Saturday, June 01, 2019
DE Ponderings
by Kevin Kessler
Occasionally, I share a list of a few books that I recommend reading. The following are books I’ve read this year that I’ve found especially interesting and insightful.
The Paradoxes of Jesus by Ralph W. Sockman (Abingdon Press, 1936)
Keep on reading!!!
Occasionally, I share a list of a few books that I recommend reading. The following are books I’ve read this year that I’ve found especially interesting and insightful.
The Paradoxes of Jesus by Ralph W. Sockman (Abingdon Press, 1936)
On occasion I receive a stack or box of purged books from a friend’s or acquaintance’s library. I rarely give much attention to older books, unless it’s a classic, but decided to at least read a few pages of Paradoxes. I finished it. Sockman has a wonderful grasp of words with the ability to imaginatively weave together contradictions that produce a thought-provoking conception. For example, he writes in a chapter entitled “Mammon of Righteousness” that “Jesus did not simplify living by demanding poverty of all. Nor did he urge an absolute equality of wealth. In the perfection of personality men must use ingenuity and imagination, discrimination and judgment, progressive sympathy and sacrifice. Nothing tests these more than does the mastering of mammon. But when mastered, mammon, the rival of God, becomes the servant to God.”
Besides Sockman’s mastery of writing, his wisdom spans history. What he wrote in 1936 is as relevant today as it was in his lifetime. This is a gem in my library.A People’s History of the United States by Howard Zinn (Harper, 2015)
Zinn approaches history from the perspective of those “whose plight has been largely omitted from most histories" (Library Journal), including America's women, factory workers, African-Americans, Native Americans, the working poor, and immigrant laborers. When history is told by these groups of people, historical perspective shifts significantly. No longer are the conquerors of news lands and new systems viewed as heroes to be venerated, rather they are disclosed as exploiters of people for the sake of economic or colonial gain. The shift offers insight for reasons to uphold the rights of those held captive by such oppressive behavior. Zinn seems careful to call out these injustices regardless of political affiliation. All persons, regardless of political persuasion, may be complicit in oppressive behaviors by failing to pay attention to the needs of those experiencing injustices. I found this book to be an eye-opening read.The Market as God by Harvey Cox (Harvard University Press, 2016)
The Market has deified itself, according to Cox. He takes the reader on a journey providing similarities of God and the Market, thus providing a substantiated argument of how the Market has reached deity status. “Only by tracing how the Market reached its ‘divine’ status can we hope to restore it to its proper place as servant of humanity” (from the book’s jacket). In addition to a well-researched and thought-full argument, Cox is superb, in my view, at Biblical interpretation and writing in a most relevant manner. Stories and insights throughout the chapters inspired me to write questions in the margins of the pages inquiring about current and relevant topics. Although scholarly in nature, “The Market” is written in a most comprehendible manner.Sabbath in the Suburbs: A Family’s Experiment with Holy Time by MaryAnn McKibben Dana (Chalice Press, 2012)
The keeping of Sabbath is not a recommendation; it’s a commandment. However, in today’s fast-paced world, whether in the suburbs, or inner-city, or more rural setting, keeping Sabbath, or even practicing it, is an ongoing and, at times, overwhelming challenge. McKibben Dana and her husband, after visiting the Iona Community, decided to give Sabbath a more intentional focus for one year. Of the several books I have read on Sabbath-keeping, I found this one the most honest and refreshing of any of I’ve read. Some who write about and practice Sabbath make it sound easy and very doable. McKibben Dana makes the claim that it is doable but with constant maneuvering and adjusting and copious amounts of grace. Yet at the end of a one-year experiment, the McKibben Dana family found some rhythms in life allowing them to experience Sabbath in liberating and helpful ways for the long-term journey. The honest portrayal of this family’s experiment gives me hope that I may be able to find some Sabbath rhythms as I continue to struggle with the spiritual practice of Sabbath keeping.I’m glad to share these good reads with you. What are you reading? I’d love to have your recommendations. And if you would like to share recommendations more widely than with just me, I’m glad to include your suggestions in future district newsletters.
Keep on reading!!!
The Moderator's Column
Off to Camp We Go!
Sorry, but I always have to start by being thankful! Our children, youth, college students and all our teachers just finished another year of school. They are ready to embark on a summer that will hopefully be full of fun and adventure, with God included in their lives!
