APRIL 2002 VOL. 152 NO.3 WWW.BRETHREN.ORG

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Struggling over the flag The Mack Memorial congregation, Dayton, Ohio, is one of numerous churches where opinion is divided over display of the flag. Here, however, the congregation's work to resolve issues in a spirit of unity has attracted national attention. -ONTHECOVER 16 Caring for creation "Brethren visionary Dan West ... observed: 'Brethren always David Radcliff, director of Brethren Witness, live under tension. The more we try to live our doctrines in the issues an urgent call to give the earth's environ­ modern world, the more the tensions increase and the heavier ment the attention it deserves. The warning signs they become.' West had something specific in mind as he spoke. are all around, so it shouldn't require a Sept. 11 - He elaborated: 'One of the greatest tensions for Christians style calamity to awaken us to the needs. everywhere comes out of the relation between church and state. And one of the heaviest for the Church of the Brethren comes in 18 Hope in Guatemala relation to the American nation-state. We Brethren always love During a Faith Expedition to Guatemala in Janu­ our country, respect many of its customs, and obey its laws. But ary, Carol Lena Miller discovered in the midst of we have some doubts about the actual state."' poverty much joy and reason for hope. Se:.teral -from Patriotism and Faith, by David R. Miller, reviewed on page 15. Church of the Brethren projects are helping to sus- . tain that hope.

DEPARTMENTS 23 Raymond Peters remembered The denomination's first general secretary, who 2 From the Publisher served in that role from 1947 to 1952, died in 3 In Touch 6 News November at the age of 95. He was Raymond R. 24 Letters Peters, whose full life of service to the Church of 30 Turning Points the Brethren is recounted here by S. Loren 32 Editorial Bowman, a former general secretary.

Messenger April 200211 How to reach us

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Display advertising: he trophy has been displayed on the shelf in the basement for a year. rmatteson [email protected] This ceremonial basketball with "2001 Champ" and my name carefully Phone: 800-323-8039 letteredT in permanent marker proves how astute I was when it came to picking the Fax: 847-742-1407 winners in last year's NCM men's basketball championship. In fact, I trounced the Editorial: competition in two different groups of basketball aficionados. (Not to worry: There ffarrar [email protected] was no betting involved-just prizes handed out by the enthusiastic organizers.) Phone: 217-525-9083 This was an amusing situation, since I know virtually nothing about college bas­ Fax: 217-525-9269 . ketball. Apparently it was beneficial to be unencumbered by knowledge or sentiment. But if I were to delude myself into thinking I actually knew what I was doing, I have Subscription rates: only to examine the first round of this year's picks to see that last year was a fluke. $16.50 individual rate Picking the winners in a basketball tourney is an entertaining way to pass the final $13.50 church group plan month of winter, but doesn't fool anybody: Nobody thinks I've suddenly become an $13 . 50 gift subscriptions expert in basketball. They know I'm just lucky. If you move, clip address label In the world beyond March Madness, however, we seem to confuse success with and send with new address to knowledge, or moral superiority, or rightness. We reward companies that gamble MESSENGER Subscriptions, at their futures on get-rich-quick growth. We go along with the conventional wisdom the above address. Allow at least that military action buys us peace and stability. We're fooled into thinking that per­ five weeks for address change. fect-attendance pins are symbols of spiritual maturity. When "madness" goes beyond being a game, it's time to think again about the Connect electronically: meaning of winning and losing. God's definition is exactly the opposite of everything For a free subscription to we see around us: "For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who Newsline, the Church lose their life for my sake will find it" (Matt. 16:25). That kind of thinking might of the Brethren e-mail news cheer me up when I relinquish the basketball trophy. More important, it will set me report, write [email protected]. straight in the other areas of my life, where I seek to be a responsible citizen of the To view the official Church of world and a faithful follower of Christ. That's about grace, not luck. the Brethren website, go to http://www. brethren.org.

MESSENGER is the official publication of the Church of the Brethren. Entered as periodical postage matter Aug. 20, 191 8, under Act of Congress of Oct. 17, 191 7. Fil in g date , Nov. I, 1984, Member of the Associated Church Press. Subscriber to Reli gion News Service & Ecumenical Press Service. Biblical quotations, unless other wise indi cated , are from the New Revised Standard Version. MESSENGER is published 11 times a year by Brethren Press, Church of the Brethren General Board. Periodical postage paid at Elgin, Ill. , and at additional mailing office, April 2002. Copyright 2002, Church of the Brethren General Board. ISS N 0026-0355.

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Collecting memories to gation that moved cautiously, if people have stories about Frank and honor longtime pastor surely, with the times. the difference he made in their lives, Ron Keener, who grew up in the but no one has ever recorded them. For 32 years Frank S. Carper was a congregation, profiled Carper in a Many persons can tell wonderful sto­ profound presence in the pulpit of MESSENGER article (Oct. 15, 1972) and ries about his impact in the the Palmyra, Pa., Church of the has initiated a project to honor Carper, congregation, community, district Brethren, arid in leadership roles of with the support of the church's pre­ camping program, Elizabethtown Col­ the eastern Pennsylvania Brethren. sent pastor, Wally Landes Jr., and lege, his banking career, and his A freewill minister, F. S. Carper had Carper's daughter Miriam Frey. Brotherhood work and leadership." a "day job" as a banker and strode "While Frank wrote the history of the Keener is asking persons who knew the few blocks to the church to put church in 1967, he understandably Carper to contribute a personal in a "second day." His abilities in said less about himself, his beliefs, reflection, if just a few paragraphs, commerce served him well in the and his convictions," Keener says. about a specific story, event, or administration of a growing congre- "It occurred to me that many encounter that reveals some aspect of Carper's style, life, and leadership. The goal is to assemble a collection Ohio Brethren named champion race car driver of the reflections to share with others. "Many will ti.ave several stories Race car driver Sam Hornish Jr., ac_tive member of the Poplar Ridge Church of about how Frank touched their lives, the Brethren, Defiance, Ohio, was named national champion of the Indy the qualities he brought to ministry, Racing League Northern Light Cup at the annual awards banquet in Fort and the acceptance of change that he Worth, Texas. On Oct. 6 Sam had completed the season with a thrilling three­ fostered at Palmyra. The key question car photo finish at the Chevy 500 Race that showed Sam the winner by just for those sharing a story is: What .0188 seconds. That victory was Sam's third of the season. have we learned from the example Sam, the son of Sam and JoEllen Hornish, is 22 and is part of the Hornish and life of Frank Carper that gives us family that goes back more than five generations in the Church of the Brethren. meaning and focus in our lives and He was raised in the Poplar Ridge congregation and baptized in 1988. Throughout for the Christian church today?" his teen years, Sam was active in the youth fellowship and still enjoys being in Send your stories on Carper to worship at Poplar Ridge whenever his schedule allows. Ron Keener at 975 E. Tyson Ct., "It is a joy to see this young man, who grew up as part of our church Gilbert, AZ 85296-5457 or e-mail family, excel in his field of skill," said Glen Whisler, Poplar [email protected]. Ridge pastor. "Even though he has gained worldwide fame, Sam has not lost any of the beliefs and values that he embraced growing up. We are very proud of him."

Brethren champion racer Sam Hornish Jr. with David Whisler on race day at Chicago/and Raceway. - INTOUCH

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Detroit's Trinity marks 50

Trinity Church of the Brethren, Detroit, Mich., cel­ ebrated its 50th anniversary Oct. 27-28 with the theme, "2001-A Faith Odyssey." Following a catered meal on Saturday evening, Gary Copenhaver presented the church's history in a multi­ media presentation interspersed with personal remembrances and musical selections. Jerry Stoner, a Brethren Volunteer Service Unit #247 had its orientation Jan. 20 to Feb. 8 at Camp lthiel in music minister in Iowa, pro­ Gotha, Fla. Volunteers are listed below with the work projects to which they have been assigned. duced a video for the Front row (I to r): Amy Moses from Washington, D. C. to Proyecto Libertad in Harlingen, Texas; Udo occasion featuring his origi­ Sommerhoff from Fohren, Germany, to Habitat for Humanity in Lancaster, Pa. ; Shalon Atwood from nal musical composition, Waterloo, Iowa, to Bridgeway in Lakewood, Colo.; Beth Shively from North Manchester, Ind. , to "Trinity," based on a poem Trees for Life in Wichita, Kan. ; Sonja Partikel from Berlin, Germany, to Samaritan House/ Cafe 458 in by Hubert Danner. Atlanta, Ga .; Cat Carpenter from Woodstock, Ill. , to Bread and Roses Catholic Worker House in The guest speaker for the Olympia, Wash. ; Kendra Flory from McPherson, Kan. , to Hopewell Inn in Mesopotamia, Ohio; Travis Sunday morning service Poling from Hagerstown, Md. , to Center on Conscience and War in Washington, D. C. was Dawn Ottoni Wilhelm, a Back ro w: Pete Dobberstein of Brookville, Ohio, to Gould Farm in Monterey, Mass. , and Ki/crann y former member of Trinity House in Coleraine, Northern Ireland; Hannes Birkhofer from Bielefeld, German y, to Tri-City who now teaches at Homeless Coalition in Fremont, Calif.; Daniel Bucker (staff). Bethany Theological Semi­ nary. Other clergy participating in the service were Theodore Taylor, cur­ Three 100-year-old bethtown, and West Green bined men's chorus-from the rent pastor; Wayne Boyd, daughters celebrated Tree. All three separated four congregations, directed former interim pastor; Tim amicably from Chiques in by Carolyn Fitzkee and David Binkley, a pastor sponsored The Chiques Church of the 1902 to form independent Willoughby. in theological training by Brethren, Manheim, Pa., in congregations. Today the four churches Trinity; Horace Huse, cur­ January hosted a centennial The service included a and congregations t hey later rent moderator; Paul service commemorating the hymn sing using songs from began total more than 2,200 Hoffman, pastor during the 100th anniversary of its three the 1901 Brethren Hymnal, a members. A second special formative years; and LoweH daughter congregations in drama written by Donald event w ill be held at Eliza­ Witkovsky, pastor during northwestern Lancaster Fitzkee and directed by Walt bethtown College's Leffler the 1980s.-Nancy Stoner County: East Fairview, Eliza- and Jean Moyer, and a com- Chapel in June.

II Messenger April 2002 Remembered 1968. In 1974 he became chaplain at the Fahrney­ Newton L. Poling, 87, a Keedy Memorial Home, retired pastor and a member Boonsboro, Md. He had four of the Hagerstown (Md.) children, eight grandchil­ Church of the Brethren, died dren, and two Feb. 16. After his graduation great-grandchildren. from Bethany Theological Norman W. Patrick, 93, a Seminary in 1941, he served member of the Hanoverdale a small rural church in the (Pa.) Church of the Brethren, died Feb. 25 in Landisville, mountains of Green County, Don Vermilyea's "Walk Across America" brought him to a Pa. He was ordained in 1939 Va., near Charlottesville. visit with some members of the Papago Buttes Church of the as a Church of the Brethren There he and his wife, Vir­ Brethren near Phoenix, Ariz., in mid-February. By the end of minister. He preached in the ginia, lived simply without February, Vermilyea was preparing to head into California and Big Swatara congregation plumbing or electricity and on toward San Diego. Don, in center of photo, is on a journey and was later elder-in­ he learned to butcher and to all Brethren congregations and institutions. He is being charge of the Hanoverdale rely on a large vegetable sponsored by the General Board's Brethren Witness and and Conewago congrega­ garden. Later he served the Brethren Volunteer Service offices. Summitt and Lebanon con­ tions in Pennsylvania. He gregations in Virginia, then was known for his evange­ moved to Maryland in 1948 listic preaching at revival to serve the Brownsville con­ services. He was married 73 Bridgewater builds volunteers had become car­ gregation. He became pastor years to Ester Firestone Habitat house penters, painters, sanders, of the Woodbridge, Va ., con­ Patrick. He had 3 children, and "go-fers." gregation in 1961, moved to 15 grandchildren, 29 great­ Some 200 people gathered at Ground was broken for the Scalp Level church, grandchildren, and a the Bridgewater (Va.) Church the house on Palm Sunday Windber, Pa., in 1966, and to great-great grandson. of the Brethren for a banquet 2001 and it was finished by the Carlisle, Pa., church in honoring the completion and September. All the needed dedication of a home the con­ funds had been collected, gregation built in cooperation including a $3,500 tithe (10 with Central Valley Habitat for percent extra), which was Humanity. Celebrating with donated toward an interna­ them was the Florenzia Paz tional Habitat house. Rojas family, happy owners Jim and Joyce Benedict, of the new home. co-chairs of the steering Under the direction of Bob committee, celebrated the Reeves, church member and fellowship the congregation building contractor, had experienced while working together to provide decent, affordable housing Habitat for Humanity house for a needy and deserving built by Bridgewater (Va.) family.-Ann Daggett Church of the Brethren. Messenger April 2002 • NEWS

Sweet calls upon churches to the popular culture around them. "The issue is understand changing culture to be in touch with the culture," according to Sweet, "but in tune with the Spirit." BRETHRENSPEAK If churches are to thrive in the 21st century, they He says the culture is hungering for authentic­ need to be relevant and open to a changing cul­ ity and relations~ip, something the church can 11 The issue is ture-one driven by images, experiences, and offer if it doesn't "sell out to normalcy." The participation. That message came through Anabaptist tradition has a certain "tribal identity" to be in touch repeatedly from theologian/author Leonard that can foster such connectedness and belong­ Sweet, keynote speaker for six sessions at this ing if it doesn't become too insular, he added. with the year's Anabaptist Evangelism Council. The event also included a pair of worship ser­ The event, held Feb. 15-17 near Chicago's vices: a Taize-style service led by General Board culture but in O'Hare International Airport, drew a record 175 Youth/Young Adult Ministry coordinator Chris participants. Nearly half of those came from the Douglas and this year's National Youth Confer­ tune with the Church of the Brethren, according to New Life ence coordinators, and a rhythm-filled Sunday Ministries-the inter-Anabaptist resourcing morning service led by Manchester College Spirit. " organization that sponsored the fifth annual campus ministry director Jim Chinworth and meeting. More than a half dozen other denomi­ Manchester College students and staff. - Leonard Sweet at this nations were also represented. The group spent Saturday evening at the year's Anabaptist Sweet described today's population in terms of Willow Creek Community Church in nearby Bar­ Evangelism Council "immigrants," those born before 1962, and rington, 111., attending an "AXIS" service geared "natives," those born after that date, as the key toward young adults and later discussing the min­ distinction in today's culture. "Words are an istry and its dynamics with Willow Creek leaders. immigrant's basic cultural currency," Sweet said. The 2003 Anabaptist Evangelism Council "For natives, it's the image . ... The screen is has been set for Feb. 14-16, again at the their stain-glassed window." Sheraton Gateway Suites near O'Hare. The message of Jesus doesn't change, Sweet Northern Baptist Theological Seminary emphasized, just the container it is poured in. professor Robert Webber will be the speaker, The Bible needs to continually become fresh focusing on worship. and new. At the same time, churches need to learn about and become more active in shaping

Keynote speaker Leonard Sweet provides an illustration on the differences between "immigrants" and "natives" in today's culture by comparing the shoe preferences of himself and National Youth Conference assistant coordinator David Young. Young is a member of the Pocahontas Church of the Brethren in West Virginia. Sweet spoke during six sessions at this year's Anabaptist Evangelism Council, held near O'Hare International Airport in Chicago. The annual event is sponsored by New Life Ministries.

