Monday, November 01, 2010
DE Ponderings
by Kevin Kessler, District Executive
I receive an email from Sojourners every week. Jim Wallis, founder of Sojourners, generally writes the main article that comes in the email. The latest one I received really spoke to how I feel and was very apropos for this season of political campaigning. He says it better than I can, so here is an excerpt from his article.
Every time I see a negative ad these days, I think one thing: What a waste! In such tough economic times, I cringe at all the money being spent on throwing mud at the other side. In fact, that gives me an idea: All of you who keep making arguments about why we should never trust the other side with our tax dollars -- how about you show us that you can be responsible with your own money now?
What if you took down all your negative ads, stopped the angry and poisonous mailings, cut it out with all of the robocalls, and took all the money you saved and gave it to the poor?
There are a lot of families hurting out there right now. If you want us to believe that you'll help them after you get elected, how about you start now? Take New Hampshire, for example. The Union Leader reported that $21 million will be spent on the race for a Senate seat during the primaries and general election -- and that's a conservative estimate. To put it in perspective, that adds up to $15.85 per resident or $33.23 for every expected voter. This is also enough money to send every unemployed New Hampshire resident a check for $555 or feed 1,000 homeless families of four for 14 years and 8 months.
Across the nation, House and Senate candidates' spending will exceed $2 billion. With a week left to go, spending by outside independent groups is already at $258 million. How many foreclosures could that money prevent? How many hungry children could be fed? How many unemployed people could be assisted?
We all know the reasons why no campaign manager or consultant would ever let this happen. The huge amounts of money being spent on campaigns and, specifically, on the most noxious ads is already disturbing; but when compared to what else that money could be spent on, it becomes downright offensive.
Ads at their best can be used to clarify and inform voters of policies and priorities at stake in an election. At their worst, they are used only to confuse, distort, and manipulate. Unfortunately, it just might be time to say to all those aspiring to national leadership, if you don't have anything nice (or at least not mean) to say, maybe you shouldn't say anything at all.
I receive an email from Sojourners every week. Jim Wallis, founder of Sojourners, generally writes the main article that comes in the email. The latest one I received really spoke to how I feel and was very apropos for this season of political campaigning. He says it better than I can, so here is an excerpt from his article.Every time I see a negative ad these days, I think one thing: What a waste! In such tough economic times, I cringe at all the money being spent on throwing mud at the other side. In fact, that gives me an idea: All of you who keep making arguments about why we should never trust the other side with our tax dollars -- how about you show us that you can be responsible with your own money now?
What if you took down all your negative ads, stopped the angry and poisonous mailings, cut it out with all of the robocalls, and took all the money you saved and gave it to the poor?
There are a lot of families hurting out there right now. If you want us to believe that you'll help them after you get elected, how about you start now? Take New Hampshire, for example. The Union Leader reported that $21 million will be spent on the race for a Senate seat during the primaries and general election -- and that's a conservative estimate. To put it in perspective, that adds up to $15.85 per resident or $33.23 for every expected voter. This is also enough money to send every unemployed New Hampshire resident a check for $555 or feed 1,000 homeless families of four for 14 years and 8 months.
Across the nation, House and Senate candidates' spending will exceed $2 billion. With a week left to go, spending by outside independent groups is already at $258 million. How many foreclosures could that money prevent? How many hungry children could be fed? How many unemployed people could be assisted?
We all know the reasons why no campaign manager or consultant would ever let this happen. The huge amounts of money being spent on campaigns and, specifically, on the most noxious ads is already disturbing; but when compared to what else that money could be spent on, it becomes downright offensive.
Ads at their best can be used to clarify and inform voters of policies and priorities at stake in an election. At their worst, they are used only to confuse, distort, and manipulate. Unfortunately, it just might be time to say to all those aspiring to national leadership, if you don't have anything nice (or at least not mean) to say, maybe you shouldn't say anything at all.
Powerhouse 2010
Church of the Brethren Midwest Youth
NOV. 13-14, 2010 MANCHESTER COLLEGE,
NORTH MANCHESTER, INDIANA
Featured Speakers/Presenters: National Youth Conference (NYC) speakers Angie Lahman Yoder and David Sollenberger, plus a host of Bible study leaders and many others.
Theme: “Hidden Treasure,” Prov. 2:1-5 (plus Col. 2:1-4, Malachi 3:13-18, Heb. 12:1-3, 2 Cor. 4:5-12)
Who: for Church of the Brethren youth in grades 9-12, plus friends and advisors.
Illinois-Wisconsin District Conference
November 5-7, 2010
Eastland Middle School
Shannon, Illinois
Get in Line With Jesus!!
Join us at District Conference where the body of
Christ meets to discern what God wants us to do!
FRIDAY:
Eastland Middle School
Shannon, Illinois
Get in Line With Jesus!!
