A nd the Word became flesh and lived among us ... full ef grace and truth.

-JOHN 1:14

OuR PRAYER__ FOR YOU THIS CHRISTMAS

... is that in hearing Jesus' story anew you embrace "the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge;'

... that you tell the story to others at home and afar­ a living witness for Christ in the world,

... that in times of terror and fear you keep alive the vision of peace of the Prince of Peace,

... and that the Word engage and embolden you as an instrument of grace and truth.

Church of the Brethren GENERAL BOARD DECEMBER 2001 VOL.150 NO.11 WWW.BRETHREN.ORG

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

ONTHECOVER 1 O Enduring peace This month's cover is a watercolor As Brethren seek ways of faithfulness in the wake of Sept. 11 attacks by Don Stocksdale of Union City, and retaliation, they move from reaction to action. Brethren Witness Ind. For more than 50 years, he was director David Radcliff outlines ways to pursue God's justice and an active part of the Pleasant Valley peace. Included are inspiring stories of peaceful actions some churches have taken. congregation, in rural western Ohio. He is well-known regionally for his paintings of Midwest landscapes. 18 Christmas in Baghdad This Mideast landscape, however, Mel Lehman, who plans to lead a Church of the Brethren delega­ was not too much of a stretch for tion to Iraq this month, tells of the suffering he saw on an earlier him. The painting illust rates the trip there, and the disturbing Christmas tree he came upon. truly uncommon event of the light of the world piercing through the fairly 20 Prophetic preaching common circumstances of our lives. "If the pastoral and prophetic ministry of Jesus Christ is to form the basis for our practice of ministry, then to be pastoral is also to be prophetic," writes Dawn Ottoni Wilhelm of Bethany Theological Semi­ nary. Here are suggestions to make prophetic preaching effective.

22 Money Kenneth L. Gibble calls money "the most critical spiritual issue." Jesus DEPARTMENTS addressed the issue of money and wealth more than any other single 2 From the Publisher subject. As wealthy Christians, we have much to learn. 3 In Touch 6 News 27 Commentary 25 2001 annual index 28 Letters A helpful listing of the authors, congregations, names of people, and 31 Turning Points subjects covered in MESSENGER this year. 32 Editorial

Messenger December 2001 - How to reach us

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Display advertising: ough anointing in the Church of the Brethren is probably practiced most rmatteson_ [email protected] requently in hospital rooms and homes, occasionally it is offered to the Phone: 800-323-8039 Tentire congregation in the midst of a Sunday worship service-as it was recently in Fax: 847-742-1407 my congregation. When people are waiting for the oil of anointing, they look vulnerable. Fears and Editorial: [email protected] burdens are visible in their faces . They bring their whole selves- physical, emotional, Phone: 217-525-9083 spiritual. Even in a suburban, middle-class sanctuary, the lines of people moving forward Fax: 217-525-9269 seem like a microcosm of the world, a world of refugees who have suffered upheaval and the loss of the familiar. It's a world lined up to wait for the blessing of God, for the touch Subscription rates: of grace, for the word of hope. $ 16.50 individual rate It is into that world that God sent a sign of gentleness. When the people $ 13.50 church group plan expected a mighty army that would overcome evil, God sent a baby who would surprise $13.50 gift subscriptions us with love. Two thousand years later, God still sends us the Christ child. "In this wait­ ing season of Advent, we are all Mary, receiving the unexpected gift of grace, unasked If you move, clip address label for, into our individual lives" (Isabel Anders, Awaiting the Child). and send with new address to MESSENGER Subscriptions, at We are all Mary. Being pregnant is a miraculous experience, but it's also uncom­ the above address. Allow at least fortable. You are stretched. Your body is taken over by a foreigner. You lose control of five weeks for address change. your life. But if you decide to say, "Let it be with me according to your will," you will be filled with the gift of grace and it will grow inside you-until finally it is born and is Connect electronically: there for all the world to see. "O holy Child of Bethlehem . .. be born in us today!" For a free subscription to Today's world is radically different from the world into which Jesus was born. Newsline, the Church But back then people were sick and alone and afraid, too. Perhaps responding to that of the Brethren e-mail news need with the vulnerability of an infant seemed unlikely-even irrational. But so does report, write [email protected]. loving your enemy. So does being Mary. "The wisdom of this world is foolishness with God." To view the official Church of the Brethren website, go to http:/ /www.brethren.org. This is the irrational season When love blooms bright and wild. Had Mary been filled with reason There 'd have been no room for the child. -Madeleine 1:Engle, Th e Irra tional Season

We join the rest of the world's needy in awaiting God's touch. May others see that we are great with child. MESSENGER is the offi cial publica tion of the Church of the Brethren. Entered as periodical postage matter Aug. 20, 1918, under Act of Congress of Oct. 17, 1917. Fi li ng da te, Nov. I, 1984-. Membe r of th e Ass ociated Church Press. Subsc riber to Reli gion News Service & Ecumenical Press Service. Biblical qu otations, unless otherwi se indicated, are from the New Revised Standard Version . MESSENGE Ris published 11 times a year by Brethren Press, Church of the Brethren General Board. Peri odical postage paid at Elgin, 111. , and at additional mailing offi ce, November 200 1. Copy ri ght 2001 , Chu rch of the Brethren General Board. ISS N 0026-0355.

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~er December 2001 INTOUCH

My Alaska adventure 95, began a time of sharing and caring that will never be forgotten. As Monica with sisters in faith sat quietly knitting her 800th pair of gift mittens for the senior center, we In early September I traveled to Alaska watched news reports and discussed to visit several faithful supporters of our Brethren call to be peacemakers, General Board ministries. As is always wept at memorials, d·iscussed death and the case, I wished for more time to learn dying. We shared more tears and the stories and faith of these gracious offered shoulders as Monica and Bonnie donors- residents of the "last frontier." spoke of mourning a brother and son Monica Messick, seated, and her One such pair, Monica Francis Mes­ who died unexpectedly two months ear­ daughter, Bonnie Smith. sick (4 feet 8 inches tall, 95 years old, lier. Daily, we broke bread together, recovering from a broken hip, articulate laµghing over tales of child-rearing, gar­ wonderful woman and wiped away and inquiring) and her daughter Bonnie dening escapades, and college days. tears. No, I will not see her again "under Smith, a recently retired registered One day Bonnie packed us a lunch these circumstances," but my faith tells nurse, concluded our visit with an and insisted we take her van to see the me we will meet again. -Carol Bowman open-ended invitation to make their Kenai Peninsula. In three days we had Carol Bowman, of Wenat chee, Wash., is a financial home my base whenever I wanted to become family. resource counselor for the funding office of the Church return "for a better look at Alaska." When we departed their home on of the Brethren General Board. As I drove away to rendezvous with Sept. 15, Monica sat under an afghan, my daughter, Miriam, for a three-day still knitting warmth for others, and Dranesville's service of whirlwind tour of the Anchorage/Denali said, "I hope I never see you again! " history and peace area, I sensed I would see Bonnie and Then with a chuckle, "Well, I mean, not Monica again. under these circumstances." We The Dranesville Church of the Brethren, Three days later, very early on Sept. hugged each other one last time. Herndon, Va., discovered it was on the site 11, Miriam and I were awakened by the On the morning of Oct. 10, Bonnie of a Civil War battlefield. Now the congre­ telephone and the terrible news. We · called to let us know that the previous gation uses history to hold up the church's were to fly home that day, but like many evening Monica Frantz Messick died peace position to the community. others, we would not be traveling. I quickly and peacefully. Bonnie held her, On Dec. 20, 1861, 10,000 Union and telephoned Monica and Bonnie, and told her she loved her, assuring her that Confederate forces clashed at an acciden­ asked if they would be willing to see us she would soon be with God, "Pop," and tal meeting at Dranesville while both sooner, rather than later! Without hesi­ Jim. Monica smiled, and this gracious, sides were foraging for hay. The short, tation, they opened their home to us. giving saint of the church left our world. sharp battle left 56 men dead and many And so, four sisters in faith, ages 23 to I said a silent prayer of thanks for this more wounded. Union artillery stood where the church's parking lot is now. Church members researched the battle, collecting the names of the dead and the letters the survivors wrote home after the battle. For many, it was their first battle of the war. Each year on the Sunday closest to the battle's anniversary, the congregation extinguishes a candle as each man's name is called out, symbolizing the loss and devastation that war brings. At the end of the service, as the congregation sits in the dark, a single light, symbolizing Brethren Volunteer Service Unit 245, sponsored by the Brethren Revival the light of salvation, is lit. Fellowship, received orientation training Aug. 79-29 at Roxbury Holiness Camp, The Dranesville peace service, now in Roxbury, Pa. The volunteers and their work assignments are, top row: Martha its seventh year, has become a Wash­ Copenhaver (Good Shepherd Food Bank, Lewiston, Maine), Jesse Copenhaver (Good ington-area tradition. This year's service Shepherd Food Bank), unit leader Lowell Witmer. Bottom row: Tawnya Rotz (Good is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Dec. 23. For Shepherd Food Bank), Petrevian Toledo (Good Shepherd Food Bank), Valerie Nell more information, call the church office (Lewiston Area Mission School), and unit leader Clara Witmer at 703-430-7872. -John Waggoner

Messenger December 2001 11111 Chapel window at Beth-El INTOUCH Farmworker Mission in Wimauma, Fla.

Gene Veazell worships in stained glass

Creating things beautiful and unique became a passion for Gene Yeazell when he began doing stained glass work with two friends more than 12 years ago. Among the various pieces he has made are a three­ panel room divider, a Hispanic depiction of Christ that adorns a chapel window at Beth-El Farmworker Mission in Wimauma, Fla., and a 1,200- piece work entitled Melody's Bouquet, made during the years of his daughter Melody's illness. He also enjoys making miniature buildings, even designing and repli­ cating the Kramer Dining Center located on the campus of Camp lthiel. The piece was auctioned at a fund-raising event in Atlantic Southeast District and the proceeds used to complete the dining center. One morning earlier this year, after his daughter's engagement was announced, he awoke with images running through his brain that led to his doing a piece entitled "One In The Spirit." It was the first multi­ dimensional piece he made, and is not typical of stained glass work. Each layer of glass represents various Christian symbols. An invitation came from the Congregational Life Team committee to create a piece for their Annual Conference booth. "Hearts Aflame" represents the Holy Spirit bringing life to God's children large and small. Gene, a retired hospital and health services administrator, lives with his wife, Carol, in Orlando, Fla. They are members of the New Covenant Church of the Brethren. -Carol L. Yeazell ~ ~"' Carol L. Yeazell is staff with Con gregational Life, Area 3 and lia ison with the Hispanic 1! IIIIIU.C"ll---- churches in the U.S. and Pue rto Rico. ~ t-...... ,-'----!:!~!=::!::-:!

Remembered traveled widely and wrote for numerous publications. Former Bethany Theological Raymond Peters, former Seminary president Paul general secretary, died Nov. 2 Robinson died Oct. 26 in at Timbercrest in North Man­ Sebring, Fla. A memorial ser­ chester, Ind., at age 95. vice was held at the Sebring Peters was hired by the Church of the Brethren. denomination in 1940 as youth Robinson, 87, was presi­ director. He carried a decisive dent of the denomination's role in welding the several seminary from 1953 to 1975 previous boards and staffs while it was located in Illi­ into a single General Brother­ nois. He also served as a hood Board, and became the pastor in Pennsylvania, Mary­ first general secretary in 1947, land, and Indiana, and was serving until 1952. moderator of Annual Confer­ In 1955 he was elect-ed to ence 1955- 1956. the General Board, serving on He was chairman of the the Ministry and Home Mis­ Cross-cultural ministry: Vere/ Montauban, denomination's Foreign Mis­ sions Commission. In 1959 he pastor of the First Haitian Church of the sions Commission 1954-1962 was chair of the General Brethren in Brooklyn, N. Y, leads an August and was a 10-year member of Board. He served another workshop in the Dominican Republic on the the General Board executive term on the General Board Creole language, spoken by Haitians. committee. A graduate of 1961 -1965, and was chair of Economic refugees from Haiti make up a large Juniata College, Princeton the Brethren Service Commis­ minority group in the Dominican Republic, Theological Seminary, and sion during that time. From where the Church of the Brethren has reached Lutheran Seminary of 1966 to 1967 he took a leave out to help them. Philadelphia, he lectured and of absence from the board to

• Messenger December 2001 AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEAIAND AUSTRALIA and NEW ZEALA ND (Feb ruary 8-28)

EUROPE AND MORE EUROPEAN HERITAGE TOUR (July 12-29) IRELAND (Septemb er 20 · October l) serve as moderator for Annual JORDAN, ISRAEL, VIENNA and BUDAPEST (February l 5-28) Conference. He then returned to SPECTACULAR SCANDINAVIA and its FJORDS serve on the General Board from (June 17 · July l) 1967 to 1972. SWISS GLACIER EXPRESS (August 12-26) SWISS-VOLHYNIAN MENNONITE HERITAGE TOUR E. Paul Weaver, 89, a former mis­ (September 18 · October 3) sionary to Nigeria and longtime leader in the denomination, died FAR EAST Oct. 14 in Everett, Pa. VIETNAM (November 6-24) Weaver served in Nigeria from December 1939 through April 1944 NORTH AMERICA ALASKA CRUISE TOUR (J un e 19 · July l ) and maintained a strong interest EASTERN CANADA (August 2-12) in mission work. He had also HAWAII CRUISE TOUR (February 14-24) served as pastor of the Snake MAJESTIC CANADIAN ROCKIES (J uly 15-28) CALLL-800-565~0451, · Spring Valley and Cherry Lane <. TO hook YOlJR T0lJRANo ' FOR MORE· congregations and as a district SERVICE TOURS v• INfORMATIOtttON ,OUR 2003 rnµ~S y .• SERVICE TOUR in SUNNY JAMAICA (January 25 · Feb ru ary 3) executive in Indiana, and was .. TO MENNONITE WORLO CONFERENCE SERVICE TOUR TO ISRAEL/ PALESTINE IN AFRICA (Aygust 2003) active ecumenically. (NAZARETH VILLAGE) (April 5-18) < .,._. .. _._,._.,,.-:.::;;,--·•,:, • .· '.• Berdene M. Walmer, 32, of E~MAll: office'J~qrm.aginati9n.c9in •.· .. Spri ng Grove, Pa., died Aug. 9, SOUTH AMERICA .• ... wia:,www.t9g r:1.11ag\9atipn-som /\< PARAGUAY, BOLIVIA and PERU (Apri l 6-2 2) after more than eight years of 9 Willow Street dealing with a chordoma brain "Celebrating over 30 years of building bridges among .. Waterloo, ON; · tumor. A daughter of Harold and Mennonites ond other Christians around the world Janodo N2Ll V6 through custom-designed travel" /Reg. #1 5676.24 Priscilla Martin of Lititz, Pa ., she -; ..-.· -.•;.:-:•.- ·.•.,·.-:•.- '·'::,f"; .• ·<-·:-' was a member of Pleasant Hill Church of the Brethren, Spring Grove. She had seven radical surgeries during her illness and was fed through a stomach tube. She enjoyed ministering to others by writing letters of encourage­ ment. During April this year she wrote 50 letters to others who Car~vingisexcellent were suffering in various ways. and I hope ABC continues with John Kudzar, former chairman of Ekklesiyar Van'uwa a Nigeria the same terrific content and (Church of the Breth ren in Nige­ design. Thumbs up! ria), died Oct. 7 while walking from - R. Kurr Borgmann, pastor his home to church in Gombi, Oakton Church of the Brethren, Vienna, Va. Adamawa State. The chairman post, later renamed "president," is CAREGIVING is a quarterly publication dedicated to the top position in the EVN. providing practical information and the latest news Kudzar was retired and had been about caring ministries for the Church of the serving in an honorary capacity as Brethren. Learn about caring ministries including spiritual advisor to current EVN deacons, older adults, families, chaplains, retirement president Toma Ragnjiya and communities, disabilities and whole health. other church leaders. He had Subscriptions are available for $10 annually or at visited Annual Conference and special congregation rates. Call ABC to subscribe. participated in the Nigeria-US pastoral exchange program in 1991, serving in the Black Rock congregation, Glenville, Pa. His son-in-law, Mbode Ndirm­ bita, just began study in August at Association of 145 1 Dundee Ave., Elgin, lL 60120 Bethany Theological Seminary in Brethren Caregivers phone 847-742-5100 fa x 847-742-51 60 Richmond, Ind.

