Newsline for Dec. 11, 2021

Please be in prayer for those who have lost loved ones, homes, and businesses, the injured, and the first responders in the tornado outbreak that hit at least six states last night including Kentucky, Illinois, Missouri, Arkansas, and Tennessee. At least 70 people were killed with many areas still searching wreckage for survivors. Kentucky governor Andy Beshear has described the town of Mayfield, Ky., as “ground zero” for destruction wrought by a tornado that traveled more than 200-miles, reports the Guardian. Find that newspaper’s updated page with latest information about the tornado outbreak at www.theguardian.com/world/live/2021/dec/11

Quote of the week:

“For many of us, the most consequential thing that we have lost during the last several years has been our faith in each other…. Too many of us are forgetting the friendship, comradery, community spirit, and accomplishments working and living with these people around us in the past made possible. People are messy, contradictory, imperfect, sometimes disappointing, sometimes surprising, creative, unpredictable, sometimes shortsighted, sometimes hurtful, sometimes compassionate, sometimes exasperating, sometimes astonishing creatures of God’s creation and all of them are made in God’s image. We need to start looking for God’s image and grace in people again. Yes, it can be hard work, but God calls us to do the work required to be his people together. The rewards are heavenly!”

— From the December 2021 “Pray for Peace” bulletin insert from the Church of the Brethren’s Northern Ohio District. Find it and more inserts at www.nohcob.org/blog/2021/12/09/pray-for-peace-12-8-2021.

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We want to keep updating our listing of Churches of the Brethren congregations and their worship opportunities at www.brethren.org/news/2020/church-of-the-brethren-congregations-worship-online.html. Please send new information to cobnews@brethren.org.

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Lifting up Brethren who are active in health care: www.brethren.org/news/2020/brethren-active-in-health-care.html. Add a person to the list by sending first name, county, and state to cobnews@brethren.org.

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1) Annual Conference planners shift away from ‘insight sessions’ to ‘equipping sessions’

The Program and Arrangements Committee of the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference is shifting away from a long-standing practice of offering “insight sessions” at the denomination’s annual meeting, focusing instead on “equipping sessions.”

Conference planners first began this shift some years ago, gradually working in specific days for equipping sessions at the denomination’s annual meetings. “Now we are asking everyone to make this shift for all of their sessions,” said Annual Conference director Rhonda Pittman Gingrich.

She described the difference between an insight session and an equipping session in terms of the difference between an infomercial in which attendees are given information about a program, versus a workshop in which attendees experience and are given hands-on tools and resources to use in ministry.

The 2022 Annual Conference will renew and expand the emphasis on offering equipping sessions that empower congregations and participants for a life of discipleship and service to Christ and the church. All presenters are asked to plan sessions that are interactive learning experiences, introducing or exploring practical tools, skills, practices, or frameworks that participants can take home with them to enhance their personal or congregational ministry.

Presenters are encouraged, in particular, to plan equipping sessions related to discipleship formation, neighborhood engagement and missional outreach, leadership development, and stewardship enhancement.

For more about Annual Conference and the planning for the 2022 event, go to www.brethren.org/ac.

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2) EYN medical worker regains freedom; EYN president Joel S. Billi issues Christmas message

In more news from EYN, president Joel S. Billi has released his Christmas message:

AGRICULTURAL PRODUCT
We advise all farmers not to be extravagant or reckless in handling what they have harvested. It is unfortunate that some people sell their products right on the farms at give-away amounts. Please, let us restrain ourselves from such behavior except otherwise. You will agree with me that many farmers this year suffered crop losses from poor weather and lack of fertilizer. Therefore let us be wise and careful. Bearing in mind the plan to remove the fuel subsidy in the coming year (2022).

PROSPECTIVE HUSBANDS/WIVES
It is our fervent and passionate prayer that all those who are going to get married this Christmas through the new year, may God who is the creator of marriage establish to them Christ-centered homes, in the name of Jesus. As you plan to get married work within your income and do not compete or compare yourself with others. We also pray for the officiating clergymen to take Christian marriage with solemnness in every sphere. People who are still behaving and acting in a worldly manner by eloping in order to discredit the sacredness of biblical marriage, should be disciplined and treated as inactive members. Parents should also see the need to tell their children that if they eloped, they will not be happy with them.

