{"id":10581,"date":"2015-10-09T00:00:10","date_gmt":"2015-10-09T00:00:10","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/new.brethren.org\/news\/?p=10581"},"modified":"2018-11-07T20:00:46","modified_gmt":"2018-11-07T20:00:46","slug":"newsline-for-oct-9-2015","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.brethren.org\/news\/2015\/newsline-for-oct-9-2015\/","title":{"rendered":"Newsline for Oct. 9, 2015"},"content":{"rendered":"

\u00a0<\/em><\/span>\"\"\u201cLet me hear what the Lord God says, because he speaks peace\u201d (Psalm 85:8a, CEB).<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

1) GFCF supports agriculture in DR Congo and Alaska, nutrition in Roanoke area, BVSer in DC<\/span><\/p>\n

2) Alaska and Louisiana: A tale of two tillers<\/span><\/p>\n

3) Query focuses on relationship of On Earth Peace to the denomination<\/span><\/p>\n

4) Bethany Seminary\u2019s peace essay contest to highlight peacemakers<\/span><\/p>\n

5) Manchester University students are pen pals with death-row inmates<\/span><\/p>\n

6) NCC laments Umpqua shooting, asks NRA to join in gun violence reduction efforts<\/span><\/p>\n

UPCOMING EVENTS<\/span>
\n7) Bethany\u2019s Presidential Forum promises to be intriguing event<\/span><\/p>\n

8) National Junior High Sunday will be observed on Nov. 1<\/span><\/p>\n

FEATURE<\/span>
\n9) We are addicted to guns today: A reflection from the president of the NCC<\/span><\/p>\n

10) Brethren bits: Job openings, NYAC 2016, prayer requests, Bread for the World Sunday, On Earth Peace Anti-Racism Transformation Team, CAS pictorial history, Elizabethtown\u2019s new master of education degree, more<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

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

\u201cAt Children’s Disaster Services we have been in contact with the Red Cross about the disastrous flooding situation in South Carolina. We have volunteers alerted and ready to go if we are needed. Traveling into and through South Carolina is difficult right now, but we will go if we are called. Thank you for your prayers for these families.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

— Kathleen Fry-Miller, associate director of Children\u2019s Disaster Services (CDS), which is a part of Brethren Disaster Ministries. CDS provides teams of trained and certified volunteers to help care for children and families affected by disasters, in cooperation with FEMA and the American Red Cross. Learn more at www.brethren.org\/cds<\/a> .<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\n

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\n1) GFCF supports agriculture in DR Congo and Alaska, nutrition in Roanoke area, BVSer in DC<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

The Global Food Crisis Fund (GFCF) of the Church of the Brethren has provided several grants in recent months that support agriculture by a Brethren group in the Democratic Republic of Congo, a gardening project in Alaska, nutrition education and cooking classes for Spanish speaking population living around Roanoke, Va., and the work of a Brethren Volunteer Service worker at the Church of the Brethren Office of Public Witness in Washington, D.C.<\/p>\n

DR Congo: A grant of $4,515 funds agriculture work in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The recipient of the grant is Shalom Ministry for Reconciliation and Development (SHAMIRED), a nonprofit ministry with ties to a Brethren church group called Eglise des Freres du Congo. The funds will be used to purchase a grain and cassava mill to make flour as a value-added component to the ongoing agriculture work of SHAMIRED in the region. People from various ethnic groups will benefit from this mill. Previous GFCF allocations to the work of SHAMIRED include four grants which, starting in Dec. 2011, have provided a total of $22,500 to this agricultural development effort.<\/p>\n

Alaska: A grant of $4,500 has purchased a tiller to be used in a vegetable gardening project in Circle, Alaska. Bill and Penny Gay, members of Pleasant Dale Church of the Brethren in Decatur, Ind., have worked each summer since 2003 with local residents in Alaska, to promote community gardening and the raising of fresh produce that otherwise is unavailable. The project also receives support from the University of Alaska, Fairbanks. The Alaska gardening project previously received two separate $1,000 grants through the Going to the Garden grant program of the GFCF and the Office of Public Witness.<\/p>\n

Roanoke: A grant of $4,500 supports nutrition and cooking classes for Spanish-speaking residents of the Roanoke Valley of Virginia. The recipient of the grant, Casa Renacer, is related to but incorporated separately from the Renacer congregations of the Church of the Brethren. Casa Renacer began offering services earlier this year in order to help meet the immediate needs of the Latino community in the Roanoke area. This grant will fund four nutrition and cooking classes for 20 families over the course of 12 months. Classes will be led by a Family Nutrition Program assistant who works for the Virginia Cooperative Extension Roanoke Office.<\/p>\n

BVS position: An allocation of up to $15,000 over 12 months will continue support for a Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS) position in the Office of Public Witness in Washington, D.C. This volunteer will continue working with the Going to the Garden initiative of the Office of Public Witness and the GFCF. The money funds a BVS stipend, volunteer housing, travel to visit community gardens, and other expenses as required by BVS and the Office of Public Witness.<\/p>\n

Find out more about the ministry of the Global Food Crisis Fund at www.brethren.org\/gfcf<\/a> .<\/p>\n

\"\"
Photo by Penny Gay<\/small>
Bill Gay gardens in Alaska<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

2) Alaska and Louisiana: A tale of two tillers<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

By Jeff Boshart<\/p>\n

What do New Orleans, La., and Circle, Alaska, have in common? Community gardens in both places recently have purchased walk-behind tractors or tillers with funds provided by the Global Food Crisis Fund (GFCF).<\/p>\n

In New Orleans\u2019 Lower 9th Ward, Capstone 118 Inc. was started by David Young of Roanoke (La.) Church of the Brethren, after completing post-Hurricane Katrina volunteer work with Brethren Disaster Ministries. In Circle, Bill and Penny Gay of Pleasant Dale Church of the Brethren, Decatur, Ind., first traveled to Alaska with the New Community Project nine years ago and return every summer, most recently to the town of Circle.<\/p>\n

Young shared that Capstone\u2019s old tillers lacked the power necessary to break through the sod of the overgrown abandoned lots in the neighborhood where Capstone is working. A grant of $6,735 provided Capstone with a new tool to use in its efforts to reclaim and revitalize both vacant lots and devastated lives. He writes, \u201cAs we grow…it has become apparent that ground working equipment is a major priority need.\u201d The second-hand equipment they purchased was not cutting it, literally. He expressed his thanks for the GFCF grant as community members are now expanding their gardens and producing more food for sale and personal consumption.<\/p>\n

