{"id":10544,"date":"2015-09-25T00:00:03","date_gmt":"2015-09-25T00:00:03","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/new.brethren.org\/news\/?p=10544"},"modified":"2018-11-07T19:40:17","modified_gmt":"2018-11-07T19:40:17","slug":"newsline-for-sept-25-2015","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.brethren.org\/news\/2015\/newsline-for-sept-25-2015\/","title":{"rendered":"Newsline for Sept. 25, 2015"},"content":{"rendered":"

\u201cNever flag in zeal, be aglow with the Spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in your hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer\u201d (Romans 12:11-12, RSV).<\/em> <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/p>\n

Photo albums from the workcamps held this past summer are online at<\/em> www.bluemelon.com\/churchofthebrethren\/2015workcamps<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

NEWS<\/span><\/strong>
\n1) Brethren Disaster Ministries directs $50,000 in grants to refugee and migrant crisis<\/span><\/p>\n

2) Global Food Crisis Fund allocates money to evaluate work in Haiti<\/span><\/p>\n

3) Haitian Brethren hold march in Port-au-Prince to mark Peace Day 2015<\/span><\/p>\n

4) Church of the Brethren volunteer honored by Ekklesiyar Yan\u2019uwa a Nigeria<\/span><\/p>\n

5) Youth explore faith and call at Bethany Seminary<\/span><\/p>\n

UPCOMING EVENTS<\/span><\/strong>
\n6) Brethren Academy announces upcoming courses for fall, winter, spring<\/span><\/p>\n

7) Workcamp Ministry celebrates 2015 season, announces theme for 2016<\/span><\/p>\n

FEATURES<\/span><\/strong>
\n8) Strengthening our core: A letter from the Mission and Ministry Board chair <\/span><\/p>\n

9) Church vitality: Nurturing the strong heartbeat of God within us<\/span><\/p>\n

10) Brethren bits: Remembrances, CDS in N. California, reopening of EYN\u2019s Bible college and secondary school in Kwarhi, personnel notes, job openings, new ice bucket challenge from Denver, congregations in the news, more than $250,000 raised by S. Pennsylvania District, more<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Quote of the week: <\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cThere is another temptation which we must especially guard against: the simplistic reductionism which sees only good or evil; or, if you will, the righteous and sinners. The contemporary world, with its open wounds which affect so many of our brothers and sisters, demands that we confront every form of polarization which would divide it into these two camps. We know that in the attempt to be freed of the enemy without, we can be tempted to feed the enemy within. To imitate the hatred and violence of tyrants and murderers is the best way to take their place. That is something which you, as a people, reject. Our response must instead be one of hope and healing, of peace and justice.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

— Pope Francis speaking to the US Congress on Thursday morning, Sept. 24.<\/span><\/em>
\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 In related news, 16 volunteers from Children\u2019s Disaster Services (CDS) are on call for the Pope’s visit to New York. \u201cWe hope and pray there is no need for disaster response during these events, but are also grateful that Children’s Disaster Services was included in preparedness plans,\u201d reports CDS associate director Kathleen Fry-Miller. \u201cWe had one CDS volunteer that was not able to be on call this week. Doris Abdullah responded, \u2018As your [Church of the Brethren] representative to the UN, I am already committed to being at several events during the opening of the General Assembly and the Papal visit!\u2019\u201d<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

\n

1) Brethren Disaster Ministries directs $50,000 in grants to refugee and migrant crisis<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Brethren Disaster Ministries staff have directed $50,000 from the Emergency Disaster Fund (EDF) to support ecumenical partners who are serving people affected by the refugee and migrant crisis. Other recent EDF grants include the allocation of $30,000 to continue the Brethren Disaster Ministries rebuilding project in Spotswood, N.J.<\/p>\n

Church World Service–Europe refugee crisis<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

An allocation of $20,000 from the EDF is supporting Church World Service (CWSS) humanitarian assistance for refugees migrating to Europe.<\/p>\n

The Brethren Disaster Ministries grant request noted that the number of forcibly displaced people in the world is at a record level of over 59,500,000, half of these being children. \u201cAs these groups flee violence, war or persecution, host countries are burdened with the care of this massive displaced population,\u201d said the document.<\/p>\n

The appeal from CWS for funding \u201cfocuses on a rapidly rising group of refugees (nearly 300,000 by Aug. 2015) coming from Syria, Afghanistan, Eritrea, Iraq, and Somalia, migrating toward Europe in search of aid, security, and safety,\u201d the grant request said. \u201cSupport of this appeal will assist Church World Service in providing direct aid to refugees traveling through Serbia and Hungary.\u201d<\/p>\n

The allocation will fund provisions of food and water, blankets, supplies, and temporary shelter for around 5,600 refugees.<\/p>\n

ACT Alliance–Europe refugee crisis<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

An EDF allocation of $30,000 responds to an appeal from the ACT Alliance to provide funds for humanitarian assistance for refugees migrating to Europe.<\/p>\n

\u201cSupport of this appeal provides aid for refugees in Hungary and Greece by supporting the work of partners International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC) and Hungarian Interchurch Aid (HIA),\u201d said the grant request. The total response of these organizations targets 97,800 refugees in Greece and 16,164 refugees in Hungary.<\/p>\n

The allocation funds relief supplies including food, water, and other supplies, along with the provision of sanitation, shelter, and psychosocial support for children. While the ACT appeal also includes programing in Serbia, the Church of the Brethren funding is being earmarked for Greece and Hungary.<\/p>\n

Spotswood rebuilding project<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

An additional EDF grant of $30,000 has been allocated for Brethren Disaster Ministries to continue work at a rebuilding project site in Spotswood, N.J. Previous EDF grants for this appeal total $30,000.<\/p>\n

Since Jan. 2014, Brethren volunteers have been working on home repair and rebuilding in various areas of Monmouth County, N.J., through a partnership with Monmouth County Long Term Recovery Group (MCLTRG), Habitat for Humanity, and two other partners.<\/p>\n

The MCLTRG now assigns more than half of their approved recovery cases to Brethren Disaster Ministries, and have confirmed that there will be more help needed at least through the end of the year 2015, said the grant request.<\/p>\n

The grant will underwrite operational expenses related to volunteer support including housing, food, travel expenses incurred onsite, volunteer training, tools, and equipment needed for rebuilding and repair. It also covers a one-time expense of moving the volunteer housing for the project to a new location.<\/p>\n

Contribute to this work through donations to the Emergency Disaster Fund at www.brethren.org\/edf<\/a> . Learn more about the work of Brethren Disaster Ministries at www.brethren.org\/bdm<\/a> .<\/p>\n

2) Global Food Crisis Fund allocates money to evaluate work in Haiti<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

An allocation from the Global Food Crisis Fund (GFCF) of the Church of the Brethren will fund an evaluation of the agricultural and community development work being undertaken by Eglise des Freres d\u2019Haiti (the Church of the Brethren in Haiti).<\/p>\n

