Newsline, October 25, 2013

Newsline The Church of the Brethren e-mail news service

Oct. 25, 2013 "Only live your life in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ" (Philippians 1:27a). 1) Mission and Ministry Board adopts 2014 budget, revision of Ministerial Leadership Polity, recommendation on equitable representation. 2) Getting the best value for your Medicare Part D dollars. 3) Webinar on short-term mission trips takes place Nov. 5. 4) Booz, Cassell, and Hosler named as consultants for the next year. PREVIEW OF THE WORLD COUNCIL OF CHURCHES 10th ASSEMBLY 5) WCC general secretary speaks about hopes for the council’s 10th assembly. 6) Divided Korean peninsula is steeped in decades of pain and sadness. 7) Christian activists pray and fast to protest nuclear dangers in Busan and beyond 8) Peace Train takes a journey towards reunification of the Koreas. 9) ‘Thursdays in Black’ shows zero tolerance for violence against women. 10) The WCC Assembly by the numbers. 11) Brethren bits: Remembering Ruth Baugher, Clergy Women’s Retreat, Shane Claiborne at Bridgewater, Herb Smith study trip to China, district workshops and conferences, more. Read the full text of this Newsline in one document at www.brethren.org/news/2013/newsline-for-oct-25-2013.html Quote of the week “My prayer is that those who take up this challenge...will find that it settles deep into their hearts.” -- Annual Conference moderator Nancy Sollenberger Heishman speaking to the Mission and Ministry Board about her challenge to Brethren to study and memorize the book of Philippians in preparation for the 2014 Conference. The new logo for the 2014 annual meeting on the theme “Live as Courageous Disciples” was released this week (see below). Find the moderator’s challenge and a calendar for reading Philippians by the time of next summer’s Annual Conference at www.brethren.org/ac/documents/philippians-memorization-guide.pdf . ******************************************** A Church of the Brethren delegation travels this weekend to the World Council of Churches 10th Assembly in Busan, Republic of Korea (South Korea), which begins Oct. 30 through Nov. 8. The Brethren group includes elected delegate Michael Hostetter, alternate delegate R. Jan Thompson, general secretary Stan Noffsinger and Office of Public Witness staff Nathan Hosler who have been named special delegates to the assembly, EYN president Samuel Dali who is representing the Nigerian Brethren, news director Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, Kay Guyer who is one of the assembly’s young adult stewards, and Pamela Brubaker who has worked with the WCC on issues related to economics and is attending at the council’s invitation. News reports, photo albums, and blog posts from the assembly, along with a link to WCC communications from Busan including a live webcast of the opening service, may be found atwww.brethren.org/news/2013/wcc-assembly .  ******************************************** PLEASE NOTE: The next regularly scheduled issue of Newsline is postponed until Nov. 15. ******************************************** 1) Mission and Ministry Board adopts 2014 budget, revision of Ministerial Leadership Polity, recommendation on equitable representation. A budget for denominational ministries in 2014 and responses to items of business sent back by Annual Conference--the Ministerial Leadership document and a query on equitable representation--were high on the agenda of the Mission and Ministry Board at its fall meeting Oct. 18-21. The meeting was chaired by Becky Ball Miller. Also on the agenda were a review of the organization’s strategic plan, changes to financial policies, capital proposals, discussion of the future of the Brethren Service Center, a celebration of the Gather ’Round curriculum, discussion of expanding the Annual Conference delegate travel stipend, resolution of issues related to terms of board members, and reports. Read the full story at www.brethren.org/news/2013/mission-and-ministry-board-holds-fall-meeting.html 2) Getting the best value for your Medicare Part D dollars. Did you know that you might be paying more for your medications than you need to if you have Medicare Part D coverage for your prescription drugs? The Medicare website offers tools to help you choose the best plan for your medication needs during open enrollment, now through Dec. 7, and Kim Ebersole of the Church of the Brethren Older Adult Ministry has some tips for getting best value for your money. Read the full story at www.brethren.org/news/2013/getting-the-best-value-for-medicare-dollars.html 3) Webinar on short-term mission trips takes place Nov. 5. A webinar on short-term mission trips will help address the question, what are the advantages and struggles? The online event on  Tuesday, Nov. 5, at 7 p.m. central time (8 p.m. eastern) will be led by Emily Tyler, the Church of the Brethren’s coordinator of