In Alaska, the Gays were concerned by the lack of fresh produce in the local diet in the community of Circle. Working with community members, the Gays started by building unheated green houses to protect plants from the cold. This extends the gardening season on both ends of Alaska\u2019s short summer. \u201cI can\u2019t believe how God is using us,\u201d said Bill Gay. This year they introduced crops that have never been grown in Circle: asparagus, corn, watermelons, and celery. Through the addition of a new tiller, provided by a $4,500 GFCF grant, the community plans to triple its square footage of fresh produce next season. The Gays believe the Holy Spirit is leading in their efforts and plan to return for many years to come.<\/p>\n

— Jeff Boshart is manager of the Global Food Crisis Fund and the Emerging Global Mission Fund, serving on the staff of the Church of the Brethren\u2019s Global Mission and Service. Find out more about the ministry of the GFCF at www.brethren.org\/gfcf<\/a> .<\/em><\/p>\n

3) Query focuses on relationship of On Earth Peace to the denomination<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

West Marva District Conference has adopted a query titled \u201cOn Earth Peace Reportability \/ Accountability to Annual Conference.\u201d This query, initiated by Bear Creek Church of the Brethren, asks \u201cif it is the will of Annual Conference for On Earth Peace to remain an agency of the Church of the Brethren with reportability and accountability to Annual Conference.\u201d<\/p>\n

In Southeastern District, a second query focused on On Earth Peace is in process and may be considered at a specially called district conference later this fall (see the Newsline report at www.brethren.org\/news\/2015\/southeastern-district-begins-query-process.html<\/a> ).<\/p>\n

On Earth Peace is an Annual Conference agency. Beginning in 2011, On Earth Peace has received criticism for issuing a \u201cStatement of Inclusion\u201d that reads: \u201cWe are troubled by attitudes and actions in the church, which exclude persons on the basis of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, or any other aspect of human identity. We believe God calls the church to welcome all persons into full participation in the life of the faith community.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Standing Committee of district delegates to Annual Conference expressed concern about the \u201cStatement of Inclusion\u201d in July 2012, when it released its own statement in response (see www.brethren.org\/news\/2012\/ac2012-onsite-news\/a-way-forward.html<\/a> ).<\/p>\n

Since then, the Standing Committee has held a series of meetings and discussions with the board and executive staff of On Earth Peace, including sending two delegations to meet with the full board of On Earth Peace.<\/p>\n

In 2014, the Standing Committee issued another statement after holding a conversation with On Earth Peace executive director Bill Scheurer and board chair Jordan Bles. The brief statement said: \u201cStanding Committee does not support the 2011 Statement of Inclusion of On Earth Peace as an agency of the church, but we will continue to commit ourselves to walk in love together in the face of differing interpretations of scripture and Annual Conference statements and decisions.\u201d<\/p>\n

4) Bethany Seminary\u2019s peace essay contest to highlight peacemakers<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

By Jenny Williams<\/p>\n

How and why are some individuals inspired and inspiring? The 2016 Bethany Peace Essay Contest–\u201cInspired and Inspiring Peacemakers\u201d–asks student writers to share in a public voice about someone they consider to be an inspiring peacemaker. Sponsored by the peace studies program at the seminary, the contest is open to seminary, graduate school, college, and high school students who are fully enrolled in a program en route to a degree. Prizes of $2,000, $1,000, and $500 will be awarded for the top three essays.<\/p>\n

This theme is intended to be inclusive and expansive in terms of possible topics. The World Council of Churches’ paper \u201cAn Ecumenical Call to Just Peace\u201d has defined peace building and seeking cultures of peace under four broad categories: peace in the community, peace with the earth, peace in the marketplace, and peace among the peoples. Essays are encouraged on individuals whose vision, voice, and work inspire peacemaking in any or all of these categories. Contestants may write on a familiar peacemaker like Martin Luther King or Wangari Maathai or cover lesser known figures such as Ted Studebaker, Leymah Gbowee, or Ella Baker. Submissions on peacemakers whose stories have not yet been told are also welcome.<\/p>\n

\u201cWords like inspired and inspiring have fallen out of fashion for many in an era of cynicism and the politics of realism. Yet we remain fascinated by the spiritual and social sources of inspiration,\u201d says Scott Holland, Slabaugh Professor of Theology and Culture and the director of Bethany\u2019s peace studies program. \u201cThe inspiration for this theme came in part from conversations I had with Gary Studebaker, a brother of slain Brethren peacemaker Ted Studebaker. Gary and his brother Doug are currently writing a book about Ted’s work and witness. It seemed appropriate this year to invite students to write on a peacemaker they find inspiring.\u201d<\/p>\n

The contest is underwritten by the Jennie Calhoun Baker Endowment, funded by John C. Baker in honor of his mother. Described as a \u201cChurch of the Brethren woman ahead of her time,\u201d she was known for actively pursuing peacemaking by meeting the needs of others, providing community leadership, and upholding the value of creative and independent thinking in education. John Baker, a philanthropist for peace with a distinguished career in higher education, and his wife had also helped establish the peace studies program at Bethany with an earlier endowment gift.<\/p>\n

Ecumenical partnership helps make the contest possible, with peace church representatives serving as judges along with Holland: Joanna Shenk, associate pastor at First Mennonite Church, San Francisco, Calif.; Matt Guynn, director of organizing for On Earth Peace; and Judi Hetrick, assistant professor of journalism at Earlham College. Bekah Houff, coordinator of outreach programs at Bethany, assists Holland in administering the contest.<\/p>\n

Essays can be submitted between Jan. 1-25, 2016, and results will be announced by the end of Feb. 2016. Winning essays will appear in selected publications of the Church of the Brethren, Friends, and Mennonite faith communities. For guidelines, terms, and submission procedures, go to www.bethanyseminary.edu\/peace-essay<\/a> . Contact Bekah Houff at houffre@bethanyseminary.edu<\/a> or 765-983-1809 for additional information.<\/p>\n

— Jenny Williams is director of communications for Bethany Theological Seminary.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"
Photo courtesy of Manchester University<\/small>
Andrea Brewster of Albion, Ind., is a first-year student at Manchester University who is taking part in the letter writing effort with the Death Row Support Project.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

