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Churcfl oN tlie Bretliren

WHEN RELIGION BECOMES EVIL Where are you when help is needed?

When you give to Emergency Disaster Fund, You are there!

Canned meat, school kits, health kits, blankets and gently used computers were shipped to Angola from the Brethren Service Center. Multiple grants totaling $89,500 from the Emergency Disaster Fund are supporting widespread disaster response efforts in southern Africa.

EMERGENCY DISASTER FUND A ministry of encouragement, restoration and service in a broken world. Join us in this ministry: Emergency Disaster Fund Church of the Brethren General Board 1451 Dundee Avenue, Elgin, IL 60120 800-451-4407 or www.brethrendisasterresponse.org OCTOBER 2003 VOL.152 NO.9 WWW.BRETHREN.ORG

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

1 O Church plants taking root Here are profiles of five new Church of the Brethren congregations, how they were planted, and how they grew. Readers will see there is no one correct way to plant a church, but these success stories may inspire others to do more planting.

16 License ministers Across the country, Church of the Brethren members are finding creative ways to spell out their faith and their church affiliation on their license plates.

18 When religion becomes evil An interview with Prof. Charles Kimball on the phenomenon of religion turning its powerful force to destructive ends. The per­ spective not only makes sense of current events, it presents dan­ ger signals to avoid in our own religion.

22 Pensions mark a milestone It was 60 years ago that Annual Conference approved the Church of - ONTHECOVER the Brethren pension plan. Today more than 1,100 retired ministers and church employees receive a monthly benefit from the plan. The thriving "church plant" on the cover has its leaves labeled with some of the important factors that 24 Concerns about The Patriot Act help determine whether a new church takes root and In this commentary article, Phil Jones, the new director of the survives or, like some, withers and dies. But though Brethren Witness and Washington Office, explains why t_he church elements like "prayer," "vision," "community involve­ should be concerned about a new law meant to fight terrorism. ment," and "finances" are important, none of these factors alone determines whether a new church lives or dies. Leaders in the field of new church develop­ ment say there is no guaranteed formula for success. So our cover story this month by Walt Wiltschek is DEPARTMENTS not a "how-to" article. Rather it profiles five new 2 From the Publisher Church of the Brethren congregations, each planted 3 In Touch under different circumstances, that show signs of 6 News thriving. Taken together they present a garden of 26 Faith in Action hope for a denomination yearning to grow. 27 Letters The cover illustration is by Debbie Noffsinger of DN 31 Turning Points Design, Union Bridge, Md. 32 Editorial Messenger October 2003 How to reach us

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Display advertising: rmatteson_ [email protected] Phone: 800-323-8039 ~aps because I am a visual learner. I am always see;ng othe, pea­ Fax: 847-742-1407 r;~: in the new folks I meet. Who does that pleasant-looking woman look like? Ah, yes, like the sixth-grade schoolteacher. She doesn't really look that Editorial: much like her; it's just that her eyes smile the same way. The man over there ffarrar [email protected] looks as if he could be a brother to someone I know in Cleveland. Maybe it's the Phone: 217-525-9083 hair and cheekbones. The distinguished-looking, gray-haired man-well, I never Fax: 217-525-9269 do figure out who he looks like. With lots of travel this past month, my imagination has been working over­ Subscription rates: time. Usually there's a flash of familiarity, and then I spend minutes, or hours, $16.50 individual rate $13.50 church group plan trying to figure out who the person resembles. It's like trying to grasp quicksilver. $13 .50 gift subscriptions The similarities must be subtle. When I point them out to friends, they often don't see them. But the associations come so frequently when I am in crowds of If you move, clip address label new people that it's like walking through a volume of "separated at birth" pho­ and send with new address to tos. It's jarring, however, when the twin-like strangers don't sound or act like MESSENGER Subscriptions, at the the individuals they resemble. above address. Allow at least five Maybe the real similarities extend beyond noses and eyes. What if we spent weeks for address change. more time imagining what we have in common? What if we were fascinated by the differences? What if we were to discover that God is actually more interest­ Connect electronically: ed in how we reach outside our homogeneous communities than in how we get For a free subscription to Newsline, the Church along inside them? Most days we're so focused on where we want to go that of the Brethren e-mail news anyone who gets in our way perturbs us. report, write [email protected]. Between songs a performer tells this story: While driving in a crowded city with her young son, she got increasingly annoyed by all the congestion and their To view the official Church of the slow progress. Finally the little boy asked her why she was so upset. Brethren website, go to "I'm frustrated with all this traffic," she said. http://www. brethren.org. "But Mommy," he replied, "we're traffic too."

MESSENGER is the official publication of the Church of the Brethren. Entered as periodical postage matter Aug . 20, 1918, under Act of Congress of Oct. 17, 191 7. Filing date, Nov. I, I 98·4. Member of the Associated Church Press. Subscriber to Religion News Service & Ecumenical Press Service. Biblical quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are from the New Revised Standard Vers ion. MESSENGER is published 11 times a year by Brethren Press, Church of the Brethren General Board. Periodical postage paid at Elgin, Ill ., and at additional mailing office, August 2003. Copyright 2003, Church of the Brethren General Board. ISS N 0026-0355.

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■ Messenger October 2003 INTOUCH-

Peggy Reiff Miller Six yurts, round wooden huts of Mongolian design, make up the village. Each yurt has been named for a Church of the Brethren missionary couple representing various mission fields: Wilbur and Mary Stover (India), Adam and Alice Ebey (India), Franklin and Anna Crumpacker (China), Ira and Mabel Moomaw (India), Homer and Marguerite Burke (Nigeria and Puerto Rico), and J. Benton and Ruby Rhoades (Ecuador). "These yurts recognize another group of outstanding leaders in the church whose lives have touched Camp Mack in one way or another," said Rex Miller, the camp's executive director. In her dedication address, former Nigerian mis­ sionary Ferne Baldwin spoke of how we almost didn't have missions in the Church of the Brethren. Besides the belief of many Brethren that the Great Commission was for the Apostles and not for us, there was great reluctance to pay support for mis­ sionaries when pastors were free ministers. The turning point was the development of Church of the Brethren colleges and publications, through which many Brethren began to learn that other denominations were doing mission work around the world. The sharing of stories about foreign missions in the 1890s and following decades built an excite­ ment that led many Brethren to devote years of Ferne Baldwin, a former Camp Mack dedicates their lives to the mission field. In the same way, it Nigeria missionary, is the hope of the Indiana camp board that described the early Mission Village through the stories of Mission Village a new gen­ opposition to missionaries eration of leaders will catch the vision. "By lifting in the Church of the In his book The Story of Camp Alexander Mack, up the ministries of these six missionary couples, Brethren. L. W. Shultz refers to the camp as "a project in Church of the Brethren missions move from being church history." Its very name, its many buildings a historical fact, as depicted in the murals in and structures named after outstanding leaders in Quinter-Miller Auditorium, to being a living force the Church of the Brethren, and its historical murals in people's lives," said Miller, "to the extent that all give credence to this designation. On Sept. 13, individuals may be inspired to enter into service to under warm end-of-summer sunshine, a group of others as volunteers or to make vocational choices Camp Mack friends and missionary descendants that continue the work of Jesus." gathered to continue this project in church history More pictures of the dedication can be· seen at through the dedication of Mission Village. www.campmack.org-Peggy Reiff Miller

Arlington celebrates Stone, president of Bridgewater gation's love of music. Other 50th anniversary College, delivered a message events included a skit, a hymn based on the parable of the sing, planting a dogwood tree, a "Remembering, Rejoicing, mustard seed. Choral and celebratory dinner, and the pres­ Responding Anew" was the instrumental music (including entation of a $5,000 check to theme of the Arlington (Va.) three choirs, and solos by a Heifer International. More than Church of the Brethren celebra­ vocalist, cello duo, trumpeter, 200 people attended.-Roseann tion of its 50th anniversary. Phil and flutist) reflected the congre- Harwood, pastor

Messenger October 2003 ■ • INTOUCH

"CrossRoads" Heritage Bridgewater (Va.) Church of Plans for the "CrossRoads" So as soon as she retired, Center dedicated the Brethren pastor Robert project on the site include a she began working on her Alley, who serves as the board's reception center, an 1829 goal. She calculated that if she The Valley Brethren-Mennonite president, was the dedicatory Mennonite log house, a sum­ worked as a school volunteer Heritage Center board of direc­ speaker. The event included a mer kitchen, a vintage from November through the tors held a dedication service hymn sing of Brethren and Shenandoah Valley barn, the end of March for two days a for the center's 10-acre campus Mennonite favorites, and a tour existing 1854 Burkholder­ week it would take 10 years to on Sept. 7 in Harrisonburg, Va. of the hilltop site. Myers House, a one-room equal two years of full-time schoolhouse, and a meeting­ service. This year she reached house. The interpretive center her goal. will aim to "bring to life the Pat says the kids in school history of the Brethren and like working with a volunteer. Mennonites" through story­ "They love it," she told the telling and examination of Republican-Leader newspaper. contemporary issues. "They get instant feedback. It It will be the first Brethren helps them feel positive about interpretive center in the United themselves." States and the first religious center in the Shenandoah Valley, according to the center's Pottstown hosts board. Plans include education­ "National Night Out" al activities for school groups, church and community groups, More than 200 neighborhood and tourists, along with period­ residents crowded onto the ic special programs and presen­ parking lot of First Church of tations. the Brethren, Pottstown, Pa ., on Aug. 5. That evening neigh­ borhoods across the nation Fulfilling a lifetime were gathering the same way, goal-to be a volunteer for "National Night Out." The purpose is to fight crime by Pat Heusinkveld retired from banding together to "take back teaching in 1993 after 31 years the streets" for the law-abid­ in the elementary school ing residents. classroom. Retirement gave "This is a really positive her the chance to pursue a life thing for the town," said goal-working as a classroom Douglas Gehr, the pastor of the volunteer. Pottstown church. "I'm glad Pat, of Preston, Minn., and a they were able to pull it off." member of the Root River The event featured free food Church of the Brethren, grew and fun, with visits from police A quilt for Camp Eder up during the World War II era, cars and firetrucks. But it was and remembers being also about reminding people The quilters of the Waynesboro (Pa.) Church of the Brethren impressed with the young con- what it means to live in a made a quilt featuring familiar Camp Eder symbols and . scientious objectors who vol­ neighborhood. scenes, to be auctioned Oct. 18 at the 25th Fall Festival at the unteered for alternative serv­ "Events like this prove that camp, at Fairfield, Pa. The quilt features the covered wagon in ice during and after the war. Pottstown is a town with a lot which some campers sleep, the log holding the Bible, and the She wanted to volunteer also, of heart, and with neighbors camp mascot Moose holding a guitar. Those who helped on but at that time was unable to who still care about each the project are Pauline Meyers, Jean Carson, Lillian Good, fit a two-year term of service other," a longtime resident told Mary Miller, Delores Brewer, Cherry Snyder, and Debbie Smith. into her life. the local newspaper.

■ Messenger October 2003 Group visits Honduras on learning tour

Twenty Brethren traveled to the Central American country of Honduras for a 10-day learning tour in early August. Participants, including 11 youth, came from 8 districts. The group traveled to a small community in the south of the country where they assisted in construction of a health clinic and received orientation to the overall social and economic situation from their host, the Christian Commission for Development. The group also visited vil­ lages assisted by Brethren development aid and toured Mayan Ruins at Copan. The leader for the experience was David Radcliff of New Community Project. Construction foreman for the group was Jim Dodd of Midland, Va., making his 10th trip to Honduras.

More than half of the participants in the Honduras delegation were youth. Alyssa Ernst and Colleen Hamilton from Michigan District are shown here with a young friend in the community of San Jose after a day's work.

