Saturday, March 11, 2006
REPORT FROM THE STEWARDSHIP OF PROPERTIES COMMITTEE OF THE CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN GENERAL BOARD
This morning the Church of the Brethren General Board received the following report from its Stewardship of Properties Committee, in spring meetings taking place at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md. The committee was formed by the board to study use of the General Board’s properties in New Windsor and Elgin, Ill.
Discussion about this business item will continue tomorrow, Sunday, March 12. As of today, no action has been taken on this report.
A press release about the Stewardship of Properties discussion will be posted on this page shortly after this item of business has been completed. The release will appear as early as Sunday afternoon, or later depending on the progress of business at the meeting.
Link to the Stewardship of Property Report (PDF)
Full version - 2.4MB
Link to the Stewardship of Property Report (PDF)
Graphics removed - 72KB
Source: 3/11/2006 Newsline Special Report
top
This morning the Church of the Brethren General Board received the following report from its Stewardship of Properties Committee, in spring meetings taking place at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md. The committee was formed by the board to study use of the General Board’s properties in New Windsor and Elgin, Ill.
Discussion about this business item will continue tomorrow, Sunday, March 12. As of today, no action has been taken on this report.
A press release about the Stewardship of Properties discussion will be posted on this page shortly after this item of business has been completed. The release will appear as early as Sunday afternoon, or later depending on the progress of business at the meeting.
Link to the Stewardship of Property Report (PDF)
Full version - 2.4MB
Link to the Stewardship of Property Report (PDF)
Graphics removed - 72KB
Source: 3/11/2006 Newsline Special Report
top
STATEMENTS FROM ON EARTH PEACE AND CHRISTIAN PEACEMAKER TEAMS, ON THE DEATH OF PEACEMAKER TOM FOX
Tom Fox, one of four members of Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT) who have been missing in Iraq since Nov. 2005, was found dead in Baghdad on Thursday evening, March 9. The Associated Press reported that Fox's body had "gunshots to his head and chest." Fox was 54 years old, from Clear Brook, Va.
Following are statements from CPT and from On Earth Peace, a Church of the Brethren agency with a close relationship to CPT.
Statement from On Earth Peace:
The tragic news of the death of Tom Fox brings pain and grief to many of us. Tom was one of four members of Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT) who have been held captive in Baghdad since last November. The other three men, Harmeet Singh Sooden, Norman Kember, and Jim Loney, were seen alive in a brief videotape dated Feb. 28, and shown on Al Jazeera television on March 7.
Tom Fox, a 54-year-old Quaker, was aware of the possible costs of bringing a Christian witness of nonviolence into a war zone. He wrote, "We reject violence to punish anyone. We ask that there be no retaliation on relatives or property. We forgive those who consider us their enemies. We hope that in loving both friends and enemies…we can contribute in some small way to transforming this volatile situation."
A statement released by CPT said, "Even as we grieve the loss of our beloved colleague, we stand in the light of his strong witness to the power of love and the courage of nonviolence. That light reveals the way out of fear and grief and war.... Let us all join our voices on behalf of those who continue to suffer under occupation, whose loved ones have been killed or are missing. In so doing, we may hasten the day when both those who are wrongly detained and those who bear arms will return safely to their homes. In such a peace we will find solace for our grief."
On Earth Peace has a close liaison relationship with Christian Peacemaker Teams, and has co-sponsored peace delegations to Israel/Palestine. We stand beside our CPT sisters and brothers in this time of loss and we deeply appreciate their bold and loving response to this violent act.
In a time so tender and so filled with pain, we call upon Church of the Brethren congregations and individuals to join us in prayer.
The following may be used as a prayer litany in worship services:
We pray for the family of Tom Fox as they cope with this terrible loss.
We pray for the three CPTers who still being held and for those who are holding them. We pray for all who are suffering from violence in Iraq. We pray for ourselves, that we might be inspired by Tom's witness to follow Jesus more closely in our own lives, no matter where that may lead us.
Statement from CPT:
We mourn the loss of Tom Fox
In grief we tremble before God who wraps us with compassion. The death of our beloved colleague and friend pierces us with pain. Tom Fox's body was found in Baghdad yesterday.
Christian Peacemaker Teams extends our deep and heartfelt condolences to the family and community of Tom Fox, with whom we have traveled so closely in these days of crisis.
We mourn the loss of Tom Fox who combined a lightness of spirit, a firm opposition to all oppression, and the recognition of God in everyone.
We renew our plea for the safe release of Harmeet Sooden, Jim Loney, and Norman Kember. Each of our teammates has responded to Jesus' prophetic call to live out a nonviolent alternative to the cycle of violence and revenge.
In response to Tom's passing, we ask that everyone set aside inclinations to vilify or demonize others, no matter what they have done. In Tom's own words: 'We reject violence to punish anyone. We ask that there be no retaliation on relatives or property. We forgive those who consider us their enemies. We hope that in loving both friends and enemies and by intervening nonviolently to aid those who are systematically oppressed, we can contribute in some small way to transforming this volatile situation.'
Even as we grieve the loss of our beloved colleague, we stand in the light of his strong witness to the power of love and the courage of nonviolence. That light reveals the way out of fear and grief and war.
Through these days of crisis, Christian Peacemaker Teams has been surrounded and upheld by a great outpouring of compassion: messages of support, acts of mercy, prayers, and public actions offered by the most senior religious councils and by school children, by political leaders and by those organizing for justice and human rights, by friends in distant nations and by strangers near at hand. These words and actions sustain us. While one of our teammates is lost to us, the strength of this outpouring is not lost to God's movement for just peace among all peoples.
At the forefront of that support are strong and courageous actions from Muslim brothers and sisters throughout the world for which we are profoundly grateful. Their graciousness inspires us to continue working for the day when Christians speak up as boldly for the human rights of thousands Iraqis still detained illegally by the United States and United Kingdom.
Such an outpouring of action for justice and peace would be a fitting memorial for Tom. Let us all join our voices on behalf of those who continue to suffer under occupation, whose loved ones have been killed or are missing. In so doing, we may hasten the day when both those who are wrongly detained and those who bear arms will return safely to their homes. In such a peace we will find solace for our grief.
Despite the tragedy of this day, we remain committed to put into practice these words of Jim Loney: 'With the waging of war, we will not comply. With the help of God's grace, we will struggle for justice. With God's abiding kindness, we will love even our enemies.' We continue in hope for Jim, Harmeet and Norman's safe return home safe."
--Signed by Doug Pritchard, CPT Co-Director (Canada), and Carol Rose, CPT Co-Director (USA). Originally a violence-reduction initiative of the historic peace churches (Mennonite, Church of the Brethren, and Quaker), CPT now enjoys support and membership from a wide range of Christian denominations. For more information go to www.cpt.org.
Source: 3/11/2006 Newsline Special Report
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Tom Fox, one of four members of Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT) who have been missing in Iraq since Nov. 2005, was found dead in Baghdad on Thursday evening, March 9. The Associated Press reported that Fox's body had "gunshots to his head and chest." Fox was 54 years old, from Clear Brook, Va.
Following are statements from CPT and from On Earth Peace, a Church of the Brethren agency with a close relationship to CPT.
Statement from On Earth Peace:
The tragic news of the death of Tom Fox brings pain and grief to many of us. Tom was one of four members of Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT) who have been held captive in Baghdad since last November. The other three men, Harmeet Singh Sooden, Norman Kember, and Jim Loney, were seen alive in a brief videotape dated Feb. 28, and shown on Al Jazeera television on March 7.
Tom Fox, a 54-year-old Quaker, was aware of the possible costs of bringing a Christian witness of nonviolence into a war zone. He wrote, "We reject violence to punish anyone. We ask that there be no retaliation on relatives or property. We forgive those who consider us their enemies. We hope that in loving both friends and enemies…we can contribute in some small way to transforming this volatile situation."
A statement released by CPT said, "Even as we grieve the loss of our beloved colleague, we stand in the light of his strong witness to the power of love and the courage of nonviolence. That light reveals the way out of fear and grief and war.... Let us all join our voices on behalf of those who continue to suffer under occupation, whose loved ones have been killed or are missing. In so doing, we may hasten the day when both those who are wrongly detained and those who bear arms will return safely to their homes. In such a peace we will find solace for our grief."
On Earth Peace has a close liaison relationship with Christian Peacemaker Teams, and has co-sponsored peace delegations to Israel/Palestine. We stand beside our CPT sisters and brothers in this time of loss and we deeply appreciate their bold and loving response to this violent act.
In a time so tender and so filled with pain, we call upon Church of the Brethren congregations and individuals to join us in prayer.
The following may be used as a prayer litany in worship services:
We pray for the family of Tom Fox as they cope with this terrible loss.
We pray for the three CPTers who still being held and for those who are holding them. We pray for all who are suffering from violence in Iraq. We pray for ourselves, that we might be inspired by Tom's witness to follow Jesus more closely in our own lives, no matter where that may lead us.
Statement from CPT:
We mourn the loss of Tom Fox
In grief we tremble before God who wraps us with compassion. The death of our beloved colleague and friend pierces us with pain. Tom Fox's body was found in Baghdad yesterday.
