“Taking Action: Juniata and Steps Taken During Sandusky Investigation,” Juniata College online news, Huntingdon, Pa. (Dec. 16, 2011) – A letter from Juniata president Thomas R. Kepple Jr. opens: “Dear Juniata Community, In the last several weeks, as the alleged actions of Jerry Sandusky have dominated news headlines, we have been talking with various media about the facts of Sandusky’s having been present on our campus and around our football team during the 2010 season. The story has rightly caused concern among our alumni, students, families of our students, and other friends of Juniata. To aid in your understanding of what happened and to give you confidence in what Juniata is doing about it, I will share three things: facts regarding our initial response, the facts about Sandusky’s presence as we have known and have communicated them, and what we are doing to ensure such a situation does not occur again….” Read the entire letter at www.juniata.edu/takingaction.html
Related stories:
“Jerry Sandusky denied job upon check,” ESPN (Dec. 7, 2011) – A year and a half after an investigation began into Jerry Sandusky, the former Penn State assistant football coach applied for a volunteer coaching job at Juniata College, a Church of the Brethren-related school in central Pennsylvania, but was denied the job after a background check. Read the ESPN story at http://espn.go.com/college-football/story/_/id/7326214/jerry-sandusky-denied-job-juniata-college-failing-background-check-school-says
“Juniata players troubled by Sandusky’s proximity to children,” WHP TV CBS 21 News, Harrisburg, Pa. (Dec. 14, 2011) www.whptv.com/news/local/story/troubled-by-Sanduskys-proximity-to-children/yZCa4lO5iEyYkHNpAfzJUg.cspx
“Denied job after background check, Jerry Sandusky still coached at Juniata,” WHP TV CBS 21 News, Harrisburg, Pa. (Dec. 12, 2011) www.whptv.com/news/local/story/Sandusky-still-coaches-Juniata-College/GemajxS3mkGwHLfChNsgtw.cspx
“Grieving the Losses: Remembering the Battle of Dranesville,” Great Falls Connection, Alexandria, Va. (Dec. 13, 2011) – Last week, John Waggoner, a local historian and member of the Church of the Brethren, presented his research on The Battle of Dranesville at the Reston Community Center, followed by comments from Jim Lewis, a local historian, author, and member of the Hunter Mill Defense League. This painful story of local fear and foraging really struck a chord with me, and I have been in deep grieving over the enormous losses sustained during the civil war era for days. Read the column by Kathleen Murphy, president of the Great Falls Historical Society, at www.connectionnewspapers.com/article.asp?article=356574&paper=65&cat=104
“Ridge Church tells Christ child story with live actors and animals,” Shippensburg (Pa.) News-Chronicle (Dec. 13, 2011) – A 30-minute live outdoor production that tells the “biblically accurate” story of the first two years of the life of Jesus Christ is on tap for three nights starting Friday at 7 p.m. at the Ridge Church of the Brethren. Read the story at www.shipnc.com/articles/2011/12/13/the_valley_times_star/doc4ee79e8a43568203342938.txt
“Habitat and ECB partner to donate house in Eaton,” The Register-Herald, Eaton, Ohio (Dec. 13, 2011) – Habitat for Humanity partnered with Eaton’s Church of the Brethren to provide a brand new home for Lauri Johnson and her family. Although this project had been in the works for the greater part of the past two years, it became official during a celebratory event held at the house on Sunday, Dec. 4. Find the report at www.registerherald.com/main.asp?SectionID=4&SubSectionID=4&ArticleID=130160
Obituary: Charles H. Roberts, Journal-News, Martinsburg, W.Va. (Dec. 13, 2011) – Charles H. Roberts, 96, of Martinsburg, died Dec. 11. He was retired from Martin Marietta Corp., after 37 years of service. He was a member of Moler Avenue Church of the Brethren, where he became a charter member in 1940. He was a member of the Civil Conservation Corporation in 1932 and an avid hunter, fisherman and fan of all sports. He was preceded in death by his wife, Lula C. Miller Roberts. Find the full obituary at