5) Manchester University students are pen pals with death-row inmates<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

By Emily Barrand<\/p>\n

Hand-writing a letter is uncommon these days. Hand-writing letters to death-row inmates is even less common. However, more than 40 Manchester University students are writing letters to 56 such inmates.<\/p>\n

Based out of Liberty Mills, Ind., the Death Row Support Project of the Church of the Brethren is an organization \u201cthat facilitates pen pal relationships between those on death row and those on the outside,\u201d according to its website.<\/p>\n

Rachel Gross, director of the project, contacted Manchester sophomore Annika Harley of Madison, Wis., to begin the program at Manchester University.<\/p>\n

Prisoners on death row may spend as many as 23 hours alone each day. Often, even their families stop corresponding with them. The program allows inmates to have an outlet to the outside, to know about what is occurring beyond the prison walls.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s mostly a communication avenue,\u201d said Carole Miller-Patrick, director of the university\u2019s Center for Service Opportunities. \u201cA lot of these people are in solitary confinement; a lot of them have restricted mail, even. It\u2019s an opening to the outside world.\u201d<\/p>\n

Stacy Erickson-Pesetski, associate dean for academic resources and associate professor of English, is teaching a first-year seminar course this semester called \u201cOrange Is Not the New Black,\u201d inspired by her sabbatical work last year at Pendleton Correctional Facility. Erickson-Pesetski suggested her students participate in the Death Row Support Project to help them connect course material to the real world.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis isn\u2019t from a book; these are real prisoners,\u201d she said. \u201cThey still need human contact. They deserve some humanity.\u201d<\/p>\n

Although participating is optional, 17 of Erickson-Pesetski\u2019s 19 students in the seminar chose to do so. Any student who signs up for the program must commit to writing for one year. \u201cYou\u2019ve got someone in prison looking forward to your letters,\u201d Miller-Patrick said.<\/p>\n

What do students write about? Sports, TV shows, and books, or just the daily life of a college student. Students do not seal the letters they write until someone in the CSO office has looked them over. \u201cIt\u2019s not that we don\u2019t trust our students; we read them over to make sure that the correspondence is safe,\u201d Miller-Patrick said. No one edits the letters or tells students not to ask certain questions, she said. They merely supervise. \u201cWe\u2019re just safeguarding.\u201d<\/p>\n

No one reads the letters from the prisoners, except for the student pen pal.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe students share what they get back openly,\u201d Miler-Patrick added. \u201cWe bring them together a couple of times a year to discuss what it\u2019s like and what kind of letters they are getting.\u201d<\/p>\n

Students interested in being pen pals may go to the CSO office in Calvin Ulrey Hall, where Miller-Patrick will show them a folder of letters written by eligible inmates. They may read through the letters and choose someone.<\/p>\n

Members of the public may sign up at www.brethren.org\/drsp<\/a> where there is more information about the Death Row Support Project.<\/p>\n

— This report was prepared by Emily Barrand, Manchester University communications assistant, and distributed by Anne Gregory who works in media relations at the university in North Manchester, Ind. For more information about the university go to www.manchester.edu<\/a> .<\/em><\/p>\n

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Image courtesy of the National Council of Churches<\/small><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

6) NCC laments Umpqua shooting, asks NRA to join in gun violence reduction efforts<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

A release from the National Council of Churches<\/p>\n

The National Council of Churches (NCC) laments the loss of 10 lives in the incident of gun violence at Umpqua Community College in Roseburg, Ore. This school shooting is the 45th this year, and the 142nd since the massacre on Dec. 14, 2012, at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn. We join in grief with the families and loved ones of the dead, and in prayer for the nine injured in this senseless incident.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is astounding to me that there is still no meaningful effort to enact common-sense laws to stop these mass killings from taking place,\u201d said Jim Winkler, president and general secretary of the NCC, a coalition of 37 Christian communions in the United States, including the Church of the Brethren. \u201cEven as these events continue to take place, and as they are actually increasing in frequency, I refuse to become numb to this horrible part of our life together as American people.\u201d<\/p>\n

The NCC, through its partnership with Faiths United to Prevent Gun Violence, calls upon each and every congregation to join in the annual Gun Violence Prevention Sabbath and pledge to strive toward a society in which we no longer have to fear attending a movie, a worship service, or school.<\/p>\n

The NCC asks the National Rifle Association to work with us to urge Congress to enact meaningful legislation that preserves 2nd Amendment freedoms while dramatically reducing gun violence in this nation.<\/p>\n

We remember the words of scripture, \u201cThe fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, but violence takes lives away\u201d (Proverbs 11:30).<\/p>\n

–Steven D. Martin of the National Council of Churches communication staff provided this report.<\/em><\/p>\n

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

\"\"
Photo by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford<\/small>
Fernando Enns, at right, is shown here with Church of the Brethren general secretary Stan Noffsinger–two peace church leaders who were in the delegate body to support the statement on just peace adopted at the World Council of Churches’ 10th Assembly.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

7) Bethany\u2019s Presidential Forum promises to be intriguing event<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

By Jenny Williams<\/p>\n

Come explore just peace–globally, communally, and personally–at Bethany Seminary’s 2015 Presidential Forum weekend, Oct. 29-31. Several internationally known speakers and leaders will be featured, sharing firsthand from their experience and work across continents and cultures:
\n— Fernando Enns<\/strong> of the World Council of Churches Central Committee, and a leader among German Mennonites;
\n— Elizabeth Ferris,<\/strong> a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution; and
\n— Sharon Watkins<\/strong>, president of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).<\/p>\n

The weekend begins with the Pre-Forum Gathering on Oct. 29-30, featuring Bethany faculty and guest lecturers from the fields of journalism, biblical study, peace activism, and theology and culture. Educators and social justice workers from the Brethren, Mennonite, and Quaker traditions will add their voices in a variety of breakout sessions on the theme, from the historical to the artistic to the practical.<\/p>\n

All alumni\/ae and friends of Bethany–and anyone interested in living in community with neighbors, cultures, and environments close to home or around the world–are encouraged to come for this timely and intriguing weekend program! Attendees can register for all of the events or selected weekend events. Continuing education credit is available. Registration and complete information about the forum is at www.bethanyseminary.edu\/forum2015<\/a> .<\/p>\n