Messenger December 2001 • NEWS

ABC board adopts step in the process is to In other business, the board: vision statement develop a strategic plan, which • Responded to the recom­ will be prepared by ABC staff. mendation by the 2000 Annual The Association of Brethren Also during the meetings, the Conference "Caring for the Caregivers board voted unani­ board recognized the contribu­ Poor" paper, which encourages BRETHRENSPEAK mously at its Sept. 28-29 meeting tions of chair Marilyn Lerch, the development of anti-racism in Elgin, 111., to adopt a new whose term ends Dec. 31. training for agency staff, by " Thank you vision statement recommended ABC's chair-elect, Bentley asking board member Heidi by the executive committee: Peters of Elgin, 111., will become Loomis to develop an orienta­ for helping "The Association of Brethren the new board chair effective tion module in cultural Caregivers extends the healing Jan. 1. Sue Moore of Roanoke, competency for ABC staff and those kids touch of Jesus by affirming, Va., was called by the board to board. Loomis will present empowering, and equipping serve as the new chair-elect. results of her work in March. who needed persons and groups within the The board called Diane Harden • Received the 2002 operat­ Church of the Brethren to seek to fill the remainder of Moore's ing budget of $685,350, which someplace and secure the well-being of unexpired term on the board. It contained a deficit of $35,530. all people." also called Wally Landes for a The board instructed ABC staff to stay. " The vision statement contin­ first board term and Connie Burk to present a revised budget to ues the Vision and Planning Davis for a second term. Mem­ the financial committee and -elementary school Process, a long-range process bers of the ABC ministry group executive committee for con­ student writing a note of adopted by the board at its steering committees elected sideration and adoption before appreciation to the meeting last spring. The final Allegra Hess to a first term. the end of the year. Church of the Brethren Disaster Child Care team volunteers. General Board examines mailed to every congregation. mission, vision, evangelism • Approved a total budget of $9.3 million for 2002, including both the General Ministries Fund Centered on the theme "Living stones ... built and the net income of self-funding programs. into a spiritual house," from I Peter 2, the Church • Took part in a panel discussion led by Global of the Brethren General Board gathered in Elgin, Mission Partnerships director Merv Keeney, looking Ill., Oct. 20-23 for its fall meetings. at the complex issues involved in relations between The meetings began the work of building a com­ the Church of North India (CNI), Brethren groups prehensive plan for the General Board, a process that have separated from CNI and now seek recog­ expected to continue for 18 months. Led by chair Don nition, and the US church. Board members agreed Parker, board members also spent time considering to continue examining the issues and the General Avid backpacker Don issues of peace and justice, evangelism, relations Board's broader mission philosophy in March. Parker, chair of the with groups in India, and finances. • Spent an evening considering the General General Board, uses an Mennonite consultant Dennis Koehn guided the Board's role in evangelism, following up on a obvious analogy as he planning process, which began with board mem­ query passed at the 2001 Annual Conference. A introduces the bers and staff examining the organization's vision "two-track" approach of a staff committee and a comprehensive planning statement, mission statement, and core values. Congregational Life Ministries-initiated focus process by telling the The consensus reached was to group will eventually yield one report to be board it needs a map. develop all three anew with "fresh included in the 2002 Annual Conference booklet. energy." That work will continue at • Heard concerns over the rapidly increasing the March 2002 meetings. cost of medical insurance, received a summary In other activity, the board: of an effort to dialog with pastors throughout the • Heard reports on the General denomination and strongly affirmed continuing Board's many responses in the such visits, and joined in a "kickoff" celebration wake of Sept. 11 through both for next summer's National Youth Conference. "direct care" and "denomina­ • Celebrated tenure milestones of Elgin-based tional voice." Board members General Board staff at a building-wide reception. then passed "A resolution New Windsor, Md.-based staff were recognized on the events and after- earlier in the month at the Brethren Service Center. math of September 11, • Experienced sharing with a number of offi­

2 2001." A copy of the cial visitors from districts, the Cross-Cultural "' resolution, along with Ministry Team, Bethany Theological Seminary, 2 ~ other resources and other partner agencies, and the American Bap­ s- '}- materials, has been tist Churches USA. Register online for NYC Several resources are available to on or before Feb. 15. Registration beginning Jan. 1 facilitate the implementation of the closes on April 1. on line process. A sample registration Jan. 1 also marks the deadline for The registration process for National form is available at www.nyc2002.com entries for the youth speech contest. Youth Conference 2002, now less /register.html. Guidelines for on line Details are available at than eight months away, will look a registration have also been sent in the www.nyc2002.com/speech.html. Two bit different than in the past. Previ­ December "Source" mailing and entrants will be chosen to speak at an ously, the registration process posted on the website. NYC worship service. required individuals to fill out forms Beginning at midnight (EST) on Jan. For further information or to report or "bubble sheets." This year, how­ 1, the registration page at difficulties with the registration form, ever, registration for NYC 2002 will www.nyc2002.com will become active, call the General Board's Youth/Young take place online. Conference orga­ and youth and advisors will be able to Adult Ministry office at 800-323-8039, nizers hope it will make the process register. A free NYC T-shirt will be ext. 245, or e-mail faster and easier. given to everyone who has registered [email protected].

WORLDWATCH

1. Kano, Nigeria. Renewed vio­ Inland Valley Council of Churches' language for the first time, focus­ lence between Christians and programs for poor residents of that ing on the Holy Spirit in the life Muslims in the northern part of community. The funds help them of the church. Led by pastor this African country occurred in provide food, shelter, counseling, Verel Montauban of the First mid-October, resulting in the and employment skills to 40,000 Haitian Church of the Brethren in destruction of an Ekklesiyar clients per year. Brooklyn, N.Y., the event drew Yan'uwa a Nigeria (Church of the about 50 Dominican leaders. Brethren in Nigeria) school and 5. North Manchester, Ind. The Three Brethren congregations in the deaths of six church members. sixth Christian Peacemaker Con­ the Caribbean nation hold ser­ gress was held at Joyfield Farm vices in both Spanish and Creole. 2. Afghanistan. Church World Ser­ this fall, drawing about 130 vice expanded its planned assis­ people. The four-day event 7. Brazil. Already, four house tance program in the region to included worship, keynote speak­ churches are meeting in the $6.28 million, as large numbers of ers, a public "witness walk," and a fledging new Church of the Afghan refugees are in need of tour of an organic farm. It was Brethren mission effort near food and shelter. The General sponsored by Christian Peace­ Sao Paulo. The fellowships are Board's Emergency Disaster Fund maker Teams. meeting in the cities of Limeira, and Global Food Crisis Fund have lndaiatuba, Jundiai, and Camp­ committed a combined $100,000 6. Dominican Republic. A work­ inas. Up to 20 people are toward the effort. shop was held in the Creole attending each one.

3. Sudan. Brethren materials for this year's Peace with Justice Week in late October focused on the continuing strife between the nation's largely Muslim northern half and mainly Christian and tribal southern half. The decades­ long war has resulted in thousands of deaths and a mas­ sive population of internally displaced people.

4. Pomona, Calif. A grant from the General Board's Global Food Crisis Fund sent $15,000 to the Pomona-

Messenger December 2001. UPCOMINGEVENTS

Nov. 30-Dec. 2 "DOV 23" event for Decade to Overcome Vio­ lence district contact To help Church World Service provide food relief for Afghan refugees, the General Board's people, New Windsor, Md. Emergency Disaster Fund and Global Food Crisis Fund have committed a combined $100,000.

Dec.9 and resources related to the crisis, including Christmas Denominational responses continue in Sept. 11 aftermath those found at Brethren Press' "The Way of Offering Sunday Peace" site and the "Seeking Peace" section of The Church of the Brethren's Disaster Child Care On Earth Peace. The General Board also sent out Dec. 10-21 (DCC) volunteers continued a massive project in a packet of continuing response updates and Brethren Witness Faith New York through the fall, with about 90 volun­ resources to all congregations in late October. Expedition to Iraq teers having served in Manhattan through General Board staff have also been involved October. They had given more than 8,000 volun­ with several live "webcasts" on www.Faithand­ Jan. 7-17 teer efforts and made more than 1,600 child-care Values.com, providing updates from the larger Brethren Witness Faith contacts at two family care centers. religious community and forums on pastoral Expedition to Belize and DCC team members have also been training care issues. More such broadcasts were Guatemala local volunteers to take over some of the caregiv­ planned through the end of the year. ing work and assist in staffing the centers. It is a Locally, many congregations and other Jan. 9-18 response of unprecedented scope for the pro­ Brethren groups have held events of prayer, wit­ Brethren Witness Faith gram, administered by Church of the Brethren ness, and fund-raising in the past few months. Expedition women's dele­ Emergency Response/Service Ministries. It has Some congregations, meanwhile, have experi­ gation to Honduras required DCC to "respond in unique and creative enced conflict over peace and patriotism issues; ways," according to DCC coordinator Roy Winter. On Earth Peace has made conflict resolution con­ Jan. 18-25 The on line site at www.brethren.org/usre­ sultants available in the various regions of the Week of Prayer for sponse has been regularly updated with news denomination to aid in such situations. Christian Unity

Jan. 20-Feb. 8 On Earth Peace board begins "Seeking Peace" emphasis Brethren Volunteer Ser­ The On Earth Peace board of directors met Sept. 19-20 in North Manchester, Ind., with the news vice Unit 247, Gotha, Fla. and sorrow of the Sept. 11 events still very fresh. Through prayer, discernment, and discussion, the decision was made to begin a major effort in peace education and witness "to encourage and Jan. 27-29 equip the Church of the Brethren to witness in a new and living way to its peace testimony." Emergency Called "Seeking Peace," the new emphasis covers a variety of resources. An online site has been Response/Service Min­ established at www.brethren.org/oepa/seekingpeace. istries' District Disaster The board continued to use "formal consensus" as its discussion and decision-making pattern, Coordinators conference as initiated in the spring board meeting. New officers for 2001-2002 were called: Bev Weaver, Anderson, Ind., chair; David Jehnsen, Galena, Jan. 28-Feb. 7 Ohio, vice chair; Lauree Hersch Meyer, Rushville, N.Y., secretary; Charles Kwon, Evanston, Ill., trea­ Association of Brethren surer; and Ken Frantz, Fleming, Colo., executive committee at-large. Appreciation and gratitude were Caregivers Older Adult expressed to outgoing members I Ilana Naylor and Jan Kulp Long. Workcamp to Puerto Rico In other business, the board: • Heard reports of program work in all areas, including the Decade to Overcome Violence, a long­ term project in partnership with the General Board's Brethren Witness office. • Reviewed progress on current goals in the organization's strategic plan. • Adopted an organizational budget of $338,000 for the 2001-2002 fiscal year, and a new salary structure for staff. • Received a report of the performance review of the executive directors conducted by the executive committee, in which both the work of the directors and the co-director model were strongly affirmed. • Received work-in-progress reports on a review of the purposes and use of the organization's end_owment funds, a response to concerns regarding fairness in ministry decisions, and a compre­ hensive development plan .

• Messenger December 2001 ___ Linking caring Americans with needy children

Personnel moves .. . Linking caring Americans with needy children, their.families and communities in Janis Pyle began Nov. 15 as coordi­ nator for mission connections for the developing world. the General Board's Global Mission Partnerships office in Elgin, Ill. The Brethren-Operated new position is designed to help strengthen member connection with "Child Sponsorship Program" and participation in denominational global mission efforts. offers you this opportunity to share. Pyle is a member of the Maxwell {Iowa) Church of the Brethren and Our dedicated staff can help has served on the Northern Plains District planning committee. She you reach out to needy holds an undergraduate degree in children and their families in home economics journalism from Honduras, Nicaragua and India. the University of Missouri-Columbia and is currently a graduate student (As little as $25.00 per month)~ in English at Iowa State University. Emma Jean Woodard was called Learn more by contacting: as associate district executive of International Christian Aid, Inc. (InterAid) Virlina District in October. She had served since Jan. 1, 2000, as interim 115 Spring Rd., Suite 3, Hollsopple, PA 15935-7412 associate district executive. Phone: 814-479-7963 or 888-643-7555/Fax: 814-479-2521 Her previous service includes interaidinc @aol.com www.interaid-inc.org interim pastorates at the Roanoke First, Troutville, and Cloverdale congregations and serving as administrative assistant at the Westminster {Md.) Church of the Brethren. She is a graduate of Bluefield College and Bowie State Retired? University. Scaling down your lifestyle? Roger Cruser has announced his Cross Keys Vi llage on the campus of retirement after 25 years as execu­ Th e Brethren Home Community is tive director of Woodland Altars, the worth exploring. M arvelously designed Church of the Brethren camp in apartments offer easy upkeep, plenty Southern Ohio District. Cruser's of storage and room for entertaining. retirement will take effect July 31 . Cruser, who worked in manage­ Affordable cottages from efficiencies to ment and accounting before coming two bedrooms w ith sunroom and two / to Woodland Altars, has been taking car garage are available. / Where ministry training courses and hopes A Community Center, fitness room, lives are to serve in interim ministry follow­ 1 meeting rooms, and restaurant I en[iched, ing his retirement. further enhance your new lifestyle. spirits lifted, Mark and Kim Eller of Southern Looking for ca refree comfort, as and service Ohio District have been called to a well as the opportunity to grow to others new pastor/director of outdoor and be a vital part of the prevails. ministries role for Camp Placid in community in w hich Southeastern District, fulfilling a you live? Visit Cross Keys new vision as the district retooled Village to find out more! the position description with a greater focus on ministry. The 2990 Carlisle Pike - P.O. Box 128, New Oxford, PA 17350-0128 Ellers began Oct. 22, succeeding 1-888-624-TBHC or 717-624-5232 • www.brethrenhome.org previous camp managers James Located at the intersection of Route US 30 and PA 94 near New Oxford , The Brethren Home .@, 'I'.=)' and Alina Smith. Community offers a continuum of care which assu res healthcare needs wi ll be met. ~ 'lllll,lll\\'

Messenger December 2001 - NDURING For real peace, Brethren are demanding justice.

the fact that some of the forces­ military, political, and economic - that have so affected others have originated from our nation and its institutions. We were startled to discover the depths of the anger some people have toward us. But those who travel from the US to other nations already knew that many people resented us. This wasn't merely jealousy over our military or economic preeminence, or the relentless spread of our mer­ chandise and pop culture. It was based on their perception of us as interested only in ourselves and whatwas good for our nation and its economy. Recently, our global neighbors have been put off by our unwill­ ingness to join in global agreements concerning the envi­ ronment, racial equality, space-based weapons, and a range of other matters. We have by David Radcliff We came to the sudden and unset­ aligned ourselves with leaders in tling realization that people living the Middle East and elsewhere The events of Sept. 11 make us in an obscure nation halfway who have served our strategic in the United States feel as though around the globe not only had it interests even as they ruled their we have stepped over a threshhold in for us, but had the wherewithal own people harshly. This has into a new world. But there is very to deal us a direct blow. Others fueled extremist hatred not pre­ little truly new about this world. It around the world were already sent in that region half a century is just that realities already present well aware of the way people and ago. Even US aid to other coun­ but unobserved were thrust into institutions in distant places can tries is often used to achieve our national consciousness. have a profound and sometimes political ends. On that unforgettable morning, destructive impact on their lives. We have been taken aback to we were shaken awake to the We have been less affected by learn that our tremendous mili­ interconnectedness of our world. such things, perhaps partly due to tary advantage in the world still

Ii Messenger December 2001 leaves us vulnerable to uncon­ sion shows, and ubiquitous US ventional yet extremely fast food establishments. The destructive attacks. Christian one-third of the human family voices have said for many years living in near-destitution cannot that true security in our world help but notice the disparity. depends on much more than the Perpetrators of acts of violence latest and most potent weapons. should be held accountable for Over the long haul, they have their deeds. But if we want to be warned us, the only true guar­ able to live without fear- a condi­ antors of peace are biblical tion God wishes for all people justice (equality of opportu­ -then we must work to ensure ever, is the pursuit of fundamen­ nity), assertive and courageous that all people have the chance to tal fairness in the ordering of peacemaking, and respect for live as God intends. And we must society. It is to seek for everyone the rights of others. do our part to see that nations, the opportunity to develop the And around the world there is a including our own, act more for gifts God has given them to growing awareness that our the common good and less from achieve a full life. planet is indeed rapidly dividing pure self-interest. Thus, sending blankets and itself more starkly between the Just as this new world is per­ emergency food to people in acute haves and the have-nots. This haps not as new as it first need is important in the short run. reality is undoubtedly part of the seems, neither will our response However, those who live in condi­ context for the anger of those to it as Christians need to be tions of chronic inopportunity or disenchanted with the new world newly developed. The things we face overwhelming structural order. We might have anticipated have preached and taught, and obstacles toward their development this frustration had we been to which Brethren have wit­ and well-being will not be satisfied aware that the economic boom nessed through history, will be with these good deeds alone. we have experienced over the needed more than ever in the What does it mean to do justice past decade has not been widely wake of Sept. 11 . in today's world? First, it means to shared. Indeed, this same period be willing to look critically at the has been a bust for millions of way the world is arranged, and the world's people living in the Do JUSTICE then to ask how it got this way. If 90 countries where economies This is a command as old as the we come to the conclusion that have worsened in that time. prophets, but perhaps never more God has so configured the world, Even if we have not been aware relevant than today. It is impor­ with unseemly affluence for some of this, the world's poor have tant to recognize that doing and untenable poverty for others, been aware. Our affluence and justice is not the same as acting then we can live more easily with influence are in the face of the charitably. Charitable acts are this arrangement. If, however, we world's poor on a daily basis in often needed, especially to observe that economic structures the form of adventure tours in assuage immediate needs in the have been put in place to assure their backyards, imported televi- wake of calamity. Justice, how- poverty for some and abundance

Messeng er Dece m ber 200 1 Ill for others, then we will need to work to inject morality into such struc­ tures-or seek to replace them.

