- Small church leaders advised to know yourself, know your church, take part in God’s mission.
- Mission workers report from annual meeting of Nigerian church.
- Manchester University’s annual Peace Week opens new doors.
- Manchester students lift 1,000,000 pounds for peace.
Friday, May 03, 2013
Newsline: May 3, 2013
NEWS
Small church leaders advised to know yourself, know your church, take part in God’s mission.
Throughout the Strengthening Your Small Congregation event, leaders
of small churches received essentially the same guidance from various
speakers and workshop leaders: know yourself, know your congregation,
seek out God’s purpose for you and your church.
A brainchild of the pastors of two small congregations in Indiana--Kay Gaier of Wabash Church of the Brethren and Brenda Hostetler Meyer of Benton Mennonite Church--the one-day conference April 13 included worship, a keynote speech by Margaret Marcuson, a panel discussion with pastors and lay leaders of small churches, and several afternoon workshops.
The conference was organized in large part by the Congregational Life Ministries of the Church of the Brethren, with leadership from executive director Jonathan Shively and staff. Other contributing or endorsing partners included the Church of the Brethren’s Northern Indiana District and South/Central Indiana District, Indiana-Michigan Mennonite Conference and Central District Conference of Mennonite Church USA, Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary, Bethany Theological Seminary, and the Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership The day was hosted at Camp Alexander Mack near Milford, Ind.
Professional growth and mutual support
Designed for pastors and lay leaders of churches numbering under 100, the event offered professional growth and training. It also was an opportunity for mutual support and encouragement--and even cheer leading--for small church leaders who often feel alone and isolated, and may become discouraged in a society that equates success with size.
Gaier and Meyer focused worship on biblical texts that speak of God’s mission and call to faith communities both large and small. A series of Bible readings opened with Deuteronomy 7:7-8a: “It was not because you were more numerous than any other people that the Lord set his heart on you and chose you--for you were the fewest of all peoples. It was because the Lord loved you....”
Self, purpose, and people
There are three things a small church leader has to do, said keynote speaker Margaret Marcuson, a consultant and coach to small congregations and author of several books about ministry and leadership. “Know yourself, your purpose, and your people,” she said. She proceeded to focus on these three concepts, taking time for small group discussion and direct feedback from participants as she talked about the challenges and opportunities for ministry in small congregations. Often she spoke out of personal experience, having herself served as pastor of a small church.
“This is a spiritual process that requires prayer,” she told the group as she posed a number of questions aimed at helping participants reflect on their own lives and how they relate to their congregations and the people in their churches. Questions about self and purpose or calling, such as “What was your role in your family?” and “What did God create you for?” led into questions about leadership in the church, such as “Can you love people and lead them without imposing your will?” and “What are the things in your church’s history you really like to celebrate?”
Marcuson also led a workshop on money and ministry, and offered an open coaching session. Delegations from two churches volunteered to be coached by Marcuson, with others invited to sit in and learn how such coaching works and how the outcomes of such coaching may be helpful for small churches.
Engage in discernment
Workshops gave more targeted training and guidance in a variety of areas of ministry for small churches. Congregational Life Ministries staff offered a workshop on “The Pastoral Care Team” led by Deacon Ministry director Donna Kline, and a workshop on “Worship in Your Own Voice” led by executive director Jonathan Shively.
Several workshops repeated guidance similar to the keynote address. David B. Miller, on the faculty of Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary in the area of missional leadership development, led a workshop on “Discerning Our Congregation’s Future.” He opened by advising church leaders to analyze habits congregations have learned in the past and seem to be in danger of carrying into the future even if those behaviors are no longer applicable to the social environment.
Marcuson’s workshop on how finances relate to small church ministry challenged leaders to work at discerning long-term goals for their churches--even setting decades-long budgets to meet dreams that may not come to fruition for many years. Ask yourself what you want for your church, then ask what others want, as you do your planning, she told her workshop.
Charlene J. Smith, a minister of Evangelism and Vitality in the national office of the United Church of Christ (UCC), advised attendees at her workshop to understand their own mindsets in order to help their churches adapt to a rapidly changing world. Focusing on what evangelism looks like in a small church, she equated it with “a mindset for mission” and emphasized that success of evangelism has nothing to do with the size of a congregation. Her PowerPoint presentation proclaimed: “The greatness of your church is determined by the success and strength of your mission ministries NOT by the numbers of your members.”
Smith added another aspect of knowledge to the list that participants had already heard from others: know the specifics of the issues of the day in your community, she advised. Out of that, congregations must be empowered to discern and develop actions for themselves, in order to become “in tune with today” rather than the past. A pastor cannot tell people what to do, Smith said bluntly. Instead, leaders of small churches should “be positive police” and emphasize the congregation’s gifts. “We have got to have a mindset of abundance and blessings,” she said. “Celebrate who you are and what you are about to do.
“And then, after you have celebrated, set a start date” to pray about the ministry to which God is calling your church, Smith said. “We are going to pray that God will tell us and lead us on the journey...in the faith that Christ will go before us.”
For more about Congregational Life Ministries go to www.brethren.org/congregationallife . Find a link to a photo album from Strengthening Your Small Congregation at www.brethren.org/album.
Source: 5/3/2013 Newsline
A brainchild of the pastors of two small congregations in Indiana--Kay Gaier of Wabash Church of the Brethren and Brenda Hostetler Meyer of Benton Mennonite Church--the one-day conference April 13 included worship, a keynote speech by Margaret Marcuson, a panel discussion with pastors and lay leaders of small churches, and several afternoon workshops.
 |
| Photo by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford |
| Leaders of small churches gathered at the Strengthening Your Small Congregation event on April 13. The one-day event offered professional growth and training, as well as opportunities for mutual support and encouragement. |
The conference was organized in large part by the Congregational Life Ministries of the Church of the Brethren, with leadership from executive director Jonathan Shively and staff. Other contributing or endorsing partners included the Church of the Brethren’s Northern Indiana District and South/Central Indiana District, Indiana-Michigan Mennonite Conference and Central District Conference of Mennonite Church USA, Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary, Bethany Theological Seminary, and the Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership The day was hosted at Camp Alexander Mack near Milford, Ind.
Professional growth and mutual support
Designed for pastors and lay leaders of churches numbering under 100, the event offered professional growth and training. It also was an opportunity for mutual support and encouragement--and even cheer leading--for small church leaders who often feel alone and isolated, and may become discouraged in a society that equates success with size.
Gaier and Meyer focused worship on biblical texts that speak of God’s mission and call to faith communities both large and small. A series of Bible readings opened with Deuteronomy 7:7-8a: “It was not because you were more numerous than any other people that the Lord set his heart on you and chose you--for you were the fewest of all peoples. It was because the Lord loved you....”
Self, purpose, and people
There are three things a small church leader has to do, said keynote speaker Margaret Marcuson, a consultant and coach to small congregations and author of several books about ministry and leadership. “Know yourself, your purpose, and your people,” she said. She proceeded to focus on these three concepts, taking time for small group discussion and direct feedback from participants as she talked about the challenges and opportunities for ministry in small congregations. Often she spoke out of personal experience, having herself served as pastor of a small church.
“This is a spiritual process that requires prayer,” she told the group as she posed a number of questions aimed at helping participants reflect on their own lives and how they relate to their congregations and the people in their churches. Questions about self and purpose or calling, such as “What was your role in your family?” and “What did God create you for?” led into questions about leadership in the church, such as “Can you love people and lead them without imposing your will?” and “What are the things in your church’s history you really like to celebrate?”
Marcuson also led a workshop on money and ministry, and offered an open coaching session. Delegations from two churches volunteered to be coached by Marcuson, with others invited to sit in and learn how such coaching works and how the outcomes of such coaching may be helpful for small churches.
Engage in discernment
Workshops gave more targeted training and guidance in a variety of areas of ministry for small churches. Congregational Life Ministries staff offered a workshop on “The Pastoral Care Team” led by Deacon Ministry director Donna Kline, and a workshop on “Worship in Your Own Voice” led by executive director Jonathan Shively.
Several workshops repeated guidance similar to the keynote address. David B. Miller, on the faculty of Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary in the area of missional leadership development, led a workshop on “Discerning Our Congregation’s Future.” He opened by advising church leaders to analyze habits congregations have learned in the past and seem to be in danger of carrying into the future even if those behaviors are no longer applicable to the social environment.
Marcuson’s workshop on how finances relate to small church ministry challenged leaders to work at discerning long-term goals for their churches--even setting decades-long budgets to meet dreams that may not come to fruition for many years. Ask yourself what you want for your church, then ask what others want, as you do your planning, she told her workshop.
Charlene J. Smith, a minister of Evangelism and Vitality in the national office of the United Church of Christ (UCC), advised attendees at her workshop to understand their own mindsets in order to help their churches adapt to a rapidly changing world. Focusing on what evangelism looks like in a small church, she equated it with “a mindset for mission” and emphasized that success of evangelism has nothing to do with the size of a congregation. Her PowerPoint presentation proclaimed: “The greatness of your church is determined by the success and strength of your mission ministries NOT by the numbers of your members.”
Smith added another aspect of knowledge to the list that participants had already heard from others: know the specifics of the issues of the day in your community, she advised. Out of that, congregations must be empowered to discern and develop actions for themselves, in order to become “in tune with today” rather than the past. A pastor cannot tell people what to do, Smith said bluntly. Instead, leaders of small churches should “be positive police” and emphasize the congregation’s gifts. “We have got to have a mindset of abundance and blessings,” she said. “Celebrate who you are and what you are about to do.
“And then, after you have celebrated, set a start date” to pray about the ministry to which God is calling your church, Smith said. “We are going to pray that God will tell us and lead us on the journey...in the faith that Christ will go before us.”
For more about Congregational Life Ministries go to www.brethren.org/congregationallife . Find a link to a photo album from Strengthening Your Small Congregation at www.brethren.org/album.
Source: 5/3/2013 Newsline
Mission workers report from annual meeting of Nigerian church.
“Our first Majalisa was a good experience,” report Carl and Roxane
Hill, Church of the Brethren mission workers with Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a
Nigeria (EYN--the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria). “We were given an
opportunity to give a short welcome so both Carl and I spoke for a few
minutes. There were over 1,000 in attendance. We were also put on a
committee to hand out ballots and count the votes for the elections.”
EYN’s 66th Majalisa was held April 16-19 on the theme, “Reclaiming Our Heritage as Peace Church in Such a Time Like This.”
“We were impressed with EYN's plans to provide for so many public services that we take for granted in the USA (schools, health, security),” wrote the Hills in an e-mail report.
