Wednesday, December 21, 2005

Pizza, conscientious objection bring youth together in Denver.

On Dec. 2-3, a group of 25 students and eight sponsors gathered in Denver, Colo., to discuss peacemaking and conscientious objection to military service. Male and female youth from Church of the Brethren and Mennonite congregations in Denver, Colorado Springs, Arvada, Lakewood, Fort Collins, and Littleton gathered for an event called "Pizza and Justice: Considering Conscientious Objection."

Peacemakers packets were available for youth to consider filling out to document their beliefs. Erin Durban of the American Friends Service Committee described current requirements for military registration, prompting questions and discussion about the potential for a military draft. The draft was simulated by a lottery system: those whose birthdays were randomly assigned lower numbers were given clean-up chores.

The 1987 movie "Good Morning, Vietnam" stimulated discussion about comparisons between Vietnam and Iraq, press coverage and censorship, trust and betrayal, and being insulated from the atrocity of war. Participants discussed risk taking, reflecting on risks that those in the military take and the risks taken by the four members of Christian Peacemaker Teams who had been kidnaped in Iraq one week earlier.

Participants focused on positive and creative peacemaking, brainstorming a "Shalom Whirlybird" of ways to foster right relationships with God, self, others, and the environment. A peace quiz challenged participants to identify key events and statements about peace and justice. Small groups studied and analyzed passages of scripture comparing Jesus' teachings with cultural norms today. Each group then gave a presentation on what peacemaking might look like in their everyday journey, based on their passage. One concluded that it was "interesting to see other views and other youth be passionate about these issues."

The event closed with worship and silent reflection. Youth will now decide how to document their beliefs. While many participants said that the event answered many questions, there were still more questions, and a lot of interest in following up with another event.

Many of the participants attend historic peace churches in Colorado, some of which were begun when persons doing alternative service in Colorado decided to stay in the state. Mennonite Urban Ministries, a Denver faith-based organization, sponsored the event. For more information, contact Gail Erisman Valeta at 303-892-6416.

Source: 12/21/2005 Newsline
Young Adult Conference planned for May 2006.

Young Adult Conference 2006 will be held May 26-28 at Camp Swatara in Bethel, Pa. The event is sponsored by the Youth and Young Adult Ministries of the Church of the Brethren General Board, for young adults ages 18-35.

Speakers for the conference include Paul Grout, a former moderator of Annual Conference; Marlys Hershberger, pastor of Hollidaysburg (Pa.) Church of the Brethren; Hannah Serfling, who has been a member of the National Youth Cabinet and one of the two youth speech contest winners at National Youth Conference 2002; and Craig Smith, executive minister of Atlantic Northeast District.

Registration for the conference is now open online at www.brethren.org/genbd/yya/yac.htm. Cost is $80 prior to May 1, $100 from May 1-25, and $110 after May 26. At participants' request, the organizers will send a letter to home congregations asking them to provide a $50 scholarship.

Source: 12/21/2005 Newsline
Anabaptist leaders meet to discuss alternative service.

By Todd Flory

The Council of Moderators and General Secretaries (COMS) of Anabaptist denominations held an annual meeting at Washington (D.C.) City Church of the Brethren Dec. 1-3. Hosted by the Brethren Witness/Washington Office and the Washington Office of Mennonite Central Committee US (MCC), the group represented the Church of the Brethren, the Mennonite Church USA, the Brethren in Christ Church, the Conservative Mennonite Conference, and the Mennonite Brethren USA.

Washington was selected as the site for the meeting to facilitate and continue discussions with members of Congress and the Selective Service. The meeting follows a consultation on alternative service sponsored by COMS in March.

