{"id":7316,"date":"2013-10-19T00:00:04","date_gmt":"2013-10-19T00:00:04","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/new.brethren.org\/news\/?p=7316"},"modified":"2018-11-13T03:59:06","modified_gmt":"2018-11-13T03:59:06","slug":"newsline-for-oct-19-2013","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.brethren.org\/news\/2013\/newsline-for-oct-19-2013\/","title":{"rendered":"Newsline for October 19, 2013"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Photo by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford<\/small><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
The Church of the Brethren Mission and Ministry Board is holding its fall meeting this weekend at the General Offices in Elgin, Ill. Chair Becky Ball Miller (at center above) is leading the meeting that started yesterday and continues through Monday.<\/em><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

1) On Earth Peace board elects new officers, meets with Standing Committee delegation.<\/p>\n

2) Church of the Brethren joins in message to Congress on re-opening government.<\/p>\n

3) Manchester president Switzer to retire, university leader McFadden named successor.<\/p>\n

4) Ventures in Christian Discipleship training events offered through McPherson College.<\/p>\n

5) Brethren bits: Remembrance for James Kipp, job opening at the Brethren Academy, church anniversary, Lybrook news, lots of district events, inductees into the Bridgewater College Athletic Hall of Fame, and much more.<\/p>\n

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Quote of the week:<\/span><\/strong>
\n\u201cI have to say God has had us, we doubted sometimes but he\u2019s really had us through all of this…. At first I didn’t know what to do, but it’s like I have a real home again, for the first time in two years.\u201d<\/span>
\n— Kate Demeree, a homeowner in Broome County, N.Y., who has received help to rebuild from Brethren Disaster Ministries and other groups following Tropical Storm Lee. The storm ravaged the area two years ago. Find a Your News Now report titled “Local organization repairs 100th home damaged by Tropical Storm Lee” that includes an interview with Demeree, along with comments by Melissa Wilson of Brethren Disaster Ministries and other Faith Partners in Recovery leaders who are organizing the rebuilding, at http:\/\/centralny.ynn.com\/content\/news\/southern_tier\/696412\/local-organization-repairs-100th-home-damaged-by-tropical-storm-lee<\/a> . Time Warner Cable customers may view the brief video that accompanies the report; or request a special temporary access to view the video from cobnews@brethren.org<\/a> .<\/p>\n

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1) On Earth Peace board elects new officers, meets with Standing Committee delegation.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

By Madalyn Metzger<\/p>\n

The On Earth Peace board and staff gathered at Camp Eder in Fairfield, Pa., for their fall board meeting, Sept. 19-21.<\/p>\n

One major item of business was the election of new board officers for 2014. Madalyn Metzger (Bristol, Ind.), who has served as the On Earth Peace board chair for five years, is stepping down from that role, but will continue on as a board member. In addition, Robbie Miller (Bridgewater, Va.) and Ben Leiter (Amherst, Mass.) will not continue on as board vice chair and board secretary (respectively), due to their terms of service ending.<\/p>\n

\u201cOver the past five years, On Earth Peace has taken important steps in expanding its mission and ministry,\u201d Metzger said. \u201cIt has been my honor and privilege to help lead this work during that time, and I am excited to see what the future holds for the organization.\u201d<\/p>\n

For 2014, the board has called Jordan Bles (Lexington, Ken.) as board chair, Gail Erisman Valeta (Denver, Colo.) as board vice chair, and Chris Riley (Luray, Va.) as board secretary.<\/p>\n

The board of directors and staff also welcomed a second delegation from the Church of the Brethren Standing Committee to continue dialogue regarding On Earth Peace\u2019s statement of inclusion. Standing Committee had requested this in its meeting prior to the 2013 Church of the Brethren Annual Conference in Charlotte, N.C. The two groups considered various questions, such as how agencies, committees, districts, congregations, and individuals in the denomination may walk in love together in the face of differing interpretations of scripture and Annual Conference statements and decisions. The two groups agreed to continue the conversation in the coming months.<\/p>\n

