{"id":10821,"date":"2016-02-12T00:00:22","date_gmt":"2016-02-12T00:00:22","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/new.brethren.org\/news\/?p=10821"},"modified":"2018-11-07T20:40:54","modified_gmt":"2018-11-07T20:40:54","slug":"newsline-for-feb-12-2016","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.brethren.org\/news\/2016\/newsline-for-feb-12-2016\/","title":{"rendered":"Newsline for Feb. 12, 2016"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"\"
Photo by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford<\/small>
Stan Noffsinger and Josh Brockway lead in the anointing of ashes at this week’s chapel service at the Church of the Brethren General Offices, held on Ash Wednesday. This has been Noffsinger’s last week in the office of the general secretary.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\u201cReturn to the Lord…for [God] is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love, and relents from punishing\u201d (Joel 2:13b).<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

1) Sarpiya and Wiltschek top Annual Conference ballot for 2016<\/span>
\n2) Spiritual preparation for Annual Conference in Greensboro<\/span>
\n3) Four members join the Youth Peace Travel Team for 2016<\/span>
\n4) Church of the Brethren signs letter urging federal action to aid Flint<\/span>
\n5) Brethren Volunteer Service holds connection dinners in Pennsylvania, Kansas<\/span>
\n6) Brethren bits<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

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

\u201cThe most prophetic, the greatest effort for justice starts with our inner life and works its way out into the world…. If we really want to be about justice in this world we must start from our own mortality…. This might be one of the most prophetic things that we can do.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

— Joshua Brockway in a meditation for the Ash Wednesday chapel service at the Church of the Brethren General Offices. Brockway is director of Spiritual Life and Discipleship and a member of the denomination\u2019s Congregational Life Ministries staff. Joining Brockway in anointing the congregation with ashes–a symbol of repentance at the start of the season of Lent–was Stanley J. Noffsinger, who completed his term as general secretary of the Church of the Brethren this week.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

\n
<\/div>\n

ANNUAL CONFERENCE REGISTRATION OPENS FEB. 17:<\/strong> Online registration for the 2016 Annual Conference of the Church of the Brethren, and hotel reservations for the Conference, open Wednesday, Feb. 17, at 12 noon (central time). Annual Conference takes place on June 29-July 3 at the Koury Convention Center in Greensboro, N.C. The online registration that opens Feb. 17 is for both delegates and nondelegates. After registering for the Conference, a link to register for the Conference hotel, the Sheraton Greensboro, will be provided. This year there is only one Conference hotel and it is a part of the same building as the Koury Convention Center, making for less walking for Conference-goers. To register beginning at noon (central) on Feb. 17, go to www.brethren.org\/ac<\/a> and click on \u201cRegister Now.\u201d For questions please call the Conference Office at 847-429-4365.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\"\"
Photos by Glenn Riegel
Samuel Sarpiya (left) and Walt Wiltschek (right) are on the ballot for the 2016 Annual Conference as nominees for the position of moderator-elect.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

1) Sarpiya and Wiltschek top Annual Conference ballot for 2016<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

The Conference Office has released the ballot that will be presented to the delegate body at the 2016 Annual Conference of the Church of the Brethren this summer. Topping the ballot are two nominees for Annual Conference moderator-elect: Samuel Sarpiya and Walt Wiltschek. Other offices to be filled by election of the delegate body are positions on the Program and Arrangements Committee, Pastoral Compensation and Benefits Advisory Committee, Mission and Ministry Board, Bethany Seminary board of trustees, Brethren Benefit Trust board, and On Earth Peace board.<\/p>\n

On the ballot for the position of moderator-elect are Samuel Kefas Sarpiya<\/strong> of Rockford, Ill., an ordained minister, pastor, and church planter in Illinois and Wisconsin District who has been active in local peacemaking efforts; and Walt Wiltschek<\/strong> of Broadway, Va., an ordained minister, writer, and editor, who has served in campus ministry at Manchester University and is a past editor of \u201cMessenger\u201d magazine.<\/p>\n

