{"id":8215,"date":"2014-04-08T00:00:37","date_gmt":"2014-04-08T00:00:37","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/new.brethren.org\/news\/?p=8215"},"modified":"2018-11-05T19:30:41","modified_gmt":"2018-11-05T19:30:41","slug":"newsline-for-april-8-2014","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.brethren.org\/news\/2014\/newsline-for-april-8-2014\/","title":{"rendered":"Newsline for April 8, 2014"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\n
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Quote of the week: <\/strong><\/span>\u201cGod, may I not become so consumed in the routine of \u2018worship\u2019 that I do not see those struggling before my eyes. Stir my heart to act in the ways of compassion that each moment of my day will be lifted up as worship to you.\u201d <\/span>— National Youth Conference coordinator and Brethren Volunteer Service worker Katie Cummings (https:\/\/www.brethren.org\/blog<\/a> ).<\/em><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

\u201cWorship the Lord your God and serve only him\u201d (Matthew 4:10b).<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

NEWS<\/span><\/strong>
\n1) Bethany Seminary\u2019s Presidential Forum takes a look at the love feast<\/span>
\n2) Children\u2019s Disaster Services responds to Washington mudslide <\/span>
\n3) Brethren mission workers serve alongside Nigerian group aiding refugees<\/span>
\n4) Ecumenical Advocacy Days resist violence, build peace<\/span><\/p>\n

UPCOMING EVENTS<\/span><\/strong>
\n5) Church of the Brethren co-sponsors \u2018Church and Post-Christian Culture\u2019 event<\/span><\/p>\n

FEATURES<\/span><\/strong>
\n6) Touching lives deeply: Reflecting on a workcamp in Haiti<\/span>
\n7) We continue the mission of the church: A report from Falfurrias, Texas<\/span><\/p>\n

8) Brethren bits: Letter on Israel-Palestine, extension of TPS for Haitians, district collects mudslide donations, Easter at CrossRoads, 13th Sounds of the Mountains, antibiotic stewardship at Fahrney-Keedy, alumni honors at Bridgewater, new book series \u201cPassing the Privilege,\u201d more.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n

1) Bethany Seminary\u2019s Presidential Forum takes a look at the love feast<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

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Photo by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford<\/small><\/p>\n

<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\u201cLiving Love Feast\u201d was the theme of the sixth Presidential Forum held at Bethany Theological Seminary in Richmond, Ind. A Pre-Forum Gathering April 3-4 was led by Bethany faculty and alumni. The forum on April 4-5 featured guest speakers and presenters including activist and peacemaker Shane Claiborne, Janet R. Walton of Union Theological Seminary, Ruth Anne Reese of Asbury Theological Seminary, actor and playwright Ted Swartz.<\/p>\n

Previous Presidential Forums have addressed a wide variety of themes, from \u201cHearing Scriptures of Peace\u201d in 2008 to \u201cThe Bible in Our Bones\u201d in 2013. The intent of the forum is to build community among those at the seminary, the wider church, and the public, and to provide visionary leadership for reimagining the role of seminaries in public discourse, by exploring topics that thoughtfully address issues of faith and ethics. A grant from the Arthur Vining Davis Foundations endows the forum. (Find a photo album at www.bluemelon.com\/churchofthebrethren\/livinglovefeastbethanyseminaryforum2014<\/a> .)<\/p>\n

Alumni\/ae gather for pre-forum<\/strong><\/p>\n

An evening love feast service including feetwashing, the love feast meal, and communion opened the Pre-Forum Gathering, which was sponsored by the Bethany Seminary Alumni\/ae Coordinating Council. After love feast, attendees also enjoyed dips of ice cream and fruit cobbler served up by president Jeff Carter along with others from the faculty, student body, and board.<\/p>\n

Carter was one of those presenting the following day, on the topic, \u201cJust Like the First Disciples.\u201d Carter\u2019s reflections on the traditional forms of the elements of love feast as practiced by the Church of the Brethren, invited response from attendees. As all of the forum presentations, Carter\u2019s concluded with a time for questions from the audience and responses by the presenter. Carter focused on how changes in the elements of love feast may affect the meaning and value of the service for individuals and the church. The presentation encouraged consideration of the cultural constructs of the love feast, leaving the question open: if we change elements of love feast, will the meaning change?<\/p>\n

Also presenting from the Bethany faculty were Denise Kettering-Lane, assistant professor of Brethren Studies, whose address was titled, \u201cBy Water, and Oil: Baptism and Anointing in Brethren Tradition\u201d; Russell Haitch, professor of Christian Education, who spoke on the topic, \u201c\u2018Do This\u2019: Living the Tradition with New People and Young People\u201d; and Malinda Berry, assistant professor of Theological Studies, who spoke on \u201cMore than Lighting Candles: Theology, Worship, Ritual Action, and the Arts.\u201d<\/p>\n

Forum seeks new meaning for Brethren tradition<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Photo by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford<\/small>
Bethany Seminary president Jeff Carter.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

With an array of speakers and presenters from outside the denomination, including academics, activists, and artists, the forum itself served to add meaning to the Brethren understanding of the love feast tradition.<\/p>\n

Claiborne, who was a featured speaker at National Youth Conference 2010 and has served with Christian Peacemaker Teams in Iraq, is a founder of the Simple Way faith community in Philadelphia. He traced the life experiences that led him to commit to follow Jesus, which he characterized as a commitment to actively look for \u201cthe patterns of the kingdom,\u201d from his youth in Tennessee through a time of volunteering with Mother Theresa to involvement with a movement of homeless families in Philadelphia. The occupation by homeless families of an abandoned church in Philadelphia led to the Simple Way community in which Claiborne currently lives and works.<\/p>\n