Here are some ways to pursue justice: • Support Brethren efforts to increase the opportunity for people around the world to become what God has created them to become. Think about how to move beyond charitable giving to sacrificial shar­ ing of who we are and what we have (see listing at end of article for contact information for this and other areas). • Get involved in the work of our Washington Office as it seeks to influence US government policy on things from debt forgiveness to foreign policy. Our government wields tremendous power on the world stage- most often in the service of our own national inter­ ests. Let our leaders know there is another point of view. • Hold a spiritual renewal week­ A memorable love feast with end focused on seeking justice. Afghan friends in Maryland • Challenge theological assump­ tions of those around you when It was 3 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 7. Deacons at University Park Church of these positions uncritically affirm the Brethren, Hyattsville, Md., were arriving to ready the love feast for the status quo or seem out of step the evening. Talk was of reports heard en route about the first military with historic Brethren concerns. strikes in Afghanistan.The news held particular poignancy for the Help create a climate in which we people already working in the kitchen. can talk civilly about issues of jus­ The agape meal they were preparing was composed of traditional tice in our Sunday school classes Afghan recipes shared with them by Feroza Yari and her mother, Kha­ and from our pulpits. tima. Last March, the congregation, in partnership with a local church agency, sponsored the Yaris as refugees from Afghanistan. Since then, BREAK DOWN THE the two women have been living in a house next to the church. Feroza, DIVIDING WALLS 24, had brought the spices and helped to cook the meat and rice The Christian church has struggled dishes for the love feast earlier. since its beginnings with the diffi­ On a table at the center of the circle of round tables around which culty of including outsiders._Yet members gathered that evening were photographs of family members nothing is more central to the gospel and friends of the refugees. They were set amid beautiful handcrafted than welcoming all and accepting all garments, leather items, and jewelry loaned by the Yaris to evoke as children of God. We have yet to images of the culture from which they've come. overcome these challenges, often In self-examination, feetwashing, meal, and communion, the congre­ feeling fear and suspicion toward gation at University Park sought the power of Christ reconciling us to those of other ethnic, religious, or God and to each other. Members lifted up the body of Christ strug­ social backgrounds. gling with and celebrating its unity. And they remembered their The Church of the Brethren has connections with people of all faiths throughout the world, children of often refused to conform to the the one God. -Kim McDowell, pastor prevailing sentiments of society concerning those who are "differ-

Iii Messenger December 2001 ent." Church members have stood every effort to respond when other side of a conflict, especially alongside groups otherwise stig­ they reciprocate. as this can occur in people-to­ matized by society, lending • Encourage youth or adults people contact. While extremists support and speaking out for from your congregation to visit of any stripe may not be open to such interaction, and though equality. In today's world, where other countries or cultures on differences in religious traditions repressive governments actively Brethren-sponsored learning and or cultural expressions are front­ seek to limit it, people around the service trips. page news, how can we work to world are remarkably similar and increase understanding and pro­ • Seek opportunities to build remarkably willing to respond in mote acceptance? relationships with those on the friendship. Support and become

Here are some. ways to break down the walls: • Sponsor a forum for your community on Christianity and Islam. Invite speakers from differ­ ent religious perspectives to participate. Involve other Christ­ ian and/ or Muslim groups in the planning and invite your neigh­ bors to attend. • Begin a relationship with a nearby Muslim faith community. Invite them over for a potluck and an evening of music. Make

Nancy Heishman, co-pastor at First Church of the Brethren, Harrisburg, Pa., welcomes the crowd at the peace gathering.

Sowing seeds in Pennsylvania "It is a lonely and difficult journey to maintain faithfulness to the way of Jesus in this time," said Brethren helped to organize a public peace witness Irv Heishman, co-pastor at First Church of the on the steps of the state capitol in Harrisburg, Pa., on Brethren in Harrisburg and a member of the plan­ Oct. 7. Some 300 people attended "Sowing Seeds of ning committee. "However, it was healing and Peace: Prayers and Petitions for Nonviolent Action," a comforting to be able to give witness to another Christian witness in response to terrorism and to the way of living. At the witness, the prayers and fel­ US government's retaliatory military strikes. lowship with kindred spirits was a source of Through prayers, songs, and litanies, attenders strength and encouragement." grieved for the victims of the Sept. I I violence, Also on the planning committee were Nancy called on leaders to consider nonviolent alterna­ Heishman, co-pastor at First Church; First Church . tives to military action, and committed member Valerie Weaver-Zercher; and Dale Brown, themselves to confronting violence through a member at the Elizabethtown Church of the prayer and action. The service was organized by Brethren. Ralph Detrick, co-pastor at Elizabeth­ members of local Brethren, Mennonite, and town, also participated in the service. Brethren in Christ churches, and attended by "Sowing Seeds of Peace" raised $1,600 for Afghan people from various denominations. refugee assistance and grief counseling in New York The timing of the event was sadly ironic, according City. In addition, over 220 people signed a letter call­ to organizers, as it occurred on the same afternoon ing on the government to consider nonviolent that news broke of US air strikes in Afghanistan. alternatives to military action. -Valerie Weaver-Zercher

Messenger December 2001 Ill involved in efforts by our church acts" take place in our world is the to establish relations with groups most frequently used justification or nations seen as adversaries. for a violent response to the evil ­ doers. Christians who call for OVERCOME EVIL some way other than direct force WITH GOOD to deal with such realities are accused of being naive or worse. Too often when we use the term It's not that we dismiss evil; "evil," we presume it resides indeed, we are perhaps more aware only elsewhere. Jesus taught us of its insidious and destructive that we are all on a continuum nature than others. We regularly between goodness and evil observe in communities around the behavior, and that neither pole is world firsthand the results of the exclusive domain of those on destructive acts and equally one side of an issue or a border. destructive policies, both of which How can evil be overcome? inflict grievous injury on inno­ This is perhaps the most chal­ cents. Sometimes these actions and lenging question for Christian policies have been implemented, peacemakers. The fact that "evil ironically and tragically, in the name of stamping out evil. :ii' < 1i And it's not that we don't want iii' Q. to rid the world of evil. It's just ----=i:Q. that, first of all, we know that this is something of which God alone Peace takes guts in Indiana is capable. Secondly, evil is not eradicated by force but by love. The T-shirts carried a quotation from Franklin Delano Roosevelt that How then can we join with Christ said, "The American people in their righteous might will win through to in harnessing the power of love to absolute victory." Emma Naragon, 12, of the Manchester Church of the overcome and transform evil in Brethren, North Manchester, Ind., politely returned her own and several our world? other cherry red shirts with flags and eagles stamped on them to school administrators. Here are ways to overcome A local businessman gave the patriotic shirts to every schoolchild in evil with good: Wabash County as a response to the events of Sept. 11 in New York, • "Pray for those who persecute Washington, D.C., and Pennsylvania. When the school administration you." Jesus' counsel still rings urged all the children to wear their shirts on the same day in a show of true: reaching out spiritually to patriotism, Emma, Adelyn (nine), and Thomas (six) Naragon, and several our enemies can be the first step other Brethren children declined the opportunity to wear them because toward reconciliation, and is cer­ they believed the message of revenge was wrong. tainly the first step in transforming The following day, they decided to return the shirts altogether to the our own hatred and anger. school. Emma and four others from her sixth-grade class gathered up their shirts and the shirts of the younger children and took them to the • Support Brethren relief and school office. development efforts that reach out Kathryn McElwee, eight, a Brethren girl at a neighboring school, to those on the other side of politi­ returned her T-shirt, telling her teacher, "When I got home and talked cal, social, and military dividing with my parents about what the shirt meant, I decided I didn't want to lines. While government aid efforts wear it. I didn't like the idea of going to war." Kathryn was the only one often serve political purposes, in her class to refuse the gift.When she saw everyone else wearing a assistance offered by Brethren and shirt, she said she felt a lot of pressure to wear it, but she held out. other Christian groups seeks to Her older brother, Ben, 15, refused to accept a shirt in the first place, assist the most vulnerable members as did several other members of the Manchester youth group. Though of society in a way that is respect­ pressure to wear the shirts was considerable, at least IO children turned ful of their culture and needs. back the gift or declined to wear them for reasons of conscience. • Be willing to take risks for the A Christian Peacemaker Teams conference was convening on a farm sake of the gospel and for the sake nearby when they heard about the peace witness of the children.They of Christ's call to peacemaking. It provided an alternative T-shirt that said, "Peace Takes Guts." -Julie Garber rings hollow when peacemakers refuse to use violence against "evil," yet are not themselves ready to take risks on behalf of overcoming it. BE NOT CONFORMED inclusive vision, and was willing to break with social convention and Active Christian peacemaking thaf Underlying every aspect of our takes the believer into insecure set­ response to the violence of our set aside rules when either of tings in the name of Christ is a world is a willingness to take a these served the interest of the few courageous act. In many ways it is different path than those around over the needs of the many. more courageous than a soldier us. This approach is rooted in the Brethren have a heritage of non - going to war in the name of keeping gospel and modeled after the life conformity, but sometimes find it the peace. The Christian goes of Jesus. Our Lord repeatedly and difficult to clearly stand out from armed only with the love of Christ. boldly held up a higher and more the crowd. We want to be seen as

Standing in solidarity in California service in La Verne. Her faith encouraged learning about other faiths, she reported. The date of Oct. 14 Five miles from our home in La Verne, Calif., are two was set for their visit. Thirty of these new Muslim Muslim schools that I did not realize were there until friends were warmly greeted by our congregation. the days following the terrorist attacks ·in September. The following Monday, we heard that their atten­ Then came that day, 9-1 1-0 I, that changed every dance at our church had been a meaningful time American's life in some way. The 9-1-1 dateline is a for them. They sent a note of gratitude to the La reminder of how many felt helpless during the tragedy. It became a time to be glued to the unbelievable scenes on the television. Later, a questioning thought came to my mind.What could I ever do to help ease the pain in this tough situation? One answer came very unexpectedly. My husband, Chuck, was invited by a Muslim acquain­ tance to an interfaith meeting on Friday following the attacks.There, one idea presented was to give support to the Muslim schools which had closed upon hearing the news of the terrorist attacks. A few days later, a phone call came asking us to go stand in front of these schools when they reopened. All we were expected to do was to be a "presence" there, to show our support of the Muslims as human beings and fellow Americans, not as terrorists. It sounded simple enough. With some uncertainty, I arrived at the gated ai "'ai school on the reopening day, Sept. 19. Several other n C <1) '1= Brethren, as well as persons from other denomina­ ::, tions came. Our waving, smiling, and greetings began Q. ro to be returned to us immediately by the parents and teachers as they drove into the drop-off area. Many Outside the Muslim school where they demonstrated expressed their appreciation for us being there. their support are George Borst, Jeanine Borst, and Sharon As days passed, we were given donuts, flowers, let­ Marek of Pomona Fellowship Church of the Brethren, and ters of thanks from the students, a breakfast, and a Shirley Boyer, right, of the La Verne church. thank-you luncheon where plaques were presented to the La Verne and Pomona Fellowship Churches of Verne congregation. the Brethren. The plaque indicated that we are For us, a relationship with the Muslim community is united under the same God. just beginning.We have been invited to attend their We have become acquainted with these dear Muslims worship service.We have scheduled a planning ses­ who are more like us than I could have imagined. Never sion to determine how we can work together. Out of have they tried to convert us or terrify us.They have been tragedy has emerged a Christian and Muslim relation­ very accepting of who we are. ship that is exciting and fulfilling. Little did I dream of It was an amazing moment when one Muslim stated what blessings were in store from being a "presence" that some of them wanted to come to our worship at the City of Knowledge School. -Shirley Boyer

Messenger December 2001 - good citizens in the community and • Brethren children from Indi­ knowing that someone else nation. We pride ourselves on caus­ ana refused to wear T-shirts with shared their perspective. ing little offense to our neighbors. a stridently patriotic message to If there is to be enduring peace We shun public demonstrations of school when everyone else did in our world, we cannot leave it to our piety and principles. (see accompanying article p. 14). the usual cast of actors. Military, While these ways of behaving • Members of the La Verne political, and economic coercion serve us well in many situations, (Calif.) congregation have made may indeed have some temporary they may cost us dearly if they dis ­ it a point to be present at a effect and bring immediate gratifi­ courage us from standing up for nearby Muslim school as chil­ cation, but over the long haul the way of Christ in a time of dren came and went in the these will not have what it takes to crisis. How willing are we to mornings and afternoons as an truly transform our world. express views or take stands dif­ act of solidarity and to offer a The church, on the other hand, ferent from those of our neighbors measure of safety (see accompa­ has the message and the means _ when we feel that a different voice nying article p. 15). for moving the people of our needs to be heard? • Individual Brethren have world toward peaceful coexis­ struggled with how to respond tence. The question becomes Here are ways to to the outburst of patriotic whether the church will commit "not conform": fervor in the wake of Sept. 11. itself to this goal with the same • The Harrisburg (Pa.) First When they have chosen other vigor and determination as congregation organized a vigil ways to express their solidarity national leaders have committed against war on the steps of the with the victims, some neigh­ us to war. state capitol building. (see accom­ bors have raised eyebrows while It is not a simple or easy enter­ panying article p. 13). others have found comfort prise, this business of Christian

Resources for response to Sept. I I realities of life for our 8039; 202-546-3202). peacemaking (800-323-8039, ext. 228). neighbors living in poverty or under threat of war- Leaders are available for BrethrenPress.com lists The Global Food Crisis and about what our spiritual renewal events peace-related study mate- Fund invites Brethren to denomination is doing to or workshops related to rials in its topical support our global neigh- help. Contact the Youth/ peace and justice. Contact resources section, includ- bors with food relief and Young Adult office, Global David Radcliff (800-.323- ing an essay series that development assistance as Mission Partnerships, or 8039, ext. 229). includes new listings on they work to fulfill their the Brethren Witness patriotism and US-Arab God-given potential (800- office (800-323-8039). A Church Leader's Packet relations (800-441-3712). 323-8039). The Emergency on Conscientious Objec- Disaster Fund responds A Christian Citizenship tion is available on Waging Peace is a new to the immediate needs of Seminar for adults titled request from the Brethren six-session study/ action others, helping them "Peacemaking- For Such Witness office. resource from the weather the storm of war a Time as This" is being Brethren Witness office or other disaster (800- offered April 6-1 I in New Copies of the General designed to encourage 766-1553). York/Washington, D.C. Board's "Resolution on long-range peacemaking Contact the Brethren Sept. I I, 200 I and its in response to the long- General Board-sponsored Witness office or Wash- Aftermath" are available term campaign launched travel experiences help ington Office for more on request (800-323- by our nation in Brethren learn about the information (800-323- 8039, ext. 228). (jive a 13retliren 13ook for Christmas peacemaking. It is in some ways counter-intuitive, calling on Stepping Stones for Stumbling Saints spiritual resources to combat by Robin Wentworth Mayer temporal challenges. It con­ founds the accepted wisdom of Looking for a companion as you journey along looking out for oneself and one's life's way? Want someone with you who can help own. Peacemaking casts aside spot the stepping stones in the life of faith? stereotypes that neatly describe Gathered in these pages are years of grace-filled our world. Peacemaking insights applying scripture to daily living. strangely links one's own capac­ ity for sinfulness with that of #8331 $13 .00 those whom others have clearly cast as evil, thus placing us on A Cup of Cold Water the same divine continuum as by J Kenneth Kreider the likes of them. The exciting story of ordinary Brethren volun­ But Christian peacemaking holds within it the seeds of a better and teers and the incredible work they accomplished brighter day. What the seeds through Brethren Service. Their work was vital in require is the water of lives lived in rebuilding Europe, and in places like China, the light of the gospel. God, fr.I Nigeria, Latin America, and the United States. then, will give the growth. iiWii #8330 $35.00 David Radcliff is director of Brethren Witness for the Church of the Brethren General Board. ft 1451 Dundee Avenue, Elgin, IL 60120-1 694 phone 800-441-3712 fax 800-667-8188 Brethren Press e-mail [email protected]

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Messenger December 2001 Ill CHRISTMAS IN After four nights of US bombing, the author _discovers a

