These institutions share a common heritage with the Church of the Brethren. Diverse in location, size, and offerings within their academic and extra-curricular programs, each offers a world of educational value and opportunity to its students.

To find out more about the exciting direction in which these institutions can lead, visit the websites listed below.

Bridgewater College University of La Verne Bethany Theological Bridgewater, Virginia La Verne, California Seminary www.bridgewater.edu www.ulv.edu Richmond, Indiana www.bethanyseminary.edu Elizabethtown College Manchester College Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania North Manchester, Indiana Brethren Colleges Abroad www.etown.edu www. ma nchester. ed u Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania www. bcaa broad .org Juniata College McPherson College Huntingdon, Pennsylvania McPherson, Kansas www.juniata.edu www.mcpherson.edu SEPTEMBER 2008 VOL. 157 NO.8 WWW.BRETHREN.ORG

1 a .. publish with the voice of thanksgiving1 and tell of all thy wondrous work/ (Psa. 26:7 b KJV) .

Editor: Walt Wiltschek Publisher: Wendy McFadden Associate Editor/News: Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford Subscriptions: Diane Stroyeck Design: The Concept Mill

Glenn Riegel 8 Annual Conference 2008: Reunion in Richmond This year's Annual Conference celebrated 300 years of the Brethren movement, and people came in droves. A crowd of well over 6,000 official Church of the Brethren registrants joined members of the Brethren Church for the party. Joint worship services, special work­ shops and presentations, and other activities filled the week. And amid the festivities, the usual work of business and meetings also went on, as delegates worked through a sizeable agenda. A series of stories shares highlights from the big gathering in Richmond.

15 Peace is systemic Last year, Bethany Theological Seminary's Peace Studies Program-in partnership with MESSENGER-invited entries for an essay contest on the theme, "What story will a peace church tell the world?" First-prize winner David Lee Jones of Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary says that difficult issues require a broad and thoughtful response.

18 Living without answers It's tempting to give easy answers to life's problems. Life, however, is usually more complex than that, even for people of faith. Just look at Jesus, who asked far more questions than he answered.

20 1 Corinthians: Straight letter to a crooked church Corinth was the Las Vegas of its time, says Harold S. Martin. In Paul's letter to this earnest but challenged church, the apostle gives a wealth of advice and a code for Christian conduct.

DEPARTMENTS 2 From the Publisher 25 Youth Life 3 In Touch 26 Media Review 6 Reflections 28 Letters 7 The Buzz 31 Turning Points 22 News 32 Editorial

Messenger September 2008 HOW TO REACH US

MESSENGER 1451 Dundee Avenue y earliest memory is of being bathed in the bathroom sink. At Elgin, IL 60120 least I think it is. Maybe by now it's really just a memory of a memory. Subscriptions: M [email protected] Or maybe it never even happened at all. It's hard to be sure when it comes to memories. Phone: 847-742-5100 My almost-grown son remembers that there was a large incline from the hall to his Fax: 847-742-6103 bedroom in the house where he lived his first three years. Actually, there was some Advertising: slight unevenness in the floor, making for a noticeable but modest rise-perhaps an [email protected] inch. His perception is "true" for a toddler, but not very reliable for recreating blueprints. Phone: 800-323-8039 My sister seems to remember lots of things. She still knows all the words to child­ Fax: 847-742-1407 hood ditties that I don't even remember singing. She recalls family activities that don't Editorial: ring a bell for me. Sometimes I wonder where I was all those [email protected] Phone: 800-323-8039 ext. 263 years. Was I just not paying attention? Fax: 847-742-6103 How can we trust our memories, when they can so easily be Subscription rates: corrected by others? How can we live in the same family and $17.50 individual rate have such different experiences? We each record life through - $32 for 2 years our own lenses, thinking that the picture is true because we $14.50 gift rate $14.50 church club rate were there. But our documentaries are each shot from a point - $27 for 2 years of view, and sometimes we don't know what we have recorded $ 1.25 student (per month) until much later. If you move, clip address label This year, as the half dozen or more groups that trace their and send with new address to history to a courageous baptism 300 years ago are coming MESSENGER Subscriptions, at the together for historic family reunions, there is a sense of true celebration and spiritual above address. Allow at least five weeks for address change. kinship. But for all the groups there might also be some figurative glancing across the crowd at the relatives we don't really know. It can be difficult enough to define Connect electronically: For a free subscription to Newsline, the "Brethren" within our own church; how do we come to understand all these other Church of the Brethren e-mail news folks gathered under the same tent? report, write [email protected].

I wonder whether the Brethren in these cousin groups grew up with the same admo­ To view the official Church of the nition familiar to so many within the Church of the Brethren: "Remember who you are." Brethren website, go to www.brethren.org. This was said so often to Brethren of a certain generation that decades later they can't forget the familial instruction. Parents and grandparents didn't have to cite Bible verses A free study guide for each issue of MESSENGER is available on the or church statements for their teenagers to know what was meant, because there was site; go to keyword "MESSENGER" already a lifetime of teaching and example behind the words. and click on the study guide link. Remember whose you are would be another way to say it. However different we are, this is an identity we can all claim-and remember.

MESSE NGER is the official publication of the Church of the Brethren. Member of the Associated Church Press. Biblical quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are from the New Revised Standard Version. Copyright© July 2008, Church of the Brethren.

MESSE NGER (ISSN 0026-0355) is published 11 times a year by Brethren Press, Church of the Brethren. Periodicals postage paid at Elgin, Ill., and additional mailing offices.

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• Messenger September 2008 CONGREGATIONCLOSE-UP

Ambler (Pa.) Church of the Help flows in for Brethren held a rummage sale in June to raise money for the Global Food Crisis Tennessee churches Fund and a local food bank; it brought in more than $1,000 ... . The Middle Lightning destroys one Pennsylvania District Disaster Response building, damages another Action Team held two workdays to put a new roof on a garage behind the district Churches and friends have been rally­ office and do painting and other repairs. ing around Erwin (Tenn.) Church of the . . . University Baptist and Brethren Brethren since the congregation's 50- Church (State College, Pa.) has partnered year-old building was destroyed in a with St. John's Baptist Church in New lightning-caused fire. Orleans through the ecumenical, post­ Lightning struck the Erwin steeple Hurricane Katrina Churches Supporting on June 9, as an evening storm Churches effort. moved through the area. The same Southeast Southeastern District con­ storm passed through Bristol, Tenn., ference included a celebration for Clay where it also struck Bristol First and Georgia Sheets, who are retiring Church of the Brethren; only the from their work at Camp Carmel. About steeple was destroyed there, with 185 people attended the conference. some smoke and water damage to the John Markwood was called as modera­ rest of the building. tor-elect .. .. Twenty youth attended an "We appreciate the prayers," Atlantic Southeast District Memorial Day The steeple of Erwin Church of the Brethren Southeastern District co-executive weekend retreat at Saint Petersburg burns after it was struck by lightning during a (Fla.) Church of the Brethren. minister Martha Roudebush said as June storm. The fire destroyed the church, the news spread through the denomi­ although an adjacent fellowship hall was saved. Midwest Michigan District executive nation. "Everyone is just so thankful minister Marie Willoughby and her hus­ that no one was hurt." band, Don, celebrated their 50th anniver­ The district quickly began a fund to help the churches. Among the aid efforts, sary with an open house Aug. 17 at Hope the Pleasant Valley congregation (Jonesborough, Tenn.) held a BBQ meal Church of the Brethren in Freeport .. . . fundraiser for Erwin on July 19, congregations in neighboring Virlina District Children's Disaster Service sent five took up a special offering on Aug. 10; and Southeastern planned a Gospel Sing teams of child care volunteers to help fundraiser on Aug. 24. children of families affected by flooding In addition, a community member donated a piano, and the French Broad con­ in Indiana and Iowa .... Highland gregation (White Pine, Tenn.) provided hymnals. Avenue Church of the Brethren (Elgin, Both Erwin and Bristol have been able to worship in their fellowship halls Ill.), was among more than 275 congre­ while the sanctuaries are unavailable. Members at the churches have urged gations across the country that displayed anti-torture banners in June. other congregations to be sure their steeples are equipped with proper lightning rods and grounding. Ozarks/Plains Northern Plains District announced that Panora (Iowa) Church of Do you have district or congregational stories that might be of interest to MESSENGER? Send them to MESSENGER, c/o In Touch, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120 or the Brethren, with support from the dis­ [email protected]. trict, on July 15 reached a settlement with former church leaders and mem­ bers who voted last fall to leave the Church of the Brethren. According to the BVTHENUMBERS settlement, the departing leaders and ...-111110\\.. ~ their group will return church property, ~sa1u,... accounts, and records to the BrethrerJ. The Brethren resumed worship services .. Seeds don't write in their facility on Aug. 3. mission statements; they West Idaho District held a 300th are mission statements. anniversary celebration Aug. 9 at You have to let go of The number of Brethren Volunteer Service Mountain View Church of the Brethren in Boise. It included food, games, music, what you once were if (BVS) volunteers from Shenandoah District over the past three years, highest total of worship, and displays.... Whitestone you're ever going to be any district in the denomination. Second is Church of the Brethren (Tonasket, Wash.) . what you're to become." Atlantic Northeast with 15, followed by entered a float in the Tonasket Founders' Mid-Atlantic with 13 and lllinoisNVisconsin Day Parade on May 31. The float, which -Oakton (Va .) Church of the Brethren pastor highlighted the 300th anniversary and Chris Bowman, speaking at the Annual with 10. BVS celebrates its 60th anniver­ local church activities, won first place. Conference Sunday morning worship service sary Sept. 26-28 in New Windsor, Md. Messenger September 2008 Martinsburg church ministers with plenty of puppet power

Children at Fellowship Church of the Brethren (Martinsburg, W.Va.) have a hand in a new and growing ministry of the church-quite a few hands, actually. A group of five young people ages 10- 12 and leader Dee Clingan make up God's Handy Workers, a puppet troupe that per­ forms skits and music in the church and the community. One recent skit focused Simple celebration: Daleville (Va .) Church of the Brethren offered a traditional "meeting on the Church of the Brethren's history house"-style worship service on April 13, continuing its celebration of the denomination's for the 300th anniversary. 300th anniversary year. About 40 people attended as a board of "elders" shared on contempo­ "We want to be able to go out and rary issues and concerns of the day in the simple and undecorated worship space. No instru­ share the news about Jesus and make it ments were used, and hymns were "lined" to the congregation. In words of preparation to the fun for children and older people," congregation, pastor Mary Cline Detrick said, "God will be the center of our focus in worship, Clingan said in an article published in with the gathered community a reflection of the Holy Spirit in our midst." The (Martinsburg) Journal. The group held one fundraiser to buy munities affected this summer when materials, raising about $900. Clingan Rescue efforts unite churches severe flooding struck the state in June. said the puppeteers were planning a trip after Iowa's summer flooding Five South Waterloo families were to a local nursing home and hoped to directly affected by the disaster. have a booth at the county's youth fair Briery Branch Church of the Brethren As news of the flood problems made in the future. (Dayton, Va.) recently received a special "It's encouraging young people, every­ thank-you card. It came from South its way through the body, to use the gifts God's given Waterloo (Iowa) Church of the Brethren, denomination, them," former pastor Duane Strickler nearly 1,000 miles to the northwest. pastor Randy said in the article. Waterloo was among many Iowa com- Cosner of Briery Branch I REMEMBERED contacted • J. Rodney Davis, 80, died May 25 in La Verne, Calif. Davis graduated from La Verne South Waterloo ask­ (Calif.) College (now University of La Verne) and later worked there for three decades, in the Posto,- Rondy: ing how his Standing le.ft to right 1s public relations department and as a psychology professor. A member of La Verne Church PC1$tor Rick Oe$terling, church could Sandy Mo.rsru Bd. Ow., of the Brethren, he also served as director of training for Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS) Bob Brod show, Moderator and later as overall BVS director in the 1950s and early 1960s. A memorial service was held be of help. Marlene Wogcr'IQQf'. Mir,idcr of ~rture. at the La Verne church May 28. With plenty of God's Blessings on you one! your church. SWC08 • Lillian Dako, funding systems specialist for the finance office of the Church of the cleanup needs Brethren General Board, died at her home June 30. She had been working for the coming, Briery General Board since August 1984. Her work included processing donations and Branch assembled and sent 60 personal accounts receivable and working with fundraising efforts. A memorial service was held hygiene kits to Iowa, telling South July 5 in Wood Dale, Ill. Waterloo to use whatever it needed and • Andrew Holderreed, long-time pastor and mission worker in China and India for then to send the rest to the local Red the Church of the Brethren, died July 15 in Idaho at the age of 93. He and his family Cross. served overseas from 1947 to 1967, and he did several pastorates in California, South Waterloo pastor Bick Oesterling Washington, and Idaho before and after that time. Holderreed was a member of Twin summed up the spirit of this mutuality Falls (Idaho) Community Church of the Brethren. A celebration of his life and ministry on the pastor's page of the congrega­ was held at the church on July 24. tion's newsletter: "Rescue efforts unite • J. Earl Hostetter, 90, died April 18. He twice served as interim district executive minis­ God's people." ter for Northern Indiana District, in 1986 and again in 1994 when he worked in a half-time Members of South Waterloo have position as interim executive for pastoral care. He also served several pastorates and was a also been assisting the cleanup work volunteer staff member for the Church of the Brethren General Board in the early 1990s, directly, with about 75 people assisting when he served as volunteer staff working for the Evangelism Office. Beginning Sept. 1, two of the church families who suf­ 1991, he was appointed special ministries associate for the Evangelism Office and worked fered damage to their homes. Three with emerging programs and Annual Conference events. A memorial service was held April times to serve were set up during a 26 at New Paris (Ind.) Church of the Brethren. week in late June.

Messenger September 2008 LANDMARKS & LAURELS

• Manassas (Va.) Church of the Brethren was a winner in this year's Great Green Congregations contest, sponsored by the Eco-Justice Program of the National Council of Churches. Manassas won in the Children's Ministry category for their Junior BUGS (Better Understanding of Green Stewardship) program, designed to teach care of creation to the children of the congregation. Winners in each of eight categories received a $500 grant to continue their work. • Pipe Creek Church of the Brethren (Union Bridge, Md.) is celebrating its 250th anniversary Sept. 28 with a worship service con­ taining both "old-time" and modern elements, sharing from former pastors, a catered meal, an afternoon service led by the congregation's youth band, and sharing remembrances. Those Different Strokes about planning to attend the lunch should call 410-848- 8149 or e-mail [email protected]. DIFFERENT FOLKS ... • Codorus Church of the Brethren Frank Ramirez spins tales about 32 individuals whose (Loganville, Pa.) has created a special logo to lives have touched the Brethren. Tales include famous mark its 250th anniversary this year. It includes brushes with Abraham Lincoln, Annie Oakley, Daniel a variety of images, including those of the cur­ Boone, Benjamin Franklin, James EarlJones, and many, I, many more. Sprinkled throughout with delightful rent and former church buildings. Other special Brethren Press caricatures from illustrator Kermon Thomasson, events are being held through the year. 1451 Dundee Avenue Brethren Brush with Greatness will have readers of Elgin, IL 60120-1694 • Venice (Fla.) Church of the Brethren is all ages exclaiming, "Did you hear the one about?" wwvv.brethrenpress.com marking its 25th anniversary this year. 800-441-3712 • Cerro Gordo (Ill.) Church of the Brethren celebrated 100 years in its current building on Aug. 10. Alexander Mack, as played by Howard Shockey, made an appearance, and Dan Krall did an area Brethren history presentation. The Young Center for Anabaptist • Church of the Brethren-affiliated New and Pietist Studies congratulates Community Project, focusing on social justice issues, marks its fifth anniversary this year. Willard M. Swartley • Geneva B. White on May 2 received the professor emeritus of New Testament at Valiant Woman Award from Church Women Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary United of the Roanoke (Va.) Valley for 2008. White has served as CWU president and vice Recipient of the 2008 president and on several CWU committees. She Dale W. Brown Book Award for Outstanding is a lay speaker in Virlina District, where her Scholarship in Anabaptist and Pietist Studies husband, Paul, is currently interim pastor at Vinton (Va.) Church of the Brethren. • Happy centennial birthday to David Covenant of Peace: The Missing Peace Hamilton of Virden (Ill.) Church of the Brethren. in New Testament Theology and Ethics Hamilton, born while the Brethren were cele­ Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 2006 brating their 200th anniversary, turned 100 on ".. . a book to be studied and digested bv everyone charged ,~ith the task of proclaiming for our time th e good news of God's veaceful reign." - Richard B. Hays, professor of July 2. His daughter says he still is outside · New Testament, Duke Divinity School [from book review in The Christian Century] "working every day it doesn't storm." • Lena B. Webster, believed to be the oldest member in Virlina District at age 106, died June Join us for Willard Swartley's YOONo 28 in Roanoke, Va. She was a member of public lecture at the Young CENTER Roanoke First Church of the Brethren. Center on October 16, 2008 FOR ANABAPTIST AND PIETIST S!UD!ES • The Peter Becker Community, a Church of Elizabethtown College • Elizabethtown, PA 17022 717-361-1470 the Brethren retirement community in Harleysville, Pa., held its 25th Annual Flower Show March 13- Nominations for the 2009 Outstanding Book Award are due December 10, 2008. 15. More than 8,000 people were expected to Visit www.etown.edu/youngctr for details. attend the "winter pick-me-up" event. I

