Spring Is Here!

"Arise my love, my fair one,

and come away;

for now the winter is past,

the rain is over and gone.

the flowers appear on the earth;

the time of singing has come,

and the voice of the turtledove

is heard in our land.

The fig tree puts forth its figs,

and the vines are in blossom;

they give forth fragrance.

Arise, my love, my fair one,

and come away."

--Song of Solomon 2:10-13

It All Came Together At the Right Time

The Whitestone congregation contributes to a variety of missions throughout the year. In March we collected $850 for New Horizons Ministries, a group that provides assistance to street kids in Seattle. We learned about New Horizons from Scott Hylton. Here Scott reports on how that gift was used.

Mary Steele and Scott Hylton

I want to thank everyone for the generosity shown by your March mission to support New Horizons Ministries in Seattle's Belletown neighborhood.  

Prior to purchasing the items with the money you sent we contacted the leader, Mary Steele (pictured), and asked her what would help them the most.  She said the toiletries were needed but also they were going to come up a little short on a project that renovates some space in their center that only has a phone in it, to a computer room.  They needed $900 so the Liberty Road Foundation, which is the group I'm a part of that is a regular supporter of the Ministry, agreed to match part of your contribution so we could come up with the full amount and also spend about half on toiletries.

With that portion I purchased:

- 3 curling irons (Elizabeth, assistant said these and the straighteners were badly needed)

- 4 hair straighteners

- 48 travel size bottles of non-alcoholic mouthwash

- 120 travel size shampoo/body wash bottles

- 72 travel toothbrush/toothpaste combinations

- 96 travel roll on deodorant bottles

- 36 pairs of women's socks

- 60 pairs of men's socks

- 24 containers of Motions Hair Care product (Mary said this would be very popular)

The youth that use this stuff don't always get to use luxury products like some of the hair care products so this is really providing something that can help give them a feeling of normalcy.

This last week I finally received all of the toiletries that I'd ordered with the mission money that Whitestone graciously contributed.  I threw it all in the car and went down to meet Mary at 7 am on Thursday.  They were very grateful for the assistance and I was very glad to be a part of it.  

I opened up the boxes and took a picture with Mary so I could send it to you.  There is a fat roll of cash in her pocket that you can't see that was the monetary part of your gift.

I want to stress again that this was unexpected for them and they didn't think they were going to have enough money to do the renovations.  It really was God working with your hearts, me, and the Liberty Road Foundation to bring this together for New Horizons Ministries.  It all came together at the right time.

