will assure that the acreage will be carefully stewarded and prevent any notion of clear cutting.... The parcel also has about a quarter mile of creek frontage, which is most important to riparian/wildlife habitat and the camp's watershed. The Jones announced that the camp was able to make a very significant down payment on the purchase thanks to a major gift from the Jess and LaVaune Dunning Memorial Fund and use of some reserve funds. The camp soon will be kicking off a major fundraising drive to help pay the balance.
- Quinter (Kan.) Church of the Brethren is hosting an event on April 24 to kick off a "Take Charge" campaign that pits local communities against each other in a race to see which can save the most energy over the next year, according to the "Daily News" of Hays, Kan. At the event, the Hays-based Midwest Energy company is to showcase its "How$mart" program, which has been honored by the Environmental Defense Fund as among the top 15 innovations in the nation, with the potential to reduce US greenhouse gas emissions by 5 percent. "The How$mart program essentially lends money to Midwest customers for energy efficiency efforts, such as upgrading heating and air conditioning systems or installing insulation," the newspaper said. Competing communities include Quinter, Kinsley, Merriam, Mount Hope-Haven, Wellington, and Salina. The community that saves the most will win a small wind turbine, solar panels, or cash. "Because Quinter already has a wind turbine at its high school, it likely would go for the solar panels or the cash," the newspaper commented. Go to www.takechargekansas.org to watch the ongoing race in tracking how many incandescent bulb have been switched to CFLs. http://www.takechargekansas.org.
- Portland (Ore.) Peace Church of the Brethren and Portland Parks and Recreation have begun a partnership to provide a community garden. The Peace Community Garden opened on the last weekend of March on an unused parking lot on church property. The garden offers 16 plots, one of which will be shared with the day shelter that the church hosts for homeless families.
- Pleasant Valley Church of the Brethren in Weyers Caver, Va., has a new approach to funding missions, including its crop garden for hunger relief--and a community with a taste for entertainment is "eating it up," according to the "Daily News Record." Starting April 2, the church held its fourth annual dinner theater to help finance church projects, this year an irrigation system for one of three tracts of land on which Pleasant Valley grows produce for the Verona Food Pantry.
- Today to celebrate Earth Day, Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren in Elgin, Ill., is holding its first-ever "Blessing of the Bikes" and will be painting a rain barrel for the Gail Borden Library's "Rain Barrels on Parade" campaign (www.gailborden.info/m/content/view/807/1/). Church members and the congregation’s children have been invited to bring their bicycles to receive a special blessing.
- The confectionery firm Mars has said it will certify its entire cocoa supply as being produced in a sustainable manner by 2020, in an announcement distributed by the Foods Resource Bank. The Church of the Brethren participates in the Foods Resource Bank through the Global Food Crisis Fund. Mars and the Rainforest Alliance, an international not-for-profit organization, have announced a multi-year, multi-country collaboration to achieve certification of 100,000 metric tonnes of cocoa annually for use in Mars products. As part of the Mars global strategy to secure its supply of cocoa and improve the livelihood of farmers, Mars will be using Rainforest Alliance certified cocoa in its Galaxy Chocolate, sold in the UK and Ireland, beginning in 2010. Rainforest Alliance and Mars have been sharing ideas and expertise since the First International Workshop on Sustainable Cocoa Farming in 1998.
Annual Conference to address five new business items, ends online registration May 8.
The Church of the Brethren Annual Conference will address five items of new business when it meets in San Diego, Calif., on June 26-30: "A Statement of Confession and Commitment" from the Standing Committee of district delegates, a revision of "A Structural Framework for Dealing with Strongly Controversial Issues," revised bylaws for the Church of the Brethren, "Query: Language on Same-Sex Covenantal Relationships," and "Query: Secret Oath-Bound Societies." Online registration for the Conference ends May 8, go to www.brethren.org/ac to register.
The Conference will meet on the theme, "The old has gone! The new has come! All this is from God!" from 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, with leadership by moderator David Shumate, district executive for Virlina District. No items of unfinished business are scheduled. Also on the agenda will be elections for denominational offices, reports from agencies of the church and committees of the Conference, as well as other items of information.
"A Statement of Confession and Commitment" was adopted by Standing Committee at last year’s Conference. The one-page document addresses the issue of homosexuality as one that "continues to bring tension and division within our Body" and confesses that, "We are not of one mind on this matter." The statement declares that the church’s 1983 paper on Human Sexuality "remains our official position," but also acknowledges tension between different parts of the 1983 paper. The statement confesses "meanness and fighting" over the issue, and calls the church to stop unchristian behavior.
The revision of the document for dealing with strongly controversial issues follows up on a decision of the 2002 Conference, which referred an update of the original 1988 document to the former Annual Conference Council. The council in turn appointed a committee to update the paper and present a revision. The revision gives guidelines for how Standing Committee and Annual Conference will identify and deal with queries that may generate adversarial stances. The proposed three-year process includes appointment of a "Resource Committee" representing diverse perspectives on the issue to develop study materials; facilitated hearings at Annual Conference and in districts; and a special procedure for presenting such queries to the Conference.
Revised bylaws for the Church of the Brethren follow on the decision of last year’s Annual Conference approving merger of the former Association of Brethren Caregivers with the former General Board to form a new entity called the Church of the Brethren.
"Query: Language on Same-Sex Covenantal Relationships" was initiated by Beacon Heights Church of the Brethren in Fort Wayne, Ind., and approved by Northern Indiana District. Stating in part that the denomination "has a history and practice of seeking reconciliation" and that it "has experienced deep division and brokenness related to the language from the 1983 Human Sexuality Paper that same-sex covenantal relationships are not acceptable," the query petitions Conference "to consider whether it is the will of the church that this language on same-sex covenantal relationships will continue to guide our journey together."
"Query: Secret Oath-Bound Societies" was initiated by Dry Run (Pa.) Church of the Brethren and approved by Southern Pennyslvania District. Citing a number of scriptures, among others 2 Timothy 3:16-17, John 8:31-32, Matthew 5:33-34, 2 Corinthians 6:14-17, and Ephesians 5:7-17, the query states in part that "it is clear that membership in these societies constitutes a dual allegiance" and that there is confusion among Brethren about secret oath-bound societies. The query requests Conference to take action to give clarity to the issue.
Online registration for the Conference ends May 8, go to www.brethren.org/ac to register. Registrations also may be mailed to the Annual Conference Office using the form in the Annual Conference Information Packet that has been mailed to all Church of the Brethren congregations. After May 8, participants will register for the Conference as they arrive onsite in San Diego. On-site registrations will be charged an additional fee.
The Annual Conference schedule also has been posted online, go to www.cobannualconference.org/sandiego/schedule.html to download it as a pdf document. The schedule provides detailed information about worship services, meal events, insight sessions, age group activities, and more.
In another note on the Conference schedule, the Mission and Ministry Board meeting on June 26 from 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. is incorrectly listed as "by invitation only." That meeting is open to the public.
For more information about Annual Conference in San Diego, call the Conference office at 800-688-5186 or 410-635-8740.
Source: 4/22/2009 Newsline Special
The Church of the Brethren Annual Conference will address five items of new business when it meets in San Diego, Calif., on June 26-30: "A Statement of Confession and Commitment" from the Standing Committee of district delegates, a revision of "A Structural Framework for Dealing with Strongly Controversial Issues," revised bylaws for the Church of the Brethren, "Query: Language on Same-Sex Covenantal Relationships," and "Query: Secret Oath-Bound Societies." Online registration for the Conference ends May 8, go to www.brethren.org/ac to register.
The Conference will meet on the theme, "The old has gone! The new has come! All this is from God!" from 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, with leadership by moderator David Shumate, district executive for Virlina District. No items of unfinished business are scheduled. Also on the agenda will be elections for denominational offices, reports from agencies of the church and committees of the Conference, as well as other items of information.
"A Statement of Confession and Commitment" was adopted by Standing Committee at last year’s Conference. The one-page document addresses the issue of homosexuality as one that "continues to bring tension and division within our Body" and confesses that, "We are not of one mind on this matter." The statement declares that the church’s 1983 paper on Human Sexuality "remains our official position," but also acknowledges tension between different parts of the 1983 paper. The statement confesses "meanness and fighting" over the issue, and calls the church to stop unchristian behavior.
The revision of the document for dealing with strongly controversial issues follows up on a decision of the 2002 Conference, which referred an update of the original 1988 document to the former Annual Conference Council. The council in turn appointed a committee to update the paper and present a revision. The revision gives guidelines for how Standing Committee and Annual Conference will identify and deal with queries that may generate adversarial stances. The proposed three-year process includes appointment of a "Resource Committee" representing diverse perspectives on the issue to develop study materials; facilitated hearings at Annual Conference and in districts; and a special procedure for presenting such queries to the Conference.
Revised bylaws for the Church of the Brethren follow on the decision of last year’s Annual Conference approving merger of the former Association of Brethren Caregivers with the former General Board to form a new entity called the Church of the Brethren.
"Query: Language on Same-Sex Covenantal Relationships" was initiated by Beacon Heights Church of the Brethren in Fort Wayne, Ind., and approved by Northern Indiana District. Stating in part that the denomination "has a history and practice of seeking reconciliation" and that it "has experienced deep division and brokenness related to the language from the 1983 Human Sexuality Paper that same-sex covenantal relationships are not acceptable," the query petitions Conference "to consider whether it is the will of the church that this language on same-sex covenantal relationships will continue to guide our journey together."
"Query: Secret Oath-Bound Societies" was initiated by Dry Run (Pa.) Church of the Brethren and approved by Southern Pennyslvania District. Citing a number of scriptures, among others 2 Timothy 3:16-17, John 8:31-32, Matthew 5:33-34, 2 Corinthians 6:14-17, and Ephesians 5:7-17, the query states in part that "it is clear that membership in these societies constitutes a dual allegiance" and that there is confusion among Brethren about secret oath-bound societies. The query requests Conference to take action to give clarity to the issue.
Online registration for the Conference ends May 8, go to www.brethren.org/ac to register. Registrations also may be mailed to the Annual Conference Office using the form in the Annual Conference Information Packet that has been mailed to all Church of the Brethren congregations. After May 8, participants will register for the Conference as they arrive onsite in San Diego. On-site registrations will be charged an additional fee.
The Annual Conference schedule also has been posted online, go to www.cobannualconference.org/sandiego/schedule.html to download it as a pdf document. The schedule provides detailed information about worship services, meal events, insight sessions, age group activities, and more.
In another note on the Conference schedule, the Mission and Ministry Board meeting on June 26 from 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. is incorrectly listed as "by invitation only." That meeting is open to the public.
For more information about Annual Conference in San Diego, call the Conference office at 800-688-5186 or 410-635-8740.
Source: 4/22/2009 Newsline Special
Cross Cultural Celebration to be webcast from Miami.
The Church of the Brethren’s Cross Cultural Consultation and Celebration in Miami, Fla., this week is to be available to view online. The worship services and large group sessions at the event will be webcast, through a partnership between Bethany Theological Seminary with the Church of the Brethren’s Cross Cultural Ministries and the Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership.
Go to www.bethanyseminary.edu/crosscultural2009 to login and link to the webcasts from the Cross Cultural Celebration. The webcasts are to begin April 23 and continue through April 25, see the website for a more detailed schedule.
Those who participate in sessions, even over the Internet, have the possibility of earning continuing education credits through the Brethren Academy. For more information about this continuing education opportunity, contact the Brethren Academy at academy@bethanyseminary.edu or 765-983-1824.
Source: 4/22/2009 Newsline Special
The Church of the Brethren’s Cross Cultural Consultation and Celebration in Miami, Fla., this week is to be available to view online. The worship services and large group sessions at the event will be webcast, through a partnership between Bethany Theological Seminary with the Church of the Brethren’s Cross Cultural Ministries and the Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership.
Go to www.bethanyseminary.edu/crosscultural2009 to login and link to the webcasts from the Cross Cultural Celebration. The webcasts are to begin April 23 and continue through April 25, see the website for a more detailed schedule.
Those who participate in sessions, even over the Internet, have the possibility of earning continuing education credits through the Brethren Academy. For more information about this continuing education opportunity, contact the Brethren Academy at academy@bethanyseminary.edu or 765-983-1824.
Source: 4/22/2009 Newsline Special
International Day of Prayer for Peace Campaign to focus on economic crisis.
On Earth Peace is calling on churches and organizations to join its annual campaign to participate in the World Council of Churches’ International Day of Prayer for Peace (IDOPP) on Sept. 21. This year, a special emphasis is being given to the ways in which the current deep recession is affecting local communities.
"Times like these remind us that peace is always a local issue," observed Matt Guynn, Peace Witness coordinator for On Earth Peace. "A severe recession is the economic equivalent to war. Families are being destroyed, and community life is disrupted. God calls us to lift up and pursue a positive vision of life that has community and family at its center."