RECKLESS DRIVING
Many people term the Christmas period as rush hours and drive recklessly despite the congestion of the roads and amounts of accidents which sometimes claim lives. Therefore let us drive with patience and diligence. If you are a passenger, it is your right to caution your driver to drive attentively.

TRANSFERS
We want to make a passionate call to all members to welcome any pastor that would be sent to you with outstretched arms without prejudice. Transfer is always for the good and growth of the church and it should not be misunderstood. Always avoid the temptation to have the desire to choose pastors for yourselves if given the opportunity or attempt to induce leaders to do what you want. Pastors and all workers should not be choosy or selective of where they want to work. All pastors have covenanted during ordination to work round the clock to ensure holistic growth of the church and not to think of “comfort zones.”

CHRISTMAS TIME
Celebrate Christmas with Christ the Master of Christmas. All your celebration should be centered on Him. Behave as expected during and after Christmas. We are encouraged to help and put smiles on the faces of the widows, orphans, aged, and destitute. Christ’s love is universal, likewise our own.

Merry Christmas and prosperous New Year.
In Christ,

Rev. Joel S. Billi.
EYN President

–– Zakariya Musa is head of Media for Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria (EYN, the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria).

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UPCOMING EVENTS

3) Speakers, Youth Speech Contest announced for National Youth Conference

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4) ‘I am because we are’: National Young Adult Conference focuses on life-giving quality of community

Even if we chafe at standards and boundaries placed to enable peaceful, healthy living, humans have a deep and strong desire to be with others. We are undeniably affected by the relationships we create. Simply, we are affected by our community. Often the implications of this reality are seen as a liability. However, NYAC participants will focus on the ways this reality is an asset. How are we as individuals enriched by being part of a community? How is life better when we are together, rather than apart? If we felt empathy for others due to such a deep connection through our baptism into the family of Jesus and call to live as one of his disciples, what would our lives look like?

It is precisely such deep connection to a group that allows an aspen tree to live. From above ground, where we spend most of our time, we see distinct trees. If we are paying enough attention, we might note that aspen trees tend to grow in groups. But did you know that the “distinct” aspen trees are actually part of the same organism? They share a root system and resources like water and nutrients. Aspens are a living expression of Romans 12:5; the “individual” thrives due to their deep connection to the larger body.

After so much time away from the larger body, the Young Adult Steering Committee is eager for young adults to remember and strengthen connection to each other.

NYAC registration opens online on Jan. 6, 2022. To learn more, visit www.brethren.org/yac.

— Becky Ullom Naugle is director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries for the Church of the Brethren.

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5) Deadline nears to register for the Clergy Tax Seminar on Jan. 29

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JESUS IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD: STORIES FROM CONGREGATIONS

6) Frederick Church creates new website inviting people to accept Jesus Christ

By Lerry Fogle

A new website created by a ministry team of Frederick (Md.) Church of the Brethren provides information on the homepage and invites persons to accept Jesus Christ into their hearts. The remaining pages of the site provide information and resources for all followers of Jesus, no matter their level of spiritual maturity. The site launched on Dec. 4 at www.sourceoftruelife.com.

Included in these pages is a repository of many resources (articles and other websites) answering various types of spiritual questions. The site is multi-media. The title for the site, “Source of True Life” is inspired by John 4:14.

— Lerry Fogle is a former director of the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference and a member of Frederick Church of the Brethren.

7) Community of Joy shares ‘Food and Faith’ podcast

Community of Joy Church of the Brethren in Salisbury, Md., has shared the link to listen to a “Food and Faith” podcast by pastor Martin Hutchison, according to the Mid-Atlantic District newsletter. The podcast interviews Hutchison about what’s happening at the church’s community garden “and how that has opened unimagined connections and opportunities to work and minister with the community, the local school system, and government programs,” said the newsletter. “Learn about ‘vegetable mischief’ teaching moments. The garden is an ‘opportunity to engage neighbors, nurture seeds of love and blessing; an opportunity greater than you can imagine.’” Find the podcast at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/food-and-faith-podcast/id1434195759?i=1000538227395.

