Messenger Essay Winners
Youth ages 13-18 were asked to write a short essay on the question, “What do you like most about the Church of the Brethren?” A steady stream of entries came into the MESSENGER offices, each sharing good insights and images about the church. A panel of four judges read each of the essays and ranked them, resulting in the winners. Read the contest entries.
News items pertaining to youth and young adults in the Church of the Brethren.
Tuesday, August 30, 2005
Saturday, August 27, 2005
National Youth Conference
Plans for National Youth Conference 2006, to be held July 22-27, 2006, on
the campus of Colorado State University are taking shape! For more information,
visit www.nyc2006.org.
Plans for National Youth Conference 2006, to be held July 22-27, 2006, on
the campus of Colorado State University are taking shape! For more information,
visit www.nyc2006.org.
Seeking Peace Conference, September 8-11, 2005
The Seeking Peace Conference, September 8-11, in Indianapolis, Ind., will be a multi-faceted and intergenerational gathering providing opportunities to build mentoring relationships and explore practical and intellectual approaches to peace and peacemaking for members and friends of the Church of the Brethren, Mennonite Church USA, The Society of Friends and all people who embrace and work for peace. Sponsored in part by the Church of the Brethren Witness/Washington Office and On Earth Peace, the conference will feature practical workshops and seminars, a large book table and resource center, applications for all careers, youth participation and fellowship through biblical, dynamic worship. For more information, contact the Brethren Witness/Washington Office at 1-800-785-3246 or visit www.plowsharesproject.org.
Click here to view the flyer
The Seeking Peace Conference, September 8-11, in Indianapolis, Ind., will be a multi-faceted and intergenerational gathering providing opportunities to build mentoring relationships and explore practical and intellectual approaches to peace and peacemaking for members and friends of the Church of the Brethren, Mennonite Church USA, The Society of Friends and all people who embrace and work for peace. Sponsored in part by the Church of the Brethren Witness/Washington Office and On Earth Peace, the conference will feature practical workshops and seminars, a large book table and resource center, applications for all careers, youth participation and fellowship through biblical, dynamic worship. For more information, contact the Brethren Witness/Washington Office at 1-800-785-3246 or visit www.plowsharesproject.org.
Click here to view the flyer
Anti-War Movement March on Washington, Brethren Encouraged to Participate on Saturday, September 24, 2005
Church of the Brethren members, peacemakers and social activists are encouraged to participate in the March on Washington, three massive days of action against the war in Iraq, featuring a major march, rally and festival on Saturday, September 24 in Washington D.C. Brethren supporters of this event are encouraged to gather at the Brethren Witness/Washington Office, 337 North Carolina Ave. SE, at 10 a.m. on Saturday. The group will march together to join the larger rally at the Washington Monument. Watch for the Church of the Brethren display table on the mall.
Other scheduled events, sponsored by United for Peace and Justice, include an interfaith religious service and day of grassroots trainings on Sunday, Sept. 25, and a large-scale grassroots lobbying day and mass nonviolent direct action and civil disobedience on Monday, Sept. 26. For more information regarding this national event, call the Brethren Witness/Washington Office at 1-800-785-3246 or visit www.brethren.org or www.unitedforpeace.org. If you would like assistance in scheduling lobby visits on Monday, September 26 please let us know.
Click here to view the flyer
Church of the Brethren members, peacemakers and social activists are encouraged to participate in the March on Washington, three massive days of action against the war in Iraq, featuring a major march, rally and festival on Saturday, September 24 in Washington D.C. Brethren supporters of this event are encouraged to gather at the Brethren Witness/Washington Office, 337 North Carolina Ave. SE, at 10 a.m. on Saturday. The group will march together to join the larger rally at the Washington Monument. Watch for the Church of the Brethren display table on the mall.
Other scheduled events, sponsored by United for Peace and Justice, include an interfaith religious service and day of grassroots trainings on Sunday, Sept. 25, and a large-scale grassroots lobbying day and mass nonviolent direct action and civil disobedience on Monday, Sept. 26. For more information regarding this national event, call the Brethren Witness/Washington Office at 1-800-785-3246 or visit www.brethren.org or www.unitedforpeace.org. If you would like assistance in scheduling lobby visits on Monday, September 26 please let us know.
Click here to view the flyer
International Day of Peace (IDP) Shares Vision of Global Cease Fire on September 21, 2005
The Brethren Witness/Washington Office invites Brethren to join people from around the world in observing the International Day of Peace (IDP) on Wednesday, September 21. The shared vision for this one day is a global cease-fire, as well as lifting up the principles of non-violence.
Amidst this time of increasing violence, this day will offer an opportunity for collective wills to aspire for a time of peace and solidarity. The International Day of Peace will serve as an excellent opportunity for the Church of the Brethren to celebrate our history of non-violence and, at the same time, to acknowledge our dire need to recommit to those values.
Established by a United Nations resolution in 1981, the intention was to set aside a specific time for the UN and its member states to promote the ideals of peace. A resolution added to the declaration in 2001 extended the language to include a universal cease-fire. “We understand that this is only a symbolic day, but one that can and should raise the consciousness of peacemakers in all places. The challenge is to transform this symbolic day into reality,” comments Phil Jones, director of the Brethren Witness/Washington Office.
Such organizations as International Day of Peace Vigil Team are encouraging individuals, as well as religious and interfaith leaders and communities, to hold spiritual observations in support of this global peace day. The goal of the IDP Vigil Team is to have all 191 UN member states participate. If Brethren congregations or individuals would like to commit to a peace vigil they can record their information with IDP Peace Vigil at www.idpvigil.com. Additionally, contact the BW/WO if we can offer peace-related resources or assist in vigil promotion.
The Brethren Witness/Washington Office invites Brethren to join people from around the world in observing the International Day of Peace (IDP) on Wednesday, September 21. The shared vision for this one day is a global cease-fire, as well as lifting up the principles of non-violence.
Amidst this time of increasing violence, this day will offer an opportunity for collective wills to aspire for a time of peace and solidarity. The International Day of Peace will serve as an excellent opportunity for the Church of the Brethren to celebrate our history of non-violence and, at the same time, to acknowledge our dire need to recommit to those values.
Established by a United Nations resolution in 1981, the intention was to set aside a specific time for the UN and its member states to promote the ideals of peace. A resolution added to the declaration in 2001 extended the language to include a universal cease-fire. “We understand that this is only a symbolic day, but one that can and should raise the consciousness of peacemakers in all places. The challenge is to transform this symbolic day into reality,” comments Phil Jones, director of the Brethren Witness/Washington Office.
Such organizations as International Day of Peace Vigil Team are encouraging individuals, as well as religious and interfaith leaders and communities, to hold spiritual observations in support of this global peace day. The goal of the IDP Vigil Team is to have all 191 UN member states participate. If Brethren congregations or individuals would like to commit to a peace vigil they can record their information with IDP Peace Vigil at www.idpvigil.com. Additionally, contact the BW/WO if we can offer peace-related resources or assist in vigil promotion.
Church of the Brethren Agencies Encourage Brethren Young Adults to Participate in Peace Conference Oct. 8-10, 2005
“Shift Your Space Transform the World: Young Adults Connecting Ecumenically for Peace and Justice,” October 8-10, 2005 in Chicago, IL, is an event for young adult leaders in peace and justice work that will provide opportunities to draw on the strength of the unity of the church by building ecumenical connections. Seminarians, students and youth delegates to the WCC’s 9th Assembly will find links between their peace and justice work and the World Council of Churches, and engage with the vision for peace promoted by the initiative, Decade to Overcome Violence: Churches Seeking Reconciliation & Peace 2001-2010 (DOV).
The gathering will be Saturday, October 8 at noon through Monday, October 10 at noon in Hyde Park, Chicago, IL. Hyde Park is home to the University of Chicago Divinity School, the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago, McCormick Theological Seminary and others. “Seminarians are at the forefront of innovative peace and justice work,” says Jenny Phillips, US Decade to Overcome Violence Program Assistant and coordinator of this event. “We look forward to the wisdom and insight Chicago seminarians can share.”
Activities will include participation in local peace and justice projects, including an action with the Chicago chapter of the National Interfaith Committee for Worker Justice. There will be time for sharing resources, and space for theological reflection with peace and justice leaders in the WCC and member communions. In addition, attendees will participate in a visioning process with members of the US Decade to Overcome Violence Committee to determine how the committee can best support young adults in ecumenical peace and justice work.
The Church of the Brethren is represented on the US Decade Committee by Phil Jones of the Brethren Witness/Washington Office and Matt Guynn of On Earth Peace. "It is our hope that Brethren young adults will be able to take advantage of this excellent opportunity to explore peace and justice in this ecumenical, academic, and interactive setting", Jones states. Scholarships are available for Brethren who might need assistance in order to attend.
