Brethren bits

— Remembrance: Karen Roberts Sare, 71, a former orientation coordinator for Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS), died on Nov. 10, 2024. She worked for BVS at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill., from 2002-2004. The daughter of James and Ruth (Bendsen) Rowe, she was born July 6, 1953, in Angola, Ind. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Manchester College (now Manchester University) in North Manchester, Ind., in 1975. After college, she joined BVS as a volunteer based in Jackson, Miss. On June 10, 1978, she married Jeffrey Roberts, who became an ordained minister in the United Methodist Church, and for two decades, while raising their children, she also served in ministerial roles at United Methodist congregations. She also worked as a registered respiratory therapist. Her first husband passed away on April 5, 2001. She went on to work for BVS and then pursued a master’s degree at Bethany Seminary, where she reconnected with Randy Sare, whom she had known as a student at Manchester College. They married on May 8, 2011. In December 2016, she was diagnosed with a terminal lung disease and in April 2017 received a double lung transplant that extended her life and allowed her to meet and spend time with all of her grandchildren. She is survived by her husband, Randy Sare, of North Manchester, Ind.; sons Drew (Krista) Roberts of Pleasant Hill, Calif., Joel (Casey) Roberts of San Jose, Calif., and Jon (Sacha G.) Sare of North Manchester; daughter Tasha (Amy Worman) Sare of Fort Wayne, Ind.; and grandchildren. A memorial service took place on Friday, Jan. 10, at Manchester Church of the Brethren. Memorial gifts are received to Manchester Church of the Brethren. A full obituary is at www.mckeemortuary.com/obituaries/karen-roberts-sare.

— Remembrance: John Gladden Barr, 86, a former mission worker in Nigeria who also taught on the faculty of Bridgewater (Va.) College, passed away at Harmony House in the Bridgewater Retirement Community early on Dec. 16, 2024. He was born July 24, 1938, in Myrtle Point, Ore., to Rebecca (McKonly) and Francis H. Barr, Sr. He graduated from Manchester College (now Manchester University) in North Manchester, Ind., in 1960 and from Union Theological Seminary School of Sacred Music in New York City with the SMM and SMD degrees in 1962 and 1977. He married Anna H. B. Lootsma in 1965. She preceded him in death in 2012 after a marriage of 46 years and one month. He taught music at Hillcrest School in Jos, Nigeria, serving there for the Church of the Brethren. Later, he joined the faculty of Bridgewater College, retiring in 2003 as professor of Organ and Piano. He was organist at Bridgewater Church of the Brethren during most of his time at the college, into retirement. His professional career also included service as organist and director of music at University Presbyterian Church in Madison, Wis. He was a composer of choral and organ music, much of the latter being published commercially by the H. W. Gray Co. and by Wayne Leupold Editions. He is survived by daughter Rebecca Ann Barr Simmons of East Grand Forks, Minn., along with son-in-law Kevin Simmons; son John A. Barr of Chicago, Ill.; and grandsons. His memorial service will be held on Saturday, Jan. 25, at 2 p.m., at Bridgewater Church of the Brethren. Memorial gifts are received to Bridgewater Church of the Brethren Disaster Fund and Bridgewater College. Find a full obituary at www.johnsonfs.com/obituaries/John-Gladden-Barr.

— Remembrance: Edward (Ed) Poling, who served a term on the board of trustees of Bethany Theological Seminary and was retired from a lengthy career as a Church of the Brethren pastor, died on Jan. 6. He had a long ministry in the Church of the Brethren denomination including service at Camp Blue Diamond, Camp Harmony, Camp Eder, and Camp Swatara, noted a remembrance shared by Mid-Atlantic District. His service on the Bethany board was in the early 2000s, during which time he was called as secretary beginning in 2003 and completed his term on the board in 2005. He also was the Bethany board representative to the Susquehanna Valley Ministry Center. He was a Brethren Press author, writing at least one devotional as well as books in the Covenant Bible Study series. He filled pastorates at the Myersville, Waynesboro, Carlisle, and Hagerstown congregations. For a time, he was chaplain at Towson State College in Maryland. While serving as a pastor in Mid-Atlantic District, he helped organize the annual worship service held at the Dunker Church at the Antietam Civil War battlefield. Services will be held on Saturday, Feb. 1, at Hagerstown (Md.) Church of the Brethren with visitation starting at 10 a.m., the service starting at 11 a.m., and a meal and sharing time following.

