- IMA World Health has announced the appointment of Richard "Rick" Santos as the organization’s new president and CEO. IMA World Health has its main offices and warehouse space at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md., and the Church of the Brethren is a member denomination. Santos begins working with IMA World Health on Oct. 12 as president-elect, to assume full duties after a short transition with retiring CEO Paul Derstine. Santos brings more than 15 years of experience in international development, joining IMA from International Relief and Development, where he was director of Communications and Advocacy, and prior to that Church World Service, where he held a series of positions including coordinator of Strategic Planning and Evaluation, coordinator of Technical Resource, country director for Indonesia, and program officer in Bangladesh and Vietnam.
- Nathan and Jennifer Hosler departed for Nigeria on Sept. 18, to take up their new positions as mission workers. They will be serving as teacher of peace and reconciliation at Kulp Bible College and peace and reconciliation worker with Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria (EYN--the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria). "Please include them in prayers," asked Karin Krog, director of the Church of the Brethren’s Human Resources department.
- Grace Mishler has returned to Vietnam as a mission worker and program volunteer for the Church of the Brethren. She has worked in Vietnam previously, in a placement jointly sponsored by the Church of the Brethren and Eastern Mennonite Missions, when she was a teacher and social worker at National Vietnam University in Ho Chi Minh City and counted among her accomplishments the creation of a course on Social Awareness of People with Disabilities. In an e-mail to the Global Mission Partnerships office dated Sept. 11, Mishler reported on her first week back at work at the university. "They want me to help in social work curriculum development in teaching students, disabilities, and English Social Work Practice Skill." She also has begun teaching an English Bible study class for the Foreign Language Department.
- Don Knieriem has joined the Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS) team as staff volunteer. His primary responsibilities will be to assist Callie Surber, the orientation coordinator. Knieriem just completed his first volunteer term as disaster project assistant with Brethren Disaster Ministries, based in New Orleans assisting with work following Hurricane Katrina. He is a member of Wilmington (Del.) Church of the Brethren and a graduate of the University of Delaware.
- The New Windsor (Md.) Conference Center is thanking volunteer hosts Ric and Jan Martinez, who hosted for the Old Main building in August and September, and Ed and Betty Runion, who hosted for Windsor Hall in September. Both couples will depart for home on Sept. 30. The Conference Center welcomes back Mike and Barb Hodson of Troy, Ohio, as hosts for Old Main in October.
- SERRV is welcoming longterm volunteers Valetta and Roland Kesler of Quinter, Kan., who will be in their 20th year of volunteering on the Brethren Service Center campus in New Windsor, Md.
- The Church of the Brethren is still accepting applications for the position of director of Brethren Identity and Relations, who holds responsibility to communicate the mission and ministry of the Church of the Brethren to those affiliated with the church and to those outside who seek information about the church. A major responsibility is oversight of the denominational website, along with responsibility for annual reports, connections with district conferences, and meeting other communication needs. Candidates should have proven experience in communication and website development; a deep understanding of the Church of the Brethren; active membership in the Church of the Brethren; experience with the denominational scope of the church’s life and work; superior skills in writing, editing, and public speaking; and the technical and relational skills to manage a complex website and collaborate with others. The position is located at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill., and is part of the Brethren Press communication team. Applications are being accepted until the position is filled. Request a position description and an application from Karin Krog, Office of Human Resources, at kkrog@brethren.org or 800-323-8039 ext. 258.
- Manchester College in North Manchester, Ind., seeks a fulltime campus pastor. Responsibilities include planning and coordinating weekly chapel services and other regular worship services; participating in planning activities for Focus on Faith Week, Peace Week, and other programming that facilitates religious life, promotes understanding of different faith traditions, and helps integrate faith and learning in the campus community; overseeing religious life groups; participating on a number of committees; organizing special services such as Baccalaureate and the Martin Luther King, Jr. celebration; attending department meetings; supervising student workers; serving on the counseling staff; maintaining relationship with the Church of the Brethren; developing a congregational communication program with the director of church relations; managing a budget and other administrative functions. Qualifications include minimum of a Master of Divinity or equivalent degree; appreciation for the religious diversity of a college campus; experience in conducting worship services; training and experience in personal counseling; presentation skills; proficiencyt in spoken and written English; organizational and administrative skills; team orientation; ability to prioritize responsibilities, meet deadlines, and respond to students’ legitimate needs in a timely manner; ability to work with students of all backgrounds; ability and willingness to perform clerical work as necessary; leadership, financial, and supervisory skills; proficiency in word processing, spreadsheet, e-mail, and Internet use. Ordination in the Church of the Brethren preferred. Some weekend and evening work required, 10 months per year, August through May. Submit a cover letter, resume, and completed application ( http://www.manchester.edu/OHR/application.pdf ) by Oct. 8 to Human Resources, Manchester College, 604 E. College Ave., North Manchester, IN 46962; ajjudy@manchester.edu; fax 260-982-5449. Manchester College is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants who further diversify faculty and staff are warmly welcomed.
- The Gather ’Round curriculum seeks freelance curriculum writers to write for the 2011-12 year. Gather ’Round is a project of Brethren Press and Mennonite Publishing Network. Writers are needed for Preschool (ages 3-4), Primary (K-grade 2), Middler (grades 3-5), Junior Youth (grades 6-8), and Youth (grades 9-12). All writers will attend an orientation conference in April 2010 and begin writing thereafter, with deadlines staggered quarter by quarter. Writers prepare weekly materials for teacher’s guides, student books, and resource packs. Compensation varies according to the age group and the number of weeks (12-14) in a given quarter. For more information and to apply, visit the "Contact us" page at www.gatherround.org. Deadline for applications is Nov. 30.
- Jan Eller has resigned as administrator of the Womaen’s Caucus of the Church of the Brethren, after more than six years in the role. She is an ordained minister, living in Portland, Ore. The Womaen's Caucus seeks a part-time administrator to begin work in January. The Caucus administrator is responsible for arranging Steering Committee meetings, coordinating Annual Conference activities, sustaining denominational relationships, maintaining organizational correspondence and records, and serving as Caucus treasurer. The successful candidate will be a Church of the Brethren feminist who is familiar with church structure, possesses strong administrative and secretarial skills, and is eager to take the initiative and articulate Caucus goals to the Caucus community and wider church. Qualified candidates will have strong writing skills and be fluent in using e-mail, the Internet, and appropriate computer programs for communication, database management, and financial management. Attendance at two multi-day meetings per year, one in late January and the second at Annual Conference, is required. The contract is renewable in two-year intervals. The position is estimated to require an average of 25 hours per month at $10 per hour plus expenses. Applications are due by Nov. 30. A downloadable application, full job description, and more information are available online at www.womaenscaucus.org or by contacting Audrey deCoursey at womaen@gmail.com.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Brethren Bits
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, Kim Ebersole, Mary Jo Flory-Steury, Mary Ann Grossnickle, Cori Hahn, Audrey Hollenberg, Judy Keyser, Karin Krog, Nancy Miner, Sharon Nearhoof May, Anna Speicher, John Wall, and Jane Yount contributed to this report.
Newsline is produced by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of news services for the Church of the Brethren, cobnews@brethren.org or 800-323-8039 ext. 260. Kris Bair, Kim Ebersole, Mary Jo Flory-Steury, Mary Ann Grossnickle, Cori Hahn, Audrey Hollenberg, Judy Keyser, Karin Krog, Nancy Miner, Sharon Nearhoof May, Anna Speicher, John Wall, and Jane Yount contributed to this report.
Wednesday, September 09, 2009
NEWS
- Annual Conference announces 2010 theme, study committees organize.
- Junior High Conference exceeds seed grant in 'reverse offering.'
- Workcamp aids Haitian Brethren in rebuilding effort.
- World Council of Churches names new general secretary.
- Northern Plains meets under the banner of 'Faith, Hope, Love.'
- Life of Eagle Creek Church continues through its generous gifts.
Annual Conference announces 2010 theme, study committees organize.
The 224th recorded Annual Conference of the Church of the Brethren will be held in Pittsburgh, Pa., on July 3-7, 2010. The theme statement for the Conference will be "Taking Jesus Seriously" from John 14:15, "If you love me, you will obey what I command" (NIV).
In another announcement from retiring Conference director Lerry Fogle, two Annual Conference study committees are organizing to begin their work.
The Resource Committee on Secret Oath-Bound Societies, appointed by the Annual Conference officers at the direction of the delegates to the 2009 Conference, organized on Aug. 27. The committee includes Dan Ulrich, professor of New Testament studies at Bethany Theological Seminary, as chair; Harold Martin, recorder; and Judy Mills Reimer. The group will develop a list of resources that affirms the Conference action of 1954 to educate and inform the church concerning membership in secret oath-bound societies. The committee is charged with completing its assignment by the time of the 2010 Annual Conference in Pittsburgh, Pa.
The other committee formed by the 2009 Conference is the Special Response Resource Committee. It will hold its organizational meeting on Oct. 12-13. The group includes Karen Long Garrett, Jim Myer, Marie Rhoades, John E. Wenger, and Carol Wise. This committee will develop study materials and a discussion guide for use in congregations, districts, and denominational groups, focused on the content of the paper "A Statement of Confession and Commitment" and the query "Language on Same-Sex Covenantal Relationships." The committee has been asked to create study materials by April 1, 2010.
Information created by both resource committees will be made available on the Annual Conference website, in Source, and through other denominational communication vehicles.
Available online now is a statement from Annual Conference moderator Shawn Flory Replogle giving background for the 2010 theme. "We live in challenging times...," he writes in part. "The Church of the Brethren is made for such a time as this," his statement adds. "Among the most central ways the Brethren have lived out their spiritual inheritance--taking Jesus seriously--is through honest reading of the Gospels, followed by straightforward discipleship...." Go to www.cobannualconference.org/pittsburgh/theme.html to find the full statement.
In related news, the move of the Conference Office has been accelerated. The office is moving from the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md., to the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill., on Sept. 8-11. The Church of the Brethren Annual Conference contact information will be: Annual Conference, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL, 60120; Chris Douglas, Conference Director, 800-323-8039 ext. 228; Jon Kobel, Conference Assistant, 800-323-8039 ext. 229; fax 847-742-1618. Douglas will function as Conference Director starting Sept. 14. Retiring director Lerry Fogle will be in Elgin for training of new staff during multiple periods in September through November.
Source: 9/9/2009 Newsline
The 224th recorded Annual Conference of the Church of the Brethren will be held in Pittsburgh, Pa., on July 3-7, 2010. The theme statement for the Conference will be "Taking Jesus Seriously" from John 14:15, "If you love me, you will obey what I command" (NIV).
In another announcement from retiring Conference director Lerry Fogle, two Annual Conference study committees are organizing to begin their work.
The Resource Committee on Secret Oath-Bound Societies, appointed by the Annual Conference officers at the direction of the delegates to the 2009 Conference, organized on Aug. 27. The committee includes Dan Ulrich, professor of New Testament studies at Bethany Theological Seminary, as chair; Harold Martin, recorder; and Judy Mills Reimer. The group will develop a list of resources that affirms the Conference action of 1954 to educate and inform the church concerning membership in secret oath-bound societies. The committee is charged with completing its assignment by the time of the 2010 Annual Conference in Pittsburgh, Pa.
The other committee formed by the 2009 Conference is the Special Response Resource Committee. It will hold its organizational meeting on Oct. 12-13. The group includes Karen Long Garrett, Jim Myer, Marie Rhoades, John E. Wenger, and Carol Wise. This committee will develop study materials and a discussion guide for use in congregations, districts, and denominational groups, focused on the content of the paper "A Statement of Confession and Commitment" and the query "Language on Same-Sex Covenantal Relationships." The committee has been asked to create study materials by April 1, 2010.
Information created by both resource committees will be made available on the Annual Conference website, in Source, and through other denominational communication vehicles.
Available online now is a statement from Annual Conference moderator Shawn Flory Replogle giving background for the 2010 theme. "We live in challenging times...," he writes in part. "The Church of the Brethren is made for such a time as this," his statement adds. "Among the most central ways the Brethren have lived out their spiritual inheritance--taking Jesus seriously--is through honest reading of the Gospels, followed by straightforward discipleship...." Go to www.cobannualconference.org/pittsburgh/theme.html to find the full statement.
In related news, the move of the Conference Office has been accelerated. The office is moving from the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md., to the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill., on Sept. 8-11. The Church of the Brethren Annual Conference contact information will be: Annual Conference, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL, 60120; Chris Douglas, Conference Director, 800-323-8039 ext. 228; Jon Kobel, Conference Assistant, 800-323-8039 ext. 229; fax 847-742-1618. Douglas will function as Conference Director starting Sept. 14. Retiring director Lerry Fogle will be in Elgin for training of new staff during multiple periods in September through November.
Source: 9/9/2009 Newsline
Junior High Conference exceeds seed grant in 'reverse offering.'
Junior high youth who took part in this year's National Junior High Conference have exceeded the seed money they were given for a "reverse offering" that has been collected since the June event. Reports on the collection has been issued by the Church of the Brethren's Youth and Young Adult Ministry.
In an update, youth and young adult ministry director Becky Ullom called the effort a "fantastic response from the junior high youth."
The worship planning team at the National Junior High Conference "wanted to have an offering experience that didn't put additional financial strain on families sending their youth to the conference," Ullom said. "Because the conference was focused on the theme of transformation, we decided a to try a reverse offering to benefit the ministries of the Church of the Brethren."
Each youth who attended the conference received $10, made possible through a $4,000 grant from the Church of the Brethren's Core Ministries Fund and the church's office of Stewardship and Donor Development.
"We encouraged the youth to consider how they might 'transform' the money into more," Ullom said. "If the youth were unsure of how to transform the money or didn't want to participate for some other reason, they could offer the money back immediately."
Staff returned from the conference with about $800 given during the event. Since then, many more donations have been received from junior high youth and youth groups, for a total of $6,277. Yet more donations are expected through the fall, Ullom said.
"I just wanted to share this great news with you," she wrote in her e-mail about the program. "What an example these youth and their advisors, families, and congregations are providing!"
Source: 9/9/2009 Newsline
Junior high youth who took part in this year's National Junior High Conference have exceeded the seed money they were given for a "reverse offering" that has been collected since the June event. Reports on the collection has been issued by the Church of the Brethren's Youth and Young Adult Ministry.
In an update, youth and young adult ministry director Becky Ullom called the effort a "fantastic response from the junior high youth."
The worship planning team at the National Junior High Conference "wanted to have an offering experience that didn't put additional financial strain on families sending their youth to the conference," Ullom said. "Because the conference was focused on the theme of transformation, we decided a to try a reverse offering to benefit the ministries of the Church of the Brethren."
Each youth who attended the conference received $10, made possible through a $4,000 grant from the Church of the Brethren's Core Ministries Fund and the church's office of Stewardship and Donor Development.
"We encouraged the youth to consider how they might 'transform' the money into more," Ullom said. "If the youth were unsure of how to transform the money or didn't want to participate for some other reason, they could offer the money back immediately."
Staff returned from the conference with about $800 given during the event. Since then, many more donations have been received from junior high youth and youth groups, for a total of $6,277. Yet more donations are expected through the fall, Ullom said.
"I just wanted to share this great news with you," she wrote in her e-mail about the program. "What an example these youth and their advisors, families, and congregations are providing!"