A cookbook mixes social hall, where an assort­ food and history ment of nearly 75 prepared meats, vegetables, A hands-on lesson in casseroles, salads, and Brethren history, heritage, desserts filled the tables. and culture left a large gather­ Dishes ranged from meatloaf ing at the Bridgewater (Va.) and baked apples to pap Grace Lineweaver Church of the Brethren hun­ soup and smear case. Hollen helped to compile the gry for more. Billed as Peggy McIntyre and Joyce Granddaughter's "Inglewood Cook Book Miller, directors of the cele­ Inglenook Cookbook. Night," part of the congrega­ bration, related the history of tion's 125th anniversary cele­ the cookbook and its long bration, commemorated the and successful publish- success the cookbook had ing runs. The event achieved since it was first honored Grace Hollen, printed in 1901 by the a member at Brethren Publishing House. Bridgewater, who Enthusiastic cooks con­ helped to compile verted century-old recipes to the Granddaughter's modern cooking appliances Inglenook and ingredients. Substitutes Cookbook. A for- were found for "lard," mer home eco­ "grease," and "suet" or such nomics teacher, rural delicacies as "morning Grace is the only milk" or "huckleberries." living member who The warm glow of helped with this antique oil lamps at every edition. table welcomed diners to the -Miriam Smith er October 2003 ■ NEWS

Caring Ministries Assembly considers "Healing Out of Silence"

More than 250 Brethren gathered at Bridgewater {Va.) Church of the Brethren Aug. 14-16 to focus on "Healing Out of Silence," the theme of this year's Caring Ministries Assembly. The biennial event is sponsored by the Association of Brethren Caregivers {ABC). Staff and volunteers from ABC, the Church of the Brethren General Board, and On Earth Peace planned the event for pastors, deacons, chaplains, and lay caregivers, focusing on spiritual growth and practical help with caregiving Each afternoon, workshops were held on a issues. variety of caregiving topick. Marlene Kropf, exec­ The three assembly utive director of congregational life for Mennonite worship services fea­ Church USA, led four workshops in addition to tured speakers coordinating the worship experiences. Other Marjorie Thompson, leadership for the 39 workshops came from Tilden Edwards, and Brethren agencies and professionals or lay peo­ Defaria Lane, each ple involved in caregiving ministry. Between. m using a different con- workshop sessions, an intentional time of silence ~ gregational activity to was observed to give participants time for reflec­ m a. symbolize God's tion or rest. 3 [ healing spirit and Twenty chaplains participated in a chaplains'

V> grace. Carol track, which featured two luncheons and high­ Presenter Marjorie Thompson Scheppard, associate professor of philosophy lighted workshops of special significance for speaks with Louie Shafer, of Mt. and religion at Bridgewater College, led energetic chaplains. Following the assembly, 14 people par­ Jackson, Va ., following the morning Bible studies of the prophets Amos and ticipated in a Brethren Academy for Ministerial opening worship. Jeremiah, exploring how people of faith Leadership seminar on "Pastoral Care in Times of approach life's problems. Crisis" led by Nancy Faus and Tom Mullen.

Annual Conference Council gives received and that the Annual Conference known to be engaging in homosexual its answer to Michigan query Council be asked to answer these matters." practices will be licensed or ordained in Council chair Earl Ziegler and 2004 the Church of the Brethren." Following up on an action of this year's Annual Conference moderator Chris Michigan District made history, and creat­ Annual Conference in Boise, Idaho, the Bowman gave the answer in person to ed controversy, in June 2002 by ordaining Annual Conference Council on Aug. 15 Michigan District conference. The Council's an openly gay man. Ongoing discussion delivered an answer to the "Query for letter was read to delegates and others resulting from that ordination and the sub­ Clarification of Confusion" sent by attending, followed by a question-and­ sequent 2002 Annual Conference decision Michigan District. answer period. led the district to draft this year's query. Delegates in Boise adopted Standing The response of the Council, whose Other questions and concerns raised in Committee's recommendation for the responsibilities include interpreting Annual the query are "of either a theological or query, which dealt with the 2002 Conference actions, said that the 2002 structural nature," the letter said, and Conference action on the licensing and Conference action "does not contradict require "further discussion within the dis­ ordination of homosexuals. The recom­ polity in the credentialing of persons to trict and the entire denomination." The mendation stated that the "concerns and ministry in the Church of the Brethren." Council said it would "encourage and questions contained in the query be That action, it said, "means that no one lead" such discussions. I Messenger October 2003 BRETHREN SPEAK "We are going to be restless until we realize finally the one place of rest is in God, not just as a concept but as a living reality."

- Shalem Institute founder Tilden Edwards, speaking at Caring Ministries Assembly

m 0. ~ Association annually sponsors the post- DeVries, who also served as a keynoter m ~ Annual Conference seminar, at which for the workshop in 1997, will speak on 0 ~ ministers can receive training from a "Family-Based Youth M inistry"-the title noted speaker on ministry-related issues. of one of the five books he has written. He Time fo r prayer an d reflection was woven into Easum Bandy, according to its website, has been on the staff of First Presbyterian worship, workshops, and other parts of the is an organization whose goals are to Church in Nashville, Tenn., for 17 years. Caring Ministries Assembly. help leaders "organize priorities, identify The event w ill be held Nov. 1, from 9 a.m. goals, innovate new strategies, and moti­ to 4 p.m., at the Brethren Service Center in Patton challenges ministers vate congregations to address the spiri­ New Windsor, Md. Cost is $15 and should to take a fresh approach tually yearning, institutionally alienated be mailed with registration form by Oct. 15 seekers of today." to Chris Douglas, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, Jeffrey Patton of Easum Bandy Patton-a late replacement after original IL 60120. Registration forms can be found in Associates served as keynote speaker for speaker David Loughery, also of Easum the September Source packet or at this year's Ministers' Association of the Bandy, had to withdraw-challenged the www.brethren.org/mrkconf.html. Church of the Brethren seminar, held July denomination's ministers to look at min­ 9-10 in Boise, Idaho. The Ministers' istry in a new way. He shared insights New newsletter will feature gained from his own years of pastoral General Board events, stories ministry and said that today's culture is vastly different than previous cultures. As the Agenda newsletter for church lead­ Effective ministers, he said, are those ers wraps up its decades-long run with who will find new ways to share the love the October issue, following the retire­ and the good news of Christ. They must ment of Interpretation director Howard learn to think " beyond the box"-taking Royer, a new publication will debut to approaches to ministry that are radically keep congregations informed about different for this postmodern culture. General Board activities. The church has been called by Christ to Tapestry will kick off its own run in grow, to spread, and to increase, he said. October, arriving in the Source mailing to To do this, the church must minister in congregations. The single-sheet newslet­ fresh ways that have never been used or ter will highlight feature stories, coming thought of before. events, prayer items, resources, and other pieces from the General Board. Source is sent to about 1,450 pastors and other DeVries will be keynoter for church leaders. Youth Ministry Workshop Tapestry will be published 10 times a year by the new Brethren Identity office Mark DeVries, a widely read author and a and will be inserted in each Source mailing. pastor for youth and family minist ries, Congregations and districts will be encour­ will be the keynote speaker for this year's aged to make copies for insertion in Beyond the box: Jeffrey Pa tton Youth Ministry Workshop, sponsored by newsletters or for distribution in other cha llenges the M inisters' Association the General Board's Youth/Young Adult ways. The newsletter will also be available to th ink in new ways. Ministries office. on line, at www.brethren.org/genbd/identity.

Messenger October 2003 ■ NEWS

UPCOMINGEVENTS Outdoor Ministries to sponsor theme of "People-Friendly Group Dynamics." Church leaders, educators, youth, camp lead­ Sept. 28-Oct. 17 Brethren Volunteer group dynamics workshop ers, and others interested are invited to Service Unit 257 orientation, Brethren The Church of the Brethren Outdoor attend. Cost is $80 for full Friday to Sunday Service Center, New Windsor, Md. Ministries Association (OMA) will hold its registration, $45 for Saturday only, when national conference Nov. 14-16 at Camp Blue Anderson will be presenting ($90 and $50 Oct. 10-11 Atlantic Northeast Diamond near Petersburg, Pa. after Oct. 15). For more information or a flier District Conference, Elizabethtown Yohann Anderson, founder of "Songs and contact Camp Blue Diamond at 814-667-2355 (Pa.) College; Atlantic Southeast Creations," will be the guest speaker on the or [email protected]. District Conference, Camp lthiel, Gotha, Fla.; Mid-Atlantic District Conference, Hagerstown (Md.) Church of the Brethren; Southern Ohio District Conference, Happy Corner Church of the Brethren, Clayton, Ohio

Oct. 11-12 Middle Pennsylvania District Conference, Maitland Church of the Brethren, Lewistown, Pa.

Oct. 12 General Board World Mission Offering emphasis

Oct. 15-17 National Evangelism Workshop, Charlotte, N.C.

Oct. 16-24 Peace with Justice Week

Oct. 18 Western Pennsylvania District Conference, Greensburg (Pa.) Church of the Brethren

Oct. 18-21 General Board meetings, Church of the Brethren General Offices, Elgin, Ill. BVS Unit 255 heads for work assignments Oct. 24-25 Idaho District Conference, Fruitland (Idaho) Church of the Brethren After their July 27-Aug. 15 orientation in New Windsor, Md., Brethren Volunteer Service Unit 255 traveled to their work assignments. Volunteers, their homes, and their Oct. 24-26 Bethany Theological placements are listed here. Seminary board meetings, Richmond, Front row. Erin Karn from Medway, Ohio, to Casa de Esperanza de los Ninos in Ind.; Illinois/Wisconsin District Houston, Tex.; Ellen Thilo from Elizabethtown, Pa., to La Puente Home in Alamosa, Conference, Highland Avenue Church Colo.; Amelia Sumpter from Goshen, Ind., to Tri-City Homeless Coalition in Fremont, of the Brethren, Elgin, Ill. Calif.; Heather Dean from Washington, D.C., to Copal AA in Guatemala; Brendel Simler from Freeport, Ill., to La Puente Home in Alamosa, Colo. Nov. 1 Youth Ministry Workshop, Second row. Jessica Winkleman from Monroe, Iowa, to Sports4Kids in Oakland, Brethren Service Center, New Calif.; Erin Azar from Washington, D.C., to ASONOG in Copan, H~nduras. Windsor, Md. Third row. Anna Emrick from Mason, Mich., to District IV Human Resource in Havre, Mont.; Sarah Jones from North Platte, Neb., to Jubilee Network in Washington, D.C., and Nov. 2 Junior High Sunday CEPA in Slovakia; Shalon Atwood (staff); Nancy Steedle from Lititz, Pa., to ZME Women's Development in Mubi, Nigeria; Kirsten Crosby from Lancaster, Pa., to Step 2 in Reno, Nev. Back row. Karen Roberts (staff); Elizabeth Rhodes from England to Pesticide Action Network in San Francisco, Calif.; Adam Hass from Elkton, Va. to Brethren Nutrition Program in Washington, D.C.; Tome Micin from Germany to Pesticide Action Network in San Francisco, Calif.; Florian Wallenwein from Germany to Camp Stevens in Julian, Calif. I Messenger October 2003 OMA's annual directors' and man­ agers retreat will follow Nov. 16-21, also at Camp Blue Diamond. The schedule will include workshops, singing led by Joseph Helfrich, and a learning trip to Juniata College.

