Heishmans announce decision to leave Dominican Republic mission
Irvin and Nancy Sollenberger Heishman have announced a decision not to seek renewal of their service agreement as co-coordinators of the Church of the Brethren mission in the Dominican Republic. The couple will end their service as mission coordinators in early December, after serving in the DR for seven and a half years. Nancy Heishman also finish her service as director of the Theological Program in the DR, a position she assumed in the fall of 2008.
During their years in the DR, the Heishmans have provided coordination for the mission, working with leadership of Iglesia de los Hermanos (Dominican Church of the Brethren) and providing guidance and support to the DR church and to others involved in the mission including Brethren Volunteer Service workers. Key ministries of the mission during their term included theological education, a BVS/BRF volunteer house, a micro-loan program, and guidance and accompaniment to the DR church during a difficult time of conflict in previous years.
In addition, Irvin Heishman currently is coordinating logistics for the Historic Peace Churches meeting that will gather Brethren, Friends, and Mennonites from the Americas in the DR later this year. The event is to take place Nov. 28-Dec. 2. in Santo Domingo, capital city of the DR.
The couple will leave the DR in December, but stay on contract with the Church of the Brethren until June 2011. They will be doing mission interpretation in the American church community and take time for personal restoration after a stressful term of mission service.
Global Mission Partnership executive director Jay Wittmeyer said the partnership of the Church of the Brethren with Iglesia de los Hermanos will be re-evaluated, particularly in terms of roles and responsibilities, before new staff will be seconded to the DR.
Fahrney-Keedy names Keith R. Bryan as president
At its Sept. 22 meeting, the Board of Directors of Fahrney-Keedy Home and Village, a Church of the Brethren retirement community in Boonsboro, Md., named Keith R. Bryan as president/CEO. Bryan has been at Fahrney-Keedy filling that position in an interim role since January.
Bryan is an accomplished fundraiser and has extensive expertise in the field. Prior to starting his own business in 2003, he worked with nonprofit groups for 13 years in leadership roles. These included fund development, marketing, administrative, and volunteer positions. He graduated from the University of Maryland with a bachelor’s degree in law enforcement and sociology, and continued his studies at St. Joseph’s College in Windham, Maine; Pennsylvania State University; Morgan State University; and University of Pennsylvania. He is a retired law enforcement officer. He and his family live in Westminster, Md.
On Earth Peace announces Jim Replogle as new operations director
James S. Replogle has been appointed operations director of On Earth Peace. He will handle daily operations for the organization, create and implement longterm strategy, supervise paid and volunteer staff, expand program income and constituencies, and provide leadership in developing program and financial plans and objectives.
Replogle and executive director Bob Gross will share authority for the organization as a whole. The new appointment allows Gross to focus more on fundraising and development–a step toward fulfilling the organization’s desire and strategic plan to reach new and larger audiences.
In addition to his new role with On Earth Peace, Replogle will continue as president and owner of J.S. Replogle & Associates, an investment management firm. In prior positions with the church, he has served on the board of directors for On Earth Peace, has directed the Brethren Foundation for Brethren Benefit Trust, directed planned giving for the former General Board of the Church of the Brethren, and was a general manager/publisher of Brethren Press.
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