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clerk. "Mr. Mel," he said, "come byterians in 1865. by Mel Lehman down to the bomb shelter!" I grabbed A few days later, on Christmas Day, my American passport and, with I returned. The sanctuary was packed Three years ago I spent Christmas in bombs crashing louder and louder all full-a good 300 to 400 people, I'd Baghdad, Iraq. I had been to Iraq around me, I ran down the stairs to estimate. I was escorted all the way to twice before in the course of my work the basement. It was a phone call that the front, directly facing the chil­ as a communications staff person for I later realized could well have saved dren's choir, and I was treated to Church World Service of the National my life. I quickly learned that when some wonderful singing from them. Council of Churches. I had been so bombs are falling around you the very The kids were great, all dressed up in shocked by the desperate humanitar­ first thing you want to do is get away their long white robes with splashy ian conditions I saw there- the lack of from the windows because the flying red bows tied around their necks, and food and medicines, the thin faces of glass can kill you. they sang their little hearts out. malnourished children, the raw sewage I spent the next five hours until "Alleluia" never sounded better to me on the street-that I quit my 20-year dawn in the basement with several that it did that morning. career at Church World Service and Iraqis and one European. I prayed Next the congregation sang. The went to Iraq for several months to and prayed and prayed. I was terri­ first several hymns had Arabic write a book about the situation there. fied, but somehow I survived. melodies and words but then they I arrived during the first week of After four nights of bombing, the sang "Joy to the World." The words December 1998, and unpacked my suit­ news came that the bombing had were in Arabic, but there was no mis­ cases in the Al Fanar hotel overlooking ended. It was Sunday, so I decided to taking Lowell Mason's majestic tune. the Tigris River. I was just settling in to go to church. Church in this case for I did my best to sing along in English, work on my book when American me as a Christian of Mennonite her­ but it was a little difficult, what with bombs began exploding outside my itage was the Evangelical Church of the catch that was in my throat. I'm hotel just past midnight on Dec. 1 7. For Baghdad, the largest congregation of unexpectedly home for the holidays the first few minutes I lay on my bed in the small Protestant community in Iraq. after all, I thought to myself: home at a state of denial, almost not believing I arrived in late afternoon, before the Evangelical Church of Baghdad. what was happening to me. the evening service, and found a small There are just under a million The lights in my room suddenly group of men already there. Over Christians in Iraq, primarily Chaldean went off and then just as suddenly coffee and a few cookies, they Catholics, and along with services in came back on. Then the phone rang. explained with pride that their church the churches Christmas usually It was Hassan, the night front desk had been founded by American Pres - receives some public recognition

Iii Messenger December 2001 Christmas tree with a haunting message

there. But that year because of "the nomic sanctions against Iraq. The the other side is this: Mohammed situation," it was explained to me, trees had been put up in front of each Zeidan Khalifah, 2 days, 1994. public celebrations of Christmas of the several United Nations offices in Of course even one name on that would be avoided. Baghdad. The Iraqis had chosen this tree was too many, but if all the names Thus it came as a great surprise and Christian symbol to try to get a mes­ of the Iraqi children who died because indeed joy for me a few days after sage through to the "Christian" West. of the sanctions were placed on that Christmas to see a large tree-unmis­ We stopped at one of the trees and tree, it would have collapsed. UNICEF takably a Christmas tree-in the walked over to it. There, covering it, puts that number at half a million and middle of the boulevard as I was dri­ were little pieces of cardboard decora­ the Iraqis put it at 1.3 million. ving along the Tigris River in a taxi. tions. It struck me that they looked This Christmas I pray that our coun­ "So Christmas hasn't been entirely more like upside-down teardrops than try will lift the economic sanctions on forgotten here after all!" I said. bulbs. My companion translated what Iraq and that the Iraqis will no Sadly, my companions explained to was written on one of them and it longer need to add the names of m me that the tree I was seeing was not a seemed appropriate for meta take it. their children to that tree. usual Christmas tree. The decorations I've brought it all the way back home were pieces of cardboard cut out in the with me to New York City and it is Mel Lehman plans to lead a Church of the Brethren delegation to Iraq this month. He is writin(:J a book about shape of bulbs and on each one was here next to my computer as I write. the impact of economic sanctions on Iraq, which he written the name of an Iraqi child who On the one side is written: Rishanah has visited five times over the past five years. He lives had died because of US-imposed eco- Hamed Abadi, 15 months, 1995. On in New York City.

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Messenger December 2001 Ill The challenge and hope of Prophetic preaching

by Dawn Ottoni Wilhelm

In the aftermath of Sept. 11 and the escalation of violence at home and abroad, many of us struggle to know what it means to be a Christian at this time. And what does it mean for us to give voice to our faith and our fears, our hopes and our questions?

For some congregations, challenges have come in the for others but also to be prophetic in witnessing to form of renewed debates about the presence and mean­ God's peace, justice, and hope. ing of the flag in the sanctuary. For others, the In serving as a pastor for 12 years and then teach­ challenge comes in our anxious counting of those who ing a course at Bethany on "Prophetic Voices in support military actions on the part of our government Preaching," I have come to appreciate that if the pas­ and those who advocate for alternative means of resolu­ toral and prophetic ministry of Jesus Christ is to form tion to conflict and terrorism. And still others among us the basis for our practice of ministry, then to be pas­ experience tension surrounding diverse interpretations toral is also to be prophetic. of scripture as they apply to any number of divisive There is a pattern of prophetic urgency within the issues that challenge the church today. gospel that demands our attention, calling us away from Knowing that we do not have all the answers to the destructive recourse to violence and toward the con - complex challenges facing us, we still long to give structive and creative possibilities for peace. Just as voice to the gospel of Jesus Christ in ways that engage Martin Luther King, Jr., held up a vision of the beloved the best of our tradition and call forth the creative community as the fellowship of God practicing the energy and commitments of our members. As persons power of God's love amid a world of hate, and just as who recognize God's reconciling intention for all the Moderator Paul Grout has urged us to remember that world in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus the kingdom of God is thriving even if the church is not, Christ, we hope not only to be pastoral in our concern we must remember that the power and possibilities of

EiJ Messenger December 2001 .. ______- - -- the gospel have yet to be realized and long to be pro­ sermon facilitate the hearers' awareness that this con­ claimed. For those of us who would give voice to God's cern is also their concern? More than offer critique of Word in the world, the following definition of prophetic the hearers or others, does the sermon urge the con­ preaching may give focus to our concern: gregation to identify with the struggles and issues In accordance with the prophetic tradition of Israel and raised by the preacher so that they may more fully the ministry of Jesus Christ, prophetic preaching may be engage in critical and honest self-reflection as individ­ understood as divinely inspired speech that proclaims uals and as a community of faith? God's Word from within the Christian tradition against all that threatens God's reconciling intention for humanity Divine promise and for all that develops and sustains a vital and necessary How does this sermon proclaim the good news of God's ministry of compassion to neighbors near and far. past, present, and future reign in such a way as to instill Because prophetic preaching is not exclusively con­ hope in the midst of this challenging time or circum­ cerned with moral exhortation nor are the biblical stance? What resources of faith (scripture, church prophets concerned exclusively with predictions regarding tradition and practices, teaching and experience) does future events, to speak prophetically is to set past, present, this message draw upon to help God's people to partici­ and future concerns within the framework of God's pate in the transforming mission of the church? Are promises and the reign of God realized in Jesus Christ. God's power, presence, and purposes identified as pos­ We seek to speak pastorally and prophetically amid sible sources of inspiration and energy? Are God's the challenges of this particular time and to do so in promises remembered and God's reign anticipated? ways that engage God's Word with the critical struggles Beyond all human resources, what divine help and of the world. To help with this I have reworked several strength is offered to us through the biblical witness and goals for public issues preaching developed in lectures the Christian tradition? given by Dr. Alyce McKenzie of Perkins School of The­ ology, Dallas, Texas. I offer both pastors and other Human response-ability church leaders these four considerations and several Does this sermon offer the hearers opportunity for response questions to guide the preparation of your sermons: in relation to the issue? If the foremost concern of the gospel is to love God with heart, soul, mind, and strength Education and our neighbors as ourselves, what kind of response is What is the educational purpose of this sermon? How being cultivated by this particular message: emotional, spiri­ may this sermon reflect an informed understanding of tual, intellectual, or enacted? What creative options might the dynamics underlying a particular issue or concern? be explored beyond the service of worship? Which possibili­ Although an important part of the educational function ties for personal and corporate transformation are named in of the sermon is to offer questions and insights this message? How does this sermon encourage or urge prompted by our reading of selected scripture texts, individual and corporate response to the concerns raised? what other questions and concerns need to be voiced by the preacher? As we seek to educate, implicate, inspire hope, and Of the many ways that one may help educate the encourage others to respond to God's Word in the congregation in its awareness and appreciation of the world, we may begin to give voice to the prophetic con - complex dynamics at work in this particular concern cerns of the gospel. As members not only of a historic (providing information and/ or statistics, referring to peace church but also of a living peace church, we are authoritative and diverse sources, offering specific challenged to speak the truth in love as we have not examples or anecdotes, etc.), which of these may best dared to do so before: to give voice to the prophetic contribute to the hearers' understanding of this spe­ urgency of the gospel's call to love God and neighbor cific public and social concern? Are various aspects of even as God in Christ has loved and continues to love us a concern raised so that not just one side, but other all. May the Spirit empower your ministry with m perspectives as well, are fairly represented? love, patience, courage, and compassion. i6ii

Implication Daw n Ottoni Wilhelm is assistant professor of ministry studies at Bethany The­ Does the sermon implicate the hearers so that they ological Seminary and is currently w riting her disserta tion on the prophetic may come to some new awareness of their own preaching of Jesus as it re lates to Anabaptists and other persons of fa ith . She lives with her husband, Mark, and their three children in Richmond, Ind ., where involvement in the concerns being raised? Does the they are members of the Richmond Church of the Brethren.

Messenger December 2001 - The most critical spiritual issue

Look in your wallet for the key to your heart

by Kenneth L. Gibble strange even, that our Lord would spend so much time talking about wealth to poor people? Just as people do in our day, the people who Yes, that's right-money is a spiritual issue. I know lived in the time of Jesus thought that having more that's not what most people think. Most people apply was the answer to their problems. If I just had the word "spiritual" to things like prayer, meditation, more money, everything would be fine. The people worship, and reading the Bible. Some would stretch who listened to Jesus believed that being wealthy the definition of "spiritual" to include things like art, was a sign of God's favor. If you had money, they music, love, and peace. But very few people think of thought, that was proof that God was rewarding money as a spiritual issue. Let me explain what I you for being a good person. mean when I say that the power of money is the most Jesus blasted that cherished notion to critical spiritual issue of our day. smithereens. Being wealthy doesn't mean God I begin with a simple fact-that Jesus addressed the thinks you' re somebody special. Being wealthy is , issue of money and wealth more than any other single in fact, a serious responsibility, fraught with great subject. He talked about money more than he talked spiritual danger. "What shall it profit you," Jesus about prayer or worship or any of the things we usu­ asked, "to gain the whole world and lose your own ally think of as "spiritual." soul?" (Mark 6:36). For Jesus, money, or wealth, was the foremost Good question. And if that question had relevance spiritual issue. He understood better than anyone to the poor of Jesus' day, it has much more relevance before or since what money can do to the human to us who live in a consumer society. For we are not soul. He said things like: "How hard it will be for the poor. We are the wealthy. those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of Surely you know that, compared to the vast major­ God!" (Mark 10:23). He said, "It is easier for a ity of the world's population, we North Americans are camel to go through the eye of a needle than for people of tremendous financial advantage. I came someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God" across a chart that listed five categories of wealth, or (Matt. 19 :24). He said, "No one can serve two lack thereof, in the world today. masters; for a slave will either hate the one and • The first category, "the poorest of the poor," are love the other, or be devoted to the one and those with no family, job, housing, health care, or despise the other. You cannot serve God and even a place to die. wealth" (Matt. 6:24). •The second category is the "ordinary poor." They Now, what I find so striking about Jesus' con­ have limited access to income assistance, housing, cern about wealth is that most of the people who food, and health care. were drawn to him were poor people. He said of •The third category, "ordinary wealthy, " means himself, "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me people with access to jobs, housing, food, health care,. because he has anointed me to preach good news and transportation. to the poor. ... " To the poor! Isn't it interesting, • Next comes the "wealthiest of the wealthy." That

Ii Mess:nger December 2001 ~~·,'.. /:~~ /' ,J' /. ~ ,"" .,: ,.., ,, ,...,__..-;.,.._ :~ ~ '>· '!. - -·~(/4 ½~~ J Jesus talked about -~~- ~ ~''/11 I ,.~- Z: . ~~;I>•~ money more than I: /ti ... I.~ he talked about / /2 I /h/f prayer or worship or ·, any of the things ;~,~--. .. ' we usually think of as "spiritual."

means people with more than sufficient income, hous­ different. I believe Jesus said what he did about wealth ing, investments, and possessions. because he wanted people to be free of its death grip •The fifth category is the "ultra-wealthy," the bil­ on their lives and because he wanted the blessings of lionaires (from Ministry of Money, August 1998). life- health, well-being, prosperity, the shalom of I'm not in that last category. But, like many readers God-to be enjoyed by everyone. of this magazine, I do find myself in that "wealthiest of So let's do what Jesus wants us to do. Let's be on the wealthy" category. I have "more than sufficient guard against the enticing voices that lure us into money"for my needs. wanting more, into thinking that having more is the What spiritual dangers do we face? good life. That's a start. We face the danger of serving money rather than Then sit down sometime soon and take a look at God. We face the grave danger of finding ourselves what you have, what you spend your money on, outside the kingdom of God. We face the terrifying what you save and why you are saving, and what danger of losing our souls. I say it is a terrifying you share of your resources with those less fortu ­ danger, but most of us are not terrified about it. In nate. Ask yourself honestly: "What does my attitude fact, we're not even worried about it. toward money say about my priorities? What do the We should be. We should have our guard up against material possessions I treasure say about where my the seductive powers of darkness that we encounter heart is?" Remember the words of our Lord: "For every day. It's as close as your TV screen-the home where your treasure is, there your heart will be shopping networks, the commercials for new cars, also" (Luke 12:34). new trucks, new SUV's-sport utility vehicles (what The story is told of a woman who had a dream while a diabolically clever deception that name is). An ad traveling in India. The dream told her to ask a beggar for Chrysler's Town and Country SUV has the gall to for a gift. The woman found an old man in the street use as a headline, "It blurs the need between needs who reached into his sack at her request and pulled and wants." Let that one sink in, if you dare. out a diamond bigger than a golf ball. "This is all I Seduction? Look for it in the articles and ads that have," he said, "so this must be the gift." Sputtering, you see in personal finance magazines and on the the woman asked the beggar if he knew what he was Internet. Here are a few I've seen recently: "How to doing. "Yes, of course," he said. "I found it in the Build a Bigger Nest Egg," "How to Rob a Bank" (not swamp just outside the city." The woman thanked the to be taken literally, of course), "The Good Life Is beggar for his gift and went to the swamp to meditate Closer Than You Think," "Grow Rich!" until the evening. Then she returned to the beggar and So "now what?" you may be wondering after hear­ handed him his jewel. "Instead of the diamond," she ing what Jesus has to say about wealth. "Am I said, "could you please teach me the wisdom that let supposed to feel guilty about having what I have, about you give me this gift?" m being a wealthy person?" May God teach me and you that same wisdom. ii6ii No. I don't think Jesus laid guilt trips on people. He did call people to repentance, which is something quite Kenneth L. Gibble, recently retired as a full-time pastor, lives in Greencastle, Pa.

