eBrethren, February 12, 2014

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February 12, 2014   Hungry for news from the Global Food Crisis Fund? Click here. CONTENTS Not alone Discover a vision Math of sharing Gathering together for the Clergy Women's Retreat in Malibu, Calif. Melissa Wiginton (right) guided conversations for the retreat. "Being together is reason enough to be together."Photos by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford Not aloneBy Dana Cassell Being a pastor is a lonely gig. Just ask your own pastor, if you dare. It’s a big job to be present for so many people’s every spiritual and emotional need, and at the same time, be unable to share openly with them about your own. So it was refreshing to gather with 43 others at last month’s Church of the Brethren Clergy Women’s Retreat. We laughed, prayed, played in the Pacific, and thought intentionally about friendship, fellowship… and the lack thereof. But pastors aren’t alone in loneliness. Melissa Wiginton guided our conversation about togetherness, and she shared a study by UCLA that says 30 percent of Americans self-identify as lonely at any given moment. Even more striking? Three out of every five American adults over the age of 45 feel consistently lonely. What does this mean for ministry, for the church, for our own discipleship? A couple of things. First, as I watch my own congregation delight in simple fellowship—sharing a meal, or conversation after worship—I am convinced that the church’s mission is, at base, to provide space and invitation for people to enter into deep, Christ-centered relationship. And second, I’m struck by how restorative it was to spend time with other clergy women. The opportunity to simply be with others who are also out there, doing this lonely, beautiful work of ministry was a blessing. Part of the gift of our Brethren tradition is the assumption that being together is reason enough to be together. This is a gift that we can share, a ministry in itself. So next time you go to church, take a minute to thank your pastor or another leader in your congregation. And then take a step further and bring that blessing to the streets. Sometimes all it takes is eye contact and a smile for the cashier across the counter, or a classmate in the hall, to feel less alone. Imagine the blessing that a church on this kind of mission could be to a culture so filled with lonely people. Dana Cassell is minister for Youth Formation at Manassas Church of the Brethren in Virginia. She was one of several participants in the Clergy Women’s Retreat last month, which was sponsored by the Church of the Brethren’s Office of Ministry. To support this and other uplifting denominational ministries, visit www.brethren.org/give . Forward to a friend Back to top www.brethren.org/basinandtowel Discover a vision for community at its best:rooted and growing in the Jesus way. In the latest series from Basin and Towel magazine, follow the rhythms of gathering, calling, forming, and sending disciples. Dig in to what it means to be part of a vital congregation. Check out sample articles from the January issue, "The Gathering Community", as well as resources and a video interview atwww.brethren.org/basinandtowel . To request the whole magazine (including articles like "Not Your Grandma’s Sunday School"), or to subscribe, e-mail dstroyeck@brethren.org . To support Congregational Life Ministries, visitwww.brethren.org/give . The suggested offering date for One Great Hour of Sharing is March 16. "When we love like Jesus did, helping everyone we can, people who are hurting will feel God’s love. We can change one life at a time through our shared Christian witness, and those ones can add up until they equal all of God’s family." —Frank Ramirez in "The Math of Sharing," a children’s sermon for the 2014 One Great Hour of Sharing offering. Visitwww.brethren.org/oghs to read it in full. Thanks for reading! Watch for our next issue on February 26, 2014. Do you have a story about how you and your congregation practice stewardship?  E-mail it to ebrethren@brethren.org ! eBrethren: Stories of Brethren Stewards, is produced every other week by the Church of the Brethren's donor communications team.

