Workcamps are scheduled for summer 2011.

The 2011 schedule of summer workcamps has been announced by the Church of the Brethren’s Youth and Young Adult Ministry. The 2011 workcamp theme is "We Are the Body" (Romans 12:4-5). The week-long service opportunities are for those from age 12 to 100-plus. Held in the months of June, July, and August, the workcamp ministry provides an opportunity for spiritual formation through service and simple living in Christian community.

"The 2011 workcamps offer the chance to step out of our singular day-to-day lives and enter into a spirit of unity with fellow workcampers, people of other cultures and communities, and God’s creation," said the announcement. "It is through this movement that we can evolve into the living Body of Jesus!"

In 2011, 29 workcamps will be offered in diverse locations. Four of the workcamps offer unique and special opportunities:

-- A Young Adult Workcamp in Taizé, France, and Geneva, Switzerland, for ages 18-35 will be held June 4-14. This first workcamp of the summer offers young adults the opportunity to travel and explore relationships as individuals and a denomination with the global Body of Christ. The Taizé community in France is especially designed as a place for Christian young adults from across the globe to come together for work, Bible study, worship, and fellowship. After a week in Taizé, the group will visit the World Council of Churches, World Health Organization, and other international organizations to learn about their ministries.

• An Intergenerational Workcamp in Coconino National Forest, Ariz., for ages 12 to 100-plus will be held June 25-30. This workcamp promises to be a true nature adventure. Participants will meet in the mountains of northern Arizona, and then backpack a short distance onto National Forest property to set up base camp for the week. Lodging and food will be primitive as the group enjoys fellowshiping together in God’s glorious creation. Work will involve removing invasive crayfish from streams and improving habitat for native fish species. Bring the whole family for an intense week serving on some of God’s holy ground.
  
  
• The "We Are Able" Workcamp at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md., for ages 16-23 will be held July 11/12-15. With the recognition that all people have gifts to share, this workcamp enables youth and young adults with intellectual disabilities to serve side-by-side with a service partner youth or young adult. The group will work at SERRV and the Material Resources warehouse.
  
  
• Haitian Church of the Brethren in Miami, Fla., is the setting for a senior high workcamp on June 20-26. This church with over 400 members is located in the heart of the Haitian community in Miami, and the workcamp is an opportunity learn more about Haitian-American brothers and sisters while serving together and celebrating in Christian fellowship. Worship on Sunday morning will be in both English and Haitian Kreyol. This is a wonderful opportunity to deepen faith while experiencing the vibrant, passionate witness of the Haitian church.

Workcamp registration begins online on Jan. 3, 2011, at 7 p.m. (central time). For more information, go to www.brethrenworkcamps.org or contact Jeanne Davies, Carol Fike, or Clara Nelson in the Workcamp Office at 800-323-8039 or cobworkcamps@brethren.org. (Find a photo album from the 2010 workcamps at www.brethren.org/site/PhotoAlbumUser?view=UserAlbum&AlbumID=12483.)

-- Jeanne Davies coordinates the Church of the Brethren’s Workcamp Ministry.

Source: 10/21/2010 Newsline

Junior High Sunday - November 7, 2010

Junior High Sunday on Nov. 7 will focus on the theme, "Piece by Piece: Finding Our Place Within God's Story" (Ephesians 2:19-22). Resources at www.brethren.org/youthministryresources include a bulletin cover, Bible study, lectionary commentary, worship resources such as invocations and litanies, a drama, and a scripture jam. For more contact the Youth and Young Adult Ministry Office at 800-323-8039.

Source: 10/21/2010 Newsline

Summer Workcamps Explore Passion, Practices of Early Church.

In 2010, more than 350 participants took part in 15 workcamps through the Church of the Brethren’s Youth and Young Adult Ministry. "With Glad and Generous Hearts" was the workcamp theme based on Acts 2:44-47 and during each week of workcamps participants explored the passionate Christian practices of the early church.

Young adults served at New Covenant School in St. Louis du Nord, Haiti, leading crafts, games, songs, and providing a Bible story theater and snacks at a Vacation Bible School. They also worked on the school’s new building.

Intellectually disabled youth and young adults served at the "We Are Able" workcamp held at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md.

Junior high youth took part in workcamps in Elgin, Ill.; Brooklyn, N.Y.; Indianapolis, Ind.; Ashland, Ohio; Roanoke, Va.; Harrisburg, Pa.; and Richmond, Va. Junior high students at the Harrisburg workcamp worked alongside the Brethren Housing Association helping to provide housing and social services to the homeless.

Brethren Revival Fellowship (BRF) senior high youth took part in workcamps in the Dominican Republic and Mexico.

An intergenerational workcamp at the Brethren Service Center and co-led by On Earth Peace gave participants of all ages the opportunity to serve and learn about peacemaking.

For more information about youth and young adult workcamps, contact the Workcamp Office at 800-323-8039 or cobworkcamps@brethren.org, or visit www.brethren.org/workcamps.

-- Jeanne Davies coordinates workcamps for the Church of the Brethren’s Youth and Young Adult Ministry.

Source: 10/7/2010 Newsline

Welcome to Powerhouse! For many years, Manchester College has hosted a weekend conference for Church of the Brethren youth in the Midwest region. Following a brief hiatus, it's back, and we hope you can be a part of it.

This new "Powerhouse" weekend will seek to build on the recent Church of the Brethren National Youth Conference, with an experience centered in worship, Bible study, and fellowship. It is being planned by the College in cooperation with area youth leaders and districts.

If you were at NYC, we hope this weekend provides you a place to reconnect, grow, and take the next steps on your faith journey. If not, hopefully this will give you a taste of that conference and give you an experience of your own to power up your spiritual life.

Powerhouse 2010 features:

• Angie Lahman Yoder - A former high school teacher, Angie is currently a full-time mom who works part-time teaching about whole-life wellness. A licensed minister, she serves as Minister of Worship at Circle of Peace Church of the Brethren in Peoria, Ariz. She is a Manchester alumnus and was one of the worship speakers at NYC 2010.
  
  
• David Sollenberger - Dave, another Manchester alum, is best known as the main videographer for the Church of the Brethren, recording church life and activity across the US and around the world. He and his wife, Mary, now spend most of their time in North Manchester. Dave was also a worship speaker at NYC.
  
  
• Mutual Kumquat - This band, which formed at Manchester College, describes their sound as "good times revolution music." They recently recorded two new albums and have played all across the denomination, including at NYC 2010.

Register today! Download and print your registration packet, or request a packet to be mailed to you. Completed registrations must be received no later than November 1, 2010.

FAST FACTS

• DATES: Nov. 13-14, 2010
  
• LOCATION: Manchester College,
  North Manchester, Ind.
  
• WHO: All youth in grades 9-12
  and advisors
  
• COST: $40 per person
  
• THEME: "Hidden Treasure"
  
• REGISTRATION: Due Nov. 1
  
• QUESTIONS:
  e-mail Walt Wiltschek at wjwiltschek@manchester.edu
  or call 260-982-5243

Manchester College Regional Youth Conference: Nov. 13-14

Manchester College this fall resumes hosting a regional youth conference for Church of the Brethren youth in the Midwest. The conference, titled "Powerhouse 2010," will be held on Nov. 13-14 on the college campus in North Manchester, Ind., for youth in grades 9-12 and advisors. Presenters will include National Youth Conference speakers Angie Lahman Yoder and Dave Sollenberger on the theme "Hidden Treasure" (Proverbs 2:1-5). The weekend will include worship, Bible study, games, recreation, music, and more. Further details, including registration information, will be available early this fall.

Source: 5/20/2010 Newsline

Young Adult Conference: May 29-31

Young Adult Conference meets May 29-31 at Camp Blue Diamond near Petersburg, Pa. The theme for this gathering of Church of the Brethren young adults is "Community" based on Romans 12:4-8. Information, schedule, and registration are online at www.brethren.org/yac.

Haven't signed up yet? There is still time! Call 800-323-8039, x 297.

Source: 5/20/2010 Newsline

National Youth Sunday

Sunday, May 2, is National Youth Sunday in the Church of the Brethren. Resources for a youth-led worship service are available at www.brethren.org/site/PageServer?pagename=grow_youth_ministry_resources. Downloadable resources include calls to worship, prayers, a scripture jam, ideas for offering and children’s time, sermon outlines, a benediction, and resources for celebrating and commissioning youth who plan to attend this summer’s National Youth Conference (NYC). The theme is the same as for NYC: "More than Meets the Eye" (2 Corinthians 4:6-10 and 16-18).

