Wednesday, August 30, 2006

Brethren are invited to Counter-Recruitment Conference.

A Counter-Recruitment Conference sponsored by Mennonite Central Committee US (MCC US) will be held in San Antonio, Texas, on Nov. 3-5. On Earth Peace is planning a delegation from Church of the Brethren congregations, led by Matt Guynn, coordinator of Peace Witness.

"This is an open invitation event which a group of Mennonites who are mostly people of color have had the major hand in planning," reported Guynn. “The conference is going to be a special opportunity to worship, share, learn, and plan together as we prepare to respond actively to the impact of military recruitment on communities.”

The conference will bring together youth and adults from communities heavily targeted by military recruitment. It was inspired by the Anabaptist Consultation that took place at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill., in March 2005, which focused on the potential for military conscription.

"Given the strong military recruitment efforts in communities burdened by poverty and racism, a people-of-color caucus at the (March 2005) consultation issued a strong call for a conference focusing on military recruitment," said the announcement of the event from MCC US.

The event is planned for youth and young adults, youth sponsors, Sunday school teachers, pastors and youth pastors, district and conference youth ministers, peace committee members, school teachers, and guidance counselors. Organizers hope to equip congregations to help youth find meaningful nonmilitary opportunities for education, job training, employment, and leadership development; network and share resources and strategies for outreach in schools and other public settings; and ground the work of counter recruitment in commitment to Christ's way of peace and reconciliation through worship and biblical study.

Register and get more information at www.mcc.org/us/co/counter/conference. To attend as part of the Brethren delegation, contact Guynn at mattguynn@earthlink.net or 765-962-6234.

A truth-in-recruiting organizing and outreach packet is now available from On Earth Peace, including a 10-minute DVD to be used as a conversation starter related to questions of military recruitment. The packet will be useful for Sunday school classes and youth groups. For more information go to the On Earth Peace website www.brethren.org/oepa/CounterRecruitment.html.

Source: 8/30/2006 Newsline
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Saturday, August 26, 2006

Come And See

“He (Jesus) said to them,‘Come and see.’” John 1:39a

National Youth Conference (NYC) 2006 challenged the youth of the Church of the Brethren to “come and see,” with a conference theme inspired by John 1:35-39.

The 3,606 youth, advisors, and staff who answered the call witnessed a faith in Christ that can move mountains.

Set at the base of the Rocky Mountains, NYC offered both an experience of the awesomeness of God’s creation, and a challenge to “move” the mountainous problems of our world such as poverty, child abuse, violence, and hunger.

Besides two daily worship services, participants studied the Bible, did service projects, played during recreation, went hiking, sang in the choir, and fellowshiped.

Souce: October 2006 Tapestry Newsletter
Small things, great love

“In this life we cannot do great things. We can only do small things with great love.”

Although the words belong to Mother Teresa, Ken Medema cemented them in the minds of National Youth Conference (NYC) participants as song lyrics. The lesson, one of Jesus’ teachings, took root in the hearts of many. It was not hard to see the fruits of the spirit growing rapidly.

The generosity of young people is often discounted because of a perceived lack of resources or apathetic attitude. In fact, the generosity of people in general is underestimated for a myriad of reasons. And while the Church of the Brethren is not isolated from financial concerns, sharing resources as a sign of faith is still common practice.

On July 23, the hottest day of NYC 2006, thousands did one small thing with great love by participating in the REGNUH 5K Walk/Run to “turn hunger around.” Event supporters gathered pledges, and youth from 30 congregations even tithed 10% of their NYC registration fee. In total, the amount collected from the REGNUH Walk/Run and a worship offering garnered $87,078 for the hunger ministry of the Church of the Brethren General Board, the Global Food Crisis Fund. However, since NYC, money has continued to pour in; $8,000 additional dollars have been given, and donations are still arriving. Walking five kilometers to benefit those who face hunger is indeed a small thing; yet because it was done with great love, the blessings have also been great.

Perhaps the generosity of the youth is indicative of a wider and growing generosity in the church. Two funds of the Church of the Brethren General Board recently gave three grants, totaling $68,555, for the humanitarian crisis in Lebanon, rebuilding following Hurricane Katrina, and a hunger relief program in Guatemala.

The Emergency Disaster Fund (EDF) has given a grant of $25,000 to support a Church World Service appeal for the humanitarian crisis created by the Israel/Hezbollah war in Lebanon. The EDF also granted $25,000 for Brethren Disaster Response to open a new rebuilding site in an area affected by Katrina.

The Global Food Crisis Fund allocated $18,555 to help increase food diversification through community greenhouses and patio gardening.

While these offerings may not end world hunger or humanitarian crisis, they are evidence that our Church of the Brethren identity as those who act according “to the glory of God and our neighbor’s good” lives on.

