Friday, February 01, 2008
DE PONDERINGS
Our two-year-old (going on 12) granddaughter, Kessa, enjoys watching videos when she comes to Grammy and Papa's house. One in particular that she likes is the movie Beethoven, a family film about a big St. Bernard dog. Kessa calls it the "big dog" movie. This past weekend while Kessa was visiting, we watched one of the five "big dog" movies (there are actually 5 Beethoven movies, believe it not). At one point in the movie, two people were shouting back and forth at each other to shut up. At the conclusion of that scene, Kessa, with a big grin on her face, looked at the adults in the room and loudly said, as you might have guessed already, "Shut up!" Some family film, huh?
Well, we quickly worked with Kessa informing her that telling others to shut up was not appropriate. We shared with her that saying "please be quiet" was a much nicer way to get across the same message. I'm not convinced Kessa completely understood what we were telling her as she would say "be quiet" and then very softly say "shut up." I think she thought we just wanted her to say "shut up" in a quieter voice.
This little incident that happened in our living room caused me to wonder what God thinks about our responses to the real life drama that we view on a regular basis. Do we, like a child, without thinking, sometimes blurt out what is on our minds? Do our responses immediately bring admonishment from those who hear our responses? And what do we do upon receiving admonishment? Do we continue sharing our original response, but in a quieter, softer tone?
I ask these questions not judgmentally, but simply for us to pause and consider that our responses matter. What we say can either stir things up or enhance unity. My intuitive reaction is that we would rather enhance unity. Therefore, being patient in forming an appropriate response has greater potential for unity.
An interesting little story tucked away in Donald Durnbaugh's book, Fruit of the Vine, is helpful in understanding that a patient response is beneficial and unifying. The story takes place after 1762 in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. A young Brethren woman, Catherine Hummer, daughter of Peter Hummer, a minister in the White Oak congregation, was having what she called heaven-sent visions. Her father supported these visions as divine in nature. Reports were being sent to Europe that Catherine had seen "many hundred persons baptizing in eternity," that is, according to Durnbaugh, in paradise.
These visions caused quite a stir and the Yearly Meeting in 1763 discussed the difficulties associated with Catherine's experiences. A very quick and rash decision, one with negative results, could have been made. Interestingly, this isn't what happened. Cooler heads prevailed. A decision was made but it was one which didn't deal with the issue of the visions as much as dealing with how to remain in community in the midst of a difficult, likely controversial, problem.
Members of the church were asked to be tolerant of others with conflicting opinions in order to keep unity. A statement was developed which urged members to comply:
We do not herewith have a formula for resting on our laurels and doing nothing. But we do have an admonition to listen for the "Lord's coming" in the midst of our conversations that involve difficult and controversial issues, no matter how long it takes.
Never think that God's delays are God's denials.
Hold on; hold fast; hold out. Patient is genius.
-Comte de Buffon (1707-1788)
There are times when God asks nothing of his children except silence, patience, and tears.
-C .S. Robinson
Well, we quickly worked with Kessa informing her that telling others to shut up was not appropriate. We shared with her that saying "please be quiet" was a much nicer way to get across the same message. I'm not convinced Kessa completely understood what we were telling her as she would say "be quiet" and then very softly say "shut up." I think she thought we just wanted her to say "shut up" in a quieter voice.
This little incident that happened in our living room caused me to wonder what God thinks about our responses to the real life drama that we view on a regular basis. Do we, like a child, without thinking, sometimes blurt out what is on our minds? Do our responses immediately bring admonishment from those who hear our responses? And what do we do upon receiving admonishment? Do we continue sharing our original response, but in a quieter, softer tone?
I ask these questions not judgmentally, but simply for us to pause and consider that our responses matter. What we say can either stir things up or enhance unity. My intuitive reaction is that we would rather enhance unity. Therefore, being patient in forming an appropriate response has greater potential for unity.
An interesting little story tucked away in Donald Durnbaugh's book, Fruit of the Vine, is helpful in understanding that a patient response is beneficial and unifying. The story takes place after 1762 in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. A young Brethren woman, Catherine Hummer, daughter of Peter Hummer, a minister in the White Oak congregation, was having what she called heaven-sent visions. Her father supported these visions as divine in nature. Reports were being sent to Europe that Catherine had seen "many hundred persons baptizing in eternity," that is, according to Durnbaugh, in paradise.