Christian Peacemaker Teams extends our deep and heartfelt condolences to the family and community of Tom Fox, with whom we have traveled so closely in these days of crisis.
We mourn the loss of Tom Fox who combined a lightness of spirit, a firm opposition to all oppression, and the recognition of God in everyone.
We renew our plea for the safe release of Harmeet Sooden, Jim Loney, and Norman Kember. Each of our teammates has responded to Jesus' prophetic call to live out a nonviolent alternative to the cycle of violence and revenge.
In response to Tom's passing, we ask that everyone set aside inclinations to vilify or demonize others, no matter what they have done. In Tom's own words: 'We reject violence to punish anyone. We ask that there be no retaliation on relatives or property. We forgive those who consider us their enemies. We hope that in loving both friends and enemies and by intervening nonviolently to aid those who are systematically oppressed, we can contribute in some small way to transforming this volatile situation.'
Even as we grieve the loss of our beloved colleague, we stand in the light of his strong witness to the power of love and the courage of nonviolence. That light reveals the way out of fear and grief and war.
Through these days of crisis, Christian Peacemaker Teams has been surrounded and upheld by a great outpouring of compassion: messages of support, acts of mercy, prayers, and public actions offered by the most senior religious councils and by school children, by political leaders and by those organizing for justice and human rights, by friends in distant nations and by strangers near at hand. These words and actions sustain us. While one of our teammates is lost to us, the strength of this outpouring is not lost to God's movement for just peace among all peoples.
At the forefront of that support are strong and courageous actions from Muslim brothers and sisters throughout the world for which we are profoundly grateful. Their graciousness inspires us to continue working for the day when Christians speak up as boldly for the human rights of thousands Iraqis still detained illegally by the United States and United Kingdom.
Such an outpouring of action for justice and peace would be a fitting memorial for Tom. Let us all join our voices on behalf of those who continue to suffer under occupation, whose loved ones have been killed or are missing. In so doing, we may hasten the day when both those who are wrongly detained and those who bear arms will return safely to their homes. In such a peace we will find solace for our grief.
Despite the tragedy of this day, we remain committed to put into practice these words of Jim Loney: 'With the waging of war, we will not comply. With the help of God's grace, we will struggle for justice. With God's abiding kindness, we will love even our enemies.' We continue in hope for Jim, Harmeet and Norman's safe return home safe."
--Signed by Doug Pritchard, CPT Co-Director (Canada), and Carol Rose, CPT Co-Director (USA). Originally a violence-reduction initiative of the historic peace churches (Mennonite, Church of the Brethren, and Quaker), CPT now enjoys support and membership from a wide range of Christian denominations. For more information go to www.cpt.org.
Source: 3/11/2006 Newsline Special Report
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Credits
For more Church of the Brethren news, go to www.brethren.org, click on "News" to find a news feature, more "Brethren bits," links to Brethren in the news, and links to the General Board's photo albums and the Newsline archive. The page is updated as close to daily as possible.
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.
For more Church of the Brethren news, go to www.brethren.org, click on "News" to find a news feature, more "Brethren bits," links to Brethren in the news, and links to the General Board's photo albums and the Newsline archive. The page is updated as close to daily as possible.
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.
Friday, March 03, 2006
DELEGATIONS AND WORKCAMPS
- Island Brethren continue the work of Jesus.
- Delegation sees the situation in Palestine and Israel first-hand.
- Nigeria workcampers experience microcosm of Kingdom of God.
- Honduran medical clinic is served by a Brethren-led workcamp.
- Annual Conference registration opens online.
- General Board to receive properties report at March meeting.
- Church planting conference to ask 'What comes first?'
Island Brethren continue the work of Jesus.
By Becky Ullom
In tents, in homes, in the halls of government, and in the places forgotten by those who govern, from the mountain tops, and in the low valleys: these are just a few of the places where God is working in Puerto Rico.
Puerto Rico, an island slightly less than three times the size of Rhode Island, is home to seven Church of the Brethren congregations as part of Atlantic Southeast District.
For a week in February, a group of pastors from Northern Indiana District visited all seven congregations as part of a trip coordinated by Congregational Life Team staff members Duane Grady and Carol Yeazell. The trip was designed to strengthen connections between churches in the two districts and to deepen knowledge of the ministries taking place in Puerto Rico.
Cristo Nuestra Paz, Yahuecas: This fellowship is growing and expanding. One of their hopes is to buy additional land for a parking lot. Not only is the current lot too small, it is treacherous after rain.
Iglesia de Los Hermanos, Castaner: Pastored by General Board member Jaime Diaz, this church hopes to baptize five new members this spring. Discipleship cells are flourishing.
Iglesia de Los Hermanos, Rio Prieto: This mountain-top church is building a new sanctuary to accommodate 150 people. Pastor Miguel Torres broadcasts a weekly prayer service via radio, and in past years, the congregation has hosted a regional rodeo as an evangelism tool.
Iglesia de Los Hermanos, Vega Baja: This urban church incorporates electric guitars, a keyboard, a small chorus, and even pantomiming into its ministries. Offering significant support to the pastor and to the congregation is their 23-year-old moderator.
La Casa del Amigo, Arecibo: Teeming with energy and life, this congregation meets under a tent. They hope to construct a building in order to protect members from extreme heat and rain. As an evangelism event last Christmas, the youth and young adults of this congregation performed a play about the birth of the Church of the Brethren in Puerto Rico.
Pueblo de Dios, Manati: This congregation hopes to open an after-school mentoring program as a witness to God's immense love and concern.
Segunda Iglesia Cristo Misionera, Caimito: This fellowship is deeply rooted in helping its home community. Each day, lunch is served free of charge to those in need of a meal. Additionally, people can access a doctor, dentist, psychologist, and other services through the Community Center run by the congregation.
--Becky Ullom is director of Identity and Relations for the Church of the Brethren General Board.
Source: 3/3/2006 Newsline
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By Becky Ullom
In tents, in homes, in the halls of government, and in the places forgotten by those who govern, from the mountain tops, and in the low valleys: these are just a few of the places where God is working in Puerto Rico.
Puerto Rico, an island slightly less than three times the size of Rhode Island, is home to seven Church of the Brethren congregations as part of Atlantic Southeast District.
For a week in February, a group of pastors from Northern Indiana District visited all seven congregations as part of a trip coordinated by Congregational Life Team staff members Duane Grady and Carol Yeazell. The trip was designed to strengthen connections between churches in the two districts and to deepen knowledge of the ministries taking place in Puerto Rico.
Cristo Nuestra Paz, Yahuecas: This fellowship is growing and expanding. One of their hopes is to buy additional land for a parking lot. Not only is the current lot too small, it is treacherous after rain.
Iglesia de Los Hermanos, Castaner: Pastored by General Board member Jaime Diaz, this church hopes to baptize five new members this spring. Discipleship cells are flourishing.
Iglesia de Los Hermanos, Rio Prieto: This mountain-top church is building a new sanctuary to accommodate 150 people. Pastor Miguel Torres broadcasts a weekly prayer service via radio, and in past years, the congregation has hosted a regional rodeo as an evangelism tool.
Iglesia de Los Hermanos, Vega Baja: This urban church incorporates electric guitars, a keyboard, a small chorus, and even pantomiming into its ministries. Offering significant support to the pastor and to the congregation is their 23-year-old moderator.
La Casa del Amigo, Arecibo: Teeming with energy and life, this congregation meets under a tent. They hope to construct a building in order to protect members from extreme heat and rain. As an evangelism event last Christmas, the youth and young adults of this congregation performed a play about the birth of the Church of the Brethren in Puerto Rico.
Pueblo de Dios, Manati: This congregation hopes to open an after-school mentoring program as a witness to God's immense love and concern.
Segunda Iglesia Cristo Misionera, Caimito: This fellowship is deeply rooted in helping its home community. Each day, lunch is served free of charge to those in need of a meal. Additionally, people can access a doctor, dentist, psychologist, and other services through the Community Center run by the congregation.
--Becky Ullom is director of Identity and Relations for the Church of the Brethren General Board.
Source: 3/3/2006 Newsline
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Delegation sees the situation in Palestine and Israel first-hand.
By Bob Gross
In January, On Earth Peace and Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT) sponsored a delegation to Palestine and Israel. Sixteen people took the opportunity to see the situation and learn from Israelis and Palestinians first-hand. Three-fourths of the delegates were members of the Church of the Brethren. The group was led by Bob Gross, co-executive director of On Earth Peace, who kept a journal during the trip. This article is based on excerpts from his journal.
"Jan. 4: Soon I'll be leaving for the airport. I should arrive in Tel Aviv on Thursday. I'll go directly to Hebron to join up with the CPT team there. There is one CPT team in Hebron and one in At-tuwani, a village south of Hebron. I'll spend the weekend with the CPT teams, and then go to Jerusalem, Hebron, and Bethlehem to make final arrangements for the delegation.
"Jan. 6: After two days of traveling, I arrived at At-tuwani to find a very sad sight: during the night, settlers from the nearby Israeli settlement of Maon had hacked all the branches off a grove of more than 100 olive trees. The trees should survive, but won't bear again for about five years. Amazing how stoic the Palestinian farmers are. `God is good,' they say.