Souce: October 2006 Tapestry Newsletter

Tuesday, August 22, 2006

BRETHREN ARE INVITED TO COUNTER-RECRUITMENT CONFERENCE

A Counter-Recruitment Conference sponsored by Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) US will be held in San Antonio, Texas, on Nov. 3-5. On Earth Peace is planning a delegation from the Church of the Brethren, led by staff member Matt Guynn, coordinator of Peace Witness.

"This is an open invitation event which a group of Mennonites who are mostly people of color have had the major hand in planning," reported Guynn. “The conference is going to be a special opportunity to worship, share, learn, and plan together as we prepare to respond actively to the impact of military recruitment on communities,” he added.

The conference will bring together youth and adults from communities heavily targeted by military recruitment. It was inspired by the Anabaptist consultation that took place at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill., in March 2005, which focused on the potential for military conscription.

"Given the strong military recruitment efforts in communities burdened by poverty and racism, a people-of-color caucus at the (March 2005) consultation issued a strong call for a conference focusing on military recruitment," said the announcement of the event from MCC US.

Organizers hope to equip congregations to help youth find meaningful nonmilitary opportunities for education, job training, employment, and leadership development; network and share resources and strategies for outreach in schools and other public settings; and ground the work of counter recruitment in commitment to Christ's way of peace and reconciliation through worship and biblical study.

The event is planned for youth and young adults, youth sponsors, Sunday school teachers, pastors and youth pastors, district and conference youth ministers, peace committee members, school teachers, and guidance counselors.

Register for the conference and get more information at www.mcc.org/us/co/counter/conference. To express interest in attending as part of the Brethren delegation, contact Guynn at mattguynn@earthlink.net or 765-962-6234. For more about On Earth Peace's work in this area, please go to http://www.brethren.org/oepa/CounterRecruitment.html.

Friday, August 04, 2006

Youth bear witness to a faith in Christ that moves mountains.

National Youth Conference (NYC), July 22-27, 2006, challenged the youth of the Church of the Brethren to "come and see" with a conference theme inspired by John 1:35-39. The 3,606 youth and advisors who answered the call witnessed a faith in Christ that can move mountains.

Set at the base of the Rocky Mountains on the campus of Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colo., NYC offered a experience of the awesomeness of God’s creation, and a challenge to "move" the mountainous problems of our world such as hunger, poverty, child welfare, and violence.

Worship played a central role, with morning and evening worship celebrations held in Moby Arena. Questions of the day guided worship services led by a host of dynamic speakers--and by the NYC band that rocked the arena with the theme song, "Come and See" by Seth Hendricks.

Among preachers who inspired and challenged the youth were Craig Kielburger, founder of (Kids Can) Free the Children, who urged youth not to wait to get to work for God. "Every day we receive our calling," he said.

Jim Wallis, founder of Sojourners community in Washington, D.C., and an evangelical leader on social issues, gave the youth an important task: "You’ve got to clear up the confusion about what it means to be a Christian." Following Jesus means getting in the middle of the world’s suffering, "because that’s where (Jesus) stands inviting us in," he said.

Ken Medema, who has been a popular performer at previous youth conferences, sang a song in response to Wallis’ message. The congregation was invited to join in the chorus: "We are the people we’ve been waiting for. The world is waiting so come through the door. There’s lots of room here on the dancing floor. There’s no delaying anymore."

The Mennonite comedy duo Ted and Lee were received with laughter and applause as they acted out gospel stories about the disciples’ relationship with Jesus.

Youth speakers Jamie Frye from Kansas, Allen Bowers from Virginia, and Chrissy Sollenberger from Pennsylvania, each gave his or her own different perspective on what following Jesus really means.

Jeff Carter, pastor of Manassas (Va.) Church of the Brethren, answered the NYC theme with his statement, "It is the Christ that we have come to see."

In a service created by General Board staff, several Brethren youth and adults spoke of the importance of being part of the church, and told stories of their work for Christ in the world.

Beth Gunzel, Brethren mission worker in the Dominican Republic and consultant for a microloan community development program of the Church of the Brethren, led a service focused on the situation of the poor in the DR. She said that Christians have a responsibility to others. "We are guided by the Holy Spirit to turn wrongs into rights, to be used for a divine purpose," she said.

Andrew Murray, professor of peace studies at Juniata College in Huntingdon, Pa., and a popular Brethren folksinger, answered the question of the day, "Who are you becoming?" At age 64, he told the conference that most of what he has become he never anticipated. "I believe Jesus said, ‘Come and see,’ because whose you become will determine who you become."

