Brethren Bits for October 13, 2016


Photo courtesy of CPT
A prayer concern shared by Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT) asks for prayer for a new team of peacemakers. “Give thanks for seven new CPTers who recently completed training in the Czech Republic and the fresh energy they will bring to teams working in the field. Pray for their strength and wisdom as they join our Indigenous, Palestinian, Kurdish, and Colombian partners and partners working with refugees and migrants to transform violence through the nonviolent power of God’s truth.”

— Remembrance: Parker Marden, 77, the 13th president of Manchester University in North Manchester, Ind., has died. Manchester president Dave McFadden shared a remembrance and prayer request with the university community: “Please keep Parker’s wife, Ann, and their children, Jon and KerriAnn, in your thoughts and prayers.” Marden had been in failing health for some time, and had been living in Topsham, Maine, since his retirement. He led the school–then Manchester College–from 1994-2004. “On Parker’s watch, Manchester increased diversity among students and faculty,” wrote McFadden. “He elevated our national profile and raised our international consciousness. He led the institution through most of The Next Step comprehensive campaign, which strengthened the endowment, made significant capital improvements to campus, and expanded the donor base. During a 31,000-mile national tour, Parker met with 10 percent of Manchester’s living alumni. He liked to tell them why he was proud of Manchester and that they should be too.” He was a native of Worcester, Mass. He graduated from Bates College in Maine. He earned a master’s degree and doctorate from Brown University. He taught sociology at Cornell University, Lawrence University in Appleton, Wis., and St. Lawrence University. He came to Manchester from Beloit College, where he had been vice president for academic affairs and dean. Find the remembrance from the university at www.manchester.edu/about-manchester/news/news-articles/parker-marden-2016 .

— The National Campaign for a Peace Tax Fund (NCPTF) is seeking a volunteer in each congressional district to communicate with representatives about the Peace Tax Fund Bill and urge for its passage. Time commitment is two to four hours a month. The NCPTF will provide resources, information, and contacts for this work. To learn more go to www.peacetaxfund.org . To sign up contact 888-PEACE-TAX or info@peacetaxfund.org .

— Lick Creek Church of the Brethren has donated $1,037.94 to Habitat for Humanity of Williams County, representing “the entire proceeds from its annual ice cream social,” according to the “Bryan Times.” The social was held July 23. The newspaper reported that church members Sherrie Herman, Marge Keck, and Jim Masten–who also is a member of the Habitat board for the county–presented the check to Mary Ann Peters, the county’s Habitat executive director, and board members Michael Cox and Joe Pilarski. Find the newspaper report at www.bryantimes.com/news/local/lick-creek-brethren-donates-to-habitat/article_80e89b41-b8fb-51cb-b34b-05a25dd71c86.html .

— Western Pennsylvania District holds its 150th annual district conference on Saturday, Oct. 15, at Camp Harmony near Hooversville, Pa. The theme is, “All for the Glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31).

— “The World Hunger Auction steering committee was blessed to be able to disburse $60,000 from the various 2016 activities,” reports the Virlina District newsletter. The committee distributed $30,000 to Heifer International, $15,000 to Roanoke (Va.) Area Ministries, $6,000 to the Church of the Brethren’s Global Food Initiative, and $3,000 each to Heavenly Manna Food Bank, Stepping Stone Mission, and Lake Christian Ministries. “Many people shared their talents, resources, time and efforts to make these results possible,” the newsletter said. “The committee expresses deep appreciation to all who participated in the many events and activities in 2016.”

— Bridgewater (Va.) College will hold a CROP Meal from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 27, in the main dining hall in the Kline Campus Center. Faculty, staff, and members of the community will be able to purchase CROP Meals surrendered by students and enjoy “dinner out” in the dining hall. The meals have been paid for on the student meal plan, and all proceeds go directly to CROP’s hunger relief, education, and development programs in the US and around the world. Cost of the meal is $8 for adults, $6 for children 12 and under. College students also will be seeking sponsors for the Bridgewater/Dayton area CROP Hunger Walk that begins at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 30, at Bridgewater Community Center. A release from the college said that “last year’s CROP Meal and Hunger Walk raised more than $6,300 for Church World Service.

— “Seek Peace and Pursue It,” an exhibition showcasing nine noted peacemakers, will open at the Alexander Mack Memorial Library at Bridgewater College on Oct. 22. The exhibition, which centers on peacemakers whose papers and artifacts are in Bridgewater College Special Collections and the Reuel B. Pritchett Museum Collection, will run through Dec. 9. Admission is free and open to the public. A release from the college noted that “individuals honored in the exhibition are former Bridgewater College president and peace advocate Paul H. Bowman; local Civil War evangelist John Kline; Peace Corps volunteer Lula A. Miller; author and teacher Anna B. Mow; founder of the Brethren Alexander Mack Sr.; Brethren ambassador W. Harold Row; missionary to China Nettie M. Senger; humanitarian Naomi Miller West; and Nobel Peace Prize nominee M. Robert Zigler.” The exhibition will feature displays of documents and artifacts from the lives of these peacemakers. Bridgewater seniors Charlotte McIntyre and Allegra Morrison and Bridgewater College special collections librarian Stephanie S. Gardner curate the exhibition.

— “Have a listen to the latest podcasts created by Brethren young adults,” invites Arlington (Va.) Church of the Brethren, which hosts the Dunker Punks podcasts. New episodes include “Spiritual Training Regimen (#14)” and “Gender is a Galaxy (#15).” Subscribe to the podcast series on iTunes or stream it from arlingtoncob.org/dpp

 


 

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