Update of Spanish language minister’s manual to be available soon.
An update of the Spanish-language edition of the manual for Church of the Brethren ministers published by Brethren Press, "For All Who Minister," may be in print and available in early 2008.
Mary Jo Flory-Steury, director of the Office of Ministry for the Church of the Brethren General Board, and Carol Yeazell of Congregational Life Ministries, are working on the project with Brethren Press. The previous Spanish-language edition of the ministers’ manual titled "Manual del Pastor," dated from some years ago, is no longer available in print. It was translated, type set, and printed in the Dominican Republic.
The new edition is being edited by a professional Spanish-language editor, and will be redesigned as a spiral-bound book with a flexible Lexotone cover. The final title is not yet confirmed. Congregational Life Ministries is helping to cover expenses of the project, and Brethren Press staff are assisting with consultation and production.
Source: 12/19/2007 Newsline Extra
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Resources bits and pieces: Denominational Polity Manual, books for intercultural understanding and evangelism, ‘green’ Bible, and more.
- The Annual Conference Council recently completed revisions to the Church of the Brethren's denominational Polity Manual. Revisions include changes to polity created by Annual Conference actions through the most recent annual meeting in July 2007. The 2008 version of the manual is now available free of charge at www.brethren.org/ac/PPG in downloadable pdf format. Congregations without Internet access may request a printed copy for $10, including shipping and handling. Send orders and checks made out to "Annual Conference" to the Annual Conference Office, P.O. Box 720, New Windsor, MD 21776-0720.
- Recommended by the publisher: three books for intercultural understanding. Following passage of the 2007 Annual Conference statement, "Separate No More," Brethren Press executive director Wendy McFadden has recommended three books to help church leaders increase intercultural understanding. All three may be ordered through Brethren Press, call 800-441-3712; shipping and handling charges will be added to the prices listed below, call 800-441-3712. "Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria?: A Psychologist Explains the Development of Racial Identity" by Beverly Daniel Tatum (Basic Books, revised 2003), $15.95 from Brethren Press; "It's the Little Things: Everyday Interactions that Anger, Annoy, and Divide the Races" by Lena Williams (Harcourt, Inc., 2000), $14 from Brethren Press; "Divided by Faith: Evangelical Religion and the Problem of Race in America" by Michael O. Emerson and Christian Smith (Oxford University Press, 2000), $17.95 from Brethren Press.
- The first-ever recognized "green" Bible--a Charles Stanley "Life Principles" daily Bible in the New King James Version, published by Thomas Nelson--is now available for purchase through Brethren Press for $19.99 plus shipping and handling, call 800-441-3712. Nelson worked on the project with paper manufacturer Domtar and the Green Press Initiative, a nonprofit that works with the book industry to conserve environmental resources. The new Bible fits into the "Treatise on Responsible Paper Use," an industry-developed agreement that defines shared goals for improving environmental impacts associated with book publishing.
- "Unbinding Your Heart: 40 Days of Prayer and Faith Sharing" (Chalice Press) is a new all-congregation evangelism study by Martha Grace Reese, available from Brethren Press for $19.99 plus shipping and handling. The study is a six-week, churchwide, small group evangelism event perfect for Lenten, summer, or fall study for all established classes and church groups. Based on the best-selling book "Unbinding the Gospel," this addition to the series includes 40 days of individual prayer exercises coordinated with each chapter. "Unbinding Your Heart" will enrich a church’s community life and help individuals risk fact-to-face encounters with God.
- Brethren Press is hosting a meet and greet with Chicago poet Anne Basye, author of the newly released book "Sustaining Simplicity: A Journal," on Jan. 9, 2008, at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill. The book has been described as "an emotionally honest exploration of mindful lifestyle decisions" and shows how faith and daily life intersect. The reception will follow Basye's chapel message at 9:15 a.m. that Wednesday. On the same day, at 12:10 p.m., Basye will also give a Brown Bag Briefing at the General Offices on the topic of "Sustaining Simplicity in the New Year." Her book is available for purchase from Brethren Press for $12 plus shipping and handling.
- In a congregational renewal project in some districts of the Church of the Brethren, the 300th Anniversary devotional from Brethren Press, "Fresh from the Word," is being accompanied by a study guide for church renewal. The study guide was prepared by David Young and the Springs of Living Water renewal initiative. It offers a spiritual disciplines guide to help members of congregations, with the hoped-for outcome of new focus, energy, and growth in the church. The guide uses the same scriptures as the 300th Anniversary devotional book, looks like a bulletin, and includes instructions, daily texts, and an insert on spiritual disciplines. Young anticipates offering new guides for each quarter of 2008. He also reported that the guide may be used by the Church of the Brethren in Brazil, and is being translated into Portuguese. Contact David Young, 464 Ridge Ave., Ephrata, PA 17522; 717-738-1887; davidyoung@churchrenewalservant.org.
- In honor of the 300th Anniversary of the first Brethren baptism, the Tercentennial Committee of Everett (Pa.) Church of the Brethren is offering a year’s worth of one-minute meditations focused on events in Brethren history. The "Tercentennial Minutes" are designed to be read one a week in worship or Sunday school settings, starting with Sunday, Dec. 23. On that day, the one-minute meditation will focus on the first Brethren baptism in America, which took place on Christmas Day in 1723. Upcoming minutes will tell stories from Brethren history, such as the Brethren connection with Billy the Kid, Abraham Harley Cassel’s visit to the nation’s centennial in 1876, Julia Gilbert’s impassioned speech at Annual Meeting in 1910, Evelyn Trostle’s brave stand to protect Armenian orphans from the Turks in 1920, and many others. Each is written in an entertaining style by Frank Ramirez, pastor of the Everett congregation. The Everett church will share the "Tercentennial Minutes" by e-mail with any church interested in receiving and using them. Contact the congregation at ecob@yellowbananas.com.
- The Juniata College Concert Choir has released its first CD, called "Velvet Light: Christmas Carol Arrangements by Shawn Kirchner." Kirchner is the former music director at La Verne (Calif.) Church of the Brethren. The recording was inspired by the Church of the Brethren’s Christmas Eve special on CBS, for which Kirchner also served as music director. The music on "Velvet Light" is scored for string quartet, oboe, flute, guitar, piano, and percussion, as well as the choir from Juniata College in Huntingdon, Pa., and offers a fresh approach to Christmas music. The CD is available for $15 plus shipping and handling from Brethren Press, call 800-441-3712
Credits
Newsline is produced by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of news services for the Church of the Brethren General Board, cobnews@brethren.org or 800-323-8039 ext. 260. Judy Bezon, Kathleen Campanella, Lerry Fogle, Bekah Houff, Bill Johnson, Bob Kettering, Nancy Knepper, Jon Kobel, Karin Krog, Jeff Lennard, Donna March, Wendy McFadden, Joan McGrath, Frank Ramirez, and David Young contributed to this report.
Newsline is produced by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of news services for the Church of the Brethren General Board, cobnews@brethren.org or 800-323-8039 ext. 260. Judy Bezon, Kathleen Campanella, Lerry Fogle, Bekah Houff, Bill Johnson, Bob Kettering, Nancy Knepper, Jon Kobel, Karin Krog, Jeff Lennard, Donna March, Wendy McFadden, Joan McGrath, Frank Ramirez, and David Young contributed to this report.
Wednesday, December 05, 2007
NEWS
- Bethany Seminary trustees welcome new president and new chair.
- Vital Pastors 'cohort groups' report at conference in San Antonio.
- National Council receives text of social creed for 21st century.
- Brethren share 300th Anniversary devotional at NCC assembly.
- CPT gives human rights training to Kurdish security officers in Iraq.
- Brethren bits: Personnel, position openings, cyclone response, more.
Bethany Seminary trustees welcome new president and new chair.
The Bethany Theological Seminary Board of Trustees met on Oct. 26-28 in Richmond, Ind., led by a new chair and a new president. The meeting began with a time of worship and an anointing service for incoming Bethany Seminary president Ruthann Knechel Johansen. Board chair Ted Flory of Bridgewater, Va., directed the board through the agenda.
The board also welcomed new member Martha Farahat of Oceana, Calif., and accepted with regret the resignation of Jim Hardenbrook of Caldwell, Idaho, as he and his wife, Pam, prepare for mission work in Sudan on behalf of the Church of the Brethren.
The Academic Affairs Committee reported that faculty are considering ways the seminary can respond to recent Annual Conference statements such as "Becoming a Multi-Ethnic Church" and "Reverse Membership Trend." They also shared a progress report on the search process for two fulltime faculty who will be responsible for the areas of theology, church history, Brethren studies, and the master of arts program. Because of the potential for faculty overload, the board approved an additional search for a half-time position in Brethren studies.
The Institutional Advancement Committee reported that Bethany's website has been redesigned and includes many new features. The committee announced the launch of two new development initiatives: a Congregational Ambassador program for church relations, and a President's Associates group for donors.
The board approved a recommendation from the Student and Business Affairs Committee to increase tuition for the 2008-09 fiscal year from $296 to $325 per credit hour. The committee shared a synopsis of the annual questionnaire completed by graduating students for the Association of Theological Schools. The students expressed satisfaction in class size, quality of teaching, and accessibility of faculty. The top five skill areas cited as most improved were ability to conduct worship, knowledge of their own religious tradition, ability to relate social issues to faith, ability to preach well, and ability to use and interpret scripture.
A joint committee of board members, faculty, and staff announced dates for an Inaugural Forum on March 30-31, 2008. More information will be made available.
On Saturday evening, the board invited faculty and staff to a dinner and an envisioning discussion to identify the core values that guide the seminary's mission. Sunday's closing session included a report by president Johansen on her first 100 days. She has experienced Bethany as a welcoming community of creative and competent students, faculty, and staff, and has identified three items for development: strengthening internal procedures, clarifying and renewing the seminary's mission focus, and marketing that mission.