www.journal-news.net/page/content.detail/id/572103/Charles-H–Roberts.html?nav=5007
Obituary: Thornton W. Byram, Staunton (Va.) News Leader (Dec. 11, 2011) – Thornton “Thorny” Wilson Byram, 74, beloved husband of Fonda (Humphries) Byram, went to be with the Lord on Dec. 9 at his residence, after a lengthy illness. He was a member of Barren Ridge Church of the Brethren. Prior to his retirement, he was employed in land sales. The obituary is at www.newsleader.com/article/20111212/OBITUARIES/112120306
“Live Nativity,” Daily American, Somerset County, Pa. (Dec. 11, 2011) – A photo of the folks at Middlecreek Church of the Brethren stepping back in time with “An Old Fashioned German Christmas.” Find the photo at www.dailyamerican.com/news/somerset/da-ot-live-nativity-20111211,0,4621022.story
“Live nativity planned at County Line Church of the Brethren,” Pittsburgh Tribune Review (Dec. 9, 2011) – The County Line Church of the Brethren held a live nativity with free refreshments, a fire to roast marshmallows, and caroling. Bring your neighbors, friends and families, said the announcement. Read more: www.pittsburghlive.com/x/dailycourier/news/mountainarea/s_771106.html#ixzz1gcdf0yNY
“Sign from God soaks local church: Honey drips down cross, onto altar of church,” ABC 57 News, South Bend, Ind. (Dec. 9, 2011) – A message sent from above drips all the way down the sanctuary of the Plymouth Church of the Brethren. “Way up in the point of the ceiling you can see brown streaks coming down the wall,” Pastor Ruth Yoder said. The sticky substance has been leaking from the top of the church for almost a month now, “Running down the cross itself the walls beside it and then dripping on the altar table,” Yoder said. Read the story at www.abc57.com/news/local/Sign-from-God-soaks-church-135291723.html
“Heritage Christmas is in full swing,” Echo-Pilot, Greencastle, Pa. (Dec. 9, 2011) – Trolley rides. Something new to Greencastle-Antrim’s Heritage Christmas will roll Saturday, Dec. 10. Trolley rides, hosted by Russ and Dodi Clever, also known as Two Nuts and a Bolt, will depart from the parking lot of the Greencastle Church of the Brethren. For the story and a picture of gingerbread making at Greencastle Church of the Brethren go to www.echo-pilot.com/lifestyle/celebrations/x1712046928/Heritage-Christmas-is-in-full-swing
“FOR & Historic Peace Churches discuss ecumenical engagement for peace and justice,” Fellowship of Reconciliation blog (Dec. 7, 2011) – On November 18-19, the Church of the Brethren hosted the annual meeting of the Historic Peace Churches/Fellowship of Reconciliation Consultative Committee for a time of fellowship, mutual support and conversation on ecumenical engagement for peace and justice. Read the full blog post at http://forusa.org/blogs/timothy-seidel/for-historic-peace-churches-discuss-ecumenical-engagement-for-peace-justice
Obituary: Shelby K. Campbell, Staunton (Va.) News Leader (Dec. 7, 2011) – Shelby Jean Karr Campbell, 58, of Goshen died Dec. 6 at her residence. She married Junior Franklin Campbell on Oct. 12, 1970, who survives her. She was a homemaker and a member of Little River Church of the Brethren in Goshen. For 15 years, she was a volunteer with Weekday Religious Education. The obituary is at www.newsleader.com/article/20111207/OBITUARIES/112070345
“Local Church Shares Meaning Of Christmas With Float in Parade,” WHSV Fox Channel 3, Virginia (Dec. 4, 2011) – Some local church members are trying to spread what they say is the true meaning of Christmas. They’re showing that message through their float for the Grottoes Christmas parade. Members of the Grottoes Church of the Brethren came together all week to put together this float. Go to www.whsv.com/news/headlines/Local_Church_Shares_Meaning_Of_Christmas_With_Float_in_Parade_134970108.html?ref=108
