Wednesday, February 01, 2017
From the Moderator
God didn’t give us a spirit that is timid but one that is powerful, loving, and self-controlled.
—2 Timothy 1:7 (CEB)
A year ago, I left my full-time pastorate to embark on a journey as a church planter. I gathered a leadership team and called on advisors to support the ministry with their expertise in church planting, disability ministry, music therapy, and education. Together we launched our new Parables Community, a worship ministry with people who have special needs and their families. In this journey, nothing has been certain and much has been unexpected. But we follow God’s call on our lives as individuals and as a community and trust that God will be with us as we move forward.
The Christian journey is one of radical vulnerability and trust. We step out in faith knowing that God is walking alongside of us. That doesn’t always mean the journey will be easy. But it does mean that we can always draw on God’s strength and wisdom and love.
We are coming to a new time in our Parables Community – a time of transition from launching a ministry to growing a new community. Each new transition feels a little like letting go of one trapeze bar before grabbing another. There’s that moment in mid-air when you are reaching for the next step to carry you forward. It can be both exhilarating and terrifying. During these times it’s helpful to know that God is like a safety net, undergirding us. God will not let us fall anywhere else but safely in his arms.
Perhaps you are feeling that sense of transition, too, in your personal or congregational life. We cannot fail when we are God’s because God is always making something good come from everything we do and everything that happens, even our mistakes. As John Lennon said, “Everything will be ok in the end. And if it’s not ok, it’s not the end.” And so we face the world with eternity in mind and live our life with humility and hope. We are sometimes tempted to think that we are the hero of our own story. But the truth is that our story is God’s story and we are just supporting characters. Jesus is the hero of our story. What makes our part of the story “good” is measured by our faithfulness to the Gospel and by no other measure.
In the sixth century, Heraclitus said, “There is nothing more constant than change.” While change is indeed constant, there is one thing that is more constant still and that is the love and the power of God. Wherever you are in your life journey, may you feel God’s abiding presence giving you courage to walk in the way of Jesus Christ.
Jeanne Davies
Pastor
Parables Community
parablescommunity@gmail.com
Contributions to the column reserved for the moderator will present meditations, written by members of the congregations in the IL/WI District.
—2 Timothy 1:7 (CEB)
A year ago, I left my full-time pastorate to embark on a journey as a church planter. I gathered a leadership team and called on advisors to support the ministry with their expertise in church planting, disability ministry, music therapy, and education. Together we launched our new Parables Community, a worship ministry with people who have special needs and their families. In this journey, nothing has been certain and much has been unexpected. But we follow God’s call on our lives as individuals and as a community and trust that God will be with us as we move forward.
The Christian journey is one of radical vulnerability and trust. We step out in faith knowing that God is walking alongside of us. That doesn’t always mean the journey will be easy. But it does mean that we can always draw on God’s strength and wisdom and love.
We are coming to a new time in our Parables Community – a time of transition from launching a ministry to growing a new community. Each new transition feels a little like letting go of one trapeze bar before grabbing another. There’s that moment in mid-air when you are reaching for the next step to carry you forward. It can be both exhilarating and terrifying. During these times it’s helpful to know that God is like a safety net, undergirding us. God will not let us fall anywhere else but safely in his arms.
Perhaps you are feeling that sense of transition, too, in your personal or congregational life. We cannot fail when we are God’s because God is always making something good come from everything we do and everything that happens, even our mistakes. As John Lennon said, “Everything will be ok in the end. And if it’s not ok, it’s not the end.” And so we face the world with eternity in mind and live our life with humility and hope. We are sometimes tempted to think that we are the hero of our own story. But the truth is that our story is God’s story and we are just supporting characters. Jesus is the hero of our story. What makes our part of the story “good” is measured by our faithfulness to the Gospel and by no other measure.
In the sixth century, Heraclitus said, “There is nothing more constant than change.” While change is indeed constant, there is one thing that is more constant still and that is the love and the power of God. Wherever you are in your life journey, may you feel God’s abiding presence giving you courage to walk in the way of Jesus Christ.
Jeanne Davies
Pastor
Parables Community
parablescommunity@gmail.com
Contributions to the column reserved for the moderator will present meditations, written by members of the congregations in the IL/WI District.
Moderator’s Column
I am grateful for the individuals who have agreed to contribute to this column during this year. This is also an opportunity where you can respond to their writing. Send your response to the writer and when he or she chooses, you will be provided with contact information. Please write with “I” language, which includes: asking a question, sharing your ideas or perceptions, or requesting additional information, etc. Please refrain from critical judgments or comments, as those are not helpful and are likely to be misunderstood. We are most blessed when we can interact with those whose understanding of the Gospel differs from ours.
