Newsline: January 10, 2014

NEWS

• Church youth groups get together to register for National Youth Conference
• Strategic pathways work continues by Brethren Benefit Trust board
• Virlina District Conference supports peace efforts of Nigerian Brethren

UPCOMING EVENTS

• Today is opening day for workcamp registration, last day to apply for Ministry Summer Service, Youth Peace Travel Team
• Church Planting Conference looks toward an intercultural future
• Living Love Feast is theme of Bethany's 2014 Forum

FEATURES

• Church of the Brethren member leads peace training in Democratic Republic of Congo
• New Year’s resolutions: A reflection for January 2014 from the Older Adult Ministry

BRETHREN BITS

• Correction, Bethany’s Nicarry Chapel suffers water damage, Haitian Brethren request prayer, 12th anniversary of first detainees at Guantanamo, Nominating Committee meets, BVS survey, resignation and job opening, and much more

Church youth groups get together to register for National Youth Conference

Photo courtesy of the NYC office

The NYC coordinators monitor registrations for National Youth Conference 2014, on the opening evening for online registration: (from left) Katie Cummings, Tim Heishman, and Sarah Neher.

By Lucas Kauffman

Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren youth and advisors were among the groups that got together Jan. 3 for a National Youth Conference (NYC) registration party. The youth at Highland Avenue Church in Elgin, Ill., decided to hold their party so that they would be among the first to register for NYC 2014.

They were just seven of more than 200 people who registered in the first two hours after online registration for NYC opened at 7 p.m. (central time) that Friday evening.

The group of Highland Avenue youth started off the party enjoying a meal of pizza, chips, cookies, cake, and drinks. After watching the YouTube video about how to register online, they split up in three different rooms, sitting at different sets of computers, and went to work.

Nathaniel Bohrer and Elliott Wittmeyer were two of the youth who registered. Bohrer is looking forward to seeing old friends while at NYC, and playing some Ultimate Frisbee. Both Bohrer and Wittmeyer are looking to take away several things from NYC. Bohrer is hoping to create new relationships, and receive a new understanding of how the church works. Wittmeyer is looking to have some fun, while also learning some history about the denomination, and listening to sermons that teach him something.

NYC coordinators hold their own registration party

While Highland Avenue youth were registering NYC coordinators Katie Cummings, Tim Heishman, and Sarah Neher were having a registration party of their own at the denomination’s General Offices. They were joined by Becky Ullom Naugle, director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries, and Sarah Ullom-Minnich, who is on the National Youth Cabinet.

After eating pizza and getting everything ready, they each logged on to a computer to watch the registrations come in. They counted down from 10 seconds, to the official registration opening time. It took five minutes for the first registration to be received. A few minor problems had to be dealt with over the phone. They left the offices a little after 9 p.m.

Photo by Lucas Kauffman  

An adult advisor looks on as one of the Highland Avenue youth uses the online registration process for NYC 2014

Heishman says he is looking forward to everything, as an NYC coordinator. “I’m looking forward to seeing all the names come in, and meeting as many people as possible during NYC. I’m excited about all of the speakers, the bands (Mutual Kumquat and Rend Collective Experiment), and especially the worship services. It will be so exciting to see everything come together this July.”

More than 400 register over the weekend

Some of the churches where youth registered for NYC on the first weekend: Wakemans Grove Church of the Brethren in Shenandoah District;  Ambler Church of the Brethren and Little Swatara Church of the Brethren in Atlantic Northeast District; McPherson and Wichita First Churches who teamed up in Western Plains District; Manchester Church of the Brethren  in South Central Indiana District; Gettysburg Church of the Brethren in Southern Pennsylvania District; Oak Grove Church of the Brethren in Virlina District; West Charleston Church of the Brethren and Cristo Nuestra Paz who teamed up in Southern Ohio District.

As of Tuesday morning, Jan. 7, 464 people had registered for NYC. That is up from 366 people in about the first four days of online registration for the last NYC in 2010.

Good reasons to go to NYC

There are several reasons why youth should sign up for NYC, according to Heishman. “NYC is a place where you can meet Christ and hear your calling as a follower of Jesus,” he said. “It is often the spiritual highlight for many youth during their high school years.”

Another reason to sign up? Heishman says that NYC will be a blast.

For more information and to register for National Youth Conference, which takes place at Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colo., on July 19-24, go to www.brethren.org/nyc.

-- Lucas Kauffman is a senior at Manchester University in N. Manchester, Ind., and a January term intern at the Church of the Brethren News Services office.

Source: 1/10/2014 Newsline

Strategic pathways work continues by Brethren Benefit Trust board

By Brian Solem

At its annual November meeting, the Board of Directors for Brethren Benefit Trust’s pension, insurance, and asset management ministries pushed forward its strategic pathway process, made small but important adjustments to its investment program, and requested further dialogue regarding BBT’s Church Workers’ Assistance Plan.

At its Nov. 22-23 meeting, which was preceded by two days of committee meetings, the board spent two afternoons led by Randy Yoder working at creating new mission and vision statements. It also affirmed BBT’s Ethos Statement and Purpose Statement (both of which can be viewed at www.brethrenbenefittrust.org/ideals ) and developed a set of five Core Values, which emerged from BBT’s previous set of values. The core values are: Act with integrity, Lead with compassion, Provide competitive services, Encourage mutual support, Model social responsibility.

In December, the Strategic Planning Committee worked with the board’s ideas and will present draft statements, as well as priorities for BBT, at a next meeting in April.

Other important events from the meetings, some of which were held at Frederick (Md.) Church of the Brethren, include:

• Upon recommendation from its investment consultant team, Marquette Associates, the board approved the move of Retirement Benefit Fund assets from its Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities Fund to a new All Asset Fund, which is currently invested through the PIMCO All Asset mutual fund. Adding this fund broadens BBT’s inflation protection options.

• Because the manager of the Domestic Stock Value Fund, Iridian Asset Management LLC, invests that fund in a primarily mid-cap style, the board agreed that the name be changed to the Domestic Stock Mid Cap Fund. The board also requested a complete review of all fund names to ensure consistency across BBT’s ministries and in reports from its vendors.

• To better serve Brethren Pension Plan members, the board approved an exploration of offering target date funds for the denomination’s retirement plan. This investment style allows an investor to choose a fund based on the number of years before retirement, and the level of risk and reward is adjusted by an investment manager based on retirement date. BBT staff will bring findings back to the board in April.

• Two new socially responsible investing (SRI) fund programs will be explored by staff. First, the board approved the exploration of a set of Tactical Funds for Brethren Foundation that would be compliant with BBT’s socially responsible investing tenets. Its current, five-fund Tactical Fund program invests in diversifying funds that BBT currently invests in mutual funds, which means they are not necessarily SRI-compliant. Second, the board recognized the need for a Balanced Fund for Brethren Pension Plan members; currently, the Balanced Fund invests in US Treasuries.

• Wayne Scott was selected by the board to be its self-appointed member starting in July 2014. He has served on the board since 2010.

• BBT’s 2014 budget was approved by the board. It reflected a 5 percent decrease over the previous year’s budget.

• The BBT board approved revisions to its Articles of Organization. These changes will be outlined and brought to Annual Conference delegates in July 2014.

• The Investment Committee reviewed two of BBT’s investment managers--Segall Bryant and Hamill, which oversees BBT’s Large Cap Growth portfolio; and Kayne Anderson Rudnick, which oversees the agency’s Small Cap portfolio. Both firms were signed on for additional three-year terms.

• The Investment Committee approved an update to the benchmark for the Bank Loans Fund, which may be utilized by the Retirement Benefits Fund and Brethren Foundation clients. It now tracks alongside the S&P/LSTA US Leveraged Loan 100 Index, which is a more cost-effective benchmark for the fund.

-- Brian Solem is publications coordinator for Brethren Benefit Trust.

Source: 1/10/2014 Newsline

Virlina District Conference supports peace efforts of Nigerian Brethren

By Emma Jean Woodard

Virlina District has had individuals connected with ministry in Nigeria and has given support and prayers for the Nigerian Brethren for a long time. Because of the violence, destruction, and deaths that have taken place in Nigeria, the District Peace Affairs Committee decided to emphasize the peace efforts of Nigerian Brethren at the Sept. 2012 Virlina District Peace Sunday Service.

