Tuesday, July 01, 2008
DE PONDERINGS
by Kevin Kessler
Margaret J. Wheatley compiled several of her essays on leadership in a book Finding Our Way: Leadership For an Uncertain Time. Wheatley's thrust is to help her readers understand organizations as "responsive, self-organizing living systems where creativity and commitment flourish, rather than cold mechanisms of control."
In one particular essay she makes the argument that "freedom to create is essential for change." Change does not occur where control exists in the hands of one individual or one small group. However, where all members of an organization have the opportunity to be creative, the entity lives and evolves in ways to become even more effective and productive. Wheatley uses four principles to validate her argument, one of which is "we do not see 'reality'; we each create our own interpretation of what's real."
On the surface, the principle Wheatley uses may seem as if it would create disunity in an organization. She acknowledges this implication and thus presents the basis for her conviction with this paragraph:
"It's not about arguing about who's right and who's wrong. If we talk with colleagues to share perceptions, if we expect and even seek out the great diversity of interpretations that exist, we learn and change. Biologist Francisco Varela redefined organizational intelligence: It isn't the ability to solve problems that makes an organization smart. It is the ability of its members to enter into a world whose significance they share. Everyone in the group has to feel that what is occurring is significant-even as they have different perspectives."
Wheatley's essay, particularly the preceding paragraph, provides an interesting perspective with relevance for the Church of the Brethren. Undeniably, as a denomination, many different theological and values-based perceptions exist. The result of this diversity of thought is too often seen in people taking sides and arguing for their respective positions while losing sight of what is significant.
What if in the Church of the Brethren focus shifted from taking positions to entering into a world of shared significance? The question then becomes, "What is our shared significance?"
Recent exploration of this question occurred with the Together Conversations. An emphasis was placed on understanding who we are as the Church of the Brethren, having that common identity become significant for us, and then moving ahead under that umbrella in a unified manner to help us evolve into a more effective and influential body of believers.
The work of the Together Conversations was valuable and productive, but did we miss an important Brethren publication already in print that gets at the heart of our common significance, specifically the small book entitled Who Are These Brethren? written by Joan Deeter? Deeter uses alliteration to help us understand that the Church of the Brethren has a shared significance of conviction, covenant, compassion, and conversation. The significance of these categories continues in spite of our divergent viewpoints.
For example, Deeter writes about the Church of the Brethren vision for mission under the category of conviction. The early mission emphasis was to establish the Church of the Brethren in other areas of the world. Over time, the emphasis changed from planting churches in other countries to working with already established Christian churches in those countries. The emphasis has shifted again to "parallel new church planting at home" meaning there is an emphasis in evangelism and new church development in other countries. The shifts in interest indicate divergent and varying viewpoints about mission. But what is not lost is an emphasis that mission work is significant. We maintain that conviction.
Can these alliterated categories Deeter provides become for us a rallying cry by which we together become creatively engaged in self-organizing a more vital and healthy Church of the Brethren? Possibly! Is it worth a try? Definitely! The possible results are potential benefits to our organizational health and intelligence.
Suggested reading:
Margaret J. Wheatley compiled several of her essays on leadership in a book Finding Our Way: Leadership For an Uncertain Time. Wheatley's thrust is to help her readers understand organizations as "responsive, self-organizing living systems where creativity and commitment flourish, rather than cold mechanisms of control."
In one particular essay she makes the argument that "freedom to create is essential for change." Change does not occur where control exists in the hands of one individual or one small group. However, where all members of an organization have the opportunity to be creative, the entity lives and evolves in ways to become even more effective and productive. Wheatley uses four principles to validate her argument, one of which is "we do not see 'reality'; we each create our own interpretation of what's real."
On the surface, the principle Wheatley uses may seem as if it would create disunity in an organization. She acknowledges this implication and thus presents the basis for her conviction with this paragraph:
"It's not about arguing about who's right and who's wrong. If we talk with colleagues to share perceptions, if we expect and even seek out the great diversity of interpretations that exist, we learn and change. Biologist Francisco Varela redefined organizational intelligence: It isn't the ability to solve problems that makes an organization smart. It is the ability of its members to enter into a world whose significance they share. Everyone in the group has to feel that what is occurring is significant-even as they have different perspectives."
