Monday, September 01, 2008
DE PONDERINGS
Read I Samuel 23
The book of I Samuel in the Hebrew scriptures provides narrative about King Saul and David. The relationship these two have is, to say the least, rocky. Saul’s kingship is going through some very tough times and David, who is to become king after Saul, seems to be enjoying success. Saul’s anger, provoked by jealousy, is directed toward David. Saul is intent on inflicting upon David mortal harm. In the 23rd chapter, the conflict in this relationship escalates. David is on the run, hiding, and hoping to escape Saul’s fierce vengeance. Saul is trailing David hoping to find him to carry out premeditated murder. Both Saul and David have informants keeping track of the other’s whereabouts.
An interesting observation about the 23rd chapter is the narrative about David in the first few verses and Saul in the last few verses. In these bookend verses, we find both men taking a break from their intense conflict to take care of business. David gives support to Keilah, a neutral people who were minding their own business and who were under the attack of the Philistines. One way to look at this is that David is helping an oppressed people by subduing the oppressor. Seems like a worthy effort. Saul, in the opposite bookend, also is subduing the oppressive Philistines. (How they subdue the oppressor, whether we agree with their methods or not, is another conversation which I’ll not enter into at this time.)
The bookend verses provide a glimpse of the work these two men were called to do. The verses in-between reveal the unnecessary distraction that generally kept Saul and David from being about their intended calling. Imagine the possibilities for these two men and the people they led had the unnecessary distraction of intense conflict been absent from their lives. Imagine.
As I reflected on this 23rd chapter of I Samuel, I was reminded of the church in our modern context. Too many unnecessary distractions tend to stifle the church’s intended calling. It is not my intention to minimize the subject of the distractions, because many of the things that give rise to conflict in the church have importance. But when the conflict emerges as the “calling” of the church, the purpose of the church is neglected.
At the risk of raising eyebrows, I’ll enumerate some of the unnecessary distractions. Conflict arises over methods of worship, what color to paint the sanctuary walls, who’s in or out based on everything from sexual orientation to the kind of clothes that are worn, and how scripture is interpreted to what one’s political or theological views are on emotionally-electrified social issues. Modern-day Sauls and Davids become engrossed in keeping the heat turned up while giving superficial attention to the oppressed.
Imagine the possibilities for the church and the people she helps if profound attention were given to the needs of the oppressed while minimizing unnecessary distractions by intently listening to one another, entering into dialogical conversation, and striving to live at peace with one another amidst the diversity of important social issues.
I can imagine the possibility as a picture of people who are searching for a faith base, finding it, becoming involved in and with the church community, digging in to do even more for the oppressed of the world, with the result being a world where poverty levels hit new lows, where healthcare becomes a common understanding rather than a pipe dream, where hunger is “fed” out and stomachs are satisfied, where justice prevails and diverse peoples are able to live together cooperatively and peacefully, and where…well, you finish the sentence with your picture of possibilities. The sky’s the limit.
Whatta ya say? Let’s diminish unnecessary distractions and increase the possibilities. God will be pleased. And our neighbors will be blessed.
The book of I Samuel in the Hebrew scriptures provides narrative about King Saul and David. The relationship these two have is, to say the least, rocky. Saul’s kingship is going through some very tough times and David, who is to become king after Saul, seems to be enjoying success. Saul’s anger, provoked by jealousy, is directed toward David. Saul is intent on inflicting upon David mortal harm. In the 23rd chapter, the conflict in this relationship escalates. David is on the run, hiding, and hoping to escape Saul’s fierce vengeance. Saul is trailing David hoping to find him to carry out premeditated murder. Both Saul and David have informants keeping track of the other’s whereabouts.
An interesting observation about the 23rd chapter is the narrative about David in the first few verses and Saul in the last few verses. In these bookend verses, we find both men taking a break from their intense conflict to take care of business. David gives support to Keilah, a neutral people who were minding their own business and who were under the attack of the Philistines. One way to look at this is that David is helping an oppressed people by subduing the oppressor. Seems like a worthy effort. Saul, in the opposite bookend, also is subduing the oppressive Philistines. (How they subdue the oppressor, whether we agree with their methods or not, is another conversation which I’ll not enter into at this time.)
The bookend verses provide a glimpse of the work these two men were called to do. The verses in-between reveal the unnecessary distraction that generally kept Saul and David from being about their intended calling. Imagine the possibilities for these two men and the people they led had the unnecessary distraction of intense conflict been absent from their lives. Imagine.
As I reflected on this 23rd chapter of I Samuel, I was reminded of the church in our modern context. Too many unnecessary distractions tend to stifle the church’s intended calling. It is not my intention to minimize the subject of the distractions, because many of the things that give rise to conflict in the church have importance. But when the conflict emerges as the “calling” of the church, the purpose of the church is neglected.
At the risk of raising eyebrows, I’ll enumerate some of the unnecessary distractions. Conflict arises over methods of worship, what color to paint the sanctuary walls, who’s in or out based on everything from sexual orientation to the kind of clothes that are worn, and how scripture is interpreted to what one’s political or theological views are on emotionally-electrified social issues. Modern-day Sauls and Davids become engrossed in keeping the heat turned up while giving superficial attention to the oppressed.
Imagine the possibilities for the church and the people she helps if profound attention were given to the needs of the oppressed while minimizing unnecessary distractions by intently listening to one another, entering into dialogical conversation, and striving to live at peace with one another amidst the diversity of important social issues.
