The Reflector -- April 2014 -- Vol 11 Issue 3

Thoughts from the Moderator – Stan Rodabaugh

Last year at a workshop with other pastors, I came away with a very helpful insight. It had to do with loving my neighbor. In our culture, the word “love” carries a lot of baggage, some of which we may find in our own hearts and spirits. Most of us feel love for people who reciprocate our love or appreciate our efforts to help them. Loving like Jesus and Father God love (what we know as “agape love”) is a much different kind of love.

The Lord has patterned for us that “loving my neighbor” means “gracing” my neighbor. So why does that make a difference for me? If I am gracing someone, my feelings toward them have nothing to do with how they have related to me or acted toward me. I simply treat them with dignity and kindness because they are God’s creation.

As a mother loves a newborn baby who can do nothing to warrant the attention and grace it receives, the mother simply “graces” the baby. A spiritually and mentally healthy mother delights in the baby just because it is. The baby may be quite a bother to the mother --diapers to be changed, night time feedings and crying to communicate his/her needs. Still, the mother delights to care for and truly loves the baby.

Our relationship with Father God and His son Jesus is very similar. Just as I John 4:10 says, “This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent His son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.” God has graced us. He has given us these lives, has provided a way that we can be safely with Him, and wants to transform us into his likeness so the fruit of the Spirit may be born in us. When we become aware of someone we honestly don’t like, I suggest we talk to Father God and the Lord Jesus Christ about our heart and our spirit. Ask for His help to think and feel about the person the way Jesus does. Ask to be able to grace this person the way Father God and the Lord Jesus grace us.

Maybe we can learn in our hearts and spirits to grace them just because they are God’s creation and thus precious! My suggestion: talk to the Lord about this and keep it in your mind as you search the Scriptures.

Chicago First’s "Project Unspeakable"

In a bold, cultural, community-building event, First Church of the Brethren in Chicago offered a presentation of Project Unspeakable, a reader’s theater presentation on the assassinations of President Kennedy, Malcolm X, Martin Luther King and Bobbie Kennedy in the 1960s. Based on the book JFK and the Unspeakable by theologian, researcher, author and activist Jim Douglass, the script uses quotes from historical figures to show how faithfulness to a vision of a just and viable future brought out, and continues to bring out, the wrath of the powers that be, up to and including assassination for acting on that faith.

Twelve readers recruited from First Church, Chicago Community Mennonite Church (co-housed with First Church) and a variety of local, regional and international ministries and organizations brought the script to life on Friday evening, February 28. The crowd of fifty, including many first-time visitors, listened intently as they portrayed living and deceased witnesses who did not let fear of the Unspeakable deter them from confronting a system of war and greed with the power of their vision and faith.

DE Ponderings by Kevin Kessler

To say that this winter was harsh is an understatement. Peoria, the closest weather station to Canton, reported record snowfall for the area. Based on my own observation, this winter was downright cold!!! I wore out a snow shovel (actually it broke not from overuse but from being old and brittle). I made a few trips this winter on roads that were less than safe due to snowy, windy, and icy conditions. Scheduling meetings was a challenge because we were unsure if weather would permit traveling to the meeting site. Frequently I heard grumbling about this winter and I, at times, groused a little, too. Okay, maybe more than a little.

If anything can be learned from this winter, it may be something as simple as the fact that this season of the year is unpredictable. Having enjoyed several mild winters, we may have anticipated yet another one. But, as we know, such was not the case.

Enduring a difficult winter fuels our desire for springtime. We look forward to green grass, using mowers instead of snow blowers, walking outside rather than in a rec center, and enjoying emerging plants and flowers. I can express my elation at the sight of light lavender and deep purple crocus blooming in the flower bed next to our house. Feeling warmth in southern breezes as opposed to the biting chill of northwest winds is certainly a welcome relief as well. Ah, the joy of spring after the misery of winter! How pleasing to see and experience resurrection!

The seasons of the year can be related to life. The winter of life is that time when death encroaches. Death, like winter, is not predictable either. Sometimes death comes gently and at other times is violent and difficult; and always it comprises a degree of discomfort. Winter days of life can include physical weakness, reduction of cognitive ability, desires to do what used to be done but can no longer be accomplished, the need to be absent from ongoing activities. This pain is felt by the one whose life is racing toward completion as well as those who see their loved one preparing for transition, for death.

Difficulties associated with the winter of life have the capacity to stimulate a desire for resurrection. We know from experience that springtime will cycle into place after each winter. The experience of resurrection, although not known, is a certain hope.