eBrethren, January 29, 2014

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January 29, 2014   Register for YAC! Click here. CONTENTS Blessings We are one "You're blessed when you're content with just who you are—no more, no less."Photo by Kendra Johnson "You're blessed when you care. At the moment of being 'care-full,' you find yourselves cared for."Photo by Katie Cummings "You're blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight."Photo by Ron Lubungo BlessingsAn excerpt from a sermon by Christy Waltersdorff, based on Matthew 5:1-12. "You’re blessed when you’re at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God." Somewhere along the way I started signing letters with the word, "Blessings." It is a meaningful word that wishes all good things to whomever I am writing. It has the fragrance of grace—that promise of a gift undeserved. In Matthew’s Gospel we find a list of blessings in the Sermon on the Mount. But more than that, we find a call for action, a teaching that is counter-intuitive, counter-cultural, radical, subversive—just like Jesus, himself. It is not concerned with what is practical or possible, but calls us to turn the values of the world upside down. "You’re blessed when you're content with just who you are—no more, no less. That's the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can't be bought." Matthew helps us to see that we can believe these impossible things because of what we know about Jesus and the God who sent him. God blesses us and asks us to bless others. "You’re blessed when you care. At the moment of being ‘care-full,’ you find yourselves cared for." One of my Sunday school teachers used to say that the best way to think of the Beatitudes is as “be-attitudes.” They are ways of being—nine blessings that speak the language of grace, proclaiming truth that is the opposite of truth as the world knows it. "You’re blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That’s when you discover who you really are, and your place in God’s family" (The Message). In his hilltop sermon Jesus addressed those who were, right then, dealing with difficult and painful realities. "Blessed are you who are poor in spirit, at this very moment, for yours is the kingdom of heaven." Not after you die, not two hundred years from now, but right now. That promise remains true today. God is with you no matter what happens. You are blessed right now, and you are never alone. God is a God who cares about the meek, the mourners, the peacemakers, those who suffer. And even as they assure us, the Beatitudes call us to live as the people God created us to be, right here and right now. They encourage us to bless each other as we have been blessed by God, as an act of grace. A blessing is a prayer. It is a gift from God. Blessed are you... Amen. Christy Waltersdorff is pastor of the York Center Church of the Brethren in Lombard, Ill., and a worship coordinator for National Youth Conference. For suggestions of ways to bless others, visitwww.brethren.org/volunteer, www.brethren.org/pray , and www.brethren.org/give . Forward to a friend Back to top Visit www.brethren.org/oghs for worship resources, to order printed materials, or make a gift today. We are one "I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one—I in them and you in me— so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me" (John 17:22-24). The suggested offering date for One Great Hour of Sharing is March 16. We are one in the body of Christ with brothers and sisters around the world. As the hands and feet of Jesus, we can uphold each other in ministry and help those in need. One Great Hour of Sharing is a special opportunity to support ministries of the Church of the Brethren. Learn more at www.brethren.org/oghs . www.brethren.org/messenger "Peter’s account of dining with Gentiles is a story of challenge and … in facing these challenges, the believers discovered just how prayer led them in new directions. But first they had to get out of God’s way." —Chris Keating in the most recent issue of Messenger magazine. Thanks for reading! Watch for our next issue on February 12, 2014. 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 800-323-8039 ext. 361.
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. © 2014 Church of the Brethren. Save trees: Think before you print!

eBrethren, January 16, 2014

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January 16, 2014   Register for NYC! Click here. CONTENTS Sacred start Teach with your life Forgiveness covers sins with mercies white as snow.Photo by Wendy McFadden   Holy preparation for National Youth Conference.   There are many opportunities to get involved in Church of the Brethren ministries in 2014. Photo by Bethany Clark   Sacred startBy Mandy Garcia The doctors removed a small bone in the ball of my foot two weeks before Christmas. It was a scheduled, outpatient surgery, but knowing it was coming didn’t make the recovery any less frustrating. Being stuck at home for several weeks put an abrupt halt on my normal schedule and to-do list. But a few days before the celebration of Christ’s birth, I finally realized that I had been given the Christmas gift I’ve always said I wanted: time to simply sit and savor the season. It’s probably sad that I finally got my wish because I had no choice, but the fact remains that it was a very special time. I stayed still. I stared at the star on top of our tree and considered God’s leading. I wrapped myself in crocheted blankets and gave thanks for warmth. I watched my neighborhood get tucked in under a thick, white blanket, and praised God for forgiveness that covers sins with mercies white as snow. It was an “in between” time, a sacred space. In a similar way, January can be an “in between” time for all of us—Church of the Brethren denominational ministries included. We wrap up the loose ends of the past year and get ready to dive into all the exciting things coming up in the new one.National Youth Conference coordinators and the workcamp team stay late at the office for their long awaited registration kick-offs. The Annual Conference office assembles necessities for their site visit in Columbus. And church planters (who seem to have a gift for “in-between” time) get their things in order before the Church Planting Conference in May. This time before the gears get really moving can feel a little like being stuck at home with a broken foot. But if we frame it right, if we focus on the many wonderful things on the horizon, it takes on a feeling of holy preparation. Like the quiet calm of Christmas, this time can be a gift, sacred space, full of thanks and praise. As we prepare to dive into this New Year, may we spend our “in between” time watching carefully for God’s leading, full of gratitude, and freely giving as God has so freely given to us. For a list of ways that you can get involved in Church of the Brethren ministries in 2014, visitwww.brethren.org/events ,www.brethren.org/volunteer , andwww.brethren.org/give . Forward to a friend Back to top www.brethren.org/workcamps Teach with your life You have a gift. A unique, beautiful gift from God. Pour yourself into it so others can see God in you--in your words, your attitude, your love, your faith, and your integrity. Grow into these things, embrace them. Inspire others to discover their gifts, their call. Live fully. Teach with your life. Register now at www.brethren.org/workcamps Rachel Buller recently completed her two year term through Brethren Volunteer Service and Global Mission and Service with Asian Rural Institute in Tochigi, Japan. “My experiences here will continue to impact my life and guide me in my future steps. I am very thankful to God and also to BVS for giving me this wonderful opportunity.” —Rachel Buller in the December edition of Minute for Mission. Thanks for reading! Watch for our next issue on January 29, 2014. 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 800-323-8039 ext. 361.
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. © 2014 Church of the Brethren.