Messenger September 2008 • Glory to God and peace on earth

lory to God-and peace on earth! This phrase the will of God's peace. Therefore we cannot reduce peace­ Gfrom Luke 2 is right at the center of the Christmas building to interpersonal conflicts or structural violence but story. It is also the motto that has been chosen for the must also include our responsibility for all of nature. International Ecumenical Peace Convocation, sponsored by And to be sure, it includes people of other faiths. The the World Council of Churches to mark the culmination of motto is not, "Glory to God and peace to the (church)." The the Decade to Overcome Violence in the year 2011. good news has direct implications on how we relate to peo­ Four aspects seem to be important here for our further ple of other faiths. reflections towards that convoca­ tion: Incarnation as a model for the local church The movement of incarnation tells us something about how Doxology first! to become a peacebuilding church. At the very beginning of Peace is a gift of God. Peace is an the Decade to Overcome Violence I visited a church in ~ eschatological reality. It is not some­ Boston. They were confronted with terrible violence among -. v~ thing we are making; it is something their youth on the streets in their neighborhood. Only after we are awaiting, expecting. In this they realized that they would have to incarnate themselves message of incarnation, God is into the context of violence-leaving behind the sacred walls revealed to us as God becomes one of their beloved church building-were they actually able to of us and is given to this world of overcome violence. J ·~ violence. In this way the kingdom of They started to live the ministry of reconciliation where the God becomes a reality for us. violence took place: being with the ones on whom it was FFRNANDO ENNS As Jesus says (John 14:27), inflicted, going out to the margins. That is the wisdom of "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give incarnation. to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid." This is God's promise: The community of churches: an icon of reconciliation Violence will be overcome-entirely. Therefore, rejoice: "Ora et labora "-prayer and work-was the wisdom of Glory to God! medieval monks, as it was to many of the early church Yes, peacebuilding starts with doxology. Holding on to this fathers. Praying and working for peace are inseparable. The promise of the peace of Christ prevents us from linking our universal church-that is, the community of churches world- wide-is called to be an icon of God's peace. And it is! Ecumenism is recon­ THEY STARTED TO LIVE THE MINISTRY OF ciliation. Since the ecumenical church tran­ RECONCILIATION WHERE THE VIOLENCE TOOK PLACE: scends all confessional, ethnic, nation­ BEING WITH THE ONES ON WHOM IT WAS INFLICTED, al, and economic boundaries, it is the GOING OUT TO THE MARGINS. THAT IS THE people of God, the body of Christ, the WISDOM OF INCARNATION. temple of the Holy Spirit-or it is not the church at all. This tells us some­ thing about the outstanding gift of rec- own human ideologies too quickly and too simply to God's onciliation that was entrusted to the church. There is no such will. Starting with doxology to the triune God provides us thing as a "holy nation," a "holy ethnic group,"·or a "holy with a clear orientation: There is no theological legitimization economic dogma," there is only the one holy church. of bringing peace with violence; there is no such thing as a "holy war." There is only a "holy peace with justice." Something very special has happened. We have received the Anticipating the fulfillment of God's shalom is the lens greatest gift of all, God coming to earth announcing peace through which Christians understand the world. for all. As God's Spirit has been left with us, we become part of this God-story in order to play a role in it. Thanks be to Peace on earth is peace with the earth God for this good news. ll! The incarnation is more than God reconciling humankind to Fernando Enns is a professor of theology at the University of Hamburg, Germany. He God. Revealed in the love of Christ, God's incarnation prepares is a member of the Mennonite Ch urch in Germany and of the World Council of the redemption of all creation. What we find here is a theologi­ Chu rches central committee. Th is column was excerpted with permiss ion from a cal concept of cosmic dimension: peace on earth is included in presentation made at the WCC central committee meeting in February.

Messenger September 2008 OUOTEWORTHY CULTUREVIEW

• Church of the Brethren-related eral other major countries were New Community Project has not among the signatories. ''Most of us agreed to purchase and preserve • Media mogul Ted Turner has 137 acres of rainforest adja­ partnered with Lutherans and can cope on cent to the Cuyabeno Ecological Methodists to launch a $200 mil­ Reserve in the Ecuadorian lion campaign to fight malaria in Sundays; it's Amazon for $23,000. A local non­ Africa, telling the United Nations profit partner will oversee the site. General Assembly, "you've got • Some 110 nations agreed on a to have faith to build a better the Tuesdays cluster munitions ban during a world" and that he regrets meeting in Dublin, Ireland, in late past negative remarks that get to us.'' May. The United States and sev- against religion. (RNS) - Donna Schaper. pastor of J u dson Memoria l Church in New York, preaching o n " Pract icing the Presence of God" JUST FOR FUN: TOP 10

This top 10 list was shared by MESSENGER editor Walt Wiltschek at the 2008 "The scandal of hunger demands the Annual Conference MESSENGER Dinner in Richmond, Va. immediate attention of the churches." - the Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia, general sec retary o f the Wo r ld Council of The top 10 ways to increase the name recognition of the Churches (WCC News) Church of the Brethren:

"We remain committed to work side by 10 Richmond's baseball team is relocating after this year. Maybe we could start a new one playing at Brethren Ballpark side with the churches." w ith the tagline "Steroid-free since 1708." - Salva Ki ir M ayardit. president of So uther n Sudan, speaking t o an int er­ national ecumenical delegat ion in Juba, Southern Sudan, in April (WCC News Service} 9 Start an exciting new TV reality show, "So You Think You Can Wash Feet" "We can disagree agreeably with each other, 8Get Quaker Oats to change their name to Brethren Oats-it's which we understand to be the real essence time for some other Pietists to get some face time! (Our of what holy conferencing is about." tradition may have often gone against the grain in the past, but -Jorge Acevedo, senior pastor of Grace Unite d Methodist Church we can be for a grain now.) in Cape Coral, Fla., commenting on his d elegation's covenant t o s tay in d ialogue and " Christian unity" d e spite d ifferent viewpoints on issues at the Metho d ist Ge ne ral Conference. He was quoted in The United Methodist Reporter. 7 Batman has the Batmobile. Oscar Mayer has t he Weinermobile. Where's the Brethren mobile? It could be shaped like a giant casserole dish. "Passion makes us human, and our challenge is to find what we're passionate 6 Place the Brethren logo on Mack trucks everywhere (or about and express that." maybe on Sam Hornish Jr.'s race car). - actor Masi Oka of the TV show " Heroes." He w as quoted in Southw e st Airlines' S pirit magazine. S create a Brethren-themed amusement park-maybe Dunkards' Dominion. All the water rides would take you under t he surface three times. "If we 'blood Brethren' don't embrace the cross-cultural project, we will remain 4 New Ben & Jerry's flavor: Radical Reformation Ripple. strangers ... while the Gospel flourishes elsewhere." 3 1f we sell a few more copies of the Fresh from the Word - Chicago Fir st Church of the Brethren past o r Orlan d o Redekopp. speak­ devotional book, we can land it on the New York Times Bestseller ing at the denomination's Cross-Cultural Consultation and Celebration List . At last count we've sold about a million, if you rou nd up to the nearest million. It may take a few more. We can work at it. "There is no shame in recognizing your failings or getting help if you need it. The 2 convince everyone that the old rhyme goes, "Peter Becker tragedy comes when we fail to take picked a peck of pickled peppers ... " Who really knows what they're saying anyhow? responsibility for our weaknesses and surrender to them." 1 Get" A-Mack" on David Letterman's show with a Brethren - US President George W. Bu sh, in gra duation ceremony remarks at Top 10 list (if anyone has connections, please let us know!). Furman University

Messenger September 2008

Justin Hollenberg Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford This page, left, youth enjoy activities at Conference; right, the Annual Conference 300th anniversary planning committee of Annual Conference executive director Lerry Fogle (ex officio), Rhonda Pittman Gingrich, Dean Garrett, Jeff Bach, Leslie Lake, and Lorele Yager gather at the big event.

hen members of the Brethren Church Eder River. Water from that river was poured into a fountain and Church of the Brethren last worshiped worship center this year, along with water from the together at an Annual Conference, it was still Wissahickon Creek in Philadelphia where the first Brethren called Annual Meeting. Chester Arthur was president, and baptisms in America took place, and from the districts of the Civil War was only a couple decades past. the Church of the Brethren and the Brethren Church. Then came a split, as the church divided in the early 1880s On Sunday afternoon, participants could choose from work­ after a meeting in Indiana. But in 2008, 125 years later, mem­ shops and presentations under the theme "An Experience of bers of the two groups came together again as the Brethren Brethren Faith Journeys." Options included Bible studies, movement celebrated its 300th anniversary in Richmond, Va. panel discussions, history lectures, dramas, music, and inter­ "Let me say how blessed the Church of the Brethren is to cultural events. An evening celebration of mission featured be sharing many activities with our brothers and sisters in music and stories from the international mission work of the the Brethren Church," Annual Conference executive direc­ Church of the Brethren and the Brethren Church. tor Lerry Fogle said. "We're delighted to share this anniver­ Anniversary committees from the two denominations worked sary with the Brethren Church family." jointly on the celebration. The Church of the Brethren's 300th Two joint worship services, on Sunday morning and Anniversary Committee has been planning for this Conference Wednesday morning, highlighted the common heritage. for eight years. The committee included Jeff Bach (chair), Dean Each featured three speakers, representing both denomina­ Garrett, Rhonda Pittman Gingrich, Leslie Lake, Lorele Yager, and tions. The Sunday morning worship appropriately included Annual Conference executive director Lerry Fogle. The late the song, "Brethren, we have met to worship and adore the Donald F. Durnbaugh also was a member of the committee. Lord, our God!" Representatives from the Old German Attendance in Richmond neared 6,200 (including 864 del­ Baptist Brethren, Dunkard Brethren, and Fellowship of egates), by far the highest total in recent history. Offerings Grace Brethren Churches were also introduced prior to the at the week's worship services (including special offerings) Sunday worship. Church of the Brethren moderator Jim exceeded $75,000. Beckwith welcomed them as "faith cousins." Additional coverage of the Conference can be found All those groups (and numerous others) trace their histo­ on line, at www.brethren.org/genbd/newsline/2008/AC2008/. ry to 1708 in the village of Schwarzenau, Germany, where This report w as compiled by Ch urch of t he Brethren communications staff and the eight founders of the movement were baptized in the Annual Conference new s team volunteers.

ELECTIONS AND APPOINTMENTS Moderator-elect (will serve as moderator for 2010): Shawn Flory Replogle, pastor of I McPherson (Kan.) Church of the Brethren Annual Conference Program and Arrangements Committee: Diane Mason Association of Brethren Caregivers board: Tammy Kiser, Chris Whitacre Bethany Theological Seminary board: Nathan Polzin, Raymond M. Donadio Jr. Brethren Benefit Trust board: Jack H. Grim On Earth Peace board: Jordan Blevins Committee on lnterchurch Relations: Paul Roth Pastoral Compensation and Benefits Advisory Committee: Linda Sanders 'Doing Church Business' process committee: Ron Beachley, Phyllis Davis, Don .11: Fitzkee David Shumate, bottom left, and Shawn Flory Rep/age are consecrated for service. The following appointments were confirmed by Annual Conference delegates: Church of the Brethren General Board: Ben Barlow, Willie Hisey Pierson, Andrew Hamilton, Wallace Glenn Cole Association of Brethren Caregivers board: John Grindler Katonah, Daniel J. McRoberts, John Wenger Bethany Theological Seminary board: Francis S. Beam, Philip C. Stone Jr. Brethren Benefit Trust board: Carol A. Davis, Craig Smith, Ann Quay Davis ___ Messenger September 2008 ■ housands of voices joined in song, some­ Church preacher Arden Gilmer focused on the need to die times in four-part harmony; thousands of hands to ourselves and surrender to the Lordship of Jesus. reaching into pockets and offering tens of thousands Shanthi Edwin preached on the need to stand in unity to of dollars; preachers projected on giant screens with resist Satan and be strong as a church. And in a message closed-captioning and translation into Spanish; peppered with humor and colorful illustrations, Oakton (Va.) songs of choirs and organs, trombone and saxophone, while Church of the Brethren pastor Chris Bowman spoke of the dancers danced and people poured out water from baptismal need for the church to die in order to move into what it pools across the Brethren Church and Church of the Brethren: needs to become, noting benefits for both asparagus and This was worship during this year's Annual Conference, as the church when they are "dumped on" by fertilizer. Brethren met to worship in the Richmond Coliseum. Conference messages did not shy away from controversy; Sermons focused on the Conference theme, "Surrendered some named controversies in the church. Moderator Jim to God, Transformed in Christ, and Empowered by the Beckwith spoke of differing views on homosexuality, deal- Spirit," from John 12:24-26a, as well as daily scriptures. Messages pondered the need for a seed to die to bring forth life, what it means to be Brethren, and the importance ,, Our new life in Christ of sacrifice, transformation, unity, and inclusiveness in the church. They presented a vision for a renewed church and cannot be lived in isolation.,, -Church of the Brethren General Board Ministry executive issued calls for faithfulness. On Sunday morning, Brethren director Mary Jo Flory-Steury, Monday morning speaker

John Kline rides again The special visitors to the 300th anniversary Annual Conference in Richmond, Va. weren't limited to people. Following Sunday morning's service, the John Kline Memorial Riders displayed eight of their horses outside the Coliseum as they greeted worshipers. The group tells the story of 19th-century Brethren elder John Kline, whom Memorial Riders founder Emmert Bittinger calls "one of the truly great Brethren ministers of this state (Virginia)." "He devoted his life to the propagation of the Gospel," Bittinger says. Kline spoke frequently, helped to keep the church together during the Civil War, and served as Annual Meeting moderator multiple times. He was ambushed and killed in June 1864 while returning home from a meeting. Kline is said to have ridden more than 100,000 miles over the course of his ministry. The Memorial Riders began their mission in 1997, the 200th anniversary of Kline's birth, with an eight-day horseback ride to visit churches that Kline had been part of during his life. It began and ended at Linville Creek Church of the Brethren, which sits on part of the Kline family farm. "We shared with them the story of John Kline," said rider Glenn Bollinger, recalling that.first trip. "It

rekindled some of their own history they had lost." Che~ IBmmb'"gh-C,vlo,d :Jll!r.l!E-T.=l":'"':!7:-o'ill!--~._.. It started as a one-time event for the anniversary, but many of the riders enjoyed it so much that they decided to do a short­ er trip again the next year to other congregations. It has continued annual­ ly ever since, although one year the route had to be changed due to a horse disease warning in West Virginia. More than 30 congregations in four states have hosted the Shenandoah Valley-based group over that time, with about 10 to 20 rid­ ers of all ages each year. The horses got a break traveling to Richmond-they came by trailer, riding down early Sunday morning and returning home later that day.-Walt Wiltschek ■ Messenger September 2008 A full-service Conference ing with people of other religions, and ways of doing mis­ This year's Conference included a new "service blitz" of volun­ sion. He affirmed that all are welcome to come to Jesus, teer work in the host city, with groups spreading out across that all will be transformed, and that we surrender to God, Richmond on two days. The blitz was sponsored by the 300th not to one another. In a wide-ranging sermon, Bob Neff Anniversary Committee as a way to reach out to the communi­ focused on the empowerment of the Spirit and the diversity ty during the Annual Conference. of the church after the first Pentecost. He spoke of how the " In honor of our anniversary and 'for the glory of God and church needs everyone to be whole, and how everyone­ our neighbor's good,' we want to shower the community of even our enemies-needs peace and justice. Melissa Richmond with acts of service that they might 'know we are Bennett noted that Jesus met a woman at the well who was Christians by our love,"' a statement from the committee said. surely an outcast. She noted how Jesus' honest encounter Groups of volunteers worked at the Black History Museum, with this woman resulted in her gushing forth with faith, elementary schools in low-income public housing communi­ and proclaiming the glory of the power of our Savior. ties, and the Central Virginia Food Bank, which was also the The full texts of the sermons can be found at recipient of a food drive at the Conference. Youth and older www.brethren.org and are available on DVD (call 800-441- children's group joined the service effort on Monday, doing outdoor clean-up projects in two neighborhoods, a park, and 3712) .-Eric Miller an island in the James River. Eric Mille r is a member of Pittsburgh (Pa.) Church of the Brethren currently living in Dubuque, Iowa.

