Tuesday, May 01, 2012
From the Moderator – Fletcher Farrar
Beginning with the Daniel Fast. As
Daniel learned after refusing to eat
the king’s food, courage grows.
As I have visit churches speaking about this year’s district conference them, “Give us the courage of Daniel,” I have heard stories of courage small and large. I have heard Brethren say that courage grows. Courage in one thing leads to courage in another; courage in small things leads to courage in greater things. Personal courage leads to group courage. There is a progression to learning that we can rely on God and not be afraid. Some are beginning a journey of courage with the Daniel Fast.
The Book of Daniel begins with the tale of Daniel’s “Trial by Vegetables.” As young men, Daniel and his three Hebrew friends were brought into the king’s court in Babylon and given all the privileges of the royal household. But they didn’t want to eat the king’s rich food. The palace master was afraid for his life if the young men’s health deteriorated, so Daniel offered a test. For 10 days the four would be given a diet of vegetables and water. Then they would be compared with the other young men who ate the royal ration of meat and wine. Much to the relief of the palace master, the Hebrew men who had passed up all the fat, cholesterol and calories appeared 10 times better than the others. Smarter too. This was the first act of defiance and protest by Daniel and friends, whose courage led them later to face the fiery furnace and the lions’ den.
At my urging, several in our churches have tried doing a Daniel Fast – only vegetables and fruits and water for 10 days. There are websites with elaborate rules – and even recipes -- for such a fast, along with some helpful do’s and don’ts. Fasters cut out caffeine, alcohol, sugar, breads and grains. But mostly it is simple. Fruits and vegetables and water.
Beth Carpentier, administrative assistant in our district office, was among the first to try this last fall. Then she persuaded her church, First Baptist in Canton, to try it during Lent, ending on Easter Sunday. “We did the Daniel Fast for 21 days,” Beth writes, “with 42 people participating. We used a daily devotional as a unit and many wonderful experiences came out of the period. Several people lost 20-plus pounds and I’ve heard two people say that it was an amazing time of healing. Things were pretty rough around the 10-day mark as cravings were kicking in, but we all mustered through! Thanks for bringing this fast to our attention. It’s been an amazing road of prayer, healing and personal spiritual growth.”
Jocelyn Watkins and her husband, Ed, of the Peoria church had a similar experience. Jocelyn writes: “This year we, Ed and I, chose to do the Daniel Fast...thanks to the Lord’s leading...partly through your sermon here in Peoria in December! It was a wonderfully powerful experience for the both of us. I reaped SO many physical benefits, from increased energy to weight loss, and spiritual benefits, from growing closer to God to not letting my stomach be my god, to increased clarity of thought. The Book of Daniel definitely came alive for me during the experience. It was wonderful to be able to put myself in Daniel’s shoes.”
Van Metzger of First Church , Springfield , (who happens to be Jocelyn’s mother) identified with Daniel after she became a Christian as a young woman in her native Vietnam , where ancestor veneration is a common religious practice. She and a cousin visited the home of her uncle. At mealtime he first placed the food on the home altar, offering it to the ancestors while saying ancestral veneration prayers, before bringing the food to the living family seated at the table. Van, just 20 years old, announced that as a Christian she would refuse to eat the food that had been offered to idols. Her break with her family on this issue brought questions and criticism. Her aunt did find some food at the bottom of the pots in the kitchen which she was able to eat. But there was joy in taking a stand for the one true God. She showed the courage of Daniel.
DE PONDERINGS by Kevin Kessler
The best way to boost the morale at the office is to tell the boss when someone is doing a good job.
–The Complete Book of Zingers by Croft M. Pentz
Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
–I Thessalonians 5:15 (NIV)
The path of least resistance most frequently followed in social and organizational settings is finding fault. If we can discover what is wrong, then we know what it is that needs to be fixed. A culture of fault-finding, though, rarely leads to a better environment. Consequently, such a culture begets a continued search for problems. The common denominator of the culture is problem solving. The mission devolves into always finding corrective solutions rather than building a culture of sustainability.
What if we used a different approach? Consider what social and organizational cultures could be if we gave attention to what is done well.
Imagine yourself as the boss and being constantly bombarded with complaints about employees. The natural inclination is to find foundational causes for existing problems leading to you, the boss, setting up a culture of problem solving. Likely, there is precious little time to be visionary because of all the time used for putting out fires.