“Shift Your Space Transform the World” will overlap with the Annual Meeting of the US Conference for the World Council of Churches and the WCC 9th Assembly Pre-Event, which will be held October 10-12, 2005 at the O’Hare Crown Plaza Hotel in Chicago, IL. The morning of Monday, October 10 will be used to prepare a young adult presentation for the Annual Meeting plenary to be held that evening. Young adults are invited to stay and participate in the Annual Meeting for as long or as little as they like. “The 9th Assembly of the World Council of Churches has been deemed “the youth assembly” by General Secretary, Dr. Sam Kobia,” says Rev. Deborah DeWinter, Program Executive for the United States. “We are excited for the wisdom and passion US young adults will bring to the US Annual Meeting and 9th Assembly Pre-Event.” Registration information is available at www.wcc-usa.org.
“Shift Your Space Transform the World” will cost $75 for the event, food and hostel-style lodging at the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago Youth Center. For those who live in the area or prefer to secure other lodging, the event will cost $35, including lunch and dinner on Saturday and Sunday.
Those adults attending the Annual Meeting of the US Conference for the World Council of Churches and the WCC 9th Assembly Pre-Event can register for “Shift Your Space Transform the World” on the Annual Meeting registration form, available at www.wcc-usa.org.
The registration deadline is Friday, September 16, 2005. If you have questions, or would like to receive information about future US DOV young adult events, email Jenny Phillips, US DOV Program Assistant at us-dov@wcc-coe.org.
Click here to view flyer
“Shift Your Space Transform the World: Young Adults Connecting Ecumenically for Peace and Justice,” October 8-10, 2005 in Chicago, IL, is an event for young adult leaders in peace and justice work that will provide opportunities to draw on the strength of the unity of the church by building ecumenical connections. Seminarians, students and youth delegates to the WCC’s 9th Assembly will find links between their peace and justice work and the World Council of Churches, and engage with the vision for peace promoted by the initiative, Decade to Overcome Violence: Churches Seeking Reconciliation & Peace 2001-2010 (DOV).
The gathering will be Saturday, October 8 at noon through Monday, October 10 at noon in Hyde Park, Chicago, IL. Hyde Park is home to the University of Chicago Divinity School, the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago, McCormick Theological Seminary and others. “Seminarians are at the forefront of innovative peace and justice work,” says Jenny Phillips, US Decade to Overcome Violence Program Assistant and coordinator of this event. “We look forward to the wisdom and insight Chicago seminarians can share.”
Activities will include participation in local peace and justice projects, including an action with the Chicago chapter of the National Interfaith Committee for Worker Justice. There will be time for sharing resources, and space for theological reflection with peace and justice leaders in the WCC and member communions. In addition, attendees will participate in a visioning process with members of the US Decade to Overcome Violence Committee to determine how the committee can best support young adults in ecumenical peace and justice work.
The Church of the Brethren is represented on the US Decade Committee by Phil Jones of the Brethren Witness/Washington Office and Matt Guynn of On Earth Peace. "It is our hope that Brethren young adults will be able to take advantage of this excellent opportunity to explore peace and justice in this ecumenical, academic, and interactive setting", Jones states. Scholarships are available for Brethren who might need assistance in order to attend.
“Shift Your Space Transform the World” will overlap with the Annual Meeting of the US Conference for the World Council of Churches and the WCC 9th Assembly Pre-Event, which will be held October 10-12, 2005 at the O’Hare Crown Plaza Hotel in Chicago, IL. The morning of Monday, October 10 will be used to prepare a young adult presentation for the Annual Meeting plenary to be held that evening. Young adults are invited to stay and participate in the Annual Meeting for as long or as little as they like. “The 9th Assembly of the World Council of Churches has been deemed “the youth assembly” by General Secretary, Dr. Sam Kobia,” says Rev. Deborah DeWinter, Program Executive for the United States. “We are excited for the wisdom and passion US young adults will bring to the US Annual Meeting and 9th Assembly Pre-Event.” Registration information is available at www.wcc-usa.org.
“Shift Your Space Transform the World” will cost $75 for the event, food and hostel-style lodging at the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago Youth Center. For those who live in the area or prefer to secure other lodging, the event will cost $35, including lunch and dinner on Saturday and Sunday.
Those adults attending the Annual Meeting of the US Conference for the World Council of Churches and the WCC 9th Assembly Pre-Event can register for “Shift Your Space Transform the World” on the Annual Meeting registration form, available at www.wcc-usa.org.
The registration deadline is Friday, September 16, 2005. If you have questions, or would like to receive information about future US DOV young adult events, email Jenny Phillips, US DOV Program Assistant at us-dov@wcc-coe.org.
Click here to view flyer
Wednesday, August 17, 2005
New shoes, a stop at the denominational offices for the Walk Across America.
On Aug. 11 a New Balance shoe store in Geneva, Ill., witnessed a unique event in Don Vermilyea's Walk Across America: the chance to buy a new pair of shoes in person, and to try them on with the help of a sales clerk.
Vermilyea is a Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS) worker on a Walk Across America, a quest to visit on foot every Church of the Brethren congregation in the US that extends an invitation. Along the way, Vermilyea shares his message "that it is time to get serious about our relationship with Jesus Christ." He has walked for more than three and a half years, and more than 15,700 miles, beginning in Tucson, Ariz.
BVS staff usually buy his shoes from congregational and individual gifts, and mail them to his next destination, said Vermilyea--who walks everywhere he goes and does not accept rides except in unusual circumstances. The shoes he exchanged for a new pair carried him from southern Louisiana to Arkansas, then from Missouri to Faith Church of the Brethren in Batavia, Ill. They had "only" 1,312 miles on them, Vermilyea said, regretting that he was not able to put on one pair the full mileage of the Illinois and Wisconsin District. However, this pair had become unwalkable because of uneven wear on the heels. Walking up to 34 miles a day, Vermilyea cannot take the chance of injury to his ankles.
After the shoe store, Vermilyea's next stop was the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill., where he presented a slide show and held a question and answer session on Aug. 13. Vermilyea called on his audience to "wake up" to changes needed in American society, showing pictures he has taken along his walk of environmental destruction, pollution, development, and even road kill--and signs people have displayed expressing hatred and support for the war in Iraq. "I'm walking across America because we... Christians need to do things differently," he told the group of denominational staff who gathered to hear him.
On Sunday Aug. 14, he preached and held a "talk on" at Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren in Elgin. Previous stops in the district included many of the congregations in Illinois, the church in Wisconsin, and two weeks with the junior and senior high youth camps at Camp Emmaus in Mount Morris, Ill. Vermilyea was invited to join the junior highs for their annual seven-mile hike to White Pines State Park by camp counselor Jim Miner. While the rest of the group accepted a hayride back to camp, five youth opted to walk back with Vermilyea. Miner said that at the close of the senior high camp, more than 90 people walked a stretch of road with Vermilyea, the largest group to walk with him since the start of his trek in February 2002.
From Elgin, Vermilyea headed east through Chicago-land, making stops at Church of the Brethren congregations and a large downtown Presbyterian church. On Aug. 16 he visited York Center Church of the Brethren in Lombard, and today Aug. 17 he will be at Douglas Park Church of the Brethren in Chicago. On Aug. 21 he plans to speak at Fourth Presbyterian Church, and on Aug. 24 at First Church of the Brethren in Chicago.
From there, Vermilyea plans to walk through southern Illinois and eventually to Florida, where he hopes to spend the winter. Plans for 2006 and following years include walking north through the east-coast states, and then heading west again to visit the mid-western Brethren. Vermilyea estimates that he will complete the walk in 2011 or 2012.
For more information and a photo gallery see www.brethren.org/genbd/witness/Walk.html.
Source: 8/17/2005 Newsline
top
On Aug. 11 a New Balance shoe store in Geneva, Ill., witnessed a unique event in Don Vermilyea's Walk Across America: the chance to buy a new pair of shoes in person, and to try them on with the help of a sales clerk.
Vermilyea is a Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS) worker on a Walk Across America, a quest to visit on foot every Church of the Brethren congregation in the US that extends an invitation. Along the way, Vermilyea shares his message "that it is time to get serious about our relationship with Jesus Christ." He has walked for more than three and a half years, and more than 15,700 miles, beginning in Tucson, Ariz.
BVS staff usually buy his shoes from congregational and individual gifts, and mail them to his next destination, said Vermilyea--who walks everywhere he goes and does not accept rides except in unusual circumstances. The shoes he exchanged for a new pair carried him from southern Louisiana to Arkansas, then from Missouri to Faith Church of the Brethren in Batavia, Ill. They had "only" 1,312 miles on them, Vermilyea said, regretting that he was not able to put on one pair the full mileage of the Illinois and Wisconsin District. However, this pair had become unwalkable because of uneven wear on the heels. Walking up to 34 miles a day, Vermilyea cannot take the chance of injury to his ankles.
After the shoe store, Vermilyea's next stop was the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill., where he presented a slide show and held a question and answer session on Aug. 13. Vermilyea called on his audience to "wake up" to changes needed in American society, showing pictures he has taken along his walk of environmental destruction, pollution, development, and even road kill--and signs people have displayed expressing hatred and support for the war in Iraq. "I'm walking across America because we... Christians need to do things differently," he told the group of denominational staff who gathered to hear him.
