Friday, January 29, 2010
NYC 2010 Speaker Feature: Jarrod McKenna
Jarrod McKenna is seeking to live God’s love as a new dad, husband, brother, and an [eco]evangelist. As a Vine and Fig Tree Planter, he plants “signs” on military bases that draw the connections between God’s kingdom, militarism, and climate change. He is a co-founder of the Peace Tree Community, serving with the marginalized in one of the poorest areas in his city, heads up Together for Humanity in Western Australia (an interfaith youth initiative serving together for the common good), and is the founder and creative director of Empowering Peacemakers (EPYC), for which he has received an Australian peace award for his work in empowering a generation of [eco]evangelists and peace prophets.
Jarrod McKenna is seeking to live God’s love as a new dad, husband, brother, and an [eco]evangelist. As a Vine and Fig Tree Planter, he plants “signs” on military bases that draw the connections between God’s kingdom, militarism, and climate change. He is a co-founder of the Peace Tree Community, serving with the marginalized in one of the poorest areas in his city, heads up Together for Humanity in Western Australia (an interfaith youth initiative serving together for the common good), and is the founder and creative director of Empowering Peacemakers (EPYC), for which he has received an Australian peace award for his work in empowering a generation of [eco]evangelists and peace prophets.Labels: NYC
NYC 2010 Speaker Feature: Angie Lahman Yoder
Angie Lahman Yoder is passionate about lifelong learning opportunities. Many of her current interests were developed through Church of the Brethren-related experiences: National Youth Cabinet, On Earth Peace/ Ministry of Reconciliation committee work, Manchester College graduate, NYC Youthworker, General Board Member. A former high school teacher, she is currently a full-time mother who works part-time teaching others about Young Living Essential Oils and whole life wellness in person and on the internet. Angie is also a licensed minister and serves as Minister of Worship at Circle of Peace Church of the Brethren in Peoria, Arizona.
Angie Lahman Yoder is passionate about lifelong learning opportunities. Many of her current interests were developed through Church of the Brethren-related experiences: National Youth Cabinet, On Earth Peace/ Ministry of Reconciliation committee work, Manchester College graduate, NYC Youthworker, General Board Member. A former high school teacher, she is currently a full-time mother who works part-time teaching others about Young Living Essential Oils and whole life wellness in person and on the internet. Angie is also a licensed minister and serves as Minister of Worship at Circle of Peace Church of the Brethren in Peoria, Arizona.Labels: NYC
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Workcamp Registration Opens
Registration for the Church of the Brethren’s 2010 workcamps opened online on Jan. 25. Go to www.brethren.org/site/PageServer?pagename=grow_youth_ministry_workcamps for registration and information about the workcamp experiences offered this summer.
Source: 1/28/2010 Newsline
Registration for the Church of the Brethren’s 2010 workcamps opened online on Jan. 25. Go to www.brethren.org/site/PageServer?pagename=grow_youth_ministry_workcamps for registration and information about the workcamp experiences offered this summer.
Source: 1/28/2010 Newsline
Labels: Workcamps
NYC Prayer Day
A church-wide "NYC Prayer Day" has been scheduled for June 20--the Sunday one month before National Youth Conference. "We are going to have some commissioning materials and prayers for congregations to use to ‘send’ the participants to NYC," reported coordinators Audrey Hollenberg and Emily LaPrade. Materials will be made available at www.brethren.org/site/PageServer?pagename=grow_youth_ministry_national_youth, where participants also may register for NYC online.
Source: 1/28/2010 Newsline
A church-wide "NYC Prayer Day" has been scheduled for June 20--the Sunday one month before National Youth Conference. "We are going to have some commissioning materials and prayers for congregations to use to ‘send’ the participants to NYC," reported coordinators Audrey Hollenberg and Emily LaPrade. Materials will be made available at www.brethren.org/site/PageServer?pagename=grow_youth_ministry_national_youth, where participants also may register for NYC online.