Disaster Child Care workers serve in two unique settings

Volunteers in the Church of the Brethren General Board's Disaster Child Care pro­ 1. India. A $7,500 allocation from the General sion worker in Vietnam partially supported by gram, who typically respond in the Board's Emergency Disaster Fund will send General Board Global Mission Partnerships, in wake of natural disasters, had two assistance to northeastern India, where mon­ August. Accompanied by Brethren Volunteer unique service experiences in August. soon-induced flooding this summer displaced Service legislative associates Bryan Hissong On Aug. 9, five DCC volunteers from more than 4.5 million people. The funds will and Emily Lipp, she explained her work to con­ Church of the Brethren congregations in be used for distribution of emergency sup­ gressional staff and leaders at the Library of Indiana-Homer and Rosetta Fry, Phyllis plies, clothing, and construction of flood shel­ Congress, the National Organization on Davis, Jean Ann Replogle, and Fredette ters in the most vulnerable areas. Disability, and the National Institute on Cash-participated in a community-wide Disability & Rehabilitation Research. Mishler Flood Recovery Fair, held at a Lowe's 2. China. Another $7,500 grant from the serves as a teacher/social worker at National store in Kokomo. Disaster Child Care Emergency Disaster Fund will go to southern Vietnam University in Ho Chi Minh City. recruited the group at the invitation of China, where devastating floods have displaced the Federal Emergency Management millions of people. Many were forced into 6. Germany. The Bridgewater (Va.) Church of the makeshift shelters and were suffering from dis­ Brethren this summer continued a long-running Agency (FEMA) to provide care to chil­ ease and exposure. Future food shortages are exchange with a sister church in Germany. Every dren of families who attended the fair. also predicted due to crop destruction. The three years since 1978, members of Emmaus The event, sponsored by FEMA, funds will be used for distribution of food and Lutheran Church in Cuxhaven, Germany, have Indiana Voluntary Organizations Active medicine, construction of homes and schools, sent youth from their church to Virginia or have in Disaster (INVOAD), and Lowe's, and for agricultural infrastructure. hosted youth from the Bridgewater congrega­ offered a variety of educational oppor­ tion. This year, as part of the exchange, 19 tunities. Building specialists qualified to 3. Sudan. A Church of the Brethren Faith and German youth and advisors and seven mem­ address flood recovery issues led clinics Advocacy delegation traveled to southern bers of Bridgewater spent three days at the on repair and mitigation techniques. Sudan Aug. 22 to Sept. 6. Phil and Louise Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md., Then, in mid-August, DCC was invited Baldwin Rieman, pastors of Northview for a volunteer/learning experience. to partner with Lutheran Disaster Church of the Brethren in Indianapolis and Response and North Border Interfaith former Sudan mission staff with the New 7. Colombia. The South American nation's Coalition to provide care to young chil­ Sudan Council of Churches (NSCC), served Protestant churches continue to experience dren in a camp setting. DCC volunteers as leaders for the group, which included five persecution in what Colombian church leaders Julie Sword of Illinois and Phyllis Davis other Brethren. The trip was sponsored by call an intensification of the nation's nearly 40- of Indiana served as camp counselors the General Board's Global Mission year-old civil war with leftist rebels, according for Camp Noah, located at Messiah Partnerships office. to Religion News Service. As part of the recent Lutheran Church in Roseau, Minn. escalation, 38 Protestant pastors, church lead­ The Christian-based program helps 4. Colorado. The Western Plains District confer­ ers, or church members were assassinated in continue the emotional/spiritual healing ence, meeting at the University of Southern the first six months of this year; a new report and closure process for children (grades Colorado in August, voted to disorganize and said. K-6) affected by disaster. It combines close three of the district's congregations: Fredonia (Kan.), Rocky Ford (Colo.), and recovery support for children with recre­ 8. Union, Ohio. The Midwest Peacemakers Verdigris (Emporia, Kan.). Youth at the confer­ Conference 2003 took place Aug. 16 with ation to form "a unique, spiritually uplift­ ence built a playhouse under the supervision of Church of the Brethren member Art Gish of ing, and healing experience." A typical the district disaster coordinator and helpers. It Christian Peacemaker Teams among the fea­ week of Camp Noah takes place in the was sold at a Saturday evening auction. tured speakers. Others presenting were Ohio disaster-affected community, provided State University political science professor that the space is safe, and-if affected­ 5. Washington, D.C. The Church of the B_rethren emeritus Chad Alger and Every Church a has recovered enough to provide a Washington Office hosted Grace Mishler, a mis- Peace Church regional coordinator Rick Judy. refreshing and welcoming environment.

Messenger October 2003 ■ Vibrant church plants bring new life to the

In a 1984 statement on denominational ing one church every three to five years, I growth, the Church of the Brethren have serious doubt that you're being faithful General Board heralded the importance of to the call of God," he told one group. planting new congregations. With that in mind, following are five sto­ "The development and growth of new ries of those who heard the call and found churches is an important part of a denomi­ fertile ground for new expressions of the national strategy for renewal and growth," Church of the Brethren. While far from an the document said. "The church requires exhaustive list, it paints a picture of Christ at the creation of new congregations as a vital work in a number of geographical areas, eth­ source of new life, additional resources, nic contexts, and worship styles. Together, and a fresh vision for the larger body." they represent a celebration of new life. In the years following the statement, the denomination's track record in that area Lake View Christian Fellowship, was spotty at best. While a few new con­ East Berlin, Pa. (Southern gregations thrived, many others started Pennsylvania District) and soon closed. Large amounts of cash and energy were drained, and frustration Bermudian Church of the Brethren pastor grew. Some began to think Brethren had a Larry Dentler thinks every congregation in black thumb when it came to planting the denomination can plant a church the churches. way his congregation did. Over the past decade, however, some When Dentler and his family moved to new approaches and renewed vision have the 950-home Lake Meade development­ led to more church plants taking root and about 7 miles from Bermudian-they flourishing. According to General Board found a variety of activities offered, but no records, at least 25 new congregations place of worship in the gated community. (some by splits or combinations of exist­ Dentler told his wife, Cathy, "There's just ing congregations) have begun in the past a church waiting to happen here." seven years and continue today. Bermudian, in East Berlin, Pa., had been Certainly, there are still some planting considering the startup of a second service efforts that have not made it. Mennonite anyhow, so Dentler figured why not offer church planting guru Jeff Wright of the it at another site? Seven families who were Center for Anabaptist Leadership says that's currently attending Bermudian lived at natural. There are "no three easy steps" to Lake Meade, too, and they liked the idea. church planting, he says, and a percent- Dentler pitched the possibility to the age--often up to half-will minister Bermudian board and to the Lake Meade for a time and then fade away. community board, and both felt it was But planting new congregations worth a try. Bermudian figured the new out of "a God-inspired vision" is an plant could be self-supporting within five imperative for the church, accord­ years. With only rental costs at the Lake ing to Wright, who has led several Meade community center to pay, the events for Church of the Brethren startup costs would be minimal. church planters. "If you're only plant- Following a seven-week blitz of mass =:hurch of the Brethren by Walt Wiltschek

mailings and phone calls, 79 people attended the first Sunday worship service at Lake Meade in June 1997. Dentler pastored both Bermudian and the new start in the initial years, then Lake View called college student Kenneth Stewart-who had felt a call to ministry­ as part-time minister of visitation in 1999. When Stewart graduated in 2002, he became full-time pastor for Lake View. "In retrospect, I did not expect to be called to minister at Lake View, but each day I'm reminded that there is no better place for me," Stewart says. "I consider it nothing but a joy to have the opportunity to grow in my ministerial experience along with this new church plant." Lake View has grown to 60 members, with about 70 people attending each week. Stewart also leads a Sunday evening youth program in the Lake Meade fellowship hall that attracts another 12 to 20 teenagers, many of whom don't come Sunday morning. Dentler says one of the most exciting things about Lake View is that the vast majority of those attending were either completely unchurched previously or had As a bonus, Bermudian has also grown Bermudian Church of the Brethren left their churches for various reasons. He since starting the Lake View ministry. pastor Larry Dentler preached at this thinks the informal setting and style make Some of the new families had visited Lake summer's Annual Conference in Boise, the service more comfortable for those View but wanted a more traditional Idaho. Dentler says he loves to talk with little church background. church experience, so they tried about the Lake View fellowship that "We continue to strive to be people that Bermudian and ended up staying. Of the Bermudian planted six years ago. - bring Christ Jesus the Savior to people original seven Lake Meade families, four who do not yet know him," Stewart says. stayed at Bermudian, and three are now at Stewart says the fellowship has drawn Lake View. The two congregations still from nearly all demographics, from young periodically do some activities together. families with children to empty-nesters "The Lord has provided wonderfully," and senior citizens. A blended worship Dentler says. "The Great Commission style mixes traditional hymns and praise says go out where the people are. Do a music and has other variations in content. second service off-campus, and then just He says the group has come to treasure see. Let the Lord show where he's going the love feast and communion. to take it." Messenger October 2003 I Cincinnati Church of the propose to focus on our enjoyment of com­ Brethren, Cincinnati, Ohio munion with the Lord through the Holy (Southern Ohio District) Spirit," Cruser says. "Having changed our attitude has removed much of the tension When Annual Conference came to around filling out our numbers." Cincinnati in 1987, there was no Church An interesting twist, he notes, is that the of the Brethren congregation there. By the culturally diverse congregation has as many time Conference came back in 1996, children as adults in worship, and is adding though, a fellowship had been born in children faster that adults. Music plays a Ohio's third-largest city. key role in the service, and times for sharing It started in 1995, when some Brethren and "passing the peace" are also central. in the area began to meet. Services are Another development that has worked held at Brecon United Methodist Church, well for the congregation is having the with the Brethren using the fellowship hall three-person ministry team. Cruser says it while the Methodists worship in the sanc­ has offered "a nice spectrum of theology" tuary. The Brethren group also has a sep­ while allowing opportunities for sharing arate entrance with a Church of the the load and having time off. The team Brethren sign outside. meets monthly for prayer and fellowship Roger Cruser, a member of the congre­ over dinner. gation's ministry team along with Ben "Each of us brings to the table a differ­ Walters and Steve Brady, says the space ent set of experiences from which we arrangement has worked out well. share," Cruser says. "(The congregation) ''As a result of this relationship, we don't seems to enjoy the fact that each of us have the typical building maintenance could preach from the same scripture, and expenses," Cruser says. "Nor are we con­ it would sound like three completely dif­ cerned about adding equipment or furni­ ferent sermons." ture." He jokes that the biggest construc­ He says the congregation remains open tion decision currently is the size and "to all comers" and focuses on addressing wording for a permanent sign that will be needs and inequalities in the community and placed outside the in the world. "Our hope is to share the love Methodist church. of God, through Jesus Christ, to as many The lack of prop­ folks who will hear the message. We think erty costs has also living that love is essential to our well-being." enabled the congre­ gation (it received Living Faith Fellowship, full congregational Concord, N.C. (Virlina District) status last fall) to operate in the black Brethren are few and far between in the while paying the southern reaches of North Carolina, down pastoral team and in the land of tobacco and auto racing emphasizing out­ near Charlotte. reach to the district, A beacon of Brethren-ness now shines in camp, and other the city of Concord, however, as part of ministries. It has Virlina District's strong church planting also had a close rela - emphasis. Virlina's district executive David tionship as a "teach­ Shumate says that work "has created great Ben Walters, at left; Roger Cruser, and ing church" with Bethany Theological excitement within the district and inspired Steve Brady meet regularly as the Seminary. hope for the future of the church." ministry team for Cincinnati Church of Cruser said Sunday attendance usually The Concord project began after two the Brethren, including this summer ranges from 25 to 50, but the congregation families who traveled from Concord to picnic with their families. has intentionally decided "not to worry about attend the Collinsville (Va.) congregation numbers in the pews." expressed an interest in seeing a church in "We think that will take care of itself, and their home area. A steering committee I Messenger October 2003 Oregon/Washington District executive Steve Gregorv does some svmbolic planting at a 2002 church planting training event at Bethanv Theological Seminarv

"No one could ask for a better group of people to work with," Phillips says. He calls the spirit of the group one of "hope and expectancy." "The church is made up of individuals who are growing in their faith, and they demonstrate this in conversation and action," he says. Highlights include a deep focus on prayer, significant member involvement in worship, an annual Vacation Bible School that has reached out well to the communi­ ty, and an active youth group. The church has already licensed one of its members to the ministry and sent Brethren Volunteer Service workers to a project in Japan. A major challenge now, Phillips says, is how to "market the Church of the began meeting in February 1996, and Brethren" in a community requested an adjustment in district bound­ that has never heard of it. aries with Southeastern so that Virlina "I am convinced that we could plant there. have a message and a 'way A list of names was gathered, and those of life' that this communi­ who might be interested were invited to a ty needs," Phillips says. "I social event in Concord the following am persuaded the April. About 45 people came, including 19 Anabaptist/Pietist way Brethren. needs to be shared with That led to biweekly worship services others in such a way that beginning in May. Only about a dozen ... they see us as men attended regularly at first, but by the fol­ and women determined to lowing year average attendance had grown follow Christ all the way." to 3 2. Weekly services began in 199 7. After being "kicked out" of the store Open Circle where they were meeting when their lease Church, Burnsville, expired in 2000, according to a history by Minn. (Northern charter member Frances Beam, the group Plains District) scrambled to find a meeting place. A warehouse served as temporary quarters Jay Steele never planned to for two months until a church building be a church planter, or to came up for sale, and the district took "a live in Minnesota. God, leap of faith" and bought it for $650,000. however, had other plans. The Open Circle congregation lives out Bobby Phillips, who became the fellow­ The vision for a church plant in the the message of "Thinking Encouraged. ship's second pastor in 1999, had planned Twin Cities area of Minneapolis and St. Diversitv Welcomed." displaved on its to retire but Shumate convinced him to Paul arose from the Northern Plains entrv sign in a residential neighborhood shepherd the Concord plant. He didn't District. A congregation was planted there of the Twin Cities ' suburbs. expect to pastor a new start, and he in the Golden Valley area in the 1960s, admits, "It is a real challenge to work on but it closed in the following decade. The developing a new church." But he's found money from the sale of the building was it a rich and rewarding experience. put in a fund for future church planting.