Source: 9/9/2009 Newsline
Workcamp aids Haitian Brethren in rebuilding effort.
A workcamp sponsored by Brethren Disaster Ministries took place in Haiti on Aug. 7-16. The group spent more than a week helping with disaster relief and rebuilding of homes following major destruction caused by four hurricanes and tropical storms that hit Haiti last year.
The workcamp worshiped and fellowshiped with Haitian Brethren, and arrived in Haiti in time to join in a special worship service of ordination and licensing of the first ministers of Eglise des Freres Haitiens. The service took place on the last day of a theological training for the Haitian church that was held on Aug. 3-7.
The workcamp was led by Jeff Boshart, Haiti disaster response coordinator, and Klebert Exceus, Haitian consultant from Orlando, Fla. Workcampers were David Bradley of Lebanon, Pa.; Steve Ditzler of Lebanon, Pa.; James Eby of Litiz, Pa.; Ecclesiaste Frederick of Miami, Fla.; Wanda Lyons of Glade Valley, N.C.; Joel Postma of La Porte, Ind.; and Brad Yoder of North Manchester, Ind. The group was accompanied by members of Exceus' family, and two Brethren pastors from the Dominican Republic--Mardouchee Catalice, who is of Haitian background, and Onelys Rivas Florentino, of Dominican background.
Following the special worship service with the Haitian Brethren, the workcamp went on to a variety of disaster rebuilding projects working alongside Haitian Brethren and local Haitian communities.
One project was to finish rebuilding a home for the widow and family of the late Pastor Delouis St. Louis, a Haitian Brethren pastor and church planter who died unexpectedly of illness in late May. His family had lost their home in last year's storms. Jay Wittmeyer, executive director of the Church of the Brethren's Global Mission Partnerships, reported that Louis' life and ministry continues through the work to build a church for the Haitian Brethren in the village of Ferrier, where he had founded a preaching point.
Workcampers spent part of a day helping to build the church in the rural, mountainous area near Mirabilais, where Brethren Disaster Ministries has completed 21 homes. Impetus for the project came from the local community who, according to Wittmeyer, was impressed that homes were built for non-Brethren families in a place where the Haitian Brethren had only a simple lean-to as a preaching point. Another impetus to construct the church in Ferrier came from plans to hold a Kids' Club there, according to Roy Winter, executive director of Brethren Disaster Ministries.
The Church of the Brethren's Emerging Global Mission Fund provided funds to purchase the land for the church, Winter reported. Local people gave of their own time and money to start construction of the church building, and the workcamp group joined in to support the effort.
While the workcamp was in the area, a community gathering was held to dedicate the new homes and community members were given a chance to speak. "The community obviously had never done anything like this," Wittmeyer said. "It was a recognition of all they had done. It was up in the mountains. They had to carry water. They had to carry cement...and the houses look great."
In addition, during the trip members of the workcamp helped lead Kids' Club, an event similar to Vacation Bible School. A Baptist group joined the Kids' Club, Wittmeyer said, and hundreds of children participated.
The workcamp spent a couple of days in the city of Gonaives working on more homes affected by the storms. Brethren Disaster Ministries has a goal of rebuilding 60 homes in Gonaives. Ten have been completed and 20 more are currently under construction, Winter reported. Children's programs continued in Gonaives as well.
"I am forever changed because of the opportunity to serve in Haiti," said workcamper Wanda Lyons in her evaluation of the experience. "I was pretty much involved with the Kid's Club throughout the entire trip.... The children were such a blessing to me. How appreciative they were of everything we did for them. Seeing the happy smiles on those precious children and the hugs and thanks for the little things that seemed to make them so happy amid such difficult circumstances."
For a photo album from the workcamp, go to www.brethren.org/site/PhotoAlbumUser?AlbumID=9011&view=UserAlbum. A second Haiti workcamp is planned for Oct. 24-Nov. 1. Go to www.brethren.org/site/PageServer?pagename=serve_brethren_disaster_ministries_Haiti_workcamps.
for more information or contact BDM@brethren.org or 800-451-4407. Grants from the church's Emergency Disaster Fund are supporting the work in Haiti, with a total of $370,000 given so far.
Source: 9/9/2009 Newsline
A workcamp sponsored by Brethren Disaster Ministries took place in Haiti on Aug. 7-16. The group spent more than a week helping with disaster relief and rebuilding of homes following major destruction caused by four hurricanes and tropical storms that hit Haiti last year.
The workcamp worshiped and fellowshiped with Haitian Brethren, and arrived in Haiti in time to join in a special worship service of ordination and licensing of the first ministers of Eglise des Freres Haitiens. The service took place on the last day of a theological training for the Haitian church that was held on Aug. 3-7.
The workcamp was led by Jeff Boshart, Haiti disaster response coordinator, and Klebert Exceus, Haitian consultant from Orlando, Fla. Workcampers were David Bradley of Lebanon, Pa.; Steve Ditzler of Lebanon, Pa.; James Eby of Litiz, Pa.; Ecclesiaste Frederick of Miami, Fla.; Wanda Lyons of Glade Valley, N.C.; Joel Postma of La Porte, Ind.; and Brad Yoder of North Manchester, Ind. The group was accompanied by members of Exceus' family, and two Brethren pastors from the Dominican Republic--Mardouchee Catalice, who is of Haitian background, and Onelys Rivas Florentino, of Dominican background.
Following the special worship service with the Haitian Brethren, the workcamp went on to a variety of disaster rebuilding projects working alongside Haitian Brethren and local Haitian communities.
One project was to finish rebuilding a home for the widow and family of the late Pastor Delouis St. Louis, a Haitian Brethren pastor and church planter who died unexpectedly of illness in late May. His family had lost their home in last year's storms. Jay Wittmeyer, executive director of the Church of the Brethren's Global Mission Partnerships, reported that Louis' life and ministry continues through the work to build a church for the Haitian Brethren in the village of Ferrier, where he had founded a preaching point.
Workcampers spent part of a day helping to build the church in the rural, mountainous area near Mirabilais, where Brethren Disaster Ministries has completed 21 homes. Impetus for the project came from the local community who, according to Wittmeyer, was impressed that homes were built for non-Brethren families in a place where the Haitian Brethren had only a simple lean-to as a preaching point. Another impetus to construct the church in Ferrier came from plans to hold a Kids' Club there, according to Roy Winter, executive director of Brethren Disaster Ministries.
The Church of the Brethren's Emerging Global Mission Fund provided funds to purchase the land for the church, Winter reported. Local people gave of their own time and money to start construction of the church building, and the workcamp group joined in to support the effort.
While the workcamp was in the area, a community gathering was held to dedicate the new homes and community members were given a chance to speak. "The community obviously had never done anything like this," Wittmeyer said. "It was a recognition of all they had done. It was up in the mountains. They had to carry water. They had to carry cement...and the houses look great."
In addition, during the trip members of the workcamp helped lead Kids' Club, an event similar to Vacation Bible School. A Baptist group joined the Kids' Club, Wittmeyer said, and hundreds of children participated.
The workcamp spent a couple of days in the city of Gonaives working on more homes affected by the storms. Brethren Disaster Ministries has a goal of rebuilding 60 homes in Gonaives. Ten have been completed and 20 more are currently under construction, Winter reported. Children's programs continued in Gonaives as well.
"I am forever changed because of the opportunity to serve in Haiti," said workcamper Wanda Lyons in her evaluation of the experience. "I was pretty much involved with the Kid's Club throughout the entire trip.... The children were such a blessing to me. How appreciative they were of everything we did for them. Seeing the happy smiles on those precious children and the hugs and thanks for the little things that seemed to make them so happy amid such difficult circumstances."
For a photo album from the workcamp, go to www.brethren.org/site/PhotoAlbumUser?AlbumID=9011&view=UserAlbum. A second Haiti workcamp is planned for Oct. 24-Nov. 1. Go to www.brethren.org/site/PageServer?pagename=serve_brethren_disaster_ministries_Haiti_workcamps.
for more information or contact BDM@brethren.org or 800-451-4407. Grants from the church's Emergency Disaster Fund are supporting the work in Haiti, with a total of $370,000 given so far.
Source: 9/9/2009 Newsline
World Council of Churches names new general secretary.
The election of Norwegian theologian and pastor Olav Fykse Tveit as the new general secretary of the World Council of Churches (WCC) and the selection of a venue for its next assembly were highlights of the WCC Central Committee meeting that took place in Geneva, Switzerland, on Aug. 26-Sept. 2.
Tveit, 48, was elected 7th general secretary of the WCC, succeeding outgoing general secretary Samuel Kobia who completes his tenure at the end of 2009.
The Central Committee, the main governing body of the WCC between assemblies, also issued a series of statements and minutes on wide-ranging religious, political, and social matters, and discussed issues of governance and finances, according to a WCC release.
The city of Busan in the Republic of Korea was chosen as venue for the WCC 10th Assembly in 2013. Park Jong-wha, chair of the international committee of the National Council of Churches in South Korea, expressed hope that the WCC's presence could "contribute greatly toward peaceful reconciliation and reunification" for the divided peninsula.
The Central Committee reviewed the WCC's programmatic work and acknowledged the unsustainability of programs as presently organized. It recommended that programs be restructured, and stressed the need for prioritization and a more modest, limited, and sustainable approach. A number of recommendations related to the 2010 budget were adopted as well, and the moderator of the finance committee said that further reductions in 2010 income for the WCC could be in the range of 5-10 percent.
Statements on specific international issues addressed situations in Pakistan, Israel, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Fiji, and Darfur, Sudan. Other statements addressed caste-based discrimination, just finance and the economy of life, eco-justice and ecological debt, and anti-Christian violence. Two additional statements called for Christians to seek a nuclear-weapon-free world, and reiterated WCC support for the right of conscientious objection to the military. The committee called on member churches to "uphold the right of refusal to bear and use arms" wherever possible.
For more information, photos from the meeting, and links to the full statements adopted by the WCC Central Committee, go to www.oikoumene.org/cc2009.
Source: 9/9/2009 Newsline
The election of Norwegian theologian and pastor Olav Fykse Tveit as the new general secretary of the World Council of Churches (WCC) and the selection of a venue for its next assembly were highlights of the WCC Central Committee meeting that took place in Geneva, Switzerland, on Aug. 26-Sept. 2.
Tveit, 48, was elected 7th general secretary of the WCC, succeeding outgoing general secretary Samuel Kobia who completes his tenure at the end of 2009.
The Central Committee, the main governing body of the WCC between assemblies, also issued a series of statements and minutes on wide-ranging religious, political, and social matters, and discussed issues of governance and finances, according to a WCC release.
The city of Busan in the Republic of Korea was chosen as venue for the WCC 10th Assembly in 2013. Park Jong-wha, chair of the international committee of the National Council of Churches in South Korea, expressed hope that the WCC's presence could "contribute greatly toward peaceful reconciliation and reunification" for the divided peninsula.
The Central Committee reviewed the WCC's programmatic work and acknowledged the unsustainability of programs as presently organized. It recommended that programs be restructured, and stressed the need for prioritization and a more modest, limited, and sustainable approach. A number of recommendations related to the 2010 budget were adopted as well, and the moderator of the finance committee said that further reductions in 2010 income for the WCC could be in the range of 5-10 percent.
Statements on specific international issues addressed situations in Pakistan, Israel, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Fiji, and Darfur, Sudan. Other statements addressed caste-based discrimination, just finance and the economy of life, eco-justice and ecological debt, and anti-Christian violence. Two additional statements called for Christians to seek a nuclear-weapon-free world, and reiterated WCC support for the right of conscientious objection to the military. The committee called on member churches to "uphold the right of refusal to bear and use arms" wherever possible.
For more information, photos from the meeting, and links to the full statements adopted by the WCC Central Committee, go to www.oikoumene.org/cc2009.
Source: 9/9/2009 Newsline
Northern Plains meets under the banner of 'Faith, Hope, Love.'
Sisters and brothers in Christ gathered from across Northern Plains District July 31-Aug. 2 at Pine Lake Christian Conference Center in Eldora, Iowa, for the 2009 District Conference. The official registration was 137 adults including 66 delegates from 21 congregations.
Moderator Alice Draper led the conference under the theme from 1 Corinthians 13:13, "Faith, Hope, Love.... The Greatest of These Is Love."
The Friday evening worship service heard Annual Conference moderator Shawn Flory Replogle preach on John 21:15-19, "Loving the Idea of Church Is not Enough." The Saturday evening service consisted of love feast and communion provided by the deacons of Ivester Church of the Brethren and led by a group of ministers from the district. The Sunday morning service heard Jonathan Shively, executive director of Congregational Life Ministries for the Church of the Brethren, preach on 1 John 4:7-21, "Fear Not" (his sermon has been posted online at www.tasteslikeyellow.blogspot.com as the Aug. 10 post). Offerings totaled $3,353.71.
The business session on Saturday, Aug. 1, consisted of four business items, elections, and a number of reports. A 2010 budget totaling $111,805 was passed by the delegates. Delegates also approved the closing of Pleasant Valley Church of the Brethren in York, N.D., where a final worship celebration will be held on Sept. 30; and approved fellowship status for the Common Spirit Project in Minneapolis, Minn. Approval was given to explore both the Baptist and Brethren Camps at Pine Lake as possible locations for the 2010 District Conference.
In elections, Richard Gingrich was chosen as moderator-elect. Those elected to the district's Board of Administration included Kathy Mack, Paul Little, Sandi Cox, Ronald Steege, Ernest Dicks, David Oliver, and Terri Hansen. Laura Leighton-Harris was elected to the Program Committee. Doyle Harper and Raechel Sittig were elected to the Nominating Committee.
Marge Smalley was consecrated as the new moderator of Northern Plains District. The District Board reorganized for 2009-10 naming Kathy Mack as president, Mark Gingrich as vice-president, Barb Lewczak as chair of the Ministry Commission, Linda Lantz as chair of the Nurture Commission, Roger Emmert as chair of the Stewards Commission, and Ida Van Weston as chair of the Witness Commission.
Eight ministers were recognized for "Milestones in Ministry": Richard Burger, ordained for 65 years; Vernon Merkey, ordained for 55 years; Lorene Moore, ordained for 30 years; Marge Smalley and Lucinda Douglas, ordained for 20 years; Marlene Neher, ordained for 15 years; and Dave Kerkove and Alan McLearn-Montz, ordained for 10 years. New pastors and newly ordained and licensed ministers were recognized by the district executive during his report. Also named were beginning seminary students and those approved for licensing.
Following the business session, the annual district auction was held with a total of $4,000 raised for a general fund and to purchase a "mud-out trailer" for flood clean-up efforts. Also, the Witness Commission invited members to bring items for Church World Service Health Kits. A total of 373 Health Kits and 4 Clean-Up Buckets were presented, along with $221.85 donated for the kits.
At last year's District Conference, Panther Creek Church of the Brethren distributed quarter tubes to each church to raise funds for Heifer International, with the goal of raising $5,000 to purchase an "Ark." As of Aug. 10, $4,204.68 had been collected and turned in to the district.
