{"id":9783,"date":"2015-03-18T00:00:33","date_gmt":"2015-03-18T00:00:33","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/new.brethren.org\/news\/?p=9783"},"modified":"2018-11-06T21:39:23","modified_gmt":"2018-11-06T21:39:23","slug":"brethren-bits-for-march-18-3","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.brethren.org\/news\/2015\/brethren-bits-for-march-18-3\/","title":{"rendered":"Brethren Bits for March 18, 2015"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Wilfried Warneck<\/small><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

— Remembrance: The Brethren Service office in Europe has shared a remembrance of Wilfried Warneck,<\/strong> a leader of Church and Peace who passed away on March 10 at age 85 in Wethen, Germany, where he lived for the last 11 years. \u201cWe celebrate his life which was dedicated to following Jesus, his roots in the community life of Laurentiuskonvent, and his tireless engagement to challenge the churches to commit themselves to a biblical life of nonviolence and justice,\u201d said a notice from Church and Peace, which has been a partner with Brethren Volunteer Service for some decades. Church and Peace is a European ecumenical network made up of congregations, communities, organizations, and individuals committed to active witness for peace. Warneck served as executive secretary from 1975-1990. A funeral service was held on Monday, March 16. Memorial donations are received for Church and Peace.<\/p>\n

— The Church of the Brethren Office of Public Witness has shared information about a leadership search<\/strong> by the National Farm Worker Ministry. The National Farm Worker Ministry, a faith-based organization committed to justice for and empowerment of farm workers, seeks a dynamic, passionate executive director with demonstrated nonprofit leadership skills and commitment to social justice. Further position and application information can be found on the NFWM website at NFWM Executive-Director Position Announcement. Review of applications will begin April 6 and will continue until filled. Go to http:\/\/nfwm.org<\/a> .<\/p>\n

— Congregational Life Ministries executive Jonathan Shively is the presenter for a two-day continuing education event<\/strong> in Illinois and Wisconsin District on the topic \u201cCongregational Vitality: The Shape and Practices of the Church in Mission.\u201d The event takes place at Dickson Valley Retreat Center in Newark, Ill., on Monday, April 20, from 7-9 p.m., through Tuesday, April 21, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. \u201cA congregation\u2019s mission effectiveness is integrally tied to its vitality,\u201d said an announcement from the district. \u201cIts vitality is an indicator of the capacity of the congregation to recognize and release the spiritual gifts with which God has graced it. Spiritual gifts are an expression of discipleship. This workshop will explore congregational mission vitality as an outgrowth of spiritual gifts rooted in discipleship. The discipleship process will be explored, gifts will be defined, vitality will be described, and practical tools will be shared to promote health and mission for your congregation. Bring your questions, experience, and best practices as we learn together.\u201d Cost is $50 for workshop, lunch, lodging, and .8 continuing education units. Registrations are due by March 20. Contact Illinois\/Wisconsin District Office, 269 E. Chestnut St., Canton, IL\u00a0 61520; 309-649-6008; bethc.iwdcob@att.net<\/a> .<\/p>\n

— More than a year ago, Congregational Life Ministries set out to document the markers of Congregational Vitality<\/strong>–gathering, calling, forming, and sending–using dozens of examples shared from within the denomination. With the recently published issue of \u201cBasin and Towel\u201d on \u201cSending,\u201d this four-issue series is now complete. If you are not a regular subscriber or if you would like to be able to share additional copies of this series, it is now available as a set. Numbers are limited. Contact Randi Rowan at rrowan@brethren.org<\/a> or 800-323-8039. Cost for the set, including shipping, is $15.<\/p>\n