The allocation of $3,950 helps fund an evaluation process that takes place over 16 days, covering 14 communities. The evaluation is undertaken in coordination with agronomists and health workers under the employment of Eglise des Freres in Haiti.<\/p>\n

Allocated funds will cover the evaluator\u2019s fee and expenses including food, lodging, and transportation, along with added expenses for staff including food and lodging.<\/p>\n

For more information about the ministry of the Global Food Crisis Fund go to www.brethren.org\/gfcf<\/a> .<\/p>\n

3) Haitian Brethren hold march in Port-au-Prince to mark Peace Day 2015<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"
Photo courtesy of Nathan Hosler<\/small>
Haitian Brethren hold a banner at the head of a Peace March in Port-au-Prince, celebrating the International Day of Prayer for Peace.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

By Nathan Hosler<\/p>\n

\u201cPursue peace with everyone, and the holiness without which no one will see the Lord\u201d (Hebrews 12:14).<\/em><\/p>\n

Eglise des Freres d\u2019Haiti (the Church of the Brethren in Haiti) marked the International Day of Prayer for Peace 2015 with a march to the center of Port-au-Prince, the Haiti\u2019s capital city.<\/p>\n

On Sunday morning, Sept. 20, at around 8 a.m. people began to gather around the Brethren Guest House and church in Croix des Bouquets, on the outskirts of Port-au-Prince. Signs announcing \u201cSeek peace for a better Haiti\u201d and \u201cLet\u2019s live in peace one with another for a new Haiti\u201d in Haitian Kreyol were pasted onto truck windows and hand-held placards were loaded into the bed of a truck.<\/p>\n

Around 9 a.m., a brightly painted bus arrived and we began to board. Global Mission and Service worker Kayla Alfonse noted that there was a great deal of excitement as this group gathered and departed for the march. Our group met more Brethren at the starting point, where we disembarked and assembled ourselves two-by-two along the side of the road and on the sidewalk.<\/p>\n

Most of the marchers were dressed in white shirts, with some of these shirts printed specifically for the event. A banner was unfurled to lead the procession and smaller signs were distributed. As we began our trek under the hot sun we were accompanied by a truck set up with a generator and sizeable block of speakers, which provided music with occasional breaks for someone to lead chants.<\/p>\n

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Photo courtesy of Nathan Hosler<\/small>
Participants in the Peace March in Haiti crowd a sidewalk in Port-au-Prince, holding up placards for peace written in Haitian Kreyol.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Thirty minutes into our march another church streamed down a hillside street and merged with us. By this point we reached our full number. Global Mission and Service worker Ilexene Alfonse estimated that the event drew 300 to 350 people from four congregations. Additionally, some people made a six-hour journey from the congregations in the north to attend.<\/p>\n

This was the first International Day of Prayer for Peace event held by Eglise des Freres d\u2019Haiti, and the first such public witness event by the church. A small group appointed by the National Committee had worked for many months to plan this event and some had worried about how it would relate to the experience of political protests in Haiti, which often include violence or destruction of property.<\/p>\n

Our experience was a far cry from such a \u201cmanifestation\u201d as those political protests are called. Indeed, not only was this an undeniably peaceful event, but organizers guided us so that we stayed mostly in the two-by-two formation throughout the hour-and-a-half long march.<\/p>\n

Upon arrival at the city center we gathered in a plaza under a tree for prayer, song, and reflection on the day\u2019s theme verse from Hebrews 12:14, \u201cPursue peace with everyone, and the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.\u201d I was given a few minutes before to the sermon to speak on our biblical understanding of peace rooted in the life and teachings of Jesus, as well as to bring greetings from the Church of the Brethren in the US, the Office of Public Witness, and my home congregation of Washington City (D.C.) Church of the Brethren.<\/p>\n

The Brethren in Haiti are already beginning to think about next year\u2019s Peace Day. This event was part of a concerted effort to bring peace as a core belief and practice into this relatively young denomination.<\/p>\n

Kayla Alfonse noted on our drive that it is important that peace not be seen as something on the side, but as a central part of what it means to be a Christian. On Tuesday, she and I met with workers from Mennonite Central Committee and Church World Service, a meeting initiated as part of my work on the situation of statelessness for persons of Haitian descent living in the Dominican Republic, threats against them, and their risk of deportation. While our meeting covered this important issue as well as a more general connecting with the two organizations\u2019 work in Haiti, the topic of peace also entered our conversation. MCC Haiti is working to reinvigorate their work in peacebuilding, which had been minimized in the push to respond to the devastating earthquake of 2010. In addition to committing to meet and talk further about potential common work for peace, they have expressed interest in collaborating on next year\u2019s Peace Day event.<\/p>\n

Leaving Haiti, I am filled with joy that the church there has committed itself to this work. Such a witness is a crucial part of the broader ministry of the church. Ministries that are ongoing in Haiti, such as the mobile health clinics, rebuilding after the earthquake, music, and Bible studies have long been the staple work of the church. These along with a growing reflection and action for peace are vital for this church in this place.<\/p>\n

— Nathan Hosler is director of the Church of the Brethren Office of Public Witness, working out of Washington, D.C.<\/em><\/p>\n

4) Church of the Brethren volunteer honored by Ekklesiyar Yan\u2019uwa a Nigeria<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"
Photo by Zakariya Musa<\/small>
Church of the Brethren volunteer Jim Mitchell (center) is honored by EYN leadership including Samuel Dante Dali (left), president of Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

By Zakariya Musa<\/p>\n

The leadership of Ekklesiyar Yan\u2019uwa a Nigeria (EYN, the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria) conducted a get-together fellowship in honor of Jim Mitchell, one of the three Church of the Brethren volunteers completing terms of service with the Nigeria Crisis Response. Mitchell had been in Nigeria for three months, where he participated in different events at various regions.<\/p>\n

EYN president Rev. Dr. Samuel D. Dali spoke at the event, and commended Mitchell as a \u201ctrue counselor\u201d who had been in Nigeria to support in trauma healing to the Boko Haram-affected church members and clergy. He added that \u201cMitchell is a really true counselor who has adapted to the environment.\u201d<\/p>\n

The president while addressing the fellowship meeting praised the families and the American church for allowing the volunteers who \u201csacrificed\u201d to come to a terrified country. \u201cYou have the people in heart,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

The EYN president also presented a token of appreciation on behalf of the entire EYN membership who benefited from the trauma healings conducted by Mitchell, who worked with the EYN Peace Unit and Disaster Relief Committee.<\/p>\n

He asked Mitchell, who was due to travel back to the United States the following day, to find more ways to strengthen the existing EYN Counseling Committee, a committee tasked to council pastors on various issues. \u201cWe want to train more counselors in EYN,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

The event<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

At the midday event, both the EYN general secretary Rev. Jinatu L. Wamdeo and the administrative secretary Zakariya Amos also commended Mitchell\u2019s amiable time in Nigeria. Responding, Mitchell said, \u201cI found myself changed. My experience is more than I expected, each one of you has taught me something. You have been so gracious,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n