Source: 4/22/2010 Newsline

Moving Forward Together: Visions of Young American Ecumenists

National Council of Churches (NCC) president elect Kathryn Lohre is calling for essays written by emerging ecumenists ages 35 and younger. Essays must address the theme, "Moving Forward Together: Visions of Young American Ecumenists." Selected essays will appear in an anthology to be presented at the NCC CWS Ecumenical Centennial Gathering in November. The project is intended to cultivate emerging ecumenical leaders, increase the visibility of the work of the NCC among younger generations, and provide a resource for intergenerational dialogue. Essays should focus primarily on one of the themes listed below, and should seek to convey the author’s ecumenical vision in both theological and practical terms: unity, mission, the Creation, the economy/cultures of greed, Christian identity and interfaith relations, overcoming violence/living in peace, overcoming poverty, overcoming racism, overcoming sexism/gender justice. For submission requirements and more information go to www.ncccusa.org/essays.html. Complete submissions must be received in both hard copy and electronic form by May 1, 12 p.m. (eastern time).

Source: 4/22/2010 Newsline

Young Adult Conference to meet on 'Community.'

Another year of planning and work for the young adult steering committee has begun. This usually includes hours of praying, thinking, processing, and even an impressive amount of laughter. All the ingredients needed to create a successful, meaningful, and more importantly, blessed young adult conference!

This year's Young Adult Conference is simply themed "Community." Such a small word packed with meaning for young adults in the Church of the Brethren as well as the church as a whole.

After taking a close look at the first churches of Christ in the book of Acts, it becomes quite clear that the church today does not fully resemble the church we see there. During that time, the followers of Christ lived in close-knit groups and shared everything they had. They created a community amongst themselves.

Now we find ourselves far from this original set up, with modern technology and the idea of "every man for himself." We are surrounded by constant pressure to make money, live comfortably, and put ourselves before others. Online options such as Facebook and Google replace older forms of personal relationships, and even our dependence on one another for finding and learning new information.

"For as in one body we have many members, and not all the members have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually we are members one of another. We have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us: prophecy, in proportion to faith; ministry, in ministering; the teacher, in teaching; the exhorter, in exhortation; the giver, in generosity; the leader, in diligence; the compassionate, in cheerfulness" (Romans 12:4-8).

All of us have been given gifts from the Lord, some of which are mentioned in Romans 12. Many people attend church and just become a face in the crowd because they do not know where they fit in, or where they feel comfortable. Helping other people find their place in the body of Christ is just as important as finding our own. We are all one body in Christ and cannot survive while another part suffers.

At Young Adult Conference we will explore how we can create community, starting by looking within. What talents has the Lord given us? How can these talents be used to better the church community? How can we help others discover their gifts and gain confidence to use them for Christ? How can we as young adults of the Church of the Brethren get back to our roots? This year's conference will try to answer these questions by taking a deeper look at what the Lord tells us about community. How do we define it? Build it? Seek it? Maintain it?

Join us this Memorial Day weekend, May 29-31, at Camp Blue Diamond in Petersburg, Pa., to help us build a community of young adult believers. There will be workshops, worship services, a coffeehouse, campfires, and amazing fellowship. Young adults ages 18-35 are invited, and registration is open now! Go to www.brethren.org/site/PageServer?pagename=grow_young_adult_ministry_YAC.

-- Jennifer Lynn Quijano is a member of the Young Adult Steering Committee.

Source: 4/7/2010 Newsline

Young adult workcamp will be held in Haiti in June.

The church's Youth and Young Adult Office is planning a young adult workcamp at the New Covenant School in St. Louis du Nord, Haiti, on June 1-8. St. Louis du Nord is a day's drive away from Port-au-Prince and was not affected by the recent earthquake.

However, along with disaster response and crisis intervention, there also is a need for longterm mission in Haiti. One way the Church of the Brethren is attempting to do this is through support of education. Although there are some public schools in Haiti, 90 percent of primary schools are private. Even in public schools, the cost of fees, uniforms, and books is too expensive for the families of many Haitian children.

New Covenant School was founded in St. Louis du Nord to give neighborhood children the opportunity of a basic education. The school also holds Christian education classes on Sunday mornings. The school is currently housed in a rented property but is in the process of constructing a new school building.

Young adult workcamp participants will work alongside members of the community on the new building, and also will lead crafts and games at a Vacation Bible School led by the teachers of New Covenant School.

There are still a few places left in this summer's workcamp. To register, go to www.brethren.org/workcamps or call the workcamp office at 800-323-8039 ext. 286.

-- Jeanne Davies is coordinator of the Church of the Brethren's Workcamp Ministry.

Source: 4/7/2010 Newsline Special

2010 National Youth Conference
Illinois/Wisconsin District Bus Trip

Hop on the bus for fun and adventure as the IL/WI District Youth travel to NYC in Ft Collins, CO! Join other youth and advisors from exotic far away places like Freeport, Decatur, Elgin, Springfield and Canton!

Relax and have fun while you are on the road to what others have referred to as “a once in a lifetime, life changing experience!”

When: Buses will leave Illinois on July 16 and return on July 23rd, exact times to be determined

Where: Bus pickups and drop offs will occur at Naperville Church of the Brethren, Peoria First Church of the Brethren and Dixon Church of the Brethren

Cost: $ 230 (this is the cost of the bus only, and does not include your NYC registration or meals along the way) $50 deposit are due by April 30. The remaining $180 balance is due by June 1. All payments are non-refundable after June 1.

Reservations: E-mail jewelmcnary@yahoo.com with basic information (name, address, e-mail, church, and advisor) as soon as possible. Complete the registration forms and return to IL/WI District Youth Cabinet, 149 S. Calumet, Aurora, IL 60506 with your deposit by April 30th.

Need more information? Contact jewelmcnary@yahoo.com

Camps The Forgotten Ministry

In the 1920's several visionaries in the Church of the Brethren knew that one way to develop leadership in the church was to create a set-apart place where young people could go, recreate, worship and learn more about God's world and God's Word. Those places were the birth of our Church of the Brethren youth camps, the oldest ones being Camp Harmony, Camp LaVerne, Camp Bethel, and Camp Alexander Mack. From that point many others have sprung up across the country and the total now stands at 29 Church of the Brethren camps.

Our church camps have been the place where life-changing growth happened to many young men and women, eventually leading them into a life of ministry ...Our camps are holy ground. They each have their own sacred place or 'thin place' where those who come feel truly close to God. The camps are sanctuaries where there is unconditional love, and no one is left behind.

In today's world the average child spends only 25 minutes a week outside, and seldom in a natural setting. We as Brethren need to work hard to make it a priority to reach these children and get them out into creation. No one can respect, appreciate, and care for a creation they don't understand, know nothing about, and are afraid of. No one can believe in and trust a God that they have not been able to learn about or experience in a truly personal way. Those things can and do happen at camp on a regular basis...

Next to our Sunday schools and sanctuaries, our camps are the best ministry tool out there to teach, to love, and to grow our children and our faith. Don't let the camps be a lost and forgotten ministry."

We lift up our district's camps, Camp Emmaus and Camp Emmanuel, and wish them a successful season ahead.

This article is from a letter to the editor of the Church of the Brethren Messenger, Dec. 2009, written by Karen Rowland of Milford, Indiana

Source: April 2010 IL/WI District Newsletter

Successful Youth Retreat In Springfield

“Christ in the City.” This theme, drawn from the book of Jeremiah, provided the focus as 21 youth and advisors representing six congregations met for the Illinois/Wisconsin spring district youth retreat at Springfield First Church of the Brethren March 19-21.

The centerpiece of the weekend was a visit and neighborhood tour with Springfield member Fletcher Farrar, who has been working with others to rehabilitate run-down homes in the Enos Park area of the city and provide housing for some who could not otherwise afford it. He urged youth to make their faith "an adventure" and to consider their choice of where to live as part of their ministry. After the tour and talk, youth engaged in a service project of picking up trash around the neighborhood.

A Bible study and devotions through the weekend also drew on the theme. Other highlights of the retreat included a scavenger hunt, recreation time, games, and Sunday school and worship at Springfield on Sunday morning.

The hosts at Springfield generously provided two wonderful meals during the weekend, as well as places to take showers in members' homes Saturday afternoon.

The next district youth retreat will be held with district conference, Nov. 5-7 in the Lanark-Pearl City area of the district.

---

Other Youth Dates To Note: Church of the Brethren National Youth Sunday (May 2)--look for resources at www.brethren.org; Camp Emmanuel youth camp (June 6-12); youth activities at Annual Conference, Pittsburgh, Pa. (July 3-7); National Youth Conference, Fort Collins, Colo. (July 17-22); Camp Emmaus youth camp (Aug. 1-7).

Watch the district youth website for news and updates: www.cobyouth.org.

Source: April 2010 IL/WI District Newsletter

Junior High and Senior High Annual Conference Activities

 

2010 Annual Conference Packet

Winners of NYC music and speech contests are announced.

The winners of the National Youth Conference (NYC) Music Contest and Speech Contest have been announced by the Youth and Young Adult Ministry Office.