--Marcia Shetler is director of Public Relations for Bethany Theological Seminary.
Source: 12/05/2007 Newsline
The Bethany Theological Seminary Board of Trustees met on Oct. 26-28 in Richmond, Ind., led by a new chair and a new president. The meeting began with a time of worship and an anointing service for incoming Bethany Seminary president Ruthann Knechel Johansen. Board chair Ted Flory of Bridgewater, Va., directed the board through the agenda.
The board also welcomed new member Martha Farahat of Oceana, Calif., and accepted with regret the resignation of Jim Hardenbrook of Caldwell, Idaho, as he and his wife, Pam, prepare for mission work in Sudan on behalf of the Church of the Brethren.
The Academic Affairs Committee reported that faculty are considering ways the seminary can respond to recent Annual Conference statements such as "Becoming a Multi-Ethnic Church" and "Reverse Membership Trend." They also shared a progress report on the search process for two fulltime faculty who will be responsible for the areas of theology, church history, Brethren studies, and the master of arts program. Because of the potential for faculty overload, the board approved an additional search for a half-time position in Brethren studies.
The Institutional Advancement Committee reported that Bethany's website has been redesigned and includes many new features. The committee announced the launch of two new development initiatives: a Congregational Ambassador program for church relations, and a President's Associates group for donors.
The board approved a recommendation from the Student and Business Affairs Committee to increase tuition for the 2008-09 fiscal year from $296 to $325 per credit hour. The committee shared a synopsis of the annual questionnaire completed by graduating students for the Association of Theological Schools. The students expressed satisfaction in class size, quality of teaching, and accessibility of faculty. The top five skill areas cited as most improved were ability to conduct worship, knowledge of their own religious tradition, ability to relate social issues to faith, ability to preach well, and ability to use and interpret scripture.
A joint committee of board members, faculty, and staff announced dates for an Inaugural Forum on March 30-31, 2008. More information will be made available.
On Saturday evening, the board invited faculty and staff to a dinner and an envisioning discussion to identify the core values that guide the seminary's mission. Sunday's closing session included a report by president Johansen on her first 100 days. She has experienced Bethany as a welcoming community of creative and competent students, faculty, and staff, and has identified three items for development: strengthening internal procedures, clarifying and renewing the seminary's mission focus, and marketing that mission.
--Marcia Shetler is director of Public Relations for Bethany Theological Seminary.
Source: 12/05/2007 Newsline
Vital Pastors 'cohort groups' report at conference in San Antonio.
One group looked at postmodernism, another at being missional. Still another examined the balance of worshiping with both head and heart. In all, six groups of pastors studied a variety of questions over the past two years but all with the same ultimate goal: determining the qualities that contribute to pastoral excellence and how to sustain them.
The pastors groups reported their findings during a Vital Pastors conference held Nov. 5-9 at the Oblate Renewal Center in San Antonio, Texas. The conference continued the work of the Sustaining Pastoral Excellence program, funded by the Lilly Endowment Inc. Dozens of institutions around the country, including the Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership, received generous grants to make the endeavor possible.
"Lilly asked where can they best invest resources to build up the church, and they settled on pastors," said Brethren Academy director Jonathan Shively, who led the effort to get one of the grants.
The first four Brethren "cohort" groups made their reports last February. A new class of six cohorts began their study in January of this year, another class begins in January 2008. The final scheduled class of cohorts will begin in January 2009. Three more concluding retreats are planned in 2008, 2009, and 2010.
Each cohort group examines a "critical question" related to pastoral ministry, beginning with an immersion experience to study the issue in context. Groups that reported in San Antonio had traveled to the Iona community in Scotland, South Africa, Rome, Texas, Hawaii, and a pastors' conference in San Diego, Calif.
Many of the questions centered on transformation, both personal and congregational, and on the changing culture in which the church finds itself. As one participant said, "I'm still trying to figure out what it means to be a pastor in this emerging world...and it's actually a lot of fun." Another noted, "Fewer people are identifying themselves as Christians.... We can't just assume there's respect for Christians and Christianity." That, he said, has parallels to the pre-Constantine era of the early church.
Most of the cohort groups are geographical, drawing four to six pastors from a particular district or region. One group, though, consisted of four clergy couples who are either serving together in team ministry or each serving separate congregations. Another grouped pastors who are serving churches in college or university settings.
In addition to the group reporting, in blocks of three hours each, the conference also included daily times of worship. Glenn Timmons, co-director of the Sustaining Pastoral Excellence program for the Brethren Academy with his wife, Linda, set the tone in the opening service with the reminder, "The reign of God shows up where we least expect it. We want to control outcomes rather than be surprised by grace."
The next set of Vital Pastors cohort groups will report at a conference in the fall of 2008.
Walt Wiltschek is editor of "Messenger" magazine.
Source: 12/05/2007 Newsline
One group looked at postmodernism, another at being missional. Still another examined the balance of worshiping with both head and heart. In all, six groups of pastors studied a variety of questions over the past two years but all with the same ultimate goal: determining the qualities that contribute to pastoral excellence and how to sustain them.
The pastors groups reported their findings during a Vital Pastors conference held Nov. 5-9 at the Oblate Renewal Center in San Antonio, Texas. The conference continued the work of the Sustaining Pastoral Excellence program, funded by the Lilly Endowment Inc. Dozens of institutions around the country, including the Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership, received generous grants to make the endeavor possible.
"Lilly asked where can they best invest resources to build up the church, and they settled on pastors," said Brethren Academy director Jonathan Shively, who led the effort to get one of the grants.
The first four Brethren "cohort" groups made their reports last February. A new class of six cohorts began their study in January of this year, another class begins in January 2008. The final scheduled class of cohorts will begin in January 2009. Three more concluding retreats are planned in 2008, 2009, and 2010.
Each cohort group examines a "critical question" related to pastoral ministry, beginning with an immersion experience to study the issue in context. Groups that reported in San Antonio had traveled to the Iona community in Scotland, South Africa, Rome, Texas, Hawaii, and a pastors' conference in San Diego, Calif.
Many of the questions centered on transformation, both personal and congregational, and on the changing culture in which the church finds itself. As one participant said, "I'm still trying to figure out what it means to be a pastor in this emerging world...and it's actually a lot of fun." Another noted, "Fewer people are identifying themselves as Christians.... We can't just assume there's respect for Christians and Christianity." That, he said, has parallels to the pre-Constantine era of the early church.
Most of the cohort groups are geographical, drawing four to six pastors from a particular district or region. One group, though, consisted of four clergy couples who are either serving together in team ministry or each serving separate congregations. Another grouped pastors who are serving churches in college or university settings.
In addition to the group reporting, in blocks of three hours each, the conference also included daily times of worship. Glenn Timmons, co-director of the Sustaining Pastoral Excellence program for the Brethren Academy with his wife, Linda, set the tone in the opening service with the reminder, "The reign of God shows up where we least expect it. We want to control outcomes rather than be surprised by grace."
The next set of Vital Pastors cohort groups will report at a conference in the fall of 2008.
Walt Wiltschek is editor of "Messenger" magazine.
Source: 12/05/2007 Newsline
National Council receives text of social creed for 21st century.
Church of the Brethren representatives attended the annual General Assembly of the National Council of Churches (NCC) and Church World Service on Nov. 6-8 in Iselin, N.J. The theme for the meeting was, "Journeys: For We Walk by Faith..." (2 Corinthians 5:7), and time was spent in worship, Bible study, and fellowship, as well as business. The assembly installed new officers and a new general secretary, set in motion plans for a new quadrennium, passed resolutions on social issues, and received the text of "A Social Creed for the 21st Century."
"A Social Creed for the 21st Century" had been approved by the Governing Board in September. In 1908 the NCC's predecessor, the Federal Council of Churches, adopted a social creed that addressed issues of the early 20th century such as industrialization, and pledged then "to work together for a better, fairer and more faithful United States." The NCC has now developed a social creed for the 21st century that addresses globalization, poverty, and violence. "We--individual Christians and churches--commit ourselves to a culture of peace and freedom that embraces nonviolence, nurtures character, treasures the environment, and builds community, rooted in a spirituality of inner growth and outward action," states the conclusion of the new social creed. The full text of the creed is at www.ncccusa.org/news/ga2007.socialcreed.html.
In other business, the assembly reaffirmed the NCC's commitment to Middle East peace, unanimously passing a statement updating a 1980 Middle East policy. The updated statement calls for "responsible public discourse" about Middle East issues and a focus on issues related to the Israel-Palestine conflict, expresses concern for the drop in the number of Christians in the Middle East, and calls for interfaith sensitivities "devoid of anti-Semitism and Islamophobia."
The assembly also urged the US House of Representatives to pass legislation recognizing the slaughter of Armenians in 1915 as a genocide, passing a resolution by voice vote with six abstentions; continued to evaluate recovery efforts in the Gulf coast following Hurricane Katrina, receiving a report from the NCC's Special Commission for the Just Rebuilding of the Gulf Coast; and established a memorial fund honoring Claire Randall, the NCC's first woman general secretary.
Vicken Aykazian, archbishop of the Diocese of the Armenian Orthodox Church of America (Eastern), was installed as president of the NCC; Peg Chemberlin, a Moravian clergywoman and executive director of the Minnesota Council of Churches, was installed as president elect; and Michael Kinnamon, a Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) clergyman, educator, and ecumenical leader, was elected and installed as the NCC's ninth general secretary.
Stanley Noffsinger, the general secretary of the Church of the Brethren General Board, was elected to the NCC Governing Board as vice president at large.