Other items of business included discussion of next steps in On Earth Peace\u2019s elimination of racism training and audit–an initiative by the board and staff to continue addressing issues of institutional racism both within and outside of the organization. The board approved a budget for the 2014 fiscal year, and received updates on the \u201c3,000 Miles for Peace\u201d campaign, activities surrounding Peace Day 2013, and updates on other programmatic areas.<\/p>\n

During the meeting, the board welcomed new members John Cassel (Oak Park, Ill.) and Chris Riley. The group recognized outgoing board members Robbie Miller, Ben Leiter, Joel Gibbel (Lititz, Pa.), and Lauree Hersch Meyer (Durham, N.C.) for their service.<\/p>\n

As an agency of the Church of the Brethren, On Earth Peace answers Jesus Christ\u2019s call for peace and justice through its ministries; builds thriving families, congregations, and communities; and provides the skills, support, and spiritual foundation to face violence with active nonviolence. On Earth Peace conducts discussion and decision-making by consensus.<\/p>\n

— Madalyn Metzger is concluding her term of service as chair of the On Earth Peace board.<\/em><\/p>\n

2) Church of the Brethren joins in message to Congress on re-opening government.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Earlier this week, as the US Congress continued to wrangle over the impasse that closed the government for more than two weeks, scores of religious leaders descended on Capitol Hill on Oct. 15 to call the government back to work.<\/p>\n

The Church of the Brethren was one of 32 denominations and faith-based organizations to endorse an accompanying message to Congress calling for the re-opening of the government. Ecumenical organizations participating included the National Council of Churches (NCC), and Church World Service (CWS).<\/p>\n

The \u201cpilgrimage\u201d of faith leaders that took place Oct. 15 visited offices of members of the House of Representatives, and included prayer for the members and prayer to immediately end the government shutdown, an NCC release said. \u201cAt each office the group prayed for the member and left a letter endorsed by religious organizations,\u201d reported an NCC release on the event. \u201cSimultaneously, people of faith delivered over 32,000 petitions to Congressional offices around the country calling on House Members to end the government shutdown. The petition signers are members of Faithful America,\u201d the release said.<\/p>\n

The full text of the message delivered to members of Congress follows:<\/p>\n

Calling the Government Back to Work<\/p>\n

Dear Member of Congress:<\/p>\n

As people of faith and conscience, we urge you to place shared democratic values above short term political expediency, exercise the courage to fund our nation\u2019s government, raise the debt limit without preconditions, and get back to work on a faithful budget that serves the common good.<\/p>\n

Shuttering the federal government and propelling the United States into financial default to achieve narrow political objectives is short-sighted and self-destructive. The danger for all who value democracy–regardless of party affiliation–is apparent. One only needs to consider this precedent being applied to other policy concerns of a minority in Congress who are powerful within their own party but unable to create legislative change within the bounds of due process.<\/p>\n

Blocking routine but essential functions of government to extract specific policy concessions could destroy America\u2019s democratic process.<\/p>\n

To take such rash and destructive action in order to prevent further implementation of the Affordable Care Act–which addresses the needs of 50 million people without health insurance–is a grave moral failure. While the ACA has its limitations, it implements a market-based model with a history of bi-partisan support. Repealing or defunding it will hurt millions of people and many small businesses. We urge all members of Congress to stand up for our democracy and reject this futile and harmful effort.<\/p>\n

Additional damage accrues each day the government remains in partial shutdown:<\/p>\n

— Federal funding for the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program may not be able to cover all benefits. Some states have already closed WIC offices, and many participants are terrified that they won\u2019t be able to find nourishment for themselves or their infants and toddlers.<\/p>\n

— An estimated 19,000 impoverished children are without preschool because of the shutdown, which left more than 20 programs across 11 states without funding on the heels of devastating sequester cuts. Those previous cuts had already shut out 57,000 at-risk children who lost their Head Start slots.<\/p>\n

— Many low-wage workers are losing their paychecks or seeing their earnings dwindle even further. Examples include government mailroom clerks, many of whom are people with disabilities, who work for government contractors. Even if furloughed federal employees are eventually paid, many others who work for contractors have no such assurance.<\/p>\n