I hope everyone takes the time to wake up and see the beautiful sunrises. As we go on our vacations and enjoy one another’s company, I hope we look around at the beautiful creation that God provided for all of us. May we enjoy and take the time as families to thank God for what we have!
Mostly (AND HERE’S MY CHALLENGE FOR YOU THIS MONTH), I hope all our churches will work to send our kids to Camp so that they can learn more about God in nature. This year the curriculum is built around Peace Works! I challenge each of our churches to come up with the funds to send kids not only from your churches, but from your neighborhoods!
If we are going to live our District Conference theme, then ask the kids in your church if they have a friend that you could sponsor to go with them! Let this be the year that our camps our full of our kids and others who need to know the Brethren way to deal with conflict and to love each other.
It is time for us to make a difference. Our children our worth so much; they are the future of what the world is going to be. This is our chance to make a difference by stepping up doing something monumental that will really make a difference in our treatment of one another.
Take on the challenge and let the District office know how your church is doing. Make some kind of a visible chart to show how many youth you are sending and email a picture that we can show at district conference.
If you don’t have kids at your own church, sponsor someone from another church!
Please sponsor wherever your churches most conveniently can send your youth and neighbors. For more information about BOTH of the district's camps, please check the websites:
Moderator Leslie Lake
Sorry, but I always have to start by being thankful! Our children, youth, college students and all our teachers just finished another year of school. They are ready to embark on a summer that will hopefully be full of fun and adventure, with God included in their lives!
I hope everyone takes the time to wake up and see the beautiful sunrises. As we go on our vacations and enjoy one another’s company, I hope we look around at the beautiful creation that God provided for all of us. May we enjoy and take the time as families to thank God for what we have!
Mostly (AND HERE’S MY CHALLENGE FOR YOU THIS MONTH), I hope all our churches will work to send our kids to Camp so that they can learn more about God in nature. This year the curriculum is built around Peace Works! I challenge each of our churches to come up with the funds to send kids not only from your churches, but from your neighborhoods!
If we are going to live our District Conference theme, then ask the kids in your church if they have a friend that you could sponsor to go with them! Let this be the year that our camps our full of our kids and others who need to know the Brethren way to deal with conflict and to love each other.
It is time for us to make a difference. Our children our worth so much; they are the future of what the world is going to be. This is our chance to make a difference by stepping up doing something monumental that will really make a difference in our treatment of one another.
Take on the challenge and let the District office know how your church is doing. Make some kind of a visible chart to show how many youth you are sending and email a picture that we can show at district conference.
If you don’t have kids at your own church, sponsor someone from another church!
Please sponsor wherever your churches most conveniently can send your youth and neighbors. For more information about BOTH of the district's camps, please check the websites:
Camp EmmanuelCamp EmmausLet’s go church---For the glory of God and Our Neighbor’s Good!
Moderator Leslie Lake
Announcement of opening for Office Manager at Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren
Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren (783 W. Highland Avenue, Elgin) seeks an Office Manager to carry out administrative support for pastor and congregation. The ideal candidate is experienced in handling a wide range of administrative and computer-based tasks; understands the unique challenges of working in a church; knows how to collaborate with volunteers and people of varying faith perspectives; is well organized, proactive, and flexible; enjoys the challenges of a wide variety of tasks and relating to diverse people and committees.
Requirements, among others, include excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to understand and accept a variety of faith perspectives; ability to understand and uphold professional boundaries and maintain confidentiality; organizational, problem-solving, and time-management skills; proficiency with MS Office Suite required, with experience with PowerChurch or similar database software and email systems such as MailChimp preferred; ability to learn new information technologies. A bachelor’s degree is preferred, with proven office management or administrative experience required. Candidate must have own transportation and be able to do some lifting.
Salary is comparable with similar positions in area nonprofit organizations, with employer making Social Security, pension, life insurance, and long-term disability insurance contributions. Preferred start date is June 17, 2019, or sooner.To request a full position description contact hacobapplications@gmail.com. Applications may be sent to the same email address, please include a cover letter and resume.