Source: 1/28/2010 Newsline
Labels: NYC
McPherson College Regional Youth Conference
The Church of the Brethren’s Regional Youth Conference for the plains area will be held at McPherson (Kan.) College on April 9-11 with leadership by Paul Grout, new church planter and a former Annual Conference moderator. The theme is based on John 10:10, "Fully Alive: Taking Hold of the Life that Is Really Life in Body, Mind and Spirit." Activities will include sessions studying the theme, a campus tour of McPherson College, an evening coffeehouse with table games and a jazz pianist, and Sunday morning worship with McPherson Church of the Brethren.
Source: 1/28/2010 Newsline
The Church of the Brethren’s Regional Youth Conference for the plains area will be held at McPherson (Kan.) College on April 9-11 with leadership by Paul Grout, new church planter and a former Annual Conference moderator. The theme is based on John 10:10, "Fully Alive: Taking Hold of the Life that Is Really Life in Body, Mind and Spirit." Activities will include sessions studying the theme, a campus tour of McPherson College, an evening coffeehouse with table games and a jazz pianist, and Sunday morning worship with McPherson Church of the Brethren.
Source: 1/28/2010 Newsline
Labels: RYC
Bridgewater College Senior High Roundtable
The Senior High Roundtable, one of the Church of the Brethren’s regional youth conferences, will be held March 19-21 at Bridgewater (Va.) College. Senior high youth from the entire east coast region are expected to attend. The weekend will include worship, workshops, and fellowship. The theme, "Come to the Mountain," will be led by Joel and Linetta Ballew, pastor of Lebanon (Pa.) Church of the Brethren and program director at Camp Brethren Woods, respectively.
Source: 1/28/2010 Newsline
The Senior High Roundtable, one of the Church of the Brethren’s regional youth conferences, will be held March 19-21 at Bridgewater (Va.) College. Senior high youth from the entire east coast region are expected to attend. The weekend will include worship, workshops, and fellowship. The theme, "Come to the Mountain," will be led by Joel and Linetta Ballew, pastor of Lebanon (Pa.) Church of the Brethren and program director at Camp Brethren Woods, respectively.
Source: 1/28/2010 Newsline
Labels: RYC
Friday, January 01, 2010
National Youth Conference Registration 101
Here is what you need to know before registration:
If you have any questions feel free to call us at 847-742-5100 ext. 246.
Here is what you need to know before registration:
- The NYC registration page (www.brethren.org/nycreg) has a preview of the registration page. Take a look at the link before registration so you know what fields are required and what options are available.
- Registration opens January 5, 2010 at 8:00 pm Central Time.
- Registration cost opens at $425.
- Registration cost increases to $450 after February 15.
- Registration closes April 5.
Tips for a smooth registration experience: - Before anyone can register, each person has to create a personal login
through the www.brethren.org website. You will need this log-in to sign in to the website to register. - You will need to know your church code. Go to www.brethren.org/churchcode and search for your congregation’s code.
If you have any questions feel free to call us at 847-742-5100 ext. 246.
Labels: NYC
Workcamp Registration Opens January 25th
Online registration opens Jan. 25 at 7 p.m. (central time) for this summer’s Church of the Brethren workcamps. Go to www.brethren.org/workcamps to register. A workcamp schedule including locations and dates is available at www.brethren.org/workcamps. The dozen workcamps range from a young adult trip to Haiti on June 1-8, to a "We Are Able" workcamp for intellectually disabled youth and young adults, to seven junior high workcamps at various locations in the US, to Brethren Revival Fellowship-sponsored events for senior highs in the DR and Mexico. To register, first create a personal log-in at the Church of the Brethren website www.brethren.org being sure to have a congregational code available (find it at www.brethren.org/churchcode). Registrations are reserved when the Workcamp Office receives the deposit of $100. For questions, contact the Workcamp Office at cobworkcamps@brethren.org or 800-323-8039 ext. 286.
