Church of the Brethren Newsline
September 11, 2007
“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:21).
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Today Church of the Brethren members across the country are remembering the sixth anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks, when hijacked airplanes were crashed into the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and in Pennsylvania.
At the same time, the number of Brethren congregations and groups committing to a prayer service or vigil to mark the International Day of Prayer for Peace on Sept. 21 has grown to more than 80, with 50 more are in discernment about participating. Those involved include Brethren in the US, Puerto Rico, and Nigeria. On Earth Peace and the Brethren Witness/Washington Office are sponsoring the denomination’s participation in the worldwide event linked to the World Council of Churches Decade to Overcome Violence. For more go to www.brethren.org/oepa/programs/peace-witness/prayforpeace.html.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
The Church of the Brethren’s 10th consecutive Cross-Cultural Consultation and Celebration will be held April 24-27, 2008, at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill. During this 300th anniversary year of the Church of the Brethren, the Cross-Cultural Consultation will consider Brethren history and look ahead to envision where God is leading the church.
“Predominately, we gather in Jesus’ name as we further the Kingdom’s vision expressed in Revelation 7:9,” said an announcement from Duane Grady, one of the Congregational Life Teams staff working with the steering committee that coordinates the event. Also working with the event is staff member Carol Yeazell.
The consultation will include an opportunity to see the offices of several Brethren agencies and to meet their staff. The group also will visit congregations in the greater Chicago area, where participants will be hosted for meals and worship.
There is no registration fee for the event. Freewill offerings will be collected during the worship service each evening to offset expenses incurred for meals, airport transportation, travel, and other expenses related to hosting this annual event. The General Board can provide travel assistance for one to two people per congregation.
Options for housing will include two hotels in the Elgin area, and private homes. Hosts will be asked to provide transportation each day from their homes to the Church of the Brethren General Offices, and to provide breakfasts.
Members of the Cross-Cultural Ministries Team Steering Committee are Barbara Date, Springfield Church of the Brethren, Oregon/Washington District; Thomas Dowdy, Imperial Heights Church of the Brethren, Pacific Southwest District; Carla Gillespie, Bethany Seminary, South/Central Indiana District; Sonja Griffith, First Central Church of the Brethren, Western Plains District; Robert Jackson, Lower Miami Church of the Brethren, Southern Ohio District; Marisel Olivencia, Harrisburg First Church of the Brethren, Atlantic Northeast District; Gilbert Romero, Bella Vista Church of the Brethren, Pacific Southwest District; Dennis Webb, Naperville Church of the Brethren, Illinois/Wisconsin District.
Advance registration will assist with the planning for the conference. Registration and schedule information are available at www.brethren.org, follow the keywords to “Cross Cultural Ministries.” Registration forms are available in Spanish and English and are due Feb. 1, 2008. Online registration will be available after Dec. 1. For more information contact Joy Willrett at the Congregational Life Ministries office, 800-323-8039 or jwillrett_gb@brethren.org.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
The Church of the Brethren Newsline is produced by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of news services for the Church of the Brethren General Board. Duane Grady contributed to this report. Newsline stories may be reprinted if Newsline is cited as the source. To receive Newsline by e-mail go to http://listserver.emountain.net/mailman/listinfo/newsline. Submit news to the editor at cobnews@brethren.org. For more Church of the Brethren news and features, subscribe to “Messenger” magazine; call 800-323-8039 ext. 247.