Allegra Hess, Moderator
Wow! God wants fellowship with us, His creation. When we are walking in fellowship with God we have no need to fear. Today is a good day! There is good news! We don’t need to be afraid of anything! We replace fear with faith and by faith we stand firm on the Word of God. Faith is believing what God says is true. God starts by getting us back into a relationship with Him, which was lost when sin entered the world. God sent His Son, Jesus, to earth and Jesus was born in a manger. He grew up teaching us how to live and died on the cross in obedience to God the Father. Jesus took the punishment for our sin. He rose from the grave in victory so that we can live in victory every day. That’s good news! Reading the Word of God, believing, receiving, and standing on those promises, causes faith to arise. Perhaps you’re a Christian not living in the victory Christ has won for you. The Word tells us what to do: We are to wait upon the Lord, seek His face, love Him with all our heart mind and soul, and encourage each other. My prayer is that each and everyone will believe deeper, replace fear with faith, and share this good news with all.
Pastor Laurie Natzke
Stanley Church of the Brethren
Please note: The Moderator’s Column in the January newsletter was a Christmas meditation written by Christy Waltersdorff.
Allegra Hess, Moderator
Don’t Be Afraid! I bring You Good News!
“Listen! I am standing at the door and knocking!
If anyone hears my voice and opens the door
I will come into his home and share a
meal with him, and he with me.”
—Revelation 3:20
Wow! God wants fellowship with us, His creation. When we are walking in fellowship with God we have no need to fear. Today is a good day! There is good news! We don’t need to be afraid of anything! We replace fear with faith and by faith we stand firm on the Word of God. Faith is believing what God says is true. God starts by getting us back into a relationship with Him, which was lost when sin entered the world. God sent His Son, Jesus, to earth and Jesus was born in a manger. He grew up teaching us how to live and died on the cross in obedience to God the Father. Jesus took the punishment for our sin. He rose from the grave in victory so that we can live in victory every day. That’s good news! Reading the Word of God, believing, receiving, and standing on those promises, causes faith to arise. Perhaps you’re a Christian not living in the victory Christ has won for you. The Word tells us what to do: We are to wait upon the Lord, seek His face, love Him with all our heart mind and soul, and encourage each other. My prayer is that each and everyone will believe deeper, replace fear with faith, and share this good news with all.
Pastor Laurie Natzke
Stanley Church of the Brethren
Please note: The Moderator’s Column in the January newsletter was a Christmas meditation written by Christy Waltersdorff.
70 percent of people 65 and older will need long-term care. Are you prepared?
Sign up for Webinar, “The Ins and Outs of Long-Term Care” — April 6, 2017
That’s a big number. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services 70 percent of people age 65 or more will sometime in their life need care for 90 days or longer. That means whether you are young or old, the odds are high that there will be a time sooner or later when you will need long-term care. With the Baby Boomers coming into retirement age, the need for long-term care facilities is rising, pushing up the cost of such care. Are you prepared for this?
Church of the Brethren Benefit Trust can help.
To register for the 10 a.m. EST morning session and 7 p.m. EST evening session—
Go to the Brethren Benefit Trust website:
www.cobbt.org.
Don’t miss this chance to learn more and begin to prepare for your future needs.
That’s a big number. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services 70 percent of people age 65 or more will sometime in their life need care for 90 days or longer. That means whether you are young or old, the odds are high that there will be a time sooner or later when you will need long-term care. With the Baby Boomers coming into retirement age, the need for long-term care facilities is rising, pushing up the cost of such care. Are you prepared for this?
Church of the Brethren Benefit Trust can help.
- Register for the LTC Planning Webinar
“The Ins and Outs of Long-Term Care” Introducing and explaining long-term care insurance.
What is it? Who needs it? What are the options? What are the basic costs? - Thursday, April 6, 2017, 10 a.m. EST & 7 p.m. EST, 30 minutes with live Q&A to follow. Led by Randy Yoder, Independent Agent for Brethren Benefit Trust and Long-Term Care Specialist
- Or you may contact Randy Yoder by phone (847-849-0205) or email (ryoder@cobbt.org) for a consultation by phone, a personal visit, or a group presentation for your church.
To register for the 10 a.m. EST morning session and 7 p.m. EST evening session—
Go to the Brethren Benefit Trust website:
www.cobbt.org.