Following are nominees for other positions to be filled by election in 2016, listed by position:<\/span><\/p>\n

Program and Arrangements Committee<\/strong>
\nEmily Shonk Edwards of Nellysford, Va., and Staunton (Va.) Church of the Brethren
\nJohn Shafer of Oakton, Va., and Oakton Church of the Brethren.<\/p>\n

Pastoral Compensation and Benefits Advisory Committee<\/strong>
\nRaymond Flagg of Lebanon, Pa., and Annville (Pa.) Church of the Brethren
\nElsie Holderread of McPherson, Kan., and McPherson Church of the Brethren<\/p>\n

Mission and Ministry Board<\/strong><\/p>\n

Area 3:<\/strong>
\nMarcus Harden of Gotha, Fla., and Miami (Fla.) First Church of the Brethren
\nJohn Mueller of Fleming Island, Fla., and Jacksonville (Fla.) Church of the Brethren<\/p>\n

Area 4:<\/strong>
\nKatie Carlin of Monument, N.M., and Clovis (N.M.) Church of the Brethren
\nLuci Landes of Kansas City, Mo., and Messiah Church of the Brethren in Kansas City, Mo.<\/p>\n

Area 5:<\/strong>
\nThomas Dowdy of Long Beach, Calif., and Imperial Heights Church of the Brethren in Los Angeles, Calif.
\nMark Ray of Covington, Wash., and Covington Community Church of the Brethren<\/p>\n

Bethany Theological Seminary<\/strong><\/p>\n

Representing the laity:<\/strong>
\nMiller Davis (incumbent) of Westminster, Md., and Westminster Church of the Brethren
\nRobert C. Johansen of Granger, Ind., and Crest Manor Church of the Brethren in South Bend, Ind.<\/p>\n

Representing the colleges:<\/strong>
\nMark A. Clapper of Elizabethtown, Pa., and Elizabethtown Church of the Brethren
\nBruce W. Clary of McPherson, Kan., and McPherson Church of the Brethren<\/p>\n

Brethren Benefit Trust board<\/strong>
\nKatherine Allen Haff of North Manchester, Ind., and Manchester Church of the Brethren
\nDavid L. Shissler of Hummelstown, Pa., and Hershey (Pa.) Spring Creek Church of the Brethren<\/p>\n

On Earth Peace board\u00a0<\/strong>
\nBeverly Sayers Eikenberry of North Manchester, Ind., and Manchester Church of the Brethren
\nMary Kay Snider Turner of Gettysburg, Pa., and Gettysburg\/Marsh Creek Church of the Brethren<\/p>\n

For more information about the 2016 Annual Conference to take place June 29-July 3 in Greensboro, N.C., go to www.brethren.org\/ac<\/a> .<\/p>\n

\"\"2) Spiritual preparation for Annual Conference in Greensboro<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

By Andy Murray<\/p>\n

Annual Conference 2016 will be held in Greensboro, N.C., on June 29-July 3, on the theme, \u201cCarry the Light.\u201d<\/p>\n

In his Lenten devotional, \u201cLet Us Also Go,\u201d Chris Bowman summons us for a challenging journey that leads through the darkness of Good Friday to the Light of Easter Sunday. It is a good reminder that for Christians to \u201ccarry the light\u201d we must also prepare ourselves with confession, prayer, and discipline that acknowledges the darkness that surrounds us and, at times, occupies us.<\/p>\n

I ask that Brethren who will support Conference as delegates, attendees, or prayer partners do two things in preparation for our time together. The first is to use the 40 days of Lent as a special time of reflection and to follow a daily discipline of prayer and devotion. For this purpose, Brother Bowman has prepared a rewarding guide. If you do not already have it, you can order it or download it from Brethren Press (go to www.brethrenpress.com<\/a> or call 800-441-3712).<\/p>\n

