{"id":4329,"date":"2018-01-13T20:23:54","date_gmt":"2018-01-13T20:23:54","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/new.brethren.org\/news\/?p=4329"},"modified":"2018-09-25T19:14:14","modified_gmt":"2018-09-25T19:14:14","slug":"brethren-bits-for-jan-13-2018","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.brethren.org\/news\/2018\/brethren-bits-for-jan-13-2018\/","title":{"rendered":"Brethren bits for Jan. 13, 2018"},"content":{"rendered":"

Church of the Brethren Newsline
\nJanuary\u00a013,\u00a02018<\/b><\/p>\n

\n
\"\"
Brethren Volunteer Service is advertising an urgent need for a volunteer to place with Quaker Cottage in Belfast, Northern Ireland. BVS is offering a special fast-track process for placement at this project. For information, please contact the BVS office at\u00a0bvs@brethren.org\u00a0or 847-429-4396.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

— Remembrance: Samsudin Moledina<\/strong>, a former employee of the Church of the Brethren Material Resources program at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md., passed away on Dec. 21, 2017, in Orange Park, Fla. He began work at the Brethren Service Center on July 1, 1975, and continued until his retirement on Dec. 31, 2011. In his role, he received and tracked all IMA World Health inventory. He was very knowledgeable about the warehouse and many other subjects. Most recently, he lived in Florida near his four daughters and grandchildren. He also has a son and grandchildren who live in Westminster, Md. A memorial service was held on Dec. 27.<\/p>\n

— John M. Loop began Jan. 8 as chief executive officer at Timbercrest Retirement Community<\/strong>\u00a0in North Manchester, Ind. He is a former administrator of Asbury Methodist Village in Gaithersburg, Md., and holds degrees from Ohio State University and Valparaiso University. He succeeds David Lawrenz, who retired after 45 years of service at Timbercrest.<\/p>\n

—\u00a0Rick Villalobos has been hired as production coordinator for Brethren Benefit Trust<\/strong>(BBT), working in the communications area. He will begin his duties on Jan. 29. He brings to the job creative and organizational skills from his previous experiences in graphic design, copywriting, and journalism. He is fluent in both English and Spanish. He received a bachelor\u2019s degree in communications from DePaul University, with a minor in graphic design. Villalobos lives in West Chicago, Ill., where he is a member of St. Mary\u2019s Catholic Church.<\/p>\n

—\u00a0Camp Galilee in West Marva District has announced new staff:<\/strong>\u00a0Asa Smith has been hired to serve as the camp caretaker. He and his family are now residing at Camp Galilee. Elizabeth Thorne has accepted the position of camp manager. She served as assistant camp manager during last year\u2019s camping season.<\/p>\n

—\u00a0Bethany Theological Seminary seeks a full-time financial aid and enrollment assistant<\/strong>\u00a0with an immediate starting date. This is an opportunity for a person with strengths in caring for details and supporting colleagues in the mission of the Admissions and Student Services Department on the seminary campus in Richmond, Ind. Responsibilities include overseeing student accounts, financial aid, and the Federal Work-Study program. This person also will be a vital part of the admissions team and will provide needed support to student development and alumni\/ae relations. Eligible applicants will hold the minimum of an associate\u2019s degree. Affinity with the values and mission of the seminary is required. Experience in student billing and the handling of confidential materials is preferred. Qualified applicants will be personable and able to be self-directed, manage a complex workload with attention to details, offer office support to colleagues, and quickly respond to phone and e-mail requests from prospective and current students. Experience with Salesforce, Excel, iContact, Cougar Mountain, or other accounting software, and creating web forms would be helpful. A complete job description is available. Application review will begin immediately and will continue until an appointment is made. Send a letter of interest, resume, and contact information for three references to\u00a0recruitment@bethanyseminary.edu<\/a>\u00a0or to Bethany Theological Seminary, Attention: Lori Current, 615 National Road West, Richmond, IN 47374. Bethany Theological Seminary\u2019s policy prohibits discrimination in employment opportunities or practices with regard to race, gender, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, or religion.<\/p>\n