Dressed in African attire, Mitchell shared that in his three-month stay in Nigeria, he was able to conduct trauma healing workshops at various refugee camps such as one in Nasarawa State where a Brethren village has been formed, and at the Stefanos Foundation camp led by that nongovernmental organization, and the interfaith camp near Abuja. He also conducted a seminar for displaced pastors. Others activities he attended include a Theological Education by Extension graduation ceremony, CCEPI relief distributions to orphans, widows, and other displaced women at the EYN annex office, and a visit to Hillcrest School in Jos. Another memorable occasion was the granting of church autonomy to EYN Abuja Phase II, Jalingo, Taraba State, by the EYN president.<\/p>\n

Mitchell\u2019s challenge was the language barrier, when he met with different people in various communities where he saw \u201cneed for more trauma healing.\u201d<\/p>\n

As he departed from Nigeria, he left behind a couple–Church of the Brethren volunteers Tom and Janet Crago–who also had industriously helped the EYN church. EYN held a \u201csend forth\u201d party in honor of the Cragos last Friday.<\/p>\n

— Zakariya Musa is serving in communications with Ekklesiyar Yan\u2019uwa a Nigeria (EYN–the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria).<\/em><\/p>\n

5) Youth explore faith and call at Bethany Seminary<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

A Bethany Seminary release<\/p>\n

The slower-paced summer days at Bethany Seminary were enlivened by eight youth who attended this year\u2019s Explore Your Call, July 24-Aug. 3. Hailing from five districts–Kansas to Virginia–they arrived ready to engage with peers, teachers, and mentors. This annual program for high school students is offered through the Institute for Ministry with Youth and Young Adults at the seminary.<\/p>\n

Four years after being reinstated, EYC continues to present youth with variety, challenge, affirmation, and contemplation in its programming. Classroom sessions with Bethany faculty are balanced with field trips, worship, group sharing, and recreation. Through it all is encouragement to think about one\u2019s own faith story, the nature of call, and the many facets of ministry. As one student put it, even the \u201cfun\u201d had elements of learning!<\/p>\n

\u201cDay after day I was amazed at these young people and the depth of their theological questions,\u201d said Russell Haitch, director of the institute. \u201cAlso, the way they explored different avenues of ministry and cared and prayed for each other was thrilling to witness.\u201d Haitch, a Bethany professor, is joined in leading the class sessions by Steve Schweitzer, academic dean, and Tara Hornbacker, professor of ministry formation, missional leadership, and evangelism.<\/p>\n

Bekah Houff, coordinator of outreach programs, helps plan EYC and participates in the leadership. She notes that over the past few years, class time has evolved to include less prepared content and more group study and interaction around themes. This year, the text of 1 Peter served as the core for exploring faith and the church.<\/p>\n

Houff and other EYC leaders have also emphasized the personal connections that form among the youth who attend. Says Amelia Gunn from Easton Church of the Brethren, \u201cEYC was probably one of the most impactful experiences that I have ever attended. The community and the connections that I made in 10 days were truly incredible and unforgettable. I learned so much about not only ministry but also community, fellowship, and spiritual growth. I was amazed with how much we shared with each other and how much we grew spiritually together.\u201d<\/p>\n

Others who participate in leadership include pastors from nearby Churches of the Brethren, who host individual students during the weekend. Brian Mackie, pastor of White Branch and Nettle Creek churches, participated for the first time this year. \u201cOver the course of two weekends, I had four students shadowing me who were helpful, friendly, and eager to learn. I was glad I could share with them a slice of what pastoral ministry is all about. They got a behind-the-scenes look at the life of a pastor, helped lead worship, and asked questions about ministry.\u201d<\/p>\n

The group also visited the Brethren Retirement Community in Greenville, Ohio, and traveled to Chicago, where they spent time at the Reba Place community. Information sessions on vocation and the variety of programs for youth in the Church of the Brethren engaged them as well.<\/p>\n

EYC is generously underwritten by Barnabas Ltd. of New South Wales, Australia, enabling youth to attend at no cost other than their own travel to the Bethany Seminary campus in Richmond, Ind. Next summer\u2019s EYC experience is being planned; dates and other information will be announced when available. Contact eyc@bethanyseminary.edu<\/a> for more information.<\/p>\n

— The release was provided by Jenny Williams, director of Communications and Alumni\/ae Relations for Bethany Theological Seminary.<\/em><\/p>\n

UPCOMING EVENTS<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

6) Brethren Academy announces upcoming courses for fall, winter, spring<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

The Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership has announced courses for fall 2015, and winter and spring 2016. Courses are open to Training in Ministry (TRIM) and Education for Shared Ministry (EFSM) students, pastors seeking continuing education units, and all interested persons.<\/p>\n

Registration and more information are at www.bethanyseminary.edu\/academy<\/a> or call the academy office at 800-287-8822 ext. 1824. For a Susquehanna Valley Ministry Center course, as noted below, contact SVMC@etown.edu<\/a> or 717-361-1450 or find forms at www.etown.edu\/svmc<\/a> .<\/p>\n

Note that while the academy continues to accept students beyond the registration deadline for each course, on that deadline date it is determined whether enough students have registered to be able to offer the course. Many courses have required pre-course readings, so students need to be sure to allow enough time in advance of the course to complete the readings. Students should not purchase texts or make travel plans until the registration deadline has passed, and a course confirmation is received.<\/p>\n

Fall 2015<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Oct. 29-31: Bethany Seminary Presidential Forum directed independent study unit (DISU)<\/strong> on \u201cJust Peace,\u201d at Bethany Theological Seminary in Richmond, Ind., with instructor Debbie Roberts. The registration deadline is Sept. 29.<\/p>\n

Nov. 9: SVMC Academic Symposium (DISU) on \u201cThe Gospel of Mark and the 21st Century,\u201d<\/strong> at Juniata College in Huntingdon, Pa., with keynote speaker Dan Ulrich and instructor Connie Maclay. The registration deadline is Oct. 1.<\/p>\n

Nov. 12-15: \u201cPreaching Peace, Justice, and Care for Creation,\u201d<\/strong> a weekend intensive at McPherson (Kan.) College with instructor David Radcliff. The registration deadline is Oct. 12.<\/p>\n

Winter\/Spring 2016<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Jan. 11-13 and 25 and Feb. 1: \u201cPastoral Care,\u201d<\/strong> a January intensive at Bethany Theological Seminary in Richmond, Ind., with instructor Carolyn Stahl Bohler. The dates of Jan. 25 and Feb. 1 are Adobe Connect multi-framed video conference sessions. The registration deadline is Dec. 11.<\/p>\n

Jan. 18-March 11: \u201cIntroduction to the New Testament,\u201d<\/strong> an online course with instructor Matt Boersma. The registration deadline is Dec. 18.<\/p>\n