Philip Yancey includes a chapter on resurrection in his book The Jesus I Never Knew. In the closing paragraph of the chapter Yancey suggests that the disciples had a change in perspective “as they sat in locked rooms discussing the incomprehensible events of Easter Sunday. In one sense nothing had changed: Rome still occupied Palestine, religious authorities still had a bounty on their heads, death and evil still reigned outside. Gradually, however, the shock of recognition gave way to a long slow undertow of joy. If God could do that...”

If God could do what the disciples experienced on that first Easter, then, surely, there is hope for a new spring following the season of death. Surely!

Chicago Area Churches meet at Highland Ave in Elgin

Sunday, April 6 the Chicago area Churches of the Brethren will meet for worship at the Highland Avenue COB in Elgin. Worship begins at 5 p.m. LaDonna Sanders Nkosi, pastor at Chicago First COB will preach.

All singers are welcome to sing in a choir directed by Jonathan Shively. Come to the church at 3:30 p.m. to rehearse. A potluck meal will follow worship. Please bring something to share. All are welcome!

Chicago First Welcomes Pastor and Visitors

Chicago First installed their new pastor, LaDonna Nkosi, this past September. Here, community and neighborhood children commission her and District Executive Kevin Kessler shares in the commissioning. The congregation is moving together on their established vision “First Church of the Brethren: Growing into God's beloved community, cultivating love, peace and justice in East Garfield Park and beyond.”

In this season, Chicago First launched a 12 week KAPacity! Violence Eradication Pilot Program. Dr. E.L. Kornegay of the Baldwin-Delaney Institute at Chicago Theological Seminary is our facilitator. Community members from across Chicago have joined us each Wednesday from 5:30-7:30pm for prayer, planning and training as we collaborate together for youth and community development and the ending of violence. Please be welcome to join us.

Pictured here is our Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon
at Inspiration Kitchens in Chicago as Chicago First
sets out to engage with local community members and partners.

Carl Myers – Past DE for Ill/Wisc. District

Rev. Carl E. Myers, 88, North Manchester, IN died at 1:01 a.m. Saturday, March 22, 2014 in Timbercrest Healthcare Center, North Manchester, IN. He was born November 16, 1925 in Montgomery County, PA to Frank A. & Dorothy Gail (Brubaker) Myers. He graduated from Elizabethtown College, Elizabethtown, PA in 1946 receiving a BA Degree in History and English. He then graduated from Bethany Seminary, Chicago, IL receiving a Masters of Divinity in 1949. He served pastorates in Hagerstown, MD, Roaring Springs, PA and Mt. Morris, IL. He served as a Denominational Staff member and then as District Executive for Illinois and Wisconsin until his retirement in 1990. He 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. On June 7, 1947 he married Doreen Mae Crist. She died April 17, 2012. He is survived by one son, Stephen Merryweather, Elgin, IL; three daughters, Judith A. (Richard) Myers-Walls, Lafayette, IN, Linda M. (Lee) Swanson, Elgin, IL and Karen (Clay) Myers-Bowman, Manhattan, KS; two brothers, J. Richard (Barbara) Myers, Lombard, IL and Paul E. (Phyllis) Myers, Terra Haute, IN; one brother-in-law, Jay (Margaret) Crist, York, PA; seven grandchildren and one great grandchild. Three brothers are deceased. Memorial service was Tuesday, March 25, 2014 at Timbercrest Chapel, North Manchester, IN. The family received friends following the service. Pastor Kurt Borgmann officiated. Burial was in the Manchester Church of the Brethren Memorial Garden, North Manchester, IN. For those who wish to honor the memory Rev. Carl E. Myers, memorial contributions may be made to Heifer International, 1 World Ave., Little Rock, AR 72202 or Church World Service, PO Box 968, Elkhart, IN 46515 or Alzheimer's Association, 225 N. Michigan Avenue FL 17, Chicago, IL 60601.

Youth have a month to register for National Youth Conference before price goes up

Church of the Brethren Newsline - April 1, 2014

Youth and advisors only have one month left to register for this summer’s National Youth Conference (NYC) before the price goes up to $500 on May 1. All participants are encouraged to register as soon as possible to avoid a late fee. For all information regarding the conference, visit www.brethren.org/NYC.

NYC is an event for senior high youth and their advisors, held every four years. All youth who have finished ninth grade through one year of college are eligible to attend. The week of NYC includes worship services twice a day, Bible studies, workshops, small groups, hiking, service projects, and outdoor recreation. NYC is held on the campus of Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colo.

