Grants support DR community development, Katrina relief.
Four grants totaling $95,000 are supporting community development in the Dominican Republic and continuing relief efforts following Hurricane Katrina. The grants have been given by two funds of the Church of the Brethren General Board: the Global Food Crisis Fund and the Emergency Disaster Fund.
An allocation of $30,000 from the Global Food Crisis Fund will fund the Church of the Brethren’s Community Development Program in the Dominican Republic for the year 2007.
Three grants from the Emergency Disaster Fund continue support of Hurricane Katrina relief efforts: $25,000 continues to fund the work of rebuilding by Brethren Disaster Ministries in Pearl River, La., and will be used specifically for tools and materials and to feed, house, transport, and support volunteers; $17,000 continues funding for a rebuilding site in McComb, Miss., providing travel expenses, leadership training, tools, and equipment; $23,000 continues to fund the Children’s Disaster Services Program in New Orleans, providing child care assistance at the request of FEMA, and supporting volunteer travel, food, housing, and training.
In other disaster relief news, the Katrina rebuilding projects are calling for volunteers. "As we approach the second anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, literally thousands of Louisiana residents still await assistance," said an announcement from Brethren Disaster Ministries. The ministry is particularly calling for more volunteers to work at two rebuilding sites in Louisiana: Pearl River and Chalmette. There are three "open" weeks when volunteers are needed: Aug. 26-Sept. 1 in Pearl River, and Aug. 19-25 and Sept. 2-8 in Chalmette. Volunteers are invited to call their district disaster coordinator, or to contact Brethren Disaster Ministries at 800-451-4407.
Brethren Disaster Ministries also has received a request from Church World Service (CWS) for donations of School Kits. "We're approaching an excellent time of year when components are often on sale as students head back to school," said CWS. The kits are stored at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md., and shipped to disaster sites in the US and around the world. CWS has announced some revisions to the list of supplies for the kits, go to www.churchworldservice.org/kits/school-kits.html for the updated list and shipping instructions.
Source: 8/1/2007 Newsline
Wednesday, August 01, 2007
ABC encourages support of SCHIP reauthorization.
The Association of Brethren Caregivers (ABC) is encouraging Church of the Brethren members and congregations to support the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) by contacting their congressional representatives and asking them to reauthorize the program before its Sept. 30 deadline. ABC is an agency providing publications and educational and faith opportunities that encourage the church to do caring ministries as the work of Jesus Christ.
With both houses of Congress approving bills to reauthorize and expand the program, legislators must now merge the bills before the Sept. 30 expiration. In 1997, Congress created SCHIP to provide insurance for children whose parents work but cannot afford health insurance. Today, 46 million people live in the US without adequate health insurance, and 9 million of those are children. Many legislators and organizations are calling for the SCHIP program to expand and include more recipients, which means increasing its funding. This week, the House and Senate both passed bipartisan bills with differing funding levels in support of SCHIP. President Bush indicated in May that he would veto any bill that expands the program.
ABC is calling attention to an update from the Children’s Defense Fund that highlights some differences in the bills, while encouraging those in support of SCHIP to contact their representatives. Links to the Children’s Defense Fund and others providing programs and resources about SCHIP are available at www.brethren-caregivers.org.
In April, both ABC and the Church of the Brethren General Board signed up to support the All Healthy Children Act with the Children’s Defense Fund. For the last four years, ABC also has been a partner organization to promote the Cover the Uninsured and "Covering Kids and Families" programs of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.
Contact senators and representatives by calling 888-226-0627 or at their home offices during the August break.
Source: 8/1/2007 Newsline
The Association of Brethren Caregivers (ABC) is encouraging Church of the Brethren members and congregations to support the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) by contacting their congressional representatives and asking them to reauthorize the program before its Sept. 30 deadline. ABC is an agency providing publications and educational and faith opportunities that encourage the church to do caring ministries as the work of Jesus Christ.
With both houses of Congress approving bills to reauthorize and expand the program, legislators must now merge the bills before the Sept. 30 expiration. In 1997, Congress created SCHIP to provide insurance for children whose parents work but cannot afford health insurance. Today, 46 million people live in the US without adequate health insurance, and 9 million of those are children. Many legislators and organizations are calling for the SCHIP program to expand and include more recipients, which means increasing its funding. This week, the House and Senate both passed bipartisan bills with differing funding levels in support of SCHIP. President Bush indicated in May that he would veto any bill that expands the program.
ABC is calling attention to an update from the Children’s Defense Fund that highlights some differences in the bills, while encouraging those in support of SCHIP to contact their representatives. Links to the Children’s Defense Fund and others providing programs and resources about SCHIP are available at www.brethren-caregivers.org.
In April, both ABC and the Church of the Brethren General Board signed up to support the All Healthy Children Act with the Children’s Defense Fund. For the last four years, ABC also has been a partner organization to promote the Cover the Uninsured and "Covering Kids and Families" programs of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.
Contact senators and representatives by calling 888-226-0627 or at their home offices during the August break.
Source: 8/1/2007 Newsline
Brethren bits: Personnel, job openings, Annual Conference, more.
- Brandy Fix Liepelt and Paul Liepelt, who have been mission workers in Nigeria with the Global Mission Partnerships of the Church of the Brethren General Board, completed their term of service on Aug. 3. They taught Bible and Christian doctrine at Kulp Bible College, a major training institution for the church leadership of Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria (EYN--the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria). The college has an enrollment of approximately 200 students and is located at EYN Headquarters near Mubi. Paul Liepelt began his term of service in July 2004. Brandy Fix Liepelt began her term of service in July 2005. The couple, who married in Nigeria, plan to make their home in Everett, Pa.
- Rose Ingold has begun a temporary position as information services assistant for the Church of the Brethren General Board in Elgin, Ill. She began in the position on July 23. She will assist with setting up office procedures, scheduling, creation of training documents, and other administrative functions. Previously, Ingold served as Conference assistant for the Annual Conference Office.
- The Church of the Brethren General Board seeks an executive director of Congregational Life Ministries, to fill a fulltime position located at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill. Responsibilities include seeking to discern the needs of the larger church; articulating the vision of the General Board through collaborative work with districts and congregations, in conjunction with General Board staff; developing a plan of oversight and assisting the three units within Congregational Life Ministries including the Congregational Life Team coordinators, workcamps, and the Youth and Young Adult Ministry; overseeing networking and training for church plants and coaching for new church development; providing executive leadership and management of centralized and deployed staff. Qualifications and requirements include a Master of Divinity degree; active Church of the Brethren membership; five years of experience in work with congregational life, program development, mentoring, supervision, team development, and administrative work; current ordination in the Church of the Brethren; a minimum of 10 years of pastoral ministry; and interest areas of church renewal, revitalization, evangelism, youth, and young adult ministries. Starting date is Nov. 1, or as negotiated. Applications will be received through Aug. 31. Interviews will take place at the General Offices in Elgin, Ill., in September and October. A position description and application form are available on request. Qualified candidates are invited to complete the General Board application form, submit a resume and letter of application, and request three references to send letters of recommendation to the Office of Human Resources, Church of the Brethren General Board, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120-1694; 800-323-8039 ext. 258; kkrog_gb@brethren.org.
- The Church of the Brethren General Board seeks a program assistant for its Global Mission Partnerships. The position supports and extends the ministry of Global Mission Partnerships by providing administrative and secretarial functions for the international mission operations of the denomination. Responsibilities include administrative coordination and support for the office of the executive director for Global Mission Partnerships, responsibilities for unit-wide organizational functions, facilitation of financial processes, arranging travel for individuals and groups, and facilitation of personnel processes and documentation. Required skills and knowledge include communication skills in English, both verbal and written; skills in computer applications, particularly Word, with the capability and willingness to learn new software applications; ability to problem solve; good judgment in prioritizing tasks; knowledge of basic financial processes; organizational skills, ability to work with details and simultaneous tasks; three-to-five years of administrative or secretarial experience; some college education preferred. The application deadline is Aug. 10. Request a copy of the position description and application form from the Office of Human Resources, Church of the Brethren General Board, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120-1694; 800-323-8039 ext. 258; kkrog_gb@brethren.org.
- McPherson (Kan.) College is seeking an outgoing, organized, energetic, self-motivated person who will serve as executive director of Development. This position reports to the vice president of Advancement. The executive director will plan and carry out fundraising events, meet with existing and new constituents to solicit funds, should be able to lead a team, have good relationship building skills, and understand the benefits of a small-college education. This position involves travel, salary is flexible. A Bachelor’s degree is required. Send a cover letter, resume, and references to Lisa Easter, Human Resources, P.O. Box 1402, McPherson, KS 67460; or e-mail easterl@mcpherson.edu. No phone calls please. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. EOE.
- Final blood collection results at the 2007 Annual Conference have been announced: a total of 187 units of blood were collected at the Conference in Cleveland, Ohio. "The Red Cross informs us that this tremendous result will sustain the life of 561 patients needing whole blood or blood products," said Annual Conference executive director Lerry Fogle. "On behalf of the American Red Cross, thanks to each person who donated blood at Annual Conference."
- A reminder to ministers who attended sessions qualifying for continuing education credit sponsored by Congregational Life Ministries at Annual Conference: please send stamped name tag with mailing address to Joy Willrett, Church of the Brethren General Board, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120. Call 800-323-8039 ext. 208 for more information.
- The National Youth Cabinet of the Church of the Brethren met at the General Offices in Elgin, Ill., on Aug. 1-3. The group spent three days focusing on the national youth program, selecting a 2008 Youth Ministry Theme, and developing resources for the next National Youth Sunday scheduled for May 4, 2008. Cabinet members are Seth Keller of Dover, Pa.; Heather Popielzarz of Prescott, Mich.; Turner Ritchie of Richmond, Ind.; Joel Rhodes of Huntingdon, Pa.; Elizabeth Willis of Tryon, N.C.; Tricia Ziegler of Sebring, Fla.; adult advisor Dena Gilbert of La Verne, Calif.; and Chris Douglas, director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry.
- Dates have been announced for the next Song and Story Fest: July 6-12, 2008, at Camp Brethren Woods in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. Ken Kline Smeltzer is the founder and dean of the week-long music and story-telling camp. For several years On Earth Peace has been the organizational sponsor. The 2007 Song and Story Fest attracted more than 130 people to Camp Inspiration Hills in northern Ohio, this past June.
- First Church of the Brethren in Rocky Mount, Va., is celebrating 50 years of service and ministry as a congregation on Sunday, Aug. 12.
- A service of dedication for the property of a new church start in Virlina District--Lake Side Church of the Brethren Project--will be held on Sunday Aug. 26, at 6:30 p.m.
- Nappanee (Ind.) Church of the Brethren awarded its "Waging Peace" Scholarship to Christina Prochna of Northwood High School. The church worked with the school’s "Dollars for Scholars" committee to award the scholarship. The committee chose Prochna for her positive role model, random acts of kindness, and positive influence in the community.