II Messenger April 2002 Bowman and Miller top •Conference secretary: Peggy town, Pa ., and Carol A. Scheppard 2002 Conference ballot Reiff Miller of Milford, Ind., and of Mt. Crawford, Va. Fred Swartz of Manassas, Va. •Association of Brethren Care­ Annual Conference delegates will •Annual Conference Program and givers board (2 positions): Brian choose from a pair of ordained Arrangements Committee: Judy S. Black of Ephrata, Pa.; Heather Eastern US Brethren when they Epps of Runnells, Iowa, and L. Neff of Roaring Spring, Pa.; vote for a moderator-elect this Sherry Reese Vaught of Mans­ Katherine J. Ramsey Melhorn of summer in Louisville. field, Ohio. Wichita, Kan.; and Gene Yeazell of Christopher Bowman of Cur­ •General Board, at-large repre­ Orlando, Fla. ryville, Pa., pastor of the sentative: Frank Ramirez of •Pastoral Compensation and Bene­ Martinsburg Memorial congrega­ Elkhart, Ind., and Vickie Whitacre fits Advisory Committee, tion, and retired pastor Howard Samland of Edgewater, Colo. representing pastors: Manuel Miller of Westminster, Md., are (Manny) Diaz of McPherson, Kan., the two candidates on this year's •General Board, representing and John Huffaker of North Lib­ ballot, prepared by Standing Northern Plains District: Jeff erty, Iowa. Committee. Both have served in Neuman-Lee of Adel, Iowa, Christopher Bowman local, district, and denomina­ and Frances R. Townsend of •Committee on lnterchurch Rela­ tional leadership. Bowman is a Preston, Minn. tions: Doug Archer of New Paris, former chair of the General •General Board, representing Ind., and Michael L. Hostetter of Board and the redesign steering Oregon/Washington District: Roanoke, Va. committee. Miller served as Barbara Date of Eugene, Ore., The ballot process this year interim associate district execu­ and Janet Stutzman of represents a partial implementa­ tive in Mid-Atlantic District. Wenatchee, Wash. tion of the Process for Calling Candidates for other positions •General Board, representing Denominational Leadership are as follows: Pacific Southwest District: Janet L. statement adopted at the 2001 Ober of Upland, Calif., and Angela Annual Conference. The Nomi­ Lahman Yoder of Peoria, Ariz. nating Committee of Standing Committee creates a list of four •On Earth Peace Assembly Inc. names for each open position. In board: Connie R. Burkholder of past years, Standing Committee Ankeny, Iowa, and Phillip L. Jones Howard Miller didn't narrow down the final of Durham, N.C. ballot to two names per position •Brethren Benefit Trust board: until just before Conference. This Dale Minnich of Moundridge, year, Standing Committee mem­ Kan., and Harry S. Rhodes of bers received the initial ballots Roanoke, Va . by mail and returned their voted •Bethany Theological Seminary ballots in February to create the board, representing the final list. ministry: Marla Bieber Annual Conference will be held Abe of Akron, Ohio, and June 29-July 3 in Louisville, Ky. Alice Martin-Adkins of Full implementation of the provi­ sions in the Process for Calling •Bethany Theological Denominational Leadership state­ Seminary board, ment, including district election of representing the most General Board representa­ colleges: David tives, will take effect in the 2003 Eller of Elizabeth- balloting process.

Messenger April 200211 UPCOMINGEVENTS Youth Peace Travel Team an sion sites such as Garkida, saw EVN pro­ all-male group this year grams firsthand, hiked up two mountains, joined in Nigerian cultural events, spent a April 5-7 Bethany Theological This year's Youth Peace Travel Team will be few nights in Nigerian homes, and visited Seminary board meetings, an all-male group for the first time in the with Church of the Brethren and Mission- Richmond, Ind. program's 12-year history. Ben Kreider of 21 fraternal workers. Lawn, Pa.; Chris Palsgrove of New Wind­ The workcamp also sought to build rela­ April 6-11 Adult Christian sor, Md.; Carle Gaier of North Manchester, tionships between Christians from the Citizenship Seminar, "Peace­ Ind., and Daniel Radcliff of Elgin, 111., will Church of the Brethren, Mission-21, and making for Such a Time as This," form the 2002 team. EVN by visiting and interacting in EVN New York and Washington, D.C. They will travel to camps in the western churches, homes, markets, and schools. United States this year, plus a week at April 12-13 On Earth Peace National Youth Conference in Colorado. The board meetings, New Windsor, District executives examine tour is sponsored by Brethren Witness, the Md.; Evangelism Connections calling, role, partnerships Church of the Brethren Washington Office, training conference, Louisville, Ky. Brethren Volunteer Service, On Earth Peace, Thirty members of the denomination's April 12-14 Regional Youth and Outdoor Ministries Association. Council of District Executives gathered in Conference, Manchester Col­ Several previous teams have been all Daytona Beach, Fla., Feb. 2-6, for their lege, North Manchester, Ind. female, including the 2001 team of Katie annual winter meeting. They spent one full Best, Rachel L·ong, and Susan Chapman. day focusing on Bible study and prayerful April 14-16 Council of District discernment on the question "Where is Executives executive commit­ General Board workcamp God Leading Us in the Calling System?" tee meeting, Ashland, Ohio builds Nigeria relationships Additional time was given to exploring what it means to be "an organization April 18-21 Cross-Cultural Min­ Six members of the Church of the Brethren within the denomination" as determined istries Consultation, returned in mid-February after spending a by action of the 2001 Annual Conference. Germantown Church of the month in Nigeria for the General Board's Council members affirmed that district Brethren, Philadelphia annual workcamp in the African nation. staff work in "the arena where Annual Con­ They were joined there by four members of ference agencies and congregations April 20-21 Brethren Benefit Mission-21 (formerly Basel Mission)-a mis­ interface," and that district staff carry an Trust board meetings, Elgin, Ill.; sion partner based in Switzerland-and by important role of "spiritual influencers." Roundtable regional youth confer­ 13 members of the Ekklesiyar Yan'uwa a The Council also heard numerous reports ence, Bridgewater (Va.) College Nigeria (Church of the Brethren in Nigeria). and met with several denominational lead­ During the workcamp, participants con­ ers, looking at topics including medical April 21-May 2 Brethren Vol­ tinued construction of a girls dormitory at insurance for pastors and cooperative min­ unteer Service Unit 248, New the EVN Comprehensive Secondary School istries with the General Board. The group Windsor, Md. located near Mubi. Jeff Mummau of Eliza­ reaffirmed participation in the "District bethtown, Pa., the Church of the Brethrer.i Executive In Residence" program with April 26-27 Disaster Child Care coordinator for the workcamp, said tasks Bethany Theological Seminary. Level I volunteer training, Westmin­ included mixing cement; making, carrying, The Council's next regular meeting is ster (Md.) Church of the Brethren. and laying block; breaking rocks; and pour­ scheduled for June 27-29 in Louisville, Ky.; ing concrete. the executive committee of the Council will Participants also visited traditional mis- meet April 14-16 in Ashland, Ohio.

Dan McFadden, left, director of Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS), met with Ralf Ziegler, volunteer coordinator of the North Program of El RENE, at the General Offices in Elgin, Ill., in February. EIRENE, whose founders include the Church of the Brethren, facilitates overseas placements of German young adults who seek an alternative to their country's mandatory military service or domestic civil service. An average of 9 to 10 volunteers come to BVS through EIRENE each year. Ziegler visits roughly every other year to discuss the relationship between the organizations and visit El RENE volunteers in the United States. NEWS

Personnel moves of distributed education for been a member of the duct a new search for a long­ Bethany Theological Semi­ Bethany faculty since 1996, term appointment to the •Gene Hipskind, district exec­ nary, effective July 1. Ulrich serving as assistant profes­ associate dean position. utive minister of the Pacific will direct the launching and sor of New Testament Bethany is working at Southwest District, has initial development of the studies. He will resume his arrangements to offer a full announced his retirement seminary's distributed educa­ regular teaching responsibil­ complement of New Testa­ effective July 31. He has tion program, which is ities at the conclusion of the ment courses while Ulrich is served in the district since scheduled to begin in the three-year appointment, at in the associate dean posi­ September 1994. Hipskind and summer of 2003. He has which time Bethany will con- tion. his wife, Linda, plan to move to Boise, Idaho, to be near their grandchildren. •Daniel W. Ulrich has been appointed to a three-year term as associate dean and director

1. Central America. A pair of General Board Faith Expeditions headed abroad in January, with groups traveling to Honduras and Guatemala. The Honduras group

was a women's delegation, with par0 4. Arizona. Brethren Volunteer Ser­ tornado survivor's home as a coop­ ticipants living in communities in vice worker Don Vermilyea's "Walk erative effort with Mennonite the southern part of the country. In Across America" got off to a suc­ Disaster Service. Major storms rav­ Guatemala, the group focused on cessful start in the Southwest in aged the area late last year. care for creation and visiting February, beginning with a Sunday Another Emergency Disaster Fund Brethren-supported forestation pro­ at the Tucson Church of the grant made in February will pro­ jects and development initiatives. Brethren and continuing with stops vide another $5,000 to support Both groups traveled Jan. 8-17. at the Community Church Fellow­ recovery efforts. ship, Papago Buttes, and Circle of 2. Fincastle, Va. Four buildings at Peace congregations in the Phoenix 7. Democratic Republic of the Virlina District's Camp Bethel were area. Vermilyea was crossing into Congo. The General Board contin­ damaged as a result of breaking California by month's end. ued its support to the African and entering discovered Feb. 13, nation, where a volcano erupted according to a report from the dis­ 5. Nigeria. John Tubbs, the General near Goma in January. An Emer­ trict. A television and VCR were Board's mission co-coordinator in gency Disaster Fund grant will stolen. Those goods were later Nigeria, reported that to his provide $20,000 in additional aid to recovered at a pawn shop, but a knowledge no members of the assist lnterchurch Medical Assis­ second breaking and entering Ekklesiyar Yan'uwa a Nigeria tance Inc. with the costs of occurred the next week, with more (Church of the Brethren in Nigeria) emergency airlifted shipments of equipment stolen. were directly affected by the Jan. medical supplies to Goma. 27 explosions in the major city of 3. Florida. Forty people from 12 dis­ Lagos and the riots that followed. 8. Bayview, Va. The General tricts gathered at Camp lthiel in The panic after a major munitions Board's Global Food Crisis Fund Gotha, Fla., Feb. 7-10 for an event depot exploded. left more than sent a $25,000 allocation to titled "Coming to Life: The Way of 1,000 people dead and thousands Bayview Citizens for Social Justice Peace through the Spirit." The of others homeless, according to a in February. The funds will be retreat, led by 2002 Annual Confer­ United Nations report. used to help provide safe housing, ence moderator Paul Grout and On clean drinking water, and eco­ Earth Peace co-director Barb Sayler, 6. Cordell, Okla. The General nomic opportunites for focused on integrating peace as an Board's Emergency Response/Ser­ African-American families in the inward and outward discipline. vice Ministries office is rebuilding a impoverished community.

Messenger April 2002 • >- ~ -' ­ .D C: 0 j

Editor's note: Sue Halpern of ing Peace Project, a special and willing to let a stranger upstate New York writes a reg­ effort of On Earth Peace to into their midst during a very ular column in Mother Jones, a respond to the needs of the difficult and trying time. My national progressive magazine. Church of the Brethren as the column focuses on commu­ She wanted to explore the country is at war. Through his nity, and I found that the response of traditionally paci­ outreach to churches, Guynn congregation at Mack exempli­ fist communities to the events knew of at least five congrega­ fied all the good (and hard) of Sept. 11. She had heard that tions working on flag issues, things about a group of people some Church of the Brethren and put Halpern in touch with that takes seriously its rela­ congregations had been strug­ Mack Memorial Church of the tionship to each other, and to gling with the flag issue, so Brethren in Dayton, Ohio. its tradition." With permission found her way to Matt Guynn, Halpern writes: "The folks at from Mother Jones, Halpern's who is coordinator of the Seek- Mack were very welcoming article follows.