Thoughts on Stewardship: eBrethren

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April 24, 2013   Found your voice? Click here. CONTENTS Finding a voice Morning prayer Gathering the nations Jonathan Stauffer giving an Earth Day sermon at Westminster Church of the Brethren in Westminster, Md.Photo by Lisa Blevins A Global Food Crisis Fund Foods Resource Bank growing project near Stauffer's home town of Polo, Ill. Photo by Howard Royer A conversation about childhood poverty atChristian Citizenship Seminar 2013.  Photo by Rachel Witkovsky Finding a voiceBy Jonathan Stauffer  I came to Brethren Volunteer Service looking for something meaningful to do. Caretaking God’s Earth and finding practical ways to live justly were my passions, so it was fitting to feel a nudge from God toward the Church of the Brethren’s Office of Public Witness (formerly Peace Witness Ministries). I began work on issues related to environmental stewardship and poverty. I was first asked to help coordinate the Annual Conference Query: Guidance for Responding to the Changing of Earth’s Climate . Over time, I learned to view this issue and others from a Christian perspective by working alongside faith leaders who strive to promote justice and the common good. In early 2012, Congress began debating the Farm Bill. Having grown up on a family farm I understood the basic purpose of the bill, and was able to advocate on issues concerning nutrition, land conservation, and rural economic development. Digging deeper into the legislation, its impact on food policies, farm systems, and anti-hunger programs in our communities became clear. Messenger magazine seemed like the perfect outlet for all this newfound information, so I submitted "Why Our Roots in the Land Still Matter," for the July/August edition. My hope was that the article would promote a broader discussion within the church about the hunger crisis, personal food choices, our dwindling rural communities, and reconnecting to God’s Creation. Congress failed to pass a comprehensive Farm Bill last year, but the Church of the Brethren’s new "Going to the Garden" initiative is very encouraging. Brethren congregations may apply for grants funded by theGlobal Food Crisis Fund to build community gardens--a perfect way to transform our talk into action. As I conclude a year and six months of service, I now have a deeper understanding of how our stewardship connects to the well-being of our neighbors and all Creation. I have learned more about my faith in Christ from looking at Scripture in new contexts, and I’ve done my best to apply those faith values through thoughtful action. I have also come to understand that it’s one thing to believe in a value or ideal, but entirely another to live it--just as Jesus calls us to do. To apply for a "Going to the Garden" grant for your congregation, visit www.brethren.org/goingtothegarden . To support the Global Food Crisis Fund, the Office of Public Witness, or Brethren Volunteer Service, visitwww.brethren.org/give . Forward to a friend Back to top www.brethren.org/youthsunday Morning prayerBy Michael Himlie God of many wonders, You are so strong yet so gentle. You have a place for us all. You know our every move and watch over us. Call to us as we strive to grow closer to you. We all yearn for your power and glory To reign over us. Show us that power so we can be more like you. Help us to grow in your glorious image. We pray this in your name. Amen. This is one of several worship resources for National Youth Sunday 2013, available atwww.brethren.org/youthsunday. At Pentecost we remember the gift of the Holy Spirit, burning in our hearts. Photo by Mandy Garcia A gathering of modern day saints at Strengthening Your Small Congregation Seminar 2013.Photo by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford www.brethren.org/pentecost Gathering the nationsBy Josh Brockway "For the promise is for you, for your children, and for all who are far away, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to him" (Acts 2:39). An encounter with God is never easy to explain. Words are just not enough to describe the heart of such an experience. But Luke, master storyteller that he is, has left us clues about the disciples' encounter with God at Pentecost—especially questions that surfaced afterward: "What just happened?" “How can I understand what they are saying? We don't speak the same language!" It’s only when Peter finally stands up to speak that it all begins to make sense. Peter’s sermon, presented to an ignited crowd murmuring around him, begins not with Jesus, but with the prophet Joel. "In the last days it will be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh" (Acts 2:17). So rather than a remnant of late-night celebrating, Peter proclaims the spontaneous, multi-lingual babbling of Pentecost as the fulfillment of early prophecies of the Hebrew Scriptures. According to Peter's sermon, this transformation of the Spirit is not limited to only the disciples, but is available to all who are baptized in the name of Christ. That day in Jerusalem began the fulfillment of God's promise to gather all the nations. The spiritual transformation of Jesus’ followers at Pentecost, launched by the gifting of the Holy Spirit, was the beginning of a new people in the name of Christ. Pentecost is often described as the birthday of the church. Part of that emergence is the impulse to gather people--all people who have been baptized--as fellow disciples of Christ. This act of gathering is essential to the life of the church, and a vital community of faith is one that gathers people together and equips them for the ministry of God in the world. Living into the gift of Pentecost--into the work of gathering--the church grows in its witness to the Christ proclaimed in Peter's sermon, for the gift of the Spirit is open to all whom God calls. This piece is excerpted from the Pentecost Offering sermon starter. Read it in full, as well as several other worship resources, at www.brethren.org/pentecost . Forward to a friend Back to top www.brethren.org/basinandtowel "To pray means to recognize our relationship with God. Prayer is the attitude and act of humbly acknowledging that there is someone far greater than we are to whom we submit our will. Prayer is a vital means by which God reveals and guides us through a life of spiritual attentiveness and discerning prayer." --Stan Dueck in "Prayer: The Heart of Transformation," published in the most recent edition of Basin and Towel .   Do you have a story about how you or your congregation practice stewardship? E-mail it to mgarcia@brethren.org ! eBrethren: stories of Brethren stewards, is produced every other week by the Church of the Brethren's donor communications team. Send feedback to mgarcia@brethren.org or call 847-742-5100 ext. 361. Thanks for reading!  Watch for our next issue on May 8, 2013!
Please add "cobweb@brethren.org" to your address book or safelist to ensure our e-mail reaches your inbox. eBrethren is published by Church of the Brethren Communications, 1451 Dundee Avenue, Elgin, Illinois 60120. Church of the Brethren is a non-profit religious and educational organization recognized by the Federal and State governments. Donations are tax deductible as allowed by law. © 2012 Church of the Brethren. Save trees: Think before you print!Click here to log in and update your information. Click here to unsubscribe from receiving eBrethren. Click here to change your e-mail address or contact us.

