The Workcamp Office of the Church of the Brethren Welcomes Assistant Coordinators

Photo by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford

The assistant workcamp coordinators for the 2015 workcamp season are Theresa Ford and Hannah Shultz

The Workcamp Office of the Church of the Brethren has welcomed Theresa Ford and Hannah Shultz as assistant coordinators for the 2015 Brethren workcamp season. They will serve through Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS), working at the denomination’s General Offices in Elgin, Ill. Ford has spent the last year serving in BVS in Waco, Texas, and comes originally from Atlantic Northeast District. Shultz graduated from Juniata College in Huntingdon, Pa., in May with a degree in Religious Studies, and is originally from the Baltimore, Md., area.

Source: 8/26/2014 Newsline

2014 Fall District Youth Retreat - November 7-9

2014 Fall District Youth Retreat – Are You Hungry?
When I was hungry, you gave me something to eat, and when I was thirsty, you gave me something to drink. When I was a stranger, you welcomed me - Matthew 25:31

November 7th through November 9th 2014

Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren, Elgin Illinois 60123

When: Registration will begin at 7 pm on Friday Night. Retreat participants will be dismissed on Sunday around 11:45 AM. Note that District Conference will end on Saturday – please indicate if you will be picking up your youth on Saturday evening or on Sunday.

Who: Everyone currently in 9th through 12th grades during the 2014-2015 school year. Friends and advisors are welcome.

Where: The Church of the Brethren is located at 783 West Highland Avenue in Elgin Illinois. http://www.hacob.org/

Cost: $40 for youth – no charge for advisors. Make checks payable to “Illinois/Wisconsin District Youth” Please also bring a food donation for the Illinois Food Bank. Please check that the food has not expired as the food bank will not accept old food.

What to Bring: Bible, Games, Sleeping Bag, Snacks to share, Towel, and Work clothes.

Service Project Information - Northern Illinois Food Bank:

We recommend dressing comfortably and in layers – the warehouse can be chill. A T-Shirt with a Sweatshirt is a great combination. You will need close-toed shoes – sneakers or work boots work great. Long shorts or pants are part of the warehouse dress code.

You must have your parent sign the separate consent form for the Northern Illinois Food Bank.

Registration Deadline: October 26th, 2014

Powerhouse 2014 - November 15-16

POWERHOUSE 2014
Coming Nov. 15-16 at Camp Mack!

The Powerhouse regional youth conference has reached its fifth anniversary! Powerhouse will return to Camp Mack again this year, providing a weekend of worship, workshops, music, recreation, and more for senior high youth in the Midwest and their advisors. We hope you can join us for this action-packed weekend! Opportunities will also be available to visit and tour the Manchester University campus (about 45-50 minutes from Camp Mack) before or after the conference, and perhaps as a workshop option on Saturday.

Cost this year will be $75 for youth, $65 for advisors (for extenuating circumstances, please contact us). At the camp, everyone will have a bed to sleep in, and the camp will be preparing our meals.

If your group is coming from a distance and needs a place to stay in the area Friday night, please contact us and we can help you make arrangements at Manchester University or with congregations in the area. Please be in prayer for this event and, encourage your youth and advisors to attend. Watch for more details coming soon!

Walt Wiltschek, Campus Pastor
260-982-5243
wjwiltschek@manchester.edu

Callie Surber resigns from Brethren Volunteer Service staff

Callie Surber has resigned as orientation coordinator for BVS

Callie Surber has resigned as orientation coordinator for Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS), a position she has held since September 2007. Her last day at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill., will be Sept. 19. She has accepted a position at the Q Center, a corporate retreat center in St. Charles, Ill.

Surber’s primary responsibility has been running the BVS orientation units. During her tenure, she has led 23 orientations and oriented 372 volunteers. She has co-led 14 BVS mid-term retreats, 4 end-of-service retreats, and 2 BVS retreats in Central America. She oversaw the application process for new volunteers, and provided significant support to BVS volunteers in the field. She gave oversight to the social media and web presence of BVS and led an effort to redesign and improve communication resources.

She served in BVS herself from 2003-06 in Nigeria, where she taught English Arts and African Literature at the EYN Comprehensive Secondary School of Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria (Church of the Brethren in Nigeria).

Source: 8/19/2014 Newsline

Kristen Hoffman welcomed as coordinator for National Junior High Conference and Christian Citizenship Seminar

The Youth and Young Adult Ministry of the Church of the Brethren has welcomed Kristen Hoffman as coordinator for National Junior High Conference and Christian Citizenship Seminar in 2015. Hoffman will serve in the position as a volunteer through Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS), working at the denomination’s General Offices in Elgin, Ill. Her home church is McPherson (Kan.) Church of the Brethren.

Source: 8/19/2014 Newsline

2014 Seminary and Theological Grad School Virtual Fair

Bethany Theological Seminary in Richmond, Ind., will take part in the 2014 Seminary and Theological Grad School Virtual Fair on Wednesday, Sept. 17. This is Bethany's second year participating in the event with nearly 50 other seminaries across the country. “If you, or someone you know, has been thinking about seminary...REGISTER TODAY!” said an invitation from director of admissions Tracy Primozich. “The Virtual Seminary and Theological Grad School Fair will allow you to have your admissions questions answered by representatives from multiple graduate institutions during this live event.” The event is free for those who register for the live chat sessions online, with the option to upload a personal resume prior to the event. Live chat hours are from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Register at www.CareerEco.com/Events/Seminary. Contact Primozich at 800-287-8822 or admissions@bethanyseminary.edu.

Source: 8/19/2014 Newsline

Westminster (Md.) Church of the Brethren Celebration

Westminster (Md.) Church of the Brethren is planning a celebration on the theme “Living the Legacy, Peacefully, Simply, Together: Piecing Together the Brethren Way Through Song and Story” on Sept. 6-7. Performances by Mutual Kumquat will highlight the celebration. Mutual Kumquat has performed at many Brethren events, most recently this summer’s Annual Conference and National Youth Conference. Events open at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 6, with a gathering in the church sanctuary, followed by workshops focused on peace for elementary age children (K-5), youth, and adults, an evening meal, and a Mutual Kumquat concert starting at 7 p.m. On Sunday, Sept. 7, Mutual Kumquat will provide music for worship at 9:30 a.m. followed by Sunday school, and an “Inglenook” potluck lunch. Nursery care will be provided during workshops. For more information contact Westminster Church of the Brethren at 410-848-8090.

Source: 8/19/2014 Newsline

COBYS Bike and Hike

This year’s COBYS Bike and Hike aims to raise $110,000, according to a release. The event has added a silent auction this year as well. It will be the 18th annual Bike and Hike for COBYS Family Services, which is a Church of the Brethren related organization that “educates, supports, and empowers children and adults to reach their full potential” through adoption and foster care services; counseling for children, adults, and families; and family life education programs offered in partnership with church, school, and community groups. The Bike and Hike is slated for Sunday, Sept. 7, starting at Lititz (Pa.) Church of the Brethren. Goals of 600 participants and $110,000 have been set. The Bike and Hike consists of a 3-mile walk, 10- and 25-mile bicycle rides, and 65-mile Dutch Country Motorcycle Ride. Participants choose their event, and then donate a registration fee, raise money from sponsors, or some of both. At the conclusion of the event, everyone gathers at the Lititz Church for ice cream and other refreshments, fellowship, and prizes. Each participant receives a t-shirt, refreshments, and an opportunity to win one of about 100 door prizes. Those who raise certain levels of money can earn additional prizes. Church youth groups who raise $1,500 or more earn a gym and pizza night. All expenses of the event are covered by business sponsors. Last year, 538 participants raised more than $104,000. “We were thrilled to finally reach the $100,000 mark last year,” said COBYS director of development Don Fitzkee. “Now the challenge is to build on that momentum.” For more information or to donate a silent auction item, contact don@cobys.org or 717-656-6580. The event brochure and cue sheets for the walk and rides are available at cobys.org/news.htm.

Source: 8/19/2014 Newsline

NYC Prayer Day

Today is a day of prayer for this summer’s National Youth Conference (NYC).