—\u00a0Jan. 25 is the date of the next online Town Hall with Samuel Sarpiya, moderator<\/strong>\u00a0of the Annual Conference of the Church of the Brethren. The conversation takes place at 7 p.m. (central time). These events are being held each month, as live online conversations using Zoom technology and sponsored by the Annual Conference office. For more information, go to\u00a0www.brethren.org\/ac\/2018\/theme.html<\/a>\u00a0.<\/p>\n

—\u00a0Children\u2019s Disaster Services has not yet received a request for childcare teams<\/strong>\u00a0to aid children and families affected by the mudslides in southern California. \u201cWe have a team ready to go if needed,\u201d reported associate director Kathleen Fry-Miller. For information about the work of CDS and its volunteers, go to\u00a0www.brethren.org\/cds<\/a>\u00a0.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Global Mission and Service is praising God for the successful delivery of a vehicle\u00a0to the Brethren Peace Center in Torit, South Sudan. The vehicle was sponsored by Church of the Brethren donors through the Emergency Disaster Fund, and \u201cwill greatly enhance Global Mission worker Athanasus Ungang’s ministry and enable him to better provide food and supply assistance to displaced persons,\u201d said the prayer request.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

–\u00a0Two upcoming events in Washington, D.C.,<\/strong>\u00a0are being sponsored or publicized by the Church of the Brethren Office of Public Witness: a seminar on Christian Minority Communities on March 2, and the annual Ecumenical Advocacy Days on April 20-23 on the theme \u201cA World Uprooted.\u201d The Office of Public Witness will host a day-long\u00a0seminar on Christian Minority Communities<\/strong>\u00a0from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on March 2. A .5 continuing education credit is available. \u201cWe will discuss the historic and current situation, relevant US and international policies, and the theological implications of these communities,\u201d said the announcement. \u201cThe day will consist of guest speakers from government and faith-based organizations, discussions, and action items for further reflection and advocacy.\u201d For more information contact\u00a0vbateman@brethren.org<\/a>\u00a0. Register at\u00a0https:\/\/docs.google.com\/forms\/d\/e\/1FAIpQLSe38PVLBf9jF6iNhhma
\nRqJYrILnpALCJZFs-wfDPB-SleE2Eg\/viewform?usp=sf_link<\/a>\u00a0.<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u201cEcumenical Advocacy Days 2018: A World Uprooted\u201d<\/strong>\u00a0is April 20-23. \u201cEcumenical Advocacy Days is a movement of the ecumenical Christian community that works to mobilize for advocacy on a wide variety of US domestic and international policy issues,\u201d said an announcement. \u201cThe 2018 theme is \u2018A World Uprooted: Responding to Migrants, Refugees and Displaced People.\u2019 Through prayer, worship, advocacy training, and networking, attendees will seek policy changes that advance hope and overcome the devastating impacts of conflict, climate change, and corruption on God’s people.\u201d Learn more and register at\u00a0https:\/\/advocacydays.org\/2018-a-world-uprooted<\/a>\u00a0.<\/p>\n

—\u00a0The city of Elgin, Ill., is holding its annual Martin Luther King Day food drive<\/strong>\u00a0on Monday, and the collection point again this year is the Church of the Brethren General Offices warehouse facility. Food collected in the drive will be received and sorted and distributed out of the warehouse facility, and will supply food pantries and soup kitchens throughout the area.<\/p>\n

—\u00a0Worship resources for Service Sunday<\/strong>\u00a0in the Church of the Brethren are available online now at\u00a0www.brethren.org\/servicesunday<\/a>\u00a0. This annual observance is schedule for Sunday, Feb. 4, and celebrates the many ways to serve in the name of Christ, including Brethren Volunteer Service, workcamps, Brethren Disaster Ministries, and many more volunteer ministries across the denomination.<\/p>\n