Source: 12/30/2009 Newsline
Online registration opens Jan. 25 at 7 p.m. (central time) for this summer’s Church of the Brethren workcamps. Go to www.brethren.org/workcamps to register. A workcamp schedule including locations and dates is available at www.brethren.org/workcamps. The dozen workcamps range from a young adult trip to Haiti on June 1-8, to a "We Are Able" workcamp for intellectually disabled youth and young adults, to seven junior high workcamps at various locations in the US, to Brethren Revival Fellowship-sponsored events for senior highs in the DR and Mexico. To register, first create a personal log-in at the Church of the Brethren website www.brethren.org being sure to have a congregational code available (find it at www.brethren.org/churchcode). Registrations are reserved when the Workcamp Office receives the deposit of $100. For questions, contact the Workcamp Office at cobworkcamps@brethren.org or 800-323-8039 ext. 286.Source: 12/30/2009 Newsline
Labels: Workcamps
District youth retreat
by Walt Wiltschek
The fall district youth retreat, held during district conference (Nov. 6-8), was a fantastic weekend, with 28 youth and advisors representing eight congregations. David Radcliff of New Community Project led two sessions on the theme of "Simple Justice," helping the group consider how they interact with their neighbors and the “least of these” around the world. In addition, National Youth Conference coordinators Audrey Hollenberg and Emily LaPrade were on hand to lead two worship times. Saturday afternoon included a service project at Feed My Starving Children in Aurora. The evening was spent joining district conference for the international dinner and concert. Sunday morning everyone took part in one of the insight sessions and the closing worship. We’re grateful to the Naperville church for their generosity in hosting us for the weekend.
The SPRING district youth retreat has been set for March 19-21 at Springfield Church of the Brethren. As with the fall retreat, cost will be $30 for youth in grades 9-12, free for advisors who accompany their youth. Registration forms will be available at www.cobyouth.org. Watch for further details!
Source: 1/2010 IL/WI District Newsletter
by Walt Wiltschek
The fall district youth retreat, held during district conference (Nov. 6-8), was a fantastic weekend, with 28 youth and advisors representing eight congregations. David Radcliff of New Community Project led two sessions on the theme of "Simple Justice," helping the group consider how they interact with their neighbors and the “least of these” around the world. In addition, National Youth Conference coordinators Audrey Hollenberg and Emily LaPrade were on hand to lead two worship times. Saturday afternoon included a service project at Feed My Starving Children in Aurora. The evening was spent joining district conference for the international dinner and concert. Sunday morning everyone took part in one of the insight sessions and the closing worship. We’re grateful to the Naperville church for their generosity in hosting us for the weekend.
The SPRING district youth retreat has been set for March 19-21 at Springfield Church of the Brethren. As with the fall retreat, cost will be $30 for youth in grades 9-12, free for advisors who accompany their youth. Registration forms will be available at www.cobyouth.org. Watch for further details!
Source: 1/2010 IL/WI District Newsletter
Labels: Fall Retreat, Spring Retreat
NYC 2010 Speaker Feature: Jim Myer
Jim Myer is a minister in the White Oak Church of the Brethren, Atlantic Northeast District. His wife, Faye and he have 4 married children and l6 grandchildren. Jim served as Annual Conference Moderator in l985. He has also preached in over 300 revival meetings throughout the Church of the Brethren and has spoken in several foreign countries.
Jim has served on several study committees for Annual Conference, most recently on the Special Response Resource Committee. Jim is a part time farmer and he works part time for the Brethren Revival Fellowship. Jim has spoken a number of times at National Youth Conference in the past.
Jim Myer is a minister in the White Oak Church of the Brethren, Atlantic Northeast District. His wife, Faye and he have 4 married children and l6 grandchildren. Jim served as Annual Conference Moderator in l985. He has also preached in over 300 revival meetings throughout the Church of the Brethren and has spoken in several foreign countries.Jim has served on several study committees for Annual Conference, most recently on the Special Response Resource Committee. Jim is a part time farmer and he works part time for the Brethren Revival Fellowship. Jim has spoken a number of times at National Youth Conference in the past.
Labels: NYC
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Youth share in ‘A-maize-ing Grace’ gardening project.
Iowa youth have participated in growing produce to benefit a Foods Resource Bank (FRB) food security program in Madagascar. The project was part of the "A-maize-ing Grace" Growing Project sponsored by a cluster of congregations that includes Ivester Church of the Brethren in Grundy Center, Iowa.
Also involved are three Presbyterian churches, three Methodist churches, a Church of God congregation, and the Bethel Grove Christian Church.
Produce was grown by students and sold in a local grocery store with proceeds benefiting the FRB. Proceeds from the Gardening Project were over $3,000. The youth recommended the income be given to a food security project in Antsirabe Tanatave, Madagascar.
