Newsline Special
BRETHREN TAKE PART IN PEACEMAKING DIALOGUE WITH PRESIDENT AHMADINEJAD OF IRAN
Two Church of the Brethren leaders were among some 300 international religious and political figures, including Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, at a dialogue in New York yesterday evening, Sept. 25. The meeting was held to discuss the role of religion in responding to global challenges and building peace and understanding between societies.
The Brethren leaders who attended were Stan Noffsinger, general secretary of the Church of the Brethren, and Phil Jones, director of the Brethren Witness/Washington Office. The Church of the Brethren was requested to accompany Mennonite leaders and staff of Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) to the meeting, as one of the three Historic Peace Churches.
The gathering was one of an ongoing series of meetings that come at the initiative of Mennonite Central Committee (MCC). At a meeting with President Ahmadinejad a year ago on Sept. 26, 2007, three Brethren were among some 140 Christian leaders: Annual Conference moderator James Beckwith, Church of the Brethren representative to the UN Doris Abdullah, and Jones. Previous gatherings occurred when a small group of religious leaders met with President Ahmadinejad during a previous visit to the US, and when a delegation of US religious leaders traveled to Iran in Feb. 2007.
The theme of yesterday’s dialogue was "Has not one God created us? The significance of religious contributions to peace." A series of panelists shared Jewish, Muslim, and Christian perspectives on addressing poverty, injustice, environmental degradation, and war. Speakers included President Ahmadinejad, Kjell Bondevik, former prime minister of Norway, and Miguel d’Escoto Brockmann, president of the United Nations General Assembly.
The dialogue, which followed a meal, was sponsored by MCC, American Friends Service Committee, the Quaker United Nations Office, Religions for Peace, and the World Council of Churches-United Nations Liaison Office, in consultation with the Permanent Mission of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the UN.
Arli Klassen, executive director of MCC, gave welcoming remarks on behalf of the sponsoring organizations. She lit an oil lamp as a symbol of faith and invited participants to reflect on peacemaking from their own faith perspectives. "As a Christian, I believe that we are following Jesus Christ's example and his teaching as we eat together and hold this dialogue despite our many differences," Klassen said.
Klassen noted several areas of high tension in relations between Iran, the US, and other nations. Addressing President Ahmadinejad, Klassen raised concerns about his statements on the Holocaust and Israel, Iran's nuclear program, and religious freedom in Iran. "We ask you to find a way within your own country to allow for religious diversity, and to allow people to make their own choices as to which religion they will follow," Klassen said.
Rabbi Lynn Gottlieb, a leader in the Jewish Renewal movement, spoke about Jewish traditions of peacemaking and nonviolence, and drew upon her work for reconciliation between Muslims and Jews and Palestinians and Israelis. She also spoke about the significance of mourning the deaths of all victims of war, including the millions of people killed in the Holocaust, World War II, and wars in Iran and Iraq. "Because of the Holocaust, I learned from the rabbis who ordained and guide me, to be active in preventing further suffering of all human beings as a primary religious call to action," Gottlieb said.
Nihad Awad, executive director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, spoke about Islamic principles for alleviating poverty, caring for the environment, and working for peace and justice. He encouraged his interreligious audience to cooperate more closely toward these goals. "Has not God created us?" Awad said. "Yes--and he wants us to work together."
Although Klassen, Bondevik, and others raised concerns about religious freedoms and human rights in Iran, President Ahmadinejad did not address these issues directly. He spoke at length about theological issues, such as monotheism, justice, and commonalities among religions. "All divine prophets have spoken of one truth," the president said. "The religion of Islam is the same as that offered by Moses."
President Ahmadinejad spoke in broad terms about "challenges facing the human community," including poverty, declining morality, and a lack of religion in public life. He decried the humanitarian costs of wars in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Lebanon, and spoke extensively about the hardships suffered by Palestinians. He criticized nations such as the United States for maintaining nuclear weapons and did not deviate from his previous statements that Iran's nuclear program is for peaceful purposes.
"We were guests of the Mennonites," Noffsinger emphasized in a telephone interview today, following a debriefing meeting for the Mennonite delegation. "It was delightful to sit with about 20 people of member churches of the MCC and their staff." At this morning’s debriefing, Noffsinger reported that the group wanted to hear Brethren responses to the event. It is that same sense of collaboration that Mennonites are using in their ongoing attempts at dialogue with the people of Iran, he added. "It’s good and it’s healthy," Noffsinger said.
A couple hundred protesters demonstrated across the street during the meeting with Ahmadinejad, Noffsinger said. The protesters, he felt, were identifying the peace churches as "irrelevant to American culture. That’s been abrasive and difficult to hear," he said.
During the meeting with Ahmadinejad, the American religious leaders spoke "about nuclear armaments and the Holocaust," Noffsinger said. These concerns "were all raised and clearly articulated multiple times. It was very open speech."
Other denominations that are members of the World Council of Churches have received criticism of the WCC sponsorship of the meeting, Noffsinger said, and he himself has received questions about why the Brethren participated. Those questions "missed the point," he said. "The dialogue is what really matters."
To the question, are you going? Noffsinger said he has responded, "Of course we’re going to be there."
"To be at that table, this is what it means to be a peace church," he said. "We’re always called by Jesus’ command to love neighbors as ourselves. The church also has position papers on nuclear weapons, war, international relationships. We have a statement on peacemaking, and we will take every avenue of nonviolent resolution. These are reasons we go to the table, that’s why we risk it. Our faith compels us."
The Church of the Brethren has consistently engaged in conversation and relationship building with peoples identified as political enemies, in obedience to the command of Jesus to "love your enemies" (Mt. 5:44, Lk. 6:27). For example, during the Cold War the Church of the Brethren hosted delegations of Russian representatives from the Russian Orthodox Church, at a time when those visits also were met by hostile groups of protesters.
"There are going to be other places around the world where we are going to be called to be in the middle of it, and that’s where we ought to be" as Brethren, Noffsinger said. "It’s where we’ve always been."
"It was with a delicate balance of faith and trust that I attended," Jones said today as he reported on the meeting. He noted that this is the fourth attempt at open and honest conversation with President Ahmadinejad. "Have I seen great progress in our understanding?" he asked. "Certainly not, it takes time to develop that safe place where real dialogue can occur. But truths have been told and lies have been challenged."
"We must meet and greet and love all of our sisters and brothers, not just those we are comfortable with," Jones said. "Many within our tradition, Christian and Brethren, have challenged this attempt at loving dialogue. We do not always choose our enemies, we do not always choose those we love. In faith and trust we simply live the greatest commandment of all, to the best of our ability."
For more information, contact the Brethren Witness/Washington Office at pjones_gb@brethren.org or 800-785-3246.
(Sections of this report came from a Mennonite Central Committee press release.)
Friday, September 26, 2008
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Disaster grants aid the Caribbean, Children’s Disaster Service continues work in Texas.
In a continuing response to the recent hurricanes that hit the Caribbean and the US Gulf coast, the Church of the Brethren’s Emergency Disaster Fund has issued several grants to support relief work, and 26 volunteers from the denomination’s Children’s Disaster Services agency are caring for children in shelters in Texas this week.
The Emergency Disaster Fund has given a grant of $5,000 for Brethren work in Haiti, which has been hit by four tropical storms and hurricanes in the last two months. In the recent Hurricane Ike, more than 300 people died in Haiti, many thousands of homes were destroyed, and millions of Haitians are now in dire need of food. Reports from the Church of the Brethren Haiti Advisory Committee indicate that at least 35 Haitian Brethren have lost their homes.
The grant will support a collaborative effort between Brethren Disaster Ministries and the Church of the Brethren’s Global Mission Partnerships, and will include travel for an assessment team, a Haiti response coordinator, and the assessment and development of a Brethren response in Haiti. Future grants are anticipated once a plan is developed.
A separate grant of $10,000 supports the work of Church World Service (CWS) in the Caribbean, including a rapid response effort that is already underway, well as the shipping of material aid from the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md. The Material Resources program’s most recent shipments in response to Hurricane Gustav and Hurricane Ike have included a truckload of blankets, baby kits, and hygiene kits shipped to Haiti, and a truckload of school kits and hygiene kits shipped to Baton Rouge, La.
Another allocation of $9,000 from the fund has gone to aid displaced people following the armed conflict between Georgia and the Russian Federation, to support the aid efforts of CWS partners the Russian Orthodox Church and Tbilisi Youth House Foundation.
Children’s Disaster Services this week has 26 volunteers in the Houston area, serving children displaced by Hurricane Ike. These teams are to be replaced with new teams of childcare volunteers over the weekend, reported Judy Bezon, director of Children’s Disaster Services. The current teams have worked in four shelters, one of which is a "mega center" where two childcare centers are open. Bezon reported that as other shelters close, and as evacuees learn their homes are uninhabitable, they will go to the mega shelter--which "will be going for quite a while," she said.
"CDS volunteers certainly are generous with their time," Bezon added, in a note expressing admiration for volunteers who spend long demanding hours each day caring for children in stressful circumstances. "I have 13 ready to travel to Houston over the weekend, and more who can go just a bit later. All of this after utilizing 29 volunteers for Hurricane Gustav! Altogether there are 28 more people who are willing to put everything aside to go help children who have been impacted by a storm."
Source: 9/25/2008 Newsline Extra
In a continuing response to the recent hurricanes that hit the Caribbean and the US Gulf coast, the Church of the Brethren’s Emergency Disaster Fund has issued several grants to support relief work, and 26 volunteers from the denomination’s Children’s Disaster Services agency are caring for children in shelters in Texas this week.