I can imagine the possibility as a picture of people who are searching for a faith base, finding it, becoming involved in and with the church community, digging in to do even more for the oppressed of the world, with the result being a world where poverty levels hit new lows, where healthcare becomes a common understanding rather than a pipe dream, where hunger is “fed” out and stomachs are satisfied, where justice prevails and diverse peoples are able to live together cooperatively and peacefully, and where…well, you finish the sentence with your picture of possibilities. The sky’s the limit.
Whatta ya say? Let’s diminish unnecessary distractions and increase the possibilities. God will be pleased. And our neighbors will be blessed.
CHILDREN'S DISASTER SERVICES AIDS FAMILIES AFFECTED BY GUSTAV
Sept. 2, 2008 (New Windsor, MD) -- What happens to the children when a city like New Orleans is evacuated? They leave all that is familiar, and many take refuge with their families in a shelter, sleeping on cots placed close together to house as many people as possible. There are no toys except what they were able to bring at a moment's notice, and no space to play. Children's Disaster Services is there to help.
Children's Disaster Services has set up child care centers in three "super shelters" for those fleeing Hurricane Gustav, at the invitation of the American Red Cross. As of today, 14 volunteers with Children's Disaster Services have been deployed to two shelters each housing thousands of people in Alexandria and Shreveport in Louisiana. A group of 16 more volunteers are packed and ready to go to shelters in Jackson and Hattiesburg in Mississippi. The program already has received additional requests for 20 more volunteers to serve in other child care centers.
Children's Disaster Services is a program of the Church of the Brethren Disaster Ministries. It is the oldest and largest nationwide organization specializing in children's disaster related needs, and since 1980 has been working with children following disasters. Arriving with a suitcase full of toys, the specially trained volunteers work in teams to provide a warm, comforting presence for children. The care centers become spaces designed especially for children to be able to be themselves. While safety is the highest priority for these child care centers, the Children's Disaster Services volunteers also provide lots of individual attention for each child, and plenty of understanding to go around.
Due to the size of the evacuation from Hurricane Gustav, the entire nationwide base of volunteers for Children's Disaster Services has been put on alert. More volunteers are standing by, ready to respond when and where they are needed. Each team of volunteers stays in a shelter for up to two weeks, and then is relieved by a new team. With a volunteer base of more than 500 trained and certified volunteers, child care can be provided for children of disaster survivors as long as it is needed.
To become certified with Children's Disaster Services, volunteers participate in a 27-hour experiential training to learn about children's special needs after a disaster, and how to work with children and families to provide a safe and secure environment in shelters and other situations following a disaster. The volunteers undergo a rigorous screening process before they can be called to respond either locally or nationally.
How can Brethren help in this effort? Staff are suggesting the following ways:
Children's Disaster Services has set up child care centers in three "super shelters" for those fleeing Hurricane Gustav, at the invitation of the American Red Cross. As of today, 14 volunteers with Children's Disaster Services have been deployed to two shelters each housing thousands of people in Alexandria and Shreveport in Louisiana. A group of 16 more volunteers are packed and ready to go to shelters in Jackson and Hattiesburg in Mississippi. The program already has received additional requests for 20 more volunteers to serve in other child care centers.
Children's Disaster Services is a program of the Church of the Brethren Disaster Ministries. It is the oldest and largest nationwide organization specializing in children's disaster related needs, and since 1980 has been working with children following disasters. Arriving with a suitcase full of toys, the specially trained volunteers work in teams to provide a warm, comforting presence for children. The care centers become spaces designed especially for children to be able to be themselves. While safety is the highest priority for these child care centers, the Children's Disaster Services volunteers also provide lots of individual attention for each child, and plenty of understanding to go around.
Due to the size of the evacuation from Hurricane Gustav, the entire nationwide base of volunteers for Children's Disaster Services has been put on alert. More volunteers are standing by, ready to respond when and where they are needed. Each team of volunteers stays in a shelter for up to two weeks, and then is relieved by a new team. With a volunteer base of more than 500 trained and certified volunteers, child care can be provided for children of disaster survivors as long as it is needed.
To become certified with Children's Disaster Services, volunteers participate in a 27-hour experiential training to learn about children's special needs after a disaster, and how to work with children and families to provide a safe and secure environment in shelters and other situations following a disaster. The volunteers undergo a rigorous screening process before they can be called to respond either locally or nationally.
How can Brethren help in this effort? Staff are suggesting the following ways:
- Support families who have had to flee their homes with prayer, and pray also for volunteers and staff of Children's Disaster Services. Pray for those sheltering in Alexandria and Shrevesport, and for the volunteers who are caring for children there. Pray for those sheltering in Jackson and Hattiesburg, and for safe travel for child care teams preparing to go to those shelters.
- Contribute to the cost of placing volunteers in the Hurricane Gustav shelters, through donations to the Emergency Disaster Fund. The fund is a ministry of the Church of the Brethren. Send donations to Emergency Disaster Fund, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120.
- A need for more Clean Up Bucket kits is anticipated, following the hurricane damage in southwest Louisiana, and the flooding in parts of New Orleans. Brethren congregations and individuals are encouraged to consider preparing and donating these kits, which are warehoused at the Brethren Service Center on behalf of Church World Service. Go to www.churchworldservice.org/kits/cleanup-kits.html for a contents list and shipping address.