The Brethren participants were elected representatives Nelda Rhoades Clark, Jennie Ramirez, and Marianne Miller Speicher; and staff representatives from the General Board including Noffsinger, Global Mission Partnerships executive director Merv Keeney, and director of Identity and Relations Becky Ullom. Also participating in the meeting as an NCC staff member was Jordan Blevins.
Because the year 2008 signifies a new quadrennium for the NCC, each communion identified its delegates who will serve for the next four years. Church of the Brethren representatives will include Elizabeth Bidgood Enders, Ken Reiman, John (J.D.) Glick, Merv Keeney, Illana Naylor, and Stan Noffsinger. David Metzler and Wendy McFadden will serve on the NCC's Interfaith Relations Commission from 2008-2011 as well.
Source: 12/05/2007 Newsline
Church of the Brethren representatives attended the annual General Assembly of the National Council of Churches (NCC) and Church World Service on Nov. 6-8 in Iselin, N.J. The theme for the meeting was, "Journeys: For We Walk by Faith..." (2 Corinthians 5:7), and time was spent in worship, Bible study, and fellowship, as well as business. The assembly installed new officers and a new general secretary, set in motion plans for a new quadrennium, passed resolutions on social issues, and received the text of "A Social Creed for the 21st Century."
"A Social Creed for the 21st Century" had been approved by the Governing Board in September. In 1908 the NCC's predecessor, the Federal Council of Churches, adopted a social creed that addressed issues of the early 20th century such as industrialization, and pledged then "to work together for a better, fairer and more faithful United States." The NCC has now developed a social creed for the 21st century that addresses globalization, poverty, and violence. "We--individual Christians and churches--commit ourselves to a culture of peace and freedom that embraces nonviolence, nurtures character, treasures the environment, and builds community, rooted in a spirituality of inner growth and outward action," states the conclusion of the new social creed. The full text of the creed is at www.ncccusa.org/news/ga2007.socialcreed.html.
In other business, the assembly reaffirmed the NCC's commitment to Middle East peace, unanimously passing a statement updating a 1980 Middle East policy. The updated statement calls for "responsible public discourse" about Middle East issues and a focus on issues related to the Israel-Palestine conflict, expresses concern for the drop in the number of Christians in the Middle East, and calls for interfaith sensitivities "devoid of anti-Semitism and Islamophobia."
The assembly also urged the US House of Representatives to pass legislation recognizing the slaughter of Armenians in 1915 as a genocide, passing a resolution by voice vote with six abstentions; continued to evaluate recovery efforts in the Gulf coast following Hurricane Katrina, receiving a report from the NCC's Special Commission for the Just Rebuilding of the Gulf Coast; and established a memorial fund honoring Claire Randall, the NCC's first woman general secretary.
Vicken Aykazian, archbishop of the Diocese of the Armenian Orthodox Church of America (Eastern), was installed as president of the NCC; Peg Chemberlin, a Moravian clergywoman and executive director of the Minnesota Council of Churches, was installed as president elect; and Michael Kinnamon, a Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) clergyman, educator, and ecumenical leader, was elected and installed as the NCC's ninth general secretary.
Stanley Noffsinger, the general secretary of the Church of the Brethren General Board, was elected to the NCC Governing Board as vice president at large.
The Brethren participants were elected representatives Nelda Rhoades Clark, Jennie Ramirez, and Marianne Miller Speicher; and staff representatives from the General Board including Noffsinger, Global Mission Partnerships executive director Merv Keeney, and director of Identity and Relations Becky Ullom. Also participating in the meeting as an NCC staff member was Jordan Blevins.
Because the year 2008 signifies a new quadrennium for the NCC, each communion identified its delegates who will serve for the next four years. Church of the Brethren representatives will include Elizabeth Bidgood Enders, Ken Reiman, John (J.D.) Glick, Merv Keeney, Illana Naylor, and Stan Noffsinger. David Metzler and Wendy McFadden will serve on the NCC's Interfaith Relations Commission from 2008-2011 as well.
Source: 12/05/2007 Newsline
Brethren share 300th Anniversary devotional at NCC assembly.
Representatives of the Church of the Brethren who attended the annual General Assembly of the National Council of Churches also took part in a traditional event during that gathering, a "communion dinner" during which each denomination comes together to build community among its own ecumenical representatives.
For the past several years, Brethren have joined with representatives from Quaker bodies and the American Baptist Church USA at the communion dinner. At this year's dinner, general secretary Stan Noffsinger gave each attendee a copy of "Fresh from the Word," the devotional book published by Brethren Press for the Church of the Brethren's 300th Anniversary. Having a few extra copies, he also gave one to NCC president Michael Livingston.
Livingston received several questions from others about the book, with people asking how they could get a copy. As a result, Noffsinger was invited to a microphone during the General Assembly in order to give information about how to order the book from Brethren Press.
>From this, much interest was generated in the 300th Anniversary. Three other denominational leaders requested to be a part of the Committee on Interchurch Relations events during the 2008 Annual Conference: Roy Medley of the American Baptist Churches USA, Stan Hastings of the Alliance of Baptists, and Thomas Swain of the Philadelphia Yearly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends.
--Jon Kobel is manager of the office of the general secretary for the General Board.
Source: 12/05/2007 Newsline
Representatives of the Church of the Brethren who attended the annual General Assembly of the National Council of Churches also took part in a traditional event during that gathering, a "communion dinner" during which each denomination comes together to build community among its own ecumenical representatives.
For the past several years, Brethren have joined with representatives from Quaker bodies and the American Baptist Church USA at the communion dinner. At this year's dinner, general secretary Stan Noffsinger gave each attendee a copy of "Fresh from the Word," the devotional book published by Brethren Press for the Church of the Brethren's 300th Anniversary. Having a few extra copies, he also gave one to NCC president Michael Livingston.
Livingston received several questions from others about the book, with people asking how they could get a copy. As a result, Noffsinger was invited to a microphone during the General Assembly in order to give information about how to order the book from Brethren Press.
>From this, much interest was generated in the 300th Anniversary. Three other denominational leaders requested to be a part of the Committee on Interchurch Relations events during the 2008 Annual Conference: Roy Medley of the American Baptist Churches USA, Stan Hastings of the Alliance of Baptists, and Thomas Swain of the Philadelphia Yearly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends.
--Jon Kobel is manager of the office of the general secretary for the General Board.
Source: 12/05/2007 Newsline
CPT gives human rights training to Kurdish security officers in Iraq.
Venus Shamal, the deputy director of Kurdish Human Rights Watch in Suleimaniya, in northern Iraq, recently invited Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT) to assist in the human rights training of security officers from the Kurdish Regional Government (KRG).
She told members of the CPT Iraq team that the director of the security office in Suleimaniya, a former teacher, had begun promoting human rights in his office after a scathing critique of KRG human rights abuses from Amnesty International and the US State Department.
Members of the CPT team in Suleimaniya hesitated to accept the invitation because the training CPT receives does not provide in-depth instruction in international human rights principles developed over the past 60 years. But the CPT team agreed to conduct this short one-hour training in the context of CPT's own experiences.
Hours before the training was to start, the translator CPT had arranged for the module called to say that her relative was ill and she could not translate that day. She contacted a friend who was an English teacher in the local secondary school. He came to the CPT apartment and spent an hour going over the first three pages of a 10-page document that CPT had prepared before the team had to leave for the training. Clearly, the concepts and vocabulary were new to him.
When the CPT team arrived at the classroom, the training coordinator explained that CPT would have just one hour to teach, translation included. CPT presenters cut sections of their talks, which further confused the translator, but the session turned out to be adequate. Shamal praised Peggy Gish for the stories she had selected from the detainee abuse report the team in Baghdad had written and distributed in 2004 (see "CPT reports on Detainees," at www.cpt.org/iraq/iraq.php).
Afterwards CPT team members had a chance to visit with some of the officers, who came from various parts of the KRG area. One told them, "Security is a very serious concern for Kurdistan." A day earlier, CPT had learned that 200 security suspects in four northern governates of Iraq had been detained. These detentions happened on the heels of news that the US military had released 500 detainees from its prisons in Iraq. During the "surge" of the last few months, 10,000 new detainees had been added to the US detention centers in Iraq.
The four-day training culminated in a graduation exercise during which the head of the security office came to hand out the certificates and shake hands. Interestingly, this office is in the process of evaluating CPT's request for extended visas, a requirement for this project to continue. Shamal has asked CPT to assist with future human rights trainings of security officers.
--Cliff Kindy is a Church of the Brethren member working in Iraq with Christian Peacemaker Teams (Iraq team member Peggy Gish also is Brethren). This report was taken from a CPT press release of Nov. 26. Originally a violence-reduction initiative of the historic peace churches (Church of the Brethren, Mennonite, and Quaker), CPT now enjoys support and membership from a wide range of Christian denominations.
Source: 12/05/2007 Newsline
Venus Shamal, the deputy director of Kurdish Human Rights Watch in Suleimaniya, in northern Iraq, recently invited Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT) to assist in the human rights training of security officers from the Kurdish Regional Government (KRG).
She told members of the CPT Iraq team that the director of the security office in Suleimaniya, a former teacher, had begun promoting human rights in his office after a scathing critique of KRG human rights abuses from Amnesty International and the US State Department.
Members of the CPT team in Suleimaniya hesitated to accept the invitation because the training CPT receives does not provide in-depth instruction in international human rights principles developed over the past 60 years. But the CPT team agreed to conduct this short one-hour training in the context of CPT's own experiences.
Hours before the training was to start, the translator CPT had arranged for the module called to say that her relative was ill and she could not translate that day. She contacted a friend who was an English teacher in the local secondary school. He came to the CPT apartment and spent an hour going over the first three pages of a 10-page document that CPT had prepared before the team had to leave for the training. Clearly, the concepts and vocabulary were new to him.
