The Reflector -- May 2014 -- Vol 11 Issue 4

Thoughts from our Moderator - Stan Rodabaugh

“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by washing with water through the word.” Ephesians 5:25&26

“If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” 1 Timothy 5:8

During my years of ministry I strove to love the church. I would frequently say, “The good of the church takes priority over my own desires or needs.” In following my “good intentions,” I neglected my wife and children. If I had been more attentive to my wife and children I would have realized it wasn’t up to them to just buck up and be more faithful. It was up to me to understand my first responsibility to Christ and his church was to love my wife and children the way Christ Jesus loves his church. The most important step in being a pastor was to be the most attentive and loving husband and father possible to my wife and children. I now realize that the most important building blocks of the body of Christ, the Family of God are the relationships in our immediate families. It is foolish to worry about the mortar if the blocks are crumbling. If a pastor is to lead by example and the churches I led had followed mine, I would have served a congregation full of families with neglected spouses and children! I recommend that to measure the health of a congregation, we need only look at how secure the attachments of love are in its families--husbands and wives, parents and children. If I am not loving and caring for my own family, who am I to talk about loving people in or outside of the church? Apparently, it is not commendable to neglect those closest to you. Maybe the question we should be asking when evaluating pastors is, are they effective at loving their wives and children, do they spend adequate time with them, do they have enough fun with them? During my thirty plus years of pastoral ministry I have attended quite a few pastor/spouse events and know quite a few pastoral couples. I have noticed there are many pastor’s spouses who are not only unhappy, but are often bitter. Maybe we need to listen to them and see what could change to bring more peace and joy into the homes of our pastors. I know this is not a simple issue. I grew up in a pastor’s home and have been a pastor myself for many years. Much of the life of the church takes place weekday evenings and weekends. If the pastor’s spouse works a job, shared free time gets excluded in the schedule. I think it would be helpful to refocus our expectations of pastoral leadership! I believe the way I did ministry relative to my family was upside down and inside out; it was wrong. The best environment for a pastor to flourish is a home where there is time to be present with one another and to truly love one another the way Jesus loves his church. I am confident that healthy families are at the heart of healthy and vital congregations.

Bethany Presidential Inauguration

On the morning of Saturday, March 29, nearly 170 people attended the presidential inauguration service in Nicarry Chapel. The theme chosen by the new president, Jeff Carter, was “Can I Get a Witness?” a reference to 1 John 1:1-2: “The Word that gives life was from the beginning, and this is the one our message is about. . . . The one who gives life appeared! We saw it happen, and we are witnesses to what we have seen.” Guest speaker Thomas G. Long, Bandy Professor of Preaching at Candler School of Theology at Emory University, spoke to this theme with an address entitled “Faithful Witness: Engaging the Senses.”

Long is widely known and respected in the field of homiletics, having also taught preaching at Princeton, Columbia, and Erskine Seminaries. The author of numerous books and articles on preaching and worship as well as biblical commentaries, he has served as senior homiletics editor of The New Interpreter’s Bible and is an editor-at-large for Christian Century.

A Bethany Seminary News Release

DE Ponderings by Kevin Kessler

In John chapter 20 is the story of “doubting” Thomas. The other disciples have seen Jesus, they describe their experience, but Thomas needs to see the nail scars and touch Jesus’ side before he will buy their story.

In Luke chapter 24 is the story Cleopas and the traveling companion making their way from Jerusalem to Emmaus. They meet Jesus on the road but do not recognize him immediately.

In both of these stories, it is the resurrected Jesus who is in question. Because of all that occurred prior to the resurrection, I’m not surprised that Thomas doubted or that Jesus was not recognized by the two travelers. Who of us would immediately know a resurrected presence?

For that matter, as post-resurrection people, how do we know the resurrected Christ today? This question emerged as I reflected on the texts from John and Luke. We don’t have the luxury of having been present with Jesus in the flesh as did Thomas and likely the Emmaus road travelers. So how do we know Jesus post-resurrection?

Thankfully we have the Gospel accounts that provide us with stories about the pre-resurrection Jesus. From these accounts we gain some knowledge. However, I think there is a tendency at times to use the Gospel stories to paint a serene, peaceful, calming-presence Jesus who will care for our needs and soothe us in our difficulties. Such a picture can become our post-resurrection Jesus.

I, though, prefer to understand a more astute Jesus. Authors C. S. Lewis and Philip Yancey have helped to take me down this path.

