Newsline Special Report: Sudan
Sudan trip raises questions, brings unexpected hope.
Jim Hardenbrook, Annual Conference moderator, and Phil Jones, director of the Brethren Witness/Washington Office of the General Board, were part of a small interfaith delegation that met with Sudan's President El-Bashir and many other officials and organizations during a visit to Sudan June 6-15. The group spent time in the capital city of Khartoum and in North Darfur State, and visited a refugee camp in Darfur.
The trip was made to support the peace process between the northern government and rebels in the south of Sudan--the Comprehensive Peace Agreement scheduled to take effect July 9--and to offer support and encouragement to the people of Darfur. Atrocities such as killings, rapes, the burning of homes and villages, and the destruction of crops in Darfur, are blamed on militias supported by the government and in some cases are blamed on rebels, according the "Christian Science Monitor" in a recent report. The Monitor said that at as of June 10 at least 180,000 people have died in the violence in Darfur, and nearly two million are homeless.
The delegation was sponsored by the National Black Leadership Roundtable and the Muslim American Society Freedom Foundation. Hardenbrook and Jones were Christian representatives on the delegation, which also included Muslim and Jewish members and was led by Roundtable president the Hon. Walter E. Fauntroy.
In addition to the president, the delegation met with officials of the government in Khartoum and state officials in Darfur; nongovernmental organizations based in Khartoum; officials of the African Union, an organization of African nations with "peacekeeping" troops in Darfur; officials of the United Nations, which is responsible for several refugee camps in Darfur and is enforcing the north-south peace agreement; representatives of the Sudanese People's Liberation Movement (SPLM) from southern Sudan; and representatives of groups in Darfur considered outside the government. In most official meetings the group was accompanied by two representatives of the Sudan government. "It would be fair to characterize the trip as flavored by the government of Sudan perspective," said Hardenbrook.
The visit to the El Fashir refugee camp in Darfur was "a very short and in some ways very unsatisfactory visit," Hardenbrook said. Some 70,000 people live in the camp. "This might be the government's show camp," Hardenbrook said, although the group visited the camp without government accompaniment. Hardenbrook said there was a sense of peace and security and the delegation saw that wells, schools, and food were available but there was no electricity.
"It was exciting to greet a friend from the New Sudan Council of Churches in our meeting with the SPLM," said Jones. Awut Deng Acuil, who spoke at the 2001 Annual Conference, is now a member of the SPLM leadership team with special focus on women and children. "She reminded me of the close and important ties that the Church of the Brethren has with the south of Sudan," Jones said. "It seems most critical that the Church of the Brethren continue this strong relationship and give special focus and direction in support for the rebuilding of this great but war-torn nation."
The trip was preceded by a briefing with Charles Snyder, US State Department undersecretary of state for Sudan. "One of the things that Snyder said that was reiterated by others is that we're looking at spiritual and moral issues, not at political and humanitarian issues" in Sudan, Hardenbrook said. "Sharing wealth and power is a moral and spiritual issue." The comment was confirmed by a member of the SPLM, who told the delegation that in the peace agreement, "all we have is ink on the paper." As an interfaith group, "we could speak to those moral and spiritual issues," Hardenbrook said. Because of its interfaith make up, "this may be the most important delegation from the US ever sent to Sudan," Snyder told the group.
"I'd love to go back in a month with my list of questions," Hardenbrook said, "and to be more forceful in saying God's not happy with how his children are being treated" in Darfur. The trip raised more questions than it brought answers for Hardenbrook, who said he also has been disconcerted by the fact that he came away hopeful.
The sense of hope came despite finding that the situation in Darfur "is awful, it really is," Hardenbrook said. "It is bad, people are dying.... But it might not be genocide. Underline the word `might,'" he added. "The UN is not using that term." The delegation's conversations led him to a new understanding of the roots of the conflict, in longterm ethnic and lifestyle tensions in the region.
"Having made this important trip I am less comfortable using these terms today," said Jones referring to "genocide" and "racism." He has heard these terms used to characterize the violence in Darfur in numerous visits to the US State Department and congressional offices over two years of advocacy for US policies ensuring the end of the violence, he said. "Clearly the Sudan government has been heavily involved in the violence of war these past many months in the west, and many years in the south. Just as clear, though, is that movement has been made in recent months to pull back from this. International awareness and pressure have been key in this transition."
The peace agreement with the south "has also moved the current government to a different place," Jones said. "President El-Bashir indicated the wear that war bears on a nation and its people in his comment that, `Peace with secession is better than unity with war.'" Jones said that the peace agreement gives the south the right of secession at the end of six years, if so determined by the people of the south. "Part of our reason for going on this trip was to clearly speak to those involved on both sides of the violence that a window of opportunity is here. Do not let it pass," Jones said.
Whether the violence in Darfur is genocide is among many open questions, Hardenbrook said. "I think the first thing that I would like to do is repent of my willingness to believe the absolute worst of Sudan," he said, citing many ways in which the situation is very complicated. Policies of the government "have been the cause of the conflicts in the west and the south," he said, but the delegation learned that many southerners move to Khartoum because "it's better to live in a refugee camp near Khartoum than to live in the south in the conditions created" by the government and rebels. The group also heard that life in refugee camps in Darfur is better than ordinary life for many people in Darfur who are not directly affected by the violence.
Another open question for Hardenbrook is whether a western style of justice is appropriate for Sudan, "because there is an African style of justice." The International Criminal Court, which this month launched an investigation into possible war crimes in Darfur, "may not be the answer here," he said. The delegation met with a group of four chiefs from Darfur who have been brought together through a Sudanese process of reconciliation. "I don't understand (the process) very well," Hardenbrook said, but it "could be very effective," he added.
The meeting with President El-Bashir was a surprise for Jones, who last fall was arrested in front of the Sudan embassy in Washington, D.C., during a rally calling attention to the violence in Darfur. "I never envisioned that I would be given complete access to the president of Sudan in his Khartoum office," Jones said. "The message was the same there as here, the Church of the Brethren holds dear the sacred life of all people and implores nations and their leaders to seek peaceful means to the many things that divide us. The injustices of violence that lead to death and destruction must end."
The delegation made a practice of asking to pray together at the end of each meeting, Hardenbrook said. President El-Bashir accepted the group's offer and they joined hands as Fauntroy prayed. "That was very powerful," Hardenbrook said.
The delegation plans to hold a press conference at 1:30 p.m. eastern time on Monday, June 27, at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. The press conference may be televised nationally by C-SPAN. A full report of the delegation's trip is available; e-mail Phil Jones at pjones_gb@brethren.org or call the Brethren Witness/Washington Office at 800-785-3246.
Source: 6/24/2005 Newsline
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Friday, June 24, 2005
Wednesday, June 22, 2005
Association of Brethren Caregivers awards nursing scholarships.
The Association of Brethren Caregivers will award $22,000 in scholarships this year to 15 Church of the Brethren members enrolled in nursing programs.
Scholarship recipients pursuing LPN designations are Theresa De Mastus, Cedar Grove Church of the Brethren, Ruckersville, Va.; Josh Schnepp, Beaverton (Mich.) Church of the Brethren; and Rachel Roop, Schuylkill Big Dam Church of the Brethren, Pine Grove, Pa.
Scholarship winners seeking an associate's degree are Alicia Barb, Linville Creek Church of the Brethren, Broadway, Va.; Amanda Blackwell, Spindale (N.C.) Church of the Brethren; Betsy Ducote, Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren, Elgin, Ill.; Tim Durnbaugh, Highland Avenue; Amy Greene, Melvin Hill Church of the Brethren, Columbus, N.C.; Melissa Hickman, Painesville (Ohio) Church of the Brethren; and Phyllis Hurley, Huntsdale Church of the Brethren, Carlisle, Pa.
Award winners earning bachelor's degrees are Shenifa Baldwin, Pipe Creek Church of the Brethren, Union Bridge, Md.; Kara Fadley, Mountain Grove Church of the Brethren, Fulks Run, Va.; and Marita Imhoff, Mohican Church of the Brethren, West Salem, Ohio.
Scholarships also will be awarded to Tamela Kiser of Briery Branch Church of the Brethren, Dayton, Va., and Melissa Rudd, Indiana (Pa.) Church of the Brethren, as they seek master's degrees.
The program was revised in 2004 to provide only scholarships, which are awarded once a year for disbursement in the fall. To apply for 2006 scholarships, nominees must be members of the Church of the Brethren and apply by April 1. See www.brethren-caregivers.org.
Source: 6/22/2005 Newsline
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The Association of Brethren Caregivers will award $22,000 in scholarships this year to 15 Church of the Brethren members enrolled in nursing programs.
Scholarship recipients pursuing LPN designations are Theresa De Mastus, Cedar Grove Church of the Brethren, Ruckersville, Va.; Josh Schnepp, Beaverton (Mich.) Church of the Brethren; and Rachel Roop, Schuylkill Big Dam Church of the Brethren, Pine Grove, Pa.
