The Reflector -- January 2015 -- Vol 12 Issue 1

Ponderings from the Moderator - Dana McNeil

As I ponder what it means to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me; as I ponder what it means to receive the blessing of relationship with God through the gift of a babe born in Bethlehem; as I ponder what it means to begin a new year thinking about new possibilities, especially those brought by the new life offered in Jesus; it becomes easy to put myself at the center of this imagining. But there is one more central than I could ever be because it isn’t really about me or about you; it is about the one who takes hold of us, the one who brings that Christmas blessing, the one who offers that new life. It is about Jesus.

When God called Abraham in the 12th chapter of Genesis, yes way back in the Old Testament, God told Abraham, I will bless you. But God gave that blessing not just for the benefit of Abraham. God said I will bless you so that you can be a blessing. Later Jesus uses the imagery of living water to say the same thing. A woman comes to a well seeking water and discovers, in Jesus, the source of living water that not only fills her but flows out of her into her whole village.

“Taking hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me” is not about being blessed although that certainly comes with the territory. It is about living into the calling of Christ; it is about being a blessing, a vessel for living water that continues to be filled by Him and flow out for others.

So how might each of us live into this call? How in the coming year might we each be a blessing to our neighbors, to our sister congregations, to our leaders and pastors and especially to our persecuted brothers and sisters in Nigeria?

Please share your thoughts and prayers with me and know that I would welcome the opportunity to visit with any congregation that so desires.

I am praying for all of you that God will bless you and use you to richly bless others in Christ’s name.

Disaster Relief Trip

Just a reminder that our District is taking our Annual Disaster Relief trip this February 7th-15th, 2015. This is a Sunday thru Sunday, which includes travel time. I hope you are praying about your participation! These are a few words that were in a letter I received recently as your District Disaster Coordinator from our head office in New Windsor:

Yes, it’s winter in New Jersey with endless toll roads...

Yes, it requires great sacrifice, and ... Yes, the amazing blessings are worth it!

Please share these volunteer opportunities with your contacts. Let them know BDM is receiving cases of families that are in great need. Imagine being struck by the second worst disaster in US history and still waiting for help more than 2 years later!

Thank you for your diligent efforts. May God raise up many willing workers for this important ministry.

Enough said! Please let me know if you have interest in this Ministry opportunity! My email is revrickdutchtown@jcwifi.com. My phone is 815-499-3012.

Rick Koch,
IL/WI District Disaster Relief Coordinator

Peace in the City

You are invited to the following event:

Peace in the City continues! Join us this day of Nonviolence and Community Transformation training as we reflect on the teachings Kingian Nonviolence and its relevance for us today as we are together for peace, healing and transformation of our communities, peoples and world. Ps. Samuel Sarpiya of Rockford Community Church will be our speaker. Refreshments will be provided. This is an inter-generational event. Plan to attend. As you may remember, First Church of the Brethren Chicago hosted Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference in 1966 as one of their office locations for the housing and justice campaigns. Please be welcome to join us as we share together in engaging nonviolence and community transformation in our times.

We hope you can make it!

Cheers

LaDonna Nkosi, Lead Pastor,
First Church of the Brethren Chicago

DE Ponderings by Kevin Kessler

As we start a new year, I thought I’d share a few items of importance and interest:

1. Mileage rates: The business rate for mileage reimbursement beginning Jan. 1 is 57.5 cents. The rate for medical and moving is 23 cents and for volunteers the rate is 14 cents.
2. Contributions of $250 or more: A donor making a single contribution (or accumulated amounts on the same date) totaling $250 or more to a church must have written acknowledgement provided to them. The required written statement must include the following:
   1. Name of the organization
   2. Amount of the cash contribution
   3. Description (but not the value) of non-cash contribution
   4. Statement that no goods or services were provided by the organization in return for the contribution, if that was the case.
   5. One of these statements: “only intangible religious benefits were received by the donor” or “value of tangible benefit donor received was $______.
      Contact the district office for sample statements.
3. Pre-tax reimbursement of health insurance premiums for individual insurance policies is not allowed under the Affordable Care Act:
   1. Starting in 2014 the new healthcare legislation known as the Affordable Care Act (ACA), now requires employers, in certain situations, to report the cost of providing medical insurance for employees as regular income to those employees. Who is impacted by this change? Those employers who purchase an individual medical insurance policy directly for their employee(s) or reimburse their employee(s) for the cost of an individual medical insurance policy must now report the money spent for this coverage as regular income paid to the employee(s). Please note: If your church provides medical insurance through a group plan, there is no change to the way that expense is treated for tax purposes.
   2. Employers who continue to offer reimbursement or pay for an employee’s individual plan with pre-tax dollars are considered in violation of the ACA and may be subject to an excise tax of $100 per day per violation for each employee participating in such an arrangement—as much as $36,500 per employee per year.
   3. Any salary adjustments as a result of complying with the ACA will affect pension contributions and amounts reported on the W-2 forms.
   4. The district office has additional information and material to share on this subject. It is also highly recommended that a professional tax accountant and/or attorney be consulted as decisions are made regarding this matter.
4. A short bibliography of books I read in 2014 that I found interesting and/or helpful:
   • Christianity
     The Jesus I Never Knew by Philip Yancey (Had read previously. Thoroughly enjoy Yancey’s thoughts on Jesus. One of my favorite authors.)
   • Science
     The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History by Elizabeth Kolbert (A look at periods of animal extinction and at animal species that are in rapid decline today. The author considers various and possible causes.)
   • Novel
     The Book Thief by Markus Zusak (The power of the printed word on the mind and life of a young girl during a time when books were banned.)
   • Pastoral Helps
     The Contemplative Pastor: Returning to the Art of Spiritual Direction; Five Smooth Stones for Pastoral Work; Working the Angles: The Shape of Pastoral Integrity; Under the Unpredictable Plant: An Exploration in Vocational Holiness. (These 4 books are written by Eugene Peterson; all helpful in strengthening the ministry and life of a pastor. Part of my reading list during sabbatical.)
   • Human sexuality
     Bible Gender Sexuality: Reframing the Church’s Debate on Same-Sex Relationships by James V. Brownson
     The Bible and Homosexual Practice: Texts and Hermeneutics by Robert A. J. Gagnon
     (Brownson and Gagnon have differing views. I read each to gain a broader understanding of the views expressed from various places on the continuum of thought on same-sex relationships.)

A Most Blessed New Year from the District of Illinois/ Wisconsin 2015

District Executive
Kevin Kessler

Administrative Assistant
Beth Carpentier

Moderator
Dana McNeil
and
Moderator Elect
Ellis Boughton

Leadership Team Chairperson
Mandy Rahn

District Newsletter
Debbie Noffsinger, Gil Crosby

Going to the Garden

“Peace and social justice practiced here.” Those words are found on a banner hanging outside of the Champaign Church of the Brethren in Champaign, Illinois. This church has worked for the last few years to house a community garden for their congregation and the local community. The Champaign congregation has used the grant money they received from Going to the Garden to revamp their garden beds, increase their growing capacity, and to make a difference in the lives of the community members.

In a recent conversation with Dawn Blackman, she told how their community garden has become a safe space for “warring factions” in their community. The part of the city that their community is located in is one marked by ethnic diversity, low incomes, and poor relationships between residents and the police.

By opening their garden to the community at large, the church has established a strong bond with many of the neighborhood children through an after school program during the school year and a gardening program during the summer. This gives the youth the opportunity to grow their own produce which they can take or home to eat or which they sell at the church's weekly marketplace. It also gives leaders like Dawn time to teach the youth on topics ranging from healthy eating to working on basic life skills.