On Sunday Aug. 14, he preached and held a "talk on" at Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren in Elgin. Previous stops in the district included many of the congregations in Illinois, the church in Wisconsin, and two weeks with the junior and senior high youth camps at Camp Emmaus in Mount Morris, Ill. Vermilyea was invited to join the junior highs for their annual seven-mile hike to White Pines State Park by camp counselor Jim Miner. While the rest of the group accepted a hayride back to camp, five youth opted to walk back with Vermilyea. Miner said that at the close of the senior high camp, more than 90 people walked a stretch of road with Vermilyea, the largest group to walk with him since the start of his trek in February 2002.
From Elgin, Vermilyea headed east through Chicago-land, making stops at Church of the Brethren congregations and a large downtown Presbyterian church. On Aug. 16 he visited York Center Church of the Brethren in Lombard, and today Aug. 17 he will be at Douglas Park Church of the Brethren in Chicago. On Aug. 21 he plans to speak at Fourth Presbyterian Church, and on Aug. 24 at First Church of the Brethren in Chicago.
From there, Vermilyea plans to walk through southern Illinois and eventually to Florida, where he hopes to spend the winter. Plans for 2006 and following years include walking north through the east-coast states, and then heading west again to visit the mid-western Brethren. Vermilyea estimates that he will complete the walk in 2011 or 2012.
For more information and a photo gallery see www.brethren.org/genbd/witness/Walk.html.
Source: 8/17/2005 Newsline
top
Friday, August 05, 2005
Church of the Brethren Agencies Encourage Brethren Young Adults to Participate in Peace Conference, Oct. 8-10, 2005
“Shift Your Space Transform the World: Young Adults Connecting Ecumenically for Peace and Justice,” October 8-10, 2005 in Chicago, IL, is an event for young adult leaders in peace and justice work that will provide opportunities to draw on the strength of the unity of the church by building ecumenical connections. Seminarians, students and youth delegates to the WCC’s 9th Assembly will find links between their peace and justice work and the World Council of Churches, and engage with the vision for peace promoted by the initiative, Decade to Overcome Violence: Churches Seeking Reconciliation & Peace 2001-2010 (DOV).
The gathering will be Saturday, October 8 at noon through Monday, October 10 at noon in Hyde Park, Chicago, IL. Hyde Park is home to the University of Chicago Divinity School, the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago, McCormick Theological Seminary and others. “Seminarians are at the forefront of innovative peace and justice work,” says Jenny Phillips, US Decade to Overcome Violence Program Assistant and coordinator of this event. “We look forward to the wisdom and insight Chicago seminarians can share.”
Activities will include participation in local peace and justice projects, including an action with the Chicago chapter of the National Interfaith Committee for Worker Justice. There will be time for sharing resources, and space for theological reflection with peace and justice leaders in the WCC and member communions. In addition, attendees will participate in a visioning process with members of the US Decade to Overcome Violence Committee to determine how the committee can best support young adults in ecumenical peace and justice work.
The Church of the Brethren is represented on the US Decade Committee by Phil Jones of the Brethren Witness/Washington Office and Matt Guynn of On Earth Peace. "It is our hope that Brethren young adults will be able to take advantage of this excellent opportunity to explore peace and justice in this eccumenical, academic, and interactive setting", Jones states. Scholarships are available for Brethren who might need assistance in order to attend.
“Shift Your Space Transform the World” will overlap with the Annual Meeting of the US Conference for the World Council of Churches and the WCC 9th Assembly Pre-Event, which will be held October 10-12, 2005 at the O’Hare Crown Plaza Hotel in Chicago, IL. The morning of Monday, October 10 will be used to prepare a young adult presentation for the Annual Meeting plenary to be held that evening. Young adults are invited to stay and participate in the Annual Meeting for as long or as little as they like. “The 9th Assembly of the World Council of Churches has been deemed “the youth assembly” by General Secretary, Dr. Sam Kobia,” says Rev. Deborah DeWinter, Programme Executive for the United States. “We are excited for the wisdom and passion US young adults will bring to the US Annual Meeting and 9th Assembly Pre-Event.” Registration information is available at www.wcc-usa.org.
“Shift Your Space Transform the World” will cost $75 for the event, food and hostel-style lodging at the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago Youth Center. For those who live in the area or prefer to secure other lodging, the event will cost $35, including lunch and dinner on Saturday and Sunday.
Those adults attending the Annual Meeting of the US Conference for the World Council of Churches and the WCC 9th Assembly Pre-Event can register for “Shift Your Space Transform the World” on the Annual Meeting registration form, available at www.wcc-usa.org.
The registration deadline is Friday, September 16, 2005. If you have questions, or would like to receive information about future US DOV young adult events, email Jenny Phillips, US DOV Program Assistant at us-dov@wcc-coe.org.
To download the flyer, click here (PDF)
To download the registration form, click here (PDF)
Source: Washington Office Action Alert
“Shift Your Space Transform the World: Young Adults Connecting Ecumenically for Peace and Justice,” October 8-10, 2005 in Chicago, IL, is an event for young adult leaders in peace and justice work that will provide opportunities to draw on the strength of the unity of the church by building ecumenical connections. Seminarians, students and youth delegates to the WCC’s 9th Assembly will find links between their peace and justice work and the World Council of Churches, and engage with the vision for peace promoted by the initiative, Decade to Overcome Violence: Churches Seeking Reconciliation & Peace 2001-2010 (DOV).
The gathering will be Saturday, October 8 at noon through Monday, October 10 at noon in Hyde Park, Chicago, IL. Hyde Park is home to the University of Chicago Divinity School, the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago, McCormick Theological Seminary and others. “Seminarians are at the forefront of innovative peace and justice work,” says Jenny Phillips, US Decade to Overcome Violence Program Assistant and coordinator of this event. “We look forward to the wisdom and insight Chicago seminarians can share.”
Activities will include participation in local peace and justice projects, including an action with the Chicago chapter of the National Interfaith Committee for Worker Justice. There will be time for sharing resources, and space for theological reflection with peace and justice leaders in the WCC and member communions. In addition, attendees will participate in a visioning process with members of the US Decade to Overcome Violence Committee to determine how the committee can best support young adults in ecumenical peace and justice work.
The Church of the Brethren is represented on the US Decade Committee by Phil Jones of the Brethren Witness/Washington Office and Matt Guynn of On Earth Peace. "It is our hope that Brethren young adults will be able to take advantage of this excellent opportunity to explore peace and justice in this eccumenical, academic, and interactive setting", Jones states. Scholarships are available for Brethren who might need assistance in order to attend.
“Shift Your Space Transform the World” will overlap with the Annual Meeting of the US Conference for the World Council of Churches and the WCC 9th Assembly Pre-Event, which will be held October 10-12, 2005 at the O’Hare Crown Plaza Hotel in Chicago, IL. The morning of Monday, October 10 will be used to prepare a young adult presentation for the Annual Meeting plenary to be held that evening. Young adults are invited to stay and participate in the Annual Meeting for as long or as little as they like. “The 9th Assembly of the World Council of Churches has been deemed “the youth assembly” by General Secretary, Dr. Sam Kobia,” says Rev. Deborah DeWinter, Programme Executive for the United States. “We are excited for the wisdom and passion US young adults will bring to the US Annual Meeting and 9th Assembly Pre-Event.” Registration information is available at www.wcc-usa.org.
“Shift Your Space Transform the World” will cost $75 for the event, food and hostel-style lodging at the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago Youth Center. For those who live in the area or prefer to secure other lodging, the event will cost $35, including lunch and dinner on Saturday and Sunday.
Those adults attending the Annual Meeting of the US Conference for the World Council of Churches and the WCC 9th Assembly Pre-Event can register for “Shift Your Space Transform the World” on the Annual Meeting registration form, available at www.wcc-usa.org.
The registration deadline is Friday, September 16, 2005. If you have questions, or would like to receive information about future US DOV young adult events, email Jenny Phillips, US DOV Program Assistant at us-dov@wcc-coe.org.
To download the registration form, click here (PDF)
Source: Washington Office Action Alert
Wednesday, August 03, 2005
Youth conference will offer opportunity to 'Come and See.'
"Things are starting to take shape in the National Youth Conference office!" reports Emily Tyler, one of the three coordinators of the 2006 National Youth Conference (NYC) along with Cindy Laprade and Beth Rhodes. Promotional materials including a brochure are ready, speakers are being confirmed, and the website--www.nyc2006.org--is being updated regularly, she said.
The dates for NYC are July 22-27, 2006 in Fort Collins, Colo., on the campus of Colorado State University. "This is where the past four NYCs have been held and the NYC staff is very excited to be working with this facility for another conference," Tyler said. All youth who have completed ninth grade through one year of college at the time of the 2006 NYC are eligible to attend. All youth must be accompanied by an adult advisor.