eBrethren, December 18, 2013

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December 18, 2013 Merry Christmas! On behalf of volunteers near and far, all Mission and Ministry Board members, and Church of the Brethren staff in New Windsor, Elgin, and all around the country, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! May you and yours be blessed with the peace and joy of Emmanuel this holiday season. Photo by Donna March Your gifts did amazing things in 2013... 717 congregations financially supported the Church of the Brethren. 799 NOAC attendees gave $1,670 to support the Youth Peace Travel Team. 128 volunteers served 256,000 hours at 61 Brethren Volunteer Service projects. Global Mission and Servicevolunteers maintained a Brethren presence in 11 different countries. 720 delegates and 2,480 others attended Annual Conference in Charlotte, NC. 388 deacons and other church leaders attended 15 workshops. 4 new members joined the Faith Forward Donor Circle. 50 Brethren attended the Great Multitude Symposium. 375 participants served at 23 workcamps. 509 individuals attended youth and young adult conferences. The Churches of the Brethren in Spain and Haiti held their first annual conferences as newly registered denominations. 17 District Conferences were attended by both Church of the Brethren staff and Mission and Ministry Board members. 18 student books, 15 teacher’s guides, 15 resource packs, 3 Talkabouts, 3 teacher’s CDs, and 1 music CD were produced byGather 'Round. 3 staff attended the World Council of Churches 10th Assembly in North Korea. 51 congregations participated in the Vital Ministry Journey, and 29 hosted congregational vitality workshops. 1 new offering for Pentecost was launched with a new offering series. 34 Brethren Volunteer Service volunteers served in 33 international projects, and 30 international students served in the US. 288 donors gave to the Church of the Brethren for the first time, and 136 gave for the first time in 5 years. "So the shepherds hurried off and located Mary and Joseph, and found the baby lying in a manger" (Luke 2:16). Photo by Mandy Garcia Photo by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford You are incredible Do you know how amazing you are? All of the Church of the Brethren ministries mentioned above are completely funded by donations from congregations and individuals like you. Your dedication is also what inspires dreams of our future. For example, imagine if 10 college students participated inMinistry Summer Service, 80 young adults attended Young Adult Conference, and 5,000 youth from every district gathered for National Youth Conference in 2014. Imagine if every Brethren congregation spent 60 days praying through the Vital Ministry Journey, and if each one was fully engaged in the diversity of their local communities. What would it be like if 20 young adults went to theworkcamp in Haiti next summer? And what if we had the capacity to place 100 new Brethren Volunteer Serviceworkers in 2014? Imagine placing 50 mission workers in 25 different countries. Imagine building churches in South Sudan, and agricultural development in Haiti. The good work done through your support and partnership with denominational ministries changes lives all over the world, and the possibilities for growth are endless. This church is blessed, and our God is good. If you are excited about the ministries of the Church of the Brethren, and if you’d like to see them expand in myriad ways in the coming months and years, make a gift today. And thank you! It’s truly a blessing to serve in ministry alongside sisters and brothers like you. From all of the staff, volunteers, and board members of the Church of the Brethren, have a very merry Christmas and a blessed New Year. Visit www.brethren.org/give to make a year-end, tax-deductible donation to Church of the Brethren ministries today. Forward to a friend Back to top As of December 1, generous individuals like you have given an amazing $613,279.73 to support Church of the Brethren core ministries. In the next two weeks our goal is to raise$136,720.27 more to meet our budget goal of $750,000, and we can do it! The year is almost over, so now is a perfect time to make a tax-deductible donation to help sustain life-changing Church of the Brethren ministries like the ones listed above, and so many others. Thank youfor your incredible service, prayer, dedication, and support. Thanks for reading!  Watch for our next issue on January 15, 2014.