— Jenny Williams is director of Communications for Bethany Theological Seminary.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"8) National Junior High Sunday will be observed on Nov. 1<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

National Junior High Sunday in the Church of the Brethren will be observed on Nov. 1. The 2015 theme is based on James 2:14-17 from \u201cThe Message\u201d: \u201cFaith Without Works Is Outrageous Nonsense.\u201d Worship resources and other resources for the special Sunday are made available online and are free to download from www.brethren.org\/yya\/jr-high-resources.html<\/a> .<\/p>\n

Resources for the 2015 junior high Sunday are authored by a number of Church of the Brethren young adults, and include skits and action ideas, children\u2019s stories, worship resources such as calls to worship and benedictions, stewardship resources including offertory statements and prayers, Bible studies, scripture jams, sermon helps, and more.<\/p>\n

Also available on the website are high and low resolution versions of the theme logo, in both full color and black and white.<\/p>\n

The observance of National Junior High Sunday is sponsored by the Youth and Young Adult Ministries office of the Church of the Brethren Congregational Life Ministries.<\/p>\n

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

9) We are addicted to guns today: A reflection from the president of the NCC<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

By Jim Winkler<\/p>\n

The awful shooting last week at Umpqua Community College in Roseburg, Ore., the 994th mass shooting in the last 1,004 days, followed a familiar pattern. The news flashed across the Internet, the shooter killed himself, first responders arrived in mass, grieving families mourned, funerals were held, statements were issued, etc. Few local churches dare to address the matter for fear of offending those members who oppose gun control.<\/p>\n

Soon, very soon, the pattern I described above will repeat itself.<\/p>\n

Will this latest mass shooting prompt legislative action desperately needed to reduce easy access to guns? Few are hopeful it will happen. There\u2019s a sickness in our national soul that is yet to be addressed.<\/p>\n

On the day of the Oregon shooting, I was reading Psalm 85. I was comforted by these words: \u201cLet me hear what God the Lord will speak, for God will speak peace to God\u2019s people, to God\u2019s faithful, to those who turn to God in their hearts. Surely God\u2019s salvation is at hand for those who fear God, that God\u2019s glory may dwell in our land. Steadfast love and faithfulness will meet; righteousness and peace will kiss each other.\u201d<\/p>\n

We seek and work for peace not only in a spiritual sense but in a temporal sense as well. I know that a reduction in gun violence will require sustained mass efforts and pressure. We\u2019ve done this before. We overcame the opposition of the tobacco industry to an acknowledgment that smoking led to cancer, to warning labels on cigarette packs, to an end to marketing to children and youth, to regulation of tobacco products. It was a long road and still too many people die of smoking-related illnesses, but attitudes toward smoking have changed dramatically in my lifetime.<\/p>\n

We were and are fighting against an addiction in terms of tobacco–not only the addiction of users but an addiction of our economy. Much of the US economy was formerly based on tobacco. Slaves were imported to work the plantations. It was widely believed that reducing our emphasis on tobacco production would ruin the nation\u2019s prosperity.<\/p>\n

Similarly, we are addicted to guns today. Addicts, we all know, respond when confronted that they don\u2019t have a problem, whether it is with alcohol, drugs, gambling, etc. This morning, I watched a television interview with a presidential candidate who said that the US has a mental illness problem that needs to be addressed, but it does not have a problem with guns. Our nation is in denial regarding guns.<\/p>\n

I urge you to participate in Gun Violence Prevention Sabbath Weekend, Dec. 10-14, (go to http:\/\/marchsabbath.org<\/a> ) and join the interfaith movement underway to change our nation, to seek a ban on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, and to call for universal background checks.<\/p>\n

— Jim Winkler is president and general secretary of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA. For more about the NCC and its ministries go to www.nationalcouncilofchurches.us<\/a> .<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/strong><\/p>\n

Prayer is requested for a time of discernment by the leadership of Ekklesiyar Yan\u2019uwa a Nigeria<\/strong> (EYN, the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria). The denomination\u2019s National Executive Committee has been holding meetings this week, with the question of resuming classes at a re-opened Kulp Bible College (KBC) in Kwarhi on the agenda. Kwarhi is the location of the EYN Headquarters, and the KBC campus which was abandoned last fall when the extremist Islamist group Boko Haram overran the area. In recent months the security situation has improved in the area, and KBC provost Dauda Gava Andrawus has been working to reopen the college along with a number of students and faculty who already have returned to the Kwarhi campus. However, insurgent attacks are still happening in northeast Nigeria and have been occurring in nearby areas around Madagali and Lassa. A related issue is the damage caused to the Bible college facilities by the Boko Haram, and the expense of repairs and renovations. In addition, students and staff typically rely on their own farm produce to sustain them and their families during the school year, and help pay school fees, and since the KBC community was forced to flee the area for the farming season that resource is not available. The Nigeria Crisis Response staff ask for prayer for the Nigerian Brethren leaders who will be addressing these crucial questions.<\/p>\n

Shown above: a Love Feast held at the Kulp Bible College campus in Kwarhi, as students and staff returned to the area hoping to be able to reopen the school and resume classes. Photo courtesy of KBC provost Dauda Gava Andrawus<\/em><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

10) Brethren bits<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

— Camp Alexander Mack is publicizing two job openings:<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0The camp seeks candidates for an executive director position.<\/strong> The camp on Lake Waubee in Milford, Ind., is a year-round camping and retreat ministry of the Indiana Churches of the Brethren. The camp is 65 acres with additional 180 acres of wilderness area. Camp Mack was founded in 1925 and continues to serve 1,000-plus users per year. The executive director will serve as the camp administrator and will develop policy and long-range goals for the camping ministry in partnership with the Board of Directors. This full-time position has responsibility for developing and implementing policies and programs of the Board of Directors; staffing; overseeing the promotion and scheduling of programs and facilities; overseeing administration of the camp; maintaining professional standards; fundraising in coordination with the Board of Directors. The qualified candidate will be a faithful Christian with a clear understanding and appreciation of the Church of the Brethren; have a bachelor degree, with IACCA certification preferred; have proven supervisory experience in outdoor ministries; have appropriate emotional maturity and stability and be able to create excitement in persons of diverse backgrounds; be gifted in interpreting the camp\u2019s mission. For more information about the camp visit www.campmack.org<\/a> . Send inquires, letters of interest, and resumes to CampMackSearch@gmail.com<\/a> . (ACA accredited.)<\/p>\n