"Jan. 13: The delegation arrived safely today.... We are settled at a hostel in the Old City of Jerusalem. We'll begin tomorrow with a tour to see the effects of the occupation and the separation wall in the area in and around Jerusalem.
"Jan. 17: This delegation is working together with grace, resilience, and good sense. We just returned from two days in Bethlehem. We met with organizations working with children in peacemaking, with refugees, with land and water rights under the Israeli occupation, and with nonviolent direct action organizing and training. We were the overnight guests of a family in the huge refugee camp near Bethlehem. We enjoyed their hospitality and heard a few of their stories. These are inspiring people. Living under a crushing occupation, trying to find a way to live and raise their children, trying to build a society with so many obstacles placed in their way, yet somehow they seem to maintain hope and purpose.
"Bethlehem, with its neighboring towns of Beit Sahour and Beit Jala, for centuries were predominately Christian. Now, under occupation and with `The Wall' beginning to wrap around them, these towns are losing their Christian population. In Palestine, Christians tend to be a little better off educationally and economically, and to have international connections, so it is easier for them to leave the country. More Christians are leaving the Holy Land. The Bethlehem district is now less than 40 percent Christian, and Palestine as a whole is about 2 percent.
"Jan. 20: Now we are based in the CPT office and apartment in Hebron. We spent one day in At-tuwani, learning about life in a 500-year-old village of 150 people, constantly harrassed and occasionally attacked by extremist settlers from the settlement built next to the village in 1982. Four members of our delegation are spending additional time there. They will help the farmers plow their fields near the settlement by providing an international presence as they work.
"Yesterday we saw the work of the Hebron Rehabilitation Committee, which has restored and repaired hundreds of homes and shops in the old city to keep this besieged and heavily occupied part of the city from being abandoned, and offering incentives to homeowners, renters, and shopkeepers to stay. In addition to learning from speakers and organizations, we also learned a great deal by visiting families in the area, eating with them, and hearing their stories. We are also experiencing travel in occupied Palestine: transferring from one bus or taxi to another, walking over roadblocks, showing our passports to heavily armed soldiers at checkpoints.
"Jan. 24: While in Jerusalem we have met with a number of Israeli groups, including rabbis, persons who have lost family members to the violence here, and Israeli conscientious objectors. Many people say that without an end to the occupation, Israel can never expect to have peace and security. The delegation departed for home today, concluding its time together with a closing meeting and a final Middle Eastern meal together.
"Jan. 30: The recent elections for members of the Palestinian national assembly resulted in a surprise victory for the Hamas party. Even Hamas did not expect it. This should help them move more into the mainstream of Palestinian political life, building on their long experience as a religious, social-service organization working at the grassroots.
"It's interesting that the Hamas we hear about in the news back home is not like the real organization here. While there is a splinter group that has carried out violent attacks, the primary organization is concerned with education, housing, and the basic needs of the people. The fact that there have been no attacks from Hamas in over a year seems to be evidence of a turn toward constructive political engagement.
"I will be leaving tomorrow. It has been good to work here, but I am glad to be going home."
--Bob Gross is co-executive director of On Earth Peace, an Annual Conference-reportable agency of the Church of the Brethren with ministries in peacemaking and reconciliation.
Source: 3/3/2006 Newsline
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By Bob Gross
In January, On Earth Peace and Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT) sponsored a delegation to Palestine and Israel. Sixteen people took the opportunity to see the situation and learn from Israelis and Palestinians first-hand. Three-fourths of the delegates were members of the Church of the Brethren. The group was led by Bob Gross, co-executive director of On Earth Peace, who kept a journal during the trip. This article is based on excerpts from his journal.
"Jan. 4: Soon I'll be leaving for the airport. I should arrive in Tel Aviv on Thursday. I'll go directly to Hebron to join up with the CPT team there. There is one CPT team in Hebron and one in At-tuwani, a village south of Hebron. I'll spend the weekend with the CPT teams, and then go to Jerusalem, Hebron, and Bethlehem to make final arrangements for the delegation.
"Jan. 6: After two days of traveling, I arrived at At-tuwani to find a very sad sight: during the night, settlers from the nearby Israeli settlement of Maon had hacked all the branches off a grove of more than 100 olive trees. The trees should survive, but won't bear again for about five years. Amazing how stoic the Palestinian farmers are. `God is good,' they say.
"Jan. 13: The delegation arrived safely today.... We are settled at a hostel in the Old City of Jerusalem. We'll begin tomorrow with a tour to see the effects of the occupation and the separation wall in the area in and around Jerusalem.
"Jan. 17: This delegation is working together with grace, resilience, and good sense. We just returned from two days in Bethlehem. We met with organizations working with children in peacemaking, with refugees, with land and water rights under the Israeli occupation, and with nonviolent direct action organizing and training. We were the overnight guests of a family in the huge refugee camp near Bethlehem. We enjoyed their hospitality and heard a few of their stories. These are inspiring people. Living under a crushing occupation, trying to find a way to live and raise their children, trying to build a society with so many obstacles placed in their way, yet somehow they seem to maintain hope and purpose.
"Bethlehem, with its neighboring towns of Beit Sahour and Beit Jala, for centuries were predominately Christian. Now, under occupation and with `The Wall' beginning to wrap around them, these towns are losing their Christian population. In Palestine, Christians tend to be a little better off educationally and economically, and to have international connections, so it is easier for them to leave the country. More Christians are leaving the Holy Land. The Bethlehem district is now less than 40 percent Christian, and Palestine as a whole is about 2 percent.
"Jan. 20: Now we are based in the CPT office and apartment in Hebron. We spent one day in At-tuwani, learning about life in a 500-year-old village of 150 people, constantly harrassed and occasionally attacked by extremist settlers from the settlement built next to the village in 1982. Four members of our delegation are spending additional time there. They will help the farmers plow their fields near the settlement by providing an international presence as they work.
"Yesterday we saw the work of the Hebron Rehabilitation Committee, which has restored and repaired hundreds of homes and shops in the old city to keep this besieged and heavily occupied part of the city from being abandoned, and offering incentives to homeowners, renters, and shopkeepers to stay. In addition to learning from speakers and organizations, we also learned a great deal by visiting families in the area, eating with them, and hearing their stories. We are also experiencing travel in occupied Palestine: transferring from one bus or taxi to another, walking over roadblocks, showing our passports to heavily armed soldiers at checkpoints.
"Jan. 24: While in Jerusalem we have met with a number of Israeli groups, including rabbis, persons who have lost family members to the violence here, and Israeli conscientious objectors. Many people say that without an end to the occupation, Israel can never expect to have peace and security. The delegation departed for home today, concluding its time together with a closing meeting and a final Middle Eastern meal together.
"Jan. 30: The recent elections for members of the Palestinian national assembly resulted in a surprise victory for the Hamas party. Even Hamas did not expect it. This should help them move more into the mainstream of Palestinian political life, building on their long experience as a religious, social-service organization working at the grassroots.
"It's interesting that the Hamas we hear about in the news back home is not like the real organization here. While there is a splinter group that has carried out violent attacks, the primary organization is concerned with education, housing, and the basic needs of the people. The fact that there have been no attacks from Hamas in over a year seems to be evidence of a turn toward constructive political engagement.
"I will be leaving tomorrow. It has been good to work here, but I am glad to be going home."
--Bob Gross is co-executive director of On Earth Peace, an Annual Conference-reportable agency of the Church of the Brethren with ministries in peacemaking and reconciliation.
Source: 3/3/2006 Newsline
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Nigeria workcampers experience microcosm of Kingdom of God.
By Janis Pyle
"The sense of oneness in Christ was our lasting impression of the 2006 Nigeria Workcamp," said coordinator David Whitten, pastor of Moscow Church of the Brethren in Mount Solon, Va. This was the 13th year for the annual workcamp sponsored by the Global Mission Partnerships of the Church of the Brethren General Board.
"Our group was made up of Swiss, German, American, and Nigerian workcampers," Whitten said. "For whatever personal reasons we might have had for going, the results were the same. We worked, worshiped, and fellowshiped together, and in the name of Jesus, bonded together. It was a microcosm of what the kingdom of God on earth is all about."
The US participants in the workcamp Jan. 16-Feb. 12 were Kyle and Kathleen Brinkmeier of Yellow Creek Church of the Brethren, Pearl City, Ill.; Rebecca Keister of Buffalo Valley Church of the Brethren, Mifflinburg, Pa.; and Whitten and Wesley Grove of the Moscow church. The other US participant was Joseph Wampler of Santa Cruz, Calif., whose parents had been Church of the Brethren missionaries in China.
This year's workcamp built block walls for a duplex staff quarters for the Comprehensive Secondary School. The school is located at the headquarters of Ekklesiyar Yan'uwa a Nigeria (EYN--the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria) near Mubi. The group also finished plastering and painting two other single-family staff quarters that were built in previous years.
"We tried to create a wide variety of experiences for the workcampers beyond the physical labors," Whitten said. "We visited the beginnings of the Brethren mission in Garkida and worshiped in the largest Church of the Brethren congregation in the world in Maiduguri. We shopped in local village markets and the large shopping district in Jos. We also spent two nights in Yankari National Park where we were able to see elephants and other African wildlife."