Don’t miss this chance to learn more and begin to prepare for your future needs.
DE Ponderings
I am concerned with the level of priority our national
leaders are giving to protecting our country. Know
that I value safety but the present protectionist ethos
seems to give substantial importance to retaining
what we have come to believe is rightfully ours. In
my humble view, this attitude portrays a sense of
selfishness, and, subsequently, leads to greater
division within the global human community. Recent
protests around the globe in response to certain
political maneuvers seem to support my hypothesis.
I’ll readily admit that I’m basing my conclusions on
observations rather than fully researched and
scientifically calculated information. Nevertheless,
my concern remains.
An article I read recently points to another way of living which can be summed up in one word: community. The emphasis of community is sharing, not protecting, often at the expense of one’s own tangible welfare. In other words, to live in community, together with each other across all types of human created boundaries, requires of us to let go of what we have come to believe is rightfully ours. One example of this way of living is to invite others into our circle of comfort and safety. Those invited may and quite likely will be from a different place in life, geographically, culturally, theologically, and psychologically. The invitation given to the other is to indicate that they are valued as part of the global human community. The invitation indicates, as well, that everyone, without exception, has access to Godgiven provisions in the most inclusive sense.
I choose to live in community at the expense of national protections. I do so because I have chosen to follow Jesus, one whose very life was the epitome of community. Jesus never, in my view, focused on a protectionist agenda. If he had, I imagine he would have fought tooth-and-nail for his own life. Instead, Jesus always spoke about giving, set the example of standing with the accused and marginalized, and stooped to serve the least of all. Ultimately, Jesus lost his life, a most precious possession, because he was willing to risk safety for the good of all.
I am hopeful knowing that the value of community exists in the midst of a protectionist ethos. My hope rests not with governments but with the church, which at its best, is called to be a mission of community.
In addition to Jesus there are others who have come before me whose lives and words exemplify a commitment to community, and who motivate me in a comparable direction. Thomas Merton, a Trappist monk, declared, “...we have this obligation to build community, it isn’t just an obligation to one another but to all those who come to us.” Theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer remarked, “Christian brotherhood is not an ideal which we must realize; it is rather a reality created by God in Christ in which we may participate.”
My hope is for the church to accept this reality with fervor, not in an effort to restore greatness, but in the common cause to sustain the goodness of God’s created order. I believe God invites us all into this glorious mission.
An article I read recently points to another way of living which can be summed up in one word: community. The emphasis of community is sharing, not protecting, often at the expense of one’s own tangible welfare. In other words, to live in community, together with each other across all types of human created boundaries, requires of us to let go of what we have come to believe is rightfully ours. One example of this way of living is to invite others into our circle of comfort and safety. Those invited may and quite likely will be from a different place in life, geographically, culturally, theologically, and psychologically. The invitation given to the other is to indicate that they are valued as part of the global human community. The invitation indicates, as well, that everyone, without exception, has access to Godgiven provisions in the most inclusive sense.
I choose to live in community at the expense of national protections. I do so because I have chosen to follow Jesus, one whose very life was the epitome of community. Jesus never, in my view, focused on a protectionist agenda. If he had, I imagine he would have fought tooth-and-nail for his own life. Instead, Jesus always spoke about giving, set the example of standing with the accused and marginalized, and stooped to serve the least of all. Ultimately, Jesus lost his life, a most precious possession, because he was willing to risk safety for the good of all.
I am hopeful knowing that the value of community exists in the midst of a protectionist ethos. My hope rests not with governments but with the church, which at its best, is called to be a mission of community.
In addition to Jesus there are others who have come before me whose lives and words exemplify a commitment to community, and who motivate me in a comparable direction. Thomas Merton, a Trappist monk, declared, “...we have this obligation to build community, it isn’t just an obligation to one another but to all those who come to us.” Theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer remarked, “Christian brotherhood is not an ideal which we must realize; it is rather a reality created by God in Christ in which we may participate.”
My hope is for the church to accept this reality with fervor, not in an effort to restore greatness, but in the common cause to sustain the goodness of God’s created order. I believe God invites us all into this glorious mission.