NEWSLINE, April 18, 2013

Newsline

The Church of the Brethren e-mail news service
 April 18, 2013
"There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus" (Galatians 3:28).

Quote of the week: “Violence leveled against any person anywhere is violence against all of humanity.” -- Stan Noffsinger, general secretary of the Church of the Brethren, in a statement following the bombings at the Boston Marathon. See the story below in this issue of Newsline for more responses and calls to prayer from Christian leaders and ecumenical organizations, as well as advice to parents about how to talk to their children following such a tragedy, offered by Children’s Disaster Services ( www.brethren.org/cds ).

NEWS
1) Fifty years later, church leaders respond to Birmingham letter.
2) Church leaders comment on national tragedy, CDS offers advice for parents.
3) Nigerian Brethren experience another church attack, hold annual meeting.
4) PAG in Honduras, Brethren in Nigeria and Congo, Friends in Rwanda receive GFCF grants.
5) Disaster and mission staff offer support after fire in South Sudan village.
6) Sponsor a peace and reconciliation scholarship in South Sudan.
7) 3,000 miles campaign of On Earth Peace receives lots of support.
ANNUAL CONFERENCE NEWS
8) Congregational ethics, ministerial leadership, drone warfare, biblical authority are on business docket for 2013.
9) Annual Conference service project collects school supplies for Charlotte.
UPCOMING EVENTS
10) Children’s Disaster Services offers training workshop in New England.
11) Young Adult Conference 2013 is held at Camp Pine Lake in Iowa.
12) Gettysburg Brethren are the subject of John Kline Lecture for 2013.
13) Brethren bits: Correction, rememberances, jobs in S. Pa. District and at the World Council of Churches, BHLA, National Farm Worker Ministry, and Christian Peacemaker Teams, plus more.
Read the full text of this Newsline in one document at 
www.brethren.org/news/2013/newsline-for-april-18-2013.html
********************************************
1) Fifty years later, church leaders respond to Birmingham letter.
Fifty years later, Christian Churches Together (CCT) has issued a response to Martin Luther King Jr.’s “Letter from Birmingham Jail.” The document was signed by representatives of CCT’s member communions and presented to King’s youngest daughter, Bernice King, at a symposium April 14-15 in Birmingham, Ala.
King’s famous letter on April 16, 1963, responded to an open letter from a group of eight clergy--one Catholic priest, six Protestants, and a rabbi--urging him to exercise restraint and call an end to the nonviolent demonstrations. As far as is known, the CCT document is the first response to the “Letter from Birmingham Jail.”
Read the full story at www.brethren.org/news/2013/fifty-years-later-response-to-birmingham-letter.html

2) Church leaders comment on national tragedy, CDS offers advice for parents.
Christian leaders are joining the nation in prayer following the Boston Marathon bombings. Church of the Brethren general secretary Stan Noffsinger added his voice to that of other church leaders and ecumenical groups making statements include the Massachusetts Council of Churches, the National Council of Churches, and the World Council of Churches.
Children’s Disaster Services (CDS) also has called for prayer and offered advice to help parents talk with their children about what happened.
Read the full story at www.brethren.org/news/2013/church-leaders-comment-on-boston-bombings.html

3) Nigerian Brethren experience another church attack, hold annual meeting.
Another Nigerian Brethren congregation has suffered an attack during worship, shortly before leaders of Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria (EYN--the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria) are to gather for the Majalisa or general church council, equivalent to the Annual Conference of the US church.
EYN’s 66th Majalisa is scheduled for April 16-19 on the theme, “Reclaiming Our Heritage as Peace Church in Such a Time Like This.”
Read the full story at www.brethren.org/news/2013/nigerian-brethren-experience-another-attack.html