"In all of this, the highlight for me was to be with a joyful and spirit-filled people whose lives are filled with difficulty, but whose positive and hopeful attitude is inspiring," Whitten said.
Whitten was moved by the contrast between Nigerian and American worship services. "One service we attended had their harvest festival Sunday," he said. "The Nigerians take literally the phrase ‘tithes and offerings.' Offerings are the weekly monetary gifts. The tithe is, however, 10 percent of one's harvest. On this Sunday, the women lined up with huge bowls balanced on their heads filled with peanuts, corn, guinea corn, and cow peas. As the drums kept rhythm to the song sung in the Hausa language, the women danced down the aisles, singing and laughing their way to the altar. It was certainly a stark contrast to our rather droll and solemn time of offering."
On a personal level, Whitten felt a true homecoming. The workcamp trip was his fourth stay in Nigeria. His longest was as mission staff for the Rural Development Program 1991-94. "To reconnect with dear friends and to grieve with others who have shared their losses with me in the past 10 years was truly a time of spiritual joy and sorrow," he said. One of Whitten's Nigerian friends traveled two hours, spending close to a day's wages on public transportation, to meet him again. "It was humbling," Whitten said.
Wesley Grove, another workcamp participant, was moved by the faith of the Nigerian people. "They seem to rely on God more than we do," he said. "We rely on our bank accounts and our medical insurance and take our material blessings for granted. It is a challenge for us as North Americans to depend on God more."
"We journeyed to minister, and were ministered to," said Kathleen Brinkmeier, pastor at Yellow Creek Church of the Brethren. "I saw Jesus in the words and deeds of Nigeria's beautiful people. Jesus labored with us on the project. Jesus slaved over open fires to cook our food. Jesus laughed and ate `kuli kuli' (peanut cakes) with us and wept in sorrow when the time came for parting. My prayer is that Nigeria saw Jesus in us."
--Janis Pyle is coordinator of Mission Connections for the Global Mission Partnerships of the Church of the Brethren General Board.
Source: 3/3/2006 Newsline
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By Janis Pyle
"The sense of oneness in Christ was our lasting impression of the 2006 Nigeria Workcamp," said coordinator David Whitten, pastor of Moscow Church of the Brethren in Mount Solon, Va. This was the 13th year for the annual workcamp sponsored by the Global Mission Partnerships of the Church of the Brethren General Board.
"Our group was made up of Swiss, German, American, and Nigerian workcampers," Whitten said. "For whatever personal reasons we might have had for going, the results were the same. We worked, worshiped, and fellowshiped together, and in the name of Jesus, bonded together. It was a microcosm of what the kingdom of God on earth is all about."
The US participants in the workcamp Jan. 16-Feb. 12 were Kyle and Kathleen Brinkmeier of Yellow Creek Church of the Brethren, Pearl City, Ill.; Rebecca Keister of Buffalo Valley Church of the Brethren, Mifflinburg, Pa.; and Whitten and Wesley Grove of the Moscow church. The other US participant was Joseph Wampler of Santa Cruz, Calif., whose parents had been Church of the Brethren missionaries in China.
This year's workcamp built block walls for a duplex staff quarters for the Comprehensive Secondary School. The school is located at the headquarters of Ekklesiyar Yan'uwa a Nigeria (EYN--the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria) near Mubi. The group also finished plastering and painting two other single-family staff quarters that were built in previous years.
"We tried to create a wide variety of experiences for the workcampers beyond the physical labors," Whitten said. "We visited the beginnings of the Brethren mission in Garkida and worshiped in the largest Church of the Brethren congregation in the world in Maiduguri. We shopped in local village markets and the large shopping district in Jos. We also spent two nights in Yankari National Park where we were able to see elephants and other African wildlife."
"In all of this, the highlight for me was to be with a joyful and spirit-filled people whose lives are filled with difficulty, but whose positive and hopeful attitude is inspiring," Whitten said.
Whitten was moved by the contrast between Nigerian and American worship services. "One service we attended had their harvest festival Sunday," he said. "The Nigerians take literally the phrase ‘tithes and offerings.' Offerings are the weekly monetary gifts. The tithe is, however, 10 percent of one's harvest. On this Sunday, the women lined up with huge bowls balanced on their heads filled with peanuts, corn, guinea corn, and cow peas. As the drums kept rhythm to the song sung in the Hausa language, the women danced down the aisles, singing and laughing their way to the altar. It was certainly a stark contrast to our rather droll and solemn time of offering."
On a personal level, Whitten felt a true homecoming. The workcamp trip was his fourth stay in Nigeria. His longest was as mission staff for the Rural Development Program 1991-94. "To reconnect with dear friends and to grieve with others who have shared their losses with me in the past 10 years was truly a time of spiritual joy and sorrow," he said. One of Whitten's Nigerian friends traveled two hours, spending close to a day's wages on public transportation, to meet him again. "It was humbling," Whitten said.
Wesley Grove, another workcamp participant, was moved by the faith of the Nigerian people. "They seem to rely on God more than we do," he said. "We rely on our bank accounts and our medical insurance and take our material blessings for granted. It is a challenge for us as North Americans to depend on God more."
"We journeyed to minister, and were ministered to," said Kathleen Brinkmeier, pastor at Yellow Creek Church of the Brethren. "I saw Jesus in the words and deeds of Nigeria's beautiful people. Jesus labored with us on the project. Jesus slaved over open fires to cook our food. Jesus laughed and ate `kuli kuli' (peanut cakes) with us and wept in sorrow when the time came for parting. My prayer is that Nigeria saw Jesus in us."
--Janis Pyle is coordinator of Mission Connections for the Global Mission Partnerships of the Church of the Brethren General Board.
Source: 3/3/2006 Newsline
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Honduran medical clinic is served by a Brethren-led workcamp.
By Ralph Miner
The damaged roof of a medical clinic in San Juan Bautista, Honduras, was repaired by a Brethren-led workcamp Jan. 11-21. Bill Hare, a member of Polo (Ill.) Church of the Brethren and the manager of Camp Emmaus, leads a workcamp group to Honduras every year.
This year the group partnered with the Christian Solidarity Program of Honduras (CSP), which selected the medical clinic in San Juan Bautista for project work. The clinic also serves neighboring villages, providing medical care for around 14,000 people. One of the important programs of the clinic provides vaccinations and immunizations for children.
The roof at the clinic was leaking every rainy season, and was beyond patching. The workcamp group removed the old roof and rotten timber, and replaced it with fiberglass roofing.
Joyce Person, pastor of Polo Church of the Brethren, was a co-leader of the workcamp group and provided spiritual leadership. Additional leadership came from Marcia Quick of Dixon, Ill., who was the group nurse.
John Fyfe and Charlie Smith represented Faith United Presbyterian Church in Tinley Park, Ill. After last year's workcamp in Honduras, the congregation decided to partner with Polo Church of the Brethren in sponsoring 10 acres as part of a growing project through the Foods Resource Bank, which allows urban and rural churches to work together in hunger ministry.
Other participants included Denise Check, Lucy Kokal, Buranapong Linwong, Sue McKelvie, Ralph Miner, Richard Person, Ed Olson, Ralph Royer, and Don Snavely.
An exciting development was that two Hondurans from last year's project, which was involved in building a school in a remote coffee-producing village, joined the group for the week, continuing relationships that are so valuable to such mission trips. Besides coordinating the Honduran workcampers, Linwong is involved in a stove ministry. The traditional Honduran indoor stoves do not have chimneys and burn a lot of wood, which results in deforestation and respiratory health issues. An energy-efficient stove with a chimney uses one third of the wood of a traditional stove, and can be provided for low cost because it can be made out of pottery produced locally.
After Sunday morning worship the workcamp group visited the neighboring village of Los Ranchos. Community leaders were delighted to share the results of a water project that had finally been completed after three years. The project stores 12,000 gallons of water and serves 300 people. A workcamp led by Church of the Brethren member David Radcliff had done the foundation work for the water project.
At the end of the week, school children put on a program of traditional dance for the workcampers, wearing traditional costumes to celebrate the successful completion of the roof.
Hare is already planning on returning next year to Honduras.
--Ralph Miner is a member of Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren in Elgin, Ill.
Source: 3/3/2006 Newsline
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By Ralph Miner
The damaged roof of a medical clinic in San Juan Bautista, Honduras, was repaired by a Brethren-led workcamp Jan. 11-21. Bill Hare, a member of Polo (Ill.) Church of the Brethren and the manager of Camp Emmaus, leads a workcamp group to Honduras every year.
This year the group partnered with the Christian Solidarity Program of Honduras (CSP), which selected the medical clinic in San Juan Bautista for project work. The clinic also serves neighboring villages, providing medical care for around 14,000 people. One of the important programs of the clinic provides vaccinations and immunizations for children.
The roof at the clinic was leaking every rainy season, and was beyond patching. The workcamp group removed the old roof and rotten timber, and replaced it with fiberglass roofing.
