 “Governor McDonnell tours Pulaski, Washington Counties tornado recovery,” WSLS TV Channel 10, Roanoke, Va. (April 27, 2012) – Brethren-built homes are in the background of this online videotape and TV news report on tornado recovery in Virginia. Brethren Disaster Ministries has been working with district Brethren disaster groups to help Pulaski County recover since tornadoes destroyed many homes one year ago. The video report shows Gov. Bob McDonnell speaking with people whose homes have been rebuilt with help from the church. Go to www2.wsls.com/news/2012/apr/27/12/governor-mcdonnell-tours-pulaski-washington-counti-ar-1873999 |
Obituary: Mildred I. Crowell, Palladium-Item, Richmond, Ind. (May 13, 2012) – Mildred I. Crowell, 91, went home to be with the Lord on May 13. She was a member of West Alexandria Church of the Brethren. She attended Bethany Biblical Seminary in Chicago where she was a music major. She formerly was choir director at St. Paul United Methodist Church in New Paris, Ohio, and sang with a quartet at Eaton (Ohio) Church of the Brethren. She worked different jobs over the years, including being an Avon representative and carpet sales. She is survived by her husband Kenneth V. Crowell whom she married in 1939. Funeral services will be May 16 at Robert L. Crooks Funeral Center in W. Alexandria. Memorial contributions are received to West Alexandria Church of the Brethren. See www.pal-item.com/article/20120514/OBITUARIES/205140301
Obituary: Alma Werking, Palladium-Item, Richmond, Ind. (May 12, 2012) – Alma R. Werking, 89, a long time Hagerstown (Ind.) area resident, died Saturday, May 5, in the Waters of New Castle where she had resided for the past four years. She was a homemaker and a member of Nettle Creek Church of the Brethren. Services will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday, May 16, in Culberson Funeral Home with Rev. Max Knight officiating. Burial will be in Jacksonburg Cemetery. Memorials are received to Henry County Hospice. Fore the full obituary go to www.pal-item.com/article/20120512/OBITUARIES/205120301/Alma-Werking
“Reconciling narrow minds with open hearts: A church’s struggle for universal respect and inclusion,” La Verne (Calif.) Magazine (May 11, 2012) – “‘Inclusive, caring and peace-minded’ for anyone who passes through the door are words that Pastor Susan Boyer and her La Verne (Calif.) Church of the Brethren congregation follow. Yet the effort to keep the Church as an open, inclusive community is at odds with a summer 2011 denominational Annual Conference directive,” writes Kristen Campbell in this report in La Verne Magazine. The author also interviews several Church of the Brethren denominational leaders. Go to http://laverne.edu/laverne-magazine/2012/05/reconciling-narrow-minds-with-open-hearts/
Obituary: Carl A. Smith, Altoona (Pa.) Mirror (May 11, 2012) – Carl A. Smith, 83, of East Freedom, Pa., formerly of Roaring Spring, died May 9 at Nason Hospital, Roaring Spring. He was a member of Albright Church of the Brethren but most recently was attending Smith Corner Independent Mennonite Church. He retired from E. DeVecchis & Sons Block Plant, McKee. He married Elizabeth I. Musselman on Oct. 29, 1948, and she died Jan. 31, 2003. Funeral services were held May 12. Memorial contributions are received to Smith Corner Independent Mennonite Church or Roaring Spring Community Library. Find the obituary at www.altoonamirror.com/page/content.detail/id/560689/Carl-A–Smith.html?nav=743
Obituary: James Todd Reimer, Roanoke (Va.) Times (May 9, 2012) – James Todd Reimer, 42, died May 5 in Grand Junction, Colo. His obituary in the “Roanoke Times” notes, “Todd had recently given his life to Jesus Christ, and looked forward to his Christian walk.” His home church in Roanoke, Va., was Williamson Road Church of the Brethren. As a child and young man, he appreciated participating in the ministry of Camp Bethel, a Church of the Brethren camp near Fincastle, Va. He is survived by his spouse, Brittany; son Aden James; Brittany’s son Trent; and his parents George and Judy Mills Reimer, among other family. Funeral services take place at Williamson Road Church of the Brethren at 11 a.m. on May 11. A meal and time of sharing will occur directly after the service with interment to follow at 2:30 p.m. at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens. Visitation with the family will take place at Oakeys North Chapel from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. on May 10. Memorial gifts are received for Camp Bethel. The full obituary is at www.legacy.com/obituaries/roanoke/obituary.aspx?n=james-todd-reimer&pid=157518707
