Tuesday, January 31, 2006

Roundtable Youth Conference

The annual Roundtable youth conference will be held March 31-April 2 at Bridgewater (Va.) College. The theme is "Shine." Walt Wiltschek will be the guest speaker and Covenant Players will provide Friday night's entertainment. For more information contact Shenandoah District Office at 540-234-8555, or Virlina District Office, 540-362-1816.

Monday, January 23, 2006

Adult Christian Citizenship Seminar Scheduled by Brethren Witness/Washington Office

(Jan. 23, 2006) -- The Brethren Witness/Washington Office has announced an Adult Christian Citizenship Seminar to be held May 6-11 in New York City and Washington, D.C., on the theme, “Healthcare for a Hurting World.” The event for adults is a counterpart to the Christian Citizenship Seminar offered for high school-age youth.

“Plan now to join as we explore the injustices of inadequate healthcare worldwide, and how a flawed healthcare system in the United States affects us all,” the office said in its January 2006 Witness to Washington newsletter.

Participants will arrive in New York on Saturday, May 6, where they will hear speakers, participate in worship, and visit the United Nations. On Tuesday, May 9, the group will travel to Washington, D.C., where they will meet with healthcare experts, share in sessions, sightsee, and participate in direct advocacy on Capitol Hill.

Cost is $350. To register call 800-785-3246. For more information about the Brethren Witness/Washington Office see www.brethren.org/genbd/WitnessWashOffice.html.

Monday, January 16, 2006

Young Adult Conference 2006

Young Adult Conference 2006, sponsored by Youth and Young Adult Ministries, will be held May 26-28 at Camp Swatara in Bethel, Pa. The event is for young adults ages 18-35; registration for the conference is now open online at www.brethren.org/genbd/yya/yac.htm

Thursday, January 12, 2006

NYC Ultimate Tournament in Question

There is question whether the Church of the Brethren Credit Union (COBCU) is going to be able to provide the tournament for the youth after all, and if it is something that NYC might want to and be able to do itself. COBCU is still working on the issue, but for the meantime they’ve taken if off their website.

National Youth Cabinet issues ‘NYC Tithe Challenge’
Special offering to support the Global Food Crisis Fund

At its fall meeting, the National Youth Cabinet decided to plan several events at NYC that focus on global hunger. Millions of children, youth, and adults around the world are suffering, and we are called - as people of God - to work to end their suffering. We believe that the youth of the church can take the lead in responding to hunger, and we can begin with NYC.

In an effort to kick-start our efforts to alleviate hunger before NYC, the National Youth Cabinet is issuing a challenge to all youth groups attending NYC 2006 to tithe their fundraising efforts toward the Church of the Brethren Global Food Crisis Fund offering. We will have a special collection for the tithe money during the offering time designated for the Global Food Crisis Fund. If you do not wish to carry this money to NYC, we will also accept donations in the NYC Office that are marked specifically for the NYC Tithe Challenge.

Tithing is a spiritual practice that is a part of how we can live out our faith and demonstrate our devotion to God over possessions. The average cost for a NYC participant, including travel is around $800. If a youth group of 10 people was willing to tithe 10% of that cost, then they could give $800! If every participant tithed just their registration fee, then we could contribute $160,000 toward hunger relief!

We understand that it is hard work raising money to even attend NYC and that the thought of raising 10% more to contribute to this fund is asking a lot. But the National Youth Cabinet also wants to challenge the youth of this denomination to not only work toward serving ourselves, but to be intentional about serving others.

It is the hope of the Cabinet that you will take seriously the challenge to tithe as a spiritual practice and as a way of making a difference in the life of someone less fortunate.

If you choose to take on this challenge, please contact our office so that we may recognize your efforts on our website, as well as hold you in prayer as you continue to work toward your goal!

Wednesday, January 04, 2006

Registration closes soon for Cross-Cultural Celebration.

Registrations are due Jan. 15 for the annual Cross-Cultural Consultation and Celebration sponsored by the Church of the Brethren Cross Cultural Ministries Team and the Congregational Life Teams of the General Board. The event will be held May 4-7 in Lancaster, Pa., on the theme, "Built Together, the Household of God" from Ephesians 2:17-22.

Plans for the consultation include daily worship in a variety of traditions, Bible study, discussion groups, and prayer circles, with the Friday evening service May 5 featuring bread and cup communion. Sessions are planned on anti-racism, the Annual Conference Intercultural Study Committee, and Disaster Child Care. A new option this year is a work project on Saturday afternoon May 6. Also on Saturday, area youth are invited to participate in special events including a session for conversation between youth and consultation participants on their vision and plans for the future.

There is no registration fee for the event. Free-will offerings will be taken to help cover some expenses. The General Board will provide travel assistance for one to two people per congregation. Lodging is available with host families or participants may make other arrangements at their own expense. Registration information is available in English and Spanish. To register go to www.brethren.org and follow keyword links to "Cross Cultural Ministries." For more information call Duane Grady at 800-505-1596.

Source: 1/4/2006 Newsline
The New Community Project Learning Tours

The New Community Project, a Brethren-related nonprofit organization, has announced its schedule of Learning Tours for the coming year. The trips are open to all ages, with some scholarship aid for youth and young adults. Learning Tours are designed to increase understanding, deepen faith, build relationships, and show solidarity with God's people and God's creation. Upcoming trips include: El Salvador/Guatemala, Mar. 1-11, cost $600; Guatemala, May 18-30, $500; "Cancer Alley" Louisiana, May 28-31, $350; Honduras, June 19-29, $625; Denali/Kenai Fjords National Parks, Alaska, Aug. 12-21, $500; Arctic Village, Alaska, Aug. 22-30, $800; Nepal, Oct. 16-27, $700; Sudan, Jan. 8-24, $1,300. Costs do not include airfare. Visit www.newcommunityproject.org for more information, or contact New Community Project director David Radcliff at 718 Wilder St., Elgin, IL 60123; 888-800-2985; dradcliff@newcommunityproject.org.

Source: 1/4/2006 Newsline