— The Administration for Children and Families, which cares for children in abusive and violent family situations, announced that certain child welfare programs will not be funded during the shutdown.<\/p>\n

— Our environmental wellbeing is suffering and our citizens are at risk as health inspectors, EPA inspectors and a myriad others who enforce important laws are unable to do their jobs.<\/p>\n

— In addition, a failure to raise the debt limit on spending that Congress has already approved will undermine our still fragile economy and harm the global economy, especially the most vulnerable.<\/p>\n

You hold a key to doing what is right for the American people, and we pray for you to act in the best interest of our nation. Once this unnecessary and dangerous stalemate is over, we count on you to act on behalf of all of our people and enact a Faithful Budget. Stop the partisan paralysis and uphold what our Constitution refers to as the \u201cgeneral welfare\u201d–the common good of all.<\/p>\n

With hope and a belief in the ultimate goodwill and good sense of Members of Congress, we hold you in our hearts and prayers.<\/p>\n

ENDORSING ORGANIZATIONS:
\nAm Kolel Jewish Jewish Renewal Community (Md., D.C., Va.)
\nCenter of Concern
\nChurch of the Brethren
\nChurch World Service
\nConference of Major Superiors of Men
\nDisciples Justice Action Network (Disciples of Christ)
\nEvangelical Lutheran Church in America Washington Office
\nFriends Committee on National Legislation
\nJustice and Witness Ministries, United Church of Christ
\nMaryknoll Office for Global Concerns
\nNational Advocacy Center of the Sisters of the Good Shepherd
\nNETWORK: A National Catholic Social Justice Lobby
\nPresbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
\nThe Shalom Center
\nUnitarian Universalist Association
\nUnited Methodist Church General Board of Church and Society
\nAmerican Friends Service Committee
\nCenter on Conscience and War
\nChurch Women United
\nColumban Center for Advocacy and Outreach
\nDisciples Home Missions, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
\nEcumenical Advocacy Days for Global Peace with Justice
\nFranciscan Action Network
\nInterfaith Moral Action of Climate
\nLeadership Conference of Women Religious
\nMissionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, Office of Justice, Peace and the Integrity of Creation
\nThe National Council of the Churches of Christ, USA
\nPax Christi USA
\nReconstructionist Rabbinical College
\nSisters of Mercy of the Americas – Institute Leadership Team
\nUnited Church of Christ, Justice and Witness Ministries
\nUnited Methodist Women<\/p>\n

3) Manchester president Switzer to retire, university leader McFadden named successor.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

By Jeri S. Kornegay<\/p>\n

Manchester University president Jo Young Switzer has announced her plans to retire June 30, 2014, contributing a legacy of strategic and mission-focused leadership that has transformed the university\u2019s academic breadth, financial strength, enrollment, and visibility. The Board of Trustees accepted her retirement today with deep respect and admiration for a job well done.<\/p>\n

Trustees also acted on their succession plan, naming executive vice president and dean of the College of Pharmacy Dave McFadden to the presidency, effective July 1, 2014.<\/p>\n

As its first female president, Switzer has led her alma mater to critical successes and exciting community collaborations. \u201cPresident Switzer has led Manchester at a pace and with a strategic focus unprecedented in the history of Manchester,\u201d said Marsha Link, chair of the Board of Trustees. \u201cShe has led from within and has also risen to great respect across higher education as a dynamic and thoughtful leader.\u201d<\/p>\n

Among the transformations at Manchester during the past nine years:
\n— A 25 percent enrollment increase in enrollment
\n— A new four-year professional Doctor of Pharmacy program on a new campus in Fort Wayne with $35 million in seed funds from Lilly Endowment Inc.
\n— More than $89 million raised so far toward the $100 million Students First! campaign
\n— The opening of a $17 million Science Center, $8 million Union, $9 million Academic Center, $1.5 million classroom and locker room addition \u2013 all on a greener North Manchester campus
\n— The transition from college to university, reflecting the growing complexity of the 124-year-old institution
\n— Enhanced visibility of Manchester, including national recognition for its volunteer programs, workplace quality, three-year degree and affordable excellence
\n— A collaborator in initiatives to strengthen northeast Indiana<\/p>\n

