Friday, June 01, 2012
Conference Witness to the Host City
Church of the Brethren Annual Conference
Delegates to the 2008 Annual Conference in Richmond, VA processed an item of business entitled Query: Conference Witness to the Host City. The query acknowledges that because Annual Conference is held in various cities, it would be good to give witness to our shared faith in Jesus in these places. Delegates in Richmond adopted the concern of the query and referred the concern to the Program and Arrangements Committee for consultation and implementation.
The Annual Conference witness to the city of St. Louis involves the collection of school supplies for the St. Louis Public School system. During the 2012-13 school year, the St. Louis Public Schools will serve approximately 28,000 students in 72 different schools.
The list of school supplies was provided by the St. Louis Public Schools, and includes the following:
2 pocket letter size portfolios, Glue sticks, Ball point pens – medium tip, Highlighters, Washable markers – 10 pack , Rulers – 12”plastic, Colored pencils, colored, 12 pack, Protractors – 6” plastic, Pencils, #2, Crayons – 16 pack, Paper filler – 3 hole, college rule, Erasers, Primary writing paper, Backpack (black only)
Moderator Tim Harvey recently went to a local retailer and purchased the entire list of supplies—not including the backpack—for under $18. The color of the backpacks was requested by the St. Louis school staff, and may be difficult to find at this time of year.
Conference attendees who participate in this outreach are invited to bring their supplies to the Sunday morning worship service at Annual Conference, where they will be received during the offering. Representatives from the St. Louis Public Schools will receive the supplies during the afternoon business session on Tuesday, July 10.
Delegates to the 2008 Annual Conference in Richmond, VA processed an item of business entitled Query: Conference Witness to the Host City. The query acknowledges that because Annual Conference is held in various cities, it would be good to give witness to our shared faith in Jesus in these places. Delegates in Richmond adopted the concern of the query and referred the concern to the Program and Arrangements Committee for consultation and implementation.
The Annual Conference witness to the city of St. Louis involves the collection of school supplies for the St. Louis Public School system. During the 2012-13 school year, the St. Louis Public Schools will serve approximately 28,000 students in 72 different schools.
The list of school supplies was provided by the St. Louis Public Schools, and includes the following:
2 pocket letter size portfolios, Glue sticks, Ball point pens – medium tip, Highlighters, Washable markers – 10 pack , Rulers – 12”plastic, Colored pencils, colored, 12 pack, Protractors – 6” plastic, Pencils, #2, Crayons – 16 pack, Paper filler – 3 hole, college rule, Erasers, Primary writing paper, Backpack (black only)
Moderator Tim Harvey recently went to a local retailer and purchased the entire list of supplies—not including the backpack—for under $18. The color of the backpacks was requested by the St. Louis school staff, and may be difficult to find at this time of year.
Conference attendees who participate in this outreach are invited to bring their supplies to the Sunday morning worship service at Annual Conference, where they will be received during the offering. Representatives from the St. Louis Public Schools will receive the supplies during the afternoon business session on Tuesday, July 10.
Work Day at Batavia, New Beginnings Church Building
The District Leadership Team in preparation for selling the New Beginnings Church building in Batavia is planning a workday on-site, 611 N. Van Buren St., for the purpose of disposing of items in the building as well as sprucing up the property. Work will begin at 9:00am and continue until noon or such time as the work is completed. No special skills are required, just a willingness to pitch in and share in a district work day.
Work Day - When: Saturday, June 30, 2012
Where: New Beginnings Church, 611 N. Van Buren St, Batavia, Your assistance is appreciated!
Work Day - When: Saturday, June 30, 2012
Where: New Beginnings Church, 611 N. Van Buren St, Batavia, Your assistance is appreciated!
The Next Newsletter will be August
With Annual Conference the first weeks in July, the District Newsletter will not be published in July. Please have your articles ready for the first week in August.