Scholarship winners seeking an associate's degree are Alicia Barb, Linville Creek Church of the Brethren, Broadway, Va.; Amanda Blackwell, Spindale (N.C.) Church of the Brethren; Betsy Ducote, Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren, Elgin, Ill.; Tim Durnbaugh, Highland Avenue; Amy Greene, Melvin Hill Church of the Brethren, Columbus, N.C.; Melissa Hickman, Painesville (Ohio) Church of the Brethren; and Phyllis Hurley, Huntsdale Church of the Brethren, Carlisle, Pa.
Award winners earning bachelor's degrees are Shenifa Baldwin, Pipe Creek Church of the Brethren, Union Bridge, Md.; Kara Fadley, Mountain Grove Church of the Brethren, Fulks Run, Va.; and Marita Imhoff, Mohican Church of the Brethren, West Salem, Ohio.
Scholarships also will be awarded to Tamela Kiser of Briery Branch Church of the Brethren, Dayton, Va., and Melissa Rudd, Indiana (Pa.) Church of the Brethren, as they seek master's degrees.
The program was revised in 2004 to provide only scholarships, which are awarded once a year for disbursement in the fall. To apply for 2006 scholarships, nominees must be members of the Church of the Brethren and apply by April 1. See www.brethren-caregivers.org.
Source: 6/22/2005 Newsline
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Disaster relief continues work, fund issues grants.
Recent grants from the Emergency Disaster Fund (EDF) of the General Board totaled $155,000 for disaster relief and rebuilding work in Indonesia, Sudan, Florida, and Nebraska.
A grant of $75,000 supports Church World Service (CWS) work in the wake of a devastating earthquake on the island of Nias in Indonesia on March 28. Nearly 700 people were killed and 75,000 displaced. The funds will help provide food, water, shelter, sanitation, and medical supplies. This is a separate appeal from those for the tsunami disaster of last December, but the work is being coordinated with all the emergency response activities in Indonesia following the tsunami.
An allocation of $50,000 has gone to CWS's appeal for those affected by violence in the Darfur region of Sudan. More than two million people have fled their homes to escape looting, house burning, crop destruction, and killings, reports staff of the General Board's Emergency Response and Service Ministries. The funds will assist in providing food, medicine, water, sanitation, agricultural help, and counseling to 500,000 people in refugee camps. In the past 18 months a total of $181,500 has been given from the EDF for relief work in Darfur and in southern Sudan, reports Emergency Response director Roy Winter.
A grant of $25,000 supports a continuing hurricane recovery project in Florida, being carried out by Brethren Disaster Response. The project, which is expected to last three to five years, is currently doing rebuilding and repair work in Pensacola and neighboring Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties. It is considered a longterm project because of the magnitude of the hurricanes that hit the state in 2004, said Jane Yount, coordinator of Disaster Response. She added that Escambia County is the poorest in Florida and the 17th poorest in the nation.
The amount of $15,000 continues support of a Disaster Response tornado recovery project in Hallam, Neb. The project is scheduled to close Aug. 6. "We'll need adequate numbers of volunteers to finish four homes that are in various stages of completion," reported Yount.
For the next two months, Disaster Response will be running three rebuilding projects simultaneously, those in Nebraska and Florida and a newly opened project in Ohio. "Our challenge is to secure volunteer teams and project leadership through the summer and beyond," Yount said. "Persons skilled in drywall finishing and finish carpentry will be helpful." The project in Belmont County, Ohio, opened this month, doing repair and rebuilding following three severe floods between Sept. 2004 and Jan. 2005.
The Disaster Response program also is looking for volunteers to join a Tool Coordinator Team to standardize tools in tool trailers used at disaster sites, and to test and replace tools as necessary. The work will be done at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md.
To volunteer at a disaster site or on the Tool Coordinator Team contact your district disaster coordinator or the Disaster Response program at 800-451-4407.
Source: 6/22/2005 Newsline
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Recent grants from the Emergency Disaster Fund (EDF) of the General Board totaled $155,000 for disaster relief and rebuilding work in Indonesia, Sudan, Florida, and Nebraska.
A grant of $75,000 supports Church World Service (CWS) work in the wake of a devastating earthquake on the island of Nias in Indonesia on March 28. Nearly 700 people were killed and 75,000 displaced. The funds will help provide food, water, shelter, sanitation, and medical supplies. This is a separate appeal from those for the tsunami disaster of last December, but the work is being coordinated with all the emergency response activities in Indonesia following the tsunami.
An allocation of $50,000 has gone to CWS's appeal for those affected by violence in the Darfur region of Sudan. More than two million people have fled their homes to escape looting, house burning, crop destruction, and killings, reports staff of the General Board's Emergency Response and Service Ministries. The funds will assist in providing food, medicine, water, sanitation, agricultural help, and counseling to 500,000 people in refugee camps. In the past 18 months a total of $181,500 has been given from the EDF for relief work in Darfur and in southern Sudan, reports Emergency Response director Roy Winter.
A grant of $25,000 supports a continuing hurricane recovery project in Florida, being carried out by Brethren Disaster Response. The project, which is expected to last three to five years, is currently doing rebuilding and repair work in Pensacola and neighboring Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties. It is considered a longterm project because of the magnitude of the hurricanes that hit the state in 2004, said Jane Yount, coordinator of Disaster Response. She added that Escambia County is the poorest in Florida and the 17th poorest in the nation.
The amount of $15,000 continues support of a Disaster Response tornado recovery project in Hallam, Neb. The project is scheduled to close Aug. 6. "We'll need adequate numbers of volunteers to finish four homes that are in various stages of completion," reported Yount.
For the next two months, Disaster Response will be running three rebuilding projects simultaneously, those in Nebraska and Florida and a newly opened project in Ohio. "Our challenge is to secure volunteer teams and project leadership through the summer and beyond," Yount said. "Persons skilled in drywall finishing and finish carpentry will be helpful." The project in Belmont County, Ohio, opened this month, doing repair and rebuilding following three severe floods between Sept. 2004 and Jan. 2005.
The Disaster Response program also is looking for volunteers to join a Tool Coordinator Team to standardize tools in tool trailers used at disaster sites, and to test and replace tools as necessary. The work will be done at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md.
To volunteer at a disaster site or on the Tool Coordinator Team contact your district disaster coordinator or the Disaster Response program at 800-451-4407.
Source: 6/22/2005 Newsline
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Brethren spiritual directors hold fourth annual retreat.
The Church of the Brethren Spiritual Director's Network held its fourth annual retreat May 16-18 at Shepherd's Spring, the outdoor ministry center of Mid-Atlantic District. Carolynne Ervin, who teaches spiritual direction at Chestnut Hill College in Philadelphia, provided leadership on the topic, "Working with People's Faith Experiences in Spiritual Direction."
Through a series of presentations and personal exercises, Ervin led the group in understanding "how a contemplative heart notices, evokes, discerns, and responds to religious experience." The 22 participants, all trained as spiritual directors, were encouraged "to attune themselves to God and those who come to them for direction. Directees are sharing the music of their lives. Help them be open to these religious experiences. Help them find God in all things," Ervin said.
A highlight of the retreat was a 20-hour Sabbath time of shared silence. Believing that God works in both words and silence, participants were led to creative expression and a simple noticing of the Spirit's leading. A time of group spiritual direction helped each to find words to express God's interaction in his or her life through prayer.
A new brochure on spiritual direction was introduced by the Advisory Committee. "About Spiritual Direction" has been developed to introduce Church of the Brethren members to this ancient prayer tradition. Written by Glenn Mitchell and Kathy Geisewite, the brochure answers such questions as: What is spiritual direction? Who seeks it? Who gives spiritual direction? How can I find a spiritual director? Copies are available from Chris Douglas of the General Board staff; e-mail cdouglas_gb@brethren.org or call 800-323-8039 ext. 297. Members of the Spiritual Director's Network are available to offer spiritual direction to clergy and laity in the Church of the Brethren.
Source: 6/22/2005 Newsline
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The Church of the Brethren Spiritual Director's Network held its fourth annual retreat May 16-18 at Shepherd's Spring, the outdoor ministry center of Mid-Atlantic District. Carolynne Ervin, who teaches spiritual direction at Chestnut Hill College in Philadelphia, provided leadership on the topic, "Working with People's Faith Experiences in Spiritual Direction."
Through a series of presentations and personal exercises, Ervin led the group in understanding "how a contemplative heart notices, evokes, discerns, and responds to religious experience." The 22 participants, all trained as spiritual directors, were encouraged "to attune themselves to God and those who come to them for direction. Directees are sharing the music of their lives. Help them be open to these religious experiences. Help them find God in all things," Ervin said.
A highlight of the retreat was a 20-hour Sabbath time of shared silence. Believing that God works in both words and silence, participants were led to creative expression and a simple noticing of the Spirit's leading. A time of group spiritual direction helped each to find words to express God's interaction in his or her life through prayer.
