New Orleans ecumenical blitz build wins award.
Paint is barely dry on the homes it helped rebuild in the New Orleans neighborhood of Little Woods, but already the "Neighborhood: New Orleans" project has garnered a national award for New York-based humanitarian agency Church World Service (CWS). The project recently carried out a four-week ecumenical "blitz build" to rebuild homes destroyed by Hurricane Katrina, contributed to by Brethren Disaster Ministries staff and volunteers.
National Voluntary Agencies Active in Disaster chose to honor Neighborhood: New Orleans with its 2009 Innovative Program of the Year Award, presented at the National VOAD annual conference in Salt Lake City, Utah.
National VOAD is a coalition of nonprofit organizations that respond to disasters as part of their overall mission. "We are deeply honored to be selected by our peers for this outstanding award," CWS Emergency Response director Donna Derr said. "To be honored for this project in its first-ever installment reaffirms our philosophy that working together we accomplish more."
Neighborhood: New Orleans was the first national ecumenical volunteer effort in New Orleans, using revolving teams from 10 different member agencies of CWS, working side by side. More than 500 people from 27 US states and Canada came to New Orleans as volunteers with
one of the project partners: Brethren Disaster Ministries, American Baptist Churches USA, the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Christian Reformed World Relief Committee, Lutheran Disaster Response, Mennonite Disaster Service, the Presbyterian Church (USA), the Reformed Church in America Global Mission, the United Church of Christ, and United Methodist Committee on Relief.
CWS worked with its local partner, the Crescent Alliance Recovery Effort (CARE) to identify a neighborhood in New Orleans where recovery from Hurricane Katrina has been sparse. "We wanted to work in an area where, by working together under one banner, we could return families home and accelerate a whole neighborhood’s recovery," Derr said.
A neighborhood of mixed incomes and races, Little Woods began as a fishing camp along the shores of Lake Pontchartrain. Hurricane Katrina forced water into the neighborhood, where it sat, as high as the roofline, for days. The water eventually drained, and families have recovered intermittently ever since. Some homeowners are waiting on assistance to come through Louisiana’s labyrinthine Road Home program. Others are in dispute with insurers or federal agencies. More than a few find themselves like Gloria Mouton, who was defrauded out of most of her recovery funds by unscrupulous contractors.
On May 13, Mouton, a grandmother and community volunteer, was led into her nearly-rebuilt home by a New Orleans brass band and a parade of dignitaries and volunteers celebrating the project.
"It’s a beautiful thing to know that these people in the world will give from their busy schedules to help someone like me," Mouton said. "It just sends a warm feeling in my body every time I walk into this house and see the progress they made."
-- This article is taken from Church World Service releases by Matt Hackworth, Lesley Crosson, and Jan Dragin.
Source: 6/3/2009 Newsline
Wednesday, June 03, 2009
Twelve arrested for civil disobedience at gun store are acquitted.
The 12 people who were arrested for civil disobedience at a notorious gun store in Philadelphia during the Heeding God’s Call peace church gathering in January have been acquitted. The trial took place in a Philadelphia court on May 26.
Among those arrested were two members of the Church of the Brethren, Phil Jones and Mimi Copp. The Church of the Brethren’s Mission and Ministry Board helped to support the legal defense for Jones, who at the time of the arrest was serving as director of the Brethren Witness/Washington Office.
Heeding God’s Call marked the beginning of a new faith-based initiative against gun violence and illegal weapons in America’s cities. Those arrested were part of a campaign to pressure Colosimo’s Gun Center to sign a Code of Conduct for Responsible Gun Dealers, and followed several weeks of discussion between the gun shop owner and local religious leaders. The defendants include community advocates from Camden, N.J., and Philadelphia, ordained Christian clergy from three denominations, and a Jewish rabbi.
"Tuesday (May 26) was a most amazingly wonderful day--for Heeding God's Call and for the gun violence prevention movement. Human and Divine justice came together in a miraculous and inspiring way," said Therese Miller of the Philadelphia Yearly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers), who served as gathering director for Heeding God's Call.
In an e-mail report, Miller said that the "Heeding God’s Call 12" were acquitted of all charges "to the joy of the 300 supporters who packed the courtroom, spilled out into the hallway for the morning prayer service, and participated in the midday rally." To mark the occasion of the trial, supporters strung 350 t-shirts around Dilworth Plaza in front of Philadelphia’s City Hall, each shirt pinned with a paper heart naming a local gunshot victim.
Miller added that the trial received much positive attention in the press, including the following available online: www.philly.com/dailynews/local/20090527_Judge_acquits_gun_protesters.html , www.philly.com/inquirer/columnists/monica_yant_kinney/
20090527_Monica_Yant_Kinney__Appeal_to_conscience_carries_the_day.html , and www.newsofdelawarecounty.com/WebApp/appmanager/JRC/SingleWeekly;!-1640719862?_nfpb=true&_pageLabel=pg_wk_article&r21.pgpath=/NDC/Home&r21.content=/NDC/Home/
TopStoryList_Story_2749105 .
Heeding God’s Call witnesses continue on the sidewalk in front of Colosimo's at 9th and Spring Garden in Philadelphia on Saturdays from 11 a.m.-1 p.m., and on Mondays from 4-6 p.m.
Source: 6/3/2009 Newsline
The 12 people who were arrested for civil disobedience at a notorious gun store in Philadelphia during the Heeding God’s Call peace church gathering in January have been acquitted. The trial took place in a Philadelphia court on May 26.
Among those arrested were two members of the Church of the Brethren, Phil Jones and Mimi Copp. The Church of the Brethren’s Mission and Ministry Board helped to support the legal defense for Jones, who at the time of the arrest was serving as director of the Brethren Witness/Washington Office.
Heeding God’s Call marked the beginning of a new faith-based initiative against gun violence and illegal weapons in America’s cities. Those arrested were part of a campaign to pressure Colosimo’s Gun Center to sign a Code of Conduct for Responsible Gun Dealers, and followed several weeks of discussion between the gun shop owner and local religious leaders. The defendants include community advocates from Camden, N.J., and Philadelphia, ordained Christian clergy from three denominations, and a Jewish rabbi.
"Tuesday (May 26) was a most amazingly wonderful day--for Heeding God's Call and for the gun violence prevention movement. Human and Divine justice came together in a miraculous and inspiring way," said Therese Miller of the Philadelphia Yearly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers), who served as gathering director for Heeding God's Call.
In an e-mail report, Miller said that the "Heeding God’s Call 12" were acquitted of all charges "to the joy of the 300 supporters who packed the courtroom, spilled out into the hallway for the morning prayer service, and participated in the midday rally." To mark the occasion of the trial, supporters strung 350 t-shirts around Dilworth Plaza in front of Philadelphia’s City Hall, each shirt pinned with a paper heart naming a local gunshot victim.
Miller added that the trial received much positive attention in the press, including the following available online: www.philly.com/dailynews/local/20090527_Judge_acquits_gun_protesters.html , www.philly.com/inquirer/columnists/monica_yant_kinney/
20090527_Monica_Yant_Kinney__Appeal_to_conscience_carries_the_day.html , and www.newsofdelawarecounty.com/WebApp/appmanager/JRC/SingleWeekly;!-1640719862?_nfpb=true&_pageLabel=pg_wk_article&r21.pgpath=/NDC/Home&r21.content=/NDC/Home/
TopStoryList_Story_2749105 .
Heeding God’s Call witnesses continue on the sidewalk in front of Colosimo's at 9th and Spring Garden in Philadelphia on Saturdays from 11 a.m.-1 p.m., and on Mondays from 4-6 p.m.
Source: 6/3/2009 Newsline
Bethel Ministries aids men leaving incarceration in Idaho.
Bethel Ministries, a nonprofit organization and faith-based program located in Boise, Idaho, was established to help men leaving incarceration to change their lives to become law-abiding, productive members of society. The ministry is connected with Mountain View Church of the Brethren in Boise, and pastor David McKellip serves as director of ministry for the program.
Others involved in administering the program include a volunteer Board of Directors, and staff consisting of executive director Rob Lee, and assistant executive director Chris Roberts.
Bethel provides transitional homes where the men reside in a family-type setting. During their 6-to12-month stay, the men are matched with mentors, obtain employment, attend a structured program of life-skill classes, and participate in group and individual counseling.
Bethel Ministries was established in 2001. The program was founded to recognize the importance of developing an ongoing relationship with Christ Jesus in each person and to help men who, having great obstacles to overcome, desire the kind of help necessary to make a new life.
Those involved with Bethel believe that such new Christians need support from each other, the church, and the greater community if they are truly going to change their lives and stay out of prison. Bethel sees that the men need jobs, making of new friends, learning from educational programs, and following proper leadership in order to build a whole new way of living.
Staff spend considerable time interviewing and assessing potential Bethel candidates at prison facilities throughout Idaho. Staff also oversee the operations of the transitional homes, and meet regularly with Bethel residents to resolve problems. Staff are aided by a Leadership Council consisting of residents who are the housing coordinators and assistant coordinators, the director of ministry, and the executive director.
The first Bethel residence was a miracle of God in that while looking for a house to serve as a transitional home, a simple street sign, "Bethel," was an inspiration. The word Bethel means "House of God," and driving further down the street, a "for rent" sign was in plain view. The house owner was more than helpful in getting Bethel Ministries off the ground.
To this day, miracles from God have abounded. Over the years, three additional transition homes were added in order to accommodate more men into Bethel's program. With four homes, Bethel has capacity for 32 residents.
Bethel has received awards for it unique program. Today, more than 100 men have come through this ministry. Graduates are flourishing as they successfully continue in a new way of living with hope for their future. The ministry has well over a 90 percent success rate in graduates who have not returned to prison.
With the major economic problems faced in Idaho, however, finances continue to be a major challenge. Bethel is generally primarily funded by the men in the program. A lack of jobs locally makes it very difficult for parolees to obtain employment. In 2008, Bethel suffered from financial shortfalls much of the year, but the Lord provided just enough funds to keep solvent. Much of the year the executive director could only be paid part-time.
The board made a decision in April to close one home if the number of residents did not increase above 24 by its May 21 meeting. In May, the board voted to keep the fourth home open at least as long as the budget will support it and the number of men in the program justify it. The Lord has recently provided 26 men for the program, and three homes can only accommodate 24 men. To help with funding shortfalls, Bethel is planning fundraising projects this summer and fall.
Go to http://www.bethelministries.net/ for more information. We call on all Christians to pray that Bethel’s needs will be fulfilled by the Lord.
-- Al Murrey serves as chair of the board of directors of Bethel Ministries.
Source: 6/3/2009 Newsline
Bethel Ministries, a nonprofit organization and faith-based program located in Boise, Idaho, was established to help men leaving incarceration to change their lives to become law-abiding, productive members of society. The ministry is connected with Mountain View Church of the Brethren in Boise, and pastor David McKellip serves as director of ministry for the program.
Others involved in administering the program include a volunteer Board of Directors, and staff consisting of executive director Rob Lee, and assistant executive director Chris Roberts.
Bethel provides transitional homes where the men reside in a family-type setting. During their 6-to12-month stay, the men are matched with mentors, obtain employment, attend a structured program of life-skill classes, and participate in group and individual counseling.
Bethel Ministries was established in 2001. The program was founded to recognize the importance of developing an ongoing relationship with Christ Jesus in each person and to help men who, having great obstacles to overcome, desire the kind of help necessary to make a new life.
Those involved with Bethel believe that such new Christians need support from each other, the church, and the greater community if they are truly going to change their lives and stay out of prison. Bethel sees that the men need jobs, making of new friends, learning from educational programs, and following proper leadership in order to build a whole new way of living.
Staff spend considerable time interviewing and assessing potential Bethel candidates at prison facilities throughout Idaho. Staff also oversee the operations of the transitional homes, and meet regularly with Bethel residents to resolve problems. Staff are aided by a Leadership Council consisting of residents who are the housing coordinators and assistant coordinators, the director of ministry, and the executive director.
The first Bethel residence was a miracle of God in that while looking for a house to serve as a transitional home, a simple street sign, "Bethel," was an inspiration. The word Bethel means "House of God," and driving further down the street, a "for rent" sign was in plain view. The house owner was more than helpful in getting Bethel Ministries off the ground.
To this day, miracles from God have abounded. Over the years, three additional transition homes were added in order to accommodate more men into Bethel's program. With four homes, Bethel has capacity for 32 residents.
Bethel has received awards for it unique program. Today, more than 100 men have come through this ministry. Graduates are flourishing as they successfully continue in a new way of living with hope for their future. The ministry has well over a 90 percent success rate in graduates who have not returned to prison.
With the major economic problems faced in Idaho, however, finances continue to be a major challenge. Bethel is generally primarily funded by the men in the program. A lack of jobs locally makes it very difficult for parolees to obtain employment. In 2008, Bethel suffered from financial shortfalls much of the year, but the Lord provided just enough funds to keep solvent. Much of the year the executive director could only be paid part-time.
The board made a decision in April to close one home if the number of residents did not increase above 24 by its May 21 meeting. In May, the board voted to keep the fourth home open at least as long as the budget will support it and the number of men in the program justify it. The Lord has recently provided 26 men for the program, and three homes can only accommodate 24 men. To help with funding shortfalls, Bethel is planning fundraising projects this summer and fall.
Go to http://www.bethelministries.net/ for more information. We call on all Christians to pray that Bethel’s needs will be fulfilled by the Lord.
-- Al Murrey serves as chair of the board of directors of Bethel Ministries.
Source: 6/3/2009 Newsline
Brethren bits: Personnel, job opening, congregational news, more.
- Audrey Hollenberg has begun work as one of the three National Youth Conference (NYC) coordinators in the Church of the Brethren’s Youth and Young Adult Ministry Office. She will coordinate NYC along with Emily LaPrade and Matt Witkovsky. Hollenberg has completed her third year at Bridgewater (Va.) College and is taking a year out for this Brethren Volunteer Service assignment. She is from Westminster (Md.) Church of the Brethren.
