- Easing burdens of disaster recovery in Mississippi.
- Disaster Child Care responding in New York, Pacific Northwest.
- Committee on Interchurch Relations sets interfaith focus for 2007.
- Brethren Revival Fellowship BVS unit has begun service.
- Atlantic Southeast District conference is held in Puerto Rico.
- Brethren bits: Job openings, tax-free giving, and more.
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
NEWS
Easing burdens of disaster recovery in Mississippi.
Through its 300 volunteers who began arriving in Mississippi in January, the Church of the Brethren has lifted some of the burdens of families with unmet needs after Hurricane Katrina. They've helped primarily in George County by rebuilding or repairing more than 60 homes, replacing roofs and taking on countless other tasks that have earned them the respect and friendship of several communities mauled by Hurricane Katrina.
The Church of the Brethren is one of many voluntary agencies that work together in their disaster preparedness efforts through the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (NVOAD), formed after the devastating Hurricane Camille in 1969 to coordinate services provided to communities affected by disasters. NVOAD participate in the National Response Plan. The plan forms the basis of how the federal government coordinates with the state, local and tribal governments, and the private sector during domestic natural or man-made disasters.
"I have a calling...to assist people and to use my talents to give back to the US and to people in need," said church member Don Atkins, an Indiana resident who spent a month in Lucedale supervising others late this spring. He's been doing disaster relief work with the Church of the Brethren for more than six years.
Atkins and the group of volunteers he supervised worked on Naomi Hudson's house.
"The shingles were down, water damaged the porch, and I had no electricity or water for weeks after the storm," said Hudson, a retired sportswear factory worker in George County. "But I was able to move in just two days after these people (the Church of the Brethren) came to help."
Disaster Recovery Services of George County (DRS) gave Hudson's name to the church's relief workers. DRS, which also serves neighboring Greene County, is one of many longterm recovery committees established with the encouragement of the Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) throughout the damaged counties of Mississippi to work on Hurricane Katrina rebuilding and repair projects. The Church of the Brethren is among more than 60 members or voluntary organizations that pitch in to help those people designated by DRS as needing the most attention.
Hudson has insurance but not enough to restore her house for occupancy. The Brethren volunteers showed up at her house with tools, building materials, and lots of elbow grease. She reciprocated with daily meals that included baked ham and sweet potatoes, cheesecakes, and strawberries.
Volunteers, young and old, are trained by the church to rebuild and make repairs.
The church has been responding to disasters since 1941 through its Brethren Disaster Response program. When disaster strikes, the Church of the Brethren Disaster Response provides volunteers to clean up debris and to repair or rebuild homes for disaster survivors who lack sufficient resources to hire a contractor or other paid labor. The presence of these volunteer work teams helps to ease the trauma that is felt in the aftermath of a disaster. Its Emergency Disaster Fund was established in 1960. The church also is known worldwide for its Disaster Child Care program.
Disaster Child Care (DCC) offered a post-Katrina hand to more than 2,700 children, many of them evacuees, at 14 locations in 9 states, including Mississippi. The program trains, certifies, and mobilizes volunteers to disaster sites in the US to provide crisis intervention to young children of families suffering from natural or man-made disasters. Professional counselors are also available to inform and educate parents, teachers, community workers, and the general public about the effects of disasters on children.
Voluntary organizations are an important part of the US Department of Homeland Security's FEMA mission to provide support and guidance to states recovering from disaster.
"I've got new friends from all over the world," said Hudson about the Brethren.
The feeling is mutual.
"We get more out of this work than we put in," said Atkins.
--This article appeared originally as a press release from FEMA and the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency. It is reprinted here with permission.
Source: 11/08/2006 Newsline
Through its 300 volunteers who began arriving in Mississippi in January, the Church of the Brethren has lifted some of the burdens of families with unmet needs after Hurricane Katrina. They've helped primarily in George County by rebuilding or repairing more than 60 homes, replacing roofs and taking on countless other tasks that have earned them the respect and friendship of several communities mauled by Hurricane Katrina.
The Church of the Brethren is one of many voluntary agencies that work together in their disaster preparedness efforts through the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (NVOAD), formed after the devastating Hurricane Camille in 1969 to coordinate services provided to communities affected by disasters. NVOAD participate in the National Response Plan. The plan forms the basis of how the federal government coordinates with the state, local and tribal governments, and the private sector during domestic natural or man-made disasters.
"I have a calling...to assist people and to use my talents to give back to the US and to people in need," said church member Don Atkins, an Indiana resident who spent a month in Lucedale supervising others late this spring. He's been doing disaster relief work with the Church of the Brethren for more than six years.
Atkins and the group of volunteers he supervised worked on Naomi Hudson's house.
"The shingles were down, water damaged the porch, and I had no electricity or water for weeks after the storm," said Hudson, a retired sportswear factory worker in George County. "But I was able to move in just two days after these people (the Church of the Brethren) came to help."
Disaster Recovery Services of George County (DRS) gave Hudson's name to the church's relief workers. DRS, which also serves neighboring Greene County, is one of many longterm recovery committees established with the encouragement of the Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) throughout the damaged counties of Mississippi to work on Hurricane Katrina rebuilding and repair projects. The Church of the Brethren is among more than 60 members or voluntary organizations that pitch in to help those people designated by DRS as needing the most attention.
Hudson has insurance but not enough to restore her house for occupancy. The Brethren volunteers showed up at her house with tools, building materials, and lots of elbow grease. She reciprocated with daily meals that included baked ham and sweet potatoes, cheesecakes, and strawberries.
Volunteers, young and old, are trained by the church to rebuild and make repairs.
The church has been responding to disasters since 1941 through its Brethren Disaster Response program. When disaster strikes, the Church of the Brethren Disaster Response provides volunteers to clean up debris and to repair or rebuild homes for disaster survivors who lack sufficient resources to hire a contractor or other paid labor. The presence of these volunteer work teams helps to ease the trauma that is felt in the aftermath of a disaster. Its Emergency Disaster Fund was established in 1960. The church also is known worldwide for its Disaster Child Care program.
Disaster Child Care (DCC) offered a post-Katrina hand to more than 2,700 children, many of them evacuees, at 14 locations in 9 states, including Mississippi. The program trains, certifies, and mobilizes volunteers to disaster sites in the US to provide crisis intervention to young children of families suffering from natural or man-made disasters. Professional counselors are also available to inform and educate parents, teachers, community workers, and the general public about the effects of disasters on children.
Voluntary organizations are an important part of the US Department of Homeland Security's FEMA mission to provide support and guidance to states recovering from disaster.
"I've got new friends from all over the world," said Hudson about the Brethren.
The feeling is mutual.
"We get more out of this work than we put in," said Atkins.
--This article appeared originally as a press release from FEMA and the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency. It is reprinted here with permission.
Source: 11/08/2006 Newsline
Disaster Child Care responding in New York, Pacific Northwest.
Six Disaster Child Care (DCC) volunteers are currently serving families affected by storms in New York state. The ministry of the Church of the Brethren General Board also is exploring a response to a typhoon in the Pacific Northwest, according to a report from coordinator Helen Stonesifer.
A DCC Center has been set up at FEMA Disaster Recovery Center in Buffalo, N.Y., following a surprise snowstorm Oct. 12-13 that dumped two feet of snow in the New York area. The storm caused nearly 400,000 people to be without power for several days. High winds and heavy ice and snow downed trees and power lines. As the snow melted rather quickly, other households coped with basement flooding. Damage ranged from trees that fell on roofs, to several feet of flood water inside of homes, Stonesifer said.
The New York child care center opened Nov. 6 "and will remain open for as long as our services are needed," Stonesifer added. Barbara Weaver from Tonawanda, N.Y., is serving as project manager.
Disaster Child Care also is assessing the needs of families affected by the typhoon in the northwest, where some areas of Oregon and Washington states have received 26 inches of rain in the last day. Almost every river and stream is flooded, with many at 15 feet above flood stage, and heavy rains have forced schools, roads, and industrial closures in the Tillamook area of Oregon, Stonesifer reported.
DCC regional coordinator Carol Elms is contacting disaster relief agencies, such as the American Red Cross and FEMA, to offer child care services and to research the number of families with children who are affected, and if plans are being made to open shelters, service centers, or disaster recovery centers.
Source: 11/08/2006 Newsline
Six Disaster Child Care (DCC) volunteers are currently serving families affected by storms in New York state. The ministry of the Church of the Brethren General Board also is exploring a response to a typhoon in the Pacific Northwest, according to a report from coordinator Helen Stonesifer.
A DCC Center has been set up at FEMA Disaster Recovery Center in Buffalo, N.Y., following a surprise snowstorm Oct. 12-13 that dumped two feet of snow in the New York area. The storm caused nearly 400,000 people to be without power for several days. High winds and heavy ice and snow downed trees and power lines. As the snow melted rather quickly, other households coped with basement flooding. Damage ranged from trees that fell on roofs, to several feet of flood water inside of homes, Stonesifer said.
The New York child care center opened Nov. 6 "and will remain open for as long as our services are needed," Stonesifer added. Barbara Weaver from Tonawanda, N.Y., is serving as project manager.
Disaster Child Care also is assessing the needs of families affected by the typhoon in the northwest, where some areas of Oregon and Washington states have received 26 inches of rain in the last day. Almost every river and stream is flooded, with many at 15 feet above flood stage, and heavy rains have forced schools, roads, and industrial closures in the Tillamook area of Oregon, Stonesifer reported.
DCC regional coordinator Carol Elms is contacting disaster relief agencies, such as the American Red Cross and FEMA, to offer child care services and to research the number of families with children who are affected, and if plans are being made to open shelters, service centers, or disaster recovery centers.
Source: 11/08/2006 Newsline
Committee on Interchurch Relations sets interfaith focus for 2007.