The theme for the conference is "Come and See" based on John 1:35-39. "In this passage, when the disciples asked Jesus where he was staying, instead of just telling them, he invited them to 'come and see,'" the brochure for the event says. "This is in keeping with Church of the Brethren heritage; letting actions speak louder than words. By inviting the disciples to come and see, Jesus was calling them to a disciple's life. NYC is the youth of the denomination's invitation to come and see who God is calling them to become as individuals, as disciples of Christ, as the Church of the Brethren, and as people of God living in a broken world."
Registrations for NYC will be accepted from Jan. 1-April 3, 2006. Cost per youth is $400, including all programs, lodging, and food while at NYC. A deposit of $200 must be paid when registering, with the balance due by April 3, 2006. All youth advisors and youth workers, and all others attending NYC also must register before April 3, 2006. Those registering before Feb. 15, 2006, will receive a free t-shirt for registering early.
Other important information that the coordinators are highlighting:
Two contests in preparation for NYC: a Youth Speech Contest and a Theme Song Contest. For the Speech Contest, youth are invited to write a 550-700 word (about 10 minutes spoken) speech focusing on the NYC theme. The two top entrants will give their speeches during a worship service at NYC. Entries should include both written and audio copies of the speech and should be sent to the NYC Office by Jan. 1, 2006. The second contest for the theme song is for anyone interested in writing music and lyrics. The song should be based on the NYC theme. The entry that is chosen will serve as the theme song for NYC 2006. Submissions of songs are due to the NYC Office by Nov. 1 in the form of both an audio recording and a printed copy of the words. Send submissions to NYC Office, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120.
The youth worker application form is ready and waiting to be sent to those interested in volunteering at the conference. "Youth workers are an essential part of the NYC staff, helping to carry out the programs and plans of the National Youth Cabinet as well as making sure that no details are missed," Tyler said. If you are interested in volunteering for the week of NYC as a youth worker or know of someone who would be interested, contact the NYC Office at nyc_gb@brethren.org, or call 800-323-8039.
Source: 8/3/2005 Newsline
"Things are starting to take shape in the National Youth Conference office!" reports Emily Tyler, one of the three coordinators of the 2006 National Youth Conference (NYC) along with Cindy Laprade and Beth Rhodes. Promotional materials including a brochure are ready, speakers are being confirmed, and the website--www.nyc2006.org--is being updated regularly, she said.
The dates for NYC are July 22-27, 2006 in Fort Collins, Colo., on the campus of Colorado State University. "This is where the past four NYCs have been held and the NYC staff is very excited to be working with this facility for another conference," Tyler said. All youth who have completed ninth grade through one year of college at the time of the 2006 NYC are eligible to attend. All youth must be accompanied by an adult advisor.
The theme for the conference is "Come and See" based on John 1:35-39. "In this passage, when the disciples asked Jesus where he was staying, instead of just telling them, he invited them to 'come and see,'" the brochure for the event says. "This is in keeping with Church of the Brethren heritage; letting actions speak louder than words. By inviting the disciples to come and see, Jesus was calling them to a disciple's life. NYC is the youth of the denomination's invitation to come and see who God is calling them to become as individuals, as disciples of Christ, as the Church of the Brethren, and as people of God living in a broken world."
Registrations for NYC will be accepted from Jan. 1-April 3, 2006. Cost per youth is $400, including all programs, lodging, and food while at NYC. A deposit of $200 must be paid when registering, with the balance due by April 3, 2006. All youth advisors and youth workers, and all others attending NYC also must register before April 3, 2006. Those registering before Feb. 15, 2006, will receive a free t-shirt for registering early.
Other important information that the coordinators are highlighting:
Two contests in preparation for NYC: a Youth Speech Contest and a Theme Song Contest. For the Speech Contest, youth are invited to write a 550-700 word (about 10 minutes spoken) speech focusing on the NYC theme. The two top entrants will give their speeches during a worship service at NYC. Entries should include both written and audio copies of the speech and should be sent to the NYC Office by Jan. 1, 2006. The second contest for the theme song is for anyone interested in writing music and lyrics. The song should be based on the NYC theme. The entry that is chosen will serve as the theme song for NYC 2006. Submissions of songs are due to the NYC Office by Nov. 1 in the form of both an audio recording and a printed copy of the words. Send submissions to NYC Office, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120.
The youth worker application form is ready and waiting to be sent to those interested in volunteering at the conference. "Youth workers are an essential part of the NYC staff, helping to carry out the programs and plans of the National Youth Cabinet as well as making sure that no details are missed," Tyler said. If you are interested in volunteering for the week of NYC as a youth worker or know of someone who would be interested, contact the NYC Office at nyc_gb@brethren.org, or call 800-323-8039.
Source: 8/3/2005 Newsline
Southeastern District is 'Anchored in Jesus.'
"Anchored in Jesus" was the theme of Southeastern's 37th District Conference held in Mars Hill, N.C., from July 29-31. Past moderator Harold Rose presided over the business meetings, which included 106 delegates representing 33 of the 39 churches and one fellowship. In addition, activities were held each day for one of the largest gatherings of youth in recent years. The youth led worship on Saturday evening. Guest preacher for two worship services was Wallace Cole, pastor of Mount Airy (N.C.) Church of the Brethren.
The delegate body voted to re-open the Ramey Flats church in Clintwood, Va., as a fellowship under the leadership of Jack Taylor; begin a Bible study project in Marion, N.C., under the leadership of James Huskins; and approve a new Hispanic project/fellowship in Jefferson, N.C., called "Walking in Christ...Caminando Con Cristo," under the leadership of pastor Doug Diamond. The delegates also approved a budget of $76,901 for 2006. Installed as moderator for 2006 was Jim Hoffman, with Donna Shumate chosen as moderator-elect.
Other highlights included recognition of 24 people from HIS Way Fellowship/Iglesia Jesucristo El Camino, who reported that there are now 20 members and an average attendance of 35 on Sundays, and 15-20 on Wednesday evenings. A quilt auction was held, and a special offering of $750 was received to assist in sending youth to National Youth Conference.
Source: 8/3/2005 Newsline
"Anchored in Jesus" was the theme of Southeastern's 37th District Conference held in Mars Hill, N.C., from July 29-31. Past moderator Harold Rose presided over the business meetings, which included 106 delegates representing 33 of the 39 churches and one fellowship. In addition, activities were held each day for one of the largest gatherings of youth in recent years. The youth led worship on Saturday evening. Guest preacher for two worship services was Wallace Cole, pastor of Mount Airy (N.C.) Church of the Brethren.
The delegate body voted to re-open the Ramey Flats church in Clintwood, Va., as a fellowship under the leadership of Jack Taylor; begin a Bible study project in Marion, N.C., under the leadership of James Huskins; and approve a new Hispanic project/fellowship in Jefferson, N.C., called "Walking in Christ...Caminando Con Cristo," under the leadership of pastor Doug Diamond. The delegates also approved a budget of $76,901 for 2006. Installed as moderator for 2006 was Jim Hoffman, with Donna Shumate chosen as moderator-elect.
Other highlights included recognition of 24 people from HIS Way Fellowship/Iglesia Jesucristo El Camino, who reported that there are now 20 members and an average attendance of 35 on Sundays, and 15-20 on Wednesday evenings. A quilt auction was held, and a special offering of $750 was received to assist in sending youth to National Youth Conference.
Source: 8/3/2005 Newsline
Leaders are announced for TOGETHER launch event.
Leaders have been announced for the launch event of TOGETHER: Conversations on Being the Church. TOGETHER is an outgrowth of the ecclesiology conversation begun by the district executives. A program to extend the conversation to the whole church is being carried out by a committee of staff of denominational agencies and districts. "This consultation is a first step toward a new and common understanding within the church concerning who, whose, and what we are," planners said.
Lisa M. Hess and Brian D. Maguire will lead the TOGETHER launch event in New Windsor, Md., on Feb. 24-26, 2006. They also will help lead conversations at Annual Conference 2006. Hess teaches practical theology--ecclesiology, ministry formation, Christian education, and leadership development--at United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio. She is an ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church (USA). Maguire is pastor of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Xenia, Ohio. Prior to entering the ministry he worked as an attorney and human relations consultant helping Fortune 500 corporations, nonprofit organizations, higher education institutions, and state and local governments through periods of change.
Maguire and Hess will facilitate a training process for district leaders at the launch event. Each district will select, elect, or discern one facilitator and two general representatives to send to the meeting. One Standing Committee member per district, as well as the district executives, also will be invited to participate. Annual Conference officers and leaders from the Conference agencies will attend as well.
The launch is envisioned as "a dynamic encounter with people from across the denomination, discussing `What does it mean to be the church?'" planners said. The hope is for district leaders to be prepared to model and lead different styles of conversation on that question in their own areas. Participants also will become familiar with the study guide for the TOGETHER conversations, which will be available for use in districts and congregations and at the 2006 Annual Conference. The training will focus on awareness of relationships within the Church of the Brethren structure, the broad scope of church history including Brethren history and Pietism and Anabaptism, recent patterns of church growth and development, the decline in mainline denominations, and generational differences in society.