- The Church of the Brethren seeks a director for Youth and Young Adult Ministries to fill a fulltime position at the General Offices in Elgin, Ill., as part of a dynamic team of leaders in the office of Congregational Life Ministries. Responsibilities include leading the church in cultivating dynamic relationships with youth and young adults, developing creative responses to the challenges and opportunities of contemporary youth culture and its relationship to the Christian faith, planning and overseeing major denominational events for youth and young adults, working collaboratively as part of a denominational team to pursue a common vision, and serving as a mentor to volunteers and planning teams. The preferred candidate will demonstrate Christian character, commitment to the values and practices of the Church of the Brethren, a disciplined spiritual life, biblical rootedness, the flexibility to work collaboratively in a wide variety of contexts, experience in leading new initiatives, and the ability to follow an idea through from concept to implementation. The preferred candidate will have expertise in some combination of the following areas: junior high ministry, senior high ministry, young adult ministry, cultural trends, stages of faith development, faith and technology, service ministries, event planning, and congregational vitality. Communication skills and interpersonal competency are required. The selected candidate will work as part of a team, utilize a variety of computer and digital technologies, represent the Church of the Brethren, attend to self-care and continuing education, efficiently manage a complex workload, develop and manage a detailed budget, participate in regular processes of review and priority-setting, and understand this position as part of a larger vocational commitment. Applications will be received beginning June 3 and will be reviewed beginning June 17, with interviews commencing in late June and continuing until the position is filled. Qualified candidates are invited to request the application form and complete job description, submit a resume and letter of application, and to request three references to send letters of recommendation to the Office of Human Resources, Church of the Brethren, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120-1694; kkrog@brethren.org or 800-323-8039 ext. 258.
- Church of the Brethren general secretary Stan Noffsinger has signed on to an ecumenical letter to President Obama about peace in Israel and Palestine, at the invitation of Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP). The letter encourages the President’s vigorous leadership for peace on the occasion of his speech in Egypt on June 4. CMEP has worked with Ron Sider, a leader in the Evangelical community, and William Shaw, a leader from the historic African-American church tradition, in circulating the letter to a broad list of Christian traditions, according to a report from Warren Clark, executive director. The letter says, in part, "Mr. President, you have assumed office at one of the most critical moments in the long history of this conflict. While the international community and majorities of the Israeli and Palestinian people are all committed to a two-state solution as the only option for achieving peace and security, the window of opportunity is rapidly closing. Continued settlement growth and expansion are rapidly diminishing any possibility for the creation of a viable Palestinian state. The targeting of Israeli civilians through ongoing rocket fire and the insistent rejection of Israel’s right to exist reinforce the destructive status quo.... Now is the time for immediate and bold American leadership."
- The Church of the Brethren’s annual Stewardship Resource Packet has been distributed early this year in response to requests from congregations for resources be available before July. The packet was mailed to every congregation in late May. With a theme of "New Love, New Mercy," based on Lamentations 3:21-24, the packet contains the 2009 "Giving" magazine, materials based on the fall campaign theme, and a sample of one bulletin insert. To receive sample copies of the remaining three inserts, contact Carol Bowman at cbowman@brethren.org or call Brethren Press at 800-441-3712.
- Upcoming courses from the Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership and the Susquehanna Valley Ministry Center include "Distinctive Marks of the Brethren" June 11-14 taught by Kate Eisenbise at McPherson (Kan.) Church of the Brethren (contact academy@bethanyseminary.edu or 765-983-1824); "Introduction to Biblical Languages" June 8-Aug. 14 taught by Susan Jeffers online (contact academy@bethanyseminary.edu or 765-983-1824); "Micah and Isaiah" Sept. 11-12, Oct. 2-3, Oct. 23-24, and Nov. 6-7, with Robert Neff at Elizabethtown (Pa.) College (contact svmc@etown.edu or 717-361-1450); "Messages of Peace in the Old Testament," on Sept. 16 with David Leiter at Elizabethtown College (contact svmc@etown.edu or 717-361-1450); "Passions of Youth, Practices of Christ" on Sept. 24-27 with Russell Haitch at Codorus Church of the Brethren in Dallastown, Pa. (contact academy@bethanyseminary.edu or 765-983-1824); "A Study of Judges" Sept. 28-Nov. 6 with Susan Jeffers online (contact academy@bethanyseminary.edu or 765-983-1824).
- The New Church Development Advisory Committee has published a Monthly Prayer Card through May 2010, to help Brethren join in prayer for new mission points and new church starts throughout the denomination. The card was enclosed in both English and Spanish in a recent "Source" mailing that went to all Church of the Brethren congregations.
- On Earth Peace is calling on churches to join its campaign for the International Day of Prayer for Peace (IDOPP) on Sept. 21. A series of conference calls has been scheduled to share On Earth Peace's vision, describe ways to be involved, and answer questions. Calls will be held June 4, from 1-2 p.m.; and June 16, from 7-8 p.m. (Eastern time). Go to http://idopp.onearthpeace.org/calls to register. Two more conference calls are planned for July or August to talk about the listening process that On Earth Peace is recommending for IDOPP participants, led by David Jehnsen, chair of the board of Every Church a Peace Church. This year, a special emphasis of the campaign is how the recession is affecting local communities. Churches have three ways to participate: through an observance, a vigil, or a listening initiative. Visit http://idopp.onearthpeace.org/details to learn more about ways to be involved, or go to http://idopp.onearthpeace.org/idopp-2009-registration to register as a participant. Direct specific questions about the campaign to idopp@onearthpeace.org. So far, 23 groups have registered to participate, reported coordinator Michael Colvin. "We are well on our way to having 40 registered participants by the beginning of Annual Conference."
- The New Windsor (Md.) Conference Center dining services will host a "Grand Re-Opening of the Kitchen" on June 10 with a special lunch menu showcasing the new capabilities of its renovated dining services. The kitchen will be open for walk-through tours for visitors to see the improvements to the facility.
- The SERRV Store at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md., is holding its Second Annual Sidewalk Sale on June 4-6. Specials include savings of 50 percent or more on a variety of items from vases to baskets, and sampling of Rooibos Iced Tea and Divine chocolate.
- Tony Campolo has been a guest speaker for the 125th anniversary celebration at York (Pa.) First Church of the Brethren. He is a well known American Baptist preacher and a past presenter at Annual Conference and National Youth Conferences of the Church of the Brethren.
- Christ the Servant Church of the Brethren in Cape Coral, Fla., is experiencing a complete makeover, according to the Atlantic Southeast District newsletter. The congregation, now known as "A Life in Christ" Church of the Brethren, is moving to a new building in downtown Cape Coral. The church has developed new mission and vision statements, a new website at http://www.havealifeinchrist.com/ , a Facebook group, and a MySpace page. Leah J. Hileman is pastor.
- As part of National Police Officers Week, a church service for active and retired law enforcement professionals was held at Stone Church of the Brethren in Buena Vista, Va., on May 3. The service remembered five officers from the community killed between 1921-1989.
- Family Faith Fellowship Church of the Brethren in Enid, Okla., was showcased during Enid Historic Preservation Month in May. The limestone church with a three-sided staged steeple was built in 1947 by the First Church of Christ and purchased by Family Faith Fellowship in 1995.
- The Annual Assembly of the Church of the Brethren in Puerto Rico takes place June 12-13.
- Western Plains District is calling for prayer for Lybrook Community Ministries, which serves the Tokahookaadi congregation and Native American community around Lybrook, N.M. The district’s Lybrook Vision Committee requested prayer "for the persons and work groups that will be coming to do needed repairs and upgrades to the property to make it more inviting for guests who seek the sense of God that can be found in this beautiful land."
- Pinecrest Community, a Church of the Brethren retirement community in Mount Morris, Ill., has been selected 2009 Business of the Year by the Oregon Area Chamber of Commerce. Pinecrest was noted for supporting education and being part of the education of medical students and nurses, involvement of employees in the community, and support for an area food pantry.
- Several faculty at Church of the Brethren colleges have received honors recently. Three Juniata College faculty members have received honors: Norm Siems, Woolford Professor of Physics, received the 20th annual Beachley Award for Distinguished Academic Service; James Roney, I.H. Brumbaugh Professor of Russian, was named 42nd recipient of the Beachley Award for Distinguished Teaching; and James Tuten, associate professor of History, received the Henry and Joan Gibbel Award for Distinguished Teaching. At McPherson (Kan.) College, assistant professor of education Shay Maclin was named Advisor of the Year at the KNEA-SP Spring Representative Assembly in Emporia, Kan., nominated by sophomore education major Jenni Birdsall, Teachers of Tomorrow president. In addition to Maclin’s award, the Teachers of Tomorrow chapter at McPherson received recognition as "Outstanding Chapter."
- The June edition of "Brethren Voices" features an interview with Annual Conference moderator David K. Shumate in a third annual "Meet the Moderator" program. Shumate and Annual Conference secretary Fred Swartz present the site of this year’s Conference in San Diego, and discuss the items of new business. Closing minutes of the show include the song, "When Love Leaves," written by Brethren musician and composer Shawn Kirchner in honor of past moderator Chuck Boyer. The July edition of "Brethren Voices" will include an interview with Kirchner. "Brethren Voices" is a community television program offered by Peace Church of the Brethren in Portland, Ore., and produced by Ed Groff. Congregations may purchase copies for use in their own communities, contact groffprod1@msn.com or 360-256-8550.
- This is the third summer that Emily Young of First Church of the Brethren in Harrisonburg, Va., is serving as a Solidarity Worker in Sudan through the New Community Project, a Brethren-related nonprofit. Director David Radcliff reports that three solidarity workers have begun their summer service in Nimule, Sudan: Young as team leader; Christian Kochon of Marlton, N.J.; and Adella Barrett of Lynchburg, Va. The group is hosted by the Girl Child Development and Education Committee, through whom the project also gives grants for girls' education and women's development, and in cooperation with the Sudan Council of Churches. Radcliff also reported that the project recently transferred a donation of $10,000 to the Girl Child Committee for educational scholarships and women's tailoring and gardening projects, on top of $24,000 already sent to Sudan this year for these programs as well as a reforestation effort. A Learning Tour to Sudan is planned for Jan. 2011. Visit http://www.newcommunityproject.org/ for more.
- The World Council of Churches (WCC) marked the International Day of Conscientious Objection on May 15 by releasing results of a study showing a global trend to better recognize conscientious objection, but also showing that those who exercise it are often discriminated against or sent to prison. "Korea, Israel, and the United States are examples of countries where conscientious objection may put people through a tough time," said a release. "South Korea has the largest number of imprisoned conscientious objectors in the world--about 700 each year.... Most of them are Jehovah's Witnesses who do not get any support from most local churches." In Israel, the report said, "the army not only recruits young men, but also women at the age of 17. It takes much courage to refuse, and those who do often face a first prison term when they are still teenagers.... Many of those who refuse are not against the army in general, but against the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territory. They also condemn the recent war in Gaza." War resisters from the US are finding sanctuary in Canada, the report said. "Most of these are soldiers who joined the army as volunteers, but now refuse to serve the armed forces as a consequence to their experiences in Iraq, which have made them feel that this war was morally wrong. Since selective objection to a certain war is not legally recognized in the United States, the war resisters flee to Canada with their families and ask for refugee status. They are nevertheless often faced with the threat of deportation and subsequent imprisonment in the US."
- A new book about modern-day slavery is recommended by Church of the Brethren staff who are working on the issue. "The Slave Next Door: Human Trafficking and Slavery in America Today" by Kevin Bales and Ron Soodalter is the result of a three-year project looking into slavery across America, and thinking about how the country can fulfill its promise of liberty and become slave free. Purchase this hardcover volume from Brethren Press for $24.95 plus shipping and handling, call 800-441-3712.
Elsie Koehn begins as district executive minister for Southern Plains.
Elsie Koehn on May 15 began work as district executive minister for the Church of the Brethren’s Southern Plains District. She has pastored Pleasant Plains Church of the Brethren in Aline, Okla., for some 16 years, since 1993. She served as moderator for Southern Plains District 2007-08, and has represented the district on the Standing Committee of Annual Conference.
New contact information for the district office has been issued: Southern Plains District, 9212 Stonegate, Midwest City, OK 73130; Ekoehn9112@att.net or 405-736-0980.
Source: 6/3/2009 Newsline
Elsie Koehn on May 15 began work as district executive minister for the Church of the Brethren’s Southern Plains District. She has pastored Pleasant Plains Church of the Brethren in Aline, Okla., for some 16 years, since 1993. She served as moderator for Southern Plains District 2007-08, and has represented the district on the Standing Committee of Annual Conference.
New contact information for the district office has been issued: Southern Plains District, 9212 Stonegate, Midwest City, OK 73130; Ekoehn9112@att.net or 405-736-0980.
Source: 6/3/2009 Newsline
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. Carol Bowman, Ed Groff, Cindy Kinnamon, Karin L. Krog, Margie Paris, David Radcliff, Carmen Rubio, and John Wall 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. Carol Bowman, Ed Groff, Cindy Kinnamon, Karin L. Krog, Margie Paris, David Radcliff, Carmen Rubio, and John Wall contributed to this report.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
NEWS
- Moderator calls for a ‘season of prayer and fasting.’
- Brethren Benefit Trust makes changes to retiree annuity payments.
- Cross-cultural event focuses on African-American, youth cultures.
- District issues open letter regarding church that has left the denomination.
- New building, new name for Wyomissing Church of the Brethren.
- Brethren bits: Remembrances, job opening, anniversaries, and more.
Moderator calls for a ‘season of prayer and fasting.’
Annual Conference moderator David Shumate along with the leaders of the Annual Conference agencies and the Council of District Executives is urging every congregation and every member of the Church of the Brethren to set aside May 24-31 as a "Season of Prayer and Fasting" on behalf of the denomination in particular and the wider church and society in general.
Shumate in a letter sent out earlier this month, identified the past few months as "difficult for the world economy in general" and seriously affecting the church. "Staff reductions have taken place," he wrote. "Giving has decreased significantly in some areas. Investments have been frozen or not as productive. Pastoral programs have been reduced. Pensions for retired pastors and church workers are facing a reduction in the assumption rate."