Leigh Carson and Jay Borgman, youth that participated in the Gardening Project, told of their experiences to a meeting of the "A-maize-ing Grace" Growing Project on Dec. 3. "The gardening was fun, but work!" they said. "It gave us a good feeling knowing we were working together to help other people in need."
Don Linnenbrink, one of the adults involved, commented that the youth were good workers. "If someone was gone on vacation, others were willing to pitch in and care for that person’s garden plot."
Three other communities will each receive $2,000 from the "A-maize-ing Grace" Growing Project: Totonicapan, Guatamala; Bateyes, the Dominican Republic; and Cambodia. The Church of the Brethren is the lead sponsor for the Totonicapan and Bateyes food security projects. A little over $700 will be sent to the FRB national office for staff support, and $5,000 will be retained in the local treasury to assist with planning a 2010 fundraising event in cooperation with students at Iowa State University.
This FRB Gardening Project was the first of its kind in the nation, and the youth are receiving widespread recognition. Joan Fumetti of the FRB staff will recognize the youth and thank the many people involved at a public event--a Soup and Sandwich luncheon at 12:30 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church in Conrad, Iowa, on Sunday, Jan. 10.
It is hoped that in the future youth and adults in other area churches will consider participating in gardening projects to raise funds for FRB.
-- Lois Kruse is a member of Ivester Church of the Brethren in Grundy Center, Iowa.
Source: 12/30/2009 Newsline
Iowa youth have participated in growing produce to benefit a Foods Resource Bank (FRB) food security program in Madagascar. The project was part of the "A-maize-ing Grace" Growing Project sponsored by a cluster of congregations that includes Ivester Church of the Brethren in Grundy Center, Iowa.
Also involved are three Presbyterian churches, three Methodist churches, a Church of God congregation, and the Bethel Grove Christian Church.
Produce was grown by students and sold in a local grocery store with proceeds benefiting the FRB. Proceeds from the Gardening Project were over $3,000. The youth recommended the income be given to a food security project in Antsirabe Tanatave, Madagascar.
Leigh Carson and Jay Borgman, youth that participated in the Gardening Project, told of their experiences to a meeting of the "A-maize-ing Grace" Growing Project on Dec. 3. "The gardening was fun, but work!" they said. "It gave us a good feeling knowing we were working together to help other people in need."
Don Linnenbrink, one of the adults involved, commented that the youth were good workers. "If someone was gone on vacation, others were willing to pitch in and care for that person’s garden plot."
Three other communities will each receive $2,000 from the "A-maize-ing Grace" Growing Project: Totonicapan, Guatamala; Bateyes, the Dominican Republic; and Cambodia. The Church of the Brethren is the lead sponsor for the Totonicapan and Bateyes food security projects. A little over $700 will be sent to the FRB national office for staff support, and $5,000 will be retained in the local treasury to assist with planning a 2010 fundraising event in cooperation with students at Iowa State University.
This FRB Gardening Project was the first of its kind in the nation, and the youth are receiving widespread recognition. Joan Fumetti of the FRB staff will recognize the youth and thank the many people involved at a public event--a Soup and Sandwich luncheon at 12:30 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church in Conrad, Iowa, on Sunday, Jan. 10.
It is hoped that in the future youth and adults in other area churches will consider participating in gardening projects to raise funds for FRB.
-- Lois Kruse is a member of Ivester Church of the Brethren in Grundy Center, Iowa.
Source: 12/30/2009 Newsline
Labels: fundraising
OMA conference addresses seven foundations of Christian camping.
More than 40 people gathered at Woodland Altars in Southern Ohio District for the 2009 national conference of the Church of the Brethren’s Outdoor Ministries Association (OMA). The event, held every three years, took place Nov. 13-15 with the theme "Christ as Cornerstone."
The conference featured keynote speaker Rick Dawson of Camp Highroad, a United Methodist camp in northern Virginia. Dawson focused his presentation around his "Seven Foundations of Christian Camping," which he developed with a team working on a new vision for camp ministries in their church region.
Dawson outlined the dimensions of each of the seven foundations, which include providing an intentional place apart, teaching creation care and appreciation, developing Christian spiritual leaders, extending genuine Christian hospitality, nurturing Christian faith and discipleship, equipping guests to do love and service, and collaborating with churches and agencies.
