Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory ..,...,irth of Jesus illuminates the wodd with of the , ~:: light. His coming brings us into new relationships and new realities. Young people of Lord our church are energized. Afghan students receive school kits. Northern Ireland neighborhoods come has risen to know reconciliation. Lives in the Dominican Republic are transformed. Together we witness upon you. to the righteousness, the wisdom, and the peace Jesus came to bring. - Isaiah 60:1

This Christmas, let us revel in the joy that God is among us. Let us sing "Gloria!" with the angels on high. Let us arise, shine, and let the world know our Light has come. _JL 7~ Church of the Brethren General Board

Your gift for the work of the General Board undergirds ministries to 1,068 congregations and fellowships and 23 districts. It also sustains mission ventures of the Church of the Brethren in nearly 40 countries and in partnership with other church agencies in more than 1 00 countries. For more information, contact the Church of the Brethren General Board, 1451 Dundee Avenue, Elgin, Illinois 60120 (800-323-8039) or visit www. brethren.erg. DECEMBER 2002 VOL.151 N0.11 WWW.BRETHREN.ORG

Editor: Fletcher Farrar Publisher: Wendy McFadden News: Walt Wiltschek Advertising: Russ Matteson Subscriptions: Diane Stroyeck Design: Cedar House Group

- ONTHECOVER 10 Peace is not domination In the opening essay for this month's cluster of For many Brethren, Psalm 85 is a familiar and beloved articles on peace, Brethren Witness director scripture. "Revive us again," a phrase from v. 6, was the David Radcliff cautions us as Americans prone theme of Annual Conference in 2001. The latter half of to control: "Remember we are not God." the passage, vv. 8-13, is commonly regarded as a psalm for Advent. 12 Decade to Overcome Violence "Speak peace," this year's Christmas Offering theme, Under the broad umbrella of DOV, the plan is for is drawn from v. 8, rendered on this month's cover in each church to do what it can to promote peace in typography and design by Debbie Noffsinger, a graphic God's world. Here are reports on how five Church of artist in Union Bridge, Md. The image is a combination of the Brethren congregations are doing their part. colored handmade paper and a paper sculpture impres­ sion made by pressing paper fibers into a glass mold. 16 Peace in the denomination The cover introduces this month's cluster of articles The Church of the Brethren is rare for its on the theme of peace, in support of the Christmas conviction that "all war is sin." Why do we Offering emphasis. believe this, and what do we do about it? Explained here is the special way Brethren approach overcoming evil with good.

18 Peace in the congregation Peace at home is sometimes the most difficult kind. Jim Kinsey, Congregation Life Team staff member, tells what Hopeful Valley church did when its life became troubled by discord.

20 Peace in the person In this meditation on Psalm 85, former moderator Paul Grout urges Brethren to seek peace through our lifestyles, not just as a political agenda. "Peace is a byproduct of devotion to Jesus Christ," he writes.

22 If it takes all night A Christmas poem by James Benedict will lift your spirit to sing, "Glory to God in the highest."

26 China missionary A remembrance of Mary Gauntz Cumming, a Church of the Brethren missionary in China when Japanese soldiers overtook Ping Ting in 1937.

DEPARTMENTS

7' 3 2 From the Publisher 3 In Touch ~:::: 5· 6 News 24 Index Next issue: The next issue of Messenger is the once-a­ 27 Letters year two-month edition . This January/February issue is 31 Turning Points scheduled to arrive in February. 32 Editorial Messenger December 2002 ■ How to reach us

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MESSENGER is the official publication of the Church of the Brethren. Entered as periodical postage matter Aug. 20, 1918, under Act of Congress of Oct. 17 , 191 7. Filing date, Nov. 1, 1984, Member of th e Associated Church Press. Sub sc riber to Religion News Service & Ecumenical Press Service. Biblical quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are from the New Revised Standard Version. MESSENGER is published 11 times a year by Brethren Press, Church of the Brethren General Board. Periodical postage paid at Elgin, Ill. , and at additional mailing office, August 2002. Copyright 2002, Church of the Brethren General Board. ISSN 0026-0355 .

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Messenger December 2002 INTOUCH -

Gardener of the govs

Most midwestern gardens had long since faded with summer drought and heat. But with cooler fall temperatures and some rain, the grounds of the governor's man­ sion in Springfield, 111., came alive with reds, purples, yellows, and whites. "It's almost more beautiful than spring," said Tom Martin, who has presided over these grounds as the governor's official gardener for the past 18 years. Martin, a six-year member of First Church of the Brethren, Springfield, recently con­ ducted a tour of the mansion grounds for the Brethren Press staff visiting from Elgin, Ill. With the exception of the tallest trees, nearly all the plants on this downtown city block were planted during his tenure, includ­ ing many now-large trees. This has been a labor of love, and faith. "You have to have faith to be a garden­ er," quips Martin, who year after year coaxes beautiful plants from the ground despite the Midwest's hot summers and severe winters. He works to be a respon­ Tom Martin, right, in the governor's mansion garden w ith Illinois ' Firs t Lady Lura Lynn Rya n. sible steward of the land, using a mini­ mum of pesticides, reusing leaves as makes a ministry of teaching good work more opportunities for the garden to be mulch, and composting plant materials. habits and garden skills to the two prison­ seen and enjoyed. He also pract ices stewardship of the ers who help him. Martin says his enthusiasm for gardening state's.financial resources, bringing to the Governors, and their wives, sometimes has grown with each passing year, and with mansion plants from his home garden present more of a challenge, especially experience his style has gotten "wilder and and growing some flowers from seed. when they're new and before he's had a bolder." He'll soon get a chance to test his In his work Martin deals with people chance to earn their trust. Once when Brethren-enhanced people skills again, as the from all walks of life, from governors-he's Martin was using a chainsaw on an over­ Illinois governor's mansion gets a new occu­ worked for three so far-to the prison grown tree, the First Lady sent the butler pant in January. Chicagoan Rod Blagojevich, inmates who are employed to work on the from the mansion to investigate, but after elected in November, will be the first grounds. Though it wasn't his idea to use an explanation all was well. Some gover­ Democrat he has gardened for, adding just a prison labor for the garden, he decided to nors take more interest in the garden than little more uncertainty to Martin's world of make the best of the situation. Now he others, and some entertain more, giving politics and plants.-Fletcher Farrar

Trooper finds t rouble domesticated wild turkey. She nothing was stolen or broken. and their fathers returned the when teens take summoned others to help. ' State Trooper Timothy Fetzger turkey to its owner and apolo­ Tom to town "We took two chairs and investigated the scene. "This gized to the church. Church played lion tamer and chased is a first for me. I can tell you moderator Ron Strickler did not Janitor Marian Kniss came him out the door," said Vernon that," he said. press charges, though police upon an unwelcome visitor at Kniss, also a janitor. Later Three teens who do not charged the teens with criminal Chiques Church of the Brethren, Becker Ginder lassoed the attend Chiques church but are mischief. It was expected they Manheim, Pa. There in the bird's leg and tied him to a tree. familiar with the building con­ would be placed on probation sanctuary on a July Wednesday The turkey had soiled the fessed to putting the bird in the and required to do community afternoon was a 40-pound carpet in a few places, but sanctuary as a prank. The teens service.-Don Fitzkee

Messenger December 20.:_II - INTOUCH

What would you do if you heard a baby cry and you had a chance? You just do it.

Idaho pastor the smoke until he reached the bed. On his rescues baby from fire second blind sweep across the bed, he felt the 3-week-old baby and pulled it into his arms. Ed Kerschensteiner, pastor of the Boise Valley "Smoke came rolling out," Kerschensteiner Church of the Brethren in Meridian, Idaho, recalled. "You couldn't see a thing. I knew there never set out to be a hero. It just turned out was a risk to enter a house that was burning, that way. but it was a short distance to the bed." Kerschensteiner and his wife, Mary Lou, The infant needed oxygen but survived. were asleep in their home when a neighbor's Another small child from the family was also child rang their doorbell in the early morning located unharmed, but the mother, Angie hours of Oct. 5. The child begged for help, as Abdullah, was found dead in another room of Ed Kerschensteiner her house was on fire and her mother and the house. Police later determined that she young siblings were still inside. had been killed before the fire began and Kerschensteiner, 71, and another neighbor charged her husband, Azad, with the murder rushed to the scene. He had promised his wife in a domestic dispute, according to The Idaho he wouldn't run into the burning house, but Statesman. That charge ended speculation when he arrived there, Kerschensteiner heard that it might have been a hate crime against the sound of an infant trapped inside. the Muslim family. "I was doing what had to be done," Whatever the circumstances, Kerschensteiner said. "As I told the newspa­ Kerschensteiner was just glad for the opportu­ per, 'What would you do if you heard a baby nity to help make a bad situation a little better. cry and you had a chance?' You just do it." "I think the Lord brought that about," he He kicked in a door at the back of the house said. "I was happy I was where I could near the bedroom, and felt his way through respond." -Walt Wiltschek

Pipe Creek marks pictures of events Update: Mack Memorial's 150th anniversary and people, from flag conflict resolution founder Samuel On Sept. 8 Pipe Murray to current The Mack Memorial Church of the Brethren, Creek Church of the pastor Leslie Cooper. Dayton, Ohio-featured in the April MESSENGER Brethren, Peru, Ind., Ron Finney, district for its process to resolve conflict over displaying celebrated 150 years minister, provided a the American flag in church- has approved a of faithful ministry. closing summary. resolution of the matter. Their guest speak­ Copies of the 60- During a gathering after worship Sept. 15 er for morning wor­ page updated histo­ those present unanimously approved a pro­ ship was Jeff Bach, ry of the church can posal presented by the church's Symbols professor of be obtained by writ­ Team. The five-point resolution provided for, Brethren and histori­ ing to the church at among other things, allowing the purchase of cal studies at 4483 W 400 S, Peru, a US flag and a world flag, which would be displayed together in the fellow­ Bethany Theological IN 46970. A dona­ ship hall, except when there is a baptism or love feast there. A request to dis­ Seminary. The day­ tion of $5 will cover play the flags in the sanctuary would need to go through the Worship Team. long celebration printing and Because of division over the flag issue, the congregation had postponed its inluded special postage costs. love feast last fall. But, after working to resolve the conflict, love feast was music, reminiscing, held as usual on Maundy Thursday. "It was a good healing space for al l who and a plethora of -Leslie E. Cooper, Jr. attended," reports Liz Bidgood Enders, co-pastor.

■ Messenger December 2002 Mitchell marks Olden Mitchell said he is looking 70 years as a pastor forward to a few more years of pas­ toral ministry. "If the Apostles Peter Olden Mitchell, of North and Paul did not retire and take it Manchester, Ind., this year is cele­ easy at age 65, why should I?" brating 70 years of service as a pas­ tor. He was called to the ministry The end of one era, and ordained in 1932. He served 15 beginning of a new congregations as summer pastor during college and seminary and as After Roger Cruser retired this part-time pastor while teaching summer following 25 years as school. He served six congregations executive director of Camp as a regular full-time pastor. Since Woodland Altars, Peebles, Ohio, his retirement 25 years ago, Mitchell he offered this reflection in the has served 15 congregations as an Southern Ohio District newsletter: the entrance. A lady leaned out the interim pastor. During his ministry As I left camp, I had a helium bal­ window and said, "Excuse me but I career he also served as a district loon that was given to me by the am just arriving for the first time. executive. staff. No one else was around so I Could you tell me where I should During a June celebration Floyd stopped at the entrance to release go?" I walked over to her and said, Mitchell, Olden's younger brother the balloon. It signified for me a "Hi, my name is Roger, and I'm leav­ and a longtime pastor, shared the release of my commitment and the ing for the last time after 25 years. story of the Mitchell family of freedom of Woodla.nd Altars to now I'll be glad to tell you how to get preachers, beginning with their go its own way. It seemed a where you need to be." It was a grandfather, and their father, a poignant moment. I prayed that the touching moment as we both looked farmer-preacher, who was happy to camp would continue to provide at each other and knew that we may see three of his four sons become outdoor ministry to people for never see each other again but we pastors. Floyd said the fourth son, many years to come. . shared a single moment at when asked why he was not a Oddly, as I was completing my Woodland Altars that, for me at preacher, replied, "Somebody's got prayer and watching the balloon dis­ least, would be indelibly marked on to work in this family." appear in the sky, a car pulled in to my memory.-Roger S. Cruser

REMEMBERED

Claire Andrews Bowman, • Marie I. Hamilton died until her retirement in 1961. white America embraced inte­ 89, died July 16 in La Verne, Sept. 5 in Richmond, Ind., at • Mervin A. Cripe, 83, died gration, Peterman brought Calif. She was a school­ the age of 101. She had lived Sept. 5. A memorial service white and black children teacher in Polk County, N.C., in Sebring, Fla., from 1977 was held in Timbercrest together on a Harrisburg when she married Loren until this year. She graduated Chapel, North Manchester, schoolyard for games and Bowman in 1935 and the cou­ from Manchester College in Ind. He graduated from crafts each summer in the ple headed to Bethany 1923. During the Depression Bridgewater College and from early 1940s. He took his vaca­ Seminary a year later. For 20 she and her husband, Stanley, Bethany Theological tion from Bell Telephone, years she added a spark to under the auspices of the Seminary. He was pastor of where he worked as a plan­ the life of four congregations American Friends Service the Swan Creek church, Delta, ning engineer, to run Jhe from Virginia to California. In Committee, did relief work Ohio, 1950-54; pastor of Eel summer camps. A farm boy 1958 the Bowmans moved to with coal miners and steel­ River, Silver Lake, Ind., 1954- who became a social radical, Elgin, 111., where Claire gave workers and their families in 61; and Brook Park, Ohio, Peterman opposed war and support to Loren in his work Ohio, West Virginia, and 1961-81. After retirement in admired Mahatma Gandhi's on the denominational staff Pennsylvania. In 1940 they 1981 he served as interim pas­ example of nonviolent resist­ and as general secretary from moved to Richmond, Ind., as tor in 14 churches. ance. Though his fire and 1968 to 1977. At Hillcrest co-directors of Quaker Hill, a • Elton "Miller" Peterman, passion mellowed in his later since 1979, Claire was active hostel for European refugees 93, died Sept. 3 in Harrisburg, years, his resolve never in a book club and in activi­ during World War II. She was Pa., where he was a member wavered. He remained dedi­ ties at La Verne Church of the executive secretary of the of Harrisburg First Church of cated to the Church of the Brethren. Richmond YWCA for 17 years the Brethren. Long before Brethren.

Messenger=.:::__11 NEWS

General Board prepares for •Global Mission Partnerships director Merv significant decisions in 2003 Keeney said the board plans to request that its India recommendation to Annual Conference be The Church of the Brethren General Board met taken off the table for 2003 and added to the Oct. 12-15 in Elgin, 111., setting the table for a key agenda, A study packet is being prepared. meeting in March. When the board meets in •Board members, staff, and visitors signed up New Windsor, Md., March 8-11 it is expected to for periods throughout the meetings when they approve a new comprehensive plan for the would hold the proceedings and the denomina­ organization and call a new general secretary. tion in focused prayer. Staff also reported that a Board members spent significant time on both five-person, inter-agency committee had been processes in October. formed to provide resources and ideas in BRETHREN SPEAK Providing an uncertain backdrop for the dis­ response to the Conference query on "A Cal I to cussions was the General Board's financial pic­ Prayer," Worship and devotions wove through­ "Every problem ture. Staff reported an operating deficit of nearly out the meetings with the theme "The love of $800,000 through September, due in large part Christ urges us on .... " 1s a new to significant drops in investment and bequest income. Giving to all three of the board's main -"' opportunity, special-purpose funds was down as well. j and we have a The board did approve, with some absten- ~ tions, a $5,655,000 General Programs budget for ~ lot of 2003, not including self-funded programs. Some budget reductions and a $81,000 "patch" of one­ opportunities!" time funds were needed to make ends meet, assuming income bounces back next year. - General Board treasurer In light of those figures, the board turned to Judy Keyser, reporting on a "Reduced Resources Program Scenario" in the agency's financial constructing its comprehensive plan. Board situation in October members identified a need to work at the problem creatively and systemically while pro­ ceeding in faith. Chair Warren Eshbach of Thomasville, Pa., led the board through numerous other busi­ ness, including the following: •The board unanimously approved a new state­ ment against the threat of war on Iraq. The full text, in English and Spanish, is at www.brethren. org/genbd/GBResolutions/2002Iraq.html. •The board heard an update on the general secretary search process as it met in closed ses­ sion for about two hours. Mennonite consultant Kirk Stiffney is working with the search commit­ tee, chaired by Stafford Frederick. •Board members unanimously approved expenditures of up to $1.4 million for a new roof on the General Offices building in Elgin, replac­ ing one installed in 1981. The cost will be paid from the Land, Buildings, and Equipment Fund, with work to be completed in summer 2003.