When the CPT team arrived at the classroom, the training coordinator explained that CPT would have just one hour to teach, translation included. CPT presenters cut sections of their talks, which further confused the translator, but the session turned out to be adequate. Shamal praised Peggy Gish for the stories she had selected from the detainee abuse report the team in Baghdad had written and distributed in 2004 (see "CPT reports on Detainees," at www.cpt.org/iraq/iraq.php).
Afterwards CPT team members had a chance to visit with some of the officers, who came from various parts of the KRG area. One told them, "Security is a very serious concern for Kurdistan." A day earlier, CPT had learned that 200 security suspects in four northern governates of Iraq had been detained. These detentions happened on the heels of news that the US military had released 500 detainees from its prisons in Iraq. During the "surge" of the last few months, 10,000 new detainees had been added to the US detention centers in Iraq.
The four-day training culminated in a graduation exercise during which the head of the security office came to hand out the certificates and shake hands. Interestingly, this office is in the process of evaluating CPT's request for extended visas, a requirement for this project to continue. Shamal has asked CPT to assist with future human rights trainings of security officers.
--Cliff Kindy is a Church of the Brethren member working in Iraq with Christian Peacemaker Teams (Iraq team member Peggy Gish also is Brethren). This report was taken from a CPT press release of Nov. 26. Originally a violence-reduction initiative of the historic peace churches (Church of the Brethren, Mennonite, and Quaker), CPT now enjoys support and membership from a wide range of Christian denominations.
Source: 12/05/2007 Newsline
Brethren bits: Personnel, position openings, cyclone response, more.
- Pat Papay has announced her retirement from Brethren Benefit Trust (BBT) effective April 1, 2008. She was hired as BBT's general office services support staff in 1995, and since then has been "the cheerful greeter" for the agency for more than 12 years. In addition to operating the switchboard, she has processed mail and mailings, ordered office supplies, coordinated special celebrations of the staff, and performed many other miscellaneous duties. Her future plans include joining her husband, Ron, in more quality time together, and possibly returning to school. BBT will plan a celebration of Papay's work as April approaches.
- Ed and Betty Runion and Art and Lois Hermannson have concluded terms of service at the New Windsor (Md.) Conference Center as part of the team of volunteer hosts at the Brethren Service Center.
- Applications are being accepted for the 2008 Youth Peace Travel Team sponsored jointly by the Youth and Young Adult Ministry Office, Brethren Witness/Washington Office, and Brethren Volunteer Service of the Church of the Brethren General Board, and by On Earth Peace and the Outdoor Ministries Association. The first Youth Peace Travel Team was formed in the summer of 1991 as a cooperative effort of a number of General Board programs. Since that year a team has been fielded every summer. The team travels to camps throughout the Church of the Brethren to talk with other young people about the Christian message and the Brethren tradition of peacemaking. College-age Brethren young adults between the ages of 19 and 22 will be selected for the 2008 team. A stipend is paid to team members. For a downloadable application form go to www.brethren.org/genbd/witness/YPTT.htm. Applications are due Feb. 4, 2008. For more information contact the Brethren Witness/Washington Office at 202-546-3202.
- Brethren Disaster Ministries reports that the Church of the Brethren contributed to an international response to Cyclone Sidr, which hit the southern coast of Bangladesh on Nov. 15. The response was carried out through Church World Service (CWS) and ACT International (Action by Churches Together). CWS said the death toll was more than 3,000, with that number expected to rise. The ACT response began with an initial grant of $50,000, along with a short-term operation to provide family relief packages of food including rice, pulses, oil, salt, and oral dehydration saline sachets. ACT members were to distribute relief packages in the most severely affected locations, with the goal of providing immediate assistance to 7,098 cyclone-affected families representing more than 35,500 people. Special attention was paid to the very poor and destitute, women, children, the elderly, and disabled. "There may be as many as three million survivors who need assistance," said CWS.
- Chicken Soup for the Soul and HCI are providing an opportunity for On Earth Peace to earn a commission on each copy of "Chicken Soup for the Soul: Stories for a Better World" sold from the On Earth Peace website, a fundraiser made possible by On Earth Peace supporter Linda K. Williams who is a co-author of the book. With each purchase, a 20 percent commission comes to On Earth Peace; visit www.brethren.org/oepa/support. On Earth Peace also has suggested other Christmas-season giving opportunities in its recent newsletter, such as honoring a loved one through a donation to On Earth Peace, which will send the honoree a beautiful holiday card. The newsletter gave examples of what the holiday gifts can accomplish: $20 would cover the cost of an information packet on counter recruitment, $75 would provide scholarship assistance to one person attending a Ministry of Reconciliation workshop, and $1,800 would provide support for one member of next summer's Youth Peace Travel Team. Contact On Earth Peace, P.O. Box 188, New Windsor, MD 21776.
- Next year's courses offered by the Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership are open to students in the Training in Ministry and Education for Shared Ministry programs, pastors, and laypeople. The academy is a ministry training partnership of the Church of the Brethren General Board and Bethany Theological Seminary. "Everyday Life in Biblical Times" is offered Jan. 14-18, 2008, at Bethany Seminary in Richmond, Ind., with instructor Stephen Breck Reid. "Jeremiah" is offered Feb. 4-March 15, 2008, online with instructor Susan Jeffers, register through the Susquehanna Valley Ministry Center (SVMC). "Sermon on the Mount" is offered Feb. 7-10 at St. Petersburg (Fla.) Church of the Brethren with instructor Richard Gardner. "Pastor as a Spiritual Being" is offered Feb. 21-24, 2008, at La Verne (Calif.) Church of the Brethren with instructor Paul Grout. "Me, My Church, and Money" is offered March 3-9 at Troy (Ohio) Church of the Brethren with instructor Steve Ganger. "Church Vitality and Evangelism" is offered April 17-20, 2008, at Juniata College in Huntingdon, Pa., with instructor Randy Yoder, register through SVMC. Contact the Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership at www.bethanyseminary.edu/academics_programs/academy or 800-287-8822 ext. 1824. To register for Susquehanna Valley Ministry Center courses, contact 717-361-1450 or svmc@etown.edu.
- Middle River Church of the Brethren in New Hope, Va., is celebrating its rebuilt sanctuary following a fire that destroyed sections of the church more than a year ago, according to a report from WVIR-TV of Charlottesville, Va. The fire on Nov. 7, 2006, destroyed the sanctuary roof and the whole building suffered smoke damage. "After 13 months of prayer and about $1.5 million, the new sanctuary now boasts high, wooded ceilings, fine furniture, and a fresh coat of paint," the report said. The first service in the sanctuary is planned for Sunday, Dec. 9.
- As of yesterday morning, Oregon and Washington District disaster relief coordinators reported that "all of our vulnerable churches and people of the Oregon and Washington District are okay from the latest wrath of winter weather," in an e-mail alert. Co-coordinators Nancy Louise Wilkinson and Brent Carlson said that the disaster relief agencies of Washington State will gather teams of volunteers to help clean up flooded homes. "More than 1,000 homes in Lewis County have waist-deep water in the house, and other counties are also affected," they said. Contact Nancy Louise Wilkinson at 360-848-1827 or theshepherdsgarden@verizon.net, or Brent Carlson at 503-697-7500 or brentcarlson1@earthlink.net. In other news from the district, $4,059.50 was raised by a Disaster Relief Auction at the district conference this year. The money will be used to aid local and national rebuilding projects and help disaster volunteers with transportation expenses.
- Ten new members have been elected to the Bridgewater (Va.) College Board of Trustees. The group includes four Church of the Brethren members: Carl R. Fike, vice president of O.C. Cluss Lumber in Uniontown, W.Va., and a licensed Church of the Brethren lay speaker; Stephen L. Hollinger, president of Construction Options Inc., and a member of Manassas (Va.) Church of the Brethren; Stephanie LaPrade Naff, church secretary for Mill Creek Church of the Brethren and a member of Southeastern District's Program and Arrangements Committee; and Ronald E. Sink, a retired treasurer for Norfolk Southern Corp., former board member of Bethany Seminary and active in Church of the Brethren and civic activities in the Roanoke, Va., area.
Deacon Ministry offers regional training events.
The deacon story in the Church of the Brethren is mixed, according to a report from the Association of Brethren Caregivers (ABC). Some Brethren members and congregations regard the deacon ministry as a cherished tradition of caring for the poor, the elderly, and the orphans. Others hold on to memories from the past, of deacons as "enforcers" of rigid behavior codes, such as counseling members on appropriate dress, hair style, and prayer coverings for women.
"However the office of deacon is remembered, it is an office nearly as old as the denomination," reminds ABC executive director Kathy Reid. "Most importantly, wherever there was an expressed human need, deacons assumed responsibility to address those needs. Thus in this 300th anniversary celebration year, it is timely to review the legacy and character of deacons in our denomination as we enter another century of opportunities to serve and to care."
ABC is planning a series of regional Deacon Ministry Training Events for the Spring of 2008. Each event will feature Bible study, keynote presentations, multiple workshops, and worship. The keynote speaker will be Jay Gibble, former director of the Association of Brethren Caregivers. Workshops will address issues such as deacon roles and functions, recruitment of new deacons, outreach to all, and the love feast. Cost is $20 per person, and lunch will be provided. Registration materials are available at www.brethren-caregivers.org or call ABC at 800-323-8039.
Following is the schedule of Deacon Ministry Training Events:
The deacon story in the Church of the Brethren is mixed, according to a report from the Association of Brethren Caregivers (ABC). Some Brethren members and congregations regard the deacon ministry as a cherished tradition of caring for the poor, the elderly, and the orphans. Others hold on to memories from the past, of deacons as "enforcers" of rigid behavior codes, such as counseling members on appropriate dress, hair style, and prayer coverings for women.
