{"id":8601,"date":"2014-06-02T00:00:11","date_gmt":"2014-06-02T00:00:11","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/new.brethren.org\/news\/?p=8601"},"modified":"2018-11-03T20:22:27","modified_gmt":"2018-11-03T20:22:27","slug":"newsline-for-june-2-2014","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.brethren.org\/news\/2014\/newsline-for-june-2-2014\/","title":{"rendered":"Newsline for June 2, 2014"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Quote of the week: \u201cIn the Gospel proclaimed to the whole Creation, we begin to see the Pentecostal hope and promise with clarity: God will renew the face of the earth. It is hard to imagine any moment in history that could give this hope the breadth and relevance that we experience today. We are speaking of more than just environmental enhancement or rehabilitation. No age has ever revealed so clearly the intimate connection between the groaning of Creation and the brokenness of human life and community…. We cry for the promise and power of Pentecost to come upon us, to be revealed in us, to make us one! Come, Holy Spirit, come! Amen. — From a Pentecost message of the presidents of the World Council of Churches (WCC), www.oikoumene.org\/en\/resources\/documents\/wcc-presidents\/pentecost-message-2014 . On Pentecost Sunday, June 8, the worldwide Christian church celebrates the gift of the Holy Spirit. The Church of the Brethren also provides resources for an annual Pentecost Offering to support transformative ministries in the church and in the world. Find worship resources and more at www.brethren.org\/offerings\/pentecost\/pentecost.html . (Illustration is a depiction of Pentecost from an Armenian Gospel book produced in 1455, or the year 904 of the Armenian era, at the monastery of Gamaliel in Xizan by the scribe Yohann\u0113s Vardapet, illuminated by the priest Xa\u010d\u2019atur. Image courtesy of Walters Art Museum, provided through the WCC.)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\u201cSo those who welcomed his message were baptized, and that day about 3,000 persons were added\u201d (Acts 2:41).<\/span><\/p>\n

NEWS<\/strong>
\n1) Brethren Disaster Ministries directs $175,000 in EDF grants to the Philippines
\n2) Theme is announced for 2015 National Older Adult Conference (NOAC)
\n3) Bethany Seminary offers course at University of La Verne<\/p>\n

NIGERIA UPDATES<\/strong>
\n4) \u2018Grief and love in the same place\u2019: A communication from the Church of the Brethren general secretary and the EYN president
\n5) A heart for bringing Christ: The Hills speak about their time in Nigeria
\n6) A round up of Nigeria news<\/p>\n

FEATURE<\/strong>
\n7) What does the Emergent Church movement have to say to Brethren?<\/p>\n

8) Brethren bits: Remembering Harry Gardner, new intern at BHLA, job openings with On Earth Peace and BBT, Zigler Hospitality Center seeks volunteers, church anniversaries, more.<\/p>\n

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Tomorrow, June 3, is the last day of online registration for Annual Conference!<\/strong> After that date, registration for Annual Conference will take place upon arrival onsite in Columbus, Ohio, for an increased registration fee. The Conference is planned for July 2-6. Find out more and register online at www.brethren.org\/ac<\/a> .<\/span><\/p>\n

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1) Brethren Disaster Ministries directs $175,000 in EDF grants to the Philippines<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

The Brethren Disaster Ministries staff are directing three grants totaling $175,000 to rehabilitation and livelihoods work in the Philippines. The grants from the denomination\u2019s Emergency Disaster Fund (EDF) follow up on the devastation caused by Typhoon Haiyan in Nov. 2013. The grants will support Heifer International livelihoods work on the island of Leyte, Lutheran World Relief livelihoods work on the islands of Cebu and Leyte, and rehabilitation work by a Filipino nonprofit organization in the coastal community of Tanauan, Leyte.<\/p>\n

As of the end of April, more than $211,000 in donations received by the Emergency Disaster Fund in 2013 and 2014 have been earmarked by donors for Typhoon Haiyan response.<\/p>\n

Heifer International<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Photo by Peter Barlow<\/small>
Brethren Disaster Ministries leader Roy Winter visits with Philippines villagers at a Heifer International project site<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

An allocation of $70,000 is supporting Heifer International livelihoods work on the island of Leyte. This grant will help fund the Building Resiliency and Sustainable Agribusiness in Haiyan-Damaged Areas of Central Philippines (BReSA-Haiyan Rehab Project).<\/p>\n

The project will assist 5,000 families in rebuilding, recovering, and developing lost livelihoods, while at the same time ensuring future disaster preparedness in their respective communities. Through capacity building, training, instituting CMDRR, expanding agribusiness projects, replacing lost\/deceased livestock, strengthening social capital, capacitating groups and cooperatives, and other climate-adaptation and preparedness initiatives, the project aims to empower families to become more resilient and self-reliant.<\/p>\n

Lutheran World Relief<\/strong><\/p>\n

An allocation of $70,000 for Lutheran World Relief livelihoods work supports a long-term response to the typhoon. Called the Resiliency and Change for Haiyan Affected Families and Communities, this long-term response project benefits coconut farmers and coastal fisherfolk living on the islands of Cebu and Leyte. The grant also will help to equip local government and organizations to assist in long-term sustainable solutions.<\/p>\n

Funds will support the Lutheran World Relief objective to ensure that farming- and fishing-related livelihoods of the most vulnerable are rehabilitated to be more sustainable and resilient in the face of future potential disasters. Assistance will be given to coconut farmers to transition to cocoa and other priority crops, as determined by the local agriculture sector. The fisherfolk will be supported by helping coastal communities restore seaweed farming, providing livelihood insurance, and rehabilitating coastal mangrove areas, all while strengthening community organization.<\/p>\n

Burublig para ha Tanauan<\/strong><\/p>\n

An EDF allocation of $35,000 is going to rehabilitation work in the coastal community of Tanauan, Leyte. The majority of the money ($30,000) will support a newly organized Filipino nonprofit called Burublig para ha Tanauan (BPHT). This organization seeks to help in the restoration of the town. This portion of the grant will focus on providing fishing nets, a sewing center, and pedicabs for families who lost their homes and source of income.<\/p>\n

The remaining $5,000 will provide school supplies for both teachers and students at the Tanauan High School. The school sustained considerable damage, and the government will not be able to resupply teachers for more than a year, as it focuses on construction projects.<\/p>\n

About Typhoon Haiyan<\/strong><\/p>\n

On Nov. 9, 2013, Typhoon Haiyan struck the Philippines causing a wide path of destruction and loss of life. This massive storm had sustained winds reported up to 195 miles per hour, and gusts up to 235 miles per hour, equivalent to a giant EF 4 tornado. As one of the strongest typhoons in recorded history, it was the latest and one of the worst of a continuous pattern of natural disasters in the Philippines. It was the third Category 5 \u201csuper typhoon\u201d to make landfall on the Philippines since 2010, and followed the deadliest earthquake in 23 years just a month earlier (Oct. 2013).<\/p>\n

The total storm path was more than 1,000 miles wide, damaging or destroying more than 1 million houses. Locally known as Yolanda, the typhoon affected more than 14 million people and displaced approximately 4 million. It caused more than 6,200 deaths, with more than 1,000 people still missing. Storm survivors report the number of official deaths is artificially low as they don\u2019t include many of the children that died.<\/p>\n

The devastation resulted in severe damage to the country\u2019s agriculture and fisheries sector, costing the region $225 million in damages, according to the United Nations. These areas likely will face severe food security issues and may struggle to re-establish livelihoods. Sugar cane fields were not harvested due to the storm and may not have a more normal harvest for a couple of years. Millions of coconut trees lost during Haiyan means many farmers will not have coconuts to harvest for the coconut oil industry. Further, coconut processing and rice processing plants were severely damaged and are not functional. As a result many poor farmers have lost their primary source of income for the next several years, as it takes five to seven years for new coconut trees to produce.<\/p>\n

For more about Brethren Disaster Ministries go to www.brethren.org\/bdm<\/a>\u00a0 . To give to the Emergency Disaster Fund go to www.brethren.org\/edf<\/a> .<\/p>\n