The second is to join Christians worldwide on Pentecost for a day of prayer and fasting. You will hear more about this as Pentecost draws near. For now, join me in a Lenten passage from darkness to Light.<\/p>\n

— Andy Murray is moderator of the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference.<\/em><\/p>\n

3) Four members join the Youth Peace Travel Team for 2016<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

By Becky Ullom Naugle<\/p>\n

The members of the 2016 Youth Peace Travel Team have been announced. As the team spends time with youth this summer at camps across the denomination, they will teach about peace, justice, and reconciliation, all core values throughout the Church of the Brethren\u2019s 300-plus year history.<\/p>\n

Members of the team for 2016 are:<\/p>\n

Phoebe Hart<\/strong> of Roanoke, Va., and Oak Grove Church of the Brethren in Virlina District<\/p>\n

Kiana Simonson<\/strong> of Modesto, Calif., and Modesto Church of the Brethren in Pacific Southwest District<\/p>\n

Jenna Walmer<\/strong> of Mount Joy, Pa., and Palmyra Church of the Brethren in Atlantic Northeast District<\/p>\n

Sara White<\/strong> of Huntingdon, Pa., and Stone Church of the Brethren in Middle Pennsylvania District<\/p>\n

Follow the ministry of the 2016 Youth Peace Travel Team by visiting www.brethren.org\/youthpeacetravelteam<\/a> . The Youth Peace Travel Team is cooperatively sponsored by the Outdoor Ministries Association, On Earth Peace, Bethany Theological Seminary, and the Church of the Brethren.<\/p>\n

— Becky Ullom Naugle is director of Youth and Young Adult ministries for the Church of the Brethren and serves on the staff of Congregational Life Ministries.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"4) Church of the Brethren signs letter urging federal action to aid Flint<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

By Katie Furrow<\/p>\n

\u201cBut seek the welfare of the city…and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare\u201d (Jeremiah 29:7).<\/em><\/p>\n

In response to the ongoing water crisis in Flint, Mich., the Church of the Brethren and a number of other Christian groups who represent Creation Justice Ministries, the former National Council of Churches Eco-Justice Program, have signed onto a letter praising the charitable actions of faith groups while also urging Congress and the Obama administration to take action to resolve the situation.<\/p>\n

In part, the letter calls on the federal government \u201cto leverage federal resources to ensure the City of Flint can get new, safe water infrastructure as quickly as possible\u201d and to \u201ctake decisive action to reverse trends of environmental racism by ensuring community members are meaningfully engaged in all environmental decisions that will impact them, including selecting their water supply.\u201d<\/p>\n

The entire letter, along with statements from faith leaders across the country, can be read at www.creationjustice.org\/uploads\/2\/5\/4\/6\/25465131\/christian_communities_respond_to_flint_water_crisis.pdf<\/a> .<\/p>\n

— Katie Furrow is a food, hunger, and gardening associate for the Church of the Brethren Office of Public Witness and the Global Food Crisis Fund.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"5) Brethren Volunteer Service holds connection dinners in Pennsylvania, Kansas<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS) staff will be visiting and holding \u201cConnection\u201d meal events in McPherson, Kan., on Feb. 28, and in Elizabethtown, Pa., on March 13. These meal events are an opportunity for prospective volunteers, those interested in BVS, and BVS alumni and friends to enjoy food, fellowship, and stories about the volunteer experience.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoin us for food, fellowship, and stories!\u201d said an invitation. \u201cWhether you’re a long-time supporter or interested in learning more about Brethren Volunteer Service, all are welcome. BVS will be providing a free, simple meal while a group gathers to share stories from any BVS alumni present. Elizaeth Batten from the BVS office recruitment staff will talk about BVS and its work in our world as well as how you can become involved.\u201d<\/p>\n

