Newsline
The Church of the Brethren e-mail news service |
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Jan. 17, 2014
"And this is my prayer, that your love may overflow more and more with knowledge and full insight to help you to determine what is best" (Philippians 1:9-10a).
NEWS
1) Joint representative for Syria to deliver urgent call from churches to Geneva 2 talks 2) Brethren Disaster Ministries staff to evaluate state of response to Typhoon Haiyan 3) COMS meeting brings together leaders of Anabaptist denominations
UPCOMING EVENTS
4) Service Sunday 2014 will focus on serving God by serving all 5) Youth ministry webinar series continues with event on Jan. 21
FEATURE
6) Nigerian Brethren hold Christmas celebrations despite the threat of violence
7) Brethren bits: Heifer CEO visits Brethren in Puerto Rico, MLK Day celebrations and events, archival internship, opening for part-time project director at Bethany Seminary, BVS orientation, and more.
Read the full text of this Newsline in one document at www.brethren.org/news/2014/
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 Quote of the week:
“Friendship matters.”
-- Melissa Wiginton’s two-word explanation of the “big idea” she wanted women to carry away from the Clergy Women’s Retreat, where she was the speaker. Wiginton is vice president for Education Beyond the Walls at Austin (Texas) Seminary. The event at Serra Retreat Center in Malibu, Calif., on Jan. 13-16 gathered more than 40 Church of the Brethren clergy women from across the country. It included sessions led by Wiginton, morning and evening worship, afternoon trips to the beach and other recreation opportunities, time for sharing personal stories, entertainment, and fellowship. The Ministry Office sponsored the retreat and some scholarships were provided with help from Womaen’s Caucus and La Verne (Calif.) Church of the Brethren. The planning team included associate general secretary Mary Jo Flory-Steury, Liz Bidgood-Enders, Dana Cassell, Dava Hensley, Wendy Noffsinger Erbaugh, Frances Townsend, and Barbara Wise Lewczak. A blog from the retreat is at http://blog.brethren.org . A photo album is atwww.bluemelon.com/
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1) Joint representative for Syria to deliver urgent call from churches to Geneva 2 talks
 With the Geneva 2 talks on Syria scheduled for Jan. 22, some 30 church leaders from Syria and around the world gathered a week ahead of time at the headquarters of the World Council of Churches (WCC) in Geneva, Switzerland, and called for substantial action be taken at the talks to end the armed conflict. Church of the Brethren general secretary Stan Noffsinger was one of the American church leaders who participated.In a message to be delivered to Geneva 2 by Lakhdar Brahimi, the United Nations-Arab League joint representative for Syria, the group--which is convinced there is no military solution--said that there needed to be “immediate cessation of all armed confrontation and hostility within Syria,” thus ensuring that “all vulnerable communities in Syria and refugees in neighboring countries receive appropriate humanitarian assistance” and that “a comprehensive and inclusive process toward establishing a just peace and rebuilding Syria” should be developed.
Read the full release from the World Council of Churches at www.oikoumene.org/en/press-
Read the Message to the Geneva 2 talks from the WCC Ecumenical Consultation on Syria at www.oikoumene.org/en/
 2) Brethren Disaster Ministries staff to evaluate state of response to Typhoon Haiyan
Roy Winter, associate executive director of Brethren Disaster Ministries, will travel to the Philippines to evaluate the current state of the response to Typhoon Haiyan following the destruction and loss of life caused by the storm in November 2013. Brethren Disaster Ministries is planning a response that will focus Brethren resources on the areas of greatest need by partnering with organizations already active in the area.
Read the full story at www.brethren.org/news/2014/
3) COMS meeting brings together leaders of Anabaptist denominations
At the beginning of December 2013, leaders of a number of Anabaptist denominations gathered for the annual Council of Moderators and Secretaries meeting. Attending from the Church of the Brethren were general secretary Stanley J. Noffsinger and Annual Conference moderator Nancy Sollenberger Heishman. The gathering was hosted by the Conservative Mennonite Conference at its Rosedale International Center in Columbus, Ohio.
Read the full story at www.brethren.org/news/2014/
 UPCOMING EVENTS
4) Service Sunday 2014 will focus on serving God by serving all
The theme for the Church of the Brethren’s observance of Service Sunday 2014 is “Serving God by Serving All” inspired by John 12: 26, “If any of you wants to serve me, then follow me. Then you’ll be where I am, ready to serve at a moment’s notice. The Father will honor and reward anyone who serves me” (The Message version). The annual recognition of service is on the first Sunday in February.