The On Earth Peace campaign is an ecumenical effort open to all faith traditions. Participating groups will have a variety of ways to observe the International Day of Prayer for Peace, depending on their demographics, energy, and experience with peace and social justice issues.
"This is our third year for conducting a campaign around the International Day of Prayer for Peace," said Michael Colvin, Peace Witness associate for On Earth Peace. "Our experience has taught us that churches and other community groups come to the campaign with a wide variety of expectations, and so we have geared our training and support to meet a variety of different needs."
On Earth Peace is providing group registration, information, training, resources, and other assistance at its new International Day of Prayer for Peace website http://idopp.onearthpeace.org. Questions about the campaign may be directed to idopp@onearthpeace.org.
The International Day of Prayer for Peace was first proposed in 2004 during a meeting between World Council of Churches general secretary Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia and then-United Nations secretary general Kofi Annan as one of the initiatives of the WCC's Decade to Overcome Violence (DOV). It is celebrated annually on Sept. 21, or the closest Sunday to the UN International Day of Peace. In 2008, over 160 congregations and organizations from all over the United States, Puerto Rico, and four other countries took part in the second year of the On Earth Peace campaign.
Source: 4/22/2009 Newsline Special
On Earth Peace is calling on churches and organizations to join its annual campaign to participate in the World Council of Churches’ International Day of Prayer for Peace (IDOPP) on Sept. 21. This year, a special emphasis is being given to the ways in which the current deep recession is affecting local communities.
"Times like these remind us that peace is always a local issue," observed Matt Guynn, Peace Witness coordinator for On Earth Peace. "A severe recession is the economic equivalent to war. Families are being destroyed, and community life is disrupted. God calls us to lift up and pursue a positive vision of life that has community and family at its center."
The On Earth Peace campaign is an ecumenical effort open to all faith traditions. Participating groups will have a variety of ways to observe the International Day of Prayer for Peace, depending on their demographics, energy, and experience with peace and social justice issues.
"This is our third year for conducting a campaign around the International Day of Prayer for Peace," said Michael Colvin, Peace Witness associate for On Earth Peace. "Our experience has taught us that churches and other community groups come to the campaign with a wide variety of expectations, and so we have geared our training and support to meet a variety of different needs."
On Earth Peace is providing group registration, information, training, resources, and other assistance at its new International Day of Prayer for Peace website http://idopp.onearthpeace.org. Questions about the campaign may be directed to idopp@onearthpeace.org.
The International Day of Prayer for Peace was first proposed in 2004 during a meeting between World Council of Churches general secretary Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia and then-United Nations secretary general Kofi Annan as one of the initiatives of the WCC's Decade to Overcome Violence (DOV). It is celebrated annually on Sept. 21, or the closest Sunday to the UN International Day of Peace. In 2008, over 160 congregations and organizations from all over the United States, Puerto Rico, and four other countries took part in the second year of the On Earth Peace campaign.
Source: 4/22/2009 Newsline Special
May is Older Adult Month on the theme, ‘Become Your Legacy.’
Each May, the Older Adult Ministry Cabinet of the Church of the Brethren’s Caring Ministries sponsors Older Adult Month. The theme for 2009 is "Become Your Legacy."
Rachael Freed, founder of Life Legacies, has described legacy as the "footprints we leave behind," evidence that our lives have had meaning and that we have made a difference to the people our lives have touched. "Becoming your legacy" is a life-long process, one that we begin as children and continue throughout our lives as we lead the way by example, teaching and living life faithfully and striving toward the "hope to which we have been called."
Resources have been created to help congregations explore "the hope to which you have been called" and ways to live out and preserve your legacy. Resources include "Sharing Our Legacy in the Connected Age," "Living the Legacy: A Four-Session Study Series," and "Sharing Wisdom through Stories: Grandparent-Grandchild Conversations" as well as worship resources, Sunday school and small group study sessions, intergenerational activities, and personal reflections available at www.brethren.org/oam. Click on Older Adult Month to download and print materials or contact Caring Ministries at 800-323-8039 for paper versions.
In a related event, the Church of the Brethren’s Health Promotion Sunday on May 17 is on the theme, "Coping with the challenges of aging." When we think of the aging process we tend to think of events that generally occur later in life (which, depending on one’s perspective, could mean anything from age 30 on). Regardless, it’s important to keep in mind that aging begins as soon as we are born--how we face challenges throughout our lives plays a significant role in the options we have as we grow older.
Recognizing that reality, the theme of this year’s Health Promotion Sunday could just as easily be "Coping with the challenges of life." This year's resources support different components of a healthy life as it is lived over many years. Materials are offered on aging in its more traditional sense, as well as reissued materials from previous Health Promotion Sundays on the importance of family in creating and sustaining emotional health, the role of wellness in aging well, and the crucial nature of our faith communities to the health of our spirit.
-- Kim Ebersole is director of Family Life and Older Adult Ministries for the Church of the Brethren.
Source: 4/22/2009 Newsline Special
Each May, the Older Adult Ministry Cabinet of the Church of the Brethren’s Caring Ministries sponsors Older Adult Month. The theme for 2009 is "Become Your Legacy."
Rachael Freed, founder of Life Legacies, has described legacy as the "footprints we leave behind," evidence that our lives have had meaning and that we have made a difference to the people our lives have touched. "Becoming your legacy" is a life-long process, one that we begin as children and continue throughout our lives as we lead the way by example, teaching and living life faithfully and striving toward the "hope to which we have been called."
Resources have been created to help congregations explore "the hope to which you have been called" and ways to live out and preserve your legacy. Resources include "Sharing Our Legacy in the Connected Age," "Living the Legacy: A Four-Session Study Series," and "Sharing Wisdom through Stories: Grandparent-Grandchild Conversations" as well as worship resources, Sunday school and small group study sessions, intergenerational activities, and personal reflections available at www.brethren.org/oam. Click on Older Adult Month to download and print materials or contact Caring Ministries at 800-323-8039 for paper versions.
In a related event, the Church of the Brethren’s Health Promotion Sunday on May 17 is on the theme, "Coping with the challenges of aging." When we think of the aging process we tend to think of events that generally occur later in life (which, depending on one’s perspective, could mean anything from age 30 on). Regardless, it’s important to keep in mind that aging begins as soon as we are born--how we face challenges throughout our lives plays a significant role in the options we have as we grow older.
Recognizing that reality, the theme of this year’s Health Promotion Sunday could just as easily be "Coping with the challenges of life." This year's resources support different components of a healthy life as it is lived over many years. Materials are offered on aging in its more traditional sense, as well as reissued materials from previous Health Promotion Sundays on the importance of family in creating and sustaining emotional health, the role of wellness in aging well, and the crucial nature of our faith communities to the health of our spirit.
-- Kim Ebersole is director of Family Life and Older Adult Ministries for the Church of the Brethren.
Source: 4/22/2009 Newsline Special
Book signings are scheduled for ‘Beyond Our Means.’
R. Jan and Roma Jo Thompson will be at two book signing events in Carroll County, Md., to sign copies of their new Brethren Press book, "Beyond our Means, How the Brethren Service Center Dared the Embrace the World." The Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md., has been responding to those in need around the world since 1944, and is celebrating its 65th anniversary this year. It currently houses nine nonprofit organizations that work in relief and development, disaster response, fair trade, social justice, and hospitality.
"Beyond our Means" traces the history of the campus from its days as a college beginning in 1849 through the present. The Church of the Brethren purchased 26 acres and four college buildings in 1944 as a relief center to ship material resources to war-torn Europe. It is a story of partnerships with many organizations to offer a helping hand both in the US and overseas. The book is dedicated to the thousands who have volunteered and worked in ministries and education on the campus and to the millions who have benefited.
The authors will be autographing books at the following locations and dates: on April 30 from 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at the SERRV Store at the Brethren Service Center; and on May 2 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Mid-Atlantic District Disaster Auction in Westminster, Md.
Order the book from Brethren Press at 800-441-3712, or buy it at one of the book signings.
-- Kathleen Campanella is director of Partner and Public Relations at the Brethren Service Center.
Source: 4/22/2009 Newsline Special
R. Jan and Roma Jo Thompson will be at two book signing events in Carroll County, Md., to sign copies of their new Brethren Press book, "Beyond our Means, How the Brethren Service Center Dared the Embrace the World." The Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md., has been responding to those in need around the world since 1944, and is celebrating its 65th anniversary this year. It currently houses nine nonprofit organizations that work in relief and development, disaster response, fair trade, social justice, and hospitality.
"Beyond our Means" traces the history of the campus from its days as a college beginning in 1849 through the present. The Church of the Brethren purchased 26 acres and four college buildings in 1944 as a relief center to ship material resources to war-torn Europe. It is a story of partnerships with many organizations to offer a helping hand both in the US and overseas. The book is dedicated to the thousands who have volunteered and worked in ministries and education on the campus and to the millions who have benefited.
The authors will be autographing books at the following locations and dates: on April 30 from 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at the SERRV Store at the Brethren Service Center; and on May 2 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Mid-Atlantic District Disaster Auction in Westminster, Md.
Order the book from Brethren Press at 800-441-3712, or buy it at one of the book signings.
-- Kathleen Campanella is director of Partner and Public Relations at the Brethren Service Center.
Source: 4/22/2009 Newsline Special
More upcoming events.
- Next week an international group of Brethren representatives will be at a steering committee meeting to start planning for the Historic Peace Churches of the Americas conference in 2010. The event will be the fourth continental gathering of the Historic Peace Churches, connected to the Decade to Overcome Violence. Brethren representatives include Irvin Heishman and Felix Arias Mateo from Iglesia de los Hermanos, Dominican Republic (Church of the Brethren in the DR); Marcos Inhauser from Igreja da Irmandade (Church of the Brethren in Brazil); and Stan Noffsinger and Don Miller from the Church of the Brethren in the US. The steering committee also includes Mennonite and Quaker representatives from across the Americas.
- A small group of Church of the Brethren young adults are scheduled to attend a "Youth Retreat" in Nigeria held by Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria (EYN--the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria). The event is for EYN church members age 18-35. The Church of the Brethren’s Youth and Young Adult Ministry and Global Mission Partnerships Office have selected Ben Barlow and Jenn and Nate Hosler to attend on behalf of the Brethren in the US. The retreat will be held at the EYN Headquarters near the town of Mubi in northeastern Nigeria. The group is scheduled to depart for Nigeria on April 25 and return on May 9.
- The Ministry of Reconciliation of On Earth Peace is offering a "Grow Healthy Congregations" workshop on May 9 at Elizabethtown (Pa.) Church of the Brethren. "In times of significant change, the health or lack of health of our congregations becomes increasingly evident," said an announcement. "In this introductory workshop, you will be invited to explore the congregation as an emotional system and delineate the attributes of a healthy faith community." The event will be led by Del Keeney, a certified Healthy Congregations Trainer and pastor of Mechanicsburg (Pa.) Church of the Brethren. Register by sending name, contact information, and number of participants to banspaugh@ane-cob.org or go to www.ane-cob.org to register online. Cost is $40 and includes continuing education credit.
- Glendale (Calif.) Church of the Brethren is celebrating its 80th anniversary on April 25-26. An event titled "This Is My Story, This Is My Song--The History of the Brethren on the Pacific Slope," will be held at 7 p.m. on April 25. Anniversary events on Sunday, April 26, begin at 9:30 a.m. with Sunday school led by former pastor Todd Hammond; worship featuring re-consecration of the church’s restored sanctuary at 10:45 a.m. with former pastor Matt Meyer; and a community meal after worship with a message by former pastor John Martin.
- Harrisburg (Pa.) Mayor Stephen R. Reed will be the guest speaker at the third annual Agape-Satyagraha Recognition Banquet at Harrisburg First Church of the Brethren, according to an announcement in the "Patriot-News." The event begins at 6 p.m. on April 29. The banquet is held by Brethren Community Ministries to recognize youth involved in training to develop leadership skills in resolving family, neighborhood, and peer conflicts without violence. Tickets are $15, contact Gerald W. Rhoades at GeraldWR@aol.com or 717-234-0415 ext. 12.
- A program director of the Foods Resource Bank’s food security program in eastern Zambia, Tim Bootsma, is to speak on May 2 at 7 p.m. at Pleasant Chapel Church of the Brethren in Ashley, Ind. The joint growing project of Pleasant Chapel with Peace United Church of Christ in Fort Wayne, Ind., has supported the Zambia-Eastern program for the past two years.
- Glendora (Calif.) Church of the Brethren and Modesto (Calif.) Church of the Brethren are hosting Pacific Southwest District workshops on May 2-3 led by Carl Bowman, Church of the Brethren sociologist and author of "Portrait of a People: The Church of the Brethren at 300" (available through Brethren Press). Ministers who attend will receive continuing education credit. The workshop is offered on May 2 at the Glendora Church, and on May 3 at the Modesto Church. Cost is $25 per person, or $100 for unlimited attendees from a church.