The Emergency Disaster Fund has given a grant of $5,000 for Brethren work in Haiti, which has been hit by four tropical storms and hurricanes in the last two months. In the recent Hurricane Ike, more than 300 people died in Haiti, many thousands of homes were destroyed, and millions of Haitians are now in dire need of food. Reports from the Church of the Brethren Haiti Advisory Committee indicate that at least 35 Haitian Brethren have lost their homes.
The grant will support a collaborative effort between Brethren Disaster Ministries and the Church of the Brethren’s Global Mission Partnerships, and will include travel for an assessment team, a Haiti response coordinator, and the assessment and development of a Brethren response in Haiti. Future grants are anticipated once a plan is developed.
A separate grant of $10,000 supports the work of Church World Service (CWS) in the Caribbean, including a rapid response effort that is already underway, well as the shipping of material aid from the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md. The Material Resources program’s most recent shipments in response to Hurricane Gustav and Hurricane Ike have included a truckload of blankets, baby kits, and hygiene kits shipped to Haiti, and a truckload of school kits and hygiene kits shipped to Baton Rouge, La.
Another allocation of $9,000 from the fund has gone to aid displaced people following the armed conflict between Georgia and the Russian Federation, to support the aid efforts of CWS partners the Russian Orthodox Church and Tbilisi Youth House Foundation.
Children’s Disaster Services this week has 26 volunteers in the Houston area, serving children displaced by Hurricane Ike. These teams are to be replaced with new teams of childcare volunteers over the weekend, reported Judy Bezon, director of Children’s Disaster Services. The current teams have worked in four shelters, one of which is a "mega center" where two childcare centers are open. Bezon reported that as other shelters close, and as evacuees learn their homes are uninhabitable, they will go to the mega shelter--which "will be going for quite a while," she said.
"CDS volunteers certainly are generous with their time," Bezon added, in a note expressing admiration for volunteers who spend long demanding hours each day caring for children in stressful circumstances. "I have 13 ready to travel to Houston over the weekend, and more who can go just a bit later. All of this after utilizing 29 volunteers for Hurricane Gustav! Altogether there are 28 more people who are willing to put everything aside to go help children who have been impacted by a storm."
Source: 9/25/2008 Newsline Extra
Faith Expedition to study indigenous coffee region of Mexico.
A Faith Expedition to Mexico has been announced by the Brethren Witness/Washington Office, to visit an indigenous coffee cooperative and learn first-hand about organic coffee farming and the hardships faced by small-scale farmers. This Faith Expedition is in partnership with Equal Exchange, and Witness for Peace. The trip will take place Jan. 24-Feb. 3, 2009.
The group will stay in the homes of coffee farmers in the area of Chiapas, and will learn about the economic, political, and historical context of Mexico and the state of Chiapas. Topics will include the 1994 uprising in Chiapas, low-intensity conflict, and human rights abuses against indigenous people.
Participants will learn how to "connect the dots" between global economic forces and local social hardships, for example, how the global price of coffee affects the livelihoods of poor farming communities around the world. Other features of the trip will include a visit to an indigenous women's artisan cooperative, and the opportunity to learn about the role that faith and Liberation Theology has played in the lives of people in rural Chiapas.
For more information about cost and how to apply, contact the Brethren Witness/Washington Office at 337 North Carolina Ave. SE, Washington, DC 20003; pjones_gb@brethren.org or 800-785-3246. The deadline for applications is Nov. 1, when an application form with nonrefundable deposit of $150 is required.
Source: 9/25/2008 Newsline Extra
A Faith Expedition to Mexico has been announced by the Brethren Witness/Washington Office, to visit an indigenous coffee cooperative and learn first-hand about organic coffee farming and the hardships faced by small-scale farmers. This Faith Expedition is in partnership with Equal Exchange, and Witness for Peace. The trip will take place Jan. 24-Feb. 3, 2009.
The group will stay in the homes of coffee farmers in the area of Chiapas, and will learn about the economic, political, and historical context of Mexico and the state of Chiapas. Topics will include the 1994 uprising in Chiapas, low-intensity conflict, and human rights abuses against indigenous people.
Participants will learn how to "connect the dots" between global economic forces and local social hardships, for example, how the global price of coffee affects the livelihoods of poor farming communities around the world. Other features of the trip will include a visit to an indigenous women's artisan cooperative, and the opportunity to learn about the role that faith and Liberation Theology has played in the lives of people in rural Chiapas.
For more information about cost and how to apply, contact the Brethren Witness/Washington Office at 337 North Carolina Ave. SE, Washington, DC 20003; pjones_gb@brethren.org or 800-785-3246. The deadline for applications is Nov. 1, when an application form with nonrefundable deposit of $150 is required.
Source: 9/25/2008 Newsline Extra
On Earth Peace offers Israel/Palestine delegation trip.
A trip to Israel/Palestine on the theme, "Plant Peace," is being offered by On Earth Peace on Jan. 6-19, 2009. The experience will be led by Rick Polhamus, a former fulltime volunteer with Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT) in Hebron.
The delegation will meet with Israeli and Palestinian peace and human rights workers, will join the CPT teams in Hebron and the Palestinian village of At-Tuwani in a limited amount of accompaniment and documentation, and will join in a public witness. "This is an opportunity to get an on-the-ground perspective on the conflict in the Middle East, how it impacts communities, and how some communities are making a stand for peace," said the announcement.
Participants will be expected to prepare for the trip by becoming familiar with current conditions in the Middle East, and upon return communicate about the experience with local congregations, groups, and the media. The $2,100 cost includes international airfare, in-country travel, simple accommodations, two meals per day, honoraria, and delegation fees.
For more information, contact On Earth Peace at 410-635-8704, or Rick Polhamus at jrp@goinx.com or 937-313-4458.
Source: 9/25/2008 Newsline Extra
A trip to Israel/Palestine on the theme, "Plant Peace," is being offered by On Earth Peace on Jan. 6-19, 2009. The experience will be led by Rick Polhamus, a former fulltime volunteer with Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT) in Hebron.
The delegation will meet with Israeli and Palestinian peace and human rights workers, will join the CPT teams in Hebron and the Palestinian village of At-Tuwani in a limited amount of accompaniment and documentation, and will join in a public witness. "This is an opportunity to get an on-the-ground perspective on the conflict in the Middle East, how it impacts communities, and how some communities are making a stand for peace," said the announcement.
Participants will be expected to prepare for the trip by becoming familiar with current conditions in the Middle East, and upon return communicate about the experience with local congregations, groups, and the media. The $2,100 cost includes international airfare, in-country travel, simple accommodations, two meals per day, honoraria, and delegation fees.
For more information, contact On Earth Peace at 410-635-8704, or Rick Polhamus at jrp@goinx.com or 937-313-4458.
Source: 9/25/2008 Newsline Extra
Sudan Initiative director to meet with RECONCILE leaders.
Mission staff of the Church of the Brethren are planning a meeting with RECONCILE, a peace and reconciliation organization in southern Sudan, to continue building relationships as together we consider places of partnership. Brad Bohrer, director of the Sudan Initiative, will travel to southern Sudan from Sept. 29-Oct. 11, during which time he will meet with RECONCILE leaders and also provide leadership for two events sponsored by the organization.
"The Sudan Initiative recently has gone through a clarifying time," Bohrer said. "With staff changes came a period of stepping back from the direction we were going, a time of reevaluation and discernment. The vision and call continues for us to go to Sudan, but we are going with a clearer, deeper call from Sudanese leaders to partner with them in the rebuilding of the country after the civil war."
RECONCILE was formed in 2003 out of the work of the New Sudan Council of Churches (NSCC), Bohrer reported. The Church of the Brethren has been involved with the NSCC since its inception, and has in the past provided staff as well as financial and other support. Merlyn Kettering, a Church of the Brethren member who served for a time as a church consultant for economic and social development in Sudan, wrote most of the organizing documents for the creation of RECONCILE and also trained its early leadership.
RECONCILE is currently involved in workshops for church and community leaders to foster peace on a local level, as well as training for reconciliation, participation in local and national government through elections, and empowering the population to be in healthy communities, Bohrer reported.
"My trip will be to deepen our partnership with RECONCILE and define some long- and short-term positions that we will try to fill to strengthen their program and create sustained presence in Sudan," Bohrer said. During his trip, Bohrer also will provide a leadership training event for the RECONCILE staff, and give a workshop for church and community leaders on the importance of participating in elections.
"I'm excited that we can walk along with RECONCILE in this way," Bohrer said. He added that conversations are in progress with other Sudanese organizations and churches to explore further partnering relationships that the Church of the Brethren can establish.
Source: 9/25/2008 Newsline Extra
Mission staff of the Church of the Brethren are planning a meeting with RECONCILE, a peace and reconciliation organization in southern Sudan, to continue building relationships as together we consider places of partnership. Brad Bohrer, director of the Sudan Initiative, will travel to southern Sudan from Sept. 29-Oct. 11, during which time he will meet with RECONCILE leaders and also provide leadership for two events sponsored by the organization.
"The Sudan Initiative recently has gone through a clarifying time," Bohrer said. "With staff changes came a period of stepping back from the direction we were going, a time of reevaluation and discernment. The vision and call continues for us to go to Sudan, but we are going with a clearer, deeper call from Sudanese leaders to partner with them in the rebuilding of the country after the civil war."