Joyce Person, pastor of Polo Church of the Brethren, was a co-leader of the workcamp group and provided spiritual leadership. Additional leadership came from Marcia Quick of Dixon, Ill., who was the group nurse.
John Fyfe and Charlie Smith represented Faith United Presbyterian Church in Tinley Park, Ill. After last year's workcamp in Honduras, the congregation decided to partner with Polo Church of the Brethren in sponsoring 10 acres as part of a growing project through the Foods Resource Bank, which allows urban and rural churches to work together in hunger ministry.
Other participants included Denise Check, Lucy Kokal, Buranapong Linwong, Sue McKelvie, Ralph Miner, Richard Person, Ed Olson, Ralph Royer, and Don Snavely.
An exciting development was that two Hondurans from last year's project, which was involved in building a school in a remote coffee-producing village, joined the group for the week, continuing relationships that are so valuable to such mission trips. Besides coordinating the Honduran workcampers, Linwong is involved in a stove ministry. The traditional Honduran indoor stoves do not have chimneys and burn a lot of wood, which results in deforestation and respiratory health issues. An energy-efficient stove with a chimney uses one third of the wood of a traditional stove, and can be provided for low cost because it can be made out of pottery produced locally.
After Sunday morning worship the workcamp group visited the neighboring village of Los Ranchos. Community leaders were delighted to share the results of a water project that had finally been completed after three years. The project stores 12,000 gallons of water and serves 300 people. A workcamp led by Church of the Brethren member David Radcliff had done the foundation work for the water project.
At the end of the week, school children put on a program of traditional dance for the workcampers, wearing traditional costumes to celebrate the successful completion of the roof.
Hare is already planning on returning next year to Honduras.
--Ralph Miner is a member of Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren in Elgin, Ill.
Source: 3/3/2006 Newsline
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Annual Conference registration opens online.
Registration for non-delegates attending Annual Conference 2006 in Des Moines, Iowa, July 1-5 is now open at www.brethren.org/ac, click on "Registration." Delegates are asked to register through their congregations.
At the registration site, participants also may download an information packet, purchase a program booklet, order meal tickets, register family members, and sign up for age-group activities. Housing registration will be available online beginning March 10.
The Conference information packet including registration and housing reservation forms also is available on a CD that is being mailed to all Church of the Brethren congregations in the April Source packet.
The 2006 Annual Conference will open at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines on Saturday, July 1, at 5 p.m., and will close Wednesday, July 5, at 12 noon. On-site registration and exhibits will be in Hy-Vee Hall. Worship and business sessions will take place in Veterans Memorial Auditorium.
Registration cost for the entire conference for a non-delegate is $75, $25 for children and youth ages 12-21, children under age 12 are free. A weekend registration (Saturday and Sunday) for a non-delegate costs $40, or $15 for ages 12-21. The daily non-delegate fee is $25 ($15 for Sunday), $8 for ages 12-21. Additional fees are charged for age-group activities. Discounted registration is offered to Brethren Volunteer Service workers.
Pre-Conference events include the Ministers' Association meeting Friday, June 30, from 2-9 p.m. and Saturday, July 1, from 9 a.m.-12 noon. Additional pre-Conference meetings will include the Standing Committee of Annual Conference and the Church of the Brethren General Board, as well as other groups.
The theme for the 220th recorded Annual Conference is "Together: Exercise Daily in God," from 1 Timothy 4:6-8. Ronald D. Beachley, district executive minister for Western Pennsylvania District, will serve as moderator; Belita D. Mitchell, pastor of First Church of the Brethren in Harrisburg, Pa., as moderator-elect.
For more information go to www.brethren.org/ac or call the Annual Conference office at 800-323-8039 ext. 296.
Source: 3/3/2006 Newsline
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Registration for non-delegates attending Annual Conference 2006 in Des Moines, Iowa, July 1-5 is now open at www.brethren.org/ac, click on "Registration." Delegates are asked to register through their congregations.
At the registration site, participants also may download an information packet, purchase a program booklet, order meal tickets, register family members, and sign up for age-group activities. Housing registration will be available online beginning March 10.
The Conference information packet including registration and housing reservation forms also is available on a CD that is being mailed to all Church of the Brethren congregations in the April Source packet.
The 2006 Annual Conference will open at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines on Saturday, July 1, at 5 p.m., and will close Wednesday, July 5, at 12 noon. On-site registration and exhibits will be in Hy-Vee Hall. Worship and business sessions will take place in Veterans Memorial Auditorium.
Registration cost for the entire conference for a non-delegate is $75, $25 for children and youth ages 12-21, children under age 12 are free. A weekend registration (Saturday and Sunday) for a non-delegate costs $40, or $15 for ages 12-21. The daily non-delegate fee is $25 ($15 for Sunday), $8 for ages 12-21. Additional fees are charged for age-group activities. Discounted registration is offered to Brethren Volunteer Service workers.
Pre-Conference events include the Ministers' Association meeting Friday, June 30, from 2-9 p.m. and Saturday, July 1, from 9 a.m.-12 noon. Additional pre-Conference meetings will include the Standing Committee of Annual Conference and the Church of the Brethren General Board, as well as other groups.
The theme for the 220th recorded Annual Conference is "Together: Exercise Daily in God," from 1 Timothy 4:6-8. Ronald D. Beachley, district executive minister for Western Pennsylvania District, will serve as moderator; Belita D. Mitchell, pastor of First Church of the Brethren in Harrisburg, Pa., as moderator-elect.
For more information go to www.brethren.org/ac or call the Annual Conference office at 800-323-8039 ext. 296.
Source: 3/3/2006 Newsline
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General Board to receive properties report at March meeting.
The Church of the Brethren General Board will receive the report of the Stewardship of Properties Committee at meetings March 9-13 at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md. The committee was formed by the board to study use of the General Board's properties in New Windsor and Elgin, Ill.
The properties report will be presented to the board on Saturday, March 11, with discussion continuing on Sunday, March 12.
Also on the agenda for the meeting are a proposal for expanding workcamps offered by the board, a grant request for a Historic Peace Church meeting in Asia, a proposal for continuing Mission Alive gatherings, updates on a variety of board projects, and financial reports, among other business.
A press release about the Stewardship of Properties discussion will be sent to Newsline subscribers and will be posted online at www.brethren.org (click on "News") shortly after the item of business has been completed. A report of the full board meeting will appear in the next regularly scheduled issue of Newsline.
Source: 3/3/2006 Newsline
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The Church of the Brethren General Board will receive the report of the Stewardship of Properties Committee at meetings March 9-13 at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md. The committee was formed by the board to study use of the General Board's properties in New Windsor and Elgin, Ill.
The properties report will be presented to the board on Saturday, March 11, with discussion continuing on Sunday, March 12.
Also on the agenda for the meeting are a proposal for expanding workcamps offered by the board, a grant request for a Historic Peace Church meeting in Asia, a proposal for continuing Mission Alive gatherings, updates on a variety of board projects, and financial reports, among other business.
A press release about the Stewardship of Properties discussion will be sent to Newsline subscribers and will be posted online at www.brethren.org (click on "News") shortly after the item of business has been completed. A report of the full board meeting will appear in the next regularly scheduled issue of Newsline.
Source: 3/3/2006 Newsline
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Church planting conference to ask 'What comes first?'
"In church planting, what comes first?" asks an announcement of a church planting conference sponsored by the New Church Development Committee of the Church of the Brethren General Board, offered through a cooperative effort with the Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership. "Which priorities take precedence? What skills are required? Just like the childhood game scissors, paper, rock, the answer is contextual and dynamic. Answers are never easy, and the calling to plant takes substantial courage, great persistence, and effective teamwork."
From May 20-23, church leaders will gather at Bethany Theological Seminary in Richmond, Ind., on the theme, "Scissors, Paper, Rock." The conference will "develop tools, explore textures, and share testimonies" in church planting.
Guidance for the conference will come from Michael Cox, an American Baptist pastor and experienced church planter; Kathy Royer, a spiritual director; David Shumate, district executive minister for Virlina District, and a church planting catalyst; Chris Bunch, founding pastor of The Jar in Muncie, Ind.; and General Board staff and Bethany faculty. The event will include worship, workshops, keynote addresses, and small group conversations. It begins Saturday at 2 p.m. and concludes Tuesday at 12 noon.
"You are invited to join us!" said the announcement. Registration forms were included in the February Source packet mailed to all Church of the Brethren congregations. Registration also is available at www.bethanyseminary.edu. For more information contact planting@bethanyseminary.edu or 765-983-1807.
Source: 3/3/2006 Newsline
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"In church planting, what comes first?" asks an announcement of a church planting conference sponsored by the New Church Development Committee of the Church of the Brethren General Board, offered through a cooperative effort with the Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership. "Which priorities take precedence? What skills are required? Just like the childhood game scissors, paper, rock, the answer is contextual and dynamic. Answers are never easy, and the calling to plant takes substantial courage, great persistence, and effective teamwork."
From May 20-23, church leaders will gather at Bethany Theological Seminary in Richmond, Ind., on the theme, "Scissors, Paper, Rock." The conference will "develop tools, explore textures, and share testimonies" in church planting.