Update on National Youth Conference

A group of forty four (44) youth and advisers have registered for the District Bus to National Youth Conference We will be leaving from Naperville on July 18th with a pick up in Milledgeville for our journey to Fort Collins Colorado. The pick up spot in Peoria was cancelled due to lack of registrations. We will be returning on July 25th. Additional youth will be attending the conference. As of April 63 youth, advisers, and staff people will be attending National Youth Conference representing our district. At this point we only have a couple of seats remaining on the Bus, so be sure to contact Ralph Miner at rminer151@earthlink.net if you have any questions.

National Youth Conference at Fort Collins, Colorado
July 19 - 24, 2014
www.brethren.org/yya/nyc

Ten Bible studies available to help youth prepare for NYC 2014

By Tim Heishman
The National Youth Conference (NYC) Office has released 10 Bible studies for youth groups to use as they prepare to attend the July 19-24 conference. Several of the Bible studies were written by NYC speakers, using the scripture text they will preach on during the week of NYC.

The Bible studies are intended to help youth and advisors familiarize themselves with the NYC theme and scriptures before the conference, and to help them prepare spiritually for the experience. Most of the Bible studies follow a typical format of a brief reflection followed by questions for individual or group discussion. The Bible studies are available at www.brethren.org/yya/nyc/theme.html .

In addition to Bible studies, the NYC Office has complied several pages of information and resources intended to help youth groups prepare for NYC physically, emotionally, and spiritually. An additional way for the entire congregation to be involved in the preparation for NYC is by participating in NYC Prayer Day on Sunday, June 22. For Prayer Day resources and all other preparation materials, visit www.brethren.org/yya/nyc/prepare.html .

-- Tim Heishman is one of the three coordinators for National Youth Conference 2014, along with Katie Cummings and Sarah Neher.

Source: 5/20/2014 Newsline

The Church of the Brethren Workcamp office has announced the assistant coordinators

The Church of the Brethren Workcamp office has announced the assistant coordinators for the 2015 season: Hannah Shultz and Theresa Ford. Ford has spent the last year serving in Brethren Volunteer Service in Waco, Texas, and comes originally from Atlantic Northeast District. Shultz is graduating from Juniata College in Huntingdon, Pa., this month with a degree in Religious Studies and is originally from the Baltimore, Md., area. They will begin their work in planning the 2015 workcamp season in August.

Source: 5/20/2014 Newsline

The Church of the Brethren Workcamp Ministry is offering commissioning resources

The Church of the Brethren Workcamp Ministry is offering commissioning resources to those congregations that have youth or young adults attending workcamps this summer. Congregations are encouraged to recognize and affirm these youth, young adults, and advisors as they prepare to leave for their workcamp through a commissioning service. Each congregation should receive a copy of the resources in the mail, but they are also available on the Workcamp Ministry web page at www.brethren.org/workcamps.

Source: 5/20/2014 Newsline

NYC Prayer Day scheduled for June 22

By Tim Heishman 

A day of prayer for this summer’s National Youth Conference (NYC) has been scheduled for Sunday, June 22. Congregations across the country are invited to set aside a special time in their Sunday morning worship services on June 22 to pray for all who will participate in the conference; youth, advisors, and staff. NYC Prayer Day is intended to invite the entire denomination to participate in the experience of NYC and support those who attend.

The National Youth Conference office has prepared special worship resources for congregations and individuals to use. Resources include a prayer of consecration, a commissioning reading, a Call to Worship, song suggestions, and a prayer calendar and guide for those who wish to continue in prayer for NYC over the next few months. Included in the prayer guide is a list of creative ideas for how to support those who will be attending NYC. All resources are available at http://www.brethren.org/yya/nyc/prepare.html

National Youth Conference is scheduled for July 19-24 on the campus of Colorado State University in Fort Collins, CO. For more information about NYC, please visit www.brethren.org, or contact the NYC office by calling 847-429-4323 or emailing cobyouth@brethren.org.

-- Tim Heishman is one of the three coordinators for National Youth Conference 2014, along with Katie Cummings and Sarah Neher.

Source: 5/13/2014 Newsline

IL/WI District NYC Bus

There are 44 People registered for the NYC bus. We will all be going on one bus! The pick up in Peoria has been cancelled due to lack of registrations..

• 5 Boulderhill / Decatur
• 5 Dixon and Points West
• 14 Elgin 
• 11 Naperville
• 9 York Center
• (Freeport youth have made their own travel arrangements.)

Questions: E-mail Ralph Miner at rminer151@earthlink.net

Youth have a month to register for National Youth Conference before price goes up

Youth and advisors only have one month left to register for this summer’s National Youth Conference (NYC) before the price goes up to $500 on May 1. All participants are encouraged to register as soon as possible to avoid a late fee. For all information regarding the conference, visit www.brethren.org/NYC.

NYC is an event for senior high youth and their advisors, held every four years. All youth who have finished ninth grade through one year of college are eligible to attend. The week of NYC includes worship services twice a day, Bible studies, workshops, small groups, hiking, service projects, and outdoor recreation. NYC is held on the campus of Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colo.

Bethany Seminary student Eric Landram, the keynote speaker at last week’s Roundtable regional youth conference in Bridgewater, Va., referred to NYC as a mountaintop experience where youth hear God say, “I love you and I have so much in store for you!” NYC is not an event to miss, and for most is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

The NYC 2014 theme is “Called by Christ, Blessed for the Journey Together,” based on Ephesians 4:1-7. To learn more about the theme, explore Bible studies on the conference scriptures, or check out some of the week’s speakers, visit the NYC website. For all questions regarding NYC, please contact the NYC office at 800-323-8039 ext. 323 or cobyouth@brethren.org.

-- Tim Heishman is a Brethren Volunteer Service workers and a coordinator for NYC 2014, along with Katie Cummings and Sarah Neher.

Source: 4/1/2014 Newsline

Brethren Woods - Spring Festival

Brethren Woods, a camp and outdoor ministry center near Keezletown, Va., holds its Spring Festival on April 26. The event offers “a full day of great activities that are fun and help raise money to support the Shenandoah District's outdoor ministry program” including a fishing contest, pancake breakfast, craft demonstrations, paddle boat rides, hike-a-thon, children's games, petting zoo, Dunk-the-Dunkard, live auction, and entertainment, said the district newsletter.

Source: 4/1/2014 Newsline

Winners of NYC speech and music contests are named

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

Sam Stein, of Wheaton, Ill., is the winner of the NYC Music Contest. He is a junior in high school and a member of the York Center Church of the Brethren youth group in Lombard, Ill.

There are three winners for the NYC Speech Contest. Alison Helfrich of Bradford, Ohio, is a junior in high school from Oakland Church of the Brethren in Southern Ohio District. Katelyn Young, also a junior, is from Lititz, Pa., and from Ephrata Church of the Brethren in Atlantic Northeast District. Laura Ritchey, a senior from Martinsburg, Pa., is from Woodbury Church of the Brethren in Middle Pennsylvania District.

Speech Contest winners will share their speeches during the Sunday morning worship service at NYC, and the Music Contest winner will have the opportunity to perform his song on stage sometime during the week.

-- Tim Heishman, one of the coordinators for the 2014 National Youth Conference, provided this report. Find out more about NYC, a conference for youth and their adult advisors on July 19-24 in Fort Collins, Colo., and register online at www.brethren.org/nyc.

Source: 3/18/2014 Newsline

Immerse!, a junior high Bible and Brethren history event - June 12-17

Immerse! registration deadline has been extended. Slots are still available for Immerse!, a junior high Bible and Brethren history event sponsored by the Institute for Ministry with Youth and Young Adults at Bethany Theological Seminary. The event will be held June 12-17. “Please encourage junior high youth who have completed 6th, 7th, and 8th grades to register by April 8 at www.bethanyseminary.edu/immerse,” said an announcement. For more information about Immerse! see Bethany’s press release at www.bethanyseminary.edu/news/immerse.

Source: 3/18/2014 Newsline

McPherson College Regional Youth Conference - March 28-30

McPherson (Kan.) College hosts a Regional Youth Conference on March 28-30. The theme is a variation of the National Youth Conference (NYC) theme: “Called by God: Preparing for the Journey Together.” The main presenters will be Jacob and Jerry Crouse. Jacob was the 2010 NYC Youth Theme Song Contest winner and a member of last year’s Youth Peace Travel Team. Jerry is a member of the pastoral team at Warrensburg (Mo.) Church of the Brethren. The cost is $65. Register online at www.mcpherson.edu/ryc . The registration deadline is March 24.