RECONCILE was formed in 2003 out of the work of the New Sudan Council of Churches (NSCC), Bohrer reported. The Church of the Brethren has been involved with the NSCC since its inception, and has in the past provided staff as well as financial and other support. Merlyn Kettering, a Church of the Brethren member who served for a time as a church consultant for economic and social development in Sudan, wrote most of the organizing documents for the creation of RECONCILE and also trained its early leadership.
RECONCILE is currently involved in workshops for church and community leaders to foster peace on a local level, as well as training for reconciliation, participation in local and national government through elections, and empowering the population to be in healthy communities, Bohrer reported.
"My trip will be to deepen our partnership with RECONCILE and define some long- and short-term positions that we will try to fill to strengthen their program and create sustained presence in Sudan," Bohrer said. During his trip, Bohrer also will provide a leadership training event for the RECONCILE staff, and give a workshop for church and community leaders on the importance of participating in elections.
"I'm excited that we can walk along with RECONCILE in this way," Bohrer said. He added that conversations are in progress with other Sudanese organizations and churches to explore further partnering relationships that the Church of the Brethren can establish.
Source: 9/25/2008 Newsline Extra
Credits
Newsline is produced by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of news services for the Church of the Brethren, cobnews@brethren.org or 800-323-8039 ext. 260. Judy Bezon, Phil Jones, Jon Kobel, Gimbiya Kettering, Roy Winter contributed to this report.
Newsline is produced by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of news services for the Church of the Brethren, cobnews@brethren.org or 800-323-8039 ext. 260. Judy Bezon, Phil Jones, Jon Kobel, Gimbiya Kettering, Roy Winter contributed to this report.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
NEWSPERSONNEL
Brethren Benefit Trust issues statement on financial crisis, investments.
Brethren Benefit Trust (BBT) has issued a statement in response to the current turmoil in the financial markets. BBT is the financial services ministry of the Church of the Brethren. Its ministries include the Brethren Pension Plan, and BBT also houses the Brethren Foundation that provides investment management services to churches, agencies, and others.
BBT reported that it contacted each of its investment managers early last week regarding their Brethren Pension Plan and Brethren Foundation holdings. Of BBT’s two bond managers, Income Research and Management had 0.9 percent of its portfolio in Lehman Brothers, 1.2 percent in AIG, and 0.4 percent in Merrill Lynch. Agincourt Capital Management had 0.6 percent of its portfolio in Lehman Brothers, 0.46 percent in Merrill Lynch, and no holdings in AIG. None of BBT’s four equities managers nor its short-term fund manager had investments in Lehman Brothers, AIG, or Merrill Lynch.
"Although many questions remain unanswered with regard to the government’s proposed bailout and the impact it will have if approved, many factors are expected to influence investment performance over the entire year--issues like Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac having been nationalized, and the number of banks that have been taken over by the FDIC," the statement said in part.
"There is still a significant volume of over-leveraged entities with toxic assets in the markets," the statement continued. "It is likely that the cycle is not finished, but it is necessary to clean up the excesses--a positive step in a rational restructuring of markets and asset prices. The critical question, however, is to what extent the declines in financial assets will have direct impact on the real economy. This transmission risk is material, and we expect at least some negative implications for Gross Domestic Product growth as it is unlikely that a material improvement in the economy will be seen without a healthier financial sector."
In the meantime, BBT is continuing to work closely with its investment managers, and is reassuring Brethren that those managers remain diligent in their efforts to make prudent decisions with the assets they manage on behalf of Brethren Pension Plan members and Brethren Foundation clients.
About the financial situation of the Church of the Brethren Credit Union, BBT said that "ideally, nearly all of the money that Church of the Brethren Credit Union manages is invested in the form of auto and personal loans to members. In times when the Credit Union has excess liquidity, funds are invested in Certificates of Deposit. These investments are always less than $100,000 per financial institution, which means funds are always fully insured by the National Credit Union Association. Thus, the Church of the Brethren Credit Union is not directly impacted by the national financial crisis."
The full statement will be available at www.brethrenbenefittrust.org. To discuss BBT’s investments further call 800-746-1505, ext. 385 for Pension Plan members, or call ext. 369 for Foundation clients. "We welcome your call," BBT staff said.
Source: 9/24/2008 Newsline
Brethren Benefit Trust (BBT) has issued a statement in response to the current turmoil in the financial markets. BBT is the financial services ministry of the Church of the Brethren. Its ministries include the Brethren Pension Plan, and BBT also houses the Brethren Foundation that provides investment management services to churches, agencies, and others.
BBT reported that it contacted each of its investment managers early last week regarding their Brethren Pension Plan and Brethren Foundation holdings. Of BBT’s two bond managers, Income Research and Management had 0.9 percent of its portfolio in Lehman Brothers, 1.2 percent in AIG, and 0.4 percent in Merrill Lynch. Agincourt Capital Management had 0.6 percent of its portfolio in Lehman Brothers, 0.46 percent in Merrill Lynch, and no holdings in AIG. None of BBT’s four equities managers nor its short-term fund manager had investments in Lehman Brothers, AIG, or Merrill Lynch.
"Although many questions remain unanswered with regard to the government’s proposed bailout and the impact it will have if approved, many factors are expected to influence investment performance over the entire year--issues like Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac having been nationalized, and the number of banks that have been taken over by the FDIC," the statement said in part.
"There is still a significant volume of over-leveraged entities with toxic assets in the markets," the statement continued. "It is likely that the cycle is not finished, but it is necessary to clean up the excesses--a positive step in a rational restructuring of markets and asset prices. The critical question, however, is to what extent the declines in financial assets will have direct impact on the real economy. This transmission risk is material, and we expect at least some negative implications for Gross Domestic Product growth as it is unlikely that a material improvement in the economy will be seen without a healthier financial sector."
In the meantime, BBT is continuing to work closely with its investment managers, and is reassuring Brethren that those managers remain diligent in their efforts to make prudent decisions with the assets they manage on behalf of Brethren Pension Plan members and Brethren Foundation clients.
About the financial situation of the Church of the Brethren Credit Union, BBT said that "ideally, nearly all of the money that Church of the Brethren Credit Union manages is invested in the form of auto and personal loans to members. In times when the Credit Union has excess liquidity, funds are invested in Certificates of Deposit. These investments are always less than $100,000 per financial institution, which means funds are always fully insured by the National Credit Union Association. Thus, the Church of the Brethren Credit Union is not directly impacted by the national financial crisis."
The full statement will be available at www.brethrenbenefittrust.org. To discuss BBT’s investments further call 800-746-1505, ext. 385 for Pension Plan members, or call ext. 369 for Foundation clients. "We welcome your call," BBT staff said.
Source: 9/24/2008 Newsline
National Older Adult Conference brings hundreds to Lake Junaluska.
Warmth and friendliness were hallmarks of the National Older Adult Conference (NOAC) Sept. 1-5 at Lake Junaluska, N.C. More than 898 from across the Church of the Brethren gathered by the calm waters of the lake to hear engaging keynote speakers, attend workshops, eat gallons of ice cream, and catch up with one another since the last NOAC in 2006.
Sandy Bosserman, a former district executive minister, preached at the opening worship service and invited the conference to "Come to the Troubled Waters." She began with pleasant images of water, such as wonderful beaches with lazy waves and gentle breezes, but then recalled times in her life when water played a more troubling role. She called Brethren to the troubled waters that brought healing to the cripple man in John 5:1-7. "‘Come to the Troubled Waters’ is a loaded invitation," she said. "We Brethren certainly know about troubled water and the dangers of wading into it."
Stephen Breck Reid, former dean and professor of Old Testament Studies at Bethany Theological Seminary, led a series of three Bible studies. Picking up on the conference theme, "Come to the Water," he opened the series by stating, "In that story the angel of the Lord troubled the waters, but for the next three days I’m going to reacquaint you with people who themselves troubled the waters. Come to the waters is not just about a sentimental warm fuzzy time, but it is an invitation to come to the troubled waters that God has presented to us."
Tuesday morning keynote speaker Donald Kraybill described the tragic day of the shooting of Amish children at Nickle Mines in Pennsylvania. Silence fell upon Stuart Auditorium as Kraybill, senior fellow at the Young Center at Elizabethtown (Pa.) College, recounted the events. The message was sobering but of greater importance: the Amish response of faith, grace, and forgiveness. "My question to us this morning is simply this: If these had been our children, our sisters, if these had been our granddaughters or nieces, how would we have responded?" Kraybill asked. "What would we have done?" Kraybill is one of the authors of the book, "Amish Grace: How Forgiveness Transcended Tragedy," written jointly with Steven M. Nolt and David L. Weaver-Zercher. Copies are available from Brethren Press.
Other highlights of the conference included inspiring messages from keynote presenters Jane Thibault, a clinical gerontologist and clinical professor at the University of Louisville; Valerie Bridgeman Davis, associate professor of Hebrew, homiletics, and worship at Memphis Theological Seminary; and Scott Sheperd, who used a humorous, nontraditional approach to focusing on stress. Rounding out the week was Frank Ramirez, pastor of Everett (Pa.) Church of the Brethren and author of several books, including "The Meanest Man in Patrick County" and "Brethren Brush with Greatness."
Nancy Faus-Mullen, professor emerita of Bethany Theological Seminary where she taught for 25 years, led the conference in a celebration of 300 years of Brethren hymnody. The gathering sang hymns and songs from the 18th century to the present time. The evening featured several hymn writers leading their own hymns, and included a hymn led by Wil Nolen, retiring president of BBT and former song leader at NOAC. Conference entertainment also included the group Trifolkal, which with songs and stories led conference goers laughing, crying, and tapping their feet along a journey of healing.