The NYC 2014 theme is “Called by Christ, Blessed for the Journey Together,” based on Ephesians 4:1-7. To learn more about the theme, explore Bible studies on the conference scriptures, or check out some of the week’s speakers, visit the NYC website. For all questions regarding NYC, please contact the NYC office at 800-323-8039 ext. 323 or cobyouth@brethren.org

2014 National Youth Conference Illinois/Wisconsin District Bus Trip

Hop on the bus for fun and adventure as the IL/WI District Youth travel to NYC in Ft Collins, CO! Join other youth and advisors from exotic far away places like Canton, Elgin, Freeport, Lombard, Milledgeville, Naperville, and Peoria. The 2014 National Youth Conference theme is “Called by Christ, blessed for the journey together,” based on Ephesians 4:1-7.

Relax and have fun while you journey together to what others have referred to as “a once in a lifetime, life changing experience!”

When: Buses will leave Illinois in the evening on July 18 and return in the morning on July 25th, see the registration form for exact times for each location.

Where: We will have pick up in Central, Northeast, and Northwest locations. Bus pickups and drop offs will occur at Naperville Church of the Brethren, Peoria First Church of the Brethren and Milledgville Church of the Brethren.

Cost: $ 375 (this is the cost of the bus only, and does not include your NYC registration or meals along the way) $175 deposit are due by April 18. The remaining $200 balance is due by June 7. This does include the cost of a District NYC T-shirt.

Reservations: E-mail rminer151@earthlink.net with basic information (name, address, e-mail, church, and advisor) as soon as possible. Complete the registration form and return to Ralph Miner, 7 South DuBois Avenue; Elgin Illinois 60123 with your deposit by April 18th.

Yellow Creek Pastor Graduates summa Cum Laude

On March 14, 2014 Ellis Boughton, pastor at Yellow Creek Church of the Brethren in Pearl City, graduated from Grand Canyon University/ College of Theology with a Bachelor’s Degree in Christian Studies, summa cum laude & Ray-Maben. Ellis held 3.98 or better grade point average for his entire four years of study. Ray-Maben recognition represents the highest scholarship honor awarded at GCU. The required criteria consist of a cumulative and GCU GPA of at least 3.9 with no more than 12 transferable hours.

Brethren Mutual Aid Receives National Recognition

FORT WAYNE, Ind., Brethren Mutual Aid Agency in Abilene, Kansas has been named one of Brotherhood Mutual Insurance Company's Top 15 agencies for 2013.

The agency received the Five-Star Award at an awards banquet on March 7, 2014, in Fort Wayne, Indiana. The annual award recognizes an agent’s outstanding production and overall profitability to the company over a three-year period.

This is the fifth time the company has been recognized as a Five-Star agency. The agency has represented Brotherhood Mutual since 2002. President and General Manager Eric Lamer has worked in insurance for five years and the communications industry for 29 years, including nine years as the president of a marketing agency.

Brethren Mutual Aid Agency is based on principles of Christian love, honesty and integrity. To maintain the distinctive character of their organization, they offer their services primarily to members of the Brethren congregations.

Brotherhood Mutual is one of the nation's leading insurers of churches and related ministries. It designs property and liability insurance to help ministries run safely and effectively. For more information, visit www.brotherhoodmutual.com.

2014 Camp Emmanuel Schedule

The mission of Camp Emmanuel is “Sharing God’s Message and Love with children of all ages through the beauty and wonder found in nature. CAMP MANAGERS FOR 2014 ARE RANDY AND JO ELLEN DOYLE. Camp Phone is 309-329-2291. The Camp e-mail address is: campemmanuel.cob@gmail.com. The website is: www.cob-net.org/camp/emmanuel/

MAY 30,31-JUNE 1st WOMENS’ CAMP
Friday, 4:00 p.m. – Sunday 2:00 p.m.
Director: Rosie Brandenburg (217-763-6039)
Email: samrosie@ctiwireless.com
Fee: $60 ($75 after May 24th)

JUNE 8-14 YOUTH CAMP (ages 14-18)
Sunday 5:00 p.m. – Saturday 10:00 a.m.
Director: Dana McNeil (309-243-8726)
Email: pastordana@peoriabrethren.org
Fee $125 ($140 after May 31st)

JUNE 15-21 JUNIOR HIGH CAMP (ages 11-13)
Sunday 5:00 p.m. – Saturday 10:00 a.m.
Director: Lynn Jones (217-627-2355)
Email: misslynnmo@yahoo.com
Fee $125 ($140 after June 3rd)

JUNE 22-28 JUNIOR CAMP (ages 8-10)
Sunday 5:00 p.m. – Saturday 10:00 a.m.
Director: Denise Nichols (217-502-3888)
Email: denisen@royell.org
Fee $125 ($140 after June 10th)