4) PAG in Honduras, Brethren in Nigeria and Congo, Friends in Rwanda receive GFCF grants.
The Church of the Brethren’s Global Food Crisis Fund (GFCF) has given several grants recently, including an allocation of $60,000 to PAG in Honduras, and $40,000 to an agriculture project of the Rural Development Program of Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria (EYN--the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria). Also receiving grants of smaller amounts were a Brethren group in the Congo, and a Friends church in Rwanda.
Read the full story at www.brethren.org/news/2013/recent-global-food-crisis-grants.html

5) Disaster and mission staff offer support after fire in South Sudan village.
Staff of Brethren Disaster Ministries and Global Mission and Service have given support to South Sudanese villagers affected by a recent fire, through a grant from the denomination’s Emergency Disaster Fund (EDF). Other recent disaster relief grants have gone to Church World Service work at a refugee camp in Thailand, and areas of southern states in the US affected by recent storms.
Read the full story at www.brethren.org/news/2013/brethren-offer-support-for-villagers.html

6) Sponsor a peace and reconciliation scholarship in South Sudan.
Although South Sudan is a new country, decades of war have left traumatic scars that today manifest themselves in re-occurring clashes, conflicts, and challenges, which all witness to the need for relevant, practical, and sustainable peace efforts. The RECONCILE Peace Institute seeks to actualize the full potential of this great new nation by providing comprehensive three-month training to faith and community leaders who are already active in peacebuilding.
Read the full story at www.brethren.org/news/2013/sponsor-a-peace-training-scholarship.html

7) 3,000 miles campaign of On Earth Peace receives lots of support.
In a recent update on its 3,000 Miles for Peace campaign, On Earth Peace reported that over 60 fundraisers are underway in support. As of last week, over $80,000 has been raised for the Paul Ziegler Young Peacemaker Fund. Twelve riding or walking events have already taken place, and those taking part have already traveled more than 1,000 miles toward the goal of 3,000 miles.
The 3,000 Miles for Peace campaign is a fundraiser for On Earth Peace that honors young peacemaker Paul Ziegler.
Read the full story at www.brethren.org/news/2013/3000-miles-campaign-update.html

ANNUAL CONFERENCE NEWS
8) Congregational ethics, ministerial leadership, drone warfare, biblical authority are on business docket for 2013.
Delegates to Annual Conference on June 29-July 3 in Charlotte, N.C., will consider several key documents for the Church of the Brethren, among nine items of business coming to the meeting. As at last year’s Conference, delegates will again be seated together at round tables.
Unfinished business items including revisions to polity on ministerial leadership, and responses to queries on climate change and congregational ethics, among others. New business includes a resolution against drone warfare and a query on biblical authority, as well as recognition for the Church of the Brethren in Spain.
Read the full story at www.brethren.org/news/2013/annual-conference-business-items-2013.html . Find the full text of business documents, the ballot, and a video briefing for delegates at www.brethren.org/ac/2013-conference-business-1.html

9) Annual Conference service project collects school supplies for Charlotte.
The 2013 Witness to the Host City at the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference will benefit Classroom Central, an organization that distributes free school supplies in the host city of Charlotte, N.C.
Read the full story at www.brethren.org/news/2013/annual-conference-service-project.html

UPCOMING EVENTS
10) Children’s Disaster Services offers training workshop in New England.
Children’s Disaster Services is offering a New England training workshop on May 3-4 in Litchfield, Conn., at Friendship Baptist Church. This is one of a series of CDS workshops in Connecticut. The workshops in Connecticut after this will give state residents priority, but for this workshop registration numbers are unlimited.
Read the full story at www.brethren.org/news/2013/childrens-disaster-services-workshop.html

11) Young Adult Conference 2013 is held at Camp Pine Lake in Iowa.
The 2013 Young Adult Conference will be held May 25-27 for Brethren age 18-35 at Camp Pine Lake near Eldora, Iowa. The event will offer participants a long weekend of worship, fun, and fellowship.
Read the full story at www.brethren.org/news/2013/young-adult-conference.html

12) Gettysburg Brethren are the subject of John Kline Lecture for 2013.
The author of a forthcoming book on the religious history of Gettysburg, Pa., will deliver this year’s John Kline Lecture at the John Kline Homestead in Broadway, Va., on April 28. The speaker, Steve Longenecker, will explain the impact of the famous battle on members of the Church of the Brethren (Dunkers) who lived on the battlefield.
Read the full story at www.brethren.org/news/2013/gettysburg-brethren-are-subject-of-lecture.html