"However the office of deacon is remembered, it is an office nearly as old as the denomination," reminds ABC executive director Kathy Reid. "Most importantly, wherever there was an expressed human need, deacons assumed responsibility to address those needs. Thus in this 300th anniversary celebration year, it is timely to review the legacy and character of deacons in our denomination as we enter another century of opportunities to serve and to care."
ABC is planning a series of regional Deacon Ministry Training Events for the Spring of 2008. Each event will feature Bible study, keynote presentations, multiple workshops, and worship. The keynote speaker will be Jay Gibble, former director of the Association of Brethren Caregivers. Workshops will address issues such as deacon roles and functions, recruitment of new deacons, outreach to all, and the love feast. Cost is $20 per person, and lunch will be provided. Registration materials are available at www.brethren-caregivers.org or call ABC at 800-323-8039.
Following is the schedule of Deacon Ministry Training Events:
- Plains region: April 12, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., at Dallas Center (Iowa) Church of the Brethren, co-sponsored by Spurgeon Manor, a Church of the Brethren retirement center
- Southwest: April 19, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., at Modesto (Calif.) Church of the Brethren
- Northwest: May 10, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., at Olympia, Lacey (Wash.) Community Church of the Brethren; and May 11, 1-6 p.m., at Wenatchee (Wash.) Brethren-Baptist Church
- East: May 31, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., at Frederick (Md.) Church of the Brethren.
300th Anniversary update: Clarification of plans for 'service blitz,' historical exhibit.
The 300th Anniversary Committee has issued a clarification of plans for a "service blitz" and an exhibit of historical artifacts at the 2008 Annual Conference on July 12-16 in Richmond, Va.:
The 300th Anniversary Committee has issued a clarification of plans for a "service blitz" and an exhibit of historical artifacts at the 2008 Annual Conference on July 12-16 in Richmond, Va.:
- A "service blitz" is scheduled for Saturday, July 12, and Monday, July 14. Service projects will be sponsored by the Church of the Brethren. Members of the Brethren Church also may participate. The planning committee includes Rhonda Pittman Gingrich of the 300th Anniversary Committee, Brethren Disaster Ministries director Roy Winter, outgoing director of the General Board's Workcamp ministry Steve Van Houten, and Virlina District disaster response coordinator Wayne Garst. Participants will be required to register in advance, and there will be a modest fee to cover expenses.
- Plans for a historical exhibit have changed. Instead of soliciting submissions of Brethren artifacts from individuals, congregations, and districts, the committee has decided to invite each district to bring a display. Districts are encouraged to identify people, places, events, and items that have enriched experiences of Brethren beliefs and practices. Present ministries and future plans that call people to participate in Brethren beliefs and practices should also be included. Displays are to present information in ways that will teach a variety of people, especially children. In addition, a few agencies and organizations whose mission is directly related to preserving and sharing Brethren heritage will be invited to bring an exhibit.
Why First Church needed a weekly electronic newsletter.
York (Pa.) First Church of the Brethren employs many kinds of publicity. There are pulpit announcements, weekly bulletins, monthly newsletters, pamphlets, posters, a website, periodic e-mails, word of mouth, semi-annual reports, and others. What seemed to be lacking was an organized approach to rapidly communicate current news to the congregation.
The thought came, why doesn't the church electronically communicate more often, perhaps daily or weekly, to its members? How would church members feel if they were more knowledgeable about what is happening in the congregation, and if they received news relatively quickly? Why not have someone, a "reporter" for the congregation, collect information from the various groups in the church, condense it into something to be shared with the entire congregation, and serve as editor for the newsletter? Why not use the same technology that many of us use outside of church, namely e-mail? And for those who do not regularly use computers, why not print out the weekly news for pick up on Sunday mornings?
This approach of a weekly electronic newsletter is now being used by our church. Our church recognizes that a more informed congregation is more responsive and committed. Here's how we have carried it out:
The reporter is neither the preacher, nor the board chair, nor some other person in church governance. The reporter is someone to whom the pastors, church leaders, and individual members can come to with their tidbits of information, knowing that it will be released not more than seven days later. The reporter need not be a professional, just someone who wants to keep lines of communication open in the congregation. Retired people with word processing skills are good candidates. The key is that the reporter and the church leaders have a good working relationship so that information can flow quickly and easily.
We picked a Friday e-mail date for several reasons. First, most of our meetings are held early in the week, so information can be collected in time to make a Friday release date and be timely. Second, the newsletter can serve as a reminder for church on the following Sunday--it helps jog our memories to prepare for worship and study, just two days away.
How do we gather e-mail addresses? Over the past few years, our church has developed a list of all members and friends who have e-mail. As a help to the pastors, the reporter maintains a master list of the e-mail addresses.
What technique do we use to send the newsletter? For ease in mailing, the e-mail address list is split into three equally-sized groups. E-mails are then sent in three batches.
How does the reporter make contact with the various church groups and committees? Now that the newsletter is maturing, a few church leaders take initiative to contact the reporter. In most instances, however, the reporter contacts them, and stays aware of meeting schedules. The leaders of groups provide information either over the phone or by e-mail. These busy people are happy that someone is communicating on their behalf.
How much time does it takes each week? Maybe three to five hours.
--Larry Gibble is a member of York (Pa.) First Church of the Brethren and serves as reporter and editor of York First's electronic newsletter.
Source: 12/05/2007 Newsline
York (Pa.) First Church of the Brethren employs many kinds of publicity. There are pulpit announcements, weekly bulletins, monthly newsletters, pamphlets, posters, a website, periodic e-mails, word of mouth, semi-annual reports, and others. What seemed to be lacking was an organized approach to rapidly communicate current news to the congregation.
The thought came, why doesn't the church electronically communicate more often, perhaps daily or weekly, to its members? How would church members feel if they were more knowledgeable about what is happening in the congregation, and if they received news relatively quickly? Why not have someone, a "reporter" for the congregation, collect information from the various groups in the church, condense it into something to be shared with the entire congregation, and serve as editor for the newsletter? Why not use the same technology that many of us use outside of church, namely e-mail? And for those who do not regularly use computers, why not print out the weekly news for pick up on Sunday mornings?
This approach of a weekly electronic newsletter is now being used by our church. Our church recognizes that a more informed congregation is more responsive and committed. Here's how we have carried it out:
The reporter is neither the preacher, nor the board chair, nor some other person in church governance. The reporter is someone to whom the pastors, church leaders, and individual members can come to with their tidbits of information, knowing that it will be released not more than seven days later. The reporter need not be a professional, just someone who wants to keep lines of communication open in the congregation. Retired people with word processing skills are good candidates. The key is that the reporter and the church leaders have a good working relationship so that information can flow quickly and easily.
We picked a Friday e-mail date for several reasons. First, most of our meetings are held early in the week, so information can be collected in time to make a Friday release date and be timely. Second, the newsletter can serve as a reminder for church on the following Sunday--it helps jog our memories to prepare for worship and study, just two days away.
How do we gather e-mail addresses? Over the past few years, our church has developed a list of all members and friends who have e-mail. As a help to the pastors, the reporter maintains a master list of the e-mail addresses.
What technique do we use to send the newsletter? For ease in mailing, the e-mail address list is split into three equally-sized groups. E-mails are then sent in three batches.
How does the reporter make contact with the various church groups and committees? Now that the newsletter is maturing, a few church leaders take initiative to contact the reporter. In most instances, however, the reporter contacts them, and stays aware of meeting schedules. The leaders of groups provide information either over the phone or by e-mail. These busy people are happy that someone is communicating on their behalf.
How much time does it takes each week? Maybe three to five hours.
--Larry Gibble is a member of York (Pa.) First Church of the Brethren and serves as reporter and editor of York First's electronic newsletter.
Source: 12/05/2007 Newsline
Small congregation issues big giving challenge.
Who said, "Be careful what you pray for, because you might get it"? Be careful what you propose to a congregation because it might happen.
So it was at the Sunnyslope Brethren/United Church of Christ in Wenatchee, Wash., jointly affiliated with the Church of the Brethren and the United Church of Christ. One member of the congregation was inspired by a recent letter from Stan Noffsinger, general secretary of the Church of the Brethren General Board, and Ken Neher, director of Stewardship and Donor Development. The letter raised concerns about the General Board's $150,000 giving shortfall for 2007, and the subsequent $15,000 offering received at the General Board's October meeting.
This member proposed to the congregation that the next Sunday they take a special offering to "do our part in addressing that deficit." The congregation decided this was something it indeed ought to do. A women's group in the church sponsors an annual Christmas Bazaar and said, "Great! We'll match whatever the congregation raises."
On Sunday, Nov. 25, the special offering was received and totaled a few dollars over $1,300. With the Christmas Bazaar match, it became $2,700 toward erasing the General Board ministries' giving shortfall for the year.
Now, for the rest of the story. Sunnyslope is a congregation of just 55 to 65 worshipers, but we are serious about challenging the rest of the 1,030 congregations and fellowships in the denomination to do something similar yet in December. We feel this was a God-inspired miracle, and believe other churches could be similarly inspired when they hear our story.
--Galen Miller is a retired pastor at the Sunnyslope Church. In the interest of full disclosure, he also is father-in-law to Ken Neher, but claims that he had the initiative for a special offering going "before he even heard about it!"
Source: 12/05/2007 Newsline
Who said, "Be careful what you pray for, because you might get it"? Be careful what you propose to a congregation because it might happen.
So it was at the Sunnyslope Brethren/United Church of Christ in Wenatchee, Wash., jointly affiliated with the Church of the Brethren and the United Church of Christ. One member of the congregation was inspired by a recent letter from Stan Noffsinger, general secretary of the Church of the Brethren General Board, and Ken Neher, director of Stewardship and Donor Development. The letter raised concerns about the General Board's $150,000 giving shortfall for 2007, and the subsequent $15,000 offering received at the General Board's October meeting.