The camp also seeks candidates for a program director position.<\/strong> The program director will be instrumental in developing and implementing the policy, procedures, and long-range goals for the programs. The primary emphasis will be on organizing, implementing and facilitating all Camp Mack-directed programs. The qualified candidate needs to be a faithful Christian with a clear understanding and appreciation of the Church of the Brethren; have a bachelor degree; have proven supervisory experience in outdoor ministries; have appropriate emotional maturity and stability; and be able to create excitement in others. Candidates must have a good working knowledge of the American Camp Association Standards, and of Microsoft Office. They must be team players. For more information contact Galen Jay at 574-658-4831 or galen@campmack.org<\/a> .<\/p>\n

— Job openings at Camp Pine Lake and Northern Plains District have been announced.<\/strong> Parker Thompson has resigned as director of Camp Pine Lake, effective Nov. 15. The district seeks a camp director and a kitchen manager for the camp, find job descriptions and application information at www.camppinelake.com\/
\nemploymentopportunities.html<\/a> . The district also seeks candidates to fill two positions, the district communications minister (find a job description at https:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/d\/
\n1P0AZ26N7lvPd_2G47hBuDmXP
\nFIupSHIPMOLsTbTb0pA\/edit<\/a> ) and district minister of Leadership Development (find a job description at https:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/
\nd\/1Ey3uXEZohH6e-O8kpJMupGz-j-
\nMr6Hpaz4MrdakBr84\/edit<\/a> ).<\/p>\n

— Church World Service (CWS) seeks a policy advocate.<\/strong> CWS is a not-for-profit organization working to eradicate hunger and poverty and to promote peace and justice around the world. CWS does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability or veteran status in employment or in the provision of services. Apply via the applicant log-in page at http:\/\/cws.applicantstack.com\/x\/login<\/a> .<\/p>\n

— Interns and assistants are wanted at Shepherd\u2019s Spring Outdoor Ministry Center,<\/strong> a camp of Mid-Atlantic District located near Sharpsburg, Md. The camp seeks candidates to help make a difference in the world by educating others about hunger and poverty through Heifer International\u2019s experiential learning program. Opportunities to serve exist between March and October 2016, for at least 10 weeks. Responsibilities include working with children, youth, and adults; caring for livestock and a \u201cstaple foods\u201d garden; providing multicultural education; assisting in fulfilling the mission of Heifer International. Position includes room, board, and stipend. Applicants must be at least 18 years old. No experience is necessary, training will be provided. Contact Stewart Lentz at 301-223-8193 or slentz@shepherdsspring.org<\/a> . For more information about the Global Village at Shepherd\u2019s Spring go to www.shepherdsspring.org\/heifer.php<\/a> .<\/p>\n

— The Young Adult Steering Committee recently held meetings<\/strong> at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill. Committee members Kyle Remnant, Jess Hoffert, Heather Houff Landram, Laura Whitman, Amanda McLearn-Montz, Mark Pickens, and Youth and Young Adult Ministries director Becky Ullom Naugle began planning upcoming activities with a focus on the 2016 National Young Adult Conference. NYAC is a national conference, an expanded form of the annual Young Adult Conference. The 2016 NYAC will be held May 27-30, 2016, at Manchester University in North Manchester, Ind. NYAC is open to young adults between the ages of 18 and 35. Early bird registration opens online at noon on Jan. 6, 2016, at www.brethren.org\/nyac<\/a> . The early bird registration fee, available for the month of January only, is $200. Regular registration is $250. A non-refundable deposit of half the registration fee is due within two weeks of registering. Stay tuned for a promo video which will announce the theme.<\/p>\n

— This week\u2019s Global Mission Prayer Update<\/strong> asks for prayer for Haiti, which is suffering a severe drought: \u201cIn Haiti, many people regularly face lack of clean water and lack of money for food. However, the drought in Haiti has led to an even more acute water shortage and an increase in food prices, causing greater hunger and malnutrition. Jobs for farm workers have decreased as well. Pray for rain and for God\u2019s providing.\u201d Also requested are prayers of praise for the opening of a new congregation of Ekklesiyar Yan\u2019uwa a Nigeria (EYN, the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria) in the town of Jalingo. Jim Mitchell, who recently returned from volunteer service with the Nigeria Crisis Response, attended and preached at the opening celebration of the new church and shared his account of the inspiring service: \u201cEven though the EYN church has been severely injured and deeply wounded, new life is happening and we give God all the praise and glory for the grace that is making all things possible.\u201d<\/p>\n

— As part of an ongoing effort to engage the denomination around faithful action to end hunger<\/strong>, the Office of Public Witness is inviting congregations to participate in Bread for the World Sunday on Oct. 18. During worship services on this Sunday, churches are asked to pray for an end to hunger while considering actions they can take to help end hunger in their own communities and the world. According to the Bread for the World website, \u201cOn Bread for the World Sunday, we recognize and give thanks for the work of churches, community groups, and denominations as they seek to remove the obstacles that keep people from sharing in God\u2019s abundance. We celebrate the diversity of faith traditions across race, ethnicity, and culture that are working together to end hunger. Moved by God\u2019s love in Jesus Christ, we reach out in love to our neighbors–and create a better future for all.\u201d The theme scripture is from Mark 10:43 and 45, \u201cFor the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many.\u201d More information and worship resources are at www.bread.org\/library\/bread-world-sunday<\/a> . Congregations interested in learning more about how to end community hunger and how to advocate for strong anti-hunger policy can visit the Going to the Garden webpage of the Office of Public Witness and the Global Food Crisis Fund at www.brethren.org\/publicwitness\/going-to-the-garden.html<\/a> , or contact kfurrow@brethren.org<\/a> .<\/p>\n