The Hills serve with EYN alongside another Church of the Brethren teacher, Carol Smith. During the meeting, the Hills had an opportunity to meet with several pastors as well as the district secretary from Maiduguri to hear first hand about the trouble that has occurred in that northeastern Nigeria city.
“It seems that the reports given to the public are often inaccurate in terms of the number of deaths,” the Hills wrote. “One thing they have not mentioned is that more Muslims have been killed by the violence than Christians.” The Hills reported that they have learned from two different sources that the ratio “may be even two to one” in terms of numbers of Muslims killed as compared to numbers of Christians killed by the Islamist extremist terror attacks in Nigeria in recent years.
Report on Majalisa
Toma Ragnijiya spoke several times during the conference about the theme, “Reclaiming Our Peace Heritage.” EYN president Samuel Dali gave an opening speech highlighting the vision for the future of EYN including new construction projects and the creation of new boards (see below). He challenged the EYN church to remain wise as serpents but gentle as doves through this time of persecution.
The new boards created by EYN include:
For more about the Brethren work in Nigeria go to www.brethren.org/partners/nigeria.
Source: 5/3/2013 Newsline
“We were impressed with EYN's plans to provide for so many public services that we take for granted in the USA (schools, health, security),” wrote the Hills in an e-mail report.
The Hills serve with EYN alongside another Church of the Brethren teacher, Carol Smith. During the meeting, the Hills had an opportunity to meet with several pastors as well as the district secretary from Maiduguri to hear first hand about the trouble that has occurred in that northeastern Nigeria city.
“It seems that the reports given to the public are often inaccurate in terms of the number of deaths,” the Hills wrote. “One thing they have not mentioned is that more Muslims have been killed by the violence than Christians.” The Hills reported that they have learned from two different sources that the ratio “may be even two to one” in terms of numbers of Muslims killed as compared to numbers of Christians killed by the Islamist extremist terror attacks in Nigeria in recent years.
Report on Majalisa
Toma Ragnijiya spoke several times during the conference about the theme, “Reclaiming Our Peace Heritage.” EYN president Samuel Dali gave an opening speech highlighting the vision for the future of EYN including new construction projects and the creation of new boards (see below). He challenged the EYN church to remain wise as serpents but gentle as doves through this time of persecution.
The new boards created by EYN include:
- An Education Board that will focus on the quality of existing EYN schools as well as assess the need for additional schools. A grant from Japan will be used to build a new primary school at Nyeji in Nasarawa State.
- A Health Management Board will oversee the major health clinics. Two doctors have been requested from the Church of the Brethren in the United States. Meanwhile, an offering was taken during the Majalisa to provide a salary for local doctors. Three ambulances and other medical equipment has been supplied by the MDGS.
- A Security Board responsible for obtaining and training security personnel. It will focus on gathering intelligence as well as providing security. Press releases will be handled through this board.
- A Microfinance Bank Board will empower the EYN community economically. When operational, these banks will provide employment and small loans. The church in general was very excited about this new venture.
- An Agricultural Board to oversee various agricultural projects.
For more about the Brethren work in Nigeria go to www.brethren.org/partners/nigeria.
Source: 5/3/2013 Newsline
Manchester University’s annual Peace Week opens new doors.
Manchester University in North Manchester, Ind., held its annual
Peace Week on April 14-20 with a variety of guest speakers, workshops,
worship times, and a concert under the theme “Opening New Doors: Acting
for Peace.”Playwright/actress Kim Schultz highlighted the week with the one-woman musical performance “No Place Called Home,” which lifted up the stories of Iraqi refugees. Local musician Brian Kruschwitz supplied percussion and vocals for the show.
The other spotlight event was a Saturday “Concert on the Lawn” with several student performers and headliners Mutual Kumquat, a band composed mostly of Manchester alumni and known for its message of social justice.
Christian Peacemaker Teams member Cliff Kindy spoke at the campus chapel service and also led an evening discussion on recent violence in Nigeria. Other events during the week included a workshop on “Theater for Social Change” led by Manchester theater professor Jane Frazier; a Yom HaShoah Holocaust remembrance service with leadership from Rabbi Javier Cattapan of Fort Wayne, Ind.; and a Peace Garden service project.
Manchester’s Campus Interfaith Board and Peace Studies Department planned the week, with assistance from the Office of Multicultural Affairs, the Manchester Theater Society, and the Residence Hall Association.
-- Walt Wiltschek is director of Campus Ministry/Religious Life at Manchester University.
Source: 5/3/2013 Newsline
Manchester students lift 1,000,000 pounds for peace.
On April 28, a team of more than 15 Manchester University students
succeeded in working together to lift one million pounds--for peace.
This event was part of the On Earth Peace campaign, 3,000 Miles for
Peace. Manchester University is a Church of the Brethren-related school
with a main campus in North Manchester, Ind.
Kyle Riege, one of the Million Pounds for Peace organizers, shared,
“The efforts of On Earth Peace have always had a special place in my
heart. This past summer I had the opportunity to work with them when I
was a member of the Youth Peace Travel Team. Now that has ended and I
have been aching for a new way to help.”
After hearing On Earth Peace staff Bob Gross speak at a Church of the Brethren event on Manchester's campus Riege and Sam Ott decided they needed to help. Both are avid weightlifters and have been lifting together for several years. They decided that a Lift-a-Thon would be a great way to get involved and show their support. “Weightlifting is something I have been passionate about for the past five years or so and I figured this would be a great way to help,” Riege said.
During the past several weeks, friends and family members of the lifting team have been pledging their monetary support for the Lift-a-Thon which began on Sunday April 28, a bit after 10 a.m., when various weight-lifters joined forces to pump iron.
The money raised supports the 3,000 Miles for Peace fund started in memory of Paul Ziegler, who had been a student at another church related school, McPherson College in Kansas. Before his untimely death, Ziegler had a dream to ride his bicycle across the country, gathering funds and fellow travelers for world peace along the way. Now many people are working together to do this for him.
Three official lifts were allowed for team effort: squat, dead lift, and bench press. A team of willing volunteers recorded the repetitions of each lifter’s poundage. By noon, these athletes were well on their way to the goal. Together they pumped for considerable progress prior to many taking a well-deserved lunch break.
Together the team kicked into high gear again around 1:15 p.m. Various lifters were spotted and assisted each other throughout their combined effort. Not long after 2 p.m., once all lifters had tallied their totals and turned them in to the recording team, the 1,000,000 pound goal was reached. Together lifters, helpers, and observers joined in a hearty round of applause.
It was a tired but enthusiastic bunch that assembled for a group picture. Afterward, several paused to calculate their own personal achievement, actually viewed as a secondary accomplishment. One headed back to the dead lift area in order to move beyond his own personal goal of 50,000 pounds lifted. “I had to do that!” he said. Another, who had said he wanted to be sure to do his part for the group, conquered the 150,000 mark. Others were thrilled with all they’d accomplished, and slipped quietly out the door for some well-deserved rest and relaxation. They were appreciative of the excellent help from a team recruited to tear down and clean up the area following the Lift-a-Thon.
This was truly a win-win for all. The lifters worked as a unit, but along the way many reached their personal best, and in so doing, succeeded in their effort for the united goal. Over $800 and counting was raised for On Earth Peace. Donations are still welcomed--especially during this week as preparations are made to commemorate Paul Ziegler’s 20th birthday on May 5 at his home congregation Elizabethtown (Pa.) Church of the Brethren (see the Newsline report at www.brethren.org/news/2013/3000-miles-campaign-update.html).
-- Yvonne Riege is an ordained minister in the Church of the Brethren and licensed clinical addictions counselor from Wakarusa, Ind. For more about the Lift-a-Thon contact Kyle Riege at 574-305-0055.
Source: 5/3/2013 Newsline
 |
| Photo by courtesy of Yvonne Riege |
| Manchester University students pose for the camera after lifting 1 million pounds for peace. The effort was part of the "3,000 Miles for Peace" campaign of On Earth Peace, in honor of the late McPherson College student Paul Ziegler. |
After hearing On Earth Peace staff Bob Gross speak at a Church of the Brethren event on Manchester's campus Riege and Sam Ott decided they needed to help. Both are avid weightlifters and have been lifting together for several years. They decided that a Lift-a-Thon would be a great way to get involved and show their support. “Weightlifting is something I have been passionate about for the past five years or so and I figured this would be a great way to help,” Riege said.
During the past several weeks, friends and family members of the lifting team have been pledging their monetary support for the Lift-a-Thon which began on Sunday April 28, a bit after 10 a.m., when various weight-lifters joined forces to pump iron.
The money raised supports the 3,000 Miles for Peace fund started in memory of Paul Ziegler, who had been a student at another church related school, McPherson College in Kansas. Before his untimely death, Ziegler had a dream to ride his bicycle across the country, gathering funds and fellow travelers for world peace along the way. Now many people are working together to do this for him.
Three official lifts were allowed for team effort: squat, dead lift, and bench press. A team of willing volunteers recorded the repetitions of each lifter’s poundage. By noon, these athletes were well on their way to the goal. Together they pumped for considerable progress prior to many taking a well-deserved lunch break.
Together the team kicked into high gear again around 1:15 p.m. Various lifters were spotted and assisted each other throughout their combined effort. Not long after 2 p.m., once all lifters had tallied their totals and turned them in to the recording team, the 1,000,000 pound goal was reached. Together lifters, helpers, and observers joined in a hearty round of applause.
It was a tired but enthusiastic bunch that assembled for a group picture. Afterward, several paused to calculate their own personal achievement, actually viewed as a secondary accomplishment. One headed back to the dead lift area in order to move beyond his own personal goal of 50,000 pounds lifted. “I had to do that!” he said. Another, who had said he wanted to be sure to do his part for the group, conquered the 150,000 mark. Others were thrilled with all they’d accomplished, and slipped quietly out the door for some well-deserved rest and relaxation. They were appreciative of the excellent help from a team recruited to tear down and clean up the area following the Lift-a-Thon.
This was truly a win-win for all. The lifters worked as a unit, but along the way many reached their personal best, and in so doing, succeeded in their effort for the united goal. Over $800 and counting was raised for On Earth Peace. Donations are still welcomed--especially during this week as preparations are made to commemorate Paul Ziegler’s 20th birthday on May 5 at his home congregation Elizabethtown (Pa.) Church of the Brethren (see the Newsline report at www.brethren.org/news/2013/3000-miles-campaign-update.html).
-- Yvonne Riege is an ordained minister in the Church of the Brethren and licensed clinical addictions counselor from Wakarusa, Ind. For more about the Lift-a-Thon contact Kyle Riege at 574-305-0055.
Source: 5/3/2013 Newsline
Kettering-Lane to fill Brethren studies position at Bethany Seminary.