- Consider attending a training workshop to become a Children's Disaster Services volunteer. This fall, Level I Training Workshops are offered on Sept. 18-20 at Los Altos (Calif.) United Methodist Church; on Sept. 22-24 Page 3 of 10 at First United Methodist Church in Reno, Nev.; on Oct. 3-4 at the American Red Cross in Everett, Wash., and in Tacoma, Wash.; and on Oct. 10-11 at the Holiday Inn in Evansville, Ind. Go to www.childrendisasterservices.org for more information.
- Judy Bezon
Children's Disaster Services
601 Main Street, P.O. Box 188
New Windsor, MD 21776
410-635-8734
800-451-4407
CDS_gb@brethren.org - Kathleen Campanella
Brethren Service Center
601 Main Street, P.O. Box 188
New Windsor, MD 21776
410-635-8747
Kcampanella_gb@bretgren.org - Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford
Director of News Services
Church of the Brethren
1451 Dundee Ave.
Elgin, IL 60120
800-323-8039 ext. 260
cobnews@brethren.org
MARTINSVILLE, IN FLOOD REPORT
JUNE 14-27, 2008
by Charlot Cole, volunteer for Children's Disaster Services
Twenty-four hours of training through the Church of the Brethren (CoB) plus police background check qualifies me to volunteer for CoB Children’s Disaster Services (CDS). Emphasis is put on being flexible. The CoB has a partnering agreement with the American Red Cross (ARC). When there is a disaster the ARC and CoB headquarters in New Windsor, MD communicate by e-mail and/or telephone and are alerted to be on standby. Then we are asked if we can travel and when for a two week commitment. Originally I was asked to go to Terre Haute. The day before I left I was asked if I would go to Martinsville. Martinsville sits in the bottom of a bowl rimmed by hills in which runs the White River and Indian Creek. They received ten or more inches of rain in less than twelve hours June 6th. We are sent in only when conditions are considered safe vs being first responders. The ARC requires we “process in/out” which was done in Indianapolis. I was met there by our team leader. At Martinsville we were housed in the Super 8. A dumpster full of mattresses and furniture from the 1st floor rooms were evidence of interior damage. The owner had no insurance. His second floor was filled with ARC and CoB volunteers which was a blessing for him.
The Indy Restaurant where we ate breakfast several mornings had been cleaned up after the flood but water damage caused electrical problems led to a fire and another two week closure.
Every day the ARC was open we worked. Their personnel interview flood victims who may receive money, food stamps and other assistance. They may be referred for mental health counseling or medical help within ARC or outside as well. Federal Emergency Management Association (FEMA) interviewed people to see what their needs were and if they qualified for services or maybe to be bought out.
ARC downsized, FEMA was still working full force because some other counties were being referred to Martinsville’s center. FEMA requested our services. ARC and FEMA can complete their work more easily and quickly when parents aren’t distracted or interrupted by tired, anxious children. Working under FEMA necessitated we move to the YMCA’s children’s activity rooms. Because the “Y” was having a “summer camp for kids” we and our “stuff” had to be cleared out of the two rooms by 6:00 a.m. daily.
Even that was better than bedding down in a church with no showers. We slept on tile floors with air mattresses and sleeping bags. Some of the “Y” staff invited us out for Sunday night supper, dessert and a special church service. Nice! Supper and dessert was brought in to us the next night. Rolls and orange juice were provided one morning.
You, my church family, provided me with a Kit of Care - a suitcase full of toys, games, puppets, stickers, coloring books and crayons, felt markers for art, small cars, dolls, stuffed animals, a Polaroid camera (for identifying the parent who brings the children in), and more. Our team of five volunteers register the children. Then they get down on the floor to play with the kids and the toys. There are some kids who cry. One such 1½-2 year old boy was as strong as GI Joe, Jr.! I worked with him for 45 minutes and finally sat him down in the middle of our puzzle and coloring table which won his attention instead of running for the door! He then wanted to move to the play dough table and sat on the same chair with an older boy. They became pals. The children sometimes talk about their experiences with the disaster. If so, we listen. One told of a house sliding down a hill. Another's face would cloud up and say, “I’m worried about my Mommy and Daddy”. Some talked about how high the water was in their house or trailer. “Don’t touch those toys,” a child had been told in her flooded home.
Children and adults came in with red swollen tetanus shot areas. One child came to us three days. His mother said, “How do you do it? You must coat everything with sugar! He told me he wanted to come here today.” He spent 6 hours with us one day and was a delight playing games. Can you imagine how bored he’d have been for that length of time with her? One mother lamented she felt guilty because all she lost was electrical appliances while others lost everything. (During my stay 238 kids were served.)
Parents were very grateful for our help thanking us at both drop-off and pick-up times. ARC people came to our room and thanked us. An Indiana State Trooper came to our room daily. He did magic tricks for the kids and showed them policemen are friends and not to be feared. He sat with the children and colored.
A young mother named Angel came with her five children to ask if some of her older 4-H club members could come help us. She was from higher ground and wanted to do something more. What did we need? She brought fresh fruits, finger cereal and crackers, juice boxes and numerous other supplies. Her children played beautifully with ours just for entertainment.
They prepared a puppet show for us. Angel and family had us to their home for a Thanksgiving meal for our services.