Speaking on the topic, \u201cAnother Way of Doing Life,\u201d Claiborne told many stories from his work and that of his community–ranging from pounding handguns into pieces of art, to planting community gardens in vacant lots–that illustrate \u201cwhat it means to be a contrast culture…. That is what God is doing in the world, creating a counter culture community.\u201d He closed by praying, \u201cGive us dreams and visions, O God, for what you want to do in this world…. Help us fall in love with you so deeply that we become more like you.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Photo by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford<\/small>
If we don’t eat together, can we make peace together? asked Janet Walton, in her examination of the meaning of ritual meals like the love feast and communion<\/em>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The two academic presentations given the morning of April 5 started off with a detailed examination of John 13, a \u201chinge\u201d chapter in the gospel of John describing the last supper Jesus ate with his disciples and a model for the Brethren practice of love feast. Ruth Anne Reese, Beeson Chair of Biblical Studies and professor of New Testament at Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmington, Ky., noted that \u201clove is the first and foremost action of this whole chapter. It\u2019s not enough to have knowledge without love.\u201d In John\u2019s telling of the events of the last supper, Jesus demonstrates love in the face of danger and treachery, and despite betrayal, even by his closest friends and followers. It foreshadows the kind of life Jesus\u2019 followers will take up, she told the forum.<\/p>\n

Jesus\u2019 persistence in serving and loving the disciples who will soon betray and deny him is a model for pastors today, she said, calling for recognition of the realities of working in the church as a human community. \u201cBetrayal and denial are kneeling at the communion rail with us,\u201d she said. \u201cEven when love feast has been betrayed by the members of the community, they are encouraged to respond with prayer and mercy.\u201d She urged attendees to look for inspiration not at the form and practice of the love feast, but at the Lord to whom the love feast points. \u201cWe can only trust in the midst of betrayal when we are looking at Jesus. You have to look at Jesus for the ideal, and the community is the imperfect living out of that reality.\u201d<\/p>\n

Does the love feast matter?<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cDo ritual meals really matter?\u201d asked the second guest academic, Janet R. Walton, professor of Worship at Union Theological Seminary in New York. \u201cIn the face of unceasing poverty, violence that just doesn\u2019t stop, day-to-day choices that cost us, does anyone think that ritual meals matter? I guess I do!\u201d She examined the nature of ritual meals such as the love feast and communion, and the historical first century Greco-Roman meal tradition with which the early church would have been familiar, using a variety of media images of meals and stories from a variety of communion services held at the chapel at Union Theological Seminary.<\/p>\n

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Photo by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford<\/small>
Shane Claiborne is a peacemaker and Christian activist, and a founder of the Simple Way intentional community in Philadelphia.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Walton assumes, she said, that \u201call rituals are in constant need of repair\u201d and that \u201cin all ritual something is at stake.\u201d She urged the forum to consider the \u201cgaps\u201d in our worship practices, in order to better serve the community–who may be left out, how rituals reinforce or break boundaries, how in rituals communities and individuals are forced to make choices. Among others, she gave the example of a chapel service at Union held on an Iraq war anniversary, led by a peace and justice group. Inert bodies were lying on the floor, students playing the role of the war\u2019s dead. \u201cThe gap on the floor changed everything,\u201d Walton said. \u201cTo eat and drink, we had to walk around and over them.\u201d<\/p>\n

Such experiences will not be welcomed by all, she acknowledged, even as her presentation encouraged listeners to continually examine how their churches plan and carry out rituals. She emphasized that \u201crituals that are effective often draw us closer to the experiences of our lives…. When our rituals enact experience that can prick our skin and disturb our hearts, we are led to do something.\u201d At Union, she said, \u201cWe are aiming at the table for elasticity and generosity…. Making space for what we don\u2019t know, making space for one another\u2019s needs.\u201d<\/p>\n

The forum concluded with a number of \u201cbreak out sessions\u201d led by Brethren pastors and church leaders including \u201cAfrican Sahilian Love Feasts and Communion\u201d with Roger Schrock; \u201cBringing Children to Christ\u2019s Table\u201d with Linda Waldron; a panel discussion of \u201cLove Feast: Tradition and Innovation\u201d: \u201cA Poetic Love Feast\u201d with Karen Garrett; and \u201cLiving Love Feast: From Re-enactment to Formative Worship\u201d with Paul Stutzman.<\/p>\n

The closing worship service began with Ted Swartz giving a solo version of selections from \u201cFish Eyes,\u201d acting the part of the disciple Peter in scenes drawn from the four gospels, followed by a time of worship in the order of the love feast: examination and confession, feetwashing, meal, and communion.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe are gathered as guests at your table,\u201d said the worship leader who gave a prayer of blessing for the bread and the cup. It was a fitting invitation for participants to look toward the celebration of love feast with their own congregations during Holy Week, with a heightened awareness of the deep meaning of the familiar tradition, and eyes open for new understandings and new meaning to emerge.<\/p>\n

A photo album of pictures from the forum is at www.bluemelon.com\/churchofthebrethren\/livinglovefeastbethanyseminaryforum2014<\/a> .<\/p>\n

— Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford is director of News Services for the Church of the Brethren.<\/em><\/p>\n

2) Children\u2019s Disaster Services responds to Washington mudslide<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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Photo courtesy of CDS —<\/small> Cardboard robots built by children in the play area set up by CDS volunteers in Darrington, near the location of the mudslide in Washington State. Wrote Carol Elms, one of the CDS team, in a Facebook post: “The major activities for today have been hot potato ball play and robots. Children made their own super powerful robots out of big boxes.” What an important activity for children who feel dis-empowered while waiting to hear news of loved ones in the mudslide aftermath. <\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Children\u2019s Disaster Services (CDS) deployed seven volunteers in response to the catastrophic mudslide in Snohomish County, Wash. CDS is a program of Brethren Disaster Ministries. The CDS team served in Darrington, a community near the slide location. The response ended Sunday, April 6, having made a total of 83 child contacts, according to CDS associate director Kathy Fry-Miller.<\/p>\n

FEMA has reported 30 confirmed fatalities from the March 22 disaster, with 13 people remaining missing or unaccounted for, and 43 homes destroyed, Fry-Miller said.<\/p>\n

CDS volunteers receive special training to offer sensitive care to children in traumatic situations following disasters, giving them opportunities to express their feelings and stories through carefully selected play activities. The volunteers on this response included disaster project managers John and Carol Elms, Stephanie Herkelrath, Kathy Howell, Sharon McDaniel, Sharon Sparks, and Caroline Iha.<\/p>\n