- A cookbook compiled by members of Mount Zion Road Church of the Brethren in Lebanon, Pa., is a fundraiser for a multi-purpose room for the church, according to an article in "Lancaster Farming." Roxanne Molnar, former employee of the Pennsylvania Beef Council, is coordinating the cookbook along with a committee of women from the church. The committee hopes the cookbook also will be a tool to tell others about Jesus, Molnar said. The cookbook includes intriguing recipes such as "Elvis Presley’s Favorite Banana Pudding." For more information contact Mount Zion Church of the Brethren, 2087 Mount Zion Rd., Lebanon, PA 17046.
- Districts holding their conferences this month are Michigan District on Aug. 9-12 at Hastings, Mich.; and Northern Plains on Aug. 3-4 at South Waterloo (Iowa) Church of the Brethren. The month of July also saw several district conferences: Northern Ohio on July 27-29 at Ashland (Ohio) University; Southeastern on July 27-29 at Mars Hill, N.C.; Southern Plains on July 26-27 at Clovis, N.M.; and Western Plains on July 27-29 at McPherson (Kan.) Church of the Brethren.
- Manchester College anticipates 350 new students this fall, a 13 percent increase in class size. Manchester is on pace to enroll its largest first-year class in more than 15 years. An intense campus-wide focus on enrollment, and restructuring of the admissions team, appears to be paying off for the college, according to a recent release. The 119th year of the college in North Manchester, Ind., begins Aug. 29. For more go to www.manchester.edu.
- IMA (Interchurch Medical Assistance) World Health has been invited by the World Bank to participate in meetings in southern Sudan with bank officials and the ministry of health. The Church of the Brethren is one of the denominational members of IMA. Charles Franzen, IMA's international grants manager, will travel to southern Sudan to meet with officials and negotiate financial terms for two proposals to be funded by the bank's Multi-Donor Trust Fund. The projects will provide a basic package of health services in two states, Upper Nile and Jonglei. In related news, IMA also has been working on a Sudanese Physician Reintegration Program, jointly implemented with Samaritan's Purse and the Capacity Project. The program is helping 15 Sudanese-born doctors return to their homeland after a 20-year absence. As teenagers, the doctors were transported out of southern Sudan to get an education. Ongoing civil unrest prevented their return. The program has given the doctors a refresher course to prepare them for practicing medicine in their home country and help to get them reintegrated into southern Sudan. IMA reports that southern Sudan currently has about 50 doctors for 10 million people.
- "Peacemaker Congress IX--Tearing Down Walls, Restoring Communities" will be held Sept. 20-23 in Toronto, Canada. The event is the ninth congress held by Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT). Keynote speakers include James Loney, who along with Harmeet Singh Sooden and Norman Kember was a member of a CPT delegation kidnapped in Iraq in Nov. 2005. CPT Iraq team member Tom Fox also was kidnapped, and later murdered on March 9, 2006. Loney has been a member of CPT since 2000 and has served on CPT projects in Palestine, Canada, and Iraq. Workshops will address topics such as "Stop Depleted Uranium," "Undoing Racism," and "War Tax Resistance," among others. The congress also features worship, caucus meetings, social time, and child care. Contact CPT Canada at guest.996427@MennoLink.org or 416-423-5525; or visit http://cpt.org/congress/congressIX.php for more information.
- James Loney has contributed an essay in the National Public Radio series, "This I Believe," for the "All Things Considered" radio program of July 2. Loney, along with Harmeet Singh Sooden, Norman Kember, and Tom Fox, was a member of a Christian Peacemaker Team (CPT) delegation kidnapped in Iraq (see "Peacemaker Congress" notice above). "I believe all things and all beings are interconnected. I saw this most clearly in the time I was a hostage," his essay begins. The full essay is available at www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=11505283.
- Mark A. Ray, an ordained Church of the Brethren minister, gave the message on July 18 at a combined worship service of the 119th General Conference of the Brethren Church and the Brethren Youth in Christ Conference, at Ashland (Ohio) University. Ray currently is serving as a missionary in Ireland for the Brethren Church; he previously served as youth pastor for Blue River Church of the Brethren in Columbia City, Ind.
- A seminar on the topic, "Will Our Children Be Stewards?" is sponsored by the Ecumenical Stewardship Center on Nov. 26-29 in St. Pete Beach, Fla. The annual event is for congregational leaders, stewardship staff, Christian educators, and youth leaders. This year’s seminar has the purposes of identifying the culture of materialism targeted toward children, offering an understanding of the spirituality of children, and exploring ways to teach stewardship to children. Speakers include Dick Hardel from the Youth and Family Institute; Sandy Sasso, rabbi and teacher of children’s spirituality and author of children’s books; Nathan Dungan, founder and president of Share-Save-Spend; and Bryan Sirchio, who works with Crosswind Music and HarvestTime ministries. The seminar offers a group discount registration per denomination, a discount for "early-birds," and a discount for "first-timers." Please be in touch with Carol Bowman, coordinator of Stewardship Formation and Education for the Church of the Brethren General Board (509-663-2833 or cbowman_gb@brethren.org), to help Brethren participants take advantage of these specials. For more information about the seminar visit www.stewardshipresources.org.
Course offerings are announced by Brethren Academy.
The Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership, a ministry training partnership of the Church of the Brethren General Board and Bethany Theological Seminary, has listed upcoming courses. All academy courses are open to Training in Ministry (TRIM) and Education for Shared Ministry (EFSM) students, as well as pastors and lay people.
Upcoming courses include:
Source: 8/1/2007 Newsline
The Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership, a ministry training partnership of the Church of the Brethren General Board and Bethany Theological Seminary, has listed upcoming courses. All academy courses are open to Training in Ministry (TRIM) and Education for Shared Ministry (EFSM) students, as well as pastors and lay people.
Upcoming courses include:
- "Teaching and Learning in the Church," an online course offered Sept. 4-Oct. 26, 2007, with instructor Rhonda Pittman Gingrich;
- "Introduction to the Old Testament," online Sept. 10-Nov. 2, with instructor Craig Gandy;
- "Distinctive Marks of the Brethren," at the Northern Indiana District Office in Nappanee, Ind., on Nov. 1-4, 2007, with instructor Kate Eisenbise;
- "Introduction to Preaching," at Stone Church of the Brethren in Huntingdon, Pa., on Nov. 15-18, 2007, with instructor Ken Gibble (register through the Susquehanna Valley Ministry Center);
- "First and Second Thessalonians," online Sept. 24-Nov. 3, 2007, with instructor Susan Jeffers (register through the Susquehanna Valley Ministry Center);
- "January Intensive 2008" at Bethany Theological Seminary in Richmond, Ind., with instructor Stephen Breck Reid;
- "Jeremiah," online Feb. 4-March 15, 2008, with instructor Susan Jeffers (register through the Susquehanna Valley Ministry Center);
- "Sermon on the Mount," at St. Petersburg (Fla.) Church of the Brethren on Feb. 7-10, 2008, with instructor Richard Gardner;
- "Church Vitality and Evangelism," at Juniata College in Huntingdon, Pa., on April 17-20, 2008, with instructor Randy Yoder (register through the Susquehanna Valley Ministry Center); and
- "Church Leadership and Administration," at Juniata College on Nov. 13-18, 2008, with instructor Randy Yoder (register through the Susquehanna Valley Ministry Center).
Source: 8/1/2007 Newsline
300th Anniversary update: Plans are announced for Conference 2008.
The Church of the Brethren Annual Conference in 2008 will feature special events celebrating the 300th anniversary of the Brethren, as announced recently by the 300th Anniversary Committee. The Conference will be held in Richmond, Va., on July 12-16.
The opening worship service will feature a sermon by the 2008 moderator James Beckwith, followed by a concert by the National Christian Choir. Based in the Washington, D.C., area, the choir includes members from all over the midatlantic region representing a variety of denominations. About 15 of the 200 choir members are members of the Church of the Brethren.
Saturday, Sunday, and Wednesday are planned as days of formal joint fellowship with the Brethren Church, a sister denomination to the Church of the Brethren. The two denominations will be together in the conference facilities as well on Monday and Tuesday, when there will be more time for informal fellowship by Conferencegoers.
A team of speakers is planning the Sunday morning worship including Chris Bowman, pastor of Oakton Church of the Brethren near Vienna, Va.; Shanti Edwin, pastor of Brush Valley Brethren Church at Adrian, Pa.; and Arden Gilmer, senior pastor at Park Street Brethren Church in Ashland, Ohio.
During "An Experience of Brethren Faith Journeys" from 1:30-4:30 p.m. Sunday afternoon, participants will choose from 27 different presentations including presentations on history and music, intercultural forums, art events, Bible studies, a panel discussion with representatives from the sister denominations, and sharing from Youth Heritage Travel Team members. On Sunday evening the Conference will gather international Brethren from around the world to share what God has been doing in ministry outside the US.
The Monday and Tuesday worship services will take place in the mornings. Monday evening will feature a concert by Christian musician Ken Medema, who has performed at several youth conferences of the Church of the Brethren. Tuesday evening will feature a drama about the life and martyrdom of Ted Studebaker, a Church of the Brethren volunteer and conscientious objector during the Vietnam War.
The closing worship service on Wednesday morning is being planned by a team of leaders including Melissa Bennet, pastor of worship and youth for Beacon Heights Church of the Brethren in Fort Wayne, Ind.; Shawn Flory Replogle, pastor of McPherson (Kan.) Church of the Brethren; and Lee Solomon, dean of the doctor of ministry program at Ashland (Ohio) Seminary.
The Anniversary Committee also plans a "service project blitz" around Richmond, to take place at two different times during the Conference: all day Saturday, July 12, and Monday morning, July 14. The Monday service projects will be for nondelegates only, as they will coincide with business sessions. "We want to make a difference in the Richmond community," said an announcement in the anniversary newsletter. "We are hoping that thousands of Brethren will participate, showing our Christian love by helping others in this way."
The organizers are challenging congregations to increase their Conference attendance in 2008 by 300 percent--or three times their 2007 attendance--to celebrate the anniversary year. "Please promote this in your congregations by reminding your members that not every generation gets to be part of such a historic event," said the committee.
Source: 8/1/2007 Newsline
The Church of the Brethren Annual Conference in 2008 will feature special events celebrating the 300th anniversary of the Brethren, as announced recently by the 300th Anniversary Committee. The Conference will be held in Richmond, Va., on July 12-16.
The opening worship service will feature a sermon by the 2008 moderator James Beckwith, followed by a concert by the National Christian Choir. Based in the Washington, D.C., area, the choir includes members from all over the midatlantic region representing a variety of denominations. About 15 of the 200 choir members are members of the Church of the Brethren.
Saturday, Sunday, and Wednesday are planned as days of formal joint fellowship with the Brethren Church, a sister denomination to the Church of the Brethren. The two denominations will be together in the conference facilities as well on Monday and Tuesday, when there will be more time for informal fellowship by Conferencegoers.
A team of speakers is planning the Sunday morning worship including Chris Bowman, pastor of Oakton Church of the Brethren near Vienna, Va.; Shanti Edwin, pastor of Brush Valley Brethren Church at Adrian, Pa.; and Arden Gilmer, senior pastor at Park Street Brethren Church in Ashland, Ohio.
