Prayer for Father's Day

Prayer for Father’s Day

Blessed are you Lord our God, creator and redeemer of all;

You father us from all eternity giving life to creation and pouring your love into all you have made.

From the beginning we have known you as “Father”, and all our families have their origin in you. Through the love of earthly fathers you give us a glimpse of your everlasting love.

We give thanks for those fathers who strive to balance the demands of work, marriage, and children with an honest awareness of both joy and sacrifice. And we pray for those fathers who, lacking a good model for a father, have worked to become good fathers.

We thank You for those fathers who by their own account were not always there for their children, but who continue to offer those children, now grown, their love and support.

We also give thanks for those fathers who, despite divorce, have remained in their children's lives and for those fathers whose children are adopted, and whose love and support has offered healing.

We thank you for those fathers who, as stepfathers, freely choose the obligation of fatherhood and earn their step-children's love and respect.

And we ask your special blessing on those fathers who have lost a child to death, and who continue to hold those children in their hearts.

We also give thanks for those men who have no children, but cherish the next generation as if they were their own. We pray for those men who have “fathered” us in their role as mentors and guides

We ask your blessings on those men who are about to become fathers; may they openly delight in their children.

And we continue to pray for those fathers who have died, but live on in our memories and whose love continues to nurture us.

May the love of our earthly fathers draw us ever nearer to you and perfect in us the image of your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

— posted on the St. John’s Episcopal Church website.

Dunkers

Earlier this Spring there was a fundraiser in town for the new Tonasket Water Ranch that will provide hot weather relief this summer for the kids of the community while a new pool is being constructed. Many folks from our churches got involved.

One of the popular features of the day was a dunk tank. Many upstanding members of the community graciously consented to take the seat of honor atop that infernal contraption. They included Ernie Bolz, and Rob Thompson, and yours truly.

Here is Rob feeling unaccountably confident about the whole enterprise.

Here he may be feeling a bit uneasy as he sees the glint in the eyes of the children.

And here is the fatal moment when gravity has him, and he first realizes how cold the water in that dunk tank really is, and where he may be having second thoughts way too late to do anything about it. The face of the little girl says it all.

I took my turn, too, and once you're dry and warm--a day or two later--you feel proud that you could bring a little happiness into the lives of the children, both in the future as they play in that new water park, and right now as they squeal with fiendish delight as you go down for the third time.