"Try to make sure that everyone who comes to your camp has a mountaintop experience," Dawson said. "Offer them every tool you can."
An afternoon session led by Dawson encouraged "nuts and bolts" sharing in small groups on how the seven foundations might apply in practical ways to particular camp settings. He encouraged the development of a strategic plan at each camp to achieve those objectives, along with setting clear roles for staff and examining the camp’s church relationships.
The weekend also included a concert by John and Jan Long of Beacon Heights Church of the Brethren in Fort Wayne, Ind., who provided a mix of folk and peace tunes, including some sing-alongs, accompanied on banjo, dulcimer, and guitar. Breakout sessions between Dawson’s keynote addresses provided an opportunity to hike, do creative arts and crafts, or have further conversation with Dawson.
The annual OMA auction was held Saturday evening, and worship closed the gathering Sunday morning. Following the conference, camp directors, managers, and other staff remained at Woodland Altars for their annual networking retreat through Nov. 19.
-- Walt Wiltschek is editor of the Church of the Brethren’s "Messenger" magazine.
Source: 12/30/2009 Newsline
More than 40 people gathered at Woodland Altars in Southern Ohio District for the 2009 national conference of the Church of the Brethren’s Outdoor Ministries Association (OMA). The event, held every three years, took place Nov. 13-15 with the theme "Christ as Cornerstone."
The conference featured keynote speaker Rick Dawson of Camp Highroad, a United Methodist camp in northern Virginia. Dawson focused his presentation around his "Seven Foundations of Christian Camping," which he developed with a team working on a new vision for camp ministries in their church region.
Dawson outlined the dimensions of each of the seven foundations, which include providing an intentional place apart, teaching creation care and appreciation, developing Christian spiritual leaders, extending genuine Christian hospitality, nurturing Christian faith and discipleship, equipping guests to do love and service, and collaborating with churches and agencies.
"Try to make sure that everyone who comes to your camp has a mountaintop experience," Dawson said. "Offer them every tool you can."
An afternoon session led by Dawson encouraged "nuts and bolts" sharing in small groups on how the seven foundations might apply in practical ways to particular camp settings. He encouraged the development of a strategic plan at each camp to achieve those objectives, along with setting clear roles for staff and examining the camp’s church relationships.
The weekend also included a concert by John and Jan Long of Beacon Heights Church of the Brethren in Fort Wayne, Ind., who provided a mix of folk and peace tunes, including some sing-alongs, accompanied on banjo, dulcimer, and guitar. Breakout sessions between Dawson’s keynote addresses provided an opportunity to hike, do creative arts and crafts, or have further conversation with Dawson.
The annual OMA auction was held Saturday evening, and worship closed the gathering Sunday morning. Following the conference, camp directors, managers, and other staff remained at Woodland Altars for their annual networking retreat through Nov. 19.
-- Walt Wiltschek is editor of the Church of the Brethren’s "Messenger" magazine.
Source: 12/30/2009 Newsline
Labels: Camp, Outdoor Ministries
Thursday, December 17, 2009
NYC registration opens Jan. 5, ethnic minority scholarships are offered.
National Youth Conference (NYC) registration will be open in less than a month. NYC registration will open online at www.brethren.org at 8 p.m. (central time) on Tuesday, Jan. 5. The online registration will be available through April 5.
"Before registering, however, there is some information that each participant should know," said an announcement from coordinators Audrey Hollenberg and Emily LaPrade. Each participant will need to create his or her own log-in at www.brethren.org in order to register. It will take longer to register youth groups than in past years because each person will have to log in and out of the system. Also, each participant will need his or her church code at the time of registration (go to www.brethren.org/churchcode to find a congregation’s code number).
The cost to register opens at $425. The cost will increase to $450 after Feb. 15. A deposit of $200 per person is due within two weeks of registration. Credit card payments are another new feature of the 2010 registration. Registration includes all programming, lodging, and meals during the conference, but does not include transportation to and from the conference.