When members of the Board of Trustees selected Switzer in 2004, they knew her well for her academic leadership and communication skills. She was Manchester\u2019s vice president and dean for academic affairs and former chair of the Department of Communication Studies. She stepped comfortably into the president\u2019s role, stressing stewardship and accountability.<\/p>\n

In anticipation of her retirement, the Board of Trustees appointed a special Succession Planning Committee last spring. Modeling best practices in higher education for succession planning, the ten-member committee of Trustees, faculty and staff began a two-stage approach for selecting the University\u2019s next president. The element of confidentiality was considered essential by the committee primarily to protect the identity of an internal candidate. As a result of the committee\u2019s due diligence and subsequent recommendation, the Board of Trustees unanimously voted this this morning to appoint Dave McFadden to become president of Manchester University, effective July 1, 2014.<\/p>\n

A member of the president\u2019s leadership cabinet, McFadden is executive vice president and dean of the College of Pharmacy. He has deep roots in Manchester University and the Church of the Brethren, which founded the school more than 124 years ago.<\/p>\n

\u201cDave is an outstanding selection as Manchester\u2019s next president\u201d said Switzer. \u201cHe is prepared, has exceptional leadership skills and most importantly, the commitment and desire to see Manchester University do great things.\u201d<\/p>\n

As executive vice president and MU\u2019s former enrollment expert, Dave McFadden spearheaded the Fast Forward three-year degree and Triple Guarantee programs that brought more students to Manchester and garnered national attention. \u201cDave has helped people see that Manchester has always been a place of affordable excellence. These programs have been in place for many years and have served as a model for other schools to insure the investment cost of a college degree,\u201d Switzer said.<\/p>\n

He coordinated the feasibility study that led to the Board of Trustees\u2019 decision to establish a professional Doctor of Pharmacy program on the Fort Wayne campus. He became dean of the College of Pharmacy in May 2012, after six months as interim dean. The four-year school enrolled its second class this fall, and has achieved candidate accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education.<\/p>\n

McFadden is a 1982 graduate of Manchester and earned a Ph.D. in political science at Claremont Graduate University. He led Manchester\u2019s enrollment initiatives beginning in 1993. McFadden has served as executive vice president throughout Switzer\u2019s presidency and also as an assistant professor of political science, with particular interest in environmental policy.<\/p>\n

McFadden also is a member of the Board of Trustees of Bethany Theological Seminary. He is a former chair of the boards of the Community Foundation of Wabash County, Manchester Main Street Inc., HOPE community supported agricultural organization and Manchester Church of the Brethren.<\/p>\n

He has served as an enrollment management and accreditation consultant to other colleges and universities and as a visiting evaluator for the Higher Learning Commission.<\/p>\n

In his service to the denomination, he was a coordinator of National Youth Conference in 1978 as a young adult, and also served on the staff of the former General Board for a term in the 1980s where he worked in the human resources office to recruit mission and Brethren Volunteer Service workers.<\/p>\n

He and his wife, Renee, a retired elementary teacher and Manchester alumna, reside in North Manchester. They have two adult children, Rachel and Sam, both Manchester graduates. To learn more about Manchester University, visit www.manchester.edu<\/a>.<\/p>\n

— Jeri S. Kornegay is staff for media relations at Manchester University.<\/em><\/p>\n

4) Ventures in Christian Discipleship training events offered through McPherson College.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

McPherson (Kan.) College is offering a series of courses and webinars for the purpose of training and supporting small congregations, under the title \u201cVentures in Christian Discipleship.\u201d Campus minister Steve Crain and Ken and Elsie Holderread from Western Plains District are co-coordinators for the series.<\/p>\n