Messenger October 2003 II There was some controversy in the dis­ ing that was for sale. trict over trying another Twin Cities proj­ In retrospect, Steele says he wishes the ect, but by the early 1990s a profile for a church hadn't made the property pur­ church planter was circulated. They found chase, as it is off the beaten path and few people interested. quickly becoming too small. Open Circle Enter Jay Steele, a Pennsylvania native has grown to about 60 active families with who was pastoring in Northern Ohio at the a large youth program. time. Carl Myers, then interim district execu­ Worship is typically informal, with con­ tive for Northern Plains, called Steele about a temporary music, drama, and a strong pastoral opening in rural Iowa. Steele said emphasis-as the name implies-to being no, that he felt called to an urban/ suburban open to all people. setting. Then Myers played his trump card­ "People who visit say the worship style what about the Twin Cities? may be different, but it's still Brethren," Steele again said no, that he wasn't Steele says. "The simple life, peace, com­ interested in church planting, but Myers munity-I believe those core Brethren val­ sent the profile anyhow, and Steele ues are what people are looking for, the became intrigued. Even after a visit in the way of living that was modeled by Jesus." sub-zero Twin Cities winter, he agreed to The congregation started its Center for accept the call. Progressive Christianity last year, offering He and his family moved to Minnesota classes and workshops "that revolve after Easter 1993 and spent the next year around reading the Bible from a progres­ building a core group, launching in the sive perspective," according to Steele, south suburb of Burnsville in the spring of with an emphasis on teaching tolerance 1994. Steele jokes that the project "violat­ and understanding of other views. ed every church planting rule Advertising the center's programs on you can think of." "We started Minnesota Public Radio has brought a too soon, too small, and not in wave of inquiries and visits, with an a good location," he says. accompanying surge in growth. The first meeting place, in "We are just now beginning to hit our fact, was in a funeral home­ stride in terms of knowing who we are and an ironic birthing place for a where we want to be," Steele says of the source of new life. It remained congregation. "We have a strong leadership there for two years until a new group in place, and we're finding ways to owner took over the funeral reach people who want to hear our mes­ home, and the fellowship sage. I see ourselves growing quite a bit and decided to buy a church build- becoming an increasingly visible presence."

· How do you plant titled "Called, Formed, Sent," will be ready a church? for complimentary distribution to districts this fall, with additional copies available for Sponsored by the Church of the purchase through Brethren Prf?ss. Brethren General Board, a New Jay Steele of Burnsville, Minn., the com- • Church Development Committee is mittee's facilitator, says the committee Former Good Shepherd (Blacksburg, attempting to provide support for the feels church planting must happen through Va.) pastor Marianne Pittman joins in denomination's church planting efforts. districts-who know the local territory bet­ prayer with Living Faith Fellowship The eight-member, geographically diverse ter-but that a strong need exists for train­ pastor Bobby Phillips of North Carolina group has put its focus on providing training ing and a support network, which the during a church planting training event and assessment for church planters, devel­ denomination can provide. in Phoenix earlier this year. oping coaching models, and establishing Several training events have already been guidelines for grants. Committee member offered, through both Bethany Theological David Shumate this year is working on writ­ Seminary and its Brethren Academy for ing a church planters' handbook. A new Ministerial Leadership and through Ashland church planting video by David Sollenberger, Theological Seminary in Ohio, which has a I Messenger October 2003 Iglesia de Cristo Genesis, "We were able to experience cross-cultural­ ordained in the denomination in 2002. Los Angeles, Calif. (Pacific ly the universal truths of God's love." "What a wonderful experience it has Southwest District) Corral said his members were deeply been to walk alongside this humble man of impressed, too, and expressed appreciation God and his loving congregation," Iglesia de Cristo Genesis came into the for the way they had seen Imperial Heights' Mitchell says. "I feel honored to count denomination via a non-traditional route, members live out their faith over the years. Pastor Nick and Iglesia de Cristo Genesis but the Imperial Heights Church of the Over the next 18 months, the two as a part of my Christian family." Brethren is certainly glad it's there. groups created more opportunities for The congregation, now about 60 mem­ It all began a few years ago when the interaction while Mitchell and Corral dis­ bers, has been a regular participant in dis­ members of Imperial Heights-a primarily cussed the possibility of Corral's congre­ trict conferences and Annual Conference black congregation-wanted to make better gation joining the Church of the Brethren. and has shown a continued hunger to learn use of their building, located so·Jth of down - His congregation confirmed it wished to about the denomination. Corral said the ties town L.A. An arrangement with one group move that direction in the spring of 1998, with Imperial Heights remain strong as well. fell through, so they continued looking for a and a relationship process began with "I believe we have a great relationship, cross-cultural group to share the facility. Pacific Southwest District, with Imperial especially when we combine both of our That search led them to pastor Nick Heights as the sponsor. cultures and come as one," says Corral, Corral, who had begun a small, Spanish­ Imperial Heights offered lessons in who has a dream of planting a Church of speaking house church in 1993. As the Brethren history, tradition, polity, struc­ the Brethren congregation in Tijuana, group grew, it was seeking a new home, ture, and service, and "the rest, as they say, Mexico. "We are united in one, same Spirit, making the situation a perfect fit. is history," Mitchell says. Iglesia de Cristo so we can praise the Lord as one body." li! Imperial Heights associate pastor Belita Genesis was formally recognized as a con - Mitchell-recently called as pastor of gregation at the 2000 Pacific Southwest Walt Wiltschek is director of Brethren Identity for the Harrisburg (Pa.) First-says the relation­ District conference, and Corral became Church of the Brethren General Board. ship was "cordial and very superficial for the first few years." As Mitchell and Corral built a relationship, though, they began to seek ways to work cooperatively, including some shared worship experiences. The first of those occurred with a Holy Week love feast. Corral took about eight of the more mature Christians from his con­ gregation and walked them through the scriptures explaining the love feast before How would our churches be joining Imperial Heights for the service. different if we learned to care for "Everyone present felt blessed by their others like Jesus cares for us? courage and God's grace," Mitchell says. Daniel Ulrich and Janice Fairchild offer a helpful guide that shows us what it means to practice 'Jesuscare" as taught in Matthew r8. Bible study, real life well-developed church planting program. In examples , and exercises invite you to addition, a seminar to teach people how to practice these values and become a part of coach new church planters was held this past the caring community of believers that January near Phoenix. Jesus desires. New from Brethren_Press. Faculty from Ashland and staff from the $9.95 plus shipping and handling Los Angeles-based Center for Anabaptist Leadership, directed by Jeff Wright, have led most of the training sessions. The next ~ training is scheduled for May 17-21, 2004, at (, Bethany's campus in Richmond, Ind. Brethren Press· Wright, Bob Logan of Coach Net Inc., Bethany dean Steve Reid, and Brethren This day. church planters will provide leadership. I4,5I Dundee Avenue, Elgin, Illinois 60I20-I694 New church development training and phone 800-44I-37I2 fax 800- 667- 8I88 e-mail brethrenpress_gb@br e t hre n . org resources are funded by the General Board's Emerging Global Mission Fund.

Messenger October 2003 COB RE-- • MANCHESI'ER COLLEGE • e

RU BRET

Brethren as a whole tend to be a teers in her care. humble bunch. We don't typically like You might find messages of peace, to talk about ourselves or make a show. plates proclaiming a Brethren college, There are some folks, however, who or various plays on the Brethren name. wear their Brethren-ness on their R. Jan Thompson, a former General sleeve. A few go so far as to wear it on Board staff and board member, and their car. Scout around carefully at his wife, Roma Jo, have three unique Brethren events, and you might see a plates for their vehicles. . Clockwise from lower left: unique license plate among the com - The Thompsons saw a Pennsylvania Brethren display their historical mon letters and digits. car with "BAN WAR'' plates while on a roots in Virginia, their alma mater Spot a "DUNKARD" among the drive one day (it belonged to a in Indiana, give a plug for bumpers? It probably belongs to Virlina Mennonite), and when they returned Brethren Volunteer Service and District executive Dave Shumate, a his­ home to Maryland they ordered a plate for their church in Illinois, make a tory buff as well as a dedicated Brethren. with the same saying. When they later call for peace in Arizona, and See a "BYS MOM" glinting in the sun­ moved to Arizona, they got it there, too. announce themselves as a retired shine? Chances are it goes with Kim "SHALOM" wasn't available for Brethren in Virginia. Bickler, an assistant in the Brethren their second car, so they ordered "PAZ Volunteer Service office and a fearless SI" ("Peace Yes" in Spanish) instead. guardian of the far-from-home volun- Their RV later received "2 4 PAX"

I Messenger October 2003 Bethany is currently accepting applications for all degree and certificate programs: 2:::i Master of Divinity - Richmond or Connections Master of Arts in Theology - Richmond Certificate of Achievement in Theological Studies - Richmond or Susquehanna Valley Satellite 2:::i Where: Classes are offered at the main campus in Richmond, Indiana, ~ through the Susquehanna Valley Satellite in ~ Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania, 2:::i and online. ~ How: Download an application from Bethany's website ~ 0... (www.bethanyseminary.edu) or call 800-287-8822 ~ ~ ,q:~ Questions: Bethany Theological Seminary ~ Contact Leland Flora, 615 National Road West. Richmond, lndiana47374 ~ Director of Admissions 1-800-287-8822 ~ E-mail www. beth anyse min ary.edu ~ [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] ~ a... t ~ ~ ~ -r ldd\1' Al!dcri;f ),, lddv' Aldd'i Al dd'v' Alddli J..l dd'ii .Aldd\1' Aldd'v' Aldd'tf Aldc:N A.l dd'v' by Walt Wiltschek Tax relie for you can be vital HRN? relief for others. Th e extra dollars t hat the 2003 tax cuts mean for you, will mean a few more mouths fed, a few more homes bu ilt, and a few more burdens relieved if you invest them in (Two for Peace in Latin). t he ministries of the Ge nera l Boa rd. "We have had some interesting reactions to our license plates," Jan Support the Spirit led ministries of the General Board. Thompson says. "Some people honk and give us the thumbs-up sign or the V (peace) sign." Others, he says, have responded with less cordial ges­ tures. A worker at a military base once saw the plates and told the Thompsons, "We agree with you!" Bickler says her plate has opened doors for her, as well. "I have had people ask me about it, and then of course I give them BYS brochures!" she says. "I even had a police officer ask about it when I was rear-ended. ''Anyone who knows me knows immediately that it's mine." li!

Messenger October 2003 ■ limothy Russell/StockXchange Lynsey Adda rio/ Corbisl

• • nr 10 An interview with Charles Kimball

Charles Kimball is a religion professor at Wake 0: You've studied and taught comparative Forest University in Winston-Salem, NC. An religion for decades. Many in the so-called ordained Baptist minister, he's worked for the secular world would consider it a specialized, National Council of Churches. He has also even obscure, academic field. But so much worked with Congress, the vVhite House, and that's happened since Sept. 11 shows the the State Department for more than 20 folly of that assessment. years-and made 35 visits to the Middle East. But these days he crisscrosses the country via Kimball: I was as horrified as everyone else car and plane, newspaper columns and air­ on Sept. 11. But I know that across the tradi­ waves. It started Sept. 11, 2001, when reporters tions and through the centuries many other called Kimball, who specialized in Islamic stud­ horrors have been done in the name of reli­ ies when earning a doctorate at Harvard gion. It's the most powerful and pervasive University, Cambridge, Mass. , to help interpret force in human society, bringing out the best the attack. Demand for him has only increased and worst in people. There are 1.3 billion since the 2002 publication of his book When Muslims in the world. Nineteen people Religion Becomes Evil (HarperSanFrancisco) . hijacked those planes. There is little leverage vVherever he goes, Kimball teaches about the over people willing to die for their belief. The havoc that is let loose when religion becomes questions for us now are: What in the world is corrupted. He preaches about the need for peo­ going on and what do we need to do if we ple to repent of their ignorance about their reli­ want to live very far into the 21st century? gion and that of others, and also to bear wit­ We need, for example, to know enough ness to the good news of their faith. Kimball about Islam to put Sept. 11 into perspective, to was interviewed in April. see what is the most extreme and not extrapo-

Messenger October 2003 Mark Peterson/ Corb is

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late that to the whole faith. We have ideas, views and ultimate goals. We need to study images, and prejudices-many of which we these respectfully and make value judgments don't even know we have. We have to learn, in the context of accurate understanding. and we have to unlearn. When evangelist Jerry Falwell goes on "60 Minutes" and calls Muhammad a terrorist, we 0: Religions also have in common-the point forget about it the next day. But that statement of your book-the susceptibility to corrup­ fans the flames of extremists in the Islamic tion, even by the most sincere believers. What world: "See Christians attack the prophet!" are these? How do they lead to evil?

