Newsline

• The Church of the Brethren seeks a systems specialist to fill a full-time hourly position in information technology at the denomination’s General Offices in Elgin, Ill. The systems specialist provides strategic and tactical support by analyzing and interpreting system data to provide creative solutions; plans, coordinates, tests, and implements changes to computer databases; assists in website-related projects including online registration forms; maps data from web applications into the Raiser’s Edge database. Required skills and knowledge include skilled competency in database management and queries; communication and problem solving skills; ability to tend to multiple simultaneous projects; detail orientation; customer service skills; ability to maintain confidentiality. Computer software and database experience is required. An associate’s degree or equivalent experience is required. A bachelor’s degree is preferred. The following experience is helpful: Raiser’s Edge or other customer relationship (CRM) system; Convio or other web-building solution experience; and/or Crystal Reports. Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis until the position is filled. Send a resume to COBApply@brethren.org or to Office of Human Resources, Church of the Brethren, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120; 800-323-8039 ext. 367. The Church of the Brethren is an Equal Opportunity Employer. 
• Zoe Vorndran will begin June 24 as the 2019-2020 intern in the Brethren Historical Library and Archives at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill. She graduates from Manchester (Ind.) University on May 18 with a bachelor of arts degree in English and history. While a student, she worked as archives assistant and desk worker for the Funderburg Library. She is a member of Lincolnshire Church of the Brethren in Fort Wayne, Ind. 
• The Church of the Brethren seeks a coordinator of short-term service, a full-time salaried position that will provide oversight and administration of short-term service experiences and placements including the Workcamp Ministry, and will support recruitment of volunteers for Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS). Required skills and knowledge include grounding in Church of the Brethren heritage, theology, and practices; ability to articulate and operate out of the vision of the Mission and Ministry Board of the Church of the Brethren; interpersonal skills and ability to take initiative without regular supervision; attention to detail; organizational skills; communication skills; administrative and management skills; ability in providing faith/spiritual leadership in group settings; recruitment experience in a college or equivalent volunteer service setting preferred; understanding of managing a budget required, with experience of managing a budget preferred; willingness to travel extensively; ability to work well in a team office setting; flexibility with evolving program needs. Experience required includes leading workcamps or mission trips; working with youth; word processing, database, and spreadsheet software; recruitment and assessment of individuals. Previous BVS experience helpful but not required. A bachelor’s degree is expected, a master’s degree or equivalent work experience is helpful but not required. This position is based at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill. Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis until the position is filled. Qualified candidates are invited to send a resume to COBApply@brethren.org or to the Office of Human Resources, Church of the Brethren, 1451 Dundee Avenue, Elgin, IL 60120; 800-323-8039 ext. 367. The Church of the Brethren is an Equal Opportunity Employer. 
• The Office of Ministry is continuing to plan for the 2020 Clergywomen’s Retreat to be held Jan. 6-9, 2020, in Scottsdale, Ariz. This retreat is open to all commissioned, licensed, and ordained women in the Church of the Brethren. Presenter Mandy Smith is lead pastor of University Christian Church in Cincinnati, Ohio; a regular contributor to "Christianity Today"; author of "The Vulnerable Pastor: How Human Limitations Empower Our Ministry"; and director of Missio Alliance’s "She Leads" summit. Estimated cost is $325 for double occupancy and $440 for single occupancy. Find a “Save the Date” brochure at www.brethren.org/ministryoffice/documents/2020-clergywomens-retreat.pdf. Registration opens later this summer. 
• The World Council of Churches seeks to fill two program executive positions: a program executive for Mission and Evangelism/Mission from the Margins to facilitate and support an inspiring and effective involvement of indigenous peoples and other marginalized groups in the life and work of the WCC, its member churches, and ecumenical partners; and a program executive for Church Relations to monitor and coordinate the collaboration and cooperation of member churches, among them and with other churches on all programmatic areas of the WCC, and to follow up on all membership matters. The WCC is an equal opportunity employer. Selection is made without distinction as to race and gender and takes into account confessional and geographical representation of its member churches. Find the full job announcements at www.oikoumene.org/en/get-involved/job-openings/vacancy-programme-executive-on-mission-and-evangelism-mission-from-the-margins and www.oikoumene.org/en/get-involved/job-openings/vacancy-programme-executive-for-church-relations/view. 
• The Anabaptist Disabilities Network (ADN) announces a new barrier-free grant program that offers financial assistance to congregations for projects that facilitate barrier-free community life. This is one of several ways that the network is a partner with congregations to create mutual awareness, caring support, and accessibility education. Grants range from $100 to $500. For more information contact 574-343-1362, 877-214-9838, or adnet@adnetonline.org. Download a grant application at adnetonline.org by clicking on “Get Involved,” then “Barrier-Free Grant.” 
• This season marks the 15th year of the Polo (Ill.) Growing Project supported by partner churches in Polo, Dixon, Tinley Park, and Elgin. Over the years, earnings of $466,000 have been invested in agricultural programs in several countries, most recently Honduras and Nicaragua. The Polo venture is one of 165 growing projects across the US under the aegis of Growing Hope Globally, formerly Foods Resource Bank. The ecumenical agency will commemorate its 20th anniversary with a Summer Celebration July 25-27 at Conrad, Iowa, where a cluster of churches including Ivester Church of the Brethren formed one of the earliest growing projects. 
• Bethany Theological Seminary in Richmond, Ind., seeks a full-time admissions recruiter to oversee contact with potential students to help generate robust enrollment and to work with students to complete the application process. This person will engage in face-to-face interactions and must be able to demonstrate excitement and enthusiasm in a wide variety of recruitment situations, and discuss discernment with prospective students to solidify a start date. This position requires extensive travel in the US. Salary will be commensurate with qualifications. Among responsibilities are increasing potential student lists and engaging in proactive recruitment; promoting and creating interest in Bethany; assisting the Youth Engagement Office with summer youth programs; initiating connections with potential students using social media and electronic communication; carrying responsibilities for admissions web pages; supporting a goal to develop a more multicultural student body; connecting with college and university personnel to increase referrals and a presence on their campuses; attending and tabling at conferences and fairs. Qualifications include admissions or relevant sales and marketing experience in higher education; bachelor’s degree; familiarity with seminaries and theological education; affinity with the values and mission of the seminary; understanding of the Church of the Brethren in the Anabaptist-Pietist tradition; collaborative working style; oral and written communication skills; use of active listening and discernment skills; command of computer software; facility with marketing and promoting on social media and through electronic communications. Physical requirements include ability to plan and independently travel via car, bus, or plane; valid driver's license; good driving history; ability to set up displays and handle boxes up to 50 pounds. Send a letter of interest, resume, and contact information for three references to recruitment@bethanyseminary.edu or Attn: Lori Current, Bethany Theological Seminary, 615 National Road West, Richmond, IN 47374. Bethany Seminary’s policy prohibits discrimination in employment opportunities or practices with regard to race, gender, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, or religion. Find a full job description at https://bethanyseminary.edu/jobs.