David Sollenberger and the NOAC News Team provided twice daily doses of humor, announcements, news, and other material. The antics of the news team were anxiously anticipated, as attendees waited to see the latest creative installment. A DVD of the week’s episodes of NOAC News is available from Brethren Press.
Several groups celebrated anniversaries. Brethren Volunteer Service celebrated its 60th anniversary, NOAC observed the 50th anniversary of the ordination of women in the Church of the Brethren, and those who were at National Youth Conference (NYC) in 1958 held a 50th reunion. The 1958 NYC was the second in Church of the Brethren history, and also was held at Lake Junaluska. Group pictures were taken of each special celebration and are available for purchase, contact pastoreddie@verizon.net if interested.
Over 200 walkers in the Well Walk, and even more NOAC participants who gave donations, pushed toward two goals--two miles around Lake Junaluska and $5,000 to provide a sustainable water system at the Comprehensive Secondary School of Ekklesiyar Yan'uwa a Nigeria (EYN) at church headquarters in Kwarhi, Nigeria. The noncompetitive walk offered the rewards of witnessing a glorious sunrise over the lake, and stretching bodies, minds, and spirits. At last count, $4,710 has been received and donations are still coming in. Some congregations have made this a special project to undertake, and one family has indicated that the well project will be the beneficiary of its annual joint Christmas gift. Additional contributions may be made to Church of the Brethren Well Project, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120.
In order to insure that no more than two major Church of the Brethren conferences are held in any one year, the next NOAC will be in 2009. Thereafter the conference will return to its every-two-years schedule. Lake Junaluska will once again be the site for NOAC on Sept. 7-11, 2009, on the theme, "Legacies of Wisdom: Weaving Old and New." Registration brochures will be mailed in March 2009.
--Eddie Edmonds is pastor of Moler Avenue Church of the Brethren in Martinsburg, W.Va., and served as director of communications at NOAC. Information contained in this article appeared on the daily web pages at www.brethren.org/abc/noac/NOAC2008/Monday.html and in the "NOAC Notes" daily news sheet. Alice Edmonds, Frank Ramirez, and Mary Lou Garrison contributed to this report.
Source: 9/24/2008 Newsline
Warmth and friendliness were hallmarks of the National Older Adult Conference (NOAC) Sept. 1-5 at Lake Junaluska, N.C. More than 898 from across the Church of the Brethren gathered by the calm waters of the lake to hear engaging keynote speakers, attend workshops, eat gallons of ice cream, and catch up with one another since the last NOAC in 2006.
Sandy Bosserman, a former district executive minister, preached at the opening worship service and invited the conference to "Come to the Troubled Waters." She began with pleasant images of water, such as wonderful beaches with lazy waves and gentle breezes, but then recalled times in her life when water played a more troubling role. She called Brethren to the troubled waters that brought healing to the cripple man in John 5:1-7. "‘Come to the Troubled Waters’ is a loaded invitation," she said. "We Brethren certainly know about troubled water and the dangers of wading into it."
Stephen Breck Reid, former dean and professor of Old Testament Studies at Bethany Theological Seminary, led a series of three Bible studies. Picking up on the conference theme, "Come to the Water," he opened the series by stating, "In that story the angel of the Lord troubled the waters, but for the next three days I’m going to reacquaint you with people who themselves troubled the waters. Come to the waters is not just about a sentimental warm fuzzy time, but it is an invitation to come to the troubled waters that God has presented to us."
Tuesday morning keynote speaker Donald Kraybill described the tragic day of the shooting of Amish children at Nickle Mines in Pennsylvania. Silence fell upon Stuart Auditorium as Kraybill, senior fellow at the Young Center at Elizabethtown (Pa.) College, recounted the events. The message was sobering but of greater importance: the Amish response of faith, grace, and forgiveness. "My question to us this morning is simply this: If these had been our children, our sisters, if these had been our granddaughters or nieces, how would we have responded?" Kraybill asked. "What would we have done?" Kraybill is one of the authors of the book, "Amish Grace: How Forgiveness Transcended Tragedy," written jointly with Steven M. Nolt and David L. Weaver-Zercher. Copies are available from Brethren Press.
Other highlights of the conference included inspiring messages from keynote presenters Jane Thibault, a clinical gerontologist and clinical professor at the University of Louisville; Valerie Bridgeman Davis, associate professor of Hebrew, homiletics, and worship at Memphis Theological Seminary; and Scott Sheperd, who used a humorous, nontraditional approach to focusing on stress. Rounding out the week was Frank Ramirez, pastor of Everett (Pa.) Church of the Brethren and author of several books, including "The Meanest Man in Patrick County" and "Brethren Brush with Greatness."
Nancy Faus-Mullen, professor emerita of Bethany Theological Seminary where she taught for 25 years, led the conference in a celebration of 300 years of Brethren hymnody. The gathering sang hymns and songs from the 18th century to the present time. The evening featured several hymn writers leading their own hymns, and included a hymn led by Wil Nolen, retiring president of BBT and former song leader at NOAC. Conference entertainment also included the group Trifolkal, which with songs and stories led conference goers laughing, crying, and tapping their feet along a journey of healing.
David Sollenberger and the NOAC News Team provided twice daily doses of humor, announcements, news, and other material. The antics of the news team were anxiously anticipated, as attendees waited to see the latest creative installment. A DVD of the week’s episodes of NOAC News is available from Brethren Press.
Several groups celebrated anniversaries. Brethren Volunteer Service celebrated its 60th anniversary, NOAC observed the 50th anniversary of the ordination of women in the Church of the Brethren, and those who were at National Youth Conference (NYC) in 1958 held a 50th reunion. The 1958 NYC was the second in Church of the Brethren history, and also was held at Lake Junaluska. Group pictures were taken of each special celebration and are available for purchase, contact pastoreddie@verizon.net if interested.
Over 200 walkers in the Well Walk, and even more NOAC participants who gave donations, pushed toward two goals--two miles around Lake Junaluska and $5,000 to provide a sustainable water system at the Comprehensive Secondary School of Ekklesiyar Yan'uwa a Nigeria (EYN) at church headquarters in Kwarhi, Nigeria. The noncompetitive walk offered the rewards of witnessing a glorious sunrise over the lake, and stretching bodies, minds, and spirits. At last count, $4,710 has been received and donations are still coming in. Some congregations have made this a special project to undertake, and one family has indicated that the well project will be the beneficiary of its annual joint Christmas gift. Additional contributions may be made to Church of the Brethren Well Project, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120.
In order to insure that no more than two major Church of the Brethren conferences are held in any one year, the next NOAC will be in 2009. Thereafter the conference will return to its every-two-years schedule. Lake Junaluska will once again be the site for NOAC on Sept. 7-11, 2009, on the theme, "Legacies of Wisdom: Weaving Old and New." Registration brochures will be mailed in March 2009.
--Eddie Edmonds is pastor of Moler Avenue Church of the Brethren in Martinsburg, W.Va., and served as director of communications at NOAC. Information contained in this article appeared on the daily web pages at www.brethren.org/abc/noac/NOAC2008/Monday.html and in the "NOAC Notes" daily news sheet. Alice Edmonds, Frank Ramirez, and Mary Lou Garrison contributed to this report.
Source: 9/24/2008 Newsline
Summer workcamp program involves nearly 700 participants.
Nearly 700 junior- and senior-high youth and adult advisors were part of the 2008 Church of the Brethren workcamps this summer. Participants worshiped, served, and experienced new cultures as part of the workcamp experience.
In all, 28 workcamps were offered by the Church of the Brethren’s Youth and Young Adult Ministries, in 12 states and four countries. Participants traveled as far west as Idaho and as far south as Mexico and the Caribbean. The theme for the summer’s workcamps was "...Strengthen My Hands," based on Nehemiah 6:9.
A wide variety of experiences were available to workcamp participants. Youth in the Pine Ridge workcamp learned about Native American culture through participating in an "inipi" or sweat-lodge, a beading lesson, and a trip to the site of the Wounded Knee Massacre. Work projects included home repairs around the reservation, as well as improvements to a school.
Workcampers explored urban issues of poverty and homelessness in Roanoke, Va.; Baltimore, Md.; Indianapolis, Ind.; Chicago, Ill.; and Ashland, Ohio. Workcamps in Neon, Ken., and Keyser, W.Va., were provided with a perspective on rural life. Those who went to St. Croix in the US Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, and Reynosa, Mexico, received a chance for cross-cultural interactions.
Dates and locations for the 2009 workcamps will be available this fall. Go to www.brethren.org/genbd/yya/workcamps for more information. Brochures about the 2009 program also will be mailed to each Church of the Brethren congregation.
--Meghan Horne is an assistant coordinator for the Church of the Brethren workcamp program in 2009, serving through Brethren Volunteer Service.
Source: 9/24/2008 Newsline
Nearly 700 junior- and senior-high youth and adult advisors were part of the 2008 Church of the Brethren workcamps this summer. Participants worshiped, served, and experienced new cultures as part of the workcamp experience.
In all, 28 workcamps were offered by the Church of the Brethren’s Youth and Young Adult Ministries, in 12 states and four countries. Participants traveled as far west as Idaho and as far south as Mexico and the Caribbean. The theme for the summer’s workcamps was "...Strengthen My Hands," based on Nehemiah 6:9.
A wide variety of experiences were available to workcamp participants. Youth in the Pine Ridge workcamp learned about Native American culture through participating in an "inipi" or sweat-lodge, a beading lesson, and a trip to the site of the Wounded Knee Massacre. Work projects included home repairs around the reservation, as well as improvements to a school.