Requirements, among others, include excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to understand and accept a variety of faith perspectives; ability to understand and uphold professional boundaries and maintain confidentiality; organizational, problem-solving, and time-management skills; proficiency with MS Office Suite required, with experience with PowerChurch or similar database software and email systems such as MailChimp preferred; ability to learn new information technologies. A bachelor’s degree is preferred, with proven office management or administrative experience required. Candidate must have own transportation and be able to do some lifting.
Salary is comparable with similar positions in area nonprofit organizations, with employer making Social Security, pension, life insurance, and long-term disability insurance contributions. Preferred start date is June 17, 2019, or sooner.To request a full position description contact hacobapplications@gmail.com. Applications may be sent to the same email address, please include a cover letter and resume.
Annual Conference Reminder Reminder
Online registration for Annual Conference ends on June 10, as does the link to reserve Conference housing at the host hotel. The 2019 Annual Conference takes place July 3-7 in Greensboro, N.C., on the theme “Proclaim Christ; Reclaim Passion.” This year delegates and non-delegates alike may participate in compelling vision conversations designed to help the Church of the Brethren discern a vision for the future of the denomination. Find detailed information about the Conference and a registration link at www.brethren.org/ac.
ETHICS TRAINING FOR ORDAINED/COMMISSIONED CLERGY
Ordained and Commissioned clergy are required to received ethics training every five years. 2019 is the cycle for districts to provide ethics training events. An event was held in April. If you were unable to attend that event, another event is scheduled for Saturday, June 22, at the Oakley Brick Church of the Brethren near Cerro Gordo, IL. The fee to attend is $25 which covers materials used, CEUs, and lunch. If you have not received a registration form, please contact the district to have one emailed or sent to you.
Beacon Light to Perform at Rockford COB
Beacon Light is a Hip Hop artist from Grand Rapids, MI. His music varies from hard hitting 808s & creative wordplay, to poetic lyricism over emotionally packed chord progressions. Beacon's music is a platter of energetic singles and good vibes, blended with moments of deep conversations about real issues and uncomfortable topics. He has been featured on numerous Spotify playlists, Top 30 Billboard charts, and Top 50 Hip Hop charts on iTunes. Beacon has had songs in TV/FILM as well, including "Power" (a Starz original series produced by 50 Cent). In 2016 his music video "Haters" won video of the year in the We Love Music Awards. "I make music to make a difference," says Beacon. "I believe what I have to say needs to be heard by everybody. Jesus is LORD.”
A Love Offering will be collected during the concert. The artist will also be speaking at the church the following morning to give testimony, as well as information on some of the missions he supports. Consideration of support for any of these ministries is greatly appreciated!
Rockford Community Church
6909 Auburn Street
Rockford, IL 61101
815-721-6227
Doors open at 5:30pm
www.beaconlightmusic.com
National Older Adult Conference
September 2-6, 2019
Lake Junaluska Conference and Retreat Center
in the beautiful mountains of western North Carolina NOAC is a Spirit-filled gathering of adults 50 and older who love learning and discerning together, exploring God’s call for their lives and living out that call by sharing their energy, insight, and legacy with their families, communities, and the world. Registration Information
The cost per person is $195 if you register before July 15. After that date the cost will be $225. First time attendees will get a $20 discount. Your registration fee does not include housing or meals.
Learn more about registration
After you register you will be able to go to the Lake J housing reservations website to make your lodging reservations. Learn more about lodging and dining at NOAC
Paper registration
Paper registration forms will be available on request. If you are able to register online, please do so. To request a paper registration form please call 800-323-8039, ext. 302.
Lake Junaluska Conference and Retreat Center
in the beautiful mountains of western North Carolina NOAC is a Spirit-filled gathering of adults 50 and older who love learning and discerning together, exploring God’s call for their lives and living out that call by sharing their energy, insight, and legacy with their families, communities, and the world. Registration Information
The cost per person is $195 if you register before July 15. After that date the cost will be $225. First time attendees will get a $20 discount. Your registration fee does not include housing or meals.
Learn more about registration
After you register you will be able to go to the Lake J housing reservations website to make your lodging reservations. Learn more about lodging and dining at NOAC
Paper registration
Paper registration forms will be available on request. If you are able to register online, please do so. To request a paper registration form please call 800-323-8039, ext. 302.
