Thursday, March 31, 2005

Bethany Theological Seminary Announces Exploring Your Call 2005

Richmond, Indiana—Bethany Theological Seminary has scheduled an Exploring Your Call (EYC) event at the Richmond campus August 4-9, 2005. EYC is an opportunity for high school sophomores, juniors and seniors to consider issues of faith and vocation.

Remaining funds from a $2 million grant from Lilly Endowment, Inc., received by Manchester College on behalf of eight Church of the Brethren related institutions, allow Bethany to offer EYC for additional year beyond the initial three-year commitment. The grant is part of the Endowment’s Theological Vocational Exploration Programs Initiative and was developed to encourage young people to consider ministry as a career and consider their faith commitments in whatever career they choose.

EYC activities include attending classes taught by Seminary professors, shadowing area pastors and planning congregational worship services, participating in hands-on ministry and service activities, creating and leading their own worship experiences, and sharing in group-building recreational activities. Russell Haitch, Assistant Professor of Christian Education and Director of the Institute for Ministry With Youth and Young Adults, will oversee the 2005 event. “I anticipate it will be invigorating for all involved,” he said. “In the past, young people have said EYC gave them a beautiful opportunity to explore their passion for the things of God. EYC is like a place of pilgrimage where you meet guides and friends who speak your language. In a short span of time you can connect at a deep level.”

Because of grant support, participants’ only cost is their travel expense to and from EYC. Registration is limited to 20 participants. Further information is available by E-mail (EYC@bethanyseminary.edu) or by calling the Seminary at 800-287-8822 and asking for the EYC Office.

Wednesday, March 30, 2005

Youth Peace Travel Team for 2005 is named.

Members have been named for the Youth Peace Travel Team 2005. The team will include Nicole Fowler of First Church of the Brethren in Roanoke, Va.; Rachel McFadden, Manchester Church of the Brethren, North Manchester, Ind.; Ben Bear, Nokesville (Va.) Church of the Brethren; and Ben Ritchey Martin, Grossnickle Church of the Brethren, Myersville, Md.

This young adult team will begin its work with Ministry Summer Service Orientation June 5-9 at Bethany Theological Seminary in Richmond, Ind., and then spend the summer traveling to Church of the Brethren camps in the East and Midwest to lead peace education for youth. The team is sponsored by the Outdoor Ministries Association, On Earth Peace, and the General Board's Brethren Witness/Washington Office, Brethren Volunteer Service, and Youth and Young Adult Ministry.

Source: 03/30/2005 Newsline
Earth Sunday - April 24

The General Board's Brethren Witness/Washington Office is highlighting Earth Sunday April 24 as "an excellent opportunity for congregations to reflect on their relationship with God's creation." Worship resources and a bulletin insert on the National Council of Churches' emphasis for the day, "S.acred O.ceans & S.eas," including action suggestions for protecting the oceans, are available from the office. Call 800-785-3246 or e-mail washington_office_gb@brethren.org.

Source: 03/30/2005 Newsline

Tuesday, March 22, 2005

Stewards Program
An Experience in Ecumenical Formation for Young Adults

November 6-10, 2005
Baltimore, Maryland

The Stewards Program offers a unique opportunity for young adults, ages 18-30, to encounter one aspect of the ecumenical movement from the inside. Ecumenical formation involves learning ecumenical theology and sharing the excitement and joy of worship and fellowship with others in the ecumenical movement. National Council of Churches/Church World Service invites young adults to the General Assembly to serve in the background and to observe up close the deliberative work of ecumenism.

You could be one of a group of young adults from across the country participating in the Assembly as stewards and benefit from the opportunity to: network with other young adults, discover particulars about a variety of different communions, encounter a rich multicultural environment, worship in an ecumenical setting, experience the church at work--living its unity in Jesus Christ, interact with national church leaders.

All expenses (transportation, housing, food) covered by the General Assembly.

Application deadline is August 1, 2005.

For more information, contact Chris Douglas at 800-323-8039 or cdouglas_gb@brethren.org

Source: Spring 2005 Bridge Newsletter

Wednesday, March 16, 2005

Young adults will meet on 'Provoking Love and Good Deeds.'

Young Adult Conference (YAC) will be held the weekend of May 27-29 at Woodland Altars, a Church of the Brethren camp near Peebles, Ohio. The theme for the conference is "Provoking Love and Good Deeds" from Hebrews 10:24.

"A majority of the leadership is already in place," reported Bob Etzweiler of the Young Adult Steering Committee. "Music and worship are in good hands." Church of the Brethren musicians Shawn Kirchner and Joseph Helfrich are leading music and General Board staff Walt Wiltschek and Becky Ullom are planning worship. Speakers Kurt Borgmann, Cliff Kindy, and Margo Miller will focus three worship times during the weekend. A fourth worship time will use drama and multimedia to explore the theme.

"Workshops were done a little differently at National Young Adult Conference this past year," Etzweiler added. "Called 'padares,' there was a shift from focus on the seeker to more group participation. They'll be a part of YAC this year with a lot of topics to choose from," he said. "With the chance to meet other young adults, singing, worship, a coffeehouse or two, small groups, recreation, padares, free time, and just hanging out, YAC promises to be a great weekend. We hope to see you there!"

For more information and to register see www.brethren.org/genbd/yya/yac.htm. Cost is $80. Participants may request the Youth and Young Adult Ministries Office to send a letter to their home congregations asking them to provide a $50 scholarship. Scholarship requests must be received by April 30.

Source: Newsline 3/16/05
Messenger Youth Essay Contest

March 31 is the deadline for this year's "Messenger" youth essay contest. It is open to anyone age 13-18 during the current school year. Answer the question, "What do you like best about the Church of the Brethren?" in 300 words or less and send it to messenger@brethren.org or to 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120, postmarked by March 31. Include name, address, age, phone number, e-mail, and home congregation. Up to five entries will be published in the July/August issue; the writer of the top entry will be invited to share his or her essay at the 2005 "Messenger" dinner at Annual Conference.

Source: Newsline 3/16/05