A portion of the meeting focused on the issues of alternative service and the potential of a military draft. In other meetings, the group met with leaders of the Faith-Based Initiative for the White House, the National Association of Evangelicals, the National Campaign for a Peace Tax Fund, and staff of Rep. Charles Rangel (D-NY), who proposed a draft bill in Jan. 2003 that was almost unanimously defeated. Emile Milne, Rangel's foreign policy legislative director, said he had heard many groups talk about the draft but the Church of the Brethren and COMS were the only religious groups to come to the representative's office in person to talk about it.

Richard Flahavan and Cassandra Costley from the Selective Service System spoke regarding the potential of a military draft. "When you read the signs, you can see there's really no secret plan to fire up the draft," Flahavan said. "You can all be confident it's not going to happen." Costley said that she has had numerous meetings with various peace churches to work out guidelines for alternative service if a draft is implemented. "We welcome any assistance from religious organizations in finding suitable employment for these conscientious objectors," she said.

Not everyone was as certain that a draft will not occur. "We have all the elements of a perfect storm, and all we need is a butterfly flutter," said J.E. McNeil, executive director of the Center on Conscience and War. McNeil said she believes that President Bush might implement a draft if he thought it would pass through Congress. "'We have no choice,' that's the phrase he's going to have to use to sell it." Theo Sitther, lobbyist for CCW, added, "No one in the administration is talking about a draft, but people in the Pentagon are."

COMS discussed a contingency plan for a military draft, led by MCC staff Rolando Santiago and Titus Peachey. A report of issues, questions, and recommendations was presented, developed by Del Hershberger, director of Christian Service for Mennonite Mission Network; Dan McFadden, director of Brethren Volunteer Service; and Peachey, director of Peace Education for MCC. Issues included alternative service placements, support for registrants, staying in relationship with soldiers, relationship to government and Selective Service, and collaboration with other historic peace churches and the CCW. Each representative at the COMS meeting will discuss the plan with his denomination and report in the spring.

COMS also met with Richard Cizik, vice-president for Governmental Affairs for the National Association of Evangelicals (NAE), which has been working on issues such as the conflict in Darfur, prison rape, and global warming. He reviewed an NAE booklet discussing principles for Christian political engagement: protecting religious freedom and liberty of conscience, nurturing family life and protecting children, protecting the sanctity of human life and safeguarding its nature, seeking justice and compassion for the poor and vulnerable, protecting human rights, seeking peace and working to restrain violence, and protecting God's creation.

Marian Franz, executive director for the National Campaign for a Peace Tax Fund, spoke about her work lobbying on the peace tax issue. The Peace Tax Fund bill, which has been compiled in the House of Representatives, has around 40 members signed on. The proposed bill would allow people who do not want any of their tax money to go to military spending, to have it placed in a fund for other purposes. Support has come from some unlikely organizations and seems to be on the upswing, Franz said.

Jim Towey, director of the Faith-Based Initiative for the White House, explained the plan that is designed, in part, to help faith-based organizations attain federal grant money for programs. He spoke candidly about government bureaucracy. "Regardless of whether you're a faith-based group or not, government can be a pain in the neck," he said. "We just look at whether the grant program works, not what religion it is."

The meeting in Towey's office ended with prayer, as did the meeting in Rangel's office. Many in the COMS group later reported that prayer in the presence of political officials and their staff was very meaningful, as it brought to a new light the cooperation between individuals and government who work together for change on many of the world's social justice concerns.

Participants included Annual Conference moderator Ronald Beachley; Chuck Buller, executive director of the Mennonite-Brethren Church; J. Daryl Byler, director of the MCC Washington Office; Warren Hoffman, moderator of the Brethren in Christ Church; Phil Jones, director of Brethren Witness/Washington Office; Titus Peachey, director of Peace Education for MCC US; Rolando L. Santiago, director of MCC US; Jim Schrag, executive director of the Mennonite Church USA; Ben Shirk, moderator of the Conservative Mennonite Conference; Steve Swartz, general secretary of the Conservative Mennonite Conference; and Roy Williams, moderator of the Mennonite Church USA. Hoffman was selected as moderator of COMS for 2006.