Jacob Crouse from Warrensburg, Mo., is the winner of the Music Contest with his song, "More than Meets the Eye." Born in Virginia and raised in the Dominican Republic, Crouse is a full-time student at the University of Central Missouri. While pursuing a degree in music technology, he also commits himself to the local music scene and participates in various ensembles ranging from the university's Wind Ensemble and Jazz Band to performing in a few of his very own bands. He is very involved at Warrensburg (Mo.) Church of the Brethren where, in addition to providing music for church services, he participates as a youth, is a part of the leadership team, and finds several opportunities to provide community service on behalf of the church.

There are three winners of the Speech Contest. The duo Renee Neher and Arbie Karasek from Lombard, Ill., will give a speech together. Both are members of the youth group at York Center Church of the Brethren in Lombard and attend Willowbrook High School. Neher is a 16 year old, and in the fall will be a junior at Willowbrook High. Karasek is 14 years old and also is active in the Youth Cabinet of Illinois and Wisconsin District.

The other speech will come from Kelsey Boardman of Modesto, Calif. She is a fourth generation member of the Church in the Brethren in Modesto, and during the 300th Anniversary of the Church of the Brethren was part of the Youth Heritage Travel Team for Pacific Southwest District. She plans to graduate from Fred C. Beyer High School this year, and will study biology at California State University, Stanislaus, in the fall.

"Winning this speech contest was very important to Kelsey because of the recent death of her great grandmother," reports Audrey Hollenberg, one of the two NYC coordinators. "Her great grandmother was a strong advocate for female preachers in the Church of the Brethren. Kelsey considers it a great tribute to her great grandmother to be a speaker at National Youth Conference."

Source: 2/25/2010 Newsline

‘Early Bird’ registration fee for National Youth Conference (NYC) ends after March 1.

The ‘early bird’ registration fee of $425 for National Youth Conference (NYC) has been extended to March 1. The fee will increase to $450 after that date. This Church of the Brethren conference for senior high youth and adult advisors will be held in Fort Collins, Colo., on July 17-22. Register by logging in to www.brethren.org and then going to www.brethren.org/nycreg. Questions should be directed to the Youth and Young Adult Office at 2010nyc@brethren.org or 800-323-8039 ext. 246.

Source: 2/25/2010 Newsline

2010 Youth Peace Travel Team

The members of the 2010 Youth Peace Travel Team have been announced: Marcus Harden of First Church of the Brethren in Miami, Fla.; Timothy Sollenberger Heishman, who grew up in Iglesia des los Hermanos (Church of the Brethren in the Dominican Republic); Cambria Teter of La Verne (Calif.) Church of the Brethren; and Hannah Wysong of Beacon Heights Church of the Brethren in Fort Wayne, Ind. As they spend time with junior and senior high youth this summer at camps across the Church of the Brethren, the team will teach about peace, justice, and reconciliation, all core values throughout the church's 300-year history. The Youth Peace Travel Team is sponsored by the Church of the Brethren's Outdoor Ministries Association, Youth and Young Adult Ministry, Brethren Volunteer Service, Global Mission Partnerships, and On Earth Peace.

Source: 2/11/2010 Newsline

Pneuma Challenge
By Emily LaPrade, National Youth Conference Coordinator

NYC will be here before you know it and you’ll have lots of choices to make. Which workshops do I go to? Which late evening activities will I attend? Do we sit on the floor in worship or the bleachers? (definitely the floor!) You also have several choices to make when you register: will I go hiking? Will I help with a service project? Should I sing in the choir? One question you might not have heard is “Will I participate in the Pneuma Challenge?” New to NYC this year, the Pneuma Challenge is happening Sunday afternoon from 3pm to 5pm (during recreation time).

By following clues around the CSU campus and completing challenges, you and your friends will have the opportunity to learn more about “Pneuma.” In Ancient Greek, it means breath, wind, Spirit of God. You’ll be challenged to touch, feel, and maybe even taste the Spirit. You’ll think about God in new and different ways and experience these challenges together with your teammates. You’ll have a lot of fun going from place to place and of course, showing off your Pneuma Challenge t-shirt. Are you ready to be challenged?

More information about the Pneuma Challenge and how to register will be in your registration packets which you receive after you pay your deposit.

NYC Late Evening Activities

For all of you that like to stay up late, there will be plenty of activities to fill the evening hours! Reilly Band will provide Late Evening Entertainment on Tuesday Night at NYC. Also appearing throughout the week will be Mutual Kumquat, Ted and Company, Ken Medema, and more.

There will also be an Open Mic Night for those of you that wish to share your talents. More information about that will be shared at NYC. Make sure you bring what you need with you for your talent.

NYC 2010 Speaker Feature: Dennis Webb

Rev. Webb was born in Ocho Rios, on the island paradise of Jamaica. While in teacher training college, he received a call to the Christian ministry. Upon completion of his teacher training, he taught high school for two years, after which he applied and was accepted by for Theological/Pastoral training at the United Theological College of the West Indies. After completing his seminary training in 1989, he began his pastoral ministry and was ordained to the ministry of the Jamaica Baptist Union in 1991. Rev. Webb spent 10 years as pastor of several ‘circuits of Baptist churches’ in Jamaica before migrating to the United States. He was called to be the pastor of the Naperville Church of the Brethren in November 2002.

NYC 2010 Speaker Feature: Ted and Company

In 1992 Ted Swartz graduated from seminary and began a ministry that took him, not to a pulpit in a congregation, but to audiences across the U.S. and beyond. The first 20 years of this work included the creation of Ted & Lee TheaterWorks with Lee Eshleman and development of plays such as Armadillo Shorts, Fish-Eyes, Creation Chronicles, Live at Jacob's Ladder and DoveTale. Since Lee's death in May, 2007, Ted has been writing and performing new plays with a number of other artists. Ted lives in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. Along with writing and acting, his loves include his wife, Sue, three sons, Eliot, Ian and Derek - and new daughter-in-laws, Katrina and Hannah; oh, and baseball.

NYC 2010 Speaker Feature: Dave Sollenberger

David Sollenberger is a videographer who has helped document or interpret about every slice of Brethren life and practice, including NYC since 1986, and Annual Conference since 1989. His filming has taken him to far-flung places like Sudan, Brazil, Dominican Republic and Nigeria and nearly every district of the U.S. He has degrees from Manchester College and Bethany Seminary and served 5 years on the Church of the Brethren General Board. He and his wife Mary are members at the Mt. Wilson (PA) congregation, but spend most of their time now in North Manchester, IN, trying to keep track of 3 basically grown children. He has also produced several documentaries and assorted discipleship and membership curriculum resources.

NYC 2010 Speaker Feature: Jarrod McKenna

Jarrod McKenna is seeking to live God’s love as a new dad, husband, brother, and an [eco]evangelist. As a Vine and Fig Tree Planter, he plants “signs” on military bases that draw the connections between God’s kingdom, militarism, and climate change. He is a co-founder of the Peace Tree Community, serving with the marginalized in one of the poorest areas in his city, heads up Together for Humanity in Western Australia (an interfaith youth initiative serving together for the common good), and is the founder and creative director of Empowering Peacemakers (EPYC), for which he has received an Australian peace award for his work in empowering a generation of [eco]evangelists and peace prophets.

NYC 2010 Speaker Feature: Angie Lahman Yoder

Angie Lahman Yoder is passionate about lifelong learning opportunities. Many of her current interests were developed through Church of the Brethren-related experiences: National Youth Cabinet, On Earth Peace/ Ministry of Reconciliation committee work, Manchester College graduate, NYC Youthworker, General Board Member. A former high school teacher, she is currently a full-time mother who works part-time teaching others about Young Living Essential Oils and whole life wellness in person and on the internet. Angie is also a licensed minister and serves as Minister of Worship at Circle of Peace Church of the Brethren in Peoria, Arizona.

Workcamp Registration Opens

Registration for the Church of the Brethren’s 2010 workcamps opened online on Jan. 25. Go to www.brethren.org/site/PageServer?pagename=grow_youth_ministry_workcamps for registration and information about the workcamp experiences offered this summer.

Source: 1/28/2010 Newsline

NYC Prayer Day

A church-wide "NYC Prayer Day" has been scheduled for June 20--the Sunday one month before National Youth Conference. "We are going to have some commissioning materials and prayers for congregations to use to ‘send’ the participants to NYC," reported coordinators Audrey Hollenberg and Emily LaPrade. Materials will be made available at www.brethren.org/site/PageServer?pagename=grow_youth_ministry_national_youth, where participants also may register for NYC online.

Source: 1/28/2010 Newsline

McPherson College Regional Youth Conference

The Church of the Brethren’s Regional Youth Conference for the plains area will be held at McPherson (Kan.) College on April 9-11 with leadership by Paul Grout, new church planter and a former Annual Conference moderator. The theme is based on John 10:10, "Fully Alive: Taking Hold of the Life that Is Really Life in Body, Mind and Spirit." Activities will include sessions studying the theme, a campus tour of McPherson College, an evening coffeehouse with table games and a jazz pianist, and Sunday morning worship with McPherson Church of the Brethren.