This member proposed to the congregation that the next Sunday they take a special offering to "do our part in addressing that deficit." The congregation decided this was something it indeed ought to do. A women's group in the church sponsors an annual Christmas Bazaar and said, "Great! We'll match whatever the congregation raises."
On Sunday, Nov. 25, the special offering was received and totaled a few dollars over $1,300. With the Christmas Bazaar match, it became $2,700 toward erasing the General Board ministries' giving shortfall for the year.
Now, for the rest of the story. Sunnyslope is a congregation of just 55 to 65 worshipers, but we are serious about challenging the rest of the 1,030 congregations and fellowships in the denomination to do something similar yet in December. We feel this was a God-inspired miracle, and believe other churches could be similarly inspired when they hear our story.
--Galen Miller is a retired pastor at the Sunnyslope Church. In the interest of full disclosure, he also is father-in-law to Ken Neher, but claims that he had the initiative for a special offering going "before he even heard about it!"
Source: 12/05/2007 Newsline
Credits
Newsline is produced by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of news services for the Church of the Brethren General Board, cobnews@brethren.org or 800-323-8039 ext. 260. Brent Carlson, Rhonda Pittman Gingrich, Cori Hahn, Mary K. Heatwole, Donna March, Kathy Reid, Becky Ullom, and Nancy Louise Wilkinson contributed to this report.
Newsline is produced by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of news services for the Church of the Brethren General Board, cobnews@brethren.org or 800-323-8039 ext. 260. Brent Carlson, Rhonda Pittman Gingrich, Cori Hahn, Mary K. Heatwole, Donna March, Kathy Reid, Becky Ullom, and Nancy Louise Wilkinson contributed to this report.
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
NEWS
- Wil Nolen to retire in 2008 as president of Brethren Benefit Trust.
- Program and Arrangements requests review of sexuality statement.
- Brethren workcamp ministry experiences successful expansion.
- Womaen's Caucus to focus on next 300 years in 2008.
- Brethren bits: Remembrance, job, Asia peace conference, more.
- Bethany Seminary to offer offsite classes in Spring semester.
- 300th Anniversary update: Calls for exhibit items and video entries.
- 300th Anniversary bits and pieces.
- Atlantic Northeast District meets on theme, 'God Is Faithful.'
- Atlantic Southeast District celebrates its 83rd conference.
- Middle Pennsylvania District Conference affirms new mission plan.
- W. Pennsylvania District challenges members to be salt and light.
- Virlina District celebrates 36th district conference.
Wil Nolen to retire in 2008 as president of Brethren Benefit Trust.
Wilfred E. Nolen, president of Brethren Benefit Trust (BBT) since the agency’s inception in 1988 and chief administrator and trustee of the Church of the Brethren Pension Board since 1983, has announced that he will retire in 2008.
Nolen informed the BBT Board of Directors of his decision as it met Nov. 17 in Lancaster, Pa. "The timing of such a decision is never easy as there are always pressing issues that must be addressed," Nolen said following the meeting. "Nevertheless, BBT is a healthy organization with about $440 million in assets under management for 6,000 pension, Foundation, insurance, and Church of the Brethren Credit Union clients and members. It has a sharp staff and a new strategic plan and is primed for continued success." In a letter to Harry Rhodes, BBT board chair, Nolen offered to retire on Dec. 31, 2008, or on a date mutually determined with the board.
"We, the church, owe much to Wil," Rhodes said, "for pastors and church staffs having sound retirements; for churches and organizations having their assets under strong management and invested in a way that reflects Brethren values through the Brethren Foundation; and for credit union members who receive competitive rates and compassionate service that promotes financial health and good monetary decision making. Wil has also advocated for and has overseen the growth of the Church Worker’s Assistance Plan, which assists eligible current and former church workers who are in financial need.
"We also owe much to Wil for the healthcare insurance BBT long provided pastors and church workers, despite an aging employee population and despite the challenges of providing healthcare in the midst of a national healthcare crisis," Rhodes said. "Even in the wake of Annual Conference delegates declaring that the Brethren Medical Plan for the ministers’ group should be shut down, BBT continues to reach out to those pastors who are finding difficulty in obtaining new healthcare insurance and is prepared to provide support for those having to pay much higher insurance premiums."
Nolen has spent his professional career in service to the church. He holds a bachelor’s degree in music from Bridgewater (Va.) College and a master of divinity degree from Bethany Theological Seminary. In the mid-1960s, he was selected to coordinate the 1966 National Youth Conference (NYC). Later that year he joined the Church of the Brethren General Board fulltime on the Christian Education Commission’s youth ministries staff.
Over the years, Nolen also worked for the General Board as coordinator of the Fund for the Americas, which provided grants for minority groups and encouraged Brethren to examine the causes of racial injustice; as a Parish Ministries Commission consultant for worship and the arts; as director of the SHARE program, which emphasized meeting human needs of economically disadvantaged groups in the US; as coordinator of Development Ministries; and as director of SERRV (now A Greater Gift) handcrafts ministry benefiting artisans from developing countries.
In 1983, he began as administrator of the Brethren Pension Board. In 1988, Annual Conference declared that the General Board and the Pension Board should no longer be composed of the same 25 people. The Pension Board was moved into a new organizational structure, named Brethren Benefit Trust. Nolen was heavily involved in this restructure and has served as president of BBT ever since.
As an ordained minister, Nolen has had an active avocation in the ministry of choral music. He has served as choir director at Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren in Elgin, Ill., for 37 years and has led choirs and congregational singing at Annual Conference and at National Older Adult Conference (NOAC), as well as conferences of other denominations. He also has promoted wellness among Brethren as a coordinator of fitness and recreational outings at Annual Conference and NOAC.
In other volunteer positions, Nolen served on the boards of Bridgewater (Va.) College, the Mutual Aid Association of the Church of the Brethren, the Elgin (Ill.) Choral Union, and Praxis Mutual Funds, and as president of the Church Benefits Association, a national coalition of 50 denominations and religious organizations.
A president search committee was appointed by the BBT board, consisting of four board members: chair Harry Rhodes, of Roanoke, Va.; vice chair Janice Bratton, of Hummelstown, Pa.; Eunice Culp, of Goshen, Ind.; and Donna Forbes Steiner, of Landisville, Pa. Also called to serve on the committee was H. Fred Bernhard of Arcanum, Ohio, a former pastor, Annual Conference moderator, and BBT board member.
--Nevin Dulabaum is director of communications for Brethren Benefit Trust.
Source: 11/21/2007 Newsline
Wilfred E. Nolen, president of Brethren Benefit Trust (BBT) since the agency’s inception in 1988 and chief administrator and trustee of the Church of the Brethren Pension Board since 1983, has announced that he will retire in 2008.
Nolen informed the BBT Board of Directors of his decision as it met Nov. 17 in Lancaster, Pa. "The timing of such a decision is never easy as there are always pressing issues that must be addressed," Nolen said following the meeting. "Nevertheless, BBT is a healthy organization with about $440 million in assets under management for 6,000 pension, Foundation, insurance, and Church of the Brethren Credit Union clients and members. It has a sharp staff and a new strategic plan and is primed for continued success." In a letter to Harry Rhodes, BBT board chair, Nolen offered to retire on Dec. 31, 2008, or on a date mutually determined with the board.
"We, the church, owe much to Wil," Rhodes said, "for pastors and church staffs having sound retirements; for churches and organizations having their assets under strong management and invested in a way that reflects Brethren values through the Brethren Foundation; and for credit union members who receive competitive rates and compassionate service that promotes financial health and good monetary decision making. Wil has also advocated for and has overseen the growth of the Church Worker’s Assistance Plan, which assists eligible current and former church workers who are in financial need.
"We also owe much to Wil for the healthcare insurance BBT long provided pastors and church workers, despite an aging employee population and despite the challenges of providing healthcare in the midst of a national healthcare crisis," Rhodes said. "Even in the wake of Annual Conference delegates declaring that the Brethren Medical Plan for the ministers’ group should be shut down, BBT continues to reach out to those pastors who are finding difficulty in obtaining new healthcare insurance and is prepared to provide support for those having to pay much higher insurance premiums."
Nolen has spent his professional career in service to the church. He holds a bachelor’s degree in music from Bridgewater (Va.) College and a master of divinity degree from Bethany Theological Seminary. In the mid-1960s, he was selected to coordinate the 1966 National Youth Conference (NYC). Later that year he joined the Church of the Brethren General Board fulltime on the Christian Education Commission’s youth ministries staff.
Over the years, Nolen also worked for the General Board as coordinator of the Fund for the Americas, which provided grants for minority groups and encouraged Brethren to examine the causes of racial injustice; as a Parish Ministries Commission consultant for worship and the arts; as director of the SHARE program, which emphasized meeting human needs of economically disadvantaged groups in the US; as coordinator of Development Ministries; and as director of SERRV (now A Greater Gift) handcrafts ministry benefiting artisans from developing countries.
In 1983, he began as administrator of the Brethren Pension Board. In 1988, Annual Conference declared that the General Board and the Pension Board should no longer be composed of the same 25 people. The Pension Board was moved into a new organizational structure, named Brethren Benefit Trust. Nolen was heavily involved in this restructure and has served as president of BBT ever since.
As an ordained minister, Nolen has had an active avocation in the ministry of choral music. He has served as choir director at Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren in Elgin, Ill., for 37 years and has led choirs and congregational singing at Annual Conference and at National Older Adult Conference (NOAC), as well as conferences of other denominations. He also has promoted wellness among Brethren as a coordinator of fitness and recreational outings at Annual Conference and NOAC.