- Skippack Church of the Brethren in Collegeville, Pa., is hosting a Prayer Summit on May 5-6 sponsored by the Church of the Brethren Evangelical Network (COBEN). The network is described in a district announcement as "a loosely organized list-serve group for e-mail discussion among Brethren of like evangelical convictions." The moderator of the group is pastor Phil Reynolds of Bear Creek Church of the Brethren in Southern Ohio District. The prayer summit is "for renewal, for wisdom, and for the Lord's will to be done in our denomination," the announcement said.
- Camp Bethel is holding its 8th Annual Sounds of the Mountains Story and Music Festival on April 24-25. Camp Bethel near Fincastle, Va., is an outdoor ministry center of the Church of the Brethren’s Virlina District. Featured are Donald Davis, Odds Bodkin, Kim Weitkamp, Joseph Helfrich, and the Celtibillies. Go to www.soundsofthemountains.org.
- The Juniata College Choral Union will highlight its spring concert with "Ode for St. Cecilia's Day," by Georg Friedrich Handel, at 7:30 p.m. on April 28 in Rosenberger Auditorium on the campus in Huntingdon, Pa. The Choral Union is directed by Russell Shelley, Elma Stine Heckler Associate Professor of Music. It is the largest choral ensemble at Juniata with a student membership of more than 90 and about 25 members from the area.
- The Brethren Heritage Center in Ohio welcomes the public to a Grand Re-Opening Celebration on May 2, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., and on May 3 from 2 p.m.-6 p.m. The Center, a library, museum, and archive of cultural heritage materials documenting the various branches of the (German Baptist) Brethren movement, opened in 2003 and has recently expanded and renovated its space to better serve the public. The Grand Re-Opening weekend will include guided tours, live music, the first public viewing of a traveling exhibit on Bethany Theological Seminary’s Rare Book Collections, presentations by William Eberly (Manchester College) and Murray Wagner (Bethany Theological Seminary) and Heritage Center staff members, a silent quilt auction on Saturday, new and used books sale on Saturday, and home-made refreshments. The Brethren Heritage Center is located in Brookside Plaza, 428 Wolf Creek St., Brookville, Ohio. The committee is inviting all the Brethren denominations to help provide music. If you would like to represent your congregation and the Church of the Brethren musically, call Tim Binkley at 937-890-6299 to sign up for a time slot. For directions or more details, call 937-833-5222 or see www.brethrenheritagecenter.org.
- The Springs of Living Water initiative led by Church of the Brethren minister David Young, which aids congregations and districts to work for church renewal, has requested prayer for three upcoming events: on April 25, renewal teams in Northern Ohio District meet at Mohican Church of the Brethren for a training event; on May 2, all of the churches in Western Pennsylvania District have been invited for an interpretative leadership training event at Somerset Churchof the Brethren; and on June 6, Shenandoah District is holding a training event for church renewal teams. Young also reported that "Net Results" magazine plans to publish an article on Springs of Living Water titled, "Church Renewal in Times of Fear and Opportunity."
- The annual Christian Peace Witness for Iraq in Washington, D.C., on April 29-30, is marking the 100th day of the new administration. Organizers are inviting participants to affirm, "Yes We Can...End the War." The April 29 opening convocation at National City Church features speakers Diana Butler Bass, an Episcopalian author and Senior Fellow at the Cathedral College of Washington National Cathedral, and Noah Baker Merrill, a Quaker and co-founder of Direct Aid Iraq. The evening worship at the Washington Convention Center includes speakers Fr. Daniel Berrigan, Jesuit priest and peace activist, and Tony Campolo, Baptist speaker and social activist, among others. Worship will be followed by a candlelight procession to the White House. On April 30, the event concludes with a 9 a.m. witness and nonviolent action on the steps of the Capitol building. Go to www.ChristianPeaceWitness.org for more information.
- Churches for Middle East Peast (CMEP) is holding its annual conference June 7-9 at Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C., on the theme, "Israeli-Palestinian Peace: Hope for Things Unseen." "The recent Gaza crisis demonstrates the urgent need for US engagement to bring about a just and lasting resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict," said a flyer for the event. "Your elected officials need to hear from American Christians who care about the two peoples of the Holy Land and expect robust US diplomatic action in 2009." Speakers at the conference include Amjad Attalah, Michael Kinnamon, Daniel Levy, Trita Parsi, and Daniel Seidemann. Participants also will have an opportunity meet with elected officials. CMEP is a coalition of 22 US churches and church organizations including the Church of the Brethren. Go to www.cmep.org to register.
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. Tim Binkley, Michael Colvin, Jeanne Davies, Audrey deCoursey, Chris Douglas, Enten Eller, Lerry Fogle, Mary K. Heatwole, Karin L. Krog, David Radcliff, Marcia Shetler, John Wall, Dana Weaver 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. Tim Binkley, Michael Colvin, Jeanne Davies, Audrey deCoursey, Chris Douglas, Enten Eller, Lerry Fogle, Mary K. Heatwole, Karin L. Krog, David Radcliff, Marcia Shetler, John Wall, Dana Weaver contributed to this report.
Wednesday, April 08, 2009
NEWS
- On Earth Peace reports mid-year financial concern.
- Bethany Seminary holds second annual Presidential Forum.
- Domestic hunger program receives funding to fulfill grant requests.
- Church of the Brethren Credit Union offers online banking.
- Brethren Press responds to ruling about lead in children’s products.
- Brethren bits: Response to flooding, youth/young adult news, more.
- A reflection: Eight people were baptized....
- Erwin church demonstrates how to keep your faith.
- The Cross.
- Bridgewater College president Phillip C. Stone announces retirement.
- Donohoo ends service with church’s Donor Development department.
- Dueck begins as denomination’s director for Transforming Practices.
- Kobel ends service for General Secretary, to assist Conference Office.
- More personnel announcements and job openings.
On Earth Peace reports mid-year financial concern.
On Earth Peace in a recent newsletter has reported concerns about its finances. The organization currently is at the mid-point in its fiscal year.
"At the half-way point of our fiscal year, our income is running about $9,500 above expenses," reported executive director Bob Gross in follow up comments by e-mail. "However, most years the difference between income and expense is considerably greater at this half-way point. We know that income is generally lower in the second half of the year, and expenses are usually higher. So we are concerned."
In the newsletter report, Gross wrote that "the current economic downturn, and the financial bind it puts on our organization, is threatening essential ministries of peace-building and reconciliation." He called for prayer following the downsizing of denominational staff and redesign of some programs of the Church of the Brethren, and encouraged participation in the listening process that has been announced following the closing of the Washington Office, noting that participation will help the church make decisions about the future of its peace witness.
"The economic downturn we are experiencing is both global and local," Gross wrote in the newsletter. "Some of us are feeling its effects personally; nearly all of us know persons who have been strongly affected.... It is important that we pray for those who have been most affected by these cuts in staff and program, including those who have carried the responsibility of making painful decisions."
"For the first time in several years, On Earth Peace's income in 2008 did not keep up with expenses," Gross reported. He said that the organization has drawn from its limited reserves to make up the difference, which comes to about 7 percent of the On Earth Peace budget for 2008. Current projections show an even greater gap between income and expenses this year for On Earth Peace, he said.
Gross announced that in order to preserve its small reserve fund, On Earth Peace has set a strict limit on any withdrawal from reserves this year. It will work at ways to control expenses, but he noted that "our normal way of working is already very frugal. Our salaries are modest, many volunteers assist our small staff in the work, and we keep our travel and other expenses very low." His report also noted the efficiency of the On Earth Peace program, from an audited financial report for 2008 showing only 11 percent of contributions spent on fundraising and administration combined, while 89 percent has gone directly to program ministries.
Source: 4/8/2009 Newsline
On Earth Peace in a recent newsletter has reported concerns about its finances. The organization currently is at the mid-point in its fiscal year.
"At the half-way point of our fiscal year, our income is running about $9,500 above expenses," reported executive director Bob Gross in follow up comments by e-mail. "However, most years the difference between income and expense is considerably greater at this half-way point. We know that income is generally lower in the second half of the year, and expenses are usually higher. So we are concerned."
In the newsletter report, Gross wrote that "the current economic downturn, and the financial bind it puts on our organization, is threatening essential ministries of peace-building and reconciliation." He called for prayer following the downsizing of denominational staff and redesign of some programs of the Church of the Brethren, and encouraged participation in the listening process that has been announced following the closing of the Washington Office, noting that participation will help the church make decisions about the future of its peace witness.
"The economic downturn we are experiencing is both global and local," Gross wrote in the newsletter. "Some of us are feeling its effects personally; nearly all of us know persons who have been strongly affected.... It is important that we pray for those who have been most affected by these cuts in staff and program, including those who have carried the responsibility of making painful decisions."
"For the first time in several years, On Earth Peace's income in 2008 did not keep up with expenses," Gross reported. He said that the organization has drawn from its limited reserves to make up the difference, which comes to about 7 percent of the On Earth Peace budget for 2008. Current projections show an even greater gap between income and expenses this year for On Earth Peace, he said.
Gross announced that in order to preserve its small reserve fund, On Earth Peace has set a strict limit on any withdrawal from reserves this year. It will work at ways to control expenses, but he noted that "our normal way of working is already very frugal. Our salaries are modest, many volunteers assist our small staff in the work, and we keep our travel and other expenses very low." His report also noted the efficiency of the On Earth Peace program, from an audited financial report for 2008 showing only 11 percent of contributions spent on fundraising and administration combined, while 89 percent has gone directly to program ministries.
Source: 4/8/2009 Newsline
Bethany Seminary holds second annual Presidential Forum.
Bethany Theological Seminary hosted its second annual Presidential Forum March 29-30 with the theme "Weaving Wisdom’s Tent: The Arts of Peace." Focusing on scripture from the Wisdom of Solomon 7:23-81, wisdom was invoked and examined throughout the forum. Gathered together to weave poetry, painting, song, and spirit, participants experienced varied forms of art over the two full days of the event.
Highlights of the forum included three plenary sessions lead by artists who embody peacemaking through their work. Marge Piercy, poet and novelist, shared reflections on art affecting consciousness a little bit at a time. She read several of her own poems including "The Art of Blessing the Day" and "To Be of Use," reflecting the reality of a world without peace, and hope for peaceful transformation.
John Paul Lederach, professor of International Peacebuilding with the Joan B. Kroc Institute for Peace Studies at the University of Notre Dame, highlighted the "craft of noticing" and how careful noticing and listening are expressed through thoughtful words of poetry and artistic expression.
Painter Douglas Kinsey displayed several paintings portraying places where justice is absent. He shared his creative work as a way to bring about justice by exposing injustice. All three plenary speakers stimulated thoughtful questions and fruitful conversations.
Outside of the plenary sessions were imaginative worship services, creative workshops, and reflective conversation groups that engaged a variety of arts striving for peace. The Manchester College A Cappella Choir, with special guest James Hersch, offered music, and several seminary and college students had the opportunity to share their own creative works in a panel discussion.
"There is in her a spirit that is intelligent, holy, unique, manifold, subtle, mobile, clear..." (Wisdom of Solomon 7:23). Wisdom certainly was present and enveloped the Presidential Forum as Bethany Theological Seminary invited space for the arts to speak of the things that make for peace.
-- Monica Rice is a student at Bethany Theological Seminary.
Source: 4/8/2009 Newsline
Bethany Theological Seminary hosted its second annual Presidential Forum March 29-30 with the theme "Weaving Wisdom’s Tent: The Arts of Peace." Focusing on scripture from the Wisdom of Solomon 7:23-81, wisdom was invoked and examined throughout the forum. Gathered together to weave poetry, painting, song, and spirit, participants experienced varied forms of art over the two full days of the event.
Highlights of the forum included three plenary sessions lead by artists who embody peacemaking through their work. Marge Piercy, poet and novelist, shared reflections on art affecting consciousness a little bit at a time. She read several of her own poems including "The Art of Blessing the Day" and "To Be of Use," reflecting the reality of a world without peace, and hope for peaceful transformation.
John Paul Lederach, professor of International Peacebuilding with the Joan B. Kroc Institute for Peace Studies at the University of Notre Dame, highlighted the "craft of noticing" and how careful noticing and listening are expressed through thoughtful words of poetry and artistic expression.
Painter Douglas Kinsey displayed several paintings portraying places where justice is absent. He shared his creative work as a way to bring about justice by exposing injustice. All three plenary speakers stimulated thoughtful questions and fruitful conversations.
Outside of the plenary sessions were imaginative worship services, creative workshops, and reflective conversation groups that engaged a variety of arts striving for peace. The Manchester College A Cappella Choir, with special guest James Hersch, offered music, and several seminary and college students had the opportunity to share their own creative works in a panel discussion.
"There is in her a spirit that is intelligent, holy, unique, manifold, subtle, mobile, clear..." (Wisdom of Solomon 7:23). Wisdom certainly was present and enveloped the Presidential Forum as Bethany Theological Seminary invited space for the arts to speak of the things that make for peace.