The Committee on Interchurch Relations (CIR) met Sept. 22-24 at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill. CIR is responsible for ecumenical and interfaith relations on behalf of the Church of the Brethren General Board and Annual Conference.
It was decided that an emphasis on interfaith conversations and understanding will highlight the CIR's contributions to Annual Conference 2007. The speaker for the Ecumenical Luncheon will be Brethren minister and scholar Paul Numrich, professor of World Religion and Inter-Religious Dialogue for the Theological Consortium of Greater Columbus, Ohio. A Tuesday evening insight session will be on the theme, "Can We Talk? A Muslim and an Evangelical Christian Come Together."
In addition, the committee is working on a statement related to Muslim-Christian relations and the crusades.
The CIR took action to recommend to Annual Conference and the General Board that the Church of the Brethren become a full participant in Christian Churches Together in the USA (more information appeared with the report from the General Board's fall meeting).
CIR also put in place a plan to receive a report on the Church of the Brethren's annual Cross-Cultural Consultation and Celebration.
The committee received reports that Stan Noffsinger, general secretary of the General Board, was elected to the board of the US Conference of the World Council of Churches; and that Becky Ullom, General Board director of identity and relations, has been appointed proxy for National Council of Churches delegate David Whitten who has assumed staff responsibilities with the General Board in Nigeria.
In other reports, American Baptist Churches USA representative Rothang Chhangte reported on the work of that denomination, reports were received from the annual conferences of other Brethren groups, and from the CIR representation at the 75th General Convention of the Episcopal Church USA.
The committee will meet next by conference call for further planning and for conversation with Church of the Brethren delegates to the National Council of Churches.
Committee members are Ilexene Alphonse, James Eikenberry, Michael Hostetter, Robert Johansen, Rene Quintanilla, and Carolyn Schrock, who was unable to be present due to weather-related flight delays. Stan Noffsinger and Jon Kobel provided staff support from the General Board. Chhangte represented the American Baptist Churches USA for the second consecutive year.
Source: 11/08/2006 Newsline
The Committee on Interchurch Relations (CIR) met Sept. 22-24 at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill. CIR is responsible for ecumenical and interfaith relations on behalf of the Church of the Brethren General Board and Annual Conference.
It was decided that an emphasis on interfaith conversations and understanding will highlight the CIR's contributions to Annual Conference 2007. The speaker for the Ecumenical Luncheon will be Brethren minister and scholar Paul Numrich, professor of World Religion and Inter-Religious Dialogue for the Theological Consortium of Greater Columbus, Ohio. A Tuesday evening insight session will be on the theme, "Can We Talk? A Muslim and an Evangelical Christian Come Together."
In addition, the committee is working on a statement related to Muslim-Christian relations and the crusades.
The CIR took action to recommend to Annual Conference and the General Board that the Church of the Brethren become a full participant in Christian Churches Together in the USA (more information appeared with the report from the General Board's fall meeting).
CIR also put in place a plan to receive a report on the Church of the Brethren's annual Cross-Cultural Consultation and Celebration.
The committee received reports that Stan Noffsinger, general secretary of the General Board, was elected to the board of the US Conference of the World Council of Churches; and that Becky Ullom, General Board director of identity and relations, has been appointed proxy for National Council of Churches delegate David Whitten who has assumed staff responsibilities with the General Board in Nigeria.
In other reports, American Baptist Churches USA representative Rothang Chhangte reported on the work of that denomination, reports were received from the annual conferences of other Brethren groups, and from the CIR representation at the 75th General Convention of the Episcopal Church USA.
The committee will meet next by conference call for further planning and for conversation with Church of the Brethren delegates to the National Council of Churches.
Committee members are Ilexene Alphonse, James Eikenberry, Michael Hostetter, Robert Johansen, Rene Quintanilla, and Carolyn Schrock, who was unable to be present due to weather-related flight delays. Stan Noffsinger and Jon Kobel provided staff support from the General Board. Chhangte represented the American Baptist Churches USA for the second consecutive year.
Source: 11/08/2006 Newsline
Brethren Revival Fellowship BVS unit has begun service.
The annual Brethren Revival Fellowship unit of Brethren Volunteer Service has begun a year of service at the Good Shepherd Food Bank in Lewiston, Maine. The unit completed orientation Aug. 30 at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md.
The five members of Unit 271 are Matt Fuhrman of Pleasant Hill Church of the Brethren in Spring Grove, Pa.; Tonia Little of Blue Rock Independent Brethren Church in Mercersburg, Pa.; Nathan Meyers of Upton Church of the Brethren in Greencastle, Pa.; and Andy and Renae Newcomer, and children Abigail and Alex, of the Pleasant Hill congregation.
Source: 11/08/2006 Newsline
The annual Brethren Revival Fellowship unit of Brethren Volunteer Service has begun a year of service at the Good Shepherd Food Bank in Lewiston, Maine. The unit completed orientation Aug. 30 at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md.
The five members of Unit 271 are Matt Fuhrman of Pleasant Hill Church of the Brethren in Spring Grove, Pa.; Tonia Little of Blue Rock Independent Brethren Church in Mercersburg, Pa.; Nathan Meyers of Upton Church of the Brethren in Greencastle, Pa.; and Andy and Renae Newcomer, and children Abigail and Alex, of the Pleasant Hill congregation.
Source: 11/08/2006 Newsline
Atlantic Southeast District conference is held in Puerto Rico.
The 82nd annual District Conference of Atlantic Southeast District, moderated by Hector Perez Borges, was held on the island of Puerto Rico. The host church was Yahuecas, and the host pastor was Norma Medina.
Two workshops were held prior to the Conference: "Building Healing and Welcoming Congregations" led by Juan G. Feliciano, and "Unleashing the Power of Prayer: Becoming a Spiritual House Acceptable to God" led by Belita Mitchell, moderator of the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference.
Opening worship was led by Heriberto Martinez, with youth from the Arecibo congregation offering a pantomime presentation and a concert following the worship service. A licensing service conducted by district executive Martha Beach was held for Jose Medina of Manati Church of the Brethren. Ordinations were also conducted at the service for Jaime Diaz of the Castaner congregation and Hector Perez Borges of the Vega Baja congregation. Diaz and Ana Figueroa interpreted for the service.
Youth were involved in the conference, with youth from the Arecibo congregation offering a pantomime presentation for the opening worship service and a concert following the service, youth from the island serving breakfast on Saturday morning.
In business sessions, delegates accepted the nomination of Wayne Sutton of Miami (Fla.) First Church of the Brethren as moderator elect. Ana Figueroa of St. Petersburg (Fla.) Church of the Brethren will serve as moderator for the 83rd District Conference to be held next year in St. Petersburg. Other persons installed for district leadership were James Graybill and Jerry Hartwell on the District Board, Ray Hileman and Isabel Martinez on the Church Development Council, Jose Medina on the Nominating and Personnel Committee, and Jerry Hartwell on the Discipleship and Reconciliation Committee.
Delegates also accepted written by-laws changes; accepted a recommendation to close the Brandon "Good Samaritan" church, "made and accepted with sadness," according to the report from Beach; accepted a recommendation of the District Board to establish a District Designated Fund for the purpose of helping to create financial stability for the District; and accepted for a one-year term a request from the District Board to revise the 1998 District Conference decision for the distribution of undesignated funds given to the district. A committee is to be formed and a recommendation is to be brought to next year's conference with regard to the undesignated funds. A bread and cup communion was served following the business session.
During a final worship service, Mitchell offered a closing challenge to the 70-some people in attendance, and Diaz and Borges were consecrated with a moving laying-on-of-hands service at the conclusion of her message. Guests from denominational agencies, along with all of the credentialed ministers in attendance and associate district executive Jorge Rivera and Beach participated in the service.
Source: 11/08/2006 Newsline
The 82nd annual District Conference of Atlantic Southeast District, moderated by Hector Perez Borges, was held on the island of Puerto Rico. The host church was Yahuecas, and the host pastor was Norma Medina.
Two workshops were held prior to the Conference: "Building Healing and Welcoming Congregations" led by Juan G. Feliciano, and "Unleashing the Power of Prayer: Becoming a Spiritual House Acceptable to God" led by Belita Mitchell, moderator of the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference.
Opening worship was led by Heriberto Martinez, with youth from the Arecibo congregation offering a pantomime presentation and a concert following the worship service. A licensing service conducted by district executive Martha Beach was held for Jose Medina of Manati Church of the Brethren. Ordinations were also conducted at the service for Jaime Diaz of the Castaner congregation and Hector Perez Borges of the Vega Baja congregation. Diaz and Ana Figueroa interpreted for the service.
Youth were involved in the conference, with youth from the Arecibo congregation offering a pantomime presentation for the opening worship service and a concert following the service, youth from the island serving breakfast on Saturday morning.
In business sessions, delegates accepted the nomination of Wayne Sutton of Miami (Fla.) First Church of the Brethren as moderator elect. Ana Figueroa of St. Petersburg (Fla.) Church of the Brethren will serve as moderator for the 83rd District Conference to be held next year in St. Petersburg. Other persons installed for district leadership were James Graybill and Jerry Hartwell on the District Board, Ray Hileman and Isabel Martinez on the Church Development Council, Jose Medina on the Nominating and Personnel Committee, and Jerry Hartwell on the Discipleship and Reconciliation Committee.
Delegates also accepted written by-laws changes; accepted a recommendation to close the Brandon "Good Samaritan" church, "made and accepted with sadness," according to the report from Beach; accepted a recommendation of the District Board to establish a District Designated Fund for the purpose of helping to create financial stability for the District; and accepted for a one-year term a request from the District Board to revise the 1998 District Conference decision for the distribution of undesignated funds given to the district. A committee is to be formed and a recommendation is to be brought to next year's conference with regard to the undesignated funds. A bread and cup communion was served following the business session.