Kimball: There's a pattern of behavior across 0: Let's start at the beginning, with the role the traditions that constitutes corrupted vs. of religion in human life. authentic religion. The five signs of corrup­ tion are: absolute truth claims, blind obedi­ Kimball: Religions "work" in similar ways to ence, establishing the ideal time, the end jus­ address the major issues of life: creation, the tifies any means, and declaring holy war. birth-to-death life cycle, and the relationship Absolute truth claims are made with rigidity of the individual and the community. Ritual and certainty. Whenever anyone claims to life gives meaning that transcends the physi­ know what God wants for him or her and for cal life. It's in the content of religions' truth everybody else, it's a recipe for disaster. Usually claims that we find real differences among the abuse of sacred texts is involved- to find out major traditions-Christian, Muslim, Jewish, what God wants me to do. Suicide bombers Hindu, and Buddhist. Very different world- are one example of the evil that comes from

Messenger October 2003 ■ this, as their leaders frame others as "infidels." absolutely know what's true because "God Some Christians say the God of Islam isn't the spoke to me." And there are people passively God of the Bible-and they write off all Muslims. listening. Healthy religion encourages people That's somewhere between ignorant and disin­ to think for themselves. genuous. Why is this an important point? Pursuing an ideal time, some groups feel cer­ Because they try to discredit a whole religion. tain they know when God's future should hap­ Is there absolute truth? I believe there is. pen. Every tradition presupposes that something And I also believe that it rests with God. A is wrong, that human beings are off the track, good dose of humility is important for all of and that the faithful should be working for a us when we talk about truth from God. hopeful future of justice and peace. But those 0: This first corruption of a religious belief fixated on ideal time say, "Why work for peace seems to be a source of conflicts raging today, when the end time is coming?" So the Sermon particularly between Christians and Muslims. on the Mount falls on the deaf ears of those Christians who believe this. When the end justifies any means, particular Many horrors have been done in goals become elevated. That's at the core of the the name of religion. It's the most sexual misconduct struggle in the Roman Catholic Church: The leaders' goal of protect­ powerful and pervasive force in ing the institution of the church and all its good human society, bringing out ministries made it acceptable to tolerate pedophiles among the clergy. We were on the the best and worst in people. brink of nuclear war last year over a struggle in India when Hindu nationalists leveled a 500- year-old mosque to reclaim what they consid­ Kimball: Christians, at 1.8 billion, and ered their sacred space. The status of Jerusalem Muslims, at 1.3 billion, make up 40 percent of is wisely saved for last in negotiations for the world's population. They're both geo­ Israeli-Palestinian peace talks. Sacred space is graphically diverse and the only two religions very important as a means to religious life, but which, at heart, are evangelical. Islam early on when it takes on a life of its own and becomes was perceived as a threat by Christianity. the goal- the end- there's trouble. Within 100 years after Muhammad (632 Declaring holy war is a self-righteous C.E.), it spread from Arabia west to Spain march toward destruction. More wars have and east to India. It's the only religion that been waged, more people killed, and more ever threatened to overcome Christianity, and evil perpetuated in the name of religion than its danger is woven into literature with the by any other institutional force. It continues most negative images possible. today. It's always explosive. We've moved Today there's a shaky political situation beyond the point in human history where we within many Muslim countries and also a great should even be talking about war cloaked in resurgence of the desire for Islam to again be a divine mission. When you hear that, that's great civilization system. Since the Crusades, your warning. There are circumstances, like many Muslims have lived in the shadow of Sept. 11, when it's necessary to make a European colonialism. There is a long memo­ response. But make it on its own merits and ry. My fear is the perception that the United don't lay it at the feet of God. States is on a 21st century crusade. Relief efforts in Iraq by Christian groups "hostile" to Islam could be catastrophic. As 0: Every day, it seems, we see and read Christians we can provide help in Iraq with about these warning signs of corruption in no strings attached. That's called bearing religion-from all over the world. witness to our faith, and it's not an option not to do so. Our responsibility isn't to con­ Kimball: It goes with the tremendous diversi­ vert but it is to bear witness. ty. Particularly among Christians and Muslims, there's evidence of all the warning signs. That's just indicative of multiple things 0: What are the other points of corruption? happening all the time.

Kimball: Blind obedience is the pattern of cults with charismatic leaders who lead fol­ Q: It's awfully easy to feel overwhelmed and lowers into oblivion. But you see this dynamic powerless--even cynical. Where do we start to in the local church, when too much power counteract the impact of these corruptions? falls into too few hands. It's most frightening Kimball: There's no magic. But I'm con­ in TV ministries from preachers who vinced there are things we can and must do

Messenger October 2003 to create a more hopeful future. Study of world religions should be required for all students, not just religion majors. It's A Tool for All Seasons practical. It's essential if we hope to under­ stand better our world, our global village. We have to commit ourselves to continuing edu­ cation-within our congregations, our larger religious bodies, our communities. We have to come to a much more self-critical aware­ ness of our religious tradition. We have to ask, "What does it mean to be a person of faith with commitment and integrity?" Can we answer, "Surely God is greater than my experience of God." As Christians, we get our understanding of neighbor from Jesus, in his telling of the Good Samaritan, to include the whole human family. We must work on building community. Work together, people from a church and a CAREGMNG mosque, to build a Habitat house or on A quarterly publication providing another issue we all consider important. It's putting a face on one another. ideas and solutions for deacons, We in the United States must take our citi­ Christian educators and caregivers. zenship seriously. Our government is the most powerful in the world. We have the opportuni­ ty to help shape policy. It's not easy, but it is Annual subscriptions are $12 for individuals our responsibility. When our government acts, and $6 for congregations. To subscribe, it acts in our name. And the impact of US call the Association of Brethren Caregivers policies is felt around the world. We have a aat (800) 323-8039. responsibility for what is done in our name. Speak up. Challenge fear and ignorance­ with friends and family members, in our church­ es, in letters to the newspaper. We have to follow our religious tradition with depth, commitment, ADVANCEMENT Associates integrity. For Christians, remember that Jesus didn't say, "Follow me and everything will be fine." We must never underestimate our efforts, what God can do through them.

0: Can work within our country, within our faith, have a real impact on the rest of the world? Consulting in

Kimball: We've learned again that the behav­ Strategic visioning ior of even a few can change the world and that religion can animate them. Today's prob­ Fundraising Campaigns lems within Muslim communities around the world are extremely important. They're com­ Constituency relations plicated because many people are not free to speak, they're persecuted or marginalized. Communications · Interfaith dialog requires honesty and can­ dor. The problems go both directions. We must realize that calling Muhammad a ter­ Pat Swartzendruber, rorist plays right into the hand of extremists. Jerry Kennell, Rich Gerig We must become more attentive and alert to and Dan Hess all things within religion that lead to vio­ 866-777-1606 toll free lence, destruction, even evil. We must live [email protected] out our lives in the best of our faith. li! www.advanassociates.com Kathleen Kastilahn is section editor of The Lutheran, the maga­ zine of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. This article is reprinted with permission from The Lutheran. A study guide is available at www.thelutheran. org/ study/evil.htm l. Messenger October 2003 ■ other sufficient means of support in their retire­ ment. In 1904 Annual Conference took further action with the establishment of the Ministerial and Missionary Relief Fund-known today as the Church Workers Assistance Plan. With the founding of Bethany Seminary in 1905, formal education for pastors became more common. Young men often entered the pastorate with substantial educational debts. Yet pastors were paid only a small salary, sometimes served more than one congregation, and often lived in church-owned parsonages. Upon retirement, many pastors still found themselves without the financial assets most church members were able to acquire during their working years. For several decades the Ministerial and The pension plan was approved The definition of "foresight" includes "care Missionary Relief Fund continued to help minis­ bv delegates at the 1943 Annual in providing for the future; prudence." That ters and missionaries at retirement. However, a Conference in McPherson, Kan . describes the vision church leaders had when study in the early 1940s showed that the fund Annual Conference delegates voted 60 years was not adequate to meet their needs. As a result, ago to establish a retirement plan for ministers a contributory pension plan was presented to the and missionaries. Because of that foresight, 1942 Annual Conference in Asheville, N.C. The today more than 1,100 retired ministers and plan was studied for one year and was approved lay employees of the Church of the Brethren at Annual Conference in McPherson, Kan., in and its related agencies enjoy the benefit of a June 1943. An executive committee was formed, monthly annuity, while more than 2,500 active composed of Leland S. Brubaker, M.R. Zigler, employees anticipate their own retirement with Clyde M. Culp, Harl L. Russell, and·H.L. a sense of security. Hartsough. The Ministerial and Missionary The retirement needs of ministers were not Pension Plan was inaugurated on Sept. 1, 1943. always seen as the responsibility of the church. The cost of administering the plan the first Early Brethren churches participated in the free year was $1,868.75, which included salaries, ministry, where ministers earned their income office supplies, postage, and legal services. The through farming or other trades and provided plan employed only one full-time staff member, for their own retirement needs. In the late 19th Helen Flory, for the first 31 years. Other signif­ century, more and more churches moved to icant staff members- including administrators salaried ministry. Recognizing a responsibility to and treasurers- divided their time between the these pastors, a movement began in 1896 to plan and other denominational ministries. assist missionaries and ministers who had no During the first year, 251 ministers and 51

■ Messenger October 2003 E 1"9'..._!!!""',,...______--,.-

::, ~ "S 0 C -~ z

missionaries enrolled. Members contributed 4 percent of their salaries, plus a 15 percent addition where free rent of a home was provid­ ed. The congregation or other salary-paying organization also contributed 4 percent of the salary of the member. ees, with further support given by additional More than 160 retirees and a few active Members of the General Mission Board­ BBT employees. members at the 2002 National Older later the General Brotherhood Board and now The assets of the pension plan are held as a Adult Conference blew noisemakers to the General Board-also served as members of separate trust created in 1981 and revised in celebrate the pension plan 's birthday. the pension board for the first 45 years. In 1989. Investment guidelines established in 1980 the work of the pension board grew to 1978 and revised periodically include group life, hospital, and surgical insur­ ensure that the funds of the trust ance coverage. Due to steady increase in vol­ are invested responsibly to fulfill ume and complexity of the work of the board, the fiduciary obligation and uphold Annual Conference in 1986 authorized the for­ the social and ethical values of the mation of a separately elected board to be Church of the Brethren. In 1986 composed of members with expertise in the investments were moved from areas of benefits, insurance, accounting, law, book value to market value investments, personnel administration, or accounting, giving members a health care. In 1987 Annual Conference choice of three funds in which to approved the organization of the Brethren invest. As a result of the stock Benefit Trust (BBT). The new 12-member market boom of the 1990s, long­ board met for the first time in 1988 and serving employees who chose to observed its 15th anniversary on July 2. retire during those years now enjoy Today the Brethren Pension Plan serves pas­ an income level that helps to sup­ Brethren Benefit Trust staff members tors and employees of congregations and dis­ port a comfortable lifestyle. The Peggy Brue/I, Marilyn Ziegler, tricts, the Annual Conference agencies, recent addition of a Community Development and Don Fecher administer the Brethren retirement homes, and other eligible Investment Fund gives current members five pension plan today. Brethren employers. Members contribute up to investment funds from which to choose. 7.5 percent of their salaries, while employers Sixty years of history have shaped the pen­ contribute up to 12 percent. Additional volun­ sion plan as it strives to anticipate and meet tary contributions are also accepted as tax laws the needs of its members. As the Brethren allow. Total active membership is 1,836, with Pension Plan celebrates the past, it continues an additional 965 former employees maintain­ to look to the future with the Brethren Benefit ing active accounts. Each month approximately Trust board and staff hoping to share the fore­ $750,000 is distributed among more than sight of their predecessors in providing for the 1,100 annuitants. Through Feb. 28 the pen­ future of church employees.~ sion plan's total net assets were $207 million. Nancy Miner is managing editor of Brethren Benefit Trust and is a The pension plan has three full-time employ- member of Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren, Elgin, Il l. Messenger October 2003 ■ COMMENTARY