We were blessed! - CC
by Charlot Cole, volunteer for Children's Disaster Services
Twenty-four hours of training through the Church of the Brethren (CoB) plus police background check qualifies me to volunteer for CoB Children’s Disaster Services (CDS). Emphasis is put on being flexible. The CoB has a partnering agreement with the American Red Cross (ARC). When there is a disaster the ARC and CoB headquarters in New Windsor, MD communicate by e-mail and/or telephone and are alerted to be on standby. Then we are asked if we can travel and when for a two week commitment. Originally I was asked to go to Terre Haute. The day before I left I was asked if I would go to Martinsville. Martinsville sits in the bottom of a bowl rimmed by hills in which runs the White River and Indian Creek. They received ten or more inches of rain in less than twelve hours June 6th. We are sent in only when conditions are considered safe vs being first responders. The ARC requires we “process in/out” which was done in Indianapolis. I was met there by our team leader. At Martinsville we were housed in the Super 8. A dumpster full of mattresses and furniture from the 1st floor rooms were evidence of interior damage. The owner had no insurance. His second floor was filled with ARC and CoB volunteers which was a blessing for him.The Indy Restaurant where we ate breakfast several mornings had been cleaned up after the flood but water damage caused electrical problems led to a fire and another two week closure.
Every day the ARC was open we worked. Their personnel interview flood victims who may receive money, food stamps and other assistance. They may be referred for mental health counseling or medical help within ARC or outside as well. Federal Emergency Management Association (FEMA) interviewed people to see what their needs were and if they qualified for services or maybe to be bought out.
ARC downsized, FEMA was still working full force because some other counties were being referred to Martinsville’s center. FEMA requested our services. ARC and FEMA can complete their work more easily and quickly when parents aren’t distracted or interrupted by tired, anxious children. Working under FEMA necessitated we move to the YMCA’s children’s activity rooms. Because the “Y” was having a “summer camp for kids” we and our “stuff” had to be cleared out of the two rooms by 6:00 a.m. daily.
Even that was better than bedding down in a church with no showers. We slept on tile floors with air mattresses and sleeping bags. Some of the “Y” staff invited us out for Sunday night supper, dessert and a special church service. Nice! Supper and dessert was brought in to us the next night. Rolls and orange juice were provided one morning.
You, my church family, provided me with a Kit of Care - a suitcase full of toys, games, puppets, stickers, coloring books and crayons, felt markers for art, small cars, dolls, stuffed animals, a Polaroid camera (for identifying the parent who brings the children in), and more. Our team of five volunteers register the children. Then they get down on the floor to play with the kids and the toys. There are some kids who cry. One such 1½-2 year old boy was as strong as GI Joe, Jr.! I worked with him for 45 minutes and finally sat him down in the middle of our puzzle and coloring table which won his attention instead of running for the door! He then wanted to move to the play dough table and sat on the same chair with an older boy. They became pals. The children sometimes talk about their experiences with the disaster. If so, we listen. One told of a house sliding down a hill. Another's face would cloud up and say, “I’m worried about my Mommy and Daddy”. Some talked about how high the water was in their house or trailer. “Don’t touch those toys,” a child had been told in her flooded home.
Children and adults came in with red swollen tetanus shot areas. One child came to us three days. His mother said, “How do you do it? You must coat everything with sugar! He told me he wanted to come here today.” He spent 6 hours with us one day and was a delight playing games. Can you imagine how bored he’d have been for that length of time with her? One mother lamented she felt guilty because all she lost was electrical appliances while others lost everything. (During my stay 238 kids were served.)
Parents were very grateful for our help thanking us at both drop-off and pick-up times. ARC people came to our room and thanked us. An Indiana State Trooper came to our room daily. He did magic tricks for the kids and showed them policemen are friends and not to be feared. He sat with the children and colored.
A young mother named Angel came with her five children to ask if some of her older 4-H club members could come help us. She was from higher ground and wanted to do something more. What did we need? She brought fresh fruits, finger cereal and crackers, juice boxes and numerous other supplies. Her children played beautifully with ours just for entertainment.
They prepared a puppet show for us. Angel and family had us to their home for a Thanksgiving meal for our services.
We were blessed! - CC
SPECIAL EVENTS IN OUR DISTRICT
- Oak Grove Church of the Brethren in Lowpoint, Ill., is celebrating its 125th anniversary on Oct. 12. A worship service will be held at 10:30 a.m., following by a potluck lunch, and an afternoon program at 1:30 p.m. The program will feature stories from the church's history, greetings from former pastors and friends of the congregation, and "any other testimonies people want to give," according to church member Alberta Christ, who is publicizing the event. For more information call 309-443-5275.
- Dixon (Ill.) Church of the Brethren is hosting a Spiritual Renewal Weekend on Sept. 13-14 in celebration of the congregation's 100th anniversary and the 300th Anniversary of the Church of the Brethren. Jim Myer, an ordained minister at White Oak Church of the Brethren and a leader in the Brethren Revival Fellowship, will lead the services. Worship will take place on Saturday at 8:45 a.m. and 6:30 p.m., followed by an ice cream social, and on Sunday morning at 9:30 a.m. followed by a question and answer time and a carry-in dinner. For more information call the church at 815-284-2711.
CAMP EMMANUEL NEWS
Dear Board Members,
John Renken called us tonight with some exciting news.