March 10-13: \u201cChurch of the Brethren Polity and Practice,\u201d<\/strong> a weekend intensive at McPherson (Kan.) College with instructor Jim Tomlonson. The registration deadline is Feb. 10.<\/p>\n

April 4-May 27: \u201cChronicles,\u201d<\/strong> an online course with instructor Steve Schweitzer. The registration deadline is March 4.<\/p>\n

May (exact days to be announced): Intercultural Education and Travel Seminar to Kenya<\/strong> with instructor Russell Haitch.<\/p>\n

Anticipated courses for the summer and fall of 2016<\/strong> include an Annual Conference DISU with keynote speaker Father John Dear on the topic \u201cWalking to Peace,\u201d \u201cIntroduction to Theology,\u201d \u201cChurch of the Brethren History,\u201d and \u201cIntroduction to Old Testament.\u201d<\/p>\n

7) Workcamp Ministry celebrates 2015 season, announces theme for 2016<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"By Deanna Beckner and Emily Tyler<\/p>\n

\u201cSide by side\u201d is truly how the 341 youth and advisors worked this summer during the 2015 Church of the Brethren Workcamps. Thank you to all of those who participated, as well as the 39 who contributed their time and talents through their leadership of the workcamps.<\/p>\n

The summer yielded service outreach, friendships, spiritual experiences, and much more at the 19 workcamp locations, 4 of which were new sites. We invite you all to join us again this next year for the 2016 workcamp season!<\/p>\n

The Workcamp Office has welcomed Deanna Beckner and Amanda McLearn-Montz as assistant coordinators for the 2016 season. They began serving at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill., on Aug. 24, as volunteers through Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS).<\/p>\n

Deanna Beckner of Columbia City (Ind.) Church of the Brethren and Northern Indiana District graduated from Manchester University in May with a degree in communication studies.<\/p>\n

Amanda McLearn-Montz graduated from Tulane University in May with a degree in Spanish and public health. She is originally from Panther Creek Church of the Brethren in Adel, Iowa, in the Northern Plains District.<\/p>\n

One of the first tasks for a new workcamp season is to develop a theme to focus the workcamps. Fixing on 1 Peter 1:13-16 in The Message sparked the theme \u201cBlazing with Holiness.\u201d Key facets of the theme revolve around what holiness is, and the steps to developing one\u2019s own blaze of holiness.<\/p>\n

In the summer of 2016 there will be young adult, senior high, intergenerational, and junior high workcamps, as well as a \u201cWe Are Able\u201d workcamp for youth and young adults with intellectual disabilities. Dates and locations will be posted on the Workcamp Ministry webpages at www.brethren.org\/workcamps<\/a> .<\/p>\n

— Emily Tyler is coordinator of the Workcamp Ministry and volunteer recruitment for the Church of the Brethren. Deanna Beckner is one of the two new assistant coordinators for the Workcamp Ministry, which is a part of the Church of the Brethren Global Mission and Service.<\/em><\/p>\n

FEATURES<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

8) Strengthening our core: A letter from the Mission and Ministry Board chair<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

By Don Fitzkee<\/p>\n

I used to be a cross country runner (emphasis on \u201cused to be\u201d). Cross country always has been a fairly simple sport with the object to run far and run fast, or at least faster than members of other teams. During my years of running, the training was also simple: we were supposed to log a certain number of miles each week of the summer (emphasis on \u201csupposed to\u201d), adding up to hundreds of miles before the season even began. The way to train for long races, it seemed, was to run even longer in practice.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Photo by Carolyn Fitzkee<\/small><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Now 30 years later, I have two kids running high school cross country. The sport itself hasn\u2019t changed much, but the training is more complex. My kids are still expected to put in a certain number of miles, but now there\u2019s a big emphasis on \u201ccore\u201d strengthening which, as far as I can tell, refers mostly to back and stomach muscles that support the body. The philosophy for running today seems to be, \u201cIf you want to go far, you have to strengthen your core.\u201d<\/p>\n

I was reminded of this at Annual Conference in July. During the Tuesday evening worship service while an offering was taken to support the Core Ministries fund of the Church of the Brethren, a clever video played with the theme \u201cstrengthening our core\u201d and highlighted the amazing breadth of our church\u2019s ministries.<\/p>\n

After worship, I returned to my hotel room where my son was stretched out on the floor doing a \u201cplank\u201d–a deceptively painful core-strengthening exercise where you balance on your forearms and toes, and hold the rest of your body rigid (like a plank). When I do this \u201cplank\u201d exercise, after a couple minutes (or more like 15 seconds), my back and stomach muscles start to ache and my legs shake uncontrollably. While I wouldn\u2019t call this exercise fun, it does strengthen these \u201ccore\u201d muscles that stabilize the body.<\/p>\n

From my vantage point as the new chair of the Mission and Ministry Board, it has been extremely gratifying to see the generous outpouring of gifts to the Nigeria Crisis Fund. The needs of our persecuted brothers and sisters in Nigeria are heart-breaking, and Brethren are responding to meet those needs. Similarly, whenever any significant disaster strikes, Brethren give without hesitation through the Emergency Disaster Fund.<\/p>\n

As much as I appreciate this generous short-term giving, I can\u2019t help but think that if we want to go far, we have to strengthen our core. For the Mission and Ministry Board, our core is the many ministries that nurture the church and serve the world month after month, year after year. Core Ministries support congregations, ministers, church leaders, and domestic and international partners. Core Ministries provide opportunities for life-changing, faith-forming, community-building conferences, events, and resources to happen for Brethren of all ages.<\/p>\n

While overall giving last year to all of the church\u2019s work was incredibly strong, support of Core Ministries continued a long-term downward trend, one that persists into the current year. This shrinking pool of resources forces the board and our staff to choose which of our ongoing ministries must be scaled back or eliminated.<\/p>\n

It doesn\u2019t have to be that way.<\/p>\n

My kids\u2019 cross country coach is right: \u201cIf we want to go far, we have to strengthen our core.\u201d We need to sustain the staff and ministries that meet the needs of the church and the world on an ongoing basis. These are the same staff and ministries that provide the structure and expertise to respond to other important needs–like Nigeria–when they arise.<\/p>\n

To help us go far, we invite you to give generously to support the Core Ministries of the Church of the Brethren.<\/p>\n

— Don Fitzkee is chair of the Mission and Ministry Board of the Church of the Brethren. This letter was mailed to all the congregations of the denomination in September. To view the Core Ministries video that was shown at Annual Conference–which inspired this letter–and for a link to give online to the denomination\u2019s Core Ministries, go to www.brethren.org\/give<\/a> .<\/em><\/p>\n

9) Church vitality: Nurturing the strong heartbeat of God within us<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

By David and Joan Young<\/p>\n

Nurturing the strong heartbeat of God within us. This came through vibrantly at Annual Conference this year through the Nigerian witness, the invitation of Roger Nishioka to have God\u2019s heartbeat live strongly in us, and the insight of Standing Committee about the hope for church vitality.<\/p>\n