Imagine yourself as an employee in such a setting. Anytime you saw the boss approaching, your initial response is to assume something is wrong. The boss is always trying to “fix” things so why would this visit be any different.
Now imagine the boss entering the workplace with a commendation rather than a condemnation. The boss received information about an employee’s good effort and is making this known among the rest of the workers. Now the boss’ presence is viewed differently. Workers begin to look forward to a visit from the boss. A cultural shift emerges.
Change the environment from the workplace to the church, specifically the Church of the Brethren, the IL/WI District, your congregation. Imagine the denominational general secretary, the district executive, the pastor of the congregation sharing among constituents and congregants good news of outstanding efforts being carried out by individuals and groups within the church.
Stories of this nature abound among us. I have heard General Secretary Stan Noffsinger share about his experiences where the light of Jesus Christ has shown brilliantly. I’ve heard pastors speak glowingly about members in their congregations who have done great things. As district executive, I want to share stories about congregations and ministry teams who are actively engaged in effective ministry opportunities.
I’m not so naive to think that problems will magically disappear if we shift our focus toward accentuating the positive. However, I do believe that hearing about the good among us will better equip us to navigate the problems we encounter. Additionally, a shift takes place to focus more on determining how we can get involved in doing good things. If district A or congregation B or denomination C are doing good things, well, then, we should be able to, also.
My goal is to be more attentive to the “good” I hear and witness, and to share those stories more frequently and more broadly. Do you have a story to share? Are you seeing the good that someone or a group or a congregation is doing? I’d love to hear about it. I’d love to share about it.
We can inspire one another to do not just good things, but great things. We can count on God to equip us to carry out all we have been called to do. Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
International Day of Families
May 15 has been designated
by the United Nations as
International Day of Families.
Through our youth and
community development
programs, our Volunteers
around the globe work with
young people to help them
develop skills for transitioning
from school to work, becoming engaged and
active citizens in their communities, and, ultimately,
preparing for family life as independent and mature
adults. To learn more about these programs, I
encourage you to visit our youth and community
development Web pages and watch our video
dedicated to this sector of service.
Illinois Central Song & Story Fest: All Aboard!
July 1-7, 2012 • Camp Emmanuel - Astoria, Illinois
A Family Camp featuring Brethren musicians and storytellers in the woods and river valleys of central Illinois! We’re going to celebrate railroads and trains this year at the Fest and take some of our themes and titles from songs and stories about trains. We’ll explore the impact of our increasingly virtual (not to be confused with virtuous) world on our relationships and on the role of the church in keeping face-to-face communities alive. So join us in Riding the Rails in Comfort. Climb aboard our train Bound for Glory! These people will help make the trip enjoyable:
Storytellers and Workshop Leaders
An Intergenerational Camp for All Ages -
Single persons and families of any size and shape will enjoy this combination of performance and participation in the woods and fields and valleys of central Illinois.
Mornings - Intergenerational gatherings and worship will be followed by workshops for adults, children,
and youth to help us:
walks, story swaps, and jamming.
Evenings - Campfires, snacks, and concerts or a folk dance.
Song & Story Fest #16:
This is the sixteenth summer in a row for these Song and Story Fests and is our first venture into the great state of Illinois, crossroads of America and home to denominational headquarters. The Fest will begin on Sunday evening, July 1, with supper at 5:30 p.m., We’ll close the Fest on Saturday morning, July 7, after breakfast, worship and hugs. This should allow plenty of time to get to Saint Louis, Missouri, for those attending Annual Conference.
On Earth Peace will again co-sponsor the Fest, providing leadership and administrative support.
Camp Emmanuel is located three miles south of Astoria, Ill., (on US Rt. 24) some 17 miles west of Havana (55 miles west of I-55 on US 136) and the Illinois River.. Check it all out on the Camp website at http://www.cob-net.org/camp/emmanuel/index.htm which also has directions,
Lodging - Rustic cabins or dorms furnished with bunk beds, or in your own tent or RV.. Please bring your own bedding and towels as the Camp doesn’t provide these. There are a number of hookups for RVs. Hot showers are provided in common bathhouses.
Food - Arlene Kindy and her crew will cook for us again this year. Please bring a new table grace to add to our repertoire.
Craft Project - Contact Ken if you have a good craft project to share and lead.