Guidance for the conference will come from Michael Cox, an American Baptist pastor and experienced church planter; Kathy Royer, a spiritual director; David Shumate, district executive minister for Virlina District, and a church planting catalyst; Chris Bunch, founding pastor of The Jar in Muncie, Ind.; and General Board staff and Bethany faculty. The event will include worship, workshops, keynote addresses, and small group conversations. It begins Saturday at 2 p.m. and concludes Tuesday at 12 noon.
"You are invited to join us!" said the announcement. Registration forms were included in the February Source packet mailed to all Church of the Brethren congregations. Registration also is available at www.bethanyseminary.edu. For more information contact planting@bethanyseminary.edu or 765-983-1807.
Source: 3/3/2006 Newsline
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Wednesday, March 01, 2006
NEWS
- New Sunday school curriculum is launched for Brethren, Mennonites.
- Beckwith and Zuercher head Annual Conference ballot.
- Review and Evaluation survey is available online and in Source mailing.
- Sustaining Pastoral Excellence identifies leadership as a key issue.
- Selected members receive survey on beliefs, faith, and practices of the Brethren.
- Brethren bits: Remembrance, call for writers, and much more.
- Jeff Garber resigns as director of Employee Benefit Plans for Brethren Benefit Trust.
- Greg and Karin Davidson Laszakovits complete term of service in Brazil.
New Sunday school curriculum is launched for Brethren, Mennonites.
Gather 'Round: Hearing and Sharing God's Good News, a new Sunday school curriculum, has been launched by Brethren Press and Mennonite Publishing Network.
The Bible-based curriculum offers sessions for all ages of children and youth, as well as a class for parents and caregivers of children, and a multiage option for grades K-6. Each group studies the same text on the same Sunday.
Gather 'Round offers lessons for "Preschool" (ages 3-4, with tips for 2s); "Primary" (grades K-2); "Middler" (grades 3-5); "Junior Youth" (grades 6-8); "Youth" (in a downloadable format for grades 9-12); "Multiage" (grades K-6, with tips for older students); and "Parent/Caregiver" (for adults who care for children, suitable for group or individual study). New materials are produced each quarter of each year for every age group.
The first quarter of the curriculum is scheduled to be used in churches this fall. Materials may be ordered now from Brethren Press (800-441-3712).
The launch event Feb. 10-12 in Pittsburgh, Pa., was also a training workshop for more than 100 Christian educators and staff of the Church of the Brethren, Mennonite Church Canada, and Mennonite Church USA.
"It is exciting to be here to launch this curriculum," Brethren Press publisher Wendy McFadden told the gathering. The new curriculum was dedicated at the opening worship service, during which each participant received and held a sample kit, standing in a large circle as prayers of thanksgiving were said.
Christian educators received training to promote the curriculum in their areas. They heard that Gather 'Round marks a new beginning for Christian formation in the three denominations. The curriculum includes a new focus on strengthening the relationship between church and home, and an intentional emphasis on worship and keeping the focus on God. The curriculum makes a renewed commitment to the inviting of questions from learners, and the call to share the Anabaptist faith.
Presenters emphasized that Gather 'Round is biblically based. "Gather 'Round is a new curriculum that tells the old story in a new way," said Eleanor Snyder of Mennonite Publishing Network. The three foundational texts for the curriculum are Luke 10:27, Matthew 18:20, and Deuteronomy 6:4-9--the shema.
Gather 'Round may be the first Sunday school curriculum to offer a class for parents and caregivers, the publishers said. Another feature is a multiage option designed for small congregations. A unique piece called the "Talkabout" helps make the connection between church and home. The Talkabout for the fall quarter, a 14-sided cardboard "ball," intrigued participants at the launch with its suggestions to spark talk about faith around the dinner table at home.
Marlene Bogard, who led the group through a sample session of the "Connect" book for parents and caregivers, urged those who use the parent material not to think too narrowly about its possibilities. "Think mother's group," she said, "think Bible study, think Wednesday evening. It's a flexible curriculum."
"Our curriculum is different" than those of larger publishers because it shares our Anabaptist heritage, Anna Speicher said. Speicher is the director and editor of the Gather 'Round curriculum. Designed for busy teachers who may or may not have time to research scripture texts for themselves, each lesson includes a short Bible insight piece by a Brethren or Mennonite biblical scholar.
"We are trying to embed Anabaptist principles through and through," said Speicher.
Christian educators had a first chance to explore the new materials in their sample kits on the first evening of the launch. Then, over the next two days, they were led through a series of activities to help them explore the materials more thoroughly. A workshop on music was led by musician and pastor/teacher Gwen Gustafson-Zook, who wrote one of the Gather 'Round theme songs. Other workshops were offered on new ways to tell Bible stories, the church-home connection, and activities for different ways that people learn, called "multiple intelligences."
Worship experiences throughout the training drew on the different student books. Worship focused on the shema, which begins, "Hear, O Israel: The Lord is our God...." The passage from Deuteronomy is the memory verse for the first quarter of the curriculum.
Closing worship included a "shema walk," with activity stations on different aspects of the text: a table for making scrolls of the text, cards offering topics to spark conversation, a box of prizes for each Bible verse a participant could recite, and materials to make bracelets symbolizing the command to carry the text on the body as well as in the heart.
"I'm delighted that I'll be able to take this back to share with our congregations and our district," said Linda McCauliff, associate district minister for Western Pennsylvania District. "I'm just really proud that our denominations continue to publish curriculum to share not only our heritage but Brethren beliefs."
Pam Reist, associate pastor at Lititz (Pa.) Church of the Brethren, was on the advisory committee for the curriculum. At the launch, she saw final materials for the first time. "I'm really pleased to see how attractive the finished product is," she said. "It's a very good product, better than anything else."
For more about Gather 'Round, and to download free samples, go to www.gatherround.org.
Source: 3/1/2006 Newsline
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Gather 'Round: Hearing and Sharing God's Good News, a new Sunday school curriculum, has been launched by Brethren Press and Mennonite Publishing Network.
The Bible-based curriculum offers sessions for all ages of children and youth, as well as a class for parents and caregivers of children, and a multiage option for grades K-6. Each group studies the same text on the same Sunday.
Gather 'Round offers lessons for "Preschool" (ages 3-4, with tips for 2s); "Primary" (grades K-2); "Middler" (grades 3-5); "Junior Youth" (grades 6-8); "Youth" (in a downloadable format for grades 9-12); "Multiage" (grades K-6, with tips for older students); and "Parent/Caregiver" (for adults who care for children, suitable for group or individual study). New materials are produced each quarter of each year for every age group.
The first quarter of the curriculum is scheduled to be used in churches this fall. Materials may be ordered now from Brethren Press (800-441-3712).
The launch event Feb. 10-12 in Pittsburgh, Pa., was also a training workshop for more than 100 Christian educators and staff of the Church of the Brethren, Mennonite Church Canada, and Mennonite Church USA.
"It is exciting to be here to launch this curriculum," Brethren Press publisher Wendy McFadden told the gathering. The new curriculum was dedicated at the opening worship service, during which each participant received and held a sample kit, standing in a large circle as prayers of thanksgiving were said.
Christian educators received training to promote the curriculum in their areas. They heard that Gather 'Round marks a new beginning for Christian formation in the three denominations. The curriculum includes a new focus on strengthening the relationship between church and home, and an intentional emphasis on worship and keeping the focus on God. The curriculum makes a renewed commitment to the inviting of questions from learners, and the call to share the Anabaptist faith.
Presenters emphasized that Gather 'Round is biblically based. "Gather 'Round is a new curriculum that tells the old story in a new way," said Eleanor Snyder of Mennonite Publishing Network. The three foundational texts for the curriculum are Luke 10:27, Matthew 18:20, and Deuteronomy 6:4-9--the shema.
Gather 'Round may be the first Sunday school curriculum to offer a class for parents and caregivers, the publishers said. Another feature is a multiage option designed for small congregations. A unique piece called the "Talkabout" helps make the connection between church and home. The Talkabout for the fall quarter, a 14-sided cardboard "ball," intrigued participants at the launch with its suggestions to spark talk about faith around the dinner table at home.
Marlene Bogard, who led the group through a sample session of the "Connect" book for parents and caregivers, urged those who use the parent material not to think too narrowly about its possibilities. "Think mother's group," she said, "think Bible study, think Wednesday evening. It's a flexible curriculum."
"Our curriculum is different" than those of larger publishers because it shares our Anabaptist heritage, Anna Speicher said. Speicher is the director and editor of the Gather 'Round curriculum. Designed for busy teachers who may or may not have time to research scripture texts for themselves, each lesson includes a short Bible insight piece by a Brethren or Mennonite biblical scholar.
"We are trying to embed Anabaptist principles through and through," said Speicher.
Christian educators had a first chance to explore the new materials in their sample kits on the first evening of the launch. Then, over the next two days, they were led through a series of activities to help them explore the materials more thoroughly. A workshop on music was led by musician and pastor/teacher Gwen Gustafson-Zook, who wrote one of the Gather 'Round theme songs. Other workshops were offered on new ways to tell Bible stories, the church-home connection, and activities for different ways that people learn, called "multiple intelligences."