2) Theme is announced for 2015 National Older Adult Conference (NOAC)<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

By Kim Ebersole<\/p>\n

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Photo by Lynne Krekelberg<\/small>
The planning team for NOAC 2015 poses for a photo at beautiful Lake Junaluska. Shown here are (from left) Deanna Brown, Christy Waltersdorff, Bev Anspaugh, Kim Ebersole, Eric C. Anspaugh, Ruth Bell, Paula Ziegler Ulrich, Jim Kinsey.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Jesus used stories when he spoke to the people. In fact, he did not tell them anything without using stories. So God\u2019s promise came true, just as the prophet had said, \u201cI will use stories to speak my message and to explain things that have been hidden since the creation of the world\u201d (Matthew 13:34-35, CEV).<\/p>\n

The planning team for the next National Older Adult Conference (NOAC) is excited to announce the 2015 conference theme, \u201cthen Jesus told them a story…\u201d (Matthew 13:34-35, CEV).<\/p>\n

The theme grows out of Phyllis Tickle\u2019s 2013 keynote address, in which she challenged older adults as the ones who know the biblical stories to \u201cgo back and weave those stories into the lives of our grandchildren and great-grandchildren.\u201d It acknowledges the powerful way stories can convey God\u2019s message, shaping and transforming our lives even today. This power of storytelling will be explored during the conference through worship, keynote presentations, creative arts, workshops, and song.<\/p>\n

NOAC is the Church of the Brethren gathering for adults age 50 and older. The 2015 event will be held at Lake Junaluska Conference and Retreat Center, in the beautiful mountains of western North Carolina, Sept. 7-11. Helping Congregational Life Ministries staff member Kim Ebersole with the conference are planning team members Bev and Eric C. Anspaugh of Rocky Mount, Va.; Deanna Brown of Clarks Hill, Ind.; Jim Kinsey of Lake Odessa, Mich.; Paula Ziegler Ulrich of Greenville, Ohio; Deborah Waas of La Verne, Calif.; and Christy Waltersdorff of Lombard, Ill.<\/p>\n

More information about the 2015 NOAC will be available as planning progresses. Visit www.brethren.org\/NOAC<\/a> to experience the 2013 event through photos, written reflections, and videos by the NOAC News Team.<\/p>\n

— Kim Ebersole is director of Older Adult Ministry for the Church of the Brethren.<\/em><\/p>\n

3) Bethany Seminary offers course at University of La Verne<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

By Jenny Williams<\/p>\n

Bethany Theological Seminary will offer a weekend intensive class on public theologies at the University of La Verne, Calif., this coming fall semester. Scott Holland, Bethany\u2019s Slabaugh Professor of Theology and Culture, will teach his popular graduate course, \u201cThe Peace of the City and the Quest for Public Theologies.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI am excited about the University of La Verne hosting this course,\u201d said Jeff Carter, president of Bethany Seminary. \u201cAs Bethany seeks to serve the entire denomination and build deeper ecumenical partnerships with students in different geographical locations, hosting a class on the West Coast offers a new opportunity to extend Bethany\u2019s reach. I am thankful to Professor Holland for his willingness to travel and hope his presence, especially among a growing community of new Anabaptist scholars and students, might inspire lively conversations of faith and living.\u201d<\/p>\n

As a theologian of culture, Holland reminds his students that religion may begin in solitude, but as we are social creatures, our lives are public. Thus, biblical religion reminds us that our faith is always embodied in ethical and aesthetic engagements with culture, inviting public reflection.<\/p>\n

This course will explore how a variety of public proposals for religion or theology might contribute to or inhibit what prophetic religion has called the peace or welfare of the city. Class topics include Anabaptist and ecumenical views of church and society, the theocratic terrors of groups like Boko Haram, and how current proposals for theopoetics and theopolitics might aid in social transformation and seeking cultures of peace.<\/p>\n

The class will be conducted during three weekends: Sept. 12-13, Oct. 10-11, and Nov. 14-15. Interested persons may either take the course for credit or audit the course. For all students, the application deadline for the fall 2014 semester is July 15. Contact Tracy Primozich, director of admissions, at primotr@bethanysemester.edu<\/a> for enrollment information. For additional information on the course itself, contact Holland at hollasc@bethanyseminary.edu<\/a> .<\/p>\n

— Jenny Williams is director of Communications and Alumni\/ae Relations for Bethany Theological Seminary.<\/em><\/p>\n

NIGERIA UPDATE<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

4) \u2018Grief and love in the same place\u2019: A communication from the Church of the Brethren general secretary and the EYN president<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"\u201cIn my grief I saw myself being held, <\/em>
\nus all holding one another in this incredible web of loving kindness.\u00a0 <\/em>
\nGrief and love in the same place.<\/em>
\nI felt as if my heart would burst with holding it all.\u201d<\/em>
\n(A Zimbabwean woman)<\/em><\/p>\n

This quote from Margaret J. Wheatley\u2019s book, \u201cPerseverance,\u201d has been riding in my soul since I returned from Nigeria.\u00a0 The circumstances of the Nigerian conflicts happening around the gathering of the church at the Majalisa provide me with enough incongruence to feel grief and love in the same place.\u00a0 Adding the bombing in Abuja, followed by the events of the Chibok girls\u2019 abduction, however, put me in a place I have never experienced before, as Love Feast on Maundy Thursday and Easter worship became part of the experience for me.\u00a0 I just could not shake the feeling that I had one foot at Golgotha (Hebrew for The Place of the Skull), and one foot at the empty tomb, torn by the grief and love of what I saw and experienced with our Nigerian family.\u00a0 Intellectually and spiritually I understood, but the horror kept drawing me to the place of crucifixion \u2013 and there I realized that the atrocities continue today.<\/p>\n

This past holiday weekend it was grand to be with family and friends enjoying time together; celebrating graduation accomplishments; and taking care of my personal need to clean the car.\u00a0 How refreshing! Yet the news came fast Sunday afternoon that part of a family of which I am a member cannot rest, for violence awaits them.\u00a0 By Facebook, email, and texts, news arrived that five more EYN churches had been bombed, with 500+ houses were destroyed, many people killed, and 15,000 people displaced \u2013 many of them running to Cameroon.<\/p>\n

Dr. Rebecca Dali wrote, \u201cEvery day we are mourning.\u201d\u00a0 Markus Gamache wrote to say that he had just arrived at the Abuja airport and received sad news from his village. Twenty-one of his brothers had been killed in an attack on that very day, and he was told he should stay away.\u00a0 Markus pleaded \u201cGod have mercy on Wagga Village!\u201d Annual Conference secretary Jim Beckwith responded to Markus with these words, which speak for us all:<\/p>\n

\u201cWe are so very upset to hear this tragic, terrifying news.\u00a0 May God indeed have mercy on you and your family and your neighbors in Wagga village.\u00a0 And may the Lord confront Boko Haram in their innermost souls, stopping them in their tracks and turning them inside out like happened to Saul of Tarsus on the road to Damascus.\u00a0 May powerful prayers arise to earnestly seek a breakthrough of God’s peace.\u00a0 <\/em><\/p>\n

We continue to pray.\u00a0 May you know that you are not alone in your grief – may you be comforted to know that we are praying with you. You are our brother in Christ.\u00a0 And the Lord is with you.\u00a0 May you be aware of the presence of the Risen Lord Jesus to lead your loved ones into God’s Kingdom and to strengthen and renew your spirit within you.\u00a0 May the Lord hold onto you and empower you with the Holy Spirit.<\/em><\/p>\n

With faith in God’s love for you and with our love for you,<\/em><\/p>\n

–Jim Beckwith and the Annville Church of the Brethren<\/em><\/p>\n

Almost simultaneously, I wrote to Dr. Samuel Dante Dali, President of EYN, because I heard in his voice growing weariness from the violence and losses.\u00a0 I asked Samuel what more the US Brethren might do to support EYN, and when speaking to our government and the United Nations, what would he want us to share.\u00a0 His response came quickly and clearly:<\/p>\n