rou e by Phil Jones Why the church should be concernea about the Patriot Act

On Oct. 26, 2001, just six weeks after NEWS ITEM: ftf31~,-25 the Sept. 11 attacks, a 342-page law THANI<~ ll> CON~RESS, EDllo~ was passed by Congress. The stated THE USA MTRIOT ACT ALLOWS "THE FBI TO purpose of the Patriot Act was to SoRRY MiSS, improve intelligence-gathering efforts TRACk REAP JNq, HABITS OF JOST OOiNq between federal, state, and local law PAN'°fROUS OUR .)OS ... enforcement in order to prevent further SUSPECTS .... terrorist acts. The full title is the "Provide Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism (PATRIOT) Act" of 2001. Among its provisions are the following: • Expands the definition of terrorism to include "domestic terrorism," which could subject political organizations to surveil­ lance, wiretapping, and crinunal action. • Expands the authority of law enforcement to conduct secret searches, meaning a home could be searched without the occupant being informed for up to 90 days. • Gives law enforcement the power to conduct phone and internet surveil­ communications between federal istration announced an increased effort to lance, and to access medical, financial, detainees and their attorneys, removing implement and enforce this act. On the and student records with minimal judi­ the right to attorney/ client privilege. eve of the second anniversary to remem - cial oversight. • Allows the government to deny ber the events of 9/11, we heard strong • Allows government agents to obtain · non-citizens readmission to the United rhetoric of revenge and retaliation. At a library circulation records, bookstore States based on speech. time when there should be searching for sales records or research database Wide debate has ensued since the healing, the nation instead continues on a records, without having to show proba­ enactment of this legislation that many path of reactive power and strength. This ble cause that the records are related to see as a direct assault on constitutional proposal for intensified monitoring and a crime. rights. From freedom of religion, increased surveillance is unsettling. • Allows FBI agents to investigate speech, and assembly, to unreasonable Our church has long supported the American citizens for criminal matters search and seizure, to the restriction of human rights and freedoms of expression without charges and without probable due process, many find reason to con - that are allowed to all people, and it has cause if they say it is for "intelligence test the validity of such restrictions as consistently opposed human rights repres­ purposes." afforded by the first, fourth, fifth, and sion. In our Annual Conference statement • Allows non-Americans to be jailed on fourteenth amendments. of 1986, "Making the Connection," we suspicion of terrorism, without charges Amid such wide and well documented are reminded: "We experience a related­ and without legal counsel, indefinitely in debate, why write about it here? How ness in life; the personal and world events six-month increments without meaningful does this sweeping legislation aimed at the that cover our existence are as a 'tunic judicial review of their cases. reduction of terrorism affect the church? without seam, woven from top to bottom' • Allows the government to monitor On Sept. 10 this year the Bush admin- (John 19:23). We find it crucial to be I Messenger October 2003 aware of relatedness, domestic and inter­ possible expressions of domestic terror­ Christ. Within our faith we are called to national. If we are to understand and ism. Such actions, such expressions of serve and to witness. With this history address the most critical problems of our solidarity and justice for all people as the Patriot Act clearly draws us into the time, we must see the underlying, con­ understood by our commitment to the debate. The debate is not primarily with necting causes of these problems. teachings of Christ, could thus lead to the political structure, though our "We must see that our security is relat­ loss of citizenship as allowed under the Witness/Washington Office feels the ed to the security of others. True security new "Patriot" mandates. church and its membership has this call­ lies not with repression of our people or Also proposed as part of the broader ing as well. Our questioning and chal- intervention in other nations. The forces that lead to intelligence abuses in this country are the same forces that lead to ls our answer to terrorist attacks one of heightened military actions abroad, both covert and aggression and retribution, or one that overt. They are connected." searches for understanding and reconciliation? In the announced escalation of the I Patriot Act (often referred to as "Patriot Act II" or "The Domestic Security mandate against terrorism is an increase lenging comes from being chosen to be Enhancement Act") there are serious in the number of offenses for which the peacemakers as called by Christ. implications for the Church of the death penalty could be carried out as Do limitations on basic rights, secrecy Brethren and its call to be a "Living Peace punishment. The Church of the Brethren within government, and mistrust and Church," adopted at this year's Annual clearly decries capital punishment as demonization of others different from us Conference in Boise, Idaho. It includes the wrong. With the expansion of possible lead to peace and justice for all? Is our statement, "We are called to love our ene­ uses of the death penalty, we as a church answer to terrorist attacks one of height­ mies (Matt. 4:43-48) and to follow Jesus' must reiterate our opposition. ened aggression and retribution, or one examples of building bridges across lines From the 1987 Annual Conference that searches for understanding and rec­ of race, class, and creed (John 4). We con­ statement on "The Death Penalty" we onciliation? We must decide, and act. fess that we struggle with finding a bal­ read: "The death penalty only continues The challenges of our political society ance between the claims of citizenship and the spiral of violence. Jesus said, 'You have and our moral struggles are not new. Our our kinship with all people." heard it said, '.An eye for an eye and a history of faith and personal commitment The resolution goes on to state that, tooth for a tooth.' But I say to you, Do not is strong. Perhaps new to our generation "for the early Brethren, counting the resist one who is evil. But if anyone strikes will be our commitment to the challenge. cost of following Jesus meant taking the you on the right cheek, turn to him the Indeed the debate is necessary, and now path of nonresistance, risking their rep­ other also' (Matt. 5:38-39) . Do we not is the time to join it, if we are to be a liv­ utation, their wealth, even their lives for believe this to be true? The only real way ing peace church of today. ll! their commitment" (Matt. 10:37-39). to deter further violence is to cease our The Patriot Act, and its broader man - claim to a life for a life, to recognize that Phil Jones began in Ju ly as director of the Brethren Witness and Washington Office. He brings a backgrou nd date, seriously undermines our ability to life and death decisions belong to God, of pastoral ministry combined w ith years of peace and build bridges and find the balance and to seek mercy and redemption of social justice w ork. Most recently Phil has w orked as a between citizenship and kinship. Acts of God's lost children. Our mission is still to consultant for Moratorium Now, an advocate group for nonresistance, nonviolence, and civil dis­ seek and save. Not to seek and destroy." People of Faith Aga inst the Death Pena lty. He is a 1992 graduate of Bethany Seminary and has se rved pas­ obedience have all been labeled under We are a historic peace church. Our torates in Lorida, Fla .. and in a new church development the present or pending Patriot Acts as roots run deep. We are a people of project in Durham, N.C.

Messenger October 2003 ■ FAITH IN ACTION

0 happy day! Holly Petty, left, and Derek Zech, second from right, are bap tized by pastors Bev Wea ver and Chris Warren. The baptism was in a ra in-sw ollen stream on the farm of Ed and Judy Jackson at Pendleton, Ind.

You're quite welcome~ by Duane Grady

The phrase, "Continuing the work of of church renewal is hard and dangerous nessed it to ignore or forget, something of Jesus . .." suggests that our faith will work. Paul's words in Ephesians 6:12 are biblical magnitude. God showed up to cause us to be active and there will be a true-we are up against powers and prin­ inspire an act of following Jesus that was visible dimension to our discipleship. I cipalities. At the heart of the church's lifted up for all to see and understand. am a Christian because I believe that in struggle is moving from a mood of mainte­ On this Sunday, two youth were going the life, teaching, death, and resurrec­ nance into a mode of mission. Hampering to be baptized. Several of their friends tion of Jesus we are able to understand progress is the church's history of being a came to worship and the youth sat who God is and how God acts. I belong family system where everyone was known prominently near the front of the sanc­ to the Church of the Brethren because by or related to someone else. Such con­ tuary. From their position, it was easy we offer to the world a visual image of nectedness thrives on tacit understandings for those in the back to notice the youth who Jesus is and how Jesus acts. that are passed from generation to genera­ wearing hats. Food and drink had also Recently, I was privileged to witness a tion. But, here, W

demned by Annual Conference statements. ''o ver the past 40 years, I can remember no I'm glad that we don't force everyone to toe the line. I don't believe that Annual other time that Annual Conference has explicitly Conference positions should be forced moved to enforce its will on congregations or upon an unwilling member or minister. And neither does Annual Conference. The districts that are calling persons to ministry.'' 1996 Annual Conference statement on Ethics In Ministry Relations (Code of Ethics for Ministers, item "D") says, "We will Annual Conference should belief and practice. exercise lifestyles consistent with the teach­ use no force For example, no churches have been ings of Christ, giving serious attention to forced to ordain women, support the relevant Annual Conference statements." I write to share the deep pain that many World Council of Churches, use the In the debate that year, stricter language of us feel because of the 2002 Confer­ Revised Standard Version, or anything else (like "obey" or "follow") was removed in ence's action to forbid the licensing or they are conscientiously opposed to doing. favor of the more accepting "give serious ordination of persons "engaging in Congregations and districts that support attention to." That was a wise decision, homosexual practices." US war-making have not been directed to permitting adoption of a position but Over the past 40 years, I can remember stop, nor have pastors been refused recog­ allowing for conscientious dissent. no other time that Annual Conference has nition of their ordinations on this issue. But the 2002 Conference acted in contra­ explicitly moved to enforce its will on I am an ordained minister in the Church diction to the statement on Ethics In congregations or districts that are calling of the Brethren, but no one has asked me if Ministry Relations, singling out whether a persons to ministry in good faith and sur­ I drink alcoholic beverages, engage in person "engages in homosexual prac­ rounded by prayer. That action is a signif­ extra-marital sex, gamble, or any of a num­ tices" as the only behavior (besides profes­ icant deviation from accepted Brethren ber of behaviors which are also con- sional misconduct) that would disqualify

DISCOVER THE WORLD ON A Microloan program TOURMAGINA'TION TOUR streng1hens families I "Thank you for helping 2003 TOURS PARAGUAY, BOLIVIA and PERU (March 23 · April 8) me provide security SEVEN CHURCHES of REVELATION (Moy 28 · June 7) In the FOOTSTEPS of the APOSTLE PAUL (Moy 30 · June 15) for my family." ENGLAND and SCOTLAND for GRANDPARENTS EUROPEAN HERITAGE (June 9·25) and GRANDCHILDREN (June 23 · July 5) ALASKA CRUISE TOUR (June 11·23) -Yaquelin Garcia, a From PRAGUE lo GDANSK (July 22 · August l) seamstress, feels CHINA (June 15 · July l ) CANADIAN MARITIME PROVINCES (August 7· 16) privileged to be one of MAJESTIC CANADIAN ROCKIES (July 7-20) SWISS-VOLHYNIAN MENNONITE HERITAGE 170 recipients in the EUROPEAN TOUR for GRANDPARENTS (September 15·29) and GRANDCHILDREN (July 15·22) Dominican Republic benefiting from affordable, church­ SMALL TOWN THEATRES and COUNTRY GARDENS (July 29 · August 4) based GFCF microloans. Won't you MENNONITE WORLD CONFERENCE (August· 6 Tours) help others like her build better lives? FALL FOLIAGE TOUR in NEW ENGLAND Give-'ti! it helps! (October 7-13) GERMANY and SWITZERLAND (October 9·23) CHRISTMAS SERVICE TOUR to PENNSYLVANIA "Building bridges among Mennonites and other Christians (November 29 · December 4) around the world through custom-designed travel."

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Messenger October 2003 ■ Messenger on Tape LETTERS

MESSENGER is available on audio tape for persons with visual impairments. Each 11 double-cassette issue contains Focusing on God accompanying me seems all articles, letters and editorials. Volunteers of the Church and to imply that faith depends on what I'm doing Persons with Disabilities Network, a ministry of ABC, rather than what I so graciously am being given provide this service. by a loving and gracious God. 11 Recommended donation is $10 (if you return the tapes to be recycled or $25 (if you keep a person for ministry. It also attempts to gracious God. the tapes). force a significant minority of us to do So now that I've scratched, I realize I've something which we cannot in Christian focused on me, which is why I "itched" in To receive MESSENGER ON conscience do, namely, base a decision on the first place! TAPE, please send your someone's fitness for ministry solely on Mike Morrow name, address, phone their sexual practices. An nvi lle , Pa. number and check (payable to As one speaker at Conference this year ABC) to: observed, "Unity does not require unifor­ mity." Surely we recognize this as Association of Brethren, given our obvious diversity and Brethren Caregivers our desire to continue working and wit­ 1451 Dundee Ave. nessing together. Don't we? Elgin, IL 60120 Ken Kline Smeltzer Boa lsburg, Pa.

Itching to walk with Jesus

· I promised myself I wasn't going to write, but after the wonderful writeup on Annual Conference in the August MESSENGER, I confess my flesh is weak. I, too, enjoyed the Live Report titled, "A Journey of Hope." During those meaningful moments, however, I also developed a disquieting theological "itch." Let me scratch just a little. The song that "wove its way through­ Pray, but wear a PFD out the presentation," titled "I Want Jesus On the cover of your August MESSENGER, to Walk with Me" was an enjoyable piece two folk out of five are wearing personal of music. But for me, it also was theologi­ flotation devices (PFDs). Three in the raft cally "itchy." In our area of the country we are not. would say it caused me to "rutch." One It matters not how deep or shallow that reason is that it too easily turns the focus water is. A bank on the head and out of of praise on us, instead of God who is the that boat could give your paddlers a seri­ real subject of our worship. Is it Jesus ous injury or drowning. walking with me (a singularly individualis­ Looks like that guy in the white shirt (I'm tic and arguably narcissistic thought) or is assuming he is the responsible adult) it my walking with Jesus that lets God be should never have taken those kids out on the subject of my life and worship? the water without reviewing water safety Focusing on God accompanying me practices-and insisting on practicing them. seems to imply that faith depends on Sabra Staley what I'm doing rather than what I so gra­ Staff " Grandma" at Camp Brethren Woods ciously am being given by a loving and Arlington, Va. ■ Messenger October 2003 This is not Romans 1

The ungrateful, unmerciful haters of God Paul is talking about in Romans 1 simply and absolutely are not the lesbians and gays I know. Certainly Paul would be appalled by how some Christians misap­ Si111ple wisdo111 £ro111 ply what he wrote in Romans 1. For me not to stand with my Christian Anna Mow lesbian and gay sisters and brothers would be like Peter denying what God Anna Mow's wisdom is simple and was doing in the home of Cornelius. For timeless. She speaks to all people, young, those who think I am erring on the side old, or someplace in between. These of grace and compassion I am asking short, faith-filled sketches will inspire you to show me scriptures where Jesus corrected or rebuked his disciples for readers to live fully in their relationship showing too much grace and compas­ with God and with one another. sion. I want to continue to study the Two or Ninety-Two is a delightful gift for marking life's many passages. Scriptures in order to rightly understand 1#! and apply the word of truth in the spirit 1451 Dundee Avenue, Elgin, IL 60120-1694 fff:~ and light of Christ. phone 800-441-3712 fax 800-667-8188 Roger Eberly e-mail [email protected] Brethren Press Milford, Ind.