Budget concerns. General secretary Judy Mills Reimer, right, reviews disappointing financial reports with Judy Keyser, treasurer, during October General Board meetings.

Messenger December 2002 As a tribute to departing BVS orientation coordinator Sue Grubb, some current BVS volunteers sang 'Sue, the BVSer, ' to the tune of 'Puff, the Magic Dragon." Pictured are, from left, Gene/le Wine on the guitar, Dan Royer, Laura Kreider, Jaime Eller, and Emily Tu/Ii. These are among the 338 volunteers with whom Sue worked during her tenure.

Annual Conference names 2003 worship, in Spanish. Morning Bible study Board members took action allow­ Bible study presenters leaders will be Wendell Bohrer of ing ABC to use its reserves to pro­ Sebring, Fla.; Ray Hileman of vide adequate cash flow for 2003 Ligonier, Pa .; and Bethany and authorized executive director In a skit during The Annual Conference Worship Theological Seminary professor Steve Mason to borrow from the General Board Committee met in Elgin, 111., this fall Dena Pence Frantz of Richmond, Ind. agency's unrestricted quasi-endow­ meetings, Steve and selected preachers, worship Conference officers are also ment funds as a means of continu­ Gregory, a leaders, Bible study leaders, and reminding Brethren of the call to ing programs in 2003. Congregational Life musicians for next summer's emphasize prayer in the life of the The ABC board also: elected Team member, was a Annual Conference in Boise, Idaho. church this year in response to the Heather Neff of Huntingdon, Pa ., demon complaining Moderator Harriet Finney will 2002 "Call to Prayer" query. and Gene Yeazell of Arden, N.C., to that Congregational give the message at Saturday's Annual Conference meets at Boise serve on the board beginning Jan. Life Teams are opening worship service, with State University July 5-9, 2003. 1; revisited an action item from thwarting his evil moderator-elect Chris Bowman 1998, which called for the board to plans to corrupt the serving as worship leader. Sunday reevaluate the agency's name, but Church of the morning, Steve Reid of Austin ABC board looks at decided against a name change at Brethren. Presbyterian Theological Seminary focus areas, finances this time; noted new priorities com­ will speak, with Jan Fairchild of ing from the Annual Conference Eugene, Ore., as worship leader. The Association of Brethren "Call to Prayer" statement; and Dan Ulrich of Bethany Caregivers board completed the next called James Tomlonson to serve Theological Seminary will preach phase in its vision and planning as treasurer beginning Ja·n. 1. on Monday; Bonnie Kline Smeltzer, process by approving an interpreta­ pastor of the University Baptist­ tion of four areas of strategic focus­ Brethren Church in State College, advocacy, empowerment, relation­ Pa., on Tuesday; and Larry Dentler, ship, and stewardship-during its fall pastor of the Bermudian Church of meetings, held Sept. 27-29 at the the Brethren, East Berlin, Pa., on General Offices in Elgin, Ill. Staff set Wednesday. Worship leaders will the four areas of strategic focus in be Ruth Yoder of Nappanee, Ind.; the context of fostering community, Jim Hardenbrook of Nampa, Idaho; and interpreted the interconnected and Matthew Fike of Weyers Cave, nature of the four areas. Va., respectively. The board received the 2003 Shawn Kirchner of La Verne, operating budget of $592,560, Calif., will serve as music coordina­ which includes a deficit of $98,720. tor, and Pat Koehler of Nyssa, Ore., The board instructed ABC staff to as choir director. Annual Conference present a revised budget to the Program and Arrangements Finance Committee and Executive Committee member Andrew Wright Committee for consideration and is worship coordinator this year. adoption before year's end. Sam Detwiler of Wenatchee, The board also heard a report on Wash., and Ruben Deoleo of the agency's year-to-date budget, Lancaster, Pa., will lead evening which shows gift income from all Bible study sessions, with Deoleo's sources similar to that of 2001. NEWS

UPCOMINGEVENTS lnterchurch Relations plans for summary of the nominee's activities and pro­ Conference, seeks nominations grams to overcome violence. Dec. 4-6 Ecumenical Stewardship CIR members also drafted a statement Center winter conference, The Committee on lnterchurch Relations reflecting interfaith dynamics of the current "Embracing Accountability: (CIR) held its fall meetings Sept. 27-29 in Iraq situation and war on terrorism. The Avoiding Ecclesiastical Enrons," Elgin, Ill., bringing together the three mem­ committee will next meet in spring 2003, by Marco Island, Fla. bers appointed by the General Board and conference call. three appointed by Annual Conference, Dec. 5-19 Brethren Witness Faith along with general secretary Judy Mills On Earth Peace considers Expedition to Nicaragua Reimer, who serves as staff. query on peace church The committee updated its mission state­ Dec. 8 Christmas offering emphasis ment, reviewed its core areas of responsibili­ The On Earth Peace board of directors and ty, and made plans for its activities at the staff met Sept. 20-21 in New Windsor, Md., Jan. 12-14 Evangelism Connections 2003 Annual Conference. Manassas (Va.) led by chair Bev Weaver. With images drawn ecumenical event for middle judica­ pastor Jeff Carter, who w il l be spending part from the book of Ruth, the theme "Strength tory staff and other leaders, of his sabbatical at World Council of for the Journey" provided a focus as each Houston, Texas Churches headquarters in Switzerland, will session opened with worship. lead CIR's insight session at Conference. The 2002-2003 Executive Committee was Jan. 16-18 New Church CIR will also again host the Ecumenical organized with Weaver as chair; David Development Coaches' Network Luncheon at Annual Conference, presenting Jehnsen, vice chair; Lauree Hersch Meyer, Training, Phoenix, Ariz. an Ecumenical Recognition/Award to a con­ secretary; Charles Kwon, treasurer; and Ken gregation working to overcome violence. Frantz and Tom Leard Longenecker, at-large. Jan. 18-25 Week of Prayer for Nominations should be sent by March 15 to The financial update indicated both Christian Unity Committee on lnterchurch Relations, Church income and expenses were below budget. of the Brethren General Offices, 1451 Dundee However, the agency finished the fiscal Jan. 19-Feb. 3 Brethren Volunteer Ave., Elgin, IL 60120 or jkobel_gb@­ year- which ended Sept. 30-with a positive Service Unit 252 orientation, Gotha, Fla. brethren.org. balance. The board approved a $345,000 Those submitting nominations should budget for 2002-2003. Jan. 30-Feb. 3 lnterAgency Forum, include their name and the reason for the A possible Annual Conference query was Mission and Ministries Planning nomination; the name, address, and district discussed, regarding a call to faithfulness as Council, and Council of District of the congregation being nominated; and a a peace church and the question of what it Executives meetings, Daytona Beach Fla.

The Idaho District Conference Oct. 25-26 at the Nampa (Idaho) Church of the Brethren was one of many district conferences held this fall. Sue Daniel of the Fruitland congregation served as moderator, leading 21 delegatesrepresenting all six district congregations through the agenda. Delegates approved a budget of $10,529 with the added faith­ commitment that 10 percent of all income to the dis­ trict would be tithed to denominational ministries in Sudan-which the district previously adopted as an emphasis-beginning in 2003. Delegates also affirmed the Annual Conference decision related to the ordination and licensing of homosexual persons, affirmed the General Board's recent statement against a possible war on Iraq, and called Boise Valley pastor Ed Kerschensteiner as moderator-elect. In this photo, host pastor Jim Hardenbrook of the Nampa congregation and Steve McPherson, a mem­ ber at Boise Valley church, lead worship with song.

Messenger December 2002 means to be a "living peace church" in this day. A working group of board, non­ board, and staff was proposed to carry out this effort. Staff reported progress in seeking an anti-racism initiative to help On Earth Peace work against racism in the agency's program and organizational life. The board affirmed this direction with encouragement for staff to contin­ ue this approach. A small group also gathered to develop ideas for non-Anglo curricula to be incorporated into On Earth Peace programs. 1. Sudan The Government of Sudan and 5. McPherson, Kan. McPherson College this The board affirmed the appointment the Sudan People's Liberation fall completed its "Enhancing the Legacy" of David Jehnsen as an On Earth Peace Movement/Army on Oct. 15 agreed to a capital campaign, just topping its goal of representative to the Christian "Memo of Understanding" that opens the $23.5 million. A special recognition banquet Peacemaker Teams steering committee. way for peace negotiations to resume for donors and volunteers was held Oct. 11 at between the warring parties. The agreement the college. The campus has added six new One hundred Brethren includes an allowance for "unimpeded buildings and remodeled another over the congregations join Decade humanitarian access to all areas and for peo­ past five years. A new partnership with the to Overcome Violence ple in need." Washington Office director Greg community will bring about the expansion Davidson Laszakovits called it a "great step and remodeling of the college's athletic facili­ The number of Church of the Brethren toward for Sudan" while noting that much ties over the next year. congregations committing to the world­ work remains to be done. wide Decade to Overcome Violence 6. Europe. This fall's large Brethren Volunteer {DOV) reached 100 this fall when 2. Nigeria. Church of the Brethren General Service Unit 251 produced the largest group Middlebury {Ind.) sent in a congrega­ Board mission workers Tom and Janet Crago of volunteers heading to European projects in tional commitment form. are making themselves available to US con­ recent years. Of the 31 volunteers in the ori­ District DOV representatives and DOV gregations for mission interpretation on week­ entation unit, nine went to international proj­ program assistant Laura Kreider have ends from Jan. 15 to March 30. The Cragos, ects-seven of those in Europe. The projects made congregational committments to whose home is in Colorado Springs, Colo., are in Belgium, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia, the Decade an ongoing priority. {See arti­ are serving as administrative consultants with Germany, and the Republic of Ireland. cle page 12.) Congregations that join the Ekklesiyar Yan'uwa a Nigeria {Church of receive an introductory packet, invitations the Brethren in Nigeria) near Mubi. 7. Brazil. The World Council of Churches to training events, and continuing Central Committee has decided that the Ninth resources. A list of congregations that 3. Chicago. Christian Peacemaker Teams on WCC Assembly will be held in Porto Alegre, have made commitments and district rep­ Oct. 1 officially opened its new offices adja­ Brazil, in 2006. Delegates made the decision resentatives is at www.brethren.org/dov. cent to the Douglas Park Church of the by paper ballot after a recommending com­ The DOV movement was initiated by Brethren in Chicago. More than 200 volun­ mittee split three ways on possible venues. the World Council of Churches {WCC) teers helped to rehabilitate a dilapidated build­ The WCC has never held an assembly in and endorsed by delegates at the ing in a project that began in September 2001. Latin America. Church of the Brethren Annual Five staff members will work in the building. Conference in 2000. Activities during the past year have included a training 4. Indiana. The Christ Our Shepherd Church of 8. Afghanistan. Church World ~ervice (CWS) weekend at New Windsor, Md., in the Brethren in Greenwood, near and its local Afghan partner, Norwegian December 2001 and events at the 2002 Indianapolis, had about $25,000 of damage Project Office (NPO), are helping 40 families Annual Conference, including a visit by done to its roof when a tornado roared in the area north of Kabul reconstruct their German Mennonite Fernando Enns, through the area in late September. Insurance homes. It is part of an overall project to pro­ who initially proposed the idea for the adjusters approved replacement of the roof vide housing to some 1,500 families in_the Decade to the WCC. before winter hit. Pastor Wayne Grumbling Shomali Valley. "The two things I most The General Board's Brethren Witness said the support, especially from other admire about the Afghan people," CWS office and On Earth Peace have been churches in the district, has been outstand­ Pakistan/ Afghanistan director Marvin Parez collaborating to oversee DOV involve­ ing. "We've been pretty well blessed by the says, "are their resilience and their capacity ment within the denomination. response we've gotten," he said. to bounce back." Messenger December 2002 ■ Remember we are nc Peace means resisting the urge to dominate

by David Radcliff

It can't be easy being God these days. Of tion, this nation has of late proclaimed to the course it's never been a job for the faintheart­ rest of the world that it will not tolerate threats ed. But today it must be even more frustrating. to its national security or even competitors to As usual, the problem is centered on its global military dominance. The government humankind. And as has often been the case has warned that it reserves the right to pre­ since time began, at issue is the bothersome emptively remove such threats. Currently, this human tendency to want to assume godlike language has been directed against Iraq, but control over this world and its people. what if China, or Russia----or even France­ As we enter the third millennium, this begin to act in ways that challenge US human desire to control is finding expression supremacy? The government has also shown a distaste We live in a chal lenging in a variety of ways. Military planners openly talk about "full-spectrum dominance," includ­ and often disregard for international cooper­ t ime. We fear for our ing plans to control the skies above our heads ation. From US unwillingness to sign inter­ as a way of maintaining mastery over all national agreements on landmines, nuclear safety. We hea r of adversaries. Can it bode well for the health of weapons, climate change, slavery, and the impending ecological the community of nations for one nation to rights of children and women, to its disre­ want to assume this kind of dominance? gard for the opinions of other nations in demise. Economic In regard to God's creation, it is said that matters of global political and military uncerta inties lurk by ou r humans now manipulate or in some way affect import, the country has assumed a "my way 75 percent of the earth's productive capacity. or the highway" approach. doorsteps . One response Are we up to such responsibility? Seas depop­ These attitudes and actions will not serve · ulated of fish, shrinking forests, and species us well in the years ahead. For one thing, to t he insecurities of a vanishing at rates unseen in millions of years peace cannot long be maintained by the bar­ time li ke this can easily be would seem to suggest otherwise. rel of a gun or in the absence of justice. Until In economic relations, a few in the world all feel that they have a decent chance at a to seek f urther dominance have assumed much control over the lives of decent life, and that there is no one group of our world as a way of many others. Whether by virtue of economic presuming to stand above all the others, none embargoes that strangle entire nations or of us will really be secure. And we know that attempting to ma ke it monetary policies that mandate open mar­ bullies eventually have their day. As the more secure. Is there kets----often to the detriment of small farm­ events of Sept. 11, 2001, demonstrated, ers- the lives of countless poor people are there are ways for even relatively powerless another way? affected by decisions made a world away. Do foes to strike painful blows. we have the wisdom and compassion to fash­ A greater motive than fear for taking a dif­ ion economic systems that are fair to all and ferent approach to our world could be an not just beneficial to some? An unprecedented awareness that no one nation or people can and widening gap between the world's rich possibly possess all the truth or be the only and poor should make us wonder. group capable of determining what is fair in Perhaps most bothersome to God-and to us- are the current efforts of our own nation to develop and threaten to use military power. "Please send us medicine," pleads an Iraqi No one would dispute that United States mother whose son has leukemia. Following the weaponry is unrivaled. Since the US spends as visit of a General Board delegation to Iraq at much on its military as all other nations com­ Christmas, Brethren Witness mounted a "Write bined spend on theirs, it should be. In addi- for Life" campaign to end sanctions against Iraq.