Source: 1/28/2010 Newsline

Bridgewater College Senior High Roundtable

The Senior High Roundtable, one of the Church of the Brethren’s regional youth conferences, will be held March 19-21 at Bridgewater (Va.) College. Senior high youth from the entire east coast region are expected to attend. The weekend will include worship, workshops, and fellowship. The theme, "Come to the Mountain," will be led by Joel and Linetta Ballew, pastor of Lebanon (Pa.) Church of the Brethren and program director at Camp Brethren Woods, respectively.

Source: 1/28/2010 Newsline

National Youth Conference Registration 101

Here is what you need to know before registration:

1. The NYC registration page (www.brethren.org/nycreg) has a preview of the registration page. Take a look at the link before registration so you know what fields are required and what options are available.
   
   
2. Registration opens January 5, 2010 at 8:00 pm Central Time.
   
   
3. Registration cost opens at $425.
   
   
4. Registration cost increases to $450 after February 15.
   
   
5. Registration closes April 5.
   
   Tips for a smooth registration experience:
   
   
6. Before anyone can register, each person has to create a personal login
   through the www.brethren.org website. You will need this log-in to sign in to the website to register.
   
   
7. You will need to know your church code. Go to www.brethren.org/churchcode and search for your congregation’s code.

If you have any questions feel free to call us at 847-742-5100 ext. 246.

Workcamp Registration Opens January 25th

Online registration opens Jan. 25 at 7 p.m. (central time) for this summer’s Church of the Brethren workcamps. Go to www.brethren.org/workcamps to register. A workcamp schedule including locations and dates is available at www.brethren.org/workcamps. The dozen workcamps range from a young adult trip to Haiti on June 1-8, to a "We Are Able" workcamp for intellectually disabled youth and young adults, to seven junior high workcamps at various locations in the US, to Brethren Revival Fellowship-sponsored events for senior highs in the DR and Mexico. To register, first create a personal log-in at the Church of the Brethren website www.brethren.org being sure to have a congregational code available (find it at www.brethren.org/churchcode). Registrations are reserved when the Workcamp Office receives the deposit of $100. For questions, contact the Workcamp Office at cobworkcamps@brethren.org or 800-323-8039 ext. 286.

Source: 12/30/2009 Newsline

District youth retreat
by Walt Wiltschek

The fall district youth retreat, held during district conference (Nov. 6-8), was a fantastic weekend, with 28 youth and advisors representing eight congregations. David Radcliff of New Community Project led two sessions on the theme of "Simple Justice," helping the group consider how they interact with their neighbors and the “least of these” around the world. In addition, National Youth Conference coordinators Audrey Hollenberg and Emily LaPrade were on hand to lead two worship times. Saturday afternoon included a service project at Feed My Starving Children in Aurora. The evening was spent joining district conference for the international dinner and concert. Sunday morning everyone took part in one of the insight sessions and the closing worship. We’re grateful to the Naperville church for their generosity in hosting us for the weekend.

The SPRING district youth retreat has been set for March 19-21 at Springfield Church of the Brethren. As with the fall retreat, cost will be $30 for youth in grades 9-12, free for advisors who accompany their youth. Registration forms will be available at www.cobyouth.org. Watch for further details!

Source: 1/2010 IL/WI District Newsletter

NYC 2010 Speaker Feature: Jim Myer

Jim Myer is a minister in the White Oak Church of the Brethren, Atlantic Northeast District. His wife, Faye and he have 4 married children and l6 grandchildren. Jim served as Annual Conference Moderator in l985. He has also preached in over 300 revival meetings throughout the Church of the Brethren and has spoken in several foreign countries.

Jim has served on several study committees for Annual Conference, most recently on the Special Response Resource Committee. Jim is a part time farmer and he works part time for the Brethren Revival Fellowship. Jim has spoken a number of times at National Youth Conference in the past.

Youth share in ‘A-maize-ing Grace’ gardening project.

Iowa youth have participated in growing produce to benefit a Foods Resource Bank (FRB) food security program in Madagascar. The project was part of the "A-maize-ing Grace" Growing Project sponsored by a cluster of congregations that includes Ivester Church of the Brethren in Grundy Center, Iowa.

Also involved are three Presbyterian churches, three Methodist churches, a Church of God congregation, and the Bethel Grove Christian Church.

Produce was grown by students and sold in a local grocery store with proceeds benefiting the FRB. Proceeds from the Gardening Project were over $3,000. The youth recommended the income be given to a food security project in Antsirabe Tanatave, Madagascar.

Leigh Carson and Jay Borgman, youth that participated in the Gardening Project, told of their experiences to a meeting of the "A-maize-ing Grace" Growing Project on Dec. 3. "The gardening was fun, but work!" they said. "It gave us a good feeling knowing we were working together to help other people in need."

Don Linnenbrink, one of the adults involved, commented that the youth were good workers. "If someone was gone on vacation, others were willing to pitch in and care for that person’s garden plot."

Three other communities will each receive $2,000 from the "A-maize-ing Grace" Growing Project: Totonicapan, Guatamala; Bateyes, the Dominican Republic; and Cambodia. The Church of the Brethren is the lead sponsor for the Totonicapan and Bateyes food security projects. A little over $700 will be sent to the FRB national office for staff support, and $5,000 will be retained in the local treasury to assist with planning a 2010 fundraising event in cooperation with students at Iowa State University.

This FRB Gardening Project was the first of its kind in the nation, and the youth are receiving widespread recognition. Joan Fumetti of the FRB staff will recognize the youth and thank the many people involved at a public event--a Soup and Sandwich luncheon at 12:30 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church in Conrad, Iowa, on Sunday, Jan. 10.

It is hoped that in the future youth and adults in other area churches will consider participating in gardening projects to raise funds for FRB.

-- Lois Kruse is a member of Ivester Church of the Brethren in Grundy Center, Iowa.

Source: 12/30/2009 Newsline

OMA conference addresses seven foundations of Christian camping.

More than 40 people gathered at Woodland Altars in Southern Ohio District for the 2009 national conference of the Church of the Brethren’s Outdoor Ministries Association (OMA). The event, held every three years, took place Nov. 13-15 with the theme "Christ as Cornerstone."

The conference featured keynote speaker Rick Dawson of Camp Highroad, a United Methodist camp in northern Virginia. Dawson focused his presentation around his "Seven Foundations of Christian Camping," which he developed with a team working on a new vision for camp ministries in their church region.

Dawson outlined the dimensions of each of the seven foundations, which include providing an intentional place apart, teaching creation care and appreciation, developing Christian spiritual leaders, extending genuine Christian hospitality, nurturing Christian faith and discipleship, equipping guests to do love and service, and collaborating with churches and agencies.

"Try to make sure that everyone who comes to your camp has a mountaintop experience," Dawson said. "Offer them every tool you can."

An afternoon session led by Dawson encouraged "nuts and bolts" sharing in small groups on how the seven foundations might apply in practical ways to particular camp settings. He encouraged the development of a strategic plan at each camp to achieve those objectives, along with setting clear roles for staff and examining the camp’s church relationships.

The weekend also included a concert by John and Jan Long of Beacon Heights Church of the Brethren in Fort Wayne, Ind., who provided a mix of folk and peace tunes, including some sing-alongs, accompanied on banjo, dulcimer, and guitar. Breakout sessions between Dawson’s keynote addresses provided an opportunity to hike, do creative arts and crafts, or have further conversation with Dawson.

The annual OMA auction was held Saturday evening, and worship closed the gathering Sunday morning. Following the conference, camp directors, managers, and other staff remained at Woodland Altars for their annual networking retreat through Nov. 19.

-- Walt Wiltschek is editor of the Church of the Brethren’s "Messenger" magazine.

Source: 12/30/2009 Newsline

NYC registration opens Jan. 5, ethnic minority scholarships are offered.

National Youth Conference (NYC) registration will be open in less than a month. NYC registration will open online at www.brethren.org at 8 p.m. (central time) on Tuesday, Jan. 5. The online registration will be available through April 5.

"Before registering, however, there is some information that each participant should know," said an announcement from coordinators Audrey Hollenberg and Emily LaPrade. Each participant will need to create his or her own log-in at www.brethren.org in order to register. It will take longer to register youth groups than in past years because each person will have to log in and out of the system. Also, each participant will need his or her church code at the time of registration (go to www.brethren.org/churchcode to find a congregation’s code number).

The cost to register opens at $425. The cost will increase to $450 after Feb. 15. A deposit of $200 per person is due within two weeks of registration. Credit card payments are another new feature of the 2010 registration. Registration includes all programming, lodging, and meals during the conference, but does not include transportation to and from the conference.