Workcamps and Volunteer Recruitment, and is one of a series of webinars focused on youth ministry Read the full story at www.brethren.org/news/2013/webinar-on-short-term-mission.html 4) Booz, Cassell, and Hosler named as consultants for the next year. Three people have been named as consultants for various ministry areas of the Church of the Brethren, in an announcement from the human resources department. Donald R. Booz will serve as a consultant to the Office of Ministry; Dana Cassell will continue as contract staff for Ministry Formation; and Jennifer Hosler has been contracted to work on a writing project for Congregational Life Ministries. Read the full story at www.brethren.org/news/2013/booz-cassell-hosler-named-consultants.html PREVIEW OF THE WORLD COUNCIL OF CHURCHES 10th ASSEMBLY 5) WCC general secretary speaks about hopes for the council’s 10th assembly. The 10th Assembly of the World Council of Churches (WCC) begins at the end of October and promises to be one of the most diverse gathering of Christians in the world. The assembly will be an opportunity for renewing the worldwide ecumenical movement--infusing it with honesty, humility, and hope, according to the WCC general secretary. Read the WCC release at www.oikoumene.org/en/press-centre/news/wcc-10th-assembly-hopes-and-aspirations 6) Divided Korean peninsula is steeped in decades of pain and sadness. The distance between the North Korean and South Korean sides of the demarcation line (DMZ) near Panmunjom can be measured in a few meters. Yet for Olav Fykse Tveit, general secretary of the WCC, this short distance fails to mask a deeper and wider divide steeped in decades of pain and sadness experienced by the Korean people. Read the WCC release at www.oikoumene.org/en/press-centre/news/the-divided-korean-peninsula-is-steeped-in-decades-of-pain-and-sadness-1 7) Christian activists pray and fast to protest nuclear dangers in Busan and beyond In preparation for the World Council of Churches (WCC) 10th Assembly in Busan, Republic of Korea (South Korea), pastors and peace activists are holding a 40-day “fasting prayer” in front of the Busan City Hall. They are protesting the dangers of nuclear radiation and asking to shut down South Korea’s oldest and incident-prone Kori Nuclear Power Plant, some 20 kilometres from the venue of the WCC Assembly. Read the WCC release at www.oikoumene.org/en/press-centre/news/christian-activists-pray-and-fast-to-protest-nuclear-dangers-in-busan-and-beyond 8) Peace Train takes a journey towards reunification of the Koreas. A Peace Train recently started its journey from Berlin, Germany, through Russia and China, to northeast Asia and the World Council of Churches (WCC) 10th assembly in Busan, Republic of Korea (South Korea). The train, which aims to raise awareness about the 60-year division of the Korean Peninsula, will travel through Moscow, Irkutsk, Beijing, Pyongyang and Seoul. Read the WCC release at www.oikoumene.org/en/press-centre/news/peace-train-takes-a-journey-towards-reunification-of-koreas 9) ‘Thursdays in Black’ shows zero tolerance for violence against women. The World Council of Churches (WCC) is working to revive “Thursdays in Black,” a campaign against sexual and gender-based violence. On Oct. 31, during the WCC Assembly in South Korea, participants will be encouraged to wear black and through this simple gesture, to be part of a global movement urging an end to violence against women. Read the full release from the WCC at www.oikoumene.org/en/press-centre/news/thursdays-in-black-zero-tolerance-for-violence-against-women 10) The WCC Assembly by the numbers. The WCC Assembly in South Korea will be the largest and most diverse gathering of Christians ever. What will happen in Korea will be a unique moment in the worldwide Christian ecumenical movement. According to a release by Ka Hyun MacKenzie Shin and Roddy MacKenzie, those coming to Korea for this extraordinary gathering include.... Read the WCC Assembly by the numbers at www.brethren.org/news/2013/wcc-assembly/the-wcc-assembly-by-the-numbers.html 11) Brethren bits. In this issue: Remembering Ruth Christ Baugher, a registration deadline for the Clergy Women’s Retreat, Shane Claiborne to speak at Bridgewater (Va.) College, Herb Smith organizes a McPherson (Kan.) College study trip to China, district workshops and conferences, and more. Read the full Brethren bits at www.brethren.org/news/2013/brethren-bits-for-oct-25.html Contributors to this issue of Newsline include Deborah Brehm, Stan Dueck, Kim Ebersole, Mary Jo Flory-Steury, Mary Kay Heatwole , Ka Hyun MacKenzie Shin and Roddy MacKenzie, Becky Ullom Naugle, Stan Noffsinger, Harold Penner, Howard Royer, LeAnn Wine, and editor Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of News Services for the Church of the Brethren. Because of the WCC Assembly, the next regularly scheduled issue of Newsline is postponed until Nov. 15.

