— Remembrance: Doris E. Coppock (97), retired from a long teaching career at McPherson (Kan.) College where she was noted as a pioneer in women’s athletics, died on Oct. 25 in a Wichita hospital following a fall. She was born on May 18, 1927, to Xury Landon Coppock and Martha Ellen (Evans) Coppock, in Greenville, Ohio, where her father was pastor of the Church of the Brethren. Subsequently, she moved with her family to various places where her father pastored. She received her AB degree from McPherson College in 1948 and joined the faculty in 1950. Early in life, she developed a love of sports at a time when opportunities for girls and women were quite limited. That was the focus of her graduate studies at the University of Iowa where she earned a master’s degree in 1954 and a doctorate in 1964. At McPherson, her impressive career championed women’s athletics at the college level. She played a key role in the physical education and sports activities of both women and men on campus and contributed to the development of women’s sports nationally. She taught in the physical education department at McPherson from 1950 to 1992 and was chair of the department from 1964 to 1992. She coached all the women’s sports the college offered and coached men’s golf and assisted in track and field. She coached the women’s tennis team to back-to-back conference championships in 1976 and 1977 and was named KCAC Coach of the Year in both of those seasons. She was a competitive tennis player herself. She served as National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) women’s basketball national chair for two years and sat on the National Examinations and Ratings Committee when the decision was made to change from six to five players and the 30-second clock was introduced–rules changes that have shaped the game of women’s basketball. She was inducted into the NAIA Hall of Fame in 1993. She was an active member of McPherson Church of the Brethren serving terms as board chair, moderator, and choir director. In the wider McPherson community, her musical abilities were appreciated as an accomplished vocalist and conductor and brass instrumentalist. In 2020, she was honored by the Kansas Music Educators Association for her contributions in music. On the denominational level in the Church of the Brethren, she served on the committees for the Alleluia songbook and the Brethren Songbook, and directed the Annual Conference choir. She also was involved in civil rights advocacy and advocacy for migrant workers, and attended workcamps in Mexico and Europe through the church. She is survived by nieces Jan Wright and Wendy Nottage (Graeme) of Christchurch, New Zealand, and their families, and by many cousins. A memorial service was held at McPherson Church of the Brethren on Dec. 16. Memorial gifts are received to McPherson College, McPherson Church of the Brethren, the Cedars, and McPherson CASA, in care of Stockham Family Funeral Home in McPherson. Find a full obituary at www.stockhamfamily.com/obituaries/doris-coppock.
–– Remembrance: Maurice Flora (88), a former mission worker in Nigeria, died on Sept. 16. As a Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS) worker he served at Waka Teacher’s College in northeast Nigeria from 1959 to 1961. He graduated from La Verne College, now the University of La Verne, in 1957. His professional career, which focused on education, included among other positions teaching at an elementary school in Claremont, serving as program director of the Peace Corps Training Corps in the early 1960s, and worked out of the California State Department of Education as training manager of the Master Trainers for Career Education. He was associated with Claremont-based MGD Unlimited beginning in 1978, where he was president. He was president and board member of the California Association of Work Experience Educators, president and board member of the California Association of Vocational Educators, and president and board member of the Charter Oak Unified School District Board of Education. He received an award for community service from the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors in 1991, the 1973 award for community service from the Los Angeles County Commission on Human Relations, and the 1972 award for community service from the Pomona Valley Chapter of the NAACP. He was a member of La Verne Church of the Brethren, was active in Pacific Southwest District, and was a regular attender of Annual Conference.