-- Monica Rice is a student at Bethany Theological Seminary.
Source: 4/8/2009 Newsline
Domestic hunger program receives funding to fulfill grant requests.
The Church of the Brethren’s Domestic Hunger Matching Grant program has received an additional $30,000 from the Global Food Crisis Fund as well as approximately $30,000 in donations received in response to a direct fundraising appeal for the program. The program has offered matching grants of up to $500 to match congregations’ contributions for local food pantries and soup kitchens during the first quarter of 2009.
The program was conceived as a 10-week special response to the food crisis across the country this winter, co-sponsored by the church’s Global Food Crisis Fund and Emergency Disaster Fund, along with the Stewardship department.
The new funding represents enough money to match the remaining 158 applications from congregations. Congregations that submitted applications by the deadline of March 15 will have their grant amounts matched by the program. The matching grants will aid local food banks and food pantries in communities across the United States.
Congregations and denominational programs together have provided a total of more than $330,000 in assistance to 318 food pantries.
"In summary, through the Domestic Matching Grant Program, 354 congregations raised $186,446 for local food banks," reported Howard Royer, manager of the Global Food Crisis Fund. The Global Food Crisis Fund provided a total of $80,000, and the Emergency Disaster Fund provided a total of $37,500.
"We rejoice not only in this monetary response but in the significant way Brethren congregations and individuals are otherwise engaged in local ministries of compassion," Royer said.
Source: 4/8/2009 Newsline
The Church of the Brethren’s Domestic Hunger Matching Grant program has received an additional $30,000 from the Global Food Crisis Fund as well as approximately $30,000 in donations received in response to a direct fundraising appeal for the program. The program has offered matching grants of up to $500 to match congregations’ contributions for local food pantries and soup kitchens during the first quarter of 2009.
The program was conceived as a 10-week special response to the food crisis across the country this winter, co-sponsored by the church’s Global Food Crisis Fund and Emergency Disaster Fund, along with the Stewardship department.
The new funding represents enough money to match the remaining 158 applications from congregations. Congregations that submitted applications by the deadline of March 15 will have their grant amounts matched by the program. The matching grants will aid local food banks and food pantries in communities across the United States.
Congregations and denominational programs together have provided a total of more than $330,000 in assistance to 318 food pantries.
"In summary, through the Domestic Matching Grant Program, 354 congregations raised $186,446 for local food banks," reported Howard Royer, manager of the Global Food Crisis Fund. The Global Food Crisis Fund provided a total of $80,000, and the Emergency Disaster Fund provided a total of $37,500.
"We rejoice not only in this monetary response but in the significant way Brethren congregations and individuals are otherwise engaged in local ministries of compassion," Royer said.
Source: 4/8/2009 Newsline
Church of the Brethren Credit Union offers online banking.
Members of the Church of the Brethren Credit Union can now view their accounts at any time of day, anywhere in the world. On April 1, the credit union launched online banking services, including account access and bill pay, through the website www.cobcu.org. Brethren Benefit Trust has acted as a third-party administrator for the Church of the Brethren Credit Union since April 2004.
"We’re excited to offer online access to Credit Union account holders. Now all Credit Union members can keep track of their accounts from any Internet connection," said Steve Bob, director of the Church of the Brethren Credit Union. "In these times, it’s important for our members to be able to manage their accounts at any time, not just within our office hours. We hope these services will encourage our members to continue to be good stewards of their financial resources," Bob said.
The new online services allow credit union members to monitor their account balances; transfer funds among savings, checking, and Club accounts; and submit credit union loan payments from any Internet connection, 24 hours a day. A bill pay system has also been added to the Church of the Brethren Credit Union’s online services for members with checking accounts. Bill pay allows users to set up payees to handle such payments as auto insurance, cable television, or utility bills, or even their monthly tithe. Members can transfer money to any outside party or individual who has a checking account and an e-mail address.
Online banking is available to all members of the credit union, whether they have a savings account or both savings and checking accounts. Access to credit union accounts online is a free service, and members can sign up at www.cobcu.org. To use bill pay, members must have a checking account through the credit union. Credit union members who are not signed up for checking accounts can do so by downloading the Account Agreement form from www.cobcu.org and submitting it with a $25 deposit. New checking account members will receive a free box of checks when they open their accounts.
For additional information see www.cobcu.org or contact the Church of the Brethren Credit Union at cobcu@brethren.org or 888-832-1383.
Source: 4/8/2009 Newsline
Members of the Church of the Brethren Credit Union can now view their accounts at any time of day, anywhere in the world. On April 1, the credit union launched online banking services, including account access and bill pay, through the website www.cobcu.org. Brethren Benefit Trust has acted as a third-party administrator for the Church of the Brethren Credit Union since April 2004.
"We’re excited to offer online access to Credit Union account holders. Now all Credit Union members can keep track of their accounts from any Internet connection," said Steve Bob, director of the Church of the Brethren Credit Union. "In these times, it’s important for our members to be able to manage their accounts at any time, not just within our office hours. We hope these services will encourage our members to continue to be good stewards of their financial resources," Bob said.
The new online services allow credit union members to monitor their account balances; transfer funds among savings, checking, and Club accounts; and submit credit union loan payments from any Internet connection, 24 hours a day. A bill pay system has also been added to the Church of the Brethren Credit Union’s online services for members with checking accounts. Bill pay allows users to set up payees to handle such payments as auto insurance, cable television, or utility bills, or even their monthly tithe. Members can transfer money to any outside party or individual who has a checking account and an e-mail address.
Online banking is available to all members of the credit union, whether they have a savings account or both savings and checking accounts. Access to credit union accounts online is a free service, and members can sign up at www.cobcu.org. To use bill pay, members must have a checking account through the credit union. Credit union members who are not signed up for checking accounts can do so by downloading the Account Agreement form from www.cobcu.org and submitting it with a $25 deposit. New checking account members will receive a free box of checks when they open their accounts.
For additional information see www.cobcu.org or contact the Church of the Brethren Credit Union at cobcu@brethren.org or 888-832-1383.
Source: 4/8/2009 Newsline
Brethren Press responds to ruling about lead in children’s products.
Brethren Press and Gather ’Round, the curriculum jointly produced by Brethren Press and the Mennonite Publishing Network, are working under a tight timeline to meet new requirements for testing for lead and other chemicals in children’s products, and certification of children’s products including books and other printed materials.
A recent act of congress has set a year’s deadline to prevent the presence of lead and phthalate, and other potential health hazards in children’s products. The Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) has set the new requirements for testing and certification of children’s products that are sold or distributed in the United States. The deadline for compliance was originally Feb. 10, 2009, but recently a one-year stay of enforcement was announced. The act affects not only publishers but libraries and schools that own books for children.
Under the CPSIA, "we would be liable if it were discovered that any products we sell contain lead over the legislated maximum," said Anna Speicher, editor for Gather ’Round. "We would never want to produce and sell a product that would pose a health hazard to anyone," she said. "However, all indications so far are that the US printing industry is not using paper or inks that contain levels of hazardous substances anywhere near the mininum amounts specified by law."
The curriculum and Brethren Press will be seeking third-party certification of their products for children, which are printed by a variety of companies. "We were heartened by the reactions from the printers who appear to be taking the view that it is their responsibility to provide any necessary testing and certification," Speicher said. "Further, it does not appear to be the case that we need to test every product, but rather that a testing program needs to be in place and the paper and inks we use would need to be certified as sufficiently lead-free."
Brethren Press already has received certification on two of its stronger selling children’s titles, "Faith the Cow" and "Benjamin Brody's Backyard Bag." Both titles have passed the requirements, reported Jeff Lennard, director of Marketing and Sales.
The publishing industry has filed a request to be exempted from the act on the grounds that regular books do not present any kind of a health threat. The request is being filed through the Association of American Publishers, an organization whose members include large and small publishers of children’s books in the consumer marketplace, nonprofits, and publishers of instructional and assessment materials for students at all levels of education.
Source: 4/8/2009 Newsline
Brethren Press and Gather ’Round, the curriculum jointly produced by Brethren Press and the Mennonite Publishing Network, are working under a tight timeline to meet new requirements for testing for lead and other chemicals in children’s products, and certification of children’s products including books and other printed materials.
A recent act of congress has set a year’s deadline to prevent the presence of lead and phthalate, and other potential health hazards in children’s products. The Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) has set the new requirements for testing and certification of children’s products that are sold or distributed in the United States. The deadline for compliance was originally Feb. 10, 2009, but recently a one-year stay of enforcement was announced. The act affects not only publishers but libraries and schools that own books for children.
Under the CPSIA, "we would be liable if it were discovered that any products we sell contain lead over the legislated maximum," said Anna Speicher, editor for Gather ’Round. "We would never want to produce and sell a product that would pose a health hazard to anyone," she said. "However, all indications so far are that the US printing industry is not using paper or inks that contain levels of hazardous substances anywhere near the mininum amounts specified by law."
The curriculum and Brethren Press will be seeking third-party certification of their products for children, which are printed by a variety of companies. "We were heartened by the reactions from the printers who appear to be taking the view that it is their responsibility to provide any necessary testing and certification," Speicher said. "Further, it does not appear to be the case that we need to test every product, but rather that a testing program needs to be in place and the paper and inks we use would need to be certified as sufficiently lead-free."
Brethren Press already has received certification on two of its stronger selling children’s titles, "Faith the Cow" and "Benjamin Brody's Backyard Bag." Both titles have passed the requirements, reported Jeff Lennard, director of Marketing and Sales.
The publishing industry has filed a request to be exempted from the act on the grounds that regular books do not present any kind of a health threat. The request is being filed through the Association of American Publishers, an organization whose members include large and small publishers of children’s books in the consumer marketplace, nonprofits, and publishers of instructional and assessment materials for students at all levels of education.
Source: 4/8/2009 Newsline
Brethren bits: Response to flooding, youth/young adult news, more.
- Children’s Disaster Services, a ministry of the Church of the Brethren serving children and families following disasters, has monitored the need for child care responding to the flooding in North Dakota and Minnesota. After a team of child care volunteers arrived at Fargo on March 30, but found no immediate need for their services, the volunteers ended up helping the American Red Cross with other tasks. Children’s Disaster Services director Judy Bezon commented, "True to form, they found another way to help."
- The Church of the Brethren’s Material Resources program has coordinated several shipments responding to situations in the news recently. The program shipped 30 medicine boxes valued at $101,095.50 to Gaza, Israel, on behalf of IMA World Health and International Orthodox Christian Charities. A Friday afternoon telephone call resulted in rearrangement of two shipments of clean up buckets originally bound for Arkansas, to be shipped instead to help with the flooding in North Dakota. In addition, a shipment of blankets, school kits, and hygiene kits were delivered to North Dakota in response to the flood situation. The North Dakota shipments were arranged through QW Express, a shipping company owned by a Church of the Brethren member in Virginia, reported Material Resources director Loretta Wolf.
- The Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill., marked its 50th anniversary today. Fifty years ago today, on April 8, 1959, a dedication service was held for the General Offices in the chapel. The building was new and the staff had just moved into it from the old building on State Street in Elgin. A celebration of the 50th anniversary of the General Offices is being planned for May 13.
- The Church of the Brethren’s National Youth Sunday is scheduled for May 3. Congregations are encouraged to invite youth to participate in leading Sunday worship on the theme, "Standing On Holy Ground" from Exodus 3:5. Go to www.brethren.org/site/PageServer?pagename=grow_youth_ministry_resources to find skits, Bible studies, scripture jams, children’s stories, a bulletin insert, and other worship resources.
- National Junior High Conference registration continues to be open after April 15, however the cost will rise to $150 after that date, from the early registration cost of $125. "There are still spaces left and we would love for you to attend National Junior High Conference at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Va., June 19-21," said an invitation from the Church of the Brethren’s Youth and Young Adult Ministry. Go to www.brethren.org/jrhiconf for online registration. Participants living west of the Mississippi River may apply for a $150 travel scholarship, contact 800-323-8039 ext. 281 for details.
- Young Adult Conference registration also is still open, with the registration fee rising to $100 after April 15. The conference is for young adults ages 18-35 and will be held at Camp Swatara in Bethel, Pa., on May 23-25. Go to www.brethren.org/yac09 to register online. For questions or more information call 800-323-8039 ext. 281.
- McPherson (Kan.) College on April 17-19 will offer a Regional Youth Conference for the Church of the Brethren districts of Missouri and Arkansas, Northern Plains, Southern Plains, and Western Plains. The theme is "The Heavens Declare the Glory of God." Leadership will be provided by Rex Miller and Curt Rowland of Camp Alexander Mack in Milford, Ind. Jen Jehnsen will lead worship. Cost is $46 per person. Contact Tom Hurst, Director of Campus Ministries, at hurstt@mcpherson.edu or 620-242-0503.