— Nigeria Crisis Response co-directors Carl and Roxane Hill will be on a short speaking tour<\/strong> over the next week, that will include two district conferences in Pennsylvania and presentations at churches in Maryland. On Saturday, Oct. 10, at 2 p.m. they will share with Middle Pennsylvania District Conference meeting at Martinsburg (Pa.) Memorial Church of the Brethren (210 N. Wall St. in Martinsburg). On Sunday, Oct. 11, at 12:30 p.m. they will give a presentation at Frederick (Md.) Church of the Brethren (201 Fairview Ave. in Frederick). On Wednesday, Oct. 14, at 5 p.m. they will be at Westminster (Md.) Church of the Brethren for a dinner followed by a program (1 Park Place in Westminster). On Saturday, Oct. 17, at 1p.m. they will give a program for Western Pennsylvania District Conference at Camp Harmony (1414 Plank Rd., Hooversville, Pa.). For more information about the Nigeria Crisis Response go to www.brethren.org\/nigeriacrisis<\/a> .<\/p>\n

— The On Earth Peace Anti-Racism Transformation Team will meet<\/strong> at the Church of the Brethren General Office in Elgin, Ill., on Oct. 9-13. The team has invited all of the staff working at the General Offices to a \u201cbring your own lunch\u201d event on Oct. 12 in order to learn more about the anti-racism work that On Earth Peace is developing. For more information about the Anti-Racism Transformation Team go to http:\/\/onearthpeace.org\/artt<\/a> .<\/p>\n

— Clover Creek Church of the Brethren celebrates its 225th anniversary<\/strong> on Oct. 11. The planning committee is looking for pictures of church-related functions and former members of the congregation, according to the Middle Pennsylvania District newsletter. Contact 814-502-8027 or eddilling@msn.com<\/a> .<\/p>\n

— A new community garden in Salisbury, Md., at Community of Joy Church of the Brethren<\/strong>, has had a successful first year reports the Global Food Crisis Fund (GFCF) e-newsletter. With the help of a $1,000 GFCF grant through the Going to the Garden initiative, organizers installed 16 raised beds, drip irrigation, a shed, a sign, a children\u2019s library, and compost bins, and purchased four dump truck loads of a mix of top soil and compost. \u201cChurch members are working with Salisbury University and a local elementary school to develop programming for community children,\u201d said the report. \u201cThis outreach is attracting support from city officials, neighbors, and garden users, indicating that the garden is producing not only food, but a greater sense of community.\u201d Find the e-newsletter at www.brethren.org\/gfcf\/stories\/e-news-2015-fall.pdf<\/a> .<\/p>\n

— Hollins Road Church of the Brethren in Roanoke, Va., is hosting a special spiritual retreat<\/strong> on Oct. 10, titled \u201cShaped by God and Community: Stories and Reflections.\u201d Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. and the retreat will be from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The retreat will be a time to reflect on and honor those who have inspired and guided our faith journeys, according to an announcement. Several people will share reflections from their journeys: Jane Wood of Bethlehem Church of the Brethren, Tara Shepherd of Mount Union Church of the Brethren, John Reed of Cloverdale Church of the Brethren, Bryan Hanger of Roanoke, Oak Grove Church of the Brethren, Mike Varner of Topeco Church of the Brethren, and Cathy Huffman of Germantown Brick Church of the Brethren. Their sharings will be followed by opportunities for guided reflections as individuals, as well as small and large group discussions. Contact Patricia Ronk at 540-798-5512 or Trish1951.pr@gmail.com<\/a> .<\/p>\n

— Black Rock Church of the Brethren in Glenville, Pa., is holding a spaghetti dinner fundraiser<\/strong> for the Haiti Medical Project<\/strong> of the Church of the Brethren. The dinner will be served on Saturday, Oct. 10, starting at 4 p.m. Tickets are $15 and all proceeds will benefit the project. For reservations, call 717-229-2068 or 717-873-7286. There will be a short video about the Haiti Medical Project shown throughout the evening.<\/p>\n

— Jackson Park Church of the Brethren in Jonesborough, Tenn., was one of the congregations helping to feed festival goers<\/strong> at the 43rd annual National Storytelling Festival on Oct. 2-4. It was \u201cpart ministry, part fundraiser,\u201d said an article in the \u201cHerald and Tribune\u201d newspaper. \u201cI believe that we as the body of Christ are the only Bible some people will ever read. Just reaching out to share the love of Christ can make a difference,\u201d pastor Jeremy Dykes told the paper. The church hosted its 12th annual traditional Southern breakfast fundraiser, with proceeds supporting the church\u2019s youth programs. The effort involves nearly every church member, and features biscuits and gravy, sausage, bacon, grits, eggs and more. Find the news report at www.heraldandtribune.com\/Detail.php?Cat=LIFESTYLES&ID=62234<\/a> .<\/p>\n

— This is a banner weekend for district conferences,<\/strong> with five districts holding their annual meetings on Oct. 9-10. Atlantic Southeast District will meet at Camp Ithiel, in Gotha, Fla. Idaho District meets at Fruitland (Idaho) Church of the Brethren. The Mid-Atlantic District Conference will be at Hagerstown (Md.) Church of the Brethren. Southern Ohio District gathers at Happy Corner Church of the Brethren in Clayton, Ohio. Middle Pennsylvania District Conference is hosted by Memorial Church of the Brethren in Martinsburg, Pa.<\/p>\n

— The Southern Ohio District Conference on Oct. 9-10 will be the 161st for the district.<\/strong> Participants will gather on the theme, \u201cToward a 20\/20 Vison.\u201d The unusual schedule, announced in a district newsletter, features six different workshop opportunities to make the event \u201cboth inspirational and informational–not only for pastors, but for all church leaders and other persons interested in seeing their congregation develop a vison to reach out into their respective communities, offering their neighbors and friends the opportunity for a transformed life through a relationship with Jesus Christ.\u201d Workshop information is at www.sodcob.org\/district-conference\/conference-workshop-information.html<\/a> . On the business agenda is the financial situation of the district, however. The district newsletter published Oct. 1 alerted readers that the district faces a critical financial situation, with churches having given only $21,000 toward a $160,000 annual budget in the first six months of 2015. \u201cWe plead with you to speak with your congregational leadership as they begin planning your 2016 budget,\u201d said the newsletter. \u201cAsk them to prayerfully consider increasing their support to district ministry. As a guideline, if every congregation donated only $51 per attendee yearly, budget would be met.\u201d<\/p>\n

— Missouri and Arkansas District has started a program called \u201cWeave Us Together\u201d<\/strong> which is a focus on congregational vitality, with a plan of congregation-to-congregation visits with the goal of knowing each other and the district\u2019s ministries better. \u201cLetters of invitation and support will be reaching each congregation in October with visits anticipated between April and June, 2016,\u201d said an announcement.<\/p>\n