JUNE 26-28 PRE-JUNIOR CAMP (ages 5-7)
Thursday 5:00 p.m. – Saturday 10:00 a.m.
Director: Stephanie Bettinger (217-855-6415)
Email: bettinger.stephanie@yahoo.com
Fee $60 ($75 after June 13th)

AUGUST 1-3 MENS’ CAMP
Friday 4:00 p.m. – Sunday 2:00 p.m
Directors: Larry Zink & Ray Knotts
Email: raynkitty@gmail.com
Fee: $60 ($75 after July 26th)

AUGUST 29-SEPT. 1 FAMILY CAMP
Friday 6:00 p.m. – Monday 10:00 a.m.
Directors: Sam & Rosie Brandenburg; Bob & Justin Davis
Fee: Adults $60 ($75 after August 16th)
Children 4-12 $40 ($55 after August 16th)
Maximum per family $155 ($215 after August 16th)

Camp Emmanuel Registration Form

School kits are urgently needed.

Current Supply very low.

School Kits give children in impoverished schools, refugee camps, or other difficult settings some of the basic tools for learning.

To assemble a School Kit you will need: One pair of blunt metal scissors (rounded tip), Three 70-count spiral notebooks or notebooks totaling 200-210 pages (no loose-leaf or filler paper), One 30-centimeter ruler (12"), One hand-held pencil sharpener, One large eraser, Six new pencils with erasers, One box of 24 crayons (only 24), One 12" x 14" to 14" x 17" finished size cotton or lightweight canvas bag with cloth handles. (Please, no reusable shopping bags or backpacks.)

For a School bag pattern to make a school bag go to the Website: www.cwsglobal.org
Pack all items inside the cloth bag.
School Kit value: $15 
Processing/Shipping Cost: $2 per Kit

Packing and Shipping Kits

• Pack CWS Kits in boxes with only one type of Kit in each box.
• Complete a Kits Coupon and enclose a copy in the top of each box before sealing.
• Clearly indicate the type of Kit on the outside of the box.
• Secure the boxes with packing tape.
• Provide a return address on the box.
• Ship all Kits prepaid to:
  
  CHURCH WORLD SERVICE
  Brethren Service Center Annex
  601 Main Street
  P.O. Box 188
  New Windsor, MD 21776-0188
  
  (Please include both the PO box and the street address on boxes.)

Some states in the east have drop off points. Check website for current listing.

Funds for Processing/Shipping and Purchasing Kits

Funds are needed to cover sorting, packing, and insurance, as well as shipping Kits to their final destination.

Please give at least $2 for each School Kit you send.
Cash donations in lieu of assembled Kits also help us to provide much-needed supplies.

Send your check or money order payable to Church World Service with the coupon to:

CHURCH WORLD SERVICE
P.O. Box 968
Elkhart, IN 46515 Questions? Call 800-297-1516,
http://www.cwsglobal.org/get-involvedkits/schoolkits.html

Pinecrest Manor Ranks in Top Tier

U.S. News & World Report Issues its “2014 Best Of”

Mt. Morris, IL – (February 27, 2014) ― Pinecrest Manor has attained a top-tier ranking once again, this time by U.S. News and World Report, achieving a "Best Nursing Home" status along with 34 other nursing homes in Northwest Illinois.

To create Best Nursing Homes 2014, U.S. News drew on data from Nursing Home Compare, a program run by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the federal agency that sets and enforces standards for nursing homes. U.S. News awarded the "Best Nursing Homes" designation to facilities that recently earned the agency's highest overall rating of five stars. CMS revises their data monthly. Pinecrest has been 5-star often, but has consistently been designated so since May of 2012.

Chief Executive Officer Ferol Labash said the award is indicative of Pinecrest's quality staff.

"Quality begins with our leadership," Labash said. "Jolene LeClere, administrator of health services, and Meg Unger, director of nursing, along with our team of administrative staff, nurses and CNAs lead the way in providing quality, compassionate care," Labash said.

"But it takes the entire staff to continue insuring our residents are well cared for. We couldn't do what we do without our dedicated housekeeping, maintenance and volunteer workers," she said.

Of nursing homes within a 25-mile radius, Pinecrest is the largest with 125 licensed beds. And all of those beds are brand new after Pinecrest sought and received funds sufficient from foundations and private donations to replace all of its old ones. Pinecrest Manor Ranked Top Tier February 27, 2014

U.S. News & World Report, publisher of Best Hospitals and Best Children's Hospitals, released its Best Nursing Homes 2014 Wednesday, February 26, highlighting the top nursing homes in every state and nearly 100 major metropolitan areas, the magazine said in a press release. The ratings cover almost 16,000 nursing homes nationwide and are freely available at U.S. News & World Report Best Nursing Homes.