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. Forward Newsline to a friend    Subscribe to Newsline

Dedication of the Lopez Habitat for Humanity Home

(Story and photos submitted by Shirley Devereaux.)

What a joy it was to gather for the dedication service of the seventh Habitat for Humanity home, on Sunday, October 20^th,  at 701 Willow Lane in Omak.  Several members of the board for Okanogan County Habitat for Humanity were there as well as the Lopez family, Ramon, Maria and their 3 children, Jazmine, Ramon and Jorge.

Pastor Maggie McNett opened with prayer and a beautiful sharing of what it means to have a home.  She also had refurbished a beautiful chair for the family.  A photo album of the work in progress, a vacuum cleaner and a bilingual Bible were presented to them.

Shirley Devereaux, and Ben and Sally Hylton sang the traditional “Bless This House”.   Father Jake Morton led those present  in a walk through as he blessed each room and closed the service with a prayer of blessing for the home and family.

Community support has come from all over the county including businesses in  Oroville, Tonasket, Okanogan and Omak.  The house was filled with joy, laughter and gratitude as appreciation was shared for all the many volunteer hands and hours of labor that led to the completion of this home. Community Foundation of North Central Washington got the build started with a grant of $2100.  Grant donations and materials have been received from Safeway, Home Depot, Walmart, Ace Hardware, Midway Building Supply, Valley Lumber, Naylor's Air Conditioning & Heating, All Valley Insulation and Tonasket Interiors as well as regular donations from area churches and individuals.

It has been a long journey getting this home built, but in the midst of ups and downs so many people stepped forward to offer their special skills to solve a problem at just the right time.  Thank you to all who have had a share in the building of this Habitat for Humanity home through prayer, money, time or resources.  Working together in Christian love is what Habitat for Humanity is all about.