During "An Experience of Brethren Faith Journeys" from 1:30-4:30 p.m. Sunday afternoon, participants will choose from 27 different presentations including presentations on history and music, intercultural forums, art events, Bible studies, a panel discussion with representatives from the sister denominations, and sharing from Youth Heritage Travel Team members. On Sunday evening the Conference will gather international Brethren from around the world to share what God has been doing in ministry outside the US.
The Monday and Tuesday worship services will take place in the mornings. Monday evening will feature a concert by Christian musician Ken Medema, who has performed at several youth conferences of the Church of the Brethren. Tuesday evening will feature a drama about the life and martyrdom of Ted Studebaker, a Church of the Brethren volunteer and conscientious objector during the Vietnam War.
The closing worship service on Wednesday morning is being planned by a team of leaders including Melissa Bennet, pastor of worship and youth for Beacon Heights Church of the Brethren in Fort Wayne, Ind.; Shawn Flory Replogle, pastor of McPherson (Kan.) Church of the Brethren; and Lee Solomon, dean of the doctor of ministry program at Ashland (Ohio) Seminary.
The Anniversary Committee also plans a "service project blitz" around Richmond, to take place at two different times during the Conference: all day Saturday, July 12, and Monday morning, July 14. The Monday service projects will be for nondelegates only, as they will coincide with business sessions. "We want to make a difference in the Richmond community," said an announcement in the anniversary newsletter. "We are hoping that thousands of Brethren will participate, showing our Christian love by helping others in this way."
The organizers are challenging congregations to increase their Conference attendance in 2008 by 300 percent--or three times their 2007 attendance--to celebrate the anniversary year. "Please promote this in your congregations by reminding your members that not every generation gets to be part of such a historic event," said the committee.
Source: 8/1/2007 Newsline
Reflection: Meeting with USAID.
Early in June, four members of our Growing Project Committee made our way to the offices of USAID, housed in the grand Ronald Reagan Building in Washington D.C. This was our second visit to USAID.
Welcoming us was Jim Thompson, head of the Global Development Alliance, a division of USAID, and members of his staff. Also present were Marv Baldwin, president and CEO of the Foods Resource Bank (FRB), and representatives of two other growing projects, one in Wisconsin and one in Iowa. FRB staff members were also present. An international guest of FRB, Pastor Stephen of Kenya, was there to share about an FRB project in his country.
A meeting of government representatives, a member of the developing world, food security program staff, and folks from the "grassroots " like us is a wonderful encounter. USAID staff wanted to learn more about how programs like FRB work at the grassroots level. Thompson of USAID seemed to exude joy as he heard of tax dollars being matched through the private sector. Pastor Stephen seemed joyful at the new life that programs like FRB bring to his part of the world. And we on the grassroots side of the discussion were filled with joy at what can be accomplished when government and private sector, and a measure of faith, combine to do wonderful things.
I wonder at how God truly can be present, in the beautiful offices of USAID, building a kingdom on earth as it is in heaven.
Later that day we made our way to the offices of our Congressman, Roscoe Bartlett (6th district of Maryland) to keep an appointment to encourage support of USAID matching dollars in the farm bill. Some $2 million dollars are in the bill designated to match dollars raised through growing projects.
Charlie Johnson, an aide to the congressman, sat at a table with us in the conference room. Marv Baldwin of FRB joined in the visit, but waited for us volunteers to take the lead. Patty shared about our growing project. Jennie talked about how wonderful it is to be able to tell people that USAID matches every dollar we give. I raised a voice for the USAID matching dollars in the farm bill. Baldwin spoke from the perspective of FRB staff, filling in the gaps that we left.
On the way to Washington that morning, Robert, the final member of our delegation, had said, "Now I’m along to learn and to support, but don’t ask me to say anything. I just don’t do that."
After the rest of our group had spoken during the meeting at Bartlett’s office, Charlie Johnson turned to Robert and said, "And what do you have to add to the conversation?" Robert’s eyes got big and he swallowed hard. He looked Johnson in the eye and said, "I just want to help feed hungry people."
For a brief and incredibly simple moment, Robert spoke truth to power. "Inasmuch as you do it to the least of these...."
--Timothy Ritchey Martin is a pastor at Grossnickle Church of the Brethren in Myersville, Md., a congregation that is sponsoring a Foods Resource Bank growing project.
Source: 8/1/2007 Newsline
Early in June, four members of our Growing Project Committee made our way to the offices of USAID, housed in the grand Ronald Reagan Building in Washington D.C. This was our second visit to USAID.
Welcoming us was Jim Thompson, head of the Global Development Alliance, a division of USAID, and members of his staff. Also present were Marv Baldwin, president and CEO of the Foods Resource Bank (FRB), and representatives of two other growing projects, one in Wisconsin and one in Iowa. FRB staff members were also present. An international guest of FRB, Pastor Stephen of Kenya, was there to share about an FRB project in his country.
A meeting of government representatives, a member of the developing world, food security program staff, and folks from the "grassroots " like us is a wonderful encounter. USAID staff wanted to learn more about how programs like FRB work at the grassroots level. Thompson of USAID seemed to exude joy as he heard of tax dollars being matched through the private sector. Pastor Stephen seemed joyful at the new life that programs like FRB bring to his part of the world. And we on the grassroots side of the discussion were filled with joy at what can be accomplished when government and private sector, and a measure of faith, combine to do wonderful things.
I wonder at how God truly can be present, in the beautiful offices of USAID, building a kingdom on earth as it is in heaven.
Later that day we made our way to the offices of our Congressman, Roscoe Bartlett (6th district of Maryland) to keep an appointment to encourage support of USAID matching dollars in the farm bill. Some $2 million dollars are in the bill designated to match dollars raised through growing projects.
Charlie Johnson, an aide to the congressman, sat at a table with us in the conference room. Marv Baldwin of FRB joined in the visit, but waited for us volunteers to take the lead. Patty shared about our growing project. Jennie talked about how wonderful it is to be able to tell people that USAID matches every dollar we give. I raised a voice for the USAID matching dollars in the farm bill. Baldwin spoke from the perspective of FRB staff, filling in the gaps that we left.
On the way to Washington that morning, Robert, the final member of our delegation, had said, "Now I’m along to learn and to support, but don’t ask me to say anything. I just don’t do that."
After the rest of our group had spoken during the meeting at Bartlett’s office, Charlie Johnson turned to Robert and said, "And what do you have to add to the conversation?" Robert’s eyes got big and he swallowed hard. He looked Johnson in the eye and said, "I just want to help feed hungry people."
For a brief and incredibly simple moment, Robert spoke truth to power. "Inasmuch as you do it to the least of these...."
--Timothy Ritchey Martin is a pastor at Grossnickle Church of the Brethren in Myersville, Md., a congregation that is sponsoring a Foods Resource Bank growing project.
Source: 8/1/2007 Newsline
Credits
Newsline is produced by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of news services for the Church of the Brethren General Board, cobnews@brethren.org or 800-323-8039 ext. 260. Mary Dulabaum, Lerry Fogle, Mark Hartwig, Vickie Johnson, Cindy Dell Kinnamon, Jon Kobel, Jeri S. Kornegay, Karin Krog, Janis Pyle, Howard Royer, Carol Yeazell, and Jane Yount contributed to this report.
Newsline is produced by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of news services for the Church of the Brethren General Board, cobnews@brethren.org or 800-323-8039 ext. 260. Mary Dulabaum, Lerry Fogle, Mark Hartwig, Vickie Johnson, Cindy Dell Kinnamon, Jon Kobel, Jeri S. Kornegay, Karin Krog, Janis Pyle, Howard Royer, Carol Yeazell, and Jane Yount contributed to this report.
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
NEWS
- Seven students graduate from ministry training programs.
- Brethren tackle growing projects for Foods Resource Bank.
- Assessment team travels to Sudan in preparation for new mission.
- Brethren grants support disaster relief and hunger relief efforts.
- Brethren Disaster Ministries makes a difference in Gulf coast.
- Brethren bits: Personnel, job opening, Caring Ministries, and more.
- Churches invited to sponsor public prayer on International Day of Prayer for Peace.
- Shane Hipps to lead workshops on faith in a media culture.
- 300th anniversary update: Registration opens for Germantown event, academic conference.
- 300th anniversary bits and pieces.
- Anniversary is celebrated with a 300-day wellness challenge.
Seven students graduate from ministry training programs.
At the 2007 Annual Conference of the Church of the Brethren in Cleveland, Ohio, five Training in Ministry (TRIM) and two Education for Shared Ministry (EFSM) students were recognized for completing their programs.
"We ask God's blessing on these servant leaders as they minister to others in the name of Jesus," said an announcement in the newsletter of the Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership, a ministry training partnership of the Church of the Brethren General Board and Bethany Theological Seminary.
TRIM graduates are Ruth Aukerman of Union Bridge (Md.) Church of the Brethren; Ronald Bashore of Mount Wilson Church of the Brethren in Lebanon, Pa.; Carol Mason, a member of the staff of the General Board’s Congregational Life Teams; Martha Shaak of Palmyra (Pa.) Church of the Brethren; and Richard Troyer of Middlebury (Ind.) Church of the Brethren.
EFSM graduates are Philip Adams of Independence (Kan.) Church of the Brethren, and Jeremy Dykes of Jackson Park Church of the Brethren in Jonesborough, Tenn.
The academy announced 2008 new student orientation dates: Feb. 28-March 2, and June 23-26.
Source: 7/18/2007 Newsline
At the 2007 Annual Conference of the Church of the Brethren in Cleveland, Ohio, five Training in Ministry (TRIM) and two Education for Shared Ministry (EFSM) students were recognized for completing their programs.
"We ask God's blessing on these servant leaders as they minister to others in the name of Jesus," said an announcement in the newsletter of the Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership, a ministry training partnership of the Church of the Brethren General Board and Bethany Theological Seminary.
TRIM graduates are Ruth Aukerman of Union Bridge (Md.) Church of the Brethren; Ronald Bashore of Mount Wilson Church of the Brethren in Lebanon, Pa.; Carol Mason, a member of the staff of the General Board’s Congregational Life Teams; Martha Shaak of Palmyra (Pa.) Church of the Brethren; and Richard Troyer of Middlebury (Ind.) Church of the Brethren.
EFSM graduates are Philip Adams of Independence (Kan.) Church of the Brethren, and Jeremy Dykes of Jackson Park Church of the Brethren in Jonesborough, Tenn.
The academy announced 2008 new student orientation dates: Feb. 28-March 2, and June 23-26.
Source: 7/18/2007 Newsline
Brethren tackle growing projects for Foods Resource Bank.
The Church of the Brethren is cultivating 17 growing projects for the Foods Resource Bank this season. The church relates to the Foods Resource Bank through the Global Food Crisis Fund of the Church of the Brethren General Board.
Sponsoring groups include 24 congregations, a camp, and a retirement community. Nine congregational sponsors are new to the program. The projects are located in nine states. In two ventures--Reno-McPherson County in Kansas, and Grossnickle/Hagerstown/Welty/Harmony in Maryland-the harvest is winter wheat, a first among Brethren growing projects. Another first for Brethren this season are fields of popcorn, the growing project of the Cherry Grove, Dixon, and Lanark congregations in Illinois.
