NEWS AND NOTES FROM COB NEWSLINE MAY 23, 2008

• Brethren Benefit Trust (BBT) has announced the opening of the position of director of Credit Union Operations. Applicants should have a minimum of five years of experience in credit union or banking management and/or corporate financial management, and have a CPA Certificate or strong financial background. The portfolio will include supervision, operational management, loans, deposits, asset management, operation management, compliance reporting, new products development, marketing, financial and Board reporting. This position will be located in Elgin, Ill. By June 27, applicants should submit a letter of interest, resume, and three references to Donna March via e-mail at dmarch_bbt@brethren.org or by fax or mail to Donna March, Director of Office Operations, Church of the Brethren Benefit Trust, 1505 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120; fax 847-742-6336.
  
  
• Bethany Theological Seminary has announced an opening for the fulltime position of director of admissions, with a starting date in September. This is an opportunity for a creative professional to serve the church, helping to identify and encourage leaders to develop their gifts through graduate theological education. The director of admissions will be responsible for a wide range of student recruitment activities, including taking the lead to implement a recruitment plan, working as a team member in recruitment activities, representing the seminary at off-campus events, developing relationships with prospective students, and conducting interviews. The work will include significant travel to visit students, attend camps and conferences, etc. Applicants should hold a bachelor's degree; a seminary degree is preferred. Familiarity with and an understanding of the Church of the Brethren is required. Two to five years of professional experience in a field working with people is valuable. Applicants should demonstrate strong oral and written communication skills, listening skills, organizational skills, ability to help individuals discern vocational calling, and eagerness to work as part of a team. Experience in communications technology and multicultural recruitment is a plus. Submit a letter of application and resume to the Executive Director of Student and Business Services, Bethany Theological Seminary, 615 National Rd. W., Richmond, IN 47374. Application review will begin on June 6. Applications will continue to be accepted until the position is filled. Bethany Theological Seminary is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from those who can further enhance the breadth and diversity of educational community.
  
  
• Online registration will be available through May 30 for the 2008 Annual Conference in Richmond, Va., which will be held from July 12-16. After May 30, those who want to attend the Conference will need to register onsite in Richmond for an increased fee. Go to the Annual Conference website at www.brethren.org/ac to register.
  
  
• The airport bus shuttle has been canceled for Annual Conference in Richmond. Due to insufficient demand for bus shuttle service between the airport and hotels in Richmond, airport shuttle service has been canceled, reported the Annual Conference Office. The bus company will contact those who signed up for the service and suggest alternate transportation. This cancellation only applies to airport service and all hotel bus shuttles will be fully operational and complimentary.
  
  
• Neighborhood Church of the Brethren in Montgomery, Ill., will celebrate its 50 years in Boulder Hill with a Homecoming Celebration on Oct. 11-12. Go to the website at www.ourneighborhoodchurch.com for more information.
  
  
• Shannon McNeil will begin a one-year internship at the Brethren Historical Library and Archives on June 2. In May, McNeil graduated from Bridgewater (Va.) College with a degree in international studies. Her home is in Dunlap, Ill. As the official repository of the Church of the Brethren, the archives collects, preserves, and organizes Brethren materials and is located at the church's General Offices in Elgin, Ill.
  
  
• First Church of the Brethren of Peoria celebrates their 60th anniversary with a Pot Luck and program Saturday, June 7th in the fellowship hall. Peoria was a church planted by denomination in 1948 with assistance of the Oak Grove Congregation. All are invited to attend.
  
  
• Decatur Church of the Brethren celebrates their 100th anniversary October 18th and 19th. Watch for additional information in future newsletters.