One of the most meaningful efforts that they have undertaken is to create a bond between the youth and the local police. Given the lack of trust between both sides, the garden is trying to bring the two groups together through work days and garden parties. Dawn said that it is their hope for both groups to learn to trust one another and to foster relationships in the context of community gardening. In this way, the Champaign Church of the Brethren is carrying out the message of peace and justice posted on their banner.

For more information on Going to the Garden and how your church can become involved, please visit www.brethren.org/goingtothegarden or e-mail kfurrow@brethren.org

Reprinted from Church of the Brethren Action Alerts

Brethren Ministers’ Association Pre-Annual Conference Continuing Education Event

Delving Deeply into Compassion is the theme for the Ministers’ Association event July 10-11, 2015 in Tampa, Florida. Joyce Rupp, writer, “spiritual midwife,” international retreat, and conference speaker will be the keynote presenter. She has avidly researched and spoken on the topic of compassion for the past ten years and firmly believes that compassion can change a heart, change a life, and change a world. The focus of this event will be personal transformation and the renewal of one’s vision and enthusiasm for ministry. Participants in this event will receive a free copy of Rupp’s book, Out of the Ordinary. Rupp will lead three sessions on:

1. Compassion: What the Gospels and the Latest Science Have in Common
2. Compassion: Caring for Self While We Care for Others
3. Engaging With and Being Present to Suffering

Register online at www.brethren.org/sustaining beginning Feb. 1, 2015.

Church of the Brethren Youth/Young Adult Workcamps/Events

The Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry of the Church of the Brethren has released information about 2015 Work camps/Events. Following are important dates to keep in mind.

Junior High

• January 8: Workcamp registration opens online at www.brethren.org/workcamps 
• June 19-21: National Junior High Conference. Registration opens Jan. 9 online at www.brethren.org/njhc 
• November 1: National Junior High Sunday. Worship planning resources will be posted later in the year. 

Senior High

• Christian Citizenship Seminar registration is open online at www.brethren.org/ccs
• January 8: Workcamp registration opens online at www.brethren.org/workcamps
• February 1: Souper Bowl of Caring www.souperbowl.org
• April 18-23: Christian Citizenship Seminar
• May 3: National Youth Sunday. Worship planning resources will be posted online at www.brethren.org/yya/resources

Young Adult

• January 8: Workcamp registration opens online at www.brethren.org/workcamps
• January 9: Ministry Summer Service and Youth Peace Travel Team applications due, www.brethren.org/mss and www.brethren.org/yptt
• February: Young Adult Conference registration opens online at www.brethren.org/yac
• May 22-24: Young Adult Conference 2015 at Camp Swatara

Advisors

• One hour webinars; .1 CEU credit available for live participation; each webinar begins at 7:00pm central time; more information available at www.brethren.org/webcasts
• March 3: Way to Live: Life and Time
• May 5: Way to Live: Forgiveness and Justice

Program Assistant For Office Of Donor Relations

The Church of the Brethren is seeking an individual to fill a full-time hourly position of program assistant for the Office of Donor Relations. The program assistant is part of the Donor Relations team and reports to the director of Donor Relations. This position is located in Elgin, IL.

The major responsibilities of this position are to support and assist the office of Donor Relations in developing connections with donors and friends of the Church of the Brethren through electronic and print correspondence, individual and congregational contacts, special offerings, and stewardship education resources.

Required skills and knowledge include ease of communication with individuals, congregations and contributors to various projects as well as with donor support. Tasks will include assisting with a variety of production, printing, and proofreading logistics as well as assisting with development of congregation and donor support materials.

A bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience is required, as is proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Word, Excel, and Outlook; ability to become familiar with other software programs including Adobe Acrobat Pro, Photoshop, InDesign and Blackbaud.

This position is based at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, IL.