The CDS team served children from communities close to the mudslide area, where community members had been lost in the disaster. They also provided childcare on Friday during a meeting of first responders and loggers who were carrying out the search for bodies, and on Saturday during a memorial service for one of the people killed in the disaster.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe were basically providing respite care for the tight-knit community. The loved ones they lost were the librarian or the neighbor,\u201d Fry-Miller said. The volunteers gave their attention to children who had \u201ca certain level of fear, like when\u2019s the next mountain going to drop on us?\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

The CDS response concluded Sunday, after the mudslide became a federally declared disaster and FEMA was called in, Fry-Miller explained. CDS had responded at the request of the American Red Cross.<\/p>\n

In a Facebook post from the CDS team, there was \u201cgood interactive play with children and CDS volunteers. The major activities…have been hot potato ball play and robots. Children made their own super powerful robots out of big boxes…. What an important activity for children who feel so dis-empowered during this very sad time while waiting to hear news of loved ones in the mudslide aftermath.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Facebook posts also quoted one nine-year-old girl who received care in the play area: \u201cI hope you keep doing this for the children because it makes me feel better and it occupies the children. I like to paint and play with play dough. I like to draw. I love it when you do this.\u201d<\/p>\n

For more about Children\u2019s Disaster Services go to www.brethren.org\/cds<\/a> .<\/p>\n

(Jane Yount, coordinator for Brethren Disaster Ministries, contributed to this report.)<\/em><\/p>\n

3) Brethren mission workers serve alongside Nigerian group aiding refugees<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

By Roxane Hill<\/p>\n

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Photo courtesy of Roxane and Carl Hill<\/small>
Staff of CCEPI and Brethren mission workers help distribute food to refugees. Over the weekend of March 14-16, 2014, the Center for Caring, Empowerment, and Peace Initiatives served 509 refugees around the Headquarters and Kulp Bible College of Ekklesiyar Yan\u2019uwa a Nigeria (EYN–the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria).<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Over the weekend of March 14-16, the Center for Caring, Empowerment, and Peace Initiatives (CCEPI) served 509 refugees around the Headquarters and Kulp Bible College of Ekklesiyar Yan\u2019uwa a Nigeria (EYN–the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria). CCEPI distributed 4,292 articles of clothing and shoes, 2,000 kilograms of corn, along with buckets and cups.<\/p>\n

Of the 509 people served, more than 100 had experienced the death of at least one family member. All of these people have left their homes due to attacks by the Boko Haram, an Islamist insurgent group, and many homes and churches have been burnt.<\/p>\n

In subsequent weekends, an outpouring of funds and materials from around Nigeria has allowed CCEPI to distribute food and an additional 3,000 items of clothing, shoes, etc., to 2,225 more persons who are internally displaced due to the conflict in northern Nigeria. The volunteers for CCEPI along with the director have worked tirelessly for many hours to sort, package, and distribute the items.<\/p>\n

Detailed records are kept of both donations received and of each family who has been helped. It was a pleasure for Carl and I to serve alongside the workers of CCEPI in this worthwhile venture.<\/p>\n

CCEPI, founded in 2011, is a registered NGO (non-governmental organization) in Nigeria. Its founder, Dr. Rebecca Samuel Dali, has been working with widows, orphans, and vulnerable children for over a decade. CCEPI promotes the well-being of the poorest of the poor and seeks to empower the down-trodden.<\/p>\n

— Roxane and Carl Hill are serving with Ekklesiyar Yan\u2019uwa a Nigeria (EYN–the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria) through the Church of the Brethren Global Mission and Service.<\/em><\/p>\n

4) Ecumenical Advocacy Days resist violence, build peace<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

By Christy Crouse<\/p>\n

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Photo courtesy of Christy Crouse<\/small>
Church of the Brethren participants at the 2014 Ecumenical Advocacy Days: Nathan Hosler, Christy Crouse, Bryan Hanger, and Sarah Ullom-Minnich in front of the Capitol on lobby day.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The vision of \u201cpeace in the community, peace among the peoples, peace in the marketplace, and peace with the earth\u201d was explored at the 12th annual Ecumenical Advocacy Days (EAD) in Washington, D.C. This conference took place March 21-24, and brought together nearly 1,000 Christians from Sri-Lanka to Alaska to learn about the call to peace in our world.<\/p>\n

EAD focuses each year on highlighting a certain political subject and honing in on ways to alter governmental policies in order to create a more just society based on the Christian perspective. This year\u2019s EAD concentrated on the theme of peace, primarily on efforts to reduce acquisition and use of guns for purposes that cause harm, and to rebalance funding priorities toward preventing violence and enhancing human security.<\/p>\n

EAD was guided by Luke 19:41-42, where Jesus weeps over Jerusalem, a capital city that turned from the true way of peace.<\/p>\n

The conference consisted of worship, quality speakers, exhibits from sponsoring organizations such as Pax Christi and Bread for the World, numerous policy plenaries and issue workshop sessions, denominational gatherings, and a lobby day on Capitol Hill as the culmination of the event.<\/p>\n

Multiple Church of the Brethren members attended including Nathan Hosler and Bryan Hanger from the denomination\u2019s Office of Public Witness, as well as Sarah Ullom-Minnich and I, who were sponsored by the denomination to attend.<\/p>\n

Throughout the conference, we were able to choose sessions to attend based on our interests. I attended sessions called \u201cDrones: Remotely Operated Armed Foreign Relations,\u201d \u201cRestorative Justice Lens and Core Practices,\u201d and \u201cIsrael\/Palestine Negotiations: A Path to Peace?\u201d to name a few. These all vastly increased my knowledge on current US policies and positions relating to fundamental issues in the search for peace within our country and throughout the globe.<\/p>\n

On the Saturday evening of EAD, staff from the Church of the Brethren Office of Public Witness, Mennonite Central Committee, American Friends Service Committee, and other attendees from the peace churches gathered together for fellowship and discussion. According to Hosler, the dialogue \u201craised the question how do we fit into, differ from, and feel about a conference theme that has been historically associated with our groups? The hour-long conversation that ensued was quite valuable.\u201d<\/p>\n

For me, and countless others I am sure, this conference was a wonderful opportunity to increase my understanding of current political policies and events, practice both my persuasive speaking and attentive listening skills, and converse with other like-minded individuals from around the world.<\/p>\n