Workcampers explored urban issues of poverty and homelessness in Roanoke, Va.; Baltimore, Md.; Indianapolis, Ind.; Chicago, Ill.; and Ashland, Ohio. Workcamps in Neon, Ken., and Keyser, W.Va., were provided with a perspective on rural life. Those who went to St. Croix in the US Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, and Reynosa, Mexico, received a chance for cross-cultural interactions.
Dates and locations for the 2009 workcamps will be available this fall. Go to www.brethren.org/genbd/yya/workcamps for more information. Brochures about the 2009 program also will be mailed to each Church of the Brethren congregation.
--Meghan Horne is an assistant coordinator for the Church of the Brethren workcamp program in 2009, serving through Brethren Volunteer Service.
Source: 9/24/2008 Newsline
Curriculum survey responses urged.
An important curriculum survey was mailed last week to all Church of the Brethren congregations. The survey from Brethren Press seeks information that will help the publishing house better understand the needs and interests of congregations in the area of Christian education.
A parallel survey also has been distributed within Mennonite congregations in the US and Canada. The results of both surveys will be studied at an upcoming meeting of the staff of the Gather 'Round curriculum project.
Congregations are encouraged to submit their responses on the online version of the survey, since that will simplify tabulation, but returning the print version is also fine. Go to www.brethren.org/curriculumsurvey to find the survey.
The survey should be completed by only one person per congregation, the one most knowledgeable about curriculum use. Respondents are asked to return the survey quickly, preferably within two weeks, so that there is time to organize the information before the curriculum planning meeting.
"This is the first time we’ve conducted a survey like this," said publisher Wendy McFadden. "The information will be an immense help as we plan educational resources for the future. We’re really grateful to everyone who takes the time to help us gather this input."
Source: 9/24/2008 Newsline
An important curriculum survey was mailed last week to all Church of the Brethren congregations. The survey from Brethren Press seeks information that will help the publishing house better understand the needs and interests of congregations in the area of Christian education.
A parallel survey also has been distributed within Mennonite congregations in the US and Canada. The results of both surveys will be studied at an upcoming meeting of the staff of the Gather 'Round curriculum project.
Congregations are encouraged to submit their responses on the online version of the survey, since that will simplify tabulation, but returning the print version is also fine. Go to www.brethren.org/curriculumsurvey to find the survey.
The survey should be completed by only one person per congregation, the one most knowledgeable about curriculum use. Respondents are asked to return the survey quickly, preferably within two weeks, so that there is time to organize the information before the curriculum planning meeting.
"This is the first time we’ve conducted a survey like this," said publisher Wendy McFadden. "The information will be an immense help as we plan educational resources for the future. We’re really grateful to everyone who takes the time to help us gather this input."
Source: 9/24/2008 Newsline
Brethren bits: Correction, personnel, position openings, and more.
- Correction: The subject of Michael Hodson’s writing project for the Brethren Encyclopedia Inc. (see Newsline Extra of Sept. 12) is Brethren, universal restoration, and universalism, over the time period of the 18th and 19th centuries.
- Nancy Watts of Elgin, Ill., began Sept. 16 as donations and accounts receivable specialist for the Church of the Brethren, working at the denomination’s General Offices. She most recently has been assistant to the controller for Butera Finer Foods Corporate offices. Prior to that she held accounting positions with Mueller and Co., LLP, and Elgin Sweeper Co.
- Debbie Brehm of Huntley, Ill., began an internship in Human Resources Management at the Church of the Brethren General Offices on Sept. 17. The internship is part of her bachelor degree program at Judson University. Brehm comes from a background as faculty member and board member with Heritage Homeschool Workshops.
- The New Windsor (Md.) Conference Center is recognizing the service of several volunteer hosts. Ron and Jean Strine of Hershey, Pa., departed on Sept. 1 after volunteering at SERRV/A Greater Gift during July, and serving as first-time volunteer hosts in the Old Main building in August. Art and Lois Hermanson returned to Iowa on Sept. 2 after having served as volunteer hosts in Zigler Hall for six months. Sally Allstott of Pennsylvania has been a first-time volunteer host in Zigler Hall for the month of September. Red and Emily (Larson) Brandon have served as host and hostess of Old Main for September. Olive Provost has served as volunteer host in Windsor Hall for the past six months.
- McPherson (Kan.) College invites nominations and applications for a president to succeed Ronald D. Hovis, who will retire in June 2009. McPherson is a small college with 500 fulltime students, focusing on career-oriented liberal arts. It is located in McPherson, Kan., about an hour north of Wichita, the largest city in the state. The college was founded in 1887 by the Church of the Brethren and remains committed to the values of the church: peace and justice, ethical behavior, and putting faith into action. McPherson’s mission is to develop whole persons through scholarship, participation, and service. The next president should be someone who is prepared to serve as both a chief executive and an academic leader; believes in the college’s mission as a church-related baccalaureate college; models the values of the Church of the Brethren; demonstrates a record of achievement in leading and managing organizations, and in dealing with complex financial challenges; can help frame a compelling vision of McPherson’s potential that will energize the campus, community, and other stakeholders to lend their support; possesses an advanced degree and an understanding of the distinctive culture of higher education. Nominations, inquiries, and expressions of interest, which will be held in the strictest confidence, should be submitted as a Microsoft Word attachment to Richard Doll, Chair of the Search Committee for the President, at wagonerd@mcpherson.edu. Go to www.mcpherson.edu for a more detailed leadership statement. Review of candidates will begin Nov. 1.
- Manchester College in North Manchester, Ind., seeks an assistant professor of religion to fill the vacancy left by Dr. Kendall Rogers, who is now teaching at Bethany Theological Seminary. This is a tenure-track position, to begin in fall 2009. Responsibilities include teaching eight courses per year (3-1-4), undergraduate, including multiple sections of an introductory course in Christian theology. Departmental needs include the history of Christianity, world religions, feminist/womanist theology, and the philosophy of religion. The college will consider ABD; a Ph.D. is preferred. Excellence in teaching is required. Candidates should be familiar and comfortable with the traditions of the Church of the Brethren. Salary is dependent on qualifications and experience. A complete benefit package includes paid sick time, health insurance, retirement plan, tuition, and the opportunity to serve in a dynamic, educational environment committed to faith, service and learning. Manchester College is an independent, residential liberal arts and sciences college related to the Church of the Brethren, located 45 minutes west of Fort Wayne, Ind. It offers more than 55 areas of study to about 1,036 students from 24 states and 23 countries, and has 72 faculty members. Manchester has a distinctive commitment to developing respect for ethnic, cultural, and religious pluralism and an international consciousness. Apply by sending a cover letter, curriculum vitae, evidence of teaching experience and ability, and teaching philosophy to Religion Search Committee, Office of Academic Affairs, Manchester College, 604 E. College Ave., North Manchester, IN 46962; or e-mail ksmeyer@manchester.edu. Go to www.manchester.edu/OHR/facultypositions.htm#apr for the complete posting and the option of making an application online.
- The Gather 'Round curriculum project is expanding its pool of writers and is accepting applications from experienced writers. Those interested in the next round of writing should inquire by Oct. 31. Applications also will be accepted on a rolling basis for future quarters. Prospective writers must have the ability to write clearly and in the established style of the curriculum. Active membership in a Brethren or Mennonite congregation is preferred, as is teaching experience. Send a letter of interest, including information about writing and teaching experience, to Gather 'Round, gatherround@brethren.org or 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120. Questions may be directed to Anna Speicher, project director and senior editor. Gather 'Round: Hearing and Sharing God's Good News is a project of Brethren Press, publisher for the Church of the Brethren, and Mennonite Publishing Network, the publishing agency of Mennonite Church USA and Mennonite Church Canada. The materials are published for the Church of the Brethren, Mennonite Church Canada, and Mennonite Church USA, and are also used by congregations in at least half a dozen other denominations.
- Church of the Brethren general secretary Stan Noffsinger has endorsed two national interfaith statements recently, a response to Hurricanes Gustav, Rita, and Katrina put together by community and faith groups along the Gulf coast as part of a Gulf Coast Civic Works Campaign; and a letter addressing the issue of torture that calls on Congress to provide the International Committee of the Red Cross with access to all US-held detainees. The "Gulf Coast Civic Works Interfaith Statement: Supporting Human Rights in Gulf Coast Recovery Is a Moral Priority," urges more than a charitable response to the hurricanes including a bi-partisan federal solution addressing longterm needs for rebuilding community infrastructure, restoring the environment, and creating jobs for local and displaced residents. The letter addressing the issue of torture asked for legislation that requires the Central Intelligence Agency to notify the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) of all US-held detainees and to allow the ICRC access to them. "The United States has long opposed holding detainees incommunicado and supported ICRC access, because incommunicado detention is most often used as the means to engage in unlawful and inhumane treatment." the letter said.
- Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS) is celebrating its 60th Anniversary this Friday through Sunday at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md. The event will feature displays and information in Windsor Auditorium, insight sessions with featured speakers, a Saturday evening banquet at the New Windsor Fire Hall, and more. The New Windsor Conference Center expects up to 300 visitors on the campus, including more than 90 overnight guests.
- The 130 participants at National Young Adult Conference in mid-August gave generously to the Church of the Brethren’s Global Food Crisis Fund. In successive offerings, donations were received of $850 to the farm rehabilitation program in North Korea that is supported by the fund, and $965 for its work with trees, stoves, and cisterns in Guatemala.
