Wednesday, June 01, 2016
From the Moderator
Faith; what is it and how do
we obtain and use it?
Webster’s New World
Dictionary gives a clear-cut
and simple definition:
“unquestioning belief.”
Tyndale Bible Dictionary
states that “FAITH is belief in
that which has no tangible
proof; trust in God. Simple.
How then do we tie faith to
unity? If, as a church, we
profess to believe in God our Creator then we have
that one thing in common. Therefore, we have the
beginnings of unity. How do we grow our unity
through that oneness of faith? “So faith by itself, if it
has no works, is dead.” James 2: 17. We must be
Christ to others through our faith.
One thing that many do not realize is that by sharing our faith we will grow in our faith. Remember that first time you told someone your story of coming to Christ? Not easy or comfortable to say the least. It comes easier after that and in turn, we become stronger in our faith. Go and tell are words to live by. Share whose we are with anyone who will listen. When discussion leads to division, return to the reason you believe in God and how that belief led to your faith. That is where the cornerstone of unity lies.
The Church of the Brethren began through division but has always held to the core of faith in its ideals and teaching. From the Anabaptist beginnings with its core values of Scripture and believers’ baptism over the state church and forced participation we have always met discussion and change head on. The word discernment could be placed side by side with the image of one pausing to allow the Holy Spirit work. In that pause, one’s faith can emerge. Faith and trust in a power greater than ours to give instruction, correction, and guidance in the way we should go.
I must insert a cautionary however here. However, we humans have the power of choice given by God. We often choose our own desires over those indicated by God. Where, then, is our faith? We often demand our own way even when divisiveness is the end result. Unity falls to the wayside. God made us individuals and as such we each have our own characteristics. We do have one thing in common as Christians—our faith, the first brick in the cornerstone of our unity. Let us always use that faith for the common good of the Church and for the common good in our relationships with each other as individuals.
In closing I must say that the church has been moving forward in faith. New avenues of outreach have begun and new leadership can be found in several areas of the denomination. God is alive and well in the church! Let us keep our faith active and our unity will grow stronger. God is good all of the time and all of the time God is good.
In Christ always,
Pastor Ellis
One thing that many do not realize is that by sharing our faith we will grow in our faith. Remember that first time you told someone your story of coming to Christ? Not easy or comfortable to say the least. It comes easier after that and in turn, we become stronger in our faith. Go and tell are words to live by. Share whose we are with anyone who will listen. When discussion leads to division, return to the reason you believe in God and how that belief led to your faith. That is where the cornerstone of unity lies.
The Church of the Brethren began through division but has always held to the core of faith in its ideals and teaching. From the Anabaptist beginnings with its core values of Scripture and believers’ baptism over the state church and forced participation we have always met discussion and change head on. The word discernment could be placed side by side with the image of one pausing to allow the Holy Spirit work. In that pause, one’s faith can emerge. Faith and trust in a power greater than ours to give instruction, correction, and guidance in the way we should go.
I must insert a cautionary however here. However, we humans have the power of choice given by God. We often choose our own desires over those indicated by God. Where, then, is our faith? We often demand our own way even when divisiveness is the end result. Unity falls to the wayside. God made us individuals and as such we each have our own characteristics. We do have one thing in common as Christians—our faith, the first brick in the cornerstone of our unity. Let us always use that faith for the common good of the Church and for the common good in our relationships with each other as individuals.
In closing I must say that the church has been moving forward in faith. New avenues of outreach have begun and new leadership can be found in several areas of the denomination. God is alive and well in the church! Let us keep our faith active and our unity will grow stronger. God is good all of the time and all of the time God is good.
In Christ always,
Pastor Ellis
Mission and Ministry Board names new general secretary for the Church of the Brethren David A. Steele
“I am humbled to be called,” Steele said. “It is a privilege to serve.” He added, “obviously it is a daunting call in some respects, given the currents in the life of the church, but it’s an exciting call. I look forward to the opportunity of serving in this capacity.”
Steele currently is district executive minister of the Church of the Brethren’s Middle Pennsylvania District, a position he has held since 2005. His start date as general secretary will be Sept. 1.
Hope Imagination and Mission Church Planting Conference in Brief
The Illinois/Wisconsin District was well represented
at this year’s Church of the Brethren Church Planting
Conference held this past May at Bethany
Theological Seminary. The theme this year was
Hope Imagination and Mission and featured a
variety of speakers, presentations and inspirational
prayer, art works and worship time together.
Ninety-two participants from 17 districts gathered
together to hear church planter stories and wisdom
from established and church planting congregations.