These visions caused quite a stir and the Yearly Meeting in 1763 discussed the difficulties associated with Catherine's experiences. A very quick and rash decision, one with negative results, could have been made. Interestingly, this isn't what happened. Cooler heads prevailed. A decision was made but it was one which didn't deal with the issue of the visions as much as dealing with how to remain in community in the midst of a difficult, likely controversial, problem.
Members of the church were asked to be tolerant of others with conflicting opinions in order to keep unity. A statement was developed which urged members to comply:
Now, if one or the other thinks that we have not sufficiently judged the occurrence, let him consider that we cannot in the least give cause for a separation for conscience' sake. Therefore we felt constrained not to criticize or judge this strange happening but rather urge everyone to a God-like impartiality and patience, lest someone judge before the time when the Lord comes, who will also reveal the hidden things of darkness and will make manifest the counsel of the heart.The second sentence of the statement has the key to being tolerant in difficult or controversial issues: patience. If and when we respond quickly to the drama of life out of a sense of confidence that we are right, could it be we simply do not practice patience? And how patient should we be? The folks in 1763 considered being patient enough to wait until the Lord comes.
We do not herewith have a formula for resting on our laurels and doing nothing. But we do have an admonition to listen for the "Lord's coming" in the midst of our conversations that involve difficult and controversial issues, no matter how long it takes.
Never think that God's delays are God's denials.
Hold on; hold fast; hold out. Patient is genius.
-Comte de Buffon (1707-1788)
There are times when God asks nothing of his children except silence, patience, and tears.
-C .S. Robinson
WANTED: DISTRICT ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT/SECRETARY
This is a part-time position (15 hours per week) available March 17, 2008
The district executive is looking for a qualified individual with administrative and clerical skills who will have responsibility for maintaining an efficient and user-friendly office environment. The candidate should be strong in interpersonal communication skills, be attentive to detail, and be familiar with faith-based organization. The preferred candidate will be energetic and willing to take initiative to complete tasks within scheduled time frames. A good working knowledge of Microsoft Office products is also preferred.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Administrative Assistant shall manage the office including responsibilities of receptionist, telephone, secretarial services, filing, and assistance with administrative functions related to District programming and services, which will include but not be limited to the following:
One to three years of related experience.
Application deadline: February 18, 2008
The district executive is looking for a qualified individual with administrative and clerical skills who will have responsibility for maintaining an efficient and user-friendly office environment. The candidate should be strong in interpersonal communication skills, be attentive to detail, and be familiar with faith-based organization. The preferred candidate will be energetic and willing to take initiative to complete tasks within scheduled time frames. A good working knowledge of Microsoft Office products is also preferred.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Administrative Assistant shall manage the office including responsibilities of receptionist, telephone, secretarial services, filing, and assistance with administrative functions related to District programming and services, which will include but not be limited to the following:
- Keep office space functional, organized, and neat.
- Maintain supplies and materials and reorder as needed.
- General record keeping and maintenance of organizational files.
- Respond to routine information requests and inquiries.
- Coordinate organizational mailings including generating mailing lists.
- Maintain and update database records.
- Receive and properly appropriate funds received for certain District Conference activities
- Completing and filing administrative and statistical documents with the denominational offices
One to three years of related experience.
- Strong organizational skills including the ability to plan work, meet deadlines and balance multiple projects and objectives.
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Office or other word processing and spreadsheet applications
- Strong clerical and administrative skills.
- Strong interpersonal and written communication skills.
Application deadline: February 18, 2008
GOING GREEN WORKSHOPS
Looking for a chance to do your part in turning down the heat on the planet--and saving money for use in ministry and mission! The District Leadership Team invites congregations in the District to consider hosting an "Undoing Global Warming" workshop led by New Community Project. The workshop provides assistance to congregations in identifying opportunities for conserving the land, energy, water, and clean air. Contact Tom Benevento at New Community Project at tbenevento@newcommunityproject.org or Loren Habegger at habegger4@comcast.net.