In six of the projects, Brethren have enlisted neighboring churches from other communions as partners. The partners include United Presbyterian, United Methodist, Church of God, United Church of Christ, Lutheran, and independent churches.
--Howard Royer is manager of the Global Food Crisis Fund for the General Board.
Source: 7/18/2007 Newsline
The Church of the Brethren is cultivating 17 growing projects for the Foods Resource Bank this season. The church relates to the Foods Resource Bank through the Global Food Crisis Fund of the Church of the Brethren General Board.
Sponsoring groups include 24 congregations, a camp, and a retirement community. Nine congregational sponsors are new to the program. The projects are located in nine states. In two ventures--Reno-McPherson County in Kansas, and Grossnickle/Hagerstown/Welty/Harmony in Maryland-the harvest is winter wheat, a first among Brethren growing projects. Another first for Brethren this season are fields of popcorn, the growing project of the Cherry Grove, Dixon, and Lanark congregations in Illinois.
In six of the projects, Brethren have enlisted neighboring churches from other communions as partners. The partners include United Presbyterian, United Methodist, Church of God, United Church of Christ, Lutheran, and independent churches.
--Howard Royer is manager of the Global Food Crisis Fund for the General Board.
Source: 7/18/2007 Newsline
Assessment team travels to Sudan in preparation for new mission.
Progress is being made on two fronts for Church of the Brethren ministry in Sudan. In addition to the naming of a lead team of mission workers (see personnel notice below), an assessment team is currently traveling in Sudan.
The assessment team of Enten Eller, director of distributed education and electronic communication at Bethany Theological Seminary, and Phil and Louise Rieman, co-pastors of Northview Church of the Brethren in Indianapolis, is assessing three different areas of the country to prepare for a decision about where the Brethren will begin work.
"Each area holds great need and great promise," said Brad Bohrer, director of the Sudan mission. "We will be sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ with the people of southern Sudan, addressing the physical, spiritual, and relational needs of those we serve." The itinerary and daily blogs of the assessment team can be found at www.sudan.brethren.org.
The Sudan mission initiative is a new approach to mission by the Church of the Brethren General Board. It is a fully self-funded program, with all financial support coming through specified donations to the program and to the people serving as mission workers.
--Janis Pyle is coordinator of Mission Connections for the Church of the Brethren General Board.
Source: 7/18/2007 Newsline
Progress is being made on two fronts for Church of the Brethren ministry in Sudan. In addition to the naming of a lead team of mission workers (see personnel notice below), an assessment team is currently traveling in Sudan.
The assessment team of Enten Eller, director of distributed education and electronic communication at Bethany Theological Seminary, and Phil and Louise Rieman, co-pastors of Northview Church of the Brethren in Indianapolis, is assessing three different areas of the country to prepare for a decision about where the Brethren will begin work.
"Each area holds great need and great promise," said Brad Bohrer, director of the Sudan mission. "We will be sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ with the people of southern Sudan, addressing the physical, spiritual, and relational needs of those we serve." The itinerary and daily blogs of the assessment team can be found at www.sudan.brethren.org.
The Sudan mission initiative is a new approach to mission by the Church of the Brethren General Board. It is a fully self-funded program, with all financial support coming through specified donations to the program and to the people serving as mission workers.
--Janis Pyle is coordinator of Mission Connections for the Church of the Brethren General Board.
Source: 7/18/2007 Newsline
Brethren grants support disaster relief and hunger relief efforts.
Thirteen recent grants from the Emergency Disaster Fund and the Global Food Crisis Fund total $153,500. Both funds are ministries of the Church of the Brethren General Board. The grants support disaster relief and hunger relief in Indonesia, China, Chad, Congo, India, Mozambique, New Orleans, the northeast United States, and the area of Greensburg, Kan., and give support to the Foods Resource Bank and the Africa Initiative of Church World Service (CWS).
A grant of $40,000 from the Global Food Crisis Fund continues support for the Africa Initiative launched by CWS in 2004. The four-year program develops innovative and sustainable strategies in the areas of hunger and poverty relief, solutions for the displaced, work against HIV and AIDS, peace building, and water for life. The grant supports ongoing work especially in the area of hunger and poverty relief, and water for life.
The Emergency Disaster Fund has given two grants to flood response in Indonesia. A grant of $29,000 responds to a CWS appeal for the North Sumatra Province, where many people remain in camps six months after the flooding, supporting the distribution of health kits and longterm activities to supply water, sanitation, and shelter. A grant of $7,500 responds to flooding in Manggarai District, where the money will help provide relief to 595 households in two phases: a "crisis phase" in which health kits, blankets, and high-energy biscuits are distributed, and a "post-crisis phase" in which CWS provides tools, seed, water, and disaster preparedness training.
A CWS appeal for water projects in the Aceh province of Indonesia is supported by an allocation of $10,000 from the Global Food Crisis Fund. The money will help clean wells and transport water to distribution points, as well as install water purification units and construct latrines.
An allocation of $12,000 from the Emergency Disaster Fund follows a CWS appeal for emergency relief operation for internally displaced people in Chad, because of the "spill-over" effects of the violent conflict in neighboring Darfur, Sudan. The funds will help with sanitation and hygiene as well as community service activities and preparation for psycho-social care.
A grant of $10,000 from the Emergency Disaster Fund is going to the St. Joseph Rebuild Center in New Orleans, La. The allocation supports the opening of the center at St. Joseph’s Church to help meet the needs of migrant day laborers and others who are homeless.
The sum of $10,000 from the Emergency Disaster Fund responds to a CWS appeal for the Democratic Republic of Congo, where decades of violence have displaced millions of people, and weather and disease threatens food security. The funds will assist with food, seeds, and plastic sheeting, as well as the rehabilitation of wells, schools, and clinics.
A $10,000 allocation from the Global Food Crisis Fund is giving operational support to the Foods Resource Bank.
An allocation of $7,500 from the Emergency Disaster Fund responds to a CWS appeal following a large earthquake in China’s Yunan province. The funds will support relief and recovery efforts, including the rebuilding of homes, irrigation systems, and schools, and distribution of rice, quilts, and plastic sheeting for tents.
A $5,000 grant from the Emergency Disaster Fund responds to a CWS appeal following flooding and tornados on the east coast and the northeast United States. The funds help support deployment of Disaster Response and Recovery Liaisons emergency shipments.
A grant of $5,000 from the Emergency Disaster Fund supports the work of Eden Valley Church of the Brethren, which has set up a recovery committee to address needs of tornado survivors in their county. The county is in the area affected by a set of powerful tornados that also destroyed the town of Greensburg, Kan. The funds will provide building materials for those needing assistance.
An allocation of $5,000 from the Emergency Disaster Fund goes to a CWS appeal following damaging flooding in southern India. The grant will support relief efforts of a feeding program, distribution of blankets, and school repairs.
The sum of $2,500 from the Emergency Disaster Fund responds to a CWS appeal for a child-focused campaign to benefit the families of children most affected when an arsenal of obsolete munitions exploded in Maputo, Mozambique. With more than 100 people dead and 400 injured, funds will support an estimated 60 children and their families who have been rendered disabled, or whose homes have been damaged or destroyed.
Source: 7/18/2007 Newsline
Thirteen recent grants from the Emergency Disaster Fund and the Global Food Crisis Fund total $153,500. Both funds are ministries of the Church of the Brethren General Board. The grants support disaster relief and hunger relief in Indonesia, China, Chad, Congo, India, Mozambique, New Orleans, the northeast United States, and the area of Greensburg, Kan., and give support to the Foods Resource Bank and the Africa Initiative of Church World Service (CWS).
A grant of $40,000 from the Global Food Crisis Fund continues support for the Africa Initiative launched by CWS in 2004. The four-year program develops innovative and sustainable strategies in the areas of hunger and poverty relief, solutions for the displaced, work against HIV and AIDS, peace building, and water for life. The grant supports ongoing work especially in the area of hunger and poverty relief, and water for life.
The Emergency Disaster Fund has given two grants to flood response in Indonesia. A grant of $29,000 responds to a CWS appeal for the North Sumatra Province, where many people remain in camps six months after the flooding, supporting the distribution of health kits and longterm activities to supply water, sanitation, and shelter. A grant of $7,500 responds to flooding in Manggarai District, where the money will help provide relief to 595 households in two phases: a "crisis phase" in which health kits, blankets, and high-energy biscuits are distributed, and a "post-crisis phase" in which CWS provides tools, seed, water, and disaster preparedness training.
A CWS appeal for water projects in the Aceh province of Indonesia is supported by an allocation of $10,000 from the Global Food Crisis Fund. The money will help clean wells and transport water to distribution points, as well as install water purification units and construct latrines.
An allocation of $12,000 from the Emergency Disaster Fund follows a CWS appeal for emergency relief operation for internally displaced people in Chad, because of the "spill-over" effects of the violent conflict in neighboring Darfur, Sudan. The funds will help with sanitation and hygiene as well as community service activities and preparation for psycho-social care.
A grant of $10,000 from the Emergency Disaster Fund is going to the St. Joseph Rebuild Center in New Orleans, La. The allocation supports the opening of the center at St. Joseph’s Church to help meet the needs of migrant day laborers and others who are homeless.
The sum of $10,000 from the Emergency Disaster Fund responds to a CWS appeal for the Democratic Republic of Congo, where decades of violence have displaced millions of people, and weather and disease threatens food security. The funds will assist with food, seeds, and plastic sheeting, as well as the rehabilitation of wells, schools, and clinics.
A $10,000 allocation from the Global Food Crisis Fund is giving operational support to the Foods Resource Bank.
An allocation of $7,500 from the Emergency Disaster Fund responds to a CWS appeal following a large earthquake in China’s Yunan province. The funds will support relief and recovery efforts, including the rebuilding of homes, irrigation systems, and schools, and distribution of rice, quilts, and plastic sheeting for tents.
A $5,000 grant from the Emergency Disaster Fund responds to a CWS appeal following flooding and tornados on the east coast and the northeast United States. The funds help support deployment of Disaster Response and Recovery Liaisons emergency shipments.
A grant of $5,000 from the Emergency Disaster Fund supports the work of Eden Valley Church of the Brethren, which has set up a recovery committee to address needs of tornado survivors in their county. The county is in the area affected by a set of powerful tornados that also destroyed the town of Greensburg, Kan. The funds will provide building materials for those needing assistance.
An allocation of $5,000 from the Emergency Disaster Fund goes to a CWS appeal following damaging flooding in southern India. The grant will support relief efforts of a feeding program, distribution of blankets, and school repairs.
The sum of $2,500 from the Emergency Disaster Fund responds to a CWS appeal for a child-focused campaign to benefit the families of children most affected when an arsenal of obsolete munitions exploded in Maputo, Mozambique. With more than 100 people dead and 400 injured, funds will support an estimated 60 children and their families who have been rendered disabled, or whose homes have been damaged or destroyed.
Source: 7/18/2007 Newsline
Brethren Disaster Ministries makes a difference in Gulf coast.