Ventures Course in February
Dan Ulrich, Wieand Professor of New Testament Studies at Bethany Theological Seminary in Richmond, IN, will be the presenter for the next Ventures Course, 9 a.m. to noon (CST), Saturday, February 18th. Using the Gospel of Mark as his focus, he raises the question--"How can followers of Jesus bear faithful witness to God's reign in the twenty-first century?" This course will explore how the Gospel of Mark challenged its earliest audiences to be faithful through their experiences of marginality and suffering. Key passages in Mark will be explored in order to envision life-giving ministries for our own times and contexts. Registration information is available at www.mcpherson.edu/venturesVentures in Christian Discipleship is an online program of McPherson College, designed to equip church members with skills and understandings for faithful and dynamic Christian living, action and leadership. All courses are free, but donations are welcome to help continue this effort.
Are you a Dr, Nurse Practioner, RN, LPN, or EMT?
The First Aid Office at Annual Conference in Grand Rapids is looking for DR.’s, RN’s, LPN’s and EMT’s who would be willing to volunteer a few hours during Annual Conference this summer. Dr. Rosalie McBride of Northern Indiana District is coordinating the First Aid Office this summer in Grand Rapids and would be glad to hear from willing volunteers! Please contact her at: rosalie.l.mcbride@gmail.com
IL/WI Participation in Brethren Disaster Ministries
For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. (Ephesians 2:10, NIV)
On October 4-5, 2015, the Columbia, SC, area incurred a state all-time high rainfall of over 16 inches in a 24-hour period. The ensuing devastation resulted in over 100,000 homes being damaged or destroyed. As part of the multi-agency recovery process the Brethren Disaster Ministries (BDM) of the Church of the Brethren immediately initiated a project site in Columbia. In 2016, 103 BDM volunteers contributed an estimated 5680 hours rebuilding homes of flood victims. (BDM also participated with 11 other organizations in a separate Disaster Response Support Initiative in the Columbia area.)The BDM activity in SC is planned to continue through the summer of 2017.
During the week of January 22-28, 2017, 9 individuals from the Stanley, Rockford, and York Center congregations of the IL/WI District of the Church of the Brethren provided volunteer support at the Columbia site. The IL/WI team was joined by a team from Mid PA District CoB.
IL/WI volunteer efforts during the week involved replacing roofs at 2 houses and at a third house doing inside renovations, such as replacing flooring, painting and wall reconstruction. An additional key volunteer task was preparing 3 square meals for the volunteers.
All indications are that each of the volunteers found the week to be rewarding. And along with the positive feeling of donating physical labor serving those that have suffered misfortunes, a comparable benefit was working together toward a common goal doing good works in Christ’s name in spite of any differences in theological perspectives.
The IL/WI District is scheduled to provide a volunteer team the additional week of November 12-18, 2017. The site has not been firmly established, but possibly will be in West Virginia. Persons with a potential interest in being part of this team, or wanting more information should contact the BDM District Disaster Coordinator, Loren Habegger, at ILWI.DDC.LH@gmail.com.
A slide show of the IL/WI week at the Columbia,
SC, BDM site is available at goo.gl/photos/7eQx3R7fB7VEKCc67
On October 4-5, 2015, the Columbia, SC, area incurred a state all-time high rainfall of over 16 inches in a 24-hour period. The ensuing devastation resulted in over 100,000 homes being damaged or destroyed. As part of the multi-agency recovery process the Brethren Disaster Ministries (BDM) of the Church of the Brethren immediately initiated a project site in Columbia. In 2016, 103 BDM volunteers contributed an estimated 5680 hours rebuilding homes of flood victims. (BDM also participated with 11 other organizations in a separate Disaster Response Support Initiative in the Columbia area.)The BDM activity in SC is planned to continue through the summer of 2017.
During the week of January 22-28, 2017, 9 individuals from the Stanley, Rockford, and York Center congregations of the IL/WI District of the Church of the Brethren provided volunteer support at the Columbia site. The IL/WI team was joined by a team from Mid PA District CoB.IL/WI volunteer efforts during the week involved replacing roofs at 2 houses and at a third house doing inside renovations, such as replacing flooring, painting and wall reconstruction. An additional key volunteer task was preparing 3 square meals for the volunteers.
All indications are that each of the volunteers found the week to be rewarding. And along with the positive feeling of donating physical labor serving those that have suffered misfortunes, a comparable benefit was working together toward a common goal doing good works in Christ’s name in spite of any differences in theological perspectives.
The IL/WI District is scheduled to provide a volunteer team the additional week of November 12-18, 2017. The site has not been firmly established, but possibly will be in West Virginia. Persons with a potential interest in being part of this team, or wanting more information should contact the BDM District Disaster Coordinator, Loren Habegger, at ILWI.DDC.LH@gmail.com.
