- On Earth Peace board elects new officers, meets with Standing Committee delegation.
- Church of the Brethren joins in message to Congress on re-opening government.
- Manchester president Switzer to retire, university leader McFadden named successor.
- Ventures in Christian Discipleship training events offered through McPherson College.
Saturday, October 19, 2013
Newsline: October 19, 2013
NEWS
On Earth Peace board elects new officers, meets with Standing Committee delegation.
By Madalyn Metzger
The On Earth Peace board and staff gathered at Camp Eder in Fairfield, Pa., for their fall board meeting, Sept. 19-21.
One major item of business was the election of new board officers for 2014. Madalyn Metzger (Bristol, Ind.), who has served as the On Earth Peace board chair for five years, is stepping down from that role, but will continue on as a board member. In addition, Robbie Miller (Bridgewater, Va.) and Ben Leiter (Amherst, Mass.) will not continue on as board vice chair and board secretary (respectively), due to their terms of service ending.
“Over the past five years, On Earth Peace has taken important steps in expanding its mission and ministry,” Metzger said. “It has been my honor and privilege to help lead this work during that time, and I am excited to see what the future holds for the organization.”
For 2014, the board has called Jordan Bles (Lexington, Ken.) as board chair, Gail Erisman Valeta (Denver, Colo.) as board vice chair, and Chris Riley (Luray, Va.) as board secretary.
The board of directors and staff also welcomed a second delegation from the Church of the Brethren Standing Committee to continue dialogue regarding On Earth Peace’s statement of inclusion. Standing Committee had requested this in its meeting prior to the 2013 Church of the Brethren Annual Conference in Charlotte, N.C. The two groups considered various questions, such as how agencies, committees, districts, congregations, and individuals in the denomination may walk in love together in the face of differing interpretations of scripture and Annual Conference statements and decisions. The two groups agreed to continue the conversation in the coming months.
Other items of business included discussion of next steps in On Earth Peace’s elimination of racism training and audit--an initiative by the board and staff to continue addressing issues of institutional racism both within and outside of the organization. The board approved a budget for the 2014 fiscal year, and received updates on the “3,000 Miles for Peace” campaign, activities surrounding Peace Day 2013, and updates on other programmatic areas.
During the meeting, the board welcomed new members John Cassel (Oak Park, Ill.) and Chris Riley. The group recognized outgoing board members Robbie Miller, Ben Leiter, Joel Gibbel (Lititz, Pa.), and Lauree Hersch Meyer (Durham, N.C.) for their service.
As an agency of the Church of the Brethren, On Earth Peace answers Jesus Christ’s call for peace and justice through its ministries; builds thriving families, congregations, and communities; and provides the skills, support, and spiritual foundation to face violence with active nonviolence. On Earth Peace conducts discussion and decision-making by consensus.
-- Madalyn Metzger is concluding her term of service as chair of the On Earth Peace board.
Source: 10/19/2013 Newsline
The On Earth Peace board and staff gathered at Camp Eder in Fairfield, Pa., for their fall board meeting, Sept. 19-21.
One major item of business was the election of new board officers for 2014. Madalyn Metzger (Bristol, Ind.), who has served as the On Earth Peace board chair for five years, is stepping down from that role, but will continue on as a board member. In addition, Robbie Miller (Bridgewater, Va.) and Ben Leiter (Amherst, Mass.) will not continue on as board vice chair and board secretary (respectively), due to their terms of service ending.
“Over the past five years, On Earth Peace has taken important steps in expanding its mission and ministry,” Metzger said. “It has been my honor and privilege to help lead this work during that time, and I am excited to see what the future holds for the organization.”
For 2014, the board has called Jordan Bles (Lexington, Ken.) as board chair, Gail Erisman Valeta (Denver, Colo.) as board vice chair, and Chris Riley (Luray, Va.) as board secretary.
The board of directors and staff also welcomed a second delegation from the Church of the Brethren Standing Committee to continue dialogue regarding On Earth Peace’s statement of inclusion. Standing Committee had requested this in its meeting prior to the 2013 Church of the Brethren Annual Conference in Charlotte, N.C. The two groups considered various questions, such as how agencies, committees, districts, congregations, and individuals in the denomination may walk in love together in the face of differing interpretations of scripture and Annual Conference statements and decisions. The two groups agreed to continue the conversation in the coming months.
Other items of business included discussion of next steps in On Earth Peace’s elimination of racism training and audit--an initiative by the board and staff to continue addressing issues of institutional racism both within and outside of the organization. The board approved a budget for the 2014 fiscal year, and received updates on the “3,000 Miles for Peace” campaign, activities surrounding Peace Day 2013, and updates on other programmatic areas.
During the meeting, the board welcomed new members John Cassel (Oak Park, Ill.) and Chris Riley. The group recognized outgoing board members Robbie Miller, Ben Leiter, Joel Gibbel (Lititz, Pa.), and Lauree Hersch Meyer (Durham, N.C.) for their service.
As an agency of the Church of the Brethren, On Earth Peace answers Jesus Christ’s call for peace and justice through its ministries; builds thriving families, congregations, and communities; and provides the skills, support, and spiritual foundation to face violence with active nonviolence. On Earth Peace conducts discussion and decision-making by consensus.
-- Madalyn Metzger is concluding her term of service as chair of the On Earth Peace board.
Source: 10/19/2013 Newsline
Church of the Brethren joins in message to Congress on re-opening government.
Earlier this week, as the US Congress continued to wrangle over the
impasse that closed the government for more than two weeks, scores of
religious leaders descended on Capitol Hill on Oct. 15 to call the
government back to work.
The Church of the Brethren was one of 32 denominations and faith-based organizations to endorse an accompanying message to Congress calling for the re-opening of the government. Ecumenical organizations participating included the National Council of Churches (NCC), and Church World Service (CWS).
The “pilgrimage” of faith leaders that took place Oct. 15 visited offices of members of the House of Representatives, and included prayer for the members and prayer to immediately end the government shutdown, an NCC release said. “At each office the group prayed for the member and left a letter endorsed by religious organizations,” reported an NCC release on the event. “Simultaneously, people of faith delivered over 32,000 petitions to Congressional offices around the country calling on House Members to end the government shutdown. The petition signers are members of Faithful America,” the release said.
The full text of the message delivered to members of Congress follows:
The Church of the Brethren was one of 32 denominations and faith-based organizations to endorse an accompanying message to Congress calling for the re-opening of the government. Ecumenical organizations participating included the National Council of Churches (NCC), and Church World Service (CWS).
The “pilgrimage” of faith leaders that took place Oct. 15 visited offices of members of the House of Representatives, and included prayer for the members and prayer to immediately end the government shutdown, an NCC release said. “At each office the group prayed for the member and left a letter endorsed by religious organizations,” reported an NCC release on the event. “Simultaneously, people of faith delivered over 32,000 petitions to Congressional offices around the country calling on House Members to end the government shutdown. The petition signers are members of Faithful America,” the release said.
The full text of the message delivered to members of Congress follows:
Calling the Government Back to WorkSource: 10/19/2013 Newsline
Dear Member of Congress:
As people of faith and conscience, we urge you to place shared democratic values above short term political expediency, exercise the courage to fund our nation’s government, raise the debt limit without preconditions, and get back to work on a faithful budget that serves the common good.
Shuttering the federal government and propelling the United States into financial default to achieve narrow political objectives is short-sighted and self-destructive. The danger for all who value democracy--regardless of party affiliation--is apparent. One only needs to consider this precedent being applied to other policy concerns of a minority in Congress who are powerful within their own party but unable to create legislative change within the bounds of due process.
Blocking routine but essential functions of government to extract specific policy concessions could destroy America’s democratic process.
To take such rash and destructive action in order to prevent further implementation of the Affordable Care Act--which addresses the needs of 50 million people without health insurance--is a grave moral failure. While the ACA has its limitations, it implements a market-based model with a history of bi-partisan support. Repealing or defunding it will hurt millions of people and many small businesses. We urge all members of Congress to stand up for our democracy and reject this futile and harmful effort.
Additional damage accrues each day the government remains in partial shutdown:
- Federal funding for the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program may not be able to cover all benefits. Some states have already closed WIC offices, and many participants are terrified that they won’t be able to find nourishment for themselves or their infants and toddlers.
- An estimated 19,000 impoverished children are without preschool because of the shutdown, which left more than 20 programs across 11 states without funding on the heels of devastating sequester cuts. Those previous cuts had already shut out 57,000 at-risk children who lost their Head Start slots.
- Many low-wage workers are losing their paychecks or seeing their earnings dwindle even further. Examples include government mailroom clerks, many of whom are people with disabilities, who work for government contractors. Even if furloughed federal employees are eventually paid, many others who work for contractors have no such assurance.
- The Administration for Children and Families, which cares for children in abusive and violent family situations, announced that certain child welfare programs will not be funded during the shutdown.
- Our environmental wellbeing is suffering and our citizens are at risk as health inspectors, EPA inspectors and a myriad others who enforce important laws are unable to do their jobs.
You hold a key to doing what is right for the American people, and we pray for you to act in the best interest of our nation. Once this unnecessary and dangerous stalemate is over, we count on you to act on behalf of all of our people and enact a Faithful Budget. Stop the partisan paralysis and uphold what our Constitution refers to as the “general welfare”--the common good of all.
- In addition, a failure to raise the debt limit on spending that Congress has already approved will undermine our still fragile economy and harm the global economy, especially the most vulnerable.
With hope and a belief in the ultimate goodwill and good sense of Members of Congress, we hold you in our hearts and prayers.
ENDORSING ORGANIZATIONS:
Am Kolel Jewish Jewish Renewal Community (Md., D.C., Va.)
Center of Concern
Church of the Brethren
Church World Service
Conference of Major Superiors of Men
Disciples Justice Action Network (Disciples of Christ)
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Washington Office
Friends Committee on National Legislation
Justice and Witness Ministries, United Church of Christ
Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns
National Advocacy Center of the Sisters of the Good Shepherd
NETWORK: A National Catholic Social Justice Lobby
Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
The Shalom Center
Unitarian Universalist Association
United Methodist Church General Board of Church and Society
American Friends Service Committee
Center on Conscience and War
Church Women United
Columban Center for Advocacy and Outreach
Disciples Home Missions, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
Ecumenical Advocacy Days for Global Peace with Justice
Franciscan Action Network
Interfaith Moral Action of Climate
Leadership Conference of Women Religious
Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, Office of Justice, Peace and the Integrity of Creation
The National Council of the Churches of Christ, USA
Pax Christi USA
Reconstructionist Rabbinical College
Sisters of Mercy of the Americas - Institute Leadership Team
United Church of Christ, Justice and Witness Ministries
United Methodist Women
Manchester president Switzer to retire, university leader McFadden named successor.