- Upcoming courses offered through the Susquehanna Valley Ministry Center include two classes to be taught by Old Testament scholar Robert Neff: "Psalms: The Inner Life of Lament and Praise" on April 23-26 at Stone Church of the Brethren in Huntingdon, Pa.; and "Reading Biblical Books in Context: A Study of the Festal Scrolls" on May 19 at Elizabethtown (Pa.) College. Contact the Susquehanna Valley Ministry Center at 717-361-1450 or svmc@etown.edu or go to www.etown.edu/svmc.
- Bethel Ministries, sponsored by Mountain View Church of the Brethren in Boise, Idaho, has been the subject of an article in the "Idaho Statesman." Bethel Ministries is a program that helps to rehabilitate men convicted by violent crimes or sexual offenses as they transition back into society after serving terms in prison. The program runs four neighborhood homes with the capacity for 34 men, working closely with probation and parole officers and programs such as such as Alcoholics Anonymous or SANE (Sex Abuse Now Ended) Solutions. Rob Lee, who is the executive director of Bethel Ministries, currently serves the congregation as director of worship. The "Idaho Statesman" highlighted Lee as running "a rigorous and disciplined, six-month program for men," committed to "creating a safer community by guiding society's most hated criminals to a clean, spiritually based life.... He's upfront and clear about his program and its strict rules. Each man must commit his life to Jesus Christ before entering Bethel Ministries." Mountain View pastor David McKellip reported that this past year the church has called a number of Bethel graduates to serve on its board of directors.
- The finance committee of Oregon and Washington District has written a letter to congregations asking for ideas to help attain sufficient funding for the district. The committee was appointed when the district budget was adopted at last year’s District Conference in September. "We continue to operate at a deficit," the letter said in part. "We really do want our district to thrive. So...if you have an idea, suggestion, or comment we invite you to forward your thoughts to us and thereby be a part of this important ‘work in progress.’" Sample ideas included a "Church of the Month" special offering and a "10th Man Project" based on the story of the 10 lepers, of whom only one returned to thank Jesus.
- The Fahrney-Keedy Home and Village Board of Directors has announced the appointment of two new board members: Keith Bryan, of Westminster, Md., president and fundraising counsel of Sundance Consulting Services; and Joseph Dahms of Glade Valley Church of the Brethren in Walkersville, Md., economics professor at Hood College in Frederick, Md., since 1978. Fahrney-Keedy is a Church of the Brethren continuing care retirement community near Boonsboro, Md.
- The annual Christian Peace Witness for Iraq is scheduled for April 29-30 in Washington, D.C. Organizers plan to gather thousands of loaves of bread in front of the White House on the evening of April 29 as a symbol of repentance and new life. Each loaf will be accompanied by a monetary contribution, the bread will be shared with the hungry, and financial gifts will support the people of Iraq. Other events include an opening convocation and an evening worship service on April 29, and a closing witness on the steps of the Capitol building on the morning of April 30 timed to coincide with the 100th day of a new administration and new Congress. Featured speakers include Tony Campolo, Daniel Berrigan, and others. Go to www.christianpeacewitness.org for more information or to register.
- The National Council of Churches Eco-Justice Program offers resources for making Earth Day Sunday worship "reverent and relevant." Churches are encouraged to celebrate Earth Day Sunday on April 19 or 26. Resources include the Eco-Justice Program's 2009 Earth Day Sunday resource, "Celebrating and Caring for God's Creation" (go to www.nccecojustice.org/resources.html#earthdaysundayresources to download); prayers, hymns, and liturgy about climate change (go to www.nccecojustice.org/faithfulclimateresources.html to find them online); and a free copy of the video "God's Creation and Global Warming" on the connection between human actions and the impact on God's Creation (go to www.nccecojustice.org/freevideo.htmlor contact info@nccecojustice.org to order).
- A Good Friday Service is being held at Colosimo's Gun Center in Philadelphia, as a follow-up to the "Heeding God's Call" gathering that took place in January, held by the Historic Peace Churches. At the gathering, a new faith-based campaign against gun violence in America's cities was launched, and witnesses were held at the gun center. The center "has been named one of the 10 worst gun dealers in the country due to the number of handguns it sells traced to crimes," said an announcement of the event. "Heeding God’s Call asked Mr. Colosimo to sign a 10 point Code of Conduct (agreed to by Wal-Mart) intended to keep handguns from being sold to straw purchasers who supply the criminal market. Mr. Colosimo has refused to sign." The Good Friday Service on April 10 will include prayer for victims, families, and friends of those affected by gun violence. For more information contact gvp@peacegathering2009.org or 267-519-5302.
- The Christian Peacemaker Team in Iraq, which includes Church of the Brethren member Peggy Gish, has announced a new emphasis on accompaniment of Kurdish villages on the northern border of Iraq that are threatened by bombings and attacks by Turkey, Iraq, and Iran. "The US government has allowed Turkish military planes to fly over Iraqi airspace and has given Turkey military ‘intelligence’ to bomb Kurdish villages along Iraq's northern borders with Turkey and Iran, causing destruction of hundreds of villages and displacement of villagers," wrote Gish in a recent release for CPT. The CPT Iraq team has relocated to Dohuk in northwest Iraq. Go to www.cpt.org/work/iraq to find Gish’s reports online.
- The April edition of "Brethren Voices" features the Shenandoah Song and Story Fest under the title, "Streams of Mercy, Never Ceasing." "Brethren Voices" is a monthly public access television show sponsored by Peace Church of the Brethren in Portland, Ore., and produced by Ed Groff. In the April edition, Ken Kline Smeltzer, founder of "Song and Story Fest," hosts the program and introduces a day’s activities at the Song and Story Fest annual family camp co-sponsored by On Earth Peace. The program also includes Jim Lehman's story about the youth who brought the motion to the 1948 Annual Conference to establish Brethren Volunteer Service. More information about "Brethren Voices" can be obtained from Groff at Groffprod1@msn.com.
- Brethren author Peggy Reiff Miller of Milford, Ind., is touring this spring to honor the "seagoing cowboys" who tended livestock on cattle boats to Europe and China following World War II. The trips were part of the reconstruction efforts of Heifer Project, then a Church of the Brethren program, and the UN Relief and Rehabilitation Administration, with the Brethren Service Committee as the recruiting agency for the cowboys. Miller has been gathering stories and artifacts for a documentary photo story, "A Tribute to the Seagoing Cowboys." She will present programs at Dayton (Va.) Church of the Brethren on April 13; Lititz (Pa.) Church of the Brethren on April 14; the Brethren Village Assembly Hall in Lancaster, Pa., on April 15; the Mennonite Heritage Center in Harleysville, Pa., on April 19; Zion Mennonite Church in Archbold, Ohio, on May 29; East Chippewa Church of the Brethren in Orrville, Ohio, on May 31; Bethel College Mennonite Church in North Newton, Kan., on June 9; and West Des Moines (Iowa) United Methodist Church on June 11. Additional information is available at www.seagoingcowboys.com or 574-658-4147.
- Daniel Lafayette "Lafie" Wolfe, a member of Harmony Church of the Brethren in Myersville, Md., celebrated his 104th birthday on March 14. "We praise God for his good mind and health," said pastor Tracy Wiser.
A reflection: Eight people were baptized....
Eight people were baptized in the Eder River in 1708. Eight more, all dressed in white, were baptized in a Caribbean river on a recent Sunday morning, March 15. Still standing in the river, pastor Ariel Rosario noted the historical and spiritual connection between these eight and the original eight Brethren.
The connection prompted me to imagine Alexander Mack standing with us on that muddy riverbank in the Dominican Republic, a perplexed look in his eyes and an immensely pleased smile on his face as he said, "Not in my wildest dreams did I ever anticipate Brethren like this in such a place."
The music on the river bank would sound familiar to most Brethren. The old gospel hymns were sung in Spanish and with drums, of course. The spiritual connection would be obvious. The all-important, wise, and time-tested baptismal commitment to follow Jesus was being reaffirmed again in the baptism of these new believers.
From there, the connections may seem to unravel. The baptismal group returned to their little rented store-front church, where one couldn’t help but be dazzled by the fresh coat of Caribbean bright pumpkin-mustard paint. More shocking was a slip on the part of the youthful painters who incorrectly and in bold letters wrote the name of the church as "Iglesia Pentecostal de los Hermanos la Vid Verdera" (Pentecostal True Vine Church of the Brethren). "Pentecostal" isn’t part of the church’s name and doesn’t belong there. Or does it? This particular congregation is without doubt one of the most influenced by Pentecostalism. That also makes it one of the liveliest, noisiest, and most spirited groups among the Brethren in the DR--and they wash each others’ feet!
Freshly received into the denomination as a congregation and just three years old, this vibrant new church plant covers 100 percent of its ministry expenses from its own offerings. Average attendance is growing toward 200. These members who lift hands, dance, sway, and shout praises in the Spirit are also organizing a community "adopt a street" project to tackle the problem of litter in their neighborhood.
The influence of Pentecostalism is pervasive in Latino culture. Some might think that the Brethren and Pentecostal movements are like oil and water, impossible to mix, but others respectfully disagree. Years ago when we began working in cross-cultural ministry, we received helpful guidance from some wise Puerto Rican Brethren. They cautioned us about the type of Pentecostalism that is overly emotional, legalistic, petty, and frankly divisive. But there is within the core of the movement a socially progressive, open-minded, joyful spirit.
We wonder if the Pentecostal influence among Hispanic Brethren may invite those of other ethnic backgrounds to find ways to reconnect with the Pietist side of our faith heritage. There is one reference at least that suggests the early Brethren arising from the Pietist movement may have been a bit boisterous themselves in worship. "In 1750, a Pietist leader identified as J.B.S. visited Germantown, Pa., and describes four meeting houses there. Of the Brethren he writes, ‘Their meetings are zealous and their preaching and praying often take place with great clamor, as if their God were hard of hearing. One hymn chases another as if they lacked (inner) silence...’" ("The Brethren in Colonial America," Donald Durnbaugh, p. 124).
Americans who come to the DR often find themselves, as I imagined Alexander Mack that day on the riverbank, both perplexed by and immensely pleased to see what God is doing here. It is a joy to see Dominican brothers and sisters finding more and more spiritual and historical connections with the Brethren movement, and at the same time developing unique ways of living out the core spiritual values of our heritage and faith.
US Brethren also often rediscover their own hunger for an intimate relationship with God and a joyful faith of the heart. How many of us long to have our hearts, "strangely warmed" by the presence of the Spirit, as Wesley experienced it? How many of us find it both a bit embarrassing and yet wonderfully liberating to clap our hands and maybe even swing our hips, just ever so little, in joyful worship?
It is challenging to both cherish the treasure of what has been familiar and meaningful to us, and to be stretched by the best of what we see in others. Pastors Ariel and Elena Rosario are in their own unique way "dyed in the wool" Brethren. They express a sense of profound connection spiritually and relationally with the Brethren in the US and around the world. These connections and differences challenge, unsettle, and enrich us all as we seek to follow Jesus together.
-- Irvin Heishman serves as co-coordinator of the Church of the Brethren mission in the Dominican Republic, along with his wife, Nancy Heishman.
Source: 4/8/2009 Newsline
Eight people were baptized in the Eder River in 1708. Eight more, all dressed in white, were baptized in a Caribbean river on a recent Sunday morning, March 15. Still standing in the river, pastor Ariel Rosario noted the historical and spiritual connection between these eight and the original eight Brethren.
The connection prompted me to imagine Alexander Mack standing with us on that muddy riverbank in the Dominican Republic, a perplexed look in his eyes and an immensely pleased smile on his face as he said, "Not in my wildest dreams did I ever anticipate Brethren like this in such a place."
The music on the river bank would sound familiar to most Brethren. The old gospel hymns were sung in Spanish and with drums, of course. The spiritual connection would be obvious. The all-important, wise, and time-tested baptismal commitment to follow Jesus was being reaffirmed again in the baptism of these new believers.
From there, the connections may seem to unravel. The baptismal group returned to their little rented store-front church, where one couldn’t help but be dazzled by the fresh coat of Caribbean bright pumpkin-mustard paint. More shocking was a slip on the part of the youthful painters who incorrectly and in bold letters wrote the name of the church as "Iglesia Pentecostal de los Hermanos la Vid Verdera" (Pentecostal True Vine Church of the Brethren). "Pentecostal" isn’t part of the church’s name and doesn’t belong there. Or does it? This particular congregation is without doubt one of the most influenced by Pentecostalism. That also makes it one of the liveliest, noisiest, and most spirited groups among the Brethren in the DR--and they wash each others’ feet!
Freshly received into the denomination as a congregation and just three years old, this vibrant new church plant covers 100 percent of its ministry expenses from its own offerings. Average attendance is growing toward 200. These members who lift hands, dance, sway, and shout praises in the Spirit are also organizing a community "adopt a street" project to tackle the problem of litter in their neighborhood.