Wheatley's essay, particularly the preceding paragraph, provides an interesting perspective with relevance for the Church of the Brethren. Undeniably, as a denomination, many different theological and values-based perceptions exist. The result of this diversity of thought is too often seen in people taking sides and arguing for their respective positions while losing sight of what is significant.
What if in the Church of the Brethren focus shifted from taking positions to entering into a world of shared significance? The question then becomes, "What is our shared significance?"
Recent exploration of this question occurred with the Together Conversations. An emphasis was placed on understanding who we are as the Church of the Brethren, having that common identity become significant for us, and then moving ahead under that umbrella in a unified manner to help us evolve into a more effective and influential body of believers.
The work of the Together Conversations was valuable and productive, but did we miss an important Brethren publication already in print that gets at the heart of our common significance, specifically the small book entitled Who Are These Brethren? written by Joan Deeter? Deeter uses alliteration to help us understand that the Church of the Brethren has a shared significance of conviction, covenant, compassion, and conversation. The significance of these categories continues in spite of our divergent viewpoints.
For example, Deeter writes about the Church of the Brethren vision for mission under the category of conviction. The early mission emphasis was to establish the Church of the Brethren in other areas of the world. Over time, the emphasis changed from planting churches in other countries to working with already established Christian churches in those countries. The emphasis has shifted again to "parallel new church planting at home" meaning there is an emphasis in evangelism and new church development in other countries. The shifts in interest indicate divergent and varying viewpoints about mission. But what is not lost is an emphasis that mission work is significant. We maintain that conviction.
Can these alliterated categories Deeter provides become for us a rallying cry by which we together become creatively engaged in self-organizing a more vital and healthy Church of the Brethren? Possibly! Is it worth a try? Definitely! The possible results are potential benefits to our organizational health and intelligence.
Suggested reading:
- Finding Our Way; Leadership For an Uncertain Time, Margaret J. Wheatley (Berrett-Koehler Publishers, Inc., 2005, 2007) 270 pages
- Who Are These Brethren?, Joan Deeter (Brethren Press, 1991) 32 pages
CERRO GORDO CELEBRATION
The Cerro Gordo congregation would like the district to be aware that we are planning a special day of celebration on Sunday, August 10 in honor of the 300th anniversary of the denomination and the 100th anniversary of the construction of our current brick building. All are invited to attend. We will begin the day with a special Sunday school session for all ages conducted by Howard Shockey, at which Alexander Mack is rumored to make an appearance. Worship will be led by Rex Richardson, interim pastor, with Walt Wiltschek giving the message. Following a potluck noon meal, Dan Krall will be presenting an afternoon session on the history of the Brethren in the Cerro Gordo area. We hope to have a good display of historical items in our church fellowship hall. More details will follow for the August newsletter.
SEATS STILL AVAILABLE ON THE NOAC BUS
Hurry! Available seats can still be had on the Bus to NOAC departing Mt. Morris Sunday Aug. 31 at 7:30 a.m. Two stops will be made in Illinois and one each in Indiana and Ohio. Call Marvin Thill: 815-947-3197
SEEKING INFORMATION
Several congregations around our district are celebrating significant anniversaries this year. If you are one of those congregations, please send to our newsletter editors some information telling about any special plans you have in place to celebrate your special anniversary year. If you have already celebrated, let us know that, too. Thanks!
CHICAGO AREA CHURCHES
The Chicago area Churches of the Brethren will hold a joint Love Feast service at the Highland Avenue COB on Sunday, August 24 at 5 p.m. The service is being planned by the Chicago area Pastors' group. General Secretary Stan Noffsinger will speak at the service. All are invited to participate in this special Love Feast service in honor of our 300th anniversary celebration. For more information contact the Highland Avenue Church.