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Photo by Christy Crouse<\/small>
Paper cranes hang at the 2014 Ecumenical Advocacy Days. “All who attended the conference set out to make as many peace cranes as possible in order to reach 1,000,” says Christy Crouse. “We took them with us to our legislators and left one on each of their desks.”<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Two major ideas I will take away from EAD both deal with voice: the importance of hearing the voice of those you are speaking for, and the necessity of the Christian voice in the politics of today. The former can be applied throughout all scenarios of life, but especially in the political spectrum. It is vital to seek out the preferences and views of those you are speaking on behalf of. A woman for Libya who spoke at EAD brought this idea forth when speaking of the tumultuous situation in her country and how she felt the voice of her people must be heard in order to help mitigate the situation.<\/p>\n

The latter idea, the necessity of the Christian voice in politics, was accentuated to me through my experience on Capitol Hill. Seeing over 800 Christians dispersing to advocate peace to their respective legislators was exciting; however, knowing that the view of peace is seldom promoted by other lobbyists who visit the hill every day made me realize how needed the Christian perspective is. In my mind, we were a literal \u201clight on the hill\u201d that day, bringing a needed hope to a part of society that does not always think in terms of the most positive options for humanity.<\/p>\n

Ecumenical Advocacy Days opens the eyes of all who attend. The conference is well organized, promotes needed discussion, and provides exemplary tools to learn about relevant issues. I encourage all who have the time and means to consider attending EAD 2015.<\/p>\n

— Christy Crouse is a member of Warrensburg (Mo.) Church of the Brethren and a freshman at Truman State University. She attended Christian Citizenship Seminar in 2013, and will be a member of the 2014 Youth Peace Travel Team.<\/em><\/p>\n

UPCOMING EVENTS<\/strong><\/span>
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\n5) Church of the Brethren co-sponsors \u2018Church and Post-Christian Culture\u2019 event<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

By Joshua Brockway<\/p>\n

Missio Alliance has announced a conference titled \u201cChurch and Post-Christian Culture: Christian Witness\u201d in the Way of Jesus. \u201cChurch and Post-Christian Culture\u201d seeks to gather historic Anabaptist groups along with a growing group of leaders who have found a new home in the theological visions of the tradition. The Church of the Brethren is co-sponsoring the gathering with Missio Alliance, a “fellowship of churches, denominations, schools, and networks partnering together to see the church in North America equipped for fuller and more faithful participation in God\u2019s mission.\u201d The event is scheduled for Sept. 19-20 at Carlisle (Pa.) Brethren in Christ Church.<\/p>\n

As Annual Conference moderator Shawn Flory Replogle noted in 2010, the Brethren are in vogue. By co-sponsoring this gathering with Missio Alliance we are looking forward to the opportunity to take part in the growing interest in our perspective of Christian discipleship.<\/p>\n

In announcing the gathering, Missio Alliance observes, \u201cIt seems that this interest [in Anabaptism] has arisen for a variety of reasons–most notably the realities and challenges of inhabiting an increasingly Post-Christian (Post-Christendom) cultural context, wearisome battles between the polarities of modern evangelicalism, and a fresh awareness of kingdom theology, especially regarding our understanding of the gospel.\u201d<\/p>\n

Keynote addresses will be given by leaders in this growing movement including author and pastors Greg Boyd, Bruxy Cavey, and David Fitch. Emerging leaders such as Anton Flores-Maisonet, Brian Zahnd, and Meohan Good also will take part. Evangelical theologians Cherith Fee-Nordling (Northern Seminary) and Frank James (Biblical Theological Seminary) will speak to the emerging intersection of Anabaptism and North American evangelicalism. Networking sessions and workshops round out the schedule and will include sessions by practitioner leaders from all the sponsoring groups, including the Church of the Brethren.<\/p>\n

Jonathan Shively, executive director of Congregational Life Ministries, states, \u201cAs stewards of a unique combination of Anabaptist and Pietist commitments, we Brethren have an opportunity to contribute to a conversation that is shaping Christian practice for the 21st century. We are honored and excited to be at a table where God is breathing new life into discipleship formation and Christian community through the convergence of a historic witness and a fresh outpouring of the Spirit.\u201d<\/p>\n

As a co-sponsor for the gathering the Church of the Brethren has a number of discounted registrations. If you are interested in attending the conference, contact Randi Rowan, program assistant for Congregational Life Ministries at rrowan@brethren.org<\/a> or 800-323-8039 ext. 303.<\/p>\n

More information is at www.missioalliance.org\/event\/church-after-christendom-christian-witness-in-the-way-of-jesus<\/a> .<\/p>\n

— Joshua Brockway is director of Spiritual Life and Discipleship for the Church of the Brethren<\/em><\/p>\n

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

6) Touching lives deeply: Reflecting on a workcamp in Haiti<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

By Thomas R. Lauer<\/p>\n

The week of Feb. 1-8, a team of 23 people traveled to Haiti on a short-term mission trip. The trip was arranged and facilitated by New Fairview Church of the Brethren in York, Pa. There were at least five denominations represented.<\/p>\n

I know of no other experience that touches lives so deeply. Through the mission experience and the work of the Holy Spirit there is dramatic and dynamic life change. Our team is so excited to tell the stories of the trip, the relationships that developed, and the ways their eyes have been opened, I can only simply say, \u201cPraise God!\u201d<\/p>\n

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Photo courtesy of Thomas Lauer<\/small>
The workcamp group who was part of the New Fairview Church of the Brethren short term mission to Haiti.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

I believe the church in the United States is so isolated, comfortable, and wealthy that it is nearly impossible to break through and connect the church with God\u2019s heart for His people in all other places and situations. We are ignorant of the great need and sadly, comfortable in our ignorance. A trip like this lands people next to sisters and brothers who live out their faith daily in their struggle–literally–to survive. While sharing in the struggle, experiencing the poverty and difficult life, our unknowing becomes understanding, our comfort at home becomes unexpectedly very uncomfortable.<\/p>\n