NYC also will offer ethnic minority scholarships. "Raising enough money to attend National Youth Conference is a big obstacle for many youth," said the coordinators. "However, due to generous contributions to a scholarship program created to aid ethnic minority and international youth in attending NYC, the size of this obstacle has been greatly reduced. We are committed to promoting diversity and to making it possible for as many Brethren youth as are interested in NYC to attend." The scholarships will be need-based and offered on a case-by-case basis. To apply, youth or advisors should contact Audrey Hollenberg at ahollenberg@brethren.org or 800-323-8039 ext. 281 before Feb. 1, giving an assessment of the need for ethnic minority scholarship assistance within your church.
Preview the registration page and what information is needed to register at www.brethren.org/nycreg. Contact 2010nyc@brethren.org or 800-323-8039 ext. 246 with questions about NYC registration.
Source: 12/17/2009 Newsline
National Youth Conference (NYC) registration will be open in less than a month. NYC registration will open online at www.brethren.org at 8 p.m. (central time) on Tuesday, Jan. 5. The online registration will be available through April 5.
"Before registering, however, there is some information that each participant should know," said an announcement from coordinators Audrey Hollenberg and Emily LaPrade. Each participant will need to create his or her own log-in at www.brethren.org in order to register. It will take longer to register youth groups than in past years because each person will have to log in and out of the system. Also, each participant will need his or her church code at the time of registration (go to www.brethren.org/churchcode to find a congregation’s code number).The cost to register opens at $425. The cost will increase to $450 after Feb. 15. A deposit of $200 per person is due within two weeks of registration. Credit card payments are another new feature of the 2010 registration. Registration includes all programming, lodging, and meals during the conference, but does not include transportation to and from the conference.
NYC also will offer ethnic minority scholarships. "Raising enough money to attend National Youth Conference is a big obstacle for many youth," said the coordinators. "However, due to generous contributions to a scholarship program created to aid ethnic minority and international youth in attending NYC, the size of this obstacle has been greatly reduced. We are committed to promoting diversity and to making it possible for as many Brethren youth as are interested in NYC to attend." The scholarships will be need-based and offered on a case-by-case basis. To apply, youth or advisors should contact Audrey Hollenberg at ahollenberg@brethren.org or 800-323-8039 ext. 281 before Feb. 1, giving an assessment of the need for ethnic minority scholarship assistance within your church.
Preview the registration page and what information is needed to register at www.brethren.org/nycreg. Contact 2010nyc@brethren.org or 800-323-8039 ext. 246 with questions about NYC registration.
Source: 12/17/2009 Newsline
Labels: NYC
Manchester College looks to its roots in faith, service with a new campus pastor dedicated to mentoring students
Manchester College is looking to Walt Wiltschek, editor of the denominational Messenger magazine of the Church of the Brethren, to lead its campus ministry. Wiltschek, well-regarded for his inter-faith mentoring of youth and young adults, will join the Student Development team on Feb. 2.
As campus pastor for the 1,223-student Manchester College, Wiltschek will lead a religious life program that serves students of more than 30 denominations. The diversity of faith on the residential campus includes students who are Catholics, Methodists, Baptists, and followers of other Christian and non-Christian faiths as well as many not affiliated with a specific denomination.
“Walt Wiltschek brings extensive experience with young adult ministry, and we are looking forward to his arrival on campus,” said President Jo Young Switzer. “He will help students on their spiritual journeys, and he will strengthen our connections with the Church of the Brethren, our founding denomination.”
Wiltschek, an ordained minister, is a former associate pastor for the Westminster Church of the Brethren in Maryland. He has served as advisor to the National Youth Cabinet and Church of the Brethren district youth programs, and as worship coordinator and leader for young adult conferences, including the National Young Adult Conference of the Church of the Brethren in 2004 and 2008.
He has served at the helm of the Messenger for more than six years, and also as director of news services for the General Board leadership of the Church of the Brethren and as director of Brethren identity. In addition to the denominational magazine, he has journalistic experience at the Daily Record in York, Pa., and the Daily Herald in suburban Chicago.
German-born and Pennsylvania-raised, Wiltschek received a bachelor’s degree in secondary education and mathematics from York College of Pennsylvania, a certificate in biblical studies from Eastern Mennonite University, a master of arts in religion from Lancaster Theological Seminary and a master of arts in communication studies/journalism from Northern Illinois University.