Following the launch, the TOGETHER committee will develop dates and places for area and district meetings in conjunction with district executives, the Congregational Life Ministries staff of the General Board, and Ron and Harriet Finney, the volunteer coordinators for the regional events.
Plans for Annual Conference 2006 include an exhibit explaining the conversation process, a report to the Conference, insight sessions, special guest speakers, and experiences of the conversation process in small groups. Conversations also will take place at National Youth Conference and National Older Adult Conference in 2006. Information and insights from all of the conversations will be compiled. A culminating TOGETHER event is planned for Annual Conference 2007. For more information contact Mark Flory Steury, chair of the TOGETHER committee, at mfsteury_ds@brethren.org. For information about the launch event contact Julie Hostetter at jhostetter_gb@brethren.org.
Source: 8/3/2005 Newsline
Leaders have been announced for the launch event of TOGETHER: Conversations on Being the Church. TOGETHER is an outgrowth of the ecclesiology conversation begun by the district executives. A program to extend the conversation to the whole church is being carried out by a committee of staff of denominational agencies and districts. "This consultation is a first step toward a new and common understanding within the church concerning who, whose, and what we are," planners said.
Lisa M. Hess and Brian D. Maguire will lead the TOGETHER launch event in New Windsor, Md., on Feb. 24-26, 2006. They also will help lead conversations at Annual Conference 2006. Hess teaches practical theology--ecclesiology, ministry formation, Christian education, and leadership development--at United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio. She is an ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church (USA). Maguire is pastor of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Xenia, Ohio. Prior to entering the ministry he worked as an attorney and human relations consultant helping Fortune 500 corporations, nonprofit organizations, higher education institutions, and state and local governments through periods of change.
Maguire and Hess will facilitate a training process for district leaders at the launch event. Each district will select, elect, or discern one facilitator and two general representatives to send to the meeting. One Standing Committee member per district, as well as the district executives, also will be invited to participate. Annual Conference officers and leaders from the Conference agencies will attend as well.
The launch is envisioned as "a dynamic encounter with people from across the denomination, discussing `What does it mean to be the church?'" planners said. The hope is for district leaders to be prepared to model and lead different styles of conversation on that question in their own areas. Participants also will become familiar with the study guide for the TOGETHER conversations, which will be available for use in districts and congregations and at the 2006 Annual Conference. The training will focus on awareness of relationships within the Church of the Brethren structure, the broad scope of church history including Brethren history and Pietism and Anabaptism, recent patterns of church growth and development, the decline in mainline denominations, and generational differences in society.
Following the launch, the TOGETHER committee will develop dates and places for area and district meetings in conjunction with district executives, the Congregational Life Ministries staff of the General Board, and Ron and Harriet Finney, the volunteer coordinators for the regional events.
Plans for Annual Conference 2006 include an exhibit explaining the conversation process, a report to the Conference, insight sessions, special guest speakers, and experiences of the conversation process in small groups. Conversations also will take place at National Youth Conference and National Older Adult Conference in 2006. Information and insights from all of the conversations will be compiled. A culminating TOGETHER event is planned for Annual Conference 2007. For more information contact Mark Flory Steury, chair of the TOGETHER committee, at mfsteury_ds@brethren.org. For information about the launch event contact Julie Hostetter at jhostetter_gb@brethren.org.
Source: 8/3/2005 Newsline
Wednesday, July 27, 2005
Wednesday, July 20, 2005
2005 Ecumenical Citations
The 2005 Ecumenical Citations were given by the Committee on Interchurch Relations at Annual Conference. Colleen Hamilton of Hope Church of the Brethren in Freeport, Mich., and Marisa de Oliveira of Campo Limpo Preaching Point in Campo Limpo, Brazil, received the citations. The two were among four youth and young adults recognized for peacemaking efforts, including Matt Boyer of La Verne (Calif.) Church of the Brethren, and Anna Christine Simons of Prince of Peace Church of the Brethren in South Bend, Ind. Hamilton received the citation for her efforts for the environment and global concerns including helping to begin a recycling program at her high school, bringing focus to the use and waste of styrofoam in the school cafeteria, working and worshiping ecumenically with another congregation in the area, and participating in a high school arts troupe "HEARTS: Helping Educate Abstinence, Responsible Teens." De Oliveira received the citation for her deep sense of justice and her call to share God's love with others through her work for hunger and women's and children's issues. She volunteers at a soup kitchen, has begun a children's church and after-school tutoring program, and has developed and runs children's and women's programs in a poor and dangerous neighborhood of her city.
Source: 7/20/2005 Newsline
The 2005 Ecumenical Citations were given by the Committee on Interchurch Relations at Annual Conference. Colleen Hamilton of Hope Church of the Brethren in Freeport, Mich., and Marisa de Oliveira of Campo Limpo Preaching Point in Campo Limpo, Brazil, received the citations. The two were among four youth and young adults recognized for peacemaking efforts, including Matt Boyer of La Verne (Calif.) Church of the Brethren, and Anna Christine Simons of Prince of Peace Church of the Brethren in South Bend, Ind. Hamilton received the citation for her efforts for the environment and global concerns including helping to begin a recycling program at her high school, bringing focus to the use and waste of styrofoam in the school cafeteria, working and worshiping ecumenically with another congregation in the area, and participating in a high school arts troupe "HEARTS: Helping Educate Abstinence, Responsible Teens." De Oliveira received the citation for her deep sense of justice and her call to share God's love with others through her work for hunger and women's and children's issues. She volunteers at a soup kitchen, has begun a children's church and after-school tutoring program, and has developed and runs children's and women's programs in a poor and dangerous neighborhood of her city.
Source: 7/20/2005 Newsline
Friday, July 15, 2005
Pole project brings scout honor
by HEATHER KEELS
SMITHSBURG
For 18-year-old Bruce Persons, deciding on an Eagle Scout project was easy.
During his freshman year of high school, shortly after Sept. 11, 2001, he noticed that the flagpole at his school was old, bent and did not prominently display the flag. He knew immediately that he wanted to install a new one.
The hard part of the project? Talking on the phone.
Persons, deaf since contracting bacterial meningitis when he was 10 months old, relied on e-mails and a computer relay operator throughout the two-year project, which included getting permission from the principal, researching costs, raising about $2,000 from friends, family, school staff and local businesses, organizing the actual installation and compiling a detailed report.
The result is a 30-foot flagpole at the entrance to the Maryland School for the Deaf's Frederick campus, surrounded by black-eyed susans and a flagstone path and lit 24 hours a day. The project earned him praise and thanks from the school as well as the honor of becoming the 40th Eagle Scout and first deaf Eagle Scout in the newly formed Appalachian Trail district in Frederick County.
Persons, a Smithsburg resident who graduated from Maryland School for the Deaf last month, said he hopes the new flagpole will remind students to be proud to live in America.
"Being an American is valuable for me, being deaf, because in America deaf people have rights that in another country they wouldn't have," Persons said, his mother and sister translating his signs.
"I feel that no matter where the country goes, we should support our troops, our president, our congressmen and senators, even though we may not always agree with them," he said. "It's better to stay united."
Last week, Persons started a summer class in English composition at Hagerstown Community College, his first experience with education outside of the deaf community, with the help of an interpreter and a note taker.
So far, he said, the experience has gone well, so he is considering going to HCC full time in the fall. He also might attend Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C., where he was accepted and offered a scholarship.
After earning his bachelor's degree, probably in business, he said he might go on to seminary to become a pastor for the deaf community.
"Growing up, I went to church but I never really got involved because of communication problems," Persons said. It wasn't until after he switched to Frederick Church of the Brethren, which has a deaf fellowship, that he began to consider what it really meant to call himself a Christian.
He learned from the church's deaf pastor that statistically, only 2 percent of deaf people know Jesus, and thought of the verses from Matthew 28 in which Jesus says to the Disciples, "All authority has been given to me in heaven and on Earth. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you."
"I thought, OK, this is what I'm supposed to do," he said.
Persons is a member of a youth group called Deaf Teen Quest and has traveled to Kentucky and Tennessee for summer mission projects. He also helps with computer technical support for his church's deaf service.
Persons was named MSD's "Most Outstanding High School Student" in both 2004 and 2005, excelling academically, artistically and athletically.
As a member of MSD's Academic Bowl team, he helped win a national championship this spring. He acted in three school plays and won the Best Actor Award for two of them.
He has played basketball, wrestled and helped establish the school's baseball team, of which he was named MVP for three consecutive years.
In his spare time, he said, he likes to do "lots of things that normal teenagers do," including using the computer, reading, golfing with his dad, biking and fly fishing.
His advice for other Scouts interested in achieving the Eagle rank is simple: "Don't give up."
Source: Hagerstown Herald-Mail ONLINE
by HEATHER KEELS
SMITHSBURG
For 18-year-old Bruce Persons, deciding on an Eagle Scout project was easy.
During his freshman year of high school, shortly after Sept. 11, 2001, he noticed that the flagpole at his school was old, bent and did not prominently display the flag. He knew immediately that he wanted to install a new one.
The hard part of the project? Talking on the phone.