We are immediately aware that neither we nor they decided where to be born, or chose what situations we would experience as a normal life. The disparity is shocking and unexplainable. Here in their hometown, in their neighborhood, in their church we are in their lives, and here God connects His overwhelming love for the oppressed with our hearts and our lives. It is life changing!<\/p>\n

We had a very successful work project in the American sense of the size of the project and what was accomplished. The Cap Haitien congregation had purchased a property with a building that had been residences, which needed to be converted to a worship center. We also led three days of Vacation Bible School for local children. A work project always draws many spectators and this provides a great outreach opportunity to the community from the local church. The second day there were over 200 children at VBS.<\/p>\n

We did far more than anyone expected or imagined. I suppose that\u2019s good. I know some people believe that is the full measure of the trip, \u201cWhat needed done?\u201d and \u201cDid we get it done?\u201d The answer is a resounding yes!<\/p>\n

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Photo courtesy of Thomas Lauer<\/small>
Vacation Bible School with local children drew spectators and provided an opportunity for outreach by the congregation.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

However, that measure alone is a narrow view of the purpose. I personally measure success in terms of engagement with local sisters and brothers, one-on-one interaction and relationships, and mutual worship. In this measure also, I say, \u201cPraise God!\u201d For each of these hopes this trip was by far the most successful I have ever participated in. The congregation was excited to work with us, 43 of their members teamed with us. They were dedicated, cooperative, willing to teach, and willing to learn. We worked side by side each day, all day. They were hard workers, probably at least as excited for the progress and moving the project forward as we were. Many of our group mention working together as a major highlight of the trip, probably second only to worshiping together.<\/p>\n

Worship is a high point of many trips. The enthusiasm, joy, and thanksgiving in worship are things that always stand out when compared to our worship at home. As teams participate in worship their reactions are refreshing and inspiring. We participated in three worship services during the week. The first was in Port-au-Prince with the local congregation at the Brethren guesthouse, including communion. It was a great time together. We worshiped with the local congregation in Cap Haitien two evenings. Each was different but all were rewarding and provided varied opportunities for our group to connect with our brothers and sisters.<\/p>\n

Along with the high points there were trials. I am confident we were protected from danger and harm through the prayers of many sincere sisters and brothers. Danger was ever present on the project site, there was danger in our road travel, and there was incidental potential for harm. Our exposure was limited to illness. We had a continuous string of team members suffering from a stomach bug. It was generally one or two at a time, but it moved through our group over a two-week period. I have been on trips where there were none, or only one or two who experienced illness. This time it was 80 percent of the team. The discomfort is real and the suffering is intensified by unfamiliar surroundings and accommodations. We had consciously entered the spiritual battlefield, and this was our most vulnerable feature. The enemy tried vigorously to shift the focus of the trip from great victory in spiritual and interpersonal growth to suffering, discouragement, and blame.<\/p>\n

Prayers prevailed, we were overwhelmed by love and hospitality, and rejoicing continued. Throughout the trip we were witnesses to God\u2019s faithfulness and His kingdom advancing in many ways.<\/p>\n

In closing I assure you, I would gladly promote and lead another group. I have no hesitation whatsoever. The spiritual impact is beyond explanation and I would love to continue to be involved in this type of life change for as many people as possible.<\/p>\n

— Thomas R. Lauer submitted this report for use in Newsline.<\/em><\/p>\n

7) We continue the mission of the church: A report from Falfurrias, Texas<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Falfurrias (Texas) Church of the Brethren is one of the congregations receiving support from the Global Food Crisis Fund and the Office of Public Witness through the \u201cGoing to the Garden\u201d initiative that gives grants for community gardens. Recently, church members reported to GFCF manager Jeff Boshart how the church\u2019s mission is continuing. The following is excerpted from a lengthier report:<\/em><\/p>\n

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Courtesy of Don and Lucinda Anderson<\/small>
Children at Falfurrias (Texas) Church of the Brethren pick spring flowers.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Our grandchildren CJ, Jason, and Emily picked these flowers last week. This is just an indication of what is happening here in Falfurrias. We like to think that we are getting a fresh start, and blooming. We might not be gaining in numbers, but it is clear to us that God is at work.<\/p>\n

Our church was one of four churches that began praying and discussing the dire situation in Falfurrias. We have a lot of very difficult situations involving drugs, human trafficking, gang-related murders, and family violence. On top of all this the government budget cutbacks have added to the problem. We also have financial issues in the city of Falfurrias, as well as the county. Four churches met in December to discuss the problem. In January we discussed the different difficulties and continued in prayer. In February we discussed the importance of a spiritual solution to this dilemma and discussed forming a non-profit organization. We called it \u201cUniting Falfurrias for Christ.\u201d The four churches involved are the Church of the Brethren, the United Methodist Church, the Baptist Church, and Love and Mercy, an independent church.<\/p>\n

We were privileged to receive a grant of $2,500 from the Southern Plains District of the Church of the Brethren for the purchase of a tractor. Our church came up with $2,000 and a church family gave $1,000. We borrowed an additional $2,500 from the district at no interest and we bought the tractor and implements. We were in dire need of a larger tractor. The large amount of mowing and the plans we have for the garden made it necessary for this purchase<\/p>\n

The garden is a new added ministry this year. With the help of the grant from the Church of the Brethren we have been able to start this ministry. We have started small but hope to expend as we learn and get added help from the community. The main reason for this project is the need in the community. We want to be a presence when things get harder and hopefully be a part of the solution to problems in our community.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Courtesy of Don and Lucinda Anderson<\/small>
The new garden at Falfurrias (Texas) Church of the Brethren.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

We have another well on the property we would like to open up and fix as funds are available. This well will be used to water the garden and yard use. Our prayer is that this project will be accomplished by the fall planting.<\/p>\n

We decided to walk by faith and we joined with the Catholic Church in support of a food bank. By February we supplied food to 300 people. By March we had 30 volunteers including leaders from the community helping with this effort. At our March food distribution we gave everyone who came for food a survey. We wanted to hear from their corner. We went to the least and we received a wealth of information. We will be reviewing the results and informing the residents of what they see as the most pressing issues in our community. Like the prophet Elijah in1 Kings17:7-15, we have gone to the least and in return we will gleam from the results for the Lord\u2019s honor and glory.<\/p>\n