Pre-NOAC event offers ‘Labor Day Sabbath rest’
Church of the Brethren Newsline
April 25, 2019
Pre-NOAC event for ministers and spouses
The Office of Ministry is holding a continuing education event on the opening day of National Older Adult Conference (NOAC) titled “Labor Day Sabbath Rest.” The event on Monday, Sept. 2, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Atkins House at Lake Junaluska, N.C., is open to ministers and spouses and all laity. The 50-plus age requirement for NOAC does not apply. Ministers may earn 0.6 continuing education credits.
For the latest Brethren news go to the main Newsline page
The event focuses on preaching and spiritual formation led by Dawn Ottoni-Wilhelm, Brightbill Professor of Preaching and Worship at Bethany Theological Seminary in Richmond, Ind.
“In what ways might preaching be a source of spiritual formation and renewal--not only for congregations but also for preachers?” said an announcement. “How might different ways of sermon preparation awaken a sense of God’s presence and movement among us, particularly during challenging and divisive times? This continuing education event will help participants to cultivate a deeper connection to God’s divine mystery in our lives, sermons, and communities of faith as we explore scripture texts and practices that encourage us to reach through the polarities of our time with hope in the Spirit’s transformative work among us.”
Participants may attend for the day, arrive a day early, or continue their stay in Lake Junaluska and attend the full week of NOAC.
For the one-day event, the all-inclusive cost of $80 per person or $145 per couple includes overnight lodging at Atkins House on Sept 1, breakfast, lunch, and the continuing education certificate.
Cost is $30 per person for those only requiring lunch and the continuing education certificate.
As a bonus, those attending the one-day event will be able to book a room in the Atkins House for the week of NOAC at a cost of $30 per person per night or $50 per couple per night.
Find a brochure with more information and a mail-in registration form at www.brethren.org/ministryoffice/documents/2019-pre-noac-event.pdf. For questions and more information contact Nancy Sollenberger Heishman, director of the Office of Ministry, at 800-323-8039 ext. 381 or nsheishman@brethren.org.
April 25, 2019
Pre-NOAC event for ministers and spouses
The Office of Ministry is holding a continuing education event on the opening day of National Older Adult Conference (NOAC) titled “Labor Day Sabbath Rest.” The event on Monday, Sept. 2, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Atkins House at Lake Junaluska, N.C., is open to ministers and spouses and all laity. The 50-plus age requirement for NOAC does not apply. Ministers may earn 0.6 continuing education credits.For the latest Brethren news go to the main Newsline page
The event focuses on preaching and spiritual formation led by Dawn Ottoni-Wilhelm, Brightbill Professor of Preaching and Worship at Bethany Theological Seminary in Richmond, Ind.
“In what ways might preaching be a source of spiritual formation and renewal--not only for congregations but also for preachers?” said an announcement. “How might different ways of sermon preparation awaken a sense of God’s presence and movement among us, particularly during challenging and divisive times? This continuing education event will help participants to cultivate a deeper connection to God’s divine mystery in our lives, sermons, and communities of faith as we explore scripture texts and practices that encourage us to reach through the polarities of our time with hope in the Spirit’s transformative work among us.”
Participants may attend for the day, arrive a day early, or continue their stay in Lake Junaluska and attend the full week of NOAC.
For the one-day event, the all-inclusive cost of $80 per person or $145 per couple includes overnight lodging at Atkins House on Sept 1, breakfast, lunch, and the continuing education certificate.
Cost is $30 per person for those only requiring lunch and the continuing education certificate.
As a bonus, those attending the one-day event will be able to book a room in the Atkins House for the week of NOAC at a cost of $30 per person per night or $50 per couple per night.
Find a brochure with more information and a mail-in registration form at www.brethren.org/ministryoffice/documents/2019-pre-noac-event.pdf. For questions and more information contact Nancy Sollenberger Heishman, director of the Office of Ministry, at 800-323-8039 ext. 381 or nsheishman@brethren.org.
Northern Indiana District Church of the Brethren is sponsoring a bus to NOAC 2019 in Lake Junaluska
The cost of the round-trip bus ride is $200. There are 56 seats available. It will stop to pick-up and drop off at the Nappanee and Mexico Church of the Brethrens. The bus will stop in Kentucky for the night both leaving and returning. Riders are responsible for booking their room. Rooms with two beds (2-4 persons) and rooms with one king bed (1-2 persons) are both available. Cost ranges from $70-85+ tax per night; mention “Church of the Brethren” as there are rooms reserved and priced for this trip. See bus itinerary for other trip details.