NATIONAL JUNIOR HIGH CONFERENCE DATES ANNOUNCED!
June 19-21, 2009 is the date for the second National Junior High Conference in the Church of the Brethren. The 2009 Conference will be held at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, VA, just off Interstate 81. A maximum of 1,300 junior high youth and their advisors will be able to attend because of limited seats in the auditorium., so start making plans now for this special event!
Youth in sixth, seventh, and eight grades, along with their adult advisors, are invited to register in January 2009. A website currently with limited information can be found at www.brethren.org/genbd/yya/NatJrHighConf.
More information will be added as the Planning Committee makes decisions, so keep checking the website for additional details.
The first National Junior High Conference was held in June 2007 at Elizabethtown College with space for only 800 participants. Registration for that event had to be closed two months before the conference because all of the spaces were filled. We are looking forward to another terrific event!
Chris Douglas, Director of Youth/Young Adult Ministry
Bekah Houff, Coordinator of 2009 Junior High Conference
Youth in sixth, seventh, and eight grades, along with their adult advisors, are invited to register in January 2009. A website currently with limited information can be found at www.brethren.org/genbd/yya/NatJrHighConf.
More information will be added as the Planning Committee makes decisions, so keep checking the website for additional details.
The first National Junior High Conference was held in June 2007 at Elizabethtown College with space for only 800 participants. Registration for that event had to be closed two months before the conference because all of the spaces were filled. We are looking forward to another terrific event!
Chris Douglas, Director of Youth/Young Adult Ministry
Bekah Houff, Coordinator of 2009 Junior High Conference
New children’s book published for 300th anniversary!
Alexander Mack: A Man Who Rippled the Waters
Written by Myrna Grove
Illustrated by Mary Jewell
Written in clear and graceful prose and illustrated with 50 beautiful oil paintings, this new Alexander Mack picture book will inspire our children and all who are young at heart.
Alexander Mack: A Man Who Rippled the Waters is a moving tribute to the spirit of our church’s founder who sacrificed to bring us another way of living based on New Testament principles.
Order your copy today!
Hardback book, 9” x 11”, 64 pages, 50 color illustrations, $22 + $3 P&H
See www.mgrovebooks.com or www.brethrenpress.com for information and purchase or write: Myrna Grove, POB 801, Bryan , OH 43506 .
Celebrate the 300th Anniversary of the Brethren with a special keepsake biography
To celebrate our church’s 300th anniversary, Alexander Mack: A Man Who Rippled the Waters, a new biography on the first minister and organizer of the Brethren Church movement in the 18th century, has been published. Written by educator Myrna Grove and illustrated by artist Mary Jewell, the book will be available at the website of the author (www.mgrovebooks.com), Brethren Press (http://www.brethrenpress.com/store/bpress).
Book signing will be available t Annual Conference in Richmond, VA.
Written by Myrna Grove
Illustrated by Mary Jewell
Written in clear and graceful prose and illustrated with 50 beautiful oil paintings, this new Alexander Mack picture book will inspire our children and all who are young at heart.
Alexander Mack: A Man Who Rippled the Waters is a moving tribute to the spirit of our church’s founder who sacrificed to bring us another way of living based on New Testament principles.
Order your copy today!
Hardback book, 9” x 11”, 64 pages, 50 color illustrations, $22 + $3 P&H
See www.mgrovebooks.com or www.brethrenpress.com for information and purchase or write: Myrna Grove, POB 801, Bryan , OH 43506 .
Celebrate the 300th Anniversary of the Brethren with a special keepsake biography
To celebrate our church’s 300th anniversary, Alexander Mack: A Man Who Rippled the Waters, a new biography on the first minister and organizer of the Brethren Church movement in the 18th century, has been published. Written by educator Myrna Grove and illustrated by artist Mary Jewell, the book will be available at the website of the author (www.mgrovebooks.com), Brethren Press (http://www.brethrenpress.com/store/bpress).