Registration and Fees:
Registration includes all meals, on-site facilities, and leadership; and is based upon age. Children 3 and under are welcome, no charge.
Contact Bob Gross, On Earth Peace director, at 260-982-7751 or bgross@onearthpeace.org if you need financial help.
Register on-line at:
www.onearthpeace.org/programs/special/songstory-fest/registration.html
Call Darlene Johnson at the 410-635-8704 to pay by credit card or ask registration questions; you may also mail registrations or checks to: On Earth Peace, PO Box 188, New Windsor MD 21776 Phone: 410-635-8704; Fax: 410-635-8707; oep@onearthpeace.org
For additional information or with program questions contact: Ken Kline Smeltzer, Director, 1452 Willowbrook Drive, Boalsburg PA 16827-1668 814-571-0495 (mobile); 814-466-6491 (home); or bksmeltz@comcast.net
Jump the train to the lake at Camp Emmanuel!
A Family Camp featuring Brethren musicians and storytellers in the woods and river valleys of central Illinois! We’re going to celebrate railroads and trains this year at the Fest and take some of our themes and titles from songs and stories about trains. We’ll explore the impact of our increasingly virtual (not to be confused with virtuous) world on our relationships and on the role of the church in keeping face-to-face communities alive. So join us in Riding the Rails in Comfort. Climb aboard our train Bound for Glory! These people will help make the trip enjoyable:
Storytellers and Workshop Leaders
Deanna Brown, Bob Gross, Kathy Guisewite, Reba Herder, Jonathan Hunter, Jim Lehman, Sue Overman, Campfire, Workshop, and Concert Musicians, Rhonda & Greg Baker, Patti Ecker and Louise Brodie, Peg Lehman, LuAnne Harley & Brian Kruschwitz, Jenny Stover-Brown and Jeffrey Faus, Chris Good and Drue Gray of Mutual Kumquat, Mike SternJump the train to the lake at Camp Emmanuel!
An Intergenerational Camp for All Ages -
Single persons and families of any size and shape will enjoy this combination of performance and participation in the woods and fields and valleys of central Illinois.
Mornings - Intergenerational gatherings and worship will be followed by workshops for adults, children,
and youth to help us:
- Reconnect with the God of all creation and with each other
- Tell the stories that make for peace and rekindle faith
- Sing the words of our hearts in gratitude for the unceasing power of life
- Root and ground ourselves in the Jesus Way
- Deepen our connections with each other and the earth
- Celebrate peace, creation, and life
- Dance in circles, lines, and squares
- Learn the skills of peace-making and justice-seeking
walks, story swaps, and jamming.
Evenings - Campfires, snacks, and concerts or a folk dance.
Song & Story Fest #16:
This is the sixteenth summer in a row for these Song and Story Fests and is our first venture into the great state of Illinois, crossroads of America and home to denominational headquarters. The Fest will begin on Sunday evening, July 1, with supper at 5:30 p.m., We’ll close the Fest on Saturday morning, July 7, after breakfast, worship and hugs. This should allow plenty of time to get to Saint Louis, Missouri, for those attending Annual Conference.
On Earth Peace will again co-sponsor the Fest, providing leadership and administrative support.
Camp Emmanuel is located three miles south of Astoria, Ill., (on US Rt. 24) some 17 miles west of Havana (55 miles west of I-55 on US 136) and the Illinois River.. Check it all out on the Camp website at http://www.cob-net.org/camp/emmanuel/index.htm which also has directions,
Lodging - Rustic cabins or dorms furnished with bunk beds, or in your own tent or RV.. Please bring your own bedding and towels as the Camp doesn’t provide these. There are a number of hookups for RVs. Hot showers are provided in common bathhouses.
Food - Arlene Kindy and her crew will cook for us again this year. Please bring a new table grace to add to our repertoire.
Craft Project - Contact Ken if you have a good craft project to share and lead.
Registration and Fees:
Registration includes all meals, on-site facilities, and leadership; and is based upon age. Children 3 and under are welcome, no charge.
Adults $ 260.00Please register now and remit the entire fee by June 1. Registrations post-marked after June 1 should add 10% as a late fee. No discount for off-site, tent or RV housing. Daily Fee - $45/adult, $35/teen, $25/child, $140/family; includes all meals.