Read the full story at www.brethren.org/news/2014/
5) Youth ministry webinar series continues with event on Jan. 21
“Call and Gifts Discernment,” is the third webinar of a series on ministry with youth and young adults. It will be offered on Jan. 21, at 7 p.m. central time (8 p.m. eastern). It will be led by Bekah Houff, Bethany Seminary’s coordinator of Outreach Programs for the Institute for Ministry with Youth and Young Adults.
Read the full story at www.brethren.org/news/2014/
FEATURE
6) Nigerian Brethren hold Christmas celebrations despite the threat of violence
The Global Mission and Service office is sharing a letter from Samuel Dali, president of Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria (EYN--the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria), about the Christmas celebrations of the Nigerian Brethren that were held despite the constant threat of violence from the Boko Haram extremist Islamist sect. Excerpts from the letter follow below.
The Global Mission and Service office expresses appreciation to Virlina District for its collection of relief for Nigerian Brethren, and appreciation to all those who contributed to an additional $15,000 for the EYN Compassion Fund through donations and gifts over the Christmas season.
Read the full story at www.brethren.org/news/2014/
 7) Brethren bits
In this issue: Heifer International president and CEO visits Brethren in Puerto Rico, MLK Day celebrations and events, archival internship opening at the BHLA, an opening for a part-time project director at Bethany Seminary, Brethren Volunteer Service orientation, and more.
Read the full Brethren bits at www.brethren.org/news/2014/
Contributors to this issue of Newsline include Mark Beach, Deb Brehm, Mary Kay Heatwole, Don Knieriem, Nancy Miner, Harold A. Penner, Callie Surber, Becky Ullom Naugle, John Wall, Roy Winter, Jay Wittmeyer, 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 Jan. 24.  |
| Newsline is produced by the news services of the Church of the Brethren. Contact the editor at cobnews@brethren.org. Newsline appears every 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 |
Friday, January 17, 2014
Newsline, January 17, 2014
Thursday, January 16, 2014
A Christmas "Miracle"
This was one of the special moments during our celebration of the Christmas season. It happened one Sunday morning at Whitestone...
Annual Men's Retreat, February 14-16, Camp Myrtlewood
Sent: Thursday, January 16, 2014 2:23 PM
Subject: 23rd Annual Brethren Men's Retreat 2014 Announcement
My friends, the time has come once again for the annual Brethren men’s retreat! Along with the usual music, jokes, healing, and worship, we will have a non-traditional sweat arranged by Brother John.
BRING YOUR USUAL STUFF: Bibles, bedding, books, musical instruments, stories, jokes, videos, craft materials, etc. If you want to lead a session of some kind just let everyone know on Friday night and we’ll work it into the schedule.
Please email us at manager@campmyrtlewood.org if you’re coming and if you have any dietary restrictions.
Fee: $70
To go to the Camp Myrtlewood website, click HERE.
eBrethren, January 16, 2014
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Newsline, January 10, 2014
Newsline
The Church of the Brethren e-mail news service |
|
Jan. 10, 2014
"Teach believers with your life: by word, by demeanor, by love, by faith, by integrity" (1 Timothy 4:11, The Message).
NEWS
1) Church youth groups get together to register for National Youth Conference 2) Strategic pathways work continues by Brethren Benefit Trust board 3) Virlina District Conference supports peace efforts of Nigerian Brethren
UPCOMING EVENTS
4) Today is opening day for workcamp registration, last day to apply for Ministry Summer Service, Youth Peace Travel Team 5) Church Planting Conference looks toward an intercultural future 6) Living Love Feast is theme of Bethany's 2014 Forum
FEATURES
7) Church of the Brethren member leads peace training in Democratic Republic of Congo 8) New Year’s resolutions: A reflection for January 2014 from the Older Adult Ministry
9) Brethren bits: Correction, Bethany’s Nicarry Chapel suffers water damage, Haitian Brethren request prayer, 12th anniversary of first detainees at Guantanamo, Nominating Committee meets, BVS survey, resignation and job opening, and much more
Find the full text of this Newsline in one document at www.brethren.org/news/2014/ ****************************** A NOTE TO NEWSLINE READERS: The e-mail for Church of the Brethren staff has been down all day today, Friday, Jan. 10. We apologize for the inconvenience. To contact communications staff and the News Services department while e-mail is down please send a message tobimblebc@aol.com . ******************************  1) Church youth groups get together to register for National Youth Conference
By Lucas Kauffman
Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren youth and advisors were among the groups that got together Jan. 3 for a National Youth Conference (NYC) registration party. The youth at Highland Avenue Church in Elgin, Ill., decided to hold their party so that they would be among the first to register for NYC 2014. They were just seven of more than 200 people who registered in the first two hours after online registration opened.