In other volunteer positions, Nolen served on the boards of Bridgewater (Va.) College, the Mutual Aid Association of the Church of the Brethren, the Elgin (Ill.) Choral Union, and Praxis Mutual Funds, and as president of the Church Benefits Association, a national coalition of 50 denominations and religious organizations.
A president search committee was appointed by the BBT board, consisting of four board members: chair Harry Rhodes, of Roanoke, Va.; vice chair Janice Bratton, of Hummelstown, Pa.; Eunice Culp, of Goshen, Ind.; and Donna Forbes Steiner, of Landisville, Pa. Also called to serve on the committee was H. Fred Bernhard of Arcanum, Ohio, a former pastor, Annual Conference moderator, and BBT board member.
--Nevin Dulabaum is director of communications for Brethren Benefit Trust.
Source: 11/21/2007 Newsline
Program and Arrangements requests review of sexuality statement.
The Program and Arrangements Committee of the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference will ask the Standing Committee for help in moving the church toward a clarification of its position on homosexuality. The Program and Arrangements Committee of three at-large members and the Annual Conference officers holds responsibility for organizing and planning events at the Conference. The Standing Committee is made up of delegates from the 23 districts of the Church of the Brethren with leadership from the Conference officers.
In its annual fall meeting held in Richmond, Va., on Nov. 16-17, the Program and Arrangements Committee drafted a query that it will take to this year’s Standing Committee asking, "Is it possible for the Annual Conference of the Church of the Brethren to review the section of the 1983 Statement on Human Sexuality that deals with ‘homosexual persons and sexuality’ and engage the denomination in a study and dialogue in order to clarify the church’s response to homosexual persons?"
The Program and Arrangements Committee has perennially received an application for an Annual Conference exhibit from the Brethren and Mennonite Council for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Interests (BMC), an application which has been consistently denied by the committee for a variety of reasons, including the 1983 Annual Conference statement that covenantal relationships between homosexual persons is "unacceptable."
The query that is being sent to Standing Committee also notes that "many in the church believe it is an issue of justice that the ministries of BMC be granted exhibit space alongside their sisters and brothers in the church, while many others believe it contradicts scriptural teaching to grant that space." It also states that the Program and Arrangements Committee "believes it is inappropriate and irresponsible for P&AC to make a decision that should be made by the church as a whole."
In its response to BMC regarding its decision about this year’s exhibit application, the Program and Arrangements Committee said, "We appreciate your efforts to plan an exhibit that honors the 1983 Annual Conference Statement on Human Sexuality. The concerns you wish to help the church address regarding treating lgbt (lesbian, gay bisexual, transgender) people with respect and protecting them from violence are extremely important. At the same time, we are deeply concerned, as we have said in previous communications, that the exhibit hall is not the venue that can help our denomination enter into conversation about the issues of homosexuality, an issue which causes such passionate divisiveness in our denomination.
"We wish to move forward in seeking to bring before the denomination the need for dialogue about the church’s response to homosexual persons," the response continued. "We strongly believe that the church as a whole must work on these issues and that it is inappropriate and irresponsible for our committee to make a decision which will be interpreted by each side in this debate as either favoring or opposing its partisan interests. Therefore, we have decided to put BMC’s application for exhibit space on hold, while we ask Standing Committee to consider the...query."
Also on the agenda of the Program and Arrangements Committee’s meeting was a tour of the facilities for the 300th Anniversary Annual Conference, July 12-16, 2008, in Richmond’s Coliseum and Convention Center. The site provides ample space for both the Brethren Church and the Church of the Brethren to have both separate and joint sessions. The committee received a report from the Joint Anniversary Committee (JAC) that met earlier in the same week at Richmond. The JAC is arranging for a major service project within the city of Richmond for Monday, July 14, as a way of honoring Brethren commitment to service in the local community. It is anticipated that 1,000 conference attendees from both denominations may take part. The committee also encourages conferencegoers to bring canned goods to the Conference, which will be collected for a local food bank.
The Program and Arrangements Committee and the Joint Anniversary Committee have agreed that the combined denominational worship services on Sunday and Wednesday, July 13 and 16, will begin at 9:30 a.m. Sunday afternoon there will be an educational opportunity for all attendees, including 30 heritage sessions. The John Kline Riders, with their equine friends, will also make an appearance on Sunday. Sunday’s events will climax with an evening event focusing on mission efforts of the two denominations.
In other actions, the Program and Arrangements Committee updated position description for the Conference coordinators of children’s and youth activities; updated guidelines for meals and other special events to allow musical and other groups to sell products at the events, with the permission of the committee; decided to restrict the delegate packet at Conference to items only relating to the business agenda; decided to revise the next bound Conference minute book to include only four years of minutes instead of five; considered ideas for marketing future Conferences; decided that it is not feasible to have a love feast that would include every conferencegoer; and heard a positive report from the Association of Brethren Caregivers indicating that the spiritual growth tract of the Passport to Wellness will be expanded for the 2008 Conference.
--Fred Swartz is the secretary of the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference.
Source: 11/21/2007 Newsline
The Program and Arrangements Committee of the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference will ask the Standing Committee for help in moving the church toward a clarification of its position on homosexuality. The Program and Arrangements Committee of three at-large members and the Annual Conference officers holds responsibility for organizing and planning events at the Conference. The Standing Committee is made up of delegates from the 23 districts of the Church of the Brethren with leadership from the Conference officers.
In its annual fall meeting held in Richmond, Va., on Nov. 16-17, the Program and Arrangements Committee drafted a query that it will take to this year’s Standing Committee asking, "Is it possible for the Annual Conference of the Church of the Brethren to review the section of the 1983 Statement on Human Sexuality that deals with ‘homosexual persons and sexuality’ and engage the denomination in a study and dialogue in order to clarify the church’s response to homosexual persons?"
The Program and Arrangements Committee has perennially received an application for an Annual Conference exhibit from the Brethren and Mennonite Council for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Interests (BMC), an application which has been consistently denied by the committee for a variety of reasons, including the 1983 Annual Conference statement that covenantal relationships between homosexual persons is "unacceptable."
The query that is being sent to Standing Committee also notes that "many in the church believe it is an issue of justice that the ministries of BMC be granted exhibit space alongside their sisters and brothers in the church, while many others believe it contradicts scriptural teaching to grant that space." It also states that the Program and Arrangements Committee "believes it is inappropriate and irresponsible for P&AC to make a decision that should be made by the church as a whole."
In its response to BMC regarding its decision about this year’s exhibit application, the Program and Arrangements Committee said, "We appreciate your efforts to plan an exhibit that honors the 1983 Annual Conference Statement on Human Sexuality. The concerns you wish to help the church address regarding treating lgbt (lesbian, gay bisexual, transgender) people with respect and protecting them from violence are extremely important. At the same time, we are deeply concerned, as we have said in previous communications, that the exhibit hall is not the venue that can help our denomination enter into conversation about the issues of homosexuality, an issue which causes such passionate divisiveness in our denomination.
"We wish to move forward in seeking to bring before the denomination the need for dialogue about the church’s response to homosexual persons," the response continued. "We strongly believe that the church as a whole must work on these issues and that it is inappropriate and irresponsible for our committee to make a decision which will be interpreted by each side in this debate as either favoring or opposing its partisan interests. Therefore, we have decided to put BMC’s application for exhibit space on hold, while we ask Standing Committee to consider the...query."
Also on the agenda of the Program and Arrangements Committee’s meeting was a tour of the facilities for the 300th Anniversary Annual Conference, July 12-16, 2008, in Richmond’s Coliseum and Convention Center. The site provides ample space for both the Brethren Church and the Church of the Brethren to have both separate and joint sessions. The committee received a report from the Joint Anniversary Committee (JAC) that met earlier in the same week at Richmond. The JAC is arranging for a major service project within the city of Richmond for Monday, July 14, as a way of honoring Brethren commitment to service in the local community. It is anticipated that 1,000 conference attendees from both denominations may take part. The committee also encourages conferencegoers to bring canned goods to the Conference, which will be collected for a local food bank.
The Program and Arrangements Committee and the Joint Anniversary Committee have agreed that the combined denominational worship services on Sunday and Wednesday, July 13 and 16, will begin at 9:30 a.m. Sunday afternoon there will be an educational opportunity for all attendees, including 30 heritage sessions. The John Kline Riders, with their equine friends, will also make an appearance on Sunday. Sunday’s events will climax with an evening event focusing on mission efforts of the two denominations.
In other actions, the Program and Arrangements Committee updated position description for the Conference coordinators of children’s and youth activities; updated guidelines for meals and other special events to allow musical and other groups to sell products at the events, with the permission of the committee; decided to restrict the delegate packet at Conference to items only relating to the business agenda; decided to revise the next bound Conference minute book to include only four years of minutes instead of five; considered ideas for marketing future Conferences; decided that it is not feasible to have a love feast that would include every conferencegoer; and heard a positive report from the Association of Brethren Caregivers indicating that the spiritual growth tract of the Passport to Wellness will be expanded for the 2008 Conference.
--Fred Swartz is the secretary of the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference.
Source: 11/21/2007 Newsline
Brethren workcamp ministry experiences successful expansion.
An expansion of the workcamp ministry of the Church of the Brethren General Board has been very successful, according to coordinator Steve Van Houten. This past summer, the ministry involved about 875 participants in a total of 37 workcamps that took place across the US and internationally.
"We really jumped into it this year," Van Houten said. The most workcamps held in previous years was in 2005, when 26 events involved about 650 people. Another aspect of the expansion was the number of workcamps offered for different age groups, from junior high through youth to young adults, to intergenerational events that also involved older adults. The workcamp ministry also offered "custom" workcamps for congregations that could send a large enough group to hold a workcamp by themselves (at regular workcamps only a third of participants can come from the same church). Also new this year was the widest variety of locations ever offered.