A Connections Dinner takes place at McPherson (Kan.) Church of the Brethren on Sunday, Feb. 28, at 5 p.m. A Connections Lunch at Elizabethtown (Pa.) Church of the Brethren is planned for Sunday, March 13, after worship.<\/p>\n

For questions or more information contact Elizabeth Batten at ebatten@brethren.org<\/a> or 269-816-0804, or \u201cattend\u201d the Facebook event on the BVS Facebook page.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The founder of Circleville (Ohio) Church of the Brethren is being honored among other local African-American trailblazers, according to an article in the \u201cCircleville Herald.\u201d Church founder John H. May was one of 175 African-American men who in 1870 met in Circleville to discuss the happenings of the April election that year, the newspaper reported. \u201cThey had attempted to exercise the newly acquired right to vote. News articles of that day reported a conspiracy in the state of Ohio to prevent any man of color from casting a vote.\u201d Of the men at that meeting, 147 signed 2 petitions and sent them to members of Congress. The Pickaway County African American Heritage Association (PCAAHA) formed in 2003 to celebrate the historical significance of the event, and each year honors some of the men who took part, and their descendants. On April 2, PCAAHA hosts the Ninth Annual Heritage Banquet, with the honored families for 2016 including the May family. The newspaper reports: \u201cIn 1870, John H. May left the Baptist doctrine and started a German Baptist Dunkard church. He and his wife, Susan Dade Brown May, led family members in worship…. The church grew diversely becoming the Church of the Brethren.\u201d A member of the Dade family will accept the 2016 Posthumous Legacy Award on behalf of Rev. May. Find the newspaper report at www.circlevilleherald.com\/community\/pcaaha-to-honor-descendants-of-local-african-american-trailblazers\/article_65710edd-2ce5-5908-940c-a44290b88573.html<\/a> .<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

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

— In personnel news from Juniata College in Huntingdon, Pa., Rob Yelnosky,<\/strong> vice president for finance and operations since 2007, is transitioning to a new role. According to a release, his new position begins Oct. 1, when he will become the college\u2019s point-person on strategic initiatives, including managing implementation and adoption of Juniata\u2019s strategic plan with particular focus on experiential learning, community outreach, and institutional benchmarking. He will be replaced as vice president for finance and operations, effective Aug. 1, by John Wilkin, currently vice president of administration and business affairs at Heidelberg University. Between Aug. 1-Oct. 1, Yelnosky and Wilkin will work together to ensure a smooth transition.<\/p>\n

— District executives, executives of the Church of the Brethren,<\/strong> Bethany Theological Seminary, Brethren Benefit Trust, and On Earth Peace, and their board chairs, together with the Annual Conference officers, met for an afternoon during the Winter Council of District Executives (CODE) meeting. The group engaged in intentional conversation related to the upcoming business of Annual Conference, said a brief report from David Steele, district executive minister of Middle Pennsylvania District and chair of the Inter-Agency Forum. The conversation centered around three questions: What are our hopes for the church (Church of the Brethren)? Given the contentious issues coming to Annual Conference, what are our hopes for Annual Conference? How might we address the emotion which surrounds these issues? Knowing the business of Annual Conference is surrounded with heart-felt emotion, what must we do pastorally so that people feel heard in such a way that brings greater health to the Conference while not overwhelming the Conference or business process? Steele reported that the intent of the conversation was not to arrive at any particular answer or outcome, but to consider the health and well-being of the Conference prior to arriving in Greensboro, N.C. The conversations concluded with expressions of hope, appreciation for the conversation, and prayers for the movement of the Holy Spirit upon this year\u2019s Annual Conference, its leadership, and the church.<\/p>\n