Brethren Disaster Ministries (formerly Brethren Disaster Response) is making a difference following Hurricane Katrina, reports coordinator Jane Yount. In a recent report, she released figures for the number of volunteers, work days, and homes that have been repaired or rebuilt by this program of the Church of the Brethren General Board, following the disastrous hurricane in the Gulf Coast region.
"Since Hurricane Katrina made landfall nearly two years ago, Brethren Disaster Ministries has been actively involved with longterm recovery. Putting their faith into action, volunteers are making the difference!" Yount reported.
She release the following summary of statistics for the four current repair and rebuilding sites, as of May 31: In Lucedale, Miss., 744 volunteers have given 4,577 workdays, repairing and rebuilding homes for 79 families. In Pearl River, La., 330 volunteers have donated 2,271 workdays, completing major repairs to 10 homes thus far. In McComb, Miss., 214 volunteers have served for 1,265 workdays, helping 36 families with cleanup and repairs. In Chalmette, La., 116 volunteers have shared their time and skills for 1,324 workdays, assisting 23 families in this hard-hit area.
"Our work at the two Mississippi projects has been nearly accomplished," Yount added. "We will be shutting down the Lucedale project at the end of June and the McComb project in early August. Our warmest thanks to all for making these projects possible!"
In other disaster response news, Material Resources (formerly Service Ministries) recently made the following international shipments: two containers of health kits, toothpaste, and blankets to Bolivia for Church World Service (CWS); a shipment of 374 bales of quilts to Armenia, for Lutheran World Relief and International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC); a 40-foot container of health kits to Romania, in a cooperative shipment by CWS and IOCC; a 40-foot-high cube container holding 36,704 pounds of donated medical supplies and equipment to the Republic of Congo, for Interchurch Medical Assistance; a container of CWS blankets, baby kits, plastic jugs, and children’s kits to the Dominican Republic; four 40-foot containers of clothing, sweaters, coats, blankets, quilts, sewing kits, school kits, and health and layettes soap weighing 150,361 pounds to Niger on behalf of Lutheran World Relief; a 40-foot container to Guatemala of Lutheran health and school kits; and two 40-foot containers shipped to Peru on behalf of Lutheran World Relief.
Domestic shipments have included an airlift on behalf of CWS of 23 cartons of health kits to Montgomery, Ala., for tornado and flood survivors; 45 emergency cleanup buckets to flood and tornado survivors in Savannah, Mo., on behalf of CWS; health kits for migrant workers in Syracuse, New York; blankets and health kits shipped to Des Moines, Iowa; health kits shipped to Dubuque, Iowa; blankets and health kits for Albuquerque, N.M.; blankets sent to Pine Ridge, S.D.; and flood response shipments of health kits to Austin, Texas, health kits and cleanup buckets to Coffeyville, Kan., and school and health kits to Independence, Kan.
Donations of kits were picked up from Maine to Virginia during several weeks on behalf of Material Resources by Ken Bragg and Max Price--the trucks traveled 4,210 miles picking up 63,978 pounds of kits.
Source: 7/18/2007 Newsline
Brethren Disaster Ministries (formerly Brethren Disaster Response) is making a difference following Hurricane Katrina, reports coordinator Jane Yount. In a recent report, she released figures for the number of volunteers, work days, and homes that have been repaired or rebuilt by this program of the Church of the Brethren General Board, following the disastrous hurricane in the Gulf Coast region.
"Since Hurricane Katrina made landfall nearly two years ago, Brethren Disaster Ministries has been actively involved with longterm recovery. Putting their faith into action, volunteers are making the difference!" Yount reported.
She release the following summary of statistics for the four current repair and rebuilding sites, as of May 31: In Lucedale, Miss., 744 volunteers have given 4,577 workdays, repairing and rebuilding homes for 79 families. In Pearl River, La., 330 volunteers have donated 2,271 workdays, completing major repairs to 10 homes thus far. In McComb, Miss., 214 volunteers have served for 1,265 workdays, helping 36 families with cleanup and repairs. In Chalmette, La., 116 volunteers have shared their time and skills for 1,324 workdays, assisting 23 families in this hard-hit area.
"Our work at the two Mississippi projects has been nearly accomplished," Yount added. "We will be shutting down the Lucedale project at the end of June and the McComb project in early August. Our warmest thanks to all for making these projects possible!"
In other disaster response news, Material Resources (formerly Service Ministries) recently made the following international shipments: two containers of health kits, toothpaste, and blankets to Bolivia for Church World Service (CWS); a shipment of 374 bales of quilts to Armenia, for Lutheran World Relief and International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC); a 40-foot container of health kits to Romania, in a cooperative shipment by CWS and IOCC; a 40-foot-high cube container holding 36,704 pounds of donated medical supplies and equipment to the Republic of Congo, for Interchurch Medical Assistance; a container of CWS blankets, baby kits, plastic jugs, and children’s kits to the Dominican Republic; four 40-foot containers of clothing, sweaters, coats, blankets, quilts, sewing kits, school kits, and health and layettes soap weighing 150,361 pounds to Niger on behalf of Lutheran World Relief; a 40-foot container to Guatemala of Lutheran health and school kits; and two 40-foot containers shipped to Peru on behalf of Lutheran World Relief.
Domestic shipments have included an airlift on behalf of CWS of 23 cartons of health kits to Montgomery, Ala., for tornado and flood survivors; 45 emergency cleanup buckets to flood and tornado survivors in Savannah, Mo., on behalf of CWS; health kits for migrant workers in Syracuse, New York; blankets and health kits shipped to Des Moines, Iowa; health kits shipped to Dubuque, Iowa; blankets and health kits for Albuquerque, N.M.; blankets sent to Pine Ridge, S.D.; and flood response shipments of health kits to Austin, Texas, health kits and cleanup buckets to Coffeyville, Kan., and school and health kits to Independence, Kan.
Donations of kits were picked up from Maine to Virginia during several weeks on behalf of Material Resources by Ken Bragg and Max Price--the trucks traveled 4,210 miles picking up 63,978 pounds of kits.
Source: 7/18/2007 Newsline
Brethren bits: Personnel, job opening, Caring Ministries, and more.
- The dining services at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md., has welcomed Elena Cutsail as a summer worker. Cutsail is a high school junior, and is enrolled in the Culinary Arts program at the Carroll County (Md.) Career Center.
- The Church of the Brethren General Board seeks a fulltime salaried staff person to fill a new position: Congregational Life Team, Intercultural Ministries. Primary responsibilities will be congregational, district, and denominational resourcing, consultation, leadership development, and networking in intercultural ministries. Other functions include planning, developing, and implementing intercultural events and training; sharing in development of work objectives based on priorities established by the General Board; serving as a bridge between the board and its staff, and districts and congregations; serving as a voice for intercultural ministries to the board; availability to consult with leaders in intercultural church planting efforts; cooperating, coordinating, and collaborating as needed in the Congregational Life Team and other work relationships. Required skills, knowledge, and experience include knowledge of Church of the Brethren heritage, theology, and polity; ability to articulate and operate out of the vision of the General Board; intercultural understanding and competency; interpersonal skills that contribute to effective work with the Congregational Life Team, congregations, and districts; computer aptitude and experience; five or more years of participation in intercultural ministries or experiences with experience developing and implementing program and the ability to build relational bridges between established and emerging groups; and ability to communicate in written and oral forms. Bilingual skills are preferred. A bachelor’s degree is required; a master’s degree in a related field is preferred. Travel across the denomination will be required. The position begins Sept. 17. The application deadline is Aug. 15. To apply, complete the General Board application form, submit a resume and letter of application, and request three references to send letters of recommendation to the Office of Human Resources, Church of the Brethren General Board, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120-1694; 800-323-8039 ext. 258; kkrog_gb@brethren.org.
- Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS) has announced the start of its summer orientation, July 22-Aug. 10 at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md. This will be the 275th orientation unit for BVS and will consist of 16 volunteers. The unit will spend three weeks exploring project possibilities and topics of community building, peace and social justice, faith sharing, diversity training, and more. The volunteers also will have the opportunity for several work days, both in the area of New Windsor and in Baltimore, Md. A BVS potluck will be held as part of the orientation, on Saturday, July 28, at 6 p.m. at Union Bridge (Md.) Church of the Brethren. All who are interested are welcome at the potluck, to meet new BVS volunteers and to share about experiences of volunteering. For more information contact the BVS office at 800-323-8039.
- On July 9 two summer workcamp groups were hosted at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill. One group of 28 was a joint workcamp from East Chippewa Church of the Brethren and Smithville Ashland Brethren Church in northern Ohio. A second group of 19 was one of the national youth workcamps sponsored by the Church of the Brethren General Board, with participants from across the denomination. The two groups enjoyed tours of the General Offices and the Brethren Historical Library and Archives, talked with a number of staff persons, and ate a cook-out lunch. The group of 19 also did its work project at the offices, including planting trees, cement repair work on a stone wall on the front terrace, and unloading boxes returning from the exhibit hall and the book store at the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference in Cleveland, Ohio.
- Church of the Brethren members interested in attending the Caring Ministries Assembly sponsored by the Association of Brethren Caregivers (ABC) in September can register for the full conference at the rate of $125 until Aug. 1. After that date, the fee increases to $150. Single-day registration also is available. The Sept. 6-8 conference about "Being Family: Reality and Renewal," will be held at Lititz (Pa.) Church of the Brethren. ABC sponsors the biennial conference for deacons, pastors, chaplains, and those interested in family life ministry. Register at www.brethren.org/abc/cma/cma_07/index.html. A video of keynote presenter David H. Jensen is available at www.brethren.org/abc/cma/cma_07/keynote.html.
- Pipe Creek Church of the Brethren in Union Bridge, Md., is beginning planning for its 250th anniversary next year. The church invites anyone who has been part of the congregation over the year to an all-day celebration on Sept. 28, 2008. The congregation also wants to contact Brethren Volunteer Service workers who attended Pipe Creek while training or serving at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md. Contact Gertrude Robertson, 122 N. Main St., Union Bridge, MD 21791; 410-775-7357.
- Northern Ohio District holds its 2007 district conference on July 27-29 at Ashland (Ohio) University on the theme, "Faith Is in the Following," from Mark 10:35-45. The moderator will be Larry Bradley, pastor of Reading Church of the Brethren. The conference will include worship services led by the Senior Performing Arts Camp and the Junior Performing Arts Camp, pastor William Brown of Marvelous Light Ministries in Canton, and moderator Bradley. Business items include a recommendation to grant fellowship status to Faith in Action of Toledo, a 2008 district budget, a district leadership ballot, affirmation of Manchester College trustees, "Conversations on Being the District," and district and denominational reports. A silent auction will benefit the Peace Endowment Fund. In response to Church World Service (CWS) appeals to replenish the supply of Gift of the Heart Kits for disaster relief around the world, the Mission and Social Action Commission and the District Disaster Coordinator are sponsoring a truck to receive donations of kits.