The influence of Pentecostalism is pervasive in Latino culture. Some might think that the Brethren and Pentecostal movements are like oil and water, impossible to mix, but others respectfully disagree. Years ago when we began working in cross-cultural ministry, we received helpful guidance from some wise Puerto Rican Brethren. They cautioned us about the type of Pentecostalism that is overly emotional, legalistic, petty, and frankly divisive. But there is within the core of the movement a socially progressive, open-minded, joyful spirit.
We wonder if the Pentecostal influence among Hispanic Brethren may invite those of other ethnic backgrounds to find ways to reconnect with the Pietist side of our faith heritage. There is one reference at least that suggests the early Brethren arising from the Pietist movement may have been a bit boisterous themselves in worship. "In 1750, a Pietist leader identified as J.B.S. visited Germantown, Pa., and describes four meeting houses there. Of the Brethren he writes, ‘Their meetings are zealous and their preaching and praying often take place with great clamor, as if their God were hard of hearing. One hymn chases another as if they lacked (inner) silence...’" ("The Brethren in Colonial America," Donald Durnbaugh, p. 124).
Americans who come to the DR often find themselves, as I imagined Alexander Mack that day on the riverbank, both perplexed by and immensely pleased to see what God is doing here. It is a joy to see Dominican brothers and sisters finding more and more spiritual and historical connections with the Brethren movement, and at the same time developing unique ways of living out the core spiritual values of our heritage and faith.
US Brethren also often rediscover their own hunger for an intimate relationship with God and a joyful faith of the heart. How many of us long to have our hearts, "strangely warmed" by the presence of the Spirit, as Wesley experienced it? How many of us find it both a bit embarrassing and yet wonderfully liberating to clap our hands and maybe even swing our hips, just ever so little, in joyful worship?
It is challenging to both cherish the treasure of what has been familiar and meaningful to us, and to be stretched by the best of what we see in others. Pastors Ariel and Elena Rosario are in their own unique way "dyed in the wool" Brethren. They express a sense of profound connection spiritually and relationally with the Brethren in the US and around the world. These connections and differences challenge, unsettle, and enrich us all as we seek to follow Jesus together.
-- Irvin Heishman serves as co-coordinator of the Church of the Brethren mission in the Dominican Republic, along with his wife, Nancy Heishman.
Source: 4/8/2009 Newsline
Erwin church demonstrates how to keep your faith.
When a devastating fire struck at the heart of Erwin’s First Church of the Brethren last June, it would have been understandable if members of the congregation had stumbled and lost their faith.
But they did not. In fact, they took their trials and tribulations and strengthened their resolve. On March 15, members broke ground on a new building to replace the one destroyed when lightning struck the steeple on that fateful day.
Members have long said that the building is not the church--meaning that the "church" consists of the people who worship. It’s obvious, then, that the people who make up the First Church of the Brethren have kept their faith alive, and they have, in turn, been an example to our whole community.
Adversity can bring us down, but it’s true--as this congregation has shown us--that you can find renewal and strength in tough times. God’s hand, it seems, has been strong and steady.
-- Mark A. Stevens is publisher of the "Erwin Record" newspaper. This editorial appeared in the newspaper on March 24, and is reprinted here with permission. Go to http://www.erwinrecord.net/Detail.php?Cat=VIEWPOINT&ID=58750 to find the piece online.
Source: 4/8/2009 Newsline
When a devastating fire struck at the heart of Erwin’s First Church of the Brethren last June, it would have been understandable if members of the congregation had stumbled and lost their faith.
But they did not. In fact, they took their trials and tribulations and strengthened their resolve. On March 15, members broke ground on a new building to replace the one destroyed when lightning struck the steeple on that fateful day.
Members have long said that the building is not the church--meaning that the "church" consists of the people who worship. It’s obvious, then, that the people who make up the First Church of the Brethren have kept their faith alive, and they have, in turn, been an example to our whole community.
Adversity can bring us down, but it’s true--as this congregation has shown us--that you can find renewal and strength in tough times. God’s hand, it seems, has been strong and steady.
-- Mark A. Stevens is publisher of the "Erwin Record" newspaper. This editorial appeared in the newspaper on March 24, and is reprinted here with permission. Go to http://www.erwinrecord.net/Detail.php?Cat=VIEWPOINT&ID=58750 to find the piece online.
Source: 4/8/2009 Newsline
The Cross.
The large wooden cross that sits out in front of the Brethren Disaster Ministries volunteer house in Arabi, La., has a story behind it, according to project consultant Mary Mueller.
It was a gift from a man who had been quite wealthy. He had two large boats. They both were destroyed by Hurricane Katrina, but he had taken scraps from them and made crosses. The back sides of the crosses were rough and worn, like the damaged boat, but the fronts were sanded, finished, and beautiful walnut wood.
His comment was, "The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh." Mary explains to the volunteers that, like this man, they are turning the bad (wood) into something beautiful (a cross) by rebuilding the city and the lives of the people there.
-- Kelly Richter is a Brethren Disaster Ministries volunteer from Southern Ohio District. This reflection is reprinted from the Brethren Disaster Ministries "Bridges" newsletter.
Source: 4/8/2009 Newsline
The large wooden cross that sits out in front of the Brethren Disaster Ministries volunteer house in Arabi, La., has a story behind it, according to project consultant Mary Mueller.
It was a gift from a man who had been quite wealthy. He had two large boats. They both were destroyed by Hurricane Katrina, but he had taken scraps from them and made crosses. The back sides of the crosses were rough and worn, like the damaged boat, but the fronts were sanded, finished, and beautiful walnut wood.
His comment was, "The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh." Mary explains to the volunteers that, like this man, they are turning the bad (wood) into something beautiful (a cross) by rebuilding the city and the lives of the people there.
-- Kelly Richter is a Brethren Disaster Ministries volunteer from Southern Ohio District. This reflection is reprinted from the Brethren Disaster Ministries "Bridges" newsletter.
Source: 4/8/2009 Newsline
Bridgewater College president Phillip C. Stone announces retirement
Bridgewater (Va.) College president Phillip C. Stone has announced that he will retire at the end of the 2009-10 academic year, concluding 16 years at the helm of the institution. Stone took office on Aug. 1, 1994, as the seventh president of Bridgewater College. His retirement will be effective June 30, 2010.
In a letter to the college community, Stone wrote, "It is with bitter-sweet emotions that I announce that I will retire from the presidency of the College, effective June 30, 2010. The feelings are bitter because I shall so sorely miss being involved in the life of this wonderful campus community. The sweet part of my decision is the opportunity to have more time for my family, including my four wonderful grandchildren; reading; Lincoln research; travel; and, especially, spending more time in Germany where my wife and I have an apartment." He thanked college employees and students for their friendship over the years and noted that being a part of the lives of Bridgewater students "has enriched my life beyond measure."
Stone’s administration oversaw increased academic and athletic excellence, capital improvements, student successes, increased endowment, and expanded co-curricular opportunities. During his tenure as president, Stone--a member of the Bridgewater class of 1965--has overseen great progress and expansion in all areas of campus life, including undergraduate program growth, a nearly doubling of enrollment, and facility and technology expansion. Under his guidance, the college implemented its signature Personal Development Portfolio (PDP) program, elevated the quality of its faculty and staff and secured its financial underpinnings through the current Every Student, One Commitment Campaign for Bridgewater College.
James L. Keeler, chair of the Bridgewater College Board of Trustees, noted that Stone’s "leadership roles in the Church of the Brethren translated into a unique understanding of the church’s joint heritage with the college." According to Keeler, a national search will be conducted to identify Stone’s successor.
Born in Bassett, Va., Stone attended the University of Chicago Graduate School of Economics and received a law degree from the University of Virginia. After 24 years of law practice with the Harrisonburg, Va., law firm of Wharton, Aldhizer & Weaver, Stone accepted the invitation to become president of Bridgewater College. In his law practice, he was involved in estate planning, corporate, and health law. He was elected a Fellow in the American College of Trial Lawyers, the International Society of Barristers, the American Bar Foundation, and the Virginia Bar Foundation. He was also listed in the first four editions of "The Best Lawyers in America." In addition, he has held leadership positions in the Virginia State Bar, the Virginia Bar Association and other legal societies. In 1997, he served as president of the Virginia Bar Association. He has chaired the Virginia State Bar Committee on Ethics and its Disciplinary Board. He has been president or chairman of several bar groups.
Stone served as moderator of the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference from 1990-91, and also previously served as chair of the Church of the Brethren General Board. He has been a Bridgewater College Trustee since 1975. In 1987, he was honored as the National Churchman of the Year by Religious Heritage of America .
In addition, Stone is chair of the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, and has served as a trustee of the organization since 2007. He has been active in the NCAA as chair of the NCAA III Presidents Council (2004-06) and has served on a number of its committees. From 2005-06 he was a member of the NCAA Presidential Task Force on the Future of Division I Intercollegiate Athletics. He has taken an active role in local historical groups and annually conducts a ceremony at the local Lincoln Cemetery to commemorate the birth of Abraham Lincoln. He is founder of the Lincoln Society of Virginia and serves on the advisory board of the National Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission, as well as the advisory board of the Lincoln Forum. He was appointed by Virginia governor Mark Warner to the Commonwealth Transportation Board from 2002-05.
(Excerpted from a Bridgewater College press release written by Mary K. Heatwole.)
Source: 4/8/2009 Newsline Extra
Bridgewater (Va.) College president Phillip C. Stone has announced that he will retire at the end of the 2009-10 academic year, concluding 16 years at the helm of the institution. Stone took office on Aug. 1, 1994, as the seventh president of Bridgewater College. His retirement will be effective June 30, 2010.
In a letter to the college community, Stone wrote, "It is with bitter-sweet emotions that I announce that I will retire from the presidency of the College, effective June 30, 2010. The feelings are bitter because I shall so sorely miss being involved in the life of this wonderful campus community. The sweet part of my decision is the opportunity to have more time for my family, including my four wonderful grandchildren; reading; Lincoln research; travel; and, especially, spending more time in Germany where my wife and I have an apartment." He thanked college employees and students for their friendship over the years and noted that being a part of the lives of Bridgewater students "has enriched my life beyond measure."
Stone’s administration oversaw increased academic and athletic excellence, capital improvements, student successes, increased endowment, and expanded co-curricular opportunities. During his tenure as president, Stone--a member of the Bridgewater class of 1965--has overseen great progress and expansion in all areas of campus life, including undergraduate program growth, a nearly doubling of enrollment, and facility and technology expansion. Under his guidance, the college implemented its signature Personal Development Portfolio (PDP) program, elevated the quality of its faculty and staff and secured its financial underpinnings through the current Every Student, One Commitment Campaign for Bridgewater College.
James L. Keeler, chair of the Bridgewater College Board of Trustees, noted that Stone’s "leadership roles in the Church of the Brethren translated into a unique understanding of the church’s joint heritage with the college." According to Keeler, a national search will be conducted to identify Stone’s successor.
Born in Bassett, Va., Stone attended the University of Chicago Graduate School of Economics and received a law degree from the University of Virginia. After 24 years of law practice with the Harrisonburg, Va., law firm of Wharton, Aldhizer & Weaver, Stone accepted the invitation to become president of Bridgewater College. In his law practice, he was involved in estate planning, corporate, and health law. He was elected a Fellow in the American College of Trial Lawyers, the International Society of Barristers, the American Bar Foundation, and the Virginia Bar Foundation. He was also listed in the first four editions of "The Best Lawyers in America." In addition, he has held leadership positions in the Virginia State Bar, the Virginia Bar Association and other legal societies. In 1997, he served as president of the Virginia Bar Association. He has chaired the Virginia State Bar Committee on Ethics and its Disciplinary Board. He has been president or chairman of several bar groups.
Stone served as moderator of the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference from 1990-91, and also previously served as chair of the Church of the Brethren General Board. He has been a Bridgewater College Trustee since 1975. In 1987, he was honored as the National Churchman of the Year by Religious Heritage of America .
In addition, Stone is chair of the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, and has served as a trustee of the organization since 2007. He has been active in the NCAA as chair of the NCAA III Presidents Council (2004-06) and has served on a number of its committees. From 2005-06 he was a member of the NCAA Presidential Task Force on the Future of Division I Intercollegiate Athletics. He has taken an active role in local historical groups and annually conducts a ceremony at the local Lincoln Cemetery to commemorate the birth of Abraham Lincoln. He is founder of the Lincoln Society of Virginia and serves on the advisory board of the National Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission, as well as the advisory board of the Lincoln Forum. He was appointed by Virginia governor Mark Warner to the Commonwealth Transportation Board from 2002-05.
(Excerpted from a Bridgewater College press release written by Mary K. Heatwole.)
Source: 4/8/2009 Newsline Extra
Donohoo ends service with church’s Donor Development department.