Leaders for the events are Joshua Brockway, director of Spiritual Life and Discipleship for the Church of the Brethren; Barbara Dat\u00e9, an educator and trainer working in Eugene, Ore., for the Center for Dialogue and Resolution; Donna Kline, director of the Church of the Brethren\u2019s Deacon Ministry; and Deb Oskin, a clergy tax expert who is also an ordained minister in the Church of the Brethren;<\/p>\n

Following is a list of the events, some offered as online webinars and others as classroom workshops:<\/p>\n

— \u201cMaking Sense of Church Finances,\u201d a webinar led by Deb Oskin on Nov. 9 from 9 a.m.-noon (central time). Cost is $15.<\/p>\n

— \u201cClergy and Non-clergy Employees in the Small Congregation,\u201d a webinar led by Deb Oskin on Nov. 9 from 1:30-4:30 p.m. (central time). Cost is $15.<\/p>\n

— \u201cBuilding Healthy Relationships: Tools for Harmony Within Diversity,\u201d a workshop led by Barbara Dat\u00e9 at McPherson College on Jan. 25, 2014, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Cost is $50.<\/p>\n

— \u201cDeep Compassionate Listening,\u201d a workshop led by Barbara Dat\u00e9 at McPherson College on Jan. 26, 2014, from 1:30-4:30 p.m. Cost is $25.<\/p>\n

— \u201cSpiritual Direction and a Life of Prayer,\u201d a webinar led by Josh Brockway on March 8, 2014, from 9-11 a.m. (central time). Cost is $15.<\/p>\n

— \u201cAre You a Person of Prayer?\u201d a webinar led by Josh Brockway on March 8, 2014, from 1-3 p.m. (central time). Cost is $15.<\/p>\n

— \u201cDeaconing in Small Congregations,\u201d a webinar led by Donna Kline on April 12, 2014, from 9-11 a.m. (central time). Cost is $15.<\/p>\n

— \u201cThe Gift of Grief,\u201d a webinar led by Donna Kline on April 12, 2014, from 1-3 p.m. (central time). Cost is $15.<\/p>\n

A Ventures in Christian Discipleship web page gives a complete description of the project and events, and how to register. Go to www.mcpherson.edu\/ventures<\/a> . Brochures and more information is available by contacting Steve Crain at crains@mcpherson.edu<\/a> .<\/p>\n

5) Brethren bits.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

— Remembrance: Family physician and former missionary James E. Kipp of Newport, Pennsylvania, passed away on Oct. 7, after a 14-month battle with pancreatic cancer. A family physician with Norlanco Medical Associates in Elizabethtown, Pa., since 1975, Kipp took sabbatical leave for 14 months in 1980 and 1981 to volunteer as medical director for the Rural Health Program of the Church of the Brethren Mission in Nigeria. In the mid-1980s, he served as president of the Church of the Brethren Health and Welfare Association. A memorial will be held to celebrate his life on Sunday, Oct. 20, at the Family Life Center in Newport, Pa. Visitation will be held from 1 p.m. until the service starts at 3 p.m. Memorial donations are received to Hospice of Central Pennsylvania in Harrisburg, Sun Home Health and Hospice in Northumberland, and the American Cancer Society office in Harrisburg, Pa. The full obituary can be found at http:\/\/lancasteronline.com\/obituaries\/local\/904273_James-E–Kipp–M-D-.html#ixzz2i0X7kmP4<\/a> .<\/p>\n

— The Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership seeks a half-time coordinator for the Training in Ministry (TRIM) and Education for Shared Ministry (EFSM) programs. Primary functions of the position are to administer two of the four educational tracks required for set-apart ministry in the Church of the Brethren; work with TRIM students and district coordinators, EFSM students, and supervising pastors; coordinate onsite and online learning options. Candidates should possess the following qualifications and abilities: five years of effective leadership in pastoral ministry; ordination and active membership in the Church of the Brethren; a master of divinity degree; a record of regular continuing education experiences; residence in Richmond, Ind., or the surrounding area preferred. Applications and a more complete job description are available from the executive assistant to the president of Bethany Theological Seminary and will be accepted until the position is filled. Send resumes to: Shaye Isaacs, Executive Assistant to the President, Bethany Theological Seminary, 615 National Road West; Richmond, IN 47374; or by e-mail to isaacsh@bethanyseminary.edu<\/a> . The Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership is a ministry training partnership of Bethany Theological Seminary and the Church of the Brethren.<\/p>\n