"It was a very positive year, from the youth who responded," Van Houten said, adding that, "the adult leadership that stepped up and came on board was wonderful."
New locations offered the opportunity to partner with Brethren camps, including Camp Mardela in Maryland and Camp Wilbur Stover in Idaho, and with Brethren Disaster Ministries at the Hurricane Katrina rebuilding sites in the Gulf coast. Other new locations included a home building site in an Appalachian area in southeastern Kentucky with Homes, Inc., which saw the largest single group this summer with 52 participants. Five workcamps were held in the Caribbean including the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, and St. Croix in the Virgin Islands. Other international workcamps were held in Mexico and Guatemala.
The responses from those receiving the service of workcampers signaled success to Van Houten. "People are amazed that the youth workcampers will pay to come to work," he said. Community members always want to know why the youth are there, he said.
Van Houten described a conversation on St. Croix with a Muslim man who managed the lumberyard that supplied materials for the workcamp. "He scratched his head," Van Houten recalled. "He said, are these bad kids doing community service? I explained these are good kids who want to be here. He struggled to understand.... He said, your kids come here and do things for people who aren’t even neighbors, this is amazing."
At the end of the conversation, the manager insisted on giving Van Houten a hug, instead of a simple handshake, saying, "We are brothers."
Another unmistakeable sign of success for Van Houten came during a "custom" intergenerational workcamp held for Plymouth (Ind.) Church of the Brethren in Keyser, W.Va. Ages ranged from the teens to the mid-70s. "Those 26 people will always have a bond that they wouldn’t have otherwise," Van Houten said. He had asked the adults to take the role of mentors, to share their knowledge and skills with the youth, and encouraged the youth to be the ones actually doing most of the work. The youth responded with affirmation, he said, even expressing the wish that their grandparents and parents would spend that kind of time with them. "Work-wise we might not have gotten quite as much done," Van Houten said, "but I think in the end they all saw the benefit."
Van Houten has resigned as coordinator for the program as of the end of the year, to return to pastoral ministry. Jeanne Davies begins in mid-January as fulltime coordinator. Sharon Flaten and Jerry O'Donnell are working with the ministry as Brethren Volunteer Service workers.
The General Board will offer 26 workcamps next summer, 2008, on the theme "Strengthen My Hands" (Nehemiah 6:9). Locations will include the Brethren Disaster Ministries rebuilding projects on the Gulf coast; the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md.; the Dominican Republic (co-sponsored by the Brethren Revival Fellowship); Roanoke, Va.; Richmond, Va.; Ashland, Ohio; Baltimore, Md.; Indianapolis, Ind.; Harrisburg, Pa.; Idaho; Broadway, Va.; Castaner, P.R.; Neon, Ky.; Kyle, S.D.; the eastern shore of Maryland; Keyser, W.Va.; Chicago, Ill.; St. Croix; Reynosa, Mexico; and North Fort Myers, Fla.
For a 2008 brochure contact cobworkcamps_gb@brethren.org or 800-323-8039, or go to www.brethrenworkcamps.org for more information. Registration for the 2008 workcamps begins online at www.brethrenworkcamps.org as of 12:01 a.m. (central time) on Jan. 3.
Source: 11/21/2007 Newsline
An expansion of the workcamp ministry of the Church of the Brethren General Board has been very successful, according to coordinator Steve Van Houten. This past summer, the ministry involved about 875 participants in a total of 37 workcamps that took place across the US and internationally.
"We really jumped into it this year," Van Houten said. The most workcamps held in previous years was in 2005, when 26 events involved about 650 people. Another aspect of the expansion was the number of workcamps offered for different age groups, from junior high through youth to young adults, to intergenerational events that also involved older adults. The workcamp ministry also offered "custom" workcamps for congregations that could send a large enough group to hold a workcamp by themselves (at regular workcamps only a third of participants can come from the same church). Also new this year was the widest variety of locations ever offered.
"It was a very positive year, from the youth who responded," Van Houten said, adding that, "the adult leadership that stepped up and came on board was wonderful."
New locations offered the opportunity to partner with Brethren camps, including Camp Mardela in Maryland and Camp Wilbur Stover in Idaho, and with Brethren Disaster Ministries at the Hurricane Katrina rebuilding sites in the Gulf coast. Other new locations included a home building site in an Appalachian area in southeastern Kentucky with Homes, Inc., which saw the largest single group this summer with 52 participants. Five workcamps were held in the Caribbean including the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, and St. Croix in the Virgin Islands. Other international workcamps were held in Mexico and Guatemala.
The responses from those receiving the service of workcampers signaled success to Van Houten. "People are amazed that the youth workcampers will pay to come to work," he said. Community members always want to know why the youth are there, he said.
Van Houten described a conversation on St. Croix with a Muslim man who managed the lumberyard that supplied materials for the workcamp. "He scratched his head," Van Houten recalled. "He said, are these bad kids doing community service? I explained these are good kids who want to be here. He struggled to understand.... He said, your kids come here and do things for people who aren’t even neighbors, this is amazing."
At the end of the conversation, the manager insisted on giving Van Houten a hug, instead of a simple handshake, saying, "We are brothers."
Another unmistakeable sign of success for Van Houten came during a "custom" intergenerational workcamp held for Plymouth (Ind.) Church of the Brethren in Keyser, W.Va. Ages ranged from the teens to the mid-70s. "Those 26 people will always have a bond that they wouldn’t have otherwise," Van Houten said. He had asked the adults to take the role of mentors, to share their knowledge and skills with the youth, and encouraged the youth to be the ones actually doing most of the work. The youth responded with affirmation, he said, even expressing the wish that their grandparents and parents would spend that kind of time with them. "Work-wise we might not have gotten quite as much done," Van Houten said, "but I think in the end they all saw the benefit."
Van Houten has resigned as coordinator for the program as of the end of the year, to return to pastoral ministry. Jeanne Davies begins in mid-January as fulltime coordinator. Sharon Flaten and Jerry O'Donnell are working with the ministry as Brethren Volunteer Service workers.
The General Board will offer 26 workcamps next summer, 2008, on the theme "Strengthen My Hands" (Nehemiah 6:9). Locations will include the Brethren Disaster Ministries rebuilding projects on the Gulf coast; the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md.; the Dominican Republic (co-sponsored by the Brethren Revival Fellowship); Roanoke, Va.; Richmond, Va.; Ashland, Ohio; Baltimore, Md.; Indianapolis, Ind.; Harrisburg, Pa.; Idaho; Broadway, Va.; Castaner, P.R.; Neon, Ky.; Kyle, S.D.; the eastern shore of Maryland; Keyser, W.Va.; Chicago, Ill.; St. Croix; Reynosa, Mexico; and North Fort Myers, Fla.
For a 2008 brochure contact cobworkcamps_gb@brethren.org or 800-323-8039, or go to www.brethrenworkcamps.org for more information. Registration for the 2008 workcamps begins online at www.brethrenworkcamps.org as of 12:01 a.m. (central time) on Jan. 3.
Source: 11/21/2007 Newsline
Womaen's Caucus to focus on next 300 years in 2008.
The Church of the Brethren Womaen's Caucus Steering Committee met recently in Fort Wayne, Ind., for three days of meetings. Two new members, Jill Kline and Peg Yoder, joined the committee that includes Audrey deCoursey, Jan Eller, Carla Kilgore, and Deb Peterson.
The business addressed by the committee included planning for a booth at the 2008 Annual Conference, incorporating the Conference theme for the Womaen’s Caucus as "Women's Empowerment in the Future Church." It was decided to focus the booth on the next 300 years, rather than reflecting on the past 300 years.
The group planned future issues of the journal, "Femailings." The next issue will be published in February and will focus on ministries of women. The committee also discussed sisterhood as ministry and how women are supporting one another. Ways to reach out to younger women was reflected on, noting that the Womaen's Caucus blog and new website are positive steps in that direction. In addition, the group is planning feminist worship resources including liturgy, prayers, and hymns for congregations to use for a once-a-year service honoring women. Meeting time also included worship and singing.
Terms for current members were clarified and it was noted that the Womaen's Caucus is currently looking for a new editor for "Femailings," as editor Deb Peterson's term in office expires in July. Anyone interested in this position should contact the Womaen’s Caucus at wcaucus@hotmail.com.
--Deb Peterson is a member of the Womaen’s Caucus Steering Committee and editor of "Femailings."
Source: 11/21/2007 Newsline
The Church of the Brethren Womaen's Caucus Steering Committee met recently in Fort Wayne, Ind., for three days of meetings. Two new members, Jill Kline and Peg Yoder, joined the committee that includes Audrey deCoursey, Jan Eller, Carla Kilgore, and Deb Peterson.
The business addressed by the committee included planning for a booth at the 2008 Annual Conference, incorporating the Conference theme for the Womaen’s Caucus as "Women's Empowerment in the Future Church." It was decided to focus the booth on the next 300 years, rather than reflecting on the past 300 years.
The group planned future issues of the journal, "Femailings." The next issue will be published in February and will focus on ministries of women. The committee also discussed sisterhood as ministry and how women are supporting one another. Ways to reach out to younger women was reflected on, noting that the Womaen's Caucus blog and new website are positive steps in that direction. In addition, the group is planning feminist worship resources including liturgy, prayers, and hymns for congregations to use for a once-a-year service honoring women. Meeting time also included worship and singing.
Terms for current members were clarified and it was noted that the Womaen's Caucus is currently looking for a new editor for "Femailings," as editor Deb Peterson's term in office expires in July. Anyone interested in this position should contact the Womaen’s Caucus at wcaucus@hotmail.com.
--Deb Peterson is a member of the Womaen’s Caucus Steering Committee and editor of "Femailings."
Source: 11/21/2007 Newsline
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