{"id":6962,"date":"2017-04-21T20:00:27","date_gmt":"2017-04-21T20:00:27","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/new.brethren.org\/news\/?p=6962"},"modified":"2018-10-10T20:04:34","modified_gmt":"2018-10-10T20:04:34","slug":"brethren-bits-for-april-21","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.brethren.org\/news\/2017\/brethren-bits-for-april-21\/","title":{"rendered":"Brethren bits for April 21, 2017"},"content":{"rendered":"

Church of the Brethren Newsline
\nApril\u00a021,\u00a02017<\/b><\/p>\n

\"\"
\u201cWhere despair prevails, South Sudan churches issue Easter hope message,\u201d reports the World Council of Churches (WCC) in a release this week. \u201cA recent message from the South Sudan Council of Churches (SSCC) says the Resurrection reminds us that even in this world there is \u2018goodness and light with triumph.\u2019\u201d The WCC is accompanying the SSCC and the All Africa Conference of Churches at a meeting on overcoming hunger and sustaining justice and peace in the Horn of Africa, in Nairobi on May 14-17. \u201cAlthough the situation is the most dire in South Sudan and Somalia, other countries in the region are also suffering from food crisis as a result of both man-made and natural calamities,\u201d the release noted. The WCC has announced May 21 as a day for churches around the world to pray for South Sudan. Photo copyright Paul Jeffrey \/ ACT.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

 <\/p>\n

—\u00a0Correction:<\/strong>\u00a0The Global Mission and Service office has supplied the name of the EYN district secretary for Chibok, who was not named in the report from mission executive Jay Wittmeyer\u2019s visit to Chibok, Nigeria. Paul Yang serves Ekklesiyar Yan\u2019uwa a Nigeria as the DCC secretary for Chibok.<\/p>\n

—\u00a0Remembrance: Marie Sarah (Mason) Flory<\/strong>, 95, died on April 10 at the Bridgewater (Va.) Retirement Community. She was a former Church of the Brethren mission worker who served in China and in India alongside her late husband, Wendell Flory. She was born in Belmont, Va., on Feb. 18, 1922, daughter of the late Russell and Mary (Zigler) Mason. She was a member of Bridgewater Church of the Brethren. She held a bachelor\u2019s degree from Bridgewater College and a teaching certificate in special education from James Madison University. She taught four years in the schools system in Waynesboro, Va., and in the Gaithersburg and Talbot County, Md., school systems. She married Wendell Flory on June 5, 1945. He preceded her in death on Dec. 14, 2003. The couple were missionaries in China from 1946-49 and in India from 1952-57. They also served Church of the Brethren pastorates in Charlottesville and Waynesboro and in Gaithersburg and Easton, Md., before retiring to Bridgewater in 1985. She is survived by children Ted Flory and wife, Mary Beth; Phil Flory and wife, Ellie; Janet Flaten and husband, Dale; and son-in-law, Mark Steury, all of Bridgewater; grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by daughter Mary Jo Flory-Steury, and daughter-in-law Dawn Flory. A memorial service will be held at Bridgewater Church of the Brethren at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 27. Memorial gifts are received to Bridgewater College and the Church of the Brethren denominational ministries. Online condolences may be sent to the family at\u00a0www.johnsonfs.com<\/a>\u00a0.<\/p>\n

—\u00a0The Church of the Brethren has hired Lynn Phelan<\/strong>\u00a0of Hoffman Estates, Ill., as a part-time Accounts Payable specialist at the General Offices in Elgin, Ill. She is a graduate of the University of Illinois with a bachelor\u2019s of science degree in Accountancy. Recently she has been working at the General Offices in a temporary position.<\/p>\n

—\u00a0Joven Castillo of Elgin, Ill., begins April 24<\/strong>\u00a0as technology support specialist for Brethren Benefit Trust (BBT). He holds an associate of applied science-information technology degree from Elgin Community College and has served organizations in a support desk role, most recently at Frain Industries in Carol Stream, Ill.<\/p>\n

—\u00a0The World Council of Churches (WCC) is seeking to fill two positions:<\/strong>\u00a0program executive for the Middle East (find detailed information at\u00a0https:\/\/intranet.oikoumene.org\/hr\/Vacancies\/VN_PE%20for%20Middle%20East.pdf<\/a>\u00a0); and intern for promotion, marketing, and communications (find detailed information at\u00a0https:\/\/intranet.oikoumene.org\/hr\/Vacancies\/VN%20communications%20intern.pdf<\/a>\u00a0).<\/p>\n