During a final worship service, Mitchell offered a closing challenge to the 70-some people in attendance, and Diaz and Borges were consecrated with a moving laying-on-of-hands service at the conclusion of her message. Guests from denominational agencies, along with all of the credentialed ministers in attendance and associate district executive Jorge Rivera and Beach participated in the service.
Source: 11/08/2006 Newsline
Brethren bits: Job openings, tax-free giving, and more.
- The Interfaith Climate and Energy Campaign seeks an assistant director. This grant-funded staff position of the National Council of Churches works with the Coalition on the Environment and Jewish Life, the National Religious Partnership for the Environment, and national and state campaigns to coordinate state field organizers and implement initiatives. The campaign's mandate is to proclaim and enact God's biblical mandate of stewardship by working within the faith community to curb global warming, with special attention to the needs of the poor. Starting in the fall of 2006, the organization will engage in an intensive grassroots campaign that utilizes an education-to-advocacy framework. Location is in Washington, D.C. Salary is commensurate with experience. For the full job posting go to www.ncccusa.org/jobs/jobshome.html (scroll down to find the posting). Send cover letter, resume, and writing sample to ICEC Search, Attn: Joan Gardner, jgardner@ncccusa.org or National Council of Churches, 475 Riverside Dr., Rm. 812, New York, NY 10115 (electronic applications preferred). The NCC is an equal opportunity employer. Deadline for applications is Nov. 27.
- Retirees have a new option for tax-free giving to the church or church agencies through the Pension Protection Act of 2006. Those age 70-and-a-half or older may give up to $100,000 in 2006-07 directly from an individual retirement account (IRA) without reporting the gift as income. Previously such gifts would be taxable. Gifts must be made on or before Dec. 31, 2007, and transferred directly from the IRA by its administrator or trustee. Some funds are ineligible to receive such gifts including charitable gift annuities, charitable remainder trusts, and donor-advised funds. For more information contact one of the funding staff of the Church of the Brethren General Board or the Brethren Benefit Trust, or a personal financial advisor.
- The US federal budget for 2007 calls for cuts in domestic human needs programs so that more money can be allocated for defense, said an Action Alert from the Brethren Witness/Washington Office. The alert supports a call for action by the faith community from Domestic Human Needs, an ecumenical faith-based working group. The budget will be finalized in the upcoming "lame duck" session of Congress. The alert listed how budget cuts will affect domestic human needs programs including cuts in job-training programs for the fifth year in a row; cuts in the budget of Head Start of $140 million less than the program would need to provide a 2006 level of service; a cut of $43 million for child care, primarily provided through the Child Care and Development Block Grant, likely to cause 11,000 children to lose assistance; funding for Pell Grants for low- and middle-income students of $725 million below the 2006 level plus inflation; funding for the National Institutes of Health that is $351 million below the 2006 level plus inflation. The office is providing a sample letter expressing these concerns to send to a local newspaper or to members of Congress. Contact the Brethren Witness/Washington Office at 800-785-3246 or washington_office_gb@brethren.org.
- A workshop titled, "A Faithful Response: Supporting and Welcoming Those Who Choose Military Service or Conscientious Objection," will be held Nov. 11 at Messiah Church of the Brethren in Kansas City, Mo. On Earth Peace staff Susanna Farahat and Laura Partridge of the American Friends Service Committee, along with Kansas City pastors Barbra Davis and Sonja Griffith, will provide leadership for the day-long peace retreat sponsored by the Kansas City Metro Parish. Sessions include "Christian Nonviolence," "Military Recruitment/Conscientious Objection," "Sharing Stories in Community," and "Welcoming Veterans Home." Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. The event begins with worship at 9 a.m. and ends at 4 p.m. To register at no cost, e-mail messiah15@isp.com or call 816-678-7664. Church of the Brethren ministers receive .5 continuing education units for participating in this event.
- A fire broke out at Middle River Church of the Brethren in Fort Defiance, Va., early on the morning of Nov. 7. An inspector was due to assess the damage later the same day. Shenandoah District has requested prayers for the congregation.
- The Moms and Tots program meeting at Annville (Pa.) Church of the Brethren is celebrating its 25th anniversary. The free program attracts at least 30 moms and even more children, according to a report in the "Patriot-News" newspaper. Moms and Tots offers a program for mothers and activities for children, taught by Lebanon Valley College students and other parents.
- Virlina District holds its district conference Nov. 10-11, in Rocky Mount, Va. Shirley Jamison will serve as moderator.
- Bridgewater (Va.) College is working with two community colleges to make a bachelor's degree more accessible to local students. Bridgewater has signed Guaranteed Admission Agreements with Germanna Community Collge in Locust Grove, and Dabney S. Lancaster Community College in Daleville, to allow students meeting certain requirements to transfer directly from the community colleges to Bridgewater's bachelor's degree program. For more information go to www.bridgewater.edu.
- "Who's Who Among American Teachers" is recognizing eight Manchester College faculty members for educational excellence: James R.C. Adams, chair of the Department of Art; Mark Angelos, who teaches European history and medieval and gender studies; Dagny Boebel, chair of the Department of English; Gregory W. Clark, chair of the Department of Physics; Mary P. Lahman, professor of communication studies; Heather A. Schilling of the Department of Education faculty; Scott K. Strode, chair of the Department of Communication Studies and director of theater; and Janina P. Traxler, chair of the Department of Modern Languages. For more visit www.manchester.edu.
- The Church of the Brethren's Womaen's Caucus has given its 2006 "Friend of Caucus" award to Jan Fairchild. She has served on the Womaen's Caucus Steering Committee for four years, including a time when the group had no administrator. Fairchild is retired from a ministry position in Oregon and Washington District, and currently living in Bloomington, Ind., where she is a regular volunteer at Middle Way House Domestic Violence Shelter.
- The Annual Pinecrest Bazaar has added a home tour this year. The event, now in its 15th year, is sponsored by Pinecrest Community, a Church of the Brethren retirement center in Mount Morris, Ill. The bazaar on Nov. 10, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. features holiday gifts, homemade baked goods, barbecue lunch, and hand-crafted items including jewelry, dolls, clothing--and this year the possibility of shopping for a retirement home at Pinecrest Grove, a 20-acre active adult development. For more information about the bazaar call Janell Miller at 815-734-4103 ext. 218. For more information about the tour, call Chrystal Bostian at 815-734-4103 ext. 242.
- The New Community Project is holding a Fall Retreat at Camp Brethren Woods in the mountains of Virginia, on Nov. 24-25. Leaders includes David and Daniel Radcliff of New Community Project, Carol Lena Miller of the Virginia ilderness Committee, Chris Keeney of the National Youth Conference band, and Susan Chapman, program director at Camp Bethel. Activities include singing, sharing, hiking, a photo tour of Nepal and Burma, and a special visit by "St. Francis of Assisi." Cost is $40 for an individual, $25 for each additional family member, $100 family maximum. Register by Nov. 20 at http://newcommunityproject.org/fall_retreat.shtml or contact ncp@newcommunityproject.org or 888-800-2985. The New Community Project is a Brethren-related nonprofit, "following Christ toward a new community of justice, peace, and respect for God's earth."
- John Braun, who has directed Brethren in Business, has announced that the network has come to an end. "More than 400 Brethren business persons have given time and encouragement for conversations about Brethren in Business. My personal thanks is enormous," he wrote in the announcement. He added that the network accomplished connections with a wider community of Brethren who run businesses, and helped stimulate entrepreneurism with Brethren ethical values.
- Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT) has announced delegations for 2007: To the Arizona Borderlands March 1-8 and May 24-June 4, to monitor human rights and meet with representatives of human rights groups, government officials, and individuals on both sides of the border; participants arrange their own transportation to Tucson, Ariz., and raise $400 for on-ground expenses. To Colombia Jan. 17-30, May 23-June 5, July 18-31, and Sept. 26-Oct. 9, to meet with human rights workers and church leaders to gain perspective on the longest ongoing armed conflict in the Western Hemisphere, and to provide accompaniment to villagers threatened by armed groups; delegates raise $1,800 to cover costs. To Israel/Palestine on Jan. 10-22, March 19-31, May 29-June 10, July 30-Aug. 11, Oct. 16-28, and Nov. 19-Dec. 1, to meet with representatives of Israeli and Palestinian peace and human rights groups, tour the "security wall," and visit Palestinian families threatened by Israeli settlements; delegates raise $2,000 to cover costs. For more information see www.cpt.org, click on "Delegations." Originally a violence-reduction initiative of the historic peace churches (Church of the Brethren, Mennonite, and Quaker), CPT now enjoys support and membership from a wide range of Christian denominations.
- The National Council of Churches has released a report giving churches "bright ideas for reducing utility bills and caring for creation." Lighting, heating, and housing activities comes at a cost to a church's bottom line and negatively impact the environment and human health, the NCC said in a release about the report. "Bottom Line Ministries that Matter: Congregational Stewardship with Energy Efficiency and Clean Energy Technologies" outlines how congregations can save money as they reduce carbon emissions that lead to global warming. The report promotes moral and financial stewardship and gives examples of how churches successfully saved $8,000-$16,000 a year using energy efficient technologies. Download from www.nccecojustice.org/network (user must sign up for the network to download resources)
National Young Adult Conference is planned for 2008.
"NYAC is coming!!! NYAC is coming!!!" said an announcement of the Church of the Brethren's next National Young Adult Conference, planned for Aug. 11-15, 2008. Young adults from Church of the Brethren congregations across the country will meet at the Estes Park YMCA camp in Colorado, just outside of Rocky Mountain National Park.
Smaller young adult gatherings will continue to be held annually. The 2007 gathering is planned for May 25-27.
The 2008 event is the second larger "national" conference for young adults, sponsored by the Youth and Young Adult Ministries of the General Board. The first was held at Snow Mountain Ranch YMCA in Colorado in 2004, and featured worship, workshops, fellowship, singing, and meeting new people. The 255 young adults who attended called for another such conference, said the announcement from Youth and Young Adult Ministries director Chris Douglas.