8) Bethany Church brings friends to worship

Bethany Church of the Brethren in Norborne, Mo., held a special “Bring a Friend to Church” service on Sunday, Nov. 14, reported pastor Jason Frazer in the Missouri and Arkansas District newsletter. “Fifty-three persons were in attendance that morning,” he wrote, “and the text came from Mark’s Gospel, Chapter 10, verses 17 thru 31: the story of the rich man asking how to inherit eternal life. Several newcomers have been visiting our small rural church, which has brought some excitement and energy to our congregation.”

9) Warrensburg Church hosts birthday celebration for minister emeritus and Heifer International

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10) Brethren bits

— The Church of the Brethren’s Southern Ohio and Kentucky District is celebrating the ministry of retiring district executive Dave Shetler on Jan. 23, 2022, from 2-5 p.m. (Eastern time) at Salem Church of the Brethren in Englewood, Ohio. “Please join us as we honor Dave’s 11 years of ministry to our district as District Executive,” said an invitation. Donations in Shetler’s honor are received to the district disaster ministries, the district’s camping and retreat ministries, and to the Brethren Retirement Community in Greenville, Ohio.

–– Mid-Atlantic District has begun a new program of Jesus in the Neighborhood Mini-Grants, through its CORE Ministry Team tasked with “Church Outreach, Renewal, and Evangelism.” Following on the denomination’s adoption of the compelling vision, “CORE is offering Jesus in the Neighborhood Mini-Grants to congregations who wish to begin projects related to congregational renewal, revitalization, and community outreach but may need additional support to do so,” said the district newsletter. “Congregations are encouraged to think outside the box!” The mini-grants are restricted to Church of the Brethren congregations within the district, who apply for help to fund efforts that will use church funds wisely and judiciously, and that adhere to Church of the Brethren polity and values. The mini-grants of up to $500 will be awarded to congregations that have committed their own funds and resources to the project in addition to the mini-grant and that submit a simple budget of projected costs for their project.

— Lititz (Pa.) Church of the Brethren has appeared in several news reports recently, following the appearance of some chalk graffiti on the church property. The media stories have been overblown, said pastor Eric Landram. The graffiti was done with sidewalk chalk, and there was no lasting damage. It took only 20 minutes for church members to wash it off. Landram explained to a few media outlets, “Since this has not occurred on the property before, we are not concerned.” To Newsline, he wrote, “We aren’t letting the antics stop us from focusing on what matters the most during this season of Advent. We are busy living into the Church of the Brethren’s new compelling vision statement by following Jesus in relationship-based neighborhood engagement. We are encouraging our members and community to support families less fortunate during the holidays and we are diligent in continuing the important work of resettling refugees in Lancaster County. A little sidewalk chalk isn’t going to get us down. Christmas is coming and with it a great light of peace and hope!”

–– The World Council of Churches (WCC) is publishing a series of Bible studies leading up to its assembly taking place next year in Germany. The series is based on the assembly theme and linked to significant days in the Christian calendar. The first Bible study was published at the beginning of Advent and the next will be published in preparation for Epiphany. Read the first Bible study of the series, “Advent and Christmas” by Susan Durber, at www.oikoumene.org/resources/bible-studies/11th-assembly-bible-study-advent-and-christmas.

— Harvey Nininger’s role as “the father of meteoritics” is told by writer Max McCoy in a Nov. 28 article in the Kansas Reflector titled “In 1923, a Kansan saw a fireball overhead. He helped popularize a new science.” Nininger was a Church of the Brethren member and biology professor at McPherson (Kan.) College who in November 1923 began tracking and collecting meteorites. “During the next 60 years he located thousands,” writes McCoy. “By the 1940s, he was believed to have located half of all the meteorites that had so far been identified anywhere on the surface of the earth…. ‘Verily,’ he wrote in 1933, ‘Kansas has been the target of the universe.’ …From 1923 on, Nininger crisscrossed the state, educating local populations about meteorites and offering $1 a pound for the space rocks.” He even led McPherson students on trips to search for meteorites “as far away as South America, cataloguing historic finds and gathering new data from the strewn fields.” Although McCoy calls the Church of the Brethren a “sect,” he acknowledges Nininger’s deep faith along with his conflicts with McPherson College leadership: “For all of his adult life, Nininger would challenge the cornerstones of faith he had learned as a child; not only would he denounce belief in a 6,000-year-old earth, but he would come to chide the president of the Brethren college at McPherson for not teaching evolution. But Nininger never rejected faith.” Find the article at https://kansasreflector.com/2021/11/28/in-1923-a-kansan-saw-a-fireball-overhead-he-helped-popularize-a-new-science.