In the face of these difficulties, he wrote in part, "the first reaction to difficulty and trouble is to devote ourselves to prayer and fasting." Shumate quoted from Nehemiah 1:4, a prophet he identified as a model for the church in engaging in "two of the most effective spiritual disciplines in the Hebrew tradition, prayer and fasting. As he did so, a new vision from God began to become clear."
The letter encouragec the placement of the following suggestions for prayer and fasting in worship bulletins on Sunday, May 24, and the placing of this information on church bulletin boards and websites. "Make a special effort to draw attention to them during your worship services, Bible studies, and prayer meetings," Shumate requested.
Following are daily themes and scriptures for May 24-31:
Annual Conference moderator David Shumate along with the leaders of the Annual Conference agencies and the Council of District Executives is urging every congregation and every member of the Church of the Brethren to set aside May 24-31 as a "Season of Prayer and Fasting" on behalf of the denomination in particular and the wider church and society in general.
Shumate in a letter sent out earlier this month, identified the past few months as "difficult for the world economy in general" and seriously affecting the church. "Staff reductions have taken place," he wrote. "Giving has decreased significantly in some areas. Investments have been frozen or not as productive. Pastoral programs have been reduced. Pensions for retired pastors and church workers are facing a reduction in the assumption rate."
In the face of these difficulties, he wrote in part, "the first reaction to difficulty and trouble is to devote ourselves to prayer and fasting." Shumate quoted from Nehemiah 1:4, a prophet he identified as a model for the church in engaging in "two of the most effective spiritual disciplines in the Hebrew tradition, prayer and fasting. As he did so, a new vision from God began to become clear."
The letter encouragec the placement of the following suggestions for prayer and fasting in worship bulletins on Sunday, May 24, and the placing of this information on church bulletin boards and websites. "Make a special effort to draw attention to them during your worship services, Bible studies, and prayer meetings," Shumate requested.
Following are daily themes and scriptures for May 24-31:
- May 24: Theme "Deeply Rooted," Psalm 1(3). Prayer emphases: Acknowledge God’s goodness, power, and abundant love for all. Give thanks for God’s steadfast love for the Church of the Brethren over the past 300 years. Give thanks for the faithfulness of Brethren leaders, past and present.
- May 25: "You will be my witnesses," Acts 1:1-10(8). Prayer emphases: Give thanks for the Church of the Brethren Mission and Ministry Board as it leads our denomination in service and mission to a hurting world. Pray for the church as it reaches out to individuals and communities near and far with the healing love and power of the gospel. Give thanks for those servants of the church who have recently lost their employment. May they receive wisdom and guidance as they discern God’s will for their life and ministry. Pray for God’s wisdom and guidance for all who serve in positions of leadership within the Church of the Brethren.
- May 26: "Together," Acts 2:42-47(44-45). Prayer emphases: Give thanks for the ministry of Brethren Benefit Trust and the challenge it gives to us to care for the needs of the church and for the needs of one another. Pray that your congregation might be attuned to the needs of persons in your community who may be struggling during these difficult economic times. Ask God to help you to find ways to work to strengthen relationships within your congregation, your district and the wider church.
- May 27: "Messengers of Reconciliation," 2 Corinthians 5:18-19. Prayer emphases: Give thanks for the ministry of On Earth Peace and Christ’s vision peace and reconciliation that it holds before us. Pray for a greater awareness of our need for reconciliation within our families, our congregations, our communities and our world.
- May 28: "Many Gifts, One Spirit," 1 Corinthians 12:4-11(4-6). Prayer emphases: Give thanks for the ministry of Bethany Theological Seminary as it prepares pastors and leaders for the church. Give thanks for God’s gifts of knowledge. Ask God to give you wisdom as you cultivate this gift within yourself so that you will use it for "the glory of God and my neighbor’s good."
- May 29: "Many Parts, One Body," 1 Corinthians 12:12-20(12-13). Prayer emphases: Praise God for the many men and women who serve Christ and the church faithfully in our districts and congregations. Pray for God’s wisdom and direction for our pastors and district leaders as they lead us during these challenging times. Pray for a greater awareness of our connectedness and dependence upon one another as members of the Body of Christ.
- May 30: "The Old Has Gone; the New Has Come," 2 Corinthians 5:16-21(17). Prayer emphases: Give thanks for the ministry of the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference as it facilitates the work of the church. Ask for God’s guidance and inspiration for our Moderator and officers who lead the conference. Pray for the gathering of the community of faith on June 26-30 in San Diego. Ask God to show you what new thing He is creating in your life and in the life of the church today.
- May 31--Pentecost Sunday: "Renewal of the Spirit," Acts 2:1-21(18). Prayer emphases: Give thanks for your faith community and its impact upon your life and spiritual growth as a disciple of Christ. Pray for the outpouring of the Spirit on all God’s people as they worship today. Pray for the leading of the Spirit as the Church of the Brethren and its congregations look to the future.
Brethren Benefit Trust makes changes to retiree annuity payments.
In order to preserve the solvency and long-term integrity of the Church of the Brethren Pension Plan’s Retirement Benefits Fund, which funds the monthly benefit payments for annuitants, the Brethren Benefit Trust (BBT) Board in April took action that will reduce annuity payments for retirees.
The board met at the Church of the Brethren General Offices the weekend of April 24-26 and wrestled with this difficult issue that will affect the lives of the Pension Plan’s annuitants.
According to an actuarial study conducted by Hewitt and Associates, as of Dec. 31, 2008, the Retirement Benefits Fund (RBF) had enough assets to meet only 68 percent of its longterm obligations. In spite of investment returns that have consistently outperformed market benchmarks, together with losses incurred due to market decline beginning in the last part of 2007, the 2008 losses in the stock and bond markets resulted in a 26 percent decline in the asset value of the RBF.
This is a $45 million shortfall and could seriously compromise the RBF’s ability to meet benefit obligations in the future. If corrective action is not taken as soon as possible, there is a high probability that the RBF will not be able to recover.
"BBT’s commitment as administrator of the Plan is to behave so that we can meet our obligations to all of our members throughout their lifetimes," said president Nevin Dulabaum.
Effective July 1, all new annuities will be calculated using an interest assumption rate of 5 percent, and the A and B accounts of active and inactive participants will be combined into one account. Effective Aug. 1, all existing annuities will be recalculated using an interest assumption rate of 5 percent.
Some annuitants may be surprised that the benefit amount can change, but according to the Church of the Brethren Pension Plan legal document, the board has the provision to "readjust annuities or other benefits where such changes are deemed by the Benefit Trust to be necessary to protect and preserve the actuarial and financial solvency of the Plan."
In addition, the funding of a special reserve account from the general assets of BBT (not the pension funds) will continue in an effort to bring the Retirement Benefits Fund to fully reserved status. The RBF will be considered fully reserved when the value of the RBF’s assets is at least 130 percent of the estimated liabilities. A plan will be developed for providing additional benefits to all participants when the funding status of the RBF permits such benefits without jeopardizing the RBF’s ability to meet its obligations.
The board is aware that a reduction in benefit amounts will create hardship for some annuitants. To counteract this hardship, the board and staff are implementing a simple grant program to provide relief to those annuitants who will suffer the most harm from a benefit reduction. The funding for these grants is not coming from the Pension Plan, but from BBT’s operating reserves, which are not normally used for this type of expense.
Details of the grant program and an application will be sent along with a letter to annuitants informing them of their recalculated monthly benefit--prior to the implementation of the new, reduced benefit. Eligibility criteria for these grants are intentionally being kept simple.
BBT is prepared to respond to the many questions and concerns that are likely to arise from these actions. Visit www.brethrenbenefittrust.org to learn more about the decisions and developments as they unfold. Plan members are also encouraged to contact BBT directly at 800-746-1505.
-- This article was provided by the communications staff of BBT.
Source: 5/20/2009 Newsline
In order to preserve the solvency and long-term integrity of the Church of the Brethren Pension Plan’s Retirement Benefits Fund, which funds the monthly benefit payments for annuitants, the Brethren Benefit Trust (BBT) Board in April took action that will reduce annuity payments for retirees.
The board met at the Church of the Brethren General Offices the weekend of April 24-26 and wrestled with this difficult issue that will affect the lives of the Pension Plan’s annuitants.
According to an actuarial study conducted by Hewitt and Associates, as of Dec. 31, 2008, the Retirement Benefits Fund (RBF) had enough assets to meet only 68 percent of its longterm obligations. In spite of investment returns that have consistently outperformed market benchmarks, together with losses incurred due to market decline beginning in the last part of 2007, the 2008 losses in the stock and bond markets resulted in a 26 percent decline in the asset value of the RBF.
This is a $45 million shortfall and could seriously compromise the RBF’s ability to meet benefit obligations in the future. If corrective action is not taken as soon as possible, there is a high probability that the RBF will not be able to recover.
"BBT’s commitment as administrator of the Plan is to behave so that we can meet our obligations to all of our members throughout their lifetimes," said president Nevin Dulabaum.
Effective July 1, all new annuities will be calculated using an interest assumption rate of 5 percent, and the A and B accounts of active and inactive participants will be combined into one account. Effective Aug. 1, all existing annuities will be recalculated using an interest assumption rate of 5 percent.
Some annuitants may be surprised that the benefit amount can change, but according to the Church of the Brethren Pension Plan legal document, the board has the provision to "readjust annuities or other benefits where such changes are deemed by the Benefit Trust to be necessary to protect and preserve the actuarial and financial solvency of the Plan."
In addition, the funding of a special reserve account from the general assets of BBT (not the pension funds) will continue in an effort to bring the Retirement Benefits Fund to fully reserved status. The RBF will be considered fully reserved when the value of the RBF’s assets is at least 130 percent of the estimated liabilities. A plan will be developed for providing additional benefits to all participants when the funding status of the RBF permits such benefits without jeopardizing the RBF’s ability to meet its obligations.
The board is aware that a reduction in benefit amounts will create hardship for some annuitants. To counteract this hardship, the board and staff are implementing a simple grant program to provide relief to those annuitants who will suffer the most harm from a benefit reduction. The funding for these grants is not coming from the Pension Plan, but from BBT’s operating reserves, which are not normally used for this type of expense.
Details of the grant program and an application will be sent along with a letter to annuitants informing them of their recalculated monthly benefit--prior to the implementation of the new, reduced benefit. Eligibility criteria for these grants are intentionally being kept simple.
BBT is prepared to respond to the many questions and concerns that are likely to arise from these actions. Visit www.brethrenbenefittrust.org to learn more about the decisions and developments as they unfold. Plan members are also encouraged to contact BBT directly at 800-746-1505.
-- This article was provided by the communications staff of BBT.
Source: 5/20/2009 Newsline
Cross-cultural event focuses on African-American, youth cultures.
Sunshine. Smiles. Good music. Great food. Warm hospitality. Building understanding. Sharing the love of God. These are just a few of the brief ways to describe the 11th Cross-Cultural Consultation and Celebration held April 23-25 in Miami, Fla. Hosted by Eglise des Freres Haitiens (Miami Haitian Church of the Brethren) and Miami First Church of the Brethren, 80 attendees joined together to learn from each other and prepare for sharing witness with others.
Under the theme "The Pentecostal’s Mandate," this year’s consultation kicked off a new emphasis for the next few years: learning about the cultures that form the Church of the Brethren today. Developed in response to a frequent request by past consultation participants, the steering committee hoped an emphasis on the beliefs, customs, and traditions of the various cultural groups among the Brethren will build on the friendships and fellowship that form at each event with a chance to learn about sisters’ and brothers’ experiences and realities. In turn, the Holy Spirit can prepare participants to share their witness across cultures, whether near to home or far away.
Thursday night’s opening worship featured Vicki Minyard of Los Angeles, Calif., speaking about doing more today to share the Good News with those living around us. Minyard shared the story of her recovery and faith journey to become an ordained minister in the Church of the Brethren. "Wow! It is amazing how God equipped me for such a task through the Holy Spirit," she said.
Friday’s morning session featured a "lectio divina" Bible study on Acts 1:1-9, with many groups reading and sharing in English, Spanish, and Haitian Creole. The afternoon session focused on the beliefs, traditions, and customs of African-American church members. Featured speakers were pastor Thomas Dowdy and James Washington from Imperial Heights Church of the Brethren in Los Angeles. Dowdy spoke on themes related specifically to church life in an African-American context, such as "talking" to the preacher during the sermon. Washington, a member of the denomination’s Anti-Racism Team, focused on discussing recent history of the African-American experience in contemporary society. Attendees were encouraged to share their own experiences with racism, relationship building, and brokenness.
Dowdy and Washington also team preached during the evening service, following the day’s emphasis on the African-American tradition. The service also featured a posthumous presentation of this year’s "Revelation 7:9 Award" to Guillermo Encarnación of Lancaster, Pa. The award was presented to his wife, Gladys Encarnación. The award honors Encarnación’s dedication to including Hispanic Brethren from the US, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic in the life of the denomination.
Saturday’s morning session was an opportunity for two local young church leaders to present on the culture of youth and young adults. Founa Augustin, from Eglise des Freres Haitiens in Miami, spoke about youth culture in the US. Her presentation included a brief summary of the generations in our society, then discussed how church members and parents can stay in touch with young people and continue to guide them as they grow. Marcus Harden from Miami First Church of the Brethren shared how to include youth and young adults in church life, and their readiness and willingness to be leaders now.
The Saturday afternoon session was led by Darin Short with a presentation on moving toward being an intercultural Church of the Brethren. The evening’s closing worship service was planned and led by youth from the host congregations.
The steering committee also took the privilege during the Friday and Saturday night services to express appreciation for Duane Grady’s and Carol Yeazell’s years of service to intercultural ministry over the last 10 years.
This year’s consultation was shown as a live Webcast, allowing long-distance participation for anyone who found it difficult to travel to Miami. Song requests, questions, and reflections submitted by viewing participants were shared with the larger group, allowing for their inclusion. Consensus among the Webcast participants was that they greatly appreciated the opportunity to share in the experience and hoped it could be continued in the future.
Go to the Bethany Theological Seminary Website www.bethanyseminary.edu/crosscultural2009 to view daily sessions and worship services.