Teens 13 - 19 $ 200.00
Children 4 - 12 $ 130.00
Maximum Fee per Family $ 780.00
Contact Bob Gross, On Earth Peace director, at 260-982-7751 or bgross@onearthpeace.org if you need financial help.
Register on-line at:
www.onearthpeace.org/programs/special/songstory-fest/registration.html
Call Darlene Johnson at the 410-635-8704 to pay by credit card or ask registration questions; you may also mail registrations or checks to: On Earth Peace, PO Box 188, New Windsor MD 21776 Phone: 410-635-8704; Fax: 410-635-8707; oep@onearthpeace.org
For additional information or with program questions contact: Ken Kline Smeltzer, Director, 1452 Willowbrook Drive, Boalsburg PA 16827-1668 814-571-0495 (mobile); 814-466-6491 (home); or bksmeltz@comcast.net
Jump the train to the lake at Camp Emmanuel!
Look here for fees and registrationCamp Emmanuel Web Site
Look here for the camp schedule
Look here to read about the storytellers and musicians
Manchester College to become University
The Board of Trustees of Manchester College voted
on Saturday, April 21, 2012 to change the name of
Manchester College to Manchester University,
effective July 1, 2012. The change comes in the light
of Manchester’s- Growing complexity,
- Second campus in Fort Wayne,
- Academic program that includes undergraduate programs, two master’s programs,
- Desire to increase our marketability with prospective undergraduate students.
- The same Mission,
- The same student-focused approach to undergraduate education
- A similar student-focused approach in our graduate and pharmacy programs,
- Programs and services to help students succeed academically, and
- Faculty-student learning opportunities that help students exceed even their own expectations.
“For all that has been – THANKS!Jo Young Switzer, President, Manchester College, North Manchester, Indiana
For all that will be – YES!”
Older Adult Ministry
Older Adult Month – Aging with Passion and
Purpose – May 2012
The Church of the
Brethren celebrates
God’s gift of aging
each May. This
year’s theme is
Aging with Passion
and Purpose: The hope to which you have been
called... (Eph 1:18). A variety of worship resources
are available at www.brethren.org/oam/month.html,
along with a list of ways to recognize older adults in
your congregation. Contact Kim Ebersole, Director
of Older Adult Ministry, at (800) 323-8039 or
kebersole@brethren.org for more information.
The Church of the
Brethren celebrates
God’s gift of aging
each May. This
year’s theme is
Aging with Passion
and Purpose: The hope to which you have been
called... (Eph 1:18). A variety of worship resources
are available at www.brethren.org/oam/month.html,
along with a list of ways to recognize older adults in
your congregation. Contact Kim Ebersole, Director
of Older Adult Ministry, at (800) 323-8039 or
kebersole@brethren.org for more information.
News from Woodland Church
Gospel Hearts comes to the Woodland Church of
the Brethren on May 19th at 7:00p.m. They originally
came from Tennessee but now live in Illinois. They
bring Southern Gospel Blessings as they come and
share their music ministry with us. You are all
invited to come and be filled with lots of uplifting
songs and fellowship.On March 31st at 6:00p.m. the Woodland Church celebrated a Trivial Night to help Bo Peterman with his medical expenses as a result of a bad car accident. There was a silent auction, food and a bake sale. A time of fun and fellowship for a good cause was enjoyed at the Woodland Church of the Brethren!!!
If anyone is interested in donating money for Bo Peterman’s medical expenses you may do so by sending it to Better Banks in Astoria, Illinois 61501 in care of Bo Peterman. Thank you! He goes to the Woodland Church of the Brethren, sings in the choir and comes to the church’s activities and was going to college this fall!! Thank you for your prayers and support!!
Ruthann Johansen to Retire from Presidency of Bethany Seminary
Dr. Ruthann Knechel Johansen, president of Bethany
Theological Seminary, has announced her retirement,
effective July 1, 2013. The announcement came in
conjunction with the semiannual meeting of the
Bethany Seminary board of trustees.
Johansen began her tenure as the ninth president of Bethany Seminary on July 1, 2007, having most recently held the position of professor of literature and interdisciplinary studies and of a faculty fellow of the Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies at the University of Notre Dame. During her time at Bethany, she helped lead the development of a new mission and vision statement and a five-year strategic plan. Beginning with her inaugural celebration, she established the Presidential Forum as the premier public event at Bethany, offering the Seminary’s space and resources for denominational and ecumenical exploration, learning, and discourse on important issues of faith and ethics. Her presidency also saw the hiring of a new academic dean, three new faculty members, and a new director of the Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership.