A Zoom meeting of the Standing Committee of district delegates to the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference will be held on Monday evening, Jan. 13, from 8 to 10 p.m. (Eastern time). The meeting is open to the public. The primary agenda item will be the process for addressing concerns with Annual Conference agencies, which a subcommittee of Standing Committee has been working on developing for about two years. Attend the meeting via this Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85226086879.

Service Sunday will be celebrated across the Church of the Brethren on Feb. 2 to recognize those who serve their neighbors in the name of Christ, such as local congregational volunteers, those serving in church districts, and volunteers serving in denominational programs such as Brethren Volunteer Service and Brethren Disaster Ministries. “Every year, BVS, FaithX, and other service ministries highlight Service Sunday on the first Sunday in February,” said an announcement. “We invite congregations to celebrate with us by recognizing those who serve or have served in their local communities and beyond. Resources are available online to incorporate into your Sunday service!” Go to www.brethren.org/bvs/service-sunday.

Reminder: FaithX registration opened online on Jan. 8. 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 at www.brethren.org/faithx/registration.

— Two pastors in Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria (EYN, the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria) who had been abducted have now been released, according to Nigerian media reports dated Jan. 6. James Kwayang and Ishaku Chiwar were abducted last week from the Malabu area of Fufore Local Government Area in Adamawa State. EYN president Daniel Mbaya confirmed their release. The Nation quoted him as saying, “As we celebrate the safe return of these two dedicated servants of God, we are reminded of the power of collective prayer and support.” The Daily Post noted that it was unclear how the release was obtained. Read more at https://thenationonlineng.net/adamawa-police-confirm-release-of-two-abducted-eyn-pastors and https://dailypost.ng/2025/01/06/abductrd-eyn-pastors-regain-freedom-in-adamawa.

— The “Potluck” piece written by Founa Augustin Badet, director of Intercultural Ministries, which appeared in the January/February 2025 issue of the Church of the Brethren’s Messenger magazine, is now available online at www.brethren.org/messenger/potluck/what-if. Here is a taste of her reflection: “The question is “What if?” It has different layers, a different capacity of expressing itself in certain situations. What if I had been born in America? What if I were not an immigrant? What if I were living the dream? The fact of the matter is, I’m not. I’m a Haitian American born and raised in Haiti. I had to learn and relearn how to live in a different country, how to adapt to a different culture…. Yes, we do our best as Brethren to extend hospitality. We do our best to be Jesus in the neighborhood to the level of what we are able and capable to do. However, what we can do even better is recognize the reality of immigrants, because we are all strangers until we become family.”

— The Brethren Historical Library and Archives has created a new section of its website that tells potential donors about the kinds of donations of historical documents and items that the BHLA is accepting. Find this helpful guidance at www.brethren.org/bhla/donating-materials.

— On Earth Peace has announced two online events:

A Two-Hour Intro to Kingian Nonviolence is scheduled for Jan. 16 at 5 p.m. (Eastern time). “Hear stories and anecdotes from the Civil Rights Movement shared by Mary Lou Finley and Sherri Bevel,” said the announcement. “Mary Lou and Sherri will communicate the core of the Kingian Nonviolence Legacy, grounding in stories and examples from their own lives and the broader Movement.” This webinar covers the four pillars, six principles, six steps, and social dynamics of Kingian Nonviolence. Go to www.onearthpeace.org/2025_1_16_2hr_intro_kingian_nonviolence.

Church of the Brethren Kingian Nonviolence Connection is offered on Jan. 22 as “a sacred space for conversation, resourcing and equipping,” said the announcement. “A place for any member or friend of the Church of the Brethren to come together to share and build with one another about living out what we’re learning about nonviolence. On Earth Peace is in the process of training 1000 Brethren and friends in Kingian Nonviolence Conflict Reconciliation. With almost 300 trained or exposed to KNV, this event is being offered as an informal place for Brethren to come together to connect about their own next steps, questions, and experiments in nonviolence. Once we settle into a regular time slot, the event will happen monthly.” The convenor is Valerie Helbert of Peace Covenant Church of the Brethren in Durham, N.C., who is a program coordinator at the Center for Reconciliation at Duke Divinity School. Go to www.onearthpeace.org/2025-1-21-cob-knv-connection.