Book signing will be available t Annual Conference in Richmond, VA.
VOLUNTEERS WANTED FOR INDIANA FLOOD CLEANUP
Indiana is ready for volunteers to assist with cleaning up and mucking out following the severe flooding that has impacted some 6,500 homes across the state. Brethren in Indiana and surrounding districts are urged to help!
This call for volunteers comes from the Volunteer Reception Center in Franklin, Indiana, south of Indianapolis in Johnson County. We ask each group to include group leaders who can help manage the job to which their group is assigned.
Interested volunteer groups should make arrangements directly with the reception center (see below).
It would be helpful for groups to contact their District Disaster Coordinator, to inform them of their plans to volunteer, and for how long. Brethren Disaster Ministries needs to collect this information to report to the broader church about the response.
Volunteer Reception Center: 317-738-8801, -8807, or -8006 Phone is staffed during business hours.
Volunteer Housing:
Thank you, and God bless!
This call for volunteers comes from the Volunteer Reception Center in Franklin, Indiana, south of Indianapolis in Johnson County. We ask each group to include group leaders who can help manage the job to which their group is assigned.
Interested volunteer groups should make arrangements directly with the reception center (see below).
It would be helpful for groups to contact their District Disaster Coordinator, to inform them of their plans to volunteer, and for how long. Brethren Disaster Ministries needs to collect this information to report to the broader church about the response.
Volunteer Reception Center: 317-738-8801, -8807, or -8006 Phone is staffed during business hours.
Volunteer Housing:
Dietz BuildingImportant: Flood cleanup is dirty and strenuous work. All volunteers should be up to date with their tetanus vaccination and in good general health. Please prayerfully consider participating in this relief effort.
Franklin College
251 South Forsythe Street
Franklin, IN
Thank you, and God bless!
BUCKETS FOR FLOOD CLEANUP WORK
Church World Service is distributing clean up buckets out of Indianapolis -- they do not need to ship to New Windsor, Maryland. The 'recipe' for clean up buckets is provided below. Church World Service has put out urgent requests for clean up buckets to be provided to Indiana, Illinois, Iowa and points flooding along the Mississippi. They were short on buckets before this latest round of flooding started. See the information provided below.
Keep praying for those affected and those responding.
Emergency Clean-up Buckets
Collection point in Indiana is: Penn Products Warehouse, 6075 Lakeside Blvd., Indianapolis, IN 46278; 317-388-8580 ext. 298. Drop-off is between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. For more information contact the office of CWS at Elkhart, Ind., at 574-264-3102. Go to http://www.churchworldservice.org/kits/cleanup-kits.html
These supplies enable people to begin the overwhelming job of cleaning up after a flood, hurricane, tornado, or other disaster here in the United States.
To assemble an Emergency Clean-up Bucket you will need:
Clean-up Bucket value: $50
Processing/Shipping Cost: $3 per Bucket
Carolyn Sweeney Trier, District Disaster Coordinator
Keep praying for those affected and those responding.
Emergency Clean-up Buckets
Collection point in Indiana is: Penn Products Warehouse, 6075 Lakeside Blvd., Indianapolis, IN 46278; 317-388-8580 ext. 298. Drop-off is between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. For more information contact the office of CWS at Elkhart, Ind., at 574-264-3102. Go to http://www.churchworldservice.org/kits/cleanup-kits.html
These supplies enable people to begin the overwhelming job of cleaning up after a flood, hurricane, tornado, or other disaster here in the United States.
To assemble an Emergency Clean-up Bucket you will need:
- One five-gallon bucket with resealable lid
- Five scouring pads; Seven sponges, assorted sizes
- One scrub brush; Eighteen cleaning towels (reusable, like Easy Wipes®)
- One 50-78 oz. box dry laundry detergent
- One 12 oz. bottle of liquid concentrated household cleaner (like Lysol®)
- One 25 oz. bottle liquid disinfectant dish soap (like Dawn®)
- Fifty clothespins; Clothesline, two 50 ft. or one 100 ft.