The Brethren studies position has been expanded to full-time as a result of the seminary’s recent curriculum review. In addition to making a greater number and wider variety of Brethren studies courses possible, this change creates potential for the incorporation of a Brethren focus into new classes across the curriculum. Students who complete additional courses in Brethren studies beyond the required credits also now will be able to name it as an emphasis as part of their degree.
Kettering-Lane holds a bachelor of arts from Ashland University, a master of theological studies from Emory University's Candler School of Theology, and a doctorate in religious studies from the University of Iowa. In addition to her highly regarded teaching, academic advising, and effective use of technology at Bethany over the past three years, she was a teaching assistant in the Department of Religious Studies at the University of Iowa. She has also been assistant archivist at the Brethren Historical Library and Archives at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill., and an archival specialist at Nashotah House Theological Seminary.
-- Jenny Williams is director of Communications and Alumni/ae Relations at Bethany Seminary.
Source: 5/3/2013 Newsline
Thirteen to graduate from Bethany Theological Seminary.
Bethany
Theological Seminary will hold its 108th commencement in Nicarry Chapel
on the seminary campus in Richmond, Ind., at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 11.
Eleven master of divinity degrees will be conferred along with one
master of arts degree and one Certificate of Achievement in Theological
Studies. Admittance to the academic ceremony is by ticket only.
The commencement speaker will be J. Nelson Kraybill, lead pastor at Prairie Street Mennonite Church in Elkhart, Ind., and president-elect of Mennonite World Conference. With his “Dry Bones” teaching ministry, Kraybill is a frequent speaker in church and academic settings. The theme of his address will be “Who Is Worthy to Open the Scroll?” (Revelation 5:1-10).
A service of worship and blessing at 2:30 p.m. May 11 in Nicarry Chapel, will be open to the public. Planned and led by the graduates, the service will include reflections by Erik Brummett and Robert Miller on the scripture text Isaiah 55.
The commencement ceremony and the worship service will be webcast live, go to https://new.livestream.com/bethanyseminary/campusevents2012-2013.
The following degrees will be conferred:
Source: 5/3/2013 Newsline
The commencement speaker will be J. Nelson Kraybill, lead pastor at Prairie Street Mennonite Church in Elkhart, Ind., and president-elect of Mennonite World Conference. With his “Dry Bones” teaching ministry, Kraybill is a frequent speaker in church and academic settings. The theme of his address will be “Who Is Worthy to Open the Scroll?” (Revelation 5:1-10).
A service of worship and blessing at 2:30 p.m. May 11 in Nicarry Chapel, will be open to the public. Planned and led by the graduates, the service will include reflections by Erik Brummett and Robert Miller on the scripture text Isaiah 55.
The commencement ceremony and the worship service will be webcast live, go to https://new.livestream.com/bethanyseminary/campusevents2012-2013.
The following degrees will be conferred:
- Master of Divinity: Laura Beth Arendt, Gettysburg, Pa.; Amy Marie Beery, Indianapolis, Ind.; Glenn A. Brumbaugh, Camp Hill, Pa.; Erik Charles Brummett, Indianapolis, Ind.; Mary Alice Eller, Richmond, Ind.; Daniel J. Finkbiner, Bethel, Pa.; Andrew Graves, Lakeland, Fla.; Dylan James Haro, La Verne, Calif.; Robert Miller, Indianapolis, Ind.; Patricia Louise Owen, Batavia, Ill.; Terry Alan Scott, Pleasant Plain, Ohio.
- Master of Arts: Elizabeth Ann Thorpe, Chambersburg, Pa.
- Certificate of Achievement in Theological Studies: Michael V. Smith, Pendleton, Ind.
Source: 5/3/2013 Newsline
Faithful Christian leadership is topic of the Ministers’ Association event.
The
Church of the Brethren Minister’s Association pre-Annual Conference
event on June 28-29 in Charlotte, N.C., will be led by L. Gregory Jones
on the theme “Faithful Christian Leadership in the 21st Century.” Links
to more information and online registration are at www.brethren.org/ministryoffice.Jones will lead three sessions starting Friday evening at 6 p.m., Saturday morning at 9 a.m., and Saturday afternoon at 1 p.m., using the books of Numbers, Philippians, and Acts to speak to excellence in ministry as well as the quality of forgiveness. He is a senior strategist for Leadership Education at Duke Divinity and a professor of theology in the Divinity School of Duke University, where he served as dean from 1997-2010. He has written or co-written several books including “Embodying Forgiveness” and “Resurrecting Excellence: Shaping Faithful Christian Ministry.”
Cost to attend is $85 if registering online in advance, or $125 at the door, with a discounted price for couples in ministry ane current seminary or academy students. Ministers who attend may receive continuing education units for an additional fee of $10. Child care is available for an extra fee as well.
Also related to the Ministers’ Association event and available for students who are in the TRIM or EFSM programs of the Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership is a directed independent study unit titled “The Word Alive--An Introduction to Preaching” offered June 28-29 and led by Julie M. Hostetter, executive director of the academy. The unit will include pre-Conference reading, a one-hour session before and after the Ministers’ Association event, and attendance at the entire event. A follow-up project will be expected. Contact hosteju@bethanyseminary.edu.
For more information or to pre-register for the Ministers’ Association event online by the June 15 deadline go to www.brethren.org/ministryoffice where a printable registration form also is available. The e-mail contact address is MinistersAssociation@brethren.org.
Source: 5/3/2013 Newsline
Fifth Brethren World Assembly to take place in Ohio in July.
The Fifth Brethren World Assembly for constituents and friends of the
Brethren bodies descended from the movement established by Alexander
Mack in Germany in the early 1700s will be held July 11-14 at the
Brethren Heritage Center in Brookville, near Dayton, Ohio.
The assembly happens only every five years, with the last one celebrating the 300th anniversary of the Brethren movement in Schwarzenau, Germany, in 2008.
The theme of this 2013 gathering will be “Brethren Spirituality: How Brethren Conceive of and Practice the Spiritual Life.” It is sponsored by the Brethren Encyclopedia, Inc., whose board members come from each of the seven main Brethren bodies.
The planning team includes chair Robert E. Alley of the Church of the Brethren, Jeff Bach of the Church of the Brethren, Brenda Colijn of the Brethren Church, Milton Cook of the Dunkard Brethren, Tom Julien of the Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches, Gary Kochheiser of the Conservative Grace Brethren Churches International, and Michael Miller of the Old German Baptist Brethren Church-New Conference.
Events begin the afternoon of Thursday July 11, with an opening panel discussion on Brethren spirituality. The first evening’s worship is hosted by Brookville Grace Brethren Church, closing with an ice cream social.
Friday, July 12, will see the assembly gather to hear morning speakers, go on an afternoon tour of Brethren sites (advance registration required) or attend a variety of concurrent workshop sessions. The evening meal, worship, and ice cream social are hosted by Salem Church of the Brethren.
On Saturday, July 13, the morning speakers will focus on Brethren ordinances and international perspectives, followed by another afternoon offering opportunities to take part in the bus tour or concurrent workshop sessions. The Saturday evening activities are hosted again by Salem Church of the Brethren.
The event closes with Sunday morning worship at an area Brethren congregation of participant’s choice for those who wish to stay through the morning.
The registration fee is $120, with spouses able to register for $60, and a one-day registration option available for $40. Meals cost extra ($7 for lunches, $10 for dinners). The fee to participate in the bus tour is $20. Continuing education credit is available for ministers. A list of area hotels will be provided upon request, along with homes in the area that are open to housing participants in the assembly.
Registrations are due by July 7. Find a detailed brochure and online registration at www.brethrenheritagecenter.org/#Brethren_World_Assembly. Registrations also will be taken by phone and credit card by calling the Brethren Heritage Center at 937-833-5222. For more information go to www.brethrenheritagecenter.org.
Source: 5/3/2013 Newsline
The assembly happens only every five years, with the last one celebrating the 300th anniversary of the Brethren movement in Schwarzenau, Germany, in 2008.
The theme of this 2013 gathering will be “Brethren Spirituality: How Brethren Conceive of and Practice the Spiritual Life.” It is sponsored by the Brethren Encyclopedia, Inc., whose board members come from each of the seven main Brethren bodies.
The planning team includes chair Robert E. Alley of the Church of the Brethren, Jeff Bach of the Church of the Brethren, Brenda Colijn of the Brethren Church, Milton Cook of the Dunkard Brethren, Tom Julien of the Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches, Gary Kochheiser of the Conservative Grace Brethren Churches International, and Michael Miller of the Old German Baptist Brethren Church-New Conference.
Events begin the afternoon of Thursday July 11, with an opening panel discussion on Brethren spirituality. The first evening’s worship is hosted by Brookville Grace Brethren Church, closing with an ice cream social.
Friday, July 12, will see the assembly gather to hear morning speakers, go on an afternoon tour of Brethren sites (advance registration required) or attend a variety of concurrent workshop sessions. The evening meal, worship, and ice cream social are hosted by Salem Church of the Brethren.
On Saturday, July 13, the morning speakers will focus on Brethren ordinances and international perspectives, followed by another afternoon offering opportunities to take part in the bus tour or concurrent workshop sessions. The Saturday evening activities are hosted again by Salem Church of the Brethren.
The event closes with Sunday morning worship at an area Brethren congregation of participant’s choice for those who wish to stay through the morning.
The registration fee is $120, with spouses able to register for $60, and a one-day registration option available for $40. Meals cost extra ($7 for lunches, $10 for dinners). The fee to participate in the bus tour is $20. Continuing education credit is available for ministers. A list of area hotels will be provided upon request, along with homes in the area that are open to housing participants in the assembly.
Registrations are due by July 7. Find a detailed brochure and online registration at www.brethrenheritagecenter.org/#Brethren_World_Assembly. Registrations also will be taken by phone and credit card by calling the Brethren Heritage Center at 937-833-5222. For more information go to www.brethrenheritagecenter.org.
Source: 5/3/2013 Newsline
COBYS conference to address PTSD in foster children.
COBYS Family Services therapist Laura Miller, LCSW, will lead a one-day seminar on “PTSD in Children, Adolescents, and Youth” on May 31 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at Lancaster (Pa.) Church of the Brethren.
Designed for professionals and foster and adoptive parents, the training will offer insight regarding how trauma affects the brain, how PTSD manifests across the lifespan, and how to recognize symptoms related to secondary trauma in caregivers. Participants will learn coping strategies for the whole family, as well as some effective tools to parent traumatized family members.
“Trauma affects so many people,” said Miller, “especially children and adolescents who are part of the foster care system. As adoptive and foster parents strive to parent traumatized kids, these caregivers sometimes find themselves at the receiving end of all the behavior related to past trauma.”