A new brochure on spiritual direction was introduced by the Advisory Committee. "About Spiritual Direction" has been developed to introduce Church of the Brethren members to this ancient prayer tradition. Written by Glenn Mitchell and Kathy Geisewite, the brochure answers such questions as: What is spiritual direction? Who seeks it? Who gives spiritual direction? How can I find a spiritual director? Copies are available from Chris Douglas of the General Board staff; e-mail cdouglas_gb@brethren.org or call 800-323-8039 ext. 297. Members of the Spiritual Director's Network are available to offer spiritual direction to clergy and laity in the Church of the Brethren.
Source: 6/22/2005 Newsline
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Brethren bits: Personnel, job openings, and more.
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- Beth Burnette will serve as promotions specialist for the General Board's "Messenger" magazine, beginning about Oct. 1. This is a part-time, temporary position funded for two years through special gifts to the "Messenger" anniversary fund. Burnette will work primarily from her home in St. Charles, Ill. A member of York Center Church of the Brethren in Lombard, Ill., Burnette is retiring as administrative assistant for Illinois and Wisconsin District and as York Center's Christian education director. She has experience in nonprofit and for-profit marketing and developing print materials for advertising in the Chicago area and in Maryland.
- The Indianapolis Peace House seeks an associate director for the undergraduate study-away program, recruitment of students, finding and overseeing internship placements, and coordinating activities. The Peace House is a residential experience for students and includes coursework, internship, communal living, and participation in neighborhood activities. Indianapolis Peace House (www.indypeacehouse.org), a component of the Plowshares project (www.plowsharesproject.org), is a Lilly Endowment-funded collaborative of Manchester, Earlham, and Goshen colleges. Required qualifications include a bachelor's degree; organizational skills; record of experience in mediation, conflict resolution, or peace studies; experience with student recruitment; interpersonal and communication skills; willingness to travel. Desired qualifications include a master's degree in an appropriate field; experience with program administration in a college or university; ability to teach; familiarity with Indianapolis and its not-for-profits. Salary is commensurate with experience. The position is open immediately but should be filled no later than Aug. 1. Candidates should send a resume, with at least three references, to Erwin Boschmann, CEO, c/o DeeDee House, Indianapolis Peace House, 1201 N. Central Ave., Box 3, Indianapolis, IN 46202-2696; dhouse@indypeacehouse.org; 317-631-7322; fax 317-631-5969.
- The Ecumenical Stewardship Center in Indianapolis seeks an executive director to supervise staff; provide oversight for corporate management, fiscal solvency, and member relations; cultivate and maintain relationships with member denominations, associate partners, and other faith-based stewardship organizations; and provide management, direction, promotion, and support for new and existing events, programs, and resources. A passion for Christian stewardship and commitment to the mission of the center is essential. Demonstrated skill in administration, organizational and financial management, written and verbal communication, and program development is required. Experience in ecumenical settings, contexts of diversity, and denominational ministry is expected. Academic training in theology or social sciences is preferred. A competitive salary and benefits are available. Send cover letter and resume by Aug. 15 to ESC Search Committee, 1100 W. 42nd St., Indianapolis, IN 46208. Visit www.stewardshipresources.org for more information.
- The National Council of Churches (NCC) seeks young adult volunteers for its Stewards Program. Stewards will serve during the General Assembly of the NCC and Church World Service in Baltimore, Md., Nov. 8-10. This is the third year for the program, which gathers a small group of Christian young adults from across the country to assist in the work of the assembly and to observe ecumenism "up close" as some 250 delegates from 36 Protestant, Anglican, and Orthodox denominations gather for worship, business, and fellowship. Stewards assist with hospitality, registration, audio-visual technology, and other tasks. The experience includes a young adult spiritual development event. Stewards must be between the ages of 18 and 30 and have the recommendation of their denomination. Contact Chris Douglas at the General Board's Youth and Young Adult Ministries, cdouglas_gb@brethren.org or call 800-323-8039 ext. 297.
- Youth pastors are invited to meet at Annual Conference in Peoria, Ill. Those who are serving as paid youth pastors in the Church of the Brethren are invited to a gathering of youth ministry professionals sponsored by the General Board's Youth and Young Adult Ministry Office on Monday, July 4, 1-2 p.m. in Room 201 of the Peoria Civic Center. This will be a time for networking, sharing, and learning to know others in the field of fulltime youth ministry.
- The Central Maryland Chapter of the American Red Cross is closing its Carroll County, Howard County, and Harford County offices as part of a restructuring plan to centralize services at the chapter office in Baltimore. The Carroll County office at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md., will close July 1. Linda Vanderhoff, district director, extended her thanks for the generous support given to the Red Cross by Brethren Service Center agencies and staff.
- Brethren Benefit Trust and the General Board are now providing wireless internet access at the General Offices in Elgin, Ill. This is a new service provided in cooperation between the agencies.
- Dates and sites have been announced for the next two Cross-Cultural Consultations and Celebrations: May 4-7, 2006, in Lancaster, Pa.; and April 19-22, 2007, in New Windsor, Md. Plans are for the consultation to be held on the west coast in 2008. For more information contact Duane Grady at 800-505-1596 or e-mail
dgrady_gb@brethren.org. - Brethren Volunteer Service is having a potluck on July 30 at 6:30 p.m. at Union Bridge (Md.) Church of the Brethren. Any former Brethren Volunteer Service workers and Civilian Public Service (CPS) workers are invited, and anyone who has a connection to either program. "We see this potluck as a wonderful opportunity for the `volunteers in training' from BVS Unit 265 to be able to connect with people that have done similar service," said Sam Bowman of the BVS office. "We hope to see you there." Bring a covered dish to share, or any other type of food for the potluck. There will be a short informal time of introduction and sharing.
- Peoria (Ill.) Church of the Brethren is holding a Biker Weekend June 25-26, with the local chapter of the Christian Motorcyclist Association (CMA). The chapter has met monthly in the church fellowship hall for the past two years, reports the congregation's newsletter. Weekend events will include motorcycle games in the parking lot, a barbecue, rides, a concert by the southern gospel group "The Chasteens," Sunday morning worship with testimonies from the biker community, and a traditional CMA blessing of the bikes during the Sunday school hour. "The main objective of this event is to reach out to and witness to the biker community in a way and in a setting that they find comfortable and welcoming," the newsletter said. "The CMA is doing much of the heavy lifting for this event and we are grateful to them for their heartfelt desire to reach out in the name of Christ."
- Imperial Heights Community Church of the Brethren in Los Angeles, Calif., is starting a community orchestra. "We have acquired an instructor who has caught the vision and has the passion of working with individuals who have the desire to play a musical instrument," reported pastor Thomas Dowdy in an open invitation to Pacific Southwest District saying, "I believe you will be blessed in what God is doing in this multicultural community.... We have extended this wonderful opportunity to the community free of charge, asking anyone who wants to play a musical instrument with or without experience to come join this orchestra." The church is offering classes for the orchestra and the opportunity for individual instruction. The debut performance will be Sunday, Aug. 21, during the weekend of the Pacific Southwest District board meeting at Imperial Heights. For more information call 323-754-3998.
- Pastor Ruth A. Yoder and Union Center Church of the Brethren in Nappanee were among those receiving grants from the 2005 Clergy Renewal Program for Indiana Congregations, funded by Lilly Endowment Inc. The grants were awarded to 36 ministers statewide, to allow them to take an extended time away from the daily demands of church leadership to spend time studying, reflecting, reconnecting with their families, traveling, and writing.
- Painesville (Ohio) Church of the Brethren is celebrating its 50th anniversary with a worship service held 50 years to the day from its first worship service on June 26, 1955. Worship will be held at 10:30 a.m. this June 26, followed by a luncheon. The celebration will include opening a time capsule buried in 1985, on the 30th anniversary. RSVP for the luncheon at 440-352-3974.
- The Church of the Brethren was represented at the 10th annual Religion Fair in Harrisburg, Pa., in May. The Brethren joined others including Catholics, Quakers, Mormons, Muslims, Buddhists, Bahai, Jews, and Unitarian-Universalists at the fair, according to "The Patriot-News." The event was sponsored by the Interreligious Forum of Greater Harrisburg.
- The Brethren Home Community of Southern Pennsylvania District will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2008. Founded in 1908, the home was located in Cumberland County on Pine Road near Huntsdale, Pa., until a fire destroyed the home on Jan. 27, 1951. A new home was established with the purchase of the Cross Keys Hotel one mile east of New Oxford, Pa. The home is now a continuing care retirement community with over 900 residents in independent living, assisted living, and a health care center. A Centennial Committee has been organized to plan for special events, publish a book, and prepare a display of significant events. Centennial events will begin at the Festival of Lights in Dec. 2007 and continue through the anniversary year. More information can be found at www.brethrenhome.org.