Source: 3/18/2014 Newsline

Southwest Airlines: NYC Discount

The National Youth Conference (NYC) office has learned that Southwest Airlines will be offering a 5 percent discount on economy fares and a 10 percent discount on business/first class to anyone attending National Youth Conference. The event takes place July 19-24 in Fort Collins, Colo. Contact cobyouth@brethren.org for more information. Find out more about NYC and register online at www.brethren.org/nyc.

Source: 3/11/2014 Newsline

National Youth Cabinet

The Youth Cabinet met at the General Offices in Elgin, Ill., last week to discuss, reflect, and continue planning for National Youth Conference 2014. The members of the cabinet are: Emmett Eldred of Middle Pennsylvania District, Brittany Fourman of Southern Ohio District, Sarandon Smith of Atlantic Northeast District, Sarah Ullom-Minnich of Western Plains District, Kerrick van Asselt of Western Plains District, Zander Willoughby of Michigan District. Adult advisors are Rhonda Pittman Gingrich of Northern Plains District, Dennis Lohr of Atlantic Northeast District.

Source: 3/11/2014 Newsline

Spring Run Church of the Brethren: District Youth Volleyball Tournament

Spring Run Church of the Brethren is once again hosting the annual Middle Pennsylvania District Youth Volleyball Tournament at Juniata College in Huntingdon, Pa., on Saturday, March 15. The district Youth Cabinet also is sponsoring a Soup Kitchen and Service Trip to Washington, D.C., on April 2-5 for senior high youth. Cost is $140 if registered by March 14 and $150 after March 14. For more information go to www.midpacob.org.

Source: 3/11/2014 Newsline

Brethren Voices: "Kids as Peacemakers."

"Brethren Voices," a public television show produced by Peace Church of the Brethren in Portland, Ore., has announced upcoming shows. In March “Brethren Voices” features Merle Forney, founder of "Kids as Peacemakers." Forney is interviewed about his own peace journey beginning at Hanover (Pa.) Church of the Brethren. “It led him to a unique idea of assisting youth in a discussion of peace and then transmitting their thoughts onto an artistic work,” said a release from producer Ed Groff. “The work of art is then displayed in front of the church or sponsoring organization.” Kids as Peacemakers is now a sponsored program of On Earth Peace; for more information see www.onearthpeace.org . In April, "Brethren Voices" features Annual Conference moderator Nancy Sollenberger Heishman, interviewed by host Brent Carlson at Cross Keys Village-the Brethren Home Community in New Oxford, Pa. She is the seventh moderator to share his or her story with "Brethren Voices." In May, the show features Brethren Disaster Ministries, and travels to South Toms River, N.J., to meet with a group of Brethren volunteers from Indiana rebuilding homes affected by Hurricane Sandy. Also in the works is a program with Andy Murray who has retired after many years at Juniata College and who, with his wife, Terry are well known in Brethren circles for their music ministry. Viewers are treated to a special visit to their home in Huntdingdon, Pa., overlooking the campus of Juniata College. Copies of "Brethren Voices" may be obtained from Portland Peace Church of the Brethren. Contact Ed Groff at Groffprod1@msn.com . Over 50 of the programs can be viewed on www.youtube.com/Brethrenvoices.

Source: 3/11/2014 Newsline

Bethany Seminary announces results of essay contest

By Jenny Williams

The three top essays of the 2014 Bethany Peace Essay Contest have been announced by Bethany Theological Seminary. Out of 32 entries submitted, the following placed first, second, and third, respectively, and received prizes of $2,000, $1,000, and $500: Anita Hooley Yoder, senior MDiv student at Bethany Seminary, Richmond, Ind.: “I’ve Read Too Much Poetry for That: Poetry, Personal Transformation, and Peace”; Charles Northrop, PhD student at Cambridge University, England, resident of Richmond, Ind.: “Hard Rock Pacifism”; Gabriella Stocksdale, student at Larkin High School, Elgin, Ill.: “Colors of Peace.”

Open to students enrolled in high school, college, and graduate-level degree programs, the contest was advertised nationwide through denominational and ecumenical venues and received a national, ecumenical response. Writers were asked to reflect on how personal and local peacemaking efforts can address universal concerns. They could choose to explore this theme in one of the following areas, relating to personal experience: art, music, or poetry; the just peace movement; protest or change movements; social media; or interfaith efforts.

Anna Groff, interim editor for the “Mennonite” magazine and a judge for the contest, was pleased with the scope and quality of the entries. “Overall, I was impressed with the thoughtfulness and critical thinking apparent in the essays. These students are digging deeper than a surface understanding of peace and what it means to work for peace. It was an honor to serve as a judge.” Her fellow judges were Lonnie Valentine, professor of peace and justice studies at Earlham School of Religion; Randy Miller, editor of the Church of the Brethren “Messenger” magazine; and Scott Holland, director of the Baker Peace Studies Program and professor of theology and culture at Bethany.

The contest is underwritten by the Jennie Calhoun Baker Endowment at Bethany, funded by philanthropist, teacher, and scholar John C. Baker in honor of his mother and her vision for peacemaking. His goal was to encourage constructive communication about peacebuilding throughout all segments of society, says Holland. “We share this vision of God's shalom and Christ's peace at Bethany Seminary, not only in peace studies classes but across the curriculum. The generosity of the Baker endowment for the peace essay contest allows us to extend our educational work beyond the classroom to conversations that are truly ecumenical, international, and public. The many excellent essays composed for the contest remind us that fine writing, like thoughtful preaching, is indeed the work of ministry.”

Bekah Houff, coordinator of outreach programs at Bethany, facilitated the work of the planning committee and helped administer the contest. “The entire process ran smoothly and was quite enjoyable. The judges each brought their own unique strengths to the process and worked diligently, putting in many hours reviewing the essays. I was so pleased and honored to work with them.”

According to Houff, a variety of denominations were represented, including at least 20 entries from the Historic Peace Churches: Church of the Brethren, Quaker, and Mennonite. Bridgewater, Juniata, and Manchester Colleges (Church of the Brethren) were represented along with Earlham College and Earlham School of Religion (Quaker) and Eastern Mennonite University. Among the others were Harvard and Duke Divinity Schools, UCLA, Truman State University, Clark University, and four high schools.

The winning essays will appear in the denominational publications “Messenger,” “Brethren Life and Thought,” “The Mennonite,” and “Quaker Life.” Planning is set to begin for the 2015 contest.

-- Jenny Williams is director of Communications and Alumni/ae Relations for Bethany Theological Seminary in Richmond, Ind. Find a story from the Elgin “Courier-News” about Gabriella Stocksdale as the first high schooler to place in the top three, titled "Elgin student places third in national peace essay contest," at http://couriernews.suntimes.com/news/schools/25957028-418/elgin-student-places-third-in-national-peace-essay-contest.html.

Source: 3/4/2014 Newsline

McPherson College Chor

Gettysburg (Pa.) Church of the Brethren is hosting a choir from McPherson (Kan.) College in concert on Monday night March 17, at 7 p.m. The McPherson College Singers are a mixed group of 20 young men and women who will be touring the Mid-Atlantic region, said an announcement. “This is a free evening of music. There will be a donation basket but no free-will offering will be lifted.”

Source: 3/4/2014 Newsline

Bridgewater College Spring Break Volunteers

A group of Bridgewater (Va.) College students and two staff will travel to Florida over spring break to volunteer as construction workers with Habitat’s Collegiate Challenge Spring Break 2014, said a release from the college. The students, accompanied by Stacie Horrell, assistant director of student activities, and David Nicholas, student accounts coordinator, leave for Delray Beach, Fla., on March 8. For the Spring Break Challenge, the group will work in partnership with the South Palm Beach County Habitat for Humanity. To raise money for the trip, the group held a chili cook-off and a Spirit Night fundraiser at New York Flying Pizza in Bridgewater. The campus chapter, established in 1995, is one of nearly 700 campus chapters worldwide, and is affiliated with Central Valley Habitat for Humanity in Bridgewater. This is the 22nd year that Bridgewater students have used spring break to work on various Habitat projects.

Source: 3/4/2014 Newsline

Young Adult Conference - May 23-25, 2014

May 23-25, 2014
Camp Brethren Woods
near Keezletown, VA
$125 • Young adults 18 - 35

Would you like to get connected to the young adult community in the Church of the Brethren? Plan to attend Young Adult Conference next May. This three day event typically takes place at a Brethren camp and is full of worship, fun, and fellowship. Come to catch up with old friends and to meet new ones! We’ll explore God’s word and learn about what it means to be a young adult in the Church of the Brethren.