Obituary: Claude E. Cantrell, Spartanburg (N.C.) Herald Journal (May 9, 2012) – Claude Ernest Cantrell, 87, of Chesnee Highway, Green Creek, N.C., died on May 8 in the Charles George VA Medical Center, Asheville, N.C. He was a member of Melvin Hill Church of the Brethren in Green Creek. He also was a member of the Paralyzed Veterans of America. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on May 12 at Melvin Hill Church of the Brethren with Rev. Earl Byers officiating. Family will receive friends from 10-11 a.m. just prior to the service. Find the obituary at www.goupstate.com/article/20120509/OBITUARIES/205091022/1088/sports?Title=Claude-E-Cantrell&tc=ar
“On race sidelines, a city cheers,” Chicago (Ill.) Tribune and the Frederick (Md.) News-Post (May 7, 2012) – Paul Mundey, pastor of Frederick (Md.) Church of the Brethren, was one of those interviewed for an article on the sidelines of a marathon race through Frederick. A number of churches are located along the route, but Mundey said he didn’t mind the race. “This is just part of the church being a part of the community,” he told the reporter. Go to www.chicagotribune.com/news/sns-mct-on-race-sidelines-a-city-cheers-20120507,0,3483823.story
“Faiths provide tests of tastes,” Youngstown (Ohio) Vindicator (May 8, 2012) – A chicken casserole by Candie Orr, and applebutter cookies from Janet McConnell–both longtime members of Woodworth Church of the Brethren–were among menu items at an annual Taste of the Faiths festival and fundraiser sponsored by the Mahoning Valley Association of Churches. Some 17 area churches brought food items, including the cookies made from apple butter that are the main attraction of Woodworth Church’s Apple Butter Festival every October. Read the story at www.vindy.com/news/2012/may/08/faiths-provide-tests-of-tastes
Obituary: Glenna Jordan Delp, The Kittanning (Pa.) Paper (May 7. 2012) – Glenna Lucille (Green) Jordan Delp, 91, of Kittanning, Pa., died May 4 in the Armstrong County Health Center. She was a member of Center Hill Church of the Brethren. She was a lifelong community resident, working at the snack bar at the Highland Lanes bowling alley and was also a housewife. As a teenager, she was a catcher for the West Blue Aces girls softball team. She also was a member of the Sunshine Girls Club and enjoyed hunting, fishing, and going to the Silver Bullet. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Palmer Jordan, and her second husband, Earl Delp. A funeral service was held on May 7 led by Rev. Wes Berkebile. Memorial contributions are received to Center Hill Church of the Brethren. The obituary is at www.kittanningpaper.com/2012/05/07/obit-glenna-jordan-delp-kittanning/26959
Obituary: Charley L. Billington, Morning Sun, Pittsburg, Kan. (May 6, 2012) – Charley L. Billington, 79, of rural McCune, Kan., passed away on May 4 at Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg. He was a member of Osage Church of the Brethren. He worked as a journeyman electrician for Kansas Gas and Electric in Neodesha and Wichita. After retiring from KG&E, he worked as an insurance salesman for Farmers Insurance Group for five years in Wichita. Upon returning to McCune, he worked at Pittsburg State University in the Physical Plant. On October 24, 1952, he was united in marriage to Sylvia A. Timson, who survives him. A memorial service was held on May 7 at the Brenner Mortuary with the Pastor Harold Groth and Pastor Mike Huffaker officiating. See the obituary at www.morningsun.net/obituaries/x1310199722/Charley-L-Billington