Another service project was done by roughly 11 youth, under the leadership of Matt Tobias, McPherson College admissions counselor. The youth spent time working with the Little Rock Ministry Center that operates out of a mobile home park in Eldora. The youth helped with outdoor maintenance, some indoor cleaning, and picking up trash with neighborhood children. When the work was done, the youth gathered up the neighborhood children and led them in games and playing, then cooked hot dogs and led in a time of singing camp songs. (This article is excerpted from a report in the district newsletter.)
Source: 9/9/2009 Newsline
Sisters and brothers in Christ gathered from across Northern Plains District July 31-Aug. 2 at Pine Lake Christian Conference Center in Eldora, Iowa, for the 2009 District Conference. The official registration was 137 adults including 66 delegates from 21 congregations.
Moderator Alice Draper led the conference under the theme from 1 Corinthians 13:13, "Faith, Hope, Love.... The Greatest of These Is Love."
The Friday evening worship service heard Annual Conference moderator Shawn Flory Replogle preach on John 21:15-19, "Loving the Idea of Church Is not Enough." The Saturday evening service consisted of love feast and communion provided by the deacons of Ivester Church of the Brethren and led by a group of ministers from the district. The Sunday morning service heard Jonathan Shively, executive director of Congregational Life Ministries for the Church of the Brethren, preach on 1 John 4:7-21, "Fear Not" (his sermon has been posted online at www.tasteslikeyellow.blogspot.com as the Aug. 10 post). Offerings totaled $3,353.71.
The business session on Saturday, Aug. 1, consisted of four business items, elections, and a number of reports. A 2010 budget totaling $111,805 was passed by the delegates. Delegates also approved the closing of Pleasant Valley Church of the Brethren in York, N.D., where a final worship celebration will be held on Sept. 30; and approved fellowship status for the Common Spirit Project in Minneapolis, Minn. Approval was given to explore both the Baptist and Brethren Camps at Pine Lake as possible locations for the 2010 District Conference.
In elections, Richard Gingrich was chosen as moderator-elect. Those elected to the district's Board of Administration included Kathy Mack, Paul Little, Sandi Cox, Ronald Steege, Ernest Dicks, David Oliver, and Terri Hansen. Laura Leighton-Harris was elected to the Program Committee. Doyle Harper and Raechel Sittig were elected to the Nominating Committee.
Marge Smalley was consecrated as the new moderator of Northern Plains District. The District Board reorganized for 2009-10 naming Kathy Mack as president, Mark Gingrich as vice-president, Barb Lewczak as chair of the Ministry Commission, Linda Lantz as chair of the Nurture Commission, Roger Emmert as chair of the Stewards Commission, and Ida Van Weston as chair of the Witness Commission.
Eight ministers were recognized for "Milestones in Ministry": Richard Burger, ordained for 65 years; Vernon Merkey, ordained for 55 years; Lorene Moore, ordained for 30 years; Marge Smalley and Lucinda Douglas, ordained for 20 years; Marlene Neher, ordained for 15 years; and Dave Kerkove and Alan McLearn-Montz, ordained for 10 years. New pastors and newly ordained and licensed ministers were recognized by the district executive during his report. Also named were beginning seminary students and those approved for licensing.
Following the business session, the annual district auction was held with a total of $4,000 raised for a general fund and to purchase a "mud-out trailer" for flood clean-up efforts. Also, the Witness Commission invited members to bring items for Church World Service Health Kits. A total of 373 Health Kits and 4 Clean-Up Buckets were presented, along with $221.85 donated for the kits.
At last year's District Conference, Panther Creek Church of the Brethren distributed quarter tubes to each church to raise funds for Heifer International, with the goal of raising $5,000 to purchase an "Ark." As of Aug. 10, $4,204.68 had been collected and turned in to the district.
Another service project was done by roughly 11 youth, under the leadership of Matt Tobias, McPherson College admissions counselor. The youth spent time working with the Little Rock Ministry Center that operates out of a mobile home park in Eldora. The youth helped with outdoor maintenance, some indoor cleaning, and picking up trash with neighborhood children. When the work was done, the youth gathered up the neighborhood children and led them in games and playing, then cooked hot dogs and led in a time of singing camp songs. (This article is excerpted from a report in the district newsletter.)
Source: 9/9/2009 Newsline
Life of Eagle Creek Church continues through its generous gifts.
Eagle Creek Church of the Brethren, a 164-year-old congregation in Forest, Ohio, was officially disorganized this summer. But the ministry of the congregation is continuing through a series of generous gifts from funds generated through sale of church-owned property, with approval from Northern Ohio District.
The sales totaled something close to a half million dollars, according to district executive minister John Ballinger.
In February, with membership dwindling to just a couple of families, the congregation petitioned the district to be allowed to disorganize, Ballinger said. Two couples requested a meeting with him, to talk over how to close the church.
"They had tears in their eyes," Ballinger remembered of the meeting. "It's just so painful to come to this point" in the life of a congregation, he said. During the meeting, the district executive suggested an analogy that proved helpful, comparing the closing of the church to the way hospice care can help a person dealing with end-of-life issues. "To have purpose as the end of life nears provides a way for a person--or a church--to die with dignity," he commented.
After the remaining Eagle Creek members asked about the possibility of liquidating the church property "with a notion about what they could do with the proceeds," Ballinger consulted with other district executives and found that churches have done this before approval from their districts.
The congregation already was connected with the Church of the Brethren's Global Food Crisis Fund and the Foods Resource Bank through two big tracts of farmland it owned, in addition to other church property. "They were really tickled to make a difference using that farmland," Ballinger said.
In July, the Northern Ohio District Conference approved the closing of Eagle Creek Church with the distribution of proceeds. A number of denominational funds received gifts, including $20,000 to the Global Food Crisis Fund, $20,000 to disaster relief, and $9,500 to the Church of the Brethren's Core Ministries Fund. Another $20,000 went to the Foods Resource Bank, and $10,000 to Heifer International.
In addition, generous gifts were given to the district and to some of its ministries including the Good Shepherd Home, Inspiration Hills Camp and Retreat Center, and youth workcamp scholarships. Other gifts were given to a hospice and other local outreach organizations.
Items from the sanctuary of Eagle Creek Church were placed on the worship center during the district conference: a Bible, candlesticks, and vases from the church's altar table, and the congregation's offering plates. A litany read by the delegate body gave a special blessing to the congregation as it made its final decision.
"It was a celebration of life," said Ballinger of the event at the district conference. The Eagle Creek gifts "will be a legacy of continued life and ministry."
Source: 9/9/2009 Newsline
Eagle Creek Church of the Brethren, a 164-year-old congregation in Forest, Ohio, was officially disorganized this summer. But the ministry of the congregation is continuing through a series of generous gifts from funds generated through sale of church-owned property, with approval from Northern Ohio District.
The sales totaled something close to a half million dollars, according to district executive minister John Ballinger.
In February, with membership dwindling to just a couple of families, the congregation petitioned the district to be allowed to disorganize, Ballinger said. Two couples requested a meeting with him, to talk over how to close the church.
"They had tears in their eyes," Ballinger remembered of the meeting. "It's just so painful to come to this point" in the life of a congregation, he said. During the meeting, the district executive suggested an analogy that proved helpful, comparing the closing of the church to the way hospice care can help a person dealing with end-of-life issues. "To have purpose as the end of life nears provides a way for a person--or a church--to die with dignity," he commented.
After the remaining Eagle Creek members asked about the possibility of liquidating the church property "with a notion about what they could do with the proceeds," Ballinger consulted with other district executives and found that churches have done this before approval from their districts.
The congregation already was connected with the Church of the Brethren's Global Food Crisis Fund and the Foods Resource Bank through two big tracts of farmland it owned, in addition to other church property. "They were really tickled to make a difference using that farmland," Ballinger said.
In July, the Northern Ohio District Conference approved the closing of Eagle Creek Church with the distribution of proceeds. A number of denominational funds received gifts, including $20,000 to the Global Food Crisis Fund, $20,000 to disaster relief, and $9,500 to the Church of the Brethren's Core Ministries Fund. Another $20,000 went to the Foods Resource Bank, and $10,000 to Heifer International.
In addition, generous gifts were given to the district and to some of its ministries including the Good Shepherd Home, Inspiration Hills Camp and Retreat Center, and youth workcamp scholarships. Other gifts were given to a hospice and other local outreach organizations.
Items from the sanctuary of Eagle Creek Church were placed on the worship center during the district conference: a Bible, candlesticks, and vases from the church's altar table, and the congregation's offering plates. A litany read by the delegate body gave a special blessing to the congregation as it made its final decision.
"It was a celebration of life," said Ballinger of the event at the district conference. The Eagle Creek gifts "will be a legacy of continued life and ministry."
Source: 9/9/2009 Newsline
Brethren bits: Remembrance, personnel, anniversaries, more.
- A photo album from the workcamps offered this summer by the Church of the Brethren's Youth and Young Adult Ministry is now available. Click here to find photos from a variety of workcamps for junior and senior high youth and advisors, young adults, and intergenerational groups. Above, former Youth and Young Adult director Chris Douglas joins senior highs at a workcamp in Putney, Vt., at the Place Apart intentional Christian community.
- The Gather 'Round curriculum Fall quarter started Aug. 30 on the theme, "Exile and Restoration" with Bible stories of the Israelite exile in Babylon, God's restoration of the people, and the rebuilding of Jerusalem. This quarter's "Talkabout" take-home piece for congregations to provide to families (above) is a set of building cards on the theme of God restoring the people and helping them rebuild. Gather 'Round is a Sunday school curriculum produced by Brethren Press and the Mennonite Publishing Network. Go to www.gatherround.org for more. For prices and to order, call Brethren Press at 800-441-3712. Photo by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford
- The Church of the Brethren's National Older Adult Conference (NOAC) is taking place Sept. 7-11 at the Lake Junaluska Conference and Retreat Center in North Carolina, with 925 older adults from across the country. Online coverage of the conference is at www.brethren.org/NOAC. The website offers reports from worship and main session, "Today at NOAC" pages, and photo albums.
- Remembrance: Ekklesiyar Yan'uwa a Nigeria (EYN--the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria) is remembering the life and ministry of James Bulama, who was a minister in the church and a faculty member at Kulp Bible College. Bulama died suddenly on Aug. 21, at age 70. His funeral was held Aug. 29.
- Matt Witkovsky has resigned as one of the co-coordinators of the 2010 National Youth Conference (NYC). He plans to continue in Brethren Volunteer Service on another assignment. Since he started in the position earlier this year, he has helped out at Christian Citizenship Seminar and with the workcamp ministry. He is a graduate of Elizabethtown (Pa.) College and was a member of the Church of the Brethren's Youth Peace Travel Team in 2006. NYC planning will move forward with co-coordinators Emily Laprade and Audrey Hollenberg, youth and young adult ministry director Becky Ullom, and the National Youth Cabinet.
- The New Windsor (Md.) Conference Center is expressing appreciation for the work of Ron and Jean Strine of St. Petersburg, Fla., volunteer hosts for the Old Main building and Windsor Hall in July and August.
- Jim Lehman of Elgin, Ill., has begun as interim director of Identity and Relations for the Church of the Brethren. The major part of his work will be to administer the denominational website. He will serve until a search for a new director is completed. Lehman is a writer, publisher, and workshop leader who has carried a number of assignments for the church previously, including serving as interim publisher of Brethren Press and as a marketing consultant. He is a member of Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren in Elgin.
- A director of Academic Services is sought to fill a joint administrative faculty position at Bethany Theological Seminary and Earlham School of Religion in Richmond, Ind. The director functions as registrar for both schools in liaison with Earlham College, and facilitates the cooperative academic operation of the two seminaries. Applicants must have an undergraduate college degree. A graduate degree in theological education is preferred. Commitment to the vision and mission of the two seminaries is essential, as are strong skills in communication, critical thinking, computer databases, and administration. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Qualified applicants may send a letter of application and curriculum vitae electronically to marshja@earlham.edu or by mail to Jay Marshall, Earlham School of Religion, 228 College Ave., Richmond, IN 47374.
- The World Council of Churches (WCC) will welcome five young people ages 18-30 to serve as interns in Geneva, Switzerland, from Feb. 2010-Jan. 2011. The interns will be assigned to one of the WCC working areas. Applicants must send, along with their application, background information about their church or Christian youth network that will help them in implementing their project. Closing date for receiving applications is Sept. 30. More information is at www.oikoumene.org/?id=3187.
- First Church of the Brethren in York, Pa., celebrates its 125th anniversary with guest speakers for worship: on Sunday, Sept. 13, "Messenger" editor Walt Wiltschek will bring the message; on Sunday, Oct. 4, well-known speaker and popular preacher Tony Campolo will speak.
- Three congregations in Virlina District are celebrating anniversaries: on Sept. 13 Duncans Chapel Church of the Brethren in Willis, Va., celebrates its 50th anniversary; on Sept. 20 Bethel Church of the Brethren near Arrington, Va., celebrates its 100th, and Collinsville (Va.) Church of the Brethren celebrates its 50th.
- Two Brethren pastors took part in a first "Blessing of the Schools" interfaith prayer service for the Roanoke (Va.) City Public schools. Central Church of the Brethren pastor Tim Harvey was an organizer of the event, and Williamson Road Church of the Brethren pastor Mike Huffaker took part in the service on Aug. 30. Offering prayers were leaders from a number of Christian congregations, an Islamic center, and a Jewish synagogue. The event was sponsored by Congregations in Action, which also includes Hollins Road Church of the Brethren. With a theme from Jeremiah 29:7--"But seek the welfare of the city"--the service featured a welcome from Roanoke City Public Schools Superintendent Rita Bishop, and a keynote address from the chair of the Roanoke City School Board. "The Roanoke Times" reported that Bishop stands by the Supreme Court's ruling that prayer in schools is unconstitutional, but told the gathering, "Through your work, you have put everything that prayer is about back in schools." In his closing challenge, Harvey said, "It is our job to seek the welfare of the children of this city."
- Olympia, Lacey (Wash.) Community Church of the Brethren this year has provided food resources for the hungry "that weigh more than the combined weight of the congregation"--well over three tons, according to the church newsletter. The giving has included food items for the Thurston County Food Bank and cash donations, as well as livestock through Heifer International and support for a CROP Walk. In addition the congregation this summer has hosted a tent city of the homeless, called Camp Quixote, on its lawn through Aug. 28.
- Camp Pine Lake in Eldora, Iowa, has called for volunteers to help repair damage caused by a recent hail storm. "Every building at Camp Pine Lake will need to be re-roofed," said an announcement. Contact camppinelake@heartofiowa.net or 641-939-5334.
- Manchester College in North Manchester, Ind., is preparing for another year of record enrollment, according to a release. "We haven't had such strong numbers since the '70s," reported Jeri S. Kornegay, director of Media and Public Relations. The college anticipates some 1,200 students and a first-year class of more than 400, representing 50-plus more students than last fall. It is adding more than 21 class sections, enhancing its dining options, and moving in more beds to accommodate the growth. Classes began Sept. 2.
- The Juniata College Early Childhood Education Center has earned accreditation from the National Association for the Education of Young Children, a leading organization of early childhood professionals, for a five year-period through mid-2014. Juniata is a Church of the Brethren college in Huntingdon, Pa. "We are among the first in the nation to complete this updated, more rigorous, process," said co-director Christine Breene in a release.