Miller has been an outpatient therapist since 2005, specializing in treating attachment and trauma issues among foster and adoptive children, adolescents, and their families. A resident of Lancaster, she has been a presenter at numerous conferences, educating others about attachment and trauma issues. She is a member of the National Association of Social Workers, has been a Licensed Social Worker since 2003, and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker since 2009.
Cost for the event is $30 for professionals and $10 for foster and adoptive parents. This program has been approved for an award of .5 continuing education units by the College of Graduate and Professional Studies at Millersville University. The registration deadline is May 24.
Motivated by Christian faith, COBYS Family Services educates, supports, and empowers children and adults to reach their full potential. COBYS carries out this mission through adoption and foster care services, counseling, and family life education. COBYS is affiliated with Atlantic Northeast District of the Church of the Brethren.
A brochure with registration form for the event is at www.cobys.org/pdfs/Laura_Miller_Registration_Brochure.pdf . To learn more contact Nicole Lauzus at 717-481-7663 or nicole@cobys.org.
-- Don Fitzkee is director of Development for COBYS Family Services.
Source: 5/3/2013 Newsline
If it’s spring: A note from Gather ’Round.
If it's spring......it must be time to think about calling teachers for the fall!
Christian formation programs often depend on more volunteers than any other program of the church. Here is a six-step process to help you call and work with teachers ( www.gatherround.org/sixstepprocess.html ):
Define the ministry: Clearly articulate areas of responsibility. Provide written descriptions that outline the tasks and expectations for each position.
Discern the gifts of the people: What qualities do you seek in potential teachers? Who in your congregation has those qualities? Seek God’s wisdom and direction. With a church directory in one hand and your list of needs in the other, look for people with gifts of teaching and building relationships. Don’t overlook seniors, recently retired people, young adults, or newcomers.
Gently invite: Be specific when you talk to an individual. Be honest about your expectations. Give them time to pray about a decision. Offer to meet with them to have further conversation about the task to which you are calling them. If a person declines the invitation, thank them for considering it. Don’t pester them. If God is calling them to the position, they’ll get back to you.
Provide training: Treat your volunteers as unpaid staff. Give them the resources they need to be the best teachers they can be.
Support and affirm: With notes, a listening ear, small gifts, and prayer, encourage your teachers in their ministry.
Evaluate: Meet with each teacher to reflect. What is working well? What is frustrating? What changes are needed for the teacher to feel successful? Where was evidence of God’s presence? Give a teacher the opportunity to stop if the experience is unpleasant for the teacher or the class. Regular evaluations and check-ins can ease or prevent the pain that happens when someone leaves in anger or frustration--or when someone has to be let go because it is just not working out.
Here are some do's and don'ts:
- DO assure prospective teachers that your call comes after a careful, prayerful process. DO specifically affirm the gifts you see in them.
- DO promise that they will be supported (and DO follow through on that promise).
- DON'T persist if a person gives you a definitive no.
- DON'T beg ("Please, there just isn't anyone else we can ask").
- DON'T stretch the truth ("There's really nothing to teaching preschoolers").
-- From the Gather ’Round e-mail newsletter “RoundAbout.” Gather ’Round is the Sunday school curriculum of Brethren Press and MennoMedia. This summer’s quarter for multi age groups of children is on an environmental theme and will familiarize students with Bible texts on care for creation. Order curriculum from Brethren Press at 800-441-3712.
Source: 5/3/2013 Newsline
Celebrating completion of the Brethren Digital Archive.
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| Photo by Brethren Digital Archive |
| Some of the archivists, librarians, and historians who have been part of the committee organizing the Brethren Digital Archive: (from left) Some of the Brethren Digital Archives committee (left to right): Liz Cutler Gates, Brethren Missionary Herald; Darryl Filbrun, Old German Baptist Brethren, New Conference; Gary Kochheiser, Conservative Grace Brethren; Steve Bayer, Old German Baptist Brethren; Paul Stump, Brethren Heritage Center; Eric Bradley, Morgan Library, Grace College and Seminary; Larry Heisey, Brethren Heritage Center. Seated, Shirley Frick, Bible Monitor. |
Not without reason have historians referred to the years from 1776-1851 as “the silent years.” The “silence” ends in 1851 with the publication of the first Brethren periodical, “The Gospel Visitor” edited by Henry Kurtz, joined in 1856 by James Quinter who would become sole editor. Eventually the “Visitor” would absorb other periodicals forming the “Gospel Messenger” in 1883.
As denominational factions that would result in painful divisions formed around editors and periodicals, many wished for a return to silence. There was, of course, no turning back. Periodicals were the driving force behind denominational expansion and world-wide mission for the Brethren. Editors emerged as powerful shapers of denominational culture and identity. Brethren increasingly understood themselves as part of an international community, unique yet in mission with other Protestants, sharing Christ far beyond their isolated communities.
The paucity of information had ceased. The days of information overload had begun. One was not only overwhelmed by the printed pages of denominational periodicals of such bodies as the Church of the Brethren, Brethren Church, Dunker Brethren, Old Order German Baptists, and Grace Brethren Church, but the new interest-driven periodicals established by advocacy groups within denominations such as missionary societies, colleges, seminaries, and even districts.
As we look back to the golden age of the printed page, we can only marvel at this remarkable flowering of Brethren thought and action and ask how, if, or in what manner the personalities, deeds, and thoughts of our own time will be remembered and recorded?
Now the golden age of Brethren print media has wonderfully come to life in the Brethren Digital Archives, available online in a full-text format without charge at archive.org/details/brethrendigitalarchives . It contains 29 periodicals published from 1852-2000 by the spiritual heirs of those baptized in the Eder River.
Funded in part by a grant from the Sloan Foundation and the generosity of Brethren institutions and individuals, the project was directed by the librarians, archivists, and historians of Brethren-related colleges, universities, and historical centers.
This incredible resource is even searchable by names of individuals and congregations, and even concepts. Among the distinctly Church of the Brethren periodicals are “The Gospel Visitor,” “Brethren at Work,” “Gospel Messenger,” “Messenger,” “Inglenook,” and “Missionary Visitor.”
These resources provide a glimpse into past Brethren practice, beliefs, and dare we say controversies. The archive provides a rich source of congregational, regional, and even district history. One can read forgotten but still deeply profound devotional writings of A.C. Wieand, Anna Mow, and William Beahm, for example, and the moving and thoughtful editorials of Desmond Bittinger and Kenneth Morse. Readers may encounter vintage prophetic writings of Dan West and Kermit Eby, or children’s stories by Lucille Long, or explore how Brethren faced the crises of the Civil War, World War I, the Cold War, and the Civil Rights crusade for racial justice.
This remarkable resource is available to all with an Internet connection.
-- William Kostlevy is director of the Brethren Historical Library and Archives.
Source: 5/3/2013 Newsline
Brethren bits.
- Remembrance: Bob Edgar, 69, a United Methodist minister and a former general secretary of the National Council of Churches (NCC), died unexpectedly April 23 of a heart attack at his home in the Washington area. NCC president Kathryn Lohre expressed the council’s condolences to Edgar’s family and many friends. “He is universally remembered as a man of tireless commitment and boundless energy,” she said. “We are finding it difficult to grasp the sudden loss of this fine church leader.” A United Methodist release described him as a “tireless defender of the poor and an advocate for justice.” Edgar led the NCC from 2000 to 2007. “The Edgar years at the NCC were filled with challenges that included the terror attacks of September 11, 2001, the War in Iraq, the acceleration of global warming, tsunamis and earthquakes, Hurricane Katrina, and crushing worldwide poverty and human rights abuses,” said an NCC release. His first days on the job in 2000 were consumed by a crippling financial crisis in the NCC as well. During his term as general secretary he initiated a major campaign against poverty, and brought in new staff to direct an eco-justice program. He traveled widely on behalf of the NCC, including to areas of Indonesia flooded by the devastating tsunami of 2004. “He liked to summarize the urgent ministries of the council in a single sentence: ‘Peace, Poverty, Planet Earth,’” said a leading NCC staff member. When Edgar departed the NCC in 2007, the council posted a retrospective of his career at www.ncccusa.org/bobedgar . More recently, Edgar was top executive of Common Cause, a national advocacy group with more than 400,000 members and 35 state organizations. He also was a six-term member of Congress from Pennsylvania, and president of Claremont (Calif.) School of Theology 1990-2000. In 2006 he wrote the book “Middle Church: Reclaiming the Moral Values of the Faithful Majority from the Religious Right,” published by Simon and Schuster. Church of the Brethren general secretary Stan Noffsinger served on the executive committee of the NCC during Edgar’s term, and hopes to be able to attend the funeral. Funeral arrangements are pending.
 Remembering the Armenian genocide: On April 24, Church of the Brethren general secretary Stan Noffsinger worshiped with St. Gregory's the Illuminator Armenian Church in Chicago and took part in the annual remembrance of the martyrs of the Armenian holocaust. He was joined by Larry Ulrich of York Center Church of the Brethren, who is very active in interfaith work in Chicago. After the worship service, Noffsinger was invited to speak about the Church of the Brethren relief effort during the Armenian genocide--the first significant overseas relief and disaster response effort carried out by the denomination. On behalf of the church, Noffsinger received a lovely hand-carved wood icon as a gift commemorating the Brethren aid to Armenians in their time of need. Shown here: Noffsinger (center) receives the icon from the priest of the parish, Aren Jebejian, with Larry Ulrich at Noffsinger's right. |
- Anna Emrick has resigned as program coordinator for the office of Global Mission and Service. May 1 was her last day at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill. She has been employed in the Global Mission and Service office since October 2009. During her time there, she has acted as liaison to the Mission Advisory Committee, helped coordinate the Mission Alive conference, served as a contact person for mission staff in a variety of countries around the world, helped organize workcamp groups, worked on the new Mission Advocate Network, started a new mission e-mail newsletter and prayer guide, and more. In previous volunteer work for the denomination, she spent time in Brethren Volunteer Service as the recruitment volunteer on the BVS office staff from August 2004 through August 2005. She is moving to Milwaukee, Wis., to work as program manager for the nonprofit Society of Immunotherapy of Cancer.
- Raymond C. Flagg has been affirmed as treasurer of the Susquehanna Valley Ministry Center by the SVMC Governing Board, which met at Elizabethtown (Pa.) College on April 17. SVMC is affiliated with the Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership. Flagg is a graduate of the University of La Verne in California (previously La Verne College) and Texas A&M University, and presently is employed as adjunct instructor in ,athematics at Harrisburg Area Community College, the Lancaster (Pa.) campus. He is a member of Annville (Pa.) Church of the Brethren.