- Unity in Community, an organization founded with help from Manassas (Va.) Church of the Brethren, celebrated its 10th anniversary on May 14, according to the "Potomac News." The Manassas church hosted the interfaith supper celebration titled "Taste of Unity." Unity in Community serves Prince William County and the cities of Manassas and Manassas Park, working on problems of intolerance and racism and supporting diversity. The first Unity in Community meeting of local clergy was held in 1995 at the invitation of Illana Naylor and the Manassas church. Accomplishments include "hate-free" and "bigot-free" zones, education on hate crimes, work with schools and youth, and action countering leafletting by the KKK.
- Waynesboro (Pa.) Church of the Brethren hosted the 54th annual Clothesline Art Exhibit of the Waynesboro Studio Club on the second weekend in June. The event showed the work of local artists and students from Waynesboro Area Senior High School. The church hosts monthly meetings of the club.
- The 16th annual World Hunger Bike Ride in Virlina District took place June 18 starting at Antioch Church of the Brethren in Rocky Mount, Va. The event offered a choice of rides of 10 miles, 25 miles, and 50 miles.
- The Sonfest festival of contemporary Christian music in Smithsburg, Md., on June 11 featured recordings of songs by the late Dean Mouk, pastor of Welty Church of the Brethren in Smithsburg until his death nearly a year ago. The annual festival is sponsored by Trinity Lutheran Church. Mouk was a fixture from the first Sonfest eight years ago, reported the "Herald-Mail."
- Samuel Dante Dali, a leader in Ekklesiyar Yan'uwa a Nigeria (EYN--the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria), has been awarded a Ph.D. at the University of Birmingham, England, in the area of church history. His dissertation is titled, "The Contemporary Search for Visible-Practical Unity in the Fellowship of the Churches of Christ in Nigeria: In the Light of the Ecumenical Policies and Work of the Sudan United Mission (1904-1960)." Dali returns this month to his teaching position at the Theological College of Northern Nigeria. His study was sponsored through the Global Mission Partnerships office of the General Board as a part of longterm leadership development in EYN.
- The National Council of Churches is holding a "Money for Mission: Greening Initiatives That Make Cents" workshop on June 29, 8:30-11:30 a.m., at the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America headquarters in Chicago. The workshop is intended for faith leaders--including camp and conference center staff, clergy, lay leaders of congregations, and denominational staff--to learn how to "green" religious congregations and institutions. Organizers hope to empower and enable participants to incorporate environmentally sustainable practices and increase environmental stewardship while reducing financial burdens. Registration of $10 includes breakfast. To register e-mail cassandra@toad.net or visit www.nccecojustice.org.
- The Valley Brethren-Mennonite Heritage Center in Harrisonburg, Va., will host a "Tears and Ashes" bus tour in the Dayton (Va.) area on July 16, beginning and ending at Garbers Church of the Brethren. Norman Wenger and David Rodes, researchers and compilers of "Unionists and the Civil War Experience in the Shenandoah Valley," will lead the tour. Sites will include Meigs Lane, Silver Lake Mill, "Doc" Gabe and Margaret Swank Heatwole's house that hid Unionists fleeing the war, and Pleasant View Old Order Mennonite Church. The $50 fee includes a Mennonite-German meal at Bank Mennonite Church. Checks written to CrossRoads (or VBMHC) and received by July 8 will reserve a seat. Send to P.O. Box 1563, Harrisonburg, VA 22803. The center also is holding Sunday evening vesper services in July and August at the CrossRoads Ampitheater. Area Brethren leaders will take part in many of the services, which will conclude Aug. 28 with a service led by Mountain View Church of the Brethren. For more information see www.vbmhc.org.
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Susanna Farahat joins the staff of On Earth Peace.
On Earth Peace has announced that Susanna Farahat will join the staff in August as the new coordinator of Peacemaker Formation. She will oversee an extensive peace education program that serves all ages, with an emphasis on youth and young adults.
Farahat is a member of York Center Church of the Brethren in Lombard, Ill., and a recent graduate of Bryn Mawr College. She brings teaching experience and a strong sense of the educational process, along with a wide variety of community service experiences to the position. Farahat will be based at the New Windsor (Md.) office of On Earth Peace.
Kim Stuckey Hissong, the current coordinator of Peacemaker Formation, will begin graduate studies in social work this fall.
Source: 6/22/2005 Newsline
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On Earth Peace has announced that Susanna Farahat will join the staff in August as the new coordinator of Peacemaker Formation. She will oversee an extensive peace education program that serves all ages, with an emphasis on youth and young adults.
Farahat is a member of York Center Church of the Brethren in Lombard, Ill., and a recent graduate of Bryn Mawr College. She brings teaching experience and a strong sense of the educational process, along with a wide variety of community service experiences to the position. Farahat will be based at the New Windsor (Md.) office of On Earth Peace.
Kim Stuckey Hissong, the current coordinator of Peacemaker Formation, will begin graduate studies in social work this fall.
Source: 6/22/2005 Newsline
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Exploring Your Call event for youth will be held at Bethany Seminary.
Exploring Your Call, an event for high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors, will be held at Bethany Theological Seminary in Richmond, Ind., on Aug. 4-9. The event is an opportunity for youth to consider issues of faith and vocation.
Remaining funds from a $2 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc.'s Theological Vocational Exploration Program Initiative, received by Manchester College on behalf of eight Brethren institutions, allow Bethany to offer the event for an additional year. Activities include classes taught by seminary professors, shadowing area pastors, planning and leading worship services, participating in hands-on ministry and service activities, and group-building recreational activities. Russell Haitch, assistant professor of Christian Education and director of the Institute for Ministry with Youth and Young Adults, will oversee the event.
Participants' only cost is travel expense to and from Richmond. Registration is limited to 20 participants. Begin the sign-up and registration process via e-mail by sending the following information to EYC@bethanyseminary.edu: name, address, telephone and alternate telephone, e-mail address, birthdate and age, home congregation, pastor, church telephone, person to notify in case of emergency and that person's relationship to the youth and their telephone and address. For more information e-mail EYC@bethanyseminary.edu or call 800-287-8822 ext. 1821.
Source: 6/22/2005 Newsline
top
Exploring Your Call, an event for high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors, will be held at Bethany Theological Seminary in Richmond, Ind., on Aug. 4-9. The event is an opportunity for youth to consider issues of faith and vocation.
Remaining funds from a $2 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc.'s Theological Vocational Exploration Program Initiative, received by Manchester College on behalf of eight Brethren institutions, allow Bethany to offer the event for an additional year. Activities include classes taught by seminary professors, shadowing area pastors, planning and leading worship services, participating in hands-on ministry and service activities, and group-building recreational activities. Russell Haitch, assistant professor of Christian Education and director of the Institute for Ministry with Youth and Young Adults, will oversee the event.
Participants' only cost is travel expense to and from Richmond. Registration is limited to 20 participants. Begin the sign-up and registration process via e-mail by sending the following information to EYC@bethanyseminary.edu: name, address, telephone and alternate telephone, e-mail address, birthdate and age, home congregation, pastor, church telephone, person to notify in case of emergency and that person's relationship to the youth and their telephone and address. For more information e-mail EYC@bethanyseminary.edu or call 800-287-8822 ext. 1821.
Source: 6/22/2005 Newsline
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Dunkertown Workshop tells Brethren stories.
A new project by two Middle Pennsylvania Brethren writers is designed to help preserve the Brethren story. Dunkertown Workshop is the brainchild of Steve Engle of Alexandria, and Frank Ramirez of Everett, who hope through recordings, theatrical productions, and writing to tell some lesser known Brethren stories and to revive stories that may have been forgotten.
The first Dunkertown collaborative Ramirez-Engle venture was the musical "Angels Everywhere" about Catharine Hummer, a Brethren teenager in 1762 who said she saw angels. With a cast from several Middle Pennsylvania District churches, the musical has been performed at six different venues in middle and eastern Pennsylvania, with more performances scheduled for the fall. A CD recording also is in production.
A four-disc audio recording of "The Meanest Man in Patrick County and Other Unlikely Brethren Heroes" by Frank Ramirez (Brethren Press, 2004) is the first Dunkertown CD to be released. Stories are read by the author with Jennie Ramirez, Steve Engle, and Joan Engle. The CD also features an original ballad, "The Meanest Man in Patrick County," penned by Engle and Ramirez and sung by Andy Murray. (Order the CD for $18 plus shipping and handling, or the book for $10.95 plus shipping and handling, from Brethren Press at 800-441-3712.)
Dunkertown Workshop has re-released "Ted Studebaker in Vietnam: Life Is Good, Yea!" on CD (available from Brethren Press for $15 plus shipping and handling). For decades, the album has been out of print. Studebaker was murdered by the Vietcong in 1971 while in alternative service. Gary and Sue Studebaker, with help from Engle, put together an album of cassette recordings Studebaker sent home. The album includes songs, audio letters, and an interview about his work. The CD also features "Brave Man From Ohio" by Andy and Terry Murray, and a national ABC News report aired at the time of Studebaker's memorial service.