Ii Messenger April 2002 DIVIDED OVER THE FLAG, A CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN CONGREGATION STRUGGLES TO REGAIN ITS SENSE roken? OF UNITY

by Sue Halpern ment, talking about the American other, more complicated questions. flag. The country was nearly two The most fundamental was this: months into its war on terrorism, How could church members square n a spectacularly clear months that had brought, along their patriotism- their absolute sol­ Sunday in Dayton, with everything else, a discomfiting idarity with the victims of the Ohio-the same conflict into the solid stone build­ attacks, their families, the rescue Sunday, in fact, that ing at the frayed edge of Dayton's workers, and other Americans­ 9,200O people gathered in Lower urban center. with their pacifism, which is central Manhattan to memorialize their On its face, the dispute was about to their Christian identity? Like the relatives killed in the World Trade the flag: should it, or should it not, Quakers and the Mennonites, the Center attack- 23 members of the be displayed in the church, particu­ Church of the Brethren is a "historic Mack Memorial Church of the larly in the sanctuary. But the flag, peace church." For 300 years, since Brethren sat in the church base- ever a symbol, also represented the denomination was founded in

Messenger April 2002 provided more than 11,000 hours both a meal and communion, had of service. Brethren have also been to be postponed. sending tangible aid-about "Love feast represents a unity in $100,000- to Afghan refugees. In the body of our church, and we this war-as in those of the past, didn't want to falsely portray that," when many Brethren engaged in said Liz Bidgood Enders, explain­ alternative service-pacifism has ing the decision to delay the love not me.ant passive disengagement. feast until the community could The basement of Mack Memorial come together as one again. is standard-issue church basement: Months later, on the morning of gray linoleum on the floors, folding the Date Circle, the love feast was tables, metal chairs. On this partic­ still not on the calendar. "It's a ular Sunday the chairs were struggle not to want to rush things arranged in the kind of circle that and put this behind us," Liz Bid­ lets one chair be at its head. "We good Enders said when she took call this a Date Circle," explained the speaking chair. Then she Greg Bidgood Enders, who co-pas­ moved off it, and the chair tors the church with his wife, Liz. remained empty for a few minutes, [See accompanying article, "A and everyone sat in silence. Some circle for miracles."] The people in heads were bowed. Others were the circle listen quietly to the not. The idea is to pray on what the person in the speaking chair but person in the chair has said, and don't respond. The question we are then take the chair yourself, if you addressing today is, "Where have are so moved. you seen or felt brokenness, per_­ Helen Sutton stayed where she sonally or in the community, and was. An outspoken peace advocate where have you seen healing taking who had argued against the flag at place?" For his congregants this earlier meetings, she figured it was meant, more directly, Where do you time for others to have their say. stand on the matter of the flag? "When I look at the flag, I think of Europe, Brethren have not merely Weeks before, in the aftermath of our support of thug dictators and espoused pacifism-they have Sept. 11, someone had put an the years of sanctions against Cuba attempted to live by it, too. American flag in the front of the and Iraq," she said later. "But even A Brethren document entitled sanctuary. Though it wasn't so, I don't think I can insist that the "How Do We Live Out Our Faith?" unprecedented-the flag is typi­ flag can't be there any more than makes clear that pacifism is at the cally brought out on July Fourth anyone else can insist that it can." heart of their faith: "For many and Memorial Day-a number of And no one did insist. One by Brethren, how we live is as impor­ congregants, as well as the minis­ one congregants rose in silence, tant as what we believe. The reason ters, thought it was inappropriate. settled in the chair, and spoke from for this goes to the heart of our As a peace church, they believed that place where head meets heart. understanding of Jesus . ... As he that Mack Memorial should not be There was a member of the was in the world- reaching out to promoting nationalism. But church's Peace Witness Committee the sick, speaking peace to the another group of worshipers found whose non -Brethren son, a captain enemy, welcoming those at the solace in having the flag there. It in the Army, lost friends and col­ margins of society-so we seek to spoke to them of freedom and tol­ leagues in the Pentagon attack; she be in the world." This is liberation erance and solidarity. Between spoke in favor of displaying the theology of an older order, from those two positions was a chasm, flag. There was the church organist which good works and institution­ filling fast with rancor and misun­ who had buried two husbands, both alized compassion issue. Indeed, derstanding. Two families left the decorated war veterans, who spoke relief teams dispatched by the church in anger-one on each side against it. There was the former Brethren Service Center in Mary­ of the issue-and the congrega­ wife of a former Mack Memorial land were among the first aid tion's fall love feast, a Brethren minister who said, "Love and a lack workers to arrive in Manhattan tradition in which worshipers wash of alienation and being together are after the Twin Towers fell and have one another's feet before sharing more important than whether or

II Messenger April 2002 miraclesA CIRCLE FOR not we have an American flag in the up. Because we were attacked. sanctuary." There is a difference here." he technique used by the Round and round it went. The During the Vietnam War, Mack Mack Memorial church to conversation was circuitous and Memorial's ministers were active in resolve disagreements over inconclusive and yet, in a small and the antiwar movement in Dayton. the flag is the Date Discern- tangible way, appeared to be draw­ Later, in the 1980s, recalled Gay mentT Circle, developed in 198 7 by Church ing people closer, if only because Mercer, a member of the church of the Brethren Process Consultant Bar­ they didn't want to miss a word. for 34 of her 3 7 years, its pacifism bara Date of Eugene, Ore. It has been Liz Bidgood Enders moved back was strong enough to alienate a found to be an innovative and helpful pro­ into the speaking chair. Like her refugee family from Cuba that the cedure when intensive sharing and husband, Greg, she is 27 and newly congregation had sponsored- so compassionate understanding are needed. graduated from seminary. Mack much so that the family stopped Although it requires a skilled facilitator, Memorial is her first church. "I ask attending the church. Dayton Peace and should not be attempted without for your prayers to help me," she Action meets in the building, as do training because it is deceptively danger­ said. "When I worship with a flag the antiwar group Pledge of Resis­ ous, the format is simple. There are four in the sanctuary I tend to forget tance and the Committee to Save roles: 1. The Body of Listeners, who sit in that God is not only with Ameri­ the Iraqi People. Though the con­ the round. 2. The Speakers, who come up cans, but with all nations." gregation's demographics - urban to one of three chairs in the front and may Jim Fourman, who has been a and interracial- make it different say whatever they want on the subject at member of Mack Memorial for 50 from most Brethren churches, its hand. 3. The Special Listener, who sits in years, nearly twice as long as either credentials as a peace church are a chair facing the Speakers. 4. The Facili­ of its young pastors has been alive, unassailable. So it was significant tator, who walks around and intensively also took the chair. "If it wasn't for that when Liz and Greg Bidgood monitors the process so that each person the people who died for the flag, we Enders led an interfaith peace walk in the room can feel safe. The process wouldn't be here today," he said through Dayton five days after the may be used for any one of three objec­ simply. A Brethren all his life, attacks, just six members of their tives: education, healing, and early phase Fourman felt called to make a dis­ own congregation participated. problem -solving. tinction between current events and "This is a time when people feel Barbara Date has taught and used the conflicts of the recent past, like confused and torn in different Date Discernment Circle in many places, Vietnam and Korea, which he directions, and uncertain about including in Hawaii on the 50th anniver­ opposed. "We should have the flag what will happen," said Liz Bid- sary of Pearl Harbor. It included participants from Japan, Native Hawai­ ians, and Americans. Symbols team It has also been used at members David Annual Conference during Bannerman, Carol discussion of hot topics, by Gardner, Elaine numerous congregations, Stauffer, Nancy Faus, by the Ministry of Recon - Sally Grant, and Liz ciliation Conference Bidgood Enders. following the Rodney King incident in Los Angeles, and in a large school dis­ trict in the middle .of a teachers strike, among others. "When it is facilitated, it always works," says Date. "Miracles happen." For more information, Barbara Date may be con - tacted by e-mail at [email protected]. ..Cl a:'"0

Messenger April 200211 good Enders. "The flag is very tan­ dren worship there too. countries that are a part of the gible. How to show your faith is Still, dissonance can carry a tune United Nations. 2. Display flags of much more difficult. A lot of people of its own. That morning the Date all countries where the Church of are struggling right now with what Circle ended with a hymn called the Brethren has a presence. 3. Dis­ it means to be Brethren." "Healer of our every ill." "Give us play flags representing ancestry of And not just in her church. strength to love each other," sang all the members of Mack Memorial. According to the General Board's the ones in favor of displaying the The committee set March 3 as Oct. 12 Newsline, "Annual Confer­ flag. "Give us strength to love each the date for choosing one of the ence statements say that 'all war is other," they sang with the ones options. But after many new ques­ sin,' but some have found that hard opposed. They were loud, and a tions emerged during a peaceful to accept in present circum­ little ragged, but anyone passing by discussion that day, the congrega­ stances." A few members, Newsline would have said for sure that they tion returned the options to the noted, have followed the lead of were trying hard to sing in unison. symbols team, asking it to clarify prominent Quaker and NPR host the choices for a decision rr.l Scott Simon in "rethinking or Sequel: The Mack Memorial con­ to be made later. i6i renouncing their peace position." gregation appointed a "symbols That, so far, has not come up at team" to make a recommendation Mack Memorial, where patriotism, on display of the flag. The commit­ This arti cl e orig ina lly app ea re d in the Jan .-Feb. issue of Mother Jones magazine and is reprint ed more than pacifism, is driving a tee presented three options: with pe rm ission. It is copyrig hted 2002 by The wedge into what had been common 1. Display the American flag alone Foundation for National Progress, the magazine's ground. "Mack Memorial's struggle or in conjunction with flags from all pare nt org aniza tion. over the flag is not uncommon right now," said Matt Guynn, director of Seeking Peace, a Brethren project created by On Earth Peace specifi­ cally to help churches respond to the events of Sept. 11 and their after­ math. "But its carefulness and thoughtfulness in dealing with the process is special. They are following Brethren tradition of acknowledging and working through the tensions and not just going about their daily lives like nothing is happening." Even in more settled times, unity among a congregation of 144 souls can be elusive. "How do we expect to have peace in the world if we can't have peace here?" asked Katey Brock, who has worshiped at Mack Memorial since 1954 and whose daughters and grandchil- L1v1NG 1N TENs10N BETWEEN church and state A review of Patriotism and Faith, by David R. Miller

by Julie Garber make annual religious offer­ of loyalty to home and coun­ What made it possible for .. ings to the emperor in the try are natural, even for Brethren to resist the moral s so often hap­ way other citizens and aliens Christians. And he also authority and punitive power pens, an attack under Rome's realm did. As acknowledges that the con - of the state was not a broad to divide and it was, such offerings were stitutional separation of appeal to everyone, but a conquer the withheld by Christians, religion and state affords strikingly narrow identifica­ A because they violated the Brethren the luxury of reli­ tion with a small band of enemy only serves to solidify its resolve. Instead of undo­ commandment to worship gious freedom and loyal disciples devoted to Christ. ing America, the attacks on only one God." citizenship, but he reminds "While the nation- ours the Pentagon and the World Brethren are faced with the us of "the coolness of the and others- is a real and Trade Center in September same dilemma. Miller points early church toward Rome. undeniable social fact, the concretized dormant feelings to Dan West's sermon to the Like the first Christians in church of Jesus Christ points of patriotism in millions of Brethren on the occasion of Rome, we are morally oblig­ to something that Christians Americans and unleashed a our 250th anniversary, in ated to contribute to the believe is even more real and devastating retaliatory strike which West observes: welfare of the place where we more universal. Right now it is against Afghanistan. "Brethren always live under live and to offer care to our not clear to the American Many Brethren have tension. The more we try to neighbors, but a faithful church how the compelling ambivalent feelings about the live our doctrines in the church will teach its mem - loyalties of national and events of Sept. 11 and the modern world, the more the hers to withhold something American Dream dimini~h our response of the US govern­ tensions increase and the of themselves in terms of commitment to Christ and ment. In an essay for the heavier they become .... national loyalty." our life in God's Spirit. To see Perspective Series, David R. One of the greatest tensions Choosing a principal loy­ more clearly, we will need to Miller, pastor of First Church for Christians everywhere alty to God and Jesus Christ name those things that claim of the Brethren, Roanoke, comes out of the relation first is not popular these so much of our lives." Va., sorts through the com­ between church and state." days; it's barely tolerated. The claims Miller goes on peting claims for our hearts Miller confesses that "this But Miller recounts how the to name are modest, but sur­ and minds and renders an is a remarkable insight, yet original Brethren "were rendering them may be opinion on how the Brethren one laced with regret for impressed by the experience difficult in the current cli­ may hold patriotism and faith many Brethren today. If we of the primitive church, mate. This is the "ultimate together in one hand. feel this tension, we have to which enjoyed no official tension that results when we Early Christians whose ask whether it's because we relationship with caesars and live our faith in the modern faith was illegal, Miller are fulfilling our vocation as empires. They did not expect world." In the end, "We are writes, "maintained a rela­ witnesses of Christ's gospel, this church to attract called, I think, to·be more like tively cool attitude toward or because tension more crowds. They did not imag­ those New Testament Chris­ the state. They kept a spiri­ accurately arises from our ine a universal fellowship . tians who, by their living in tual and political distance conformity to the compul­ They reminded one another, the communities to which from Roman government. To sions of an economy that in the words of Alexander they were called, were the be sure, their lack of legal entices us to strive for more Mack's hymn, to 'count well first seeds and signs that a standing was part of that and more. Or, more recently, the cost,' for a time would new world was coming here." is it due to the new political come when each one would distancing. But Christians Patriotism and Faith, a new publication realities of our world subse­ could have made things be required to 'risk your rep­ in the Perspective series, is available from much easier for themselves quent to Sept. 11, 2001 ?" utation, your self, your Brethren Press at www.brethren­ had they simply agreed to Miller grants that feelings wealth, for Christ the Lord.' press.com or by ca lling 800-441-3712.