"Plan now to gather with other young adults for this exciting event!" Douglas said. "We hope that over 500 young adults will come and help shape this important opportunity in our denomination."
A Brethren Volunteer Service position of coordinating NYAC will be available in June of 2007. This fulltime volunteer will work for a year in the Youth and Young Adult Ministry Office in Elgin, Ill. To express interest in the position of NYAC coordinator, request an application from Chris Douglas at cdouglas_gb@brethren.org.
Source: 11/08/2006 Newsline
"NYAC is coming!!! NYAC is coming!!!" said an announcement of the Church of the Brethren's next National Young Adult Conference, planned for Aug. 11-15, 2008. Young adults from Church of the Brethren congregations across the country will meet at the Estes Park YMCA camp in Colorado, just outside of Rocky Mountain National Park.
Smaller young adult gatherings will continue to be held annually. The 2007 gathering is planned for May 25-27.
The 2008 event is the second larger "national" conference for young adults, sponsored by the Youth and Young Adult Ministries of the General Board. The first was held at Snow Mountain Ranch YMCA in Colorado in 2004, and featured worship, workshops, fellowship, singing, and meeting new people. The 255 young adults who attended called for another such conference, said the announcement from Youth and Young Adult Ministries director Chris Douglas.
"Plan now to gather with other young adults for this exciting event!" Douglas said. "We hope that over 500 young adults will come and help shape this important opportunity in our denomination."
A Brethren Volunteer Service position of coordinating NYAC will be available in June of 2007. This fulltime volunteer will work for a year in the Youth and Young Adult Ministry Office in Elgin, Ill. To express interest in the position of NYAC coordinator, request an application from Chris Douglas at cdouglas_gb@brethren.org.
Source: 11/08/2006 Newsline
Brethren Volunteer Service presents a personal face to congregations.
By Todd Flory
If for no other purpose, the newly-formed Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS) special assignment of visiting churches and pastors proved valuable in placing a personal face on the program. For pastors, deacons, and youth groups in 154 congregations in 8 districts, that personal face belonged to Sam Bowman, who recently completed a year of traveling the country to talk about BVS. Bowman has been serving as a fulltime BVS volunteer.
Two other BVS workers also have been making visits to congregations: Carolyn Gong has visited pastors in the Middle Pennsylvania District over the past several weeks and in Pacific Southwest District earlier in the year, and Monica Rice will visit pastors in northern and southern Ohio in upcoming months.
"The idea was to go to congregations, build bridges, have face-to-face contact, and talk about BVS," Bowman said. "A large number of them (the pastors) thanked me for coming, for being a face, a warm body, instead of a piece of paper that could slide across a table into a trash can," he added. "I wasn't going with a presentation, but to listen."
During the visits, the volunteers' main objective was to ask what pastors knew about BVS, to provide additional information if asked, to listen to what the church leaders like or dislike about BVS, and to receive any suggestions of what they would like to see in BVS. A secondary purpose was to ask pastors their thoughts on the prospect of a military draft, and to find out what support churches will need in the event of a draft.
The volunteers also gave pastors BVS materials and conscientious objection packets from the Brethren Witness/Washington Office. Bowman said many pastors were unaware of the materials on conscientious objection. "An amazing number would say, 'There should be a packet for CO's and how people could register as a CO,'" said Bowman, "and I'd show them the packet and they'd say, 'Oh, this is great!'"
Gong said the pastors she spoke to were very receptive and supportive of BVS, and that each congregation seemed like a family. "Overall, it's been a really positive experience, " she said, describing the pastors as having "a deep love for Christ in what they're doing. That's their life work, their passion." It is that passion that Gong hopes will help push more people into choosing to do volunteer service. "Sometimes people are hesitant to leave home," Gong said. "They go straight from school to the job, but that's our mainstream, our culture. I think any kind of volunteer service is vital to the country."
As diverse as the over 17,000 miles of landscapes through which Bowman drove, the views on service and peace were often just as varied. "I got to see the reality of the diversity" in the Church of the Brethren, he said. He described his congregational visits as a roller-coaster. Often, on the same day, he talked with pastors who had completely differing views on certain issues. "I could see why this person was on the right or the left, and each side had truth to what they said and believed," he commented.
Even on the peace issue, which has been and remains such an integral part of Brethren identity, there emerged varying viewpoints. "All the pastors I talked to have been proponents of peace, and try to incorporate that into their sermons, but some have different views of how to promote peace," Gong said, noting that some pastors said they were pro-peace, but still supported the military, while others viewed the military as an impediment to peace.
Positive aspects of BVS for the pastors included that it is an opportunity to live out one's faith, serve the community and God, and is an avenue for personal growth. A common aspect that many pastors wish to see more of in BVS is evangelism and more project placements for faith and faith-sharing.
A discovery for Bowman was the need for greater communication and connectedness between congregations and the denomination. Some congregations, Bowman said, feel disconnected from the larger church. Many feel not enough is being put back into the congregations, that there needs to be an emphasis placed on the congregation as the strongest part of the denomination rather than an emphasis on certain programs or agencies.
Part of creating a better sense of connectedness, Bowman feels, is sharing stories. "In general, members of the Church of the Brethren aren't doing a good job of telling their faith stories with the congregation or the district," he said. "I'd ask, 'How many former BVSers or conscientious objectors do you have in the church? Do they ever share their stories?'" The pastors would reply, "'No, not really,'" he said.
"We need to be telling and sharing our stories, because that's how things are passed down--how we share what's important," Bowman said. "If one thing can be gleaned from this, it's that our churches want more personal contact with each other, with their leadership, with programs, and I would say with God as well."
--Todd Flory is a Brethren Volunteer Service worker in the BVS office in Elgin, Ill. Previously he served as a legislative associate at the Brethren Witness/Washington Office.
Source: 11/08/2006 Newsline
By Todd Flory
If for no other purpose, the newly-formed Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS) special assignment of visiting churches and pastors proved valuable in placing a personal face on the program. For pastors, deacons, and youth groups in 154 congregations in 8 districts, that personal face belonged to Sam Bowman, who recently completed a year of traveling the country to talk about BVS. Bowman has been serving as a fulltime BVS volunteer.
Two other BVS workers also have been making visits to congregations: Carolyn Gong has visited pastors in the Middle Pennsylvania District over the past several weeks and in Pacific Southwest District earlier in the year, and Monica Rice will visit pastors in northern and southern Ohio in upcoming months.
"The idea was to go to congregations, build bridges, have face-to-face contact, and talk about BVS," Bowman said. "A large number of them (the pastors) thanked me for coming, for being a face, a warm body, instead of a piece of paper that could slide across a table into a trash can," he added. "I wasn't going with a presentation, but to listen."
During the visits, the volunteers' main objective was to ask what pastors knew about BVS, to provide additional information if asked, to listen to what the church leaders like or dislike about BVS, and to receive any suggestions of what they would like to see in BVS. A secondary purpose was to ask pastors their thoughts on the prospect of a military draft, and to find out what support churches will need in the event of a draft.
The volunteers also gave pastors BVS materials and conscientious objection packets from the Brethren Witness/Washington Office. Bowman said many pastors were unaware of the materials on conscientious objection. "An amazing number would say, 'There should be a packet for CO's and how people could register as a CO,'" said Bowman, "and I'd show them the packet and they'd say, 'Oh, this is great!'"
Gong said the pastors she spoke to were very receptive and supportive of BVS, and that each congregation seemed like a family. "Overall, it's been a really positive experience, " she said, describing the pastors as having "a deep love for Christ in what they're doing. That's their life work, their passion." It is that passion that Gong hopes will help push more people into choosing to do volunteer service. "Sometimes people are hesitant to leave home," Gong said. "They go straight from school to the job, but that's our mainstream, our culture. I think any kind of volunteer service is vital to the country."
As diverse as the over 17,000 miles of landscapes through which Bowman drove, the views on service and peace were often just as varied. "I got to see the reality of the diversity" in the Church of the Brethren, he said. He described his congregational visits as a roller-coaster. Often, on the same day, he talked with pastors who had completely differing views on certain issues. "I could see why this person was on the right or the left, and each side had truth to what they said and believed," he commented.
Even on the peace issue, which has been and remains such an integral part of Brethren identity, there emerged varying viewpoints. "All the pastors I talked to have been proponents of peace, and try to incorporate that into their sermons, but some have different views of how to promote peace," Gong said, noting that some pastors said they were pro-peace, but still supported the military, while others viewed the military as an impediment to peace.
Positive aspects of BVS for the pastors included that it is an opportunity to live out one's faith, serve the community and God, and is an avenue for personal growth. A common aspect that many pastors wish to see more of in BVS is evangelism and more project placements for faith and faith-sharing.
A discovery for Bowman was the need for greater communication and connectedness between congregations and the denomination. Some congregations, Bowman said, feel disconnected from the larger church. Many feel not enough is being put back into the congregations, that there needs to be an emphasis placed on the congregation as the strongest part of the denomination rather than an emphasis on certain programs or agencies.
Part of creating a better sense of connectedness, Bowman feels, is sharing stories. "In general, members of the Church of the Brethren aren't doing a good job of telling their faith stories with the congregation or the district," he said. "I'd ask, 'How many former BVSers or conscientious objectors do you have in the church? Do they ever share their stories?'" The pastors would reply, "'No, not really,'" he said.
"We need to be telling and sharing our stories, because that's how things are passed down--how we share what's important," Bowman said. "If one thing can be gleaned from this, it's that our churches want more personal contact with each other, with their leadership, with programs, and I would say with God as well."
--Todd Flory is a Brethren Volunteer Service worker in the BVS office in Elgin, Ill. Previously he served as a legislative associate at the Brethren Witness/Washington Office.
Source: 11/08/2006 Newsline
Credits
Newsline is produced by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of news services for the Church of the Brethren General Board. Contact the editor at cobnews@brethren.org or 800-323-8039 ext. 260. Martha Beach, Michael Hostetter, Jeri S. Kornegay, and Helen Stonesifer contributed to this report.