- In another personnel note from SVMC, Amy Milligan, program coordinator for the center, has recently earned her doctorate and has resigned her position with SVMC effective July 31. Donna Rhodes, SVMC executive director, says, “We are grateful for the dedicated service which Amy has provided since 2007.” The Governing Board accepted her resignation with regret and wished her God’s blessing in her new position as visiting assistant professor of Women and Gender Studies at Elizabethtown College.
- The Susquehanna Valley Ministry Center is seeking a full-time program coordinator to oversee day-to-day management of the SVMC office based at Elizabethtown (Pa.) College. This position is accountable to the executive director of SVMC. Responsibilities include administrative support to the executive director and the Governing Board, student and instructor contacts, course record keeping, financial record keeping, and promotional work. To apply, candidates should send letter of interest, resume, and contact information of three references to Susquehanna Valley Ministry Center, Attn: Donna Rhodes, Executive Director, 1830 Mifflin St., Huntingdon, PA 16652; dmrhodes.svmc@verizon.net .
May is Older Adult Month in the Church of the Brethren. Resources this year focus on the theme, “Vessels of Love: Love God, Love Neighbor, Love Self” from the scripture text Matthew 22:37-39, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Related worship resources are available online and focus on the three aspects, “Love God,” “Love Neighbor,” and “Love Self.” Ideas also are offered for how a congregation can share God’s love with adults age 50 and older. Go to www.brethren.org/oam/2013-oam-month.html .
- In an update on Children’s Disaster Services (CDS) work in Boston following the marathon bombings, four CDS volunteers provided a child care center on April 20-23 at the Boston Family Assistance Center working in partnership with the American Red Cross. Only four children were served but Roy Winter, associate executive director of Brethren Disaster Ministries, reported that “the contact with these four children was meaningful and significant.” For more about Children's Disaster Services go to www.brethren.org/cds .
- A clothing drive for Love Elgin Day 2013 was given warehouse space at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill. Some 17 or 18 churches in the Elgin area together sponsored the Love Elgin Day on April 27, which offered variety of free services to anyone who wished to attend including clothing and food, simple medical care, legal services, and more.
- Brethren attended the April 11-13 inaugural national gathering of Missio Alliance, an emerging network of evangelicals and Anabaptists looking for a new way to be the church in an increasingly post-Christendom culture. The gathering of over 700 ministers, scholars, and laypeople met in Alexandria, Va. Notable leaders included Amos Yong, Rodman Williams Professor of Theology and director of the Doctor of Philosophy program at Regent University in Virginia Beach, Va.; Cherith Fee Nording, associate professor of Theology at Northern Seminary in Oak Brook, Ill.; Scot McKnight, professor of New Testament at Northern Seminary; and Jo Saxton, director of 3DM in Minnesota. The Brethren attending were Joshua Brockway, director of Spiritual Life and Discipleship; Tara Hornbacker, professor of ministry formation at Bethany Seminary; Dana Cassell, minister of youth formation at Manassas (Va.) Church of the Brethren; Ryan Braught of Veritas church plant in Atlantic Northeast District; and Laura Stone of Manchester Church of the Brethren and a student at Andover Newton Seminary. See www.brethren.org/news/2013/brethren-attend-missio-alliance.html or contact jbrockway@brethren,org or 800-323-4304 ext. 304.
- The World Friendship Center (WFC) in Hiroshima was honored with a certificate and a monetary award of 100,000 yen (about $1,000) for peace efforts beyond Japan’s borders reports JoAnn Sims, who with her husband Larry are WFC hosts through Brethren Volunteer Service. Among activities that garnered the award were WFC’s partnership at the grassroots level with China, Korea, and Japan to gather junior high and high school students for a week to build friendships and to dilute the discrimination that is often common in each country; hosting the North Regional Asian Peacebuilding Institute for young adults from Mongolia, China, Taiwan, Korea, Indonesia, India, Malaysia, and Japan; and exchange of peace envoys between Japan, United States, Korea, and Germany.
- Union Center Church of the Brethren in Nappanee, Ind., will provide the meals for the Old German Baptist Brethren Conference on May 18-21. “Planning has been underway for over a year and final details are being made,” reports Herman Kauffman, who is interim minister at the church. “Nearly every able-bodied member of the congregation will be involved from one shift to full-time work for four days.” The conference will be held on a farm, with an expectation of 4,000 to 5,000 people attending. “I would invite your prayers for us in this massive undertaking,” Kauffman requested.
- Stone Church of the Brethren in Huntingdon, Pa., held a weekend event with Bob Gross, staff member of On Earth Peace who is completing a 650-mile walk for peace from North Manchester, Ind., to Elizabethtown, Pa. While at Stone Church he shared during the morning worship. A Peace Walk followed with members and friends invited to walk with Juniata College students to the Peace Chapel, commemorating the campaign “3,000 Miles for Peace” in honor of the late Paul Ziegler who was a student at McPherson (Kan.) College.
Photo by courtesy of Jenn Dorsch
- A group from Frederick (Md.) Church of the Brethren recently was in Haiti for a workcamp with Eglise des Freres Haitiens (the Church of the Brethren in Haiti). The Frederick members were from both the hearing and deaf congregation, listed here with some of their Haitian hosts: Jim and Doretta Dorsch, Bob Walker, Melissa Berdine, Anna Crouse, Bonnie Vanbuskirk, pastor Brian Messler, Sherwood "Woody" Boxer, pastor Paul Mundey, Yves Ouedraogo, Jenn Dorsch, Lisa and Chris Gouker, Ilexene Alphonse.
- Virlina District dedicates its new District Resource Center this Sunday, May 5. The new center is located at 3402 Plantation Road, N.E. in Roanoke, Va. The service starts at 4 p.m. at the old location at 3110 Pioneer Rd., N.W., in Roanoke, and will conclude at the new location. Fred M. Bernhard, former Annual Conference moderator and long-term pastor, will deliver the address. Stanley J. Noffsinger, general secretary of the Church of the Brethren, and Jonathan M. Barton, general minister of the Virginia Council of Churches, will be present to deliver encouragement from the wider church. The Peters Creek Church Choir under the direction of Betty Lou Carter, will provide special music.
- Mid-Atlantic District holds its annual Disaster Response Auction on Saturday, May 4, starting at 8 a.m. at the Westminster (Md.) Agriculture Center. Find the “Carroll County Times” article at www.carrollcountytimes.com/news/local/church-of-the-brethren-auction-to-support-disaster-relief/article_45007a70-2fd2-5c45-970c-6e5e1ed6dbe9.html .
- West Marva District has announced a weight loss competition spearheaded by Westernport Church of the Brethren. “Pounds for Purpose” challenges the congregations and members to compete in losing weight--both for individual health and to benefit charities. Participants will solicit either one-time donations or donations of an amount of money for every pound lost individually or by the congregation’s team. The more money raised, the more charities will benefit, the announcement said.
- The Ministry Excellence Project of Northern Indiana District and South/Central Indiana District has awarded 88 grants to pastors totaling $107,579 in the last four years, according to a recent district newsletter. Nearly half of the funds for those grants were contributed by churches. Find a new video about how the project has affected two pastors and congregations at http://youtu.be/OXb_lDe2jIs .
- A Haitian Peace Seminar is sponsored by Atlantic Southeast District’s Action for Peace Team, to be held in Miami, Fla., on June 7-9. The seminar aims to strengthen the peacemaking commitment and skills of Haitian Brethren in the US. It starts Friday at 5 p.m. and ends Sunday with worship and a noon meal. The event will be held in Kreyol and English, with leadership from Florida and other parts of the country. All food will be provided, transportation will be paid by participants. Lodging will be with members and friends of the Miami churches. A free will offering will help cover expenses. The coordinating committee includes pastor Ludovic St. Fleur of L’Eglise des Freres Haitiens in Miami, Rose Cadet, and Merle Crouse. Register by May 20. Contact Crouse at 407-892-6678.
- The Brethren Home of Girard, Ill., has set its Sixth Annual Work Day for Saturday, May 4, starting at 8 a.m. (rain date May 18). Work will include clearing flower beds, planting, mulching, and brushing preservative on outdoor furniture. Bring gloves and garden trowels. A light lunch and refreshments will be provided. Contact 217-627-2181 and ask for Kyle Hood, maintenance, or Terry Link, chaplain, or e-mail pleasanthillvillage@royell.org .
- “Camp Bethel is Best of Botetourt and KJPAS at Camp Bethel is Best of Roanoke!” proudly announced the Camp Bethel newsletter. The Church of the Brethren camp near Fincastle, Va., was voted Best of Botetourt County, Va., for 2013 by the readers of the “Botetourt View.” The Kevin Jones Performing Arts Studio held at the camp was voted “Best Camp for Kids” in the “Roanoke Times,” said the announcement. Learn more at www.kjpas.com/camps.html . See the camp ad at www.campbethelvirginia.org/BotView2013AdCampBethel.jpg .
- Camp Emmanuel in Illinois and Wisconsin District is celebrating its 65th anniversary this year. The camp’s mission is “Sharing God’s message and love with children of all ages through the beauty and wonder found in nature.” This year’s managers are Randy and Jo Ellen Doyle. The camp is inviting each camping group this year to make a banner for the anniversary. Also, special anniversary t-shirts are being made, cost is $12 for regular sizes (cost may vary for special sizes). Contact the camp at 309-329-2291 or campemmanuel.cob@gmail.com or see www.cob-net.org/camp/emmanuel .
- The Brethren Home Community in Windber, Pa., congratulates home administrator Edie Scaletta for her inclusion in the Johnstown YWCA 2013 Tribute to Women Awards. She is honored for her service as administrator of a nonprofit corporation and as a role model for other women. A banquet in May will recognize Scaletta and the honorees in other tribute categories.
| Photo by Fahrney-Keedy |
| Ruth Moss is honored for her 48 years of work at Fahrney-Keedy Home and Village |
- Recently Fahrney-Keedy Home and Village near Boonsboro, Md., celebrated the 48 years of work Ruth Moss has given to the retirement community. Staffers noted the milestone, recalling days without latex gloves and when uniforms consisted of white button-up dresses with long sleeves required, said a release. “We didn’t have lifts or air conditioning, either,” Moss remembered. “But we coped with it.” In 1965, she started work at Fahrney-Keedy as a nurse’s aide. Over the years, she became a Certified Medicine Aide and a Geriatric Nursing Aide. She now works part-time in Assisted Living and the Bowman Center Memory Care Unit. Her husband, Jim, also has worked in Fahrney-Keedy’s Maintenance Department since 1989. A Church of the Brethren continuing care retirement community, Fahrney-Keedy is along Route 66 a few miles west of Boonsboro.