At that service, a portion of the DVD “Sowing Seeds of Peace” was shown, and postcards were distributed to participants to write words of support and encouragement for our Nigerian sisters and brothers. Those written postcards were given as the offering during that service.

Following that service, the Program and Arrangements Committee for district conference chose to continue the Nigerian support emphasis at the 2012 Virlina District Conference. A portion of the DVD was shown at conference as well, and blank cards on which persons could write a message were distributed. Delegates were encouraged to ask their congregations to write cards. Cards were collected and mailed to Jay Wittmeyer at the denomination’s Global Mission and Service office in January 2013, for him to deliver on his next trip to Nigeria.

As the Program and Arrangements Committee planned for the 2013 District Conference, they decided to continue the district’s support for Nigeria in a different way. The committee decided that the offerings taken during the two worship services at the district conference--which usually go to ministry projects in the district--would go to the EYN Compassion Fund of Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria (EYN--the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria).

District conference in 2013 was held at Greene Memorial United Methodist Church in downtown Roanoke, Va., on Nov. 8 and 9. That congregation truly hosted the district with multiple meetings in preparation for the conference, a reduced building usage fee, and 30 volunteers throughout the two-day event.

The conference officers approved a suggestion to give the offering taken during the business session to the EYN Compassion Fund in appreciation and recognition of the Greene Memorial congregation and volunteers. This action was enthusiastically supported by conference participants. That offering was our largest ever, and the total of the three offerings and other donations came to $5,195.92.

The conference theme was “Come Near to God and He Will Come Near to You” from James 4:7-8a. Because God is ever near, the offering was Virlina District’s opportunity to share love and support to those who live and serve in dangerous and difficult circumstances for their faith.

-- Emma Jean Woodard is associate executive minister of Virlina District.

Source: 1/10/2014 Newsline

Today is opening day for workcamp registration, last day to apply for Ministry Summer Service, Youth Peace Travel Team

Today, Friday, Jan. 10, is a key date for Church of the Brethren youth and young adults who are interesting in participating in summer workcamps, or applying to the Ministry Summer Service program or the Youth Peace Travel Team. Online registration for the summer 2014 workcamps open today at www.brethren.org/workcamps. Today also is the last day for applications for Ministry Summer Service ( www.brethren.org/yya/mss ) and the Youth Peace Travel Team ( www.brethren.org/yya/peaceteam.html ).

Workcamp registration opens this evening

The Church of the Brethren Workcamp Ministry will open online registration for its 2014 workcamp season tonight at 7 p.m. (central time). While studying the theme, “Teach with Your Life,” based on 1 Timothy 4:11-16, the workcamp ministry will offer eight junior high workcamps this summer, as well as one intergenerational workcamp, one young adult workcamp, and two workcamps for Brethren Revival Fellowship (BRF) participants.

Two important details for registration this year include a requirement for junior high participants to have a parental permission form filled out ahead of time, as well as an increased deposit amount of $150 for all workcamps.

Anyone interested in registering can find more information about the schedule and descriptions of the workcamps at www.brethren.org/workcamps.

Applications for MSS, YPTT are due today

Today is the deadline to apply for Ministry Summer Service and the Youth Peace Travel Team for the summer of 2014.

Ministry Summer Service (MSS) is a leadership development program for college students in the Church of the Brethren who spend 10 weeks of the summer working in the church (congregation, district, camp, or denominational program). Interns spend one week at an orientation followed by nine weeks working in a church setting. Interns receive a $2,500 tuition grant, food and housing for 10 weeks, $100 per month spending money, transportation from orientation to placement, transportation from placement to home. Churches are expected to provide an atmosphere for learning, reflection, and development of leadership skills; a setting for an intern to engage in ministry and service for 10 weeks; a stipend of $100 a month, plus room and board, transportation on the job, and travel from orientation to placement site; a structure for planning, developing, and implementing projects in a variety of areas; financial resources and time for the pastor/mentor to attend two days of orientation. The 2014 orientation is May 30-June 4. More information and application forms are at www.brethren.org/yya/mss.

The Youth Peace Travel Team (YPTT) is a group of Brethren young adults age 18-23 who spend the summer traveling to Church of the Brethren camps to engage and teach youth about issues of peace and justice while living and learning with campers. The primary goal of the team's work is to talk with other young people about the Christian message and the Brethren tradition of peacemaking. The Youth Peace Travel Team is a joint project of the Church of the Brethren’s Youth and Young Adult Ministry, Brethren Volunteer Service, On Earth Peace, and the Outdoor Ministries Association. More information and application forms are at www.brethren.org/yya/peaceteam.html.

Source: 1/10/2014 Newsline

Church Planting Conference looks toward an intercultural future

The Church Planting Conference to be held May 15-17, sponsored by the Church of the Brethren through the office of Congregational Life Ministries and the New Church Development Advisory Committee. and hosted at Bethany Theological Seminary in Richmond, Ind., will be forward-looking with the theme, “Plant Generously, Reap Bountifully--Toward an Intercultural Future.”

Registration is now open at www.brethren.org/churchplanting/events.html and continues through March 17 at an “early bird” rate of $179. The registration fee increases to $229 after March 17. Student registration is offered at the rate of $129. A rate of $149 applies to first-time registrants, good through the early registration period (March 17).

Rooted in worship and prayer, providing practical training

“This vibrant gathering focused on church planting is rooted in worship and prayer while providing practical training, nurturing conversation, and stimulating idea-sharing,” said an invitation from Jonathan Shively, executive director of Congregational Life Ministries. “The entire conference will work toward an intercultural future, including a unique track offered in Spanish.”

Keynote leaders for the event include Efrem Smith, president and CEO of World Impact, an urban missions organization committed to the empowerment of the urban poor through the facilitation of church planting movements and leadership development; and Alejandro Mandes, director of Hispanic Ministries for the Evangelical Free Church of America, who has a special commitment to love, train, and send immigrant leaders.

The preaching for the opening worship service will be Nancy Sollenberger Heishman, moderator of the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference.

Workshop proposals are being received

Organizers also are seeking workshop proposals from those who have experience and expertise to share with church planters. Workshops at the event will enhance the church planting movement, cultivate skills for new church development, and inspire missional leadership. Workshops will be provided by the keynote presenters and other leaders, and will include a series for Spanish speaking leaders, and for planting practitioners.

Those whose workshop proposals are accepted will receive an additional registration discount. Those who submit a workshop proposal should plan on registering for the conference after hearing whether their proposal has been accepted.

Information and guidelines for workshop proposals can be found at www.brethren.org/churchplanting/proposals.html.

For more information go to www.brethren.org/churchplanting/events.html or contact churchplanting@brethren.org.

Source: 1/10/2014 Newsline

Living Love Feast is theme of Bethany's 2014 Forum

By Jenny Williams

Bethany Seminary’s sixth Presidential Forum will delve into the biblical, practical, and experiential nature and meaning of a deeply valued expression of faith among the Brethren: the Love Feast. Held April 4-5 at the Bethany campus in Richmond, Ind., this event will feature leadership from well-known speakers and scholars along with sisters and brothers in the Brethren faith tradition.

Registration opens Jan. 15 on the Bethany website. A lower rate is being offered until Feb. 15, and high school, college, and graduate students can attend at no cost.

Speaker and activist Shane Claiborne will be the opening presenter on Friday evening with an address entitled “Another Way of Doing Life,” inviting listeners to re-imagine what it means to be the body of Christ alive in the world. Creation care, peacemaking, and racial reconciliation are ways to help us see the gospel not just as a way of believing but of living. Claiborne is a leader of the Simple Way, a faith community that has helped birth and connect radical faith communities worldwide. He writes and travels extensively, speaking about peacemaking, social, justice, and Jesus--from universities to national and international media.