— Material Resources has packed and shipped a 40-foot truckload of bandages and medical supplies<\/strong> donated by the White Cross to American Baptist International Ministries hospitals in the Congo. Material Resources is a Church of the Brethren program working out of the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md. The program stores, processes, packs, and ships relief materials within the United States and around the world, on behalf of ecumenical partners. The White Cross is a volunteer ministry of American Baptist women and churches. Among other things, they roll bandages and give money to buy hospital supplies. \u201cRolled bandages save lives!\u201d said a release from the International Ministries. \u201cWhat does a Band-Aid cost? Ten cents? Now imagine running a hospital serving patients who make less than a dollar a day. The cost of daily dressing changes for a burn, surgery, or deep laceration, paid at US rates, might exceed a year\u2019s income for most patients.\u201d Read the release at www.internationalministries.org\/read\/56658-the-white-cross-container-arrived<\/a> .<\/p>\n

— A guest post by Church of the Brethren young adult Jenna Walmer has been shared on the Office of Public Witness blog.<\/strong> Walmer, who will attend Bridgewater (Va.) College in the fall, writes about her work to discern a calling in life, and how it relates to a \u201cjob shadowing\u201d visit she made to the Office of Public Witness. She had been preparing to become a physical therapist, but \u201cbeing raised in the Church of the Brethren provided me with a passion for peace, and as I grow up that passion burns brighter,\u201d she wrote. \u201cFast forward to this past summer in Colorado, I had a change of heart. I spent a few days with seminary professors before National Youth Conference exploring my call. During Exploring Your Call, we explored ways we know it is God\u2019s will for what we are pursuing. One that especially applies to me is the compelling of the Holy Spirit, or nudges from God.\u00a0 Over the past few years, the word \u201cpeace\u201d has been etched in my heart, and during that week I recognized that this is where I was being \u2018nudged.\u2019\u201d Read her full blogpost at https:\/\/www.brethren.org\/blog\/2015\/guest-post-jenna-walmer-reflects-on-her-call-and-a-visit-to-the-office-of-public-witness<\/a> .<\/p>\n

— Bethany Theological Seminary\u2019s Institute for Ministry with Youth and Young Adults has issued a reminder<\/strong> that registration is still open for \u201cAnabaptism, the Next Generation,\u201d an event held at the seminary in Richmond, Ind., on April 17-19. The event is for those in ministry with young adults and welcomes all who want to explore the growing edges of Anabaptism. Go to www.bethanyseminary.edu\/YAForum2015<\/a> for more information and to register.<\/p>\n

— Pike Run Church of the Brethren in Somerset, Pa., is celebrating its 100th anniversary<\/strong> on Sunday, April 19. \u201cWe are inviting friends of the district and community to share in the afternoon service at 3 p.m.,\u201d said an invitation in the Western Pennsylvania District newsletter. A meal will follow the service.<\/p>\n

— An \u201cEarly Christian Meal\u201d will be held at Hutchinson (Kan.) Community Church of the Brethren on Good Friday<\/strong> evening April 3, at 6:30 p.m. \u201cSpace is limited, so please make your reservations by Palm Sunday morning,\u201d said an invitation in the Western Plains District newsletter. A donation of $6 per person is requested. \u201cBecause this is a somber and reflective experience, it may not be suitable for your younger children,\u201d said the invitation. The experience will recreate the biblical account: \u201cThis is the night that will be recreated at the Early Christian Meal. Those of us who have known Jesus will gather together in a time of sorrow, doubt, reflection, worship, questioning, mourning. In the crowd will be people we may recognize from our own experiences, people like Peter, or Mary Magdalene, or Zaccheus. They, with us, will recall their experiences with Jesus and share their feelings on this evening. Followers will recall the last supper and remember Christ\u2019s words in the sharing of the bread and the wine. The setting and mood will be one of worship and reflection as we share a traditional meal of the time and as we remember Christ\u2019s influence on each of our lives. As a follower of Jesus, you are invited to share in this special experience.\u201d For more information or to make reservations call coordinators June Switzer (620-728-5810) or Terri Torres (620-960-0523).<\/p>\n

— A 3rd Annual Spring Fair is planned<\/strong> for Saturday, May 9, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m., at Black Rock Church of the Brethren in Glenville, Pa. All Star York Suburban Jazz Band and the York Jr. Symphony Wind Ensemble, as well as the EHMIS Show Choir are featured, and the event includes food options such as rotisserie chicken, and pit beef. A bounce house, a Silent Auction, and a butterfly release are part of the activities. The event benefits the Lazarus Food Pantry of Carroll County, Md. Contact 717-637-6170 or see www.blackrockchurch.org<\/a> .<\/p>\n