Messenger December 2002 t God

human relations. We need the input of oth­ God-usurping role of domination. And in the in our hands as never before, there is an even ers- whether in a local congregation or in an end, this is the road that leads to perdition. greater imperative to reinvite God to be pres­ international forum- to find our way toward A time like this can be challenging for ent in our world. It is only by turning to God's that better day that we all seek. Christians living in the midst of a dominant higher power that we are reminded that we are And more than this, we need to recognize society. We reap material benefits from the not a power unto ourselves. It is only by invit­ our place before God. There has always been same economic and military policies that give ing the counsel of the One who watches over the temptation for human beings to seek to us pause. Yet we are the ones called to take all people everywhere with equal care that we preempt God's place in our lives. This is the another path in this world, and to show others are challenged to seek not our own good meaning of the story of the Tower of Babel. the way. alone, but the good of all. Humans sought not only to make a tower In previous eras, Brethren have drawn on We live in a challenging time. We fear for with its top in the heavens, but to "make a their faith and their love of their neighbors to our safety. We hear of impending ecological name" for themselves-in effect, honoring take this other path, opposing efforts to domi­ demise. Economic uncertainties lurk by our their name more than that Name above all nate others. We have given sacrificially to assist doorsteps. One response to the insecurities names. God put an end to their folly, noting others in economic development, and worked of a time like this can easily be to seek fur ­ that if they were to continue in the direction for laws that guarantee them a fair chance. We ther dominance of our world as a way of they were headed, soon nothing that they pro­ have sought to simplify our lives, recognizing attempting to make it more secure. Is there posed to do would be impossible for them. this as an ecological and spiritual another way? So, what's wrong with that? Didn't imperative. Many of us have In this Christmas season we have a God give us these minds and these refused to go to war, vivid example of God's plan for bringing abilities? Yes, God did. But God seeing such activity us the peace and security we all seek. The has also been clear from the as contrary to plan begins to unfold in that humble sta­ beginning that without wisdom, Jesus' teachings ble where the God of the universe made our wonderful abilities can and as no real entrance into the human family. The task easily become deadly liabili­ solution to ahead of this child would be daunting­ ties. Unless tempered by the prob­ to secure peace and security, salvation respect for the Creator and lems facing and hope for the human family. The for the rest of God's cre­ the means he would eventually employ to ation, our God-given role achieve these ends would be filled with of dominion can disinte­ unconventional wisdom- choosing grate into a avenues of humility and service, challeng­ ing social systems of domination, and seeking the well-being of all. If we believe that God was onto some­ thing here, and that there is something about this birth and subsequent life that bears noting-even emulating-let us begin our journey toward this new day. Our own lives, and those of our neighbors, will undoubtedly be blessed. And we can imagine our God finally enjoying a day on the job. ru

David Radcliff is director of Brethren Witness for the Church of the Breth ren General Board.

Messenger December 2002 Overcoming violence, Congregations respond with creativity and appre«

by Laura Kreider

By design, there isn't a set formula for con­ DOV representatives in each of the 23 dis ­ gregations to become involved in the tricts (the "DOV23"). These persons, some­ Decade to Overcome Violence (DOV) . An times working with a committee, promote essential part of this worldwide Christian and resource the Decade among congrega­ movement is to invite participants to tions in their area. In general, however, the become involved according to their own ball is squarely in the court of congregations gifts, interests, and feelings about what kind to plan and carry out their own peacemak­ of peace witness is needed in their commu - ing commitments. To date, just over 100 nities and world, or what kind of peace edu­ congregations from coast to coast have Being a part of the cation is needed among their own members. made a commitment to the Decade, and are In the Church of the Brethren, the coordi­ taking part in a wide variety of ways. Decade to Overcome nators- On Earth Peace and the General What follows are vignettes of some of the Violence has given us Board's Brethren Witness office- have ways in which Brethren have chosen to live offered a broad framework for involvement. out the Decade to Overcome Violence in some measure of hope Congregations are invited to make a com - their own congregations, communities, and mitment to take part in the Decade. A par­ world. Let us be enriched by the many that on e day congrega­ ticipant's manual (the DOVPak) is provided means of making peace represented here, tions w ill begi n to for those making a commitment; it includes and perhaps inspired to use these models as background on the Decade, worship and springboards for our own involvement. ackn owledge and study resources, and a list of long-term and res pond to the abuse short-term action ideas. The coordinators Annville (Pa.) also offer to provide leadership in local and Church of the Brethren that is happening in regional settings if this is requested. This past summer, the Annville Church of their midst. Another key element is the role of district the Brethren launched its DOV involvement through a Summer Quarter Unified Series open to all ages. The sessions were held '!: u during the Sunday school hour, and cov­ - Anne Palmer, congregational 'O C:"' ered a wide variety of peace-related topics. representative for Live Oak (Calif.) -'O~ Church of the Brethren 0 Retired seminary professor, author, and activist Dale Brown kicked off the series with a talk about why Christians need to be involved in peace and justice issues. The following Sunday, Laura Kreider, DOV program assistant, provided background information about the DOV and shared sto-

On the summer series organized by Dick Blauch (pictured here) of the Annville (Pa.) Church of the Brethren, pastor Mike Morrow says: 'It was · a natural outgrowth of Dick's concern that the Brethren continue to make a strong peace witness in the face of increasing hostility and mounting tensions at home and around the world. '

Messenger December 2002 one church at a time ation to the Decade to Overcome Violence

The youth group at Jackson Park got behind the Violent Toy Turn-In, soliciting toys and games from the congregation and local businesses. Children in the congregation's Youth Club, many of whom are from the community, willingly exchanged their violent toys and games.

ries from other congregations. Other sessions hit on the subjects of What a joy it is to global warming, sexual assault, nonvio­ claim the promise of lence, and active peacemaking. The series was well received by the congregation, the Prince of Peace whose attitudes about peace issues stretch across the continuum. Many have said with other communi­ they've come to a newer and deeper under­ ties of faith and to standing of what it means to live peaceably with their sisters and brothers. know that a foundation of the gospel to love Jackson Park Church of the Brethren, Jonesborough, Tenn. our enemies and our Thanks to members with special concern neighbors as ourselves for peace and justice issues, the Jackson Park congregation has long had an aware­ that now there is a more unified mom en - informs all of our tum rather than a piecemeal witness. It has ness of peace-related concerns in the world spirits and theologies. and within the Church of the Brethren. also rooted the congregation more deeply in From time to time the congregation became the peace heritage of the church. Members of the congregation say there is still some involved in making a stronger peace wit­ -Iliana Naylor, district repre­ ness, but there have also been times of frus­ disagreement regarding how to make a wit­ sentative for Mid-Atlantic, tration at a lack of consistent focus on ness for peace in our world, but now there referring to the Manassas (Va.) these issues. Jackson Park members felt is greater dialog and greater understanding. Church of the Brethren they didn't always have the support or DOV has breathed new life into the peace encouragement that was needed to be con - witness at Jackson Park. sistent peace advocates. So the opportunity to become involved in the Decade to Waynesboro {Pa.) Overcome Violence was appreciated, as it Church of the Brethren represented values that were already a part The Decade to Overcome Violence has of the congregation and it provided sup­ made an overwhelming difference in the !ife port, resources, and connections with like­ of the Waynesboro congregation. minded people. For many years, individuals have worked Through its participation, the congrega­ to remind the larger congregation that the tion has gained greater insight into some of Church of the Brethren is a church with a the issues and has gotten more involved, so peace witness in today's world, and not just Overcoming violence, one

an historic peace try be "unacceptable" to us. church. There have The Decade has helped the congregation been efforts to better understand and begin to live out expand the under­ Jesus' teachings and his example of not con• standing of peace as doning violence in any form or situation. more than just the Uniontown's dedication to the DOV has absence of war to prompted the congregation to engage in include the realiza - more open dialog about how to deal with the tion that peace is acceptance of violence in our society. also the absence of Discussions have arisen on topics such as violence and violence in the media, especially as it relates inequality. As the to the movies and video games that children congregation are viewing and playing. As a result, the con­ became more gregation is being provided with information involved in the about ratings of violence in movies, video Decade to games, and toys. Overcome Violence, Uniontown held a Peace Month in June to The Waynesboro, Pa., Peace it became an opportunity to talk about peace encourage the congregation to be more Education Committee of Mary and to live out their faith through more edu­ Muck, Lois Mentzer, Marty cation and action. Angle, Becca Angle, and Brian The congregation was particularly moved Amy DeFazio holds a newspaper article Angle, facilitator (missing is by its recent Domestic Violence Sunday, featuring children of the Uniontown, Pa., Doris Large). "I can 't which was intended to be an educational congregation during their project of reading understand how Christians can time but turned out to be much more than peace books. The books were used during last sing 'Peace on Earth' during that. Some members were brought to tears June's Peace Emphasis Month for Sunday Christmas and not be by what they learned and made a number of School and children's worship, as well as for concerned about working for positive comments about the hope for more individual reading. peace, " says Mary. events like this in the future. Brethren Witness director David Radcliff also spoke at Waynesboro in September and was said to be a key factor in Waynesboro's journey to answer the call to be a living peace church. The way in which the Decade is playing out in this congregation is beyond what anyone had hoped for. The congrega­ tion plans to continue to learn and grow in its understanding of what it means to work toward overcoming violence.

Uniontown (Pa.) Church of the Brethren To the Uniontown congregation, the Decade has led to this realization: if the Church of the Brethren professes pacifism, then it is essential that the "acceptance" of violence in our coun -

Messenger December 2002 church at a time

aware of peace efforts around the "'Q) world. The Decade will also be _;,- E featured in each monthly j C newsletter. This is intended to 0 0 keep the many facets of violence at the fo refront of people's minds and to prevent complacency.

Olympic View Church of the Brethren, Seattle, Wash. For the Olympic View congrega­ tion, the DOV has encouraged a peaceful voice already existing within the congregation. The congregation had long had members committed to peace­ making, but never a formal out­ let within the congregation to express these interests. Due to its commitment to the DOV-as well as current events- there have been more sermons devot­ ed to peacemaking, and more connections and particularly its peace commitments. One DOV activity for the to peacemaking alliances in Seattle and While some came out of curiosity, they have Olympic View congregation was within the greater Seattle Council of now found a kind of solace there. to host Don Vermilyea on his Churches. More people within the church Some have become among the greatest Walk Across America. 'I was are incorporating peacemaking as part of supporters and voices of the DOV and peace very impressed w ith the way the their lives and are voicing their stand for and justice in the church body. congregation works with peace and justice. The congregation's involvement in the refugee resettlement,' said Don According to congregation member and dis­ Decade has been important in helping after his visit. "And they seem to trict DOV representative Jeannesse Rodeffer, Olympic View to step ahead on already exist­ extend this same hospitality to "It's been like watching a tree blossoming in ing peace commitments. It has provided out­ people in their own community. · the spring ... it's phenomenal!" lets for members committed to peace to The congregation has joined with other express themselves. It has opened the door to peacemaking coalitions, churches, and ecumenical involvements and to new mem - organizations in expressing its peace con­ hers. And it has challenged the rationale for cerns. The church newsletter provides a list­ the hateful acts of violence that fill our socie­ ing of all the peacemaking meetings around ty. In short, it has helped Olympic View fulfill Seattle. Members are discovering what it God's call to be peacemakers. means to be a peacemaker through Bible study, discussion, prayer, and experiences. Laura Kreide r, a member of the Annville (Pa .) Church of the Community members formerly associated Brethren, is a BVSer se rvi ng in her second year as program assistant for the Decade to Overcome Violence. She is based with the military have been drawn to the in Washington , D.C., working out of the Church of the Brethren church through many facets of its ministry Washington Office.

Messenger December 2002 Why are we this way Our denomination's practical approach

by David Radcliff

In a recent phone conversation with a have faced them head-on. reporter, I was being pressed to explain the It is this unique combination of personal and peace testimony of our church. "Why did theological motivation that continues to inform your church come to this position on war?" and even inspire Brethren peace efforts. she asked. "What does the Church of the Our approach to Jesus' teachings may Brethren have to say about the situation seem simplistic to some. Is the path of non­ with Iraq? How is your denomination resistance and loving our enemies a viable viewed by others in the church or in the approach in a world shared by extremists community, given your strong peace and shocked by ethnic cleansing? Can stand?" For more than an hour she probed, something as despicable as "evil" be over­ her questions seeming to arise out of gen­ come by good deeds and by compassionate Our approach to Jesus' uine interest rather than wanting to critique responses? Our current government cer­ what to many is a far-out way of thinking. tainly doesn't seem to think so . teachings may seem Why are we this way? When so few oth­ And yet, looking back on the 20th century, simplistic to some. Is the ers in the church have come to these same we can see where the other, more "realistic" conclusions, how is it that we've ended up and politically sophisticated approach has path of nonresistance and here-"here" being the oft-affirmed state­ gotten us. That great century of progress loving our enemies a ment that "all war is sin." also left 14 5 million war dead in its wake- I've appreciated Brethren historian 95 percent of all the people ever killed in viable approach in a world Donald Durnbaugh's analysis of how our war. Trillions of dollars were spent on devel­ shared by extremists and church came to be a "peace church." oping weapons that could have spelled the Durnbaugh credits several factors. One is end of humankind. And the hatred and shocked by ethnic historical-our church came into existence greed that fueled our conflicts have certainly in the aftermath of the Thirty Years War, a not been thwarted by military means. cleansing? Can something conflict that devastated much of their part So perhaps our approach isn't as naive as as despicable as 'evil' be of the world. Thus the early believers had some make it out to be. Maybe it makes at personal experience of the ravages of war. least as much sense as the other paths we overcome by good deeds A second influence was the writings of have chosen instead. And while few other and by compassionate early church historians who revealed that denominations completely share our view, the first Christians were not to be found in they continue to look to us to provide this responses? the armies of the day. Brethren leaders felt unique-and uniquely needed-perspective. that if not fighting was good enough for Our experience-centered approach has also those closest to Jesus' own time, then it was continued with us in our quest for peace. For good enough for us. I call this the influence instance, in dealing with our nation's conflict of our Christian heritage. with Iraq, Brethren have lifted up-the suffer­ A third "H" in this trilogy is our ing of Iraqi people at the hands of 11 years hermeneutic-or the way the Brethren have of economic sanctions. Following a delega­ interpreted scripture. We have been brash tion to Iraq last December, a "Write for Life" enough to take Jesus at his word when he campaign was launched that has seen the called us to ·Jove our enemies. We've sought participation of more than 100 congregations to heed Paul's admonition to "overcome evil and the sending of 12,000 postcards to our with good." Others in the Christian com - president. In this and other situations, we munity have found their way around a have wanted to factor in the human cost of direct interpretation of these texts-our whatever war or economic policy or political forebears, and Brethren since that time, alliance is being carried out.

Messenger December 2002 about peace?