A slide show of the IL/WI week at the Columbia,
SC, BDM site is available at goo.gl/photos/7eQx3R7fB7VEKCc67
Letter from Stanley Church of the Brethren
Dear members of the IL/WI District,
We would like to thank you for your support for the mission trip to South Carolina. The trip glorified and honored God and really made a difference for those we were blessed to help!
The homes we repaired were in disarray since flooding in October, 2015, and people were very grateful for our service. My niece, Mallory, and I learned how to do roofing. It was hard work, but God blessed us with strength and we worked with great men. They were patient with us and taught us. We were even allowed to use the electric nail gun! We worked at this house for three days and then on Thursday, Mallory and I were sent to another house. Our mission was to pick up the papers (tar paper, etc.) flying off the roof as the roofers worked. The wind was so strong! We cut the tar paper and the wind would sometimes blow and tear it. At one point, Mallory lay down on the tar paper; there’s more than one way to do things right! She was definitely creative and an even harder worker. I am very proud of her and happy to call her my niece. The first four days, we also cleaned up after the roofers.
On the last day, Mallory and I were blessed to prepare a house for a contractor that planned on coming in the following week. He was planning to start restoring the house. Due to slow work, he volunteered to bring his guys to work for three days. After he finished, other volunteers of BDM would be able to come in and complete the job.
There was one lady I worked with who was special. I spent as much time as I could with her, separating what she wanted to keep and what she wanted to discard. One of her legs was amputated and she told me of her husband who had passed away. He served in the military for thirty-five years. After running into the newspaper article, she told me about one of their sons, who died of cancer. He was a roller figure skater his trophies were in her basement. She also has a son that lives with her. He has knee and back problems and was a truck driver. They appear to get along well and he respects his mom; I enjoyed seeing that.
We came home tired, but it was a good kind of tired. We still praise God for using us in this capacity. Anne was placed in a home where she painted, organized, moved things, etc. She wants to go back and bring her husband, as do Mallory and I! We will see what the Lord has in store.
Thank you again! I pray that God will continue to bless us all with hearts of compassion for the needy. I also pray that He will bless us continually, equipping us to continue glorifying and honoring His precious name.
In His Service and with great thanks,
Pastor Laurie Natzke, Anne Madison, Mallory Kroeplin
Stanley Church of the Brethren
We would like to thank you for your support for the mission trip to South Carolina. The trip glorified and honored God and really made a difference for those we were blessed to help!
The homes we repaired were in disarray since flooding in October, 2015, and people were very grateful for our service. My niece, Mallory, and I learned how to do roofing. It was hard work, but God blessed us with strength and we worked with great men. They were patient with us and taught us. We were even allowed to use the electric nail gun! We worked at this house for three days and then on Thursday, Mallory and I were sent to another house. Our mission was to pick up the papers (tar paper, etc.) flying off the roof as the roofers worked. The wind was so strong! We cut the tar paper and the wind would sometimes blow and tear it. At one point, Mallory lay down on the tar paper; there’s more than one way to do things right! She was definitely creative and an even harder worker. I am very proud of her and happy to call her my niece. The first four days, we also cleaned up after the roofers.
On the last day, Mallory and I were blessed to prepare a house for a contractor that planned on coming in the following week. He was planning to start restoring the house. Due to slow work, he volunteered to bring his guys to work for three days. After he finished, other volunteers of BDM would be able to come in and complete the job.
There was one lady I worked with who was special. I spent as much time as I could with her, separating what she wanted to keep and what she wanted to discard. One of her legs was amputated and she told me of her husband who had passed away. He served in the military for thirty-five years. After running into the newspaper article, she told me about one of their sons, who died of cancer. He was a roller figure skater his trophies were in her basement. She also has a son that lives with her. He has knee and back problems and was a truck driver. They appear to get along well and he respects his mom; I enjoyed seeing that.
We came home tired, but it was a good kind of tired. We still praise God for using us in this capacity. Anne was placed in a home where she painted, organized, moved things, etc. She wants to go back and bring her husband, as do Mallory and I! We will see what the Lord has in store.Thank you again! I pray that God will continue to bless us all with hearts of compassion for the needy. I also pray that He will bless us continually, equipping us to continue glorifying and honoring His precious name.