— Remembrance: Leon Crist Neher (90), who served on the former General Board of the Church of the Brethren, died on Nov. 18 at his home at the Cedars in McPherson, Kan. He was born on Nov. 21, 1933, and grew up in Quinter Kan. He graduated from McPherson College in 1957, earned a master of divinity from Bethany Seminary in 1961, and earned a master’s in sociology from Ohio State University in 1963. During an academic year as an undergraduate student in India, he was influenced by Gandhi’s practices of nonviolence which proved to be formative in shaping his life and career goals. He served on the faculty at Manchester College, now Manchester University in North Manchester, Ind., from 1963 to 1969, after which he moved with his family to Quinter where he managed the three-generation family farm. His transition from professor to farmer got the attention of the National Geographic Society, who featured his dream of rural community development in the book Life in Rural America (1974). He also taught courses in anthropology and sociology (1969-1976) on a part-time basis at Colby (Kan.) Community College. He was ordained to the ministry in 1961 and served Church of the Brethren congregations in several states, and also was invited to preach in other congregations across the country. He viewed the farmer/prophet Clarence Jordan as a role model and made a conscious choice not to accept full salary for his church ministry and refused the title Reverend. In addition to serving on the denominational board, his service to the church also included a term as youth director of the Western Region of the Church of the Brethren, and service as chair of Western Plains District. He joined in the peace and justice witness of the Church of the Brethren, joining in the Civil Rights movement and marching in events led by Martin Luther King Jr. His agricultural career included leadership on several Agriculture Extension Boards in the 1970s, including as chair of the Gove County Board, chair of the Northwestern Kansas Board, and vice chair of the Kansas Extension Board. His seed business required his annual visit of up to 85 growers and dealers across the Great Plains. His barley seed was sold for experimental purposes in Canada, Mexico, Ukraine, South Africa, and Korea. Visitors came from as far away as Russia to visit the Paramount Farm operation. He is survived by his four children: Tom (Marie) of McPherson, Deb (Tom Weicht) of Burlington, Vt., Mike (Carolyn) of Lombard, Ill., and Mark (Marcie Moller) of Portland, Ore., and grandchildren and great grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. on Jan. 18, 2025, at Quinter Church of the Brethren, with a reception and visitation following. Memorial gifts are received to Heifer International and to Koinonia Farm in Americus, Ga. Find a full obituary at www.bakerfhvc.com/obituary/leon-neher.
— Remembrance: Raymond “Ray” Eugene Hileman (72), who had served on the Church of the Brethren’s New Church Development Advisory Committee and who had been director of English ministries in Atlantic Southeast District, died on Nov. 26. He was born to Charles and Mary (Cooper) Hileman on Nov. 17, 1952, in Johnstown, Pa. Formerly ordained in the Church of the Brethren, he served congregations in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Florida for more than 50 years, and was a prominent leader in Atlantic Southeast District. He was passionate about Intercultural Ministry and solid biblical preaching, and was a talented vocalist. He is survived by his wife, Graciela Paula; his children’s mother, Cindy Lee Nestor (Mike; Lisbon, Ohio); children Leah J. Hileman (Seward, Pa.) and Michael C. Hileman (Stacy; Salem, Ohio); stepchildren Madeline Klemm and Fernando Asencio; and grandchildren. Memorial gifts are received by the family to defray out-of-state travel expenses and give Christmas blessings to his children and grandchildren.
— Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS) orientation dates for 2025 have been set and applications are open. “Do you know anyone who may be a great fit for BVS?” said an announcement. “Applications are open for 2025 and the holidays are a great time to apply!” The application form can be found on the BVS website at www.brethren.org/bvs/volunteer/apply.
BVS orientation dates for 2025:
July 27-Aug. 4, summer orientation for Unit 337, at Camp Colorado in Sedalia, Colo.
Sept. 10-18, fall orientation for Unit 338, at Camp Mardela in Denton, Md.
Also from BVS: The program is looking for a new t-shirt design. “Are you artistic or into graphic design?” asked the announcement. “This won’t replace our classic BVS purple t-shirts, but will be a new shirt that past BVSers and supporters can purchase and wear. If we choose your design, we’ll send you a complimentary t-shirt!” Please submit designs to the BVS office by Feb. 21, 2025. Email bvs@brethren.org.
A number of Youth and Young Adult Ministries events are coming up in 2025:
Christian Citizenship Seminar (CCS) takes place April 5-9, 2025, in Washington, D.C. The theme is “Faith for Change” (Matthew 25:31-46). Registration is now open at www.brethren.org/yya/ccs. Those who register and pay in December will get a free t-shirt!
National Junior High Conference takes place June 20-22, 2025, at Juniata College in Huntingdon, Pa. The theme is “Let Your Gentleness Be Known” (Philippians 4:5). Registration will open on Jan. 10, 2025.
Young Adult Conference takes place at Brethren Woods, a camp and outdoor ministry center near Keezletown, Va., on May 23-25, 2025. The theme is “Hope: Roots and Branches” (Jeremiah 17:7-8). Registration will open on Jan. 24, 2025.
“Refresh and Renew,” a youth advisor retreat day led by Youth and Young Adult Ministries director Becky Ullom Naugle, will be held as a regional event at Camp Bethel in Virlina District on Jan. 18, 2025.