Messenger April 2002 God's creation more attent

by David Radcliff

For whatever else Sept. 11 did, it got our attention. That fateful morning shook us awake to people and places THAT GOD'S and dynamics in our world of which until then we had barely been aware. Since that time we have been focused HOPE IN US AS on addressing the many issues that day brought to light. Our government is embarking with vigor on its pursuit of the perpetrators, while others of us are TRUSTED just as fervently exploring other paths toward peace and security. It is regrettable that it often takes a KEEPERS OF calamity to focus our energies and resources on areas of concern or need, even though in many cases our atten - THIS PRECIOUS tion may already have been urgently required. When a family member becomes ill with an untreatable dis ­ ease, we suddenly rally behind more GARDEN WAS research for that malady. When a scandal uncovers unscrupulous busi­ ness practices, we press for new laws HOPE WELL to "clean up the industry." It is more difficult, howev~r, to muster momentum for change for a PLACED." serious problem when its effects are incremental or in some way hidden from view, or when we perceive it not to be in our immediate interest to con­ front the situation. Stepped-up airport security had long been called for prior to Sept. 11, but was delayed out of fear of driving away passengers.

II Messenger April 2002 deserves ion. We need ♦ ♦ ♦

Smokers' bodies slowly adapt to the ing extinct each day- even immediacy of self interest to look for poisons being introduced into their though we may have already lost the one the greater good over the longer term. system so that there seems to be less that held the key to curing a dreaded dis ­ We are concerned not only with the urgency in changing their behavior­ ease. It hasn't really concerned us that 10 exploitation of earth's beauty, but live at least until the first spot shows up on percent of the world's grain is being by God's decree that we till and keep the lungs. Don't we have some of this grown by drawing down water tables; or this garden we have been given (Gen. same hesitance when it comes to that in the US four billion pounds of toxic 22: 15). And we are able to stand back facing health threats to our planet? pollutants such as mercury and lead are from the creation as God did, calling it I would hate to think what an x-ray released into the environment annually by "good" and of value in its own right. of the "lungs" of our planet might mining operations; or that every year in In the accompanying article by Carol reveal. Every year, humans pump this country we "develop" another Lena Miller, we learn of the efforts of another seven billion tons of carbon 400,000 acres of wooded area or farm­ people who of necessity are working to dioxide into the atmosphere, more than land; or that 70 percent of us can no live more sustainably with God's earth. three times what the planet can health­ longer see the Milky Way in the night sky. They have no other choice if they wish to ily absorb. Meanwhile, we're cutting We either don't notice things or we be healthy and have enough to eat. The down the world's forests at the rate of don't see it in our interest to address Church of the Brethren is lending sup­ an acre a second, inhibiting the ability them. Otherwise, we wouldn't each be port to them in their struggle to survive. of the ecosystem to cleanse itself. The driving our bigger cars for more miles We also notice that there are other resulting accumulated pollution is (8,000 miles per person per year) than benefits of their actions: a closer sense slowly beginning to warm the planet. ever before, or consuming our weight of community, greater harmony with The repercussions thus far fall short in material goods every day. We cer­ life's daily cycles, the opportunity to of startling. Sea levels have started to tainly haven't had a Sept. 11-style experience God's grandeur as it is inch up due to melting polar ice and wake-up call to incite us to give God's manifested in a star-filled sky. warmer water's greater mass, but it's earth the attention it deserves. Let's hope it won't take a calamity to nothing like the 15 -foot rise that will Nor should we wish for such an awaken us to the crisis facing God's occur if Greenland melts away. Storms event. Who could wish for a devastat­ earth. Let's hope we will recognize the are increasing in force and frequency, ing disease outbreak caused by many warning signs now before us and but thus far have had their primary environmental toxins or drying up of take up our role as stewards witl). passion impact on the people of places like the world's aquifers, or a string of and perseverance. Let's hope no future Central America and Bangladesh. weather disasters in heavily populated generation will look back at our time and Malaria-carrying mosquitoes have not areas of North America (Can we still say, "How did they not see this coming?!" found North America quite warm call them "natural" disasters?). Let's pray that God's hope in us as enough for their blood- yet. We shouldn't need such events- at trusted keepers of this precious m Other ecological problem areas are least not those of us who worship God garden was hope well-placed. i6ii likewise just beneath our radar screen. the creator and follow Christ the We still aren't too troubled that dozens of redeemer of all creation. We have been David Radcliff is director of Brethren Witness for the species of plants and animals are becom- given the gift of seeing beyond the Church of the Brethren General Board.

Messenger A pril 2002 11 In Chanchikiat, Guatemala, Francesca, left, with her mother, Juana, extols the health benefits of her new stove. The Global Food Crisis Fund assists dozens of Guatemalan families in acquiring wood-conserving lung-saving adobe stoves each year.

Poverty an

"A WOMAN SMILED GRATEFULLY WHILE DESCRIBING

THE MORE THAN DOUBLE-EFFICIENCY OF HER NEW

WOOD STOVE COMPARED TO THE OPEN FIRE SHE

USED PREVIOUSLY FOR COOKING. SHE ALSO

DESCRIBED HOW HER COUGH HAS SUBSIDED, AND

HER SKIN AND EYES DO NOT BURN."

Ill Messenger April 2002 e in Guatemala

culture. I discovered that even people, places, events, sounds, and by Carol Lena Miller though I thought I knew a lot about sights that rocked our usual under­ living conditions in undeveloped standing of people and the way we On Jan. 8 I embarked on a 10-day countries, I was shocked by the real­ live in connection to each other and adventure to Guatemala as a member ity of life on the edge. to the earth. of a six-person Church of the We flew into Guatemala City and This region is arid, with a rainy Brethren Faith Expedition, sponsored were greeted at the airport by season from June through September by the Brethren Witness Office of the BVSer Todd Bauer, who is sup­ and dry sunshine the remaining General Board. This office actively ported by the Global Mission months of each year. So in early Jan­ works on peace and justice issues Partnerships office and is working uary the roads were dry dustbeds of around the world, and sponsors these with the projects we would visit. rocky soil and deep ruts. We traveled trips as opportunities to broaden par­ During our one night in the city, we in our van, in the back of a native's ticipants' vision and understanding of began to see evidence of the third­ pickup truck, and by foot .. . and we world conditions, both humanitarian world nature of.this place: no pure quickly realized that our motorized and environmental. water in any tap, outstretched hands transportation was a luxury. The Guatemala trip was an educa­ of unchaperoned little children on The people here walk everywhere tional eco-justice tour dealing the streets, a small boy pushing a they need to go, carrying on their primarily with issues of poverty and very large loaded wheelbarrow backs children, or wood, or sacl

Messenger April 2002111 ~ "' a."'· iii' BVSer Todd Bauer, who is 8: .=:: supported in his work by the General Board's Global Mission Partnerships office, is one year into his assignment with the Pastoral Social Office of the Catholic church in lxtahuacan, Guatemala. He works with reforestation programs, the stove and cistern pro;ects, and sustainable agriculture.

"THEY TALK OF THE HOPE tainside, perhaps miles from the nearest road. Upon every piece of dirt some­ THAT THE COMMUNITY thing is planted, typically corn used to make thick moist tortillas (their daily sustenance), or coffee for COOPERATIVE BRINGS, market. We wondered how the farmer and his family possibly kept balance on the extremely steep par­ cella to plant and tend the crop, and THE HOPE Of THEIR how this situation is akin to their perilous balance of life. SCHOOLS, THE HOPE OF Despite the obvious poverty, I saw much joy and reason for hope. I saw a 14-year-old Mayan girl weaving her YOUNG ADULTS own skirt, and I saw a young woman balance a large basket of young turkeys on her head, on her way to market. I RETURNING HOME AFTER saw a woman smile gratefully while describing the more than double-effi­ ciency of her new wood stove COLLEGE, THE HOPE TO compared to the open fire she used previously for cooking. She also described how her cough has subsided, CREATE A GLIMPSE OF and her skin and eyes do not burn. I saw another young mother who was afraid to use the clean water in her THE KINGDOM OF GOD new concrete cistern, worried it would not last until the rains come again. The cisterns and stoves are built in a part­ ON EARTH." nership between our Global Food Crisis Fund and the Pastoral Social Office of the Catholic Church. I saw a small nursery with hun­ dreds of hopeful seedling trees that will be taken to farmers for refor­ estation projects, a cooperative effort by Pastoral Social and the Church of the Brethren's "If a Tree Falls .. . " program. I saw a sudden patch of

Ii Messenger April 2002 lively green tomato and chili plants the Lachua Laguna, a large lake in on a terraced steep hillside, the prod­ the center of the park accessible only uct of a sustainable farming by walking 2.5 miles, we even caught education project. I saw a people a glimpse of the sabalo fish, a dark who are strong beyond belief. shark-like species known to exist After Ixtahuacan we visited the only in that lake. We ate dinner with northern rainforest region of the Carlos, the park ranger who lives country for a few days, and here we alone 22 days of the month at the met the people of the returned refugee lake. We ate avocados, beans, community of Santa Maria. The bananas, and peanuts by candlelight people recently returned from Mexico in Carlos' hut, and chatted easily after fleeing their village during the about the rainforest habitat. Scorched Earth campaign of the late At the end of each day I felt over­ 1980s, when government troops whelmed and exhausted, yet yearning burned villages, crops, and livestock, to learn and understand more. But I and executed any Mayan people they began to miss basic amenities- clean could find. Exiled for 12 years, the tap water, showers, electric lights, people have returned to rebuild their telephones, indoor bathrooms, food homes, community, and lives. other than beans and eggs. Now that They talk of the hope that the com - I'm home, I feel immense gratitude, munity cooperative brings, the hope and humility. of their primary and secondary I am humbled by the excess in my schools, the hope of young adults life, and I miss some aspects of the who are returning home after a col­ Guatemalan way of life. I miss The "If a Tree Falls" program of the lege education, the hope to create a people who greet strangers with General Board is supporting this nursery, glimpse of the kingdom of God on smiles, and I miss the simple rhythm which will provide 25,000 forest and fruit earth by working together on sus­ of waking and sleeping with the trees each year for reforestation, tainable projects. We met a young rising and setting of the sun. My life firewood, and food production. For more couple from Charlottesville, Va., who condition here in the US is beyond information about the program, contact just began a six-month volunteer comfortable, and I wonder how the Brethren Witness office at (800) 323- assignment as accompaniers in this much of a rainforest's goodness I use 8039, ext. 228. little village; their simple presence haphazardly in my daily discon­ will hopefully protect the people nected routine of consumption. I from further human rights violations. wonder how much I will care in a few BVSer Ali Durbin, our guide for this weeks or months. I write so part of our trip, once served as an that, perhaps, I will remember. accompanier here as well.

We hiked into a small protected Carol Lena Miller of Roano ke, Va., ha s recently rainforest, home to howler monkeys, begun as vol untee r prog ram assistan t in the area jaguars, and rare mahogany trees. In of care for creation in the Brethren Witness office.

Messenger April 200211 Deacons Continue to Extend Christ's love

Deacon Ministry has always emphasized caring for the spiritual and physical well-being of members. Today, deacons carry out this important service

by fulfilling four functions r~

_A~ ~vocacy and ~upport Ministry :i. · :·~,_ Discipleship and Hospitality Mi~Jsir[ c~:._ Health and Healing Ministry Unity and Reconciliation Ministry

Deacons can call on the Denominational Deacon Ministry of the Association of Brethren Caregivers for trainfog opportunities, study materials, practical tools and news about deacon activities at other congregations.

Association of Brethren Caregivers 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120 (847) 742-5100, Fax (847) 142-5160 www.brethren.org/abc/ REMEMBERED t y~:!€-~~1:!~tf.~f o\~~~~rship by S. Loren Bowman ning in 1952. This gave him an opportunity to test his sense of a growing conviction about the positive values of the s a teenager Raymond Peters observed the poten­ cooperative effort in the mainline churches. His personal tial power of organizations to achieve their goals goals then took Raymond to the local church scene where he A of shaping the future. He promptly tested the served as pastor of the Mack Memorial congregation in the assumption as a schoolteacher and part-time pastor. late 1950s and the Manchester congregation in the mid- Rapidly the conviction emerged to focus his career toward 1960s. He retired in 1970. the official structures of the church. The goal became a During the years after leaving the general secretary's reality as Raymond became a staff member, an administra­ office, including his retirement, the denomination would tor, a pastor, and a board member of denominational not let him take it easy. Once more Raymond became heav­ agencies. The full scope of his career is detailed in his auto­ ily involved in the structures where he felt at home and biography, From Foothills to Mountaintops . He died Nov. 2 experienced a sense of delight. He gave his energy as a at the age of 95. General Board member, as a member of various commit­ Raymond's initial appearance on the denominational scene tees, and as Annual Conference moderator in 196 7. He also provides a key to his goals and his approach to leadership. played a key role in emerging ministries such as the retire­ He was sensitive to emerging needs in the life of the church ment homes and the Association of Brethren Caregivers. as sociological and demographic changes occurred among What are the qualities of leadership that repeatedly called the Brethren. He responded by getting involved in the camp­ Raymond back to different roles in the denominational struc­ ing movement in the 1930s. Raymond had a certain pride of tures? His active leadership covered more than four decades bearing as a Virginian and a Peters, but he demonstrated his in the life of the church. It was my privilege to work with him accessibility and was known as "Pete" in camping circles. on Christian education projects, as a staff member when he It was on to the national staff as youth director in 1940, and was on the board, and as general secretary when he was in keeping with his goal of investing defined amounts of time board chair. In retirement we shared a growing friendship as in a given assignment, he moved quickly to head the Christian we pondered the future of the Church of the Brethren. Education Board, one of five national boards. He saw the need The varied roles Raymond was called to fill indicate a for greater joint planning among the independent boards and wide range of leadership qualities. I will enumerate three of his conciliatory spirit helped create the Council of Boards, them which are needed by leaders in any era: which he chaired. This inter-agency cooperation eased the • Personal integrity stands out as the basic quality and is transition to the soon-created unified General Brotherhood the key that supports the other gifts a leader brings to the Board, with Raymond chosen as the first general secretary of job. Constituent trust in the intentions of the leader opens the denomination in 194 7, serv­ the door for advancement toward mutually accepted goals. ing there until 1952. Although That Raymond was widely trusted by the church was evi­ all was going well, Raymond denced in the repeated demands for his leadership. stayed with his plan to • Able conciliator names the role Raymond preferred in move on after a specific resolving organizational issues. Dialog was encouraged as the time in a given area. road to possible consensus. On occasion he was criticized for The next time block not indicating clearly where he stood. However, in the debate was invested in the on the controversial issue of membership in the National ecumenical movement Council of Churches, he strongly urged the church to take the as the executive secre­ ecumenical road. He did take a position on key issues. tary of the Greater • Inveterate planner shows up in Raymond's emphasis Church Federation of upon goal setting, in reaching out to involve new p~rsons in Dayton, Ohio, begin- the church's ministry, and in his awareness of the need for creating of new or revised ministries or agencies. Raymond believed church structures could be beneficent when true to their purpose. He chose these structures for his lifetime engagement. The denomination responded with affirmation, continuing to turn to him to take on key assign - ments. He found fulfillment in leading the church down new paths and pushing the boundaries to new visions.