Our prayer is that as the word gets out we will attract willing individuals and groups to a very important mission service. We are so grateful for the Southern Plains District and its members support, the \u201cGoing to the Garden\u201d monetary help to get us started with the community garden, to Ono (Pa.) United Methodist Church for their generous monetary support, continual prayers, and encouraging calls, and to Gern and Pat Haldeman from Hummelstown, Pa., for helping us buy the tractor tires. The love and support during the good times and the bad is truly felt.<\/p>\n

We continue the mission of the church which is to \u201cGo unto all the world and make disciples as Christ commanded\u201d (Matthew 28:16-20). We are reminded that what Jesus did most was to walk among the people meeting their immediate needs. Let us as the church of Jesus Christ covenant to walk among the people. Join us in ministry.<\/p>\n

We would like to invite you to be a part of our church family this fall. We will have four RV spots. The hook-ups will be ready. All we ask is a suggested monthly amount, pay the electricity bill for the spot, and lend a hand in the church, the grounds, or the fall garden. Call 956-500-9614 or 956-500-5651 for more information.<\/p>\n

— Don and Lucinda Anderson are member of Falfurrias (Texas) Church of the Brethren.<\/em><\/p>\n

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

\"\"— Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP) is asking for Christians to endorse<\/strong> an ecumenical letter urging a comprehensive agreement to end the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Church of the Brethren general secretary Stan Noffsinger has signed the letter, and the Church of the Brethren Office of Public Witness is helping to promote it. A release from CMEP reported that \u201cfor the first time the Catholic, Coptic, Lutheran, and Episcopal heads of churches in Jerusalem and the Franciscan Custodian of the Holy Places are joining with US Christian denominations and groups to support urgent efforts to reach a comprehensive agreement to end the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. These prominent Christian leaders from Catholic, Orthodox, mainline Protestant, Evangelical, and Historic Peace Churches are endorsing Secretary of State John Kerry\u2019s efforts to find a negotiated solution that will allow the communities of faith to flourish and improve in the Holy Land.\u201d The letter \u201ccomes at a crucial time for the hope of peace in the Holy Land,\u201d said CMEP executive director Warren Clark. More about the letter is at http:\/\/go.cmep.org\/letterforpeace<\/a> .<\/p>\n

— The Haitian Family Resource Center–a ministry of Haitian First Church of the Brethren of New York,<\/strong> in Brooklyn–is hosting a re-registration event for Haitian Temporary Protected Status (TPS) on April 17. The event is co-hosted by New York City Council member Jumaane D. Williams, Brooklyn Defender Services, and Habnet and 45th District Haitian Relief Effort. This event is by appointment only, with lawyers and immigration professionals available to assist registrants with applications, said a release. \u201cEligible nationals of Haiti will receive an extended TPS for an additional 18 months, effective July 23, 2014, through Jan. 22, 2016,\u201d the release said. This follows on the TPS status offered by the US to Haitians after the earthquake of 2010. “Hundreds of thousands of Haitians who lost their homes and loved ones continue to live in devastation in temporary tent cities,” said Williams in the release. “TPS has since helped many Haitians call the United States home while Haiti fights for recovery from this tragic disaster. In light of the sheer devastation, displaced families, homelessness crisis, and the broken economic system, we understand how impetrative TPS renewal is in reemergence of Haiti.” Those who want to extend their TPS status must re-register during a 60-day period from March 3-May 2, 2014. To RSVP for the event in Brooklyn contact Rachel Webster, director of constituent services, at 718-629-2900 or rwebster@council.nyc.gov<\/a> .<\/p>\n

— Chicago (Ill.) First Church of the Brethren has launched a 12-week KAPacity! Violence Eradication Pilot Program.<\/strong> \u201cDr. E.L. Kornegay of the Baldwin-Delaney Institute at Chicago Theological Seminary is our facilitator,\u201d said the Illinois and Wisconsin District newsletter. \u201cCommunity members from across Chicago have joined us each Wednesday from 5:30-7:30pm for prayer, planning, and training as we collaborate together for youth and community development and the ending of violence. Please be welcome to join us.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"
Photo courtesy of CDS<\/small>
A view of the mudslide in Snohomish County, Wash. Children’s Disaster Services (CDS) deployed a team of volunteers to help care for children in nearby Darrington, where community members were lost in the slide.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

— Pacific Northwest District executive Colleen Michael reports the district is collecting funds<\/strong> to aid those affected by the catastrophic mudslide in Washington State. \u201cDonations received through the Pacific Northwest District Church of the Brethren (P.O. Box 5440, Wenatchee, WA 98807) are being sent directly to the Coastal Community Bank of Darrington,\u201d she reports. \u201cThis fund (100 percent) is going directly to the immediate needs of families affected by this disaster.\u201d The district also is encouraging donations to the work of Brethren Disaster Ministries and Children\u2019s Disaster Services, give at www.brethren.org\/edf<\/a> .<\/p>\n

— The 22nd annual Shenandoah District Disaster Ministries Auction is May 16-17<\/strong> at the Rockingham County (Va.) Fairgrounds. \u201cThis year, the Auction Coordinating Committee has a new chair, Catherine Lantz of the Mill Creek Church of the Brethren, who succeeded Nancy Harlow when she completed her tenure,\u201d the district newsletter said. The schedule of events is at www.shencob.org<\/a> and the auction is on Facebook at “Brethren Disaster Ministries Auction.”<\/p>\n

— The Ministry and Mission in Virlina event will be May 3,<\/strong> starting at 8:30 a.m., at Topeco Church of the Brethren in Floyd, Va. The theme is \u201cTaste and See\u201d (Psalm 34:8). Patrick Starkey, pastor of Cloverdale Church of the Brethren, will be the preacher for the morning worship service. The district newsletter reported a number of workshops planned by the commissions and committees of the district board including “Her Finest Hours” by the Outdoor Ministries Committee, “NYC Bus Trip Information” by the Commission on Nurture, “Continuing Education for Ministers” and “Changes in Licensing Process” by the Commission on Ministry, “Do Diligence, Finances, and Taxes” by the Commission on Stewardship, “We’ve a Story to Tell!” by the New Church Development Committee, “Small and Serving the Lord” by the Commission on Witness. Continuing education credits are available. Refreshments and lunch will be provided by the Topeco congregation. Following lunch, an Annual Conference Delegate Briefing will begin at 1:30 p.m. led by the Virlina District Standing Committee delegates and Annual Conference moderator, Nancy Sollenberger Heishman.<\/p>\n