A future Dunkertown project is the "Andy and Terry Murray Songbook." Engle plans to work with the Murrays in transcribing their music, most of which exists only as recordings or lyrics.
The website www.dunkertownworkshop.com offers other CDs by Engle, books by Ramirez, releases from the Murrays, the opportunity to hear songs, and purchasing information. Engle and Ramirez invite Brethren artists who have their own websites to join them in this collaboration, so that links can lead Brethren to their work.
Source: 6/22/2005 Newsline
top
A new project by two Middle Pennsylvania Brethren writers is designed to help preserve the Brethren story. Dunkertown Workshop is the brainchild of Steve Engle of Alexandria, and Frank Ramirez of Everett, who hope through recordings, theatrical productions, and writing to tell some lesser known Brethren stories and to revive stories that may have been forgotten.
The first Dunkertown collaborative Ramirez-Engle venture was the musical "Angels Everywhere" about Catharine Hummer, a Brethren teenager in 1762 who said she saw angels. With a cast from several Middle Pennsylvania District churches, the musical has been performed at six different venues in middle and eastern Pennsylvania, with more performances scheduled for the fall. A CD recording also is in production.
A four-disc audio recording of "The Meanest Man in Patrick County and Other Unlikely Brethren Heroes" by Frank Ramirez (Brethren Press, 2004) is the first Dunkertown CD to be released. Stories are read by the author with Jennie Ramirez, Steve Engle, and Joan Engle. The CD also features an original ballad, "The Meanest Man in Patrick County," penned by Engle and Ramirez and sung by Andy Murray. (Order the CD for $18 plus shipping and handling, or the book for $10.95 plus shipping and handling, from Brethren Press at 800-441-3712.)
Dunkertown Workshop has re-released "Ted Studebaker in Vietnam: Life Is Good, Yea!" on CD (available from Brethren Press for $15 plus shipping and handling). For decades, the album has been out of print. Studebaker was murdered by the Vietcong in 1971 while in alternative service. Gary and Sue Studebaker, with help from Engle, put together an album of cassette recordings Studebaker sent home. The album includes songs, audio letters, and an interview about his work. The CD also features "Brave Man From Ohio" by Andy and Terry Murray, and a national ABC News report aired at the time of Studebaker's memorial service.
A future Dunkertown project is the "Andy and Terry Murray Songbook." Engle plans to work with the Murrays in transcribing their music, most of which exists only as recordings or lyrics.
The website www.dunkertownworkshop.com offers other CDs by Engle, books by Ramirez, releases from the Murrays, the opportunity to hear songs, and purchasing information. Engle and Ramirez invite Brethren artists who have their own websites to join them in this collaboration, so that links can lead Brethren to their work.
Source: 6/22/2005 Newsline
top
Watching a new church plant do everything right.
By Nancy Sollenberger Heishman
A new preaching point in the Dominican Republic named Arco Iris, which means "rainbow," held its first regular Sunday evening worship service Easter night in the capital of Santo Domingo. From start to finish, it seemed as if they had carefully studied the finest church growth literature available in order to plan an event that would be welcoming and open to the Spirit, and that displayed the following qualities essential to offering a new worship service:
Excellent leadership. The leadership team consists of many gifted people. Daniel and Oris De'Oleo's outstanding gifts in motivation, preaching, teaching, and organization are filled with a dynamic enthusiasm that is contagious. Minerva Mateo's gifts of compassion, gentle love, a heart for neighborhood children, and fervent prayer are an encouragement to others. Clearly these are empowering leaders who model the way.
Quality musicians. The mother church, Peniel, and its pastor, Eduardo Montero, sent its entire worship team accompanied by the church's sound system, drum set, pulpit, plastic chairs, generator, fan, microphones, overhead projector, and song transparencies.
Success at getting the word out. About an hour and a half before the service, members of the mother church canvassed the neighborhood passing out fliers and inviting everyone within sight to the service, and sharing the love and blessing of Christ in their conversations.
Creative worship. A gifted and creative teenager shared a series of three dramas, accompanied by music and narrative, that illustrated the difference Jesus Christ makes in a person's life. During the singing that preceded them, musicians displayed the words of songs using transparencies so that new people could participate. The singing was invitational and focused on giving God glory, honor, and praise.
Quality preaching. Brother Daniel shared an inspiring message focusing on Jesus' promise in John 3. An invitation followed for persons to accept life in Christ and to leave behind a life of sin and brokenness.
Effective follow through. As the service was beginning, Sister Minerva moved through the crowd warmly greeting visitors and collecting information to make follow-up personal visits.
Care for the whole person. Not only was an invitation given for people to commit their lives to Christ, but genuine love and concern were shown through a willingness to pray for needs expressed. One visitor asked for prayer for her father who is ill. She was invited to come up front where prayer was promptly offered. Worship leader Selvia Gonzalez expressed the church's concern and commitment to pray for her father's physical and spiritual health, caring for both his body and soul.
A welcoming space. God has graciously provided a open and accessible space for this new preaching point, a community building strategically situated right in the middle of a community that only has two other churches. People are already familiar with the building and comfortable entering it. It is available free in exchange for cleaning up the trash around it, a blessing the community will quickly appreciate.
Modeling loving relationships. Greeters were positioned on the sidewalk in order to continually invite people in throughout the service. Others positioned themselves just inside the door to offer a warm welcome. Refreshments were offered after worship to give a thoughtful send off as people returned home.
Participating in this new effort was a tremendously inspiring experience. Please keep this new church plant in your prayers. Pray that God will bring much spiritual fruit as the leaders eagerly reach out to their neighborhood with the news that God's love is faithful, as the brilliant colors of the rainbow remind us.
--Nancy Sollenberger Heishman is one of the General Board's mission co-coordinator in the Dominican Republic.
Source: 6/22/2005 Newsline
top
By Nancy Sollenberger Heishman
A new preaching point in the Dominican Republic named Arco Iris, which means "rainbow," held its first regular Sunday evening worship service Easter night in the capital of Santo Domingo. From start to finish, it seemed as if they had carefully studied the finest church growth literature available in order to plan an event that would be welcoming and open to the Spirit, and that displayed the following qualities essential to offering a new worship service:
Excellent leadership. The leadership team consists of many gifted people. Daniel and Oris De'Oleo's outstanding gifts in motivation, preaching, teaching, and organization are filled with a dynamic enthusiasm that is contagious. Minerva Mateo's gifts of compassion, gentle love, a heart for neighborhood children, and fervent prayer are an encouragement to others. Clearly these are empowering leaders who model the way.
Quality musicians. The mother church, Peniel, and its pastor, Eduardo Montero, sent its entire worship team accompanied by the church's sound system, drum set, pulpit, plastic chairs, generator, fan, microphones, overhead projector, and song transparencies.
Success at getting the word out. About an hour and a half before the service, members of the mother church canvassed the neighborhood passing out fliers and inviting everyone within sight to the service, and sharing the love and blessing of Christ in their conversations.
Creative worship. A gifted and creative teenager shared a series of three dramas, accompanied by music and narrative, that illustrated the difference Jesus Christ makes in a person's life. During the singing that preceded them, musicians displayed the words of songs using transparencies so that new people could participate. The singing was invitational and focused on giving God glory, honor, and praise.
Quality preaching. Brother Daniel shared an inspiring message focusing on Jesus' promise in John 3. An invitation followed for persons to accept life in Christ and to leave behind a life of sin and brokenness.
Effective follow through. As the service was beginning, Sister Minerva moved through the crowd warmly greeting visitors and collecting information to make follow-up personal visits.
Care for the whole person. Not only was an invitation given for people to commit their lives to Christ, but genuine love and concern were shown through a willingness to pray for needs expressed. One visitor asked for prayer for her father who is ill. She was invited to come up front where prayer was promptly offered. Worship leader Selvia Gonzalez expressed the church's concern and commitment to pray for her father's physical and spiritual health, caring for both his body and soul.
A welcoming space. God has graciously provided a open and accessible space for this new preaching point, a community building strategically situated right in the middle of a community that only has two other churches. People are already familiar with the building and comfortable entering it. It is available free in exchange for cleaning up the trash around it, a blessing the community will quickly appreciate.
Modeling loving relationships. Greeters were positioned on the sidewalk in order to continually invite people in throughout the service. Others positioned themselves just inside the door to offer a warm welcome. Refreshments were offered after worship to give a thoughtful send off as people returned home.
Participating in this new effort was a tremendously inspiring experience. Please keep this new church plant in your prayers. Pray that God will bring much spiritual fruit as the leaders eagerly reach out to their neighborhood with the news that God's love is faithful, as the brilliant colors of the rainbow remind us.
--Nancy Sollenberger Heishman is one of the General Board's mission co-coordinator in the Dominican Republic.