For every dollar given to Camp Emmanuel from now, August 25, until the Fish Fry, September 27, 2008, it will be matched by a corporation for up to $5,000.00. If you have any questions, please contact John.
Pass the word......
Connie
P.S. on August 20 we received donations from Oak Grove COB, Countyline Tool and some individuals for an amount of $1880.65 this makes our current total: $6423.34.
As we all know any time you tear into the old to make something new you have to expect the unexpected.... plus we could purchase a new refrigerator/freezer to replace the two old ones currently in the kitchen....
Praise the LORD for His watchful eye over the Camp.
John Renken called us tonight with some exciting news.
For every dollar given to Camp Emmanuel from now, August 25, until the Fish Fry, September 27, 2008, it will be matched by a corporation for up to $5,000.00. If you have any questions, please contact John.
Pass the word......
Connie
P.S. on August 20 we received donations from Oak Grove COB, Countyline Tool and some individuals for an amount of $1880.65 this makes our current total: $6423.34.
As we all know any time you tear into the old to make something new you have to expect the unexpected.... plus we could purchase a new refrigerator/freezer to replace the two old ones currently in the kitchen....
Praise the LORD for His watchful eye over the Camp.
WESTERN HOEDOWN II
BACK BY POPULAR REQUEST
This is the theme for this year’s FALL DINNER AND AUCTION FOR PLEASANT HILL VILLAGE on October 18, 2008. A Western Hoedown was the theme for last year, and people enjoyed the food, decorations, and relaxed atmosphere so much that they requested the same theme to return for this year. So, we are honoring your request. Dress casual and in-tune with the theme. Come to have a good time and support Pleasant Hill Village.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR, AND PLAN TO ATTEND THIS 12th ANNUAL FALL DINNER AND AUCTION. It will be held in Virden at the Knights of Columbus Hall. The doors open at 5:00 p.m. with dinner served at 6:00 p.m. The cost is $25 per person. A highlight of the evening will be the live auction with many items to choose from. Also there will be an ongoing secret silent auction during the early part of the evening. Come and challenge your friends to outbid you. Your purchases are for a good cause - the residents at Pleasant Hill Village. Pleasant Hill Village has been serving Girard and the surrounding community with caring staff and administration since 1905.
REMEMBER THAT YOU AND YOUR CONGREGATION CAN ASSIST EVEN IF YOU CAN’T ATTEND THE EVENING EVENT BY BEING A TABLE SPONSOR. This is a donation for a table of eight at $25 each or a total of $200 which will allow residents at the HOME who are able to attend to do so at no cost to them. What a wonderful gesture on your part! THANK YOU to those of you who have done this in the past as well as those who will contribute this year.
To purchase tickets, to send your donation to be a table sponsor, or if you have items to donate for either the secret silent or live auction, contact Paulette Miller at Pleasant Hill Village by phone at 217-627-2181 or by email at phvil@royell.net. If you have an item to donate for either the secret silent or live auction, please let Paulette know by September 15.
MISSION STATEMENT OF PLEASANT HILL VILLAGE
Pleasant Hill Village is founded to provide quality care to elderly persons on a not-for-profit basis, with housing facilities, and services, especially designed to meet the aged, and contribute to their health, security, happiness, and usefulness in living.
This is the theme for this year’s FALL DINNER AND AUCTION FOR PLEASANT HILL VILLAGE on October 18, 2008. A Western Hoedown was the theme for last year, and people enjoyed the food, decorations, and relaxed atmosphere so much that they requested the same theme to return for this year. So, we are honoring your request. Dress casual and in-tune with the theme. Come to have a good time and support Pleasant Hill Village.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR, AND PLAN TO ATTEND THIS 12th ANNUAL FALL DINNER AND AUCTION. It will be held in Virden at the Knights of Columbus Hall. The doors open at 5:00 p.m. with dinner served at 6:00 p.m. The cost is $25 per person. A highlight of the evening will be the live auction with many items to choose from. Also there will be an ongoing secret silent auction during the early part of the evening. Come and challenge your friends to outbid you. Your purchases are for a good cause - the residents at Pleasant Hill Village. Pleasant Hill Village has been serving Girard and the surrounding community with caring staff and administration since 1905.
REMEMBER THAT YOU AND YOUR CONGREGATION CAN ASSIST EVEN IF YOU CAN’T ATTEND THE EVENING EVENT BY BEING A TABLE SPONSOR. This is a donation for a table of eight at $25 each or a total of $200 which will allow residents at the HOME who are able to attend to do so at no cost to them. What a wonderful gesture on your part! THANK YOU to those of you who have done this in the past as well as those who will contribute this year.
To purchase tickets, to send your donation to be a table sponsor, or if you have items to donate for either the secret silent or live auction, contact Paulette Miller at Pleasant Hill Village by phone at 217-627-2181 or by email at phvil@royell.net. If you have an item to donate for either the secret silent or live auction, please let Paulette know by September 15.
MISSION STATEMENT OF PLEASANT HILL VILLAGE
Pleasant Hill Village is founded to provide quality care to elderly persons on a not-for-profit basis, with housing facilities, and services, especially designed to meet the aged, and contribute to their health, security, happiness, and usefulness in living.
REGIONAL YOUTH CONFERENCE
Regional Youth Conference is just under two months away – October 4-5 at Manchester College. Youth will want to attend this engaging and fun-filled weekend.