By Jeri S. Kornegay
Manchester University president Jo Young Switzer has announced her plans to retire June 30, 2014, contributing a legacy of strategic and mission-focused leadership that has transformed the university’s academic breadth, financial strength, enrollment, and visibility. The Board of Trustees accepted her retirement today with deep respect and admiration for a job well done.
Trustees also acted on their succession plan, naming executive vice president and dean of the College of Pharmacy Dave McFadden to the presidency, effective July 1, 2014.
As its first female president, Switzer has led her alma mater to critical successes and exciting community collaborations. “President Switzer has led Manchester at a pace and with a strategic focus unprecedented in the history of Manchester,” said Marsha Link, chair of the Board of Trustees. “She has led from within and has also risen to great respect across higher education as a dynamic and thoughtful leader.”
Among the transformations at Manchester during the past nine years:
In anticipation of her retirement, the Board of Trustees appointed a special Succession Planning Committee last spring. Modeling best practices in higher education for succession planning, the ten-member committee of Trustees, faculty and staff began a two-stage approach for selecting the University’s next president. The element of confidentiality was considered essential by the committee primarily to protect the identity of an internal candidate. As a result of the committee’s due diligence and subsequent recommendation, the Board of Trustees unanimously voted this this morning to appoint Dave McFadden to become president of Manchester University, effective July 1, 2014.
A member of the president’s leadership cabinet, McFadden is executive vice president and dean of the College of Pharmacy. He has deep roots in Manchester University and the Church of the Brethren, which founded the school more than 124 years ago.
“Dave is an outstanding selection as Manchester’s next president” said Switzer. “He is prepared, has exceptional leadership skills and most importantly, the commitment and desire to see Manchester University do great things.”
As executive vice president and MU’s former enrollment expert, Dave McFadden spearheaded the Fast Forward three-year degree and Triple Guarantee programs that brought more students to Manchester and garnered national attention. “Dave has helped people see that Manchester has always been a place of affordable excellence. These programs have been in place for many years and have served as a model for other schools to insure the investment cost of a college degree,” Switzer said.
He coordinated the feasibility study that led to the Board of Trustees’ decision to establish a professional Doctor of Pharmacy program on the Fort Wayne campus. He became dean of the College of Pharmacy in May 2012, after six months as interim dean. The four-year school enrolled its second class this fall, and has achieved candidate accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education.
McFadden is a 1982 graduate of Manchester and earned a Ph.D. in political science at Claremont Graduate University. He led Manchester’s enrollment initiatives beginning in 1993. McFadden has served as executive vice president throughout Switzer’s presidency and also as an assistant professor of political science, with particular interest in environmental policy.
McFadden also is a member of the Board of Trustees of Bethany Theological Seminary. He is a former chair of the boards of the Community Foundation of Wabash County, Manchester Main Street Inc., HOPE community supported agricultural organization and Manchester Church of the Brethren.
He has served as an enrollment management and accreditation consultant to other colleges and universities and as a visiting evaluator for the Higher Learning Commission.
In his service to the denomination, he was a coordinator of National Youth Conference in 1978 as a young adult, and also served on the staff of the former General Board for a term in the 1980s where he worked in the human resources office to recruit mission and Brethren Volunteer Service workers.
He and his wife, Renee, a retired elementary teacher and Manchester alumna, reside in North Manchester. They have two adult children, Rachel and Sam, both Manchester graduates. To learn more about Manchester University, visit www.manchester.edu.
-- Jeri S. Kornegay is staff for media relations at Manchester University.
Source: 10/19/2013 Newsline
Manchester University president Jo Young Switzer has announced her plans to retire June 30, 2014, contributing a legacy of strategic and mission-focused leadership that has transformed the university’s academic breadth, financial strength, enrollment, and visibility. The Board of Trustees accepted her retirement today with deep respect and admiration for a job well done.
Trustees also acted on their succession plan, naming executive vice president and dean of the College of Pharmacy Dave McFadden to the presidency, effective July 1, 2014.
As its first female president, Switzer has led her alma mater to critical successes and exciting community collaborations. “President Switzer has led Manchester at a pace and with a strategic focus unprecedented in the history of Manchester,” said Marsha Link, chair of the Board of Trustees. “She has led from within and has also risen to great respect across higher education as a dynamic and thoughtful leader.”
Among the transformations at Manchester during the past nine years:
- A 25 percent enrollment increase in enrollment
- A new four-year professional Doctor of Pharmacy program on a new campus in Fort Wayne with $35 million in seed funds from Lilly Endowment Inc.
- More than $89 million raised so far toward the $100 million Students First! campaign
- The opening of a $17 million Science Center, $8 million Union, $9 million Academic Center, $1.5 million classroom and locker room addition – all on a greener North Manchester campus
- The transition from college to university, reflecting the growing complexity of the 124-year-old institution
- Enhanced visibility of Manchester, including national recognition for its volunteer programs, workplace quality, three-year degree and affordable excellence
- A collaborator in initiatives to strengthen northeast Indiana
In anticipation of her retirement, the Board of Trustees appointed a special Succession Planning Committee last spring. Modeling best practices in higher education for succession planning, the ten-member committee of Trustees, faculty and staff began a two-stage approach for selecting the University’s next president. The element of confidentiality was considered essential by the committee primarily to protect the identity of an internal candidate. As a result of the committee’s due diligence and subsequent recommendation, the Board of Trustees unanimously voted this this morning to appoint Dave McFadden to become president of Manchester University, effective July 1, 2014.
A member of the president’s leadership cabinet, McFadden is executive vice president and dean of the College of Pharmacy. He has deep roots in Manchester University and the Church of the Brethren, which founded the school more than 124 years ago.
“Dave is an outstanding selection as Manchester’s next president” said Switzer. “He is prepared, has exceptional leadership skills and most importantly, the commitment and desire to see Manchester University do great things.”
As executive vice president and MU’s former enrollment expert, Dave McFadden spearheaded the Fast Forward three-year degree and Triple Guarantee programs that brought more students to Manchester and garnered national attention. “Dave has helped people see that Manchester has always been a place of affordable excellence. These programs have been in place for many years and have served as a model for other schools to insure the investment cost of a college degree,” Switzer said.
He coordinated the feasibility study that led to the Board of Trustees’ decision to establish a professional Doctor of Pharmacy program on the Fort Wayne campus. He became dean of the College of Pharmacy in May 2012, after six months as interim dean. The four-year school enrolled its second class this fall, and has achieved candidate accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education.
McFadden is a 1982 graduate of Manchester and earned a Ph.D. in political science at Claremont Graduate University. He led Manchester’s enrollment initiatives beginning in 1993. McFadden has served as executive vice president throughout Switzer’s presidency and also as an assistant professor of political science, with particular interest in environmental policy.
McFadden also is a member of the Board of Trustees of Bethany Theological Seminary. He is a former chair of the boards of the Community Foundation of Wabash County, Manchester Main Street Inc., HOPE community supported agricultural organization and Manchester Church of the Brethren.
He has served as an enrollment management and accreditation consultant to other colleges and universities and as a visiting evaluator for the Higher Learning Commission.
In his service to the denomination, he was a coordinator of National Youth Conference in 1978 as a young adult, and also served on the staff of the former General Board for a term in the 1980s where he worked in the human resources office to recruit mission and Brethren Volunteer Service workers.
He and his wife, Renee, a retired elementary teacher and Manchester alumna, reside in North Manchester. They have two adult children, Rachel and Sam, both Manchester graduates. To learn more about Manchester University, visit www.manchester.edu.
-- Jeri S. Kornegay is staff for media relations at Manchester University.
Source: 10/19/2013 Newsline
Ventures in Christian Discipleship training events offered through McPherson College.
McPherson (Kan.) College is offering a series of courses and webinars
for the purpose of training and supporting small congregations, under
the title “Ventures in Christian Discipleship.” Campus minister Steve
Crain and Ken and Elsie Holderread from Western Plains District are
co-coordinators for the series.
Leaders for the events are Joshua Brockway, director of Spiritual Life and Discipleship for the Church of the Brethren; Barbara Daté, an educator and trainer working in Eugene, Ore., for the Center for Dialogue and Resolution; Donna Kline, director of the Church of the Brethren’s Deacon Ministry; and Deb Oskin, a clergy tax expert who is also an ordained minister in the Church of the Brethren;
Following is a list of the events, some offered as online webinars and others as classroom workshops:
Source: 10/19/2013 Newsline
Leaders for the events are Joshua Brockway, director of Spiritual Life and Discipleship for the Church of the Brethren; Barbara Daté, an educator and trainer working in Eugene, Ore., for the Center for Dialogue and Resolution; Donna Kline, director of the Church of the Brethren’s Deacon Ministry; and Deb Oskin, a clergy tax expert who is also an ordained minister in the Church of the Brethren;
Following is a list of the events, some offered as online webinars and others as classroom workshops:
- “Making Sense of Church Finances,” a webinar led by Deb Oskin on Nov. 9 from 9 a.m.-noon (central time). Cost is $15.
- “Clergy and Non-clergy Employees in the Small Congregation,” a webinar led by Deb Oskin on Nov. 9 from 1:30-4:30 p.m. (central time). Cost is $15.
- “Building Healthy Relationships: Tools for Harmony Within Diversity,” a workshop led by Barbara Daté at McPherson College on Jan. 25, 2014, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Cost is $50.
- “Deep Compassionate Listening,” a workshop led by Barbara Daté at McPherson College on Jan. 26, 2014, from 1:30-4:30 p.m. Cost is $25.
- “Spiritual Direction and a Life of Prayer,” a webinar led by Josh Brockway on March 8, 2014, from 9-11 a.m. (central time). Cost is $15.
- “Are You a Person of Prayer?” a webinar led by Josh Brockway on March 8, 2014, from 1-3 p.m. (central time). Cost is $15.
- “Deaconing in Small Congregations,” a webinar led by Donna Kline on April 12, 2014, from 9-11 a.m. (central time). Cost is $15.
- “The Gift of Grief,” a webinar led by Donna Kline on April 12, 2014, from 1-3 p.m. (central time). Cost is $15.
Source: 10/19/2013 Newsline
Brethren bits.
- Remembrance: Family physician and former missionary James E. Kipp of Newport, Pennsylvania, passed away on Oct. 7, after a 14-month battle with pancreatic cancer. A family physician with Norlanco Medical Associates in Elizabethtown, Pa., since 1975, Kipp took sabbatical leave for 14 months in 1980 and 1981 to volunteer as medical director for the Rural Health Program of the Church of the Brethren Mission in Nigeria. In the mid-1980s, he served as president of the Church of the Brethren Health and Welfare Association. A memorial will be held to celebrate his life on Sunday, Oct. 20, at the Family Life Center in Newport, Pa. Visitation will be held from 1 p.m. until the service starts at 3 p.m. Memorial donations are received to Hospice of Central Pennsylvania in Harrisburg, Sun Home Health and Hospice in Northumberland, and the American Cancer Society office in Harrisburg, Pa. The full obituary can be found at http://lancasteronline.com/obituaries/local/904273_James-E--Kipp--M-D-.html#ixzz2i0X7kmP4.