— The Global Mission and Service office has requested prayer<\/strong> for Iglesia des los Hermanos (the Church of the Brethren in the Dominican Republic), and for Eglise des Freres d\u2019Haiti (Church of the Brethren in Haiti). In the Dominican Republic, Brethren will be gathering for their annual conference, the Asamblea, and prayer is requested for safe travel and for the presence of the Holy Spirit in the conference. Members of the Church of the Brethren\u2019s Mission Advisory Committee as well as denominational staff are traveling to the DR to attend the Asamblea. In Haiti, the church has been holding a theological training session in which 27 participants studied homiletics and explored the Old Testament books of Joshua through Esther. In addition, prayers are requested for a mobile medical clinic being held for a community of refugees near the border of Haiti and the DR, for people deported from the DR following court rulings that have stripped them of citizenship.\u00a0 Leaders from Iglesia de los Hermanos worked with partners to provide the clinic, and Brethren congregations provided clothing and food for distribution.<\/p>\n

— Fourteen members of Buffalo Valley (Pa.) Church of the Brethren<\/strong> have served with Iglesia de los Hermanos (the Church of the Brethren in the Dominican Republic), working on church construction projects with the congregations in Magueyal and Azua, and assisting with youth retreats. A prayer request for the experience from Global Mission and Service asked \u201cfor the forging of meaningful, lasting relationships.\u201d<\/p>\n

— Mutual Kumquat will be recording the music for the 2016-17 \u201cShine Songbook\u201d and CD,<\/strong> according to an announcement. Shine is a Christian education curriculum jointly produced by Brethren Press and MennoMedia. \u201cSearch for this amazing band online at www.MutualKumquat.com<\/a> as well as Facebook and My Space. Or watch them perform at the Church of the Brethren National Youth Conference,\u201d said the announcement. \u201cOur goal at Shine is to provide music that will help children sing their faith. The Shine Songbook and CD includes songs for Christmas and Easter, reflective prayer songs, upbeat songs that children can dance to, songs with motions, and blessing songs. There are seven languages represented on the 2016\u201317 CD, reflecting the diversity in the church.\u201d For a preview of the Shine CD, listen to \u201cFluye, Esp\u00edritu, fluye\u201d (Flow, Spirit, Flow) at www.ShineCurriculum.com\/Music<\/a> .<\/p>\n

— Also new from Shine, a Lent 2016-Lent 2017 Bible reading plan<\/strong> based on \u201cShine On: A Story Bible\u201d is now available at www.ShineCurriculum.com\/Extras<\/a> . This updated Bible reading plan comes from Nancy and Irv Heishman, pastors at West Charleston (Ohio) Church of the Brethren and incorporates Psalm readings with stories from \u201cShine On.\u201d Purchase the Shine story Bible from Brethren Press at www.brethrenpress.com<\/a> or call 800-441-3712.<\/p>\n

— Camp Eder in Fairfield, Pa., is offering maple sugaring tours<\/strong> from 9 a.m.-12 noon on two Saturdays, Feb. 27 and March 5, during the Mount Hope Maple Madness festivals of fun sponsored by Strawberry Hill Nature Preserve and the camp. Events also include a pancake breakfast, indoor arts and crafts vendors, music, and more. Go to www.strawberryhill.org<\/a> .<\/p>\n

— Regional Youth Conference will be held at McPherson (Kan.) College<\/strong> on the theme \u201cStrip Down: Changing from the Inside Out\u201d (1 John 3:18-20, the Message) on Feb. 26-28. High school youth and their advisors, as well as college students who would like to assist with the weekend, are invited to attend. Leadership will include Jeff Carter, president of Bethany Seminary, and Mutual Kumquat. The cost is $65, with discounted fees available for college students who assist with activities. For more information and a registration link go to www.mcpherson.edu\/RYC<\/a> . For questions contact Jen Jensen at jensenj@mcpherson.edu<\/a> or at 620-2420503 (office) or 402-990-8682 (cell and text).<\/p>\n

— The 2016 Youth Roundtable at Bridgewater (Va.) College<\/strong> is planned for April 8-10, with speakers Tim and Audrey Hollenberg-Duffey. The Friday night entertainment will be the Walking Roots Band.<\/p>\n