In The Chronicles of Narnia, in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, Aslan the lion is depicted as a Christ figure. Toward the end of this book Aslan, after attending a wonderful party, wanders off to another land. As he is leaving, the Kings and Queens remember what Mr. Beaver had said about the lion. “He’ll be coming and going. One day you’ll see him and another you won’t. He doesn’t like being tied down—and of course he has other countries to attend to. It’s quite all right. He’ll often drop in. Only you mustn’t press him. He’s wild, you know. Not like a tame lion.”

Yancey in The Jesus I Never Knew says something similar about Jesus to Lewis’ rendition of Aslan. Yancey writes: “Icons of the Orthodox Church, stained-glass windows in European cathedrals, and Sunday school art in low-church America all depict on flat planes a placid, ‘tame’ Jesus, yet the Jesus I met in the Gospels was less in some settings. Few people felt comfortable around him; those who did were the type no one else felt comfortable around. He was notoriously difficult to predict, pin down, or even understand.”

This is the post-resurrection Jesus I want and continue to learn more about, and come to know more intimately. It’s actually a little dangerous meeting up with such an un-tame Jesus. But it is very exciting, as well, to know that Jesus isn’t contained and is greater than any understanding of him I have. Thus, I have so much more to learn and know about him. It keeps me searching. It keeps me motivated. I’m thrilled to learn more and more of what I don’t know about the post-resurrection Jesus. How about you?

ACTION ALERT: Bring Back Our Girls

Praying and Advocating for Peace in Nigeria

As many of you know, three weeks ago, over 200 girls (many of them EYN Brethren) were kidnapped from their school in Chibok, Nigeria, by Boko Haram, an Islamic sect in northern Nigeria violently seeking a 'pure' Islamic state.

It has been reported that around 40 girls escaped a few days after their kidnapping but subsequent news stories about the remaining girls' conditions or whereabouts have been incomplete at best.

ADVOCACY ACTION: Contact your Senators E-mail or call your Senators today and tell them to co-sponsor Senate Resolution 433 and to ask Secretary of State Kerry to put pressure on Nigeria to:

• Peacefully work for the release of all of the kidnapped girls, give heed to the calls of their families for help, and work with neighboring countries to bring the girls back home,
• Put in place measures to protect schools and students from becoming victims of violence and human trafficking
• Begin "just policing" practices that would help address some of the security concerns of both Christian and Muslim communities
• Support efforts of moderate Muslim leaders and concerned Christians to work together toward peace and renew good relations between neighbors of different backgrounds.

Update on National Youth Conference

A group of forty four (44) youth and advisers have registered for the District Bus to National Youth Conference We will be leaving from Naperville on July 18th with a pick up in Milledgeville for our journey to Fort Collins Colorado. The pick up spot in Peoria was cancelled due to lack of registrations. We will be returning on July 25th. Additional youth will be attending the conference. As of April 63 youth, advisers, and staff people will be attending National Youth Conference representing our district. At this point we only have a couple of seats remaining on the Bus, so be sure to contact Ralph Miner at rminer151@earthlink.net if you have any questions.

National Youth Conference at Fort Collins, Colorado
July 19 - 24, 2014
www.brethren.org/yya/nyc

Silent & Live Auctions 2014 District Conference to benefit District Ministries

Last year at District Conference the themed baskets went over so well that we are going to do the same again this year! We are asking each church to provide a basket or two of goodies with a theme, such as kitchen, movie night and so on. We are also asking for baked goods for the Silent Auction. For the Live Auction we are asking people to provide nice Arts and Crafts items, such as woodworking, paintings, maybe pottery, and, of course, it would be nice to have a few quilts! We would like to have a dozen or so items in the Live Auction. If you would like to provide an item, please let me know ahead of time what you are planning to bring.

For more information please contact Rick Koch @ 815-499-3012 or at revrick-dutchtown@jcwifi.com

Disability and Faith Communities

How can congregations become places of radical welcome for persons with disabilities and their families? On the weekend of May 31st the Anabaptist Study Center/North Suburban Mennonite church will be exploring this question as we host Christine Guth, the program director for Anabaptist Disabilities Network. We invite you to join us!

The Face of Disability is Changing: Is your Congregation Ready?

Practical ways congregations can respond to disabilities that are on the increase: autism spectrum, ADHD, and the disabilities of aging. Christine Guth will lead us in this interesting and informative workshop. All are welcome to attend! 