Minute for Mission, October 24, 2013

"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 15 October 24, 2013   Opening hearts and homes in compassion Global mission workers Carl and Roxane Hill share how the Brethren community has reached out to those affected by recent violence in Nigeria Roxane and Carl Hill teach at Kulp Bible College near Mubi, Nigeria. As missionaries representing the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria, it is always disturbing to hear reports of violence in our assigned region. Common to these outbreaks of violence in the past has been the burning of churches, attacks on local police stations, and even some killings. While these attacks are terrible, and any loss of life is abhorrent, the recent attack on the community of Gavva West was different than the "normal" attacks. The Boko Haram's latest assault was responsible for not only seven deaths in Gavva West but also five more in a neighboring village. Besides these killings, 75 houses were burned to the ground, and the continued presence of these armed Islamic militants has kept villagers away from their valued farms in the midst of harvest season. In this agricultural society, the food produced on these farms is essential for survival in the coming year. The questions for these displaced people are how will they eat, where will they live, and where will their children go to school? So far, EYN (Ekklesiyar Yan'uwa a Nigeria) members across the area have opened their homes and churches to provide help for these displaced families. To our amazement, even in the midst of all their suffering, we have observed their strong faith as evidenced by one man’s quote: "We are waiting on God to see us through." The people here are very grateful for the financial support from the Church of the Brethren in the United States. Food and clothing donations collected by students and staff of Kulp Bible College for those displaced by the violence. Photo courtesy of Carl and Roxane Hill. Here at Kulp Bible College, we have seen firsthand how the effects of the violence have permeated EYN families. At a recent Sunday chapel service, several women from Gavva West were recognized, and as they stood, we were able to pray for them. The students (struggling to make ends meet themselves) and the staff began collecting food, clothing, and money for the victims. Our laundry person took in a pregnant woman, who then had her baby early due to all the stress (both mother and baby are doing fine). A displaced family is also staying in the home of the student who sells us eggs. This student, a converted Muslim himself, was able to help transport one of the men injured in the violence to a better hospital facility in Jos. The administrative secretary of EYN has taken in an entire family, and we were able to donate some extra mattresses from the Church of the Brethren houses so that they would have a place to sleep. When we went to the nearest town to buy some suya (fried goat meat), we were able to talk to a man who had escaped from the village and hear his story. As we took our evening walk, we met and spoke with four displaced men going back to their temporary homes in the next village. We feel privileged to have been able to contribute small amounts of money to the individuals in each of these cases. We know that many in the United States church have a special place in their hearts for Nigeria. A big "thank you" goes out to all those who have contributed through Global Mission and Service. We want to join with the American church in praying for the Nigerians, both those that are struggling to rebuild their lives as well as those who are reaching out to help them. From Brazil to Bethany Alexandre Gonçalves serves as one of the pastors of Igreja da Irmandade-Brasil (Church of the Brethren in Brazil). In late August, he began his master of divinity studies at Bethany Theological Seminary. He shares his story and his greetings here: Alexandre Gonçalves I came from a Christian home, and since my adolescence I have been engaged with the church. I always felt a strong desire to work with adolescents and young adults. After some time, I became a Sundayschool teacher and subsequently I went to a Baptist seminary, where I took courses in theology with an emphasis in Christian education. While there, I met a professor who invited me to know the Church of the Brethren in the beginning of its mission in Brazil. In this church, I could experience a new way of living the Christian life, expand my biblical knowledge, develop communication skills, and engage in service to others At the same time, I started to work in a nonprofit organization as a social educator with vulnerable children. Through this work, I could see big problems that affect children, such as domestic violence, sexual abuse, child labor and exploitation, and human trafficking. Therefore, I decided to attend many courses, trainings, and workshops about these issues. Some years ago, I became familiar with a program to prevent violence against children and adolescents called CLAVES, which means "keys." It is a program developed by Juventud para Cristo (Youth for Christ in Uruguay). Currently, I serve as one of its Brazilian representatives. The Church of the Brethren gave me support to come back to college, and I earned a bachelor's degree in Science of Religion at Pontifical Catholic University of Campinas. I became a pastor, and I also started working as a consultant for the prevention of child abuse and domestic violence. I have been working with this project throughout many regions of Brazil. The church also encouraged me to complete my studies in theology. Therefore, I am now an M.Div. student at Bethany Seminary. Such a decision has three reasons. First, Bethany is the seminary of the Church of the Brethren. Its line of study is based on an Anabaptist legacy. Although we do not have a historical Anabaptist tradition in Brazil, we are particularly interested in its position of nonviolence and communitarian interpretation of the Scriptures. Second, Bethany has a program in Peace Studies, which is deeply connected to my work in the prevention of child and domestic violence. Third, it is a great opportunity to strengthen the ties between the Brazilian church and the church in United States. This new and important step in my ministerial life has been possible only because I received a scholarship from Bethany Seminary as well as financial support from Global Mission and Service, and for that I am immensely grateful. Appeals for prayer and support Pray for all those affected by the recent attacks in Nigeria, especially the families of those who lost their lives and the displaced who are trying to rebuild their lives. Support victims of violence through the EYN Compassion Fund. Pray for the RECONCILE Peace Institute, which prepares leaders from throughout South Sudan for peace-building and trauma-healing in their own communities. RECONCILE staff are currently processing applications and selecting those to interview for scholarships. You can contribute to these scholarships here. Pray for the Church of the Brethren in the Dominican Republic and for its members affected by a recent Constitutional Court ruling stripping citizenship from the children of Haitian migrants. Pray for the Brethren who may be deported. To remember these and other prayer concerns, please print and distribute the November 2013 missions prayer guide.
"Minute for Mission" is published by Global Mission and Service, Church of the Brethren, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120; 800-323-8039 ext. 362;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