Worship experiences throughout the training drew on the different student books. Worship focused on the shema, which begins, "Hear, O Israel: The Lord is our God...." The passage from Deuteronomy is the memory verse for the first quarter of the curriculum.
Closing worship included a "shema walk," with activity stations on different aspects of the text: a table for making scrolls of the text, cards offering topics to spark conversation, a box of prizes for each Bible verse a participant could recite, and materials to make bracelets symbolizing the command to carry the text on the body as well as in the heart.
"I'm delighted that I'll be able to take this back to share with our congregations and our district," said Linda McCauliff, associate district minister for Western Pennsylvania District. "I'm just really proud that our denominations continue to publish curriculum to share not only our heritage but Brethren beliefs."
Pam Reist, associate pastor at Lititz (Pa.) Church of the Brethren, was on the advisory committee for the curriculum. At the launch, she saw final materials for the first time. "I'm really pleased to see how attractive the finished product is," she said. "It's a very good product, better than anything else."
For more about Gather 'Round, and to download free samples, go to www.gatherround.org.
Source: 3/1/2006 Newsline
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Beckwith and Zuercher head Annual Conference ballot.
The Annual Conference Office has announced the ballot for the 2006 Annual Conference, to be held July 1-5 in Des Moines, Iowa. The Nominating Committee of Standing Committee developed a slate of candidates, and Standing Committee then voted to create the ballot that will be presented. Nominees are listed by position.
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The Annual Conference Office has announced the ballot for the 2006 Annual Conference, to be held July 1-5 in Des Moines, Iowa. The Nominating Committee of Standing Committee developed a slate of candidates, and Standing Committee then voted to create the ballot that will be presented. Nominees are listed by position.
- Annual Conference Moderator-Elect: James M. Beckwith of Lebanon, Pa.; Tom Zuercher of Ashland, Ohio.
- Annual Conference Program and Arrangements Committee: Robert D. Kettering of Manheim, Pa.; Scott L. Duffey of Westminster, Md.
- Pastoral Compensation and Benefits Advisory Committee: Jill I. Loomis of Boalsburg, Pa.; Philip Hershey of Quarryville, Pa.
- Committee on Interchurch Relations: Rene Quintanilla of Fresno, Calif.; Carolyn Schrock of Mountain Grove, Mo.
- Association of Brethren Caregivers: Vernne Wetzel Greiner of Mechanicsburg, Pa.; Dave Fouts of Maysville, W.Va.; Ann M. Bach of Richmond, Ind.; Chris Whitacre of McPherson, Kan.
- Bethany Theological Seminary, representing colleges: Betty Ann Ellis Cherry of Huntingdon, Pa.; Jonathan Frye of McPherson, Kan. Representing laity: Kathleen Long of North Liberty, Ind.; Rex M. Miller of Milford, Ind.
- Brethren Benefit Trust: Eunice Culp of Goshen, Ind.; Daniel D. Joseph of Onekama, Mich.
- General Board, at large: Ben Barlow of Dayton, Va.; Hector E. Perez-Borges of Bayamon, P.R.
- On Earth Peace: Myrna Frantz of Haverhill, Iowa; Madalyn Metzger of Bristol, Ind.
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Review and Evaluation survey is available online and in Source mailing.
The Review and Evaluation Study Committee of Annual Conference has created a survey and is requesting feedback from members of the denomination on multiple issues. The survey is available online at www.brethren.org/ac/forms/revieweval.html. On March 3 the survey also is being distributed on paper to all congregations via the Source packet.
The Review and Evaluation Study Committee, at the direction of Annual Conference, is examining the effectiveness of existing organization and structure of the denomination, and the thoroughness and comprehension of denominational programs of the General Board, the Association of Brethren Caregivers, and On Earth Peace. The Committee also is studying the balance and unity of the witness and ministry of the denominational agencies as well as the collegiality and cooperation between Annual Conference agencies and the goals and programming of the districts.
The study committee will report to the 2007 Annual Conference in Cleveland, Ohio. "Your participation in the survey is appreciated and your input valued," said Conference executive director Lerry Fogle.
Source: 3/1/2006 Newsline
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The Review and Evaluation Study Committee of Annual Conference has created a survey and is requesting feedback from members of the denomination on multiple issues. The survey is available online at www.brethren.org/ac/forms/revieweval.html. On March 3 the survey also is being distributed on paper to all congregations via the Source packet.
The Review and Evaluation Study Committee, at the direction of Annual Conference, is examining the effectiveness of existing organization and structure of the denomination, and the thoroughness and comprehension of denominational programs of the General Board, the Association of Brethren Caregivers, and On Earth Peace. The Committee also is studying the balance and unity of the witness and ministry of the denominational agencies as well as the collegiality and cooperation between Annual Conference agencies and the goals and programming of the districts.
The study committee will report to the 2007 Annual Conference in Cleveland, Ohio. "Your participation in the survey is appreciated and your input valued," said Conference executive director Lerry Fogle.
Source: 3/1/2006 Newsline
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Sustaining Pastoral Excellence identifies leadership as a key issue.
"A little over two years into the Sustaining Pastoral Excellence initiative of the Brethren Academy, exciting things are happening!" said director Jonathan Shively in a recent report. The initiative of the Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership is funded by a grant from the Lilly Endowment Inc. The academy is a joint program of Bethany Theological Seminary and the Church of the Brethren General Board.
While "pastors are being renewed and enlivened in their ministries," Shively said, the initiative also has discovered an issue with leadership among Church of the Brethren pastors.
Overall, however, the initiative is having success, Shively said. "Congregations are being enriched by enhanced pastoral leadership," he said. "New gifts are being discovered and exercised. Confidence is rising. A sense of purposefulness is emerging. God's Spirit is leading in new and exciting ways."
The new initiative, which offers continuing education events and support groups for experienced pastors, is also making new discoveries, Shively said. "One particularly surprising discovery has been an ambivalence around the inclusion of 'leadership' as part of the core identity of our pastors," he said. "In our work with 18 pastors through Advanced Foundations of Church Leadership, we were caught off guard by the `dis-ease' expressed toward the role of leader. Most of these pastors did not identify themselves as a leader per se, and held limited views on the extent to which the pastoral role could and/or should influence the vision, mission, and ministry of a congregation."
The Advanced Foundations project, also a part of the Sustaining Pastoral Excellence initiative, has become a process of not only enhancing the leadership capacity of pastors, as originally designed, but also a process of self-discovery and identity formation for these pastors, Shively said. "The identity that is being discovered is an identity as leader, someone who can, through the appropriate exercise of influence, make a difference in the life and witness of the congregation with which they serve."
Through the grant from the Lilly Endowment Inc., the academy has been able to offer the two-year Advanced Foundations study process virtually free of charge for pastors who participate. Eight four-day retreats over a two-year period structure this process of spiritual formation and leadership development.
Enrollment is currently open for the last Lilly-funded "cohort" group of pastors to begin work in Jan. 2007 and conclude in Nov. 2008. Pastors are encouraged to consider this opportunity. Brochures are available from the Brethren Academy or go to www.bethanyseminary.edu or e-mail pastoralexcellence@bethanyseminary.edu for more information.
Source: 3/1/2006 Newsline
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"A little over two years into the Sustaining Pastoral Excellence initiative of the Brethren Academy, exciting things are happening!" said director Jonathan Shively in a recent report. The initiative of the Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership is funded by a grant from the Lilly Endowment Inc. The academy is a joint program of Bethany Theological Seminary and the Church of the Brethren General Board.
While "pastors are being renewed and enlivened in their ministries," Shively said, the initiative also has discovered an issue with leadership among Church of the Brethren pastors.
Overall, however, the initiative is having success, Shively said. "Congregations are being enriched by enhanced pastoral leadership," he said. "New gifts are being discovered and exercised. Confidence is rising. A sense of purposefulness is emerging. God's Spirit is leading in new and exciting ways."
The new initiative, which offers continuing education events and support groups for experienced pastors, is also making new discoveries, Shively said. "One particularly surprising discovery has been an ambivalence around the inclusion of 'leadership' as part of the core identity of our pastors," he said. "In our work with 18 pastors through Advanced Foundations of Church Leadership, we were caught off guard by the `dis-ease' expressed toward the role of leader. Most of these pastors did not identify themselves as a leader per se, and held limited views on the extent to which the pastoral role could and/or should influence the vision, mission, and ministry of a congregation."
The Advanced Foundations project, also a part of the Sustaining Pastoral Excellence initiative, has become a process of not only enhancing the leadership capacity of pastors, as originally designed, but also a process of self-discovery and identity formation for these pastors, Shively said. "The identity that is being discovered is an identity as leader, someone who can, through the appropriate exercise of influence, make a difference in the life and witness of the congregation with which they serve."
Through the grant from the Lilly Endowment Inc., the academy has been able to offer the two-year Advanced Foundations study process virtually free of charge for pastors who participate. Eight four-day retreats over a two-year period structure this process of spiritual formation and leadership development.
Enrollment is currently open for the last Lilly-funded "cohort" group of pastors to begin work in Jan. 2007 and conclude in Nov. 2008. Pastors are encouraged to consider this opportunity. Brochures are available from the Brethren Academy or go to www.bethanyseminary.edu or e-mail pastoralexcellence@bethanyseminary.edu for more information.