- The Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership seeks a half-time coordinator for the Training in Ministry (TRIM) and Education for Shared Ministry (EFSM) programs. Primary functions of the position are to administer two of the four educational tracks required for set-apart ministry in the Church of the Brethren; work with TRIM students and district coordinators, EFSM students, and supervising pastors; coordinate onsite and online learning options. Candidates should possess the following qualifications and abilities: five years of effective leadership in pastoral ministry; ordination and active membership in the Church of the Brethren; a master of divinity degree; a record of regular continuing education experiences; residence in Richmond, Ind., or the surrounding area preferred. Applications and a more complete job description are available from the executive assistant to the president of Bethany Theological Seminary and will be accepted until the position is filled. Send resumes to: Shaye Isaacs, Executive Assistant to the President, Bethany Theological Seminary, 615 National Road West; Richmond, IN 47374; or by e-mail to isaacsh@bethanyseminary.edu. The Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership is a ministry training partnership of Bethany Theological Seminary and the Church of the Brethren.
- The Anabaptist Disabilities Network (ADNet) newsletter featured the Church of the Brethren’s Open Roof Award in its October “Connections” newsletter. Written by Donna Kline, director of the denomination’s Deacon Ministry, the article explains how the Church of the Brethren offers the award annually to congregations that have made efforts to ensure that all may worship, serve, be served, learn, and grow as valued members, and reviews the four churches in Pennsylvania and Indiana that received the award in 2013. Find the October “Connections” newsletter and a link to the article about the Open Roof Award at www.adnetonline.org/resources/newsletter.
- On Nov. 3, Sheldon (Iowa) Church of the Brethren celebrates its 125th anniversary. The congregation was begun on Nov. 3, 1888, with three families in attendance, said an announcement of the celebration. A Sunday morning worship celebration starts at 9:30 a.m., with cake, coffee, and punch served after the service. For those unable to attend in person, the church welcomes any special memories of time spent at the church. RSVP or send special memories by Oct. 27 to Sheldon Church of the Brethren, c/o Linda Adams, 712 6th St., Sheldon, IA 51201.
- Registration is due by Nov. 15 for the Shenandoah District Pastors for Peace conversation on "Why a Peace Church?" The seminar will be held Nov. 23 from 9 a.m.-3:15 p.m. at Bridgewater (Va.) College. Jeff Bach, Church of the Brethren historian and director of the Young Center for Anabaptist and Pietist Studies at Elizabethtown (Pa.) College, will lead the conversation. The cost is $25 for ministers earning continuing education units, $20 for other interested adults, $10 for students. For more information go to http://origin.library.constantcontact.com/download/get/file/1110837621104-160/2013WhyAPeaceChurch.pdf.
- “Lybrook Community Ministries is active again!” announced a recent newsletter from Western Plains District. Jim and Kim Therrien of Independence Church of the Brethren in Kansas recently moved to New Mexico to serve the Lybrook community. Jim Therrien has begun work as director of Lybrook Community Ministries and pastor of Tók’ahookaadí Church of the Brethren. Kim Therrien is teaching at the school. The district requests, “Please keep Jim, Kim, and the entire Lybrook community in prayer.” Jim Therrien reported in the newsletter that “we have resumed Sunday morning worship services and have had some attendance. They had not had a service in over a year, so it will take a little time to get the word out. We have been posting flyers and contacted both the Nageezi and Counselor chapter houses. Kim has started the Monday evening craft and fellowship night and has had between four and seven ladies attending. We are started our Wednesday evening Bible study on September 25 and look forward to studying God’s word together. Kim has started the planning phase of opening a thrift store on the mission grounds utilizing the lower level of the bunkhouse.” The grand opening for the new effort at Lybrook is planned for Nov. 5. Contact the Therriens at lybrookmission@gmail.com or Lybrook Community Ministries, HCR 17, Box 110, Cuba, NM 87013.
- Western Plains District is holding a “Meet ’n Greet” for president Jeff Carter of Bethany Theological Seminary on Nov. 1 from noon to 2 p.m. at the Cedars Conference Center in McPherson, Kan. The reception with the new Bethany president is held in advance of the district’s popular annual Gathering in Salina, Kan., where Carter will be on the program, said a note from the district office.
- Western Pennsylvania District Conference will be held Oct. 19 at Camp Harmony, Hooversville, Pa. An offering of Church World Service Hygiene, School, Baby Kits, and Emergency Clean-up Buckets will be taken during the conference.
- On Nov. 2, Western Pennsylvania’s 8th Annual District Auction is held at Camp Harmony near Hooversville, Pa. The event is a benefit for district ministries. The auction begins at 9 a.m. Breakfast is served from 7:30-8:45 a.m. The day also includes a lunch, the sale of fresh baked pies, and more. Contact the district office at 814-479-2181 or 814-479-7058.
- Oct. 19 is the Camp Eder Fall Festival. Events take place 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at the camp in Pennsylvania. The festival is free for all to attend. For more information see www.campeder.org/events-retreats/fall-festival.
- Part 2 of the current Spiritual Disciplines Folder from the Springs of Living Water initiative for church renewal is now available. “Called to Serve: Entrusted to Be Servant Leaders” is posted at www.churchrenewalservant.org . The folder includes a description of the theme and focused scriptures connecting the service of footwashing, tub, and towel with mission. A release notes that it is designed for use with the entire congregation to deepen understanding of the central call to serve Christ, and through that to be called into the role of a servant leader. Study questions are written by Vince Cable, pastor of Uniontown Church of the Brethren near Pittsburgh, Pa., and are suitable for individual use or for small group study. The folder is used in the advanced class of the Springs of Living Water Academy as pastors explore the meaning of servant leadership.
- In more news from the Spring of Living Water initiative, enrollment is open for the next class of the Springs of Living Water Academy. Intended for pastors, the class takes place via telephone conference calls. Participants work on the spiritual disciplines together, and members of their congregations walk alongside pastors who take the course. Pastors receive “shepherding” calls between each of 5 sessions spread over a 12-week period. The opening day for the next Springs of Living Water Academy course is Feb. 4. Continuing education units are available. For more information see www.churchrenewalservant.org or e-mail David Young at davidyoung@churchrenewalservant.org.
- The John Kline Homestead in Broadway, Va., is hosting special dinners in November and December, according to an announcement. “Enjoy a home-style candlelight dinner in pre-Civil War house, 223 East Springbrook Road, Broadway, Nov. 15 and 16 and Dec. 20 and 21, 6 p.m.” said an invitation. “Learn about Virginia calvary raids, high inflation and fleeing war refugees which strained community life in the fall of 1863. Hear the struggles of the family in the John Kline home around a traditional meal.” Seats are $40 per plate; seating limited to 32. Call 540-896-5001 for reservations. Groups are welcome. Proceeds support the John Kline Homestead, the family home of Civil War-era Brethren elder and martyr for peace John Kline.
- For the last 10 years, the National Council of Churches Eco-Justice Program has developed an ecumenical Earth Day Sunday Resource. In the program’s new capacity as Creation Justice Ministries, “we will continue this tradition and look forward to sharing the 2014 Earth Day Sunday Resource with you,” said an announcement. “While our resource is not complete, we are excited to reveal next year's theme: Water, Holy Water.” The Earth Day Sunday Resource will be out at the beginning of 2014 and will include worship resources, activities, and educational information about the gift of water and its important role. For more information contact Creation Justice Ministries at info@creationjustice.org.
- The University of La Verne, Calif., is holding centennial celebrations for the composer Benjamin Britten. An article in the “Inland Valley Daily Bulletin” notes that ULV’s College of Arts and Sciences is using the to recognize Britten’s pacifist convictions and at the same time recognize the university’s roots in the pacifist Church of the Brethren. The centennial of Britten’s birth is Nov. 22. Provost Greg Dewey told the newspaper: “Since the University of La Verne was founded by and is historically affiliated with the Church of the Brethren, a pacifist denomination, the Britten events provide our community an opportunity to reflect on our origins and the contemporary revelancy and means of promoting peace in an often violent world. We look forward to the vigorous intellectual discussions that will arise because of these events.” Four Britten events at ULV start Oct. 17 with a panel discussion about conscientious objectors and the historic values of the university, held in the University Chapel at 4-5 p.m. with a reception following. On. Oct. 22 a lecture by curator Susanne Slavick titled “Out of Rubble” starts at 4:40 p.m., program coordinated by Dion Johnson, director of university art galleries, with a reception following. On Oct. 27 the concert “Peace in the Heart of War” will feature Los Angeles Opera tenor Jonathan Mack, ULV Music Department associate and soprano Carol Stephenson, and pianist Grace Xia Zhao, ULV’s artist-in-residence; a donation of $20 is suggested for the 6 p.m. concert in Morgan Auditorium.A talk titled “Hot Spots: The Exile of Benjamin Britten” will be given by history professor Ken Marcus at 11 a.m. Oct. 24 in the President’s Dining Hall.
- Five former Bridgewater (Va.) College athletes have been selected for induction into the college’s Athletic Hall of Fame on Nov. 8, a release said. Inductees are: Glen Goad of Bristol, Va., former linebacker and one of the top football players at Bridgewater during the 1970s, who served as team captain and in 1973 was named the Eagles’ MVP; Andrew Agee of Roanoke, Va., who completed his four-year basketball playing career at Bridgewater as one of the top players in the program’s history ranking 13 on the Bridgewater all-time scoring list, and during his senior season was team captain; Shirley Brown Chenault of Broadway, Va., who played basketball and volleyball while at Bridgewater and was one of the top volleyball players in the Old Dominion Athletic Conference, and at the time of her graduation ranked No. 1 on the Eagles’ all-time assists list; Todd Rush of Chevy Chase, Md., who finished his basketball career at Bridgewater as one of the top players in program history finishing his playing career with 1,784 points to rank No. 4 on the program’s all-time scoring list, and was a three-year team co-captain; and Melissa Baker Nice of Waynesboro, Va., who finished her career as one of the top performers in the women’s track and field program, qualifying for the NCAA championship five times and earning All-America honors twice during the 2001 season, who won a total of 23 Old Dominion Athletic Conference titles during her career--16 individual and 7 relay. Nice holds school records in the indoor 400, outdoor 400, outdoor 400 hurdles, and as a member of the outdoor 4x400 relay team, and she still holds the ODAC record in the 400 hurdles with a time of 1:01.94. For the full release go to www.bridgewater.edu/news-and-media/releases/1413-five-sports-legends-enter-bc-athletic-hall-of-fame-nov-8.