Source: 6/22/2005 Newsline
top
Credits
Newsline is produced by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of news services for the Church of the Brethren General Board, on every other Wednesday with other editions as needed. Newsline stories may be reprinted if Newsline is cited as the source. Sam Bowman, Kathleen Campanella, Mary Dulabaum, Larry Gibble, Merv Keeney, Ed Poling, Frank Ramirez, and Marcia Shetler contributed to this report
Newsline is produced by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of news services for the Church of the Brethren General Board, on every other Wednesday with other editions as needed. Newsline stories may be reprinted if Newsline is cited as the source. Sam Bowman, Kathleen Campanella, Mary Dulabaum, Larry Gibble, Merv Keeney, Ed Poling, Frank Ramirez, and Marcia Shetler contributed to this report
Wednesday, June 08, 2005
NEWS
'Hunger No More' brings more than 1,500 to Washington National Cathedral.
Denomination is lead sponsor for Guatemalan food security program.
Older adult unit completes Brethren Volunteer Service orientation.
Brethren Witness/Washington Office director joins in meeting with Palestinian president.
Fellowship of Brethren Homes meets for annual forum.
Cross-cultural music tour receives warm welcome.
Harrisburg First works with other churches against drug, gang violence.
Children's book about Anna Mow wins award of excellence.
Brethren bits: Corrections, remembrance, personnel, and more.
FEATURE
World mission conference discusses healing and reconciliation.
FEATURE
'Hunger No More' brings more than 1,500 to Washington National Cathedral.
Some 1,500 people filled the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., on June 6, on the eve of National Hunger Awareness Day. "It was an historic event gathering people of many traditions and faiths together with the unifying desire to overcome hunger in our lifetime," said Stan Noffinger, general secretary of the General Board, following the worship convocation titled "Hunger No More." The event surpassed all expectations of the planners, he said.
With sponsorship from the Alliance to End Hunger, Bread for the World, America's Second Harvest, the National Food Bank, Call to Renewal, and the Interfaith Anti-Hunger Coordinators, the convocation brought more than 40 religious leaders of various faith traditions together in a moving service of worship, Noffsinger said. The Church of the Brethren General Board, and the Brethren Witness/Washington Office, were endorsers of the event. At least six Brethren were in attendance, including Noffsinger and co-executive director of On Earth Peace Barbara Sayler.
"Participants set aside the differences that tend to divide the faith traditions to address the increasing incidence of hunger in the US," Noffsinger said. Different faith traditions shared leadership of the worship. The keynote speaker was Anglican archbishop Njongonkulu W.H. Ndungane of Cape Town, South Africa, whose life story includes imprisonment as a political prisoner under apartheid law. "I know hunger firsthand," he said, reminding worshipers that in the US, the richest country in the world, hunger is increasing. He called on people of faith to speak loudly and clearly to end hunger, with the goal of food for everyone being a human right. "The promise of heaven is no more hunger," he said. "But...the plight of the hungry must not be left for heaven."
In the last four years, decades of progress in shrinking the numbers of the hungry in the US have been reversed, Noffsinger said. Bread for the World said in its annual hunger report for 2004 that 853 million people worldwide are hungry, he reported. Of that number, 36 million in the US are "food insecure," meaning that they do not always know if they will have access to safe and nutritious food at their next meal, he said.
Just prior to the convocation, faith leaders met in an "upper room" of the cathedral--stories above the streets of Washington--to discuss the issues. A new coalition was formed, Noffsinger said, to bring the plight of the hungry into the awareness of each denomination and faith group represented. The group signed a common letter to the President of the United States, which was delivered by a small delegation which met with White House staff on June 7. The letter encouraged the President to provide strong leadership in "protecting the national nutrition programs from funding cuts and damaging structural changes. We also ask you to use this year's G8 Summit to increase development assistance and debt relief and to forge trade policies that will help to reduce hunger, poverty, and disease in Africa and other poor parts of the world." Participants at the convocation gathered for training June 7 to prepare for a major lobbying effort on hunger issues later that day.
Paul Wolfowitz, the new president of the World Bank, unexpectedly joined the convocation worship service, Noffsinger said, adding that Wolfowitz received "a warm welcome" from the religious leaders and convocation attendees.
For more information and links to the webcast of the convocation, see www.bread.org/nationalgathering/2005/convocation.htm.
Source: 06/08/2005 Newsline
top
Some 1,500 people filled the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., on June 6, on the eve of National Hunger Awareness Day. "It was an historic event gathering people of many traditions and faiths together with the unifying desire to overcome hunger in our lifetime," said Stan Noffinger, general secretary of the General Board, following the worship convocation titled "Hunger No More." The event surpassed all expectations of the planners, he said.
With sponsorship from the Alliance to End Hunger, Bread for the World, America's Second Harvest, the National Food Bank, Call to Renewal, and the Interfaith Anti-Hunger Coordinators, the convocation brought more than 40 religious leaders of various faith traditions together in a moving service of worship, Noffsinger said. The Church of the Brethren General Board, and the Brethren Witness/Washington Office, were endorsers of the event. At least six Brethren were in attendance, including Noffsinger and co-executive director of On Earth Peace Barbara Sayler.
"Participants set aside the differences that tend to divide the faith traditions to address the increasing incidence of hunger in the US," Noffsinger said. Different faith traditions shared leadership of the worship. The keynote speaker was Anglican archbishop Njongonkulu W.H. Ndungane of Cape Town, South Africa, whose life story includes imprisonment as a political prisoner under apartheid law. "I know hunger firsthand," he said, reminding worshipers that in the US, the richest country in the world, hunger is increasing. He called on people of faith to speak loudly and clearly to end hunger, with the goal of food for everyone being a human right. "The promise of heaven is no more hunger," he said. "But...the plight of the hungry must not be left for heaven."
In the last four years, decades of progress in shrinking the numbers of the hungry in the US have been reversed, Noffsinger said. Bread for the World said in its annual hunger report for 2004 that 853 million people worldwide are hungry, he reported. Of that number, 36 million in the US are "food insecure," meaning that they do not always know if they will have access to safe and nutritious food at their next meal, he said.
Just prior to the convocation, faith leaders met in an "upper room" of the cathedral--stories above the streets of Washington--to discuss the issues. A new coalition was formed, Noffsinger said, to bring the plight of the hungry into the awareness of each denomination and faith group represented. The group signed a common letter to the President of the United States, which was delivered by a small delegation which met with White House staff on June 7. The letter encouraged the President to provide strong leadership in "protecting the national nutrition programs from funding cuts and damaging structural changes. We also ask you to use this year's G8 Summit to increase development assistance and debt relief and to forge trade policies that will help to reduce hunger, poverty, and disease in Africa and other poor parts of the world." Participants at the convocation gathered for training June 7 to prepare for a major lobbying effort on hunger issues later that day.
Paul Wolfowitz, the new president of the World Bank, unexpectedly joined the convocation worship service, Noffsinger said, adding that Wolfowitz received "a warm welcome" from the religious leaders and convocation attendees.
For more information and links to the webcast of the convocation, see www.bread.org/nationalgathering/2005/convocation.htm.
Source: 06/08/2005 Newsline
top
Denomination is lead sponsor for Guatemalan food security program.
Guatemala is the setting of a new interchurch project in which the Church of the Brethren is the lead sponsor. Located in Totonicapan in western Guatemala, the three-year project is aimed at developing food security for 570 Mayan families in 20 rural communities.
Components of the project include diversifying food production, introducing greenhouse and patio garden techniques, training in soil and water management, protecting watersheds and the environment, developing local markets, and strengthening indigenous women's organizations. "Given the small parcels of land and lack of alternatives for compensated work, the Totonicapan project strives not only to introduce sustainable agricultural practices but to strengthen the voice of local peasant groups," said Howard Royer, manager of the General Board's Global Food Crisis Fund.
A coalition formed by Foods Resource Bank and Church World Service has enlisted several Guatemalan partner agencies, principally the Conference of Evangelical Churches of Guatemala and the National Coordination of Widows of Guatemala. The latter is a grassroots movement of indigenous women widowed during the country's internal armed conflict.
Funding for the first-year grant of $103,500 includes $10,000 from the Brethren account in the Foods Resource Bank, from the proceeds of growing projects. Other partners are Christian Reformed World Relief Committee, Evangelical Covenant Church World Relief, Lutheran World Relief, Mennonite Central Committee, United Church of Christ Wider Church Ministries, United Methodist Committee on Relief, and the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). The $51,800 contributed by the churches is matched by a grant from US AID.
The work in Totonicapan is the first Foods Resource Bank program for which the Church of the Brethren is a lead sponsor. Through the Global Food Crisis Fund, the General Board became an implementing member of the Foods Resource Bank in 2004. The board has placed volunteers and advocated for peace and human rights in Guatemala for three decades. For information about the Global Food Crisis Fund see www.brethren.org/genbd/global_mission/gfcf.htm.