And we've continued to let these experi­ makers and justice workers in Brethren ences affect us as well. I remember a story camps and congregations. Special confer­ told by longtime practical peacemaker Clyde ences and the annual Christian Citizenship Weaver. Now deceased, Clyde was a former Seminar bring Brethren together around Brethren Press marketing director and was peace themes. Here again it is the personal active in New Call to Peacemaking. As part encounter and with it the opportunities for of his peacemaking ministry, Clyde was faith sharing and dialog that can move us CH instrumental in bringing a Christian choir toward greater interest in and commitment from the Soviet Union to the United States to Christ's gospel of peace. in the late 1980s. Members of the choir High on the list of priorities of the Church stayed in Brethren homes when they visited of the Brethren Washington Office are issues OF congregations to perform. related to peace in our world and justice for As the Soviet group was preparing to depart the world's people. The office seeks out one community, a Brethren man who had those pieces of legislation that are of highest hosted a Russian choir member pulled Clyde concern to our membership and that will BREH~ aside. "Before meeting these people, I had an benefit most from our peace church perspec­ ______, image of them as cruel and heartless enemies. tive, and the staff then mobilizes constituents But now," he went on, tears streaming down to engage their representatives. his face, "I know they're people just ljke us." A wide array of printed and online resources We hope to continue in this vein of practi­ encourage youth and adults to reflect on Christ's cal, personal peacemaking based on the call in the midst of a war-prone world. The pock­ teachings and example of Christ. More than et-sized Peace Book has found its way into the 100 Brethren Volunteer Service workers are hands of more than 5,000 youth in the past four at any moment involved in peacemaking min - years; more than 1,000 copies of the post-9/11 istries at far-flung locations around the coun­ adult study resource Waging Peace have been try and around the world. Faith Expeditions requested by Brethren across the nation. Brethren take Brethren into the lives of people at home Press offers curriculum and study materials to and abroad who are caught in the midst of bolster peace education in congregations. conflict. There we learn about their situation, And now we see the Church of the offer them our support, and we return home Brethren in many ways setting the pace in to advocate on their behalf. the worldwide Decade to Overcome The Global Mission Partnerships office Violence. This is quite fitting. We may not be supports BVSers in critical peacemaking the biggest kid on the block, but our size locations, and has given vital support to belies our vigor in striving to follow Christ's peace initiatives in war-torn Sudan. Another call to peacemaking in today's world. approach to working at the long-term causes In a world fraught with war and the rumors of conflict is that of the Global Food Crisis of war, this vigor is needed today as much as Fund, working for economic justice and the ever. In the spirit of the early church, in the restoration of human dignity to countless footsteps of own ancestors, after the manner people around the world each year. and teachings of Christ, may we continue to Differing agencies in the denomination offer our witness vigorously, for the glory of sponsor the Youth Peace Travel Team, Urban God and our neighbors' good. El Peace Tour, the Conflict Transformation pro­ gram, and the new ART Project (anti-racism David Radcl iff is director of Brethren Witness for the Church training), all of which place skilled peace- of the Brethren General Board. Peace in the congregc A visit to Hopeful Valley, where ''peacefully"

by James L. Kinsey

We live in a stressed and conflicted world. prominent families. As one reads the histo­ Wars and rumors of war damage all of our ry, it is easy to see the presence of squab­ institutions. Strife and struggles visit most bles recorded in most church business congregations from time to time. "Continuing meeting minutes. When asked, most parties the work of Jesus," our wonderful tagline, is felt that the squabbles were a "needed cor­ slowed and stopped when "peacefully" does rective" for the sake of "errors in the think­ not exist in congregational life. "Simply'' gets ing and actions" of certain members of the complicated when relationships are torn asun - congregation. These differences defined der by conflict. "Together" seems like a nos­ each family grouping. One could hear a talgic moment long ago. When peace is miss­ statement on almost any topic and know We, the Hopeful Valley ing from our violent world, it can also be what family member said it. Even people in missing in the church we love. the community around the church could Church of the Brethren, "Peacefully" does not mean absence of give the same assessment. disagreement. "Peacefully" means creatively There had been a numerical decline in promise to love one working through differences where all par­ attendance and membership. The squabbles another for richer, for ties grow in the faith and move into new grew. Blaming abounded. Peripheral fami­ insights and ministries. Just as "peacefully" lies left to join other congregations. The poorer. We will use the stands first in the line of modifiers in our church budget could not be met. Anger principles of Matthew 18 to Church of the Brethren tagline, so does replaced the former polite friendliness as "peacefully" come first in importance for one entered the sanctuary. The blaming solve our differences. We being a people of God. sides became deeply entrenched. Laughter Healthy congregations know that there and general conversation were rarely heard. will teach its usage to our will be differences in opinion and behaviors. Serial consultants were sent by the dis­ children and all who come Healthy congregations know that we must trict to address the troubles. Assessment honor those differences so that they bless tools were provided. All correctly revealed through our doors. We us and do not curse us. It is in the tension what was wrong, although the assessment commission the deacons of those differences that we grow in the results did not correct the situation. They faith. It is in the tension of love-filled con­ only added fuel to the squabbles. Fault­ to hold us accountable versations over differences that brings finding took a harsher tack. Even the pastor to this witnessed growth, creates ministry, focuses mission, pointed fingers. and nurtures the generations yet to come Members of the congregation formed tri­ covenant. into the family. It is within those tensions angles, where people talk about people to that we all find healing and caring. others but never to those people directly. Let's look at a composite picture of a Ask anyone from the Middle American congregation where "peacefully" has been District about Hopeful Valley and you absent. We will call our congregation would hear one side of the squabble Hopeful Valley. It is part of Middle recounted. The district had been triangled American District. John and Grace Love into the mess. Even the results of the con­ are the district staff, challenged to work sultants' analysis would be told as seen . along with James Abundant, the area through the eyes of one family or the other. Congregational Life Team member, on this As strange as the situation was, an even troubled congregation. stranger calm came when the issue of war in For generations Hopeful Valley has had Iraq arose. The congregation, made of for­ internal fights, mainly between the two mer conscientious objectors and political r, Messeogec Decembec 2002 1tion means creative and loving congregational life

peace activists, became galvanized into one, as potential gifts and assets not yet developed. petitions and witness actions were discussed. At the conclusion of the listing process, the On the heels of this moment of calm, one group looked at how these assets could be member suggested that the congregation used in ministry to one another, to the neigh­ become an "open and affirming congrega­ borhood, and to the world. tion." Instantaneously, irate statements were A consultant worked with the membership made that impugned the motives of the per­ over a six-month period to generate a mis­ son making the suggestion. The moment of sion and ministry focus statement. It demon - peace was broken. The battle again raged. strated which behaviors were good and Then a consultant asked, "Do you want to appropriate and those that were not helpful find healing for your deadly struggles?" The to the mission and ministry the second question was equally powerful, body had selected. "What are the payoffs for continuing the The Hopeful Valley congregation present conflicted congregational life?" chose to be a "welcoming and lis­ Hopeful Valley replied: "We want healing. tening" congregation, focusing on Fighting keeps us from learning to listen to an invitational ministry. Members and love one another. Fighting keeps us created a list of what it means to be from being a blessing to each other and to welcoming and listening. Members the neighborhood in which we live." practiced welcoming and listening This profound answer led to a consultant who on each other so they could use the came to help the congregation write a technique with newcomers. Hostile "Covenant of Love." The covenant was a heal­ triangling was identified as a ing balm. Members wrote their promises to live breach of the Covenant of Love. All in a healing, forgiving, and peaceful relationship. who were not listening, who did The Covenant of Love was stated as fol­ not focus on welcoming others, lows: "We, the Hopeful Valley Church of the were ministered to by the deacons. Brethren, promise to love one another for The creation of the Covenant richer, for poorer. We will use the principles of Love and a mission and min - of Matthew 18 to solve our differences. We istry focus has created a new cul­ will teach its usage to our children and all ture of faith and action within who come through our doors. We commis­ the membership. Hopeful Valley now has a sion the deacons to hold us accountable to foundation to help it live up to its name. The this witnessed covenant." congregation also knows that what has been A celebration was held to praise God for a decades-old problem will not be solved the new lease on life that the covenant creat­ through statements and mission/purpose ed. It was printed, framed, and put on the exercises. It will take a spiritual renewal of church wall for all to see. It also gave a clear the very soul of the congregation. This message to newcomers: "Here is how we live renewal must include the choice to be about together as we 'continue the work of Jesus."' "continuing the work of Jesus." When it is a The Covenant of Love led to a consultant heartfelt choice, it will be done "peacefully, who helpd the congregation to list its simply, together." El "assets"-all gifts, all the good things present James L. Ki nsey, of Lake Odessa, Mich., is a Congregational in the people who were members, and in the Life Team representative in Area 2 for the Church of the community around them. The list included Brethren Genera l Board.

Messenger December 2002 Peace perspective A meditation on Psalm 85

by Paul Grout

"Let me hear what God the Lord will speak, "But now in Christ Jesus you who formerly for God will speak peace to God's people, to were far off have been brought near by the God's faithful, to those who turn to God in blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace" their hearts (Psa. 85:8). (Eph. 2:13-14a). Do you sometimes feel enslaved by your I am thankful that we are a peace church. attachments, the pace of life, a lack of pur­ There are perspectives that we speak to that pose? Do you have a sense that something many other denominations avoid. is wrong within our society, our schools, I grow increasingly concerned, however, our government, our churches, our homes? that we speak so freely to some issues relat­ Are there things you do to cover over the ed to peace and are silent on others. Has I grow increasingly way you feel that aren't in the long run our peace perspective come to be more helpful, that don't seem quite right, that influenced by systematized political agendas concerned that we speak don't bring about the peace you hunger for? than upon our relationship to God in Jesus Perhaps the writer of Psalm 85 lived in a Christ? Is it possible that a narrowing polit­ so freely to some issues similar time. ical focus on peace is blocking us from liv­ related to peace and are · The first section of the Psalm looks back ing in the peace that God offers? on a time when God restored the nation Our nation makes statements about the silent on others. Has our from its captivity, forgave sin, and turned wrongs perpetrated by other nations. When peace perspective come from wrath. our nation identifies an "axis of evil," it too Within the second part of Psalm 85 there easily perceives itself as good. Statements about to be more influenced by is a recognition that something has been the evil of others too often blind us to our own lost. There is again a need for restoration sin. systematized political from captivity. God is called upon to Does our church's focus on particular agendas than upon our "revive us again" (vs. 6a). aspects of peace blind us to our own partici­ The third and final section (vs. 8-13) lifts pation in violence? Our unsated devouring relationship to God in up God's willingness to bring peace while lifestyles demand a high degree of violence to Jesus Christ? acknowledging that peace is dependent keep a hungry world at bay. If it comes to a upon the people's rejection of a course choice between radically changing our lifestyle leading to folly (vs. 8). A condition of peace or the destruction of a country thousands of will flourish when righteousness is present. miles away, how many of us would really opt Such a condition is not only about the for peace? We have grown quite comfortable absence of conflict and war, it is personal, with our enslavement to the values and princi­ relational, so intimate and healing that it ples of a nation that feeds us well while it will be as if peace and righteousness are devours us body, mind, and soul. - embracing in a kiss (vs. 10). The church has become a compliant partner Within the Church of the Brethren we in a society that seeks to control all aspects of refer to ourselves as a "peace church." We life and death. Millions of unborn babies are see ourselves in this way because of what we slaughtered to preserve the lifestyles we believe about God and God's way of peace choose. Politics aside, why is the peace church supremely revealed in Jesus Christ. But it is so silent in the midst of this carnage? not what we believe about peace that pro­ To a large degree we accept the poisoning vides peace. Peace is not primarily about a of our air, our land, our water, our own system of belief, it is not about who we are bodies, in order to maintain the consump­ (a peace church), but whose we are. tive lifestyles we have grown accustomed to.

Messenger December 2002 Since 1999, this quarterly Jesus Calkd Us publication about the to Be Caregivers caring ministries of the Church of the Brethren has been available to caregivers, deacons and church leaders at the lowest cost possible. To cover increasing production costs, annual rates for new and renewing subscribers We destroy body and soul by defining our sexuality as we choose. will increase to Divorce and remarriage tear apart families, $12 for individuals or damaging children for a lifetime at the same $6 for congregational rate of frequency within the "peace church" subscribers, effective as within society as a whole. Read How Brethren The cry for the death penalty grows louder April 1, 2003. as the nation slides deeper into the depths of Respond to This Call fear. Medically assisted suicide gains greater acceptance and the society appears to be Subscribe today by growing closer to an acceptance of euthana­ calling the Association of sia. It should come as no surprise that Pope Brethren Caregivers at John Paul calls ours the "culture of death." ~ Association of "God will speak peace to God's people; to Brethren Caregivers I (800) 323-8039. God's godly ones; but let them not turn back to folly" (Psa. 85:Bb). Because we have been swept away by the 2003 TOURS pace, values, and morality of our society, our bodies, minds, and spirits have become JAMA ICASE RVICE TOUR (January 24 · February 2) enslaved and damaged beyond our compre­ JAMAICA SERVICE TOU RII (February 2· l l) hension. PARAGU AYSE RVICE TOU R( April 3-17) Healing will not just happen. RUSSIA and UK RA INE(May 23 -June 6) Lovingkindness and truth must meet togeth­ From PEN NSYLVANIA to ONTARIO (May 28 -June 2) er (vs. 10a), righteousness and peace must "Building bridges among Mennonites and other Christians kiss each other (vs. 10b) . Peace is a byprod­ In th e FOOTSTEPSof the APOSTLE PAUL (May 30 -June l 5) .around the world through custom-designed travel. " uct of devotion to Jesus Christ brought EUROPEAN HERITAGE (J une 9-25) about through the work and fruit of the Holy ALAS KA CRUISE TOUR (June l l-23) TOURMAGINATION Spirit. CHI NA (June 15 -July l) INVITES YOU Within North American society, even those MAJ ESTI CC ANADIAN ROCKIES (J uly 7-20) who call themselves Christian, even those TO VISIT MENNONITE WORLD CO NF ER ENCE TOURS: who call themselves Brethren, need to be #l -SOUTH AFR ICA and BOTSWANA (July 29 -August 19) MENNONITES ALL taught how to leave their slavery to a system #2 - GH ANA, IVO RY CO AST and BENIN (July _29 - August 19) OVER THE GLOBE behind, how to enter into the depths of Jesus #3 - ETHIOPI Aan d ZIMBABWE(J uly 31 - August 19) Christ, how to open themselves to the bap­ #4 - TAN ZA NIAa nd KEN YA (August l-19) tism of the Holy Spirit, how to pray, how to #5 -ZIM BABWE(A ugust l -19) CALL 1-800-565-0451 fast, how to worship, how to be fully alive, #6 - ZAM BI A and ZIM BABWE(July 31 - August 19) how to experience and witness to the peace #7 - KE NYAand TANZANI A (August l-19) FOR MORE INFORMATION of God. #8 - ZI MBABWE(A ugust 8- 27) ANDTOBOOKYOURTOUR "Lord, you were favorable to your GER MANY and SWITZER LAN D (October 9-23) E-MAI L: [email protected] land, you restored the captivity of Jacob" WEB: www.tourmaginalion.com (Psa. 85: 1). E.! 2004TOURS

AU STRALIA and NEWZ EALAN D (February 6-26) 9 Willow Street l O11 Cathill Rood Sellersvill e, PA, USA Paul Grout, a Church of the Brethren pastor, Waterloo, ON, Canada N2J l V6 PARAGUAY, BOLI VIAand PERU (Morch 23 - April 8) Reg. #1567624 18960 lives in Putney, Vt.

Messenger December 2002 ■ Once upon a time (a long time ago, it seems) , my life at this time of year was mostly long stretches in the library and late nights at the typewriter, putting down facts and opinions and footnotes, eight to ten pages, double-spaced, and due no later than December 15.

It was nothing then for me to roll out of bed at seven, hit the books by eight, and be at it all day and all night, until it was done; signed, sealed, and slid under the professor's office door just as the sun came up.

But those days, as I said before, are long gone. Now I'm lucky if I don't doze off and miss the weather on the late news, and sometimes even who-done-it, at the end of "Law and Order."

I know, I know- it's the difference between twenty-two and forty -two, and a sign of things to come, I'm sure, A small sign, nothing dramatic; in fact, if I had to, (really had to) I might still be able to pull it off yet- but, I don't have to . . . and I certainly don't want to.

Yes, it's a sign, however small, of the inevitable decline. It points in the direction of the destination that awaits us all.

The prophet's words say it as well as any: ''All flesh is grass, And all its beauty is like the flower of the field. The grass withers, and the flower fades . ..."

That's the human condition in a nutshell. We are all shooting stars; some burn a little brighter, some burn a little longer, but every one, sooner or later, fades away and is swallowed up by the darkness. Not a one can sustain its light forever.

It's a sobering thought: hardly suited to the festive spirit of the season, one would think. But think again. It was in the middle of a long dark night that angels once appeared to simple shepherds on a lonely hillside to proclaim good news.