The program executive for the Middle East<\/strong>\u00a0will be stationed in Geneva, Switzerland, reporting to the director of the Commission of Churches on International Affairs, with a start date yet to be determined. Responsibilities include to analyze geo-political and religious-cultural aspects of the dynamics in the region; maintain and nurture a specific Palestine\/Israel focus within the regional context of the Middle East; provide support so as to enhance the contributions of the WCC to the ecumenical movement; undertake coordinating responsibilities for the Palestine\/Israel Ecumenical Forum; among others. Qualifications include at least a university degree in a related field, three to five years of experience in an ecumenical or similar environment, good command of written and spoken English, with knowledge of the other working languages of the WCC (French, German, Spanish) an asset, among others. The deadline for applications is May 14. Full applications (Curriculum vitae, motivation letter, application form, copies of diplomas, and recommendation letters) are to be sent to\u00a0recruitment@wcc-coe.org<\/a>\u00a0.<\/p>\n

The intern for promotion, marketing, and communications<\/strong>\u00a0is a six-month position located in Geneva, Switzerland, reporting to the WCC director of communications. The position will support and develop the Visitors\u2019 Program, provide communication support for the WCC Communication Team, participate in marketing initiatives, while learning about and consolidating the intern\u2019s own participation in the ecumenical movement. Qualifications include a minimum of a bachelor level degree in communications, marketing, or tourism, with interest in one or more of the related areas; strong personal commitment to the goal of justice and peace; excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work in a multi-cultural environment; communication skills, especially writing and speaking in English, with a knowledge of Spanish, French, and German appreciated, among others. Full applications (Curriculum vitae, motivation letter, application form, copies of diplomas and recommendation letters) are to be sent to\u00a0recruitment@wcc-coe.org<\/a>\u00a0.<\/p>\n

—\u00a0Root River Church of the Brethren<\/strong>\u00a0near Harmony, Minn., will close its doors after more than 160 years, holding a last service on Saturday, April 22. The \u201cBluff Country News\u201d has published an article about the church\u2019s closing, noting that it is one of a number of rural churches in the area to close in recent years. \u201cEven though we\u2019ve been dealing with this for a couple of years now, it\u2019s still so sad,\u201d church member Kay Himlie told the newspaper. \u201cIt was always such a nice place to worship, out in the country. It was so peaceful and quiet and something to look forward to, traveling out to the church on Sunday mornings.\u201d Find the article at\u00a0www.bluffcountrynews.com\/Content\/News-Leader\/NL-news\/Article\/Root-River-Church-of-the-Brethren-congregation-opts-to-close-church\/12\/21\/67616<\/a><\/p>\n

—\u00a0\u201cA double anniversary is a reason for celebration<\/strong>\u00a0for the Mt. Morris Church of the Brethren,\u201d says the newsletter of the church in Mt. Morris, Ill., which is celebrating a special 150\/60 anniversary–150 years since the congregation first formed, and 60 years since its current building was dedicated. \u201cThe congregation originally gathered and formed the Silver Creek Church of the Brethren in 1867, north of town. Over the years the congregation grew, worshiping at Mt. Morris College, then built the Seminary Ave. church in town, which is now the home to the Evangelical Free Church. Work began building a new church in the southwest part of Mt. Morris in 1956, and the new building was dedicated on May 5, 1957.\u201d An evening of celebration on Saturday, May 6, at 6:30 p.m., will feature music by Jonathan Shively, followed by refreshments and celebration cake. The Sunday service at 9:30 a.m. on May 7 will feature former members and friends of the church, both in person and in videos, followed by a potluck meal.<\/p>\n

—\u00a0Fruitland (Idaho) Church of the Brethren<\/strong>\u00a0is getting attention in the \u201cArgus Observer\u201d newspaper for its Baby Bank, which \u201cis free for families that need extra help for their children from newborn to size 4, and sometimes larger sizes,\u201d the paper reported recently. \u201cAvailable items include clothing, as well as shoes, diapers, blankets, baby equipment, baby food, books, and toys–all of which are donated by individuals and organizations in both Oregon and Idaho.\u201d The Baby Bank is open once a month, on the third Monday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., and will open for emergencies. Call 208-452-3356 or -4372.<\/p>\n