- “We don’t often get the chance to visit one of our partner projects, but last month, we did. And what a joy it was,” reports Tina Rieman of the Global Women’s Project Steering Committee in a release. The group held its fall meeting in North Manchester, Ind., and had an opportunity to connect with partner project Growing Grounds in Wabash, Ind. “I was particularly moved by the stories that the former inmates, Veronica, April, and Jennifer, shared with us,” Rieman wrote in her report. “They took life skills classes taught by Growing Grounds, and they received loans, rides, and abundant emotional support, both before and after their release from jail. I am keenly aware of how amazing each of these women is...for turning their lives around and accepting the helping hand that was offered to them.” Find her full report at http://globalwomensproject.wordpress.com/2013/10/18/fall-meeting-wrap-up-connecting-with-growing-grounds.
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 Kendra Flory, Mary Kay Heatwole, Ken and Elsie Holderread, Philip E. Jenks, Nancy Miner, Paul Roth, and editor Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of News Services for the Church of the Brethren.
Friday, October 11, 2013
Newsline: October 11, 2013
NEWS
- Registration fees for Annual Conference 2014 include new family friendly discount.
- Enroll in dental, vision, and other insurance products in November through BBT.
- ‘Pioneering’ is the subject of a three-webinar series.
- Haitch to present Professorial Lecture at Bethany Seminary.
- Entries sought for Bethany Peace Essay Contest.
- Lerch concludes her work with TRIM and the Brethren Academy.
- McElwee returns to Manchester University to guide fundraising.
- Humanitarian curbs on deadly weapons boost new UN treaty, sharpen old debates.
Registration fees for Annual Conference 2014 include new family friendly discount.
“Given this is budget preparation time for many congregations, we’ve
had calls and e-mails asking about the registration fees for Annual
Conference next year,” said a note from the Conference Office, which
highlights a new “family friendly” change made by the Program and
Arrangements Committee.
In brief, delegate and non-delegate fees will remain the same for the third consecutive year, but new this year is no registration fee for children and youth, high-school age and younger, to attend Annual Conference. Previously, free registration only applied to participants age 12 and younger. Separate fees for age group activities will still apply.
Early delegate registration at the rate of $285 begins Jan. 2, 2014, and continues through Feb. 25, after which the delegate registration fee goes up to $310.
Early registration for non-delegates begins Feb. 26. Cost is $105 for adults who register for the full Conference, with a daily fee of $35 available, and discounts for young adults post high school through age 21 and active Brethren Volunteer Service workers. After June 3, non-delegate registration is only available onsite for an increased fee.
Full details and the complete fee schedule is online at www.brethren.org/ac/fees.html. The 2014 Annual Conference takes place in Columbus, Ohio, from July 2-6.
Source: 10/11/2013 Newsline
In brief, delegate and non-delegate fees will remain the same for the third consecutive year, but new this year is no registration fee for children and youth, high-school age and younger, to attend Annual Conference. Previously, free registration only applied to participants age 12 and younger. Separate fees for age group activities will still apply.
Early delegate registration at the rate of $285 begins Jan. 2, 2014, and continues through Feb. 25, after which the delegate registration fee goes up to $310.
Early registration for non-delegates begins Feb. 26. Cost is $105 for adults who register for the full Conference, with a daily fee of $35 available, and discounts for young adults post high school through age 21 and active Brethren Volunteer Service workers. After June 3, non-delegate registration is only available onsite for an increased fee.
Full details and the complete fee schedule is online at www.brethren.org/ac/fees.html. The 2014 Annual Conference takes place in Columbus, Ohio, from July 2-6.
Source: 10/11/2013 Newsline
Enroll in dental, vision, and other insurance products in November through BBT.
By Brian Solem
Employees of Church of the Brethren-affiliated organizations who work 20 hours or more may enroll in certain insurance plans through Brethren Benefit Trust (BBT). Open enrollment for Dental, Vision, Supplemental Life (for current Basic Life members who are eligible to add up to $10,000 of additional coverage), and Short-Term Disability insurance through Brethren Insurance Services happens Nov. 1-30.
Download this year’s open enrollment kit at brethrenbenefittrust.org/open-enrollment after Oct. 28. Open enrollment kits will only be available electronically.
Contact insurance@cobbt.org by e-mail to register for Brethren Insurance Services’ open enrollment alerts, which will be sent once or twice per month through November.
Basic life and long-term disability insurance will not be offered as part of this year’s open enrollment, but employees of Church of the Brethren-affiliated organizations may enroll in one or both of these products. Contact Brethren Insurance Services for more information.
For questions about open enrollment or Brethren Insurance Services, contact Connie Sandman, member services representative, at 800-746-1505 ext. 366.
--Brian Solem is manager of publications for Brethren Benefit Trust.
Source: 10/11/2013 Newsline
Employees of Church of the Brethren-affiliated organizations who work 20 hours or more may enroll in certain insurance plans through Brethren Benefit Trust (BBT). Open enrollment for Dental, Vision, Supplemental Life (for current Basic Life members who are eligible to add up to $10,000 of additional coverage), and Short-Term Disability insurance through Brethren Insurance Services happens Nov. 1-30.
Download this year’s open enrollment kit at brethrenbenefittrust.org/open-enrollment after Oct. 28. Open enrollment kits will only be available electronically.
Contact insurance@cobbt.org by e-mail to register for Brethren Insurance Services’ open enrollment alerts, which will be sent once or twice per month through November.
Basic life and long-term disability insurance will not be offered as part of this year’s open enrollment, but employees of Church of the Brethren-affiliated organizations may enroll in one or both of these products. Contact Brethren Insurance Services for more information.
For questions about open enrollment or Brethren Insurance Services, contact Connie Sandman, member services representative, at 800-746-1505 ext. 366.
--Brian Solem is manager of publications for Brethren Benefit Trust.
Source: 10/11/2013 Newsline
‘Pioneering’ is the subject of a three-webinar series.
Congregational Life Ministries is offering three new webinars on the
topic of church pioneering. The webcast presenters are leaders from the
Anabaptist Network in the United Kingdom, an organization that models
dynamic ministry strategies and creative processes for new church
development. The three webinars are hosted by the Church of the Brethren
and organized together with Urban Expression, Bristol Baptist, and BMS
World Mission.
The webinars are free. Ministers who attend the live events may earn 0.15 continuing education units for each webinar. Participants can register to attend the live events or to receive a link to a recording of the webcasts.
“Pioneers--Embracing the Unknown” is the title of a webinar on Oct. 24 led by Juliet Kilpin. “It takes a skillful initiator to replicate a model of church or mission from one context into another,” said a description of the event, “but it takes a creative, courageous, risk-taking pioneer to imagine something that has not yet been and form it into being. In the rapidly changing context of western societies, how can we identify, equip and deploy pioneers who will not just replicate, but will prophetically lead us into the unknown, exploring fresh ways of being missional communities? And why is it important that we do this?”
“Joining Jesus Outside the Camp: Pioneering God--Pioneering People of God” is the title of a webinar on Nov. 14 with Steve Finamore. “The biblical narrative centers on people and places who were found at the margins,” said the description. “It tells the story of God’s adventure in those margins. It summons God’s people to join Messiah Jesus outside the camp. The Bible promotes an understanding of God as one who forsakes the center in order to catalyze life in unexpected places and in new patterns; patterns which are both valuable in their own right and which also point beyond themselves to the fullness of God’s impending reign.”
“Pioneering in a Global Context” is the topic of a webinar on Dec. 11 led by David Kerrigan. “Throughout the centuries pioneers have taken the gospel of Jesus Christ into new places and different cultures,” said a description. “Some of these are well known and their stories have been forgotten. What can we learn from these pioneers and from those who are pioneering in different global contexts today?”
Webinars will take place at 2-4 p.m. (Eastern time) for participants in the United States, or 7:30-9 p.m. for participations in the UK. Register for the webinars at www.brethren.org/webcasts . Donations are accepted to help support the webinars.
For more information contact Stan Dueck, the Church of the Brethren’s director of Transforming Practices, at sdueck@brethren.org or 800-323-8039 ext. 343.
Source: 10/11/2013 Newsline
The webinars are free. Ministers who attend the live events may earn 0.15 continuing education units for each webinar. Participants can register to attend the live events or to receive a link to a recording of the webcasts.
“Pioneers--Embracing the Unknown” is the title of a webinar on Oct. 24 led by Juliet Kilpin. “It takes a skillful initiator to replicate a model of church or mission from one context into another,” said a description of the event, “but it takes a creative, courageous, risk-taking pioneer to imagine something that has not yet been and form it into being. In the rapidly changing context of western societies, how can we identify, equip and deploy pioneers who will not just replicate, but will prophetically lead us into the unknown, exploring fresh ways of being missional communities? And why is it important that we do this?”
“Joining Jesus Outside the Camp: Pioneering God--Pioneering People of God” is the title of a webinar on Nov. 14 with Steve Finamore. “The biblical narrative centers on people and places who were found at the margins,” said the description. “It tells the story of God’s adventure in those margins. It summons God’s people to join Messiah Jesus outside the camp. The Bible promotes an understanding of God as one who forsakes the center in order to catalyze life in unexpected places and in new patterns; patterns which are both valuable in their own right and which also point beyond themselves to the fullness of God’s impending reign.”
“Pioneering in a Global Context” is the topic of a webinar on Dec. 11 led by David Kerrigan. “Throughout the centuries pioneers have taken the gospel of Jesus Christ into new places and different cultures,” said a description. “Some of these are well known and their stories have been forgotten. What can we learn from these pioneers and from those who are pioneering in different global contexts today?”
Webinars will take place at 2-4 p.m. (Eastern time) for participants in the United States, or 7:30-9 p.m. for participations in the UK. Register for the webinars at www.brethren.org/webcasts . Donations are accepted to help support the webinars.
For more information contact Stan Dueck, the Church of the Brethren’s director of Transforming Practices, at sdueck@brethren.org or 800-323-8039 ext. 343.
Source: 10/11/2013 Newsline
Haitch to present Professorial Lecture at Bethany Seminary.
By Jenny Williams
On Saturday, Oct. 26, Russell Haitch will present a professorial lecture at Bethany Theological Seminary in Richmond, Ind., commemorating his promotion to full professor of practical theology. Free and open to the public, the lecture will begin at 7:15 p m (Eastern time) and will be webcast.
The lecture will focus on finding identity through God-given intimacy, particularly addressing rising individualism and redeeming individualism among young people. To know ourselves as people who are known by God--to have intimacy with Christ--intensifies both our unity and our particularity.
Haitch began his tenure at Bethany in 2002 and also is director of the seminary’s Institute for Ministry with Youth and Young Adults. Ordained in the United Methodist Church, he has served congregations as pastor and youth pastor.
To view the webcast, go to www.bethanyseminary.edu/webcasts.
-- Jenny Williams is director of Communications and Alumni/ae Relations for Bethany Seminary.