- The annual Heritage Scramble Golf Tournament hosted by Middle Pennsylvania District and Camp Blue Diamond will be held on Aug. 14 at Iron Masters Country Club in Roaring Spring, Pa. Registration begins at 11:30-12:30 p.m. and start time is 1 p.m. A banquet will follow at Albright Church of the Brethren in Roaring Spring at 6:15 p.m. Cost is $60 per person and includes 18 holes, cart, dinner, and prizes. Registration deadline is Aug. 1 or until the limit of 120 golfers is met. Contact Middle Pennsylvania District at 814-643-0601 or Camp Blue Diamond at 814-667-2355.
- Camp Bethel in Fincastle, Va., holds its 13th Annual Benefit Golf Tournament and Banquet on Aug. 22 at Botetourt Country Club. Tee off is at 12:45 p.m. with a "shotgun start." The fee of $65 per person includes green fees, team photo, cart, and dinner at camp ($15 for dinner only). Mulligans are sold at the course for $5 each. Prizes also will be awarded. "Assemble your dream team for a day of fun on the greens while supporting the ministries of Camp Bethel," invited the camp newsletter. For more information go to www.campbethelvirginia.org/golf.htm.
- Camp Alexander Mack in Milford, Ind., is sponsoring two golf "fun"draisers in 2007. The first was held at Sycamore Golf Club at North Manchester, Ind., on May 12. The second is scheduled for Maxwelton Golf Course at Syracuse, Ind., on Aug. 11, with registration at 7 a.m. and a shot-gun start at 8 a.m. The event will "help us meet the increasingly large challenge of providing camper scholarships to those who would otherwise be unable to experience the sanctuary of camp. Let us work together to make a difference in the life of a child," said the Northern Indiana District newsletter. Contact the camp office for a registration form, at 574-658-4831 or rex@campmack.org.
- Manchester College in North Manchester, Ind., has announced that J. Bentley Peters will continue his service on the board of trustees with honorary status. Peters has served as a representative of the Church of the Brethren’s Illinois and Wisconsin District and as a trustee-at-large. He is one of two longtime board members and former chairs of the board who are returning as honorary members, along with William N. Harper of Scottsdale, Ariz. Both will serve in an ongoing advisory role, and are invited to participate in board meetings and discussions in a nonvoting capacity. Peters is a 1962 religion and philosophy graduate of the college, a retired senior vice president of Mutual Aid Exchange, and owner of a consulting company. For more go to www.manchester.edu.
- Fahrney-Keedy Home and Village, a Church of the Brethren retirement center near Boonsboro, Md., hosts its 3rd Annual Heritage Festival on Aug. 4 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. The event is free to the public. This year’s entertainment includes Classic Cars with a Disc Jockey, the 61st Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry Regiment Civil War Living History, craft vendors, a petting zoo from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., a scrap booking table, and a book signing by local author Catherine Reese. The event also will include a chicken barbeque, bake sale, fresh produce, and food vendors. For more information or to volunteer, sponsor, or participate as a vendor in the festival contact Mike Leiter, director of Marketing and Development, at 301-671-5015.
- A new DVD resource on Sudan produced by the National Council of Churches (NCC) includes three short contemplative videos of "Prayers for Sudan" by Church of the Brethren staff member Janis Pyle, coordinator of Mission Connections for the General Board. The video from the NCC’s Program Committee on Education and Mission is titled, "Touch the World, Touch Sudan," and contains prayers, stories, and factual updates on the situation in Sudan and the situation of Sudanese refugees. The material on the DVD may be downloaded from www.ncccusa.org/missioneducation/sudan/touch_sudan.htm. Order the DVD from the Education and Leadership Ministries Commission, 475 Riverside Dr., Suite 812, New York, NY 10115; or contact Janis Pyle at 800-323-8039.
- The Faith and Order Commission of the National Council of Churches (NCC) is celebrating its 50th anniversary this summer with an eye on the next generation of theological leaders, according to a release. The commission has launched an online electronic journal written and edited by younger theologians and judged by senior scholars. The journal was developed by R. Keelan Downton, postdoctoral fellow with Faith and Order, in conjunction with staff, members of the commission, and colleagues from the World Council of Churches. An editorial board from a broad range of Christian traditions has been instrumental in reviewing submissions and constructing a comprehensive evaluation process. Access to the articles is free at www.ncccusa.org/faithandorder/journals/newhorizons/. The commission will celebrate its 50th anniversary at Oberlin, Ohio, from July 19-23 (www.ncccusa.org/faithandorder/oberlin2007/).
- Gearing up for a heavier than usual influx of refugees over the next three months, Church World Service (CWS) refugee service affiliates in several states are looking to congregations for help in welcoming the newcomers, according to a recent CWS press release. For the whole US Refugee Program, that means as many as 25,000 arrivals in three months toward a fiscal year 2007 total of 50,000. For CWS, that could mean between 600 to 700 refugees arriving each month, double the monthly average so far this year. The majority will be ethnic Karen and Chin Burmese and Africans, a significant number of them "1972 Burundians." The 1972 Burundians are refugees, primarily Hutus, who fled widespread ethnic violence in Burundi in 1972 and have been in refugee camps ever since. CWS is one of 10 agencies that work with the Department of State to resettle refugees in the US. For more information and to locate local CWS offices by state, go to www.churchworldservice.org/Immigration/index.html.
- As the longterm recovery work continues in response to the tsunami in South Asia, Interchurch Medical Assistance (IMA) World Health has announced that it is designating its remaining donated funds to support rebuilding and rehabilitation projects. The program’s initial response provided emergency medicines and medical supplies at the request of Church World Service (CWS), Lutheran World Relief, and other disaster relief agencies. Emergency medical products are no longer needed, IMA said, but CWS continues to support reconstruction activities. The IMA program has provided $35,000 to CWS for its work, and $100,000 to Church's Auxiliary for Social Action in India for similar rehabilitation and rebuilding projects.
- Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT) has announced a delegation to investigate and challenge use and manufacture of depleted uranium munitions. The Church of the Brethren General Board on June 30 issued a resolution against the use of depleted uranium weaponry, in partnership with the work of CPT and the World Council of Churches (see the Newsline of July 4). The delegation is scheduled for Oct. 26-Nov. 4 starting in Jonesborough, Tenn., the location of one of the main production facilities in the US. Delegates will meet with government officials and people affected by the weapons, including military veterans, hospital administrators, and plant employees. The delegation also will organize and carry out a nonviolent public witness. Delegates arrange their own transportation to Knoxville or Jonesborough, Tenn., and raise $300 to cover on-ground travel, two meals a day, simple accommodations, and honorariums and delegation fees. Delegates should have plans to share about the trip upon return to their home communities and congregations. For more information or to apply, go to www.cpt.org or contact CPT, P.O. Box 6508, Chicago, IL 60680; 773-277-0253; delegations@cpt.org. 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.
- Church of the Brethren members Emily Young and Melanie Blevins are among four young adults who are working this summer in the southern Sudanese community of Nimule, through the New Community Project. The team also includes Sophie Beya and Ian Christie. The Sudan Council of Churches invited the volunteers and is coordinating their work, according to project director David Radcliff. The group arrived in Sudan in early June. Their work includes teaching in six schools, providing carpentry training, strengthening a sports program for children, organizing a human rights club, and giving teacher training workshops.
Lead team of mission workers is named for Sudan mission.
The lead team of mission workers has been named for the Church of the Brethren’s Sudan mission initiative. The team includes Jim and Pam Hardenbrook of Caldwell, Idaho, and Matt and Kristy Messick of Salida, Colo.
Jim Hardenbrook has been pastor of Nampa (Idaho) Church of the Brethren for the past 15 years, and served as moderator of the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference in 2005. He also served as interim director of the Sudan Initiative in 2006. Pam Hardenbrook is senior content developer for Axiom Inc., a technical writing company, and has been involved with Children’s Disaster Services, a Church of the Brethren ministry serving children following disasters. The Hardenbrooks both hold bachelor’s degrees in Bible studies from Puget Sound Christian College in Everett, Wash., and Jim Hardenbrook received a master of ministry degree from Northwest Nazarene University in Nampa.
Kristy Messick holds a bachelor’s degree in international development from the University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada, and a nursing degree from the University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Matt Messick is employed as lead field engineer for Haseldon Construction Co. His bachelor’s degree was in construction engineering technology from Pennsylvania State University. The Messicks served together as teachers at the Comprehensive Secondary School in Mubi, Nigeria, which is related to Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria (EYN--the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria). They also have been mission volunteers in Nicaragua and Burkina Faso. They are the parents of Jonah, age two-and-a-half, and Micah, age one.
The two couples are in the process of securing funding, transitioning from their current employment, and being oriented for two-year placements in Sudan. They are scheduled for placement in Sudan in Jan. 2008.
The Sudan mission initiative is a new approach to mission by the Church of the Brethren General Board. It is a fully self-funded program, with all financial support coming through specified donations to the program and to the people serving as mission workers.
Source: 7/18/2007 Newsline
The lead team of mission workers has been named for the Church of the Brethren’s Sudan mission initiative. The team includes Jim and Pam Hardenbrook of Caldwell, Idaho, and Matt and Kristy Messick of Salida, Colo.
Jim Hardenbrook has been pastor of Nampa (Idaho) Church of the Brethren for the past 15 years, and served as moderator of the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference in 2005. He also served as interim director of the Sudan Initiative in 2006. Pam Hardenbrook is senior content developer for Axiom Inc., a technical writing company, and has been involved with Children’s Disaster Services, a Church of the Brethren ministry serving children following disasters. The Hardenbrooks both hold bachelor’s degrees in Bible studies from Puget Sound Christian College in Everett, Wash., and Jim Hardenbrook received a master of ministry degree from Northwest Nazarene University in Nampa.
Kristy Messick holds a bachelor’s degree in international development from the University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada, and a nursing degree from the University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Matt Messick is employed as lead field engineer for Haseldon Construction Co. His bachelor’s degree was in construction engineering technology from Pennsylvania State University. The Messicks served together as teachers at the Comprehensive Secondary School in Mubi, Nigeria, which is related to Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria (EYN--the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria). They also have been mission volunteers in Nicaragua and Burkina Faso. They are the parents of Jonah, age two-and-a-half, and Micah, age one.
The two couples are in the process of securing funding, transitioning from their current employment, and being oriented for two-year placements in Sudan. They are scheduled for placement in Sudan in Jan. 2008.
The Sudan mission initiative is a new approach to mission by the Church of the Brethren General Board. It is a fully self-funded program, with all financial support coming through specified donations to the program and to the people serving as mission workers.
Source: 7/18/2007 Newsline
Churches invited to sponsor public prayer on International Day of Prayer for Peace.
The Brethren Witness/Washington Office and On Earth Peace are calling on congregations to organize prayer events as part of the World Council of Churches (WCC) International Day of Prayer for Peace on Sept. 21. The Brethren Witness/Washington Office is a ministry of the Church of the Brethren General Board. On Earth Peace is an agency rooted in the Church of the Brethren, empowering people to discern the things that make for peace.
Sept. 21, 2007, marks the fourth observance of the WCC-sponsored International Day of Prayer for Peace, which joins the 25-year commitment by the United Nations to an International Day of Peace. Churches are invited to plan prayer meetings, vigils, or other events that focus on concerns about violence in their own communities and around the world, and that lift up God's promise of shalom and healing for all people.