Source: www.manchester.edu
Manchester College is looking to Walt Wiltschek, editor of the denominational Messenger magazine of the Church of the Brethren, to lead its campus ministry. Wiltschek, well-regarded for his inter-faith mentoring of youth and young adults, will join the Student Development team on Feb. 2.
As campus pastor for the 1,223-student Manchester College, Wiltschek will lead a religious life program that serves students of more than 30 denominations. The diversity of faith on the residential campus includes students who are Catholics, Methodists, Baptists, and followers of other Christian and non-Christian faiths as well as many not affiliated with a specific denomination.
“Walt Wiltschek brings extensive experience with young adult ministry, and we are looking forward to his arrival on campus,” said President Jo Young Switzer. “He will help students on their spiritual journeys, and he will strengthen our connections with the Church of the Brethren, our founding denomination.”
Wiltschek, an ordained minister, is a former associate pastor for the Westminster Church of the Brethren in Maryland. He has served as advisor to the National Youth Cabinet and Church of the Brethren district youth programs, and as worship coordinator and leader for young adult conferences, including the National Young Adult Conference of the Church of the Brethren in 2004 and 2008.
He has served at the helm of the Messenger for more than six years, and also as director of news services for the General Board leadership of the Church of the Brethren and as director of Brethren identity. In addition to the denominational magazine, he has journalistic experience at the Daily Record in York, Pa., and the Daily Herald in suburban Chicago.
German-born and Pennsylvania-raised, Wiltschek received a bachelor’s degree in secondary education and mathematics from York College of Pennsylvania, a certificate in biblical studies from Eastern Mennonite University, a master of arts in religion from Lancaster Theological Seminary and a master of arts in communication studies/journalism from Northern Illinois University.
Source: www.manchester.edu
Labels: Manchester College
Tuesday, December 01, 2009
NYC 2010 Speaker Feature: Shawn Flory Replogle
Shawn has been in McPherson, KS, for six years. Originally from Bridgewater, Virginia, he received a Bachelor of Science in political science with minors in economics and peace studies from Bridgewater College in 1992. He earned his Master of Divinity degree from Bethany Theological Seminary, Richmond, Indiana, in 1998, graduating with distinction in biblical studies and with an emphasis in peace studies.
From 1992 to 1994, Shawn served in Brethren Volunteer Service as the Church of the Brethren coordinator for youth workcamps (92-93) and the 1994 National Youth Conference.
Shawn served as pastor for five years at the South Waterloo Church of the Brethren in Waterloo, Iowa, prior to coming to McPherson as copastor of the First Church of the Brethren, where he now serves as a part of a ministry staff team as Pastor and Youth Coordinator. He has also spent two years as part-time Campus Pastor at McPherson College.
Shawn was the Sunday morning preacher at the 1995 Church of the Brethren Annual Conference in Charlotte, NC; the main presenter and speaker at several regional and national church events, and was the commencement speaker in 2006 at McPherson College.
Shawn is married to Alison Flory Replogle, who works part-time as an elementary school counselor in Lindsborg, KS. They have two sons, Adin, age seven, and Caleb, age five, and a daughter, Tessa, age two.
Shawn has been in McPherson, KS, for six years. Originally from Bridgewater, Virginia, he received a Bachelor of Science in political science with minors in economics and peace studies from Bridgewater College in 1992. He earned his Master of Divinity degree from Bethany Theological Seminary, Richmond, Indiana, in 1998, graduating with distinction in biblical studies and with an emphasis in peace studies.From 1992 to 1994, Shawn served in Brethren Volunteer Service as the Church of the Brethren coordinator for youth workcamps (92-93) and the 1994 National Youth Conference.
Shawn served as pastor for five years at the South Waterloo Church of the Brethren in Waterloo, Iowa, prior to coming to McPherson as copastor of the First Church of the Brethren, where he now serves as a part of a ministry staff team as Pastor and Youth Coordinator. He has also spent two years as part-time Campus Pastor at McPherson College.
Shawn was the Sunday morning preacher at the 1995 Church of the Brethren Annual Conference in Charlotte, NC; the main presenter and speaker at several regional and national church events, and was the commencement speaker in 2006 at McPherson College.