NEW COMMUNITY PROJECT
Promoting peace through justice, care for creation, and experiential learning.
In an effort to enable churches to take the lead in combating global warming, the Undoing Global Warming program of the New Community Project offers congregations a chance to turn down the heat on the planet--and save money for use in ministry and mission!
Here's how a weekend might go:
Saturday morning: Earth-Friendly Church
With church committees and/or building manager we assess the church buildings and grounds in regard to energy and water conservation, alternative energies, waste reduction, food preparation, transportation, and eco-landscaping. Together we explore cost effective and simple techniques that will reduce your church's energy and water consumption and reduce waste thus becoming better stewards of God's creation, reducing global warming gases, saving money, and inspiring others.
Saturday afternoon or Sunday after church: Hands-on Workshops
Congregation members learn about and discuss topics such as composting techniques and organic soil fertility; spiral herb gardens; home eco-cleaners; building a solar oven; deep mulch keyhole gardening (the no watering/no weeding garden); solar food dryer; forest gardening; organic pest control; season extender gardening; edible landscaping; political and institutional actions.
Saturday afternoon or evening: Earth-Friendly Home
In the home of a volunteer parishioner (and including up to 15 other church members) we will use activities and discussion to explore the many diverse and simple techniques for a more earth-friendly home that we can all begin implementing today. This workshop includes energy and water conservation, alternative energy, waste reduction and toxins, food, and transportation. We will also discuss connections between our lifestyles and people of the Third World.
Sunday morning service: The Sacredness of Life
Either during the Sunday service or Sunday school class we are available to give a presentation on faith-based, earthfriendly living.
Cost: Travel from Harrisonburg, VA, plus honorarium of $150-$300.
Undoing Global Warming program coordinator: Tom Benevento -- Tom has a degree in Sustainable Systems and has extensive experience in development work and community organizing. His work with NCP involves leading Undoing Global Warming workshops for congregations and other groups, and developing a model sustainable living center at his home in Harrisonburg, VA. Learn more about his work at our Undoing Global Warming page. Contact Tom at: tbenevento@newcommunityproject.org.
NATIONAL YOUNG ADULT CONFERENCE DVD
A copy of the 2004 National Young Adult Conference (NYAC) DVD is available in the district office for congregations to borrow. This DVD can be used to show to young adults and/or congregations to encourage NYAC participation, support, and to show everyone what NYAC is all about. If you would like to borrow the DVD please contact the district office.
NEWS FROM NEW CHURCH DEVELOPMENT
The New Church Development Board made a change from being called a "board" to a "team". So in the Brethren "name game" you will want to know that NCDB and NCDT refer to the same entity. The initial changes are seen on our website www.ncdb.org. When on the website, check out the offer to attend the upcoming Church Planting Conference , May 15-17, at Bethany Seminary. The NCDT offers to reimburse persons within the District who attend the conference. An online form will request reimbursement of the registration fee. The link to the conference website takes you to more detailed information. Who says there is no free lunch! Seriously, we hope to hear from you and see you there. And please include this offer in your announcements on Sunday morning.
PASTORS AND CHURCH LEADERS
In an effort to promote and keep your congregation informed about Annual Conference, a video entitled "The Ministry of Annual Conference" is now available for viewing on the Annual Conference website at http://brethren.org/ac/ministry.html. This 11-minute feature is also available free on DVD upon request to the Annual Conference office. For more information or a free copy, contact 800-688-5186 or email annualconference@brethren.org.
Please watch this well-produced video by Dave Sollenberger. Feel free to use it to inform and enlighten your leaders and your congregation about Annual Conference - at board meetings, congregational forums or other settings.
We would also ask that you add the Annual Conference website link (www.brethern.org/ac) to your congregational website, if it is not already there. This would allow your congregation access to important Annual Conference information as soon as it is available.
The ministry of Annual Conference does so much to unite, strengthen and equip the Church of the Brethren to follow Jesus. We thank you in advance for your help in keeping congregations informed.