Two plenary speakers will offer perspectives on the Love Feast from the biblical story and the place of ritual in faith expression. Drawing on the text of John 13, Ruth Anne Reese will present “Betrayal at Supper: Demonstrating Love in the Midst of Danger.” Focusing on Jesus’ demonstration of service and his commandment to love one another, she also will reflect on life together in the church today, Reese is the Beeson Chair of Biblical Studies and professor of New Testament at Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmington, Ky. Specializing in the General Epistles, she has written several books and currently serves on the board of the Institute for Biblical Research.

Janet R. Walton, professor of worship at Union Theological Seminary in New York City, will bring expertise in religious ritual traditions to her address, “Ritual Meals, Now.” Through questions about the boundaries of ritual meals--who may eat, what we eat, how we eat--she will explore how such meals can embody and challenge ways of living faith and living love. Walton’s work in the area of ritual has a particular focus on artistic dimensions, feminist perspectives, and commitments to justice, reflected in several books she has coedited. The past president of the North American Academy of Liturgy, she was named a Henry Luce Fellow in Theology and the Arts in 1998 and is a recipient of the AAR Excellence in Teaching Award.

From Ted and Company in Harrisonburg, Va., the actor, playwright, and theologian Ted Swartz will enter into the biblical stories of Jesus and his disciples in the play “Fish Eyes.” Through scenes from the four Gospels, the disciple Peter embarks on a journey through miracles, questions, and a growing faith, leading to the message of the Upper Room. Many will recognize Swartz and his work at the intersection of humor and biblical story--often offering a greater understanding of the text. “Fish Eyes” is one of 14 plays Swartz has written or cowritten, along with the book “Laughter Is Sacred Space.”

Five breakout sessions will guide participants in new ways of experiencing and thinking about Love Feast:

“Living Love Feast: From Reenactment to Formative Worship” with Paul Stutzman, associate pastor of Clover Creek Church of the Brethren

“A Poetic Love Feast” with Karen Garrett, managing editor of “Brethren Life and Thought” and coordinator of assessment at Bethany Seminary

“African Sahilian Love Feasts and Communion: From Nigeria to Sudan” with Roger Schrock, pastor of Cabool Church of the Brethren

“Bringing Children to Christ’s Table” with Linda Waldron, children’s ministry at Happy Corner Church of the Brethren

“Love Feast: Tradition and Innovation” with panelists Audrey DeCoursey, pastor of Living Stream Church of the Brethren; Janet Elsea, interim pastor of Pleasant Hill Church of the Brethren; Alexandre Gonçalves, pastor and consultant in child violence prevention and Bethany MDiv student (Campinas, Sao Paulo, Brazil); Matthew McKimmy, pastor of Richmond Church of the Brethren; Curt Wagoner, pastor in West Alexandria, Ohio; and facilitator Bekah Houff, coordinator of outreach programs at Bethany

The fourth Pre-Forum Gathering will be held in conjunction with the forum, beginning Thursday evening, April 3, and continuing through Friday afternoon. The Alumni/ae Coordinating Council, sponsors of the event, will be leading participants through worship and a Love Feast on Thursday evening. As in the past, Bethany faculty will present four lectures on Friday, focusing this year on the place and nature of ritual and tradition in religious life:

“By Water and Oil: Baptism and Anointing in Brethren Tradition” presented by Denise Kettering-Lane, assistant professor of Brethren studies

“‘Do This’: Living the Tradition with New People and Young People” presented by Russell Haitch, professor of practical theology

"More Than Lighting Candles: Ritual Action, Worship, and Theology" presented by Malinda Berry, assistant professor of theological studies and director of the MA program

“Just Like the First Disciples” presented by Jeff Carter, president

The Presidential Forums were inaugurated in 2008. By exploring topics that thoughtfully address issues of faith and ethics, the forums strive to build community among those at Bethany, the wider church, and the public, and to provide visionary leadership for re-imagining the role of seminaries in public discourse. In fall 2010, Bethany received a generous grant from the Arthur Vining Davis Foundations to endow the forums.

All main forum sessions and the pre-forum lectures will be webcast live. Continuing education units are available for both events. For details and to register beginning Jan. 15, visit www.bethanyseminary.edu/forum2014. For additional information, contact forum@bethanyseminary.edu or 800-287-8822.

-- Jenny Williams is director of Communications and Alumni/ae Relations at Bethany Theological Seminary.

Source: 1/10/2014 Newsline

Church of the Brethren member leads peace training in Democratic Republic of Congo

Photo courtesy of Lubungo Ron, Congo Brethren

Cliff Kindy leads peace training for the Congo Brethren in the DRC

By Lucas Kauffman

Church of the Brethren member Cliff Kindy, who also has worked with Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT), visited Brethren in the Democratic Republic of Congo from Dec. 14-23. This was not Kindy’s first visit to the Congo, where he has traveled with CPT. During the CPT trip he had been “impressed with the way individuals and peace and justice groups were re-taking the initiative from the actors of violence, when that meant risking their lives daily.”

This trip was made at the request of pastor Ron Lubungo and the Brethren in the DRC. Jay Wittmeyer, executive director of Global Mission and Service for the Church of the Brethren,  expanded the work of this visit and helped provide funding, Kindy said.

Kindy accomplished two major tasks, leading a nonviolent peacemaking training for a mostly Brethren group, and helping to build relationships with the Brethren in the DRC. “The training was a major three-day focus of my nine days,” said Kindy. “It was a group of 24 people from 5 different denominations and 5 ethnic groups. I was impressed with the depth of their engagement with the themes and activities throughout the training. Their lives are surrounded with violence, which is the reason they are searching for tools to deal with that influence in their lives.”

The trip also included being part of worship with three Brethren congregations. “Pastor Lubungo asked me to preach at one of those,” Kindy said “One evening, eight church leaders spend several hours asking questions about the Church of the Brethren in the United States and sharing some of the issues facing their church.”

“I also had the opportunity to meet with Twa [pygmy] groups displaced by attacks in their forest homelands,” Kindy added. “The DRC Brethren have been doing agricultural, peace, and development work with the Twa.”

Kindy was able to see and experience a lot of different things during his travel. “The setting in a highland breadbasket, surrounded by mountain chains to the east and west of the lake, adds a rugged quality to the folks who populate this region,” he commented.  “The wisdom and experience of peace builders who have returned from safety in a Tanzanian refugee camp to respond to a call to be peacemakers in their violence-plagued home communities adds a special daring richness to already beautiful Christians.”

Kindy did run into a little bit of trouble while in the Congo. “An armed group stopped our vehicle at a checkpoint,” he reported. He also saw armed people on the streets and roads, “like the Mai Mai nationalist fighters I rode by on a motorbike one afternoon,” he said. “The six million deaths in the DRC over the last two decades make it clear that my experience of comparable safety is not the only way things happen when one meets any of the dozens of different armed groups that plague the South Kivu province.”

Photo courtesy of Lubungo Ron, Congro Brethren

A gathering of Twa people during Cliff Kindy's visit to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, in December 2013

A new Brethren group

In the DRC, there are eight Brethren  congregations, with about 100 members each, and each has its own pastor. “They hope that biblical and theological training for pastors might be part of a deepening relationship with the Church of the Brethren in the United States, and connections with the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria, Haiti, and India,” said Kindy.

Children and youth were primary features in the worship services he attended. “The Brethren in Ngovi had three choirs and the children too young to join the choirs often mouthed the words and copied the motions of older siblings who sang or played drums and guitar.”

Kindy visited a Brethren congregation in Makabola that was the site of a 1,800-person massacre in the village in 1998. “The trauma from that disaster is similar to what underlies any relationships in the DRC,” he said. “Additional trauma workshops and processes for healing that are ongoing can be similar to what the United States veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan need for healing from their psychological war wounds.”

Life can be hard for Christian sisters and brothers in the Congo. “Their country is at the bottom of the scale in average yearly income,” Kindy noted. “One day I had lunch at 2 p.m. and the next meal the following day at 4 p.m. I suspect that may not be unusual. As the guest, I slept in a bed with mosquito net, small table, chair, and battery operated lamp in my own room at the Brethren Center in Ngovi. The others with me were on the floor without the other accoutrements. When we traveled on the road outside the city of Uvira, the average speed was about 20 miles per hour unless we had a straightaway without potholes, rocks, and lakes to dodge where we might race up to 30 miles per hour for 40 feet. Kinshasa, the capital, is on the far west side of the DRC, so few infrastructure works get shared with the east, even though many of the mineral lodes of this very resource-rich country are in the east.”