13) Brethren bits.
Brethren bits today corrects a previous announcement on the Progressive Brethren Gathering, remembers church leaders, and offers information about job openings in Southern Pennsylvania District, the World Council of Churches, BHLA, National Farm Worker Ministry, and Christian Peacemaker Teams, among lots of news from and for Brethren.
Read the full Brethren bits at www.brethren.org/news/2013/brethren-bits-for-april-18.html

Contributors to this Newsline include Colleen Algeo, Jeff Boshart, Chris Douglas, Don Fitzkee, Brian Flory, Mary Jo Flory-Steury, Elizabeth Harvey, Mary Kay Heatwole, Greg Davidson Laszakovits, Nancy Miner, Stan Noffsinger, Russell and Deborah Payne, Adam Pracht, Pam Reist, Roy Winter, Zach Wolgemuth, and editor Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of News Services for the Church of the Brethren. Look for the next regularly scheduled issue on May 1.
Newsline is produced by the news services of the Church of the Brethren. Contact the editor at cobnews@brethren.org. Newsline appears every other week, with special issues as needed. Stories may be reprinted if Newsline is cited as the source.
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Minute for Mission, April 12, 3013

"that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting the message of reconciliation to us. So we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us; we entreat you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.” —2 Corinthians 5:19-20
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Minute for Mission  Issue 10 April 12, 2013   Thank you for your prayers and inquiries about Robert and Linda Shank, who have been teaching at Pyongyang University of Science and Technology (PUST) in Pyongyang, North Korea. They are now back in the United States for personal reasons. Please pray for wisdom as they consider a future return to Pyongyang, in consultation with church and PUST leaders. From the blog of Carl and Roxane Hill, mission workers in Nigeria "Ways we occupy our time: Studying, grading papers, and preparing for classes Teaching classes and attending chapel Giving out more Bibles." Read more at http://carlroxanehill.wordpress.com Sponsor a peace and reconciliation scholarship The RECONCILE Peace Institute, or RPI, seeks to actualize the full potential of the nation of South Sudan by providing comprehensive three-month training to a select group of faith and community leaders who are already connected and active in peace building efforts. Read more at www.brethren.org/partners/service-opps.html Equipment appeal - Honduras Chet Thomas, executive director of Proyecto Aldea Global (PAG) in Honduras, has sent an appeal for the donation of two hay binder units in fairly good condition to help power a ferry boat. The ferry functions near a large hydroelectric dam called El Cajon, or "the box," in an area where several PAG programs work. Read more at www.brethren.org/partners/service-opps.html Print and distribute the May 2013 missions prayer guide. The Church of the Brethren Annual Conference will take place June 29-July 3 in Charlotte, N.C. The Global Ministries Dinner (scroll down) will take place in Charlotte on Monday, July 1, beginning at 5 p.m. If you are an advocate and would like one complimentary ticket to the Global Ministries Dinner, e-mailmission@brethren.org. Other Global Mission and Service events at the Conference include several Insight Sessions: Monday, July 1 9 p.m. A Voice for Peace in a Time of Violence, a session on the church and violence in Nigeria Called to Serve: Brethren Disaster Ministries . . . Past, Present, and Future Tuesday, July 2 12:30 p.m. The Inside Story on North Korea Building Bridges from Volunteers to Disciples Tuesday, July 2 9 p.m. Deeply Rooted in a Life of Service Community Gardens: The "Going to the Garden" Initiative of the Office of Public Witness and the Global Food Crisis Fund From Disaster to Development, a session on the church in Haiti We hope to see you in Charlotte!
"Minute for Mission" is published by Global Mission and Service, Church of the Brethren, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120; 800-323-8039 ext. 363;www.brethren.org/partners © Church of the Brethren Church of the Brethren is a non-profit religious and educational organization recognized by the Federal and State governments. Donations are tax deductible as allowed by law. Share this message with a friend Unsubscribe or change the messages you receive Contact us or change your e-mail address