- McPherson (Kan.) College has exceeded a million dollar annual fund goal for 2009 by raising $1,018,332. The annual fund dollars support scholarships, departmental needs, and serve as a budget relieving component of the college's overall fundraising, said a release. The college is also in the middle of "MC: Forward," a comprehensive campaign launched in Oct. 2008 raising over $7.2 million in gifts and pledges--56 percent of its $13 million goal. The campaign includes funding for a new campus entrance and a new residence hall. "With fall enrollment and retention projected to be strong, the need for a new residence hall becomes even more pressing," the release said.
- Ralph McFadden will be installed as president of the Brethren Mennonite Council for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Interests (BMC) at a special three-year planning retreat for the BMC Board. The retreat is scheduled for Sept. 18-20 in northern Indiana. BMC members and friends are invited to a potluck on that Saturday evening at the home of David and Renee McFadden in North Manchester, Ind.
- The New Community Project, a Brethren-related nonprofit, has announced a number of grants to support the welfare of women and girls in various countries. In El Salvador, the organization has pledged $3,000 per year for three years to help women have options such as micro-loans to start small businesses and training programs to learn new skills, partnering with Emmanuel Baptist Church. In Sudan, the project recently gave $4,000 for a women's gardening project and tailoring program in Nimule, and $3,000 to support women's programs in Narus, "adding to the $20,000 already sent for girls' education and women's development in Sudan in 2009," reported director David Radcliff. The project has given $2,000 to Women Empowerment in Nepal. Go to www.newcommunityproject.org for more information.
- The September edition of Brethren Voices, a community access television program offered by Portland (Ore.) Peace Church of the Brethren, features "The Seagoing Cowboys and the Story of Paul Libby." Paul Libby, now 87, served as a seagoing cowboy at the age of 24 on the Victory Ship Christian Pass, helping deliver 700 Holstein cattle to Poland. Between the summers of 1945-47 more than 7,000 men and boys over the age of 16 volunteered to care for and accompany livestock shipments to war-torn countries following World War II, in a program administered by the Brethren Service Committee and the UN Relief and Rehabilitation Administration. For more information contact producer Ed Groff at Groffprod1@msn.com.
- Christian leaders in southern Sudan have become alarmed at violence in the area, according to a report received by the Church of the Brethren's Global Mission Partnerships. Various churches "are faithfully in prayer as the only means to attain peace and to bring an end to dire humanitarian need in the region," said a report from the Sudan Advocacy Action Forum. Archbishop Daniel Deng of the Episcopal Church of Sudan made an appeal for humanitarian assistance to thousands of displaced and wounded people, saying, "Unless the guarantor governments of the CPA (Comprehensive Peace Agreement) act now the peace is in grave danger." The violence ranges from attacks by the Lord's Resistance Army, a guerrilla group based in Uganda, to tribal violence. Among those killed in recent attacks was an archdeacon who was shot at the altar during a morning service, according to a letter from Archbishop Deng that was included with the report. The report calls Christians to join in prayer for a just and lasting peace, protection for the people, and humanitarian aid to violated communities.
- Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT) is seeking participants for a delegation to northern Iraq on Nov. 7-21. Applications are due Sept. 20. The delegation will visit in the Kurdish area of Iraq, where the people faced discrimination under the regime of Saddam Hussein, and where thousands of displaced people fled during the Iraq War. Recently, northern border villages have suffered military attacks by Turkey and Iran. CPT has had a presence in Iraq since Oct. 2002. Fundraising expectation is $3,500, which includes roundtrip airfare from a designated US or Canadian city. Contact delegations@cpt.org or 773-277-0253.
- Marie Atwood of English River Church of the Brethren in S. English, Iowa, was inducted into the Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame during the state fair on Aug. 23. "She joined 4-H in 1934, continued to serve as a leader, and at age 89 has stayed active by exhibiting in the open classes at the Keokuk County Expo and sponsoring trophies for the 4-H exhibiters," the church newsletter said.
- Claire Mock celebrated his 104th birthday on July 25 with a motorcycle ride, according to the Middle Pennsylvania District newsletter. He attends Bedford (Pa.) Church of the Brethren.
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. Lerry Fogle, Cori Hahn, Cindy Dell Kinnamon, Jeri S. Kornegay, Ralph McFadden, Marcia Shetler, Becky Ullom, 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. Lerry Fogle, Cori Hahn, Cindy Dell Kinnamon, Jeri S. Kornegay, Ralph McFadden, Marcia Shetler, Becky Ullom, and John Wall contributed to this report.
Monday, September 07, 2009
INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER FOR PEACEOTHER UPCOMING EVENTSBRETHREN BITS
Congregations plan for the International Day of Prayer for Peace.
Brethren congregations are invited to take part in the On Earth Peace campaign to observe the International Day of Prayer for Peace on Sept. 21--and so far more than 100 congregations and groups have registered to take part through On Earth Peace. The International Day of Prayer for Peace is an initiative of the World Council of Churches.
Following are just a few of the stories from congregations and groups that are planning events, provided by the On Earth Peace campaign organizers Michael Colvin and Mimi Copp.
Manassas (Va.) Church of the Brethren and Unity in Community:
Brethren congregations are invited to take part in the On Earth Peace campaign to observe the International Day of Prayer for Peace on Sept. 21--and so far more than 100 congregations and groups have registered to take part through On Earth Peace. The International Day of Prayer for Peace is an initiative of the World Council of Churches.
Following are just a few of the stories from congregations and groups that are planning events, provided by the On Earth Peace campaign organizers Michael Colvin and Mimi Copp.
Manassas (Va.) Church of the Brethren and Unity in Community:
The congregation is taking part in a vigil with Unity in Community, a local multi-faith organization in Manassas. Unity in the Community has been observing the International Day of Prayer for Peace since the beginning of the On Earth Peace campaign three years ago. Illana Naylor, one of the organizers, said that working on the event "has been a joy." The event carries the theme "Healing for Our Community," and will take place at the Reformed Jewish synagogue, Congregation Ner Shalom. Rabbi Jennifer Wiener attended the event last year at the Islamic center in Manassas, the Dar Al Noor Masjid, held in the middle of the Muslim holy days of Ramadan. The rabbi was warmly greeted by Muslims at the mosque, and spontaneously offered to hold this year's International Day of Prayer for Peace event at her congregation. This year, Sept. 20 marks the beginning of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, and so it was agreed to hold the event on Sept. 13. Naylor is particularly excited about having the composer of the "Suite for Peace," Ahmad Nadimi, on hand to conduct a performance of his orchestral work for choir. She reports that accommodations to the customs and traditions of the participating groups has grown each year, resulting in greater tolerance between faith groups.First Church of the Brethren in San Diego, Calif.:
The congregation is part of an exciting listening initiative. Linda Williams, one of the organizers, reports, "The San Diego church has wanted for years to get more closely connected with--and to better serve--our immediate neighborhood. We were recently blessed with the most perfect open door one could imagine!" Marigold Hernly, who has recently become a part of the church family, is closely connected with neighborhood groups and put the church in contact with a facilitator for the listening process connected with the California Endowment Grant. The endowment has chosen City Heights, the area of San Diego where the church is located, for a Healthy Cities Grant, part of the "Building Health Communities Initiative." "This grant will provide more than $10 million over the next 10 years to work on youth and health issues--including preventing Youth Violence!" Williams reports. "The California Endowment has given grants to 14 other locations in California, but the grant to City Heights is the only one where the decision about what project to pursue is being made at the grassroots level via a listening initiative." First Church of the Brethren San Diego is opening its building to host a listening process meeting for neighbors to give input about how grant money may be used. Williams anticipates that in the City Heights neighborhood, the focus may include gang violence, school attendance, and nutrition. The issues that arise from listening efforts in City Heights will form the substance of the prayers that will be raised by San Diego First Church of the Brethren and the other participating congregations during their International Day of Prayer for Peace vigil.Prince of Peace Church of the Brethren, South Bend, Ind.:
The South Bend International Day of Prayer for Peace committee formed three years ago with On Earth Peace's first campaign, at the impetus of Lois Clark, a member of the congregation. This year the group is holding a vigil on Sept. 21 and then an extended listening initiative that will culminate on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Clark reports the group has "given the spirit full reign here" in their desire to have a season of listening particularly about youth violence, which they see as a public health crisis. Driving this effort is a diverse group of people and organizations including United Religious Community, Church Women United, CURE (a group that holds a prayer circle on each Thursday after a shooting or killing), TAP (Transforming Action into Power), Mennonite pastor Andre Stoner who has organized the Center for Peace and Nonviolence, Michiana Peace and Justice Coalition of union leaders and Notre Dame University professors and other community members, community outreach staff from a local hospital, the director of the Charles Martin Center (named after a young man who was killed in South Bend), and a person who works in the criminal justice system.Green Tree Church of the Brethren, Oaks, Pa.:
Two years ago, pastor David Leiter got a call from pastor Nathan at Bethel Baptist Church, a neighboring African-American congregation, who had read Leiter’s book "Neglected Voices: Peace in the New Testament" and wanted to talk more about it. That phone call started a friendship between the pastors, and has brought the two to organize a joint worship service for their congregations on the International Day of Prayer for Peace. The service will be held Sept. 20 at Bethel Baptist, followed by a meal. The two congregations are inviting the community to attend and asking other local clergy to participate in leadership. Pastor Nathan will preach on "Peace and Violence: Broadening our Definitions." After the sermon, Leiter will offer a challenge about where the community may go from here.Mack Memorial Church of the Brethren, Dayton, Ohio:
The congregation has a whole weekend of activities planned for the International day of Prayer for Peace. On Saturday, Sept. 19, the church will participate in a peace festival at the Dayton Peace Museum. On Sunday, Sept. 20, they will worship with five other churches at Island Park, where two rivers converge. The theme will be, "Peace Like a River." On Monday, Sept. 21, the congregation will hold a vigil in front of the church, and has invited other churches in the area to join in the vigil. The theme will be, "Peace in the Community." The Dayton area, since the economic crisis, has experienced an increase in petty theft, juveniles breaking into houses, more gang activity, and violent crime, according to a report from the church. Mack Memorial is interested in finding ways to gather people together and listen to their needs. Even though the congregation is smaller than in the past, it has adopted a vision calling for the church to be the hands and feet of the community.Middlebury (Ind.) Church of the Brethren:
According to the website of this small town (population 3,191), "Middlebury is everyone’s idea of a small town: the neighborhood butcher, the Main Street hardware store, the proud shop owner; all busy serving residents and visitors alike in a thriving Main Street historic district. Amish and ‘English’ come to Middlebury to do business and trade." Yet Middlebury, in the heart of Elkhart County, has been hit hard by the economic downturn. Melissa Troyer, the congregation’s coordinator for the International Day of Prayer for Peace, reports that in previous years, participating churches have been the four or five Mennonite and Brethren congregations in the area. This year, to focus on the economic situation, the community is going to hold an International Day of Prayer for Peace celebration "with all the groups around town who have worked towards the struggles of our 18 percent unemployment.... It won't be a quiet vigil, rather we're having probably eight churches and five different music groups involved. The theme will be taken from Matthew 5:23-24." The celebration will have three focus areas: a story of reconciliation between two Mennonite congregations that split 80 years ago over issues that are no longer relevant, and are now beginning to merge in light of their economic circumstances; activities of the Middlebury Ministerium including the Community Food Pantry that used to feed 12 families a week and is now feeding 200; and recognition of the new Middlebury Area Recovery Committee--an effort to coordinate church and civic programs that are helping people.Mechanic Grove Church of the Brethren, Quarryville, Pa.:
The congregation’s peace committee has made an intentional and concerted effort to involve the children of the church in learning and talking about peacemaking, according to a report from pastor Jim Rhen. The church participated this year in a "Kids as Peacemakers" mural project as part of a larger initiative through the Lancaster Interchurch Peace Witness. The church used curriculum and resources provided by Lancaster Interchurch Peace Witness for a six-week teaching time with the 20-30 children in their congregation, culminating in the children painting two mural boards. The murals incorporated what the children experienced in learning and talking about peacemaking. The murals will be displayed in an Art Walk, along with others from the county, on Sept. 19 at the Lancaster Clipper baseball stadium. The Barnstormers team will donate $4 from the price of admission to that day's game to the Lancaster Interchurch Peace Witness.Bridgewater (Va.) Church of the Brethren:
The congregation is hosting a premier showing of "I’d Like to Buy an Enemy" by Ted & Company Theater Works on Sept. 21 at 7 p.m. Other congregations are invited to attend. The show by Mennonite comedian Ted Swartz and company will be "an evening of drama...poignant and hilarious," according to an announcement in the Shenandoah District newsletter. The Russian Baptist youth choir also is scheduled to sing. A donation of $5 is suggested to cover costs. "In the meantime, we trust you will be praying for peace in your community and in the world. There are so many situations people are facing where prayer can make a difference," the announcement said. For more information contact Roma Jo Thompson at Rthompson5@juno.com or 540-515-3581.Portland (Ore.) Peace Church of the Brethren:
On Sunday, Sept. 20, the congregation plans a whole day of peace-related activities, including a morning worship service led by Brethren folksinger Mike Stern, an afternoon prayer vigil with the Metanoia Peace Community, an afternon children's folk music concert by Stern, and an evening program with a delegation from the World Friendship Center in Hiroshima, Japan.Church of the Brethren General Offices, Elgin, Ill.:
General secretary Stan Noffsinger will lead a special chapel service for employees, volunteers, and guests to observe the International Day of Prayer for Peace. Because chapel services at the General Offices are held every Wednesday at 9:15 a.m., this special service will be on Wednesday, Sept. 16.Source: 9/7/2009 Newsline Extra
Brethren to be represented at G-20 Faith Leaders' Summit.
The Church of the Brethren will be represented at a "G-20 Faith Leaders’ Summit" in Pittsburgh, Pa., on Sept. 22-23, on the eve of a meeting of world leaders called the Group of 20. Vernne Greiner, a physician and member of the Church of the Brethren’s Mission and Ministry Board, will attend to represent the denomination.
The summit is sponsored by Bread for the World along with the Alliance to End Hunger and partner organizations. The Church of the Brethren was one of the denominations invited to take part.
"Leaders of the world's richest countries recently pledged $20 billion to reduce hunger," said Bread for the World in a statement on its website at www.bread.org. At a meeting in Italy in July, the G-8 group of nations pledged $20 billion, primarily invested in agriculture, to combat hunger in developing countries.
"The September Group of 20 Summit in Pittsburgh presents a unique opportunity for US religious leaders to raise our concern for the plight of the world’s poor," Bread for the World said. The G-20 brings together major industrialized and developing countries to discuss key issues in the global economy. The countries represented account for approximately 90 percent of global gross national product, 80 percent of world trade, and two-thirds of the world’s population, according to the organization. The faith leaders’ meeting will help represent "the needs of the world’s 1.02 billion hungry people" as the G-20 meetings begin.
Online resources related to the G-20 Faith Leaders’ Summit offered by Bread for the World. Include a small-group study guide titled "The G-20 Pittsburgh Summit: Reflections for People of Faith," and "Bread Notes: Hunger Reaches Record Levels" on the recent increase in hunger around the world. Go to www.bread.org/learn/global-hunger-issues/faith-leaders-summit.html.