— Southern Ohio District is beginning a Listening\/Discerning\/Visioning Process.<\/strong> \u201cAt the 2015 district conference, the body voted to have the district conduct a process for Listening\/Discerning\/Reconciliation utilizing an organization steeped in reconciliation work,\u201d the district newsletter reported. Involved in leadership of the process along with district leaders are Leslie Frye of the Ministry of Reconciliation of On Earth Peace, and Bob Gross and Carol Waggy who conducted a training of volunteers in January. The District Gifts Discernment Team has identified several persons as prospective volunteers to go out in pairs to visit with groups from each of the 52 congregations associated with the district. Their task will be simply to listen and bring back appreciations, concerns, and suggestions regarding the district, expressed by the congregations. This information will be utilized in planning next steps for the district. \u201cYour prayers are also coveted for the ministry,\u201d said the announcement.<\/p>\n

— \u201cCaregiving in the Midst of Conflict: The Deacon’s Role\u201d<\/strong> is the title of a deacon training event on Saturday, Feb. 27, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Village Green on the campus of the Village at Morrisons Cove, Pa. \u201cChurches are often at the center of our sense of community,\u201d said an announcement from Middle Pennsylvania District. \u201cWe come to them for worship, support, communion, and conversation. We bring to them strongly held beliefs and diverse needs. These differences mean that our congregations are also sites of conflict. The Middle Pennsylvania District Shalom Team will provide deacons and other church leaders with listening and engagement tools for proactively dealing with the everyday differences that bring strength and creativity, along with struggle and hurt to our congregations. Over the course of the day we will explore how to identify emerging conflicts, strategies for addressing them, and the ways which the deacons can work together and with other leaders in the church to create healthy conflict practices.\u201d<\/p>\n

— Civil rights leader Otis Moss Jr.,<\/strong> a nationally respected and influential religious leader, spoke for the 48th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Remembrance and Rededication Ceremony at Manchester University in North Manchester, Ind. The observance commemorates King\u2019s last speech at a college campus. He presented \u201cThe Future of Integration” at Manchester on Feb. 1, 1968, two months before he was slain in Memphis, Tenn. Moss, who was a colleague and friend of King, presented \u201cLearning from the Life and Teaching of Martin Luther King, Jr. from Generation to Generation\u201d on Jan. 28 at Cordier Auditorium. The presentation was sponsored by the university\u2019s Office of Multicultural Affairs, Peace Studies Institute and Program for Conflict Resolution, and the President\u2019s Office, and was part of the university\u2019s Values, Ideas, and the Arts series.<\/p>\n

— The February edition of the \u201cBrethren Voices\u201d<\/strong> community television program produced by Portland (Ore.) Peace Church of the Brethren features the Brethren Heritage Center in Brookville, Ohio. The center is dedicated to preserving the heritage of the Brethren bodies that trace their roots back to the baptisms in Schwarzenau, Germany, in 1708. Southwestern Ohio was chosen for the location of the center due to the large number of Brethren living in the Miami Valley Region. Beginning in the late 1970s, historian and genealogist Donald R. Bowman of Brookville, a member of the Southern Ohio District Historical Committee of the Church of the Brethren, began accumulating books, historical records and artifacts from several Church of the Brethren congregations. The collection was housed at the old Happy Corner Church of the Brethren and was open to the public for viewing by appointment, as the “Brethren Heritage Center.” In 1999, some Old German Baptist Brethren became concerned about preserving their books and records. Fred W. Benedict, who had earlier pledged his entire library for preservation, met Larry E. Heisey and Mark Flory Steury, each of whom pledged to supplement a project from their own extensive collections. It was at the same time that the Happy Corner project needed a new home. Today, it is known as the Brethren Heritage Center. This edition of \u201cBrethren Voices\u201d tours the center, guided by Gale Honeyman and Larry Heisey. The program is hosted by Brent Carlson in two versions, one for television and a 43 minute version containing more stories and detail about the center. For a copy or more information, contact producer Ed Groff at Groffprod1@msn.com<\/a> .<\/p>\n