Phil Jones, director of the Brethren Witness/Washington Office, will lead in exploring Faith and Politics. Major themes include
The weekend begins with check-in Saturday morning from 8:30 am to 10:00 am, and conclude before lunch on Sunday. Online registration will begin Monday, September 1. Costs for the weekend are $50 for youth and $35 for advisors, and include three meals, snacks, registration, activity fees, and housing.
Additional information and registration forms can be found at http://www.manchester.edu/OCA/Church/RegionalYouthConference.htm
Phil Jones, director of the Brethren Witness/Washington Office, will lead in exploring Faith and Politics. Major themes include
- Who is our neighbor?
- How are we called to respond to the needs of the world?
- Where do faith and politics intersect?
The weekend begins with check-in Saturday morning from 8:30 am to 10:00 am, and conclude before lunch on Sunday. Online registration will begin Monday, September 1. Costs for the weekend are $50 for youth and $35 for advisors, and include three meals, snacks, registration, activity fees, and housing.
Additional information and registration forms can be found at http://www.manchester.edu/OCA/Church/RegionalYouthConference.htm
MINISTRY OF RECONCILIATION ANNOUNCES ITS FALL WORKSHOP SCHEDULE
The Ministry of Reconciliation of On Earth Peace announces three regional workshops this fall.
- "Exploring Consensus Decision-making" will be at Richmond (Ind.) Church of the Brethren on Oct. 4, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. The workshop explores the underlying principles of decision by consensus, the process itself, and participate in a mock meeting where a decision is made using consensus. Cost is $60 per person or $100 for groups of three or more. Leadership is provided by Charletta Erb of Chicago, Ill., and Wanda Joseph of Brethren, Mich.
- "Keeping a Cool Head in a Hot Meeting" will be presented at Camp Mack in Milford, Ind.. on Nov. 13-14 by Celia Cook-Huffman, Professor of Peace and Conflict Studies at Juniata College. Participants will learn the best way to structure meetings with an eye to efficiency, openness, and clarity, and will learn basic guidelines to use when anxiety levels are high, and how to lead difficult discussions. Cost is $155 for overnight lodgers and $120 for commuters.
- "Keeping a Christian Attitude, Skills for Holding Difficult Conversations" will be at Frederick (Md.) Church of the Brethren from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. on Nov. 15. The Service and Outreach Ministry Team of Mid-Atlantic District sponsors the workshop.. Participants will learn to prepare well for difficult conversations, create the space for honest sharing when emotions run high, and utilize conversation to build trust and understanding. Cost to participants is $20.
CHRISTIAN CITIZENSHIP SEMINAR
April 25-30, 2009 youth and advisors in the Church of the Brethren will gather in New York City (and later go on to Washington, DC) for Christian Citizenship Seminar. The focus for our seminar will be on the issue of modern-day slavery. Most of us think of slavery as an institution that does not exist anymore, but many experts estimate that there are approximately 27 million human beings who are currently being held in slavery around the world.
What would Jesus do? What does God call us to do in light of these persons forced to perform domestic and agricultural work as well as to become prostitutes or soldiers against their will? We will examine the current status of slavery today and what our Christian faith invites us to do for “the least of these.”
Brochures are now available from the Youth/Young Adult Ministry Office in Elgin. You may also find information by going to www.brethren.org
Please pass this information on to youth in your church!
What would Jesus do? What does God call us to do in light of these persons forced to perform domestic and agricultural work as well as to become prostitutes or soldiers against their will? We will examine the current status of slavery today and what our Christian faith invites us to do for “the least of these.”
Brochures are now available from the Youth/Young Adult Ministry Office in Elgin. You may also find information by going to www.brethren.org
Please pass this information on to youth in your church!
NATIONAL JR. HIGH CONFERENCE
June 19-21, 2009 will be the second National Junior High Conference in the Church of the Brethren. The first was held in 2007 at Elizabethtown College. The 2009 Conference will be held at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, VA (just off Interstate #81). The conference will begin on Friday evening after dinner and will end before lunch on Sunday morning.
Ken Medema will lead singing in each of our worship services, as well as perform a Saturday evening concert. Ted Schwartz (formerly of "Ted and Lee") will present scripture skits. Other speakers will be announced after the planning committee meets in September.
Registration for this conference will begin on-line January 15, 2009 for junior. high youth and their advisors. The registration cost will be $125 per person for both adult advisors and youth. Persons west of the Mississippi will be eligible for a $150 travel scholarship.
Mark your calendars now for June 19-21, 2009. Additional information will be available soon! Keep checking: www.brethren.org/genbd/yya/NatJrHighConf.htm
Ken Medema will lead singing in each of our worship services, as well as perform a Saturday evening concert. Ted Schwartz (formerly of "Ted and Lee") will present scripture skits. Other speakers will be announced after the planning committee meets in September.
Registration for this conference will begin on-line January 15, 2009 for junior. high youth and their advisors. The registration cost will be $125 per person for both adult advisors and youth. Persons west of the Mississippi will be eligible for a $150 travel scholarship.
Mark your calendars now for June 19-21, 2009. Additional information will be available soon! Keep checking: www.brethren.org/genbd/yya/NatJrHighConf.htm
2009 Young Adult Conference
Memorial Day Weekend
YAC 2009
Camp Swatara
Bethel, PA
May 23-25, 2009
Come Experience God…
...in Community. ...in Worship.