Register now at www.brethren.org/yac

Come for: 

Worship • Bible Study
Community Groups • Workshops
Recreation • Fellowship

Speakers include: Emily Shonk Edwards, Joel Gibbel, Kelsey Murray, and Marcus Harden. Worship coordinators are Eric Landrum and Bethany Clark. The music coordinator is Jessica Strawderman.

BVS scholarships and local church scholarships available by request. Contact Becky Ullom Naugle at bullomnaugle@brethren.org.

McPherson Regional Youth Conference - March 28-30

The Church of the Brethren Regional Youth Conference hosted by McPherson (Kan.) College is March 28-30 on the theme “Called by God: Preparing for the Journey Together.” Guest speakers and musicians will be Jacob and Jerry Crouse. Online registration and schedule can be found at www.mcpherson.edu/ryc. Registration deadline is March 24.

Source: 2/25/2014 Newsline

Bridgewater Youth Roundtable - March 21-23

Youth Roundtable, a regional youth conference hosted by Bridgewater (Va.) College, will be March 21-23. The event includes workshops, small groups, songs, open mic night, and worship. The speaker will be Eric Landram, a Bridgewater College alumnus and member of Staunton (Va.) Church of the Brethren who is now attending Bethany Theological Seminary. Go to http://iycroundtable.wix.com/iycbc for updates and to register online. Cost is approximately $50.

Source: 2/25/2014 Newsline

Young adults to study Jeremiah 29:11 at YAC

The Church of the Brethren Young Adult Conference (YAC) will be held May 23-25 at Camp Brethren Woods near Keezletown, Va. With the words from Jeremiah 29:11 as a focus, participants will address the theme “Coming Home: For I Know the Plans I Have for You.”

Speakers include Emily Shonk Edwards, Joel Gibbel, Kelsey Murray, and Marcus Harden. Music and worship leadership will be by Jessica Strawderman, Eric Landram, and Bethany Clark. The cost for the weekend (food, lodging, and programming) is $125. Scholarships are available from local churches and for those currently serving in Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS).

Registration is open online at www.brethren.org/yac. For more information or to request scholarship assistance, contact Becky Ullom Naugle in the Youth/Young Adult office at bullomnaugle@brethren.org.

Source: 2/15/2014 Newsline

National Youth Conference

• Hashtag NYC! The National Youth Conference coordinators have posted a fun video overview of the upcoming youth conference via hashtags. NYC takes place in Colorado in July, find out more at www.brethren.org/yya/nyc/.
  
  

• In another note from the NYC office, this weekend is the last chance to send in entries to the National Youth Conference youth speech and music contests. Submit entries at www.brethren.org/yya/nyc/forms.html . Entries are due by Sunday, Feb. 16.

Source: 2/15/2014 Newsline

Registration for upcoming events at Bethany Theological Seminary

Registration deadlines for upcoming events at Bethany Theological Seminary have been announced, including the deadline for the early registration discount for the Presidential Forum on April 4-5 at the campus in Richmond, Ind.; and closing of online registration for the junior high event Immerse! on June 12-17 at Elizabethtown (Pa.) College and Explore Your Call (EYC) for senior highs in advance of National Youth Conference on July 15-19. Junior high youth having completed 7th, 8th, or 9th grades have one more month to register for Immerse!, the seminary’s junior high Bible immersion and Brethren history program; online registration closes March 14. Go to www.bethanyseminary.edu/immerse. The EYC online application deadline is March 31; go to www.bethanyseminary.edu/eyc. EYC will be held July 15-19 at Colorado State University immediately preceding National Youth Conference. Rising juniors and seniors in high school may attend this free, grant-funded discernment program. For more information about Immerse! or EYC contact Bekah Houff, coordinator of outreach programs, at houffre@bethanyseminary.edu or 765-983-1809. Those who wish to receive a discount rate for the Presidential Forum have until midnight Feb. 15 to register (registration at the regular rate will remain open). The forum on “Living Love Feast” will be April 4-5 on the Bethany campus. For information and to register, go to www.bethanyseminary.edu/forum2014.

Source: 2/15/2014 Newsline

NYC offers intercultural scholarships to 100 youth and advisors.

By Tim Heishman

The National Youth Conference (NYC) Office awarded about 100 intercultural scholarships last week to youth and advisors from around the denomination. NYC has offered scholarships for many years to congregations that have a membership that is majority intercultural.

Scholarships were awarded to youth and advisors from 12 churches in 5 districts:

• Atlantic Northeast District--Harrisburg (Pa.) First Church of the Brethren
• Atlantic Southeast District--Castañer (P.R.) Iglesia de los Hermanos, Miami (Fla.) First Church of the Brethren, and Eglise des Frere, a Haitian Brethren congregation in Miami
• Illinois and Wisconsin District--Naperville (Ill.) Church of the Brethren and Rockford (Ill.) Community Church of the Brethren
• Pacific Southwest District--Glendale (Calif.) Church of the Brethren, Empire Church of the Brethren in Modesto, Calif., Iglesia de Cristo Sion in Pomona, Calif., and Principe de Paz in Santa Ana, Calif.
• Virlina District--the Renacer congregations in Roanoke and in Floyd County, Va.

Applications for intercultural scholarships are still being accepted. They are considered on a case-by-case basis, and awarded based on need. Youth groups attending by scholarship plan to fundraise and coordinate with other groups traveling from their district to minimize travel costs. For inquiries related to NYC intercultural scholarships, please contact the NYC office at 847-429-4323 or cobyouth@brethren.org.

National Youth Conference is the largest gathering of Church of the Brethren youth and takes place every four years. NYC 2014 will be held at Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colo., from July 19-24. All youth who have completed ninth grade through one year post high school at the time of NYC are eligible and encouraged to attend. For more information visit www.brethren.org/NYC.

-- Tim Heishman is one of the coordinators of the 2014 National Youth Conference, and a Brethren Volunteer Service worker.

Source: 2/8/2014 Newsline

Youth Peace Travel Team is announced for 2014

By Becky Ullom Naugle

Members of the 2014 Youth Peace Travel Team have been announced. The team is sponsored each year by the Youth and Young Adult Ministry of the Church of the Brethren, the Ministry Office, the Office of Public Witness, the Outdoor Ministries Association, and On Earth Peace. The group of young adults spends the summer at camps across the denomination, teaching about peace, justice, and reconciliation.

Members of the 2014 team are:

• Chris Bache of La Cañada, Calif., and La Verne Church of the Brethren
• Christy Crouse of Warrensburg, Mo., and Warrensburg Church of the Brethren
• Jake Frye of McPherson, Kan., and Monitor Church of the Brethren
• Shelley West of Union, Ohio, and Happy Corner Church of the Brethren.

As the team spends time with youth this summer at camps across the Church of the Brethren, they will teach about peace, justice, and reconciliation, all core values throughout the church’s more than 300-year history. Follow the ministry of the 2014 Youth Peace Travel Team by visiting www.brethren.org/youthpeacetravelteam.

Source: 2/8/2014 Newsline

Service Sunday 2014 will focus on serving God by serving all

The theme for the Church of the Brethren’s observance of Service Sunday 2014 is “Serving God by Serving All” inspired by John 12: 26, “If any of you wants to serve me, then follow me. Then you’ll be where I am, ready to serve at a moment’s notice. The Father will honor and reward anyone who serves me” (The Message version).

Recognized annually on the first Sunday in February, Service Sunday is sponsored by a number of Church of the Brethren ministries including the workcamp ministry, Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS), Brethren Disaster Ministries, and the Brethren Service Center.

Service Sunday celebrates those who serve in Church of the Brethren communities and throughout the world, and encourages church members to discover opportunities to serve through Brethren ministries and to explore possibilities to serve in local communities. The goal of the event is to “Be transformed by serving one another in the name of Christ.”

Worship resources for Service Sunday 2014 are online at www.brethren.org/servicesunday.

Source: 1/17/2014 Newsline

Youth ministry webinar series continues with event on Jan. 21

“Call and Gifts Discernment,” is the third webinar of a series on ministry with youth and young adults. It will be offered on Jan. 21, at 7 p.m. central time (8 p.m. eastern). It will be led by Bekah Houff, Bethany Seminary’s coordinator of Outreach Programs for the Institute for Ministry with Youth and Young Adults.