DE PONDERINGS by Kevin Kessler
In a book I recently read, Sacrilege by Hugh Halter, I learned that churches in America spend about 85 percent of their income on themselves leaving, of course, 15 percent for outreach or support to judicatory/denominational efforts. The author provided additional information to making his point a bit more vivid. He estimated conservatively that we have about 400,000 churches in America with an average of 70 people and a median income of about $100,000. Doing the math indicates these churches contribute approximately $6,000,000,000 toward the desperate needs of people.I thought it would be interesting to know what percentage of the U.S. Federal Budget is used for welfare. As complicated as the federal budget is I wondered how difficult it would be to nail this down. I found on The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities website that 13 percent of the federal budget is used for Safety Net Programs. The church has a 2 percent edge on the federal government. Really nothing to brag about.
Okay, the point is not to put a guilt trip on the church. Guilt is never a good motivator. But maybe it’s helpful to consider what the results might be if the percentages were different. How much more good would be done in the world if less were kept in the church and more given to those in need?
Talking about percentages may not even be the right conversation to be engaging in. What if we changed the focus from dollars and percentages to what we are called to do with the resources we have? Our mission according to scripture is to help the widow, the poor, the sick, and the impoverished to the point that needs disappear. Acts 4:34-35 provides the basis for this understanding: “There were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles’ feet and it was distributed to anyone as he had need.”
Author Hugh Halter suggests that it would indeed be amazing the increased amount of good deeds the church could do if it kept only 50 percent for itself. Indeed! Practical? Probably not. But it never hurts to strive for a more equitable balance, especially understanding that our call is to eliminate needs. With this understanding of call foremost on our hearts and in our minds, I’m confident we’ll be motivated to narrow the gap between what we keep and what we give to those in need. What do you think?
York Center welcomes New Congregation
The York Center Church of the Brethren is excited to welcome God's Congregation Worship Center to their church building. This new congregation will begin worshiping at York Center on Sunday, July 1. They have been meeting in a community building for the past few months. York Center brothers and sisters are preparing office space for their Pastor Carl Mabins. He began his ministry by reaching out to young folks in the community. The two congregations look forward to sharing fellowship, meals, and periodic worship services.
York Center will hold a Pet Blessing service on the church lawn on Saturday, August 11 at 10 a.m. This service offers the opportunity for us to give thanks to God for the animals that bless our lives. For the past four years, this has been a joy-filled service with very well-behaved cats and dogs, and people.
York Center will hold a Pet Blessing service on the church lawn on Saturday, August 11 at 10 a.m. This service offers the opportunity for us to give thanks to God for the animals that bless our lives. For the past four years, this has been a joy-filled service with very well-behaved cats and dogs, and people.
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
Pinecrest Manor Achieves Coveted Five-Star Status
(May 31, 2012) Mt. Morris, IL– Pinecrest Community is proud to announce the achievement of a “Five-Star” ranking by its nursing home, Pinecrest Manor, in ratings released in May by Medicare.The achievement is a tribute to its dedicated nursing staff, and its diligence on health inspections and quality measures, said CEO Ferol Labash. “Quality begins with our leadership,” Labash said. “Jolene LeClere, administrator of health services, and our team of administrative staff, lead the way in providing quality, compassionate care.”
Director of Nursing Meg Unger agreed: It’s the staff. “Quality staffing, in all departments, is the backbone of Pinecrest Community,” Unger, a 25-year employee, said.
According to Medicare, when looking at the five-star ratings, more stars are better. Five stars are the most a nursing home can get. One star is the fewest. Only 10 percent of nursing homes in America can attain the five-star rating at any one point in time.
This star rating is for overall staffing hours, which includes registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, licensed vocational nurses, and certified nursing assistants. Other types of nursing home staff such as clerical, administrative, or house-keeping are not included in these staffing calculations.
Pinecrest Community, operated since 1893 by the Church of the Brethren, which still oversees its operations today, recommends those considering nursing homes for their loved ones consult the information made available at the Medicare.gov Web site. The Brethren’s 22 retirement communities and nursing homes across the nation have a legacy of excellence, having been ranked by Consumer Reports magazine as third in the nation in quality.