This year's Annual Conference had an international flavor, as members of Church of the Brethren and Brethren Church mission areas overseas traveled to Richmond for the anniversary. Official guests of the Church of the Brethren General Board from sister denominations included Cristian Aquino Encarnacion, a pastor from the Dominican Republic; Filibus Gwama, president of Ekklesiyar Yan'uwa a Nigeria (EVN-the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria), and Jinatu Wamdeo, EVN for the Dominican Republic; and Marcos and Suely lnhauser, general secretary; and Ludovic St. Fleur, coordinator of the mission coordinators for Brazil, along with their children and mission in Haiti and pastor of Eglise des Freres Haitiens in grandfather. Miami and the Orlando (Fla.) Haitian Fellowship. Also at the Conference was a group of 32 EVN member~ Several mission coor- representing the Brethren Evangelism Support Trust (BEST), dinators and mission an organization of Nigerian business leaders who work to staff of the Church of impact communities for Christ through their local churches. the Brethren attended BEST president David Garnuwa spoke at the Brethren World as well: David Whitten, Mission breakfast in Richmond. The group's visit to the mission coordinator for United States and Annual Conference was sponsored by Nigeria, and his wife, Atlantic Northeast District; Virlina District churches also Judith Whitten; Irvin helped to host them during their time in Virginia. Paul and Nancy Heishman, Steiner, Monroe Good, and Earl Ziegler coordinated the mission coordinators group's itinerary.

Messenger September 2008 down to

Merger plan, ministerial ethics paper highlight agenda

elegates had to work briskly in and suggestions for Richmond, with only four sessions over improvements of two days allotted for business. the bylaws to the "Extra sessions are not an option," modera­ Annual Conference tor Jim Beckwith cautioned delegates at the open­ officers or to the general secretary, as bylaws will be ing session, "so we need to be efficient with our business." reviewed again as the plan is put into place. He suggested that some items could even be postponed The action combines the agency's two boards into one until 2009, but that proved unnecessary. All major pieces were new board called the Mission and Ministry Board (see reor­ handled, although two reports were not given on the floor ganization report in News, p. 22). It creates a new and the last few agenda items went through at rapid-fire pace. Leadership Team for the denomination, which will include Beckwith, pastor of Annville (Pa.) Church of the Brethren, the Annual Conference officers and the general secretary. led the tightly scheduled sessions with a calm and steady All ministries of the two boards will continue in the new demeanor as the body handled several organization through the transition period. f key items, including a merger of agen- The new agency remains reportable to Annual Conference, { cies, a "Resolution Urging Forbearance," which is the highest legislative authority of the denomination. and a revision to the denomination's min­ isterial ethics paper. Resolution Urging Forbearance The Resolution Urging Forbearance brought by ABC, the Plan of merger General Board, and On Earth Peace was adopted with one Annual Conference unanimously adopted amendment after significant debate. It reviews Brethren resolutions approving the lengthy plan tradition and related scripture, and resolves to commit to and agreement of merger of the Church of practices of forbearance amid differences. the Brethren General Board and the The text of the short resolution begins, "We find our­ Association of Brethren Caregivers (ABC) into a single corpo­ selves in a world where people are driven apart by deep ration. The new organization will also take on the functions differences. These divisions seep into the church, pitting us of the Annual Conference Council and conference planning. against one another in action and language. Yet God has The action changes the name of the new organization to entrusted us with a ministry of reconciliation." Church of the Brethren, Inc., although the "Inc." will only be The paper cites 2 Corinthians 5:17-19 and Matthew 5:17 used in formal legal settings. The changes took effect Sept. 1. and gives a brief review of other scriptural references to for­ The resolutions were presented by the Implementation bearance, as well as several Annual Conference statements. Committee elected in 2007 to create a plan for the merger, Concerns came particularly from districts recently after Conference adopted the recommendation of the Review involved in conflict, with questions about whether the and Evaluation Committee to unite the agencies into a new paper changes polity and would bypass district decisions. incorporated legal entity. The resolutions also have been Some feared it could keep Brethren from holding one approved by the ABC board, the Fellowship of Brethren another accountable. Homes (the legal members of ABC), and by the General Board. "If it is adopted, I fear it will be abused," said one delegate "Let me tell you brothers and sisters, this has been a at the microphones. Another countered that the resolution God-process for us," ABC executive director Kathy Reid was an "invitation to walk together, to let God be among us." said as she and General Board general secretary "spoke Reid, executive director of ABC, assured delegates that from the heart" to delegates. Both had given their full polity was not being changed. "This is a call to remember endorsement to the plan. our heritage as brothers and sisters in Christ and hold each In adopting the resolutions, the Conference also other in love," she said. approved articles of incorporation as well as amended and The resolution was adopted on a show of hands, restated bylaws. Delegates were invited to take concerns although with significant opposition. Beckwith cautioned

Messenger September 2008 the church to "enact it in a way that is respectful to one a reference to the resurrection of Jesus Christ. another, and to the body." Several speakers pointed out places where they thought the wording did not go far enough in naming specific types Update to Ethics in Ministerial Relations of misbehavior and abuse. Those concerns did not result in The largest amount of session time went to the revised any amendments to the paper. Ethics in Ministerial Relations paper, which was adopted An amendment was proposed because of concern that with several amendments. Mary Jo Flory-Steury, executive pastors could be abused by malicious anonymous com­ director of Ministry, explained that the update came out of plaints. The paper allows people to anonymously complain more than a decade of experience with the 1996 paper. and initiate a grievance process. However, Flory-Steury Main amendments concerned pastors ministering to for­ pointed out that if the complaint is taken through the full mer congregations, and required congregations to study process outlined in the paper, the name of the accuser the denomination's paper on congregational ethics while would become known to investigators, although kept confi­ working on the hiring of pastoral leadership and during dential. The amendment was voted down. extended pastorates. Another strengthened the paper's call A woman who came to the microphone after hours of for ministerial leaders to live by high standards, and added debate emphasized, "I do not have an amendment," and

'The elephant in the room' Standing Committee, a body made up of district delegates that holds meetings prior to Annual Conference and processes Conference business, adopted "A Statement of Confession and Commitment" with the recommendation that it be adopted as a state­ ment of the 2009 Annual Conference in San Diego. The statement came in response to a request for counsel from the Annual Conference Program and Arrangements Committee, who observed that the Conference exhibit hall has become a "battleground" between those who are for and against the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community. A committee chosen by Standing Committee worked on formulating an appropriate response. "We really need to do something," Standing Committee member Glenn Bollinger said during discussion on the statement, "because this is the elephant in the room." An umbrella serves as a 'portable booth' The request prompted a discussion in Standing Committee of whether the denomination witness for BMC in the exhibit hall. should revisit the 1983 Annual Conference statement "Human Sexuality from a Christian Perspective," and the committee also held several closed sessions on the matter. The one-page statement begins, "The issue of homosexuality continues to bring tension and division within our Body. We are not of one mind on this matter. We believe it is time to name that brokenness." The statement goes on, in part, to affirm· the 1983 Annual Conference statement as containing "an honest tension," and to state that the tension "provides a healthy, if uncomfortable, growing edge that turns us toward one another and toward Christ rather than away from each other." It also states that "the 1983 paper remains our official position," commits to continue to wrestle with tensions in that document, calls for the avoidance of unkindness toward those who differ, and commits "to continue to seek the mind of Christ together." The "Statement of Confession and Commitment" was adopted by Standing Committee without opposition or abstention. Discussion focused on how to present the statement to the 2009 Conference and how to distribute it. Meanwhile, at the 2008 Conference, the Brethren Mennonite Council for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Interests (BMC)­ which has regularly been denied a booth in the exhibit hall-sponsored a picture project titled "Count Well the Cost of Exclusion." The organization invited supporters in the Church of the Brethren to submit pictures of those who have left the church, and those "who remain yet struggle," BMC director Carol Wise said. More than 80 photos were received and were carried as part of a silent witness.

Messenger September 2008 • earned laughter and sustained applause. The paper passed decision to mean they no longer had responsibility for pro­ with only a few votes against a short time later, drawing viding medical insurance for their pastors. another round of applause. Other business Yfjl'TJ) Resoludon on Slave,y ;n 21st Centu,y • The concern of the Query: Conference W itness to i A Resolution on Slavery in the 21st Century was adopted Host City was adopted and referred to the Program and ~- near the end of the session without debate. It included an Arrangements Committee to coordinate w ith the host dis­ amendment made by Standing Committee, adding a trict. It was noted that service projects through the city of phrase that calls on Brethren "to change our personal Richmond had already been added in 2008; lifestyle habits that support it (slavery)." • A revision to the Annual Conference paper on It is the 12th time that the denomination has made a major Unfunded Mandates also passed; statement on slavery issues. Beckwith expressed regret that • ABC gave an interim report on its response to the 2007 the item had to be rushed, and urged Brethren to take time to Query on Child Abuse Prevention; study the resolution in the coming year. A Study and Action • Numerous reports were received, including those from the Guide on Modern-Day Slavery that provides resources to five Annual Conference agencies. An ABC report included a accompany the resolution is available at www.brethren.org. light-hearted and popular moment in which Chris Stover­ Brown inflated a surgical glove while wearing it over his head. Resolution on Ministers' Medical Insurance Crisis • Annual Conference executive director Lerry Fogle A Resolution on Ministers' Medical Insurance Crisis was reported that the financial situation of Annual Conference adopted, following last year's vote that eliminated the is much better than a year ago, and a sum of $44,000 is Ministers' Group portion of the Brethren Medical Plan. being returned to the Conference by the 300th Anniversary The resolution reaffirms the value of congregations pro­ Committee, which did not need the full funding it had viding health insurance for pastors and their families, calls received. "We expect to end the year 2008 well into a sur­ on the General Board to work at the issue in several ways, plus," Fogle said. and encourages Brethren Benefit Trust to extend aid through assistance funds. It was brought because staff had This report was compiled by Chu rch of the Brethren communications staff and heard of churches that erroneously interpreted last year's Ann ua l Conference news team volunteers.

BITS AND PIECES for one-time use were earmarked to • The Annual Conference Program and reduce the amount while the agency Arrangements Committee has selected reorganizes over the next year. Charlotte, N.C., as the host city for the • Brethren Witness/Washington Office 2013 Annual Conference, to be held June director Phil Jones was interviewed by 29-July 3, 2013. Next year's Conference is Richmond's WRIC-TV 8 as a peace wit­ in San Diego, June 26-30, 2009, with Dave ness march organized outside Richmond Shumate as moderator. Other upcoming Coliseum Tuesday. Jones highlighted the sites: 2010, Pittsburgh, Pa.; 2011, Grand denomination's heritage and continuing Rapids, Mich.; 2012, St. Louis, Mo. witness as a "living peace church." About • The Pastoral Compensation and 200 people took part in the march from Benefits Advisory Committee recommend­ the coliseum to Richmond's City Hall. • Ben Bear and Melani Hom were the ed a 4.2 percent cost-of-living increase in • The Annual Conference blood drive first place overall male and female, respec­ the denomination's pastoral salary scale collected nearly 250 units during the tively, in this year's Brethren Benefit Trust for 2009; it was approved by delegates. week. A food drive gathered more than 5K Fitness Challenge. Don Shankster • The Church of the Brethren General 3,650 pounds of food and $613 in cash for and Bev Anspaugh were the top walkers. Board met just prior to Annual the Central Virginia Food Bank. • The Association of Brethren Conference and approved a 2009 budg­ • The annual quilt auction sponsored Caregivers presented its annual caregiv­ et parameter of $5,747,000 in income by the Association for the Arts in the ing awards, this year recognizing Mary and $5,887,000 in expenses for the Core Church of the Brethren raised $19,200 for Cline Detrick, Shari McCabe, and La Verne Ministries Fund, a deficit budget of hunger relief projects. About 225 congre­ (Calif.) Church of the Brethren. The ABC $140,000. The deficit would have neared gations sent in fabric to be included in a board also gave a special re.cognition to $400,000, but designated funds available special anniversary quilt. ABC executive director Kathy Reid. • A reception was held during the • Five new fellowships were official­ Conference in honor of Brethren Benefit ly received at the Conference: Church in Trust president Wil Nolen, who has Drive, Saginaw, Mich.; Faith in Action, announced plans to retire by the end of Delta, Ohio; Lakeside Fellowship, Smith the year after more than 25 years of Mountain Lake, Va .; Una Nueva Vida en service to the organization. Cristo, Virlina District; and Flowing Faith, • Dawn Ottoni Wilhelm, Russ Matteson, Stokesdale, N.C. In addition, Puerta Del and Jonathan Shively provided leader­ Cielo Church of the Brethren, Atlantic ship for the pre-Conference Church of the Northeast District, and His Way Church Brethren Ministers' Association meet­ of the Brethren/Iglesia de los Hermanos ing, which drew more than 100 pastors Cristo El Camino, Southeastern District, to explore "Ways to Worship." were welcomed as full congregations. by David Lee Jones

he Outdoor Life Network documentary their cubs. It was a sad chapter in an otherwise longstanding The Case of the Missing Salmon chronicles peaceful relationship between the bears and the village. the plight of the Oweekeno Village in northern What began as a "bear problem" soon revealed itself to be a British Columbia, Canada. The Oweekeno Tribe salmon problem, which ultimately pointed to a massive­ inhabits the village of Rivers Inlet which, prior to possibly global-environmental problem. the fall of 1999, saw more than 3 million salmon Scientists and environmentalists searched for clues to make their annual spawning run through their inlet. In unlock the mystery of what happened to the missing salmon. the fall of 1999, however, the unthinkable happened: Only The documentary suggests there was a convergence-"a 3,500 salmon came-3 million less than usual. perfect storm"-of related issues that contributed to the The villagers were first alerted that something was terribly salmon's disappearance. wrong when the local grizzly bears, who lived in relative har­ First, Rivers Inlet has endured longstanding commercial mony with the natives for thousands of years, presented a fishing. Second, since the 1960s the area has significantly serious problem. The bears, who made their annual pre­ increased mass lumbering of its old growth forests. Razing hibernation trek to the streams to gorge themselves on the the forests has had a profound effect on the rivers and inlets fall run of salmon, altered the peace and stability of the vil­ in the area. Removing trees near the banks of rivers increas­ lage by rummaging through garbage cans and threatening to es silt runoff and depletes necessary shade. The increase of break into houses for food. The bears were starving. silt and the loss of shade cause water temperatures to rise, That fall, the villagers shot 14 bears-mostly mothers and and salmon are very susceptible to changes in water temper-