It was a great time of relationship-building, worship,
inspiration and resource sharing together with focus
on partnering together for church re-vitalization and
church planting which go hand in hand. Here are a
few pictures from the experience. Stay tuned for
reflections and inspirations from the conference in
the July newsletter. New church and ministry plants,
including IL/WI District’s the Parables Community
with planter Jeanne Davis and The Gathering
Chicago with planter LaDonna Nkosi will be
featured in the July/August issue of The Messenger.
DE Ponderings
Upon reflection, I don’t recall a time in my life when
I’ve experienced as much loss, transition, and
uncertainty, all in a matter of a few months, than in
the first several months of this year. I’m still trying to
understand what it all may mean, and, likely, will
only derive partial meaning, never fully
comprehending the experiences.
In 2 Corinthians 4, the apostle Paul is stating the difficulty involved in sharing the good news, the “treasure in clay jars.” He speaks about being perplexed, afflicted, driven to despair, persecuted, and struck down. But through all of this Paul states that he and his ministry companions “do not lose heart.” The effort may be overwhelming but it does not overcome them. The extraordinary power of the good news, the “treasure,” is greater than all the difficulties they endure. Thus, they do not lose heart and are able to continue the work and ministry to which they were called.
How easy it can be to lose heart in the face of loss, transition, and uncertainty. So, like Paul, I find that which can help me retain stamina to continue work and ministry. Undoubtedly, the gospel, good news, provides a necessary boost, and then within the gospel framework a combination of items are helpful. One such item is a hymn that is particularly meaningful to me. “Great is Thy Faithfulness” speaks of God’s constant love, mercy, and grace that that never fail, never change, and are never lost, even in times of distress and perplexity. Regardless of experiences in life, I am assured that “morning by morning new mercies I see.” These new mercies are blessings of abundance yet “with ten thousand beside.” God is faithful no matter what. When all else seems to crumble or fall apart, God’s faithfulness will not.
Upon this foundation I place my trust and know that I will be sustained regardless of loss, transition, and uncertainty.
In 2 Corinthians 4, the apostle Paul is stating the difficulty involved in sharing the good news, the “treasure in clay jars.” He speaks about being perplexed, afflicted, driven to despair, persecuted, and struck down. But through all of this Paul states that he and his ministry companions “do not lose heart.” The effort may be overwhelming but it does not overcome them. The extraordinary power of the good news, the “treasure,” is greater than all the difficulties they endure. Thus, they do not lose heart and are able to continue the work and ministry to which they were called.
How easy it can be to lose heart in the face of loss, transition, and uncertainty. So, like Paul, I find that which can help me retain stamina to continue work and ministry. Undoubtedly, the gospel, good news, provides a necessary boost, and then within the gospel framework a combination of items are helpful. One such item is a hymn that is particularly meaningful to me. “Great is Thy Faithfulness” speaks of God’s constant love, mercy, and grace that that never fail, never change, and are never lost, even in times of distress and perplexity. Regardless of experiences in life, I am assured that “morning by morning new mercies I see.” These new mercies are blessings of abundance yet “with ten thousand beside.” God is faithful no matter what. When all else seems to crumble or fall apart, God’s faithfulness will not.
Upon this foundation I place my trust and know that I will be sustained regardless of loss, transition, and uncertainty.
Class of 2016 Graduates
 |
Back Row: Beth Wethington,
Ela Robertson, Chris Stover-Brown,
Don Fecher, Harvey Leddy Front Row: Kristy Shellenberger, Annie West-Johnson, Karen Duhai, Jana Carter, Angela Finet, Angela Adams In Absentia: Tom Appel, Brody Rike |
Master of Divinity
- Thomas N. Appel, Aurora, Colorado
- Karen M. Duhai, Richmond, Indiana – Emphasis in peace studies
- Donald E. Fecher, Milford, Indiana
- Angela S. Finet, Nokesville, Virginia
- Harvey S. Leddy, Eden, North Carolina
- Ela J. Robertson, Barnesville, Ohio
- Christopher E. Stover-Brown, Wichita, Kansas – Emphasis in peace studies
Master of Arts
- Jana Carter, Los Angeles, California – Concentration in theological studies
- Kristin Shellenberger, Goshen, Indiana – Concentration in biblical studies
- Beth B. Wethington, Henrico, North Carolina – Concentration in peace studies
Certificate of Achievement in Theological Studies
- Angela L. Adams, Tiskilwa, Illinois
- Brody S. Rike, West Alexandria, Ohio
- Roxanne M. West-Johnson, Council Bluffs, Iowa
Summer/Fall 2016 Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership Courses
“Walking to Peace” with Father John Dear,
Annual Conference DISU, Instructor: Debbie