NYC also will offer ethnic minority scholarships. "Raising enough money to attend National Youth Conference is a big obstacle for many youth," said the coordinators. "However, due to generous contributions to a scholarship program created to aid ethnic minority and international youth in attending NYC, the size of this obstacle has been greatly reduced. We are committed to promoting diversity and to making it possible for as many Brethren youth as are interested in NYC to attend." The scholarships will be need-based and offered on a case-by-case basis. To apply, youth or advisors should contact Audrey Hollenberg at ahollenberg@brethren.org or 800-323-8039 ext. 281 before Feb. 1, giving an assessment of the need for ethnic minority scholarship assistance within your church.

Preview the registration page and what information is needed to register at www.brethren.org/nycreg. Contact 2010nyc@brethren.org or 800-323-8039 ext. 246 with questions about NYC registration.

Source: 12/17/2009 Newsline

Manchester College looks to its roots in faith, service with a new campus pastor dedicated to mentoring students

Manchester College is looking to Walt Wiltschek, editor of the denominational Messenger magazine of the Church of the Brethren, to lead its campus ministry. Wiltschek, well-regarded for his inter-faith mentoring of youth and young adults, will join the Student Development team on Feb. 2.

As campus pastor for the 1,223-student Manchester College, Wiltschek will lead a religious life program that serves students of more than 30 denominations. The diversity of faith on the residential campus includes students who are Catholics, Methodists, Baptists, and followers of other Christian and non-Christian faiths as well as many not affiliated with a specific denomination.

“Walt Wiltschek brings extensive experience with young adult ministry, and we are looking forward to his arrival on campus,” said President Jo Young Switzer. “He will help students on their spiritual journeys, and he will strengthen our connections with the Church of the Brethren, our founding denomination.”

Wiltschek, an ordained minister, is a former associate pastor for the Westminster Church of the Brethren in Maryland. He has served as advisor to the National Youth Cabinet and Church of the Brethren district youth programs, and as worship coordinator and leader for young adult conferences, including the National Young Adult Conference of the Church of the Brethren in 2004 and 2008.

He has served at the helm of the Messenger for more than six years, and also as director of news services for the General Board leadership of the Church of the Brethren and as director of Brethren identity. In addition to the denominational magazine, he has journalistic experience at the Daily Record in York, Pa., and the Daily Herald in suburban Chicago.

German-born and Pennsylvania-raised, Wiltschek received a bachelor’s degree in secondary education and mathematics from York College of Pennsylvania, a certificate in biblical studies from Eastern Mennonite University, a master of arts in religion from Lancaster Theological Seminary and a master of arts in communication studies/journalism from Northern Illinois University.

Source: www.manchester.edu

NYC 2010 Speaker Feature: Shawn Flory Replogle

Shawn has been in McPherson, KS, for six years. Originally from Bridgewater, Virginia, he received a Bachelor of Science in political science with minors in economics and peace studies from Bridgewater College in 1992. He earned his Master of Divinity degree from Bethany Theological Seminary, Richmond, Indiana, in 1998, graduating with distinction in biblical studies and with an emphasis in peace studies.

From 1992 to 1994, Shawn served in Brethren Volunteer Service as the Church of the Brethren coordinator for youth workcamps (92-93) and the 1994 National Youth Conference.

Shawn served as pastor for five years at the South Waterloo Church of the Brethren in Waterloo, Iowa, prior to coming to McPherson as copastor of the First Church of the Brethren, where he now serves as a part of a ministry staff team as Pastor and Youth Coordinator. He has also spent two years as part-time Campus Pastor at McPherson College.

Shawn was the Sunday morning preacher at the 1995 Church of the Brethren Annual Conference in Charlotte, NC; the main presenter and speaker at several regional and national church events, and was the commencement speaker in 2006 at McPherson College.

Shawn is married to Alison Flory Replogle, who works part-time as an elementary school counselor in Lindsborg, KS. They have two sons, Adin, age seven, and Caleb, age five, and a daughter, Tessa, age two.

TOP 10 REASONS TO COME TO THE 2010 NATIONAL YOUTH

By Walt Wiltschek, National Youth Cabinet Advisor

10. See the tender, heartwarming story of when “More Than” met “The Eye” for the very first time.
    
9. Colorado is virtually the same shape as Spongebob Squarepants (minus the appendages).
   
8. Nearby Rocky Mountains and iconic Colorado State Ram statue make ideal backdrops for jumping photos.
   
7. Enjoy the wacky dramatic stylings of Ted & Co., the improvisational music skills of Ken Medema, and a veritable cornucopia of interesting and inspiring speakers. Yes, a veritable cornucopia.
   
6. One of those speakers, Jarrod McKenna, comes from Australia. Who can resist an Australian accent? And maybe he’ll bring a wallaby.
   
5. When your youth advisor tells you to “take a hike” at NYC, it’s a good thing. The mountains await!
   
4. Rumor has it that the NYC coordinators will make their grand entrance into the arena by being shot out of a cannon (then again, rumors are so often wrong).
   
3. Everything tastes better at 5,000 feet.
   
2. Well over 100 workshops, abundant recreation options, dozens of service projects, thousands of seats to choose from in Moby Arena---basically enough fantastic choices to make your head spin.
   
1. NYC registration: $450 (or $425 if you register before February 15!). Transportation to NYC: $10 to $1,000 (depending how you come and how far). A week with several thousand of some of the coolest Brethren people in the world: Priceless.

Senior High Fall Retreat -- November 6-8, 2009
Naperville Illinois

Where: Naperville, Ill.; meet/register at the Illinois/Wisconsin District conference site, Naperville Church of the Brethren, 1020 W. Jefferson Ave., Naperville, Ill.

Who: All youth currently in 9th-12th grades, and advisors

Theme: "Simple Justice"

Fantastic Weekend: The fall district youth retreat was a fantastic weekend, with 28 youth and advisors representing eight congregations. David Radcliff of New Community Project led two sessions on the theme of "Simple Justice," helping the group consider how they interact with their neighbors and the “least of these” around the world. In addition, National Youth Conference coordinators Audrey Hollenberg and Emily LaPrade were on hand to lead two worship times. Saturday afternoon included a service project at Feed My Starving Children in Aurora. The evening was spent joining district conference for the international dinner and concert. Sunday morning everyone took part in one of the insight sessions and the closing worship. We’re grateful to the Naperville church for their generosity in hosting us for the weekend.

Leadership: David Radcliff is director of New Community Project, a Church of the Brethren-related nonprofit organization based in Elgin, Ill. David’s work focuses on justice issues, peace, and care for creation. David has led learning tours and worked on projects around the world as he seeks to make a difference.

Resources help prepare for National Youth Conference.

Resources to help youth groups and their congregations prepare for National Youth Conference (NYC) 2010 are being offered at the event’s website, www.brethren.org/nyc . The conference is for senior high youth and adult advisors. It will be held on July 17-22, 2010, at Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colo. Registration opens on Jan. 5, 2010, at 8 p.m. central time.

To help prepare congregations and youth spiritually, the NYC office has put together a number of resources that are available online: a short promotional video, printable flyers, and monthly newsletters posted in pdf format. Fundraising ideas are provided as well, with each newsletter featuring an "NYC Fundraiser of the Month."

A monthly Bible study written by Church of the Brethren members also will be posted. So far, Bible studies are available through April. "Feel free to use these in your youth groups. They are a great way to get familiar with the theme from 2 Corinthians 4:6-10, 16-18, and to prepare spiritually for NYC," said a recent letter to congregations and pastors.

In addition, the coordinators are promoting NYC at popular social networking sites including Facebook, MySpace, and Twitter, and are providing a blog. Links are at www.brethren.org/nyc.

In other news, speakers for the NYC worship services have been announced: Shane Claiborne of Philadelphia, a leader in the new monastic movement; Jarrod McKenna, a leader in the emerging church movement in Australia; Brethren Revival Fellowship leader James Myer of Manheim, Pa.; Annual Conference moderator Shawn Flory Replogle; Bridgewater (Va.) College academic dean Carol Scheppard; Brethren videographer David Sollenberger; Ted & Company, a Mennonite comedy team from Harrisonburg, Va.; Naperville (Ill.) Church of the Brethren pastor Dennis Webb; Angie Lahman Yoder of the ministry team at Circle of Peace Church of the Brethren in Peoria, Ariz.; and the winners of the NYC youth speech contest.

-- Audrey Hollenberg and Emily LaPrade are the coordinators for NYC 2010.

Source: 11/4/2009 Newsline

NYC 2010 Speaker Feature: Shane Claiborne

With tears and laughter, Shane Claiborne unveils the tragic messes we've made of our world and the tangible hope that another world is possible. Shane graduated from Eastern University, and did graduate work at Princeton Seminary. His ministry experience is varied, from a 10-week stint working alongside Mother Teresa in Calcutta, to a year spent serving a wealthy mega-congregation at Willow Creek Community Church outside Chicago. During the recent war in Iraq, Shane spent three weeks in Baghdad with the Iraq Peace Team. Shane is also a founding partner of The Simple Way, a faith community in inner city Philadelphia that has helped to birth and connect radical faith communities around the world.