Messenger September 2008 ature. One environmentalist in the film noted that just a them. Fighting generally only increases the conflict and one-degree increase in water temperature can cause leaves a residual of hard feelings with a long shelf life, salmon to turn away from an inlet. sometimes over many generations. Additionally, the warming of the river opened the door When one hears that 14 bears went on a rampage in a for a nasty and unnatural predator of salmon eggs and small Canadian village it is easy to assume that the bears fry-the mackerel-to come into Rivers Inlet. Add to this perpetrated the violence and deserved to be shot. But the lumber companies' policy of spraying Round-up and when you learn they were starving and were just trying to other herbicides into recently logged areas and things get survive, you instead rightly conclude they were actually the worse. Since the Oweekeno depend on the salmon for their "symptom bearers" crying out for help in a sick system. livelihood they increased their logging efforts to make up Human beings are not very good at calmly peeling back for the loss of fishing income. the layers of our respective systems because we are not When the salmon disappeared the eagles flew away. The very good at either discovering or acknowledging that we bears and villagers didn't have that luxury. Further, the local always share in the complicity of a sick system. The French trees are now at risk because they get about 75 percent of have a saying, "For the response, we are all responsible." their nitrogen from the decaying salmon carcasses that the If we pull back the lens far enough we always discover bears eat and discard. Fewer salmon equals less nitrogen. underlying and often surprising reasons for conflict. Such mature self-assessment is not for the faint of heart. . . . Family systems theory (in concert with Paul's theology of the church being the body of Christ) invites us to question -W.en human beings feel anxious and threatened they our initial assumptions about peace and conflict. usually acquiesce to the impulses of the least developed part First, family systems theory suggests that as soon as we of the brain, which sends the alarm: fight or flight! So it is blame one part of a system for a system's problems, we understandable that anxious villagers turned to deadly vio­ have lost the appropriate focus. In family systems theory lence when the bears ransacked their village, but violence is there are no "good guys" and there are no "bad guys"­ far too quick and easy a solution to complex systemic prob­ one country's freedom fighter is another country's terrorist. lems. In today's volatile world, far too few patiently pursue Rather, systems theory rightly focuses on how anxiety

In October 2006, the Amish in Nickel Mines, Pa., responded to unspeakable terror and violence in their community with commendable spiritual aplomb, for I suspect they understand both the human condition and Christian humility and meekness far better than our political leaders.

peaceful alternatives to violence. Peeling back the many lay­ affects the interconnectedness of all the parts. Anxiety ers of this story we see that shooting the bears eliminated a increases any system's capacity to become volatile and symptom, not the underlying systemic causes. react violently. Family systems theorists are famous for The starving bears present for the church a powerful noting that there can be no pathology without a host cell. metaphor. When those who ordinarily exist in relative peace Systems get sick because their self-regulating antibodies and harmony with others one day become uncharacteristi­ have been compromised, or there is an absence of mature cally aggressive, shouldn't we find out why they are so hun­ leadership or the presence of immature leadership at the gry and try feeding them before killing them? I was a pastor top. Every healthy body, organization, or nation has a for over 21 years. On my best days, family systems theory healthy "head" that monitors and regulates the body's helped me appeal to my higher brain and spiritual self in health and actions. anxious and threatening times in order to remain less reac­ In his book Congregational Leadership in Anxious Times: tive. Occasionally, I could transcend my carnal nature and Staying Calm No Matter What, theologian and systems learn to pause and ponder rather than react primitively when expert Peter Steinke notes that the family systems' concept angry or upset parishioners began "clawing" at my office of self-differentiation has four salient constructs. These door. Instead of responding by yelling, "Honey, get the four constructs offer fresh and practical applications for Winchester!" I began to wonder why they were so hungry or peace-making. hurting and what was going on systemically. Unfortunately, • First, self-differentiation means articulating a clear state­ learning such patient curiosity is a spiritual art that demands ment of self: "This is me-this is not me." "I like this and I remarkable diligence and discipline. I tried to ponder don't like that." "This is where I end and you begin." whether there was a way to feed them instead of fight with Differentiation is always about maintaining appropriate

■ Messeogec Septembe, 2008 boundaries with others, and not meddling in other people's suspect they understand both the human condition and business or territory. It means taking the log out of our own Christian humility and meekness far better than our political eye before noticing the speck in the other's. Self-differentia­ leaders. They masterfully applied all four features of self-dif­ tion requires individuals first to ask themselves how they are ferentiation as noted above. functioning in the system; its focus begins by assessing one­ First, they showed great self-differentiation. They never self and not diagnosing others. wavered from their communal definition that they are a paci­ • Second, differentiation depends on a mature commitment to fist community. They showed remarkable clarity amid an staying appropriately connected to the larger system. In systems incident where many people of faith would have lost spiritual theory, a clear articulation of self is always married to remaining focus, compromised or jettisoned spiritual values, or acqui­ connected to the larger system. There can be no "Lone Ranger" esced to retaliation or vengeance. mentality in a maturely self-differentiated person or system. One Second, that they immediately prayed for and started a fund always weighs how one's behavior will affect and effect the larg­ for the family of the man who terrorized and killed their inno­ er system. Incidentally, compromise and meekness and self-dif­ cent children is nothing short of a remarkable commitment to ferentiation are not mutually exclusive staying magnanimously connected to the larger community. • Third, differentiated people and systems possess the Third, the Amish's behavior epitomizes non-reactivity. Their capacity to remain non-reactive even in anxious situations. response remains a powerful witness to the world that vio­ The Oweekeno people had other options to solve their "bear lence does not have to beget violence, and acts of terror do problem." The bears could have been fed with the hope that not have to beget hatred. Remarkably, the Amish found a they would peacefully hibernate, or they could have been way, as a spiritual community, to tap collectively their faith tranquilized and relocated to a healthy system elsewhere. and non-violent values instead of their most base and primi­ Differentiated people and systems always "look before they tive human instincts. leap." Remaining non-reactive is essential. Fourth, the Amish immediately applied the time-tested • Fourth, differentiated people and systems have the capac­ spiritual principles of their cherished Anabaptist tradition by ity to base and make decisions on time-tested principles reminding themselves that harboring hatred, fanning the rather than capricious whims, rumors, unsubstantiated flames of revenge, or refusing to forgive is toxic to any sys­ threats, or fear. Well differentiated people and systems take tem- but especially to spiritual systems. They wisely chose time to pause and ponder a situation and base decisions not the higher ground. on highly charged emotion or inadequate data, but on a Because from a systems perspective, systems must be self­ thoughtful process of information-gathering that patiently correcting, a peace church cannot just "tell the world a story" questions and probes. It bases decisions on time-tested spiri­ about peace. Unfortunately, preaching peace just isn't tual principles such as: "If you live by the sword you'll die by enough. A peace church must ultimately understand, remem­ the sword" (Matt. 26:52), "turn the other cheek" (Matt. 5:39), ber, embrace, live, and model the hard truth that peace and and "beat swords into plowshares" (Is. 2:4). violence are always systemic, and only systemic assessments and interventions ultimately work. A peace church must not . . . just tell the story but must, like the Amish, live the story­ because in systems thinking, abiding change only happens Le 9/11 attacks on America were unthinkable, but had when spiritual principles take on concrete behaviors. America responded to 9/11 from a maturely differentiated Paul sums up the systemic nature of peace and violence sense of self rather than out of raw reactivity we might be in best when he said, "For if one member suffers, the whole a vastly different place today. Had we listened more openly to body suffers, but if one member is honored, all rejoice the world community and attempted to stay connected with together " (I Cor. 12:26). ti! it, had we gathered better information on supposed weapons of mass destruction, had we remained more calm and taken David Lee Jones is director of the Doctor of Ministry pro­ the time to consider alternatives to solely military interven­ gram at Austin (Texas) Presbyterian Theological Seminary. tions, had we considered the global spiritual ripple effects of our "shock and awe" campaign, and had we based our deci­ sions more on time-tested spiritual principles, we might still be in good favor with the world who showed our nation an unprecedented outpouring of goodwill, empathy, understand­ Last year, Bethany Theological Seminary's Peace Studies ing, and sympathy. At this juncture it is simply hard to meas­ Program-in partnership with MESSENGER-invited entries for ure the long-term spiritual and systemic damage our the Jennie Calhoun Baker essay contest on the theme, "What response has done both to ourselves and God's good earth. story will a peace church tell the world?" The first prize, which We had an opportunity to model to the world a vastly dif­ carried an award of $2,500, went to Dr. David Lee Jones of ferent response to unspeakable terror, and we dropped the Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary; his essay is printed ball (or was it a bomb?). In October 2006, the Amish in Nickel here. Second prize ($1,000) went to Jana Carter of Oakland, Mines, Pa., responded to unspeakable terror and violence in Calif. Her essay will appear next month. their community with commendable spiritual aplomb, for I Messenger September 2008 ■ Living withou the answers Jesus' way of asking questions forced a look within by Ken Gibble

remember, years ago, seeing a poster with the But I must tell you that whenever I saw those words-on a following words: "For every difficult social problem, billboard or stuck on somebody's bumper-I found myself there is a simple answer ... and it's wrong!" Reading getting angry. that first made me smile, and then it got me to think­ I do indeed believe that Christ is the answer. But I also ing. And I decided it was true: There are no simple, believe it is dangerous, unloving, even un-Christlike, to toss one-size-fits-all answers to difficult social problems. those four words around-either written or spoken-like so much verbal confetti. NO EASY ANSWERS When somebody is dealing with a deep-seated problem or Take a problem like world hunger or drug addiction or racism: facing a personal crisis or asking questions that are a deep cry How wonderful it would be if these ills that plague humanity of the soul, just about the worst thing you can do is to say, could be solved by writing a book or passing a law or creating "Oh, don't worry, just have faith, just believe that Christ is the a government program. But as good and necessary as books answer." I have known people who have said that arid done and laws and programs might be, solving the problem is not that with the best of intentions, and in so doing have inflicted that simple. terrible damage on the one they had thought to help. The same is true when it comes to questions about faith­ The Bible does not offer simplistic answers to the deeply questions such as: Why is there pain?, Where does evil come troubling questions we face. The psalms contain great testi­ from?, What is God's will for my life? We long for an answer monies of faith. But the psalms also contain testimonies of that makes sense, a simple answer that will lay to rest our doubt and anguish: "How long, 0 Lord, how long?" That uncertainties, our doubts. And, for Christians, there is indeed question is repeated three times in Psalm 13. You can tell such an answer. You may remember seeing it as part of a from those words that the suffering has been going on for a nationwide campaign by a Christian group some years ago. It long, long time. And though the psalm ends with an affirma­ was a four-word phrase: Christ is the answer. tion of faith, it is a faith that has been sorely tested, that has

■ Messeage, Septembe, 2008 come through the fire, a faith that had to learn what it means Jesus is the great question-asker: to live without the answers. • Is not life more than food, and the body more t han cl ot h­ The apost le Paul had that kind of faith. His accomplishments ing? (Matt. 6:25) for the cause of Christ are truly staggering: a founder of • Is it lawful on the sabbath to do good or to do harm ? (Mark churches all across the Roman Empire; a writer of magnificent 3:4) letters that, nearly 2,000 years after he wrote them, still have • Which of these three, do you think, was a neighbor to the the power to comfort and convict. And yet Paul had to learn an man who fell into the hands of the robbers?" (Luke 10:36). important lesson from the Lord. It had to do with what Paul himself called a thorn in the flesh. HOW GOD ANSWERS There have been many guesses about what Paul's thorn in Again and again, Jesus listened to those who cam e to him for the flesh might have been-epilepsy, poor eyesight, sexual answers and then t urned them around to look at t heir own temptation. Three times he implored the Lord to take it from lives and at the world around them-not because he didn't him, and the Lord did not give him the answer he wanted. For have the answers, but because he wanted them to engage a time, we don't how long, there was no answer. Then finally more fully in life, both their own life and the lives of others. He the Lord did answer Paul's prayer. wanted them to encounter God in the depth of their questions. Perhaps this is why the answers you and I often desi re from

Anyone who has ever wrestled with God in the darkness-asking, beseeching God for something- knows that satisfactory answers are sometimes very hard to come by. In fact, what God sometimes sends us in response to our questions are even more questions!

YOUR OWN SEARCH God are not forthcoming. Of course, we cannot know the mind Try to remember a time in your life when you asked God for an of God. But when we look at the way Jesus so often spoke answer. You asked God to make someone well who was very about God, how he related to the people who came to him­ sick, perhaps a grandparent or a parent. Or let's say you prayed telling them stories that surely left them scratching their for something similar as a grown-up. You prayed for it con­ heads, answering their questions with questions of his own­ stantly, fervently. You promised God you would do anything if we surely catch glimpses of how God deals with many of the only God would say yes to your request. And then you waited questions in our own hearts. for an answer. And you waited. And you waited some more. You and I want answers and sometimes we do not get them. But an answer didn't come. Your need was not addressed, at Sometimes we do receive answers, but not the answers we least not directly. God was silent, or if God was speaking, you hoped for. It was that kind of answer Paul got when the Lord couldn't hear the answer. finally responded to his request to take away the thorn in his What then? Did you keep on asking or did you decide to ask flesh. Paul tells us the answer the Lord gave was: "My grace is in a different way or did you, finally, stop asking all together? sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." What did it mean for you to live without an answer? That wasn't the answer Paul wanted, but it changed him, trans­ One of my friends, a director of pastoral care at a health care formed his understanding about how God was at work in his life. center, says that many people have lots of simple answers to And so Paul could at last say, "I will all the more gladly boast of life's difficulties until the questions appear in bold fashion in my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest upon me." their own lives. He says: Paul discovered what we also may discover by the grace of "You may think you know about divorce, the death of a child, God: that indeed Christ is the answer. But if you get t o the suicide, homosexuality, abortion, depression, unemployment, point where you can say that, you will have walked through a runaway child, until it happens to you or your loved ones. the fire. It will not do to say "Christ is the answer" to someone When it does, you realize how little you knew, how little you else with even a hint of arrogance. If you say it at all, it will know. Life may be simple in the armchair, on the sofa, or in the likely be spoken to yourself, in a whisper, and there may be grandstand. On the playing field, it is complex, and downright tears streaming down your face when you say it. And_as you difficult." say it, you will be learning the truth that Paul learned, that the Anyone who has ever wrestled with God in the darkness­ grace of the Lord is sufficient for you, that the power of t he asking, beseeching God for something-knows that satisfacto­ Lord is made perfect in weakness: your weakness, my weak­ ry answers are sometimes very hard to come by. In fact, what ness, the weakness of all those who so often find themselves God sometimes sends us in response to our questions are living without the answers they crave. even more questions! What is given to us, finally, is better than the answers w e ask That's so often what Jesus did when he was confronted with for. We are given the presence, the blessing, of t he One who is a question. Once a rich young man came to Jesus with a heart­ himself the Holy Answer to every question. li! felt question: Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life? The teacher responded first with a question of his own: What Ken Gi bble is an author and an ordained min ister in the Church of the Brethren. He lives is written in the law? What do you read there? in Greencastle, Pa .

Messenger September 2008 ■ Journe throu h the Word 1 Corinthians A straight letter to a crooked church by Harold S. Martin rth1 in New Testament t imes was the Las Vegas of the New church at Corinth (and to all Christians) in \::: was the largest city in Testament world. The church was seek- light of those developments. Greece. It was populated by many ing to reach the people in that city. The letter gives readers a good picture diverse groups of people, including The church at Corinth was established of life in the early church. It deals with Greek philosophers who delighted in by Paul while on his second missionary Christian conduct. It is essentially an shallow philosophy, priestesses journey (Acts 18:1-17). Paul was able to epistle of correction. attached to the temple of Aphrodite (the spend almost two years in Corinth. Later, Numerous problems had beset the goddess of carnal love); and merchant he heard about the state of the Corinthian young believers at Corinth. Brethren traders from Asia and Italy. The popula­ church through a resource known as elder I.N.H. Beahm appropriately called tion included vagabonds, merchants, "Chloe's people" (1 Cor. 1:11). Also, the the epistle "a straight letter to a crooked fortune-hunters, and pleasure-seekers. church had addressed a letter of inquiry church." There were competing factions, As a result, immorality and drunken­ to Paul (1 Cor. 7:1). The letter known to us lawsuits against fellow Christians, prob- ness were rampant in the city. Corinth as 1 Corinthians is Paul's response to the lems related to marriage and divorce, and a case of flagrant sexual immorality. Questions about the role of women, head coverings, the Lord's Supper, and spiritual gifts were troubling the congre­ gation. In 1 Corinthians, Paul addressed those issues, and set down principles that have become instructions for God's people through the ages. A general outline of 1 Corinthians can be given in six parts:

• A call to unity (1:10-4:21); • sexual morality (5:1-7:40); • Christian liberty (8:1-10:33); • public worship (11:1-14:40); • bodily resurrection (15:1-58); • personal matters ( 16: 1-24).