--Todd Flory is a legislative associate and Brethren Volunteer Service worker at the Brethren Witness/Washington Office of the Church of the Brethren General Board.

Source: 12/21/2005 Newsline

Wednesday, December 14, 2005

National Youth Conference (NYC) Speech Contest Deadline

The deadline for the National Youth Conference (NYC) Speech Contest is quickly approaching. Every youth attending NYC next summer is invited to write a speech on the theme, "Come and See." The speech should be based on John 1:35-39. "In this passage, when John's disciples asked Jesus where he was staying, instead of just telling them, he invited them to `come and see,'" said a statement from the NYC coordinators. "Jesus is inviting these disciples to come and be with him, to truly see who he is. As we come together in Colorado, show us your understanding of faith in today's culture and world." The top two entries will be preached during one of the worship services at NYC. Entries should be 500-700 words and about 10 minutes long. Send both written and audio versions to the NYC Office, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120. The deadline is Jan. 1, 2006. For more information see www.brethren.org/genbd/yya/NYC2006/index.html.

Source: 12/14/2005 Newsline

Tuesday, December 13, 2005

ANABAPTIST LEADERS MEET TO DISCUSS ALTERNATIVE SERVICE

(Dec. 13, 2005) -- The Council of Moderators and General Secretaries (COMS) of Anabaptist denominations kicked off a 2005 annual meeting at Washington City Church of the Brethren on Thursday, Dec. 1.

Washington was selected for the meeting Dec. 1-3 to facilitate and continue discussions with members of Congress and the Selective Service. The meeting follows a consultation on alternative service sponsored by COMS in March at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill.

Anabaptist churches that are members of the council include the Church of the Brethren, the Mennonite Church USA, the Brethren in Christ Church, the Conservative Mennonite Conference, and the Mennonite Brethren USA. Staff from Mennonite Central Committee US were invited to attend the meeting. Staff of the Church of the Brethren Witness/Washington Office and the Washington Office of the Mennonite Central Committee coordinated the meeting.

A portion of the meeting focused on the issues of alternative service and the potential of a military draft. In other meetings, the group met with leaders of the Faith-Based Initiative for the White House, the National Association of Evangelicals, and the National Campaign for a Peace Tax Fund.

The council also visited with staff of Rep. Charles Rangel (D-NY) in his Capitol Hill office. Rangel, who did not vote for the use of force in Iraq, proposed a draft bill in January 2003 that was voted on and almost unanimously defeated. This past year, Rangel introduced the draft bill again, this time with changes to the conscientious objector language.

Richard Flahavan and Cassandra Costley from the Selective Service System met with the group. “When you read the signs, you can see there’s really no secret plan to fire up the draft. You can all be confident it’s not going to happen,” Flahavan said. However, Costley said that she has had numerous meetings with various religious groups to work out guidelines for alternative service if a draft is implemented. “We welcome any assistance from religious organizations in finding suitable employment for these conscientious objectors,” she said.

Not everyone is as certain that a draft will not occur. “I think we have all the elements of a perfect storm, and all we need is a butterfly flutter,” said J.E. McNeil, executive director of the Center on Conscience and War. McNeil said that she believes President Bush might implement a draft if he thought it would pass through Congress. “‘We have no choice,’ that’s the phrase he’s going to have to use to sell it,” she said.

Theo Sitther, lobbyist for the center, added, “No one in the administration is talking about a draft, but people in the Pentagon are.” That is one reason why McNeil believes it is important to continue to educate and provide alternatives for people faced with the possibility of a draft.

In the meeting at Rep. Rangel’s office, Emile Milne, Rangel’s foreign policy legislative director, commented on the draft bill. “It was based on the issue of fairness,” Milne said. “If some people have to be in the war, then we should all have to share in that responsibility.” Milne said that another reason for Rangel’s bill was to make the draft a non-issue, as it obviously was going to be overwhelmingly defeated.