Newsline is produced by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of news services for the Church of the Brethren General Board. Contact the editor at cobnews@brethren.org or 800-323-8039 ext. 260. Martha Beach, Michael Hostetter, Jeri S. Kornegay, and Helen Stonesifer contributed to this report.
Friday, November 03, 2006
General Board sets 2007 budget, discusses immigration and stem cell research, recommends joining Christian Churches Together.
The Church of the Brethren General Board held its fall meetings Oct. 20-23 at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill. The board set a 2007 budget, issued a pastoral letter responding to immigration issues (see story below), considered a study paper on stem cell research, and recommended that the Church of the Brethren join Christian Churches Together in the USA.
The board also received a report about the Sudan mission initiative (see story below), and an interim report from a committee exploring options for the Brethren Service Center, among other business. Daily worship services and frequent prayer and hymn-singing marked the meetings. A prayer by board chair Jeff Neuman-Lee gave a sense of the overall tone of the gathering: "O God, you put a lot on our plate, and we rejoice in it."
Budget
A 2007 budget of expenses of $9,741,900 was approved, representing all ministries of the General Board including self-funded ministries. Matched against budgeted income for 2007, the figure anticipates a net expense of $12,800 for the year.
Christian Churches Together
The board approved a recommendation for Church of the Brethren participation in Christian Churches Together in the USA, agreeing to join with the Committee on Interchurch Relations (CIR) in recommending to Annual Conference that the denomination become a full participant. CIR chair Michael Hostetter explained that Christian Churches Together would not replace the church's membership in the National Council of Churches. The new organization is an attempt to foster ecumenical interaction that also includes those not involved in the NCC, he explained, such as the Roman Catholic Church, evangelical and pentecostal communions, and groups such as the National Association of Evangelicals. Earlier this year, 34 churches and national Christian organizations officially formed the new organization. Cost for Church of the Brethren participation will be $1,000 annually, and church leaders including the general secretary of the General Board and the Annual Conference moderator will be invited to attend the annual meeting (for more go to www.christianchurchestogether.org).
Stem Cell Research Study
A document on stem cell research was received by the board as a work in process. The document was called for by an action of the board last year, and is a joint document with the Association of Brethren Caregivers (ABC). The board recommended to ABC that the two agencies disseminate the document to the denomination as a study guide.
The study paper was prepared by a small committee of Church of the Brethren members including board staff Del Keeney, executive director of Congregational Life Ministries; former ABC staff member Scott Douglas; Joel Eikenberry, a physician; Charles Hite, an ethicist; John Katonah, a chaplain; and Marla Ullom Minnich, a physician.
Keeney presented the paper to the board, and outlined the changes requested by the ABC board, including further editing and formatting. The ABC board has approved the document pending those changes.
The study paper provides scientific background, a discussion of the ethics surrounding the issue, scriptural and theological information, case studies, and study questions. General Board members expressed affirmation for the work done so far, but also asked for more attention to balance.
Brethren Service Center Committee
In an interim report from the Brethren Service Center Ministry Options Exploration Committee, chair Dale Minnich told the board that "we have a good committee." Members are Jim Stokes-Buckles of New York, N.Y.; Kim Stuckey Hissong of Westminster, Md.; David R. Miller of Dayton, Va.; Fran Nyce of Westminster, Md.; Dale Roth of State College, Pa.; Jack Tevis of Westminster, Md.; and Minnich as General Board representative. Janet Ober of Upland, Calif., is not able to continue on the committee, Minnich announced.
His report to the board reviewed the group's first meeting at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md., and the board action from March that initiated the committee.
(In March, the General Board turned away from a recommendation by the Stewardship of Property Committee to lease or sell the Brethren Service Center, and called instead for an exploration of options for ministry there. For the full report from the March 2006 meeting go to www.brethren.org/genbd/newsline/2006/mar1706.htm.)
"It's too early to give a preview of recommendations," Minnich said. He did, however, review the general thinking of the committee in some detail. He said the group is seeking to be transparent especially with the New Windsor community and staff in order to avoid a "pressure cooker" situation when it presents recommendations next October.
"It's clear that the big issues that we need to deal with relate to the (New Windsor) Conference Center," Minnich said. He outlined many options for the Conference Center, and also some possible ways to improve the financial bottom line for other General Board ministries located at the Brethren Service Center. The committee will meet again in New Windsor in November.
Other business
Several documents related to the internal organization of the board and its programs were adopted, including a new set of vision and mission statements and core values, a conflict of interest policy for board members and staff, a job description for board members, and a committee organization for the General Board member development committee. In executive session, the board also worked on envisioning for future emphases, in a process being called, "new wineskins."
The board heard reports on the Sudan mission initiative (see story below), 2006 financial reports, planning for an update of the 1996 paper "Ethics in Ministry Relations," National Youth Conference, the Gather 'Round Sunday school curriculum, and Brethren Volunteer Service visits with pastors. A report on a National Council of Churches trip to Lebanon was brought by Thomas Swain, clerk of the Philadelphia Yearly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers).
An offering of $1,680.24 received during the meetings will be divided between the Emerging Global Mission Fund and the Sudan mission initiative.
Employee recognitions and staff citations, and sessions offering the opportunity for more informal conversations about ministry areas, rounded out the agenda.
After the General Board meetings, board members and staff had the option of staying for a professional growth event led by Tim McElwee, Jim Chinworth, Jack Gochenaur, and Jo Young Switzer of Manchester College.
Source: 11/3/2006 Newsline
The Church of the Brethren General Board held its fall meetings Oct. 20-23 at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill. The board set a 2007 budget, issued a pastoral letter responding to immigration issues (see story below), considered a study paper on stem cell research, and recommended that the Church of the Brethren join Christian Churches Together in the USA.
The board also received a report about the Sudan mission initiative (see story below), and an interim report from a committee exploring options for the Brethren Service Center, among other business. Daily worship services and frequent prayer and hymn-singing marked the meetings. A prayer by board chair Jeff Neuman-Lee gave a sense of the overall tone of the gathering: "O God, you put a lot on our plate, and we rejoice in it."
Budget
A 2007 budget of expenses of $9,741,900 was approved, representing all ministries of the General Board including self-funded ministries. Matched against budgeted income for 2007, the figure anticipates a net expense of $12,800 for the year.
Christian Churches Together
The board approved a recommendation for Church of the Brethren participation in Christian Churches Together in the USA, agreeing to join with the Committee on Interchurch Relations (CIR) in recommending to Annual Conference that the denomination become a full participant. CIR chair Michael Hostetter explained that Christian Churches Together would not replace the church's membership in the National Council of Churches. The new organization is an attempt to foster ecumenical interaction that also includes those not involved in the NCC, he explained, such as the Roman Catholic Church, evangelical and pentecostal communions, and groups such as the National Association of Evangelicals. Earlier this year, 34 churches and national Christian organizations officially formed the new organization. Cost for Church of the Brethren participation will be $1,000 annually, and church leaders including the general secretary of the General Board and the Annual Conference moderator will be invited to attend the annual meeting (for more go to www.christianchurchestogether.org).
Stem Cell Research Study
A document on stem cell research was received by the board as a work in process. The document was called for by an action of the board last year, and is a joint document with the Association of Brethren Caregivers (ABC). The board recommended to ABC that the two agencies disseminate the document to the denomination as a study guide.
The study paper was prepared by a small committee of Church of the Brethren members including board staff Del Keeney, executive director of Congregational Life Ministries; former ABC staff member Scott Douglas; Joel Eikenberry, a physician; Charles Hite, an ethicist; John Katonah, a chaplain; and Marla Ullom Minnich, a physician.
Keeney presented the paper to the board, and outlined the changes requested by the ABC board, including further editing and formatting. The ABC board has approved the document pending those changes.
The study paper provides scientific background, a discussion of the ethics surrounding the issue, scriptural and theological information, case studies, and study questions. General Board members expressed affirmation for the work done so far, but also asked for more attention to balance.
Brethren Service Center Committee
In an interim report from the Brethren Service Center Ministry Options Exploration Committee, chair Dale Minnich told the board that "we have a good committee." Members are Jim Stokes-Buckles of New York, N.Y.; Kim Stuckey Hissong of Westminster, Md.; David R. Miller of Dayton, Va.; Fran Nyce of Westminster, Md.; Dale Roth of State College, Pa.; Jack Tevis of Westminster, Md.; and Minnich as General Board representative. Janet Ober of Upland, Calif., is not able to continue on the committee, Minnich announced.
His report to the board reviewed the group's first meeting at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md., and the board action from March that initiated the committee.
(In March, the General Board turned away from a recommendation by the Stewardship of Property Committee to lease or sell the Brethren Service Center, and called instead for an exploration of options for ministry there. For the full report from the March 2006 meeting go to www.brethren.org/genbd/newsline/2006/mar1706.htm.)
"It's too early to give a preview of recommendations," Minnich said. He did, however, review the general thinking of the committee in some detail. He said the group is seeking to be transparent especially with the New Windsor community and staff in order to avoid a "pressure cooker" situation when it presents recommendations next October.
"It's clear that the big issues that we need to deal with relate to the (New Windsor) Conference Center," Minnich said. He outlined many options for the Conference Center, and also some possible ways to improve the financial bottom line for other General Board ministries located at the Brethren Service Center. The committee will meet again in New Windsor in November.
Other business
Several documents related to the internal organization of the board and its programs were adopted, including a new set of vision and mission statements and core values, a conflict of interest policy for board members and staff, a job description for board members, and a committee organization for the General Board member development committee. In executive session, the board also worked on envisioning for future emphases, in a process being called, "new wineskins."