Source: 10/11/2013 Newsline
On Saturday, Oct. 26, Russell Haitch will present a professorial lecture at Bethany Theological Seminary in Richmond, Ind., commemorating his promotion to full professor of practical theology. Free and open to the public, the lecture will begin at 7:15 p m (Eastern time) and will be webcast.
The lecture will focus on finding identity through God-given intimacy, particularly addressing rising individualism and redeeming individualism among young people. To know ourselves as people who are known by God--to have intimacy with Christ--intensifies both our unity and our particularity.
Haitch began his tenure at Bethany in 2002 and also is director of the seminary’s Institute for Ministry with Youth and Young Adults. Ordained in the United Methodist Church, he has served congregations as pastor and youth pastor.
To view the webcast, go to www.bethanyseminary.edu/webcasts.
-- Jenny Williams is director of Communications and Alumni/ae Relations for Bethany Seminary.
Source: 10/11/2013 Newsline
Entries sought for Bethany Peace Essay Contest.
By Jenny Williams
Bethany Theological Seminary is encouraging seminary and graduate school, college, and high school students to think creatively about peacemaking and to share those thoughts for the greater good. The Bethany Peace Essay Contest is being reinstated this coming January as part of the peace studies program at the seminary.
The contest, open to all full-time students in the categories above, invites reflections on how personal and local peacemaking efforts can address universal concerns. Participants may choose to explore this theme in one of the following areas, relating to personal experience: art, music, or poetry; the just peace movement; protest or change movements; social media, or interfaith efforts. Prizes of $2,000, $1,000, and $500 will be awarded for the top three essays.
A natural fit within the teaching and learning in peace studies at Bethany, the essay contest is underwritten by the Jennie Calhoun Baker Endowment, funded by John C. Baker in honor of his mother. Described as a “Church of the Brethren woman ahead of her time,” Jennie was known for actively pursuing peacemaking by meeting the needs of others, providing community leadership, and upholding the value of creative and independent thinking in education. John Baker saw her vision and modeling of contemporary peacemaking reflected in Bethany’s collaborative leadership among the three Historic Peace Churches and thus selected the seminary to administer the endowment’s programs.
John Baker, a philanthropist for peace with a distinguished career in higher education, and his wife had also helped establish the peace studies program at Bethany with an earlier endowment gift. “John and Elizabeth Baker were deeply committed to building cultures of peace,” says Scott Holland, professor of theology and culture and director of peace studies and cross-cultural studies at Bethany. “This peace essay contest is intended to encourage thoughtful writing on peace in essays that are informed by the rich traditions of God's shalom and Christ's peace yet articulated in voices that are public, ecumenical, and interfaith. There is also the hope that this contest will lead to international networking and partnerships in pursuit of peace.”
Holland is administrator of the Baker endowment programs and is working with a new Peace Essay Contest Committee to re-envision the contest after a hiatus of several years. Committee members are from the Historic Peace Churches: Kirsten Beachy, assistant professor of visual and communication arts at Eastern Mennonite University (Mennonite); Nathan Hosler, Office of Public Witness for the Church of the Brethren; Abbey Pratt-Harrington, 2013 alumna of Earlham School of Religion (Friends); Anne-Marie Roderick, student at Union Theological Seminary (Brethren); and Lonnie Valentine, professor of peace and justice studies at Earlham School of Religion (Friends).
Bekah Houff, coordinator of outreach programs at Bethany, chairs the committee and is assisting with the administration of the contest. “The committee has been fabulous to work with and represents a variety of talents and experiences. Their input and planning have been crucial to the process. We hope to have some good ecumenical involvement in the contest while mostly focusing on the peace churches in our publicity. In the future we hope to expand to different forms of media for entries, such as video and art.”
Holland also notes that the endowment can be used to underwrite peace sermon contests, which have been held previously and likely will be again.
Judges of the essays include Holland and Valentine; Randy Miller, editor of the Church of the Brethren magazine “Messenger”; and Anna Groff, associate editor of “The Mennonite.” Essays can be submitted between Jan. 1-Jan. 27, 2014, and results will be announced by the end of February 2014. Plans are being made to publish the winning essays in some of the journals and magazines of the Church of the Brethren, Friends, and Mennonite faith communities.
For guidelines, terms, and submission procedures, go to www.bethanyseminary.edu/peace-essay . Contact Bekah Houff at houffre@bethanyseminary.edu or 765-983-1809 for additional information.
-- Jenny Williams is director of Communications and Alumni/ae Relations for Bethany Seminary.
Source: 10/11/2013 Newsline
Bethany Theological Seminary is encouraging seminary and graduate school, college, and high school students to think creatively about peacemaking and to share those thoughts for the greater good. The Bethany Peace Essay Contest is being reinstated this coming January as part of the peace studies program at the seminary.
The contest, open to all full-time students in the categories above, invites reflections on how personal and local peacemaking efforts can address universal concerns. Participants may choose to explore this theme in one of the following areas, relating to personal experience: art, music, or poetry; the just peace movement; protest or change movements; social media, or interfaith efforts. Prizes of $2,000, $1,000, and $500 will be awarded for the top three essays.
A natural fit within the teaching and learning in peace studies at Bethany, the essay contest is underwritten by the Jennie Calhoun Baker Endowment, funded by John C. Baker in honor of his mother. Described as a “Church of the Brethren woman ahead of her time,” Jennie was known for actively pursuing peacemaking by meeting the needs of others, providing community leadership, and upholding the value of creative and independent thinking in education. John Baker saw her vision and modeling of contemporary peacemaking reflected in Bethany’s collaborative leadership among the three Historic Peace Churches and thus selected the seminary to administer the endowment’s programs.
John Baker, a philanthropist for peace with a distinguished career in higher education, and his wife had also helped establish the peace studies program at Bethany with an earlier endowment gift. “John and Elizabeth Baker were deeply committed to building cultures of peace,” says Scott Holland, professor of theology and culture and director of peace studies and cross-cultural studies at Bethany. “This peace essay contest is intended to encourage thoughtful writing on peace in essays that are informed by the rich traditions of God's shalom and Christ's peace yet articulated in voices that are public, ecumenical, and interfaith. There is also the hope that this contest will lead to international networking and partnerships in pursuit of peace.”
Holland is administrator of the Baker endowment programs and is working with a new Peace Essay Contest Committee to re-envision the contest after a hiatus of several years. Committee members are from the Historic Peace Churches: Kirsten Beachy, assistant professor of visual and communication arts at Eastern Mennonite University (Mennonite); Nathan Hosler, Office of Public Witness for the Church of the Brethren; Abbey Pratt-Harrington, 2013 alumna of Earlham School of Religion (Friends); Anne-Marie Roderick, student at Union Theological Seminary (Brethren); and Lonnie Valentine, professor of peace and justice studies at Earlham School of Religion (Friends).
Bekah Houff, coordinator of outreach programs at Bethany, chairs the committee and is assisting with the administration of the contest. “The committee has been fabulous to work with and represents a variety of talents and experiences. Their input and planning have been crucial to the process. We hope to have some good ecumenical involvement in the contest while mostly focusing on the peace churches in our publicity. In the future we hope to expand to different forms of media for entries, such as video and art.”
Holland also notes that the endowment can be used to underwrite peace sermon contests, which have been held previously and likely will be again.
Judges of the essays include Holland and Valentine; Randy Miller, editor of the Church of the Brethren magazine “Messenger”; and Anna Groff, associate editor of “The Mennonite.” Essays can be submitted between Jan. 1-Jan. 27, 2014, and results will be announced by the end of February 2014. Plans are being made to publish the winning essays in some of the journals and magazines of the Church of the Brethren, Friends, and Mennonite faith communities.
For guidelines, terms, and submission procedures, go to www.bethanyseminary.edu/peace-essay . Contact Bekah Houff at houffre@bethanyseminary.edu or 765-983-1809 for additional information.
-- Jenny Williams is director of Communications and Alumni/ae Relations for Bethany Seminary.
Source: 10/11/2013 Newsline
Lerch concludes her work with TRIM and the Brethren Academy.
Marilyn Lerch, coordinator of the Training In Ministry (TRIM) program
of the Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership, will conclude her
half-time position on Dec. 31 as a result of staff reconfiguration at
the academy. She will continue as half-time pastor of Bedford (Pa.)
Church of the Brethren.
During her 13 years as TRIM coordinator, Lerch worked with more than 170 TRIM students and coordinated 20 orientations for almost 200 TRIM and EFSM (Education for a Shared Ministry) students. She worked with district TRIM coordinators in most of the 23 districts in the Church of the Brethren. Her master’s degree in education from Virginia Tech, a master of divinity from Bethany Theological Seminary, and teaching and pastoral experiences provided skills needed to implement major changes in the TRIM program.
The Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership is a ministry training partnership of the Church of the Brethren and Bethany Theological Seminary. TRIM courses serve ministry training students and provide a continuing education option for pastors. Based on the Bethany campus in Richmond, Ind., the Brethren Academy’s onsite and online learning have made Brethren training available for students from coast to coast.
Source: 10/11/2013 Newsline
During her 13 years as TRIM coordinator, Lerch worked with more than 170 TRIM students and coordinated 20 orientations for almost 200 TRIM and EFSM (Education for a Shared Ministry) students. She worked with district TRIM coordinators in most of the 23 districts in the Church of the Brethren. Her master’s degree in education from Virginia Tech, a master of divinity from Bethany Theological Seminary, and teaching and pastoral experiences provided skills needed to implement major changes in the TRIM program.
The Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership is a ministry training partnership of the Church of the Brethren and Bethany Theological Seminary. TRIM courses serve ministry training students and provide a continuing education option for pastors. Based on the Bethany campus in Richmond, Ind., the Brethren Academy’s onsite and online learning have made Brethren training available for students from coast to coast.
Source: 10/11/2013 Newsline
McElwee returns to Manchester University to guide fundraising.
By Jeri S. Kornegay
A 1978 Manchester peace studies and religion alumnus with broad and deep experience in the university’s mission soon will become vice president for university advancement. Timothy McElwee will re-join the President’s Cabinet on Nov. 11, Manchester University president Jo Young Switzer announced.
“In Tim McElwee, we have a proven team leader to help us raise the remaining $12 million of our $100 million Students First! campaign,” said president Switzer. “He knows us very well and has many strong relationships with our alumni and donors."
McElwee leaves a similar post with Albright College in Pennsylvania, where his team has raised $10 million each of his three years as vice president of advancement.
During McElwee’s earlier tenure as vice president for advancement at Manchester, he led what then was the most expansive comprehensive campaign in Manchester history to a $71 million conclusion a year ahead of schedule and 37 percent over the original goal. He worked closely with generous donors who contributed, on average, $500,000 per month. The campaign brought nearly 5,000 new donors to Manchester.
“I welcome this opportunity to return to my alma mater with great enthusiasm,” said McElwee. “In close collaboration with the president, the trustees, other senior officers and the advancement team, I hope to expand upon the tremendous accomplishments already achieved in the Student’s First! campaign.”