— An all-district \u201cAuction and Relief Sale for Nigeria\u201d is planned by Northern Indiana District<\/strong> for June 27 at Creekside Church of the Brethren in Elkhart, Ind. The fundraiser for Nigeria crisis relief is to include an auction, a bake sale, food, entertainment, and children\u2019s activities. \u201cWe envision it as an opportunity to showcase the gifts and generosity of the N. Indiana district on behalf of persecuted and displaced people in Nigeria,\u201d said an invitation written by Rosanna McFadden on behalf of the district board and the Creekside Church Outreach Team. The district hopes that the EYN Women\u2019s Choir may be able to be present on the day of the auction. In an additional effort, the district\u2019s children are invited to get involved in \u201cKids for Change,\u201d a program in which children collect 40 quarters ($10) to dedicate to Nigeria. \u201cWe will collect and consecrate the canisters at district conference in September,\u201d McFadden wrote.<\/p>\n

— Camp Bethel\u2019s annual Sounds of the Mountains Festival of Music and Storytelling<\/strong> is April 17-18. It will be the 14th festival hosted by the camp located near Fincastle, Va. This year\u2019s event features nationally known tellers Donald Davis, Dolores Hydock, Patrick Ball, and Baba Jamal Koram, as well as performances by After Jack and the Back Porch Studio Cloggers. Tickets and information are available at www.soundsofthemountains.org<\/a> .<\/p>\n

— Shepherd\u2019s Spring, a camp and outdoor ministry center in Mid-Atlantic District, is holding a Birdwatcher Retreat<\/strong> on May 1-3. The event is for beginner to intermediate birders and is \u201ca great family opportunity,\u201d said an announcement. \u201cIt will include some basic bird watching techniques, bird games, migration information, planting and feeding suggestions for your backyard, and time to listen to the sounds of the birds in the area.\u201d The retreat is led by professional ornithologist and executive director of the Gulf Coast Bird Observatory Chris Eberly, and University of Maryland- Eastern Shore biology professor Doug Ruby. Cost for the full retreat package including two night\u2019s lodging and four meals is $125. A reduced price is available for those who do not wish to stay overnight. Bring your own binoculars and field guides. Call 301-223-8193.<\/p>\n

— This year the Outdoor Ministries Team of Western Plains District offers a new experience for campers:<\/strong> \u201cOn the Edge\u201d Survival Camp held Aug. 2-7 at Camp Mt. Hermon in Kansas. The camp is limited to 12 campers (half girls, half boys) who have completed grades 7 to 10. Leaders\/co-directors will be Randall Westfall and Jan Hurst. Cheryl Mishler will be the spiritual adviser and nurse. Learn more at www.westernplainschurchofthebrethren.org\/2015\/02\/22\/new-on-the-edge-survival-camp-in-august<\/a> .<\/p>\n

— Jean Lichty Hendricks, a 1969 graduate of McPherson (Kan.) College, is one of this year\u2019s recipients<\/strong> of the college\u2019s Citation of Merit award for most distinguished alumni. Hendricks is a member of the Church of the Brethren who has been a teacher, and a minister in the church, and served for seven years as president and general manager of the Mutual Aid Association for the Church of the Brethren. She also has worked for McPherson College as director of church relations and in several volunteer roles. For more about the award and its recipients, see a report in the \u201cMcPherson Sentinel\u201d at www.mcphersonsentinel.com\/article\/20150311\/NEWS\/150319821\/-1\/news<\/a> .<\/p>\n