—\u00a0Germantown Church of the Brethren,<\/strong>\u00a0the \u201cMother Church\u201d of the denomination, is gaining media recognition for its service to and presence in the Germantown neighborhood near Philadelphia, Pa. \u201cWhile stores were closing early for the holidays, the Germantown Church of the Brethren opened its doors to local organizations that distributed about 500 toys to children who otherwise might have gone without something under the tree,\u201d reported the Philadelphia Tribune, \u201cand frozen turkeys were distributed for free to parents after Sunday Service.\u201d Pastor Richard Kyerematen commented, \u201cWe are one of the few mother churches in America that still have worshiping congregations in the very same spot…. A lot of mother churches have either been turned into museums or have closed down or forced to relocate so were just proud of the continuation from 1723 to this point,\u201d he said. Find the article, and many details about this historic, first congregation of the Church of the Brethren in the Americas, at\u00a0www.phillytrib.com\/religion\/germantown-church-of-the-brethren-long-heritage-of-outreach-love\/article_2567258c-fcbc-57f7-8672-4fe321fb5405.html<\/a>\u00a0.<\/p>\n

—\u00a0Buffalo Valley Church of the Brethren<\/strong>\u00a0near Mifflinburg, Pa., is the location for a Penn State Extension crops conference on Jan. 26 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. \u201cProducers will have the opportunity to learn about farm transition… Xtend soybeans and Dicamba… top disease issues from 2017… and soil health for sustainable and environmentally sound high yields…,\u201d said an announcement. \u201cOther topics will be covered throughout the day with the opportunity to get 2 Core and 3 Category Pesticide Applicator Credits.\u201d The announcement published in the \u201cDaily Item\u201d newspaper also noted that local agricultural companies will be on hand to discuss new products. Cost is $20 if pre-registered by Jan. 29, or $25 after Jan. 29 and at the door. Lunch is included. To register visit extension.psu.edu\/plants\/crops\/courses\/crops-conferences or call 877-345-0691.<\/p>\n

—\u00a0Western Pennsylvania District<\/strong>\u00a0is holding a 2018 New Year\u2019s Prayer Gathering on this Sunday, Jan. 14, at 3:30 p.m., at Indiana (Pa.) Church of the Brethren. \u201cAll Brethren folk are invited to gather and pray for 2018 to be a year of church growth and seeing new people come to Christ!\u201d said an invitation from the district office.<\/p>\n

—\u00a0Southern Ohio District<\/strong>\u00a0is holding a Sewing Bee to sew school bags for disaster relief on Saturday, Jan. 13, at 9 a.m. at Greenville Church of the Brethren. \u201cBring your sewing machine, an extension cord, and a sack lunch. These bags will be used for CWS school kits. Come not only to sew, but for great fellowship too,\u201d said an announcement. For more information contact Barb Brower at 937-336-2442.<\/p>\n

—\u00a0Also in Southern Ohio District<\/strong>, a Hygiene Kit Assembly to put together CWS disaster relief kits is planned for Feb. 15 at 7 p.m. at Mill Ridge Village Community Center in Union, Ohio. The district\u2019s disaster relief ministry is ordering supplies for 1,000 kits. \u201cThe need is great, due to a large number of hygiene kits being distributed this fall when hurricanes struck Texas, Florida, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands,\u201d said an announcement.<\/p>\n

—\u00a0Shepherd\u2019s Spring Outdoor Education Center<\/strong>, a Church of the Brethren-related camp and outdoor ministry center in Sharpsburg, Md., is hosting the Interfaith Coalition of Washington County\u2019s interfaith winter retreat on Feb. 3 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The all-day retreat will be led by Church of the Brethren minister Ed Poling on the theme \u201cInterfaith Sacred Listening Circles.\u201d Poling is a minister and a spiritual director, and the coordinator of the coalition. People of all faith traditions are invited to participate, said an announcement. The retreat will offer participants an opportunity to have \u201csoul conversations\u201d and small-group experiences of listening to one another\u2019s stories of faith in an atmosphere of trust and confidentiality. The goal is to build a stronger sense of community and create spiritual friendships that bridge the gap between cultures and religions. Cost is $42, or $38 if registered before Jan. 27. The Interfaith Coalition of Washington County is affiliated with the Hagerstown (Md.) Area Religious Council. To register or for more information, contact Poling at 301-766-9005 or\u00a0elpoling1@gmail.com<\/a>\u00a0.<\/p>\n