- Bridgewater (Va.) College took top honors in the state of Virginia for its collection of corrugated cardboard during RecycleMania 2013, a 10-week challenge to determine which schools could reduce, re-use, and recycle the most campus waste. According to a release, more than 520 colleges and universities competed and collectively recovered 90.3 million pounds of recyclables and organic materials, preventing the release of 121,436 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent into the atmosphere. Bridgewater participated in three categories--paper, corrugated cardboard, and bottles/cans--and collected a total of 27,845 pounds of recyclables.
- Eight Bridgewater (Va.) College alumni including three Church of the Brethren members--Ivan J. Mason, Peggy Glick Mason, and Ronald V. Cox--were honored at an Alumni Weekend April 19-21. Ivan J. Mason and Peggy Glick Mason of University Park Church of the Brethren in Hyattsville, Md., received Ripples Society Medals. He worked for NASA as an electronics engineer and aerospace technologist on the Apollo space program, later transferring to the Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland, where he was technical officer managing the contract to develop the Science Operations Center for the Hubble Space Telescope. Peggy Glick Mason worked as a data analyst and programmer for NASA, and from 1980-91 was a computer specialist for the Fish and Wildlife Service. She has served as a member and treasurer of the Coordinating Committee of the Church of the Brethren’s Womaen’s Caucus. Cox received the Distinguished Alumnus Award. He has served in various capacities at Richmond Church of the Brethren and Harrisonburg Church of the Brethren, and participated in a Katrina disaster-relief trip with Bridgewater Church of the Brethren. He was a programmer with IBM at NASA’s Space Computing Center on Project Vanguard--a program intended to launch the first artificial satellite into Earth’s orbit--and worked on the IBM 360 Series of computers. In 1967 he became the IBM systems engineer for the Shenandoah Valley, and since then has worked for the company’s Academic Information Systems at Virginia Tech and helped the engineering school establish its “every freshman required to get a PC” program.
- Elizabethtown (Pa.) College is providing “stress release” therapy dogs to students during finals week. Dog handler Donna Grenko will bring trained therapy dogs including labrador retrievers, a sheltie, a golden retriever, and a Cavalier King Charles spaniel, as part of an event hosted by Student Wellness and the High Library. "Down-Time with a Dog" will give students an opportunity to relax and rejuvenate with "fur-therapy" during the hectic finals week.
- The 14th annual C.A.R.S. Club Show at McPherson (Kan.) College will include the CEO of a tire company for classic cars, an opportunity for youth to take a shot at judging cars and a focus on restoration and racing legend Carroll Shelby. Events kick off Friday, May 3, at 6 p.m. with the “Evening with Automotive Restoration” dinner. This year features Corky Coker, president and CEO of Coker Tires. The student-run C.A.R.S. Club show is Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will include tours of the restoration building, a team of students assembling a fully functional Model T from a pile of parts in less than 15 minutes, and faculty demonstrations of restoration techniques. This year’s show recognizes Carroll Shelby, who passed away last year, known for his racing career and his trademark car designs such as the Shelby Cobra. Shelby cars will have free admittance to the show. Feature cars will include a rare 1907 Tincher, the “898” 1949 Studebaker pickup that set two new class speed records at the Bonneville Salt Flats in 2010, and a supercharged 1933 Miller race car with 16 cylinders. People will have an opportunity to buy a signed book about automotive metal shaping by Ed Barr, assistant professor of technology, who will give a metal shaping demonstration.
- The April edition of "Brethren Voices," the community television program of Portland (Ore.) Peace Church of the Brethren, features Steve Cayford’s 4,000 mile bicycle journey from London to Senegal in West Africa. As part of the same program, On Earth Peace discusses its 3,000 Miles for Peace campaign. “At the age of 13, Cayford began thinking about making a bicycle trip from Europe to West Africa,” reports producer Ed Groff. “At the time his parents were Church of the Brethren missionaries in Nigeria. Steve remembers a couple of British cyclists that rode into town that year, providing the spark for an idea that would linger until he made the trip himself last winter.” Cayford is a graduate of the University of La Verne and a member of Portland’s Peace Church of the Brethren. Cayford shared his photos from the trip with Brethren Voices for this program, they may be viewed at http://dafarafet.com/album1 . In May, Brethren Voices will feature Annual Conference moderator Bob Krouse, who discusses his life in the Church of the Brethren and some of the plans for the 2013 Conference. For copies of Brethren Voices, contact Ed Groff at groffprod1@msn.com .
- Heeding God’s Call has announced a “Pre-Mother’s Day Rally and March Against Gun Violence” from Trenton, N.J., to Morrisville, Pa., on May 11. “Join us to make a public statement to support universal background checks and sensible gun laws,” said the announcement. The event starts Saturday, May 11, at 2 p.m. with a rally at First Baptist Church in Trenton, will march over the bridge to Morrisville, where another rally will be held at Williamson Park. Speakers include Michael Pohle, whose son was killed at Virginia Tech. The announcement warned that counter protesters are expected and “they will likely be carrying guns openly.” Police will be present to handle any disorderly conduct that may occur. For more information contact info@heedinggodscall.org or 267-519-5302.
- Chet Thomas, executive director of Proyecto Aldea Global (PAG) in Honduras, continues to appeal for donation of hay binder units to help power ferry boats that carry people and goods across a large dammed lake in an area where PAG works. Volunteers built the first ferry in 2000, "Miss Pamela," installing using motorized hay binders to power it. The system has worked for 12 years, with supervision from PAG. The original hay binder units are now in need of replacement. Thomas states, "Almost any hay binder can be adapted by us for use on the ferry." Once donated, PAG staff will prepare units for shipment to Honduras. Contact chet@paghonduras.org or 305-433-2947.
- Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT) and other groups working in Israel and Palestine have issued a report documenting “an alarming rate of abuse of the rights of children,” particularly Palestinian children in Hebron. “Human rights workers in H2, the portion of Hebron under Israeli military control, have witnessed 47 detentions or arrests of children age 15 and under by soldiers since the start of February,” said a CPT release. “Other violations...include conducting war training when children are present, delaying children and teachers as they pass checkpoints to access schools, detaining children in adult facilities, questioning children without the presence of an adult, and blindfolding children in detention.” The report is online at http://cptpalestine.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/occupied-childhoods-impact-of-the-actions-of-israeli-soldiers-on-palestinian-children-in-h2-during-february-march-and-april-20131.pdf .
Credits
Newsline is produced by the news services of the Church of the Brethren. Contact the editor at cobnews@brethren.org. Contributors to this issue of Newsline include Anna Emrick, Kathy L. Gilbert, Ed Groff, Terry Grove, Mary Kay Heatwole, Philip E. Jenks, Herman Kauffman, Amy Mountain, Glen Sargent, Roy Winter, Rachel Witkovsky, Jane Yount, and editor Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of News Services for the Church of the Brethren.
Friday, April 19, 2013
Children's Disaster Services to work in Boston following bombing
CDS staff have put together a team of four caregivers to respond to the Boston attack. The four, headed by CDS project manager Connie Rutt, will travel to Boston on Saturday morning April 20 and work in the Red Cross Family Assistance Center through the weekend.
CDS will send replacement volunteers on Monday if needed.
This response depends on security allowing volunteers into the city.
Established in 1980, Children's Disaster Services works cooperatively with FEMA and the American Red Cross to provide care for children and families following disasters, through the work of trained and certified volunteers. CDS is a Church of the Brethren ministry.
CDS volunteers set up child care centers in shelters and disaster assistance centers. Specially trained to respond to traumatized children, the volunteers provide a calm, safe, and reassuring presence in the midst of the chaos created by natural or human-caused disasters.
CDS also regularly offers workshops to train participants to understand and respond to children who have experienced a disaster, recognize fears and other emotions children experience during and following a disaster, and learn how child-led play and art mediums can start the healing process. Once participants complete a workshop and undergo a rigorous screening process, they may apply for certification to serve as a CDS volunteer.
For more information about Children's Disaster Services go to www.brethren.org/cds or call 800-451-4407 option 5.
Source: 4/19/2013 Newsline Special
Thursday, April 18, 2013
Newsline: April 18, 2013
NEWS
- Fifty years later, church leaders respond to Birmingham letter.
- Church leaders comment on national tragedy, CDS offers advice for parents.
- Nigerian Brethren experience another church attack, hold annual meeting.
- PAG in Honduras, Brethren in Nigeria and Congo, Friends in Rwanda receive GFCF grants.
- Disaster and mission staff offer support after fire in South Sudan village.
- Sponsor a peace and reconciliation scholarship in South Sudan.
- 3,000 miles campaign of On Earth Peace receives lots of support.
- Congregational ethics, ministerial leadership, drone warfare, biblical authority are on business docket for 2013.
- Annual Conference service project collects school supplies for Charlotte.
Fifty years later, church leaders respond to Birmingham letter.
Fifty years later, Christian Churches Together (CCT) has issued a
response to Martin Luther King Jr.’s “Letter from Birmingham Jail.” The
document was signed by representatives of CCT’s member communions and
presented to King’s youngest daughter, Bernice King, at a symposium
April 14-15 in Birmingham, Ala.
King’s famous letter on April 16, 1963, was written in response to an open letter from a group of eight clergy--one Catholic priest, six Protestants, and a rabbi--urging him to exercise restraint and call an end to the nonviolent demonstrations.
As far as is known, the CCT document is the first response to the “Letter from Birmingham Jail.” CCT issued a short statement two years ago in Birmingham, and committed then to produce this detailed response on the occasion of the 50th anniversary. The full statement is posted at www.brethren.org/birminghamletter.
In the document, CCT calls member churches to repentance and confesses the history of racism within its institutions. “Those of us who lead predominantly white churches confess to our CCT colleagues of other ethnicities that we would prefer to overlook the ways in which we have replayed the role of the ‘white moderates’ who most disappointed Dr. King.” A significant part of the paper is an appendix with separate confessions from the faith families that constitute CCT.
The document elaborates on the key themes of King’s letter and the challenges that face the church today. It also expresses commitments for the future. “We proclaim that, while our context today is different, the call is the same as in 1963--for followers of Christ to stand together, to work together, and to struggle together for justice.”
The symposium featured addresses from clergy and from several key civil rights leaders who had worked with King.
Educator Dorothy Cotton, who was one of the highest ranking women in the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, cautioned against regarding the civil rights movement as “Dr. King’s movement.” “When we say that, we think we have to have some big leader, we disempower ourselves.” That’s what is missing today, she said. “If you see something that’s not right, you might have to start an action all by yourself.”
Congressman John Lewis recounted how a month earlier he had received a formal apology from the Montgomery police chief for failing to protect him and other Freedom Riders in 1961--evidence of “the power of love, the power of the teachings of Jesus.” He challenged the church “to make some noise, to get into some good trouble.”