Shane writes and travels extensively speaking about peacemaking, social justice, and Jesus. He is featured in the DVD series “Another World Is Possible” and is the author of the several books including The Irresistible Revolution, Jesus for President, and Becoming the Answer to Our Prayers. Shane speaks over 100 times a year in a dozen or so countries and nearly every state in the US. Shane has given academic seminars at Vanderbilt University, Duke University Pepperdine University, Wheaton College, Princeton University, Goshen College and Harvard University. Shane also speaks at various denominational gatherings, festivals, and conferences around the globe. Shane's work has been featured in everything from Fox News and the Wall Street Journal to CNN and National Public Radio.

NYC Youth Speech Contest

For those of you that are considering writing a speech for the Youth Speech Contest or know some one who is, here are some things to consider as you write.

1. Write from your own perspective, you have a unique story to tell!
   
2. Incorporate the theme “More than Meets the Eye”
   1. Think about…
      1. how you are more than meets the eye
         
      2. how experiences in your life have been more than meets the eye
         
      3. how others in your life have been more than meets the eye
   2. Explore…
      1. what your own distinct “earthen vessel” or “pottery” looks like
         
      2. the treasure that is inside of you that people cannot necessarily see
3. Do not be afraid to show vulnerability by sharing your story, God will speak through that vulnerability.

Youth Peace Travel Team: A dream of peace.

Applications are being accepted for next summer’s Youth Peace Travel Team, a group of young adults age 19 to 22 who share Jesus' message of peace with other young people at church camps and other venues. The team is sponsored by the Church of the Brethren’s Youth and Young Adult Ministry, Brethren Volunteer Service, On Earth Peace, and the Outdoor Ministries Association. They receive food, lodging, and travel expenses for the summer, and a college tuition grant. Applications are due Jan. 19, 2010. Go to www.brethren.org/YouthPeaceTravelTeam or contact Becky Ullom at 800-323-8039 ext. 297.

The following is excerpted from a reflection by Jessica Flory-Steury, a member of the 2009 Youth Peace Travel Team along with Bethany Funkhouser, Chelsea Goss, and Marianne Houff:

"Before my experience on the Youth Peace Travel Team, I dreamed of peace on earth. I wondered what it would be like if all wars ended, world hunger was defeated, and love reigned over all. I always knew it was possible. I just didn’t know how....

"One of our junior high campers had a very interesting story. He had come to camp by invitation of a friend. He had not been to church more than a few times in his life. He didn’t know anything about the church, or much about Jesus Christ. He had come from a broken home and had witnessed things that no one should ever have to see in their lifetime.... He often teased other campers and in the past had been known to be involved in violence. In spite of that, he could be a kind and passionate individual. I was so glad he was there and I was glad to be there to witness his transformation.

"Throughout the beginning of the week, he got in trouble for goofing off. I discovered from conversation with him that he often had no idea what the leaders were talking about during Bible studies, leaving him frustrated and pushed even farther when he was reprimanded for not paying attention.

"From observing the campers that week, the team decided that these kids needed to hear more of the basics. They had more experiences of violence and hate in their lives than we could imagine. We told them that Jesus loved them--completely, uniquely, and intimately. We told them that we are called to love one another. In the session, we had them think of ways to break down walls of hate. At the end, we had them write their own ‘peace raps.’

"The passion and creativity that poured out of those kids was amazing. It was inspiring to observe that even though they had all experienced so much hate and violence in their schools and homes, they still had hope.

"The previously mentioned camper grew from an instigator to a leader...the one who was encouraging his teammates, presenting ideas, and motivating everyone to keep going. After we left that week, I wanted to go with that boy, to help him maintain his eagerness to learn and make peace and to remind him that he was loved. My hope is that we instilled something in him that doesn’t go away.... I pray that boy continues on his journey of peace with God....

" World peace will not be solved by one person in a day. We need each other and all the love that we possess to fulfill the message that Jesus had for us."

Source: 10/22/2009 Newsline

National Junior High Sunday is scheduled for Nov. 1.

Sunday, Nov. 1, has been scheduled as National Junior High Sunday in the Church of the Brethren. The junior high theme for the upcoming year is "Overflowing with Thankfulness" (Colossians 2:6-7).

"I hope many congregations will invite junior highs to lead worship on that Sunday," said an announcement from Becky Ullom, director of the church’s Youth and Young Adult Ministry.

A number of resources for National Junior High Sunday are available online: a Bible study by Dennis Lohr of Palmyra, Pa.; worship resources including a call to worship, invocation, invitation to giving, offertory prayer, readers theater, and benediction; a skit and prayer litany by Lorele Yager of Churubusco, Ind., (the skit is adapted from a demonstration by Charles Tayler of Goshen City, Ind.); a sample bulletin cover, and some creative ideas for worship including a "thankfulness display" and worship center.

Go to www.brethren.org/site/PageServer?pagename=grow_youth_ministry_resources for links to the junior high resources.

Source: 10/9/2009 Newsline Extra

NYC 2010 Speaker Feature: Carol Scheppard

Carol Scheppard is the Vice President and Dean for Academic Affairs at Bridgewater College. She grew up in New England and first joined the Church of the Brethren through the Genesis Church in Putney, Vermont. Called out in ministry by the Genesis congregation, she went on to seek theological training and, ultimately, ordination through the Southern Pennsylvania District. After completing her Master of Divinity at Princeton Theological Seminary and her PhD at the University of Pennsylvania, Dr. Scheppard moved to Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley in 1998. There she joined the faculty of the Philosophy and Religion Department at Bridgewater College, teaching such courses as History of the Christian Church, Medieval Women’s Spirituality, History of Biblical Interpretation, and Biblical Themes in Literature. An active member of the Lebanon Church of the Brethren in Mt. Sidney, Virginia, she is a former chair of its Church Board. Dr. Scheppard is now serving her second term with the Board of Trustees for Bethany Theological Seminary where she is the Chair of the Academic Affairs Committee.

Youth workers are needed for National Youth Conference.

"Are you interested in volunteering at National Youth Conference 2010?" asks an invitation from the Church of the Brethren’s Youth and Young Adult Ministry. "Serving as a youth worker is a serious task," the invitation continues. "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."

Volunteer youth workers are expected to commit for the entire week of National Youth Conference, which is scheduled for July 17-22 in Fort Collins, Colo. Responsibilities include assisting the NYC coordinators, the National Youth Cabinet, and the director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry in required tasks for carrying out the conference.

"Youthworkers often miss sessions, meals, and sleep in order to get the job done, often meaning 10-12 hour days or longer," the invitation warned. "These responsibilities are not meant to scare you out of applying, but rather to emphasize the importance and responsibility of being a youth worker. We need committed, focused, and enthusiastic people to make NYC run smoothly."

Youth workers are expected to arrive on the campus of Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colo., in the early afternoon of Friday, July 16, and to be present at the conference through the evening of Thursday, July 22. As compensation, registration fees will be waived (the fee covers lodging and meals) and travel expenses will be covered provided the Youth and Young Adult Ministry office books the airline tickets. Youth workers must have completed at least their second year of college. Adults of all ages are encouraged to apply as well.

Completed applications must be postmarked by Nov. 1 and final decisions will be made in early 2010. Go to www.brethren.org/nycyouthworker to find the application online.

Source: 9/25/2009 Newsline Extra

Workcamp Ministry announces schedule for 2010.

The Workcamp Ministry of the Church of the Brethren Youth and Young Adult Office has announced a theme and schedule for the workcamps that will be offered in the summer of 2010. The theme, "With glad and generous hearts," is taken from Acts 2:46. Online registration will open on Jan. 25 at 7 p.m. (Central) at www.brethren.org.

The Workcamp Ministry recorded a successful season this summer, with a total of 723 participants, 16 more than in 2008. "It is exciting and encouraging in this difficult economy, when many are struggling, that parents and congregations are making it a priority to send their youth on short-term service trips," said coordinator Jeanne Davies. "Workcamps give our youth an opportunity to put their faith into action, an experience that can be life-changing."

Twelve workcamps are planned for next summer, with a focus on junior high events because it is a National Youth Conference year. Following are dates and locations. The registration fee is $245 unless otherwise indicated:

Junior high workcamps are planned for Elgin, Ill., on June 16-20; Brooklyn, N.Y., on June 23-27; Indianapolis, Ind., on June 23-27; Ashland, Ohio, on June 28-July 2; Roanoke, Va., on July 28-Aug 1; Harrisburg, Pa., on Aug 2-6; and Richmond, Va., on Aug 3-7.