\u201cDear Brother Stan,<\/em><\/p>\n

Thank you very much for your concern, prayers and words of encouragement and comfort. I feel we are not alone. Also, thank for your promise to walk with us in this most difficult time in the ministry. Concerning the questions you raised let me respond to them as best I can. <\/em><\/p>\n

First, you are already supporting us . . . by praying for us and sending funds to help the victims. You are also sharing our stories with others, which is receiving a series of positive and encouraging responses. There is no more manner of helping more than this. We will only continue to be very grateful to you as you continue to walk with us.<\/em><\/p>\n

The response of the US government which I think will be appropriate and helpful in providing lasting solution to the Nigerian crisis is, in addition to identifying and rescuing the missing girls, the US security experts should also screen the Nigerian security service men \u2013 both military, police, SSS, past political leaders, and rich business men \u2013 with the aim to identify supporters and sympathizers of Boko Haram. After identifying such people, the US government should help to freeze their overseas accounts and deny them any visa to USA and other European countries.\u00a0 The US government can also help the Nigerian government with equipment that will assist the government in indentifying criminals wherever they are hiding. The US should reject business and relationship with any government in Africa that is supporting or hiding terrorist organizations.<\/em><\/p>\n

To the members of the United Nations, stop playing politics for selfish interest with the lives of citizens of other countries that have been attacked by terrorist groups by watching and leaving terrorist activists in other countries just as internal problem or matters those countries must deal with. Mercy, compassion and the importance of every human life should guide the thinking, the activities and action of the United Nations in responding to crisis in any nation. The United Nations is not a platform for displaying power and pride but an organization for empowering the weak, liberating the captive and the oppressed, and a place for justice. Finally, it should be a united force against terrorists.<\/em><\/p>\n

Finally, the role of the Christian Church in the situation we are facing today is to continue to pray together for God’s mercy and justice, encouraging the victims that they are not alone in their suffering, and sharing material things with the victims \u2013 especially those who have lost their source of living. Christians should feel and act together against any form of evil injustice, terrorism, and any form of religious fanaticism. The Christians across the world should strongly speak to the government of their nation to take strong action against evil, and stop supporting or having relationship with any government that is irresponsible for the life of its citizens and is supporting or hiding terrorist groups.<\/em><\/p>\n

I believe these to the best of my knowledge will help in addressing the current terrorist situation we are facing in Nigeria and across the world.<\/em><\/p>\n

Thanks for the questions again. Yours, Dr. Samuel Dante Dali.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

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photo by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford<\/small>
A cloth worn by the ZME women’s group of the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Samuel is calling us to engage in the spiritual discipline of prayer and fasting as a response to the violence they are witnessing.\u00a0 Other EYN leaders and members have been writing to me with resolve in their voices that nothing can shake them from their commitment to Christ and the Church.\u00a0 Through Samuel\u2019s letter we can recognize additional ways for the US Brethren to be faithful to God and faithful to our family in Nigeria.<\/p>\n

It seems to me that it is now time to engage more of our resources.\u00a0 In the midst of their own losses, EYN is reaching out not only to EYN families, but to neighbors and friends.\u00a0 Just like the church in Haiti following the earthquake, leadership is plotting a course of accompaniment, support, sustainability, and restoration of wholeness.<\/p>\n

The season of prayer and fasting has reached US churches across the country \u2013 Brethren and others \u2013 and the stories of this \u201con your knees\u201d discipline is reaching Nigeria. It is a blessing.\u00a0 The call to prayer has also spirited other denominations to support the EYN Compassion Fund.\u00a0 And most recently, the Wakarusa (Indiana) Elementary School accepted a challenge to raise $4,000 for the Chibok Girls and their families \u2013 an amount for which there is a matching grant. They chose to support the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria, knowing we have trusted direct partners in Dr. Rebecca Dali and CCEPI.<\/p>\n

Now it is our turn to get up off our knees and, in the heart and spirit of Jesus, serve.\u00a0 As the number of displaced people rises in Nigeria and in refugee camps in Cameroon, food security is at risk.\u00a0 EYN is serving the hungry, the sick, the homeless, the mourning . . . . and the list goes on.\u00a0 So we must respond generously with our resources to help empower EYN in their mission and service.\u00a0 It\u2019s time to give!<\/p>\n

We can also encourage our congregations to create cards and write letters to EYN.\u00a0 The messages can be sent with your Annual Conference delegates to Columbus.\u00a0\u00a0 Cards will be gathered on Saturday at the beginning of the afternoon business session during a time of remembrance and prayer for EYN.<\/p>\n

We are in the final stages of securing transportation for one of our Nigerian sisters or brothers to be present at Annual Conference and share their story.\u00a0 At the same time we meet in Columbus, the Rev. Dr. Samuel Dante Dali will be representing the Church of the Brethren at the World Council of Churches Central Committee meeting in Geneva, Switzerland, as my proxy. He will have opportunity to share first-hand experience with the Central Committee, and tell of the global Brethren response.<\/p>\n

Our grief and our love are being held at the same place.\u00a0 We, like the Nigerian church, must not be overcome by this great darkness, but rather, walk forward in the light of Christ.\u00a0 The darkness will not overcome us.\u00a0 Love is stronger than grief and will overcome this time.<\/p>\n

My sincere thanks is sent to each of you as members of the Church of the Brethren Leadership Team, Mission and Ministry Board, Council of District Executives, and\u00a0every pastor and congregation who took to their knees in prayer.\u00a0 Your support of this season of prayer and fasting has been so meaningful for the Brethren in the US and in Nigeria. It makes a difference.\u00a0 Thank you for being faithful followers of Jesus and coworkers with Christ.<\/p>\n

May God, Christ and Holy Spirit be with you.<\/p>\n

Stan Noffsinger, General Secretary
\nChurch of the Brethren<\/p>\n

5) A heart for bringing Christ: The Hills speak about their time in Nigeria<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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Photo by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford<\/small>
Roxane and Carl Hill at the church planting conference in Richmond, Ind., after their return from completing a term of service as mission workers and teachers at Kulp Bible College in Nigeria.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Newsline interviewed Carl and Roxane Hill shortly after they returned to the United States from a term of service at Kulp Bible College of Ekklesiyar Yan\u2019uwa a Nigeria (EYN–the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria). The Hills flew back to the US on May 14, in time to attend the church planting conference in Richmond, Ind., where Brethren videographer David Sollenberger taped a series of short interviews; find them at www.brethren.org\/partners\/nigeria\/news.html<\/a> .<\/em><\/p>\n

Following is the Newsline interview with the Hills:<\/em><\/p>\n

Newsline: What was your work in Nigeria?<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Carl Hill: When we went, Jay [Wittmeyer, Global Mission and Service executive] gave us two pieces of advice: go to Kulp Bible College and teach there. And don\u2019t try to change EYN church. The teaching load was light. Most of our down time was to exist, how to get food, water. The first semester we were there it was particularly hot, and I lost 25 pounds and Roxane lost….<\/p>\n

Roxane Hill: Fifteen pounds. Just getting food was challenging. We didn\u2019t actually take any food with us that time, and it was very difficult. You could get pasta and rice and fresh vegetables, whenever there was any, but meat…. We could always get eggs. With fried rice, that was our main protein.<\/p>\n

We were not supposed to drive outside of the area. We were allowed to drive one stretch of road up to the EYN headquarters, but on the main road we were asked not to drive. So every time we even wanted bread or vegetables or bottled water, we\u2019d have to get a driver. EYN staff didn\u2019t let us go into the real market because it\u2019s too congested and too dangerous. But there was this little roadside area we\u2019d go on not-market-day and buy fruit and vegetables.<\/p>\n

Carl: The locals would say, \u201cAll these Muslims, you don\u2019t know if they\u2019re members of the Boko Haram or not.\u201d<\/p>\n

Newsline: There\u2019s that level of distrust in the community, because you don\u2019t know who\u2019s who?<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Carl: That\u2019s why they [Boko Haram] are so sinister. A lot of times they\u2019d be living in the community, and at night they would go and participate in attacks.<\/p>\n

Roxane: Or they\u2019re funding it. Or working in it and giving information. You never know which government people are in it. That\u2019s really one of the big problems.<\/p>\n