In His Service and with great thanks,
Pastor Laurie Natzke, Anne Madison, Mallory Kroeplin
Stanley Church of the Brethren
Bethany Seminary announces 2017 Peace Essay Contest
By Jenny WilliamsThe 2017 Bethany Peace Essay Contest--Where Do You See Peace?--invites aspiring writers to tell the story of a community, a person, or a movement that is addressing injustice and building peace in our world today. The contest is open to seminary, graduate school, college, and high school students who are fully enrolled in a program en route to a degree, and prizes of $2,000, $1,000, and $500 will be awarded for the top three essays.
Find the Bethany release at bethanyseminary.edu/2017-peace-essay-contest-announced
Inspiration 2017 (NOAC) announces leadership
The next National Older Adult Conference, Inspiration 2017, will be held in Lake Junaluska Conference Center, in western North Carolina, from Sept. 4-8. The theme is “Generations” from Psalm 145:4: “One generation shall laud God’s works to another and shall declare God’s mighty acts.” The theme reflects the intergenerational community that gathers at NOAC and the importance of generations engaging each other in meaningful conversations about relationships, leaving a legacy, and faith.
Read the full story at www.brethren.org/news/2017/inspiration-2017-noac-leadership.html
Creation care is focus of event at Bethany Seminary
By Jenny Williams
Living not in the Garden but in the city and country, how can we consume, protect, farm, and care for creation as followers of Jesus? Bethany Theological Seminary invites exploration of these themes at the 2017 Presidential Forum and Young Adult Event. Invited teachers, speakers, and pastors will join Seminary faculty and students in sharing information and views on this multifaceted concern.
Find the Bethany release at bethanyseminary.edu/creation-care-is-focus-of-forum-and-young-adult-event
Living not in the Garden but in the city and country, how can we consume, protect, farm, and care for creation as followers of Jesus? Bethany Theological Seminary invites exploration of these themes at the 2017 Presidential Forum and Young Adult Event. Invited teachers, speakers, and pastors will join Seminary faculty and students in sharing information and views on this multifaceted concern.
Find the Bethany release at bethanyseminary.edu/creation-care-is-focus-of-forum-and-young-adult-event
Young Adult Conference to address ‘Loving Neighbor’
By Becky Ullom Naugle“‘Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?’ He said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself’” (Matthew 22:36-39).
As disciples of Jesus, we have been working out what those words mean. How do I love God with all of my heart, soul, and mind? Who is my neighbor and how do I love them as I love myself--not just in theory, but in practice? Am I ready to receive, as well as give, in relationship with “my neighbors”? Join other young adults (ages 18-35) in this conversation.
Read the full story at www.brethren.org/news/2017/young-adult-conference-loving-neighbors.html
Subscribe to the NCC Podcast
“Subscribe now to the NCC Podcast!” invites the National Council of Churches. Every week NCC communications director Steven D. Martin interviews faith leaders, activists, and people from across the NCC’s 38 member communions and affiliated organizations. This week the podcast features Churches for Middle East Peace and two Israeli leaders who have traveled across America on a “Pilgrimage for Peace.” “Hear their perspectives, their concerns for their land, and their hopes for peace and reconciliation,” said the announcement. Subscribe to the podcast in the iTunes Store, Stitcher Radio, and iHeartRadio, or go to itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/national-councilchurches/id1082452069 for more information.