“Pottstown Church Women United present program for May Friendship Day,” The Mercury, Pottstown, Pa. (May 5, 2012) – Elsie Flynn of Parkerford Church of the Brethren was one of those presenting at the Pottstown Church Women United program for May Friendship Day at the Salvation Army Citadel. “Insight into our heritage will be shared as we recognize how God brings us together from many generations, cultures, and faiths to become ‘One in Christ’s Love,’” said the report. Find it at www.pottsmerc.com/article/20120505/LIFE01/120509679/-1/life/pottstown-church-women-united-present-program-for-may-friendship-day
“Auction benefits Brethren Disaster Ministries, rebuilding in Haiti,” Carroll County (Md.) Times (May 4, 2012) – The Nimble Thimbles quilting group at Union Bridge Church of the Brethren in Maryland spent 327 hours working on an “Iris Garden” quilt over the past year, just part of the work going into the 32nd Annual Mid-Atlantic District Disaster Response Auction at the Carroll County Agriculture Center. The money from the auction fundraiser goes toward disaster relief efforts by the Church of the Brethren across the US and internationally Read more and see pictures of the group’s quilts at www.carrollcountytimes.com/news/local/auction-benefits-brethren-disaster-ministries-rebuilding-in-haiti/article_6c328026-b76b-5d68-b8a9-80a28658d37b.html
Obituary: Roy D. Kurtz, Intelligencer Journal, Lancaster, Pa. (May 4, 2012) – Roy D. Kurtz, 90, formerly of Leola, Pa., and a resident of Brethren Village since 2004, died on May 2 at Lancaster (Pa.) General Hospital following an eight month illness. A lifelong member of Conestoga Church of the Brethren, he served on the Property Committee. He retired from Sperry New Holland in 1985 after 34 years of service in the Engineering Department. He enjoyed spending time with his family, annual summer vacations to Ocean City, N.J., tending a large vegetable garden and small orchard, walking, and riding bicycle. He was the husband of Doris J. Kurtz, who passed away in 1986. The funeral service was held May 7 at Furman Home for Funerals in Leola with Pastor Alan Miller officiating. Memorial contributions are received to Conestoga Church of the Brethren. Read more: http://lancasteronline.com/obituaries/local/641443_Roy-D–Kurtz.html
Obituary: Paul E. Hollinger, Intelligencer Journal, Lancaster, Pa. (May 2, 2012) – Paul E. Hollinger, a resident of Brethren Village in Lancaster, Pa., died on his 86th birthday on April 30. He was a very active member of West Green Tree Church of the Brethren in Elizabethtown, Pa., where he served as church treasurer for 17 years, Sunday school teacher for 30 years, building fund treasurer and committee person, church board, choir member, chorister, lifetime deacon, and sang in the men’s quartet. For more than 26 years, he worked in banking in Elizabethtown and was assistant manager of a bank for many years. Previously, he worked for 15 years at the former Mount Joy Mutual Insurance Company and also was an independent insurance agent. He was the loving husband of Jean Stauffer Hollinger, who survives him; they observed their 64th wedding anniversary in October last year. Funeral services were at West Green Tree Church of the Brethren on May 4. Memorial contributions are received to West Green Tree Church of the Brethren Building Fund or the Brethren Village Good Samaritan Fund. See http://lancasteronline.com/obituaries/local/639902_Paul-E–Hollinger.html
Obituary: Betty E. Wilfong, News Leader, Staunton, Va. (April 30, 2012) – Betty Ellen Brown Wilfong, 69, a resident of Staunton, Va., and formerly of Bridgewater, Va., passed away on April 27. She was a member of Lebanon Church of the Brethren. She graduated from North River High School in Mount Solon in 1960 and was supervisor/head cook at Evers Family Restaurant. On April 12, 1963, she married Clinton Howard Wilfong, who preceded her in death on Oct. 23, 1993. A memorial service was held May 4 at the Chapel of Lindsey Funeral Home in Weyers Cave, Va., with the Rev. Garold Senger Jr. and Pastor Russell Heinrich officiating. Read the obituary at www.newsleader.com/article/20120430/OBITUARIES/204300304