National Older Adult Conference, September 2 - 6

To increase text size, press the "Control" and "+" keys. (Decrease by pressing "Control" and "-".) 2013 National Older Adult Conference (home) Theme Registration Program Lodging Dining Transportation NOAC 2013 news NOAC 2011 (past) Older Adult Ministries For more information, please contact: Kim Ebersole NOAC Coordinator (800) 323-8039, ext. 305kebersole@brethren.org Get NOAC news by e-mail Enter your e-mail address:

A Church of the Brethren conference for adults age 50 and older September 2 - 6, 2013 Lake Junaluska Conference & Retreat Center Lake Junaluska, North Carolina Healing Springs Forth “Then you will be refreshed in the Lord…“ Isaiah 58:14 We look forward to having you join us at the National Older Adult Conference in September! Use the links at the left for more conference information. View the 2013 NOAC Registration Brochure | Register online Key NOAC dates 2013 NOAC registration dates NOAC registration brochure mailed Late February Online registration opens at 9 a.m. CST March 1       Mailed registration forms received any time Registration Fee       $159 ($134 first time at NOAC) Thru July 1       $189 ($164 first time at NOAC) After July 1 Lake Junaluska Lodging Cottage Rental reservations open February 15 Hotel, lodges, apartments, and campground       Mailed and faxed reservation forms open April 1       Special consideration for age/functioning April 1-15       Phone reservations open April 23 2013 NOAC presenters

Healing springs forth: Come be refreshed in the Lord!

NOTE: Please keep returning to this page for additional information about the conference and registration!