Discover the World of the Bible
June 11-25, 2017
Introduction to the Geographical, Historical and Cultural Backgrounds of the Bible
For questions, contact Dr. Lany Wissel directly or write info@uhl.ac WWW.UHL.AC
PROPOSED ITINERARY
Sunday, June 11, Arrival Overnight in Gloria or Knights Palace Hotel in Jerusalem. (Dinner in hotel)
Monday, June 12, Jerusalem Field Trip Morning: overview of Kidron Valley and view across the valley to the Mount of Olives from the Eastern Hill (original Mount Zion), excavations on the Eastern Hill (Large Stone Building, Warren!s Shaft, Hezekiah!s Tunnel, and Pool of Siloam). Afternoon: Broad Wall and Wohl Museum (mansions from the New Testament period) on the Western Hill, overview of Hinnom Valley/Gehenna from presentday Mount Zion. Overnight in Gloria or Knights Palace Hotel (All meals in hotel)
Tuesday, June 13, Jerusalem Field Trip Overview of Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives, Church of All Nations and traditional Garden of Gethsemane, Pools of Bethesda, View of Second Temple Period Tombs in the Kidron Valley,Southern Wall Excavations, Model of New Testament Jerusalem at the Israel Museum. Overnight in Gloria or Knights Palace Hotel in Jerusalem. (All meals in hotel)
Wednesday, June 14, Benjamin Field Trip Qasr el-Yehud (a traditional location for Jesus! baptism by John the Baptist), Jericho (Tell es-Sultan [remains from the Old Testament period], Tulul Abu el-`Alayiq and Tell es-Samarat [remains from the New Testament period]), Mizpeh Danny Observation Point (overview of Judean Wilderness and discussion of ministry of John the Baptist), Ayalon Park (location of an Emmaus during the New Testament Period), and Tel Gezer/Tell Jezer. Overnight Gloria or Knights Palace Hotel in Jerusalem. (Breakfast and dinner in hotel; picnic lunch)
Thursday, June 15, Bethlehem Area and Shephelah of Judah Field Trip Herodium and Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, Tel Azekah/Tell Zakariyeh (overview of Elah Valley where David and Goliath fought), overview of the Sorek Valley, Bell Caves at Maresha, and Tel Lachish/Tell ed-Duweir. Overnight in Kibbutz Sede Yoav (Breakfast and dinner in hotel; picnic lunch)
Friday, June 16, Negeb Field Trip Tel Beer-sheba/Tell es-Seba and swimming at Engedi Spa by the Dead Sea. Overnight in Masada Guest House. (Breakfast and dinner in hotel; picnic lunch)
Saturday, June 17, Wilderness of Judah and Dead Sea Area Field Trip: Masada, En-gedi Nature Reserve, and Qumran. Visit to Cave #11 with Dr. Stephen Pfann. Overnight in Gloria or Knights Palace Hotel in Jerusalem. (Breakfast and dinner in hotel; picnic lunch)
Sunday, June 18, Early Morning Visit to the Temple Mount (optional); remainder of day free. Overnight in Gloria or Knights Palace Hotel in Jerusalem. (Breakfast and dinner in hotel; lunch on your own)
Monday, June 19, Ephraim, Samaria and Sharon Plain Field Trip Shiloh, Jacob's Well, Tell Balatah/Shechem, Samaria/Sebaste and Mukhraka (traditional site of Elijah's confrontation with the prophets of Baal on Mt. Carmel). Overnight in Stella Maris pilgrims' hotel on Mount Carmel. (Breakfast and dinner in hotel; lunch in Samaria Restaurant)
Archival Intern Opening / Brethren Historical Library and Archives
Brethren Historical Library and Archives
Church of the Brethren
Archival Internship Program: The purpose of the program is to develop interest in vocations related to archives and libraries and/or Brethren history. The program will provide the intern with work assignments in the Brethren Historical Library and Archives (BHLA) and with opportunities to develop professional contacts.
Work assignments will include processing archival materials, writing descriptive inventories, preparing books for cataloging, responding to reference requests, and assisting researchers in the library. Professional contacts may include attending archival and library conferences and workshops, visits to libraries and archives in the Chicago area, and participation in a Brethren Historical Committee meeting.
Brethren Historical Library and Archives: BHLA is the official repository for Church of the Brethren publications and records. The collection consists of over 10,000 volumes, over 3500 linear feet of manuscripts and records, over 40,000 photographs, plus videos, films, DVDs, and recordings. BHLA is located at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Illinois.
Term of Service: One Year, beginning June 2017 (preferred)
Compensation: Housing, stipend of $540 every two weeks, health insurance.
Requirements:
Church of the Brethren
Archival Internship Program: The purpose of the program is to develop interest in vocations related to archives and libraries and/or Brethren history. The program will provide the intern with work assignments in the Brethren Historical Library and Archives (BHLA) and with opportunities to develop professional contacts.
Work assignments will include processing archival materials, writing descriptive inventories, preparing books for cataloging, responding to reference requests, and assisting researchers in the library. Professional contacts may include attending archival and library conferences and workshops, visits to libraries and archives in the Chicago area, and participation in a Brethren Historical Committee meeting.
Brethren Historical Library and Archives: BHLA is the official repository for Church of the Brethren publications and records. The collection consists of over 10,000 volumes, over 3500 linear feet of manuscripts and records, over 40,000 photographs, plus videos, films, DVDs, and recordings. BHLA is located at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Illinois.
Term of Service: One Year, beginning June 2017 (preferred)
Compensation: Housing, stipend of $540 every two weeks, health insurance.
Requirements:
- Graduate student preferred or undergraduate with at least two years of college.
- Interest in history and/or library and archival work.