“Locals make free dinner a real success,” The Journal, Martinsburg, W.Va. (April 30, 2012) – Among those receiving thanks for making a free Easter dinner at Ambrose Towers a success is Moler Avenue Church of the Brethren. The letter of thanks is at www.journal-news.net/page/content.detail/id/578882/Locals-make-free-dinner-a-real-success.html?nav=5061
“Governor McDonnell tours Pulaski, Washington Counties tornado recovery,” WSLS TV Channel 10, Roanoke, Va. (April 27, 2012) – Brethren-built homes are in the background of this online videotape and TV news report on tornado recovery in Virginia. Brethren Disaster Ministries has been working with district Brethren disaster groups to help Pulaski County recover since tornadoes destroyed many homes one year ago. The video report shows Gov. Bob McDonnell speaking with people whose homes have been rebuilt with help from the church. Go to www2.wsls.com/news/2012/apr/27/12/governor-mcdonnell-tours-pulaski-washington-counti-ar-1873999/
Obituary: Robert Earl Schwab, Post-Journal, Jamestown, N.Y. (April 26, 2012) – Robert Earl Schwab, 88, of Falconer, N.Y., and Bradenton, Fla., passed away April 24 in his home in Falconer. Currently, he was an associate member of Good Shepherd Church of the Brethren in Bradenton, as well as a member of Kidder Memorial United Methodist Church in Jamestown. In earlier years, he had worked at Spear Carbon and Summerville Brick Company in Pennsylvania. Prior to retirement he had been employed by James B. Schwab Company in Falconer, retiring in 1986. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Betty L. Straitiff Schwab, whom he married Sept. 24, 1947, and who died Oct. 1, 1984. Among his survivors is his wife, Nora Mae Staley Zimmerman Schwab, whom he married Dec. 28, 1985. Find the full obituary at http://post-journal.com/page/content.detail/id/602746/Robert-Earl–Schwab.html?nav=5009
“Answering the call: Don Hubbell of York First Church of the Brethren,” York (Pa.) Daily Record (April 25, 2012) – An online biography in the “Daily Record/Sunday News” features Don Hubbell, pastor of York First Church of the Brethren. Answering, “How I got the Call,” Hubbell tells the paper: “I was attending a young adult retreat when I was 18 years old. It was a very inspiring event. After one of the sessions, I was sitting on a wall and had a very real vision of Jesus standing before me with sheep around him and saying to me, ‘Feed my sheep.’” The online bio is at www.ydr.com/living/ci_20468946
Obituary: Richard C. Smierciak, Star Press, Muncie, Ind. (April 24, 2012) – Richard C. Smierciak, 61, passed away suddenly on April 23 at Ball Memorial Hospital. He was a member of Antioch Church of the Brethren in Muncie, Ind., and of Aurora (Ohio) First Baptist Church. He worked as a Chemistry Instructor for the Indiana Academy of Science, Mathematics, and Humanities for 13 years. He was also a Senior Project Leader for B.P. Chemicals for 20 years with several patents to his name in different countries. He was a member of The Hoosier Association of Science Teachers Inc. (HASTI). Survivors include his wife of 35 years, Ann Smierciak. Services were April 27 at Parson Mortuary with Pastor John Burton officiating. www.thestarpress.com/article/20120425/OBITUARIES/204250338
“Disciples and Brethren leaders explore partnerships in mission,” Disciples News Service (April 22, 2012) – Leaders of the Church of the Brethren and the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) are meeting together to learn about each other’s traditions, find commonalities of theology and practice, and look for possibilities opportunities for collaborative work and mission in the future. The leaders met in February at the Disciples Center in Indianapolis and in March at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill. Read more at www.disciples.org/DisciplesNewsService/tabid/58/itemId/1204/Disciples-and-Brethren-leaders-explore-partnership.aspx