On Earth Peace and the Brethren Witness/Washington Office have jointly announced a goal of at least 40 vigils or public prayer meetings sponsored by Brethren congregations. It is hoped that at least half of those events will be cosponsored with ecumenical or interfaith partners, inviting fellow Christian denominations and movements to join with this effort for prayer and peacemaking. Participants are invited to ask God for vision and insight about how to address violence, laying the groundwork for faithful engagement and collaboration to overcome evil with good (Romans 12:21).
"The idea of linking the world in prayer is awesome, whether it is a moment at noon praying, 'May Peace Prevail,' or a 24-hour vigil. It's truly exhilarating!" said Lois Clark, Decade to Overcome Violence organizer for the Northern Indiana District of the Church of the Brethren.
A Source mailing at the beginning of August will include a bulletin insert about the International Day of Prayer for Peace. For more information contact Mimi Copp, Church of the Brethren organizer for the International Day of Prayer for Peace, at 260-479-5087 or miminski@gmail.com. Find the International Day of Prayer for Peace website at http://overcomingviolence.org/en/about-dov/international-day-of-prayer-for-peace.
Source: 7/19/2007 Newsline Extra
The Brethren Witness/Washington Office and On Earth Peace are calling on congregations to organize prayer events as part of the World Council of Churches (WCC) International Day of Prayer for Peace on Sept. 21. The Brethren Witness/Washington Office is a ministry of the Church of the Brethren General Board. On Earth Peace is an agency rooted in the Church of the Brethren, empowering people to discern the things that make for peace.
Sept. 21, 2007, marks the fourth observance of the WCC-sponsored International Day of Prayer for Peace, which joins the 25-year commitment by the United Nations to an International Day of Peace. Churches are invited to plan prayer meetings, vigils, or other events that focus on concerns about violence in their own communities and around the world, and that lift up God's promise of shalom and healing for all people.
On Earth Peace and the Brethren Witness/Washington Office have jointly announced a goal of at least 40 vigils or public prayer meetings sponsored by Brethren congregations. It is hoped that at least half of those events will be cosponsored with ecumenical or interfaith partners, inviting fellow Christian denominations and movements to join with this effort for prayer and peacemaking. Participants are invited to ask God for vision and insight about how to address violence, laying the groundwork for faithful engagement and collaboration to overcome evil with good (Romans 12:21).
"The idea of linking the world in prayer is awesome, whether it is a moment at noon praying, 'May Peace Prevail,' or a 24-hour vigil. It's truly exhilarating!" said Lois Clark, Decade to Overcome Violence organizer for the Northern Indiana District of the Church of the Brethren.
A Source mailing at the beginning of August will include a bulletin insert about the International Day of Prayer for Peace. For more information contact Mimi Copp, Church of the Brethren organizer for the International Day of Prayer for Peace, at 260-479-5087 or miminski@gmail.com. Find the International Day of Prayer for Peace website at http://overcomingviolence.org/en/about-dov/international-day-of-prayer-for-peace.
Source: 7/19/2007 Newsline Extra
Shane Hipps to lead workshops on faith in a media culture.
"Navigating the Technological Storm: Leadership and Faith in a Media-Drenched Culture" is the title of a pair of workshops scheduled for early November in Pennsylvania, to be presented by Shane Hipps. The workshops are offered on Nov. 2 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at Chambersburg (Pa.) Church of the Brethren, and on Nov. 3 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at Carlisle (Pa.) Church of the Brethren.
The events are sponsored jointly by the Church of the Brethren General Board’s Congregational Life Team, Area 1, along with Atlantic Northeast District, Mid-Atlantic District, Middle Pennsylvania District, Southern Pennsylvania District, Western Pennsylvania District, and the Susquehanna Valley Ministry Center.
Hipps is pastor of Trinity Mennonite Church in Phoenix, Ariz., and previously was a strategic planner in advertising who worked on a multimillion dollar communications plan for Porsche. He is a contributor to "Leadership Journal," host of a "Third-Way Faith" podcast on wiredparish.com, and author of "The Hidden Power of Electronic Culture: How Media Shapes Faith, the Gospel, and Church" (go to www.shanehipps.com). Hipps will speak on the broader impact of the electronic culture on the church.
"This is an event for pastors and laity concerned with the changing cultural realities and how we stay connected to the spiritual heritage of the Church of the Brethren," said an announcement of the workshops. "We live in a media-drenched culture, confronted with a legion of options for how to communicate, how to be more productive, and how to be entertained from blogs and Blackberrys to plasma screens and iPods. Nearly every aspect of culture and the church are altered by them.... Amid these perpetual changes, the challenge of leading God’s people has never been greater."
The individual registration fee is $35 for pastors, $25 for laity. An "early bird" group discount registration rate is offered for a church that sends a pastor and three or more laity, saving $5 per person. Register by Sept. 28 to receive the group discount. Registration includes the workshop, lunch, and .5 continuing education credit for pastors.
To register, go to www.brethren.org/genbd/clm/clt/ShaneHipps.html. For more information contact Stan Dueck, Congregational Life Team, Area 1, 717-335-3226, sdueck_gb@brethren.org.
Source: 7/19/2007 Newsline Extra
"Navigating the Technological Storm: Leadership and Faith in a Media-Drenched Culture" is the title of a pair of workshops scheduled for early November in Pennsylvania, to be presented by Shane Hipps. The workshops are offered on Nov. 2 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at Chambersburg (Pa.) Church of the Brethren, and on Nov. 3 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at Carlisle (Pa.) Church of the Brethren.
The events are sponsored jointly by the Church of the Brethren General Board’s Congregational Life Team, Area 1, along with Atlantic Northeast District, Mid-Atlantic District, Middle Pennsylvania District, Southern Pennsylvania District, Western Pennsylvania District, and the Susquehanna Valley Ministry Center.
Hipps is pastor of Trinity Mennonite Church in Phoenix, Ariz., and previously was a strategic planner in advertising who worked on a multimillion dollar communications plan for Porsche. He is a contributor to "Leadership Journal," host of a "Third-Way Faith" podcast on wiredparish.com, and author of "The Hidden Power of Electronic Culture: How Media Shapes Faith, the Gospel, and Church" (go to www.shanehipps.com). Hipps will speak on the broader impact of the electronic culture on the church.
"This is an event for pastors and laity concerned with the changing cultural realities and how we stay connected to the spiritual heritage of the Church of the Brethren," said an announcement of the workshops. "We live in a media-drenched culture, confronted with a legion of options for how to communicate, how to be more productive, and how to be entertained from blogs and Blackberrys to plasma screens and iPods. Nearly every aspect of culture and the church are altered by them.... Amid these perpetual changes, the challenge of leading God’s people has never been greater."
The individual registration fee is $35 for pastors, $25 for laity. An "early bird" group discount registration rate is offered for a church that sends a pastor and three or more laity, saving $5 per person. Register by Sept. 28 to receive the group discount. Registration includes the workshop, lunch, and .5 continuing education credit for pastors.
To register, go to www.brethren.org/genbd/clm/clt/ShaneHipps.html. For more information contact Stan Dueck, Congregational Life Team, Area 1, 717-335-3226, sdueck_gb@brethren.org.
Source: 7/19/2007 Newsline Extra
300th anniversary update: Registration opens for Germantown event, academic conference.
Registration has begun for the Opening Celebration of the 300th Anniversary on Sept. 15-16 at Germantown (Pa.) Church of the Brethren near Philadelphia; and for an academic conference titled "Honoring a Legacy, Embracing a Future: 300 Years of Brethren Heritage," sponsored by the Young Center for Anabaptist and Pietist Studies at Elizabethtown (Pa.) College on Oct. 11-13.
Opening Celebration, Germantown, Sept. 15-16:
Registration began July 4 and ends Aug. 31 for the opening celebration at the first Brethren meetinghouse in the Americas. Registration costs $10 per person or $20 per household. Find a registration brochure at www.churchofthebrethrenanniversary.org/germantown.html.
On the schedule for Saturday, Sept. 15, are a lunch prepared by the Germantown Church Women’s Fellowship, children’s activities, a historic simulation of crossing the Atlantic ocean, and a number of short afternoon presentations such as a Bible study on the anniversary scripture, a session of prayer, guided exploration of the Germantown Cemetery, a presentation of the current work and vision of Germantown Outreach Ministries, history sessions on the congregation and various aspects of Brethren history, music from contemporary Brethren cultures and Germantown members, a session on the Sauer Bible, a session on the Ephrata Cloister, a Youth Heritage Travel Team presentation, and a workshop on connections between Brethren, Mennonites, and Quakers. Saturday evening at 6:30-8 p.m. neighboring Coventry Church of the Brethren will hold a Historical Presentation and Hymn Sing.
On Sunday, Sept. 16, a worship service at 10 a.m. is planned by the Germantown congregation led by pastor Richard Kyerematen, with guest preacher Earl K. Ziegler, followed by a catered lunch. Afternoon worship at 2 p.m. will feature guest preacher Belita Mitchell, moderator of the 2007 Annual Conference, marking the opening of the anniversary year.
Organizers request attendees to register ahead of time, because space is limited at the Germantown church. They suggest that area congregations interested in attending may charter buses to help with the traffic situation. The Germantown event is planned by a joint group from the Germantown and Coventry congregations and the 300th Anniversary Committee: George Ansah, Marilyn Ansah, Jeff Bach, Karen Christophel, Sandy Christophel, Joseph Craddock, Norma Keith, Richard Kyerematen, and Lorele Yager.
Academic Conference, Elizabethtown College, Oct. 11-13:
Register by Sept. 7 to receive a discount for this national academic conference on the 300th anniversary of the Brethren movement, 1708-2008. The registration deadline is Sept. 20. Cost is $110. For schedule information and a registration form go to www.etown.edu/YoungCenter.aspx?topic=Brethren+Conference.
The conference will focus on the historical development and cultural life of the Church of the Brethren and related groups, featuring six plenary speakers and more than 20 additional presentations on the Brethren experience since 1708.
Plenary speakers are
Source: 7/19/2007 Newsline Extra
Registration has begun for the Opening Celebration of the 300th Anniversary on Sept. 15-16 at Germantown (Pa.) Church of the Brethren near Philadelphia; and for an academic conference titled "Honoring a Legacy, Embracing a Future: 300 Years of Brethren Heritage," sponsored by the Young Center for Anabaptist and Pietist Studies at Elizabethtown (Pa.) College on Oct. 11-13.
Opening Celebration, Germantown, Sept. 15-16:
Registration began July 4 and ends Aug. 31 for the opening celebration at the first Brethren meetinghouse in the Americas. Registration costs $10 per person or $20 per household. Find a registration brochure at www.churchofthebrethrenanniversary.org/germantown.html.
On the schedule for Saturday, Sept. 15, are a lunch prepared by the Germantown Church Women’s Fellowship, children’s activities, a historic simulation of crossing the Atlantic ocean, and a number of short afternoon presentations such as a Bible study on the anniversary scripture, a session of prayer, guided exploration of the Germantown Cemetery, a presentation of the current work and vision of Germantown Outreach Ministries, history sessions on the congregation and various aspects of Brethren history, music from contemporary Brethren cultures and Germantown members, a session on the Sauer Bible, a session on the Ephrata Cloister, a Youth Heritage Travel Team presentation, and a workshop on connections between Brethren, Mennonites, and Quakers. Saturday evening at 6:30-8 p.m. neighboring Coventry Church of the Brethren will hold a Historical Presentation and Hymn Sing.