— The Anabaptist Disabilities Network (ADNet) newsletter featured the Church of the Brethren\u2019s Open Roof Award in its October \u201cConnections\u201d newsletter. Written by Donna Kline, director of the denomination\u2019s Deacon Ministry, the article explains how the Church of the Brethren offers the award annually to congregations that have made efforts to ensure that all may worship, serve, be served, learn, and grow as valued members, and reviews the four churches in Pennsylvania and Indiana that received the award in 2013. Find the October \u201cConnections\u201d newsletter and a link to the article about the Open Roof Award at www.adnetonline.org\/resources\/newsletter<\/a> .<\/p>\n

— On Nov. 3, Sheldon (Iowa) Church of the Brethren celebrates its 125th anniversary. The congregation was begun on Nov. 3, 1888, with three families in attendance, said an announcement of the celebration. A Sunday morning worship celebration starts at 9:30 a.m., with cake, coffee, and punch served after the service. For those unable to attend in person, the church welcomes any special memories of time spent at the church. RSVP or send special memories by Oct. 27 to Sheldon Church of the Brethren, c\/o Linda Adams, 712 6th St., Sheldon, IA 51201.<\/p>\n

— Registration is due by Nov. 15 for the Shenandoah District Pastors for Peace conversation on “Why a Peace Church?” The seminar will be held Nov. 23 from 9 a.m.-3:15 p.m. at Bridgewater (Va.) College. Jeff Bach, Church of the Brethren historian and director of the Young Center for Anabaptist and Pietist Studies at Elizabethtown (Pa.) College, will lead the conversation. The cost is $25 for ministers earning continuing education units, $20 for other interested adults, $10 for students. For more information go to http:\/\/origin.library.constantcontact.com\/download\/get\/file\/1110837621104-160\/2013WhyAPeaceChurch.pdf<\/a> .<\/p>\n

— \u201cLybrook Community Ministries is active again!\u201d announced a recent newsletter from Western Plains District. Jim and Kim Therrien of Independence Church of the Brethren in Kansas recently moved to New Mexico to serve the Lybrook community. Jim Therrien has begun work as director of Lybrook Community Ministries and pastor of T\u00f3k\u2019ahookaad\u00ed Church of the Brethren. Kim Therrien is teaching at the school. The district requests, \u201cPlease keep Jim, Kim, and the entire Lybrook community in prayer.\u201d Jim Therrien reported in the newsletter that \u201cwe have resumed Sunday morning worship services and have had some attendance. They had not had a service in over a year, so it will take a little time to get the word out. We have been posting flyers and contacted both the Nageezi and Counselor chapter houses. Kim has started the Monday evening craft and fellowship night and has had between four and seven ladies attending. We are started our Wednesday evening Bible study on September 25 and look forward to studying God\u2019s word together. Kim has started the planning phase of opening a thrift store on the mission grounds utilizing the lower level of the bunkhouse.\u201d The grand opening for the new effort at Lybrook is planned for Nov. 5. Contact the Therriens at lybrookmission@gmail.com<\/a> or Lybrook Community Ministries, HCR 17, Box 110, Cuba, NM 87013.<\/p>\n

— Western Plains District is holding a \u201cMeet \u2019n Greet\u201d for president Jeff Carter of Bethany Theological Seminary on Nov. 1 from noon to 2 p.m. at the Cedars Conference Center in McPherson, Kan. The reception with the new Bethany president is held in advance of the district\u2019s popular annual Gathering in Salina, Kan., where Carter will be on the program, said a note from the district office.<\/p>\n

— Western Pennsylvania District Conference will be held Oct. 19 at Camp Harmony, Hooversville, Pa. An offering of Church World Service Hygiene, School, Baby Kits, and Emergency Clean-up Buckets will be taken during the conference.<\/p>\n