Bryan Douglas (Doug) Donohoo’s service as Special Gifts counselor in the Church of the Brethren’s Stewardship and Donor Development department ended on March 31. His position has been eliminated because of the economic recession and the budget reduction put in place by the Mission and Ministry Board. Each person whose position is eliminated because of the budget reduction is receiving a three-month severance package of regular salary and benefits and outplacement services.
Donohoo had served in the funding and stewardship area since he started work as Financial Resource Counselor for the Northeast on May 7, 2001. He came to work for the former General Board from Southern Ohio District, where he had served on the district board and on the New Church Development Task Force. He is an ordained minister in the Church of the Brethren. During his tenure with the department, he has traveled extensively, meeting with donors and others interested in supporting the ministries of the denomination, encouraging Christian stewardship, and facilitating giving to the work of the church. His five-year service recognition in 2006 honored Donohoo in part for helping to "put the FUN in funding." He has worked out of a home office in Englewood, Ohio.
Source: 4/8/2009 Newsline Extra
Bryan Douglas (Doug) Donohoo’s service as Special Gifts counselor in the Church of the Brethren’s Stewardship and Donor Development department ended on March 31. His position has been eliminated because of the economic recession and the budget reduction put in place by the Mission and Ministry Board. Each person whose position is eliminated because of the budget reduction is receiving a three-month severance package of regular salary and benefits and outplacement services.
Donohoo had served in the funding and stewardship area since he started work as Financial Resource Counselor for the Northeast on May 7, 2001. He came to work for the former General Board from Southern Ohio District, where he had served on the district board and on the New Church Development Task Force. He is an ordained minister in the Church of the Brethren. During his tenure with the department, he has traveled extensively, meeting with donors and others interested in supporting the ministries of the denomination, encouraging Christian stewardship, and facilitating giving to the work of the church. His five-year service recognition in 2006 honored Donohoo in part for helping to "put the FUN in funding." He has worked out of a home office in Englewood, Ohio.
Source: 4/8/2009 Newsline Extra
Dueck begins as denomination’s director for Transforming Practices.
Stan Dueck began April 6 as director for Transforming Practices in the Church of the Brethren’s Congregational Life Ministries. The director for Transforming Practices is a new position created as part of a redesign of Congregational Life Ministries.
The plan for Congregational Life Ministries includes a staff configuration with four director-level positions: Transforming Practices, Intercultural Ministries, Spiritual Life and Discipleship, and Youth and Young Adult Ministries. The director for Transforming Practices will focus on helping leaders of congregations and other groups influence change, expand mission, cultivate evangelism, and assist the church through the process of transformation. The director will emphasize building capacity for leadership and developing networks to exchange services and resources throughout the denomination.
Dueck had served as a member of the Congregational Life Team since June 14, 1999, when he was hired as Congregational Life Team staff for Area 1. He brings skills as a strategic consultant for vision and mission, reorganization, leadership development, and cultivating healthy systems. A strength of his work has been the ability to help the church understand what is happening in the North American context through an evangelical Anabaptist perspective, and then to utilize that knowledge to connect to and express faith, history, and journey. He is an ordained minister.
Source: 4/8/2009 Newsline Extra
Stan Dueck began April 6 as director for Transforming Practices in the Church of the Brethren’s Congregational Life Ministries. The director for Transforming Practices is a new position created as part of a redesign of Congregational Life Ministries.
The plan for Congregational Life Ministries includes a staff configuration with four director-level positions: Transforming Practices, Intercultural Ministries, Spiritual Life and Discipleship, and Youth and Young Adult Ministries. The director for Transforming Practices will focus on helping leaders of congregations and other groups influence change, expand mission, cultivate evangelism, and assist the church through the process of transformation. The director will emphasize building capacity for leadership and developing networks to exchange services and resources throughout the denomination.
Dueck had served as a member of the Congregational Life Team since June 14, 1999, when he was hired as Congregational Life Team staff for Area 1. He brings skills as a strategic consultant for vision and mission, reorganization, leadership development, and cultivating healthy systems. A strength of his work has been the ability to help the church understand what is happening in the North American context through an evangelical Anabaptist perspective, and then to utilize that knowledge to connect to and express faith, history, and journey. He is an ordained minister.
Source: 4/8/2009 Newsline Extra
Kobel ends service for General Secretary, to assist Conference Office.
Jon Kobel’s service as manager of office operations for the General Secretary of the Church of the Brethren will end on June 19, after which he will assume new duties as conference assistant for the Conference Office of the Church of the Brethren.
Kobel has filled the managerial post in the General Secretary’s office since June 1999. During his tenure, he has assisted current general secretary Stan Noffsinger as well as former general secretary Judy Mills Reimer, and has served as recorder of minutes for the denomination’s board. For a time, he will work alongside current conference assistant Dana Weaver as he learns the job. In September, the Conference Office will be moved to the General Offices in Elgin, Ill., from its current location at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md.
The position of manager of office operations for the General Secretary is being eliminated because of the economic recession and the budget reduction put in place by the Mission and Ministry Board. Nancy Miner’s position as manager in the office of the Associate General Secretary of Ministry and Program/Executive Director of Caring Ministries, which she has filled since last September, will be modified to provide managerial assistance to both the General Secretary and the Associate General Secretary of Ministry and Program.
Source: 4/8/2009 Newsline Extra
Jon Kobel’s service as manager of office operations for the General Secretary of the Church of the Brethren will end on June 19, after which he will assume new duties as conference assistant for the Conference Office of the Church of the Brethren.
Kobel has filled the managerial post in the General Secretary’s office since June 1999. During his tenure, he has assisted current general secretary Stan Noffsinger as well as former general secretary Judy Mills Reimer, and has served as recorder of minutes for the denomination’s board. For a time, he will work alongside current conference assistant Dana Weaver as he learns the job. In September, the Conference Office will be moved to the General Offices in Elgin, Ill., from its current location at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md.
The position of manager of office operations for the General Secretary is being eliminated because of the economic recession and the budget reduction put in place by the Mission and Ministry Board. Nancy Miner’s position as manager in the office of the Associate General Secretary of Ministry and Program/Executive Director of Caring Ministries, which she has filled since last September, will be modified to provide managerial assistance to both the General Secretary and the Associate General Secretary of Ministry and Program.
Source: 4/8/2009 Newsline Extra
More personnel announcements and job openings.
- Two employees of Brethren Press--Jean Clements and Margaret Drafall--are moving to half-time from fulltime positions. Clements serves as Yearbook specialist, and Drafall is a customer service resource specialist. Both work at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill.
- The New Windsor (Md.) Conference Center is thanking a number of volunteer hosts. Dick and Erma Foust of New Lebanon, Ohio, served as hosts in the Old Main building from January through the first half of March. Al and Susanne Chrysler of Vassar, Kan., have served as hosts for Old Main and Windsor Hall since October. Art and Lois Hermanson of Kingsley, Iowa, have begun their 16th year as hosts, and will be hosting for Zigler Hall. Gloria Hall-Graham (nee Schimmel) and her husband, Ed, of Sebring, Fla., will serve as hosts for Old Main. First-time volunteers Tom and Mary Ellen Foley of Cape Porpoise, Maine, will be hosts for Windsor Hall.
- McPherson (Kan.) College invites nominations and applications for vice president of Academic Affairs. The vice president of Academic Affairs will report directly to McPherson’s new president, Michael P. Schneider, and work closely with him in shaping the college’s future. Department and division chairs, the library director, registrar, and the Center for Academic Development report to the vice president. McPherson is a small college (500 fulltime students) focusing on career-oriented liberal arts, located in McPherson, Kan., about one hour north of Wichita. The college was founded in 1887 by members of the Church of the Brethren and remains committed to the values of the church: peace and justice, ethical behavior, and putting faith into action. McPherson’s mission is to develop whole persons through scholarship, participation, and service. The next vice president of Academic Affairs will be someone who is capable of inspiring excellence in teaching and learning; can provide innovative thinking and sound judgment to the complex process of strategic planning and academic budgeting; is committed to working collaboratively with the faculty on program development and assessment and encouraging professional development; embraces the mission of a church-related college and the values of the Church of the Brethren; possesses an earned doctorate, preferably in an academic area available at McPherson, significant undergraduate classroom experience, and a record of achievement as an academic leader at the level of department chair or higher. Nominations, inquiries, and expressions of interest, which will be held in the strictest confidence, should be submitted as a Microsoft Word attachment to Shane Netherton, Chair of the Search Committee, at wagonerd@mcpherson.edu. Applicants should provide a letter of application, resume or curriculum vitae, and a list of references. Go to www.mcpherson.edu for more information. The search committee is being assisted by Dr. Thomas Scheye, former Provost and Distinguished Service Professor at Loyola University Maryland, who has served as a consultant to the college for the past five years. Questions may be addressed to him directly at scheye@loyola.edu. Review of candidates will begin May 4, and continue until the position is filled. The desired start date is July 1.
- McPherson College also seeks applications for the position of vice president for Advancement. The successful candidate will provide energetic and inspirational leadership, vision, and strategic direction for the college’s fundraising efforts including annual giving, capital campaigns, planned giving, scholarships, and other endowment opportunities; develop and coordinate a comprehensive marketing, advertising, and public relations strategy; and oversee the administration of alumni, church, and parent relations. The vice president for Advancement reports directly to the president and is a member of the president’s cabinet.
The successful candidate will possess the following qualities: a bachelor’s degree (advance degree preferred); five to seven years of experience in advancement/fundraising; willingness to travel often to meet with external constituencies. Visit www.mcpherson.edu/careers/jobs.asp for a detailed job description. To apply, send a cover letter, resume, and reference list to Human Resource Manager, McPherson College, P.O. Box 1402, McPherson, KS 67460; or schenkk@mcpherson.edu. McPherson College is an equal opportunity employer. - Church World Service is searching for a new regional staff person in the Great Rivers Region. An opening is available to fill the vacated position of regional director supporting the work of CWS out of an office in Oak Brook, Ill. A detailed announcement is available from the Illinois and Wisconsin District Office, 309-649-6008. To apply, send a resume and cover letter to Church World Service/CROP, Attn: K. de Lopez, P.O. Box 968, Elkhart, IN 46515. Applications must be received by April 20.
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. Ed Groff, Cori Hahn, Bekah Houff, Karin Krog, Jeff Lennard, David McKellip, Glen Sargent, Tracy Wiser, 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. Ed Groff, Cori Hahn, Bekah Houff, Karin Krog, Jeff Lennard, David McKellip, Glen Sargent, Tracy Wiser, Jane Yount contributed to this report.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
NEWS
- Church of the Brethren redesigns Congregational Life Ministries, closes Washington Office.
- Mission and Ministry Board announces results of its reorganization.
- Brethren bits: Corrections, remembrance, personnel, more.
Church of the Brethren redesigns Congregational Life Ministries, closes Washington Office.
The Church of the Brethren is redesigning its Congregational Life Ministries and has eliminated the Congregational Life Team, effective April 6. The denomination also closed its Washington Office, as of March 19. The actions are part of a plan created by executive staff to respond to financial challenges facing the denomination and the decision of the Mission and Ministry Board to reduce the operating budget for core ministries by $505,000 this year.
The decisions eliminate positions of Congregational Life Team members, effective April 6, and the position of director of the Brethren Witness/Washington Office, effective March 19 (see personnel announcements below).
"As I informed staff before the Spring board meeting, the level of financial losses that we are looking at necessitate a cut in staff," said general secretary Stan Noffsinger. "It is a heavy burden to reduce staff at this time. It has been our desire all along to not end any positions, but the scope of this is greater than our ability to merely reduce operational expenses. There is not one ministry area in the church that is going unscathed in this process. It is a situation affecting the whole church"
At the Spring meeting, the expectation for income to support the core ministries of the church this year was revised downward by almost $1 million. The board was informed of a loss of about $7 million in net assets in 2008, caused by the market downturn, as well as a 10 percent decrease in total giving to the denomination compared to 2007.
"The board took its responsibility seriously, and at each decision moment were cognizant of the impact for employees as well as members of the church who have passion for ministry areas that will be affected," Noffsinger said.
All employees were part of a staff meeting and conference call prior to the Spring board meeting, at which the general secretary announced that staff reductions would be made following the decision of the board, if the budget reduction was approved. After the board meeting, at another all-employee meeting and conference call, he reviewed the board’s decisions and announced that staff reductions would come over the next two weeks.
"We are doing what we can to help out employees who lose their positions," Noffsinger said, "including a three-month severance package and an outplacement service that walks with people until they get new employment."
Congregational Life Ministries:
The plan for Congregational Life Ministries outlines a new staff configuration with four director-level positions to be based at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill. The four positions are Intercultural Ministries, Transforming Practices, Spiritual Life and Discipleship, and Youth and Young Adult Ministries.
Jonathan Shively, executive director of Congregational Life Ministries, acknowledged how difficult the decision has been to eliminate the Congregational Life Team, a program of the church in place since the beginning of 1998. "This is tough for the church, and we know it," he said.