Carl: We didn\u2019t understand all the politics of it.<\/p>\n

Refugees pose a real hardship for everyone<\/span><\/p>\n

Roxane: The area that\u2019s been hit hardest is the Gwoza area. Soon after we got to Nigeria that area started being attacked. That\u2019s where all the refugees have come from. It\u2019s a real hardship for everyone in those tribes, who live anywhere else, because they have to take the refugees in, and they\u2019re already struggling to make ends meet.<\/p>\n

The guy who herds goats and sheep and cows for Kulp Bible College is from that tribe. He had 40 to 50 extra people at his house. One of the students saw 20 people eating out of one little bowl of food. He came and said, \u201cCan\u2019t we help them with something?\u201d So we were able to give them food. That\u2019s the same family that we went to with Rebecca Dali\u2019s CCEPI group [Center for Caring, Empowerment, and Peace Initiatives] and were able to help again. Out of those 40 or 50 people there were about 8 different families.<\/p>\n

\"\"
During their trip to Nigeria in April, general secretary Stan Noffsinger and mission executive Jay Wittmeyer visited with Church of the Brethren mission workers Roxane and Carl Hill, and Carol Smith.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The administrative secretary is from Gwoza area. So we asked him, if they know the Boko Haram is coming often, why don\u2019t they leave? Why don\u2019t they go find some other place? He says, \u201cHow can they? There are 100,000 people still left in that area.\u201d He says, \u201cHow do you transplant thousands of people when every other place in the country is crowded and is using the land for their own farms?\u201d<\/p>\n

At the school, we didn\u2019t notice the population, how crowded it is. But you leave there and go anywhere else…. Nigeria is the size of Texas and half of Oklahoma, but it has half the population of the US in that area. And they\u2019re all basically subsistence living. Just living off their produce and any little thing they can sell.<\/p>\n

Newsline: It\u2019s just so hard to understand from a perspective like the United States.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Roxane: You go there and you can\u2019t explain what the US is like, because it doesn\u2019t translate at all. And you come back here and you can\u2019t explain what it\u2019s like there, it\u2019s just another world.<\/p>\n

There are thousands of people who have been displaced and moved. They\u2019ve lost their house, they\u2019ve lost all their clothing, they don\u2019t have their farm anymore, they have no way of making any income. So they\u2019re just devastated, and they have nothing. So even if you give them $1,000, think about that. Could you start over on $1,000? No! And they can\u2019t either. They\u2019re so thankful, but it\u2019s really that much need. Dr. Dali has calculated it, and says that $75,000 is still just a drop in the bucket. They\u2019ve set up a committee to use those funds wisely and make sure it doesn\u2019t get misused.<\/p>\n

Carl: About the compassion money that\u2019s going to EYN, you know $10,000 is 1.6 million Naira [the Nigerian currency]. Just like here, a million six is a lot of money! And it buys a lot there. So with $10,000 you really make a huge contribution to their needs.<\/p>\n

Newsline: I was going to ask how they\u2019re using that money. Is it basically for refugees?<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Roxane: Some of it is given to district executives to distribute, because they know the needs better. But it\u2019s always a problem to know how to distribute it well.<\/p>\n

Carl: So they have committees. And whenever you have a committee to do something like that, it slows the process down. And maybe the right people don\u2019t get the aid that they need, or they don\u2019t get it quick enough. So Rebecca Dali started her nongovernmental organization, and she is actually reaching the people at the grassroots level.<\/p>\n

\u2018We want you to come to our church\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

Carl: After we were there half the semester, one of the students came to me and said, \u201cWe want you to come to our church, I want to show you to my church.\u201d I said, \u201cWhat do you mean?\u201d He said, \u201cYou come to our church and you preach.\u201d So that was the first [church visit]. It was really exciting for them because some of these people have not seen a white missionary. Their parents had but some of the kids have never seen white people.<\/p>\n

We had a relationship with this church in Uba, which is about 13 miles north of Kulp Bible College. We went there about three or four times. Besides preaching, one person wanted me to come and help officiate a wedding. The next time we went, we participated in baby dedications. Twenty-one babies. And then the next time they wanted baptisms. And so we did 21 baptisms.<\/p>\n

We ended up going to probably about 16 to 18 churches for EYN. That was really a big eye opener for us because we had been secluded at Kulp Bible College. We got to go see what the churches were like. You know, they\u2019re big. The smallest congregation I preached at was 600, and the biggest in Mubi was about 1,300 in one service.<\/p>\n

Roxane: A young man we met on the first day, Joshua, was our translator whenever we went to churches. Sometimes I would preach, mostly Carl would. So Joshua would come to our house, first he\u2019d hear the sermon once and try to translate, then he\u2019d write down all the words he didn\u2019t know, and then do it one more time, before doing the final. Every time we went somewhere he\u2019d already invested two run throughs. He is a remarkable young man. He was a huge joy for us, we called him our son and he called us his baturi parents.<\/p>\n

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Photo by Roxane Hill<\/small>
Carl Hill with one of his classes at Kulp Bible College in Nigeria<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Newsline: How large is EYN in total right now?<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Carl: They don\u2019t know, totally. But they have 50 districts. And, for instance, Uba alone–which is a good sized town–probably has six EYN churches. We went to four of the six. All of those were between 800 and 1,200 people.<\/p>\n

Roxane: I\u2019ve heard about close to a million [total EYN membership]. But you have to pay to get your member card, and some people really can\u2019t afford that. And that doesn\u2019t include children. Children do not come to the service with the families. Children have Sunday school early in the morning. So when you say 1,000, that\u2019s not with any children in the service.<\/p>\n

Newsline: The largest congregation in EYN is still Maiduguri Number 1?<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Carl: Yes, it would be like 5,000. Some of the smaller churches have gone by the wayside because of all the violence.<\/p>\n

Roxane: Many of the churches are walled now, with big metal gates and a metal bar across the gate. If it\u2019s any size city at all they have to have police there at their worship services.<\/p>\n

Carl: All over northeastern Nigeria every public building is now fenced and gated with a big safety bar over it. Police stations, schools, banks. It\u2019s scary.<\/p>\n

Roxane: When we went to a church we would always ask ahead and coordinate with the EYN headquarters people. Is it okay to go to this place? One time we were going to go and help with Boys Brigade, which is like a Christian boy scouts. Then something happened, it was targeted, and they said it wasn\u2019t safe and we had to cancel.<\/p>\n

Newsline: What classes did you teach?<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Carl: I was the New Testament guy, so I did the synoptics and John\u2019s gospel and Revelation and Acts and Paul\u2019s letters, New Testament background, and a class in worship.<\/p>\n

Roxane: The first semester we co-taught a Sunday school class. Then we presented a class that would be for adults in Sunday school, based on a class on spiritual maturity at Saddleback Community Church in Orange County, Calif. We presented that to all the district secretaries, when 50 of them came in for their annual gathering. I taught in the women\u2019s school some. I tried to teach them English, and I taught some other classes too. Then I started teaching English in the diploma program, and a spiritual formation class.<\/p>\n

Newsline: How many students are at Kulp Bible College?<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Carl: Probably 150, mainly men, but some women in both programs. I had two classes with 36 and 38.<\/p>\n

\u2018We were able to live generously\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

Roxane: Some of the other things we did: Carl did some private tutoring. We allowed [cell phone] charging at our house, when we had the generator on, because the electricity is so sporadic. We had solar, that was a service we provided, so they really appreciated us. We encouraged and let people come and go. We had study groups. We did editing for students and staff. I did a women\u2019s Bible study with Rosa, who wants to go to Bethany. We helped people who got a computer and didn\u2019t know how to use it. We helped staff with the Internet, and printed things for people. A couple younger girls came in and did cooking with me. Carl gave driving lessons. The home management class of the women was to bake cakes but they had no oven. So then they\u2019d come and ask me, can we do it at your oven?<\/p>\n

Newsline: It sounds like you filled in places where you could, and the needs that you saw.<\/em><\/strong><\/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