The board heard reports on the Sudan mission initiative (see story below), 2006 financial reports, planning for an update of the 1996 paper "Ethics in Ministry Relations," National Youth Conference, the Gather 'Round Sunday school curriculum, and Brethren Volunteer Service visits with pastors. A report on a National Council of Churches trip to Lebanon was brought by Thomas Swain, clerk of the Philadelphia Yearly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers).
An offering of $1,680.24 received during the meetings will be divided between the Emerging Global Mission Fund and the Sudan mission initiative.
Employee recognitions and staff citations, and sessions offering the opportunity for more informal conversations about ministry areas, rounded out the agenda.
After the General Board meetings, board members and staff had the option of staying for a professional growth event led by Tim McElwee, Jim Chinworth, Jack Gochenaur, and Jo Young Switzer of Manchester College.
Source: 11/3/2006 Newsline
Pastoral letter encourages church to love neighbors equally.
By Todd Flory
In the waning light of a congressional session that featured immigration as its top domestic issue, and a strict border enforcement bill authorizing funding for a 700-mile fence between the US and Mexico, the General Board has issued a pastoral letter on welcoming the stranger.
"In the midst of debating economic and political issues, we who follow Jesus are called to speak out on behalf of those who live, work, worship, and reside among us without legal protections. More than that, we are to love them," the letter said.
"My intent for bringing up the paper was not to resolve the political issues...but to ask as we think about these issues, What does the Bible say about this issue and how does that affect our decision making?" said Duane Grady. He and Carol Yeazell, both on the Congregational Life Teams staff, presented the paper as a result of receiving letters from church members about the issue and hearing requests for the General Board to issue a statement regarding immigration for pastoral and congregational use.
The letter will be sent to congregations to help guide understanding and dialogue among church members and congregations. It also will be used by the Brethren Witness/Washington Office and shared with the National Council of Churches and Church World Service.
While the general focus of the letter's first draft was well received by the board, some members thought additional work was needed. "I'm glad you brought it up but it needs to be clearer," said board member Frank Ramirez, acknowledging the vast political complexities of the issue.
After a small ad hoc group rewrote the letter, it was revisited by the board and adopted.
The letter encourages Church of the Brethren members to be in conversation about immigration issues and to love neighbors as all people are loved equally in the eyes of God, even if they are labeled as "aliens," "illegal," or "undocumented." Among scriptural passages, Leviticus 19 was referenced highlighting God's call to make sure that strangers in our midst have food to feed their families. The passage reminds the people of Israel that they had been aliens in Egypt, and to deal justly with foreigners. The 1982 Annual Conference statement on undocumented persons and refugees also was lifted up as a helpful resource for addressing the immigration issue.
"I think it's an issue that's really relevant today," said general secretary Stan Noffsinger. "If it causes some unrest, then praise God for its success, because this is an issue for every one of us."
The pastoral letter is available online in both English and Spanish (go to www.brethren.org/genbd/clm/clt/index.html).
--Todd Flory is a Brethren Volunteer Service worker in the BVS office in Elgin, Ill. Previously he served as a legislative associate at the Brethren Witness/Washington Office.
Source: 11/3/2006 Newsline
By Todd Flory
In the waning light of a congressional session that featured immigration as its top domestic issue, and a strict border enforcement bill authorizing funding for a 700-mile fence between the US and Mexico, the General Board has issued a pastoral letter on welcoming the stranger.
"In the midst of debating economic and political issues, we who follow Jesus are called to speak out on behalf of those who live, work, worship, and reside among us without legal protections. More than that, we are to love them," the letter said.
"My intent for bringing up the paper was not to resolve the political issues...but to ask as we think about these issues, What does the Bible say about this issue and how does that affect our decision making?" said Duane Grady. He and Carol Yeazell, both on the Congregational Life Teams staff, presented the paper as a result of receiving letters from church members about the issue and hearing requests for the General Board to issue a statement regarding immigration for pastoral and congregational use.
The letter will be sent to congregations to help guide understanding and dialogue among church members and congregations. It also will be used by the Brethren Witness/Washington Office and shared with the National Council of Churches and Church World Service.
While the general focus of the letter's first draft was well received by the board, some members thought additional work was needed. "I'm glad you brought it up but it needs to be clearer," said board member Frank Ramirez, acknowledging the vast political complexities of the issue.
After a small ad hoc group rewrote the letter, it was revisited by the board and adopted.
The letter encourages Church of the Brethren members to be in conversation about immigration issues and to love neighbors as all people are loved equally in the eyes of God, even if they are labeled as "aliens," "illegal," or "undocumented." Among scriptural passages, Leviticus 19 was referenced highlighting God's call to make sure that strangers in our midst have food to feed their families. The passage reminds the people of Israel that they had been aliens in Egypt, and to deal justly with foreigners. The 1982 Annual Conference statement on undocumented persons and refugees also was lifted up as a helpful resource for addressing the immigration issue.
"I think it's an issue that's really relevant today," said general secretary Stan Noffsinger. "If it causes some unrest, then praise God for its success, because this is an issue for every one of us."
The pastoral letter is available online in both English and Spanish (go to www.brethren.org/genbd/clm/clt/index.html).
--Todd Flory is a Brethren Volunteer Service worker in the BVS office in Elgin, Ill. Previously he served as a legislative associate at the Brethren Witness/Washington Office.
Source: 11/3/2006 Newsline
Mission visit to southern Sudan receives a warm welcome.
A visit to southern Sudan to explore opportunities for Brethren mission work there has received a warm welcome from church leaders and others, reported Bradley Bohrer, who began in September as director of the Sudan mission.
The delegation that returned Oct. 4 from the four-day trip included Bohrer; Louise Baldwin Rieman, a former mission worker in Sudan; and Merv Keeney, the board's executive director for Global Mission Partnerships. The group spent time in Nairobi, Kenya, and Rumbek, southern Sudan, visiting with officials of the New Sudan Council of Churches, various churches, local government offices, and assistance organizations. The Brethren met with possible partners for the mission--an initiative approved by the General Board one year ago--and identified locations that may be options for placing mission workers.
Bohrer described the mission in southern Sudan as two-fold--seeking to help rebuild and heal the community after years of war, and also to form churches. He highlighted the great amount of work needed just to rebuild the infrastructure of southern Sudan, an area he described as almost as large as the area of the southern states in the US. It has been virtually destroyed by the country's civil war, he said. There are few schools, few wells, few paved roads, and no real health care for most people. The delegation saw signs of war everywhere, including shot-up churches, destroyed buildings, bomb shelters--now being used for other purposes since last year's peace accord--and areas that cannot be farmed because of land mines.
On the other hand, Bohrer said, the south of Sudan is a land of potential, with resources in abundance and the people desiring to live in peace as they rebuild. "The people spoke of hope and of future, even in the midst of disrupted lives."
The southern Sudanese and their church leaders are welcoming the Church of the Brethren mission, Bohrer said. "It's important to remember that we've been in Sudan since 1980," he said. At least 16 Brethren mission workers have served in Sudan since 1980, and the board has also supported three staff of the New Sudan Council of Churches.
"We need to enter this work to walk alongside, not to lord over, because we will find the answers alongside the Sudanese," Bohrer said. "We are not starting the work of Jesus Christ in Sudan," he added. "The gospel work is happening there. We are going to go into the setting to find our place there."
This trip enabled the Brethren to reconnect with church partners, Bohrer said, and will help staff decide where to place mission workers. A rough timeline outlined to the board includes the hiring and placement of the first mission workers by next spring. An initial team of two couples or families will continue to be in conversation with Sudanese partners to help develop the mission. An Advisory Council also will be created to help with communication and development of the mission.
Bohrer noted that timing is an important consideration related to the peace process in Sudan. The Comprehensive Peace Accord includes a provision that in 2011 the South hold a referendum to determine if it will become an independent country, or stay as part of one country with the North. This may affect the Brethren mission effort.
Mission workers to Sudan will help raise their own financial support. Bohrer called it a "new/old" model, offering congregations and others the opportunity to directly support a mission worker and family, while continuing to include the mission and its staff in the structure and organization of the General Board. Congregations and church members will be called on to support mission workers both financially and in less tangible ways by means of prayer and regular communication such as letters, care packages, and notes. Prayer cards will be sent to congregations and members as reminders to keep mission workers in prayer.
Bohrer acknowledged that the Brethren will be able to tackle only a small portion of the work needed in southern Sudan. "The work in Sudan is enormous," and is more than any one denomination can do, but recalling Jesus' parable of the effects of yeast on bread, he added, "we're potentially going to have a strong impact on part of it."
The church in the US also needs to be prepared to be changed through this mission, Bohrer said. He called on the church to make itself ready for the journey with Sudan, "no matter how long and how hard this journey becomes, because it has the potential to be more difficult... We're going to learn what it means to be faithful in a place of violence and uncertainty."
For an online report of the trip go to www.brethren.org/genbd/global_mission/Sudan/index.htm.
Source: 11/3/2006 Newsline
A visit to southern Sudan to explore opportunities for Brethren mission work there has received a warm welcome from church leaders and others, reported Bradley Bohrer, who began in September as director of the Sudan mission.
The delegation that returned Oct. 4 from the four-day trip included Bohrer; Louise Baldwin Rieman, a former mission worker in Sudan; and Merv Keeney, the board's executive director for Global Mission Partnerships. The group spent time in Nairobi, Kenya, and Rumbek, southern Sudan, visiting with officials of the New Sudan Council of Churches, various churches, local government offices, and assistance organizations. The Brethren met with possible partners for the mission--an initiative approved by the General Board one year ago--and identified locations that may be options for placing mission workers.
Bohrer described the mission in southern Sudan as two-fold--seeking to help rebuild and heal the community after years of war, and also to form churches. He highlighted the great amount of work needed just to rebuild the infrastructure of southern Sudan, an area he described as almost as large as the area of the southern states in the US. It has been virtually destroyed by the country's civil war, he said. There are few schools, few wells, few paved roads, and no real health care for most people. The delegation saw signs of war everywhere, including shot-up churches, destroyed buildings, bomb shelters--now being used for other purposes since last year's peace accord--and areas that cannot be farmed because of land mines.