eBrethren, October 23, 2013

eBrethren
Sharing inspirational stories of Brethren Stewards in action. Problems viewing this e-mail? View as a web page.
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October 23, 2013   Share the harvest Click here. CONTENTS Of faith and fire Speak: Give voice to the promise Worth dying for Christ Our Shepherd Church of the Brethren in Greenwood, Ind. Burning the mortgage document.  Celebrating God's faithfulness at Christ Our Shepherd Church of the Brethren. Photos by LeAnn Wine Of faith and fireA reflection by LeAnn Wine "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us" (Romans 3:1-5). On a rainy Sunday in September, a small fire burned outside Christ our Shepherd Church of the Brethren in South/Central Indiana District. The flame was an offering of thanksgiving with the body gathered around celebrating and thanking God for a calling that would not be set aside, despite many trials. After 24 years of payments, the congregation was burning its mortgage. Christ Our Shepherd has hope that existed almost 30 years ago, in the vision of a church plant in the southern Indianapolis area. It’s a hope that grew from meetings in a garage, to a funeral home, and then to an empty lot where a building for worship and fellowship was constructed. The congregation funded its new church building with a mortgage. While this was a necessary step for Christ Our Shepherd, the debt became a difficult burden over several years. The congregation struggled with low membership and made arrangements to have the loan extended and to make interest-only payments. The members had to reach out to the district, denomination, and other congregations for help. But they kept at it, dedicated to their practice of good stewardship of gifts, finances, and assets. The congregation also experienced God’s continued care throughout difficult times. Damage from a storm and the resulting insurance reimbursement helped make needed roof repairs. An estate gift came at a time when bills were stacking up. Both struggles and signposts from God are part of their story. Now, with debt fully paid, this steadfast congregation can discern new vision for ministry. Pastor Wayne Grumbling summed up his hope for the future: “I believe God is going to ask a lot of us, and it’s going to be worth it.” May it be so for all of us. The Church of the Brethren celebrates with Christ Our Shepherd and all congregations dedicated to the good stewardship of gifts from God. Congratulations! It is an honor to partner with you in ministry. Forward to a friend Back to top www.brethren.org/adventoffering Speak: Give voice to the promise What would Advent be like if we were bursting at the seams with praise? What if we were totally unable to keep from shouting out the good news of God’s promises fulfilled? Let’s prepare the way of the coming Christ by living into the kingdom of God right now, sharing the peace of Christ, speaking, giving voice to the promises of God. The Advent Offering is a special opportunity to support ministries of the Church of the Brethren. Learn more at www.brethren.org/adventoffering . Andy Murray speaking at National Junior High Conference in June.  Photo by Glenn Riegel Andy Murray's "Brave Man from Ohio" is included in the "Ted Studebaker in Vietnam" CD sold by Brethren Press. Learn more about Ted Studebaker. Worth dying forA reflection by Josh Brockway I have always loved hero stories. Growing up, I liked the cartoon superheroes on TV who worked for good and caught bad guys all in a 30-minute program. But there was one story that stuck with me on a deeper level—one that, in a way, haunts me still. I first learned of several historic Brethren heroes as many Brethren kids did: through the lyrical story-telling of Andy Murray. His tapes often played on family road trips between Illinois and Ohio, and singing along I learned stories of Anna Mow, Dan West, and a courageous young man from Ohio. Being from Ohio, myself, I couldn’t help but look up to him, but it was Murray’s refrain about “making something” that gave Ted Studebaker hero status in my mind. Give me a shovel instead of a gun, and I'll say so long for now, cause if I die, I'll die making something instead of tearing something down. Ted’s story crystallized my objection to war as a young man. But now that I am older, it is less about his decision to be against war that makes him stand out to me, and more that he stood FOR something else. Studebaker’s witness for peace was a stance for which he was ready to die. Jesus' taught that nothing was greater than love, and that greatest love was known in the laying down of one's life for a friend. Are there people, values, commitments, ideas, or perspectives that we hold so dear that we are willing to die for them? Are there things for which we would set aside even our livelihood? If so, how can we hold those convictions with humility? I wonder if the answer is found in our willingness to let go of power, privilege, and even life itself. Building rather than destroying, prayer over force, conviction held in humility—all of these speak of a heroic way of living that is still meaningful to me years after singing about it as child. These beliefs are energizing—so powerful that the only way to keep them is to let go of illusions of power, force, and certainty. This, I think, is what Jesus was talking about when he said that love had nothing greater than to give up life. This is the marker of a true hero. —Josh Brockway is director of Spiritual Life and Discipleship for the Church of the Brethren. To support this and the many other life-changing ministries of the church, visit www.brethren.org/give . Forward to a friend Back to top Collin and Kim S. with their children Micah and Zachary serving as church planters in Northern France. “We pray that God will bring us into contact with those individuals whose hearts are ready to receive Him. You can pray for us, for effectiveness in our work. You can pray for safety for us and our family as we live in a very lively neighborhood. You can pray for God's Spirit to move in northern France and for many individuals to come to know Him.” —Collin and Kim S. in Minute for Missionon October 7. Do you have a story about how you and 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 November 6, 2013.

NATIONAL YOUTH CONFERENCE 2014

NATIONAL YOUTH CONFERENCE 2014 is coming! Online registration opens on January 3. It's time to think about who would benefit from this mountain top experience in the Rocky Mountains.

To go to the National Youth Conference website, CLICK HERE.