Senior high workcamps sponsored by the Brethren Revival Fellowship are planned for the Dominican Republic on June 20-27 ($695) and for Reynosa, Mexico, on July 31-Aug 7 ($595).

An intergenerational workcamp for ages 11 and up, co-led with On Earth Peace, will take place at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md., on June 14-19 ($295).

A young adult workcamp will go to Haiti on May 23-30 ($695).

A "We Are Able" workcamp for intellectually disabled youth and young adults, and youth and young adult service partners, will be offered at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md., on June 28/29-July 2 ($350).

For more information go to www.brethren.org/workcamps or contact cobworkcamps@brethren.org or 800-323-8039 ext. 286.

Source: 9/24/2009 Newsline

Witkovsky Resigns

Matt Witkovsky has resigned as one of the co-coordinators of the 2010 National Youth Conference (NYC). He plans to continue in Brethren Volunteer Service on another assignment. Since he started in the position earlier this year, he has helped out at Christian Citizenship Seminar and with the workcamp ministry. He is a graduate of Elizabethtown (Pa.) College and was a member of the Church of the Brethren's Youth Peace Travel Team in 2006. NYC planning will move forward with co-coordinators Emily Laprade and Audrey Hollenberg, youth and young adult ministry director Becky Ullom, and the National Youth Cabinet.

Source: 9/9/2009 Newsline

World Council of Churches Interns

The World Council of Churches (WCC) will welcome five young people ages 18-30 to serve as interns in Geneva, Switzerland, from Feb. 2010-Jan. 2011. The interns will be assigned to one of the WCC working areas. Applicants must send, along with their application, background information about their church or Christian youth network that will help them in implementing their project. Closing date for receiving applications is Sept. 30. More information is at www.oikoumene.org/?id=3187.

Source: 9/9/2009 Newsline

Workcamp Photos

A photo album from the workcamps offered this summer by the Church of the Brethren's Youth and Young Adult Ministry is now available. Click here to find photos from a variety of workcamps for junior and senior high youth and advisors, young adults, and intergenerational groups. Above, former Youth and Young Adult director Chris Douglas joins senior highs at a workcamp in Putney, Vt., at the Place Apart intentional Christian community.

Source: 9/9/2009 Newsline

Junior High Conference exceeds seed grant in 'reverse offering.'

Junior high youth who took part in this year's National Junior High Conference have exceeded the seed money they were given for a "reverse offering" that has been collected since the June event. Reports on the collection has been issued by the Church of the Brethren's Youth and Young Adult Ministry.

In an update, youth and young adult ministry director Becky Ullom called the effort a "fantastic response from the junior high youth."

The worship planning team at the National Junior High Conference "wanted to have an offering experience that didn't put additional financial strain on families sending their youth to the conference," Ullom said. "Because the conference was focused on the theme of transformation, we decided a to try a reverse offering to benefit the ministries of the Church of the Brethren."

Each youth who attended the conference received $10, made possible through a $4,000 grant from the Church of the Brethren's Core Ministries Fund and the church's office of Stewardship and Donor Development.

"We encouraged the youth to consider how they might 'transform' the money into more," Ullom said. "If the youth were unsure of how to transform the money or didn't want to participate for some other reason, they could offer the money back immediately."

Staff returned from the conference with about $800 given during the event. Since then, many more donations have been received from junior high youth and youth groups, for a total of $6,277. Yet more donations are expected through the fall, Ullom said.

"I just wanted to share this great news with you," she wrote in her e-mail about the program. "What an example these youth and their advisors, families, and congregations are providing!"

Source: 9/9/2009 Newsline

National Youth Conference registration to begin Jan. 5.

Online registration for National Youth Conference (NYC) 2010 is scheduled to begin on Jan. 5, 2010, at 8 p.m. central time. NYC is an event for Church of the Brethren senior high youth that is offered every four years by the denomination’s Youth and Young Adult Ministry.

The 2010 NYC will take place July 17-22 on the campus of Colorado State University in Fort Collins, with the theme "More than Meets the Eye" (2 Corinthians 4:6-10 and 16-18).

NYC coordinators Audrey Hollenberg and Emily LaPrade, who are Brethren Volunteer Service workers, will assist Youth and Young Adult Ministry director Becky Ullom and the National Youth Cabinet in organizing the conference.

Cost of early registration for NYC is $425, increasing to $450 after Feb. 15. The registration fee includes lodging and meals. Registration will close on April 5, 2010. A deposit of $200 is due at time of registration, with the balance due by April 5. The money is nonrefundable. NYC t-shirts costing $15 each can be ordered at the time of registration.

Church of the Brethren musician and songwriter Shawn Kirchner has been commissioned to write the NYC Theme Song. A Speech Contest and a Music Contest are open to youth who will be attending NYC.

In the speech contest, youth are invited to submit speeches based on the NYC theme. Two youth will be chosen to speak in front of the conference during a worship service. "We need enthusiastic youth that will be able to inspire others with their words," said an invitation from the Youth and Young Adult Ministry. Entries must include a written and audio copy of the speech, which should be 500-700 words (about 10 minutes spoken).

During the same worship service, the winning song in the music contest will be played or the writer will participate in the performance of the song. Youth are invited to submit a song based on the NYC theme and written for use in worship. The winning song will be included in the conference book. Songs should be three-to-five minutes in length, and entries should include an audio recording on CD as well as a copy of the lyrics.

Submissions of speeches and songs are due by Jan. 1, 2010. Send entries to the NYC Office, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120. For more information go to www.2010nyc.org.

The Youth and Young Adult Ministry also has issued a call for volunteer youth workers to assist with 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," said the announcement. "We need committed, focused, and enthusiastic people to make NYC run smoothly."

Youth workers must be willing and ready to work long hours and commit to be present for the entire week of NYC. Families of youth workers are not permitted to accompany volunteers. Youth workers are expected to arrive in the early afternoon of July 16, the day before the conference begins, and to be available to work through the evening of July 22. The registration fee will be waived for youth workers, and travel expenses will be paid (provided the Youth and Young Adult Ministry books the airline tickets).

To apply for a youth worker position, complete an application form and mail it postmarked by Nov. 1. For an application form contact the NYC Office at 800-323-8039.

In related news, McPherson (Kan.) College is offering free overnight lodging and breakfast to NYC attendees either on the way to or on the way home from the conference. In exchange for this hospitality, the college is asking guests to take a one-hour tour. Contact Tom Hurst, director of Campus Ministries, at hurstt@mcpherson.edu or 620-242-0503.

Becky Ullom called as director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry

Becky Ullom has been called to serve as the Church of the Brethren’s director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry, effective Aug. 31. She currently is director of Identity and Relations, with responsibility for the denominational website and a range of other communication tasks.

"Ullom brings a passion for young people, organizational acumen, visionary leadership, a history of ministering with Brethren youth, and strong skills in group process," said an announcement of the appointment.

"As a native of young adult culture and an enthusiastic ambassador for vital youth and young adult ministries, Becky will lead us collaboratively and competently into a new and dynamic future with young people," said Jonathan Shively, executive director for Congregational Life Ministries.

In previous work for the church, Ullom was coordinator of National Young Adult Conference from June 2003-July 2004 and one of the coordinators of National Youth Conference (NYC) from June 2001-July 2002. She has been a young adult steward with the World Council of Churches, and a Brethren delegate to the National Council of Churches. She also has taught high school English.

She received her bachelor of arts degree from McPherson (Kan.) College with majors in English and Spanish and a minor in English as a Second Language.

Source: 8/4/2008 Newsline

2010 National Youth Conference Promotional Video

National Youth Conference Speech Contest

This is your chance to share your message and be heard!! Two youth speeches will be chosen to speak during worship at NYC. We need enthusiastic youth that will be able to inspire others with their words.

The NYC theme scripture, II Corinthians 4:6-10, 16-18 (The Message) reminds us that God does great things through each person. In troubled times we are challenged not to lose heart because God is the rock that will help us overcome. Even though we may seem like simple jars of clay, with God’s light we are more that meets the eye.

Requirements:

• Only youth attending NYC 2010 (July 17-22) are invited to enter the Youth Speech Contest.
  
• The topic of the speech should center on The theme, “More than Meets the Eye.”
  
• Entries must include a written and audio copy of the speech and should be 500-700 words (about 10 minutes spoken) and sent to the NYC Office by January 1, 2010.
  
• The top two entrants will give their speeches during a worship service at NYC.

Send entries to:
NYC Office
1451 Dundee Avenue
Elgin, Illinois 60120
(800) 323-8039
2010nyc@brethren.org
www.2010nyc.org

National Youth Conference Music Contest

Do you love to write and play music? The NYC team is looking for talented youth that would like to contribute their musical talents by writing a song for worship. If your song is chosen it will be in the conference book and you will be able to perform it on stage at the same worship service as the Youth Speech Contest Winners.