The event was planned and led by the Cross-Cultural Ministries Steering Committee: Founa Agustin, Barbara Daté, Thomas Dowdy, Carla Gillespie, Sonja Griffith, Robert Jackson, Nadine Monn, Marisel Olivencia, Gilbert Romero, and Dennis Webb. Next year’s Cross-Cultural Consultation and Celebration will be held on April 23-25, 2010, with the site to be announced.
-- Nadine Monn is a member of the Cross-Cultural Ministries Steering Committee.
Source: 5/20/2009 Newsline
Sunshine. Smiles. Good music. Great food. Warm hospitality. Building understanding. Sharing the love of God. These are just a few of the brief ways to describe the 11th Cross-Cultural Consultation and Celebration held April 23-25 in Miami, Fla. Hosted by Eglise des Freres Haitiens (Miami Haitian Church of the Brethren) and Miami First Church of the Brethren, 80 attendees joined together to learn from each other and prepare for sharing witness with others.
Under the theme "The Pentecostal’s Mandate," this year’s consultation kicked off a new emphasis for the next few years: learning about the cultures that form the Church of the Brethren today. Developed in response to a frequent request by past consultation participants, the steering committee hoped an emphasis on the beliefs, customs, and traditions of the various cultural groups among the Brethren will build on the friendships and fellowship that form at each event with a chance to learn about sisters’ and brothers’ experiences and realities. In turn, the Holy Spirit can prepare participants to share their witness across cultures, whether near to home or far away.
Thursday night’s opening worship featured Vicki Minyard of Los Angeles, Calif., speaking about doing more today to share the Good News with those living around us. Minyard shared the story of her recovery and faith journey to become an ordained minister in the Church of the Brethren. "Wow! It is amazing how God equipped me for such a task through the Holy Spirit," she said.
Friday’s morning session featured a "lectio divina" Bible study on Acts 1:1-9, with many groups reading and sharing in English, Spanish, and Haitian Creole. The afternoon session focused on the beliefs, traditions, and customs of African-American church members. Featured speakers were pastor Thomas Dowdy and James Washington from Imperial Heights Church of the Brethren in Los Angeles. Dowdy spoke on themes related specifically to church life in an African-American context, such as "talking" to the preacher during the sermon. Washington, a member of the denomination’s Anti-Racism Team, focused on discussing recent history of the African-American experience in contemporary society. Attendees were encouraged to share their own experiences with racism, relationship building, and brokenness.
Dowdy and Washington also team preached during the evening service, following the day’s emphasis on the African-American tradition. The service also featured a posthumous presentation of this year’s "Revelation 7:9 Award" to Guillermo Encarnación of Lancaster, Pa. The award was presented to his wife, Gladys Encarnación. The award honors Encarnación’s dedication to including Hispanic Brethren from the US, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic in the life of the denomination.
Saturday’s morning session was an opportunity for two local young church leaders to present on the culture of youth and young adults. Founa Augustin, from Eglise des Freres Haitiens in Miami, spoke about youth culture in the US. Her presentation included a brief summary of the generations in our society, then discussed how church members and parents can stay in touch with young people and continue to guide them as they grow. Marcus Harden from Miami First Church of the Brethren shared how to include youth and young adults in church life, and their readiness and willingness to be leaders now.
The Saturday afternoon session was led by Darin Short with a presentation on moving toward being an intercultural Church of the Brethren. The evening’s closing worship service was planned and led by youth from the host congregations.
The steering committee also took the privilege during the Friday and Saturday night services to express appreciation for Duane Grady’s and Carol Yeazell’s years of service to intercultural ministry over the last 10 years.
This year’s consultation was shown as a live Webcast, allowing long-distance participation for anyone who found it difficult to travel to Miami. Song requests, questions, and reflections submitted by viewing participants were shared with the larger group, allowing for their inclusion. Consensus among the Webcast participants was that they greatly appreciated the opportunity to share in the experience and hoped it could be continued in the future.
Go to the Bethany Theological Seminary Website www.bethanyseminary.edu/crosscultural2009 to view daily sessions and worship services.
The event was planned and led by the Cross-Cultural Ministries Steering Committee: Founa Agustin, Barbara Daté, Thomas Dowdy, Carla Gillespie, Sonja Griffith, Robert Jackson, Nadine Monn, Marisel Olivencia, Gilbert Romero, and Dennis Webb. Next year’s Cross-Cultural Consultation and Celebration will be held on April 23-25, 2010, with the site to be announced.
-- Nadine Monn is a member of the Cross-Cultural Ministries Steering Committee.
Source: 5/20/2009 Newsline
District issues open letter regarding church that has left the denomination.
Illinois and Wisconsin District has issued an open letter regarding Grace Bible Church of Astoria, Ill. (formerly Astoria Church of the Brethren) and its decision to leave the denomination. The letter was signed by district executive Kevin Kessler along with Wilbur Bowman, chair of the district Leadership Team, and Gil Crosby, district moderator.
"While we are saddened by the process and the outcome we wish to remain brothers and sisters committed to Christ’s message," the letter said, in part.
Astoria Church of the Brethren "unilaterally decided to disaffiliate from the Church of the Brethren in 2006," said Kessler. "Without consulting the district, the congregation formed a new non-profit corporation named Grace Bible Church of Astoria and transferred property deeds from the old to the new corporation."
The district considered the action to be a breach of denominational polity, which states that "all property owned by a congregation...shall be held in trust for the use and benefit and in conformity with practices and beliefs of the Church of the Brethren" (Church of the Brethren Manual of Organization and Polity, Chapter VI, Article I, Section A). Efforts to amicably resolve the issue were unsuccessful, Kessler said, "thus, legal action was entered into to remedy the situation."
However, the legal process became "long, tedious, and expensive," Kessler said. "With outcomes being unpredictable, the district Leadership Team decided not to continue the legal process. Instead, a new direction was taken, which included an open letter to Grace Bible Church of Astoria stating the district’s position, as well as a letter to congregations to increase their awareness of denominational polity related to church property."
The open letter explained the district’s recent decision to cease legal action to regain the church property: "Grace Bible Church and the Illinois-Wisconsin District have wasted far too many of our resources on unproductive legal action." The letter also reported that the district has given Grace Bible Church full use of the property, "as long as they continue to function as a Body of Christ for the betterment of the Kingdom of God and their neighbor’s good."
The district has asked for an annual remittance of $100 for continued use of the property, "payable every Easter Sunday when we celebrate our risen Lord who sacrificed everything for us." If Grace Bible ceases to function, moves, or ceases Christian practice, the property will remain the responsibility of the district.
The letter closed by asking God’s blessing on the Grace Bible Church. "We are yours in Christ as you are our brothers and sisters in Christ."
An additional letter that went to the board chair of each church in the district asked the congregations to acknowledge receipt of the letter, affirm the polity guidelines concerning church property at a congregational business meeting, update congregational documents including deeds and bylaws, and send a copy of the minutes of the congregational business meeting and copies of updated documents to the district office. The district’s goal is to complete this process in the time frame of one year.
"The intent of this process is to ensure that congregations know about church polity, but more importantly that congregations are aware of their partnership in the larger body we affectionately know as the Church of the Brethren," Kessler said. "The Leadership Team felt that district resources would be better used for raising awareness of our mutuality and sense of community than in pursuing legal action that focuses on division."
Source: 5/20/2009 Newsline
Illinois and Wisconsin District has issued an open letter regarding Grace Bible Church of Astoria, Ill. (formerly Astoria Church of the Brethren) and its decision to leave the denomination. The letter was signed by district executive Kevin Kessler along with Wilbur Bowman, chair of the district Leadership Team, and Gil Crosby, district moderator.
"While we are saddened by the process and the outcome we wish to remain brothers and sisters committed to Christ’s message," the letter said, in part.
Astoria Church of the Brethren "unilaterally decided to disaffiliate from the Church of the Brethren in 2006," said Kessler. "Without consulting the district, the congregation formed a new non-profit corporation named Grace Bible Church of Astoria and transferred property deeds from the old to the new corporation."
The district considered the action to be a breach of denominational polity, which states that "all property owned by a congregation...shall be held in trust for the use and benefit and in conformity with practices and beliefs of the Church of the Brethren" (Church of the Brethren Manual of Organization and Polity, Chapter VI, Article I, Section A). Efforts to amicably resolve the issue were unsuccessful, Kessler said, "thus, legal action was entered into to remedy the situation."
However, the legal process became "long, tedious, and expensive," Kessler said. "With outcomes being unpredictable, the district Leadership Team decided not to continue the legal process. Instead, a new direction was taken, which included an open letter to Grace Bible Church of Astoria stating the district’s position, as well as a letter to congregations to increase their awareness of denominational polity related to church property."
The open letter explained the district’s recent decision to cease legal action to regain the church property: "Grace Bible Church and the Illinois-Wisconsin District have wasted far too many of our resources on unproductive legal action." The letter also reported that the district has given Grace Bible Church full use of the property, "as long as they continue to function as a Body of Christ for the betterment of the Kingdom of God and their neighbor’s good."
The district has asked for an annual remittance of $100 for continued use of the property, "payable every Easter Sunday when we celebrate our risen Lord who sacrificed everything for us." If Grace Bible ceases to function, moves, or ceases Christian practice, the property will remain the responsibility of the district.
The letter closed by asking God’s blessing on the Grace Bible Church. "We are yours in Christ as you are our brothers and sisters in Christ."
An additional letter that went to the board chair of each church in the district asked the congregations to acknowledge receipt of the letter, affirm the polity guidelines concerning church property at a congregational business meeting, update congregational documents including deeds and bylaws, and send a copy of the minutes of the congregational business meeting and copies of updated documents to the district office. The district’s goal is to complete this process in the time frame of one year.
"The intent of this process is to ensure that congregations know about church polity, but more importantly that congregations are aware of their partnership in the larger body we affectionately know as the Church of the Brethren," Kessler said. "The Leadership Team felt that district resources would be better used for raising awareness of our mutuality and sense of community than in pursuing legal action that focuses on division."
Source: 5/20/2009 Newsline
New building, new name for Wyomissing Church of the Brethren.
The former First Church of the Brethren in Reading, Pa., has a new building and a new name. Holding to the construction schedule for its new church building, the congregation held a first service in its new sanctuary on Easter Sunday.
Simultaneously, a new name, Wyomissing Church of the Brethren, became official. This name was selected as the result of discussions, cottage meetings, and forums over two years to discern a name reflecting the community nature of the congregation and its ministries.
A Service of Dedication will be conducted on Sunday, June 7, from 10:15-11:45 a.m., with a fellowship meal following. Robert W. Neff will present the morning message, "Glory Hallelujah, We're Home," from Psalm 122:1, "I was glad when they said to me, ‘Let us go to the house of the Lord!’"
The new facility is entirely handicapped accessible, including a perimeter aisle in the sanctuary that is level with the chancel. A family life center features basketball, volleyball, and four-square layouts. Horst Construction of Lancaster County, Pa., is the contractor for the new facility.
Wyomissing Church of the Brethren retains the same address and phone number: 2200 State Hill Rd., Wyomissing, PA 19610-1904; 610-374-8451. Go to www.fcotb.org or www.wcotb.org for the church’s website.
-- Tim Speicher is pastor of Wyomissing Church of the Brethren.
Source: 5/20/2009 Newsline
The former First Church of the Brethren in Reading, Pa., has a new building and a new name. Holding to the construction schedule for its new church building, the congregation held a first service in its new sanctuary on Easter Sunday.
Simultaneously, a new name, Wyomissing Church of the Brethren, became official. This name was selected as the result of discussions, cottage meetings, and forums over two years to discern a name reflecting the community nature of the congregation and its ministries.
A Service of Dedication will be conducted on Sunday, June 7, from 10:15-11:45 a.m., with a fellowship meal following. Robert W. Neff will present the morning message, "Glory Hallelujah, We're Home," from Psalm 122:1, "I was glad when they said to me, ‘Let us go to the house of the Lord!’"
The new facility is entirely handicapped accessible, including a perimeter aisle in the sanctuary that is level with the chancel. A family life center features basketball, volleyball, and four-square layouts. Horst Construction of Lancaster County, Pa., is the contractor for the new facility.
Wyomissing Church of the Brethren retains the same address and phone number: 2200 State Hill Rd., Wyomissing, PA 19610-1904; 610-374-8451. Go to www.fcotb.org or www.wcotb.org for the church’s website.
-- Tim Speicher is pastor of Wyomissing Church of the Brethren.
Source: 5/20/2009 Newsline
Brethren bits: Remembrances, job opening, anniversaries, and more.
- Roger Lynn Ingold (83), of Hershey, Pa., died on May 11 at his home. He was a former Church of the Brethren mission worker in Nigeria, and former Africa representative for the denomination. He served in Nigeria for 15 years from 1960-75, starting as a teacher at Waka Schools, then quickly taking on the position of Nigeria field secretary with responsibility for supervision of the entire Brethren mission including scores of mission workers serving in evangelism, health care, agriculture, and education. He helped usher the mission through the process of indigenization over succeeding years, when much of the work and many institutions were turned over to Nigerian staff of Ekklesiyar Yan'uwa a Nigeria (EYN--the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria) or to the state governments. He lived in Nigeria through a time of military coups and the Biafran War (the Nigerian civil war), when he was credited for personally being involved in peacemaking efforts mediating on behalf of Nigerians who had fled violence, and at one point arranging for a special train and guards to evacuate eastern Nigerians who were in imminent danger of massacre in the north of the country. After the war, in 1969, he was seconded to the Christian Council of Nigeria to work with its Relief and Rehabilitation Commission, helping to provide food and medical services to more than a million people in the former war zone. Later, his staff role was enlarged to become World Ministries representative for Africa involvements, and for an interim period he added Asia to his portfolio. In 1975 he returned to the US and continued to serve as Africa representative, working out of the General Offices in Elgin, Ill. Through 1983, he continued to guide the church's work in Nigeria and Niger, and helped begin a Lafiya-type health program in Sudan. He also chaired the National Council of Churches' Africa Committee. Prior to his service in Nigeria, he taught high school science for 12 years. He was born in Akron, Ohio, on April 4, 1926, son of the late Ralph and Alta Ingold. He was a graduate of Manchester College. During college he spent time as a "seagoing cowboy," and registered as a conscientious objector. His volunteer service to the church also included membership on the district mission board in the former Northeastern Ohio District, where he also was vice chair of the district council of boards and served as district "Call" director. He is survived by his wife, Phyllis, and sons David and John, step-children, and their spouses, eight grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. A memorial service will be held at Spring Creek Church of the Brethren in Hershey, Pa., at 11 a.m. on May 30. Memorial contributions are received to the Heifer Foundation for the Seagoing Cowboy Endowment.