Annual Conference Office
500 Main Street
New Windsor, MD 21776-0720
800-688-5186
Website: www.brethren.org/ac
Please watch this well-produced video by Dave Sollenberger. Feel free to use it to inform and enlighten your leaders and your congregation about Annual Conference - at board meetings, congregational forums or other settings.
We would also ask that you add the Annual Conference website link (www.brethern.org/ac) to your congregational website, if it is not already there. This would allow your congregation access to important Annual Conference information as soon as it is available.
The ministry of Annual Conference does so much to unite, strengthen and equip the Church of the Brethren to follow Jesus. We thank you in advance for your help in keeping congregations informed.
Annual Conference Office
500 Main Street
New Windsor, MD 21776-0720
800-688-5186
Website: www.brethren.org/ac
The Story of ISLAM
Presented by Bradley Professor: Jason Zaborowski
At the First Church of the Brethren of Peoria
SUNDAY EVENINGS: Feb. 10 & 17, Time: 6:00 PM
In the Fellowship Hall.
Everyone is Invited..
Bring a friend
Learn about one of the fastest growing religions in the world and the USA.
At the First Church of the Brethren of Peoria
SUNDAY EVENINGS: Feb. 10 & 17, Time: 6:00 PM
In the Fellowship Hall.
Everyone is Invited..
Bring a friend
Learn about one of the fastest growing religions in the world and the USA.
NATIONAL YOUNG ADULT CONFERENCE REGISTRATION BEGINS!
Registration began on January 7, 2008 and will end on June 1, 2008. Those who register before Valentine's Day will receive $25 off of their registration cost! Early registration will conclude on February 14, 2008 at 4:00 pm, Central Time. At that time registration will increase to $325.
To register go to www.nyac08.org and fill out an online registration form. At least $150 deposit is due to the Youth/Young Adult Office upon registering. Please contact Rebekah Houff, NYAC Coordinator with any questions (1-800-323-8039 ext. 281), rhouff_gb@brethren.org
Those interested in giving gift certificates to young adults may continue to do so. Gift certificates can be purchased in 50% and 100% increments. For more information, visit www.nyac08.org. Please provide your mailing address and the name of the recipient of the gift certificate along with your payment mailed to:
To register go to www.nyac08.org and fill out an online registration form. At least $150 deposit is due to the Youth/Young Adult Office upon registering. Please contact Rebekah Houff, NYAC Coordinator with any questions (1-800-323-8039 ext. 281), rhouff_gb@brethren.org
Those interested in giving gift certificates to young adults may continue to do so. Gift certificates can be purchased in 50% and 100% increments. For more information, visit www.nyac08.org. Please provide your mailing address and the name of the recipient of the gift certificate along with your payment mailed to:
National Young Adult ConferenceNYAC is scheduled for August 11-15, 2008 in Estes Park, Colorado at the YMCA of the Rockies and is open to all young adults ages 18-35. Come to the Mountain with us where we will explore God's call in our lives. See new perspectives, reconnect with God, and learn what it means to walk in God's paths.
c/o Rebekah Houff
1451 Dundee Avenue
Elgin, IL 60120
Please make checks payable to the Church of the Brethren General Board.
2008 ILLINOIS/WISCONSIN SPRING DISTRICT YOUTH RETREAT
Feb. 29-March 2, Decatur (Ill.) Church of the Brethren
300! Celebrating our Brethren heritage
The Church of the Brethren celebrates its 300th birthday this year. You are invited to the party. Come for a weekend when we'll explore how our faith tradition became what it is today and what that means for us now. The weekend will also include good food, games and recreation, a possible service project, worship, and more. Friends are welcome!
300! Celebrating our Brethren heritage
The Church of the Brethren celebrates its 300th birthday this year. You are invited to the party. Come for a weekend when we'll explore how our faith tradition became what it is today and what that means for us now. The weekend will also include good food, games and recreation, a possible service project, worship, and more. Friends are welcome!
- WHERE: Decatur Church of the Brethren, 1306 N. Warren St., Decatur, Ill.
- WHEN: Feb. 29-March 2, 2008. Registration will begin at 8 p.m. We will stay for church and finish by noon on Sunday.
- WHO: Anyone in 9th through 12th grades, and advisors.