- The Foods Resource Bank has received a $100,000 grant from the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, an honor that positions it to be automatically considered for the $1.5 million Hilton Humanitarian Award in 2009. The Church of the Brethren’s Global Food Crisis Fund has been a partner with the Foods Resource Bank since 2004, and encourages Church of the Brethren congregations to sponsor growing projects to benefit the work of the Foods Resource Bank. "Brethren from growing projects in Maryland and Illinois were active in supporting the FRB nomination," reported Howard Royer, manager of the Global Food Crisis Fund. Among new growing projects this year sponsored by Brethren in cooperation with the Foods Resource Bank is the 10-acre corn crop of Greenmount Church of the Brethren near Harrisonburg, Va. This is the Foods Resource Bank’s first growing project in the state, according to Royer. Other new growing projects reported by Brethren this season involve individual farm families from the Chiques, Conewago, and Hanover churches in Pennsylvania, and the partnership of First Central and Washington Creek churches in Kansas. Produce ranges from a sweet potato patch to 10 acres of soybeans.
- On Sept. 18 the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill., hosted a visit by leaders of the National Council of Churches. The group met with the executive directors of the main areas of the Church of the Brethren’s work. All employees were invited to a worship service with the delegation, held in the General Offices chapel.
- On Earth Peace has announced the latest book in its Shalom Series. "Where Two or Three Are Gathered: Interpersonal Peacemaking" by Annie Clark is written "for those who recognize that significant differences exist among members of the church, yet value our unity as the Body of Christ, and are willing to work for it," the announcement said. "In these pages you will find stories of those who have stretched out their hands to clasp the hands of others with very different beliefs. Here are practical ideas for communicating positively with people you may not understand, including resources for engaging in difficult discussions, and advice for dealing with conflict." Order for $2 plus shipping and handling (less for multiple copies) from 410-635-8704.
- The Ecumenical Stewardship Center's Leadership Seminar this year is on the theme of ecological sustainability, titled "It's Easy Being Green." The setting is Marco Island, Fla., in a hotel that has been rebuilt as a "green" building. On the agenda are opportunities for several eco-tours. Presenters include Church of the Brethren member David Radcliff, director of the New Community Project; C. Jeff Woods, associate general secretary for the American Baptist Churches, USA; Stan McKay, a minister in the United Church of Canada who has served as national coordinator of Native Ministry for the United Church; Mark Vincent from Design for Ministry; Bryan Moyer Suderman, a musician whose most recent album and songbook is titled "My Money Talks: Songs For Worship"; and Fletcher Harper, an Episcopal priest and executive director of GreenFaith. Registration discounts include a group discount per denomination, a discount for early-bird registrations before Oct. 21, and a discount for first-timers. Be in touch with Carol Bowman, Church of the Brethren coordinator for stewardship formation and education, by Oct. 13 to help her coordinate Brethren registrations and take advantage of the discounts. Contact Bowman at cbowman_gb@brethren.org or 509-663-2833. Go to www.stewardshipresources.org for more information.
- Awards given at the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference in mid-July included the 2008 Camp Volunteer Award from the Outdoor Ministries Association, given to Norris and Gerry Martin of Masons Cove Church of the Brethren in Salem, Va.; and the Womaen's Caucus "Friend of Caucus Award," given to Charles (Chuck) Boyer of La Verne, Calif. Boyer is a retired Church of the Brethren pastor, a past Annual Conference moderator, and a former staff member of the Church of the Brethren General Board.
- Pipe Creek Church of the Brethren in Union Bridge, Md., is celebrating a 250th anniversary. It is planning a special worship service on Sept. 28 at 10 a.m.
- Sugar Creek West Church of the Brethren in Lima, Ohio, is celebrating 175 years on Sunday, Sept. 28. Worship begins at 10:30 a.m., followed by a luncheon, and a celebration service at 3 p.m. with burial of time capsule and balloon release.
- Lewiston (Minn.) Church of the Brethren celebrated its 150th anniversary on Sept. 13-14.
- Williamson Road Church of the Brethren in Roanoke, Va., holds its 60th Anniversary Celebration on Oct. 11-12. David Radcliff, director of the New Community Project, will be the speaker on Saturday evening at 7 p.m. and Sunday morning at the 11 a.m. worship service.
- Lancaster (Pa.) Church of the Brethren and Maranatha Multi-Cultural Fellowship held a first annual Multi-Cultural Festival on July 26.
- Best Friends performed at Wenatchee (Wash.) Brethren Baptist Church United on Sept. 12, as part of a Northwest Tour that also included churches in Idaho. The group was formed in 2006 by James Washington, an ordained minister in the Church of the Brethren, to share African-American cultural traditions through music and help break down racial divisions.
- A workshop for those concerned to help high school students make informed decisions about the military is at Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren in Elgin, Ill., on Saturday, Oct. 4, at 12 noon. Lunch will be provided. The event is co-sponsored by the church, the American Friends Service Committee and Fox Valley Citizens for Peace and Justice. For more call 312-427-2533.
- Virlina District has been holding a special offering to help defray the costs of rebuilding Erwin (Tenn.) Church of the Brethren. The Erwin Church building was destroyed in a fire after lightning hit the steeple on June 9. The offering has received $19,891.30 from 58 congregations.
- Several districts are holding conferences in the next two weeks: Middle Pennsylvania District holds a combined District Conference and Heritage Fair weekend on Sept. 26-28 at Camp Blue Diamond. Oregon and Washington District holds its conference at Olympic View Community Church of the Brethren in Seattle, Wash., on Sept. 26-28. Idaho and Western Montana District holds its conference on Oct. 3-4 at Fruitland (Idaho) Church of the Brethren on "Seek ye first the Kingdom of God" (Mt. 6:33a). A special gathering of Northern Plains District will be held at Camp Pine Lake on Oct. 4 as a follow up to a "Sending of the Seventy" project. The focus is "How do we be Missional?" Jonathan Shively and Duane Grady from the Church of the Brethren's Congregational Life Ministries will provide leadership, along with district leaders.
- The 32th Annual Brethren Disaster Relief Auction sponsored by Atlantic Northeast and Southern Pennsylvania Districts will be held Sept. 26-27 at the Lebanon (Pa.) Area Fairgrounds.
- Juniata College in Huntingdon, Pa., has received a $6.1 million bequest in the will of Larry S. Johnson of Somerset, Pa. The bequest is the largest single estate gift ever received by Juniata, according to the college. The bequest endows the Lawrence S. Johnson '61 Scholarship giving a full tuition, room-and-board scholarship to a graduate of Somerset Area High School; gives $1.5 million to the University of Rochester (N.Y.) School of Medicine and Dentistry to endow a four-year, full tuition scholarship for a graduate of Juniata; distributes more than $2 million to the Homer C. and Ethel F. Will Endowed Freshman Biology Scholarship offering financial aid packages for science students at Juniata; and gives about $400,000 to the general operating fund at the college. Juniata College president Thomas R. Kepple and board chair David Andrews will present a memorial plaque to Mark Gross, principal of Somerset Area High School, on Sept. 29.
- Manchester College in North Manchester, Ind., has registered its largest class in 25 years, according to a release. The class includes 390 new students. The increase was the result of a recruiting push and new marketing and admission strategies that produced a 46 percent increase in applications and 32 percent increase in campus visits.
- Fahrney-Keedy Home and Village, a Church of the Brethren retirement community in Boonsboro, Md., was a partner recently in a transaction involving hospital beds, according to a release from the home. Washington County Hospital in Hagerstown and IMA World Health also participated, and Fahrney-Keedy residents and people in the country of Rwanda will benefit from the deal. The hospital had electric beds it no longer needed after purchasing many new ones. Fahrney-Keedy bought 51 of those beds from the hospital for a greatly reduced price. In return, the community donated 26 manual-crank beds to IMA World Health, which has its main office at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md.
- The October edition of "Brethren Voices," a community television program of Peace Church of the Brethren in Portland, Ore., is titled "Bob Gross-A Man of Peace," and tells the life story of the executive director of On Earth Peace. The show includes the story of how Gross as a conscientious objector returned his draft card during the Vietnam War, and spent 18 months in federal prison. The November edition is titled "Re-Thinking, About Other Life Forms" featuring singer and songwriter Mike Stern. The programs are designed for Church of the Brethren congregations to air on community cable television in their communities. Contact producer Ed Groff at groffprod1@msn.com or 360-256-8550. Copies of the programs are available for a contribution of $8.
- Joel Kline, pastor of Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren in Elgin, Ill., is one of the honorees at an 18th Annual Awards Breakfast given by the Community Crisis Center in Elgin. The theme for the event, scheduled for Oct. 3 at 7:30 a.m. at the Elgin Country Club, is "Partners for Peace." October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Tickets are $20, for reservations call 847-697-2380 by Oct. 1.
Nightingale, Thompson begin new positions at BBT.
Patrice Nightingale and Eric Thompson have begun in new positions at Brethren Benefit Trust (BBT). Nightingale assumed the responsibilities of BBT’s interim director of communications on Sept. 15, while applications are being accepted to fill the position permanently. Thompson on Sept. 15 was promoted from network administrator to the newly created position of director of operations for information technology.
Nightingale came to BBT in May as manager of publications, serving as a senior writer and copy editor for publications, and will continue in that capacity during the interim. She has worked in the publications field for over 35 years in various capacities, is a graduate of Manchester College, and a member of Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren in Elgin, Ill.
Thompson began working for BBT on Jan. 2, 2001, as the information services/eMountain support technician. He became network administrator in 2003, and has played a key role in moving BBT’s technology forward. He is a member of Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren.