Dr. Johansen says, “I am grateful for the opportunity to work with wonderful colleagues, both as board members and employees, in higher education and in serving God, the church, and the world. I call us to continue to be faithful, as I will attempt to be during this last period, and as I expect the search committee and the board will be as well.”
Bethany trustee Rhonda Pittman Gingrich will serve as the chair of the Presidential Search Committee, with Ted Flory, former member and chair of the board, serving as vice chair. The additional members of the committee are trustees David McFadden, John D. Miller, and Nathan Polzin; at- large representative Judy Mills Reimer; faculty representative Tara Hornbacker; and student representative Dylan Haro.
New Pastor at Franklin Grove
The two votes to call Matt Rittle as pastor and to
approve the negotiated financial package votes were
unanimous. The candidate responded positively and
was warmly welcomed by the congregation as their
new pastor.As worship, the meeting, and the fellowship meal progressed, there was a sense a warm affection between Matt and the members of the congregation— that’s the main reason that it was a joy to be there! Another was the optimism several members expressed about the future with Matt as their pastor.
Oak Grove Church Outreach
Oak Grove Church of the Brethren performed an
outreach on March 25th to the houses around the
Church. The outreach included a plate of cookies,
Bible Tracts and an Easter invitation. On Easter
Sunday they served a 9AM Breakfast and at 10:30AM
a worship service. Thirty four people attended the
breakfast with fifty two folks attending the Easter
Morning Service. Christ was lifted up and the gospel
clearly presented to the Glory of God. Much prayer
and work was done on the new fellowship hall. The
new Fellowship Hall was ready for the Love Feast on
Maundy Thursday night and with a good turnout.
Submitted by Pastor Charles Buegel
Camp Emmanuel Gets All Spruced Up!
April 14 through 20 saw more than thirty people
braving rain and winds to take part in readying
Camp Emmanuel for the 2012 camping season.
Volunteers came from all over central and southern
Illinois and ranged in age from 11 to 75. Churches
of the Brethren represented at some time during the
week were: Canton, Decatur, Mulberry Grove, Oak
Grove, Peoria, Virden, and Woodland.
Two major projects this year was resurfacing the
spillway bridge. Massive but rotting railroad ties
were pulled up and new lumber installed. In addition
electrical service was restored to Cottonwood
cabin. This lucky cabin also received a fresh coat of
paint. The camp’s two oven-six burner stove was
scrubbed and polished. Delicious meals were cooked
and served from that gleaming behemoth.
Overgrown shrubs were trimmed; the beach water treated for moss; chapel windows re-glazed, painted and reinstalled (this prodigious project is about 50 % complete.) Firewood was cut; a leaking water hydrant repaired; four-square courts were repainted; paddle boats got power-washed and launched; a handicap-friendly dining table was made; cabins, bath houses, breezeway, porch, dining hall and pavilion were cleaned; aging play equipment was dismantled and removed. And that’s just the short list! Whew!
On behalf of all the campers--young and old, wedding parties, reuniting families, fisher folk, rv’ers, mushroom hunters, photographers, star gazers and trail-walkers who will experience the beauty and peace of the camp whose name declares “God is with us,” thank you volunteers! Contributed by Ruth Siburt, Camp Manager
Overgrown shrubs were trimmed; the beach water treated for moss; chapel windows re-glazed, painted and reinstalled (this prodigious project is about 50 % complete.) Firewood was cut; a leaking water hydrant repaired; four-square courts were repainted; paddle boats got power-washed and launched; a handicap-friendly dining table was made; cabins, bath houses, breezeway, porch, dining hall and pavilion were cleaned; aging play equipment was dismantled and removed. And that’s just the short list! Whew!