The focus of the webinar will be on call and vocation--what the Bible says, what it means for each of us, and how to have conversations with youth and young adults in our churches and ministries.

To join the webinar on Jan. 21 go to https://cc.callinfo.com/r/1wbprcakzz5t3&eom. The Youth and Young Adult ministry office notes that the technology used for this webinar works best with non-mobile devices. After joining the video portion, participants join the audio portion by dialing 877-204-3718 (toll free) or 303-223-9908. The access code is 8946766. To view the web portion on an iPad, download the link from the iTunes store (Level 3), and have the conference telephone number and access code available to enter. The name of the app is Level 3.

For more information about the Church of the Brethren webinar series on ministry with youth and young adults, go to www.brethren.org/yya/webcasts.html.

Source: 1/17/2014 Newsline

Registration for the 2014 Young Adult Conference Opens January 24

Online registration for the 2014 Young Adult Conference opens Jan. 24 at www.brethren.org/yac. The conference will be held May 23-25 at Camp Brethren Woods in Keezletown, Va. Find out more at www.brethren.org/yac.

Source: 1/17/2014 Newsline

Church youth groups get together to register for National Youth Conference

Photo courtesy of the NYC office

The NYC coordinators monitor registrations for National Youth Conference 2014, on the opening evening for online registration: (from left) Katie Cummings, Tim Heishman, and Sarah Neher.

By Lucas Kauffman

Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren youth and advisors were among the groups that got together Jan. 3 for a National Youth Conference (NYC) registration party. The youth at Highland Avenue Church in Elgin, Ill., decided to hold their party so that they would be among the first to register for NYC 2014.

They were just seven of more than 200 people who registered in the first two hours after online registration for NYC opened at 7 p.m. (central time) that Friday evening.

The group of Highland Avenue youth started off the party enjoying a meal of pizza, chips, cookies, cake, and drinks. After watching the YouTube video about how to register online, they split up in three different rooms, sitting at different sets of computers, and went to work.

Nathaniel Bohrer and Elliott Wittmeyer were two of the youth who registered. Bohrer is looking forward to seeing old friends while at NYC, and playing some Ultimate Frisbee. Both Bohrer and Wittmeyer are looking to take away several things from NYC. Bohrer is hoping to create new relationships, and receive a new understanding of how the church works. Wittmeyer is looking to have some fun, while also learning some history about the denomination, and listening to sermons that teach him something.

NYC coordinators hold their own registration party

While Highland Avenue youth were registering NYC coordinators Katie Cummings, Tim Heishman, and Sarah Neher were having a registration party of their own at the denomination’s General Offices. They were joined by Becky Ullom Naugle, director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries, and Sarah Ullom-Minnich, who is on the National Youth Cabinet.

After eating pizza and getting everything ready, they each logged on to a computer to watch the registrations come in. They counted down from 10 seconds, to the official registration opening time. It took five minutes for the first registration to be received. A few minor problems had to be dealt with over the phone. They left the offices a little after 9 p.m.

Photo by Lucas Kauffman  

An adult advisor looks on as one of the Highland Avenue youth uses the online registration process for NYC 2014

Heishman says he is looking forward to everything, as an NYC coordinator. “I’m looking forward to seeing all the names come in, and meeting as many people as possible during NYC. I’m excited about all of the speakers, the bands (Mutual Kumquat and Rend Collective Experiment), and especially the worship services. It will be so exciting to see everything come together this July.”

More than 400 register over the weekend

Some of the churches where youth registered for NYC on the first weekend: Wakemans Grove Church of the Brethren in Shenandoah District;  Ambler Church of the Brethren and Little Swatara Church of the Brethren in Atlantic Northeast District; McPherson and Wichita First Churches who teamed up in Western Plains District; Manchester Church of the Brethren  in South Central Indiana District; Gettysburg Church of the Brethren in Southern Pennsylvania District; Oak Grove Church of the Brethren in Virlina District; West Charleston Church of the Brethren and Cristo Nuestra Paz who teamed up in Southern Ohio District.

As of Tuesday morning, Jan. 7, 464 people had registered for NYC. That is up from 366 people in about the first four days of online registration for the last NYC in 2010.

Good reasons to go to NYC

There are several reasons why youth should sign up for NYC, according to Heishman. “NYC is a place where you can meet Christ and hear your calling as a follower of Jesus,” he said. “It is often the spiritual highlight for many youth during their high school years.”

Another reason to sign up? Heishman says that NYC will be a blast.

For more information and to register for National Youth Conference, which takes place at Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colo., on July 19-24, go to www.brethren.org/nyc.

-- Lucas Kauffman is a senior at Manchester University in N. Manchester, Ind., and a January term intern at the Church of the Brethren News Services office.

Source: 1/10/2014 Newsline

Today is opening day for workcamp registration, last day to apply for Ministry Summer Service, Youth Peace Travel Team

Today, Friday, Jan. 10, is a key date for Church of the Brethren youth and young adults who are interesting in participating in summer workcamps, or applying to the Ministry Summer Service program or the Youth Peace Travel Team. Online registration for the summer 2014 workcamps open today at www.brethren.org/workcamps. Today also is the last day for applications for Ministry Summer Service (www.brethren.org/yya/mss) and the Youth Peace Travel Team (www.brethren.org/yya/peaceteam.html).

Workcamp registration opens this evening

The Church of the Brethren Workcamp Ministry will open online registration for its 2014 workcamp season tonight at 7 p.m. (central time). While studying the theme, “Teach with Your Life,” based on 1 Timothy 4:11-16, the workcamp ministry will offer eight junior high workcamps this summer, as well as one intergenerational workcamp, one young adult workcamp, and two workcamps for Brethren Revival Fellowship (BRF) participants.

Two important details for registration this year include a requirement for junior high participants to have a parental permission form filled out ahead of time, as well as an increased deposit amount of $150 for all workcamps.

Anyone interested in registering can find more information about the schedule and descriptions of the workcamps at www.brethren.org/workcamps.

Applications for MSS, YPTT are due today

Today is the deadline to apply for Ministry Summer Service and the Youth Peace Travel Team for the summer of 2014.

Ministry Summer Service (MSS) is a leadership development program for college students in the Church of the Brethren who spend 10 weeks of the summer working in the church (congregation, district, camp, or denominational program). Interns spend one week at an orientation followed by nine weeks working in a church setting. Interns receive a $2,500 tuition grant, food and housing for 10 weeks, $100 per month spending money, transportation from orientation to placement, transportation from placement to home. Churches are expected to provide an atmosphere for learning, reflection, and development of leadership skills; a setting for an intern to engage in ministry and service for 10 weeks; a stipend of $100 a month, plus room and board, transportation on the job, and travel from orientation to placement site; a structure for planning, developing, and implementing projects in a variety of areas; financial resources and time for the pastor/mentor to attend two days of orientation. The 2014 orientation is May 30-June 4. More information and application forms are at www.brethren.org/yya/mss.

The Youth Peace Travel Team (YPTT) is a group of Brethren young adults age 18-23 who spend the summer traveling to Church of the Brethren camps to engage and teach youth about issues of peace and justice while living and learning with campers. The primary goal of the team's work is to talk with other young people about the Christian message and the Brethren tradition of peacemaking. The Youth Peace Travel Team is a joint project of the Church of the Brethren’s Youth and Young Adult Ministry, Brethren Volunteer Service, On Earth Peace, and the Outdoor Ministries Association. More information and application forms are at www.brethren.org/yya/peaceteam.html.

Source: 1/10/2014 Newsline

Online Registration for National Youth Conference Has Begun

Online registration for National Youth Conference (NYC) 2014 opened on Jan. 3. The conference will be held July 19-24 on the campus of Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colo., and all youth who have completed 9th grade through one year of college are eligible to attend.

To register, visit www.brethren.org/NYC and click “Register Now.” The registration process involves filling out a simple online form, paying a deposit of $225 per person, and printing out, signing, and mailing in covenant forms. More detailed information about registration is available on the NYC website.

Youth and their adult advisors are encouraged to gather and register. Many youth groups across the country held registration parties overnight. For those who did not scheduled a registration party, the NYC Office encourages all churches to plan a gathering sometime in the next few weeks.