- The Church of the Brethren’s Global Mission Partnerships staff is calling for prayer following the death of pastor Delouis St. Louis (38), a young church leader among the Brethren in Haiti. He was one of the leaders of Eglise des Freres Haitiens (Haitian Church of the Brethren) who was interviewed for licensing or ordination earlier this year. He fell ill unexpectedly, staff reported, and other church leaders were on their way to take money to his family so that he could go to the hospital when they received the news of his death. St. Louis was born in Aug. 1970, and was the caretaker for his 14 younger siblings. In his licensing interview, he spoke of coming to know Jesus at age 16, his studies at seminary, his entry into ministry work through the Messianic Church of God, and his gifts of starting churches and helping those in need. He told the interviewer that, "The Church of the Brethren has a lot of work to do in Haiti." As a minister in the Haitian Church of the Brethren, he had begun seven preaching points and was working with the disaster response project that is rebuilding homes destroyed by last year’s hurricanes in the areas of Fond Cheval and Mont Boulage. His own family was one of those made homeless by the storms. Brethren Disaster Ministries is providing funds to help cover funeral costs, and will be working to get the St. Louis family into their own home as soon as possible, staff reported. Haiti mission coordinator Ludovic St. Fleur, who also serves as pastor of Eglise des Freres Haitiens in Miami, Fla., has met with St. Louis’ family in Haiti. Memorial contributions are being received by Eglise des Freres Haitiens in Miami, to aid the family. St. Louis is survived by his wife, his siblings, two stepchildren, and his mother.
- The Church of the Brethren’s Northern Ohio District has an opening for camp director at Inspiration Hills, an outdoor ministry center located near Burbank, Ohio. Experience and/or training in Christian education, management, finance, conservation, maintenance of facilities and grounds, marketing skills, and camp management experience (a bachelor’s degree or five-to-ten years of business management experience) are preferable in interested candidates. Go to www.cob-net.org/church/ohio_northern.htm to find a downloadable PDF job description and application form. Interested candidates should send a cover letter, resume, and completed application to Curt Jacobsen, c/o Northern Ohio District Office, 1107 East Main St., Ashland, OH 44805. Applications will be accepted until May 31.
- Brethren are traveling to Angola to help celebrate the 125th anniversary of Igreja Evangelica Congregacional em Angola (Evangelical Congregational Church in Angola), a partner for development work supported by Brethren Disaster Ministries. SHAREcircle, based in Evanston, Ill., also has been a development partner and is organizing the delegation that includes Roy Winter, executive director of Brethren Disaster Ministries, and Dale Minnich of the Church of the Brethren Mission and Ministry Board. The delegation left May 19.
- The Church of the Brethren has endorsed a "Religious Statement on Foreign Assistance Reform," an effort of a coalition of denominations and organizations including the National Council of Churches, Church World Service, and World Relief, convened by Bread for the World. Headed by a verse from Isaiah 58, the statement says in part, "The willingness to fight poverty and other barriers to human dignity is one of the marks of a wise nation, and since the end of the Second World War, foreign assistance from the United States has been the single largest financial contributor to human development around the world. Today, US foreign aid is essential not only to meet humanitarian necessity and promote economic growth and progress, but also to build a world of stability and security for generations to come." The statement calls for a new system of foreign assistance and advocates specific reforms including making poverty reduction a primary goal, doubling funding for poverty-focused development assistance by 2012, and affirming that humanitarian relief and development assistance is under the control, authority, and direction of civilian agencies and partners including faith-based institutions, reversing a trend toward greater involvement by the Department of Defense. The statement is linked to the Initiating Foreign Assistance Reform Act of 2009 (H.R. 2139). Reforming the foreign assistance system is the focus of Bread for the World's Offering of Letters campaign. Go to www.bread.org.
- A trial begins May 26 for the 12 people arrested for nonviolent civil disobedience at Colosimo’s Gun Center in Philadelphia in January, as part of the Heeding God’s Call peace church conference. Among those arrested were two members of the Church of the Brethren, Phil Jones and Mimi Copp. The Church of the Brethren’s Mission and Ministry Board is helping to support the legal defense for Phil Jones, who at the time of the arrest was serving as director of the Brethren Witness/Washington Office, reported general secretary Stan Noffsinger. "The upcoming trial should have our attention," Noffsinger said. Heeding God’s Call marked the beginning of a new faith-based initiative against gun violence and illegal weapons in America’s cities. Those arrested were part of a campaign to pressure Colosimo’s Gun Center to sign a Code of Conduct for Responsible Gun Dealers, and followed several weeks of discussion between the gun shop owner and a delegation of local religious leaders. The defendants include community advocates from Camden, N.J., and Philadelphia, ordained Christian clergy from three denominations, and a Jewish rabbi. The following events will be held in Philadelphia on May 26: a vigil at 8 a.m. to support the defendants and to pray for all whose lives are threatened by gun violence, at Arch Street United Methodist Church; an invitation to supporters to attend the court session that opens at 9 a.m. in Room 1003 of the Criminal Justice Center; and a 12:30 p.m. rally on the theme, "Inspiring HOPE, Raising VOICES, Taking ACTION!" at Dilworth Plaza. Go to www.HeedingGodsCall.org or contact info@HeedingGodsCall.org or 267-519-5302.
- Donnels Creek Church of the Brethren in Springfield, Ohio, celebrated its 200th anniversary on May 17 with Mel Menker as guest speaker for the morning worship services, followed by a dinner, a horse drawn carriage, beard and pie contests, and a quilt unveiling. "We praise the Lord for His faithfulness," commented pastor Tad Hobert. An article about the history of the church appeared in the "Springfield News-Sun"; go to http://www.springfieldnewssun.com/news/springfield-news/donnels-creek-church-marks-200-years-of-living-water-123277.html to find it online.
- Troy (Ohio) Church of the Brethren celebrates its 100th anniversary on Saturday, June 13. Call 937-335-8835 for more information.
- Welty Church of the Brethren in Smithsburg, Md., is donating choir robes to any church that can use them. The accepting church assumes shipping costs. Description: 18 Murphy robes, excellent condition, 100 percent polyester, washable, tan with burgundy neck overlay, zip front, various sizes and lengths, long sleeve, hangers included. Call Hazel Shockey at 717-762-4195.
- Pamela H. Brubaker, a Church of the Brethren member and professor of religion at California Lutheran University, has been invited to be on the World Council of Churches’ Advisory Group for Economic Matters. The first meeting of the group was held in Switzerland on May 14-16. Brubaker teaches courses in Christian ethics and gender studies and serves on the Board of the Society of Christian Ethics.
Reid resigns as assoc. general secretary, exec. of Caring Ministries.
Kathryn Goering Reid, the Church of the Brethren’s associate general secretary of Ministry and Program and executive director of Caring Ministries, has submitted her resignation as of June 30. She will be seeking employment in Texas, where her husband, Stephen Reid, is professor of Christian Scriptures at George W. Truett Theological Seminary, Baylor University.
Reid began her service with the former Association of Brethren Caregivers (ABC) on Jan. 5, 2004, as executive director. She was instrumental during the time of the merger of ABC and the former General Board, and started in her present position on Sept. 1, 2008.
She is an ordained minister in both the Church of the Brethren and the Mennonite Church, USA. She holds a bachelor's degree from Manchester College in North Manchester, Ind.; a master’s degree in education from Georgia State University, Atlanta; and a master of divinity degree from the Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley, Calif.
Source: 5/20/2009 Newsline
Kathryn Goering Reid, the Church of the Brethren’s associate general secretary of Ministry and Program and executive director of Caring Ministries, has submitted her resignation as of June 30. She will be seeking employment in Texas, where her husband, Stephen Reid, is professor of Christian Scriptures at George W. Truett Theological Seminary, Baylor University.
Reid began her service with the former Association of Brethren Caregivers (ABC) on Jan. 5, 2004, as executive director. She was instrumental during the time of the merger of ABC and the former General Board, and started in her present position on Sept. 1, 2008.
She is an ordained minister in both the Church of the Brethren and the Mennonite Church, USA. She holds a bachelor's degree from Manchester College in North Manchester, Ind.; a master’s degree in education from Georgia State University, Atlanta; and a master of divinity degree from the Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley, Calif.
Source: 5/20/2009 Newsline
Douglas to serve as director of the Conference Office.
Chris Douglas has accepted the position of director of the Conference Office for the Church of the Brethren, effective Sept. 6. She will train with current director Lerry Fogle during this year’s Annual Conference, and work in conjunction with him until his retirement in December.
Douglas has been serving as director of the church’s Youth and Young Adult Ministry. She began her employment with the former General Board in Jan. 1985 as staff for Youth and Young Adult Ministry and Urban Ministry. In 1990 she began working fulltime in Youth and Young Adult Ministry, taking on expanded responsibilities for leadership development events, increasing attendance at National Youth Conferences, and expansion of workcamps. She has directed the last six National Youth Conferences, and has been a member of the Religious Conference Managers Association for the past eight years.
She is a Manchester College graduate with a degree in Spanish and Education, and holds a master of divinity degree and a doctor of ministry degree from Bethany Theological Seminary.
Source: 5/20/2009 Newsline
Chris Douglas has accepted the position of director of the Conference Office for the Church of the Brethren, effective Sept. 6. She will train with current director Lerry Fogle during this year’s Annual Conference, and work in conjunction with him until his retirement in December.
Douglas has been serving as director of the church’s Youth and Young Adult Ministry. She began her employment with the former General Board in Jan. 1985 as staff for Youth and Young Adult Ministry and Urban Ministry. In 1990 she began working fulltime in Youth and Young Adult Ministry, taking on expanded responsibilities for leadership development events, increasing attendance at National Youth Conferences, and expansion of workcamps. She has directed the last six National Youth Conferences, and has been a member of the Religious Conference Managers Association for the past eight years.
She is a Manchester College graduate with a degree in Spanish and Education, and holds a master of divinity degree and a doctor of ministry degree from Bethany Theological Seminary.
Source: 5/20/2009 Newsline
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. Kris Bair, Jeff Boshart, Gary Cook, Diane Giffin, Karin L. Krog, Nancy Miner, Dale Minnich, and Jay A. Wittmeyer 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. Kris Bair, Jeff Boshart, Gary Cook, Diane Giffin, Karin L. Krog, Nancy Miner, Dale Minnich, and Jay A. Wittmeyer contributed to this report.
Wednesday, May 06, 2009
NEWS
- Ecumenical Blitz Build takes off in New Orleans.
- Fuller Seminary to establish a chair in Anabaptist studies.
- Brethren bits: Job opening, Spanish translators, legislation, more.
- Stephen Abe to conclude his service as West Marva District executive.
- Joan Lowry retires as district executive for Southern Plains.
- Sonja Griffith named as district executive for Western Plains.
- Gene Hagenberger to serve as executive for Mid-Atlantic District.
- Brethren Disaster Ministries offers workcamps in Haiti.
- 50th Anniversary Open House to be held at General Offices.
- Bethany Theological Seminary observes its 104th commencement.
- Study tour to Armenia is open for applications.
- Cross Keys to dedicate new Wellness Center, apartments.
- Shepherd’s Spring holds grand opening for Heifer Global Village.
- Brethren bits: More upcoming events!
Ecumenical Blitz Build takes off in New Orleans.
Volunteers from Maine to Washington, representing 10 denominations, have descended on New Orleans to assist in the reconstruction of 12 homes in the community of Littlewoods. During week two of the Church World Service (CWS) Blitz Build, volunteers continued to work in ecumenical fashion side-by-side, fellowshiping and eating with one another.
At a Tuesday evening gathering, volunteers participating in the build had the opportunity to gather for a meal, fellowship, games, and interaction with homeowners. Following brief introductions and a New Orleans-style meal of jambalaya, rice, and red beans, volunteers participated in a game in which they tried to pronounce words unique to the New Orleans area. Brethren Disaster Ministries volunteer and district coordinator "Frosty" Wilkinson won the game, earning him the sweet reward of a New Orleans king cake.
Homeowners were given the opportunity to address the group. Most took time to express their thanks for the work being done, nearly four years after Hurricane Katrina. Some broke into tears, unable to find the words to express their thanks, spurring others to tears as emotion filled the room.
Positive reports from numerous volunteers across denominational lines demonstrated the uniqueness and beneficial aspects of this ecumenical effort. Brethren Disaster Ministries continues to provide volunteers, leadership, and tools in support of the Blitz Build.
-- Zach Wolgemuth is associate director of Brethren Disaster Ministries.
Source: 5/06/2009 Newsline
Volunteers from Maine to Washington, representing 10 denominations, have descended on New Orleans to assist in the reconstruction of 12 homes in the community of Littlewoods. During week two of the Church World Service (CWS) Blitz Build, volunteers continued to work in ecumenical fashion side-by-side, fellowshiping and eating with one another.
At a Tuesday evening gathering, volunteers participating in the build had the opportunity to gather for a meal, fellowship, games, and interaction with homeowners. Following brief introductions and a New Orleans-style meal of jambalaya, rice, and red beans, volunteers participated in a game in which they tried to pronounce words unique to the New Orleans area. Brethren Disaster Ministries volunteer and district coordinator "Frosty" Wilkinson won the game, earning him the sweet reward of a New Orleans king cake.
Homeowners were given the opportunity to address the group. Most took time to express their thanks for the work being done, nearly four years after Hurricane Katrina. Some broke into tears, unable to find the words to express their thanks, spurring others to tears as emotion filled the room.