S. Loren Bowman was a member of the denominational staff as executive secre­ tary of the Ch ristian Education Commission from 1958 to 1968. He became general secretary in 1968, serving until 1977. He resides in La Verne, Calif.

Messenger April 2002111 In the past year, your gifts pro­ LETTERS vided food and hope to God's children around the world. 66 While Brethren espouse the priest Honduras (livestock projects)+ a way that strengthens and grows the Sudan (support for schools and emer­ gency food relief) ♦ North Korea much to relieve the pastor of (emergency food relief)+ El Salvador (women's development projects)+ Nicaragua (agricultural projects)+ Bu_sh's visit to New Windsor protesting the war and wanting to get Dominican Republic (micro-loan ini­ our message of peace across were I read the article in our local news­ tiative)+ Inner Mongolia (emergency pushed away behind police tape on paper about the Brethren Service food relief)+ Goshen, Ind. (assistance Church of the Brethren property. They Center hosting President Bush. I to low-income workers) ♦ Pomona/ turned the other cheek and went the Inland Valley, Calif. (nutrition, help usually save articles about the second mile. But who was their and homelessness) ♦ Afghanistan Church of the Brethren, but not this enemy? They should have been (emergency food relief) one. I was dismayed that this would allowed to hold their peace vigil any­ get the message out that this his­ where on the property. They were Help us continue to reach out toric peace church had suddenly causing no trouble except in the emo­ in Christ's name to our hungry done an about face and now sup­ tions of those who glory in US power, ported the terrorism being pounded neighbors. Giv~til it helps! revenge, and violence. I saw a friend on Afghanistan. of mine in the picture of the peace Then when I read the MESSENGER protesters and felt a deep sadness to article [Jan.-Feb_] I became angry that what was done to them on the prop­ this was done for publicity-"to let erty of this historic peace church. the world know." My anger turned to Sue Vanderveer Global Food Crisis Fund sadness as I read further and learned W il li amsport. Md. Church of the Brethren General Board that our own people who were Manor Church of the Brethren 800 323-8039 ext 228 or 229

ELDERHOSTEL located at the lovely, historic Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, MD. Many ... is coming to the New fond memories are formed here among Windsor Conference Center at the beauty and peace of these 26 acres. the Brethren Service Center, May 19-24, 2002. As a Volunteer Hostess or Host, you will have the opportunity to share in this ministry by helping to provide Christian hospitality and conference services to our guests in Learn about Amish lifestyle a cozy and homey atmosphere. You will experience the rewards of service as you & culture. Experience a field interact with groups and individuals and witness the true meaning of our motto: "A Quiet trip to an Amish Homestead Place to Get Things Done." including dinner with "the plain folk". Additional program On days off, an added benefit is our convenient access to Baltimore, MD, Lancaster, PA, on Appalachia plus dulcimer Washington, DC and other interesting places with opportunities for cultural, recreational playing & folk dancing. and religious activities. Numerous Brethren churches are available in the area. Presented by authors who taught courses at Ohio State. We provide a furnished apartment and meals along with a small stipend. You'll need to bring maturity, detail orientation, an outgoing personality and genuine interest in providing For more information or to excellent customer service. Come join us for a week, a month or longer, if you'd like. enroll: call toll free, 877-426- Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis. A few opportunities are still available for 8056; TTY hearing impaired, this year. For more information, call or write Elaine Hyde, Conference Coordinator, 877-426-2167; or visit the web PO Box 188, New Windsor, MD 21776-0188; 1-800-766-1553 (toll-free). site at www.elderhostel.org.

Iii Messenger April 2002 100d of all believers, seldom is it truly implemented in ;hurch. Adopting a lay-driven pastors ministry could do ninistry that can and should be done by parishioners.''

Lay leaders can help pastors

A theme of the "Pastor care" article [Jan.-Feb.] is one of enduring- finding the strength to keep going in ministry, not quitting, not bailing out, finding the "wherewithal" in the leading of a con­ gregation, especially when it doesn't want to be led. The article prompted me to secure the Healthy Pastor-Healthy Church booklet by Joan Hershey and Steve Clapp published by New Life Ministries. It ought to be in the hands of every Si111ple wisdo111 £ro111 pastor and church board member, for it AnnaMow could make a difference in insuring a healthy ministry and healthy pastoral Anna Mow's wisdom is simple and family for churches everywhere, if its timeless. She speaks to all people, young, advice is followed. One of the best audio tapes pastors old, or someplace in between. These and boards can secure on this topic is short, faith-filled sketches will inspire Bill Hybels' "Developing an Enduring readers to live fully in their relationship Spirit" that he delivered to a pastors with God and with one another. conference (LS9710) of the Willow Creek Association. He speaks about the chal­ Two or Ninety-Two is a deiightful gift for marking life's many passages. lenges, and the solutions, to the ~ sustainability of ministry under the stresses of today. 1451 Dundee Avenue, Elgin, IL 60120-1694 phone 800-441-3712 fax 800-667-8188 f~ While Brethren espouse the priesthood e-mail [email protected] Brethren Press of all believers, seldom is it truly imple-

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Don't put your eggs TheworkerentrustedwithasingletalentinMatthew25 • b 1~ t learned this the hard way. He buried his talent because he ID one as.Ke . feared losing it. In the end, he had no gains to show for his investment decision. The safekeeping of congregational funds is primary for most church stewards.And yet, placing all your congregation's assets in shorter-term instruments may result in sacrificing long-term gains that could strengthen the ministry of your church.

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Messenger April 2002. The committee on lnterchurch Relations LETTERS Ecumenical Luncheon

Annual conference, Louisville mented in a way that strengthens and Tuesday, July 2-12:00 noon grows the church. Adopting a lay-driven pastors ministry could do much to relieve the pastor of ministry that can and should "The Ecumenical be done by parishioners. Look at Mel Decade to overcome Violence. Steinbron's books, Can the Pastor Do It contributions from the Historic Peace Alone? and The Lay-Driven Church: How to Empower the People in Your Church to Churches" Share the Tasks of Ministry. The annual conference of Lay Pastors Ministry Inc. is in Chambersburg, Pa., this Fernando Enns April 12-14 [www.laypastors.com] and The man who ignited the world council Atlantic Northeast district executive Craig of Churches· assembly with his appeal for Smith is on the organization's board. a Decade to overcome Violence Finally, the more distressing confir­ mation of the article is the low value placed on the role of evangelism for Also, presentation of the 2002 Ecumenical Award Brethren, and what seems like an excus­ ing of that low interest among pastors. In the accompanying article, Paul Grout Tickets available through the Annual conference Office rightly draws a distinction between 1-800-323-8039 or at www.brethren.org evangelism and discipleship, but God Limited seating! must surely be saying to us: "What part of go don't you understand?" Brethren seem to be much too inter-

Iii Messenger April 2002 Are you seeking the ested in perfecting our servanthood wayof and discipleship than we are in extend­ ing the hand of fellowship and the saving word of Christ. peace? Ronald E. Keener Gilbert, Arizona Perspectives Grandpa Davy's wisdom Peace: God's Infinite Justice I am writing in response to Edward by Virginia Wiles Huber's letter supporting military retali­ Patriotism and Faith ation against the terrorist network and by David R. Miller Afghanistan [Jan.-Feb.]. My great-great-great-great grandfa­ Understanding Islam ther, Elder Henry Dorsey Davy by David Metzler (1811-1895), was once confronted by a US congressman on the doctrine of Perspectives is a series of essays cm faith issues nonresistance. that Jace Christians today and is designed to fos­ ter personal reflection and graup discusswn. The congressman said, "If everybody was like your people, we could have no $2.50 per copy. country, because foreign nations would ~ New from Brethren Press, come over here with armies and destroy Brethren Press us." Elder Davy responded, "My dear 1451 Dundee Avenue, Elgin, IL 60120-1694 sir, can't you see further than that? If phone 800-441 -3712 fa x 800-667-8188 everybody believed as we do, there e-mail [email protected] would be no armies, nor fighting." To Grandpa Davy's thoughts I add this: if our captains of industry and our national leaders of both parties were truly ·:-:• '~, Puzzled... Q motivated by Christlike love, Sept. 11, ..,_~bout where God's call might be leading you? · ·· 2001, would be only remembered as an ordinary day in the life of the republic. No Bethany Seminary's Discernment Events 1 terrorist attack would have taken place. , can help you piece it together. .-) Tom Wagner Whitehall, Michigan \..~ JUNIOP.S & SENIORS :;....J Theology of disobedience sc\-\OOL r call ..• fOR \-\\G\-\ Exploring you xner,ence ,;... '--·, As I was studying Romans 13 concern­ 5 urnrner e t' 5 .. ; C: ing being obedient to government, God p.. ~ 2 da'/ . Ju\'/ 25 - p..ug. <✓. - 1:-. ·. .., , ...., 1 reminded me of Moses defying 2002 dates. ½-~ ?~ ~ Pharaoh, Elijah defying Ahab, Daniel ~0 Yo defying Darius, the three Hebrews defy­

Messenger April 2002 Ill LETTERS

their incomes below the tax level. The church should be proud enough of any such actions that we understand better than Paul did. Our theology explains we must obey God rather than man. I challenge theologians to deal with Romans 13 as Christ would, so the church accepts disobedience to govern­ ment and a higher obedience to God. Dean Kindy North Manchester, Ind.

Another take on 'the only way•

Allen Hansel l's "The other side of the 'only way"' [December] is a valued con­ tribution to an important concern among Christians. He is right to observe that "the 'only way' language can negate the gospel of love upon which we stand." His opening citation from Acts 4:11- 12, quoting Petersen's The Message, might well underscore the "we" in "no other name .. . by which we can be saved"- reminding us that the "we" implies "we Christians." It was good to be reminded of There's an easier way to share Messenger with a friend Introduce MESSENGER at half the price! First-time subscribers can get a full year of MESSENGER for just $6.75, less than 62 cents an issue.*

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• Messenger April 2002 TOURS IN William Beahm's observations about the 2002: world's religions. My recollection from E:u rope and More Bethany Seminary is that Dr. Beahm's EUROPEAN HERITAGE TOURS:...... JULY 12-29 IRELAND: ...... SEPTEMBER 20 - OCTOBER 1 statements reflected his experience of SPECTACULAR SCANDINAVIA AND ITS FJORDS: ...... JUNE 17 - JULY 1 being a missionary in Nigeria. The lan­ SWISS FLACIER EXPRESS: ...... AUGUST 12-26 guage of coercion was not helpful. In SWISS-VOLHYNIAN MENNONITE HERITAGE TOUR: . SEPTEMBER 18 - OCTOBER 3 dealing with neighbors with differing Far E:ast faiths, our Christian claims about "best" VIETNAM: ...... NOVEMBER 6-24 and "better" need to grow out of an CALL North America understanding of the positive values of ALASKA CRUISE TOUR: ...... JUNE 19 - JULY 1 1-800-565-0451 the other person's faith. EASTERN CANADA: ...... AUGUST 2-12 E-MAIL: Indeed, as an early missionary to FALL FOLIAGE TOUR IN NEW ENGLAND: ...... OCTOBER 8-14 [email protected] China learned, his years of failure to win MAJESTIC CANADIAN ROCKIES: ...... JULY 15-28 WEB : MENNONITE & AMISH COMMUNITIES IN OHIO: ...... •••• ...... MAY 10-14 www.tourmagination.com converts did not change until he could engage new Chinese friends with a Service Tours report that their faith almost persuaded CHRISTMAS SERVICE TOUR TO PENNSYLVANIA: ... NOVEMBER 28 - DECEMBER 3 "Celebrating over )0 !:!ears SERVICE TOUR TO ISRAEL: ...... OCTOBER 25 - NOVEMBER 7 him to adopt their ways. When he had of building bridges among Men nonites and positive understandings of their faith, TOURS IN 2003: other Christians around then they were open to hear the possi­ Mennonite World Conference Tours the world through bly "better" Christian message. ETHIOPIA & SIMBABWE: ...... JULY 30 - AUGUST 19 custom-designed travel' We must fully understand and appreci­ KENYA & TANZANIA: ...... AUGUST 2-19 ate the object of our comparison. That is SOUTHERN AFRICA: ...... JULY 29 - AUGUST 19 TANZANIA & KENYA: ...... AUGUST 1-19 9 Willow Street part of earning the right to witness. And Waterloo. ON • WEST AFRICA: .. . . JULY 29 · AUGUST 19 when another remains unconvinced, it Canada N2J 1V6 ZAMBIA & ZIMBABWE: ...... JULY 31 · AUGUST 19 1011 Cathill Road need not lessen my devotion to Christ as ZIMBABWE: ...... AUGUST 1-19 Sellersville. PA. ZIMBABWE: ...... AUGUST 8-27 the way, truth, and life (for me). USA 18960 Norman Harsh Service Tours REG . #1567624 Lorida. Fla. PARAGUAY SERVICE TOUR: ...... APRIL 3-17