- LEADERSHIP: Logan Condon from the Brethren Historical Library and Archives; James Gibble-Keenan from the Youth Heritage Teams, and others.
- WHAT: A weekend filled with fun, learning, worship, food, and time with friends.
- COST: $30 (free for advisors). Registration forms are available at www.cobyouth.org. Registrations are due by FEB. 21!
- WANT MORE INFO? See the district youth website, www.cobyouth.org.
JR. HIGH RETREAT RESCHEDULED
When arrangements were made with Mt. Morris COB to have the District Jr. High Retreat we forgot the Multi Cultural Event at Elgin the weekend of April 25-26. Please Note that the Jr. High Retreat has been changed and will now be April 18-19 at the Mt. Morris CoB. For more information please contact Lisa Fike revsfike@hotmail.com.
300TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT AT HIGHLAND AVENUE - YOU'RE INVITED!
We invite members of our District to attend an Andy & Terry Murray concert on Sunday, March 2, at 3 p.m., at the Highland Avenue Church in Elgin. You are also invited to a reception following the concert. . The concert is part of our observance of the 300th anniversary of the Church of the Brethren. The music theme, "A River Runs Through Us," will feature stories in song of historical Brethren from 1708, when the first eight members were baptized in the Eder River in Germany, to current times.The Murrays have recorded seven albums and presented over 300 concerts, including performances at Annual Conference and National Youth Conference. Many songs composed by Andy Murray contain Brethren historical figures and values as their subject. This makes a significant contribution to the celebration of our heritage. In that list we find John Kline, Sister Anna Beauty Queen (Anna Mow), Alexander's Rag Time Band version on Alexander Mack, and A Full Measure Man, which highlights the integrity of Cyrus Bomberger and the traditional dictum in our heritage that a person's word is his or her bond.
During a sabbatical early in 2007, Andy composed a new song, "River Sill Running," and is the title of a CD featuring songs on Brethren heroes. Using the baptism of ouor church's founders, the refrain offers tribute to "the river still running in my soul." The album complements the CD curriculum produced by the 300th Anniversary Committee for use in local congregations.
For 21 years Andy Murray has directed the Baker Institute for Peace and Conflict Studies at Juniata College, Huntingdon, Pa., a multidisciplinary program he founded that includes courses on mediation, nonviolence in theory and practice, arms control, nuclear threat, and gender and culture.
2008 CHRISTIAN CITIZENSHIP SEMINAR
The 2008 Christian Citizenship Seminar will be held on the topic of genocide, focusing on the Darfur region of Sudan, with a scripture theme from Matthew 5:44. The event for high school youth is scheduled for March 29-April 3, in New York City and Washington D.C., sponsored by the Brethren Witness/Washington Office and the Youth and Young Adult Ministries of the General Board.
This year's seminar is being planned to increase understanding of the relationship between faith and our response to the violence of genocide. The event is open to all high school youth and adult advisors. Registration will be limited to the first 100 youth and adults who apply. The $350 registration fee includes lodging for five nights, dinner on the opening evening, and transportation from New York to Washington.
Register at www.brethren.org/genbd/yya/CCS.htm. Registration will be cut off by Feb. 28, 2008 or as soon as 100 registrations have been received. Contact Youth and Young Adult Ministries at 800-323-8039 or COBYouth_gb@brethren.org.
This year's seminar is being planned to increase understanding of the relationship between faith and our response to the violence of genocide. The event is open to all high school youth and adult advisors. Registration will be limited to the first 100 youth and adults who apply. The $350 registration fee includes lodging for five nights, dinner on the opening evening, and transportation from New York to Washington.
Register at www.brethren.org/genbd/yya/CCS.htm. Registration will be cut off by Feb. 28, 2008 or as soon as 100 registrations have been received. Contact Youth and Young Adult Ministries at 800-323-8039 or COBYouth_gb@brethren.org.
Living Peace Church News & Notes
Dear Illinois & Wisconsin, Below you will find the February 2008 Living Peace Church News & Notes. I hope you enjoy these Lenten reflections by Travis Poling and that you will share them in an upcoming newsletter with your congregation or district.