—\u00a0Elizabethtown (Pa.) Church of the Brethren<\/strong>\u00a0pastor Pamela A. Reist and her husband, Dave, will be working for a short time with Ekklesiyar Yan\u2019uwa a Nigeria (EYN, the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria) and during their time in Nigeria will work with EYN in the purchase of two tractors. The Elizabethtown congregation has helped to underwrite the cost of one of the tractors, as of Reist\u2019s report to Newsline raising $31,228.51 in just over three weeks. \u201cThis total does not include a $5,000 donation sent earlier by one of members,\u201d she wrote. \u201cIf we factor that in, the total raised by E\u2019town is over $36,000. The generosity of our congregation has blown us away–it is a real act of love.\u201d<\/p>\n

—\u00a0The Fellowship of Brethren Homes and Cross Keys Village<\/strong>\u00a0are co-sponsoring a webinar on Wednesday, May 17, at 3 p.m. (Eastern time) titled \u201cBecoming a Leader in Memory Care.\u201d \u201cIn 2014 Cross Keys Village created the position of Director of Memory Support and re-energized their existing Memory Care program through comprehensive training and a wide-ranging outreach initiative,\u201d said an announcement. The webinar will review \u201cwhat worked well, what we would do differently now, and where we are today.\u201d It will be presented by Dr. Joy Bodnar, COO, and Jennifer Holcomb, director of Memory Support at Cross Keys Village-The Brethren Home Community in New Oxford, Pa. Register at\u00a0https:\/\/join.onstreammedia.com\/register\/crosskeysvillage\/leader<\/a>\u00a0.<\/p>\n

—\u00a0The 2017 Brethren Bible Institute,<\/strong>\u00a0sponsored for 43 years by the Brethren Revival Fellowship (BRF), will be held July 24-28 at Elizabethtown (Pa.) College. A variety of courses will be offered led by instructors Craig Alan Myers, Eric Brubaker, Carl Brubaker, Wilmer Horst, and Steve Hershey. Cost is $250 for those staying on campus; $100 for commuting students. Applications must be completed by June 25. Request application forms from Brethren Bible Institute, 155 Denver Rd., Denver, Pa. 17517.<\/p>\n

—\u00a0Registration is open for the fall comprehensive Springs Academy,<\/strong>\u00a0which take place as a telephone conference call for pastors and ministers. The opening session is Tuesday morning, Sept. 12, 8-10 a.m., and thereafter on Oct. 3 and 24, Nov. 14, and Dec. 5. \u201cIn these five, two-hour sessions, participants engage in spiritual disciplines for a Christ-centered approach and take a thorough course in servant-led church revitalization to go the next step,\u201d said an announcement. \u201cThree to five persons from the local church walk alongside, having discussions with their pastors. The primary texts are \u2018Celebration of Discipline, The Path to Spiritual Growth\u2019 by Richard Foster and \u2018Springs of Living Water, Christ-centered Church Renewal\u2019 by David Young.\u201d Three videos made by David Sollenberger are free on the Springs website. Participants receive 1 continuing education credit. Contact David and Joan Young at 717-615-4515 or\u00a0davidyoung@churchrenewalservant.org<\/a>\u00a0or go to\u00a0www.churchrenewalservant.org<\/a>\u00a0.<\/p>\n

—\u00a0Bread for the World has released a new series of reports,<\/strong>\u00a0\u201cThe Hunger Reports,\u201d warning that \u201cclimate change is already impacting global hunger as well as agriculture in the United States,\u201d said a release. \u201cMany Americans do not think of climate change as a cause of hunger,\u201d said Asma Lateef, director of Bread for the World Institute. \u201cYet changing climate patterns are resulting in droughts, floods, and other extreme weather events across the globe. People are no longer able to grow food in places they have been farming for generations. Climate change is a contributing factor to the strife and famine we are witnessing today.\u201d The Hunger Reports video, \u201cToo Wet, Too Dry, Too Hungry,\u201d debuts in time for the celebration of Earth Day this weekend. Watch the video and get more information at\u00a0www.hungerreports.org<\/a>\u00a0.<\/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","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

In this issue: Correction, remembering Marie Flory, personnel, job openings, congregational news, \u201cBecoming a Leader in Memory Care\u201d webinar, the 2017 Brethren Bible Institute, an Easter hope message from South Sudan, and more news by, for, and about Brethren.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":6967,"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-6962","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\/6962","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=6962"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.brethren.org\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6962\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6969,"href":"https:\/\/www.brethren.org\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6962\/revisions\/6969"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.brethren.org\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/6967"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.brethren.org\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6962"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.brethren.org\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6962"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.brethren.org\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6962"},{"taxonomy":"wf_post_folders","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.brethren.org\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/wf_post_folders?post=6962"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}