"The rising number of five-star homes is encouraging," says Avery Comarow, U.S. News health rankings editor. "It speaks to care that is steadily becoming more skilled and compassionate."

"Managing the cost and care of an elderly loved one is a challenge millions of Americans face each year," says Brian Kelly, editor and chief content officer of U.S. News. "We hope our Best Nursing Homes ratings, advice, and tools help them make this important decision."

Calendar of District Events

April

Child Abuse Prevention Month
4-5 - Bethany Seminary Presidential Forum
5 - Camp Emmanuel Opening
5 - Chicago Ministry Study Team - Elgin
6-12 - Camp Emmanuel Work Week
12 - District Leadership Team Meeting - Peoria
13 - Palm Sunday
17 - Maundy Thursday
18 - Good Friday
20 - Easter Sunday
22 - Earth Day
23 - Administrative Professionals Day

May

Older Adult Month
1 - National Day of Prayer
3 - District Potluck Planning Mtg - Peru
4 - National Youth Sunday
10 - Property and Asset Mgt. Team Meeting
10 - Bethany Theological Sem. Commencement
11 - Mother’s Day
15-17 - Church Planting Conf. - Bethany Seminary
23 - Young Adult Conf, Camp Brethren Woods
23-26 - Memorial Day Family Camp - Camp Emmaus
26 - Memorial Day
29 - Ascension Day
30 - Ministry Summer Service Orientation, Elgin
30-June 1 - Women’s Camp - Camp Emmanuel

June

5 - World Environment Day
7 - District Leadership Team Meeting
8 - Pentecost
8-14 - Youth Camp, Camp Emmanuel
14 - Ministerial Leadership Dev. Team - Peru
15 - Trinity Sunday
15 - Father’s Day
15-21 - Junior High Camp - Camp Emmanuel
21 - Program and Arrangements Comm. Mtg.
21 - First Day of Summer
22-28 - Junior Camp, Camp Emmanuel
26-28 - Pre-Junior Camp, Camp Emmanuel
30 - CODE Meeting, Columbus, Ohio

July

1 - Mission and Ministry board, Columbus, Ohio
1-2 - Minister's Assoc. Continuing Edu. Event
2-6 - Annual Conference, Columbus, Ohio
4 - Independence Day
6-12 - Senior High Camp - Camp Emmaus
6-12 - Song and Story Fest, Camp Inspiration Hills
7 - District Executive Sabbatical Begins
13-16 - Elementary II Camp - Camp Emmaus
18-19 - Elementary I Camp - Camp Emmaus
19-24 - National Youth Conference, Fort Collins, CO
20-25 - Elementary III Camp - Camp Emmaus
27-August 2 - Junior High Camp - Camp Emmaus

August

1-3 - Men’s Camp, Camp Emmanuel
2 - District Leadership Team Meeting
8-10 - Women's Camp, Camp Emmaus
15-17 - Camp Emmaus Time Capsule Weekend
29-September 1 - Family Camp, Camp Emmanuel
29-September 1 - Family Camp, Camp Emmaus

September

1 - Labor Day
7 - Grandparent’s Day
8 - District Executive Sabbatical Ends
20 - 10th Annual Fish Fry, Camp Emmanuel
21 - Bethany Sunday
21 - Int’l Day of Peace
21 - Mission Offering Emphasis
23 - First Day of Autumn

October

Domestic Violence Awareness Month4 - Ministerial Leadership Dev. Team - Peru

5 - World Communion Sunday
6 - Child Health Day
11- District Leadership Team Meeting
12 - Laity Sunday
14-16 - Interim Ministers Trng. - Camp Mack, IN
16 - World Food Day
16-18 - Midwest DE's Gathering - Camp Mack, IN
16-24 - Peace with Justice Week
24 - World Disarmament Day25 - Camp Closing, Camp Emmanuel
26 - Reformation Sunday

November

1 - All Saints Day
2 - National Jr. High Sunday
2 - Daylight Time Ends
7-8 - District Conference, Highland Ave., Elgin
9 - Stewardship Sunday
23 - Christ the King Sunday
27 - Thanksgiving
30 - First Sunday of Advent

December

1 - Aids Awareness Day
6 - Ministerial Leadership Dev. Team - Peru
10 - Human Rights Day
21 - First Day of Winter24 - Christmas Eve
25 - Christmas Day
31 - New Year’s Eve