Not normal but unique I enjoyed Kenneth L. Gibbie's article, CONTINUING CARE "We're all disabled"[ August]. Probably Providing the level of care you need ... when you need it. our true friends are the only ones we talk to about our disabilities or physical attributes. That's because we want to be considered "normal." Maybe there are many more like our­ selves out there, holding back so they, too, can be "normal." So I should not say I have disabilities, but I am unique in many different ways. Everyone is unique. I am unique in the eyes of God and I want to see that uniqueness of others like God sees mine. The Village Cottages &: Harmony Ridge Aparttnents Gene Mascioli Assisted Living Center Harrisburg, Pa . Health Care Center Special Care Alzheimer's Unit Adult Day Services Subacute Center Don't send me slick

I strongly agree with Dean Farringer's letter [September] regarding competi­ tive fundraising tactics of some organi­ The Bre.iiren Home zations within the denomination. I high­ Comm!1!J!!J ly resent the slick, expensive, imperson­ Since 1908 al style of these mailings, to say nothing Celebrating 50 years of Service to York & Adams Counties of the dollars they must cost! These 2990 Carlisle Pike • New Oxford, PA 17350 C PANPHA groups want my dollars, while our gen- 1-866-388-4352 • www.brethrenhome.org Messenger October 2003 I in cities-cities where often there was no ''It's nice that we do small well. Brethren church available, so they But Jesus' 12 disciples didn't stay where they moved on to other denominations. My sister settled in a suburb of Atlanta, were and watch one another die off. Ga.-the last I heard there was no Church of the Brethren there. A brother They went out and planted.'' has settled near Blythe, Calif. No Church of the Brethren there. eral fund runs in the red. parents' hometown church (McLouth, If there were other Brethren there, they What's wrong with this picture? I have Kan.) closed, my husband's hometown might not be easy to find. I can find requested that my name be removed from church (Fruita, Colo.) closed, and my names in my McPherson alumni directo­ those mailing lists. If enough of us do so, father-in-law's hometown church closed ry of folks who might well be Brethren, perhaps our unified vision will return. (Leeton, Mo.). Even the little Columbia but if there are folks here from Tamra Houser (Mo.) Fellowship of which I've been a part Manchester or Bridgewater or Juniata or Middlebury, Ind. shrank from a sustainable 30 or so to 3. La Verne or E-town or even Ashland, I Part of our problem has to be demo­ have no way of knowing they are here. graphics. Perhaps by the 1940s, less than Too bad there isn't some kind of The other side of small half the country's population lived on "Brethren-at -large" membership list for farms, and Brethren were mostly farm­ those of us who don't live close to an Yes, we do small very well, but, if we don't ers. The farms and small towns sent existing Brethren congregation. attempt to grow, I'm afraid we'll disappear. their young people off to Brethren col­ In the old days, when families pulled up [See "Celebrate the faithful remnant," leges, and those young people often did­ stakes and moved out to the frontier, they July.] I've watched with sadness while my n't return to their rural roots but settled took their church with them. In fact, they

CLASSIFIEDADS

Loans and scholarships are available for quali­ Widow would like to hear from a Brethren RV volunteers. Do you have a camper, 5th wheel, fied Church of the Brethren students or employ­ widow who would like to share my home with or RV and want to serve the church? Camp lthiel ees of a Church of the Brethren agency prepar­ me . Lady must be able to drive. Call 219-785-2860 needs seasonal volunteers to lend talents and ing for a career in a health care profession. This or write to 5701 S. US 421, Westville IN 46391. skills to its year-round camping ministry. Hookups program is offered through the Association of provided at no charge. Twenty minutes from Brethren Caregivers. For qualifications to receive For sale. John Huffaker has written 'Here Am I Orlando. Weekly worship services on site. Come a loan or scholarship, visit ABC's website at Send Me,' a book of biblical monologs about try the warm winter climate. For more informa­ www.brethren .org/abc/. For more information, the calls of eight Old Testament personalities, tion, write to PO Box 165, Gotha, FL 34734, phone contact Loans and Scholarships Coordinator their ministries, and how those ministries con­ 407-293-3481, or e-mail [email protected]. Linda Timmons at 847-742-5100, ext. 300, or e-mail nect with our lives today. Those personalities ltim mo n s_ab c@ b re th re n .o rg . are Abraham, Joseph, Moses, Samuel, David, Free rent for members of the Church of the Elijah, Isaiah, and Jeremiah. To order the book Brethren who would like to spend the winter (or Wanted: Part-time music director. Hagerstown you can go to a web page, www.here­ longer) in warm and sunny South Texas. The Church of the Brethren seeks qualified organist amisendme.com or you can order it from the Falfurrias Church of the Brethren welcomes you to play one Sunday service and some special author at [email protected] or 30 Pinehurst Ct., to come use our parsonage and join our small services and to direct several choirs including North Liberty, IA 52317. Phone 319-665-2204. congregation in fellowship and in helping us keep hand bells. Salary negotiable. Send resume to 15 the place going. Lots oftime for fishing , golfing, S. Mulberry St., Hagerstown, MD 21740; phone Lost in Florida- Finding Our Heart Again : A Day seeing Mexico, or just relaxing. Call 361-592-5945; 301 -733-3565. for Rekindling Our Passions & Sharpening Our 361- 325-3950; or 361- 664- 7782; or e-m-a ii Skills; Saturday, Jan. 31, 2004, St. Petersburg bittingr@intcomm .net, or write Stanley Bittinger, Bloomington, Ill., church start. I am part of a First Church of the Brethren . A Symposium 1614 Santa Cecilia, Kingsville, TX 78363. small group of people trying to establish a new Sponsored by The Atlantic Southeast District of Church of the Brethren in the the Church of the Brethren. FOCUS : Recapturing Property insurance for Brethren! Contact Mutual Bloomington/Normal, Ill., area. We would appre­ our 'fast love"for Jesus and his Gospel and our Aid Association, a Brethren organization since ciate receiving the name and address /phone of passion for those who have not experienced his 1885, for your insurance needs. We provide farm, any potentially interested person (especially if of saving grace. KEYNOTE SPEAKERS: James F. home, personal prope rty, business, rental, and Brethren/Anabaptist background) whose zip Myer and Paul E.R. Mundey. PLUS: 7 dynamic collectible item coverage at a reasonable cost to code begins with 617. Contact Paul Kohler, 572 workshops! FOR MORE INFORMATION: Call you! Call toll-free, 800-255-1243, and our friendly CR 2400 N. Dewey, IL 61840; 217-493-3189 (voice). Terry Hatfield 727-381-0709 or e-mail staff will assist you in obtaining a quote, or visit 217-359-0055 (fax); e-mail: [email protected] M. [email protected] . our website at www.maabrethren.com. I Messenger October 2003 LETTERS•

probably moved with folks they knew start a fellowship. to just Sundays. through church. Nowadays, when each It's nice that we do small well. But I don't know the answers for the family moves alone, can't the Church of Jesus' 12 disciples didn't stay where they Church of the Brethren, but we need to the Brethren use a little technology and were and watch one another die off. They do something different, or we will, like help us find more Brethren when we get went out and planted. The old circuit-rid­ Columbia Fellowship, reach a point of no there? Can't we somehow remain part of ing Brethren preachers didn't just stay in return. the greater church and its people? Maybe their own neighborhoods, and they didn't Jan Tompkins we can find some like-minded folks and limit their efforts on behalf of the church Columbia, Mo.