On the other hand, Bohrer said, the south of Sudan is a land of potential, with resources in abundance and the people desiring to live in peace as they rebuild. "The people spoke of hope and of future, even in the midst of disrupted lives."
The southern Sudanese and their church leaders are welcoming the Church of the Brethren mission, Bohrer said. "It's important to remember that we've been in Sudan since 1980," he said. At least 16 Brethren mission workers have served in Sudan since 1980, and the board has also supported three staff of the New Sudan Council of Churches.
"We need to enter this work to walk alongside, not to lord over, because we will find the answers alongside the Sudanese," Bohrer said. "We are not starting the work of Jesus Christ in Sudan," he added. "The gospel work is happening there. We are going to go into the setting to find our place there."
This trip enabled the Brethren to reconnect with church partners, Bohrer said, and will help staff decide where to place mission workers. A rough timeline outlined to the board includes the hiring and placement of the first mission workers by next spring. An initial team of two couples or families will continue to be in conversation with Sudanese partners to help develop the mission. An Advisory Council also will be created to help with communication and development of the mission.
Bohrer noted that timing is an important consideration related to the peace process in Sudan. The Comprehensive Peace Accord includes a provision that in 2011 the South hold a referendum to determine if it will become an independent country, or stay as part of one country with the North. This may affect the Brethren mission effort.
Mission workers to Sudan will help raise their own financial support. Bohrer called it a "new/old" model, offering congregations and others the opportunity to directly support a mission worker and family, while continuing to include the mission and its staff in the structure and organization of the General Board. Congregations and church members will be called on to support mission workers both financially and in less tangible ways by means of prayer and regular communication such as letters, care packages, and notes. Prayer cards will be sent to congregations and members as reminders to keep mission workers in prayer.
Bohrer acknowledged that the Brethren will be able to tackle only a small portion of the work needed in southern Sudan. "The work in Sudan is enormous," and is more than any one denomination can do, but recalling Jesus' parable of the effects of yeast on bread, he added, "we're potentially going to have a strong impact on part of it."
The church in the US also needs to be prepared to be changed through this mission, Bohrer said. He called on the church to make itself ready for the journey with Sudan, "no matter how long and how hard this journey becomes, because it has the potential to be more difficult... We're going to learn what it means to be faithful in a place of violence and uncertainty."
For an online report of the trip go to www.brethren.org/genbd/global_mission/Sudan/index.htm.
Source: 11/3/2006 Newsline
Credits
Newsline is produced by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of news services for the Church of the Brethren General Board. Contact the editor at cobnews@brethren.org or 800-323-8039 ext. 260.
Newsline is produced by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of news services for the Church of the Brethren General Board. Contact the editor at cobnews@brethren.org or 800-323-8039 ext. 260.
Wednesday, October 25, 2006
NEWS
- Trust is created to help preserve John Kline homestead.
- Brethren Volunteer Service Unit 272 begins work.
- Atlantic Northeast District Conference meets on ‘Together’ theme.
- MAX supports denominational wellness ministry.
- Colorado Brethren and Mennonite youth join for retreat.
- Brethren bits: Remembrances, personnel, job openings, and more.
Trust is created to help preserve John Kline homestead.
A John Kline Homestead Preservation Trust has been created in hopes of preserving the home of Elder John Kline, a leader of the Brethren during the Civil War. The trust's steering committee is holding a meeting Nov. 11 at 2 p.m. at nearby Linville Creek Church of the Brethren in Broadway, Va., to determine whether there is widespread interest among the Brethren to preserve the homestead.
The historic home has recently become available for purchase. The home was owned and occupied by a Mennonite family for seven generations, and now the family proposes to sell the property, according to a letter from the temporary steering committee.
Local Brethren leaders have formed the trust to consider plans for preserving the remaining 10 acres of the original John Kline farm, according to Linville Creek pastor Paul Roth. They have extended their right of first refusal to a Mennonite financial institution (Park View Federal Credit Union) of Harrisonburg, Va., as an initial effort to keep the property from being sold to developers.
At the Nov. 11 gathering, the agreement with the credit union to purchase some four acres of the homestead--including the 1822 house, spring house/summer kitchen, smoke house, and carriage house--on behalf of the Brethren will be shared. The credit union plans to construct a branch office on an acre of the southwest corner of the land in future years. The remaining five-plus acres will be negotiated for purchase at a later time, Roth said.
A video of the house and property will be shown at the meeting, along with a PowerPoint presentation. Those who attend will be invited to make contributions to purchase the property from the credit union and to establish an endowment to develop the site as a John Kline interpretive center. The local Brethren also will seek counsel for developing a founding board of directors and envisioning further preservation of and programming on the site, Roth said. Following the meeting there will be opportunity to visit the John Kline homestead.
"This is a blessed opportunity to preserve the Elder John Kline house from likely destruction for development. The time is urgent!" read the letter of invitation.
The home was built in 1822 as the first home of Elder John and Anna Wampler Kline. It also served as one of the three original meetinghouses of Linville Creek church. "From here Elder Kline embarked on missionary journeys to western Virginia, facilitated the 1837 Annual Meeting at nearby Linville Creek Church (erected on land he donated), traveled to Brethren congregations as Annual Meeting Moderator during the Civil War, and only a few miles from where he was assassinated in 1864. This is indeed a very rich landmark of our shared heritage," the letter said.
Brethren living in the Shenandoah Valley who are working as the temporary steering committee along with Roth are Robert E. Alley, pastor of Bridgewater (Va.) Church of the Brethren; John W. Flora, an attorney; W. Wallace Hatcher, a retired businessman; Rebecca Hunter, a businesswoman; Stephen L. Longenecker, department chair for history and political science at Bridgewater College; Phillip C. Stone Sr., president of Bridgewater College; and Dale V. Ulrich, secretary of the Brethren Encyclopedia Board and a retired college administrator.
For more information contact Roth at 540-896-5001 or proth@bridgewater.edu.
Source: 10/25/2006 Newsline
A John Kline Homestead Preservation Trust has been created in hopes of preserving the home of Elder John Kline, a leader of the Brethren during the Civil War. The trust's steering committee is holding a meeting Nov. 11 at 2 p.m. at nearby Linville Creek Church of the Brethren in Broadway, Va., to determine whether there is widespread interest among the Brethren to preserve the homestead.
The historic home has recently become available for purchase. The home was owned and occupied by a Mennonite family for seven generations, and now the family proposes to sell the property, according to a letter from the temporary steering committee.
Local Brethren leaders have formed the trust to consider plans for preserving the remaining 10 acres of the original John Kline farm, according to Linville Creek pastor Paul Roth. They have extended their right of first refusal to a Mennonite financial institution (Park View Federal Credit Union) of Harrisonburg, Va., as an initial effort to keep the property from being sold to developers.
At the Nov. 11 gathering, the agreement with the credit union to purchase some four acres of the homestead--including the 1822 house, spring house/summer kitchen, smoke house, and carriage house--on behalf of the Brethren will be shared. The credit union plans to construct a branch office on an acre of the southwest corner of the land in future years. The remaining five-plus acres will be negotiated for purchase at a later time, Roth said.
A video of the house and property will be shown at the meeting, along with a PowerPoint presentation. Those who attend will be invited to make contributions to purchase the property from the credit union and to establish an endowment to develop the site as a John Kline interpretive center. The local Brethren also will seek counsel for developing a founding board of directors and envisioning further preservation of and programming on the site, Roth said. Following the meeting there will be opportunity to visit the John Kline homestead.
"This is a blessed opportunity to preserve the Elder John Kline house from likely destruction for development. The time is urgent!" read the letter of invitation.
The home was built in 1822 as the first home of Elder John and Anna Wampler Kline. It also served as one of the three original meetinghouses of Linville Creek church. "From here Elder Kline embarked on missionary journeys to western Virginia, facilitated the 1837 Annual Meeting at nearby Linville Creek Church (erected on land he donated), traveled to Brethren congregations as Annual Meeting Moderator during the Civil War, and only a few miles from where he was assassinated in 1864. This is indeed a very rich landmark of our shared heritage," the letter said.
Brethren living in the Shenandoah Valley who are working as the temporary steering committee along with Roth are Robert E. Alley, pastor of Bridgewater (Va.) Church of the Brethren; John W. Flora, an attorney; W. Wallace Hatcher, a retired businessman; Rebecca Hunter, a businesswoman; Stephen L. Longenecker, department chair for history and political science at Bridgewater College; Phillip C. Stone Sr., president of Bridgewater College; and Dale V. Ulrich, secretary of the Brethren Encyclopedia Board and a retired college administrator.
For more information contact Roth at 540-896-5001 or proth@bridgewater.edu.
Source: 10/25/2006 Newsline
Brethren Volunteer Service Unit 272 begins work.
Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS) Unit 272 has begun its term of service. The group included 19 volunteers. "As always your prayer support is greatly appreciated," said Hannah Kliewer, of the BVS office. "Please think of the unit and the people they will touch during their year of service."
Following are the volunteers names, hometowns or home congregations, and BVS placements:
Travis Beam of Living Faith Fellowship Church of the Brethren in Concord, N.C., serves with the Youth and Young Adult Ministries of the Church of the Brethren General Board in Elgin, Ill.; Megan Carter of Sacramento, Calif., goes to Quaker Cottage in Belfast, Northern Ireland; Cristina Detwiler of Union Center Church of the Brethren in Nappanee, Ind., is serving at the Palms Retirement Community in Sebring, Fla.; Daniel Fryman of West Milton (Ohio) Church of the Brethren, is working for District IV Human Resources Development Council in Havre, Mont.; Lucy Gardner of Moscow Church of the Brethren in Broadway, Va., also is going to District IV Human Resources Development Council; Athena Gibble of Codorus Church of the Brethren in York, Pa., will serve with the Church of the Brethren in Brazil, her interim placement is at the Meeting Ground in Elkton, Md.; Daniel Haenel of Loessnitz, Germany, is going to Su Casa Catholic Worker in Chicago; Kelsey Hollinger of West Green Tree Church of the Brethren in Marietta, Pa., is working at Friendship Day Care in Hutchinson, Kan.