Messenger December 2001 Ill A CHRISTMAS REFLECTION Charlie Brown meets Baby Jesus l

by Jean C. Myers stretched arms was for everyone. That or years I had carefully placed afternoon as I watched my children get the little plastic nativity under off the schoolbus and head for the Fthe Christmas tree. It had been house, my heart was filled with purchased along with our other love for them. I know I was meager decorations the first Christ­ smiling when I mentioned mas we were married, back in 1962. - that Charlie Brown had My husband was finishing his fourth once again mysteriously and last year at college and money appeared in the creche and was tight. Each year as Christmas now Linus had joined him. approached, I looked longingly at the As the years went by, I beautiful wood and ceramic creches, never knew when Charlie wondering when there would be Brown and Linus would enough extra money to purchase one. make their mysterious arrival Finally the day arrived. Our sons known. But Christmas after were 11 and 14 and we had recently Christmas they would be moved into our newly built house. I found looking down into watched the after-Christmas sales the outstretched arms of and there it was-nothing elaborate, baby Jesus. not a large creche, but it was wood Mark left for college, and ceramic with 50 percent off the but each Christmas break original price. We made our way to Charlie Brown disappeared. Charlie Brown and Linus the local department store with all the Christmas was over and the wood came home for Christmas break as well. other after-Christmas bargain shop­ stable with the ceramic figures was Then came marriage and the move pers, purchased the creche, and lovingly packed away for another year. away from home. Still Charlie Brown carefully packed it away until the fol­ As Christmas approached the follow­ and Linus continued to find their way lowing Christmas. ing year, the creche was again placed in into the creche each Christmas. Several weeks before Christmas the its place of honor. It was the first thing This Christmas I stood back with box was brought up from the base­ holiday guests saw as they entered the tears in my eyes as Mark bent over the ment and the creche was given a place front door. It was the last thing we saw creche with his little daughter, Savan­ of honor in the center hall. Each time each night as we turned off the lights nah, helping her quietly and carefully I went from one part of the house to and headed up the stairs to bed. place Charlie Brown and Linus beside another, I could enjoy my treasured Several days before Christmas as I the baby Jesus when they thought I gift. An angel perched on the top passed the creche, I was again sur­ wasn't looking. watched over Mary, Joseph, and the prised. There looking down at the As the creche was carefully packed baby Jesus. Jesus lay in the manager baby Jesus was not only Charlie away after Christmas, in its now torn with outstretched arms, surrounded Brown but on the other side of the tissue paper and aging box, I smiled to by wise men, shepherds, and animals. manger stood another little rubber myself, secure in the thought that the tra­ One day as I hurried by the creche, figure. Linus! Linus, blanket and all, dition of Charlie Brown and Linus would something caught my eye. I stopped to stood looking into the outstretched continue. And secure in the knowledge look and there beside the manger, arms of baby Jesus. that through those outstretched arms looking down at the baby Jesus, was a For some strange reason as I stood of the Christ child, God has we!- rr.1 rubber figure of Charlie Brown. looking at the little rubber figures, I corned us all to the manger. l6i Charlie Brown! Charlie Brown from was not upset as I had been the previ­ the beloved Peanut cartoon series. lwas ous year. Maybe ... the creche didn't Jean C. Myers of Sinking Spring, Pa., is a member of quick, much too quick, to question the belong to me alone. Maybe ... Mark the Little Swatara Church of the Brethren, Bethel, Pa. She is a deacon and has been active in the Christian boys and say, "Get that thing out of my with his childish prank was showing he education program. She is a member of the CAIR Team creche." I knew instantly our youngest loved it as much as I did. Maybe ... a (Childcare Aviation Incident Response), which recently son, Mark, had been the culprit as he young boy was mature beyond his served in New York City following the World Trade looked at me with his boyish grin. years knowing the baby with his out- · Center attacks.

Iii Messenger December 2001 INDEX 2001

Listed on these pages are arti­ FAGER,CHUCK MAY, SHARON NEARHOOF WAGGONER, JOHN McPherson, Kan ...... 1/2-13 Friend sees a sign of peace ...... 11-16 Living into the future: Becoming the In Touch ...... 12-3 ...... ··········· .. ··········5-3, 5-4, 7-32 cles, editorials, opinions, and God -bearers ...... 5-14 Memorial, Martinsburg, Pa .. 1/ 2-3, 7-3 FARRAR, FLETCHER Seeing through an eye for WALTERSDORFF, CHRISTY names of contributors that Study resource: Why should When bad things happen. .11-16 an eye ...... 11-19 Miami (Fla.) First ...... 8-5 have appeared in MESSENGER Christians care? ...... 7-19 WEAVER-ZERCHER, VALERIE Midland, Mich ...... 9-13 Editorial: Mystery at MCDOWELL, KIM during 2001. They are classi­ Sowing seeds in Pennsylvania ... 12-13 Midway, Lebanon, Pa ...... 6-5 Seneca Rocks ...... 1/2-32 A memorable love feast w ith fied in four main groups: Editorial: God's Yucca Mou ntain .. 3-32 Afghan friends ...... 12-12 WILHELM, DAWN 0TTONI Moler Ave., Editorial: Messenger at 150, The challenge and hope of Martinsburg, W.Va ...... 11-16 authors, congregations, MCFADDEN, WENDY prophetic preaching ...... 12-20 with work to do ...... 4-36 From the publisher ...... 1/2-2, 3-2 Mount Bethel, names, and subjects. Numbers Editorial: Out of this world ...... 5-32 .... , 4-2, 5-2, 6-2, 7-2, WILLOUGHBY, MARIE Eagle Rock, Va...... 1/2-21 Editorial: Preaching points ...... 6-32 following the listings indicate ...... 8-2, 9-2 , 10-2, 11-2, 12-2 In Touch 11-3 New Carlisle, Ohio ...... 8-3 Editorial: Should Brethren New Covenant, Orlando, Fla ...... 12-4 month and page number, with go to law?. . .. .7-32 MESSICK, MATT WILTSCHEK, WALT New eyes on a new road ...... 10-20 Should we go to Brazi l? ...... 1/2-15 Nokesville, Va ...... 3-7 1/2 representing the combined Editorial: The legacy of Pilot House ...... 8-32 MYERS, JEAN C. Big Apple: Moderator Phil I Carlos Northern Colorado, January/February issue. Editorial: Set God 's people free .. 9-32 Charlie Brown meets Baby Jesus .. 12-24 Archbold ...... 6-10 Windsor, Colo ...... 11-4 Annual Conference preview ...... 6-15 Editorial: Recommended reading Northview, Indianapolis, Ind ...... 9-3 on India ...... 10-32 MILLER, PEGGY REIFF Violence among America's youth . .7-12 AUTHORS In Touch.. ..9-3 Oak Dale, Scherr, W.Va ...... 5-4 Editorial: In search of Taiz9 workcamp ...... 8-8 Oak Grove, Roanoke, Va ...... 11-5 new ideas ...... 11-32 MILLER, DAVID R. In France, faith meets action: A Editorial: The weight of glory ... 12-32 In Touch . .7-4 young woman's life of service .. .7-24 Olympic View, Seattle, Wash ..8-5, 9-13 ABE, MARLA Annual Conference: Delegates In Touch ...... 5-4 Open Circle, Burnsville, Minn ...... 7-5 FRANTZ, NADINE PENCE MONN, NADINE consider ecumenism, Peace Val ley, Mo ...... 3-4 BACH, JEFF The church of the future: Spirit, A plea to renew the peace evangelism, leadership ...... 9-10 Laurel Springs, N.C ...... 7-32 A letter to Brethren youth ...... 11-21 church, resurrection ...... 5-12 position ...... 6-26 Launching a new mission fund .... 9-24 Pipe Creek, Union Bridge, Md ...... 9-5 GARBER, JULIE MOUNTAIN, ANGIE Worship sings a new tune ...... 10-11 BARR, ERNEST G. Pleasant View, In Touch ...... 9-3 Peace takes guts in Indiana . ..12-14 Annual Conference: Brethren, YEAZELL, CAROL we have met to worship ...... 9-14 Fayetteville, W.Va ...... 5-3 GIBBLE, KENNETH In Touch ...... 11-5 BARRON, MAXINE G. In Touch ...... 12-4 Pleasant Valley, York, N.D ...... 7-5 In Touch ...... 4-4 In Touch ...... 6-3 MYER, JAMES F. The most critical spiritual issue .. 12-22 Bear testimony to another way ... 11-12 Pocahontas, Dunmore, W.Va ...... 3-7 BEAM, NICHOLAS Po lo, Ill. ... 11-4 GLICK, RAY God's love runs deep .... 11-12 NEGLEY, KENDA Pomona (Calif.) In Touch ...... 5-4 Impressions...... 10-22 CONGREGATIONS BERKHEIMER, RON Fellowship ...... 10-15, 12-15 Virlina takes action against GRADY, DUANE PALMER, ANNE E. Prince of Peace, Littleton, Colo ...... 8-3 Breaking down walls .... 6-24 In Touch .... 6-3 death penalty ...... 1/2-6 Agape, Fort Wayne, Ind ...... 10-5 Rayman, Friedens, Pa ...... 4-4 GROUT, PAUL PARKER, DONALD Akron-Eastwood, Akron, Ohio ...... 5-4 BHAGAT, SHANTILAL Richmond, Ind ...... 8-12 Into the future unafraid ...... 5-16 Returning evil is not God 's way ... 11-14 Antioch, Roanoke, Va. , .... 1/2-6 Global warning ...... 3-22 Roanoke (Va.) First ... . .7-4 She will know me again: Reflections PARKS, TED Bear Creek, Dayton, Ohio ...... 3-5, 6-5 Rockhil l, Rockhill Furnace, Pa ...... 9-13 BIEBER, CHARLES M. on seeing my mother ...... 5-24 Ken Medema ...... 7-24 Beaver Creek, Hagerstown, Md ..... 8-5 The highest bidder: History of Brethren A season of silence ...... 11-12 San Diego (Ca lif.) First...... 7-13, 11-3 Beaver, Iowa ...... 11 -3 Disaster Relief Auction ...... 9-22 PETRY, DANIEL M. Shrewsbury, Pa ...... 4-3 HACKLEMAN, KATHY Berkey, Windber, Pa ...... 11-9 A prayer for peacemakers ...... 11-14 Smith Mountain Lake Fellowship, BOETTNER, ROBYN In Touch ...... 5-3 Bermudian, East Berlin, Pa ...... 1/2-8 Listening to stories of the street 10-20 RADCLIFF, DAVID Roanoke, Va ...... 3-5 Big Sky , Froid, Mont ...... HANSELL, ALLEN T. Friends of the earth ...... 3-12 .7-5 South Waterloo, Iowa ...... 6-4, 8-11 BOWMAN, CAROL Ministry by the numbers ...... 1/2-22 In Sudan, the killing continues ... 6-18 Black Valley, Everett, Pa., ...... 112-3 In Touch ...... 12-3 The other side of the "only way" ... 12-27 Spring Creek, Hershey, Pa ... 3-5, 7-12 Globalization ...... 7-16 Blue River, Surrey, N.D ...... 7-5 BOWMAN, CHRIS Our new vulnerability ...... 11-11 HAYNES, PETER l. Columbia City, Ind ...... 11-9 Trinity, Detroit, Mich ...... 6-4 In Touch ...... 1/2-3 In Touch ...... 7-3 Enduring peace ...... 12-10 Bremen, Ind ...... 3-13 Trotwood, Ohio ...... 9-13 In Touch...... 7-3 Annual Conference: What are REIMER, JUDY MILLS Bridgewater, Va ...... 3-4, 10-13 Brethren reading? ...... 9-13 University Park, Hyattsville, Md. 12-12 BOWMAN, CHARLES Remember who we are ...... 11-11 Broadfording, Hagerstown, Md ..... 3-4 Is nuclear energy rea lly from Washington City, HEILMAN, ED REYNOLDS, IRENE Brooklyn First, the devil? ...... 5-27 A letter to Muslim neighbors .... 11-14 Washington, D.C...... 10-18 In Touch ...... 1/2-5 Brooklyn, New York ...... 6-10, 11-6 BOWMAN, EVELYN Wenatchee (Wash.) Brethren Baptist HIGNITE, KARLA In Touch ...... 11-4 RHODES, BETH Buffalo Valley, Church United ...... 3-5 Taking the earth to church ...... 3-18 Annual Conference: Insights Mifflinburg, Pa ...... 3-5 Westminster, Md ...... 3-6, 7-32 BOWMAN, CARL from specia l speakers ...... 9-20 Cando, N.D ...... 7-5 On patriotism ...... 11-15 HOSTETTER, MICHAEL AND JULIE M. Westmont, Johnstown, Pa ...... 4-4 Church of the future: In the RITTLE, MARC Cedar Bluff, Boones Mill, Va ...... 3-4 BOYER, SHIRLEY White Oak, Manheim, Pa...... 11-9 year 2051 ...... 5-20 Trying to close a school for Chambersburg, Pa., 1/ 2-7, 6-3, 10-13 Standing in solidarity in Wiley, Co lo ...... 3-7 violence ...... 1/2-12 Coulson, Carroll County, Va ...... 7-5 California ...... 12-15 HOSTETTER, JULIE M. Williamson Road, Afternoon coffee ...... 10-21 In Touch ...... 9-4 Dranesville, Herndon, Va ...... 12-3 BRUMBAUGH-CAYFORD,CHERYL Roanoke, Va ...... 10-4 East Chippewa, Orrville, Ohio ...... 7-4 Young clergy talk about w hy JESSUP, MARY E. ROSENBERGER, BRUCE York, Pa ...... 1/2-8, 10-14 In Touch...... 7-5 they serve the church ...... 8-11 Understanding Islam ...... 11-23 Easton, Md ...... 4-4 In Touch ...... 11-4 JONES, MELANIE ANN ROYER, HOWARD Eglise des Freres Haitiens, There will always be a place BURK, KELLY God's voice in the city ...... 10-16 Miami, Fla ...... 11-5 for stories of faith ...... 4-24 Ellisforde, Tonasket, Wash ... 1/2-5, 5-5 NAMES Litany of headlines KEENEY, MERVIN and scripture ...... 11-20 Owen Shankster: Builder for RUPP, A.J. Elizabethtown, Pa ...... 12-13 In Touch ... 10-5 BURKHOLDER, CONNIE Christ ...... 9-26 Everett, Pa ...... 9-4 Acuil, Awut Deng ...... 9-21 In Touch ...... 7-5 First Haitian, Brooklyn, N.Y ...... 12-4 Albright, Jim Yaussy ...... 1/2-32 KENSINGER, JANICE GLASS SHERMAN, MARVIN In memoriam: Dennis F. Rupel . .. 5-28 First, Roanoke, Va ...... 3-17 COPP, MIMI In Touch ...... 9-5 Allen, Beth ...... 8-6 Nigerian hospitality ...... 10-19 Friends Run , Frankl in, W.Va ...... 3-13 Archbold, Phill Carlos ..... 6-10, 9-14 KINSEY, NATHAN SHULL, MERLIN In Touch ...... 3-4 Fruitland, Idaho ...... 10-5 Bach, Jeff...... 9-6 CRIST, CAROLE HUFFMAN Remembering David ...... 10-22 In Touch ...... 9-5 Gratis, Ohio ...... 6-5 Baeverstad, Mark ...... 6-7 lASZAKOVITS, GREG SHUMATE, DONNA l. Annual Conference: Glorifying Greenville, Ohio ...... 7-5 Ball-Miller, Becky ...... 11-8 CROUSE, REBECCA BAILE Trying to close a school for God from death row ...... 9-16 Haitian Project, Orlando, Fla ...... 11-5 Baring-Gould, John ...... In Touch...... 3-5 violence...... 1/2-12 4-4 Youth on the march: Young church lead­ Sudan: The "most devastating SNYDER, GRAYDON F. Hanover, Pa ...... 7-28 Bell, John ...... 9-21, 9-32, 10-14 11 ers in the Dominican Republic .... 8-18 conflict ••••••••• 6-22 A Brethren perspective on Harrisburg (Pa.) First .. 12-13 Benitez, Louie ...... 6-11 Must we propose an stem cell research ...... 10-24 Haxtun, Colo ...... 7-32 CUSTER, CHRISTINE Best, Katie ...... , ...... 4-7, 10-5 alternative? ...... 11-19 In Touch ...... 10-3 SOLLENBERGER, ELAINE Hutchinson, Kan...... 4-7 Bhagat, Shantilal ...... 3-7, 3-24 LEHMAN, JAMES H, In Touch ... 9-4 La Verne, Calif. .. .. 10-13, 12-15 ...... 5-8, 8-9, 10-32 DOUGLAS, CHRIS In the midst of us: Messenger's Yo un g adults-Church of today ... 8-10 Lampeter, Pa ...... 3-5 Bittinger, Desmond ...... 4-21 150 years at the center STERN, MIKE In Touch ...... 5-5 Lancaster, Pa ...... 10-13 Borgmann, Loyce Swartz ...... 5-8 DUECK, STAN of Brethren life ...... 4-10 Liberty, Ill ...... 1/2-32 Boshart, Peggy and Jeff ...... 11-8 In Touch ...... 3-5 STONER, NANCY l. LEHMAN, MEL Lindsay, Calif...... 10-5 Bothof, Marion...... 8-32 Christmas in Baghdad ...... 12-18 In Touch ...... 6-4 DUFFEY, SCOTT Unvifle Creek, Bourgeois, Roy ...... 9-21 A plea for mutuality ...... 1/2-25 LINEWEAVER, LORI BITTINGER STOVER,SARAH Broadway, Va...... 3-7 Bowman, Carol ...... 5-4 A foreign place close to home .... 10-18 DULABAUM, MARY In Touch ...... 6-3 Little Swatara, Bethel, Pa ...... 12-24 Bowman, Carl ...... ••...... 6-6 In Touch ...... 6-4 MARTIN, HAROLD STRICKLER, CAROL Li ve Oak, Calif .. ···················6-3 Boyer, Susan ...... 3-9 In Touch DURBIN, ALI Pray for the peace of Jerusalem .. .11-16 Living Faith Fellowship, Brady, St eve ...... 1/2-13 Beautiful, broken Guatemala .... 10-23 MASON, DOROTHA FRY TIMMONS, GLENN Concord,N.C ...... 8-5 Brandt, Harry A ...... 4-20 In Touch ...... 8-3 DURNBAUGH,DON New life for the church Long Green Va lley, Brock, Rex ...... 3-14 Kurtis Naylor: World churchman .. .11-26 in China ...... 1/2-28 ULRICH, JOEL Glen Arm, Md .. 7-3 Brown, Dale ...... 1/2-19 A talk over mangos in Thailand ... 11-15 EDGAR, ROBERT W. MATTESON, ERIN Manassas, Va ...... 8-16 Brumbaugh, Wilbur ...... 4-23 NCC supports marriage Annual Conference: Kids on VALETA, GAIL ERISMAN Manchester, Brumbaugh, H.B ...... 4-16 and diversity ...... 4-29 Conference ...... 9-17 In Touch .1 /2-4 North Manchester, Ind ...... 12-14 Brumbaugh-Cayford, Cheryl...... 5-6