FaithX registration will open on Jan. 8, 2025. “Set your alarms!” said an announcement. “FaithX service trip registration opens on Wednesday, January 8 at 7:00 pm Eastern. Trips are available for all ages with domestic options for youth, adults, older adults, and families, and an additional international option for adults.” View the full schedule, pricing, and general FaithX information at www.brethren.org/faithx. Register online at www.brethren.org/faithx/registration. If you have questions, please reach out to Marissa Witkovsky-Eldred in the FaithX Office at faithx@brethren.org or 847-429-4337.
“Need a last-minute gift? Give the gift of Messenger!” invites the staff of Messenger, the Church of the Brethren magazine. Gift subscriptions cost $14.50 and let people know you are thinking about them all year long. Find subscription information at www.brethren.org/messenger/subscribe. A card is available to download and print to go with the subscription, click on “Printable Christmas gift card (PDF)” at www.brethren.org/messenger/subscribe.
Also from Messenger magazine, a Christmas music playlist is posted at www.brethren.org/messenger/playlists/playlist-christmas-favorites. Last year, the Church of the Brethren denominational staff chose their favorite Christmas music for a special playlist,” said an announcement. “This year the playlist has new additions. Enjoy!”
— Brethren Woods seeks a property manager. Brethren Woods, an ACA accredited camp and retreat center located near Harrisonburg, Va., seeks an innovative, dedicated property manager to manage and maintain a 140-acre property in a manner that reflects excellence in stewardship of creation and hospitality to ensure a safe and fun experience for campers, schools, families, churches, and guest groups. The property manager is responsible to evaluate, prioritize, and maintain the camp’s grounds, facilities, equipment, and vehicles for camp and guest use. This includes a variety of maintenance, landscaping, groundskeeping, repair, and construction tasks, as well as assisting with set-up and support for programs and events. The property manager also provides supervision for paid and volunteer maintenance and housekeeping staff, including work groups. The successful candidate must be committed to the camp’s ministry and able to develop and implement a preventive maintenance program in order to ensure attractive, clean, healthy, and safe conditions. Demonstrated skills and experience with tools, equipment, maintenance operations, and managing projects, people, processes, and paperwork are required, as well as a willingness to learn new skills. A high school diploma or GED is required with a preference for skilled/technical education and/or training. The ideal candidate will be self-motivated and flexible, with the ability to work independently, and also exhibit a spirit of cooperation and commitment to a team relationship with other paid and volunteer camp staff. This is a fulltime, year-round, salaried position based on an average of 40 hours per week. Extended hours, flexible scheduling, and on-call availability, including evenings and weekends, are required. Benefits include a salary, based on experience and within the context of a nonprofit environment, paid vacation and sick leave, a generous holiday schedule, a pension plan, and professional growth funds. Optional onsite housing and utilities. To apply, submit a cover letter, resume, and three references to Linetta Alley, Executive Director, Brethren Woods, 4896 Armentrout Path, Keezletown, VA 22832 or director@brethrenwoods.org. The position is open until filled, with review of resumes beginning Jan. 20, 2025. Find more information at https://brethrenwoods.org/employmentopportunities.
— “Writers wanted!” said an announcement from the Shine curriculum jointly produced by Brethren Press and MennoMedia. Shine is seeking writers for a new youth curriculum. Writers will create six-week units on various biblical and life application topics for youth in grades 9 to 12. Shine wants to encourage youth to dig deep into scripture; motivate youth to live out their faith and follow the way of Jesus; help youth wonder about, wrestle with, and discuss their own beliefs and values; empower youth to think theologically and articulate their faith; give youth opportunities to build community with others. This is a freelance writing job, and payment is paid for the project, not hourly. To apply, visit the website at https://shinecurriculum.com. Go to the “About” tab in the dropdown menu and click “Jobs.” Follow the instructions to download the application and sample session documents. Choose a sample session topic from the two options given and write a sample session using the template provided. Email a resume, application, and sample session to RachelNE@MennoMedia.org by Jan. 17, 2025. Applicants will receive an email confirmation of receipt of the files. For questions email RachelNE@MennoMedia.org. For more information go to https://shinecurriculum.com/2024/12/19/writers-wanted.