— On Nov. 2, Western Pennsylvania\u2019s 8th Annual District Auction is held at Camp Harmony near Hooversville, Pa. The event is a benefit for district ministries. The auction begins at 9 a.m. Breakfast is served from 7:30-8:45 a.m. The day also includes a lunch, the sale of fresh baked pies, and more. Contact the district office at 814-479-2181 or 814-479-7058.<\/p>\n

— Oct. 19 is the Camp Eder Fall Festival. Events take place 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at the camp in Pennsylvania. The festival is free for all to attend. For more information see www.campeder.org\/events-retreats\/fall-festival<\/a> .<\/p>\n

— Part 2 of the current Spiritual Disciplines Folder from the Springs of Living Water initiative for church renewal is now available. \u201cCalled to Serve: Entrusted to Be Servant Leaders\u201d is posted at www.churchrenewalservant.org<\/a> . The folder includes a description of the theme and focused scriptures connecting the service of footwashing, tub, and towel with mission. A release notes that it is designed for use with the entire congregation to deepen understanding of the central call to serve Christ, and through that to be called into the role of a servant leader. Study questions are written by Vince Cable, pastor of Uniontown Church of the Brethren near Pittsburgh, Pa., and are suitable for individual use or for small group study. The folder is used in the advanced class of the Springs of Living Water Academy as pastors explore the meaning of servant leadership.<\/p>\n

— In more news from the Spring of Living Water initiative, enrollment is open for the next class of the Springs of Living Water Academy. Intended for pastors, the class takes place via telephone conference calls. Participants work on the spiritual disciplines together, and members of their congregations walk alongside pastors who take the course. Pastors receive \u201cshepherding\u201d calls between each of 5 sessions spread over a 12-week period. The opening day for the next Springs of Living Water Academy course is Feb. 4. Continuing education units are available. For more information see www.churchrenewalservant.org<\/a> or e-mail David Young at
\ndavidyoung@churchrenewalservant.org<\/a> .<\/p>\n

— The John Kline Homestead in Broadway, Va., is hosting special dinners in November and December, according to an announcement. \u201cEnjoy a home-style candlelight dinner in pre-Civil War house, 223 East Springbrook Road, Broadway, Nov. 15 and 16 and Dec. 20 and 21, 6 p.m.\u201d said an invitation. \u201cLearn about Virginia calvary raids, high inflation and fleeing war refugees which strained community life in the fall of 1863. Hear the struggles of the family in the John Kline home around a traditional meal.\u201d Seats are $40 per plate; seating limited to 32. Call 540-896-5001 for reservations. Groups are welcome. Proceeds support the John Kline Homestead, the family home of Civil War-era Brethren elder and martyr for peace John Kline.<\/p>\n

— For the last 10 years, the National Council of Churches Eco-Justice\u00a0 Program has developed an ecumenical Earth Day Sunday Resource. In the program\u2019s new capacity as Creation Justice Ministries, \u201cwe will continue this tradition and look forward to sharing the 2014 Earth Day Sunday Resource with you,\u201d said an announcement. \u201cWhile our resource is not complete, we are excited to reveal next year’s theme: Water, Holy Water.\u201d The Earth Day Sunday Resource will be out at the beginning of 2014 and will include worship resources, activities, and educational information about the gift of water and its important role. For more information contact Creation Justice Ministries at info@creationjustice.org<\/a> .<\/p>\n