Through the Conference webcasts, we heard the heartfelt faith of our Nigerian sisters and their joy-filled singing; Dr. Samuel Dali\u2019s testimony of faith; the beat of drums as we sang, \u201cSomeone\u2019s crying Lord…. Someone\u2019s praying Lord.\u201d<\/p>\n

All this inspires us! What an invitation to renew vitality! The inspiration of this Annual Conference leads us to share how we have discovered this heartbeat of God can be strengthened in the church.<\/p>\n

In our 11 years of service in church renewal, four areas stand out to strengthen the heartbeat of God: 1) personal spiritual disciplines, 2) corporate spiritual formation, 3) a mission oriented life, and 4) the Springs Academy for Pastors, with a group walking alongside from the congregation to provide training in a spiritually oriented, servant led congregational vitality.<\/p>\n

Spiritual disciplines<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Practicing spiritual disciplines, beginning with scripture reading and prayer, strengthens the strong heartbeat of God.\u00a0 The age old practice for Brethren is to read a scripture of the day and follow its guidance. In John 4, the spiritual thirst leads the woman at the well to meet Christ and discover life– giving water.\u00a0 By coming to the well daily, individuals and the entire church enter spiritual disciplines. Using a folder with daily scripture, that can be coordinated with the pastor\u2019s message, the whole church spends time in scripture and is guided by a text that day.\u00a0 The folder looks like a bulletin, with theme, a guide for prayer, and commitment form which lists other spiritual disciplines which they can practice. Readings can be from the lectionary and the Brethren bulletin, or a book of the Bible, or another choice.<\/p>\n

Each of us can discover a prayer pattern that helps us strengthen the heartbeat of God within us. The weekly practice above, I find, impacts our daily practice.\u00a0 We set the disciplines folder out with our Bible in the evening and awaken to feel God\u2019s invitation to \u201ccome by here\u201d and read a vital word for the day.\u00a0 And let that word lift us that day.\u00a0 And we remember it at a moment when we meet that situation to which it speaks.\u00a0\u00a0 Done with regularity, within a few weeks we can see the change.\u00a0\u00a0 We become more aware of the promptings of God about us, those little nudges to do this and not that.\u00a0 We feel God\u2019s guidance in all aspects of life.\u00a0 Inner strength and resilience grows.\u00a0 In the face of desolation, we take the next step doing the next right thing.\u00a0 We can feel the comfort and help from God. Resources, including Richard Foster\u2019s Sanctuary of the Soul, can be part of our discipline and widen our horizons of prayer.<\/p>\n

Corporate spiritual formation<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

A second way of developing the heartbeat of God is corporate spiritual formation.\u00a0 There is real power when spiritual disciplines are done corporately by an entire church.\u00a0 In response to a need for renewed spiritual vitality, at Hatfield Church we made a bulletin like folder with texts and invited people to collectively enter scripture reading and prayer.\u00a0 This was launched on Easter Sunday morning.\u00a0\u00a0 Most everyone came forward to commit and lay their folder insert at the foot of the cross!\u00a0\u00a0 And next Sunday, the entire Easter group returned!\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Using Celebration of Discipline, The Path to Spiritual Growth by Richard Foster, churches can have Sunday School classes youth through adult to learn about all the disciplines.\u00a0 Jean Moyer has written a wonderful series of lessons for children on the disciplines.\u00a0\u00a0 For the Springs folders, Vince Cable writes Bible study questions for individual and small group Bible study.<\/p>\n

Corporate spiritual formation happens as the body is transformed and feels the spirit of God at work.\u00a0\u00a0 In this process the congregation is asking, \u201cWhere is God leading our church?\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 Like in spiritual direction, persons discern a key Biblical text that guides them corporately.\u00a0\u00a0 While it can take some time to discover a passage, it is amazing how the process pulls people together and gives them real focus in where God is calling.\u00a0\u00a0 In the interpretative DVD at the head of our website you see how Sugar Grove, a small congregation, got real energy by looking at the little boy who brought his lunch and how it was multiplied by Jesus, and so for them.\u00a0 And I remember from back in my early teaching days, a church who had seen former glory days, discerned \u201cBlessed to be a Blessing\u201d from Abraham\u2019s journey.\u00a0 Pleasant Hill in Johnstown discerned their passage as the four men who let the sick man down through the roof to meet Jesus.\u00a0 Now they are sending visitation teams out on a trolley so they may feel the presence of Jesus.\u00a0 All these received a united sense of God\u2019s mission and were corporately formed as a church.<\/p>\n

Implementing our mission<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

A third way of strengthening the heartbeat of God is by entering into mission with one\u2019s personal life and in a congregation.\u00a0\u00a0 There is one step in discerning a vision, but so much a part of transformation comes by taking another step and then the next in one\u2019s ministry.\u00a0 Implementing our own personal mission makes our lives intentional day by day.\u00a0 After meeting Christ daily and receiving Living Water, like the woman at the well, we can go to our home town and point others to Jesus.\u00a0 Continually we hear of people whose lives are being changed in one way or another in the renewal work.\u00a0 When people are called forth to be a part of implementation of a renewal plan in their local church, they can be amazed that someone sees something in them, and they feel stretched to grow.\u00a0 Calling others brings people to a new level of their discipleship.\u00a0 As a gift of God, the Apostle Paul says in II Cor. 4:16, we are renewed day by day.<\/p>\n

In Springs of Living Water, we have seen a lot of ministries come to life, a renewed women\u2019s ministry within one church.\u00a0\u00a0 Another church reached out to invite people raising worship attendance from the low 40\u2019s to mid 60\u2019s.\u00a0\u00a0 In another church, youth learned servant leadership and served dinner for the church board, which led the board to call them to be assistant Sunday School teachers and then asked them to lead worship.\u00a0 The spiritual disciplines folders are used in three prisons.\u00a0\u00a0 A church going on a mission trip is using the servant leadership disciplines folder to bond together and to be servants in their project. These stories, small and large, just keep growing.\u00a0\u00a0 New people start attending.\u00a0 Is it because God sends people to renewing churches or that churches vibrating with new life attract newcomers?\u00a0\u00a0 Being in mission invites us to discipleship, and the heartbeat of God grows stronger in us.<\/p>\n

The Springs Academy for Pastors<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

A fourth powerful place to strengthen the heartbeat of God is through the Springs Academy for Pastors and Ministers.\u00a0\u00a0 As we got into the training of renewal teams out in districts, the need arose to have training for pastors, like my teaching intensives in seminaries.\u00a0 But with churches spread out, how would we do this?\u00a0 After taking three academies on servant leadership over the phone from the Greenleaf Center, I wondered about this model of 5 two hour sessions over a 12 week period.\u00a0\u00a0 Why not fulfill Joan\u2019s dream to have pastors spread over the country be linked participating in spiritual disciplines together and having a thorough course in church renewal?\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 So the Springs Academy was born.\u00a0 With detailed syllabus and people from the church walking along, pastors enter wonderful discussions.\u00a0\u00a0 One said, \u201cTaking part in the Springs Academy has been a refreshing journey in my own spiritual formation, and it has given me new energy, new perspective, and new direction in the work of the pastorate.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 And pastors and people feel they have a path to know what to do in their context of ministry.<\/p>\n