Join us at District Conference where the body of
Christ meets to discern what God wants us to do!
FRIDAY:
5:00 PM—Doors open for registration.SATURDAY:
7:00 PM—Worship with Lisa Fike as worship leader and Orlando Redekopp, Moderator, as speaker.
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM approx.—Business sessionSUNDAY:
5:00 PM– Buffet dinner is being provided by Cherry Grove and Yellow Creek congregations.
7:00 PM—Worship with Joseph Helfrich performing.
8:00 PM—Ice Cream Social sponsored by the District Youth.
9:15 AM—Insight SessionsInsight Sessions:
10:30 AM—Worship with Robert Alley, Annual Conf. Moderator
Robert Alley—2011 Annual Conference Moderator
On Earth Peace
Brethren Benefit Trust
Fletcher Farrar
40 Acres of Beans for God’s Work
The Polo Church hosted members of the participating churches for a social gathering and a meal. A video, “Sowing Seeds… Harvesting Hope” was shown with comments by Oren Samuelson the Ag Services Director of WGN. Samuelson does the nationally syndicated Daily Farm Report. Jay Wittmeyer, the Church of the Brethren Exec. Director of Global Mission Partnerships participated in the event and shared information about food needs around the world. He spoke about projects in Guatemala and Ethiopia.
After the fellowship time everyone went from the church and drove to the bean field south of Polo. Jim Schmidt offered combine rides to give people a sense of what it is like to harvest 40 acres of soybeans. The field produced over 65 bushels an acre this year. Jim said this was the best soybean crop ever.If other churches would be interested in a growing project, please contack Jim Schmidt in Polo or call 815-946-3505. You can also log on to the website www.FRB.com
Freeport Church of the Brethren Celebrates 90 Years
On October 3, 1920 a group of 42 people gathered to worship and officially organize as a new Church of the Brethren in Freeport, Illinois. We remember and celebrate our forefathers and mothers who shared their great faith in Christ Jesus and established our church. Now 90 years later we have set aside November 14, 2010 as “A Day of New Beginnings.” As someone who has made a contribution to our church we would be pleased to have you share the day with us. Arrangements are being made for times of worship, times of reminiscing and of course times of food and fellowship. Our schedule for the day is: 9:30 AM Morning Worship with Pastor Lisa Fike; 10:30 AM Coffee and Fellowship; 11:00 AM A time of sharing stories; 12:00 Noon A Potluck Lunch (provided by current members) ; 1:00 PM Celebration Worship with former Pastors.
You are invited to participate in as much as your schedule allows. If you are unable to attend but would like to send a greeting we will be pleased to read it to the congregation. Also we know that there many photographs of previous church events. We would love to be able to share those as well. We look forward to seeing many at our celebration.
You are invited to participate in as much as your schedule allows. If you are unable to attend but would like to send a greeting we will be pleased to read it to the congregation. Also we know that there many photographs of previous church events. We would love to be able to share those as well. We look forward to seeing many at our celebration.
Springfield Church Holiday Fair and Meals for Seniors
First Church of the Brethren, Springfield, will be hosting their annual Alternative Holiday Fair on December 3 and 4. Fair trade goods from Ten Thousand Villages and SERRV will be available for purchase. Several international agencies will have booths, including Heifer Project International and Trees for Life. The Fair will be open from 4 pm until 8 pm on Friday and 7:30 am until 1:30 pm on Saturday. Supper will be served Friday evening and lunch on Saturday featuring an Eritrean entre. Additionally, a variety of soups and several vegetarian dishes will be available.
The congregation of First Church, Springfield and volunteers from the community will once again prepare and deliver about 200 Thanksgiving meals to home-bound seniors. The church receives names of seniors who will be home alone on the holiday from area agencies such as Senior Services of Sangamon County, the American Red Cross, and several area hospital's Visiting Nurses Associations. Each of the seniors on the list receive a traditional Thanksgiving meal delivered by lunch time. This is the 26th year First Church has provided this service. A similar meal will be prepared and delivered on Christmas Day.
The congregation of First Church, Springfield and volunteers from the community will once again prepare and deliver about 200 Thanksgiving meals to home-bound seniors. The church receives names of seniors who will be home alone on the holiday from area agencies such as Senior Services of Sangamon County, the American Red Cross, and several area hospital's Visiting Nurses Associations. Each of the seniors on the list receive a traditional Thanksgiving meal delivered by lunch time. This is the 26th year First Church has provided this service. A similar meal will be prepared and delivered on Christmas Day.
Leaf Raking Scheduled at Camp Emmaus
Camp Emmaus, Inc, Church of the Brethren on 3011 W. Camp Road in Mt. Morris has designated November 13, 2010 as LEAF RAKING DAY. Join us for fun, exercise, and fellowship. We will begin at 8:00 AM and rake until 11:30 AM. Reservations are not necessary.