Preaching on 2 Corinthians 3:12-18, Bethany Seminary professor Dawn Ottoni Wilhelm said, "God’s got you covered.... But beware of the protective coverings you make for yourself" including "veils" of hardness of heart and mind, she added. "If you want to loosen the hold of hardness...then do what God does, do what this conference has asked you to do. Ask questions." Wilhelm asserted, "With every question we ask, we join Jesus in tugging at the veils and revealing God."

Worship on Wednesday evening ended with anointing for freedom through Christ. Afterwards, in moments of deep emotion, groups of youth sat in tight circles on the floor, or stood in large groups, swaying to the music with their arms around each other.

"I am ready to change the world!" responded Deborah from Washington State the next morning. She was one of several youth who gave testimonies at the final worship service. At NYC, "thousands of strangers have truly become the body of Christ," said Caitlin from Arizona.

New Community Project director David Radcliff preached for closing worship. "You’ve got the world in your hands," he said in a sermon that sent youth home with new hope and energy to follow Jesus. Brethren youth are up to the challenges of the 21st century, he said. "Jesus will give you power to change this world," Radcliff said. "I want to tell you Jesus believes in you, enough to put his mission and his world in your hands."

In addition to worship, NYC offered small groups, concerts, recreation, service projects, workshops, devotions, and late-evening activities. Tournaments of Jungle Ball volleyball and Ultimate Frisbee continued late Wednesday because of interruptions by afternoon thunderstorms earlier in the week. Concerts were given by Superchick, Ken Medema, Andy and Terry Murray, The Guys, and the Bittersweet Gospel Band. Other late-evening activities included worship service led by groups from Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic, a talk-back session with Jim Wallis, a reception honoring scholarship recipients and international guests, a swing dance, a performance of "Godspell" by an arts camp from Camp Harmony, and an Open Mic talent show.

NYC coordinators Cindy Laprade, Beth Rhodes, and Emily Tyler worked with Chris Douglas, director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry for the General Board, and the National Youth Cabinet to prepare for the conference over the past two years. Cabinet members are Becky Ball-Miller, Leigh-Anne Enders, Nick Kauffman, Zac Morgan, Shawn Flory Replogle, Erin Smith, and Rachael Stevens. Numerous other volunteers made NYC possible including youth workers, worship coordinators and musicians, workshop and special event leaders, and youth advisors from congregations and districts.

For more stories and photos from National Youth Conference 2006, go to www.brethren.org/NYC2006/.

Source: 8/4/2006 Newsline Special Report
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Wow! Together we can end hunger.

Hunger is a big word, seemingly larger than all our efforts to combat it. But the funds raised in various ways by NYC participants to turn hunger around is huge--exceeding even the wildest expectations of the coordinators. NYC 2006 has demonstrated in a very real way that youth are intentional about the church’s work to end hunger and poverty.

Responding to the theme, "Come and See," more than 1,100 people took part in a REGNUH 5K Walk/Run to "turn hunger around." Sponsorships of participants, coupled with a special offering, has now raised a total of $90,904.63.

The total adds $3,825.67 received since NYC ended, to the previous total of $87,078.96 announced on the last day of the conference. It includes $29,410.08 in REGNUH sponsorships and $61,494.55 received in the offering and through tithes of NYC registration fees from more than 30 congregations. The funds will be distributed through the Global Food Crisis Fund of the Church of the Brethren General Board.

"WOW!" said Howard Royer, manager of the Global Food Crisis Fund. "What signals NYC has sent to the church and the world! The first is to offer what Brethren and the Bible have championed--that God calls us to be with the poor and the hungry. The second is that no longer are the most vulnerable to be the most expendable; together we can put an end to extreme hunger."

Daniel Neidlinger of Indiana was the first runner to cross the REHNUH finish line, with a time of 19 minutes, 28 seconds. Dustin Adams of Maryland came in second.

Neidlinger’s whole youth group of nine, including advisors, either ran or walked. "They all wanted me to run to win it!" said Neidlinger, who does cross country and track in high school. His church helped the youth raise several hundred dollars for the Global Food Crisis Fund, and was still collecting a special offering in worship the morning of the REGNUH walk/run.

One of the top individual fundraisers for REGNUH is Dianne Hollinger, a youth advisor from York (Pa.) First Church of the Brethren, who raised $4,422. She originally challenged her congregation to help her raise $2,000, saying she would run 10 percent of the course for every 10 percent of the money raised. The congregation raised more than twice that amount, so she ran the whole five kilometers. When Hollinger collapsed at the finish line, friends from her congregation were there to help her back to her feet.

Heather Simmons of Ohio walked the course. She said it was the experience that mattered--especially at one of the learning stations along the route when she carried buckets with 20 pounds of water to simulate what women in many countries do every day. She said, "I can’t imagine how they do it all the time."