Immediate troop withdrawal from Iraq is something that Rangel would also support, Milne said. “Rangel believes the Iraq war is weakening the military to the point where the United States may not be able to defend itself if attacked,” he said.

The COMS meeting included discussion of development of a contingency plan for a military draft, led by Mennonite Central Committee US staff Rolando Santiago and Titus Peachey. A report of issues, questions, and recommendations were presented to COMS for consideration, developed by Del Hershberger, director of Christian Service for Mennonite Mission Network; Dan McFadden, director of Brethren Volunteer Service; and Peachey, director of Peace Education for Mennonite Central Committee US.

Some of the issues raised were alternative service placements under church agencies and non-church agencies, support for registrants, staying in relationship with soldiers, relationship of the churches to the government and Selective Service, and collaboration with other historic peace churches and the Center on Conscience and War. Santiago said the report is a work in progress designed to provide guidelines for denominations and organizations. Each representative at the COMS meeting will discuss the plan with his respective denomination and report back in the spring.

“I’m personally very encouraged by the degree of this discussion,” Santiago said.

COMS also met with Richard Cizik, vice-president for governmental affairs for the National Association of Evangelicals (NAE), who reviewed a publication outlining seven principles for Christian political engagement.

Marian Franz, executive director for the National Campaign for a Peace Tax Fund, spoke with the group about her work lobbying on the peace tax issue.

In the meeting on the Faith-Based Initiative, Jim Towey, director of the Faith-Based Initiative for the White House, explained President Bush’s Faith-Based and Community Initiative Plan. The meeting in Towey’s office ended with prayer, as did the meeting in Rep. Rangel’s office.

Many in the COMS group later reported that prayer in the presence of political officials and their staff was very meaningful, as it brought to a new light the cooperation between individuals and government who work together for change on many of the world’s social justice concerns.

Participants at the COMS annual meeting included Ronald Beachley, moderator of the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference; Chuck Buller, executive director of the Mennonite-Brethren Church; J. Daryl Byler, director of the Mennonite Central Committee Washington Office; Warren Hoffman, moderator of the Brethren in Christ Church; Phil Jones, director of the Church of the Brethren’s Brethren Witness/Washington Office; Titus Peachey, director of Peace Education for Mennonite Central Committee US; Rolando L. Santiago, director of Mennonite Central Committee US; Jim Schrag, executive director of the Mennonite Church USA; Ben Shirk, moderator of the Conservative Mennonite Conference; Steve Swartz, general secretary of the Conservative Mennonite Conference; and Roy Williams, moderator of the Mennonite Church USA.

Source: 12/13/2005 Brethren Daily News
Youth find solace in local faith groups

By JULIA HAMPTON
BRATTLEBORO


Each day we are bombarded by decisions, commitments, and obligations, and amid all of this, we have some fun and relax. For young people it is no different.

They are pulled between school, family, extra curricular activities and possibly even a job. Young people are trying to figure out who they are and how to make good choices. There are many different support systems that can help them along their journey, including faith communities.

"Life is hectic and I am under a lot of stress," said Annamae Manning, 16. "Church is a place I can listen and not have to worry about anything."

"I love the sense of community that is singular to religion," said Jesse Lopata, 16, as he talked about being a part of the Brattleboro Area Jewish Community. "Through worship and prayer, real connection to those around you and God ... you're almost overwhelmed by happinessits. It's comforting."

Faith based communities provide support and a sense of connection that can have a profound impact on young people. Faith communities help young people develop values and spiritual strength.

Ian Hutchenson, 15, who attends Genesis Church of the Brethren, said he isn't exactly sure what he believes about God, but he appreciates having a place to talk about it.

Timothy Gantt, 17, who attends Agape Christian Fellowship, said that he definitely believes in God and that helps him feel less confused about life and what he is here for.