Source: 3/1/2006 Newsline
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Selected members receive survey on beliefs, faith, and practices of the Brethren.
A study of members of the Church of the Brethren congregations in the US is being carried out by means of a survey form that was received by 3,000 individual members of the church in February.
The "CMP 2006: Church Member Profile" also is surveying other Anabaptist groups in the US, and is being conducted by the Young Center for Anabaptist and Pietist Studies at Elizabethtown (Pa.) College. The senior project director is the Young Center's Donald Kraybill, a professor at Elizabethtown and a member of Elizabethtown (Pa.) Church of the Brethren. The Brethren project director for the study is Carl D. Bowman, professor of sociology at Bridgewater (Va.) College.
The study focuses on the beliefs, faith, and practices of church members from all walks of life. "It is a way of taking the pulse of our church today," said a cover letter that was mailed with the survey form.
The project is supported by the Annual Conference agencies. Funding also is being provided by other denominations being studied including Mennonites and Brethren in Christ. Results of the study "will help pastors, church leaders, and scholars to better understand the heartfelt concerns of members," the letter said. "It will also help members better understand who the Brethren are as we prepare for the 300th anniversary of our church in 2008."
Individual members of the denomination were randomly selected to receive the survey form "by a scientific process that assures that all voices and views across the church are heard," the cover letter said. "Participants were selected from 115 congregations to represent the entire membership of the church." The letter noted that it will take participants about an hour to answer the questions in the survey. Names of participants will not be connected with their answers.
For questions or comments call 717-361-1199 or e-mail cmp@etown.edu.
Source: 3/1/2006 Newsline
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A study of members of the Church of the Brethren congregations in the US is being carried out by means of a survey form that was received by 3,000 individual members of the church in February.
The "CMP 2006: Church Member Profile" also is surveying other Anabaptist groups in the US, and is being conducted by the Young Center for Anabaptist and Pietist Studies at Elizabethtown (Pa.) College. The senior project director is the Young Center's Donald Kraybill, a professor at Elizabethtown and a member of Elizabethtown (Pa.) Church of the Brethren. The Brethren project director for the study is Carl D. Bowman, professor of sociology at Bridgewater (Va.) College.
The study focuses on the beliefs, faith, and practices of church members from all walks of life. "It is a way of taking the pulse of our church today," said a cover letter that was mailed with the survey form.
The project is supported by the Annual Conference agencies. Funding also is being provided by other denominations being studied including Mennonites and Brethren in Christ. Results of the study "will help pastors, church leaders, and scholars to better understand the heartfelt concerns of members," the letter said. "It will also help members better understand who the Brethren are as we prepare for the 300th anniversary of our church in 2008."
Individual members of the denomination were randomly selected to receive the survey form "by a scientific process that assures that all voices and views across the church are heard," the cover letter said. "Participants were selected from 115 congregations to represent the entire membership of the church." The letter noted that it will take participants about an hour to answer the questions in the survey. Names of participants will not be connected with their answers.
For questions or comments call 717-361-1199 or e-mail cmp@etown.edu.
Source: 3/1/2006 Newsline
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Brethren bits: Remembrance, call for writers, and much more.
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- Ruth Mary Halladay, who served as a missionary in Nigeria with the Church of the Brethren, died Feb. 6 at Timbercrest Health Care in North Manchester, Ind., at age 78. She served for three years as a teacher at the Teacher Training College and Secondary School in Waka, Nigeria, following Brethren Volunteer Service in Germany 1952-54. She also taught at several high schools in the US. She grew up in North Manchester, where her father taught music at Manchester College 1928-67. She was a graduate of the University of Wisconsin and Manchester College. In 1985 she retired from teaching high school in Hobart, Ind. A remembrance from Timbercrest noted that "it was Ruth's spoken and written wish...to be remembered with a minute of silence during worship on the Sunday following her death."
- Curriculum writers are sought for the new Sunday school curriculum, Gather 'Round: Hearing and Sharing God's Good News. The joint Brethren and Mennonite curriculum is accepting writer applications for its third curriculum year. A project of the Church of the Brethren, Mennonite Church Canada, and Mennonite Church USA, Gather 'Round will be available for congregational use beginning this fall. Curriculum units are designed for Preschool (ages 3-4, with tips for 2s), Primary (grades K-2), Middler (grades 3-5), Multiage (grades K-6, with tips for older students), Junior Youth (grades 6-8), Youth (grades 9-12), and Parent/Caregiver. Accepted writers will attend a writers conference Oct. 15-19, and begin writing immediately thereafter. First quarter materials will be due by Jan. 13, 2007. Writers generally commit to writing the entire curriculum year. Payment varies according to the writing requirements for each unit. For an application, contact the Gather 'Round project office at gatherround@brethren.org or call 847-742-5100. See www.gatherround.org for product samples and more information. Application deadline is May 31.
- The National Youth Conference (NYC) Office has extended the Feb. 15 registration deadline for a free t-shirt to March 15. If NYC participants register online by March 15, they will receive a free NYC t-shirt in the mail with their registration information. To register and for more information about NYC, a national Church of the Brethren conference for high school-age youth that occurs only every four years, go to www.nyc2006.org.
- One Great Hour of Sharing offering materials are available now from Brethren Press (call 800-441-3712). The offering emphasis on March 12 focuses on the needs of those around the world who live daily without access to water. The theme is "When was it that we saw you...thirsty?" from Matthew 25:37. Materials available free of charge include six pages of worship resources in English and Spanish; a "Scrapbook for Mission" with stories, facts, photos, art, craft patterns, and ideas related to mission in Sudan, Haiti, and Indonesia; a full-color poster; a video available in VHS and DVD formats titled "We Change the World"; "fishbank" boxes; bulletin inserts in English and Spanish; and offering envelopes.
- On behalf of the Church of the Brethren, the Association of Brethren Caregivers (ABC) has signed on to the Cover the Uninsured Campaign, which focuses attention on the plight of nearly 46 million uninsured Americans. This marks the third year that ABC has joined the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation's "Cover the Uninsured Week." The campaign organizes a range of events to educate the public about the social injustice and compounding problems that the lack of health insurance brings to all Americans. ABC encourages Church of the Brethren congregations to participate in events planned for their areas during the week of May 1-7. This year, the campaign has plans for 2,240 events from coast-to-coast. To find out more, visit www.CoverTheUninsuredWeek.org. ABC has posted "A Call to Care for People Without Insurance" on the advocacy pages of its website at www.brethren-caregivers.org.
- The Brethren Witness/Washington Office is encouraging Brethren to join in the Ecumenical Advocacy Days for Global Peace with Justice, in Washington, D.C., March 10-13. The annual event began in 2003 as a gathering of religious advocates concerned about US foreign policy in Africa and the Middle East, the office said. In subsequent years the event has broadened to cover other areas of the world as well as economic justice, environmental justice, and global security issues. The theme of the 2006 event is "Challenging Disparity: The Promise of God--the Power of Solidarity." Visit www.brethren.org/genbd/WitnessWashOffice.html or www.advocacydays.org for information. Brethren who attend are encouraged to contact the Brethren Witness/Washington Office at 800-785-3246.
- In spite of an ice storm, Disaster Child Care (DCC) was very fortunate to have nine volunteers participate in a Level I Training Workshop scheduled at Beaverton (Mich.) Church of the Brethren on Feb. 17-18. Marie Willoughby, district executive minister of the Michigan District participated. Leadership was provided by DCC trainers Sheryl Faus and Lavonne Grubb, both from Pennsylvania. DCC training workshops are scheduled throughout the US to train volunteers to recognize and understand fears and other emotions young children experience during and after a traumatic event. The training equips volunteers with the necessary tools to set up special child care centers in disaster locations. For more information about Disaster Child Care, a ministry of the Church of the Brethren General Board, go to www.brethren.org/genbd/ersm/dcc.htm.
- The University of La Verne (Calif.) College of Law has been granted provisional accreditation from the American Bar Association, making it the only ABA-accredited law school in the inland southern California area, announced university president Stephen Morgan in a release from the Brethren-related school. Representatives from the university traveled to Chicago to present its case before the Council of the Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar. The council recommended provisional approval, and the ABA delegate body voted to make the university's College of Law the nation's 192nd institution to receive accreditation. Prospective students from across the country will now be able to study at the College of Law and following graduation will be able to sit for bar exams in any state and, should they pass, practice law there.
- The National Council of Churches USA (NCC) has "emphatically supported" a United Nations report that calls upon the United States to close its Guantanamo Bay detention facility "without further delay," according to an NCC release. The report of the UN Commission on Human Rights of the Economic and Social Council also recommended that the US refrain from "any practice amounting to torture" and either bring detainees to trial or "release them without further delay." In a letter to Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, NCC general secretary Bob Edgar also renewed a request to allow the NCC to send "a small interfaith delegation" to Guantanamo "to monitor the physical, mental and spiritual condition of the detainees." A similar request was turned down by former Secretary of State Colin Powell in 2003 and 2004. For a copy of the letter go to www.ncccusa.org/pdfs/NCCGitmo.Rice.html.
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