Source: 9/24/2008 Newsline
Patrice Nightingale and Eric Thompson have begun in new positions at Brethren Benefit Trust (BBT). Nightingale assumed the responsibilities of BBT’s interim director of communications on Sept. 15, while applications are being accepted to fill the position permanently. Thompson on Sept. 15 was promoted from network administrator to the newly created position of director of operations for information technology.
Nightingale came to BBT in May as manager of publications, serving as a senior writer and copy editor for publications, and will continue in that capacity during the interim. She has worked in the publications field for over 35 years in various capacities, is a graduate of Manchester College, and a member of Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren in Elgin, Ill.
Thompson began working for BBT on Jan. 2, 2001, as the information services/eMountain support technician. He became network administrator in 2003, and has played a key role in moving BBT’s technology forward. He is a member of Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren.
Source: 9/24/2008 Newsline
Credits
Newsline is produced by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of news services for the Church of the Brethren, cobnews@brethren.org or 800-323-8039 ext. 260. Kathleen Campanella, Jeri S. Kornegay, Karin Krog, Wendy McFadden, Patrice Nightingale, Howard Royer, John Wall contributed to this report.
Newsline is produced by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of news services for the Church of the Brethren, cobnews@brethren.org or 800-323-8039 ext. 260. Kathleen Campanella, Jeri S. Kornegay, Karin Krog, Wendy McFadden, Patrice Nightingale, Howard Royer, John Wall contributed to this report.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
DISASTER RESPONSE UPDATE
- Children's Disaster Services cares for children displaced by Ike.
- Rapid response team helps families affected by Metrolink crash.
- Material Resources program ships supplies to hurricane survivors.
- Church World Service aids hurricane survivors in Haiti.
- How Brethren can help with the disaster response effort.
Children's Disaster Services cares for children displaced by Ike.
Children's Disaster Services is responding to Hurricane Ike, with 26 childcare volunteers working in shelters in Texas. A rapid response team from Children’s Disaster Services also has cared for children following the train wreck in California (see story below).
Children's Disaster Services is a program of the Church of the Brethren Disaster Ministries. It is the oldest and largest nationwide organization specializing in children's disaster related needs, established in 1980 (www.childrensdisasterservices.org). Children's Disaster Services sets up child care centers at the invitation of the American Red Cross and FEMA, using teams of trained and certified childcare volunteers. Most recently, Children's Disaster Services responded to Hurricane Gustav, when childcare volunteers worked in four American Red Cross "super shelters" in Louisiana and Mississippi.
"We have some highly qualified people out in Houston. More are needed," reported Judy Bezon, director of Children's Disaster Services. As of Sept. 16, 26 volunteers were caring for children in shelters in Texas. Project managers for the Hurricane Ike response are Children's Disaster Services volunteers Jean Myers and Sheryl Faus.
The largest shelter where Children's Disaster Services is currently serving children and families is the George Brown Convention Center in Houston, with over 5,000 guests last night, said Roy Winter, executive director of Brethren Disaster Ministries. Additional shelters are being served in the area, and a team of childcare volunteers is being sent to San Antonio, another larger shelter with over 2,000 evacuees, he said.
The response to Hurricane Ike has been very good, Winter said, because Children's Disaster Services already had its phone tree activated for Hurricane Gustav and volunteers were alerted and ready to go immediately. The people being served are in a different situation than those served following Gustav, however, he added. This time around, he said, "we are working with the longterm shelters, people who will be unable to return home for quite some time."
Source: 9/17/2008 Newsline Extra
Children's Disaster Services is responding to Hurricane Ike, with 26 childcare volunteers working in shelters in Texas. A rapid response team from Children’s Disaster Services also has cared for children following the train wreck in California (see story below).
Children's Disaster Services is a program of the Church of the Brethren Disaster Ministries. It is the oldest and largest nationwide organization specializing in children's disaster related needs, established in 1980 (www.childrensdisasterservices.org). Children's Disaster Services sets up child care centers at the invitation of the American Red Cross and FEMA, using teams of trained and certified childcare volunteers. Most recently, Children's Disaster Services responded to Hurricane Gustav, when childcare volunteers worked in four American Red Cross "super shelters" in Louisiana and Mississippi.
"We have some highly qualified people out in Houston. More are needed," reported Judy Bezon, director of Children's Disaster Services. As of Sept. 16, 26 volunteers were caring for children in shelters in Texas. Project managers for the Hurricane Ike response are Children's Disaster Services volunteers Jean Myers and Sheryl Faus.
The largest shelter where Children's Disaster Services is currently serving children and families is the George Brown Convention Center in Houston, with over 5,000 guests last night, said Roy Winter, executive director of Brethren Disaster Ministries. Additional shelters are being served in the area, and a team of childcare volunteers is being sent to San Antonio, another larger shelter with over 2,000 evacuees, he said.
The response to Hurricane Ike has been very good, Winter said, because Children's Disaster Services already had its phone tree activated for Hurricane Gustav and volunteers were alerted and ready to go immediately. The people being served are in a different situation than those served following Gustav, however, he added. This time around, he said, "we are working with the longterm shelters, people who will be unable to return home for quite some time."
Source: 9/17/2008 Newsline Extra
Rapid response team helps families affected by Metrolink crash.
When Gloria Cooper, a volunteer with Children’s Disaster Services who lives in Pasadena, Calif., heard about the train crash, she immediately called Laura Palmer, coordinator of the program’s Rapid Response Team in southern California.
According to news reports, 25 people died and 135 were injured in the train crash on Friday, Sept. 12, in which a Metrolink commuter train collided with a Union Pacific freight train in Chatsworth, Calif.
The two women quickly realized that children would be accompanying their families to the Reunification Center that had been set up at Chatsworth High School for those with loved ones in the train. The children would need a child-friendly place to be while family members waited anxiously for news.
After trying to reach the American Red Cross without success, Cooper went to the Reunification Center in person to offer services for the children. She arrived at 7:30 a.m. Saturday morning, and Children’s Disaster Services was invited to set up a center for the children.
"The night shift nurse (at the center) was full of praise for our program," Cooper said in her report. The nurse had seen Children’s Disaster Services volunteers in action at shelters following an apartment fire in East Los Angeles, and told a gathered group of American Red Cross staff how valuable and needed the childcare was, Cooper said. The American Red Cross shift managers also knew of the program. "We had worked with these staff members on the Alaska Air responses," Cooper said.
In the meantime, Palmer put a Children’s Disaster Services volunteer team on alert and they were ready to respond. By 10:30 a.m. Saturday, three additional volunteers were at the Reunification Center ready to work with children--Mary Kay Ogden, Sharon Sparks, and Rhoda Lau.
The volunteers cared for three young children in the childcare area that they set up in the center, and played ball with two older boys who were outside the childcare area. The team also encouraged the turning down of loud television announcements about the disaster, which were in hearing range of the children.
"There were some very negative press conferences regarding the incident being broadcast," Cooper reported. "Many of the people waiting at this time after the event hadn’t quite cognated the most likely information that they would receive, that their loved one was dead. In our first ARC staff meeting this loud TV coverage was identified as not being helpful.... They subsequently turned the TV down very low and only turned it up slightly for Metro debriefings."
In the afternoon, Willard and Letha Ressler were the lead caregivers, and the team was fortunate to have Spanish-speaking volunteer Rachael Contrares present as well. Contreras was able to speak with one Hispanic family that had been waiting a particularly long time. "Rachael's ability to be present to this family was sensitive and supportive," Cooper said. Later, team members Laura Palmer and Sharon Gilbert arrived to lend a hand.
The Reunification Center closed at 6 p.m. on Saturday, and the Children’s Disaster Services team found a place to debrief. Gilbert is a clinician on the program’s Critical Response Team that responds to air disasters, and conducted the debriefing. She helped volunteers process and understand their reactions to the disaster and to the work they did with children affected by it.
"Few people realize how critical it is to have this support, and we were fortunate to have Gilbert to guide the volunteers through it," said Judy Bezon, director of Children’s Disaster Ministries.
Source: 9/17/2008 Newsline Extra
When Gloria Cooper, a volunteer with Children’s Disaster Services who lives in Pasadena, Calif., heard about the train crash, she immediately called Laura Palmer, coordinator of the program’s Rapid Response Team in southern California.
According to news reports, 25 people died and 135 were injured in the train crash on Friday, Sept. 12, in which a Metrolink commuter train collided with a Union Pacific freight train in Chatsworth, Calif.
The two women quickly realized that children would be accompanying their families to the Reunification Center that had been set up at Chatsworth High School for those with loved ones in the train. The children would need a child-friendly place to be while family members waited anxiously for news.
After trying to reach the American Red Cross without success, Cooper went to the Reunification Center in person to offer services for the children. She arrived at 7:30 a.m. Saturday morning, and Children’s Disaster Services was invited to set up a center for the children.
"The night shift nurse (at the center) was full of praise for our program," Cooper said in her report. The nurse had seen Children’s Disaster Services volunteers in action at shelters following an apartment fire in East Los Angeles, and told a gathered group of American Red Cross staff how valuable and needed the childcare was, Cooper said. The American Red Cross shift managers also knew of the program. "We had worked with these staff members on the Alaska Air responses," Cooper said.
In the meantime, Palmer put a Children’s Disaster Services volunteer team on alert and they were ready to respond. By 10:30 a.m. Saturday, three additional volunteers were at the Reunification Center ready to work with children--Mary Kay Ogden, Sharon Sparks, and Rhoda Lau.