Source: 06/08/2005 Newsline
top
Guatemala is the setting of a new interchurch project in which the Church of the Brethren is the lead sponsor. Located in Totonicapan in western Guatemala, the three-year project is aimed at developing food security for 570 Mayan families in 20 rural communities.
Components of the project include diversifying food production, introducing greenhouse and patio garden techniques, training in soil and water management, protecting watersheds and the environment, developing local markets, and strengthening indigenous women's organizations. "Given the small parcels of land and lack of alternatives for compensated work, the Totonicapan project strives not only to introduce sustainable agricultural practices but to strengthen the voice of local peasant groups," said Howard Royer, manager of the General Board's Global Food Crisis Fund.
A coalition formed by Foods Resource Bank and Church World Service has enlisted several Guatemalan partner agencies, principally the Conference of Evangelical Churches of Guatemala and the National Coordination of Widows of Guatemala. The latter is a grassroots movement of indigenous women widowed during the country's internal armed conflict.
Funding for the first-year grant of $103,500 includes $10,000 from the Brethren account in the Foods Resource Bank, from the proceeds of growing projects. Other partners are Christian Reformed World Relief Committee, Evangelical Covenant Church World Relief, Lutheran World Relief, Mennonite Central Committee, United Church of Christ Wider Church Ministries, United Methodist Committee on Relief, and the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). The $51,800 contributed by the churches is matched by a grant from US AID.
The work in Totonicapan is the first Foods Resource Bank program for which the Church of the Brethren is a lead sponsor. Through the Global Food Crisis Fund, the General Board became an implementing member of the Foods Resource Bank in 2004. The board has placed volunteers and advocated for peace and human rights in Guatemala for three decades. For information about the Global Food Crisis Fund see www.brethren.org/genbd/global_mission/gfcf.htm.
Source: 06/08/2005 Newsline
top
Older adult unit completes Brethren Volunteer Service orientation.
Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS) Unit 264, an older adult unit, completed orientation April 17-29 in New Windsor, Md.
Unit members and their placements are: Kay Billhimer of Monitor Community Church of the Brethren in Conway, Kan., volunteering at Hopewell Inn in Mesopotamia, Ohio; Pauline and Don Hess of Mountain View, McGaheysville (Va.) Fellowship Church of the Brethren, volunteering at the World Friendship Center in Hiroshima, Japan; Linda and Steve Hollinger of Manassas (Va.) Church of the Brethren, volunteering at the General Board's New Windsor (Md.) Conference Center; Sharon Poff from Lewisburg, Pa., volunteering at the Community Mediation Center in Harrisonburg, Va.; and Sue Wilkinson from Dallas, Texas, volunteering at Su Casa Catholic Worker in Chicago, Ill.
Source: 06/08/2005 Newsline
top
Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS) Unit 264, an older adult unit, completed orientation April 17-29 in New Windsor, Md.
Unit members and their placements are: Kay Billhimer of Monitor Community Church of the Brethren in Conway, Kan., volunteering at Hopewell Inn in Mesopotamia, Ohio; Pauline and Don Hess of Mountain View, McGaheysville (Va.) Fellowship Church of the Brethren, volunteering at the World Friendship Center in Hiroshima, Japan; Linda and Steve Hollinger of Manassas (Va.) Church of the Brethren, volunteering at the General Board's New Windsor (Md.) Conference Center; Sharon Poff from Lewisburg, Pa., volunteering at the Community Mediation Center in Harrisonburg, Va.; and Sue Wilkinson from Dallas, Texas, volunteering at Su Casa Catholic Worker in Chicago, Ill.
Source: 06/08/2005 Newsline
top
Brethren Witness/Washington Office director joins in meeting with Palestinian president.
Phil Jones, director of the General Board's Brethren Witness/Washington Office, joined other church leaders in meeting with the president of the Palestinian Authority Mahmoud Abbas on May 26 in Washington, D.C. The meeting with Abbas followed meetings that been held with a variety of Jewish and Muslim leaders earlier in the day, and meetings with President Bush that afternoon.
Opening remarks at the meeting were given by a variety of Christian leaders including Bob Edgar, general secretary of the National Council of Churches, and Corinne Whitlatch, executive director of Churches for Middle East Peace. Whitlatch facilitated the meeting. Other church leaders represented Anglican, Episcopal, Catholic, Lutheran, Mennonite, Methodist, Orthodox, and Presbyterian denominations and faith groups.
As a follow up to his meeting with President Bush, a written document was presented to President Abbas by the group, to underscore the following position: "We stand with you as you encourage President Bush to advocate for both Palestinians and Israelis and to take actions that support his expressed commitment to the establishment of a Palestinian state that is viable, contiguous, sovereign, independent, and at peace with its neighbor Israel."
"With this in mind," the letter continued, "we support Palestinian leadership in calling for an end to suicide bombings against Israeli citizens, and we applaud Israeli disengagement from Gaza, as first steps toward such a resolution."
Source: 06/08/2005 Newsline
top
Phil Jones, director of the General Board's Brethren Witness/Washington Office, joined other church leaders in meeting with the president of the Palestinian Authority Mahmoud Abbas on May 26 in Washington, D.C. The meeting with Abbas followed meetings that been held with a variety of Jewish and Muslim leaders earlier in the day, and meetings with President Bush that afternoon.
Opening remarks at the meeting were given by a variety of Christian leaders including Bob Edgar, general secretary of the National Council of Churches, and Corinne Whitlatch, executive director of Churches for Middle East Peace. Whitlatch facilitated the meeting. Other church leaders represented Anglican, Episcopal, Catholic, Lutheran, Mennonite, Methodist, Orthodox, and Presbyterian denominations and faith groups.
As a follow up to his meeting with President Bush, a written document was presented to President Abbas by the group, to underscore the following position: "We stand with you as you encourage President Bush to advocate for both Palestinians and Israelis and to take actions that support his expressed commitment to the establishment of a Palestinian state that is viable, contiguous, sovereign, independent, and at peace with its neighbor Israel."
"With this in mind," the letter continued, "we support Palestinian leadership in calling for an end to suicide bombings against Israeli citizens, and we applaud Israeli disengagement from Gaza, as first steps toward such a resolution."
Source: 06/08/2005 Newsline
top
Fellowship of Brethren Homes meets for annual forum.
Representatives from 11 Church of the Brethren retirement centers attended the Fellowship of Brethren Homes Annual Forum, a meeting for CEOs and administrative staff to exchange ideas and discuss the challenges of operating a nonprofit continuing care retirement community. The Fellowship of Brethren Homes is a ministry of the Association of Brethren Caregivers.
In the forum's opening keynote address, Parker Marden, retiring president of Manchester College, spoke about the quality of care provided by Brethren homes. He commented that potential collaboration between the colleges and homes could exist through curricular programs at the schools to train and staff the homes.
Rick Stiffney, CEO of Mennonite Health Services, led a series of discussions ranging from church and board relations, to charitable mission, to attracting and maintaining quality employees. "If you can come up with one or two ‘take aways' from these sessions, then it will have been a successful endeavor," said Stiffney. Several of the CEOs later commented that they had indeed gotten a few "take aways" and plan to implement them in their own organizations.
Don Fecher, director of the Fellowship of Brethren Homes, spoke about the "Brethren connection" and the future of the fellowship. "The quality of care provided by Church of the Brethren Homes far exceeds the standards that are required by law," he noted. "The type of care provided in a Brethren home is living the words, 'What would Jesus do?'"
The meeting was held at Timbercrest Church of the Brethren Home in North Manchester, Ind. Tours of the host facility were an important part of the forum, commented Fecher. He also noted that the gathering's relaxed atmosphere helped attendees to exchange ideas and learn from one another.
For more information about the ministries of the Association of Brethren Caregivers see www.brethren.org/abc/.
Source: 06/08/2005 Newsline
top
Representatives from 11 Church of the Brethren retirement centers attended the Fellowship of Brethren Homes Annual Forum, a meeting for CEOs and administrative staff to exchange ideas and discuss the challenges of operating a nonprofit continuing care retirement community. The Fellowship of Brethren Homes is a ministry of the Association of Brethren Caregivers.
In the forum's opening keynote address, Parker Marden, retiring president of Manchester College, spoke about the quality of care provided by Brethren homes. He commented that potential collaboration between the colleges and homes could exist through curricular programs at the schools to train and staff the homes.
Rick Stiffney, CEO of Mennonite Health Services, led a series of discussions ranging from church and board relations, to charitable mission, to attracting and maintaining quality employees. "If you can come up with one or two ‘take aways' from these sessions, then it will have been a successful endeavor," said Stiffney. Several of the CEOs later commented that they had indeed gotten a few "take aways" and plan to implement them in their own organizations.
Don Fecher, director of the Fellowship of Brethren Homes, spoke about the "Brethren connection" and the future of the fellowship. "The quality of care provided by Church of the Brethren Homes far exceeds the standards that are required by law," he noted. "The type of care provided in a Brethren home is living the words, 'What would Jesus do?'"