Rachel McFadden of Manchester Church of the Brethren in North Manchester, Ind., also works for the Youth and Young Adult Ministries of the General Board; Andrew Miller of Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren in Elgin, Ill., is going to Camp Brethren Woods in Keezletown, Va.; Marni O'Brien of Newton, Mass., serves with the Totonicapan project in Guatemala; Lukas Palm of Ulm, Germany, works for Comfort House Services in McAllen, Texas; Amy Rhodes of Central Church of the Brethren in Roanoke, Va., also is serving with the Youth and Young Adult Ministries of the General Board; Skylar Rising of First Church of the Brethren in Litchfield, Ohio, serves at the San Antonio (Texas) Catholic Worker; Nathanael Schwarz of Trier, Germany, is going to Innisfree Village in Crozet, Va.; Nora Schwilk of Ulm, Germany, is serving with Gould Farm in Monterey, Mass.; Friedrich Sulk of Hoyerswerda, Germany, also goes to the Meeting Ground; Peter Trabert of Lincoln, Neb., will work for Brot und Rosen in Hamburg, Germany; Matthew Yelton of Melvin Hill Church of the Brethren in Columbus, N.C., will work with Camp Bethel in Fincastle, Va.
The New Windsor (Md.) Conference Center hosted the group's orientation from Sept. 24-Oct. 13. While in Maryland, the volunteers had several days to serve the community including a work day at the Brethren Service Center and A Greater Gift/SERRV. During a weekend immersion experience in Baltimore, the group stayed at a homeless men's shelter and participated in work days at Jonah House and local soup kitchens and resource centers for the homeless population. The group also explored many issues of faith, community, peace, and social justice throughout the three week orientation.
For more information about BVS contact the office at 800-323-8039 or visit www.brethrenvolunteerservice.org.
Source: 10/25/2006 Newsline
Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS) Unit 272 has begun its term of service. The group included 19 volunteers. "As always your prayer support is greatly appreciated," said Hannah Kliewer, of the BVS office. "Please think of the unit and the people they will touch during their year of service."
Following are the volunteers names, hometowns or home congregations, and BVS placements:
Travis Beam of Living Faith Fellowship Church of the Brethren in Concord, N.C., serves with the Youth and Young Adult Ministries of the Church of the Brethren General Board in Elgin, Ill.; Megan Carter of Sacramento, Calif., goes to Quaker Cottage in Belfast, Northern Ireland; Cristina Detwiler of Union Center Church of the Brethren in Nappanee, Ind., is serving at the Palms Retirement Community in Sebring, Fla.; Daniel Fryman of West Milton (Ohio) Church of the Brethren, is working for District IV Human Resources Development Council in Havre, Mont.; Lucy Gardner of Moscow Church of the Brethren in Broadway, Va., also is going to District IV Human Resources Development Council; Athena Gibble of Codorus Church of the Brethren in York, Pa., will serve with the Church of the Brethren in Brazil, her interim placement is at the Meeting Ground in Elkton, Md.; Daniel Haenel of Loessnitz, Germany, is going to Su Casa Catholic Worker in Chicago; Kelsey Hollinger of West Green Tree Church of the Brethren in Marietta, Pa., is working at Friendship Day Care in Hutchinson, Kan.
Rachel McFadden of Manchester Church of the Brethren in North Manchester, Ind., also works for the Youth and Young Adult Ministries of the General Board; Andrew Miller of Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren in Elgin, Ill., is going to Camp Brethren Woods in Keezletown, Va.; Marni O'Brien of Newton, Mass., serves with the Totonicapan project in Guatemala; Lukas Palm of Ulm, Germany, works for Comfort House Services in McAllen, Texas; Amy Rhodes of Central Church of the Brethren in Roanoke, Va., also is serving with the Youth and Young Adult Ministries of the General Board; Skylar Rising of First Church of the Brethren in Litchfield, Ohio, serves at the San Antonio (Texas) Catholic Worker; Nathanael Schwarz of Trier, Germany, is going to Innisfree Village in Crozet, Va.; Nora Schwilk of Ulm, Germany, is serving with Gould Farm in Monterey, Mass.; Friedrich Sulk of Hoyerswerda, Germany, also goes to the Meeting Ground; Peter Trabert of Lincoln, Neb., will work for Brot und Rosen in Hamburg, Germany; Matthew Yelton of Melvin Hill Church of the Brethren in Columbus, N.C., will work with Camp Bethel in Fincastle, Va.
The New Windsor (Md.) Conference Center hosted the group's orientation from Sept. 24-Oct. 13. While in Maryland, the volunteers had several days to serve the community including a work day at the Brethren Service Center and A Greater Gift/SERRV. During a weekend immersion experience in Baltimore, the group stayed at a homeless men's shelter and participated in work days at Jonah House and local soup kitchens and resource centers for the homeless population. The group also explored many issues of faith, community, peace, and social justice throughout the three week orientation.
For more information about BVS contact the office at 800-323-8039 or visit www.brethrenvolunteerservice.org.
Source: 10/25/2006 Newsline
Atlantic Northeast District Conference meets on 'Together' theme.
Atlantic Northeast District held its 2006 conference Oct. 13-14 in Leffler Chapel at Elizabethtown (Pa.) College. Wendi Butterfoss of Florin Church of the Brethren in Mount Joy, Pa., served as moderator. The theme was "Together," with the scripture reference 1 John 4:21, "The commandment we have from him is this: those who love God must love their brothers and sisters also." Doris Frysinger provided this report.
Friday evening was an inspirational time of worship and praise. Pastor Robert Kettering of Lititz (Pa.) Church of the Brethren shared three mini-sermons, interspersed with skits that reinforced the three themes, "Together with God," "Together with Other Christians," and "Together with the World." Wayne Eberly, Enos Heisey, Donald Rummel, and Levi Ziegler were each recognized for their 50 years in ordained ministry. An offering of $2,537.50 will be divided equally between the Mission Church Support Fund and the District Ministries.
Butterfoss led delegates in approval of a slate of nominees and a 2007 budget of $623,291, in addition to receiving a variety of reports. District leaders were recognized, with new leaders in the district during the last year introduced. Newly licensed ministers, recently ordained ministers, and pastors serving new congregations were showcased in a power point display. A report from the Turn Around Task Team generated much discussion about the current and future state of the church.
Source: 10/25/2006 Newsline
Atlantic Northeast District held its 2006 conference Oct. 13-14 in Leffler Chapel at Elizabethtown (Pa.) College. Wendi Butterfoss of Florin Church of the Brethren in Mount Joy, Pa., served as moderator. The theme was "Together," with the scripture reference 1 John 4:21, "The commandment we have from him is this: those who love God must love their brothers and sisters also." Doris Frysinger provided this report.
Friday evening was an inspirational time of worship and praise. Pastor Robert Kettering of Lititz (Pa.) Church of the Brethren shared three mini-sermons, interspersed with skits that reinforced the three themes, "Together with God," "Together with Other Christians," and "Together with the World." Wayne Eberly, Enos Heisey, Donald Rummel, and Levi Ziegler were each recognized for their 50 years in ordained ministry. An offering of $2,537.50 will be divided equally between the Mission Church Support Fund and the District Ministries.
Butterfoss led delegates in approval of a slate of nominees and a 2007 budget of $623,291, in addition to receiving a variety of reports. District leaders were recognized, with new leaders in the district during the last year introduced. Newly licensed ministers, recently ordained ministers, and pastors serving new congregations were showcased in a power point display. A report from the Turn Around Task Team generated much discussion about the current and future state of the church.
Source: 10/25/2006 Newsline
MAX supports denominational wellness ministry.
MAX Mutual Aid eXchange of Overland Park, Kan., has donated funds to support the denominational Wellness Ministry of the Association of Brethren Caregivers (ABC) in 2006, and is increasing its donation to the Wellness Ministry in 2007. The Wellness Ministry is a collaboration between ABC, Brethren Benefit Trust, and the Church of the Brethren General Board.
Supporting the Wellness Ministry follows MAX's vision of "creating and sustaining wholeness through preserving and restoring property, lives, and community," stated a release from the company.
"We greatly appreciate the funding provided through MAX, which will help us create resources, workshops, and programs about health and well-being for Church of the Brethren congregations," said Mary Lou Garrison, director of the Wellness Ministry.
MAX also sponsored the morning theological presentations provided by Dena Pence Frantz during the National Older Adult Conference sponsored by ABC. Founded in 2001, MAX provides casualty and property insurance for individuals, congregations, and corporations.
Source: 10/25/2006 Newsline
MAX Mutual Aid eXchange of Overland Park, Kan., has donated funds to support the denominational Wellness Ministry of the Association of Brethren Caregivers (ABC) in 2006, and is increasing its donation to the Wellness Ministry in 2007. The Wellness Ministry is a collaboration between ABC, Brethren Benefit Trust, and the Church of the Brethren General Board.
Supporting the Wellness Ministry follows MAX's vision of "creating and sustaining wholeness through preserving and restoring property, lives, and community," stated a release from the company.
"We greatly appreciate the funding provided through MAX, which will help us create resources, workshops, and programs about health and well-being for Church of the Brethren congregations," said Mary Lou Garrison, director of the Wellness Ministry.
MAX also sponsored the morning theological presentations provided by Dena Pence Frantz during the National Older Adult Conference sponsored by ABC. Founded in 2001, MAX provides casualty and property insurance for individuals, congregations, and corporations.
Source: 10/25/2006 Newsline
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)