The volunteers cared for three young children in the childcare area that they set up in the center, and played ball with two older boys who were outside the childcare area. The team also encouraged the turning down of loud television announcements about the disaster, which were in hearing range of the children.
"There were some very negative press conferences regarding the incident being broadcast," Cooper reported. "Many of the people waiting at this time after the event hadn’t quite cognated the most likely information that they would receive, that their loved one was dead. In our first ARC staff meeting this loud TV coverage was identified as not being helpful.... They subsequently turned the TV down very low and only turned it up slightly for Metro debriefings."
In the afternoon, Willard and Letha Ressler were the lead caregivers, and the team was fortunate to have Spanish-speaking volunteer Rachael Contrares present as well. Contreras was able to speak with one Hispanic family that had been waiting a particularly long time. "Rachael's ability to be present to this family was sensitive and supportive," Cooper said. Later, team members Laura Palmer and Sharon Gilbert arrived to lend a hand.
The Reunification Center closed at 6 p.m. on Saturday, and the Children’s Disaster Services team found a place to debrief. Gilbert is a clinician on the program’s Critical Response Team that responds to air disasters, and conducted the debriefing. She helped volunteers process and understand their reactions to the disaster and to the work they did with children affected by it.
"Few people realize how critical it is to have this support, and we were fortunate to have Gilbert to guide the volunteers through it," said Judy Bezon, director of Children’s Disaster Ministries.
Source: 9/17/2008 Newsline Extra
Material Resources program ships supplies to hurricane survivors.
"In response to Hurricane Gustav we loaded a trailer Friday night destined for Hammond, La.," reported Loretta Wolf, director of the Church of the Brethren’s Material Resources program. "The trailer started in Harrisburg, Pa., picking up 1,008 Emergency Clean-Up Bucket Kits and stopping in New Windsor to add 624 more clean-up kits."
The Material Resources program is a Church of the Brethren ministry located at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md. The Material Resources staff process, warehouse, and distribute disaster relief materials on behalf of a variety of ecumenical partners including Church World Service (CWS).
The shipment of Emergency Clean-Up Bucket Kits responding to Gustav "used all the kits we have on hand," Wolf said. She encourages congregations, groups, and individuals to donate the urgently needed CWS Emergency Clean-Up Bucket Kits. Information is online at www.churchworldservice.org/news/archives/2008/06/906.html for assembling the kits. The buckets provide cleaning supplies for people to clean up their homes following floods and other disasters.
In other shipments related to the recent hurricanes, CWS Hygiene Kits were shipped to a number of locations in Louisiana in response to Gustav, including Donaldsonville, Point Couppee, Baton Rouge, Denham Springs, Pierre Part, and Thibodoux. "One small request was received from Nacogdoches, Texas, to send two bales of blankets and one carton of Hygiene Kits related to Hurricane Ike," Wolf said. "It is likely additional shipments will go out this week once needs are assessed."
Other recent Material Resources work has included a shipment on behalf of Lutheran World Relief (LWR) to Azerbaijan; an LWR shipment to Tanzania; a 40-foot container of supplies to Georgia as a cooperative effort of LWR and International Orthodox Christian Charities; a shipment to Jordan on behalf of International Orthodox Christian Charities; a shipment on behalf of IMA World Health to Armenia; domestic CWS shipments to respond to flooding in Iowa, Wisconsin, Texas, and Alaska; CWS supplies sent to New York for use with migrant farm workers; and CWS supplies for homeless shelters in Minnesota and New Mexico.
Source: 9/17/2008 Newsline Extra
"In response to Hurricane Gustav we loaded a trailer Friday night destined for Hammond, La.," reported Loretta Wolf, director of the Church of the Brethren’s Material Resources program. "The trailer started in Harrisburg, Pa., picking up 1,008 Emergency Clean-Up Bucket Kits and stopping in New Windsor to add 624 more clean-up kits."
The Material Resources program is a Church of the Brethren ministry located at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md. The Material Resources staff process, warehouse, and distribute disaster relief materials on behalf of a variety of ecumenical partners including Church World Service (CWS).
The shipment of Emergency Clean-Up Bucket Kits responding to Gustav "used all the kits we have on hand," Wolf said. She encourages congregations, groups, and individuals to donate the urgently needed CWS Emergency Clean-Up Bucket Kits. Information is online at www.churchworldservice.org/news/archives/2008/06/906.html for assembling the kits. The buckets provide cleaning supplies for people to clean up their homes following floods and other disasters.
In other shipments related to the recent hurricanes, CWS Hygiene Kits were shipped to a number of locations in Louisiana in response to Gustav, including Donaldsonville, Point Couppee, Baton Rouge, Denham Springs, Pierre Part, and Thibodoux. "One small request was received from Nacogdoches, Texas, to send two bales of blankets and one carton of Hygiene Kits related to Hurricane Ike," Wolf said. "It is likely additional shipments will go out this week once needs are assessed."
Other recent Material Resources work has included a shipment on behalf of Lutheran World Relief (LWR) to Azerbaijan; an LWR shipment to Tanzania; a 40-foot container of supplies to Georgia as a cooperative effort of LWR and International Orthodox Christian Charities; a shipment to Jordan on behalf of International Orthodox Christian Charities; a shipment on behalf of IMA World Health to Armenia; domestic CWS shipments to respond to flooding in Iowa, Wisconsin, Texas, and Alaska; CWS supplies sent to New York for use with migrant farm workers; and CWS supplies for homeless shelters in Minnesota and New Mexico.
Source: 9/17/2008 Newsline Extra
Church World Service aids hurricane survivors in Haiti.
As a powerful Hurricane Ike roils toward the Texas coast after hitting Cuba, Haiti, and other parts of the Caribbean, humanitarian agency Church World Service (CWS) announced it had already sent an initial $10,000 rapid response grant to its partner in Haiti. The partner agency is SKDE (Sant Kretyen Pou Developman Entegre), the Christian Center for Integrated Development.
CWS also announced that it is expediting a shipment of CWS Blankets, Baby Kits, and Hygiene Kits to be distributed in Haiti by humanitarian agency partners who are members of Action by Churches Together.
Four storms have lashed Haiti in recent weeks, resulting in what CWS partner Christian Aid described as possibly "lasting damage to Haiti's 'rice bowl,'" according to the CWS release. The "rice bowl" is a farming area whose revival is key to Haiti's struggle in overcoming its current food crisis. CWS and Christian Aid said it is expected that as many as 4 million Haitians will be in dire need of food in the midst of a still-active hurricane season. Haiti hasn't experienced hurricane damage of this magnitude since 2004, when Hurricane Jeanne essentially destroyed Gonaives and killed more than 3,000 people, the release said.
From Cuba, CWS received an initial material aid request from its church partner Iglesia Bando Evangelica Gedeon. CWS Emergency Response director Donna Derr said the agency is prepared and can respond to Cuban survivors' needs, through the material resource provision of the license CWS holds from the US Department of State.
Other CWS partners and colleagues in the Dominican Republic, and the Turks and Caicos Islands have managed to deliver some reports, but information has been limited, CWS said. The Cuban church partner said the damage from Hurricane Gustav had made the situation in the country "very difficult," and that Hurricane Ike heaped insult on injury. In eastern Cuba, a network of volunteers from Cuban churches who are trained in psychosocial support and counseling are working with affected families and communities.
"The combined devastation from these storms is stunning," said Derr.
The Church of the Brethren contributes to Church World Service disaster relief through grants from the denomination’s Emergency Disaster Fund. Send donations to the Emergency Disaster Fund, Church of the Brethren, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120.
Source: 9/17/2008 Newsline Extra
As a powerful Hurricane Ike roils toward the Texas coast after hitting Cuba, Haiti, and other parts of the Caribbean, humanitarian agency Church World Service (CWS) announced it had already sent an initial $10,000 rapid response grant to its partner in Haiti. The partner agency is SKDE (Sant Kretyen Pou Developman Entegre), the Christian Center for Integrated Development.
CWS also announced that it is expediting a shipment of CWS Blankets, Baby Kits, and Hygiene Kits to be distributed in Haiti by humanitarian agency partners who are members of Action by Churches Together.
Four storms have lashed Haiti in recent weeks, resulting in what CWS partner Christian Aid described as possibly "lasting damage to Haiti's 'rice bowl,'" according to the CWS release. The "rice bowl" is a farming area whose revival is key to Haiti's struggle in overcoming its current food crisis. CWS and Christian Aid said it is expected that as many as 4 million Haitians will be in dire need of food in the midst of a still-active hurricane season. Haiti hasn't experienced hurricane damage of this magnitude since 2004, when Hurricane Jeanne essentially destroyed Gonaives and killed more than 3,000 people, the release said.
From Cuba, CWS received an initial material aid request from its church partner Iglesia Bando Evangelica Gedeon. CWS Emergency Response director Donna Derr said the agency is prepared and can respond to Cuban survivors' needs, through the material resource provision of the license CWS holds from the US Department of State.
Other CWS partners and colleagues in the Dominican Republic, and the Turks and Caicos Islands have managed to deliver some reports, but information has been limited, CWS said. The Cuban church partner said the damage from Hurricane Gustav had made the situation in the country "very difficult," and that Hurricane Ike heaped insult on injury. In eastern Cuba, a network of volunteers from Cuban churches who are trained in psychosocial support and counseling are working with affected families and communities.
"The combined devastation from these storms is stunning," said Derr.
The Church of the Brethren contributes to Church World Service disaster relief through grants from the denomination’s Emergency Disaster Fund. Send donations to the Emergency Disaster Fund, Church of the Brethren, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120.
Source: 9/17/2008 Newsline Extra
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