Shawn is married to Alison Flory Replogle, who works part-time as an elementary school counselor in Lindsborg, KS. They have two sons, Adin, age seven, and Caleb, age five, and a daughter, Tessa, age two.
Labels: NYC
TOP 10 REASONS TO COME TO THE 2010 NATIONAL YOUTH
By Walt Wiltschek, National Youth Cabinet Advisor
By Walt Wiltschek, National Youth Cabinet Advisor
- See the tender, heartwarming story of when “More Than” met “The Eye” for the very first time.
- Colorado is virtually the same shape as Spongebob Squarepants (minus the appendages).
- Nearby Rocky Mountains and iconic Colorado State Ram statue make ideal backdrops for jumping photos.
- Enjoy the wacky dramatic stylings of Ted & Co., the improvisational music skills of Ken Medema, and a veritable cornucopia of interesting and inspiring speakers. Yes, a veritable cornucopia.
- One of those speakers, Jarrod McKenna, comes from Australia. Who can resist an Australian accent? And maybe he’ll bring a wallaby.
- When your youth advisor tells you to “take a hike” at NYC, it’s a good thing. The mountains await!
- Rumor has it that the NYC coordinators will make their grand entrance into the arena by being shot out of a cannon (then again, rumors are so often wrong).
- Everything tastes better at 5,000 feet.
- Well over 100 workshops, abundant recreation options, dozens of service projects, thousands of seats to choose from in Moby Arena---basically enough fantastic choices to make your head spin.
- NYC registration: $450 (or $425 if you register before February 15!). Transportation to NYC: $10 to $1,000 (depending how you come and how far). A week with several thousand of some of the coolest Brethren people in the world: Priceless.
Labels: NYC
Sunday, November 08, 2009
Senior High Fall Retreat -- November 6-8, 2009
Naperville Illinois
Where: Naperville, Ill.; meet/register at the Illinois/Wisconsin District conference site, Naperville Church of the Brethren, 1020 W. Jefferson Ave., Naperville, Ill.
Who: All youth currently in 9th-12th grades, and advisors
Theme: "Simple Justice"
Fantastic Weekend: The fall district youth retreat was a fantastic weekend, with 28 youth and advisors representing eight congregations. David Radcliff of New Community Project led two sessions on the theme of "Simple Justice," helping the group consider how they interact with their neighbors and the “least of these” around the world. In addition, National Youth Conference coordinators Audrey Hollenberg and Emily LaPrade were on hand to lead two worship times. Saturday afternoon included a service project at Feed My Starving Children in Aurora. The evening was spent joining district conference for the international dinner and concert. Sunday morning everyone took part in one of the insight sessions and the closing worship. We’re grateful to the Naperville church for their generosity in hosting us for the weekend.
Leadership: David Radcliff is director of New Community Project, a Church of the Brethren-related nonprofit organization based in Elgin, Ill. David’s work focuses on justice issues, peace, and care for creation. David has led learning tours and worked on projects around the world as he seeks to make a difference.
Naperville Illinois
Where: Naperville, Ill.; meet/register at the Illinois/Wisconsin District conference site, Naperville Church of the Brethren, 1020 W. Jefferson Ave., Naperville, Ill.
Who: All youth currently in 9th-12th grades, and advisors
Theme: "Simple Justice" Fantastic Weekend: The fall district youth retreat was a fantastic weekend, with 28 youth and advisors representing eight congregations. David Radcliff of New Community Project led two sessions on the theme of "Simple Justice," helping the group consider how they interact with their neighbors and the “least of these” around the world. In addition, National Youth Conference coordinators Audrey Hollenberg and Emily LaPrade were on hand to lead two worship times. Saturday afternoon included a service project at Feed My Starving Children in Aurora. The evening was spent joining district conference for the international dinner and concert. Sunday morning everyone took part in one of the insight sessions and the closing worship. We’re grateful to the Naperville church for their generosity in hosting us for the weekend.
Leadership: David Radcliff is director of New Community Project, a Church of the Brethren-related nonprofit organization based in Elgin, Ill. David’s work focuses on justice issues, peace, and care for creation. David has led learning tours and worked on projects around the world as he seeks to make a difference.
Labels: District Conference, Fall Retreat