“Skyridge Church of the Brethren will plant trees in celebration of 50th anniversary,” Kalamazoo (Mich.) Gazette (April 22, 2012) – On Arbor Day, April 27, Skyridge Church of the Brethren in Kalamazoo, Mich., planted two trees celebrating the congregation’s 50th anniversary. Both trees are swamp white oaks. One was planted in conjunction with the City of Kalamazoo in Martin Luther King, Jr. Park honoring the congregation’s anniversary and partnership with nearby Ministry with Community. Another tree was planted at Peace House. Skyridge Churchand Peace House share values of simplicity and are committed to actively making peace through service to the community. See www.mlive.com/living/kalamazoo/index.ssf/2012/04/skyridge_church_of_the_brethre.html
Obituary: Doreen Mae Myers, Daily Herald, Chicago, Ill. (April 20, 2012) – Doreen Mae Myers, 86, passed away April 17 at Timbercrest Healthcare Center in North Manchester, Ind. She married Rev. Carl E. Myers on June 7, 1947, and he survives her. She attended Manchester College and earned her B.A. degree in English from Elizabethtown (Pa.) College. She was active in Wakiya Council of Camp Fire, Inc. and for many years was hospitality chairperson for Highland Ave. Church of the Brethren in Elgin, Ill., where she was a longtime active member. Services were April 22 at Manchester Church of the Brethren. A memorial service at Highland Ave. Church of the Brethren will be announced at a later date. Memorials are received to Church World Service, Highland Ave. Church of the Brethren Alternative Christmas Fair, or the Global Women’s Project of the Church of the Brethren. The obituary is at www.legacy.com/obituaries/dailyherald/obituary.aspx?n=doreen-mae-myers&pid=157122531
“Heischmans Look To Stabilize Church Through Transition Period,” Tippecanoe Gazette (April 19, 2012) – “The place where God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet”–Frederick Buechner. The quote from Buechner, a noted theologian, provides much guidance for Irvin and Nancy Heischman as they travel the world as missionaries. After the previous eight years in the Dominican Republic they are now serving spiritual nourishment as pastors of the West Charleston Church of the Brethren while the congregation grows into their new location. Read more at www.tippgazette.com/index.php/tipp-city-news/327-heischmans-look-to-stabilize-church-through-transition-period
Obituary: Joyce G. Johnson, Patriot-News, Harrisburg, Pa. (April 19, 2012) – Mrs. Edgar J. (Joyce) G. Johnson, 77, died April 13 at the Carlisle (Pa.) Regional Medical Center. She was a member of Greensburg (Pa.) Church of the Brethren and also had attended First Church of the Brethren in Carlisle, Mechanicsburg (Pa.) Church of the Brethren, Hanover (Pa.) Church of the Brethren, and Ridge Church of the Brethren in Shippensburg, Pa. She was a forms designer in the Department of Labor and Industry, Employment Security for over 30 years in Harrisburg. Her hobbies were metal detecting, gardening, and genealogy. She and her late husband, Edgar J. Johnson, were married in Somerset, Pa., on Jan. 21, 1966. Mr. Johnson died May 6, 2006. She was the last of her immediate family. The obituary is at http://obits.pennlive.com/obituaries/pennlive/obituary.aspx?n=edgar-j-g-johnson–of-carlisle-died-friday-april–center-joyce&pid=157099812&fhid=4585
Obituary: Grace Wampler, Pottstown (Pa.) Patch (April 17, 2012) – Grace L. (Bealer) Wampler, 98, widow of Francis M. Wampler Sr., passed away on April 16 in the Coventry Manor. She was a very active member of Coventry (Pa.) Church of the Brethren where she had been a deaconess for 60 years, starting in 1941, and was Cradle Roll Superintendent of the nursery department 1934-1965. She was employed by Brethren Service in Denver, Colo., 1965-66, and along with her late husband was employed at Church World Service Clothing Center in Denver in 1968. She was a homemaker most of her life, but was employed from 1960-65 at the New York Store in Pottstown and again from 1970-80. In 1985 she began working as hostess at the Spring City Hotel for a few years during lunchtime. Shee was a camp counselor at Camp Swatara for two years and also served as its director for one year. She is survived by her companion for 25 years, Jack Fries of Royersford. The complete obituary is at http://pottstown.patch.com/articles/1932-north-coventry-high-school-graduate-dies