TURNING POINTS ■ Please send information to be Anniversaries Lombard, Ill ., July 25 Livingston, Elmira, 92, Turner, Otho, 91 , Petersburg, included in Turning Points to Burton, Beverly June Shilling, 73 , Johnstown, Pa ., Aug. 15 WVa., July 12 Jean Clements, 1451 Dundee Roanoke, Va., July 24 McCaslin, Bobby Dean, 68, Wampler, Gary Wayne, 50, Baile, Glen and Betty, Ave, Elgin, IL 60120; Byerly, Mary Catherine Myers, Pittsburg, Mo., June 22 Grottoes, Va., Aug. 8 Warrensburg, Mo., 55 800 323 -8039 ext. 206; 93, Mount Solon, Va. , Aug. 10 Mercer, Dorothea, 72 , Covington, Wilt, Mary Elizabeth, 81, Everett, Bowermaster, Edwin and Patricia, [email protected]. Caplinger, C. Elaine, 82, Dayton, Ohio, Jan. 30 Pa., May 30 New Holland, Pa., 50 Information must be complete Va., June 18 Miller, Virgil L., 84, Winchester, Works, Bernard, 47, Uniontown, Boyer, Robert and Anna Mae, in order to be published. Cline, Olivia Ann Laymon, 5 7, Va ., July 28 Pa. , Jul y 25 Shelocta, Pa., 50 In fo rmation older than one year Harrisonburg, Va ., July 24 Mitchell, Andrew Morris, 87, Wratchford, Barbara An n Brubaker, Emory and Zelda, cannot be published. Clugh, William J., 78, Harrisonburg, Va. , Aug. 11 Fitzwater, 68, Moorefield, Rocky Mount, Va ., 50 Mifnintown, Pa., May 13 Moyers, Weldon Kline, 80, WVa., Aug. 2 Cunningham, John and Annabel, Conner, Catherine Helsley, 75, Broadway, Va., July 7 Wratchford, George All en, 75, Polo, lll., 70 New Members Woodstock, Va ., Aug. 13 Myers, Frances Sharpes, 98, Moorefield, W.Va ., July 31 Curie, Maurice and Geraldine, Cool, Anna Olivia, 96, Coral Harrisonburg, Va., June 12 Wright, Blanche Elizabeth, 9 1, Orrville, Ohio, 50 Akron, Ohio, First: Vickie Gables, Fla., Aug. 2 Ours, Janie Eli zabeth, 90, Dorcas, Bridgewater, Va., Aug. 1 Dare, Laurence and Caryl, Johnson Cornelius, Daniel R. , 60, Kansas WVa., July 3 Young, Edith I., 82, Medina, Canton, Ill., 65 Arcadia, Ind.: Jan McCord, City, Kan., July 8 Owen, Ruth Curry, 90, Ohio, July 27 Dickensheets, Walter and Evelyn, Warren Mosbaugh, Georgeanna Cupp, Ruby Claudine Roadcap, Harrisonburg, Va ., Aug. I 0 Hanover, Pa., 55 Mosbaugh, Robert Hook, 73, Mount Sidney, Va ., July 4 Piell, Dorothy M., 78, Friedens, Erisman, Ethmer and Kathryn, Teresa Hook, Aaron Hook, Dare, William E., 55, Elmwood, Pa., July 25 Licensings Warrensburg, Mo., 55 Adam Hook, Aubrey Young Ill., Jan. 17 Pittman, Faye L. , 73 , Everett, Pa. , Fishburn, Alvin and Angie, Carmody, Michael Wayne, Baugo, Wakarusa, Ind.: Lowell Doseck, Edith, 86, Bradford, June 28 Lawrence, Kan., 50 Southeastern Dist. (Bristol, LaMar Hunsberger, Sharon Ohio, March 1 Ratliff, Betty Louise, 74, Everett, George, David and Betty, Citrus Tenn.), June 22 Lou Hunsberger, Christina Lou Dowrick, Pauline, 90, Pa., June 24 Springs, Fla., 55 Gower, Terry E., W Marva Dist. Hunsberger Martinsburg, Pa ., May 18 Ratliff, J. Arthur, 84, Groff, Paul and Barbara, (Valley River, Junior, W Va.), Bradford, Ohio: Susan Bowman, Eagle, Helen, 85, Ashland, Ohio, Harrisonburg, Va., July 6 Finksburg, Md., SO July 13 Kenneth Harshbarger, William July 26 Rex, Jackson A., 79, Columbia Hackett, Galen and Connie, Keath, Frank W, Jr., S. Pa . Dist. Mills, Jordon Hackett, Debbie England, Lois E., 85, Bedford, City, Ind., June 29 Bradford, Ohio, 50 (Chambersburg, Pa.), June 22 Harshbarger, Josh Kosier, Cody Pa. , July 14 Richard, Terry Lee, Sr., 66, Heath, Bob and Shirley, Polo, Ill., 50 Kulp, Tina, Atl. N.E. Dist. (East Mills, Phil Kosier, Nicki Mead, Fern, Guy S., 83, Wi lliamsburg, Mount Jackson, Va ., Aug. 11 Jacoby, Paul and An na, Fairview, Manheim, Pa.), June 22 Bill Barger, Betsey Barger, Levi Pa ., July 19 Rodgers, Lillian Raynes, 86, Harleysville, Pa., 55 Striebig, Douglas Terry, S. Pa. Kenworthy, Chelsea Sargent, Fike, Harold L., 74, Peace Valley, Grottoes, Va., Aug. 3 Keener, Harl an and Shirley, Dist. (New Fairview, York, Elizabeth Huff, Morgan Brunk, Mo., July 14 Sandridge, Ida, 86, Grottoes, Va., Lancaster, Pa., 50 Pa.) , Aug. 10 Michael Bowman Foor, Margaret Elizabeth, 85, Aug.4 Kline, Harvey and Ruth, New Sweigart, Jeffrey, Atl. N.E. Dist. Columbia City, Ind.: Brian Ball, Everett, Pa., June 13 Sheets, Carolyn Catherine Oxford, Pa. , 60 (East Cocali co, Reamstown, Shelli e Ball, Greg Ball , Megan French, Dennis, 50, Kalamazoo, Ralston, 62, Bridgewater, Va., Kuhn, Richard and Catherine, Pa .), July 20 Davis, Jim Broni, Chris Broni Mich., Aug. 6 Jul y 29 Hanover, Pa., 55 Genesis, Putney, Vt.: Asaph Gentry, Baylor Amos, 82, Hinton, Shelor, Ila A., 87, Modesto, Calif., Lichty, Quinter and Alice, Murfin, Hanifah Murfin Va ., Aug. 5 Aug. 6 Waterloo, Iowa, 55 Ordinations Jones Chapel, Martinsvill e, Va .: Grove, Esther B., 96, Shifflett, David Charles, Sr., 69, Loose, John and Beulah, Matthew Coleman Martinsburg, Pa., May 29 Harrisonburg, Va., Aug. 2 Martinsburg, Pa., 65 Bucher, Samuel James, Atl. N.E. Lone Star, Lawrence, Kan.: Nan Guyer, Hazel Virginia, 89, Shoemaker, Richard Lee, 62, Lumsden, Clarence and Barbara, Dist. (Heidelberg, Reistvill e, Hill, Jeanne Torneden, Steve Dayton, Va ., June 11 Broadway, Va. , Aug. 1 Mount Morris, Ill., 50 Pa.) , Aug. 17 Klinedinst, Tami Klinedinst, Harbaugh, Samuel Forrest, 83, Simmons, Rambert Lee, Sr., 79, Miller, Ralph W and Bonnie, King, Janice Glass, Atl. N.E. Dist. Anna Fernandez, Melissa Waterloo, Iowa, July 25 Fredericksburg, Va., Jul y 7 Harrisonburg, Va., 60 (Ridgeway, Harrisburg, Pa .), Fernandez, Fabian Fernandez Harris, Ethel S., 94, Woodstock, Sink, Cleveland C., 88, Roanoke, Reynolds, Oda and Caroline, June 22 Memorial, Martinsburg, Pa.: Ill ., Aug. 7 Va ., May 14 Kansas City, Kan., 55 Jacob Bowman, Meli ssa Hill, Harry Nelson, 78, Sions, Harold A., 76, Sesser, Joe and Helen, Modesto, Bowman, Stefanie Hinton, Harrisonburg, Va., June 20 Harrisonburg, Va., July 1 Calif., 60 Placements Kristen Hood, Virginia Hodge, Martha L. , 82, Edinburg, Sofranko, Betty, 79, Uniontown, Whaley, Bob and Ruth, Lakeville, McCready, Megan Saltsgiver, Va., June 30 Pa., July 9 Ind., 50 Carmody, Michael Way ne, pastor, Moll y Saltsgiver Johnson, Bertha Virginia Simmons, Stone, Barbara Carter, 76, Ziegler, Elam and Kathryn, Bristol, Tenn., June 22 Monte Vista, Callaway, Va.: 81, Staunton, Va., July 4 Bassett, Va., July 29 Bethel, Pa., SO Dillon, Bruce, pastor of music and Kenneth Buckner, Carla Jones, Wayne Eugene, 50, Mount Stuckey, Stanley, 70, Orrville, worship, Eaton, Ohio, July 15 Buckner Jackson, Va., July 28 Ohio, Aug. 6 Matteson, Erin A., from pastor, North Liberty, Ind.: Katie Kniesly, Vaughn, 91 , Bradford, Swick, Ruth Vernon, 81, Faith, Batavia, Ill., to co- pas­ Harness Deaths Ohio, July 30 Petersburg, W.Va., July 19 tor, Modesto, Cali f., Aug. 18 Osceola, Mo.: John Neale, Stacy Knupp, Irene Alice Gochenour, Tallion, Keith J. , 41 , Windber, Matteson, Russell L., from Base, Alene, 79, Akron, Ohio, July Neale, Willa Gregg, Darla 76, Broadway, Va., Aug. I 0 Pa ., June 22 Brethren Press marketing and IO Doody Lambert, June Kisamore, 87, Teter, Stella Adelia, 99, Santa sales director, Elgin, Ill ., to co­ Biller, Lewis Franklin, 54, Polo, Ill.: James Rinehart, Carol Bridgewater, Va., Aug. 4 Ana, Calif., April 30 pastor, Modesto, Calif., Aug. 18 Broadway, Va., Aug. 4 Fike, Cory Stauffer Landis, Lucile, 82, Bradford, Thompson, Lorraine Kessler, 82, Replogle, Shawn Flory, co-pastor, Bleam, Catherine, 9 1, Prairie City, Iowa: David Peter, Ohio, March 25 Roanoke, Va., July 29 McPherson, Kan., Aug. 15 Quakertown, Pa ., July 11 Jenna Kane, Sue Cox Leggett, Katie Virginia, 86, Thorne, Daisy Virginia, 85, Sherck, Ronald G., pastor, Bowman, Rayford N., 93, Smith Mountain Lake Stanley, Va., June 21 Petersburg, WVa., June 27 Greenville, Ohio, May 1 I Callaway, Va., July 25 Community, Wirtz, Va. : Hollie Little, Mary L., 95, Baldwin City, Truex, Lester E., 84, New Carlisle, Sloughfy, Julianne Bowser, pastor, Buffenmyer, James Quinter, 83, Stansbury Kan., July 9 Ind., Aug. 3 Luray, Va. , Aug. 1 Messenger October 2003 I EDITORIAL ■ Beyond fundraising

I find myself on a number of fundraising commit­ seldom it occurs to us that God has to undo and to tees these days-for the district, for a neighbor­ do all over again so much of what we in our willful­ hood organizing group, for a housing group. I vol­ ness have pushed through in God's name. How little unteer for these assignments because I want others there is in us of the silent strength in which the to experience the joy there is in giving to good caus­ secret works of God really take place! How ready we es. Also I have a sense that there is plenty of money are to speak, how loath to listen, to sense the further "out there;" our task is just to move it "in here." dimension of what it is that we confront." And I know that if we align our mission with God's We must try our best to align our cause with will, "by the power at work within us God is able to God's will. ''All we can do to God is submit to his accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask will," writes Brother Abraham of St. Gregory's or imagine" (Eph. 3 :20). Abbey, "and that scares us, because we are afraid But I'm not very good at it. I hate asking people that God might do something that makes us uncom­ for money. The few times I've asked for contribu­ fortable. God's will is love-letting people and · tions outright I've been turned down flat out. A things grow into their own beautiful selves. And we telethon I volunteered for taught me that acquain­ don't like that because we would rather try to make "I hate asking tances I thought were generous aren't. I wrote a things fit into our desired conception of what they grant application but it was rejected because I should be. So we fight against God and fight against people for turned it in late. Another grantor keeps asking for grace, malting life hard for ourselves and those money. The more "documentation," and I have little patience for around us, rather than joyfully living in the beautiful paperwork. Experienced fundraisers say it's impor­ world that God has given us. How can we ever few times tant to have a clear mission statement, but I can't believe that God has better things in store for us stand working on mission statements. If I were you I when we cooperate with grace and live in love than I've asked for wouldn't pick me for your committee. when we try to wrest control away from him in Yet gathering resources for building God's king­ order to make things and people behave the way we contributions dom is holy work, so I keep trying to learn. Jesus fed think best? We must allow God to rule our lives, no the 5,000 to teach us how. The episode in John 6 matter how bothersome it seems sometimes." outright starts out like a typical church meeting, with Jesus Through prayer and careful listening we do our making a problem out of something that should be a best to ensure that the cause we are promoting is I've been cause for rejoicing, the large crowd that had fol ­ what God really wants us to do. That is at least half turned down lowed him onto the hillside. He must have had a of the task. The rest has to do with cultivating rela­ twinkle in his eye when he asked Philip, "Where are tionships with people, in obedience to the command flat out." we to buy bread for these people to eat?" Wouldn't to love one another. The success of a cause depends it be just like us to draw a crowd of 5,000 to church on the strength of relationships. If all concerned are and worry that all the grocery stores are closed? of one accord, or reasonably close, then the venture Then, like a good church board member, Philip will go forward. chimes in to worry about how much all that bread This doesn't mean the traditional techniques of would cost.Then there's always somebody on the fundraising aren't important-far from it. We should committee who comes up with an idea that'll never go ahead with our planning meetings, silent auc­ work. This role falls to Andrew, who says, "There is tions, appeal letters, and grant applications. But the a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish." meetings, wordsmithing, and events must be seen as The situation seemed hopeless. That's when ways to cultivate relationships. All the while we must Jesus does his best work. When he had given let people know how important they are to the suc­ thanks for the food, he distributed the loaves and cess of our cause, and spend extra time after the fish to the people on the hillside. Not only was it meeting with those who oppose us, or who aren't enough, there were leftovers.This teaches me that quite with us yet. The miracle of the loaves and fish it's okay to try something that'll never work, that happened when 5,000 people on a hillside joined miracles happen, and that if Jesus is with us we're their hearts in common cause. going to be all right. If we are together with God and together with Fundraising is not a science. "In religious circles each other, then the funds will follow. In budget and we find today a fierce and almost violent planning fundraising meetings someone often says, "Let's be and programming," writes Douglas V Steere in realistic here," meaning we can't get the job done. Dimensions of Prayer, "a sense that without cease­ To that we might answer, "No, let's be real here," less activity nothing will ever be accomplished. How meaning we can.-FLETCHER FARRAR I Messenger October 2003 nds of the Awesome Brethren Snowbird

VENICE JACKSONVILLE Venice Church of the Brethren Jacksonville Church of the Brethren 233 Tamiami rrail South 4554 Prunty Avenue Venice, FL 34285 Jacksonville, FL 32205 (941) 412-0572 (904) 384-33 75 Mary Boyd, Pastor Herben Weaver, Pastor

GOTHA ST. PETERSBURG New Covenant Church of the Brethren St. Petersburg Church of the Brethren 203 7 Hempel Avenue 38th Ave. North & 71st St. North Gotha, FL 34 734 St. Petersburg, FL 33710 (407) 892-6678 (72 7)381-0709 Merle Crouse, Pastor Terry Hatfield, Pastor

LORIDA SEBRING Lorida Church of the Brethren Sebring Church of the Brethren 332 Bay Street 700 S. Pine Street Lorida, FL 3385 7 Sebring, FL 33870 (863) 655-1466 (863) 385-1597 John Tubbs, Pastor Cecil Hess, Pastor

CAPE CORAL BRADENTON Christ the Seivant Church of the Brethren Good She.Pherd Church of the Brethren 1813 El Dorado Parkway West 6323 13th Street Ct., E Cape Coral, FL 33914 Bradenton, FL 34282 (941) 549-103 7 (941) 758-0988 Ron Reese, Head Pastor Don E. White, Pastor