Persons, deaf since contracting bacterial meningitis when he was 10 months old, relied on e-mails and a computer relay operator throughout the two-year project, which included getting permission from the principal, researching costs, raising about $2,000 from friends, family, school staff and local businesses, organizing the actual installation and compiling a detailed report.
The result is a 30-foot flagpole at the entrance to the Maryland School for the Deaf's Frederick campus, surrounded by black-eyed susans and a flagstone path and lit 24 hours a day. The project earned him praise and thanks from the school as well as the honor of becoming the 40th Eagle Scout and first deaf Eagle Scout in the newly formed Appalachian Trail district in Frederick County.
Persons, a Smithsburg resident who graduated from Maryland School for the Deaf last month, said he hopes the new flagpole will remind students to be proud to live in America.
"Being an American is valuable for me, being deaf, because in America deaf people have rights that in another country they wouldn't have," Persons said, his mother and sister translating his signs.
"I feel that no matter where the country goes, we should support our troops, our president, our congressmen and senators, even though we may not always agree with them," he said. "It's better to stay united."
Last week, Persons started a summer class in English composition at Hagerstown Community College, his first experience with education outside of the deaf community, with the help of an interpreter and a note taker.
So far, he said, the experience has gone well, so he is considering going to HCC full time in the fall. He also might attend Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C., where he was accepted and offered a scholarship.
After earning his bachelor's degree, probably in business, he said he might go on to seminary to become a pastor for the deaf community.
"Growing up, I went to church but I never really got involved because of communication problems," Persons said. It wasn't until after he switched to Frederick Church of the Brethren, which has a deaf fellowship, that he began to consider what it really meant to call himself a Christian.
He learned from the church's deaf pastor that statistically, only 2 percent of deaf people know Jesus, and thought of the verses from Matthew 28 in which Jesus says to the Disciples, "All authority has been given to me in heaven and on Earth. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you."
"I thought, OK, this is what I'm supposed to do," he said.
Persons is a member of a youth group called Deaf Teen Quest and has traveled to Kentucky and Tennessee for summer mission projects. He also helps with computer technical support for his church's deaf service.
Persons was named MSD's "Most Outstanding High School Student" in both 2004 and 2005, excelling academically, artistically and athletically.
As a member of MSD's Academic Bowl team, he helped win a national championship this spring. He acted in three school plays and won the Best Actor Award for two of them.
He has played basketball, wrestled and helped establish the school's baseball team, of which he was named MVP for three consecutive years.
In his spare time, he said, he likes to do "lots of things that normal teenagers do," including using the computer, reading, golfing with his dad, biking and fly fishing.
His advice for other Scouts interested in achieving the Eagle rank is simple: "Don't give up."
Source: Hagerstown Herald-Mail ONLINE
Thursday, July 14, 2005
Youths give up a week of summer to help those hit hard by flood
By Kathleen Ganster
Corey Harris likes to sleep in during summer vacation, but the 13-year-old was up early Monday, hanging drywall in a Millvale home.
Harris is among 150 young people who descended on the region this week to help flood victims.
While the flood of September 2004 may be a distant memory for many people, hundreds are still trying to repair the damage left behind. That is where Harris and his fellow teens come in. They are here on a mission project to work on flood-damaged homes in Millvale, Etna, Sharpsburg, Carnegie and Tarentum. Next week, a second team of 150 to 180 youths will come to help some more.
The young men and women are part of a project under the auspices of Pennsylvania Christian Endeavor, or PACE, a youth ministry that offers summer mission camps.
Western Pennsylvania was chosen as a mission site after an evaluation process by the ministry staff, said the Rev. Sam Yeager, director of the ministry.
"We review places in Pennsylvania that need assistance that are impoverished or have been struck by a natural disaster. We look at a couple of options, then choose from there," he said. The ministry then mails information to churches all over the state and sections of neighboring states to recruit youth to serve on the mission trip.
The youth are from churches throughout Pennsylvania and parts of Ohio, New Jersey, Maryland, Delaware and New York.
"People ask us if the youth get paid, but they actually pay their own way," Yeager said. "They also provide their own transportation."
He estimates the cost to participate in the program at $265 per person plus transportation. Yeager, who lives near the ministry's headquarters in Gilbertsville, Montgomery County, is supervising this mission.
The youth of Colemanville United Methodist Church in Conestoga, Lancaster County, raised the money through fund-raisers such as car washes, said Lois Geyer, an adult leader. Her church brought 10 youth members and five adult leaders. They tore up carpeting, scrubbed walls and disinfected a deserted building on Grant Street in Millvale, then boarded it up to prevent it from becoming a health hazard.
"It is so nice to see everyone get happy and excited over what we do," said Geyer's daughter, Olivia, 16, who came on the mission along with her sister, Margaret. "It just feels good."
Harris and his co-workers are also from the Colemanville church. Kevin Keeport, one of the adult leaders, is a carpenter and led five boys as they installed drywall throughout a house around the corner from the other group. Keeport took a week of vacation to lead the youth from his church. "Why not? These people need us," he said.
This was Harris' first mission trip, but some of the older church members had worked with the ministry last year in West Virginia. "I helped drywall my basement at home," Harris said. "So this is fun. Some of it is kind of hard, but it is OK."
The youth and some adults stayed at Mount Alvernia in Millvale, a convent and school run by the Sisters of St. Francis. "The sisters have been very kind to us. They donated the housing," Yeager said.
Material for the repairs comes from a variety of sources, including the churches involved with the project as well as local organizations and churches, the families themselves, federal funds and donations, according to Yeager. "Part of the money the kids raise goes for material," he said.
Locally, North Hills Community Outreach and its satellite in Millvale have been involved in the project as well as the Millvale Assistance Team, Etna Team for Neighborhood Assistance, Carnegie Long-Term Recovery Team, Hosanna Industries and Adventist Community Services.
Outreach staff worked with the ministry staff to assess the skills of the youth to match them to the repair tasks.
"Many of these [flood victims] helped themselves and worked with other volunteers, but they have gone as far as they can in their repairs and still need help," said Don Breitbarth, a flood relief caseworker for North Hills Community Outreach. "We had the youth do a skill assessment -- some of them have been doing this for a couple of years. Then we match them up to the work that needs done."
Another group of youths worked at the home of Rosemary Haberman in Etna. "I had to move out for four months while my son and son-in-law made my house livable again," she said. Although she is back in her house, the youngsters did yard work and seeded her back yard, which was destroyed in the flood.
Sisters Morgan and Chynna McComsey were part of the Etna work team. Chynna, 14, worked on Haberman's yard, while Morgan, 16, helped haul old appliances out of another home. Members of Florin Church of the Brethren in Lancaster, the girls gave up work for a week to help.
"We are doing something good here," Morgan McComsey said. "We have the whole summer. This is only one week, and we can do a lot of good in a week."
(Kathleen Ganster is a freelance writer.)
Source: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
By Kathleen Ganster
Corey Harris likes to sleep in during summer vacation, but the 13-year-old was up early Monday, hanging drywall in a Millvale home.
Harris is among 150 young people who descended on the region this week to help flood victims.
While the flood of September 2004 may be a distant memory for many people, hundreds are still trying to repair the damage left behind. That is where Harris and his fellow teens come in. They are here on a mission project to work on flood-damaged homes in Millvale, Etna, Sharpsburg, Carnegie and Tarentum. Next week, a second team of 150 to 180 youths will come to help some more.
The young men and women are part of a project under the auspices of Pennsylvania Christian Endeavor, or PACE, a youth ministry that offers summer mission camps.
Western Pennsylvania was chosen as a mission site after an evaluation process by the ministry staff, said the Rev. Sam Yeager, director of the ministry.
"We review places in Pennsylvania that need assistance that are impoverished or have been struck by a natural disaster. We look at a couple of options, then choose from there," he said. The ministry then mails information to churches all over the state and sections of neighboring states to recruit youth to serve on the mission trip.
The youth are from churches throughout Pennsylvania and parts of Ohio, New Jersey, Maryland, Delaware and New York.
"People ask us if the youth get paid, but they actually pay their own way," Yeager said. "They also provide their own transportation."
He estimates the cost to participate in the program at $265 per person plus transportation. Yeager, who lives near the ministry's headquarters in Gilbertsville, Montgomery County, is supervising this mission.
The youth of Colemanville United Methodist Church in Conestoga, Lancaster County, raised the money through fund-raisers such as car washes, said Lois Geyer, an adult leader. Her church brought 10 youth members and five adult leaders. They tore up carpeting, scrubbed walls and disinfected a deserted building on Grant Street in Millvale, then boarded it up to prevent it from becoming a health hazard.
"It is so nice to see everyone get happy and excited over what we do," said Geyer's daughter, Olivia, 16, who came on the mission along with her sister, Margaret. "It just feels good."
Harris and his co-workers are also from the Colemanville church. Kevin Keeport, one of the adult leaders, is a carpenter and led five boys as they installed drywall throughout a house around the corner from the other group. Keeport took a week of vacation to lead the youth from his church. "Why not? These people need us," he said.