— The 2014 Southern Ohio District Conference theme<\/strong> has been announced: \u201cWe Are God’s Servants Working Together.\u201d The district conference will be Oct. 10-11 at Happy Corner Church of the Brethren.<\/p>\n

— The \u201cBrethren Helping Hands\u201d group in Southern Ohio District<\/strong> has completed work at Mullen House at Bethany Seminary, announced the district newsletter. Mullen House was purchased by the seminary to provide affordable housing for students. Some 17 volunteers from Southern Ohio District worked a total of 62 days or 378 hours to help renovate the house. \u201cThank you to everyone who gave time and energy to assist Bethany to provide housing for our future leaders,\u201d said the newsletter. \u201cBrethren Helping Hands is now looking for our next project.\u201d Go to www.sodcob.org\/about-us\/our-commissions\/shared-ministries-commission\/brethren-helping-hands.html<\/a> .<\/p>\n

— CrossRoads Valley Brethren-Mennonite Heritage Center<\/strong> in Harrisonburg, Va., will hold an Easter sunrise service at 6:30 a.m. on Sunday, April 20, on the hilltop at CrossRoads (1921 Heritage Center Way). Bring a lawn chair or blanket. \u201cThe spectacular view of the sun rising behind Massanutten Peak warms even a chilly morning!\u201d said the Shenandoah District newsletter.<\/p>\n

— The 13th annual Sounds of the Mountains Festival of Music and Storytelling at Camp Bethel<\/strong> in the Blue Ridge Mountains of southwest Virginia, near Fincastle, Va., is April 11-12. The festival takes place rain or shine. The main stage will be inside the Deer Field Center. Featured are nationally known tellers Andy Offutt Irwin, David Novak, Ed Stivender, and Donna Washington, as well as music from the Luv Buzzards and New River Bound, plus the Back Porch Studio Cloggers. Go to www.soundsofthemountains.org<\/a> for tickets and information.<\/p>\n

— Fahrney-Keedy Home and Village, a Church of the Brethren retirement community<\/strong> near Boonsboro, Md., has announced that Dr. Sheikh Shehzad Parviz of Tristate Infectious Diseases LLC, will serve as a consultant to manage infectious disease. He will help treat residents who require antibiotic use, and will assist with the facility\u2019s new Antibiotic Stewardship Program. \u201cAntibiotic stewardship until recently was only practiced in acute care hospitals,\u201d the release said. \u201cFahrney-Keedy\u2019s stewardship program has several goals: limiting inappropriate use of antimicrobial medications; optimizing antimicrobial selection, dosing, and duration of therapy; and limiting the unintended consequences of antimicrobial use such as the emergence of resistance, adverse drug events and cost.\u201d<\/p>\n

— Five alumni of Bridgewater (Va.) College<\/strong>–three of them members of the Church of the Brethren–will be honored during an Alumni Weekend celebration April 11-13. Also on the weekend is inauguration of David W. Bushman as ninth president of Bridgewater (see the Newsline of March 18). Jim and Sylvia Kline Bowman, class of 1957 and members of Bridgewater Church of the Brethren, will receive the 2013 Ripples Society Medals. The Bowmans \u201cwere brought up in the Church of the Brethren and value the Brethren focus on nonviolence, peacebuilding, justice, and global unity,\u201d a release said. \u201cThe Bowmans established the Kline-Bowman Endowment Fund for Creative Peacebuilding at Bridgewater. The endowment promotes programs, activities, academic work, and internships advancing the ideals of peace, nonviolence, and social justice, and protection of the earth\u2019s environment. They hope this effort will cultivate these ethics in students as part of their broad education.\u201d Christian M. Saunders, class of 1999 and a member of Manassas (Va.) Church of the Brethren, will receive the Young Alumnus Award. Saunders \u201chas pursued a successful career in US intelligence…selected last year to attend the National War College,\u201d the release said. Also honored: Douglas A. Allison, class of 1985, receiving the Distinguished Alumnus Award; and Bruce H. Elliott, class of 1976, receiving the West-Whitelow Humanitarian Award.<\/p>\n

— In more news from Bridgewater, the college Equestrian Club<\/strong> will host \u201cHorses\u2019 Easter\u201d at the Equestrian Center in Weyers Cave, Va., on Saturday, April 12, at 1 p.m. A release noted that elementary and pre-school students and their families are invited to the presentation, \u201cThe Guardians of Children,\u201d featuring skits about Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, Jack Frost, Mother Nature, the Sandman, and the Tooth Fairy. Jerry Schurink, director of riding, will narrate the events. Children may reward horses with treats following the presentation. In lieu of admission, the Equestrian Club requests donations of canned goods for the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank.<\/p>\n

— \u201cThe Juniata College art department enlisted three faculty artists and dozens of students<\/strong> to create hundreds of bowls for hungry diners for its eighth annual Empty Bowls event, which raises money to benefit various Huntingdon County food banks,\u201d reports a release from the college. Empty Bowls starts at 5 p.m. on Friday, April 11, at Stone Church of the Brethren in Huntingdon, Pa. Tickets are $10 for adults, $6 for children age 5 to 10, free for children under 5. Tickets are available at Unity House, where the campus ministry office is located, at Ellis Hall from 5:30-7 p.m. on April 9 and 10. Patrons who have paid the adult price will receive soup and bread, and a hand-made ceramic soup bowl from the college’s pottery program. A commemorative T-shirt may be purchased for $10 as part of the fundraising effort. Empty Bowls is sponsored by the college ceramics club Mud Junkies, the Art Alliance, peace studies club PAX-O, and the Catholic Council. Restaurants donate soups and other businesses donate services or supplies.<\/p>\n