Source: 9/7/2009 Newsline Extra
The Church of the Brethren will be represented at a "G-20 Faith Leaders’ Summit" in Pittsburgh, Pa., on Sept. 22-23, on the eve of a meeting of world leaders called the Group of 20. Vernne Greiner, a physician and member of the Church of the Brethren’s Mission and Ministry Board, will attend to represent the denomination.
The summit is sponsored by Bread for the World along with the Alliance to End Hunger and partner organizations. The Church of the Brethren was one of the denominations invited to take part.
"Leaders of the world's richest countries recently pledged $20 billion to reduce hunger," said Bread for the World in a statement on its website at www.bread.org. At a meeting in Italy in July, the G-8 group of nations pledged $20 billion, primarily invested in agriculture, to combat hunger in developing countries.
"The September Group of 20 Summit in Pittsburgh presents a unique opportunity for US religious leaders to raise our concern for the plight of the world’s poor," Bread for the World said. The G-20 brings together major industrialized and developing countries to discuss key issues in the global economy. The countries represented account for approximately 90 percent of global gross national product, 80 percent of world trade, and two-thirds of the world’s population, according to the organization. The faith leaders’ meeting will help represent "the needs of the world’s 1.02 billion hungry people" as the G-20 meetings begin.
Online resources related to the G-20 Faith Leaders’ Summit offered by Bread for the World. Include a small-group study guide titled "The G-20 Pittsburgh Summit: Reflections for People of Faith," and "Bread Notes: Hunger Reaches Record Levels" on the recent increase in hunger around the world. Go to www.bread.org/learn/global-hunger-issues/faith-leaders-summit.html.
Source: 9/7/2009 Newsline Extra
On Earth Peace sponsors Middle East Delegation.
On Earth Peace is sponsoring a Middle East Delegation to Israel/Palestine on Jan. 6-18, 2010. The delegation leader will be On Earth Peace executive director Bob Gross. The delegation is co-sponsored with CPT, a violence-reduction project of Brethren and Mennonite congregations and Friends meetings. CPT has maintained a team of trained peacemakers in the West Bank since June 1996.
The delegation will meet with Israeli and Palestinian peace and human rights workers, will join the CPT team in Palestine for some accompaniment and documentation work, and will join in a public witness to nonviolently confront injustice and violence in the area.
Participants should be prepared to spend 12 days in Israel/Palestine, prepare for the trip by becoming familiar with the current conditions there, communicate their experiences to local congregations and media upon return, and raise $2,750 to cover cost of the trip from a designated point in North America. The cost includes international airfare, all in-country travel, simple accommodations, two meals per day, honoraria, and delegation fees. On Earth Peace will assist Church of the Brethren members in raising funds for the trip by offering ideas, networking, and limited scholarships.
For more information contact Bob Gross at bgross@onearthpeace.org or 260-982-7751.
Source: 9/7/2009 Newsline Extra
On Earth Peace is sponsoring a Middle East Delegation to Israel/Palestine on Jan. 6-18, 2010. The delegation leader will be On Earth Peace executive director Bob Gross. The delegation is co-sponsored with CPT, a violence-reduction project of Brethren and Mennonite congregations and Friends meetings. CPT has maintained a team of trained peacemakers in the West Bank since June 1996.
The delegation will meet with Israeli and Palestinian peace and human rights workers, will join the CPT team in Palestine for some accompaniment and documentation work, and will join in a public witness to nonviolently confront injustice and violence in the area.
Participants should be prepared to spend 12 days in Israel/Palestine, prepare for the trip by becoming familiar with the current conditions there, communicate their experiences to local congregations and media upon return, and raise $2,750 to cover cost of the trip from a designated point in North America. The cost includes international airfare, all in-country travel, simple accommodations, two meals per day, honoraria, and delegation fees. On Earth Peace will assist Church of the Brethren members in raising funds for the trip by offering ideas, networking, and limited scholarships.
For more information contact Bob Gross at bgross@onearthpeace.org or 260-982-7751.
Source: 9/7/2009 Newsline Extra
National Youth Conference registration to begin Jan. 5.
Online registration for National Youth Conference (NYC) 2010 is scheduled to begin on Jan. 5, 2010, at 8 p.m. central time. NYC is an event for Church of the Brethren senior high youth that is offered every four years by the denomination’s Youth and Young Adult Ministry.
The 2010 NYC will take place July 17-22 on the campus of Colorado State University in Fort Collins, with the theme "More than Meets the Eye" (2 Corinthians 4:6-10 and 16-18).
NYC coordinators Audrey Hollenberg and Emily LaPrade, who are Brethren Volunteer Service workers, will assist Youth and Young Adult Ministry director Becky Ullom and the National Youth Cabinet in organizing the conference.
Cost of early registration for NYC is $425, increasing to $450 after Feb. 15. The registration fee includes lodging and meals. Registration will close on April 5, 2010. A deposit of $200 is due at time of registration, with the balance due by April 5. The money is nonrefundable. NYC t-shirts costing $15 each can be ordered at the time of registration.
Church of the Brethren musician and songwriter Shawn Kirchner has been commissioned to write the NYC Theme Song. A Speech Contest and a Music Contest are open to youth who will be attending NYC.
In the speech contest, youth are invited to submit speeches based on the NYC theme. Two youth will be chosen to speak in front of the conference during a worship service. "We need enthusiastic youth that will be able to inspire others with their words," said an invitation from the Youth and Young Adult Ministry. Entries must include a written and audio copy of the speech, which should be 500-700 words (about 10 minutes spoken).
During the same worship service, the winning song in the music contest will be played or the writer will participate in the performance of the song. Youth are invited to submit a song based on the NYC theme and written for use in worship. The winning song will be included in the conference book. Songs should be three-to-five minutes in length, and entries should include an audio recording on CD as well as a copy of the lyrics.
Submissions of speeches and songs are due by Jan. 1, 2010. Send entries to the NYC Office, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120. For more information go to www.2010nyc.org.
The Youth and Young Adult Ministry also has issued a call for volunteer youth workers to assist with the conference. "Youth workers are an essential part of the NYC staff, helping to carry out the programs and plans of the National Youth Cabinet as well as making sure that no details are missed," said the announcement. "We need committed, focused, and enthusiastic people to make NYC run smoothly."
Youth workers must be willing and ready to work long hours and commit to be present for the entire week of NYC. Families of youth workers are not permitted to accompany volunteers. Youth workers are expected to arrive in the early afternoon of July 16, the day before the conference begins, and to be available to work through the evening of July 22. The registration fee will be waived for youth workers, and travel expenses will be paid (provided the Youth and Young Adult Ministry books the airline tickets).
To apply for a youth worker position, complete an application form and mail it postmarked by Nov. 1. For an application form contact the NYC Office at 800-323-8039.
In related news, McPherson (Kan.) College is offering free overnight lodging and breakfast to NYC attendees either on the way to or on the way home from the conference. In exchange for this hospitality, the college is asking guests to take a one-hour tour. Contact Tom Hurst, director of Campus Ministries, at hurstt@mcpherson.edu or 620-242-0503.
Source: 9/7/2009 Newsline Extra
Online registration for National Youth Conference (NYC) 2010 is scheduled to begin on Jan. 5, 2010, at 8 p.m. central time. NYC is an event for Church of the Brethren senior high youth that is offered every four years by the denomination’s Youth and Young Adult Ministry.
The 2010 NYC will take place July 17-22 on the campus of Colorado State University in Fort Collins, with the theme "More than Meets the Eye" (2 Corinthians 4:6-10 and 16-18).
NYC coordinators Audrey Hollenberg and Emily LaPrade, who are Brethren Volunteer Service workers, will assist Youth and Young Adult Ministry director Becky Ullom and the National Youth Cabinet in organizing the conference.
Cost of early registration for NYC is $425, increasing to $450 after Feb. 15. The registration fee includes lodging and meals. Registration will close on April 5, 2010. A deposit of $200 is due at time of registration, with the balance due by April 5. The money is nonrefundable. NYC t-shirts costing $15 each can be ordered at the time of registration.
Church of the Brethren musician and songwriter Shawn Kirchner has been commissioned to write the NYC Theme Song. A Speech Contest and a Music Contest are open to youth who will be attending NYC.
In the speech contest, youth are invited to submit speeches based on the NYC theme. Two youth will be chosen to speak in front of the conference during a worship service. "We need enthusiastic youth that will be able to inspire others with their words," said an invitation from the Youth and Young Adult Ministry. Entries must include a written and audio copy of the speech, which should be 500-700 words (about 10 minutes spoken).
During the same worship service, the winning song in the music contest will be played or the writer will participate in the performance of the song. Youth are invited to submit a song based on the NYC theme and written for use in worship. The winning song will be included in the conference book. Songs should be three-to-five minutes in length, and entries should include an audio recording on CD as well as a copy of the lyrics.
Submissions of speeches and songs are due by Jan. 1, 2010. Send entries to the NYC Office, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120. For more information go to www.2010nyc.org.
The Youth and Young Adult Ministry also has issued a call for volunteer youth workers to assist with the conference. "Youth workers are an essential part of the NYC staff, helping to carry out the programs and plans of the National Youth Cabinet as well as making sure that no details are missed," said the announcement. "We need committed, focused, and enthusiastic people to make NYC run smoothly."
Youth workers must be willing and ready to work long hours and commit to be present for the entire week of NYC. Families of youth workers are not permitted to accompany volunteers. Youth workers are expected to arrive in the early afternoon of July 16, the day before the conference begins, and to be available to work through the evening of July 22. The registration fee will be waived for youth workers, and travel expenses will be paid (provided the Youth and Young Adult Ministry books the airline tickets).
To apply for a youth worker position, complete an application form and mail it postmarked by Nov. 1. For an application form contact the NYC Office at 800-323-8039.
In related news, McPherson (Kan.) College is offering free overnight lodging and breakfast to NYC attendees either on the way to or on the way home from the conference. In exchange for this hospitality, the college is asking guests to take a one-hour tour. Contact Tom Hurst, director of Campus Ministries, at hurstt@mcpherson.edu or 620-242-0503.
Source: 9/7/2009 Newsline Extra
October is Disabilities Awareness Month.
During the month of October, Brethren congregations are encouraged to observe Disabilities Awareness Month. Resources and information for those observing the month have been made available online at www.brethren.org by the Church of the Brethren’s Caring Ministries.
The theme scripture for Disabilities Awareness Month is: "For my house shall be a house for all people" (Isaiah 56:7). An introduction to the observance by Pat Challenger notes, "It is necessary for special needs folks both young and old to experience belonging and inclusion within God's houses.... We as churches need to recognize the talents that people with special needs can bring to our congregations."
Resources and information at the web page include a number of ideas for awareness-raising activities submitted by Cindy Barnum-Steggerda, such as a "field trip" through the church building in a wheel chair; a short guideline for doing a congregational self-evaluation, that begins by noting that "becoming an accessible congregation is an ongoing process"; and ideas for how churches may acquire funding to improve accessibility. Go to www.brethren.org/site/PageServer?pagename=grow_health_disabilities_awareness_month to find the online resources and information.
Source: 9/7/2009 Newsline Extra
During the month of October, Brethren congregations are encouraged to observe Disabilities Awareness Month. Resources and information for those observing the month have been made available online at www.brethren.org by the Church of the Brethren’s Caring Ministries.
The theme scripture for Disabilities Awareness Month is: "For my house shall be a house for all people" (Isaiah 56:7). An introduction to the observance by Pat Challenger notes, "It is necessary for special needs folks both young and old to experience belonging and inclusion within God's houses.... We as churches need to recognize the talents that people with special needs can bring to our congregations."
Resources and information at the web page include a number of ideas for awareness-raising activities submitted by Cindy Barnum-Steggerda, such as a "field trip" through the church building in a wheel chair; a short guideline for doing a congregational self-evaluation, that begins by noting that "becoming an accessible congregation is an ongoing process"; and ideas for how churches may acquire funding to improve accessibility. Go to www.brethren.org/site/PageServer?pagename=grow_health_disabilities_awareness_month to find the online resources and information.
Source: 9/7/2009 Newsline Extra
More upcoming events
- A deacon ministry workshop, "The Challenges of Change: Growing the Role of Deacons" will be held in Idaho District on Sept. 26 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at Nampa (Idaho) Church of the Brethren. The event will be led by Donna Kline, director of the Church of the Brethren’s Deacon Ministry and Disability Ministry, and editor of "Caregiving" magazine. Topics include "What are deacons supposed to do, anyways?" "The art of listening," "Offering support in times of grief and loss," and "Deacon spirituality." Cost is $10. Participants are invited to bring a dish to share for lunch. To register contact Howard Garwick at hgarwick@yahoo.com or 208-466-2896.
- The Church of the Brethren’s Global Food Crisis Fund is encouraging attention to the 35th anniversary of Bread for the World and a tour by its founder Art Simon. The Global Food Crisis ministry "has come to consider Bread for the World a full-fledged partner," said manager Howard Royer. The 18-city nationwide tour promotes a new book by Simon, "The Rising of Bread for the World: An Outcry of Citizens Against Hunger." The tour began Sept. 1 in Sunnyvale, Calif., and continues through the fall with stops in cities such as Los Angeles, Seattle, Portland, Chicago, Long Island, Cincinnati, and Washington, D.C., among others. For details, go to www.bread.org/get-involved/community/events-simon.html.
- Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS) has announced the start of its fall orientation, to be held Sept. 20-Oct. 9 at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md. This will be the 286th unit of BVS and will include 23 volunteers--nine from Germany, one from Canada, and the remaining 13 (nine of whom are Brethren) from around the US. The unit will spend three weeks exploring project possibilities and topics of community building, peace, social justice, faith sharing, sustainable agriculture, and more. They will have the opportunity for several work days in the New Windsor area and in Harrisburg, Pa. Contact the BVS office at 800-323-8039.
- Upcoming courses offered by the Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership include "Passions of Youth, Practices of Christ" with instructor Russell Haitch, to be taught at Codorus (Pa.) Church of the Brethren on Sept. 24-27; "Judges," an online course with instructor Susan Jeffers, to be taught Sept. 28-Nov. 6 (register through the Susquehanna Valley Ministry Center, go to www.read-the-bible.org/SVMC-Judges.htm); and "Brethren Polity and Practice" with instructor Warren Eshbach, to be taught at the Young Center on the campus of Elizabethtown (Pa.) College on Nov. 20-22 (contact the Susquehanna Valley Ministry Center at SVMC@etown.edu or 717-361-1450). "Messages of Peace in the Old Testament" is a continuing education event led by David Leiter on Sept. 16 at Elizabethtown (Pa.) College (contact svmc@etown.edu or 717-361-1450). Registration brochures for these and other training opportunities are available through the Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership, contact academy@bethanyseminary.edu or 800-287-8822 ext 1824.
- The 39th Annual Dunker Church Service at the Antietam National Battlefield in Sharpsburg, Md., will be held Sunday, Sept 13, at 3 p.m. Jeff Bach, a Church of the Brethren historian and director of the Young Center at Elizabethtown (Pa.) College, will preach for this worship service, held in the restored Mumma Meeting House commonly referred to as the Dunker Church. The church was built in 1853 and heavily damaged by the Sept. 17, 1862, Battle of Antietam. After extensive repairs were made, services resumed in the summer of 1864. The service is sponsored by area Churches of the Brethren. Bach also will preach at Sharpsburg Church of the Brethren that Sunday morning at 9:30 am. For more information contact Eddie Edmonds at 304-267-4135 or Tom Fralin at 301-432-2653.