— Southeastern District has published a thank you to all who have contributed to its Hurricane Helene Disaster Response Fund, in a recent district newsletter. “On behalf of the Southeastern District Board, we want to express our overwhelming gratitude for the generous gifts that have been given to support our efforts to aid those who have been affected by Hurricane Helene,” said the newsletter. “We praise God for the kindness and compassion of sisters and brothers around the country who have enabled us to help where we can. Below is the amount our district has received as well as the amount given out and our balance as of 11/24/2024. Total received so far: $85,995.00. Grants issued out so far: $42,000.00. Remaining balance: $43,995.00.” The notice went on to give instructions for filling out grant applications for those in the district who know of anyone who needs aid, and whose congregation is willing to sponsor them. “Our intention is to have a 0 balance. The purpose of the grants is to help those in need. Please do not hesitate to apply or sponsor a family,” said the newsletter.
— Brethren Disaster Ministries is one of the faith-based and humanitarian organizations receiving funds through a matching gift initiative for hurricane relief from Everence, according to an article published by The Elkhart (Ind.) Truth newspaper. “Everence is directing $120,000 of the funds raised and matched thus far to humanitarian assistance organizations providing aid to communities impacted by the 2024 hurricanes,” said the article. “Everence members, clients and employees have contributed nearly $68,000 — exceeding the organization’s initial $50,000 challenge. To further amplify this collective impact, Everence is adding another $50,000 to the initiative, bringing the total dollar-for-dollar match to $100,000 and the total potential impact of the matching gift initiative to $200,000.” Alongside Brethren Disaster Ministries, other organizations receiving funding include Christian Aid Ministries, Christian Disaster Relief, Church World Service, Mennonite Disaster Service, and Samaritan’s Purse.
— The National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA (NCC) has received a $5 million grant from Lilly Endowment, Inc. through its National Storytelling Initiative on Christian Faith and Life. “The grant will support NCC’s Mosaic project, an ecumenical initiative that chronicles profound Christian stories of faith, hope, and resilience,” said an NCC release that noted that the NCC is one of 13 organizations from across the US receiving grants through the initiative. The NCC’s Mosaic project “harnesses the rich diversity of ecumenism to uncover stories of faith leaders and laity that transcend societal and cultural guardrails to connect, educate, and engage individuals through the transformative message of the Gospel paired with lived experiences. The project will showcase stories from NCC member communions and communities, creating a distinct ecumenical storytelling campaign that leverages the power of storytelling to celebrate authenticity and diversity.”
— A podcast series called “Give Love” has been created by Church of the Brethren member Jess Hoffert. It features a friendship he developed with Franklin Davis, a death row inmate in Texas with whom he was connected as a pen pal through the Church of the Brethren’s Death Row Support Project (DRSP). A recent episode features DRSP leaders Rachel and Heidi Gross. The tenth and final episode was released on Dec. 18. Go to https://rss.com/podcasts/givelove.
— David Shumate has been honored by the Virginia Council of Churches, receiving the Lifetime Ecumenist Award. The award was given at the council’s 80th Annual Day on Nov. 7 at Mt. Zion First African Baptist Church in Charlottesville, Va. Shumate is the former district executive minister of the Church of the Brethren’s Virlina District, where he served for almost 30 years. Now retired, he is serving on a volunteer basis as secretary of the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference, and is a former moderator of Annual Conference. In addition, he served on the Annual Conference study committee tasked with writing “A Vision of Ecumenism for the 21st Century.” During the work of this committee, he was the writer of the Historical Background section dealing with Brethren involvement in ecumenism. This statement was adopted by the 2018 Annual Conference.
— The World Friendship Center in Hiroshima, Japan, has shared a Facebook post featuring its new directors, Brad and Sue Cox of Lynchburg (Va.) Church of the Brethren. Photos of the couple, who are placed through Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS), show them meeting with the Sutoku High School Newspaper Club which in the spring had covered various activities of the World Friendship Center. “Visiting a Japanese high school and hearing about the activities from students in the newspaper club was very interesting for both of them,” said the Facebook post. The post noted the new directors’ “resolution to work hard so that the new facility can be used as a place for guests from overseas to hear testimonies from bombing victims and to think about peace.”
#MissionAndMinistryBoard #StrategicPlan #RacialJustice #LoveOurNeighbors #Discipleship #NewTestamentGiving
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Find more Church of the Brethren news:
- Messenger and Communications receive six awards from the Associated Church Press
- Pastoral care in focus on a trip to Honduras to support deported church members
- ‘What got us here won’t get us there’: Learnings from the L.E.A.D. Conference
- World Friendship Center in Hiroshima seeks volunteer co-directors through Brethren Volunteer Service
- Annual Conference officers to host virtual delegate briefing on May 27