Hopes for nonviolent peacemaking

Kindy hopes that the three regional groups that formed quickly out of the nonviolence training will engage quickly in peace building efforts. “This group has the potential to far surpass what CPT itself has done over the last 26 years,” he said, “because their lives are at stake in the effort to replace violence with nonviolent peacemaking in home, community, and country. They have close connections with neighboring countries and this spirit could spread rapidly.

“With the DRC Brethren, I feel the depth and energy of the Spirit in the worship and vision of members and leaders,” he said. “The youthfulness and investment of self reminds me of what I have seen in the Haitian Church of the Brethren, the Brethren in Brazil, and during the take-off times of the Church of the Brethren in Puerto Rico.

“The focus of the DRC Brethren on peacemaking is an essential aspect of Christian discipleship in our world today,” he added. “Maybe that focus can be re-seeded with a new hybrid vigor among those of us in the United States.”

A participant in the nonviolence training shared frankly at the end of the three days: “Cliff, the DRC does not manufacture or sell guns. Your country is the world’s largest arms supplier. Your corporations maintain active fighting groups to access our mineral wealth for your benefit. We bear the brunt of that economic injustice and deadly violence. The work of peacemaking needs to be done in your country.”

“Yes,” Kindy responded. “If Jesus’ prayer is to have meaning in our world, Christians in the United States need to be even more serious about the demands of discipleship than our sisters and brothers in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.”

-- Lucas Kauffman pulled together this article through an interview with Cliff Kindy, and reports Kindy wrote about his trip. Kauffman is a senior at Manchester University in N. Manchester, Ind., and a January term intern with the Church of the Brethren News Services.

Source: 1/10/2014 Newsline

New Year’s resolutions: A reflection for January 2014 from the Older Adult Ministry

“Change the former way of life that was part of the person you once were, corrupted by deceitful desires. Instead, renew the thinking in your mind by the Spirit and clothe yourself with the new person created according to God’s image in justice and true holiness” (Ephesians 4:22-24 CEB).

As 2013 came to a close, articles about resolving to make life changes popped up in newspapers and magazines and on TV and Facebook. Everywhere, people were pledging to either give up bad habits or adopt new, healthier ones as the new year rolled in.

Recently, my husband and I were blessed to attend a year-end communion service with his 97 year-old mother at her retirement community. The deacon serving communion reflected that it may be easier to stop a negative behavior than to take on a new, positive one. I don't know if that is true, but it does seem like change, any change, is hard for people, which may be why various studies show that New Year's resolutions are more often broken than they are kept.

That's not to say that we shouldn't think about ways we might improve how we live our lives. But perhaps we should do that on a regular basis rather than try to change everything in one fell swoop.

As to whether we should focus on what we should be doing or what we shouldn't, maybe it’s not a question of "either/or" but rather a matter of "both/and." After all, Scripture provides guidance on both: "Blessed are those who..." (Mt 5:3-11) and "Thou shall not..." (Ex 20:1-17).

Perhaps we would do well to read and reflect on these passages now and throughout 2014 as we seek to live out our lives in the footsteps of Jesus.

Prayer: Renewing God, we are thankful for all the promise that a new year holds. We ask that you be with us as we study your Word and strive to live according to the example of the One whose birth and life we celebrate and seek to emulate, Jesus the Christ. Amen

To ponder and discuss:

1. As you begin the new year, read and reflect on the words of the hymn, "This is a day of new beginnings" (#640 in Hymnal: A Worship Book, Brethren Press, 1992).
   
2. Is it easier for you to stop a bad habit or begin a new, positive behavior?
   
3. As you reflect on your life, what do you want to change? How might you go about making those life changes a reality?

Suggested reading:

Moment to Moment: The Transformative Power of Everyday Life by Amy Sander Montanez. Morehouse Publishing, 2013.

A Season of Mystery: 10 Spiritual Practices for Embracing a Happier Second Half of Life by Paula Huston. Loyola Press, 2012.

The Older Adult Ministry envisions a church that intentionally affirms the gift of aging, and older adults, in its life and in service to the world. Our mission is to call forth ministries by, for, and with older adults throughout the Church of the Brethren.

-- Kim Ebersole is director of Family Life and Older Adult Ministries for the Church of the Brethren. Contact her at  kebersole@brethren.org or 800-323-8039 ext. 305. For more go to www.brethren.org/OAM.

Source: 1/10/2014 Newsline

Brethren bits

Photo by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford

The Nominating Committee of Standing Committee of Annual Conference met at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill. Members are: Kathryn Bausman, chair, Twin Falls, Idaho; Ken Frantz, Fleming, Colo.; Joel Kline, Elgin, Ill.; Kathy Mack, Rochester, Minn.; Roy McVey, Collinsville, Va.; J. Roger Schrock, Mountain Grove, Mo.; John Shelly, Chambersburg, Pa.; Jim Beckwith, Annual Conference secretary, Lebanon, Pa.; and John Moyers, Maysville, W.Va., who participated by conference call. The committee’s task is to help discern leadership for the denomination in the coming year.

• Correction: Last week’s Newsline gave an incorrect location for the newspaper that interviewed Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS) worker Michael Himlie. Himlie was interviewed by the “News-Record” of Harmony, Minn.

• Bethany Seminary’s Nicarry Chapel suffered water damage this week after two fire system sprinkler heads in the seminary in Richmond, Ind., broke in extreme subzero temperatures. In an e-mail to the seminary community dated Jan. 8, president Jeff Carter wrote that “a sprinkler head associated with the fire system broke due to freezing temperatures and showered the rear entrance area with water.... A second pipe feeding a sprinkler head in the Nicarry Chapel burst. The chapel floor was covered with water and a number of chairs, hymnals, and other worship resources were soaked.” Water damage was severe enough to destroy the chapel floor, which is being removed and a new floor will be installed. “Albeit a challenging situation, this community did what friends do,” Carter wrote. “We pitched in where we could, we encouraged when we had the chance, and we did not despair, but spoke of next steps. I am grateful for those service professionals who came to our aid, for talented and caring staff, faculty, and students, for our friends at Earlham, and for a community that cares deeply about this seminary.”

• Haitian Brethren are requesting prayer for the families of two members of Eglise des Freres Haitiens (the Church of the Brethren in Haiti) who died in a boat accident. On Nov. 18, a sailboat left Haiti with about 100 Haitians on board, headed to the Bahamas in search of a better life. On Nov. 24 the boat capsized and only 32 of the 100-plus people were rescued. Among about 15 people from the Aux Plaines community who perished were Ronel Leon and Franky Gustave, two upstanding members of Aux Plaines Church of the Brethren in La Tortue, Haiti. “The unfortunate conditions in Haiti often drive people to risk their lives in the pursuit of a ‘better life,’” wrote Rose Cadet, who sent the information about the tragedy to Global Mission and Service staff.

• On the weekend that marks the 12th anniversary of the arrival of the first detainees at the Guantanamo Bay Detention Center, the Office of Public Witness invites Brethren to join in prayer for an end to torture. Tomorrow, Saturday, Jan. 11, the Office of Public Witness is co-sponsoring a rally in Washington, D.C., with the National Religious Campaign Against Torture, to mark this grim anniversary and to call on President Obama to keep his promise to close the Guantanamo Bay Detention Center. “The Office of Public Witness invites you to participate in spirit by joining in a nationwide Prayer Circle to Close Guantanamo that is a part of this weekend’s activities,” said an invitation. More information about the prayer circle and how to get involved is in the latest Action Alert from the Office of Public Witness. Find the Action Alert at www.brethren.org/guantanamo.

• “BVS needs your help!” says an invitation to complete a survey about Brethren Volunteer Service. People who are serving in BVS, people who have been BVS volunteers in the past, church members, and other interested people are asked to help provide feedback to the program. The input will help BVS determine areas of focus and growth for the future. Find the survey at www.brethren.org/bvs.