Positive reports from numerous volunteers across denominational lines demonstrated the uniqueness and beneficial aspects of this ecumenical effort. Brethren Disaster Ministries continues to provide volunteers, leadership, and tools in support of the Blitz Build.
-- Zach Wolgemuth is associate director of Brethren Disaster Ministries.
Source: 5/06/2009 Newsline
Fuller Seminary to establish a chair in Anabaptist studies.
Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, Calif., is seeking to establish an endowed chair devoted to Radical Reformation thought, named in honor of John Howard Yoder and James William McClendon Jr. The chair will promote the scholarly investigation of Radical Reformation history, theology, and ethics, and will provide leadership for the growing community of Fuller students and faculty from the Anabaptist tradition.
Mennonite theologian John Howard Yoder He is best known for his book, "Politics of Jesus," originally published in 1972, and translated into many languages. After completing doctoral studies in Basel, writing his dissertation in German on the disputes between Anabaptists and Reformers, he joined the faculty at Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary in Elkhart, Ind., in 1965, as well as that of Notre Dame University in 1977, where he taught in the peace studies program and the Department of Theology. While he was clearly the most influential Mennonite theologian of the 20th century, he was committed to persistent and patient dialogue with the wider body of Christ.
James McClendon found his first church home among Southern Baptists. However, he was deeply affected by Yoder’s argument for the centrality of nonviolence in the way of Jesus, and for the role of the church as modeling an alternative form of social existence. He wrote a systematic theology appropriate to the broad Christian movement that he came to call "small-b baptist," a translation of the German term "taufer." He moved to southern California in 1990 to accompany his wife, Nancey Murphy, who began teaching at Fuller in 1989. McClendon taught doctoral seminars on radical-reformation theology at Fuller Seminary, where he was Distinguished Scholar in Residence, and at the Graduate Theological Union. In his teaching and scholarship he was significantly influenced by Church of the Brethren scholars such as Dale Brown and Donald Durnbaugh.
In Pasadena, McClendon and Murphy were delighted to find a church self-consciously in the radical reformation tradition. McClendon was a member of Pasadena Church of the Brethren until his death in 2000, and served for a year there as interim pastor.
Fuller Seminary was founded as a nondenominational institution, and has maintained an evangelical identity inclusive of all varieties of Christians, from Anglican to Pentecostal. There is now a significant Anabaptist presence on campus. Seven faculty members identify with the tradition. For the academic years 2006-07 and 2007-08, 56 students who self-identified as Mennonite, Brethren in Christ, and Church of the Brethren enrolled in various degree programs.
Equally significant is the fact that Fuller’s population is increasingly made up of students and faculty from McClendon’s more broadly baptist designation: Baptists who trace their roots as much to the radical reformation as to the mainline reformers; new free churches that developed in the American frontier; many Pentecostals, charismatics, and nondenominational Christians. Students from Africa, Asia, and Latin America discover the Anabaptist tradition to be relevant to contexts where Christians remain a minority. Anabaptism gives resources for thinking theologically and strategically about faith in a context where Christianity enjoys no privileged status.
--Nancey Murphy is professor of Christian Philosophy at Fuller Theological Seminary, and a member of Pasadena Church of the Brethren.
Source: 5/06/2009 Newsline
Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, Calif., is seeking to establish an endowed chair devoted to Radical Reformation thought, named in honor of John Howard Yoder and James William McClendon Jr. The chair will promote the scholarly investigation of Radical Reformation history, theology, and ethics, and will provide leadership for the growing community of Fuller students and faculty from the Anabaptist tradition.
Mennonite theologian John Howard Yoder He is best known for his book, "Politics of Jesus," originally published in 1972, and translated into many languages. After completing doctoral studies in Basel, writing his dissertation in German on the disputes between Anabaptists and Reformers, he joined the faculty at Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary in Elkhart, Ind., in 1965, as well as that of Notre Dame University in 1977, where he taught in the peace studies program and the Department of Theology. While he was clearly the most influential Mennonite theologian of the 20th century, he was committed to persistent and patient dialogue with the wider body of Christ.
James McClendon found his first church home among Southern Baptists. However, he was deeply affected by Yoder’s argument for the centrality of nonviolence in the way of Jesus, and for the role of the church as modeling an alternative form of social existence. He wrote a systematic theology appropriate to the broad Christian movement that he came to call "small-b baptist," a translation of the German term "taufer." He moved to southern California in 1990 to accompany his wife, Nancey Murphy, who began teaching at Fuller in 1989. McClendon taught doctoral seminars on radical-reformation theology at Fuller Seminary, where he was Distinguished Scholar in Residence, and at the Graduate Theological Union. In his teaching and scholarship he was significantly influenced by Church of the Brethren scholars such as Dale Brown and Donald Durnbaugh.
In Pasadena, McClendon and Murphy were delighted to find a church self-consciously in the radical reformation tradition. McClendon was a member of Pasadena Church of the Brethren until his death in 2000, and served for a year there as interim pastor.
Fuller Seminary was founded as a nondenominational institution, and has maintained an evangelical identity inclusive of all varieties of Christians, from Anglican to Pentecostal. There is now a significant Anabaptist presence on campus. Seven faculty members identify with the tradition. For the academic years 2006-07 and 2007-08, 56 students who self-identified as Mennonite, Brethren in Christ, and Church of the Brethren enrolled in various degree programs.
Equally significant is the fact that Fuller’s population is increasingly made up of students and faculty from McClendon’s more broadly baptist designation: Baptists who trace their roots as much to the radical reformation as to the mainline reformers; new free churches that developed in the American frontier; many Pentecostals, charismatics, and nondenominational Christians. Students from Africa, Asia, and Latin America discover the Anabaptist tradition to be relevant to contexts where Christians remain a minority. Anabaptism gives resources for thinking theologically and strategically about faith in a context where Christianity enjoys no privileged status.
--Nancey Murphy is professor of Christian Philosophy at Fuller Theological Seminary, and a member of Pasadena Church of the Brethren.
Source: 5/06/2009 Newsline
Brethren bits: Job opening, Spanish translators, legislation, more.
- IMA World Health (founded and incorporated as Interchurch Medical Assistance, Inc.) based at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md., is seeking a president/CEO. IMA World Health is an international faith-based member organization advancing health and healing to vulnerable and marginalized people in developing countries. It is a membership association of 12 US Protestant relief and development agencies including the Church of the Brethren, with field offices in Tanzania, Haiti, Democratic Republic of Congo, Sudan, and Kenya. Responsibilities of the position include among others: providing visionary and strategic leadership; overseeing day-to-day operations; maintaining understanding of financial position and outlook; ensuring fiscal responsibility and security; providing resource development leadership for expansion of the donor base and fostering relations with donors; providing management and direction to staff; communicating the mission of IMA to various audiences and developing and maintain sound relationships with those who share the vision. Ideal candidates will share passion and commitment to advancing health and healing to vulnerable and marginalized people and strengthening health systems in developing countries, and will bring a variety of experiences and attributes including significant senior leadership experience in the nonprofit sector, specifically in a large organization operating in several diverse geographic and cultural locations; a high degree of financial literacy; experience or working knowledge of international public health, including hands-on overseas experience; familiarity with large contract and government organizations; knowledge of and experience in member-based organizations, preferably faith-based; a successful record of fundraising; understanding of the servant leadership model; interpersonal and communications skills and ability as a speaker; a deep Christian faith commitment to Gospel values; integrity and a positive reputation; sensitivity to cultural differences; willingness to travel; and a master’s degree or equivalent. IMA offers a competitive salary and benefits package. IMA has retained TransitionGuides to assist in identifying and recruiting candidates. To apply, e-mail a cover letter, resume, and salary requirements to IMA@transitionguides.com. Send other inquiries to IMA Search c/o TransitionGuides, 1751 Elton Rd., Suite 204, Silver Spring, MD 20903; 301-439-6635. Contact: Ginna Goodenow. Resume reviews will begin in June. Interviews will take place July through September. The board will approve and welcome the new president/CEO in October. Go to www.imaworldhealth.org for more information.
- Spanish translators are needed for the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference in San Diego, Calif., on June 26-30. "Looking for a unique volunteer opportunity at Annual Conference? Serve as a Spanish translator during the business sessions and worship services," said an invitation from Spanish translation coordinator Nadine Monn. Those who may be able to help provide this service for Hispanic church members from Puerto Rico and the US are invited to contact Monn at nadine.monn@verizon.net.
- Church of the Brethren General secretary Stanley J. Noffsinger has signed a national faith letter in support of the Employee Free Choice Act. A total of 39 faith-based organizations and denominations signed the letter coordinated by Interfaith Worker Justice and the Poverty Initiative of the National Council of Churches. "As leading religious organizations and denominations representing people of faith throughout the country, we are committed to promoting and uplifting the dignity of working people and particularly low-wage workers," the letter said in part. "We therefore urge you to support the Employee Free Choice Act, legislation that will help to ensure the right of all workers to form unions if they so choose, in order to negotiate decent wages, provide for their families, secure fair benefits and decent working conditions, and have a voice in the workplace." Noffsinger reported that he signed the letter on the basis of the Church of the Brethren General Board’s 1988 "Resolution for a Just Minimum Wage." Go to www.iwj.org/template/page.cfm?id=208 for the full text of the letter.
- Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS) has welcomed the news that President Obama has signed the "Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act" reauthorizing and expanding national volunteer service programs. "BVS is excited that President Obama has so strongly embraced volunteer service," said director Dan McFadden. "The Brethren have a long history of service being an active part of one’s faith life. The support the administration has for public service can only strengthen BVS." The legislation will increase the number of AmeriCorps volunteers from 75,000 to 250,000, increase education rewards to $5,350, provide incentives for middle and high school students to engage in service, recognize and support universities engaged in service, create new service corps to meet needs in low-income communities, expand service opportunities for older Americans and public-private partnerships, and build a nationwide service infrastructure through community-building investments and social entrepreneurship. "The increase in the education award will be a help to those BVS volunteers who qualify for AmeriCorp through direct service sites," McFadden said. "Many young people come out of college with significant debt and this will be an encouragment for service."
- The New Windsor Conference Center at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md., has begun a major kitchen renovation. The four-week construction project will replace equipment to meet fire and safety regulations, and also will expand the facility and allow for safer and more user friendly work stations, better customer flow, and upgrades to operating systems. During the renovation, a self-service area and a temporary kitchen will operate out of the rear dining room. Dining services will be continue to be open daily for lunch.
- SERRV has received the inaugural award for "Outstanding Service to the Fair Trade Community" from the Fair Trade Federation (FTF). SERRV was begun as a Church of the Brethren program. Carmen Iezzi, executive director of FTF, applauded SERRV saying, "The Fair Trade Federation could think of no better organization to honor with its first Award for Service to the Fair Trade Community than SERRV. Their tireless commitment to artisans and farmers over the last 60 years, as well as their numerous contributions to the broader Fair Trade movement, are a great example to new and established Fair Trade Organizations alike."
- An orientation for the Training in Ministry and Education for Shared Ministry programs of the Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership took place at Bethany Seminary in Richmond, Ind., on March 26-29. Participants included Amy Bell of Union Bridge, Md.; Sharon Heien of Centerville, Iowa; Becky Henry of Frederick, Md.; Marilyn Koehler of Udell, Iowa; Diane Mason of Moulton, Iowa; Janice Shull of Venice, Fla.; Diana Smith of Warsaw, Mo.; and Jeremy Westlake of Browning, Ill.
- Prayer requests from RECONCILE, a partner organization in southern Sudan where the Church of the Brethren mission has placed staff, include prayer for a trauma healing program with 51 children who were affected by recent Lord’s Resistance Army attacks on the city of Yei. The Lord’s Resistance Army is a rebel group from Uganda. "Pray especially for the children who have had family members killed or abducted," RECONCILE staff asked. RECONCILE also received news of a serious raid in Akobo, a major center of the Presbyterian Church of Sudan, leaving 177 people dead. In addition, the staff requested people of faith to join in praising God "for how well the three-month courses here at RECONCILE Peace Institute are going and pray that the Lord would use the students as instruments of peace and healing."
- Onekama (Mich.) Church of the Brethren is celebrating its 100th anniversary on June 13-14. Pastor Frances Townsend reports that a book about the history of the church and its founding pastor, J. Edson Ulery, is now online. "We in the congregation have always enjoyed the book, ‘A Heap of Living,’ by Cora Helman," Townsend wrote. "Recently her great nephew Jeff Clemans finally read the book he had heard of in family circles. He was so excited by it that he created a website and put the entire contents on it. The website also includes a picture biography of Cora Helman." Go to www.aheapofliving.org to find the book online.
- Three Church of the Brethren congregations in the Harrisonburg and Dayton areas of Virginia--Fairview, Greenmount, and Mount Bethel--are among 10 churches, Ruritan clubs, and a Boy Scout troop who are sponsoring a new food pantry.
- Olympia, Lacey (Wash.) Community Church of the Brethren has offered to host Camp Quixote during July and August. Camp Quixote is a camp for people who live "without traditional housing," according to a report by Howard Ullery in the church newsletter. Ullery wrote that "hosting this camp...has felt like a calling for our congregation for some time."
- The Illinois and Wisconsin District Leadership Team has begun an effort to visit as many churches as possible in the district, in order to meet personally with pastors and members. The team held its most recent meeting at Woodland Church of the Brethren in Astoria, Ill., in April. The Leadership Team has met in 12 different congregations since District Conference in 2007.