Carl: We had the ability because it was so cheap to live there. The little amount of money that we had went a long way. If somebody was really down, or their child was sick and they couldn\u2019t afford to take her to the clinic, we would sometimes give the money.<\/p>\n

Roxane: A girl got bit by a snake, they took her immediately to the clinic, but then they couldn\u2019t pay the bill, so we helped with that. The need was usually under $20, from $5 to $20. That was a huge joy we had, being able to live generously there. We helped repair vehicles, we paid for medicine, we paid clinic fees, we bought food, we bought petrol, we paid travel costs, we sponsored people to NYC [National Youth Conference], we sponsored Boy\u2019s Brigade, Girl\u2019s Brigade, women\u2019s ministry, we bought Bibles, we got glasses for people, we paid school fees, we bought materials for Sunday school, we got food for refugees, we gave business loans–all those things we were able to do with just a little bit of money.<\/p>\n

One time Carl had $2 in his pocket and felt compelled to give it to a student who was in one of Carl\u2019s classes. I was thinking, \u201cWhy are you wasting your time giving just $2? He won\u2019t be able to do anything with it.\u201d The next day he came back, almost in tears. He said, \u201cThat money put enough gas in my motorcycle that I could go to my farm and pick up all the produce.\u201d He had bagged it all up but he couldn\u2019t get it back home because he didn\u2019t have the transport fee. Two dollars paid for that, and he was so appreciative. You can\u2019t put a price on being able to help like that.<\/p>\n

Newsline: Tell me how you think EYN is doing?<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Carl: It\u2019s big, you know, and they need help. Your typical church has, say, 800 people, and they have two paid staff–the pastor and the associate pastor. They have some degree of education. A lot of the pastors went to Kulp, and then maybe went to TCNN [the Theological College of Northern Nigeria] and got an advanced degree which is usually a year and a half master of New Testament or Old Testament. And then the associate has maybe a certificate of Christian religion. But with 800, you know, there\u2019s no way they can minister to all those people.<\/p>\n

Roxane: EYN has been trying to encourage spiritual maturity, spiritual growth. They\u2019re starting to lose a bit of their young people because the program is pretty traditional. And the young people are starting to pick up different music, they want a different style of worship and want to do things differently. Some congregations combat that with the English service, which allows some of these young groups to do more of their music. But in the cities, it\u2019s hard to keep the EYN youth and young adults interested in the church. So that\u2019s another hurdle they\u2019re going to have to address.<\/p>\n

A reliance on faith<\/span><\/p>\n

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photo by Carl Hill<\/small>
Roxane Hill with some of the girls she mentored while working in Nigeria<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Carl: The neatest thing is their typical prayer. They start by thanking God that they are counted among the living that day. It\u2019s so basic that we take it for granted here. But they see every day as a blessing from God.<\/p>\n

Roxane: They have a reliance on faith that is very basic.<\/p>\n

Carl: Another thing EYN does is giving. They set two big giant baskets up at the front of the church and aisle by aisle they march down and they place their offering in the basket. They dance down the aisle in a certain way, and we kind of learned how to do it. They know what it is to be joyful givers–something that we could really learn here, because it\u2019s supposed to be that way. After you see it once, you\u2019re just really impressed.<\/p>\n

At the end [of our time at Kulp Bible College] they had what\u2019s called a \u201csend forth\u201d service for us, and every tribe was represented. They got into tribal outfits, and they danced their traditional tribal dances. We were the guests of honor.<\/p>\n

Roxane: We knew so many of the people who were putting it on, that\u2019s what made it so fun.<\/p>\n

Carl: It was to show us that they appreciated us. We asked, \u201cEven though you went to all this trouble to send us forth, what if we decide to come back?\u201d They said, \u201cNo, no. We thought about that. We\u2019re praying that you do.\u201d<\/p>\n

Newsline: Would you think about going back?<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Roxane: Not that we wouldn\u2019t. It\u2019s just that we\u2019ve had a heart for church planting for five or ten years. This experience of intercultural living among the people–that\u2019s what we want to take into a new place, and bring Christ, just like we did in Nigeria. We\u2019re just waiting on God. We can go wherever he sends us.<\/p>\n

6) A round up of Nigeria news<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

A gathering of news and updates from Nigeria, along with news of continuing prayer and support for Nigerian Brethren from US congregations and ecumenical partners:<\/em><\/p>\n

— Last week Nigerian media reported that the Boko Haram insurgent group released four<\/strong> of the more than 200 schoolgirls kidnapped from a secondary school in Chibok, quoting the chairman of the Chibok Local Government Area who spoke at a meeting held by the National Emergency Management Agency drafting a humanitarian response plan. However, since then other Nigerian media reports have quoted a man said to be a negotiator retained by the Nigerian government to seek the girls\u2019 release, saying that girls who have fallen ill have not yet been released by the insurgent group. Find these news reports at http:\/\/allafrica.com\/stories\/201405290425.html<\/a> and at http:\/\/allafrica.com\/stories\/201406022543.html<\/a> .<\/p>\n

— Killings by Boko Haram have continued in northeastern Nigeria, including the murder of the Emir of Gwoza.<\/strong> The emir was a traditional Muslim leader for the Gwoza area near the Cameroon border, where there have been repeated violent attacks in which many have died. The emir was killed in an ambush that reportedly occurred on a road near Garkida, the place where the Church of the Brethren Mission first started in Nigeria. Also over the weekend, an attack in the Gamboru Ngala area of Borno State killed some 42 people–in the same area where an attack three weeks ago left at least 300 dead. All Christians are reported to be fleeing the Gwoza area. The Emir of Gwoza, Alhaji Idrissa Shehu Timta, was killed while traveling in a convoy with the Emir of Uba, and the Emir of Askira. Reported AllAfrica.com: \u201cAn Askira palace source who spoke to journalists in Maiduguri on telephone said: \u2018The people of Uba and Gwoza were shocked and terrified with the sad news that our royal fathers were attacked by armed youths in Toyota Hilux vehicles and motorcycles at a spot on Garkida Road this morning.\u2019 … The government described the late Emir as a great man who worked very hard to promote peace and progress in Gwoza. He was a pillar and one of the rallying points in Borno State. He visibly worked very hard in the search for peace in Gwoza since the insurgency began.\u201d Read the report at http:\/\/allafrica.com\/stories\/201405310026.html<\/a> .<\/p>\n

— The abduction of two more EYN women by Boko Haram was reported in a May 20<\/strong> e-mail from Rebecca Dali,<\/strong> wife of president Samuel Dali of Ekklesiyar Yan\u2019uwa a Nigeria (EYN, the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria). The two EYN women were abducted in Barawa, on their way from church the previous Sunday. In her e-mail, she added: \u201cI am on my way to Yola for peaceful demonstration with widows who lost their husbands through bombings, slaughtering, and some of their husbands were abducted with 1 or 2 sons killed. So traumatized.\u201d The Dalis\u2019 daughter who is in Law School and was on Court attachment in Jos, survived a bomb blast in central Jos on May 21. \u201cThe bomb was placed few metres away from where she was shopping,\u201d Rebecca Dali wrote. \u201cWe need peace in Nigeria.\u201d<\/p>\n

— After bombings May 21 in the city of Jos in central Nigeria,<\/strong> in which more than 100 people were killed, \u201cheart-felt sorrow and condolences\u201d were expressed in a joint statement by Olav Fykse Tveit, general secretary of the World Council of Churches, and Prince Ghazi bin Muhammad of Jordan, chair of the Royal Aal Al-Bayt Institute for Islamic Thought, according to a WCC release. \u201cWe strongly condemn the recent bombings in Jos, Nigeria. The location and timing of the bombings clearly were designed to cause indiscriminate and widespread casualties among passers-by, and among rescue workers who were coming to their aid,\u201d read the statement. Both religious leaders were in Jos in 2012 with a Christian-Muslim delegation to Nigeria. They stressed that the horrific acts do not represent in any way either of their two religions. \u201cThey have made us even more determined to find ways to support the people of Nigeria and those who are seeking to put an end to violence in the country,\u201d said the statement. \u201cPeace is a blessing from God. Christianity and Islam call for peace and harmony among all of humanity, and do not condone or allow offensive warfare or aggression.\u201d Read full text at www.oikoumene.org\/en\/resources\/documents\/general-secretary\/joint-declarations\/wcc-rabiit-statement-on-jos-bombings<\/a> .<\/p>\n