Brethren from the earliest years cited texts from 1 Corinthians as a response to problems that arose in the church. They did not accept the notion that parts of the letter apply today (e.g. 11 :17-34), and that other parts were mere local social tradi­ tions (e.g. 11 :2-16). The letter is addressed to "all those who in every place" call on the Lord (1:2), and so the message of the epistle applies to believers everywhere. n!

Harold S. Martin is an orda ined minister in the Church of th e Brethren and editor of Brethren Reviva l Fellowship's BRF Witness newsletter. He li ves in Lititz, Pa .

M ESSENGER'S " Journey through the Word " series will provide a brief overview of a different book (or books) of th e Bible each month through December 2009. Coming in October: 2 Corinthians, by Graydon F. Snyde r.

Messenger September 2008 Brethren New Testament Commentary 13 Volumes Now Available -More to Come!

The Brethren New Testament Commentary series features volumes covering most of the New Testament books. They contain:

• reliable expositions of the Bible text • careful analysis of key words 1 CORINTHIANS: • easy outlines to follow A CLOSER LOOK • helpful material to aid serious Bible students. Author: Paul Available online at www.brfwitness.org/ commentary or request list from: When written: about AD 56 Brethren Revival Fellowship Famous sections: The exhortation to unity P.O. Box 543 in the body (1 :10-17); the, description of the Ephrata, PA 17522-0543 Lord's Supper (11:17-34); the grand hymn on Please send current list of Brethren New Testament Commentaries to: love (13:1-13); the defense of bodily resurrec­ tion (15:1-58) Name ______Well-l

Other notes: C.S. Lewis, in his introduction to J.B. Phillips' Letters to Young Churches, says: "A most astonishing misconception has long dominated the modern mind on the sub­ ject of St. Paul. It is to this effect: that Jesus Join Bethany in equipping preached a kindly and simple religion (found persons for pastoral ministry. in the Gospels), and that Paul corrupted it into Call gifted individuals in your congregatiolt a cruel and complicated religion (found in the Encourage them to pursue ministry edu · Epistles). This is really quite untenable .... Support their train ing There is no real evidence of a pre-Pauline with your prayers and financial resources doctrine different from [that of] Paul's."

Messenger September 2008 ■ I Aa;f 1• 1~ 1 ~ 1a• k, t•M, ¥ ■ Frederick (Md.) Church of the Brethren. • Annie Clark resigned as coordinator of • Nevin Dulabaum was called as presi­ • Todd Bauer began July 1 as Latin the Ministry of Reconciliation (MoR) pro­ dent of Brethren Benefit Trust, succeeding America and Caribbean specialist with gram for On Earth Peace, effective July 30. Wil Nolen, effective Sept. 7. Dulabaum Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS) and Clark, who has led the reconciliation pro­ has been serving as director of communi­ Global Mission Partnerships. Bauer will gram for four years, plans to return to full­ cations and information services for BBT. work with the BVS office in placing and time classroom teaching in August. Clark He began with BBT in September 1999 as supervising BVS volunteers in the field, has served previously as a consultant with manager of marketing and promotions, and project oversight and development. Goshen (Ind.) College, and has worked as joining the agency's senior management He has served in Guatemala since 2001, an educator in the public schools and as team in November 2000. Previously, he the first five years as a volunteer. mediation services coordinator with was director of news services and man­ • Malinda Berry will join the Bethany Education for Conflict Resolution, a media­ aging editor of Theological Seminary faculty in the 2009- tion center in northern Indiana. She is a MESSENGER for 2010 academic year as an instructor in member of Manchester Church of the the General theological studies and director of the Brethren in North Manchester, Ind. Board. A gradu­ master of arts program. Berry is a doctor­ • Darryl Deardorff has announced his ate of al candidate at Union Theological retirement as chief financial officer/treasur­ Manchester Seminary in New York, and is currently er of the board for Brethren Benefit Trust College, visiting scholar in religion and women's (BBT) effective Sept. 30. He began as direc­ Dulabaum has studies at Goshen (Ind.) College. She is a tor of investments for BBT in January 1997, also served on graduate of Goshen and holds a master's and in June of that year took on additional the Church of degree in peace studies from Associated assignments as interim director of informa­ the Brethren Mennonite Biblical Seminary in Elkhart, tion systems and services, and consultant Credit Union Ind. She also served as interim minister to the treasurer and the Brethren board for nearly at Manhattan (N.Y.) Mennonite Foundation director. In January 1998, he a decade. He and his family live in Elgin, Fellowship, and as associate director of was named chief financial officer. His work Ill., where they are members of Highland Mennonite Voluntary Service. has included supervising financial opera­ Avenue Church of the Brethren. Nolen • 1im Button-Harrison has been called tions and management and investments, will continue as an advisor to Dulabaum as executive minister of Northern Plains and supervising financial services planning through the end of 2008. District on a half-time basis. He had been and program development. In addition, he • Lerry W. Fogle has announced his serving as interim district executive since maintains administrative oversight of the retirement as Annual Conference executive November 2006. Button-Harrison attended Church of the Brethren Credit Union. Prior director, effective Dec. 5, 2009, allowing time Manchester College and graduated from to coming to BBT, Deardorff was treasurer for a new director to be trained. He will have the University of Iowa. A graduate of for the Church of the Brethren General served for more than seven years, since Bethany Theological Seminary, he has Board beginning in 1987. October 2002, initially working from Elgin, had two pastorates in Iowa. He was offi­ • On Earth Peace has named Leslie Frye Ill., and more recently at New Windsor, Md. cially installed in a service during the as program coordinator for the Ministry of He was previously an associate pastor at Northern Plains District conference. Reconciliation. Frye graduated from

General Board approves deficit budget for 2009 The General Board met July 12 in Richmond, Va., and posed deficit would have been larger, according to finance affirmed plans for transition to a new organization pending staff, but the one-time use of designated funds and other accu­ action by Annual Conference (which was later approved) on mulated assets was approved to reduce the deficit and allow the resolutions of merger with the Association of Brethren time for the organizational transition to take place. Without Caregivers (ABC). The board also approved budget parame­ those measures, the deficit would have been $381,000. ters for 2009, among other business. In other business, the board received several reports, includ­ The General Board spent time reviewing the plans for the ing the recent work of Brethren Disaster Ministries, the upcom­ new organizational structure with ABC and incorporating the ing National Young Adult Conference, and mission reports functions of the Annual Conference Council, and took action from the Dominican Republic, Nigeria, and the Sudar:i Initiative. to affirm the transition plans. The new entity, "Church of the The board also welcomed international guests, recognized Brethren Inc.," takes effect on Sept. 1. the service of staff, and board members who finished their Two new staff leadership roles were announced. The associ­ terms with the meeting: chair Tim Harvey, Russell Betz, Jay ate general secretary of Operations will be Judy Keyser, who Carter, Vicky Samland, and ex officio member Stephen Breck has been chief financial officer/treasurer and executive director Reid, who has served as Bethany Theological Seminary dean. of Centralized Resources. The associate general secretary of The General Board later reorganized for the transition peri­ Ministry and Program will be Kathy Reid, who had been execu­ od, calling an executive committee of chair Dale Minnich, tive director of ABC. They will provide leadership and direction vice chair Ken Wenger, Susan Fitze, Kate Spire, and Mike in the day-to-day work of the ministry of the new organization. Benner through Aug. 31. As of Sept. 1, the executive commit­ The board set budget parameters for its Core Ministries in tee of the new organization's Mission and Ministry Board will 2009 with projected income of $5,747,000 and projected be chair Eddie Edmonds (previously the ABC board chair), expense of $5,887,000, for a net deficit of $140,000. The pro- chair-elect Dale Minnich, Vernne Greiner, and Ken Wenger.

■ Messenger September 2008 Bethany Theological Seminary in 2004 with a Peace • Bob Mosley has been named director of Studies emphasis, and was ordained to ministry in financial operations for Brethren Benefit Trust, SPECIALEVENTS the Church of the Brethren in 2005. She is currently effective May 1. He was hired by BBT as staff a member of a non-salaried pastoral team serving accountant on Sept. 14, 1998, and was promoted Sept. 1-5 National Older Monitor Community Church of the Brethren in to senior accountant on July 2, 2000. In October Adult Conference, Lake McPherson, Kan., and is serving as Western Plains 2005, he was named manager of accounting. Junaluska, N.C. District moderator. A Kansas State Supreme Court­ • Andrew Murray, director of the Elizabeth approved mediator, she has worked with the Evans Baker Institute for Peace and Conflict Sept. 7 Brethren Press Kansas Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution Studies at Juniata College, Huntingdon, Pa., and fall curriculum quarter as a trainer and a volunteer mediator. She will work Elizabeth Evans Baker Professor of peace and con­ begins from her home in McPherson. flict studies, retired at the end of the 2007-2008 • Julie Mader Hostetter was named director academic year. Murray came to Juniata in 1971 as Sept. 14 Bethany of the Brethren Academy for Ministerial a faculty member in the religion department and Theological Seminary Leadership, based in Richmond, Ind., effective campus minister after serving Church of the Sunday July 1. Hostetter has most recently been director Brethren pastorates in Virginia and Oregon. He of academic and student services at United was named college chaplain in 1986, a post he Sept. 19-20 Northern Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio. She pre­ held until 1991. He founded the Juniata Institute Indiana District confer­ viously worked for the General Board as coordi­ for Peace and Conflict Studies in 1985, and has ence, Milford, Ind.; nator of Congregational Life Team Area 3, focus­ directed Juniata's peace and conflict studies pro­ Southern Pennsylvania ing on small-membership and urban/ethnic con­ gram since 1977. He has led the Baker Institute, District conference, York, gregations, and earlier was a pastor and minister named for the John C. and Elizabeth Evans Baker Pa.; West Marva District conference, Moorefield, of music in Brethren congregations. She also has family in 1986, since its beginning. W.Va. served as interim executive director of • Laura Nedli, director of finance and informa­ Metropolitan Churches United in Dayton and has tion services for Brethren Benefit Trust, resigned Sept. 21 International edited and written numerous Christian education her position effective July 31. She ceased active Day of Prayer for Peace resources. She currently is enrolled in a doctor of duties at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill., as of April 30. ministry program through the Center for Ministry Sept. 21-Oct. 10 • Patrice Nightingale has been hired as manag­ and Leadership Development at Union-PSCE in Brethren Volunteer Richmond, Va. er of publications for Brethren Benefit Trust. She Service fall unit orienta­ • The McPherson (Kan.) College board of trustees will serve as senior writer and copy editor and pro­ tion, New Windsor, Md. has announced that president Ronald D. Hovis vide oversight of newsletters, press releases, the will resign at the end of the 2008-2009 academic website, and other special projects. She began work Sept. 25-27 On Earth year. Under Hovis' leadership the past five years, on May 5. She has worked in the publications field Peace board meeting, McPherson has seen full-time student enrollment in various capacities since 1973, most recently for New Windsor, Md. grow from 340 to about 500, improved student Examiner Publications in Bartlett, Ill., where she was retention and graduation rates, and completed a a production manager for eight weekly newspapers. Sept. 26-27 major fundraising campaign. Hovis said he and his A graduate of Manchester College, North Missouri/Arkansas wife plan to move to Wyoming or Texas and enjoy Manchester, Ind., she is a member of Highland District conference, more time to spend with family and travel. Avenue Church of the Brethren in Elgin, Ill Roach, Mo. • Elizabeth J. Keller of Richmond, Ind. was • H. Kendall Rogers has been called by named director of admissions for Bethany Bethany Theological Seminary as professor of Sept. 26-28 Brethren Theological Seminary beginning July 1. She had historical studies, beginning in the 2008-2009 Volunteer Service 60th served as interim director of admissions since academic year. Rogers has been a professor in anniversary August 2007. Keller is a 2008 graduate of Bethany the Religion and Philosophy Department at celebration/reunion, New and a 1997 graduate of Manchester College. Manchester College for 30 years. He is a Windsor, Md.; Middle Pennsylvania District Previously she was director of recruitment and Manchester graduate and holds degrees from conference, Petersburg, training for Heritage College in Denver, Colo., Oxford University in England and from Harvard Pa.; Oregon/Washington admissions counselor at Colorado State University, University. He has also served as resident direc­ District conference, and senior admissions counselor at Manchester. tor for Brethren Colleges Abroad in Germany Seattle • Dennis Kingery resigned as director of Credit and China, as Fulbright program advisor for Union Operations with Brethren Benefit Trust (BBT) Manchester, and as coordinator for the Ministry Oct. 1-31 Disabilities effective Aug. 8. He has been accepted to the Training Institute of Manchester College and the Awareness Month, University of Denver (Colo.) Graduate School of Church of the Brethren in Indiana. Domestic Violence International Studies. Kingery began working for • Ed Woolf has moved into a staff position Awareness Month BBT in February 2004, when it began providing with the Church of the Brethren General Board third-party administrative services for the Church of as manager of Office and Gift Operations in the Oct. 12 World Mission the Brethren Credit Union. Prior to working for BBT, office of the treasurer and the department of Offering emphasis he worked for the General Board as controller from Centralized Resources. He has worked for the 1998 to 2004. He also is an elected member of the General Board as a gift management/Centralized McPherson (Kan.) College board of trustees and Resources assistant since May 1998. Previously serves as treasurer for Highland Avenue Church of he served as an intern in the General Board's the Brethren in Elgin, Ill. Human Resources Office.

Messenger September 2008 Bethany Seminary celebrates in theological studies. Miami Church of the Brethren, Dayton; its 103rd commencement Steven L. Longenecker, professor and Stephen Carl Hershberger of Roaring department chair of history and politi­ Spring (Pa.) Church of the Brethren; Bethany Theological Seminary cele­ cal science at Bridgewater (Va .) Elizabeth Jacqueline Keller of brated its 103rd commencement May 3 College, spoke at the degrees ceremo­ Richmond (Ind.) Church of the with a ceremony for conferring ny on the topic, "The Useful Dunker Brethren; Jason Michael Kreighbaum degrees in Nicarry Chapel on the Past." Dawn Ottoni Wilhelm, associate of Nettle Creek Church of the Brethren, Richmond, Ind., campus and a public professor of preaching and worship at Hagerstown, Ind.; Matthew Eugene worship celebration at Richmond Bethany, spoke at the afternoon wor­ McKimmy of Good Shepherd Church Church of the Brethren. ship service with a message titled of the Brethren, Blacksburg, Va.; V. Sixteen st udents received degrees or "Where the River Goes," based on Christina Singh of Richmond; Karl certificates: 11 students received a Ezekiel 47:1-12. Edward Stone of Richmond; Paula master of divinity degree, one with an Receiving a master of divinity degree Ziegler Ulrich of Richmond; and emphasis in peace studies; two were David Beebe of Bear Creek Douglas Eugene Osborne Veal of received a master of arts in theology Church of the Brethren, Dayton, Ohio; Richmond. Brandon Grady of Madison degree, and three received a certificate Nan Lynn Alley Erbaugh of Lower Avenue Church of the Brethren, York, Pa., received a master of divinity degree with a peace studies emphasis. Receiving a master of arts in theolo­ gy degree were Marla Bieber Abe of First Church of the Brethren, Akron, Ohio; and Susan Marie Ross of Churubusco (Ind.) United Methodist Church. Certificates of achievement in theological studies went to Mildred F. Baker of Diehls Crossroads Church of the Brethren, Martinsburg, Pa.; Nicholas Edward Beam of Pleasant Hill (Ohio) Church of the Brethren; and Jerry M. Sales of Peoria (Ill.) Church of the Brethren. Nan Erbaugh received distinction for her academic work in biblical studies. Matthew McKimmy received distinc­ tion for his work in ministry studies. Karl Stone received distinction for his work in biblical studies and ministry studies. Paula Ulrich received distinc­ tion for her work in theological and his­ torical studies, and ministry studies.