- The McPherson (Kan.) College Board of Trustees in March approved a "Plan for Sustainability" to address financial concerns related to a declining endowment, a need to balance the budget, and to create a plan for future growth. According to a release from the college, in December the board invited faculty to develop proposals and adopted a revised plan this spring. "In light of these significant economic issues, some more difficult financial decisions were necessary," the release said. Reductions in staffing include adjunct staffing in academic areas including business and behavioral science; elimination of a half-time position in physical education and two staff in the library and academic dean’s office. Tuition and fees will be increased by about 6 percent. Advancement, athletic, and administrative budgets will be decreased collectively by about $100,000. The Spanish major will become dormant, but the college will continue to offer up to 12 hours of Spanish language courses each year. Theater and music departments will combine to form a new performing arts major with three fulltime faculty. The instrumental music program will be discontinued. The history department will continue to offer a major with a more compact set of course offerings while providing an opportunity for teacher licensure with two fulltime faculty. "Due to the continuing declines in the financial markets since the original announcement of this plan, the college has regretfully decided to suspend the college’s contribution to its employee retirement plans," the release said. "The board will revisit this decision at its future meetings." The plan also features a combination of donor-designated endowed funds to allow the college to continue and enhance a variety of programing related to philosophy and religion, peace and Christian service, including the campus ministry position. Go to www.mcpherson.edu/plan for the full plan.
- Bridgewater (Va.) College has announced a Presidential Search Committee. The committee will conduct the search for a replacement for retiring president Phillip C. Stone. The committee will be chaired by G. Steven Agee, a judge on the US Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit. The committee also includes Judy Mills Reimer, former general secretary of the Church of the Brethren, along with William S. Earhart, Michael K. Kyles, Robert I. Stolzman, James H. Walsh, W. Steve Watson Jr., James L. Wilkerson, and Kathy G. Wright.
- Colleen Hamilton, a Church of the Brethren student at Manchester College, is one of two students to win top honors at the school’s 11th annual Student Research Symposium. Hamilton, a senior from Rockford, Mich., was honored for her paper, "A Springtime for Our Language: The Protection and Promotion of Regional and Minority Languages in Europe." Also honored was Utsav Hanspal of New Delhi, India, for his paper, "Temperature Analysis of Galactic Bubbles."
- Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT) co-director Carol Rose has announced that programs are at risk because of financial concerns. "CPT has always lived with the tenuous balance of having the work to do, the people to do it, and finding enough money to fund it," Rose wrote in a release. "Now, for the first time, the balance has tipped to the degree that we may need to suspend and scale back compelling peacemaking work because funds are low." CPT has "made the difficult decision to freeze the stipended Peacemaker Corps at its current size," Rose reported. "On every team, CPTers are drastically reducing expenses. Some have offered to work fulltime without pay or with deep cuts to very modest subsistence stipends." The release also listed opportunities for continued and expanded CPT work including renewed work in Palestine in the old city of Al Khalil (Hebron) and communities around the village of at-Tuwani; training opportunities in Colombia and the UK; opportunities in the DR Congo; and to accompany Kurdish Iraqi villagers displaced by Turkish bombing. Go to www.cpt.org for more about CPT.
- Mark Kuntz of Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren in Elgin, Ill., and a cello player in the Elgin Symphony Orchestra (ESO), has been honored by the Illinois Council of Orchestras for 50 years with the ESO.
- Chuck Riedesel of Holmesville (Neb.) Church of the Brethren, who teaches computer science and engineering at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln, has won the James A. Griesen 2009 Chancellor’s Award for Exemplary Service to Students.
- Mary Goetzke, a resident of Fahrney-Keedy Home and Village, celebrated her 102nd birthday on April 7 at the Church of the Brethren retirement community in Boonsboro, Md. Asked how she feels to be 102, Goetzke said, "That’s what they say, but I don’t feel any different," according to a release from Fahrney-Keedy. As for advice on living as long as she has, she says people should, "Just live a good, common, clean life."
Stephen Abe to conclude his service as West Marva District executive.
Stephen E. Abe will conclude his service as district executive minister of the Church of the Brethren’s West Marva District effective Sept. 30. He has served in the position for nine years, since Jan. 1, 2000, working out of the district office in Oakland, Md.
Previously, Abe served as pastor of Elkins (W.Va.) Church of the Brethren from 1992-2000. He recently has been the Council of District Executives’ representative to the Church of the Brethren’s Mission and Ministry Board, as an ex-officio member. He is a graduate of Ashland Theological Seminary in Ashland, Ohio, an institution affiliated with the Brethren Church.
Source: 5/06/2009 Newsline
Stephen E. Abe will conclude his service as district executive minister of the Church of the Brethren’s West Marva District effective Sept. 30. He has served in the position for nine years, since Jan. 1, 2000, working out of the district office in Oakland, Md.
Previously, Abe served as pastor of Elkins (W.Va.) Church of the Brethren from 1992-2000. He recently has been the Council of District Executives’ representative to the Church of the Brethren’s Mission and Ministry Board, as an ex-officio member. He is a graduate of Ashland Theological Seminary in Ashland, Ohio, an institution affiliated with the Brethren Church.
Source: 5/06/2009 Newsline
Joan Lowry retires as district executive for Southern Plains.
A. Joan Lowry has retired as district executive minister of Southern Plains District, effective March 31. She began her service to the district on Aug. 1, 2003, when she originally was called to serve as district administrative secretary in a one-year interim position.
She previously had served team pastorates in Thomas, Okla., and Waka, Texas. She and her husband, Jim, also have managed the district’s Spring Lake Retreat and Camp Center in Ripley, Okla. In volunteer service to the district, Lowry has been a district moderator and has served on the district board.
Until May 15, contact information for Southern Plains District is care of Arnold Cowen, District Board Chair, 1405 Par Rd., Perry, OK 73077; arnold35@hotmail.com or 580-336-5645.
Source: 5/06/2009 Newsline
A. Joan Lowry has retired as district executive minister of Southern Plains District, effective March 31. She began her service to the district on Aug. 1, 2003, when she originally was called to serve as district administrative secretary in a one-year interim position.
She previously had served team pastorates in Thomas, Okla., and Waka, Texas. She and her husband, Jim, also have managed the district’s Spring Lake Retreat and Camp Center in Ripley, Okla. In volunteer service to the district, Lowry has been a district moderator and has served on the district board.
Until May 15, contact information for Southern Plains District is care of Arnold Cowen, District Board Chair, 1405 Par Rd., Perry, OK 73077; arnold35@hotmail.com or 580-336-5645.
Source: 5/06/2009 Newsline
Sonja Griffith named as district executive for Western Plains.
Sonja Sherfy Griffith will serve as district executive of Western Plains District in a half-time position beginning Jan. 1, 2010. She also will continue as part-time pastor of First Central Church of the Brethren in Kansas City, Kan., where she has served for the past 12 years. Ken and Elsie Holderread retire as co-district executives on Dec. 31.
Griffith’s leadership in the district has included service as district moderator, as a member of the District Board, as chair of the Witness Commission, as a member of the Transformation Steering Team, and as an Area Minister. She has been active denominationally as a founding member and a continuing presence on the Cross Cultural Ministries Team.
She attended McPherson (Kan.) College and is a graduate of the University of Kansas School of Nursing and holds a degree in Public Health Nursing from the University of Minnesota. During her nursing career, she served as a public health nurse and as a college nursing faculty member for more than 30 years. She has completed the Training in Ministry program of the Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership and has earned a master of theology degree from St. Paul School of Theology.
The Western Plains District Office will continue to be located in McPherson, Kan.
Source: 5/06/2009 Newsline
Sonja Sherfy Griffith will serve as district executive of Western Plains District in a half-time position beginning Jan. 1, 2010. She also will continue as part-time pastor of First Central Church of the Brethren in Kansas City, Kan., where she has served for the past 12 years. Ken and Elsie Holderread retire as co-district executives on Dec. 31.
Griffith’s leadership in the district has included service as district moderator, as a member of the District Board, as chair of the Witness Commission, as a member of the Transformation Steering Team, and as an Area Minister. She has been active denominationally as a founding member and a continuing presence on the Cross Cultural Ministries Team.
She attended McPherson (Kan.) College and is a graduate of the University of Kansas School of Nursing and holds a degree in Public Health Nursing from the University of Minnesota. During her nursing career, she served as a public health nurse and as a college nursing faculty member for more than 30 years. She has completed the Training in Ministry program of the Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership and has earned a master of theology degree from St. Paul School of Theology.
The Western Plains District Office will continue to be located in McPherson, Kan.
Source: 5/06/2009 Newsline
Gene Hagenberger to serve as executive for Mid-Atlantic District.
Gene Hagenberger begins as district executive minister of Mid-Atlantic District on Aug.1. He brings more than 27 years of pastoral experience to the position. Since June 1998 he has served as pastor of Easton (Md.) Church of the Brethren, and previously served churches in Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Maryland.
His district leadership has included service as chair and vice-chair of the Mid-Atlantic District Leadership Team, and on the Visioning Committee and Constitution and Bylaws Review and Revision Committee. He has represented the district on Standing Committee.
Hagenberger is a graduate of Elizabethtown (Pa.) College, attended Drew Theological Seminary, and earned a degree from Western Maryland College with a concentration in Counseling. He holds a certificate in Clinical Pastoral Education from the Shore Health System in Easton, and has completed the Advanced Foundations of Church Leadership program of the Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership.
Source: 5/06/2009 Newsline
Gene Hagenberger begins as district executive minister of Mid-Atlantic District on Aug.1. He brings more than 27 years of pastoral experience to the position. Since June 1998 he has served as pastor of Easton (Md.) Church of the Brethren, and previously served churches in Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Maryland.
His district leadership has included service as chair and vice-chair of the Mid-Atlantic District Leadership Team, and on the Visioning Committee and Constitution and Bylaws Review and Revision Committee. He has represented the district on Standing Committee.
Hagenberger is a graduate of Elizabethtown (Pa.) College, attended Drew Theological Seminary, and earned a degree from Western Maryland College with a concentration in Counseling. He holds a certificate in Clinical Pastoral Education from the Shore Health System in Easton, and has completed the Advanced Foundations of Church Leadership program of the Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership.
Source: 5/06/2009 Newsline
United against racism: Dignity and justice for all.
Doris Abdullah, the Church of the Brethren’s representative to the United Nations and a member of the NGO Sub-Committee for the Elimination of Racism, attended the UN Durban Review Conference in Switzerland on April 20-24. She has provided the following report:
I am using "successful" to describe the outcome of the conference because it accomplished its goal of having a world follow-up meeting to assess the 2001 Durban Declaration, which provided an important new framework for guiding governments, NGOs, and other individuals and institutions in their efforts to combat racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and similar forms of intolerance.
The final outcome document was not what I would have wanted, but the fact remains that the document was reached by consensus of the world body, including the nine nations that either walked out or otherwise protested the conference on the opening day. The final document did not offend any nation and that in itself gives an opening to civil society organizations, such as ourselves, to continue our fight for human rights for the people racially discriminated against such as the following long list:
One of the largest racially discriminated groups are the Dalits, victims of racial discrimination based in the caste system. Dalit is a caste group born with the identity of "untouchable" and "lower caste." Dalits number between 250 million to 300 million persons found mostly in India, 5.4 million persons in Nepal, and millions in other parts of Southeast Asia and Africa.
Racial discrimination against indigenous peoples, who number 370 million in 70 countries. Indigenous peoples have in common a historical continuity with a given region prior to colonization, and a strong link to their lands. They maintain distinct social, economic, and political systems with distinct languages, cultures, beliefs, and knowledge systems. Two of the many racially discriminated issues raised by indigenous people are climate change and access to safe drinking water.
Persons belonging to national, ethnic, religious, and linguistic minorities. The Roma people, found throughout Europe, are the persons most identified as racially discriminated against. Article 27 of the "International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights" states that "persons belonging to such minorities shall not be denied the right in community with the other members of their group to enjoy their own culture, to profess and practice their own religion, or to use their own language."
Women face multiple forms of discrimination. The majority of the world's poorest people are women, who are further affected by discrimination if they belong to minority groups. Women who are discriminated against on the basis of both gender and race are frequently subject to violence. The UN "Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women" (CEDAW) has been ratified by 185 states.
Migrants experience racial discrimination. It is estimated that more than 200 million people live outside their countries of origin. Irrespective of immigration status, migrants are entitled to human rights including economic, social, and cultural rights. There are state-criminalized migration offences throughout the globe. International treaties explicitly recognize that factors such as race, color, and national origin contribute to discrimination, exclusion, and disadvantages for migrants.
People of African descent. The UN Commission on Human Rights has created the Working Group of Experts on People of African Descent, a Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism, an Independent Expert on minority issues, and the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, which have consistently taken up Afro-descendant issues. For 400 years, people of African descent were marginalized as part of the legacy of slavery and colonialism. Racism and racial discrimination have caused people of African descent to suffer exclusion and poverty. African descendants are disadvantaged in access to education, health care, markets, loans, and technology.
Others mentioned at the conference as victims of racism include the Buraku people of Japan, and the Palestinian people.
In 2001 the Durban Conference was attended by 18,000 people with 2,500 delegates from 170 countries including 16 heads of state. Only one head of state attended this year’s Review Conference--the President of Iran--but all 192 heads of member states were invited.
Not one of the nations that walked out because of Iran's remarks called what was said incorrect, but instead poured out their rage on the President of Iran personally and the conference as a whole. I believe that they merely did not want to confront the racism in their own countries.
Canada does not want to engage its indigenous population in dialogue about disputed lands, Israel does not want to talk about the segregation wall on Palestinian lands, the US does not want conversation about reparations for slavery, and Europe does not want to speak about the millions of people of color who have come to European countries since globalization and are denied equal access and basic human rights.
-- Doris Abdullah is the Church of the Brethren’s representative to the United Nations and a member of the NGO Sub-Committee for the Elimination of Racism.
Source: 5/06/2009 Newsline
Doris Abdullah, the Church of the Brethren’s representative to the United Nations and a member of the NGO Sub-Committee for the Elimination of Racism, attended the UN Durban Review Conference in Switzerland on April 20-24. She has provided the following report:
I am using "successful" to describe the outcome of the conference because it accomplished its goal of having a world follow-up meeting to assess the 2001 Durban Declaration, which provided an important new framework for guiding governments, NGOs, and other individuals and institutions in their efforts to combat racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and similar forms of intolerance.