- Bridgewater (Va.) Church of the Brethren hosts a production of "The Final Journey of John Kline," about the Civil War-era Brethren elder and peace martyr, on Oct. 10 at 7:30 p.m. The performance benefits an effort to preserve the John Kline Homestead in Broadway, Va., which is threatened by proposed development. The John Kline Homestead Trust hopes to raise an initial $425,000 to purchase the property by the end of 2009. Kline was a legendary leader in Brethren history--a preacher and healer who practiced natural medicine and traveled more than 100,000 miles on horseback serving people on both sides of the Mason-Dixon Line. During the Civil War, he helped keep the Brethren unified in an anti-slavery stance. In 1864, returning from one of his preaching missions, he was ambushed by Confederate irregulars and killed near his home. "The Final Journey of John Kline" by Lee Krähenbühl was commissioned as part of the 200th anniversary of Kline’s 1797 birth. The New Millennium Players of Everett (Pa.) Church of the Brethren, directed by pastor Frank Ramirez, will present the play. An offering will support the John Kline Homestead Preservation Trust. For more information contact Dale V. Ulrich at daulrich@comcast.net.
- Mutual Kumquat will give a concert at Beacon Heights Church of the Brethren in Fort Wayne, Ind., on Sept. 19 at 7 p.m. Proceeds from this Annual Benefit Concert of the congregation will go to the Center for Nonviolence. Mutual Kumquat features Seth Hendricks, Chris Good, Drue Gray, Jacob Jolliff, and Ben Long--a Brethren group of singer/songwriters accompanied by a mandolin virtuoso and the rhythms of hand drums. A release describes the band as "Inspired by visions of radical, loving, creative communities living in mutual relationship and the sweet yet tart, tiny but powerpacked-with-flavor wonder fruit that is a kumquat."
- Midland (Va.) Church of the Brethren is offering sessions on the theme, "All We Are Saying...Is Give Peace a Chance" on the weekend of Sept. 19-20. A workshop will be offered that Saturday from 1-4 p.m. On Sunday, David Radcliff of the New Community Project--a Brethren-related nonprofit working at earth care and human justice--will teach peace to the children during Sunday school at 10 a.m. and lead worship at 11 a.m.
- Three districts will hold conferences on the weekend of Sept. 18-19: Northern Indiana District Conference in Milford, Ind.; West Marva District Conference in Moorefield, W.Va.; and Southern Pennsylvania District Conference at Bunkertown Church of the Brethren in McAlisterville, Pa.
- The 33rd annual Brethren Disaster Relief Auction will be held on Sept. 24-25 at the Lebanon (Pa.) County Expo Center and Fairgrounds. The event is a joint effort of the Church of the Brethren’s Atlantic Northeast and Southern Pennsylvania Districts. For more information go to www.brethrenauction.org.
- The annual Good Samaritan Banquet of the Village at Morrisons Cove, a Church of the Brethren retirement community in Martinsburg, Pa., is on Sept. 19. The banquet raises support for residents who have outlived their resources. The event begins with a reception at 5:30 p.m. at the Casino in Altoona, Pa. The program of sacred music features members of University Baptist and Brethren Church in State College, Pa., directed by Chris Kiver, director of Penn State Glee Club and Chamber Singers and winner of two Grammy Awards in 2006 for best Choral Music Performance and best Classical Album. The event also celebrates the opening of a new Village Center. The price of a ticket is $100. Call 814-793-2249.
- "Steward Leaders in Changing Times" is offered by the Ecumenical Stewardship Center on Nov. 30-Dec. 3 at the Hilton Marco Island Resort in Florida. The Church of the Brethren is a member denomination of the Ecumenical Stewardship Center. The event is planned for congregational leaders to learn, network, share, and worship together. Featured speakers include Anthony B. Robinson, president of Congregational Leadership Northwest and author of "Transforming Congregational Culture"; Peter Steinke, author of "Congregational Leadership in Anxious Times" and founder of Healthy Congregations; and Mardi Tindal, executive director at Five Oaks Retreat Center, and participant in the Center for Courage and Renewal facilitator preparation program provided by Parker J. Palmer. To register and to receive group or first-time attendee discounts, contact Carol Bowman, coordinator of stewardship formation and education for the Church of the Brethren, at cbowman@brethren.org.
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. Newsline appears every other Wednesday, with other special issues sent as needed. Michael Colvin and Mimi Copp 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. Newsline appears every other Wednesday, with other special issues sent as needed. Michael Colvin and Mimi Copp contributed to this report.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
NEWS
- BBT sends notification letters for recalculated annuity benefits.
- Haitian Brethren name provisional board, hold blessing for first ministers.
- Workcamp ministry records another successful season.
- Hoslers to work for peace and reconciliation with Nigerian Brethren.
- Solem begins as publications coordinator for Brethren Benefit Trust.
- Schofield resigns as director of academic services at Bethany Seminary.
- Brethren Volunteer Service unit begins work.
- Bethany Theological Seminary begins its 105th academic year.
- International Day of Prayer for Peace campaign registers 100 groups.
- Congregations are invited to celebrate Bethany Sunday.
BBT sends notification letters for recalculated annuity benefits.
Brethren Benefit Trust (BBT) has sent notification letters for recalculated annuity benefits for Church of the Brethren Pension Plan annuitants, on Aug. 19. Back in April, the BBT Board determined that because the market decline was so severe, it was necessary to recalculate all annuitized pension accounts at an assumption rate of 5 percent in order to preserve the solvency of the Retirement Benefits Fund, which continues to be well underfunded.
The recalculated benefit will be reflected in the October payment to Pension Plan annuitants. The September payment will be the same as the current benefit.
Knowing that this would be difficult for many annuitants, but would present a significant financial hardship for some, BBT has established a grant program to soften the reduction. This grant program, which will be reviewed annually, will use non-pension funds to pay out an amount that is equal to or less than the actual reduction in benefits to qualifying annuitants.
An application for the grant program was included in the notification letters mailed last week, and is available online at www.brethrenbenefittrust.org/Pension pages/GrantProgramApp.pdf to download in pdf format. The Brethren Pension Plan encourages members to complete and return the application form if they need this assistance.
In anticipation of questions resulting from this significant change, BBT is offering the following set of questions and answers:
Question: The markets have been doing well over the past few months, so why do we need to still go through with the reduction in Pension benefits? Answer: By Aug. 9, the markets had gained 11.9 percent for the year, as measured by the S&P 500. However, even with the positive market activity of this year’s second quarter, BBT estimates that the Retirement Benefits Fund current funding status is approximately 70 percent--a slight improvement from the Dec. 31, 2008, level of 68 percent. Currently, benefit payments of approximately $1.2 million are disbursed to our annuitants every month. At this rate, even with the recent market returns flowing into the fund, we have high confidence that it will remain underfunded and could simply evaporate without this reduction in benefits. This benefit reduction is still very necessary.
Q: When might we see our benefits increase? A: This question is more difficult to answer. Assuming the markets continue to recover, the assets of the Retirement Benefits Fund will likewise recover, based on the implementation of this benefit reduction. BBT simply does not know how quickly this will happen. The present goal is for the fund to be 100 percent funded--able to meet all of its benefit obligations today and into the future. Returning the Retirement Benefits Fund to fully funded status while continuing to pay out monthly benefits will take many years. However, once this goal has been met, the next step is to pursue two goals simultaneously--build up the Pension reserve to meet future financial crises, and pPay out additional benefits. Benefits were recalculated using a 5 percent assumption rate, but all past increases that were applied to an annuitant’s original benefit have been retained in the recalculation process and are reflected in the new benefit amount.
Q: Why did it take longer than expected to recalculate benefit amounts? A: The records of our more than 1,500 annuities span 40-plus years of service to the denomination. Many of the early records pre-date electronic recordkeeping, and approximately 75 percent of all annuity records have migrated through three different recordkeeping software systems. Many of these annuities have received several percentage increases over the past 30 years. These are several important factors that have made the recalculation process complex and have required a great deal of "hands-on" interaction. As BBT is committed to making sure each record was recalculated accurately, the process required more time than originally estimated. BBT promised at least 30 days’ notice regarding a change in benefit, so the time needed to accurately recalculate benefits determined the October start date for the recalculation to be reflected in monthly payments to annuitants.
Q: What is BBT doing to share the pain of these reductions? A: Cost of living increases have been frozen for BBT staff, and positions that are open but are not deemed critical at this time are not being filled. Staff also are trying to reduce expenses where possible by delaying or eliminating projects. To date, BBT’s expenses are more than $200,000 under budget for the year against an expense budget of $3.3 million. Today, BBT has five fewer staff members and an expense budget that is $500,000 less than in 1999. While BBT is committed to managing expenses, it does not serve our members to undercut on customer service. Maintaining a strong organization and offering excellent service to members will increase resources and benefit BBT members.
Q: How did the Retirement Benefits Fund become underfunded, and why did BBT return to a uniform assumption rate of 5 percent? A: This situation did not happen overnight. The sharp decline of the markets in 2008 had a huge impact on the Retirement Benefits Fund, but for a few years, a higher percentage rate was being paid out than was being returned through investments. BBT attempted to maintain the levels of benefits for existing annuitants by lowering rates for new annuitants, but that was not enough to offset the high rates being paid out. BBT has striven to pay the highest benefits possible to its members, including paying out 13th checks during some years when earnings were good and actualized assessments indicated that the fund was maintaining adequate reserves. Changing to a uniform 5 percent assumption rate is the only effective way to remedy the underfunded status of the fund. When the Retirement Benefits Fund is fully funded once again, and the markets allow it, members will once again benefit from that prosperity.
Brethren Pension Plan offers a section of FAQs at www.brethrenbenefittrust.org. For further questions contact Scott Douglas, Pension Plan director, at 800-746-1505.
-- Patrice Nightingale and others in the communications staff at BBT provided this report.
Source: 8/26/2009 Newsline
Brethren Benefit Trust (BBT) has sent notification letters for recalculated annuity benefits for Church of the Brethren Pension Plan annuitants, on Aug. 19. Back in April, the BBT Board determined that because the market decline was so severe, it was necessary to recalculate all annuitized pension accounts at an assumption rate of 5 percent in order to preserve the solvency of the Retirement Benefits Fund, which continues to be well underfunded.
The recalculated benefit will be reflected in the October payment to Pension Plan annuitants. The September payment will be the same as the current benefit.
Knowing that this would be difficult for many annuitants, but would present a significant financial hardship for some, BBT has established a grant program to soften the reduction. This grant program, which will be reviewed annually, will use non-pension funds to pay out an amount that is equal to or less than the actual reduction in benefits to qualifying annuitants.
An application for the grant program was included in the notification letters mailed last week, and is available online at www.brethrenbenefittrust.org/Pension pages/GrantProgramApp.pdf to download in pdf format. The Brethren Pension Plan encourages members to complete and return the application form if they need this assistance.
In anticipation of questions resulting from this significant change, BBT is offering the following set of questions and answers:
Question: The markets have been doing well over the past few months, so why do we need to still go through with the reduction in Pension benefits? Answer: By Aug. 9, the markets had gained 11.9 percent for the year, as measured by the S&P 500. However, even with the positive market activity of this year’s second quarter, BBT estimates that the Retirement Benefits Fund current funding status is approximately 70 percent--a slight improvement from the Dec. 31, 2008, level of 68 percent. Currently, benefit payments of approximately $1.2 million are disbursed to our annuitants every month. At this rate, even with the recent market returns flowing into the fund, we have high confidence that it will remain underfunded and could simply evaporate without this reduction in benefits. This benefit reduction is still very necessary.
Q: When might we see our benefits increase? A: This question is more difficult to answer. Assuming the markets continue to recover, the assets of the Retirement Benefits Fund will likewise recover, based on the implementation of this benefit reduction. BBT simply does not know how quickly this will happen. The present goal is for the fund to be 100 percent funded--able to meet all of its benefit obligations today and into the future. Returning the Retirement Benefits Fund to fully funded status while continuing to pay out monthly benefits will take many years. However, once this goal has been met, the next step is to pursue two goals simultaneously--build up the Pension reserve to meet future financial crises, and pPay out additional benefits. Benefits were recalculated using a 5 percent assumption rate, but all past increases that were applied to an annuitant’s original benefit have been retained in the recalculation process and are reflected in the new benefit amount.
Q: Why did it take longer than expected to recalculate benefit amounts? A: The records of our more than 1,500 annuities span 40-plus years of service to the denomination. Many of the early records pre-date electronic recordkeeping, and approximately 75 percent of all annuity records have migrated through three different recordkeeping software systems. Many of these annuities have received several percentage increases over the past 30 years. These are several important factors that have made the recalculation process complex and have required a great deal of "hands-on" interaction. As BBT is committed to making sure each record was recalculated accurately, the process required more time than originally estimated. BBT promised at least 30 days’ notice regarding a change in benefit, so the time needed to accurately recalculate benefits determined the October start date for the recalculation to be reflected in monthly payments to annuitants.
Q: What is BBT doing to share the pain of these reductions? A: Cost of living increases have been frozen for BBT staff, and positions that are open but are not deemed critical at this time are not being filled. Staff also are trying to reduce expenses where possible by delaying or eliminating projects. To date, BBT’s expenses are more than $200,000 under budget for the year against an expense budget of $3.3 million. Today, BBT has five fewer staff members and an expense budget that is $500,000 less than in 1999. While BBT is committed to managing expenses, it does not serve our members to undercut on customer service. Maintaining a strong organization and offering excellent service to members will increase resources and benefit BBT members.
Q: How did the Retirement Benefits Fund become underfunded, and why did BBT return to a uniform assumption rate of 5 percent? A: This situation did not happen overnight. The sharp decline of the markets in 2008 had a huge impact on the Retirement Benefits Fund, but for a few years, a higher percentage rate was being paid out than was being returned through investments. BBT attempted to maintain the levels of benefits for existing annuitants by lowering rates for new annuitants, but that was not enough to offset the high rates being paid out. BBT has striven to pay the highest benefits possible to its members, including paying out 13th checks during some years when earnings were good and actualized assessments indicated that the fund was maintaining adequate reserves. Changing to a uniform 5 percent assumption rate is the only effective way to remedy the underfunded status of the fund. When the Retirement Benefits Fund is fully funded once again, and the markets allow it, members will once again benefit from that prosperity.
Brethren Pension Plan offers a section of FAQs at www.brethrenbenefittrust.org. For further questions contact Scott Douglas, Pension Plan director, at 800-746-1505.
-- Patrice Nightingale and others in the communications staff at BBT provided this report.
Source: 8/26/2009 Newsline
Haitian Brethren name provisional board, hold blessing for first ministers.
Eglise des Freres Haitiens--the Haitian Church of the Brethren--has taken significant steps toward its formal establishment in Haiti with the naming of a provisional board, and the blessing of ministerial leadership during a recent ceremony.
Ludovic St. Fleur, Haiti mission coordinator and pastor of Eglise des Freres Haitiens in Miami, Fla., and Jay Wittmeyer, executive director of Global Mission Partnerships for the Church of the Brethren, both took part in the ceremony. A workcamp group attending the ceremony also represented the involvement of Brethren Disaster Ministries in mission and church development in Haiti.