Source: 8/4/2006 Newsline Special Report
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Youth take up love offering at NYC.

Participants at NYC took up a love offering for a youth whose home was severely damaged by fire while he was at the conference. Jeff from Northern Indiana District received word July 25 that the house he and his mother lived in was damaged by a fire in an area of the house that included his room. The remaining part of the house suffered extensive smoke damage. The fire also claimed the life of the family's pet cats.

NYC counselors and spiritual directors collectively called for a love offering during an evening service. The response was so great that many people asked for an additional day to give more funds, reported district youth coordinator Keith Carter. The offering allows the family to replace necessities such as beds, clothing, and other household items in an expedient manner, he said.

"I would just like to thank everyone for responding the way in which they did," Jeff said. "I am thankful to all of you for your generosity. You all have helped me see God this week."

"I was deeply touched when I saw the outpouring of love and support by conference participants," Carter said. "What a great way for NYC participants to respond in an immediate tangible way to everything learned at NYC. The generosity and response has a great impact not only on Jeff and his family, but for the local congregation and district. Thank you to all for contributing to this love offering and most of all for being the church."

Stacey Carter, youth director at Jeff’s church, said, "God took a tragedy and turned it into a miracle! We are thankful for the abundant outpouring of love and support for Jeff and his mother. Thank you all for being Jesus to someone else."

Source: 8/4/2006 Newsline Special Report
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NYC nuggets.
  • In other NYC offerings, 2,522 pounds of food was given to the Food Bank for Larimer County, Colo.; $18,532.37 was received for the NYC Scholarship Fund; 1,357 Gift of the Heart School Kits were donated along with $7,123.53 to help pay for shipping the kits to children in need through Church World Service.

  • Service projects and mountain hikes were favorite NYC activities. Some 2,700 people went on hikes in the mountains above Fort Collins. More than 2,000 pre-registered to work at 45-plus service projects around the Fort Collins and Loveland areas. Projects included clean up of highways and parks, work at a shelter and thrift stores--including two run by Habitat for Humanity, a Hearts and Horses Therapy center, Fort Collins’ Lincoln Center for the performing arts, nursing homes, the university’s campus ministry, and many others.

  • Inspired by REGNUH, a group of youth decided the next day to hold "REGNUH Part II." Spokesperson Alex from Pennsylvania said, "The service last night kind of touched me, and I had to do something." His friends reported that all day long he had been saying, "I’m on a God high!" The 13 youth and 2 advisors created their own walk of about 1 hour, or approximately 2 miles. Along the way, they asked people to join in or to give a donation. In another REGNUH-inspired effort, three youth from Pennsylvania--nose flute players Brad and David, their "manager" Seth, and a garden gnome mascot--created a band called "The Nose Knows" to raise money for hunger. They put the money into the offering for the Global Food Crisis Fund. The nose flute repertoire included "Yankee Doodle Dandy," "Mary Had a Little Lamb," and the theme song to "The Adams Family." "We're working on ‘Amazing Grace,’" they reported.

  • Another REGNUH walk/run will be held at National Older Adult Conference (NOAC) on Sept. 7 at Lake Junaluska, N.C. NOAC is sponsored by the Association of Brethren Caregivers. Participants are being asked to accept the invitation to walk or run a two-mile circuit around the lake to support the Global Food Crisis Fund. First- and second-place awards will be given by the Brethren Foundation, which also is giving a "REGNUH...turning hunger around" cap to each walker and runner. The foundation is a ministry of Brethren Benefit Trust.
Source: 8/4/2006 Newsline Special Report
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Wednesday, August 02, 2006

New conscientious objector packets are available.

The Brethren Witness/Washington Office has introduced new conscientious objection material for youth and congregations. Resources included in previous conscientious objection packets have been updated and converted to electronic files and are available on a CD in the new packet.

Resources include materials on political advocacy and peace, biblical guidance for peacemaking, information on the potential for a draft, and steps on how youth can register as a conscientious objector to war. Other materials on the CD include "The Peace Book" produced by the Brethren Witness/Washington Office, counter-recruitment efforts against military recruitment, and volunteer opportunities.

Also included is an eight-section DVD with a study guide on issues of civil disobedience, the history of conscientious objectors and the military draft. A mock draft board is presented by the Brethren Witness/Washington Office.

The resources are provided to assist districts, congregations and youth leaders to young people think through issues of conscience. The CD and DVD are designed to help facilitate conversation, reflection, and action among youth, parents, congregations, and communities.

The new conscientious objector packets are available by contacting 800-785-3246 or Washington_office_gb@brethren.org. A suggested donation of $10 per packet will help cover costs. The Brethren Witness/Washington Office is a ministry of the Church of the Brethren General Board.

Source: 8/2/2006 Newsline
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