And so, I too (with the help of the prophet) would proclaim the good news: There is One whose power is never diminished. There is a Light that never goes out. There is a Source of light, the Creator of the sun and every other star that has ever shone, whose purposes never change. The prophet proclaimed, "All flesh is grass, and all its beauty is like the flower of the field . The grass withers and the flower fades .... But that is not all. No, that is not all: "The grass withers and the flower fades .. . but the word of our God will stand forever!"

A thousand years may pass, or a thousand thousand, and God will not have given up on you and me.

God, you see, is stubborn in His graciousness. He who existed before time has all the time in the world to will, and to wait for, and to work for our salvation.

That's what the prophet told his brothers and cousins and neighbors and friends stuck in a land not their own, imagining that they had been forgotten.

They had pretty well arrived at the conclusion that God had given up-packed up His gear and moved on. They figured they had worn out His patience, and He was done with them and maybe the whole "chosen people" business. Maybe he'd decided that He had gotten them out of one scrape too many, just to have them be ungrateful. So He'd hung an "Out of Business" sign, walked off into the sunset, and was never coming back.

That's what some of them figured. But it wasn't so, said the prophet. We humans-we get worn out and give up. We reach the point where we can't go on. And there comes a moment in most of our lives when we realize that we will never accomplish all we've dared to dream, and quit trying.

But it's not like that for God. God never runs out of time. God never loses interest. God never grows too tired. God never quits.

So as the angels once said to the shepherds "Fear not." For when your light is growing dim, and the darkness ushers in the night, the One who neither slumbers nor sleeps will watch where you lie down. And before the final morning breaks, He will see that you are roused to greet the dawn with all His saints.

Glory to God in the highest.

Messenger December 2002 INDEX 2002

Listed on these pages are articles, Exporting violence...... 1/2-12 Annual Conference 2002: East Fa irview, Manheim, Pa ...... 4-4 West Green Tree, Business ...... 8-10 editorials, opinions, and names of Elizabethtown, Pa ...... 4-4, 6-5 El izabethtown, Pa ...... 4-4 KEENEY, MERVIN National Youth Conference: Joining God's mission ...... 10-10 contributors that have appeared in A time to remember ...... 9-11 Elkhart Valley, Elkhart, lnd ...... 6-7 Woodberry, Better mission trips ...... 10-20 Baltimore, Md ...... 8-5 Messenger during 2002. They are KINSEY, JAMES L Elm Street, Lima, Ohio ...... 7-5 New group promotes cl assified in five main groups: Peace in the congregation .. 12-18 Yo rk Center, 'p rogre ssive' voices ...... 11-10 Fairview, Oakland, Md ...... 3-4 Lombard, Ill...... 6-4 authors, In Touch contributors, con­ KREIDER, LAURA National Older Ad ult Conference: Overcoming violence , First Haitian, Brooklyn, N.Y...... 7-4 gregations, names, and subjects. Don't retire. Be on fire! ...... 11-22 one chu rch at a time ...... 12-12 Friends Run, Franklin, W. Va ...... 3-8 Numbers following the listings indi­ NAMES MATTESON, ERIN Good Shepherd Korean Church cate month and page number, with Ch ri stian Citizenship Seminar ...... 6-10 Fellows hip, Lansdale, Pa ...... 6-5 1/2 representing t he combined MCFADDEN, WENDY CONTRIBUTORS Goshen City, Goshen, Ind ...... 1/2-4 Abraham, James ...... 8-5 January/February issue. From the publisher ...... 1/2-2, 3-2, 4-2 TO IN TOUCH ...... 5-2, 6-2, 7-2, 8-2, Green Hill, Salem, Va ...... 1/2-5 Adams, John ...... 6-13 ...... 9-2, 10-2, 11-2, 12-2 Hagerstown, Md ... 1/2-27, 3-3, 4-5, 7-5 Albin, Wes ...... 5-3 AUTHORS MEREDITH, DAVE Bach, Jeff ...... 1/ 2-3 Hanover, Pa ...... 3-3 Ambrose, Sherri ...... 3-6 Outsma rting cows Bowman, Sherry ...... 6-3 Harrisburg (P a.) First ...... 12-5 Angel, April...... 6-13 (N orthern Ireland) .... 6-19 Brogan, Eleanor S...... 8-5 Jackson Park, Jonesborough, Archbold, Phill Carlos ...... 8-16 ALBRIGHT, JIM YAUSSY MILLER, CAROL LENA Clouse, Andrew ...... 1/2-4 Tenn ...... 12-13 Looking back on NYC ...... 10-24 Poverty and hope in Guatemala .... 4-18 Aukerman, Ruth ...... 1/2-7, 3-1 Daggett, Ann ...... 4-5 BENEDICT, JAMES Koinonia, Grand Junction, Colo ... .7-5 Bach , Jeff...... 1/2-3 MILLER, ERIC Dulabaum, Nevin .. . Christmas reflection: If it takes Annual Conference 2002: ··················9-5 La Verne, Calif ...... 3-13 Beam, Noah ...... 9-13 all night ...... 12-22 Worship ...... 8-14 Fitzkee, Don ...... 12-3 Laton, Calif ...... 7-3, 10-4 Benedict, Jim and Joyce ...... 4-5 BOWMAN, S, LOREN Flory, Janelle ...... 11,5 MILLER, ROBERT Lebanon, Mount Sidney, Va ...... 7-3 Bhagat, Shantilal ...... 1/ 2-11 A half-century of leadership: Raymond Glass, Jeff ...... 10-4 Death of a church ...... 7-12 Bidgood Enders, Greg and Liz ...... 4-12 R. Peters...... 4-23 Lincolnshire, Fort Wayne, Ind ...... 7-3 Harshman, Beverl y ...... 7-5 MORPHEW, TIM SOLLENBERGER Black, Larry ...... 11-16 BROWN, SHEILA 8ootwashing...... 9-23 Hart, Danielle...... 10-3 Live Oak, Calif ...... 6-5 A china missionary's full life: Blauch, Dick ...... 12-12 Hostetter, Julie ...... 1/ 2-3 Mack Memorial, Mary Gauntz Cumming ...... 12-26 NEFF, ROBERT W. Boleyn, Lester ...... 11-9 Da yton, Ohio ...... 4-10, 4-23, 12-4 Pastor to the who le ch urch: Metzger, Mada lyn ...... 5-3 CLAPP, STEVE Boswell, Dustin ...... 9-19 Paul M. Robinson ...... 1/ 2-27 Maple Spring, Pa stor care...... 1/ 2-14 Miller, Pegg y Reiff ...... 3-3 Bowman, Carl ...... 7-3 On, DALE Holsopple, Pa ...... 9-6, 11-14 EBERLY, WILLIAM R, Nies, Ann K...... 5-5 8VS goes to Belfast Manchester, N. Manchester, Bowman, Christopher ...... 4-7, 8-13 A man of God and butterflies: (Northern Ireland) ...... 6-14 Paine, Russell R. , Jr...... 3-4 Ernest M. Shull...... 7-30 Ind ...... 4-23, 7-11, 7-30 Bowman, Claire Andrew ...... 12-5 Palmer, Anne...... 6-5 POIST-REILLY, PATRICIA Martinsburg (Pa.) Bowman, Jacob and Melissa ...... 6-3 ECKSTROM, KEVIN Do the right thing (Earl Hess) .. .. .1 / 2-24 Reynolds, Irene Shull ...... 6-5 Christian voices coming together .9-24 Memorial...... 1/ 2-11, 4-7, 6-3 Bowman, Sam ...... 3-11 Self, Don ...... 7-5 PYLE, JANIS Boyer, Chuck ...... 3-13 FARRAR, FLETCHER Martinsburg, W. Va ...... 3-3 Rioting in Nigeria ...... 1/ 2-22 Smith-Reese, Joan ...... 8-5 Editorial: Simplicity for the Journey into Africa: Mechanic Gro ve, Quarryville, Pa .. 5-4 Brown, Dale ...... 8-10, 10-9 rest of us...... 1/ 2-32 Snyder, Sue ...... 12-5 A spiritual journal...... 4-24 Brown, Ken ...... 1/2-13 Editorial: Peacemaking Messiah, Kansas City, Mo ...... 6-3, 8-5 Prepared for anything : Profile of Stoner, Nancy ...... 4-4 bold an d cl ea r ...... 3-32 Miami (Fla.) Haitian ...... 7-6 Burk, Kelly ...... 8-7, 8-14 John and Janet Tubbs...... 8-24 Valeta, Gail Erisman ...... 5-3 Editorial: Let the poor teach Bush, George W ...... 1/2-6, 11-21 Doing global missi on with ...... 9-5 us about poverty...... 4-32 Waldner, Erin ...... 9-5 Modesto, Ca lif . .... a dancing heart ... 10-16 Carper, Frank S...... 4-3 Editorial: Epiphani es of Banquets great and sma ll: Wenger, Karen ...... , .. .6-5 Mohrsville, Pa ...... 5-4 recruitment...... 5-32 Ca wood, Carl ...... 11-9 A Than ksgiving meditation ...... 11-26 Wilhelm, Fred ...... 8-5 New Carlisle, Ohio ...... 7-19 Editorial: The pendulum Chadwick, Ashleigh ...... 9-21 needs a push ...... 6-32 RADCLIFF, DAVID Yeazell, Carol ...... 7-4 Oak Grove, Roanoke, Va ...... 7-7, 8-5 Editorial : A call to prayer ..7-32 Loving our 'enemy'...... 3-22 Chapman, Susan ...... 10-20 Ziegler, Earl ...... 5-5 Olympic View, Seattle, Wash . .. 12-15 Editorial : The case of the God's creation need s more Chinworth, Jim ...... 3-12 bratwurst burglar ...... 8-32 attention ...... 4-17 Palmyra, Pa ...... 4-3 Clouse, Wendell ...... 1/2-4 Editorial : Thy kin-dam come ...... 9-32 The price of oil (Arctic National Papago Buttes, Phoenix, Ariz ...... 4-5 Edi torial : We hope for hope ...... 10-32 Wi ldlife Refuge) ···························8-20 Coffman, Eldon ...... 6-5 Editorial : Arrogance of power, Peace: Remember we are CONGREGATIONS Philadelphia (Pa .) First ...... 8-5 Cook, Sara ...... 6-13 arrogance of peace .11-32 not God .. ... 12-10 Pittsburgh, Pa ...... 10-4 Coppock, Doris ...... 11-24 Editorial: looking for Lincoln ...... 12-32 Why are we th is way about Miner mira cle ...... 11-12 peace? ...... 12-16 Altoona, Pa ...... 1/2-13 Pipe Creek, Peru, Ind ...... 12-4 Crago, Tom and Janet ...... 1/ 2-22 Cripe, Mervin A ...... 12-5 FLORY-STEURY, MARY Jo RIEGE, YVONNE Am well, N.J ...... 8-9 Poplar Grove, Continuing care for pastors ...... 1/ 2-18 8rethren ing: Th e dilemma .... 10-26 Greenville, Ohio ...... 1/2-3 Crouse, Becky Baile Annville, Pa ...... 12-12 GARBER, JULIE RITTLE, MARC Poplar Ridge, Defiance, Ohio ...... 4-3 and Jerry ...... 1/2-9, 8-6 Beachdale, Berlin, Pa ...... 9-6, 11-15 Li vin g in tension between chu rch and Exporting vi olence . ..l/2-12 Prince of Peace, Croushorn, Luke ...... 9-21 state (review) ...... 4-15 Beacon Heights, ROBERTS, MYSTI South Bend, Ind ...... 7-3 Crumley, Patty ...... 10-19 Fort Wayne, Ind ...... 11-9 GIBBLE, KENNETH L. One word (Northern I reland) Pulaski/Hiwassee (Va.) ...... 3-4 Cruser, Roger ...... 12-5 Easter meditation: Bethany, New Paris, Ind ...... 10-23 Isn't this just li ke him? ...... 3-26 ROYER, HOWARD Richmond, Ind ...... 1/2-3, 8-7, 11-4 Cumming, Mary Gauntz ...... 12-26 Receiving the cup of co ld water ... 9-10 Christ now has no hands on earth but yours Boise Valley, Meridian, Idaho .. ... 12-4 (One Great Hour of Sharing) ...... 3-18 Roaring Spring, Pa ...... 3-11 Custer, Doug and Cathy ...... 11-15 Bremen, Ind ...... 6-7, 9-3 GIBBLE, PEG Rockingham, Hardin, Mo. . .. 1/2-4 Danielson, Chris ...... 6-7 Different lang uages SMITH, KEN Bridgewater, Va ...... 4-5 Date, Barbara ...... : ...... 4-13, 5-3, 7-6 (Northern I reland) ...... 6-21 Gratitude (Northern Ireland) ...... 6-22 San Diego (Calif.) First...... 8-3 Cabool , Mo ...... 6-5 Decker, Harold ...... 1/2-6 STICKEL, RUBY San Luis, Dominican Republic ...... 5-5 GRIFFITH, LEE Chiques, Manheim, Pa ...... 4-4, 12-3 Th e Revelation of Coo l Breeze ...... 7-20 Pastors and paramilitants Defazio, Amy ...... 12-14 (Northern Irela nd) ...... 6-17 Sebring, Fla ...... 9-4 Christ Our Shepherd, Detrick, Chris ...... 10-1 GROUT, PAUL Greenwood, Ind ...... 12-9 Skippack, Collegeville, Pa ...... 7-4 The state of the church ...... 1/ 2-20 WILES, VIRGINIA Diaz, Manny ...... 3-12 A meditation on Psa lm 85 ...... 12-20 God's infinite justice: A th eologica l Church of the Li ving Savior, Skyridge, Kalamazoo, Mich ...... 7-10 reflection on Sept. 11 ...... 9-28 Dill, Gary ...... 1/2-11 McFarland, Calif ...... 9-4 Springfield, 12-3 HALPERN, SUE 111...... Douglas, Chris ...... 9-14 WILTSCHEK, WALT Will the ci rcl e be unbro ke n? Circle of Peace, Peoria, Ariz ...... 11-5 Trinity, Detroit, Mich ...... 4-4 President Bush visits Brethren Douglas, Scott ...... 5-6 (flag controversy) ...... 4-10 Conestoga, Leola, Pa ...... 1/ 2-24 Service Center ...... 1/ 2-6 Union Bridge, Md ...... 8-5 Dutrow, Natalie ...... 6-13 HANSELL, ALLEN Church ties get a college try ...... 3-11 Constance, Hebron, Ky ...... 7-8 Uniontown, Pa ...... 12-14 Early, Milton C...... 1/2-4 Where do pastors get Conferenc~ com es to Kentucky ...... 4-17 Crest Manor, South Bend , lnd.1/2-27 thei r energy? ...... 1/2-17 Learn to know the Brazilians ...... 5 -20 Washington (D.C.) City ...... 3-6 Eberly, William R...... 7-11 Nurturing hope in Douglas Park, Chicago, Ill...... 12-9 HART, DANIELLE Waynesboro, Pa...... 12-13 Edgar, Bob ...... 9-24 Northern Ireland ...... 6-12 Annua l Conference 2002: Speakers .... 8-17 Dupont, Ohio ...... 7-24 Brethren rejoin homosex uality West Charleston, Eikler, Carrie ...... 1/2-7 HELSEL, REBEKAH debate...... 7-10 East Cocalico, Reamstown, Pa ..... 5-5 Tipp City, Ohio ...... 1/ 2-30 Eller, David ...... 3-14 I Messenger December 2002 Eller, Jessica ...... 9-19 Kreider, Laura ...... 1/2-10 Ringer, Deborah ...... 8-3 SUBJECTS India ...... 5-6, 6-24 ...... 1/2-9 Encarnacion, Guillermo ...... 7-8 Krause, Sarah ...... Roberts, Karen...... 11-9 Iraq ...... 3-22 Enns, Fernando ...... 8-18 Lamb, Jenna ...... 6-7 Robinson , Paul M ...... 1/2-27 Africa ...... 5-24 Israel-Palestine ...... 3-32, 7-7 Engel, Mary Alice ...... 8-5 Lamu, Wichi ...... 10-1 Rosenberger, Bruce ...... 4-9 Aging ...... 1/2-2 Erbaugh , Nan ...... 10-20 Laprade, Cindy ...... 9-21 Roth, Paul ...... 10-5 Leadership ...... 8-5, 9-8, 10-9 Angola ...... 5-7 Eshbach , Warren ...... 3-13, 12-6 Laszakovits, Greg Davidson ...... 1/2-5 Rowland, Curtis G...... 7-8 McPherson College ...... 11-4 Faus, Bob ...... 8-4 Layman, Ellen ...... 3-12 Rupe l, LaVon Widegren ...... 9-5 An niversaries (church) Manchester College ...... 6-7 Faus, Nancy ...... 1/2-3 , 9-8, 11-22 Lehman, Jim ...... 11-10 ...... 3-3, 4-4, 6-5, 7-3, 7-5, Sample, Tex ...... 9-7 ...... 8-5, 10-4, 12-4 Finney, Harriet...... 8-19 LeNoir, Barry ...... 9-9 Membership ...... 6-8 Satvedi, Valentina ...... 8-15 Annual Conference Finney, Harold ...... 10-3 Loomis, Heidi ...... 5-6 Sayler, Barb ...... 3-9 ...... 4-7, 5-10, 5-17, Mexico, Tijuana ...... 3-6, 10-3 Flory, Kristin ...... 6-13 Marden, Parker ...... 3-14 Schaudel, Stephanie ...... 11-32 ...... 8-10, 10-6, 12-7 Ministry ...... 1/2-14 Flory, Lo we ll ...... 3-12 Markey, Georgia ...... 9-8 Self, Don ...... 7-5 Association of Brethren Ministry Summer Service ...... 5-8, 8-7 Flory, Wendell ...... 6-24 Martin, Tom ...... 12-3 Caregivers ...... 8-9, 12-7 Serfling, Hannah ...... 9-12 Flory-Steury, Mary Jo ...... 1/2-8 McCullough, John ...... 11-6 Bethany Theological Seminary Mission ..... 1/2-3, 10-10, 10-16, 10-20 Sheets, .claudia ...... 11-9 Fogle, Lerry ...... 8-15 McDowell, Kim ...... 10-9 ...... 1/2-9. 1/2-10, 1/2-27, Shively, Jonathan ...... _...... 7-8 Mission and Ministries Fourman, Jim ...... 4-13 McFadden, Dan ...... 4-8 ...... 5-8, 6-6, 7-5 Shu ll , Ernie ...... 7-30 Planning Council ...... 11-7 Fry, Claude ...... 11-9 McFadden, Dave ...... 7-11 Bicycling ...... 7-3, 9-3 Simon, Pau l...... 6-32, 8-17 Fry-Miller, Carrie ...... 6-7 McFadden, Wendy ...... 1/2-8 Brazi l ...... 1/2-8, 5-20 Name change ...... 7-2 Sink, Julie ...... 9-21 Ga ier, Ca rle ...... 4-8, 9-18 Mcl aug hlin, Sarah ...... 6-13 Brethre n Academy ...... 3-8 Nationa l Older Adu lt Sma lley, David...... 1/2-10 Garber, Julie ...... 9-9 McPherson, Steve ...... 12-8 Breth ren Be nefit Trust ...... 8-6 Conference ...... 11-22 Gardner, Richard 8 ...... 6-8 McRoberts, Dan ...... 5-6 Smith, Richard ...... 3-3 Brethren Business Network ...... 1/2-5 National Youth Conference Garrett, Karen and Dean ...... 1/2-3 Medema, Ken ...... 5-8 Smucker, Matt ...... 7-11, 9-32 Brethren Colleges Abroad ...... 10-7 ...... 6-7, 9-3, 9-11, 10-24 Gerbrandt, Eugene ...... 10-4 Meredith, Dave ...... 6-19 Sollenberger, Elaine ...... 5-6 Brethren heritage ...... 10-5 Nigeria, Gibble, Peg ...... 6-21 Messler, Amy ...... 6-7 Steele, Jay ...... 7-9 Brethren Homes ...... 8-32, 9-4 Gingrich, Rhonda Pittman ...... 9-20 Miller, David. R .. . .4-15 Steiner, Donna Forbes ...... 11-9 mission workers ...... 8-24 Brethren Ministers' Association ...... 9-7 Gish, Art ...... 3-32 Miller, Howard...... 4-7 Steiner, Duane ...... 8-15 violence in ...... 1/2-22, 4-9 Brethren Service Center ...... 1/2-6 Gorie, Dominic L. Pudwill...... 6-4 Miller, Margo...... 3-3 Steiner, Paul ...... 8-10 workcamp ...... 4-8, 8-9 Gregory, Steven ...... 12-7 Miller, Paulette ...... 8-3 Steury, Mark Flory ...... 1/2-3 Brethren Volunteer Service Northern Ireland ...... 5-3, 6-12, 11-8 ...... 1/2-4, 7-4, 9-7, Griffith, Diana Cosner ...... 3-4 Miller, Rex ...... 3-8 Stern family ...... 11-4 ...... 10-7, 11-3, 11-8 Obituary ... .. 1/2-27, 4-23, 7-30, 12-26 Grosbach, Bryan ...... 6-3 Mill er, Robb ie ...... 3-12 Stevens, Rachel ...... 9-15 CAIR ...... 1/2-9 Olympics ...... 3-30 Grout, Pau l ...... 5-10, 6-9, 8-10, Miller, Robert...... 7-19 Stoltzfus, Joyce ...... 4-8 Capital pun ishment ...... 6-32 ...... 8-26, 9-12 Mitchell, Glenn ...... 11-7 Stone, Phillip C...... 3-12 On Earth Peace ...... 1/2-11, 3-9 Chaplains, college ...... 3-12 Grubb, Sue ...... 9-9, 12-7 Mitchell, Olden ...... 12-5 Struble, Joy ...... 9-20 One Great Hour of Sharing ...... 3-19 Guynn, Matt ...... 3-9, 4-14, 6-8 Montauban, Lisa Naomi...... 7-4 Christian Churches Together ...... 9-24 Sutton, Helen ...... 4-12 Outdoor Ministries Haldeman, Shane ...... 9 -17 Mow, Anna ...... 1/2-2 Christian Citizenship Seminar ...... 6-10 Swartz, Fred ...... 8-13 Association ...... 1/2-10 Hamilton, Marie I., ...... 12-5 Mummau, Jeff ...... 4-8 Church planting ...... 7-9 Sweet, Leonard ...... 4-6 Hankins, Steve...... 7-8 Musselman, Nathan ...... 7-7 Church World Service ...... 5-3, 11 -6 Pastors ...... 1/2-14 Thakor, Ernie ...... 6-24 Hanley, Richard ...... 9-9 Naylor, Illana ...... 12-13 Coal mine rescue ...... 9-6, 11-12 Thomasson, Holly ...... 3-14 Patriotism ...... 4-10, 4-15 Hardenbrook, Jim ...... 10-17, 12-8 Noffsinger, Stan ...... 1/2-9 Colleges, Brethren ...... 3-10 Thompson, Kristen ...... 1/2-7 Peace ...... 3-9, 7-4, 7-5, 8-3, Harley, Brian ...... 4-9 Novotny, Connie Sue Committee on Interchurch Timmons, Glenn ...... 7-8, 7-9, 11-25 ...... 8-8, 12-8, 12-10, 12-16, Hart, Richard ...... 11-9 and Dennis ...... 1/2-5 Relations ...... 12-8 Townsend, Frances ...... 4-9 ..... 12-18, 11-32, 12-20 Held, Marc...... 1/2-6 Ott, Da le ...... 6-14 Cross-cu ltural ministries ...... 7-6 Hess, Earl and Anita ...... 1/2-24 Pa lmer, Anne ...... 12-12 Tubbs, John Poverty ...... 4-32, 7-20 Cuba ...... 11-7 Hess, Judy...... 9-4 Pa lsgrove, Chris ...... 4-8 and Janet...... 1/2-22, 4-9, 8-24 Decade to Overcome Prayer ...... 7-32 Tyler, Doris and Mi les ...... 11-4 Hignite, Karla ...... 1/2-11 Patrick, Norman W., ...... 4-5 Violence ...... 1/2-10, 12-9, 12-12 Puerto Rico ...... :3-7, 8-7 Hipskind, Gene ...... 4-9 Peterman, Elton 'Miller' ...... 12-5 Ullom, Becky ...... 3-15, 7-7, 9-21 Disaster relief ...... 5-4 Hoffman, Matt ...... 9 -13 Peters, Bentley ...... 8-9 Ulrich, Daniel...... -9 Reconciliation ...... 4-13 Dominican Republic ...... 5-5, 5-9, 6-6 Hoffmaster, Bev ...... 3-3 Peters, Raymond R...... 4-23 Unger, John ...... 9-6, 11-14 Easter ...... 3-26, 5-5, 7-5 School of the Americas Hornish, Sam, Jr...... 4-3 Pierce, Lisa ...... 9-32 Unger, Sue ...... 11-16 Watch ...... 1/ 2-12 Ecuador ...... 1 /2-4 Hostetler, Aaron ...... 6-7 Polhamus, Rick ...... 10-9 Van Meter, Tim ...... 6-9 Ecumenism ...... 9-24 Racism ...... 5-6 Huffman, Bruce ...... 8-17 Poling, Newton L...... 4-5 Vermilyea, Don ...... 3-8, 4-5, 4-9 Hutchison, Wendi ...... 1/2-5 Price, Doug ...... 7-25 Waltersdorf!, Christy ...... 6-25, 8-7 Education, Christian ...... 3-4 Refugees ...... 1/2-9 Environment ...... 4-16, 8-20 In ha user, Marcos ...... 1/2-8, 10-13 Py le, Janis ...... 6-9 Weber, Barry ...... 6-4 Simplicity ...... 1/2-32 Joseph, Marie...... 7-6 Radcliff, David ...... 6-10, 9-22, 11-32 Wenger, William ...... 11-16 Ethics, business ...... 1/2-24 Song and Story Fest ...... 9-7 Kauffman, Herman ...... 9-8 Radcliff, Daniel ...... 4-8 Wilhelm, Dawn Ottoni ...... 4-4, 11-23 Evangel ism ...... 4-6, 5-6, 7-8 Ragnjiya, Kwanye ...... 8-16, 10-19 Space ...... 6-4 Keener, Ron ...... 4-3 Will iams, Linda ...... 6-11, 8-3 Flag ...... 4-10, 12-4 Keeney, Gwen Brumbaugh ...... 8-16 Ragnjiya, Toma ...... 8-17, 10-12, 10-16 Willoughby, Marie ...... 1/2-11 General Board Sudan ...... 5-24 Keeney, Mervin ...... 6 -24, 9-6, 11-6 Ramirez, Alex ...... 8-5 ...... 3-6, 8-6, 10-6, 11-6, 12-6 Winter, Roy ...... 1/2-9 Thanksgiving ...... 11-26 Keller, Franklin E...... 8-5 Ramirez, Frank ...... 6-7 Witkovsky, Dave ...... 3-11 General secretary ...... 10-6 Keller, Natalie ...... 9-17 Redekopp, Orlando ...... 11-32 To lerance...... 6-3 Witter, Ruby ...... 11-23 Global Food Crisis Fund ...... 8-8 Kerschensteiner, Ed ...... 12-4 Reimer,Judy Mills ...... 8-6, 9-26, Uganda ...... 5-24 Woodard, Hope ...... 6-13 Guatemala ...... 4-18 Kensinger, Jan ...... 10-3 ·······························10-6, 11-6, 12-6 Workman, Rick and Holly ...... 7-24 Habitat for Humanity ...... 4-5, 8-4 Urban ministry ...... 1/2-3, 7-7 Keyser, Judy ...... 3-6, 8-6, 12-6 Richard, Wesley and Sue ...... 7-5 Wray, Jeff ...... 3-4 Haiti ...... 11 -7 Kindy, Cliff ...... 10-9 Roberts, Debbie ...... 3-12 Urban Peace Tour ...... 1/2-3 Vi, Tae ...... 6-5 Heifer Project ...... 1/2-4, 5-5, 6-3 Kingery, Dennis ...... 3-13 Roberts, Mysti ...... 6-20 Vocation ...... 5-32 Yoder, Randall ...... 10-3 Knepper, Nancy ...... 1/2-10 Rhen, Jim ...... 5-5 Heritage ...... 10-5 Voices for an Open Spirit ...... 11-10 Yo ung, David ...... 4-6, 8-5, 9-21 Kniss, Marian ...... 12-3 Rhodes, Amy ...... 9-12 Homosexuality .. .7-10, 8-2, 9-32, 10-8 Yo uth ministry ...... 10-24, 11-7 Kreider, Ben ...... 4-8 Rice, H. Lawrence ...... 10-4 Zimmerman, Kendra ...... 10-21 Hope ...... 10-32 Kreider, Breanna ...... 5-4 Ricketts, Tamara ...... 9-17 Zuercher,Tom ...... 6-8, 7-5 Hymnal ...... 1/2-3 Youth Peace Travel Team ...... 4-8