Two colleges receive wide initiative to increase t he number what to expect. large Wal-Mart grants of first-generation college graduates. Similarly, Juniata was the only high­ Manchester "already is deeply com­ er education institution in Pennsylvania Two Church of the Brethren colleges­ mitted to the program," the release to receive the award, said a Juniata Manchester College in North said, adding that 25 percent of release. Juniata will use the award Manchester, Ind., and Juniata College in Manchester graduates are the first in over the next two years to ir:icrease Huntingdon, Pa.-each received $1 00,000 their families to receive a college financial aid to allow first-generation Wal-Mart College Success Award grants degree. With the two-year grant, students to attend the college's recently. The awards are administered by Manchester plans to build on its Inbound Retreats program, a week­ the Council of Independent Colleges and already successful recruiting and reten­ long pre-orientation program for made possible by a grant from the Wal­ tion programs. The release said the incoming freshmen designed to help Mart Foundation. college will identify and match poten­ students become accustomed to cam­ In a press release, Manchester tial first-generation candidates at area pus life and meet students with similar announced that it is the only Indiana high schools to Manchester students interests. Students demonstrating college to receive the grant, and that and mentors. Students w ill attend financial need will receive free admis­ only 20 grants were awarded nation­ overnight workshops to learn how to sion to the program as Next wide. The grants are part of a nation- prepare and apply for college, and Generation Scholars.

Messenger September 2008 ONCAMPUS Bridgewater College (Bridgewater, Va.) Nathan Rittenhouse, a senior this fall, West Coast youth enjoy mountaintop event received the Esther Mae Wilson Petcher Western Regional Youth Conference took place at 6,200 feet this year, hosted Memorial Scholarship for the 2008-2009 by Camp Peaceful Pines in the sunny Sierra Mountains near Dardanelle, academic year, recognizing leadership in Calif., June 29-July 4. About 40 people from Arizona, California, and campus activities with an emphasis on Washington attended. religious life. The "AWE" band from the Circle of Peace congregation in Peoria, Ariz., Elizabethtown College (Elizabethtown, Pa.) provided music leadership throughout the week, while New Community Dennis Hollinger, a 1971 Elizabethtown Project director David Radcliff, former National Youth Conference and work­ graduate who was most recently presi­ camps coordinator Cindy Laprade, and MESSENGER editor Walt Wiltschek dent and professor of Christian ethics at spoke at daily sessions and campfires. Garry Pearson of Davis, Calif., direct­ Evangelical Theological Seminary in ed the camp. Myerstown, Pa., was named the sixth "By the Manner of Their Living," this year's national youth theme taken president of Gordon-Conwell Theological from a quote by Alexander Mack, served as the focus for the week. Study Seminary in South Hamilton, Mass., times looked at various aspects of the theme text from Colossi ans 3: 12-15. effective Aug. 1. Other highlights of the conference included a 12-mile hike in the moun­ Juniata College (Huntingdon, Pa.) tains, swimming in a nearby river, a sleepout under the stars, and water bal­ Juniata presented five alumni-related loon activities and other games. awards June 7, during Alumni Assembly: Carol McFate of Stamford, Conn., was awarded the Alumni Achievement Award; Charlie Goodale of West Grove, Pa., received the Harold B. Brumbaugh Alumni Service Award; Nicholas Bower of Reading, Pa., received the Young Alumni Achievement Award; David Orth-Moore of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, was awarded the William E. Swigart Jr. Alumni Humanitarian Award; and Thomas Terndrup of Hummelstown, Pa., received the Health Professions Alumni Achievement Award.

University of La Verne (La Verne, Calif.) La Verne has made its appearance on Major League Baseball this year, with advertising signs appearing behind home plate at Los Angeles Angels and Dodgers games.... Cramer Products Inc. has pre­ sented the inaugural Bill Cramer Professional Development Award to the University of La Verne Athletic Training Education Program. It includes $2,000 for professional development.

Manchester College (North Manchester, Ind.) A Manchester business class in May pre­ sented a check for more than $1,600 to The Firehouse, a free music venue for area The "AWE" praise team from the Circle of Peace congregation in Peoria, Ariz., youth that has hosted indie rock bands leads music outdoors for Western Regional Youth Conference. and local garage bands. In July 2007, the roof of the former fire station in downtown North Manchester collapsed under heavy rains. The money came from the profits of Bits and pieces a mock corporation run by the class. • A video report about a youth workcamp to clean up the historic John McPherson College (McPherson, Kan.) Kline home in Broadway, Va., was posted by WHSV Channel 3 in McPherson student Eric Sader, from Harrisonburg, Va. The report interviewed Linville Creek pastor Paul Roth, Salina, Kan ., successfully broke the who has been instrumental in the effort to preserve the homestead, and world record of "longest individual drum youth who volunteered to clean it up in preparation for those who were roll" on April 29, logging a time of 1 expected to visit on their way to and from the 2008 Annual Conference. A hour, 22 minutes, 5 seconds in the stu­ total of 27 high school students from across the country came together for dent union. the workcamp.

Messenger September 200811 lndiana Jones and the rejection of power

p on the mountaintop, the apostle Peter sug­ Professor Jones can escape a nuclear blast, proving in the U gested that three booths be erected to commem­ process that even your mom can be wrong once in a while­ orate the appearance of Moses and Elijah with the transfig­ like when she told you never to climb into a refrigerator and ured Jesus. Though he probably meant no harm, there is close the door. something familiar about that urge to control the intersection However George Lucas and Steven Spielberg, the creators of the human and divine. of the series, suggest that the pursuit of secret knowledge is You can't control God by planting a more dangerous than the A-bomb. The crystal skull is sought historical marker where angels danced by Colonel-Doctor Irina Spalko, wonderfully portrayed by Cate or boats ran aground. Nor can you gain Blanchett, who seems to be able to play any part she wants. power by owning an object touched by She represents the atheist Soviet Union's ruthless yet idealis­ the Lord. That's true in the Bible and tic search for knowledge, and is the ultimate Gnostic. true, as well, in the remarkable series of Fortunately, Indiana Jones-the ultimate skeptic, archaeolo­ films about Indiana Jones, the newest of gist, and professor-stands in her way. which-Indiana Jones and the Kingdom The series of four movies has villains worth rooting against: of the Crystal Skull-was released earli­ ruthless religion fanatics, commies, and Nazis (twice!). If er this year. I enjoyed this movie as these were real human beings we'd feel guilty watching them much as any of the previous films. be pummeled, pounded, and pulled off by legions of army The films involve artifacts from the Old Testament (the Ark of ants on steroids, but in these movies right and wrong are the Covenant), Hindu mythology, and the New Testament (the pretty clearly defined. Much like the drama of Revelation, we Holy Grail). The fourth installment's crystal skull might be identi­ know what side we're rooting for. fied with the secular New Wave; certainly the inclusion of the Yet even in this series where there are few shades of gray, Roswell and Area 51 mythologies confirm this. But more to the ambiguity enters, especially in the form of FBI agents in an era in the grip of McCarthyism. The commies are real enemies, but THERE REALLY ARE HAPPY ENDINGS. THEY COME the greater threat to democracy WITH THE REJECTION OF POWER FOR RELATIONSHIP, and freedom is more likely to FOR LETTING GO AND LETTING GOD. come from within than without. In all four films the hero tri- umphs because of the rejection of point, it's really recycled Gnosticism. Taken from gnosis, the power. And if there is any power inherent in these objects, it Greek word for knowledge, Gnostics believe there is secret is in their rejection. Indiana Jones rejects possession of the knowledge available only to the initiate. Ark, the Grail, and the skull. Between reconnection with a Harrison Ford, who once again is perfect playing Jones, has father in the third film, and a young man (Shia LeBeouf) who gotten older, and so has his character, but the principles in this movie represents Indy's connection w ith the future, it's remain the same. What I like about the series is that Indy, our clear that Indy's reward is abundant life. rugged and rakish hero (though something of a skeptic), intu­ Then there's the present. As someone who turned around itively recognizes a basic truth: and realized he is now old enough to qualify for National There is no owning God. Older Adult Conference, I can't help but enjoy the fact that in In the four episodes of the this film a lot of loose ends are tied together, that with the series various villains attempt to reappearance of Karen Allen (the romantic interest in the first seize a sacred object at any cost movie) Indy seems ready to finally settle down for good. for their own selfish purposes. By I probably should write something about faith, hope, and contrast, in the end Indiana Jones love abiding in this space, because there really are happy is willing to give them up. endings. They come with the rejection of power for relation­ Crystal Skull is set in the 1950s. ship, for letting go and letting God. ll! The shadow of the mushroom cloud looms over the film. But Frank Ramirez is pastor of Everett (Pa.) Church of the Brethren.

■ Messenger September 2008 Peace Chureh Long-Term Insurance a you to recei care you cho when you neecl 1

Most people have planned well for the future. But even with all of our thoughtful planning, something unfortunate could still surprise us. Long-term care insurance may supplement your pension, Social Security and savings.

As someone connected with the Church of the Brethren, you are eligible for the Peace Church Long-Term Care Insurance program. The Fellowship of Brethren homes believes that long-term care insurance can help protect you, your family and your retirement security from the high costs of long-term care.

The Fellowship of Brethren Homes' ecumenical partnerships make it possible for you to take advantage of the Peace Church Long-Term Care Insurance available through its administrator, Senior Ministries Insurance Alliance. • Benefits paid for services in your home, assisted living facility, daycare facility or nursing home Send me information about the Peace Church Long-Term Care Insurance • Alzheimer's and dementia coverage available to anyone connected with the Church of the Brethren. • Guaranteed renewable • Tax quantified plans • Coverage available to spouses, brothers, sisters, parents, children age 18+, County State Zip grandparents, in-laws, aunts and uncles Church For more information or cost estimates Spouse's Date of Birth for this Peace Church Long-Term Care Send completed form to Senior Ministries Insurance Alliance 1023 Mumma Rd., Lemoyne, PA 17043 Insurance program, call (800) 382-1352 Brethren must be partners c_f'f?:__ Pontius' Puddle I read with great interest the blurb on Christian Churches Together (March 2008, News). It is my hope that this is a not just a parallel effort to the World Council of Churches but that it has unique goals. Regardless, It is my hope that Brethren in either CCT or WCC will be raspberry seeds under the dentures of members of either group for reaching out to leader­ ship of the Muslim religion in whatever projects they undertake. I believe it is important, if we wish t o foment peace­ making in today's world where Christians and Muslims are at odds, that Bret hren be a voice for working on people issues in some partnership with Muslims. That expands a bit on CCT goals of help­ ing with domestic poverty and evangel­ ism, but the dividends could be astound­ ing. After all, we are al l descendants of ren Coffee Project Abraham, and both religions have inter­ ests of the individual at heart. If Brethren ington Office and Equal Exchange can convince either group to reach out in attempt to include Muslims, we will begin the process of building relations on con­ cerns we have in common, not focusing on differences and allowing that focus to fester into terrorism via extremists. As the w ar in Iraq languishes, our lead­ ers have said it is no longer a military issue, but it is a political problem. I firmly believe that it is not a political problem, but a re ligious one. This is an area where Brethren can have an impact. Craig Coble El izabethtown, Pa.

Sins of the times

I'm always relieved when writers in the Forty co-operatives in twenty countries provide fairly traded MESSENGER discover new sins, like coffee, tea and chocolate to Brethren congregations. In January extreme bureaucratic inertia and overeat­ of t his yea r, Phil Jones & Ria nna Barrett of Brethren Witness/Washington ing. It distracts people's attention from Office visited two of these co-operatives in Chiapas, Mexico. the old classics I keep committing. On a delega tion w ith Equal Excha nge and Witness for Peace, Ed Isaacs they lea rn ed about the world of small coffee farmers Sa lisbury, Md. in Chi apas and how you r Fa ir Trade pu rc hases benefit them. Genocide is key issue

Brethren are particula rly invited to join Phil and The Christian Citizenship Seminar [June Peter Buck of the Equal Exc hange Interfa ith 2008, p. 20] held March 29-April 3 was Pro gra m for next Janua ry's delegation. not the only Church of the Brethren dis­ closure on the subject matter of geno­ For more information and an application, contact cide recently. The Church of the Brethren Peter Buck at 774-776-7414 or [email protected] was one of the sponsors for "Eliminate Racism Prevent Mass Atrocities" pre­ For more information on ordering for your church, fundraiser or alternative gift market: sented by t he Sub-Committee for the tel 774.776.7366 www.equalexchange.coop/how-to-order _ Elimination of Racism at the United Nations on March 27 in observance of ., Messenger September 2008 the International Day for the Elimination confined to small, Third World nations, of Racial Discrimination (March 21) and but-as the ravages of World War II have International Day of Remembrance of shown-genocide can occur wherever MESSENGER the Victims of Slavery and the men and woman decide that an OTHER Transatlantic Slave Trade (March 25). exists among themselves, and the OTHER on Tape Among the speakers were Yvette is not just a non-neighbor but is not Rugasaguhunga, a survivor of the human and can be killed without impuni­ MESSENG ER is available on audio Rwanda Tutsi genocide, and Ben ty by a non-caring world. tape for persons with visual impairments. Each double­ Majekodunmi, human rights officer, We Brethren should not find the sub­ cassette issue contains all Office of the UN special representative ject of genocide either "difficult" or articles, letters and editorials. on the prevention of genocide and mass "hard," but instead relish the opportuni­ Volunteers of Caring Ministries' atrocities. Majekodunmi was also the ty to speak out on and live that great Disabilities Ministry provide sub-committee guest speaker for our commandment to "love thy neighbor as this service. monthly meeting in May and pointed out thyself" (Matt. 22:39) and "this do, and Recommended donation is $10 thou shall live" (Luke 10:28b). some reoccurring themes found in soci­ (if you return the tapes to be eties that experience genocide. Among Doris Theresa Abdullah recycled) or $25 (if you keep Brooklyn, N.Y. the findings are weak or non-existent the tapes). judicial systems, restrictions of move­ To receive MESSENG ER ON TAPE, ment on the targeted group, a collapsing Let's journey together please send your name, address, political system, and intercommunity vio­ phone number and check Jerry Waterman's letter in the April 2008 lence. He has been based in Rwanda, (payable to Church of the Burundi, Italy, Geneva, Sudan, Lebanon, MESSENGER deserves a response. And Brethren, and on the memo line and Nepal. the problem related to liberal vs. conser­ specify MESSENGER on Tape) to: While it is wonderful that Church of the vative is bigger than he describes. Such Brethren is now speaking on this subject, thinking from both the right and the left _JL we must also continue that discussion is worldly, judgmental, and polarizing. Caring Ministri~ W) Church of the Brethren every day in our workplace, and most of This way of thinking and acting and C/ reacting is not Jesus' way (Sermon on 1451 Dundee Ave. all in the church on Sunday morning. Elgin, IL 60120 Genocide can happen any place. It is not the Mount, Matt. 5, 6, and 7) and it