— Ron Beachley is the subject of an article in the Tribune-Democrat highlighting his more than 35 years as a referee for high school sports. The 81-year-old is a former pastor in the Church of the Brethren, served for years as a district executive, and was Annual Conference moderator. He also “has been a sports enthusiast his whole life,” the article noted. “And it’s led to the Davidsville resident refereeing high school sports for more than 35 years as a PIAA official.” Throughout years serving the church, wherever he served he also connected with opportunities to serve local schools by officiating at sports events. In retirement, that passion continues. “Beachley said he attends rules meetings annually for each sport and a number of chapter meetings to keep his credentials current. ‘Being an official allows me keep up with rule changes and seeing good athletes participate in the games,’ he said…. Beachley, who also drives a school bus for the Ferndale Area School District, said what keeps him working as an official is his love of competition and the camaraderie with other officials. ‘I question if I should retire, but I want to be involved,’ he said.” Find the article at www.tribdem.com/news/local_news/davidsville-resident-refereeing-high-school-sports-for-over-35-years-as-a-piaa-official/article_09e9baae-4610-11ec-8be5-4f88f47ba3c0.html.

–– Pastor Dwayne Yost of Flat Creek and Mud Lick Churches of the Brethren in Big Creek, Ky., is one of the church leaders that welcomed a large delivery of gifts and personal care items to help Kentuckians in need, sent to the Red Bird Mission supporting families in Bell, Clay, and Leslie County by churches in upstate New York. An article titled “NY to KY: Huge donation arrives at Eastern Kentucky’s Red Bird Mission” by Jonathon Gregg and published by Spectrum News 1 noted that “poverty rates in this area of Kentucky are some of the highest in the country” and that the area is seeing a “ripple effect” after the collapse of the coal industry, with many families staying in the area despite the loss of employment. Yost had worked for Red Bird more than 50 years ago, the piece reported, quoting him as saying, “If I live another 3 weeks I’ll be 87.” Yost also told the reporter: “It’s wonderful to be a part of God’s work wherever it is. Whether it’s at Red Bird or if it’s in New York where they put these boxes together…. You know, it’s wonderful we can all work together.” Find the article at https://spectrumlocalnews.com/nys/central-ny/news/2021/12/03/red-bird-mission-new-york-donation-kentucky.

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Newsline is the email news service of the Church of the Brethren. Inclusion in Newsline does not necessarily convey endorsement by the Church of the Brethren. All submissions are subject to editing. Newsline stories may be reprinted if Newsline is cited as the source. Contributors to this issue include Erika Clary, Lerry Fogle, Nancy Sollenberger Heishman, Eric Landram, Nancy Miner, Zakariya Musa, Becky Ullom Naugle, and editor Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of News Services for the Church of the Brethren. Please send news tips and submissions to cobnews@brethren.org . Find the Newsline archive at www.brethren.org/news . Sign up for Newsline and other Church of the Brethren email newsletters and make subscription changes at www.brethren.org/intouch . Unsubscribe by using the link at the top of any Newsline email.

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Find more Church of the Brethren news:

• Annual Conference 2024 invites Church of the Brethren to gather in Grand Rapids
• Annual Conference officers return query regarding congregational latitude on matters of human sexuality
• Silent Auction to benefit translation expenses and the general Annual Conference budget
• Mission and Ministry Board completes Kingian Nonviolence training, works at envisioning
• Leadership Team issues clarification on On Earth Peace membership with Supportive Communities Network