- Willingness to work with detail
- Accurate word processing skills
- Ability to lift 30 lb. boxes
Office of Human ResourcesAll submissions must be completed by April 1, 2017.
Church of the Brethren
1451 Dundee Avenue
Elgin, IL 60120
E-mail: humanresources@brethren.org
1-800-323-8039, x367
Position Opening: Manager, Human Resources / Brethren General Offices
The Church of the Brethren is seeking an individual to fill a full-time salaried position of manager, Human Resources. Major responsibilities include: manage human resources activity at the General Offices in Elgin, Ill., and the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md., along with remote employees; promote and maintain relationships with and among employees and management to enhance trust and confidence; facilitate recruitment and hiring processes for position openings; manage the human resources and outsourced benefits system and processes. An Associate’s degree is required. A Bachelor’s degree is strongly preferred. This position is based at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill. Flexible working arrangements will be considered. 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 more information and the application form by contacting: Office of Human Resources, Church of the Brethren, 1451 Dundee Avenue, Elgin, IL 60120; 800-323-8039 ext. 347; COBApply@brethren.org. The Church of the Brethren is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Stephen Reid Joins Manchester University Board of Trustees
Stephen Reid of Waco, Texas, has joined the Manchester University Board of Trustees. He is a professor of Christianity at Baylor University’s George W. Truett Theological Seminary, is ordained in the Church of the Brethren, and is a former dean at Bethany Theological Seminary. He also has served on the Bethany Seminary board of trustees. He graduated from Manchester in 1973 with a bachelor’s degree in religion. His doctorate is from Emory University, Atlanta, Ga., 1981, and his Master of Divinity is from Bethany Theological Seminary, Oakbrook, Ill., 1976. Manchester also is welcoming two other alumni to the board in 2017: Sara Edgerton, who was previously on the board from 2004-13, and is co-founder and CEO of Community Cancer Care, based in Indianapolis; and James Lambert, a systems administrator at AT&T, also from Indianapolis. Learn more about the university at www.manchester.edu.
Dunker Punks Podcast
“The rest of the world is winding down from Christmas fever, but we Christians are just entering the season of celebrating God with us. Take a listen to the latest Dunker Punks Podcast to get in the spirit,” says an invitation from Suzanne Lay at Arlington (Va.) Church of the Brethren. The congregation hosts the Dunker Punks podcast. In this issue: Josh Brockoway and Jarrod McKenna talk about continuing the story of the New Testament by embodying the character of our faith. Take the challenge to live out the best traditions of our faith in “Way of Life,” Episode 22 of the podcast created by Brethren young adults. Listen on the show page at http://bit.ly/DPP_Episode22 or subscribe on iTunes at http://bit.ly/DPP_iTunes.
Katie and Parker Shaw Thompson Featured in Chicago Tribune Article
Katie Shaw Thompson, pastor of Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren in Elgin, Ill., and her husband, Parker Thompson, and family have been featured for their "bicycle heavy" lifestyle in the Elgin "Courier News" newspaper. The feature piece titled "Elgin family ditching car in favor of bike as main transportation," tells the story of how the couple deliberately choose to bicycle, carrying along their 4-year-old and 2-year-old boys, rather than use a car--whenever possible. Read the full news report at www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/elgin-couriernews/news/ct-ecn-elgin-bike-life-st-0111-20170109-story.html.
Calendar of District Events
February
1 - District Newsletter deadline for articles/information
2 - Groundhog Day
4 - Ministerial Leadership Development Team meeting, via Skype
5 - Service Sunday
11 - District Leadership Team Meeting, Camp Emmaus, Mt. Morris, 10am
14 - Valentine’s Day
18 - Gifts Discernment and Call Committee meeting, Dixon COB
20 - President’s Day
26 - Transfiguration Sunday
March
1 - Ash Wednesday
1 - Deadline for newsletter articles
5 - Midwest District Executives meet, Camp Mack, Milford, IN
12 - Daylight Saving Time begins
1 - District Newsletter deadline for articles/information
2 - Groundhog Day
4 - Ministerial Leadership Development Team meeting, via Skype
5 - Service Sunday
11 - District Leadership Team Meeting, Camp Emmaus, Mt. Morris, 10am
14 - Valentine’s Day
18 - Gifts Discernment and Call Committee meeting, Dixon COB
20 - President’s Day
26 - Transfiguration Sunday
March
1 - Ash Wednesday
1 - Deadline for newsletter articles
5 - Midwest District Executives meet, Camp Mack, Milford, IN
12 - Daylight Saving Time begins