• Sarah Long has announced her resignation as financial secretary for Shenandoah District and center coordinator of the district's Christian Growth Institute, effective March 1. The district newsletter reports that she will be moving to the Roanoke, Va., area as administrator with the church renewal service, E3.

• Camp Peaceful Pines is seeking to fill the position of camp superintendent(s) for the 2014 season and beyond. Camp Peaceful Pines is an independent charitable non-profit corporation affiliated with the Pacific Southwest District of the Church of the Brethren. It is located in the Sierra Nevada mountains of California in the Stanislaus National Forest on Sonora Pass. Staff members are primarily experienced and dedicated volunteers who love people, creation, and God. The board and program committee endeavor to recruit persons of mature Christian faith and leadership skills to direct each camp. The camp superintendent position supports daily operational needs from June 1 to Sept. 1. Compensation is based on a daily rate established by the camp board and includes food and housing provided. The camp superintendent is responsible for day-to-day operation of the camp, camp maintenance, and the greeting and coordination of camps with camp directors. This position reports to the camp board chair and provides reports to the camp board. To apply, submit an application with a resume and three references by March 1 to Garry W. Pearson, Board Chair, 2932 Prado Lane, Davis, Ca 95618; or submit electronically to garrypearson@sbcglobal.net; phone 530-758-0474. The search team will select viable candidates for interviews during March. Camp Peaceful Pines is an Affirmative Action facility: acceptance and participation apply without regard to race, color, creed, national origin, or disability. For more information about the camp go to www.camppeacefulpines.org.

• Lebanon Church of the Brethren in Mt. Sidney, Va., dedicates its new organ with a concert at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 19. The Shenandoah District newsletter reports that the organ was purchased through the generosity of a bequest from a life-long member of the congregation.

• Northern Plains District is planning several “cluster gatherings” over the next few months. There will be a gathering in each of the five geographical clusters of the district. “The purpose is to provide encouragement to one another and build cooperative and supportive relationships between sister congregations,” according to the district newsletter. The “Central Iowa Cluster” of congregations is holding a pulpit exchange on Sunday, Feb. 16, centered on passages from 1 Corinthians 3:1-9 (“You are God’s field”) or 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a (“One body with many members”), or the 2014 District Conference theme (“God Is in the Details”). The district newsletter reports that the concept of a pulpit exchange is based on part of Northern Plains’ Vision and Mission statement: “We will call our pastors and congregations to work together toward a shared ministry.”

• Also from Northern Plains, the district newsletter reports that a new blog from the Iowa Peace Network is being managed by Ivester Church of the Brethren member Jon Overton. Find the blog at http://iowapeacenetwork.blogspot.com.

• Workshop opportunities for church leaders to develop relationship and listening skills are hosted by McPherson (Kan.) College, as part of the new Ventures in Christian Discipleship series. A workshop on Jan. 25, "Building Healthy Relationships: Tools for Harmony within Diversity," will offer tools for building harmonious relationships in the church community. A workshop on Jan. 26, "Deep Compassionate Listening," will help develop skills for more caring interpersonal communication. The workshops are held at the college with Barbara Daté as facilitator. Cost is $50 for the Jan. 25 workshop and $25 for the Jan. 26 workshop. To enroll, contact crains@McPherson.edu.

• Elizabethtown (Pa.) College is planning special events honoring the civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. Begun in 2005, the annual week-long celebration is sponsored by the college's Office of Diversity, said a release. The week kicks off Jan. 20 with a 10:30 a.m. opportunity to view the 50th Anniversary March on Washington at the Blue Bean Café on campus. At 2 p.m. that afternoon will be a presentation titled "Six Voices Celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. in Sixty Minutes" in the High Library. The day rounds out with a 6:15 p.m. candlelight march from the Brossman Commons to the Leffler Chapel and Performance Center where at 7 p.m. an MLK Gospel Extravaganza and Awards event will feature choirs, musicians, soloist, and dancers giving a special evening of culture and music. For a full list of events go to www.etown.edu/offices/diversity/mlk.aspx. All events sponsored by the Martin Luther King Jr. Planning Committee are free. For more information contact Diane Elliott at elliottd@etown.edu or 717-361-1198.

• Daniel Ellsberg will speak at Juniata College in Huntingdon, Pa., on Jan. 30, at 7:30 p.m., on the topic “Surveillance and Secrecy.” Ellsberg is former strategic analyst for the RAND Corporation and the central figure in the 1971 publication of a study on “Decision-making in Vietnam 1945-1968” that later became widely known as “The Pentagon Papers.” A release from the college notes that in preparation for the lecture, on Jan. 23 at 7:30 p.m. Juniata will screen “The Most Dangerous Man in America: Daniel Ellsberg and the Pentagon Papers.” The film will be shown in the Neff Lecture Hall in the von Liebig Center for Science. The lecture by Ellsberg takes place in Rosenberger Auditorium in the Halbritter Center for the Performing Arts. Both the film and the lecture are free and open to the public.

• The Valley Brethren-Mennonite Heritage Center in Harrisonburg, Va., holds its annual meeting and dinner at 6:30 p.m. on  Feb. 7, at Harrisonburg Mennonite Church. The program will highlight 2013 accomplishments and plans for 2014, and the work of artisans and interpreters involved in the field trips offered to elementary school students. Seating is limited, make reservations by Feb. 1. Contact 540-438-1275 or info@vbmhc.org.

• The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity is traditionally celebrated between Jan. 18-25 (in the northern hemisphere) or at Pentecost (in the southern hemisphere), by congregations all over the world. Resources for the week are provided through the World Council of Churches, and this year focus on the theme and a question: "Has Christ been divided?" (1 Corinthians 1:1-17). Each year Christians from a different region of the world help prepare the resources, and this year initial work on the theme was prepared by a group of representatives from Canada. Go to www.oikoumene.org/en/resources/week-of-prayer/week-of-prayer.

• Christian Peacemaker Teams has announced “a bold new step for CPT in Europe,” in a recent release. The organization, which had its start in the Historic Peace Churches including the Church of the Brethren, is beginning exploration of new work with refugees and migrants in Europe. “The systematic closure and militarization of Europe's borders with its neighbors in recent years contrast sharply with the European Union's rhetoric of democracy and universal human rights,” said a release. “Thousands of refugees have died along EU borders in recent years. Miles of barbed wire and military-style border controls are forcing migrants to take the most dangerous routes--crossing the Mediterranean Sea or the narrow straits between Greece and Turkey. Those who make it face racism, violence, institutional incompetence, and frequently confinement or deportation.” CPT in Europe, which has a strong partnership with the German Mennonite Peace Committee, is planning an initial exploratory delegation to the Greek-Turkey border to meet with refugees, civil society organizations and activists, build relationships, and develop an understanding of the situation, the release said. The delegation will take place in April. For more go to www.cpt.org.

Source: 1/10/2014 Newsline

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 Jeff Boshart, Roselanne Cadet, Jeff Carter, Elizabeth Harvey, Jon Kobel, Garry Pearson, Jonathan Shively, Emily Tyler, Becky Ullom Naugle, John Wall, and editor Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of News Services for the Church of the Brethren.

Newsline: January 3, 2014

NEWS

• Annual Conference moderator shares New Year’s greetings with the church
• Church of the Brethren aids refugees in South Sudan, some mission staff leave the country

UPCOMING EVENTS

• Online registration for National Youth Conference begins this evening

FEATURE

• Press Conference with King Herod: A contemporary reflection on the murder of the Bethlehem children

BRETHREN BITS

• Remembering BCA’s Allen Deeter, Church of the Brethren and BBT personnel, Timbercrest chaplain to retire, Brethren Mission Fund committee change and grant to EYN, “Keeping Our Children Safe” in Virlina, Camp Harmony celebrates its 90th, and more.

Annual Conference moderator shares New Year’s greetings with the church

Photo by Glenn Riegel
Nancy Heishman
preaching at Annual
Conference 2009

Nancy Sollenberger Heishman, moderator of the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference, is sharing greetings with the denomination and its members in this New Year 2014. The following letter offering encouragement for a life of Christian discipleship is being sent to congregational delegates by mail. For more information about Annual Conference go to www.brethren.org/ac.