On behalf of all the campers--young and old, wedding parties, reuniting families, fisher folk, rv’ers, mushroom hunters, photographers, star gazers and trail-walkers who will experience the beauty and peace of the camp whose name declares “God is with us,” thank you volunteers! Contributed by Ruth Siburt, Camp Manager
Milledgeville plans John 3:16 race
A traditional 5K race is 3.1 miles, but the June 9
run/walk planned by the Milledgeville Church of
the Brethren (Dutchtown) will be just a little longer –
3.16 miles. While the event celebrates scripture, it
promotes a healthy lifestyle. In the weeks leading up
to the race, the church holds a training session every
Thursday “for all people to participate in, no matter
what physical shape they are in,” writes Rick Koch,
the congregation’s pastor and a devoted runner. At
the practice sessions there is also a devotion and
prayer time. The congregation is reaching out to the
community for entries ($20) and sponsors. Proceeds
will be used to send children of the congregation to
Camp Emmaus and to support disaster relief.
2012 National Young Adult Conference
Are you between the ages of
18 and 35? If so, then you are
invited to the NYAC in Knoxville,
TN. This event will be a chance for young adults
to gather and create a loving community, have
engaging conversations about our role in the
denomination and also enjoy various speakers.NYAC takes place on June 18 – 22, 2012 at the University of Tennessee Knoxville. Our theme is “Humble, yet Bold: Being the Church,” based on Matt. 5: 13 – 18, “Being Salt for the Earth” and “A light for the world.”
Online registration begins Jan. 6 at 8 PM at www.brethtren.org/yac. The cost for the event will be $375 and includes housing, programming and meals.For more information call 800-323-8039 ext. 281 or E-mail NYAC2012@brethren.org.
Virden Church Celebrates 100 Years
The Virden Church of the Brethren celebrates their
100th anniversary with a “Homecoming” on July 22,
2012. We invite Previous Pastors (Full, part-time, or
interim) to attend and participate. Please contact the
Virden Church of the Brethren at 334 W. Dean St.,
Virden, IL. 62690 or call (217) 965-3422 or e-mail
vcotb@royell.netVerna Scharfenberg, 415 N. Masterson St. , Virden, IL 62690-1430 (217) 965-4141
Doreen M. Myers, 86, North Manchester
Doreen Mae Myers, 86, North
Manchester, IN died at 1:30 a.m.
Tuesday, April 17, 2012 in
Timbercrest Healthcare Center.
She was born January 25, 1926
in York, PA to Lehman W. and
Alverta Mae (Bupp) Crist. She
graduated from North York (PA)
High School and attended
Manchester College and earned her BA degree in
English from Elizabethtown College. On June 7,
1947 she married Rev. Carl E. Myers. Doreen was
a member of Manchester Church of the Brethren,
North Manchester, IN and a former member of the
Highland Ave. Church of the Brethren, Elgin, IL. A
memorial service at Highland Ave. Church of the
Brethren Elgin, IL will be announced at a later date.
For those who wish to honor the memory of Doreen
Myers, memorial contributions may be made to
Church World Service, PO Box 968, Elkhart, IN 46515
or Highland Ave. Church of the Brethren, Alternative
Christmas Fair, 783 W. Highland Ave., Elgin, IL 60123
or Global Women's Project, Church of the Brethren,
1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120.
Workshop to focus on helping Harrisburg
Rev. Bryan Crousore, an emergency response
specialist with Church World Service, will conduct
a free workshop on "Long-Term Recovery from
Disasters" for clergy and community members who
are helping people affected by the Feb. 29 tornado
in Harrisburg, IL. The workshop will take place on
May 2 from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Zion United
Church of Christ, 930 West Cherry St., in Marion, IL.
It will cover topics such as organizing a long-term recovery committee, identifying needs caused by the tornado and using appropriate resources to meet these needs. No registration is necessary to attend the workshop and all are welcome. Rev. Crousore is an expert at helping communities get organized to meet local needs following a disaster. He began this work when a devastating tornado struck the town of Xenia, Ohio, in 1974, near where he served as a pastor.
Rev. Crousore has provided training in the "long-term recovery process" to Midwestern and Appalachian communities affected by floods, tornadoes and other disasters. He has also helped train staff members of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, members of National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters and other groups. "I hope faith leaders and social service agencies will come together around a shared vision of long-term recovery from the Harrisburg tornado," Rev. Crousore says.