Applications will be received beginning immediately and will be reviewed on an ongoing basis until the position is filled. Qualified candidates are invited to request the application form by contacting:

Office of Human Resources Church of the Brethren 1451 Dundee Avenue Elgin, IL 60120, 800-323-8039 ext. 367 – humanresources@brethren.org

New Position Open at CWS

The Church World Service office in West Chicago, IL, is seeking a fulltime administrative assistant to provide support to staff locally and regionally. This position will include being the first point of contact for volunteers, managing databases, and providing various levels of support for colleagues. Details are available at www.cwsglobal.org/employment/hub-administrative-assistant-west-chicago.html

Calendar of District Events

January, 2015

1 - New Year's Day
6 - Epiphany
10 - Program and Arrangements, Peoria
16-22 - CODE Meeting, Coco Beach, FL
18-24 - Week of Prayer for Christian Unity
19 - Martin Luther King Day

February

1 - Service Sunday
1 - Chicago Visioning Team - Elgin
7 - District LT Meeting - Canton
7-15 - IL/Wisc. Disaster Response Week
15 - Transfiguration Sunday
18 - ASH WEDNESDAY
21 - Ministerial Leadership Dev. Team - Peru, IL
22 - First Sunday of Lent

March

1 - Second Sunday of Lent
6 - World Day of Prayer
8 - Third Sunday of Lent
8 - (Daylight Saving Time)
14-16 - Mission & Ministry Bd., Lancaster Pa.
15 - Fourth Sunday of Lent
15 - One Great Hour of Sharing
17-19 - Midwest DE Meeting, Camp Mack
20 - First Day f Spring
21 - Ministerial Leadership Dev. Team, Peru, IL
22 - Fifth Sunday of Lent
29 - PALM SUNDAY

April

Child Abuse Prevention Month
2 - Maundy Thursday
3 - Good Friday
5 - EASTER
11 - District LT Meeting - Rockford
20-21 - District Ministers Cont. Edu. Event
25 - DISTRICT POTLUCK, Naperville

May

Older Adult Month
2 - Ministerial Leadership Dev. Team
3 - National Youth Sunday
7 - National Day of Prayer
9 - Bethany Commencement
10 - Mother's Day
14 - Ascension Day
14-1 - Church Leadership Conf., Frederick, MD
24 - Pentecost
25 - Memorial Day
31 - Trinity Sunday

June

5 - World Environment Day
6 - District LT Meeting - LaPlace
19-21 - Nat'l. Jr. High Conf, Elizabethtown College
21 - Father's Day
27 - Ministerial Leadership Dev. Team, Peru, IL

July

4 - Independence Day
9 - CODE Meeting, Tampa, Fl.
10 - Mission & Ministry Bd. Meeting, Tampa
10-11 - Minister Assoc. Cont. Edu. Event, Tampa
11-15 - ANNUAL CONFERENCE, TAMPA, FL.

August

1 - District LT Meeting - Polo

September

7-11 - Nat'l Older Adult Conf., L. Junaluska, NC
13 - National Grandparents Day
20 - Bethany Sunday, Mission Offering
21 - International Day of Peace

October

Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Pastor Appreciation Month
3 - District LT Meeting - Oak Grove
4 - World Communion Sun day
16 - World Food Day, Peace with Justice Week
17-19 - Mission & Ministry Bd. Meeting, Elgin, IL
18 - Laity Sunday
25 - Reformation Sunday
29-31 - Bethany Theo. Sem. Presidential Forum

November

1 - All Saints Day, Nat'l. Jr. High Sunday
1 - Daylight Savings Time
3 - Election Day
7-8 - DISTRICT CONFERENCE
8 - Stewardship Sunday
11 - Veteran's Day
21 - District LT Meeting - Pleasant Hill
22 - Christ the King Sunday
26 - Thanksgiving
29 - First Sunday of Advent

December

1 - Aids Awareness Day
6 - Second Sunday of Advent
10 - Human Right's Day
13 - Third Sunday of Advent
20 - Fourth Sunday of Advent
22 - First day of Winter
24 - Christmas Eve
25 - Christmas Day
31 - New Year's Eve