Messenger December 2001 II Bucher, Gene ...... 1/2-10 Hershberger, Marlys ...... 9-4 Nova, Wilson ...... 8-22 Waltersdorf!, Ch risty ...... 3-7 Environment ...... 3-12, 3·18 Bunting, Amanda ...... 4-7 Hignite, Karla ...... 5-8 Ogando, Marta ...... 8-19 ...... 8-6, 9-15 ...... 3-22, 3-36 Burk, Ke lly ...... 8-12 Hoffman, Dawn ...... 5-4 Ogden, Ga len ...... 1/2-5 Wampler, Guy ...... 6-6 Evangelism ...... 4-7, 9·10 Cain, Bob an d Dorothy ...... 8-32 Holderread, Elsie ...... 5-8 Ott, Julie Ann ...... 8-6 Weaver, E.. Paul ...... 3-3, 12-5 France ...... 8-24 Cain, Robert D. Jr ...... 9-20 Hollenberg, Keith ...... 9-1, 10-11 Pa rker, Don ...... 12-6 Weddle, Beth ...... 1/2-5 Future of church ...... 5-12, 5·14 Campolo, Tony ...... 9-20 Hollinger, Linda ...... 1/2-8 Payne, Russell ...... 7-5 Weigle, Elizabeth ...... 4-22 Carter, Clyde ...... 1/2-7 Holsinger, H. R...... 4-14 Penner, Sally ...... 9-19 Wenger, Glenn ...... 11 ·6 ...... 5-16, 5-20 Carter, Harold ...... 9-15 Hoover, Marsha ...... 7-32 Pereira, Ona ldo ...... 1/2-19 Weyant, John ...... 4-3 General Board ...... 5-6, 9-6, 9-7, 12-6 Ca rter, Jeff ...... 6-6, 8-16 Horn, Don ...... 1/2-8 Peter, Ti mo thy ...... 9-6 Wheeland, Frank ...... 1/2-3 Germany ...... 3-4 Chapman, Susa n ...... 4-7, 10-5 Howells, Richa rd ...... 7-3 Peters, Raymond ...... 12-4 White, Holl y ...... 3-10 Global warming ...... 3-22 Chase, Bob ...... 3-8 Hoyt, Paul A...... 11-8 Peterson, Brian ...... 7-19 Wiles, Virginia ...... 10-6 Globalization ...... 7-16, 7-19 Clark, Wanda ...... 9-5 Huffaker, David ...... 10-8 Petry, Ben ...... 7-15 Williams, Cherilyn ...... 7-13 Health ...... 7-3 Cole, Ye rn eda ...... 1/2-9, 6-5 Huffman, Dorothy ...... 9-5 Platter, Fenton ...... 1/ 2-7 Williams, Danny ...... 4-6 Hell ...... 3-4 Crago, Glen William ...... 3-5 Hunt, Dion ...... 8-6 Poling, Ed ...... 6-6 Williams, Jenny ...... 5-4 History of Messenger ...... 4-10, 4·36 Craver, Timothy ...... 8-6 Huston, Rosita ...... 1/2-13, 8-24 Polson, John ...... 6-7 Willoughby, Marie and Don ...... 8-4 Crouse, Jerry and Becky Baile .. 10-8 Hutchinson, Martin ...... 10-13 Protiva, Jim and Judy ...... 3-4 Wiltschek, Walt ...... 7-7 Homes, Brethren ...... 9-8 Crouse, Merle ...... 1/2-18 Hutchison, Wendi ...... 1/2-7 Pyle, Janis ...... 12-9 Wink, Walter ...... 9-20 Homosexuality ...... 3-10, 9·12 Croushorn , Luke ...... 3-7 Inhauser, Marcos ...... 1/2-15 Quinter, James ...... 4-13 Winter, Roy ...... 11·6 Honduras ...... 7-3, 7-20 Crumley, John and Patty ...... 11-4 James, Weurthner ...... 6-24 Radcl iff, David ...... 7-15 Witkovsky, Lowell ...... 9-4 Housing ...... 1/ 2·3 Cruser, Roge r ...... 12-9 Johnson, Jess ...... 7-12 Rami rez, Fra nk ...... 9-15 Wolfe, George, Jr...... 1/2-32 India ...... 3-6, 5-32 Dachille, Mark ...... 4-4 Jones, Robert Raymond ...... 8-5 Reid, Anne ...... 6-6 Wood, James ...... 7-4 ...... 8-7, 10-32 Date, Barbara ...... 1/2-4 Kaplan, Jennifer ...... , .... 10-4 Reimer, Judy Mills ...... 1/2-11, 3-7 Woodard, Emma Jean ...... 12-9 Iraq ...... 12·18 Davis, Connie Burk ...... 7-32 Keeler, Ca rdinal Wil liam ...... 9-21 ...... ,9-7, 11-6 Yeazell, Gene ...... 12-4 Davis, Jane ...... 5-7 Keeney, Merv ...... 1/2-10, 1/ 2-14 Rep log le, James S...... 5-8 Yin, Hongtao and Gu Hong ...... 1/2-28 Islam ...... 11 ·23 De Leon, Hector...... 8-18 ...... 3-7, 7-6, 7-7, 9·24, 11-7 Rep log le, Shawn Flory ...... 6-4, 8-11 Yingling, Sarah ...... 8-6 Juniata College ...... 6-7 Dentler, Larry ...... 1/2-8 Keesmaat, Sylvia C...... 4-36 Reyes, David ...... 8-19 Young, David ...... 3-7 Latino outreach ...... 4-3 Diaz, Ja ime ...... 1/2 -8 Kessler, Clinton, Jr...... 1 / 2-32 Rhodes, Beth ...... 8-6 Young, Sarah Leatherman ...... 8-3 Litigation ...... 7-32 Dickason, Barbara Lei ninger ...... 8-9 Kieffaber, Edith ...... 5-4 Rhodes, Don na ...... 10-8 Zuercher, Tom ...... 9-14 Manchester College ...... 1/2·4 Diehl, David ...... 1/2-8 Kindy, Cliff ...... 1/ 2-13 Richards, Marty ...... 3-9 Zunke l, C.. Wayne ...... 7-7 Medical insurance ...... 1/2-25 Dilling, Yvonne ...... 3-8 Kinse l, Glenn ...... 6-7 Rieman, Phil ...... 1/2-13 Dommer, Susan ...... 1/2 -8 Kinsey, Jim ...... 7-10 Riner, Ashlee ...... 5-3 Membership ...... 6-9 Donohoo, Doug ...... 7-11 Kinzie, Tom ...... 5-5 Risser, Greg ...... 8-6 SUBJECTS Messenger ...... 4-10 Douglas, Chris ...... 8-6 Ki racofe, Albert ...... 6-5 Robinson, Paul ...... •...... 12-4 Ministry Summer Service ...... 8-6 Dulabaum, Nevin ...... 1/2-9 Kirchner, Shawn ...... 10-12 Romero, Gilbert...... 10-10 Ministry ...... 1/2-22, 8· 10 Africa ...... 10-5 Duling, Galen and Florena ...... 5-4 Koenig, Harold ...... 3-9, 10-6, 10-15 Roth, Pau l ...... 3-7 Alaska ...... 12·3 ...... 9-6, 10·7 Durnbaugh, Dona ld ...... 1/2-20 Krall, Daniel ...... 1/2-4 Roudebush, Pete and Martha ..... 5-9 Anniversaries, church ... . 1/2·3, 4-4, Missions ...... 11 ·4 Eller, Geraldin e ...... 3-5 Kudzar, John ...... •...... 12-5 Rowland, Curt ...... 3-8 ...... 6-4, 9-3, 11-3 Money ...... 12·22 Eller, Mark and Kim ...... 12-9 Kurtz, Hen ry ...... 4-11 Royer, Howard ...... 4-23, 7-7, 9-7 Annual Conference ...... 1/2-8, 3-6 Elliott, Don ...... 11-4 Landis family ...... 6-3 Ruh l, Janice ...... 6-7 Music ...... 7-24, 9·32, 10·10 ...... 4-5, 6-10, 6-15, Eshbach, Wa rren ...... 1/2-8 Laprade, Cindy ...... 8-6 Rupel , Denn is F...... 5-28 National Yo uth Conference ...... 1/2-7 Eshe lma n, John ...... 1/2-13 Laudeman, Emily ...... 3-13 Rupel, LaYon ...... 5-28 ...... 7-32, 9-2, 9-10, 10-7 ...... 3-7, 10·8, 12-7 Association of Espinoza, Noemi de ...... 7-21 Lederach, John Pa ul ...... 11 -32 Sack, David ...... 7-3 National Council Brethren Caregivers ...... 3-8, 5-6 Evason, Dave ...... 9-3 Lehman, Jessica ...... 7-15 Sadd, Tracy Wenger ...... 7-11 of Churches ...... 1/2· 10 Farrar, Fletcher...... 4-25, 7-7 Leiter, Mike ...... 11-8 Satvedi, Yalentina ...... 1/2-10 ...... 7-25 , 10-6, 12-6 New church development ...... 9-8 Faus, Nancy ...... 10-12 Lerch, Marilyn ...... 8-9 Say ler, Barb ...... 1/2-13 Austria ...... 8-4 ...... 11·5 Faus, Robert...... 1/2 -32, 6-5 Liby, David ...... 8-32 Scheppa rd, Carol ...... 1/2-8 Ba ltimore, Md ...... 8-32 Fernandez, Luis ...... 4-3 Lipscomb, Corinne ...... 10-5 Schmidt, April ...... 1/2-13 Baptism ...... 1/2-2 Nigeria ...... 5-4, 7-6, 9-26 Figuereo, Miladys ...... 8-21 Long, Rachel...... 4-7, 10-5 Shankster, Owen ...... 9-26 Bethany Theological ...... 10·19, 11·7 Fi ke , Ea rl e Jr ...... 6-32 Longenecker, David ...... 7-11, 10-8 Shell er, Christine ...... 1/2-13 Seminary ...... 1/2-8, 3-6, Northern Ireland ...... 1/2·4 ...... 3-7, 6-6, 8-7, 10-7 Fitze, Megan ...... 8-8 Longenecker, Lizzie ...... 9-23 Shelton, Brandy J ...... 1/ 2-7 Nuclear energy and waste ...... 3-36 Brazil ...... , ...... 1/ 2-14, 5-6 Fitzgerald, Carol and Tom ...... 4-4 Marsau, Sara ...... 6-4 Shiavoni, Mary ...... 10·8 ...... 5-27 Flory, Kristin ...... 7-7, 8-25 Matsuoka, Fumitaka ...... 3-9 Shreckhise, Dick ...... 10-13 Brethren Church ...... 9-10 Obituaries ...... 5-28 Flory-Steury, Mary Jo ...... 3-7 Mays, Robert ...... 8-5 Shumate, Donna ...... 7-32, 9-16 Brethren Revival Fellowship .. .. . 3-28, ...... 11-9 ...... 9-26, 11·26 ·····································9-7, 10-8 McAvoy, Jeff ...... 1/2-7 Silva, Divina ...... 1/2-15 Forney, Earl E...... 6-5 McDaniels, Jut ...... 7-12 Sloan , Mark ...... 6-23 Brethren Mennonite Council for Gay On Earth Peace ...... 6-8, 7-10, 12-8 Foster, Earl ...... 6-12 McDowell, Kim ...... 1/2-8 Smit h, Bonnie ...... 12-3 and Lesbian Concerns ...... 9-12 Organ donors ...... 5-4 Frantz, Edwa rd ...... 4-19 McElwee, Kath ryn and Ben .. ... 12-14 Smith, Leroy and Naomi ...... 8-5 ...... 10-9 Outdoor ministries ...... 9-3 Brethren Press ...... 9-13 Frantz, Nadine Pence ...... 1/2-9 McFadden, Cassidy ...... 1/2-2 Sollenberger, David ...... 1/2-7 PAX ...... 11 ·3 Brethren Colleges Abroad ...... 10-8 Frick, Kristin ...... 1/ 2-7 McFadden, Dan ...... 1 / 2-10, 7-7 Solorio, Motha ...... 4-3 Peace 4-4, 6-26, 11-32, 12·3, 12-10 Gardner, Rick ...... 1/ 2-9 McFadden, Mo nica ...... 10-2 Spires, Shirley and Ron ...... 9-4 Brethren Volunteer Service, .. .. 1/2· 10 Pilot House ...... 8-32 Garibay, Esperanza ...... 4-3 McFadden, Ralph ...... 11-8 St. Clair, Matt...... 3-10 ..... 3-10, 8-4, 8-32, 9-5, 10-4, 12-3 .. Preaching ...... 6-32, 12·20 Garland, Jerry ...... 7-11 McFadden, We ndy ...... 7-7 Steel, Sarah Baile ...... 1/ 2-8 Brethren Service Center ...... 7-7 Garrison, Mary Lou ...... 11-8 Medema, Ken ...... 3-9, 7-24 Steiner, Duane ...... 10-8 CAIR ...... 11-7 Puerto Rico ...... 5-3, 6·4 Gibble, June ...... 8-32 Messick, Monica Francis ...... 12-3 Stewart, Lily ...... 9-17 Camp Eder ...... 3-8 Rac ism ...... 3-2 Gi lbert, Dena ...... 8-14 Metzler, Harold ...... 1/2- 3 Stuckey, Kim ...... 11-8 Chickens ...... 3-4 Recycling ...... 5-3 Gilbert, Ellen ...... •...... 5-4 Miller, Carol Lena ...... 3-17 Sutton, Karen ...... 8-5, 10-4 Children ...... 6-3, 9-17 Russia ...... 3-3 China ...... 1/2-28 Gingrich, John ...... 6-6 Miller, David W ...... 1/ 2-10 Sweitzer, Eric ...... 1/2-13 Salaries for pastors ...... 1/2-26 Glass , Jeff ...... 10-13 Miller, D.L...... 4-16 Thakor, Ernie ...... 3-7 Church planting ...... 7-11, 9-8 School of the Americas ...... 1 / 2-12 Glover, Charlie ...... 10-5 Miller, Jim ...... 1/2-15 Thomas, Wil l ...... 9-8 Churches, small ...... 7-10 Seniors ...... Goering, Mike ...... 5-3 Miller, Sam ...... 8-32 Thomasson, Kerman ...... 4-25 Creation ...... , ...... 3-18 6-5 Good , Seth ...... 1/2-13 Miner, Nancy ...... 5-8 Thompson, Eric ...... 5-8 Cross-Cu ltural Sept. 11 attacks ...... 10·2, 11 ·2 Granada , Do rothy ...... 4-8 Monn, Nad ine ...... 5-6 Thompson, R. Jan ...... 3-3 Ministries Team ...... 6-24 ...... 11 ·6, 11-1.1, 12·8, 12-10 Gross, Bob ...... 3-7, 8-7, 11-7 Montauban, Yerel ...... 6-24 Townsend, Frances ...... 1/2-10 Deacons ...... 9-7 SERRY ...... 3·8 Grossman, David ...... 7-14 Moore, J.H ...... 4-l, 4-16 Tubbs, John and Janet ...... 7-6 Death penalty ...... 1/ 2-6, 8-7, 10-7 Stained glass art ...... 11-4, 12·4 Decade to Overcome Grout, Paul ...... 1 /2-7, 1/2-18, 7-8 Morse, Kenneth I...... 4-22 Tyler, Adam ...... 4-6 Stem ce ll research ...... 10-24 Gunderson, Gary R...... 3-9 Moyer, Glen ...... 6-5 Uhland, Joye Dell...... 1/2-32 Yiolence ...... 4-5, 10-7 Sudan ...... 6-19, 6·22 Han ley, Richard ...... 3-11 Mumma, Emily ...... 6-14 Ullery, Vicki ...... 8-3 Disaster relief auction ...... 9-22, 11-6 Taize ...... 8-8 Hansell, Allen T ...... 1/2-15 Murphy, Colin, ...... 1/2-4 Ullom, Becky ...... 3-7 Disaster child care ...... 6-9, 9-9 Harbaugh-Williams. Jesh ...... 6-4 Murray, Stuart ...... 4-7 Utz, Harley and Sylvia ...... 9-3 Discipleship ...... 1/2-2 Trees for Li fe ...... 1.2 ·5 Hardenbrook, Jim ...... 4-6 Myer, Jim ...... 1/2 -18 Yan Meter, Tim ...... 3-7, 7-15 Dominican Repub lic ...... 1/2·3 Urban ministry ...... 8-32 Harper, Abby ...... 4-6 Myers, Carl and Doreen ...... 3-6 Verbeck, Grant ...... •...... 5-5 ...... 5-10, 8-18 Vacation Bible School ...... 10·5 Harvey, Terri ...... 8-6 Myers, Dody ...... 6-3 Vermilyea, Don ...... 3-12 E-commerce ...... 1/2-8, 5-9, 7-7 Violence ...... 7-12 Hatfield, Terry ...... •...... 1/2-32 Naragon, Emma ...... 12-14 Vivian, C.T ...... 9-21 Easter ...... 8-3 Workcamps ...... 7-9, 10·3 Hawk, Jenn ...... 8-8 Naylor, Kurtis Friend ...... 11-26 Waggy, Crystal ...... 1/2-7 Education, Christian ...... 11-8 Worship ...... : ...... 9-14, 10-10 Heisey, Enos B...... 3-5 Negley, Kendra ...... 8-22 Wagoner, Al ...... 5-3 Education ...... 7-4 Young adults ...... 7-8, 8-10 Heisey, Walter ...... 11-9 Noffsinger, Debbie ...... 3-6 Wagoner, Bruce ...... 5-3 El Sa lvador ...... 3-8 Heishman, Nancy and Irv ...... 12- 13 Noffsinger, Stan ...... 3-8 Wagoner, Deb ...... 5-4 Emergency Response/Service Min- Youth Peace Travel Team .4-7, 10·5 Hendricks, Jean L...... 5-9 Norris, Glen ...... 8-5 Wa lbridge, Gilbert C ...... 4-4 istries ...... 6-7 Youth ...... 1/2·7, 3·7, 4·6 Herring, Alvin B...... 9-21 North, Justin ...... 1/2-7 Walmer, Berdene M ...... 12·5 Emerging Global Mission Fund .. .. 9-24 ...... 5-10, 6-6, 7· 12, 7-9