...in God’s Creation. ...in Play.
For more information contact the Youth/Young Adult Ministry Office of the Church of the Brethren, 1-800-323-8039 or visit our website at http://www.brethren.org/genbd/yya/index.htm
YAC is for young adults ages 18-35
YAC 2009
Camp Swatara
Bethel, PA
May 23-25, 2009
Come Experience God…
...in Community. ...in Worship.
...in God’s Creation. ...in Play.
For more information contact the Youth/Young Adult Ministry Office of the Church of the Brethren, 1-800-323-8039 or visit our website at http://www.brethren.org/genbd/yya/index.htm
YAC is for young adults ages 18-35
Regional Youth Conference
Regional Youth Conference (RYC) takes place each year on the Manchester College campus. Church of the Brethren high school students and their youth group advisors are invited to participate in this weekend event. The weekend consists of worship, small group sharing, educational workshops, recreation, campus tours … all of which lead to personal growth and a great opportunity for fellowship with other Brethren youth.
RYC 2008 will be held Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 4-5, 2008.
What is at RYC for me?
Worship is always the highlight of RYC. Our three worship celebrations will pull topics from our conference theme of Faith and Politics. Through worship, we will explore these ideas as we continue to grow in our faith, and discern the influence of faith on political beliefs during this election year.
Keynote speaker for RYC 2008 is Phil Jones. Phil is the director of the Brethren Witness/Washington D.C. Office, the Church of the Brethren’s go-to office on matters of legislation and political action. He works to advocate and effect change in U.S. policy in regard to peace and justice issues from a Church of the Brethren faith-based perspective.
Registration for RYC will begin at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday morning, with our opening worship beginning at 10:15 a.m. Large-group sessions with Phil Jones, as well as small group discussion sessions, will be offered after lunch. It will be a full and fun weekend of learning, worship and fellowship with others from our region.
Paul Fry-Miller will lead music throughout the weekend. Paul leads music regularly in worship at Beacon Heights Church of the Brethren in Fort Wayne. Joining Paul will be other talented local musicians. A special Saturday evening concert will also be offered. Youth may also choose to attend a Sunday morning reflection time.
But wait! There’s more … campus tours, informational displays, old and new friends, and much, much more. You won’t want to miss this year’s RYC!
Just the facts
Where? On the Manchester College campus
When? RYC is held Oct. 4-5, 2008 with registration beginning at 8:30 a.m. Saturday morning in the Physical Education and Recreation Center (PERC), next to the lower Union parking lot. RYC will conclude before lunch on Sunday morning.
What to bring? Please bring a sleeping bag, pillow, towel, change of clothes, personal care items, a second pair of shoes, your Bible and an open heart and mind. You’ll be sleeping on the PERC floor, so please bring something soft to sleep on! Locker rooms with non-private showers will be available.
Who and Why? RYC is a youth conference provided by Manchester College for high school students and their adult advisors who reside in the Illinois/Wisconsin, Michigan, Northern Ohio, Southern Ohio, Northern Indiana and South/Central Indiana districts of the Church of the Brethren. This conference provides an opportunity for youth to socialize and share fellowship with one another, learn about what it means to be Brethren, and to praise God together. Churches are expected to send advisors with their youth. For example, if you send young women to RYC, please send a female chaperon. If you send young men to RYC, please send a male chaperon. If you send both young women and men to RYC, please send both a female and male chaperon. Please call the RYC office if you have difficulty in finding adults to send with your youth.
How much? Cost of the conference is $50 for youth and $35 for advisors. This cost covers three meals, lodging, snacks, conference activities and registration costs. A late registration fee of $60 for youth and $45 for advisors will be charged for registrations postmarked after Sept. 26. A partial RYC experience is better than no RYC experience! Please call the RYC office (260-982-4151) for special discounted rates for a partial RYC weekend.
How to register? Download and print a registration form. Also, fill out an Emergency Information form and an Assumption of Risk form, and send them, along with your registration fee, to:
Contact Information: Call Sarah Hall, 260-982-4151 or e-mail ryc@manchester.edu.
What is at RYC for me?
Worship is always the highlight of RYC. Our three worship celebrations will pull topics from our conference theme of Faith and Politics. Through worship, we will explore these ideas as we continue to grow in our faith, and discern the influence of faith on political beliefs during this election year.
Keynote speaker for RYC 2008 is Phil Jones. Phil is the director of the Brethren Witness/Washington D.C. Office, the Church of the Brethren’s go-to office on matters of legislation and political action. He works to advocate and effect change in U.S. policy in regard to peace and justice issues from a Church of the Brethren faith-based perspective.
Registration for RYC will begin at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday morning, with our opening worship beginning at 10:15 a.m. Large-group sessions with Phil Jones, as well as small group discussion sessions, will be offered after lunch. It will be a full and fun weekend of learning, worship and fellowship with others from our region.
Paul Fry-Miller will lead music throughout the weekend. Paul leads music regularly in worship at Beacon Heights Church of the Brethren in Fort Wayne. Joining Paul will be other talented local musicians. A special Saturday evening concert will also be offered. Youth may also choose to attend a Sunday morning reflection time.
But wait! There’s more … campus tours, informational displays, old and new friends, and much, much more. You won’t want to miss this year’s RYC!