To view ratings of all nursing homes, go to http://www.medicare.gov/NHCompare and select “compare nursing homes.”
Comforters for District Conference
You Still Have Time!!!
We Encourage Your Participation
Please Let The Appropriate Persons In Your Congregation Know About This.
Last year at District Conference at Lake Williamson we were able to participate in a variety of events including love feast, worship, business, fellowship, and an auction of some wonderful comforters. The comforters showcased the creative talents from many of our churches and the auction led by Brother Rick Koch from Milledgeville was a lot of fun as well!
We would like to continue the project for another year and invite each congregation to make a contribution. There are no rules - be colorful, be creative, have fun. Proceeds will go to support our District work.
Please spread the word about this project. Let me know by September 15 if you are going to participate and then bring your comforter to District Conference (Nov. 2-5, 2012) and enjoy the friendly camaraderie as we bid for these wonderful pieces of Brethren art.
In Christ's Service, Ed Garrison, egarrison207@comcast.net (815) 734-4565
We Encourage Your Participation
Please Let The Appropriate Persons In Your Congregation Know About This.
Last year at District Conference at Lake Williamson we were able to participate in a variety of events including love feast, worship, business, fellowship, and an auction of some wonderful comforters. The comforters showcased the creative talents from many of our churches and the auction led by Brother Rick Koch from Milledgeville was a lot of fun as well!
We would like to continue the project for another year and invite each congregation to make a contribution. There are no rules - be colorful, be creative, have fun. Proceeds will go to support our District work.
Please spread the word about this project. Let me know by September 15 if you are going to participate and then bring your comforter to District Conference (Nov. 2-5, 2012) and enjoy the friendly camaraderie as we bid for these wonderful pieces of Brethren art.
In Christ's Service, Ed Garrison, egarrison207@comcast.net (815) 734-4565
Come Join Us!
2012 ILLINOIS/WISCONSIN DISTRICT CONFERENCE
NOVEMBER 2-4, 2012
LAKE WIWAMSON CHRISTIAN CENTER
CARLINVILLE, IL
HOSTED BY VIRDEN CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN
Friday Evening:
- Worship: Dan Ulrich - Professor of New Testament Studies at Bethany Theological Seminary.
Saturday Evening:
- Mutual Kumquat Concert
Sunday:
- Insight Sessions
- Worship: Benjamin Reynolds, Interim Pastor at First Chicago CoB
Lake Williamson Christian Center
17280 Lakeside Dr.
Carlinville, IL 62626
lakewilliamson.org
Coordinator of Outreach Programs Named at Bethany Seminary
Rebekah Houff has been named to the position of coordinator of outreach programs for Bethany Theological Seminary, to begin June 1, 2012. Houff is a 2012 graduate of Bethany, having earned a master of divinity degree with an emphasis in youth and young adult ministry.
In this one-year position, Houff will work with Russell Haitch, assistant professor of Christian education and director of the Institute for Ministry with Youth and Young Adults., A key responsibility will be to plan and facilitate the 2013 Exploring Your Call, a ten-day seminar for high school students finishing their sophomore, junior, or senior year. Exploring Your Call will be held this year from June 15-25 at Bethany in Richmond, Indiana.
Houff has previously served the Church of the Brethren Youth and Young Adult Ministries Office in coordinating national conferences and workcamps.
In this one-year position, Houff will work with Russell Haitch, assistant professor of Christian education and director of the Institute for Ministry with Youth and Young Adults., A key responsibility will be to plan and facilitate the 2013 Exploring Your Call, a ten-day seminar for high school students finishing their sophomore, junior, or senior year. Exploring Your Call will be held this year from June 15-25 at Bethany in Richmond, Indiana.
Houff has previously served the Church of the Brethren Youth and Young Adult Ministries Office in coordinating national conferences and workcamps.