- Five dust masks; Two pairs latex gloves (like Playtex®)
- One pair work gloves
- 24-bag roll of heavy-duty trash bags (33-45 gallon)
- One 6-14 oz. bottle of insect repellent (drops or lotion, not aerosol)
Clean-up Bucket value: $50
Processing/Shipping Cost: $3 per Bucket
Carolyn Sweeney Trier, District Disaster Coordinator
Your Invitation to TREASURE IN EARTHEN VESSELS
Affirming that every person is a treasure, every life a sacred gift, and every human being a unity of body, mind and spirit; we invite you to a weekend of play, prayer, rest, reflection and nourishment for the whole of your being!
Designed for women who are seeking to develop balance, a sense of well-being, fullness of spirit … and happen to be part of the Church of the Brethren!
Led by Deanna Brown and Anita Smith Buckwalter, you will be given time and space to explore what nourishes and energizes your body; what restores and enlivens your soul, and what stretches and fills your personal vessel throughout the weekend.
The retreat will be held at Leaven Retreat Center on the Grand River in Lyons, Michigan amid wooded pathways, a bubbling stream and vibrant colors.
Program Offerings
Details, directions, and final schedules will be mailed to participants in August.
Caring For Your Spirit
What is this treasure of ours?
Have we learned to care for the vessel?
Is the vessel cracked?
Registration Form
Name__________________________________
Congregation_______________________________
Address_____________________________________________
City______________________State_____ Zip_______
Phone_________________ Email_________________
Registration Fee
includes lodging, food, and program, Optional massage is separate cost
Please mark preferences:
__ Single Registration- $165 __ Request vegetarian meals
__ Request CEU credit (1) __ Interested in Massage
Make checks payable to ABC and send them with completed registration form to: 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL
60120; (847) 742-5100
Accommodations
Designed for women who are seeking to develop balance, a sense of well-being, fullness of spirit … and happen to be part of the Church of the Brethren!
Led by Deanna Brown and Anita Smith Buckwalter, you will be given time and space to explore what nourishes and energizes your body; what restores and enlivens your soul, and what stretches and fills your personal vessel throughout the weekend.
The retreat will be held at Leaven Retreat Center on the Grand River in Lyons, Michigan amid wooded pathways, a bubbling stream and vibrant colors.
Program Offerings
Details, directions, and final schedules will be mailed to participants in August.
Caring For Your Spirit
What is this treasure of ours?
Prayers, Songs & Liturgy - Creativity as a Path to the Holy - Guided MeditationCaring For Your Mind
Have we learned to care for the vessel?
Messages & Models for Self-Care - Minding Your Peas & Q's - Theology of SelfCaring For Your Body:
Is the vessel cracked?
Movement for the Heart & Soul - Yoga or Massage Nurturing the ‘Sole’ - Walk in the WildLeadership Biographies
Deanna Brown served as a pastor in congregational and campus settings for 23 years. Currently walking a vocational path which includes retreat ministry, facilitation of women’s spirituality groups, and travel to India, Deanna celebrates the grace of living with passion and mindfulness. Deanna nurtures her own body-self through walking meditations, vigorous racquetball, and joyful partnership with Brian Harley.Treasure in Earthen Vessels
Anita Smith Buckwalter is a pastor, spiritual director and massage therapist living in Lansing, Mich. She knows the energy and healing available by being attentive to the experiences of one’s whole being — body, mind and spirit. One of Anita’s gifts is creating multi-dimensional rituals to mark life’s passages and transitions. Liturgies of blessing and healing are a significant ingredient in the women’s groups and retreats she has facilitated during the last 15 years.
Registration Form
Name__________________________________
Congregation_______________________________
Address_____________________________________________
City______________________State_____ Zip_______
Phone_________________ Email_________________
Registration Fee
includes lodging, food, and program, Optional massage is separate cost
Please mark preferences:
__ Single Registration- $165 __ Request vegetarian meals
__ Request CEU credit (1) __ Interested in Massage
Make checks payable to ABC and send them with completed registration form to: 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL
60120; (847) 742-5100
Accommodations
-
- The retreat begins 7 p.m., Friday, September 26 and concludes by 11 a.m., Sunday, September 28.