For more information or to arrange a phone interview with Rev. Crousore, please contact Tim Shenk at Church World Service, tshenk@churchworldservice. org or 212-870-2728. Your congregation’s partnership with CWS makes this possible. For more information about CROP Hunger Walk, Blankets+, and CWS Kits, or CWS response in Harrisburg, please contact the CWS Illinois office at (630) 200-4572 or il@churchworldservice.org or visit www.churchworldservice.org
Pam Folkers, Midwest Area Church World Service, (MI,IL,IN/KY,OH,WI)
Program Assistant, 809 Center St. Suite 7, Lansing, MI 48906, 517-484-7144, 888-297-2767 (toll free)
It will cover topics such as organizing a long-term recovery committee, identifying needs caused by the tornado and using appropriate resources to meet these needs. No registration is necessary to attend the workshop and all are welcome. Rev. Crousore is an expert at helping communities get organized to meet local needs following a disaster. He began this work when a devastating tornado struck the town of Xenia, Ohio, in 1974, near where he served as a pastor.
Rev. Crousore has provided training in the "long-term recovery process" to Midwestern and Appalachian communities affected by floods, tornadoes and other disasters. He has also helped train staff members of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, members of National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters and other groups. "I hope faith leaders and social service agencies will come together around a shared vision of long-term recovery from the Harrisburg tornado," Rev. Crousore says.
For more information or to arrange a phone interview with Rev. Crousore, please contact Tim Shenk at Church World Service, tshenk@churchworldservice. org or 212-870-2728. Your congregation’s partnership with CWS makes this possible. For more information about CROP Hunger Walk, Blankets+, and CWS Kits, or CWS response in Harrisburg, please contact the CWS Illinois office at (630) 200-4572 or il@churchworldservice.org or visit www.churchworldservice.org
Pam Folkers, Midwest Area Church World Service, (MI,IL,IN/KY,OH,WI)
Program Assistant, 809 Center St. Suite 7, Lansing, MI 48906, 517-484-7144, 888-297-2767 (toll free)
Volunteers needed for Annual Conference
What a great opportunity we have in the Midwest to host the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference in
St. Louis! Volunteer coordinators are working to make sure that their areas are adequately staffed so we can
provide the best possible experience for those who attend. Please consider offering your service for a few
hours, a day, or whatever time you can give for the Conference. We are all enriched when we participate.
Included is a list of the Volunteer Coordinators. Please note that some area coordinators have made specific
requests; you may contact them directly. Other areas may need volunteers, based on registrations that are
received. If there is an area where you would like to volunteer your services, please contact the Coordinator
listed here.
2012 Annual Conference Coordinators
2012 Annual Conference Coordinators
| SITE Co-COORDINATORS
Phil and Pearl Miller
660-747-2996—home
phpemiller@gmail.com
Stephanie Sappington 314-963-0764 ssapp55@yahoo.com EARLY CHILDHOOD Ronda Neher 319-824-3286—home neherfamily@prairieinet.net CHILDREN – GRADES K-2 (see 1) Barbara Flory 620-241-1056—home floryb@sbcglobal.net CHILDREN – GRADES 3-5 (see 1) Rhonda Pittman Gingrich 612-926-9460 - home rpgingrich@yahoo.com JUNIOR HIGH (see 2) Walt Wiltschek 260-982-5243 – work wjwiltschek@manchester.edu | SENIOR HIGH YOUTH (see 2)
Becky and Jerry Crouse
660-441-7427 – Becky cell
bbcrouse@cmh.edu
YOUNG ADULTS Barb Lewczak 515-240-0060 bwlewczak@netins.net SINGLE ADULTS Lisa Irle 660-747-5206 mo_history@embarqmail.com INFORMATION Gary and Beth Gahm 816-313-5065—home aegahm@gmail.com REGISTRATION (see 3) Barbara J. Miller 319-234-4130 barb@iowashows.com | TICKET SALES
Martha Louise Baile
660-747-9879
Melody Irle 660-909-2182 – cell blue@iland.net HEAD USHER (see 4) Diana Smith 417-282-1620 dianasmith52@hotmail.com HOSPITALITY (see 5) MaryWinsor/JimTomlonson, 660-747-2752 jetmew@yahoo.com Lois and Bill Grove 712-326-8266 – cell Grove19@msn.com |
- Need people who enjoy and can keep up with children to accompany them on field trips and activities
- Need a few adults on standby for the youth programming. Someone to go Monday and/or Tuesday on the outings if needed as backup.
- Need volunteers for Friday afternoon, Saturday and Sunday. They could use persons with some bookkeeping skills to take the money, some typing skills to type name tags, and there are other tasks most anyone can do.