CLASSIFIEDADS Consignment Sales at Annual Conference. 27; Maritime Provinces of Canada, Aug. 6-17; information, contact International Christian Aid, Brethren Press makes space available at Annual Cruising the Erie Canal, Aug. 27-30; Peaks, Parks 115 Spring Rd., Hollsopple, PA 15935. Phone 888- Conference for individuals and groups to sell & Canyons, Sept. 18-Oct. 5; Missions Tour to Ger­ 643-7421 or e-mail [email protected]. items to conference attendees on a consignment many, Switzerland & Italy, Oct. 10-24. Ask for 2002 basis. Consignment space must be reserved by tour brochure and itineraries: MYW Tours, Box Messiah College's Sider Institute for Anabaptist, May 20, 2002. If you would like information on 425, Landisville, PA 17538. Tel. 717-653-9288 or Pietist and Wesleyan Studies announces an consignment sales contact: Brethren Press Con­ 800-296-1991 or www.mywtours.com. international ecumenical conference, "(Re)Con­ signments, 1451 Dundee Ave . Elgin, IL 60120 or necting Spirituality and Social Justice: Christian [email protected]. Loans and/or scholarships are avai lable for quali­ Visions, Christian Realities," Messiah College, fied Church of the Brethren students or Grantham, Pa., May 30-June 1, 2002. TRAVEL WITH PURPOSE - (Bohrer Tours, Sebring, employees of a Church of the Brethren agency This conference will provide the opportunity FL) October 14-24, 2002. SOUTH AMERICAN preparing for a career in a health care profession. for scholars, pastors, and laypeople to engage in HOLIDAY. Visit Rio De Janeiro, Brazil and Buenos This program is offered through the Association conversations on the relationship between Aires, Argentina. May 5-21, 2003, SOUTH AMERI­ of Brethren Caregivers. For qualifications to "Christian spirituality" and "social justice." CAN EXPLORER visiting New Zealand and receive a loan or scholarship, visit ABC's website Keynote speakers include South African theolo­ Australia . Special places of interest - Queenstown, at www.brethren.org/abc/. For more information, gian Bonganjalo Gaba, one of the prindpal Christchurch, New Zealand. Melbourne, Sidney, contact Loans and Scholarships Coordinator architects of the "Kairos Document"; Charles Canberra, Cairns, Great Barrier Reef Excursion. Linda Timmons at 847-742-5100, ext. 300, ore­ Marsh, author of "God 's Long Summer: Stories FOR INFORMATION : BOHRER TOURS - Wendell mail [email protected]. of Faith and Civil Rights"; and William Willimon, and Joan Bohrer, 3651 US Hwy 27S #40, Sebring, Duke University. More than 50 papers and work­ FL 33870 TEL/FAX 863-382-9371, e-mail Brethren-operated Child Sponsorship Program. shops will explore issues such as ecclesiology, [email protected] or [email protected] Support a child through International Christian race, hymnody, contemplation, prayer, the Aid. Operated by volunteers from Western PA eucharist, and nurturing social activism. "Travel with a Purpose" with Mennonite Your District COB, ICA supports programs in Hon­ For schedule and registration materials, visit Way Tours. Tour opportunities for 2002 include: duras, Nicarag·ua, India, and a developing www.messiah.edu/siderinstitute ("News & Events"). Smokies Spring Flowers, April 22-27; The Great program in Mexico. Help us offer hope where For printed brochures, contact Terri Hopkins at 717- Northwest, May 13-23; England, Scotland & there is no hope. $25 per month and lots of 766-2511, ext. 5235, or [email protected]. Wales, June 11-23; Alaska Tour & Cruise, July 12- prayer will help bring this hope to a child. For Space is limited, so register early.

Messenger April 2002 fill TURNING POINTS Please send information to be Randy Lilly, Rita Lilly, Harold Amspacker, Ryan Edward Mary Stevens, Scott Henely, Deaths included in Turning Points to Jean Acker, Phyllis Peterson Harshbarger Wayde E. Miller, Brandi Miller Clements, 1451 Dundee Ave., Defiance, Ohio: Nick Wittwer, Pleasant Hill, Ohio: Chelsea White Oak, Manheim, Pa .: Alger, Thelma Irene, 87, Elgin, IL 60120; 800-323-8039 x Shiloh Smith Wittwer Blundell, Elena Bohlander, Alana Fahnestock, Ellen Rileyville, Va. , Feb. 6 206; [email protected]. Dundalk, Baltimore, Md.: Katherine Hillhouse, Cheryl Harter, Tristan Hershey, Ayers, Betty, 40, Martinsburg, Information must be complete in Dascil Lynn, John Lynn Jackson, Joseph Jackson, Brandon Hess, Gary Martens, Pa., July 27 order to be published. Dupont, Ohio: Josh Werline Michelle Wehrley, Shawn Angela Nolt, Valerie Stauffer Back, Willadene Eavers Hess, East Cocalico Fellowship, Reams­ Wehrley Zion Hill, Columbiana, Ohio: 81, Middle River, Va. , Dec. 31 New members town, Pa.: Ron Mengel, Cheryl Plumcreek, Shelocta, Pa .: Mar­ Jessica Bobby, Kurtis Blakeslee, Baughman, Robert, 83, Ply­ Mengel, Emery Shenk, Charles garet Brumbaugh, Brenda Mindy Burt, Rebecca Clark, mouth, Ind., Jan. 31 Anderson, Ind. : Ashley Barnett, Mull, Tracy Mull, Carl Longe­ Gray, Shawn Blystone, Chris Emily Clark, Kade Neiheisel, Bauman, Alice D., 85, New Colie Barnett, Mary Barnett, necker, Ruth Wagner, Stewart Houllian, Will Orr, Ed Orr, Karen Long, Rachel Long Oxford, Pa., Jan. 28 Brett Barnett, Brandon Craig, Kaucher, Thelma Shenk Laurie Barclay, Scott Bar­ Zion, Prescott, Mich.: Harold Beach, Lester, 9 I, Martinsburg, Brandy Craig, Angie Flanigan, Maple Grove, Ashland, Ohio: clay, Jane Dorr, Francis Dorr Jones, Virginia Jones, Leona Pa., July 1 Don Lawson, Becky Meier, Patricia Welch, Willard Welch, Plymouth, Ind.: Thomas Taylor, Good, Milton King Blank, Helen, 80, Frederick, David Meier, Bill Presser, Sue Pete Cato, Tracy Dunlap, Laura Duane Culp, Faye Shedrow, Md., Oct. 10 Preser, Chris Warren Kettering, Ryan Steward, Carla Edna McCan, Joanna Wedding Blue, Marlin Dean, 79, Johns·­ Annville, Pa.: Michael Wayne Swineford, Sarah Swineford McCan, Eleanor Roush anniversaries town, Pa., Nov. 12 Hammer, Michael Paul Maple Grove, New Paris, Ind.: Poplar Ridge, Defiance, Ohio: Boyd, George, 81 , Campbell­ Lafrance, Philip John Schi­ Krista Morehouse, Lauren Kayla Shannon town, Pa., Nov. 23 Bartholomew, John and Ruth, avoni, Alex Gregory Weber, Yoder, Adam Herschberger, Purchase Line, Clymer, Pa.: Brandenburg, Joy, 49, Eliza­ Lisbon, Ohio, 50 Jacklyn Marie K,reider, Jill Emily Sharkey Adam Fetterman, Erica Fet­ bethtown, Ind., Nov. 11 Baysinger, Jerry and Elizabeth, Irene Hostetter, Michael Maple Spring, Eglon, W.Va.: terman, Ashley Rice Brandt, Mabel, 95, Eli zabeth­ Kansas City, Mo., 60 Morrow, Susan Morrow, Jennifer Harsh Pyrmont, Delphi, Ind.: Patty town, Pa., Nov. 7 Bealer, Earl and Grace, Mike Martin, Janet Martin Maple Spring, Hollsopple, Pa.: Buck, Oak Knop, Sharon Brubaker, Ruth, 82, Manheim, Pottstown, Pa., 60 Antioch, Rocky Mount, Va.: Alli­ William Watkins, Zachary Stowers, Brett George Pa. , Feb. 4, 200 I Bealer, Harold and La Verne, son Weaver, Karen Weaver, Pebley, Samantha Bridge, Richmond, Ind.: Murray Brumbaugh, Alice, 83, Hunting­ Lancaster, Pa., 65 Hunter Naff, Jacob Naff Roberta Neuhof, Gabrielle Wagner, Mark Stocksdale, don, Pa., Nov. 16 Bryant, Kenneth and Ruby, Arcadia, Ind.: Jennifer Allen, Neuhof Carol Stocksdale Brumbaugh, Clyde, 87, Martins­ Goshen, Ind., 65 Derrick Allen, Rodney Rulon, Marion, Ind.: Bonnie Spittler, Ridge, Shippensburg, Pa.: Lee burg, Pa., Dec. 4 Farringer, Dean and Julia, Natasha Rulon, Joey Reitsma David Spittler, Shauna Erb, Cover, Ethel Cover, Harold Brunner, Mae, 75, Sebring, Fla., Denver, Colo, 60 Bassett, Va .: Danny Sharer, Theresa Reese, Caroline Martin Flewelling, Jean Flewelling Jan . 22 Fleagle, Howard "Bing" and Billy Hampton, Alex Stone Marsh Creek, Gettysburg, Pa.: Rocky Mount, Va.: Thelma Buckley, Harry, 87, Oakland, Beacon Heights, Fort Wayne, Charles Bennett Hardy, Brittany Gilley, Jean Betsy, Waynesboro, Pa., 50 Md., April 10, 200 I France, Cecil and Genoa, Bas­ Ind.: Bill Arick, Jan Shupert­ McPherson, Kan.: Irene Bit­ Boone, Roger Boone Burkholder, Jon D., 62, Over­ Arick, Margaret Dougherty, tinger, Elsie Holderread, Scalp Level, Windber, Pa.: sett, Va., 60 land Park, Kan., Oct. 22 Groff, Forrest and Della, Don Jordan, Joyce Jordan, Kenneth Holderread, Weldon Laura Deyarmin Bush, Virginia, 75, Roanoke, Kathi Saffer Howell, Fred Schmidt, Belle Sharpsburg, Md.: Courtney Springfield, Ore., 65 Va ., Aug. 26 Boise Valley, Meridian, Idaho: Whitacre, Charles Whitacre, Hutchinson, Pam Hutchin­ Gross, Leon and Sylvia, Monti­ Buzard, Viola, 94, Venice, Fla., Amy Sharp, Asha Sharp, Dan Becky Goss, Edith Schmidt son, Lisa Trovinger cello, Ind., 50 Feb. 17 Grout, Edgar Anderson, Mechanic Grove, Quarryville, Sheldon, Iowa: Mark Bilsland, Grubb, Ken and Ruth, Sebring, Cable, Beulah, 85, Kokomo, Arthur Moore Pa.: Caitlin Hagy, Claude Pat Dumar, Julie Dumar Fla., 60 Ind., Sept. 29 Brandis, Saint Thomas, Pa. : Hart, Mary Hart, Richard Smith Mountain Lake Commu­ Harmon, Henry and Louise, Caldwell, Merlee Elizabeth Shell, Angela Holmes, Nicole Lefever, Audrey Lefever, nity, Wirtz, Va .: Carolyn Roanoke, Va. , 60 78, Mathias, W.Va. , Feb. 19 Holmes, Ashley Holmes, Melissa G. Kreider, Scott Salley, Ken Salley, Beverly Hart, Earl and Dorthy, Marion Cameron, Gladys, 92, Johns­ Danielle Timmons, Tim Palmer, Wendy Palmer Craft, Ken Craft, James Lan Ind., 50 town, Pa., Sept. 3 Young, Debbie Young, Kelli Midland, Mich.: Andrew Stone, Huntingdon, Pa.: Tim Hart, Frank and Barbara, Cameron, Russell, 94, Salem, Martin, Betsy Shatzer, John Bejcek, Nickolas Sumner, Launtz, Megan Launtz, Modesto, Calif., 50 Ohio, Nov. 5 Fahnestock, LaJana Fahne­ Laura Gessford, Steve Hack­ Norma Walter Harter, Robert "Gene" and Carper, Robert, 74, Roaring stock, Richie Fahnestock, ett, Mary Hackett, Nathan Swatara Hill, Middletown, Pa.: Doris Jean, Camden, Ind., 50 Spring, Pa., Dec. 2 Roger Harmon, Lisa Thomas, Christopher Sara Dehmey, Dana Lehman, Hendricks, Francis and Estelle, Carr, Wayne, 89, Sebring, Fla., Harmon, Jeff Rohrer, Tracy Thomas, Emily Thomas, Robert, Lehman, Sylvia Kingsley, Iowa, 65 Jan. 18 Rohrer, Cayla Rohrer, Alyssa Doris Mumy, Suzelle Mumy Lehman, Kyle Lehman Hoover, Leroy and Ruth, Roar­ Chance, Anna Heisler, 83, Rohrer, Chris Heebner, Kelli Monte Vista, Call away, Va .: Topeka, Kan.: Marion Metzler ing Spring, Pa., 55 Winona Lake, Ind., Dec. 1 7 Heebner, Rachel Reeder, Kell y Furrow, Hannah Wray Tucson, Ariz.: Candice O ' Shea, Horner, Lloyd and Helen, Chance, Varner M ., 91 , Winona Carl Rotz, Brenda Rotz, Mount Pleasant, North Canton, Beverly Dyer Merriam, Kan., 60 Lake, Ind., April 24, 2001 Robin Unger, Jamie Fahne­ Ohio: Len Horst, Bonnie Upper Fall Creek, Middletown, Huffman, Earson E. and Lois, Cline, Anna, 83, Palmyra, Pa ., stock, Courtney Snyder, Horst, Randy Fox, Lisa Fox, Ind.: Janet Berry, Jane Van­ Roanoke, Va., 70 Oct. 13 Dave Heckman, Melissa Shawn Fox, Jamie Fox Voorhis, Brenda S. Clark, Jackson, Oliver and Daisy, Coffman, Kathleen Sheets, 87, Heckman, Brooke Heckman Mountain View, Boise, Idaho: Tricia Chapman, Dawn Neal Mechanicsburg, Pa., 60 Mount Sidney, Va. , Nov. 23 Brothersvalley, Berlin, Pa.: Linda Miriam Higgins Walnut Grove, Johnstown, Pa .: Kinsel, Glenn and Helen, Coolman, Wallace G., 72, Hunt­ Heining, Abby Peterman, Tyler Ninth Street, Roanoke, Va.: Lindsey Lindsey, Emily R. Hanover, Pa., 55 ington, Ind., Dec. 28 Peterman, ·Arianna Bodden, Andrew Bolton, Brittany Jones, Alex W. Jones, Lafee, Walter and Neva, Coulter, Jack, 69, Huntingdon, Zachary Bodden, Jonna Emer­ Bolton, Andy Wilson, Jeff Hannah E. Clemenson, Nampa, Idaho, 50 Pa., Sept. 29 ick, Chelsea Emerick, Jordan Caldwell Richard E. Lopaze, Harry A. Lewis, Wayne and Dorothy, Coulson, Bob, 79, Modesto, Emerick, Della Ford, Elisha Panora, Iowa: John Johnson, Lopaze, Darleen R. Guy, Council Bluffs, Iowa, 60 Calif., Feb. 11 Henry, Kelley Reiman, Priscilla Judy Johnson, Erin Tomalas, Mark S. Brush, Kelsey M. Lilyquist, Everett and Betty, Crego, Eleta, 79, Findlay, Ohio, Gordeuk, Tanya Gordeuk Esther Clouse, Judy Deal, Bill Debivits, Erin M. Antal, Sebring, Fla., 50 Jan. 7 Brownsville, Md.: Loleta Mitchell, Sharon Mitchell , Heather M. Brush Maxon, Neal and Jean, Crouse, Carroll, 87, Adel, Iowa, Potter, Idell Waters Kayla Muyskens, Austin Wenatchee Brethren-Baptist, Sebring, Fla., 60 Dec. 19 Cabool, Mo.: Kelly Bosserman, Wilson, Ainslee Sutherland, Wenatchee, Wash.: Carolyn Michael, Gorden and Gertrude, Crickenberger, Issac Cline, 78, Melissa Bosserman, Brian Andy Roberts, Thea Roberts, Clarine, Ron Craig, James McCune, Kan., 60 New Hope, Va .: Dec. 26 Mollhagen, Carol Mollhagen, Kim Smith, Jim Repp, Kaylee Hart, John Kitchen, Cherie Miller, Glenn and Esther, Dampson, Joyce, 68, Gibsonton, Brent Wade, Denise Wade McAlister, Heather Sheehy, Kitchen, Brenda McCracken, Thomasville, Pa. , 50 Fla., Dec. 8 Carlisle, Pa.: Robert Bu sh, Bar­ Rose Jackson, Heather Baugh Ri va Morgan, Nancy Thomp­ Nielsen, Alfred and Ethel, Davis, Mabel, 88, Troy, Ohio, bara Bu sh, Esther Smith, Panther Creek, Adel, Iowa: Bille son, Robyn Weems Modesto, Calif., 60 Nov. 24 Linda Stone Jo Bates, Mallory Berken­ West Charleston, Tipp City, Ringer, Virgil and Cora, Deardorff, Harold, 79, Adel, Columbia United Christian, bosch, Mary Claire McCord, Ohio: Bob Kaylor, Jan et Alliance, Ohio, 55 Iowa, July 25 Columbia, Md.: Jason Arm­ Mark Neuman-Lee, Ben Kaylor, Ron Mack, Jean Saylor, Henry and Carolyn, Derry, Claire, 79, Adel, Iowa, stead, Ethel Armstead, Mindy Swinger, Cody Wiedenhoff, Darnell Mack, Don Pottstown, Pa. , 50 June 4 Dowsett, Wray Kinsley, Kristin Wiedenhoff, Sharnae Whitaker, Saundra Saylor, Robert and Sally, Detrick, Anna El izabeth Beard, Susan Kinsley, Mac Ramsey, Winters, Rudy Zagar, Sandy Whitaker, Deborah King­ Pottstown, Pa. , 55 83, North Manchester, Ind., Debbie Ramsey, Rachel Zagar, Zach Zagar, Micaela ham, Sam Bernard, Sara Stimely, Robert and Marian,. Jan. 6 Polen, Chad Wiseman Zagar, Ellis Cackler Lynch Davis McVeytown, Pa., 50 Detrick, Ernest, 88, North Man­ Community of Joy, Salisbury, Pine Glen, Lewistown, Pa. : Amy West Goshen, Goshen, Ind.: Whitlow, Starling and Bernice, chester, Ind., Dec. 31 Md.: Ed Isaacs, Marie Shores, Stimely Franklin, Donald Alvin Miller, Barbara Miller, Bassett, Va., 50 Diehl, Norman, 91 , Elizabeth­ Wayne Shores, Fran Todd Harper, Gregory Wakefield , Richard Rockwood, Dorothy Young, Dale and Mauguerite, town, Pa., May 12 Dayton, Va.: Arbelia Rhodes, Emily Peters, Mollee Rockwood, Charles Stevens, Akron, Ohio, 55 Dishong, Ora V., 83, Windber,