Newsline, June 13, 2013

Newsline The Church of the Brethren e-mail news service

June 13, 2013 Quote of the week “I want to tell you this is the best thing here. My two grand boys spent the night under the bed and then spent two hours here. It was the first time they got to play or see toys since the school went down. You did a good thing.” -- A grandfather thanking Children’s Disaster Services volunteers who have been caring for children and families affected by the tornado that hit Moore, Okla., on May 20. CDS volunteers have worked in cooperation with the American Red Cross in Moore continuously since May 25. More than 300 children have received care. Above, one of the pictures drawn by children in Moore, shared by CDS volunteer Bob Roach. The child's description of the picture: "This tornado people is sad. This tornado people is crying and crying." "For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God" (Romans 8:14). NEWS 1) CDS volunteers continue to care for children affected by Oklahoma tornados. 2) Brethren Disaster Ministries to start Sandy recovery project in New Jersey. 3) Young adult event takes place at Camp Pine Lake. 4) World Council of Churches celebrates signing of Arms Trade Treaty. UPCOMING EVENTS 5) NYC 2014 logo and registration opening date are announced. 6) Brethren Academy updates its list of upcoming courses. 7) Progressive Brethren Gathering to be held in Indiana. FEATURES 8) Moderator Bob Krouse sets the tone for Annual Conference 2013. 9) Evidence of God working: A revival of faith at McPherson College. 10) UN representative reports ‘troubling’ global meeting on human trafficking. 11) Brethren bits: Corrections, remembering Doris Hollinger, job openings, personnel notes, summer worship resources from Gather ’Round, Brethren Voices interviews BVS director, more. Read the complete text of this Newsline in one document at www.brethren.org/news/2013/newsline-for-june-13-2013.html ******************************************** A note to Newsline readers: Church of the Brethren staff learned this morning that www.cobannualconference.org--an old website mostly out of use--had been infected with a malicious script (virus) that could have affected visitors' computers. The infection has been removed and the site is now safe. It appears that other, non-Brethren websites also were targeted and staff are investigating the source of the attack. If you accessed the Annual Conference statement page or documents between June 10-12, please update your anti-virus program and scan your computer. If you do not have anti-virus protection (which is NOT advisable) there are free options including free.avg.com and www.avira.com . Please note that the rest of the Annual Conference website hosted on www.brethren.org was not affected. Furthermore, the old cobannualconference.org website will be taken out of service shortly and all materials will be moved to the much more secure sitewww.brethren.org/ac . If you have questions or concerns please contact cobweb@brethren.org . ******************************************** 1) CDS volunteers continue to care for children affected by Oklahoma tornados. “Please keep the people of Oklahoma in your prayers,” asks Roy Winter, executive director of Brethren Disaster Ministries. Children’s Disaster Services (CDS) has had volunteers serving in Moore, Okla., since May 25. As of June 4, 325 children had received care. Trained and certified volunteers from CDS, a program within Brethren Disaster Ministries, work cooperatively with FEMA and the American Red Cross to set up child care centers in shelters and disaster assistance centers. The full story is at www.brethren.org/news/2013/cds-volunteers-continue-work-in-oklahoma.html 2) Brethren Disaster Ministries to start Sandy recovery project in New Jersey. In an exciting new partnership to help recovery in communities displaced by Super Storm Sandy, Brethren Disaster Ministries is collaborating with a trusted local non-profit in a project aimed at increasing the supply of safe and affordable rental housing in New Jersey. This unique project will allow Brethren Disaster Ministries to reach out to a population that is often underserved following disasters, yet whose recovery is crucial to the overall recovery and health of the community. The full story is at www.brethren.org/news/2013/brethren-disaster-ministries-to-open-nj-project-site.html 3) Young adult event takes place at Camp Pine Lake. More than 40 young adults from across the country gathered at Camp Pine Lake in Eldora, Iowa, for the Church of the Brethren’s annual Young Adult Conference (or YAC for short). YAC took place over Memorial Day weekend from May 25-27. The young adults had a great time filled