October Deacon Update

DEACON UPDATE

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Strangers No More

October 2013

I don’t know much about raising chickens, but apparently when adding a new one to the flock it's best to slip her into the coop when the other chickens are asleep. The next day the old hens assume that she's always been there, and the new gal wakes up happy in what, as far as she can tell, is the same nest she’s always slept in.

Admittedly chickens aren’t known for being the sharpest tacks in the box. But there is something about this construct of nature that I find very appealing when I think of new people in our congregations. We humans are a bit more evolved than chickens, so there is a good chance we will notice newcomers (and if we don’t, that’s a whole other conversation…); new folks will almost certainly realize they have come to a new place. But what if, after just a few visits, we find ourselves saying, "Wow. It’s like the Clarks have always been here." And what if, more importantly, the Clarks are saying, "Wow. It’s like we’ve come home."

How do we get there? How might we show hospitality in such a way that new sisters and brothers quickly feel like they’ve always been a part of our church family? How do we show what being Brethren is about? How do we help them discern if being Brethren might just be what they are all about, too?

Hospitality is a calling, a ministry, a critical steppingstone to discipleship. Open not just your doors, but your arms and your hearts to people hungry to hear the good news of Jesus. Welcome them into the nest.

"Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it." Hebrews 13:2

Director of Denominational Deacon Ministry
dkline@brethren.org
847-429-4306

Church of the Brethren | 1451 Dundee Avenue, Elgin, Illinois 60120

Newsline, October 11, 2013

Newsline The Church of the Brethren e-mail news service

Quote of the week: “In the midst of a crisis when we don’t really know what to do, we thought, ‘Let’s read the Bible and hear what God has to say.’” -- Bread for the World president David Beckmann, quoted in the “Washington Post.” He was one of the Christians who read scripture on a street corner across from the US Capitol during a “Faithful Filibuster” that beganWednesday. The effort is to remind Congress “that the government shutdown is hurting poor and vulnerable people,” the report said. It is organized by the Circle of Protection, a coalition that planned to read more than 2,000 Bible verses that pertain to poverty and other relevant subjects. Brethren staff in the Office of Public Witness took part in a telephone call with Washington religious leaders to plan how to supplement the Faithful Filibuster. Find the news report at www.washingtonpost.com/national/on-faith/faithful-filibuster-christian-leaders-read-scripture-exhort-congress-to-care/2013/10/09/6bc05018-3123-11e3-ad00-ec4c6b31cbed_story.html . This photo of the Faithful Filibuster is  by Bryan Hanger, an intern in the Office of Public Witness. Oct. 11, 2013   "Happy...are those who hear God’s word and put it into practice" (Luke 11:28b). 1) Registration fees for Annual Conference 2014 include new family friendly discount. 2) Enroll in dental, vision, and other insurance products in November through BBT. 3) ‘Pioneering’ is the subject of a three-webinar series. 4) Haitch to present Professorial Lecture at Bethany Seminary. 5) Entries sought for Bethany Peace Essay Contest. 6) Lerch concludes her work with TRIM and the Brethren Academy. 7) McElwee returns to Manchester University to guide fundraising. 8) Humanitarian curbs on deadly weapons boost new UN treaty, sharpen old debates. 9) Brethren bits: Personnel and job opening, deadline for NYC youth worker, ENGAGE at Bethany, WCC virtual conference for “youth,” church anniversaries, Juniata’s celebration of new president Troha, lots of college and university news, more. Read the full text of this Newsline in one document at www.brethren.org/news/2013/newsline-for-oct-11-2013.html     ******************************************** 1) Registration fees for Annual Conference 2014 include new family friendly discount. “Given this is budget preparation time for many congregations, we’ve had calls and e-mails asking about the registration fees for Annual Conference next year,” said a note from the Conference Office, which highlights a new “family friendly” change made by the Program and Arrangements Committee. Read the full story at www.brethren.org/news/2013/registration-fees-for-annual-conference.html 