The redesign is intended to maintain vital ministries while still making staff reductions necessary to meet the reduction in budget, Shively said. "Our relationship and service to congregations is not going to go away," he said. "It’s going to look different, and feel different, but we still have a commitment to congregations."
The Congregational Life Team has worked for more than a decade to provide a bridge between the denomination and congregations across the US and Puerto Rico. The team has supported local church pastors and leaders as well as district staff and leaders; has helped congregations through coaching, consulting, and strategic visioning; and has resourced the church in a variety of areas including evangelism, church organization, Christian education, and intercultural ministry. Team members also have represented the Church of the Brethren through a variety of ecumenical assignments.
The original vision was for a Congregational Life Team of between 15 and 17 staff members, working in five geographic areas across the country. The current redesign of the program has become necessary "not because the CLT model was not working, but with the necessity to do ministry with less staff," Shively said.
The two new director-level positions will emphasize building capacity for leadership in local congregations and districts. Staff will shift from point-of-service ministries in geographic areas to ministries that build up congregational leadership and develop networks to exchange services and resources throughout the denomination.
"The denomination’s role shifts from trying to address the wide range of specific, individualized needs to building intentional resource networks and increasing the capacity of disciples at all layers of the church’s life to lead one another effectively and faithfully," Shively said.
The new director-level position for Transforming Practices will focus on helping leaders influence change, expand mission, cultivate evangelism, and assist the church through the process of transformation. A director of Spiritual Life and Discipleship will promote discipleship, resource spiritual formation, and facilitate understanding of congregational ethics guidelines.
In addition, former Congregational Life Team member Ruben Deoleo will continue on staff as director of Intercultural Ministries responsible for equipping the denomination toward its intercultural vision and commitments. Chris Douglas continues as director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries, which provides leadership in understanding youth and young adult culture, trains the church for ministry with young people, and provides programmatic opportunities for youth and young adults.
For more information about the redesign of Congregational Life Ministries, contact executive director Jonathan Shively at jshively_gb@brethren.org or 800-323-8039.
Washington Office:
Following the closing of the Washington Office, Jay Wittmeyer, executive director of Global Mission Partnerships, will be structuring a listening process to gather broad denominational feedback for reshaping the way the church carries out the work of witness, peacebuilding, and justice.
As the listening process takes shape, executive staff emphasized that the Church of the Brethren will continue its longstanding relationships with partners in peacemaking, continues to have representatives on the boards of ecumenical institutions to speak out and support the denomination’s witness for peace and justice, will continue giving grants to peace partners such as Churches for Middle East Peace, continues the practice of the general secretary signing on to advocacy statements from the National Council of Churches and other ecumenical bodies, continues advocacy for healthcare reform through the Caring Ministries and the Fellowship of Brethren Homes, and will continue providing opportunities and events such as the Christian Citizenship Seminar.
Some of the work responsibilities of the Washington Office will be centered at the General Offices, including resources to be made available through the Global Missions Partnerships office, online resources to support efforts for peace witness, continuing Faith Expeditions, opportunities for political advocacy, and the work of the church to support conscientious objection.
The conscientious objection work is extremely important to the Church of the Brethren, Wittmeyer said, and will be done through the office of Global Mission Partnerships at the church’s General Offices. At that location, individual conscientious objector files may be kept safe in the vault in the Brethren Historical Library and Archives.
Services or functions previously handled by the Washington Office should be channeled through the Global Mission Partnerships office; call 800-323-8039. The upcoming Christian Citizenship Seminar that has been co-sponsored by the Brethren Witness/Washington Office and the Youth and Young Adult Ministry will be led by Chris Douglas, director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry.
Source: 3/25/2009 Newsline
The Church of the Brethren is redesigning its Congregational Life Ministries and has eliminated the Congregational Life Team, effective April 6. The denomination also closed its Washington Office, as of March 19. The actions are part of a plan created by executive staff to respond to financial challenges facing the denomination and the decision of the Mission and Ministry Board to reduce the operating budget for core ministries by $505,000 this year.
The decisions eliminate positions of Congregational Life Team members, effective April 6, and the position of director of the Brethren Witness/Washington Office, effective March 19 (see personnel announcements below).
"As I informed staff before the Spring board meeting, the level of financial losses that we are looking at necessitate a cut in staff," said general secretary Stan Noffsinger. "It is a heavy burden to reduce staff at this time. It has been our desire all along to not end any positions, but the scope of this is greater than our ability to merely reduce operational expenses. There is not one ministry area in the church that is going unscathed in this process. It is a situation affecting the whole church"
At the Spring meeting, the expectation for income to support the core ministries of the church this year was revised downward by almost $1 million. The board was informed of a loss of about $7 million in net assets in 2008, caused by the market downturn, as well as a 10 percent decrease in total giving to the denomination compared to 2007.
"The board took its responsibility seriously, and at each decision moment were cognizant of the impact for employees as well as members of the church who have passion for ministry areas that will be affected," Noffsinger said.
All employees were part of a staff meeting and conference call prior to the Spring board meeting, at which the general secretary announced that staff reductions would be made following the decision of the board, if the budget reduction was approved. After the board meeting, at another all-employee meeting and conference call, he reviewed the board’s decisions and announced that staff reductions would come over the next two weeks.
"We are doing what we can to help out employees who lose their positions," Noffsinger said, "including a three-month severance package and an outplacement service that walks with people until they get new employment."
Congregational Life Ministries:
The plan for Congregational Life Ministries outlines a new staff configuration with four director-level positions to be based at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill. The four positions are Intercultural Ministries, Transforming Practices, Spiritual Life and Discipleship, and Youth and Young Adult Ministries.
Jonathan Shively, executive director of Congregational Life Ministries, acknowledged how difficult the decision has been to eliminate the Congregational Life Team, a program of the church in place since the beginning of 1998. "This is tough for the church, and we know it," he said.
The redesign is intended to maintain vital ministries while still making staff reductions necessary to meet the reduction in budget, Shively said. "Our relationship and service to congregations is not going to go away," he said. "It’s going to look different, and feel different, but we still have a commitment to congregations."
The Congregational Life Team has worked for more than a decade to provide a bridge between the denomination and congregations across the US and Puerto Rico. The team has supported local church pastors and leaders as well as district staff and leaders; has helped congregations through coaching, consulting, and strategic visioning; and has resourced the church in a variety of areas including evangelism, church organization, Christian education, and intercultural ministry. Team members also have represented the Church of the Brethren through a variety of ecumenical assignments.
The original vision was for a Congregational Life Team of between 15 and 17 staff members, working in five geographic areas across the country. The current redesign of the program has become necessary "not because the CLT model was not working, but with the necessity to do ministry with less staff," Shively said.
The two new director-level positions will emphasize building capacity for leadership in local congregations and districts. Staff will shift from point-of-service ministries in geographic areas to ministries that build up congregational leadership and develop networks to exchange services and resources throughout the denomination.
"The denomination’s role shifts from trying to address the wide range of specific, individualized needs to building intentional resource networks and increasing the capacity of disciples at all layers of the church’s life to lead one another effectively and faithfully," Shively said.
The new director-level position for Transforming Practices will focus on helping leaders influence change, expand mission, cultivate evangelism, and assist the church through the process of transformation. A director of Spiritual Life and Discipleship will promote discipleship, resource spiritual formation, and facilitate understanding of congregational ethics guidelines.
In addition, former Congregational Life Team member Ruben Deoleo will continue on staff as director of Intercultural Ministries responsible for equipping the denomination toward its intercultural vision and commitments. Chris Douglas continues as director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries, which provides leadership in understanding youth and young adult culture, trains the church for ministry with young people, and provides programmatic opportunities for youth and young adults.
For more information about the redesign of Congregational Life Ministries, contact executive director Jonathan Shively at jshively_gb@brethren.org or 800-323-8039.
Washington Office:
Following the closing of the Washington Office, Jay Wittmeyer, executive director of Global Mission Partnerships, will be structuring a listening process to gather broad denominational feedback for reshaping the way the church carries out the work of witness, peacebuilding, and justice.
As the listening process takes shape, executive staff emphasized that the Church of the Brethren will continue its longstanding relationships with partners in peacemaking, continues to have representatives on the boards of ecumenical institutions to speak out and support the denomination’s witness for peace and justice, will continue giving grants to peace partners such as Churches for Middle East Peace, continues the practice of the general secretary signing on to advocacy statements from the National Council of Churches and other ecumenical bodies, continues advocacy for healthcare reform through the Caring Ministries and the Fellowship of Brethren Homes, and will continue providing opportunities and events such as the Christian Citizenship Seminar.
Some of the work responsibilities of the Washington Office will be centered at the General Offices, including resources to be made available through the Global Missions Partnerships office, online resources to support efforts for peace witness, continuing Faith Expeditions, opportunities for political advocacy, and the work of the church to support conscientious objection.
The conscientious objection work is extremely important to the Church of the Brethren, Wittmeyer said, and will be done through the office of Global Mission Partnerships at the church’s General Offices. At that location, individual conscientious objector files may be kept safe in the vault in the Brethren Historical Library and Archives.
Services or functions previously handled by the Washington Office should be channeled through the Global Mission Partnerships office; call 800-323-8039. The upcoming Christian Citizenship Seminar that has been co-sponsored by the Brethren Witness/Washington Office and the Youth and Young Adult Ministry will be led by Chris Douglas, director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry.
Source: 3/25/2009 Newsline
Mission and Ministry Board announces results of its reorganization.
The Church of the Brethren’s Mission and Ministry Board has announced the results of its action to immediately reorganize to comply with the number of members approved by Annual Conference when the Association of Brethren Caregivers and General Board merged. The action was taken at the board’s Spring meeting.
Before the economic downturn, the board planned to gradually reduce its number of members by attrition, with each member of the prior two boards invited to fill out their full terms. The immediacy of the decision was intended to help reduce expenses following a decision to reduce the operating budget for the church’s core ministries this year by $505,000.
The decision immediately reduces the number of board members from 29 to 19. Chair Eddie Edmonds has announced that the board will stand at 19 members for 2009, and will be at the approved level of 17 members following this year’s Annual Conference.
"This action represents a significant savings to the core ministries budget," said Edmonds, who also serves as pastor of Moler Avenue Church of the Brethren in Martinsburg, W.Va. "My deep appreciation and thanks to those who have now completed their service to the Mission and Ministry Board. Proper and appropriate recognition of the service of those who completed their terms of service as a result of this action will occur by the best means available."
Following are those who continue on the Mission and Ministry Board for 2009 (dates are the last year of their terms on the board): Eddie Edmonds, chair (2009), Dale Minnich, chair-elect (2011), Vernne Greiner (2010), Ken Wenger (2009), Terry Lewis (2012), Frances Townsend (2012), Dan McRoberts (2010), Willie Hisey Pierson (2013), Andy Hamilton (2013), Tammy Kiser (2011), Ben Barlow (2013), David Bollinger (2011), Hector Perez-Borges (2011), Wallace Cole (2013), Barbra Davis (2011), Chris Whitacre (2010), Colleen Michael (2011), Bruce Holderreed (2010), and John Katonah (2010).
Source: 3/25/2009 Newsline
The Church of the Brethren’s Mission and Ministry Board has announced the results of its action to immediately reorganize to comply with the number of members approved by Annual Conference when the Association of Brethren Caregivers and General Board merged. The action was taken at the board’s Spring meeting.
Before the economic downturn, the board planned to gradually reduce its number of members by attrition, with each member of the prior two boards invited to fill out their full terms. The immediacy of the decision was intended to help reduce expenses following a decision to reduce the operating budget for the church’s core ministries this year by $505,000.
The decision immediately reduces the number of board members from 29 to 19. Chair Eddie Edmonds has announced that the board will stand at 19 members for 2009, and will be at the approved level of 17 members following this year’s Annual Conference.
"This action represents a significant savings to the core ministries budget," said Edmonds, who also serves as pastor of Moler Avenue Church of the Brethren in Martinsburg, W.Va. "My deep appreciation and thanks to those who have now completed their service to the Mission and Ministry Board. Proper and appropriate recognition of the service of those who completed their terms of service as a result of this action will occur by the best means available."
Following are those who continue on the Mission and Ministry Board for 2009 (dates are the last year of their terms on the board): Eddie Edmonds, chair (2009), Dale Minnich, chair-elect (2011), Vernne Greiner (2010), Ken Wenger (2009), Terry Lewis (2012), Frances Townsend (2012), Dan McRoberts (2010), Willie Hisey Pierson (2013), Andy Hamilton (2013), Tammy Kiser (2011), Ben Barlow (2013), David Bollinger (2011), Hector Perez-Borges (2011), Wallace Cole (2013), Barbra Davis (2011), Chris Whitacre (2010), Colleen Michael (2011), Bruce Holderreed (2010), and John Katonah (2010).
Source: 3/25/2009 Newsline
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