September 1 - Quality Inn, Berea, KY - 859-986-9627; $69.99 +tax
September 6 - Quality Inn, Erlanger, KY - 859-746-0300; king bed at $75+tax or 2 beds at $85+tax
Registration forms need to be returned to the district office no later than August 1. The 56 seats are first come, first served basis and is open to both the Northern and South Central Indiana District members. Early registration is encouraged.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact the district office at 574-773-3149, rachel.nidcob@gmail.com.
September 1 - Quality Inn, Berea, KY - 859-986-9627; $69.99 +tax
September 6 - Quality Inn, Erlanger, KY - 859-746-0300; king bed at $75+tax or 2 beds at $85+tax
Registration forms need to be returned to the district office no later than August 1. The 56 seats are first come, first served basis and is open to both the Northern and South Central Indiana District members. Early registration is encouraged.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact the district office at 574-773-3149, rachel.nidcob@gmail.com.
CAMP EMMANUEL NEWS
Please join the Camp Board in welcoming our new manager Roger Lindsey. He assumed the manager's responsibilities effective mid April. Roger was born and raised in Astoria, Illinois. He has two daughters Amber (husband Anthony) and Rachel and is a proud grandfather to Keegan, Jack, Hayden and Tymber.
Roger is retired from the Fulton County Sheriff's Department after serving 25 years. He has also served on the Astoria Town Board and recently served as the mayor. He has been a member of the Astoria Fire and Rescue Department for 38 years and attends the Astoria Christian Church.
Roger has “hit the ground running” addressing several maintenance and logistics issues and participated in the camp workweek. Roger is well organized and is anxious to “learn and address the many responsibilities” of the manager. The weather has been playing havoc with the huge mowing challenge this spring. In Roger's words: “God has given us many treasures in life. One is right here – Camp Emmanuel. It is a wonderful place to enjoy nature and beauty.” He looks forward to meeting many from the district as the camps unfold this coming summer.
The Camp Emmanuel Board thanks Shane Herrin for his four years as camp manager. His contributions to the well-being of the camp were extensive and appreciated. We wish him well as he is able to put more time into his construction business and have more time for his family and himself.
Submitted by Ray Knotts, Camp Emmanuel Board, Recording Secretary
Roger is retired from the Fulton County Sheriff's Department after serving 25 years. He has also served on the Astoria Town Board and recently served as the mayor. He has been a member of the Astoria Fire and Rescue Department for 38 years and attends the Astoria Christian Church.
Roger has “hit the ground running” addressing several maintenance and logistics issues and participated in the camp workweek. Roger is well organized and is anxious to “learn and address the many responsibilities” of the manager. The weather has been playing havoc with the huge mowing challenge this spring. In Roger's words: “God has given us many treasures in life. One is right here – Camp Emmanuel. It is a wonderful place to enjoy nature and beauty.” He looks forward to meeting many from the district as the camps unfold this coming summer.
The Camp Emmanuel Board thanks Shane Herrin for his four years as camp manager. His contributions to the well-being of the camp were extensive and appreciated. We wish him well as he is able to put more time into his construction business and have more time for his family and himself.
Submitted by Ray Knotts, Camp Emmanuel Board, Recording Secretary
Brethren Volunteer Service announces orientation units
From the April 18, 2019 Newsline
Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS) has announced the dates and locations of orientation units for the rest of the year. BVS offers orientations to train prospective volunteers to serve fulltime for one or more years at projects across the United States and in several other countries around the world. For more about BVS go to www.brethren.org/bvs.
The remaining units to take place in 2019 are:
For the latest Brethren news go to the main Newsline page
Summer Unit 322
July 21-Aug. 9
Inspiration Hills Camp in Burbank, Ohio
Deadline for applications is June 7.
Brethren Revival Fellowship (BRF) Unit 323
Aug. 18-26
Camp Swatara near Bethel, Pa.
Deadline for applications is July 5.
Fall Unit 324
Sept. 22-Oct. 11
Camp Emmaus in Mount Morris, Ill.
Deadline for applications is Aug. 9.
For more information contact Jocelyn Siakula, BVS orientation coordinator, at jsiakula@brethren.org or 847-429-4384.