Job openings:

— The Southern Pennsylvania District of the Church of the Brethren seeks candidates to fill the position of district executive minister. The district, which includes 27 congregations, seeks a district executive minister for a part-time position equal to approximately 25-30 hours per week, working remotely or at the district office in Gardners, Pa. Compensation will be negotiated in reference to the denominationally recommended salary and benefits for district executive ministers. Travel is required both within and outside of the district. The district board envisions a district executive team that includes the district executive minister as well as a district minister of pastoral care and a district minister of nurture and outreach. The need for these two additional roles will be determined approximately 6-8 months after the part-time district executive minister has begun work. Responsibilities are outlined in the position description that is available on request and include these primary elements: serving as chief executive administrator and planning officer for the district and its board; as necessary, leading the district executive team including guiding team meetings; delegating tasks and responsibilities to appropriate team members or volunteers; maintaining confidential files including but not limited to pastoral, personnel, and congregational files; directing and overseeing the work of the administrative assistant; guiding and assisting congregations in the pastoral placement process; planning and conducting services of licensing and credentialing for ministers assisted by the Minister of Pastoral Care or ministry commission as needed; liaising with the denominational Ministry Office, Susquehanna Valley Ministry Center, Bethany Seminary, Council of District Executives, Annual Conference, General Secretary, and more; among other responsibilities. Qualifications include ordination through an accredited program; a minimum of Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership/ACTS-level training; skills in organization, administration, and communication; commitment to the Church of the Brethren locally and denominationally and willingness to work ecumenically; demonstrated leadership skills; pastoral experience. Apply by sending a letter of interest and resume to Nancy Sollenberger Heishman, Director of Ministry for the Church of the Brethren, via email to officeofministry@brethren.org. Applicants are requested to contact three people to provide letters of reference. Upon receipt of the resume, a candidate profile will be sent that must be completed and returned before the application is complete. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

— The Shenandoah District of the Church of the Brethren seeks candidates to fill the position of district executive minister. The district includes 86 congregations in Virginia and West Virginia. The district is theologically, geographically, and politically diverse with creative, committed Christians seeking to serve together as the body of Christ. This is a fulltime position of about 48 hours per week. The district office is located in Weyers Cave, Va. Travel is required both within and outside of the district. Responsibilities include direction, coordination, management, and leadership of the district ministries, as authorized by the District Conference and implemented by the District Leadership Team; work with congregations in calling and credentialing ministers, and placement/call and evaluation of pastors; provision of support and counsel for ministers and other church leaders; sharing and interpreting program resources for congregations; providing a link between congregations, district, and denomination by working collaboratively with the Council of District Executives, Annual Conference, agencies, and their staff. Qualifications include ordination through an accredited program; a master of divinity degree preferred; extensive experience in pastoral leadership including serving as pastor of a Church of the Brethren congregation required; experience in organization, administration, supervision, communication, and working with lay leaders highly desired; commitment to the Church of the Brethren locally and denominationally and willingness to work ecumenically; demonstrated leadership skills. The district profile and position description are available on request. Apply by sending a letter of interest and resume to Nancy Sollenberger Heishman, Director of Ministry for the Church of the Brethren, via email to officeofministry@brethren.org. Applicants are requested to contact three people to provide letters of reference. Upon receipt of the resume, a candidate profile will be sent that must be completed and returned before the application is complete. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

— Shenandoah District also seeks candidates for the position of office manager, a new position opening in the district office in Weyers Cave, Va. The office manager is responsible for management of the district office. The position prioritizes responding to the needs and functions of the congregations and partners which are served, specified in the tasks and functions described in the detailed job description. The candidate will be part of a district staff that includes various role and responsibilities and will collaborate with the staff and district executive minister in fulfilling office responsibilities. Essential qualifications include being a faithful follower of Jesus Christ as understood and practiced by the Church of the Brethren; a high school education plus applicable experience and training; computer skills with Microsoft Office suite; being a skilled communicator, both verbally and written; having the ability to maintain healthy relationships with diverse groups of people, theologically and culturally, and maintain strict confidentiality; patience in the face of diverse demands; among others. In addition to administrative tasks in the district office, the position includes responsibilities related to the disaster auction and the district disaster response team that relates with Brethren Disaster Ministries. The salary range is competitive, and the benefit package includes retirement, disability, and coverage for health insurance. The desired start date is March 3. Apply by sending a resume by Jan. 23 to: Shenandoah District Office, Attention: District Executive Minister John Jantzi, P.O. Box 67, Weyers Cave, VA 24486; or by email to johnjantzi@shencob.org.