— \u201cGrowing Leaders in New (and Older) Congregations,\u201d a retreat led by Jonathan Shively,<\/strong> executive director of Congregational Life Ministries for the Church of the Brethren, will be held Oct. 9-10 at Camp Bethel near Fincastle, Va. The retreat is hosted by the New Church Development Committee of Virlina District. The theme focus on leadership development in congregational life will have a special focus on new church plants. The registration fee of $60 includes admission to the retreat as well as dinner on Friday and breakfast and lunch on Saturday. The retreat opens with an optional session at 2 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 9. The main retreat will begin with registration at 4 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 9, and will continue through Saturday afternoon at 4:15 p.m. Continuing education credit will be available for ministers. For more information contact the Virlina District Resource Center at nuchurch@aol.com<\/a> .<\/p>\n

— In more news from Virlina District, the district\u2019s Historical Committee<\/strong> is sponsoring a special Brethren Heritage Day Trip on Oct. 17. The bus trip will make stops in the Bridgewater, Va., area including the Brethren-Mennonite Heritage Center, Bridgewater Retirement Community, Bridgewater College, Tunker House, and the John Kline Homestead. Pickup will be at First Church of the Brethren in Rocky Mount, Va., at 8 a.m., and the District Resource Center at 8:45 a.m. Cost is $29.99 per person, which includes lunch. To reserve a seat on the bus, send a check for $29.99 per person to the District Resource Center, 3402 Plantation Road NE, Roanoke, VA 24012. This trip provides .5 continuing education credit for ministers.<\/p>\n

— Middle Pennsylvania and Western Pennsylvania Districts are publicizing \u201cLord, Let Our Eyes Be Opened:<\/strong> Breaking the Chains of Mass Incarceration,\u201d an event re-launching the Pennsylvania Council of Churches\u2019 annual conference, formerly the Pennsylvania Pastors\u2019 Conference. The event is aimed at educating people of faith, both clergy and laity, about America\u2019s system of mass incarceration. The meeting takes place at the Red Lion Hotel and Conference Center in Harrisburg, Pa., the evening of Friday, Oct. 23, through Sunday, Oct. 25. The event will be followed on Monday, Oct. 26, with a day of action at the state capitol. Leadership includes Harold Dean Trulear, founder and director of Healing Communities USA; Glenn E. Martin, founder and president of JustLeadershipUSA; and Geert Dhondt, assistant professor at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice. Panel discussions will include a number of returning citizens as well as criminal justice experts. John Wetzel, secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections, will speak at a lunch on Saturday, Oct. 24. Also, a Healing Communities training will be offered just prior to the conference. Ministers may receive 1.0 continuing education credit at a cost of $25. Registration and more information is online at http:\/\/pachurchesadvocacy.org\/weblog\/?p=20834<\/a> .<\/p>\n

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Western Plains Gathering theme ‘Anoint Us Lord’<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

— Western Plains District holds its annual Gathering<\/strong> on Oct. 30-Nov.1 on the theme “Anoint Us Lord!” The annual event is a \u201ctransformational initiative\u201d of the district, inviting members to gather for inspiration and fellowship. \u201cBrethren have long thought of \u201canointing\u201d as helpful for healing. But it is far more important than that,\u201d said a reflection on the theme. \u201cAnointing is one of the central images moving through the pages of the Bible. Sometimes it is connected with healing; often it indicates divine choice when kings or prophets are chosen and consecrated…. This may well be yet another way of understanding what is encapsulated in our district vision: \u2018Rooted together in Love to be Christ\u2019s transforming Hope and Power.\u2019 Or, maybe we could put it this way, as we are enflamed by the Spirit of God in Christ, not only are we healed, but also called, and even authorized (sent) to continue Christ\u2019s own transforming mission as the \u2018anointed one\u2019 (John 20:21). Can we possibly grasp what that will mean? Gather with us and explore what having been anointed with the Spirit of Jesus will mean for us. How shall we be healed, called, and sent out today?\u201d Speakers include Annual Conference moderator Andy Murray, Global Mission executive Jay Wittmeyer on the crisis in Nigeria, and the Young Center\u2019s Jeff Bach leading a session on the meaning and impact of anointing. A number of workshops will be offered, as well as a youth retreat and children\u2019s activities. A brochure is online at www.westernplainschurchofthebrethren.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/Gathering-Brochure-6-15-for-web.pdf<\/a> . More information and registration are at www.westernplainschurchofthebrethren.org\/2015\/10\/01\/the-gathering-2015-informormation<\/a> .<\/p>\n

— Northern Plains District is planning a Brethren Heritage Tour<\/strong> next summer, sponsored by the District Nurture Commission. The tour is scheduled for Aug. 7-14, 2016, immediately following the district\u2019s 150th District Conference, according to an announcement in the district newsletter. LaDonna Brunk, chair of the commission, is collecting names of those people who may be interested in participating in the tour, contact her at labrunk@heartofiowa.net<\/a>. . In a few months, the tour may be opened up to people outside of the district if there are still spaces available, the announcement said. Tentative tour stops include Camp Alexander Mack in Indiana, Lancaster and Germantown, Pa., the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md., and the John Kline Homestead in Broadway, Va. Estimated cost is around $800 to $900 if the bus is filled.<\/p>\n

— A total of $68,150 has been distributed in funds raised by this year\u2019s World Hunger Auction.<\/strong> The following has been distributed, according to the Virlina District newsletter: Heifer International (Guatemala) $34,000, Heifer International (US) $6,800, Roanoke (Va.) Area Ministries $17,000, Church of the Brethren Global Food Crisis Fund $6,800, Heavenly Manna $3,550.<\/p>\n

— Mid-Atlantic District will be building a Habitat for Humanity house<\/strong> in the spring of 2016, with the blessing of the district leadership team and working with the Washington County Habitat for Humanity Chapter. The construction site will be in Hagerstown, Md. An announcement of the project in the district newsletter noted several volunteer leadership positions that need to be filled in order to carry out the project, and asked for prayer. \u201cThis is a worthwhile project to give a worthy family a better place to live. With lots of prayer and support our district can work together to achieve this great ministry.\u201d For more information contact the district office or the chair of the Service and Outreach team at 301-331-8010.<\/p>\n