Strengthening the heartbeat of God in pastors and a group walking along happens in the Springs Academies.\u00a0 Both the foundations and advanced academies use a spiritual disciplines folder.\u00a0 The foundations class has scriptures on 12 classic spiritual disciplines of Richard Foster while reading Celebration of Discipline.\u00a0 This class then has a thorough course on church renewal using our book Springs of Living Water, Christ-centered Church Renewal.\u00a0 In preparation for ministry in his seminary in Finkenwald, Dietrich Bonhoeffer had his Ordinands read a daily text, meditate upon it and have it guide them, which reportedly came from the Pietists! Then the advanced Springs academy has a disciplines folder on servant leadership and reads Dietrich Bonhoeffer\u2019s Life Together on Christian community.\u00a0 This course on implementation uses our book Servant Leadership for Church Renewal, Shepherds by the Living Springs and has the new training DVD on servant leadership.\u00a0 Other special topics are Master Preaching, Dialogue and Discernment with a DVD, and New Member Ministry.\u00a0 In both academies pastors gain renewed spiritual energy and learn how to lead renewal in partnership with their church.\u00a0 Pastors and people are eager to enter a path of renewal in their church and know the first steps.<\/p>\n

From Romans 12: \u201cDo not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer.\u201d\u00a0 Brethren are a renewal movement, and in this very moment we are led with other Christians to be like the early church in joy and vitality.\u00a0\u00a0 We pray for courage and strength to have the heartbeat of God grow strong in us and for our churches to be vibrant, pulsating, faithful disciples, the alive Body of Christ.<\/p>\n

— David and Joan Young lead the Springs of Living Water initiative for church renewal. Contact davidyoung@churchrenewalservant.org<\/a> or go to www.churchrenewalservant.org<\/a> .<\/em><\/p>\n

10) Brethren bits<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
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\u201cGame on!!\u201d<\/strong> writes Gail Erisman Valeta, in a new Ice Bucket Challenge from Prince of Peace Church of the Brethren in the Denver, Colo., area, where she is a minister. Prince of Peace has offered up an Ice Bucket Challenge to other Church of the Brethren congregations, as a way to raise funds for the Nigeria Crisis Response. Earlier this month, Dave Valeta took the Ice Bucket Challenge in honor of Jeff Neuman-Lee\u2019s retirement. Who will be next…?<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

— Remembrance: Phyllis Tickle,<\/strong> 2013 National Older Adult Conference keynote speaker and inspiration for the 2015 NOAC theme of storytelling, died peacefully at her home in Lucy, Tenn., on Sept. 22. The 2013 NOAC theme was \u201cHealing Springs Forth,\u201d and during her keynote, \u201cThe Healing Gift of Story,\u201d Tickle expressed appreciation for being asked to share stories from her own life when she had experienced healing and grace such as she told in her books \u201cThe Shaping of a Life,\u201d \u201cWhat the Land Already Knows,\u201d and \u201cThe Graces We Remember.\u201d The popularity of her more recent books about emergent Christianity, she said, meant that speaking invitations were often issued to address that topic, yet the power of story remained dear to her heart. Her keynote challenge to NOAC participants to share God\u2019s story, and their own stories, resonated with those who heard it, and directly inspired this year’s conference theme, \u201cThen Jesus Told Them a Story.\u201d \u201cOur hearts are heavy with sorrow at Tickle\u2019s passing, but are also filled with gratitude for her inspiring message to the older adults of our denomination,\u201d said Kim Ebersole, director of NOAC. \u201cTickle\u2019s influence will live on as we continue to tell the story.\u201d<\/p>\n

— Remembrance: Carrie Beckwith,<\/strong> 89, a former mission worker, died on Sept. 19 in La Verne, Calif. Together with her husband Carl Beckwith, from 1963-66 she served as a Church of the Brethren missionary in Garkida, Nigeria. She worked as full-time secretary to Carl, who was business manager, and also kept the provisions store stocked for the mission field. In 1966, they moved to Modesto, Calif., where Carl served as director of the former Brethren Service Center that was located there. In 1970, he transferred to the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md., and became chief financial officer for SERRV International, while Carrie worked a few years as secretary for the regional CROP office. She also worked at the state hospital in Sykesville, Md., where she helped instigate legislation to obtain a smoke-free office environment. From her high school service on the Idaho District Youth Cabinet to her college years as secretary to the pastor of McPherson (Kan.) Church of the Brethren and taking dictation from Dr. Boitnott while he taught at McPherson College, to her service as a deacon already in her young adult years, and her work with the Idaho District young adult ministries, she unknowingly prepared for the decision made jointly with her husband Carl to move to Chicago to train for ministry at Bethany Seminary where she took some courses at the Bible Training School. In subsequent years she served as an active, traditional pastor\u2019s wife during Carl\u2019s pastorates in Montana, Idaho, Colorado, and California. After retirement in 1988, the Beckwiths worked as volunteers, helping several church and district offices transition into computerized record keeping in Pennsylvania, Virginia, California, and Kansas. They spent most of 1992 as volunteer co-directors of the World Friendship Center in Hiroshima, Japan. They also volunteered several months each year for SERRV or at the hospitality department at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor. In 1999, they were awarded a Citation of Merit from McPherson College as a testimony to the many ways in which they worked together as a team throughout the years. In their late 70s, after moving to La Verne where they most recently lived at Hillcrest, a Brethren retirement community, they began five years of half-time work for the Pacific Southwest District office. Carrie served as an office co-worker alongside Carl in his role as financial and property manager. She is survived by her husband of more than 69 years, Carl C. Beckwith. Among her surviving children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren is son Jim Beckwith, who currently serves as secretary of the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference and continues his mother\u2019s legacy of meticulously taking care of details. Among other legacies she shared a concern for people especially those who were lonely, confused, or struggling, and for human rights particularly for women and for minority persons. A memorial service was held Sept. 23 at Hillcrest Retirement Community in La Verne, Calif. Memorial donations are received to \u201cChurch of the Brethren–Nigeria Crisis Fund,\u201d 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120.<\/p>\n