— In more news from Juniata, president James A. Troha will balance a cement block<\/strong> on his chest while lying on a bed of nails at Physics Phun Night. The event is scheduled to start at 7 p.m. on April 9, in Alumni Hall in the Brumbaugh Academic Center. It is free and open to the public. \u201cPhysics Phun Night’s highlight has always been the demonstration showing how the distribution of force over a wide area can lessen the effects of the force. President Troha will demonstrate this principle by allowing James Borgardt, professor of physics, to break the cement block with a sledgehammer as Troha lies on a bed of nails,\u201d said a release. Other demonstrations at the event, sponsored by the Society of Physics Students, will include fiery methane bubbles, liquid nitrogen freezing a number of substances, an air cannon, the Bernoulli Effect with toilet paper, and more.<\/p>\n

— Manchester University in North Manchester, Ind., celebrates an International Fair<\/strong> with dance, food, music, children\u2019s activities, and exhibits on Sunday, April 13, according to a release. Admission is free for the noon to 4 p.m. event in the Physical Education and Recreation Center. \u201cA popular treat of the afternoon: samplings of international students\u2019 favorite dishes from around the world, for a nominal fee,\u201d said a release. \u201cThe students prepare the food in the university\u2019s kitchen with assistance from Chef Chris and Chartwell’s food service personnel.\u201d One student from Germany plans to make \u201clinsen und sp\u00e4tzle,\u201d a lentil dish,\u00a0 and Schwarzw\u00e4lder-Kirsch Trifle, a Black forest trifle. Also on the menu: a Vietnamese tofu dessert called Tau Hu Nuoc Duong, an Ethiopian spicy meat dish called kitfo, Bangladeshi mashed eggplant, and more. Twenty countries from six continents will be represented at the fair with dance and various art forms, music, food, and more.<\/p>\n

— Send applications before May 1 to join the Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT) Corps summer 2014 training<\/strong>, said an invitation. \u201cDid you participate in a recent CPT delegation that whetted your appetite for embodied peace work, partnering with others working nonviolently for justice, and confronting the injustice that leads to war? Does CPT’s style of peacemaking, confronting injustice, and undoing oppressions work fit with yours? Is now the time to take the next step and join the Peacemaker Corps?\u201d The training will be held in Chicago, Ill., on July 11-Aug. 11. Find the application at www.cpt.org\/participate\/peacemaker\/apply<\/a> . For answers to more specific questions, contact Adriana Cabrera-Vel\u00e1squez, personnel coordinator, at personnel@cpt.org<\/a> .<\/p>\n

— Five of the world\u2019s major arms exporters<\/strong> are among a group of mostly European countries that ratified the world\u2019s first Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) on April 2, a year after the treaty was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly. The World Council of Churches (WCC) is celebrating this development. WCC general secretary Olav Fykse Tveit release a statement saying, \u201cIt is especially important that five of the world\u2019s top 10 arms exporters are among those ratifying today–France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the UK,\u201d Tveit said. At this point 31 governments have ratified the ATT, but for the treaty to come into effect, 50 states need to ratify it, the WCC release said. Tveit noted that this example should be followed by the United States and Russia–the two largest arms exporters–as well as China. At the recent WCC assembly in South Korea, church delegates from more than 100 countries called for their governments to ratify and implement the Arms Trade Treaty. The WCC release noted that \u201carmed violence and conflict kills approximately half a million people each year.\u201d Read Tveit\u2019s statement at www.oikoumene.org\/en\/resources\/documents\/general-secretary\/statements\/bringing-world2019s-new-arms-trade-treaty-into-effect<\/a> .<\/p>\n

— A group of Brethren scholars are developing a book series called \u201cPassing the Privilege,\u201d<\/strong> hoping to kick off the series with a first volume this year, according to a release. The series is planned \u201cin order to contribute a Brethren perspective to the emerging interest in Anabaptist theology and practice,\u201d the release said. The group includes Denise Kettering, assistant professor of Brethren Studies at Bethany Theological Seminary in Richmond, Ind.; Kate Eisenbise Crell, assistant professor of Religion at Manchester University in North Manchester, Ind.; Joshua Brockway, director of Spiritual Life and Discipleship for the Church of the Brethren; and Andrew Hamilton, adjunct faculty at Ashland (Ohio) Theological Seminary. The first book in the series titled \u201cCooperative Salvation: A Brethren View of Atonement\u201d is by Eisenbise Crell and is to be published this fall with Wipf and Stock through a \u201cKickstarter\u201d campaign seeking pledges for financial support. The book will offer an in-depth survey of historic views of atonement, including Anabaptist views of salvation, and a contemporary constructive theology of atonement, the release said. For more information contact ahamilto@ashland.edu<\/a> .<\/p>\n

\n

Contributors to this issue of Newsline include Don and Lucinda Anderson, Jeff Boshart, Joshua Brockway, Christy Crouse, Andrew Hamilton, Bryan Hanger, Mary Kay Heatwole, Roxane Hill, Jeri S. Kornegay, Thomas R. Lauer, Michael Leiter, Glen Sargent, Jane Yount, 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 Tuesday, April 15. Newsline is produced by the News Services of the Church of the Brethren. Contact the editor at cobnews@brethren.org<\/a> . Newsline appears at the end of every week, with special issues as needed. Stories may be reprinted if Newsline is cited as the source. To unsubscribe or change your e-mail preferences go to www.brethren.org\/newsline<\/a><\/em> .<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

1) Bethany Seminary\u2019s Presidential Forum takes a look at the love feast. 2) Children\u2019s Disaster Services responds to Washington mudslide. 3) Brethren mission workers serve alongside Nigerian group aiding refugees. 4) Ecumenical Advocacy Days resist violence, build peace. 5) Church of the Brethren co-sponsors \u2018Church and Post-Christian Culture\u2019 event. 6) Touching lives deeply: Reflecting on a workcamp in Haiti. 7) We continue the mission of the church: A report from Falfurrias, Texas. 8) 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-8215","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\/8215","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=8215"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.brethren.org\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8215\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":12379,"href":"https:\/\/www.brethren.org\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8215\/revisions\/12379"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.brethren.org\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8215"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.brethren.org\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=8215"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.brethren.org\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=8215"},{"taxonomy":"wf_post_folders","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.brethren.org\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/wf_post_folders?post=8215"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}