Roberts, June 28-29 (credits: MS, BTS) Registration
Deadline: May 28, 2016
Neighboring Faiths: A Christian-Muslim Encounter in the US, SVMC weekend intensive at Mechanicsburg COB, Mechanicsburg PA, Instructor: George Pickens, August 11-13, 2016 (credits BT) Registration Deadline: July 11, 2016 (Register through SVMC)
Church of the Brethren History, online, Instructor: Denise Kettering-Lane, September 5-October 28, 2016 (credits: BT, BTS, FCR) Registration Deadline: August 5, 2016
Introduction to Theology, online, Instructor: Nate Inglis, October 10-December 2, 2016 (credits: BT, BTS) Registration Deadline: September 10, 2016
Introduction to Old Testament, online, Instructor: Matt Boersma, October 16-December 10, 2016 (credits: BT) Registration Deadline: September 16, 2016
Faith and Finances, weekend intensive, Instructor, Beryl Jantzi, November 2016, final date TBD, (credits: M/MS, BCE) Registration Deadline: October final date TBD 2016
Neighboring Faiths: A Christian-Muslim Encounter in the US, SVMC weekend intensive at Mechanicsburg COB, Mechanicsburg PA, Instructor: George Pickens, August 11-13, 2016 (credits BT) Registration Deadline: July 11, 2016 (Register through SVMC)
Church of the Brethren History, online, Instructor: Denise Kettering-Lane, September 5-October 28, 2016 (credits: BT, BTS, FCR) Registration Deadline: August 5, 2016
Introduction to Theology, online, Instructor: Nate Inglis, October 10-December 2, 2016 (credits: BT, BTS) Registration Deadline: September 10, 2016
Introduction to Old Testament, online, Instructor: Matt Boersma, October 16-December 10, 2016 (credits: BT) Registration Deadline: September 16, 2016
Faith and Finances, weekend intensive, Instructor, Beryl Jantzi, November 2016, final date TBD, (credits: M/MS, BCE) Registration Deadline: October final date TBD 2016
Brethren Volunteer Service
Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS) is
looking for volunteers to begin their year of service
in the summer orientation, July 17-Aug. 5. Call
Jocelyn Snyder, BVS orientation coordinator, to
express interest in beginning a year or two of service.
She can be reached at 847-429-4384. For more
information about BVS go to www.brethren.org/bvs
Job Opening: Customer Service Team
Brethren Press seeks an individual to work
within the customer service team. The ideal
candidate will be a person of faith who enjoys
helping congregations find the right resources, and is
adept at maintaining detailed systems for inventory
management. This person must be able to work in a
religious setting and communicate knowledgeably
with customers in congregations. The customer
service representative works with purchasing and
inventory, takes orders via the telephone and
website, and maintains a thorough knowledge of
products offered by Brethren Press. Applicants
should be competent in Microsoft Outlook, Word,
Excel, and be a quick learner of new systems. They
should have training or experience in areas such as
sales and customer service, inventory management,
accounting, e-commerce, customer database systems.
Candidates should be familiar with congregational
life and resources such as Sunday school curriculum,
books, hymnals, and bulletins. They should be
comfortable handling multiple simultaneous
projects, meeting deadlines, and working within a
team. This position is full-time, though part-time
work can be negotiated. The position is based at the
Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill.
Applications will be received beginning immediately
and will be reviewed 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
Ave., Elgin, IL 60120; 800-323-8039 ext. 367;
humanresources@brethren.org .
Remembrance: Graydon “Grady” F. Snyder
Graydon “Grady” F.
Snyder, 85, died on May 26 at Timbercrest, a
Church of the Brethren retirement community in
North Manchester, Ind. He was a former dean and
Weiand Professor of New Testament Studies at
Bethany Theological Seminary, the Church of the
Brethren graduate school of theology, where he
taught from 1959-87. “We can be in remembrance
and prayer for a fine life of theological scholarship
that has impacted several generations of ministers
and members of the Church of the Brethren,” said a
communication from the Bethany Pastoral Care
Team. Snyder left Bethany to teach at Chicago
Theological Seminary until his retirement. Over his
career he wrote many books, commentaries, articles,
and curriculum, including publications for Brethren
Press and pieces for “Messenger” magazine. A native
of Huntington, W.Va., he was a graduate of
Manchester College (now Manchester University),
held a bachelor of divinity degree from Bethany
Seminary, obtained a doctor of theology from
Princeton Theological Seminary, and did graduate
work at several European universities. He was active
in the Brethren Health and Welfare Association and
was a member of the Governing Council of Bethany
Hospital formerly located on the west side of
Chicago. For many years, he and his wife Lois
Horning Snyder were staunch members of Chicago
First Church of the Brethren. The family is planning a
burial to take place in the Chicago area, and a
memorial service to be held at a future date.