This was Harris' first mission trip, but some of the older church members had worked with the ministry last year in West Virginia. "I helped drywall my basement at home," Harris said. "So this is fun. Some of it is kind of hard, but it is OK."
The youth and some adults stayed at Mount Alvernia in Millvale, a convent and school run by the Sisters of St. Francis. "The sisters have been very kind to us. They donated the housing," Yeager said.
Material for the repairs comes from a variety of sources, including the churches involved with the project as well as local organizations and churches, the families themselves, federal funds and donations, according to Yeager. "Part of the money the kids raise goes for material," he said.
Locally, North Hills Community Outreach and its satellite in Millvale have been involved in the project as well as the Millvale Assistance Team, Etna Team for Neighborhood Assistance, Carnegie Long-Term Recovery Team, Hosanna Industries and Adventist Community Services.
Outreach staff worked with the ministry staff to assess the skills of the youth to match them to the repair tasks.
"Many of these [flood victims] helped themselves and worked with other volunteers, but they have gone as far as they can in their repairs and still need help," said Don Breitbarth, a flood relief caseworker for North Hills Community Outreach. "We had the youth do a skill assessment -- some of them have been doing this for a couple of years. Then we match them up to the work that needs done."
Another group of youths worked at the home of Rosemary Haberman in Etna. "I had to move out for four months while my son and son-in-law made my house livable again," she said. Although she is back in her house, the youngsters did yard work and seeded her back yard, which was destroyed in the flood.
Sisters Morgan and Chynna McComsey were part of the Etna work team. Chynna, 14, worked on Haberman's yard, while Morgan, 16, helped haul old appliances out of another home. Members of Florin Church of the Brethren in Lancaster, the girls gave up work for a week to help.
"We are doing something good here," Morgan McComsey said. "We have the whole summer. This is only one week, and we can do a lot of good in a week."
(Kathleen Ganster is a freelance writer.)
Source: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Wednesday, July 13, 2005
Bible school students build faith on Habitat project
by ADAM BEHSUDI
HAGERSTOWN
On a steamy Tuesday evening, students from Beaver Creek (Md.) Church of the Brethren's vacation Bible school lined up to receive paint rollers and brushes.
Three bedrooms in the partially finished house waited for a fresh coat of the cream-colored paint.
The house at 246 Vickie Drive is a Habitat for Humanity project. With help from the church group, it was one step closer to completion.
Dennis Minnick, one of the adult supervisors of the group of seven high school-aged children, said they would probably be back tonight to do some more painting.
"They get along together," he said of the teenagers.
In a back room, Nathaniel Minnick, a student at Smithsburg High School, was painting the top edge of a wall, careful not to get paint on the ceiling. With a flourish from their paint rollers, the other members of the group were rapidly applying the first coat of paint.
Dennis Minnick said the theme of the Bible school is "Construction Zone." He said helping with the Habitat for Humanity project was a way for the youths to put what they learned into action, literally.
"Building faith in God. Building character to be like Jesus," said Keith Griffith Jr., a recent graduate of South Hagerstown High School, about the theme of the camp. He was carefully applying paint along a window frame with a small brush.
Tom Ferguson, another supervisor for the project, said some members of the church, including some of the participants in the Bible school, are going to Pensacola, Fla., in coming weeks to help repair damage caused by Hurricane Dennis.
As a member of the disaster response team for the church, Ferguson has helped repair damage from storms in Mississippi and Virginia.
The Habitat house the church youth group is working on is one of two being built in the county, said Sherry Brown Cooper, the director of Washington County Habitat for Humanity.
She said volunteers and donations have increased in recent years, but so has the price of land. Finding an affordable piece of land to build on is one the biggest challenges the nonprofit group faces.
"There's demand for affordable housing ... personally, I think it's the greatest need in Washington County," Cooper said.
Source: Hagerstown Herald-Mail ONLINE
by ADAM BEHSUDI
HAGERSTOWN
On a steamy Tuesday evening, students from Beaver Creek (Md.) Church of the Brethren's vacation Bible school lined up to receive paint rollers and brushes.
Three bedrooms in the partially finished house waited for a fresh coat of the cream-colored paint.
The house at 246 Vickie Drive is a Habitat for Humanity project. With help from the church group, it was one step closer to completion.
Dennis Minnick, one of the adult supervisors of the group of seven high school-aged children, said they would probably be back tonight to do some more painting.
"They get along together," he said of the teenagers.
In a back room, Nathaniel Minnick, a student at Smithsburg High School, was painting the top edge of a wall, careful not to get paint on the ceiling. With a flourish from their paint rollers, the other members of the group were rapidly applying the first coat of paint.
Dennis Minnick said the theme of the Bible school is "Construction Zone." He said helping with the Habitat for Humanity project was a way for the youths to put what they learned into action, literally.
"Building faith in God. Building character to be like Jesus," said Keith Griffith Jr., a recent graduate of South Hagerstown High School, about the theme of the camp. He was carefully applying paint along a window frame with a small brush.
Tom Ferguson, another supervisor for the project, said some members of the church, including some of the participants in the Bible school, are going to Pensacola, Fla., in coming weeks to help repair damage caused by Hurricane Dennis.
As a member of the disaster response team for the church, Ferguson has helped repair damage from storms in Mississippi and Virginia.
The Habitat house the church youth group is working on is one of two being built in the county, said Sherry Brown Cooper, the director of Washington County Habitat for Humanity.
She said volunteers and donations have increased in recent years, but so has the price of land. Finding an affordable piece of land to build on is one the biggest challenges the nonprofit group faces.
"There's demand for affordable housing ... personally, I think it's the greatest need in Washington County," Cooper said.
Source: Hagerstown Herald-Mail ONLINE
Thursday, July 07, 2005
Young Adult Conference explores the art of provocation.
More than 130 young adults explored the art of provocation at this year's Church of the Brethren Young Adult Conference. The gathering May 27-29 at Camp Woodland Altars near Peebles, Ohio, had as its theme, "Provoking Love and Good Deeds," based on Hebrews 10:24.
Worship formed the heart of the conference, with three speakers and a service of drama and multimedia examining aspects of the theme. Young adult Jim Stokes-Buckles of Putney, Vt., in the opening service noted Jesus Christ as a model of provocation. "He provoked people by loving those he wasn't supposed to love," Stokes-Buckles said. He challenged young adults to take the lead "at this critical junction of history."
Cliff Kindy, a member of Christian Peacemaker Teams, emphasized the need for people to stand up to "empires" that sacrifice the rest of the world for their purposes. "The Church of the Brethren has a different vision of the world that doesn't depend on diminishing or destroying other people," Kindy said. "It's a noble vision."
Jeff McAvoy and Carrie Fry-Miller performed a drama, interspersed with video clips, and Margo Miller-Royer closed the weekend with a series of reflections on relationships. That final service included a time of feetwashing.
Shawn Kirchner and Joseph Helfrich served as music leaders for the weekend; General Board staff members Becky Ullom and Walt Wiltschek were worship coordinators. The annual event is planned by the General Board's Youth and Young Adult Ministries office and its Young Adult Steering Committee.
Other features of the conference included "padare" workshops on a variety of topics, sharing time in small groups, a campfire, open mike coffeehouses, and an upbeat "joyful noise" singing session. An auction raised more than $200 for the General Board's Global Food Crisis Fund.
Source: 7/07/2005 Newsline
More than 130 young adults explored the art of provocation at this year's Church of the Brethren Young Adult Conference. The gathering May 27-29 at Camp Woodland Altars near Peebles, Ohio, had as its theme, "Provoking Love and Good Deeds," based on Hebrews 10:24.
Worship formed the heart of the conference, with three speakers and a service of drama and multimedia examining aspects of the theme. Young adult Jim Stokes-Buckles of Putney, Vt., in the opening service noted Jesus Christ as a model of provocation. "He provoked people by loving those he wasn't supposed to love," Stokes-Buckles said. He challenged young adults to take the lead "at this critical junction of history."
Cliff Kindy, a member of Christian Peacemaker Teams, emphasized the need for people to stand up to "empires" that sacrifice the rest of the world for their purposes. "The Church of the Brethren has a different vision of the world that doesn't depend on diminishing or destroying other people," Kindy said. "It's a noble vision."
Jeff McAvoy and Carrie Fry-Miller performed a drama, interspersed with video clips, and Margo Miller-Royer closed the weekend with a series of reflections on relationships. That final service included a time of feetwashing.
Shawn Kirchner and Joseph Helfrich served as music leaders for the weekend; General Board staff members Becky Ullom and Walt Wiltschek were worship coordinators. The annual event is planned by the General Board's Youth and Young Adult Ministries office and its Young Adult Steering Committee.
Other features of the conference included "padare" workshops on a variety of topics, sharing time in small groups, a campfire, open mike coffeehouses, and an upbeat "joyful noise" singing session. An auction raised more than $200 for the General Board's Global Food Crisis Fund.
Source: 7/07/2005 Newsline
Volunteers raise funds for Brethren hunger response.