Just the facts
Where? On the Manchester College campus
When? RYC is held Oct. 4-5, 2008 with registration beginning at 8:30 a.m. Saturday morning in the Physical Education and Recreation Center (PERC), next to the lower Union parking lot. RYC will conclude before lunch on Sunday morning.
What to bring? Please bring a sleeping bag, pillow, towel, change of clothes, personal care items, a second pair of shoes, your Bible and an open heart and mind. You’ll be sleeping on the PERC floor, so please bring something soft to sleep on! Locker rooms with non-private showers will be available.
Who and Why? RYC is a youth conference provided by Manchester College for high school students and their adult advisors who reside in the Illinois/Wisconsin, Michigan, Northern Ohio, Southern Ohio, Northern Indiana and South/Central Indiana districts of the Church of the Brethren. This conference provides an opportunity for youth to socialize and share fellowship with one another, learn about what it means to be Brethren, and to praise God together. Churches are expected to send advisors with their youth. For example, if you send young women to RYC, please send a female chaperon. If you send young men to RYC, please send a male chaperon. If you send both young women and men to RYC, please send both a female and male chaperon. Please call the RYC office if you have difficulty in finding adults to send with your youth.
How much? Cost of the conference is $50 for youth and $35 for advisors. This cost covers three meals, lodging, snacks, conference activities and registration costs. A late registration fee of $60 for youth and $45 for advisors will be charged for registrations postmarked after Sept. 26. A partial RYC experience is better than no RYC experience! Please call the RYC office (260-982-4151) for special discounted rates for a partial RYC weekend.
How to register? Download and print a registration form. Also, fill out an Emergency Information form and an Assumption of Risk form, and send them, along with your registration fee, to:
RYC 2008Return no later than Sept. 26, 2008. Please be sure to read and sign the covenant. Checks should be made payable to Manchester College.
Manchester College,
604 E. College Ave.,
North Manchester, IN 46962
Contact Information: Call Sarah Hall, 260-982-4151 or e-mail ryc@manchester.edu.
DISTRICT AUCTION
There will be silent auction at this year's District Conference. The Conference will be held at the Peoria Church of the Brethren, on November 7-9. The types of items to be auctioned off are baked goods, woodworking items, quilts, craft items, things that might represent your congregation.
Items can be sent to the Peoria Church ahead of time labeled "silent auction items".
Pastor Rick Koch will be auctioning off items again this year. For more information, you can contact Peoria Church of the Brethren at 309-682-3980.
Items can be sent to the Peoria Church ahead of time labeled "silent auction items".
Pastor Rick Koch will be auctioning off items again this year. For more information, you can contact Peoria Church of the Brethren at 309-682-3980.
DISTRICT OFFICE HOURS FOR SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER
Emily Cleer, the District Administrative Assistant, will attend a Senior Leadership Training class offered by Spoon River College.
Beginning September 11th through October 23 the District Office hours will be:
Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday 8:00 am - 1:00 pm
The regular Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 8:00 am - 1:00 pm will resume October 30th.
Beginning September 11th through October 23 the District Office hours will be:
Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday 8:00 am - 1:00 pm
The regular Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 8:00 am - 1:00 pm will resume October 30th.
Pursuing Peace
2008 Illinois/Wisconsin Fall District Youth Retreat
November 7-9
Peoria (Ill.) Church of the Brethren
Why is the Church of the Brethren a “Historic Peace Church”? What does that even mean? How did the Bible and our heritage shape those beliefs? And how do we live it out today when the world if full of so much violence?
Come spend a full and fun weekend with friends exploring these questions along with time for games, recreation, music, good food, and more.
The details:
WHERE: Peoria Church of the Brethren, 4714 N. Sheridan Rd., Peoria, Ill.
WHEN: Nov. 7-9, 2008. Registration will begin at 7 p.m. We will stay for opening worship, then going to our retreat space for the weekend. We will end around noon Sunday, with the conclusion of district conference closing worship.
WHO: Everyone currently in 9th through 12th grades, and advisors.
LEADERSHIP: Marie Rhoades of On Earth Peace
WHAT: A weekend filled with fun, learning, worship, food, and time with friends.
COST: $30 (free for advisors). Additional registration forms are available at www.cobyouth.org. Registrations are due by OCTOBER 28!
WANT MORE INFO? See the district youth website, www.cobyouth.org.
November 7-9
Peoria (Ill.) Church of the Brethren
Why is the Church of the Brethren a “Historic Peace Church”? What does that even mean? How did the Bible and our heritage shape those beliefs? And how do we live it out today when the world if full of so much violence?
Come spend a full and fun weekend with friends exploring these questions along with time for games, recreation, music, good food, and more.
The details:
WHERE: Peoria Church of the Brethren, 4714 N. Sheridan Rd., Peoria, Ill.
WHEN: Nov. 7-9, 2008. Registration will begin at 7 p.m. We will stay for opening worship, then going to our retreat space for the weekend. We will end around noon Sunday, with the conclusion of district conference closing worship.
WHO: Everyone currently in 9th through 12th grades, and advisors.
LEADERSHIP: Marie Rhoades of On Earth Peace
WHAT: A weekend filled with fun, learning, worship, food, and time with friends.
COST: $30 (free for advisors). Additional registration forms are available at www.cobyouth.org. Registrations are due by OCTOBER 28!
WANT MORE INFO? See the district youth website, www.cobyouth.org.