Saturday, May 31st 2014
2:30PM-4:30PM

Grayslake Public Library
Meeting Room C
100 Library Ln.
Grayslake IL 60030 

Stages in the Journey of Disability Attitudes

Scripture, prayer, and storytelling, and an invitation to reflect on God's invitation to journey toward hospitable attitudes toward people with disabilities. Christine Guth will be leading this discussion during the adult education hour at North Suburban Mennonite Church. All are welcome to attend!

Sunday, June 1st 2014
9:15AM-10:00AM

Libertyville Civic Center (main floor)
135 W Church St.
Libertyville, IL 60048 

From Cure to Community

Biblical interpretation that challenges the stigma of mental illness and other disabilities. Christine Guth will be sharing this sermon during the Sunday morning service at North Suburban Mennonite Church. All are welcome to attend!

Sunday, June 1st
2014 10:30AM

Libertyville Civic Center (main floor)
135W Church St.
Libertyville, IL 60048 

All are welcome, regardless of religious belief or affiliation. The meeting spaces are all wheelchair accessible. A sign language interpreter is available if requested by May 15th. Seats are limited for Saturday workshop, so please let us know you're planning to attend (but if you forget to RSVP, join us anyways!) by e-mailing anabaptiststudycentercimail.com or calling (847) 680-3990. Contact us (not the library) with any questions, and let us know if there is anything we can do to make these events more accessible. For more information about the Anabaptist Study Center/North Suburban Mennonite Church, visit www.northsuburban.orq For more information about Christine Guth and the Anabaptist Disabilities Network, visit www.adnetonline.orq

BBT Position Announcement

April 2014

Position

Director of Communications

Description

This is a full-time, salaried position based in Elgin, Ill., for a not-for-profit, faith-based organization that provides Pension, Insurance, and Foundation services for 5,000 individuals and client organizations nationwide. This position reports to the President.

Church of the Brethren Benefit Trust is one of four official agencies of the Church of the Brethren, a Protestant denomination founded in 1708 that includes more than 117,000 members, 1,031 congregations, four colleges and two universities, one seminary, and 23 affiliated retirement communities.

Function 

The Director envisions how to interpret and educate members of BBT. This is achieved by providing oversight for communications, marketing, promotional and operational initiatives, and client relations that undergird BBT’s ministries.

Scope of  Duties

The Director oversees the department that produces newsletters, fliers, mailings, advertisements, a family of websites, promotional and operational materials, videos, and other resources to meet the various needs of BBT and its individual departments. The Director serves as the chief writer and editor for the organization, and supervises the Production Manager and Client Relations Manager. The Director is a member of BBT’s management team and is responsible for establishing the organization’s editorial policies and guidelines.

Travel 

The Director of Communications travels to the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference, to BBT Board meetings, and to other denominational events as needed to fulfill the responsibilities outlined in the Director’s position description.

Knowledge/Experience 

Seeking candidates with an undergraduate degree in Communications, English, Business, or related fields. Candidates should have a minimum of five years’ professional experience in editorial, marketing, promotions, administration, and personnel supervision. They need to be articulate writers and public presenters. It is also essential that they have an interest as well as an aptitude in learning and/or understanding complex investment concepts. They also need to be proficient in desk-top publishing and in media technology. Current and active membership in the Church of the Brethren is preferred; current and active membership in a faith community is required.

Salary/Benefits 

Salary and benefits are competitive with Church Benefits Association agencies of comparable size and scope of services. A full benefits package is included.

Applying 

Please send a letter of interest, résumé, three professional references, and salary-range expectation to Donna March at 1505 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120, or dmarch@cobbt.org. For questions or clarification about the position, please call 847-622-3371. For more information about Brethren Benefit Trust, visit www.brethrenbenefittrust.org.

1505 Dendee Avenue * Elgin, Illinois 60120-1619 * Web Site: www.brethrenbenefittrust.org
847-695-0200 * 800-746-1505 toll free * 847-742-0135 fax

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,
www.cwsglobal.org/get-involved/kits/school-kits.html

Calendar of District Events

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
31 - Church Revitalization & Development - Peru

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
16-18 - Adventure Camp
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
6 - IL Conf. of Churches LT Meet, Champaign
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 Month
4 - 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 Day
25 - 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 Winter
24 - Christmas Eve
25 - Christmas Day
31 - New Year’s Eve