— Remembrance: Lois Alta Beery Schubert,<\/strong> 80, a former employee at the Church of the Brethren General Offices, died on Sept. 14. She was born Aug. 17, 1935, in Mishawaka, Ind. Although she was raised and baptized Baptist, her family was originally Brethren and after World War II she joined Osceola (Ind.) Church of the Brethren. After graduating high school, she entered Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS) and worked in south Florida at a migrant camp nursery. In 1957, she went to work at the denomination\u2019s General Offices in Elgin, Ill., as a secretary. In 1958 she went to Europe for the 250th anniversary of the founding of the Brethren movement and worked in a World War II workcamp. She earned a degree in sociology from McPherson (Kan.) College and from 1964-70 was a social worker in Wisconsin. In 1970 she began work at the office of Pacific Southwest District in La Verne, Calif., serving as administrative assistant for Truman Northup. She met her husband Neil Schubert at Glendora (Calif.) Church of the Brethren where they were married in 1972. In other employment following her marriage, she was secretary for the Glendora Teachers Association for approximately 14 years, and also served in numerous offices and volunteer capacities in the Glendora congregation. She is survived by her husband of 43 years Neil Schubert, sons Craig Schubert (Melissa) and Eric Schubert (Allison), and grandchildren. A celebration of life service was held on Sept. 19 at Glendora Church of the Brethren.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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In an update on the Children\u2019s Disaster Services (CDS) response to the Valley Fire<\/strong> in northern California, associate director Kathleen Fry-Miller reports that 16 CDS volunteers are at work in Calistoga. \u201cThey have cared for 159 children as of Sept. 24, and will be there at least another week. We are excited that our new CDS program assistant, Kristen Hoffman, is leaving today to join the team in California. It’s her first full week on the job. This is what we truly call on-the-job-training!\u201d Fry-Miller requested prayers for the team as they support families and care for children displaced by the fires. For more information go to www.brethren.org\/cds<\/a> .<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

— Huma Rana joined the staff of Brethren Benefit Trust<\/strong> (BBT) in July as assistant director of Financial Operations. She has more than 20 years of experience in public accounting, auditing, professional services, and working with a non-profit organization. She spent 10 years as the budget and accounting analyst for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, and prior to that worked for Ernst and Young. She is a CPA with a bachelor\u2019s degree in accounting from Northeastern Illinois University, Chicago, Ill., and is a member of the Illinois CPA Society and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. She and her family reside in Elgin, Ill.<\/p>\n

— In more news from Brethren Benefit Trust, there are changes of membership<\/strong> on the BBT board. At the 2015 Annual Conference, delegates elected Harry Rhodes to the BBT board. At the BBT board meeting held in July, the board voted to appoint Eunice Culp to fill the unexpired term of Tim McElwee, who resigned in April 2014. Craig Smith completed his second term on the BBT board, having served for seven years. Finally, Donna McKee Rhodes was elected to a four-year term on the BBT board by the Brethren Pension Plan members, representing churches and districts. For more about the ministries of Brethren Benefit Trust go to www.cobbt.org<\/a> .<\/p>\n

— The National Campaign for a Peace Tax Fund and the Peace Tax Foundation are searching for an executive director.<\/strong> Both are based in Washington, D.C. They seek a qualified individual to assume the part-time position averaging 24 hours per week. Decision-making in both organizations is largely consensus-based and depends on a high level of cooperation and consultation between the executive director and the boards of the two organizations. Submit a resume and other pertinent materials to the chairperson of the Personnel Committee of the NCPTF\/PTF Boards of Directors prior to Oct. 15. Find details at www.peacetaxfund.org\/pdf\/EDPositionOpeningAugust2015.pdf<\/a> .<\/p>\n

— The Friends Committee on National Legislation is searching for a legislative director<\/strong> to be responsible for leading a multi-issue federal policy and lobbying effort for peace and justice. The legislative director guides and builds FCNL\u2019s Quaker-based presence on Capitol Hill, in Washington, D.C., and effectively represents the legislative policies and priorities established by the FCNL governing body, the General Committee. Details are at http:\/\/fcnl.org\/about\/jobs\/legislative_director<\/a> .<\/p>\n

— \u201cPraise God for the reopening of Kulp Bible College and the Comprehensive Secondary School<\/strong> of Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria (EYN, the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria) in Kwarhi,\u201d said this week\u2019s Global Mission Prayer Update from the Global Mission and Service office. The Bible college and secondary school had been closed since last fall when the area was overrun by Boko Haram, the extremist Islamist insurgency. The Global Mission staff are requesting prayer \u201cfor the safety of all the students, staff, and faculty, as the security situation in the area has improved, but risks remain. Pray for the secondary school children and the young adults attending the Bible college, in their quest to learn and to study God\u2019s Word.\u201d For more about the situation in Nigeria and the church\u2019s Nigeria Crisis Response go to www.brethren.org\/nigeriacrisis<\/a> .<\/p>\n

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Photo courtesy of EYN<\/small>
A school hosts orphans in Nigeria, with sponsorship from the Nigeria Crisis Response<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

— A school in Nigeria that receives sponsorship from the Nigeria Crisis Response<\/strong> of the Church of the Brethren and Ekklesiyar Yan\u2019uwa a Nigeria (EYN, the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria) is housing 60 orphans, according to Carl and Roxane Hill, co-directors of the crisis response effort. A recent post from a volunteer at the school, reported, \u201cToday is a day of widows at the COCIN church in Jos. They visited our orphanage home in Jos. It was a day of tears.\u201d The post quoted a scripture text from James 1:27: \u201cReligion that is pure and undefiled before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.\u201d<\/p>\n

— The Office of Ministry is hosting a meeting of the Council of District Executives<\/strong> (CODE) this coming week at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill. The meeting will gather district executive ministers of the denomination\u2019s 24 districts. Included on the agenda is a time to share the Love Feast together.<\/p>\n

— Newville (Pa.) Church of the Brethren is celebrating its 90th anniversary.<\/strong> Church of the Brethren general secretary Stan Noffsinger has been invited to preach for an anniversary service on Sunday, Sept. 27.<\/p>\n

— New Carlisle (Ohio) Church of the Brethren took part in the Bethel Churches United annual CROP Walk<\/strong> this past Sunday afternoon. The walk route started and ended at the New Carlisle Church. The goal for the 62 registered walkers is to raise $10,000 for hunger, by the end of the month. As reported by \u201cNew Carlisle News\u201d online, \u201cCarol Dutton is always an active participant in the annual event, donning her \u2018Coco the Clown\u2019 suit and rallying the crowd. Before Sunday\u2019s walk began, Dutton spoke to the walkers about the origin of the church\u2019s involvement with CROP Walk. Dutton said that Wilmer Funderburgh was the founder of New Carlisle\u2019s participation in CROP Walk, noting that he was also a member of New Carlisle Church of the Brethren. She showed a picture of Funderburgh at one of the first CROP Walks in New Carlisle, dated 1954. \u2018Something has been done each year since then to help our community as well as people around the world,\u2019 she said.\u201d Find the full article at www.newcarlislenews.net\/index.php\/community-news\/135-bcu-s-annual-crop-walk-raises-7-071<\/a> .<\/p>\n