Baptist minister Virgil Wood emphasized the economic face of racism today and reminded listeners that King had focused as much on the “beloved economy” as on the “beloved community.”
In her remarks, Bernice King said she appreciated the emphasis on her father’s Birmingham letter, which she felt conveyed much about who he was. “He has been described as a great civil rights leader,” she noted, “but most of all he was a minister and a man of God.”
The Church of the Brethren was represented by Stan Noffsinger, general secretary; Nancy S. Heishman, moderator-elect; and Wendy McFadden, a member of the CCT steering committee and president of the Historic Protestant family of CCT. Also in attendance was Bill Scheurer, executive director of On Earth Peace.
Christian Churches Together in the USA is the nation’s broadest fellowship of Christian communions, representing African-American, Catholic, Evangelical/Protestant, Historic Protestant, and Orthodox churches, as well as several national organizations.
-- Wendy McFadden is publisher of Brethren Press.
Source: 4/18/2013 Newsline
King’s famous letter on April 16, 1963, was written in response to an open letter from a group of eight clergy--one Catholic priest, six Protestants, and a rabbi--urging him to exercise restraint and call an end to the nonviolent demonstrations.
As far as is known, the CCT document is the first response to the “Letter from Birmingham Jail.” CCT issued a short statement two years ago in Birmingham, and committed then to produce this detailed response on the occasion of the 50th anniversary. The full statement is posted at www.brethren.org/birminghamletter.
In the document, CCT calls member churches to repentance and confesses the history of racism within its institutions. “Those of us who lead predominantly white churches confess to our CCT colleagues of other ethnicities that we would prefer to overlook the ways in which we have replayed the role of the ‘white moderates’ who most disappointed Dr. King.” A significant part of the paper is an appendix with separate confessions from the faith families that constitute CCT.
The document elaborates on the key themes of King’s letter and the challenges that face the church today. It also expresses commitments for the future. “We proclaim that, while our context today is different, the call is the same as in 1963--for followers of Christ to stand together, to work together, and to struggle together for justice.”
The symposium featured addresses from clergy and from several key civil rights leaders who had worked with King.
Educator Dorothy Cotton, who was one of the highest ranking women in the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, cautioned against regarding the civil rights movement as “Dr. King’s movement.” “When we say that, we think we have to have some big leader, we disempower ourselves.” That’s what is missing today, she said. “If you see something that’s not right, you might have to start an action all by yourself.”
Congressman John Lewis recounted how a month earlier he had received a formal apology from the Montgomery police chief for failing to protect him and other Freedom Riders in 1961--evidence of “the power of love, the power of the teachings of Jesus.” He challenged the church “to make some noise, to get into some good trouble.”
Baptist minister Virgil Wood emphasized the economic face of racism today and reminded listeners that King had focused as much on the “beloved economy” as on the “beloved community.”
In her remarks, Bernice King said she appreciated the emphasis on her father’s Birmingham letter, which she felt conveyed much about who he was. “He has been described as a great civil rights leader,” she noted, “but most of all he was a minister and a man of God.”
The Church of the Brethren was represented by Stan Noffsinger, general secretary; Nancy S. Heishman, moderator-elect; and Wendy McFadden, a member of the CCT steering committee and president of the Historic Protestant family of CCT. Also in attendance was Bill Scheurer, executive director of On Earth Peace.
Christian Churches Together in the USA is the nation’s broadest fellowship of Christian communions, representing African-American, Catholic, Evangelical/Protestant, Historic Protestant, and Orthodox churches, as well as several national organizations.
-- Wendy McFadden is publisher of Brethren Press.
Source: 4/18/2013 Newsline
Church leaders comment on national tragedy, CDS offers advice for parents.
Christian leaders are joining the nation in prayer following the
Boston Marathon bombings. Church of the Brethren general secretary Stan
Noffsinger added his voice to that of other ecumenical leaders following
the tragedy. Ecumenical groups making statements include the
Massachusetts Council of Churches, the National Council of Churches, and
the World Council of Churches.
Children’s Disaster Services (CDS) also has called for prayer and offered advice to help parents talk with their children about what happened (see below).
“We join this day in remembering those who lost their lives, the pain of recovery for those injured, the families who bear the brunt of their support, and for all those who witnessed this tragedy. They must be held in our prayers,” Noffsinger said.
“We are no strangers to horrific violence,” he added, “and violence leveled against any person anywhere is violence against all of humanity.”
Having just returned from a Christian Churches Together event marking the 50th anniversary of the writing of Martin Luther King Jr.’s “Letter from a Birmingham Jail,” Noffsinger spoke of the terrorism in Boston as “the same disease of humanity” that has affected so many others around the world. He likened it to the terrorist violence suffered by Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria (EYN--the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria) in recent years.
Quoting from King’s letter, the general secretary called Brethren as we mark this national tragedy to have compassion for people here and around the world who experience violence in their daily lives. “We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny,” Noffsinger quoted from King’s letter. “Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.”
“We must work on the deeper source of behavior that sparks violence. Ask, how can I help change the course of humanity to a more nonviolent course,” Noffsinger said.
The Church of the Brethren has just one church plant in Massachusetts. Noffsinger noted that the denomination connects with ecumenical partners there through the council of churches. He recommended to Brethren the statement and resources posted online by the Massachusetts Council of Churches at http://masscouncilofchurches.wordpress.com.
Children’s Disaster Services help for parents
Children’s Disaster Services in a Facebook post offered prayer “for all those impacted by the terror at the Boston Marathon yesterday.” The ministry that trains and places child care givers at disaster sites also offered advice for parents:
“Remember that children are often watching and listening,” the CDS post said. “They may hear parents talking about violence and terror or see reports on the TV that cause confusion and stress. Be prepared to help your child understand and feel safe.”
Children's Disaster Services has two brochures that can help. Online at www.brethren.org/CDS under the heading “Resources” is a brochure titled "Trauma: Helping Your Child Cope." Another offering advice for helping support children through war and terrorism may be provided by e-mail to anyone interested. Contact cds@brethren.org .
Statements from ecumenical groups
The National Council of Churches:
April 16, 2013The Massachusetts Council of Churches:
Dear Sisters and Brothers,
We are grieving with those in Boston, and joining in prayer with Christians and people of faith around the world. As the National Council of Churches, we stand in solidarity with the Massachusetts Council of Churches. We give thanks for the pastoral leadership of its executive director, the Rev. Laura Everett, and all those Christian leaders who join her in reaching out to those impacted yesterday and in the days to come.
The MCC has offered a powerful public statement, printed below and available here: http://masscouncilofchurches.wordpress.com/
The prayers offered in this statement are fervently echoed by all of us. We pray that God will continue to bring comfort to those who mourn, healing to those who are injured, and peace to those who are living in fear and uncertainty in this difficult time.
Kathryn M. Lohre
NCC President
"Behold, I will bring health and healing to the city; I will heal them and reveal to them the abundance of peace and truth" (Jeremiah 33:6).The World Council of Churches:
Our hearts are heavy in Massachusetts. On a great day of civic pride and joy, our city of Boston was scarred by violence. We grieve for those who have died. Bodies made to run and cheer were wounded. Our eyes are burned with images of terror in the very streets where we walk. Attend to us, Great Physician.
We do not yet now why this has happened. Preserve us from quick judgements, O Lord. Give us wisdom in the days ahead. Reveal to us peace and truth.
We sing the African-American spiritual, "Guide my feet, while I run this race, for I don't want to run this race in vain." In this time of uncertainty and fear, we cling to the sure promises of our God that we do not go on in vain.
Even as we grieve, we will remain steadfast in charity, defiant in hope, and constant in prayer. We are grateful for the prayers and support from across the country and the globe. Please continue to pray for the victims. Pray for our first responders, our elected officials, and the media who work with such trauma and return home to their own families. Pray for those without permanent homes who live in our public parks, displaced by this violence in our city. Pray for the marathoners, tourists, and visitors far from home.
The Massachusetts Council of Churches joins our prayers with citizens throughout the Commonwealth. In the words of the prophet Jeremiah, may our God indeed bring health and healing to the city.
The Rev. Laura E. Everett
Executive Director
Massachusetts Council of Churches
The World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit, has offered prayers and support for advocacy against violence on behalf of the WCC member churches in light of the bombing at the Boston Marathon on Monday.
In a letter to the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA, he said, “This violence in the midst of what was to be a time of celebration and personal accomplishment as many from around the world gathered for a peaceful competition has brought pain and fear to so many across your country.”
The letter was addressed to the NCCCUSA transitional general secretary, Peg Birk and president, Kathryn Lohre.
“In this time when the sanctity of life must be proclaimed most strongly, I offer my personal support to your ongoing advocacy against violence in all its forms,” Tveit said. “In the name of the God of Life all of us must offer such witness as we are called to be agents of justice and peace in a too often wounded world.”
Source: 4/18/2013 Newsline
Nigerian Brethren experience another church attack, hold annual meeting.
Another Nigerian Brethren congregation has suffered an attack during
worship, shortly before leaders of Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria
(EYN--the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria) are to gather for the
Majalisa or general church council, equivalent to the Annual Conference
of the US church.
EYN’s 66th Majalisa is scheduled for April 16-19 on the theme, “Reclaiming Our Heritage as Peace Church in Such a Time Like This.”
On Sunday, April 7, gunmen suspected to be part of the radical Islamist group called Boko Haram attempted an attack on an EYN congregation in the city of Maiduguri in the northeast of Nigeria. The attack came while the congregation was in worship, and a Nigerian television station reporting the incident noted, “Today’s incident marks the first time that an attack will be launched on a church in the Maiduguri metropolis in broad daylight during Sunday service since the Boko Haram insurgence heightened in the area.”
Worshipers told the TV stations that about five gunmen opened fire into the church, during the sermon, but that soldiers who were stationed at a post in front of the church immediately repelled the attack. One soldier was hit by a bullet but was treated and discharged from hospital, the TV station reported.
Since that attack, others have followed reports an EYN leader by e-mail. In one incident last week 16 people were killed in an area of Adamawa State, with six more injured--and a majority of those affected were members of EYN, the report said. On April 8, one person was shot dead in Gwoza following the attack on a Christian district head in that area of Borno State, and in another incident a group of Christians playing cards near the Gwoza general hospital were shot and killed.
Majalisa to be on theme of peace
Church of the Brethren general secretary Stan Noffsinger has sent a letter to EYN general secretary Jinatu Wamdeo and to the Nigerian Brethren as they gather for their annual meeting this week. Noffsinger was to have spoken at the Majalisa, but canceled his trip to Nigeria out of concern for the added burden and expense to the Nigerian church for the extra security that would have been required for his public presence at the event.