— The University of La Verne, Calif., is holding centennial celebrations for the composer Benjamin Britten. An article in the \u201cInland Valley Daily Bulletin\u201d notes that ULV\u2019s College of Arts and Sciences is using the to recognize Britten\u2019s pacifist convictions and at the same time recognize the university\u2019s roots in the pacifist Church of the Brethren. The centennial of Britten\u2019s birth is Nov. 22. Provost Greg Dewey told the newspaper: \u201cSince the University of La Verne was founded by and is historically affiliated with the Church of the Brethren, a pacifist denomination, the Britten events provide our community an opportunity to reflect on our origins and the contemporary revelancy and means of promoting peace in an often violent world. We look forward to the vigorous intellectual discussions that will arise because of these events.\u201d Four Britten events at ULV start Oct. 17 with a panel discussion about conscientious objectors and the historic values of the university, held in the University Chapel at 4-5 p.m. with a reception following.\u00a0 On. Oct. 22 a lecture by curator Susanne Slavick titled \u201cOut of Rubble\u201d starts at 4:40 p.m., program coordinated by Dion Johnson, director of university art galleries, with a reception following. On Oct. 27 the concert \u201cPeace in the Heart of War\u201d will feature Los Angeles Opera tenor Jonathan Mack, ULV Music Department associate and soprano Carol Stephenson, and pianist Grace Xia Zhao, ULV\u2019s artist-in-residence; a donation of $20 is suggested for the 6 p.m. concert in Morgan Auditorium.A talk titled \u201cHot Spots: The Exile of Benjamin Britten\u201d will be given by history professor Ken Marcus at 11 a.m. Oct. 24 in the President\u2019s Dining Hall.<\/p>\n

— Five former Bridgewater (Va.) College athletes have been selected for induction into the college\u2019s Athletic Hall of Fame on Nov. 8, a release said. Inductees are: Glen Goad of Bristol, Va., former linebacker and one of the top football players at Bridgewater during the 1970s, who served as team captain and in 1973 was named the Eagles\u2019 MVP; Andrew Agee of Roanoke, Va., who completed his four-year basketball playing career at Bridgewater as one of the top players in the program\u2019s history ranking 13 on the Bridgewater all-time scoring list, and during his senior season was team captain; Shirley Brown Chenault of Broadway, Va., who played basketball and volleyball while at Bridgewater and was one of the top volleyball players in the Old Dominion Athletic Conference, and at the time of her graduation ranked No. 1 on the Eagles\u2019 all-time assists list; Todd Rush of Chevy Chase, Md., who finished his basketball career at Bridgewater as one of the top players in program history finishing his playing career with 1,784 points to rank No. 4 on the program\u2019s all-time scoring list, and was a three-year team co-captain; and Melissa Baker Nice of Waynesboro, Va., who finished her career as one of the top performers in the women\u2019s track and field program, qualifying for the NCAA championship five times and earning All-America honors twice during the 2001 season, who won a total of 23 Old Dominion Athletic Conference titles during her career–16 individual and 7 relay. Nice holds school records in the indoor 400, outdoor 400, outdoor 400 hurdles, and as a member of the outdoor 4×400 relay team, and she still holds the ODAC record in the 400 hurdles with a time of 1:01.94. For the full release go to www.bridgewater.edu\/news-and-media\/releases\/1413-five-sports-legends-enter-bc-athletic-hall-of-fame-nov-8<\/a> .<\/p>\n

— \u201cWe don\u2019t often get the chance to visit one of our partner projects, but last month, we did. And what a joy it was,\u201d reports Tina Rieman of the Global Women\u2019s Project Steering Committee in a release. The group held its fall meeting in North Manchester, Ind., and had an opportunity to connect with partner project Growing Grounds in Wabash, Ind. \u201cI was particularly moved by the stories that the former inmates, Veronica, April, and Jennifer, shared with us,\u201d Rieman wrote in her report. \u201cThey took life skills classes taught by Growing Grounds, and they received loans, rides, and abundant emotional support, both before and after their release from jail. I am keenly aware of how amazing each of these women is…for turning their lives around and accepting the helping hand that was offered to them.\u201d Find her full report at http:\/\/globalwomensproject.wordpress.com\/2013\/10\/18\/fall-meeting-wrap-up-connecting-with-growing-grounds<\/a> .<\/p>\n

Contributors to this issue of Newsline include Kendra Flory, Mary Kay Heatwole, Ken and Elsie Holderread, Philip E. Jenks, Nancy Miner, Paul Roth, and editor Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of News Services for the Church of the Brethren. The next regularly scheduled issue of Newsline is planned for Oct. 25.<\/em><\/p>\n

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