Read the full story at www.brethren.org/news/2014/
2) Strategic pathways work continues by Brethren Benefit Trust board
By Brian Solem
At its annual November meeting, the Board of Directors for Brethren Benefit Trust’s pension,
insurance, and asset management ministries pushed forward its strategic pathway process, made small but important adjustments to its investment program, and requested further dialogue regarding BBT’s Church Workers’ Assistance Plan.
Read the full story in BBT’s “Benefit News” newsletter at www.brethrenbenefittrust.org/
 3) Virlina District Conference supports peace efforts of Nigerian Brethren
By Emma Jean Woodard
Virlina District has had individuals connected with ministry in Nigeria and has given support and prayers for the Nigerian Brethren for a long time. Because of the violence, destruction, and deaths that have taken place in Nigeria, the District Peace Affairs Committee decided to emphasize the peace efforts of Nigerian Brethren at the Sept. 2012 Virlina District Peace Sunday Service. Following that service, the Program and Arrangements Committee chose to continue the Nigerian support emphasis at the 2012 Virlina District Conference. Then, as planning started for the 2013 District Conference, the district’s support for Nigeria continued in a different way.
Read the full story at www.brethren.org/news/2014/
UPCOMING EVENTS
 4) Today is opening day for workcamp registration, last day to apply for Ministry Summer Service, Youth Peace Travel Team
Today, Friday, Jan. 10, is a key date for Church of the Brethren youth and young adults who are interesting in participating in summer workcamps, or applying to the Ministry Summer Service program or the Youth Peace Travel Team. Online registration for the summer 2014 workcamps open today at www.brethren.org/workcamps . Today also is the last day for applications for Ministry Summer Service ( www.brethren.org/yya/mss ) and the Youth Peace Travel Team ( www.brethren.org/yya/
Read the full story at www.brethren.org/news/2014/
 5) Church Planting Conference looks toward an intercultural future
The Church Planting Conference to be held May 15-17, sponsored by the Church of the Brethren through the office of Congregational Life Ministries and the New Church Development Advisory Committee. and hosted at Bethany Theological Seminary in Richmond, Ind., will be forward-looking with the theme, “Plant Generously, Reap Bountifully--Toward an Intercultural Future.” Registration is now open atwww.brethren.org/
Read the full story at www.brethren.org/news/2014/
6) Living Love Feast is theme of Bethany's 2014 Forum
By Jenny Williams
Bethany Seminary’s sixth Presidential Forum will delve into the biblical, practical, and experiential nature and meaning of a deeply valued expression of faith among the Brethren: the Love Feast. Held April 4-5 at the Bethany campus in Richmond, Ind., this event will feature leadership from well-known speakers and scholars along with sisters and brothers in the Brethren faith tradition.
Read the release from Bethany at www.bethanyseminary.edu/news/
FEATURES  7) Church of the Brethren member leads peace training in Democratic Republic of Congo
By Lucas Kauffman
Church of the Brethren member Cliff Kindy, who also has worked with Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT), visited Brethren in the Democratic Republic of Congo from Dec. 14-23. This was not Kindy’s first visit to the Congo, where he has traveled with CPT. During the CPT trip he had been “impressed with the way individuals and peace and justice groups were re-taking the initiative from the actors of violence, when that meant risking their lives daily.”
This trip was made at the request of pastor Ron Lubungo and the Brethren in the DRC. Jay Wittmeyer, executive director of Global Mission and Service for the Church of the Brethren, expanded the work of this visit and helped provide funding, Kindy said.
Read the full interview at www.brethren.org/news/2014/
8) New Year’s resolutions: A reflection for January 2014 from the Older Adult Ministry
“Change the former way of life that was part of the person you once were, corrupted by deceitful desires. Instead, renew the thinking in your mind by the Spirit and clothe yourself with the new person created according to God’s image in justice and true holiness” (Ephesians 4:22-24 CEB).
As 2013 came to a close, people were pledging to either give up bad habits or adopt new, healthier ones as the new year rolled in. As to whether we should focus on what we should be doing or what we shouldn't, maybe it’s not a question of "either/or" but rather a matter of "both/and”....
Read the full reflection at http://support.brethren.org/
 9) Brethren bits
In this issue: A correction, Bethany’s Nicarry Chapel suffers water damage, Haitian Brethren request prayer, 12th anniversary of the first detainees at Guantanamo, Nominating Committee meets, a BVS survey, Shenandoah District resignation, job opening at Camp Peaceful Pines, and more news from across the denomination and around the world.