The final outcome document was not what I would have wanted, but the fact remains that the document was reached by consensus of the world body, including the nine nations that either walked out or otherwise protested the conference on the opening day. The final document did not offend any nation and that in itself gives an opening to civil society organizations, such as ourselves, to continue our fight for human rights for the people racially discriminated against such as the following long list:
One of the largest racially discriminated groups are the Dalits, victims of racial discrimination based in the caste system. Dalit is a caste group born with the identity of "untouchable" and "lower caste." Dalits number between 250 million to 300 million persons found mostly in India, 5.4 million persons in Nepal, and millions in other parts of Southeast Asia and Africa.
Racial discrimination against indigenous peoples, who number 370 million in 70 countries. Indigenous peoples have in common a historical continuity with a given region prior to colonization, and a strong link to their lands. They maintain distinct social, economic, and political systems with distinct languages, cultures, beliefs, and knowledge systems. Two of the many racially discriminated issues raised by indigenous people are climate change and access to safe drinking water.
Persons belonging to national, ethnic, religious, and linguistic minorities. The Roma people, found throughout Europe, are the persons most identified as racially discriminated against. Article 27 of the "International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights" states that "persons belonging to such minorities shall not be denied the right in community with the other members of their group to enjoy their own culture, to profess and practice their own religion, or to use their own language."
Women face multiple forms of discrimination. The majority of the world's poorest people are women, who are further affected by discrimination if they belong to minority groups. Women who are discriminated against on the basis of both gender and race are frequently subject to violence. The UN "Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women" (CEDAW) has been ratified by 185 states.
Migrants experience racial discrimination. It is estimated that more than 200 million people live outside their countries of origin. Irrespective of immigration status, migrants are entitled to human rights including economic, social, and cultural rights. There are state-criminalized migration offences throughout the globe. International treaties explicitly recognize that factors such as race, color, and national origin contribute to discrimination, exclusion, and disadvantages for migrants.
People of African descent. The UN Commission on Human Rights has created the Working Group of Experts on People of African Descent, a Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism, an Independent Expert on minority issues, and the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, which have consistently taken up Afro-descendant issues. For 400 years, people of African descent were marginalized as part of the legacy of slavery and colonialism. Racism and racial discrimination have caused people of African descent to suffer exclusion and poverty. African descendants are disadvantaged in access to education, health care, markets, loans, and technology.
Others mentioned at the conference as victims of racism include the Buraku people of Japan, and the Palestinian people.
In 2001 the Durban Conference was attended by 18,000 people with 2,500 delegates from 170 countries including 16 heads of state. Only one head of state attended this year’s Review Conference--the President of Iran--but all 192 heads of member states were invited.
Not one of the nations that walked out because of Iran's remarks called what was said incorrect, but instead poured out their rage on the President of Iran personally and the conference as a whole. I believe that they merely did not want to confront the racism in their own countries.
Canada does not want to engage its indigenous population in dialogue about disputed lands, Israel does not want to talk about the segregation wall on Palestinian lands, the US does not want conversation about reparations for slavery, and Europe does not want to speak about the millions of people of color who have come to European countries since globalization and are denied equal access and basic human rights.
-- Doris Abdullah is the Church of the Brethren’s representative to the United Nations and a member of the NGO Sub-Committee for the Elimination of Racism.
Source: 5/06/2009 Newsline
‘We thank you for the check....’
Following are just a few of the many responses from food banks to the Church of the Brethren matching grants for domestic hunger relief. The program helped congregations around the country raise money over the winter for local food needs, matched by grants from the Church of the Brethren’s Global Food Crisis Fund and Emergency Disaster Fund. The responses have been compiled by Howard Royer, manager of the Global Food Crisis Fund:
"Our kitchen serves three meals a day, every day of the year, to the homeless under our roof. On their behalf, God bless!" -- Chris Smith, Lebanon (Pa.) Rescue Mission, and minister at Midway Church of the Brethren
"I am thanking you on behalf of our church, the Big Sky Church (American Baptist/Church of the Brethren) of Froid, Mont., of which I am a member, and our Culbertson Food Bank for which I serve as coordinator under the auspices of the Ministerial Association. As in many areas, we are seeing more and more families turning to local food banks for assistance. So we really appreciate the financial help we received from you. May God richly bless each one of you as you serve in this ministry." -- Eva May Knudson, Culbertson Food Bank, Froid, Mon.
"We thank you for the check for $500 for our pantry. The money will help us out a great deal to buy groceries for our increasing number of clients. We were happy to see that the Polo Church of the Brethren was able to raise such a large amount also. Thank you for your kindness and generosity!" -- Avis Ehmen and Anne Vock, Polo (Ill.) Lifeline Food Pantry
"Without the loving kindness and support of people like the Mountville Church of the Brethren, our ministry plainly speaking would go ‘belly up.’ These disciples of Christ are awesome in our eyes." -- Columbia Food Bank, Mountville, Pa.
"Thank you for your donation of $500 given to our Second Harvest Food Bank campaign, ‘A Region Responds to Ending Hunger,’ matching the $500 gift of the Anderson Church of the Brethren. Your gift qualifies for the Kresge Challenge and will generate $250 more when our $4 million goal is met." -- Lois Rockhill, executive director, Second Harvest Food Bank of East Central Indiana, Muncie, Ind.
Source: 5/06/2009 Newsline
Following are just a few of the many responses from food banks to the Church of the Brethren matching grants for domestic hunger relief. The program helped congregations around the country raise money over the winter for local food needs, matched by grants from the Church of the Brethren’s Global Food Crisis Fund and Emergency Disaster Fund. The responses have been compiled by Howard Royer, manager of the Global Food Crisis Fund:
"Our kitchen serves three meals a day, every day of the year, to the homeless under our roof. On their behalf, God bless!" -- Chris Smith, Lebanon (Pa.) Rescue Mission, and minister at Midway Church of the Brethren
"I am thanking you on behalf of our church, the Big Sky Church (American Baptist/Church of the Brethren) of Froid, Mont., of which I am a member, and our Culbertson Food Bank for which I serve as coordinator under the auspices of the Ministerial Association. As in many areas, we are seeing more and more families turning to local food banks for assistance. So we really appreciate the financial help we received from you. May God richly bless each one of you as you serve in this ministry." -- Eva May Knudson, Culbertson Food Bank, Froid, Mon.
"We thank you for the check for $500 for our pantry. The money will help us out a great deal to buy groceries for our increasing number of clients. We were happy to see that the Polo Church of the Brethren was able to raise such a large amount also. Thank you for your kindness and generosity!" -- Avis Ehmen and Anne Vock, Polo (Ill.) Lifeline Food Pantry
"Without the loving kindness and support of people like the Mountville Church of the Brethren, our ministry plainly speaking would go ‘belly up.’ These disciples of Christ are awesome in our eyes." -- Columbia Food Bank, Mountville, Pa.
"Thank you for your donation of $500 given to our Second Harvest Food Bank campaign, ‘A Region Responds to Ending Hunger,’ matching the $500 gift of the Anderson Church of the Brethren. Your gift qualifies for the Kresge Challenge and will generate $250 more when our $4 million goal is met." -- Lois Rockhill, executive director, Second Harvest Food Bank of East Central Indiana, Muncie, Ind.
Source: 5/06/2009 Newsline
Brethren Disaster Ministries offers workcamps in Haiti.
Brethren Disaster Ministries is seeking volunteers to help build homes in Haiti, as part of a new disaster recovery project following hurricanes and storms that caused widespread destruction in Haiti last year. This longterm response project was initiated earlier this year by Brethren Disaster Ministries and the Church of the Brethren Haiti Mission. It has been funded by grants totaling $305,000 from the Church of the Brethren’s Emergency Disaster Fund.
Jeff Boshart is serving as the Haiti disaster response coordinator, working with Haitian consultant Klebert Exceus of Orlando, Fla., in cooperation with Haiti mission coordinator Ludovic St. Fleur and the Haitian Brethren congregations.
"This is an exciting chance to serve and worship alongside our Haitian Brethren," said the announcement. "So far, Brethren Disaster Ministries has helped build 40 homes in Haiti. While we are thankful for progress made, there is so much more to be accomplished. We will be building 60 more homes, and volunteers are needed to meet this goal."
Three Haiti Hurricane Response Workcamps are planned for 2009: on May 30-June 8 (registration is due by May 11), Aug. 7-16 (registration is due by July 6), and in October (dates to be announced). Volunteers will work, eat, and worship with Haitian Christians and help rebuild homes in the mountainous Mirebalais area and the coastal city of GonaÃves. Workcampers also will worship with the Haitian Brethren in the capital Port-au-Prince and other preaching points.
Cost will be from $1,000-$1,200, from Miami, Fla. The fee will cover meals, lodging, in-country transportation, and travel insurance, but does not include round-trip transportation from the volunteer’s home to Miami.
Volunteers must be 18 years of age or older. Other requirements include excellent health, stamina for hard work in a hot climate and two-mile treks up mountain paths, a passport, appropriate vaccinations and medications (malaria medications are recommended), and sensitivity and flexibility with regard to cultural differences.
In addition to home rebuilding, the broad-based project also includes a micro-loan program to fund the purchase of farm animals and support small businesses, shipment of meals for local schools, medical supplies for clinics, providing canned meat from the Mid-Atlantic and Southern Pennsylvania Districts canning project, and training and capacity building for Haitian leadership.
For more information or to register for a workcamp, go to www.brethrendisasterministries.org or call 800-451-4407.
In other disaster relief news, the Emergency Disaster Fund has given recent grants in the amounts of $60,000 for the Brethren Disaster Ministries’ Hurricane Katrina rebuilding site 4 in Chalmette, La.; and $5,000 for a CWS appeal following extreme flooding and flood damage in several areas of the United States.
Source: 5/07/2009 Newsline Extra
Brethren Disaster Ministries is seeking volunteers to help build homes in Haiti, as part of a new disaster recovery project following hurricanes and storms that caused widespread destruction in Haiti last year. This longterm response project was initiated earlier this year by Brethren Disaster Ministries and the Church of the Brethren Haiti Mission. It has been funded by grants totaling $305,000 from the Church of the Brethren’s Emergency Disaster Fund.
Jeff Boshart is serving as the Haiti disaster response coordinator, working with Haitian consultant Klebert Exceus of Orlando, Fla., in cooperation with Haiti mission coordinator Ludovic St. Fleur and the Haitian Brethren congregations.
"This is an exciting chance to serve and worship alongside our Haitian Brethren," said the announcement. "So far, Brethren Disaster Ministries has helped build 40 homes in Haiti. While we are thankful for progress made, there is so much more to be accomplished. We will be building 60 more homes, and volunteers are needed to meet this goal."
Three Haiti Hurricane Response Workcamps are planned for 2009: on May 30-June 8 (registration is due by May 11), Aug. 7-16 (registration is due by July 6), and in October (dates to be announced). Volunteers will work, eat, and worship with Haitian Christians and help rebuild homes in the mountainous Mirebalais area and the coastal city of GonaÃves. Workcampers also will worship with the Haitian Brethren in the capital Port-au-Prince and other preaching points.
Cost will be from $1,000-$1,200, from Miami, Fla. The fee will cover meals, lodging, in-country transportation, and travel insurance, but does not include round-trip transportation from the volunteer’s home to Miami.
Volunteers must be 18 years of age or older. Other requirements include excellent health, stamina for hard work in a hot climate and two-mile treks up mountain paths, a passport, appropriate vaccinations and medications (malaria medications are recommended), and sensitivity and flexibility with regard to cultural differences.
In addition to home rebuilding, the broad-based project also includes a micro-loan program to fund the purchase of farm animals and support small businesses, shipment of meals for local schools, medical supplies for clinics, providing canned meat from the Mid-Atlantic and Southern Pennsylvania Districts canning project, and training and capacity building for Haitian leadership.
For more information or to register for a workcamp, go to www.brethrendisasterministries.org or call 800-451-4407.
In other disaster relief news, the Emergency Disaster Fund has given recent grants in the amounts of $60,000 for the Brethren Disaster Ministries’ Hurricane Katrina rebuilding site 4 in Chalmette, La.; and $5,000 for a CWS appeal following extreme flooding and flood damage in several areas of the United States.
Source: 5/07/2009 Newsline Extra
50th Anniversary Open House to be held at General Offices.
On May 13, a 50th Anniversary Open House will be held at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill. "What do these stones mean to you?" (Joshua 4:6) is the theme.
The Open House will begin at 1:15 p.m. on May 13 with building tours. At 2 p.m. "Worship in Word and Song" will be held in the unique stone-walled chapel, led by Wil Nolen and the choir of Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren. The speaker will be Annual Conference secretary Fred Swartz. At 2:30 p.m. a program of "Stories of Living Stones" will be led by Howard Royer, manager of the denomination’s Global Food Crisis Fund and a church staff member in Elgin for more than 50 years. A reception will follow, and another opportunity for tours of the building.
On April 8, 1959, the building was opened on Dundee Avenue after the church moved its offices from a previous location on State Street in downtown Elgin. This year also marks the 110th anniversary of the church’s move to the city.
Currently the building houses Church of the Brethren denominational staff, the Brethren Benefit Trust, the Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestra, and Living Gospel Church of God in Christ. Around the building are expanses of lawn, and behind it lie a section of community garden plots.
Source: 5/07/2009 Newsline Extra
On May 13, a 50th Anniversary Open House will be held at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill. "What do these stones mean to you?" (Joshua 4:6) is the theme.
The Open House will begin at 1:15 p.m. on May 13 with building tours. At 2 p.m. "Worship in Word and Song" will be held in the unique stone-walled chapel, led by Wil Nolen and the choir of Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren. The speaker will be Annual Conference secretary Fred Swartz. At 2:30 p.m. a program of "Stories of Living Stones" will be led by Howard Royer, manager of the denomination’s Global Food Crisis Fund and a church staff member in Elgin for more than 50 years. A reception will follow, and another opportunity for tours of the building.
On April 8, 1959, the building was opened on Dundee Avenue after the church moved its offices from a previous location on State Street in downtown Elgin. This year also marks the 110th anniversary of the church’s move to the city.
Currently the building houses Church of the Brethren denominational staff, the Brethren Benefit Trust, the Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestra, and Living Gospel Church of God in Christ. Around the building are expanses of lawn, and behind it lie a section of community garden plots.
Source: 5/07/2009 Newsline Extra
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