— The Young Center for Anabaptist and Pietist Studies at Elizabethtown (Pa.) College<\/strong> holds its annual banquet on April 9 at 5:30 p.m. The meal will be followed by a program at 7 p.m. that includes the Durnbaugh Lecture given by Donald Kraybill on the topic, \u201cThe Young Center: From Swamp to International Center of Scholarship.\u201d Kraybill is Distinguished College Professor and Senior Fellow at the Young Center. Cost for the dinner is $15. Reservations are required by March 26. The lecture is free of charge and reservations are not required. On April 10, from 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Kraybill and others will present the Durnbaugh Seminar on the topic, \u201cHow a Maverick Amish Group Impacted Federal Hate Crimes.\u201d Cost for the seminar, which includes lunch, is $10 and reservations are required by March 26. For more information, call 717-361-1470 or visit www.etown.edu\/youngctr\/events<\/a> .<\/p>\n

— \u201cLiving Out Our Relationship with the Living Lord\u201d is the title for the next Spiritual Disciplines folder<\/strong> for the Easter season, from the Springs of Living Water church renewal initiative led by David and Joan Young. The folder runs from April 12 through Pentecost on May 30. \u201cAlong with the Epiphany Season, the Easter Season is one of the two seasons of joy in the Christian year with the resurrection celebrated and baptisms held,\u201d says the announcement of the new folder. The folder follows the books of 1 and 2 Corinthians and assists individuals and congregations in scripture reading and prayer, following the Brethren practice to live the meaning of the text each day. An insert provides an overview of spiritual disciplines and ways to put them into practice. Both the folder and the Bible study questions, which can be used for group study, are written by Vince Cable, pastor of Uniontown Church of the Brethren south of Pittsburgh, Pa. Find the folder and Bible study questions at www.churchrenewalservant.org<\/a> under the Springs button at II, B. For more information contact David and Joan Young at 717-615-4515.<\/p>\n

— Applications for the Peace First Prize Fellowship program for young people<\/strong> age 8 to 22 are due by March 30 at 5 p.m. (eastern time). The prize celebrates the contributions of youth peacemakers by recognizing five young people for their compassion, courage, and ability to create collaborative change. \u201cThrough a two-year $25,000 Peace First Fellowship, we will invest in their leadership as peacemakers and share their stories with the nation,\u201d said an announcement of the program. For US-based peacemakers only, the program is a two-year investment in young people with a track record of making change in their communities in the United States. Go to http:\/\/peacefirst.org<\/a> for more information.<\/p>\n

— The \u201cGoshen (Ind.) News\u201d has published a piece about the many ways Nelda and Dana Snider<\/strong> have been active in service work, as an expression of their faith. The couple are members of Middlebury Church of the Brethren and recently were honored by the Middlebury Chamber of Commerce as Volunteers of the Year. Find the news piece at www.goshennews.com\/news\/local_news\/you-should-know-nelda-and-dana-snider\/article_b15cf751-e312-5c36-9880-72cb581bbdfc.html<\/a><\/p>\n

— The \u201c1,000-plus Letters for Nigeria\u201d campaign is close to achieving a landmark 200 days<\/strong> of writing letters about the situation of Nigerian Brethren to people and organizations of influence across the United States. The campaign is led by Dunker Punks blogger Emmett Eldred. Today–day 198 of the campaign–letters went to Cross-Lines Community Outreach in Kansas City, Kan.; Greater Kansas City Interfaith Council, based in Mission, Kan.; and Inter-faith Ministries of Wichita, Kan. Find out more about the campaign and the Dunker Punks movement at http:\/\/dunkerpunks.com<\/a> .<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

In this issue: Remembering Wilfried Warneck, National Farm Worker Ministry seeks executive director, Congregational Life Ministries executive leads vitality workshop, four issue Basin and Towel series is available, Material Resources ships to Congo hospitals, Pike Run Church of the Brethren celebrates 100 years, and other news from congregations, districts, camps, and more.<\/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":[],"wf_post_folders":[],"class_list":["post-9783","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.brethren.org\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9783","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=9783"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.brethren.org\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9783\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":12575,"href":"https:\/\/www.brethren.org\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9783\/revisions\/12575"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.brethren.org\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=9783"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.brethren.org\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=9783"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.brethren.org\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=9783"},{"taxonomy":"wf_post_folders","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.brethren.org\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/wf_post_folders?post=9783"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}