Photo by Glenn Riegel Outgoing Bethany Seminary president Eugene Roop greets well wishers at a reception in his honor.

Photo by Glenn Riegel The Youth Peace Travel Team poses at an On Earth Peace breakfast.

Photo by Glenn Riegel Don Vermilyea talks about his Walk Across America at the Unluncheon.

Bethany Theological Seminary honors retiring president Eugene Roop
Two events were held to honor Eugene Roop’s ministry as president of Bethany Theological Seminary: a reception was held Monday afternoon, and on Tuesday the seminary held its annual luncheon.

At the reception, Gene and Delora Roop, both wearing ‘Bethany Blue,’ greeted a continuous line of well wishers. Those greeting the Roops represented the broad diversity in the denomination. Gene mentioned the mixed emotions he feels as he retires from the presidency and moves forward to the next phase of his life.

At the luncheon organized by the Alumni/ae Coordinating Council, time was included to recognize this year’s graduates from both the graduate school and the academy. After faculty and staff were recognized, Lucinda Barnum-Steggerda introduced the outgoing president, stating that “the retirement of Gene Roop was the end of an era.” Roop then addressed the attenders with a message entitled, “Jonah: The Bible’s Lovable Loser.” His comments focused on Jonah’s love and living example of justice. Jonah and we are confronted with God’s question, “Should I not have compassion on Nineveh?” Roop said. He added that we are challenged by God’s desire to have compassion for those we think don’t deserve it. Attendees were left with these words to ponder, “Beyond justice lies the mystery of divine justice.”

To send Roop into retirement, a version of “Wonderful the Matchless Grace of Jesus”--reworded as “Wonderful the matchless brain of Gene Roop”--was sung by a quartet, and then all attending joined in singing “Go Now in Peace” as a time of blessing.

Ruthann Knechel Johansen was introduced and welcomed as the new president for the seminary. She referred to herself as “humbly delighted to join you in the journey.”

--Karen Garrett

Brethren Revival Fellowship holds its annual dinner
Brethren Revival Fellowship (BRF) held its annual dinner. Every year BRF gives out 300 tickets to interested conference attenders. This is a ministry of BRF to families attending conference, and a monetary donation is accepted at the door following the meeting in lieu of charging for tickets. BRF also hosts a luncheon each year.

The meeting opened with well-harmonized singing of 𠇊ll Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name” and “I Sing the Mighty Power of God.” Following the meal the 300 attenders heard a message by J. Eric Brubaker, who used Hebrews 10:28-39 as the text for his message titled “Holding onto Our Confidence, Holding onto Our Faith.”

Brubaker encouraged attendees to “remember our good past.” We are at our best when we take a public stand for Christ, are willing to be persecuted for the name of Christ, stand side by side with those who are persecuted, sympathize with those in prison, and willingly allow people to misuse us in the name of Christ, he said. Remembering our good past reminds us that we are better when we are standing in adversity rather than prosperity, he added.

Closing his message with the words “Be bold, be confident,” Brubaker said, “He who made the promise is faithful no matter what the crowd says or does.” Then, singing “When Peace Like a River,” the group was filled with confidence to go out and serve.

Craig Alan Myers announced that BRF will focus on “The Future of the Church of the Brethren” at the Fall meeting on Sept. 8, to be held at Shanks Church of the Brethren in Greencastle, Pa.

--Karen Garrett

Ecumenical Luncheon offers Muslim Christian dialogue
The purpose of ecumenical dialogue may be clear, according to Paul Numrich, associate professor and chair of the Theological Consortium of Greater Columbus, Ohio: “To create a better world.” But there’s more than one way to go about it.

Numrich spoke at the Ecumenical Luncheon sponsored by the Committee on Interchurch Relations. He differentiated between what he called “Pluralistic Dialogue” and “Neighborliness and Civic Mindedness.” The purpose of the former is to “actively understand differences between religions through dialogue.” Many believe this is the best path of a better world.

But just as practical and beneficial, in Numrich’s mind, is the other approach, which the speaker defined as “the neighborly thing to do.” It may consist of something as simple as sharing a parking lot or a facility of another faith, and it can be a component of Friendship Evangelism, which, though intended to lead others to Christ, involves “friendship with no strings attached.” This means, Numrich continued, that “my friendship isn’t based on anything they need to do or say.”

He used the example of the cooperation of members of the Nation of Islam with Black Christian pastors following the Million Man March to improve neighborhoods. “They cooperated together to make a better community. Differences are important, but become a moot point in inner cities, where it’s religion versus the lure of the street.”

The CIR also presented the 2007 Ecumenical Citations to Anna N. Buckwalter of Lititz, Pa., for a lifetime of open door hospitality, and to Westminister (Md.) Church of the Brethren, which fostered a living and active relationship with Muslims following the events of 9/11.

--Frank Ramirez

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