The meeting was held at Timbercrest Church of the Brethren Home in North Manchester, Ind. Tours of the host facility were an important part of the forum, commented Fecher. He also noted that the gathering's relaxed atmosphere helped attendees to exchange ideas and learn from one another.
For more information about the ministries of the Association of Brethren Caregivers see www.brethren.org/abc/.
Source: 06/08/2005 Newsline
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Cross-cultural music tour receives warm welcome.
Eight concerts, a Sunday morning special music appearance, and the gift of music for residents and day guests at the Roanoke (Va.) Rescue Mission filled the schedule for a cross-cultural Brethren music group May 14-21. The group visited churches in Virginia, North Carolina, and Tennessee. Scott Duffey, Gilbert Romero, and James Washington Sr.--all Brethren pastors--and Carol Yeazell, Congregational Life Team staff for the General Board, took part in the tour.
The tour began in Roanoke at Oak Grove Church of the Brethren where Asha Solanky, chair of the Annual Conference Intercultural Study Committee, gave a presentation on the current status of the work being done by the committee. Everyone was encouraged to take and complete a questionnaire that the committee hopes will assist in carrying out its assignment.
Sunday morning the group provided special music at Summerdean Church of the Brethren in Roanoke. That afternoon a concert was held at Bethlehem Church of the Brethren in Boones Mill, Va., and later that day the group was at Topeco Church of the Brethren in Floyd, Va.
On May 17 the group toured the Roanoke Rescue Mission and then performed during an extended lunch hour with various seatings of guests. "This was seen as a stewardship of time gift, as it was an offering for others not directly connected to the Church of the Brethren," said Yeazell. That evening a concert was held at Pleasant Valley Church of the Brethren in Weyers Cave, Va. The following day the group traveled to Hendersonville, N.C., to sing at a new church plant, HIS Way/Jesucristo El Camino.
Other churches that welcomed the tour were Friendship Church in North Wilkesboro, N.C., Spindale (N.C.) Church of the Brethren, and Trinity Church of the Brethren in Blountville, Tenn., where the final concert of the tour was held.
"The two comments that the group heard after each worship time were, 'We wish more people had come,' and, 'When are you coming back?'" Yeazell said. The concerts were arranged and sponsored by Congregational Life Team staff to help congregations gain a broader understanding of what it means to be a cross-cultural church. Musicians offered their talent as a free gift, with only their expenses covered by the board, Yeazell said. For more about cross-cultural ministry in the Church of the Brethren, see photographs and coverage of the recent Cross-Cultural Consultation and Celebration at www.brethren.org/pjournal/2005/CrossCultural.html.
Source: 06/08/2005 Newsline
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Eight concerts, a Sunday morning special music appearance, and the gift of music for residents and day guests at the Roanoke (Va.) Rescue Mission filled the schedule for a cross-cultural Brethren music group May 14-21. The group visited churches in Virginia, North Carolina, and Tennessee. Scott Duffey, Gilbert Romero, and James Washington Sr.--all Brethren pastors--and Carol Yeazell, Congregational Life Team staff for the General Board, took part in the tour.
The tour began in Roanoke at Oak Grove Church of the Brethren where Asha Solanky, chair of the Annual Conference Intercultural Study Committee, gave a presentation on the current status of the work being done by the committee. Everyone was encouraged to take and complete a questionnaire that the committee hopes will assist in carrying out its assignment.
Sunday morning the group provided special music at Summerdean Church of the Brethren in Roanoke. That afternoon a concert was held at Bethlehem Church of the Brethren in Boones Mill, Va., and later that day the group was at Topeco Church of the Brethren in Floyd, Va.
On May 17 the group toured the Roanoke Rescue Mission and then performed during an extended lunch hour with various seatings of guests. "This was seen as a stewardship of time gift, as it was an offering for others not directly connected to the Church of the Brethren," said Yeazell. That evening a concert was held at Pleasant Valley Church of the Brethren in Weyers Cave, Va. The following day the group traveled to Hendersonville, N.C., to sing at a new church plant, HIS Way/Jesucristo El Camino.
Other churches that welcomed the tour were Friendship Church in North Wilkesboro, N.C., Spindale (N.C.) Church of the Brethren, and Trinity Church of the Brethren in Blountville, Tenn., where the final concert of the tour was held.
"The two comments that the group heard after each worship time were, 'We wish more people had come,' and, 'When are you coming back?'" Yeazell said. The concerts were arranged and sponsored by Congregational Life Team staff to help congregations gain a broader understanding of what it means to be a cross-cultural church. Musicians offered their talent as a free gift, with only their expenses covered by the board, Yeazell said. For more about cross-cultural ministry in the Church of the Brethren, see photographs and coverage of the recent Cross-Cultural Consultation and Celebration at www.brethren.org/pjournal/2005/CrossCultural.html.
Source: 06/08/2005 Newsline
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Harrisburg First works with other churches against drug, gang violence.
Pastors at First Church of the Brethren in Harrisburg, Pa., recently received "a touching letter" from a young man who used to attend the Hispanic congregation at the church, located in the South Allison Hill neighborhood. The letter was written from prison. Repentant for his involvement in gangs and drugs after he read news reports of prayer vigils for peace by pastors of the South Allison Hill churches, the young man expressed gratitude for efforts of those taking a stand. The vigils were begun after shooting deaths on a nearby street corner.
Knowing that people are praying for peace in the neighborhood where his infant daughter lives with her grandmother touched the writer's life to the point that he wants to become a counselor for those still involved in gangs, said Belita Mitchell, First church pastor.
That change in one young man is emblematic of the kind of transformation she is seeing in the neighborhood because of the combined prayers for peace, she said. "It's just another way in which the vigils have touched the community."
The area has seen an increase in police activity and at least three drug busts since the vigils began five months ago. "The Patriot News" reported that the busts broke the grip of the gang that reportedly has had control of South Allison Hill since the mid- to late-1990s. Members of the gang that were involved in the drug busts were as young as 10 or 11, the newspaper said.
In addition, police officers have asked if they can surveil an alley adjacent to the church, where drug deals have been frequent, said Mitchell. She said she is receiving the news of more police activity "as an answer to prayer, giving God praise and glory."
Because of the changes that are beginning to be seen in the neighborhood, the weekly prayer vigils are being held monthly at different church locations in the community. The first monthly vigil was hosted May 3 by First Harrisburg in its parking lot. The second was held June 7 at the Peace Garden at the Capitol City Church. "Moving to different locations in the community is increasing the awareness among residents and widening the circle of influence," Mitchell said. "I anticipate continued strong support and increased evidence of God's faithfulness."
The neighborhood churches also plan ecumenical outdoor rallies for the summer that will combine evangelism with the continued work for peace on the streets, and neighborhood prayer walking by church leaders. Mitchell said the events will "let the community know...we are praying on their behalf."
Source: 06/08/2005 Newsline
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Pastors at First Church of the Brethren in Harrisburg, Pa., recently received "a touching letter" from a young man who used to attend the Hispanic congregation at the church, located in the South Allison Hill neighborhood. The letter was written from prison. Repentant for his involvement in gangs and drugs after he read news reports of prayer vigils for peace by pastors of the South Allison Hill churches, the young man expressed gratitude for efforts of those taking a stand. The vigils were begun after shooting deaths on a nearby street corner.
Knowing that people are praying for peace in the neighborhood where his infant daughter lives with her grandmother touched the writer's life to the point that he wants to become a counselor for those still involved in gangs, said Belita Mitchell, First church pastor.
That change in one young man is emblematic of the kind of transformation she is seeing in the neighborhood because of the combined prayers for peace, she said. "It's just another way in which the vigils have touched the community."
The area has seen an increase in police activity and at least three drug busts since the vigils began five months ago. "The Patriot News" reported that the busts broke the grip of the gang that reportedly has had control of South Allison Hill since the mid- to late-1990s. Members of the gang that were involved in the drug busts were as young as 10 or 11, the newspaper said.
In addition, police officers have asked if they can surveil an alley adjacent to the church, where drug deals have been frequent, said Mitchell. She said she is receiving the news of more police activity "as an answer to prayer, giving God praise and glory."
Because of the changes that are beginning to be seen in the neighborhood, the weekly prayer vigils are being held monthly at different church locations in the community. The first monthly vigil was hosted May 3 by First Harrisburg in its parking lot. The second was held June 7 at the Peace Garden at the Capitol City Church. "Moving to different locations in the community is increasing the awareness among residents and widening the circle of influence," Mitchell said. "I anticipate continued strong support and increased evidence of God's faithfulness."
The neighborhood churches also plan ecumenical outdoor rallies for the summer that will combine evangelism with the continued work for peace on the streets, and neighborhood prayer walking by church leaders. Mitchell said the events will "let the community know...we are praying on their behalf."
Source: 06/08/2005 Newsline
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