The NYC theme scripture, II Corinthians 4:6-10, 16-18 (The Message) reminds us that God does great things through each person. In troubled times we are challenged not to lose heart because God is the rock that will help us overcome. Even though we may seem like simple jars of clay, with God’s light we are more than meets the eye.

Requirements:

• Only youth attending NYC 2010 (July 17-22) are invited to enter the Youth Music Contest.
  
• Songs should focus on the theme, “More than Meets the Eye.”
  
• Songs should be 3-5 minutes in length.
  
• Entries should contain an audio recordingon CD. Lyrics must be included.
  
• Submissions are due by January 1, 2010.

Send entries to:
NYC Office
1451 Dundee Avenue
Elgin, Illinois 60120
(800) 323-8039
2010nyc@brethren.org
www.2010nyc.org

* The theme song has been commissioned.

Christian Citizenship Seminar studies modern-day slavery.

This year's Church of the Brethren Christian Citizenship Seminar, held April 25-30 in New York and Washington, D.C., drew 94 senior high youth and advisors from 10 states to study the eye-opening realities of modern-day slavery. The issue came before the full church last summer, when delegates to the 2008 Annual Conference overwhelmingly approved a statement to "reaffirm our denomination’s historic opposition to slavery."

Anna Speicher, a Church of the Brethren member who has written a dissertation on the abolition movement, reviewed that history for the seminar participants--and said all that good work is only a beginning. "You’re already way ahead of the game right now. You know it’s not over," said Speicher, who is also director of the Gather ‘Round curriculum for Brethren Press and Mennonite Publishing Network.

Speicher noted that while slavery is illegal in every country worldwide, it is often underground and thus hard to see. It exists in many forms and under many different names, such as debt bondage, human trafficking, sex trafficking, and forced labor. It can be found in many places including the United States, where an estimated 14,500-plus slaves are trafficked in each year.

Other speakers addressing the seminar included Roni Hong, herself a victim of slavery in India as a child; Lariza Garzon, who works with undocumented farmworkers in Florida; staff from the World Council of Churches US Conference and the National Council of Churches, who organized a conference on modern-day slavery last year and adopted a resolution; and staff from advocacy organizations Free the Slaves and Global Centurion.

Youth carried their stories and experiences to Capitol Hill during the second half of the seminar. Some groups were able to meet their representatives or senators personally, while others raised the issues with aides--particularly urging full funding for the recently renewed Trafficking Victims Protection Act. Worship and debriefing times during the week offered additional outlets to process the heavy topic.

Participants were encouraged to take the issue back with them, brainstorming ideas for speaking up and taking action after they returned home. "We’re beginning to make progress, but there’s so much more to be done," said Laura Lederer, vice president of Global Centurion. "I’m more hopeful now that I’ve been before. There’s a new human rights movement springing up all around the world."

The Christian Citizenship Seminar is sponsored annually, except in National Youth Conference years, by the Church of the Brethren’s Youth and Young Adult Ministry; go to the youth ministry page at http://www.brethren.org for details. An article on the 2009 seminar will be in the June issue of "Messenger."

-- Walt Wiltschek is editor of the Church of the Brethren’s "Messenger" magazine.

Source: 6/3/2009 Newsline

DISTRICT YOUTH RETREATS

Due to an insufficient number of registrations, the spring district youth retreat that had been scheduled in April had to be canceled. The next retreat will be held during district conference, Nov. 6-8 at Naperville Church of the Brethren in Naperville, Ill. David Radcliff of New Community Project will be the featured speaker. Watch www.cobyouth.org for details on this and other upcoming events. Don’t forget to register for youth camps at Camp Emmaus and Camp Emmanuel this summer.

Also, if your congregation has suggestions of youth who will be in grades 9-12 next year for the district youth cabinet, please send those names to the district office or to Jim Miner at jim_e_miner@yahoo.com.

Source: 5/2009 IL/WI District Newsletter

CABINET ANNOUNCES THEME FOR 2010 NYC

National Youth Conference (NYC) 2010 has a theme: “More Than Meets the Eye,” drawn from 2 Cor. 4:6-10 and 16-18 (The Message).

The theme and some other aspects of the conference were decided as the National Youth Cabinet met earlier this year in Elgin, Ill. In a statement on the theme, NYC co-coordinators Audrey Hollenberg, Emily LaPrade, and Matt Witkovsky said the scripture passage “reminds us that God does great things through each person. . . . Even though we may seem like simple jars of clay, with God’s light we are more than meets the eye.”

The cabinet also discussed worship speakers and music leaders, which will be finalized in the coming months, along with broader goals, the schedule, and promotion ideas. Details will be posted as they become available at the new NYC website: www.2010nyc.org. NYC 2010, for senior high youth and advisors, will take place July 17-22, 2010, at Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colo.

Members of the cabinet, which will next meet in mid-August in Colorado, are Sam Cupp, Jamie Frye, Tyler Goss, Kay Guyer, Kelsey Murray, and Ryan Roebuck, along with adult advisors Christy Waltersdorff and Walt Wiltschek, Church of the Brethren Youth/Young Adult Ministry director Chris Douglas, and the NYC co-coordinators.

Source: 5/2009 IL/WI District Newsletter

National Youth Sunday

The Church of the Brethren’s National Youth Sunday is scheduled for May 3. Congregations are encouraged to invite youth to participate in leading Sunday worship on the theme, "Standing On Holy Ground" from Exodus 3:5. Go to www.brethren.org/site/PageServer?pagename=grow_youth_ministry_resources to find skits, Bible studies, scripture jams, children’s stories, a bulletin insert, and other worship resources.

Source: 4/08/2009 Newsline

National Junior High Conference

National Junior High Conference registration will continues to be open after April 15, however the cost will rise to $150 after that date, from the early registration cost of $125. "There are still spaces left and we would love for you to attend National Junior High Conference at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Va., June 19-21," said an invitation from the Church of the Brethren’s Youth and Young Adult Ministry. Go to www.brethren.org/jrhiconf for online registration. Participants living west of the Mississippi River may apply for a $150 travel scholarship, contact 800-323-8039 ext. 281 for details.

Source: 4/08/2009 Newsline

Young Adult Conference

Young Adult Conference registration is open, with the registration fee rising to $100 after April 15. The conference is for young adults ages 18-35 and will be held at Camp Swatara in Bethel, Pa., on May 23-25. Go to www.brethren.org/yac09 to register online. For questions or more information call 800-323-8039 ext. 281.

Source: 4/08/2009 Newsline

McPherson Regional Youth Conference

McPherson (Kan.) College on April 17-19 will offer a Regional Youth Conference for the Church of the Brethren districts of Missouri and Arkansas, Northern Plains, Southern Plains, and Western Plains. The theme is "The Heavens Declare the Glory of God." Leadership will be provided by Rex Miller and Curt Rowland of Camp Alexander Mack in Milford, Ind. Jen Jehnsen will lead worship. Cost is $46 per person. Contact Tom Hurst, Director of Campus Ministries, at hurstt@mcpherson.edu or 620-242-0503.

Source: 4/08/2009 Newsline

ILLINOIS/WISCONSIN SPRING DISTRICT YOUTH RETREAT

April 17-19, 2009 - Dixon Church of the Brethren

Where: Dixon Church of the Brethren is at 215 N. Court St., Dixon, Ill.

Who: All youth currently in 9th-12th grades, and advisors

Theme: "Mission Near and Far"

Leadership: Beth Gunzel, a member of York Center Church of the Brethren, recently returned from doing economic development work for the Church of the Brethren in the Dominican Republic; now she’s working with the “Growing Home” project in Chicago. Beth will talk about her work and how we can connect with our neighbors in need, whether they’re in another country or just a few miles down the road.

Schedule: Register between 7-8 p.m. Friday evening; we'll finish after worship on Sunday morning. In addition to our sessions with Beth, the weekend will include times of worship, good food, recreation and games, a service project, and more.

How much?: $30 for youth; advisors accompanying youth attend at no charge.
Please register by April 10. Forms are available on www.cobyouth.org.

Note: If fewer than a dozen registrations have been received by April 10th, then the retreat will have to be canceled.

Please watch www.cobyouth.org for any updates.

NATIONAL JUNIOR HIGH CONFERENCE NOTICE

Brothers and Sisters in the Illinois and Wisconsin District.

Brian and I have decided that we will not be taking a district bus to National Jr. High Conference this summer in Harrisonburg VA.

We hope that youth from across our district will venture to this conference. Two years ago this was a fantastic event and I trust that this years conference will be as wonderful.

We regret this decision, but it is one that had to be made because we have had about 15 youth and adults that were wanting to travel by bus together. This comes nowhere close to the 45 persons needed to fill a bus.

If you have questions or comments feel free to contact either of us.

Blessings to all,

Lisa Fike and Brian Archer