For any questions about registration or NYC in general, call the NYC Office at 847-429-4389 or 800-323-8039 ext. 389, e-mail cobyouth@brethren.org , or visit www.brethren.org/NYC.

Source: 1/3/2014 Newsline

Camp Harmony 90th Anniversary

Camp Harmony, a camp of Western Pennsylvania District of the Church of the Brethren in Hooversville, Pa., celebrates its 90th anniversary in 2014. Associate camp director Barron Deffenbaugh was interviewed about the celebrations that are being planned for an article in the “Tribune-Democrat” newspaper of Johnstown, Pa. Celebrations begin the weekend of May 30-31 and June 1. Deffenbaugh said area businesses have been invited to attend May 30 for a “meet and greet” with the swimming pool and high and low ropes courses open. There will be an open house for the community on May 31 with the swimming pool, hiking, GPS, and climbing tower available. On June 1 a fellowship celebration will feature a chicken barbecue beginning at 12:30 p.m., recreation and sharing times for church and community members, praise bands, choirs, individual singers, Christian comedy, and worship at 6:30 p.m. with singing and a campfire. Deffenbaugh also told the newspaper that the camp will offer a series of “one-day escapes” during the spring, summer, and fall beginning with a sled riding day on Jan. 18. Go to www.tribune-democrat.com/latestnews/x1956144609/Celebration-to-recognize-camp-s-90th-anniversary.

Source: 1/3/2014 Newsline

Youth Roundtable will be held at Bridgewater (Va.) College on March 21-23.

This is an annual event for senior high youth and their adult advisors from the Church of the Brethren districts in the area. The event includes workshops, small groups, singing, an open mic night, and worship. The speaker will be Eric Landram, a Bethany Theological Seminary students, Bridgewater College alumnus, and member of Staunton (Va.) Church of the Brethren. Cost is about $50. For more information and to register go to http://iycroundtable.wix.com/iycbc.

Source: 1/3/2014 Newsline

National Youth Conference Registration

Opening date of online registration for NYC: Jan. 3, 2014, at 7 p.m. (central time).

Plan Your NYC Registration Party Now

“Plan your registration party now!” say the NYC coordinators. Jan. 3, 2014, 7 p.m. (central) is opening time for online registration for the 2014 National Youth Conference, to be held in Fort Collins, Colo., on July 19-24. Go to www.brethren.org/yya/nyc.

Source: 12/20/2013 Newsline

Powerhouse 2013 gathers youth from the midwest region

By Walt Wiltschek 

Photo courtesy of Walt Wiltschek

More than 70 people took part in Powerhouse 2013, the Church of the Brethren Midwest regional youth conference, held at Camp Mack (Milford, Ind.) for the first time this year. It marked the fourth year for the event since it was restarted in a new fall format.

Audrey and Tim Hollenberg-Duffey, third-year students at Bethany Theological Seminary, served as the main speakers on the theme, “Stories from the Garden: On Earth as It Is in Heaven.” Through three worship services they examined stories from the Garden of Eden, the Garden of Gethsemane, and the garden of life in Revelation 22. Using images from Renaissance paintings to olive presses to leaves, they looked at the goodness of God’s creation, our need for refinement and “harvesting,” and the opportunity to do a new thing as part of the “divine potluck” of God’s kingdom.

The conference, held Nov. 16-17, also included workshops covering topics such as calling and vocation, Brethren heritage, National Youth Conference, outdoor ministry, organic gardening, “Seagoing Cowboys,” and more, as well as an indoor campfire, a presentation of the musical “The Cotton Patch Gospel,” good food, and time for recreation.

The conference for senior high youth and advisors is planned by Manchester University in cooperation with surrounding districts. The next Powerhouse will take place in November 2014, with details to be determined. Updates will be posted at www.manchester.edu/powerhouse.

-- Walt Wiltschek, Manchester University Campus Ministry, provided this release.

Source: 12/7/2013 Newsline

New Young Adult Steering Committee members announced

Three young adults will join the Young Adult Steering Committee of the Church of the Brethren this fall. Jess Hoffert is part of Stover Memorial Church of the Brethren in Northern Plains District. Heather Landram hails from Shenandoah District and Staunton Church of the Brethren. Laura Whitman comes to the team from Palmyra Church of the Brethren in Atlantic Northeast District.

Other members of the Young Adult Steering Committee are Joshua Bashore-Steury, Jon Bay, and Ashley Kern. The Young Adult Steering Committee met Nov. 8-10 to plan for Young Adult Conference, scheduled for May 23-25, 2014, at Camp Brethren Woods in Virginia.

Visit www.brethren.org/yac for more information, or contact Becky Ullom Naugle, director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries, at 847-404-0163 or bullomnaugle@brethren.org.

Source: 11/15/2013 Newsline

National Youth Conference speakers announced, registration opens January 3

The National Youth Conference Office has announced its list of 10 speakers for NYC 2014, to be held July 19-24, 2014, in Fort Collins, Colo. The NYC Office also is encouraging all congregations to plan NYC registration parties for the evening of Jan. 3 when online registration opens at 7 p.m. (central time). Youth groups are encouraged to plan a fun evening of food and games, and register together when the clock strikes seven. Party ideas are available on the registration page of the NYC website at www.brethren.org/yya/nyc/registration-info.html.

NYC 2014 speakers

Here is a brief introduction to each of the speakers who will share with National Youth Conference 2014 during worship:

• Jeff Carter is president of Bethany Theological Seminary, and up until recently served as pastor of Manassas (Va.) Church of the Brethren
• Kathy Escobar is co-pastor of the Refuge, a church community in north Denver, Colo., and also a spiritual director, writer, and retreat and workshop leader
• Leah Hileman is an indie recording artist, freelance writer, and licensed minister in the Church of the Brethren
• Jarrod McKenna is the national advisor for Youth, Faith, and Activism for World Vision Australia as well as founder of EPYC--Empowering Peacemakers in Your Community
• Rodger Nishioka is professor of Christian Education at Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur, Ga., and previously served as denominational staff for youth and young adult ministry in the Presbyterian Church (USA)
• Jenn Quijano from Brooklyn, N.Y., is a student at Bethany Theological Seminary in Richmond, Ind.
• Samuel Sarpiya is pastor of Rockford (Ill.) Community Church, a Church of the Brethren fellowship
• Ted Swartz of “Ted and Company” is a playwright and actor from Harrisonburg, Va., who brings the Bible to life through storytelling and humor
• Katie Shaw Thompson is pastor of Ivester Church of the Brethren in Iowa
• The Youth Speech Contest Winners are yet to be named. Youth may still apply for the contest. Submissions are due by Feb. 16, 2014.

Registration information

The registration webpage for NYC 2014 offers previews in PDF format of what the registration form will look like when it opens on Jan. 3. These are intended to help youth groups prepare and know exactly what information they will need in order to register. Stay tuned for a video tutorial on how to register. For more information visit www.brethren.org/NYC or contact cobyouth@brethren.org or 800-323-3039 ext. 385.

Source: 11/15/2013 Newsline

New video series asks, ‘Why NYC?’

The National Youth Conference Office has launched a weekly video series called "Why NYC Wednesdays." It features young adults from around the denomination reflecting on what their NYC experience meant to them, and sharing reasons why current youth should make NYC a priority next summer.

A new video will be released each Wednesday, available on the National Youth Conference YouTube channel and also on the NYC 2014 Facebook page. The first video featured Christy Crouse, from the Missouri/Arkansas District, who first attended NYC in 2010. You can view her reflections at www.brethren.org/news/2013/new-video-series-asks-why.html.

The NYC office invites others who have attended past youth conferences to submit their own reflections for consideration. How did attending NYC affect you? And why should youth make NYC a priority over any other possible summer activities? Videos can be up to 60 seconds long.

To inquire about submissions, contact the NYC office at cobyouth@brethren.org or 847-429-4363. For more information about National Youth Conference 2014, visit www.brethren.org/yya/nyc.

Source: 11/15/2013 Newsline

Entries sought for Bethany Peace Essay Contest.

By Jenny Williams

Bethany Theological Seminary is encouraging seminary and graduate school, college, and high school students to think creatively about peacemaking and to share those thoughts for the greater good. The Bethany Peace Essay Contest is being reinstated this coming January as part of the peace studies program at the seminary.