— \u201cThis is a very exciting year for Global Women\u2019s Project as we mark our 40th anniversary,\u201d<\/strong>\u00a0said an announcement from the project\u2019s Steering Committee. \u201cWe hope that you will join us as we celebrate the countless women that this organization has touched over the years.\u201d To celebrate its 40 years, the project will be offering a \u201cChallenge of the Month\u201d throughout 2018. \u201cWe look forward to offering one each month to educate ourselves, live simply, empower women, and share resources. We know you are up to the challenge!\u201d said the announcement. The Challenge of the Month for January is to \u201cstart the New Year off right by thinking of one woman who is at least 40 years old who inspires you and empowers you to be a force for good. Write a letter to her, make a phone call, do a Facebook post, or if she isn\u2019t someone you can reach, write in your journal about what it is about her that inspires you, and think about ways you can show your care for women.\u201d<\/p>\n

— The National Council of Churches (NCC) has issued a statement<\/strong>\u00a0condemning \u201cPresident Trump\u2019s obscene remarks\u201d concerning Haiti, El Salvador, and African countries. The remarks \u201cwere deeply disturbing\u201d and the NCC unequivocally condemns them, the statement said in part. \u201cFurther, President Trump\u2019s stated preference for immigrants from nations such as Norway, combined with numerous other comments he has made over past years, reveals a deep-seated racism that is unacceptable. These attitudes must be publicly rejected by all people of faith.\u201d The statement went on to call for the President to renounce his statements and apologize. The statement also sought concrete actions by the administration in support and welcome of immigrants, urged assistance to refugees, urged support for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), and urged Congressional action to protect immigrants. The statement concluded: \u201cAs followers of Jesus the Christ, himself a resident of and refugee from a poor and marginalized country, we ask everyone to join us, to act now, to unite, and to end racism.\u201d<\/p>\n

— The World Council of Churches (WCC) has begun celebrating its 70th anniversary<\/strong>\u00a0in 2018, starting with a delegation to China. \u201cIn Beijing on Jan. 7, WCC general secretary Rev. Dr. Olav Fykse Tveit preached in Chongwenmen Church, one of the oldest Protestant churches in China, on the theme \u2018Jesus Christ, the Joy of the World,\u2019\u201d the WCC reported in a release. \u201cChongwenmen Church is one of the oldest Protestant churches in China, built by American Methodists in 1870. In 1900, the church was destroyed in the Boxer Rebellion and then rebuilt in 1904. The church was closed during the Cultural Revolution, and it was reopened in 1980 and a point of reference for thousands of Christians. They celebrate five worship services every Sunday with many young participants. Today approximately 1,000 came to the worship service to pray together.\u201d Tveit said, in his sermon, \u201cWe are called to share the good news of God\u2019s love and God\u2019s peace for all people, whoever they are, whatever people they belong to.\u201d He especially mentioned the role of the churches in China and the WCC, protecting children and peace efforts on the Korean Peninsula, in the Middle East, and Colombia. Tveit and the WCC delegation also visited other member churches in China from Jan. 7-16, as well as seminaries and Bible schools, and will meet representatives from the State Administration for Religious Affairs in Beijing.<\/p>\n

Go to\u00a0www.brethren.org\/Newsline<\/a>\u00a0to subscribe to the Church of the Brethren Newsline free e-mail news service and receive church news every week.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

In this issue: Remembering Samsudin Moledina, personnel notes, job openings, Jan. 25 is the next moderator\u2019s Town Hall, mission vehicle arrives in South Sudan, worship resources for Service Sunday on Feb. 4, Office of Public Witness involved with upcoming events in D.C., Global Women\u2019s Project celebrates 40th anniversary, World Council of Churches begins 70th anniversary with delegation to China, and more.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":4330,"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":[],"wf_post_folders":[],"class_list":["post-4329","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.brethren.org\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4329","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\/7"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.brethren.org\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4329"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.brethren.org\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4329\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4447,"href":"https:\/\/www.brethren.org\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4329\/revisions\/4447"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.brethren.org\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4330"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.brethren.org\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4329"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.brethren.org\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4329"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.brethren.org\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4329"},{"taxonomy":"wf_post_folders","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.brethren.org\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/wf_post_folders?post=4329"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}