A theological training for the Haitian church held in mid-August closed with the special evening worship service that received Pastor Yves Jean as the first ordained minister of Eglise des Freres Haitiens. The Church of the Brethren accepted his ordination as a transfer from another denomination.
Six people were licensed to ministry at the service: Telfort Jean Billy, Telfort Romy, Ely
Frenie, Dieupanou St. Brave, Altenor Jean Gesurand, and Altenor Duvelus. The licensed ministers also received the blessing of laying on of hands. Those who had completed the theological training received certificates.
Canned chicken donated from the meat canning project of Southern Pennsylvania District and Mid-Atlantic District was distributed during the service, evidence of the active collaboration between the Haitian Brethren, Global Mission Partnerships, and Brethren Disaster Ministries. The canned chicken was shipped to Haiti through the church’s Material Resources program and Brethren Disaster Ministries, as part of ongoing disaster relief work in Haiti following the four hurricanes and tropical storms that caused massive destruction there last year.
The Haiti Workcamp group was led by Jeff Boshart, Haiti disaster response coordinator, and Klebert Exceus, a Haitian consultant from Orlando, Fla. The group included five American Brethren, translators from the Haitian Brethren community in Florida, accompanied by members of Exceus’ family, and two Brethren pastors from the Dominican Republic--one of Haitian and one of Dominican background.
On the morning after the ordination and licensing service, Wittmeyer met with leaders of the Haitian church and the group established a provisional board for its new organization. The group elected leaders: Telfort Jean Billy of Croix de Bouquet Church of the Brethren was named as chair; Ely Frenie of Cap Haitian Church of the Brethren was named secretary; and Telfort Romy of Gonaives Church of the Brethren was named treasurer.
Source: 8/26/2009 Newsline
Eglise des Freres Haitiens--the Haitian Church of the Brethren--has taken significant steps toward its formal establishment in Haiti with the naming of a provisional board, and the blessing of ministerial leadership during a recent ceremony.
Ludovic St. Fleur, Haiti mission coordinator and pastor of Eglise des Freres Haitiens in Miami, Fla., and Jay Wittmeyer, executive director of Global Mission Partnerships for the Church of the Brethren, both took part in the ceremony. A workcamp group attending the ceremony also represented the involvement of Brethren Disaster Ministries in mission and church development in Haiti.
A theological training for the Haitian church held in mid-August closed with the special evening worship service that received Pastor Yves Jean as the first ordained minister of Eglise des Freres Haitiens. The Church of the Brethren accepted his ordination as a transfer from another denomination.
Six people were licensed to ministry at the service: Telfort Jean Billy, Telfort Romy, Ely
Frenie, Dieupanou St. Brave, Altenor Jean Gesurand, and Altenor Duvelus. The licensed ministers also received the blessing of laying on of hands. Those who had completed the theological training received certificates.
Canned chicken donated from the meat canning project of Southern Pennsylvania District and Mid-Atlantic District was distributed during the service, evidence of the active collaboration between the Haitian Brethren, Global Mission Partnerships, and Brethren Disaster Ministries. The canned chicken was shipped to Haiti through the church’s Material Resources program and Brethren Disaster Ministries, as part of ongoing disaster relief work in Haiti following the four hurricanes and tropical storms that caused massive destruction there last year.
The Haiti Workcamp group was led by Jeff Boshart, Haiti disaster response coordinator, and Klebert Exceus, a Haitian consultant from Orlando, Fla. The group included five American Brethren, translators from the Haitian Brethren community in Florida, accompanied by members of Exceus’ family, and two Brethren pastors from the Dominican Republic--one of Haitian and one of Dominican background.
On the morning after the ordination and licensing service, Wittmeyer met with leaders of the Haitian church and the group established a provisional board for its new organization. The group elected leaders: Telfort Jean Billy of Croix de Bouquet Church of the Brethren was named as chair; Ely Frenie of Cap Haitian Church of the Brethren was named secretary; and Telfort Romy of Gonaives Church of the Brethren was named treasurer.
Source: 8/26/2009 Newsline
Workcamp ministry records another successful season.
The workcamp ministry of the Church of the Brethren Youth and Young Adult program had another successful season, with 31 workcamps and over 700 participants. It is inspiring to see the continued dedication of our youth and support of our congregations for the workcamp ministry.
Even in the current economic climate, junior and senior high youth and advisors, and young adult workcamp groups, gave a week of their time to serve others, worship together, meet new people, experience another culture, and have fun at a Church of the Brethren workcamp.
This workcamp year included two workcamps co-led by On Earth Peace: one on the topic of racism in Germantown, Pa.; and an intergenerational workcamp at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md., focused on the peace witness of the Church of the Brethren and its connection to service. It was the first year for the "We Are Able" workcamp for intellectually disabled young adult participants, also held at the Brethren Service Center.
Young adult participants traveled to Northern Ireland to learn about "the troubles" and efforts at peacemaking and reconciliation, as they served at Kilcranny House. Senior highs served in Mexico, Brooklyn, West Virginia, the Lakota Reservation, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic, among other locations.
Junior highs served at many places, including the John Kline Homestead, learning about Brethren history during the Civil War era. They also served at Innisfree Village, a residential community for intellectually disabled adults; at Indianapolis, helping restore houses; and at Washington, D.C., in soup kitchens and homeless shelters.
The 2009 workcamp theme was "Bound Together, Finely Woven" (2 Cor. 8:12-15). At each workcamp, participants explored their place in the tapestry of God’s creation and how the threads of their lives are interwoven with the lives of others, in both giving and receiving.
Watch www.brethren.org for an upcoming photo album from this summer’s workcamps. Watch the workcamp website ( www.brethrenworkcamps.org ) this fall for information about the 2010 workcamps. Brochures will be mailed to each Church of the Brethren congregation.
-- Jeanne Davies is coordinator of the Church of the Brethren’s workcamp ministry. The assistants coordinators for the 2009 workcamps were Meghan Horne, Bekah Houff, and Emily Laprade, serving through Brethren Volunteer Service.
Source: 8/26/2009 Newsline
The workcamp ministry of the Church of the Brethren Youth and Young Adult program had another successful season, with 31 workcamps and over 700 participants. It is inspiring to see the continued dedication of our youth and support of our congregations for the workcamp ministry.
Even in the current economic climate, junior and senior high youth and advisors, and young adult workcamp groups, gave a week of their time to serve others, worship together, meet new people, experience another culture, and have fun at a Church of the Brethren workcamp.
This workcamp year included two workcamps co-led by On Earth Peace: one on the topic of racism in Germantown, Pa.; and an intergenerational workcamp at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md., focused on the peace witness of the Church of the Brethren and its connection to service. It was the first year for the "We Are Able" workcamp for intellectually disabled young adult participants, also held at the Brethren Service Center.
Young adult participants traveled to Northern Ireland to learn about "the troubles" and efforts at peacemaking and reconciliation, as they served at Kilcranny House. Senior highs served in Mexico, Brooklyn, West Virginia, the Lakota Reservation, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic, among other locations.
Junior highs served at many places, including the John Kline Homestead, learning about Brethren history during the Civil War era. They also served at Innisfree Village, a residential community for intellectually disabled adults; at Indianapolis, helping restore houses; and at Washington, D.C., in soup kitchens and homeless shelters.
The 2009 workcamp theme was "Bound Together, Finely Woven" (2 Cor. 8:12-15). At each workcamp, participants explored their place in the tapestry of God’s creation and how the threads of their lives are interwoven with the lives of others, in both giving and receiving.
Watch www.brethren.org for an upcoming photo album from this summer’s workcamps. Watch the workcamp website ( www.brethrenworkcamps.org ) this fall for information about the 2010 workcamps. Brochures will be mailed to each Church of the Brethren congregation.
-- Jeanne Davies is coordinator of the Church of the Brethren’s workcamp ministry. The assistants coordinators for the 2009 workcamps were Meghan Horne, Bekah Houff, and Emily Laprade, serving through Brethren Volunteer Service.
Source: 8/26/2009 Newsline
Hoslers to work for peace and reconciliation with Nigerian Brethren.
Nathan and Jennifer Hosler of Elizabethtown, Pa., will begin serving in two new peace and reconciliation positions with Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria (EYN--the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria), working through the Church of the Brethren’s Global Mission Partnerships. The Hoslers are members of Chiques Church of the Brethren in Manheim, Pa.
The Hoslers will fill joint positions as teacher of peace and reconciliation at Kulp Bible College and peace and reconciliation worker with EYN. Start date for their work was Aug. 16, with plans to travel to Nigeria in September.
Jennifer Hosler has been a tutor of English as a Second Language with World Relief and AMF International, and has worked at the Naaman Center, a Christian nonprofit substance abuse treatment center in Elizabethtown. She holds a bachelor of arts in Biblical Language from Moody Bible Institute and a master’s degree in Community Psychology and Social Change from Penn State Harrisburg. She has participated in short-term mission trips to Kenya, Ethiopia, and Guatemala.
Nathan Hosler served in Germany with Weierhof Mennonite Church through Eastern Mennonite Missions, has work experience as a carpenter, and has been a groundsworker at Moody Bible Institute. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Biblical Language from Moody, and a master’s degree in International Relations from Salve Regina University in Newport, R.I.
The Hoslers both have been lay leaders at the Chiques Church, Nathan as a book and Bible study leader, and Jennifer as a lay Bible teacher. They also have served as summer ministry interns for the congregation. In May this year, they attended a youth conference of EYN as representatives of the Church of the Brethren.
Source: 8/26/2009 Newsline
Nathan and Jennifer Hosler of Elizabethtown, Pa., will begin serving in two new peace and reconciliation positions with Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria (EYN--the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria), working through the Church of the Brethren’s Global Mission Partnerships. The Hoslers are members of Chiques Church of the Brethren in Manheim, Pa.
The Hoslers will fill joint positions as teacher of peace and reconciliation at Kulp Bible College and peace and reconciliation worker with EYN. Start date for their work was Aug. 16, with plans to travel to Nigeria in September.
Jennifer Hosler has been a tutor of English as a Second Language with World Relief and AMF International, and has worked at the Naaman Center, a Christian nonprofit substance abuse treatment center in Elizabethtown. She holds a bachelor of arts in Biblical Language from Moody Bible Institute and a master’s degree in Community Psychology and Social Change from Penn State Harrisburg. She has participated in short-term mission trips to Kenya, Ethiopia, and Guatemala.
Nathan Hosler served in Germany with Weierhof Mennonite Church through Eastern Mennonite Missions, has work experience as a carpenter, and has been a groundsworker at Moody Bible Institute. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Biblical Language from Moody, and a master’s degree in International Relations from Salve Regina University in Newport, R.I.
The Hoslers both have been lay leaders at the Chiques Church, Nathan as a book and Bible study leader, and Jennifer as a lay Bible teacher. They also have served as summer ministry interns for the congregation. In May this year, they attended a youth conference of EYN as representatives of the Church of the Brethren.
Source: 8/26/2009 Newsline
Solem begins as publications coordinator for Brethren Benefit Trust.
Brian Solem has accepted the position of publications coordinator at Brethren Benefit Trust (BBT). He began his duties at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill., on Aug. 24, providing oversight for all BBT publications, the content of the BBT website, and other special projects.
Solem brings strong writing skills and energy to the position. He received a bachelor of arts degree in English, cum laude, from Loyola University Chicago. He also recently taught English vocabulary to adults in China for a year, from April 2008-April 2009. Prior to teaching, he worked for the Law Bulletin Publishing Company in Chicago, Ill., and was a classified advertising representative and contributing writer for "Legal Employment Weekly." He grew up in Elgin, and currently resides in Chicago.
Source: 8/26/2009 Newsline
Brian Solem has accepted the position of publications coordinator at Brethren Benefit Trust (BBT). He began his duties at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill., on Aug. 24, providing oversight for all BBT publications, the content of the BBT website, and other special projects.
Solem brings strong writing skills and energy to the position. He received a bachelor of arts degree in English, cum laude, from Loyola University Chicago. He also recently taught English vocabulary to adults in China for a year, from April 2008-April 2009. Prior to teaching, he worked for the Law Bulletin Publishing Company in Chicago, Ill., and was a classified advertising representative and contributing writer for "Legal Employment Weekly." He grew up in Elgin, and currently resides in Chicago.
Source: 8/26/2009 Newsline
Schofield resigns as director of academic services at Bethany Seminary.
Joanna Schofield, director of academic services for Bethany Theological Seminary and the Earlham School of Religion in Richmond, Ind., has submitted her resignation. She has served in the position since 1999.
Schofield has accepted an offer to work in a similar position for a newly created regional campus of Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. Representatives from both seminaries will work together to develop plans for an employee search process.
Source: 8/26/2009 Newsline
Joanna Schofield, director of academic services for Bethany Theological Seminary and the Earlham School of Religion in Richmond, Ind., has submitted her resignation. She has served in the position since 1999.
Schofield has accepted an offer to work in a similar position for a newly created regional campus of Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. Representatives from both seminaries will work together to develop plans for an employee search process.
Source: 8/26/2009 Newsline
Brethren Volunteer Service unit begins work.
Members of the summer orientation unit of Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS) have begun work at their placements. The unit participated in training from July 19-Aug. 7 in Harrisonburg, Va. It was the 284th orientation unit for BVS.
Following are the new volunteers, their congregations or hometowns, and work placements:
Julia Dowling of Rumson, N.J., is serving at Jubilee USA Network in Washington, D.C.; Anna Ehscheidt of Neuwied, Germany, is serving at the International Community School in Decatur, Ga.; Becky Farfsing of Cincinnati, Ohio, is serving at the Forthspring Inter-Community Group in Belfast, N. Ireland; Emsi Hansen of Kropswolde, the Netherlands, and Sara Beth Stoltzfus of Elizabethtown (Pa.) Church of the Brethren, are serving at the Family Abuse Center in Waco, Texas; Audrey Hollenberg of Westminster (Md.) Church of the Brethren is serving with the Church of the Brethren’s Youth and Young Adult Ministry in Elgin, Ill.; Florian Koch of Gross Schneen, Germany, and Christian Schaefer of Bietigheim-Bissingen, Germany, are serving at Samaritan House in Atlanta, Ga.; Emily Osterhus of Durham, N.C., is serving at the Capital Area Food Bank in Washington, D.C.; John-Michael Pickens of Mechanicsburg (Pa.) Church of the Brethren is serving with On Earth Peace in Harrisburg, Pa.; Sarah Rinko of Terryville, Conn., is serving at Gould Farm, Monterey, Mass.; Myrta See of Mountain View McGaheysville (Va.) Church of the Brethren is serving with Su Casa in Chicago, Ill.; Emrah Sueruecue of Hamburg, Ga., is at Abode Service in Fremont, Calif.; Patricia Welch of Park City, Utah, is serving at the Palms of Sebring, Fla; and Steve Wiles of Elmira, N.Y., is serving at HRDC in Havre, Mont.
Source: 8/26/2009 Newsline
Members of the summer orientation unit of Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS) have begun work at their placements. The unit participated in training from July 19-Aug. 7 in Harrisonburg, Va. It was the 284th orientation unit for BVS.