Faith communities also provide an opportunity for intergenerational connection where adults can mentor and teach children, passing on their life experience and wisdom in a unique way. They become an extended family where people feel loved and supported. Manning said that she goes to Centre Congregational Church because she likes the people.

She said that when things were hard at home she had people at church she was able to talk to. Hutchenson described Genesis Church of the Brethren as a community of good friends that support each other and pray for each other.

In Windham County, about 30 percent of youth in grades 6 through 12 spend one or more hours per week in activities in a religious institution. Gantt said that church "is a fun place where I can hang out with friends." His youth group meets regularly to play games and have Bible study.

Hutchenson described "work camps" his youth group attends in the summer where they travel to North Carolina to help communities by building play grounds, working on nature trails, playing with children and more. Lopata meets with his youth group once a month to discuss Judaism in the world today and how it affects their lives.

With this sense of community and support, it is no surprise that research has found that young people involved in a faith community are more likely to volunteer in their community, be involved in student government, as well as have higher self-esteem and positive attitudes about life. Hutchenson described how his involvement in his church has encouraged him to help others and the community more than he would have apart from church.

Research also shows that young people who are part of a faith community are less likely to be involved in risky behaviors such as drugs and alcohol use, sexual intercourse and not wearing a safety belt. Gantt commented that as a teenager his involvement in youth group "keeps me active and out of trouble."

Lopata sought out a faith community as a teenager because he wanted to figure out what being Jewish was all about. He has friends that he feels have turned to drugs and alcohol because they are not intellectually stimulated or connected to a supportive community. Lopata explained that Judaism has a moral code and a focus on justice that "is hard to find in our culture. It is nice to step back and use Judaism to analyze the world and see how we can make things better."

With life as hectic and complicated as it is, it is important to make sure our young people have a community of support. Faith based communities can provide a wonderful place for young people to be connected to positive adults and peers, have opportunities to grow spiritually and be involved in fun activities that provide them with skills, knowledge and a sense of purpose.

Source: Brattleboro Reformer

Saturday, December 03, 2005

Illinois/Wisconsin District NYC Travel Plans

The 2006 National Youth Conference is quickly approaching, and the Illinois/Wisconsin District bus trip is ready to take you there! This has become a much-enjoyed tradition, and it should be a great trip again this year.

Buses will leave from Naperville, Peoria, and Dixon on July 21 to head west. We will spend one night on the way out in Omaha, Neb., and one night on the way back at McPherson College in McPherson, Kan., before returning to the same three churches on July 28. The cost for the trip is just $200 - an increase of only $25 from the 2002 trip - which covers everything except meals and personal expenses. Initial registration/deposit deadline is March 15. A packet with details and registration forms will be sent to all churches in early December. If you still need information, contact Walt Wiltschek at wwiltschek_gb@brethren.org.

Note that this does not include your NYC registration; NYC participants need to register and pay for the conference separately; go to www.nyc2006.org.

NYC, held only once every four years for youth in grades 9 through one year beyond high school, is one of the largest and most exciting events in the denomination. Don't miss it!
Fall Retreat Recap

This year's fall district senior high youth retreat was held in conjunction with district conference Nov. 4-6 in Springfield, Ill. While we would have liked to have had more youth from the central and southern regions of the district participating, we still had a good weekend together.

About 25 people enjoyed presentations by former Brethren mission worker Roger Schrock on God's calling in our lives, and on ways that youth can call the church to take on challenging issues. Youth again served a Saturday evening ice cream social at the conference, raising about $300 to help defray next summer's National Youth Conference bus trip costs. The weekend also included worship, games, good meals, and free time to get better acquainted. Many thanks to cabinet president Becca Lipscomb and others at the Springfield church for helping with the arrangements.

Plans for the Spring Rretreat have also been finalized. It will take place March 17-19 at Freeport Church of the Brethren. Tom Benevento, Latin America/Caribbean specialist for the Church of the Brethren General Board, will be our guest leader.