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Messenger September 2008 II Please send information to be Vargas, Breza Whitfield, Sandy Pa.: Tara Graver, Sarah Felpel, included in Turning Points to Jean Heisey, Zelda Heisey, Maximo Michael Welch, Alisha Cox, becomes even more dangerous when religious Clements, 1451 Dundee Ave, Elgin, Rivero, Richard Moore Kathy Miller, Jarred IL 60120; 800-323-8039 ext. 206; Freeport, Ill.: Jonathan White, McFadden, Fred Frey II, Joe people and their misuse of holy books add to [email protected]. Bethany Fike, Elizabeth Welk this worldly and judgmental polarizing that Information must be complete in Boettner Mechanicsburg, Pa.: Sherry order to be published. Geiger, Friedens, Pa.: Hanna Brunner God is only on one side or the other (and often Information older than one year Haines, Barbara Trent Midland, Va.: Tim Garman the other side is in various ways demonized). cannot be published. Green Hill, Salem, Va.: Kenny Midway, Lebanon, Pa .: Adrianna King, Michelle King, Lynnsey Gahagan, Eddie Gahagan, Jesus' way is not liberal vs. conservative; New Members Foster, Mike Harris Melissa Gahagan, Andria rather, Jesus is the best of both conservative Alpha & Omega, Lancaster, Pa.: Green Tree, Oaks, Pa.: David R. Harpold, Alicia Hitz, Erin Midgley, IV, Robert Grimm, Long, David Superdock, Beth and liberal -wonderFULLY conservative and Luis Marcelino, Luis Francisco Marcelino, Wladimir Sanchez, Carol Anthony Superdock, Andrew liberal. When we are truly better liberals, then Jefferson Sanchez, Annie Harrisonburg, First, Superdock, David Superdock, Harrisonburg, Va.: Wendy Leanne Superdock, Carli we will be better conservatives, and vice Sanchez, Getsenami Washington, Genesis D'Oleo, Lynnette Weldon, Ricardo Wasson, Bret Winey, Travis versa. This is so crucial in our times because Noemi Washington, Noelia Lianez, Breanne Lynn Bosley, Zuck, Sandy Hartman, Adrian Taylor Lokey, Madeline Danette Ocker, Orville Ocker, of our tendency toward worldly thinking that Washington, Joseph Allen, Samuel Pagan, Sharon Pagan, Louise Newkirk, Cole Ian Janet Wenger, Michelle Winey often sees in terms of conservative vs. liberal Eli Pagan, Jonathan Pagan, Lokey, Zachary Scott Lokey, Milledgeville, Ill.: Gaye Page, Torrik Rashawn Watlington, Traci Page, Tyke Hackbarth, rather than liberal and conservative working Michelle Pagan, Victor Olivier, Mariluz Rielo, Rogelio Rielo, Allicyn Smith Buracker, Julie Hackbarth in wonderful tandem. Celia Lopez Deanna Sherman, John Modesto, CaJif.: Ashley Cearley, Another caution is our tendency to be like Annville, Pa.: Joshua Lee Murray Lynwood Smith, Judith Ray John Miller Beachdale, Berlin, Pa.: Austin Smith Mohrsville, Pa .: Allan Rorhbach, James and John (Luke 9) in being judgmental Benford, Cruz Boyer, Laken Haxtun, Colo.: Makayla Kleiner, Beth Rorhbach, Kelly Rorhbach, Benjamin Rorhbach, Dona and violent in words and actions and reactions Miller Kendra Stryker, Nathan ld Beaver Creek, Hagerstown, Md.: Frantz, Rachel Frantz, Byron Yeager, Sr., Judy Yeager, that can be manifested in various ways of call­ John Harrell, Donna Fogle, Frantz, Eula Frantz, Sabra Donald Yeager, Jr., Carol ing down fire on others. This brings a rebuke Susan Makin, Buddy Dunham, Kipp, Preston Stryker Gross, Robert Gross, David Mary Medas Heidelberg, Myerstown, Pa.: Haag, Mary Haag, Brittany from Jesus. Do we know what spirit we are of? Bethlehem, Boones Mill, Va.: CaJvin Roop, Lois Roop, Kezia Haag, Samantha Haag, David I also remember Jesus' very serious warn­ Clay Gibney, Lori Gibney, H. Roop, Martha Roop, Marcy Ferkin, Pamela Perkin N. Barnhart, Caleb Gibney, Rogers Monte Vista, Callaway, Va.: ing in Matthew 12 about not calling some­ Carrie Gibney, Emily Gibney, Hempfield, Manheim, Pa.: Erin Ronald St. Pierre, Eleanor St. thing evil that is of God. That is so dangerous Shawna Hicks, Ashley Irons, Duffy, Jack Fetter, Kathy Pierre, Cameron Bowles Will iam Newbury, Christian Fetter, Kaitlyn Fetter, Lindsey Mount Zion Road, Lebanon, Pa.: as to be sinning against the Holy Spirit. May Newbury, Frances Newbury, Fetter, Sherry Miller, Lauren Brandon Boltz, Kevin Zintak, we ever more respectfully and gracefully Katlyn Newbury Miller, Maranda Miller, Shelly Zintak, Ellen Belleman, Big Creek, Cushing, Okla.: Nathan Polonchak, Kim Sides, Levi King, Phyllis King, David journey together while we remain open for Beulah Killough Nathan Sides, Chris Miller Laughery, Jerri Laughery, more light along the way. Bush Creek, Monrovia, Md.: Henry Fork, Rocky Mount, Va.: Linda Mumma, Peter Spitler Mollie Greer, Elizabeth Gold, Cindy Arrington, Joshua Mountain Grove, Fulks Run, Va.: Roger Eberly Joe Bromhead Arrington, Dustin George, Vernon Conley, Michael Fulk, Milford, Ind. Chambersburg, Pa.: Fern Bolen, Peter Buteau, Beth Boyd, Doug Joshua Morgan, Miranda John Flora, Lydia Flora, Hancock, Roger Hunt, Betty Morgan, Terry Allen Morgan, Tereasa Huerta, Russell Rowe, Hunt, Jessie Hodges, Anna Carrie Reedy, Janice Lee CLASSIFIEDADS Dorothy Rowe, Sarah Cherry, Richardson, Anthony Sheesley, Wolfe, Laura Reedy Wolfe, Mel Kendle, Angela Kendle, T. J. Nickols, Crystal Riddle, Michael Wolfe Pilgrimage to the Holy Lands, Israel, Greece, and Rome­ Kevin Tharp, Darla Tharp, Sandra Palmer, Sue Smith Nettle Creek, Hagerstown, Ind.: in the footsteps of Jesus Christ and St. Paul. March 16-29, 2009. Kenton Tharp, Braelyn Tharp, HIS Way, Henderson, N.C.: Jason Kreighbaum Adali z Cruz, Samuel Papago Buttes, Scottsdale, Ariz.: For information please e-mail [email protected] or write to J. Harold Yeager, LaVerne Yeager Chiques, Manheim, Pa.: Jonathan Fernandez, Maria Fernandez, Jessica Hood, Doris Grace Kenneth Kreider, 1300 Sheaffer Road, Elizabethtown PA 17022. Kniss, Jonathan Risser, Heidi Lucy Fernandez, Samuel Paxton, Harrisburg, Pa.: Cheryll Strausbaugh, Tyler Strausbaugh, Fernandez, Jr., Mario Goodyear, Marlene Loser, We at Brethren Press would like to thank all the volunteers Mandi Peters, Quinn Peters, Martinez, Evelyn Martinez, Andrea Maurer who helped us out at Annual Conference. To all of you who Kathryn Shenk, Janelle Geib, Jacinto Pineda Pipe Creek, Union Bridge, Md.: Lacey Community, Lacey, Wash.: Richard Himes, Tasha helped, from unloading the books to helping customers, to tear­ Austin Nolt, Eric Kauffman, Brad Allen, Molly Hershey, Brandee Chavez MacIntosh, William Joseph ing it all down at the end, we are grateful for and humbled by Adam Brandt, Page Myer Lampeter, Pa.: Betty L. Horton, Jr., Ricky Herrmann your generosity. Thanks to each and every one of the Brethren Christ the Servant, Cape Coral, Brinkman, Scott Bronner, Pleasant Hill, Ohio: Matthew Press bookstore volunteers. Fla.: Henrietta Bellenger Taeko Bronner, Yujin Bronner, Downing Clover Creek, Fredericksburg, Joji Bronner, Nowa Bronner, Pleasant Valley, Weye rs Cave, Mary Ann Creter, Jeffrey Va.: Dan Purdom, Amy Are You a CO or have books? I am interested in interviewing Pa .: A. Marlene Aurand!, Brooke Chadwick, Ashley Swope, Karin Swope, Joseph Purdom, Sam Purdom, Andy Conscientious Objectors and their families as part of a history Shunk, Kaye Slusser, Jeff E. Johnson Propst, Teresa Iseli, Bill project, and in obtaining books, pamphlets, letters, and other Wilson Lititz, Pa.: Verna Hevener, Ron Wiseman, Evelyn Wiseman, materials on Church of the Brethren history, Civilian Public Community of Joy, Salisbury, Krak, Lauren Krak, Nancy Kenneth Wiseman, Michael Service, Conscientious Objection, and peacemaking to be used Md.: Cathy Brady, Lena Leed, Gordon Lehman, Joan Scrogham, James Haag, Habig, Haley Todd, Jeffrey Lehman, Jane Ruth Christy Haag, Ruth Vickers, in research on Conscientious Objection and as part of a peace Todd, Andrew Zehnter Little Swatara, Bethel, Pa.: David Janet Bush, Brenda Breeden, library. Worn or marked books are fine. I'll reimburse you for County Line, Champion, Pa.: Z. Lapp, Sarah Eizabeth Forrest Shifflett, Cassie shipping costs whether it is a gift to the library or sold for a fee. Emily Brady, Ellen Brady, Bryant, Miles David Weinhold, Mowbray, Kyle Harris, Emily Let's talk. Contact John Ellison at 1-206-919-9436, or Eileen Brady Savannah Jean Myers, Aaron Tutwiler, Jacob Haag, Jessica [email protected], or The CO Project, PO Box 1417, Dixon, Ill.: David K. Harms Matthew Hartranft James, Melanie fames, Drexel Hill, Pa.: David Painter Lorida, Fla.: James Baker, Natasha James, Sharon James Stanwood, WA 98292-1417. Dupont, Ohio: Darhl Fuller, Debbie Baker, William Null, Prince of Peace, Littleton, Colo.: Joyce Fuller Haley McHargue, Luke Greg Folk, Eli za Folk, Gus PASTORS NEEDED. Congregations in many of the denomina­ Elizabethtown, Pa.: Ler La, Mumma, Emily Mumma Adams, Megan McCall, tion's 23 districts are in need of strong, trained Christian leaders Aidan Maghan, Hallie Marsh Creek, Gettysburg, Pa.: Carolyn Gong, Tori Price, who are dedicated to Church of the Brethren beliefs and practices McDonnough, Margaret Stephanie Nicole Crouse Connie Isaac Rhodes, Lucas Strayer, McPherson, Kan.: Terran Rocky Mount, First, Rocky to serve as pastor. The available placements are both full-time Jennifer Fairbanks, Alex Good Woolley, Tina Woolley Mount, Va. : Roosevelt Dillon, and part-time and include some associate/second staff positions. Fellowship, Martinsburg, WVa.: Meadow Branch, Westminster, Stella Martin The congregations vary widely in size and program. A full listing Arron Riley Md.: Heather Sanchez, Kayla Scalp Level, Windber, Pa.: Lynn of openings can be found at www.brethren.org/genbd/ Florin, Mount Joy, Pa.: Desiree Rivera, Daniel Martinez, Thomas, Helen Thomas, ministry/placement.htm. Contact the appropriate district execu­ Carnes, Amanda Carnes, Iesha Steven Wantz, Renee Wantz, Eddie Locher, Bob Holsopple Hernandez, Dylan Maxwell, Bradley Wantz, Christina Skyridge, Kalamazoo, Mich.: tive or call the Ministry office at 800-323-8039. Alyssa Miller, Christian Rivera, Wantz Amy Tuley, Matt Tuley, Bob Antonio Torres, Dalitza Mechanic Grove, Quarryville, Severson