— Also in the news this week: Lick Creek Church of the Brethren<\/strong> in Bryan, Ohio, has donated $1,028.79 to Williams County Habitat For Humanity. The donation came out of funds raised at the church\u2019s annual ice cream social, and was reported in the \u201cBryan Times.\u201d Find a picture of the check presentation at www.bryantimes.com\/news\/social\/lick-creek-church-donation\/image_424c6ce4-5b80-5517-b574-cb9465bf941f.html<\/a> .<\/p>\n

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Photo by Leah Jaclyn Hileman<\/small>
The tractor face-off at Southern Pennsylvania District Conference<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

— More than $250,000! That\u2019s the goal celebrated this past weekend by the Southern Pennsylvania District Conference,<\/strong> in the district\u2019s fundraising campaign for the Nigeria Crisis Response. \u201cIt warms my heart to hear of all the wonderful things our congregations are doing in order to help support the EYN Church of the Brethren,\u201d said district moderator Traci Rabenstein in the district newsletter. \u201cThe efforts that you as a body have put forth towards monetary assistance allows their community a \u2018leg-up\u2019 as they attempt to re-build as best they can.\u201d In response, two pastors in the district–Larry Dentler and Chris Elliot–both avid tractor owners of different manufacturers, swapped tractors and drove the other\u2019s tractor to the conference. Carolyn Jones, district office staff, reported to Nigeria Crisis Response co-director Carl Hill that the tally of the total raised will be around $270,000, although a final number will not be available for some time. The district conference was Sept. 18-19 at Ridge Church of the Brethren in Shippensburg, Pa., with Jeff Carter, president of Bethany Seminary, as guest speaker.<\/p>\n

— Pacific Northwest District Conference<\/strong> will be held this coming weekend, Sept. 25-27, at Camp Myrtlewood in Myrtle Point, Ore.<\/p>\n

— In a recent district board meeting, the Southeastern District board voted to adopt<\/strong> the Brethren congregations in the Democratic Republic of Congo as sister churches to support with prayer and financially as led, and voted to encourage congregations to consider sponsoring refugee families from Syria as the opportunities unfold though disaster and refugee ministries. The brief news bulletin from district moderator Gary Benesh also noted that the district board is exploring the addition of two new Hispanic congregations in the district.<\/p>\n

— Fahrney-Keedy Home and Village<\/strong>, a Church of the Brethren retirement community near Boonsboro, Md., is welcoming USDA Rural Development state director Bill McGowan to a ribbon cutting ceremony marking completion of improvements made to the water system. Others joining in the ceremony include the community\u2019s Board of Directors, staff, and residents. The improvements included a new water storage tank required to provide the community with a three-day water supply per state regulations, supply the main building fire suppression system, and also enable the community to grow its campus in coming years. The ribbon cutting takes place today, Sept. 24, at 11 a.m.<\/p>\n

— \u201cDr. Richard Newton has been researching scriptures<\/strong> for some time and as an African-American, he sees how the Bible can be a blessing and a curse,\u201d said a release from Elizabethtown (Pa.) College about an upcoming event that may be of interest to Brethren. Newton will share his findings on Oct. 7 at the Elizabethtown College Presidential Community Enrichment Series. The noontime talk, in the Susquehanna Room at Myers Hall, costs $15; lunch is provided. Audience discussion has a significant role in Newton\u2019s lecture as he finds that \u201cdiscussion is writing the next chapter.\u201d Current events constantly create connections between the Bible and black culture–from issues with the Confederate flag, to the Black Lives Matter campaign, the constant conflicts involving African-Americans show the phenomenon of the Bible and its ties to everyday life. \u201cFor better or worse, there\u2019s always something to talk about,\u201d explained Newton in an interview published at http:\/\/now.etown.edu\/index.php\/2015\/09\/24\/newton-discusses-the-african-american-bible-bound-in-a-christian-nation-oct-7<\/a> .<\/p>\n

— Lancaster (Pa.) Online reports that the Wheatland Chorale,<\/strong> a nonprofit chorus which has had ties to Elizabethtown (Pa.) College, will sing in the International Choral Competition in Rimini, Italy. The competition is from Friday\u00a0 to Monday, Sept. 25-28. The group held an informal \u201copen rehearsal\u201d on Sunday at Lancaster Church of the Brethren, where chorale member Emery DeWitt is director of music. The Wheatland Chorale is the only chorus from the US scheduled to perform in the prestigious competition in Rimini, where they will compete against 22 other vocal groups from around the world, according to the news report. Find the full article at http:\/\/lancasteronline.com\/features\/faith_values\/wheatland-chorale-has-its-eyes-on-the-prize-in-the\/article_654fe452-5e0b-11e5-aef3-13b11ffdd366.html<\/a> .<\/p>\n

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Contributors to this issue of Newsline include Deanna Beckner, Jim Beckwith, Jean Bednar, Kathy Beisner, Jeff Boshart, Kim Ebersole, Carolyn Fitzkee, Don Fitzkee, Kathleen Fry-Miller, Elizabeth A. Harvey, Carl and Roxane Hill, Nathan Hosler, Michael Leiter, Fran Massie, Nancy Miner, Bob Morris, Zakariya Musa, Emily Tyler, Gail Erisman Valeta, Joe Vecchio, Roy Winter, David and Joan Young, and editor Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of News Services for the Church of the Brethren. Newsline is produced by the News Services of the Church of the Brethren. Contact the editor at cobnews@brethren.org<\/a> . Newsline appears every week, with special issues as needed. Stories may be reprinted if Newsline is cited as the source. The next regularly scheduled issue of Newsline is set for Oct. 1.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

1) Brethren Disaster Ministries directs $50,000 in grants to refugee and migrant crisis; 2) Global Food Crisis Fund allocates money to evaluate work in Haiti; 3) Haitian Brethren hold march in Port-au-Prince to mark Peace Day 2015; 4) Church of the Brethren volunteer honored by Ekklesiyar Yan\u2019uwa a Nigeria; 5) Youth explore faith and call at Bethany Seminary; 6) Brethren Academy announces upcoming courses for fall, winter, spring; 7) Workcamp Ministry celebrates 2015 season, announces theme for 2016; 8) Strengthening our core: A letter from the Mission and Ministry Board chair; 9) Church vitality: Nurturing the strong heartbeat of God within us; 10) Brethren bits<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"rop_custom_images_group":[],"rop_custom_messages_group":[],"rop_publish_now":"initial","rop_publish_now_accounts":[],"rop_publish_now_history":[],"rop_publish_now_status":"pending","ngg_post_thumbnail":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[129],"wf_post_folders":[],"class_list":["post-10544","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized","tag-newsline"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.brethren.org\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10544","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.brethren.org\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.brethren.org\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.brethren.org\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.brethren.org\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=10544"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.brethren.org\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10544\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":12814,"href":"https:\/\/www.brethren.org\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10544\/revisions\/12814"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.brethren.org\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=10544"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.brethren.org\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=10544"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.brethren.org\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=10544"},{"taxonomy":"wf_post_folders","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.brethren.org\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/wf_post_folders?post=10544"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}