McElwee left the vice president’s post in 2003 to pursue a dream to teach and lead Manchester’s Peace Studies Institute. Realizing his gift in fundraising for causes that mirror Manchester and Church of the Brethren values, he then joined fundraising for Heifer International, an organization founded by Manchester graduate Dan West.
In addition to his Manchester bachelor’s degree, he earned a master of divinity from Bethany Theological Seminary, and a master’s degree and Ph.D. in political science from Purdue University.
Manchester conducted a national search for a new vice president to replace Michael Eastman, who took a similar position with Eastern Kentucky University in late summer. Melanie Harmon, executive director of development, is interim vice president for university advancement.
-- Jeri S. Kornegay is staff for Manchester University Media Relations.
Source: 10/11/2013 Newsline
A 1978 Manchester peace studies and religion alumnus with broad and deep experience in the university’s mission soon will become vice president for university advancement. Timothy McElwee will re-join the President’s Cabinet on Nov. 11, Manchester University president Jo Young Switzer announced.
“In Tim McElwee, we have a proven team leader to help us raise the remaining $12 million of our $100 million Students First! campaign,” said president Switzer. “He knows us very well and has many strong relationships with our alumni and donors."
McElwee leaves a similar post with Albright College in Pennsylvania, where his team has raised $10 million each of his three years as vice president of advancement.
During McElwee’s earlier tenure as vice president for advancement at Manchester, he led what then was the most expansive comprehensive campaign in Manchester history to a $71 million conclusion a year ahead of schedule and 37 percent over the original goal. He worked closely with generous donors who contributed, on average, $500,000 per month. The campaign brought nearly 5,000 new donors to Manchester.
“I welcome this opportunity to return to my alma mater with great enthusiasm,” said McElwee. “In close collaboration with the president, the trustees, other senior officers and the advancement team, I hope to expand upon the tremendous accomplishments already achieved in the Student’s First! campaign.”
McElwee left the vice president’s post in 2003 to pursue a dream to teach and lead Manchester’s Peace Studies Institute. Realizing his gift in fundraising for causes that mirror Manchester and Church of the Brethren values, he then joined fundraising for Heifer International, an organization founded by Manchester graduate Dan West.
In addition to his Manchester bachelor’s degree, he earned a master of divinity from Bethany Theological Seminary, and a master’s degree and Ph.D. in political science from Purdue University.
Manchester conducted a national search for a new vice president to replace Michael Eastman, who took a similar position with Eastern Kentucky University in late summer. Melanie Harmon, executive director of development, is interim vice president for university advancement.
-- Jeri S. Kornegay is staff for Manchester University Media Relations.
Source: 10/11/2013 Newsline
Humanitarian curbs on deadly weapons boost new UN treaty, sharpen old debates.
By the World Council of Churches news service
World leaders at the United Nations (UN) at the end of September backed two steps in relation to the Arms Trade Treaty, promoted by churches, to make people safer through new laws to control deadly weapons.
The biggest event came as the United States, the world largest exporter of arms, signed the new Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) during a high-level phase of the UN General Assembly, Sept. 24-26. Twenty-six other countries signed as well. Churches had lobbied seven of the new signatories, including Zambia, the USA, South Africa, Sierra Leone, the Philippines, and Ghana.
A UN majority of 112 world governments has now signed the Arms Trade Treaty in just four months.
The World Council of Churches and member churches have campaigned for the ATT for the past three years to block sales of arms which risk being used to commit atrocities and violations of human rights and humanitarian law. The next step is for 50 states to ratify the treaty and bring it into effect.
Humanitarian concerns were also prominent at a special high-level UN meeting. This gathering, devoted to nuclear disarmament, met on Sept. 26. Scores of countries, including all the nations of Africa and southeast Asia, focused on the humanitarian consequences of nuclear weapons. Government and civil society speakers called for an outright ban on nuclear weapons, criticizing the current inertia in disarmament led by nuclear-armed states and echoing a core position in ecumenical advocacy.
“Weapons that have been outlawed increasingly become seen as illegitimate,” a representative of the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons told the meeting. Several states pointed to the widespread condemnation of the use of chemical weapons in Syria, which are banned on humanitarian grounds, and noted that nuclear weapons are widely condemned but not banned.
A map showing states that have signed and ratified Arms Trade Treaty is online at http://armstreaty.org/issue/tracking-the-universalisation-of-the-att.
The website of the ecumenical campaign on the Arms Trade Treaty is found at http://armstreatynow.org.
The Church of the Brethren is one of the founding denominations of the World Council of Churches, which promotes Christian unity in faith, witness, and service for a just and peaceful world. An ecumenical fellowship of churches founded in 1948, by the end of 2012 the WCC had 345 member churches representing more than 500 million Christians from Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican, and other traditions in over 110 countries. The WCC works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Church. The WCC general secretary is Olav Fykse Tveit, from the [Lutheran] Church of Norway.
Source: 10/11/2013 Newsline
World leaders at the United Nations (UN) at the end of September backed two steps in relation to the Arms Trade Treaty, promoted by churches, to make people safer through new laws to control deadly weapons.
The biggest event came as the United States, the world largest exporter of arms, signed the new Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) during a high-level phase of the UN General Assembly, Sept. 24-26. Twenty-six other countries signed as well. Churches had lobbied seven of the new signatories, including Zambia, the USA, South Africa, Sierra Leone, the Philippines, and Ghana.
A UN majority of 112 world governments has now signed the Arms Trade Treaty in just four months.
The World Council of Churches and member churches have campaigned for the ATT for the past three years to block sales of arms which risk being used to commit atrocities and violations of human rights and humanitarian law. The next step is for 50 states to ratify the treaty and bring it into effect.
Humanitarian concerns were also prominent at a special high-level UN meeting. This gathering, devoted to nuclear disarmament, met on Sept. 26. Scores of countries, including all the nations of Africa and southeast Asia, focused on the humanitarian consequences of nuclear weapons. Government and civil society speakers called for an outright ban on nuclear weapons, criticizing the current inertia in disarmament led by nuclear-armed states and echoing a core position in ecumenical advocacy.
“Weapons that have been outlawed increasingly become seen as illegitimate,” a representative of the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons told the meeting. Several states pointed to the widespread condemnation of the use of chemical weapons in Syria, which are banned on humanitarian grounds, and noted that nuclear weapons are widely condemned but not banned.
A map showing states that have signed and ratified Arms Trade Treaty is online at http://armstreaty.org/issue/tracking-the-universalisation-of-the-att.
The website of the ecumenical campaign on the Arms Trade Treaty is found at http://armstreatynow.org.
The Church of the Brethren is one of the founding denominations of the World Council of Churches, which promotes Christian unity in faith, witness, and service for a just and peaceful world. An ecumenical fellowship of churches founded in 1948, by the end of 2012 the WCC had 345 member churches representing more than 500 million Christians from Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican, and other traditions in over 110 countries. The WCC works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Church. The WCC general secretary is Olav Fykse Tveit, from the [Lutheran] Church of Norway.
Source: 10/11/2013 Newsline
Brethren bits.
- Tammy Chudy has been promoted to assistant director of Employee Benefits at Brethren Benefit Trust (BBT). She has a combined tenure with BBT of more than 11 years, having worked with accounts payable in her earlier tenure. Since August 2006, she worked with insurance services in various roles. “Her commitment and leadership to BBT are reflected in this promotion,” said an announcement. In Chudy’s new role she will continue to provide oversight for insurance services operations, will permanently assume the role of oversight for pension operations, will assist the director of employee benefits as needed, and will continue to have three member service representatives reporting to her. For more information about the services provided by BBT go to www.brethrenbenefittrust.org .
- Roseanne Segovia finishes her assignment as
editorial assistant of the Gather ’Round curriculum project today, Oct.
11. Her position is coming to a close as planned, as the production side
of the project winds down. She began her employment with Gather ’Round,
a joint Christian education curriculum of Brethren Press and
MennoMedia, on May 18, 2011. Segovia’s responsibilities have included
website maintenance, proofreading, copyright permissions, customer
service, and newsletter production, with extra emphasis recently on copy
editing and coordination of illustrations. She also has provided
general office support for the Gather ’Round team, through tasks such as
writing minutes, coordinating meetings, and producing reports.
Gather ’Round concludes next summer, and congregations will transition to the new Shine curriculum in the fall, which also is a joint project of Brethren Press and MennoMedia. Segovia will begin a new position as managing editor of “West Suburban Living” magazine.
- The Church of the Brethren seeks a temporary full-time box car helper to work in the Material Resources department at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md. This position is responsible for loading and unloading boxes from train cars and trailers, with some warehouse duties included. The preferred candidate will have experience assisting with loading and unloading train cars and trailers, must be able to lift a limit of 50 pounds, must work well with a team, and be reliable and flexible. Applications will be received and reviewed until the position is filled. Request the application packet and complete job description by contacting the Office of Human Resources, Church of the Brethren, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120; 800-323-8039 ext. 367; humanresources@brethren.org . The Church of the Brethren is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
- Nov. 2 is the deadline for youth worker applications for National Youth Conference, scheduled for July 19-24, 2014, at Colorado State University in Fort Collins. Youth workers, who serve on a volunteer basis, should be available on the CSU campus beginning Friday, July 18, the day prior to NYC, through Thursday evening, July 24. More information can be found at www.brethren.org/nyc .
- Nov. 1 is the date of the next campus visit day at Bethany Theological Seminary in Richmond, Ind. “Have you been considering visiting Bethany? Do you know someone who might like to experience what Bethany has to offer? ENGAGE is a day of options designed for you to explore the Bethany experience with other people interested in theological education,” said an announcement. The day will offer prospective seminary students the opportunity to worship together with the Bethany Seminary community and partner seminary Earlham School of Religion (ESR), hear a student panel, experience a class session, lunch with faculty, discuss financial aid and the admissions process, and take a campus tour. Register at www.bethanyseminary.edu/visit/engage or contact director of admissions Tracy Primozich at 765-983-1832 or primotr@bethanyseminary.edu .
- Brethren young adults are invited to participate in the World Council of Churches Virtual Conference for Youth tomorrow, Saturday, Oct. 12. “What are you doing on Saturday? Would you like to hear thoughts from some amazing folks, including Archbishop Desmond Tutu, for free? The WCC Youth Virtual Conference on October 12 promises to be a direct encounter among young Christians living in many different countries. The conference will center on the following topics: eco-justice, migration, and peace-building.” said the invitation from Becky Ullom Naugle, director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry for the Church of the Brethren. She noted that in ecumenical circles, "youth" often means age 45 and under. Go to http://ecumenicalyouth.org .