District Website
When is the last time you visited the IL/WI District Website? There you’ll find helpful information about your district including but not limited to:
Don’t delay! Check it out! See what you can learn about your district!
Don’t delay! Check it out! See what you can learn about your district!
Supporting Your District
The IL/WI District is active in a variety of ministry and mission efforts, both directly and indirectly. For these efforts to continue, resources are needed. Assets available to keep ministry and mission moving along include you (people serving people), tools (tool trailer w/ tools for disaster response work), knowledge and wisdom (years of experience and access to institutions of learning), and, of course, money (endowment, reserves, congregational and individual giving, bequests).
Assets are abundant but unless these gifts are cared for there is potential for depleting them. Therefore, district teams and the combined efforts of many work diligently to ensure asset sustainability.
Still, it is important to know where gaps exist, or a little extra boost would be helpful. For instance, our district has deep interest in and long-standing support of disaster relief efforts. A separate fund is established to assist folks who give of their time and travel great distances to assist. The district’s Disaster Relief Fund is hovering around $1,000.00. Sending a team to serve on a disaster response site can cost nearly $500 or more. To ensure the sustainability of this important ministry, designated gifts to this fund are welcomed and deeply appreciated. Having funds available to assist with travel may be the difference of someone sharing their gifts or staying home. Consider making a contribution!
Other options are available for contributing, as well, including the following:
Assets are abundant but unless these gifts are cared for there is potential for depleting them. Therefore, district teams and the combined efforts of many work diligently to ensure asset sustainability.
Still, it is important to know where gaps exist, or a little extra boost would be helpful. For instance, our district has deep interest in and long-standing support of disaster relief efforts. A separate fund is established to assist folks who give of their time and travel great distances to assist. The district’s Disaster Relief Fund is hovering around $1,000.00. Sending a team to serve on a disaster response site can cost nearly $500 or more. To ensure the sustainability of this important ministry, designated gifts to this fund are welcomed and deeply appreciated. Having funds available to assist with travel may be the difference of someone sharing their gifts or staying home. Consider making a contribution!
Other options are available for contributing, as well, including the following:
- Endowment Fund
- Mission and Mortar Fund
- General Fund
- Emerging Ministries
- Ministry Training
District Mission and Mortar Grant/Loan Program
Is your congregation beginning a new mission outreach program but a little short on cash? Is your congregation faced with a major repair or capital improvement project that exceeds your congregation’s capacity to pay for it? Did you know that the district has a program to assist with your needs? It’s called the Mission and Mortar Grant/Loan Program and is available to help meet the needs mentioned above.
Grants are available up to $2,500.00 and non-interest bearing loans up to $5000.00. A congregation that applies must provide financial data and be a regular contributor to the district. Applications are considered on a first-come first-served basis and are reviewed/approved by the district Leadership Team.
If you would like more information or wish to apply, visit the district website. Send completed applications to the IL/WI District Office, 269 E. Chestnut St., Canton, IL 61520.
Grants are available up to $2,500.00 and non-interest bearing loans up to $5000.00. A congregation that applies must provide financial data and be a regular contributor to the district. Applications are considered on a first-come first-served basis and are reviewed/approved by the district Leadership Team.
If you would like more information or wish to apply, visit the district website. Send completed applications to the IL/WI District Office, 269 E. Chestnut St., Canton, IL 61520.
GIFTS DISCERNMENT AND CALL COMMITTEE
The Gifts Discernment and Call Committee (GDCC) is commissioned to discern the gifts of persons for the purpose of inviting and calling them in to positions of leadership and team/committee participation. The GDCC delves into this work based on the names and information available to them. The likelihood is that gifted persons are not invited and called to serve because the GDCC lacks names and information. If you feel compelled to serve in the district and have not been asked, you can connect to the district webpage and learn how to share your name and information with the GDCC. Simply complete the online profile form after clicking on the “online profile form” link in the website article. Or call the district office (649-6008) and a profile form will be emailed to you.
Do you know someone you believe has gifts to serve at the district level? Invite them to visit the district webpage or share their name with the GDCC or district office.
Serving is rewarding!
Do you know someone you believe has gifts to serve at the district level? Invite them to visit the district webpage or share their name with the GDCC or district office.
Serving is rewarding!
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.