Obituary: Albert C. Slentz, Star Press, Muncie, Ind. (April 12, 2012) – Albert C. “Jack” Slentz, 94, died April 11 at the Blackford County (Ind.) Hospital. He was a member of Pleasantdale United Methodist Church but in recent years he attended Bethel Center Church of the Brethren. He was a retired Blackford County farmer, dairyman, and school bus driver. He served on the Harrison Township Advisory Board, the 4-H Fair Board, and was a member of Gideons International. Surviving relatives include his wife, Maxine (Wilson) Slentz, of Hartford City, Ind. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Ruby (Williams) Slentz and his second wife, Esther (Werner) Slentz. Find the obituary at www.thestarpress.com/article/20120413/OBITUARIES/204130325
“Holy Humor at Cedar Lake Church of the Brethren,” KPC News, Kendalville, Ind. (April 11, 2012) – Cedar Lake Church of the Brethren celebrated “Holy Humor Sunday” April 15. “Holy Humor is a long-standing Christian tradition that celebrates joy following Easter,” said the report. Pastor Duane Grady preached on “Prophetic Humor.” A presentation on Heifer International was given by Don and Joyce Jordan who recently returned from volunteering with Heifer in Brazil. See www.kpcnews.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=31496:Holy-Humor-at-Cedar-Lake-Church-of-the-Brethren&catid=130:auburn
“Nontheists share thoughts during Interfaith Coalition event,” Herald-Mail, Hagerstown, Md. (April 11, 2012) – “A secular humanist, an agnostic, and an atheist walk into a church. That wasn’t the setup for a joke Wednesday night in Hagerstown, but for an evening of impassioned discussion hosted by the Interfaith Coalition of Washington County to encourage dialogue among people with different beliefs and ideas,” reports the “Herald-Mail” newspaper. About 50 people attended the “Dialogue with Non-Theists,” held at Hagerstown (Md.) Church of the Brethren. Read the report at http://articles.herald-mail.com/2012-04-11/news/31327755_1_interfaith-coalition-mission-statement-beliefs
“Bountiful Blessing opens in Rouzerville,” Record Herald, Waynesboro, Pa. (April 10, 2012) – Bountiful Blessings has opened its doors in Rouzerville, Pa., at the Church of the Brethren. The Christian-based organization is open to people of all faiths and beliefs and helps provide non-food items that are not covered by food stamps. Items that Bountiful Blessings distributes include toilet paper, paper towels, dish detergent, toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, bath soap, shampoo, cleaners, trash bags, and baby items such as wipes and diapers. People who receive help must volunteer three hours per year with the organization. The story is at www.therecordherald.com/news/x1170667261/Bountiful-Blessing-opens-in-Rouzerville
Obituary: Doris Creviston, Clinton (Ill.) Journal (April 9, 2012) – Doris E. Creviston, 91, passed away on April 5 at Liberty Village, Clinton, Ill. She played the piano and was active in La Place Church of the Brethren. She also was pianist for the Okaw Four Quartet. She was an avid gardener, delighted in her family, and in serving the Lord. She married Edward A. Creviston in 1942; he preceded her in death on Aug. 5, 2001. Funeral services were held on April 10 at the Church of the Brethren in La Place. Find the full obituary at www.clintondailyjournal.com/v2_news_articles.php?heading=0&page=75&story_id=3644
“Old cross, new home: Former Cedars decoration moves to Hutch,” McPherson (Kan.) Sentinel (April 6, 2012) – On March 3, the “Sentinel” newspaper published an article on the demolition of the former Cedars home on East Kansas Avenue in McPherson, Kan. Included was a picture depicting a cross on the ground, leaning against a wall among the wreckage of the destroyed building. That cross, which used to hang in The Cedars chapel, now has a new congregation. June and Ed Switzer of Community Church of the Brethren in Hutchinson received permission to take it for their church. Go to www.mcphersonsentinel.com/news/x760623436/Old-cross-new-home