II Messenger December 200 1 COMMENTARY The other side of the "only way"

claim that with conviction, always seeking to win others to by Allen Hansell Christ. Our Muslim brothers and sisters have a right to pro­ claim their beliefs, and to seek to convert the world to Islam. "! esus is 'the stone you masons threw out, which is now Together we stand before God, who will do the judging. the cornerstone.' Salvation comes no other way; no other Followers of Christ do not testify to their own unique call name has been or will be given to us by which we can be by labeling others with terms meant to make them feel infe­ saved, only this one" (Acts 4: 11-12, Eugene Peterson). rior. Once we start down that road, it is but a short distance to the place where those who are different are Peter had been arrested and this is part of his defense labeled the enemy. Many travel that road, claiming a right­ speech. The same words about the cornerstone are found in eous hatred in the name of the God of love. Once the label Psalm 118:22: "The stone that the builders rejected has goes on, actions soon follow. become the chief cornerstone." In our post-Sept. 11 world, it is urgent that the devotees The builders, in Peter's mind, are the rulers, elders, of the great world religions take the time needed to get to scribes, Pharisees, and Sadducees listening to his voice. know each other, and to pray with and for each other and Interpreting Psalm 118, Peter offers that Jesus was the for all of the nations of the world. rejected stone, and that God has replaced the flawed, less The same scripture, stating that Jesus is the only way to than perfect, cornerstone with this perfect cornerstone. the kingdom, can be used to talk about us as Brethren as There is no other way. This "no other way," or "no other well. Just as that confession of faith sometimes leads people name by which one is saved" is also found in John 14:6. to trash other world religions, people can be quite rejecting Jesus is the chief cornerstone of our faith. We know that. and hurtful when they are absolutely sure that their under­ Our proclamation of that faith, however, can be based on a standing of Christ is the correct one, and those with negative; the "only way" language can negate the gospel of different understandings are less faithful. love upon which we stand. The Church of the Brethren has a strong propensity for Anyone who witnessed the many religious services fol­ being at war with itself. This denomination denounces war lowing the events of Sept. 11 heard words of comfort from as sin and does not believe in using weapons that harm and leaders of several world religions. I watched the service in kill the physical body. But we sometimes wage war·s of Yankee Stadium on TV, and marveled at the gracious words words that hurt and destroy the spirit. from Christians, Jews, Muslims, Hindus, and others. Each I started my ministry when our beloved denomination was of those great world religions claims to be the way to truth, being torn apart over civil rights struggles and the Vietnam life, peace, and healing. How can each one claim to be the war. In the 1990s, we were at war with ourselves over evan­ way to God, even the only way? gelism, and that struggle continues. When we approach the Should we embrace a kind of universalism which says that each is subject of evangelism, we need to avoid sweeping general­ right, so pick the one you want? Or, can we, should we, with confi­ izations. Some say the church is doing just fine, and we dence and conviction, proclaim Peter's message in Acts 4: 12: don't need to change. That undermines integrity, for we "There is salvation in no one else"? know that all is not well. On the other hand, those who pro­ As disciples of Christ Jesus, I believe that we must boldly nounce the church apostate, saying that our leaders and proclaim, by word and deed, this scripture in Acts 4 and in congregations have little interest in evangelism, they dis­ John 14. Otherwise we fall into an anemic universalism where courage those who are faithful to Christ. people choose the religion that most nearly fits their needs. The Church of the Brethren is a good church. We have However, this Christian confession of faith in no way gives many dedicated and caring people. If our commitment is to anyone the liberty to trash other world religions. I took a class Christ, we will encourage each other and find room for on world religions at Bridgewater College in 1962, taught by everyone to live out their faith. William Beahm, after he retired as Bethany's dean. He told We are not all alike. We have differing methodologies. But we our class that followers of Christ should not confess the can be one in Christ. Let's stop the war with each other. We unique lordship of Christ by dismissing, ridiculing, rejecting, believe in a God oflove. Christ Jesus is our example. The Chris­ or harming others who claim eternal truth. They are sisters tian faith gives no one th~ right to_ harm ano~her:--not with and brothers in the human race, created by God, and we owe m bullets, not with harsh, d1scouragmg, and reJectmg words. iii them more than tolerance. We must treat others with respect and love, and grant them the right to claim their own beliefs. Allen Hansell delivered these remarks to the General Board in October on the occa­ Ours, Beahm said, is a positive faith that proclaims Christ sion of his retirement. His 40 years in ministry included 23 as pastor, 8 years as as the best revelation of God on earth, and we must pro- district executive, and 4 years as director of ministry for the General Board.

Messenger December 2001 II v\ g~ ob tfood LETTERS

v\ Qi!f= 0£ cpeace Compliments from California ial courage in critiquing the power broker role that the General Board has The October issue of MESSENGER was one The ravages taken in the struggle for property and of the best in my memory. Reading it of war and power in India. Thanks. the onset of from cover to cover gave me a spiritual Be nton Rhoades winter are lift at this time of sadness when the busi­ Cla re mont, Ca lif. the latest ness and military centers of our country have been attacked with so many people trials for the Flag doesn't belong in worship people of killed, and when an eye for an eye seems Afghanistan. to be our nation's response. I believe it is never appropriate to have The news section was a ray of hope a United States flag in worship. The With $50,000 in much­ when most of the daily news is bad church is the Body of Christ. The "God­ needed food aid and our news. Wendy McFadden's late-breaking with-us" we know in Jesus Christ is a prayers for peace, we're publisher's note lamenting the tragedy universal God. When we gather for reaching out to them. Your she saw in New York was realistic and worship we are a segment of the Body gift of $256 feeds a family timely. Walt Wiltschek's feature article of Christ that stretches around the of seven for six months. on worship seemed to balance well the globe. The Body of Christ is never old and the new. It reminded us that aligned with partiality to any human­ Give-ti/ it helps! change is possible in the church. made geographic location. God does The "Voices of young servants" at not "bless America" above any other of work on three continents including our God's children. The citizenship of a own country spoke to us about mission Christian is always to the universal in a new key. The letters to the editor Body of Christ and only secondarily to Global Food Crisis Fund helped put me in touch once more with the country in which one resides. My 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120 the faith family that we call "Brethren." love of country is always subordinate 800.323.8039 Fletcher, I salute you for your editor- to allegiance to Christ.

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II Messenger December 2001 Flags are powerful symbols. I can basin and towel, and the Brethren Ser­ Executive Director observe the US flag and feel apprecia­ vice Cup. The flag in worship is idolatry. ofAnnual Conference tion and pride. We have the blessing of Ral ph Detrick Eli za bethtown. Pa. the democratic process, freedom of The Annual Conference expression, and economic abundance. However, our economic abundance Combine old and new music Council is seeking an thrives, in part, through exploitation of Executive Director who is I visited a church which sang all praise global resources and on the shoulders songs and no hymns. [See "Worship responsible for the Annual of persons receiving slave wages in sings a new tune," October.] It was sad Conference of the Church far-off countries. Our nation's political to think the old hymns might be forgot­ of the Brethren. and economic self-interest has some­ ten. I prayed and asked God why would times thwarted the democratic process he allow this to happen? God reminded in other countries. Therefore, the US me of all the years we have sung the Ideal candidates will flag is also a symbol of exploitation hymns without really looking at or demonstrate the following and oppression. understanding the words, taking them qualifications: knowledge of Our Anabaptist ancestors would be for granted. One day someone will dis­ and identification with appalled at the presence of flags in our cover the words of one of the great Church of the Brethren sanctuaries. We must not capitulate to hymns like "How great thou art." And this accommodation to culture. We our awesome God will make the old beliefs and practices; must be "in the world but not of it." Our new again. excellent administrative, nation is currently in a nationalistic and My church combines the new with financial management, militaristic fervor. Brethren walk a dif­ the old, and I enjoy the beautiful music communication, and the meaningful words. Worship ferent path. We witness to our country; can be experienced in any style. organization, and computer we don't idolize it. The symbols for our Dian e Hall skills; ability to work with worship include the Bible, the cross, the Shippensburg, Pa. wide-range of individuals and groups; freedom to travel as required. Applications will be received until March 1, 2002 or until the position t Bridgewate1; l!fe is filled. The position is available October 15, 2002.

is about hav[Yl{J dwlCes. All interested parties should direct inquiries or letters of At Bridgewater Retirement Community we offer a full range of quality application to: housing alternatives for adults on a lovely 46-acre campus. For life-lease and rental cottages and apartments, we have Bridgewater Village. Maple Terrace features spacious, affordable apartments with appealing Annual Conference Council amenities for adults with active life-styles. And Bridgewater Home c/o Harriet Finney offers assisted living and 24-hour nursing care. 205 River Cove Lane We also have supportive and rehabilitative services and a skilled, North Manchester, IN 46962 caring staff to make you feel right at home. For more information, or to arrange a tour of our facilities, call 800 419-9129 or 540 828-2550. _JL 7~ Church of the Brethren

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Messenger December 2001 ~ CLASSIFIED ADS

Brethren Life & Thought has for sale gardens, July 13-August 3, 2002. For International Christian Aid, 115 Spring Rd., copies of "History of Research on the Church information please write (or email Hollsopple, PA 15935 or phone 814-479-7963. of the Brethren from the Eighteenth Cen­ [email protected]) to J. Kenneth Kreider, tury to the Present" by Rainier W. Burkart, 1300 Sheaffer Road, Elizabethtown, PA 17022 loans and scholarships are available with bibliographical update by Donald F. for qualified Church of the Brethren students Durnbaugh. Single copy price, $10.50, or looking ahead to travel in 2002. Con­ or employees ofa Church of the Brethren subscribe now for two years ($40) and sider joining a MENNONITE YOUR WAY agency preparing for a career in a health receive the "History" issue free. Contact: TOUR and "travel with a purpose." The new care profession. This program is offered Brethren Life & Thought, c/o Bethany The­ tour brochure, listing 2002 tours is now avail­ through the Association of Brethren Care­ ological Seminary, 615 National Road W., able. Consider - Alaska, Northwest US, givers. For qualifications to receive a loan Richmond, IN 47374, phone 765-983-1811 Maritimes, National Parks, Europe, Panama or scholarship, visit www.brethren.org/abc/. or e-mail [email protected]. Canal. Travel to these special places, with For more information, contact Loans and special people brothers and sisters of the Scholarships Coordinator Linda Timmons Signal Press Position: Publication Anabaptist family. For the new 2002 Tour at (847) 742-5100, ext. 300, or e-mail ltim­ Manager, Downtown Evanston, Illinois not­ listing or complete itinerary of a specific tour, [email protected]. for-profit. Wanted individual or couple to write/call MYW TOURS, Box 425, Landisville, be responsible for taking publication orders, PA 17538; 717-653-1111 or 800-296-1991. A new book of comfort and hope­ preparing orders for shipment, and billing. Tears in a Bottle: Comfort for Life's Hurts Requires good phone and computer skills, linking caring Americans with needy chil­ by Noah Martin, D.Min., Church of the able to handle multiple tasks and work inde­ dren, their families and communities in the Brethren pastor, counselor, author. Offers pendently, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Mon-Fri. developing world. Western PA District COB a biblical perspective to deal with the Convenient house with paid utilities can be Mission Program, with 20 years experience emotional and spiritual pain that come part of salary option. Ideal for active retired operating a child sponsorship program, is from the losses and disappointments of individuals. Position available in January. now partnering with International Christian life. Endorsed by pastors, chaplains, psy­ For more information contact Sarah at 765- Aid supporting orphanages and child edu­ chologists, grief counselors. Useful for 345-7600 or e-mail at [email protected]. cational programs in Honduras, Nicaragua individuals, expressions of comfort, self­ and a developing program in India. We need help groups. Order via www.new-day.org, Travel - Tour Ireland, Scotland, Wales, you. For only $25 per month you can spon­ e-mail [email protected], or call 814- and England-with emphasis on unique sor a child. For information contact 535-8202. Cost is $10 plus $1.50 S & H.