The contest, open to all full-time students in the categories above, invites reflections on how personal and local peacemaking efforts can address universal concerns. Participants may choose to explore this theme in one of the following areas, relating to personal experience: art, music, or poetry; the just peace movement; protest or change movements; social media, or interfaith efforts. Prizes of $2,000, $1,000, and $500 will be awarded for the top three essays.

A natural fit within the teaching and learning in peace studies at Bethany, the essay contest is underwritten by the Jennie Calhoun Baker Endowment, funded by John C. Baker in honor of his mother. Described as a “Church of the Brethren woman ahead of her time,” Jennie was known for actively pursuing peacemaking by meeting the needs of others, providing community leadership, and upholding the value of creative and independent thinking in education. John Baker saw her vision and modeling of contemporary peacemaking reflected in Bethany’s collaborative leadership among the three Historic Peace Churches and thus selected the seminary to administer the endowment’s programs.

John Baker, a philanthropist for peace with a distinguished career in higher education, and his wife had also helped establish the peace studies program at Bethany with an earlier endowment gift. “John and Elizabeth Baker were deeply committed to building cultures of peace,” says Scott Holland, professor of theology and culture and director of peace studies and cross-cultural studies at Bethany. “This peace essay contest is intended to encourage thoughtful writing on peace in essays that are informed by the rich traditions of God's shalom and Christ's peace yet articulated in voices that are public, ecumenical, and interfaith. There is also the hope that this contest will lead to international networking and partnerships in pursuit of peace.”

Holland is administrator of the Baker endowment programs and is working with a new Peace Essay Contest Committee to re-envision the contest after a hiatus of several years. Committee members are from the Historic Peace Churches: Kirsten Beachy, assistant professor of visual and communication arts at Eastern Mennonite University (Mennonite); Nathan Hosler, Office of Public Witness for the Church of the Brethren; Abbey Pratt-Harrington, 2013 alumna of Earlham School of Religion (Friends); Anne-Marie Roderick, student at Union Theological Seminary (Brethren); and Lonnie Valentine, professor of peace and justice studies at Earlham School of Religion (Friends).

Bekah Houff, coordinator of outreach programs at Bethany, chairs the committee and is assisting with the administration of the contest. “The committee has been fabulous to work with and represents a variety of talents and experiences. Their input and planning have been crucial to the process. We hope to have some good ecumenical involvement in the contest while mostly focusing on the peace churches in our publicity. In the future we hope to expand to different forms of media for entries, such as video and art.”

Holland also notes that the endowment can be used to underwrite peace sermon contests, which have been held previously and likely will be again.

Judges of the essays include Holland and Valentine; Randy Miller, editor of the Church of the Brethren magazine “Messenger”; and Anna Groff, associate editor of “The Mennonite.” Essays can be submitted between Jan. 1-Jan. 27, 2014, and results will be announced by the end of February 2014. Plans are being made to publish the winning essays in some of the journals and magazines of the Church of the Brethren, Friends, and Mennonite faith communities.

For guidelines, terms, and submission procedures, go to www.bethanyseminary.edu/peace-essay . Contact Bekah Houff at houffre@bethanyseminary.edu or 765-983-1809 for additional information.

-- Jenny Williams is director of Communications and Alumni/ae Relations for Bethany Seminary.

Source: 10/11/2013 Newsline

NYC Youth Worker Application Deadline - Nov 2

Nov. 2 is the deadline for youth worker applications for National Youth Conference, scheduled for July 19-24, 2014, at Colorado State University in Fort Collins. Youth workers, who serve on a volunteer basis, should be available on the CSU campus beginning Friday, July 18, the day prior to NYC, through Thursday evening, July 24. More information can be found at www.brethren.org/nyc.

Source: 10/11/2013 Newsline

ENGAGE Day at Bethany Theological Seminary - Nov 1

Nov. 1 is the date of the next campus visit day at Bethany Theological Seminary in Richmond, Ind. “Have you been considering visiting Bethany? Do you know someone who might like to experience what Bethany has to offer? ENGAGE is a day of options designed for you to explore the Bethany experience with other people interested in theological education,” said an announcement. The day will offer prospective seminary students the opportunity to worship together with the Bethany Seminary community and partner seminary Earlham School of Religion (ESR), hear a student panel, experience a class session, lunch with faculty, discuss financial aid and the admissions process, and take a campus tour. Register at www.bethanyseminary.edu/visit/engage or contact director of admissions Tracy Primozich at 765-983-1832 or primotr@bethanyseminary.edu.

Source: 10/11/2013 Newsline

Brethren Young Adults Invited to Participate in World Council of Churches Virtual Conference for Youth - Oct 12

Brethren young adults are invited to participate in the World Council of Churches Virtual Conference for Youth tomorrow, Saturday, Oct. 12. “What are you doing on Saturday? Would you like to hear thoughts from some amazing folks, including Archbishop Desmond Tutu, for free? The WCC Youth Virtual Conference on October 12 promises to be a direct encounter among young Christians living in many different countries. The conference will center on the following topics: eco-justice, migration, and peace-building.” said the invitation from Becky Ullom Naugle, director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry for the Church of the Brethren. She noted that in ecumenical circles, "youth" often means age 45 and under. Go to http://ecumenicalyouth.org.

Source: 10/11/2013 Newsline

Webinar series to give information about Brethren ministries for young people.

New “non-event” resources from the Youth and Young Adult Ministry this year are a series of webinars by denominational staff whose ministries relate to youth and young adults. These staff have teamed up to provide informational and educational webinars geared toward those who work with Church of the Brethren youth and young adults as advisors, pastors, or parents.

“We hope you will join us!” said Becky Ullom Naugle, director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry.

The first webinar will be this Tuesday, Oct. 9, at 7 p.m. central time (8 p.m. eastern), and will be an introduction to the ministries related to young people from the Church of the Brethren, Bethany Theological Seminary, and On Earth Peace.

To join the webinar on Oct. 9 go to https://cc.callinfo.com/r/1aa02k0lic44s&eom . After joining the video portion, participants will need to join the audio portion by dialing 877-204-3718 (toll free) or 303-223-9908. The access code is 8946766.

Four additional webinars on youth ministry also are planned:

• Nov. 5, 7 p.m. central time, “Short-Term Mission Trips,” led by Emily Tyler of the Workcamp Ministry staff
• Jan. 21, 2014, 7 p.m. central time, “Call and Gifts Discernment,” led by Bekah Houff of the Bethany Seminary staff
• March 4, 2014, 7 p.m. central time, “Intergenerational Relationships,” led by Becky Ullom Naugle, director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry
• May 6, 2014, 7 p.m. central time, “Bullying,” led by Marie Benner-Rhoades of On Earth Peace

For questions call Becky Ullom Naugle at 847-429-4385.

Source: 10/4/2013 Newsline

Curriculum helps youth develop beliefs on peace, conscientious objection.

Call of Conscience, a Church of the Brethren web-based curriculum, is available to download from www.brethren.org/CO. Written by Julie Garber, this resource is designed to help youth develop their beliefs about peace and conscientious objection to war. The curriculum focuses on developing a personal peace position based on biblical teaching and the traditions of the church.

As young men, and possibly women someday, reach the age of 18 they are required by law to register with the Selective Service System, a federal agency responsible for a military draft in the event the nation wants more soldiers than it can recruit as volunteers. If Congress decided to reinstate the draft, young people would have only a short time to gather evidence to convince Selective Service they are conscientious objectors and have a religious opposition to killing.

Call of Conscience helps youth prepare to “make a defense for the hope that is within them” (1 Peter 3:15). Four sessions designed to be led by an adult will help youth think through their beliefs as taught by the Church of the Brethren. Full session plans and downloadable resources are included:

• Session One: The difference between allegiance to God and allegiance to the state.
• Session Two: Biblical teaching on war and peace.
• Session Three: The Church of the Brethren historic and living peace position.
• Session Four: Making a case for conscientious objection.

In a culminating project, youth compile a file of evidence that they believe in the teachings of Jesus on peace, by keeping journals, collecting letters of reference, gathering lists of influential books, websites, news clippings, and films, and answering questions Selective Service will ask to determine the strength of their commitment to peace.

See www.brethren.org/CO.

Source: 10/4/2013 Newsline

Workcamps schedule is announced for 2014.

The schedule for the 2014 summer workcamps offered by the Church of the Brethren is now available online at www.brethren.org/workcamps/schedule. Workcamps will be offered for junior high youth, BRF senior high youth, young adults, and an intergenerational group. Because senior high youth will be attending National Youth Conference in July 2014, a full slate of workcamps for senior high youth will be offered again in 2015.