COME JOIN US
COME JOIN US
Happenings at Hurricane Creek
On Sunday, Sept. 28 we held our annual Sunday school picnic in the park. The Carlyle City park was the setting for the gathering and despite the damp, chilly, blustery day everyone enjoy the fellowship & good food.On Sat., Oct. 9 we had an old fashioned barn (goat shed) and fence raisin' for our Pastor and his wife, Bro. Kirk and Sis. Genie Fifer. They live in rural Olney. The job was accomplished with lots of hard work, laughter and several delicious meals. Several people from church went on Friday evening and camped out, enjoying a Wiener roast with all the yummy trimmings. We held a very informal church service on Sunday with everyone who were able to stay over for that day.
On Sunday, October 24 we held our second annual pastor appreciation dinner at a local Ponderosa. This year, the only surprise part was a shower for the pastor's new grandson. Pastor Kirk and Sis. Genie were informally attired due to the fact that they were going to pick up the new residents for their newly constructed goat shed after church. We enjoyed the food and fellowship, always having a good time sharing with other members of God's family.
Director of Brethren Archives, Ken Shaffer, Passes Away
We were informed today of the death of Ken Shaffer, director of the Brethren Historical Library and Archives (BHLA). Ken passed away peacefully on Saturday afternoon, Oct. 23, at his home in Elgin. In May he had announced his retirement date as Dec. 31. Judy Keyser, our treasurer, has been one of the caregivers for Ken along with his sister Jean over the last few weeks.
Ken began work for the Church of the Brethren in Aug. 1970 as consultant for curriculum development for the former General Board. From 1972-88 he worked at Bethany Theological Seminary in Oak Brook, Ill., where his positions included bookstore manager, acquisitions librarian, administrative assistant to the Doctor of Ministry program, and library director. He served as book review editor for the journal “Brethren Life and Thought” from 1986-99. From 1987-89 he was editor of “A Guide for Biblical Studies,” the Brethren Press Bible study curriculum for adults.
He began as BHLA director in Jan. 1989, holding responsibility for the extensive archival collection housed in the basement of the Church of the Brethren General Offices. With documents dating back to a 1539 German New Testament, the archive preserves Brethren publications, records, and items of historical importance. Most recently he had been contributing to a new project to digitize Brethren periodicals, in a cooperative endeavor with several other Brethren bodies, and along with co-author Graydon Snyder was writing articles for the journal “Brethren Life and Thought” to bring their books on “Texts in Transit” up to date.
Originally from the eastern shore of Maryland, Ken was born Dec. 10, 1945, in Greensboro, Md. He was an ordained minister and early in his career filled two summer pastorates. Most recently he has been active in Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren. He is survived by his sister Jean Shaffer, aunts Kathleen Cole and Betsy Bareford, and numerous cousins. His funeral was held on Wednesday, Oct. 27, at 2 p.m. at Denton (Md.) Church of the Brethren. A memorial service will be held at Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren at a date yet to be determined.
Karin L. Krog, Director of Human Resources
Ken began work for the Church of the Brethren in Aug. 1970 as consultant for curriculum development for the former General Board. From 1972-88 he worked at Bethany Theological Seminary in Oak Brook, Ill., where his positions included bookstore manager, acquisitions librarian, administrative assistant to the Doctor of Ministry program, and library director. He served as book review editor for the journal “Brethren Life and Thought” from 1986-99. From 1987-89 he was editor of “A Guide for Biblical Studies,” the Brethren Press Bible study curriculum for adults.
He began as BHLA director in Jan. 1989, holding responsibility for the extensive archival collection housed in the basement of the Church of the Brethren General Offices. With documents dating back to a 1539 German New Testament, the archive preserves Brethren publications, records, and items of historical importance. Most recently he had been contributing to a new project to digitize Brethren periodicals, in a cooperative endeavor with several other Brethren bodies, and along with co-author Graydon Snyder was writing articles for the journal “Brethren Life and Thought” to bring their books on “Texts in Transit” up to date.
Originally from the eastern shore of Maryland, Ken was born Dec. 10, 1945, in Greensboro, Md. He was an ordained minister and early in his career filled two summer pastorates. Most recently he has been active in Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren. He is survived by his sister Jean Shaffer, aunts Kathleen Cole and Betsy Bareford, and numerous cousins. His funeral was held on Wednesday, Oct. 27, at 2 p.m. at Denton (Md.) Church of the Brethren. A memorial service will be held at Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren at a date yet to be determined.