Messeogec Decembec 2002_1 REMEMBERED A China missionary's full life MARY GAUNTZ CUMMING: 1908 - 2002

by Sheila Brown received her license to preach. In 1936, she jour­ neyed to China to share the gospel message. Two e Chinese city of Ping ling in Shansi years later Mary married Dr. Wilfred T. Cumming rovince, was bombed on October 12, of the Church of Scotland and moved to 937 and Mary Gauntz, missionary, Manchuria to support him in his medical work. 11 Fleeing from China to the United States in 1941 , found herself in a war. City gates and massive walls, afforded sanctuary for thousands of refugees. with a baby and a toddler, she waited 10 anxious Many women and children found safety in the months for Wilfred to cross the Pacific safely. Church of the Brethren school Trapped by war, they lived in Canada. When mis­ compound, which had been a sions in China were closed due to the Communist presence in the region for 30 revolution, they served in India and Pakistan until years. 1952. Eventually a move to Alberta, Canada, in However, Mary and her 1973 saw them continue as active leaders in church companion, Myrtle Ingram, communities in Three Hills and Calgary. Happily were outside the city in the they were once more connected with the former hospital compound that was Canadian Church of the Brethren communities in also overflowing with dis ­ Irricana and Arrowood. placed persons. When Mary Cumming died in February at the age of Japanese soldiers took the 93 , ever thankful for her Heavenly Father's contin­ city, the misery continued. uing love and care. Ill Assisted by Chinese Christians, Mary filled her Sheila Brown, daughter of Mary Cumming, is a teacher in Edmonton, Alberta, Ca nada. Anyone w ishi ng to contact Mary's family could e-mail days with bringing the sick th rough her son, Gordon Cumming, at [email protected]. circa 7935 and wounded into the hospi- tal, escorting people safely into the city, and locat­ ing and carrying back food for frightened and hun - gry victims of hatred. Some nights were spent sleeping behind doors that were nailed shut for safety. She dared not ask to bury the bodies by the road or question the authority of soldiers roaming the compound. As time permitted, she did some teaching. She endured the tragic loss of dear friends, Alva and Mary Lou Harsh, who "disappeared" from their home, 30 miles away in Shou Young. Cut off from the outside world, she was sustained by the power of prayer, faithful mission colleagues, and reading old letters and Gospel Messenger. Mary grew up in Myersdale, Pa. She lived her life focusing on church activities and her family. After graduating from Juniata College in 1929, she taught, organized high school libraries, and

Messenger December 2002 1990 I ~ , LETTERS

11 The most disturbing part is that fracture is so

near and the voices of reason that we have "You can make a difference in your always counted on are all captive to issues rather world"-foseph Helfrich than desiring at all cost the unity of the Body and our dependence on the Holy Spirit through the,, delegate body of Annual Conference.