— Camp Eder holds its 37th annual Fall Festival<\/strong> on Saturday, Oct. 17, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. The camp is located near Fairfield, Pa. Special features of the festival this year: a pork and turkey meal, cooked buried in pits, is $12 for adults and teens, 7$ for children, free for ages 6 and under; kettle cooked apple butter and kettle corn; a la carte food court; craft and vendors area; live music and entertainment; children\u2019s games and activities; live fundraiser auction; and blacksmith, glassblowing, and pottery demonstrations. Performers include the Puppet and Story Works and Drymill Road. Contact the camp at 717-642-8256.<\/p>\n

— A pictorial history of the Children\u2019s Aid Society<\/strong> (CAS), a ministry related to Southern Pennsylvania District, has been published to celebrate 100 years of service to children in south-central Pennsylvania. According to an announcement in the district newsletter, the book traces the history of CAS from the 1913 district conference where it was created, through to its recent 100-year anniversary in 2013. Authors are Theresa Eshbach, a former CAS executive director, with Elmer Q. Gleim and Dianne Gleim Bowders. \u201cThe book is filled with pictures of the people and events that are a part of Children\u2019s Aid Society\u2019s history,\u201d said the announcement. The book may be purchased for $20 online at www.cassd.org<\/a> or call 717-624-4461.<\/p>\n

— Elizabethtown (Pa.) College will begin offering a master\u2019s of education degree<\/strong> in Curriculum and Instruction, through the college\u2019s education department. The news appeared in \u201cThe Etownian,\u201d the campus newspaper, on Sept. 24. \u201cA master\u2019s in curriculum and instruction is one of the most common degrees that in-service teachers will earn as they develop professionally in the field,\u201d said the article. Education department chair Rachel Finely-Bowman emphasized the unique character of the Elizabethtown program: \u201cWhat makes ours unique is its emphasis on peace education, so it covers everything from conflict resolution to social and emotional learning to collaboration and conversation in the classroom.\u201d The article reported that \u201cthe peace-centric curriculum represents the strengths of the professors within the department, in which the top research area for faculty members is peace education.\u201d The application for the new degree program will go live on Jan. 1, 2016. Course information and check sheets will be available through the college\u2019s digital course catalogue. Find the Elizabethtown College website at www.etown.edu<\/a> .<\/p>\n

\"\"
Death row exoneree speaks at McPherson College<\/small><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

— McPherson (Kan.) College offered a presentation by death row exoneree<\/strong> Curtis McCarty this week. McCarty told his story during an event on Wednesday, hosted by the college\u2019s Spiritual Life department.<\/p>\n

-\u2013 Christian Piatt will be the Spiritual Life Focus Speaker at Bridgewater (Va.) College<\/strong> on Oct. 20. The author of \u201cpostChristian: What’s Left? Can We Fix It? Do We Care?\u201d and the \u201cBanned Questions\u201d book series will give two presentations on that Tuesday, at 9:30 a.m. and again at 7:30 p.m. in the Carter Center for Worship and Music, said a release that noted Piatt will offer two different presentations at the two times. The programs are free and open to the public. Piatt is director of premium content for the interfaith website Patheos, and is director of growth and development for First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Portland, Ore. As co-host of Homebrewed Christianity\u2019s CultureCast, he reaches 20,000 to 25,000 listeners per episode with his take on current events, faith, ethics, and popular culture.<\/p>\n

— In more news from Bridgewater, the annual CROP Meal and CROP Hunger Walk<\/strong> coordinated through Bridgewater College are planned for Oct. 29 and Nov. 1. On Oct. 29, from 5-7 p.m., members of the community are invited to purchase meals surrendered by Bridgewater students and enjoy dinner in the Kline Campus Center, with proceeds going to Church World Service hunger relief programs. On Sunday, Nov. 1, the CROP Walk (3.7 miles) will begin at 2 p.m. at the Bridgewater Municipal Building. Contact college chaplain Robbie Miller at rmiller@bridgewater.edu<\/a> or 540-828-5383 to register for the meal and\/or the walk.<\/p>\n

— Ann Cornell, administrator of Shepherd\u2019s Spring<\/strong> camp and outdoor ministry center in Mid-Atlantic District, will celebrate her 60th birthday and 25 years of camping ministry by attempting to bicycle the C&O Canal Tow Path in one day. The path is 184.5 miles long, and runs from Cumberland, Md., to Pittsburgh, Pa., according to the district newsletter. Cornell will attempt the ride in 2016, and will be joined by other bicyclists for several training rides, the newsletter said. Sponsors for the rides will donate in benefit of Shepherd\u2019s Spring capital improvements such as a climbing wall or zip line. The camp kicks off its 25th anniversary year on Oct. 10. Find more information at www.shepherdsspring.org<\/a> .<\/p>\n

\n

Contributors to this issue of Newsline include Emily Barrand, Jeff Boshart, Deborah Brehm, Lauren Carrick, Rebecca Dali, Jenn Dorsch, Kathy Fry-Miller, Katie Furrow, Dauda Gava, Anne Gregory, Kendra Harbeck, Mary Kay Heatwole, Carl and Roxane Hill, Steven D. Martin, Nancy Miner, Becky Ullom Naugle, Jim Winkler, Jay Wittmeyer, 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. 15.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

1) GFCF supports agriculture in DR Congo and Alaska, nutrition in Roanoke area, BVSer in DC. 2) Alaska and Louisiana: A tale of two tillers. 3) Query focuses on relationship of On Earth Peace to the denomination. 4) Bethany Seminary\u2019s peace essay contest to highlight peacemakers. 5) Manchester University students are pen pals with death-row inmates. 6) NCC laments Umpqua shooting, asks NRA to join in gun violence reduction efforts. 7) Bethany\u2019s Presidential Forum promises to be intriguing event. 8) National Junior High Sunday will be observed on Nov. 1. 9) We are addicted to guns today: A reflection from the president of the NCC. 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-10581","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\/10581","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=10581"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.brethren.org\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10581\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":12873,"href":"https:\/\/www.brethren.org\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10581\/revisions\/12873"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.brethren.org\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=10581"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.brethren.org\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=10581"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.brethren.org\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=10581"},{"taxonomy":"wf_post_folders","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.brethren.org\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/wf_post_folders?post=10581"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}