January 1, 2014

Dear Sisters and Brothers of the Church of the Brethren,

Greetings in the name of Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace and the One who is God-with-us! As I write this letter we stand at the threshold of a new year, full of bright promise and possibility. I take this opportunity to write, desiring primarily to encourage you in your life of Christian discipleship and also to offer resources that may be of use as we journey together.

At the close of last year’s Annual Conference I challenged everyone to give special emphasis to the study of Philippians with the hope that it would be a rich and rewarding experience of gathering throughout the year in small groups, finding renewal in our life together. The stories I have heard so far are quite encouraging. As we are studying in small groups, learning the Word by heart, and helping one another to discern God’s call, truly we are “straining on toward what lies ahead, pressing on toward the goal for the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus.”

When our family lived in Santo Domingo, in the Dominican Republic, we became friends with a Dutch missionary family who lived across the street. Kina and Max led their six children in a tradition of discerning their “life verse” for each New Year. At the close of the year, each child was encouraged to pray and discern what verse might serve as a focus for the coming year. What verse would summarize how they sensed God calling them at this time in their life and throughout the year ahead?

That practice has inspired me over the years to ponder just what verse might sum up God’s call in my life of discipleship at each stage. If I were to choose a verse for this coming year it would be Philippians 2:5, “Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus.” In pondering the context of this verse, I hear the call to allow the Spirit of Christ within me to transform my attitude, thoughts, and actions to be more Christ-like each day. Further, I wonder how the life of our congregations, boards, committees, and church staff might be transformed by the example of Christ’s servant attitude?

In a recent interview, British theologian and writer N.T Wright commented that the way we get to know who we are and where we’re called is through soaking ourselves in the scripture much more than we ever imagined we had to, soaking ourselves in prayer, participating in the ordinances of the church, and listening intently to the cries of those in pain and poverty around us. Somehow, says Wright, Jesus will come afresh to us and through us in ways we cannot imagine or predict, let alone control.

During this New Year, I encourage all of us to deepen our practices of soaking ourselves in the scripture, in prayer, in the ordinances, and in hearing the cries of the poor. Let us reach out to one another through these practices, strengthening our life of Christian community. Let us deepen our personal practices of moments spent in communion with Christ. Let us open ourselves more completely to the communities right around us. Jesus tells us in Matthew 25 that it is in caring for “the least of these” that we actually meet Jesus without realizing we are doing so, suggests Wright.

As you respond to opportunities to deepen the spiritual practices that lead you both to Christ and toward others, you might consider the following resources:

• Participate in the Church of the Brethren “Vital Ministry Journey” in small groups ( www.brethren.org/congregationallife/vmj );

• Follow a “read-through-the-Bible” resource this year;

• Use a resource such as “Take our Moments and Our Days: An Anabaptist Prayer Book” volumes 1 and 2, for both personal and small group practices of morning and evening prayer;

• Explore www.yearofthebiblenetwork.org and the many resources included for personal and congregational exploration of the scriptures;

• Take the journey through the Twelve Scriptures Project, developed by Mennonite Church USA leadership to deepen the practice of Christian formation ( www.mennoniteusa.org );

• Consider forming a prayer partnership (dyad or triad) to encourage and stimulate one another in discipleship and service.

As we prepare to gather for the Annual Conference in Columbus, Ohio, from July 2-6, may these next six months draw us both closer to Christ and closer to one another. May our continued study of the book of Philippians inspire courage that is expressed in our deeds and words. May we share the good news of Jesus in fresh, new ways this year. And may we continue to abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

As Paul writes in Romans 15:4, “Whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, so that by steadfastness and by the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope.”

“May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another, in accordance with Christ Jesus, so that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 14:5-6).

Nancy Sollenberger Heishman
Annual Conference Moderator

Source: 1/3/2014 Newsline

Church of the Brethren aids refugees in South Sudan, some mission staff leave the country

“We’re actively purchasing supplies for distribution to refugees” in South Sudan, reports Jay Wittmeyer, executive director of Global Mission and Service for the Church of the Brethren. One of three Brethren mission workers remains in South Sudan, while two have left the country, after violence broke out shortly before Christmas. The violence is linked to a coup attempt by a recently deposed vice president, and fears of the exacerbation of ethnic tensions in the nation.

Also, a number of South Sudanese church leaders have written public letters about the situation in South Sudan (see below).

Brethren purchase and distribute aid

Athanasus Ungang

Brethren mission worker Athanasus Ungang remains in Torit, a city that so far has not seen violence but has seen an influx of refugees from areas affected by violence. Ungang has been working in Torit to develop a peace center for the Church of the Brethren, and has been doing school construction and pastoring an English service with the Africa Inland Church.

Refugees are pouring into the Torit area from the city of Bor, where there is ongoing fighting, says Wittmeyer. The Global Mission and Service office has allocated $5,000 for immediate relief for 300 refugee families who have taken up shelter in an area near the Brethren peace center compound. The funds will help supply the refugees with basic relief goods including water, cooking supplies, and mosquito nets. Ungang is working with partner organization the Africa Inland Church to purchase and distribute relief goods.

Two other Brethren program staff who have been in South Sudan through Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS) are Jillian Foerster and Jocelyn Snyder. Foerster completed her assignment and returned home before Christmas. Snyder has left South Sudan to take a few week’s holiday leave in Zambia. She plans to return to her work in the Torit area, Wittmeyer reports.

He adds that currently communications with South Sudan are difficult, but he hopes to be able to provide updates from Ungang’s work with refugees in Torit. For more about the Brethren mission in South Sudan see www.brethren.org/partners/sudan.

Letters from South Sudanese church leaders

South Sudanese church leaders have written public letters condemning the violence. Global Mission and Service staff received a letter dated Dec. 23, from South Sudanese bishops and church leaders writing from Nairobi, Kenya. The letter calls for an end to the killing of civilians and for peace between the warring political leaders. “We are condemning senseless killing of civilians and call upon the President of South Sudan H.E General Salva Kiir Mayardit and the former Vice President Dr. Riek Machar to stop fighting and come for dialogue and peaceful negotiation than the use of gun,” the letter says, in part. “We urge you to put the lives of the people first and political differences should be addressed later in love and harmony.” The letter asks the international Christian community to pray for political stability in the nation.

A letter dated Dec. 18, signed by prominent church leaders including Mark Akech Cien, acting general secretary of the South Sudan Council of Churches, and Daniel Deng Bul, archbishop of the Episcopal Church of South Sudan and Sudan, was shared by the World Council of Churches. The letter condemns the violence and asks for correction of media statements that refer to the violence as conflict between the Dinka and Nuer tribes. “These are political differences among the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement Party and political leaders of the Republic of South Sudan,” the letter says, in part. “Therefore, we appeal to the two communities of Dinka and Nuer not to accept that the conflict is between the two tribes.... We appeal to our political leaders to refrain from hate speeches that may incite and escalate the violence. We urge to initiate dialogues and resolve issues amicably.” Read more at www.oikoumene.org/en/resources/documents/general-secretary/letters-received/south-sudan-church-leaders-letter.

Source: 1/3/2014 Newsline

Online registration for National Youth Conference begins this evening

Online registration for National Youth Conference (NYC) 2014 opens this evening, Jan. 3, at 7 p.m. central time. The conference will be held July 19-24 on the campus of Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colo., and all youth who have completed 9th grade through one year of college are eligible to attend.

To register, beginning at 7 p.m. (central), visit www.brethren.org/NYC and click “Register Now.” The registration process involves filling out a simple online form, paying a deposit of $225 per person, and printing out, signing, and mailing in covenant forms. More detailed information about registration is available on the NYC website.

Youth and their adult advisors are encouraged to gather and register. Many youth groups across the country are holding registration parties tonight. For those who have not scheduled a registration party yet, the NYC Office encourages all churches to plan a gathering sometime in the next few weeks.

For any questions about registration or NYC in general, call the NYC Office at 847-429-4389 or 800-323-8039 ext. 389, e-mail cobyouth@brethren.org , or visit www.brethren.org/NYC.