- Messenger December 2001 TURNING POINTS Please send information to be Mechanicsburg, Pa.: Lois Crim­ N okesville, Va ., 6 5 town, Md ., Jan. 20 Licensings included in Turning Points to Jean mel, Dennis Ertter, Mary Wray, Luther and Kathleen, Hiller, Rachel Pauline, 95 , Clements, 1451 Dundee Ave., Ertter, Barbara Hopkins, Callaway, Va., 60 Hagerstown, Md., Aug. 23 Bretzinger, James E., Buffalo, Elgin, IL 60 120; 800 323-8039 ext. William Hall, Barbara Hall Wright, Purdy and Minnie, Hodges, George, 79, Troutville, Monticello, Ind., Sept. 23 206; [email protected]. Monte Vista, Callaway, Va.: Utica, Minn., 60 Va. , March 27 Denlinger, Duane E., Eversole, Information must be complete in Ky le Andrew Hodges Zuck, Glen and Frances, Hern­ Horner, Evelyn (Mae), 83, order to be published. Montezuma, Dayton, Va. : don, Va. , 60 Brook Park, Ohio, July 15 New Lebanon, Ohio, Aug. 12 Dennis Hill, Judy Hill, Katie Horner, Leroy (Pete) , 86, Derr, Amelia, Indiana, Pa., New members Jackson, Dan King, Augusta Deaths Brook Park, Ohio, Sept. 15 Sept. 16 Reel, Craig Sease, Jill Sease, Huddleston, Wesley, 76, Gingerich, Kim Elaine, Madison Agape, Fort Wayne, Ind.: Bea Zach Sease, Derek Shickel, Allen, Leo G., 80, Glendale, Roanoke, Va ., Sept. 30 Avenue, York, Pa. , Sept. 23 Williams-Tevis Lisa Shickel, Marshall Smiley, Ore., Sept. 23 Huffman, Violet, 91, Tro utvi lle, Horning, Glenn, Gardiner Ankeny, Iowa: Michael Huf­ Brian Weaver, Keith Weaver, Anderson, Vergil, 76, Rocky Va. , Feb. 6 Road Fellowship, Wales, faker, Laura Huffaker Laura Weaver, Sharon Weaver Mount, Va. , Sept. 5 Ikenberry, Fred, 81, Bridgewa­ Maine, Feb. 23 , 1997 Ashland Dickey, Ashland, Sebring, Fla.: Kimble McCay, Angle, Stafford, 77, Rocky ter, Va. , Sept. 16 Ludwick, Josiah, Lebanon, Pa., Ohio: Kendra Martin, Marillyn McCay, Patricia Mount, Va. , March 27 Keplinger, Grace Elenora, IO I , Sept. 23 Harold Swain, Julia Swain Szlosek, Winifred Williams, Ausherman, Theodore L. , 93, Hagerstown, Md., July 5 Major, Scott, Coventry, Beaver Creek, Hagerstown, Alisha Daugherty, Danielle New Oxford, Pa ., Sept. 23 Kinard, Edwin D., 66, Dallas­ Pottstown, Pa. , June 24 Md.: Warren Fru sher, Marie Ledet, Allison Ledet, Melissa Barb, Franklin, 72, Bridgewater, town, Pa., Sept. 20 Miller, Glenn Neil, Pleasant Hill, Dionne, Diana Socks, Hollenberg, Stephanie Hol­ Va. , Sept. 11 Latschaw, Betty Keller Miller, Spring Grove, Pa . Sept. 23 Connie Clever, Elizabeth lenberg, Daniel Wilson, Battaglia, Kathryn, 91 , 76, Dallastown, Pa., Aug. 25 Mummert, Ray Glenn, Pleasant Clever, Billie Clever, Bobby Josue Wilson, Seth Ziegler, Troutville, Va ., Sept. 26 Middlekauff, Mary Ann, 54, Hill, Spring Grove, Pa ., Mill er, Caleb Pryor Tricia Ziegler, Judy Glade, Beaver, Betty Lou, 72, Hagers­ Hagerstown, Md., Jan . 27 Sept. 23 Beaver Creek, Knoxvi ll e, Tenn.: Joel Haag, Barbara Haag, town, Md. , March 30 Miller, Earl Edward, 63, Beale­ Osterbuhr, Douglas, Sheldon, Brittany Kell y, Nicholas Kelly Richard Housekeeper, Joan Blough, Edgar, 89, Waterloo, ton, Va ., Aug. 16 Iowa, Oct. 14 Miller, Eliza, 94, New Beech Run, Mapleton Depot, Locke, Paul Becker, Kathryn Iowa, Sept. 16 Shirk, Paul David, Pleasant Hill, Lebanon, Ohio, Oct. 4 Pa. : Jennifer Chilcote, Tina Bontrager Becker, Edith Boitnott, Hilda, 83, Boones Spri ng Grove, Pa., Sept. 23 Unger, Harry Unger, Michael Child, Robert Cox, Janet Mill, Va ., June 6 Miller, Helen (Ruth), 82, Troxell, Ernie, West Alexandria, Unger Bethany, New Paris, Cox, Willis Fouts, Audria Bonner, Lectie Pennington, 94, Cloverdale, Ohio, Oct. 6 Ohio, Sept. 23 Ind.: Katelyn Gall , Michael Fouts, Ronnie Daugherty Eglon, W. Va., Aug. 29 Miller, Loren, 79, Warsaw, Weaver, Galen, Blue Ball, Pa. , Yontz, Trevor Conrad Stevens Hill Community, Bowman, Grace H., 88, Call ­ Ind., Aug. 21 Bethel, Carleton, Neb.: Jessica Eli zabethtown, Pa.: Mike away, Va., July 26 Miller, Virginia A., 99, Bridge­ Jan. 28 Dowdy, Andrea Schweitzer, Buller, Kristen Bu ll er, Eli za­ Bowman, Paul S. , 85, New water, Va ., Sept. 4 Rebecca Dornbierer beth Ann Fritz, Ryan Shenk, Castle, Ind., Aug. 2 Moneyheffer, Annamae, 77, Ordinations Blue Ridge, Va. : Roy Heinlen, Melvin Ressler, Tiera Chadwell, Marie, 88, Sebring, Nappanee, Ind., May 23 Candy Heinlen Ressler, Earl Grimm Fla., Sept. 20 Monninger, George, 90, Baker, Daniel, Oak Dale, Bridgewater, Va.: Allen Clague, Syracuse, Ind.: Chas Amadeo, Chandler, Kenneth Eugene, 66, Funkstown, Md., Aug . 28 Scherr, W.Va. , Sept. 16 Naoma Clague Tim Lentberg Ashland, Ohio, Aug. 26 Myers, Howard G., III, 53 , Brunk, James, Bradford, Ohio, Broadfording, Hagerstown, Troy, Ohio: Thomas Reed, Clouse, Roy, 66, Woodbury, Seven Valleys, Pa ., Sept. 18 Sept. 30 Md. : Sandra Ebbs, Rick Betsy Weaver Pa., Sept. 11 Naff, Nanny Kate (Teeney), 81, Longanecker, Kevin, Water Martin, Charlene Martin, Union Center, Nappanee, Ind.: Coffman, Alfreda Elizabeth, 97, Boones Mill, Va ., Aug. 3 1 Street, Kent, Ohio, Oct. 14 Preston Sellers, Stephanie Corey Hepler, Barb Miller, Hagerstown, Md., Dec. 24, Newkirk, John Denton, 92, Miller, Douglas M., West York, Sellers Kathleen Rice, Dale Deter, 2000 Hagerstown, Md., May 31 York, Pa., Sept. 30 Ocker, Helen Regina, 89, Florin, Mount Joy, Pa.: Deb Joy Jo hnson, Lonnie Bope, Cooper, Carol, 60, Las Vega s, Murphy, Granville, New Hope, Detwiler, Garry Kl in e, Susan Laura Everest, Austen Burk­ Nev., Sept. 12 Hagerstown, Md., Nov. 1, Seymour, Ind., Sept. 30 Strickler, James Heisey holder, Jeremy Steffen, Davis, Margaret, 95, Troy, 2000 Van Voorhis, Laura, Good Samaritan, Brandon, Heather Knotts, Justin Smith, Ohio, Oct. 4 Pletcher, Ordo M., 92, Ship­ Fla.: Joe Dixon, Michael Keith Carter, Stacey Carter Deibert, Eth el Lehman, 98, pensburg, Pa., Sept. l 0 Northview, Indianapolis, Gilley, Harry Hutchinson West Green Tree, Lancaster, Hagerstown, Md., April 7 Siler, Barbara Kay, 37, Ash­ Ind., Sept. 16 Hollins Road, Roanoke, Va.: Pa.: Charles Riggleman, Dick, Jean, 87, Johnstown, Pa., land, Ohio, Sept. 20 Michele Bailey, Autumn Charlotte Riggleman, Julie Sept. 29 Smith, Galen J. , 92, La Verne, Pastoral Booth, Stephanie Johnson, Zubris, Phyll is Hamme Dickinson, Bessie, 91, Bryan, Calif. , Dec. 17, 2000 Nathan McK.imm y, George Woodbury, Pa.: Bradley Ohio, Sept. 6 Snider, Dan, 96, Wakarusa, placements Fu lk, Maxine Fu lk, Horace Ritchey, Karl Williams Dillon, Ind., March 21 Janet, 70, Rocky Anspaugh, Eric C., from pastor, Light, Doris Light, Ruth York Center, Lombard, Ill.: Mount, Va., April 18 Spitzer, Carroll Francis, 84, Cincinnati, Ohio, to pastor, Owens, Betty Dillon Linda Raue, Alan Boleyn, Dowdy, Mary Ann, 70, Syra­ Hagerstown, Md., April 12 Lampeter, Pa.: Ch ristina Free­ Justin e Boleyn, Elvia Steiner, cuse, Ind., Aug. 18 Staiger, Mary, 90, Carlisle, Pa. , Florin, Mount Joy, Pa. , Oct. I man, Erin Frank, Lauren David Steiner Durbin, Joseph S., 89, Hagers­ Aug. 30 Bretzinger, James F., pastor, Frank, Jessie Frank, Jared town, Md., Jan. 7 Stein, La rry, 57, Atglen, Pa ., Buffalo, Ind., Sept. 23 French, Bradley Lutz, Wedding Durling, Mabel Cosey, 97, Sept. 13 Caldwell, Rodney R. , from Michael Myers, Stacey Myers Hagerstown, Md., March I Sterling, Ruth B., 86, Hagers­ pastor, Ankeny, Iowa, to Lick Creek, Bryan, Ohio: David anniversaries Faust, Chester C., 74, Cham­ town, Md ., Nov. 27, 2000 pastor, Yellow Creek, Pearl Mi ller, Charlene Miller bersburg, Pa. , July 15 Studebaker, Phyllis, 49, City, Ill. , Oct. 1 Lititz, Pa .: Brandie Fortney, Jen­ Burger, Vernon and Beulah, Feierstein, Marian, 77, Troy, Springfield, Ohio, Sept. 29 Crull, Walter, from pastor, nifer Fortney, Jean L. Price, Centerville, Iowa, 65 Ohio, Sept. 12 Stump, Miriam, 91 , Wakarusa, Fairview, Mount Clinton, Jonathan Price, Charles · Burkholder, Paul S. and Mary Firestone, J. Bennett, 86, Ind., June 25 Harrisonburg, Va. , to Blymier, Edna Blymier, Lou, Gettysburg, Pa. , SO Troutville, Va. , Oct. 15 Sturtz, Dorothy, 81, Waterloo, pastor, Garbers, Harrison­ Harold Bowman, Kay Craighead, Sherman and Flora, Bentley, 83 , Boones Mill, Iowa, Sept. 6 burg, Va. , Oct. 8 Bowman, Ed Cunliffe, Lisa Carmen, Call away, Va ., 60 Va ., Sept. 20 Thumma, Alvin Frederick, 67, Eller, Mark E., director of out­ Cunliffe, George H . Miller, Diller, Carl and Ann, Lan­ Frazier, Ember! C., 91 , New .Hagerstown, Md., May 8, door ministries , Camp Jr., Norma Miller, Betty Lon­ caster, Pa., 50 En terprise, Pa., Sept. 3 2000 Placid, BlountviHe, Tenn., genecker, Bryan Bingeman, Fike, J. Rogers and Elizabeth, Gilbert, Lois, 79, Milford, Ind., Timmons, Myrtle, 102, Prairie Oct. 22 Tonya Burton, Joie Garner, Oakland, Md., Nov. 20 Aug.21 City, Iowa, Sept. 14 Elmore, Kendal W., from pastor, Lauren Garrett, Kent Gerdes, Franklin, Lawrence and Helen, Gillespie, Selena, 85, Akron, Ulbricht, Dorothy, 78 , North Midland, Va., to pastor, Pitts­ Blue Ridge, Va., 50 Michael Hess, Kahlie Long, Ind. , Sept. 14 Liberty, Ind., Sept. 2 1 burgh, Pa ., Oct. I Darcy McDonald, Nick Hamilton, David and Velma, Gilliam, Hal, 85, Tipp City, Weaver, E. Paul, 89, Everett, Good, Nancy D. , pastor, Middle­ Manley, Taylor Rice, Peter Virden, Ill., 73 Ohio, Oct. 5 Pa., Oct. 14 creek, Rockwood, Pa., Oct. I Shenk, Grant Weaver Kintner, Emery and Molly, Good, J. Vernon, 83, Lancaster, Webb, Mary Grace, 79, Long Green Valley, Glen Arm, Albion, Ind., 50 Pa., Oct. 19 McPherson, Kan., Sept. 19 Reece, Kathy, from interim Md.: Caitlin Haynes, Litten, Norman and Janet, Grove, Rachel, 85, Chambers­ Wolff, Ionella, 84, La Verne, pastor to pastor, Dallas Heather Smith Hagerstown, Md ., 50 burg, Pa., Oct. 13 Calif. , Dec. 27, 1999 Center, Iowa, Aug. 1 Marilla, Copemish, Mich.: Millhimes, Charles and Ruth, Guthrie-Wampler, Mabel, 85, Zigler, Wilma, 81 , Bryan, Ohio, Rhodes, Donna McKee, from Dawn Dallas Gettys burg, Pa., 50 New Oxford, Pa. , Sept. 23 Aug.26 pastor of Christian nurture, Marsh Creek, Gettysburg, Pa.: Over, Richard and Mary Hancock, Walter Posey, 80, Zimmerman, Mabel W., 85, Stone, Huntingdon, Pa., to Edward Ellis, Dennis Dean, (Libby), Sebring, Fla ., 55 Bassett, Va., May 25 Hagerstown, Md., Oct. 24, director of academy training, Duane Kanagy, Beth Poling, Newton and Virginia, Heckert, Bessie L., 94, Eglon, 2000 Bethany Theological Seminary, Kanagy, Stephen Russ, Jane Hagerstown, Md., 60 W.Va. , Aug. 22 Zimmerman, Viola, 90, Johns­ Susquehanna Valley Satellite, Russ, Doris Harman Smith, Harvey and Hazel, Higgs, Rachel E., 84, Hagers- town, Pa ., Sept. 24 Elizabethtown, Pa ., Oct. I

Messenger December 2001 Ill EDITORIAL•

The weight of glory

So we do not lose heart. Even though our outer pose theologian Walter Brueggemann would say nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being my balanced-budget mentality comes from an renewed day by day. For this slight momentary "ideology of scarcity." It says there's a limit to affliction is preparing us for an eternal weight of resources and not enough for everybody, so hold glory beyond all measure, because we look not at on to what you have, hoard it even, so it will be what can be seen but at what cannot be seen; for there if you need it, even if others must do with­ what can be seen is temporary, but what cannot be out. I prefer to call it "fiscal prudence," but I seen is eternal (2 Cor. 4: 16, 1 7). think we're talking about the same thing. The Bible tells us God, on the other hand, operates sually when everybody else is thinking from an ideology of abundance: There is enough to outside the box, I prefer to stay inside go around, so long as each of us takes only what we U and tell the others what it's like. The box need. If nobody hoards, there will even be more than ,, One of the has served us well in the past, thank you, and it can enough left over. Because there is plenty, God is do so in the future. When I hear arguments for the generous, raining manna from heaven. Bruegge­ fun parts is benefits of risk, I say, "You first"; when I hear mann writes: "Filled with God's generosity, Jesus chaos called creative, I cringe. I like my budgets went around to people suffering from scarcity-of watching balanced, my plans long-range, my ducks in a row, health, of acceptance, of power, of understanding­ my wisdom conventional. For the most part. and replaced it with a gift of abundance. Jesus is skeptics I was trained as a skeptic in journalism school, constantly alert to any mismatch between the gen­ where we were taught, "If your mother says she erosity of God and the needs of the people." shake their loves you, check it out." After years of practice, I That's what Jesus was doing in Mark 8 when he can smell a hare-brained scheme a mile away. I can looked out over the crowd of 4,000 and said to the heads and spot a politician's selfish motives from even far­ disciples, "They have nothing to eat." The disciples tell us all the ther. My slogan, "That'll never work," has served could guess what he was thinking, and answered, me well; most ideas don't work, so I'm often right. "How can one feed these people with bread here in reasons what If Peter had only asked me for advice before he set the desert?" It was their way of saying the budget out to walk on water, I could have kept him dry. isn't balanced. That'll never work. But with seven we're doing But when I see boarded-up old houses in my loaves and a few small fish the people were fed and neighborhood I lose all sense of the "real world." I there were plenty of leftovers. will never can't see problems, only possibilities. Where Such miracles don't happen all the time. The dis­ others see decay, I see new life on the way. Over ciples knew that usually when there wasn't enough work. ,, the years I have helped change enough slum build­ food people went hungry. But sometimes in the ings into nice affordable homes that I know it is presence of Jesus they could feel the "weight of not only possible, it is blessed work. We are trying glory" coming down, as Paul describes it in 2 not only to rebuild houses, but to revitalize a Corinthians. Perhaps they could sense when Jesus neighborhood. We want to rehab lives, and make was about to perform another miracle of generosity. neighbor into a verb again. After all, in Mark 6 he had just fed the 5,000 with One of the fun parts is watching skeptics shake five loaves and two fish; why not feed 4,000 with their heads and tell us all the reasons what we're seven loaves and more fish? At least it's worth a try. doing will never work. It's uneconomical! And even This tells me not to give up my common sense if you do make it into a nice house, will anybody and the budget-balancing skills of my outer want to live in this neighborhood? It's also fun to nature, but also to cultivate my inner na.ture and hear those who have caught the vision. On the first its uncommon sense that God is about to do inspection of our most recent acquisition, my wife something. The more miracles I see, the more I stepped carefully from room to musty room, past can see them coming. I must learn to look more cracked plaster and broken windows, around long­ often at what cannot be seen. I need to retrain to abandoned appliances to where the kitchen cabinets be a journalist of God's abundance, explaining not were falling off the wall. "What a great place!" she so much why something won't work but how it exclaimed. "This is a wonderful house." might. When I sense an idea carries the weight of So how do I reconcile my hard-nosed inside­ glory, I will tell the skeptical old reporter in me to the-box self with the one who looks at squalor and just get out of the way. Another miracle is about to sees a neighborhood of hope and beauty? I sup- happen. - FLETCHER FARRAR

II Messen ger December 2001 2002 National Youth Conference

Worship

for sue

July 16-21, 2002 Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado Registration fee: $350 Register on-line at www.nyc2002.com, January I through April I, 2002 Informational brochures, promotional videos, and posters are available from the NYC Office. --= Call (800) 323-8039 x 245, or e-mail [email protected] THE CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN GENERAL BOARD AND You

ITT Touch the Jf6rld o et er

Thank you for another year of prayers and support. MERRY CHRISTMAS

I C H lJ RC H 1.) r- T H E B R ET H R E N G E N I. R .\L B <.) A R n • I 4 5 I D lJ N D El: A\' E . E LG I N , I L. 6 0 I 2 0