— A \u201creader viewpoint\u201d by former Bethany Seminary president Eugene F. Roop<\/strong> was published by the \u201cHerald-Bulletin\u201d in Anderson, Ind., calling for support for the people of Nigeria following on the kidnapping of the schoolgirls from Chibok. Published May 27, the letter titled, \u201cPray, give to help victims of Nigerian kidnapping,\u201d noted the local connections saying, \u201cWhile Anderson and Chibok are divided by oceans and miles, this troublesome story hits the Anderson Church of the Brethren personally…. We know that over 200 of the kidnapped girls are from Brethren families. These are very much \u2018our girls,\u2019 as are those of other faiths–including Muslim–who have faced similar violence in Africa. They are all our girls,\u201d Roop wrote. \u201cThe problems girls and women face in Africa are too numerous for this short piece: overwhelming poverty, harsh environments, the lack of adequate health care and a cultural resistance to educating females reflect just a drop in the bucket of challenges confronting half of Africa\u2019s population. We cannot directly rescue the girls. Whatever the political outcome–and whether or not the girls are returned to their families–this kidnapping will continue to have tragic consequences. There will be an ongoing need for assistance for the girls and for their families.\u201d Roop called the Anderson community to extend financial support to Nigerian Brethren through the Anderson Church of the Brethren. Read the letter at www.heraldbulletin.com\/opinion\/x2117421881\/Reader-viewpoint-Pray-give-to-help-victims-of-Nigerian-kidnapping<\/a> .<\/p>\n

— A fundraiser for the families of the abducted girls<\/strong> sponsored by Prince of Peace Church of the Brethren in Littleton, Colo., received coverage from CBS Denver, Channel 4. The evening titled \u201cBring Back Our Girls!: A Night of Compassion and Action,\u201d took place May 27 at the church near Denver and featured video from peacemaking work in Nigeria, an opportunity to speak to church members who have served in Nigeria as teachers or workers, music, refreshments, a silent auction, and merchandise sales. The event benefited the EYN Compassion Fund. Find the CBS coverage, which describes Prince of Peace as \u201ca small church with a big heart,\u201d at http:\/\/denver.cbslocal.com\/2014\/05\/26\/littleton-church-with-ties-to-kidnapped-nigerian-girls-to-hold-fundraiser<\/a> .<\/p>\n

— Elizabeth A. Eaton, presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA),<\/strong> has expressed deep concern for the continued disappearance of the more than 200 girls kidnapped in Nigeria and the continued violence there, according to an ELCA release. She has written letters to Nigerian religious leaders including president Samuel Dali of Ekklesiyar Yan\u2019uwa a Nigeria (EYN, the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria), and to Nigeria\u2019s ambassador to the United States. In her letters to Dali and to Archbishop Nemuel A. Babba of the Lutheran Church of Christ in Nigeria, Eaton wrote: \u201cWe pray with you for God\u2019s guidance, the government of Nigeria and all those involved in securing the return of the girls.\u201d In her letter to Nigerian ambassador Adebowale Ibidapo Adefuye, Eaton wrote: \u201cOur concern (for the girls) is not based merely on principle, although we would most certainly issue concern about such an incident based upon the ELCA\u2019s long-standing commitment to human rights, especially the rights of children. The Gospel of Mark 10:16 reminds Christians of the special regard and care Jesus himself had for children; as followers of Jesus, we believe that children should be treated as Christ lovingly cared for them.\u201d She also expressed hope for a peaceful resolution to this situation \u201cknowing that we serve a God of peace.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

7) What does the Emergent Church movement have to say to Brethren?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

By Debbie Eisenbise and Tim McNinch<\/p>\n

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Credit: Blue Ocean Summit<\/small><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

What does the Emergent Church movement have to say to us Brethren? The Vineyard Church of Ann Arbor and St. Clare\u2019s Episcopal Church (two very different congregations in Ann Arbor, Mich.) co-sponsored the Blue Ocean Summit, an ecumenical conference, May 15-17. Blue Ocean Faith is an informal network of churches, leaders, and laity who aim to live out vibrant Christian faith in predominantly secular settings, among and with secular-leaning folk.<\/p>\n

The case was made that more and more people in the United States consider themselves to be unaffiliated with any faith. Charles Park, pastor of the River Church in Manhattan, N.Y., quoted a survey that asked people to give the first word that came to mind when they heard \u201cChristian.\u201d More than 85 percent reported: \u201cjudgmental.\u201d This was not a surprise to most of the 250 in attendance, but a point of confession and motivation. How can we reach those who are skeptical but curious about faith, in a way that fully conveys the love of Christ? How can we welcome people into worship, engage them in service, pray for and with them, just as they are?<\/p>\n

The challenge of the conference was articulated in its theme: \u201cThe Holy Spirit: For Everyone, Everywhere, All the Time.\u201d The underlying assumption: that the Holy Spirit is relevant not just to Christians, but (as Dave Schmelzer, Blue Ocean Faith\u2019s national director, put it) \u201cto that category of people called \u2018people.\u2019\u201d The Spirit of God goes before us even in this secular culture, and conversation and community can provide understandings and experiences that cultivate faith.<\/p>\n

Keynote speaker Phyllis Tickle, author of the seminal book, \u201cThe Great Emergence: How Christianity is Changing and Why\u201d (Baker Books, 2012), suggested that a new theological and liturgical emphasis on the Holy Spirit is emerging in this time of cultural transition. She contended that historical shifts come down to crises of authority, and that the church in the West is now moving from Luther\u2019s emphasis upon the scripture alone to a Spirit-centered faith. This speaks to our Brethren roots in Spirit-led worship and in Alexander Mack\u2019s counsel* that only through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit is one \u201cimpelled through inner hearing, to true obedience.\u201d<\/p>\n

When asked about the Church of the Brethren and the Emergent Church, Tickle commented: \u201cThe Church of the Brethren is new enough, young enough, and nimble enough to embrace the Emergent Church movement and help it along, give it some rootedness. The Brethren peace position is where the church is going, yet, ironically, the Brethren are not wholly engaged in the Emergent movement.\u201d<\/p>\n

A recurring theme at the Blue Ocean Summit was the sociological description of Christian community as a \u201ccentered set\u201d with participation contingent not on maintenance of in-or-out boundaries, but movement toward a central focus (Jesus). This emphasizes lived values rather than dogma; which again echoes our own theology.<\/p>\n

Conversations and discussions at the conference lifted up the multiplicity of ways by which one may grow in faith, from praying the hours, to speaking in tongues, to living in community, to establishing coffee houses rather than churches, and hosting discussions on topics of spiritual depth online, in living rooms and in public settings.<\/p>\n

A challenge to our denomination is to consider how we might better engage the world around us while expressing our faith. The first Brethren held open-air baptisms. They took their faith public. How could we do that today? And what do we have to share with those in the Emergent Church movement?<\/p>\n

* Alexander Mack wrote: \u201cA man can…read the Scriptures outwardly and talk and write about them, but, if the spirit of faith is not in him, he will not be concerned with the commandments therein, nor be frightened very much by the threats which they contain. This is because the inner ears are not yet opened…. When a believing person whose inner ears are opened reads the Holy Scriptures outwardly, he will hear as the Lord Jesus intends…. He will also be impelled through his inner hearing, to true obedience…[which] gives him strength and power to follow Jesus\u201d (\u201cThe Complete Writings of Alexander Mack,\u201d p. 84).<\/p>\n

— Debbie Eisenbise and Tim McNinch co-wrote this piece for Newsline. Eisenbise is an ordained minister in the Church of the Brethren, living in Kalamazoo, Mich. McNinch attends Skyridge Church of the Brethren in Kalamazoo. They report that the \u201cAnabaptist contingent\u201d at the Blue Ocean Summit also included Paul Versluis, pastor of Ann Arbor (Mich.) Church of the Brethren\/Mennonite Church, and his wife, Elisabeth, and a pastor from Reba Place, a Mennonite community in the Chicago area.<\/em><\/p>\n