- Two ecumenical programs formerly housed in the National Council of Churches (NCC) have gone independent in recent weeks. After 30 years, the Eco-Justice Program has spun off to form its own organization Creation Justice Ministries, according to an announcement. “Though we now have a new name, we remain dedicated to the same goal of protecting God’s earth and God’s people,” it said. “With continued support from our member denominations and communions, we will continue to provide education and public witness through our annual Earth Day resources, webinars, and other Creation care activities for congregations.” The new web address for the program is www.creationjustice.org or contact info@creationjustice.org . Also newly independent is the Poverty Initiative launched by the NCC in 2009, now known as the Ecumenical Poverty Initiative. “As the council goes through organizational transitions and moves away from programmatic activities, this vibrant ecumenical ministry will be continuing its important work from its new home: the Disciples Center for Public Witness,” said an announcement. “The initiative will remain ecumenical in focus and scope, continuing to work with current partners from NCC communions and reaching out to new partners, including our friends and allies in the Roman Catholic community.” Providing leadership as active advisors will be former Poverty Initiative directors Michael Livingston and Shantha Alonso Ready, and the former director of the NCC's Washington Office, Cassandra Carmichael. Find out more at www.faithendpoverty.org .
- White Rock Church of the Brethren in Carthage, Va., holds a 125th anniversary celebration and annual homecoming on Sunday, Oct. 13. Morning worship will begin at 10:30 a.m. with pastor Michael Pugh speaking. Special music will be provided by Angie West and the church choir. A potluck meal begins at 11:30 with the church providing meat, drinks, and tableware. The afternoon service begins at 1:30 p.m. and will include special singing by the Pleasant Valley Church Choir, Angie West, and the White Rock Choir, and speakers David Shumate and Emma Jean Woodard from the Virlina District. The day will close with a reception at 3 p.m.
- Eel River Community Church of the Brethren in Silver Lake, Ind., recently celebrated its 175th anniversary. The South Central Indiana District newsletter marked the occasion with photos from the celebration, including a picture of Lewis Bolinger standing beside an original, restored 1868 eastern covered wagon, and Jerry Bolinger demonstrating how logs were hewn to build the traditional log cabins that dotted the landscape of the area when the Eel River Church was built.
- Antioch Church of the Brethren in Woodstock, Va., will dedicate its new sanctuary and renovated construction while also celebrating its 145th anniversary with a homecoming at 10 a.m. on Sunday, Oct. 13. “All are invited to attend this special celebration and meal following at noon,” said the Shenandoah District newsletter.
- Northern Plains District is hosting a “Circuit Ride Through Iowa” by Dennis Webb, pastor of Naperville (Ill.) Church of the Brethren. The district “is delighted to host the dynamic speaker Dennis Webb for four stops on his ‘circuit ride’ through southern Iowa,” said the district newsletter. “His trip is inspired by the circuit riding preachers of 150 years ago.” Webb will make the following stops: Sunday, Oct. 13, he will preach at English River Church of the Brethren on the topic, "The Business of Jesus Putting up with Us Is Serious Business"; on Oct. 14, he will speak at Ottumwa Church of the Brethren on "Maserati Reality: Where Do You Park?"; on Oct. 15 his sermon at Fairview Church of the Brethren is titled "God Still Uses Folks with Flaws"; and on Oct. 16 Prairie City Church of the Brethren will host Webb for a service focused on "When We Slip." All meetings start with carry-in dinner at 6 p.m., with worship and the message to follow at 7 p.m.
- The Brethren Home Community Auxiliary at Cross Keys Village-the Brethren Home Community in New Oxford, Pa., is sponsoring an Apple Butter Festival complete with a car show and bake sale on Saturday, Oct. 12, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. The day of family fun includes apple boiling, entertainment, food, hayrides, a car show, displays of antique engines, and pull tractors. “There is something for all,” said an announcement.
- Southern Ohio District is offering a Deacon Training led by Donna Kline, director of the Church of the Brethren Deacon Ministry. The training is at Happy Corner Church of the Brethren on Sunday, Oct. 13, after a carry in meal following worship. The meal starts at 12:30 p.m. There is no fee to attend, although a free will offering will be received. Contact 937-439-9717 for more information and to make reservations.
- The World Hunger Auction planning committee in Virlina District has announced the funding to be distributed from 2013 events: Heifer Project (Guatemala) $27,375; Heifer Project (N.C. and Tenn.) $5,475; Roanoke Area Ministries $13,687; Church of the Brethren Global Food Crisis Fund $5,475; Heavenly Manna $2,737. “Having completed 30 years of work, the total gifts generated by the auction and its related activities now exceed $1,150,000,” reported the Virlina District newsletter. “Praise be to God for the blessings that flow to His people.”
- “Ministering to Spiritual Hunger” is the theme of a retreat on Oct. 19, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., at Camp Bethel, led by pastor Paul Roth of Linville Church of the Brethren in Broadway, Va. The event is sponsored by Virlina District’s Spiritual Retreat Development Committee. Roth is certified to provide spiritual direction and will lead a retreat that promises to be biblically based and spiritually enlightening with opportunities for individual and group reflection. Cost is $20.
- Two “Equipping the Saints 2013" workshops are scheduled in West Marva District, both hosted by Oak Park Church of the Brethren on Oct. 19 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. In session one, Amy Williams of Bunker Hill (W.Va.) Elementary School Library, will lead “Teaching Children (and Adults)… Is it a JOB or a JOY?” In the concurrent session two, district executive minister Kendal Elmore will moderate a forum led by three pastors who have experienced the dynamic impact of the Holy Spirit working in various settings and circumstances to bring health and vitality to congregations. Continuing education units are available for credentialed ministers. For more information call the district office at 301-334-9270.
- At its 2013 district conference, West Marva District recognized the Hanging Rock Project as a Church of the Brethren fellowship. Also approved, among other business, was a new Plan of Organization for the district including a constitution and by-laws. The district recognized Brenda Harvey for 20 years of service as administrative assistant in the district office. The following were recognized for significant years of service as ordained ministers: 45 years: Don Matthews; 25 years: Randall Ours, John Walker; 15 years: Burl Charlton, Danny Combs, Elmer Cosner, Steve Sauder, Otis Weatherholt; 10 years: Robert Hughes, Carroll Junkins, Lynn Ryder; 5 years: Diane May.
- South Central Indiana District included a brief report from its recent district conference in its district newsletter, and a “thank you” to all who helped out. The “few fun facts” reported included statistics: about 40 people walked at least 17 miles for peace; 32 participated in the continuing education opportunity; and baskets from 21 churches netted $1,197 for ministry training. “In this season of gathering in and collecting the harvest, I am deeply grateful to the folks of this district and the ways we seek to follow Jesus peacefully, simply, together,” wrote district executive minister Beth Sollenberger.
- Southern Ohio District holds its 159th District Conference this weekend, Oct. 11-12, at Trotwood (Ohio) Church of the Brethren led by moderator Julie Hostetter. "For All of You Are One in Christ Jesus" (Galatians 3:23-28) is the theme. On the schedule are a pre-conference meeting for pastors and office assistants, and a Saturday youth event. District executive minister David Shetler has issued a special call for prayer for this conference, writing in an e-mail sent Oct. 10, “It is my prayer than we indeed will be one in Jesus as we come together and as we scatter back across the district. We are facing several difficult and potentially divisive issues with the District Conference. As your District Executive Minister, I am asking that all of us coming to this gathering will come with a sensitivity to the leading of God’s Spirit and with a genuine and deep love for one another.” His e-mail highlighted a question being brought by the Eaton congregation concerning a district response to “actions by various denominational agencies, departments, committees, and educational institutions of the Church of the Brethren that are in conflict with the 1983 Annual Conference paper on Human Sexuality”; and proposals from the Brookville congregation having to do with the district’s outdoor ministries program and Camp Woodland Altars. More information is at the district website www.sodcob.org .
- The Atlantic Southeast District Conference is Oct. 11-12 at Camp Ithiel, Gotha, Fla. It will be the 89th conference held by Atlantic Southeast District. Included in the agenda is a continuing education opportunity for ministers, a Seminar of Church Finances and Investments. Youth activities also are offered concurrently with the conference.
- Mid-Atlantic District holds its 47th District Conference Oct. 11-12 at Frederick (Md.) Church of the Brethren on the themes, “One in the Spirit” (John 17:20-23) and “Filled with Laughter and Joy” (Psalms 126:1-3). On the evening of Oct. 12, the National Christian Choir gives a concert in the Frederick sanctuary starting at 7 p.m. (doors open at 6 p.m.). A freewill offering will support the choir. For more go to the Mid-Atlantic District website at www.maddcob.com .
- The New Community Project has received a request from its partner in Nimule, South Sudan, to raise $10,000 to build a first-ever girls' boarding school in the community. Project director David Radcliff reported that according to Agnes Amileto of the Girlchild Education and Development Association, the school will bring several important benefits, will allow young women to remain at school rather than return to their homes each evening where often there is no time for school work, will keep boys and girls separate during school hours, and will make school more feasible for girls coming from a distance and for girls with disabilities. The New Community Project is calling the initiative “If We Built It...” and is taking responsibility for raising funds for construction of facilities which will include dormitories and classrooms; the community and government will provide teachers and administration. Individuals are invited to join a Feb. 4-17, 2014, Learning Tour to South Sudan to see the completed school, said the release. Learn more at www.newcommunityproject.org .
- Juniata College has announced events for president Jim Troha's Inauguration Week. James A. Troha will be formally inaugurated as the 12th president of Juniata College in Huntingdon, Pa., in an "investiture ceremony" at 4 p.m. Oct. 18 in Rosenberger Auditorium in the Halbritter Center for the Performing Arts. The 900-seat auditorium is expected to be filled to capacity, with plans for overflow seating, said a release from the college. Attending the ceremony will be a mix of Juniata students, faculty, administrators, alumni, and delegates from the Church of the Brethren and representatives from almost 100 colleges and universities. "The singular thing that drew me to Juniata during my interview and periodic visits was the college's sense of community,” says Troha. "We wanted to honor Juniata's traditions by emphasizing events and activities that would bring the college, our alumni, and Huntingdon together as a community." Following the inauguration, there will be a reception on the campus quad and a 7 p.m. invitation-only inaugural gala in the Intramural Gym in Kennedy Sports and Recreation Center. Celebrations continue through Homecoming Weekend, Oct. 24-26, including a 5K, German Club Octoberfest, a production of the musical "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels,” a community-focused lunch hosted by Troha and his wife Jennifer, a presentation by "eco-entrepreneur" Majora Carter on "Home(town) Security," a concert to benefit Alex's Lemonade Stand, an Alumni Advocates Panel, Homecoming football, and a concert by the Asphalt Orchestra. In addition, members of the Juniata community will be asked to give an hour or more of community service culminating in National Make-A-Difference Day on Oct. 26.