Karin L. Krog, Director of Human Resources
EYN Leader, Barka Filibus, Passes Away
Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria (EYN--the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria) mourns the death in the family of a denominational leader. Barka Filibus, a son of EYN president Filibus Gwama, died on Oct. 24 in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital city, perhaps of a heart attack. “He has a family with four children,” report Nigeria mission workers Nathan and Jennifer Hosler in an e-mail asking for the American church’s support for the Gwama family and EYN as a whole. “EYN appreciates your prayers,” the Hoslers wrote. They drove to the family’s home village of Gava to attend the burial service, where they were asked to bring condolences on behalf of the Church of the Brethren in the United States.
Nancy Miner, Office of the General Secretary
Nancy Miner, Office of the General Secretary
Champaign Church and U of I Project
The Champaign congregation once again signed up for and used I-Help. That is students from the University of Illinois go out into the community to do volunteer work once a year. This year the students helped close out the community garden and helped set up for the basement sale. There were 18 volunteers and there was no problem keeping them busy for the 2.5 hours they were at the church. Champaign also fed the volunteers, which is not part of the program, and sent them each home with a bag of homemade cookies. It was a glorious day of work and enjoyment.
Peace on Earth Christmas Fair
Saturday November 20, 2010
9 am - 2 pm
Come share in the spirit of the season with this Christian alternative for holiday giving. Find gifts for everyone on your list that are fair-trade, sustainable, and healthy. All proceeds from the sale benefit local and global charities, including Habitat for Humanity, PADS, and Heifer International. Make this Christmas a gift to you, your loved ones, and all the world's people, at the Peace on Earth Christmas Fair!
Home-Baked Goods * Hand-made Crafts * SERRV Fair Trade Gifts * Brethren Press Books * Palestinian Olive Oil * Koinonia Chocolates and Nuts * Heifer International Shares * Equal Exchange Coffee and Tea * And More!
Lunch is available for a donation from 10:00 am - 1:00 pm. Child care is also available.
The building is handicapped accessible.
Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren
783 W. Highland Avenue, Elgin, Illinois
www.hacob.org
847-741-5124
Fair sponsored by Chicago-area Churches of the Brethren.
Calendar of events, meetings, etc
NOVEMBER
1 - All Saints DayDECEMBER
2 - Election Day
5-7 - DISTRICT CONFERENCE, Yellow Creek
7 - Daylight Saving Time Ends
13-14 - Powerhouse 2010 Regional Youth Conference - Manchester College
13 - Ministerial Leadership Dev. Team - Peoria
13 - Leaf Raking at Camp Emmaus
14 - "A Day of New Beginnings" Celebration - Freeport
19-20 - Ill.–Wisc. Leadership Team – Camp Emmaus
25 - Thanksgiving Day
28 - First Sunday of Advent
30 - Ill. Conference of Churches LT - Plainfield
4 - New Church Development Team - CantonJANUARY
4 - Cookie Camp Emmaus
25 - Christmas Day
31 - New Year’s Eve
1 - New Year’s DayFEBRUARY
17 - Martin Luther King Jr. Day
14 - St. Valentine’s DayMARCH
21 - President’s Day
9 - Ash WednesdayAPRIL
13 - Daylight Savings Time Begins
16-22 - Camp Emmanuel Spring Work Day/WeekMAY
17 - Palm Sunday
19 - Passover
22 Good Friday
24 - Easter
7 - Camp Emmanuel CIT WorkshopJUNE
8 - Mother’s Day
13-15 Camp Emmanuel Young Adult Camp
30 - Memorial Day
3-5 - Camp Emmanuel Women's CampJULY
5-11 - Camp Emmanuel Sr Hi Youth Camp
12-18 - Camp Emmanuel Jr Hi Camp
19 - Father’s Day
21 - First Day of Summer
24-26 - Camp Emmaus CIT Training
25-26 - Camp Emmaus Elementary I Camp
1–6 - Annual ConferenceAUGUST
8-10 - Camp Emmanuel Pre-Junior Camp
10-16 - Camp Emmanuel Junior Camp
10-16 - Camp Emmaus Sr Hi Youth Camp
17-23 - Camp Emmaus Jr Hi Youth Camp
24-29 - Camp Emmaus Elementary III Camp
2-5 - Camp Emmaus Elementary II CampSEPTEMBER
5-7 Camp Emmaus Women's Camp
12-14 - Camp Emmanuel Men's Camp
2–5 - Camp Emmanuel Family CampOCTOBER
2-5 - Camp Emmaus Family Camp
5 - Labor Day
11 - Grandparent’s Day
29 - Rosh Hashanah
8 - Yom KippurNOVEMBER
10 - Columbus Day
22 - Camp Emmanuel Fall Work Day
4–6 - District Conference, Lake WilliamsonDECEMBER
6 - Daylight Savings Time Ends
24 - Thanksgiving
21 - Hanukkah
25 - Christmas
26 - Kwanzaa