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

— Remembered: Harry Miller Gardner,<\/strong> 88, of Harrisonburg, Va., passed away at his home on May 17. For 22 years, he served in one of the following capacities: senior official for the US Department of Education, special assistant to the Secretaries or Assistant Secretaries of Education, director of External Affairs for the Department, or executive director of the President’s Advisory Committee on International Education. He traveled extensively in the US and overseas, working with governors, legislators, and key educators. He also worked with Indian and migrant education programs, regularly attended meetings at the White House, and had regular input into the Secretary’s speeches delivered on behalf of the President on national education issues. Gardner was born Oct. 1, 1925, in Lebanon County, Pa., to Elmer Miller and Grace Showalter Gardner. The family moved to Rockingham County and eventually settled in Bridgewater, Va. He graduated in 1950 from Bridgewater College. He earned a master of divinity degree after attending Wesley Theological Seminary and Bethany Theological Seminary, and earned a doctorate in Systematic Theology in 1962 after attending Boston and Harvard Universities. He was an invited theologian\/lecturer at universities in Scotland, Germany, and England. For more than 20 years he served as pastor of churches in Maryland, Illinois, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and Virginia; was a district moderator; authored articles for Brethren and other Christian publications; was a speaker for Annual Conference; and was a Standing Committee member. He also was a trustee for Bridgewater College. Most recently he was a member of Bridgewater Church of the Brethren and an associate member of Vienna (Va.) Presbyterian Church. He married the late Glenna Garber in 1949 and after 17 years of marriage, Glenna died of cancer. He later married Norma Jean Weagley, who survives, and they celebrated 45 years of marriage. Surviving in addition to his wife are daughters Lisa Gardner Anderson and Andrea Nolley and husband Curtis, and grandson Ryan Nolley, all of Harrisonburg. A memorial service was held May 24 at Bridgewater Church of the Brethren. Memorial gifts are received to Bridgewater Church of the Brethren, Hahn Cancer Center, or Shenandoah Valley Choral Society.<\/p>\n

— Kelley Brenneman has been named to an internship in the Brethren Historical Library and Archives (BHLA).<\/strong> The year-long internship is at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill. Since the fall of 2011, Brenneman has been working as a student assistant, most recently archival assistant, in the Funderberg Library at Manchester University in North Manchester, Ind., serving alongside the archivist. She also has been a summer student worker at the Funderberg Library in 2012 and 2013. This month she is to earn her bachelor of arts degree in history from Manchester University, where she has been vice president of the Simply Brethren student group. Raised in the Church of the Brethren, she is a member of Agape Church of the Brethren in Fort Wayne, Ind. She will begin her work at the BHLA on June 30.<\/p>\n

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— On Earth Peace seeks a part-time Peace Day Campaign organizer.<\/strong> The Peace Day Campaign focuses on Sept. 21, which is Peace Day as recognized by the UN and the World Council of Churches. Since 2007, On Earth Peace has invited and equipped congregations and community groups to organize peace prayer events, averaging 170 groups each year in the US and other countries. In 2014, Peace Day falls on Sunday and On Earth Peace is expanding the reach of the campaign with a social media presence and intentional relational follow up. The position averages 12 hours per week from hire date through Oct. 30. Pay is $15 per hour. Preferred location is Portland, Ore. Responsibilities include social media organizing, making connections and recruiting participant groups for Peace Day, handling logistics and promotion for conference calls for networking between Peace Day event planners\/organizers, documentation of campaign participation, among others. Qualifications include demonstrated history of effective practices with social media, experience with public relations and communications, confidence and readiness to make calls to potential participants\/organizers, self-starting ability, ability to document contacts and keep records, rooted and conversant in Christian peacemaking and peacebuilding, familiarity with congregational life, high level of proficiency in spoken and written English with multilingual skills a plus, proficiency with GoogleDocs\/Drive, Microsoft Office, Constant Contact, Tumblr, Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest. Submit a cover letter and resume highlighting qualifications for this position to PeaceDay@OnEarthPeace.org<\/a> . In light of the high social media requirement, cover letter should include up to five sample Twitter posts as if posting via the @PeaceDayPray account using hashtags, etc., or other sample social media posts. Applicants who are invited to interview will do so live or via webcam. A simulated role play phone conversation with a potential Peace Day participant will be part of the interview process. Applications will be reviewed beginning May 28, with start date as soon as possible. See\u00a0 www.PeaceDayPray.org<\/a> for more about the campaign. Find the full position listing at http:\/\/faithful-steward.tumblr.com\/post\/86425139084\/on-earth-peace-position-listing-peace-day<\/a> .<\/p>\n

\"\"— Brethren Benefit Trust (BBT) seeks a member services representative, Employee Benefits.<\/strong> This full-time hourly position is based at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill. The primary function is to perform the daily operations of the Pension and Insurance plans and provide plan information to staff and participants as requested. Duties include maintaining a working knowledge of all pension and insurance systems and products; serving as secondary customer service contact for Pension and Insurance; maintaining\/processing daily operational work for Pension and Insurance; assisting with maintaining Pension Plan Summary Plan Description and Plan Highlights, as well as Legal Plan Document Supplements; and performing tasks for Church Workers Assistance Plan. The ideal candidate will have knowledge of employee benefits, including an understanding of pension and insurance plans. This position requires attention to detail and proficiency with computer systems and applications, ability to interact effectively with customers to provide information in response to inquiries about products and services and to handle and resolve complaints, strong communications skills, and a track record of providing superior customer service. Current and active membership in the Church of the Brethren is preferred; current and active membership in a faith community is required. Salary and benefits are competitive with Church Benefits Association agencies of comparable size and scope of services. A full benefits package is included. Apply by sending a letter of interest, r\u00e9sum\u00e9, three professional references, and salary-range expectation to Donna March, 1505 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120; or dmarch@cobbt.org<\/a> . For more information about Brethren Benefit Trust, visit www.brethrenbenefittrust.org<\/a> .<\/p>\n

— The Zigler Hospitality Center at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md., seeks volunteers<\/strong> to serve as host and hostess in 2015.<\/strong> The center is in need of outgoing, generous individuals and couples to help provide Christian hospitality and conference services to a variety of guests in a cozy and homey atmosphere. Maturity and detail orientation are needed along with a friendly approach and a genuine interest in providing excellent customer service. The Zigler Hospitality Center functions on an ecumenical basis and people of all faiths and backgrounds have been welcomed to the campus. Zigler Hospitality Center includes two buildings with 12 guest rooms accommodating up to 30 guests, 6 conference rooms, outdoor recreation, and a full dining and banquet facility. Training, a furnished apartment, meals, and a stipend are provided during the period of service. Join for a month, several months, a year, or longer. Volunteers are blessed in many ways by the extraordinary groups and individuals who visit the Zigler Hospitality Center. For more information about joining this unique ministry, contact Cori Hahn, Hospitality Coordinator, at 800-766-1553 or chahn@brethren.org<\/a> .<\/p>\n

— The Zigler Hospitality Center seeks volunteer kitchen assistants<\/strong> to serve at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md. The kitchen assistants serve alongside staff, and \u201cserve the servants\u201d by assisting in the preparation of food for volunteer work groups and guests. Work includes preparing and serving continental breakfast and catered snacks for overnight guests, assisting in preparation of the salad bar for campus lunch, assisting in preparation for banquets and special events, working in the dish room, and following all sanitation and health department rules and regulations. As a resident volunteer, the kitchen assistants are provided with furnished one-bedroom efficiency apartment with private bath, living area, and kitchen on campus. Volunteers are welcome to partake of meals served in the dining room and are provided a food stipend to cover days when meals are not provided. The center welcomes couples who would like to serve together. If a volunteer has a physical handicap, contact with the center staff is encouraged to determine whether service at the Zigler Hospitality Center is a good fit overall. Terms of service are available from a minimum of two months to a maximum of two years. Volunteers are scheduled two days off weekly and an additional week of vacation for six months of service. Volunteers are blessed in many ways by the extraordinary groups and individuals who visit the center. Contact Cori Hahn, Hospitality Coordinator, at 800-766-1553 or chahn@brethren.org<\/a> .<\/p>\n