• Messenger September 2008 Somerset, Pa.: Ken Baker, Wilson, Elby and Evelyn, Herr, Jane, 89, Ligonier, Pa., Studebaker, Samuel, Jr., 84, Ehret, Victoria L., At!. S.E. Kenneth Fouse, Patricia Weyers Cave, Va., 60 May 27 Tipp City, Ohio, June 13 Dist. (Saint Petersburg, Fla.) , Haer, Charl es Rh odamer, Wil son, Wa rren and Pat, Hirst, Mildred E., 87, Symensma, Theda, 87, Elkl1art, July 22, 2007 Cynthia Ritenour, Keith Brookvill e, Ohio, 60 Elizabethtown, Pa., April 1 Ind., March 26 Erbaugh, Nan L., S. Ohio Dist. Ritenour, Wendell Ri tenour, Honeyman, Evelyn Spitler, 90, Tyler, Miles, 82, McPherson, (Lower Miami, Dayton, Wendy Ritenour, Mel issa Laura, Ohio, May 26 Kan., May 18 Ohio), May 18 Smith, Randall Spoerl ein, Deaths Horner, Karen, 53, Roaring Umbaugh, Marguerite, 93, Fuchs, Rebecca R., Atl. N.E. Sandra Spoerl cin, Ra ndall Spring, Pa., May 25 Goshen, Ind., Nov. 18 Dist. (Lancaster, Pa.), May 18 Alexander, John, 45, Spoerl ein, Jr. , Joyce Hornish, A. Genevieve, 9 1, Vance, Allen, 87, Goshen, Ind., Howdyshell, Darren A., Shen. Shillington, Pa., March 26 WiJJiams, Larry Williams Defiance, Ohio, May 12 June 10 Dist. (Briery Branch, Anderson, Elmer E., Sr., 80, Sunrise, Harrisonburg, Va.: Hossler, Mildred, 73, Waid, Calvin, 83, Shillington, Dayton, Va.) , June 1 Hampstead, Md., March 13 Angela Bolton, Salli e Brown, Lancaster, Pa ., May 4 Pa. , June 4 King, Daniel M., Shen. Dist. Arbaugh, Marguerite, 94, Lisa Coffman, Clay Gordon, Hostetler, Evelyn, 88, Windber, Waters, William Tyson, 22, (Mount Zion, Linville, Va.) , Westminster, Md., Jul y 10, Amy Hylton, Evan Hylton, Pa. , April 21 Troutvill e, Va. , June 4 June 15 2007 Brandon Hylton, Cleti s Hostetler, Louise E. , 76, Weber, Sarah, 87, Shillington, King, Mary Jane, S. Pa. Dist. Balsbaugh, Lester H ., 87, Jenkins, Marilyn Jenkins, Goshen, Jnd., June 30 Pa., July 7 (West Shore, Enola, Pa.), Lititz, Pa., June 1 Lertie Lam, Delores Lam, Hunsberger, C. Henry, 79, Webster, Lena B., I 06, May 4 Barnett, Earl , 89, Lutz, Fla ., Ri chard S hank, Stephanie Mercersburg, Pa., May 26 Roanoke, Va., June 28 Menke, Barbara, S. Ohio Dist. June 12 Thoma Irving, Kathryn, 88, Ashland, Weeks, Gene, 74, Pleasant Hill, (Oak.land, Bradford, Ohio), Bassler, James W. , 81 , Twenty-eighth Street, Altoona, Ohio, June 8 Ohio, May 2 May 3 Martinsburg, Pa:, Jan. 8 Pa.: Jessica Brumbaugh, Kendall, Frank, 88, Werking, Mark C., 92, O'Donnell, Rodney, At!. N.E. Beacb, Earl, 72, Martinsburg, Hannah Jacobs, Hunter MiUedgeville, l1J .. May 23 Hagerstown, Ind., April 9 Dist. (Green Tree, Oaks, Pa., Dec. 4 Horton, Betty Dull , Julie Kensinger, Mary E., 87, West, Naomi Miller, I 00, Pa.), June 8 Bealer, C. La Verne, 89, Huether, Linda Zahrobsky Martinsburg, Pa., Sept. 29, Bridgewater, Va. , June 5 Rivera, Eduardo, Atl. N.E. Dist. Lancaster, Pa ., May 9 Union Center, Nappanee, Ind.: 2007 Wilhide, Wilma M. , 92, (Lebanon, Pa.), May 11 Beard, Tim, 39, Westminster, Kay Ahrens, James Davis, Kercheval, Edward C., 79, Chambersburg, Pa. , April 2 1 White, Randy, S. Ohio Dist. Md., Dec. 19 Phyllis Davis, Chad Hagerstown, Md., Jan . 6 Wolfe, Russell , 84, Lebanon, (Constance, Hebron, Ky.) , Bechtel, Joan L. , 51 , Kirkdorffer Kreider, Nora Mae, 69, Pa., May 21 May 11 Martinsburg, Pa., Sept. 27 West Goshen, Goshen, Ind.: Holtwood, Pa., Dec. 28 Zirk, Wilma Virginia, 94, Bohrer, Rebecca Elizabeth, 79, Norman Repl ogle, Meli ssa Kretzer, Frank, 50, Smithsburg, Franklin, W.Va ., April 19 Martinsburg, W.Va., April 6 Replogle, Rebecca Repl ogle, Md., Feb. 26 Placements Bousman, Howard L., 82, David Replogle Kuhn, Ralph, 95, Palmyra, Pa. , Wirtz, Va ., May 29 Bashore, Ronald M ., pastor, Wilmington, Del.: Carol Diehl June 2 Licensings Brandt, Miriam, 91 , Claysburg, Pa., July 16 Zion, Prescott, Mich.: Michelle Lambert, S. Mervin, 89, Breidenstine, John D., At!. N.E. Eli zabethtown, Pa ., April 26 Beach, Gregory Allen, pastor, Caffrey, Austin James Harrisonburg, Va., May 23 Dist. (Lancaster, Pa .), June Buck, John S., 100, Mount Woodland, Astoria, Ill., June 1 Edmonds, Allen Rodney Little, Wilbur, 72, Westminster, 29 Morris, JI!., May !3 Brenneman, Jonathan, pastor, Good, Miranda Lynn Md., Feb. 23 Brenneman, Jonathan, At!. N.E. Buehler, Mil ton F. , 8 7, Rakowski , Jordyn Alex is Loughrie, Janice Arnold, 77, Dist. (M ount Wilson, Mount Wilson, Lebanon, Pa., Freeport. Mich., April 23 Rakowski, Tyler Ray Wilcox, Grantsvill e, Md., March 26 Lebanon, Pa.), March 2 July 15 Click, Ruth, 88, Taneytown, Susan Mari e KJ·estar Maier, Martha, 94, Beaverton, Buckley, Jason, W. Marva Dist. Dehmey, J. Curtis, associate Md., Jul y 1 7, 2007 Mich., April 14 (Oak Park, Oakland, Md.), pastor for youth and chil ­ Coffey, Rachel Arnold, 84, Martin, Wilbur A., 93, June 29 Waynesboro, Va. , June 6 dren's ministry, Lancaster, Lancaster, Pa. , June 7 Forrester, Donald, W. Marva Anniversaries Cope, Elnora, 90, Lancaster, Pa., June 1 Mathias, William, 85, Stuarts Dist. (Laurel Glen, Oakland, Beach, Jim and Evel yn, Pa. , June 27 Diamond, Douglas M. , from Draft, Va ., May 19 Md.), June 22 Martinsburg, Pa., 60 Corle, L. Raymond, 71 , pastor, Peak Creek, Laurel McOwen, Gordon, 81 , New Gross, Anna Lisa, S/ C Ind. Becker, Garth and Helen, Lititz, Martinsburg, Pa. , Dec. 6 Carlisle, Ohio, March 22 Dist. (Richmond, Ind.), May Springs, N .C., to pastor, Pa., 55 Davis, Bertha M ., 98, Modesto, Miller, Marcelene, 89, 11 Fellowship, Martinsburg, Bucher, Luke and Naomi, Calif., May 8 Stockton, Ill., June 18 Harrison, Woodrow R. , S. Pa. W.Va., June 1 Myerstown, Pa., 50 Davis, John Rodney, 80, La Millet, Angel, 82, Adrian, Dist. (Pleasant View, Red Fuchs, Rebecca R., pastor, Carter, John and Phyllis, Verne, Calif., May 25 Mich., March 29 Lion, Pa.) , June 8 Goshen, Ind., 60 Dilling, Bonnie H ., 51 , Mountville, Pa., June 23 Naragon, Dorothy Maxine, 92, Horstman, Thomas J., W. Deidiker, Everett and Lila, Martinsburg, Pa ., Dec. 2 Glasscock, John E., pastor, North North Liberty, Ind., Feb. 27 Marva Dist. (Romney, Apache junction, Ariz., 50 Dinsmore, Patty, 9 1, Fort Myers, Fla., June 29 Nolen, Aaron 0., 95, W.Va.) , July 6 Duncan, Howard and Jan, Indianapoli s, lnd., June 22 Harness, C. Bryan, from chap­ Harrisonburg, Va. , June 13 Hugg, Matthew, At!. N.E. Dist. Evergreen, Colo., 50 Draper, Sarah, 41 , Bassett, Va. , Peters, Collin, 19, Manheim, (Skippack, Collegeville, Pa.), lain, Prairie View Hospital, Fourman, David and Darlene, March 2 1 Pa., Nov. 7 Jan 13 Newton, Kan., to chaplain, Eaton, Ohio, 50 Eshelman, Helen L. , 87, New Peters, Harry H ., 88, Hillsboro, Kelliher, Patrick 0 ., Shen. Dist. Centra Health Care, Gibbel, Henry and Joan, Lititz, Enterprise, Pa. , June 16 Ohio, May 25 (Charlottesville, Va.) , June 8 Lynchburg, Va., May 27 Pa., 50 Felton, Ma rj ori e J ., 81 , Preston, T. Will iam, 83, Leatherman, Paul N., Ill, Mid ­ Ginder, Becker and Vera, Windber, Pa. , May 25 Hilton, Dennis K., pastor, Frostburg, Md., April 30 Atl. Dist. (Harmony, Manheim, Pa., 50 Fleagle, Betsy A. , 76, Upper Fall Creek, Reck, Ruby, 79, Piqua, Ohio, Myersville, Md.), May 25 Hager, Sam and Shirley, Lima, Greencastle, Pa., April I Middletown, Ind., April 13 May 26 MacClennan, Robert, S. Ohio, Ohio, 50 Foley, Oneida, 92, Altoona, Pa., Hughes, J. Robert, pastor, Reighard, Fred, 76, Dist. (Union City, Ohio), Holsinger, Don and Jo Ann, June 16 Martinsburg, Pa ., May 4 June 1 White Pine, Purgitsville, Ri chmond, Va., 50 Forney, Ruth, 80, Somerset, Rentfrow, Michael J., 63, McWilliams, Jonah J. , S . Pa. W.Va., May 4 Kipp, Wilbur and Lois, Haxtun, Pa., April 23 Waynesboro, Pa ., Feb. 25 Dist. (Pleasant View, Red Hylton, Gerald L., pastor, Colo., 60 Fraver, Mae, 96, Hagerstown, Rhoades, Floyd, 90. Ye ll ow Lion, Pa.) , June 8 Stonewall , Floyd, Va., July 1 Krieder. Dayton and Helen, Md., April 5 Springs, Ohio, Feb. 13 Stahl, Andrew G., S/ C Ind. Englewood, Ohio, 72 Gibson, Gleneva, 91 , New Kulp, Daniel J., associate pas­ Roop, James E., 90, Omaha, Dist. (Salamonie, Warren, Landis, Wesley and Janice. Carlisle, Ohio, April 28 tor, Lampeter, Pa., July 1 Neb. , July 5 Ind.), May 18 Hershey, Pa., 50 Gordon, Virginia, 86, Schmidt, Edith, 90, Osage City, McElfresh, Richard E., pastor, Stoner, Shawn, At!. N .E. Dist. Lewellen, William S. and Broadway, Va. , May 22 Kan., May 17 Virden, IU., June l (White Oak, Manheim, Pa .), Marjorie K., Morgantown, Grim, Lorraine M., 82, Schmitt, Velma Mae, 10 I, Nov. 25 McKimmy, Matthew E., pastor, W.Va. , 50 Defiance, Ohio, June 30 Modesto, Calif., May 2 1 Torres, Gloriana, At!. N.E. Dist. Richmond, Ind., June 16 Lineweaver, Warren and Mary, Harig, Sharon, 64, Freeport, Schrock, Kathryn, 85, Goshen, (Puerta del Cielo, Reading, Meeks, Gary, from pastor, Leba non, Pa., 70 Mich., March 2 1 Ind., April 18 Pa.), April 20 Fruitdale Community, Grants Mahan, Grant and Loui se, Harmon, Pat, 70, Cushing, Seng, Chester, 89, Mill edgeville, Van Ausdal, Stanley, S. Ohio Salisbury, Md., 60 Okla., Nov. 28 111 ., April 27 Pass, Ore., to pastor, Maple Dist. (Eaton, O hi o), May 25 Markey, David and Mari an, Harms, David K., 53, Dixon, Sheeler, Dorothy, 86, Spring, Eglon, W.Va ., June I Harrisburg, Pa., 60 Ill., May3 1 Somerset, Pa., April 14 Miller, Richard D ., from pastor, Miller, Paul and Kathryn, Hauser, Sandra Roth, 62, Shenk, Chester, 84, Manheim, Ordinations Jennersville, West Grove, Pa ., Manheim, Pa., 60 Au rora, W.Va., March 27 Pa., April 23 Banaszak, Linda S., M. Pa. to pastor, Waterford, Calif., Poince, Kent and Sue, Tipp Heckman, William Bryan, 83, Sites, Anna E., 80, Franklin, Dist. ( Clover Creek, July 15 City, Ohio, 55 Windber, Pa ., May 31 W.Va ., May 27 Fredericksburg, Pa.), June 22 O'Donnell, Rodney, associate Sherred, Lya ll and Vivian, Heisey, John, 83, Manheim , Smith, Henry S., 89, Mount Black, Rachel E. , Mid-At!. Dist. pastor, Green Tree, Oaks, Denver, Colo., 50 Pa. , April 27 Joy, Pa. , April 23 (Beaver Creek, Hagerstown, Sifrit, Bob and Mina, Heiskell, Cord, 78, Trotwood, Smith, Ruth E,, 81, Md.) , May 25 Pa., June 8 McPherson, Kan. , 55 Ohio, May 7 Waynesboro, Pa., March 8 Cesar, Carrie F. , Pac. S.W. Dist. Robinson, Jimmy R. , from Willoughby, Don and Mari e, Herr, Francis, 86, Nappanee, Stern, Robert, 70, Somerset, (Papago Buttes, Scottsdale, interim to pastor, Monte Kaleva, Mich., 50 Ind., May 4 Pa. , Jan. 11 Ariz.) , June 8 Vista, Callaway, Va. , July I M essenger September 2008 II lt's about time

f you ever want to get a greater sense of the pas­ wonderful memories and some wonderful results. But it l sage of time, stop by the National Watch & Clock may be time to push back our chairs and open some new Museum in Columbia, Pa. doors of our own. I had a chance to visit a few years ago prior to a meeting The lengthy debate and fragmented vote on the in New Windsor. Room after room is filled with timepieces Resolution on Forbearance at Annual Conference-a paper of every imaginable variety. Tick, tick, tick-you can almost designed to address how we can disagree respectfully­ feel time flowing around you (I thought it might be deafen­ clearly showed that many of us do not fully trust each other. ing when the hour struck, but fortu­ How do we rebuild trust? How do we show the world that nately most of the chimes have been Christians can get along and work together? disabled). Carl Desportes Bowman's recent survey showed that most For millennia, humans have created of us like the concept of being "Brethren," but we have vast­ new ways to keep track of this move­ ly different ideas of what that word means. In an era when ment of time, but so far nothing has denominationalism is on the wane or at least shifting dra­ been discovered to stop it or even matically, how can we spend less energy drawing the slow it down. It's both maddeningly boundaries of Brethren-ism and more on our core purpose and dependably constant. of following Jesus Christ and carrying out his work? Can we A more recent reminder of time's be less rigid and recapture the non-institutional passion of march came this summer, during a those original Brethren? Do we need to forge some new love feast service at camp. The gradu­ partnerships? ating seniors who are at youth camp Can our worship and outreach styles be flexible enough for the last time "host" the event, to embrace new generations, new cultures, and new inviting others to their tables. I was seated at a table with Christians? Can we more intentionally connect with our nine others, including four seniors. It was a beautiful communities, as another Annual Conference paper urged? moment, but tinged with sadness, too. I wondered when this Can we engage heart, soul, and mind with depth in our group, which has grown quite close over the years, would faith communities? Can we seek out shoots of new life in all be together again. I could have stayed there forever. the church and nourish them? Can we leap into the waves For the first time, I felt like I better understood a bit of of culture rather than damming them up? Author Phyllis Tickle calls this era IT'S BEEN GOOD TO SIT TOGETHER AROUND OUR TABLE, "The Great WITH SOME WONDERFUL MEMORIES AND SOME Emergence," a time of seismic change WONDERFUL RESULTS. BUT IT MAY BE TIME TO PUSH BACK for the church. In an OUR CHAIRS AND OPEN SOME NEW DOORS OF OUR OWN. address to the Associated Church Press convention what Jesus might have been experiencing at that original this spring, she told the audience, "You didn't cause the love feast, the Last Supper. He knew that his time with his emergence, and you're not going to stop it. It's going to hap­ beloved group of disciples was near the end. The joy of pen. 'Do you like it or not?' That's as silly as asking, 'Do I like sharing a meal with them was probably tinged with grief. the sun rising?' The sun is going to rise regardless." Big changes were about to occur for all of them. Students must graduate and move on with their journeys However tempting it might have been, staying in that of discovering who God is calling them to be. Jesus needed room-staying at that table-was not an option. New doors to go on to the cross and the resurrection beyond. And our were waiting to be opened. church must shake off complacency and insular attitudes to As the Church of the Brethren wraps up its 300th anniver­ burst out of our cocoons and into new life. sary celebration, a similar moment may be at hand for us. Tick, tick, tick. Time isn't slowing down, and we can't It's been good to sit together around our table, with some afford to either.-Ed. ~

COMING IN OCTOBER: Women in ministry, National Young Adult Conference, fair trade, Bible study on 2 Corinthians, book review; and more.

Messenger September 2008 r y

The oldest existing Brethren home was established in 1889 when one district responded to the need for a faith-based community to care for older adults. Since then, 21 more Brethren homes have been established, all of which came out of congregational and district ministries. Twenty-two retirement centers serving more than 7,000 residents, employing more than 3,000 people, and caring for countless other families associated with the homes, makes this ministry one of the largest and longest undertaken by the Church of the Brethren. And in true Brethren tradition, this vibrant ministry is done in a quiet, unassuming fashion.

These retirement facilities invite you to participate once again in the ministry we all have created and maintained for more than 100 years, so that they can continue for another 100 years. Call the Brethren Retirement Center nearest you and ask how you can work to enrich and enhance this quiet ministry.

Brethren Retirement Centers Brethren Hillcrest Homes The Cedars Northaven Retirement Residence Pleasant Hill Village La Verne, Calif. - (909) 593-4917 McPherson, Kan . - (620) 241-0919 and Assisted Living Girard, Ill. - (217) 627-2181 Seattle, Wash. - (206) 365-3020 Brethren Home Community Cross Keys Village/ Spurgeon Manor Windber, Pa. - (814) 467-5505 The Brethren Home Community The Palms Estates of Dallas Center, Iowa - (515) 992-3735 New Oxford, Pa . - (888) 624-2161 Highlands County Brethren Retirement Community Lorida, Fla. - (863) 655-1909 Timbercrest Senior Living Community Greenville, Ohio - (937) 547-8000 Fahrney-Keedy Memorial Home North Manchester, Ind.-· Boonsboro, Md. - (301) 733-6284 The Palms of Sebring (260) 982-2118 Brethren Village Sebring, Fla. - (863) 385-0161 Lancaster, Pa. - (800) 367-9899 Garden Terrace & Garden Terrace West The Village at Morrisons Cove Wenatchee, Wash. - (509) 663-2154 Peter Becker Community Martinsburg, Pa. - (814) 793-2104 Bridgewater Retirement Community Harleysville, Pa. - (215) 256-9501 Bridgewater, Va . - (800) 419-9 129 Good Shepherd Home West View Manor Fostoria, Ohio - (419) 937-1801 Pinecrest Community Wooster, Ohio - (330) 264-8640 Casa de Modesto Mount Morris, Ill. - (815) 734-4103 Modesto, Calif. - (209) 529-4950 Lebanon Valley Brethren Home Palmyra, Pa. - (717) 838-5406 m~Fellowship of For more information about the Fellowship of Brethren Homes call (800) 323-8039 or visit ~ Brethren Homes www.brethren-caregivers.org to download a brochure about the Brethren Retirement Centers. ~ Called ... -~ by remembrance Llamados ... por su recuerdo Luke I Lucas 22: 19b