“Younger spiritual audience dwindling,” Altoona (Pa.) Mirror (Dec. 4, 2011) – Church is out, and spirituality is in. That’s how people in their 30s and younger think. Pastor Jeff Miley of Tyrone Church of the Brethren is one of the religious leaders interviewed for this article. Read it at www.altoonamirror.com/page/content.detail/id/555962/Younger-spiritual-audience-dwindling.html?nav=742
“Troutville Church of Brethren getting new pastor,” Roanoke (Va.) Times (Dec. 2, 2011) – Troutville Church of the Brethren announces a new Pastor in the New Year with a new beginning. Terry Johnson from Nickelsville, VA will be joining us as our new Pastor on January 1st. Terry along with his wife Waynette and their son Dawson age 7 and daughter Serena age 3 will be moving into the community the last week of December. Find the “Bototourt View” notice at http://blogs.roanoke.com/botetourtview/2011/12/troutville-church-of-brethren-getting-new-pastor
Obituary: Mona Lou Hemminger, Star Press, Muncie, Ind. (Dec. 3, 2011) – Mona Lou Hemminger, 85, died at Courtyard Healthcare. She had been in failing health the last 13 and a half months. A 1944 graduate of Nappanee High School, she was a member of Goshen City Church of the Brethren where she enjoyed singing in the choir. Find the full obituary at www.thestarpress.com/article/20111204/OBITUARIES/112040329
“Twin Falls Hosts After-dark Spectacle,” Twin Falls (Idaho) Times-News (Dec. 2, 2011) – Kathryn Bausman, pastor of Community Church of the Brethren in Twin Falls, and a handful of congregants were at the church on a recent Tuesday night working on a float for tonight’s annual Festival of Lights Parade in downtown Twin Falls. Read more: http://magicvalley.com/entertainment/events/twin-falls-hosts-after-dark-spectacle/article_ba33da0f-7c21-5437-a850-40d23964a3fe.html#ixzz1gcOjXHGy
“Local art shows feature unique gifts,” Journal Gazette, Fort Wayne, Ind. (Dec. 1, 2011) – Sophia’s Portico’s Winter Art Show, which featured 26 Indiana artists at Beacon Heights Church of the Brethren, was one of several local holiday art shows this month in the Fort Wayne area.
See the story at www.journalgazette.net/article/20111201/FEAT/312019993/1011/FEAT
“Church hosting dinner for military, families,” Daily Journal, Franklin, Ind. (Nov. 29, 2011) – A free dinner for active military members and reservists and their families was held Dec. 11 at Christ Our Shepherd Church of the Brethren. The newspaper report is at www.dailyjournal.net/view/local_story/Church_hosting_dinner_for_mili_1322618001/
“Volunteer carries on husband’s passion: Sarah Flowers enjoys stretching dollars and delivering supplies for Roanoke Area Ministries,” Roanoke (Va.) Times (Nov. 28, 2011) – Sarah Flowers, 74, began volunteering for RAM (Roanoke Area Ministries) about seven years ago with her husband, Douglas. For many years, Douglas Flowers and his brother, Ed, delivered donations to RAM from their church, Jeters Chapel Church of the Brethren in Bedford County. The report is at www.roanoke.com/holidays/wb/301689
Obituary: Phyllis J. Pickering, The Intelligencer / PhillyBurbs, Levittown, Pa. (Nov. 27, 2011) – Phyllis J. Pickering of Coopersburg, Pa., passed away on Nov. 25. She was 83. She was a member of the Springfield Church of the Brethren. She was married to the late Harold E. Pickering for 54 years. Services were held on Nov. 29 at the Springfield Church of the Brethren in Coopersburg. Find the full obituary at www.phillyburbs.com/obituaries/the_intelligencer/phyllis-j-pickering/article_d5766ae5-8428-5c6e-83fc-e4d79d6bfe10.html
Obituary: Harold P. Alexander, Staunton (Va.) News Leader (Nov. 26, 2011) – Harold Philip “H.P.” Alexander, 74, of Stuarts Draft, Va., passed away unexpectedly Nov. 24 in Richmond while visiting family for the holiday. An active member of White Hill Church of the Brethren in Stuarts Draft, he was the owner operator of H.P. Alexander Inc. for more than 50 years, and he owned Augusta Rental and Sales in Stuarts Draft. He is survived by his wife, Madeline Alexander. Read the obituary at www.newsleader.com/article/20111126/OBITUARIES/111260305