with laughter, conversation, coffee, and four square, despite what was otherwise a very rainy and cool weekend in Iowa. The full story is at www.brethren.org/news/2013/young-adult-event-in-iowa.html 4) World Council of Churches celebrates signing of Arms Trade Treaty. “Sign early and save lives!” said the World Council of Churches (WCC) celebratory news release on the signing of the world’s first Arms Trade Treaty. Nearly 70 governments signed the world’s first Arms Trade Treaty at the United Nations on the day it opened for signatures, June 3. Churches in dozens of countries urged them to do so in order to keep up the momentum from successful negotiations until the new treaty takes effect. Signatories included states that export arms and states where imported arms fuel violence. Read the full WCC release at www.oikoumene.org/en/press-centre/news/sign-early-and-save-lives-1 UPCOMING EVENTS 5) NYC 2014 logo and registration opening date are announced. A new logo for National Youth Conference (NYC) 2014, the once every four years Church of the Brethren conference for youth who have completed grade 9 through the first year of college, has been released by the Youth and Young Adult Ministry office. The logo designed by Debbie Noffsinger illustrates the NYC theme from Ephesians 4:1-7, “Called by Christ, Blessed for the Journey Together.” Also announced is the opening date of online registration for NYC: Jan. 3, 2014, at 7 p.m. (central time). The full story is at www.brethren.org/news/2013/nyc-2014-logo-and-opening-registration-date.html 6) Brethren Academy updates its list of upcoming courses. The Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership has updated its upcoming course listing, which includes independent study units connected with the Ministers’ Association event in late June in advance of the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference, and the Fifth Brethren World Assembly in mid-July. The full story is at www.brethren.org/news/2013/brethren-academy-course-update.html 7) Progressive Brethren Gathering to be held in Indiana. Registration is open for the 2013 Progressive Brethren Gathering on the theme, “Holy Longing: This Is My Body.” This sixth annual gathering of progressive Brethren will be held Nov. 15-17 at Beacon Heights Church of the Brethren in Fort Wayne, Ind. The full story is at www.brethren.org/news/2013/progressive-brethren-gathering.html FEATURES 8) Moderator Bob Krouse sets the tone for Annual Conference 2013. "By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another" (John 13:35). “The Church of the Brethren Annual Conference exists to unite, strengthen and equip the Church of the Brethren to follow Jesus.” We find great joy in gathering together. Ironically, the power of our unity can magnify our feelings of vulnerability and frustration. These feelings are not conflicts that can be resolved; they also don’t justify reacting to others unkindly, nor with threats, attacks, or accusations. They are a call to respond respectfully when we are feeling most uncomfortable. The full story is at www.brethren.org/news/2013/moderator-bob-krouse-sets-the.html 9) Evidence of God working: A revival of faith at McPherson College. Reviving traditions as old as reading scripture and sharing communion. Discovering God through such unusual ways as “The Simpsons” and taking a pie to the face. God is active at McPherson (Kan.) College in ways both expected and “strange and mysterious.” The full story is at www.brethren.org/news/2013/evidence-of-god-working-at-mcpherson-college.html 10) UN representative reports ‘troubling’ global meeting on human trafficking. After attending the United Nations General Assembly meeting on the Global Plan of Action to Combat Trafficking in Persons, Church of the Brethren UN representative Doris Abdullah wrote the following report and personal responses to the issue. The full story is at www.brethren.org/news/2013/un-representative-reports-on-trafficking-meeting.html 11) Brethren bits. This issue includes two corrections, a remembrance of Doris Hollinger, several job openings, personnel notes, link to summer worship resources from Gather ’Round, information about a Brethren Voices interview of BVS director Dan McFadden, and more. Read the Brethren bits at www.brethren.org/news/2013/brethren-bits-for-june-13.html Contributors to this Newsline include Deborah Brehm, Audrey deCoursey, Ed Groff, Jess Hoffert, Phil Jenks, Laura King, Shawn Kirchner, Fran Massie, Wendy McFadden, Bob Roach, Roy Winter, Carol Wise, Jane Yount, and editor Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of News Services for the Church of the Brethren. Look for the next regularly scheduled issue on June 27.