\"\"— Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS) partnered with Oak Grove Church of the Brethren<\/strong> in Roanoke, Va., to host a free BVS Connections Dinner on May 30. Alumni of BVS were invited to come share their stories of service–where they served, work they accomplished, and how it has shaped them. Anyone who served in BVS, supported the ministry, or considers volunteering in the future was welcome. The menu for the evening was pasta, salad, and bread. To contact BVS recruitment about future BVS Connections Dinners hosted by churches, contact Ben Bear at 703-835-3612 or bbear@brethren.org<\/a> .<\/p>\n

— Huntsdale Church of the Brethren in Southern Pennsylvania District is celebrating its 150th year<\/strong> with an \u201cOutdoor Worship and Old Fashioned Sunday School Picnic\u201d on July 13. Sunday school will begin at 9 a.m. and worship at 10 a.m. \u201cAll are welcome to come and help celebrate their heritage of a continuing faith!\u201d said an invitation.<\/p>\n

— Carlisle (Pa.) Church of the Brethren celebrates its 100th anniversary<\/strong> on June 21 and 22. Events include a chicken barbecue on the evening of June 21, and a lunch following morning worship on June 22. Please RSVP to carlislecob@embarqmail.com<\/a> or 717-243-4984.<\/p>\n

— Berkey Church of the Brethren in Windber, Pa., holds its 55th Annual Strawberry Festival<\/strong> on Saturday, June 21, from 4-7 p.m. \u201cCome enjoy the food and fellowship!\u201d said an invitation. A free will offering will be taken, proceeds will go to outreach ministry.<\/p>\n

— This is the 20th year of a free concert series sponsored by Mountville (Pa.) Church of the Brethren,<\/strong> reports Lancaster Online, a news website. The Lawn Concert Series has been organized for 20 years by John Hess, music director at the Mountville Church, and has drawn up to 1,000 to 2,000 people. \u201cMy number one thing is to bring as many local groups as I can,\u201d he told Lancaster Online. \u201cI always try to start with the Bainbridge Band and the New Holland Band ends it. There\u2019s a lot of history there. They are the oldest bands in the county.\u201d The series this year includes a special concert to celebrate Mountville\u2019s 200th anniversary. Concerts are free, and include ice cream served by community groups. Find the Lancaster Online article at http:\/\/lancasteronline.com\/entertainment\/th-year-for-free-concert-series-in-mountville\/article_7e5046ec-e74a-11e3-9716-001a4bcf6878.html<\/a> .<\/p>\n

— In a meat canning update<\/strong> in the Southern Pennsylvania District newsletter, 44,880 pounds of chicken was canned in four days, with another day for labeling. This represents 986 cases or 23,664 cans of chicken. All bills ($68,196.80) were paid for the project this year; funds are received to build a base for next year\u2019s project. Portions of the canned meat have been distributed to agencies and churches who will distribute to local food banks. The Brethren Service Center will ship seven skids of meat to Honduras. Next year will be the 38th year of the meat canning project, which is a partnership of Atlantic Northeast and Southern Pennsylvania Districts.<\/p>\n

— Camp Harmony, an outdoor ministry center<\/strong> in Western Pennsylvania District, will celebrate its 90th anniversary on June 1. Festivities take place from 12 noon to 9 p.m. and include a chicken barbecue (cost $7.50 per meal), music and other talents in the Tabernacle from 2-4 p.m., swimming from 1-5 p.m., hay rides throughout the day, and a Celebration of Worship with a rededication and anniversary campfire at 6 p.m. For more information call Camp Harmony at 814-798-5885.<\/p>\n

— \u201cHelp us reach 1,001 campers this summer!\u201d<\/strong> said a recent newsletter from Camp Bethel, a Church of the Brethren outdoor ministry center near Fincastle, Va. \u201cEach year, more and more parents choose Camp Bethel’s summer camping excellence. Our goal is to bring 1001 campers to Camp Bethel in 2014!\u201d For more information go to www.campbethelvirginia.org\/summer.htm<\/a> .<\/p>\n

— The Brethren Home Community,<\/strong> a Church of the Brethren retirement community in Windber, Pa., has achieved the top rating of 5 stars in the Medicare Medicaid rating system for 2014. The announcement by administrator Edie Scaletta appeared in the Western Pennsylvania District newsletter. \u201cBoth our staff and administration have worked hard to raise our standards to this high level,\u201d the announcement said. In more news from the Brethren Home Community, it has once again been included in the Lee Initiatives grant cycle this spring. The home\u2019s grant proposal was prepared by Social Services director Emily Reckner and included a request for $7,300 to be used for a wall post lift system to assist residents with disabilities use a therapeutic whirlpool.<\/p>\n

— Timbercrest, a Church of the Brethren retirement community<\/strong> in North Manchester, Ind., is kicking off its 125 Year Anniversary celebration with a Peace Pole Dedication on Thursday, June 5, at 4 p.m. The event takes place next to the Timbercrest Campus North Entrance. \u201cCome early and enjoy the music of the Lynn Family,\u201d said an invitation. \u201cHelp us \u2018plant the pole.\u2019\u201d In case of rain the event will be held in the Chapel. The Peace Pole Dedication begins a three-day anniversary festival, June 5-7.<\/p>\n

—\u00a0 Dwight and Treva Markey<\/strong> of Southern Pennsylvania District received the Century Farm Award at the 28th Annual York County Agricultural Recognition Banquet on March 20. The district newsletter noted that \u201cDwight\u2019s parents purchased the farm in 1913 and Dwight and Treva bought it from Dwight\u2019s late father\u2019s estate in 1953. They raised fruits, vegetables, plants, and poultry, until the mid-1950s when a tornado destroyed the fruit trees, after which they slowly transitioned to growing mainly flowers. They were vendors at Central and New Eastern Markets for more than 50 years.\u201d Treva is a volunteer with Children\u2019s Disaster Services and has served on the district board. A photo in the newsletter showed the couple standing with Harry Bickel, president of the York County Agriculture Business Council, state representative Ron Miller, and Matthew Meals, deputy secretary of Pennsylvania\u2019s Department of Agriculture.<\/p>\n

— Mary Kay Turner<\/strong> of Gettysburg, Pa., received the 2014 Peacemaker Award from the Interfaith Center for Peace and Justice at Gettysburg Lutheran Seminary. She is a founding board member
\nfor the center, has been a Children\u2019s Disaster Services volunteer, has served as a volunteer mediator, mediation trainer, and board member for Mediation Services for Adams County.<\/p>\n

Contributors to this issue of Newsline include Ben Bear, Deborah Brehm, Rebecca Dali, Kim Ebersole, Debbie Eisenbise, Cori Hahn, Philip E. Jenks, Kendra Johnson, Donna March, Tim McNinch, Nancy Miner, Stan Noffsinger, Eugene F. Roop, Jenny Williams, Roy Winter, Jay Wittmeyer, Sarah Leatherman Young, and editor Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of News Services for the Church of the Brethren. The next issue of Newsline is planned for June 10.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\n

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><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

1) Brethren Disaster Ministries directs $175,000 in EDF grants to the Philippines. 2) Theme is announced for 2015 National Older Adult Conference. 3) Bethany Seminary offers course at University of La Verne. 4) \u2018Grief and love in the same place\u2019: A communication from the Church of the Brethren general secretary and the EYN president. 5) A heart for bringing Christ: The Hills speak about their time in Nigeria. 6) A round up of Nigeria news. 7) What does the Emergent Church movement have to say to Brethren? 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-8601","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\/8601","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=8601"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.brethren.org\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8601\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":8609,"href":"https:\/\/www.brethren.org\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8601\/revisions\/8609"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.brethren.org\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8601"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.brethren.org\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=8601"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.brethren.org\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=8601"},{"taxonomy":"wf_post_folders","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.brethren.org\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/wf_post_folders?post=8601"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}