Our final authority on be regarded as the church's "final authority practice and doctrine on matters of practice and doctrine." Purchase Joseph's "Make a Differ­ In 1955, Annual Conference voted to dis­ ence" CD or cassette, and all the In 1741, Count Zinzendorf made visits to continue the office of elder. Following the proceeds go to the Global Food the German sects, trying to form a religious decision, a group of denominational lead­ Crisis Fund ($15 from Brethren union of all Protestant, German-speaking ers visited the elders of Eastern Press; 800-441-3712 or believers. Brethren feared this might be an www. Pennsylvania. They said, "We know how attempt to restore old church patterns com­ brethren press. com). important the office of elder has been to plete with infant baptism. In 1742, a strong you. If you want to quietly continue having leader of the Brethren at that time, Martin Christmas gift giving never sound­ elders, it is all right." The elders replied, Urner Sr., called the geographically scat­ ed so good-or did so much good! "No, we follow Annual Conference." tered Brethren together at his home, a log Kermit Eby one time said, "Three things house near Coventry, Pa., for the first Big hold the Church together: Annual Meeting. This meeting became an annual Jo~~J~~~~und Conference, MESSENGER, and the seminary." ~~~~~f event. The Annual Conferences came to so I was saddened at the news accounts in Global Food Crisis Fund accurately discern the mind of the Brethren the October MESSENGER, on page 8, of two 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120 and what they felt was the will of God, that strong districts (South/Central Indiana and 800-323-8039 in time, these Annual Conferences came to Michigan) considering responses to Share your faith this Christmas.

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Messenger December 2002 ■ LETTERS

Annual Conference decisions last summer. prsied, yet was still deeply disappointed, by of the church. Indeed, the denomination's When Annual Conference makes decisions the Annual Conference decision to blatantly credibility as it speaks about welcome and a with which I disagree, I know I need to sit bar gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender respect for human diversity has become myself down and get myself in line with individuals from the ordained ministry. At a severely compromised. the church. time in our national history when we are The Brethren Mennonite Council for If we each go our separate ways, the painfully aware of the violence and harm Lesbian and Gay Concerns and its con­ church will be torn apart. A friend whose that human misunderstanding, ignorance, stituents will continue our work of advoca­ judgments I value wrote: "The most dis­ and fear can create, the Annual Conference cy and support for lesbian, gay, bisexual, turbing part is that fracture is so near and decision only exacerbates these hurtful and transgender individuals. We rejoice in the voices of reason that we have always trends towards brokenness. the prophetic voice being raised by many counted on are all captive to issues rather The decision to target a particular group courageous individuals, congregations, than desiring at all cost the unity of the for discriminatory reasons is disturbing in and districts, and trust that justice will one Body and our dependence on the Holy a denomination that has experienced the day prevail. Toward that end, we invite Spirit through the delegate body of Annual moral destructiveness of persecution. others to join us as we envision and live Conference .. . . No one seems to be cast­ Those who value the integrity of the query into a more humane and welcoming ing a vision (for the church) which cap­ process and its democratic rootedness church. tures all the fragmented parts. Someone should be troubled by the spirit and Joyce Stoltzfus, Doug Basinger, Victor Fast, Zandra must cast a new vision." process by which the query reached the Wagoner, Carol Wise, Gloria Nafziger (staff) Annual Conference floor. Justice and Community Committee, Wayne Zunkel Brethren Mennonite Council Elizabethtow n, Pa. Most importatnly, the loss of gifted les­ Minneapolis, Minn. bian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individ­ uals, as well as those who cannot in good Discriminatory practice conscience minister within a denomination $6 an hour is a crime The Brethren Mennonite Council Justice that supports such discriminatory practices, and Community Committee was not sur- diminishes the overall life and spiritual depth I am unclear as to the point the August edi­ torial was making, but to me the "crime" is that a Church of the Brethren institution was paying a six-year award-winning employee $6 an hour. No wonder she took meat she thought was going to be thrown out-I doubt it was for her dogs. It's hard to feed a family on $6 an hour. Explore this question Sandy Kussart Zinn Fountain Hills, Ariz . with the prophet Elisha in Second Mile materials, now available from Humane foreign policy Faith & Life Resources. Ideal for Virginia Wiles' essay, "God's infinite jus­ tice," with which I agreed, motivated me Sunday school or small group study. to write regarding what should be the pri­ Materials include biblical study, orities of United States and United Nations stories, suggestions for action, and foreign policy. worship resources. A significant amount of foreign policy resources should be dedicated to mediating To order, call 1-800-743-2484 national and international disputes. There are usually about 50 wars and violent dis­ or visit online putes in progress at any one time. The US . and UN should attempt to mediate these and provide troops to preserve truces. Because millions of people are starving Second Mile and dying of diseases, the US and UN A Peace Journey for Congregations should provide food, shelter, clothing, A medicine, and birth control to nations in Second Mile A,.._,,,__,1o,~ HTTP:/ /WWW.GOSECONDMILE.ORG need of them. The US needs to negotiate with other I Messenger December 2002 nations low tariffs with as much reciproci­ try no matter how evil it may appear. The ty as possible. The US government should loss of innocent lives on both sides is support American business enterprises enough reason for us to be extremely careful around the world, but also be a regulatory in our fervor to destroy a nation. I am con­ force to see that the US business commu­ vinced that you cannot solve the problems nity treats other nations in a just and of this world with the use of violence. humane manner. Violence perpetuates violence. Terrorism is a The US and UN should use their law direct result of this kind of thinking. enforcement capabilities to prevent the It is with difficulty that I write this article killing of people and destruction of proper­ because I know, too, that I am swimming ty. This should be done without violating against the stream of current thought. And the civil liberties of the world's individuals. the only reason I do so now is a conviction If these policies are pursued vigorously within my faith and practice that shouts to there should be less need for military me to declare what I believe is a central action either before or after attacks on the message of our Lord Jesus Christ. US or other nations. "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they Kenneth R. Walker will be called sons of God" (Matt. 5.9) is Professor of History, emeritus, Arkansas Tech University just one of many statements made by Colonel, USAF Retired, Russellville, Ark. Jesus concerning how we are to act toward one another. I pray that we look to Give peace a chance the teachings of Jesus and see if they fit into the realm of possibilities regarding "Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful our country's foreign policies. Perhaps we to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. need to co_nsider giving peace a chance. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, We should recall these prophetic words: live at peace with everyor:ie. Do not take "Beware the leader who bangs the drums revenge, my friends, but leave room for of war in order to whip the citizenry into a God's wrath, for it is written: 'It is mine to patriotic fervor, for patriotism is indeed a avenge; I will repay,' says the Lord. On the Messenger double-edged sword. It both emboldens contrary: 'If your enemy is hungry, feed him; the blood, just as it narrows the mind. And on Tape if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. when the drums of war have reached a In doing this, you will heap burning coals on fever pitch and the blood boils with hate MESSENG ER is available on his head.' Do not be overcome by evil, but and the mind has closed, the leader will audio tape for persons with overcome evil with good" (Rom. 12:17-21). have no need in seizing the rights of the visual impairments. Each It is with difficulty that I write this letter. I double-cassette issue contains citizenry. Rather, the citizenry, infused with am concerned-no I am fearful-of what all articles, letters and editorials. fear and blinded by patriotism, will offer seems to be taking place in our country Volunteers of the Church and up all of their rights unto the leader and today. I support the military and the police in Persons with Disabilities gladly so. How do I know? For this is what their defense against those who seek to Network, a ministry of ABC, I have done. And I am Caesar." -from uproot a just and fair society. I applaud their provide this service. Julius Caesar, William Shakespeare. efforts to seek out and bring to justice the David A. Whitten Recommended donation is $10 perpetrators of the heinous acts of Sept. 11. Pastor, Moscow Ch urch of the Brethren (if you return the tapes to be Though I believe the desecration of Mt. Solon. Va. recycled or $25 (if you keep Afghanistan was a bit of "overkill," those the tapes). who are responsible for the atrocities in New Jesus was a radical York, Pennsylvania, and Washington D.C., To receive MESSENGER ON need to face the consequences of their Today's church is losing its influence in our TAPE, please send your actions. Having said this, I am uneasy of modern culture. How can we bring new name, address, phone number and check what this country is heading for if we allow inspiration and challenge to today's world? (payable to our president the freedom to decide on a Jesus was a "radical." He challenged both ABC) to: unilateral attack on Iraq. This "first-strike" Roman and Jewish hierarchy with a loving mentality seems so contrary to the teachings faith by associating with the common peo­ Association of of Jesus Christ. It is one thing to defend ple in daily living. Brethren Caregivers one's homeland; it is quite another to plan How do we face the problems of military 1451 Dundee Ave . and order a pre-emptive strike on any coun- power, capital punishment, abortion, child Elgin, IL 60120 Messenger December 2002 II LETTERS

abuse, discrimination against women and other items listed in Romans 1:29-32. burned at the stake at the insistence of minorities, etc.? Jesus' love for the sanctity The Brethren have drastically changed John Calvin for denying the doctrine of the of life would have a definite answer-a their position on many items over the Trinity, while among the Anabaptists, Adam radical change from our meek mediocrity. years-lightning rods, musical instru­ Pastor was excommunicated by Menno Could we change our name to the Church ments in church, carpets, and even Simons for denying the same doctrine. of the Radical Jesus? Where would we linoleum in our homes. It's also interesting that Quaker William find radical leadership? Would you dare to Most church members have their Penn was imprisoned in the Tower of be a radical member? Would I? favorite scriptures. In so choosing certain London from 1668 to 1669 for writing an Ronald Gordley ones, aren't we all doing what John is anti-Trinitarian tract called "The Sandy Lancaste r, Pa . concerned about? Foundation Shaken." All these opponents Phil Zinn of Trinitarian dogma used primarily scrip- Bridgewater, Va. Scriptures to be followed tural arguments. To me Brethren involvement in such a John Coleman's letter, September issue, Concerns about the Trinity movement contradicts "no creed but the expresses his concern about the Brethren New Testament," which I always thought "belief that only some of the scriptures Regarding the September articles on the was supposed to signify that Brethren did are to be followed." It is my observation Christian Churches Together ecumenical not believe in imposing debatable doc­ that many of the Brethren who are not in movement, I find it sad that the move­ trines like the Trinity on all of its mem­ favor of automatically consigning to hell ment is not ecumenical enough towel­ bers. I hope the church reconsiders its the gay and abortionists, are not saying come sincere Christians who believe the support for this movement. these positions are okay, but that they doctrine of the Trinity is unscriptural. Jerry C. Stanaway should not be singled out from the many In the 16th century, Michael Servetus was Lomba rd, Ill

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Loans and/or scholarships are available for qual­ Elizabethtown with pick-ups along Pennsylvania, Are you seeking the ified Church of the Brethren students or employ­ Ohio, and Indiana turnpikes. Visit Elgin headquar­ ees of a Church of the Brethren agency preparing ters. After Conference one bus goes to Alaska via for a career in a health care profession. This pro­ Inside Passage, Juneau, Anchorage, Mt. McKinley, wayof gram is offered through the Association of and Fairbanks. Return via Alaska Highway through Brethren Caregivers. For qualifications to receive Yukon, Whitehorse; also Jasper and Banff parks in a loan or scholarship, visit ABC 's website at Canadian Rockies; Yellowstone and Mt. Rushmore. peace? www.brethren.org/abc/. For more information, Our other bus returns home after Conference via contact Loans and Scholarships Coordinator Yellowstone and Mt. Rushmore. June 30-July 14. Linda Timmons at 847 -742-5100, ext. 300, or e-mail For additional information please write to J. [email protected]. Kenneth Kreider, 1300 Sheaffer Rd., Elizabethtown, Perspectives PA 17022 or [email protected]. Peace: God's Infinite Justice Older Adults looking to put their faith into action by Virginia Wiles are encouraged to come to the Spring unit of Travel with a purpose-(Bohrer Tours, Sebring, Brethren Volunteer Service, March 31-April 11, Fla.) SOUTH PACIFIC EXPLORER, May 5-21, Patriotism and Faith 2003, in New Windsor, Md. Potential volunteers do 2003, visiting New Zealand and Australia. by David R. Miller not need to make a commitment up front; check Special places of interest-Queenstown, out the possibilities first. The application process Christchurch, Melbourne, Sidney, Canberra, Understanding Islam is to be completed by Feb. 17, 2003. Call today at Cairns, The Great Barrier Reef Excursion. For by David Metzler 800-323-8039, ext. 410. information contact Bohrer Tours, Wendell and Joan Bohrer, 3651 US Highway 27 S. #62, Perspectives is aseries of essays on faith issues RV volunteers. Do you have a camper, 5th wheel, Sebring, FL 33870; tel/fax 863-382-9371, cell 863- that face Christians today and is designed to fos ­ or RV and want to serve the church? Camp lthiel 201-3847; e-mail [email protected]. ter personal reflection and group discussfrm. needs seasonal volunteers to lend talents and $2.50 per copy. skills to its year-round. camping ministry. Hookups Spread the Word! Use Messenger classifieds to provided at no charge. Twenty minutes from let people know what's going on. $65 purchases ~ New from Brethren Press. Orlando. Weekly worship services on site. Come a single issue insertion of up to 80 words. 50 Brethren Press try the warm winter climate. For more information, cents a word beyond 80 words. Frequency dis­ write to PO Box 165, Gotha, FL 34734, fax 407 -293- counts are available. Submit ads via fax: 847-742- 1451 Dund ee Avenue, Elgin, IL 60120-1 694 3481, or e-mail [email protected]. 1407, e-mail: [email protected] or phone 800-44J-37I2 fax 800-667-8188 letter: Messenger Classifieds, 1451 Dundee Ave., e-mail [email protected] Travel with Brethren on air-conditioned coach to Elgin IL 60120. Deadline is first of month prior to Annual Conference in Boise. Originating month of publication. Advertise today!