- Lodging is in the retreat center; twin beds with 2 or 3 to a room. Shared baths.
- Meals and snacks will be served at the Lodge — breakfast on Saturday and Sunday; lunch and dinner on Saturday — and feature healthy and delicious fare with whole and organic foods provided when possible.
- Conclude your week-end with a stop at one of the many apple orchards or charming farmer’s markets in Michigan.
- Please note that this retreat is designed for a small, intimate group; early registration is encouraged.
WORK DAY AT PLEASANT HILL VILLAGE
Thank you to the District Leadership for sponsoring the Work Day at Pleasant Hill Village on May 17th. The workday brought 51 workers to the campus. Many landscaping project were completed, almost all the windows at Healthcare were cleaned on the outside, dirt was moved, a tree was taken down, new lights were installed, couple painting projects were completed, water sealant was applied to fences, pavilion, and a gazebo, the front of the Residence was power washed, and all AC unit were cleaned. Nine Brethren churches were present on workday – Canton, Girard, Hurricane Creek, LaPlace, Peoria, Polo, Springfield, Virden, and Woodland. Naperville Church of the Brethren and Church of the Brethren Leadership sent a donation check to assist with the expenses of the day. We would like to thank all who assisted in any way to make this Work Day possible. The residents talked for many days on all the work that was accomplished on May 17th and great everything looks. Yes, a lot of work was completed but it was a lot of fun and a great day of fellowship. On behalf of the Residents, Board of Directors and Employees thank you for that Special Day.
2008 District Calendar
| July | |
| 4 | Independence Day |
| 10 - 12 | Council of Dist. Executive's Summer meeting, Richmond, VA |
| 12 - 16 | Annual Conference, Richmond, VA |
| 26 | District Leadership Team, Springfield |
| 28 | Pleasant Hill Village Board Meeting |
| August | |
| 2 | District Program and Arrangements Committee, Peoria |
| 3 | 300th Anniversary Celebration Sunday |
| 3 | 300th Anniversary Celebration in Schwarzenau, Germany |
| 9 | MLDT Meeting at Mendota |
| 11 - 15 | National Young Adult Conference, Estes Park, CO |
| September | |
| 1 | Labor Day |
| 1 -5 | National Older Adult Conference, Lake Junaluska, NC |
| 6 | District Leadership Team, Neighborhood |
| 14 | Bethany Sunday |
| 27 | MLDT Meeting at Mendota |
| October | Disabilities Awareness and Domestic Violence Awareness Month |
| 5 | World Communion Sunday |
| 12 | World Mission Offering Emphasis |
| 13 | Columbus Day |
| 16 | World Food Day |
| 16 | National Boss Day |
| 16 - 24 | Peace With Justice Week |
| 18 - 20 | General Board Meetings, Elgin |
| 18 | District Leadership Team, Yellow Creek |
| 19 | National Children's Sabbath |
| 26 - 28 | Midwest District Executives' Fall Retreat, Dayton OH |
| November | |
| 1 | All Saint's Day |
| 1 | MLDT Meeting - place TBA |
| 2 | National Junior High Sunday |
| 2 | Daylight Saving Time Ends |
| 4 | Election Day |
| 7 - 9 | District Conference, Peoria COB |
| 9 | Stewardship Sunday |
| 11 | Veterans Day |
| 16 | Bible Sunday |
| 16 | National Donor Sabbath |
| 27 | Thanksgiving |
| 30 | First Sunday in Advent |
| December | |
| 1 | World AIDS Day |
| 6 | District Leadership team, Champaign |
| 7 | Second Sunday in Advent |
| 7 | Christmas Emphasis Offering |
| 10 | Human Rights Day |
| 25 | Christmas |