Following are the new volunteers, their congregations or hometowns, and work placements:
Julia Dowling of Rumson, N.J., is serving at Jubilee USA Network in Washington, D.C.; Anna Ehscheidt of Neuwied, Germany, is serving at the International Community School in Decatur, Ga.; Becky Farfsing of Cincinnati, Ohio, is serving at the Forthspring Inter-Community Group in Belfast, N. Ireland; Emsi Hansen of Kropswolde, the Netherlands, and Sara Beth Stoltzfus of Elizabethtown (Pa.) Church of the Brethren, are serving at the Family Abuse Center in Waco, Texas; Audrey Hollenberg of Westminster (Md.) Church of the Brethren is serving with the Church of the Brethren’s Youth and Young Adult Ministry in Elgin, Ill.; Florian Koch of Gross Schneen, Germany, and Christian Schaefer of Bietigheim-Bissingen, Germany, are serving at Samaritan House in Atlanta, Ga.; Emily Osterhus of Durham, N.C., is serving at the Capital Area Food Bank in Washington, D.C.; John-Michael Pickens of Mechanicsburg (Pa.) Church of the Brethren is serving with On Earth Peace in Harrisburg, Pa.; Sarah Rinko of Terryville, Conn., is serving at Gould Farm, Monterey, Mass.; Myrta See of Mountain View McGaheysville (Va.) Church of the Brethren is serving with Su Casa in Chicago, Ill.; Emrah Sueruecue of Hamburg, Ga., is at Abode Service in Fremont, Calif.; Patricia Welch of Park City, Utah, is serving at the Palms of Sebring, Fla; and Steve Wiles of Elmira, N.Y., is serving at HRDC in Havre, Mont.
Source: 8/26/2009 Newsline
Bethany Theological Seminary begins its 105th academic year.
Bethany Theological Seminary in Richmond, Ind., begins its 105th academic year this week. Semester-long classes begin Aug. 27. Thirty-two new students are enrolled--including 28 in degree programs and 4 with non-degree status--the largest incoming class in more than a decade.
New master of divinity students enrolled in Connections, the seminary’s distance education program, met for their first class in retreat format in Camden, Ohio, during the weekend prior to the Aug. 24-25 orientation and returned to the Richmond campus to participate in orientation with residential students. During the retreat, the Connections students began their study of ministry and spiritual disciplines, shared spiritual autobiographies, and began to form spiritual sharing groups.
In her remarks at an orientation breakfast, Bethany president Ruthann Knechel Johansen encouraged new students to become more curious about and deeply acquainted with their particular gifts, and how they express love for God, others, and all creation.
"There is no more important work than the study of God and all the ways human beings have attempted to experience and speak about that ineffable mystery," Johansen said. "There is no more important work than the inquiring study of scripture and other texts, reflection on the nature and purpose of life, and the disciplining and commitment of your own life.... There is no more important work because the longing for love, justice, and peace in our families, churches, meetings, and societies throughout the world is profound. Because this hunger for love and meaning is pervasive, keep what you study here always in close conversation with what is happening beyond: in Afghanistan and in Richmond, in the Sudan and Washington, in your home communities and Jerusalem."
The transition from orientation to the beginning of classes will be celebrated at an opening convocation on Aug. 27 at 11:20 a.m. eastern time. Steven Schweitzer, Bethany's new academic dean, will speak on "Doing Theology in Community" (2 Chronicles 30).
The convocation will be webcast live at www.bethanyseminary.edu/webcast/convocation2009 or visit the page at a later time to view a recording of the service.
-- Marcia Shetler is director of Public Relations for Bethany Theological Seminary.
Source: 8/26/2009 Newsline
Bethany Theological Seminary in Richmond, Ind., begins its 105th academic year this week. Semester-long classes begin Aug. 27. Thirty-two new students are enrolled--including 28 in degree programs and 4 with non-degree status--the largest incoming class in more than a decade.
New master of divinity students enrolled in Connections, the seminary’s distance education program, met for their first class in retreat format in Camden, Ohio, during the weekend prior to the Aug. 24-25 orientation and returned to the Richmond campus to participate in orientation with residential students. During the retreat, the Connections students began their study of ministry and spiritual disciplines, shared spiritual autobiographies, and began to form spiritual sharing groups.
In her remarks at an orientation breakfast, Bethany president Ruthann Knechel Johansen encouraged new students to become more curious about and deeply acquainted with their particular gifts, and how they express love for God, others, and all creation.
"There is no more important work than the study of God and all the ways human beings have attempted to experience and speak about that ineffable mystery," Johansen said. "There is no more important work than the inquiring study of scripture and other texts, reflection on the nature and purpose of life, and the disciplining and commitment of your own life.... There is no more important work because the longing for love, justice, and peace in our families, churches, meetings, and societies throughout the world is profound. Because this hunger for love and meaning is pervasive, keep what you study here always in close conversation with what is happening beyond: in Afghanistan and in Richmond, in the Sudan and Washington, in your home communities and Jerusalem."
The transition from orientation to the beginning of classes will be celebrated at an opening convocation on Aug. 27 at 11:20 a.m. eastern time. Steven Schweitzer, Bethany's new academic dean, will speak on "Doing Theology in Community" (2 Chronicles 30).
The convocation will be webcast live at www.bethanyseminary.edu/webcast/convocation2009 or visit the page at a later time to view a recording of the service.
-- Marcia Shetler is director of Public Relations for Bethany Theological Seminary.
Source: 8/26/2009 Newsline
International Day of Prayer for Peace campaign registers 100 groups.
On Earth Peace is encouraging Church of the Brethren congregations to take part in the International Day of Prayer for Peace, scheduled for Sept. 21 this year. The annual observance is an initiative of the World Council of Churches and its Decade to Overcome Violence. Michael Colvin and Mimi Copp are organizing the On Earth Peace campaign to promote the day.
As of today, a total of 100 congregations and groups have registered to take part in the On Earth Peace campaign, according to the organizers. Most congregations and groups are planning observances or vigils to mark the day. At least eight have taken up a challenge from On Earth Peace to hold listening initiatives in their local communities, in order to link the current economic challenges facing the country with the call to peacemaking.
In another development, Brethren musician and composer Shawn Kirchner, and Kay Guyer, a member of the church’s National Youth Cabinet and a budding video producer, will be working together on a new video for the campaign using photos and video clips contributed by this year’s participants.
A conference call tomorrow, Aug. 27, offered by On Earth Peace for organizers of International Day of Prayer for Peace events will address the topic "How to Get the Media’s Attention" and how groups can collect photos and video clips of their events. The call is scheduled for 12 noon-1 p.m. eastern time, facilitated by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of News Services for the Church of the Brethren. Contact mcopp@onearthpeace.org to take part. The conference call phone number is 712-432-0080, and the access code is 357708#. For more go to www.onearthpeace.org.
Source: 8/26/2009 Newsline
On Earth Peace is encouraging Church of the Brethren congregations to take part in the International Day of Prayer for Peace, scheduled for Sept. 21 this year. The annual observance is an initiative of the World Council of Churches and its Decade to Overcome Violence. Michael Colvin and Mimi Copp are organizing the On Earth Peace campaign to promote the day.
As of today, a total of 100 congregations and groups have registered to take part in the On Earth Peace campaign, according to the organizers. Most congregations and groups are planning observances or vigils to mark the day. At least eight have taken up a challenge from On Earth Peace to hold listening initiatives in their local communities, in order to link the current economic challenges facing the country with the call to peacemaking.
In another development, Brethren musician and composer Shawn Kirchner, and Kay Guyer, a member of the church’s National Youth Cabinet and a budding video producer, will be working together on a new video for the campaign using photos and video clips contributed by this year’s participants.
A conference call tomorrow, Aug. 27, offered by On Earth Peace for organizers of International Day of Prayer for Peace events will address the topic "How to Get the Media’s Attention" and how groups can collect photos and video clips of their events. The call is scheduled for 12 noon-1 p.m. eastern time, facilitated by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of News Services for the Church of the Brethren. Contact mcopp@onearthpeace.org to take part. The conference call phone number is 712-432-0080, and the access code is 357708#. For more go to www.onearthpeace.org.
Source: 8/26/2009 Newsline
Congregations are invited to celebrate Bethany Sunday.
Bethany Theological Seminary is inviting Church of the Brethren congregations to lift up the mission and ministry of the seminary on Sunday, Sept. 13. Several resources are available for use in worship services and other settings.
The Living Word Bulletin for Sept. 13, available through Brethren Press, features a devotional by Bethany’s director of admissions Elizabeth Keller. Resource packets recently mailed to all Church of the Brethren congregations include a bulletin insert, worship resources written by Bethany students and alumni, and a brief update on seminary activities. These resources also can be downloaded from www.bethanyseminary.edu/publications-online/bethany-sunday-2009 .
Congregations may request a free copy of the DVD titled, "Vines, Grapes, and Wineskins: Bethany Seminary’s Mission and Vision," a 22-minute skit that was presented as the seminary’s report to the 2009 Annual Conference. The skit features Brethren and Bethany personalities from the past and present meeting at a trolley stop, and engaging in conversation about Brethren history, pertinent questions Brethren face today, and the meaning of "another way of living." Request a copy of the DVD from Jenny Williams at willije1@bethanyseminary.edu or 800-287-8822 ext. 1825.
Source: 8/26/2009 Newsline
Bethany Theological Seminary is inviting Church of the Brethren congregations to lift up the mission and ministry of the seminary on Sunday, Sept. 13. Several resources are available for use in worship services and other settings.
The Living Word Bulletin for Sept. 13, available through Brethren Press, features a devotional by Bethany’s director of admissions Elizabeth Keller. Resource packets recently mailed to all Church of the Brethren congregations include a bulletin insert, worship resources written by Bethany students and alumni, and a brief update on seminary activities. These resources also can be downloaded from www.bethanyseminary.edu/publications-online/bethany-sunday-2009 .
Congregations may request a free copy of the DVD titled, "Vines, Grapes, and Wineskins: Bethany Seminary’s Mission and Vision," a 22-minute skit that was presented as the seminary’s report to the 2009 Annual Conference. The skit features Brethren and Bethany personalities from the past and present meeting at a trolley stop, and engaging in conversation about Brethren history, pertinent questions Brethren face today, and the meaning of "another way of living." Request a copy of the DVD from Jenny Williams at willije1@bethanyseminary.edu or 800-287-8822 ext. 1825.
Source: 8/26/2009 Newsline
Brethren bits
- Brethren Disaster Ministries has opened a disaster recovery project in Hammond in northwestern Indiana, having closed the Johnson County project in Greenwood, Ind. The Hammond area was hit with storms and flooding from remnants of Hurricane Ike last September. Approximately 17,000 residences were affected. With nearly 900 homes in this lower income, urban area still in need of assistance, Brethren Disaster Ministries has been called upon by the local recovery agency to assist with repair and reconstruction needs.
- A team of five volunteers from Children’s Disaster Services responded to flooding in Silver Creek and Gowanda, N.Y., in mid-August. "The need was brief, so we were only there for two days," reported associate director Judy Bezon. If the area becomes a nationally declared disaster, she reported, there will be a more significant need for child care and Children’s Disaster Services will be called to help. In unofficial estimates, more than 500 homes in Gowanda were affected.
- "Material Resource shipments have increased during August," reports Loretta Wolf, director of the Church of the Brethren’s Material Resources program that warehouses and ships disaster relief materials from the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md. Recent international shipments include a 20-foot container of baby, school, and hygiene kits shipped to Jordan on behalf of Church World Service (CWS); a 20-foot container of blankets and baby, school, and hygiene kits to Help the Children in Moldova, on behalf of CWS; a 40-foot container shipped to Israel on behalf of Lutheran World Relief’s Jerusalem program, with 525 cartons of school kits; five 40-foot containers shipped to Burkina Faso for Lutheran World Relief with blankets, clothing, soap, and quilts, and sewing, school, layette, and health kits, as well as 20 cartons of IMA World Health medicine boxes. Domestic shipments included baby, school, and hygiene kits and 1,150 emergency cleanup buckets sent on behalf of CWS in response to flooding in New York State. "Both Church World Service and Lutheran World Relief are in need of kit donations," Wolf added. "Please encourage your church or civic group to consider assembling kits as a service project." For instructions to assemble kits go to www.churchworldservice.org.
- Panther Creek Church of the Brethren in Adel, Iowa, will celebrate its 140th anniversary on Aug. 30. An Inglenook Cookbook Potluck will follow the morning worship service with dishes made using a recipe from the Inglenook Cookbook of 1901.
- Peter Becker Community held a "Meet the Authors" event for two residents of the Church of the Brethren retirement community in Harleysville, Pa. The event on Aug. 26 honored Bob Nace and Ronn Moyer, two writers who have produced two very different books, according to a release from the community. "Life Has Never Been Dull" by Bob Nace is recommended "if you like to laugh," the release said. The book is a collection of short stories sharing some of the author’s most embarrassing life moments. "Swimming with Crocodiles" by Ronn Moyer is the second book he has authored and tells the story of his choice to do alternative service as a young man and a conscientious objector. Moyer ended up working to improve education and nutrition for the people of northern Nigeria, an experience that propelled him into a lifetime of humanitarian service. For more information contact colleen.algeo@yahoo.com or 267-446-0327.
- Juniata College in Huntingdon, Pa., has posted significant gains in the rankings of "America’s Top Colleges 2009" poll in Forbes.com and the ratings published by "US News & World Report," according to a release from the school. Juniata now ranks 75th in the nation in the Forbes poll, up from 113th last year; and has jumped 13 slots in the "US News & World Report" ratings. Juniata was ranked 85th in the top 100 liberal arts colleges in "US News & World Report," up from a 98 ranking last year. "College presidents aren't supposed to say that we are surprised by our ratings, but Juniata's move up the rankings means that more and more people are aware of our educational successes and outcomes and we are overjoyed at that recognition," said Juniata president Thomas R. Kepple. Of the other five Church of the Brethren colleges and university, Bridgewater (Va.) College is ranked in Tier 3 of the liberal arts colleges nationally; the University of La Verne, Calif., is in Tier 3 of the national universities rankings; McPherson (Kan.) College is in Tier 4 of the liberal arts colleges, having been named in the national rankings for two consecutive years according to a release from the school; Elizabethtown (Pa.) College is ranked 4th in the category of Baccalaureate Colleges (North); and Manchester College in North Manchester, Ind., is ranked 18th in the category Baccalaureate Colleges (Midwest) and 6th in the "Great Schools, Great Prices" Midwest rankings, having been named in the "US News & World Report" listing of America’s best colleges for the 15th consecutive year.
- The World Council of Churches (WCC) Central Committee starts an eight-day meeting today, Aug. 26, in Geneva, Switzerland. "Messenger" editor Walt Wiltschek will be on the communication team for the meeting, seconded to the WCC from the Church of the Brethren staff. The committee is expected to elect a new general secretary for the WCC, to succeed Samuel Kobia who is not seeking a second term in office. According to Ecumenical News International, a news service related to the WCC, the ecumenical organization now has 349 member churches around the world. The Church of the Brethren is one of its member denominations.
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. Newsline appears every other Wednesday, with other special issues sent as needed. Jeri S. Kornegay, Patrice Nightingale, Marcia Shetler, Callie Surber, John Wall, and Jay 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. Newsline appears every other Wednesday, with other special issues sent as needed. Jeri S. Kornegay, Patrice Nightingale, Marcia Shetler, Callie Surber, John Wall, and Jay Wittmeyer contributed to this report.
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