Newsline, April 5, 2013

Newsline The Church of the Brethren e-mail news service

April 5, 2013 Quote of the week “On April 4, 1968, the civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., 39, was shot to death in Memphis, Tenn.” -- Yesterday's “On This Day” note in the New York Times e-mail digest, 45 years to the day after King’s assassination. "What does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?" (Micah 6:8)  NEWS 1) Youth voice is heard in New York and Washington during Christian Citizenship Seminar. 2) Christian leaders celebrate adoption of the world’s first Arms Trade Treaty. 3) New 'Shine' curriculum is underway for fall 2014. 4) Fellowship of Brethren Homes members awarded 2013 Continuing Education Grants. 5) Same love, new look: Three new special offerings for the Church of the Brethren. UPCOMING EVENTS 6) Big-name speakers to headline Annual Conference in Charlotte. 7) Children's Aid Society celebrates 100 years with author of 'The Shack.' PERSONNEL 8) Brethren Journal Association announces new editor. FEATURE 9) Global data upend usual picture of Christianity trends. 10) Brethren bits: Ending of a joint staff agreement between the Church of the Brethren and the NCC, an April 9 advocacy day on gun violence, Older Adult Month in May, the new Pope Francis washes feet, and lots of news from Brethren congregations, districts, and colleges. Read the full text of this Newsline in one document at www.brethren.org/news/2013/newsline-for-april-5-2013.html ******************************************** 1) Youth voice is heard in New York and Washington during Christian Citizenship Seminar. During the last week of March, 55 Church of the Brethren youth and advisors joined forces to learn more about the issue of childhood poverty at this year's Christian Citizenship Seminar. CCS is a week-long event sponsored by the denomination's Youth and Young Adult Ministries and Office of Public Witness (formerly Peace Witness Ministries) based in Washington, D.C. CCS gives senior high youth the chance to explore the relationship between faith and a particular political issue. This year the focus was on how a child’s lack of adequate housing, nutrition, and education may perpetuate the cycle of poverty and limit a child’s potential. Read the full story at www.brethren.org/news/2013/youth-voice-is-heard-in-ccs.html 2) Christian leaders celebrate adoption of the world’s first Arms Trade Treaty. “We give thanks to God for the adoption of the world's first Arms Trade Treaty and for the efforts by a large majority of countries and many civil society groups to bring it into existence,” said an April 3 public statement by World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Olav Fykse Tveit. The Arms Trade Treaty was adopted on April 2 by the United Nations General Assembly meeting in New York. Church of the Brethren general secretary Stan Noffsinger and Nathan Hosler, coordinator of the denomination’s Office of Public Witness, were among the American church leaders encouraging the US be among nations voting for the treaty. Read the full story at www.brethren.org/news/2013/christian-leaders-celebrate-arms-trade-treaty.html 3) New 'Shine' curriculum is underway for fall 2014. Development of a new Sunday school curriculum called Shine is underway by Brethren Press and MennoMedia. This month writers are beginning to prepare the first quarter of Shine: Living in God’s Light, which will be available for use in fall 2014. “We are pleased to offer our congregations a user-friendly, enriching curriculum that grows out of our distinct beliefs as Brethren and Mennonites,” said Wendy McFadden, publisher of Brethren Press. Read the full story at www.brethren.org/news/2013/new-shine-curriculum.html 4) Fellowship of Brethren Homes members awarded 2013 Continuing Education Grants. Eight members of the Fellowship of Brethren Homes have been awarded Continuing Education Grants for 2013. The $1,000 grants are funded by the denomination’s Health Education and Research Fund, which supports nursing in the Church of the Brethren, and are administered by Congregational Life Ministries. Read the full story at www.brethren.org/news/2013/brethren-homes-receive-grants.html 5) Same love, new look: Three new special offerings for the Church of the Brethren. The Church of the Brethren is now giving congregations the opportunity to participate in a series of three new special offerings in addition to the One Great Hour of Sharing offering. They are the Pentecost Offering, the Mission Offering, and the Advent Offering. Although each one has a different theme and individual look, they all share one unified goal: to support the life-changing ministries of the Church of the Brethren. Read more at www.brethren.org/offerings . Read the full story at www.brethren.org/news/2013/same-love-new-look-new-offerings.html UPCOMING EVENTS 6) Big-name speakers to headline Annual Conference in Charlotte. A riddle from Jon Kobel in the Conference Office: Stanley Hauerwas, Philip Yancey, Mark Yaconelli, John McCullough, Sharon Watkins, Ruthann Knechel Johansen, Devorah Lieberman, James Troha, Michael Schneider, Darla K. Deardorff. What do these nationally recognized theologians, authors, educators, and religious leaders all have in common? Answer: All are speaking at the 2013 Annual Conference of the Church of the Brethren, June 29-July 3 in Charlotte, N.C. Read the full story at www.brethren.org/news/2013/speakers-headline-annual-conference.html 7) Children's Aid Society celebrates 100 years with author of 'The Shack.' The Children's Aid Society of Southern Pennsylvania District is marking April as Child Abuse Prevention Month and also its 100th birthday. The society was started on April 9, 1913. To mark the occasion, the Children's Aid Society is holding a benefit event titled "An Evening with Author Wm. Paul Young" on April 12. Read the full story at www.brethren.org/news/2013/childrens-aid-society-benefit.html PERSONNEL 8) Brethren Journal Association announces new editor. The Advisory Board of the Brethren Journal Association, in partnership with Bethany Theological Seminary, announces that Denise Kettering-Lane has been named the new editor for "Brethren Life and Thought." Kettering-Lane has been assistant professor of Brethren Studies at Bethany Theological Seminary in Richmond, Ind., since 2010. Read the full story at www.brethren.org/news/2013/new-editor-for-brethren-life-and-thought.html FEATURE 9) Global data upend usual picture of Christianity trends. Despite a century-long decline, religious affiliation has shown a marked resurgence globally since 1970. Both Christianity and Islam make up growing segments of the world’s population. Africa and China have witnessed the most marked religious change. These are among the findings discussed by religious demographer Dr Todd M. Johnson in an overview of religious identity and trends in world Christianity since 1910, presented at the Ecumenical Centre, Geneva, on March 13. Read the full World Council of Churches release at www.oikoumene.org/en/news/news-management/eng/a/article/1634/global-data-upend-usual-p.html 10) Brethren bits. In this issue: The ending of a joint staff position in peacemaking between the Church of the Brethren and the NCC, an April 9 advocacy day on gun violence, Older Adult Month resources for congregations to use in May, the new Pope Francis washes feet, and lots of news from Brethren congregations, districts, and colleges. Read the full Brethren bits at www.brethren.org/news/2013/brethren-bits-for-april-5.html Contributors to this issue of Newsline include Chris Douglas, Theresa Eshbach, Mary Kay Heatwole, Jon Kobel, Jeri S. Kornegay, John Wall, and editor Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of News Services for the Church of the Brethren. Look for the next regularly scheduled issue on April 17.

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