Ii Messenger April 2002 Pa., Nov. 16 Ind., Dec. 7 Dec. 23 town, Pa., Dec. 12 Shippensburg, Pa., Nov. 18 Dispanet, Paul Allen, 80, Lost Haymaker, Vivian B. , 92, Main, Fay, 67, Littleton, N.C., Stump, Alton H., 71 , Goshen, Yoder, Vernon, Mont Ida, Gar­ City, W.Va. , Jan. 9 Roanoke, Va ., July 29 Sept. 29 Ind., Nov. 11 nett, Kan., Dec. 16 Ditmer, Norma Jean, 75, New Helmick, Robert Daniel, 94, Main, Ruth, 98, Frederick, Md., Stutzman, Verda, 85, Johns­ Zerfing, James, Lancaster, Pa., Carlisle, Ohio, Nov. 18 Petersburg, W.Va., Feb. 10 Sept. 25 town, Pa. Nov. 8 June 17 Dobbins, Norrean Virginia, 85, Hershberger, George, 83, Mangum, Joan Brode, 76, Summers, Carl, 86, Palmyra, Waynesboro, Va., Nov. 16 Elizabethtown, Pa ., Aug. 20 Bridgewater, Va ., Nov. 5 Pa., Nov. 2 Dobson, Roy E. , 85, Windber, Hertzler, Raymond "Hacky," Mauck, Cecil Kedrick, 87, Supanick, Jacob, Sr., 86, Grey, Pastoral Pa. , Dec. 30 I 00, Granville, Pa ., Jan. 26 Edinburg, Va., Nov. 1 Pa ., June 26 Dodson, Arlene, 80, Martins­ Hesser, Elva, 82, Mattawana, McCauliff, Russell G ., 74, Swomley, Dorothy, 86, Freder­ placements burg, Pa., Dec. 14 Pa., June 21, 2000 Johnstown, Pa., April 16, 2001 ick, Md., Dec. 17 Dolph, Evelyn, 73 , Plymouth, Hetrick, Sheila, 55, Oakland, McWilliams, Matilda, 85, Pitts­ Taylor, Margie Bailey, 87, Cloyd, Gary, associate pastor, Ind., Dec. 3 Md., March 19, 2001 burgh, Pa., Oct. 24 Roanoke, Va. , May 1 Castine, Arcanum, Ohio, Feb. 4 Dove, Roy Ernest, 94, Fulks High, Ronald Gerald, 63, Har­ Merricks, Wayne D., 74, Taylor, Mary Coulter, 92, Dell, Ernest D., from associate to Run, Va. , Jan. 15 risonburg, Va. , Feb. 10 Roanoke, Va. , Jul y 14 Annandale, Va. , Jan. 5 pastor, Aughwick-Germany Driver-McCool, Gladys, 90, Hill, A. J., 77, Brook Park, Miller, Carolyn, 70, Middle­ Thomas, George I., 89, Wind­ Valley, Shirleysburg, Pa., Feb. 1 Bluffton, Ohio, Dec. 1 7 Ohio, D ec. 2 town, Pa ., Feb. 6, 2001 ber, Pa., Sept. 19 Garber, Harold, from interim to Eads, Della M., 91, Dixon, Ill., Hinkle, Frederick E. , 75, Miller, David, 62, Windber, Pa. , Thompson, Lois, 87, Raytown, pastor, Moorefield, W.Va ., Jan. 24 Petersburg, W.Va ., Nov. 1 7 Jan. 19 Mo., Dec. 24 Jan. 27 Early, Milton C., 92, Savannah, Hoffer, Calvin, 100, Johnstown, Miller, Doris, 72, Dayton, Trachsel, Junior, 76, Sugar­ Harris, Earl L., from pastor, Mo., Nov. 7 Pa., Oct. 8 Ohio, Jan. 10 creek, Ohio, Oct. 22 Fredonia, Kan., to pastor, Earnst, Ruth, 80, Frederick, Hoffer, Verna, 76, Palmyra, Pa ., Miller, Ethel Rebecca, 98, Tucker, Joe, 68, Fruitland, Peace, Council Bluffs, Iowa, Md., June 29 Nov. 13 Broadway, Va. , Nov. 22 Idaho, Oct. 26 Feb. I Eash, Jo hn, 95, Hollsopple, Pa ., Holderread, ]vis, 73, Walker­ Miller, Helen, 89, Oakland, Utz, Harley, 103, Greenville, Hackman, Galen R., from Jan. 2 ton, Ind., Nov. 26 Md., July 25 Ohio, Nov. 12 Eller, Galen Ross, 64, Stephens Holler, Mabel, 77, Knoxville, Miller, Naomi, 81 , Huntingdon, Vaneiken, Maxine, 56, Wind­ pastor, Conewago, Hershey, City, Va., Jan. 28 Md., Nov. 29 Pa., Nov. 13 ber, Pa., Dec. 1 Pa., to pasto r, Ephrata, Pa., Elza, Kathleen Rebecca, 74, Hopkins, Orpha (Thelda), 80, Miller, W. Frederick, 85, Varner, Mary, 72, Orrstown, Jan. 15 Petersburg, W.Va., Nov. 20 Prescott, Mich., Nov. 14 Bridgewater, Va., Nov. 15 Pa., Dec. 19 Harness, Leah Oxley, from Eshelman, Grace L., 90, Hopping, Glyndon, 64, La Mitchell, Carl Jr. , 64, Front Wade, Era, 90, Stuart, Va ., Dec. 1 pastor, Newton, Kan., to Hixson, Tenn., June 30 Verne, Calif., Jan. 6 Royal, Va. , Nov. 22 Warrenfeltz, Evelyn, 8 7, chaplain, The Cedars, Etter, Eva, 85, Palmyra, Pa., Hoshall, Paul F. , 75, New Mock, James W. , 83, Johnstown, Johnsville, Md., May 22 McPherson, Kan., Jan. 2 Dec. 2 Oxford, Pa., Jan. 5 Pa. , Sept. 25 Weaver, Hazel, 82, Davidsville, Hileman, Raymond E., from Etzler, Roger, 85, Frederick, Hottle, Wilda Katherine Turner, Nelson, Gladys, 85, Johnstown, Pa., Jan. 12 pastor, Ashland, Dickey, Ash­ Md., Oct. 1 76, Timberville, Va ., Nov. 17 Pa., Oct. 21 Weaver, Michael James, 27, land, Ohio, to pastor, Eubanks, Marjorie, 88, Hovis, Louise C., 83, Waynes­ Nichols, Phillip E., 41 , Kansas Mount Jackson, Va., Nov. 30 Ligonier, Pa., Jan. 2 Milledgeville, Ill., Dec. 5 boro, Pa., Nov. 2 City, Kan., Jan. 7 Weaver, Ray J. , 87, Martins­ Johnson, Anthony Leo, Sr., Evans, Glenn Kenton, 79, Huffman, Carl Samuel, 58, Nipe, George M., Sr., 82, H ar­ burg, Pa. , Sept. 8 pastor, New Bethel, Maysville, W.Va ., Feb. 7 Dayton, Va., Nov. 14 risonburg, Va., Dec. 24 Weaver, Robert, 71 , Johnstown, Chatham, Va. , Dec. 1 Fahnestock, Monroe, 78, Man­ Ingraham, Mary, 93, Silver Pentecost, Jack A., 66, Greens Pa., Jan. 6 heim, Pa. , Nov. 18 Spring, Md., Nov. 16 Fork, Ind., July 20 Kee, Eli zabeth, from pastor, Fike, Mabel Mae, 92, Union­ Iseminger, Bertha, 88, Hagers­ Petersen, Donna, 72, Waterloo, Ordinations Columbus, N ew Covenant, town, Pa., Nov. 27 town, Md., Jan. 5 Iowa, Jan. 16 Powell, Ohio, to pastor, Gen­ Jarrels, Betty Long, 73 , Mount Phillips, Mary, 89, Johnstown, esis Fellowship, Putney, Vt., Flora, J. Alfred, Jr., 82, Van­ Cox, Norma, Wiley, Colo., dalia, Ohio, Jan. 3 Meridian, Va. , Dec. 31 Pa., Dec. 29 Dec. 2 Sept. 23 Flory, Stanley Thomas, 80, Jenkins, Mary Louise Williams, Pierce, Donald Kenneth, 51 , McGlothlin, Charles David, Layman, Frank Benjamin, III, Roanoke, Va. , Dec. 28 79, Warrenburg, Mo., Sept. 7 Woodstock, Va. , Nov. 28 Living Faith, Flora, Ind., pastor, Ferrum, Va. , Jan. 1 Foltz, John Lory, 61 , Wood­ Johnston, Rodney, 90, Lima, Pullin, Blanche, 89, Waterloo, Jan. 20 Lowry, James and Joan, from stock, Va., Jan. 12 Ohio, Dec. 13 Iowa, Jan. 9 Williams, Joan H., Arcadia, Fla., team pastors, Thomas, Okla., Foreman, Jay Marlin, 76, Jones, Mabel Nettie, 77, Radcliff, Margaret, 75, Blue Oct. 12 to team pastors, Waka, Texas, Lorida, Fla., D ec. 8 McConnellsburg, Pa., Dec. 8 Ridge, Va. , Dec. 4 Dec. 1 Forney, Mary K. , 95, Palmyra, Judd, Beatrice Ann Campbell, Redifer, Thomas Franklin, 55, Meeks, Gary, from pastor, Pa., Oct. 31 70, Waynesboro, Va., Dec. 20 Penn Laird, Va. , Dec. 1 Licensings Frantz, David A. , 84, New Kaetzel, Mary, 82, Knoxville, Ritchey, S. Patricia, 6 7, Roaring Garden City, Kan., to pastor, Oxford, Pa., Jan. 27 Md., Nov. 30 Spring, Pa ., Dec. 24 Eller, Mark E., Trinity, Fruitdale Community, Grants Fyock, Hattie, 95, Johnstown, Keiper, Ethel, 88, Sioman, Pa., Robertson, Jo Ann Jordan, 70, Blountville, Tenn., Dec. 30 Pass, Ore., Jan. 1 Pa. , Jan. 13 Nov. 22 Roanoke, Va ., Jan. 9 Frye, Leslie, Monitor, Conway, Messler, Amy Faith, from Fyook, Elvia, 89, Johnstow n, Keith, Vickie, 4 7, O sterburg, Roop, Roger, 91 , Union Bridge, Kan., Jan. 28 interim to pastor, Trotwood, Pa., June 4 Pa. , Dec. 18 Md., May 10 Gaier, Kay Elizabeth, Manches ­ Ohio, Feb. 1 Fetterman, William L. , 64, Kilhefner, Elsie, 91 , Lancaster, Ross, Lavina, 8 7, Uniontown, ter, North Manchester, Ind., Messler, Brian, from youth min­ Clymer, Pa., Oct. 28 Pa. , April 28, 2001 Pa. , Dec. 11 Feb. 10 ister to associate pastor, Gatschet, Thelma G., 93, Kimmel, Kenyon W., 90, Shel­ Rowlands, Virginia, 74, Hoffman, Sarah, Monitor, Happy Corner, Clayton, Conway, Kan., March 11 , 2001 Canton, Ohio, Nov. 28 don, Iowa, March 29, 2001 Wyomissing, Pa. , Sept. 28 Ohio, Jan. 1 Hutchinson, Wendi A. , Man­ Gibble, Mabel, 89, Manheim, Kissell, Miriam Hoover, 78, Rudolph, Harry W., 85, New Moore, Edwin, from pastor, Pa ., Nov. 27 Trotwood, Ohio, Nov. 15 Oxford, Pa., Jan. 22 chester, North Manchester, Bethesda, Grantsville, Md., Gortner, Ray, 90, Wooster, Klute, Carol, 80, Niles, Mich., Shumaker, David, 80, Bedford Ind., Jan. 27 to pastor, Asher Glade, Ohio, Nov. 25 Jan. 4 Heights, Ohio, Dec. 5 Messler, Arny Faith, Trotwood, Greiner, Stanley G., 90, Man­ Kurtz, Earl, 88, Elizabethtown, Simpson, Glen, 81, Mountain Ohio, Feb. I 0 Friendsville, Md., Jan. I heim, Pa ., Dec. 10 . Pa. , Feb. 6, 2001 Lake Park, Md., May 28 Myers, Christine L. , Eastwood, Pinkham, David, from pastor, Gsell, Albert, 72, Edinburg, Va., Law, Paul, 86, Dixon, Ill., Dec. 13 Smith, Bobby Lee, 66, Har­ Akron, Ohio, Dec. 2 Midland, Mich., to pastor, Dec. 23 Layman, David, 53, Eglon, risonburg, Va. , Nov. 15 Munsey, Robert Mark, Sum­ North Liberty, Ind., Jan. 15 Gudykunst, William, 83, Read­ W.V. , April 15, 2001 Smith, Larry Ray, 31 , Mathias, merdean, Roanoke, Va ., Ramirez, Tomas, from associate ing, Pa. , Dec. 18 Layman, Ruth, 86, Palmyra, W.Va ., Dec. 18 Nov. 25 pastor to pastor, Alpha & Hahn, Clark, 90, Homeworth, Pa., Nov. 23 Snyder, Catherine, 78, McVey­ Risden, Nelda J. , Bethany, New Omega, Lancaster, Pa. , Jan. Ohio, Aug. 4 Leffler, Hilda, 83, Myerstown, town, Pa ., Jan . 13 , 2001 Paris, Ind. Nov. 18 Riege, Mark Allen, pastor, Hancock, Posey, 80, Bassett, Pa., Jan. 11 Snyder, Larry, 49, Leesport, Sink, Kimberly Smith, Pulaski, Camp Creek, Milford, Ind., Va. , May 25 Lehman, Ollie, 97, Johnstown, Pa., Sept. 14 Va ., Dec. 30 Jan. 26 Harmon, Myrtle Hedge, 93, Pa ., Aug. 25 Southworth, Edward, 83, La Spurgin, Matthew, Eden Valley, Robbins, Edward T., Jr. , pastor, Roanoke, Va ., July 18 Lewis, William Preston, 76, Verne, Calif., Dec. 31 Saint John, Kan., June 25, 2000 Wolgamuth, Dillsburg, Pa., Harouff, Hugh Bird, 82, · Damascus, Va. , Nov. 24 Spaw, Althea, 72, Uniontown, Statler, Betsy J. , Berkey, Wind­ Feb. I Bridgewater, Va. , Dec. 6 Linton, Alan P., Jr., 26, Jersey Pa., Oct. 31 ber, Pa., Jan. 13 Harsh, Grace L. , 82, Eglon, City, N.J., Sept. 11 (missing, Speicher, Fern, 84, Johnstown, Statler, Charles B., Berkey, Rowan, Eli zabeth, pastor, W. Va ., Dec. 18 WTC) Pa., Dec. 12 Windber, Pa. , Jan. 13 Pasadena, Calif., Jan. I Hartsough, Evelyn, 73 , North Long, Joe, 87, Galveston, Ind., Stair, El sie B. , 88, Stanley, Steiner, William R. , Mexico, St. Fleur, Ludovic, pastor, Liberty, Ind., Dec. 30 Dec. 7 Wis., Dec. 27 Ind., Nov. 25 Orlando Haitian, Orlando, Haycock, Woodrow Wilson, Sr., Longenecker, Abram, 89, Man­ Stover, Lois, 93, Mi ll edgeville, Tosten, Timothy Eugene, Ridge, Fla., Oct. 13 81 , Edinburg, Va. , Nov. 4 heim, Pa., Dec. 7 Ill. , Dec. 11 Shippensburg, Pa., Nov. 18 Wilges, Shawn Allen, pastor, Hayes, James, 77, Syracuse, Lutz, Frank, 7 1, O lathe, Kan., Strayer, Glenn W. , 81 , Johns- Vaughn, Timothy L., Ridge, Gratis, Ohio, Feb. 1