— Brethren Woods, an ACA accredited camp and retreat center 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 position 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, grounds keeping, repair, and construction tasks, as well as assisting with set-up and support for programs and events. The position also provides supervision for paid and volunteer maintenance and housekeeping staff, including work groups. Qualifications include commitment to the camp’s ministry; ability 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; willingness to learn new skills; high school diploma or GED 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 non-profit environment, paid vacation and sick leave, a generous holiday schedule, a pension plan, and professional growth funds. Optional onsite housing and utilities. Apply by submitting a cover letter, resume, and three references to Linetta Alley, Executive Director, Brethren Woods, 4896 Armentrout Path, Keezletown, VA 22832; or by email to director@brethrenwoods.org. Position is open until filled, with review of resumes beginning Jan. 20. EOE. Find out more at https://brethrenwoods.org/employmentopportunities.

— Camp Bethel in Fincastle, Va., seeks a dependable, caring leader to fill the position of fulltime, salaried Food Services coordinator. The camp is offering a $1,500 sign-on bonus. Food service ability or experience is required, and staff management experience is preferred. The position oversees kitchen operations including, but not limited to, cooking and preparing meals for groups, inventory and ordering, cleanliness and sanitation, hiring and training of staff, flow and operation of the kitchen. This position is available immediately. Starting benefits package includes a salary of $36,000 with optional family/personal medical insurance plan, an employer-paid pension plan, paid vacation leave, professional growth funds, and optional onsite housing and utilities. Camp Bethel is a facility free from tobacco, vaping, alcohol, and drugs. Read the on-line application instructions, position description, and more at www.campbethelvirginia.org/fsc or e-mail questions to Camp Director Hannah Jarrett at Hannah@CampBethelVirginia.org.

— A Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS) reunion will be held Feb. 15 from 12-4 p.m. at Camp Mardela in Denton, Md., which is a current BVS project site. “All attendees are encouraged to bring food and stories to share!” said an invitation from BVS. If you are interested in attending, please RSVP at www.campmardela.org/event-details/faithx-bvs-reunion.

— Dranesville Church of the Brethren in Herndon, Va., held a special peace service commemorating the anniversary of the Civil War battle of Dranesville, which took place on Dec. 20, 1961. A candle was lit for each man killed at the battle, according to a post from the Fairfax Times. Find a photo showing John Waggoner and Matt Kozak participating in leadership of the service, at www.fairfaxtimes.com/dranesville-church-of-the-brethren/image_a45f3236-c703-11ef-bdfd-af149f2f9212.html.

— McPherson (Kan.) Church of the Brethren held a Gun Violence Prevention Vigil on the second Sunday of Advent as the “Peace” Sunday. “Most of the worshippers wore orange that day to church,” reported Bev Nye. “The service, planned by co-ministers Jerry Bowen and Kathryn Whitacre, included peace-related songs, readings, speakers, and a special candle-lighting memorial to school-shooting victims. Congregants were asked to commit to one action that they would promise to do within the next year to help reduce gun violence. They wrote the promised action on an index card, then walked the card forward during the singing of the song, ‘Imagine.’ The tone throughout the service was somber and respectful, yet optimistic for changes. Afterward, many people commented that the service was extremely meaningful.”

— Manchester University is hosting a virtual Alumni Series Showcase on Jan. 14 at 7 p.m. (Eastern time) featuring the Church of the Brethren’s Death Row Support Project and founder Rachel Gross, recently retired from leadership of the DRSP, and her daughter Heidi Gross, who is currently involved in the project’s new leadership team. “When Rachel Kurtz Gross ’74 graduated from Manchester College, she wasn’t sure what her majors in psychology and peace studies would lead to,” said a Facebook announcement. “It turned out to be the Death Row Support Project which she founded and then led from 1978-2023. Now her daughter Heidi Gross ’02 is supporting the project, which provides pen pals for people under sentence of death in the U.S. Click the link below to register for this alumni series showcase on Jan. 14!” Register for this online event at https://manchester.advancementform.com/event/death-row-support-project-conversation-with-rachel-and-heidi-gross/register.

— Part 2 of “The Golden Rule: Sailing for a Nuclear-Free World” episode of Brethren Voices, a community television show, is now released for viewing at www.youtube.com/brethrenvoices reports producer Ed Groff. This offers “the rest of the story about the Golden Rule Peace Sailboat,” he wrote in a release to Newsline. “The November 2024 ‘Brethren Voices’ shared the story of the four Quaker activists who sailed the Golden Rule Sailing Boat in 1958 toward the Marshall Islands of the South Pacific. It was an attempt to halt nuclear weapons testing. The U.S. Coast Guard intervened in Hawaii by boarding the 36-foot-boat and arresting the crew. They were jailed, causing an international outcry. The Golden Rule continues its mission of working for peace and is a project of Veterans For Peace, in opposition to nuclear weapons and war. The crew of the Golden Rule Sailing Boat, 76-years-ago, attempted to make a statement against nuclear testing. This action assisted the public to greater awareness of the dangers of radiation, leading to worldwide demands to stop nuclear testing. In 1963, President Kennedy signed the Limited-Nuclear-Test-Ban-Treaty with Russia and the United Kingdom. This program shares experiences of three of the four crew members of the Golden Rule’s West Coast Tour: Skipper Steve Bask, Project Manager Helen Jaccard and Co-Project Manager Michelle Marsonette.” This January episode of Brethren Voices also includes performance by Mike Stern of his song, “Phoenix and the Golden Rule.”

