Logo and theme of the 2011 Annual Conference. Below: A night-time view of Grand Rapids (photo by Gary Syrba courtesy of Experience Grand Rapids). General registration has opened for the 2011 Annual Conference of the Church of the Brethren, go to www.brethren.org/ac . The Conference takes place in Grand Rapids, Mich., on July 2-6. Also, hotel and
Salaam alaikum: Seeking Peace in Israel and Palestine
Above, Wallace Cole, a member of the Church of the Brethren’s Mission and Ministry Board, speaks with a young Israeli soldier during the delegation trip to the Middle East (photo by Michael Snarr). Below, Cole with new Palestinian friend Atta Jaber (photo by Rick Polhamus). Salaam alaikum. In a land where this Arabic greeting means “Peace be with
All Africa Conference of Churches Issues Statement on Sudan
The All Africa Conference of Churches (AACC) has issued a statement on the referendum held in southern Sudan in early January. CNN reported that final results show close to 99 percent majority vote to split from the north of Sudan. This would create southern Sudan as the world’s newest country. The independence celebration is
Reading with the Moderator
(“From the Moderator” is a new column in Newsline that will appear on occasion through the 2011 Annual Conference in Grand Rapids, Mich., July 2-6. Most books listed here are available from Brethren Press, call 800-441-3712.) In recent years, as a pastor and now as moderator, the following books have helped to inform my theology, Christology, ethics,
Out of a Small Green Box: A Rediscovered Manuscript on John Kline
Shortly after assuming the directorship of the Brethren Historical Library and Archives (BHLA) on Nov. 1, 2010, I examined a small green box in my office labeled, “Original Penciled Manuscript of book LIFE OF JOHN KLINE by Funk.” I quickly realized that I was looking at Benjamin Funk’s original hand-written manuscript (partial) for his book, “Life
Small Business Health Care Tax Credit May Benefit Churches
Last year the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act was passed by Congress and signed into law by President Obama. Some changes took effect immediately, and some became effective Jan. 1, 2011. One of those changes that took effect Jan. 1 is the Small Business Health Care Tax Credit. In Dec. 2010, the IRS clarified
Newsline for February 9, 2011
Feb. 21 is the last day to register delegates to the 2011 Annual Conference at the early registration price of $275. After Feb. 21, delegate registration increases to $300. The Conference takes place in Grand Rapids, Mich., on July 2-6. “If your congregation has not yet registered its delegate/s, please do so at www.brethren.org/ac no later
Carl J. Strikwerda Named President of Elizabethtown College
The Board of Trustees of Elizabethtown (Pa.) College have announced the appointment of Carl J. Strikwerda as the college’s 14th president, in a release from the school. After working collaboratively for a month alongside current president Theodore E. Long, Strikwerda will begin his tenure on Aug. 1. Strikwerda is dean of the faculty of arts
From the Moderator: Soul Preparation for Annual Conference 2011
For over 250 years, Annual Conference has served a valuable role in the life of the Christian movement known as the Church of the Brethren. We have gathered to seek the mind of Christ on matters of common concern, mission, and service. Much of this history has been recorded in decisions that formed how Brethren
Brethren Teachers ‘Fall in Love’ with Work in North Korea
Linda Shank poses with some of her English students after an intramural basketball game at PUST, a new university on the outskirts of Pyongyang, North Korea. Photo by Robert Shank Brethren teachers Linda and Robert Shank return to North Korea in February for a second semester teaching at the new Pyongyang University of Science and