Noffsinger’s letter expressed his regrets and the continued concern of American Brethren for “the safety and wellbeing of the members of Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria.... We can hardly imagine the struggle you are living with as a people committed to Christ’s witness of nonviolence,” he wrote. “Your witness of Christ’s peace to the US Church of the Brethren has been profound in ways that move our hearts deeply toward our Lord.... You are known and will be known globally as a people who are Living Stones of Christ’s Peace.
“I will be ceaseless in praying for you and the General Council in the coming days,” Noffsinger wrote. “May the 66th General Council gathering in Christ’s name, be a witness of the Christ light in Nigeria.”
“We are encouraged by your words of love, concern, and commitment,” wrote Wamdeo in response. “We are grateful for your prayers which we believe sustain us in the midst of persecution. The lost peace could not be found unless we keep talking to our Lord Jesus Christ the Prince of Peace. Indeed we are together in good or in bad situation. We will continue praying for peace in the entire world.... Extend our gratitude to all Brethren whom we know are in deep concern for us. Thank you very much for your commitments and ceaseless prayers for Nigeria.”
Find the full report on the attack on the EYN congregation from Channels Television at www.channelstv.com/home/2013/04/07/gunmen-storm-church-during-service-in-maiduguri/
Source: 4/18/2013 Newsline
EYN’s 66th Majalisa is scheduled for April 16-19 on the theme, “Reclaiming Our Heritage as Peace Church in Such a Time Like This.”
On Sunday, April 7, gunmen suspected to be part of the radical Islamist group called Boko Haram attempted an attack on an EYN congregation in the city of Maiduguri in the northeast of Nigeria. The attack came while the congregation was in worship, and a Nigerian television station reporting the incident noted, “Today’s incident marks the first time that an attack will be launched on a church in the Maiduguri metropolis in broad daylight during Sunday service since the Boko Haram insurgence heightened in the area.”
Worshipers told the TV stations that about five gunmen opened fire into the church, during the sermon, but that soldiers who were stationed at a post in front of the church immediately repelled the attack. One soldier was hit by a bullet but was treated and discharged from hospital, the TV station reported.
Since that attack, others have followed reports an EYN leader by e-mail. In one incident last week 16 people were killed in an area of Adamawa State, with six more injured--and a majority of those affected were members of EYN, the report said. On April 8, one person was shot dead in Gwoza following the attack on a Christian district head in that area of Borno State, and in another incident a group of Christians playing cards near the Gwoza general hospital were shot and killed.
Majalisa to be on theme of peace
Church of the Brethren general secretary Stan Noffsinger has sent a letter to EYN general secretary Jinatu Wamdeo and to the Nigerian Brethren as they gather for their annual meeting this week. Noffsinger was to have spoken at the Majalisa, but canceled his trip to Nigeria out of concern for the added burden and expense to the Nigerian church for the extra security that would have been required for his public presence at the event.
Noffsinger’s letter expressed his regrets and the continued concern of American Brethren for “the safety and wellbeing of the members of Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria.... We can hardly imagine the struggle you are living with as a people committed to Christ’s witness of nonviolence,” he wrote. “Your witness of Christ’s peace to the US Church of the Brethren has been profound in ways that move our hearts deeply toward our Lord.... You are known and will be known globally as a people who are Living Stones of Christ’s Peace.
“I will be ceaseless in praying for you and the General Council in the coming days,” Noffsinger wrote. “May the 66th General Council gathering in Christ’s name, be a witness of the Christ light in Nigeria.”
“We are encouraged by your words of love, concern, and commitment,” wrote Wamdeo in response. “We are grateful for your prayers which we believe sustain us in the midst of persecution. The lost peace could not be found unless we keep talking to our Lord Jesus Christ the Prince of Peace. Indeed we are together in good or in bad situation. We will continue praying for peace in the entire world.... Extend our gratitude to all Brethren whom we know are in deep concern for us. Thank you very much for your commitments and ceaseless prayers for Nigeria.”
Find the full report on the attack on the EYN congregation from Channels Television at www.channelstv.com/home/2013/04/07/gunmen-storm-church-during-service-in-maiduguri/
Source: 4/18/2013 Newsline
PAG in Honduras, Brethren in Nigeria and Congo, Friends in Rwanda receive GFCF grants.
The Church of the Brethren’s Global Food Crisis Fund (GFCF) has given
several grants recently, including an allocation of $60,000 to PAG in
Honduras, and $40,000 to an agriculture project of the Rural Development
Program of Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria (EYN--the Church of the
Brethren in Nigeria). Also receiving grants of smaller amounts were a
Brethren group in the Congo, and a Friends church in Rwanda.
Honduras
The $60,000 grant to Proyecto Aldea Global in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, supports work with the Lenca people in animal raising projects over two years. Funds will support animal purchases, staff and training costs, materials, and transportation. Church of the Brethren member Chet Thomas works with PAG in Honduras.
PAG estimates about 60 families per year will be served. “The first five families in each community are selected based on their poverty situation, needs, but they must be known as responsible persons who have a small piece of land to build their pig pens, chicken coops, fish pond, or maybe have a place to place their bee hives. Then there are a second set of families selected and they are trained and are responsible to the first set of families and on it goes,” explained the grant request. “The challenge is that most poor families need some place to start and when you are indigent, you have no land of your own or even to build a house, so farming is out of the question. However we have worked with similar families who have been able to plant a small but renewable food supply on very small pieces of land.... More importantly we can help them establish a small economic micro business that can provide a sustainable income.”
PAG’s goals for the funds are three-fold: production of year-round food for the families who take part, improvement of families’ nutritional intake, and improvement of families’ abilities to have a small business and improve their economic income.
Nigeria
The $40,000 grant to EYN will fund a two-year poultry, fish, and pig raising project, which will in turn allow the Rural Development Program to continue funding the supply of agricultural inputs such as veterinary medicines, improved varieties of seeds, and fertilizers to local farmers in over 80 communities. These items are purchased in bulk and resold at a fair price to rural farmers, who would otherwise not have access to them. The grant request explains that in Dec. 2012, EYN leadership pulled together a panel of experts from across the denomination to plan for ways to raise funds, identify strengths and weaknesses of the current program, and develop a strategic plan for bringing new direction to the programs of RDP. The animal raising projects are designed to be a significant income generator and would be established on land owned by EYN near its headquarters. The church also will seek donations and loans from EYN members toward the cost of the projects.
“At this time of great instability and violence, EYN leaders wish to expand their agricultural services to their neighbors--demonstrating hope and love when all around there is hate and fear,” said GFCF manager Jeff Boshart.
Rwanda
An Evangelical Friends church in Rwanda has received a grant of $5,000 for the ETOMR (Evangelistic and Outreach Ministries of Rwanda) program to train Pygmy families in agriculture. The grant request explains that the Pygmies (Batwa) are 1 percent of the population of Rwanda and normally live by hunting in forests. However many forests have been cleared or are being used as national reserves. ETOMR will offer training in modern farming skills and resources such as seeds to help Pygmy families establish farms and become self-supporting.
Congo
Eglise des Freres de Congo, a self-identified Brethren group, also is receiving a grant of $5,000 for similar work. The Brethren group also is working with Pygmy people in the Congo to help them develop skills and resources for agriculture through a project called Shalom Ministry and Reconciliation in Development (SHAMIREDE). The project hopes to improve the lives of 100 families through teaching techniques and methods of sowing different crops such as cassava and bananas. The funds also will purchase seeds and the necessary tools and agricultural equipment.
Find the latest Global Food Crisis Fund newsletter at www.brethren.org/gfcf/stories.
Source: 4/18/2013 Newsline
Honduras
The $60,000 grant to Proyecto Aldea Global in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, supports work with the Lenca people in animal raising projects over two years. Funds will support animal purchases, staff and training costs, materials, and transportation. Church of the Brethren member Chet Thomas works with PAG in Honduras.
PAG estimates about 60 families per year will be served. “The first five families in each community are selected based on their poverty situation, needs, but they must be known as responsible persons who have a small piece of land to build their pig pens, chicken coops, fish pond, or maybe have a place to place their bee hives. Then there are a second set of families selected and they are trained and are responsible to the first set of families and on it goes,” explained the grant request. “The challenge is that most poor families need some place to start and when you are indigent, you have no land of your own or even to build a house, so farming is out of the question. However we have worked with similar families who have been able to plant a small but renewable food supply on very small pieces of land.... More importantly we can help them establish a small economic micro business that can provide a sustainable income.”
PAG’s goals for the funds are three-fold: production of year-round food for the families who take part, improvement of families’ nutritional intake, and improvement of families’ abilities to have a small business and improve their economic income.
Nigeria
The $40,000 grant to EYN will fund a two-year poultry, fish, and pig raising project, which will in turn allow the Rural Development Program to continue funding the supply of agricultural inputs such as veterinary medicines, improved varieties of seeds, and fertilizers to local farmers in over 80 communities. These items are purchased in bulk and resold at a fair price to rural farmers, who would otherwise not have access to them. The grant request explains that in Dec. 2012, EYN leadership pulled together a panel of experts from across the denomination to plan for ways to raise funds, identify strengths and weaknesses of the current program, and develop a strategic plan for bringing new direction to the programs of RDP. The animal raising projects are designed to be a significant income generator and would be established on land owned by EYN near its headquarters. The church also will seek donations and loans from EYN members toward the cost of the projects.
“At this time of great instability and violence, EYN leaders wish to expand their agricultural services to their neighbors--demonstrating hope and love when all around there is hate and fear,” said GFCF manager Jeff Boshart.
Rwanda
An Evangelical Friends church in Rwanda has received a grant of $5,000 for the ETOMR (Evangelistic and Outreach Ministries of Rwanda) program to train Pygmy families in agriculture. The grant request explains that the Pygmies (Batwa) are 1 percent of the population of Rwanda and normally live by hunting in forests. However many forests have been cleared or are being used as national reserves. ETOMR will offer training in modern farming skills and resources such as seeds to help Pygmy families establish farms and become self-supporting.
Congo
Eglise des Freres de Congo, a self-identified Brethren group, also is receiving a grant of $5,000 for similar work. The Brethren group also is working with Pygmy people in the Congo to help them develop skills and resources for agriculture through a project called Shalom Ministry and Reconciliation in Development (SHAMIREDE). The project hopes to improve the lives of 100 families through teaching techniques and methods of sowing different crops such as cassava and bananas. The funds also will purchase seeds and the necessary tools and agricultural equipment.
Find the latest Global Food Crisis Fund newsletter at www.brethren.org/gfcf/stories.
Source: 4/18/2013 Newsline
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