- In more news from Juniata College, the school’s Department of World Languages has received a $65,000 grant from the US Department of Education's Fulbright-Hays Group Projects Abroad program. The grant will fund a multiweek trip to Morocco next summer for intensive language instruction and cultural educational opportunities in history, diversity, and contemporary issues, said a release. "The grant will provide an exciting opportunity to foster collaboration between Juniata College, international alumni, and regional educators to develop curricular resources for understanding the complex cultural crossroads that inform one of the most dynamic countries of the Arab world," says Michael Henderson, associate professor of French and one of the co-authors of the grant. In partnership with the Ibn Ghazi Arabic Institute, in Fez, Morocco, Juniata will send 10 local educators to Morocco to develop new curriculum for K-12 and baccalaureate education in order understand the background information of Morocco and to integrate the cultural history of North Africa into social science and humanities courses in central Pennsylvania K-12 schools. Juniata will send four professors, and local school districts will send four high school teachers and a curriculum coordinator. The Ibn Ghazi Arabic Institute offers summer language and culture courses to students and professionals from all over the world. The institute's director, Fouad Touzani, is a 2006 graduate of Juniata College.
- McPherson (Kan.) College Young Alumni Award recipients this year include Jenny Williams, director of communications and alumni/ae relations at Bethany Theological Seminary. The annual award honors McPherson College alumni who have graduated within approximately the last 30 years. The recipients for 2013 also include Ryan Wenzel of Melrose, Mass., co-founder of CovalX, a company that develops and produces a detector system for machines called “mass spectrometers”; and Dallas Blacklock of Houston, Texas, director of high school relations at the University of Houston, where he’s a liaison for the football program to area high school teams for recruiting, and also associate pastor at Mt. Carmel Baptist Church. The three were honored on Oct. 4 at a ceremony during McPherson College’s Homecoming Weekend.
- In more news from McPherson College, enrollment has been holding steady at 40-year highs for the last four years, according to the official fall enrollment numbers compiled Sept. 20. A release said that in total, 656 students are enrolled at McPherson College for fall 2013. A boost to enrollment has come from the new master of education degree. After accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission in spring 2013, the number of students in graduate-level classes at McPherson increased by 58 percent. A large incoming class also helped keep enrollment consistently high, the release said, this year bringing 261 incoming freshmen and transfer students. “The automotive restoration program had its best year ever for incoming students as they opened more spots in the department for interested students. The program’s 60 incoming freshman and transfer students this year more than doubles last year’s incoming enrollment.”
- Bridgwater (Va.) College is hosting an annual CROP dinner this fall to raise money to overcome hunger locally and globally, in conjunction with the annual area CROP Walk. The dinner is from 4:45-7 p.m. on Oct. 24; the walk begins at 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 27, at the Bridgewater Municipal Building.
- Also at Bridgewater College, the school has earned a Bronze rating from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE). A release notes the rating was given for completing a rigorous 20-month, in-depth study of several areas in sustainability: education, research, operation, planning, administration, engagement and innovation. The study was conducted through the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment, and Rating System (STARS), a framework for colleges and universities to measure sustainability performance. Bridgewater is one of only eight colleges and universities in Virginia to have completed STARS reporting, the release said. "Bridgewater College takes seriously its responsibilities to the environment, society and future generations," said president David W. Bushman. "The college has gained valuable insight from STARS and its report and will use this experience to expand sustainability programs and advance environmental stewardship in the future." To learn more about Bridgewater’s sustainability efforts, visit www.bridgewater.edu/about-us/center-for-sustainability .
- Bridgewater College is hosting "Why a Peace Church?" on Nov. 23, an event sponsored by Shenandoah District Pastors for Peace. The speaker will be Jeff Bach of Elizabethtown College’s Young Center for Anabaptist and Pietist Studies. The event is billed as “a biblical, theological, and historical conversation on why Christ's people should stay in the peace business.” It will be held 9 a.m.-3:15 p.m. in the Boitnott Room in Moomaw Hall. Cost is $25 for ministers earning continuing education units, $20 for other interested adults, $10 for students. Registration is due by Nov. 15. Find a registration flier at http://library.constantcontact.com/download/get/file/1110837621104-160/2013WhyAPeaceChurch.pdf .
- The Elizabethtown (Pa.) College Alumni Peace Fellowship is giving students the opportunity to enter the 2013 Paul M. Grubb Jr. Student Peace Award competition. This competition allows students to submit a proposal for a research project focused on spreading peace and justice in a local or international community, a release said. Student projects will take place between October 2013 and October 2014, and the winning proposal will be given $1,000 to make the project a reality. Past project winner David Bresnahan won the award in 2008, spending six weeks in Guatemala focusing on the mistreatment of the indigenous Mayan people. Nikki Koyste was the recipient of the award in 2011. Her project proposal sent her to Vietnam, where she volunteered in an orphanage.
- In more news from Elizabethtown College, rising juniors and seniors interested in spending next summer interning abroad with an intergovernmental or nongovernmental organization may be eligible to receive financial support said a release. Oya Ozkanca, associate professor of political science, is chair of a new program sponsored by the college’s Center for Global Understanding and Peacemaking and made possible by an international studies and foreign language grant from the US Department of Education. The IGO/NGO Summer Internship Financial Support Program will provide three students with round-trip airfare and an hourly wage for an otherwise unpaid internship. The fund will cover internships lasting about six to 10 weeks. In addition to being a rising junior or senior, to apply students must already have secured a position for the summer. An IGO/NGO conference featured a career and internship fair as an opportunity to find organizations for internships.
- The University of La Verne is the second institution of higher education in California to join the Billion Dollar Green Challenge, through which it will establish a fund to facilitate “green” energy-saving measures on campus said a release from ULV. The university joins the California Institute of Technology as the only California schools so far to sign on with the program launched by the Sustainable Endowments Institute based in Cambridge, Mass. The institute is encouraging colleges, universities, and other nonprofit institutions to invest a combined total of $1 billion in self-managed funds to finance energy efficiency improvements. Thirty-nine other schools nationwide are also making such a commitment to sustainability the release said. Each institution committed to the challenge must establish a fund, separate from other capital projects, which will be used only to fund green initiatives on its campus. The University of La Verne is to build a fund of $400,000 during the next six years. “A significant element of the University of La Verne’s mission is to affirm a values system that supports the health of the planet and all inhabitants,” said president Devorah Lieberman. “We are consistently seeking to promote sustainability and to emphasize its importance to our students, faculty, and staff.”
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 Deborah Brehm, Stan Dueck, Jon Kobel, Donna March, Wendy McFadden, Nicole Pressel, David Radcliff, Donna Talarico, John Wall, and editor Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of News Services for the Church of the Brethren.
Friday, October 04, 2013
Newsline: October 4, 2013
NEWS
- Children have disaster consequences too: CDS serves in Colorado following floods.
- Nigerian Brethren die in more violent attacks on communities, churches.
- Webinar series to give information about Brethren ministries for young people.
- New resources include calendar to learn Philippians, Domestic Violence Awareness, Children’s Sabbaths, more.
- Curriculum helps youth develop beliefs on peace, conscientious objection.
- Workcamps schedule is announced for 2014.
- US church leaders renew emphasis on immigration.
- Bethany’s ‘Explore Your Call’ 2014 to be held in Colorado prior to NYC.
Children have disaster consequences too: CDS serves in Colorado following floods.
 |
| Photo by Patty Henry |
| Rice play with children affected by flooding helps in the recovery in Colorado. Shown here, CDS volunteer Phyllis Hochstetler serves children and families in a MARC in the area of Longmont north of Denver. |
The following report on the work of Children’s Disaster Services (CDS) in Longmont, Colo., following the extreme flooding in the state, was provided by the American Red Cross. A team of CDS volunteers has been serving at the Multi-Agency Resource Center (MARC) in Longmont. The team will finish up tomorrow and travel home on Sunday, reports Roy Winter, associate executive director of Brethren Disaster Ministries.
Disaster relief services are not just for grown-ups. The American Red Cross is continually aware that one of its biggest challenges is providing services for the most fragile and dependent members of an impacted community. That means looking out for the children, and the senior citizens, who may be least able to care for themselves.
A large number of children, from toddlers to teens, are among the several thousand persons who are still receiving assistance from the Red Cross, FEMA, and many other community agencies nearly three weeks after the Colorado floods. Children suffer the loss of their safety, and their possessions just like their parents do. The consequences of a disaster are made all the more serious, and potentially destructive, for children who cannot verbalize their inner-most thoughts and feelings the way adults do. The effect on a child’s developing personality often goes unnoticed by parents, who are trying to cope with their loss by becoming totally submerged in the clean-up effort, and in the burden of applying for FEMA and other available assistance. When children need special attention, they often regress to unacceptable behaviors like stubborn defiance or temper tantrums, which may earn them punishment or scolding, instead of love and understanding.
Aware of this critical situation, the Red Cross has contracted with the Church of the Brethren Children’s Disaster Services, headquartered in New Windsor, Md., to support the needs of youngsters in disaster impacted areas. A team of six specially trained and certified Children’s Disaster Service workers was deployed to set up a therapeutic play room at the Disaster Assistance Center at the Twin Peaks Mall in Longmont. “We will stay here as long as we are needed,” promised Patty Henry, the team leader. “As long as there is one child who benefits from spending time in our play room, there is work for us to do,” she added.
Their concept of therapeutic child play has some unique features. For example, the children are not allowed to bring their own toys to the play room. Instead, these workers depend totally on creative play that allows the kids to put their own personal spin on the disaster. Coloring books are not allowed, because only original, creative drawings enable to child to put themselves and their own, unique emotions on the paper.
Patty, who has spent 23 years as a teacher in early childhood education, explained one example of what a child encounters in the playroom. A favorite toy is a puzzle in which large wooden pieces can be inserted on a backboard to recreate a familiar scene. The puzzle is introduced to a child as a pile of pieces, broken and strewn around the table like the chaotic debris they witnessed at home as the waters receded. As they work with the pieces, learning the details of each, and fitting them all back together properly to reconstruct what was damaged, children experience some control over their environment. “After rebuilding that puzzle two or three times, a child becomes visibly more relaxed and cheerful,” Patty observed.
It doesn’t take an expert to recognize that these children are being enabled to cleanse their young psyches of memories, feelings, and fears that could become emotional toxins in their still developing personalities and grow into more serious mental problems down the road.
“Children come and play with us while their parents are making the rounds to apply for the services they need here at the DAC. When you help a child, you help the entire family. Mothers are able to leave their children in our care, while they handle things that require their full attention. We are a respite service as well as a play therapy service,” Patty explained.
The American Red Cross has developed an elaborate organization to provide for the physical needs of anyone seriously impacted by a disaster, and the partnership with Children’s Disaster Services enables the Red Cross to provide that necessary attention to the emotional needs of “the least of these among us.”
For more information about Children’s Disaster Services go to www.brethren.org/cds.
Source: 10/4/2013 Newsline
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