Source: 1/3/2014 Newsline

Press Conference with King Herod: A contemporary reflection on the murder of the Bethlehem children

By Tim Heishman 

"When Herod knew the magi had fooled him, he grew very angry. He sent soldiers to kill all the male children in Bethlehem and in all the surrounding territory who were two years old and younger" (Matthew 2:16a).

Good morning! It has come to my attention that some of you are planning to release a story about a special forces operation in the village of Bethlehem overnight. Now, I have pledged to be the most open and transparent administration in history and today is no exception. So my administration wants to make sure you have all the correct information on this developing situation.

What I’d like to tell you is a little more of the background to the operation. Over the last few weeks our intelligence services picked up “chatter” among persons on our terrorist watch-list. The information we picked up was specific and credible. It centered around a certain individual who claimed to be “king” of our nation and had intentions to directly threaten our way of life.

The matter at hand became serious enough that I directed the full resources of our armed forces to enter the village of Bethlehem, where the suspect was said to be staying at the time, and we eliminated every male within a two-year age range of the suspect. Certainly I did not want to have to order this operation, as the likelihood of collateral damage was significant. We spent several weeks gathering information and this was an unfortunate last resort.

However, I am pleased to report to you that at this time, the suspect is no longer a threat to us. The peace of Jerusalem has been assured and I would like to praise our intelligence officers and the troops for their bravery and their service to our nation.

If you have further questions regarding the overnight operation in Bethlehem or the nature of the threat itself, my press secretary is standing by and would be happy to answer your questions. Thank you, and God bless Jerusalem.

-- Tim Heishman is one of the coordinators for National Youth Conference 2014, and a Brethren Volunteer Service worker. This was one of a set of presentations by BVS volunteers at the Christmas lunch at the Church of the Brethren General Offices.

Source: 1/3/2014 Newsline

Brethren bits

• Remembrance: Allen C. Deeter, 82, of North Manchester, Ind., a former administrator of Brethren Colleges Abroad for 24 years and professor of religion and philosophy at Manchester College (now Manchester University) for 40 years, passed away Dec. 20 at Timbercrest Healthcare Center. He also had directed the Peace Studies program at Manchester College. He was born in Dayton, Ohio, on March 8, 1931, to Raymond and Flora (Petry) Deeter. On Aug. 31, 1952, he married Joan George. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Manchester College, where he was one of the first peace studies majors to graduate from the program. He also earned degrees from Bethany Theological Seminary and Princeton University and did post-graduate work at Harvard University and Phillips University, Marburg, Germany. He was the recipient of the Manchester College Alumni Honor Award, received on Honorary Doctorate from Bridgewater (Va.) College, and authored two books, “Heirs of a Promise” and “Toyohiko Kagawa.” He is survived by his wife Joan George Deeter; sons Michael Deeter of Milwaukee, Wis., Dan (Jamie Marfurt) Deeter of Granger, Ind., and David (Serena Sheldon) Deeter of Lake Forest, Calif.; and grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Jan. 18 at Manchester Church of the Brethren, where he was a member. The family will receive friends following the service. Memorial contributions are received to the Endowment for Peace Studies Chair at Manchester University, or the Allen C. Deeter Brethren College Abroad Scholarship Endowment at the Community Foundation of Wabash County. For the full obituary online go to www.staceypageonline.com/2013/12/24/dr-allen-c-deeter.

• Sharon Norris has resigned as administrative assistant with the Church of the Brethren, working at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md. Her last day at work was today, Jan. 3. She has completed four years of service at the Brethren Service Center.

• Also resigning from his position at the Brethren Service Center is David Chaney, who resigned as maintenance mechanic effective Nov. 19, 2013. He has worked in the position for more than a year.

• Tammy Chudy has been promoted to assistant director of Employee Benefits at Brethren Benefit Trust (BBT). After serving in an interim role as the manager of operations for both the Brethren Pension Plan and Brethren Insurance Services, she was promoted effective Oct. 9, 2013. She has served BBT in a combined tenure for over 11 years. She will now provide oversight of both Insurance and Pension operations, as well as overseeing BBT’s member services representatives.

• In another personnel announcement from BBT, one of the member services representatives, Barb Ingold, ended her time with BBT as of the end of 2013. She was hired as a temporary member of the Employee Benefits team in April 2012, and her last day with BBT was Dec. 23, 2013.

• Carol Pfeiffer has announced her retirement as fulltime chaplain at Timbercrest Senior Living Community in North Manchester, Ind. She has been at Timbercrest since July 2011, and plans to retire by the end of February. She is an ordained minister in the Church of the Brethren and a graduate of Bethany Theological Seminary, and previously pastored Church of the Brethren congregations in Iowa and Indiana. Ted Neidlinger, associate administrator of Timbercrest stated, “Carol has provided a tremendous service to our residents and staff, and will be missed by both.” Ordained or licensed ministers in the Church of the Brethren may contact Neidlinger about the opening left by Pfeiffer’s retirement, at Timbercrest Senior Living Community, 2201 East Street, P.O. Box 501, North Manchester, IN 46962; tneidlinger@timbercrest.org or 260-982-2118.

• Manchester University student Lucas Kauffman starts a January term internship with the Church of the Brethren News Services today. He will be writing news reports, doing photography, and taking on other tasks during the three-week internship at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill.

• The Brethren Mission Fund, which is related to the Brethren Revival Fellowship (BRF), has announced a committee member change. Paul Brubaker has served on the committee since its inception in 1998 and has served as secretary for those 15 years, said a recent newsletter. Brubaker has attained emeritus status and will no longer serve on the committee, the newsletter announced. Dale Wolgemuth from White Oak Church of the Brethren in Atlantic Northeast District will serve on the committee. “We want to thank Paul for his many years of service, and welcome Dale to the committee,” said the announcement.

• In more news from the Brethren Mission Fund, the committee is contributing $3,000 to the EYN Compassion Fund of Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria (EYN--the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria) to support Nigerian Brethren who have lost a family member, home, or property to violence. In recent years northern Nigeria has suffered from terrorist violence carried out by an extremist Islamist sect named Boko Haram, and EYN churches and members have been among those affected.

• Kim Ebersole, director of Family and Older Adult Ministries for the Church of the Brethren, is leading a seminar on “Keeping Our Children Safe” on March 22 in Virlina District. The Virlina District Children's Cabinet is sponsoring the seminar for children's directors, pastors, and all interested in child safety policies. Details and location will be announced.

• Oak Grove Church of the Brethren in Rocky Mount, Va., held a "Note-Burning Service" on Sunday, Dec. 15, 2013. Virlina District reports that “the church built a 52 foot by 60 foot fellowship addition including a baptismal pool, fellowship area, kitchen and serving area, and restrooms in 2008 at a cost of approximately $190,000, leaving a debt of $125,000. The balance of the debt was paid off in October 2013.”

• The Shalom Team of Northern Indiana District is sponsoring a “Training for Congregational Leadership” on Feb. 22 from 8:30 a.m.-12 noon at Bethany Church of the Brethren. Tara Hornbacker, professor of Ministry Formation at Bethany Theological Seminary, will speak on the topic of “Seeking the Mind of Christ Together--Discipleship and Discernment.” Following her address, two “break-out times” are planned for participants to engage in conversation with Hornbacker, and to allow participants to meet with others according to their congregational leadership role.

• Timbercrest’s Third Annual Festival of Ice will be Feb. 15 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. The event will feature ice carvers, with hot chocolate and chili available. Timbercrest is a Church of the Brethren retirement community in North Manchester, Ind., celebrating its 125th anniversary this year.

• Camp Harmony, a camp of Western Pennsylvania District of the Church of the Brethren in Hooversville, Pa., celebrates its 90th anniversary in 2014. Associate camp director Barron Deffenbaugh was interviewed about the celebrations that are being planned for an article in the “Tribune-Democrat” newspaper of Johnstown, Pa. Celebrations begin the weekend of May 30-31 and June 1. Deffenbaugh said area businesses have been invited to attend May 30 for a “meet and greet” with the swimming pool and high and low ropes courses open. There will be an open house for the community on May 31 with the swimming pool, hiking, GPS, and climbing tower available. On June 1 a fellowship celebration will feature a chicken barbecue beginning at 12:30 p.m., recreation and sharing times for church and community members, praise bands, choirs, individual singers, Christian comedy, and worship at 6:30 p.m. with singing and a campfire. Deffenbaugh also told the newspaper that the camp will offer a series of “one-day escapes” during the spring, summer, and fall beginning with a sled riding day on Jan. 18. Go to www.tribune-democrat.com/latestnews/x1956144609/Celebration-to-recognize-camp-s-90th-anniversary.