Read the full Brethren bits at www.brethren.org/news/2014/
Contributors to this issue of Newsline include Jeff Boshart, Roselanne Cadet, Jeff Carter, Elizabeth Harvey, Jon Kobel, Garry Pearson, Jonathan Shively, Emily Tyler, Becky Ullom Naugle, 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 Jan. 17.  |
| Newsline is produced by the news services of the Church of the Brethren. Contact the editor at cobnews@brethren.org. Newsline appears every 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 |
Friday, January 10, 2014
A Monthly Reflection From Older Adult Ministries
 | A Monthly Reflection from the Older Adult Ministry of the Church of the Brethren | |
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New Year's Resolutions
January 2014
Change the former way of life that was part of the person you once were, corrupted by deceitful desires. Instead, renew the thinking in your mind by the Spirit and clothe yourself with the new person created according to God’s image in justice and true holiness.
Eph 4:22-24 CEB
As 2013 came to a close, articles about resolving to make life changes popped up in newspapers and magazines and on TV and Facebook. Everywhere, people were pledging to either give up bad habits or adopt new, healthier ones as the new year rolled in.
Recently, my husband and I were blessed to attend a year-end communion service with his 97 year-old mother at her retirement community. The deacon serving communion reflected that it may be easier to stop a negative behavior than to take on a new, positive one. I don't know if that is true, but it does seem like change, any change, is hard for people, which may be why various studies show that New Year's resolutions are more often broken than they are kept.
That's not to say that we shouldn't think about ways we might improve how we live our lives. But perhaps we should do that on a regular basis rather than try to change everything in one fell swoop.
As to whether we should focus on what we should be doing or what we shouldn't, maybe it’s not a question of "either/or" but rather a matter of "both/and." After all, Scripture provides guidance on both: "Blessed are those who..."(Mt 5:3-11) and "Thou shall not..." (Ex 20:1-17).
Perhaps we would do well to read and reflect on these passages now and throughout 2014 as we seek to live out our lives in the footsteps of Jesus.
—Kim Ebersole, Director of Family Life and Older Adult Ministries, Church of the Brethren
Prayer
Renewing God,
We are thankful for all the promise that a new year holds. We ask that you be with us as we study your Word and strive to live according to the example of the One whose birth and life we celebrate and seek to emulate, Jesus the Christ. Amen
To ponder and discuss:
1. As you begin the new year, read and reflect on the words of the hymn, "This is a day of new beginnings" (#640 inHymnal: A Worship Book, Brethren Press, 1992).
2. Is it easier for you to stop a bad habit or begin a new, positive behavior?
3. As you reflect on your life, what do you want to change? How might you go about making those life changes a reality?
Suggested reading:
Moment to Moment: The Transformative Power of Everyday Life by Amy Sander Montanez. Morehouse Publishing, 2013.
A Season of Mystery: 10 Spiritual Practices for Embracing a Happier Second Half of Life by Paula Huston. Loyola Press, 2012.
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The Older Adult Ministry envisions a church that intentionally affirms the gift of aging, and older adults, in its life and in service to the world.
Our mission is to call forth ministries by, for, and with older adults throughout the Church of the Brethren.
Director of Older Adult Ministry: Kim Ebersole kebersole@brethren.org800-323-8039 ext. 305 www.brethren.org/OAM Click here to unsubscribe Click here to change your e-mail address or other information Click here to forward this message to a friend | ||
NYC Registration Now Open!
| National Youth Conference 2014 July 19-24, 2014 Fort Collins, Colorado  | |||
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Dear friend,
National Youth Conference registration is now open!!
Now is the time to encourage any youth you know to register and make plans to attend NYC this July 19-24, in Fort Collins, Colorado.
NYC is a life-changing experience and not an event to miss! Who can you send to this extraordinary week of worship, Bible studies, small groups, workshops, hiking, and service projects? It only happens once every 4 years — who will you send?
To register, click here
For more information about NYC, visit www.brethren.org/NYC
See you in Colorado!
Sarah, Tim, and Katie
2014 National Youth Conference Coordinators
Video tutorial on how to register
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NYC Coordinators:
Katie Cummings 847-429-4389, Tim Heishman 847-429-4323 & Sarah Neher 847-429-4363 E-mail: cobyouth@brethren.org Fax: 847-429-4379 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120
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Newsline, January 3, 2014
Newsline
The Church of the Brethren e-mail news service |
 Jan. 3, 2014
“The star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stood over the place where the child was” (Matthew 2:9b).