Biblical, Spiritual, and Practical Resources
presented by Ruthann Knechel Johansen
Ruthann Knechel Johansen, president of Bethany Theological Seminary, is pleased to offer the following workshops to districts, congregations and other interested groups or gatherings. They are suitable for pre-district conference events, insight sessions, weekend congregational presentations, or other settings that fit the cadences of life and learning in your part of the church. We trust that these workshops will be wonderful opportunities for education and thoughtful discussion about significant questions in our lives today and to strengthen or develop the relationship between Bethany and the individuals, congregations, and districts of the Church of the Brethren.
The preferred format is an interactive group discussion; however, the feasibility of' this format will be determined in part by the size of your group, We will work with you to meet the needs of your group as best we can. Most of the topics can also be adjusted to fit the timeframe your group has available. If you have interest in scheduling a workshop with President Johansen, please contact Shaye Isaacs, executive assistant to the president, at isaacsh@bethanyseminary.edu or 765-983-1803. You may also contact President Johansen directly at johanru@thethanyseminary.edu.
Available workshops are: Beatitudes Spirituality; Job’s Lament, Job’s Friends, and Us: Reimagining the Kingdom of God; Engaging the Great Poems of the Bible and I and Thou: The Art, Practice, andSpiritual Discipline of Listening.
Call for a Season of Civility in Wisconsin
From our State’s Religious Leaders
We, the undersigned leaders in Wisconsin’s faith communities, know that democracy thrives on open and vigorous debate about public policies. However, as Wisconsin struggles through another year of divisive campaigning and elections, we are concerned that hostile political rhetoric is overstepping the bounds of civility and even decency in our congregations and society at large. By nature, religious congregations include people from all walks of life who hold differing views on political and social issues. The teachings of our religious traditions compel us to be concerned about the common good and the well-being of our neighbors. But we do not all agree on the means to achieve these ends.
Virtually every religious tradition includes some version of “the Golden Rule” – to treat others as we would like to be treated. Likewise, the idea of democracy is based on regard for the value of each and every individual.
Yet, as a result of the extreme political polarization in Wisconsin, many in our congregations and communities feel marginalized or demonized by their neighbors on account of their economic status, occupation or political beliefs. Politics in a democracy is not a zero-sum game or a winner-take-all contest. Rather, it is a joint effort to reach a workable consensus on how to advance the common good. But our ability to cooperate to solve common problems and achieve shared goals is now undermined by rampant disrespect, disinformation, distrust, and disregard for the interests and ideas of others. Because we believe that this situation is unacceptable in our public life, we commit ourselves to a Season of Civility:
The above document was signed by our District Executive, Kevin Kessler and 34 members of the religious communities of Wisconsin including representatives from Wisconsin Protestant Churches, The Hindu Temple, The Sikh Religious Society, the Baha’is, The Islamic Society, Muslim Women’s Coalition, the Jewish Community Relations Council, The Unitarians and the Wisconsin Council of Churches.
We, the undersigned leaders in Wisconsin’s faith communities, know that democracy thrives on open and vigorous debate about public policies. However, as Wisconsin struggles through another year of divisive campaigning and elections, we are concerned that hostile political rhetoric is overstepping the bounds of civility and even decency in our congregations and society at large. By nature, religious congregations include people from all walks of life who hold differing views on political and social issues. The teachings of our religious traditions compel us to be concerned about the common good and the well-being of our neighbors. But we do not all agree on the means to achieve these ends.
Virtually every religious tradition includes some version of “the Golden Rule” – to treat others as we would like to be treated. Likewise, the idea of democracy is based on regard for the value of each and every individual.
Yet, as a result of the extreme political polarization in Wisconsin, many in our congregations and communities feel marginalized or demonized by their neighbors on account of their economic status, occupation or political beliefs. Politics in a democracy is not a zero-sum game or a winner-take-all contest. Rather, it is a joint effort to reach a workable consensus on how to advance the common good. But our ability to cooperate to solve common problems and achieve shared goals is now undermined by rampant disrespect, disinformation, distrust, and disregard for the interests and ideas of others. Because we believe that this situation is unacceptable in our public life, we commit ourselves to a Season of Civility:
- We will seek to model and support respectful and honest conversations on public issues within our congregations, assemblies, and other forums.