• Youth Roundtable will be held at Bridgewater (Va.) College on March 21-23. This is an annual event for senior high youth and their adult advisors from the Church of the Brethren districts in the area. The event includes workshops, small groups, singing, an open mic night, and worship. The speaker will be Eric Landram, a Bethany Theological Seminary students, Bridgewater College alumnus, and member of Staunton (Va.) Church of the Brethren. Cost is about $50. For more information and to register go to http://iycroundtable.wix.com/iycbc .

• The Springs Initiative in Church Renewal is offering a spiritual disciplines folder for the season of Epiphany starting Jan. 12. The folder offers daily scripture readings and a prayer format along with study questions, following the lectionary scriptures and the Brethren Press bulletin series. The theme is “Following Christ’s Call in My Life.” Vince Cable, pastor of Uniontown Church of the Brethren, has written the Bible study questions for individual and group use. The Epiphany folder and information on the next Springs Academy courses on church renewal are available at www.churchrenewalservant.org.

• Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS) worker Michael Himlie was interviewed by the “News-Record” of Marshall, Iowa, while he was home for the holidays. A member of Root River Church of the Brethren, and having studied at McPherson (Kan.) College, he is described by the reporter as wearing “a simple necklace carrying the symbol for the Church of the Brethren. The cross of Jesus Christ and a wave of water on the symbol represents Himlie's faith and his desire to serve others.” Himlie is spending his BVS term serving at disaster rebuilding sites working with Brethren Disaster Ministries. Read the full interview at www.hometown-pages.com/main.asp?SectionID=13&SubSectionID=22&ArticleID=51661

Source: 1/3/2014 Newsline

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, Nancy Sollenberger Heishman, Tim Heishman, Brian Solem, Jay Wittmeyer, David Young, and editor Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of News Services for the Church of the Brethren.

Newsline: December 20, 2013

• A passion for teaching God’s word: Interview with mission workers Carl and Roxane Hill
• Brethren attend ECHO Caribbean conference in the DR, GFCF manager assesses situation of Haitian Dominicans
• Dominican Republic court ruling from the international perspective
• Brethren Academy issues updated course listing
• Brethren Press announces curriculum resources for 2014
• Feature: Deacon Ministry reminds churches to welcome new friends this holiday season
• Brethren bits: Note on year-end donations, correction, remembering Larry Ulrich, Sarah Thompson to lead CPT, job openings at Material Resources Bethany Seminary, South Sudan, registration deadlines, and much more.

A passion for teaching God’s word: Interview with mission workers Carl and Roxane Hill

By Zakariya Musa of Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria (EYN--the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria)
 
Brief us about yourselves and your mission in Nigeria.

We started our missionary experience in late December of 2012. Roxane’s parents and grandparents had both been missionaries in Nigeria (Ralph and Flossie Royer, Red and Gladys Royer). Ralph had often said that we would be a good fit to teach at Kulp Bible College, but we always found reasons not to go. When the last of our children moved out of the house we decided to pursue the opportunity. Sight unseen, we boarded a plane and came to Nigeria.

Zakariya Musa

Roxane and Carl Hill, in a photo from Zakariya Musa of the “Sabon Haske” publication of Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria (EYN--the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria).

Tell us what encouraged you to come to work especially in the northern states of Nigeria?

Both of us have always had a passion for teachings God’s word. To be honest we were not fully aware of the potential dangers that exist in northeast Nigeria. We never considered any other position in Nigeria, and have had peace about living in an area of conflict. We are careful, but not afraid. Many thanks to the leaders of EYN for their advice on travel and the provision of wonderful, capable drivers.

Was there anything that surprised you on your arrival?

Roxane grew up in Nigeria and had some idea of what conditions might be like. She was amazed at the number of people in the cities and by how little life has changed in the rural areas since she was here last. Carl, on the other hand, was just willing to give it a try. Carl’s biggest adjustment was in eating the food. You would not consider him a picky eater in the US. However, he was not ready for what he found in trying to live on African food. This is one of the surprises Carl has to share with anyone wanting to go on a foreign mission: be ready to either bring your own food with you or learn to live on what is there. After our summer break in the US, we brought numerous American staples with us so Carl has been much happier.

Can you give brief successes or difficulties you have encountered in your work in Nigeria?

We have enjoyed living among the staff and students on the Kulp Bible College campus. Our success can be summed up very easily. We have found the Nigerian people warm, friendly, and accepting of us. Getting along so well with everyone has been our biggest joy. This experience has allowed us to really live out our ministry verse, 1 Thessalonians 2:8, “To share not only the gospel but our lives as well.” We also had the opportunity and privilege to present a practical program on individual spiritual growth to the entire body of district secretaries (executives of EYN).The overall goal being that the secretaries would take the materials back to the local churches under their care. The participants received us well and the communication gaps were few. Speaking of communications, this has been one of the biggest challenges we have faced, not only the language but also some of the customs and unspoken protocol which is to be expected when doing foreign missions.

What would you advise Nigerian Brethren regarding ongoing persecution in some northern states?

Well, we can’t advise them on this matter. As American Christians we simply cannot relate to such danger associated with our faith. We can learn from their courage and unswerving faith, and look at them with admiration. Like the first Christians in Acts 4:29, we pray for boldness as we continue to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ.

I know you have experienced problems in communication, limited traveling, weather, the state of emergency in northeastern Nigeria. Would you like to share your experiences with the entire Brethren?

There have been challenges and limitations during our stay, but when we look back they seem minor. The 105-degree temperatures between mid-February and mid-May were extremely difficult without air-conditioning. Our travel was somewhat limited but we were able to preach 15 times at 10 different churches. The leaders at EYN Headquarters took responsibility for our safety and we yielded to their recommendation for any travel. The state of emergency has made travel slower due to the additional military check points. Telephone and Internet services were suspended several times. Our family in America was concerned the first time, but they are aware of the situation and everyone in Nigeria has had to be flexible.

What would you like to do after your mission in Africa?

We are convinced that this intercultural experience, where we have been immersed in God’s word and learning to live simple lives, will lead us to planting a church for the Brethren in America. There are many urban areas that need the freshness and enthusiastic approach that God has been instilling in us, both for His people and His glory. We are reading everything we can get, and beginning to write up a proposal for church planting. We are trusting in God to lead us to the next opportunity.

What is your view on the partnership between EYN and the Church of the Brethren?

The relationship has changed over time from a father-child interaction to one of equal partnership. It would be great to see more interaction between the two organizations. We pray the partnership will continue to grow over time with Americans coming to Nigeria and Nigerians helping in America.

What is your view on having international workcamps in EYN with Church of the Brethren and Mission 21 participants?

It is still a great idea. The experience of participating in a work camp is priceless. A person’s eyes are really opened when you work together with others in another country. We hope that the workcamps could go both directions, with Nigerians working in America or Switzerland as well. Wouldn’t an exchange of summer service workers among all the organizations be great?

EYN is pushing to promote its hospitals. Would you recommend a medical personnel volunteer from any of the EYN partners?

Yes, we would love to see some medical volunteers come here. New facilities have been built but they are not being utilized. The EYN area is in great need of trained medical personnel--doctors, physician assistants, and midwives all could be utilized, even if only for two-to-four months at a time.

What would you like to add in general perspective?

We would highly recommend a short- or long-term assignment to those God is calling. The Church of the Brethren in America has a special place in its heart for Nigeria. The Nigerian people will inspire your faith and the slower pace will allow you more time to spend on your personal walk with God.

-- Zakariya Musa is secretary of “Sabon Haske,” a publication of Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria (EYN--the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria).

Source: 12/20/2013 Newsline