2) Enroll in dental, vision, and other insurance products in November through BBT. Employees of Church of the Brethren-affiliated organizations who work 20 hours or more may enroll in certain insurance plans through Brethren Benefit Trust (BBT). Open enrollment for Dental, Vision, Supplemental Life (for current Basic Life members who are eligible to add up to $10,000 of additional coverage), and Short-Term Disability insurance through Brethren Insurance Services happens Nov. 1-30. Read the release from BBT at www.brethrenbenefittrust.org/news/enroll-dental-vision-and-other-insurance-products-november 3) ‘Pioneering’ is the subject of a three-webinar series. Congregational Life Ministries is offering three new webinars on the topic of church pioneering. The webcast presenters are leaders from the Anabaptist Network in the United Kingdom, an organization that models dynamic ministry strategies and creative processes for new church development. The three webinars are hosted by the Church of the Brethren and organized together with Urban Expression, Bristol Baptist, and BMS World Mission. Read the full story at www.brethren.org/news/2013/pioneering-is-the-subject-of-webinars.html 4) Haitch to present Professorial Lecture at Bethany Seminary. On Saturday, Oct. 26, Russell Haitch will present a professorial lecture at Bethany Theological Seminary in Richmond, Ind., commemorating his promotion to full professor of practical theology. Free and open to the public, the lecture will begin at 7:15 p m  (Eastern time) and will be webcast. Read the Bethany release at www.bethanyseminary.edu/news/haitch 5) Entries sought for Bethany Peace Essay Contest. Bethany Theological Seminary is encouraging seminary and graduate school, college, and high school students to think creatively about peacemaking and to share those thoughts for the greater good. The Bethany Peace Essay Contest is being reinstated this coming January as part of the peace studies program at the seminary. Read the Bethany release at www.bethanyseminary.edu/news/contest 6) Lerch concludes her work with TRIM and the Brethren Academy. Marilyn Lerch, coordinator of the Training In Ministry (TRIM) program of the Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership, will conclude her half-time position on Dec. 31 as a result of staff reconfiguration at the academy. She will continue as half-time pastor of Bedford (Pa.) Church of the Brethren. Read the full story at www.brethren.org/news/2013/lerch-concludes-work-with-trim.html 7) McElwee returns to Manchester University to guide fundraising. A 1978 Manchester peace studies and religion alumnus with broad and deep experience in the university’s mission soon will become vice president for university advancement. Timothy McElwee will re-join the President’s Cabinet on Nov. 11, Manchester University president Jo Young Switzer announced. Read the Manchester release at www.manchester.edu/oca/advancement/McElweeReturns.htm 8) Humanitarian curbs on deadly weapons boost new UN treaty, sharpen old debates. World leaders at the United Nations (UN) at the end of September backed two steps in relation to the Arms Trade Treaty, promoted by churches, to make people safer through new laws to control deadly weapons. The biggest event came as the United States, the world largest exporter of arms, signed the new Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) during a high-level phase of the UN General Assembly, Sept. 24-26. Read the WCC release at www.oikoumene.org/en/press-centre/news/humanitarian-curbs-on-deadly-weapons-boost-new-un-treaty-sharpen-old-debates 9) Brethren bits. In this issue: Personnel changes at BBT and Gather ’Round, job opening at the Brethren Service Center, deadline for NYC youth worker applications, invitation to ENGAGE at Bethany, a WCC virtual conference for “youth,” church anniversaries, Juniata’s celebration of new president Jim Troha, lots of college and university news, and more. Read the full Brethren bits at www.brethren.org/news/2013/brethren-bits-for-oct-11.html Contributors to this issue of Newsline include Deborah Brehm, Stan Dueck, Jon Kobel, Donna March, Wendy McFadden, Nicole Pressel, David Radcliff, Donna Talarico, John Wall, and editor Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of News Services for the Church of the Brethren. The next regularly scheduled issue of Newsline is planned for Oct. 18.

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. Forward Newsline to a friend    Subscribe to Newsline