— The Global Women’s Project is again offering a Lenten calendar<\/strong> that brings attention each day to issues of wealth and privilege and to global neighbors–specifically women. To receive the Lenten calendar at no cost, send an e-mail to info@globalwomensproject.org<\/a> and request to be mailed a paper copy, or request to be added to the daily Lenten calendar e-mail list. Participants will receive one page by e-mail each day during the season of Lent.<\/p>\n

— \u201cSeven Weeks for Water 2016″ was launched on Wednesday<\/strong> by the Ecumenical Water Network. The effort raises awareness in advance of World Water Day on March 22. The World Council of Churches (WCC) has designated a regional focus on the Middle East in 2016, and accordingly this year\u2019s Seven Weeks for Water \u201cwill take us on a pilgrimage of water justice in the Middle East, with specific reference to Palestine,\u201d said a release. Online resources are provided for individual or group use. The biblical reflection for the first of the seven weeks is by Munib Younan, bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land and one of the Presidents of Middle East Council of Churches, and currently president of Lutheran World Federation. \u201cIn this reflection he compares the New Jerusalem as envisaged by John in the book of Revelation where \u2018the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb through the middle of the street of the city\u2019 and the \u2018thirsty Jerusalem\u2019 of today,\u201d said the release. Find this and more resources at http:\/\/water.oikoumene.org\/en\/whatwedo\/seven-weeks-for-water\/2016<\/a> .<\/p>\n

— Peggy Reiff Miller, author of the forthcoming illustrated children\u2019s book from Brethren Press, \u201cThe Seagoing Cowboy,\u201d<\/strong> is featured in the spring issue of the Heifer International magazine \u201cWorld Ark.\u201d Her children\u2019s book tells the story of a seagoing cowboy who volunteered to accompany livestock shipped by boat to a devastated Europe following World War II. The seagoing cowboys were part of the Church of the Brethren\u2019s Heifer Project–now Heifer International–with funding and help from the United Nations Relief and Rehabilitation Administration (UNRRA). Miller\u2019s \u201cWorld Ark\u201d article titled “Mining for Gems in the Heifer Archives\u201d tells how she is keeping alive the stories of the seagoing cowboys through research and personal meetings with former seagoing cowboys. Find the article at www.heifer.org\/join-the-conversation\/magazine\/2016\/spring\/mining-gems-heifer-archives.html<\/a> . Miller also will be the featured author at Heifer Village on April 16, as part of the Arkansas Literary Festival. Find out more about the Arkansas Literary Festival at www.arkansasliteraryfestival.org<\/a> .<\/p>\n

\n

Contributors to this issue of Newsline include Elizabeth Batten, James Deaton, Chris Douglas, Kendra Harbeck, Andy Murray, Becky Ullom Naugle, Tina Rieman, David Steele, John Wall, Walt Wiltschek, 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 Feb. 19.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

1) Sarpiya and Wiltschek top Annual Conference ballot for 2016
\n2) Spiritual preparation for Annual Conference in Greensboro
\n3) Four members join the Youth Peace Travel Team for 2016
\n4) Church of the Brethren signs letter urging federal action to aid Flint
\n5) Brethren Volunteer Service holds connection dinners in Pennsylvania, Kansas
\n6) 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-10821","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\/10821","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=10821"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.brethren.org\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10821\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":12977,"href":"https:\/\/www.brethren.org\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10821\/revisions\/12977"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.brethren.org\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=10821"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.brethren.org\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=10821"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.brethren.org\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=10821"},{"taxonomy":"wf_post_folders","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.brethren.org\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/wf_post_folders?post=10821"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}