A youth "walking workcamp" that walked some 100 miles to Peoria to attend Annual Conference also raised funds for the Global Food Crisis Fund and the General Board's Emergency Disaster Fund. The group received sponsorships of over $4,000.
Source: 7/07/2005 Newsline
A youth "walking workcamp" that walked some 100 miles to Peoria to attend Annual Conference also raised funds for the Global Food Crisis Fund and the General Board's Emergency Disaster Fund. The group received sponsorships of over $4,000.
Source: 7/07/2005 Newsline
Thursday, June 30, 2005
Young adults set an example
Many wondered what effect National Young Adult Conference (NYAC) would have on the young adult community within the Church of the Brethren. Would it begin to engage young adults on the fringes of church involvement? Could the whole church experience refreshment through the Spirit's movement in the young adult community?
Almost one year after NYAC, a gathering on Memorial Day weekend of 127 young adults provides an opportunity for reflection. Hebrews 10:24 provided the theme for the weekend of Young Adult Conference (YAC): “And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds....” Sharing in a weekend of worship and fellowship, the gathered community “was the church” in notable ways.
First, it would be difficult to label those in attendance. There were singles and married couples. There were college graduates and those who didn't attend college. There were “liberals” and “conservatives.” Eighteen-year-olds chatted with 30-year-olds, who engaged a 55-year-old speaker. An engineer, a retired Marine, a young mother, a newly engaged couple, and a teacher talked during small group time. Many grew up in the Church of the Brethren, but there was a recognizable group of people being invited into fellowship. Basically, women and men at various places on faith and life journeys had a get-together.
Second, worship was the weekend's focus. Between gathering on Friday night and scattering on Sunday afternoon, the group shared in four formal worship services and observed two ordinances, communion and feetwashing. Additionally, there were multiple Bible study sessions, as well as an old-fashioned hymn sing and a campfire. If the definition of worship is expanded to include times when God is experienced through fellowship, the list of informal worship opportunities includes meal times, workshops, and late-night board games.
And that's “just” it. A diverse group of people shared in worship and fellowship. Faith grew, minds were stretched, and hospitality was extended. Wounds were healed and relationships formed. The next verse of Hebrews reads: “...Not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another...” We're instructed to provoke one another to love and good deeds, to meet together, and to encourage one another. Can the church experience refreshment through the Spirit's movement in the young adult community? Isn't the answer obvious?
Becky Ullom,
Director of Identity and Relations
Source: July/August 2005 Tapestry Newsletter
Many wondered what effect National Young Adult Conference (NYAC) would have on the young adult community within the Church of the Brethren. Would it begin to engage young adults on the fringes of church involvement? Could the whole church experience refreshment through the Spirit's movement in the young adult community?
Almost one year after NYAC, a gathering on Memorial Day weekend of 127 young adults provides an opportunity for reflection. Hebrews 10:24 provided the theme for the weekend of Young Adult Conference (YAC): “And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds....” Sharing in a weekend of worship and fellowship, the gathered community “was the church” in notable ways.
First, it would be difficult to label those in attendance. There were singles and married couples. There were college graduates and those who didn't attend college. There were “liberals” and “conservatives.” Eighteen-year-olds chatted with 30-year-olds, who engaged a 55-year-old speaker. An engineer, a retired Marine, a young mother, a newly engaged couple, and a teacher talked during small group time. Many grew up in the Church of the Brethren, but there was a recognizable group of people being invited into fellowship. Basically, women and men at various places on faith and life journeys had a get-together.
Second, worship was the weekend's focus. Between gathering on Friday night and scattering on Sunday afternoon, the group shared in four formal worship services and observed two ordinances, communion and feetwashing. Additionally, there were multiple Bible study sessions, as well as an old-fashioned hymn sing and a campfire. If the definition of worship is expanded to include times when God is experienced through fellowship, the list of informal worship opportunities includes meal times, workshops, and late-night board games.
And that's “just” it. A diverse group of people shared in worship and fellowship. Faith grew, minds were stretched, and hospitality was extended. Wounds were healed and relationships formed. The next verse of Hebrews reads: “...Not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another...” We're instructed to provoke one another to love and good deeds, to meet together, and to encourage one another. Can the church experience refreshment through the Spirit's movement in the young adult community? Isn't the answer obvious?
Becky Ullom,
Director of Identity and Relations
Source: July/August 2005 Tapestry Newsletter
Tuesday, June 28, 2005
Nominations for the 2005 Ecumenical Citations are announced.
Nominees for the 2005 Ecumenical Citations have been announced by the Committee on Interchurch Relations. The citations will be awarded at the Ecumenical Luncheon on Tuesday, July 5. Four youth and young adults are nominated for peacemaking efforts. "Each in their own way have demonstrated a dedication to work at overcoming violence, and can serve as a model for others in creative challenges to the many forms of violence in our world," the committee said.
Matt Boyer of La Verne (Calif.) Church of the Brethren, is nominated for his passion for social justice issues and Fair Trade. He refused to participate in a school fundraiser of chocolate that had been produced unjustly, did extensive research and advocacy of the Fair Trade movement, and led his church youth group in becoming a retailer of Fair Trade chocolates and coffee.
Colleen Hamilton of Hope Church of the Brethren in Freeport, Mich., is nominated for multiple efforts for the environment and global concerns, including helping to begin a recycling program at her high school, bringing focus to the use and waste of styrofoam in the school cafeteria, working and worshiping ecumenically with another congregation in the area, and participating in a high school arts troupe "HEARTS: Helping Educate Abstinence, Responsible Teens." She also was nominated for a citation from the Isaac Walton League for her efforts.
Marisa de Oliveira of Campo Limpo Preaching Point in Campo Limpo, Brazil, is nominated for her deep sense of justice and her call to share God's love with others through her work for hunger and women's and children's issues. She volunteers at a local soup kitchen, has begun a children's church and after-school tutoring program, and has developed and runs children's and women's programs in a poor and dangerous neighborhood of her city. The committee reported that de Oliveira moved to the neighborhood in order to establish rapport with the inhabitants. She teaches jewelry and craft-making to help generate income and self-esteem for neighborhood women, and plans a micro-finance project to help women buy materials and market their goods.
Anna Christine Simons of Prince of Peace Church of the Brethren in South Bend, Ind., is nominated for community involvements including working at a school for disadvantaged children, volunteering with the Youth Services Bureau of South Bend, participating yearly in her community's youth conference on diversity, taking part in anti-racism efforts through community programs, and volunteering at a local food bank, soup kitchen, and rescue mission. She received the 2004 Peacemaker Award from the Clay City High School.
For more information contact the Committee on Interchurch Relations, c/o the Office of the General Secretary, Church of the Brethren General Board, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120; 800-323-8039.
Source: 6/28/2005 Newsline
Nominees for the 2005 Ecumenical Citations have been announced by the Committee on Interchurch Relations. The citations will be awarded at the Ecumenical Luncheon on Tuesday, July 5. Four youth and young adults are nominated for peacemaking efforts. "Each in their own way have demonstrated a dedication to work at overcoming violence, and can serve as a model for others in creative challenges to the many forms of violence in our world," the committee said.
Matt Boyer of La Verne (Calif.) Church of the Brethren, is nominated for his passion for social justice issues and Fair Trade. He refused to participate in a school fundraiser of chocolate that had been produced unjustly, did extensive research and advocacy of the Fair Trade movement, and led his church youth group in becoming a retailer of Fair Trade chocolates and coffee.
Colleen Hamilton of Hope Church of the Brethren in Freeport, Mich., is nominated for multiple efforts for the environment and global concerns, including helping to begin a recycling program at her high school, bringing focus to the use and waste of styrofoam in the school cafeteria, working and worshiping ecumenically with another congregation in the area, and participating in a high school arts troupe "HEARTS: Helping Educate Abstinence, Responsible Teens." She also was nominated for a citation from the Isaac Walton League for her efforts.
Marisa de Oliveira of Campo Limpo Preaching Point in Campo Limpo, Brazil, is nominated for her deep sense of justice and her call to share God's love with others through her work for hunger and women's and children's issues. She volunteers at a local soup kitchen, has begun a children's church and after-school tutoring program, and has developed and runs children's and women's programs in a poor and dangerous neighborhood of her city. The committee reported that de Oliveira moved to the neighborhood in order to establish rapport with the inhabitants. She teaches jewelry and craft-making to help generate income and self-esteem for neighborhood women, and plans a micro-finance project to help women buy materials and market their goods.
Anna Christine Simons of Prince of Peace Church of the Brethren in South Bend, Ind., is nominated for community involvements including working at a school for disadvantaged children, volunteering with the Youth Services Bureau of South Bend, participating yearly in her community's youth conference on diversity, taking part in anti-racism efforts through community programs, and volunteering at a local food bank, soup kitchen, and rescue mission. She received the 2004 Peacemaker Award from the Clay City High School.
For more information contact the Committee on Interchurch Relations, c/o the Office of the General Secretary, Church of the Brethren General Board, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120; 800-323-8039.
Source: 6/28/2005 Newsline
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