Messenger December 2002 TURNING POINTS -

This month's Turning Points MaCewan Schumacher, William and Hoover, Gerald R. , 55, include aU listings received prior to Poplar Ridge, Defiance, Ohio: Bernice, Hartville, Ohio, 60 Harrisburg, Pa. , Oct. 13 Licensings October 3 I and not previously Gary Dunlap, Brenda Dunlap, Shives, Roy and Mildred, Howes, Roy, 89, Kaleva, Mich., published. Please send information Michelle Russell , Max Sharp Hagerstown, Md., 60 May 27 Bowyer, Mark A. , N. Ohio Dist. to be included to Jean Clements, Reading, Homeworth, Ohio: Thawley, Stanley and Freda, Hummel, Lester, 85, Goshen, (Maple Grove, Ashland, 1451 Dundee Ave, Elgin, IL Jane Sanor, Eric Austin, Boonsboro, Md., 50 Ind., June I Ohio), Sept. 22 60120; 800 323-8039 ext. 206; Natalie Krug Walbridge, Gilbert and Marjorie, James, Maude, 100, Frederick, Campbell, Christina Lee, Mich. Dist. Easton, Md., 60 jclements__gb @brethren.org. Ridge, Shippensburg, Pa.: Glenn Md., July 2 (Onekama, Mich.), April 28 Information must be complete in Wingert, Helen Wingert, Wallace, Gene and Jo, Des Kaiser, Elsie, IO I , Waterloo, Doering, Timothy, At!. N.E. Dist. order to be published. Michael Spohrer, Rushele Moines, Iowa, 50 Iowa, Sept. 14 (Parker Ford, Pa.), Sept. 22 Spohrer, Kenneth Baer, Lisa Lam, Effie, 95, Bridgewater, Va., Baer, Timothy Eyer, Sheila Eyer, June 24 Dykes, Jeremy Harrison, New Members Justin Sattazahn, Judy Timmons Deaths Lloyd, Alice Moses, 82, Southeastern Dist. (Jackson Ridgeway Community, Pottstown, Pa ., Oct. 25 Park, Jonesborough, Tenn.), Ashland City, Ash land, Ohio: Harrisburg, Pa.: Chrissy Bailey, John Garland, I 00, Marsh, Eugene H., 70, June 9 Barbara Mize, Nicky Strickler S toshack, Joe S toshack Winter Park, Fla., June 11 Westernport, Md., Feb. 28 Columbia City, Ind.: Dale Deter, Spring Creek, Hershey, Pa .: Jon Barnhart, Clarence, 85, Mitchell, Mary, 83 , Bridgewater, Ordinations Justin Hearld , Ka itlyn Hearld, Moyer, Lisa Moyer Churubusco, Ind., June 2 Va., Aug. 26 Rhonda Musser, Michelle Welty, Smithburg, Md.: Brennan Beery, Susan M., 61, Murphy, Elsie F., 93, Seymour, Baker, Mildred F. , Mid. Pa. Dist. Musser, Amanda Musser, Phil Garrett, April Garrett Huntington, Ind., Oct. I 7 Ind., Sept. 21 (Diehl's Crossroads, Preiffer Woodbury, Pa.: Kevin Gable, Benya, Myra, 99, Pompano Nicol, Marvin, 66, Waterloo, Curryville, Pa.), Sept. 22 Coventry, Pottstown, Pa .: Lori Gable Beach, Fla., Sept. 26 Iowa, July 28 Bennett, Melissa, N. Plains Dist. Kimberly Wykes, David Zion Hill, Columbiana, Ohio: Bowman, Ruth C., 95, Nye, Harold J., 74, New Oxford, (Prairie City, Iowa), Aug . 3 1 Wykes, Austi n Deputy, Karen Denise Tancer, Pat McCoy, Bridgewater, Va., Oct. 3 Pa. , Sept. 30 Denlinger, Daniel !., S. Ohio Evans David Hastings, Edward Todd, Carouso, Florence G., 84, Over, Robert, 93, Roaring Dist. (Eaton, Ohio) , Sept. 29 Ephrata, Pa.: Galen Hackman, Mary Jane Todd, Jeremy Shippensburg, Pa. , July 25 Spring, Pa., Sept. 4 Porter, Edward Ivan, Mich. Vignon, Pentz, Esther R., 93, Spring Doris Hackman, Judy Herr, Jill Neiheisel, Brandon Carrea, Betty Samuels, 73 , Dist., Sept. 22 Conkle, Casey Murray Conkle, Garden Township, Pa., Aug. 31 Richard Hershey, April Denver, Pa., July 29 Speicher, Jill K. , At!. N.E. Dist. Ellie Kornbau, Loren Deeter, Carroll, Josephine E. , 92, Perdew, Ethel, 88, Lancaster, Hershey, Christine Pinkerton (Reading, Pa.) , May 5 Florin, Mount Joy, Pa .: Dave Sandie Deeter, Becky Hasti ngs Osceola, Mo., Aug. 5 Pa ., Sept. 29 Stern, Kerri Stern, Dan Price, Christenson, Erma, 87, Hartley, Raffensberger, Esther M. , 83, Kaye Mede, Marc Kreider, Iowa, Sept. 15 New Oxford, Pa., Sept. 23 Placements Jodi Butterfoss Wedding Coil, Ruth, 80, Ephrata, Pa., Ramser, Robert 55, New Frederick, Md.: Warren Duke, Sept. 2 Waterford, Ohio, March 24 Berkebile, Wesley J. , from inter- Rachelle Duke, Lee Duke, Anniversaries Cover, Lee A. , 59, Newburg, Pa. , Replogle, Frances E., 88, im to pastor, Center Hill , Jessica Ayton, Cyndy Ponce, Aug . 5 Goshen, Ind., July 20 Kittanning, Pa. , Oct. I Stan Ponce, Jackie Geib, Buchanan, David and Audrey, Coy, Miriam, 85, Salem, Ohio, Ritchie, Robert C., 60, Cullers, Harold G. , pastor, Jessica Fachler, Jennirer Reed, Boonsboro, Md., 55 June 19 Timberville, Va., Sept. 28 Memorial, Petersburg, W.Va., Bill Reed, Patty Ellison-Potter, Bucher, Gordon and Darlene, Craig, James, Jr., 65, New Selders, Ezra T., 94, Newark, Oct. I Robert Ellison-Potter, Carol North Manchester, Ind., 55 Market, Md., Aug. 30 Del., Oct. 18 Dolan, Kenneth, from pastor, DeBord, Mark DeBord Burkhart, Dale and Oline, Craighead, Ralph, 85, Callaway, Shaffer, Harry, 93, Wichita, Tearcoat, Augusta, W.Va., to Geiger, Friedens, Pa.: Beth Cando, N. D. , 60 Va. , June 25 Kan., Sept. 20 pastor, Greenmount, Gardner Evans, Clarence and Rhelma, Crummett, Wilmer D., 83 , Shaffer, Lewis, 79, Friedens, Pa. , Harrisonburg, Va., Oct. 1 Good Shepherd, Springfi eld, Sheldon, Iowa, 60 Bridgewater, Va ., Sept. 14 July 2 Dowdy, Thomas Matthew, Jr., Shaver, Jason, 87, Palmyra, Pa. , Mo.: Andree Lucore, Jim Fry, Homer and Rosetta, North Davis, Joe, 39, Defiance, Ohio, pastor, Imperial Heights, Los Manchester, Ind., 50 Sept. 22 Johnson, Thad Wilson, Sept. 21 Angeles, Calif., Sept. I Kristen Wilson Gerdes, Robert and Mary Lea, Dix, Heather Lea, 35, Paulding, Sheeks, Florence, 92, Fogle, Lerry W., from associate Heidelberg, Reistvill e, Pa.: Rockford, Jll ., 55 Ohio, Oct. 5 Continental, Ohio, Oct. 9 pastor, Frederick, Md., to Elizabeth Spang, Michelle Gibbel, H. Lewis and Louise, Driver, Sarah Jane, 99, Bluffton, Sherman, G. Russell , 85, Eberly, Roshanna Alspaugh Harrisburg, Pa. , 55 Ohio, Sept. 20 Columbia City, Ind. , July 27 Annual Conference executive Hostetler, Meyersdale, Pa.: Harbaugh, Merlin and Melba, Early, L. Everett, 83, Li ma, Short, Mary, 36, Bassett, Va. , director, Elgin, Ill. , Oct. 14 Richard Schurg Waterloo, Iowa, 55 Ohio, Oct. I 2 Aug. 15 Johnson, Kathy L., from pastor Independence, Kan.: Gregg Alan Heisey, Paul and Dorothy, Eastes, Bill, 55, Pleasant Lake, Stanley, Alfred, 86, Roanoke, to team pastor, Dallas Center, Doub, James Clay Price, Schaefferstown, Pa., 55 Ind., Sept. 30 Va. , Aug. 2 Iowa, Oct. 20 William Andrew Tryon Hoover, Wilbur and Miriam, Elliott, Ruth May, 77, Pottstown, Stevens, William, 8 I, Johnson, Randy, team pastor, Lampeter, Pa.: Paul Allen McPherson, Kan. , 60 Pa., Oct. 19 Middletown, Md., Aug. 26 Dallas Center, Iowa, Oct. 20 Liberty Mills, Ind.: David Johns, Laurence E. and Patsy, Evans, Grace M., 80, Hartville, Taylor, Mary Jane, 91, Ashland, McCoy, Robert E., from interim Milting, Jill Coker, Lori Hagerstown, Md., SO Ohio, Sept. 4 Ohio, June I 7 to pastor, Stone, Buena Vista, Conley, James Conley, Diana Lavy, Daniel and Wilma, Fisher, Julie, 43, Ashland, Ohio, Teeter, Kenneth, Jr. , 69, Va. , Oct. 1 Wood, Amy Gore, Jillean Uniontown, Ohio, 55 June 11 Johnstown, Pa., July 19 Rentschler, Lawrence Lee, pas- Stores, Betty Sickafus, Gina Lefevre, Lester and Shirley, Glass, Robert Glenn, 80, Tessmer, Regena, 81, Hartville, tor, Pine Grove, Oakland, Emrick, Lauren Baxter Lancaster, Pa. , 50 Modesto, Calif., Oct. 25 Ohio, Oct. 7 Md., Oct. I Marilla, Copemish, Mich. : Lewallen, Delbert and Beverly, Good, Barbara, 94, Ephrata, Pa., Umberger, Will iam, 84, Stence, Rick, associate pastor, Kassandra Tapley Cando, N.D., 55 Sept. 5 Hummelstown, Pa., Oct. 3 Florin, Mount Joy, Pa., Oct. I Monte Vista, Ca ll away, Va.: Lewis, Richard and Doris, Griffith, Marilyn J., 48, Goshen, Weavcrling, Mary Bell e, 86, Stewart, Kenneth A., from asso- Matthew Taylor, Jessica Harrisburg, Pa. , 50 Ind., Aug. 6 Johnstown, Pa., July 3 I ciate to pastor, Lake View C Litten, Norman and Janet, Hamilton, Marie Ikenberry, l OI , Welch, Howard, 80, Cando, li ngenpeel, Mattie Hartman Christian Fell owship, East New Paris, Ind.: Doreen Staines, Hagerstown, Md., SO Ri chmond, Ind., Sept. 5 N. D., Sept. 11 Berlin, Pa., June 1 John Thomas, Sue Thomas, Little, Ivan and Norma, Shawnee Harper, Robert, 89, Frederick, White, Lane Thomas, died at Cory Arnold, April Hernley, Mission, Kan., 50 Md., Aug. 12 birth, Frederick, Md., Aug. 28 Webb, Dennis, from interim to . John Bollinger, Jolene Miller, Ray and Virginia, Cedar Harrison, Carl, 91 , Johnstown, Wisler, Myrtle M., 98, Cando, pastor, Naperville, Ill., Oct. 13 Bollinger, Vernon Yoder, Falls, Iowa, 60 Pa. , Aug. 20 N.D., Oct. I Westfall, Randall, pastor, West Jackey Yoder, Scott Slabaugh, Moon, Walter and Evaline, Hay, Esther M. , 97, Somerset, Yagel , Thomas, 55, Harrisburg, Manchester, North Krista Jones, Lyn ne Houston Friedens, Pa., 65 Pa ., Aug. 14 Pa. , Oct. 12, 2001 Manchester, Ind., Oct. 13 Palmyra, Pa. : Nancy Smith, Rhodes, Carl and Veda, Heiks, Forest Earl, 74, Ashland, Yerty, Margaret, 84, Roaring Zuercher, Thomas L. , from dis- Bernard Smith Bridgewater, Va. , 65 Ohio, Sept. 3 Spring, Pa., Sept. 9 trict executive, Northern Pleasant Hill, Johnstown, Pa.: Richwine, Albert and Jane, Hemp, Cleo, 94, Walkersvill e, Zuck, Ruth H. , 89, Lenexa, Ohio, to pastor, As hl and, Jocelyn Lonsinger, Kristin Harrisburg, Pa. , 55 Md., Jul y 16 Kan., Sept. 26 Dickey, As hland, Ohio, Oct. 6

Messenger December 2002 II EDITORIAL•

Looking for Lincoln

iving in Abraham Lincoln's hometown, I have Billheimer of Rossville, Indiana, shortly before the first formed a sort of friendship with Springfield's inauguration. It will be said that Elder Billheimer Lfavorite son. My office is two blocks from Lincoln's solemnly gave his word to keep the rite a secret through home, "the only home he ever owned" as we tell the the years in which Abraham Lincoln was to be in the tourists, and I enjoy retracing the steps he may have White House. Also it will be maintained that Mr. Lincoln taken from his home to his law office downtown. Lincoln as solemnly promised to practice and observe all of biographies come alive to me when I can picture the the plain and peaceful teachings of the Brethren when places things happened. The National Park Service has he had finished his work at Washington." built board sidewalks in the Lincoln Home area. When Next I went looking for Lincoln at the Great Western I walk those boards I picture the time Lincoln was Depot, where, as part of the town's festivities, a Lincoln pulling one of his boys in a wagon. Lost in thought, impersonator would reenact "Lincoln's Farewell to he pulled the wagon over a missing plank and the child Springfield." Though Lincoln was never a member of fell off. Oblivious, he went on with his head bent down, ,, any church, his religious faith grew after the death of We must pulling the empty wagon through the neighborhood. To celebrate the dedication of the new Abraham his son Eddie and then crystallized after his election as Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, our town is president. It had been raining at 7:30 a.m. on Feb. 11, work earnestly sponsoring a series of Lincoln programs and reen­ 1861, as he prepared to leave Springfield for the last actments of 1850s Springfield, called "Looking for time, so some in our crowd raised umbrellas to be in the best Lincoln." It strikes me that many of us in this nation authentic. The actor displayed the emotion in Lincoln's and around the world are looking for Lincoln in var­ impromptu remarks, as he said he was facing a task light He gives ious ways. We're looking for the clear national pur­ "greater than that which rested upon Washington." He pose that he seemed to have, and for the moral com - continued: "Without the assistance of that Divine Being pass that seemed to guide him. What was it that who ever attended him, I cannot succeed. With that us," Lincoln made his greatness? assistance, I cannot fail. Trusting in Him, who can go I passed up the programs with women in hoop skirts with me, and remain with you, and be everywhere for wrote to a demonstrating 19th century crafts and drove to the good, let us confidently hope that all will yet be well. To Oakland Cemetery in Petersburg, 20 miles from my His care commending you, as I hope in your prayers Quaker woman home. On a crisp bright fall day I stood alone at the you will commend me, I bid you an affectionate farewell." grave of Ann Rutledge, who some say was just a friend Finally, I went looking for Lincoln at First Presbyterian in 1864, of Lincoln's in New Salem, but who others describe Church here, where Mary Lincoln was a member and as "the only woman Lincoln ever loved." Some modern Abraham attended occasionally. Lincoln scholar historians have lent credence to Lincoln's love for her Ronald D. Rietveld of California State University at "trusting that and her influence on his life. From the gravestone Fullerton, was there to lecture on "Lincoln's Bible." behind an iron fence I see that she was only 22 when Especially during his presidency, Lincoln read his Bible so working still she died in 1835. On the stone also are the words from diligently, especially the Psalms and Job. He spoke and Edgar Lee Masters' Spoon River Anthology that made wrote often of wanting to do God's will, though finding her immortal. "Out of me unworthy and unknown/ conduces to it sometimes unknowable. "We must work earnestly The vibrations of deathless music;/ "With malice in the best light He gives us," Lincoln wrote to a toward none, with charity for all."/ Out of me the Quaker woman in 1864, "trusting that so working the great ends forgiveness of millions toward millions,/ Shining with . ,, justice and truth." From the influence of people like still conduces to the great ends He ordains." H e or d ains. Ann Rutledge, and Lincoln's stepmother Nancy Hanks It was from Jesus' teachings to judge not; to love your Lincoln, "a deathless beauty was brought forth in the neighbor, and to love your enemies, that Lincoln took November of Abraham Lincoln's soul," writes Kent his inspiration for the Second Inaugural Address, Gramm in November: Lincoln's Elegy at Gettysburg. delivered the month before his death. Frederick I also went looking for Lincoln in the pages of Douglass called it a sermon: "With malice toward none, Brethren history, where the stories of Lincoln's baptism with charity for all; with firmness in the right, as God are more legend than Ann Rutledge ever was. Still, it's gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the delightful to read this account from Pleasant Hill, Ethel work we are in; to bind up the nation's wounds; to care Weddle's 1956 history of Brethren in central Illinois: for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his "There are those who will rise up and declare that widow, and his orphan- to do all which may achieve Abraham Lincoln was baptized in the Sangamon River and cherish a just, and a lasting peace, among our­ one secret, sacred night by the Dunker elder, Isaac selves, and with all nations."-FLETCHER FARRAR

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