- Need approximately 50 volunteer ushers each worship service to help with taking up offerings and taking count of people in each section of the auditorium. Services are Saturday evening, Sunday morning, Monday and Tuesday evenings, and Wednesday morning.
- Need volunteers on Saturday to greet people as they come into the building.
Powerhouse: Save The Date!
What: Powerhouse regional youth conference, a
weekend of worship, workshops, music, food, and
fun!When: Nov. 10-11, 2012
Where: Manchester University (note our new name effective July 1!), North Manchester, Ind.
Who: Youth in grades 9-12 in 2012-2013 and advisors
Website: www.manchester.edu/powerhouse
Other details: Coming soon!
Manchester College, Campus Ministry/Religious Life, 260-982-5243
For Delegates at Annual Conference
A reminder to congregations
from the Conference Office: If
the delegate you have registered
for Annual Conference is unable
to attend and you need to
change to an alternate delegate,
you must either, (1) email the
Conference Office (annualconferece@brethren.org),
or (2) have the alternate bring a letter to Conference
indicating the change. For questions or more
information call 847-429-4365.
If you haven’t yet registered your delegate, the advance registration period ends June 11. Register online at www.brethren.org/ac. Advance registration is $310. Onsite registration is $360.
Jon Kobel, Conference Assistant, Conference Office, 1451 Dundee Avenue, Elgin, IL 60120, 847-429-4365 Direct, 800-323-8039, x365, jkobel@brethren.org
If you haven’t yet registered your delegate, the advance registration period ends June 11. Register online at www.brethren.org/ac. Advance registration is $310. Onsite registration is $360.
Jon Kobel, Conference Assistant, Conference Office, 1451 Dundee Avenue, Elgin, IL 60120, 847-429-4365 Direct, 800-323-8039, x365, jkobel@brethren.org
Calendar of District Events
MAY
3 - National Day of PrayerJUNE
4-5 - Camp Emmanuel CIT Workshop
6 - National Youth Sunday
13 - Mother’s Day
17–19 - New Church Dev. Conf. @ Richmond, IN
25–28 - Camp Emmaus Memorial Day Family Camp
27 - Pentecost Sunday
28 - Memorial Day
1-3 - Camp Emmanuel Women’s RetreatJULY
3-9 - Camp Emmanuel Youth Camp
10-16 - Camp Emmanuel JrHi Camp
10–29 - BVS Summer Orientation
16–22 - National Young Adult Conf. @ Knoxville
17 - Father’s Day
17-23 - Camp Emmanuel Junior Camp
1-7 - Song and Story Fest @ Camp EmmanuelAUGUST
6–7 - Ministers Assoc. Pre-Conf. @ St. Louis, MO
7–11 - Annual Conference @ St. Louis, MO
7 - Mission & Ministry Board @ St. Louis, MO
13–15 - Camp Emmanuel Pre-Junior Camp
13–15 - Camp Emmaus Counselor-in-Training Event
14–15 - Camp Emmaus Elementary I Camp
17–20 - Camp Emmaus Elementary II Camp
22–28 - Camp Emmaus Senior High Camp
3–5 - Camp Emmanuel Young Adult CampSEPTEMBER
July 29–August 4 - Camp Emmaus Junior High Camp
5–10 - Camp Emmaus Elementary III Camp
10–12 - Camp Emmaus Women's Camp
10–12 - Camp Emmanuel Men's Camp
20–30 - BVS/BRF Orientation @ New Windsor
Aug 31–Sept 3 - Camp Emmanuel Family Camp
Aug 31–Sept 3 - Camp Emmaus Labor Day Family Camp
3 - Labor DayOCTOBER
16–Oct 5 - BVS Fall Orientation
21 - International Day of Peace
29 - Camp Emmanuel 7th Annual Fish Fry
7 - World Communion SundayNOVEMBER
20 - Camp Emmanuel Fall Work Day
20–23 - Mission and Ministry Board @ Elgin, IL
28 - Reformation Sunday
4 - National Jr. High SundayDECEMBER
4 - Daylight Savings Time Ends
10-11 - Powerhouse Youth Conference @ Manchester College
16–18 - Mission Alive @ Lititz, PA
22 - Thanksgiving Day
25 - First Sunday of Advent
25 - Christmas Day
31 - New Year’s Eve