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  Unsubscribe   Change your e-mail address Church of the Brethren, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120

eBrethren, June 5, 2013

eBrethren
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June 5, 2013   Pray Click here. CONTENTS Charlotte  You're invited Willing hearts and able hands Visit www.brethren.org/ac to find out more about Charlotte, N.C. Photo couresy of Charlotte Visitor's Bureau  Charlotte The last time that Brethren gathered for a Day of Spiritual Renewal at Annual Conference was at the 300th anniversary in 2008; But all that is about to change in Charlotte. This year’s agenda has condensed all business toMonday and Tuesday (July 1-2) and set aside Sundayas an opportunity to "worship, sing, fellowship, and pray together," says Chris Douglas, Conference Director. "And we are so excited to hear teaching from Phillip Yancey and Mark Yaconelli." The day will conclude with a concert of prayer that will take worshippers through seven "R's" of prayer: Rejoice, Repent, Resist, Restore, Release, Receive, and Recommit. All this, plus insight sessions, business, and meal events, will take place in the Charlotte Convention Center in beautiful downtown Charlotte. "The Convention Center is surrounded by all kinds of restaurants, parks, and lovely places to sit," says Chris, and it's connected to the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Across the street are the two Conference hotels: the Westin and the Hilton. "Both are lovely hotels" says Jon Kobel, Conference Assistant. "And when you register at the Hilton, you'll get a complimentary membership to the Y." For Conference-goers who are looking for a good bite to eat, Jon recommends an Italian restaurant called Aria, and a barbeque joint called City Smoke (both three blocks away). "Within a six block radius of the Convention Center, there are probably 30 or 40 restaurants of all stripes--fast food, steakhouses, and family dining." Of particular interest is a place called The King’s Kitchen, a ministry started by a chef in the area. "They hire the homeless and all proceeds go to feed the hungry in Charlotte," explains Jon. Other than lots of food, Charlotte boasts several art museums, US Whitewater Rafting (which includes lots of outdoor activities), and the Billy Graham Center, which conference-goers can visit together by bus (pre-registration is $10). "Downtown Charlotte has had a lot of revitalization," says Chris. "It’s a beautiful city." As they double check their packing lists, Chris and Jon are careful to not forget school supplies for Classroom Central , a nonprofit in Charlotte. "It’s a warehouse of school supplies that invites teachers to come and shop for free," explains Chris, "So that they can give away supplies whenever students have need." Conference attendees are encouraged to bring supplies to donate and participate in this year’s Witness to the Host City. "During worship, we’ll invite people to bring supplies as an offering to God, and to their sisters and brothers in Charlotte." Find details about all of this and more at www.brethren.org/ac . See you in Charlotte! Back to top You're invited. Will you be at Annual Conference in Charlotte, N.C.? If so, John Hipps would love to meet you. Stop by room 201 in the Charlotte Convention Center at9 p.m. on Tuesday, July 2, to enjoy delicious treats and casual conversation with the Church of the Brethren's new director of Donor Relations. Ever wondered how you can leave a legacy through your will? Or if charitable gift annuities are a good idea? Or exactly how your gifts to Church of the Brethren ministries change lives every day? Now is your chance to find out. E-mail development@brethren.org for more information. See you there!  Katie Cummings receives a hug and blessings at a commissioning service for her and workcamp co-coordinator Tricia Ziegler.  Photo by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford We Are Able workcampers in 2010. Photo courtesy of Workcamp Ministry Katie and Tricia and Young Adult Conference last month. Photo courtesy of Tricia Ziegler   Willing hearts and able hands Last Tuesday I attended a commissioning service for workcamp co-coordinators Katie Cummings and Tricia Ziegler. Church of the Brethren staff and volunteers gathered for a time for singing, laying on of hands, and prayer. Afterward, I was able to catch up with Katie and Tricia to ask a few questions about the Workcamp Ministry and the exciting summer ahead. -- Matt DeBall, program assistant to Donor Relations Why are Workcamps important? Tricia: Workcamps have an educational component where students can learn about important issues. Through going to another place, they can experience poverty, for example, as another dimension to society. And because we typically work with organizations that already exist in communities, we can come alongside and learn from them. Katie: Workcamps are important because they allow students to have a mountaintop serving experience, and then return home with a fresh perspective and new ideas for creative ways to help. There is also time to talk with students from other states and learn together how we can serve throughout the rest of our lives. Is there a project that you're particularly excited about? Tricia: At the "We Are Able" workcamp in New Windsor, Md., I’m excited to see students with disabilities grow, learn, and explore their abilities. Also, I really like construction work so I look forward to the project in Schoharie, N.Y., through Brethren Disaster Ministries . Katie: I’m really passionate about intentional community projects, so I'm looking forward to visiting Koinonia farms in Georgia, a former project that we’re excited to revive. How can eBrethren readers support workcamps this summer? Tricia: Katie wrote a beautiful litany for churches to use to commission their youth. Advisors are crucial to having a successful week, so prayer for them to lead by example and bridge the gap between the youth and leadership would be appreciated. Katie: We would love for eBrethren readers to pray for traveling mercies, and that each participant will come with a willing heart, an open mind, and able hands to serve. We pray that everyone will be energized and transformed to better serve their own community. Workcamps begin on June 8. Learn more at www.brethren.org/workcamps . To financially support workcamps, visit www.brethren.org/give . Forward to a friend Back to top  www.brethren.org/messenger "God’s truth brings justice for the poor, food for the hungry, love for the downcast. To those struggling to catch their breath, Jesus demonstrates the refreshing air of the Spirit." --Chris Keating in the June edition of Messengermagazine. 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 June 19, 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.

FYI: Annual Conference Business Docket and Ballot

Church of the Brethren Annual Conference

Annual Conference 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 include 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. For a Newsline condensed version of the business items go to http://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 Annual Conference 2013 ballot Delegates, please click here and review the biographical information before you arrive at conference.   Moderator—ElectFrances S. Beam, Concord, North Carolina David Steele, Martinsburg, Pennsylvania Program And Arrangements CommitteeEvelyn M. Brubaker, Ephrata, Pennsylvania Shawn Flory Replogle, Mcpherson, Kansas  On Earth Peace BoardDavid William Fouts, Maysville, West Virginia Chris Riley, Luray, Virginia  Church Of The Brethren Benefit Trust BoardCynthia Elaine Allen, Olmsted Falls, Ohio Sara Huston Brenneman, Hershey, Pennsylvania  Bethany Theological Seminary Board—ClergyDava Cruise Hensley, Roanoke, Virginia Frank Ramirez, Everett, Pennsylvania  Bethany Theological Seminary Board—LaityDavid Minnich, Hillsborough, North Carolina Donna Shumate, Sparta, North Carolina  Mission And Ministry Board—Area 2Sarah Elizabeth Friedrich, Columbus, Ohio Dennis John Richard Webb, Aurora, Illinois  Mission And Ministry Board—Area 3Torin Eikler, Morgantown, West Virginia Jonathan Andrew Prater, Harrisonburg, Virginia  Pastoral Compensation And Benefits Advisory CommitteeNancy L. Bowman, Fishersville, Virginia Deborah Oskin, Columbus, Ohio  Annual Conference 2012 photo by Glenn Riegel.