1) Annual Conference moderator shares New Year’s greetings with the church
2) Church of the Brethren aids refugees in South Sudan, some mission staff leave the country
UPCOMING EVENTS
3) Online registration for National Youth Conference begins this evening
FEATURE
4) Press Conference with King Herod: A contemporary reflection on the murder of the Bethlehem children
5) Brethren bits: Remembering BCA’s Allen Deeter, Church of the Brethren and BBT personnel, Timbercrest chaplain to retire, Brethren Mission Fund committee change and grant to EYN, “Keeping Our Children Safe” in Virlina, Camp Harmony celebrates its 90th, and more.
Find the full text of this Newsline in one document at
www.brethren.org/news/2014/
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Quote of the week: “They helped me become what I am today." -- Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS) worker Michael Himlie talking about the congregation at Root River Church of the Brethren, the church in which he grew up. Himlie was interviewed by the “News-Record” of Marshall, Iowa, while on a holiday break from his work with Brethren Disaster Ministries. Read the full interview at www.hometown-pages.com/main. ******************************
1) Annual Conference moderator shares New Year’s greetings with the church
Nancy Sollenberger Heishman, moderator of the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference, is sharing greetings with the denomination and its members in this New Year 2014. The following letter offering encouragement for a life of Christian discipleship, is being sent to congregational delegates by mail. For more information about Annual Conference go to www.brethren.org/ac .
 January 1, 2014 Dear Sisters and Brothers of the Church of the Brethren, greetings in the name of Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace and the One who is God-with-us! As I write this letter we stand at the threshold of a new year, full of bright promise and possibility....
Read the full story at www.brethren.org/news/2014/
 2) Church of the Brethren aids refugees in South Sudan, some mission staff leave the country
“We’re actively purchasing supplies for distribution to refugees” in South Sudan, reports Jay Wittmeyer, executive director of Global Mission and Service for the Church of the Brethren. One of three Brethren mission workers remains in South Sudan, while two have left the country, after violence broke out shortly before Christmas. The violence is linked to a coup attempt by a recently deposed vice president, and fears of the exacerbation of ethnic tensions in the nation.
Also, a number of South Sudanese church leaders have written public letters about the situation in South Sudan.
Read the full story at www.brethren.org/news/2014/
UPCOMING EVENTS
3) Online registration for National Youth Conference begins this evening
 Online registration for National Youth Conference (NYC) 2014 opens this evening, Jan. 3, at7 p.m. central time. The conference will be held July 19-24 on the campus of Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colo., and all youth who have completed 9th grade through one year of college are eligible to attend. To register, beginning at 7 p.m. (central), visitwww.brethren.org/NYC and click “Register Now.”
Read the full story at www.brethren.org/news/2014/
FEATURE
4) Press Conference with King Herod: A contemporary reflection on the murder of the Bethlehem children
By Tim Heishman
"When Herod knew the magi had fooled him, he grew very angry. He sent soldiers to kill all the male children in Bethlehem and in all the surrounding territory who were two years old and younger" (Matthew 2:16a).
 Good morning! It has come to my attention that some of you are planning to release a story about a special forces operation in the village of Bethlehem overnight. Now, I have pledged to be the most open and transparent administration in history and today is no exception. So my administration wants to make sure you have all the correct information on this developing situation....
Read the full reflection at www.brethren.org/news/2014/
5) Brethren bits
In this issue: Remembering Brethren Colleges Abroad’s Allen Deeter, personnel notes from the Church of the Brethren and BBT, Timbercrest chaplain to retire, Brethren Mission Fund committee change and grant to EYN Compassion Fund, “Keeping Our Children Safe” in Virlina District, Camp Harmony celebrates its 90th, and more news about and for Brethren.
Read the full Brethren bits at www.brethren.org/news/2014/
Contributors to this issue of Newsline include Deborah Brehm, Nancy Sollenberger Heishman, Tim Heishman, Brian Solem, Jay Wittmeyer, David Young, 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 Jan. 10.  |
| Newsline is produced by the news services of the Church of the Brethren. Contact the editor at cobnews@brethren.org. Newsline appears every 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 Unsubscribe |
BVS SURVEY!
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BVS needs YOUR help!
For 65 years BVS volunteers have been serving in communities all over the world. We would like to receive your feedback and perspective on BVS through a quick online survey to keep the program relevant and dynamic. Your feedback will help us determine areas of focus and growth for the organization and set the direction and vision for the next 65 years of BVS!
*The survey will be available through February 15, 2014
In Peace,
The BVS Team
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