eBrethren, October 9, 2013

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Sharing inspirational stories of Brethren Stewards in action. Problems viewing this e-mail? View as a web page.
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October 9, 2013   Support Children's Disaster Services Click here. CONTENTS Peace begins at home Invocation Transforming peace Here are some ways you can take action during Domestic Violence Awareness Month:- Learn about domestic violence: www.brethren.org/domestic-violencewww.thehotline.orgwww.nrcdv.org/dvamwww.faithtrustinstitute.org - Educate your church about domestic violence. Invite a local expert to speak; include information in your newsletter and on your bulletin boards. - Become a safe space for people to talk and to seek help and support. Provide meeting space for community support groups. - Volunteer with your local shelter or become a trained crisis volunteer. Statistics about domestic violence are sobering:- One out of every four women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime. - Witnessing violence between one’s caretakers is the strongest risk factor of passing violent behavior from one generation to the next. - Boys who witness domestic violence are twice as likely to abuse their own families when they become adults. - 30% to 60% of perpetrators of intimate partner violence also abuse children in the household. Peace begins at home Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Do your best to live in peace with everyone (Romans 12:10 NIV and 12:18 NCV). Home should be a sanctuary, a refuge from the cares and concerns of the world. But for too many, home is just the opposite. Instead of a place of peace and harmony, it is a battleground where words and fists damage body and soul. We can’t always see the emotional and spiritual—or even physical—scars that domestic violence leaves on its victims. So we may be lulled into a false sense that domestic violence is not a problem in our community, congregation, or even our family. But we would be wrong. Nearly three out of four Americans personally know someone who is or has been a victim of domestic violence. We may be unaware that someone in our own family or a parishioner sitting in our church pew is a victim. Jesus was acutely aware of the hurts of the people around him. Remember how keenly he felt the needs of the woman who barely touched his cloak; how he responded with love and concern (Mark 5:24-34)? As followers of Jesus, how can we be any less concerned about domestic violence in our midst? October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Now is a great time for you and your congregation to take action on behalf of those who are in need. Abuse is never okay. If you are currently a victim of domestic violence, please call the National (U.S.) Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 or TTY 1-800-787-3224. Kim Ebersole is director of Family Life ministries, a core ministry of the Church of the Brethren. For more information about Domestic Violence Awareness Month e-mail kebersole@brethren.org , or visitwww.brethren.org/domestic-violence . To support the important work of this and all other Congregational Life Ministries, visit www.brethren.org/give . Forward to a friend Back to top www.brethren.org/jrhighsunday Invocation Loving God, may we continue to open ourselves up to your Spirit and allow you to continue the work of perfecting your love within us so that we become the people you created us to be. By your grace, help us to live in your love and continue to extend that love to the world. Amen. This prayer by John Keller is a worship resource for Junior High Sunday on November 3. Visit www.brethren.org/jrhighsunday for more resources. Jillian Foerster, a Brethren Volunteer Service volunteer in South Sudan.  Photo by Jay Wittmeyer Sister Mercy leads a counseling class with students from six secondary schools in South Sudan last November. Students practice counseling together.Photos by Jillian Foerster Transforming peaceBy Jillian Foerster There’s a tall, unkempt man who paces the half mile between where I work and live. We often cross paths, and he’s attracted to my different, un-African look. Several times I’ve deflected hugs and his methanol-scented breath by relying on the speed of my bike, or assistance of a friend. This man is certainly not the only person who suffers from alcoholism in South Sudan. Many indulge in the strong, cheap sachets of low-quality alcohol that litter the ground. It’s easy to look at these individuals and ignore their suffering due to the threat they pose, or to criticize those who buy alcohol instead of paying their children’s school fees. Still, this is a symptom of a larger societal problem. The impact from war is overwhelming and everyone has a story to tell—even those who seem to be in better health. Generations have been permanently altered from decades of fighting. The fabric of South Sudanese society has seen so much trauma that it’s torn almost beyond repair. This results in behaviors such as substance abuse, depression, suicide, violence in the home, and, more fatally, conflict amid communities. As we say, “trauma that is not transformed is transferred.” It has been inspiring to be a Brethren Volunteer Serviceworker in this community for the past two years, and to learn from my colleagues at RECONCILE, an indigenous, faith-based, peace-building organization. RECONCILE is intent on patching the broken pieces of this society through education, counseling, and other activities. RECONCILE’s work has already seen a reduction in suicides and gender-based violence, as well as transformation of individuals who were on the brink of becoming another town drunkard, or wandering the streets with mental illness. Many of those whom we have trained are working in their communities as peace builders, struggling to mediate inter-ethnic conflict, and talk to their church communities about the effects of trauma. It will take years for South Sudan to rebuild, but the work of RECONCILE and other peace builders around the new nation gives hope and proves that no place, no matter its history, is Godforsaken. —Jillian Foerster is one of many dedicated volunteers working on behalf of the Church of the Brethren around the world, carrying Christ’s love through service and partnership. To support the life-changing work of Global Mission and Service ministries, including Brethren Volunteer Service, visit www.brethren.org/give . Forward to a friend Back to top www.brethren.org/messenger “My dream for this coming year is that we will take steps toward living out the beginning of our denominational vision statement, which is: ‘Through scripture Jesus calls us to live as courageous disciples in word and action.’” —Nancy Heishman in the October edition of Messenger magazine. Do you have a story about how you and 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 October 23, 2013.