The following workcamps are planned for junior high youth who have completed grades 6-8. In order to register, the parents of junior high youth must complete a Parental Permission Form:

• Brooklyn, N.Y., June 18-22, cost is $275
• Camp Harmony, Pa., June 18-22, $275
• Harrisburg, Pa., June 25-29, $275
• Columbus, Ohio, July 6-10, $275
• South Bend, Ind., July 9-13, $275
• Crossnore, N.C., July 14-18, $275
• Roanoke, Va., July 30-Aug. 3, $275
• Seattle, Wash., Aug. 6-10, $300

One workcamp is offered for senior high youth (completed grade 9 through age 19) who identify with the views of the Brethren Revival Fellowship (BRF), in cooperation with Brethren Disaster Ministries at a location yet to be determined. Dates are June 22-28. Cost is $285.

The young adult workcamp for people between ages 18-35 will be held on the island of La Tortue, Haiti, June 9-16. Cost is $700.

The intergenerational workcamp for those who have completed grade 6 up to age 99-plus is scheduled at Idaho Mountain Camp on June 16-22. Cost is $375.

For more information go to www.brethren.org/workcamps.

Source: 10/4/2013 Newsline

Powerhouse Regional Youth Conference

It's time for the fourth year of Powerhouse, the regional youth conference for youth in the Midwest. This year the conference will try out a new site, going to Camp Alexander Mack in Milford, Ind., Nov. 16-17. We hope you can join us for this exciting weekend! Opportunities will also be available to visit and tour the Manchester University campus (about 45-50 minutes from Camp Mack) before or after the conference.

At www.manchester.edu/powerhouse, you will find a variety of information and forms needed for each participant to register. All forms must be completed for participants to attend. Forms should be downloaded, printed, and mailed to the university when completed; make enough copies so that each participant has one copy of each form.

Cost this year will be $65 for youth, $60 for advisors (for extenuating circumstances, please contact us). With our new location, everyone will have a bed to sleep in, and the camp will be preparing our meals.

The keynote speakers for our three worship times will be Audrey and Tim Hollenberg- Duffey, students at Bethany Theological Seminary. They will lead us in an exploration of our theme, "On Earth As It Is in Heaven: Stories from the Garden." We want it to be a weekend full of energy and inspiration!

If your group is coming from a distance and needs a place to stay in the area Friday night, please contact us and we can help you make arrangements at Manchester University or with congregations in the area. Please be in prayer for this event and, encourage your youth and advisors to attend.

Coordinators of NYC 2014 issue challenge for Brethren youth to exceed capacity at host university.

What if so many people registered for National Youth Conference (NYC) that Colorado State University ran out of room to house everyone? That’s the challenge NYC coordinators Katie Cummings, Tim Heishman, and Sarah Neher are issuing to Brethren youth and to the denomination as a whole.

The conference is scheduled for July 19-24, 2014, at Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colo. NYC is a week-long faith formation event for youth and their advisors that takes place every four years. All youth who have completed ninth grade through one year of college (at the time of NYC) are eligible to attend.

Typical attendance at NYC has been around 3,000 in recent history, but Colorado State University is able to house up to 5,000 people. The NYC coordinators are challenging the denomination to fill up all 5,000 beds.

“It may sound like a challenge, but if every participant just brought a friend along, it would happen! Or if everyone who reads this article tried to get one youth to attend NYC, it would happen!” they wrote for Newsline.

“There is a great story in the Gospels about Jesus feeding 5,000 people. Jesus said to his disciples, ‘You give them something to eat.’ And the disciples responded, ‘We only have five loaves and two fish.’ But where the disciples saw an obstacle, Jesus saw an opportunity.

“Particularly at this significant moment in the life and history of the Church of the Brethren, we need every youth to be at NYC 2014. Now is the time to bring the next generation together, to hear Christ’s call, and be blessed for the journey together.”

NYC coordinators see an opportunity to create a “delightful problem” for the Church of the Brethren: so many youth signing up for the conference that staff will “have to scramble to figure out where to house everyone. Wouldn’t that be incredible?”

The coordinators are encouraging church members to help support the ministry of NYC by joining the challenge: “Find one youth to send to NYC 2014!”

For more information about National Youth Conference, visit www.brethren.org/NYC.

Source: 9/26/2013 Newsline

Salem Church of the Brethren Youth

The youth at Salem Church of the Brethren at Stephens City have received thanks from Shenandoah District for their “creative and generous support of our disaster response teams.” The youth raised $766 for disaster response by participating in the Route 11 Yard Crawl on Aug. 10, selling sandwiches, drinks, chips, and yard sale items. Also contributing money to disaster relief in the district was the first Family Fun Day on Aug. 24, which brought in about $2,500, said the district newsletter.

Source: 9/26/2013 Newsline

Workcamp ministry closes out successful 2013 season, announces theme for 2014.

The Church of the Brethren workcamp ministry closed out a successful summer season in 2013, holding 23 workcamps at a variety of sites across the nation for Brethren junior and senior high youth and adults.

The ministry also has announced a theme and theme scripture for next year’s workcamps, to be held in summer 2014.

This year’s 23 workcamps included 3 new locations, and involved 363 participants including adult advisors and youth. The workcamp office reports that 35 people contributed to leadership at workcamps this summer, along with the two Brethren Volunteer Service workers who were assistant coordinators for 2013--Katie Cummings and Tricia Ziegler--and staff director Emily Tyler.

Next summer’s workcamps will be held on the theme, “Teach With Your Life,” based on the scripture theme 1 Timothy 4:11-16. Debbie Noffsinger designed the 2014 workcamp logo.

New in 2014, the workcamp deposit amount will be raised to $150. Next summer will see workcamps offered for young adults, Brethren Revival Fellowship (BRF) senior highs, intergenerational groups, and junior highs. The number of senior high workcamps will be restricted because 2014 is a National Youth Conference year.

Jenna Stacy has begun a term in Brethren Volunteer Service as assistant workcamp coordinator, working with Emily Tyler. Stacy is a native of Campobello, S.C., and began work at the Church of the Brethren General Offices on Aug. 20. She will attend the fall orientation Unit 303 of BVS. She is a 2013 graduate of Bridgewater (Va.) College with a bachelor’s degree in religion and philosophy.

More information about 2014 workcamps will be available by late September at www.brethren.org/workcamps.

Source: 9/13/2013 Newsline

Youth conference coordinators to hold ‘NYC Hangouts’ in September.

An itinerary of “NYC Hangouts” is planned by National Youth Conference (NYC) coordinators Katie Cummings, Tim Heishman, and Sarah Neher. The Church of the Brethren NYC 2014 is planned for July 19-24 on the campus of Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colo. The event is a week-long “faith formation extravaganza” for youth and adult advisors. Youth who have completed ninth grade through a year of college at the time of NYC are eligible to attend.

The September “NYC Hangouts” are information sessions, complete with pizza, offered at several locations to raise excitement and interest in the conference. Youth and advisors are invited to come meet the NYC coordinators, learn about NYC, ask questions, receive resources such as fundraising ideas and options for transportation, and share pizza and fellowship.

Stops on the itinerary include:

• Sept. 3, 7 p.m., Western Pennsylvania District Office, Hollsopple, Pa.
• Sept. 5, 7 p.m., First Church of the Brethren, Roaring Spring, Pa.
• Sept. 6-8, Mid-Atlantic District Youth Beach Retreat in Lewes, Del.
• Sept. 8, 7 p.m., Elizabethtown (Pa.) Church of the Brethren
• Sept. 9, 3 p.m., Madison Church of the Brethren, Brightwood, Va.
• Sept. 9, 7 p.m., Bridgewater (Va.) Church of the Brethren
• Sept. 10, 7 p.m. First Church of the Brethren, Roanoke, Va.
• Sept. 11, 6 p.m., Happy Corner Church of the Brethren, Clayton, Ohio

Visit the NYC Facebook page at www.facebook.com/NYC2014 to RSVP for one of the “NYC Hangouts.” Find a video introducing the Youth Cabinet who is helping to plan NYC at www.youtube.com/watch?v=PdhE8SgGwY8.



For more information about the 2014 National Youth Conference go to www.brethren.org/nyc.

Source: 8/30/2013 Newsline