- We will make a genuine effort to understand the reasons for the views of those with whom we disagree and try to explain the grounds for our own positions clearly and without arrogance. Our goal will be to identify shared values and concerns, rather than to “win” arguments.
- We will be mindful of our own fallibility and keep our views open to correction and reconsideration without betraying our deepest convictions. We encourage all of our fellow citizens, to likewise commit themselves to a Season of Civility:
- Our congregations should be places where civility is taught and practiced as together we seek to learn what our faith calls us to do and be in the world.
- Candidates should strive to adhere to high standards of civility, integrity and truthfulness and insist that the advertisements produced by their own campaigns, and those of third parties, do the same.
- In their campaign reporting and commentary, media should subject all claims and counterclaims to rigorous but fair scrutiny, checking facts, critiquing logic, evaluating sources, and providing context.
- As citizens we should all be critical consumers of media and advertising, questioning claims and resisting attempts to manipulate our emotions.
The above document was signed by our District Executive, Kevin Kessler and 34 members of the religious communities of Wisconsin including representatives from Wisconsin Protestant Churches, The Hindu Temple, The Sikh Religious Society, the Baha’is, The Islamic Society, Muslim Women’s Coalition, the Jewish Community Relations Council, The Unitarians and the Wisconsin Council of Churches.
2012 Annual Conference Business
Unfinished Business
- Query: Guidelines for Implementation of the Congregational Ethics Paper
- Query: Guidance for Responding to the Changing of Earth’s Climate
- Query: Annual Conference Elections
- Query: More Equitable Representation on the Mission and Ministry Board
- Church of the Brethren Vision Statement 2012-2020
- Revitalization of Annual Conference
- Revision to Ministerial Leadership Polity
- Revisions to Polity on Districts
- Updating Structure for Program and Arrangements Committee
- Church of the Brethren Ecumenical Witness
2012 Annual Conference Ballot
The ballot has been announced for the 2012 Annual Conference of the Church of the Brethren, to take place in St. Louis, Mo., on July 7-11. The Nominating Committee of the Standing Committee of district delegates developed a slate of candidates, and the Standing Committee then voted to create the ballot that will be presented to the delegate body in July.
Nominees are listed by position:
Annual Conference Moderator-Elect:
Nominees are listed by position:
Annual Conference Moderator-Elect:
- Dava Hensley of Roanoke, VA
- Nancy Sollenberger Heishman of Tipp City, OH
- Wendy Noffsinger Erbaugh of Clayton, OH
- Rebekah Houff of Richmond, IN
Area 1Brethren Benefit Trust Board:
Area 2
- Connie Burk Davis of Westminster, MD
- Rhonda Ritenour of York, PA
- J. Trent Smith of New Lebanon, OH
- Sherry Reese Vaught of Mansfield, OH
- Eric Kabler of Johnstown, PA
- Karen Pacheco of North Miami Beach, FL
- James Beckwith of Lebanon, PA
- Bonnie Martin of Annville, PA
- Bernie Fuska of Timberville, VA
- Carol L. Yeazell of Arden, NC
Representing the clergyOn Earth Peace Board:
Representing the colleges
- James Benedict of New Windsor, MD
- Paul Brubaker of Ephrata, PA
- Celia Cook-Huffman of Huntingdon, PA
- W. Steve Watson of Harrisonburg, VA
- Barbara Wise Lewczak of Minburn, IA
- Cindy Weber-Han of West Chicago, IL
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.
Jon Kobel, Conference Assistant, Conference Office, 1451 Dundee Avenue, Elgin, IL 60120, 847-429-4365 Direct, 800-323-8039, x365, jkobel@brethren.org
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
JUNE
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
1 - Camp Emmaus Appreciation DinnerOCTOBER
3 - Labor Day
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 - Camp Emmaus Leaf Raking
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