— The World Council of Churches (WCC) has extended condolences and prayers to the people of southern California affected by the fires burning around Los Angeles. Wrote general secretary Jerry Pillay in a WCC release: “The news of these fires has deeply saddened us, and our thoughts and prayers are with the people affected by this ongoing disaster which has destroyed also churches, synagogues, and schools. Amid feelings of helplessness, we assure you that you are not alone. May you draw strength from God and from all who are praying for you, and for those working tirelessly to respond and to stem the devastation. May strength and peace be given to you during this time and as you recover from this disaster when the fires are put out.”

— The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity will take place from Jan. 18-25 and the World Council of Churches is inviting churches and Christian communities worldwide to use the worship resources that are offered in seven languages (English, German, French, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, and Arabic) and a child-friendly version titled “Praying for Togetherness to a God of Togetherness” for use in households, schools, and church services where all ages are present. This year, the resources were prepared by the brothers and sisters of the monastic community of Bose in northern Italy and are jointly published with the Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity of the Roman Catholic Church. Congregations are invited to adapt the worship resources for their own use. Go to www.oikoumene.org/news/as-week-of-prayer-for-christian-unity-2025-approaches-wcc-offers-variety-of-resources.

— This year, during the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP) is offering a series of “prayerful reflections on the beatitudes” from Matthew 5:1-12, with leadership from author and ethicist Andrew DeCort. “From January 18-25th, Andrew will be joined each day at 12:00 EST by a different renowned guest to reflect on one of the beatitudes and pray for a just peace for the Middle East,” said an announcement. Speakers will include on Jan. 18, Susan Nchibiri of the Maryknoll Office of Global Concern; on Jan. 19, Shireen Awwad Hilal of Bethlehem Bible College; on Jan. 20, Munther Isaac of the Christmas Lutheran Church (Bethlehem, Palestine); on Jan. 22, Nathaniel A. W. Adishian, an Armenian-American priest, scholar, and speaker; on Jan. 23, Tony Amoury Alhoury, Syrian-born Christian theologian and educator; on Jan. 24, Abouna Imad Haddad of the Good Shepherd Church (Amman, Jordan). Find the registration link and more information at https://cmep.org/cmep-events/2025-week-of-prayer-for-christian-unity.

— Bread for the World is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. The Church of the Brethren has related to the organization through the Global Food Initiative (GFI), which relationship continues. “In the early 1970s, Rev. Art Simon was pastoring a Lutheran congregation on the Lower East Side of Manhattan when he gathered a small group of seven Catholics and seven Protestants to discuss a bold idea: creating a national, non-partisan Christian movement to end hunger,” said an announcement about the anniversary from Bread for the World president and CEO Eugene Cho. “Little did they know that their humble meeting would spark a movement with a profound global impact. Fifty years later, Bread continues to be a leading voice in the efforts to end hunger through policy and grassroots advocacy. And we’re excited to carry our momentum forward in building a future where everyone has access to the food and nutrition they need to thrive. Bread’s five decades of advocacy has resulted in legislative victories benefiting hundreds of millions of Americans and billions of people worldwide.” The announcement included news of upcoming campaigns including the Nourish Our Future campaign launching in February as a “multi-issue effort to convince Congress that we can and should end child hunger,” and the 50th Anniversary Advocacy Summit scheduled for June “bringing Bread advocates from across the country together to celebrate 50 years of achievements and advocate on Capitol Hill for policies that can help end hunger.”

— Scientists have confirmed “that 2024 was the first full year of global temperatures exceeding 1.5C above pre-industrial levels,” reports Reuters, among other media outlets also reporting this world-shattering climate news. “The milestone was confirmed by the European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) and the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO). C3S said climate change is pushing the planet’s temperature to levels never before experienced by modern humans.”

#MissionAndMinistryBoard #StrategicPlan #RacialJustice #LoveOurNeighbors #Discipleship #NewTestamentGiving

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