On Sunday, Sept. 16, a worship service at 10 a.m. is planned by the Germantown congregation led by pastor Richard Kyerematen, with guest preacher Earl K. Ziegler, followed by a catered lunch. Afternoon worship at 2 p.m. will feature guest preacher Belita Mitchell, moderator of the 2007 Annual Conference, marking the opening of the anniversary year.
Organizers request attendees to register ahead of time, because space is limited at the Germantown church. They suggest that area congregations interested in attending may charter buses to help with the traffic situation. The Germantown event is planned by a joint group from the Germantown and Coventry congregations and the 300th Anniversary Committee: George Ansah, Marilyn Ansah, Jeff Bach, Karen Christophel, Sandy Christophel, Joseph Craddock, Norma Keith, Richard Kyerematen, and Lorele Yager.
Academic Conference, Elizabethtown College, Oct. 11-13:
Register by Sept. 7 to receive a discount for this national academic conference on the 300th anniversary of the Brethren movement, 1708-2008. The registration deadline is Sept. 20. Cost is $110. For schedule information and a registration form go to www.etown.edu/YoungCenter.aspx?topic=Brethren+Conference.
The conference will focus on the historical development and cultural life of the Church of the Brethren and related groups, featuring six plenary speakers and more than 20 additional presentations on the Brethren experience since 1708.
Plenary speakers are
- Carl Bowman, author of "Brethren Society" and director of the Brethren Member Profile 2006, a professor of sociology at Bridgewater (Va.) College and director of survey research at the University of Virginia's Institute for Advanced Studies in Culture;
- Chris Bucher, Carl W. Zeigler Professor of Religion at Elizabethtown College, currently serving a four-year term as dean of faculty, who has a special interest in Pietist readings of scripture;
- Stewart Hoover, professor of media studies at the University of Colorado at Boulder and a professor adjoint of Religious Studies and American Studies, with research interests in reception studies of media audiences and the related cultural implications;
- Richard T. Hughes, senior fellow in the Ernest L. Boyer Center and distinguished professor at Messiah College, who has written extensively on American political myths, the restoration impulse in Christian history, and scholarship in relation to Christian faith;
- Marcus Meier, teaching assistant in the theology department at Philipps-University Marburg, Germany, who in 2003 finished his doctoral dissertation about the beginnings of the Schwarzenau Brethren in Europe and currently is the recipient of a research award from the University at Halle/Saale; and
- Dale Stoffer, academic dean and professor of historical theology at Ashland Theological Seminary, who teaches in the fields of church history, theology, and Brethren, Anabaptist, and Pietist studies.
Source: 7/19/2007 Newsline Extra
300th anniversary bits and pieces:
- A traditional love feast will be held at the Young Center on Oct. 13, at 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Jeff Bach will lead this Brethren service of communion that includes a time of self-examination, feetwashing, a love feast meal, and the bread and cup of communion. The service combines scripture readings, devotional commentary, and hymn singing, and will last approximately two hours. Registration is required for this event, which is separate from the academic conference sponsored by the Young Center. A freewill offering will be taken. To register, send an e-mail to brethren2007@etown.edu or call the Young Center at 717-361-1470. Include your name, phone number, e-mail address, and the time of the love feast service you would like to attend (4:30 or 7:30 p.m.). The registration deadline is Sept. 20.
- An inspirational DVD titled "FAITH ALIVE! Surrendered, Transformed, Empowered," tells stories of contemporary Brethren continuing the work of Jesus 300 years after the birth of the denomination. The video explores distinctive marks of Brethren faith, and profiles Brethren members who live their beliefs in ways that make a real difference, daily exemplifying the values of baptism, simplicity, peacemaking, service to others, respect for creation, and the need to share with others the good news of Jesus Christ. The video was written and produced by David Sollenberger, together with the 300th Anniversary Committee. The DVD is available from Brethren Press for $20 plus shipping and handling, call 800-441-3712.
- Michigan District 300th anniversary plans include a car pool tour of all the congregations in the district. A district-wide children’s class on Brethren beliefs is also being planned. District conferences in 2007 and 2008 will be devoted to the anniversary. Frank Ramirez is the speaker for 2007, and Tim Harvey is scheduled for 2008.
- The 300th Anniversary Committee has collected more information about tours being planned by individuals to coincide with the Brethren World Assembly on Aug. 3, 2008, in Schwarzenau, Germany. The list is not meant as endorsement of any tour, and the committee is not sponsoring any tours. More tours may be added to the list in the future. Brethren-related tours to Europe in the summer of 2008 are planned by: Jeff Bach, bachje@bethanyseminary.edu; Fred Bernhard, on July 26-Aug. 7, 800-658-7128, tours@ed-ventures.com, information at www.ed-ventures.com or from bernhfr@bethanyseminary.edu; Mark and Mary Jo Flory-Steury, on July 26-Aug. 9, 937-293-8585, mflorysteu@aol.com; Jim Hardenbrook, July 26-Aug. 7, 800-658-7128, tours@ed-ventures.com, information at www.ed-ventures.com or from jobrook@hughes.net; Gordon Hoffert, a Brethren minister who works at Ed-Ventures Inc., who is working with the Bernhard, Hardenbrook, and Jim Miller tours, contact 507-289-3332 or gordon@ed-ventures.com; Glen Kinsel, July 24-Aug. 4, 717-630-8433, hgkinsel@juno.com; Ken Kreider, July 29-Aug. 10, 717-367-7622, kreiderk@etown.edu; Jim Miller, July 26-Aug. 7, 800-658-7128, tours@ed-ventures.com, information at www.ed-ventures.com; Mike and Sondra Miller, July 26-Aug. 7, 937-687-3363, 1715 N. Clayton Rd., Brookville, OH 45309; Ted Rondeau, 574-268-1888 ext. 29, trondeau@gbim.org, P.O. Box 588, Winona Lake, IN 46590; and Dale Stoffer, 419-289-5161, dstoffer@ashland.edu, 910 Center St., Ashland, OH 44805.
Anniversary is celebrated with a 300-day wellness challenge.
The Church of the Brethren Wellness Ministry has issued a 300-day wellness challenge as another way of celebrating the 300th anniversary of the Church of the Brethren, using Romans 12:1 as a theme scripture: "Therefore, I urge you...offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God--this is your spiritual act of worship."
The Wellness Ministry is a joint ministry of the Association of Brethren Caregivers, Brethren Benefit Trust, and the Church of the Brethren General Board, staffed by Mary Lou Garrison.
The "Anniversary Challenge" encourages Brethren to engage in exercise or other healthy activities on 300 days of the next year. The challenge was issued at the 2007 Annual Conference that ended July 4, and continues through next year’s anniversary Conference in Richmond, Va., on July 12-16, 2008.
"As part of our 300th Anniversary celebration, individuals and congregations are encouraged to take on the challenge to be fit for the journey as the Church of the Brethren," said Garrison on the challenge website. "Being well is a journey--of the body, mind, and soul. Each step takes us to new places of discovery about ourselves. As we exercise our freedom to make healthy choices in how we use our body, tend our soul, and enrich our mind, we draw closer to the Creator."
Those who attended the 2007 Conference and completed the "Passport to Wellness" activities received a "Fit for the Journey" t-shirt that featured a chart to mark off 300 days of participation. The same chart can be downloaded from www.brethren.org/abc/health/pdf/challenge_grid.pdf. Participants mark a square of the chart for each day they engage in a "good-for-you choice" of activity, then are invited to bring their completed chart to the Wellness Office exhibit at the 2008 Annual Conference.
"Keep in mind that the 300 days do not need to be consecutive and the more varied activities you mix in, the happier and healthier you’ll be!" said Garrison. "Post or hang your chart where you will see it and mark it daily, incorporating the challenge as part of your spiritual wellness and whole person development."
Brethren are invited to take the Anniversary Challenge as a personal goal, invite others to join in a supportive group, or use the challenge to promote healthy activities in a congregation or district. The website also offers sample wellness activities such as an annual physical, turning down dessert, eating a healthy snack, reading scripture, going on a family picnic, and taking a walk, among others. Also available is a bulletin insert about the Anniversary Challenge to help congregations promote the program.
Find the bulletin insert, the chart, and more information about the challenge at www.brethren.org/abc/health/challenge.html, where congregations and individuals also may register their activities and sign up to receive periodic notes of encouragement and a "mid-way check in."
Source: 7/19/2007 Newsline Extra
The Church of the Brethren Wellness Ministry has issued a 300-day wellness challenge as another way of celebrating the 300th anniversary of the Church of the Brethren, using Romans 12:1 as a theme scripture: "Therefore, I urge you...offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God--this is your spiritual act of worship."
The Wellness Ministry is a joint ministry of the Association of Brethren Caregivers, Brethren Benefit Trust, and the Church of the Brethren General Board, staffed by Mary Lou Garrison.
The "Anniversary Challenge" encourages Brethren to engage in exercise or other healthy activities on 300 days of the next year. The challenge was issued at the 2007 Annual Conference that ended July 4, and continues through next year’s anniversary Conference in Richmond, Va., on July 12-16, 2008.
"As part of our 300th Anniversary celebration, individuals and congregations are encouraged to take on the challenge to be fit for the journey as the Church of the Brethren," said Garrison on the challenge website. "Being well is a journey--of the body, mind, and soul. Each step takes us to new places of discovery about ourselves. As we exercise our freedom to make healthy choices in how we use our body, tend our soul, and enrich our mind, we draw closer to the Creator."
Those who attended the 2007 Conference and completed the "Passport to Wellness" activities received a "Fit for the Journey" t-shirt that featured a chart to mark off 300 days of participation. The same chart can be downloaded from www.brethren.org/abc/health/pdf/challenge_grid.pdf. Participants mark a square of the chart for each day they engage in a "good-for-you choice" of activity, then are invited to bring their completed chart to the Wellness Office exhibit at the 2008 Annual Conference.
"Keep in mind that the 300 days do not need to be consecutive and the more varied activities you mix in, the happier and healthier you’ll be!" said Garrison. "Post or hang your chart where you will see it and mark it daily, incorporating the challenge as part of your spiritual wellness and whole person development."
Brethren are invited to take the Anniversary Challenge as a personal goal, invite others to join in a supportive group, or use the challenge to promote healthy activities in a congregation or district. The website also offers sample wellness activities such as an annual physical, turning down dessert, eating a healthy snack, reading scripture, going on a family picnic, and taking a walk, among others. Also available is a bulletin insert about the Anniversary Challenge to help congregations promote the program.
Find the bulletin insert, the chart, and more information about the challenge at www.brethren.org/abc/health/challenge.html, where congregations and individuals also may register their activities and sign up to receive periodic notes of encouragement and a "mid-way check in."
Source: 7/19/2007 Newsline Extra
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)