Messenger April 2002- EDITORIAL ■ Let the poor teach us about poverty

IIM Y mama was crying," the first-grader ment against hunger, has launched a campaign told Miss Mary, supervisor of the Kids called "Working from Poverty to Promise," which Cafe, "because when I was home by asks Congress to target programs toward poverty myself the man came to check on the baby. She's reduction, not just decreasing the welfare rolls. The afraid he's going to take away the baby." organization wants more education and training "What were you doing home by yourself?" programs, plus improved support for the working asked Mary. "Did you let him in?" poor, such as transportation and child care. Before the little girl could answer, an older child The National Council of Churches has begun a butted in. "You shouldn't have let him in because decade-long effort to "mobilize Christians to take he might have a gun and shoot you." seriously the issue of poverty . . . and take specific The short exchange brought up several issues at steps to challenge it with all the tools and energies once- absentee parents, child welfare, fear of at our disposal." A new website (http://bruno. crime- but I hadn't come here for a lesson on ncccusa. org/ poverty) features Bible verses and poverty. I was here because weeks ago our Sunday sermons on poverty, including sermons by three ''The Bible school class had an inspiration that we should do Church of the Brethren pastors. Our own General something together to serve in the community. We Board has committed to an anti-racism training doesn't checked around, discussed alternatives, settled on a program as part of its response to the "Caring for program, and timidly attended a training session. the Poor" Annual Conference query. give us the Now, finally, we were in our first awkward moments According to empty tomb, inc., a Christian of helping kids to get their meals and asking them group that studies giving patterns, church member hard task of their names and what grade they're in. The children giving is declining as a portion of income and is were surprisingly friendly and by the end of the currently around 2.5 percent. If church member eliminating evening our team of self-conscious do-gooders was giving were increased to just 10 percent, this looking forward to coming back in a month or so. would generate an additional $ 78.4 billion to alle­ poverty. Its "We'd be glad to have you any time," the supervisor viate world poverty, while the total world poverty told us. "We're here five nights a week." need is estimated at "only" $80 billion. instructions This gives new meaning to the puzzling statement But anti-poverty programs, whether through of Jesus, "You always have the poor with you ... ." fundraising or lobbying or even through prayer, are more (John 12: 8). Any time we feel like getting involved won't work unless we get to know the poor first. with the poor, there are opportunities to do so. The Then the issues get easier, because we're working gentle and poor are so much more interesting than poverty. for people, not programs. The Bible doesn't give us possible. ,, Poverty is starting to come back into the news. The the hard task of eliminating poverty. Its instructions issue disappeared for a while after 1996 when Con - are more gentle and possible. We are told to be kind gress passed sweeping changes in the welfare system to the needy (Prov. 14:31). Remember the poor to, as President Clinton said then, "end welfare as we (Gal. 2:10). "Do not be hard-hearted or tight-fisted know it." Caseloads dropped, poverty rates toward your needy neighbor" (Deut. 15:8). decreased, and employment among the poor rose. As the Kids Cafe was about to close, the song But now it is time for Congress to reauthorize leader was trying to get the children to learn "God the welfare law known as Temporary Assistance Bless America" for an upcoming performance. for Needy Families and the debate over welfare The little guy by me couldn't read so I pointed to reform is starting. This debate won't be like the words as we sang. Pretty soon he was pointing before, when the controversy was over work to the words as though reading himself, and even requirements and deadlines for going off the wel­ got some of them right. I asked his narrie but I fare rolls . "The right has moved away from couldn't understand it, and he couldn't spell it, so punishing the poor," said a former Clinton advi­ he said with a grin, "Call me Tom." sor, "and the left has moved away from sheltering Maybe we should ask not what we can do for the them." Now both liberals and conservatives are poor, but what the poor can do for us. It's not all focused on fine-tuning the program, with propos­ bad that the poor are always with us. Their bless­ als to shorten or lengthen deadlines, or increase ing always awaits us. Before we fight poverty let's daycare support for working mothers, or promote make friends. This is the lesson of Deuteronomy marriage. There is a long list of proposals, so it is 15:11: "Since there will never cease to be some in tedious to learn enough to be a good advocate. need on the earth, I therefore command you, Christians are getting involved. Bread for the 'Open your hand to the poor and needy neighbor World (www.bread.org), a Christian citizens' move- in your land."'-FLETCHER FARRAR

II Messenger April 2002 A Brethren education opens the door to a world of opportunities!

And, we view every experience as an opportunity for learning-both inside and outside the classroom. Our challenging curriculum along with internships, externships, study abroad, and community service, give you the chance to apply what you've learned in the classroom. Campus organizations, athletics, the arts and student government also provide valuable learning experiences.

A Brethren education provides for international understanding and competent global citizenry through study abroad opportunities. Brethren Colleges Abroad (BCA) allows you to study for a semester, a summer, or a year at one of eleven BCA locations in Asia, Europe or Latin America.

A Brethren education will change ... YOU!

For more information about Brethren colleges, visit our website: www.cobcoa.org or email: [email protected] or call 1-800-323-8039 Support a School Project Giving help and hope to the children of southern Sudan

"Many of us walked from far away to get to this school. We lack things like school supplies, and even soap for bathing. There are times that our school is bombed by our government. The war has separated us from our families, but with your support we will continue our education. We are here to build a better future for our nation Sudan." -student at Blessed Bakhita School for Girls in Narus

nly one out of four children in s?uthern Sudan attends elementary school; ~ven Ofewer go to secondary school. Its not that they don't want to get an education. The problem is that their nation is at war. This means lots of children have had to flee from their homes. Their parents do not earn enough money to pay school fees. And many children have been separated from their parents altogether by the war.

The Global Food Crisis Fund is supporting schools in southern Sudan. We help by purchasing school supplies, building class rooms, providing laundry and bathing soap, and paying the fees of the children too poor to pay.

Your class or youth group can help us help them! Here's what you can do: That's what you can give. And here's what you'll ♦ Pray for the girls and boys and their schools receive: ♦ Send an occasional letter to the schools ♦ Materials for beginning your project, including ♦ Raise money for the schools: a video about Blessed Bakhita - $12 buys a case of soap ♦ Occasional letters from one or more students - $20 buys writing materials for a class from Blessed Bakhita or Sacred Heart schools - $12 5 covers a student's fees for a year ♦ The good feeling of having supported young - $200 supports a teacher for a month people in their quest for a future with hope

Global Food Crisis Fund Church of the Brethren General Board 800-3 23-803 9 or www.brethren.org/ genbd/witness/ gfcf.htm